bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Piper sarmentosum extract alleviates inflammatory responses and improves barrier function in porcine intestinal epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Wang Dingfa , Zhou Luli , Hanlin zhou , Hou Guanyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of Piper sarmentosum extract (PSE) in the IPEC-J2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Meanwhile, we also tested the metabolomics profile of cells treated by LPS and PSE. Method: IPEC-J2 cells (6×105 cell/well) were seeded on 6-well plates, and cells were divided into three treatments (control, LPS treatment and LPS + PSE-NB treatment). Each treatment was conducted in five replicates. After incubation for 24 h, cells in LPS + PSE-NB treatment were treated by media containing PSE-NB at 10 ug/ml (cells in control and LPS treatments were treated by complete medium). Cells were culture for 24 h, and cells in LPS treatment and LPS + PSE-NB treatment then were treated by media contain 1 μg/ml of LPS (cells in control was treated by complete medium) for another 24 h. After treatment, cells were used for gene expression assays, protein expression assays and metabolomics analysis.Results: We demonstrated that LPS stimulation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.05) compared with the control in the IPEC-J2 cells. Piper sarmentosum extract with n-butanol (PSE-NB) pre-treatment with 10 ug/mL before LPS stimulation significantly decreased the expression of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α compared with LPS treatment (P < 0.05). We found that PSE-NB improved the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO1 and Occludin) and NHE3 that were reduced by LPS stimulation (P < 0.05). Moreover, PSE-NB alleviated LPS-induced protein expression of p65 and p-p65 (P < 0.05) and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that PSE-NB exert anti-inflammatory activity mainly through affecting tryptophan metabolism. Its metabolic product, melatonin, has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibition of NF-κB activation, which consistent with our results regarding to anti-inflammatory activity of PSE-NB on inflammatory signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results suggested that PSE-NB might attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the IPEC-J2 cells by regulating inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway and intracellular metabolic pattern.
Elimination of marginal and partial placenta previa from clinical perspective: is it rational?
Authors: Bi Shilei , Zhang Lizi , Wang Zhijian , Chen Jingsi , Tang Jingman , Gong Jingjin , Xie Sushan , Tan Hu , Lin Lin , Ren Luwen , Zeng Shanshan , Huang Lijun , Chen Dunjin , Du Lili , Wang Shaoshuai 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background We aimed to evaluate the difference between the effects of three categories of classifications of placenta previa (PP) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2009 and 2018. The three categories of PP were the four-classification (low-lying, marginal, partial, and complete PP), three-classification (low-lying, “marpartial,” and complete PP), and two-classification (low-lying PP and PP) methods. We performed multivariate analysis to determine the effects of these classifications on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results There were 4490 singleton pregnancies complicated with PP, of which 466, 1233, 140, and 2651 were low-lying, marginal, partial, and complete PP, respectively. As per the four-classification method, compared with women with low-lying PP, women with complete PP had a risk of placenta accrete spectrum, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), hemorrhagic shock, severe PPH, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, puerperal infection, preterm labor, NICU admission, and low birth weight. There was no difference in maternal and perinatal outcomes between marginal and partial PP, except for increased chances of preterm labor and low birth weight in partial PP. In the two-classification method, PP was the risk factor for most of the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Conclusions Complete and low-lying PP were associated with the highest and lowest risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, respectively, whereas clinically similar outcomes were observed between marginal and partial PP. The three-classification method may be practical from the ultrasound and clinical perspective.
The Effect of COVID-19 Stress on Sexual Compulsivity Symptom:The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Jianjun Deng , Tsingan Li. , Jiali Wang , Limei Teng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction Previous studies have revealed that the life event stress were associated with people’s psychology and behaviors, and impacted individuals’ sexual behaviors especially. However, few study have investigated the effect and mechanism of the emergency COVID-19 on psychosexual behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Thus, this primary objective of the research was to explore the links between COVID-19 stressing and sexual compulsive symptom, and perceived social support.Methods This study used a cross-design, 3219 undergraduate students were recruited online to complete all questionnaires. Results The obtained results conﬁrmed that COVID-19-stressing was correlated with perceive social support and sexual compulsive symptom, and perceived social support mediated the relation between COVID-19-stressing and sexual compulsive symptom; and gender moderated the link of COVID-19-stressing and perceive social support. In addition, in the case of the individuals’ sexual compulsive symptom, the regression analyses showed that COVID-19-stressing and perceive social support were significantly predicted. Conclusions Thus, the findings extends previous knowledge and provide highlighted ideas, indicating that the COVID-19 not only affected individuals’ physical health, but also impacted their psychological behaviors and intention, such as sexual compulsive symptom. Moreover, the findings revealed that compared to the female, the male students would promoted higher perceived social support when COVID-19-stressing is boosting.Policy Implication It is important that individuals’ sexual psychology were cared via professional consulting during people are isolation for the emergent infection.
