bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body Mass Index- and Waist Circumference-Defined Obesity with the risk of Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Yuan Z , Wang Yuanyuan , Cicuttini Flavia M , Giles Graham G , Graves Stephen , Wluka Anita E , Hussain Sultana Monira 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: There is a discordance in classification of obesity when defined by body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). We aimed to examine whether categories of BMI- and WC-defined obesity are differentially associated with the risk of total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.Methods: 38,924 participants from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study with BMI and WC measured at baseline (1990-1994) were included. Obesity status was defined as: not obese (non-obese BMI and non-obese WC); WC-defined obesity only (non-obese BMI and obese WC); BMI-defined obesity only (non-obese WC and obese BMI); and BMI- and WC-defined obesity. The incidence of total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between January 2001 and December 2013 was determined by linking participant records to the National Joint Replacement Registry. Results: Over 11.5±3.1 years follow-up, 1,875 participants underwent total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Participants with WC-defined obesity only (HR=1.79, 95%CI 1.51-2.53), BMI-defined obesity only (HR=2.39, 95%CI 2.02-2.84), and BMI- and WC-defined obesity (HR=3.14, 95%CI 2.82-3.49) had an increased risk of total knee arthroplasty compared with those who were not obese. Conclusions: Individuals with either BMI- or WC-defined obesity should be targeted for prevention of knee osteoarthritis as both are significant predictors for severe osteoarthritis requiring a total knee arthroplasty.
Avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection influencing composition of gut microbiota within chicken
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ni Jiajia , Li Hongwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is a major cause of disease in poultry. Probiotics play a critical role in animal health maintenance. Studies have indicated that viral infection can alter the composition of the chicken gut microbiota. We hypothesized that ALV-J infection alters the probiotics composition in chicken fecal bacterial microbiome. We performed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluated the gut microbiota proﬁles using feces from ALV-J-infected and healthy chickens. Results: The relative abundance at the phylum and species levels was calculated. The phylum Proteobacteria was more abundant in ALV-J-infected chickens than in healthy chickens. Additionally, the abundance of the opportunistic pathogen, Propionibacterium acnes, was significantly increased in ALV-J-infected chickens. Interestingly, ALV-J infection tended to be significantly decreased by the probiotics Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri. Conclusions: The study indicates that ALV-J infection significantly altered the gut microbiota distribution in chickens. Additionally, ALV-J infection significantly influenced the abundance of L. helveticus and L. reuteri in the chicken gut.
Human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretome reduce liver fibrosis
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from a chronic liver injury is one of the significant causes of mortality. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease while maintaining its advantages over the current therapies. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFSSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFSSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model, and we administered hFSSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFSSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFSSCs secretome effectively reduced collagen content in the liver, and improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found that hFSSCs secretome reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretome inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, while we observed, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that hFSSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of FACT-Hep for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Combinations of Classical Test Theory and Generalizability Theory
Authors: lei Pingguang , yang zheng , li wei , ou jingqing , cun yingli , meng qiong , wan chonghua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Quality of life (QOL) is now concerned worldwide in cancer clinical fields and the specific instrument FACT-Hep (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Hepatobiliary questionnaire) is widely used in English-spoken countries. However, the specific instruments for hepatocellular carcinoma patients in China were seldom and no formal validation on the Simplified Chinese Version of the FACT-Hep was carried out. This study was aimed to validate the Chinese FACT-Hep based on Combinations of Classical Test Theory and Generalizability Theory.
Methods

The Chinese Version of FACT-Hep and the QLICP-LI were used to measure QOL three times before and after treatments from a sample of 114 in-patients of hepatocellular carcinoma. The scale were evaluated by indicators such as validity and reliability coefficients Cronbach α, Pearson r, intra-class correlation (ICC), and standardized response mean. The Generalizability Theory (G theory) was also applied to addresses the dependability of measurements and estimation of multiple sources of variance.
Results

The Internal consistency Cronbach’s α coefficients were greater than 0.70 for all domains, and test-retest reliability coefficients for all domains and the overall were greater than 0.80 (exception of emotional Well-being 0.74) with the range from 0.81 to 0.96. G-coefficients and Ф-coefficients confirmed the reliability of the scale further with exact variance components. The domains of PWB, FWB and the overall scale had significant changes after treatments with SRM ranging from 0.40 to 0.69.
Conclusions

The Chinese version of FACT-Hep has good validity, reliability, and responsiveness, and can be used to measure QOL for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in China.
Metabolomics Reveals Ecological Significance of Secondary Metabolites in Scutellaria baicalensis under drought stress.
