bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Shows Involvement of the p38 MAPK Pathway in Bovine Parainfluenza Virus type 3 Replication
Authors: Li Liyang , Li Pengfei , Chen Ao , Li Hanbing , Liu Zhe , Yu Liyun , Hou Xilin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) infection often causes respiratory tissue damage and immunosuppression and results in bovine respiratory disease complex. Bovine respiratory disease complex is one of the major diseases in dairy cattle and causes huge economical losses every year. The pathogenetic and immunoregulatory mechanisms involved in the process of BPIV3 infection, however, remain unknown. Proteomics is a powerful tool for high-throughput identification of proteins and has been widely used to understand how viruses interact with host cells.Methods: In the present study, we report a proteomic analysis to investigate the whole cellular protein alterations of MDBK cells infected with BPIV3. To investigate the infection process of BPIV3 and the immune response mechanism of MDBK cells, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation analysis (iTRAQ) and Q-Exactive mass spectrometry-based proteomics were performed. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in the BPIV3 invasion process in MDBK cells were identified, annotated, and quantitated.Results: A total of 116 proteins, which included 74 upregulated proteins and 42 downregulated proteins, were identified as DEPs between the BPIV3-infected and the mock-infected groups. These DEPs included corresponding proteins related to inflammatory response, immune response, and lipid metabolism. These results might provide some insights for understanding the pathogenesis of BPIV3. Fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blotting analysis showed results consistent with those of iTRAQ identification. Interestingly, the upregulated protein MKK3 was associated with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusions: The results of proteomics analysis indicated BPIV3 infection could activate the p38 MAPKpathway to promote virus replication.
Optimal futures hedging strategies based on an improved kernel density estimation method
Authors: Yu Xing , Wang Xinxin , Zhang Weiguo , Li Zijin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the hedging effectiveness of crude oil futures on the basis of the lower partial moments (LPMs). An improved kernel density estimation method is proposed to estimate the optimal hedge ratio. We investigate crude oil price hedging by contributing to the literature in the following two-fold: first, unlike the existing studies which focus on univariate kernel density method, we use bivariate kernel density to calculate the estimated LPMs, wherein the two bandwidths of the bivariate kernel density are not limited to the same, which is our main innovation point. According to the criterion of minimizing the mean integrated square error, we derive the conditions that the optimal bandwidths satisfy. In the process of derivation, we make a distribution assumption “locally” in order to simplify calculation, but this type of “local” distribution assumption is far better than “global” distribution assumption used in parameter method theoretically and empirically. Second, in order to meet the requirement of bivariate kernel density for independent random variables, we adopt ARCH models to obtain the independent noises with related to the returns of crude oil spot and futures. Genetic algorithm is used to tune the parameters that maximize Quasi-likelihood. Empirical results reveal that, at first, the hedging strategy based on the improved kernel density estimation method is of highly efficiency, then it achieves better performance than the hedging strategy based on the traditional parametric method. We also compare the risk control effectiveness of static hedge ratio vs. time-varying hedge ratio, and find that static hedging has a better performance than time-varying hedging.
