bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HBsAg quantification predicts off-treatment response to interferon in chronic hepatitis B patients：A retrospective study of 250 cases
Authors: Wu Shuai , Luo Wenfan , Wu Yin , Chen Hongjie , Peng Jie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: For chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients without willingness to extend the routine duration of interferon (IFN) therapy, it is important to identify patients who will benefit from treatment cessation. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification is recommended for management of IFN therapy. At present, the understanding on end-of-treatment (EOT) HBsAg level predicting post-treatment response to IFN is still finite. Methods: Patients with CHB infection and treated with IFN-based therapy during the period from December 2010 to December 2017 at Nanfang Hospital were enrolled in this study. Serum HBsAg levels at EOT were measured to evaluate the associations between EOT HBsAg levels (Group 1, HBsAg >0.05 and ≤10 IU/mL; Group 2, HBsAg >10 and ≤200 IU/mL; Group 3, HBsAg >200 IU/mL) with post-treatment HBsAg loss. Chi-squared, t-test, ,Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression analysis, and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyse and evaluate differences between the there groups. Results: The cumulative HBsAg loss rates 5 years after treatment in Group 1-3 were 30.4% (17/56), 9.8%(4/41) and 0%(0/153) (p<0.001). An EOT HBsAg level of >10 IU/mL showed relatively high negative predictive value (NPV) of up to 97.9% for HBsAg loss. Low baseline HBsAg level <25000 IU/mL, on-treatment HBsAg decline >1 log10IU/mL at week 24 and EOT HBsAg level ≤10 IU/mL were found significantly associated with HBsAg loss. A total of 6 patients have achieved HBsAg loss at EOT and 17 patients with EOT HBsAg level ≤10 IU/mL have achieved post-treatment HBsAg loss. Baseline characteristics, dynamic changes of on-treatment HBsAg and duration of IFN therapy were balanced across patients with EOT or post-treatment HBsAg loss. Conclusion: EOT HBsAg level can serve as a monitoring indicator for IFN therapy. EOT HBsAg level ≤10 IU/mL was found to lead to high rate of post-treatment HBsAg loss. For patients without willingness to extend IFN treatment, off-treatment follow-up could be considered when HBsAg level decreased to ≤10 IU/mL.
Effects of resveratrol on cariogenic virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Jinheng , Wu Tiantian , Peng Weiwei , zhu yaqin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans is the principal etiological agent of human dental caries. The major virulence factors of S. mutans are acid production, acid tolerance, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis and biofilm formation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of resveratrol, a natural compound, on virulence properties of S. mutans .
Results: Resveratrol at sub-MIC levels significantly decreased acid production and acid tolerance, inhibited synthesis of water-soluble polysaccharide and water-insoluble polysaccharide, compromised biofilm formation. Related virulence gene expression ( ldh, relA, gtfC, comDE ) was down-regulated with increasing concentrations of resveratrol.
Conclusions : Resveratrol has an inhibitory effect on S. mutans cariogenic virulence properties and it represents a promising anticariogenic agent.
Keywords : resveratrol, Streptococcus mutans , acidogenicity, aciduricity, extracellular polysaccharide, biofilm
Integrated transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches proffer insights into chlorogenic acid (CGA) biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato
Authors: Liu Yi , Su Wenjin , Wang Lianjun , Lei Jian , Chai Shasha , Jiao Chunhai , Zhang Wenying , Yang Xinsun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Phenolic compounds play key roles in health protection and leafy sweet potato is an excellent source of total phenolics (TP). The chlorogenic acid (CGA) family, which includes caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4-diCQA), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-diCQA) , constitutes the major components of phenolic compounds in leafy sweet potato. However, the mechanism of CGA biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato is unclear. The objective of present study is to dissect the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis by using transcriptome, small RNA (sRNA) and degradome sequencing.
