bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin up-regulates the decrease of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-adrenergic receptor antibody partly dependent on AMPK
Authors: Sun Cong , Lu Jiebei , Long Yaolin , Guo Shuai , Jia Weiwei , Ning Na , Hao Haihu , Wang Xiaohui , Bian Yunfei , Liu Huirong , Wang Li 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiomyocyte autophagy is essential for maintaining cardiac function. Our previous studies have found that β1-adrenergic receptor autoantibody (β1-AA) induced the decreased myocardial autophagic flux, which resulted in cardiomyocytes death and cardiac dysfunction. And other studies demonstrated that β1-AA induced the decrease of AMPK phosphorylation, the key hub of autophagy pathway, while adiponectin up-regulated autophagic flux mediated by AMPK. However, it is not clear whether adiponectin improves the inhibition of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-AA by up-regulating the level of AMPK phosphorylation.MethodAPN-KO and WT mice were subcutaneously injected withthe peptide of the second extracellular loop of β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR-ECII) as antigen to establish β1-AA active immunization model. The OD value of β1-AA in serum of mice was detected by SA-ELISA to ensure the successful construction of active immunization model. The changes of cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis were detected by small animal ultrasound and Masson trichrome staining. The cardiomyocytes viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8. The mRNA levels of LC3B and Beclin1 in cardiomyocytes were measured by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of LC3 II, p62, AMP dependent protein kinase (AMP) - activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMP dependent protein kinase (p-AMPK) in cardiomyocytes were detected by Western blotting.ResultsIn this study, it has been confirmed that β1-AA induced the decrease of AMPK phosphorylation level in both vivo and vitro. Moreover, pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with AMPK inhibitor Compound C could further reduce the autophagic flux induced by β1-AA. Adiponectin deficiency could aggravate the decrease of myocardial AMPK phosphorylation level, autophagic flux and cardiac function induced by β1-AA. Further, exogenous adiponectin could reverse the decline of AMPK phosphorylation level and autophagic flux induced by β1-AA, and even reduce cardiomyocytes death. While pre-treated with the Compound C, the adiponectin treatment did not improve the decreased autophagosome formation, but still improved the decreased autophagosome clearance induced by β1-AA in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that adiponectin up-regulated β1-AA-induced decreased autophagic flux of cardiomyocytes partly depended on the AMPK.ConclusionThis study is the first time to confirm that β1-AA could inhibit myocardial autophagic flux by down regulating AMPK phosphorylation level. Adiponectin could improve the inhibition of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-AA partly dependent on AMPK, so as to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of patients with β1-AA-positive cardiac dysfunction.
The Pain, Life Quality and Low Back Pain Disability of the Patients Who Received Endoscopic Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion With Cages Made of Metal Material Versus Calf Bone: a Real World Study
Authors: Niu Shangbo , Diao Wenbo , Gao Jian , Li YiMing , Yang Dehong , Li Jie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Interbody fusion is a common operation in spinal surgery, which is often used for various causes such as vertebral instability caused by trauma or degeneration. At present, a new material of calf bone interbody fusion cage has been used in clinic, but the curative effect has not been reported yet. In this study, the traditional metal interbody fusion cage was used as the control to evaluate the curative effect of this new type of interbody fusion cage. Method This retrospective non-blind case-control study included 96 patients with lumbar degeneration who underwent single segmental interbody fusion. Among them, 58 cases used calf bone material interbody fusion cage and used metal material (titanium) in 38 cases. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were compared before, immediately after, 3 months after, 1 year after operation and the last follow-up. IBM SPSS is used to compare the collected data one by one, and the parameter samples are tested by independent-samples t-test. Result There was no significant statistical difference between patients who received calf bone fusion cage and metal fusion cage in each follow-up time point.Conclusion The curative effect of calf bone fusion cage was not inferior to that of traditional metal interbody fusion cage at each follow-up time. Level of Evidence Ⅲ
Long term Surgical Outcomes of Unilateral Recession-Resection versus Bilateral Lateral Rectus Recession in Basic-type Intermittent Exotropia in Children
