bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations and oxidative stress in silent brain infarction
Authors: Koşar Pınar Aslan , Tepebaşı Muhammet Yusuf , Şengeze Nihat , İlhan İlter , Büyükbayram Halil İbrahim , Kutluhan Süleyman 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Ischemic infarctions occur under the influence of genetic and environmental factors. In our study, the role of ischemia-modified albumin and thiol balance, which are new markers in determining oxidative damage together with MTHFR gene mutations and homocysteine levels, in the development of SBI was investigated. White matter lesions in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of the patients were evaluated according to the Fazekas scale and divided into groups (Grade 0, 1, 2, and 3). Homocysteine, folate, B12, IMA, total thiol, and native thiol were measured by biochemical methods. The mutations in MTHFR genes were investigated by the RT-PCR method. According to our results, a significant difference was found between the groups in age, homocysteine, folate, IMA, total thiol, and native thiol parameters (p<0.05). When we compared the groups in terms of genotypes of the C677T gene, we found a significant difference in TT genotype between grades 0/3 and 1/3 (p<0.05). We determined that homocysteine and IMA levels increased and folate levels decreased in CC/TT and CT/TT genotypes in the C677T gene (p<0.05). Considering our results, the observation of homocysteine and IMA changes at the genotype level of the MTHFR C677T gene and between the groups, and the deterioration of thiol balance between the groups suggested that these markers can be used in the diagnosis of silent brain infarction.
Seed Biostimulant MGW9 (SB-MGW9) Biopriming Improves Salt Tolerance during Maize Seed Germination
Authors: Li Heqin , Yue Haiwang , Li Li , Liu Yu , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Jianhua , Jiang Xuwen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Crop performance is seriously affected by high salt concentrations in soils. To develop more new seed pre-sowing treatment technologies it is crucial to improve the salt tolerance of seed germination. Here we isolated and identified the strain Bacillus sp. MGW9 and developed the seed biostimulant MGW9 (SB-MGW9) by the strain. Effect of seed biopriming with SB-MGW9 in maize (Zea mays L.) under saline condition were studied. The results showed that the Bacillus sp. MGW9 has the characteristics of salt tolerance, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus dissolution, indole-3-acetic acid production and the like. Seed biopriming with SB-MGW9 enhanced the performance of maize during seed germination under salinity stress to improve the germination energy, germination percentage, shoot/seedling length, primary root length, shoot/seedling fresh weight, shoot/seedling dry weight, root fresh weight and root dry weight. SB-MGW9 biopriming also alleviates the salinity damage to maize by improving relative water content, chlorophyll content, proline content, soluble sugar content, root activity, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, decreasing the malondialdehyde content. Especially, the field seedling emergence of maize seeds in saline-alkali soil can be improved by SB-MGW9 biopriming. Therefore, maize seed biopriming with SB-MGW9 can be an effective approach to resist the inhibitory effects of salinity stress and promote seed germination and seedling growth.
Phosphorus Removal in Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors Varies by Wood Type and Water Chemistry
Authors: Bailon Ana Paula Sanchez Bustamante , Margenot Andrew , Cooke Richard A. C. , Christianson Laura 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors are a practical nitrogen (N) mitigation technology but evaluating the potential for bioreactor phosphorus (P) removal is highly relevant given that: (1) agricultural runoff often contains N and P, (2) very low P concentrations cause eutrophication, and (3) there are few options for removing dissolved P once it is in runoff. A series of batch tests evaluated P removal by woodchips containing a range of metals known to sorb P and then four design and environmental factors (autoclaved woodchips, water matrix, particle size, initial DRP concentration). Woodchips with the highest aluminum and iron content provided the most dissolved P removal (13±2.5 mg DRP removed/kg woodchip). However, poplar woodchips, which had low metals content, provided the second highest removal (12±0.4 mg/kg) when they were tested with P-dosed river water which had a relatively complex water matrix. Chemical P sorption due to woodchip elements may be possible, but it is likely one of a variety of P removal mechanisms in real-world bioreactor settings. Scaling the results indicated bioreactors could remove 0.40 to 13 g DRP/ha. Woodchip bioreactor dissolved P removal will likely be small in magnitude, but any such contribution is an added-value benefit of this denitrifying technology.
