bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering the β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase gene in the synthesis of cell wall mycolic acids in Mycobacterium neoaurum for enhancing the bioconversion of steroidal intermediates from phytosterols
Authors: Xiong Liang-Bin , Liu Hao-Hao , Zhao Ming , Liu Yong-Jun , Song Lu , Xie Zhi-Yong , Xu Yi-Xin , Wang Feng-Qing , Wei Dong-Zhi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The bioconversion of phytosterols into high value-added steroidal intermediates is the cornerstone in steroid pharmaceutical industry. However, the low transportation efficiency of hydrophobic substrates into mycobacterial cells severely limits the transformation. In this study, a robust and stable modification of the cell wall strikingly enhanced the cell permeability for the high production of steroids.Results: The interference of the nonessential β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase KasB resulted in a disturbed proportion and a shortened length of mycolic acids (MAs), thus leading to a remarkable improvement of cell permeability. The yield of 9α-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (9-OHAD) was increased by 137.7% in the vegetative cell transformation. Ultimately, the 9-OHAD productivity in an industrial used resting cell system was reached 0.1135 g/L/h (10.9 g/L 9-OHAD from 20 g/L phytosterol) and the conversion time was shortened by 33%. In addition, a similar self-enhancement effect (34.5%) was realized in the 22-hydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one (4-HBC) producing strain.Conclusions: The modification of kasB resulted in a meaningful change in the cell wall mycolic acids. Deletion of the kasB gene remarkably improved the cell permeability, leading to a self-enhancement of the steroidal intermediate conversion. The results showed a high efficiency and feasibility of this construction strategy.
The Potential Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhao Yang , Cao Mengdan , Jia Xu , Pan Zheng , Zhou Dengming , Liu Ke , Duan Xuanchu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background To identify the potential genes in human trabecular meshwork (TM) related to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). At first, long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles in TM samples from 4 control subjects and POAG patients were accessed by microarray analyses. Then, twenty lncRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative PCR in the same samples from microarray analyses. Finally, eight highly expression lncRNAs were further tested by real-time quantitative PCR in TM from 8 normal controls and 19 POAG patients. Expression data were normalized and analyzed using the R software. Pathway analyses were performed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis.Results: A total of 2179 lncRNAs and 923 mRNAs in the TM of POAG patients were significantly up-regulated, and 3111 lncRNAs and 887 mRNAs were significantly down-regulated. ENST00000552367, ENST00000582505, ENST00000609130, NR_029395, NR_038379, and ENST00000586949 expression levels were significantly higher in the TM from a different cohort of POAG patient than normal controls.Conclusion: ENST00000552367, ENST00000582505, ENST000006091- 30, NR_029395, NR_038379, and ENST00000586949 may play essential roles in the development of POAG.
A Calorically Restricted High-fat Diet Reverses High-fat Diet-induced Injurious Effects on Health and Gene Expression in Rats
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Guan Yue , Ling Fan , Zhu Qiushuang , Zhang Dandan , Li Yuqiao , Liu Jinxiao , Niu Yucun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: A High-fat diet has been reported to produce excess lipid accumulation and increase inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in various metabolic diseases. Caloric restriction (CR) is one of the most valuable tools in reducing inflammation, enhancing anti-oxidative activity and ameliorating various metabolic diseases. However, excess CR may restrain growth, development and normal physiological processes. Our study was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet containing the same number of calories as a basic diet on the health and gene expression patterns of rats.Methods: 30 Wistar male rats were randomly devided into a normal control (NC) group, an equicaloric high-fat (EHF) group as the NC group, and a high-fat (HF) ad libitum group. Food consumption and body weight were recorded once a week. Blood biochemistical and genomic assessments of the liver were carried out after intervention for 20 weeks. Results: Compared with the NC group, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and andalanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly increased in the HF group, and the serum levels of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased in the HF group. Compared with the HF group, serum TG,TCHO,LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-6, ROS levels were significantly decreased in the EHF group, and the serum levels of GSH and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also significantly increased. Histological studies showed decreased macrovesicular steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damagein EHF group compared to the HF group. In addition, transcription analysis revealed that an EHF led tochanges in gene expression, including a reduction inToll-like receptor 4 (TRL4),which inhibited NF-kappa B signaling pathway and upregulatedglutathione S-transterases (GSTs) to increase antiocidative activity.Conclusions: an EHF restored deleterious changes in the health and gene expression patterns induced by a high-fat diet ad libitum in rats via reduced inflammation and increased antioxidative activity.
