bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characteristics of a novel cecropin from the armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Lian Kaiqi , Zhang Mingliang , Liang Xiuli , Zhou Lingling , Shi Zhiqi , Tang Yajie , Wang Xueping , Song Yuwei , Zhang Yuanchen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The recent emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria has increased the need to develop effective alternatives to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides have been considered as a promising product with several advantages. Results: In this present study, we identified a novel cecropin from the armyworm, Mythimna separata (armyworm cecropin 1, AC-1) by transcriptome sequencing and multi-sequence alignment analysis . The AC-1 precursor comprised 63 amino acid residues, containing a conserved cleavage site of the signal peptide, Ala 23 -Pro 24 , while the mature AC-1 included 39 amino acid residues. Chemically-synthesized AC-1 exhibited low hemolytic activity against chicken red blood cells, low cytotoxicity against swine testis cells, and effective antimicrobial activity against Salmonella , Escherichia coli ( E. c oli ), Klebsiella pneumonia ( K. pneumonia ), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P . aeruginosa ). Its antimicrobial activity against Salmonella remained after incubation for 1 h at 100 °C or in 250 mM NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 solution, implying good thermal- and salt-resistant stabilities. The bactericidal effect of AC-1 on E. c oli gradually increased with the increase of AC-1 concentration, and AC-1 could cause significant deformation , severe edema, cytoplasmic lysis, cell membrane damage of E. c oli , and reduce intracellular electron density. Additionally, the fusion protein AC-1 expressed in E. coli was digested by enterokinase protease to obtain the AC-1, which showed similar antimicrobial activity against E. c oli with chemically-synthesized AC-1. Conclusions: This study identified a novel antimicrobial peptide that may represent a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Trends in Measles Cases in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A Five-year Review of Case-based Surveillance Data (2014- 2018).
Authors: AWORABHI NENI , Numbere Tamunowari , Balogun Muhammed Shakir , Usman Aisha , Utulu Rowland , Ebere Nkechi , Omubo Wakiente , Stow Jones , Abba Shehu , Olorukooba Abdulhakim 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Measles is a vaccine preventable, highly transmissible viral infection that affects mostly children under five years. It has been ear marked for elimination and Nigeria adopted the measles elimination strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO) African region to reduce cases and deaths. This study was done to determine trends in measles cases in Bayelsa state, to describe cases in terms of person and place, identify gaps in the case-based surveillance data collection system and identify risk factors for measles infection. Methods We carried out a secondary data analysis of measles case-based surveillance data for the period of January 2014 to December 2018 obtained in Microsoft Excel from the State Ministry of Health. Cases were defined according to WHO standard case definitions. We calculated frequencies, proportions, estimated odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and multivariate analysis. Results A total of 449 cases of measles were reported. There were 245(54.6%) males and the most affected age group was 1-4 years with 288(64.1%) cases. Of all cases, 289(9.35%) were confirmed and 70 (48.27%) had received at least one dose of measles vaccine. There was an all-year transmission with increased cases in the 4th quarter of the year. Yenegoa local government area had the highest number of cases. Timeliness of specimen reaching the laboratory and the proportion of specimens received at the laboratory with results sent to the national level timely were below WHO recommended 80% respectively. Predictors of measles infection were, age less than 5 years (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.91) and residing in an urban area (AOR: 1.55, 95% CI:1.02-2.34). Conclusions Measles infection occurred all-year round, with children less than 5 years being more affected. Measles case-based surveillance system showed high levels of case investigation with poor data quality and poor but improving indicators. Being less than 5 years was protective of measles while living in urban areas increased risk for infection. We recommended to the state government to prioritize immunization activities in the urban centers, start campaigns by the 4th quarter and continue to support measles surveillance activities and the federal government to strengthen regional laboratory capacities.
Psoralen alleviates high glucose-induced HK-2 cell injury by a mechanism involving miR-847 upregulation
Authors: Lin Yongtao , Zhong Lili , Li Hailun , Xu Yong , Li Xiang , Zheng Donghui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) causes the vast proportion of excess mortality for patients with diabetes. Novel therapeutic approaches slowing down its incidence is still lacking. Psoralen is the major active ingredient of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (PCL), which was used to treat a number of diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether psoralen could alleviate DN and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Cell viability assay and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of psoralen on high glucose (HG)-stimulated human kidney HK-2 cells. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expressions of miRNA in cells. Cell transfection, apoptosis assay and Western blot were further performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results Psoralen alleviated HG-induced viability decrease of HK-2 cells via inhibiting apoptosis. Meanwhile, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation induced by HG in HK-2 cells were also decreased by psoralen. In addition, the expression of miR-874 in HK-2 cells was significantly upregulated by psoralen. Western blot assays indicated that psoralen inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling via upregulation of miR-874. Conclusion This study demonstrated that psoralen could significantly alleviate HG-induced HK-2 cell injury via upregulation of miR-874. Therefore, psoralen might serve as an agent for the treatment of DN.
