bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel epigenetic marker, TET2, is identified in the intractable epileptic brain and regulates ABCB1 in the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Kong Fancheng , Lang Li-Qin , Jie-Hu  , Zhang Xia-Ling , Zhong Ming-Kang , Ma Chun-Lai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDrug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a chronic condition derived from spontaneous changes and regulatory effects in the epileptic brain. DNA methylation, an inheritable but reversible epigenetic change, may participate in this complicated regulatory network. As demethylation factors, ten-eleven translocation (TET) family members have become a focus in recent studies of neurological disorders. Thus, we aimed to unravel their role in DRE and their function related to the possible refractory factor ABCB1 in a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model.MethodsWe quantified and localized TET1, TET2 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in the temporal lobe cortex of DRE patients (n = 27) and traumatic brain haemorrhage controls (n = 10) by immunochemical staining. TET2 and ABCB1 expression patterns were determined in the temporal cortex and isolated brain capillaries of DRE patients using immunohistological detection and Western blot analysis, respectively. A BBB model constructed with hCMEC/D3 cells was used to verify the demethylation and regulatory effects of TET2 on ABCB1.ResultsTET2 expression was significantly increased in the temporal cortical tissue of DRE patients with or without hippocampal sclerosis (HS) compared to control patients, while TET1 and 5-hmC showed differences in expression. We also discovered that the vascular endothelium of DRE patients has a strong affinity for TET2. ABCB1 and TET2 have identical densities in the DRE temporal cortex, and they both have evidently higher expression in the vascular endothelium from the neocortex of DRE patients. In the BBB, TET2 depletion can cause attenuated expression and function of ABCB1, as well as a pattern of higher methylation in CpG islands of the ABCB1 promoter.ConclusionsThrough a cohort study performed on the temporal cortex and brain vessels of DRE patients, we identified a novel epigenetic marker, TET2. Data from experiments in a BBB model suggest that TET2 has a specific regulatory effect on ABCB1, which may serve as a potential mechanism and target in DRE and requires further research.
What is The Impact of CSN5 on The Prognosis of Digestive System Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Yonghua , Gao Meng , Yao Ye , Li Jinghua , Chen Xi , Wang Xingxing , Chen Zhang , Yuan Yufeng , Ma Weijie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the understanding of COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) in tumor genesis, there is no conclusive evidence on CSN5 value to predict digestive system tumor patients' survival and prognosis. The article was performed to evaluate the impact of CSN5 expression levels on survival consequence and clinicopathological parameters of digestive system neoplasm patients.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through four databases. We utilized Hazard Ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the prognostic value of CSN5 in overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). We estimated the connection between CSN5 and clinicopathological parameters based on Odds Ratio (OR) with a corresponding 95% CI. Results: The meta-analysis contained 22 studies, involving 2,193 patients diagnosed with digestive system tumor. High CSN5 expression level was indicated to predict poorer OS (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.71–3.03; p < 0.00001). Additionally, high CSN5 was correlated with worse invasion depth (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.96, p = 0.04), positive lymphatic metastasis (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.47, p = 0.00001), positive distant metastasis (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.76, p = 0.01) and poorer differentiation degree (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.60, p = 0.0003). However, we could not find a correlation between CSN5 expression and age, gender, tumor stage, tumor size or vascular invasion. Furthermore, no significant publication bias was detected.Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the overexpression of CSN5 level could foresee poorer OS in digestive system cancer patients. Additionally, CSN5 level was related to tumor invasion depth, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and differentiation degree.
