bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with HIV infection: is there any new diagnostic test?
Authors: Revillas Francisco Arnaiz de las , Gonzalez-Quintanilla Vicente , Parra Jose Antonio , Palacio Enrique , Gonzalez-Rico Claudia , Armiñanzas Carlos , Gutierrez-Cuadra Manuel , Oterino Agustin , Fariñas-Alvarez Concepcion , Fariñas María Carmen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction:

To analyze the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.
Methods

Prospective cohort study of HIV positive patients who underwent to intimate thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium score to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction breath holding index, flow mediated dilation and concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were measured.
Results

Patients with an IMT ≥ 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/µl and those with an IMT < 0.9 mm 715.4 ± 389.92 CD4/µl (p = 0.04). Patients with a low calcium score had a significantly higher average of CD4 cells value and lower zenith viral load than those with a higher score (707.7 ± 377.5 CD4/µl vs 477.23 ± 235.7 CD4/µl (p = 0.01)) and (7x104 ± 5x104 c/ml vs 23.4 x 104 ± 19 x 104 c /ml (p = 0.02). Early EPCs concentration in patients with a CD4 nadir < 350/ul was lower than concentration among those presenting a CD4 nadir ≥ 350 (p = 0.03).
Conclusion

In HIV positive patients low CD4 cells levels and high viral load were associated to a higher risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis.HIV patients with less CD4 cells may have fewer early EPCs.
The Effects of Coriander Seed Supplementation on Serum Glycemic Indices, Lipid Profile and Parameters of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zamany Sanaz , Mahdavi Aida Malek , Pirouzpanah Saeed , Barzegar Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: This research aimed to study the effect of coriander seed supplementation on serum glycemic indices, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: In this randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, eligible 40 T2DM patients aged 30-60 years were recruited from Sina Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) and randomly assigned into two groups to receive either coriander seed powder (1000 mg/day, n=20) or placebo (1000 mg/day, n=20) for 6 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters including fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols (HDL-C and LDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed before and after supplementation.Results: Anthropometric measurements were not significantly different between intervention and placebo groups. Coriander seed supplementation led to significant within-group reductions in FBS (156.15±23.19 to 130.30±21.15), serum insulin (17.72±0.47 to 17.12±0.76), HOMA-IR (6.82±0.95 to 5.52±0.99), TC (183.85±55.68 to 145.20±31.36), TG (152.50±37.59 to 130.40 ±27.96), LDL-C (127.35±23.45 to 111.40±25.71), and MDA (1.65±0.15 to 1.49±0.15), whereas there were significant increases observed in serum TAC (1.93±0.12 to 1.97±0.09) (P<0.05). Post-dose comparisons showed significant between-group differences for FBS, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, and TAC levels after adjusting for baseline values (P<0.05).Conclusions: Coriander seed supplementation was able to improve glycemic indices, lipid profile and oxidative stress status in T2DM and it may be useful complementary treatment in management of these patients.Trial registration: The study protocol was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website (IRCT20190224042821N2) on 2019/Oct/11.
Evaluating the Mucoprotective Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Against 5-Fluorouracil Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Murine Model via Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zeeshan Mahira , Atiq Ayesha , Ain Qurat Ul , Ali Jawad , Khan Salman , Ali Hussain 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: 5-Flourouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic drug, is linked with severe deteriorating effects on intestine leading to mucositis. Further, Glycyrrhizic acid is a renown herbal medicine with combined mucoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, however associated with pharmacokinetics limitations. Owing to its remarkable therapeutic action in inflammatory bowel disease inside the polymeric nanocarriers, we have tried to explore its activity against 5-FU led intestinal mucositis. Polymeric nanocarriers proved to be efficient drug delivery vehicles for long-term remedy against inflammatory diseases, however, yet not explored for 5-FU induced mucositis. Therefore, the study aimed to produce Glycyrrhizic acid loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (GA-PLGA) nanoparticles to evaluate its protective and therapeutic effects on intestinal mucosa against 5-FU mediated mucositis. Methods: For the said purpose, GA-PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using modified double emulsion method, physicochemically characterized and tested for invitro drug release. Thereafter, mucositis was induced by 5-FU (50 mg/kg; IP) administration to the mice for the first three days (day 0, 1, 2) and orally treated with GA-PLGA nanoparticles till seventh day (day 0-6). Results: GA-PLGA nanoparticles significantly reduced mucositis severity as manifested through recovered body weight, diarrhea score, distress, and anorexia. Further, 5-FU induced intestinal histopathological damage, altered villi-crypt length, low goblet cell count, elevated pro-inflammatory mediators and suppressed antioxidant enzymes were reversed by GA-PLGA nanoparticles’ sustained release therapeutic action. Conclusion: Morphological, behavioral, histological, and biochemical results suggested that GA-PLGA nanoparticles found to be efficient, biocompatible, targeted, sustained release drug delivery nano-vehicle for enhanced mucoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in ameliorating 5-FU intestine mucositis.
