bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mulberry Leaf Extract Alleviates Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Conjunctivitis in Rabbits via Downregulation of NLRP3 Inflammaome and Upregulation of the Nrf2 System and Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ying Chen , Lai Linglin , Mo Zhentao , Leng Ennian , Zhang Yueyue , Li Xu , Li Yiqi , Li Wenna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Mulberry leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced conjunctivitis (5 × 109 CFU, 0.5 mL/eye) in a rabbit model. Rabbits were treated with MLE (5 mL/kg·d-1 and 10 mL/kg·d-1), 0.9% saline, or pearl bright eye drops (PBE) for 5 days. The results showed that MLE treatment significantly reduced the clinical sign scores of conjunctivitis, alleviated clinical signs, and decreased bacterial load and histological damage in a time- and dose-dependent manner compared to that in the conjunctivitis control group. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of MLE (10 mL/kg·d-1) were equal to or greater than those of the positive control drug PBE. In addition, MLE significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, downregulated the NOD-like receptor leucine-rich pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and upregulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system. Overall, MLE is effective in alleviating S. aureus-induced conjunctivitis in rabbits and this mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of the Nrf2 system to regulate pro-inflammatory signaling.
Factors Associated with Practice of Covid-19 Precautionary Measures among Clients Visiting A Teritiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuneh Hailemichael , Mohammed Shikur , Yesuf Aman 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, Addis Ababa, the country's COVID-19 epicenter, is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases and death rate. While poor public adherence to individual COVID-19 precautionary measures is evident, factors associated with it are not well studied. We aimed to assess the level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures and associated factors.Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to 15th, 2021 at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa. We used a structured questionnaire to conduct a face-to-face exit interview with randomly selected clients visiting the hospital. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to examine factors associated with prevention practice.Results: We analyzed data from 262 participants. The mean age of participants was 36(SD=12) years. The majority (207, 79%) of the study participants had a favorable attitude towards prevention and control measures of the disease. A little above half (116, 55.7%) of the respondents had a satisfactory level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures. Being a resident of the capital city [AOR: 2.25 (1.22-4.15)], and having a favorable attitude [AOR: (AOR: 4.88(2.08-11.68)] were significantly associated with satisfactory COVID-19 precautionary practice.Conclusions: The level of COVID-19 precautionary practice was unsatisfactory. A favorable attitude and stricter enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures were associated with adherence to precautionary practices. The findings highlight the need for a public health education strategy targeted at improving attitudes of the community on COVID-19 preventive practice.
Serum proteomics links suppression of tumor immunity to ancestry and lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Minas Tsion , Candia Julián , Dorsey Tiffany , Baker Francine , Tang Wei , Kiely Maeve , Smith Cheryl , Jordan Symone , Obadi Obadi , Ajao Anuoluwapo , Tettey Yao , Biritwum Richard , Adjei Andrew , Mensah James , Hoover Robert , Jenkins Frank , Kittles Rick , Hsing Ann , Wang Xin , Loffredo Christopher , Yates Clayton , Cook Michael , Ambs Stefan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
There is evidence that tumor immunobiology and immunotherapy response may differ between African American and European American prostate cancer patients. Here, we determined if men of African descent harbor a unique systemic immune-oncological signature and measured 82 circulating proteins in almost 3000 Ghanaian, African American, and European American men. Protein signatures for suppression of tumor immunity and chemotaxis were significantly elevated in men of West African ancestry. Importantly, the suppression of tumor immunity protein signature associated with metastatic and lethal prostate cancer, pointing to clinical significance. Moreover, two markers, pleiotrophin and TNFRSF9, predicted poor disease survival specifically among African American men. These findings indicate that immune-oncology marker profiles differ between men of African and European descent. These differences may contribute to the disproportionate burden of lethal prostate cancer in men of African ancestry. The elevated peripheral suppression of tumor immunity may have important implication for guidance of cancer therapy which could particularly benefit African American patients.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Nomogram for In- Stent Restenosis in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: He Wenbo , Xu Changwu , Wang Xiaoying , Lei Jiyong , Qiu Qinfang , Hu Yingying , Luo Da 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict probability of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Patients undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stents between July 2009 and August 2011 were retrieved from a cohort study in a high-volume PCI center, and further randomly assigned to training and validation sets. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to screen out significant features for construction of nomogram. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a nomogram-based predicting model incorporating the variables selected in the LASSO regression model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC), calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to estimate the discrimination, calibration and utility of the nomogram model respectively.Results: A total of 463 patients with DES implantation were enrolled and randomized in the development and validation sets. The predication nomogram was constructed with five risk factors including prior PCI, hyperglycemia, stents in left anterior descending artery (LAD), stent type, and absence of clopidogrel, which proved reliable for quantifying risks of ISR for patients with stent implantation. The AUC of development and validation set were 0.706 and 0.662, respectively, indicating that the prediction model displayed moderate discrimination capacity to predict restenosis. The high quality of calibration plots in both datasets demonstrated strong concordance performance of the nomogram model. Moreover, DCA showed that the nomogram was clinically useful when intervention was decided at the possibility threshold of 9%, indicating good utility for clinical decision-making.Conclusions: The individualized prediction nomogram incorporating 5 commonly clinical and angiographic characteristics for patients undergoing PCI can be conveniently used to facilitate early identification and improved screening of patients at higher risk of ISR.