Detection of ESBL and MBL Antibiotic Resistance Genes in 100 Clinical Isolates of Escherichia Coli by Multiplex PCR
Authors: Petroudi Bahman Ghadami , Shokri Rahman , Esmaeili Davoud 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing use of beta-lactam antimicrobials in the treatment of bacterial infections has increased resistance against them. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of antibiotic susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics and to investigate the presence of beta-lactamase and Metallo-beta-lactamase genes blaKPC, blaTEM, blaAmpc, blaIND, blaSIM, and blaGIM in clinical specimens of Escherichia coli.Methods: In this study, 100 urine samples were collected from different wards of hospitals and treatment centers in the west of Tehran province, and 100 strains of Escherichia coli were confirmed by biochemical tests. In the next step, a susceptibility test was performed on 3 selected antibiotics. Then, using the Combine Disk Test method, ESBL and MBL strains were identified. Finally, using the multiplex PCR method, the strains producing KPC, TEM, Ampc, IND, GIM, and SIM enzymes were identified.Results: In this study, the highest resistance of strains to cefotaxime was observed. n = 52 (52%) and their highest sensitivity to imipenem was seen n = 95 (95%). Also, n = 53 (53%) of the samples had ESBL genes. Also, 41 isolates (77%) of the studied strains contained the blaTEM gene, 12 isolates (23%) of the strains contained the blaAmpc gene and 20 isolates (38%) of the strains contained blakpc gene. Also, n= 19 (19%) of the samples had MBL genes. Also, 4 isolates (21%) of the strains contained the IND gene, 4 isolates (21%) of the strains contained the GIM gene, 7 isolates (37%) contained the SIM gene.Conclusion: Due to the high percentage of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, careful antibiogram testing before antibiotic administration in infections caused by ESBL and MBL-producing organisms is an unavoidable necessity. Therefore, by quickly and correctly identifying the pattern of antibiotic resistance, the physician will be able to select the appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Facile synthesis of a high purity α-MnO2 nanorod for rapid degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: wang shumin , Guan Ao , Wang Jiahan , Fu Xiaofang , Guo Xiang , Tian Yuan , Wang Kaixuan , Cao Wenping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanorods with diameters of about 5-15 nm and lengths of 100-150 nm were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. XRD, TEM, HRTEM, SAED and XPS were used to analyze the crystallographic information, microstructure and chemical bonding of the as-prepared sample. The α-MnO2 nanorod exhibited a high efficiency and rapid removal rate of rhodamine B (RhB), which reached about 97.5% within 10 min when pH=4 (and pH=6.6) and 97.7% within 50 min when pH = 9 in the presence of H2O2. The results also indicated that a lower pH value is conducive to the movement of the characteristic peak and the attenuation of the intensity of the characteristic peak of RhB dye. Then a possible catalytic mechanism was revealed. Moreover, the α-MnO2 nanorod exhibits an excellent recyclability and catalytic stability. This research indicates that α-MnO2 nanorods have a potential application in practical dye pollutant treatment.
WITHDRAWN: Lumbrokinase regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress through IRE1 signaling to improve neurological deficits in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Yi-Hsin , Liao Jiuan-Miaw , Chen Ke-Min , Su Hsing-Hui , Liu Pei-Hsun , Chen Yi-Hung , Tsai Chin-Feng , Huang Shiang-Suo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the loss of cerebral blood flow, which frequently leads to neurological deficits. Therefore, minimizing post-stroke functional disability is an important research topic. The fibrinogen-depleting agent lumbrokinase has been used to improve myocardial perfusion in symptomatic stable angina and to prevent secondary ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to clarify the neuroprotection of lumbrokinase on ischemic stroke and whether improve neurological dysfunction. We explored the neuroprotection and the underlying mechanisms of lumbrokinase in C57BL/6 mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Results
Lumbrokinase at 1 mg/kg significantly attenuated the infarct volume and improved the neurological dysfunction. Lumbrokinase dramatically decreased the expressions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane receptor protein inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) and its downstream transcription factor, X-box binding protein-1, caspase-12, and nuclear factor kappa B activity. Moreover, lumbrokinase significantly inhibited apoptosis and autophagy and decreased the expression levels of the NOD-like receptor 3 inflammasome, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β compared with the vehicle treatment.
Conclusions
We suggest that post-stroke treatment with lumbrokinase protects against ischemic stroke by regulating ER stress through the IRE1 signaling pathways to inhibit apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses.
Low Skeletal Muscle Index and Myosteatosis as Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
Authors: Giani Marco , Rezoagli Emanuele , Grassi Alice , Porta Marco , Riva Luca , Famularo Simone , Barbaro Alessandro , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Ippolito Davide , Bellani Giacomo , Braga Marco , Foti Giuseppe , Gianotti Luca , Giani Alessandro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Low muscle mass and other specific body composition indexes, assessed by computed tomography (CT), are associated with adverse outcomes after elective surgery, such as an increased risk of postoperative complications and higher mortality. However, limited information is available about the role of these indexes on short- and long-term outcomes in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to assess the association of body composition indexes with 90-days mortality in this specific patient cohort.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study including adult surgical patients admitted to the ICU between 2014 and 2018 who underwent a CT scan at the time of admission. Total Muscle Area (TMA), Total Fat Area (TFA), Visceral fat area (VFA) and Intramuscular fat area (IMFA) were measured. Skeletal Muscle Index (TMA/m2), MyoSteatosis (IMFA/TMA), Sarcopenic Obesity (VFA/TMA) were then calculated. We analyzed the impact of these indexes on mortality.
Results
204 patients were included. Overall 90-day mortality was 28%. Log rank test and cox multivariate analysis on 90-day mortality showed a significant association of low SMI and myosteatosis with 90-days mortality. Myosteatosis was also significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased ICU length of stay.
Conclusions
Specific body composition indexes may predict mortality in surgical patients admitted to the ICU. Low skeletal muscle index and myosteatosis were independently associated with increased 90-day mortality.