Bulked Segregant Analysis Coupled With Whole-Genome Sequencing (BSA-Seq) and Identification of a Novel Locus, qGL3.5, That Regulates Grain Length
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Zheng Yuebin , Bai Feng , Liu Yang , Deng Sicheng , Liu Xiangdong , Wang Lan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rice grain length (GL) directly affects the yield and quality of this species. Very few GL-related genes cloned are applied in production because their yield-increasing effect was not obvious. In this study, the two bulk-DNA pools (L-pool and S-pool) and their parents’ (KJ01 and Huaye 4) DNAs were subjected to high-throughput sequencing. After assessing the quality of the data, we obtained a total of 100.22 Gb of high-quality data; the average coverage depth was 55x, and the genome coverage was 96.51%. After combining the association results of the ED and SNP index methods, we mapped the GL genes to a 0.34 Mb “hotspot” region on chromosome 3, which contains 37 genes related to various traits. The 37 predicted genes were further analyzed by the use of the Gene GO, COG database and so on. Thirty-three genes were annotated by GO functions. According to the GO annotations, three genes whose molecular function involved in the plasma membrane and intracellular membrane-bound organelles were detected via CRISPR/ Cas9 editing technology. ORF33 was verified to regulate GL and was the target gene qGL3.5. These results provides a new gene resource for rice grain shape breeding and a starting point for functional characterization of the wild rice GL gene.
Using ICD-10 Diagnostic Codes to Identify ‘Missing’ Paediatric Patients During Nationwide COVID-19 Lockdown in Oxfordshire, UK
Authors: Charlesworth James E.G. , Bold Rhian , Pal Rani 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To identify diagnoses which were ‘missing’ amongst paediatric inpatients during the UK’s first national lockdown, compared with the same period over the past five years.Study design: A retrospective observational cohort study of all children (0-15 years) attending for urgent care across Oxfordshire, during the first UK lockdown in 2020, compared to matched dates in 2015-2019. This covers two paediatric hospitals providing secondary care, one with tertiary services. Main outcomes: Changes in numbers of patients attending and inpatient diagnoses (using ICD-10 classification) during the first 2020 lockdown, compared with the previous five years.Results: Total ED attendances (n=4030) and hospital admissions (n=1416) during the first UK lockdown were reduced by 56.8% and 59.4%, respectively, compared to attendances/admissions in 2015-2019 (5-year mean n=7446.8 and n=2491.6, respectively). Proportions of patients admitted from ED and length of stay were similar in lockdown to 2015-2019. Significantly greater numbers of neoplasms were diagnosed during lockdown than the same period in 2015-2019 (p= 0.0123). 80% of diagnoses ‘missing’ during lockdown were categorised as infectious diseases or their sequelae, whilst 20% were non-specific pains/aches/malaise and accidental injury/poisonings. Conclusions: Using standardised ICD-10 codes as a measure of diagnostic activity between years; ‘missing’ diagnoses can be identified. Our findings may suggest parents are supervising infectious illness at home or had anxieties about hospital attendance, with self-limited low-morbidity disease. Prospective studies should establish if parents/carers are adequately supported in caring for their children at home, and that access and referral pathways are appropriate where children have concerning clinical features.
Cost effectiveness of ceritinib in patients previously treated with crizotinib and chemotherapy with anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the United States
Authors: Zhang Yichen , Shao Yixue , Stoecker Charles , Shi Lizheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation (ALK+) and who were resistant to crizotinib, ceritinib was approved as a following treatment. Ceritinib was found to be cost effective among Canadian patients, but its cost effectiveness among US population remains unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ceritinib versus chemotherapy among ALK+ NSCLC patients who received treatment of crizotinib and chemotherapy, from the US healthcare perspective.MethodsA Markov model with three health states (progression-free, progression, and death) and a partitioned survival analysis model (PartSA) were developed, respectively. Survival functions, including progression free survival and overall survival, for ceritinib and chemotherapy were extrapolated from clinical trials ASCEND-2, ASCEND-5, and PROFILE-1007. Costs for the drugs, monitoring, and adverse events, and utilities at each health state were derived from published literature. Costs were inflated to 2018 US dollars. An annual discount rate of 3% was applied to costs and utilities, and a 5-year time horizon was applied to the analysis. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for ceritinib versus chemotherapy was estimated with $150,000/QALY as the US willingness-to-pay threshold. Sensitivity analyses (i.e., one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis) were conducted to test the uncertainties of the models.ResultsBoth models find ceritinib yields fewer QALYs than chemotherapy. The Markov model indicates modest cost-savings of ceritinib when compared to chemotherapy (-$3,131) and small declines in health (-1.04 QALYs) ($3008.39 per QALY lost). The PartSA model indicates additional costs of ceritinib when compared to chemotherapy ($12,884.95) and similar declines in health (-0.87 QALYs), indicating a dominated strategy. Both models were most sensitive to parameters of medical cost for progression disease and cost of ceritinib.ConclusionsCeritinib is not cost effective compared to chemotherapy among patients who were previously treated with crizotinib and chemotherapy, from the US healthcare perspective.