Determination and dietary risk assessment of 284 pesticide residues in local fruit cultivars in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Yaodan , Si Wenshuai , Chen Lei , Shen Guoqing , Bai Bing , Zhou Changyan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The presence of pesticide residues has become one of the main risk factors affecting the safety and quality of agro-food. In this study, a multi-residue method for the analysis of 284 pesticides in five local fruit cultivars in Shanghai was developed based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). The limits of determination and the limits of quantitation of pesticides were 0.6–10 and 2–30 µg/kg, respectively. A total of 44, 10, 10, 18, and 7 pesticides were detected in strawberries, watermelons, melons, peaches, and grapes, respectively. The pesticide levels in 95.0% of the samples were below the maximum residual limits (MRLs) prescribed by China, and in 66.2% of the samples below the EU MRLs. The dietary risk assessment study showed big differences in the chronic and acute exposure risk values among different Chinese consumer groups. Through fruit consumption, children/females showed higher exposure risks than adults/males. But both the risk values were less than 100%, indicating that potential dietary risk induced by the pesticides was not significant for Chinese consumers. Nevertheless, certain measures are needed for both growers and government in order to decrease the MRL-exceeding rate of pesticide residues and ensure the quality and safety of fruits for consumers.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes on Oxidative Stress Responses in Skin Cells
Authors: Matsuoka Takaaki , Takanashi Keita , Dan Katsuaki , Yamamoto Kenichi , Tomobe Koji , Shinozuka Tatsuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The mechanism by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress promote cellular senescence has been studied in detail. This study aimed to verify the preventive or therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Ex) on the production of ROS induced by oxidative stress in human skin fibroblasts and clarify the mechanisms that promote cellular senescence.Methods: In a system where H2O2 was applied to skin fibroblasts, we assessed the effects of the application of MSC-Ex before and after oxidative stress and measured the fluctuations in several signaling molecules involved in subsequent intracellular stress responses. Exosomes were isolated from MSCs (MSC-Ex) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs, NHDF-Ex) before and after exposure to H2O2. NHDFs were treated with exosomes before and after exposure to H2O2.Results: mRNA expression (aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-3) and hyaluronan secretion associated with skin moisturization were reduced by H2O2 treatment, whereas MSC-Ex reversed these effects. The cellular senescence induced by H2O2 was also reproduced in fibroblasts. Specifically, the downregulation of SIRT1 led to increased acetylated p53 expression over time, which induced the expression of p21, a downstream molecule of p53, and arrested the cell cycle, leading to cell senescence. MSC-Ex enhanced these signal transduction systems. MSC-Ex was also effective at blocking the increase of β-galactosidase activity and accumulation of ROS in cells. This effect was stronger than that of NHDF-Ex.Conclusion: MSC-Ex were found to act defensively against epidermal and cellular senescence induced by oxidative stress.
Antifouling Paints Biocides (Irgarol 1051 and Diuron) in the Selected Ports of Peninsular Malaysia: Occurrence, Seasonal Variation and Ecological Risk Assessment.
Authors: Ali Hassan Rashid , Ariffin Marinah Mohd , Omar Tuan Fauzan Tuan , Ghazali Adiana , Sheikh Mohammed Ali , Shazili Noor Azhar Mohamed , Bachok Zainudin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Irgarol and Diuron are photosystem II inhibitor in agricultural activities and antifouling paint in shipping sector. A study took place at three major ports surround the Peninsular Malaysia was carried out to construct the distribution of both biocides based on the seasonal and geographical changes. Surface seawater samples were collected during November 2011 to April 2012; pretreated using solid phase extraction technique followed by quantification with GC-MS and LC-MS-MS for Irgarol and Diuron, respectively. Generally, the distribution of Irgarol was lowest during November 2011 and highest during April 2012, which is similar pattern was observed at all ports, whereas the distribution of Diuron was rather vague. The increasing pattern of Irgarol from time to time is probably related to its accumulation in the seawater due to the half-life and consistent utilization. Based on the discriminant analysis, the temporal distribution of Irgarol varied at Klang North Port, Klang South Port and Pasir Gudang Port, whereas Diuron was temporally varied only at Kemaman Port. Furthermore, Irgarol was spatially varied during November 2011, whereas Diuron did not show any significant changes throughout all sampling periods. Ecological risk assessment exhibited high risk for Diuron and Irgarol, but however Irgarol should be of concern due to it relatively higher risk as compared to Diuron. Thus, it is recommended that the current Malaysian guideline and regulation of biocides application should be reevaluated and improve to protect the ecosystem, as well as preventing ecological risk to the aquatic environment.
