bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Road Traffic Noise Exposure and Depression/Anxiety: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dzhambov Angel M. , Lercher Peter
Published: October 2019

Unlike other World Health Organization evidence reviews, the systematic review on mental disorders could not provide a quantitative estimate of the effect of environmental noise. With that in mind, we aimed to update it with additional studies published through to 18 August 2019 in order to allow for a formal meta-analysis of the association of residential road traffic noise with anxiety and depression. The quality effects and random effects estimators were used for meta-analysis and the robustness of findings was tested in several sensitivity analyses. Ten studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, from which we extracted 15 estimates for depression (n = 1,201,168) and five for anxiety (n = 372,079). Almost all studies were cross-sectional and the risk of bias in them was generally high. We found 4% (95% CI: −3%, 11%) higher odds of depression and 12% (95% CI: −4%, 30%) of anxiety associated with a 10 dB(A) increase in day–evening–night noise level (Lden). Both models suffered from moderate heterogeneity (55% and 54%), but there was evidence of publication bias only in the depression model. These findings were robust with no evidence of study-level moderators. A sensitivity analysis on an alternative set of categorically-reported estimates supported a linear relationship between Lden and depression. Taking into account an overall quality assessment for the included studies, we conclude that there is evidence of “very low” quality that increasing exposure to road traffic noise may be associated with depression and anxiety.
Maternal Mental Illness Is Associated with Adverse Neonate Outcomes: An Analysis of Inpatient Data
Authors: Lopez Abigail , Becerra Monideepa B. , Becerra Benjamin J.
Published: October 2019

Objective: Addressing mental illness and associated outcomes is a major public health priority in the United States. In this study, our goal was to assess the role of maternal mental illness and its association to poor fetal growth and preterm delivery in one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of California. Methods: Data were obtained from the public database of California inpatient data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). OSHPD provides de-identified data on all inpatient department visits within California, to ensure confidentially of patients. Each variable was dichotomized into a binary variable of presence or absence of diagnosis status. The primary independent variable was clinical diagnosis of any mental illness. The dependent variables were pregnancy birth outcomes defined as poor fetal growth and preterm delivery. We specifically focused on inland Southern California due to its higher socioeconomic burden and poor maternal–child outcomes. Results: In the inland Southern California area, which is generally a geographic location with high poverty, maternal mental illness was associated with 79% higher odds of poor fetal growth and 64% higher odds of preterm delivery. Increasing numbers of co-morbidities were also associated with poor fetal growth. On the other hand, being older, being on Medicaid or other insurance status, being non-Hispanic Black, as well as increasing co-morbidities were associated with increased odds of preterm delivery. Conclusions: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the immediate birth outcomes associated with maternal mental illness. Given the empirical evidence of the study, addressing maternal mental health status is a key public health issue, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
Phenomenological and Thermodynamic Model of Gas Exchanges in the Placenta during Pregnancy: A Case Study of Intoxication of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Rangel Cenzi Juliana , Albuquerque Cyro , Keutenedjian Mady Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2019

The present work simulates the transport of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide between a fetus’s circulatory system and the mother’s. The organ responsible for this exchange is the placenta. Carbon monoxide is a common air pollutant, and it impacts the physiological conditions even in low concentration. The impacts of carbon monoxide are especially dangerous for pregnant women, fetuses, and newborn babies. A model of carbon monoxide transport, from the literature, is modified to simulate a pregnant woman (original model was a male), therefore changing some parameters to express the adjusted respiratory system. It was considered the gas exchange in the placenta, to evaluate the concentration of these different gases in the fetus arterial and venous blood. Three methods of the exergy analysis are implemented for both mother and fetus respiratory systems, aiming at the comparison with the respiratory system of a male adult. The destroyed exergy of the literature did not have the same trend as the models proposed in this article, taking into consideration the hemoglobin reactions. In contrast, the entropy generation associated only with the diffusion transport phenomena was one order of magnitude lower than the other methods. The placenta destroyed exergy rate is significantly higher compared to the irreversibilities of the mother’s respiratory system. One possible explanation is the fact that the placenta has other physiological functions than gas transportation.
The Clinical Utility of the Chen Internet Addiction Scale—Gaming Version, for Internet Gaming Disorder in the DSM-5 among Young Adults
Authors: Ko Chih-Hung , Chen Sue-Huei , Wang Chih-Hung , Tsai Wen-Xiang , Yen Ju-Yu
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes the diagnostic criteria for Internet gaming disorder (IGD). This study evaluated (1) the screening, diagnostic, and prevalence-estimated cutoff points of the Chen Internet Addiction Scale–Gaming Version (CIAS-G) for IGD in the DSM-5; and (2) the differences in the CIAS-G and subscale scores among individuals with IGD, regular gamers (RGs), and other control subjects. Methods: We recruited 69 participants with IGD, 69 RGs, and 69 healthy participants based on diagnostic interviews conducted by a psychiatrist according to DSM-5 IGD criteria. All participants completed the CIAS-G and were assessed using the clinical global impression scale. Results: The optimal screening and diagnostic cutoff points were 68 or more (sensitivity, 97.1%; specificity, 76.8%) and 72 or more (sensitivity, 85.5%; specificity, 87.0%) for IGD based on DSM-5 criteria, respectively. The 76 or more cutoff point had the highest number needed to misdiagnose and was the optimal prevalence estimated cutoff point. Conclusions: The screening cutoff point could be used to identify individuals with IGD for further diagnostic interviewing to confirm the diagnosis in the clinical setting or for two-stage epidemiological evaluation. The diagnostic cutoff point provides a provisional diagnosis of IGD when diagnostic interviewing is unavailable. The prevalence-estimated cutoff point could be used to estimate the prevalence of IGD in large-scale epidemiological investigations when further diagnostic interviewing is impractical. The clinical and epidemiological utility of CIAS-G warrants further study.
Indoor Air Quality Analysis of Newly Built Houses
Authors: Suzuki Norimichi , Nakaoka Hiroko , Hanazato Masamichi , Nakayama Yoshitake , Tsumura Kayo , Takaya Kazunari , Todaka Emiko , Mori Chisato
Published: October 2019

