bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High dose expression of heme oxigenase-1 induces retinal degeneration through ER stress-related DDIT3
Authors: Li Huirong , Liu Bo , Lian Lili , Zhou Jiajia , Xiang Shengjin , Zhai Yifan , Chen Yu , Ma Xiaoyin , Wu Wencan , Hou Ling
Published: March 2021

Background

Oxidative stress is a common cause of neurodegeneration and plays a central role in retinal degenerative diseases. Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) is a redox-regulated enzyme that is induced in neurodegenerative diseases and acts against oxidative stress but can also promote cell death, a phenomenon that is still unexplained in molecular terms. Here, we test whether HMOX1 has opposing effects during retinal degeneration and investigate the molecular mechanisms behind its pro-apoptotic role.

Methods

Basal and induced levels of HMOX1 in retinas are examined during light-induced retinal degeneration in mice. Light damage-independent HMOX1 induction at two different expression levels is achieved by intraocular injection of different doses of an adeno-associated virus vector expressing HMOX1. Activation of Müller glial cells, retinal morphology and photoreceptor cell death are examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL assays, immunostaining and retinal function are evaluated with electroretinograms. Downstream gene expression of HMOX1 is analyzed by RNA-seq, qPCR examination and western blotting. The role of one of these genes, the pro-apoptotic DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (Ddit3), is analyzed in a line of knockout mice.

Results

Light-induced retinal degeneration leads to photoreceptor degeneration and concomitant HMOX1 induction. HMOX1 expression at low levels before light exposure prevents photoreceptor degeneration but expression at high levels directly induces photoreceptor degeneration even without light stress. Photoreceptor degeneration following high level expression of HMOX1 is associated with a mislocalization of rhodopsin in photoreceptors and an increase in the expression of DDIT3. Genetic deletion of Ddit3 in knockout mice prevents photoreceptor cell degeneration normally resulting from high level HMOX1 expression.

Conclusion

The results reveal that the expression levels determine whether HMOX1 is protective or deleterious in the retina. Furthermore, in contrast to the protective low dose of HMOX1, the deleterious high dose is associated with induction of DDIT3 and endoplasmic reticulum stress as manifested, for instance, in rhodopsin mislocalization. Hence, future applications of HMOX1 or its regulated targets in gene therapy approaches should carefully consider expression levels in order to avoid potentially devastating effects.
Reproductive health at conflict borders: a cross-sectional survey of human rights violations and perinatal outcomes at the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Koning Stephanie M. , Scott Kaylee , Conway James H. , Palta Mari
Published: March 2021

Background

Human rights violations (HRVs) are common in conflict and displacement contexts. Women are especially vulnerable to HRVs in these contexts, and perinatal health is acutely sensitive to related stressors and health care barriers. However, how HRVs affect immediate and long-term perinatal health in chronic displacement settings has not been closely investigated. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether and how HRVs in these contexts are tied directly to displacement circumstances or other marginalizing factors affecting local migrant and minority populations generally.

Methods

We investigated these questions using novel survey data from 577 women at the northern Thai-Myanmar border, where thousands of people have fled conflict in Shan State, Myanmar, for refuge in a range of precarious settings in Thailand, including unofficial refugee camps, villages, and worksites. We compared HRV exposures by ethnicity, country of birth, legal documentation, and residential setting. We then analyzed perinatal outcomes associated with HRV frequency, timing, and type.

Results

Birth in Myanmar, and ethnic minority and precarious legal status more broadly, predicted higher HRV prevalence. HRV frequency significantly predicted unmet antenatal care and lower birth weight, along with HRVs related to labor exploitation and violence or conflict. HRVs timed closer to pregnancies were more adversely associated with perinatal outcomes. Resource/property deprivation was the strongest predictor of pregnancy complications.

Conclusions

Human rights must be urgently attended to, through expanded HRV screenings and responsive care, and policy changes to further protect migrant workers, displaced persons, and others in precarious legal status situations.
FGF19/FGFR4 signaling axis confines and switches the role of melatonin in head and neck cancer metastasis
Authors: Lang Liwei , Xiong Yuanping , Prieto-Dominguez Nestor , Loveless Reid , Jensen Caleb , Shay Chloe , Teng Yong
Published: March 2021

Background

There is no consensus about the effective dosages of melatonin in cancer management, thus, it is imperative to fully understand the dose-dependent responsiveness of cancer cells to melatonin and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells with or without melatonin treatment were used as a research platform. Gene depletion was achieved by short hairpin RNA, small interfering RNA, and CRISPR/Cas9. Molecular changes and regulations were assessed by Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and chromatin Immunoprecipitation coupled with qPCR (ChIP-qPCR). The therapeutic efficacy of FGF19/FGFR4 inhibition in melatonin-mediated tumor growth and metastasis was evaluated in orthotopic tongue tumor mice.