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Yang Hee Kyung , Hwang Jeong-Min 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The long-term results of surgical treatment of intermittent exotropia (X(T)) according to the type of surgery are controversial. We compared the long-term results between unilateral recession-resection (RR) and bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) with an average follow-up of 10 years in children with basic-type X(T). Patients with basic-type X(T), who underwent RR (RR group) or BLR (BLR group) and were followed-up for more than 5 years postoperatively, were analyzed. Of the 560 patients, 363 patients received BLR and 197 patients underwent RR. There was no significant difference in the success rates between the two groups until postoperative 3 years. At an average of 9.5 ± 2.6 years after surgery, the success rate of the RR group was significantly higher than that of the BLR group starting from the fourth post-operative year until the last follow-up examination (64.1% vs 43.3%, p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, preoperative hyperopia of more than + 2.00 diopters, younger age of onset, younger age at surgery, larger exodeviation at near than at distance of > 5 prism diopters, and the type of surgery (BLR) were risk factors of recurrence. In conclusion, RR was more successful than BLR with a lower recurrence rate in the long-term follow-up of patients with basic-type X(T).
Evaluating the effect of COVID-19 on dispensing patterns: a national cohort analysis
Authors: Torabi Fatemeh , Akbari Ashley , North Laura , Harris Daniel , Davies Gareth , Gravenor Mike , Griffiths Rowena , Lyons Jane , Jenkins Neil , Morris Andrew , Halcox Julian , Lyons Ronan A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMedication prescribing and dispensing often regarded as one of the most effective ways to manage and improve population health. Prescribed and dispensed medications can be monitored through data linkage for each patient. We hypothesised that changes in patient care resulting from COVID-19, changed the way patients access their prescribed medication.Objective To develop an efficient approach for evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on drug dispensing patterns.MethodsRetrospective observational study using national patient-level dispensing records in Wales-UK. Total dispensed drug items between 01-Jan-2016 and 31-Dec-2019 (counterfactual pre-COVID-19) were compared to 2020 (COVID-19 year). We compared trends of dispensed items in three main British National Formulary (BNF) sections(Cardiovascular system, Central Nervous System, Immunological & Vaccine) using European Age-Standardized rates. We developed an online tool to enable monitoring of changes in dispensing as the pandemic evolves.ResultAmongst all BNF chapters, 52,357,639 items were dispensed in 2020 compared to 49,747,141 items in 2019 demonstrating a relative increase of 5.25% in 2020(95%CI[5.21,5.29]). Comparison of monthly patterns of 2020 and 2019 dispensed items showed a notable difference between the total number of dispensed drug items each month, with an average difference (D) of +290,055 and average Relative Change (RC) of +5.52%. The greatest RC was observed in a substantial March-2020 increase (D=+1,501,242 and RC=+28%), followed by second peak in June (D=+565,004, RC=+10.97%). May was characterised by lower dispensing (D=-399,244, RC=-5.9%). Cardiovascular categories were characterised, across all age groups, by dramatic March-2020 increases, at the epidemic peak, followed by months of lower than expected dispensing, and gradual recovery by September. The Central Nervous System category was similar, but with only a short decline in May, and quicker recovery. A stand-out grouping was Immunological and Vaccine, which dropped to very low levels across all age groups, and all months (including the March dispensing peak).ConclusionsAberration in clinical service delivery during COVID-19 led to substantial changes in community pharmacy drug dispensing. This change may contribute to a long-term burden of COVID-19, raising the importance of a comprehensive and timely monitoring of changes for evaluation of the potential impact on clinical care and outcomes
Investigation of electrical and structural properties of Ag/TiO2/n-InP/Au Schottky diodes with different thickness TiO2 interface
Authors: Bilgili Ahmet Kürşat , Çağatay Rabia , Öztürk Mustafa Kemal , Özer Metin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, structural and electrical properties of Ag/TiO2/n-InP/Au Schottky barrier diodes are investigated. Particle size, d- spacing, micro-strain, ideality factor and barrier heights of two samples are determined for two different interfacial TiO2 layer thickness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements are employed for mentioned parameters. It is seen that sample with 60 Å TiO2 interfacial layer is a more ideal diode. The reason for this is argued in main text and conclusion section.
