bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends in behavioral risk and protective factors and their association with mortality rates: results from Brazil and Argentina
Authors: Santos Leonardo Pozza , Meller Fernanda de Oliveira , Amann Valeria Romina , Schäfer Antônio Augusto 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite available information on trends in behavioral factors for Brazil and Argentina, little is known about the association of these trends with mortality. Understanding this association is important to avoid early deaths.Objectives: To evaluate temporal trends in behavioral risk and protective factors in Brazil and Argentina, and to assess their association with overall and cause-specific mortality rates.Methods: Ecological study with data from two population surveys from Brazil and Argentina. Weighted prevalence of tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity for the 27 Brazilian state capitals and for the 23 Argentinean provinces were used as behavioral factors. Information on overall mortality as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancer mortality for the year 2015 was collected from national mortality banks of both countries. Estimated prevalence rates were used to describe trends in behavioral factors from 2006 to 2014 in Brazil, and from 2005 to 2013 in Argentina, while Pearson’s correlation and linear regression models were used to assess their association with overall and cause-specific mortality rates.Results: Brazil presented improvements in behavioral risk and protective factors: sharp decrease in tobacco smoking prevalence (from 15% to 9%), increase in regular fruit and vegetable consumption (from 28% to 36%), and increase in physical activity (45% to 51%). In Argentina, results were more disappointing: small reduction in tobacco smoking (from 55% to 50%) and decrease in physical activity (from 55% to 45%). In both countries, excessive alcohol consumption remained stable, with increase only among women. The association between behavioral factors and mortality showed that in those Brazilian capitals with higher prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, there were lower overall mortality rates. Stratification by gender revealed that significant results were only found among women.Conclusion: Prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables increased in Brazilian capitals and was associated with lower overall mortality rate, suggesting a positive impact of Brazilian policies to improve dietary intake patterns on its population’s mortality. Approaches focusing on behavioral factors are especially needed in Argentina to reach similar results of those seen in Brazil.
1-Methyl-D-tryptophan activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a pathway associated with bladder cancer progression
Authors: Dellê Humberto , Matheus Luiz Henrique Gomes , Dalmazzo Stephanie Vanin , Brito Rodrigo Barbosa Oliveira , Pereira Lucas Alves , Almeida Robson José , Camacho Cleber Pinto 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) is a promising target for immunotherapy in bladder cancer (BC). IDO1 breaks-down tryptophan to generate kynurenine derivatives, which may activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). AHR is an important target for carcinogens, but its association with BC progression was unknown. Two IDO1 inhibitors used in clinical trials are 1-methyl-D-tryptophan (MT) and INCB240360. Because MT is an aromatic hydrocarbon, it may be a ligand for AHR. We hypothesized that AHR could be associated with BC progression and that MT could activate AHR in BC. Methods : BC patients (n=165) were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A cut-off point for relative expression of AHR and cytochrome 450 enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1; markers of AHR activation) was determined to compare with the grade, stage, and tumor progression. For in vitro experiments, RT4 (grade 1) and T24 (grade 3) BC cells were incubated with MT and INCB240360 to evaluate the expression of AHR and CYP1A1. Results : AHR activation was associated with grade, stage, and progression of BC. T24 cells express more CYP1A1 than RT4 cells. Although IDO1 expression and kynurenine production are elevated in T24 cells concomitantly to CYP1A1 expression, IDO1 inhibitors were not able to decrease CYP1A1 expression, in contrast, MT significantly increased it in both cell lines. Conclusion : In conclusion, it is rational to inhibit IDO1 in BC, among other factors because it contributes to AHR activation. However, MT needs to be carefully evaluated for BC because it is an AHR pathway agonist independently of its effects on IDO1.
Deep sedation using propofol target-controlled infusion for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: a retrospective cohort study*
Authors: Guzzo María. E. García , Fernandez María Sol , Novas Delfina Sánchez , Salgado Sandra S. , Terrasa Sergio A. , Domenech Gonzalo , Teijido Carlos Alberto 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Propofol sedation is effective for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, but its narrow therapeutic window highlights the importance of identifying an optimal administration technique regarding effectiveness and safety. This study aimed to determine the incidence of significant adverse events in adult patients scheduled for gastrointestinal endoscopy under anaesthetist-performed sedation using propofol target-controlled infusion and determine its potentially improved safety over other anaesthetic strategies. Methods: This single-centre, retrospective cohort study took place in a tertiary referral university hospital. Medical records of 823 patients (age >18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification scores I–III) who had undergone elective gastrointestinal endoscopy under propofol target-controlled infusion sedation during September 2018 were reviewed. Outcomes included hypoxia, hypotension, and bradycardia events, requirement of vasoactive drugs, unplanned tracheal intubation or supraglottic device insertion, and need for advanced cardiac life support. Results: The most frequently encountered adverse event was oxygen desaturation <95% with an incidence of 22.35%. Vasoactive drug administration, hypotension, and oxygen desaturation <90% followed, with incidences of 19.2%, 12.64%, and 9.92%, respectively. Only 0.5% of patients required advanced airway management. Multivariate analysis revealed an association between hypotension events, colonoscopic procedures, and propofol doses (odds ratio: 3.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.43 to 6.61; P=0.004 and odds ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 1.29; P=0.046). A strong dose-effect relationship was found between hypoxia and obesity; patients with body mass index ≥40 were nine times (odds ratio: 10.22, confidence interval: 95% 2.83 to 36.99) more likely to experience oxygen desaturation <90% events. Conclusions: Propofol sedation using target-controlled infusion appears to be a safe and effective anaesthetic technique for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures with low rates of adverse events and could be more widely adopted in clinical practice.
