bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Anti-hypertensive Drugs on Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Hypertension in China
Authors: Shi Xia , Cao Mengli , Liu Shourong , Chen Peifen , Hu Feng , Su Zhimin , Jiang Siwei , Wang Fengxin , Zhang Yunpeng , Gao Hong , Liu Yingxia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background and aims: Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used in the treatment of hypertension. However, it is still not clear whether there are differences among different anti-hypertensive drugs in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and hypertension. Herein, we aimed to assess the relation between different anti-hypertensive medications and COVID-19 outcomes. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 58 hypertensive patients with COVID-19 who were treated with different anti-hypertensive drugs and reviewed the clinical data obtained from electronic medical records, including epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and the treatment and progression of the disease. Results: There was no obvious difference in clinical prognosis after using any anti-hypertensive drugs in patients with COVID-19 and hypertension, but the different anti-hypertensive drugs were associated with the use of non-invasive ventilator treatment at admission comparing two groups between ACEIs/ARBs and CCBs+ACEIs/ARBs. Conclusion: there is no evidence showing that the different use of anti-hypertensive drugs is related to outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and hypertension, even between single drug regimen and combined therapy (with at least two anti-hypertensive drugs as combined therapy).
Assessment of HCMV-encoded microRNAs in Plasma as Potential Biomarkers in Pregnant Women with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Gao Zhiying , Zhou Likun , Bai Jing , Ding Meng , Liu Deshui , Zheng Shaohai , Li Yuewen , Li Xiulan , Wang Xiaojuan , Jin Ming , Shangting Huizi , Qiu Changchun , Wang Cheng , Zhang Xiaojie , Zhang Chenyu , Chen Xi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infections and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). HCMV encodes multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been reported to be partially related to host immune responses, cell cycle regulation, viral replication and viral latency, and can be detected in human plasma. However, the relevance of HCMV-encoded miRNAs in maternal plasma as an indicator for APO has never been evaluated.Methods: The expression profiles of 25 HCMV-encoded miRNAs were first measured in plasma samples from 20 pregnant women with APO and 28 normal controls by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology. Next, markedly changed miRNAs were validated in another independent validation set consisting of 20 pregnant women with APO and 27 control subjects. HCMV DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and anti-HCMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and anti-HCMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in plasma were also examined in both the training and validation sets. Diagnostic value and risk factors were compared between adverse pregnancy outcome cohorts and normal controls.Results: The analysis of training and validation data sets revealed that plasma concentrations of hcmv-miR-UL148D, hcmv-miR-US25-1-5p and hcmv-miR-US5-1 were obviously increased in pregnant women with APO compared with normal controls. Hcmv-miR-US25-1-5p presented the largest area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.735; 95% CI, 0.635–0.836), with a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 71%. Furthermore, the plasma levels of hcmv-miR-US25-1-5p and hcmv-miR-US5-1 were obviously positively correlated with APO (P = 0.029 and 0.035, respectively). Nevertheless, neither the concentration of HCMV DNA in PBLs nor the positivity rates of anti-HCMV IgM and IgG in plasma showed statistically significant correlation with APO.Conclusion: We identified a unique signature of HCMV-encoded miRNAs in pregnant women with APO, which may be useful as a potential noninvasive biomarker for predicting and monitoring APO during HCMV infection.
Malonyl-Proteome Profiles of Staphylococcus Aureus Reveal Lysine Malonylation Modification in Enzymes Involved in Energy Metabolism
Authors: Shi Yanan , HUANG Aixiang , Zhu Jingjing , Xu Yan , Tang Xiaozhao , Yang Zushun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundProtein lysine malonylation, a novel post-translational modification (PTM), has been recently linked with energy metabolism in bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is the third most important foodborne pathogen worldwide. Nonetheless, substrates and biological roles of malonylation are still poorly understood in this pathogen. ResultsUsing anti-malonyl-lysine antibody enrichment and high-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis, 440 lysine-malonylated sites were identified in 281 proteins of S. aureus strain. The frequency of valine in position -1 and alanine at +2 and +4 position was high. KEGG pathway analysis showed that six categories were highly enriched: ribosome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), valine, leucine, isoleucine degradation, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. In total, 31 malonylated sites in S. aureus shared homology with lysine-malonylated sites previously identified in E. coli, indicating malonylated proteins are highly conserved among bacteria. Key rate-limiting enzymes in central carbon metabolic pathways were also found to be malonylated in S. aureus, namely pyruvate kinase (PYK), 6-phosphofructokinase, phosphoglycerate kinase, dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, and F1F0-ATP synthase. Notably, malonylation sites were found at or near protein active sites, including KH domain, thioredoxin, alanine dehydrogenase (ALD), dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (LpdA), pyruvate oxidase CidC and catabolite control protein A (CcpA), thus suggesting that lysine malonylation may affect the activity of such enzymes. ConclusionsData presented herein expand the current knowledge on lysine malonylation in prokaryotes and indicate potential roles of protein malonylation in bacterial physiology and metabolism.
