bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IHR (2005) Implementation and Health Security Capacities at National and Sub-national Levels in India in the Context of COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Dhuria Meera , Singh Sujeet Kumar , Jain Sudhir Kumar , Kandel Nirmal , Sharma Arun Kumar , Nguyen Tran M , Honnakamble Raghavendra A , Chauhan Ritu , Ofrin Roderico
Published: October 2020

Background: The implementation of International Health regulations (2005)ensure public health measures to prevent, detect, and respond to threats and events, including infections disease events like COVID19 to the prevention and control of the international spread of the disease. At the onset of COVID-19 outbreak, we analysed India’s national and subnational level preparedness capacities against COVID19. Methods: India’s health security capacities were reviewed using five indices, i) prevent, ii) detect, iii) respond, iv) enabling function and v) operational readiness using the 2019 score of India’s State Party Annual Report. For subnational analysis, a composite measure is developed for operational readiness capacity for each state using Sustainable Development Goal index score for good health and well-being (SDG3) and indicators of COVID19 preparedness and readiness capacity. Results: India had score 60% for prevent, 90% for detect, 63.3% for respond, 80% for enabling function and 74.4% operational readiness and they were at level 3, 5, 4,5and 4 respectively. Out of 36 federal states, 5 (14%) states were level 5, 10 (28%) at level 4, 17 (47%) at level 3 and 4 (11%) states at level 2 for the operational readiness index. Conclusions: India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks were comparable with other countries in the SEAR region. It performed better on prevent, detect, respond and enabling function, which suggest that effective response to COVID19 pandemic could be enabled. The operational readiness capacities of federal states are comparable except for the few states. However, it needs to corroborate with local risk assessment due to COVID19 to fully understand the readiness capacity. Rapid development of capacities at the sub-national levels are needed to strengthen national readiness capacities.
A peer interview qualitative study exploring support for carers of people with comorbid autism and eating disorders
Authors: Kinnaird Emma , Oakley Madeleine , Lawrence Vanessa , Shergill Sukhi , Tchanturia Kate
Published: October 2020

Background
Carers of people with eating disorders (EDs) are known to experience a lack of support, high levels of unmet needs and resulting distress. Specific support and interventions for carers may benefit both the carer, and their loved one with an ED. Individuals with co-occurring autism spectrum condition (ASC) and EDs may present with additional needs and difficulties relating to their ASC that impact their carers. However, there is a lack of research exploring whether carers of people with ASC and EDs have specific support needs, and what kinds of support may be most beneficial for this population.
Methods
This study used a qualitative interview design, utilising peer interviews. Eleven carers participated in interviews about their experiences as a carer, and their views on existing support systems and potential improvements. As the study took place during the initial UK coronavirus lockdown, the impact of the lockdown also emerged as a topic during the interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Five themes were identified: challenges associated with co-occurring ASC and EDs, a lack of existing support for carers from healthcare services, the personal impact of caring for someone with both ASC and EDs, ideas for how carers can be best supported, and the impact of the coronavirus on carers.
Conclusions
Carers of loved ones with both ASC and EDs described the experience as having a significant personal impact on their lives, but also experienced a lack of support from healthcare services. There was a perception that caring for someone with both an ASC and EDs presents additional challenges compared to caring for someone with an ED only, and that this population therefore requires specialised support. Recommendations for possible support options, and for further research, are outlined.
Modified technique of closing the port site after multiport thoracoscopic surgery using the shingled suture technique: a single centre experience
Authors: Xu Haitao , Ren Shuai , She Tianyu , Zhang Jingyu , Zhang Lianguo , Jia Teng , Zhang Qingguang
Published: October 2020

Background: Due to improvements in operative techniques and medical equipment, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become a mainstay of thoracic surgery. Nevertheless, in multiport thoracoscopic surgery,there have been no substantive improvements in how to improve the aesthetics of the site of the chest tube left for postoperative drainage of intrathoracic fluid and decompression of air leak after the thoracoscopic surgery. Leakage of fluid and air around the site of the chest tube can be extremely bothersome to the patient. Methods: From March 2019 to April 2020, we used modified technique of closing the port site in 67 patients and traditional method in 51 patients who underwent multiport thoracoscopic surgery due to lung disease or mediastinal disease. With our modified technique, the muscle and fat layers are sutured separately and a removal-free, absorbable, continuous intradermal suture is used for the skin closure to assure both a tight closure and a better aesthetic appearance. The traditional method of fixation of the chest tube use two sutures to close the skin on each side of the chest tube.Results: The chest tubes were removed 2–13 days after the thoracoscopic procedure. In the modified technique group,one patients (1.49%) had fluid extravasation, which was better than five patients (9.80%) in the traditional method group (P<0.05).There were no significant differences in subcutaneous emphysema and wound dehiscenc between the two groups.However,the incidence of subcutaneous emphysema and wound dehiscenc in the modified technique group were lower than in the traditional method group.There were no post-removal pneumothorax and wound infection in either groups.Conclusions: This modified technique of port site closure is a leak-proof method of fixation of the chest tube after multiport thoracoscopic surgery and effective with aesthetic appearance of the skin.
