bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of automated visual field testing on intraocular pressure
Authors: Bertaud S , Borowski E Skarbek , Abbas R , Baudouin C , Labbé A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the influence of automated visual field (VF) testing on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in the glaucoma department at Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital in Paris. Ninety-five right eyes of 95 patients followed for glaucoma or OHT were included. IOP was measured three times using a Nidek NT-510 non-contact tonometer within a maximum of 5 minutes before and after VF testing. Sub analyses using logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of gender, age, central corneal thickness (CCT), mean deviation (MD) of the VF, VF test duration and filtration surgery on IOP fluctuations.Results: There was no significant change in IOP after VF testing, with IOP’s 15.14 ± 4.00 mmHg before and 14.98 ± 3.33 mmHg after the VF (P = 0.4). The average change in IOP was 0.15 ± 1.82 mmHg. Using multivariate analysis, no effect of the VF test on IOP was found (global model fit R²=0.12), whether based on duration of the VF test (P=0.18) or the MD (P=0.7) after adjustment for age, gender, CCT and history of glaucoma surgery. Similarly, there was no significant difference within different types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma (P=0.36), chronic angle closure glaucoma (P=0.85) and OHT (P=0.42). The subgroup of patients with an IOP elevation ≥ 2mmHg had a significantly higher VF test duration (P=0.002).
The changes of corneal biomechanical properties with long-term treatment of prostaglandin analogue measured by Corvis ST
Authors: Wu Na , Chen Yuhong , Yang Yaping , Sun Xinghuai 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the corneal biomechanical changes in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients treated with long-term prostaglandin analogue (PGA). Methods: 111 newly diagnosed POAG patients, including 43 high tension glaucoma (HTG) and 68 normal tension glaucoma (NTG), were measured by Corvis ST to obtain intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal biomechanical parameters at baseline and at each follow-up visit after initiation of PGA treatment. The follow-up measurements were analyzed by the generalized estimate equation model with an exchangeable correlation structure. Restricted cubic spline was employed to estimate the dose-response relation between follow-up time and corneal biomechanics． Results: The mean follow-up time was 10.3 ± 7.02 months. Deformation amplitude (DA, β=-0.0015, P =0.016), the first applanation velocity (AV1, β=-0.0004, P =0.00058) decreased and the first applanation time (AT1, β=0.0089, P <0.000001) increased statistically significantly with PGA therapy over time after adjusting for age, gender, axial length, corneal curvature, IOP and CCT. In addition, AT1 was lower (7.2950 ± 0.2707 in NTG and 7.5889 ± 0.2873 in HTG, P =0.00011) and AV1 was greater (0.1478 ± 0.0187 in NTG and 0.1314 ± 0.0191 in HTG, P =0.00002) in NTG than in HTG after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions: Chronic use of PGA probably could influence the corneal biomechanical properties directly, which is to make cornea less deformable. Besides, corneas in NTG tended to be more deformable compared to those in HTG with long-term treatment of PGA.
Enhanced PRL-1 expression in placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells accelerates hepatic function via mitochondrial dynamics in a cirrhotic rat model
Authors: Kim Jae Yeon , Choi Jong Ho , Jun Ji Hye , Park Sohae , Jung Jieun , Bae Si Hyun , Kim Gi Jin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) have been highlighted as an alternative cell therapy agent that has become a next-generation stem cell treatment. Phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1), an immediate early gene, plays a critical role during liver regeneration. Here, we generated enhanced PRL-1 in PD-MSCs (PD-MSCsPRL-1, PRL-1+) using lentiviral and nonviral gene delivery systems and investigated mitochondrial functions by PD-MSCPRL-1 transplantation for hepatic functions in a rat bile duct ligation (BDL) model. Methods: PD-MSCsPRL-1 were generated by lentiviral and nonviral AMAXA gene delivery systems and analyzed for their characteristics and mitochondrial metabolic functions. Liver cirrhosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using common BDL for 10 days. PKH67+ naïve and PD-MSCsPRL-1 were intravenously administered into cirrhotic rats using a nonviral system (2x106 cells/animal). The animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks after transplantation and engraftment of stem cells, and histopathological analysis and hepatic mitochondrial functions were performed. Results: PD-MSCsPRL-1 were successfully generated using lentiviral and nonviral AMAXA systems and maintained characteristics similar to those of naïve cells. Compared with naïve cells, PD-MSCsPRL-1 improved respirational metabolic states of mitochondria. In particular, mitochondria in PD-MSCsPRL-1 generated by the nonviral AMAXA system showed a significant increase in the respirational metabolic state, including ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis (*p<0.05). Furthermore, transplantation of PD-MSCsPRL-1 using a nonviral AMAXA system promoted engraftment into injured target liver tissues of a rat BDL cirrhotic model and enhanced the metabolism of mitochondria via increased mtDNA and ATP production, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: Our findings will further our understanding of the therapeutic mechanism of enhanced MSCs and provide useful data for the development of next-generation MSC-based cell therapy and therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine in liver disease.
