bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Azami Mobin , Baradaran Hamid Reza , Kohnepoushi Parisa , Saed Lotfolah , Moradkhani Asra , Moradpour Farhad , Moradi Yousef 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Conflicting results of recent studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome explored the need for updated meta-analysis on this issue. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to estimate the pooled effect of H. pylori infection on the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Methods
To identify case-control studies and cohort studies evaluating the association of H. pylori infection with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, a comprehensive literature search was performed from international databases including Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINHAL from January 1990 until January 2021. We used odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to quantify the effect of case-control studies and risk ratio with its 95%CI for the effect of cohort studies.
Results
22 studies with 206911 participants were included for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of odds ratio between H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome in case-control studies was 1.19 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.35; I2 = 0%), and in cohort studies, the pooled risk ratio was 1.31 (95%CI: 1.13, 1.51; I2 = 0%). Besides, case-control studies showed the pooled odds ratio of 1.54 (95%CI: 1.19, 1.98; I2 = 6.88%) for the association between H. pylori infection and insulin resistance.
Conclusion
A positive association was found between H. pylori infection and insulin resistance as well as metabolic syndrome, so planning to eliminate or eradicate H. pylori infection could be an effective solution to improve metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, and vice versa.
Declining risk of ischemic heart disease over time in rheumatoid arthritis: 1821 patients from 1972 to 2017.
Authors: Alsing Christian Lillebø , Nystad Tone Wikene , Igland Jannicke , Gjesdal Clara Gram , Midtbø Helga , Tell Grethe S. , Fevang Bjørg-Tilde Svanes 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate trends of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared with the general population over time. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1821 RA patients diagnosed from 1972 to 2013. The total population of the same county (Hordaland, Norway) and time period was used for comparison. Information on AMI and IHD events was obtained from hospital patient administrative systems or cardiovascular registries. We estimated incidence rates and standardized event ratios (SER) compared with the general population by Poisson regression.Results: There was an average annual decline of 1.6% in age- and sex-adjusted AMI incidence rates from 1972 to 2017 (incidence rate ratio 0.984, 95% CI 0.971–0.998). Excess events in RA patients compared with the general population declined on average 1.3% per year for AMI and 2.3% for IHD from 1972 to 2014. The total RA cohort had 49% (SER 1.49, 95% CI 1.30–1.69) more AMI events and 63% (SER 1.63, 95% CI 1.52–1.74) more IHD events compared with the general population. There were no significant excess AMI and IHD events for RA patients diagnosed after 1998 compared with the general population.Conclusion: Incidence rates and excess events of AMI and IHD in RA patients declined from 1972 to 2017. There were no excess AMI or IHD events in RA patients diagnosed after 1998 compared with the general population.
Bioethics in Nigeria: Knowledge and perception during a capacity-building workshop for Biomedical researchers.
Authors: Surakat Olabanji Ahmed , Ajisebiola Babafemi Siji , Mogaji Hammed , Onakhinor Sandra , Busari Lateef Oladimeji , Fadiji Oyinkansola , Dauda Oluwadamilare , Rufai Mohammed , Adeleke Monsuru , Sam-Wobo Sammy Olufemi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The need to assess the gaps in knowledge and perception on bioethics among biomedical researchers has become necessary considering the increasing numbers of researchers and research outputs in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, therefore, investigated the knowledge and perceptions of biomedical researchers in Osun State, southwest Nigeria.Methods: Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consenting biomedical researchers during a capacity workshop conducted in November 2020. The questionnaire collected data on the attendee’s demography, knowledge, awareness and perception on bioethics and ethical approvals for research. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. 20.0 software and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Associations between professional status of participants were performed using chi-square statistics, and confidence interval was set as 95%. However, qualitative data were obtained using open-ended questionnaires and analysed thematically.Results: A total of 153 biomedical researchers across 33 academic and research institutions, comprising 58% males, and 42% females participated in this study. The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 60 years. Majority of the participants (60.8%) hold academic positions and about one-third of the population were graduate students (30.1%). Awareness on bioethics was high (91.5%), and more common in schools (61.4%), with majority of the participants (77.1%) describing it as a field that addresses the social and legal issues arising from medicine and life sciences (p<0.05). However, participants’ perception of the principles of ethics was poor, with about 16% of participants considering none or only part of the principles. Also, about 10% felt they could still obtain ethical permits while research is ongoing or completed, while only 13.7% affirms that all biomedical related researches require ethical approval. There were significant differences in the proportions across the professional status of participants (p<0.05).Conclusion: The study has revealed poor perception among participants and suggests the prioritization of bioethics capacity enhancement workshops to improve knowledge and perceptions of biomedical researchers. In addition, more detailed studies across institutions in Nigeria should be carried out to assess, monitor and reinforce knowledge gained by biomedical researchers.
