bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA CBR3-AS1 regulates of breast cancer drug sensitivity as a competing endogenous RNA through the JNK1/MEK4‑mediated MAPK signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wang Yan , Jiang Longyang , Song Xinyue , Zheng Ang , Gao Hua , Wei Minjie , Zhao Lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Adriamycin (ADR) resistance is one of the main obstacles to improving the clinical prognosis of breast cancer patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate cell behavior, but the role of these RNAs in the anti-ADR activity of breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the imbalance of a particular long noncoding RNA, lncRNA CBR3 antisense RNA 1 (CBR3-AS1), and its role in ADR resistance.Methods: Microarray analysis of ADR-resistant breast cancer cells was performed to identify CBR3-AS1. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to ADR. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pulldown, IHC and western blot analyses were used to verify the relationship between the expression of CBR3-AS1, miRNA and target genes. For in vivo experiments, the effect of CBR3-AS1 on breast cancer resistance was observed in a xenograft tumor model. The role of CBR3-AS1 in influencing ADR sensitivity was verified by clinical breast cancer specimens from the TCGA, CCLE, and GDSC databases.Results: We found that CBR3-AS1 expression was significantly increased in breast cancer tissues and was closely correlated with poor prognosis. CBR3-AS1 overexpression promoted ADR resistance in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified that CBR3-AS1 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA by sponging miR-25-3p. MEK4 and JNK1 of the MAPK pathway were determined to be direct downstream proteins of the CBR3-AS1/miR-25-3p axis in breast cancer cells.Conclusions: In summary, our findings demonstrate that CBR3-AS1 plays a critical role in the chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer by mediating the miR-25-3p and MEK4/JNK1 regulatory axes. The potential of CBR3-AS1 as a targetable oncogene and therapeutic biomarker of breast cancer was identified.
A new candidate vaccine for human brucellosis based on influenza viral vectors: a preliminary investigation for the development of an immunization schedule in a guinea pig model
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Zinina Nadezhda , Assanzhanova Nurika , Yespembetov Bolat , Kozhamkulov Yerken , Zakarya Kunsulu , Ryskeldinova Sholpan , Tabynov Kaissar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: A new candidate vector vaccine against human brucellosis based on recombinant influenza viral vectors (rIVV) subtypes H5N1 expressing Brucella outer membrane protein (Omp) 16, L7/L12, Omp19 or Cu-Zn SOD proteins has been developed. This paper presents the results of the study of protection of the vaccine using on guinea pigs, including various options of administering, dose and frequency. Provided data of the novel vaccine candidate will contribute to its further movement into the preclinical stage study. Methods: General states of guinea pigs was assessed based on behavior and dynamics of a guinea pig weight-gain test. The effectiveness of the new anti-brucellosis vector vaccine was determined by studying its protective effect after conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual administration in doses 105 EID50, 106 EID50 and 107 EID50 during prime and boost vaccinations of animals, followed by challenge with a virulent strain of B. melitensis 16M infection. For sake of comparison, the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine was used as a control. The protective properties of vaccines were assessed by quantitation of Brucella colonization in organs and tissues of infected animals and compared to the control groups.Results: It was observed a gradual increase in body weight of guinea pigs after prime and booster immunization with the vaccine using conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual routes of administration, as well as after using various doses of vaccine. The most optimal way of using the vaccine has been established: double intranasal immunization of guinea pigs at a dose of 106 EID50, which provides 80% protection of guinea pigs from B. melitensis 16M infection (P<0.05), which is comparable to the results of the effectiveness of the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine.Conclusions: We developed effective vaccine candidate against brucellosis and developed its immunization protocol in guinea pig model. We believe that because of these studies, the proposed vaccine has achieved the best level of protection, which in turn provides a basis for its further promotion.
Clinical characteristics of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy
Authors: Zhu Zhenli , Zhang Tongqiang , Guo Wei , Ling Yaoyao , Tian Jiao , Xu Yongsheng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To observe the effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) under different doses, to summarize the clinical features of children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy.Methods: The clinical data of 125 children with RMPP hospitalized in Tianjin Children's Hospital from September 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to the dose of hormone. Compare the clinical features, laboratory findings, and imaging between the two groups, and use meaningful related indicators as ROC curves to find reference indicators for pulse therapy.Results: (1)The median age of the group II was older than that of the group I(P<0.05).(2)We found more severe presentations, higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and more serious radiological findings in group II, which needed oxygen more often, higher the hormone, higher usage rate of gamma globulin, higher usage rate of bronchoscopy, and higher incidence of plastic bronchitis(P<0.05).(3)WBC, CRP, LDH, FER, D-D dimer, APTT, TT, PCT, IL-6 and the percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood in Group II were higher than those in Group I(P<0.05).(4)In ROC curve analysis, CRP, LDH, FER, and neutrophils of leukocyte classification were independent related factors that could be used as valuable predictors of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for RMPP in children. The cut-off values were CRP44.45mg/L, LDH590IU/L, FER411ng/L, and neutrophils in leukocyte classification were 73.75%, respectively.Conclusion: CRP≥44.45mg/L, LDH≥590IU/L, FER≥411ng/L, neutrophil≥73.75%, lung consolidation and pleural effusion are found in RMPP patients, which could be treated with pulse dose of methylprednisolone in time to reduce the incidence of severe RMPP and the occurrence of severe sequelae.
Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of tea plant autophagy-related genes (CsARGs) demonstrates that they play diverse roles during development and under abiotic stress
Authors: Wang Huan , Ding ZhaoTang , Gou Mengjie , Hu Jianhui , Wang Yu , Wang Lu , Wang Yuchun , Di Taimei , Zhang Xinfu , Hao Xinyuan , Wang Xinchao , Yang Yajun , Qian Wenjun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Autophagy, meaning ‘self-eating’, is required for the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic constituents under stressful and non-stressful conditions, which helps to maintain cellular homeostasis and delay aging and longevity in eukaryotes. To date, the functions of autophagy have been heavily studied in yeast, mammals and model plants, but few studies have focused on economically important crops, especially tea plants (Camellia sinensis). The roles played by autophagy in coping with various environmental stimuli have not been fully elucidated to date. Therefore, investigating the functions of autophagy-related genes in tea plants may help to elucidate the mechanism governing autophagy in response to stresses in woody plants.Results: In this study, we identified 35 C. sinensis autophagy-related genes (CsARGs). Each CsARG is highly conserved with its homologues from other plant species, except for CsATG14. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated that the abundances of CsARGs varied across different tissues, but CsATG8c/i showed a degree of tissue specificity. Under hormone and abiotic stress conditions, most CsARGs were upregulated at different time points during the treatment. In addition, the expression levels of 10 CsARGs were higher in the cold-resistant cultivar ‘Longjing43’ than in the cold-susceptible cultivar ‘Damianbai’ during the CA period; however, the expression of CsATG101 showed the opposite tendency.Conclusions: We performed a comprehensive bioinformatic and physiological analysis of CsARGs in tea plants, and these results may help to establish a foundation for further research investigating the molecular mechanisms governing autophagy in tea plant growth, development and response to stress. Meanwhile, some CsARGs could serve as putative molecular markers for the breeding of cold-resistant tea plants in future research.
Chloroplast Genome Variation and Phylogenetic Relationships of Atractylodes species
Authors: Wang Yiheng , Wang Sheng , Liu Yanlei , Yuan Qingjun , Sun Jiahui , Guo Lanping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Atractylodes DC is the basic original plant of the widely used herbal medicines “Baizhu” and “Cangzhu” and an endemic genus in East Asia. Species within the genus have minor morphological differences, and the universal DNA barcodes cannot clearly distinguish the systemic relationship or identify the species of the genus. In order to solve these question, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of all species of Atractylodes using high-throughput sequencing.Results: The results indicate that the chloroplast genome of Atractylodes has a typical quadripartite structure and ranges from 152,294 bp (A. carlinoides) to 153,261 bp (A. macrocephala) in size. The genome of all species contains 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and four ribosomal RNA genes. Four hotspots, rpl22-rps19-rpl2, psbM-trnD, trnR-trnT(GGU), and trnT(UGU)-trnL, and a total of 42-47 simple sequence repeats (SSR) were identified as the most promising potentially variable makers for species delimitation and population genetic studies. Phylogenetic analyses of the whole chloroplast genomes indicate that Atractylodes is a clade within the tribe Cynareae; Atractylodes species form a monophyly that clearly reflects the relationship within the genus. Conclusions: Our study included investigations of the sequences and structural genomic variations, phylogenetics and mutation dynamics of Atractylodes chloroplast genomes and will facilitate future studies in population genetics, taxonomy and species identification.