Results

The effect of melatonin on controlling cell motility and metastasis varies in HNSCC cells, which is dose-dependent. Mechanistically, high-dose melatonin facilitates the upregulation of FGF19 expression through activating endoplasmic stress (ER)-associated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) pathway, which in turn promotes FGFR4-Vimentin invasive signaling and attenuates the role of melatonin in repressing metastasis. Intriguingly, following long-term exposure to high-dose melatonin, epithelial HNSCC cells revert the process towards mesenchymal transition and turn more aggressive, which is enabled by FGF19/FGFR4 upregulation and alleviated by genetic depletion of the FGF19 and FGFR4 genes or the treatment of FGFR4 inhibitor H3B-6527.

Conclusions

Our study gains novel mechanistic insights into melatonin-mediated modulation of FGF19/FGFR4 signaling in HNSCC, demonstrating that activating this molecular node confines the role of melatonin in suppressing metastasis and even triggers the switch of its function from anti-metastasis to metastasis promotion. The blockade of FGF19/FGFR4 signaling would have great potential in improving the efficacy of melatonin supplements in cancer treatment.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Downregulation of lncRNA ZNF582-AS1 due to DNA hypermethylation promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma growth and metastasis by regulating the N(6)-methyladenosine modification of MT-RNR1
Authors: Yang Wuping , Zhang Kenan , Li Lei , Xu Yawei , Ma Kaifang , Xie Haibiao , Zhou Jingcheng , Cai Lin , Gong Yanqing , Gong Kan
Published: March 2021

Background

Emerging evidence confirms that lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) are potential biomarkers that play vital roles in tumors. ZNF582-AS1 is a novel lncRNA that serves as a potential prognostic marker of cancers. However, the specific clinical significance and molecular mechanism of ZNF582-AS1 in ccRCC (clear cell renal cell carcinoma) are unclear.

Methods

Expression level and clinical significance of ZNF582-AS1 were determined by TCGA-KIRC data and qRT-PCR results of 62 ccRCCs. DNA methylation status of ZNF582-AS1 promoter was examined by MSP, MassARRAY methylation and demethylation analysis. Gain-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the biological roles of ZNF582-AS1 in the phenotype of ccRCC. The subcellular localization of ZNF582-AS1 was detected by RNA FISH. iTRAQ, RNA pull-down and RIP-qRT-PCR were used to identify the downstream targets of ZNF582-AS1. rRNA MeRIP-seq and MeRIP-qRT-PCR were utilized to examine the N(6)-methyladenosine modification status. Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were used to determine the protein expression level.

Results

ZNF582-AS1 was downregulated in ccRCC, and decreased ZNF582-AS1 expression was significantly correlated with advanced tumor stage, higher pathological stage, distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Decreased ZNF582-AS1 expression was caused by DNA methylation at the CpG islands within its promoter. ZNF582-AS1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferative, migratory and invasive ability, and increased cell apoptotic rate in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that ZNF582-AS1 overexpression suppressed the N(6)-methyladenosine modification of MT-RNR1 by reducing rRNA adenine N(6)-methyltransferase A8K0B9 protein level, resulting in the decrease of MT-RNR1 expression, followed by the inhibition of MT-CO2 protein expression. Furthermore, MT-RNR1 overexpression reversed the decreased MT-CO2 expression and phenotype inhibition of ccRCC induced by increased ZNF582-AS1 expression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time that ZNF582-AS1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC and ZNF582-AS1 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of ccRCC.
Young child with painful edema and purpura: a case report
Authors: Contorno Sarah , Cozzi Giorgio , Berti Irene , Barbi Egidio , Taddio Andrea
Published: March 2021

Background

We reported the case of a two-old-year boy with a painful acute hemorrhagic edema. This is a self-limited benign condition: usually, affected children are well appearing and this strongly support the diagnosis. In the opposite, in our case, we observed a painful presentation of the edema. Therefore, we demonstrated that rarely, this condition could have also a painful presentation.

Conclusions

This case report helps clinician to know that also acute hemorrhagic edema could have a painful presentation, so we must considered it in the differential diagnosis with sepsis, sickle cell crisis and child abuse. We believe that these findings will be of interest to pediatricians.
Failure to thrive in infant and toddlers: a practical flowchart-based approach in a hospital setting
Authors: Franceschi Roberto , Rizzardi Caterina , Maines Evelina , Liguori Alice , Soffiati Massimo , Tornese Gianluca
Published: March 2021

Background

Failure to thrive is a common reason for referral to paediatric services. Malnutrition or inadequate caloric intake is the most common cause, while organic form is unlikely in children who are asymptomatic and healthy on examination. By this study we evaluate the application of a cost-effective flow chart that helps the clinician in a hospital setting discern accurately organic and non-organic failure to thrive.

