bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predication of the Underlying Protective Effect of Saffron on Parkinson's Disease via Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Gong Junjie , Xu Zijin , Hao Shushu , Chen Boqian , Zhuang Shengcheng , Jiang guojun , Bathaie SZ , wang ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundReports indicate that saffron originated from Iran then introduced into mainland China through the earlier established trans-Tibet trade routes in ancient China. Based to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, saffron functions by promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, cooling blood and detoxification, as well as relieving depression for tranquilization. Modern medical research has demonstrated several properties of saffron including antitumor, antidepressant, enhancement of immunity, cardioprotection. Notably, recent studies introduce that saffron has a neuroprotective effect, specifically in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in recent years. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive so far. As such, this study aims to predict the underlying mechanism of saffron on Parkinson's disease through network pharmacology and molecular docking.MethodsA functional-based network pharmacology and molecular docking model was constructed for dissecting the underlying mechanism of saffron on Parkinson's disease. Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database (TCMSP) and the literature reviews, the putative targets of Saffron were collected. Further, the interaction networks of Drug- candidate compounds targets-Therapeutic targets-Disease were mined using the Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted and the String database was used to analyze the protein interaction network. Finally, Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between the components in Saffron and key targets by MOE 2014.09 software.ResultsA total of 9 candidate compounds from saffron corresponding to 52 therapeutic targets of Parkinson's disease were identified. The neuroprotective effect of saffron in the treatment of PD was attributed to the strong binding between crocin (including crocin I and crocin II) as well as key targets including CASP3, IL6, and MAPK8. Additionally, the auxiliary neuroprotective effects might have originated from quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin because of their slightly weaker binding capacity to the key targets.ConclusionSaffron exhibits a synergistic effect via multiple targets and pathways in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and our systemic pharmacological analysis provides a basis for the clinical application and in-depth study of saffron.
Unilateral Frosted Branch Angiitis in An Immunocompromised Patient With Concurrent Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection
Authors: LIM TSU HONG , WAI Yong Zheng , CHONG Jia Cherng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Frosted branch angiitis is an uncommon ocular sign with multiple causes. With the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, more and more cases of ocular manifestation with COVID-19 has been reported. These poses great challenges to clinicians when handling COVID-19 patients with ocular signs and symptoms. The challenges are even greater when dealing with uncommon disease that co-exists with COVID-19 as both diseases are not well understood. Finding We report the first case of frosted branch angiitis in a patient with coexisting cytomegalovirus and COVID-19 infection. A 33- year-old gentleman with underlying acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who was newly started on highly active antiretroviral therapy, complained of gradual blurring of vision one month after he was diagnosed positive for COVID-19. Upon clinical examination, fundus findings demonstrated extensive perivascular sheathing of both artery and vein, suggestive of frosted branch angiitis of the right eye. Laboratory investigations revealed both nasal swab for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction and serum cytomegalovirus antibody was positive. The patient was then admitted to COVID-19 ward and treated with intravenous ganciclovir. Conclusion The challenges remain when handling Covid-19 patients with FBA. However, clinicians need to be aware of the possible coexistence of COVID-19 in an immunocompromised patient with frosted branch angiitis.
COVID-19 Associated Coagulopathy Is a Reversible Phenomenon - 3-Month Follow Up Reveals Normalization of Coagulation Status Associated With Complete Venous Recanalization in Patients After Severe COVID-19
Authors: Magomedov Abakar , Zickler Daniel , Karaivanov Stoyan , Kurreck Annika , Münch Frédéric H , Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Kahl Andreas , Piper Sophie K , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Dörner Thomas , Kruse Jan Matthias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID 19 is associated with a hypercoagulable state and frequent thromboembolic complications. For how long this acquired abnormality lasts potentially requiring preventive measures, such as anticoagulation remains to be delineated.Methods: We used viscoelastic rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) in a single center cohort of 13 critical ill patients and performed follow up examinations three months after discharge from ICU.Results: We found clear signs of a hypercoagulable state due to severe hypofibrinolysis and a high rate of thromboembolic complications during the phase of acute illness. Three month follow up revealed a normalization of the initial coagulation abnormality together without evidence of venous thrombosis in all thirteen patients. Conclusion: In our cohort the coagulation profile was completely normalized three months after COVID-19. It thus appears reasonable that anticoagulation can be discontinued beyond this timepoint in patients with complete venous reperfusion.
