bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status
Authors: Boothe Makini , Sathane Isabel , Baltazar Cynthia Semá , Chicuecue Noela , Horth Roberta , Fazito Erika , Raymond Henry Fisher
Published: November 2020

Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services.Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey.Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.
Factors Influencing Cancer Genetic Somatic Mutation Test Ordering By Cancer Physicians
Authors: Demeshko Anastassia , Pennisi David J. , Narayan Sushil , Gray Stacy W. , Brown Matthew A. , McInerney-Leo Aideen M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Clinical whole exome sequencing was introduced in an Australian centre in 2017, as an alternative to Sanger sequencing. We aimed to identify predictors of cancer physicians’ somatic mutation test ordering behaviour. Methods: A validated instrument assessed somatic mutation test ordering, genomic confidence, perceived utility of tumour molecular profiling, and percent of patients eligible for targeted therapy. A cash incentive was included in 189/244 questionnaires which were mailed to all Queensland cancer specialists in November 2018. Results: 110 participated (response rate 45%); 54.7% oncologists, and the remainder were surgeons, haematologists and pulmonologists. Oncologists were more likely to respond (p=0.008), and cash incentive improved the response rate (p<0.001). 67/102 (65.7%) of physicians ordered ≥5 somatic mutation tests annually. Oncologists saw 86.75 unique patients monthly and ordered 2.33 somatic mutation tests (2.2%). An average of 51/110 (46.1%) reported having little/no genomic confidence. Logistic regression identified two significant predictors of somatic mutation test ordering: being an oncologist (OR 3.557, CI 1.338-9.456; p=0.011) and having greater confidence in interpreting somatic results (OR 5.926, CI 2.230-15.74; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, the majority of cancer physicians ordered somatic mutation tests. However, the percentage of patients on whom tests were ordered was low. Almost half respondents reported low genomic confidence. Somatic mutation test ordering was higher amongst oncologists and those with increased confidence in interpreting somatic variants. It is unclear whether genomically confident individuals ordered more tests or whether ordering more tests increased genomic confidence. Educational interventions could improve confidence and enhance test ordering behaviour.
The Association between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in France and Japan
Authors: Ishida Mami , Montagni Ilaria , Matsuzaki Keiichi , Shimamoto Tomonari , Cariou Tanguy , Kawamura Takashi , Tzourio Christophe , Iwami Taku
Published: November 2020

Background: Depressive disorders in University students have risen dramatically in the past few decades to the extent that students’ mental health has become a current global public health priority. Obtaining information from University students about their mental health is challenging because of potential embarrassment of disclosing one’s concerns and fear of stigmatization. Self-rated health might be a good solution to evaluate mental health state by a simple and neutral indicator. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and self-rated health by sex among University students in France and Japan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using two large cohorts of students aged ≥18 years (n=5,655 in Bordeaux, France and n=17,148 in Kyoto, Japan). Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2 scale), Likert scale of self-rated health, socio-demographic characteristics and health habits were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to describe the association between depressive symptoms and other variables including self-rated health, stratified by sex.
Results: A high score of PHQ-2 (high depressive symptoms) was associated with poor self-rated health in both cohorts independently of all other variables (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.99-4.01 in France, OR 7.10, 95%CI 5.76-8.74 in Japan). Although the prevalence of depressive symptoms between sexes was different in French students (males 15.4%, females 25.0%, p<0.001), it was similar in Japanese students (males 3.5%, females 3.3%, p=0.466), who reported less depressive symptoms than French students. The association between depressive symptoms and poor self-rated health was greater in Japanese females (OR 12.40, 95%CI 7.74-20.00) than in males (OR 6.30, 95%CI 4.99-7.95), whereas the strength of the association was almost similar in French students (OR 2.17, 95%CI 0.86-5.47 in males, OR 2.98, 95%CI 2.03-4.38 in females).
Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were associated with self-rated health among University students in both countries with slightly differences in sex. Self-rated health would be a simple, reliable and universal indicator for healthcare professionals and University staff to identify students at risk of depression.
Evaluation of successfulness of a capacity building workshop on smokeless tobacco and areca nut cessation conducted among Dental Surgeons of Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study
Authors: Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda , Jayasooriya PR , Amarasinghe H , Hettiarachchi PVKS , Siriwardena BSMS. , Wijerathne UKYGDM , Kithalawarachchi SK. , Tilakaratne WM
Published: November 2020