Methods

Conduct a prospective single-center study in children up to 2 years of age with growth faltering. The pediatricians used a practical flow chart, took the medical history, created a growth chart, performed clinical examinations, and requested blood test and consultations in a step by step approach.

Results

Among the 74 subjects included in the study, the diagnosis of organic failure to thrive was reached by 42%. Gastrointestinal and genetic diagnoses were the most frequent. Patients with organic failure to thrive had significantly lower gestational age and birth weight. Age at diagnosis and Z-score weight were lower in organic than in non-organic forms. Most patients with non-organic forms (88%) did not undergo in-depth blood test or specialist advice.

Conclusion

The flow chart we presented was accurate for diagnosing children with failure to thrive in a hospital setting and distinct organic and non-organic forms. It was cost-effective to avoid unnecessary blood test or consultations in most non-organic diagnoses.
The NF-κB signalling pathway and TM7SF3 contribute to liver fibrosis caused by secreted phospholipase A2 of Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Wu Yin-Juan , He Qing , Shang Mei , Yin Ying-Xuan , Li Ye , Du Xue , Li Xue-Rong
Published: March 2021

Background

The NF-κB signalling pathway has been reported to be related to liver fibrosis, and we investigated whether the NF-κB signalling pathway is involved in liver fibrosis caused by secreted phospholipase A2 ofClonorchis sinensis(CssPLA2). Furthermore, expression of the receptor ofCssPLA2 on the cell surface of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may greatly contribute to liver fibrosis.

Methods

CssPLA2 was administered to BALB/c mice by abdominal injection. The levels of markers of NF-κB signalling pathway activation in mouse liver tissue were measured by quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and western blot. Additionally, HSCs were incubated withCssPLA2, and an NF-κB signalling inhibitor (BAY 11-7082) was applied to test whether the NF-κB signalling pathway plays a role in the effect ofCssPLA2. Then, the interaction betweenCssPLA2 and its receptor transmembrane 7 superfamily member 3 (TM7SF3) was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and GST pull-down. To determine how TM7SF3 influences the ability ofCssPLA2 to cause liver fibrosis, a TM7SF3 antibody was used to block TM7SF3.

Results

The levels of the NF-ΚB signalling pathway activation markers TNF-α, IL-1β and phospho-p65 were increased byCssPLA2 in the context of liver fibrosis. In addition, the interaction between TM7SF3 andCssPLA2 was confirmed by co-IP and GST pull-down. When TM7SF3 was blocked by an antibody targeting 1–295 amino acids of TM7SF3, activation of HSCs caused byCssPLA2 was alleviated.

Conclusions

The NF-ΚB signalling pathway is involved in the activation of HSCs byCssPLA2. TM7SF3, the receptor ofCssPLA2, plays important roles in liver fibrosis caused byCssPLA2.

Graphical Abstract
Hypermagnesemia in a 20-month-old healthy girl caused by the use of a laxative: a case report
Authors: Araki Kotaro , Kawashima Yuhei , Magota Miyuki , Shishida Norio
Published: March 2021

Background

Hypermagnesemia can be a fatal condition and should be diagnosed early on. Most reports of hypermagnesemia have been of adults with impaired renal function. We describe the case of a pediatric patient without renal dysfunction who developed severe hypermagnesemia.

Case presentation

A healthy 20-month-old Asian girl presented to our emergency department with episodes of vomiting and a reduced level of consciousness. The neurological examination showed a symmetric decrease in muscle tone, and the deep tendon reflexes were decreased. On admission, her magnesium (Mg) level was 11.0 mg/dL after receiving magnesium oxide for 4 days because of constipation. She was immediately administered calcium gluconate infusion (3.9 mEq), and then was continuously infused with it (0.23 mEq/h) as a Mg antagonist to cardiac side effects. She was kept hydrated with 0.9% sodium chloride to maintain good urine output to excrete the Mg. The level of the serum Mg decreased to 2.4 mg/dL, enabling her to regain consciousness. During 5 years of follow-up, she was neurologically well, without the recurrence of hypermagnesemia.

Conclusions

Even in the absence of significant renal dysfunction, the prescription of a laxative containing Mg for constipation can result in severe hypermagnesemia. In addition, the symptoms of hypermagnesemia are nonspecific, and early diagnosis is difficult unless it is actively suspected.
Regulation of connective tissue growth factor expression by miR-133b for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis in aged mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Cao Dan , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Yinping , Huang Qi , Yin Zhong , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei , Sun Xuefeng
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Renal interstitial fibrosis, an important pathological feature of kidney aging and chronic renal failure, is regulated by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We have previously demonstrated low expression of miR-133b in MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in aged rats. However, miR-133b can mediate the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubules induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). We investigated the effect of miR-133b for the treatment of geriatric renal interstitial fibrosis and evaluated its target genes.

