bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variations in nucleotide excision repair pathway genes and hepatoblastoma susceptibility
Authors: Zhuo Zhenjian , Miao Lei , Hua Wenfeng , Chen Huitong , Yang Zhonghua , Li Yong , Zhang Jiao , Li Suhong , Cheng Jiwen , Li Li , Xia Huimin , He Jing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe etiology of hepatoblastoma is largely unknown due to the rarity of this disease. Nucleotide excision repair (NER), a versatile system in repairing DNA damage, is highly implicated in carcinogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in the NER pathway are related to hepatoblastoma risk. A total of 313 Chinese children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and 1446 controls were recruited from seven hospitals across China. TaqMan assay was adopted to genotype 19 SNPs in NER pathway genes including ERCC1, XPA, XPC, XPD, XPF and XPG. Of them, only two SNPs in XPC gene predisposed to hepatoblastoma risk. The XPC rs2607775 polymorphism significantly contributed to hepatoblastoma risk (dominant model: adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01‐2.05, P = .046). However, XPC rs1870134 conferred a significantly decreased risk of hepatoblastoma in recessive model (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26‐0.98, P = .042). Stratified analysis revealed that rs2607775 CG/GG genotype, rs1870134 CC genotype and four to five risk genotypes were associated with the risk of hepatoblastoma under certain subgroups. The significant relationships were confirmed by haplotype analyses and false‐positive report probability analyses. In addition, expression quantitative trait locus analysis suggested that rs2607775 G increased expression of XPC mRNA. Collectively, our discover a promising candidate XPC gene as a biomarker for the risk of hepatoblastoma.
Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein is a predictor of brain metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Darlix Amélie , Hirtz Christophe , Mollevi Caroline , Ginestet Nelly , Tiers Laurent , Jacot William , Lehmann Sylvain 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), brain metastases (BM) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, there is no validated serum biomarker that accurately predicts BM occurrence in these patients, and the role of serum biomarkers for prognosis remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the association of neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau serum levels with BM presence and prognosis in patients with MBC. In serum samples from patients with MBC with (n = 100) and without BM (n = 47), we measured the biomarker serum levels using single molecule array (Simoa) technology (Neurology‐4‐Plex assay). To evaluate their accuracy to identify patients with BM, we determined the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) for each biomarker and calculated their sensitivity and specificity. The median serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were significantly higher in patients with BM. The AUC for GFAP (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75‐0.88) was significantly higher than those of the other biomarkers considered independently. Using the medians as cutoff values, elevated serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were associated with BM in univariate analysis, but only high GFAP levels in multivariate analysis (odd ratio 23.4, 95% CI 6.8‐80.5, P < .001). Elevated serum GFAP levels were independently associated with poor outcome. GFAP outperforms NfL, UCHL1 and tau as diagnostic and prognostic factor of BM in patients with MBC. These results must now be validated in an independent cohort of patients.
Anti‐hypertensive use for non‐severe gestational hypertension in Botswana: A case‐control study
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Zash Rebecca , Modest Anna M. , Luckett Rebecca , Diseko Modiegi , Mmalane Mompati , Makhema Joseph , Ramogola‐Masire Doreen , Wylie Blair J. , Shapiro Roger 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe fetal risks and benefits of antihypertensives to treat gestational hypertension in pregnancy are understudied, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries.MethodsWe performed a nested case‐control study within a retrospective cohort of obstetrical patients in Botswana from 2014 to 2019. We included women carrying singletons who developed new onset non‐severe hypertension (140–159 mm Hg systolic or 90–109 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Cases were defined as women with either small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants or stillbirth, analyzed separately; controls were otherwise similar women without the adverse outcome in each analysis.ResultsWe identified 1932 cases of SGA (7925 controls) and 316 cases of stillbirth (9619 controls). Cases with SGA were more likely to have used an anti‐hypertensive than controls (33% vs 29%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.43). Cases with stillbirth were more likely to have used an anti‐hypertensive than controls (42% versus 29%, aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.83).ConclusionAnti‐hypertensive use for new‐onset gestational hypertension was associated with an increased risk of having an SGA infant or a stillbirth among women who never developed severe hypertension. These data support conduct of a randomized clinical trial to determine the appropriate use of anti‐hypertensives in non‐severe gestational hypertension.
