bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-HSP47 siRNA lipid nanoparticle ND-L02-s0201 reverses interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in preclinical rat models
Authors: Liu Yun , Liu Jian , Quimbo Alistair , Xia Fengcheng , Yao Jiping , Clamme Jean-Pierre , Zabludoff Sonya , Zhang Jun , Ying Wenbin 
Published: February 2021

ND-L02-s0201 is a lipid nanoparticle encapsulating an siRNA which inhibits expression of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific chaperone. Accumulated evidence demonstrates a close association between increased level of HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagen in fibrotic diseases. Our objective was to test ND-L02-s0201 efficacy in preclinical lung fibrosis models and characterise the downstream histological and functional consequences of inhibiting the expression of HSP47.Comprehensive optimisation and characterisation of bleomycin (BLM) and silica-induced rat lung fibrosis models were conducted, which ensured progressive pathological changes were sustained throughout the study during evaluation of the anti-fibrotic potential of ND-L02-s0201.In the BLM model, we demonstrated dose-dependent and statistically significant reduction in the relative lung weight, collagen deposition and histology, and fibrosis scores following ND-L02-s0201 treatment. Lung tissue mRNA profiling demonstrated that 11 out of 84 fibrosis-relevant genes were upregulated following BLM induction and were downregulated by approximately 4.5-fold following ND-L02-s0201 treatment. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition was characterised in the BLM model following ND-L02-s0201 treatment. Cell enrichment demonstrated that myofibroblasts contained the highest HSP47 mRNA expression. BLM led to more than a five-fold increase in myofibroblasts and ND-L02-s0201 treatment reduced the myofibroblasts to sham levels. Statistically significant improvement in lung function was noted in the BLM model which was determined by running endurance capacity using a 7-minute treadmill test. Comparable anti-fibrotic efficacy was also observed in the silica model.Results from two robust chronic rodent models of pulmonary fibrosis demonstrated significant anti-fibrotic effects and improved lung function which support the evaluation of ND-L02-s0201 in subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Chest computed tomography and alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient as rapid tools to diagnose and triage mildly symptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia patients
Authors: de Roos Marlise P. , Kilsdonk Iris D. , Hekking Pieter-Paul W. , Peringa Jan , Dijkstra Nynke G. , Kunst Peter W.A. , Bresser Paul , Reesink Herre J. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rapid clinical triage is crucial to determine which patients need hospitalisation. We hypothesised that chest computed tomography (CT) and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension ratio (A-a) gradient may be useful to triage these patients, since they reflect the severity of the pneumonia-associated ventilation/perfusion abnormalities.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed in 235 consecutive patients suspected for COVID-19. The diagnostic protocol included low-dose chest CT and arterial blood gas analysis. In patients with CT-based COVID-19 pneumonia, the association between “need for hospitalisation” and A-a gradient was investigated by a multivariable logistic regression model. The A-a gradient was tested as a predictor for need for hospitalisation using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a logistic regression model.Results72 out of 235 patients (mean±sdage 55.5±14.6 years, 40% female) screened by chest CT showed evidence for COVID-19 pneumonia. In these patients, A-a gradient was shown to be a predictor of need for hospitalisation, with an optimal decision level (cut-off) of 36.4 mmHg (95% CI 0.70–0.91, p<0.001). The A-a gradient was shown to be independently associated with need for hospitalisation (OR 1.97 (95% CI 1.23–3.15), p=0.005; A-a gradient per 10 points) from CT severity score (OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.94–1.36), p=0.191), National Early Warning Score (OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.91–1.57), p=0.321) or peripheral oxygen saturation (OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.68–1.14), p=0.345).ConclusionLow-dose chest CT and the A-a gradient may serve as rapid and accurate tools to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia and to select mildly symptomatic patients in need for hospitalisation.
Effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride on allergic rhinitis aggravated by air pollutants
Authors: Ellis Anne K. , Murrieta-Aguttes Margarita , Furey Sandy , Picard Pascaline , Carlsten Christopher 
Published: February 2021