Background- Prevalence of smoking in Sri Lanka shows a gradual reduction whilst the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut shows an increasing trend. At present, to the best of our knowledge only a few well structured smokeless tobacco/areca nut cessation programmes are conducted in Sri Lanka, which is a gross underachievement considering that betel chewing related oral squamous cell carcinoma being the commonest cancer in Sri Lankan males. As General Dental Practitioners (GDP) do not contribute significantly to smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation activities at present, capacity building programmes on smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control were carried out. The study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices related to smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control among dental surgeonsMethods: Following an one day educational programme on smokeless tobacco / areca nut control, two self administered questionnaires were used to assess the improvement of knowledge and change of attitudes among 663 GDPs .Results - 27.1% of the participants them had received formal tobacco cessation training in the past. Majority had a good knowledge on harmful effects of smokeless tobacco but not on areca nut. Their knowledge on the current legislation on smokeless tobacco control in Sri Lanka and carcinogenicity of areca nut was not satisfactory. Almost all agreed that proper counseling leads to patient quitting the habit, a formal training is necessary to conduct tobacco control activities and it should be the part of the regular treatment modalities. More than 80% of the Dental surgeons believed that they should support strict legislation. Almost 50% agreed on tobacco and areca nut free environment in their dental clinics. Most important factors leading to poor involvement in tobacco cessation activities were lack of expertise and inadequate educational material, not breach of patient privacy and lack of financial incentives. Surprisingly, 20.1% of the dental surgeons had consumed smokeless tobacco / areca nut products in the past and only a few were current users of tobacco and/or areca nut.Conclusions - Well planned workshops are efficient and cost effective in improving knowledge, practices and attitudes of Dental surgeons towards smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation.
Self-esteem instability and affective instability in everyday life after remission from borderline personality disorder
Authors: Santangelo Philip Samuel , Kokler Tobias D. , Zeitler Marie-Luise , Knies Rebekka , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Bohus Martin , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W.
Published: November 2020

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by a pervasive pattern of instability. According to prior findings and clinical theories, self-esteem instability and affective instability are key features of BPD. Previous e-diary studies showed that instability in self-esteem is heightened and that it is highly intertwined with affective instability in BPD in comparison to healthy controls (HC). The present study sought to extend these findings by adding symptomatologically remitted BPD patients (BPD-REM), i.e. former patients with BPD who met four or fewer BPD criteria within the past year, as a comparison group.Methods: To examine differences regarding self-esteem instability and affective instability, we used e-diaries for repeatedly collecting data on self-esteem, valence, and tense arousal 12 times a day for four consecutive days while participants underwent their daily life activities. Determining three different state-of-the-art instability indices and applying multilevel analyses, we compared 35 BPD-REM participants with previously reported 60 acute BPD patients (BPD-ACU) and 60 HC.Results: Our results revealed that self-esteem instability was significantly lower in the BPD-REM compared to the BPD-ACU group, irrespective of the instability index. In contrast, there were no significant differences regarding affective instability between the BPD-REM participants and those in the BPD-ACU group. The comparison between the BPD-REM with the HC indicated both a significantly higher instability in self-esteem as well as significantly heightened affective instability in the BPD-REM participants. Moreover, even though the associations were not significant, we found tentative support for the assumption that affective changes that are accompanied by changes in self-esteem are experienced as more burdensome and negatively impact the quality of life of remitted BPD participants.Conclusions: This study builds on growing evidence for the importance of self-esteem instability in BPD. Whereas affective instability has been reported in various psychiatric disorders and might indeed constitute a transdiagnostic marker of affective dysregulation, our results indicate that self-esteem instability might be a specific symptom that construes the unique pathology in BPD.
The C allele of the reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) polymorphism rs6060566 is a biomarker predicting coronary artery stenosis in Slovenian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tibaut Miha , Ramuš Sara Mankoč , Petrovic Daniel
Published: November 2020

Background: We aimed to examine the role of the rs6060566 polymorphism of the reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) gene in the development of myocardial infarction (MI) in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: A total of 1072 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study: 335 subjects with MI and 737 subjects without clinical signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). The genetic analysis of the rs6060566 polymorphism was performed in all subjects. To assess the degree of coronary artery obstruction, a subpopulation of 128 subjects with T2DM underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Next, endarterectomy samples were obtained during myocardial revascularization from diffusely diseased coronary arteries in 40 cases, which were analysed for ROMO1 expression according to their genotype.Results: There were no statistically significant associations between different genotypes or alleles of the rs6060566 polymorphism and MI in subjects with T2DM. The carriers of the C allele of the ROMO1 rs6060566 had a threefold increased likelihood of having 50%-75% coronary artery stenosis (AOR= 3.27, 95% CI 1.16 – 9.20). Subjects with two affected coronary arteries had a 3.72 fold higher prevalence of MI (OR= 3.72, 95% CI 1.27 – 10.84). With CAD in LMCA or LAD, MI prevalence was about 3.5-fold higher (p=0.07 for LMCA and p=0.01 for LAD). Furthermore, the carriers of the rs6060566 C allele showed higher number of positive cells for ROMO1 expression in endarterectomy samples of coronary arteries.Conclusions: According to our study, the rs6060566 polymorphism of the ROMO1 gene is not a risk factor for MI in Caucasians with T2DM. However, we found that subjects carrying the C allele were at a 3.27-fold increased risk of developing severe CAD compared with those who had non-obstructive CAD. Moreover, C allele carriers showed a statistically higher number of cells positive for ROMO1 compared with T allele carriers in coronary endarterectomy samples.
Water treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in rats by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury
Authors: Ying Xinwang , Xie Qingfeng , Li Shengcun , Yu Xiaolan , Zhou Kecheng , Yue Jingjing , Chen Xiaolong , Tu Wenzhan , Yang Guanhu , Jiang Songhe
Published: November 2020