Methods

We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect miR-133b expression induced during EMT of HK2 cells by TGF-β1 at different concentrations (0, 6, 8, and 10 ng/mL) and at different time points (0, 24, 48, and 72 h). The target genes of miR-133b were validated using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of miR-133b targets, E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, and collagen 3A1 (Col3A1), in HK2 cells transfected with miR-133b under TGF-β1 stimulation. A 24-month-old unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was established and injected with transfection reagent and miR-133b into the caudal vein. The target gene of miR-133b and other parameters mentioned above such as mRNA and protein expression levels and renal interstitial fibrosis were detected at 7 and 14 days.

Results

miR-133b expression gradually decreased with an increase in TGF-β1 concentration and treatment time, and the miR-133b mimic downregulated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed CTGF as a direct target of miR-133b. Transfection of the miR-133b mimic inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT of HK2 cells; this effect was reversed by CTGF overexpression. miRNA-133b expression significantly increased (approximately 70–100 times) in mouse kidney tissues after injection of the miRNA-133b overexpression complex, which significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with UUO.

Conclusion

miR-133b exerted targeted inhibitory effects on CTGF expression, which consequently reduced TGF-β1-induced EMT of HK2 cells and renal interstitial fibrosis in aged mice with UUO.
Arrangements with the NHS for providing healthcare services: do they improve financial performance of private for-profit hospitals in Spain?
Authors: Ruiz-Mallorquí María Victoria , Aguiar-Díaz Inmaculada , González- López Valcárcel Beatriz
Published: March 2021

Background

In developed countries around the world there is a trend to enhance the public-private collaboration in healthcare. In Spain, a decentralized country with a NHS funded with taxes and universal coverage, commissioning to for-profit private hospitals the production of healthcare services to specific patients that are publicly insured is a traditional practice. Around 43% of the for-profit private hospitals in Spain have a commissioning agreement with the NHS to diagnose or treat patients on public tariffs. These revenues represent 26% of the total revenues of private for-profit hospitals. The research question of this study is if commissioning with the NHS improves the financial performance of private-for-profit hospitals in Spain.

Methods

With a long panel (2000–2017) of for-profit hospitals we estimate a model for the financial performance (return on assets) using commissioning as main explanatory variable and other variables as control (variables financial indicators and structural information). Specific models are estimated for subgroups of hospitals according to size and specialization. The models are estimated by panel regression with fixed effects and GMM as robustness.

Results

Private for-profit hospitals that have commissioning with NHS obtain higher financial performance than no-commissioning hospitals. This effect varies depending on hospital size and type (hospital specialization), the advantage being more relevant for general hospitals and particularly for hospital with at least 50 beds.

Conclusions

Commissioning with the NHS is a promising source of financial profitability for general acute private for-profit hospitals. The evidence provided by this study may orientate the NHS in the regulation and negotiation of commissioning contracts in healthcare.
Organoids: a promising new in vitro platform in livestock and veterinary research
Authors: Kar Soumya K. , Wells Jerry M. , Ellen Esther D. , te Pas Marinus F. W. , Madsen Ole , Groenen Martien A. M. , Woelders Henri
Published: March 2021

Organoids are self-organizing, self-renewing three-dimensional cellular structures that resemble organs in structure and function. They can be derived from adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells. They contain most of the relevant cell types with a topology and cell-to-cell interactions resembling that of the in vivo tissue. The widespread and increasing adoption of organoid-based technologies in human biomedical research is testament to their enormous potential in basic, translational- and applied-research. In a similar fashion there appear to be ample possibilities for research applications of organoids from livestock and companion animals. Furthermore, organoids as in vitro models offer a great possibility to reduce the use of experimental animals. Here, we provide an overview of studies on organoids in livestock and companion animal species, with focus on the methods developed for organoids from a variety of tissues/organs from various animal species and on the applications in veterinary research. Current limitations, and ongoing research to address these limitations, are discussed. Further, we elaborate on a number of fields of research in animal nutrition, host-microbe interactions, animal breeding and genomics, and animal biotechnology, in which organoids may have great potential as an in vitro research tool.
Positive regulation of Type III secretion effectors and virulence by RyhB paralogs in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Chen Binjie , Meng Xianchen , Ni Jie , He Mengping , Chen Yanfei , Xia Pengpeng , Wang Heng , Liu Siguo , Zhu Guoqiang , Meng Xia
Published: March 2021