Learning Curve for the Acquisition of 20 Standard Two-Dimensional Images in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sawasdiwipachai Prasert , Thanasriphakdeekul Sasithorn , Chithiraphan Vithaya , Raksamani Kasana , Vacharaksa Kamheang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Learning to perform intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography takes time and practice. We aimed to determine the cumulative success rate in the first 20 intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography cases performed by trainee anesthesiologists with no transesophageal echocardiography experience.
Methods

This prospective observational study included nine anesthesiologists (four cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesia fellows and five short-course perioperative intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography trainees). Overall, 180 studies self-performed by the trainees were reviewed by certified reviewers. A study was considered successful when at least 15 qualified images were collected within 30 minutes. The cumulative success of each trainee was used as a surrogate of a basic two-dimensional intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography learning curve.
Results

The participants comprised three male and six female anesthesiologists aged 29–43 years with 2–13 years of work experience. Most studies (146/180, 81.11%) were completed within 30 minutes, and the cumulative success rate was 70–90% (average 82.78 ± 6.71%). The average cumulative success rate in the short-course group (85 ± 7.07%) was higher than that in the official cardiovascular and thoracic fellow trainee group (80 ± 7.07%). The recommended caseload for a 75–80% success rate was 14–18 cases (95% confidence interval, 0.675–0.969).
Conclusions

We recommended a 14–18 caseload for a target success rate of 75–80% in studies performed by trainees with no previous experience. Our findings will enable the development of programs to train anesthesiologists in intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Genetic Diversity of Cambuci (Campomanesia Phaea) Revealed by Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Moreira Rafael Oliveira , Bressan Eduardo de Andrade , Neto Horst Bremer , Jacomino Angelo Pedro , Figueira Antonio , Filho Francisco de Assis Alves Mourão 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Campomanesia phaea (Myrtaceae), known as cambuci, is a native species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with great potential to be developed as a new fruit crop. Microsatellite markers were developed for cambuci to characterize the genetic diversity and to investigate the genetic structure of a group of accessions originally collected at the presumed center of diversity of the species. The work involved the collection of 145 accessions from five regional groups (Juquitiba, Paraibuna, Mogi das Cruzes, Ribeirão Pires, and Salesópolis) in São Paulo state, Brazil. Fourteen loci were identified in an enriched genomic library developed from one of these accessions. Six out of 14 loci revealed to be polymorphic, disclosing 26 alleles. Based on the allele frequencies, the calculated genetic parameters of the five groups indicated an average allele number per loci (A) of 3.83, with the expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.57 and the observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.54. The analysis of the genetic structure indicated that most of the genetic diversity is found within each population (HS = 0.57), whereas the genetic diversity among populations was low (GST = 0.19). The genetic diversity parameter of Nei was considered low for the cambuci analyzed populations, with no evidence of inbreeding. Based on Darwin analysis, we chose 18 accessions from the five regional populations to compose a core collection that includes most of the genetic diversity found in this study. Our findings may contribute to define better conservation strategies and genetic breeding approaches for this native species in Brazil.