Recently, people have become increasingly aware of potential health issues related to indoor environments. In this study, we measure the concentrations of various volatile organic compounds, carbonyl compounds, and semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as the ventilation rates, in 49 new houses with light-gauge steel structures one week after completion. The proper indoor air quality of new residential environments can be ensured by characterizing people’s exposure to certain chemicals and assessing future risks. Our results show that the concentrations of the measured compounds were lower than the guideline values set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and would continue to decrease. However, we observed that unregulated compounds, assumed to be substitutes for regulated solvents, contributed substantially to the total volatile organic compounds. To reduce indoor chemical exposure risks, the concentrations of these unregulated compounds should also be minimized. In addition, their sources need to be identified, and manufacture and use must be monitored. We believe it is important to select low-emission building materials for reducing residents’ exposure to indoor chemicals.
Community-Engaged Research for the Promotion of Healthy Urban Environments: A Case Study of Community Garden Initiative in Shanghai, China
Authors: Kou Huaiyun , Zhang Sichu , Liu Yuelai
Published: October 2019

The importance of community gardens in a healthy urban environment has been extensively documented, while the garden building involving communities has not been much explored in fast-developing cities. This study examines community engagement in garden building activities in a rapid urbanization context, aiming to explore the application of community-engaged research methods for the promotion of neighbourhood environments. The Community Garden Initiative consisting of an array of progressive actions is formulated by the research team, featuring a process of increasing involvement of community members and decreasing intensity of external interventions. These activities have been launched based on community-university partnerships in Shanghai since 2014, synchronising with a transformation of urban regeneration paradigm in China where people-oriented approaches are more emphasized. Five actions covering 70 community gardens are analysed through surveys on participants’ attitudes and perceptions towards the activities. The results of the study presented people’s rapid acceptance of participation in public affairs, reflected possible measures to promote public participation, and confirmed the positive impacts of the garden building on the neighbourhood environmental health as well as on the community-building. Taking into account that residents generally lack the consciousness and capacities required to implement actions at the initial stage of community engagement, we proposed in the conclusion to start with external interventions and capacity buildings carried out by professionals as a supplement to the ‘community-driven’ principle of CBPR methods.
Combined Exposure to Fructose and Bisphenol A Exacerbates Abnormal Lipid Metabolism in Liver of Developmental Male Rats
Authors: Lin Ren , Jia Yue , Wu Fengjuan , Meng Yuan , Sun Qi , Jia Lihong
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate whether combined exposure to fructose and bisphenol A (BPA) has a synergistic effect on abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver of developmental male rats and its possible mechanism. Fifty weaned male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: the control, 13% fructose, 20% fructose, 1 µg/mL BPA, and 13% fructose + 1 µg/mL BPA (combined exposure). Rats were exposed to fructose and/or BPA through drinking water for eight weeks. Genes or proteins regulating lipid metabolism include sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), zinc α 2 glycoprotein (ZAG) and estrogen receptor α (ERα), and the expression of proteins regulating inflammatory response, such as TLR4 and NF-κB, were determined. Serum total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), low, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), blood glucose, insulin, IL-17 and TNF-α levels were also measured. Liver tissue morphology was observed by H&E staining. The results showed that the levels of gene and protein catalyzing lipogenesis were increased (SREBP1, ACC1 and FAS), while those catalyzing lipolysis were decreased (ATGL, HSL and ZAG), accompanied by dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hepatic fat accumulation, and there were higher expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein and lower expression of ERα protein in liver, and increased serum IL-17 and TNF-α levels in fructose and/or BPA exposed rats compared with controls. Moreover, the above indicators were more serious in combined exposure group than in single exposure group. Therefore, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver of developmental rats could be exacerbated by combined exposed to fructose and BPA.
Advancing Environmental Health Literacy: Validated Scales of General Environmental Health and Environmental Media-Specific Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Lichtveld Maureen Y. , Covert Hannah H. , Sherman Mya , Shankar Arti , Wickliffe Jeffrey K. , Alcala Cecilia S.
Published: October 2019