COVID‐19‐related deaths among women of reproductive age in Brazil: The burden of postpartum
Authors: Knobel Roxana , Takemoto Maíra L. S. , Nakamura‐Pereira Marcos , Menezes Mariane O. , Borges Vicente K. , Katz Leila , Amorim Melania M. R. , Andreucci Carla B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare risk of death due to COVID‐19 among pregnant, postpartum, and non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in Brazil, using the severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance system (SARS‐SS).MethodsA secondary analysis was performed of the Brazilian official SARS‐SS, with data retrieved up to August 17, 2020. Cases were stratified by pregnancy status, risk factors or co‐morbidities, and outcome (death or recovery). Multiple logistic regression was employed to examine associations between independent variables and risk of death.ResultsA total of 24 805 cases were included, with 3129 deaths (12.6%), including 271 maternal deaths. Postpartum was associated with increased risk of death, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mechanical ventilation. Co‐morbidities with higher impact on case fatality rate among non‐obstetric cases were cancer and neurological and kidney diseases. Among pregnant women, cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and rheumatology diseases were associated with risk of death. In the postpartum subgroup, age over 35 years and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher chance of death.ConclusionPostpartum was associated with worse outcomes among the obstetric population, despite lower risk of dying without accessing ICU care. Non‐pregnant women with cancer, neurological diseases, and kidney diseases have a higher risk of death due to COVID‐19.
Influence of bovine serum albumin on biodegradation behavior of pure Zn
Authors: Dong Hongzhou , Virtanen Sannakaisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractZinc is emerging as a promising biodegradable metal for temporary implant applications. In this work, we investigate the influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA)—the most abundant blood protein in simulated body fluid (SBF) on degradation of pure Zn via electrochemical measurements and long‐term immersion. Electrochemical experiments indicate a decrease of the corrosion rate of bare Zn with increasing BSA concentration in solution for short‐term exposures. Samples were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM) (including energy dispersive spectroscopy [EDS], X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR], and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry [TOF‐SIMS]) after immersion up to 21 days. Presence of BSA in the electrolyte, decrease the amount of Ca‐phosphate precipitation on Zn surface. However, a more compact surface layer formed in the presence of BSA in solution. Most noteworthy, in long‐term exposures, BSA enhances localized corrosion of Zn—such detrimental localized attack was not observed in BSA‐free solution. We suggest that a sealed space forming between the Zn substrate and a protein adsorption layer restricts mass transport, thus triggering localized corrosion of Zn.
Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co‐occurrence among people living with schizophrenia in China: Prevalence and correlates
Authors: Xi Shi‐jun , Shen Min‐xue , Wang Yao , Zhou Wei , Xiao Shui‐yuan , Tebes Jacob Kraemer , Yu Yu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe current study examines the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, their occurrence, and key socio‐demographic and clinical correlates among people living with schizophrenia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 390 schizophrenia individuals. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, patient symptoms, functioning, and disability were assessed using standard assessment tools.ResultsPeople living with schizophrenia had a prevalence of 40.51% for depressive symptoms, 29.74% for anxiety symptoms, and 26.41% for their co‐occurrence. More symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04–1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.10) and higher disability (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co‐occurrence. In addition, having middle school or high school education (OR: 2.48–2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.53), and being unemployed (OR: 4.98–9.08, 95% CI: 1.09–69.87) were associated with increased risk for anxiety symptoms and its co‐occurrence with depressive symptoms.ConclusionsDepressive and anxiety symptoms are relatively common. Interventions should carefully assess these symptoms to distinguish them from schizophrenia to target them in the treatment.
Values of left ventricular diastolic function assessed by left atrial volumes and Doppler echocardiography in healthy Angolans: Effect of age and gender: A pilot study
Authors: Morais Humberto , Feijão Ana , De Victória Pereira Savarino 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionStudies about the reference values of conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in African populations are limited.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of aging and gender in left ventricular diastolic function assessed by conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in healthy Angolans.MethodsCross‐sectional study involving healthy adult participants attending a diagnostic center in Luanda, Angola. Two‐dimensional transthoracic B‐mode and Doppler echocardiography were performed according to the Guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.ResultsA total of 103 men (47.5%) (mean age: 39.5 ± 10.8) and 114 women (52.5%) (mean age: 43.0 ± 12.5 years) were included. Women were older (p = 0.025) and showed smaller body surface area (p < 0.001) than men. Mitral E velocity and E/e' ratio were higher in women than in men. While DT of mitral E velocity was longer in men than in women (p = 0.041), E velocity, E/A ratio, and average e' velocity showed a negative significant correlation with increasing age (r − 0.33; p ≤ 0.001; r − 0.48; p ≤ 0.001 and r − 0.41; p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). Conversely, A wave velocity showed a significant positive correlation with age (r 0.47; p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn a healthy Angolan adult population, the variables of left ventricular diastolic function declined with age, reflecting a normal aging process. This must be taken into account when assessing diastolic function at different age categories.
