bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspulvinones Suppress Postprandial Hyperglycemia as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors From Aspergillus terreus ASM-1
Authors: Wu Changjing , Cui Xiang , Sun Luzhen , Lu Jiajia , Li Feng , Song Minghui , Zhang Yunxia , Hao Xinqi , Tian Congkui , Song Maoping , Liu Xiaomeng 
Published: August 2021

Chemical investigation of Aspergillus terreus ASM-1 fermentation resulted in the isolation of three new prenylated aspulvinones V–X (1–3), together with the previously reported analogs, aspulvinone H (4), J-CR (5), and R (6). Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including HRESIMS and NMR, and the absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were determined by ECD comparison. Compounds 1–6 were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory effects with acarbose as positive control. As a result, compounds 1 and 4 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 2.2 and 4.6 µM in mixed-type manners. The thermodynamic constants recognized the interaction between inhibitors and α-glucosidase was hydrophobic force-driven spontaneous exothermic reaction. The CD spectra also indicate that the compounds 1 and 4 changed the enzyme conformation. Furthermore, compound 4 significantly suppressed the increases in postprandial blood glucose levels in the C57BL/6J mice.
Physiochemical Characteristics, Provenance, and Dynamics of Sand Dunes in the Arid Hexi Corridor
Authors: Zhu Bing-Qi , Zhang Jia-Xing , Sun Chun 
Published: August 2021

Dynamic changes of aeolian landforms under changing environments in a middle-latitude desert belt is a typical problem of climate change and related landscape response. It need a comprehensive understanding of the formation mechanisms of dune landforms with the supply of material suitable for aeolian transport and favorable conditions of sediment availability and wind regimes in the region. Based on comprehensive evidences from geomorphological, sedimentological, geochemical, and hydrological analysis, this study discussed the dynamical changes of different dune landforms during the past half century and their provenance in the Hexi Corridor, China. The results show that there are two states of sand dunes movement in the Hexi Corridor in the past half century, dynamic migration and basically stable. The crescent-shaped dunes move the fastest, followed by the chains of barchan dunes. Only the top of the pyramid dunes wigwags, while the parabolic dunes and the longitudinal dunes hardly move forward. The moving speed of sand dunes is positively correlated with the wind speed ≥5 m/s at a yearly scale. The grain size of sand dunes in the western Hexi Corridor is coarser than that in the central-eastern part, and also larger than those in other deserts of northern China and of the world. Different motion modes of saltation, suspension, and creeping are identified between aeolian, alluvial/fluvial and gobi sediments. Dune sands are mainly “sediments ofin-siturising” that originated from alluvial/fluvial/lacustrine deposits of ancient rivers, lakes, and aeolian deposits in the erosion zone of the forelands of the Qilian and Beishan Mountains and the north-neighboring deserts. This reveals a significance interaction between wind and water dynamics in the formation and evolution of aeolian landforms in the arid study area. Sufficient transport capacity is evidenced for both the western and eastern parts of the Hexi Corridor, sufficient sand supply and sand availability, however, is the favorable factor for dune formation in the east part but is the limiting factor for the west.