The role of soil types on the relation between individual soil properties and Fusarium wilt expression in 'Gros Michel' bananas
Authors: Mena Rafael Segura , Stoorvogel Jetse J. , F. Jorge A. Sandoval 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims This study looks whether the response of soil management (liming and nitrogen fertilization) on the incidence of Fusarium wilt (Foc Race 1) in Gros Michel banana (Musa AAA) is influenced by soil types. Methods The effect of inoculation with Foc Race 1 was studied in a factorial greenhouse trial with eight representative soil types of the Costa Rican banana region, two pH levels; and three levels of N-fertilization. After an 8-week period, plant biomass, leaf area, and a disease index were measured.Results There were significant effects of soil pH and N, and their interactions on disease expression. Low pH levels and high N-fertilization increased the disease expression. The response to changes in soil pH and N-fertilization differed considerably between the different soil types. Conclusions Although soil pH and N influence Fusarium wilt in banana, each soil type differs in its response to these soil properties. This complicates the development of standard soil management strategies in terms of e.g., N-fertilization and liming to mitigate or fight the disease.
Resistin increases cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells via a mitochondria-mediated pathway
Authors: Gong Wei-Jing , Zhou Tao , Xu Jia-Qiang , Huang Yi-Fei , Xiang Li-Ping , Zeng Fang , Han Yong , Lv Yong-Ning , Zhang Yu , Wu San-Lan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer with a high mortality rate. Cisplatin is one of the most important chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of lung cancer patients, especially in advanced stages. Recent studies showed that cisplatin may interact with mitochondria which may partly account for its cytotoxicity. In the study, we explored the effect of resistin on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells and assessed whether mitochondria-dependent apoptosis was involved. Our results found that 25 ng/ml resistin could significantly increase cisplatin-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest, enhance reactive oxygen species generation, exacerbate the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, promote the distribution of cytochrome C in the cytoplasm from mitochondria, and activate caspase 3. Therefore, the results suggested that resistin might increase cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity via a mitochondria-mediated pathway in A549 cells. However, the precise mechanism has yet to be explored in the future.
Fermentation products of Danshen relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Su Le , Su Yue , An Zaiyong , Zhang Ping , Yue Qiulin , Zhao Chen , Sun Xin , Zhang Song , Liu Xinli , Li Kunlun , Zhao Lin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With the increased incidence and recognition, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global public health problem in the world. Although many immunosuppressants and biological drugs have been used for UC treatment, the cure rate is still very low. It is necessary to find some safe and long-term used medicine for UC cure. In recent years, fermented Chinese medicine has been more and more used in the treatments of inflammatory and chronic diseases. In this manuscript, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (F-B4-1) and Bacillus Subtillis Natto (F-A7-1) were selected to ferment enzymatic Danshen. The fermented Danshen products were gavaged in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model mice. It is suggested that after fermented Danshen with Rhamnosus and then with Natto, Danshen had the better results to attenuate symptom of DSS-induced UC. It reduced the loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) and inhibited the abnormally short colon lengths and the colonic damage. Moreover, it suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during DSS-induced UC. The results indicated that fermented Danshen relieved DSS-induced UC in mice. And the Danshen fermented by probiotics might be an effective drug to treat UC in the clinic in the future.
Ethanol Extract of Spondias mombin L. Leaves Exhibits Antidiarrhoeal Activity by Stimulation of Na+–K+ ATPase, Inhibition of Prostaglandins or Suppression of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Ogunro Olalekan Bukunmi , Ofeniforo Emmanuel Bankole 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study was to justify the acclaimed antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanol extract of Spondias mombin leaves (EESML) and to suggest probable mechanism of action.EESML was screened for its secondary metabolites. The diarrhoeal models involved randomized Wistar rats in 5 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in groups A&B (negative and positive control) were treated with normal saline and loperamide respectively while those in groups C, D and E received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of EESML respectively.EESML contained saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenolics and glycosides. EESML lengthened the onset time of diarrhoea and as well caused reductions in the number, fresh weight and total number of wet feaces; and increase in the inhibition of defecations. EESML increased the intestinal activity of Na+–K+ ATPase; the concentrations of intestinal Na+, K+, Cl-, total protein and glucose but decreased the concentration of nitric oxide of the diarrhoeal rats. The intestinal fluid concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl- were dose dependently increased by EESML. EESML also increased the length of the small intestine.EESML possess antidiarrhoeal activity owing to the secondary metabolites, ability to enhance Na+–K+ATPase activity and electrolytes as well as suppression of nitric oxide.