Predictors of in-Hospital Mortality Among Suspected Stroke Patients, Mashhad, Iran: An Application of Autologistic Regression Model
Authors: Hadianfar Ali , Sasannezhad Payam , nazar Eisa , Saki Azadeh , Yousefi Razieh , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , jafari Zahra 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death in adults worldwide. There are remarkable geographical variations in the accessibility to emergency medical services (EMS), and transport delays have been documented worldwide to affect stroke outcomes significantly. Therefore, this study examines whether there are spatial variations in in-hospital mortality among suspected stroke patients transferred by EMS and attempts to determine its related factors using the auto logistic regression model.Methods: In this historical cohort study, suspected stroke patients transferred to Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad by the EMS from March 2018 and March 2019 were included. Using emergency mission IDs, the baseline EMS data were integrated with the follow-up hospital records. The autologistic regression model was applied to examine the possible geographical variations in in-hospital mortality and its related factors. All analysis was carried out by SPSS version 16 and R 4.0.0 at the significant level of 0.05. Results: 1,222 suspected stroke patients were included in this study, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 14.2%. Overall in-hospital stroke mortality was related to age, accessibility rate of an ambulance, screening time, and length of stay (p<0.05). After stratifying by sex, we observed that mortality in men was related to age and length of stay, whereas, in women, variables of age, length of stay, accessibility rate of an ambulance, and screening time had a significant effect on in-hospital mortality among suspected stroke patients (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our results showed considerable geographical variations in in-hospital stroke mortality in Mashhad neighborhoods. Also, age- and sex-adjusted results from this study highlight the direct association between accessibility rate of an ambulance, screening time and length of stay, and in-hospital stroke mortality. The prognosis of in-hospital stroke mortality could be improved by reducing delay time and increasing the EMS access rate.
Knockdown of C3G Mitigates Post-Infarct Remodeling via Regulation of ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Bax in Rat Myocardial Cells
Authors: Li Gang , Deng Qin , Hu Sulei , Laukkanen Jari A. , Liu Cheng , Tang Ning 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of pro-survival integrin β1 subunit and its downstream components have been demonstrated to aggravate remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, as a component of integrin pathway, it is unclear whether knockdown of pro-survival C3G (rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1) in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts could have effect on myocardial remodeling. Methods and results: A rat model of MI was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarcted myocardium and its border zones in Sprague-Dawley rats were transiently infected with C3G knockout lentivirus via local injection to knockdown C3G in the myocardium. Twelve weeks after injection with the lentiviruses, cardiomyocytic apoptosis and collagen in surviving myocardium, and left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic diameter were decreased, whereas LV weight / body weight ratio and LV ejection fraction were increased in MI group via down-regulation of pro-survival C3G, phosphorylated (p) ERK1/2 (phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2), and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax in the surviving myocardium. On the other hand, treatment with the lentiviruses was found to delete C3G and diminish cell proliferation in vitro cardiac myocytic and fibroblastic cell lines respectively via down-regulation of p-ERK1/2 and Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax. Conclusions: Knockdown of pro-survival C3G in myocardium may mitigate surviving myocardial remodeling after MI, possibly through regulation of p-ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Bax in vivo cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Prognosis of Fetal Hyperechogenic Kidney: A Study of 80 Cases
Authors: HAN Jin , Huang YanJun , Ji Bing , liu Zequn , Xu Shuzheng , Zhen Li , Li Ru , Liao Can 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal hyperechogenic kidney poses a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic reasons and prognosis of fetal hyperechogenic kidney diagnosed on prenatal ultrasonography.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 80 cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal hyperechogenic kidney by the obstetric ultrasound. The genetic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed using chromosome karyotype analysis, chromosome microarray analysis, and whole-exome sequencing.
Results
Of the 80 cases, 48 (60%) were those of isolated fetal hyperechogenic kidney and 32 (40%) were those of non-isolated cases, including 4 cases (5%) of urinary system abnormalities, 7 (8.75%) of central nervous system abnormalities, 5 (6.25%) of cardiac abnormalities, and 16 (20%) of multiple abnormalities. Chromosome karyotype analysis and microarray analysis revealed 17 (21.25%) abnormalities, including isolated fetal hyperechogenic kidney (9, 11.25%) and chromosome microdeletion microduplication (17q12 microdeletion syndrome, Williams-Beuren syndrome, 4p16.3-p16.1 microduplication syndrome) (8, 10%). Moreover, 9 patients had single gene mutations, including those of BBS2, BBS7, HNF1B, ACE, CEP290, COL4A5, and PKHD1. Total 48 pregnancies were terminated (57.3%), and the remaining 32 fetuses survived and grew normally, the neonatal renal function tests were normal.