Increased Serum AXL Is Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis Severity
Authors: Zhenghai Shao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: Serum AXL expression and clinical significance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: 183 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected and divided based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score into KL 0 subgroups (n = 42), KL I-II subgroups (n = 90), and KL III-IV subgroups (n = 51). Healthy volunteers (n= 170) in our hospital were selected as the control group. AXL level in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between serum AXL with severity and clinical indicators of osteoarthritis was analyzed. Results: The level of serum AXL was significantly higher in the osteoarthritis group than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the osteoarthritis patients, serum AXL level was increased with the increase of KL score. Serum AXL level was positively correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels. The cut-off value for serum AXL was determined as 33.375 ng/mL by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Conclusion: The level of serum AXL in patients with osteoarthritis is abnormally high, which is closely related to the severity of osteoarthritis.
Rapid Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia on Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens
Authors: De Pace Vanessa , Caligiuri Patrizia , Ricucci Valentina , Nigro Nicola , Galano Barbara , Visconti Valeria , Rin Giorgio Da , Bruzzone Bianca 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 requires the availability of accurate and rapid diagnostic tests, especially in some clinical settings like emergency and intensive care units. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of rapid PCR kit Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 in lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens.Methods: A consecutive sample of LRT specimens (bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchoaspirates) was collected from Intensive Care Units of San Martino Hospital (Genoa, Italy) between November 2020 and January 2021. All samples were tested in RT-PCR by using Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 assay (Seegene Inc., South Korea). Based on RT-PCR results, specimens were categorized into negative, positive with high viral load [cycle threshold (Ct) ≤30] and positive with low viral load (Ct of 31–35). A quota 1:1:1 sampling was used to achieve a sample size of 75. Then, all specimens were tested in the rapid PCR assay Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 (Bosch Healthcare Solutions GmbH, Germany). The diagnostic performance of the rapid PCR against RT-PCR was assessed through calculation of accuracy, Cohen’s κ, sensitivity, specificity and expected positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values.Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy of the Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 was 97.3% (95% CI: 90.9–99.3%) with an excellent Cohen’s κ of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.72–1). The sensitivity and specificity were 96% (95% CI: 86.5–98.9%) and 100% (95% CI: 86.7–100%), respectively. Samples with high viral loads had a sensitivity of 100% (Table 1). The distributions of E gene Ct values were similar (Wilcoxon’s test: P=0.070) with medians of 35 (IQR: 25–36) and 35 (IQR: 25–35), respectively (Figure 1). NPV and PPV was 92.6% and 100%, respectively.Conclusions: This study shows Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 can be used following the sample liquefaction on LRT specimens. It’s a feasible and highly accurate molecular procedure especially in high viral load samples. This assay allows having a result in about 40 min and therefore may accelerate the clinical decision making in urgent/emergency situations.
Association of FTO rs1421085 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism With Fat and Fatty Acid Intake in Indonesian Adults
Authors: Al-Jawadi Athraa Alaulddin , Priliani Lidwina , Oktavianthi Sukma , Febinia Clarissa A , Daya Mulianah , Artika I Made , Malik Safarina G 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveRecent studies showed that genetic polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) were associated with obesity and dietary intake. In this study of 71 adults in Jakarta, Indonesia, we investigated FTO rs1421085 association with body mass index (BMI), macronutrient intake, and fatty acid intake. We genotyped FTO rs1421085 using amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS PCR). The association was evaluated using linear regression analyses assuming co-dominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive genetic models.ResultsOnly individuals with CC genotype had a considerably higher BMI (p<0.001), which indicates a recessive genetic trait, but the incidence for this genotype is low (68 TT+TC vs. 3 CC). Individuals with the minor C allele had an estimated increase of fat intake by 3.45%—4.06% across various genetic models (dominant: p<0.010, over-dominant: p<0.030, additive: p<0.010). Subjects with TC/CC genotypes had increased dietary monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; 1.14%, p = 0.046) and saturated fatty acid (SAFA; 2.06%, p = 0.023) intakes, compared to those with the TT genotype. In conclusion, our study provided evidence for the association between FTO rs1421085 risk allele with higher BMI and individual preferences for consuming more fat, MUFA, and SAFA.