Results: Transcriptome sequencing of twelve samples (triple replicates) from one low-CGA content genotype and one high-CGA content genotype at two stages (65 and 85 days after planting) identified a total of 2333 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The enriched DEGs were related to photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In this study, functional genes CCR , CCoAOMT and HCT in the CGA biosynthetic pathway were uniformly downregulated, indicating the way to lignin was altered, and two possible CGA biosynthetic routes were hypothesized. The sRNA sequencing identified a total of 38 DE miRNAs. Using in silico approaches, 1799 targets were predicated for 38 DE miRNAs. The target genes were enriched in lignin and phenylpropanoid catabolic processes. Transcription factors (TFs) such as apetala2 /ethylene response factor ( AP2/ERF ) and Squamosa promoter binding protein-like ( SPL ) predicated in silico were validated by degradome sequencing. Association analysis of the DE miRNAs and transcriptome datasets identified that miR156 family targeted DHQ / SDH (3-dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase), the key gene in the phenylpropanoid pathway.
Conclusions: This study established comprehensive functional genomic resources for the CGA biosynthesis and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms involving in this process. The results also enabled the first perceptions of the regulatory roles of mRNAs and miRNAs and offered candidate genes for leafy sweet potato improvement s.
The Effect of Occupational Stress on Depression and Insomnia: a Cross-sectional Study Among Employees in a Ghanaian Telecommunication Company
Authors: Kploanyi Emma Edinam , Dwomoh Duah , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Depression and insomnia are major psychiatric conditions that are predicted by occupational stress. However, the influence of occupational stress on these two conditions is under-explored in telecommunication companies, especially in Africa. This research was conducted to assess occupational stress in a Ghanaian telecommunication company and its effect on depression and insomnia.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among employees at a telecommunication company in Accra. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used in collecting data from 235 respondents using simple random sampling. Chi-square test of independence and the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test were employed to assess the significance of associations with subsequent sensitivity analysis using Multiple logistic, Poisson and Probit regression models. Occupational stress was matched on three variables: age of the workers, responsibility for dependents and work experience, to improve on the estimation of its impact on symptomatic depression and insomnia using the coarsened exact matching procedure.

Results

More males (52.8%) than females participated in this study. The age range for study participants was 20-49 years with a mean of 30.8 ± 6.9 years. The prevalence of occupational stress among the employees was 32.8% (95% CI= 26.7-38.8). More than half of respondents (51%) reported depressive symptoms in the past week and only a few (6%) reported being diagnosed with insomnia in the past year. Age, responsibility for dependents and work experience were the only background characteristics that were significantly associated with perceived occupational stress. After controlling for background characteristics, the estimated risk of reporting symptoms of depression among employees who perceived stress from work was only 5% higher [ARR; 95% CI=1.05 (0.94-1.17)] whereas it was 2.58 times the risk of reporting insomnia [ARR; 95% CI=2.58(0.83-8.00)] compared to those who did not perceive stress from their jobs. The relative risk reduced to 2.46[ARR; 95% CI=2.46(0.77-7.87)] and 1.03[ARR; 95% CI=1.03(0.91-1.17)] for insomnia and depression respectively after employing Poisson regression with CEM.

Conclusion

The study found a higher risk of insomnia among employees who reported occupational stress compared to those who did not. However, there was not enough statistical evidence to conclude that occupational stress was associated with depression among the study participants.
Do the human gut metagenomic species possess the minimal set of core functionalities necessary for life?
Authors: Soverini Matteo , Rampelli Simone , Turroni Silvia , Brigidi Patrizia , Biagi Elena , Candela Marco 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Advances in bioinformatics recently allowed for the recovery of ‘metagenomes assembled genomes’ from human microbiome studies carried on with shotgun sequencing techniques. Such approach is used as a mean to discover new unclassified metagenomic species, putative biological entities having distinct metabolic traits.
Results: In the present analysis we compare 400 genomes from isolates available on NCBI database and 10,000 human gut metagenomic species, screening all of them for the presence of a minimal set of core functionalities necessary, but not sufficient, for life. As a result, the metagenome-assembled genomes resulted systematically depleted in genes encoding for essential functions apparently needed to support autonomous bacterial life.