An exploration of non-coding RNA in exosomes delivered by swine anterior pituitary
Authors: Xiong Jiali , Zhang Haojie , Zeng Bin , Liu Jie , Luo Junyi , Chen Ting , Sun Jiajie , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yong-Liang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The anterior pituitary is a key endocrine organ both in animal and human being drawing much concern. Exosomes are extracellular secretory vesicles carrying proteins, lipids and small RNAs. Previous studies have demonstrated that they had regulatory function both physiologically and pathologically. However, information on exosomes from anterior pituitary remains unknown.Results: In this study, we separated and identified exosomes from anterior pituitary of Duroc swine model for the first time. Total RNA was extracted and RNA-seq was performed, followed by a comprehensive analysis of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Resultantly, we obtained 343 known miRNAs and 73 novel miRNAs, 15545 lncRNAs and 494 circRNAs. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the ncRNAs in exosomes may participate in regulating intracellular signal transduction, cellular component organization or biogenesis, small molecule binding, transferase activity. The cross-talk between them also suggested that they may play an important role in signaling process and the biological regulation.Conclusions: This work firstly provides ncRNAs data in anterior pituitary exosomes from duroc swine breed. These results may serve as a fundamental resource for exploring the detailed functions of exosomes from anterior pituitary.
Putting Patients First: Collaborative Development of a Map for Patient-Centred Care by General Practitioners
Authors: Brickley Bryce , Williams Lauren T. , Morgan Mark , Ross Alyson , Trigger Kellie , Ball Lauren 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients, providers and health care organisations benefit from an increased understanding and implementation of patient-centred care (PCC) by general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to evaluate and advance a theoretical model of PCC developed in consultation with practising GPs and patient advocates.Methods: Qualitative description in a social constructivist/interpretivist paradigm. Participants were purposively sampled from six primary care organisations in south east Queensland/northern New South Wales, Australia. Participants engaged in focus group discussions where they expressed their perceptions, views and feelings of an existing PCC model. Data was analysed thematically using a constant-comparison approach.Results: Three focus groups with 15 patient advocates and three focus groups with 12 GPs were conducted before data saturation was obtained. Three themes emerged: i) the model represents the ideal, ii) considering the system and collaborating in care and iii) optimising the general practice environment. The themes related to participants’ impression of the model and new components of PCC perceived to be experienced in the ‘real world’. The data was synthesised to produce an advanced model of PCC named, “Putting Patients First: A Map for PCC”.Conclusions: Our map represents an enhanced understanding of PCC in the ‘real world’ and can be used to inform patients, providers and health organisations striving for PCC. Qualitative testing advanced and supported the credibility of the model and expanded its application beyond the doctor-patient encounter. Future work could incorporate our map for PCC in tool/toolkits designed to support GPs and general practice with PCC.
A role for B cells to transmit hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Desombere Isabelle , Houtte Freya Van , Farhoudi Ali , Verhoye Lieven , Buysschaert Caroline , Gijbels Yvonne , Couvent Sibyl , Swinnen Wilfried , Vlierberghe Hans Van , Elewaut André , Stamataki Zania , Meuleman Philip , McKeating Jane , Leroux-Roels Geert 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly variable and transmits through infected blood to establish a chronic liver infection in the majority of patients. Our knowledge of the infectivity of clinical HCV strains is hampered by the lack of in vitro cell culture systems that support efficient viral replication. We previously reported that laboratory strains of HCV associated with non-permissive B cells could trans-infect hepatocytes and thereby evade host neutralizing antibody responses, suggesting a role for B cells in HCV transmission. To evaluate this hypothesis, we assessed the ability of B cells and sera from recent (<2 years) or chronic (≥ 2 years) infections to infect humanized liver chimeric mice. HCV was efficiently transmitted by B cells from chronically infected patients whereas the sera were non-infectious. In contrast, we noted that B cells from recently infected patients failed to transmit HCV to the mice, whereas all serum samples were infectious. Only patients with circulating anti-glycoprotein antibodies harbored genomic HCV-RNA in B cells. Taken together, our studies provide direct in vivo evidence for HCV transmission by B cells and these findings may have clinical implications for prophylactic and therapeutic antibody-based vaccine design.
Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the self-flocculating microalga Scenedesmus obliquus AS-6-11
Authors: Chen Bailing , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Ho Shih-Hsin , Chang Jo-Shu , Zhao Xinqing , Bai Fengwu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Scenedesmus obliquus belongs to green microalgae and is widely used in aquaculture as feed, which is also explored for lipid production and bioremediation. However, genomic studies of this microalga have been very limited. Cell self-flocculation of microalgal cells can be used as a simple and economic method for harvesting biomass, and it is of great importance to perform genome-scale studies for the self-flocculating S. obliquus strains to promote their biotechnological applications.
Results
We sequenced the genome of the self-flocculating microalga S. obliquus AS-6-11 employing the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform, and used the MECAT software for de novo genome assembly. The estimated genome size of S. obliquus AS-6-11 is 172.3 Mbp with an N50 of 94,410 bp, and 31,964 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 65 GO terms and 428 biosynthetic pathways. Comparing to the well-studied green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella variabilis, Volvox carteri and Micractinium conductrix, the genome of S. obliquus AS-6-11 encodes more unique proteins, and some of them might be responsible for the self-flocculating phenotype. These genes encode D-mannose binding lectin, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall proteins, and proteins with fasciclin domains that are commonly found in cell surface proteins, respectively. Four genes encoding both GPI-anchored cell wall proteins and fasciclin domain proteins are the most interesting targets for further studies.
Conclusions
To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the in-depth annotation of the S. obliquus genome, and the results will facilitate functional genomic studies of this important microalga. The comparative genomic analysis here also provides new insights into the evolution of green microalgae. Furthermore, identification of the potential genes encoding proteins for the self-flocculation of microalgal cells will benefit studies on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype for its better control and biotechnological applications as well.
Design and Development of Multi-target Directed 1,2,3-triazole-dimethylaminoacryloyl-chromenone Derivatives with Potential use in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Askarani Hajar Karimi , Iraji Aida , Rastegari Arezoo , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Firuzi Omidreza , Akbarzadeh Tahmineh , Saeedi Mina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Molecular Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Structural Genes: Evidence of Positive Selection in Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhan Xiao-Yong , Zhang Ying , Zhou Xuefu , Huang Ke , Qian Yichao , Leng Yang , Yan Leping , Huang Bihui , He Yulong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic since early 2020 and is still a serious public health issue world-wide. Four structural proteins, envelope (E), membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) glycoprotein, play a key role in controlling the entry into human cells and virion assembly of SARS-CoV-2. The evolution of these genes may determine the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, but is largely unknown.
Results:

We analyzed roughly 3090 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from GenBank database. The distribution of four gene alleles is determined: 16 for E, 40 for M, 131 for N and 173 for S genes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that global SARS-CoV-2 isolates can be clustered into three to four major clades based on the protein sequence. Although intragenic recombination event isn’t detected among different alleles, purifying selection has conducted on the evolution of these genes. By analyzing full genomic sequences of these alleles, it reveals that codon 614 of S glycoprotein has subjected to strong positive selection pressure and a consistent D614G mutation is identified. Additionally, another potential positive selection site at codon 5 in the signal sequence of the S protein is also identified with consistent L5F mutation. The allele containing D614G mutation has undergone significant expansion during SARS-CoV-2 transmission, implying a better adaptability of isolates with the mutation. However, L5F allele expansion is relatively restricted. The D614G mutation is located at the subdomain 2 (SD2) of C-terminal portion (CTP) of the S1 subunit. Protein structural modeling shows that the D614G mutation may cause the disruption of a salt bridge between S protein monomers and increase their flexibility, and in turn promote receptor binding domain (RBD) opening, virus attachment and entry into host cells. Located at the signal sequence of S protein as it is, L5F mutation may facilitate the protein folding, assembly, and secretion of the virus.
Conclusions:

This is the first evidence of positive Darwinian selection in the spike gene of SARS-CoV-2, which contributes to a better understanding of the adaptive mechanism of this virus and help to provide insights for developing novel therapeutic approaches as well as effective vaccines by targeting on mutation sites.
