bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of Meningococcal Disease in the United Kingdom During the Period 2008 to 2017 – A Secondary Database Analysis
Authors: Guedes Sandra , Bricout Hélène , Langevin Edith , Tong Sabine , Bertrand-Gerentes Isabelle 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundInvasive meningococcal disease (IMD) causes high fatality in untreated patients alongside long-term sequelae in 20% survivors. For a comprehensive assessment of disease burden, an analysis of these sequelae is required. This study aims to investigate the burden of disease between 2008 and 2017 including a description of the sequelae, through the analysis of data collected from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked with data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), and Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality registry data.MethodsThis was a 10-year retrospective observational cohort study designed to describe the incidence, case-fatality rate (CFR) and occurrence of sequelae due to meningococcal disease, in the UK between 2007 and 2017 using data from the UK CPRD-HES-ONS. Cases were identified and matched on age, gender, date of diagnosis of IMD and followed-up-time with a control group without IMD. Demographics, clinical characteristics, mortality, and IMD-related sequelae were examined for IMD cases and compared with matched controls for a more comprehensive burden of disease assessment.ResultsThe study analysed 640 IMD patients with majority of the cases diagnosed (76.9%) in a hospital setting. Age-group analysis showed a decrease in the incidence rate of IMD in patients aged <1 year (30.4 – 7.5%) and an increase in those >50 years (10.4 – 27.8%). CFR was slightly higher among females, toddlers, and adults >50 years. No significant change in CFR was observed over study period. Case-control study showed a higher number of IMD sequelae among cases compared to age- and gender-matched controls, especially in those ≥ 50 years.ConclusionThe study showed that, despite a relatively low incidence rate, IMD is responsible for a high CFR, namely in older age groups and by a high number of IMD sequelae. The study showed that leveraging data from existing databases can be used to complement surveillance data in truly assessing the burden of IMD. Despite the availability of routine vaccination programs, IMD still poses a significant burden in the healthcare system of the UK. Optimization of vaccination programs may be required to reduce the disease burden.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Revealed the Potential Role of lncRNA Ftx in Promoting Aortic Dissection Progression
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Zhang Junyong , Li Qingbao , Zhao Qi , Chen Rui , Jia Ruzhen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective: The destruction of vascular endothelial function is an important mechanism for the formation of aortic dissection. Here, we aim to investigate the role of lncRNA Ftx in the biological functions of vascular endothelial cells, as well as the key proteins it regulates, to further explore the potential regulatory role of Ftx on the function of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.Experimental Design: The expression of lncRNA Ftx was measured in aortic dissection tissues（n＝12）and age- and sex-matched patients with hypertension tissues（n＝12）. Loss and Gain-of-Function cell Models was constructed using the lentivirus mediated Ftx/Sh-Ftx transfection in HUVECs. The quantitative proteomics was performed to profile the differentially expressed proteins in cell models and further defined the crucial molecules and pathways involved in the carcinogenesis process of lncRNA Ftx. Cell experiments was conducted for valuable proteins to verify the regulatory effect by Ftx.Results: The results of clinical specimen examination showed that LncRNA Ftx was significantly over-expressed in aortic dissection tissue compared with normal aortic tissue. A total of 4348 proteins were quantified by protein mass spectrometry, which are involved in various biological processes and related signaling pathways including cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell functional changes and cell metabolism. Interestingly,CBX1, is a protein associated with proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,was up-regulated in the absence of LncRNA Ftx and down-regulated in the overexpression of LncRNA Ftx, which was further verified in HUVECs. Conclusion: This study showed that the intervention of LncRNA Ftx expression in vascular endothelial cells can regulate multiple biological processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, thus affecting the progression of aortic dissection. In this process, LncRNA Ftx may have a negative regulation effect on CBX1. which provided a new perspective for the mechanism of gastric cancer progression, and thus identified potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
Combined Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy Versus Transarterial Chemoembolisation in Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chiang Chi-Leung , Chiu Keith Wan-Hang , Lee Francis Ann-Shing , Kong Feng-Ming Spring , Chan Albert Chi-Yan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Immunotherapy has achieved modest clinical activity in HCC patients. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of combined stereotactic SBRT-IO versus TACE in patients with locally advanced HCC in a tertiary centre of Hong KongPatients with locally advanced HCC who were medically inoperable for, refractory to, or refused to curative surgical interventions were eligible. The primary outcome was PFS; the secondary outcomes were OS, ORR as per mRECIST version 1.1, and TRAEs. Matching pair analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes.A total of 226 patients were eligible. 16 patients in the SBRT-IO group were matched with 48 patients treated with TACE. The median tumour size was 10 cm (range: 2.9-19.6 cm) and 20.3% of the patients had portal vein invasion. The 12-month and 24-month PFS were significantly better in the SBRT-IO group (93.3% vs 16.7% and 77.8% vs 2.1%, respectively, p<0.001); the 12-month and 24-month OS were also better in the SBRT-IO arm (93.8% vs 31.3% and 80.4% vs 8.3%, respectively, p<0.001). The ORR was 87.5% (CR: 50%, PR: 37.5%) in SBRT-IO arm compared to 16.7% (CR: 2.4%, PR: 14.3%) in those receiving TACE alone (p<0.001). There were fewer ≥ grade 3 TRAE (60.4% vs 18.8%, p=0.004) and treatment discontinuations (25% vs 12.5%, p=0.295) due to adverse events in the SBRT-IO arm.SBRT-IO had significant superior survival and less treatment toxicity than TACE in patients with locally advanced HCC. Our results provide rationale for studying this combination therapy in prospective randomised trials.
