bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O ESPAÇO DA FAVELA E SEUS IMPACTOS NO COMBATE À COVID-19: uma discussão à luz de textos literários
Authors: Da Silva Barbosa Elisabete
Published: October 2020

Objetiva-se discutir, a partir de representações literárias da favela, o modo como a ocupação desigual dos espaços impacta no índice de contágio da COVID-19, o que se traduz, no Brasil, em maior probabilidade de mortalidade entre a população afrodescendente, em sua maioria, residente de espaços degradados da cidade. Para tanto, as representações espaciais, elaboradas no campo literário, servem como ponto de partida para pensar a relação centro e periferia e, consequentemente, para analisar como os discursos gerados podem tornar alguns locais e, consequentemente, seus moradores, invisíveis.
COVID-19 E A EDUCAÇÃO NOS SISTEMAS DE ENSINO: Mapeamento normativo e a garantia da equidade em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Soares Dalva Marçal Mesquita , Santos Joana D’arque Alves , Lopes Robson Vila Nova
Published: October 2020

Este estudo refere-se a uma análise sistemática, a partir de uma revisão integrativa dos atos normativos e notas, deferidos pelos sistemas federal, estaduais e distrital acerca da equidade e dos princípios educacionais, contidos na regulamentação sobre a oferta de atividades educacionais não presenciais para a educação básica no momento em que o País se depara com a necessidade de reinventar os processos educativos e de revisitar suas normas em detrimento da atual circunstância, decorrente da Pandemia do Novo Coronavírus – COVID 19. Como a equidade, assim como os princípios educacionais elementos essenciais para a redução da desigualdade e para a garantia do direito subjetivo à educação de qualidade, propôs-se conhecer estas abordagens; e os resultados obtidos revelaram que os temas em questão são contemplados de forma insipientes.
ADOPTIVE GRANDCHILDREN IN TIMES OF CORONAVIRUS
Authors: Osório Neila Barbosa , Silva Neto Luiz Sinésio , Borges Eliane Lima do Nascimento , Vilela Alenilda de Oliveira Vilela , Vilela Alessandra de Oliveira
Published: October 2020

The present research was carried out in the period of social isolation (quarantine), in March 2020. The objective was to know reports of actions that UMA (University of Maturity of the Federal University of Tocantins) develops, through reflection on the benefits from the Neto Postiço project. The target audience of this research comprises elderly people aged 45 years or older, with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension and asthma), since, according to studies published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), this group is the most prone to have complications that may fatally cause even death by Covid-19. It is in this context that, the elderly inserted in the project, receive attention through several actions, aimed at the comprehensive care of this group.
SSRIs as Risk Reduction for Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Bellon Alfredo , Nguyen Kieuhanh
Published: October 2020

Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to an inherited predisposition, a sedentary life style and the use of antipsychotic medications. Several approaches have been taken to minimize this risk but results continue to be unsatisfactory. A potential alternative is prescribing Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs decrease platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in patients with depression. We therefore aim to investigate whether there is evidence that supports the use of SSRIs to reduce the risk for CVD in SCZ. A systematic review of the literature revealed five published reports relating to the impact of SSRIs on CV risk in SCZ. Three trials assessed the influence on metabolic parameters of fluvoxamine when combined with clozapine. Two of those studies found improvements with fluvoxamine. Of the other two reports, one indicates SSRIs as a group caused minimal but statistically significant increments in total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. The second report suggests that when SSRIs are combined with antipsychotics, the metabolic impact depends on the antipsychotic prescribed. While there are promising results, further studies are needed to establish the impact of SSRIs on CV risk in SCZ.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Influenced the Age Onset of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Török Nóra , Maszlag-Török Rita , Molnár Kinga , Szolnoki Zoltán , Somogyvári Ferenc , Boda Krisztina , Tanaka Masaru , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László
Published: October 2020

Earlier studies reported alterations of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The first rate-limiting enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan dioxygenase were observed upregulated, resulting elevated KYN/TRP ratios in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with PD. An increasing number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been identified in a population of PD. However, little is known if genetic variations of the IDO contribute to disturbance of the KYN metabolism in and the pathogenesis of PD. SNP analysis of IDO1 was performed by allelic discrimination assay with fluorescently labelled TaqMan probes and a subgroup analysis was conducted according to the age of PD onset. The frame shifts variant rs34155785, intronic variant rs7820268, and promotor region variant rs9657182 SNPs of 105 PD patients without comorbidity were analyzed and compared to 129 healthy controls. No significant correlation was found in three SNPs between PD patients and healthy controls. However, the subgroup analysis revealed that A alleles of rs7820268 SNP or rs9657182 SNP carriers contribute to later onset of PD than non-carriers. The study suggested that SNPs of IDO1 influenced the age onset of PD and genotyping of SNPs in certain alleles potentially serves as a risk biomarker of PD.
Feeling of Safety and Comfort Towards a Socially Assistive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle That Monitors People in a Virtual Home
Authors: Belmonte Lidia Maria , García Arturo Simón , Morales Rafael , de la Vara José Luis , Fernández-Caballero Antonio
Published: October 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a new model of social robots for home care of dependent persons. In this regard, this article introduces a study on people’s feeling of safety and comfort while watching the monitoring trajectory of a quadrotor dedicated to determining their condition. Three main parameters are evaluated: the relative monitoring altitude, the monitoring velocity and the shape of the monitoring path around the person (ellipsoidal or circular). For this purpose, a new trajectory generator based on a state machine, which is successfully implemented and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink®, is described. The study is carried out with 37 participants using a virtual reality (VR) platform based on two modules, UAV Simulator and VR Visualiser, both communicating through the MQTT protocol. The participants’ preferences have been a high relative monitoring altitude, a high monitoring velocity and a circular path. These choices are a starting point for the design of trustworthy socially assistive UAVs flying in real homes.
GELİR DAĞILIMI EŞİTSİZLİĞİ VE LÜKS MAL İTHALATI ARASINDA PANEL NEDENSELLİK ANALİZİ
Authors: DEMİR Memduh Alper
Published: October 2020