Environmental health literacy (EHL) involves understanding and using environmental information to make decisions about health. This study developed a validated survey instrument with four scales for assessing media-specific (i.e., air, food, water) and general EHL. The four scales were created as follows: 1) item generation: environmental health scientists and statisticians developed an initial set of items in three domains: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; 2) item review: items were reviewed for face validity; 3) validation: 174 public health students, the exploratory sample, and 98 community members, the test sample, validated the scales. The scales’ factor structure was based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and model fit was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). For each scale, the final EFA resulted in an independent three-factor solution for knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Good fit for the three-factor structure was observed. Model fit for CFA was generally confirmed with fit indices. The scales showed internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha from 0.63 to 0.70. The 42-item instrument represents an important contribution towards assessing EHL and is designed to enable meaningful engagement between researchers and community members about environmental health. The intended outcome is sustained community–academic partnerships benefiting research design, implementation, translation, dissemination, and community action.
Indoor Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance on Floor Surfaces: An Exploratory Study in Three Different Building Types
Authors: Gupta Mridula , Lee Seungjun , Bisesi Michael , Lee Jiyoung
Published: October 2019

Floor materials in indoor environments are known to be reservoirs of microbes. We focused on examining bacterial community composition, antibiotic resistance (AR) and microbial source tracking (MST) of fecal bacteria on the floor surfaces. Swab samples were collected from carpet and vinyl floors in three different buildings (medical, veterinary, and office buildings) from high and low traffic areas. Bacterial communities were determined with 16S rRNA sequencing, and AR (tetracycline (tetQ), sulfonamide, and carbapenem (KPC)) and MST (human-, canine-, avian-, and ruminant-specific fecal bacteria) were examined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results show that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla. Traffic level significantly affected the number of operational taxonomic units. Traffic level was a key factor for distinctive bacterial community in the medical center. Targeted ARGs were detected from all buildings and tetQ concentration was related with traffic level, and KPC was only detected from the medical center. Most of the floor surfaces showed the presence of dog-specific fecal bacteria (83%) followed by bird-specific fecal bacteria (75%). The results suggest that traffic levels affected the bacterial levels and fecal contamination is prevalent on the floor surfaces. This is the first study that reports KPC presence on the floor surfaces.
An Empirical Evaluation of Data Interoperability—A Case of the Disaster Management Sector in Uganda
Authors: Mazimwe Allan , Hammouda Imed , Gidudu Anthony
Published: October 2019

One of the grand challenges of disaster management is for stakeholders to be able to discover, access, integrate and analyze task-appropriate data together with their associated algorithms and work-flows. Even with a growing number of initiatives to publish data in the disaster management sector using open principles, integration and reuse are still difficult due to existing interoperability barriers within datasets. Several frameworks for assessing data interoperability exist but do not generate best practice solutions to existing barriers based on the assessment they use. In this study, we assess interoperability for datasets in the disaster management sector in Uganda and identify generic solutions to interoperability challenges in the context of disaster management. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data from sector stakeholders in Uganda. Data interoperability was measured to provide an understanding of interoperability in the sector. Interoperability maturity is measured using qualitative methods, while data compatibility metrics are computed from identifiers in the RDF-triple model. Results indicate high syntactic and technical interoperability maturity for data in the sector. On the contrary, there exists considerable semantic and legal interoperability barriers that hinder data integration and reuse in the sector. A mapping of the interoperability challenges in the disaster management sector to solutions reveals a potential to reuse established patterns for managing data interoperability. These include; the federated pattern, linked data patterns, broadcast pattern, rights and policy harmonization patterns, dissemination and awareness pattern, ontology design patterns among others. Thus a systematic approach to combining patterns is critical to managing data interoperability barriers among actors in the disaster management ecosystem.
Integrative Assessment of Mixture Toxicity of Three Ionic Liquids on Acetylcholinesterase Using a Progressive Approach from 1D Point, 2D Curve, to 3D Surface
Authors: Ge Huilin , Tao Shanshan , Zhou Min , Han Bingjun , Yuan Hongqiu
Published: October 2019

