bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brucellosis in wildlife in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Simpson Gregory , Thompson Peter N. , Saegerman Claude , Marcotty Tanguy , Letesson Jean-Jacques , de Bolle Xavier , Godfroid Jacques 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to consolidate current knowledge of wildlife brucellosis in Africa and to analyse available predictors of infection. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Information on species, test used, test results, area, rainfall, livestock and wildlife contact and year of study were extracted. This systematic review revealed 42 prevalence studies, nine disease control articles and six articles on epidemiology. Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, Brucella inopinata and Brucella suis were reported in wildlife. The prevalence studies revealed serological evidence of brucellosis in buffalo, antelope (positive in 14/28 species), carnivores (4/12) and other species (7/20) over the last five decades. Buffalo populations were more likely to be infected and had a higher seroprevalence than other species; the pooled seroprevalence was 13.7% (95% CI 10.3–17.3%) in buffalo, 7.1% (95% CI 1.1–15.5%) in carnivores and 2.1% (95% CI 0.1–4.9%) in antelope. Wildlife in high rainfall areas (≥ 800 mm) were more likely to be infected, and infected populations showed higher seroprevalence in high rainfall areas and in studies published after 2000. Domestic animal contact was associated with increased seroprevalence in antelope and carnivore species, but not in buffalo, supporting the hypothesis that buffalo may be a reservoir species.
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 improves saturated fat-induced obesity mouse model through the enhanced intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Ondee Thunnicha , Pongpirul Krit , Visitchanakun Peerapat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Kanacharoen Suthicha , Wongsaroj Lampet , Kullapanich Chitrasak , Ngamwongsatit Natharin , Settachaimongkon Sarn , Somboonna Naraporn , Leelahavanichkul Asada 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObesity, a major healthcare problem worldwide, induces metabolic endotoxemia through the gut translocation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a major cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria, causing a chronic inflammatory state. A combination of several probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus 5 (LA5), a potent lactic acid-producing bacterium, has previously been shown to attenuate obesity. However, data on the correlation between a single administration of LA5 versus microbiota alteration might be helpful for the probiotic adjustment. LA5 was administered daily together with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks in mice. Furthermore, the condition media of LA5 was also tested in a hepatocyte cell-line (HepG2 cells). Accordingly, LA5 attenuated obesity in mice as demonstrated by weight reduction, regional fat accumulation, lipidemia, liver injury (liver weight, lipid compositions, and liver enzyme), gut permeability defect, endotoxemia, and serum cytokines. Unsurprisingly, LA5 improved these parameters and acidified fecal pH leads to the attenuation of fecal dysbiosis. The fecal microbiome analysis in obese mice with or without LA5 indicated; (i) decreased Bacteroidetes (Gram-negative anaerobes that predominate in non-healthy conditions), (ii) reduced total fecal Gram-negative bacterial burdens (the sources of gut LPS), (iii) enhanced Firmicutes (Gram-positive bacteria with potential benefits) and (iv) increased Verrucomycobia, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium with the anti-obesity property. With LA5 administration, A. muciniphila in the colon were more than 2,000 folds higher than the regular diet mice as determined by 16S rRNA. Besides, LA5 produced anti-inflammatory molecules with a similar molecular weight to LPS that reduced cytokine production in LPS-activated HepG2 cells. In conclusion, LA5 attenuated obesity through (i) gut dysbiosis attenuation, partly through the promotion of A. muciniphila (probiotics with the difficulty in preparation processes), (ii) reduced endotoxemia, and (iii) possibly decreased liver injury by producing the anti-inflammatory molecules.