Demand and Supply Side Factors Associated with the Use of Contraceptive Methods in Pakistan: A Contemplative Study of Demographic and Health Surveys, 1990-2018
Authors: Jabeen Sadia , Rathor Adnan , Riaz Maria , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background A remarkable decline in fertility rates has been observed in many countries, with a primary determinant being an increase in the use of contraceptives. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of demand and supply-side factors associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan.Method Secondary data analysis of four data series of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS 1990–91, 2006–07, 2012–13, and 2017–18) were used. The data includes ever-married women aged 15–49 years who had given birth in the previous five years and participated in the family-planning module of the PDHS. A total number of 25,318 women were included in the analysis. Data was analysed by investigating the associations between independent variables (demand and supply-side factors) and the use of contraceptive measures through unadjusted Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR).Results A majority of the women were illiterate and not in employment. There was an increase in the number of women who did not use contraceptive methods in rural areas over time. Among demand-side factors, the results indicated that, in 2012–13, women without media exposure were less likely to use contraceptives (OR 0.396, 95% CI 0.353–0.442), and the trend remains almost constant for 2017–18 (OR 0.432, 95% CI 0.391–0.477). These findings change slightly in the adjusted analysis (AOR 0.664, 95% CI 0.562–0.784) in 2012–13 and (AOR 0.654, 95% CI 0.483–0.885) in 2017–18; however, they still show a lower likelihood of using contraceptives without media exposure. Among supply-side factors, the results indicated that absence of transport (2012–13) and limited visits by family-planning workers over the previous 12 months (2006–07, 2012–13, and 2017–18) remained significant factors for not using contraceptive methods.Conclusion The results of the study indicate that certain demand and supply-side factors are associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan. It highlights the need for the provision of family-planning resources and further structural factors, particularly in remote areas.
PTP1B inhibitor alleviates deleterious microglial activation and neuronal injury after ischemic stroke by modulating ER stress-autophagy axis via PERK signaling in microglia
Authors: Zhu Yu , Yu Jianbo , Gong Jiangbiao , Ye Di , Cheng Dexin , Xie Zhikai , Zeng Jianping , Shen Jian , Zhou Hengjun , Weng Yuxiang , Pan Jianwei , Zhan Renya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background : Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) after ischemic stroke causes microglial activation which lead to neuronal injury. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) emerges to be a positive regulator of neuroinflammation, yet the effect of its inhibition on microglial activation as well as cerebral IR injury is largely unknown. Here we explored whether PTP1B inhibitor sc-222227 attenuates microglial activation and mitigates neuronal injury after cerebral IR injury. Methods : Cerebral IR injury rat model was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. PTP1B inhibitor sc-222227 was administered intracerebroventricularly 0.5 h before IR injury. Neurological deficits, infarct volume and brain water content were examined. In vitro IR injury model were established by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in rat primary microglia. PTP1B protein level, microglial activation, neuroinflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy and neuronal apoptosis were detected in vivo and/or in vitro using western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA and real-time PCR assay. Protein interaction were assessed by proximity ligation assay. Results : PTP1B expression were significantly increased after cerebral IR injury in vivo, and the enhancement was most prominent in microglia. PTP1B inhibitor reduced IR-induced microglial activation both in vitro and in vivo, and further attenuated IR-induced microglial ER stress and autophagy in rat. In vitro experiment showed PTP1B inhibitor mitigated OGD/R-induced microglial activation through inhibiting ER stress-dependent autophagy, whose effect was partly abolished by PERK activator CCT020312. The protein interaction between PTP1B and phosphorylated PERK were significantly increase in response to OGD/R in primary microglia. Finally, PTP1B inhibitor reduced neuronal apoptosis and improved neurologic function after cerebral IR injury in rat. Conclusions : PTP1B inhibitor ameliorated neuronal injury and neurologic deficits following cerebral IR injury via attenuating deleterious microglial activation and subsequent neuroinflammation through modulating ER stress-autophagy axis in microglia. Treatment targeting microglial PTP1B might be a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke treatment.
Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in the Surface Sediment at the Drinking Water Source of the Xiangjiang River in South China
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Liu Chengyou , Zhao Xingru , Dong Jing , Zheng Binghui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The Xiangjiang River is an important drinking water resource for the Hunan province of China. It is crucial to ascertain the pollution status, influencing factors, ecological risks, and possible sources of heavy metals in the sediments of the Xiangjiang River. Sediment is both a source and a sink of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, surface sediment was collected from the Zhuzhou Reach of the Xiangjiang River and eight heavy metals were investigated.Results: In all sediment samples, all eight heavy metals were detected and their average concentration fell in the order of Zn > Pb > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. Assessment shows extremely serious Cd pollution and a very high potential ecological risk from Cd. According to correlation analysis and principle component analysis (PCA), As, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn originate from industrial wastewater and mineral smelting activities, whereas Co, Cr, and Ni come from natural sources. Redundancy analysis (RDA) reveals that the organic matter content and the particle size of the sediment have some influence on the enrichment of heavy metals.Conclusion: Among all eight examined heavy metals in the surveyed area, the content of Zn, Pb, and As is the highest, and that of Cd and Co is the lowest. Despite a low level of absolute content, the Cd in sediment already renders a high ecological risk and thus calls for urgent attention. Anthropogenic activities are the main source of heavy metals in the sediment. The distribution of heavy metals is also influenced by sediment properties. The results provide guidance for controlling heavy metal pollution and protecting drinking water sources in the Xiangjiang River.