The joint toxicities of [BMIM]BF4, [BMIM]PF6, and [HMIM]BF4 on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were systematically investigated by using a progressive approach from 1D single effect point, 2D concentration-response curve (CRC), to 3D equivalent-surface (ES) level. The equipartition equivalent-surface design (EESD) method was used to design 10 ternary mixtures, and the direct equipartition ray (EquRay) design was used to design 15 binary mixtures. The toxicities of ionic liquids (ILs) and their mixtures were determined using the microplate toxicity analysis (MTA) method. The concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA), and co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) were used as the additive reference model to analyze the toxic interaction of these mixtures. The results showed that the Weibull function fitted well the CRCs of the three ILs and their mixtures with the coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.99 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) less than 0.04. According to the CTC integrated with confidence interval (CI) method (CTCICI) developed in this study, the 25 mixtures were almost all additive action at 20% and 80% effect point levels. At 50% effect, at least half of the 25 mixtures were slightly synergistic action, and the remaining mixtures were additive action. Furthermore, the ESs and CRCs predicted by CA and IA were all within the CIs of mixture observed ESs and CRCs, respectively. Therefore, the toxic interactions of these 25 mixtures were actually additive action. The joint toxicity of the three ILs can be effectively evaluated by the ES method. We also studied the relationship between the mixture toxicities and component concentration proportions. This study can provide reference data for IL risk assessment of combined pollution.
The Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Heat Shock Proteins in Inflammatory Bowel Disease—An Update
Authors: Hoter Abdullah , Naim Hassan Y.
Published: October 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial human intestinal disease that arises from numerous, yet incompletely defined, factors. Two main forms, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), lead to a chronic pathological form. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are stress-responsive molecules involved in various pathophysiological processes. Several lines of evidence link the expression of HSPs to the development and prognosis of IBD. HSP90, HSP70 and HSP60 have been reported to contribute to IBD in different aspects. Moreover, induction and/or targeted inhibition of specific HSPs have been suggested to ameliorate the disease consequences. In the present review, we shed the light on the role of HSPs in IBD and their targeting to prevent further disease progression.
The Impact of Chemotherapy on the Ovaries: Molecular Aspects and the Prevention of Ovarian Damage
Authors: Sonigo Charlotte , Beau Isabelle , Binart Nadine , Grynberg Michaël
Published: October 2019

Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, induces early ovarian follicular depletion and subsequent infertility. In order to protect gametes from the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy, several fertility preservation techniques—such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation with or without ovarian stimulation, or cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex—should be considered. However, these methods may be difficult to perform, and the future use of cryopreserved germ cells remains uncertain. Therefore, improving the methods currently available and developing new strategies to preserve fertility represent major challenges in the area of oncofertility. Animal and ovarian culture models have been used to decipher the effects of different cytotoxic agents on ovarian function and several theories regarding chemotherapy gonadotoxicity have been raised. For example, cytotoxic agents might (i) have a direct detrimental effect on the DNA of primordial follicles constituting the ovarian reserve and induce apoptosis; (ii) induce a massive growth of dormant follicles, which are then destroyed; or (ii) induce vascular ovarian damage. Thanks to improvements in the understanding of the mechanisms involved, a large number of studies have been carried out to develop molecules limiting the negative impact of chemotherapy on the ovaries.
Functional Comparison of Human and Zebra Fish FKBP52 Confirms the Importance of the Proline-Rich Loop for Regulation of Steroid Hormone Receptor Activity
Authors: Harris Diondra C. , Garcia Yenni A. , Samaniego Cheryl Storer , Rowlett Veronica W. , Ortiz Nina R. , Payan Ashley N. , Maehigashi Tatsuya , Cox Marc B.
Published: October 2019

Previous studies demonstrated that the 52-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP52) proline-rich loop is functionally relevant in the regulation of steroid hormone receptor activity. While zebra fish (Danio rerio; Dr) FKBP52 contains all of the analogous domains and residues previously identified as critical for FKBP52 potentiation of receptor activity, it fails to potentiate activity. Thus, we used a cross-species comparative approach to assess the residues that are functionally critical for FKBP52 function. Random selection of gain-of-function DrFKBP52 mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified two critical residues, alanine 111 (A111) and threonine 157 (T157), for activation of receptor potentiation by DrFKBP52. In silico homology modeling suggests that alanine to valine substitution at position 111 in DrFKBP52 induces an open conformation of the proline-rich loop surface similar to that observed on human FKBP52, which may allow for sufficient surface area and increased hydrophobicity for interactions within the receptor–chaperone complex. A second mutation in the FKBP12-like domain 2 (FK2), threonine 157 to arginine (T157R), also enhanced potentiation, and the DrFKBP52-A111V/T157R double mutant potentiated receptor activity similar to human FKBP52. Collectively, these results confirm the functional importance of the FKBP52 proline-rich loop, suggest that an open conformation on the proline-rich loop surface is a predictor of activity, and highlight the importance of an additional residue within the FK2 domain.
Structural Insights into AQP2 Targeting to Multivesicular Bodies
Authors: Roche Jennifer Virginia , Nesverova Veronika , Olsson Caroline , Deen Peter MT , Törnroth-Horsefield Susanna
Published: October 2019

