bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD40 Monoclonal Antibody and OK432 Synergistically Promote the Activation of Dendritic Cells in Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Lei , Li Shuyi , Gao Xuefeng , Liu Zhong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) with pulmonary-metastasis usually indicates a poor prognosis, whereas patients may benefit from adoptive cell therapy. Tumor specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been reported to be a promising treatment for CRC. However, the antitumor effect of CTLs remains limited, partially due to insufficient production of effector cells via the activation with antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs). Method: Here we presented that a combination of CD40 mAb and Picibanil (OK-432) could significantly enhance the activation of CTLs by DCs, both in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometric, colon cancer mouse model, and pathological staining were employed to demonstrate the specific functions. Results: This approach promoted the maturation of DCs, augmented the production of stimulatory cytokines, and suppressed the secretion of inhibitory cytokines. Additionally, it facilitated the killing efficiency of CTLs via stimulating their proliferation while restrained the number of Tregs, concomitantly with the positive regulation of corresponding cytokines. Furthermore, the combined unit could hurdle the expansion of tumor cells on metastatic lung in colon cancer mouse model. Conclusion: Collectively, the combination of CD40-mAb and OK-432 can facilitate the maturation of DCs and enhance the cytotoxicity of T cells, which may be a promising approach for clinical treatment against CRC.
Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activities of Gastrodia elata Bl.-Acorus tatarinowii decoction on experimentally induced seizures in mice
Authors: He Xirui , Yang Yan , Yuan Xufang , Sun Yin , LI Yongsheng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Epilepsy is a serious public health problem in the world. At present, over 30% of affected patients remain refractory to current available treatment. Medicinal plants as pharmaceuticals and healthcare treatments have been frequently used in the management of epilepsy in China for many centuries. Gastrodia elata Bl.-Acorus tatarinowii (GEAT), as a classic and most commonly used herb pair in in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been employed to control seizures for thousands of years. However, the animal experiment data of its anticonvulsant effect is limited in the literature. The objective of this study was to mainly analyze the anticonvulsant activity of GEAT decoction in maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and trimercaptopropionic acid (3-MP) induced acute seizures in mice, providing a scientific basis for the treatment of convulsive disorders in traditional medicine. In addition, PTZ-induced kindling models were conducted to investigate the seizure severity, anxiety and cognitive profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress parameters in mice. The results showed that GEAT decoction dose-dependently protected mice against MES, 3-MP and PTZ induced acute seizures. Meanwhile, GEAT decoction ameliorated seizure severity, decreased the accumulation of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, mitigated oxidative stress, as well as alleviated anxious-like behavior and cognitive deficits in PTZ-kindled mice. Our data evidenced that GEAT decoction possesses certain anticonvulsant properties, which might be clinically useful as a phytotherapy alone or as an adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of seizures and epilepsy.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae from Selected Public Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Ayalew Enaniye , Wolde Mistire , Ebrahim Semira , Seyoum Elias , Woldesenbet Zerihun , Dinku Surafel Fentaw 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) is gram negative diplococcic bacteria that cause most important sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In most developing countries including Ethiopia, NG infections are diagnosed syndromically, and its antibiotic susceptibility is rarely tested. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of N. gonorrhoeae among syndrome diagnosed and treated cases attending selected public health centers, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2020, at selected health centers STIs clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Urethral discharge or vaginal discharge specimens were cultured on Modified Thayer Martín media and suspected gonococcal colonies were confirmed using Oxidase, Superoxol tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using concentration gradient strips (E-test) of the same antimicrobial agents of ciprofloxacin, penicillin, Ceftriaxone, Azytromicin, Cefoxitin, and SpectinomicinResults: Among the total 325 NG suspects 163 (50 %) were culture positive. Among the culture positive cases 126 were male and 37 females. Around 4% of isolates are non-susceptible to Ceftriaxone which is the current antimicrobial agent used for urethral discharge/ vaginal discharge syndrome treatment.Conclusion: In the current study, the proportion of N. gonorrhoeae culture positivity rate among male was found to be high. The antimicrobial agent ceftriaxone used for the treatment of gonococccal isolates found to become non susceptible. Antimicrobial agents outside of ciprofloxacin and natural penicillin antimicrobial agents are eligible for the national STI syndromic management.