Chitopentaose Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inducing Mitochondrial Mediated Apoptosis and Suppressing Protective Autophagy
Authors: Zhu Chunfeng , Zhao Mengyao , Fan Liqiang , Cao Xuni , Xia Quanming , Zhou Jiachun , Yin Hao , Liming Zhao
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. In this study, the anti-tumor effect of singular degree of polymerization (DP) chitooligosaccharides (COS) (DP 2-5) and the underlay molecular mechanisms were investigated on HCC cell line HepG2. MTT assay showed that (GlcN)5 have the best anti-proliferation effect among the different DP of COS (DP2-5). Furthermore, the administration of (GlcN)5 could decrease mitochondrial membrane potential, release cytochrome c into cytoplasm, activate the cleavage of Caspases9/3, thus inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, (GlcN)5 treatment could increase the accumulation of autophagosomes. Further investigation showed that (GlcN)5 suppressed protective autophagy at the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. Moreover, the inhibition of protective autophagy flux by (GlcN)5 could further decrease cell viability and increase apoptosis rate. Our findings suggested that (GlcN)5 suppressed HepG2 proliferation through inducing apoptosis via intrinsic pathway and impairing cell protective autophagy. COS might have the potential to be an agent for lowering the risk of HCC.
Acute Liver Failure for Liver Transplantation Due to Hepatolenticular Degeneration:a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yan Hai-Bo , Liu Jing-Wei , Li Yu-mei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWilson disease (WD) is a genetic disease of abnormal copper metabolism, pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a life-threatening illness. Wilson’s disease with acute liver failure has rapid progress, and high mortality, especially in children.Case presentationThe patient was a 14-year-old girl who developed vomiting, jaundice within 7 days, leading to the initial suspicion of acute liver failure. Results of further investigation by geen and histological examination were consistent with a diagnosis of Wilson disease. She was treated with plasma exchange and DPMAS. After six days of treatment, coagulation routine and bilirubin improved, and she was gradually conscious. On the 8th day after admission, the condition was deteriorate, she was confusion, and had dyspnea, bleeding. The coagulation routine continued to deteriorate, bilirubin did not decrease significantly. Doppler ultrasound examination showed that the portal vein blood flow direction was away from the liver. Abdominal CT showed gastric varicose veins. She underwent liver transplantation. Thirty-three days later, she recovered. Patients with PALF should be transferred to a center with a transplant unit early. Once conservative treatment fails, LT should be performed. ConclusionA review of the literature shows that Wilson disease can occur at any age, including childhood. Wilson’s disease with acute liver failure has rapid progress, and high mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to improving the prognosis.
WITHDRAWN: Do Pre-existing Comorbid Conditions Influence the Clinical Course of COVID-19 Infection in Childhood?
Authors: Bayhan Gulsum Iclal , Demirdag Tugba Bedir , Yuksek Saliha Kanik , Parlakay Aslinur Ozkaya , Gulhan Belgin , Dinc Bedia , Bulut Busra , Senel Emrah
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 has a milder clinical course in childhood with significantly lower mortality than in adulthood. The presence of comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease is thought to be associated with increased mortality in adults. There is very little information on the clinical course of COVID-19 in children with pre-existing comorbid conditions. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated laboratory-confirmed pediatric COVID-19 at the Children’s Hospital of Ankara City Hospital. The patients were classified as those with and without pre-existing comorbid conditions and the two groups were compared for age, gender, clinical picture at presentation, the presence of severe disease, and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) requirement. ResultsA total of 317 children were confirmed to have COVID-19 infection. A pre-existing comorbid condition was present in 59 (18.6%) and absent in 258 (81.4%). The rate of lower respiratory tract infection was significantly higher in the patients with comorbidities (p=0.012). None of our patients had severe disease on admission and severe disease did not develop during follow-up. ConclusionsOur results indicate that the clinical course of COVID-19 in children with pre-existing comorbid conditions may not be as severe as in adults, and lower respiratory infection may be more common in children with pre-existing comorbidities.
USP24-GSDMB complex promotes bladder cancer proliferation via activation of the STAT3 pathway
Authors: He Haiqing , Zhang Bin , Yan Bin , Xiao Ming , Ren Jiannan , Zi Dong , Zhu Liang , Zhong Zhaohui , Zhao Xiaokun , Jin xin , Xiong Wei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundBladder cancer is the fourth and tenth most common malignancy in men and women worldwide, respectively. One of the main reasons for the unsatisfactory therapeutic control of bladder cancer is that the molecular biological mechanism of bladder cancer is complex. Gasdermin B (GSDMB) is one member of the gasdermin family and participates in the regulation of cell pyroptosis. The role of GSDMB in bladder cancer has not been studied to date.MethodsThe clinical relevance of GSDMB was examined by the TCGA data set. Functional assays, such as the MTT assay, Celigo fluorescent cell-counting assay, Annexin V-APC assay and xenografts, were used to determine the biological role of GSDMB in bladder cancer. The interaction between GSDMB and STAT3, or GSDMB and USP24 were detected by Mass spectrometry and verified through immunoprecipitation. The relationship between USP24, GSDMB and STAT3 was examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn this study, bioinformatics analysis indicated that the mRNA expression level of GSDMB in bladder cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. Then, we showed that GSDMB promoted bladder cancer progression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GSDMB interacted with STAT3 to increase the phosphorylation of STAT3 and modulate the glucose metabolism and promote tumor growth in bladder cancer cells. Besides, we also showed that USP24 stabilized GSDMB to activate STAT3 signaling, which was blocked by the USP24 inhibitor. ConclusionsWe suggested that aberrantly up-regulated GSDMB was responsible for enhancing the growth and invasion ability of bladder cancer cells. Then, we showed that GSDMB could bind to STAT3 and activate STAT3 signaling in bladder cancer. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that USP24 interacts with GSDMB and prevents GSDMB from degradation in bladder cancer cells. Therefore, the USP24/GSDMB/STAT3 axis may be a new targetable signaling pathway for bladder cancer treatment.