Alteration of Gut Microbiota Relates to Metabolic Disorders in Primary Aldosteronism Patients
Authors: Liu Yu , Jiang Qingyao , Liu Zhihong , Shen Sikui , Ai Jianzhong , Zhu Yuchun , Zhou Liang 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the relationships among gut microbiota, primary aldosteronism (PA), and related metabolic disorders.MethodsThe study enrolled 13 PA patients, 26 sex-matched primary hypertension patients, and 26 sex-matched healthy controls. Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI), blood aldosterone–renin ratio, blood potassium, blood glucose, blood lipid parameters, and history of diabetes mellitus (DM) were compared between the three groups. The gut microbiota of each participant was examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to demonstrate the relationship between gut microbiota and clinical characteristics.ResultsBMI and the percentage of DM in PA patients were higher than those in healthy controls (p &lt; 0.05), but not higher than those in primary hypertension patients (p &gt; 0.05). The gut microbiota of healthy controls and primary hypertension patients had a higher alpha diversity level than that of PA patients. PA patients had fewer short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera (Prevotella, Blautia, Coprococcus, Anaerostipes, and Ruminococcus) and more inflammation-associated genera (Megamonas, Sutterella, and Streptococcus) than healthy controls (p &lt; 0.05). The gut microbiota of PA patients was more inclined to encode microbial pathways involved in sugar metabolism, such as starch and sucrose metabolism and fructose and mannose metabolism. Blood potassium was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Romboutsia (R = −0.364, q = 0.023). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was positively correlated with Romboutsia (R = 0.386, q = 0.015). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was negatively correlated with Blautia (R = −0.349, q = 0.030).ConclusionsThe alteration of gut microbiota in PA patients, especially bacteria and pathways involved in inflammation, SCFAs, and sugar metabolism, may be associated with chronic metabolic disorders.
Production of Biodiesel From Croton gratissimus Oil Using Sulfated Zirconia and KOH as Catalysts
Authors: Jiyane Phiwe Charles , Tumba Kaniki , Musonge Paul 
Published: August 2021

Optimization studies for the esterification and transesterification of oil extracted from Croton gratissimus grains were carried out using the response surface methodology (RMS) that utilizes the central composite design (CCD) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A 23 full-factorial rotatable CCD for three independent variables at five levels was developed in each case, giving a total of 20 experiments needed per study. The three design factors chosen for study were the catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil ratio, and the reaction temperature. The values of the acid value of oil (in esterification) and the percentage FAME yield and FAME purity (in transesterification) were taken as the responses of the designed experiments. In the optimization of the esterification and transesterification processes, the ANOVA showed that both quadratic regression models developed were significant. The optimum operating conditions for the esterification process that could give an optimum acid value of 2.693 mg KOH/g of oil were found to be 10.96 mass% SO42–/ZrO2 catalyst concentration, 27.60 methanol-to-oil ratio, and 64°C reaction temperature. In the optimization of the transesterification process, the model revealed that the catalyst concentration and the methanol-to-oil ratio were the terms that had the most influence on the % FAME yield and the % FAME purity of the final biodiesel product. From the combined regression model, it was established that optimum responses of the 84.51% FAME yield and 90.66% FAME purity could be achieved when operating the transesterification process at 1.439 mass% KOH catalyst concentration, 7.472 methanol-to-oil ratio, and at a temperature of 63.50°C. Furthermore, in the two-step biodiesel synthesis, a predominantly monoclinic-phased sulfated zirconia (SO42–/ZrO2) catalyst exhibited high activity in the esterification of high free fatty acid oil extracted from Croton gratissimus grains. A 91% reduction in the acid value of the Croton gratissimus oil from 21.46 mg KOH/g of oil to 2.006 mg KOH/g of oil, well below the 4 mg KOH/g of oil maximum limit, was achieved. This resulted in the high FAME yield and purity of the biodiesel produced in the subsequent catalytic transesterification of oil using KOH.