Small non-coding RNA RyhB is a key regulator of iron homeostasis in bacteria by sensing iron availability in the environment. Although RyhB is known to influence bacterial virulence by interacting with iron metabolism related regulators, its interaction with virulence genes, especially the Type III secretion system (T3SS), has not been reported. Here, we demonstrate that two RyhB paralogs of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis upregulate Type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors, and consequently affect Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. Specifically, we found that RyhB-1 modulate Salmonella response to stress condition of iron deficiency and hypoxia, and stress in simulated intestinal environment (SIE). Under SIE culture conditions, both RyhB-1 and RyhB-2 are drastically induced and directly upregulate the expression of T3SS effector gene sipA by interacting with its 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) via an incomplete base-pairing mechanism. In addition, the RyhB paralogs upregulate the expression of T3SS effector gene sopE. By regulating the invasion-related genes, RyhBs in turn affect the ability of S. Enteritidis to adhere to and invade into intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings provide evidence that RyhBs function as critical virulence factors by directly regulating virulence-related gene expression. Thus, inhibition of RyhBs may be a potential strategy to attenuate Salmonella.
Low complexity channel estimation algorithm using paired spatial signatures for UAV 3D MIMO systems
Authors: Xie Peizhong , Wan Yingqing , Li Ting , Ju Renjie
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a low complexity channel estimation algorithm for unmanned aerial vehicle three dimension multi-user multiple-input-multiple-output (3D MIMO) systems with the uniform planar array (UPA) at base station using paired spatial signatures. With the aid of antenna array theory and array signal processing, 3D channel is firstly modeled based on the angles between the direction of arrival along x- and y-axis of the UPA. And 3D MIMO channels can be projected onto the x- and y-directions, respectively. Then, channel estimation for multi-user uplinks using small amount of training resources is divided into two phases. At the first uplink preamble phase, each user is assigned the orthogonal pilot, and the paired spatial signatures and optimal rotation angle of each user through the same pilot sequence are obtained. We also propose a user grouping strategy based on three-dimension angle-division multiple access (3D-ADMA) to ensure that the user's spatial signatures do not overlap. At the second phase during several coherence times, the same pilot sequence within a group and orthogonal pilot sequences between groups are assigned, then, the channel state information of the user's x- and y-directions are recovered by the paired space signatures and optimal rotation angle of each user obtained in the preamble phase, respectively. And dynamically updating the user's paired spatial signatures and optimal rotation angle utilizes the obtained channel parameter of x- and y-directions. Finally, the channel parameter of the x- and y-directions are reconstructed by the updated user's space signatures and the optimal rotation angle, and the 3D MIMO channel estimation is obtained through the Kronecker product. Compared with the conventional channel estimation method of the 3D MIMO system under UPA using a low-rank model, the proposed methods reduce the computational complexity without degrading the estimated performance to a large extent. Furthermore, it is carried out with limited training resources, and the pilot resource overhead of the system is greatly reduced by the 3D-ADMA packet and the two-stage pilot allocation. Simulation results verified that the proposed algorithm is effective and feasible.
P value and Bayesian analysis in randomized-controlled trials in child health research published over 10 years, 2007 to 2017: a methodological review protocol
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Gates Allison , Coyle Amanda , Sim Shannon , Vandermeer Ben , Skakum Megan , Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina , Heath Anna , Hartling Lisa , Klassen Terry P.
Published: March 2021

Background

There is an unresolved debate about the reliability of the interpretation ofPvalue. Some investigators have suggested that an alternative Bayesian method is preferred in conducting health research. As randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are important in generating research evidence, we decided to investigate the extent, if any, the inferential statistical framework in published RCTs in child health research have changed over 10 years. We aim to examine the change inPvalue and Bayesian analysis in RCTs in child health research papers published from 2007 to 2017.

Methods

We will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley) to identify relevant citations. We will leverage a pre-existing sample of child health RCTs published in 2007 (n=300) used in our previous study of reporting quality of pediatric RCTs. Using the same strategy and study selection methods, we will identify a comparable random sample of child health RCTs published in 2017 (n=300). Eligible studies will include RCTs in health research among individuals aged 21 years and below. One reviewer will select studies for inclusion and extract the data and another reviewer will verify these. Disagreements will be resolved by a discussion between reviewers or by involving another reviewer. We will perform a descriptive analysis of 2007 and 2017 samples and analyze the results using both the frequentist and Bayesian methods. We will present specific characteristics of the clinical trials from 2007 and 2017 in tabular and graphical forms. We will report the difference in the proportion ofPvalue and Bayesian analysis between 2007 and 2017 to assess the 10-year change. Clustering aroundPvalues of significance, if observed, will be reported.