Resveratrol prevents brain edema, blood–brain barrier permeability, and altered aquaporin profile in autism animal model
Authors: Deckmann Iohanna , Santos‐Terra Júlio , Fontes‐Dutra Mellanie , Körbes‐Rockenbach Marília , Bauer‐Negrini Guilherme , Schwingel Gustavo Brum , Riesgo Rudimar , Bambini‐Junior Victorio , Gottfried Carmem 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder can present a plethora of clinical conditions associated with the disorder, such as greater brain volume in the first years of life in a significant percentage of patients. We aimed to evaluate the brain water content, the blood–brain barrier permeability, and the expression of aquaporin 1 and 4, and GFAP in a valproic acid‐animal model, assessing the effect of resveratrol. On postnatal day 30, Wistar rats of the valproic acid group showed greater permeability of the blood–brain barrier to the Evans blue dye and a higher proportion of brain water volume, prevented both by resveratrol. Prenatal exposition to valproic acid diminished aquaporin 1 in the choroid plexus, in the primary somatosensory area, in the amygdala region, and in the medial prefrontal cortex, reduced aquaporin 4 in medial prefrontal cortex and increased aquaporin 4 levels in primary somatosensory area (with resveratrol prevention). Valproic acid exposition also increased the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in both primary somatosensory area and medial prefrontal cortex. In medial prefrontal cortex, resveratrol prevented the increased fluorescence. Finally, there was an effect of resveratrol per se on the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in the amygdala region and in the hippocampus. Thus, this work demonstrates significant changes in blood–brain barrier permeability, edema formation, distribution of aquaporin 1 and 4, in addition to astrocytes profile in the animal model of autism, as well as the use of resveratrol as a tool to investigate the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder.
Postnatal exposure to fluoxetine led to cognitive‐emotional alterations and decreased parvalbumin positive neurons in the hippocampus of juvenile Wistar rats
Authors: Meurer Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues , Linhares Sara Sophia Guedes , Lima Alvaro da Costa , de Aquino Antonio Carlos Queiroz , Brandão Luiz Eduardo Mateus , Nôga Diana Aline , Campelo Clarissa Loureiro das Chagas , Lima Ramon Hypólito , Cavalcante Jeferson de Souza , Engelberth Rovena Clara Galvão Januário , Ribeiro Alessandra Mussi , Silva Regina Helena 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during development results in behavioural impairment in adulthood in humans and animal models. Indeed, serotonergic overexpression in early life leads to structural and functional changes in brain circuits that control cognition and emotion. However, the effects of developmental exposure to these substances on the behaviour of adolescent rats are conflicting and remain poorly characterised. We performed a behavioural screening to investigate the effects of postnatal exposure to fluoxetine on memory and behaviours related to anxiety, anhedonia, and depression, as well we evaluate the parvalbumin expression in hippocampus of juvenile (~PND45) female and male rats. Fluoxetine (daily 20 mg/kg s.c. injections from PND7‐PND21)‐ or vehicle‐treated adolescent rats went through several behavioural tasks (from PND 38 to PND52) and were subject to transcardial perfusion and brain removal for immunohistochemical analysis (PND53). We found that postnatal exposure to fluoxetine increased anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours in the open field and sucrose preference and forced swimming tests, respectively. In addition, this treatment induced working memory and short‐term (but not long‐term) recognition memory impairments, and reduced parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the hippocampus. In addition, the results revealed developmental sex‐dependent effects of fluoxetine postnatal treatment on adolescent rats' behaviour. These outcomes indicate that affective disorders and mnemonic alterations caused by SSRIs perinatal exposure can be present at adolescence.
Pachypodol protects newborn rats from anaesthesia‐induced apoptosis in the developing brain by regulating the JNK/ERK pathway
Authors: Zhang Jingxiong , Zhu Mingsheng , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnaesthesia exposure causes changes in the developing brain and affects behaviour and memory. This study examined the beneficial effect of pachypodol against isoflurane (ISF)‐induced neuronal injury. Seven‐day‐old rats were treated with 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg intravenous pachypodol 30 min before exposure to ISF (0.75%) for 6 h. Oxidative stress and other biochemical parameters were assessed in the brain tissue and serum using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assay was performed to assess neuronal cell apoptosis in several regions of the hippocampus. Cognitive function and neurological scores were determined in the pachypodol‐treated neuron‐injured rats. Cytokine levels and oxidative stress were reduced in the pachypodol‐treated group compared with the ISF group. In addition, cognitive deterioration was reversed in pachypodol‐treated compared with ISF‐treated rats. Thus, treatment with pachypodol reduced neuronal apoptosis in neuron‐injured rats. Moreover, pachypodol ameliorated changes to the JNK/ERK/Akt pathway in brain‐injured rats. In conclusion, pachypodol treatment prevents neuronal apoptosis in ISF‐treated rats by regulating the JNK/ERK pathway.