Vasopressin-dependent trafficking of AQP2 in the renal collecting duct is crucial for the regulation of water homeostasis. This process involves the targeting of AQP2 to the apical membrane during dehydration as well as its removal when hydration levels have been restored. The latter involves AQP2 endocytosis and sorting into multivesicular bodies (MVB), from where it may be recycled, degraded in lysosomes, or released into urine via exosomes. The lysosomal trafficking regulator-interacting protein 5 (LIP5) plays a crucial role in this by coordinating the actions of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III) and vacuolar protein sorting 4 (Vps4) ATPase, resulting in the insertion of AQP2 into MVB inner vesicles. While the interaction between LIP5 and the ESCRT-III complex and Vps4 is well characterized, very little is known about how LIP5 interacts with AQP2 or any other membrane protein cargo. Here, we use a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and computer modeling to provide a structural model of how LIP5 interacts with human AQP2. We demonstrate that, the AQP2 tetramer binds up to two LIP5 molecules and that the interaction is similar to that seen in the complex between LIP5 and the ESCRT-III component, charged multivesicular body protein 1B (CHMP1B). These studies give the very first structural insights into how LIP5 enables membrane protein insertion into MVB inner vesicles and significantly increase our understanding of the AQP2 trafficking mechanism.
Multivalent Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitors
Authors: Carta Fabrizio , Dumy Pascal , Supuran Claudiu T. , Winum Jean-Yves
Published: October 2019

Biomolecular recognition using a multivalent strategy has been successfully applied, this last decade on several biological targets, especially carbohydrate-processing enzymes, proteases, and phosphorylases. This strategy is based on the fact that multivalent interactions of several inhibitory binding units grafted on a presentation platform may enhance the binding affinity and selectivity. The zinc metalloenzymes carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are considered as drug targets for several pathologies, and different inhibitors found clinical applications as diuretics, antiglaucoma agents, anticonvulsants, and anticancer agents/diagnostic tools. Their main drawback is related to the lack of isoform selectivity leading to serious side effects for all pathologies in which they are employed. Thus, the multivalent approach may open new opportunities in the drug design of innovative isoform-selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with biomedical applications.
IGF-1 Inhibits Apoptosis of Porcine Primary Granulosa Cell by Targeting Degradation of BimEL
Authors: Han Ying , Wang Shumin , Wang Yingzheng , Zeng Shenming
Published: October 2019

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an intra-ovarian growth factor that plays important endocrine or paracrine roles during ovarian development. IGF-1 affects ovarian function and female fertility through reducing apoptosis of granulosa cells, yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly characterized. Here, we aimed to address these knowledge gaps using porcine primary granulosa cells and examining the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of IGF-1. IGF-1 prevented the granulosa cell from apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL and Annexin V/PI detection, and gained the anti-apoptotic index, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. This process was partly mediated by reducing the pro-apoptotic BimEL (Bcl-2 Interacting Mediator of Cell Death-Extra Long) protein level. Western blotting showed that IGF-1 promoted BimEL phosphorylation through activating p-ERK1/2, and that the proteasome system was responsible for degradation of phosphorylated BimEL. Meanwhile, IGF-1 enhanced the Beclin1 level and the rate of LC3 II/LC3 I, indicating that autophagy was induced by IGF-1. By blocking the proteolysis processes of both proteasome and autophagy flux with MG132 and chloroquine, respectively, the BimEL did not reduce and the phosphorylated BimEL protein accumulated, thereby indicating that both proteasome and autophagy pathways were involved in the degradation of BimEL stimulated by IGF-1. In conclusion, IGF-1 inhibited porcine primary granulosa cell apoptosis via degradation of pro-apoptotic BimEL. This study is critical for us to further understand the mechanisms of follicular survival and atresia regulated by IGF-1. Moreover, it provides a direction for the treatment of infertility caused by ovarian dysplasia, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and the improvement of assisted reproductive technology.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cotton miRNAs During Whitefly Infestation Offers New Insights into Plant-Herbivore Interaction
Authors: Li Jianying , Hull J. Joe , Liang Sijia , Wang Qiongqiong , Chen Luo , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Maojun , Mansoor Shahid , Zhang Xianlong , Jin Shuangxia
Published: October 2019

Although the regulatory function of miRNAs and their targets have been characterized in model plants, a possible underlying role in the cotton response to herbivore infestation has not been determined. To investigate this, we performed small RNA and degradome sequencing between resistant and susceptible cotton cultivar following infestation with the generalist herbivore whitefly. In total, the 260 miRNA families and 241 targets were identified. Quantitative-PCR analysis revealed that several miRNAs and their corresponding targets exhibited dynamic spatio-temporal expression patterns. Moreover, 17 miRNA precursors were generated from 29 long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) transcripts. The genome-wide analysis also led to the identification of 85 phased small interfering RNA (phasiRNA) loci. Among these, nine PHAS genes were triggered by miR167, miR390, miR482a, and two novel miRNAs, including those encoding a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) disease resistance protein, an auxin response factor (ARF) and MYB transcription factors. Through combined modeling and experimental data, we explored and expanded the miR390-tasiARF cascade during the cotton response to whitefly. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of ARF8 from miR390 target in whitefly-resistant cotton plants increased auxin and jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation, resulting in increased tolerance to whitefly infestation. These results highlight the provides a useful transcriptomic resource for plant-herbivore interaction.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) Gene Family in Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Liu Hengzhi , Cao Minxuan , Chen Xiaoli , Ye Minghui , Zhao Peng , Nan Yunyou , Li Wan , Zhang Chao , Kong Lingshuang , Kong Nana , Yang Chenghui , Chen Yue , Wang Dongdong , Chen Qin
Published: October 2019

