bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D-related Polymorphisms and Vitamin D Levels as Risk Biomarkers of COVID-19 Infection Severity
Authors: FREITAS Ana Teresa , Calhau Conceicao , Antunes Goncalo , Araujo Beatriz , Bandeira Matilde , Barreira Sofia , Bazenga Filipa , Braz Sandra , Caldeira Daniel , Santos Susana Constantino Rosa , Faria Ana , Faria Daniel , Fraga Marta , Nogueira-Garcia Beatriz , Goncalves Lucia , Kovalchuk Pavlo , Lacerda Luisa , Lopes Hugo , Luis Daniel , Medeiros Fabio , Melo Ana M P , Melo-Cristino Jose , Miranda Ana , Pereira Clara , Pinto Ana Teresa , Pinto Joao , Proenca Helena , Ramos Angelica , Rato Joao P R , Rocha Filipe , Rocha Julio Cesar , Moreira-Rosario Andre , Vazao Helena , Volovetska Yuliya , Guimaraes Joao-Tiago , Pinto Fausto J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Vitamin D is a fundamental regulator of host defences by activating genes related to innate and adaptive immunity. Previous research shows a correlation between the levels of vitamin D in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the degree of disease severity. This work investigates the impact of the genetic background related to vitamin D pathways on COVID-19 severity. For the first time, the Portuguese population was characterized regarding the prevalence of high impact variants in genes associated with the vitamin D pathways. Methods: This study enrolled 517 patients admitted to two tertiary Portuguese hospitals. The serum concentration of 25 (OH)D, was measured in the hospital at the time of patient admission. Genetic variants, 18 variants, in the genes AMDHD1, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, DHCR7, GC, SEC23A, and VDR were analysed. Results: The results show that polymorphisms in the vitamin D binding protein encoded by the GC gene are related to the infection severity (p = 0.005). There is an association between vitamin D polygenic risk score and the serum concentration of 25 (OH)D (p = 0.042). There is an association between 25 (OH)D levels and the survival and fatal outcomes (p = 1.5e-4). The Portuguese population has a higher prevalence of the DHCR7 RS12785878 variant when compared with its prevalence in the European population (19% versus 10%).Conclusion: This study shows a genetic susceptibility for vitamin D deficiency that might explain higher severity degrees in COVID-19 patients. These results reinforce the relevance of personalized strategies in the context of viral diseases.
Screening of Hub Genes Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Wei Zimeng , Zhao Min , Zang Linnan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main histological subtype of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying LUAD is not yet clearly defined, but elucidating this process in detail would be of great significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods

Gene expression profiles were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), and the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by online GEO2R analysis tool. Subsequently, the enrichment analysis of function and signaling pathways of DEGs in LUAD were performed by gene ontology (GO) and The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were established through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and hub genes were screened by plug-in CytoHubba in Cytoscape. Afterwards, we detected the expression of hub genes in LUAD and other cancers via GEPIA, Oncomine and HPA databases. Finally, Kaplan-Meier plotter were performed to analyze the prognosis efficacy of hub genes.
Results

74 up-regulated and 238 down-regulated DEGs were identified. As for the up-regulated DEGs, KEGG analysis results revealed they were mainly enrolled in protein digestion and absorption. However, the down-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in cell adhesion molecules. Subsequently, 9 hub genes: KIAA0101, CDCA7, TOP2A, CDC20, ASPM, TPX2, CENPF, UBE2T and ECT2, were identified and showed higher expression in both LUAD and other cancers. Finally, all these hub genes were found significantly related to the prognosis of LUAD (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

Our results screened out the hub genes and pathways that were related to the development and prognosis of LUAD, which could provide new insight for the future molecularly targeted therapy and prognosis evaluation of LUAD.