Pig or Mouse for Microbiome Studies? Longitudinal Establishment of Human Fecal Bacterial Communities in Germ-Free Porcine and Murine Models
Authors: Aluthge Nirosh D. , Tom Wesley A. , Bartenslager Alison C. , Burkey Thomas E. , Miller Phillip S. , Heath Kelly D. , Kreikemeier-Bower Craig , Kittana Hatem , Schmaltz Robert J. , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Fernando Samodha Charaka 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Protective experience of diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China
Authors: Lihua Ma , Jianguo Cheng , Kaipeng Zhuang , Juan Li , Tao Zhang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Since December 2019, more than 77,665 patients have been diagnosed with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) in Wuhan, Hubei Province. According to previously published data, most of the critical and deceased patients are middle-aged and elderly patients with complications related to multiple chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. On January 29, The Lancet reported that 41 patients were infected by 2019-nCoV, and 8 patients were complicated with diabetes, accounting for 20% 1 . It has been suggested that diabetic patients are likely more susceptible to 2019-nCoV.At present, there is no effective treatment method or vaccine for NCIP. The prognosis of patients mainly depends on their immune system. However, diabetic patients with NCIP have higher requirements for treatment and nursing due to their complicated condition.To summarize the protective experience and provide a basis for hospital and patient care, we reviewed the protective mechanisms and effects in 12 diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Methods During nursing care, strict isolation and protection were emphasized, which included in-hospital isolation and protection, ward disinfection and isolation, ward environment layout, self-protection of medical staff, specimen collection and transportation; disease condition monitoring included blood glucose management, nutrition support, basic nursing, medication care, psychological support and discharge instructions. One patient died of complications due to gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and the other 11 patients were cured and discharged. Discussion Strict isolation, protection and disease monitoring are prerequisites for reducing complications and improving the cure rate of 2019-nCoV.
Positive RT-PCR Test Results in Discharged COVID-19 Patients: Reinfection or Residual?
Authors: tao jiejie , Hu Zhishan , Liu Jinjin , Pang Peipei , Fu Gangze , Qian Andan , Chen Shuangli , Lin Liaoyi , Cao Guoquan , Sun Houzhang , Yang Yunjun , Wang Meihao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease. Moreover, 14% of the discharged patients tested virus positive again. However, the underlying clinical mechanisms are still under investigation. Case presentation: The current study summarized the clinical course, radiological features and laboratory test results of two COVID-19 patients who tested positive again during the quarantine after hospital discharge. We found that while all symptoms were relieved, their lesions in lungs were not fully recovered, and both of them had slight coughs. In addition, when the lesions were further recovered and the cough symptoms were further remitted, they tested virus negative again. Conclusions: These results implied that the positive result is unlikely caused by the reinfection from others or the remained virus. Rather, it may derive from the remained virus transferred from the lower respiratory tract to the throat or nose with coughs. Accordingly, we proposed some suggestions regarding the discharge management. This study enhances our knowledge of the progress of COVID-19 and benefit the control of this disease.
An Analysis on the Clinical Features of MHD Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Single Center Study
Authors: li cheng , Yonglong Min , Can Tu , Dongdong Mao , Sheng Wan , Haifeng Liu , Fei Xiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study, we aimed to find out the features of the maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients infected with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Blood Purification Center of Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Hubei Province, China, and provide evidences for clinical treatment.Methods: We collected the data of all the MHD patients in this hemodialysis center by February 20, 2020, including those infected with COVID-19. These patients were divided into three groups: the control group (537 cases), confirmed group (66 cases) and suspected group (24 cases). We compared the relevant data of the three groups and analyzed the factors that may affect the possibility of catching COVID-19.Results: 1. By February 20, 2020, there were 627 MHD patients in the Hemodialysis Center of Wuhan No.1 Hospital. The prevalence rate of the COVID-19 was 14.35% (90/627, including 66 confirmed cases and 24 suspected cases); the fatality rate 13.33% (12/90, including 12 death cases); the mortality rate 1.91% (12/627).2. The comparison between the three groups revealed the following results: weekly hemodialysis duration (WHD), ultrafiltration volume (UFV) and ultrafiltration rate (UFR) of the confirmed group were obviously lower than those of the control and suspected groups (P＜0.05); the neutrophil ratio (N%), neutrophil (N#), monocyte (M#) and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) were significantly higher than those of the control group while the lymphocyte ratio (L%) was much lower (P＜0.05).3. The lung CT scans found three common features: bilateral abnormalities (81.54%), multiple abnormalities (84.62%) and patchy opacity (61.54%).4. The binary logstic regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR=5.404,95% CI 1.950～14.976, P=0.001) and hypertension (OR=3.099,95% CI 1.380～6.963, P=0.006) are independent risk factors for MHD patients to be infected with COVID-19; WHD (OR=0.846,95% CI 0.737～0.970, P=0.017), UFR (OR=0.012,95% CI 0.002～0.058, P＜0.001) and serum ferritin (SF, OR=0.823,95% CI 0.748～0.906, P＜0.001) are independent protective factors.Conclusion: MHD patients with diabetes or hypertension are more likely to be infected with COVID-19. In clinical treatment, hemodialysis duration, UFR and SF levels should be controlled appropriately to reduce the risk of infection.