Source tracking microplastics pollution from Qarasu basin rivers to Gorgan Bay, Caspian Sea
Authors: masoudi ebrahim , Hedayati Aliakbar , bagheri tahere , salati AmirParviz , safari Roghayeh , Gholizadeh mohammad , zakeri mohammad 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Concerns about the negative effects of MPs on human health have led to increasing attention to the occurrence of MPs in the aquatic environment. Recent studies have focus from the marine environment to inland waters, particularly the spatio-temporal distribution of MPs in rivers for residential and agricultural area. Qarasu river basin, watershed to Gorgan Bay, is the site of many permanent rivers and the levels of MP pollution in those rivers are unknown. This research was conducted in three different type of land use: forest, residential and agricultural along 8 different rivers. A total of 9 fish species were identified and the presence of MPs in 87% of fish was confirmed. The prevalence of MP among species was Liza sp.> C.gibelio> G.holbrooki> R.rutilus> N.melanostomus> C.carpio = V.vimba> R.frisii> Barbus sp. The highest frequency of MPs was observed in Qarasu river (1880 ± 251 n/kg) and Mohammadabad river (184 ± 1340 n/kg) in agricultural land use, the lowest frequency was related to Baghu and Ziarat rivers with 660 ± 77 and 600 ±91 n / kg was found in forest land use respectively. The highest type, color and size of MP sediments were fragment, black and 1-2 mm, respectively. The highest type, color and size of MP in fishes were fiber, black and 0.5-0.1mm respectively. Overally according to the source tracking result, agricultural land use was the main source of MP pollution of Gorgan Bay. The Bay is strongly affected by the incoming rivers, the Qarasu River Basin as the most important river supplying water.
Remote sensing of boat abandonment using Google EarthTM
Authors: Payne Millicent R. , Turner Andrew 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Abandoned boats represent a pervasive and growing problem in the coastal zone that have received little regulatory or scientific attention. In this study, we show how Google EarthTM can be employed to remotely identify abandoned boats and provide information on their size, age and condition. Based on specified criteria for abandonment, a survey of southern England (1700 km in length) reveals the presence of 266 boats that are mainly located in the intertidal zones of estuaries and inlets and that are often contained within clusters. Boat length ranged from 2.6 to 60 m (median = 10.5 m) and since 2004 abandonment has been increasing at a rate of about eight per year. The majority of boats appear to be of timber construction and exhibit evidence of damage and water-sediment ingression. The environmental impacts are likely to be most significant where boats are clustered in protected mudflats.
Predictors of Long-term Mortality After Intertrochanteric Fractures Surgery: A 3-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Yao , Huang Qiang , Xu Yibo , Ren Cheng , Sun Liang , Dong Wenchao , Li Ming , Xue Hanzhong , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Ma Teng , Wang Qian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Intertrochanteric fractures are associated with high mortality rates; however, long-term data on survival and predictors remain scarce. Therefore, this study investigated risk factors associated with 3-year mortality in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: In a retrospective study, 156 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent surgery between January 2017 to January 2018 at our center were included. Association-affecting variables, such as gender, age, time from injury to surgery, hemoglobin (Hb), total lymphocyte count (TLC), albumin, malnutrition, and co-morbidities, were recorded and analyzed. Afterward, logistic regression was used to analyze the significant variables and find independent predictors for 3-year mortality. Results: A total of 156 patients were followed up for 3 years. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year postoperative cumulative mortality rates were 9.6% (15/156), 16.7% (26/156), and 24.4% (38/156), respectively. Simple analyses found that age, Hb, albumin, and malnutrition were associated with 3-year mortality (p<0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed that advanced age (p<0.001) and low albumin (p=0.014) were independent risk factors for 3-year mortality. Conclusion: Low serum albumin and advanced age were independent risk factors for long-term mortality in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.
Economic And Social Deprivation Predicts Impulsive Choice In Young Children.
Authors: Tunney Richard 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Impulsivity is an individual difference in decision-making that is a risk factor for a number of health concerns including addiction and obesity. Although impulsivity has a large heritable component it, the health concerns associated with impulsivity are not uniformly distributed across society. For example, people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be overweight, and be dependent on tobacco or alcohol. This suggests that the environmental component of impulsivity night be related to economic circumstances and availability of resources. This paper provides evidence that children aged 4 to 12 from the most deprived areas show greater impulsivity in the form of delay discounting than do children from the least deprived areas. The data are discussed with reference to scarcity based models of decision-making and to public health inequalities.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals and potential host adaptation
Authors: Tan Cedric , Lam Su Datt , Richard Damien , Owen Chris , Berchtold Dorothea , Orengo Christine , Nair Meera , Kuchipudi Suresh , Kapur Vivek , Dorp Lucy van , Balloux Francois 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, can infect a wide range of mammals. Since its spread in humans, secondary host jumps of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to a variety of domestic and wild populations of mammals have been documented. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in different host species is of fundamental interest while also providing indication of how SARS-CoV-2 may have adapted to human hosts soon after the initial host jump, a time window for which there are no genome sequences available. Moreover, the study of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in animals is critical to assess the risk that the transmission of animal-adapted viral lineages back into humans (i.e., spillback) may pose. Here, we compared the genomic landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from animal species relative to that in humans, profiling the mutational biases indicative of potentially different selective pressures in animals. We focused on viral genomes collected in infected mink (Neovison vison) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for which reports of multiple independent spillover events and subsequent animal-to-animal transmission are available. We identified six candidate mutations for animal-specific adaptation in mink (NSP9_G37E, Spike_F486L, Spike_N501T, Spike_Y453F, ORF3a_T229I, ORF3a_L219V), and one in deer (NSP3a_L1035F), though these mutations appear to confer minimal advantage for circulation in humans. Additionally, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in mink and deer has not caused considerable changes to the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 thus far. Finally, our results suggest that minimal adaptation was required for human-to-animal spillover and subsequent onward transmission in mink and deer, highlighting the ‘generalist’ nature of SARS-CoV-2 as a pathogen of mammalian hosts.
