bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of canola or olive oil on plasma lipids, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and inflammatory cytokines in patients referred to coronary angiography
Authors: Khandouzi Nafiseh , Zahedmehr Ali , Nasrollahzadeh Javad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The potential cardioprotective benefits of olive oil (OO) and canola oil (CO) consumption have been shown in some studies. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of CO and OO on plasma lipids, some inflammatory cytokines, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) mass and activity in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: A randomized, controlled, parallel-arm, clinical trial involving 48 patients (44 men and 4 women, aged 57.63 ± 6.34 years) with at least one classic cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes) who referred to coronary angiography was performed. Patients were randomly divided into two groups and received 25 mL/day refined olive oil (n=24) or canola oil (n=24) for 6 weeks. Plasma lipids, some selected inflammatory markers, and Lp-PLA 2 levels were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. Results: CO consumption produced a significant reduction in plasma Lp-PLA 2 mass (-0.97 ± 1.84 vs. 0.34 ± 1.57 ng/mL, P = 0.008 for CO and OO, respectively), whereas the mean changes of Interleukine-6 concentration were significantly lower after OO consumption compared with CO (-9.46 ± 9.46 vs. -0.90 ± 6.80 pg/mL, P = 0.008 for OO and CO, respectively). After 6 weeks of intervention, no significant changes were observed in plasma Lp-PLA 2 activity, complement C3, C4, and lipid profile in two intervention groups. Conclusions: Comparing the two vegetable oils in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors shows that consumption of olive oil is more effective in reducing the level of inflammatory cytokine Interleukine-6 whereas canola oil is more effective in lowering the level of Lp-PLA 2 .
Integrative transcriptome analyses empower the anti-COVID-19 drug arsenal
Authors: El-Hachem Nehme , Eid Edward , Nemer Georges , Dbaibo Ghassan , Abbas Ossama , Rubeiz Nelly , Zeineldine Salah , Matar Ghassan M. , Bikorimana Jean-Pierre , Shammaa Riam , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Kurban Mazen , Rafei Moutih 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The beginning of the twenty-first century has been marked by three distinct waves of zoonotic coronavirus outbreaks into the human population. The current pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With a rapid infection rate, it is a global threat endangering the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Currently, and despite the collaborative efforts of governments, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industries, there are no substantially significant treatment protocols for the disease. To address the need for such an immediate call of action, we leveraged the largest dataset of drug-induced transcriptomic perturbations, public SARS-CoV-2 transcriptomic datasets, and expression profiles from normal lung transcriptomes. Our unbiased systems biology approach not only shed light on previously unexplored molecular details of SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., interferon signaling, inflammation and ACE2 co-expression hallmarks in normal and infected lungs) but most importantly prioritized more than 50 repurposable drug candidates (e.g., Corticosteroids, Janus kinase and Bruton kinase inhibitors). Further clinical investigation of these FDA approved candidates as monotherapy or in combination with an antiviral regimen (e.g., Remdesivir) could lead to promising outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Complex yeast-bacteria interactions affect the yield of industrial ethanol fermentations
Authors: Lino Felipe , Bajic Djordje , Vila Jean , Sanchez Alvaro , Sommer Morten 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Microbial communities affect several natural processes, from nutrient cycling to human health. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of interaction between microorganisms and their influence on community functions are not well understood. Sugarcane ethanol fermentations represent a simple microbial community dominated by S. cerevisiae and co-occurring bacteria with a clearly defined functionality. In this study, we dissected the microbial interactions in sugarcane ethanol fermentation by combinatorically reconstituting every possible combination of species, comprising approximately 80% of the biodiversity in terms of relative abundance. Functional landscape analysis showed that higher-order interactions counterbalance the negative effect of pairwise interactions on ethanol yield. In addition, we found that Lactobacillus amylovorus improves the yeast growth rate and ethanol yield by cross-feeding acetaldehyde, as shown by flux balance analysis and laboratory experiments. Our results suggest that Lactobacillus amylovorus could be considered an industrial probiotic with the potential to improve sugarcane ethanol fermentation yields by more than 10%. These data highlight the biotechnological importance of comprehensively studying microbial communities and could be extended to other microbial systems with relevance to human health and the environment.