Genetic variation of RNF145 gene and blood lipid levels in Xinjiang population, China
Authors: Ming Jing , Wei Xian , Han Min , Adi Dilare , Abuzhalihan Jialin , Wang Yong-Tao , Yang Yi-Ning , Li Xiao-Mei , Xie Xiang , Fu Zhen-Yan , Gai Min-Tao , Ma Yi-Tong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The E3 ubiquitin ligase which is encoded by the ring finger protein 145 (RNF145) gene is very important in the mediation of cholesterol synthesis and effectively treats hypercholesterolemia. Thus, the purpose of the present research is to investigate the connection between the polymorphism of the RNF145 gene and cholesterol levels in the populations in Xinjiang, China. A total of 1396 participants (Male: 628, Female: 768) were included in this study for genetic analysis of RNF145 gene, and we used the modified multiple connection detection response (iMLDR) technology to label two SNPs (rs17056583, rs12188266) of RNF145 genotyping. The relationship between the genotypes and the lipid profiles was analyzed with general linear model analysis after adjusting confounding variables. Through the analysis of the two SNPs in RNF145 gene, we discovered that both rs17056583 and rs12188266 were related to total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (All P < 0.001). In addition, the association of rs17056583 and rs12188266 with lipid profiles concentrations is still statistically significant after multivariate adjustment of sex, age, smoking, obesity, drinking, diabetes, hypertension and lipid profiles. Meanwhile, we also found that rs17056583 was associated with high triglycerides concentrations before and after adjustment (All P < 0.001). Our study shows that both rs17056583 and rs12188266 SNPs of RNP145 gene are related to TC and LDL-C concentrations in Xinjiang population.
Retinal hyperspectral imaging in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lim Jeremiah K. H. , Li Qiao-Xin , Ryan Tim , Bedggood Phillip , Metha Andrew , Vingrys Algis J. , Bui Bang V. , Nguyen Christine T. O. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHyperspectral imaging of the retina has recently been posited as a potentially useful form of spectroscopy of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein in the eyes of those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The concept of using the retina as a biomarker for AD is an attractive one, as current screening tools for AD are either expensive or inaccessible. Recent studies have investigated hyperspectral imaging in Aβ models however these studies have been in younger mice. Here we characterised hyperspectral reflectance profile in 6 to 17 months old 5xFAD mice and compare this to Aβ in isolated preparations. Hyperspectral imaging was conducted across two preparations of Aβ using a custom built bench ophthalmoscope. In the in vitro condition, 1 mg of purified human Aβ42 was solubilised and left to aggregate for 72 h. This soluble/insoluble Aβ mixture was then imaged by suspending the solution at a pipette tip and compared against phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control (n = 10 ROIs / group). In the in vivo condition, a 5xFAD transgenic mouse model was used and retinae were imaged at the age of 6 (n = 9), 12 (n = 9) and 17 months (n = 8) with age matched wildtype littermates as control (n = 12, n = 13, n = 15 respectively). In the vitro condition, hyperspectral imaging of the solution showed greater reflectance compared with vehicle (p < 0.01), with the greatest differences occurring in the short visible spectrum (< 500 nm). In the in vivo preparation, 5xFAD showed greater hyperspectral reflectance at all ages (6, 12, 17 months, p < 0.01). These differences were noted most in the short wavelengths at younger ages, with an additional peak appearing at longer wavelengths (~ 550 nm) with advancing age. This study shows that the presence of Aβ (soluble/insoluble mixture) can increase the hyperspectral reflectance profile in vitro as well as in vivo. Differences were evident in the short wavelength spectrum (< 500 nm) in vitro and were preserved when imaged through the ocular media in the in vivo conditions. With advancing age a second hump around ~ 550 nm became more apparent. Hyperspectral imaging of the retina does not require the use of contrast agents and is a potentially useful and non-invasive biomarker for AD.