Risk Factors for Mortality of Patients with COVID-19 in Korea: A Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Park Se Jun , Lee Hyungkook , Youk Tae Mi , Jeon Han Ho 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing major global health crisis caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outcomes of COVID-19 in patients remain unclear. We aimed to identify risk factors for the mortality of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea without health system disruption.Methods: The data of confirmed COVID-19 patients were retrieved from Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) dataset between January 3 and June 1, 2020. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19.Results: We identified 7,333 COVID-19 patients, of whom 227 (3.1%) died. Hypertension was the most common (26%), followed by diabetes mellitus (23.0%). In multivariate analysis, male (OR: 1.92, P <0.0001), elderly (age >65) (OR: 11.00, P < 0.0001), living in a large outbreak area (OR: 2.61, P < 0.0001), Medical Aid beneficiaries (OR: 1.54, P = 0.0282), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ≥3 (OR: 3.25, P = 0.029), hypertension (OR: 1.90, P = 0.0013), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 1.61, P = 0.0374), congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR: 2.14, P = 0.0001), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (OR: 5.69, P = 0.0090) were independent risk factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, and inflammatory bowel disease were not risk factors for mortality.Conclusion: Male, elderly patients ˃65 years old, Medical Aid beneficiaries, higher CCI (≥3), and living in a large outbreak area might have a greater risk of mortality and comorbidities such as hypertension, COPD, CHF, and ESRD could also greatly affect the mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Towards the Upscaling of School Nutrition Programs in Dubai: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Algurg Reem , Mahfouz Nour Abu , Otaki Farah , Alameddine Mohamad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSchool nutrition programs impact the intellectual, social, and emotional development of school children, as well as their future risk of developing Non-Communicable Diseases. While many stakeholders are involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of school nutrition programs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, little is known about the complementarity among those stakeholders, and the means to upscale school nutrition programs while ensuring effective, efficient, and equitable implementation. Accordingly, this study aims at exploring the perceptions of a diverse group of stakeholders, positioned at differing levels of the public health and education ecosystems in the United Arab Emirates, in relation to current guidelines and practices around the planning, implementation, and evaluation of school nutrition programs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.MethodsThe study relied on a qualitative design, based on semi-structured key informant interviews. A total of 29 interviews were carried-out. Those interviewees included leaders and directors from different institutions, decision- and policy- makers, nutritionists, school nurses and nurse managers, and school principals and vice principals. All stakeholders were interviewed by the research team. Data was transcribed, and then thematically analyzed using the health systems’ model as an analytic framework.ResultsThe thematic analysis of interview data identified five interrelated themes. The first theme relates to the limited coordination across regulatory local and federal entities, and the multiplicity of guidelines issued by the different stakeholders. The challenges around the human and financial resourcing of school nutrition programs constituted the second theme. The third theme was the weakly coordinated implementation efforts. The fourth theme was the need for better performance measurement, and the fifth theme flagged the need for improved inclusiveness for health needs and cultural preferences of the diverse student body in Dubai.ConclusionThis study emphasizes that all the involved stakeholders need to better collaborate to upscale the school nutrition program in Dubai. This will require the formation of a unified governing body, which would identify and develop a single stream of resources, and sets in place a reliable, all encapsulating and equitable implementation plan along with an overarching monitoring and evaluation framework.
Gentamicin Sponge for Anti-infection, a Controversial Old Topic and Preliminary Exploration of the Solution, in Vitro and in Vivo Experiments
Authors: Li Yongduo , Wang Dong , Zhou Junlin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Our study was to construct drug-loading and drug-release quantitative equation of gentamicin sponge, in addition, obtain the wound infection prevented and treated scheme of gentamicin sponge. Methods: Sterile sponge was cut into 1×1×0.5cm size and immersed into 40mg/ml, 16mg/ml, 8mg/ml, 4mg/ml, 1.6mg/ml, 0.8mg/ml or 0mg/ml gentamicin solution for 12h, 24h, 48h, 96h or 120h to evaluate gentamicin-loading of sponge. Sponge was immersed in gentamicin solution of different concentrations for 48h and then air-dried. Air-dried sponge was immersed into 10ml 0.9% physiological saline to evaluated gentamicin-release. Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were used to explore infection prevented scheme of gentamicin sponge. Besides, femur fractured with wound infection rat model was used to discuss the infection treated scheme.Results: The equation of gentamicin-loading of sponge was: z=(0.03718±0.01672)x+(-4.578e-4±0.06253)y+(-2.50935e-4±1.47521e-4)x2+(0.00303±0.00149)y2+(0.00408±3.52827e-4)xy (R2 was 0.97) and drug-release equation was z=(4.37205±1.18048)x+(-7.05921±3.09628)y+(-0.04596±0.01287)x2+(0.3309±0.07912)y2+(0.31559±0.02754)xy (R2 was 0.95). The antibacterial zone sizes of sponges immersed in 40mg/ml, 16mg/ml, 8mg/ml, 4mg/ml, 1.6mg/ml, 0.8mg/ml gentamicin solution were larger than 0mg/ml air-dried sponge, and the difference had statistically significant (p<0.01). Rats of groups of 40mg/ml air-dried sponge, 16mg/ml air-dried sponge, 8mg/ml air-dried sponge had no wound suppuration in both MSSA and P. aeruginosa infection rat model.Conclusions: The quantified equation of gentamicin-loading and release of sponge was with high accuracy. 1.6 mg/ml air-dried sponge and 0.8mg/ml air-dried sponge were enough to prevent wound infection. Besides, if wound were confirmed to be sensitive bacteria infected, we recommended to use 40mg/ml air-dried sponge, 16mg/ml air-dried sponge or 8mg/ml air-dried sponge to treat.
