bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BMSC-Derived Exosomes Intervened the Pathogenic Changes of Scleroderma in Mouse Through Its microRNAs
Authors: Jin Jiahui , OU Qingjian , Wang Zhe , Tian Haibin , Xu Jingying , Gao Furong , Hu Shuqin , Chen Jie , Wang Juan , Zhang Jieping , Lu Lixia , Jin Caixia , Xu Guo-Tong , Zhao Jingjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease with severe fibrosis of the skin without effective therapy. While bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) derived exosome was a potential stem cell-based candidate in treatment of SSc.MethodsBMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of mouse and identified with the surface markers and multi-lineage differentiation. The exosomes were isolated from the BMSCs culture medium with ultracentrifugation and identified with NTA, TEM and western blot. The miRNAs of the BMSC-derived exosomes (BMSC-EXOs) were studied via miRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The SSc model was established in mice by bleomycin (BLM) subcutaneous injection and the mice were treated with BMSCs or BMSC-derived exosomes. The skin tissues were dissociated and analyzed with H&E staining, RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsEvident pathological changes like fibrosis and inflammation induced in the skin of BLM-treated mice. Both BMSCs and BMSC-EXOs effectively intervened such pathological manifestations and disease process, in a very similar way. The effects of the BMSC-EXOs were tracked to their microRNAs, which were proved to be involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types and in multiple biological processes when the EXOs functioned. Furthermore, the TGF-β1 positive cells and α-SMA positive myofibroblasts were significantly increased in the scleroderma skin of BLM-treated mice, but evidently reduced in the EXO-treated SSc group. Meanwhile, the number of mast cells as well as the infiltrated macrophages and lymphocytes were evidently increased in the skins of the BLM-treated mice, but significantly reduced by the EXO treatment. Such observations were confirmed by the data of the detected inflammatory cytokines that significantly higher mRNA levels of Il6, Il10 and Tnf-α were found in SSc mice, but reduced following the EXO treatment. Through bioinformatics analysis, TGFβ and WNT signaling pathways were revealed to be closely involved in the pathogenic changes in mouse SSc and could be the main targets for treating the disease.Conclusions﻿BMSC-derived exosomes could be developed as a potential therapy for treating the dysfunction of the skin in SSc, especially for its similar efficacy with BMSCs but less regulated as compared to cell therapy. Its mechanisms are involved in its microRNAs which alleviate the SSc pathogenic changes through regulating WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways.
The Prevalence Of Binge Eating Disorder And Associated Psychiatric And Substance Use Disorders In A Student Population In Kenya – Towards A Public Health Approach
Authors: Mutiso Victoria N. , Ndetei Prof. David M. , Muia Esther N. , Alietsi Rita K. , Onsinyo Lydia , Kameti Frida , Masake Monicah , Musyimi Christine , Mamah Prof. Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Changing lifestyles in Kenya can lead to eating related behaviors and problems. The more severe problems are likely to manifest in clinical settings, but the majority and less severe forms will remain unrecognized. There is therefore the need to take a public health awareness approach to identify cases at community level and initiate appropriate intervention. This requires characterization of Eating Disorders (ED) and its associations in the local context. Our focus will be on the more common Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The overarching objective of this study is to generate Kenyan data on BED and fill a gap that exists not only in Kenya but Africa in general. The specific aims are: (1) To document the patterns and prevalence of different symptoms of BED in a student population whose age range represents a significant proportion of the population. (2) To determine associated psychiatric and substance use disorders (3) To determine independent predictors of BED. Method: We administered to a total of 9742 participants following tools: A researcher designed socio-demographic and economic indicators questionnaire; an instrument on DSM-IV diagnosis of BED and its various symptoms; instruments to determine DSM-IV psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, affectivity, psychosis and stress indicators. The participants were high school, college and university students in four out of the 47 counties in Kenya. We used descriptive and inferential analysis to determine prevalence and association of the different variables. The independent predictors of BED were generated from the generalized linear model (p<0.05). Results: We found a prevalence of 3.2% of BED and a wide range of BED symptoms varying from 8.1% to 19.0%. There were significant (p<0.05) associations between BED with various socio-demographic variables and psychiatric and substance use disorders. However, only some of these disorders were independent predictors of BED. Conclusion: Our findings on prevalence of BED and significant associations with various psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders are similar to those obtained in HICs using similar large scale samples in non-clinical populations. Economic status is not a predictor of BED. Our findings suggest a public health approach to awareness and management.