The Effects of a Single and a Series of Finnish Sauna Sessions on the Immune Response and Heat Shock Protein Levels in Trained and Untrained Men
Authors: Wanda Pilch , Marta Szarek , Piotrowska Anna , Olga Czerwińska-Ledwig , Ewa Sadowska-Krępa , Tomasz Pałka , Štefánia Andraščíková , Małgorzata Żychowska 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a Finnish sauna on the immune status markers. Healthy males (20–25 years old) were divided into gropes: the trained (T; n = 10), and the untrained group (N; n = 10). All participants were subjected to 10 baths (3X15-minute with cooled down for 2 minutes). Blood was collected before the 1st and 10th sauna bath, and 10 minutes after their completion. The levels of: cortisol, Il-6, HSP70, IgA, IgG, IgM and blood cells (WBC), leukocyte populations counts: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils were determined. No differences were found in the increase in rectal temperature, cortisol and Ig between groups. In response to the 1st sauna bath, a greater increase in HR was observed in the U group. After the last one, the HR value was lower in the T group. The impact on WBC, CD56+, CD3+, CD8+, IgA, IgG and IgM shows a differences in trained and untrained body responses. It seems that in trained people, the non-specific immune response increases, while in untrained, the specific one. Series of sauna baths can be a way of acclimation to high ambient temperatures for athletes and a solution to improve immune response.
Cold Brew Coffee Extract, A Cradle to Grave Approach
Authors: Gouws Shawn , Muller Michael 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The research question related to this study was to produce various products from grounded-coffee beans such as cold-brew coffee extracts, firelighters, and soil fertilizer. The extraction of cold brew coffee (CBC) was investigated by brewing one particular sample of Rwanda coffee (medium roasted) using a cold and hot method, so that we could compare two brewing methodologies. The main parameter investigated was temperature. According to literature, particle size plays no significant role in the CBC extraction process. This work suggests that CBC can be extracted between 15 – 20 oC over 10 to 12 hours instead of 24 hours as outlined in typical cold brew extraction processes. The CBC can then be served with various flavors or diluted neatly in ice water or hot served if preferred or with milk. The spent GCB could be utilized in products such as firelighters or log firelighters for a log fire. This application has shown promising results and has longer burning times for the ignition of log fires and emits a pleasant soft coffee aroma.
Association between hippocampal subfields and clinical symptoms of first-episode and drug naive schizophrenia patients during 12 weeks of risperidone treatment
Authors: Lang XiaoE , Wang Dongmei , Chen Dachun , Xiu Mei Hong , Zhou Huixia , Wang Li , Cao Bo , Zhang Xiangyang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Small hippocampal size, especially in CA1 may be implicated in the pathogenesis and psychopathology of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, does the volume of hippocampal subfields like CA1 in SCZ patients affect response to antipsychotic treatment? In this study, we used risperidone to treat first-episode and drug naïve (FEDN) SCZ patients for 12 weeks, and then explored the relationship between differences in baseline hippocampal subfield volumes, as well as any changes in the volumes of these hippocampal structures during treatment, and improvement in their psychopathological symptoms. By adopting a state-of the-art automated algorithm, the hippocampal subfields were segmented in 43 FEND SCZ inpatients at baseline and in 26 of them after 12 weeks of risperidone monotherapy, as well as in 30 matched healthy controls. We adopted the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess psychopathological symptoms in 43 SCZ patients at baseline and in 40 of them at post-treatment. Our results showed that before treatment, schizophrenia patients had no significant differences in total or subfield hippocampal volumes compared with healthy volunteers (all p>0.05). However, at baseline smaller volumes of the left CA1, right molecular layer of the dentate, left hippocampal tail and left pre-subiculum were significantly correlated with worse PANSS negative symptom scores, accounting for 41% of its variance. We also found a significant correlation between a larger left CA1 at baseline and a worse PANSS total score and general psychopathology sub-score at post-treatment (both p<0.05). Furthermore, the left CA1 at baseline was significantly smaller in responders, who had >50% improvement in PANSS total score, than in non-responders (p<0.05). Our results suggest that FEDN SCZ patients with smaller left CA1 had greater negative psychotic symptoms at baseline and more of them had a >50% improvement in PANSS total score after 12 weeks of risperidone treatment. Thus, smaller left CA1 volume may be a predicator for improvement in psychotic symptoms of FEDN SCZ patients, but hippocampal volumes overall did not differ in size from normal controls and did not change during treatment.
Identification of the TF-miRNA-mRNA Co-regulatory Networks Involved in Sepsis