Friedel-Crafts Acylation of Furan: Development of A Green Process Using Chromium-exchanged Dodecatungstophosphoric Acid: Effect of Support, Mechanism and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Desai Deepak S. , Yadav Ganapati D. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Friedel-Crafts acylation of furan with acetic anhydride to produce 2-acyl furan is industrially important. With an aim of replacing the highly polluting process, it this study, supported but modified heteropoly acids were used. Metal exchanged dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) was loaded on three different supports and its effect on acylation was evaluated. Thus, chromium exchanged DTP was supported on K-10, SiO2, and ZrO2 using the incipient wetness impregnation method. 20% w/w Cr0.66-DTP/K-10 having the best activity for the acylation of furan with acetic anhydride was chosen for full characterization and reaction kinetics. Under optimized condition, the catalyst to furan ratio was 9.6%, significantly less as per prior art, which gave 88% conversion with 100% selectivity. The prepared catalysts were characterized by sophisticated techniques, namely, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, NH3-TPD, TGA, and BET. The Eley-Rideal mechanism was found to fit the kinetic data. The activation energy was found to be 18.03 kcal/mol. The reaction is green and clean as no chlorinated chemicals, reagents, and catalysts were used.
Cobalt Exposure in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease in the United States General Population
Authors: Zhu Qingqing , Liao Shengen , Lu Xinyi , Shi Shi , Gong Dexing , Cheang Iokfai , Zhu Xu , Zhang Haifeng , Li Xinli 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cobalt exposure has adverse health effects on the cardiovascular system in occupational and laboratory studies, but these effects have not been assessed in the general population. We aimed to determine whether serum cobalt levels had relationship with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015–2016), we performed the cross-sectional study. We analyzed the baseline chrematistics of 3,389 participants (1623 men and 1766 women). Generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline plots curve were undertaken to elucidate the relationship. Stratified subgroup analysis was tested to exclude interaction between different variates and cobalt. Our results showed that the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD prevalence across the quartiles of cobalt were 0.94 (0.68, 1.30), 1.58 (1.17, 2.13), and 1.84 (1.37, 2.48) compared with lowest quartile. The restricted cubic spline curve also suggested nonlinear and positive association between cobalt and CVD (P for nonlinearity = 0.005). In summary, our cross-sectional results verify that higher cobalt levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
Identification and pyramiding of QTLs for rice grain size based on short-wide grain CSSL-Z563 and fine-mapping of qGL3-2
Authors: Liang Peixuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Qiuli , Zhou Kai , Li Miaomiao , Li Ruxiang , Xiang Siqian , Zhang Ting , Ling Yinghua , Yang Zhenglin , He Guanghua , Zhao Fangming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) can be used to dissect complex traits, from which single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) containing a target quantitative trait loci (QTL) can be developed, and they are thus important for functional analysis and molecular breeding. Results: A rice line with short wide grains, CSSL-Z563, was isolated from advanced-generation backcross population (BC3F6) derived from ‘Xihui 18’ (the recipient parent) and ‘Huhan 3’ (the donor parent). Z563 carried seven segments from ‘Huhan 3’, distributed