bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Nanocomposites Based on Mesoporous Aluminosilicate and Polyethyleneimine (PEI) for siRNA Delivery: Potential Usefulness of the Synergistic Effect of Al3+ ion and PEI on the siRNA Delivery Efficiency for Diseases Treatment
Authors: Badihi Rafaatossadat , Mahmoudi Ali , Sazegar Mohammad Reza , Nazari khodadad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Several nanocomposites based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), aluminium ions and Polyethyleneimine (PEI) were synthesized by the combination of the sol-gel and post-synthesis methods. These nanocomposites were mainly composed of MSN with the leading of Al and PEI species alone or combination. The Al-MSN, MSN-PEI, and Al-MSN/PEI samples were characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, zeta potential, and nitrogen physisorption techniques. The potential of their RNA delivery was investigated by loading and releasing of the siRNA in the phosphate buffer. The obtained results showed that the loading capacity of each sample is directly related to its zeta potential. The Al-MSN/PEI sample showed the highest siRNA adsorption capacity due to the possessing the highest zeta potential resulted the presence of the high electric charge of Al3+ and cationic nature of PEI. Under the optimized conditions, the Al-MSN/PEI sample showed the amount of 47.19 µg adsorption of siRNA for 1.0 mg of Al-MSN/PEI. The results of releasing siRNA exhibited the yields of 12, 20.4, 29.6, and 36.0 % for MSN, MSN-PEI, Al-MSN, and Al-MSN/PEI, respectively at room temperature for 120 min.
Isolation of High Quality RNA for High Throughput Applications From Secondary Metabolite Rich Crocus Sativus L
Authors: Wani Zubair Ahmad , Wani Umer Majeed , Koul Aabid M , Amin Asif , Shah Basit Amin , Farooq Faizah , Qadri Raies A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Isolating high quality RNA is a basic requirement while performing high throughput sequencing, microarray and various other molecular investigations. However, it has been quite challenging to isolate RNA with absolute purity from plants like Crocus sativus that are rich in secondary metabolites, polysaccharides and other interfering compounds which often irreversibly co-precipitate with the RNA. While many methods have been proposed for RNA extraction that include CTAB, TriZol, SDS based methods, they invariably yield less and poor quality RNA. In the present study we made certain changes in the available protocols including modifications in the extraction buffer and procedure viz-a-viz solutions used for precipitation of RNA. Our method led to the isolation of clear and non-dispersive total RNA with an RNA Integrity Number (RIN) greater than 7.5. The quality of the RNA was further assessed by qPCR based amplification of mature miRNAs such as Cs-MIR166c and Cs- MIR396a. In conclusion, the study describes an efficient method of RNA extraction that is highly ideal for high throughput sequencing of small RNAs.
Response of C, N and P Ecological Stoichiometry in Plants and Soils During a Soybean Growth Season to O3 Stress and Straw Return in Northeast China
Authors: Mao Bing , Wang Yan , Zhao Tian-hong , Wu Hong-yan , Zhang Ming 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
AimsC, N and P ecological stoichiometry plays important roles on biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems, yet the relationship between plant and soil stoichiometry and stoichiometric effects on the growth of soybean root in response to the O3 stress and straw return remain poorly understood. MethodsHere, a pot experiment was conducted in open top chambers to monitor the response of C, N and P ecological stoichiometry of leaves, shoots, roots and soils during a growing season (branching, flowering and podding stages) of soybean (Glycine max; a highly sensitive species to O3) to background O3 concentration (45 ± 10 ppb), O3 stress (80 ±10 ppb) and straw treatment (no straw return and straw return). ResultsThe O3 stress significantly decreased root biomass. The straw return significantly increased root biomass under the O3 stress at branching and flowering stages. Generally, the O3 stress and straw return showed significant effects on the C, N, P concentrations of leaves and soils, and stoichiometric ratios of leaves, shoots and microbial biomass. C, N, P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of leaves, shoots, roots and soils responses to the O3 stress and straw return at branching stage were inconsistent with changes observed at the flowering and podding stages. The P conversion efficiency showed significant relationship with root P concentration under the combined effects of O3 stress and straw return. ConclusionsC, N, and P concentrations of soybean might be more important than stoichiometric ratios as a driver of defense against the O3 stress in the case of straw return.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Consisting of Cisplatin and Nab-paclitaxel Improves the Complete Remission Rate of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Yu Xiao-Li , Wu Miao-Fang , Ding Lin , Yang Jin , Bai Shou-Min 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to determine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin (NACT-nPC) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.Materials and Methods: The consecutive, newly diagnosed, non-metastatic and locally advanced cervical cancer patients were retrospectively recruited between October 2016 and June 2020 in our hospital. All patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone or following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving NACT-nPC, and the control group receiving no or other regimes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We compared the complete remission rate of primary tumor at the end of external radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy between the two groups. Results: A total of 198 patients were enrolled in this study, including 60 in NACT-nPC group and 138 in control group. At the end of external radiotherapy, 27 patients in NACT-nPC group and 32 patients in control group achieved complete remission (P = 0.002). At the end of chemoradiotherapy, 56 patients in NACT-nPC group and 114 patients in control group achieved complete remission (P = 0.033). The acute side effects above grade 3 in NACT-nPC group was 41.7% (25/60) and manageable, lower than control group which was 77/138 (55.8%).Conclusions: NACT-nPC can improve the complete response rate of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and the toxicity is tolerable. Furthermore, we suspect the NACT-nPC can improve the survival of the patients. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.
Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Immune Responses in Channa Argus Exposure to Waterborne Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: du Jia-hua , Yu Zhe , Zhao Jun-liang , Bai Zhi-hui , Guo Ze-hao , Li De-hui , Wang Gui-qin , Li Mu-yang , Zhao Lei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a very common and harmful heavy metal pollutant in the world. However, the responses of Cr (VI) to aquatic environmental toxicants have not been well described. In this study, we evaluated the waterborne Cr (VI) [ 0 mg/L (C1), 0.5 mg/L (C2), 1 mg/L (C3), 2 mg/L (C4)] exposed chronically to Channa argus. After 14 and 28 days, we measured biochemical parameters, Cr (VI) accumulation, antioxidant activity and immune response in the serum, liver and gill, respectively. Our results shown that Cr (VI) accumulation will occur in certain tissues as the time of exposure in water prolongs, and the biochemical parameters in the serum will increase. Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) gradually decreased with the increasing time of Cr (VI) concentration, while the malondialdehyde concentration increases. In addition, in the immune response, cortisol, aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), immunoglobulin M increase, but lysozyme decrease. These results indicated that exposure to waterborne Cr (VI) can exert adverse effects in C. argus by inducing Cr (VI) accumulation, immune responses and oxidative stress.
Latest Findings on the Behaviour Factor q for the Seismic Design of URM Buildings
Authors: Morandi Paolo , Butenweg Christoph , Breis Khaled , Beyer Katrin , Magenes Guido 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Recent earthquakes as the 2012 Emilia earthquake sequence showed that recently built unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings behaved much better than expected and sustained, despite the maximum PGA values ranged between 0.20 - 0.30g, either minor damage or structural damage that is deemed repairable. Especially low-rise residential and commercial masonry buildings with a code-conforming seismic design and detailing behaved in general very well without substantial damages. The low damage grades of modern masonry buildings that was observed during this earthquake series highlighted again that codified design procedures based on linear analysis can be rather conservative. Although advances in simulation tools make nonlinear calculation methods more readily accessible to designers, linear analyses will still be the standard design method for years to come. The present paper aims to improve the linear seismic design method by providing a proper definition of the q-factor of URM buildings. These q-factors are derived for low-rise URM buildings with rigid diaphragms which represent recent construction practise in low to moderate seismic areas of Italy and Germany. The behaviour factor components for deformation and energy dissipation capacity and for overstrength due to the redistribution of forces are derived by means of pushover analyses. Furthermore, considerations on the behaviour factor component due to other sources of overstrength in masonry buildings are presented. As a result of the investigations, rationally based values of the behaviour factor q to be used in linear analyses in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 are proposed.
Does Gastrointestinal Bleeding Affect the Prognosis of Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Meta-analysis.
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Qi , Xu Hao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors has been widely studied in recent years, but it is still controversial. Therefore, we performed the first comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to recruit studies on the effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Eight studies containing 2915 patients were involved in this meta-analysis until May 31, 2021. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect using random-effects model. Results: The pooled results revealed that gastrointestinal bleeding was not associated with relapse-free survival (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.66-2.68, P < 0.001; random-effects model I2=87.7, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.43-3.87, P < 0.001; random-effects model I2=88.9, P < 0.001) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Conclusions: Our present a meta-analysis indicates that gastrointestinal bleeding has no effect on relapse-free survival and overall survival of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, although gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
A Case of Streptococcus Suis Meningitis With Visual Impairment and Hearing Loss Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing
Authors: Zhao Haina , Chen Lanlan , Zhu Lin , Qiao Tingting , Liu Peipei , Ma Cancan , Xu Yao , Jiang Li 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus suis is responsible for several kinds of zoonosis worldwide. It can cause meningitis, sepsis, osteoarthritis, endocarditis, endophthalmitis, and other diseases. Human infection typically occurs in occupational settings associated with pig husbandry or pork processing. At present, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is prominent testing method for achieving an early and rapid diagnosis of some infectious diseases. Case presentation: A 48-year-old Chinese man who denied exposure to pigs or pork was to admitted the hospital because he had experienced a fever for three days, visual impairment, and hearing loss for one day. After a series of examinations and laboratory tests, Streptococcus suis was detected in the aqueous humor culture as well as the vitreous humor and cerebrospinal fluid with mNGS. But bacteria were not detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. The patient's condition improved, and he was discharged after 2 weeks of active treatment. However, at present, poor vision in the right eye, poor hearing in the right ear and recurrent vertigo remain.Conclusions: In a patient presenting with meningitis, vision loss, and/or hearing loss, Streptococcus suis infection should be strongly suspected regardless of the patient's occupation. mNGS has excellent diagnostic value to determine which was the etiological agent for infectious diseases.