Discussion

This review will present the difference in the proportion of trials that reported onPvalue and Bayesian analysis between 2007 and 2017 to assess the 10-year change. The implications for future clinical research will be discussed and this research work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review has the potential to help inform the need for a change in the methodological approach from the null hypothesis significance test to Bayesian methods.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Frameworkhttps://osf.io/aj2df
Certain fundamental properties of generalized natural transform in generalized spaces
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh Khalaf , Araci Serkan
Published: March 2021

This paper considers the definition and the properties of the generalized natural transform on sets of generalized functions. Convolution products, convolution theorems, and spaces of Boehmians are described in a form of auxiliary results. The constructed spaces of Boehmians are achieved and fulfilled by pursuing a deep analysis on a set of delta sequences and axioms which have mitigated the construction of the generalized spaces. Such results are exploited in emphasizing the virtual definition of the generalized natural transform on the addressed sets of Boehmians. The constructed spaces, inspired from their general nature, generalize the space of integrable functions of Srivastava et al. (Acta Math. Sci. 35B:1386–1400, 2015) and, subsequently, the extended operator with its good qualitative behavior generalizes the classical natural transform. Various continuous embeddings of potential interests are introduced and discussed between the space of integrable functions and the space of integrable Boehmians. On another aspect as well, several characteristics of the extended operator and its inversion formula are discussed.
Dietary seaweed-derived polysaccharides improve growth performance of weaned pigs through maintaining intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbial populations
Authors: Zou Tiande , Yang Jin , Guo Xiaobo , He Qin , Wang Zirui , You Jinming
Published: March 2021

Background

Seaweed-derived polysaccharides (SDP) represent an attractive source of prebiotic nutraceuticals for the food and animal husbandry industry. However, the mechanism by which SDP fromEnteromorphamediates pig growth are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how SDP supplementation influences the growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs.

Results

In Exp. 1, 240 weaned pigs were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP, respectively, in a 21-day trial. Pigs on the 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP-supplemented group had greater ADG and lower F/G ratio than those on the control group (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, 20 male weaned pigs were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed with a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg SDP (the optimum does from Exp. 1), in a 21-day trial. Pigs fed the SDP diet had greater ADG, the concentrations of serum IL-6 and TNF-α and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase (P<0.05), and lower F/G, diarrhea rate, as well as serumD-lactate concentrations and diamine oxidase activity (P<0.05). Moreover, dietary SDP supplementation enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A content, villus height and villous height: crypt depth ratio in small intestine, as well as the lactase and maltase activities in jejunum mucosa (P<0.05). SDP supplementation elevated the mRNA levels of inflammatory response-related genes (IL-6,TNF-α,TLR4,TLR6andMyD88), and the mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin in jejunum mucosa (P<0.05). Importantly, SDP not only increased theLactobacilluspopulation but also reduced theEscherichia colipopulation in cecum (P<0.05). Furthermore, SDP increased acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations in cecum (P<0.05).

Conclusions

These results not only suggest a beneficial effect of SDP on growth performance and intestinal barrier functions, but also offer potential mechanisms behind SDP-facilitated intestinal health in weaned pigs.
Implementing a new tuberculosis surveillance system in Zhejiang, Jilin and Ningxia: improvements, challenges and implications for China’s National Health Information System
Authors: Jiang Wei-Xi , Huang Fei , Tang Sheng-Lan , Wang Ni , Du Xin , Zhang Hui , Zhao Yan-Lin
Published: March 2021

Background

China is still faced with the public health challenge of tuberculosis (TB), and a robust surveillance system is critical for developing evidence-based TB control policies. The Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS), an independent system launched in 2005, has encountered several challenges in meeting the current needs of TB control. The Chinese government also planned to establish the National Health Information System (NHIS) aggregating data in different areas. The China National Health Commission-Gates TB Project Phase III launched a new TB surveillance system to address these challenges and also as a pilot for the countrywide implementation of the NHIS. This commentary highlights the improvements and challenges in implementing the new TB system and also discusses the implications for the roll-out of the NHIS.

Main text

The new TB surveillance system piloted in each prefecture of the project provinces was designed based on the local information system under the unified principle of organizing patient information under a unique ID and realizing the function of data exchange. Upon mid-2019, the data exchange successful rate reached almost 100%, and the system showed good performance in data completeness. Major improvements of the new system included achieving automatic data extraction instead of manual entry, assisting clinical service provision, and the augmented statistical functions. The major challenges in the implementation and scale-up of the new system were the licensing issue and the diversities of infrastructures that hinder the promotion of the new system at a low cost. This pilot also accumulated experiences for the roll-out of the NHIS regarding the technical solutions of reforming current information systems as well as effective training approaches for the developers and users of the new system.

Conclusions

The successful implementation of the new TB surveillance system in the three TB designated medical institutions demonstrated how the diverse infrastructures of the information system could be reformed to achieve the functions of automatic data extraction and data exchange and better cater to the needs of healthcare workers. This pilot also accumulated rich experiences and lessons learnt for developing technical solutions and personnel training for the scale-up of the NHIS.
Self-weighing among young adults: who weighs themselves and for whom does weighing affect mood? A cross-sectional study of a population-based sample
Authors: Hahn Samantha L. , Pacanowski Carly R. , Loth Katie A. , Miller Jonathan , Eisenberg Marla E. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: March 2021

Background

Self-weighing is widespread among young adults and is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers for weight management. The present study aims to deepen our understanding of who is frequently self-weighing among young adults, and to examine for whom self-weighing impacts mood based on weighing frequency and other eating and weight-related characteristics.