Bu çalışmada, seçilen bazı ülkelerde gelir dağılımı adaletsizliğini ölçmek için kullanılan GİNİ katsayısı ile ülkelerin yaptığı lüks mal ithalatı harcamaları arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Talebin gelir elastikiyetinin 1’den büyük olduğu mallara literatürde lüks mal denilmektedir. Lüks mallara olan talep artışı, normal şartlarda gelirin artış oranına kıyasla daha yüksektir. Ancak, gelir seviyeleri düşük olsa dahi bu lüks mallara karşı yoğun talebin olduğu duruma züppe etkisi denilmektedir. Yapılan bu gösteriş davranışı, tüketimi söz konusu ülkenin iç üretimi ile sağlanamayan veya o ülkede üretilmeyen lüks mallara yoğun bir biçimde kayarak lüks mal ithalatını arttırabilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, GİNİ katsayısı ile ölçülen gelir durumunun toplumun lüks mal ithalatı ile ilişkisi irdelenmiştir. Seçili ülkelerden hangisinin gösteriş tüketimi yaptığı araştırılmaktadır. Çalışmada paneli oluşturan ülkelerin bu nedensellik ilişkisi Dumitrescu-Hurlin ve Kónya nedensellik analizleri ile incelenmiştir. Dumitrescu-Hurlin bir bütün olarak paneldeki nedenselliği belirtirken, Kónya’da nedensellik sayesinde ülke bazlı katsayı ve işaret sonuçları alınabilmektedir. Bu sayede, ülke bazlı sonuçlar ortaya konulabilmektedir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre, bir bütün olarak gelir dağılımındaki adaletsizlikten ithalat değişkeni yönünde bir nedensellik çıkmamışken, ithalattan gelir dağılımındaki adaletsizliğe doğru bir nedensellik çıkmıştır. Ülke bazlı olarak GİNİ’den ithalata doğru nedensellik analizi incelenmiş ve paneli oluşturan 13 ülkenin 9’unda anlamlı sonuçlara ulaşılmıştır.
Kebutuhan Sumber Belajar Mahasiswa yang Mendukung Pembelajaran Berbasis Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi di Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Rahmadi Imam Fitri , Khaerudin Khaerudin , Kustandi Cecep
Published: October 2020

This study is aimed at gathering information about the tendency of learning resources needed by the students of Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) that support ICT based learning. The study is conducted using the survey method applying questionnaires that randomly distributed to the students. The questionnaires filled in by 580 students of 22 different study programmes covering six faculties of UNJ. Every faculty tends to have different learning resources. However, videos are the most essential learning resources needed by students. The development of learning resources in higher education must consider the need of learning resources of students of each faculty, not the university as a whole.
Hubungan Kualitas Kehidupan Kerja Dengan Keterampilan Mengelola Kelas Guru Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Marmoah Sri , Markus Sujarwo
Published: October 2020

Quality of work-life is the employees’ feeling or perception of being comfortable with their work. The objective of the present study was to determine the quality of work-life, classroom management skill, and the relationship between the quality of work-life and classroom management skill to elementary school teachers. This study uses a quantitative-correlational approach. The research subjects were 29 teachers from Pambudi Luhur elementary school in Surakarta, consisting of 14 female and 15 male teachers. Data collection in this study used a rating scale. Data analysis using product moment formula with the SPSS version 12 for Windows. The resultsof the research show that there is a significant relationship (0.531) between the quality of work-life and classroom management skill of the elementary school teachers. This means that the higher the quality of work-life of the teacher's, the better skill of managing the classroom.
Pengembangan Bahan Pembelajaran Berbasis Hypercontent pada Pembelajaran Tematik Daerah Tempat Tinggalku
Authors: Herlina Herlina
Published: October 2020