Predictive Factors of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Previously Healthy Young Adults: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Changzhi , Huang Zhe , Hu Yi , Geng Shuang , Tan Weijun , Li Xueying , Yin Wen , Xiao Yang , Tao Zhaowu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Several previously healthy young adults have developed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and a few of them progressed to the severe stage. However, the factors are not yet determined. Method: We retrospectively analyzed 123 previously healthy young adults diagnosed with COVID-19 from January to March 2020 in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan. Patients were classified as having mild or severe COVID-19 based on their respiratory rate, SpO2, and PaO2/FiO2 levels. Patients’ symptoms, computer tomography (CT) images, preadmission drugs received, and the serum biochemical examination on admission were compared between the mild and severe groups. Significant variables were enrolled into logistic regression model to predict the factors affecting disease severity. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to validate the predictive value of predictors. Result: Age; temperature; anorexia; and white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, platelet count, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, albumin, and fibrinogen values were significantly different between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that lymphopenia (P=0.010) indicated severe prognosis in previously healthy young adults with COVID-19, with the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.791(95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.704–0.877)(P<0.001). Conclusion: For previously healthy young adults with COVID-19, lymphopenia on admission can predict severe prognosis.
Retinoblastoma ( Rb ) promotes senescence of corneal endothelial cells by inhibiting the activation of E2F2
Authors: Jiang Alan , Mao longbing , Duan sujuan , Zhang yanyan , Liu xing , Cui wenwen , Sang yi , Huang Guofu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Senescence-like changes occur in aging Corneal endothelial cells (CECs), and these changes are associated with decreased vision and age-related corneal diseases. such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED), chronic corneal allograft dysfunction (CCAD). Such changes have also been shown to cultured cell in vitro after passaging. Therefore, studying the mechanism of CEC senescence would aid in the development of anti-senescence treatment, which would benefit FED and CCAD. The tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (RB) gene product pRB triggers senescent growth arrest when inactivated. In this study, we used siRNA treatment to evaluate whether RB knockdown could suppress CEC senescence, and we investigated relevant molecular mechanisms.Methods RCECs were obtained and were cultured with or without siRb. Senescent cells were detected with a β-galactosidase senescence staining kit. The gene p21, which is associated with a senescent phenotype, was measured by RT-PCR. The morphology and migration of cultured RCECs were examined by phase-contrast microscopy. ZO-1 and N-Cadherin, which are involved in pump and barrier functions, were assessed by immunofluorescence. Cell cycle assessment was performed using a flow cytometer (BD FACSCalibur).Results As the cells were passaged, the number of senescent RCECs, the levels of the senescence-related gene p21, and the levels of senescence-associated secretory factors increased. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of RB led to suppression of cell senescence and the SASP. Furthermore, RB intervention increased the numbers of cells at the G2/M and S phase but did not influence the cell function or migratory ability. Knockdown of RB promoted the activation of E2F2.Conclusions We demonstrated that as the cells increased in passage number, the number of senescent RCECs, the levels of the senescence-related genes p21, and the levels of senescence-associated secretory factors increased. Retinoblastoma (Rb) promoted the senescence of corneal endothelial cells by inhibiting the activation of E2F2.
Impact of maternal age on birthweight in frozen embryo transfer cycles: an analysis including 12565 singleton newborns
