bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Administration of Herb Formulation Enhanced Blastocyst Implantation via Iκb Activation in Mouse Endometrium
Authors: Jeon Songhee , Liu Quan Feng , Cai Hua , Jeong Ha Jin , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Dong-Il , Lee Ju-Hee 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBaelan Chagsang Bang (BCB), consisting of a mixture of 11 herbs, may be prescribed as a reproductive function supplement to improve ovulation and implantation during the treatment of infertility and recurrent abortion in Oriental Medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of water-extracted BCB on endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation in a mifepristone (RU486)-induced implantation failure model.MethodsIn in vitro, antioxidant potentials of BCB were evaluated using DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays and DCFH-DA assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 female mice (n = 6 per group) orally received BCB (300 mg/kg/day), a dose similar to that used clinically. BCB was administrated from 7 days before pregnancy until the end of the experiment. They were housed with male mice until pregnancy was confirmed. On day 4 of pregnancy, RU486 (4 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to induce implantation failure.ResultsAdministration of the BCB water extract increased the number of newborn pups in BCB-treated mice compared to that of sham-treated mice and improved the number of implantation sites in pregnant mice despite RU486 injection. BCB increased the protein expression level of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase through IκB activation. Moreover, the expression level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) at the uterus implantation site was up-regulated in the BCB-treated group compared to that of the RU486-treated group. To determine the mechanisms of action of BCB, the anti-oxidative effect of BCB was examined via in vitro assay. The BCB water extract showed strong anti-oxidative effects in the DPPH assay and the superoxide anion free-radical scavenging activity assay.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence that BCB has therapeutic potential against poor endometrial receptivity.
Identification of Candidate Genes Controlling Fiber Quality Traits in Upland Cotton Through Integration of Meta-QTL, Significant SNP and Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Shudi XU , Pan Zhenyuan , Yin Feifan , Yang Qingyong , Lin Zhongxu , Wen Tianwang , Zhu Longfu , Zhang Dawei , Nie Xinhui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Meta-analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) is a computational technique to identify consensus QTL and refine QTL positions on the consensus map from multiple mapping studies. The combination of meta-QTL intervals, significant SNPs and transcriptome analysis has been widely used to identify candidate genes in various plants.
Results
In our study, 884 QTL associated with cotton fiber quality traits from 12 studies were used for meta-QTL analysis based on reference genome TM-1, as a result, 74 meta-QTL were identified, including 19 meta-QTL for fiber length (FL), 18 meta-QTL for fiber strength (FS), 11 meta-QTL for fiber uniformity (FU), 11 meta-QTL for fiber elongation (FE), and 15 meta-QTL for micronaire (MIC). Combined with 8589 significant SNPs associated with fiber quality traits collected from 15 studies, 297 candidate genes were identified in the meta-QTL intervals, 20 of which showed high expression specifically in the developing fibers. According to the function annotations, some of the 20 key candidate genes are associated with the fiber development.
Conclusions
This study provides not only stable QTLs used for marker-assisted selection (MAS), but also candidate genes to uncover the molecular mechanisms for cotton fiber development.