Matrine suppresses cell growth of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via inhibiting CaMKIIγ/c-Myc/CDK6 signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Jianyou , Wang Xiao , Zhang Ling , Xiang Jingjing , Li Jingya , Chen Zheng , Zhang Yu , Chen Junfa , Shen Jianping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: C-Myc aberrations confer a more aggressive clinic behavior in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens Ait. It possesses anti-cancer property through inhibiting the cell proliferation and inducing the apoptosis. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of matrine in suppressing the cell growth of DLBCL.Methods: The influence of matrine on the viability of cultured DLBCL cell lines SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3 cells were determined by CCK-8. Apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry after matrine exposure. Western blot was taken to investigate the expression of activated Caspase-3, cleaved PARP, c-Myc, phospho-c-Myc (Ser62), CaMKIIγ, CDK4 and CDK6 after matrine treatment. Cycloheximide chase analysis was used to determine the c-Myc protein half-lives before and after matrine treatment. Growth salvage analysis was taken by ectopic expression of c-Myc.Results: In cultured DLBCL cells, matrine suppressed cell viability in a concentration and time dependent fashion. Matrine treated SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3 cells for 48 h with IC50 value of 1.76 mM and 4.1 mM, respectively. Matrine induced apoptosis through a caspase-independent pathway and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in a concentration dependent manner in DLBCL cells. The protein expression of c-Myc was inhibited while the transcription of c-Myc was not reduced by matrine. c-Myc protein half-lives were decreased from 30.4, 69.4 min to 16.6, 15.9 min after matrine treatment in SU-DHL-16 and OCI-LY3, respectively. As a critical protein kinase of c-Myc, CaMKIIγ was found to be down-regulated and c-Myc phosphorylation at Ser62 was reduced together after matrine treatment in DLBCL. The growth suppression of SU-DHL-16 cells induced by matrine was rescued by over-expression of c-Myc achieved by recombinant adenovirus infection. The decreased expression of CDK6, not CDK4, induced by matrine was rescued by ectopic expression of c-Myc protein.Conclusions: This study has shown for the first time that matrine suppresses cell growth of DLBCL via inhibiting CaMKIIγ/c-Myc/CDK6 signaling pathway.
Inequalities in Access to Tuberculosis Services in South Africa: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Haji Mina , Cleary Susan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death in South Africa. As an infectious respiratory disease, control of TB includes antibiotic treatment over a number of months in order to cure the disease and reduce transmission to others. The need to adhere to treatment over an extended period highlights the importance of reducing access barriers to TB services. While gender related access barriers have been identified as critical in the treatment and control of other conditions such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), no quantitative analyses currently exist that assess the gender-related dimensions of access to TB services in South Africa. Methods: This study aims to assess the gender-based differences in access to TB services in South Africa, from the perspective of TB patients. Using a comprehensive framework where access is defined as the opportunity to use services, we interviewed 1,229 TB patients using services in four provinces of South Africa. Comparisons of access barriers and adherence between men and women were examined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.Results: There was no significant association between levels of adherence and gender (all p-values>0.05). Among availability-related variables, men spent significantly less time at the clinic to fetch TB medication compared with women (coefficient, -7.06; 95% CI, [-13.5, -0.7]). Regarding affordability, men were significantly less likely to receive a disability grant (AOR, 0.48; 95% CI, [0.36, 0.63]). Concerning the acceptability dimension, men were less likely to report that queues to visit a healthcare provider were too long or the cleanliness of the facility to be sub-standard (AOR, 0.69; 95% CI, [0.52, 0.91], and AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, [0.46, 0.97], respectively). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there is no association between the level of adherence to TB treatment and gender. Moreover, there was no evidence of systematic gender-based inequalities in access to TB services. However, the findings reveal concerns about the condition and cleanliness of health facilities that may impact the patients' adherence and be a barrier, specifically, in women's use of TB services.
The influence of sugar-protein complexes on the thermostability of C-reactive protein (CRP)
Authors: Mateescu Andreea Lorena , Mincu Nicolae-Bogdan , Vasilca Silvana , Apetrei Roxana , Stan Diana , Zorilă Bogdan , Stan Dana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate de influence of glycosylation on the stability and functionality of C-reactive protein, after exposure to constant high temperatures. C-reactive protein is a plasmatic protein used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of a series of health problems such as ulcerative colitis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, due to its essential role in the evolution of chronic inflammation. The sugar-protein interaction was investigated using steady state and time resolved fluorescence. The results revealed that there are more than two classes of tryptophan, with different degree of accessibility for the quencher molecule. Our study also revealed that sugar-protein complexes have superior thermostability, the protein being stable and functional even after 22 days exposure to 40oC.