SHCBP1 interacting with EOGT enhanced O-GlcNAcylation of NOTCH1 and promoted the development of pancreatic cancer .
Authors: Yang Can , Hu Jianfei , Zhan Qian , Wang Zu-Wei , Li Ge , Pan Jing-Jing , Huang Long , Liao Cheng-Yu , Huang Yi , Tian Yi-Feng , Shen Bai-Yong , Chen Jiang-Zhi , Wang Yao-Dong , Chen Shi
Published: October 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer(PDAC) remains one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, The accumulation of many abnormal epigenetic abnormalities contribute to the fatal prognosis of PDAC,While available studies are still limited. Many studies have confirmed that the Shc SH2-domain binding protein 1(SHCBP1) plays as proto-oncogene in cancers. However, whether SHCBP1 plays a role in pancreatic cancer oncogenesis is still unknown.EGF domain-specific O-linked GlcNActransferase (EOGT) acts as a key participant in the O-GlcNAcylation of NOTCH1. EOGT mutations inhibit the NOTCH1 signalling pathway and cause several congenital developmental disorders, However, the role of EOGT in malignancies has not been reported.Methods:SHCBP1 and EOGT were identified as proto-oncogenes in PDAC by High-throughput sequencing and Cox regression analysis,and validated by Internal and External cohort and public databases. The function of SHCBP1 and EOGT was determined in vitro and in vivo, The underlying mechanism was investigated by Western blot,Immunofluorescence（IF），Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)，and luciferase analyses.Results: The expression of EOGT and SHCBP1 was significantly elevated and correlated with worse prognosis in PDAC patients. In vitro, SHCBP1 overexpression promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation,migration and invasion, while knocking down SHCBP1 and EOGT inhibited these malignant processes. In vivo data showed that SHCBP1 overexpression promoted xenograft growth and lung metastasis and shortened survival in mice,whereas knocking down either EOGT or SHCBP1 expression suppressed xenograft growth and metastasis and prolonged survival. Morever，EOGT and SHCBP1 enhance the O-GlcNAcylation of NOTCH1, subsequently promoting the nuclear localization of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and inhibiting the transcription of E-cadherin and P21 in pancreatic cancer cells.Conclusion:All in all，This research revealed that SHCBP1 and EOGT act as proto-oncogenes in PDAC by enhancing the O-GlcNAcylation of NOTCH1，Which provides a new field of vision for new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
Let-7a suppresses Ewing sarcoma CSCs’ malignant phenotype via forming a positive feedback circuit with STAT3 and lin28
Authors: Xu Jiang , Zhang Zhongzu , Huang Lu , Zhou Rongping , Feng LinXuan , Zhou Zhenhai , Yu Honggui , Peng Kun , Li Chen , Liu Zhiming , Cao Kai
Published: October 2020

Background：Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been documented to be closely related with tumor metastasis and recurrence, and the same important role were identified in Ewing Sarcoma (ES). In our previous study, we found that let-7a was repressed in ES. Herein, we further identified its putative effects in the CSCs of ES. Methods：Side population (SP) cells were isolated from ES cell lines A673 and SK-ES-1 via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) Assays and then identified. The expression of let-7a, signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) and lin28 were detected by Real-time qPCR and western blotting. Cell colony formation assay and cell invasion assays were performed to detected the effect of let-7a on the malignant phenotype of ES SP cells. Finally, we injected the let-7a or scramble mimic into the xenograft tumors in nude mice to evaluated its effects on the growth of ES SP cells in vivo.Results：The expression of let-7a was consistently suppressed in the separated ES SP cells, which were identified to contain the characteristics of the stem cells. The ability of colony formation or invasion of ES SP cells was suppressed in vitro when we restored the expression of let-7a. The same results were found in the tumor growth of ES SP cells’ xenograft mice in vivo. Furthermore, we found STAT3 and lin28 were involved in the suppressive effects.Conclusion：Let-7a, STAT3 and lin28 might form a positive circuit to regulate the malignant phenotype of ES CSCs.