Terlipressin effect on hepatorenal syndrome: Updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed M G , Rauf Abdul , Adam Abubakr , Kheiri Babikir , Lacasse Alexandre , El‐Halawany Hani 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a fatal complication of liver cirrhosis with a limited pharmacological option. Terlipressin is a vasoconstrictor that is approved in many countries but not yet in the United States. This is a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to review terlipressin effect on HRS and the safety profile.MethodsWe searched electronic databases for RCTs comparing terlipressin versus placebo in addition to albumin in patients with type 1 or 2 HRS. Primary outcome was HRS reversal. Secondary outcomes were change in serum creatinine (Cr), requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) at 30 days of randomization, and 90‐day survival. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random‐effects model.ResultsWe identified eight RCTs with a total of 974 patients, and median follow up of 100 days. Mean age was 55 ± 10 years, 61% were males. Alcoholic liver disease represented 56%. Compared with placebo, terlipressin was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of HRS reversal (RR 2.08; 95% CI [1.51, 2.86], P < 0.001), significantly lower serum Cr (MD −0.64; 95% CI (−1.02, −0.27), P < 0.001], and a trend toward less RRT requirements (RR 0.61; 95% CI [0.36, 1.02], P = 0.06). There was no difference in survival at 90 days between groups (RR 1.09; 95% CI (0.84, 1.43), P = 0.52). Major adverse effects (AEs) were gastrointestinal cramps, discomfort, and respiratory distress.ConclusionIn patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by HRS, terlipressin was associated with significant HRS reversal and decrease in serum Cr. No survival benefit was detected at 90 days.
The superiority of high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency catheter ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Waranugraha Yoga , Rizal Ardian , Firdaus Achmad J. , Sihotang Fransiska A. , Akbar Akita R. , Lestari Defyna D. , Firdaus Muhammad , Nurudinulloh Akhmad I. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) using the high‐power short duration (HPSD) results in better ablation lesion formation in the swine model. This systematic review and meta‐analysis purposed to investigate the safety and efficacy profile between HPSD and low‐power long‐duration (LPLD) ablation strategies to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.MethodsWe completed the literature review after identifying the relevant articles comparing HPSD and LPLD ablation methods for AF recorded in ClinicalTrials.com, CENTRAL, PubMed, and ScienceDirect until February 2021. The overall effects were calculated using pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) for categorical and continuous data, respectively. We also estimated the 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe HPSD strategy took shorter procedure time (MD = −33.75 min; 95% CI = −44.54 to −22.97; P < .01), fluoroscopy time (MD = −5.73 min; 95% CI = −8.77 to −2.70; P < .001), and ablation time (MD = −17.71; 95% CI = −21.02 to −14.41) than LPLD strategy. The HPSD RFCA was correlated with lower risk of esophageal thermal injury (RR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.94; P = .02). The HPSD method resulted in higher first‐pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (RR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.64; P < .01), lower PV reconnection (RR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.64; P < .01), and lower recurrent AF (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.96; P = .02) than LPLD strategy.ConclusionHPSD RFCA was superior to the conventional LPLD RFCA in terms of safety and efficacy in treating AF patients.
Molecular and functional analysis of naphthalene‐degrading bacteria isolated from the effluents of indigenous tanneries
Authors: Muccee Fatima , Ejaz Samina , Riaz Naheed , Iqbal Jamshed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDuring present study, four naphthalene‐ metabolizing bacteria were isolated from tanneries effluents through enrichment on naphthalene as sole carbon source in minimal salt medium. The bacteria were analyzed to document growth pattern, naphthalene removal efficiency, biochemical and molecular characteristics, antibiotic sensitivity, and metabolic profile. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were compared through BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) similarity search tool and three isolates were found homologous to Brevibacillus agri strain NBRC 15538 and one similar to Burkholderia lata strain 383. The naphthalene removal efficiencies ranged from 1.16 ± 0.056 mg/h (IUBN1) to 1.379 ± 0.021 mg/h (IUBN26). All isolates were positive for p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (PO4), esculin, and inulin fermentation tests. Majority were positive for glucosaminidase (IUBN3, 17, and 26) and a few for mannitol and sorbitol fermentation (IUBN1). Identification of metabolites through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis allowed tracing pathways associated with naphthalene degradation. Intermediates such as cis‐dihydrodiolnaphthalene, 2‐hydroxychromene‐2‐carboxylate, 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid, acetyl‐CoA confirmed that the present study bacteria can metabolize naphthalene through a pathway which differs from the pathways reported in earlier known bacteria. Due to fast growth rates, high naphthalene removal potentials, and multiple degradation pathways, these bacteria can be exploited for bioremediation of naphthalene.