bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of LncRNA BLACAT1 on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Osteoblasts in Ankylosing Spondylitis Through Regulating RANKL/OPG Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Hongbin , Gao Zongbao , Wang Tao , Lei Zhigang , Sun Maoqin
Published: July 2020

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disorder. LncRNA BLACAT1 involves in several diseases such as inflammation and immune diseases, but the expression and role of LncRNA BLACAT1 in AS remains unclear. AS patients and controls were selected. LcRNA BLACAT1 expression in peripheral
blood was analyzed by Real time PCR, and its correlation with CRP, ESR and AS activity was analyzed. Osteoblast hFOB 1.19 was cultured and transfected with LncRNA BLACAT1 plasmid and si-LncRNA BLACAT1, respectively followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT assay, apoptosis by Caspase
3, ADAMTS-4 and Runx2 mRNA expression by Real time PCR, IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion by ELISA, and as RANKL, OPG, and nerve growth factor NGF level by western blot. AS patients presented significantly elevated LcRNA BLACAT1 level than controls (P < 0.05) with
higher expression in active AS patients than stable phase (P < 0.05). BLACAT1 was positively associated with CRP and disease activity index (P < 0.05). Overexpression of LncRNA BLACAT1 in osteoblast hFOB 1.19 significantly decreased cell proliferation, elevated Caspase
3 activity, increased ADAMTS-4 mRNA expression, decreased Runx2 mRNA expression, and increased IFN-γ and TNF-α sevretion, and RANKL expression, and decreased OPG and NGF expression (P < 0.05). However, the above changes were reversed by si-LncRNA BLACAT1.
LncRNA BLACAT1 expression in AS patients can reflect the degree of disease activity, and its mechanism may be through regulation of RANKL/OPG signaling pathway, which affects the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoblasts in AS.
miR-101 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells Through Inhibition of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2
Authors: Xie Jiping , Zhou Qin
Published: July 2020

ANGPTL2 abnormal expression is associated with various tumors. miR-101 abnormalities are associated with gastric cancer. There is a targeted relationship of miR-101 with ANGPTL2. This study intends to assess miR-101’s role gastric cancer cells. The gastric cancer tissues and adjacent
tissues were collected to detect miR-101 and ANGPTL2 by qRT-PCR. Gastric cancer SGC7901 cells were divided into miR-NC group and miR-101 mimic group followed by analysis of ANGPTL2 expression by qRT-PCR and western blot, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation by EdU staining.
Gastric cancer tissues had significantly decreased miR-101 and increased ANGPTL2 mRNA expression than adjacent tissues. The survival of patients with lower miR-101 level was significantly lower than higher miR-101 patients. There was a relationship between miR-101 and ANGPTL2. miR-101 mimic
transfection significantly reduced ANGPTL2 expression, reduced cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis. Abnormal miR-101 and ANGPTL2 expression is found in gastric cancer. miR-101 inhibits ANGPTL2 expression and gastric cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.
Neighborhood Care and Neighborhood Bonds: An Unequal Relationship
Authors: Hidalgo M. Carmen , Moreno-Jiménez Pilar , Muiños Gabriel , Hernández Bernardo
Published: July 2020

Research in environmental psychology has found a positive relationship between place bonds and behaviors related to care and maintenance of place. Although this relationship has been analyzed in natural environments, it has been less frequently studied in urban environments and has yielded contradictory results. The aim of this study is to analyze behavior related to care and conservation of neighborhood and its possible relationship to place bonds, as well as to other variables that we think may be important in explaining this behavior. The participants were 407 residents from eight different neighborhoods with different sociodemographic characteristics in one Spanish city. The results indicate that the relationship between attachment and behavior is significant only in residents with higher socioeconomic levels. These findings may help to explain the contradictory results found in the literature. Other variables which are significant in explaining neighborhood care are social norms, residential satisfaction, and support for protection policies. Place identity was not found to be significantly correlated with neighborhood care.
Terrorcraft: empire and the making of the racialised terrorist threat
Authors: Kumar Deepa
Published: July 2020

Terrorism is so associated with Arabs, Muslims and South Asians that it has become common sense in the post 9/11 world. Drawing on various bodies of scholarship, this article traces the complex evolution of ‘race’ in relation to Arabs and Muslims from the 1960s to mid-’80s, alongside changing notions of ‘terrorism’, to advance an argument about the historically contingent nature of the racialised terrorist threat. The author argues that ‘terrorcraft’ – or terrorist racialisation – is a process. First, the racialised terrorist was crafted deep in the US empire. Counter-insurgency doctrine was instrumental in the US security state’s creation of the ‘Arab terrorist’ through racial profiling. Second, the ideology of terrorcraft followed, rather than preceded, the security state’s racialising practices, though racial stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims pre-date the 1960s. The ‘Arab terrorist’ is a new project of racial formation, the author argues. Third, the US’s strategic alliance with Israel after 1967 and two conferences organised by the Israeli Jonathan Institute laid the basis for the transatlantic production of terrorcraft. Over time, it evolved from its initial focus on Arabs to include Muslims during the 1980s and South Asians in the 1990s.
Experiences within a cross-cultural academic exchange programme and impacts on personal and professional development
Authors: Mashizume Yuki , Watanabe Makoto , Fukase Yuko , Zenba Yosuke , Takahashi Kayoko
Published: July 2020