Aptamer-Protamine-siRNA Nanoparticles in Targeted Therapy of ErbB3 Positive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Xiangshang , Li Li , Li Xiaolan , Tao Deding , Zhang Peng , Gong Jianping 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: RNAi-based technology has achieved good results in both in vitro and in vivo applications, and it is expected to become a good genetic treatment for some diseases, especially neoplastic diseases. But there are still many obstacles in the in vivo application, the most important thing is the lack of an efficient and safe carrier.Methods: In this study, we designed and constructed a new siRNA delivery, which was named as aptamer-protamine-siRNA nanoparticle (APR). APR was consisted of ErbB3 aptamer, protamine and siRNA. We used Zeta nanosize to detect the size of APR to verify whether it is a nano-scale compound. We use the FAMRNA to replace the siRNA to detect whether APR could recognize and enter ErbB3 positive MCF-7 cells. The we replaced the siRNA as oncogene suvivin siRNA to detect whether APR could inhibit tumor growth by silence surviving, and replaced siRNA to CDK1 siRNA to detect the cell cycle blocking effect. At last we tested the anticancer effect and safety of APR by carrying survivin siRNA in MCF-7 bearing nude mice. Results: APR was identified as a nanoscale compound. It showed specific targeting for ErbB3-positive MCF-7 cancer cells. APR has demonstrated the characteristics of inhibiting tumor growth by carrying siRNA against oncogene survivin. APR could also block cell cycle of MCF-7 cells by delivering CDK1 siRNAs. In the ErbB3 positive breast cancer xenograft mice model, APR nanoparticles could inhibit tumor growth and cause tumor regression without any toxicity. Conclusions: In both in vivo and in vitro applications, APR nanoparticles could be targeted to recognize and enter ErbB3 positive tumor cells, and play a corresponding role by silencing targeted gene expression. APR nanoparticle is expected to become a good tumor treatment option.
Long Noncoding RNA HOXA-AS2 Functions as an Oncogene by Binding to EZH2 and Suppressing LATS2 in AML
Authors: Feng Yubin , Hu shuang , Li lanlan , Peng xiaoqing , Chen Feihu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an important role in the development of physiology and pathology. Many reports have shown that LncRNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a carcinogen and plays an important role in many tumors, but there are few reports on its role in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MethodsThe expression of HOXA-AS2 in AML cell line was detected by qRT-PCR. AML cases from the public database (GEPIA) were also included in this study. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the role of HOXA-AS2 in AML cells. Luciferase reporter gene detection, RIP, RNA pull-down and RNA-ChIP detection were used to demonstrate the molecular biological mechanism of HOXA-AS2 in AML.ResultsOur results show that HOXA-AS2 was upregulated in AML cell lines and tissues, and the overexpression of HOXA-AS2 is negatively correlated with the survival of patients. Silencing HOXA-AS2 can inhibit the proliferation and induce differentiation of AML cells in vitro and in vivo. After overexpressing HOXA-AS2, it will show the opposite result. Moreover, more in-depth mechanism studies show that HOXA-AS2 exerts its carcinogenicity mainly by binding with the epigenetic inhibitor Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and then inhibiting the expression of Large Tumor Suppressor 2 (LATS2). ConclusionsTaken together, our results highlight the important role of HOXA-AS2 in AML, suggesting that HOXA-AS2 may be an effective therapeutic target for patients with AML.
Factors Influencing the Deterioration from Cognitive Decline of Normal Aging to Dementia among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Hayajneh Audai A. , Rababa Mohammad , Alghwiri Alia A. , Masha'al Dina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: A dearth of differential research exists regarding the determinants of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and moderate cognitive impairment or dementia among nursing home residents. This study aimed to identify and examine the factors that lead to progression of MCI to moderate cognitive impairment or dementia in nursing home residents.Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Convenience sampling of 182 participants was conducted in nursing homes located in the central part of Jordan. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was used to screen both MCI and moderate cognitive impairment or dementia. Bivariate analysis, including t-test and ANOVA test, and logistic and linear regression models were used to examine and identify the predictors of dementia.Results: Most nursing home residents had MCI (87.4%) compared to a few with moderate cognitive impairment or dementia. Age (t = -2.773), number of comorbidities (t = -4.045), depression (t = -4.809), frailty (t = -4.038), and quality of life physical (t = 3.282) and mental component summaries (t = 2.469) were significantly different between the stages of cognitive impairment. Marital status (t = -4.050, p < 0.001), higher-income (t = 3.755, p < 0.001), recent hospitalization (t = 2.622,p = 0.01), depression (t = -2.737, p = 0.007), and frailty (t = 2.852, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with mental ability scores among nursing home residents.Conclusion: The coexistence of comorbidities and depression among nursing home residents with MCI necessitates prompt management by healthcare providers to combat depressive symptoms in order to delay the dementia trajectory among at-risk residents.
