bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for obtaining flexible broccoli varieties for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Ciancaleoni Simona , Negri Valeria
Published: May 2020

Background

The use of high inputs in agriculture resulted in few varieties (hybrids and pure lines) used in all agricultural systems. Also varieties of vegetables, including broccoli, for organic and low-input agriculture, are almost exclusively hybrids, since there are very few specific breeding programs and varieties for sustainable agriculture systems.

A strategy to overcome this issue is the adoption of specific breeding programs for developing heterogeneous varieties (i.e. synthetics, open pollinated varieties, composite cross populations and mixtures). In fact, heterogeneous varieties are able to evolve and adapt to specific agro-climatic conditions.

The aim of this study was to develop a method (an Evolutionary Breeding Program, EBP) for obtaining heterogeneous varieties of broccoli and test its efficiency in developing highly diverse varieties, as needed in sustainable agriculture.

A synthetic variety originated from a landrace was multiplied in different environments for 3 cycles and morpho-phenological and genetic diversity of the derived populations were assessed.

Results

The presented results are the first and unique indication about the efficiency of a short-time EBP for an allogamous species like broccoli.

Few morphological changes were observed among varieties multiplied in different environments with different agro-climatic conditions. This could be probably due to the initial genetic diversity of the landrace from which the populations were selected and also to the great plasticity of the crop. However, SSR data highlighted a genetic differentiation among populations multiplied for two/three years across Europe and in Central Italy, that was not so evident when considering morphological data only.

Conclusions

Few years of multiplication in different environments resulted in genetically differentiated broccoli populations that nonetheless preserved the original genetic diversity and productivity level and appear to evolve in relationship to different environments: the applied EBP is useful for developing heterogeneous materials for sustainable agriculture.
The tapeworm interactome: inferring confidence scored protein-protein interactions from the proteome of Hymenolepis microstoma
Authors: James Katherine , Olson Peter D.
Published: May 2020

Background

Reference genome and transcriptome assemblies of helminths have reached a level of completion whereby secondary analyses that rely on accurate gene estimation or syntenic relationships can be now conducted with a high level of confidence. Recent public release of the v.3 assembly of the mouse bile-duct tapeworm, Hymenolepis microstoma, provides chromosome-level characterisation of the genome and a stabilised set of protein coding gene models underpinned by bioinformatic and empirical data. However, interactome data have not been produced. Conserved protein-protein interactions in other organisms, termed interologs, can be used to transfer interactions between species, allowing systems-level analysis in non-model organisms.

Results

Here, we describe a probabilistic, integrated network of interologs for the H. microstoma proteome, based on conserved protein interactions found in eukaryote model species. Almost a third of the 10,139 gene models in the v.3 assembly could be assigned interaction data and assessment of the resulting network indicates that topologically-important proteins are related to essential cellular pathways, and that the network clusters into biologically meaningful components. Moreover, network parameters are similar to those of single-species interaction networks that we constructed in the same way for S. cerevisiae, C. elegans and H. sapiens, demonstrating that information-rich, system-level analyses can be conducted even on species separated by a large phylogenetic distance from the major model organisms from which most protein interaction evidence is based. Using the interolog network, we then focused on sub-networks of interactions assigned to discrete suites of genes of interest, including signalling components and transcription factors, germline multipotency genes, and genes differentially-expressed between larval and adult worms. Results show not only an expected bias toward highly-conserved proteins, such as components of intracellular signal transduction, but in some cases predicted interactions with transcription factors that aid in identifying their target genes.

Conclusions

With key helminth genomes now complete, systems-level analyses can provide an important predictive framework to guide basic and applied research on helminths and will become increasingly informative as new protein-protein interaction data accumulate.
Genome-wide association analyses identify known and novel loci for teat number in Duroc pigs using single-locus and multi-locus models
Authors: Zhuang Zhanwei , Ding Rongrong , Peng Longlong , Wu Jie , Ye Yong , Zhou Shenping , Wang Xingwang , Quan Jianping , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Huang Wen , Yang Jie , Wu Zhenfang
Published: May 2020

Background

More teats are necessary for sows to nurse larger litters to provide immunity and nutrient for piglets prior to weaning. Previous studies have reported the strong effect of an insertion mutation in the Vertebrae Development Associated (VRTN) gene onSus scrofachromosome 7 (SSC7) that increased the number of thoracic vertebrae and teat number in pigs. We used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to map genetic markers and genes associated with teat number in two Duroc pig populations with different genetic backgrounds. A single marker method and several multi-locus methods were utilized. A meta-analysis that combined the effects andP-values of 34,681 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were common in the results of single marker GWAS of American and Canadian Duroc pigs was conducted. We also performed association tests between theVRTNinsertion and teat number in the same populations.