Investigating selected host and parasite factors potentially impacting upon seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Bama, Burkina Faso
Authors: Somé Anyirékun , Bazié Thomas , Y. Ehrlich Hanna , Goodwin Justin , Lehane Aine , Neya Cathérine , Kabre Zakary , Wade Martina , OUATTARA Jean-Marie , Foy Brian , Dabiré K. Roch , Parikh Sunil , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Since 2014, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with amodiaquine-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AQ-SP) has been implemented on a large scale during the high malaria transmission season in Burkina Faso. This paper reports the prevalence of microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infection at the outset and after the first round of SMC in children under five years old in Bama, Burkina Faso, as well as host and parasite factors involved in mediating the efficacy and tolerability of SMC. Methods: Two sequential cross-sectional surveys were conducted in late July and August 2017 during the first month of SMC in a rural area in southwest Burkina Faso. Blood smears and dried blood spots were collected from 106 and 93 children under five, respectively, at the start of SMC and again three weeks later. Malaria infection was detected by microscopy and by PCR from dried blood spots. For all children, day 7 plasma concentrations of desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ) were measured and CYP2C8 genetic variants influencing AQ metabolism were genotyped. Samples were additionally genotyped for pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y, molecular markers associated with reduced amodiaquine susceptibility. Results: 2.8% (3/106) of children were positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection by microscopy and 13.2% (14/106) by nested PCR within 2 days of SMC administration. Three weeks after SMC administration, in the same households, 4.3% (4/93) of samples were positive by microscopy and 14.0% (13/93) by PCR (p=0.0007). CYP2C8*2, associated with impaired amodiaquine metabolism, was common with an allelic frequency of 17.1% (95%CI=10.0-24.2). Day 7 concentration of DEAQ ranged from 0.48 to 362.80 ng/mL with a median concentration of 56.34 ng/mL. Pfmdr1 N86 predominated at both time points, whilst a non-significant trend towards a higher prevalence of pfcrt 76T was seen at week 3. Conclusion: This study showed a moderate prevalence of low-level malaria parasitaemia in children 3 weeks following SMC during the first month of administration. Day 7 concentrations of the active DEAQ metabolite varied widely, likely reflecting variability in adherence and possibly metabolism. These findings highlight factors that may contribute to the effectiveness of SMC in children in a high transmission setting.
Perception of Inappropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Rababa Mohammad , Rababa'h Abeer 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in older adults is a prevalent issue and associated with adverse health outcomes. There is limited evidence about older adults’ perception of PPI use and its associated side effects. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and awareness of older adults about PPI use and its side effects and willingness to stop PPI and its associated factors.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 120 older adults from three local healthcare centers located in Irbid, Jordan. Older adults’ perception of PPI use was measured by Patients’ Perceptions of Proton Pump Inhibitor Risks and Attempts at Discontinuation Survey.
Results
The majority of older adults were not familiar with any report linking PPI use with side effects, reported no concern related to the chronic side effects of PPI, and had not discussed the benefits and risks of PPI with their primary care providers (PCPs). Although a majority did not try to stop PPI, most older adults were willing to stop PPI due to its side effects, particularly if recommended by PCPs. Factors associated with long-term use of PPI included age, indication for gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), improvement of GERD symptoms, and being comfortable to reduce or stop PPI. Recommendations by PCPs to stop PPI (p = 0.049) and a greater level of concern about long-term side effects of PPI (p < 0.0001) were the only two statistically significant predictors of previous attempts to stop PPIs.
Conclusions
Concern about PPIs is associated with attempts to stop PPI, particularly with PCPs’ recommendation. The risks and benefits of PPIs should be discussed with PCPs to avoid making inappropriate decisions regarding PPI therapy. The Long-term use of PPIs should be carefully evaluated.