Protocatechuic Acid, Ferulic Acid and Relevant Defense Enzymes Correlate Closely with Walnut Resistance to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Juglandis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Meixuan , Yang Guiyan , Liu Xiaoqiang , Yu Zhongdong , Peng Shaobing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Juglans regia L. is an important nut tree that has a wide range of distribution in temperate regions of the world. In some walnut orchards, walnut blight can become a problematic disease that affects the growth of walnut trees. To explore the correlation between biochemical response and walnuts resistance, we inoculated four walnut cultivars with Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Juglandis (abv. Xaj). The walnut cultivars were, namely, ‘Xiangling’, ‘Xiluo 2’, ‘Yuanfeng’ and ‘Xifu 2’. Total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, whereby nine major phenolic compounds and several relevant enzymes were identified. Results: The results showed that the most resistant and susceptible walnut varieties were ‘Xiluo 2’ and ‘Xifu 2’ respectively. The reaction of walnut to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Juglandis was characterized by the early accumulation of phenolic compounds in the infected site. The accumulation of phenolic compounds after infection was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was reflected in the catalytic effect of peroxidase (POD) on ferulic acid dimerization which contributed to walnut resistance against disease. This also meant a series of defense-related functions with a key role of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The results revealed that the competitiveness of flavonoids were weakened in biosynthesis, thereby strengthening the synthesis of chemicals catalyzed by phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) against walnut blight. The resistant variety ‘Xiluo 2’ had a significantly higher protocatechuic acid content, compared to other varieties, when measured on the 4th day after inoculation (dpi). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed that walnut blight resistance is a collective function of interactions between the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the phenylpropane metabolic pathway and the action of relevant defense enzymes.
Dynamic NLR and PLR in predicting Covid-19 severity: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Asperges Erika , Albi Giuseppe , Zuccaro Valentina , Sambo Margherita , Pieri Teresa Chiara , Calia Matteo , Colaneri Marta , Maiocchi Laura , Melazzini Federica , Lasagna Angioletta , Peri Andrea , Mojoli Francesco , Sacchi Paolo , Bruno Raffaele 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: the hyperinflammation phase of severe SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by complete blood count alterations. In this context, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used as prognostic factors. We study NLR and PLR trends at different timepoints and compute optimal cutoffs to predict four outcomes: use of Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP), ICU admission, invasive ventilation and death. Methods: we retrospectively included all adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted from 23rd January 2020 to 18th May 2021. Data were extracted using ICD9 codes and our Covid-19 registry. Analyses included descriptive statistics and non parametric tests to study the ability of NLR and PLR to distinguish the patients’ outcomes at each timepoint. ROC curves were built for NLR and PLR at each timepoint (minus discharge) in order to identify cutoffs to distinguish severe and non severe disease and their statistical significance was assessed with the Chi-square test. NLR and PLR were compared with DeLong’s test. Results: we included 2169 patients. NLR and PLR were higher in severe Covid-19 at all the timepoints, with a difference that gets bigger and a trend that is steeper in more severe disease. Both ratios were able to distinguish the outcomes at each timepoint. For NLR, the areas under the curve (AUROC) ranged between 0.59 and 0.81, for PLR, between 0.53 and 0.67. From each ROC curve we computed an optimal cutoff value (e.g. NLR 7 for CPAP for males at admission). NLR performed better than PLR. Conclusion: our results are in line with other studies that computed NLR and PLR trends and values in disease, especially with those that distinguished between different grades of severity. Our study is retrospective and single centre, and is limited by selection bias, but includes more than 2000 patients, thus limiting the confounding factors and outliers. Our cutoffs do not only deal with severity and mortality but allow for a more tailored approach. Future prospect include validating our cutoffs in a prospective cohort and comparing their performance against other Covid19 scores.