Authors: Li Bo , Cong Wei , Wang Bin , Du Hongwei , Zhang Ai-hua , Meng Xiang-Cai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Plant have to face the more environmental stress than animal which can dodge unfavourable circumstances by moving about, it is inevitable that the reactive oxygen species(ROS), as a product of stress, are massive generated. Excessive ROS with a powerful oxidizability under stress could do harm to the protein, including enzymes. So it is impossible to eliminated too much ROS only by antioxidant enzymes. Plant have evolved a secondary metabolism as peculiar additional pathway, but the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites would be extremely costly due to the consumption of much material and energy during suitable condition, secondary metabolism are augmented only after the stress befall, meaning the secondary metabolites vary according to the ecological environment.Results: Using UHPLC -ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, a total of 24 differential compounts in root of Scutellaria baicalensis were identified between the drought and suitable condition. Based on Results of t-test analysis（P＜0.05）between various groups, ions whose VIP value ≧2, the most significant differential chemical markers of the drought condition were citric acid, shikimic acid, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyflavanone, 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-7,8 -dimethoxyflavone, chrysin, eriodictyol, 5,8-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy flavone, highlighting that most of them were free flavonoids with many phenolic hydroxyl group of flavonoids, with a characteristic of higher avtivities. Conclusions: The diversity of secondary metabolites plays a crucial role, S. baicalensis modified the ability to eliminate ROS and matained the equilibrium of ROS through the biosynthesis and convertion between these flavonoid which contain many compounts, like an intricate buffer solution.
Optimizing Non-Rigid Registration for Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Image Series
Authors: Zhang Chenyu , Feng Jie , Yankovich Andrew B , Kvit Alexander , Berkels Benjamin , Voyles Paul 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Achieving sub-picometer precision measurements of atomic column positions in high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope images using non-rigid registration (NRR) and averaging of image series requires careful optimization of experimental conditions and the parameters of the registration algorithm. On experimental data from SrTiO3 [100], sub-pm precision requires alignment of the sample to the zone axis to within 1 mrad tilt and sample drift of less than 1 nm/min. At fixed total electron dose for the series, precision in the fast scan direction improves with shorter pixel dwell time to the limit of our microscope hardware, but the best precision along the slow scan direction occurs at 6 µs/px dwell time. Within the NRR algorithm, the “smoothness factor” that penalizes large estimated shifts is the most important parameter for sub-pm precision, but in general the precision of NRR images is robust over a wide range of parameters.
Network pharmacology-based identification of potential targets of Triterpenoids from Liquidambaris Fructus on the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Qian Ping , Gu Li , Zhang Dongfang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, and its exact etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear by now, therefore it is urgent to develop new therapeutic targets for RA treatment. Liquidambaris Fructus (LF) is used for joint pain, numbness and edema, and triterpenoids, the main effective compounds of LF, have a clear anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of triterpenoids from LF on the treatment of RA.
Methods

A comprehensive network pharmacology strategy that consists of three sequential modules (pharmacophore matching, enrichment analysis and molecular docking) was carried out.
Results

We collected 21 triterpenoids from LF and predicted 61 targets strongly correlated with 15 biological processes and 8 related pathways. SYK and MAPK14 were key targets related to triterpenoids from LF and RA. LCK and GSK3B were potential targets and two effective triterpenoids from LF played a crucial role in the process of RA by targeting LCK and GSK3B.
Conclusions

The comprehensive strategy can serve as a universal method to illuminate the mechanism of triterpenoids from LF acting on treatment of RA by identifying the targets and pathways, and provided new ideas for RA treatment and evidence for clinical research and application of LF.
Salmonella Phage cocktail, its effects and benefits on the gut of chickens in a commercial farm.
Authors: Clavijo Viviana , Morales Laura Tatiana , Flores Martha Josefina Vives , Reyes Alejandro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe microbiota of broiler chicken gut affects positively or negatively the health, metabolism and immunity of chickens thus it has a significant impact on the animal productivity. Phages, host-specific parasites of bacterial cells, are a promising antimicrobial alternative that selectively target pathogens without disturbing the microbiota. The aim of the study is further characterizing the behaviour of phages and its effect on the commensal microbial community.MethodsWe used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to evaluate the effect of SalmoFree® (a phage cocktail against Salmonella) on the microbiota of the cecum of broilers reared in a commercial farming system. Two field trials were carried out including 2 control and 2 experimental houses. Phages were incorporated in the broilers’ drinking water using three doses at the grower stage. The core microbiome, differentially abundant taxa between treatments as well as taxa associated with age were identified using Qiime2 and the R-Project for statistics.ResultsAnalyses of similarities among communities over time allowed us to identify two stages of microbiota development at the last stage of the production cycle. The core microbiome identified some key species in the adaptation of the microbiota at the last stage of the cycle. Among these there are important degraders of complex polysaccharides and producers of short chain fatty acids such as Eisenbergiella and Lachnoclostridium. Additionally, the phage cocktail did not affect the normal development of the microbiota structure while its application contributes to reduce the presence of pathogenic Enterobacteria including Salmonella. The addition of the phage cocktail led to a significant reduction in the abundance of Campylobacter and Helicobacter and increase in Butyricimonas and Rikenellaceae abundance which are common inhabitants of the chicken gut with known negative and positive effects in the health, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that phages can contribute to improve the chicken health and reduce pathogens burden at the end of the production cycle of broilers. Furthermore, it presents for the first time a detailed look of the microbiota composition and changes in broilers in a commercial scenario, information that will valuable towards the implementation of phage therapy technologies in the field.