Background: The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is mainly determined by the junction complex between adjacent endothelial cells, including tight junctions (TJ) and adhesion junctions (AJ), which can be severely damaged after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and apoptosis of neurons. The failure of effective regeneration of new blood vessels is also an important reason for delayed recovery after SCI. We introduced water treadmill training (TT) for the first time, which can help SCI rats successfully exercise and measured the effect of TT in promoting recovery after SCI and possible mechanisms involved.Methods: Sprague-Dawley (200–250g) rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham operated, SCI, and SCI + TT. Animals were sacrificed 7 d or 14 d post-surgery. The degree of neurological deficit as assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan motor rating scale, tissue water content, BSCB permeability, apoptosis, protein expression and ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells were assessed, Western blot, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Our experiments showed that TT reduced the permeability of BSCB and decreased tissue structural damage. TT improved functional recovery significantly when compared with the SCI group; TJ and AJ proteins expression increased significantly after TT training and training reduced apoptosis induced by SCI. TT can promote angiogenesis and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was significantly inhibited by TT.Conclusions: In this study, the results indicate that TT promotes functional recovery for the following reasons: (1) TT protects residual BSCB structure from further damage; (2) it promotes vascular regeneration; and (3) it inhibits the expression of MMP-2/9 to mitigate BSCB damage.
Defining malaria risks among forest workers in Aceh, Indonesia: A formative assessment
Authors: Ekawati Lenny Lia , Johnson Kelly C. , Jacobson Jerry O. , Cueto Carmen A. , Zarlinda Iska , Elyazar Iqbal RF , Fatah Abdul , Sumiwi Maria E. , Noviyanti Rintis , Cotter Chris , Smith Jennifer L. , Coutrier Farah N. , Bennett Adam
Published: November 2020

Background. Following a dramatic decline of malaria cases in Aceh province, geographically-based reactive case detection (RACD) was recently evaluated as a tool to improve surveillance with the goal of malaria elimination. While RACD detected few cases in households surrounding index cases, engaging in forest work was identified as a risk factor for malaria and infections from Plasmodium knowlesi—a non-human primate malaria parasite—were more common than expected. This qualitative formative assessment was conducted to improve understanding of malaria risk from forest work and identify strategies for targeted surveillance among forest workers, including adapting reactive case detection.Methods. Between June and August, 2016, five focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with forest workers and key informants were conducted in each of four subdistricts in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts. Themes included: types of forest activities, mobility of workers, interactions with non-human primates, malaria prevention and treatment-seeking behaviors, and willingness to participate in malaria surveys at forest work sites and using peer-referral.Results. Reported forest activities included mining, logging, and agriculture in the deep forest and along the forest fringe. Forest workers, particularly miners and loggers, described often spending weeks to months at work sites in makeshift housing, rarely utilizing mosquito prevention and, upon fever, self-medicating and seeking care from traditional healers or pharmacies rather than health facilities. Non-human primates are frequently observed near work sites, and most forest work locations are within a day’s journey of health clinics. Employers and workers expressed interest in undertaking malaria testing and in participating in survey recruitment by peer-referral and at work sites.Conclusions. Diverse groups of forest workers in Aceh are potentially exposed to malaria through forest work. Passive surveillance and household-based screening may under-estimate malaria burden due to extended stays in the forest and health-seeking behaviors. Adapting active surveillance to specifically target forest workers through work-site screening and/or peer-referral appears promising for addressing currently undetected infections.
Effects of corn steep liquor on ß-poly(L-malic acid) production in Aureobasidium melanogenum
Authors: Wang Genan , Shi Bingyi , Zhang Pan , Zhao Tingbin , Yin Haisong , Qiao Changsheng
Published: November 2020