Methods

Survey data were collected from a large population-based sample of young adults (31.1 ± 1.6y) participating in Project EAT-IV (n = 1719). Cross-sectional data were stratified across sex and analyzed with chi-square, t-tests, and linear and logistic regressions controlling for age, ethnicity/race, education level, and income.

Results

Self-weighing frequency was higher among male and female young adults with a current eating disorder, those trying to lose weight or who endorsed any disordered eating behaviors or cognition, and females with higher BMI. Young adult females were significantly more likely than males to report that self-weighing impacted their mood (53% vs 27%, p < 0.05). Among both male and female young adults, there was a higher probability of participants reporting that self-weighing impacted their mood among those who were self-weighing more frequently, had higher BMI, were trying to lose weight, and endorsed disordered eating behaviors or cognitions.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that for many young adults, particularly females and those with weight-related concerns, self-weighing is a behavior that comes with emotional valence. The emotional consequences of self-weighing should be considered when making public health and clinical recommendations regarding the usefulness of self-weighing.
Gut microbial dysbiosis after traumatic brain injury modulates the immune response and impairs neurogenesis
Authors: Celorrio Marta , Abellanas Miguel A. , Rhodes James , Goodwin Victoria , Moritz Jennie , Vadivelu Sangeetha , Wang Leran , Rodgers Rachel , Xiao Sophia , Anabayan Ilakkia , Payne Camryn , Perry Alexandra M. , Baldridge Megan T. , Aymerich Maria S. , Steed Ashley , Friess Stuart H.
Published: March 2021

The influence of the gut microbiota on traumatic brain injury (TBI) is presently unknown. This knowledge gap is of paramount clinical significance as TBI patients are highly susceptible to alterations in the gut microbiota by antibiotic exposure. Antibiotic-induced gut microbial dysbiosis established prior to TBI significantly worsened neuronal loss and reduced microglia activation in the injured hippocampus with concomitant changes in fear memory response. Importantly, antibiotic exposure for 1 week after TBI reduced cortical infiltration of Ly6Chigh monocytes, increased microglial pro-inflammatory markers, and decreased T lymphocyte infiltration, which persisted through 1 month post-injury. Moreover, microbial dysbiosis was associated with reduced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus 1 week after TBI. By 3 months after injury (11 weeks after discontinuation of the antibiotics), we observed increased microglial proliferation, increased hippocampal neuronal loss, and modulation of fear memory response. These data demonstrate that antibiotic-induced gut microbial dysbiosis after TBI impacts neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and fear memory and implicate gut microbial modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention for TBI.
DV-DVFS: merging data variety and DVFS technique to manage the energy consumption of big data processing
Authors: Ahmadvand Hossein , Foroutan Fouzhan , Fathy Mahmood
Published: March 2021

Data variety is one of the most important features of Big Data. Data variety is the result of aggregating data from multiple sources and uneven distribution of data. This feature of Big Data causes high variation in the consumption of processing resources such as CPU consumption. This issue has been overlooked in previous works. To overcome the mentioned problem, in the present work, we used Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to reduce the energy consumption of computation. To this goal, we consider two types of deadlines as our constraint. Before applying the DVFS technique to computer nodes, we estimate the processing time and the frequency needed to meet the deadline. In the evaluation phase, we have used a set of data sets and applications. The experimental results show that our proposed approach surpasses the other scenarios in processing real datasets. Based on the experimental results in this paper, DV-DVFS can achieve up to 15% improvement in energy consumption.
Comparison of volume of the forebrain, subarachnoid space and lateral ventricles between dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and controls using a stereological approach: Cavalieri’s principle
Authors: Watson Fraje , Coppi A. Augusto , Volk Holger A. , Packer Rowena M. A. , Tauro Anna , Rusbridge Clare
Published: March 2021

Background

Canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common chronic neurological brain disease in dogs, yet it can only be diagnosed by exclusion of all other potential causes. In people, epilepsy has been associated with a reduction in brain volume. The objective was to estimate the volume of the forebrain (FB), subarachnoid space (SAS) and lateral ventricles (LV) in dogs with IE compared to controls using Cavalieri’s principle. MRI scans of case and control dogs were identified from two neurology referral hospital databases. Eight breeds with increased odds of having IE were included: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Border terrier, German Shepherd dog, Parson Jack Russell terrier, Boxer, and Border Collie. Five dogs of each breed with IE and up to five controls were systematically and uniformly randomly sampled (SURS). The volume of the FB, SAS and LV were estimated from MRI scans by one blinded observer using Cavalieri’s principle.