Environmental and Economic Impact of Cloudburst Triggered Debris Flows and Flash Floods in the Himalaya: A Case Study
Authors: Sati Vishwambhar Prasad , Dubey Saurabh Kumar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper examines the environmental and economic impact of cloudburst triggered debris flows and flash floods in the Himalaya. A case study of four villages affected by cloudburst calamity was conducted. Data were gathered by a household-level survey of affected villages and households. The authors visited the affected villages immediately after the cloudburst calamity and interviewed the head of all affected households. A total of 143 households were surveyed. First, the damage of houses, cowsheds, bridges, trees (forests and fruits) dislocation, degradation of total land along the streams and arable land in and around the villages were measured with the help of the head of households (environmental impact). The volume of debris, boulders, pebbles, gravels and mud was measured. Economic valuation of all losses was noted (economic impact). This study finds out that a large area of all villages was severely affected by cloudburst triggered debris flow and flash flood, because, they are located in a severely vulnerable landscape. This study reveals that Nirakot village needs to be rehabilitated entirely and in other villages all households, which are severely affected need to be rehabilitated as soon as possible to escape from the future cloudburst catastrophe.
Deoxynivalenol damages the intestinal barrier and flora of the broiler chickens
Authors: wan shuangxiu , Sun Na , Li Hongquan , Khan Ajab , Zheng Xiaozhong , Sun Yaogui , Fan Ruiwen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn livestock feed industry, feed and feed raw materials are extremely susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the main risk factors of mycotoxin contamination in broiler feed and feedstuff, however, there are still few knowledges about tihs. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore that the toxicity effect of DON on the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens and the microecological balance of the flora.ResultsIn our present study, we compared the pathological scores of the small intestines of broilers on the 5th, 7th and 10th day, and chose the 7th day to analyze the small intestine histomorphology, tight junctions and cecal flora of the broilers. The results showed the damage to the small intestine worsened over time, the small intestinal villi of broilers were breakaged, the tight junctions of the small intestine were destroyed, the cecal flora was unbalanced, and the growth performance of broilers was reduced on the 7th day.ConclusionsDON could damage the functional and structural completeness of intestinal tract, disorder the Intestinal flora, and finally lead to declined broiler’s performance. Our study provided a basis for the prevention and treatment of DON in broiler production.
Bioinformatics-based Identification of the Mechanism Whereby Astragalus Membranaceus Inhibits Inflammation and Autophagy in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Liu Ting , Qiao Xiaomei , Kong Kaili , Wang XiaoXia , Li Rui , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background. Lupus nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune disease, and effective treatment can improve the prognosis of patients. Several studies have demonstrated that Astragalus membranaceus can effectively suppress the progression of LN, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism whereby Astragalus membranaceus exerts this therapeutic effect against LN. Method. Astragalus targets and LN-related targets were obtained from the TCMSP database and WGCNA analysis, respectively. Then we obtain the compound targets and constructed the protein interaction network of the compound targets. The top 10 core targets were identified. And We have validated it. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on the compound targets to identify the functional and genomic pathways enriched among these targets. Molecular docking of Astragalus membranaceus with the core targets was performed . Result. We identified 214 AM targets and 102 LN-related targets. Among them, we obtained 10 core targets, IL-1β, EGF, CCND1, CASP3, STAT1, PTGS2, and PPARγ were found to have high diagnostic values for LN. In the validation dataset GSE99339, all the core targets were significantly expressed, except for EGF deletion. The results of the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 7 out of 23 valid targets were significantly enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (p=1.14E-05). The molecular-docking results showed that AM with IL-1β, CASP3, STAT1, and PPARγ had good binding properties. Conclusion. The therapeutic effect of AM against LN might be related to suppression of inflammation and autophagy, and the bioinformatics-based results presented here provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AM in LN.