Conclusions
Fetal hyperechogenic kidney chromosome abnormalities are common, in particular, there is considerable prevalence of isolated fetal hyperechogenic kidney. Therefore, advances in prenatal diagnosis are crucial, if necessary, with the combined use of whole-exome sequencing and other comprehensive detection methods.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated New-Onset Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: A Retrospective Analysis Using The FAERS
Authors: Lu Difei , Yao Jun , Yuan Geheng , Gao Ying , Zhang Junqing , Guo Xiaohui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated primary adrenal insufficiency (ICI-PAI), and to explore the risk factors of clinical outcome using data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Methods

This is a retrospective study. All cases of new-onset or newly-diagnosed primary adrenal insufficiency associated with FDA approved ICIs from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2020 were identified and collected using FAERS. Data of age, sex category, body weight of participated individuals, the reporting year and the prognosis of cases, and other accompanied endocrinopathies related to ICIs were analyzed.
Results

The incidence of ICI-PAI was 1.03% (1180/114121). The application of the combination therapy of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 was related to higher risk of PAI compared with anti-PD-1 group (χ2 = 92.88, p < 0.001). Male and elder individuals showed higher risk of ICI-PAI (male vs. female, 1.17% vs. 0.94%, χ2 = 12.55, p < 0.001; age < 65 vs. ≥65, 1.20% vs. 1.41%, χ2 = 6.89, p = 0.009). The co-occurrence rate of other endocrinopathies aside from PAI was 24.3%, which showed a higher trend in patients on nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment compared with those on PD-1 inhibitors (χ2 = 3.227, p = 0.072). Body weight was negatively associated with the risk of death in the study population [p = 0.033 for the regression model; B=-0.017, OR 0.984, 95%CI (0.969–0.998), p = 0.029].
Conclusions

ICI-associated PAI is a rare but important irAE. Male and elder patients have higher risk of ICI-PAI. Awareness among clinicians is critical when patients with lower body weight develop PAI, which indicates poor clinical outcomes.
Transcriptome Analysis Identified Core Genes Involved in Maize Resistance to Rhizoctonia Solani
Authors: Cao Hongxiang , Yang Zhangshuai , Song Shu , Liu Jiazong , Li Ning 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBanded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani is a devasting disease on maize worldwide, especially in China and Southeast Asia. It is important to understand the interaction mechanism between maize and R. solani for control of invasion and expansion.ResultsIn this study, the expression profile of maize infected by low virulence strain (LVS) and high virulence strain (HVS) of R. solani for 3 and 5 d was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. A total of 3015 and 1628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under LVS and HVS infection, respectively. Meanwhile, these DEGs were classified by Gene Ontology (GO) for biological process analysis. Only defense-related GO terms were commonly enriched in LVS- and HVS-regulated genes. Furthermore, a core set of 388 up-regulated genes that are involved in maize response to R. solani infection were identified. Additionally, among the core genes, overexpressing ZmNAC41 and ZmBAK1 enhanced rice resistance to R. solani.ConclusionThe results in this study provide additional insight into maize defense mechanisms against R. solani, and the core genes identified in this study will be important resources for improving BLSB resistance in the future.
Surgical Case Order is an Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Infection in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wu Dengying , Jia Chao , Lu Hongwei , Zhou Shuoyi , wu Zheng , Xie Chenglong , Xue Enxing 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Total knee arthroplasty is regarded as the most effective treatment for severe knee joint problems. Surgery case order influences operative outcomes according to previous studies. This study aims to evaluate the effect of surgical case order on operative outcomes for TKA.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 4,267 TKAs performed by three surgeons at our hospital from February 2008 to February 2018. Variables, such as surgical time, loss of blood, and hospitalization stay, were also recorded and analysed. Logistic regression was used to analyse every variable as a potential risk for a surgical site infection.Results: Of the 4267 cases in this cohort, 1531 TKAs were classified as first-round cases, 1194 TKAs were second-round cases, 913 TKAs were third-round cases, 490 TKAs were fourth-round cases, and 139 were fifth-round or later cases. The mean operating time was shorter in intermediate cases (P< 0.01). Perioperative adverse events were increased in later surgical cases (P< 0.01). Later case order (OR= 1.29 [95% CI: 1.17–1.56], P<0.01) was a significant risk factor for severe arthroplasty complications. The operative time and length of stay were increased for cases performed later in the day. However, blood loss is not statistically associated with case order. Conclusions: Surgical case order is an independent risk factor for surgical infection. Significantly increased operative time and longer LOS were noted for third-round or later TKA cases. Our results identify potentially modifiable risk factors contributing to infection rates in TKA, and cases operated on later in the day in the same room were more likely to have a higher infection risk.