Introduction

As society becomes increasingly internationalised, it is important to consider international perspectives on occupational therapy education. There is little research on the experiences and impacts of international learning opportunities such as through academic exchange programmes. The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of an international academic exchange programme among occupational therapy students.

Methods

This study was conducted as a qualitative research study. Data were collected by in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine participants (three men and six women) who participated in an exchange programme at Thomas Jefferson University in the United States and graduated from Kitasato University in Japan. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse the qualitative data.

Findings

Educational outcomes were sorted into four categories: experience, reaction, learning and behaviour. Knowledge and experience gained from the international exchange programme had a positive impact on the personal and professional development of the participants. Participants reported that the programme helped them in acceptance of diversity, collaborating beyond boundaries and gaining confidence from challenges. These impacts persisted even after they graduated.

Conclusions

In an increasingly globalised world, internationalisation of occupational therapy education is significant to build a global community of occupational therapists who seek to improve their practice.
The Response of Arab Region to Overcome Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Aziz Omar Ghazy
Published: July 2020

The main objective of this study is to analyze the policies adopted by Arab countries to recover from the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008. The study highlights the fiscal and monetary policies that were applied by Arab countries to maintain economic activity. The study shows that Arab countries primarily relied on a mix of fiscal policies to stimulate the economy. As a result, the accumulated oil revenues enabled them to respond quickly, preventing a deeper deceleration in growth and also supporting a growth rebound. However, for countries with limited fiscal space, macroeconomic and oil revenue management became more challenging. Strategies aimed at increasing non-oil sources of growth are recommended to help reduce the vulnerability of these countries to excessive oil price volatility.

JEL Classifications: E520, E620, O40, P470
Experimental analysis of the influence of polymer solutions on performances and cavitation of small size pumps for professional appliances
Authors: Burlon Fabio , Micheli Diego , Simonato Michele , Furlanetto Riccardo
Published: July 2020

Pumps used in professional appliances process a solution of water, soils residues and detergents. These affect vapor tension, viscosity and rheology of the solution, mainly due to the presence of surfactants and polymers. Only a few studies have been found on how these substances can influence pump performances. Therefore, an experimental analysis has been carried out with aqueous solutions of a detergent component, the Polyox WSR 301, in the concentration range of 100–7000 ppm, to evaluate their influence on pump performances and cavitation. Some properties of the solutions have been preliminary characterized with a rheometer. Then, each solution has been tested in a dedicated test rig, to compare the performance curves of a centrifugal pump used in professional warewashing machines with those obtained with pure water. A non-intrusive method, based on the investigation of high frequency vibrations and noise signals, has been developed to detect cavitation at its early stage of inception. It was observed that polymer mitigates cavitating pump vibrations, with a reduction of the acceleration to less than one g. The analysis has provided the data necessary for the successive development of a control strategy for pump operation in professional appliances.
Family Sense-Making After a Down Syndrome Diagnosis
Authors: Clark Lauren , Canary Heather E. , McDougle Kyle , Perkins Rebekah , Tadesse Ruth , Holton Avery E.
Published: July 2020

The script of parenting shifts when parents learn of their child’s Down syndrome diagnosis. To build a theory of the diagnostic experience and early family sense-making process, we interviewed 33 parents and nine grandparents living in the United States who learned prenatally or neonatally of their child’s diagnosis. The core category of rescuing hope for the future encompassed the social process of sense-making over time as parents managed their sorrow, shock, and grief and amassed meaningful messages that anchored them as they looked toward the future. Application of the theory to practice underscores the import of early professional support offered to parents at key points in the sense-making process: Early as they disclose the news of the diagnosis to family and friends, and later close friends and kin assimilate meaningful messages about what the diagnosis means as they recalibrate expectations for a hopeful future.
Autologous pericranium grafts for large orbital implants
Authors: Ibáñez Flores Nuria , Secondi Roberto , Becerra Rangel Erika
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Insufficient orbital volume in an anophthalmic socket is a major problem for the placement of an ocular prosthesis. This study reports the outcomes of the use of autologous pericranium graft in association with a large primary or secondary orbital implant in patients with a contracted socket and large orbital volume deficit.