Organ-specific, multimodal, wireless optoelectronics for high-throughput phenotyping of peripheral neural pathways
Authors: Kim Woo Seok , Hong Sungcheol , Gamero Milenka , Jeevakumar Vivekanand , Smithhart Clay , Price Theodore , Campos Carlos , Palmiter Richard , Park Sung Il 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The vagus nerve supports diverse autonomic functions and behaviors important for health and survival. To understand how specific components of the vagus contribute to behaviors and long-term physiological effects, it is critical to modulate their activity with anatomical specificity in awake, freely behaving conditions using reliable methods. Here, we introduce an organ-specific scalable, multimodal, wireless optoelectronic device for precise and chronic optogenetic manipulations in vivo. When combined with an advanced, coil-antenna system and a multiplexing strategy for powering 8 individual homecages using a single RF transmitter, the proposed wireless telemetry enables low cost, high-throughput, and precise functional mapping of peripheral neural circuits, including long-term behavioral and physiological measurements. Deployment of these technologies revealed an unexpected role for stomach, non-stretch vagal sensory fibers in suppressing appetite and demonstrated the durability of the miniature wireless device inside harsh gastric conditions.
Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Biomarkers Changes in COVID-19 Patients Requiring or not Intensive or Sub-Intensive Care: A Comparative Study
Authors: Cattelan Anna Maria , Meco Eugenia Di , Trevenzoli Marco , Frater Alessia , Ferrari Anna , Villano Marco , Gomiero Federica , Carretta Giovanni , Sasset Lolita 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIdentifying risk factors for severe novel-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is essential to ascertain which patients may benefit from advanced supportive care. The study aims to give a comparative description of COVID-19 patients who were admitted or not to the intensive (ICU) or sub-intensive cares units (SICU). MethodsThis observational study of prospectively collected data included all COVID-19 patients primarily admitted to the Infectious Diseases department of Padua between February 22 and May 20, 2020. Clinical, laboratory, radiological and treatment data were collected. The primary outcome was a composite of ICU and/or SICU admission. Results 303 patients were included. Median age was 62 years (IQR:50-74), 60.1% were male. 234 patients were managed in the Infectious Diseases ward (Group 1) and 69 patients (22,8%) met the primary outcome (Group 2). The mortality rate was 6.8%. Group 2 were more likely to be men, had a higher mortality (14,5%vs3,8%, p<0,01) and had more hypertension (72,4vs 44%,p<0,01) and diabetes (31,9vs21%,p=0,04). Chest X-ray at admission was positive in 63,2% and Group 2 were more likely to develop pathological findings during the hospitalization (72,7%vs17,2%,p<0,01). Group 2 presented at admission a higher neutrophil count, aspartate-transaminase and C-reactive-protein. At the 3° measurement, differences were found for white blood cell and neutrophil count, liver function tests and C-reactive-protein. Group 1 presented a shorter duration from admission to negativization of follow-up swabs (20vs35days,p<0,01). ConclusionsThe presence of comorbidities and the persistent observation of slightly abnormal laboratory findings should be regarded as predisposing factors for disease severity and clinical worsening.
Near Field Condensation
Authors: Yan Xiao , Chen Feipeng , Zhao Chongyan , Qin Yimeng , Wang Xiong , Rabbi Kazi Fazle , Hoque Muhammad Jahidul , Zhao Hanyang , Li Jiaqi , Gebrael Tarek , Chen Feng , Feng Jie , Miljkovic Nenad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Dropwise condensation represents the upper limit of condensation heat transfer. Promoting dropwise condensation relies on surface chemical functionalization, and is fundamentally limited by the maximum droplet departure size. A century of research has focused on active and passive methods to enable the removal of ever smaller droplets. However, fundamental contact line pinning limitations prevent gravitational and shear-based removal of droplets smaller than 250 µm. Here, we break this limitation through near field condensation. By de-coupling nucleation, droplet growth, and shedding via droplet transfer between parallel surfaces, we enable the control of droplet population density and removal of droplets as small as 20 µm without the need for chemical modification or surface structuring. We identify droplet bridging to develop a regime map, showing that rational wettability contrast propels spontaneous droplet transfer from condensing surfaces ranging from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. To demonstrate efficacy, we perform condensation experiments on surfaces ranging from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. The results show that near field condensation with optimal gap spacing can limit the maximum droplet sizes and significantly increase the population density of sub-20 µm droplets. Theoretical analysis and direct numerical simulation confirm the breaking of classical condensation heat transfer paradigms through enhanced heat transfer. Our study not only pushes beyond century-old phase change limitations, it demonstrates a promising method to enhance the efficiency of applications where high, tunable, gravity-independent, and durable condensation heat transfer is required.