Advances in information technology have an impact on the variety of learning materials used in schools. This condition must be responded to by developing learning materials that are compatible with technological developments, especially technology based on handheld devices such as phones and tablets. This study aims to produce hypercontent-based learning materials in elementary schools on the theme of the district where I live. The method used is development research with the Rowntree model. The results showed that based on expert validation hypercontent-based learning materials were valid and effectively used in learning. Thus hypercontent-based learning materials can be used for learning in elementary schools
PALEODICTYON IN SHALLOW-MARINE SETTINGS – AN EVALUATION BASED ON EOCENE EXAMPLES FROM IRAN
Authors: MALEKZADEH MOHAMMAD , WETZEL ANDREAS
Published: October 2020

The graphoglyptid trace fossil Paleodictyon, characterized by stratiform hexagonal meshes, typically occurs preserved at the base of deep-marine turbidites. There is, however, a growing number of occurrences of Paleodictyon in shallow-marine deposits as evidenced by new finds in the Eocene of Iran. The Paleodictyon-containing Asara Shale Member of the Karaj Formation accumulated in a shallow backarc basin. Parallel-crested wave-ripple marks and microbially induced sedimentary structures occur closely above and below the Paleodictyon-bearing strata. Shallow-marine Paleodictyon have so far been reported from morphologically structured, extensive, epicontinental seas, rift basins, and young, prograding passive continental margins, but mainly from foreland and backarc basins. In the two latter cases, the Paleodictyon producers appear to represent adaptive survivors. Initially they settled in abyssal to bathyal turbiditic settings that rapidly aggraded and/or became tectonically uplifted with slight changes to depositional conditions. Finally, the Paleodictyon producers lived in rather shallow water and became preserved by tempestites. This scenario argues against the continuous presence of Paleodictyon producers in shallow-marine settings, suggesting instead they appeared there recurrently.
4P Model for Dynamic Prediction of the Covid-19: A Statistical and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Hasan Khandaker Tabin , Rahman Mohammed Mostafizur , Ahmmed Md. Mortuza , Chowdhury Anjir Ahmed , Islam Mohammad Khairul
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Around the world, scientists are racing hard to understand how Covid-19 epidemic is spreading and growing, thus trying to find ways to prevent it before medications come to pass. Many different models have been proposed so far correlating different factors. Some of them are too localized to indicate a general trend of the pandemic while some others have established transient correlations only.Methods: Hence, in this study, a 4P model has been proposed based on four probabilities (4P) which has been found to be true for all affected countries taking Bangladesh as a case. Efficiency scores have been estimated from survey analysis not only for governing authorities on managing the situation (P(G)) but also for the compliance of the citizens ((P(P)). Since the immune responses of all the people are not uniform to a specific pathogen, the probability of a person getting infected ((P(I)) after being exposed has also been estimated. And the vital one is the probability of Test Positivity ((P(T)) which is a strong indicator of how effectively the infected people are diagnosed and isolated from the rest of the group that affects the rate of growth.Results and Conclusion: All the four parameters have been fitted in a non-linear exponential model that partly updates itself periodically with everyday facts. Along with the model, all the four probabilistic parameters are engaged to train a recurrent neural network using Long-Short Term Memory neural network and the followed trial confirmed a ruling functionality of the 4Ps.
The development and validation of a prognostic nomogram and nomogram application software among men treated with abiraterone acetate and/or enzalutamide for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Saigusa Yusuke , Yoneyama Shuko , Kato Masashi , Kojima Ippei , Yamada Hiroshi , Kamihira Osamu , Tabata Kenichi , Tsumura Hideyasu , Iwamura Masatsugu , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji , Miyoshi Yasuhide
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:With widespread medication choices for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is now available, on the other hand biomarker to predict the efficacy of each mCRPC treatment has not been established.Objective:This study developed prognostic nomogram to predict prognosis in CRPC patients who received abiraterone acetate (ABI) and/or enzalutamide (ENZ).Design, Setting, and Participants:A total of 568 mCRPC patients received ABI and/or ENZ from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled in this study. We developed prognostic nomogram based on the risk factors by Cox proportional hazards regression model.Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis:The nomogram was also assessed for discriminatory ability with the concordance index (C-index). We repeated 5-fold cross-validation 2000 times to estimate the C-index and reported the means of the estimated C-index for the training and validation sets. And we also developed nomogram application software (app) based on this nomogram.Results and Limitations:The median overall survival (OS) was 24.7 months. A multivariable analysis showed that the time to CRPC, pre-chemotherapy, baseline PSA, baseline ALP, and baseline LDH were independent risk factors for the OS (HR: 0.521, 1.681, 1.439, 1.827, 12,123, p:0.001, 0.001, <0.001, 0.019, <0.001)). C-index was 0.72 in training cohort and 0.71 in validation cohort.CONCLUSIONS:We developed nomograms to predict the OS for Japanese mCRPC patients who received ABI and/or ENZ. The advent of mCRPC prognosis prediction app will facilitate greater accessibility for clinical use.Patient SummaryThis study developed and validated a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of mCRPC patients who receive ABI/ENZ treatment using clinical information. This study also developed mobile app to facilitate clinical usage.
Structural and immunological characterization of an epitope within the PAN motif of ectodomain I in Babesia bovis apical membrane antigen 1
Authors: Rittipornlertrak Amarin , Nambooppha Boondarika , Muenthaisong Anucha , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Tiwananthagorn Saruda , Chung Yang-Tsung , Tuvshintulga Bumduuren , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Yokoyama Naoaki , Sthitmatee Nattawooti
Published: October 2020