Methods:

This was a retrospective single-institution study. Participants were 13 patients with contracted socket, volume deficit, and insufficient conjunctiva to cover the new implant divided into two groups, A ( n = 3) and B ( n = 10), according to the baseline condition of the socket. Surgery was primary evisceration (group A only) and placement of a large orbital implant followed by an autologous pericranium graft over the implant (groups A and B).

Results:

Mean follow-up duration for the patient series was 9.5 months (range 9–24). Complete epithelialization of the pericranium graft was recorded at 47.3 days of follow-up (range 33–67). No cases of implant exposure or shrinkage were noted during follow-up. Main postoperative complications were conjunctival granuloma (five patients, 38.5%), conjunctival seroma (one patient, 7.7%). All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion:

Autologous pericranial graft was effective in reconstructing the contracted socket so that the anophthalmic socket could accommodate a larger or secondary orbital implant. The efficacy of this procedure needs to be confirmed in a larger patient series.
Short report: Evaluating the safety and usability of head-mounted virtual reality compared to monitor-displayed video for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Malihi Mahan , Nguyen Jenny , Cardy Robyn E , Eldon Salina , Petta Catharine , Kushki Azadeh
Published: July 2020

Virtual reality provides a relatively inexpensive way to learn and repeatedly practice skills in personalized, controlled, and safe computer-generated settings. These systems are increasingly receiving attention as an innovative medium for delivering interventions to children with autism spectrum disorder. Although many virtual reality systems are commercially available and their use is increasing, little is known about the safety and usability of these systems for children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was a first step in addressing this gap. A convenience sample of 35 children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder participated in an immersive head-mounted display virtual reality experience and a control condition (monitor-displayed video). Levels of anxiety and negative effects experienced were not significantly different between the two conditions. Participants reported significantly enhanced spatial presence (p = 0.003; d = 0.3) and naturalness (p = 0.002; d = 0.47) for the head-mounted display–virtual reality condition, and 74% of participants preferred using head-mounted display–virtual reality over monitor-displayed video. These findings provide preliminary evidence to support the safety and usability of head-mounted display–virtual reality for children with autism spectrum disorder. Future studies are needed to replicate the results in a larger sample, a range of virtual reality experiences, and in the context of long-term exposure.

Lay abstract

This study investigated the safety and usability of a virtual reality experience for children with autism spectrum disorder in a laboratory setting. In our study, the negative effects of head-mounted display–virtual reality were similar to monitor-displayed video watching. At the same time, the participants indicated that the head-mounted display–virtual reality experience provided improved realism and sense of presence. This study is a first step in understanding the impact of head-mounted display on children with autism spectrum disorder.
Surgical fixation of fractures of the distal radius within 2 weeks reduces postoperative finger stiffness
Authors: Ashdown Thomas , Morris James , Mckeon Sean , Clough Oliver T. , Little Max , Anakwe Raymond E.
Published: July 2020

Locked anterior plating remains the most common form of surgical fixation for displaced fractures of the distal radius. We hypothesized that delayed surgical fixation later than 2 weeks after injury contributes to poorer patient outcomes for patients with displaced or intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 158 patients who underwent locked anterior plating for an intra-articular or displaced fracture of the distal radius using multiple regression analysis to identify any relationship between patient, injury or treatment factors with the patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation score or finger and wrist stiffness. There was no significant correlation between timing of surgery and functional scores. A delay in time to surgery of more than 2 weeks did correlate significantly with increased finger and thumb stiffness. However, this relationship was not seen for wrist stiffness. Our study supports the consensus that early recovery and function is facilitated by surgical fixation within 2 weeks and that delayed fixation beyond this may contribute to protracted finger stiffness.

Level of evidence: IV
Value-based healthcare analysis of shoulder surgery for patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears – Calculating the impact of arthroscopic cuff repair
Authors: Holzer-Fleming C , Tavakkolizadeh A , Sinha J , Casey J , Moxham J , Colegate-Stone Toby J
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears in symptomatic patients is known to offer significant benefits. Despite this there remains a lack of universal appreciation that such surgery offers high clinical value, with some commissioners even limiting access to it. The value-based healthcare agenda provides a means to design, deliver and measure the impact of healthcare to a defined segment of patients. The aim of this study was to measure the value of surgically repairing primary symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears when outcomes and costs were assessed over an entire care pathway.

Methods

A prospective study of patients undergoing rotator cuff tears repair was undertaken. Patients were managed using a standardised integrated care pathway. Subsequent outcomes and costs were measured over the whole care pathway. Outcomes were assessed from both traditional and patient centric re-formatted prisms.