Association of Lipid Profile Biomarkers with Breast Cancer by Molecular Subtype: analysis of the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of African Descent (MEND) study
Authors: Akinyemiju Tomi , Gupta Anjali , Saraiya Veeral , Deveaux April , Oyekunle Taofik , Salako Omolola , Daramola Adetola , Hall Allison , Alatise Olusegun , Ogun Gabriel , Adeniyi Adewale , Ojo Akinlolu , Ayandipo Omobolaji , Olajide Thomas , Olasehinde Olalekan , Arowolo Olukayode , Adisa Adewale , Afuwape Oludolapo , Olusanya Aralola , Adegoke Aderemi , Tollefsbol Trygve O , Arnett Donna , Muehlbauer Michael J , Newgard Christopher B 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: There is conflicting evidence on the role of lipid biomarkers in breast cancer (BC), and no study to our knowledge has examined this association among African women. Methods: We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of lipid biomarkers – total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides – with odds of BC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC) for 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 116 healthy controls in Nigeria. Results: Cases were slightly older than controls (48.5 vs. 46.0) and had a lower BMI (25.4 vs. 26.5). Each unit SD increase in triglycerides was associated with 39% increased odds of BC in fully adjusted models (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.86). However, there were no significant associations of total cholesterol, LDL and HDL with odds of breast cancer in fully adjusted models. In analysis of molecular subtypes, each unit SD increase in LDL was associated with 64% increased odds of Luminal B BC (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55). Each unit SD decrease in HDL was associated with 49% increased odds of TNBC (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.94, 2.34), and clinically low HDL was associated with 2.7 times increased odds of TNBC (aOR 2.67; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.49). Conclusions: Low HDL and high LDL appear to significantly increase the odds of TN and Luminal B BC, among African women. Future prospective studies can characterize this association and inform clinical approaches targeting HDL as a BC prevention strategy.
Co-amplification of Genes in Chromosome 8q24: a Robust Prognostic Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Zheng Yongjian , Zhang Cheng , Fu Shunjun , He Guolin , Cai Lei , Qiu Ling , Huang Huakun , Chen Qunhui , Xie Wenzhuan , Chen Tingting , Huang Mengli , Bai Yuezong , Pan Mingxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the majorcause of cancer related deaths worldwide, due tohigh 5 yearpostoperativerecurrence rate and individualheterogeneity.Thus, prognostic modelhas dramaticallyurgently neededon HCCin recent years.Serval research have reported that copy number amplificationof the 8q24 chromosomalregion is associated with lowsurvival in many cancers. The objectiveof this study was to construct a multi-gene modelto predict the prognosis of HCC. Methods: RNAseq and copy number variant (CNV)data of tumor tissue samples of HCC from TCGA(N = 328)wasused to identify differentially expressed mRNAs of genes located on chromosomal 8q24 regionsby Wilcoxtest.Univariate Cox and Lasso Cox regressionwereperformed to screenand constructprognostic multi-gene signature in TCGA cohort (N = 119). The multi-gene signature was validated in ICGCcohort(N = 240).A nomogram for prognosis prediction was built and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was usedto further studythe underlying molecular mechanisms.Results:A 7-gene prognosis signaturemodelwas established for predicting HCC prognosis. Using the model, we divided individualsinto high-risk and low-risk setswith significantly different overall survival in training dataset(HR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.1–0.28; P ＜0.001) and in testing dataset (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.74; P =0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicatedthat thissignature was an independentprognostic factor ofHCC survival. Nomogram including the prognostic signature was constructed and showed better predictive performance in short year (1and 3year) than long year (5 year) survival. Furthermore, GSEA revealed several significantly pathways, which may help explain the underlying molecular mechanism.Conclusions:The 7-gene signature was areliableprognosticmarkerinHCC, which may provide meaningful informationto therapeutic customization and treatment decision making.
Plan Quality Comparisons Between Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy, Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy, and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Based on Four-dimensional Computed Tomography for Gastric Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: a Planning Study
Authors: Matsumoto Tadashi , Toya Ryo , Shimohigashi Yoshinobu , Watakabe Takahiro , Matsuyama Tomohiko , Saito Tetsuo , Fukugawa Yoshiyuki , Kai Yudai , Oya Natsuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous planning studies in radiotherapy (RT) for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma have been based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images, which do not contain information on the respiratory motion of the stomach. Therefore, we compared the plan quality between 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for gastric MALT lymphoma using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT).Methods: Three different treatment plans of four-ﬁeld 3D-CRT, seven-ﬁeld IMRT, and double arc VMAT were created based on 4D-CT images of seven patients with gastric MALT lymphoma. An RT dose of 30 Gy was prescribed to the planning target volume (PTV) in 20 fractions. We calculated the minimum dose coverage for 95% of the PTV (D95), homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index (CI) of the PTV, and organs at risk (OARs) doses for the liver, kidneys, spinal cord, and small bowel. Plan quality metric (PQM) scores were also calculated for a comprehensive and objective assessment.Results: There was no significant difference among the three plans in D95 of PTV. HI of PTV for the IMRT plan was significantly better than that of the VMAT (p = 0.047) and 3D-CRT (p = 0.047) plans. HI of PTV for the VMAT plan was significantly better than that of the 3D-CRT plan (p = 0.047). CIs of PTV for the IMRT and VMAT plans were significantly better than that of the 3D-CRT plan (p = 0.047 and p = 0.047, respectively). Dmean of the liver for 3D-CRT was significantly higher than that for the IMRT (p = 0.047) and VMAT (p = 0.047) plans. The PQM scores of the VMAT and IMRT plans were significantly higher than that of the 3D-CRT plan (p = 0.047 and p = 0.047, respectively). The PQM score of the IMRT plan was significantly higher than that of the VMAT plan (p = 0.047).Conclusions: The IMRT plan yields the best plan quality for gastric MALT lymphoma. In terms of plan quality, as opposed to the 3D-CRT plan, we recommend the IMRT and VMAT plans.