Results

A total of 97 SNPs were found to be associated with teat number. Among these, six, eight and seven SNPs were consistently detected with two, three and four multi-locus methods, respectively. Seven SNPs were concordantly identified between single marker and multi-locus methods. Moreover, 26 SNPs were newly found by multi-locus methods to be associated with teat number. Notably, we detected one consistent quantitative trait locus (QTL) on SSC7 for teat number using single-locus and meta-analysis of GWAS and the top SNP (rs692640845) explained 8.68% phenotypic variance of teat number in the Canadian Duroc pigs. The associations between theVRTNinsertion and teat number in two Duroc pig populations were substantially weaker. Further analysis revealed that the effect ofVRTNon teat number may be mediated by its LD with the true causal mutation.

Conclusions

Our study suggested thatVRTNinsertion may not be a strong or the only candidate causal mutation for the QTL on SSC7 for teat number in the analyzed Duroc pig populations. The combination of single-locus and multi-locus GWAS detected additional SNPs that were absent using only one model. The identified SNPs will be useful for the genetic improvement of teat number in pigs by assigning higher weights to associated SNPs in genomic selection.
Chromosomal instability in untreated primary prostate cancer as an indicator of metastatic potential
Authors: Miller Eric T. , You Sungyong , Cadaneanu Radu M. , Kim Minhyung , Yoon Junhee , Liu Sandy T. , Li Xinmin , Kwan Lorna , Hodge Jennelle , Quist Michael J. , Grasso Catherine S. , Lewis Michael S. , Knudsen Beatrice S. , Freeman Michael R. , Garraway Isla P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is highly lethal. The ability to identify primary tumors capable of dissemination is an unmet need in the quest to understand lethal biology and improve patient outcomes. Previous studies have linked chromosomal instability (CIN), which generates aneuploidy following chromosomal missegregation during mitosis, to PC progression. Evidence of CIN includes broad copy number alterations (CNAs) spanning > 300 base pairs of DNA, which may also be measured via RNA expression signatures associated with CNA frequency. Signatures of CIN in metastatic PC, however, have not been interrogated or well defined. We examined a published 70-gene CIN signature (CIN70) in untreated and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and previously published reports. We also performed transcriptome and CNA analysis in a unique cohort of untreated primary tumors collected from diagnostic prostate needle biopsies (PNBX) of localized (M0) and metastatic (M1) cases to determine if CIN was linked to clinical stage and outcome.

Methods

PNBX were collected from 99 patients treated in the VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA-VA) Healthcare System between 2000 and 2016. Total RNA was extracted from high-grade cancer areas in PNBX cores, followed by RNA sequencing and/or copy number analysis using OncoScan. Multivariate logistic regression analyses permitted calculation of odds ratios for CIN status (high versus low) in an expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort (n = 121).

Results

The CIN70 signature was significantly enriched in primary tumors and CRPC metastases from M1 PC cases. An intersection of gene signatures comprised of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated through comparison of M1 versus M0 PNBX and primary CRPC tumors versus metastases revealed a 157-gene “metastasis” signature that was further distilled to 7-genes (PC-CIN) regulating centrosomes, chromosomal segregation, and mitotic spindle assembly. High PC-CIN scores correlated with CRPC, PC-death and all-cause mortality in the expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort. Interestingly, approximately 1/3 of M1 PNBX cases exhibited low CIN, illuminating differential pathways of lethal PC progression.