Hepatic safety of repeated treatment with pyronaridine-artesunate versus artemether-lumefantrine in patients with uncomplicated malaria: a secondary analysis of the WANECAM 1 data from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Authors: Compaoré Yves Daniel , Zongo Issaka , Somé Anyirékun F. , Barry Nouhoun , Nikiema Frederick , Kabore Talato N. , Aminata Ouattara , Kabre Zachari , Wermi Kadidiatou , Zongo Moussa , Yerbanga Rakiswende S. , Sagara Issaka , Djimdé Abdoulaye , Ouédraogo Jean Bosco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe use of pyronaridine-artesunate (PA) has been associated with scarce transaminitis in patients. This analysis aimed to evaluate the hepatic safety profile of repeated treatment with PA versus artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in patients with consecutive uncomplicated malaria episodes in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. MethodsThis study analysed data from a clinical trial conducted from 2012 to 2015, in which participants with uncomplicated malaria were assigned to either PA or AL arms and followed up to 42 days. Subsequent malaria episodes within a 2-years follow up period were also treated with the same ACT initially allocated. Transaminases (AST/ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin were measured at days 0 (baseline), 3, 7, 28 and on some unscheduled days if required. The proportions of non-clinical hepatic adverse events (AEs) following first and repeated treatments with PA and AL were compared within study arms. The association of these AEs with retreatment in each arm was also determined using a logistic regression model. ResultsA total of 1379 malaria episodes were included in the intention to treat analysis with 60% of all cases occurring in the AL arm. Overall, 179 non-clinical hepatic AEs were recorded in the AL arm versus 145 in the PA arm. Elevated ALT was noted in 3.05% of treated malaria episodes, elevated AST 3.34%, elevated ALP 1.81%, and elevated total and direct bilirubin in 7.90% and 7.40% respectively. Retreated participants were less likely to experience elevated ALT and AST than first episode treated participants in both arms. One case of Hy’s law condition was recorded in a first treated participant of the PA arm. Participants from the retreatment group were 76% and 84% less likely to have elevated ALT and AST, respectively, in the AL arm and 68% less likely to present elevated ALT in the PA arm. In contrast, they were almost 2 times more likely to experience elevated total bilirubin in both arms.ConclusionPyronaridine-artesunate and artemether-lumefantrine showed similar hepatic safety when used repeatedly in participants with uncomplicated malaria. Pyronaridine-artesunate represents therefore a suitable alternative to the current first line anti-malarial drugs in use in endemic areas.
“Those are things for married people” Exploring parents’/adults’ and adolescents’ perspectives on contraceptives in Narok and Homa Bay Counties, Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Wado Yohannes Dibaba , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Oduor Clement , Habib Helen , Njagi Joan , Bangha Martin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundContraceptive use among adolescent girls is low in many sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. Attitude and perspectives about contraception of community members including adolescent girls themselves may be likely to limit contraceptive use among adolescent girls. This study was conducted to explore and compare adults’/parents’ and adolescent girls’ narratives and perspectives about contraception in Narok and Homa Bay counties, Kenya.MethodsQualitative data from 45 in-depth-interviews conducted with purposively selected consenting adolescent girls aged 15-19 was used. Additionally, twelve focus group discussions were held with 86 consenting adults conveniently recruited from the two counties. All discussions were conducted in the local language and audio recorded following consent of the study participants. Female moderators were engaged throughout the study making it appropriate for the study to solicit feedback from the targeted respondents.ResultsFindings highlighted adults’ perceptions on adolescents’ sexuality and the presence of stringent conceptions about the side-effects of contraception in the study communities. Some participants underscored the need for open contraceptive talk between parents and their adolescent girls. Four main themes emerged from the discussions; i) Perceptions about adolescents’ sexuality and risk prevention, ii) Conceptions about contraception among nulligravida adolescents: fear of infertility, malformation and sexual libertinism, iii) Post-pregnancy contraceptive considerations and iv) Thinking differently: divergent views regarding contraceptives and parent/adolescent discussion.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the need for increased attention towards adolescents and their caregivers particularly in demystifying contraceptive misconceptions. Programmatic responses and models which include the provision of comprehensive sexuality education and increased access to and utilization of SRH information, products and services through a well-informed approach need to be well executed. Programmatic efforts like SRH community education should further seek to enhance the capacity of parents to discuss sexuality with their adolescents.
Electricity generation and pollutants removal of landfill leachate by osmotic microbial fuel cells with different forward osmosis membranes
Authors: Jiang Nan , Huang Li , Huang Manhong , Cai Teng , Song Jialing , Zheng Shengyang , Guo Jili , Kong Zhuang , Chen Liang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, thin-film composite with embedded polyester screen, cellulose triacetate with a cast nonwoven and cellulose triacetate with embedded polyester screen (CTA-ES) were examined as the intermediate membranes in osmotic microbial fuel cells (OsMFCs). The reactors were fed with actual landfill leachate and the performance was studied in two operation modes: active layer facing draw solution and active layer facing feed solution (AL-FS). The OsMFC with CTA-ES exhibited the best energy generation (maximum power density: 0.44 W m-2) and pollutant removal efficiency (ammonia nitrogen: 70.12 ± 0.28%, total nitrogen: 74.04 ± 0.33%) in the AL-FS mode, which could be ascribed to the lowest internal resistance (236.75 ohm) and highest microbial richness. Pseudomonas was the highest proportion of microbial in OsMFCs. The results of this study has demonstrated the potential of OsMFCs for landfill leachate treatment.