ß-poly(L-malic acid) (PMLA) is a water-soluble biopolymer used in medicine, food, and other industries. However, the low level of PMLA biosynthesis in microorganisms limits its further application in the biotechnological industry. In this study, corn steep liquor(CSL), which processes high nutritional value and low-cost characteristics, was selected as a growth factor to increase the PMLA production in strain, Aureobasidium melanogenum, and its metabolomics change under the CSL addition was investigated. The results indicated that, with 3g/L CSL, PMLA production, cell growth, and yield (Yp/x) were increased by 32.76%, 41.82%, and 47.43%, respectively. The intracellular metabolites of A. melanogenum, such as amino acids, organic acids, and key intermediates in the TCA cycle, increased after the addition of CSL, and the enrichment analysis showed that tyrosine may play a major role in the PMLA biosynthesis. The results presented in this study demonstrated that the addition of CSL would be an efficient approach to improve PMLA production.
Feasibility and long-term safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in broncholithiasis patients
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Wang Guangfa , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hong , Wang Xi
Published: November 2020

Background: Treatment of broncholithiasis is complex, especially in the case of a large or transbronchial broncholith. Holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy may be a useful treatment in broncholithiasis; however, as it is not yet common practice, the optimal parameters are unknown. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 13 broncholithiasis patients who underwent Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy from May 2012 to October 2018. Results: For the 13 patients (2 males and 11 females), Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed 17 times, in total. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with rigid bronchoscopy. We initially set the Ho:YAG laser to a pulse frequency of 5 Hz and a pulse energy of 0.8 J, gradually increasing these as required. The pulse frequency range we employed was 5-15 Hz, and the pulse energy range was 0.8-1.6 J. All broncholiths were successfully extracted after lithotripsy, and all symptoms improved. Hemoptysis, bronchial esophageal fistula, and pneumonia were the most common complications; however, there were no long-term complications. Conclusions: Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe treatment for broncholithiasis, over a long-term follow up.
Spatial scale of geomagnetic Pc5/Pi3 pulsations as a factor of their efficiency in generation of geomagnetically induced currents
Authors: Yagova Nadezda V. , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Sakharov Yaroslav , Selivanov Vasily
Published: November 2020

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in a meridional power transmission line on the Kola Peninsula are analyzed during the intervals of Pc5/Pi3 (frequency range from 1.5 to 5 mHz) pulsations recorded at the IMAGE magnetometer network. We have analyzed GIC in a transformer at the terminal station Vykhodnoj (68 N, 33 E) during the entire year of 2015, near the maximum of 24-th Solar cycle. To quantify the efficiency of GIC generation by geomagnetic pulsations, a ratio between power spectral densities of GIC and magnetic field variations is introduced. Upon examination of the geomagnetic pulsation efficiency in GIC generation, the emphasis is given to its dependence on frequency and spatial scale. To estimate pulsation spatial scales in latitudinal and longitudinal directions, the triangle of stations KEV-SOD-KIL has been used. Large-scale pulsations (with a high spectral coherence, low phase difference, and similar amplitudes at latitudinally separated stations) are found to be more effective in GIC generation than small-scale pulsations. The GIC response also depends on the pulsation scale across the electric power line.
Cytoreductive radiotherapy combined with abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistance prostate cancer: a single center experience
Authors: Liu Yang , Long Wen , Zhang Zitong , Mai Lixin , Huang Sijuan , Liu Boji , Cao Wufei , Wu Jianhua , Zhou Fangjian , Li Yonghong , He Liru
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the potential benefit of cytoreductive radiotherapy (cRT) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients receiving abiraterone.Methods: From February 2014 to February 2019, 149 mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone were identified. Patients receiving cRT before abiraterone failure (AbiRT group) were matched by one-to-two propensity score to patients without cRT before abiraterone failure (non-AbiRT group).Results: The median follow-up was 23.5 months. Thirty patients (20.1%) were in the AbiRT group, whereas 119 patients (79.9%) were in the non-AbiRT group. The 2-year OS of patients managed by AbiRT and non-AbiRT were 89.5% and 73.5%, respectively (P = 0.0003). On multivariate analysis, only AbiRT (HR, 0.17; 95%CI, 0.05–0.58; P = 0.004) and prognostic index (HR 2.71; 95% CI, 1.37–5.35; P = 0.004) were significant factors. After matching, AbiRT continued to be associated with improved OS (median OS not reached vs. 44.0 months, P = 0.009). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients aged ≤65 years (HR, 0.09; 95%CI, 0.01–0.65; P = 0.018), PSA ≤20 ng/mL (HR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09–0.99; P = 0.048), chemotherapy-naïve upon abiraterone treatment (HR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06–0.66; P = 0.008) and in intermediate prognosis groups by COU-AA-301 prognostic index (HR 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.57; P = 0.007) had improved OS with AbiRT. Conclusions: cRT before resistance to abiraterone may improve survival in selected mCRPC patients: age ≤65 years old, chemotherapy-naïve, with PSA ≤20 ng/mL at the diagnosis of mCRPC and intermediate prognosis.
Potential hemo-biological identification markers to the left displaced abomasum in dairy cows
Authors: Song Yuxiang , Loor Juan J , Zhao Chenchen , Huang Dan , Du Xiliang , Li Xiaobing , Wang Zhe , Liu Guowen , Li Xinwei
Published: November 2020