Background

Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis (B. bovis) affects the cattle industry worldwide with high mobility and mortality. Live-attenuated vaccines are currently used in some of the endemic countries, but their wide use is limited due to various reasons. Although recombinant vaccines have been proposed as an alternative to the live vaccines, such vaccines are not commercially available to date. Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) is one of the leading candidates for vaccine development against diseases caused by apicomplexan parasite species. In this study, we predicted an epitope from the plasminogen, apple and nematode (PAN) motif of domain I in the B. bovis AMA-1 (BbAMA-1) using a combination of linear and conformational B-cell epitope prediction software. The selected epitope was bioinformatically analyzed, synthesized as a peptide (sBbAMA-1), and then used to immunize a rabbit.
Results

The anti-sBbAMA-1 serum obtained was evaluated for its growth- and invasion-inhibitory effects on B. bovis merozoites in vitro. Our results demonstrated that the predicted BbAMA-1 epitope, which is located on surface-exposed α-helix of PAN motif in domain I at the apex area, elicits antibodies capable of recognizing the native BbAMA-1 in immunoassays. Importantly, as compared to the control groups, the rabbit anti-sBbAMA-1 serum at dilution of 1:5 significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of B. bovis merozoites by approximately 50–70% on day 3 and 4 of cultivation and the invasion of merozoites by approximately 60% within 4 h of incubation.
Conclusion

Our results indicate the epitope predicted from the PAN motif of BbAMA-1 domain I is neutralization-sensitive and may serve as a target antigen for vaccine development against bovine babesiosis caused by B. bovis.
High Performance Voltage Tailorable Room-temperature Ca-metal Batteries
Authors: Song Huawei , Su Jian , Wang Chengxin
Published: October 2020

Calcium metal battery as one of the promising alternatives beyond Li-metal technology is challenged by the lack of suitable cathodes with considerable energy performance, and stable Ca anode of long-term stability and lower polorization potentials for Ca-plating/stripping. Here, by recycling cellulose waste paper of wide sources in our daily life, we develop feasible cathodes for Ca-metal batteries of good high-voltage and wide-window-voltage adaptability (0.005-4.9 V vs. Ca/Ca2+), except for considerable energy performance (~517.5 Wh kg-1 at 0.1 A g-1). Meanwhile, through tailorable Ca-plating/stripping potentials (∆V= ~0.65 V) induced by electrolyte modification, proof-of-concept Ca-metal batteries not only delivered enhanced storage capability (101 mAh g-1 vs. 51 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 in the window voltage of 2.0-4.7 V ) and cycling stability (~77% capacity retention for 100 cycles), but also simutaneously held high output average working voltage of ~3.2V.
Treatment of Anosmia and Ageusia in COVID-19 Patients by Using Coffee
Authors: Hosseini Asiyeh , Mirmehdi Esmaeil , Moghadam Mina Akbari
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The sudden onset of smell and taste loss has been reported as a symptom related to COVID-19. There is new evidence for the loss of smell and taste as a symptom of COVID-19 infection.Objectives: This study aims to examine influence of coffee on smell and taste of patients with Covid-19.Methods: In order to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on the taste and smell of COVID-19 patients, we attempted to sample in 20 provinces of the country, COVID-19 patients were separated by gender and underlying and non-underlying disease, doses of 15-20 mg for non-underlying patients and 25-30 mg for underlying patients. The reason for determining this amount of coffee is that every coffee we want to prepare needs a scoop of 14 grams of coffee, which we determine. For some people, it was determine 14 grams and for some people 28 grams of coffee was determined due to consumed in two cups of coffee.Results: Patients with Covid-19 had reversibility on the first and second day. It was clear that there is a small gap between the proportion of recovered patients in the underlying and non-underlying patients, but due to the high volume of observations, this small difference is evident.Conclusions: Anosmia and Ageusia is more prevalent in COVID-19 patients. Caffeine in coffee reduced the reversibility of the sense of smell and taste of people with Covid-19. It was concluded that the chances of recovery are higher for those who do not have the underlying disease than for the other groups and for those who suffer from all three types of the underlying disease than for the other groups.
Development and Validation of Prognostic Nomogram for Patients With Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Guangrong , Wu Limin , Li Jiajia , Xia Yushan , Zhang Xuchao , Shi Yuning , Li Lili
Published: October 2020