Authors: Luo Xiaoqian , Lu Weina , Zhao Jianfeng , Hu Jun , Chen Enjiang , Fu Shi , Fu Qinghui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening medical condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Recent studies have found that the expression of miRNAs is associated with the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock. Our study aimed to reveal which miRNAs may be involved in the dysregulated immune response in sepsis and how these miRNAs interact with transcription factors (TFs) using a computational approach with in vitro validation studies. MethodsTo determine the network of TFs, miRNAs and target genes involved in sepsis, GEO datasets GSE94717 and GSE131761 were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and DEGs. TargetScan and miRWalk databases were used to predict biological targets that overlap with the identified DEGs of differentially expressed miRNAs. The TransmiR database was used to predict the differential miRNA TFs that overlap with the identified DEGs. The TF-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and visualized. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of TFs and miRNA in HUVECs. ResultBetween the healthy and sepsis groups, there were 146 upregulated and 98 downregulated DEGs in the GSE131761 dataset, and there were 1 upregulated and 183 downregulated DEMs in the GSE94717 dataset. A regulatory network of the TF-miRNA-target genes was established. According to the experimental results, RUNX3 was found to be downregulated while MAPK14 was upregulated, which corroborates the result of the computational expression analysis. In a HUVECs model, miR-19b-1-5p and miR-5009-5p were found to be significantly downregulated. Other TFs and miRNAs did not correlate with our bioinformatics expression analysis. ConclusionWe constructed a TF-miRNA-target gene regulatory network and identified potential treatment targets RUNX3, MAPK14, miR-19b-1-5p and miR-5009-5p. This information provides an initial basis for understanding the complex sepsis regulatory mechanisms.
Graphene-based tunable broadband polarizer for infrared frequency
Authors: Sorathiya Vishal , Patel Shobhit K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes the tunable graphene-assisted polarizer structure which is working on the infrared frequency range. The tunable polarizer has been designed by a three-layered structure of silica, graphene, and gold. The polarizer behavior of the structure is analyzed for the frequency range of 3 to 12 THz. The tunability of the structure is analyzed for the different values of fermi energy which is tunable parameter of single-layer graphene sheet. Polarizer response is derived in terms of different performance parameters such as reflectance, phase variation, phase difference, polarization conversion rate, and effective refractive indices. Graphene-based polarizer structure is investigated for the co-polarization and cross-polarization input incident conditions to check linear to circular polarization conversion. It also shows an effective refractive index response to check the metasurface behavior of the polarizer for 3 to 12 THz range. We have observed that the polarization amplitude becomes stronger for the higher Fermi energy value of the graphene sheet. The reflection amplitude is achieved up to 90%. Results of the proposed polarizer structure can be used to design the various electro-optical structure which operates in the lower THz range.
Thermodynamically effective molecular surfaces for more efficient study of condensed-phase thermodynamics
Authors: Alibakhshi Amin , hartke bernd 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Evaluation of molecular surfaces plays the key role in a wide range of cutting-edge scientific fields and technologies, due to the well-characterized dependency between molecular surfaces and condensed phase thermodynamics. Numerous methods to evaluate molecular surfaces such as van-der-Waals and solvent accessible surface areas and various parameterizations for each one, have been proposed in the literature and typically yield quite diverse estimations of molecular surfaces. Despite this diversity, numerous successful applications have been reported for each one, which has become possible via ad-hoc modifications and parametrizations employed to accommodate inappropriately defined molecular surfaces.
The main aim of the present study is to propose “thermodynamically effective” molecular surface which unlike the conventionally accepted molecular surfaces, can be defined only uniquely, can be measured experimentally for each molecule directly and straightforwardly, is defined based on a well-characterized theoretically described dependency between molecular surfaces and solution thermodynamics, and is highly accurate in evaluating various thermodynamics quantities in solution for a wide temperature range and different types of molecules, without requiring any ad-hoc modification.
Brief Population Bottlenecks Are Beyond The Genetic Streetlight
Authors: Elliott-Higgins Jack , Swamidass S. Joshua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Inferring human demographic history from extant genomes is an important goal of population genetics. To date, the sensitivity of coalescence-based methods in detecting population bottlenecks has not been well characterized. In this study, we find that brief bottlenecks, of just a few generations, are undetectable by current methods. A new approach to population inference, Lineage Time Inference (LiTI), uses data-derived windows to demarcate the limits of the genetic data. We find that a sharp population bottleneck at the time of the Youngest Toba Eruption, and also at more ancient timepoints in the human lineage, would be outside the genetic streetlight.
An Intracellular Tripeptide Arg-His-Trp of Serum Origin Detected in MCF-7 Cells is a Possible Agonist to β2 Adrenoceptor
Authors: Chandore Hritik , Raj Ajay Kumar , Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Swamy Krishna Venkateswara , Pal Jayanta Kumar , Sharma Nilesh Kumar 
Published: August 2021