Background: Left displaced abomasum (LDA) occurs at high frequency in the early postpartum period and can affect production performance of dairy cows. Clinical diagnosis of LDA is usually done by abdominal auscultation and percussion. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential applicability of blood biomarkers for early warning and diagnosis of LDA in dairy cows. Results: Twenty early postpartum healthy cows and thirty early postpartum LDA cows of similar parity were used. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method was used to analyze the sensitivity of hematological biomarkers to LDA including energy balance metabolic biomarkers, liver/kidney function biomarkers, and minerals. A cut-off point was defined for each of the selected hematological biomarkers deemed sensitive markers of LDA. Compared with healthy cows, body condition score (BCS), dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production were lower in LDA cows. Among energy metabolism markers, serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), insulin (INS), and revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI) levels were lower while serum glucagon (GC) was greater in LDA cows. Among the liver/kidney function biomarkers, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the ratio of AST/ALT and levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total protein (TP) were greater in LDA cows. Among minerals analyzed, serum Cl, Ca, and K were lower in LDA cows. After ROC analysis, it was determined that serum Ca, INS, RQUICKI, ALT, GGT, and creatinine are potential indicators for early warning and diagnosis of LDA for early postpartum dairy cows. Conclusions: Dairy cows with LDA were under severe negative energy balance (NEB), had signs of liver damage and potentially lower insulin sensitivity. A combination of multi-hematological biomarkers including Ca, INS, RQUICKI, ALT, GGT and creatinine has the potential to help identify cows at risk of LDA in the early postpartum period.
Multi-locus sequence analyses reveal a clonal L. borgpetersenii genotype in a heterogeneous invasive Rattus spp. community across the City of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Moseley Mark Hamish , Naidoo Kovashnee , Bastos Armanda , Retief Liezl , Frean John , Telfer Sandra , Rossouw Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Background: Rattus spp. are frequently implicated as key reservoir hosts for leptospirosis, one of the most common, but neglected, bacterial zoonoses in the world. Although leptospirosis is predicted to be a significant public health threat in Africa, studies from the continent are limited. Methods: Rattus spp. (n = 171) were sampled (January-May 2016) across the City of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest inland metropole. Rattus spp. genetic diversity was evaluated by full length (1140 bp) cyt b sequencing of 42 samples. For comparison, a further 12 Rattus norvegicus samples collected in Cape Town, South Africa’s largest coastal metropole, were also genotyped. Leptospira infections were identified and genotyped using real-time PCR and multi-locus (lfb1, secY and lipL41) DNA sequencing. Results: Five R. norvegicus haplotypes were identified across Johannesburg, four of which have not previously been detected in South Africa, and one in Cape Town. Across Johannesburg we identified a Leptospira spp. infection prevalence of 44% (75/171) and noted significant differences in the prevalence between administrative regions within the metropole. Multi-locus sequence analyses identified a clonal genotype consistent with L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica (serovar Ceylonica).Discussion: The prevalence of infection identified in this study is amongst the highest detected in Rattus spp. in similar contexts across Africa. Despite the complex invasion history suggested by the heterogeneity in R. norvegicus haplotypes identified in Johannesburg, a single L. borgpetersenii genotype was identified in all infected rodents. The lack of L. interrogans in a rodent community dominated by R. norvegicus is notable, given the widely recognised host-pathogen association between these species and evidence for L. interrogans infection in R. norvegicus in Cape Town. It is likely that environmental conditions (cold, dry winters) in Johannesburg may limit the transmission of L. interrogans. Spatial heterogeneity in prevalence suggest that local factors, such as land use, influence disease risk in the metropole. Conclusions: In South Africa, as in other African countries, leptospirosis is likely underdiagnosed. The high prevalence of infection in urban rodents in Johannesburg suggest that further work is urgently needed to understand the potential public health risk posed by this neglected zoonotic pathogen.
Using exosomal miRNAs extracted from porcine follicular fluid to investigate their role in oocyte development
Authors: Hu Junhe , Dong Jinyi , Zeng Zhi , Wu Juan , Tan Xiansheng , Tang Tao , Yan Jiao , Jin Chenzhong
Published: November 2020