on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8, with average substitution length of 5.52 Mb. Eleven QTLs for grain size were identified using secondary F2 population of ‘Xihui 18’/Z563. The QTLs qGL3-1, qGL3-2, and qGL7 control grain length in Z563 and have additive effects to reduce grain length; qGW3-1 and qGW3-2 control grain width in Z563 and have additive effects to increase grain width. Four SSSLs, three double-segment substitution lines (D1–D3), and two triple-segment substitution lines (T1 and T2) were developed containing the target QTLs. The genetic stability of nine QTLs, including qGL3-2, qGL3-1, and qGL7, was verified by the SSSLs. D1 (containing qGL3-2 and qGL3-1), D2 (qGL3-1 and qGL7), and T1 (qGL3-2, qGL3-1, and qGL7) had positive epistatic effects on grain length, and their grain length was shorter than that of the corresponding SSSLs. The QTL qGL3-2 was fine-mapped to a 696 Kb region of chromosome 3 containing five candidate genes that differed between ‘Xihui 18’ and Z563. These results are important for functional research on qGL3-2 and molecular breeding of hybrid rice cultivars.Conclusions: The short and wide grain of Z563 was mainly controlled by qGL3-1, qGL3-2, qGL7, qGW3-1 and qGW3-2. The major QTL qGL3-2 was fine-mapped to a 696 Kb region of chromosome 3 containing five candidate genes. Different QTLs pyramiding displayed various phenotypes. In essence, the performance after pyramiding of genes depended on the comparison between the algebraic sum of the additive and epistatic effects of QTLs in the pyramidal line and the additive effect value of the single QTL. The results lay good foundation in the functional analysis of qGL3-2 and molecular design breeding of novel hybrid rice cultivars.
Haemophilus Influenzae One Day in Denmark: Prevalence, Circulating Clones, and Dismal Resistance to Aminopenicillins
Authors: nørskov-lauritsen niels , Pedersen Nanna , Lam Janni , Nielsen Hans , Kobel Carl , Hansen Dennis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeHaemophilus influenzae is a common cause of mucosal infections that warrants accurate surveillance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of the species in clinical specimens, and characterise population structure and resistance to aminopenicillins by whole genome sequencing.MethodsWe assessed the point prevalence by entering the database records of one day in Denmark, and examined the genome sequences of nationwide, collected isolates from the same day. ResultsThe prevalence of H. influenzae in clinical samples on the 10th of January 2018 was 1.78 per 100,000 person-days (all samples), and 2.47 per 1,000 hospital bed-days (hospital samples). Of 2,009 bacteria deemed clinically relevant and collected in a concerted action by the Danish departments of clinical microbiology, 62 (3.1%) were H. influenzae. All 62 isolates belonged to phylogenetic group I and were unencapsulated. Three strains from separate Danish regions had identical core genome sequences, but a small number of intergenic mutations testified to circulating clones, rather than individual cases of patient-to-patient transmission. The TEM-1 β-lactamase gene was present in 24 strains, while 13 strains were genetically categorised as ampicillin-resistant due to substitutions in penicillin-binding protein 3; shared patterns of amino acid substitutions in unrelated strains indicated putative lateral transfer of chromosomal resistance. ConclusionsCirculating clones of H. influenzae are frequent, and host factors, rather than direct transmission of epidemic strains, may be the primary cause of infection. The bleak presence of ampicillin resistance revealed by sequencing of point prevalence strains underscores the necessity for close examination of testing methods.
