bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ticagrelor and clopidogrel suppress NF-kB signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced dysfunction in vein endothelial cells
Authors: Jia Zhuyin , Huang Yiwei , Ji Xiaojun , Sun Jiaju , Fu Guosheng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel, P2Y12 receptor antagonists, can prevent thrombotic events and are used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which inflammation is involved. Moreover, NF-kB is the central regulator of inflammation. Thus, we suspected that ticagrelor and clopidogrel are involved in the regulation of the NF-kB signaling pathway.Methods: After human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with ticagrelor or clopidogrel and given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CD14, the mRNA levels of related inflammatory factors, the protein level and subcellular localization of molecules in the NF-kB signaling pathway, cell viability, apoptosis and the cell cycle, cell migration, and vascular formation were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting and immunofluorescence assay, CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and matrigel, respectively. All data was expressed as the mean ± S.D. The statistical significance of data was assessed by an unpaired two-tailed t-test.Results: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel can inhibit the degradation of IKBa and phosphorylation of p65, prevent p65 from entering the nucleus, reduce the production of TNFa, IL-1, IL-8, IL-6 and IL-2, and alleviate the decrease in cell viability, cell migration and angiogenesis, the changes of cell cycle and apoptosis induced by LPS.Conclusions: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel alleviate cellular dysfunction through suppressing NF-kB signaling pathway.
Efficacy and safety of self-expanding metallic stent placement followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and scheduled surgery for treatment of obstructing left-sided colonic cancer
Authors: Han Jia Gang , Wang Zhen Jun , Zeng Wei Gen , Wang Yan Bin , Wei Guang Hui , Zhai Zhi Wei , Zhao Bao Cheng , Yi Bing Qiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stoma is reported to be frequent in self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) treated patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer than in those with non-obstructing surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to elective surgery for obstructing left-sided colon cancer. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer between May 2014 and November 2015 were included retrospectively. All patients received SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome measure was stoma and laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Chemotherapy was with two cycles of CAPOX (54.5%) or three cycles mFOLFOX6 (45.5%). Median serum albumin and hemoglobin levels before surgery were significantly higher than before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.01 and p = 0.008 respectively) and before SEMS (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003 respectively). Median bowel wall thickness proximal to the upper edge of tumor was significantly more before neoadjuvant chemotherapy than before stent (p = 0.003), and significantly less before surgery than before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.003). No patient underwent stoma creation. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in nine (81.8%) patients. No local recurrence or metastases developed over median cancer-specific follow-up of 44 months (range, 37-55 months). CONCLUSION: SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to elective surgery appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Lumpy skin disease virus from outbreaks in Uganda 2017-2018
Authors: Ochwo Sylvester , Vanderwaal Kimberly , Ndekezi Christian , Nkamwesiga Joseph , Munsey Anna , Witto Sarah Gift , Nantima Noelina , Mayanja Franklin , Okurut Anna Rose Ademun , Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Mwiine Frank Norbert 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by a capripox virus. LSD has substantial economic implications, with infection resulting in permanent damage to the skin of affected animals which lowers their commercial value. In Uganda, LSD is endemic and cases of the disease are frequently reported to government authorities. This study was undertaken to molecularly characterize lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains that have been circulating in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of Ugandan LSDV sequences with published sequences, available in GenBank.Results A total of 7 blood samples and 16 skin nodule biopsies were screened for LSDV using PCR to confirm presence of LSDV nucleic acid. PCR positive samples were then characterised by amplifying the GPCR gene. These amplified genes were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Out of the 23 samples analysed, 15 were positive for LSDV by PCR (65.2%). The LSDV GPCR sequences analysed contained the unique signatures of LSDV (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199) which further confirmed their identity. Sequence comparison with vaccine strains revealed a 12bp deletion unique to Ugandan outbreak strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV sequences from this study clustered closely with sequences from neighboring East African countries and with LSDV strains from recent outbreaks in Europe. It was noted that the sequence diversity amongst LSDV strains from Africa was higher than diversity from Eurasia.Conclusion The LSDV strains circulating in Uganda were closely related with sequences from neighboring countries. Comparison of GPCR gene showed that vaccine strains were not responsible for outbreaks. This means that vaccination with the currently used vaccine will probably be effective for the control of LSD in Uganda. This information is necessary to understand LSDV molecular epidemiology and to contribute knowledge towards the development of more appropriate control strategies by the Government of Uganda.