Prolonged nucleic acid conversion and false-negative RT-PCR results in Indonesian patients with COVID-19: A case series
Authors: Trisnawati Ika , Khair Riat Al , Fauzi Aditya Rifqi , Gunadi  
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Prolonged nucleic acid conversion and false-negative results of real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) might occur in some patients with COVID-19 rather than recurrence of infection. Here, we reported four cases of COVID-19 with prolonged nucleic acid conversion and false-negative results of RT-PCR in our institution.Case presentation: Case 1: A 36-year-old-male patient complained of coughing up phlegm one week before admission. His chest X-rays showed mild pneumonia in the right lung. His swab test was confirmed positive for SARS-Cov-2. Besides the last two consecutive negative results, he also had negative results of RT-PCR twice (the 6th and 8th tests) from a total of 11 swab tests. Case 2: A 54-year-old-male patient complained of shortness of breath that worsened with activity. He had a comorbidity of diabetes. His chest X-rays showed inhomogeneous opacity on bilateral paracardial and lateral aspects. His swab test was confirmed positive for SARS-Cov-2. Besides the last two consecutive negative results, he also had negative results of RT-PCR once (the 5th test) from a total of 8 swab tests. Case 3: A 47-year-old man presented with complaints of fever, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea. He had comorbidities of asthma and heart rhythm disorders. His chest X-rays showed bilateral pneumonia. His swab test was confirmed positive for SARS-Cov-2. Besides the last two consecutive negative results, he also showed negative results of RT-PCR twice (the 4th and 6th tests) from a total of 11 swab tests. Case 4: A 56-year-old-female complained of lethargy and diarrhea. She has a history of hyperthyroidism. His chest X-rays showed bilateral pneumonia. She was confirmed positive for SARS-Cov-2. Besides the last two consecutive negative results, she also had negative results of RT-PCR twice (the 2nd and 10th tests) from a total of 14 swab tests.Conclusions: Our cases further confirmed the occurrence of prolonged nucleic acid conversion and the possibility of false negative results of RT-PCR in patients with COVID-19 instead of recurrence of infection. These findings might have an implication on the management of patients with COVID-19 who have already clinically and radiologically recovered, particularly related to subsequent spreading of the infection in the community.
Reversible Dual Anionic-Redox Chemistry in NaCrSSe with Fast Charging Capability
Authors: Shi Ding-Ren , Shadike Zulipiya , Wang Tian , Yang Si-Yu , Xia He-Yi , Yue Ji-Li , Hu Enyuan , Bak Seong-Min , Yue Xin-Yang , Zhou Yongning , Ma Lu , Ghose Sanjit , Wu Tianpin , Zhang Qinghua , Xing Zhe , Zhang Yan-Ning , Zheng Lei , Gu Lin , Yang Xiao-Qing , Fu Zhengwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Utilizing the anionic redox reaction opens new approaches for the development of new battery cathode materials with extra capacities. Although, it suffers from several obstacles such as voltage hysteresis and sluggish kinetics. In this paper, a new layered chalcogenide-based on dual anionic-redox reaction is reported. The newly designed layered NaCrSSe exhibits the capacity of almost all Na+ intercalation/deintercalation (137 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1), and a unique charge/discharge feature with a small polarization of 0.15 V and high energy efficiencies of ~92% in initial cycles. Furthermore, a superior high-rate charge capacity of 115.5mAh g-1 (83.7% retention) was achieved at 27.8 C (4000 mA g-1), which is impressive in all bulk materials for sodium-ion batteries. Systematic characterization studies on structure evolution and DFT calculation show the charge compensation of S and Se anions during cycling. These results will enrich the anion redox chemistry and provide valuable information for developing new anion redox based cathode materials with high capacity and fast kinetics.
Structure of human steroid 5&#x03B1;-reductase 2 with anti-androgen drug finasteride
Authors: Xiao Qingpin , Wang Lei , Supekar Shreyas , Shen Tao , Liu Heng , Ye Fei , Huang Junzhou , Fan Hao , Wei Zhiyi , Zhang Cheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Human steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5α2) as a critical integral membrane enzyme in steroid metabolism catalyzes testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Mutations on its gene have been linked to 5α-reductase deficiency and prostate cancer. Finasteride and dutasteride as SRD5α2 inhibitors are widely used anti-androgen drugs for benign prostate hyperplasia, which have recently been indicated in the treatment of COVID-19. The molecular mechanisms underlying enzyme catalysis and inhibition remained elusive for SRD5α2 and other eukaryotic integral membrane steroid reductases due to a lack of structural information. Here, we report a crystal structure of human SRD5α2 at 2.8 Å revealing a unique 7-TM structural topology and an intermediate adduct of finasteride and NADPH as NADP-dihydrofinasteride in a largely enclosed binding cavity inside the membrane. Structural analysis together with computational and mutagenesis studies reveals molecular mechanisms for the 5α-reduction of testosterone and the finasteride inhibition involving residues E57 and Y91. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicate high conformational dynamics of the cytosolic region regulating the NADPH/NADP+ exchange. Mapping disease-causing mutations of SRD5α2 to our structure suggests molecular mechanisms for their pathological effects. Our results offer critical structural insights into the function of integral membrane steroid reductases and will facilitate drug development.