Collaborative Governance, a Tool for Enhancing Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines. A Study in Iranian Context
Authors: Akbari Jamshid , Salamzadeh Yashar , Farzad Fatemeh Sharafi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Since the spread of COVID-19 disease around the world, several practitioners have sought to the ways that hasten control of the pandemic. There is a gap in contemplation of governance system’s effect on compliance with prevention guidelines targeting decrease in the disease’s consequences. This article is aimed to clear this gap. Methods: A model of collaborative governance was chosen to examine the effect of governance elements, composing of starting condition, institutional design, facilitative leadership and collaborative process. The SEM method was applied using PLS software and the survey was held among 220 people all around Iran. Results: Findings showed that collaborative process has a significant effect on compliance with prevention guidelines. Also, facilitative leadership and institutional design have positive impact on compliance variable. Conclusion: Examining the effect of collaborative governance model on compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines is a novel idea, especially because it is held on Iran with its complex cultural conditions. Based on the results, it is strongly suggested that policy makers in Iran consider joint actions and collaborative measures in controlling the disease. The measure can also be useful in other countries or other upcoming pandemics with regards to their socio-cultural context.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 28 in a Chinese Pedigree: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Linlin , Liu Xiaoyang , Chen Jiajun , Kang Chunyang , Li Jia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a common neurogenetic disease, which mainly manifests as ataxia of posture, gait and limbs, cerebellar dysarthria, cerebellar and supranuclear eye movement disorders. It is found that SCA is a kind of progressive neurodegenerative disease including many subtypes, which is mainly mapped to two genetic patterns as: autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) and autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ARCA). Molecular genetic diagnosis functions as a necessity in its clinical diagnosis and treatment. In our previous clinical work, we found a family with ataxia who presented a c.1852A > G missense mutation in the exon region of AFG3L2 gene by whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger validation. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) was suspected, which was not reported in the previous literature. We here report the case and review the literature.
Superalkalis as Building Block for Efficient Lewis Base
Authors: Sinha Swapan , Das Subhra , Roymahapatra Gourisankar , Giri Santanab 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In quest for efficient Lewis base an in-silico investigation on NH3 and its structurally similar different molecules have been carried out. It has been observed that the ionization energy of the groups attached to N-centre play an important role in determining their stability and reactivity. Among different groups, superalkali ligands make better Lewis base. Several conceptual DFT descriptors like electrophilicity, nucleophilicity, dual descriptors have been used to analyse the stability and reactivity of proposed Lewis base. Calculated charge transfer descriptor describes the efficiency of the designed Lewis base to form an adduct with Lewis acid. nc-2e (n=1,2) AdNDP calculation lend additional support to the bonding of the studied molecules.
Development of a Finite Element Framework for Modeling Flexible Pavement Maintenance Patching
Authors: Lu Yujia , Hajj Ramez 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Patching of flexible pavements is one of the most important functions of pavement maintenance. Although finite element modeling has become commonplace in the world of pavement engineering, modeling has not yet been significantly leveraged for maintenance applications which improve safety, ride quality, and pavement service life. The objective of this study was to model viscoelastic properties of pavement and patching materials to determine the effect of various repair factors on pavement performance using the finite element method. Two types of models were simulated; the first model applied static loading to a surface layer fixed on a plate and the second model applied cyclic traffic loading to a two-layered flexible pavement system. The results demonstrate the importance of patching using a semi-permanent method. The results also demonstrated the accumulated effect of repeated loading using a time-dependent material response. Results also indicated that a larger patching area resulted in less influence of the shape of the area, while a circular area proved superior to a conventional rectangular patch for sizes near the tire footprint and smaller than it.Different responses were observed depending on the type of patching material modeled, demonstrating the effect of material choice in maintenance applications. Finally, mesh optimization was performed to ensure appropriate mesh sizes are used in future studies to accurately represent the pavement layers and patches.
Efflux Transporters in Rat Placenta and Developing Brain: Transcriptomic and Functional Response to Paracetamol
Authors: Koehn Liam , Huang Yifan , Habgood Mark David , Nie Shuai , Chiou SheneYi-Shiuan , Banati Richard , Dziegielewska Katarzyna Magdalena , Saunders Norman Ruthven 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporters transfer lipid-soluble molecules across cellular interfaces either directly or after enzymatic metabolism. RNAseq analysis identified transcripts for ABC transporters and enzymes in rat E19, P5 and adult brain and choroid plexus and E19 placenta. Their functional capacity to efflux small molecules was studied by quantitative analysis of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and its metabolites using liquid scintillation counting, autoradiography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Animals were treated acutely (30min) and chronically (5 days, twice daily) with paracetamol (15mg/kg) to investigate ability of brain and placenta barriers to regulate ABC transport functionality during extended treatment. Results indicated that transcripts of many efflux-associated ABC transporters were higher in adult brain and choroid plexus than at earlier ages. Chronic treatment upregulated certain transcripts only in adult brain and altered concentrations of paracetamol metabolites in circulation of pregnant dams. Combination of changes to metabolites and transport system transcripts may explain observed changes in paracetamol entry into adult and fetal brains. Analysis of lower paracetamol dosing (3.75mg/kg) indicated dose-dependent changes in paracetamol metabolism. Transcripts of ABC transporters and enzymes at key barriers responsible for molecular transport into the developing brain showed alterations in paracetamol pharmacokinetics in pregnancy following different treatment regimens.