Conclusions

Measuring CIN in PNBX by transcriptome profiling is feasible, and the PC-CIN signature may identify patients with a high risk of lethal progression at the time of diagnosis.
Translation of two healthy eating and active living support programs for parents of 2–6 year old children: a parallel partially randomised preference trial protocol (the ‘time for healthy habits’ trial)
Authors: Hammersley Megan L. , Wyse Rebecca J. , Jones Rachel A. , Wolfenden Luke , Yoong Serene , Stacey Fiona , Eckermann Simon , Okely Anthony D. , Innes-Hughes Christine , Li Vincy , Green Amanda , May Christine , Xu Joe , Rissel Chris
Published: May 2020

Background

Parents are key decision makers and role models in establishing and maintaining healthy behaviours in their children. Interventions involving parents have been shown to be more effective than those that do not, but there are barriers to participation. Efficacy trials have previously been conducted on two such parent-focussed healthy eating and active living interventions with the potential to overcome these barriers - Healthy Habits (telephone-based) and Time2bHealthy (online) with promising results. Further research is now required to determine the effectiveness of these interventions in a real-world context. The Time for Healthy Habits study is a 3-arm partially randomised preference trial which aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two theory-based programs to promote healthy eating and appropriate levels of movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) for parents of 2- to 6-year-old children (Healthy Habits Plus telephone-based program and Time2bHealthy online program), when compared to a comparison group receiving written materials.

Methods

Participants will be recruited across five Local Health Districts in New South Wales, Australia. The partially randomised preference design initially allows for participants to decide if they wish to be randomised or opt to select their preferred intervention and has been recommended for use to test effectiveness in a real-world setting. Both interventions incorporate multiple behaviour change techniques and support parents to improve their children’s healthy eating, and movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) and run for 12 weeks, followed by a 3-month and 9-month post-baseline follow-up. Participants will also be asked to complete a process evaluation questionnaire at the completion of the intervention (3-months post-baseline). Outcomes include fruit and vegetable intake (primary outcome), non-core food intake, weight status, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep habits.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first translational research trial evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a healthy eating and active living intervention in the 2- to 6-years age group. The results will build the evidence base in regard to translation of effective childhood obesity prevention interventions and inform the implementation and delivery of community based childhood obesity prevention programs.

Trial registration

UTN: U1111–1228-9748, ACTRN: 12619000396123p.
Ethnicity and health inequalities: an empirical study based on the 2010 China survey of social change (CSSC) in Western China
Authors: Wang Y. J. , Chen X. P. , Chen W. J. , Zhang Z. L. , Zhou Y. P. , Jia Z.
Published: May 2020

Background

In China, ethnic minorities often live in frontier areas and have a relatively small population size, and tremendous social transitions have enlarged the gap between eastern and western China, with western China being home to 44 ethnic minority groups. These three disadvantages have health impacts. Examining ethnicity and health inequality in the context of western China is therefore essential.

Methods

This paper is based on data from the 2010 China Survey of Social Change (CSSC2010), which was conducted in 12 provinces, autonomous regions and province-level municipalities in western China and had a sample size of 10,819. We examined self-rated health and disparities in self-rated health between ethnic minorities and Han Chinese in the context of western China. Self-rated health was coded as poor or good, and ethnicity was coded as ethnic minority or Han Chinese. Ethnic differences in self-rated health was examined by using binary logistic regression. Associations among sociodemographic variables, SES variable, health behaviour variable, health problem variables and self-rated health were also explored.

Results

Fourteen percent of respondents reported their health to be poor. A total of 15.75% of ethnic minorities and 13.43% of Han Chinese respondents reported their health to be poor, indicating a difference in self-rated health between ethnic minorities and Han Chinese. Age, gender, marital status, education, alcohol, and health problems were the main factors that affected differences in self-rated health.

Conclusion

In western China, there were obvious ethnic disparities in self-rated health. Elderly ethnic minorities, non-partnered ethnic minorities, ethnic minorities with an educational level lower than middle school, and ethnic minorities with chronic disease had higher odds of poor self-rated health.
SAFE: an eHealth intervention for women experiencing intimate partner violence – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, process evaluation and open feasibility study
Authors: van Gelder N. E. , van Rosmalen-Nooijens K. A. W. L. , A Ligthart S. , Prins J. B. , Oertelt-Prigione S. , Lagro-Janssen A. L. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects almost one in three women worldwide. However, disclosing violence or seeking help is difficult for affected women. eHealth may represent an effective alternative to the standard support offers, which often require face-to-face interaction, because of easy accessibility and possibility of anonymous usage. In the Netherlands we are developing SAFE, an eHealth intervention for female victims of IPV, which will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial and a process evaluation, followed by an open feasibility study to assess real-world user data.