Identification of eQTLs and sQTLs associated with meat quality in beef
Authors: Gutierrez Joel David Leal , Elzo Mauricio A. , Mateescu Raluca G. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Transcription has a substantial genetic control and genetic dissection of gene expression could help us understand the genetic architecture of complex phenotypes such as meat quality in cattle. The objectives of the present research were: 1) to perform eQTL and sQTL mapping analyses for meat quality traits in longissimus dorsi muscle; 2) to uncover genes whose expression is influenced by local or distant genetic variation; 3) to identify expression and splicing hot spots; and 4) to uncover genomic regions affecting the expression of multiple genes. Results: Eighty steers were selected for phenotyping, genotyping and RNA-seq evaluation. A panel of traits related to meat quality was recorded in longissimus dorsi muscle. Information on 112,042 SNPs and expression data on 8,588 autosomal genes and 87,770 exons from 8,467 genes were included in an expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping (eQTL and sQTL, respectively). A gene, exon and isoform differential expression analysis previously carried out in this population identified 1,352 genes, referred to as DEG, as explaining part of the variability associated with meat quality traits. The eQTL and sQTL mapping was performed using a linear regression model in the R package Matrix eQTL. Genotype and year of birth were included as fixed effects, and population structure was accounted for by including as a covariate the first PC from a PCA analysis on genotypic data. The identified QTLs were classified as cis or trans using 1 Mb as the maximum distance between the associated SNP and the gene being analyzed. A total of 8,377 eQTLs were identified, including 75.6% trans, 10.4% cis, 12.5% DEG trans and 1.5% DEG cis; while 11,929 sQTLs were uncovered: 66.1% trans, 16.9% DEG trans, 14% cis and 3% DEG cis. Twenty-seven expression master regulators and 13 splicing master regulators were identified and were classified as membrane-associated or cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors or DNA methylases. These genes could control the expression of other genes through cell signaling or by a direct transcriptional activation/repression mechanism. Conclusion: In the present analysis, we show that eQTL and sQTL mapping makes possible positional identification of gene and isoform expression regulators.
Health effects of nutrients and environmental pollutants in Baltic herring and salmon: a quantitative benefit-risk assessment
Authors: Tuomisto Jouni T , Asikainen Arja , Meriläinen Päivi , Haapasaari Päivi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Health risks linked with dioxin in fish remain a complex policy issue. Fatty Baltic fish contain persistent pollutants, but they are otherwise healthy food. We studied the health benefits and risks associated with Baltic herring and salmon in four countries to identify critical uncertainties and to facilitate an evidence-based discussion.
Methods
We performed an online survey investigating consumers' fish consumption and its motivation in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. Dioxin and methylmercury concentrations were estimated based on Finnish studies. Exposure-response functions for several health endpoints were evaluated and quantified based on the scientific literature. We also quantified the infertility risk of men based on a recent European risk assessment estimating childhood dioxin exposure and its effect on sperm concentration later in life.
Results
Baltic herring and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and the beneficial impact of these fishes on cardiovascular diseases, mortality, and the risk of depression and cancer clearly outweighs risks of dioxins and methylmercury in people older than 45 years of age and in young men. Young women may expose their children to pollutants during pregnancy and breast feeding. This study suggests that even in this critical subgroup, the risks are small and the health benefits are greater than or at least similar to the health risks. Value of information analysis demonstrated that the remaining scientific uncertainties are not large. In contrast, there are several critical uncertainties that are inherently value judgements, such as whether exceeding the tolerable weekly intake is an adverse outcome as such; and whether or not subgroup-specific restrictions are problematic.
Conclusions
The potential health risks attributable to dioxins in Baltic fish have more than halved in the past ten years. The new risk assessment issued by the European Food Safety Authority clearly increases the fraction of the population exceeding the tolerable dioxin intake, but nonetheless, quantitative estimates of net health impacts change only marginally. Increased use of small herring (which have less pollutants) is a no-regret option. A more relevant value-based policy discussion rather than research is needed to clarify official recommendations related to dioxins in fish.
Progression of Endothelial Dysfunction, Atherosclerosis, and Arterial Stiffness in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Junarta Joey , Hojs Nina , Ramphul Robin , Lowe-Jones Racquel , Kaski Juan C , Banerjee Debasish 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Kidney transplant patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and high cardiovascular event rates, despite initial improvements post-transplantation. The nature of the progression of vascular abnormalities in the longer term is unknown. This pilot study investigated changes in vascular abnormalities over time in stable kidney transplant patients long after transplantation.
Methods
Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial pressure index, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were assessed in 18 kidney transplant patients and 17 controls at baseline and 3-6 months after.