Evolving geographic diversity in SARS-CoV2 and in silico analysis of replicating enzyme 3CLpro targeting repurposed drug candidates
Authors: Chitranshi Nitin , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Rajput Rashi , Godinez Angela , Pushpitha Kanishka , Sheng Ting , Mirzaei Mehdi , You Yuyi , Basavarajappa Devaraj , Gupta Veer , Graham Stuart 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been initiating pandemics since the beginning of the century. In December 2019, the world was hit again by a devastating SARS episode that has so far infected almost four million individuals worldwide, with over 200,000 fatalities having already occurred by mid-April 2020, and the infection rate continues to grow exponentially. SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single stranded RNA pathogen which is characterised by a high mutation rate. It is vital to explore the mutagenic capability of the viral genome that enables SARS-CoV-2 to rapidly jump from one host immunity to another and adapt to the genetic pool of local populations. Methods: For this study, we analysed 2,301 complete viral sequences reported from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. SARS-CoV-2 host genomes were collected from The Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database containing 9 genomes from pangolin-CoV origin and 3 genomes from bat-CoV origin, Wuhan SARS-CoV2 reference genome was collected from GeneBank database. The Multiple sequence alignment tool, Clustal Omega was used for genomic sequence alignment. The viral replicating enzyme, 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) that plays a key role in its pathogenicity was used to assess its affinity with pharmacological inhibitors and repurposed drugs such as anti-viral flavones, biflavanoids, anti-malarial drugs and vitamin supplements. Results: Our results demonstrate that bat-CoV shares >96% similar identity, while pangolin-CoV shares 85.98% identity with Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 genome. This in-depth analysis has identified 12 novel recurrent mutations in South American and African viral genomes out of which 3 were unique in South America, 4 unique in Africa and 5 were present in-patient isolates from both populations. Using state of the art in silico approaches, this study further investigates the interaction of repurposed drugs with the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzyme, which regulates viral replication machinery. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides insights into the evolving mutations, with implications to understand viral pathogenicity and possible new strategies for repurposing compounds to combat the nCovid-19 pandemic.
Quantitative EEG as a biomarker in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies
Authors: Schumacher Julia , Taylor John-Paul , Hamilton Calum A. , Firbank Michael , Cromarty Ruth A. , Donaghy Paul C. , Roberts Gemma , Allan Louise , Lloyd Jim , Durcan Rory , Barnett Nicola , O’Brien John T. , Thomas Alan J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate using quantitative EEG (1) differences between patients with mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and MCI with Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD) and (2) its utility as a potential biomarker for early differential diagnosis. Methods: We analyzed eyes-closed, resting state, high-density EEG data from highly phenotyped participants (39 MCI-LB, 36 MCI-AD, and 31 healthy controls). EEG measures included spectral power in different frequency bands (delta, theta, pre-alpha, alpha, and beta), theta/alpha ratio, dominant frequency, and dominant frequency variability. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were performed to assess diagnostic accuracy. Results: There was a shift in power from beta and alpha frequency bands towards slower frequencies in the pre-alpha and theta range in MCI-LB compared to healthy controls. Additionally, dominant frequency was slower in MCI-LB compared to controls. We found significantly increased pre-alpha power, decreased beta power, and slower dominant frequency in MCI-LB compared to MCI-AD. EEG abnormalities were more apparent in MCI-LB cases with more diagnostic features. There were no significant differences between MCI-AD and controls. In the ROC analysis to distinguish MCI-LB from MCI-AD, beta power and dominant frequency showed the highest area under the curve values of 0.71 and 0.70, respectively. While specificity was high for some measures (up to 0.97 for alpha power and 0.94 for theta/alpha ratio), sensitivity was generally much lower. Conclusions: Early EEG slowing is a specific feature of MCI-LB compared to MCI-AD. However, there is overlap between the two MCI groups which makes it difficult to distinguish between them based on EEG alone.