Lycorine Inhibits Angiogenesis by Docking to PDGFRα
Authors: Lv Fei , Li XiaoQi , Hao LiYing , Wang Ying 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Lyc (Lycorine) is a natural alkaloid derived from medicinal plants of the Amaryllidaceae family. Lyc has been reported to inhibit recurrence and metastasis of different kinds of tumors. However, the Lyc’s effect of angiogenesis and its specific mechanism is still not clear. This study was designed to test the anti-angiogenesis effect of Lyc and explore possible mechanisms. We performed cell experiments to confirm Lyc's inhibitory effect on angiogenesis and employed sunitinib as a positive control. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect of Lyc and sunitinib was also explored. Next, we conducted bioinformatics to predict the potential targets of Lyc and verified them by western blott and immunofluorescence. Molecular docking, kinase activity assays, Biacore assays and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSAs) were applied to elucidate the mechanism by which Lyc inhibited target activity. Lyc inhibited angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Employing bioinformatics, we found that Lyc's target was PDGFRα and that Lyc attenuated PDGFRα phosphorylation. We also found that Lyc inhibited PDGFRα activation by docking to it to restrain its activity. In addition, Lyc significantly inhibited PDGF-AA-induced angiogenesis. This study provides new insights into the molecular functions of Lyc and indicates its potential as a therapeutic agent for tumor angiogenesis.
Modern contraception use and associated factors in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Zeleke Girum Taye , Zemedu Theodros Getachew 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The use of contraceptive is key in reducing unsafe abortion from unintended pregnancies, infant mortality, adolescent pregnancies, slowing population growth and helps to prevent HIV/AIDS. However, less than one-third of women within reproductive age in Ethiopia uses modern contraceptive methods. Hence, this study aims to identify potential factors on use of modern contraceptive method.Methods: Data from 2019 Ethiopian min Demographic and Health Survey were used in this analysis. A total of 8,885 women within the ages of 15–49 years across 305 enumeration areas in nine regions and two city administrations were included in the analysis. Logistic regression model used to examine the association between women’s background characteristics and modern contraceptives use. Results: Only 28.1% of women used modern contraceptives. About 40% of the modern contraceptive users were between age of 25-29 and 30–34 years. There was significant association between women’s age, level of education, region, religion, parity, wealth quintile and marital status on use of modern contraceptives. Women who were married and living with partners were about 20 and 24 times more likely to use modern contraceptives compared to sexually active unmarried women. Conclusion: The study showed that the use of modern contraceptive method is low and influenced by socio-demographic characteristics of women in Ethiopia. Therefore, increasing the awareness of women to use modern contraceptive methods is vital.
The diagnostic value and therapeutic predictive value of immune genes in psoriasis
Authors: Pan Jiax , Li Yuzhen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: We already know that abnormal immune cell infiltration is related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis (PSO), but the role of immune cell infiltration in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis is unknown.The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic and predictive value of immune-related genes in psoriasis.Methods: Six gene expression datasets were downloaded from GEO database to analyze gene expression in psoriasis tissues. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to assess immune cell infiltration in psoriatic tissue. Immune-related genes were screened by overlapping immune-related genes with differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein interaction (PPI) networks are used to identify key DEGs. We analyzed the diagnostic value of key genes in psoriasis and the predictive value of key genes in three types of biological therapy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect gene expression in psoriasis tissues.Results: There were significant differences in immune cell infiltration between psoriatic tissue and normal skin tissue. PRC1, GATA3, IL1RN and CCL20 are the key genes of four subclusters in PPI network. PRC1, GATA3, IL1RN and CCL20 have diagnostic value in psoriasis, among which PRC1 and CCL20 have better diagnostic value than GATA3 and IL1RN. After treatment with effective biologic agents, the expression of PRC1, GATA3, IL1RN and CCL20 decreased in skin tissues of patients. GATA3 and IL1RN did not change significantly in patients with non-response to Ustekinumab, and the expression of GATA3 did not change significantly in patients with non-response to Etanercept, that showed good predictive value. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that the expression of PRC1, GATA3, IL1RN and CCL20 in PSO tissue was significantly different from that in normal skin tissue, and immune-related genes PRC1, GATA3, IL1RN and CCL20 could be used as auxiliary diagnostic indicators of psoriasis. GATA3 and IL1RN may serve as promising predictors of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and IL-12/23 inhibitors therapy in patients.Conclusion: This study reveals the significance of immune genes in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. These key genes may provide new ideas for future treatments.