Rapid ethnographic assessment for potential anti-malarial mass drug administration in an outbreak area of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Authors: Keys Hunter , Ureña Keyla , Reyes Jhefres , Bardosh Kevin , Pell Christopher , Puello Jose , Blount Stephen , Noland Gregory S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background In the Dominican Republic, a recent outbreak of malaria in the capital, Santo Domingo, threatens efforts to eliminate the disease. Mass drug administration (MDA) has been proposed as one strategy to reduce transmission. The success of MDA is contingent upon high levels of acceptance among the target population. To inform the design of future MDA campaigns, this rapid ethnographic assessment examined malaria-related knowledge and attitudes toward malaria MDA among residents of a transmission focus in Santo Domingo.Methods In October 2019, a rapid ethnographic assessment was conducted in the Los Tres Brazos transmission focus, which had not previously received MDA. National malaria programme staff conducted 61 structured interviews with key informants, recorded observations, and held 72 informal conversations. Using a grounded theory approach, data were analysed during three workshop sessions with research team members. Results Among those who had heard of malaria in the structured interviews (n=39/61; 64%), understanding of the disease was largely based on personal experience from past outbreaks or through word-of-mouth. Community health workers (promotores) were trusted for health information and malaria diagnosis more so than professional clinicians. No participant (0%) was familiar with malaria MDA. After learning about MDA, almost all study participants (92%) said that they would participate, seeing it as a way to care for their community. Reasons for not participating in future MDA included not trusting drug administrators, feeling reluctant to take unprescribed medicine, and fear of missing work. Additional identified challenges to MDA included reaching specific demographic groups, disseminating effective MDA campaign messages, and managing misinformation and political influence. Conclusion Residents appear accepting of MDA despite a lack of prior familiarity. Successful MDA will depend on several factors: fostering relationships among community-based health workers, clinicians, community leaders, and others; developing clear health messages that use local terms and spreading them through a variety of media and social networks; and contextualizing MDA as part of a broader effort to promote community health.
Postoperative Analgesic Efficiency of Quadratus Lumborum Block Iii Versus Peritubal Local Infiltration in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Operation: A Randomized Comparative Trial
Authors: Armanious Simon Halim , Youssef Peter M. , Kamal Manal , Kady Galal El , Abdelrahman Tamer N. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The postoperative pain after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) can be managed by many peripheral blocks techniques (e.g., paravertebral and quadrates lumborum block), and local anesthesia infiltration. Therefore, this prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of quadratus lumborum type III versus peritubal local infiltrating on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing PCNL under general anesthesia.Methods: Eligible subjects after exclusion of COVID-19 patients, with renal stones less than 2 cm undergoing PCNL surgery under general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria were: 21<years of age or > 60 years of age; bleeding disorders; allergies to local anesthetics; psychiatric patients; and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) physical status III and IV. Eighty patients were randomly allocated to 2 equal groups. In the Quadratus group, participant received 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% in the fascial plane between the quadratus lumborum and Psoas muscle; and in the peritubal group, patients received 10 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% around the nephrostomy tube at 6 and 12 o’clock positions (total 20 mL). The quadratus lumborum block and peritubal infiltration were performed by the primary investigator and the urologist, respectively. All patients received standard postoperative analgesia (paracetamol, ketorolac, and morphine via patient-controlled analgesia. Both patients and Data collecting staff were blinded to study group. Primary outcome was the visual analogue score at rest and on coughing or movement at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were 24 hours total morphine consumption, 1st use of morphine pump, incidence of side effects (pruritis and nausea and vomiting) and patient satisfaction.Results: Data were analyzed from 78 patients (39 patients in each group). The mean resting VAS score in quadratus group at 6 and 12 hours was (3), while the mean VAS in peritubal group was (5) and (6) at 6 and 12 hours, respectively. Dynamic VAS score in peritubal group at 6 hours was (mean 6) with p<0.0001 when compared to resting value. The 24 hours’ morphine consumption was 8.5-11mg and 16-19 mg, in quadratus and peritubal group, respectively (the difference in mean of 9 at the 95% confidence interval; p<0.0001). patients start to use morphine pump after 121.4 min and 180.2 min in group peritubal and quadratus, respectively. Patients in group quadratus were statistically more satisfied, in both groups incidence of complication was low.Conclusion: Quadratus Lumborum block was more effective than Peritubal LA infiltration regarding postoperative VAS score both at rest and during movement with lower postoperative morphine consumption and more satisfaction in patients undergoing PCNL surgery.