Results

Significant improvement in clinical outcomes where recognised when assessed from either the traditional or re-formatted prisms. Economic review of this approach revealed the pathway generated a sustainable and notable positive margin.

Discussion

This study evidences how a well-designed value-based healthcare shoulder approach can be delivered and measured. It demonstrates rotator cuff surgery to be a high value treatment for patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears.
Stiffness-matched biomaterial implants for cell delivery: clinical, intraoperative ultrasound elastography provides a ‘target’ stiffness for hydrogel synthesis in spinal cord injury
Authors: Prager Jon , Adams Christopher F , Delaney Alexander M , Chanoit Guillaume , Tarlton John F , Wong Liang-Fong , Chari Divya M , Granger Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Safe hydrogel delivery requires stiffness-matching with host tissues to avoid iatrogenic damage and reduce inflammatory reactions. Hydrogel-encapsulated cell delivery is a promising combinatorial approach to spinal cord injury therapy, but a lack of in vivo clinical spinal cord injury stiffness measurements is a barrier to their use in clinics. We demonstrate that ultrasound elastography – a non-invasive, clinically established tool – can be used to measure spinal cord stiffness intraoperatively in canines with spontaneous spinal cord injury. In line with recent experimental reports, our data show that injured spinal cord has lower stiffness than uninjured cord. We show that the stiffness of hydrogels encapsulating a clinically relevant transplant population (olfactory ensheathing cells) can also be measured by ultrasound elastography, enabling synthesis of hydrogels with comparable stiffness to canine spinal cord injury. We therefore demonstrate proof-of-principle of a novel approach to stiffness-matching hydrogel-olfactory ensheathing cell implants to ‘real-life’ spinal cord injury values; an approach applicable to multiple biomaterial implants for regenerative therapies.
Yield and clinical significance of genetic screening in elite and amateur athletes
Authors: Limongelli Giuseppe , Nunziato Marcella , D'Argenio Valeria , Esposito Maria V , Monda Emanuele , Mazzaccara Cristina , Caiazza Martina , D’Aponte Antonello , D’Andrea Antonello , Bossone Eduardo , Maggio Federica Di , Buono Pasqualina , Pica Paolo W , Capua Luca De , Penco Maria , Romano Silvio , Paolo Fernando Di , Pelliccia Antonio , Frisso Giulia , Salvatore Francesco
Published: July 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of genetic testing in addition to a comprehensive clinical evaluation, as part of the diagnostic work-up of elite and/or amateur Italian athletes referred for suspicion of inherited cardiac disease, following a pre-participation screening programme.

Methods

Between January 2009–December 2018, of 5892 consecutive participants, 61 athletes were investigated: 30 elite and 31 amateur athletes. Elite and amateur athletes were selected, on the basis of clinical suspicion for inherited cardiac disease, from two experienced centres for a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation. Furthermore, the elite and amateur athletes were investigated for variants at DNA level up to 138 genes suspected to bear predisposition for possible cardiac arrest or even sudden cardiac death.

Results

Of these 61 selected subjects, six (10%) had diagnosis made possible by a deeper clinical evaluation, while genetic testing allowed a definite diagnosis in eight (13%). The presence of >3 clinical markers (i.e. family history, electrocardiogram and/or echocardiographic abnormalities, exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias) was associated with a higher probability of positive genetic diagnosis (75%), compared with the presence of two or one clinical markers (14.2%, 8.1%, respectively, p-value = 0.004).

Conclusion

A combined clinical and genetic evaluation, based on the subtle evidence of clinical markers for inherited disease, was able to identify an inherited cardiac disease in about one-quarter of the examined athletes.
Endoscopy works during the pandemic of coronavirus COVID‐19: recommendations by the Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Authors: Chai Ningli , Mei Zhechuan , Zhang Wengang , Du Chen , Wang Xiangyao , Li Longsong , Ma Yan , Zou Jiale , Tang Xiaowei , Wang Nanjun , Feng Jiancong , Linghu Enqiang
Published: July 2020

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease, COVID‐19, has occurred in China and has spread around the world rapidly. As an acute respiratory infectious disease, COVID‐19 has been included in type B infectious diseases and managed according to the standard of type A infectious disease in China. Given the high risk of COVID‐19 infection during endoscopic procedures via an airborne route, the Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy issued a series of recommendations to guide the endoscopy works in China during the pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, no new infectious case of COVID‐19 resulting from endoscopic procedures has been reported in China to date. Here, these recommendations are integrated to provide guidance about the prevention of COVID‐19 for endoscopists. The recommendations include advice about postponing non‐urgent endoscopies, excluding the possibility of COVID‐19 in patients undergoing endoscopy, protection of medical staff from coronavirus infection, and cleaning of endoscopy centres.
Diffuse Sarcoidosis Masquerading as Widespread Malignant Disease: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bhattad Pradnya Brijmohan , Jain Vinay
Published: July 2020