The Role of Phadiatop Test and Total Immunoglobulin E in Screening Aeroallergens: A Hospital-based Cohort Study&nbsp;
Authors: Chang Yun-Chen , Lee Ta-Jen , Huang Chi-Che , Chang Po-Hung , Chen Yi-Wei , Fu Chia-Hsiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To screen the existence of aeroallergens in patients with possible allergic rhinitis by venous blood becomes more popular, with advantages of more convenient and less consumption of time. The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of Phadiatop test and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level examination in both adults and children groups.Methods: This study was conducted prospectively in a tertiary center. The process of recruitment took place from Jan 2015 to Dec 2019, and patients with clinical symptoms suggesting of persistent allergic rhinitis were recruited and their serum samples were collected. The results of total IgE levels, Phadiatop tests, and the positive items in the ImmunoCAP assay were recorded and analyzed.Results: Total 9174 cases with complete data were enrolled, including 576 children and 8598 adults. A positive result in the ImmunoCAP assay was defined to confirm a positive atopic status towards aeroallergens. While using the total IgE level to predict positive aeroallergens, the sensitivity and specificity were 65.7% and 85.7% for adults and 86.3% and 77.4% for children, respectively. If we applied Phadiatop test for allergy screening, the sensitivity and specificity was 94.5%, 98.2% and 98.5%, 96.8% for the adult and the pediatric group, respectively.Conclusions: Phadiatop test had a better diagnostic power for aeroallergen detection than the serum total IgE level, or even the dual test, for both the adult and pediatric groups in this hospital-based study. We suggest that the Phadiatop test is more cost-effective in aeroallergen screening for patients suspected of atopic airway diseases.
Origin of Probability in Quantum Mechanics and the Physical Interpretation of the Wave Function
Authors: Wen Shuming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The theoretical calculation of quantum mechanics has been accurately verified by experiments, but Copenhagen interpretation with probability is still controversial. To find the source of the probability, we revised the definition of the energy quantum and reconstructed the wave function of the physical particle. Here, we found that the energy quantum ê is 6.62606896 ×10-34J instead of hν as proposed by Planck. Additionally, the value of the quality quantum ô is 7.372496 × 10-51 kg. This discontinuity of energy leads to a periodic non-uniform spatial distribution of the particles that transmit energy. A quantum objective system (QOS) consists of many physical particles whose wave function is the superposition of the wave functions of all physical particles. The probability of quantum mechanics originates from the distribution rate of physical particles in a state in the QOS per unit volume at time t and near position r. Based on the revision of the energy quantum assumption and the origin of the probability, we proposed new certainty and uncertainty relationships, explained the physical mechanism of wave-function collapse and the quantum tunnelling effect, derived the quantum theoretical expression of double-slit and single-slit experiments.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals With Eating Disorders: the Role of Emotion Regulation and Exploration of Online Treatment Experiences
Authors: Vuillier Laura , May L. , Greville-Harris M. , Surman R. , Moseley Rachel L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: The Covid-19 pandemic has wrought disruption to everyday life and services, and emerging evidence suggests that those with eating disorders (EDs) are likely to experience marked distress and exacerbation of their symptoms. However, little is known around the most relevant factors to symptom change; whether certain emotion regulation and coping strategies are linked to better outcomes; and how people with EDs are adjusting to psychological interventions moving online. Method: In a mixed-method design, we collected qualitative and quantitative data from 207 (76 males) UK residents with self-reported ED, who described and ranked impacts of the pandemic on their symptoms. Regression analysis examined whether emotion regulation strategies were associated with self-reported symptom change, ED symptomatology, and negative emotional states. Thematic analysis explored participants’ experiences of the pandemic, particularly factors affecting their ED, coping strategies used, and experiences of psychological intervention. Results: Most participants (83.1%) reported worsening of ED symptomatology, though factors affecting symptom change differed between specific EDs. Emotion regulation, such as having fewer strategies, poorer emotional clarity, and non-acceptance of emotions, explained nearly half of the variance in emotional distress during the pandemic, and to a lesser extent also predicted ED symptomatology and symptom change. Qualitative findings indicated that difficult emotions (such as fear and uncertainty), changes to routine, confinement and unhelpful social messages were triggering for participants during the pandemic. While some participants described employing positive coping strategies (such as limiting social media exposure), many reported using ED behaviours (among other maladaptive strategies, like alcohol use) to cope with the pandemic. Finally, loss of treatment support, feeling underserving of support and experiencing a ‘detached connection’ online were further exacerbating factors for these participants. Discussion: Our results show that people with EDs have been strongly affected by the pandemic, and that while beneficial for some, online treatment may need some improvement. Our paper discusses implications for online treatment such as taking into account personal circumstances and, in a time where people have limited control over the antecedents of negative emotion, the need to develop skills to manage emotions when they arise.