Conclusions : The relevant degree of lacking core functionalities that we observed in metagenome-assembled genomes raises some concerns about the effective completeness of metagenome-assembled genomes, suggesting caution in extrapolating information about their metabolic propensity and ecological role in a complex environment like the human gastrointestinal tract.
WITHDRAWN: Successful implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces nausea and vomiting in patients after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Lu Dan , Wang Yuan , Zhao Tianzhi , Liu Bolin , Ye Lin , Zhao Lanfu , Zhao Binfang , Li Mingjuan , Ma Lin , Li Zhengmin , Niu Jiangtao , Lv Wenhai , Zhang Yufu , Zheng Tao , Xue Yafei , Chen Lei , Chen Long , Sun Xude , Gao Guodong , Chen Bo , He Shiming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives : Infratentorial craniotomy patients have a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown in multiple surgical disciplines to improve outcomes, including reduced PONV. However, very few studies have described the application of ERAS to infratentorial craniotomy. The aim of this study was to examine whether our ERAS protocol for infratentorial craniotomy could improve PONV.
Methods : We implemented an evidence-based, multimodal ERAS protocol for patients undergoing infratentorial craniotomy. A total of 105 patients who underwent infratentorial craniotomy were randomized into either the ERAS group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 55). Primary outcomes were the incidence of vomiting, nausea score, and use of rescue antiemetic during the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative anxiety level, sleep quality, and complications.
Results: Over the entire 72 h post-craniotomy observation period, the cumulative incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the control group. Meanwhile, the incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the ERAS group on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 3. Notably, the proportion of patients with mild nausea (VAS 0-4) was higher in the ERAS group as compared to the control group on PODs 2 or 3. Additionally, the postoperative anxiety level and quality of sleep were significantly better in the ERAS group.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of our ERAS protocol in infratentorial craniotomy patients could attenuate postoperative anxiety, improve sleep quality, and reduce the incidence of PONV, without increasing the rate of postoperative complications.
Indole -3-acetic acid improves drought tolerance of white clover via activating auxin, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid related genes and inhibiting senescence genes
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Li Yaping , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Li Zhou , Peng Yan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Auxin may have a positive effect on plants under drought stress. White clover is widely cultivated and often prone to water shortages. In the present study, we investigated the effects of exogenous indole -3-acetic acid (IAA) on growth and physiological changes of white clover under drought stress condition. The contents of endogenous IAA and other hormones including ABA, CTK, JA, GA, IAA, and SA were assayed. Moreover, expressions of auxin-responsive genes, drought-responsive genes and leaf senescence-associated genes were detected in response to exogenous IAA. Results: Compared to control, drought stress alone significantly diminished stem dry weigh, relative water content (RWC) and total chlorophyll content (Chl). Exogenous IAA treatment significantly increased RWC and Chl, whereas L-AOPP treatment drastically decreased stem dry weight, RWC and Chl under drought stress condition. Additionally, exogenous IAA treatment significantly increased ABA content and JA content, up-regulated expression of auxin responsive genes ( GH3.1 , GH3.9 , IAA8 ), drought stress responsive genes ( bZIP11 , DREB2 , MYB14 , MYB48 , WRKY2 , WRKY56 , WRKY108715 and RD22 ), and down-regulated expressions of auxin-responding genes ( GH3.3 , GH3.6 , IAA27 ) and leaf senescence genes ( SAG101 and SAG102 ) in the presence of PEG. Contrarily, L-AOPP treatment significantly reduced contents of ABA, GA3 and JA, down-regulated expressions of GH3.1 , GH3.9 , IAA8 , bZIP11 , DREB2 , MYB14 , MYB48 , WRKY2 , WRKY56 , WRKY108715 , ERD and RD22 , and up-regulated SAG101 and SAG102 . Conclusions: Exogenous IAA improved drought tolerance of white clover possibly due to endogenous plant hormone concentration changes and modulation of genes involving in drought stress response and leaf senescence. These results provided useful information to understand mechanisms of IAA improved drought tolerance in white clover.