Background: Follicular development is crucial to normal oocyte maturation, with follicular size closely related to oocyte maturation. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind porcine oocyte maturation, we obtained exosomal miRNA from porcine follicular fluid (PFF). These miRNA samples were then sequenced and analyzed regarding their different follicular sizes, as described in the methods section. Results：First, these results showed that this process successfully isolated PFF exosomes. Nearly all valid reads from the PFF exosomal sequencing data were successfully mapped to the porcine genome database. Second, we used hierarchical clustering methods to determine that significantly expressed miRNAs were clustered into A, B, C, and D groups in our heatmap according to different follicle sizes. These results allowed for the targeting of potential mRNAs genes related to porcine oocyte development. Third, we chose ten, significantly expressed miRNAs and predicted their target genes for further GO analysis. These results showed that the expression levels of neurotransmitter secretion genes were greatly changed, as were many target genes involved in the regulation of FSH secretion. Notably, these are genes that are very closely related to oocyte maturation in growing follicles. We then used pathway analysis for these targeted genes based on the originally selected ten miRNAs. Results indicated that the pathways were mainly related to the biosynthesis of TGF-beta and its signaling pathway, which are very closely related to reproductive system functions.Conclusions：Finally, these exosomal miRNAs obtained from PFF may provide a valuable addition to our understanding of the mechanism of porcine oocyte maturation. It is also likely that these exosomal miRNAs could function as molecular biomarkers to choose high-quality oocytes and allow for in vitro porcine embryo production.
Roquin1 inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest via selectively destabilizing the mRNAs of cell cycle–promoting genes
Authors: Lu Wenbao , Zhou Meicen , Wang Bing , Liu Xueting , Li Bingwei
Published: November 2020

Background: Dysregulation of cell cycle progression is a common feature of human cancer cells; however, its mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the role and the underlying mechanisms of Roquin1 in cell cycle arrest in breast cancer.Methods: Public cancer databases were analyzed to identify the expression pattern of Roquin1 in human breast cancers and its association with patient survival. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blots were performed to detect the expression of Roquin1 in breast cancer samples and cell lines. Cell counting, MTT assays, flow cytometry, and in vivo analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of Roquin1 on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and tumor progression. RNA sequencing was applied to identify the differentially expressed genes regulated by Roquin1. RNA immunoprecipitation assay, luciferase reporter assay, mRNA half-life detection, RNA affinity binding assay, and RIP-ChIP were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of Roquin1.Results: We showed that Roquin1 expression in breast cancer tissues and cell lines was inhibited, and the reduction in Roquin1 expression was associated with poor overall survival and relapse-free survival of patients with breast cancer. Roquin1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and induced G1/S cell cycle arrest without causing significant apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of Roquin1 promoted cell growth and cycle progression. Moreover, in vivo induction of Roquin1 by adenovirus significantly suppressed breast tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, Roquin1 selectively destabilizes cell cycle–promoting genes, including Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) and minichromosome maintenance 2 (MCM2), by targeting the stem–loop structure in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of mRNAs via its ROQ domain, leading to the downregulation of cell cycle–promoting mRNAs.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that Roquin1 is a novel breast tumor suppressor and could induce G1/S cell cycle arrest by selectively downregulating the expression of cell cycle–promoting genes, which might be a potential molecular target for breast cancer treatment.
Gene Expression and Regulatory Webwork of POLR2K in Bladder Carcinogenesis by Integrated Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Yang Liliang , Wang Kaizhen , Guo Wenjing , Chen Xian , Guo Qinglong , Wei Libin , Zhou Yuxin
Published: November 2020

Background：RNA polymerase II subunit K (POLR2K) belongs to one of the multiple subunits of RNA polymerase II (Pol II), whose biological function is to synthesize mRNA. Aberrant POLR2K expression is related to carcinogenesis. However, POLR2K’s underlying role in bladder cancer has not been explored. In the current study, we intend to analyze the function of POLR2K and its regulatory network within bladder cancer.Methods: Public sequencing data was obtained from GEO and TCGA to investigate POLR2K expression and regulatory network within bladder cancer (BLCA) by using GEPIA and Oncomine as well as cBioPortal online tool. LinkedOmics was employed to identify genes displaying significantly differential expression patterns and to perform GO and KEGG analyses. After differential genes was assigned and ranked, GSEA analysis was performed to obtain target networks for transcription factors, miRNAs, and kinases that could regulate POLR2K–associated gene network. Subsequent functional webwork analyses were used to identify cancer-relevant pathways Moreover, POLR2K gene is verified by ChIP-seq in MCF-7 cell line with transcription factor binding evidence in the ENCODE Transcription Factor Binding Site Profiles dataset. In the end, the biological behavior of POLR2K in BLCA was validated by cell function experiments and tissue micro-assay.Conclusions: The current study implies that POLR2K gene is overexpressed and often amplified in BLCA, providing the first evidence that POLR2K deregulation, especially increased transcription, may promote BLCA. Knocking down POLR2K in BLCA 5637 and T24 cells could decrease cellular viability, reduce metastasis ability and induce G1 arrest, which might be mediated by E2F1. These findings uncover a unique expression pattern of POLR2K and its potential regulatory networks in BLCA, contributing greatly to study of the role of POLR2K in cancer development.
Phylogenetic analysis of variable and conserved genomic regions in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19)
Authors: Nahas Abeer F. El , Elkatatny Nasema M. , Abo-Al-Ela Haitham G.
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread around the world. Several mutations have been detected in its genome, but they do not seem to affect the abilities of the virus to spread or infect. We aimed to explore the conserved genomic regions in coronavirus that could contain the key strengths of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 sequence data were retrieved from Genbank from the period of December 2019 to March 2020. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted for 207 sequences using MEGAX compared with the reference sequence (MN908947.3- CHN-Wuhan Dec-2019). The analysis included seven important genomic regions, the ORF1ab gene (21,290 bp), S gene (3,822 bp), Orf3a gene (827 bp), E gene (227 bp), M gene (669 bp), and N gene (1,259 bp), which play critical roles in virus invasion and replication. Furthermore, the variant nucleotides and amino acids were detected by MEGAX and BLAST. Through the phylogenetic analysis and amino acid substitution, the ORF1ab gene showed 11 conserved regions and also several variable sites. The E and M genes were mainly conserved, and all sequences were included in one clade, with one or two amino acid variants. Orf3a and the N gene have four conserved sites distributed along the genes. The S gene has 12 mutations and four main large conserved regionsWe conclude that the favored occurrence of mutations at the ORFab and Orf3a genes during the SARS-CoV epidemic is an important mechanism for virus pathogenesis. The E and M proteins have an almost conserved structure, whereas the S and N genes have many conserved regions, which could serve as possible targets for vaccine design for SARS-CoV.
Low-loss polyacrylate dielectric elastomer with outstanding actuation performance by optimizing crosslinking network
Authors: Yin Li-Juan , Zhao Yu , Zhu Jing , Yang Minhao , Pei Jia-Yao , Zhong Shao-Long , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: November 2020