Phytotoxic Effects of Treated Wastewater Used for Agricultural Irrigation On Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Plant Growth
Authors: Asli Sare , Massalha Nedal , Hugerat Muhamad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
AimsTo determine the effects of treated wastewater (TWW) and dialyzed TWW (DTWW) through dialysis tube with a cut-off at 6000-8000 Da, on the water transport characteristics of maize seedlings (Zea mays L). MethodsLaboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of TWW on the hydraulic conductivity of excised roots. Moreover, the effect on transpiration, plant growth, root cell permeability and on the plant fresh and dry weight was determined. ResultsPressurized water flow through the excised primary roots was reduced by 25%-52%, within 90 min of exposure to TWW or DTWW. In hydroponics, DTWW affected root elongation severely by 58 %, while cell-wall pore sizes of same roots were little reduced (by 6%). Additionally, the exposure to TWW or DTWW caused inhibition of both leaf growth rate by (26%-70%) and transpiration by (14%-64%). While in soil growth, the plant fresh and dry weight was also significantly affected but not with secondary DTWW. Conclusions These impacts appeared simultaneously to involve phytotoxic and physical clogging impacts. First, the inhibition in hydraulic conductivity through live roots (phytotoxic and physical effects) after exposure to secondary DTWW was by 22%, while through killed roots accepted after hot alcohol disruption of cell membranes (physical effects only); was only by 14%. Second, although DTWW affected root elongation severely by 58%, cell-wall pore sizes of same roots were little reduced by 6%. We conclude that large molecules, such as polypeptides, remained after the dialysis process, may have produced hormone-like activity that affected root water permeability.
Understanding the Relationship between Electric Power Consumption, Technological Transfer, Financial development and Environmental Quality.
Authors: Kahouli Bassem , Alrasheedy Benayan Bani , Chaaben Nahla , Triki Rabab 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This research paper attempts to investigate both the long-run and causality relationship among electric power consumption (EPC), technological transfer, financial development (FD), and environmental quality for the Saudi Arabia (KSA) economy from 1980 to 2019. In doing so, we propose a carbon emission function tested by incorporating multi-steps techniques such as autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) has been exploited to determine the existence of cointegration or no; while vector error correction model (VECM) has been applied to decide the direction of causality. In this paper we have proposed two proxies of technological transfer, namely imported technology (MT) and Technical cooperation grants (TCG). The results indicate the existence of cointegration between the concerned series. Besides, the existence of a feed-back effect among variables (except TCG) in the long-run. However, in the short run feed-back effect exists among EPC and EnvQ; MT and EnvQ; EPC and MT. Thus, the paper provides original visions for policy makers to encourage the technological transfer by financing and supporting the electric energy sector which constitutes the main locomotive to improve the environment quality for the KSA.JEL classification : C32, C52, O11, Q43
Discovery of Genomic Regions Associated With Resistance to Late Wilt Disease Caused by Harpophora Maydis (Samra, Sabet and Hing) in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sunitha N. C. , Gangappa E. , Gowda R. P. Veeresh , S Ramesh , Biradar Sunil , Swamy Dharanendra , Hemareddy H. B. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Late wilt disease (LWD) caused by Harpophora maydis (Samra, Sabet and Hing) is emerging as major production constraint in maize across the world. As a prelude to develop maize hybrids resistance to LWD, genetic basis of resistance was investigated. Two F2:3 mapping populations (derived from CV156670 × 414-33 (P-1) and CV156670 × CV143587 (P-2)) were challenged with LWD at two locations (Kallinayakanahalli and Muppadighatta) during 2017 post-rainy season. Wider range of LWD scores were observed at both locations in both the populations. LWD response was influenced by significant Genotype × location interaction. Six and 56 F2:3 progeny families showed resistance level better than resistant parent. 150 and 199 polymorphic SNP markers were used to genotype P-1 and P-2, respectively. Inclusive composite interval mapping was performed to detect significant QTL, QTL × QTL, QTL × Location interaction effects. Three major and four minor QTL controlling LWD resistance were detected on chromosome-1. Position and effect of the QTL varied with the location. Significant di-QTL interactions involving QTL (with significant and/or non-significant effects) located within and between all the ten chromosomes were detected. Five of the seven detected QTL in our study showed significant QTL × location interaction. Though two major QTL (q-lw-1.5 and q-lw-1.6) with lower Q×L interaction effects could be considered as stable, their phenotypic variance is not large enough to deploy them in MAS. Based on these results, strategies to breed maize for resistance to LWD are discussed.