Lateral organ boundaries domain (LBD) proteins belong to a particular class of transcription factors of lateral organ boundary (LOB) specific domains that play essential roles in plant growth and development. However, a potato phylogenetic analysis of the LBD family has not been fully studied by scholars and researchers. In this research, bioinformatics methods and the growth of potatoes were used to identify 43 StLBD proteins. We separated them into seven subfamilies: Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, Ie, IIa and IIb. The number of amino acids encoded by the potato LBD family ranged from 94 to 327. The theoretical isoelectric point distribution ranged from 4.16 to 9.12 Kda, and they were distributed among 10 chromosomes. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of StLBD2-6 and StLBD3-5 were up-regulated under drought stress in the stem. The expression levels of StLBD1-5 and StLBD2-6 were down-regulated in leaves. We hypothesized that StLBD1-5 was down-regulated under drought stress, and that StLBD2-6 and StLBD3-5 up-regulation might help to maintain the normal metabolism of potato and enhance the potatoes’ resistance to drought.
Proteomic Investigation of S-Nitrosylated Proteins During NO-Induced Adventitious Rooting of Cucumber
Authors: Niu Lijuan , Yu Jihua , Liao Weibiao , Xie Jianming , Yu Jian , Lv Jian , Xiao Xuemei , Hu Linli , Wu Yue
Published: October 2019

Nitric oxide (NO) acts an essential signaling molecule that is involved in regulating various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. However, whether S-nitrosylation is a crucial molecular mechanism of NO is still largely unknown. In this study, 50 μM S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) treatment was found to have a maximum biological effect on promoting adventitious rooting in cucumber. Meanwhile, removal of endogenous NO significantly inhibited the development of adventitious roots implying that NO is responsible for promoting the process of adventitious rooting. Moreover, application of GSNO resulted in an increase of intracellular S-nitrosothiol (SNO) levels and endogenous NO production, while decreasing the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity during adventitious rooting, implicating that S-nitrosylation might be involved in NO-induced adventitious rooting in cucumber. Furthermore, the identification of S-nitrosylated proteins was performed utilizing the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and biotin-switch technique during the development of adventitious rooting. Among these proteins, the activities and S-nitrosylated level of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), tubulin alpha chain (TUA), and glutathione reductase (GR) were further analyzed as NO direct targets. Our results indicated that NO might enhance the S-nitrosylation level of GAPDH and GR, and was found to subsequently reduce these activities and transcriptional levels. Conversely, S-nitrosylation of TUA increased the expression level of TUA. The results implied that S-nitrosylation of key proteins seems to regulate various pathways through differential S-nitrosylation during adventitious rooting. Collectively, these results suggest that S-nitrosylation could be involved in NO-induced adventitious rooting, and they also provide fundamental evidence for the molecular mechanism of NO signaling during adventitious rooting in cucumber explants.
Cordycepin Enhances Radiosensitivity in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells by Inducing Autophagy and Apoptosis Through Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Ho Sheng-Yow , Wu Wun-Syuan , Lin Li-Ching , Wu Yuan-Hua , Chiu Hui-Wen , Yeh Ya-Ling , Huang Bu-Miin , Wang Ying-Jan
Published: October 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and accounts for over 90% of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. The long-term survival rate of OSCC patients has not markedly improved in recent decades due to its heterogeneous etiology and treatment outcomes. We investigated the anticancer effect of the combination of irradiation (IR) and cordycepin in the treatment of human OSCC cells in vitro. The type of cell death, especially autophagy and apoptosis, and the underlying mechanisms were examined. We found synergistic effects of cordycepin and IR on the viability of human oral cancer cells. The combination of cordycepin and IR treatment induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagic cell death. Furthermore, cordycepin induced S-phase arrest and prolonged G2/M arrest in the cells that received the combination treatment compared with those that received irradiation alone. Combined treatment induced the upregulation of ATG5 and p21 in an autophagy cascade-dependent manner, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and repressed cell proliferation. Thus, we conclude that the combination of cordycepin and IR treatment could be a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC.
Reduction-Triggered Paclitaxel Release Nano-Hybrid System Based on Core-Crosslinked Polymer Dots with a pH-Responsive Shell-Cleavable Colorimetric Biosensor
Authors: Kim Seul Gi , Ryplida Benny , Phuong Pham Thi My , Won Hyun Jeong , Lee Gibaek , Bhang Suk Ho , Park Sung Young
Published: October 2019