Background:The need for agonists and antagonists of β2 adrenoceptor (β2AR) is warranted in various human disease conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders. However, the sources of agonists of β2AR are diverse in nature. Interestingly, there is a complete gap in the exploration of agonists of β2AR from serum that is a well-known component of culture media that supports growth and proliferation of normal and cancer cells in vitro.Methods:In this paper, we employed a novel vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE)-assisted purification of intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells grown in vitro in complete media with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells were then analyzed by LC-HRMS. Identified intracellular tripeptides of FBS origin were evaluated for their molecular interactions with various extracellular and intracellular receptors, including β2AR (PDB ID: 2RH1) by employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). A known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol was used as a positive control in molecular docking and MDS analyses.Results :We report here the identification of a few novel intracellular tripeptides, namely Arg-His- Trp, (PubChem CID-145453842), Pro-Ile-Glu, (PubChem CID-145457492), Cys-Gln-Gln, (PubChem CID-71471965), Glu-Glu-Lys, (PubChem CID-11441068) and Gly-Cys-Leu (PubChem CID-145455600) of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking and MDS analyses revealed that among these molecules, the tripeptide Arg-His-Trp shows a favorable binding affinity with β2AR (-9.8 Kcal/mol). The agonistic effect of Arg-His-Trp is significant and comparable with that of a known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol.Conclusion:In conclusion, we identified a unique Arg-His-Trp tripeptide of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells by employing a novel approach. This unique tripeptide Arg-His-Trp is suggested to be a potential agonist of β2AR and it may have applications in the context of various human diseases like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Oral Angiotensin-(1-7) Peptide Modulates Intestinal Microbiota Improving Metabolic Profile in Obese Mice
Authors: Machado Amanda , Oliveira Janaína Ribeiro , de F. Lelis Deborah , Guimarães Victor Hugo D. , de Paula Alfredo M.B. , Guimarães Andre L.S. , Brandi Igor V. , de Carvalho Bruna Mara A. , da Costa Diego Vicente , Vieira Cláudia Regina , Pereira Ulisses Alves , de Oliveira Costa Theles , Andrade João M.O. , Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Santos Sérgio H.S. 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Obesity is a serious health problem that dysregulate Renin-Angiotensin
System (RAS) and intestinal microbiota.