Autonomous replication sequences from the Amaranthus palmeri eccDNA replicon enable replication in yeast
Authors: Molin William T. , Yaguchi Allison , Blenner Mark , Saski Christopher 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
The objective of the research presented here was to determine whether autonomous replication sequences (ARS) discovered in the eccDNA replicon of glyphosate resistant Amaranthus palmeri enable self-replication in a yeast system.
Results
Sequence analysis of the eccDNA replicon revealed a region of sharp changes in A + T/G + C content with characteristic bending indicative of an autonomous replication sequence. Further sequence analysis revealed an extended autonomous replication sequence (EACS) in close proximity to multiple DNA unwinding element (DUE) sequences. This region of the eccDNA replicon enabled autonomous replication of an ARS-less yeast plasmid.
Application of refrigerated and frozen sorghum malt slurries in preservation of starter cultures of traditional fermented cereal-based beverages - a case of Obushera from Uganda
Authors: Mukisa Ivan Muzira , Serwanga Arnold , Byakika Stellah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
Industrial production of traditional fermented beverages in developing countries is limited by lack of commercial starter cultures. Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae MNC 21Y and Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum MNC 21 were identified as starter cultures for a Ugandan cereal beverage, Obushera. However, they are commercially unavailable due to lack of affordable appropriate propagating and preservation methods. In this study the starters were propagated in sorghum malt slurries (30 °C for 24 h) and stored at 5 °C and − 18 °C for 90 days. Viability and fermentation ability of the cultures was monitored.
Results
Viability was higher for starters stored at 5 °C (S. cerevisiae: 6 log cfu/g and L. plantarum: 7–9 log cfu/g during 90 days) than those at -18 °C (S. cerevisiae: 2 cfu/g and L. plantarum: 4 log cfu/g after 30 days). Refrigerated starters acidified Obushera (pH ≤ 4.5) faster (10–20 h) than frozen ones (18–24 h). Refrigerating the starters in sorghum malt slurries preserves them for at least three months. This provides an affordable option for starter commercialization and industrial production of traditional fermented foods.
Predictors of long-term post-thrombotic syndrome following high proximal deep vein thrombosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Engeseth Marit , Enden Tone , Sandset Per Morten , Wik Hilde Skuterud 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent chronic complication of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limb, but predictors of PTS are not well established. We aimed to examine predictors of PTS in patients with long-term PTS following proximal DVT. Methods During 2006-09, 209 patients with a first time acute upper femoral or iliofemoral DVT were randomized to receive either additional catheter-directed thrombolysis or conventional therapy alone. In 2017, the 170 still-living participants were invited to participate in a cross-sectional follow-up study. In the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test, PTS was defined in line with clinical practice by four mandatory, predefined clinical criteria: 1. An objectively verified DVT; 2. Chronic complaints (>1 month) in the DVT leg; 3. Complaints appeared after the DVT; and 4. An alternative diagnosis was unlikely. Possible predictors of PTS were identified with multivariate logistic regression. Results 88 patients (52%) were included 8-10 years following the index DVT, and 44 patients (50%) were diagnosed with PTS by the predefined clinical criteria. Younger age and higher baseline Villalta score were found to be independent predictors of PTS, i.e., OR 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-0.99), and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.02-1.49), respectively. Lack of iliofemoral patency at six months follow-up was significant in the bivariate analysis, but did not prove to be significant after the multivariate adjustments.Conclusions In long-term follow up after high proximal DVT, younger age and higher Villalta score at DVT diagnosis were independent predictors of PTS.