Results
There was no difference in age (51±13 vs. 46±11; P=0.19), body mass index (26±5 vs. 25±3; P=0.49), serum cholesterol (4.54±0.96 vs. 5.14±1.13; P=0.10), systolic blood pressure (BP) (132±12 vs. 126±12; P=0.13), diastolic BP (82±9 vs. 77±8; P=0.10), or diabetes status (3 vs. 0; P=0.08) between transplant patients and controls. No difference existed in vascular markers between patients and controls at baseline. In transplant patients, FMD decreased (-1.52±2.74; P=0.03), cf-PWV increased (0.62±1.06; P=0.03), and CCA-IMT increased (0.35±0.53; P=0.02). No changes were observed in controls.
Conclusions
Markers of vascular structure and function worsen in the post-transplant period on long-term follow-up, which may explain the continued high cardiovascular event rates in this population.
Application of group LASSO regression based Bayesian networks in risk factors exploration and disease prediction for acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Yimei , Hu Jiachang , Shen Ziyan , Ding Xiaoqiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aims to explore a novel machine-learning algorithm, Bayesian networks (BNs), to delineate the interrelationships between acute kidney injury (AKI) and its associated risk factors among patients with hematologic malignancies (HM), to assess the prediction ability of BNs model, and to infer the probability of AKI under different clinical settings. Methods: From 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015, 2501 hospitalized patients diagnosed with HM in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai of China, were recruited in this retrospective study. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and baseline clinical lab records were exported from the electronic medical records. The group-LASSO (gLASSO) regression was performed to select the candidate predictors of AKI, which were further presented in BNs analysis for interrelationship exploration and disease prediction. Results: Among 2395 eligible patients, 370 episodes were diagnosed with AKI (15.4%). Patients with multiple myeloma (24.1%) and leukemia (23.9%) shared a higher AKI incidence than lymphoma (13.4%). Screened by the gLASSO regression, variables as age, gender, diabetes, hemopathy category, anti-tumor treatment, hemoglobin, serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum uric acid, serum sodium and potassium level were found with significant associations with AKI occurrence. BNs model revealed a complex interrelationship between these factors, among which there were direct connections between AKI and age, hemoglobin, eGFR, serum sodium and potassium. Moreover, HM category and anti-tumor treatment were indirectly linked to AKI through hemoglobin and eGFR; diabetes was connected with AKI through serum sodium level. BNs inferences indicated that when poor GFR, anemia and hyponatremia occurred simultaneously, the probability of AKI might reach 78.5%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of BNs model was 0.835, higher than that in logistic score model (0.763) and showed a robust performance in 10-fold cross-validation. Conclusion: AKI is common in HM hospitalized patients and is affected by multiple risk factors. The application of Bayesian networks and gLASSO regression can provide a novel strategy to explore the potential risk factors integrally and deep into their interrelationships, in accordance with the tide of e-alert and big-data for AKI early detection.
Alterations in gut microbiota of abdominal aortic aneurysm mice
Authors: Xie Jiahe , Lu Weiling , Zhong Lintao , Hu Yuhua , Li Qingrui , Ding Rongming , Zhong Zhonggao , Liu Ziyou , Xiao Hai , Xie Dongming , Zheng Guofu , Ye Bo , Zhong Yiming , Liu Zuheng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background：The gut microbiome plays an important role in various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, which are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
Methods: Here, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to explore gut microbiota in C57BL ApoE-/- mice with AAAs. A mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysms was induced with angiotensin II (Ang II) (1000 ng/min per kg). On day 28 after the operation, fecal samples were collected and stored at −80 °C until DNA extraction. We determined the relative abundances of bacterial taxonomic groups using 16S rRNA amplicon metabarcoding, and sequences were analyzed using a combination of mother software and UPARSE.
Results: We found that the gut microbiome was different between control and AAA mice. The results of correlation analysis between AAA diameter and the gut microbiome as well as LEfSe of the genera Akkermansia, Odoribacter, Helicobacter and Ruminococcus might be important in the progression of AAAs.
Conclusions: AAA mice is subjected to gut microbial dysbiosis, and gut microbiota might be a potential target for further investigation.