Results

One hundred-two dogs were identified; 56 were diagnosed with IE and 46 were controls. There was no statistically significant difference in FB, SAS and LV volume between dogs with IE and controls. Dogs with a history of status epilepticus had significantly larger FB than those without (p = 0.05). There was a border-line trend for LV volume to increase with increasing length of seizure history in the IE group (p = 0.055).

Conclusion

The volumes of the FB, SAS and LV are not different between dogs with IE and controls, so IE remains a diagnosis of exclusion with no specific neuroanatomical biomarkers identified. This is the first time FB and SAS volume has been compared in dogs with IE. Unfortunately, we have shown that the results reporting significantly larger FBs in dogs with status epilepticus and LV volume increase with length of seizure history were likely confounded by breed and should be interpreted cautiously. Whilst these associations are interesting and clinically relevant, further investigation with breed-specific or larger, breed-diverse populations are required to permit strong conclusions. The Cavalieri principle provided an effective estimation of FB, SAS and LV volumes on MRI, but may be too time-intensive for use in clinical practice.
Modeling and analyzing users’ behavioral strategies with co-evolutionary process
Authors: Miura Yutaro , Toriumi Fujio , Sugawara Toshiharu
Published: March 2021

Social networking services (SNSs) are constantly used by a large number of people with various motivations and intentions depending on their social relationships and purposes, and thus, resulting in diverse strategies of posting/consuming content on SNSs. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences of the individual strategies depending on their network locations and surroundings. For this purpose, by using a game-theoretical model of users called agents and proposing a co-evolutionary algorithm called multiple-world genetic algorithm to evolve diverse strategy for each user, we investigated the differences in individual strategies and compared the results in artificial networks and those of the Facebook ego network. From our experiments, we found that agents did not select the free rider strategy, which means that just reading the articles and comments posted by other users, in the Facebook network, although this strategy is usually cost-effective and usually appeared in the artificial networks. We also found that the agents who mainly comment on posted articles/comments and rarely post their own articles appear in the Facebook network but do not appear in the connecting nearest-neighbor networks, although we think that this kind of user actually exists in real-world SNSs. Our experimental simulation also revealed that the number of friends was a crucial factor to identify users’ strategies on SNSs through the analysis of the impact of the differences in the reward for a comment on various ego networks.
First report of detection of microcystins in farmed mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis in Thermaikos gulf in Greece
Authors: Kalaitzidou Maria P. , Nannou Christina I. , Lambropoulou Dimitra A. , Papageorgiou Konstantinos V. , Theodoridis Alexandros M. , Economou Vangelis K. , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Angelidis Panagiotis G. , Kritas Spyridon K. , Petridou Evanthia J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Microcystins are emerging marine biotoxins, produced by potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Their presence has been reported in aquatic animals in Greek freshwater, while data are few in marine environments. Since the climate change induces eutrophication and harmful algal blooms in coastal marine ecosystems affecting the public health, further research on microcystins’ presence in marine waters is required. The aim of this study was to examine the potential presence of microcystins in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis in the largest farming areas in Thermaikos gulf, in Northern Greece, and to investigate their temporal and spatial distribution, adding to the knowledge of microcystins presence in Greek Mediterranean mussels.

Results

A 4-year microcystins’ assessment was conducted from 2013 to 2016, in farmed Mediterranean mussels M. galloprovincialis, in five sampling areas in Thermaikos gulf, in northern Greece, where the 90% of the Greek mussels’ farming activities is located. The isolation of potentially toxic cyanobacteria was confirmed by molecular methods. An initial screening was performed with a qualitative and quantitative direct monoclonal (DM) ELISA and results above 1 ng g−1 were confirmed for the occurrence of the most common microcystins-RR, -LR and -YR, by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a high- resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) (Orbitrap analyzer). Microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR were detected, while the intensity of microcystin-YR was below the method detection limit. Most samples that exhibited concentrations above 1 ng g-1 were detected during the warm seasons of the year and especially in spring. Results indicated an overestimation of the ELISA method, since concentrations ranged between 0.70 ± 0.15 ng g−1 and 53.90 ± 3.18 ng g−1, while the confirmation denoted that the levels of microcystins were 6 to 22 times lower.

Conclusions

Microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR were detected for the first time in mussel M. galloprovincialis, harvested from farms in Thermaikos gulf, in Central Macedonia, Greece. Their presence was linked to potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Bioaccumulation was observed in digestive gland, while the concentrations in muscles were found extremely low. Samples with levels above 1 ng g−1 were observed mostly during spring, confirming the seasonal distribution of microcystins. The comparison of the results by the ELISA and the LC-Orbitrap MS method indicated an overestimation of concentration by the ELISA method.