Identification and analysis of KLF13 variants in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Li Wenjuan , Li Baolei , Li Tingting , Zhang Ergeng , Wang Qingjie , Chen Sun , Sun Kun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The protein Kruppel-like factor 13 (KLF13) is a member of the KLF family and has been identified as a cardiac transcription factor that is involved in heart development. However, the relationship between KLF13 variants and CHDs in humans remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to screen the KLF13 variants in CHD patients and genetically analyze the functions of these variants. Methods: KLF13 variants were sequenced in a cohort of 309 CHD patients and population-matched healthy controls (n = 200) using targeted sequencing. To investigate the effect of variants on the functional properties of the KLF13 protein, the expression and subcellular localization of the protein, as well as the transcriptional activities of downstream genes and physical interactions with other transcription factors, were assessed. Results: Two heterozygous variants, c.487C>T (P163S) and c.467G>A (S156N), were identified in two out of 309 CHD patients with tricuspid valve atresia and transposition of the great arteries, respectively. No variants were found among healthy controls. The variant c.467G>A (S156N) had increased protein expression and enhanced functionality compared with the wild type, without affecting the subcellular localization. The other variant, c.487C>T (P163S), did not show any abnormalities in protein expression or subcellular localization; however, it inhibited the transcriptional activities of downstream target genes and physically interacted with TBX5, another cardiac transcription factor. Conclusion: Our results show that the S156N and P163S variants may affect the transcriptional function of KLF13 and physical interaction with TBX5. These results identified KLF13 as a potential genetic risk factor for congenital heart disease.
Aggravated brain injury after neonatal hypoxic ischemia in microglia depleted mice
Authors: Tsuji Shunichiro , Martino Elena Di , Mukai Takeo , Tsuji Shoko , Murakami Takashi , Harris Robert , Blomgren Klas , Aden Ulrika 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Although microglia are largely responsible for injury-induced inflammatory response, they play beneficial roles in both normal and disease states. However, the effects of microglial depletion on neonatal HIE remain unclear.
Methods: Tamoxifen was administered to Cx3cr1CreER/+Rosa26DTA/+ (microglia-depleted model) and Cx3cr1CreER/+Rosa26DTA/- (control) mice at P8 and P9 to assess the effect of microglial depletion. The density of microglia was quantified using Iba-1 staining. Moreover, the proportion of resident microglia after the HI insult was analyzed using flow cytometric analysis. At P10, the HI insult was conducted using the Rice-Vannucci procedure at P10. The infarct size and apoptotic cells were analyzed at P13. Cytokine analyses were performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at P13.
Results: At P10, tamoxifen administration induced >99% microglial depletion in DTA+ mice. Following HI insult, there was persisted microglial depletion over 97% at P13. Compared to male DTA- mice, male DTA+ mice exhibited significantly larger infarct volumes; however, there were no significant differences among females. Moreover, compared to male DTA- mice, male DTA+ mice had a significantly higher density of TUNEL+ cells in the caudoputamen, cerebral cortex, and thalamus. Moreover, compared to female DTA- mice, female DTA+ mice showed a significantly greater number of TUNEL+ cells in the hippocampus and thalamus. Compared to DTA- mice, ELISA revealed significantly lower IL-10 and TGF-β levels in both male and female DTA+ mice under both normal conditions and after HI (more pronounced).
Conclusion: We established a microglial depletion model that aggravated neuronal damage and apoptosis after the HI insult, which was predominantly observed in males.