Overexpression of a methyl-CpG-binding Protein Gene OsMBD707, Leads to Larger Tiller Angles and Reduced Photoperiod Sensitivity in Rice
Authors: Qu Mengyu , Zhang Zhujian , Liang Tingmin , Niu Peipei , Wu Mingji , Chi Wenchao , Chen Zi-Qiang , Chen Zai-Jie , Zhang Shubiao , Chen Songbiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins play important roles in epigenetic gene regulation, and have diverse molecular, cellular, and biological functions in plants. MBD proteins have been functionally characterized in various plant species, including Arabidopsis, wheat, maize, and tomato. In rice, 17 sequences were bioinformatically predicted as putative MBD proteins. However, very little is known regarding the function of MBD proteins in rice.Results: We explored the expression patterns of the rice OsMBD family genes and identified 13 OsMBDs with active expression in various rice tissues. We further characterized the function of a rice class I MBD protein OsMBD707, and demonstrated that OsMBD707 is constitutively expressed and localized in the nucleus. Transgenic rice overexpressing OsMBD707 displayed larger tiller angles and reduced photoperiod sensitivity—delayed flowering under short day (SD) and early flowering under long day (LD). RNA-seq analysis revealed that overexpression of OsMBD707 led to reduced photoperiod sensitivity in rice through regulating expression of key flowering regulator genes in the Ehd1-Hd3a/RFT1 pathway.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that OsMBD707 plays important roles in rice growth and development, and should lead to further studies on the functions of OsMBD proteins in growth, development, or other molecular, cellular, and biological processes in rice.
The Dissemination of Relevant Information on Wildlife Utilization and Its Connection With Illegal Trade
Authors: Song Zhifan , Wang Qiang , Miao Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xuehong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Taking African elephant (Loxodonta africana), tiger (Panthera tigris) and totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), whose populations are more threatened by illegal trade, as examples, this study aims to analyze the generation and dissemination mechanism of relevant information on wildlife utilization, and explore their association with illegal wildlife trade. We compared illegal wildlife trade with related information in order to find potential associations, searched for relevant information on major international websites to summarize similarities of related information production and dissemination, and used “Zhiwei” dissemination analysis platform to analyze the dissemination of information circulated at Microblog. The results show that the most influential information related to the use of wildlife is mainly generated from news media websites and new self-media platforms, mainly from non-governmental organizations concerned with wildlife protection. The main factors that affect the depth and breadth of disseminating relevant information on wildlife utilization include participation of relatively influential opinion leaders, the verification ratio of forwarding users, the number of fans, and affective commitment. Misleading information can stimulate and promote poaching and smuggling of wildlife, regardless of the real market demand for them or their products. Therefore, we should carefully examine all links in the course of information dissemination to purify the information environment and reduce the adverse effects of misleading information on wildlife protection.
