bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans against Salmonella Typhi toxic proteins
Authors: Mir Dilawar Ahmad , Balasubramaniam Boopathi , Bharathi Balasubramanian Chellammal Muthu , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy , VenkataKrishna Lappasi Mohanram 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacterial effector molecules are the crucial infectious agents and are sufficient to cause pathogenesis. In the present study, pathogenesis of Salmonella enteric serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) toxic proteins on the model host Caenorhabditis elegans was investigated by exploring the host regulatory proteins during infection through quantitative proteomics approach. In this regard, the host protein extract was analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and differentially regulated proteins were identified using MALDI TOF/TOF/MS analysis.Results: Out of the 150 regulated proteins identified, 95 proteins were appeared to be downregulated while 55 were upregulated. Interaction network for regulated proteins was predicted using STRING tool. Most of the downregulated proteins were found to be involved in muscle contraction, locomotion, energy hydrolysis, lipid synthesis, serine/threonine kinase activity, oxidoreductase activity and protein unfolding and upregulated proteins were found to be involved in oxidative stress pathways. Hence, cellular stress generated by S. Typhi protein extract on the model host was determined using lipid peroxidation, oxidant and antioxidant assays. In addition to that the candidate proteins resulted from the host protein extract analysis were validated by Western blotting and roles of several crucial molecular players were analyzed in vivo using wild type and mutant C. elegans.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the protein regulation in host C. elegans during S. Typhi toxic proteins exposure which highlights the significance of p38 MAPK and JNK immune pathways.
Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans, Bacterial toxic proteins, 2D-GE, MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS, oxidative stress pathways, Western blotting, immune pathways
Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 pandemic: Before-and-after online community survey.
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Brzeziński Michał , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna Gabriela 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 pandemic impacts many communities worldwide. In this study the Poles' knowledge about COVID-19 as well as people’s behaviours, attitudes and fears during the pandemic were assessed. Changes in these between the outset of the pandemic and the imposition of the strictest lockdown measures in Poland were investigated.
Methods
Physicians, nurses, students of medicine-oriented faculties, non-medical professionals, students of non-medicine-oriented faculties and secondary school students were surveyed by an anonymous online questionnaire two times: at the onset of the pandemic and in the second week of the strictest lockdown. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests - Chi square Persons, Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results
In total 2618 responses were collected. At the beginning people knew that the respiratory system was attacked (97.9%); correctly identified the major symptoms of COVID-19 (95.0%) and ways to prevent infection: hand washing (99.8%), covering mouth (85.9%) and the need to call sanitary-epidemiological services if one experienced COVID-19-like symptoms (92.1%).
The biggest changes between the first and second phase of the study concerned behaviours: more people wearing facial masks (+37.5%) and staying at home (+66.1%). Respondents in the second wave of the survey were also more scared of the pandemic (+19.6%), economic crisis (+64.1%), and worried about their families (+26.5%). However, they were less afraid of the quarantine (lockdown) (-18.2%). Nurses and physicians were the most worried groups.
Conclusions
The study showed that even at the outset of the pandemic Polish population had a good initial knowledge about symptoms, transmission, and preventive behaviours regarding COVID-19. People revealed more short-term concerns, such as the worries about coping with quarantine and isolation. After a month, the knowledge and the concerns among the respondents changed. A shift towards long-term pandemic management issues was observed. Respondents reported to experience more fears concerning the pandemic in general, as well as economic and healthcare crises. Medical professionals reported higher level of fear of the pandemic than other groups included in this study. This study uses before-and-after approach which highlights the changes in people’s knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic during the pandemic’s progression.
Keywords
online survey, COVID-19, medical personel, before-and-after study
Microbial community with predictive power can be a new non-invasive substitute for clinical and pathological identification of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shang Jin , Ren Zhigang , Li Ang , Guo Ruixue , Zhang Yiding , Ren Hongyan , Liu Chao , Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Fanliang , Ding Suying , Wang Haiyu , Xiao Jing , Zhao zhanzheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by increased incidence, deficient diagnostic methods and poor prognosis. New idea about altered gut microbiome associated with diagnosis and development of diabetic nephropathy remains to be verified. The major aim of our study is to relate fecal microbiome to clinically diagnosed diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or pathologically identified diabetic nephropathy (defined as DN) and further evaluate diagnosis potential of microbial markers for DKD/DN. We carried out 16S rRNA sequencing on a discovery cohort consisting of 352 patients (DKD = 120, DM = diabetes mellitus = 92, Con = healthy controls = 140) to identify microbial taxa and construct DKD classifier. Functional relevance and clinic correlation of microbiome changes were performed using PICRUSt and Spearman analysis, respectively. Independent 60 DKDs and 116 non-DKDs (DM = 46, Con = 70) were used to validate the results. The same analysis was performed on DKD pathologic subtypes (DN = 22, MN = membranous nephropathy = 22).
Results