CDK5RAP3 as a Novel Biomarker Signature Predicting Survival and Adjuvant Chemotherapeutic Benefit in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Jia-Bin , Gao You-Xin , Lian Ning-Zi , Ma Yu-Bin , Li Ping , Lin Jian-Xian , Lu Jun , Chen Qi-Yue , Cao Long-Long , Lin Mi , Liu Li-Chao , Tu Ru-Hong , Lin Ju-Li , Huang Ze-Ning , Zheng Hua-Long , Xie Jian-Wei , Zheng Chao-Hui , Huang Chang-Ming
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that CDK5RAP3 acts as a tumour suppressor in gastric cancer through negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, but its function in chemotherapeutic responsiveness of gastric cancer has not been investigated. MethodA collection of 188 pairs of tumour tissue microarray specimens from Fujian Medical University were employed for the discovery set, and 310 tumour tissue samples of gastric cancer patients were employed for the internal validation set. Eight-five tumour tissue samples from Qinghai University Hospital were used as the external validation set 1. Transcriptomic and clinical data of 299 gastric cancer patients from TCGA were used as the external validation set 2. CDK5RAP3 expression, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were examined with immunohistochemistry. Clinical outcomes of patients were compared with Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox model.ResultsIn a multi-centre evaluation, increased CDK5RAP3 indication of better prognosis depends mainly on MSI-L/MSS status or TILhigh. High CDK5RAP3 expression predicts sensitive therapeutic responsiveness to postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer. In a stratification analysis based on CDK5RAP3 combined with TIL or MSI status, patients with CKD5RAP3low TILlow showed no significant difference in prognosis after receiving chemotherapy, whereas patients with CKD5RAP3low TILhigh, CKD5RAP3high TILlow, and CKD5RAP3high TILhigh had better responsiveness to chemotherapy. In addition, patients with CKD5RAP3high MSI-L/MSS status benefitted the most from adjuvant chemotherapy among all patients evaluated. Conclusions﻿CKD5RAP3 can be used as an effective marker to evaluate individualized chemotherapy regimens in gastric cancer patients dependent on their TIL and MSI status.
Methodological Approaches to Imputing Early-Pregnancy Weight Based on Weight Measures Collected During Pregnancy
Authors: Yang Jiaxi , Wang Dongqing , Darling Anne Marie , Liu Enju , Perumal Nandita , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Wang Molin
Published: October 2020

Background: Early pregnancy weights are needed to quantify gestational weight gain accurately. Different methods have been used in previous studies to impute early-pregnancy weights. However, no studies have systematically compared imputed weight accuracy across different imputation techniques. This study aimed to compare four methodological approaches to imputing early-pregnancy weight, using repeated measures of pregnancy weights collected from two pregnancy cohorts in Tanzania.Methods: The mean gestational ages at enrollment were 17.8 weeks for Study I and 10.0 weeks for Study II. Given the gestational age distributions at enrollment, early-pregnancy weights were extrapolated for Study I and interpolated for Study II. The four imputation approaches included: (i) simple imputation based on the nearest measure, (ii) simple arithmetic imputation based on the nearest two measures, (iii) mixed-effects models, and (iv) generalized estimating equations. For the mixed-effects model and the generalized estimating equation model methods, imputation accuracy was further compared across varying degrees of model flexibility by fitting splines and polynomial terms. Additional analyses included dropping third-trimester weights, adding covariate to the models, and log-transforming weight before imputation. Mean absolute error was used to quantify imputation accuracy. Results: Study I included 1,472 women with 6,272 weight measures; Study II included 2,131 individuals with 11,775 weight measures. Among the four imputation approaches, mixed-effects models had the highest accuracy (smallest mean absolute error: 1.99 kg and 1.60 kg for Studies I and II, respectively), while the other three approaches showed similar degrees of accuracy. Depending on the underlying data structure, allowing appropriate degree of model flexibility and dropping remote pregnancy weight measures may further improve the imputation performance. Conclusions: Mixed-effects models had superior performance in imputing early-pregnancy weight compared to other commonly used strategies.
Sjogren's Syndrome in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Protocol for the Development of a Core Outcome Set
Authors: Chen Guangyan , Yuan Yuan , Liu Ming , Pu Bin
Published: October 2020

Background: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease, and the incidence of 0.03% to 0.3%. There are an increasing number of randomised controlled trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for SS. However, there are generally some problems in clinical trials: lack of reporting primary or long term outcomes, and the heterogeneous in different clinical trials’ outcome. Our study aims to determine the priority outcomes and standard TCM syndromes for all stakeholders, and reach agreement on the core outcome set (COS) and syndromes to be measured and reported in all future TCM trials in patients with SS. Methods: A phase-wise refinement approach will be used, consisting of three phases, yet complementary, sub-work phases, whereby each phase will inform the next coming phases. The following are the three phases: (Ⅰ-a) Identifying of a long initial list of outcomes through: (1) systematic literature review; (2) semi-structured qualitative interviews. (Ⅰ-b) Identifying an initial list of TCM syndromes through: (1) systematic literature review; (2) referencing ancient Chinese medical books; (3) retrospective studies of medical records. (Ⅱ) Prioritization of outcomes using Delphi survey with different stakeholders, such as health professionals and patients. (Ⅲ) Through consensus meetings with patients and professionals to agree on the final COS and TCM syndromes.Results: We summarized the actions of COS into three points: direct action, indirect action, final action. Our study is very necessary.Conclusion: After the final COSs is completed, we will publish this research in a journal to promote communication.Trial registration number: Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative (COMET) number: 1429.