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease commonly involving the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes with the exact etiology being unclear. The simultaneous presence of malignant disease such as breast cancer and sarcoidosis has been reported. Sarcoidosis preceding a diagnosis of malignancy and that occurring years after treatment of malignant disease has been noted in the past. The presence of sarcoidosis in the setting of malignant disease carries a high risk of misdiagnosis. In this article, we report the case of a 45-year-old female with stage IA invasive ductal carcinoma of left breast that was in remission for 2 years; however, radiological imaging including magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic spine and positron emission tomography–computed tomography scanning were highly suspicious for malignant disease metastasis versus lymphoma with the widespread lymphadenopathy. Multiple tissue biopsies with histopathological evaluation allowed us to definitively exclude malignant disease metastasis and to correctly diagnose her atypical presentation of sarcoidosis.
Concussion Education in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ramsay Scott , Dahinten Susan
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Sports-related concussions in children and youth are a significant health concern. There is increasing literature pertaining to levels of knowledge about concussion and the effects of educational interventions, but the literature has not yet been synthesized for the subpopulation of children and youth. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to identify and summarize the current state of the literature on concussion knowledge, and the effect of concussion education on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of children and youth who engage in sports.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted, guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Two databases, MEDLINE and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and reference lists were searched to identify relevant studies that focused on children and youth less than 19 years of age who engage in sports. We also searched Google Scholar for gray literature.

Results

Of the 21 articles that met inclusion criteria, 15 focused on levels of concussion knowledge, and 6 examined the effects of educational interventions. Children and youths’ level of knowledge and exposure to prior concussion education varied, although more of the studies found a lack of concussion knowledge. Educational interventions of various types have been associated with short-term increases in knowledge and intention to report, but few of the studies found sustained effects.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for improved concussion education for children and youth engaged in sports. Findings also indicate a need for further research using more rigorous methods, and studies that examine subgroup differences in knowledge and factors that may moderate the effects of educational interventions.
Surgical Management of Advanced Coats Disease in 32 Eyes: A 20-Year Study
Authors: Rishi Pukhraj , Rishi Ekta , Attiku Yamini , Uparkar Mahesh , Bhende Pramod , Bhende Muna , Sen Parveen
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

This work studies outcomes of external subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage in management of eyes with advanced Coats disease.

Methods:

Patients with advanced-stage Coats disease (≥stage 3B), who were younger than 12 years and underwent external SRF drainage from 1996 to 2016, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical intervention involved external drainage of SRF and cryotherapy. SRF drainage was performed by lamellar scleral dissection or by external needle drainage. Favorable anatomical outcome was defined as retinal reattachment with normal intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP greater than 24 mm Hg was considered raised. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to measure the association between preoperative or intraoperative factors and retinal status at final follow-up. Outcome measures evaluated included visual acuity, IOP, retinal status, globe status, and complications of surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for globe salvage without pain.

Results:

Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 3.8 ± 3 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range, 6 months-15.7 years). Improvement in visual acuity was seen in 5 eyes. Retina was attached at final visit in 6 eyes. IOP in the range of 8 to 24 mm Hg was noted in 16 eyes. Favorable anatomical outcome was achieved in 3 (9%) eyes. Globe salvage was achieved in 84% of eyes. Complications included intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1) and postoperative inflammation (n = 1). Kaplan-Meier ocular survival rate without pain at 10 years was 76%.

Conclusions:

SRF drainage and cryotherapy in eyes with advanced Coats disease favorably alter the natural history of the disease and prevent end-stage complications. Visual outcomes remain poor.
丽江宝山清雍正五年东巴文地契译释
Authors: 丽峰 和
Published: July 2020

东巴文是纳西族原始宗教东巴教中使用的一种图画象形文字，有活着的象形文字之誉，主要用于书写东巴教经书，也有部分记录日常生活各种活动的应用性文献。地契是东巴文应用性文献的重要类别，对于研究纳西族政治经济、历史民俗、语言文字、社会关系有很高的学术价值。丽江宝山清雍正四年《海子墁嘎嘎地契约》，是目前所见年代最早的东巴文地契，本文对其进行译释和初步研究。
TeaCoN: a database of gene co-expression network for tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ma Yong , Hu Xiaoyi , Chen Ying , He Xiaolong , Wang Ping , Chen Qi , Ho Chi-Tang , Wan Xiaochun , Zhang Youhua , Zhang Shihua
Published: July 2020

Background

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is one of the world’s most important beverage crops due to its numerous secondary metabolites conferring tea quality and health effects. However, only a small fraction of tea genes (especially for those metabolite-related genes) have been functionally characterized to date. A cohesive bioinformatics platform is thus urgently needed to aid in the functional determination of the remaining genes.