Pains and Gains from Iran’s Experience with the Management of&nbsp;Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Labaf Ali , Jalili Mohammad , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim , Mazinani Maryam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19, a rapidly spreading virus, has severely challenged all countries worldwide with no certain prevention and treatment so far. Various clinical and public health interventions have been in action since its first report in December 2019. Sharing the lessons learnt and strengths and weaknesses might cast some light on the future similar crisis management.Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory research including 22 semi-structured, face-to-face, virtual interviews with key informants and decision makers in the management of current epidemic. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The lessons learnt from and the weaknesses and challenges of COVID crisis management were categorized under the main areas of management and planning, workforce and education and research, decision making and communication. Conclusions: The current unprecedented crisis has affected various aspects of human life. Policy makers and managers, especially in health care, worldwide are struggling to abate the consequences of this nasty virus, though facing tough challenges. Here some hands-on and real-time experiences from the fight of a developing and highly affected country against this virus is provided which might be of a high value. Whatever approach adopted, it is key to be multifaceted and support all rightly mentioned aspects of health as physical, mental and social.
Hepatocyte-Derived Exosomal microRNAs Orchestrate Vascular Inflammation and Endothelial Function: Insights Into Molecular Mechanisms of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shao Yijia , Tu Jiazichao , Sun Jiapan , Wang Zhichao , Li Lifu , Tao Jun , Chen Jimei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTrimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been proved to be a new proatherogenic compound for promoting vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Hepatocyte-derived exosomes played an important role in the regulation of vascular inflammation and endothelial function. Since TMAO is produced in the liver, hepatocytes may be the first potential target of TMAO. However, it is not clear whether TMAO can directly stimulate normal hepatocytes to produce exosomes so as to mediate the motivating effects of TMAO on inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. MethodsThe hepatocytes were cultured and treated with TMAO at a physiological concentration for 24 hours (TMAO-Exos). The untreated group served as the control (Control-Exos). The exosomes were isolated from the culture supernatant and then added to the human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) for 48 hours. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 were determined by qPCR and cell apoptosis was evaluated by using the Hoechst 33342 staining solution. The miRNA profile in the exosomes were detected using an RNA-sequencing strategy. The miRNA-mRNA network was predicted, and the biological functions of the target genes were annotated by using bioinformatics methods. ResultsTMAO-Exos were able to promote the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and HAECs apoptosis. Moreover, miRNAs carried by the TMAO-Exos were quite different from that in the Control-Exos, including miR-92a-3p, miR-103-3p and miR-122-5p, etc. Further analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to target genes such as Mapk8, Casp9, Mapk10, Bcl2l11, Ikbkg and Akt1, which were supposed to be involved in the signal pathways related to vascular inflammation and endothelial function. ConclusionsThese novel results provided evidence that TMAO could indirectly talk to vascular endothelial via promoting hepatocytes to secreting exosomes that carried important genetic information, which may give a new insight into the interactions between liver and vasculature in the atherogenesis caused by TMAO. New intervention targeting this cellular crosstalk may be feasible and effective in the prevention and treatment of TMAO-induced atherogenesis.
Serum Pepsinogen as a Biomarker of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) in Stomach
Authors: Zhou Likun , gao Zhiying , Luo Laizhi , Han Yueting , Sun Yan , Huang Yonghong , Li Shixia , Chen Xingyun , Yang Huimin , Peng ZhiJuan , Wang Xinyi , Zhao Wei , Wu Xi , Wu Huan , Bai Jing , Sun Wu , Ba Yi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNo biomarker was identified for gastric GISTs(GG) detection. We first observed that glands surrounding GG are regionally atrophic. We hypothesize that this local atrophy may mildly reduce pepsinogen Ⅰ(PGⅠ) but the PGⅠ/PGII ratio remains normal. To test our hypothesis, a retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PG in GG detection.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a cohort of consecutive GG and gastric cancer(GC) patients at our center. Pathologic confirmed GG patients and GC patients with tested PG levels before medical intervention were included. Three criteria were assessed: 1.Serum PGI≤70ng/ml; 2.Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG(PGⅠ≤70 ng/ml and PGI/PGII ratio>3.0); and 3.Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA(Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG plus normal CEA). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), negative predictive value(NPV) and overall accuracy(OA) were calculated. A Chi-square test was applied to detect the differences.ResultsAfter screened 562 GG and 1090 GC, 100 GG and 174 GC samples were included. For PGI≤70ng/ml, the Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG and the Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA criteria discriminating GG from GC, the sensitivities were 75%(95%CI 66-82),70%(60-78) and 68%(58-76), respectively; the specificities were 50%(43-57), 70%(62-76), and 78%(71-83), respectively; the PPV were 46%(39-54), 57%(48-65), and 64%(55-73), respectively; the NPV were 78%(69-84), 80%(73-86), 81%(74-86), respectively; and the OA were 59%(53-65), 70%(64-75), and 74%(69-79), respectively. There was statistic difference in sensitivities between GG and GC for Positive-Gastric-GIST-PG-CEA criterion(68% for GG vs. 22% for GC, P<0.0001). ConclusionSerum PGs are useful for both detecting GG and distinguishing GG from GC. Integrating our criteria into current PG test scheme of gastric precancerous screening will be helpful for early GG detection without additional economic expense.