Social predictors of alcohol use and cessation during pregnancy among Japanese women: the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Ueno Fumihiko , Noda Aoi , Kuriyama Shinichi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Most studies on social predictors of alcohol use have been conducted at one time point during pregnancy or using postpartum retrospective reports. Furthermore, the studies were mainly conducted in Western countries. We aimed to prospectively examine social predictors of alcohol use and cessation during pregnancy in Japan.Methods: This prospective study was part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study from 2013 to 2017. Pregnant women were recruited at approximately 50 obstetric clinics and hospitals in Miyagi Prefecture in Japan. We analyzed 11592 pregnant women who completed the questionnaires administered in early pregnancy and middle pregnancy. Women were dichotomized as current drinkers or non-drinkers in both early and middle pregnancy. Age, education, income, work status, and psychological distress were used as social predictors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between these predictors and alcohol use in early and middle pregnancy. Associations with alcohol cessation between early pregnancy and middle pregnancy were also examined.Results: Prevalence of alcohol use in early and middle pregnancy was 20.9% and 6.4%, respectively. Higher education was associated with alcohol use in early pregnancy and alcohol cessation during pregnancy; the odds ratios (ORs) of ≥university education compared with ≤high school education were 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30–1.66) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.00–1.71), respectively. Work status was associated with alcohol use in both periods and alcohol cessation during pregnancy; for alcohol cessation, the OR of working in early pregnancy only compared with not working in both periods was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.03–2.88).Conclusions: Women with higher education were more likely to consume alcohol in early pregnancy and to cease between early pregnancy and middle pregnancy. Working women were more likely to consume alcohol throughout pregnancy in Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical characterization of the main protease, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), from the novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)
Authors: Ferreira Juliana C. , Rabeh Wael M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An appealing antiviral drug target is the coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CLpro) that is responsible for the processing of the viral polyproteins and liberation of functional proteins essential for the maturation and infectivity of the virus. In this study, multiple thermal analytical techniques have been implemented to acquire the thermodynamic parameters of 3CLpro at different buffer conditions. 3CLpro exhibited relatively high thermodynamic stabilities over a wide pH range; however, the protease was found to be less stable in the presence of salts. Divalent metal cations reduced the thermodynamic stability of 3CLpro more than monovalent cations; however, altering the ionic strength of the buffer solution did not alter the stability of 3CLpro. Furthermore, the most stable thermal kinetic stability of 3CLpro was recorded at pH 7.5, with the highest enthalpy of activation calculated from the slope of Eyring plot. The biochemical and biophysical properties of 3CLpro explored here will improve the solubility and stability of 3CLpro for optimum conditions for the setup of an enzymatic assay for the screening of inhibitors to be used as lead candidates in the drug discovery and antiviral design for therapeutics against COVID-19.
Simultaneous detection and ribotyping of Clostridioides difficile, and toxin gene detection directly on fecal samples
Authors: Rossen Tessel Meike van , Prehn Joffrey van , Koek Alex G. , Jonges Marcel , Houdt Robin van , Mansfeld Rosa van , Kuijper Ed J. , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M.J.E. , Budding Andries E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Ribotyping of cultured strains by a PCR-based test is used to study potential transmission between patients. We aimed to develop a rapid test that can be applied directly on fecal samples for simultaneous detection and ribotyping of C. difficile, as well as detection of toxin genes. Methods: We developed a highly specific and sensitive primer set for simultaneous detection and ribotyping of C. difficile directly on total fecal DNA. Toxin genes were detected with primers adapted from Persson et al. (CMI, 2008). Our study set comprised 130 fecal samples: 65 samples with positive qPCR for C. difficile toxin A/B genes and 65 C. difficile qPCR negative samples. PCR products were analyzed by capillary gel electrophoresis. Results: Ribosomal DNA fragment peak profiles and toxin genes were detected in all 65 C. difficile positive fecal samples and in none of the 65 C. difficile negative samples. The 65 samples were assigned to 27 ribotypes by the Dutch reference laboratory. Our peak profiles corresponded to these ribotypes, except for two samples. During a C. difficile outbreak, patients were correctly allocated to the outbreak-cluster based on the results of direct fecal ribotyping, before C. difficile isolates were cultured and conventionally typed. Conclusion: C. difficile ribotyping directly on fecal DNA is feasible, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of diagnostic toxin gene qPCR and with ribotype assignment similar to that obtained by conventional typing on DNA from cultured isolates. This supports simultaneous diagnosis and typing to recognize an outbreak.