Clinical Safety and Efficacy of a Preloaded Monofocal Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens in a Real-world Population
Authors: Latham Samuel , Carr Francis , Ali Hala , Gangwani Vinod 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to evaluate visual, refractive and safety outcomes in eyes after they underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a preloaded monofocal hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens.Methods: This was a single center prospective study conducted at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Patients were included if they had cataract extraction with in-the-bag implantation of the EyeCee® One preloaded intraocular lens from August to October 2019. Pre-operative, surgery-related and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operative data was collected. Surgeons at this trust were then asked to complete a feedback form to evaluate their experience of implanting the EyeCee® One. Results: 152 eyes were included in the study. 94 (62%) of these eyes had cataract but no concomitant ocular pathology that could potentially affect visual acuity. Three months post-operatively, 98.7% of all eyes had monocular CDVA ≤ 0.3 logMAR. 100% of the eyes without concomitant ocular pathology achieved this target. The mean CDVA of all eyes in this study improved from 0.43 ± 0.43 logMAR pre-operatively, to 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR post-operatively (p < 0.05). The mean sphere and spherical equivalent values showed significant improvements (p <0.05) and (p < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications and 1.3% of patients reported complications 2 weeks post-operatively. All of the participating surgeons said they would use the EyeCee® One again with 64% providing an overall rating of ‘excellent’ for their experience of implanting this intraocular lens. Conclusions: This study indicates excellent post-operative visual acuity and refractive outcomes in eyes after EyeCee® One implantation. This is accompanied with very little risk of intraoperative and post-operative complications.
Surface Hybrid Nanocomposite Produced by Friction Stir Processing: Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior
Authors: Ahmadifard Saeed , Shahin Nasir , Vakili-azghandi Mojtaba , Kazemi Shahab 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of incorporating Ti3AlC2 MAX phase into Al7075-T6 alloy by friction stir processing as well as adding Al2O3 nanoparticles to obtain a surface hybrid nanocomposite. These composites were successfully prepared by friction stir processing with a rotational speed of 1000 rpm and a travel speed of 28 mm/min after 3 passes. Optical, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy as well as microhardness, tensile and wear tests utilized to characterize the fabricated surface hybrid nanocomposites. Results showed that the maximum tensile strength and hardness value were achieved for Al-100% Al2O3 composite due to more grain refinement and effective dispersion of nanoparticles. Due to its laminar structure, Ti3AlC2 MAX phase enhanced better tribological characterization whereas Al2O3 nanoparticles cause better mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy tests revealed that the wear mechanism changes from adhesive for Al7075 alloy to adhesive-abrasive for the nanocomposite specimens.
Neurological Development and Iron Supplementation in Healthy Late-Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Luciano Rita , Romeo Domenico Marco , Mancini Giuseppina , Sivo Serena , Dolci Carolina , Velli Chiara , Colonna Arianna Turriziani , Vento Giovanni , Romagnoli Costantino , Mercuri Eugenio Maria 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveLate-preterm infants (LPT) are at increased risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelaeand iron deficiency. Aim of the study is to assess the positive effect of iron supplementation on neurological development in healthy LPT.DesignWe designed a perspective, randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial. The newborns were randomized in two groups: thirty-three patients received martial prophylaxis, thirty-three placebo. Every patient was assessed using the Griffith Mental Development Scales (GMDS)-II edition at 12 months of post-conceptional age.SettingThe study was performed at the Neonatology Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS.PatientsSixty-six healthy LPT infants born between 340⁄7 and 366⁄7 weeks of Gestational Age were enrolled in the study.InterventionsOne group received martial prophylaxis from the third week of life to six months of post-conceptional age (2 mg/kg/day of iron pidolate), the other received placebo.Main outcome measuresFifty-two of the enrolled infants were assessed using the GMDS at 12-month of post-conceptional age. Statistical analysis of the mean scores of the Griffith subscales was performed.ResultsThere was a difference in the mean Developmental Quotient (DQ) (p<0.01) between the two groups: Iron Group mean DQ 121.45+10.53 vs Placebo Group mean DQ 113.25+9.70. Moreover, mean scores of the Griffith subscales A, B and D showed significant differences between the two Groups (scale A p<0.05, scale B p<0.02, scale D p<0.01 respectively).ConclusionsOur data show that newborns who received iron supplementation during the first six months of life achieved significantly better neurological outcomes at GMDS than Placebo group.