The combined usage of Matrine and Osthole inhibited endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis induced by PCV2
Authors: Xu Yinlan , Sun Panpan , Wan Shuangxiu , Guo Jianhua , Zheng Xiaozhong , Sun Yaogui , Fan Kuohai , Yin Wei , Sun Na , Li Hongquan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an important DNA pathogen commonly in pig farms, which can cause immunosuppression and induce apoptosis. To evade clearance by the host immune system, PCV2 constantly builds up complex mechanisms or mutates genes, it is difficult to eradicate complex PCV2 infection by relying on vaccine immunity and one compound. At present, there is no literature report on the effective prevention and treatment of PCV2 infection by the combined a of two or more compounds through multiple pathways and multiple targets. We have previously demonstrated the anti-PCV2 effect of Matrine in vitro, but its mechanism has not been further studied. Many literatures have proved that Osthole has a variety of pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study explored the synergistic antiviral effect of Matrine combined with Osthole and the synergistic anti-apoptosis mechanism in the same pathway and targets.Results: It was first demonstrated that Osthole alone had anti-PCV2 effect and the synergistic anti-PCV2 effect combined with Matrine was better than Matrine and Osthole alone by qPCR, IFA and Western blot results. Subsequently, demonstrated that the reduction of endoplasmic reticulum PERK apoptosis induced by PCV2 was mainly contributed the mechanism of anti-PCV2 using these two extracts by Annexin V-FITC/PI, JC-1 and Western blot results. Finally, it was further demonstrated that Matrine combined with Osthole could inhibit the expression of Cap in cap-transfected PK-15 cells, thus inhibiting Cap-induced PERK apoptosis. In this study, Ribavirin was used as the positive control.Conclusions: It was proved that the synergistic anti-PCV2 effect of Matrine combined with Osthole was significantly better than that of Matrine and Osthole alone. And the two ombined, with Cap and GRP78 as potential targets of anti-PCV2, further inhibited PERK apoptosis induced by PCV2 infection by directly inhibiting the expression of PCV2 Cap protein. The results formed a basis for further studies on the mechanism of anti-PCV2 in vivo using Matrine combined with Osthole and developing new anti-PCV2 compounds with Cap and GRP78 as therapeutic targets.
Measuring ecological preference for growth of the most influential weeds in weed community structure associated with agronomic and horticultural crops in Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Mahgoub Alaa M.M.A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The studying of the performance of weeds and weed assemblages associated with different crops through phytosociological researches derives its importance mainly from weeds adverse impact on crop productivity. Hopefully, the current study is beneficial for developing a sustainable long term weed control and soil management strategy. The objective of the present work is to measure three ecological preferences: crop diversification, soil type and crop seasonality. A sample area was selected comprising farmland of Nile Delta and its adjoining east and west territories, Egypt. Sixty-four sites in 12 governorates comprising 30 agroecosystems were monitored. 150 species were designated as most influential weed-species out of 555 species recorded. Ecological preference for species for crop seasonality was evident through the results of Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). Three weed communities or weed assemblages’ groups (WAG) were identified. Their diversity evaluated and their linear correlation strength was determined. The fidelity measurements showed that 60-species have fidelity to WAG A; 46 to WAG B; 44 to WAG C. Measuring the ecological preference of species for crop diversification and soil type indicated that the growth activity of 36-species was more affected by crop diversification; 63-species preferential for growth in fine grained soil (FGS) and 87-species in coarse grained soil (CGS). By employing Redundancy analysis (RDA) with variation partitioning (VP), the variability in species frequency in WAG that can be explained by ecological preference of species for the three ecological preferences was determined and variation was partialized out to estimate their partial, linear effect. In fact, weed control is a recalcitrant issue and the current study revealed that a portion of the solution is in a successful crop diversification plan. The successful selection for a competitive crop that can be taken seriously as an adequate weed controlling mechanism in a crop rotation technique will cause the strongest population reduction of harmful weeds on infested farmland, especially in relevance for crops grown for organic certification.
Metformin inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation by modulating PI3K/Akt-induced major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A gene expression
Authors: Xia Chenglai , Liu Chang , He Zhihong , Cai Yantao , Chen Jinman 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Recent studies have shown that the classic hypoglycemic drug metformin inhibits tumor growth; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We previously showed that metformin disrupts the sponge effect of long non-coding RNA MALAT1/miR-142-3p to inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we interrogated the ability of metformin to modulate the anti-tumor immune response in cervical cancer. Methods:The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the viability of cervical cancer cells. Flow cytometry assays were performed to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay was used to detect NK Cell Cytotoxicity. Relative protein levels were determined by immunoblotting and relative gene levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Tumor Xenograft Modeling was used to evaluate the effect of metformin in vivo.Results: Metformin inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, cervical cancer xenograft growth, expression of PCNA, p-PI3K and p-Akt. Moreover metformin induced cervical cancer cell apoptosis and caused cancer cell cycle arrest. In addition, metformin upregulated the expression of DDR-1 and p53 in human cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, metformin also regulated the mRNA and protein expression of MICA and HSP70 on the surface of human cervical cancer cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway, enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that metformin may be used as immunopotentiator to inhibit cervical cancer progression and may be considered a viable candidate for combination therapy with immunotherapy.