Newcastle Disease Virus Induced Pathologies Severely Affect the Exocrine and Endocrine Functions of Pancreas in Chickens
Authors: Rehman Zaib Ur , Ren Shanhui , Butt Salman Latif , Anwar Muhammad Naveed , Sun Yingjie , Manzoor Zahid , Qiu Xusheng , Li Tan , Liao Ying , Song Cuiping , Liu Weiwei , Meng Chunchun , Ding Chan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious and devastating disease in poultry, Newcastle disease (ND), which is particularly characterized by extensive pathologies in the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems. ND cause heavy economic losses to the world poultry industry by decreasing growth rate, decrease egg productions, mortality and morbidity. Although, significant advances have been made in the vaccine development, but outbreaks are reported in vaccinated birds leading decrease growth rate. Methods: In this study, we report the damage caused by the NDV infection in the pancreas of vaccinated as well specific pathogen free chickens. Results: The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed sever damage in the form of partial depletion of zymogen granules, acinar cell vacuolization, necrosis, and apoptosis, congestion in the large and small vessels, sloughing of epithelial cells of pancreatic duct, and mild perivascular edema. Increased plasma levels of corticosterone, somatostatin, were observed in NDV infected chicks at 3 and 5-day post infection (DPI). Slight decrease in the plasma concentrations of the insulin were noticed at 5 DPI. Significant changes were not observed in the plasma levels of glucagon. Furthermore, NDV infection has decreases the activity and mRNA expression of amylase, lipase, and trypsin from the pancreas. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings highlight that NDV induces extensive tissue damage in pancreas, decrease the activity and expression of pancreatic enzymes and increase plasma corticosterone and somatostatin.
N-carbamylglutamate and L-arginine Supplementation Improve the Intestinal Oxidative Resistance of the Intrauterine Growth-retarded Ovine Fetuses&nbsp;
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Yi , Wang Mengzhi , Mabrouk Elsabagh , Wang Hongrong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The maternal under nutrition-induced intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with intestinal oxidative injury in fetuses and neonates in various animal models. However, whether maternal dietary Arginine (Arg) and N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation during IUGR alters fetal small intestine redox status is unclear.Objective: The ovine model of IUGR was used to elucidate whether dietary supplementation of rumen-protected Arg (RP-Arg) and NCG modulates the fetal intestinal oxidative resistance via the nitric oxide (NO) -dependent pathway. Methods: On day 35 of gestation, 32 twin-bearing Hu ewes were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups, 8 ewes each. The first and second groups received 100% (Control, CON) and 50% (restricted, RES) of NRC-recommended pregnancy nutrient requirements, respectively. The third and fourth treatment groups included the RES ewes supplemented with 20 g/day of RP-Arg (RES+ARG) or 5 g/day of NCG (RES+NCG), respectively. On day 110 of gestation, fetal blood and intestinal specimens were collected and assayed for oxidative damage biomarkers. Results: The NCG or Arg-supplemented RES ewes elevated the fetal jejunal NO concentrations and NO synthase (NOS) activity, but decreased the fetal jejunal and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) compared with those in the RES ewes. Further, the NCG or Arg treatment increased the contents of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), heme oxygenase (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), epithelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) in the fetal jejunum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that both NCG and Arg supplementation for RES ewes help maintain intestinal function in fetuses experiencing IUGR through modulating the oxidation status.
A Review of Diagnostic Methods and Results for HIV-associated Disseminated Histoplasmosis: Shouldn’t We be Involving Pathologists More Systematically?
Authors: Nacher Mathieu , Valdes Audrey , Adenis Antoine , Abboud Philippe , Demar Magalie , Djossou Felix , Epelboin Loic , Misslin Caroline , Blanchet Denis , Couppie Pierre , Alsibai Kinan Drak 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Disseminated histoplasmosis is a major killer of HIV-infected persons in Latin America. Antigen detection, fungal culture, or Polymerase Chain Reaction are often not available, but cytology and histology are usually present in most hospitals and may represent an important diagnostic alternative. In this study, we review 34 years of clinical experience to describe the respective place of cytology and histology to diagnose disseminated histoplasmosis.Methods. Between January 1st, 1981 and October 1st, 2014, a retrospective multicentric study was performed on 349 patients with confirmed disseminated histoplasmosis. Results. Whereas bone marrow was by far the most common sample taken, only 14.9% of samples were screened using cytopathology, the second most frequent sample taken was bonchoalveolar lavage for which 9.9% were subjected to cytopathological analysis, and finally spinal fluid for which 16.4% were subjected to cytopathological analysis. The samples most systematically sent to pathology were liver biopsies, lower digestive tract, and lymphnode biopsies and the most contributive in terms of positive results were lower digestive tract (72.9% positives), lymph node (66.1%), and liver (50.7%). 97.2% of bone marrow samples were subjected to direct examination by the mycologist, the second most frequent sample taken was bronchoalveolar lavage for which 97% were subjected to direct examination. Positive direct examination was independently associated with death (aHR=1.5 (95%CI=1-2.2), and positive pathology was associated with less mortality ((aHR=0.66 (95%CI=0.44-1). Conclusions. Opportunities for a rapid diagnosis were regularly missed, notably for bone marrow samples which could have been examined using complementary staining methods to those of mycologist.