A Novel Prediction Model for Long-Term SARS-CoV-2 RNA Shedding in Non-death Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lei Xiaoli , Wang Junli , Kou Lijie , Yang Zhigang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Because of the lack of compelling evidence for predicting the duration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA shedding, the purpose of this retrospective study was to establish a predictive model for long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in non-death hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).Methods: 97 non-death hospitalized patients with COVID-19 admitted to two hospitals in Henan province of China from February 3, 2020 to March 31, 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the high risk factors associated with long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and a predictive model was established and represented by a nomogram. Its performance was assessed with discrimination and calibration.Results: 97 patients were divided into the long-term (>21 days) group (n = 27, 27.8%) and the short-term (≤ 21 days) group (n = 70, 72.2%) based on their viral shedding duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that time from illness onset to diagnosis (OR 1.224, 95% CI 1.070-1.400, P = 0.003) and interstitial opacity in chest computerized tomography(CT) scan (OR 6.516, 95% CI 2.041-20.798, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. A prediction model, which is presented with a nomogram, was established by incorporating the two risk factors. The goodness-of-fit statistics for the nomogram was not statistically significant (χ2 = 8.292; P = 0.406), and its area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.834 (95% CI 0.731- 0.936; P < 0.001).Conclusion: The established model has a good predictive performance on the long-term viral RNA shedding in non-death hospitalized patients with COVID-19, but it still needs further validation by independent data set of large samples in the future.
Allelic Variations in 5' UTR of TaAFP-B Effecting the Seed Dormancy and Other Agronomic Traits in Transgenic Wheat
Authors: Yumei Feng , Yang Han , Bing Han , Yang Yan , Xing Yanping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTaAFP (Triticum aestivum L. ABA insensitive five binding protein) is the homology of AFP of Arabidopsis thaliana which was a negative regulator in ABA signaling and regulated embryo germination and seed dormancy. TaABI5 (Triticum aestivum L. ABA insensitive five) gene was seed-specific, and accumulated during wheat grain maturation and dormancy acquisition, which played an important role in seed dormancy. In our previous study, two allelic variants of TaAFP were identified on chromosome 2BS in common wheat, and designated as TaAFP-B1a and TaAFP-B1b. Sequence analysis showed a 4-bp insertion in the 5’UTR region of TaAFP-B1a compared with TaAFP-B1b, which affected the mRNA transcription level, mRNA decay, translation levels of GUS and tdTomatoER, GUS activity, and was significantly associated with seed dormancy in common wheat. ResultsThe results of transgenic wheats showed that: the genotypes of average GI values, plant height, grain weight of hundred and rough of second and third stem node are all significantly more in pUbi-TaAFP-BaS transformed wheat plants than in pUbi-TaAFP-BbS transformed ones, but transcript expression level. ConclusionAbove all dates indicated that the 4-bp insertion in the 5'UTR of TaAFP-B decreased the transcript expression level of TaAFP-B and the PHS resistance, and increased the plant height, grain weight of hundred and lodging resistance in this system of over expression transgenic wheat.
Favipiravir and Ivermectin Showed in Vitro Synergistic Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jitobaom Kunlakanya , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Punyadee Nuntaya , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Avirutnan Panisadee , Auewarakul Prasert 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Despite the urgent need for effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 to mitigate the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still no proven effective and widely available antivirals for COVID-19 treatment. Favipiravir and Ivermectin are among common repurposed drugs, which have been provisionally used in some countries. There have been clinical trials with mixed results, and therefore, it is still inconclusive whether they are effective or should be dismissed. It is plausible that the lack of clear-cut clinical benefits was due to the finding of only marginal levels of in vivo antiviral activity. An obvious way to improve the activity of antivirals is to use them in synergistic combinations. Here we show that Favipiravir and Ivermectin had the synergistic effects against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. The combination may provide better efficacy in COVID-19 treatment. In addition, we found that Favipiravir had an additive effect with Niclosamide, another repurposed anti-parasitic drug with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Favipiravir was drastically reduced when tested in Calu-3 cells. This suggested that this cell type might not be able to metabolize Favipiravir into its active form, and that this deficiency in some cell types may affect in vivo efficacy of this drug.
Molecular Barcoding of Melissa Officinalis L. (Badranjboye) in Iran and Identification of Adulteration in Its Medicinal Services
Authors: Koohdar Fahimeh , Sheidai Masoud 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Medication plants are an important source of disease treatment in many countries. Today, quality control of the products of medicinal plants is a major task. Customer health may be at risk due to fraud and misconduct in the sales associates ' sales centres. Melissa officinalis (Badranjboye) is an important medicinal plant in Iran used for several diseases. In Iran, the species of Dracocephalum, Hymencrater, Nepeta and Stachys are mistakenly sold under the name of badranjboye in the selling centers of medicinal plants that have different pharmaceuticals properties. To avoid this mistake, we will follow the following goals in this research: 1 - Check the cheating and identification of badranjboye in the Iran market of medicinal plants and 2 - Provision of molecular barcode for the medicinal species of Melissa officinalis. We compared the plant samples sold (leaf) and reference species with morphological properties, odor, and molecular sequences and performed various molecular analyzes, such as sequencing, genetic distance determination, and phylogenetic tree construction. The reports indicated that internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and psbA–trnH intergenic spacer (psbA–trnH) sequences are an efficient molecular marker to produce barcode gap and differentiating Melissa officinalis from other species.