Herein, we describe the fabrication and characterization of carbonized disulfide core-crosslinked polymer dots with pH-cleavable colorimetric nanosensors, based on diol dye-conjugated fluorescent polymer dots (L-PD), for reduction-triggered paclitaxel (PTX) release during fluorescence imaging-guided chemotherapy of tumors. L-PD were loaded with PTX (PTX loaded L-PD), via π–π stackings or hydrophobic interactions, for selective theragnosis by enhanced release of PTX after the cleavage of disulfide bonds by high concentration of glutathione (GSH) in a tumor. The nano-hybrid system showed fluorescence quenching behavior with less than 2% of PTX released under physiological conditions. However, in a tumor microenvironment, the fluorescence recovered at an acidic-pH, and PTX (approximately 100% of the drug release) was released efficiently out of the matrix by reduction caused by the GSH level in the tumor cells, which improved the effectiveness of the cancer treatment. Therefore, the colorimetric nanosensor showed promising potential in distinguishing between normal and cancerous tissues depending on the surrounding pH and GSH concentrations so that PTX can be selectively delivered into cancer cells for improved cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.
Biological Adaptations Associated with Dehydration in Mosquitoes
Authors: Holmes Christopher J. , Benoit Joshua B.
Published: October 2019

Diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes are a tremendous health and socioeconomic burden with hundreds of millions of people being impacted by mosquito-borne illnesses annually. Many factors have been implicated and extensively studied in disease transmission dynamics, but knowledge regarding how dehydration impacts mosquito physiology, behavior, and resulting mosquito-borne disease transmission remain underdeveloped. The lapse in understanding on how mosquitoes respond to dehydration stress likely obscures our ability to effectively study mosquito physiology, behavior, and vectorial capabilities. The goal of this review is to develop a profile of factors underlying mosquito biology that are altered by dehydration and the implications that are related to disease transmission.
The Circulating GRP78/BiP Is a Marker of Metabolic Diseases and Atherosclerosis: Bringing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress into the Clinical Scenario
Authors: Girona Josefa , Rodríguez-Borjabad Cèlia , Ibarretxe Daiana , Vallvé Joan-Carles , Ferré Raimon , Heras Mercedes , Rodríguez-Calvo Ricardo , Guaita-Esteruelas Sandra , Martínez-Micaelo Neus , Plana Núria , Masana Lluís
Published: October 2019

Background: Glucose-regulated protein 78/Binding immunoglobulin protein (GRP78/BiP) is a protein associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and is upregulated by metabolic alterations at the tissue-level, such as hypoxia or glucose deprivation, and it is hyper-expressed in fat tissue of obese individuals. Objective: To investigate the role of the GRP78/BiP level as a metabolic and vascular disease biomarker in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM), obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Four hundred and five patients were recruited, of whom 52.5% were obese, 72.8% had DM, and 78.6% had MS. The intimae media thickness (cIMT) was assessed by ultrasonography. The plasma GRP78/BiP concentration was determined, and its association with metabolic and vascular parameters was assessed. Circulating GRP78/BiP was also prospectively measured in 30 DM patients before and after fenofibrate/niacin treatment and 30 healthy controls. Results: In the cross-sectional study, the GRP78/BiP level was significantly higher in the patients with obesity, DM, and MS. Age-, gender- and BMI-adjusted GRP78/BiP was directly associated with LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apoB, and cIMT. GRP78/BiP was positively associated to carotid plaque presence in the adjusted model, irrespective of obesity, DM and MS. In the prospective study, nicotinic acid treatment produced a significant reduction in the GRP78/BiP levels that was not observed with fenofibrate. Conclusions: GRP78/BiP plasma concentrations are increased in patients with both metabolic derangements and subclinical atherosclerosis. GRP78/BiP could be a useful marker of metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
The Effect of the Intelligent Sepsis Management System on Outcomes among Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock Diagnosed According to the Sepsis-3 Definition in the Emergency Department
Authors: Song Juhyun , Cho Hanjin , Park Dae Won , Ahn Sejoong , Kim Joo Yeong , Seok Hyeri , Park Jonghak , Moon Sungwoo
Published: October 2019

We developed a novel computer program, the Intelligent Sepsis Management System, based on Sepsis-3 definitions and 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and performed a quasi-experimental pre-post study to assess its effect on compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock. During the pre-period, patients were managed with usual care. During the post-period, patients were managed using the Intelligent Sepsis Management System upon arrival at the emergency department. A total of 631 patients were enrolled (pre-period, 316; post-period, 315). The overall compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines’ bundle improved (pre-period 10.8% vs. post-period 54.6%; p < 0.001). The post-period showed significantly lower 30-day mortality than the pre-period (pre-period 37.3% vs. post-period 29.5%; p = 0.037), but was not a protective factor for 30-day mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.75 (0.55–1.04) (p = 0.151). The associated factors for 30-day mortality were age, sequential organ failure assessment score, overall compliance, and lactate levels. The 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the compliance group than in the non-compliance group (27.2% vs. 36.5%; p = 0.002). After implementation of the Intelligent Sepsis Management System, overall compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines improved and was associated with reduced 30-day mortality. However, we could not verify the causal effect of this system on 30-day mortality.
Impedance Aggregometry Reveals Increased Platelet Aggregation during Liver Transplantation
Authors: Soliman Mohamed , Hartmann Matthias
Published: October 2019