[18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography for Initial Staging and Healing Assessment at the End of Therapy in Lymph Nodes and Bone Tuberculosis
Authors: Sarda-Mantel Laure , Kaoutar Jidar , Alfaiate Toni , Lopes Amanda , Paycha Frédéric , Benali Khadija , Mikail Nidaa , Soussan Michael , Lemarignier Charles , Méchaï Frédéric , Nagat Sophie Le , Montravers Françoise , Deradji Ouda , Durand Emmanuel , Goulenok Tiphaine , Ponscarme Diane , Yéni Patrick , Laouénan Cédric , Rioux Christophe 
Published: August 2021

Objective: In extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, therapeutic management is difficult in the absence of reliable tool to affirm healing at the end of treatment. In this prospective multicenter study, we evaluated [18F]FDG-PET for this purpose.Methods: Forty-two patients out of 55 included patients could be analyzed. Additionally to usual biological, histological and morphological explorations, [18F]FDG-PET was performed at diagnosis (PET1), at the end of treatment (PET2), indeed 6 months later. Then patients were followed until 12 months after end of prescribed treatment.Results: PET1 was positive in 97.6% of patients and discovered unknown injured sites in 52.7% of cases. PET2 was positive in 83.3% of uncured patients, and in 82.3% of cured patients. The sum and mean value of SUVmax measured in PET/CT lesions decreased between PET1 and PET2 in all patients. Mean value of SUVmax (MSUV) and sum value of SUVmax on PET2 showed the highest AUC on ROC curves for the diagnosis of healing at the end of prescribed treatment; MSUV 3.5 on PET2 had a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 80.0% to affirm healing at the end of prescribed treatment.Conclusions: [18F]FDG-PET/CT was useful at diagnosis, discovering unknown lesions in 52.7% of cases. MSUV on PET2 was the best criteria to affirm healing at the end of prescribed treatment.
Can Millet Consumption Help Manage Hyperlipidemia and Obesity?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Anitha Seetha , Botha Rosemary , Kane-Potaka Joanna , Givens D. Ian , Rajendran Ananthan , Tsusaka Takuji W. , Bhandari Raj Kumar 
Published: August 2021

Many health benefits of millets (defined broadly to also include sorghum) have been advocated, including their roles in managing and preventing diabetes; however, the effects of millets on hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels) have been underrecognized. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to collate available evidence of the impacts of millets consumption on lipid profile, namely total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low–density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). The results from 19 studies showed that the consumption of millets for periods as short as 21 days to 4 months reduced levels of TC, triacylglycerol, LDL-C, and VLDL-C (p&lt;0.01) by 8.0, 9.5, 10 and 9.0%, respectively. Four studies demonstrated that millets consumption brought TC and triacylglycerol levels to the normal levels (&lt;200 and &lt;150 mg/dl, respectively). Furthermore, upon consumption of millet-based meals, there was a 6.0% increase in the HDL-C 4.0 and 5.0% reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and 7.0% reduction in body mass index (BMI). This evidence, leads us to conclude that consumption of millets reduces hyperlipidemia and hence hypertension, and raises the levels of HDL-C (good cholesterol), which can be beneficial for managing the associated risk of developing hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in future.Systematic Review Registration: The protocol of this systematic review has been registered in the online registration platform called “research registry” with the unique identification number “reviewregistry1123.”
Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers of Gastric Cancer: Three Genes Jointly Predict Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shan Meng-jie , Meng Ling-bing , Guo Peng , Zhang Yuan-meng , Kong Dexian , Liu Ya-bin 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers all over the world, causing high mortality. Gastric cancer screening is one of the effective strategies used to reduce mortality. We expect that good biomarkers can be discovered to diagnose and treat gastric cancer as early as possible.MethodsWe download four gene expression profiling datasets of gastric cancer (GSE118916, GSE54129, GSE103236, GSE112369), which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues were detected to explore biomarkers that may play an important role in gastric cancer. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of overlap genes were conducted by the Metascape online database; the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING online database, and we screened the hub genes of the PPI network using the Cytoscape software. The survival curve analysis was conducted by km-plotter and the stage plots of hub genes were created by the GEPIA online database. PCR, WB, and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the expression of hub genes. A neural network model was established to quantify the predictors of gastric cancer.ResultsThe relative expression level of cadherin-3 (CDH3), lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), and matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) were significantly higher in gastric samples, compared with the normal groups (p&lt;0.05). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the effect of the three genes’ expression on gastric cancer, and the AUC was used to determine the degree of confidence: CDH3 (AUC = 0.800, P&lt;0.05, 95% CI =0.857-0.895), LEF1 (AUC=0.620, P&lt;0.05, 95%CI=0.632-0.714), and MMP7 (AUC=0.914, P&lt;0.05, 95%CI=0.714-0.947). The high-risk warning indicator of gastric cancer contained 8&lt;CDH3&lt;15 and 10&lt;expression of LEF1&lt;16.ConclusionsCDH3, LEF1, and MMP7 can be used as candidate biomarkers to construct a neural network model from hub genes, which may be helpful for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer.