The effectiveness and influencing factors of the ‘Y’ line technique in reducing the leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Jin Wenshu , Sun Huaqiang , Duan Xudong , Gu Yange , zhao zhang , Yan Xinfeng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective: To introduce a surgical technique (the ‘Y’ line technique) which is to control the leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty.Methods: A total of 350 patients were selected; 134 patients who were used the ‘Y’ line technique to control lower limb length were included in Group A and 166 patients treated with free hand methods to control lower limb length were included in Group B. 50 patients who were taken standard anteroposterior X-ray of bilateral hips preoperatively and used the ‘Y’ line technique during the operation were included in Group C. Results: The postoperative LLD of the three groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were significant differences statistically in comparison between any two groups (P<0.01). Severe unequal length rates of the lower extremities (LLD > 10 mm) were 5.97% (8/134) in Group A, 14.3% (24/166) in Group B and 0% (0/50) in Group C – the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between Group A and Group B, Group B and Group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between Group A and Group C (P = 0.078).Conclusion: The ‘Y’ line technique, which does not increase the operation time, can effectively reduce postoperative LLD. Insufficient internal rotation of the healthy lower extremity and the low projection position in the preoperative anteroposterior X-ray of bilateral hips were important factors affecting the accuracy of the ‘Y’ line technique.
Amending Soil With Biochar From Available Agricultural Wastes to Improve Sustainability of Cotton Production in Mali
Authors: Mowrer Jake , Dembele Ginette , Strzelec Andrea , Thapa Binita 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Improving the sustainability of cotton production in Mali can be achieved by returning organic matter and nutrients to degraded soils. Amendment with biochar prepared from locally available feedstocks has been suggested as a pathway to sustainability. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar prepared from two feedstocks readily available in Mali, cotton field residue and rice hulls, on cotton plants grown to six weeks. A composted municipal biosolid was included for comparison with the more carbon-stable biochars. Four soils of contrasting properties were included in the study. Plants were measured for shoot height and mass, root length and mass, whole plant tissue nutrients, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in roots. Shoot height was often improved by amendment in all soils. Root mass was improved by amendment only in the soil with the greatest clay content. Nitrogen (N) uptake was significantly depressed, and phosphorus (P) uptake was increased under biochar and compost amendment in the most coarsely textured soil. No effect on N and P uptake was observed in the soil with the greatest clay content. Ridge regression analysis showed that AMF root colonization was positively related to the P content of the amendments (1.411*Pamend), negatively related to soil P (-0.486*Psoil) and positively related to both soil pH (2.153*pH) and clay content (1.129*clay%). Results indicate that degraded soils may be restored through amendment with biochar created from locally available feedstock to improve sustainability of cotton production. Soil properties will determine the degree of benefit.
FDA-Approved Excipient N,N-Dimethylacetamide Attenuates Inflammatory Bowel Disease in In-Vitro and In-Vivo Models
Authors: Koya Jagadish , Shen Tong , Lu Geming , Gauthier Alex , Mantell Lin , Ashby Charles , Reznik Sandra 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects almost 7 million people worldwide and is increasing in incidence. While the precise pathogenesis of IBD remains unknown, the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines play a central role. We have previously found that N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), a widely used non-toxic drug excipient, suppresses cytokine and chemokine secretion in vitro and prevents inflammation-induced preterm birth in vivo. Using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we tested whether DMA attenuates cytokine and chemokine secretion from LPS- or TNFa-stimulated human intestinal epithelial cells and human monocytes and HMGB1 release from RAW 264.7 cells. To test our hypothesis that the mechanism of DMA’s effects in in-vitro and in-vivo models of IBD is inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, we used western blotting to track levels of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) inhibitory molecule I kappa B alpha (IkBa) in THP-1 human monocytes in the absence or presence of DMA. Finally, we induced colitis in C57Bl/6 mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and then tested whether daily i.p injections of DMA at 2.1 g/kg/day attenuates clinical and histopathologic signs of colitis. DMA attenuated cytokine and chemokine release from human intestinal epithelial cells and human monocytes and HMGB1 release from RAW 264.7 cells. Importantly, DMA prevented degradation of IkBa in THP-1 cells, thereby suggesting one mechanism for DMA’s effects. Finally, we show here, for the first time, that DMA attenuates clinical and histologic features of DSS-induced colitis. Based on these data, DMA should be further explored in preclinical and clinical trials for its potential as novel drug therapy for IBD.