Impact of Pretreatment Anemia on Upfront Abiraterone Acetate Therapy for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Okamoto Teppei , Noro Daisuke , Hatakeyama Shingo , Narita Shintaro , Sakurai Toshihiko , Mitsuzuka Koji , Kawamura Sadafumi , Hoshi Senji , Shimoda Jiro , Tanaka Toshikazu , Kawaguchi Toshiaki , Ishidoya Shigeto , Ito Akihito , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Anemia has been a known prognostic factor in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). We therefore examined the effect of anemia on the efficacy of upfront abiraterone acetate (ABI) in patients with mHSPC.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 67 mHSPC patients with high tumor burden who received upfront ABI between 2018 and 2020 (upfront ABI group). We divided these patients into two groups: the anemia-ABI group (hemoglobin <13.0g/dL, n =21) and the non-anemia-ABI group (n =46). The primary objective was to examine the impact of anemia on the progression-free survival (PFS; clinical progression including death from any cause) of patients in the upfront ABI group. Secondary objectives included an evaluation of the prognostic significance of upfront ABI and a comparison with a historical cohort (135 mHSPC patients with high tumor burden who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT/complete androgen blockade [CAB] group) between 2014 and 2019).Results: We found that the anemia-ABI group had a significantly shorter PFS than the non-anemia-ABI group. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that anemia was an independent prognostic factor of PFS in the upfront ABI group (hazard ratio, 5.08; P =0.007). Patients in the non-anemia-ABI group were determined to have a significantly longer PFS than those in the non-anemia-ADT/CAB group (n =69) (P =0.002). However, no significant difference was observed in the PFS between patients in the anemia-ABI and the anemia-ADT/CAB groups (n =66). Multivariate analyses showed that upfront ABI could significantly prolong the PFS of patients without anemia (HR, 0.17; P = 0.003), whereas ABI did not prolong the PFS of patients with anemia.Conclusion: Pretreatment anemia was a prognostic factor among mHSPC patients who received upfront ABI. Although the upfront ABI significantly improved the PFS of mHSPC patients without anemia, its efficacy in patients with anemia might be limited.
Electron Generation in Water Induced by Magnetic Effect and Its Impact on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration
Authors: Yap Augustine Chung Wei , Lee Hwang Sheng , Loo Joo Ling , Mohd Nuruol Syuhadaa
Published: October 2020

pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration are important water parameters in water quality surveillance and treatment. The changes of these water parameters are associated with electron density in water. Several techniques including electrolysis and catalysis which require redox reactions and electron exchange are employed to improve these water parameters. In recent years, studies reported that magnetic effects can impart considerable changes on the pH, ORP and DO concentration of water. However, the correlation between electron density and magnetic effects on these water parameters has yet to be disclosed despite the fact that increased electron density in water could improve water’s reductive properties, heat capacity and hydrogen bonding characteristics. In this study, the magnetic effects on water’s pH, ORP and DO concentration were investigated using different magnet arrangements and water flow rates based on reversed electric motor principle. Results showed that the improvement of pH, ORP and DO concentration by +3.51%, -6.89% and +5.62%, respectively were achieved using combined variables of non-reversed polarity magnet arrangement (1000-1500 Gauss magnetic strength) and water flow rate of 0.1-0.5 mL/s. Such decrement in ORP value also corresponded to 8.50 × 1013 number of electrons generation in water. Furthermore, Raman analysis revealed that magnetic effect could strengthen the intermolecular hydrogen bonding of water molecules and favour formation of smaller water clusters. The findings of this study could contribute to potential applications in aquaculture, water quality control and treatment of cancer attributed to free radical induced-oxidative stress.
Effect of Education on Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Elderly Caretakers in Nursing Homes of Mashhad City
Authors: Abbasi Fatemeh , Vizeshfar Fatemeh , Jahanbin Iran , Gafari Pyman
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe population of the elderly taken care of at the nursing homes are increasing by the growth of the elderly’s population. Insufficient knowledge of the caretakers can affect the quality of their care from the elderly and result in poor performance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of education on knowledge, attitude, and performance of caretakers working at nursing homes.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, a total of 54 caretakers participated in Four-session classes and their knowledge, attitude, and performance towards the elderly were evaluated before, immediately after, and 1 month after the education by a researcher-designed questionnaire using SPSS software version 21.ResultsThe mean scores of the participants’ in attitude had no significant change knowledge scores at the three intervals, respectively (P=0.001) with a significant difference after the intervention compared with before (P<0.05). The performance scores at the three intervals, respectively (P<0.001) with a significant difference after the intervention compared with before (P<0.05). ConclusionThe significant improvement of knowledge and work performance of the elderly caretakers working at nursing homes shows the necessity of educating these individuals for better care from the elderly.