A Positive Feedback Loop of lncRNA MIR31HG-miR-361-3p -YY1 Accelerates Colorectal Cancer Progression Through Modulating Proliferation, Angiogenesis, and Glycolysis
Authors: Guo Tao , Liu Defeng , Peng Shihao , Wang Meng , Li Yangyang 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with high metastatic and recurrent rates. This study probes the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA MIR31HG on the progression of CRC cells.Materials and MethodsQuantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of MIR31HG and miR-361-3p in CRC tissues and normal tissues. Gain- or loss-of-function assays were conducted to examine the roles of MIR31HG, miR-361-3p and YY1 transcription factor (YY1) in the CRC progression. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and colony formation experiment were conducted to test CRC cell proliferation. CRC cell invasion was determined by Transwell assay. The glucose detection kit and lactic acid detection kit were utilized to monitor the levels of glucose and lactate in CRC cells. The glycolysis level in CRC cells was examined by the glycolytic stress experiment. Western blot was performed to compare the expression of glycolysis-related proteins (PKM2, GLUT1 and HK2) and angiogenesis-related proteins (including VEGFA, ANGPT1, HIF1A and TIMP1) in HUVECs. The binding relationships between MIR31HG and miR-361-3p, miR-361-3p and YY1 were evaluated by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP).ResultsMIR31HG was up-regulated in CRC tissues and was associated with poorer prognosis of CRC patients. The in-vitro and in-vivo experiments confirmed that overexpressing MIR31HG heightened the proliferation, growth, invasion, glycolysis and lung metastasis of CRC cells as well as the angiogenesis of HUVECs. In addition, MIR3HG overexpression promoted YY1 mRNA and protein level, and forced overexpression of YY1 enhanced MIR31HG level. Overexpressing YY1 reversed the tumor-suppressive effect mediated by MIR31HG knockdown. miR-361-3p, which was inhibited by MIR31HG overexpression, repressed the malignant behaviors of CRC cells. miR-361-3p-mediated anti-tumor effects were mostly reversed by upregulating MIR31HG. Further mechanism studies illustrated that miR-361-3p targeted and negatively regulated the expression of YY1.ConclusionThis study reveals that MIR31HG functions as an oncogenic gene in CRC via forming a positive feedback loop of MIR31HG-miR-361-3p-YY1.
Analysis of the Behaviour of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies in Children and Adults Convalescing From Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Infection
Authors: Márquez-González Horacio , López-Martínez Briceida , Parra-Ortega Israel , Rosa-Zamboni Daniela de la , Salazar-García Marcela , Olivar-López Victor , Klünder-Klünder Miguel 
Published: August 2021

The pandemic caused by SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people since 2020. There are clinical differences and in mortality between the adult and paediatric population. Recently, the immune response through the development of antibodies has gained relevance due to the risk of reinfection and vaccines' development.Objective: Was to compare the association of clinical history and the clinical presentation of the disease with the development of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in paediatric and adult patients with a history of positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results.Methods: Cross-sectional observational study carried out in a Paediatric Hospital in Mexico City included patients under 18 years of age and health personnel with positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 comparing antibody expression. The development of specific IgG antibodies was measured, the presence of comorbidities, duration, and severity of symptoms was determined.Results: Sixty-one subjects (20 &lt; 18 years and 41 &gt; 18 years) were analysed. The median sample collection was 3 weeks. There were no differences in the expression of specific antibodies; no differences were shown according to the symptoms' severity. A positive correlation (r = 0.77) was demonstrated between the duration of symptoms and antibody levels.Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a clear association between the duration of the symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the IgG units generated in paediatric and adult patients convalescing from COVID-19.