Pain Markers and Epidural Fibrosis Caused by Repeated Spinal Surgery in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Quan Meiling , Kim Jae-Hoon , Hwang Won-Ha , KIM Young-Yul 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Epidural fibrosis is one of the aetiologies of pain following spinal revision surgery. However, roles of epidural fibrosis caused by repeated spinal surgery and pain-related proteins in causing the post spinal surgery syndrome remain unknown. In this study, using a rat spinal surgery epidural fibrosis and adhesion model, we evaluate and investigated the relationship between pain marker and epidural fibrosis caused by repeated spinal surgery in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Methods
Sprague–Dawley rats that underwent repeated spinal surgery were divided into three groups: group A (single laminectomy), group B (two repeated surgeries) and group C (three repeated surgeries). Dural thickness was measured in each experimental group, and immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting of mitogen-activated protein kinases were performed (ERK, p38 and JNK).
Results
Dural thickness was 6.363 ± 1.911 µm in group A, 13.238 ± 2.123 µm in group B and 19.4 ± 2.115 µm in group C. In western blotting, phosphorylated ERK expression was higher in groups B (1.77 fold) and C (2.42 fold) than in group A. Phosphorylated p38 expression was higher in groups B (1.17 fold) and C (1.33 fold) than in group A. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that phosphorylated ERK and p38 expression gradually increased with the number of repeated surgeries, as evidenced by western blotting.
Conclusions
Repeated spinal surgery may increase dural thickness and expression of phosphorylated ERK and p38 in the spinal dorsal horn, suggesting that pain increases with repeated surgery.
Deletions of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes in rapid diagnostic test-negative Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Uganda
Authors: Nsobya Sam L , Walakira Andrew , Namirembe Elizabeth , Kiggundu Moses , Nankabirwa Joaniter I , Ruhamyankaka Emmanuel , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Conrad Melissa D , Kamya Moses R , Dorsey Grant , Rosenthal Philip J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) play a key role in malaria case management. The most widely used RDT identifies Plasmodium falciparum based on immunochromatographic recognition of P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2). Deletion of the homologous pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes leads to false-negative PfHRP2-based RDTs, and has been reported in P. falciparum from South America and Africa. However, identification of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions has usually been based only on failure to amplify these genes using PCR, without confirmation based on protein expression, and our understanding of the true prevalence of deletions is incomplete. Methods: We investigated pfhrp2 / pfhrp3 deletions in blood samples from cross-sectional surveys in 2012-13 in three regions of varied malaria transmission intensity in Uganda. We evaluated samples with positive Giemsa-stained thick blood smears and negative PfHRP2-based RDTs by PCR amplification of conserved subunit ribosomal DNA for Plasmodium species, PCR amplification of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes to identify deletions, and bead-based immunoassays for expression ofPfHRP2. Results: Of 3516 samples collected in cross-sectional surveys, 1493 (42.5%) had positive blood smears, of which 96 (6.4%) were RDT-negative. Of these 96 RDT-negative samples, P. falciparum was identified in 56 (58%) and only non-falciparum plasmodial DNA in 40 (42%). In all 56 P. falciparum -positive samples there was a failure to amplify pfhrp2 or pfhrp3 :in 25 (45%) pfhrp2 was not amplified, in 39 (70%) pfhrp3 was not amplified, and in 19 (34%) neither gene was amplified. For the 39 P. falciparum -positive, RDT-negative samples available for analysis of protein expression, PfHRP2 was not identified by immunoassay in only four samples (10.3%); these four samples all had failure to amplify both pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 by PCR. Thus, only four of 96 (4.2%) smear-positive, RDT-negative samples had P. falciparum infections with deletion of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 confirmed by failure to amplify the genes by PCR and lack of expression of PfHRP2 demonstrated by immunoassay. Conclusion: False negative RDTs were uncommon, and deletions in pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 explained some of these findings, although most false negatives were not due to deletion of the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes.
Optimization of Natural Dyes Extraction from Mangifera indica (Gadung) Leaves
Authors: Hadi Ronaldo Pangestu , Valentina Jessicalina Joscelind 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In recent years, due to the massive pollution spread, the switchover to the eco-friendly process is being considered. Particularly, in textile industries, the wastewater containing dangerous substances dangers the condition of the rivers directing to the use of natural dyes. The existing traditional industries often use natural sources with lacks of study about the method and process condition to gain the best quality and the highest quantity of colorants. This study aim is to find the time for the extraction using common materials and simple method resembling the real situation. The common natural dye source, Mangifera indica leaves, particularly from Gadung species – a common type of Mangifera indica in Indonesia – is on this study using reflux method combined with methanol and water as its solvent separately. The steps used is a modification from the preceding process, which includes tannin and fatty acids in the final product. Spectral analysis indicated that the best time for extraction using water, which produces pale yellow color is 60 min, and the best time for extraction using methanol, which produces green color is 360 min. Therefore, the next application of boiling the materials with water can be reduced to the written times above.