DKD/DM samples had a distinct microbiome signature with lower alpha-diversity and significantly different microbial composition compared with Con (P < 0.001). Expansion of opportunistic pathogens (Peptostreptococcaceae_incertae_sedis, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Erysipelotrichaceae_incertae_sedis), sulphate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio) and depletion of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) (Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Blautia and Roseburia) were major contributors to above differences. Interestingly, mucosa-associated bacteria including Akkermansia and Ruminococcus were also increased in DKD. The combination of 11 microbial markers could separate 120 DKDs from 232 non-DKDs with an area under curve (AUC) of 88.12%. Correspondingly, diagnostic power of microbial biomarkers was evaluated in a validation cohort of 60 patients and 116 non-DKDs (AUC = 79.75%). Besides DKD-related lipid and arginine metabolism, we also observed an increase of metabolism of aromatic amino acid in DM. Additionally, microbial comparison was carried out between pathologic subtypes of DKD, which could be used to distinguish DN from MN with 77.69% AUC.
Conclusion

Gut microbiome-related changes were associated with pathogenesis of DKD/DN; Microbiota-targeted markers could be an alternative test for DKD diagnosis and a non-invasive choice to differentiate DKD pathologic subtypes.
Transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Vivanti Alexandre , Vauloup-Fellous Chistelle , Prevot Sophie , Zupan Veronique , Suffee Cecile , Cao Jeremy Do , Benachi Alexandra , Luca Daniele De 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has spread and became the first pandemics of the century. SARS-CoV-2 infection is transmitted through droplets; other transmission routes have been hypothesized but never confirmed. So far, it has been unclear whether and how SARS-CoV-2 can be vertically transmitted from the mother to the fetus. We demonstrated for the first time the transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a neonate born to mother infected in the last trimester. The transmission has been confirmed by a comprehensive virological study: SARS-CoV-2 transmission caused neonatal viremia placental inflammation which has been demonstrated by histological examination and immunohistochemistry. The neonate presented with neurological manifestation, consistent with those described in adult patients.
Clinical features of 162 fatal cases of COVID-19: a multi-center, retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Xianlong , Ding Guoyong , Fang Qing , Guo Jun , Yang Luyu , Wang Ping , Fu Shouzhi , Li Ang , Xia Jian , Yu Jiangtao , Xia Jianyou , Ma Min , Hu Zhuanzhuan , Huang Lei , Liu Ruining , Jiang Cheng , Li Shaoping , Yu Mingxia , Xu Xizhu , Zhao Yan , Hu Quan , Xing Weijia , Zhao Zhigang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of fatal cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 is import to develop appropriate preventable intervention programs in hospitals. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, clinical course, co-morbidities, laboratory findings, CT scans, treatments and complications of 162 fatal cases were retrieved from electric medical records in 5 hospitals of Wuhan, China. The median age was 69.5 years old (IQR: 63.0-77.25; range: 29-96). 112 (69.1%) cases were men. Hypertension (45.1%) was the most common co-morbidity, but 59 (36.4%) cases had no co-morbidity. At admission, 131 (81.9%) cases were assessed as severe or critical. However, 39 (18.1%) were assessed as moderate. Moderate cases had a higher prevalence of hypertension and chronic lung disease comparing with severe or critical cases (P<0.05, respectively). 126 (77.8%) and 132 (81.5%) cases received antiviral treatment and glucocorticoids, respectively. 116 (71.6%) cases were admitted to ICU and 137 (85.1%) cases received mechanical ventilation. Respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (93.2%) was the most common complication. The young cases of COVID-19, without co-morbidity and in a moderate condition at admission could develop fatal outcome. We need to be more cautious in case management of COVID-19 for preventing the fatal outcomes.