Timely Intubation With Early Prediction of Respiratory Exacerbation in Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yonemitsu Takafumi , Kinoshita Azuna , Nagata Keiji , Morishita Mika , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Kato Seiya 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Early routine intubation in motor-complete cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) above the C5 level is a conventional protocol to prevent unexpected respiratory exacerbation (RE). However, in context of the recent advances in multidisciplinary respiratory management, the absolute indication for intubation in CSCI patients based on initial neurologic assessment is controversial because of the drawbacks of intubation. This study aimed to redetermine the most important predictor of RE following CSCI after admission without routine intubation among patients admitted with motor-complete injury and/or injury above the C5 level to ensure timely intubation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with acute traumatic CSCI admitted to our hospital without an initial routine intubation protocol from January 2013 to December 2017. CSCI patients who developed RE (defined as unexpected emergent intubation for respiratory resuscitation) were compared with those who did not. Baseline characteristics and severity of trauma data were collected. Univariate analyses were performed to compare treatment data and clinical outcomes between the two groups. Further, multivariate logistic regressions were performed with clinically important independent variables: motor-complete injury, neurologic level above C5, atelectasis, and copious airway secretion (CAS). Results: Among the analyzed 58 patients with CSCI, 35 (60.3%) required post-injury intubation and 1 (1.7%) died during hospitalization. Thirteen (22.4%) had RE in 3.5 days (mean) post-injury; 3 (37.5%) of eight motor-complete CSCI patients above C5 developed RE. Eleven of the 27 (40.7%) patients with motor-complete injury and five of the 22 (22.7%) patients with neurologic injury above C5 required emergency intubation at RE. Three of the eight CSCI patients with both risk factors (motor-complete injury above C5) resulted in emergent RE intubation (37.5%). CAS was an independent predictor for RE (odds ratio 7.19, 95% confidence interval 1.48–42.72, P=0.0144) in multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Timely intubation post-CSCI based on close attention to CAS during the acute 3-day phase may prevent RE and reduce unnecessary invasive airway control even without immediate routine intubation in motor-complete injury above C5.
Vitamin D In Pediatric Patients With Obesity And Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Radulović Živa , Zupan Zarja Polak , Tomazini Aljoša , Varda Nataša Marčun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aim

The purpose of this study was finding potential discrepancies in vitamin D levels between different groups: overweight children with hypertension, normal-weight children with hypertension, overweight children and normal-weight children without hypertension –control group. We also wanted to determine whether there are correlations between vitamin D levels and other clinical laboratory parameters, to evaluate the need for substitution.
Methods

We measured vitamin D, homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate and magnesium serum levels in all groups. We also took anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, BMI) and observed patients’ blood pressure. The results were analyzed with SPSS statistic tool with the use of independent t-test, Pearson correlation test and multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA).
Results

The study included 175 children between 5 and 18 years of age. 57 were healthy (group A – control group), 41 normal-weight with hypertension (group B), 44 overweight with hypertension (group C) and 33 overweight (group D). The results showed statistically significant distinction in values of vitamin D between all groups -– A and B (p = 0.003), A and C (p = 0.000), A and D (p = 0.000), B and D (p = 0.043), B and C (0.030), except for groups C and D (p = 0.830). There were statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and BMI (r=-0.196, p = 0.010), systolic pressure (r=-0.190, p = 0.002), diastolic pressure (r=-0.149, p = 0.050), homocysteine (r=-0.208, p = 0.007), triglycerides (r=-0.196, p = 0.011) and apolipoprotein A1 (r = 0.222, p = 0.007) among all groups.
Conclusion

The pilot study shows significant differences in serum vitamin D levels between all groups of children, apart from groups C and D. these results, combined with statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and systolic and diastolic blood pressure suggest the need for monitoring and potential substitution of vitamin D in in pediatric patients with hypertension and/or overweight children.