A prediction model for childhood obesity in New Zealand
Authors: Butler Éadaoin M. , Pillai Avinesh , Morton Susan M. B. , Seers Blake M. , Walker Caroline G. , Ly Kien , Tautolo El-Shadan , Glover Marewa , Taylor Rachael W. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Derraik José G. B. ,   COPABS Collaborators, Galland Barbara C. , Taylor Barry J. , Tricker Peter 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeveral early childhood obesity prediction models have been developed, but none for New Zealand's diverse population. We aimed to develop and validate a model for predicting obesity in 4–5-year-old New Zealand children, using parental and infant data from the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) cohort. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) for age and sex ≥ 95th percentile. Data on GUiNZ children were used for derivation (n = 1731) and internal validation (n = 713). External validation was performed using data from the Prevention of Overweight in Infancy Study (POI, n = 383) and Pacific Islands Families Study (PIF, n = 135) cohorts. The final model included: birth weight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, paternal BMI, and infant weight gain. Discrimination accuracy was adequate [AUROC = 0.74 (0.71–0.77)], remained so when validated internally [AUROC = 0.73 (0.68–0.78)] and externally on PIF [AUROC = 0.74 [0.66–0.82)] and POI [AUROC = 0.80 (0.71–0.90)]. Positive predictive values were variable but low across the risk threshold range (GUiNZ derivation 19–54%; GUiNZ validation 19–48%; and POI 8–24%), although more consistent in the PIF cohort (52–61%), all indicating high rates of false positives. Although this early childhood obesity prediction model could inform early obesity prevention, high rates of false positives might create unwarranted anxiety for families.
Safety of switching between rituximab biosimilars in onco-hematology
Authors: Urru Silvana A. M. , Spila Alegiani Stefania , Guella Anna , Traversa Giuseppe , Campomori Annalisa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractComparable clinical efficacy and safety of the reference rituximab (MABTHERA) and its biosimilars has been established in randomized trials. However, safety concerns are often raised when switching from reference to biosimilar products and between different biosimilars. In this prospective observational study we aimed at evaluating the safety of switching between reference and biosimilar rituximab (TRUXIMA and RIXATHON) at Trento General Hospital (Italy). All patients (n = 83) with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL, n = 72) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL, n = 11) who received rituximab between March 2018 and March 2019 were asked to take part in the study. In 2017 and 2018 two tenders were carried out and two different biosimilars became available in the hospital, these were used sequentially. Thus, patients with or without previous treatments with the originator rituximab either received a biosimilar or were switched between different biosimilars. The incidence of adverse events in these groups of patients is described. The study population received 465 rituximab infusions and all received biosimilars. Fifty patients (60%) experienced at least one switch between different biosimilars or between rituximab originator and biosimilar, whereas 33 (40%) received one of the two biosimilars and one patient received reference rituximab. Adverse events (n = 146) were reported in 71 patients (84.5%). Treatment-related grade 3–4 events were reported in 5 patients (5.9%), whereas grade 1 rituximab related infusion events were observed in 6 patients (7.1%). No safety signal emerged in association with the use of a specific biosimilar nor with the practice of switching. Adverse events were similar, in terms of seriousness and frequency, to those described in the literature, providing further support to the clinical safety of rituximab biosimilars.
Association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing stent procedure for cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Li Yan-Jiao , Chen Xuan , Tao Li-Na , Hu Xin-Yuan , Wang Xin-Lu , Song Yan-Qing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe investigated the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on the clinical outcomes of clopidogrel therapy in patients after stenting procedure for cerebral artery stenosis in northeast China. 568 patients performed CYP2C19 genotype screening in the neurosurgery department of our hospital; 154 patients were finally recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and followed-up for 6 months. Ischemic events including (1) transient ischemic attack (TIA); (2) stent thrombosis; (3) ischemic stroke; and (4) death were defined as primary clinical endpoints. The frequencies of CYP2C19*1, *2 and *3 alleles in 568 patients were 63.1%, 31.1% and 5.8%, respectively. 154 patients were classified into extensive (65 patients; 42.2%), intermediate (66 patients; 42.9%), and poor (23 patients; 14.9%) metabolizer groups. A χ2 test showed a significant difference in primary clinical endpoints at 6 months (P = 0.04), and a multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles associated with post-procedure prognosis. The Kaplan–Meier curve revealed that there was no significant difference in ischemic events between *2 and *3 alleles carriers. Our study verifies that CYP2C19 *2 and *3 have significant impact on the clinical outcomes of clopidogrel therapy in patients with stenting procedure for cerebral artery stenosis in China.