COVID-19: disease pathways and gene expression changes predict methylprednisolone can improve out- come in severe cases
Authors: Draghici Sorin , Nguyen Tuan-Minh , Sonna Larry A. , Ziraldo Cordelia , Vanciu Radu , Fadel Raef , Morrison Austin , Kenney Rachel M. , Alangaden George , Ramesh Mayur , Mor Gil 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Current management efforts of COVID-19 include: early diagnosis, use of antivirals, and immune modulation. After the initial viral phase of the illness, identification of the patients developing cytokine storm syndrome is critical.1, 2 Treatment of hyper- inflammation in these patients using existing, approved therapies with proven safety profiles could address the immediate need to reduce the rising mortality.3 The identification of existing drugs that could modulate the immune response is an immediate need. Here we show that an analysis of the changes in the gene expression, path- ways and putative mechanisms between SARS-CoV2, influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus can be used to identify FDA-approved drugs that could be repurposed to help COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms related to hyper-inflammation. An important finding is that drugs in the same class may not achieve similar effects. An independent clinical study evaluated 213 subjects, 81 (38%) and 132 (62%) in pre-and post-methylprednisolone groups, respectively. Thirty-day all-cause mortality occurred at a significantly lower rate in the post-methylprednisolone group compared to pre-methylprednisolone group (29.6% vs. 16.6%, p=0.027). Clinical results con- firmed the in silico prediction that methylprednisolone could improve outcomes in severe cases of COVID-19. These findings are important for any future pandemic regardless of the virus.
Hypertonic seawater solution with brown algae extract Ascophillum nodosum in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gizinger О. A. 
Published: May 2020

The article presents modern approaches to the modulation of cellular factors of innate immunity, oxidative stress factors when using a hypertonic seawater solution withAscophillum nodosumbrown algae extract (NaCl 15 g/l) in patients with acute rhinosinusitis.Characteristics of the children and research methods. The authors examined 102 children aged from 5 to 8 years, with a history of more than 5 episodes of acute rhinosinusitis per year. We evaluated the quantitative and qualitative composition of neutrophilic granulocytes in washes from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophilic granulocytes, the content of lipid peroxidation products, enzymes of the antioxidant system – superoxide dismutase and catalase in nasal washes.Results.The authors found that the nasal spray of a hypertonic seawater solution withAscophillum nodosumbrown algae extract helps to normalize clinical picture, reduce number of relapses, restore functional and metabolic status of neutrophils of the nasal mucosa surface, restore balance of lipid peroxidation factors, antioxidant sustem enzymes – superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Mother’s age as a risk factor of birth defects
Authors: Demikova N. S. , Podolnaya M. А. , Lapina A. S. 
Published: May 2020