Age-Related Changes in Postural Control: transitional task
Authors: Michalska Justyna , Kamieniarz Anna , Sobota Grzegorz , Stania Magdalena , Juras Grzegorz , Słomka Kajetan J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Aging, being a natural process, involves many functional and structural changes within the body. Identifying the onset of age-related postural changes will provide insight into the role of aging on postural control during locomotion. The aim of this study was to identify age-related postural changes during a transitional task under different conditions.
Methods
Sixty healthy females divided into three age groups: A (50–60 y/o), B (60–70 y/o), and C (70–80 y/o). The transitional task was measured by two force platforms. The procedure consisted of three phases: quiet standing, transfer onto a second platform, and quiet standing on the second platform. Four different conditions were applied: unperturbed transfer, obstacle crossing, step-up, and step-down. Double-support time, transit time, and stability time before and after the step task were analyzed.
Results
The transit time was longer by 30% for subjects over 70 y/o. The double-support time was longer by 11% among adults 60–70 y/o, while in people over 70 y/o it was longer by almost 50% compared to the 50–60 y/o subjects. The stability time before the transitional task was longer by 17% among adults over 60 y/o compared to middle-age subjects. The stability times before and after the transitional task were longer for adults in the 50–60 y/o category.
Conclusion
The proposed procedure is adequate for assessing age-related changes in postural control while undergoing a transitional task. An analysis of the double-support time and stability time before and after the step task enabled the detection of early signs of balance changes in middle-age adults. Independent of age, the transitional task parameters changed with the increasing difficulty of the tasks.
Perspectives of Clients and Providers on Factors Influencing Medication Assisted Treatment Uptake Among People Who Use Drugs in Indonesia, Ukraine and Vietnam: HPTN 074 Study
Authors: Kiriazova Tetiana , Go Vivian F. , Hershow Rebecca B. , Hamilton Erica L. , Sarasvita Riza , Bui Quynh , Lancaster Kathryn E. , Dumchev Kostyantyn , Hoffman Irving F. , Miller William C. , Latkin Carl A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective method of addiction treatment and HIV prevention. However, globally, people who inject drugs (PWID) have insufficient MAT uptake. To expand MAT access and uptake, policy-makers, program-developers and health care providers should be aware of barriers to and facilitators of MAT uptake among PWID. Methods: As a part of the HPTN 074 study, which assessed the feasibility of an intervention to facilitate HIV treatment and MAT in PWID living with HIV in Indonesia, Ukraine, and Vietnam, we conducted in-depth interviews with 37 HIV-positive PWID and 25 health care providers to explore barriers to and facilitators of MAT uptake. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and coded in NVivo for analysis. We developed matrices to identify emergent themes and patterns. Results: Despite some reported country-specific factors, PWID and health care providers at all geographic locations reported similar barriers to MAT initiation, such as complicated procedures to initiate MAT, problematic clinic access, lack of information on MAT, misconceptions about methadone, financial burden, and stigma towards PWID. However, while PWID reported fear of drug interaction (MAT and antiretroviral therapy), providers perceived that PWID prioritized drug use over caring for their health and hence were less motivated to take up ART and MAT. Motivation for a life change and social support were reported to be facilitators.Conclusion: These results highlight a need for support for PWID to initiate and retain in drug treatment. To expand MAT in all three countries, it is necessary to facilitate access and ensure low-threshold, financially affordable MAT programs for PWID, accompanied with supporting interventions. PWID attitudes and beliefs about MAT indicate the need for informational campaigns to counter misinformation and stigma associated with addiction and MAT (especially methadone).