Description

TeaCoN, a database of gene co-expression network for tea plant, was established to provide genome-wide associations in gene co-expression to survey gene modules (i.e., co-expressed gene sets) for a function of interest. TeaCoN featured a comprehensive collection of 261 high-quality RNA-Seq experiments that covered a wide range of tea tissues as well as various treatments for tea plant. In the current version of TeaCoN, 31,968 (94% coverage of the genome) tea gene models were documented. Users can retrieve detailed co-expression information for gene(s) of interest in four aspects: 1) co-expressed genes with the corresponding Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC-values) and statistical P-values, 2) gene information (gene ID, description, symbol, alias, chromosomal location, GO and KEGG annotation), 3) expression profile heatmap of co-expressed genes across seven main tea tissues (e.g., leaf, bud, stem, root), and 4) network visualization of co-expressed genes. We also implemented a gene co-expression analysis, BLAST search function, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and genome browser to facilitate use of the database.

Conclusion

The TeaCoN project can serve as a beneficial platform for candidate gene screening and functional exploration of important agronomical traits in tea plant. TeaCoN is freely available at http://teacon.wchoda.com.
Identification of drought tolerant mechanisms in a drought-tolerant maize mutant based on physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Zhang Qinbin , Liu Hui , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Wei
Published: July 2020

Background

Frequently occurring drought stress negatively affects the production of maize worldwide. Numerous efforts have been made to develop drought-tolerant maize lines and to explore drought tolerant mechanisms in maize. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on transcriptomic changes between drought-tolerant and control maize lines.

Results

In the present study, we have developed a drought-tolerant maize mutant (C7–2t) by irradiating the seeds of maize inbred line ChangC7–2 (C7–2) with 60Co-γ. Compared to its wild type C7–2, C7–2t exhibited a significantly delayed wilting and higher drought tolerance under both the controlled and field conditions, indicating its high water-holding ability. Transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between C7–2 and C7–2t during drought. As a result, a total of 4552 DEGs were implied in drought tolerance of C7-2 and C7-2t. In particular, the expression of photosynthesis-related genes in C7–2 was inhibited, whereas these genes in C7–2t were almost unaffected under drought. Moreover, a specific set of the DEGs were involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and taurine (hypotaurine) metabolism in C7–2t; these DEGs were enriched in cell components associated with membrane systems and cell wall biosynthesis.

Conclusions

The drought tolerance of C7–2t was largely due to its high water-holding ability, stable photosynthesis (for supporting osmoregulation) and strengthened biosynthesis of cell walls under drought conditions.
Postcardiac injury syndrome, peripheral hematoma of ascending aorta, and cerebral infarction after PCI: a case report
Authors: Wang Yuan , Li Wenkui , Yuan Chi , Wang Hegui
Published: July 2020

Background

Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is an inflammatory response syndrome characterized by pericardial effusion with or without pleural effusion; however, serious PCIS with peripheral hematoma of the ascending aorta and acute cerebral infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been reported.

Case presentation

This article reports a very rare case of a 40-year-old patient who developed acute pericardial and pleural effusions (both bloody), acute respiratory distress, peripheral hematoma of the ascending aorta, and acute cerebral infarction after PCI. The patient’s ECG showed bow-back downward ST elevation in leads I, II, III, and V4–V6. A blood test showed significant increases in eukaryotic-cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Echocardiography and pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a large amount of pericardial effusion and pleural effusion. CTA of the thoracic and abdominal aorta showed a peripheral hematoma of the ascending aorta. A cranial computed tomography (CT) showed cerebral infarction anterior to the anterior horn of the right ventricle. After tracheal intubation, ventilator breathing support, pericardial and pleural drainage, and adrenocortical steroid (prednisone) treatment, he gradually recovered and was discharged 20 days later.

Conclusion

We report the management of a case of serious PCIS with peripheral hematoma of the ascending aorta and acute cerebral infarction after PCI. Early diagnosis, early differential diagnosis, and early use of steroid therapy are the key in treating PCIS.
Bipolar disorder in megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts: a case report
Authors: Ishikawa Masanori , Omachi Yoshie , Sato Noriko , Nakagawa Eiji
Published: July 2020

Background

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), or Van der Knaap disease, is a rare spongiform leukodystrophy that is characterized by macrocephaly, progressive motor dysfunction, and mild mental retardation. It is very rare for mental illness such as psychotic disorders, affective disorders and anxiety disorders to occur in MLC.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital after he developed symptoms of depressive state with catatonia after being diagnosed as having MLC with confirmed MLC1 mutation. His catatonic symptoms were improved with administration of olanzapine and sertraline and he was discharged after 4 months. Several months later, he became hypomanic. He was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Mood swings were controlled with the administration of carbamazepine.