LncRNA HULC regulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the miR-372/CXCR4 axis
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhou Xiaoli , Yang Jiayao , Shi Zhaohong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy and a major public health concern worldwide. Considering the public health risk posed by HCC, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression in order to identify more therapeutic targets. In this study, we will elucidate the role of LncRNA HULC in regulating HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the miR-372/CXCR4 axis. Material and MethodsTarget genes were predicted using the online TargetScan database. Cell models of gene over-expression and silencing were established by transfection, and the mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. In situ protein expression in tissues was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Results HULC and CXCR4 were upregulated and miR-372 was downregulated in HCC tissue and cells. TargetScan prediction and dual luciferase assay revealed that miR-372 can target HULC or CXCR4. Furthermore, HULC and CXCR4 enhanced the viability of HCC cells, whereas miR-372 had the opposite effect. Consistent with this, HULC and CXCR4 increased the proliferation of these cells and miR-372 showed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, HULC and CXCR4 blocked apoptosis in liver cancer cells and miR-372 facilitated the same. Finally, HULC and CXCR4 promoted EMT, as indicated by E-cadherin downregulation and Vimentin upregulation, whereas miR-372 had the opposite effects. Conclusion HULC upregulates CXCR4 in HCC cells by inhibiting miR-372, which in turn promotes the proliferation, inhibits the apoptosis and accelerates the EMT of HCC cells.
Density and sound velocity of liquid Fe-S alloys at Earth's outer core P-T conditions
Authors: Fu Jie , Cao Lingzhi , Duan Xiangmei , Belonoshko Anatoly B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPressure-temperature-volume (P-T-V) data on liquid iron-sulfur (Fe-S) alloys at the Earth's outer core conditions (~136 to 330 GPa, ~4000 to 7000 K) have been obtained by first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. We developed a thermal equation of state (EoS) composed of Murnaghan and Mie-Grüneisen-Debye expressions for liquid Fe-S alloys. The density and sound velocity are calculated and compared with Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM) to constrain the S concentration in the outer core. Since the temperature at the inner core boundary (TICB) has not been measured precisely (4850~7100 K), we deduce that the S concentration ranges from 10~14 wt% assuming S is the only light element. Our results also show that Fe-S alloys cannot satisfy the seismological density and sound velocity simultaneously and thus S element is not the only light element. Considering the geophysical and geochemical constraints, we propose that the outer core contains no more than 3.5 wt% S, 2.5 wt% O, or 3.8 wt% Si. In addition, the developed thermal EoS can be utilized to calculate the thermal properties of liquid Fe-S alloys, which may serve as the fundamental parameters to model the Earth's outer core.