Polypyrrole Coated Mn–Fe Bimetallic Oxides as High Stability Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Yuan , Li Tengfei , Wang Fen , Zhu Jianfeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Transition metal oxides as anode materials have received extensive research owing to the high specific capacity. Whereas, the rapid decline of battery capacity caused by volume expansion and low electrical conductivity hinders the practical application of transition metal oxides. This study reported a pseudo-capacitance material polypyrrole coated Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composites material as a high stability anode for lithium-ion batteries. The polypyrrole coating layer can not only serve as a conductive network to improve electrode conductivity but also can be used as a protective buffer layer to suppress the volume change of Fe2O3/Mn2O3 during the charging and discharging process. At the same time, the porous structure of Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composite can not only provide more active sites for lithium storage but also play a certain buffer effect on the volume change of the material. Polypyrrole-coated Fe2O3/Mn2O3 composite as the anode for lithium-ion batteries shows great electrochemical storage performance, with high specific capacity (627 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 1A g− 1), great cycle stability (the capacity not shows obvious signs of attenuation after 500 cycles) and rate performance (432 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 2.0 A g− 1).
Quality of Life Impact and Special Issues in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Constantinescu Gabriel , Gheorghe Gina , Rinja Ecaterina , Plotogea Oana , Sandru Vasile , Butuc Andreea , Diaconu Camelia Cristina , Oprescu Anca Macovei , Popa Bogdan , Ilie Madalina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The impact of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) on quality of life (QoL) of patients is significant and has important social and professional consequences. Methods: We aimed to describe the patients’ perspective regarding the impact of IBD on their overall QoL and to evaluate the differences between men and women. An observational cross-sectional study, that included 180 patients with IBD in clinical remission, was conducted. All the patients completed a number of 3 questionnaires in order to evaluate the general aspects of their QoL. A separate questionnaire was created regarding gender-specific issues in women with IBD encounter. Also, particular features such as the incidence of anemia and osteoporosis among IBD patients were documented. The data obtained were analyzed and compared between the two gender-classified groups. Results: According to the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), patients had a general perception of a good QoL, but the impact was higher in women. Fatigue and tiredness were severely perceived almost to the same degree regardless of gender, whereas anxiety and unemployment were more present in men. No significant differences in women with IBD during active disease and during disease remission were found. Conclusions: The overall quality of life of IBD patients is affected in many aspects, leading to the deterioration of their social and professional lives, for both men and women, but some aspects remain gender-specific and require a personalized standard of care.
Acupuncture for blepharospasm: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: HUANG Hui , Huang Qun , Gao Na , Li Haoran , Zou Weiwen , Lei Ruxue , Zheng Yanlin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Blepharospasm is a disorder inducing bilateral eyelid closure due to irregular muscle contraction. Oral medications or surgical interventions currently still hardly achieve a great therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is indicated effective in improving blepharospasm, but its efficacy has not been comprehensively elucidated as a therapy, so a systematic evaluation on acupuncture for blepharospasm is desirable.
Methods

All randomised controlled trials related to acupuncture for blepharospasm will be screened from 9 databases, including 5 English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Wanfang Database, and VIP Database). The primary outcomes include degree of blepharospasm, scores of BFM, UDRS, JRC, BSS, BDS, and BSDI. The incidence of adverse events will be also considered. Two reviewers will screen studies, extract data and assess the quality. Review Manager software 5.4.1 (provided by Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) will be used to assess risk of bias and synthesize data synthesis.
Discussion

Our study will investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating blepharospasm, providing a summary to contribute to application of acupuncture.
Systematic review registration:
CRD42020222489, registered on Dec 24, 2020.
Mesoporous Silicon / Polypyrrole Based Structures for Paranitrophenol Sensing
Authors: tighilt fatma zohra , BELHOUSSE Samia , Rahal Anis , Hamdani kHALED , Belhaneche Naima , Sam Sabrina , Lasmi Kahina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Elaboration of new structures based on semi-conductors and conducting polymers can procure a new alternative to the development of various electrochemical sensors with good sensibility.The key idea of this paper is to develop a facile technique for the detection of the para-nitrophenol which is considered as an important toxic pollutant. In this context, different structures based on mesoporous silicon modified with Polypyrrole (PPy) were elaborated.The hybrid structures have been characterized by several techniques such as FTIR, SEM and Contact angle measurements.In addition, the behavior of these new structures for para-nitrophenol detection by cyclic voltammetry was studied. The results show a high sensitivity of the sensor in a large concentration interval.