Conclusions

This case is the first report of bipolar disorder during the clinical course of MLC. This case indicate the possibility that MLC influences the development of bipolar disorder in MLC, however, further studies involving more patients are required to clarify this.
Chemosensory dysfunction, Oral disorders and Oral health-related quality of life in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Šijan Gobeljić Mirjana , Milić Vera , Pejnović Nada , Damjanov Nemanja
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate chemosensory function and oral disorders in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and to compare these findings with those of age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Methods

This comparative cross-sectional study included 58 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Olfactory and gustatory function, burning sensations in the tongue (BST) and halitosis were assessed. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).

Results

Patients with pSS had significantly lower self-reported visual analogue scale (VAS) smell score (8.6 ± 2.2 vs. 9.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.016) and VAS taste score (8.5 ± 2.1 vs. 9.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.014) than healthy controls. A greater proportion of patients with pSS had anosmia (3.8% vs. 0.0%) or hyposmia (36.5% vs. 13.2%) and ageusia for basic tastes: sweetness (34.0% vs. 7.5%), sourness (10.6% vs. 0.0), saltiness (10.0% vs. 5.7%) or bitterness (19.1% vs. 1.9%) as evaluated using Sniffin Sticks test and taste stripts, respectively. A higher proportion of pSS patients complained of dysgeusia (52.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.0001) and BST (45.6% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001), while similar number of patients with pSS and controls reported halitosis (31.6% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.434). The mean OHIP-14 score was significantly higher in patients with pSS (6.8 ± 7.0 vs. 2.3 ± 8.5, p < 0.001) indicating patients’ poorer OHRQoL compared with controls.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with pSS had impaired chemosensory function and indicators of oral health in comparison with the age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Further studies of oral hygiene habits and dietary intake of these patients are needed to ensure better management of oral health problems in patients with pSS.
Impact of the CareWell integrated care model for older patients with multimorbidity: a quasi-experimental controlled study in the Basque Country
Authors: Mateo-Abad Maider , González Nerea , Fullaondo Ane , Merino Marisa , Azkargorta Lierni , Giné Anna , Verdoy Dolores , Vergara Itziar , de Manuel Keenoy Esteban
Published: July 2020

Background

Older patients with multimorbidity have complex health and social care needs, associated with elevated use of health care resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of CareWell integrated care model for older patients with multimorbidity in the Basque Country.

Methods

The CareWell program for older patients with multimorbidity, based on the coordination between health providers, home-based care and patient empowerment, supported by information and communication technology tools. The program was deployed in four healthcare areas in the Basque Country. The control group was formed by two organizations in which the program had not been deployed and regular care procedures were applied.

Participants, older patients (aged ≥65) with two or more chronic conditions (at least one being chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, or diabetes mellitus), categorized as complex according to a risk stratification algorithm, were followed up to 12 months. The impact of the program on the use of health resources, clinical effectiveness, and satisfaction was evaluated using a mixed-method approach.

Semi-structured interviews were performed to assess satisfaction with the newly deployed model and mixed regression models to measure the effect of the intervention throughout the follow-up period.

Results

Two hundred patients were recruited (101 intervention and 99 control), mostly males (63%) with a mean age of 79 years and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index of 9.7 on average. Relevant differences between the groups were observed for all dimensions. In the intervention group, the number of hospitalizations and visits to emergency centers was reduced, and the number of primary care contacts increased. Clinical changes were also observed, such as a decrease in the body mass index and blood glucose levels. The satisfaction level was high for all stakeholders.

Conclusion

The implementation of CareWell integrated care model changed the profile of health resource utilization, strengthening the key role of primary care and reducing the number of emergency visits and hospitalizations. The satisfaction with this model of care was high.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03042039. Registered 3 February 2017 - Retrospectively registered.
AIMTOR, a BRET biosensor for live imaging, reveals subcellular mTOR signaling and dysfunctions
Authors: Bouquier Nathalie , Moutin Enora , Tintignac Lionel A. , Reverbel Amandine , Jublanc Elodie , Sinnreich Michael , Chastagnier Yan , Averous Julien , Fafournoux Pierre , Verpelli Chiara , Boeckers Tobias , Carnac Gilles , Perroy Julie , Ollendorff Vincent
Published: July 2020

Background

mTOR signaling is an essential nutrient and energetic sensing pathway. Here we describe AIMTOR, a sensitive genetically encoded BRET (Bioluminescent Resonance Energy Transfer) biosensor to study mTOR activity in living cells.