Quantification of pH tolerance levels among entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Khathwayo Zanele , Ramakuwela Tshimangadzo , Hatting Justin , Shapiro-Ilan David I. , Cochrane Nicolene 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients, which impacts plant growth and development. Similarly, soil pH may also influence microorganisms in the soil, either beneficial or nonbeneficial. One such group of beneficial microorganisms is entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), parasites of soil-inhabiting insects. Entomopathogenic nematodes have a number of attributes that make them good alternatives to chemical insecticides. The objective of this study was to investigate pH tolerance of 11 steinernematids and six heterorhabditids post exposure to different pH levels. Entomopathogenic nematode populations were exposed to varying pH levels (pH2 to pH11) made up from two different chemical solutions (ammonium-acetate and citrate-phosphate). Entomopathogenic nematode populations are expected to have varying tolerance to different pH levels. The highest infective juvenile survival was obtained from pH3 to pH10 in citrate-phosphate, where all populations displayed >50% survival. Steinernema carpocapsae populations had >90% survival at pH3 to pH11 in citrate-phosphate solutions. Overall, the steinernematids had a higher survival range in ammonium-acetate pH solutions compared with the heterorhabditids. Moreover, Steinernema spp., S. carpocapsae (ScCxrd, ScAll, and ScItalian) and S. riobrave showed consistently higher survival in both acidic and alkaline solutions, when compared to the other steinernematids, suggesting that they may be applied in both acidic and alkaline soils. These findings can be of use when selecting EPNs for biological control purposes in the two countries, respectively.
Vijftien Angelsaksische auteurs over politiek, verzuiling en compromisvorming in België
Authors: Huyse Luc 
Published: July 2021

Political science in the West has long dealt quasi-exclusively with the experiences of the stable two-party systems of the Anglo-American type and the so-called continental European polities (France, Italy, Germany) .The smaller European democracies have been neglected. Belgium too was terra incognita to most political scientists.In the late sixties the tide has turned. A vast literature on the political processes of countries such as Belgium has come into being. This article deals with studies on Belgian politics which have been published in the United States and in Britain between 1965 and 1975.Two themes in particular were selected: «verzuiling» and « he politics of accomodation». The main conclusion is that the studies under review have added a considerable amount of insights, findings and hypotheses to our knowledge of political processes in Belgium. We might impute this positive balance to three characteristics which mark most of these studies : a strong tendency towards comparative analysis, the use of fruitful theoretical concepts, and the use of sophisticated techniques for handling empirical data.
Les sections des Chambres législatives
Authors: Courtoy Claude 
Published: July 2021

In 1974, the belgian House of representatives as well as the Senate have decided to bring about some deep changes in their respective rules of procedure. These changes, worked-out within the rank and file of theresearch centres of the three principal political forces, are based on the specialization which is naturally met within an assembly. The Senate and the House of representatives, while respecting the proportional representation of the groups, got divided respectively into four and six sections destined to discuss definitively projects and propositions of law, budgets, as well as hear interpellations. The final vote is, in any case, left to the plenary assembly.This is the way the belgian Houses put into practice the idea of specialized chambers, which was evoked within the Association of the Secretaries general of Parliaments, in the early fifties, following the procedural innovation of the 1947 italian Constitution.The reform functions fully in the Senate, whereas the House of representatives calls up the sections to discuss only budgets and interpellations in relation to them.
Le Parlement Européen et l'environnement
Authors: Hannequart Jean-Pierre 
Published: July 2021

It is unquestionable that the European Parliament has contributed to the creation of a community policy in environmental matters and has given all its support to the first initiatives of the Community in thisrespect. Furthermore, it has adopted a series of specific resolutions. The European Parliament has not had a decisive infiuence, however, in the implementation of the Action Programme of the Community by the adoption of directives. Although the Commission generally approved suggestions made by parliamentarians, the Council hardly ever followed them through. Through the procedure of parliamentary questions, possibly followed by the adoption of a resolution, the Parliament has nevertheless contributed to making a number of problems known. In future, strengthening of the moral «authority» of the European Parliament by the very fact of its being directly elected seems to be of crucial importance. On the other hand it is conceivable that a great number of procedural changes in the Community can and must further the development of the European Parliament's role in environmentalpolicies.
Ophefmakende falingen in de perswereld
Authors: Boone Luk 
Published: July 2021

In the postwar history of the Dutch-language daily press in Belgium, the late fifties, marked by a trend !towards concentration, and the latter part of the seventies, notorious by the bankrupties of several newspapers, stand out as eras of turbulence. It is two particularly significant events occurring during the latter period, i.c. the 1976 insolvency of the prestigeous «Standaard» papers and that of «Volksgazet» two years later, which this article focuses upon. In his analysis of causes and suggested/chosen solutions, the author highlights the political rather than the economic dimension of the events and their aftermaths, given that each of the failing newspapers - and -hence their survival - mattered politically, i.c. to the Christian Democrats and the Socialist party respectively. Central to this is the question of the measures considered/taken by the Belgian c.q. Flemish political authorities for having the newspapers. The course of events in each case is examined and the differences in terms of causal factors and measures taken/ omitted are noted. In the final analysis, the question arises as -to the relationship between certain political figures or groups on the one hand, and government agencies, which both «Volksgazet» and particularly the «Standaard» titles were heavily indebted to, on the other hand.