Small intestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas (SI NECs) are diagnosed very rarely, and the prognosis is extremely poor due to the metastatic disease of most patients at the time of diagnosis. This study aimed to establish nomogram models for prognostic evaluation of SI NEC in both overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Patients diagnosed with SI NEC between 2010 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and further randomly divided into the training and validating cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate cox analysis was conducted to determine significant variables for construction of nomogram. The performance of the nomogram models were then assessed by concordance index (C-index), calibration plot and the area receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). A total of 1110 patients were retrospectively selected from the SEER database. Multivariate models revealed that age, tumor grade, American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) stage, surgery and chemotherapy all showed a significant association with OS and CSS. The discrimination of nomogram for OS prediction was superior to that of the 7th AJCC Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging system (C-index = 0.798, 95% CI, 0.762 - 0.833 vs 0.623, 95% CI, 0.580 - 0.666, P < 0.001). Similar results were also observed in CSS nomogram. Well-corresponded calibration plots were noticed using the nomograms. The comparisons of AUC values showed that the established nomograms exhibited better discrimination power than 7th TNM staging system for OS and CSS prediction. In conclusion, we have successfully established novel nomograms for predicting OS and CSS in patients with SI NEC, which can assist clinicians in making predictions about individual patient survival and provide improved treatment strategies.
Targeted DNA Methylation Analysis by High-Throughput Sequencing in Hepatic Carcinoma Tissue and Adjacent Normal Tissues
Authors: Zhang Guangmou , Feng Huigen , Yuan Zhiqing
Published: October 2020

Background: The relationship between epigenetic abnormalities and tumorigenesi has been investigated in the past decade and made major advances, particularly the abnormal expression of small RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification in cancer. In many tumor-related studies, the regulatory changes in DNA methylation during cancer development and the development of resistance to anticancer drugs have show that DNA methylation can be used as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and concomitant diagnosis, but there is a lack of clinically useful biomarkers associated with hepatic carcinoma. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, appropriate testing and validation can be carried out in large samples. The relationship between DNA methylation and tumor development can be explored, contributing to clinical diagnosis and personalized treatment of hepatic carcinoma. Methods: In this study, we implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of high-throughput sequencing for DNA methylation analysis in hepatic carcinoma. For the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression, Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation. Twenty-five isolated genomic regions were amplified by PCR using bisulfite-transformed liver cancer tissue (Ca) and paracancer tissue (T) as template DNA. PCR final product sequence information was obtained by sequence analysis using Illumina Hiseq/Miseq platform. Results: The average depth of coverage across all amplicons was 30,548 for T and 29,346 for Ca, with a maximum of 3,675 at the ARID1A amplicon and a minimum of 65 at the PTEN amplicon. Methylation spectra were obtained for each genomic locus of the two groups of samples, and the results showed that methylation was significantly different at the X target loci and slightly different at the Y target loci. Cluster analysis showed that all T tissues were clustered in one group (except tissues T2 and T3), while Ca tissues were clustered on the other side. The results showed that DNA methylation at the loci may be closely related to liver cancer, providing references for the research and development of biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that high-throughput sequencing technology is a powerful and cost-effective method for methylation analysis of target DNA in cancer tissues.
Effects of Free Gossypol and Cyclopropenoid Fatty Acids Present in the Feed on the Productivity, Quality, Elasticity, and Microstructure of Hens’ Egg
Authors: Chen Dawei , Liu Yinyin , Ma Lina , Pu Junhua , Lu Junxian , Tang Xiujun , Gu Rong , Huang Shenghai , Ding Hongmei , Gao Yushi
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Free gossypol (FG) and cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFAs) are two main natural toxins in cottonseed meal(CSM). The increased yolk elasticity under cold storage conditions is related to the excessive CSM in the feed. However, which toxin caused the increased yolk elasticity is still not clear. RESULTS: Our results show that the addition of FG or CPFA to the diet significantly reduced the egg production and feed conversion ratio. Besides, FG also resulted in a decrease in egg weight. The storage of eggs at 4 °C for four weeks resulted in a significant increase in elasticity and a decrease in the concentration of iron and calcium in the boiled yolks of CPFA and CSM groups when compared to the control. CPFA and CSM supplemented groups also showed an increase in pH and content of water in the yolk. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from the CPFA and CSM groups revealed that the morphology of the vitelline membrane of eggs was characterized by different-sized holes. Furthermore, after four weeks of cold storage, the morphology of the vitelline granules in the CPFA and CSM supplemented groups were damaged; however, there were no significant alterations found in the FG group. CONCLUSION: The main cause of the “sponge-bob egg” effect was the presence of CPFA in cottonseed meal, which causes an increase in permeability of the vitelline membrane in eggs.
Mutation of TRIM28-Lys304 to Gln Attenuates its Interaction with KRAB-ZNFs and Promotes Differentiation of Erythroleukemic K562 Cells
Authors: Chang Yao-Jen , Lin Steven , Kang Zhifu , Shen Bin-Jon , Tsai Wen-Hai , Chen Wen-Ching , Lu Hsin-Pin , Lin Sheng-Wei , Lin Shu-Yu , Chou Shu-Jen , Lee Chia-Wei , Huang Yin-Jung , Wang Hsin-Hui , Chang Ching-Jin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTRIM28/KAP1/TIF1β is a key epigenetic modifier. Genetic ablation of trim28 is embryonic lethal although RNAi-mediated knockdown in somatic cells yields viable cells. Reduction in TRIM28 abundance at the cellular or organismal level results in polyphenism. Posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and sumoylation have been shown to regulate TRIM28 activity. Moreover, the methylation of DNA, RNA and histones and acetylation of histones are key epigenetic modifications that regulate gene expression. A number of lysine residues of TRIM28 are subject to acetylation, but how acetylation of TRIM28 affects its functions remains poorly understood. ResultsHere we report that, compared with wild-type TRIM28, the acetylation-mimic mutant TRIM28-K304Q has an altered interaction with Krüppel-associated box zinc-finger proteins (KRAB-ZNFs), with consequent effects on the phenotype of the erythroleukemic cell line K562. TRIM28-K304Q was comparable with its wild-type counterpart with respect to intracellular level, homodimerization, phosphorylation at S473 and S824, and interactions with heterochromatin-binding protein HP1. The expression of embryonic-related and fetal globin genes was activated in TRIM28-K304Q mutant cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed that TRIM28-K304Q and TRIM28 knockout K562 cells had similar global gene expression profiles, yet the profiles differed considerably from that of wild-type K562 cells. The gene expression ensemble of mutant K562 cells indicated a general induction of differentiation-promoting genes and attenuation of proliferation-promoting genes. ConclusionsThese results suggest that acetylation/deacetylation of K304 in TRIM28 or TRIM28-K304Q constitutes a switch for regulating its interaction with KRAB-ZNFs and alters the gene regulation of this key epigenetic modifier as demonstrated by the acetylation mimic TRIM28-K304Q.
CE-CAM model for evaluating CD133lo Cancer Stem Cells in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Nair Rohini M , Revu Narayana VL , Gali Sucharita , Kallamadi Prathap Reddy , Prabhu Varsha , Manukonda Radhika , Nemani Harishankar , Kaliki Swathi , Vemuganti Geeta K
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCancer Stem Cells (CSCs) reported in various tumors, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Following the efforts to reduce, replace and refine the use of mammalian models, we aimed to establish a short-term xenograft for Retinoblastoma (Rb) to evaluate the tumorigenic and metastatic potential of CD133lo CSCs in Rb Y79 cells, using the well-established chick embryo (CE) model. MethodsTotal and CD133 sorted Rb Y79 cells, labelled with eGFP/CM-Dil tracking dye, were transplanted onto the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of day-7 chick embryos and incubated for 7 days. The tumor formation on CAM and metastasis to the embryos were evaluated by confocal microscopy, in-vivo imaging, and histopathology. ResultsY79 cells formed pink-white raised perivascular nodules on the CAM with CD133lo CSCs exhibiting larger nodules when compared to CD133hi cells and total Y79 (p<0.05). In-vivo imaging revealed that the labeled cells metastasized to the embryos with the fluorescent signals visible in the abdominal area, cephalus and the limbs. Histopathologic studies confirmed the presence of tumor cells on the CAM, organs of embryos transplanted with Y79 cells, more so with CD133lo CSCs. ConclusionsThis study highlights that the CE-CAM is a feasible alternative non-mammalian model for evaluating tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of Rb CSCs. The study also provides preliminary evidence that Rb Y79 CD133lo CSCs show higher propensity to form tumor nodules on the CAM and are more invasive than non CSCs, thus, supporting our earlier evidence that they are endowed with CSC properties.
Spatial Autocorrelation in Health Loss of Kashin-Beck Disease and Relationship to Environmental Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bin County, Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Xiaoya , Li Hairong , Yang Linsheng , Li Yingchun , Kong Chang
Published: October 2020