Secretory Expression of Cyclohexanone Monooxygenase by Methylotrophic Yeast for Efficient Omeprazole Sulfide Bio-oxidation
Authors: Li Ya-Jing , Zheng Yu-Cong , Geng Qiang , Liu Feng , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Xu Jian-He , Yu Hui-Lei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Prochiral pyrmetazole can be asymmetrically oxidized into (S)-omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux, by an engineered cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMOAcineto-Mut) that has high stereoselectivity. CHMOAcineto-Mut is produced by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, where it is expressed intracellularly. Thus, isolating this useful biocatalyst requires tedious cell disruption and subsequent purification, which hinders its use for industrial purposes. Here, we report the extracellular production of CHMOAcineto-Mut by a methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, for the first time. The recombinant CHMOAcineto-Mut expressed by P. pastoris showed a higher flavin occupation rate than that produced by E. coli, and this was accompanied by a 3.2-fold increase in catalytic efficiency. At a cell density of 150 g/L cell dry weight, we achieved a recombinant CHMOAcineto-Mut production rate of 1,700 U/L, representing approximately 85% of the total protein secreted into the fermentation broth. By directly employing the pH adjusted supernatant as a biocatalyst, we were able to almost completely transform 10 g/L of pyrmetazole into the corresponding (S)-sulfoxide, with >99% enantiomeric excess.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Responsive Nanoprobe For Bioimaging And Targeted Therapy of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shen Chong , Gao Ming , Chen Haimin , Zhan Yanting , Lan Qiumei , Li Zhimin , Xiong Wei , Qin Zainen , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Stimulus-responsive therapy that allows precise imaging-guided therapy is limited for osteoarthritis (OA) therapy due to the selection of proper physiological markers as stimulus. Based on that the over-production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is one of the leading causes of OA, we selected ROS as markers and designed a cartilage-targeting and ROS-responsive theranostic nanoprobe that is highly specific for effective bioimaging and therapy of OA. This nanoprobe was fabricated by using PEG micelles modified with ROS-sensitive thioketal linkers (TK) and cartilage-targeting peptide, termed TKC, which was then encapsulated with Dexamethasone (DEX) to form TKC@DEX nanoparticles. Results showed that the nanoprobe can smartly “turn on” in response to excessive ROS and “turn off” in the normal joint. By applying different doses of ROS inducer and ROS inhibitor, this nanoprobe can emit ROS-dependent fluorescence according to the degree of OA severity, helpful to precise disease classification in clinic. Specifically targeting cartilage, TKC@DEX could effectively respond to ROS and sustained release DEX to remarkably reduce cartilage damage in the OA joints. This smart, sensitive and endogenously activated ROS-responsive nanoprobe is promising for OA theranostics.
Infant Feeding Type of Children Who Qualify For SARS-CoV-2 Testing: An Observational Study.
Authors: Verd Sergio , Ramakers Jan , Vinuela Isabel , Martin-Delgado Maria-Isabel , Prohens Aina , Diez Ruth 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: It has been demonstrated that children who had been breastfed remain better protected against various infections, and notably respiratory tract infections, well beyond infancy. Since the role of breastfeeding to explain why children are less affected by COVID-19 has not been studied until now, the aim of this study was to determine whether any history of breastfeeding reduces the incidence rate of COVID-19 in children.Methods: This was a secondary analysis of an observational study on clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 in Majorca. A total of 691 children were recruited. Eligible participants were children under 14 who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric emergency services. The independent explanatory variable was initial breastfeeding. Bivariate analyses were conducted through the Chi-square test, the Fisher's Exact test or the Student’s T test. All children had the same demographic, epidemiological and clinical data collected through a study team member interview and via the participants medical records. Aspredicted Trials Registry number is #62721. Results: Within the sample of children who visited emergency services with symptoms of potential COVID-19, we found higher prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results among those who were exclusively formula fed compared with those who were ever breastfed (OR, 2.48; 95%CI, 1.45-3.51; P=0.036). Conclusions: Since approximately 1 in 60 ever breastfed symptomatic children had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 versus 1 in 25 never breastfed symptomatic children, this study shows that initially breastfed children remain at lower risk of COVID-19.
Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain are Associated with the Maternal-Infant Adverse Outcomes in Chinese Women with Gestation Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Qing-Xiang , Wang Hai-Wei , Jiang Xiu-Min , Lin Yan , Liu Gui-Hua , Pan Mian , Ge Li , Chen Xiao-Qian , Wu Jing-Lin , Zhang Xiao-Yun , Pan Yu-Qing , HE Hong-Gu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The gestational weight gain (GWG) range of Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) still remains unclear. Our objective was to identify the ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM, and to investigate the associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), GWG and maternal-infant adverse outcomes. GDM Women delivering singleton from 2013 to 2018 in a tertiary public hospital were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the joint effects of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG on maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Finally, 14,578 women were collected. The ranges of GWG of Chinese women with GDM in the underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 5.95-21.95kg, 4.23-21.83kg, 0.88-21.12kg and-1.76-19.95kg, respectively. The risks of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and cesarean delivery were significantly increased with the increase of pre-pregnancy BMI. Furthermore, the risks of LGA, macrosomia and cesarean delivery were significantly higher in normal weight group with GWG higher than the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM) recommendation. Similarly, in overweight group with GWG higher than NAM recommendation, the risks of LGA were significantly higher, while, the risks of macrosomia were significantly lower. In conclusion, the ranges of GWG in GDM women were different with NAM recommendation.
Home Mechanical Ventilation: Results of A National Program In Adults (2008 to 2017), Ministry of Health, Chile
Authors: Maquilon Cesar , Antolini Monica , Valdés Nicolas , A Marianela Andrade , Canales Krishnna , Rabec Claudio , Olave Cristian , Aguayo Miguel , Matus Patricia Rivas , Vilaro Carmen Andrade , Venegas Angela , Zapata Sandra , Torres Maria Elena , Cabrera Osvaldo , Villalobos Jorge 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a viable and effective strategy for patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) of different causes. The Chilean Ministry of Health started in 2006 a program for HMV in Children and in 2008 it began a program for HMV in adults. All belonged to the state health insurance.Methods: Prospective cohort of adult patients with CRF in 10 regions of Chile admitted to the national HMV program, their demographic, clinical and functional characteristics, mode of admission, time in the program and survival.Results: A total of 1,105 patients were included. Median age was 59 years (44-58, IQR1-IQR3). Women were 58.1%. The body mass index was 34.9 (26-46) kg/m2, and 942 (85.4%) belonged to low-income socioeconomic groups. The baseline score on the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire (SRI) was 47 (35-62.1) points, 98.5% lived in urban areas, 76.2% initiated HMV in the stable chronic mode, 23.8% in the acute mode and 99 patients were transferred from the children's program. There were 1047 patients on noninvasive ventilation and 58 on invasive ventilation through tracheostomy. Baseline PaCO2 was 58.2 (52-65) mmHg. Device usage time was 7.3 h/d (5.8-8.8), the time in HMV was 21.6 (12.2-49.5) months. The diagnostic groups were COPD, 35%; obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), 23.9%; neuromuscular disease (NMD) 16.3%; non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or tuberculosis (non-CF BC or TBC) 8.3%; Scoliosis, 5.9%; and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 5.24%. The lowest 1- and 3-year survival rates were observed in the ALS group, i.e., 67% and 26%, respectively, and the lowest 9-year survival was observed in the non-CF BC or TB and COPD, 27% and 30.9%, respectively. The best survival rates at 9 years were 57.7%, 57.2% and 50.9% for patients with OHS, Scoliosis and NMD, respectively.Conclusion: The most common diagnoses were COPD and OHS. Patients were hypercapnic and had poor quality of life at program admission. The best survival was observed in patients with OHS, Scoliosis and NMD.