Authors: Ni Zhexin , Sun Shuai , Cheng Wen , Yu Jin , Zhai Dongxia , Zhang Danying , Cai Zailong , Kuang Yanping , Yu Chaoqin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have investigated the effect of maternal age on assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rates. However, little is known about the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Does maternal age have an impact on singleton birthweight in FET cycles?Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre, involving singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer during the period from January 2010 to December 2017. A total of 12565 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled and were grouped into four groups according to the maternal age: <30, 30–34, 35–39, and ≥ 40 years old. Maternal age between 30 and 34 years old was taken as a reference group. Singleton birthweight was the key outcome measure. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight with controlling for a number of potential confounders.Results A modest decrease but no significant difference in birthweight and gestational age- and gender-adjusted birthweight (Z-scores) was observed in maternal age over 35 years old as compared with group with 30–34 years old. Further, multiple linear regression analyses indicated that maternal body mass index (BMI), embryo developmental stage at transfer, parity, number of embryos transferred, FET endometrial preparation, endometrial thickness, gestational age and newborn gender were all independent predictors of neonatal birthweight.Conclusion Grouping with different maternal age was not associated with mean birthweight and Z-scores of singletons resulting from FET.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate is a Predictive Factor for High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in a Community-Based 4.8-year Prospective Study
Authors: Han Jie , Wang Xiaona , Ye Ping , Cao Ruihua , Xiao Wenkai , Bai Yongyi , Wu Hongmei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Persistent elevation of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), which is considered as a sensitive and specific biomarker of myocardial injury, is frequently observed in patients with renal insufficiency. Meanwhile, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. With a highly sensitive assay, the prevalence of detectable highly sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT) is greatly improved even in general population. The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between renal function (eGFR) and myocardial injury (hs-cTnT) in a community-based population.Methods: We analyzed the relationship between baseline eGFR and follow-up hs-cTnT, and the change of hs-cTnT in 1354 participants after 4.8 years follow-up.Results: In Pearson’s correlation analysis, baseline eGFR showed a negative relationship with follow-up hs-cTnT (r=-0.439; P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, baseline eGFR was independently and negatively associated with follow-up hs-cTnT (β=-0.310, P = 0.005). Stepwise logistic regression models revealed that baseline eGFR was significantly associated with the change in hs-cTnT after 4.8 years follow-up. However, the change in eGFR was not associated with the change in hs-cTnT.Conclusions: Baseline eGFR levels were independently and negatively associated with follow-up hs-cTnT. Furthermore, baseline eGFR levels were an independent predictor of the change in hs-cTnT 4.8 years follow-up, indicating a relationship between renal function and myocardial injury in a community-based population.
Neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely low birth weight infants in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Ramdin Tanusha , Magadla Yoliswa , Saggers Robin T , Mphaphuli Aripfani Veronica , Bandini Rossella M , Ballot Daynia Elizabeth 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Improved survival in preterm infants whether due to technological progress or treatment like antenatal steroids, surfactant administration or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and aggressive resuscitation have raised the question about whether the survivors would be more prone to increased morbidity and adverse neurodevelopmental disability. Methods: This was a prospective follow-up study conducted in the neonatal unit of a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Bayley scales of infant and toddler development, version III, were conducted on a group of extreme low birth weight infants (ELBWI). The mean composite cognitive, language and motor sub-scales were reported. Infants were considered to be “at risk” if the composite subscale score was below 85 and “disabled” if the composite subscale score was below 70. Infants identified with cerebral palsy were also reported.Results: The mean birth weight of the study group was 858.5grams (95% CI 839.2- 877.8) and the mean gestational age was 27.5 weeks (95% CI 27.1-27.9). The majority of ELBWI enrolled in the study had at least one Bayley at a mean corrected age of 17.09 months (CI 16.04 to 18.14). The mean composite scores for cognition were 98.4 (CI 95.1-101.7), language 90.0 (CI 87.5-92.6) and motor 97.9 (CI 94.8-101.0). All mean scores fell within the normal range, but the composite language score was the lowest. The study did not diagnose cerebral palsy in any of the infants. The study found 28 (36.3%) infants to be “at risk” for neurodevelopmental delay. Significantly more males were classified as “at risk” than females (13/25 (52%) vs. 15/52 (28.8%). Late onset sepsis (sepsis18/37 (48.6%) vs. no sepsis 10/40 (25%) p=0.031) and longer duration of ventilation (median of 12 days (IQR 46) vs. median of 4.0 days (IQR 5) p=0.048) were significantly associated with an “at risk” classification. Conclusion: Rates of early neurodevelopmental impairment have altered minimally despite significant improvements in the overall survival of ELBWI. It is of paramount importance to ensure that early neurodevelopmental outcomes are accurately assessed so as to assist doctors and families in establishing a foundation for advocacy for the immediate intensive care and post discharge follow up.
XAF1 is identified as a novel hub gene and associated with the clinical characteristics of lupus nephritis
Authors: Zeng Xingruo , Xie Tian , Sun Jiaxing , Lei Yufei , Jia Lin , Wei Zimeng , Jamal Muhammad , Qin Hong , zhang qiuping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. At present, the definitive therapies towards LN remains to be elucidated, so illuminating the molecular mechanism behind the disease has become an urgent task for researchers. This study set out to screen the hub genes of LN.
Methods