Dynamic Stall Control Over a Rotor Airfoil Based on AC DBD Plasma Actuation
Authors: Zhao Guangyin , Huang Yong , Yang Yongdong , Li Guoqiang , Yang Hesen
Published: October 2020

At present, the control capability of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuation covers the flow velocity range of helicopter’s retreating blades, so it is necessary to extend it to the dynamic stall control of rotor airfoils. A DBD plasma actuator was adopted to control the dynamic stall of an oscillating CRA309 airfoil in this paper. The effectiveness of alternating current (AC) DBD plasma actuation on reducing the area of lift hysteresis loop of the oscillating airfoil was verified through pressure measurements at a Reynolds number of 5.2×105. The influence of actuation parameters on the airfoil’s lift and moment coefficients was studied. Both steady and unsteady actuation could effectively reduce the hysteresis loop area of the lift coefficients. The flow control effect of dynamic stall was strongly dependent on the history of angle of attack. Compared with the steady actuation, unsteady actuation had more obvious advantages in dynamic stall control, with reducing the area of lift hysteresis loop by more than 30%. The effects of plasma actuation on the airfoil’s flow field at both upward and downward stages were discussed at last.
Contribution of Sarcomere Gene Mutations to Left Atrial Function in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chung Hyemoon , Kim Yoonjung , Park Chul-Hwan , Kim In-Soo , Kim Jong-Youn , Min Pil-Ki , Yoon Young Won , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Byoung Kwon , Hong Bum-Kee , Rim Se-Joong , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Lee Kyung-A , Choi Eui-Young
Published: October 2020

Background: Left atrial (LA) enlargement and dysfunction are related to clinical course in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to investigate genetic contribution to LA structural and functional remodeling.Methods: 212 patients were consecutively enrolled, and echocardiography and extensive genetic analysis were performed. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 135 patients. Echocardiography was also performed in controls (n=30). Results: Patients with HCM had lower late-diastolic mitral annular velocity (a’) and higher LA volume index (LAVI) than controls. Patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic sarcomere gene mutations (PSM, n = 67, 32%) had higher LAVI and lower CMR-derived LA total emptying fraction (37.0 ± 18.5 vs. 44.2 ± 12.4%, p=0.025). In patients without AF (n = 187), the PSM had lower a’ (6.9 ± 2.0 vs. 7.8 ± 1.9 cm/s, p = 0.004) than others. The PSM had higher prevalence and amount of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the left ventricle (LV). In multivariate analysis, PSM was significantly related to lower a’ independent of E/e’, LV mass index, and LAVI. However, the relation significantly attenuated after adjustment for the extent of LGE in the LV, suggesting common myopathy in the LV and LA.Conclusions: PSM was related to LA dysfunction independent of LV filling pressure and LAVI, suggesting its contribution to atrial myopathy in HCM.
Gene Validation and Remodelling Using Proteogenomics of Phytophthora Cinnamomi, the Causal Agent of Dieback
Authors: Andronis Christina Eleni , Hane James K. , Bringans Scott , Hardy Giles E. S. , Jacques Silke , Lipscombe Richard , Tan Kar-Chun
Published: October 2020

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a pathogenic oomycete that causes plant dieback disease across a range of natural ecosystems and in many agriculturally important crops on a global scale. An annotated draft genome sequence and annotation is publicly available (JGI Mycocosm) and suggests 26,131 gene models. In this study, soluble mycelial, extracellular (secretome) and zoospore proteins of P. cinnamomi were exploited to refine the genome by correcting gene annotations and discovering novel genes. By implementing the diverse set of sub-proteomes into a generated proteogenomics pipeline, we were able to improve the P. cinnamomi genome. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to obtain high confidence peptides with spectral matching to both the annotated genome and a generated 6-frame translation. 2,764 annotations from the draft genome were confirmed by spectral matching. Using a proteogenomic pipeline, mass spectra were used to edit the P. cinnamomi genome and allowed identification of 23 new gene models and 60 edited gene features using high confidence peptides obtained by mass spectrometry, suggesting a rate of incorrect annotations of 3% of the detectable proteome. The novel features were further validated by total peptide support, alongside functional analysis including the use of Gene Ontology and functional domain identification. We demonstrated the use of spectral data in combination with our proteogenomics pipeline can be used to improve the genome of important plant diseases and identify biologically relevant missed genes. This study presents the first use of spectral data to edit and manually annotate an oomycete pathogen.
Seasonal Breeding Leads to Changes for Gut Microbiota Diversity in the Wild Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus Dauricus)
Authors: Yang Xiaoying , Yao Yuchen , Zhang Xueying , Zhong Jiahui , Gao Fuli , Zhang Haolin , Han Yingying , Weng Qiang , Yuan Zhengrong
Published: October 2020

Background: Seasonal breeding is a normal phenomenon that animals adapt to natural selection and reproduce only in specific seasons. With the gradual popularization of Next-generation sequencing (NGS), large studies have shown that seasonal breeding has been affected by gut microbiota. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to explore the effect of seasonal breeding on the gut microbiota of wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to sequence the gut microbiota of the wild ground squirrel in the breeding season and non-breeding season. We also predicted the function of gut microbiota by bioinformatic software.Results: The results showed that the main components of gut microbiota in all samples consisted of Firmicutes (61.8%), Bacteroidetes (32.4%), and Proteobacteria (3.7%). Microbial community composition analyses revealed significant differences between these two groups. At the genus level, Alistipes, Mycoplasma, Anaerotruncus, and Odoribacter were up-regulated in the non-breeding season, while Blautia and Streptococcus spp. were up-regulated in the breeding season. The result of function prediction suggested that the relative abundance of functional categories related to lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism was higher in the breeding season. The expression of transcription, energy metabolism, and signal transduction was enriched in the non-breeding season. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study emphasized the significant effects of seasonal breeding on gut microbiota community composition of the wild ground squirrel and laid a foundation for further study of gut microbiota on seasonal breeding in the future.