Reverse reaming distraction for acetabular reconstruction of chronic pelvic discontinuity
Authors: Sun Jing-yang , Ni Ming , Ma Hai-yang , Du Yin-qiao , Shen Jun-min , Chen Ji-ying , Zhou Yong-gang , Zhang Guo-qiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction The acetabular distraction technique demonstrates encouraging radiographic and clinical outcomes in treating chronic pelvic discontinuity. The aim of this study is to describe a modified distraction technique and to show our results. Methods This study identified 12 cases of chronic pelvic discontinuity undergoing primary or revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the technique of reverse reaming distraction between July 2015 and November 2018. All 12 patients had a minimum followup of 12 months. Radiographs were reviewed to inspect for component loosening. Clinical assessment included the Harris hip score (HHS) and an ambulatory scoring system. Results At the time of final follow-up, no patient was revised. One patient had up to 1 cm migration of the cup in a horizontal or vertical direction and more than 20° change in the abduction angle but was asymptomatic. In the remaining 11 patients, no migration of the component was detected. Both the HHS and ambulatory score showed improvement in all patients. There were no perioperative complications. No postoperative dislocation occured. Conclusions Reverse reaming distraction is a feasible technique in treatment of chronic pelvic discontinuity. Sometimes it can work with the aid of augment or cup-cage construct. When both the superior and inferior portions of the pelvis achieve osteointegration into the porous metal cup, a long-term durability can be expected.
Opening Large-Conductance Potassium Channels Selectively Induced Cell Death of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sizemore Gina , McLaughlin Sarah , Newman Mackenzie , Brundage Kathleen , Ammer Amanda , Martin Karen , Pugacheva Elena , Coad James , Mattes Malcolm , Yu Han-Gang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Unlike other breast cancer subtypes that may be treated with a variety of hormonal or targeted therapies, there is a need to identify new, effective targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It has recently been recognized that membrane potential is depolarized in breast cancer cells. The primary objective of the study is to explore whether hyperpolarization induced by opening potassium channels may provide a new strategy for treatment of TNBC.
Methods: Breast cancer datasets in cBioPortal for cancer genomics was used to search for ion channel gene expression. Immunoblots and immunohistochemistry were used for protein expression in culture cells and in the patient tissues. Electrophysiological patch clamp techniques were used to study properties of BK channels in culture cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope were used for cell viability and cell cycle studies. Ultrasound imaging was used to study xenograft in female NSG mice.
Results: In large datasets of breast cancer patients, we identified a gene, KCNMA1 (encoding for a voltage- and calcium-dependent large-conductance potassium channel, called BK channel), overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer patients. Although overexpressed, 99% of channels are closed in TNBC cells. Opening BK channels hyperpolarized membrane potential, which induced cell cycle arrest in G2 phase and apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. In a TNBC cell induced xenograft model, treatment with a BK channel opener significantly slowed tumor growth without cardiac toxicity.
Conclusions: Our results support the idea that hyperpolarization induced by opening BK channel in TNBC cells can become a new strategy for development of a targeted therapy in TNBC.
Biomechanical investigation of pelvic stability in developmental dysplasia of the hip: unilateral salter osteotomy versus one-stage bilateral salter osteotomy
Authors: Li Lang , Yang Xiaodong , Song Bo , Jiang Jun , Yang Lei , Tang Xueyang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common disease in infants and children, and the treatment of bilateral DDH remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of one-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy for bilateral DDH in patients of walking age. Methods In total, nine child cadavers aged 2–6 years were included. A universal mechanical testing machine was used for stability test. We performed two different surgical procedures on the specimens: nine child cadavers underwent unilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy, and six child cadavers were randomly selected to undergo Salter pelvic osteotomy again to simulate one-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy. The stability of the bilateral sacroiliac joints, local stability of the operation area, ultimate load test, and axial stiffness were evaluated. Results Both unilateral and bilateral Salter osteotomy could destroy the integrity of the pelvic ring and increase the risk of pelvic instability. In this study, compared with unilateral Salter osteotomy, bilateral Salter osteotomy had similar pelvic stability, and there was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral Salter osteotomy in sacroiliac joint stability ( p > 0.05), local stability ( p = 0.763), ultimate load ( p = 0.328), and axial stiffness ( p = 0.480). Conclusions One-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy as a potential surgical method is viable and stable for children with bilateral DDH.