Maternal Exposure to Sevoflurane Disrupts Oligodendrocyte Myelination of the Postnatal Hippocampus and Induces Cognitive and Motor Impairments in Offspring
Authors: Fan Ze , Liang Lirong , Ma Ruixue , Xie Rougang , Zhao Youyi , Zhang Ming , Guo Baolin , Zeng Tian , He Danyi , Zhao Xianghui , Zhang Hui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Maternal exposure to sevoflurane can impose significant neurocognitive risks on the developing brain of infants. Several studies have indicated that oligodendrocytes may be involved in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity, but the concrete effects of sevoflurane on the development and myelination of oligodendrocytes remain unclear. In this study, we assessed fetal myelination and neural behavior after maternal exposure to sevoflurane. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice (gestational day 15.5) were exposed to sevoflurane (2.5%) for 6 h. The cognitive function and motor coordination of offspring (8 weeks of age) were determined via the novel object recognition test, the Morris water maze test and the accelerating rotarod test. Proliferation and differentiation of cultured oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were detected via immunocytochemistry. Expression and ultrastructure of myelin in the fetal hippocampus were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Myelin-associated genes and proteins were tested via qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting. The functionality of myelin was evaluated by electrophysiology. The results showed that maternal exposure to sevoflurane induced cognitive and motor impairments in infants, accompanied by inhibitions of OPC proliferation and differentiation, and damages of myelin structure. Myelin-associated genes and proteins (including MBP, Olig1, PDNFRα, Sox10, etc.) were downregulated. The conduction velocity of axons also declined. These results suggested that maternal exposure to sevoflurane could induce detrimental effects on cognitive and motor functions in offspring, which might be associated with disrupted myelination of oligodendrocytes in the hippocampus.
Effect of Vasopressin and its Analogs versus Catecholamines on the Renal Outcomes in Septic Shock:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Yusuf Amina Elmi , He Wei , YU Rongjie , Sun Liqun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: This current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of Vasopressin and its analogs and adverse renal outcomes compared to Catecholamines in adult patients with septic shock. Method: We performed a systematic review of the literature published from inception to March 31, 2021, using online databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials reporting any renal function and comparing Vasopressin and its analogs with Catecholamines among adult septic shock patients. Our primary outcomes relating to acute renal failure were acute kidney injury incidence and the need for Renal replacement therapy. Our secondary outcomes were three: Renal replacement therapy free-days and 48h post-administration change in creatinine level and urine output. We applied a fixed-effects model to estimate the risk ratio (RR) for (dichotomized outcomes) and standard mean difference (SMD) for (continues outcomes). Results: 18 trials met the inclusion criteria with a total of 4,024 patients. 13 studies were eligible for quantitative meta-analysis and 5 studies were eligible for qualitative data. For the primary outcome, Vasopressin or its agonist are associated with a lower AKI incidence (Risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI [0.86, 1.00], P = 0.04, I² = 5%) and a reduced need for renal replacement therapy (Risk ratio 0.84, 95% CI [0.73, 0.97], P = 0.02, I² = 11%). We found no statistical significance in the pooled estimates for the secondary outcomes: RRT free-days (28 or 30 days) (P = 0.65, I² = 0%), 48h creatinine level (P = 0.81, I² = 39%), and 48h urine output (P = 0.46, I² = 8%). Conclusions: Vasopressin and its analogs are associated with a reduced AKI incidence and a lower RRT use rate in septic shock compared to catecholamines. Furthermore, we did not find a significant effect of Vasopressin on the number of RRT- free days (up to 28 or 30 days) or in creatinine level and urinary output in 48 hours. However, due to the high mortality associated with S-AKI, large blinded RCTs addressing renal function impairment in septic shock are warranted.