Background: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is one of the major endemic diseases in China, which severely impacts the physical health and life quality of people. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of the health loss from KBD and its influencing factors will help to identify areas and populations at high risk so as to plan for targeted interventions. Methods: The data of patients with KBD at village-level were collected to estimate and analyze the spatial pattern of health loss from KBD in Bin County, Shaanxi Province. The years lived with disability (YLDs) index was applied as a measure of health loss from KBD. Spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including Global Moran’s I and Local Moran’s I, were used to describe and map spatial clusters of the health loss from KBD. In addition, selenium concentrations in soil and wheat samples in Bin County were determined to detect their relationships with the distribution of health loss of KBD. Results: The estimation of YLDs for KBD showed that patients with KBD of grade II and patients over 50 years old contributed the most to the health loss in Bin County. There was no significant difference between the two genders. The spatial patterns of YLDs and YLD rate of KBD were clustered significantly at both global and local scales. Villages in the southwestern and eastern regions revealed higher health loss, while those in the northern regions exhibited lower health loss. This clustering was found to be closely related to organically bound Se in soil and poverty rate of KBD patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that future treatment and prevention of KBD should focus on endemic areas with high organically bound Se in soil and poor economic conditions. The method of estimating the health loss of KBD with YLDs can be useful for KBD surveillance for public health officials.
Random Beamforming in Mobile mmWave Systems: Performance Evaluation and Parameters Optimization
Authors: Aljumaily Mustafa Sadiq , Li Husheng
Published: October 2020