CircRNA_100290 Promotes GC Cell Proliferation And Invasion Via miR-29b-3p/ITGA11 Axis And Is Regulated By EIF4A3
Authors: Wang Gang , Sun Dan , Li Wenhui , Xin Yan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported as an important regulator in the development and progression of various carcinomas. However, the role of circRNA_100290 in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of circRNA_100290 in GC invasion and metastasis and its possible mechanism.Methods: The expression of circRNA_100290 in GC cells and tissues were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The role of circRNA_100290 in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was evaluated on AGS and HGC-27 cell lines in vitro. Bioinformatics tools, dual-luciferase reporter assay, Western blot assay and qRT-PCR were used to explore the downstream pathways of circRNA_100290. The mechanism underlying the regulation of the expression of circRNA_100290 was explored using RNA immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays.Results: The expression of circRNA_100290 was found significantly upregulated in GC cells and 102 GC tissues, high expression of circRNA_100290 in GC was closely related to Borrmann’s types, lymph node metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis staging. In vitro, knockdown of circRNA_100290 in AGS and HGC-27 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a direct binding between circRNA_100290 and miR-29b-3p, which targets ITGA11, an oncogene which is closely related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, EIF4A3, one of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), could inhibit the formation of circRNA_100290 via enriching flanking sites of circRNA_100290. Low expression of EIF4A3 in GC was related to a worse prognosis.Conclusions: Elevated circRNA_100290 in GC promotes cell proliferation, invasion and EMT via miR-29b-3p/ITGA11 axi and might be regulated by EIF4A3. CircRNA_100290 might be a promising biomarker and target for GC therapy.
MiR-190 Promotes Malignant Transformation and Progression of Human Urothelial Cells through CDKN1B Inhibition
Authors: Huang Shirui , Hua Xiaohui , Kuang Mengjiao , Zhu Junlan , Mu Haiqi , Tian Zhongxian , Zheng Xiaoqun , Xie Qipeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough miR-190 has been reported to be related to human diseases, especially in the development and progression of cancer, its expression in human bladder cancer (BC) and potential contribution to BC remain unexplored. MethodsqRT-PCR was used to verify the expression level of miR-190 and CDKN1B. Flow cytometry (FCM) assays were performed to detect cell cycle. Soft agar assay was used to measure anchorage-independent growth ability. Methylation-Specific PCR, Dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting were used to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. ResultsOur studies revealed that downregulation of the CDKN1B/p27 protein is an important event related to miR-190, promoting the malignant transformation of bladder epithelial cells. miR-190 binds directly to CDKN1B 3’-UTR and destabilizes CDKN1B mRNA. Moreover, miR-190 downregulates TET1 by binding to the TET1 CDS region, which mediates hypermethylation of the CDKN1B promoter, thereby resulting in the downregulation of CDKN1B mRNA. These two aspects led to miR-190 inhibition of p27 protein expression in human BC cells. However, the increased expression of miR-190 in BC and its upstream regulatory mechanism remain unclear. A more in-depth mechanistic study showed that c-Jun promotes the transcription of Talin2, the host gene of miR-190, thus upregulating the expression of miR-190 in human BC cells. ConclusionIn this study, we found that miR-190 plays an important role in the development of BC. Taken together, these findings indicate that miR-190 may promote the malignant transformation of human urothelial cells by downregulating CDKN1B, which strengthens our understanding of miR-190 in regulating BC cell transformation.
Healthcare Workers Awareness And Knowledge of Covid-19 Infection Control Precautions and Waste Management: Saudi Arabia Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Aleanizy Fadilah Sfouq , Alqahtani Fulwah Yahya 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective

Healthcare workers (HWs) perform a critical role not only in the clinical management and organization of patients but also in providing adequate infection control and prevention measures and waste management to be implemented in health care facilities. It is important therefore for HWs to have adequate and correct knowledge and awareness towards any pandemic. The aim of this study is to evaluate HWs awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 infection control precautions and waste management in Saudi Arabia hospitals.
Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Information on knowledge, awareness and practice of HWs of infection control and waste management were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results

Our findings of assessing the Saudi HWs awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 infection control precautions and waste management during COVID-19 pandemic indicate that most study participants were knowledgeable and achieved a mean of 78.3%. About (92.5%) were aware of the infection control precautions, and 90.3% knew waste management during COVID-19 and 91.7% knew of all the infection control supplies availability. The knowledge of HW regarding waste procedure in their facility correlate significantly with gender (p = 0.0001), education (p = 0.024), and working experience (p = 0.029). The knowledge of infection control precaution correlate with gender (p = 0.0003), education (p = 0.043) and working experience (p = 0.009).
Conclusion

Most participants appreciated the importance of their role in infection control, surveillance and monitoring the ongoing safety of their patients themselves and their facility and community. Saudi Ministry of health initiatives to improve education and provide training to HW during COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated to expand HW knowledge.
“What Is Life?”: Open Quantum Systems Approach
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei , Basieva Irina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recently the quantum formalism and methodology started to be applied to modeling of information processing in biosystems, mainly to the process of decision making and psychological behavior (but some applications to microbiology and genetics are considered as well). Since a living system is fundamentally open (an isolated biosystem is dead), the theory of open quantum systems is the most powerful tool for life-modeling. In this paper, we turn to the famous Schrödinger book “What is life?” and reformulate his speculations in terms of this theory. Schrödinger pointed toorder preservation as one of the main distinguishing features of biosystems. Entropy is the basic quantitative measure of order. In physical systems, entropy has the tendency to increase (Second Law of Thermodynamics for isolated classical systems and dissipation in open classical and quantum systems). Schrödinger emphasized the ability of biosystems to beat this tendency. We demonstrate that systems processing information in the quantum-like way can preservethe order-structure expressed by the quantum (von Neumann or linear) entropy. We emphasize the role of the special class of quantum dynamics and initial states generating the camel-like graphs for entropy-evolution in the process of interaction with a new environment ℰ: 1) entropy (disorder) increasing in the process of adaptation to the specific features of ℰ; 2) entropy decreasing (order increasing) resulting from adaptation; 3) the restoration of order or even its increase for limiting steady state. In the latter case the steady state entropy can be even lower than the entropy of the initial state.
Increased Proportion of TH17, TH22 and TC22 Cells and Correlations to IL-22, IL-10 and Clinical Parameters in a Cohort of Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis From Northern Sweden.
Authors: Lejon Kristina , Hellman Urban , Do Lan , Kumar Anjani , d'Elia Helena Forsblad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Increased levels of TH17 and TH22 as well as TC17 and TC22 cells and their related cytokines have previously been associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the status of these inflammatory cells in a well characterized AS cohort from northern Sweden has not been studied.Objectives The aim of this study was to confirm the increased presence of inflammatory T cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with AS and controls from northern Sweden and explore the association with clinically relevant parameters with the level of the inflammatory T cell subset(s) and related cytokines.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a cohort of 50 patients (66% men) with AS from Region Västerbotten (age 52.1±9.0 years, 100% HLA-B27+) and 50 pairwise sex- and age-matched blood donor controls (66% men, mean age 54.6±9.1 years) were stained for CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, intracellular IL-17 and IL-22 and analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, levels of IL-17, IL-22 and IL-10 in plasma were determined. The patients with AS were assessed for mSASSS, hsCRP, ESR, BASMI, BASFI, ASDAS-hsCRP and BASDAI.Results Pairwise comparisons of AS patients and controls showed a 1,5x to 2-fold increase of TH17, TH22 and TC22 cells among CD45+CD3+ lymphocytes in PBMCs in male patients (p=0.013, p=0.003 and p=0.024 respectively). Levels of IL-22 in plasma and proportion of TC17 correlated in male patients (Rs=0.499 p=0.003) and plasma levels of IL-10 showed an inverse correlation to TC17 in all patients (Rs=-0.276 p=0.05). In addition, male patients with ≥ 1 syndesmophyte showed significantly higher proportion of TH17 cells (p=0.038). In female AS patients there was a negative correlation between TC22 and hsCRP (Rs= -0.573, p=0.016). Conclusions We confirm an increased proportion of TH17, TH22 and TC22 cells in blood in AS male patients from northern Sweden. A positive correlation with the proinflammatory cytokine IL-22 and reverse correlation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in relation to TC17 corroborate the influence of these cells. In addition, a role of TH17 in the pathogenesis process is supported by the correlation between TH17 proportions and the presence of ≥ 1 syndesmophyte.