Serum miR-155, miR-223, miR-17, miR-200a, miR-205, Interleukin 6, and Prostaglandins as Novel Diagnostic Markers for Endometritis in Arabian Mares
Authors: Ibrahim Sally , Hedia Mohamed , Taqi Mohamed O. , Derbala Mohamed K. , mahmoud karima , Ahmed Youssef , Ismail Sayed , El-Belely Mohamed 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate the expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure the concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α& PGE2) in serum of Arabian mares with healthy and abnormal uterine status (endometritis).Methods and Results: This study was conducted on 80 Arabian mares; young (4-7 years), and old (8-14 years). These animals were divided into 48 sub-fertile including 16 young and 32 old mares suspected of endometritis and 32 fertile as control (24 young and 8 old) at stud farms. Serum samples were collected for measuring IL-6, PGF2α, and PGE2 concentrations, as well as serum miRNA isolation and qRT-PCR. Serum concentrations of IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α were higher (P≤0.001) in mares with endometritis (young and old) compared to the control ones. Age of mares had a remarkable effect(0.001≤P≤0.01) onIL-6, PGE2, and PGF2αconcentrations. The relative abundance of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 was higher (P≤0.001) in both young and old mares with endometritis. We noticed that eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 revealed higher (0.001≤P≤0.01) expression level in old than young mares with endometritis. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealed that serum miRNA and serum inflammatory mediators (IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α) could be used as non-invasive gold standard biomarkers, and therefore might be served as an important additional diagnostic tool for endometritis in Arabian mares.
Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Up Locus Determining Fruit Orientation in Pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Hu Fang , Cheng Jiaowen , Dong Jichi , Zhong Jian , Zhou Ziyan , Hu Kailin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Fruit orientation is an important horticultural and domesticated trait, which is controlled by a single semi-dominant gene (up) in pepper. However, the gene underlying up locus has not yet been identified. In this study, the previously detected major QTL UP12.1 was firstly verified using an intraspecific backcross population (n=225) stem from the cross of BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) using BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC1F2 population (n=1827) was used for recombinant screening to delimit the up locus into an interval with ~169.51 kb in length. Sequence comparison and expression analysis suggested that Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G-protein 2, was the most likely candidate gene for up. The findings of this study will form a basis for gene isolation and reveal of genetic mechanism underlying the fruit orientation domestication in pepper.
Associations Between Insulin Resistance and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Jing , Jin Hua , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to determine the risk factors for IR in women with GDM.Methods: This study employed a retrospective survey of 710 women diagnosed with GDM. Serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum protein were measured in the first trimester (6-12 weeks), and OGTT and fasting insulin tests were performed in the second trimester (24-28 weeks). These results were then used to evaluate IR by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). When HOMA-IR≥2.0, IR was diagnosed. The relationship between HOMA-IR and adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by a logistic regression model, and multiple stepwise regression was used to analyze the risk factors of HOMA-IR. Results: GDM with IR was significantly associated with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and large for gestational age (LGA) (P=0.002, 0.012, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, FPG, HbA1c, and total triglyceride (TG) in early pregnancy were all significantly positively correlated with IR in the second trimester (P<0.05), while age was significantly negatively correlated with IR (P<0.001). Conclusion: GDM combined with IR in the second trimester increases adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and LGA. In addition, BMI before pregnancy, FPG, HbA1c, and TG in early pregnancy are all independent risk factors for IR.
Stimulus Dependence of Interocular Suppression
Authors: Lew Wei Hau , Stevenson Scott B. , Coates Daniel R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Suppression is assessed using a variety of methods with different stimuli that vary in color, contrast, size, and luminance. We hypothesized that stimulus variation may yield different spatial extents of suppression. Here, to evaluate the role of stimulus characteristics, we measured the suppression zone using a binocular rivalry paradigm in normal observers by systematically varying the parameters of dichoptic Difference of Gaussian stimuli. The stimuli consist of a constantly visible horizontal reference seen by one eye while two vertical suppressors were presented to the other eye. With a keypress, the suppressors appeared for 1 second, to induce a robust transient suppression zone in the middle part of the reference. Subjects adjusted the width between the suppressors to determine the zone. The zone decreased significantly with increasing spatial frequency and lower contrast. The horizontal zone was larger than the vertical zone by a factor of 1.4. The zone was smaller with negative contrast stimuli compared to positive contrast polarity but independent of eye dominance, luminance and colored filters. We then fit a model to determine the optimal parametric definition of the suppression zone and found that the zone consists of two parts: a stimulus-dependent and a fixed non-stimulus dependent zone.