Impact of corneal parameters, refractive error and age on density and morphology of the subbasal nerve plexus fibers in healthy adults
Authors: Roszkowska Anna M. , Wylęgała Adam , Gargano Romana , Spinella Rosaria , Inferrera Leandro , Orzechowska-Wylęgała Bogusława , Aragona Pasquale 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) density and morphology and their relationships with corneal parameters and refractive status. In this single center study, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was performed in 76 eyes of 38 healthy subjects aged 19–87 (mean age 34.987 ± 1.148). Nerve fiber analysis was performed using Confoscan 4 microscope with semi-automated software (Nidek Technologies, Italy) The nerve fiber length (NFL) µm/mm2, nerve fiber density (NFD) no./mm2, tortuosity coefficient (TC), and nerve beadings density (NBD) no./mm were considered. Relationship between SBNP parameters and corneal curvature, thickness, diameter, and refraction were analyzed. Additionally, the association with gender, laterality and age were determined. NFL was inversely correlated with age (r = − 0.528, p < 0.001), myopic refractive error (spherical value) (r = − 0.423, p < 0.001), and cylindrical power (r = − 0.340, p = 0.003). NFD was inversely correlated with age (r = − 0.420, p < 0.001) and myopic refractive error (r = − 0.341, p = 0.003). NBD showed a low inverse correlation with cylindrical power (r = − 0.287, p = 0.012) and a slight positive correlation with K (r = 0.230, p = 0.047). TC showed a significant negative correlation between age (r = − 0.500, p < 0.001) and myopic refractive error (r = − 0.351, p = 0.002). Additionally, there were strong positive correlations between NFL and NFD (r = 0.523, p < 0.001), NFL and TI (r = 0.603, p < 0.001), and NFD and TC (r = 0.758, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed age to be the most significant factor affecting SBNP density (B = − 0.467, p = 0.013) and length (B = − 61.446, p < 0.001); myopic refractive error reduced both SBNP density (B = − 2.119, p = 0.011) and length (B = − 158.433, p = 0.016), while gender and laterality had no significant effects (p > 0.005). SBNP fiber length decreases with age, myopic refractive error and cylindrical power. SBNP fiber density reduces with age and myopic refractive error. Corneal nerve parameters are not influenced by gender or laterality.
Machine learning to determine optimal conditions for controlling the size of elastin-based particles
Authors: Cobb Jared S. , Engel Alexandra , Seale Maria A. , Janorkar Amol V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper evaluates the aggregation behavior of a potential drug and gene delivery system that combines branched polyethyleneimine (PEI), a positively-charged polyelectrolyte, and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), a recombinant polymer that exhibits lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The LCST behavior of ELP has been extensively studied, but there are no quantitative ways to control the size of aggregates formed after the phase transition. The aggregate size cannot be maintained when the temperature is lowered below the LCST, unless the system exhibits hysteresis and forms irreversible aggregates. This study shows that conjugation of ELP with PEI preserves the aggregation behavior that occurs above the LCST and achieves precise aggregate radii when the solution conditions of pH (3, 7, 10), polymer concentration (0.1, 0.15, 0.3 mg/mL), and salt concentration (none, 0.2, 1 M) are carefully controlled. K-means cluster analyses showed that salt concentration was the most critical factor controlling the hydrodynamic radius and LCST. Conjugating ELP to PEI allowed crosslinking the aggregates and achieved stable particles that maintained their size below LCST, even after removal of the harsh (high salt or pH) conditions used to create them. Taken together, the ability to control aggregate sizes and use of crosslinking to maintain stability holds excellent potential for use in biological delivery systems.