Objective. To analyze the age structure of the mothers of children with birth defects and to assess the age-related risks of chromosomal and non-chromosomal congenital anomalies.Material and methods. The authors analyzed the data from 23 regional registers of birth defects from 2011 to 2018. There were total 5 047 468 births during this period. The authors calculated the incidence and relative risks of chromosomal and non-chromosomal birth defects in different age groups of mothers: under 20, from 20 to 34, from 35 to 39, 40–44, and above 45 years old.Results. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities significantly increases with the mother’s age. The relative risk (RR) of chromosomal abnormalities in different age groups: 4,67 (95% CI 4,44–4,92) in Group 35-39, 15,00 (95% CI 14,10–15,96) in Group 40–44, and 26,49 (95% CI 21,89–32,07) in Group ≥45 as compared with the main age group of 20–34 years old. The authors also revealed the dependence of the non-chromosomal birth defects on the age of the mother: RR 1,15 (95% CI 1,08–1,23) in Group <20 years, RR 1,18 (95% CI 1,13–1,23) in Group 35–39, RR 1,35 (95% CI 1,24–1,47) in Group 40–44, and RR 2,03 (95% CI 1,47–2,79) in Group ≥ 45 years old.Conclusion. The study demonstrates the dependence of chromosomal and non-chromosomal birth defects on the mother’s age.
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the genesis of chronic bronchi inflammation in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Lebedenko A. A. , Semernik O. E. , Dudareva M. V. , Tyurina E. B. 
Published: May 2020

Bronchial asthma as the most common respiratory tract disease is an urgent problem of modern medicine. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMР) play a significant role in the processes of inflammation maintaining and bronchi remodeling in children with bronchial asthma.Objective:To study the role and inheritance of MMR9 in the bronchial asthma pathogenesis in children.Characteristics of children and research methods.The authors carried out the prospective study of 54 children with bronchial asthma and 56 healthy children with the determination of the MMP-9 level in blood serum, as well as the polymorphic variant 8202A>G ofMMP9gene.Results.Children with bronchial asthma had significantly higher content of MMP9 in the blood serum (431.76 [306.15; 612.93] ng/ml), as compared to the control group (276.05 [160.33; 397.02] ng/ml). When studying polymorphism 8202A>G ofMMP9gene in the examined patients it was found that the children with bronchial asthma had the G allele a little more often (57.5%) than A allele (42.5%). Heterozygous carriers of the MMP9 gene polymorphic variant predominate both among the patients with bronchial asthma and in the control group. When comparing the frequency of genotypes and alleles in the group of children with bronchial asthma and control group the authors revealed no statistically significant differences.Conclusion.The disease mechanism significantly depends upon the MMR9 concentration in the serum of patients with bronchial asthma and the peculiarities of this enzyme inheritance.
Filtration characteristics of garnet media before and after modification
Authors: Huifang Wu , Lingzhi Yue , Zhiyuan Wang , Jiang He , Ruoya Chen , Xiang Li 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
High-temperature calcination was used to modify garnet media. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, and a static adsorption experiment on humic acid removal were carried out to compare unmodified garnet and traditional quartz sand. Fitting adsorption isotherm of the media before and after modification was conducted to determine the adsorption type, and a dynamic filtration experiment was performed to treat micro-polluted water. Results of the characterization analysis and the static adsorption experiment revealed that, compared with the smooth surface of unmodified garnet, the surface of modified garnet media was covered with Fe2O3, which showed a rough concave-convex structure with a specific area that was 2.44 times larger than that of unmodified garnet. The removal efficiency of organic matter after modification increased from 2.5–4.5% to 51.7–63.1%, and the adsorption capacity increased 11–24 times. The adsorption type of the modified garnet media belongs to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption mode, while that of the original media belongs to the Freundlich adsorption mode. Results of the dynamic filtration experiment revealed that the effect of modified garnet media on turbidity, CODMn, and UV254 removal was better than that of unmodified garnet and traditional quartz sand.
Curcumin: A Dietary Phytochemical for Targeting the Phenotype and Function of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rahimi Kaveh , Hassanzadeh Kambiz , Khanbabaei Hashem , Haftcheshmeh Saeed M. , Ahmadi Abbas , Izadpanah Esmael , Mohammadi Asadollah , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: May 2020

:Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells which link the innate and adaptive immune responses. Depending on the context, DCs initiate the immune responses or contribute to immune tolerance. Any disturbance in their phenotypes and functions may initiate inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Hence, dysregulated DCs are the most attractive pharmacological target for the development of new therapies aiming at reducing their immunogenicity and at enhancing their tolerogenicity. Curcumin is the polyphenolic phytochemical component of the spice turmeric with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It acts in several ways as a modulator of DCs and converts them into tolerogenic DCs. Tolerogenic DCs possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities that regulate the immune responses in health and disease. Curcumin by blocking maturation markers, cytokines and chemokines expression, and disrupting the antigen-presenting machinery of DCs render them non- or hypo-responsive to immunostimulants. It also reduces the expression of co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules on DCs and prevents them from both migration and antigen presentation but enhances their endocytosis capacity. Hence, curcumin causes DCs-inducing regulatory T cells and dampens CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 polarization. Inhibition of transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, MAPKs (p38, JNK, ERK) and other intracellular signaling molecules such as JAK/STAT/SOCS provide a plausible explanation for most of these observations. In this review, we summarize the potential effects of curcumin on the phenotypes and functions of DCs as the key players in orchestration, stimulation, and modulation of the immune responses.
Natural Lipids as Structural Components of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Delivery
Authors: Dobreva Mirena , Stefanov Stefan , Andonova Velichka 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are useful drug
delivery systems for dermal application. Thanks to their biocompatible and biodegradable profile, these carriers
offer many advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, low toxicity, viable drug targeting and controlled release.
SLN and NLC are composed of well-tolerated lipids, including natural fats and oils that are successfully
used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic dermal formulation.

Objective:
This article presents an overview of the benefits of selecting natural fats and oils as structural components
of SLN and NLC for topical application.

Methods:
This review is based on data published over the past 20 years about the development of stable and
nontoxic lipid nanoparticles with natural lipids. We shed light on the role of natural fats in skin restoration, as
well as on the contributed penetration and occlusive properties of SLN and NLC.

Results:
The deliberate selection of excipients (type and lipid ratio) influences the quality of the final dermal
formulation. Natural lipids show good compatibility with different active molecules and are able to create stable
lipid matrices that facilitate the biopharmaceutical properties of lipid nanoparticles. Patents involving natural fats
and oils in SLN and NLC composition are listed, yet it is important to note that the approved marketed formulations
are mainly cosmetic, not pharmaceutical, products.

Conclusion:
Natural lipids can enhance topical drug delivery by adding their ability of improving skin penetration
and hydration to the permeation and occlusion properties of SLN and NLC.
Cisplatin Changes Expression of SEMA3B in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Peszek Wojciech , Kras Piotr , Grabarek Beniamin O. , Boroń Dariusz , Oplawski Marcin 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) is characterized as a strong suppressing factor of
the proliferation of cancerous cells and also by its anti-angiogenic effect. However, the knowledge on
the changes in the expression profile of SEMA3B under the influence of cisplatin in endometrial cancer
remains fragmented. The aim of this work was to note the changes in expression of SEMA3B when
under the influence of cisplatin in the endometrial cancer cell line.

Methods:
Ishikawa cell line cells were exposed to three different concentrations of cisplatin: 2.5μM;
5μM; 10μM for 12, 24 and 48 hours and were compared to cells untreated by the drug. Changes in the
expression profile of SEMA3B were determined based upon RtqPCR (mRNA) alongside the ELISA
assay (protein). The Statistica 13.0 PL program was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

Results:
Changes on the transcriptome level seem to be more dynamic than on the proteome level. Regardless
of the concentration given or the exposition period, the expression of semaphorin 3B was, in
fact, higher in cells exposed to cisplatin. Statistically substantial differences (p<0.05) in the expression
of SEMA3B mRNA and protein were seen for all incubation periods at the given cisplatin level when
compared to the control.

Conclusions:
Cisplatin causes a growth in the expression of SEMA3B in an endometrial cancer cell
culture, this results in the restoration in the state of cell homeostasis and shows the effectiveness of
pharmacotherapy, including a low risk of drug resistance.