Objective:
The present study aimed to evaluate the Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] oral formulation
effects on obese mice intestinal microbiota.

Methods:
Mice were divided into four groups: obese and non-obese treated with ANG-(1-7) and
obese and non-obese without ANG-(1-7) during four weeks.

Results:
We observed a significant decrease in the fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides,
and Low-density lipoprotein levels and increased High-density lipoprotein in animals treated
with ANG-(1-7). The histological analysis showed intestinal villi height reduction in mice treated
with ANG-(1-7). Additionally, increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes (increased Bacteroidetes/
Firmicutes ratio) and Enterobacter cloacae populations were observed in the High-Fat Diet
+ ANG-(1-7) group. Receptor toll-like 4 (TLR4) intestinal mRNA expression was reduced in the
HFD+ANG-(1-7) group. Finally, the intestinal expression of the neutral amino acid transporter
(B0AT1) was increased in animals treated with ANG-(1-7), indicating a possible mechanism associated
with tryptophan uptake.

Conclusion:
The results of the present study suggest for the first time an interaction between oral
ANG-(1-7) and intestinal microbiota modulation.
Integrated Analysis of the Expression, Involved Functions, and
Regulatory Network of RUNX3 in Melanoma
Authors: Chen Huaxia , Feng Zhang , Liu Yanxin 
Published: August 2021

Background:
As a tumor suppressor or oncogenic gene, abnormal expression of RUNX
family transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) has been reported in various cancers.

Introduction:
This study aimed to investigate the role of RUNX3 in melanoma.

Methods:
The expression level of RUNX3 in melanoma tissues was analyzed by
immunohistochemistry and the Oncomine database. Based on microarray datasets GSE3189 and
GSE7553, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in melanoma samples were screened, followed
by functional enrichment analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed for
RUNX3. DEGs that co-expressed with RUNX3 were analyzed, and the transcription factors (TFs)
of RUNX3 and its co-expressed genes were predicted. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) for
RUNX3 were analyzed utilizing the GeneMANIA database. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that could
target RUNX3 expression, were predicted.

Results:
RUNX3 expression was significantly up-regulated in melanoma tissues. GSEA showed
that RUNX3 expression was positively correlated with melanogenesis and melanoma pathways.
Eleven DEGs showed significant co-expression with RUNX3 in melanoma, for example, TLE4
was negatively co-expressed with RUNX3. RUNX3 was identified as a TF that regulated the
expression of both itself and its co-expressed genes. PPI analysis showed that 20 protein-encoding
genes interacted with RUNX3, among which 9 genes were differentially expressed in melanoma,
such as CBFB and SMAD3. These genes were significantly enriched in transcriptional regulation
by RUNX3, RUNX3 regulates BCL2L11 (BIM) transcription, regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NFkappaB
signaling, and signaling by NOTCH. A total of 31 miRNAs could target RUNX3, such as
miR-326, miR-330-5p, and miR-373-3p.

Conclusion:
RUNX3 expression was up-regulated in melanoma and was implicated in the
development of melanoma.