Random Beamforming (RBF) is considered one of the most promising beamforming techniques especially for Massive MIMO mmWave systems. It has been proven to achieve optimal sumrate capacity for downlink MIMO systems for many applications. In this paper, the RBF is implemented in a mmWave MIMO systems with mobile users and the effect of this mobility is studied. Beside that, some parameters of the system have been optimized for different realistic scenarios. The mathematical derivation of the system model and the simulation using some practical values have been conducted. The resulted degradation in system throughput as a consequence of beamforming outage that results from users mobility is calculated. Many factors that affect the system throughput were considered in the derivation. The second part of the paper is going a further step in optimizing the network parameters for different operation scenarios. These parameters include the frame duration and beam width. Taking in consideration that the outage probability is a Convex optimization problem, the optimal values of these parameters were derived. for the walking and running users cases.
Establish a new equation for ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight in Chongqing: a prospective study
Authors: Wu Chenhuizi , Sun Jianfeng , Cai Liuyun , Deng Xinru , Zhang Fenglan , Shu Yang , Zhang Maochao , Luo Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Background: Variation in fetal growth between populations should not be ignored, and a single universal standard is not appropriate for everyone. Therefore, according to regional population characteristics, it is necessary to find a more accurate equation for ultrasound estimation of fetal weight. The purpose of this study was to create a new equation for ultrasound estimation of fetal weight according to the local population in Chongqing and compare it with representative equations. Methods: This prospective study included data on pregnant women who gave birth to a single child at full term in our hospital from December 2016 to November 2019. The fetal weight compensation model was established by using the second-order linear regression model, then the equation of fetal weight was established by utilizing the multiple reverse elimination regression technique. The accuracy of the equation established in this study was respectively compared with the Hadlock equation, Combs equation and Stirnemann equation by estimation error.Results: Through the fetal weight compensation equation, the predicted fetal weight equation suitable for Chongqing fetuses was successfully established with the variables of biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. In the sets established by 1925 data, the mean absolute error and standard deviation of the estimation error of the equation established in this study were 178.9g and 140.3g respectively. In the 300 validation sets, the mean absolute error and Standard deviation of Chongqing equation were 173.08g and 128.59g respectively. Compared with representative equations, the mean absolute error and the standard deviation of the new equation were the lowest.Conclusions: According to the local population characteristics of Chongqing, this study created the equation for estimated fetal weight, which is more accurate and suitable. This equation has high clinical guidance and reference value for monitoring and management of fetal weight and maternal delivery process.
Difference in the performance of diagnosing colorectal liver metastasis between computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Zhang Keqian , Mao Tianqi , He Zhicheng , Wu Xiaojiao , Peng Yu , Chen Yanrong , Dong Yan , Ruan Zhihua , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2020

Background: The study was performed to compare the diagnostic roles of computed tomography (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).Methods: 255 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) were enrolled. These patients were confirmed as CRLM by histopathological assay. CT scans of the liver were performed with a 64-slice CT system. Serum CEA levels were determined using a human circulating cancer biomarker magnetic bead panel. True positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN) and false negative (FN) were calculated for CT and CEA with histopathological assay as golden standard.Results: 142 CRLM patients and 113 non-CRLM patients were confirmed in the study. There were no obvious differences in age, sex and Dukes stage between CRLM and non-CRLM patients (P＞0.05). Diagnostic roles of CT and CEA on per-patient and per-lesion were analyzed. Detection sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of CT on per-patient basis were 74.7%, 56.4%, 52.1%, and 77.9%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CEA were 64.4%, 51.4%, 49.3%, and 67.3%. In the analysis on per-lesion basis, detection sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CT were increased to 87.8%, 88.8%, 91.5%, and 84.1%, respectively. Detection sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CEA on per-lesion basis were 82.6%, 64.4%, 63.4%, and 83.2%.Conclusion: CT exhibited better performances than CEA in diagnosis of CRLM on both of per-patient and per-lesion basis.
Urine MACC1 Plays an Indicative Role in Diagnosing Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zi Hao , Tao Wen-Lin , Gao Lei , Yu Zhao-Hua , Bai Xiao-Dong , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: October 2020

Background: Present study aimed to estimate the diagnostic efficacy of urine Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) for bladder cancer patients.Methods: Urine MACC1 expression was measured in bladder cancer patients and controls via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Chi-square test was used to assess the correlation of urine MACC1 levels with clinicopathological features of the patients. The diagnostic performance of urine MACC1 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.Results: Urine MACC1 was obviously elevated in bladder cancer patients compared with controls (P<0.001). What’s more, abnormal urine MACC1 expression was significantly correlated with differentiation (P=0.013), tumor stage (P=0.023), lymph node metastasis (P=0.033) and distant metastasis (P=0.026). Furthermore, according to ROC analysis, urine MACC1 could distinguish bladder cancer patients from controls with an AUC (the areas under the ROC curve) of 0.909. The cut-off value of urine MACC1 for bladder cancer diagnosis was 1.275, with 79.8% specificity and 87.3% sensitivity.Conclusion: Urine MACC1 may be act as a biomarkers for diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Site-specific Methylation of SST Gene May Serve as a Biomarker for Risk Prediction of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers as Well as Promoting Malignant Behavior by Regulating Gene Expression
Authors: Dai Xiantong , Wu Ying , Lv Zhi , Yu Zhanwu , Yuan Yuan , Sun Liping
Published: October 2020