Results

As a proof of principle, we show in both cell lines and primary cell cultures that AIMTOR BRET intensities are modified by mTOR activity changes induced by specific inhibitors and activators of mTORC1 including amino acids and insulin. We further engineered several versions of AIMTOR enabling subcellular-specific assessment of mTOR activities. We then used AIMTOR to decipher mTOR signaling in physio-pathological conditions. First, we show that mTORC1 activity increases during muscle cell differentiation and in response to leucine stimulation in different subcellular compartments such as the cytosol and at the surface of the lysosome, the nucleus, and near the mitochondria. Second, in hippocampal neurons, we found that the enhancement of neuronal activity increases mTOR signaling. AIMTOR further reveals mTOR-signaling dysfunctions in neurons from mouse models of autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusions

Altogether, our results demonstrate that AIMTOR is a sensitive and specific tool to investigate mTOR-signaling dynamics in living cells and phenotype mTORopathies.
TDP-43 prevents retrotransposon activation in the Drosophila motor system through regulation of Dicer-2 activity
Authors: Romano Giulia , Klima Raffaella , Feiguin Fabian
Published: July 2020

Background

Mutations in the small RNA-binding protein TDP-43 lead to the formation of insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates that have been associated with the onset and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting homeostasis of the motor system which is also characterized by aberrant expression of retrotransposable elements (RTEs). Although the TDP-43 function was shown to be required in the neurons and glia to maintain the organization of neuromuscular synapses and prevent denervation of the skeletal muscles, the molecular mechanisms involved in physiological dysregulation remain elusive. Here, we address this issue using a null mutation of the TDP-43 Drosophila homolog, TBPH.

Results

Using genome-wide gene expression profiles, we detected a strong upregulation of RTE expression in TBPH-null Drosophila heads, while the genetic rescue of the TDP-43 function reverted these modifications. Furthermore, we found that TBPH modulates the small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing machinery responsible for RTE repression. Molecularly, we observed that TBPH regulates the expression levels of Dicer-2 by direct protein-mRNA interactions in vivo. Accordingly, the genetic or pharmacological recovery of Dicer-2 activity was sufficient to repress retrotransposon activation and promote motoneuron axonal wrapping and synaptic growth in TBPH-null Drosophila.

Conclusions

We identified an upregulation of RTE expression in TBPH-null Drosophila heads and demonstrate that defects in the siRNA pathway lead to RTE upregulation and motoneuron degeneration. Our results describe a novel physiological role of endogenous TDP-43 in the prevention of RTE-induced neurological alterations through the modulation of Dicer-2 activity and the siRNA pathway.
Measuring the completeness of death registration in 2844 Chinese counties in 2018
Authors: Zeng Xinying , Adair Tim , Wang Lijun , Yin Peng , Qi Jinlei , Liu Yunning , Liu Jiangmei , Lopez Alan D. , Zhou Maigeng
Published: July 2020

Background

Death registration completeness has never been assessed at the county level in China. Such analyses would provide critical intelligence to monitor the performance of the vital registration system and yield adjustment factors to correct death registration data, thereby increasing their policy utility.

Methods

We estimated the completeness of death registration for 31 provinces and 2844 counties of China in 2018 based on death data from the China Cause of Death Reporting System (CDRS) by using the empirical completeness method. We computed the root mean square difference (RMSD) of county-level completeness compared with provincial-level completeness to study intra-provincial variations. A two-level (province and county) logistic regression model was fitted to explore the association between county-level registration completeness and a set of covariates reflecting socioeconomic status, healthcare quality, and specific strategies and regulations designed to improve registration.

Results

In 2018, the overall death registration completeness for the CDRS in China was 74.2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 66.2–80.4), with very little difference for males and females. Geographical differences in completeness were higher across counties than across provinces. The county-level completeness ranged from 2.4% (95% UI 1.0–5.0%) in Burang County, Tibet, to 100.0% (95% UI 99.9–100.0%) in Guandu District, Yunnan. The coastal provinces of Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Fujian, with higher overall completeness, contained counties with low completeness; conversely, the underdeveloped provinces of Guangxi and Guizhou, with lower overall completeness, included some counties with high completeness. GDP, education, population density, minority population, healthcare access, and registration strategies were important drivers of the geographical differences in registration completeness.

Conclusions

There are marked inequalities in registration completeness at the county level and within provinces in China. The socioeconomic condition, the implementation of specific registration-enhancing initiatives, and the availability and quality of medical care were the primary drivers of the observed geographical variation. A more strategic approach, with more research, is required to identify the main reasons for death under-reporting, especially in the poorer performing counties, to guide remedial action.