Unexpected Detection of a Sub-millimeter Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Focus by Intraoperative Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Dai Bo , Wang Ziyang , Lu Qian , Ma Hucheng , Guissi Nida El Islem , Cai Huiming , Wu Xinyu , Wang Yiqing , Wang Dongjin
Published: October 2020

Background: Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging became a great assistance to surgeons for precision cancer surgeries. Here, we demonstrate that NIRF was capable of detecting ultra-small hepatocellular carcinoma focus of about 430µm during real time monitored liver cancer surgery. Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is closely related to residual tumor cells and tissues after tumor resection. Thus, close monitoring to ensure a complete removal of residual tumor is primordial. However, up to now, the identification of tiny lesions has not been reported. Herein, we report our findings about a case where tiny lesions were successfully identified by real-time ICG-NIRF imaging. Case presentation: A 55-year-old man, with chronic hepatitis B infection, was preoperatively diagnosed with liver space-occupying lesion. A fluorescence signal was detected on the surface of the liver through the NIRF imaging system. We then tested the residual liver surface and observed a high signal point, less than 1 mm in the right anterior lobe of the liver. Histopathological examination revealed that the tiny fluorescent spot belongs to an early hepatocellular carcinoma focus. Conclusion: Results strongly suggest that ICG-NIRF imaging system should be used as a routine intraoperative detection method for liver cancer surgery, in order to remove any residual tumor cells and tissue, hence minimizing further risk of remnant tumor regrowth.
Construction of NEIL3 as a Prognostic Biomarker and Co-expressed Prognostic Signature in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Cui , Liu Jian , Zhou Haomiao , Qian Xin , Sun Hui , Chen Xuewen , Zheng Miaosen , Bian Tingting , Liu Lei , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Yifei
Published: October 2020

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer-related death. This study aimed to develop and validate reliable prognostic biomarkers and signature.Methods: Differentially expressed genes were identified based on three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Based on three LUAD cohorts’ data included 1052 samples and extracted from our cohort, GEO, The Cancer Genome Atlas, we explored clinicopathological features and the expression of NEIL3 to determine its clinical effect in LUAD. Western blotting, Real-time quantitative PCR; (22 pairs of tumor and normal tissues), and immunohistochemical analyses (406-tumor tissues subjected to microarray) were conducted. TIMER and ImmuCellAI analyzed relationship between NEIL3 expression and the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LUAD. The co-expressed-gene prognostic signature was established based on the Cox regression analysis.Results: This study identified 502 common differentially expressed genes and confirmed that NEIL3 was significantly overexpressed in LUAD samples(P<0.001). Increased NEIL3 expression was related to advanced stage, larger tumor size and poor overall survival (p < 0.001) in three LUAD cohorts. The proportions of natural T regulatory cells and induced T regulatory cells increased in the high NEIL3 group, whereas those of B cells, Th17 cells and dendritic cells decreased. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that NEIL3 may activate cell cycle progression and P53 signaling pathway, leading to poor outcomes. We identified nine prognosis-associated hub genes among 370 genes co-expressed with NEIL3. A 10-gene prognostic signature including NEIL3 and nine key co-expressed genes was constructed. Higher risk-score was correlated with more advanced stage, larger tumor size and worse outcome (p<0.05). Finally, the signature was verified in test cohort (GSE50081) with superior diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: This study suggested that NEIL3 has the potential to be an immune-related therapeutic target and an independent predictor for LUAD. We also developed a prognostic signature for LUAD with a precise diagnostic accuracy.
Effect and Mechanism of PLSCR4 in The Injury of Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells Induced by LPS
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Wang Dong , Zhang Xiaoning , Gu Changping , Yang Fan , Wang Yuelan
Published: October 2020

Background: Previous experiments have revealed that Phospholipid scramblase 4 (PLSCR4) mRNA significantly increased in ARDS model of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) , but the specific effect and mechanism have not been reported to date.In consideration of the function of PLSCR4 that has been reported, we infer that PLSCR4 may have impact on cell death through pyroptosis. Methods: To investigate the effect and mechanism of PLSCR4 in ARDS in vitro, HPMECs were cultured in 6-well plates and divded into four groups: control group, LPS group ,siRNA+LPS group and transfection reagent group. After 4 h of LPS stimulation, western blot was used to detect the expression of PLSCR4 and pyroptosis – relevant proteins; Using ELISA to exame IL-1β and IL-18; Tracer flux assays was used to evaluate the barrier function of endothelium, and fluorescence assays to observe the distribution of phospholipid and the degree of pyroptosis. At last we used DNA pull-down and protein profiling to study the potential transcription factor of PLSCR4.Results: It was found that when the expression of PLSCR4 was elevated, the concentration of IL-1β and IL-18 decreased, together with barrier damage ( P < 0.05), and HPMECs injury was reduced with more distribution of phospholipid on the external sie of cells, but the pyroptosis-relevant proteins did not change obviously ( P < 0.05); then we found P62280 remarkably increased in the DNA pull-down assay, and it could impact the pyroptosis by regulating the expression of PLSCR4. Conclusion: We found that PLSCR4 alleviated pyroptosis by transporting phosphatidylserine (PS) to the outside of the membrane, blocking the forming of pyroptosis pores composed of gasdermin D, it was further found that the expression level of PLSCR4 during LPS stimulation was regulated by P62280. This study for the first time explains the protective effect of PLSCR4 in the ARDS model, and its possible mechanism, providing a new research idea for the clinical treatment of ARDS.