The microarray expression profile dataset GSE32591 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with 15 normal and 32 LN samples was assessed in this study. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on the LN-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Nephroseq database was performed to identify correlation analysis between unexplored hub genes and clinical features of LN. Additionally, the expression of the candidate genes was detected in the kidney tissue by immunohistochemistry.
Results

The 14 genes (13 upregulated and 1 downregulated) ultimately screened out as candidate hub genes of the pathogenesis of LN. Moreover, Correlation analysis between the unexplored hub genes and clinical features of LN suggested that XAF1 may involve in the progression of LN. Finally, our data demonstrated that the expression level of XAF1 was upregulated in LN compared with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and related to the WHO Lupus Nephritis Class and the quantitative 24 h proteinuria of LN patients.
Conclusions

The current study proposed XAF1 as a novel hub gene in LN which may perform as a brand-new biomarker or therapeutic target of LN in the future.
ATTRIBUTES OF SUPERINTENDENTS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Godeiro de Medeiros Lima Victor , De Oliveira Gonçalves Andrea 
Published: May 2020

The study aims to verify the relationship between financial performance and the attributes of the superintendents of teaching hospitals linked to EBSERH. The research sample involved 48 superintendents who worked in one of the 26 teaching hospitals whose data were available for the period from 2017 to 2019. Through panel data analysis, medium complexity contracting performance (desempenho de contratualização de média complexidade, in brazilian portuguese) was considered as a dependent variable and the independent variables are gender, level of formal education and professional experience (both tenure and in the sector). The control variables are the budget, number of employees and number of beds available in the hospital. The results pointed out that the male gender and the level of formal education are related to improved financial performance. The tenure is negatively related. It therefore concludes that these attributes are related significantly to the results of the financial performance of hospitals, pointing out that the ideal superintendent would be a man, PhD and with a shorter tenure, which would imply a manager prone to take more risks and test new strategies, with greater technical knowledge about the area and with an urge to show competence and impose changes.
Keywords: Financial Performance. Attributes. Superintendents.
A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DA INOVAÇÃO PARA A COMPETITIVIDADE DOS SERVIÇOS ADMINISTRATIVO-OPERACIONAIS HOSPITALARES PRESTADOS ÀS OPERADORAS DE PLANOS DE SAÚDE.
Authors: Auad João Batista , Ávila Rafael Oliveira de 
Published: May 2020

Esta pesquisa teve como principal objetivo analisar como as instituições hospitalares utilizam a inovação dos processos para promover maior competitividade dos serviços administrativo-operacionais hospitalares prestados às operadoras de planos de saúde. Para a abordagem deste estudo optou-se por uma pesquisa qualitativa, com fins descritivos, por meio de estudo de casos múltiplos, tendo como procedimento técnico a análise de conteúdo. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas em seis hospitais privados da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte no período de dezembro/2016-janeiro/2017. Os resultados apresentados revelam que a utilização da inovação é realizada nos hospitais pesquisados de forma incipiente, não sistemática e intencional. As categorias de Custeio, de Compras, de Gestão dos leitos, de Faturamento e de Atendimento tiveram resultados satisfatórios ofertando benefícios para as operadoras de planos de saúde. Porém, as categorias de Estoques, Fluxo financeiro, Estrutura de redes e de computadores e Política de recursos humanos não foram satisfatórios, não ofertando benefícios para as operadoras de planos de saúde.
Palavras-chave: Inovação. Competitividade. Custos.
Comparative Proteome Analysis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Strains - H37Ra, H37Rv, CCDC5180, and CAS/NITR204: A Step Forward to Identify Novel Drug Targets
Authors: Gupta Shradheya R.R. , Gupta Ekta , Ohri Avnam , Shrivastava Sandeep Kumar , Kachhwaha Sumita , Sharma Vinay , Mishra Rupesh Kumar , Niraj Ravi Ranjan Kumar 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a causative agent of tuberculosis. It is a
non-motile, acid-fast, obligatory aerobic bacterium. Finding novel drug targets in Mycobacterium
tuberculosis has become extremely important as the bacterium is evolving into a more dangerous
multi-drug resistant pathogen. The predominant strains in India belong to the Central-Asian, East-
African Indian, and Beijing clad. For the same reason, the whole proteomes of a non-virulent strain
(H37Ra), a virulent (H37Rv) and two clinical strains, a Central-Asian clad (CAS/NITR204) and a
Beijing clad (CCDC5180) have been selected for comparative study. Selecting a phylogenetically
close and majorly studied non-virulent strain is helpful in removing the common and undesired proteins
from the study.

Objective:
The study compares the whole proteome of non-virulent strain with the other three virulent
strains to find a unique protein responsible for virulence in virulent strains. It is expected that
the drugs developed against identified targets will be specific to the virulent strains. Additionally, to
assure minimal toxicity to the host, we also screened the human proteome.

Methods:
Comparative proteome analysis was used for target identification and in silico validation
of identified target protein Rv2466c, identification of the respective ligand of the identified target
protein and binding interaction study using Molecular docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation
study were used in this study.

Results and Discussion:
Finally, eleven proteins were found to be unique in virulent strain only and
out of which, Rv2466c (PDB-ID: 4ZIL) was found to be an essential protein and identified as a putative
drug target protein for further study. The compound glutathione was found to be a suitable
inhibitor for Rv2466c. In this study, we used a comparative proteomics approach to identify novel
target proteins.

Conclusion:
This study is unique as we are assured that the study will move forward the research in
a new direction to cure the deadly disease (tuberculosis) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Rv2466c was identified as a novel drug target and glutathione as a respective ligand of Rv2466c.
Discovery of the novel drug target as well as the drug will provide a solution to drug resistance as
well as the infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.