This work reports the low-loss polyacrylate dielectric elastomer with outstanding actuation performance by employing a molecular engineering route. It is found that the difunctional macromolecular crosslinking agent we choose can not only effectively tune the dimensions of elastomer meshes and avoid uneven distribution of crosslinking points in elastomer matrix, accordingly eliminating the stress concentration and delaying the failure of elastomer, but also as “soft segments” and alleviate the strong dipole-dipole interaction between adjacent side groups of polyacrylate, which makes the dielectric elastomer with low elastic modulus and low mechanical loss. Simultaneously, a certain amount of uncrosslinked chains will remain in the free volume space of elastomer network, which would increase the dielectric constant of as-synthesized elastomers owing to their strong orientation ability. Therefore, the improvements in mechanical and dielectric properties of elastomer will contribute to the amelioration of actuation performance. We also design a home-made non-magnetic motor apparatus to verify the optimized actuation performance. This finding represents the first molecular engineering approach to improve the intrinsic actuation performance of dielectric elastomers, which are key materials of choice for flexible dielectric elastomer actuators.
Alleloscope: Integrative single cell analysis of allele-specific copy number alterations and chromatin accessibility in cancer
Authors: Wu Chi-Yun , Lau Billy , Kim Heonseok , Sathe Anuja , Grimes Susan M , Ji Hanlee , Zhang Nancy
Published: November 2020