Pre-Earthquake Ionospheric Anomalies Associated with the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake of Nepal Detected by GPS-TEC Measurements
Authors: Karki Monika , Silwal Ashok , Chapagain Narayan Prasad , Poudel Prakash , Gautam Sujan Prasad , Adhikari Binod , Dahal Ranjan Kumar , Ghimire Basu Dev , Mishra Roshan Kumar , Orue Yenca Migoya , Calabia Andres 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The present study analyses the variations in the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) prior to and during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal (Mw = 7.8) on 25 April 2015, utilising data from the widely distributed Global Positioning System (GPS) network. This study aimed to determine the association between ionospheric TEC anomalies and the occurrence of earthquakes. The finding shows that anomalous TEC changes occurred several days to a few hours prior to the major impending events. The results reveal that deviations in vertical total electron content (VTEC) at distant locations from the epicentre are less than those observed at the epicentre, implying that variation in ionospheric VTEC is nearly inversely proportional to the distance of GPS stations from the epicentre. In view of the solar-terrestrial environment, the pre-earthquake ionospheric anomalies could be associated with the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. The VTEC anomaly was identified when it crosses the upper bound (UB) or lower bound (LB). The outcomes additionally show that TEC variation was dominant in the vicinity of the earthquake epicentre. We also observed contrast in TEC throughout the globe using global ionospheric maps at regular 2-hour UT intervals, the day before, during and after the earthquake. As a result, we observed that areas heavily influenced by TEC were found to be transposed from eastern sectors to western sectors through the equatorial plane. TEC Maps indicate that most of the Indian regions, Northern China, Nepal, Bhutan, were heavily affected, indicating the earthquake's onset influence on the day of the event. Furthermore, we examined the cross-correlation of the SGOC station's TEC with the rest of the stations and discovered that the correlation increased gradually with epicentral distance from the surrounding stations, which was an intriguing result.
Genotypic Characteristics of African Swine Fever Virus Maintained in Various Outbreaks in Vietnam During 2019-2021
Authors: Nguyen Nam Minh , Ngo Tram Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Duyen Thi Minh , Nguyen Hai Ngoc , Nguyen Trang Thi Phuong , Lee Jason , Nguyen Toan Tat , Do Duy Tien 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to identify potential genetic diversity among African swine fever virus (ASFV) strains circulating in central and southern Vietnam. Thirty ASFV strains were collected from domestic pigs and convalescent pigs with ASFV-infected clinical signs from 19 different provinces of central and southern Vietnam during 2019–2021. A portion of the B646L (p72) gene and the entire E183L (p54), CP204L (p30), and B602L (CVR) genes were amplified, purified, and sequenced. Web-based BLAST and MEGA-X software were used for sequence analysis. Analysis of the partial B646L (p72) gene, the full-length E183L (p54) and CP204L (p30) genes, and the central hypervariable region (CVR) of the B602L gene sequence showed that all 30 ASFV isolates belonged to genotype II and were 100% identical to the previously identified strains in Vietnam and China. Analysis of the p72, p54, and p30 regions did not indicate any change in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences among these strains in 3 years of research. No novel variant was found in the CVR within the B602L gene. Analysis of the CVR showed that these ASFV strains belong to subgroup XXXII. The results of this study revealed that these ASFVs shared high homology with ASFV isolates detected previously in northern Vietnam and China. Taken together, the results of this study and a previous study in Vietnam showed high stability and no genetic diversity in the ASFV genome.