The Cumulative Dose-Dependent Effects of Metformin on the Development of Tuberculosis in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Heo Eunyoung , Kim Eunyoung , Jang Eun Jin , Lee Chang-Hoon 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). Metformin, which is an essential anti-diabetic drug, has been shown to exhibit anti-TB effects in patients with DM. Its effect on preventing the development of TB among patients who are newly diagnosed with DM remains unclear. We evaluated the protective effect of metformin on the development of TB among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 DM.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the claims database. The study population included newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients between January 2003 and March 2011. A metformin user was defined if a patient had taken metformin for more than 28 days within the first 6 months after the initial cohort entry. Primary outcome was the development of TB within 2 years after the index date. Results: Metformin use was not associated with the prevention of TB development (Metformin user: 44/12,916 (0.34%) vs. Metformin non-user: 40/12,916(0.31%); HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.75-1.83; P = 0.482). There was, however, a reduction in the development of TB among patients taking a higher cumulative dose of metformin. Patients in the highest quartile of cumulative metformin dose had only a 10% risk of developing TB compared to metformin non-users. In contrast, patients in the second quartile had a higher risk of developing TB than patients in the first quartile. Conclusions: The highest cumulative doses of metformin were protective against the development of TB among newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients.
Synaptotagmin13 Is A Neuroendocrine Marker In Brain, Intestine And Pancreas
Authors: Tarquis-Medina Marta , Scheibner Katharina , Garcia Ismael Gonzalez , Bastidas-Ponce Aimée , Sterr Michael , Jaki Jessica , Schirge Silvia , García-Cáceres Cristina , Lickert Heiko , Bakhti Mostafa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Synaptotagmin13 (Syt13) is an atypical member of the vesicle trafficking Synaptotagmin protein family. The expression pattern and the biological function of this Ca2+-independent protein are not well resolved. Here, we have generated a novel Syt13-Venus fusion (Syt13-VF) fluorescence reporter allele to track and isolate tissues and cells expressing Syt13 protein. The reporter allele is regulated by endogenous cis-regulatory elements of Syt13 and the fusion protein follows an identical expression pattern of the endogenous Syt13 protein. The homozygous reporter mice are viable and fertile. We identify the expression of the Syt13-VF reporter in different regions of the brain with high expression in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing and oxytocin-producing neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, Syt13-VF is highly restricted to all enteroendocrine cells in the adult intestine that can be traced in live imaging. Finally, Syt13-VF protein is expressed in the pancreatic endocrine lineage allowing their specific isolation by flow sorting. These findings demonstrate high expression levels of Syt13 in the endocrine lineages in three major organs harboring these secretory cells. Collectively, the Syt13-VF reporter mouse line provides a unique and reliable tool to dissect the spatio-temporal expression pattern of Syt13 and enables isolation of Syt13-expressing cells that will aid in deciphering the molecular functions of this protein in the neuroendocrine system.
The Relation of Surgical Procedures And Diagnosis Groups To Unplanned Readmission In Spinal Neurosurgery. A Retrospective Single Center Study.
Authors: Sander Caroline , Oppermann Henry , Nestler Ulf , Sander Katharina , Fehrenbach Michael , Wende Tim , von Dercks Nikolaus , Meixensberger Juergen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

PurposeUnplanned readmission has gained increasing interest as a quality marker for inpatient care, as it is associated with patient mortality and higher economic costs. Spinal neurosurgery is characterized by a lack of epidemiologic readmission data. The aim of this study was to identify causes and predictors for unplanned readmissions related to index diagnoses and surgical procedures. MethodsIn this study from 2015-2017, spinal neurosurgical procedures were recorded. The main reasons for an unplanned readmission in between 30 days after discharge were identified. Multivariate logarithmic regression revealed predictors of unplanned readmission. Results1172 patient records were examined, of which 4.27 % disclosed unplanned readmissions. Among the surgical patients the readmission rate was 4.06 % mainly due to surgical site infections, for the non-surgical patients 5.06 % due to uncontrolled pain. A night-time surgery presented as independent predictive factor. ConclusionIn the heterogeneous group of spinal neurosurgical patients, stratification into diagnostic groups is necessary for statistical analysis. Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and spinal abscesses are mainly affected by unplanned readmission. The surgical procedure dorsal root ganglion stimulation is an independent predictor of unplanned re-hospitalizations, as is timing of surgery.