Characteristics of bilirubin photochemical changes under green light-emitting diodes in humans compared with animal species
Authors: Nii Kohichiroh , Okada Hitoshi , Itoh Susumu , Kusaka Takashi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPhototherapy using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) centered on the green spectrum, which has a high cyclobilirubin production rate, was as effective as that centered on the blue spectrum for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. There are no reports of species differences in bilirubin photochemical changes in this spectrum, and the characteristics of bilirubin photochemical changes in humans must be elucidated to proceed with the development of new light sources that include these spectra. This report describes the characteristic photochemical kinetics of bilirubin under green-spectrum LEDs in human, rat, rabbit, dog, pig, sheep, bovine and chicken serum albumin and rhesus monkey serum. These albumin-bilirubin complex solutions were irradiated by green LEDs, and the time-course changes in bilirubin photoisomers were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The cyclobilirubin production rates in humans, pigs, and monkeys were significantly higher than those in other species. The rate constant of (EZ)-cyclobilirubin production from (EZ)-bilirubin ‘k’ was significantly higher in humans and monkeys than in other species. In conclusion, bilirubin photochemical kinetics under green spectrum LEDs in humans were characterized by a high cyclobilirubin production rate at a low substrate concentration. The bilirubin photochemical kinetics in monkeys were similar to those in humans.
The effects of the miR-21/SMAD7/TGF-β pathway on Th17 cell differentiation in COPD
Authors: He Shengyang , Sun Shenghua , Lu Junjuan , Chen Lili , Mei Xiang , Li Liqiu , Zeng Zhengpeng , Zhong Mubin , Xie Lihua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease with multiple etiologies, while smoking is the most established one. The present study investigated the modulation of T-helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation by the miR-21/Smad7/TGF-β pathway, and their roles in COPD. Lung tissues were obtained from lung cancer patients with or without COPD who underwent lobotomy and the levels of miR-21, TGF-β/Smad signaling molecules, RORγT, and other Th17-related cytokines were detected. Mouse COPD models were built by exposing both wild-type (WT) and miR-21−/− mice to cigarette smoke (CS) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) intraperitoneal injection. Isolated primary CD4+ T cells were treated with either CS extract, miR-21 mimics or inhibitors, followed by measuring Th17 cells markers and the expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling molecules and RORγT. Increased levels of miR-21, Smad7, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2, p-Smad3, TGF-β, and Th17-related cytokines was detected in the lungs of COPD patients. Lung function in modeled WT mice, but not miR-21−/− ones, deteriorated and the number of inflammatory cells in the lung tissues increased compared to the control WT-mice. Moreover, primary CD4+ lymphocytes tend to differentiate into Th17 cells after the treatment with CSE or miR-21 mimics, and the expression of RORγT and the TGF-β/Smad signaling were all increased, however miR-21 inhibitors worked reversely. Our findings demonstrated that Th17 cells increased under COPD pathogenesis and was partially modulated by the miR-21/Smad7/TGF-β pathway.
Novel Crabtree negative yeast from rumen fluids can improve rumen fermentation and milk quality
Authors: Suntara Chanon , Cherdthong Anusorn , Uriyapongson Suthipong , Wanapat Metha , Chanjula Pin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUpgrading the nutritive value of rice straw (RS) is necessary to increase its contribution to enhancing meat and milk production. Present work verified whether novel Crabtree negative yeast inoculant could promote RS utilization, rumen fermentation, and milk quality in tropical crossbred lactating Holstein cows. The new stain of Crabtree negative yeasts (Pichia kudriavzeviiKKU20 andCandida tropicalisKKU20) was isolated from the rumen of dairy cattle. This study used 6 multiparous crossbreds between Holstein Frisian × Zebu dairy cows in their mid-lactation period. Dairy cows were randomly allocated to three ensiled RS with various yeast stains includingSaccharomyces cerevisiae,P. kudriavzeviiKKU20, andC. tropicalisKKU20 according to a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design. Crabtree-negative yeast (P. kudriavzeviiandC. tropicalis) increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter by about 6.9% when compared with Crabtree-positive yeast (S. cerevisiae). Bacterial populations were highest with ensiled RS byC. tropicalisKKU20. Ensiled RS with Crabtree-negative yeasts were significantly increased with total volatile fatty acids, but they did not affect volatile fatty acid profiles. Milk protein precentage was highest at 35.6 g/kg whenC. tropicalis was fed, and lowest when applied withS. cerevisiaeandP. kudriavzeviiKKU20 in ensiled RS at 34.5 and 34.1 g/kg, respectively. Thus, feeding ensiled RS with novel Crabtree negative yeast could improve RS digestion, rumen fermentation, and milk protein content in dairy cows.