Cancer progression is driven by both somatic copy number aberrations (CNAs) and chromatin remodeling, yet little is known about the interplay between these two classes of events in shaping the clonal diversity of cancers. We present Alleloscope, a method for allele-specific copy number estimation that can be applied to single cell DNA and ATAC sequencing data, either separately or in combination. This approach allows for integrative multi-omic analysis of allele-specific copy number and chromatin accessibility on the same cell. On scDNA-seq data from gastric, colorectal, and breast cancer samples, with extensive validation using matched linked-read sequencing, Alleloscope finds pervasive occurrence of highly complex, multi-allelic copy number aberrations, where cells that carry varying allelic configurations adding to the same total copy number co-evolve within a tumor. The contributions of such allele-specific events to intratumor heterogeneity have been under-reported and under-studied due to the lack of methods for their detection. On scATAC-seq from two basal cell carcinoma samples and a gastric cancer cell line, Alleloscope detects multi-allelic copy number events and copy neutral loss-of-heterozygosity, enabling the dissection of the contributions of chromosomal instability and chromatin remodeling in tumor evolution.
WITHDRAWN: Complete Chloroplast Genome of Calligonum Mongolicum: Genome Organization, Codon Usage Pattern, Phylogenetic Relationships, Comparative Structure and Adaptive Evolution Analysis
Authors: Duan Hui-rong , Zhang Qian , Yang Hongshan , Tian Fuping , Hu Yu , Wang Chunmei , Lu Yuan , Yuan Huijun , Cui Guangxin
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe perennial shrub of Calligonum mongolicum is a dominant native plant in all Calligonum species, which has the largest and most widespread geographic distribution in arid deserts of northern China. Understanding the phylogenetic relationship between C. mongolicum and closely related plant species will offer guidance on the classification and identification of inter-species and their varieties. The chloroplast (cp) genome is an optimal model to decipher phylogenetic relationships and genome evolution in related plant families. In the present study, the complete cp genome of C. mongolicum was sequenced, and the characteristics were described, then the genomic structure was compared to other three Polygonaceae species.ResultsThe cp genome of C. mongolicum was 162,124 bp in length with a quadripartite structure. A total of 131 functional genes were annotated, 14 different genes of which harbored introns and exons, 50 long repeat sequences and 244 simple sequences repeats were identiﬁed. Synonymous codon usage (SCU) analysis exhibited A/T preference, and 7 codons were identified as the optimal codons. Multivariate statistical analysis of parity rule 2, ENC-plot, and neutrality plot were combined conducted to imply natural selection as the crucial constraint in SCU bias in C. mongolicum cp genome.The phylogenetic tree showed that Rumex acetosa was the most related plant to C. mongolicum. From the comparative analysis of genomic structures, the inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) were less divergent than other parts and coding regions was relatively conserved than non-coding regions. Compared to other species in the Polygonaceae, the borders of IRb/SSC and SSC/IRa in C. mongolicum changed greatly. Furthermore, adaptive evolution analysis of 75 orthologous protein-coding genes indicated that only the psbK gene was under positive selection, which might be crucial in the adaptive evolution of C. mongolicum.ConclusionsOur results comprehensively depicts the architecture of C. mongolicum cp genome, and will lay a vigorous foundation for further study on molecular marker selection, phylogenetic analysis, and population researches in Calligonum species.
Association of Serum Antibodies Against the Mycobacterium Avium Complex and Hemoptysis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ogata Hiroaki , Moriwaki Atsushi , Nakagawa Taisuke , Sakoda Soichiro , Ishimatsu Akiko , Taguchi Kazuhito , Aso Hiroshi , Nogami Hiroko , Kadowaki Masako , Tateshi Yuko , Yoshida Makoto
Published: November 2020

Background: Hemoptysis is very common and can be life threatening in clinical practice for nontuberculous mycobacteria. The serum antibody against the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC-Ab), the majority of nontuberculous mycobacteria species, is well known to reflect the activity of MAC lung disease; however, there is no study investigating the association between the MAC-Ab and hemoptysis in MAC patients. Therefore, we assessed whether the MAC-Ab is a good biomarker for hemoptysis among subjects with MAC lung disease. Methods: This study was conducted as a five-year retrospective survey at the National Hospital Organization Fukuoka National Hospital. A total of 155 patients aged ≥ 20 years with MAC lung disease were enrolled and separated into seropositive and seronegative groups using the cutoff for MAC-Ab levels of 0.7 U/ml. The prevalence of hemoptysis and odds ratios for the presence of hemoptysis were estimated and compared between the groups. To investigate the linear trends in the relationship between MAC-Ab levels and hemoptysis, the subjects were classified into three groups using the tertile distribution of the MAC-Ab. Results: The prevalence of hemoptysis was twice as high in the seropositive group than in the seronegative group (42.2% and 21.7%, respectively, P = 0.02). The multivariable-adjusted risk of hemoptysis was elevated in the seropositive group as compared with the seronegative group (odds ratio = 2.79 (95% confidence interval 1.15–7.44)). Likewise, when categorizing the subjects into three groups, the risk of hemoptysis increased parallel to higher MAC-Ab levels (P = 0.03 for trend). Conclusions: A positive MAC-Ab level was a significant risk factor for hemoptysis among patients with MAC lung disease. There were also positive trends in the association between the MAC-Ab titer and the likelihood of hemoptysis. MAC patients who tested positive for the MAC-Ab should be carefully followed up for the potential development of hemoptysis.
Building a Rapid Autopsy Program – A Step-by-Step Logistics Guide
Authors: Bacon Eliza R , Ihle Kena , Lee Peter P , Waisman James R
Published: November 2020

Background: Rapid Autopsy Programs offer an opportunity to collect tissue from patients immediately after death, providing critical biological material necessary to develop more effective therapies and improve patient outcomes. Here, we present a step-by-step guide to build a cancer-focused Rapid Autopsy Program, based on our own experiences building “The Legacy Project” at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. Methods: The linear timeline of events is separated into four phases: 1) Building the Infrastructure, 2) Recruiting and Consenting, 3) Preparing for Death, and 4) Tissue Collection and Follow up. Important considerations and methods for adaptation are discussed throughout the protocol. Discussion: Using these methods, we successfully collected a total of 533 specimens from 9 subjects. The average time from death to last specimen acquisition was 6.1 hours (range: 4.03 – 7.66 hours; median: 5.71 hours). A diverse team with various areas of expertise is critical for successful program implementation. Our goal herein this protocol is to provide a comprehensive framework and foundation for other institutions to use as a model.