Anti-KIAA0513 Antibody as a Broad-spectrum Biomarker of Mortal Atherosclerotic and Cancerous Diseases
Authors: Hiwasa Takaki , Li Shu-Yang , Kubota Masaaki , Zhang Bo-Shi , Yoshida Yoichi , Kobayashi Eiichi , Matsutani Tomoo , Mine Seiichiro , Machida Toshio , Ito Masaaki , Yajima Satoshi , Sumazaki Makoto , Shiratori Fumiaki , Shirouzu Mikako , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Sata Mizuki , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Takemoto Minoru , Yokote Koutaro , Kobayashi Yoshio , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Kobayashi Sohei , Terada Jiro , Tatsumi Koichiro , Takizawa Hirotaka , Shinmen Natsuko , Nakamura Rika , Kuroda Hideyuki , Shimada Hideaki , Iwadate Yasuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Numerous antibody biomarkers have been reported for cancer and atherosclerosis-related diseases. The major complications of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are acute ischemic stroke (AIS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cancer development is accompanied by arterial disorders such as angiogenesis and atherosclerosis, and DM is a risk factor for certain cancers. Atherosclerosis-related diseases and cancers are therefore interrelated and could be detected by a common biomarker.Methods: We employed the protein array method for the initial screening of antigens and employed the amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) to evaluate antibody levels in serum samples.Results: The protein array identified KIAA0513 as an antigen recognized by serum IgG antibodies in the sera of patients with atherosclerosis. We then prepared recombinant glutathione S-transferase-fused KIAA0513 protein. AlphaLISA showed significantly higher serum antibody levels against KIAA0513 protein in patients with AIS, transient ischemic attack, DM, CVD, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), CKD, and solid cancers, such as esophageal, gastric, colon, lung, and breast cancer, than in healthy donors. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the highest areas under the ROC curves of anti-KIAA0513 antibodies were for esophageal cancer, nephrosclerosis-type CKD, and DM. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that serum anti-KIAA0513 antibody levels were associated with maximum intima-media thickness and plaque score, which are indices of atherosclerosis and stenosis.Conclusion: Serum anti-KIAA0513 antibody markers appear to be useful for diagnosing AIS, TIA, DM, CVD, OSAS, CKD, and solid cancers and might reflect common arterial alterations leading to atherosclerotic and cancerous diseases.
Perspectives on Awareness of Unintended Pregnancy Among Young South African Women, Healthcare Providers and Policy Makers
Authors: Somefun Oluwaseyi Dolapo , Harries Jane , Constant Deborah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSouth Africa has a liberal abortion law, yet denial of care is not uncommon, usually due to a woman being beyond the legal gestational age limit for abortion care at that facility. For women successfully obtaining care, time from last menstrual period to confirmation of pregnancy is significantly longer among those having an abortion later in the second trimester compared to earlier gestations. This study explores women’s experiences with recognition and confirmation of unintended pregnancy, their understanding of fertile periods within the menstrual cycle as well as healthcare providers’ and policy makers’ ideas for public sector strategies to facilitate prompt confirmation of unintended pregnancy.Methods We recruited participants from July through September 2017, at an urban non-governmental organization (NGO) sexual and reproductive health (SRH) facility and two public sector hospitals, all providing abortion care into the second trimester. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 40 women to elicit information regarding pregnancy recognition and confirmation as well as fertility awareness. In addition, 5 providers at these same facilities and 2 provincial policy makers were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsUncertainties around being pregnant greatly impacted on recognition of pregnancy status. Women often mentioned that others, including family, friends, partners or colleagues noticed pregnancy signs and prompted them to take action. Several women were unaware of the fertility window and earliest timing for accurate pregnancy testing. Health care providers and policy makers called for strategies to raise awareness regarding risk and signs of unintended pregnancy and for pregnancy tests to be made more readily accessible.ConclusionEarly recognition of unintended pregnancy in this setting is frustrated by poor understanding and awareness of fertility and pregnancy signs and symptoms, compounded by a distrust of commercially available pregnancy tests. Improving community awareness around risk and early signs of pregnancy and having free tests readily available may help women with unintended pregnancy confirm their pregnancy status promptly.