Comparison of The Variability of Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Human Liver Cancer Tissues And Cultured From The Tissue Explants Based On A Simple Enrichment Method: Yield, Purity And Molecular Markers
Authors: Chen Jie , Jiao Zhigang , Mo Jianwen , Huang Defa , Li Zhengzhe , Zhang Wenjuan , Yang Tong , Zhao Minghong , Xie Fangfang , Hu Die , Wang Xiaoxing , Yi Xiaomei , Jiang Yu , Zhong Tianyu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A potential of using small extracellular vesicle (sEV) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes has attracted great interest. Some sEVs, directly derived from various tissues, can reflect the physiological and pathological state of the organism. Currently, there are two sources for obtaining tissue-derived sEV: the interstitial space of tissues and cultivation of tissue explants. The former was obtained from tissues that were digested with enzymes and the latter was released by tissue explants. In the present study, we established a new method for the isolation and purification of sEVs from the interstitial space of human liver cancer tissue. Tissues-derived sEVs (TdsEVs) isolated by this method and cultured explants-derived sEVs (cedsEVs) were both characterized by nano-flow cytometry (NanoFCM) for concentration, size distribution and purity. These vesicles were identified and compared by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. TdsEVs have a larger particle size, higher particle concentration and purity than cedsEVs. This study establishes a simple sEV isolation and purification protocol and provides a basis for selection and reference for researches of tdsEVs and cedsEVs.
House Dust Mite Induces IL-33 Release From Human Nasal Epithelial Cells via P2Y Purinergic Signals and ERK/P38 MAPK Pathways.
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhou Pei , Feng Tingting , Li Jiping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, which is triggered by stimulations of environmental allergens such as house dust mite (HDM). Th2-type proinflammatory factor interleukin 33 (IL-33) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AR, but it remains unknown how IL-33 products in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) mediated by HDM. MethodsWe investigated the effect of HDM allergens by analyzing the accumulation of Ca2+ levels and IL-33 release in HNECs. Involvements of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent activation of P2Y-PLC-IP3 pathways, downstream of Ca2+ signaling and P38/ERK pathways were studied, using the P2Y-PLC-IP3 pathways agonists, the calcium chelators, and P38/ERK pathways inhibitors. ResultsDer p induced expression of IL-33 mRNA and protein in HNECs via ERK/P38 pathways. Average 69.4% of co-localization of quinacrine and Lyso-tracker fluorescent puncta revealed that ATP was mainly stored in the lysosomes of nasal epithelial cells. After stimulation with Der p, ATP released from lysosomes by P2Y-PLC-IP3-Ca2+pathways. The ATP assay of HNECs culture supernatants implied an acute accumulation of extracellular ATP immediately after the Der p stimulation. Using P2Y-PLC-IP3 signaling inhibitors, we found that the Der p-induced IL-33 release was dependent on ATP-P2Y-PLC-IP3 signaling, followed by abolishing the ERK/P38 pathways. ConclusionDer p induced an acute accumulation of extracellular ATP which activated PY2-PLC-IP3 pathways to induce Ca2+ releasing from endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and intracellular Ca2+ induced ATP release from lysosomes from HNECs. ATP activated PY2-PLC-IP3 pathways followed by transactivation of ERK/P38 pathways which induced the expression of IL-33 mRNA and protein.
Role of Serum Chromogranin A in Early Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Yu Hui , Wang Hong-Ping , Su Xue , Cao Ai-Li , Yao Xing-Mei , Wang Yun-Man , Zhu Bing-Bing , Wang Hao , Fang Ji 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Kidney is the main site for the removal of Chromogranin A (CgA). Previous studies have found that patients with renal impairment displayed elevated concentrations of CgA in plasma and the CgA concentrations reflect deterioration of renal function. In this study, we aimed to estimate the serum CgA levels and to evaluate the role of serum CgA in early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods: A total of 219 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included in this cross-sectional study. They were classified into normoalbuminuria (n = 121), microalbuminuria (n = 73), or macroalbuminuria (n = 25) groups based on their urine albumin to creatinine ratios (UACR). A control group consisted of 45 healthy subjects. The serum CgA levels were measured by ELISA and other key parameters were assayed.Results: The serum CgA levels were higher in patients with T2DM compared to control subjects and a statistically significant difference among studied subgroups regarding CgA was found (P<0.05). Levels of serum CgA were increasing gradually with the degree of DN (P<0.001). Serum CgA levels were moderate intensity positively correlated with UACR (P<0.001). A cut-off level of 3.46 ng/ml CgA showed 69.86% sensitivity and 66.12% specificity to detect DN in early stage.Conclusions: Levels of serum CgA increased gradually with the degree of DN, and can be used as a biomarker in early detection of DN.