Methods/design

The randomized controlled trial is a two-arm parallel design comparing an intervention arm and a control group. The groups both have access to eHealth but differ in the offer of interactive features compared to static information. Both groups complete questionnaires at three or four time points (baseline, three months, six months, 12 months) with self-efficacy at 6 months as the primary outcome, measured with the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale. The process evaluation consists of quantitative data (from the website and from web evaluation questionnaires) and qualitative data (from interviews) on how the website was used and the users’ experiences.

Discussion

eHealth has the potential to reach a large number of women who experience IPV. The internet-based design can lower access barriers and encourage help-seeking behavior ultimately reducing the lag time between subjective awareness and protective action.

Trial registration

Trial registered on 15 August 2017 at the Netherlands Trial Register NL7108 (NTR7313).
Provision of peer support at the intersection of homelessness and problem substance use services: a systematic ‘state of the art’ review
Authors: Miler Joanna Astrid , Carver Hannah , Foster Rebecca , Parkes Tessa
Published: May 2020

Background

Peer support refers to a process whereby individuals with lived experience of a particular phenomenon provide support to others by explicitly drawing on their personal experience. It has been adopted in a variety of service contexts including homelessness, substance use, mental and physical health. Those who experience homelessness have some of the most complex intersecting health and social challenges. This ‘state of the art’ review provides a systematic search and synthesis of literature examining use of peer support models within services for people impacted by homelessness and problem substance use.

Methods

A systematic search using six databases (CINAHL, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Knowledge) was conducted in August 2019 and identified 2248 papers published in English after the year 2000. After de-duplication and scanning titles/abstracts, 61 papers were deemed relevant. Three more papers (including one grey literature report) were identified via references, but two papers were later excluded due to relevance. The final 62 papers included studies conducted in five countries. A thematic analysis approach was used to compare and contrast the study findings and provide a synthesis of the main learning points.

Results

In recent years there has been a substantial increase in research examining the utility of peer support yet there is significant variation across this field. Alongside profiling the range of settings, aims, populations, and main outcomes of these studies, this paper also provides an overview of overarching themes: the overall effectiveness and impact of peer-staffed or peer-led interventions; and challenges commonly faced in these roles. Five themes relating to the challenges faced by peers were identified: vulnerability, authenticity, boundaries, stigma, and lack of recognition.

Conclusions

While our findings provide support for current efforts to involve individuals with lived experience in providing peer support to those experiencing concurrent problem substance use and homelessness, they also urge caution because of common pitfalls that can leave those providing the support vulnerable. We conclude that peers should be respected, valued, supported, and compensated for their work which is often profoundly challenging. Suggested guidelines for the implementation of peer involvement in research studies and service delivery are presented.
Complications and mortality of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Jing , Zhang Li , Bao Lei
Published: May 2020

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used for severe neonatal respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatments. To systematically evaluate the complications and mortality of venovenous ECMO (VV ECMO) in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all the related studies.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to February 2019. Two investigators independently screened articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of article was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). The meta-analysis was performed by Stata 15.0 software.

Results

Four observational studies were included, with a total of 347 newborns. VV ECMO was used for neonates with refractory respiratory failure unresponsive to maximal medical therapy. Median ages of the newborns at cannulation were 43.2 h, 23 h, 19 h, and 71 h in the included four studies, respectively. The overall mortality at hospital charge was 12% (5–18%) with a heterogeneity of I2 = 73.8% (p = 0.01). Two studies reported mortality during ECMO and after decannulation, with 10% (0.8–19.2%) and 6.1% (2.6–9.6%), respectively. The most common complications associated with VV ECMO were: pneumothorax (20.6%), hypertension (20.4%), cannula dysfunction (20.2%), seizure (14.9%), renal failure requiring hemofiltration (14.7%), infectious complications (10.3%), thrombi (7.4%), intracranial hemorrhage or infarction (6.6%), hemolysis (5.3%), cannula site bleeding (4.4%), gastrointestinal bleeding (3.7%), oxygenator failure (2.8%), other bleeding events (2.8%), brain death (1.9%), and myocardial stun (0.9%).