Direct evidence for the source of uranium in the Baiyanghe deposit from accessory mineral alteration in the Yangzhuang granite porphyry, Xinjiang Province, northwest China
Authors: Zhang Long , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Guo , Wang Mou 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCircumstantial evidence for the sources of uranium in ore deposits may be drawn from the study of deposit geochemistry and mineralogy. However, direct evidence supporting uranium leaching from source rocks has rarely been found. This study investigates the source of uranium in the Baiyanghe deposit in the Xiemisitai Mountains, northwest China. The main uranium ore bodies occur as fracture-fillings along contact zones between the Yangzhuang granite porphyry and the Devonian volcanic rocks. Zircon, thorite, columbite-(Mn), and bastnäsite are the dominant accessory minerals that host uranium in the granite porphyry. In situ columbite-(Mn) LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 310 ± 4 Ma, suggesting that the Yangzhuang granite porphyry was emplaced during the Late Carboniferous. Backscattered electron (BSE) images reveal that various degrees of alteration of these same accessory minerals may be observed in the granite porphyry, and the altered domains of these minerals have lower BSE intensities compared to the unaltered domains. Results indicate that the altered domains of zircon grains have lower concentrations of Zr, Si, and U, and higher concentrations of Y, Fe, Ca, and P relative to the unaltered domains, and the altered domains of columbite-(Mn) grains are enriched in Ti and Fe and are depleted in Nb, Ta, Mn, U, and Zr. The altered domains of thorite grains have higher concentrations of Zr, Fe, Ca, Nb, and P, and lower Th and U compared to those of the relict domains. The petrochemical data indicate that the granite porphyry experienced losses in U, Be, F, Ba, Sr, Pb, Zr, Mo, Nb, Ta, and Hf during alteration. These results suggest that the past-magmatic hydrothermal fluids might be responsible for the mobilization of uranium form minerals in the granite porphyry. It is concluded that U-bearing accessory minerals in the granite porphyry were the primary source of uranium, and that post-magmatic hydrothermal processes caused remobilization and significant localized enrichment of the uranium to form high-grade ores as fracture-fillings along its contacts.
A multi-methodological study of kernite, a mineral commodity of boron
Authors: Gatta G. Diego , Guastoni Alessandro , Lotti Paolo , Guastella Giorgio , Fabelo Oscar , Fernandez-Diaz Maria Teresa 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Kernite, ideally Na2B4O6(OH)2∙3H2O, is a major constituent of borate deposits and one of the most important mineral commodities of B. The chemical composition and crystal structure of kernite from the Kramer Deposit (Kern County, California) were investigated by a suite of analytical techniques (i.e., titrimetric determination of B content, gravimetric method for Na, ion selective electrode for F, high-T mass loss for H2O content, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for REE and other minor elements, elemental analysis for C, N, and H contents) and single-crystal X-ray (at 293 K) and neutron (at 20 K) diffraction. The concentrations of more than 50 elements were measured. The general experimental formula of the kernite sample used in this study is Na1.99B3.99O6(OH)2∙3.01H2O. The fraction of other elements is, overall, insignificant: excluding B, kernite from the Kramer Deposit does not act as geochemical trap of other technologically relevant elements (e.g., Li, Be, or REE). The X-ray and neutron structure model obtained in this study confirms that the structure of kernite is built up by: two (crystallographically independent) triangular BO2OH groups and two tetrahedral BO4 groups, which share corner-bridging O atoms to form threefold rings, giving chains running along [010], and NaO4(OH)(OH2) and NaO2(OH)(OH2)3 polyhedra. Positional disorder of two H sites of H2O molecules was observed by the neutron structure refinement and corroborated by the maximum-entropy method calculation, which consistently provided a model based on a static disorder, rather than a dynamic one. The H-bonding network in the structure of kernite is complex, pervasive, and plays a primary role on its structural stability: the majority of the oxygen sites are involved in H-bonding, as donors or as acceptors. The potential utilizations of kernite, as a source of B (B2O3 ~50 wt%), are discussed, on the basis of the experimental findings of this study.
Preliminary investigation into the claims of the IBROM system
Authors: Vojdani Zahra , Gorczyca Beata 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Membrane filtration is commonly applied to reduce dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to control the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs); however, high levels of DOC can cause severe fouling of reverse osmosis membranes. The integrated biological and reverse osmosis membrane (IBROM) process is a combination of biological filters and reverse osmosis membranes. The IBROM process claims to remove biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC), which apparently should result in reduced membrane fouling. The goal of this research was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the claims of the IBROM system, using water collected from the Herbert water treatment plant (Saskatchewan). The plant is utilizing the IBROM for the treatment of a dugout and groundwater blend (DOC of 17.5–22.7 mg/L). The results demonstrated that BDOC concentrations did not change significantly throughout the plant. Optimized laboratory-scale coagulation with polyaluminium chlorohydrate achieved 58% removal of BDOC. Oxidation with permanganate increased the concentration of BDOC (from 5.7 to 8.8 mg/L). Overall, BDOC was effectively removed by optimized coagulation rather than the IBROM system. Moreover, the results show an inverse relationship between BDOC and THMs formation potential (THMFP) in both coagulated and oxidized water. For all concentrations, more biodegradable DOC had less tendency to form THMs based on the lower THMFP.