Background: DNA methylation plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression as well as the occurrence and development of cancer. Abnormal hypermethylation in the promoter region of tumor suppressor genes is a recognized molecular events related to carcinogenesis. Somatostatin (SST) is considered as a tumor suppressor gene. The study aims to explore the relationship between the promoter methylation status of SST and the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers and further to evaluate its diagnostic value.Methods: Tissue samples were used for DNA isolation and RNA isolation. SST methylation was detected by biosulfite sequencing PCR, and SST mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the efficacy of SST CpG methylation on the diagnosis of digestive tract tumors by calculating the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index.Results: The methylation level of SST promoter in cancer tissue were significantly increased compared with adjacent control tissue (EC: 0.649 ± 0.078 vs. 0.569 ± 0.107, p <0.05, GC: 0.622 ± 0.09 vs. 0.588 ± 0.079, p <0.05, CC : 0.663 ± 0.083 vs. 0.617 ± 0.042 p <0.05). Significantly different methylation sites contained CpG +18, +25, +44, +94, +100, +127, and +129. SST methylation status was associated with clinical phenotypes such as lymph node metastasis and vascular tumor thrombus. CpG sites in two tumors (+85 in EC, +94 in CC) were positively correlated with the depth of infiltration. The expression level of SST in gastric and colorectal cancer tissue was significantly lower than that in adjacent control tissue (both p <0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in EC group (p = 0.32). Except CpG +25 and +85 sites in GC and the +25, +85 and +148 sites in CRC, the methylation rate of each CpG was negatively correlated with gene expression (all P <0.05). Combined detection of eight CpG sites methylation (+18,+42,+44,+85,+92,+94,+129 and+138) showed the best area under the curve of 0.817 with sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 75%.Conclusions: Abnormal hypermethylation in SST promoter region increased the risk of gastrointestinal tract tumors, as well as promoting cancer progression by regulating gene expression. SST methylation status may serve as site-specific biomarker for risk prediction of gastrointestinal tract tumors.
Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome with Non-Alcoholic and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Han A Lum , Shin Sae-Ron
Published: October 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). Methods: We compared the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome between the three groups of subjects (n = 913): healthy, NAFLD, and AFLD groups. The healthy group had no liver disease. Drinking quantity for diagnosis was based on a previously accepted standard. Both the NAFLD and AFLD groups comprised patients with fatty liver disease diagnosed using computed tomography (CT). Metabolic syndrome risk was compared between the NAFLD and AFLD groups.Results: No significant differences in several cardiovascular risk factors were observed between the NAFLD and AFLD groups. Analysis of the metabolic syndrome status in each group after making appropriate adjustments, the odds ratios (OR) in the NAFLD (OR = 2.397, P = 0.002) and AFLD groups (OR = 4.445, P = 0.001) were found to be significantly higher than that in the healthy group; the incidence rate of metabolic syndrome was similar in the NAFLD and AFLD groups.Conclusion: Both the NAFLD and AFLD groups had more cardiovascular risk factors and higher metabolic syndrome risk than the healthy group. Thus, the prevention of fatty liver disease, regardless of the specific type, should involve the identification of cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome risk factors. If abdominal CT reveals a fatty liver, whether NAFLD or AFLD, the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome should be assessed.
Effect of coagulation time on the concentration of epitheliotrophic components of autologous serum.
Authors: Miguel-Camacho Ana , García-Guillén Karla , Aguirre-Garza Marcelino , León-Cachón Rafael BR , Amparo Francisco , Garza Manuel
Published: October 2020

Background: To know the influence of coagulation time on the concentration of epitheliotropic factors of autologous serum.Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional and experimental study was conducted evaluating the concentrations of epitheliotropic factors in the serum of 20 healthy volunteers over 18 years of age, who did not suffer from diseases or took any medication or with a history of blood transfusion in the last year, those with diagnosis of anemia, coagulation diseases or another situation that contraindicates the sampling were excluded. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and Fibronectin were quantified in the various undiluted serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: 65% were male with an average age of 22.7 ± 5.47 years (range 19 to 45 years). Age was similar in both groups (p = 0.87), men had an average age of 22.85 ± 6.84 years and women 22.43 ± 1.13 years. Vitamin A and Fibronectin did not have a statistically significant difference of concentration at 2 and 24 hours, while the concentration of TGF-β1 had a statistically significant decrease as the clot formation time increased (average 0.22 range, 0.003,0.451), opposite, the EGF increased its concentration statistically significantly with the longer coagulation time (average -0.39 range, -0.60, -0.18).Conclusions: a prolonged clotting time (24 hours) have a significant impact on the composition and epitheliotrophic factors of the serum, increasing the EGF concentrations, and lowering the TGF-β1.