Conclusion

The overall mortality at discharge of VV ECMO in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure was 12%. Although complications are frequent, the survival rate during hospitalization is still high. Further larger samples, and higher quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of this technique in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure.
Community stakeholders’ views on reducing violence against women in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Tazeen Saeed , Karmaliani Rozina , Khuwaja Hussain Maqbool Ahmed , Shah Nasim Zahid , Wadani Zahid Hyder , Aijaz Saher , Kulane Asli
Published: May 2020

Background

Nearly half of the women experience violence across their lifespan in all the provinces of Pakistan at an alarming rate. Despite knowing the prevalence, there has been meager progress in developing strategies to combat violence at individual, family, or community level. Many interventions suggested in other countries have been pilot tested but the effects of those interventions had been limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the voices of stakeholders to reduce Violence Against Women (VAW) and to explore the possible community-based strategies that could be implemented in Pakistan.

Methods

A total of 14 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 18 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held across all four provinces of Pakistan. Participants were purposefully recruited and all the interviews were audio-recorded. Transcriptions were open coded and content analysis was done to emerge codes, categories and themes. Ethical approval was obtained from Aga Khan University Ethics Review Committee.

Results

Three major themes emerged on community members and stakeholders’ views on VAW: a) community’s perception of VAW b) the repercussions of VAW, and c) multiple voices regarding strategies to reduce VAW. Participants voiced the need of standing against the status quo, role of awareness and education: regarding capacity building skills, promotion of women rights and women empowerment through Life Skills Based Education (LSBE) through national health works program, has been proposed as an innovative strategy to reduce VAW.

Conclusions

The responsibility to bring about a substantial change in behavior and attitudes must begin with engaging men in all the interventions that aim to reduce violence. Since, VAW is very much linked with the cultural norms, so, without community stakeholder’s involvement and participation it could never be reduced. Keeping the existing socio-cultural dynamics in mind, the need of time is to design and implement innovative interventions that are culturally and contextually appropriate and can be expanded across the country.
Implementing a digital patient feedback system: an analysis using normalisation process theory
Authors: Ong Bie Nio , Hodgson Damian , Small Nicola , Nahar Papreen , Sanders Caroline
Published: May 2020

Background

Patient feedback in the English NHS is now widespread and digital methods are increasingly used. Adoption of digital methods depends on socio-technical and contextual factors, alongside human agency and lived experience. Moreover, the introduction of these methods may be perceived as disruptive of organisational and clinical routines. The focus of this paper is on the implementation of a particular digital feedback intervention that was co-designed with health professionals and patients (the DEPEND study).

Methods

The digital feedback intervention was conceptualised as a complex intervention and thus the study focused on the contexts within which it operated, and how the different participants made sense of the intervention and engaged with it (or not). Four health care sites were studied: an acute setting, a mental health setting, and two general practices. Qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus groups with professionals, patients and carers. In total 51 staff, 24 patients and 8 carers were included. Forty-two observations of the use of the digital feedback system were carried out in the four settings. Data analysis was based on modified grounded theory and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) formed the conceptual framework.

Results

Digital feedback made sense to health care staff as it was seen as attractive, fast to complete and easier to analyse. Patients had a range of views depending on their familiarity with the digital world. Patients mentioned barriers such as kiosk not being visible, privacy, lack of digital know-how, technical hitches with the touchscreen. Collective action in maintaining participation again differed between sites because of workload pressure, perceptions of roles and responsibilities; and in the mental health site major organisational change was taking place. For mental health service users, their relationship with staff and their own health status determined their digital use.

Conclusion

The potential of digital feedback was recognised but implementation should take local contexts, different patient groups and organisational leadership into account. Patient involvement in change and adaptation of the intervention was important in enhancing the embedding of digital methods in routine feedback. NPT allowed for a in-depth understanding of actions and interactions of both staff and patients.
Evaluation of human-baited double net trap and human-odour-baited CDC light trap for outdoor host-seeking malaria vector surveillance in Kenya and Ethiopia
Authors: Degefa Teshome , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Zhou Guofa , Atieli Harrysone , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun
Published: May 2020

Background

Surveillance of outdoor host-seeking malaria vectors is crucial to monitor changes in vector biting behaviour and evaluate the impact of vector control interventions. Human landing catch (HLC) has been considered the most reliable and gold standard surveillance method to estimate human-biting rates. However, it is labour-intensive, and its use is facing an increasing ethical concern due to potential risk of exposure to infectious mosquito bites. Thus, alternative methods are required. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of human-odour-baited CDC light trap (HBLT) and human-baited double net trap (HDNT) for outdoor host-seeking malaria vector surveillance in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Methods

The sampling efficiency of HBLT and HDNT was compared with CDC light trap and HLC using Latin Square Design in Ahero and Iguhu sites, western Kenya and Bulbul site, southwestern Ethiopia between November 2015 and December 2018. The differences in Anopheles mosquito density among the trapping methods were compared using generalized linear model.