In patients presenting for liver transplantation, increased platelet aggregation as well as thrombocytopenia have been demonstrated, but bedside assays have not been investigated. We compared platelet aggregation in liver transplantation patients and control surgical patients using impedance aggregometry. We hypothesized that platelet activity is not altered during liver transplantation. After the allowance of the ethics committee, platelet aggregation was determined using impedance aggregometry with the activators ristocetin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid, collagen, and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) in liver transplantation patients at four time points (start of surgery, anhepatic phase, reperfusion, end of surgery) and in control surgical patients. Moreover, platelet count was determined using a Coulter counter. To compensate for the thrombocytopenia often present in patients presenting for liver transplantation, the ratio between impedance aggregometry finding and platelet count was used. For statistical evaluation, the t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test were used, as appropriate. Platelet aggregation ratio showed a 3.1-fold increase in liver transplantation patients (n = 37) in comparison to control surgical patients (n = 10) when ristocetin was used as the activator (p = 0.001). Moreover, an approximately twofold increase of ADP-, arachidonic acid-, collagen-, and TRAP-induced platelet aggregation ratio was determined. Platelet aggregation normalized at the end of the transplantation procedure. Impedance aggregometry revealed a markedly increased platelet aggregation in some liver transplantation patients and might be suitable to guide platelet transfusion and antiplatelet therapy.
Risk of Preeclampsia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes after Heterologous Egg Donation: Hypothesizing a Role for Kidney Function and Comorbidity
Authors: Fassio Federica , Attini Rossella , Masturzo Bianca , Montersino Benedetta , Chatrenet Antoine , Saulnier Patrick , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Revelli Alberto , Gennarelli Gianluca , Gazzani Isabella Bianca , Muccinelli Elisabetta , Plazzotta Claudio , Menato Guido , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) is a risk factor for kidney diseases; egg-donation (ED) increasingly used for overcoming fertility reduction, is a risk factor for PE. CKD is also a risk factor for PE. However, kidney function is not routinely assessed in ED pregnancies. Objective of the study is seeking to assess the importance of kidney function and maternal comorbidity in ED pregnancies. Design, setting, participants and measurements. Design: retrospective observational study from clinical charts. Setting: Sant’Anna Hospital, Turin, Italy (over 7000 deliveries per year). Selection: cases: 296 singleton pregnancies from ED (gestation > 24 weeks), who delivered January 2008–February 2019. Controls were selected from the TOrino Cagliari Observational Study (1407 low-risk singleton pregnancies 2009–2016). Measurements: Standard descriptive analysis. Logistic multiple regression analysis tested: PE; pregnancy-induced hypertension; preterm delivery; small for gestational age; explicatory variables: age; BMI; parity; comorbidity (kidney diseases; immunologic diseases; thyroid diseases; other). Delivery over time was analyzed according to Kaplan Meier; ROC (Relative Operating Characteristic) curves were tested for PE and pre-term delivery, employing serum creatinine and e-GFR as continuous variables. The analysis was performed with SPSS v.14.0 and MedCalc v.18. Results: In keeping with ED indications, maternal age was high (44 years). Comorbidity was common: at least one potential comorbid factor was found in about 40% of the cases (kidney disease: 3.7%, immunologic 6.4%, thyroid disease 18.9%, other-including hypertension, previous neoplasia and all other relevant diseases—10.8%). No difference in age, parity and BMI is observed in ED women with and without comorbidity. Patients with baseline renal disease or “other” comorbidity had a higher risk of developing PE or preterm delivery after ED. PE was recorded in 23% vs. 9%, OR: 2.513 (CI 1.066–5.923; p = 0.039); preterm delivery: 30.2% vs. 14%, OR 2.565 (CI: 1.198–5.488; p = 0.044). Limiting the analysis to 124 cases (41.9%) with available serum creatinine measurement, higher serum creatinine (dichotomised at the median: 0.67 mg/dL) was correlated with risk of PE (multivariate OR 17.277 (CI: 5.125–58.238)) and preterm delivery (multivariate OR 2.545 (CI: 1.100–5.892). Conclusions: Within the limits of a retrospective analysis, this study suggests that the risk of PE after ED is modulated by comorbidity. While the cause effect relationship is difficult to ascertain, the relationship between serum creatinine and outcomes suggests that more attention is needed to baseline kidney function and comorbidity.