Comparison of three small-area mortality metrics according to urbanity in Korea: the standardized mortality ratio, comparative mortality figure, and life expectancy
Authors: Kim Ikhan , Lim Hwa-Kyung , Kang Hee-Yeon , Khang Young-Ho 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to compare three small-area level mortality metrics according to urbanity in Korea: the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), comparative mortality figure (CMF), and life expectancy (LE) by urbanity.Methods: We utilized the National Health Information Database to obtain annual age-specific numbers of population and deaths for all neighborhood-level areas in Korea between 2013 and 2017. First, differences in the SMR by urbanity were examined, assuming the same age-specific mortality rates in all neighborhoods. Second, we explored the differences in ranking obtained using the three metrics (SMR, CMF, and LE). Third, the ratio of CMF to SMR by population was analyzed according to urbanity.Results: We found that the age-specific population distributions in urbanized areas were similar, but rural areas had a relatively old population structure. The age-specific mortality ratio also differed by urbanity. Assuming the same rate of age-specific mortality across all neighborhoods, we found that comparable median values in all areas. However, areas with a high SMR showed a strong predominance of metropolitan areas. The ranking by SMR differed markedly from the rankings by CMF and LE, especially in areas of high mortality, while the latter two metrics did not differ notably. The ratio of CMF to SMR showed larger variations in neighborhoods in rural areas, particularly in those with small populations, than in metropolitan and urban areas.Conclusions: In a comparison of multiple SMRs, bias could exist if the study areas have large differences in population structure. The use of CMF or LE should be considered for comparisons if it is possible to acquire age-specific mortality data for each neighborhood.
Total Injectable Anesthesia of Dogs and Cats for Remote Island Veterinary Sterilization Clinic
Authors: Posner Lysa Pam , Applegate Jeffrey , Cannedy Allen , Deresienski Diane , Mozzachio Kristie , Serrano Maria , Lewbart Gregory 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Sterilization clinics may occur in remote places where anesthesia machines and compressed oxygen are unavailable. This study evaluated the efficacy of total injectable anesthesia in dogs and cats presented for sterilization on Isabela Island, Galápagos, Ecuador. Results: A total of 100 animals were sterilized; 26 female cats (FC), 22 male cats (MC), 28 female dogs (FD), and 24 male dogs (MD). FC were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (20 mcg/kg), ketamine (8 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. MC were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. Inadequate anesthesia in cats was treated with alfaxalone (1mg/kg) IM. All cats were administered meloxicam at 0.3mg/kg SQ. FD were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (7-10 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. MD were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. All dogs had IV catheter and endotracheal tube placed. If SpO2<90%, dogs had assisted ventilation via Ambu bag. Inadequate anesthesia in dogs was treated with alfaxalone (1mg/kg) IV. All dogs were administered meloxicam at 0.2 mg/kg SQ. Following surgery, atipamezole (0.05-0.1mg/kg) IM was administered to any patient that did not have voluntary movement. All patients survived and were discharged. Less than 25% of cats and male dogs required supplemental anesthesia. Fifty seven percent of female dogs required supplemental anesthesia. More than 89% of patients (in any group) required atipamezole administration. One cat recovered with agitation and hyperthermia (41.1C/ 106F). Some dogs required ventilatory assistance to remain normoxemic while anesthetized. Conclusion: Total injectable anesthesia can be accomplished for remote location sterilization clinics with minimal morbidity.