Evolutionary relationships among bifidobacteria and their hosts and environments
Authors: Rodriguez Cynthia Itzel , Martiny Jennifer B.H. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The assembly of animal microbiomes is influenced by multiple environmental factors and host genetics, although the relative importance of these factors remains unclear. Bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium , phylum Actinobacteria) are common first colonizers of gut microbiomes in humans and inhabit other mammals, social insects, food, and sewages. In humans, the presence of bifidobacteria in the gut has been correlated with health-promoting benefits. Here, we compared the genome sequences of a subset of the over 400 Bifidobacterium strains publicly available to investigate the adaptation of bifidobacteria diversity. We tested 1) whether bifidobacteria show a phylogenetic signal with their isolation sources (hosts and environments) and 2) whether key traits encoded by the bifidobacteria genomes depend on the host or environment from which they were isolated. We analyzed Bifidobacterium genomes available in the PATRIC and NCBI repositories and identified the hosts and/or environment from which they were isolated. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare the genetic relatedness the strains harbored by different hosts and environments. Furthermore, we examined differences in genomic traits and genes related to amino acid biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates. Results We found that bifidobacteria diversity appears to have evolved with their hosts as strains isolated from the same host were non-randomly associated with their phylogenetic relatedness. Moreover, bifidobacteria isolated from different sources displayed differences in genomic traits such as genome size and accessory gene composition and on particular traits related to amino acid production and degradation of carbohydrates. In contrast, when analyzing diversity within human-derived bifidobacteria, we observed no phylogenetic signal or differences on specific traits (amino acid biosynthesis genes and CAZymes). Conclusions Overall, our study shows that bifidobacteria diversity is strongly adapted to specific hosts and environments and that several genomic traits were associated with their isolation sources. However, this signal is not observed in human strains alone. Looking into the genomic signatures of bifidobacteria strains in different environments can give insights into how this bacterial group adapts to their environment and what types of traits are important for these adaptations.
The incidence of collagen-associated adverse events in pediatric population with the use of Fluoroquinolones: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Pei-Han , Hu Chih-Fen , Liu Jen-Wei , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Yong-Chen , Sun Chien-An , Chien Wu-Chien 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the safety of using fluoroquinolones (FQs) in pediatric population in Taiwan.Methods: Patients aged 0~18-year-old with FQs prescriptions ≥3 consecutive days during year 2000 to 2013 were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database, 4-time case number were selected as controls. We evaluated the patient’s outcome after the use of FQs by reviewing a newly diagnosis of the following collagen-associated adverse events by ICD-9-CM codes, covering tendons rupture, retinal detachments, gastrointestinal tract perforation, aortic aneurysm or dissection.Results: Of the enrolled patients (n=167,105), collagen-associated adverse effects developed in 85 cases (0.051%) in 6-month tracking, including 0.051% in the FQs study cohort (17 in 33,421) and 0.051% (68 in 133,684) in the FQs free comparison cohort. The crude HR for collagen-associated adverse events in the FQs group was 0.997 (0.586-1.696; p=0.990). After adjusting for age, sex, catastrophic illness, low-income household, seasons, levels of urbanization, and healthcare, the corrected HR in 6-month tracking with FQs was 1.360 (95% CI; 0.795-2.326; p=0.261).Conclusions: There is no significant difference of collagen-associated adverse effects between FQs group and FQs free group from our data. We propose that FQs for pediatric population in clinical practice may be not so harmful as previous references reported.
Preoperative pain aggravates postoperative cognitive deficits and hippocampal neuroinflammation in rats
Authors: Gao Xiang , Ding Xian , Yi Huan , Lin Chuan-tao , Wang Yu-ping , Yu De-biao , Yan Jian-ying 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is the progressive deterioration of cognitive function after surgery. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of preoperative pain on inflammatory factors and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats. Methods 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the pain group, the pain+operation group, and the operation group. 6 days before the surgery, the rats received cognitive training, and the cognitive evaluation was carried out on the1, 3 and 7th days after the surgery. The rats were killed on the first, third and seventh days after the surgery (n = 3 rats/day). The cognitive function of rats was evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM), and the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6(IL-6), Interleukin 1β(IL-1β)and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α(TNF-α), Acetylcholine(Ach)and Cyclic Adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), protein kinase A(PKA)and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors(GABAA) in the hippocampus were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after the operation. Results Our results showed that the pain model rats exhibited impaired behavior on the first day (P< 0.001), and this lasted until the 7th day after the operation (P≤0.002 and P≤0. 001, respectively). Preoperative pain model rats showed a higher level of apoptosis than that shown by the simple operation rats. On the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after the operation, the protein content of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the pain operation group was increased compared to that in the simple operation group (P<0.001). ACh, cAMP, PKA and GABAA expression in the hippocampus was decreased after operation in the preoperative pain model rats. Conclusion Preoperative pain is a key risk factor for the development of PND. The ACh-PKA-GABAA signaling pathway plays a key role in the acetylcholine pathway.