In recent decades, seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) prevalence has increased and recent studies have shown that air pollutants, such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP), can increase inflammatory and allergic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DEP on SAR symptoms induced by ragweed and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine HCl 180 mgversusplacebo.This phase 3, single-centre, sequential, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised study (NCT03664882) was conducted in an environmental exposure unit (EEU) during sequential exposures: Period 1 (ragweed pollen alone), Period 2 (ragweed pollen+DEP), and Period 3 (ragweed pollen+DEP+single-dose fexofenadine HCl 180 mg or placebo). Efficacy and safety were evaluated in Period 3. Primary endpoints were the area under the curve (AUC) of total nasal symptom score (TNSS) from baseline to hour 12 (AUC0–12) during Period 1 and Period 2; and the AUC of the TNSS from hour 2 to 12 (AUC2–12) during Period 3.251 out of 257 evaluable subjects were included in the modified intent-to-treat population. Least squares mean difference (95% CI) for TNSS Log AUC0−12in Period 2versusPeriod 1 was 0.13 (0.081–0.182; p<0.0001). Least squares mean difference in TNSS Log AUC2−12for fexofenadine HClversusplacebo during Period 3 was −0.24 (−0.425–−0.047; p=0.0148). One fexofenadine HCl-related adverse event was observed.SAR symptoms evoked by ragweed were aggravated by DEP. Fexofenadine HCl 180 mg was effective in relieving pollen-induced, air pollution-aggravated allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Participation in physical activity is associated with reduced nocturnal hypoxaemia in males
Authors: Stevens David , Appleton Sarah , Melaku Yohannes , Martin Sean , Adams Robert , Wittert Gary 
Published: February 2021

Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) interventions reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, little epidemiological research exists to confirm these findings.789 participants from the population-based Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) Study underwent polysomnography. MVPA was assessed using the Active Australia questionnaire, which was completed when participants were first recruited to the MAILES study (2002–2006), and again in 2010. Multinomial logistic regressions established odds ratio between OSA severity categories with MVPA, whilst adjusted linear models determined associations between OSA metrics with MVPA.Cross-sectionally, each hour of MVPA was associated with reduced severity of mean oxygen desaturation (unstandardised β (B)=−0.002, p=0.043) and reduced time below 90% oxygen saturation (B=−0.03, p=0.034).Longitudinally, each hour increase in MVPA was associated with a 4% reduction in the odds of severe OSA and less severe mean oxygen desaturation (B=−0.003, p=0.014), time below 90% oxygen saturation (B=−0.02, p=0.02), and mean duration of apnoeas (B=−0.004, p=0.016).MVPA is associated with reduced hypoxaemia in a cohort of community dwelling males, approximately half of whom had untreated OSA. As nocturnal intermittent hypoxaemia is associated with cardiometabolic disorders, MVPA may offer protection for patients with OSA.
Nasal upregulation ofCST1in dog-sensitised children with severe allergic airway disease
Authors: Käck Ulrika , Einarsdottir Elisabet , van Hage Marianne , Asarnoj Anna , James Anna , Nopp Anna , Krjutškov Kaarel , Katayama Shintaro , Kere Juha , Lilja Gunnar , Söderhäll Cilla , Konradsen Jon R. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe clinical presentation of children sensitised to dog dander varies from asymptomatic to severe allergic airway disease, but the genetic mechanisms underlying these differences are not clear. The objective of the present study was to investigate nasal transcriptomic profiles associated with dog dander sensitisation in school children and to reveal clinical symptoms related with these profiles.MethodsRNA was extracted from nasal epithelial cell brushings of children sensitised to dog dander and healthy controls. Blood sample analyses included IgE against dog dander, dog allergen molecules, other airborne and food allergens, basophil activation and white blood cell counts. Clinical history of asthma and rhinitis was recorded, and lung function was assessed (spirometry, methacholine provocation and exhaled nitric oxide fraction).ResultsThe most overexpressed gene in children sensitised to dog dander compared to healthy controls wasCST1, coding for Cystatin 1. A cluster of these children with enhancedCST1expression showed lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s, increased bronchial hyperreactivity, pronounced eosinophilia and higher basophil allergen threshold sensitivity compared with other children sensitised to dog dander. In addition, multi-sensitisation to lipocalins was more common in this group.ConclusionsOverexpression ofCST1is associated with more severe allergic airway disease in children sensitised to dog dander.CST1is thus a possible biomarker of the severity of allergic airway disease and a possible therapeutic target for the future treatment of airborne allergy.