Results

Overall, 16,963 female Anopheles mosquitoes comprising Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.), Anopheles funestus s.l., Anopheles pharoensis, Anopheles coustani and Anopheles squamosus were collected. PCR results (n = 552) showed that Anopheles arabiensis was the only member of An. gambiae s.l. in Ahero and Bulbul, while 15.7% An. arabiensis and 84.3% An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) constituted An. gambiae s.l. in Iguhu. In Ahero, HBLT captured 2.23 times as many An. arabiensis and 2.11 times as many An. funestus as CDC light trap. In the same site, HDNT yielded 3.43 times more An. arabiensis and 3.24 times more An. funestus than HBLT. In Iguhu, the density of Anopheles mosquitoes did not vary between the traps (p > 0.05). In Bulbul, HBLT caught 2.19 times as many An. arabiensis as CDC light trap, while HDNT caught 6.53 times as many An. arabiensis as CDC light trap. The mean density of An. arabiensis did not vary between HDNT and HLC (p = 0.098), whereas the HLC yielded significantly higher density of An. arabiensis compared to HBLT and CDC light trap. There was a significant density-independent positive correlation between HDNT and HLC (r = 0.69).

Conclusion

This study revealed that both HBLT and HDNT caught higher density of malaria vectors than conventional CDC light trap. Moreover, HDNT yielded a similar vector density as HLC, suggesting that it could be an alternative tool to HLC for outdoor host-seeking malaria vector surveillance.
Circular RNA circ_0020710 drives tumor progression and immune evasion by regulating the miR-370-3p/CXCL12 axis in melanoma
Authors: Wei Chuan-Yuan , Zhu Meng-Xuan , Lu Nan-Hang , Liu Jia-Qi , Yang Yan-Wen , Zhang Yong , Shi Yue-Dong , Feng Zi-Hao , Li Jia-Xia , Qi Fa-Zhi , Gu Jian-Ying
Published: May 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to have critical regulatory roles in tumor biology. However, their contribution to melanoma remains largely unknown.

Methods

CircRNAs derived from oncogene CD151 were detected and verified by analyzing a large number of melanoma samples through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Melanoma cells were stably transfected with lentiviruses using circ_0020710 interference or overexpression plasmid, and then CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell invasion assays, and mouse xenograft models were employed to assess the potential role of circ_0020710. RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to evaluate the underlying mechanism of circ_0020710.

Results

Our findings indicated that circ_0020710 was generally overexpressed in melanoma tissues, and high level of circ_0020710 was positively correlated with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis of melanoma patients. Elevated circ_0020710 promoted melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that high level of circ_0020710 could upregulate the CXCL12 expression via sponging miR-370-3p. CXCL12 downregulation could reverse the malignant behavior of melanoma cells conferred by circ_0020710 over expression. Moreover, we also found that elevated circ_0020710 was correlated with cytotoxic lymphocyte exhaustion, and a combination of AMD3100 (the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis inhibitor) and anti-PD-1 significantly attenuated tumor growth.

Conclusions

Elevated circ_0020710 drives tumor progression via the miR-370-3p/CXCL12 axis, and circ_0020710 is a potential target for melanoma treatment.
A meta-analysis comparing hand-assisted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and open right hemicolectomy for right-sided colon cancer
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Dougaz Mohamed Wejih , Mesbehi Meriem , Jerraya Hichem , Nouira Ramzi , Khan Jim S. , Dziri Chadli
Published: May 2020

Background

Mini-invasive colorectal cancer surgery was adopted widely in recent years. This meta-analysis aimed to compare hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) with open right hemicolectomy (OS) for malignant disease.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines with random effects model were adopted using Review Manager Version 5.3 for pooled estimates.

Results

Seven studies that involved 506 patients were included. Compared to OS, HALS improved results in terms of blood loss (MD = 53.67, 95% CI 10.67 to 96.67, p = 0.01), time to first flatus (MD = 21.11, 95% CI 14.99 to 27.23, p < 0.00001), postoperative pain score, and overall hospital stay (MD = 3.47, 95% CI 2.12 to 4.82, p < 0.00001). There was no difference as concerns post-operative mortality, morbidity (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.7, p = 0.12), wound infection (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.60 to 4.76, p = 0.32), operative time (MD = − 16.10, 95% CI [− 36.57 to 4.36], p = 0.12), harvested lymph nodes (MD = 0.59, 95% CI − 0.18 to 1.36, p = 0.13), and recurrence (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.30 to 3.15, p = 0.96).