Experimental study on proportioning and properties of cemented filling material with a large mass ratio of construction demolition waste
Authors: Bi Yewu , Chen Weixin , Huang Yucheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Supply of cheap and abundant raw materials is a key factor in reducing the cost of cemented filling materials. To solve this problems of the high cost of cemented filling materials and insufficient sources of raw materials, an experimental study on cemented filling material with a large mass ratio of construction demolition waste was performed. A large amount of recycled aggregate of construction demolition waste was added to cemented material to prepare a high concentration slurry, from which the influences of aggregate/cement mass ratio, admixture/cement mass ratio, water/solid mass ratio, recycled aggregate gradation and mud content of recycled aggregate on slump, setting time and compressive strength of cemented filling material with a large mass ratio of construction demolition waste were analysed via the orthogonal test method and regression equation analysis. Finally, an industrial formula for cemented filling material with a large mass ratio of construction demolition waste was determined, and the mechanical and microscopic properties were analysed. The results indicate that the industrial formula with an aggregate/cement mass ratio of 3.0, an admixture/cement mass ratio of 1.5%, a water/solid mass ratio of 0.35, a recycled aggregate gradation of 40:30:15:15, a mud content of recycled aggregate of 0ཞ4% and a mass ratio of construction demolition waste to solid material of 75% exhibits the properties of rapid strength growth and high residual strength, and can be applied in underground coal mines conditions.
KPNA2 expression is a potential marker for differential diagnosis between osteosarcomas and other malignant bone tumor mimickers
Authors: Jiang Lucen , Liu Jianghuan , Wei Qingzhu , Wang Yiyang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2), a member of the Karyopherin α family, has been observed in several cancers but lack substantial investigation in malignant bone tumors. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate KPNA2 expression level and its utility as a novel diagnostic biomarker in osteosarcomas and their malignant bone tumor mimickers, such as chondrosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas.Method We investigated the expression of KPNA2 protein by immunohistochemistry on paraffin embedded surgical specimens from 217 patients with malignant and benign tumors of bone, including 81 osteosarcomas, 42 chondrosarcomas, 9 Ewing sarcomas, 28 osteoid osteoma, 20 osteochondroma and 37 Chondroblastoma. Immunoreactivity was scored semi quantitatively based on stain extent and intensity.Results Seventy one of 81 (87.7%) osteosarcomas, zero of 42 (0%) chondrosarcomas and one of 9 (11.1%) Ewing sarcomas showed immunoreactivity for KPNA2. Negative KPNA2 expression was observed in all of benign bone tumors. Much more positive expression of KPNA2 was found in osteosarcomas as compared with chondrosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas. The sensitivity and specificity of KPNA2 immuno-expression for osteosarcoma was 87.7% and 100%, respectively. In several subtypes of osteosarcomas, immunohistochemical expression of KNA2 was more frequent in osteoblastic (94.5%), with 39 (70.9%) showing strong-intensity staining. KPNA2 positivity was observed in eleven of 13 (84.6%) chondroblastic, three of 6 (50%) fibroblastic, three of 4 (75%) telangiectatic and two of 3 (66.7%) giant cell-rich osteosarcoma. Stronger-intensity staining was observed in osteoblastic osteosarcoma.Conclusion KPNA2 is most frequently expressed in osteosarcomas, particularly in osteoblastic and chondroblastic tumors, but is rarely positive in chondrosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas. This feature may have diagnostic value since it is very useful for distinguishing between osteosarcomas and other bone sarcomas mimickers. This report supports KPNA2 as a novel marker for the diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Defective phagocytic function of induced microglia-like cells is correlated with rapid progression of sporadic ALS
Authors: Noh Min-Young , Kwon Min-Soo , Oh Ki-WooK , Nahm Minyeop , Park Jinseok , Kim Young-Eun , Ki Chang-Seok , Jin Hee Kyung , Bae Jae-sung , Kim Seung Hyun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Microglia play a key role in determining the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet their precise role in ALS has not been identified in humans. The objective of this study was to identify the functional characteristics of microglia and related factors in patients with sporadic ALS that is rapidly progressing.Methods: After confirming that microglia-like cells (iMGs) induced by human monocytes could recapitulate the main signatures of brain microglia, serial comparative studies were conducted to delineate functional differences in iMGs from patients with slowly progressive ALS [ALS(S), n = 14] versus rapidly progressive ALS [ALS(R), n = 15].Results: Despite an absence of significant differences in the expression of microglial homeostatic genes, ALS(R)-iMGs preferentially showed defective phagocytosis and an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response to LPS stimuli compared to ALS(S)-iMGs. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the perturbed phagocytosis seen in ALS(R)-iMGs was closely associated with decreased NCKAP1 (NCK-associated protein 1)-mediated abnormal actin polymerization. NCKAP1 overexpression was sufficient to rescue impaired phagocytosis in ALS(R)-iMGs. To leverage our findings and identify biological markers of rapidly progressing ALS, we measured plasma miRNA-214-3p (negative regulator targeting NCKAP1) levels. Post-hoc analysis indicated that decreased NCKAP1 expression in iMGs and a concomitant increase in plasma miRNA-214-3p levels was correlated with rapid progression of ALS.Interpretation: Our data suggest that microglial NCKAP1 may be an alternative therapeutic target in rapidly progressive sporadic ALS. In addition, miRNA-214-3p levels could be a serological biomarker for predicting the speed of disease progression.