Endothelial CCR6 Expression Due to FLI1 Deficiency Contributes to Vasculopathy Associated with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Ikawa Tetsuya , Miyagawa Takuya , Fukui Yuki , Toyama Satoshi , Omatsu Jun , Awaji Kentaro , Norimatsu Yuta , Watanabe Yusuke , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: We have recently demonstrated that serum CCL20 levels positively correlate with mean pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Considering a proangiogenic effect of CCL20 on endothelial cells via CCR6, the CCL20/CCR6 axis may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy. Therefore, we explored this hypothesis using clinical samples, cultured cells and murine SSc models.Methods: The expression levels of CCL20 and CCR6 in the skin, mRNA levels of target genes and the binding of transcription factor FLI1 to the target gene promoter were evaluated by immunostaining, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Vascular permeability was evaluated by Evans blue dye injection in bleomycin-treated mice. Angiogenic activity of endothelial cells was assessed by in vitro angiogenesis assay.Results: CCL20 expression was significantly elevated in dermal fibroblasts of patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc, while CCR6 was significantly up-regulated in dermal small vessels of SSc patients irrespective of disease subtypes and disease duration. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, FLI1 siRNA induced the expression of CCR6, but not CCL20, and FLI1 bound to the CCR6 promoter. Importantly, vascular permeability, a representative SSc-like vascular feature of bleomycin-treated mice, was attenuated by Ccr6 siRNA treatment, and CCR6 siRNA suppressed the angiogenic activity of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells assayed by in vitro tube formation.Conclusions: The increased expression of endothelial CCR6 due to FLI1 deficiency may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy.
Decidualization of Endometriosis in a Cohort of IVF-Mediated Pregnancies
Authors: FILIPPI Francesca , BENAGLIA Laura , ALAGNA Federica , VECCHIA Irene LA , BIANCARDI Rossella , RESCHINI Marco , SOMIGLIANA Edgardo , VERCELLINI Paolo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Decidualization is the process of endometrial change in pregnancy, a phenomenon that can involve also ovarian endometriomas. However, the frequency of this event remains unknown. In addition, there is no evidence on the decidualization of deep invasive endometriosis (DIE). To shed more light on this issue, we prospectively recruited women with ovarian endometriomas or DIE who underwent IVF. They were subsequently excluded if they did not become pregnant or if they had a miscarriage. The evaluation was repeated in 5 time points during pregnancy and post-partum. The primary outcome was the rate of decidualized endometriomas at 11-13 weeks’ gestation. Data from 45 endometriomas and 15 nodules were available for data analyses. At the 11-13 weeks’ ultrasound, endometriomas’ decidualization was observed in seven cases, corresponding to 16% (95%CI: 8-29%). Subsequent assessments in pregnancy failed to identify any additional case. DIE also underwent significant changes during pregnancy. An increase in mean diameter (at least 50%), an increase in color score or both were documented in seven, eight and five cases, respectively. In conclusion, decidualization of ovarian endometriomas in IVF pregnancies is common. DIE may also undergo decidualization, but further evidence is needed for a robust and shared definition of this process.
WISP1 and miR-29c-3p are novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Hongyi , Zhu Ming , Zhu Leilei , Xu Zhuoqun , Shao Jianfeng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Aberrant expression of WISP1 is associated with carcinogenesis; however, the expression and prognostic values of WISP1 in bladder cancer (BC) remain elusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the WISP1 expression in BC and explore the possible mechanisms and clinical value of WISP1 in BC. Methods: The in silico analysis based on oncomine and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were to reveal WISP1 expression and prognosis in BC. Besides, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot assays were used to detect WISP1 expression both in BC tissues and BC cell lines. TargetScan database was used to predict miRNAs that putatively regulate the expression of WISP1. COX regression and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied to evaluate the prognostic value of WISP1 and miRNAs in BC.Results: WISP1 was up-regulated in BC and associated with poor survival in patients with BC through in silico analysis. Besides, WISP1 expression was identified to be up-regulated both in BC tissues and cell lines. We identified 13 miRNAs that putatively regulate the expression of WISP1. Of these miRNAs, only miR-29c-3p was found to be significantly negatively correlated with WISP1 in BC tissues. The correlation of in situ expressions of WISP1 and miR-29c-3p by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and clinical characteristics revealed that WISP1 was significantly associated with tumor size and hsa-miR-23b-3p expression, and miR-29c-3p was associated with tumor size, M stage, and WISP1 expression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that TNM stage and WISP1 expression were predictors of unfavorable prognosis, while hsa-miR-29c-3p was a predictor of favorable prognosis in patients with BC. Conclusions: Collectively, the findings indicated that WISP1 and miR-29c-3p might serve as novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for BC.