Colchicine Reduces Lung Injury in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Dupuis Jocelyn , Sirois Martin G. , Rhéaume Eric , Nguyen Quang T. , Clavet-Lanthier Marie-Élaine , Brand Geneviève , Mihalache-Avram Téodora , Théberge-Julien Gabriel , Charpentier Daniel , Rhainds David , Neagoe Paul-Éduard , Tardif Jean-Claude 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by intense dysregulated inflammation leading to lung injury and respiratory failure. We studied the effects of colchicine pre-treatment on oleic acid-induced ARDS in rats. Colchicine reduced histological lung injury by 61%, reduced lung edema, and markedly improved blood oxygenation by increasing PaO2/FiO2 from 66 ± 13 mmHg (mean ± SEM) to 246 ± 45 mmHg. Lung neutrophil recruitment was reduced by colchicine with evidence for reduced neutrophils activation, as assessed by flow cytometry. This study strongly supports the clinical development of colchicine, a widely available low-cost drug, for the prevention of ARDS in conditions causing acute lung injury.
Increased expression of hypoxia-induced factor 1α mRNA and its related genes in myeloid blood cells from critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Vadillo Eduardo , Mayani Héctor , Gonzales-Bonilla César Raúl , Torres Javier , Majluf Abraham , Flores-Padilla Guillermo , Wacher-Rodarte Niels , Galan Juan Carlos , Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Blanco-Favela Francisco , Lopez-Macias Constantino , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Ramirez-Renteria Claudia , Peña-Martínez Eduardo , Silva-Román Gloria , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Mata-Lozano Carlos , Carvente-Garcia Roberto , Basurto-Acevedo Lourdes , Saucedo Renata , Piña-Sanchez Patricia , Chavez-Gonzalez María Antonieta , Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Mercado Moisés 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Since its emergence, in December 2019, COVID-19 has resulted in more than 12 million people infected and has killed more than 570000. Hypoxemia has been identified as one of the main clinical manifestations of this disease, especially in severe cases. We have previously reported that in critically ill COVID-19 patients there is a shift towards an immature myeloid profile in peripheral blood cells, including band neutrophils, immature monocytes, metamyelocytes, monocyte-macrophages, monocytoid precursors, and promyelocytes-myelocytes, which, together with mature monocytes and segmented neutrophils, comprise the vast majority of blood cells in these patients. Such an immature myeloid profile may be the result of a physiological response known as emergency myelopoiesis. In the present study, we performed scRNAseq from leukocytes from five critically ill COVID-19 patients and characterized the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor1α (HIF1α) mRNA and its transcriptionally regulated genes. HIF1α is a master transcription factor involved in the cellular response to hypoxia. We herein report that these cellular subsets express high levels of HIF1α mRNA and several of their transcriptional targets, including those related to inflammation, such as CXCL8, CXCR1, CXCR2, and CXCR4; those potentially involved in virus sensing, such as TLR2 and TLR4; and those related to metabolism, such as SLC2A3, PFKFB3, PGK1, GAPDH and SOD2. The up-regulation and participation of HIF1α in relevant events such as inflammation, immunometabolism, and TLR make it a potential molecular marker for COVID-19 severity and, interestingly, could represent a potential target for molecular therapy.
Analysis Of Candidate Genes Expected To Be Essential For Melanoma Surviving
Authors: Krivosheeva Irina , Filatova Alexandra , Skoblov Mikhail 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNew approach for treating cancer is to influence on vital genes for tumors. A number of attempts have led to discovery candidate genes that are mean to be essential for surviving of tumor cells of different types. In this work, we tried to analyze genes that were previously found to be essential for melanoma surviving. We performed transient siRNA-mediated knockdown of UNC45A, STK11IP, RHPN2 and ZNFX1 in melanoma cell line A375. After that, we checked cell viability, proliferation and migrating rate in vitro.MethodsFor knockdown of the genes we used siRNA mediated interference. To deliver siRNA in cells we used transfection by Metafectene PRO. Cell viability and proliferation assessed by MTT assay. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Knockdown of genes was evaluated via RT-qPCR analysis.ResultsOur results indicate that knockdown of the genes leads to no statistically significant changes in cell survival according to viability assay. However, mobility assay shows that knockdown of each of the target genes accelerates the speed of cells migrating.ConclusionOur results do not confirm the hypothesis. Possible explaining of such controversial results could be in insufficient bioinformatical analysis or in need of multiplex knockdown of the genes.
Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Occupational Performance and Self-efficacy of Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Long Yi , Ouyang Rangge , Zhang Jiaqi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
—Virtual reality (VR) has been broadly applied in post-stroke rehabilitation. However, studies on occupational performance and self-efficacy as primary outcomes of stroke rehabilitation using VR are lacking. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of VR training on occupational performance and self-efficacy in patients with stroke.
Methods
—This was an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty participants with first-ever stroke (< 1-year onset) underwent rehabilitation in a single acute hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Both groups received dose-matched conventional rehabilitation (i.e., 45 min, five times per week over 3 weeks). The VR group received additional 45-min VR training for five weekdays over 3 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included Modified Barthel Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity. The assessment was conducted at baseline and after the 3-week intervention.
Results
—A total of 52 participants (86.7%) completed the trial. Significant between-group differences in Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (P = 0.043) and Modified Barthel Index (P = 0.030) were found; however, no significant between-group differences in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity were noted. No serious adverse reactions related to the program were reported.
Conclusions
—Additional VR training could help improve the self-efficacy and activities of daily living of patients with stroke; however, it was not superior to conventional training in the improvement of upper limb functions, occupational performance, and satisfaction. Nevertheless, VR could be integrated into conventional rehabilitation programs to enhance self-efficacy of patients after stroke.
Trial Registration
- This study was successfully registered under the title “Effects of virtual reality training on occupational performance and self-efficacy of patients with stroke” on October 13 2019 and could be located in http://www.chictr.org with the study identifier ChiCTR1900026550.
Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) Study: Cohort Design and Preliminary Results
Authors: Saraiva Marcos Daniel , Rangel Luís Fernando , Cunha Julia Lusis Lassance , Rotta Thereza Cristina Ariza , Douradinho Christian , Khazaal Eugênia Jatene Bou , Aliberti Márlon Juliano Romero , Avelino-Silva Thiago Junqueira , Apolinario Daniel , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Jacob-Filho Wilson 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The demographic changes in Brazil as a result of population aging is one of the fastest in the world. The far-reaching new challenges that come with a large older population are particularly disquieting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Longitudinal studies must be completed in LMICs to investigate the social and biological determinants of aging and the consequences of such demographic changes in their context. Therefore, we designed the Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) study, a longitudinal study of older adults in Brazil, to collect data both on healthy aging and chronic diseases, and investigate characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in this population. Methods: The ProGERO study takes place in a geriatric outpatient clinic in the largest academic medical center in Latin America. We performed baseline health examinations in 2017 and will complete subsequent in-person visits every three years when new participants will also be recruited. We will use periodic telephone interviews to collect information on the outcomes of interest between in-person visits. The baseline evaluation included data on demographics, medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA; including multimorbidity, medications, social support, functional status, cognition, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, pain assessment, frailty, gait speed, handgrip strength, and chair-stands test). We used a previously validated CGA-based model to rank participants according to mortality risk (low, medium, high). Our selected outcomes were falls, disability, health services utilization (emergency room visits and hospital admissions), institutionalization, and death. We will follow participants for at least ten years.Results: We included 1,336 participants with a mean age of 82±8 years old. Overall, 70% were women, 31% were frail, and 43% had a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥3. According to our CGA-based model, the incidence of death in one year varied significantly across categories (low-risk=0.6%; medium-risk=7.4%; high-risk=17.5%; P<0.001).Conclusion: The ProGERO study will provide detailed clinical data and explore the late-life trajectories of community-dwelling older patients during a follow-up period of at least 10 years. Moreover, the study will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of healthy and pathological aging in older adults from LMICs.