Land use/land cover change effect on Soil erosion and Sediment Delivery on Winike Watershed, Omo Gibe Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Aneseyee Abreham Berta 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Information on soil loss and sediment export is essential to identify hotspots of soil erosion for conservation interventions in a given watershed. This study aims at investigating the dynamic of soil loss and sediment export associated with land use/land cover change and identifies soil loss hotspot areas in Winike watershed of Omo-gibe basin of Ethiopia. Spatial data collected from satellite images, topographic maps, meteorological and soil data were analyzed. Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) of sediment delivery ratio (SDR) model was used based on analysis of land use/land cover maps and RUSLE factors. Result: The results showed that total soil loss increased from 774.86 thousand tons in 1988 to 951.21 thousand tons in 2018 while the corresponding sediment export increased by 3.85 thousand tons in the same period. These were subsequently investigated in each land-use type. Cultivated fields generated the highest soil erosion rate, which increased by 10.02 t/ha/year in 1988 to 43.48 t/ha/year in 2018. This corresponds with the expansion of the cultivated area that increased from 44.95 thousand ha in 1988 to 59.79 thousand ha in 2018. This is logical as the correlation between soil loss and sediment delivery and expansion of cultivated area is highly significant (p<0.01). Sub-watershed six (SW-6) generated the highest soil loss (62.77 t/ha/year) and sediment export 16.69 t/ha/year, followed by Sub-watershed ten (SW-10) that are situated in the upland plateau. Conversely, the lower reaches of the watershed are under dense vegetation cover and experiencing less erosion. Conclusion: Overall, the changes in land use/land cover affect significantly the soil erosion and sediment export dynamism. This research is used to identify an area to prioritize the watershed for immediate management practices. Thus, land use policy measures need to be enforced to protect the hydropower generation dams at downstream and the ecosystem at the watershed.
Analyzing the impacts of urbanization on runoff characteristics in Adama city, Ethiopia
Authors: Bulti Dejene Tesema , Girma Birhanu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background It has been increasingly recognized that urbanization is responsible for alterations of land use/land cover globally with substantial environmental impacts on all temporal and spatial scales. Particularly, it significantly affects the hydrologic cycle. Floods are the major threats to several cities worldwide with more effects in developing countries. Likewise, urban water management has become the main focus of sustainable urban development and poses higher demand for information related to the interaction between the urbanization process and hydrological attributes, but little is known in the context of Ethiopian urban centers. For this, Adama city, a fast grown and flood vulnerable urban area is considered to examine the impacts of urbanization on the storm runoff at different spatial scales from 1995 to 2019. Preparing land use/land cover (LULC) maps for different periods, the dynamics of LULC transformations were analyzed. The SCS-CN method was used to compute runoff at respective years from which spatiotemporal changes of the city’s hydrology were assessed at the city and watershed levels. Regression analysis was used for exploring the relation between the spatiotemporal changes of imperviousness ratio and runoff.Results The findings show that the urban built-up area undergone about 22% expansion annually from 1995 to 2019. Besides the runoff is increased by 23% in the City and 31% and 16.6% in the watersheds. Moreover, the significant direct linear relationship is found between the spatiotemporal variations of runoff and imperviousness ratio at both spatial scales.Conclusions Adama city has experienced significant LULC transformations over the last 24 years with significant effects on hydrological attributes, which pressed an alarm for increasing ﬂood hazards. Hence, in order to realize sustainable growth of the city, future developments should be guided by impervious surface-based land use regulations.
Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in the Serum Levels of GH, IGF-1 and IGF-binding Protein 2 in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Al-Regaiey Khalid , Alshubrami Suad , Al-Beeshi Ibrahim , Alnasser Torki , Alwabel Abdulnasser , Al-Beladi Hassan , Al-Tujjar Omar , Alnasser Abdulrahman , Alfadda Assim , Iqbal Muhammad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Bariatric or weight loss surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity. Reduced calorie intake or malabsorption are not the only mechanism, alterations in the activity of certain hormones and neurotransmitters are also the contributory mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the levels of GH, IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-2) after bariatric surgery in obese individuals.Method Plasma GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-2 levels were measured by ELISA in 33 obese (BMI >38.3) healthy male subjects age ranged from 25 to 50 years before and six months after gastric sleeve surgery. Plasma glucose, BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR and lipid profile were also investigated.Results Systemic GH (from 12.32±1.3 to 50.97±0.339 ρg/mL, P<0.001) and IGFBP-2 (51.86±11.21 to 68.81±13.36 ρg/mL, P<0.001) levels were elevated after bariatric surgery. However there was no change in IGF-1 levels. BMI (from 52.18±9.86 Kg/m2 to 40.11±8.92 Kg/m2, P<0.001), insulin (19.35±0.304 mIU/L to 8.80±0.181 mIU/L, P<0.001) and Homeostatic model assessment- Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was also reduced from 6.48+0.164 to 2.52 ± 0.061 (p<0.001) were also reduced 6 months after bariatric surgery. Cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels were increased after surgery (4.26±0.027 to 5.12±0.026 mmol/L and 0.90±0.007 to 1.55±0.011 mmol/L and 2.62±0.02 to 2.98±0.022 mmol/L, P<0.001) respectively. There was no correlation between GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-2and insulin and lipid parameters.Conclusions Our study suggests that improved circulating GH and IGFBP-2 levels associated with increased levels cholesterol and triglycerides may be an endocrine response to mediate beneficial effects of bariatric surgery.