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Jordan: a 15-year review
Authors: Rawashdeh Hasan , Obeidat Rawan , Masaadeh Lubna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEmergency peripartum hysterectomy is a major operation performed when conservative measures fail to stop life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. It is associated with a high rate of maternal morbidity among survivors. This work aims to evaluate the incidence, indication, and complications of peripartum hysterectomy at King Abdulla University Hospital over 15 years. A retrospective cohort study of emergency peripartum hysterectomy. The incidence was calculated. Risk factors for abnormally adherent placenta were explored. A comparison between total and subtotal hysterectomy in terms of morbidity outcomes was conducted. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact, and independent sample T test were used for analysis. Statistical significance was declared at α < 0.05. The incidence of peripartum hysterectomy was 1.38 per 1000 births. Fifty-nine were performed after cesarean section and three were performed after vaginal delivery (P<0.001). Abnormally adherent placenta (accreta, increta, and percreta) was the main indication (44.06%). The strongest risk factor for abnormally adherent placenta was placenta previa with previous cesarean section (P=0.001, OR 16.25, 95% CI 1.95-135.01). One maternal and three neonatal deaths were recorded. Urinary bladder injury was the most frequent complication (27.11%). No difference in morbidity was noted between total and subtotal hysterectomy. The incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy is increasing steadily over the last two decades in the north of Jordan. Abnormally adherent placenta is the most common indication for emergency peripartum hysterectomy. There is no significant difference between total and subtotal hysterectomy in terms of complications’ development, admission to the intensive care unit, and estimated blood loss. The morbidity associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy is significant.
Statistical image processing quantifies the changes in cytoplasmic texture associated with aging in Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes
Authors: Imakubo Momoko , Takayama Jun , Okada Hatsumi , Onami Shuichi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOocyte quality decreases with aging, thereby increasing errors in fertilization, chromosome segregation, and embryonic cleavage. Oocyte appearance also changes with aging, suggesting a functional relationship between oocyte quality and appearance. However, no methods are available to objectively quantify age-associated changes in oocyte appearance.ResultsWe show that statistical image processing of Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy images can be used to quantify age-associated changes in oocyte appearance in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Max–min value (mean difference between the maximum and minimum intensities within each moving window) quantitatively characterized the difference in oocyte cytoplasmic texture between 1- and 3-day-old adults (Day 1 and Day 3 oocytes, respectively). With an appropriate parameter set, the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-based texture featureCorrelation(COR) more sensitively characterized this difference than the Max–min Value. Manipulating the smoothness of and/or adding irregular structures to the cytoplasmic texture of Day 1 oocyte images reproduced the difference in Max–min Value but not in COR between Day 1 and Day 3 oocytes. Increasing the size of granules in synthetic images recapitulated the age-associated changes in COR. Manual measurements validated that the cytoplasmic granules in oocytes become larger with aging.ConclusionsThe Max–min value and COR objectively quantify age-related changes inC. elegansoocyte in Nomarski DIC microscopy images. Our methods provide new opportunities for understanding the mechanism underlying oocyte aging.
Assessment of heterosis based on parental genetic distance estimated with SSR and SNP markers in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Geng Xiaoli , Qu Yujie , Jia Yinhua , He Shoupu , Pan Zhaoe , Wang Liru , Du Xiongming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Heterosis has been extensively utilized in different crops and made a significant contribution to global food security. Genetic distance (GD) is one of the valuable criteria for selecting parents in hybrid breeding. The objectives of this study were to estimate the GD between parents using both simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to investigate the efficiency of the prediction of hybrid performance based on GD. The experiment comprised of four male parents, 282 female parents and 1128 F1, derived from NCII mating scheme. The hybrids, their parents and two check cultivars were evaluated for two years. Performance of F1, mid-parent heterosis (MPH), and best parent heterosis (BPH) were evaluated for ten agronomic and fiber quality traits, including plant height, boll weight, boll number, lint percentage, fiber length, fiber strength, fiber uniformity, fiber elongation ratio, micronaire, and spinning consistent index.