Does Application of 'phosphogypsum Organic’ to a Sandy BRIS Soil Has an Impact on Soil-plants-water Systems?
Authors: Hanafi Mohamed M. , Azizi Parisa , Sahibin Abdul Rahim , Razi Idris Wan Mohd , Fazli Ismail Aznan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPredominant sandy, Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil is a problematical soil for agriculture. It requires structure and capacity improvement due to its weak composition, low water retention capacity and high leaching of nutrients. However, there are hopes to improve it using different fertilizers in combination with organic matter. Phosphogypsum organic (PG organic) is an agricultural soil conditioner formulated from industrial by-products and organic filler material. This research was carried out to investigate the accumulated levels of heavy metals and radionuclides in water, soil and plants between BRIS soil under PG organic conditioner treatment and normal BRIS soil.ResultsThe result revealed that the PG organic’s particles are as similar to the reported pattern for calcium sulfate hydrate through powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heavy metals measured in the surface and borehole water, and soils were below the target values for raw drinking water and in the Dutch list, respectively. The values for biological accumulation coefficients, contamination factors, I-geo index and pollution load index (PLI) showed that there was no accumulation of metals in grain, no contamination and no pollution in the BRIS soil that received from the PG organic. Natural radioactivity concentrations, 226Ra (238U series), 228Ra (232Th series), and 40K in the collected samples were also measured. Naturally occurring radionuclide concentrations, such as 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K, in soil and plant tissue were found to be lower than the average value reported by several earlier studies in Malaysia. There was no leaching of natural occurring radionuclides to the groundwater, nor was there discharge to the nearest river. The calculated radium equivalent (Raeq) in soil for this study was lower than the recommended value of 370 Bq/kg soil.ConclusionTherefore, the application of PG organic to the studied soil had no impact on the soil, plants and water and suitable as a soil conditioner in BRIS soil.
Genotoxicity and Gene Expression in the Rat Lung Tissue Following Instillation and Inhalation of Different Variants of Amorphous Silica Nanomaterials (aSiO2 NMs)
Authors: Brandão Fátima , Costa Carla , Bessa Maria João , Dumortier Elise , Debacq-Chainiaux Florence , Hubaux Roland , Salmon Michel , Laloy Julie , Stan Miruna S. , Hermenean Anca , Gharbia Sami , Dinischiotu Anca , Bannuscher Anne , Hellack Bryan , Haase Andrea , Fraga Sónia , Teixeira João Paulo
Published: October 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
One-Tube SARS-CoV-2 Detection Platform Based on RT-RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Yu Lei , Liu Chengxi , Chen Wei , Li Dechang , Huang Weiren
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world, affecting almost every person. When lifting certain mandatory measures for an economic restart, robust surveillance must be established and implemented, with nucleic acid detection for SARS-CoV-2 as an essential component. Methods: We designed RT-RPA (Reverse Transcription and Recombinase Polymerase Isothermal Amplification) primers of RdRp gene and N gene according to the SARS-CoV-2 gene sequence. We optimized the components in the reaction so that the detection process could be carried out in one tube. The specificity was demonstrated through detecting nucleic acid samples from seven human coronaviruses. Clinical samples were used to validate the platform and all results were compared to rRT-PCR. RNA standards diluted by different gradients were used to demonstrate the limit of detection. Furthermore, we have developed a lateral flow assay based on OR-DETECTR for the detection of COVID-19. Results: We have developed a o ne-tube detection platform based on R T- R PA and DNA Endonuclease-Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter ( DETECTR ) technology, termed OR-DETECTR, to detect SARS-CoV-2. The detection process is completed in one tube, and the time is 50min. The method can specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 from seven human coronaviruses with a low detection limit of 2.5 copies/µl input. Results from six SARS-CoV-2 patient samples, eight samples from patients with fever but no SARS-CoV-2 infection, and one mixed sample from 40 negative controls showed that OR-DETECTR is 100% consistent with rRT-PCR. Furthermore, we have developed a lateral flow assay based on OR-DETECTR for the detection of COVID-19. Conclusions: OR-DETECTR detection platform is rapid, accurate, tube closed, easy-to-operate, and free of large instruments for COVID-19 detection.