Developing and Testing the Validity and Reliability of the Brief Adolescent Respiratory System Health Assessment Scale-Student Version in a Chinese Sample
Authors: Tao Lingwei , Gao Yana , Dou Hongzhe , Wu Xuekun , Yan Lu , Liu Danyang , Zhao Yuejia , Zhao Qingchun , Wang Peiyu , Zhang Yumei 
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To develop a Brief Adolescent Respiratory System Health Assessment Scale-Student Version (BARSHAS-SV) and test the validity and reliability of the scale.Methods: Considering common respiratory system diseases and respiratory system symptoms as a theoretical basis, researchers developed a Brief Adolescent Respiratory System Health Assessment Scale-Student Version-I (BARSHAS-SV-I). After six medical experts reviewed the BARSHAS-SV-I, and six adolescents tested the BARSHAS-SV-I, researchers developed an updated BARSHAS-SV-II. Researchers randomly selected two middle schools in Baoding, China. Thousand twenty nine valid questionnaires were recovered. Researchers evaluated the validity and reliability of the scale and obtained the final version of the scale (BARSHAS-SV). The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the construct validity of the scale. The content validity index (CVI) was used to evaluate the content validity of the scale. The Cronbach's α coefficient and the mean inter-item correlation coefficient (MIIC) were used to assess the reliability of the scale.Results: BARSHAS-SV Cronbach's α = 0.910, content validity = 0.941, and factor cumulative variance contribution rate = 64.047% conducting EFA. Conducting CFA, Chi square value (χ2) = 233.806, degrees of freedom (df) = 106, Chi square value/degree of freedom (χ2/df) = 2.206, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.063, normed fit index (NFI) = 0.922, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.917, Tueker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.942, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.955, incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.956. BARSHAS-SV consisted of 4 dimensions and 17 items. Four factors were as follows: Factor 1, mild respiratory system diseases (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.781); Factor 2, severe respiratory system diseases (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.829); Factor 3, respiratory system symptoms (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.835); Factor 4, treatment and recovery of respiratory system diseases (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.845).Conclusions: BARSHAS-SV is a valid and reliable method that can be applied to assess adolescent respiratory system health status. BARSHAS-SV may help teachers and medical staff in schools to quickly and conveniently evaluate the adolescent respiratory system health status and identify respiratory issues.
Associations Between COVID-19 Symptoms and Psychological Distress
Authors: Kim Ju-Wan , Kang Hee-Ju , Jhon Min , Ryu Seunghyong , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kang Seung-Ji , Jung Sook-In , Shin Il-Seon , Kim Sung-Wan , Stewart Robert , Kim Jae-Min 
Published: August 2021

Background: Hospital isolation for COVID-19 may cause significant psychological stress. The association between COVID-19 symptoms and psychological symptoms has not been systematically studied. We investigated the effects of telephonic intervention on the relationship between psychological symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms at the time of hospitalization and 1 week later.Method: We screened 461 patients with COVID-19 for psychiatric symptoms from February 29, 2020, to January 3, 2021. In total, 461 patients were evaluated 2 days after admission, and 322 (69.8%) were followed 1 week later. To assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered to patients once per week. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and item 9 of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-9) were used weekly to assess insomnia and suicidal ideation.Results: Of 461 enrolled patients, we observed clinically meaningful psychological anxiety symptoms (in 75/16.3% of patients), depression (122/26.5%), insomnia (154/33.4%), and suicidal ideation (54/11.7%). Commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are cough/sputum/sneezing (244, 52.9%), headache/dizziness (98, 21.3%), myalgia (113, 24.5%), and sore throat (89, 19.3%). Compared to baseline, significant improvements were found in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation at 1 week. No significant group differences in ISI score were observed.Conclusions: COVID-19 symptoms at baseline had a significant and persistent negative impact on anxiety and depression at admission and at 1 week after hospitalization. Early intervention is essential to improve the outcomes of patients with mental illness.