Results
Heterosis was observed in all hybrids and, the traits like plant height, boll number, boll weight and lint percentage exhibited higher heterosis than the fiber quality traits. Correlations were significant between parental and F1 performances. The F1 performances between three hybrid sets (Elite×Elite, Exotic×Elite, and Historic×Elite) showed significant differences in eight traits, including boll number, lint percentage, fiber length, fiber strength, fiber uniformity, fiber elongation ratio, micronaire, and spinning consistent index. The correlation of the GD assessed by both SSR and SNP markers was significantly positive. The cluster analysis based on GD results estimated using SNP showed that all the female parents divided into five groups and the F1 performance between these five groups showed significant differences in four traits, including lint percentage, micronaire, fiber strength, and fiber elongation ratio. The correlation between GD and F1 performance, MPH and BPH were significant for lint percentage and micronaire.

Conclusions
Our results suggested that GD between parents could be helpful in heterosis prediction for certain traits. This study reveals that molecular marker analysis can serve as a basis for assigning germplasm into heterotic groups and to provide guidelines for parental selection in hybrid cotton breeding.
Integrated metabolic profiling and transcriptome analysis of pigment accumulation in Lonicera japonica flower petals during colour-transition
Authors: Xia Yan , Chen Weiwei , Xiang Weibo , Wang Dan , Xue Baogui , Liu Xinya , Xing Lehua , Wu Di , Wang Shuming , Guo Qigao , Liang Guolu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPlants have remarkable diversity in petal colour through the biosynthesis and accumulation of various pigments. To better understand the mechanisms regulating petal pigmentation inLonicera japonica, we used multiple approaches to investigate the changes in carotenoids, anthocyanins, endogenous hormones and gene expression dynamics during petal colour transitions, i.e., green bud petals (GB_Pe), white flower petals (WF_Pe) and yellow flower petals (YF_Pe).ResultsMetabolome analysis showed that YF_Pe contained a much higher content of carotenoids than GB_Pe and WF_Pe, with α-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin and γ-carotene identified as the major carotenoid compounds in YF_Pe. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, such asphytoene synthase,phytoene desaturaseandζ-carotene desaturase, were significantly upregulated in YF_Pe. The results indicated that upregulated carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes predominantly promote colour transition. Meanwhile, two anthocyanins (pelargonidin and cyanidin) were significantly increased in YF_Pe, and the expression level of ananthocyanidin synthasegene was significantly upregulated, suggesting that anthocyanins may contribute to vivid yellow colour in YF_Pe. Furthermore, analyses of changes in indoleacetic acid, zeatin riboside, gibberellic acid, brassinosteroid (BR), methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid (ABA) levels indicated that colour transitions are regulated by endogenous hormones. The DEGs involved in the auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, BR, jasmonic acid and ABA signalling pathways were enriched and associated with petal colour transitions.ConclusionOur results provide global insight into the pigment accumulation and the regulatory mechanisms underlying petal colour transitions during the flower development process inL. japonica.
Aerobic exercise, but not isometric handgrip exercise, improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing coronary intervention: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Kollet Daniel P. , Marenco Ana Beatriz , Bellé Nathan L. , Barbosa Eduardo , Boll Liliana , Eibel Bruna , Waclawovsky Gustavo , Lehnen Alexandre Machado 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Aerobic exercise improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness after myocardial infarction (MI), but the effects of isometric exercise on cardiovascular parameters are still uncertain. We aimed to assess the effects of one session of aerobic or isometric exercise on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in post-MI volunteers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods
Twenty post-MI patients undergoing PCI were randomized to aerobic (AE, n = 10) or isometric (IE, n = 10) exercise groups. We evaluated cardiac structure and function (echocardiographic); carotid plaque presence (ultrasound). FMD and PWV were measured 10 min before and 10 min after the intervention: a single session of moderate-intensity AE (30 min; ratings 12–14 on Borg’s scale or 50–60% HRreserve) or handgrip IE (four two-minute bilateral contractions; 30% maximal voluntary contraction; 1-min rest). Generalized estimating equations (Bonferroni post-hoc) was used to assess differences (p ≤ 0.050).

Results
FMD improved only in the AE group (Δ = 4.9%; p = 0.034), with no difference between groups after exercise. Even after adjustment (for baseline brachial artery diameter) the effectiveness of AE remained (p = 0.025) with no change in the IE group. PWV was slightly reduced from baseline in the AE group (Δ = 0.61 m/s; p = 0.044), and no difference when compared to the IE group. Peripheral vascular resistance decreased in AE versus IE (p = 0.050) and from baseline (p = 0.014).

Conclusions
Vascular measurements (FMD and PWV) improved after a single session of AE. There are apparently no benefits following a session of IE.

Trial registration
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov and ID number NCT04000893.
Clinical manifestations, laboratory markers, and renal ultrasonographic examinations in 1-month to 12-year-old Iranian children with pyelonephritis: a six-year cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Fahimi Daryoosh , Khedmat Leila , Afshin Azadeh , Noparast Zahra , Jafaripor Maryam , Beigi Effat Hosseinali , Ghodsi Maryam , Izadi Anahita , Mojtahedi Sayed Yousef 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Upper urinary tract infection (UTI) or pyelonephritis may increase the pathogenesis rate and risk of severe complications in children due to kidney atrophy.

Objective
A set of clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, and ultrasound findings were assessed to achieve the early diagnosis and prognosis of pyelonephritis in hospitalized pediatrics.

Methods
A cross-sectional study with 104 Iranian children (95 girls and 9 boys) aged 1 month to 12 years with acute pyelonephritis during 2012–2018 was conducted. The ultrasound examination of kidneys and urinary tract during hospitalization, the incidence of clinical symptoms, and laboratory markers in blood and urine were monitored to identify the best predictive factors of early diagnosis of this bacterial infection.

Results
Three-fourth of the patients had one of the four clinical symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, dysuria, and vomiting, while others were asymptomatic. A much frequency of pyuria (88.46%), Escherichia coli in urine (92.31%), leukocytosis (81.73%), and high ESR (> 10 mm/h, 92.30%) and CRP (> 10 mg/L, 82.82%) was observed. The kidney and urinary tract ultrasonography only in 32.7% of children revealed findings in favor of pyelonephritis (cystitis, ureteral stones, and hydronephrosis).

Conclusion
There was a high frequency of clinical signs and laboratory markers associated with pyelonephritis. Ultrasound alone was not an efficient tool to track febrile UTI as most patients presented normal sonography.