Conclusions

HALS is an efficient alternative to OS in right colectomy which combines the advantages of OS with the mini-invasive surgery.
Impact of human papillomavirus infection in semen on sperm progressive motility in infertile men: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Xiaodan , Wei Renxiong , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhou Jun , Lou Jiangtao , Cui Yun
Published: May 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been considered as one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses that may be linked to unexplained infertility in men. The possible mechanisms underlying correlation between HPV infection and infertility could be related to the altered sperm parameters. Current studies have investigated the effect of HPV seminal infection on sperm quality in infertile men, but have shown inconsistent results.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI for studies that examined the association between HPV seminal infection and sperm progressive motility. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Outcomes were the sperm progressive motility rate. Results are expressed as standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I-square (I2) statistic.

Results

Ten studies were identified, including 616 infertile patients with HPV seminal infection and 2029 infertile controls without HPV seminal infection. Our meta-analysis results indicated that sperm progressive motility was significantly reduced in HPV-infected semen samples compared with non-infected groups [SMD:-0.88, 95% CI:-1.17 ~ − 0.59]. There existed statistical heterogeneity (I2 value: 86%) and the subgroup analysis suggested that study region might be the causes of heterogeneity.

Conclusions

HPV semen infection could significantly reduce sperm progressive motility in infertile individuals. There were some limitations in the study such as the differences in age, sample sizes and the number of HPV genotypes detected. Further evidences are needed to better elucidate the relationship between HPV seminal infection and sperm quality.
The immune response to influenza in older humans: beyond immune senescence
Authors: McElhaney Janet E. , Verschoor Chris P. , Andrew Melissa K. , Haynes Laura , Kuchel George A. , Pawelec Graham
Published: May 2020

Despite widespread influenza vaccination programs, influenza remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Age-related changes in multiple aspects of the adaptive immune response to influenza have been well-documented including a decline in antibody responses to influenza vaccination and changes in the cell-mediated response associated with immune senescence. This review will focus on T cell responses to influenza and influenza vaccination in older adults, and how increasing frailty or coexistence of multiple (≥2) chronic conditions contributes to the loss of vaccine effectiveness for the prevention of hospitalization. Further, dysregulation of the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators contributes to a decline in the generation of an effective CD8 T cell response needed to clear influenza virus from the lungs. Current influenza vaccines provide only a weak stimulus to this arm of the adaptive immune response and rely on re-stimulation of CD8 T cell memory related to prior exposure to influenza virus. Efforts to improve vaccine effectiveness in older adults will be fruitless until CD8 responses take center stage.
Classical and computed tomographic anatomical analyses in a not-so-cryptic Alviniconcha species complex from hydrothermal vents in the SW Pacific
Authors: Laming Sven R. , Hourdez Stéphane , Cambon-Bonavita Marie-Anne , Pradillon Florence
Published: May 2020

The chemosymbiotic gastropod Alviniconcha (Provannidae), first described in 1988, is one of the most emblematic hydrothermal-vent taxa described from the Central Indian Ridge and the Southwest (SW) Pacific. Symbiotic bacteria found in the gill of Alviniconcha are thought to be their principal source of nutrition. In the SW Pacific, species distributions for A. kojimai, A. boucheti – and to a lesser extent A. strummeri – overlap. While Alviniconcha species do not appear to truly co-exist in these highly energetic but spatially limited habitats, certain species regularly co-occur within a single vent field and in rare instances, the same edifice. Past research suggests that SW-Pacific Alviniconcha species might aggregate around fluids with distinct geothermal profiles. These small-scale distribution patterns have been attributed to differences in their symbiont assemblages or host physiologies. However, little is known about the anatomy of most Alviniconcha species, beyond that detailed for the type species Alviniconcha hessleri, whose geographic range does not overlap with other congeners. In fact, species within this genus are currently described as cryptic, despite the absence of any comparative morphological studies to assess this. To test whether the genus is genuinely cryptic and identify any functional differences in host anatomy that might also mediate habitat partitioning in SW Pacific species, the current study examined the morphoanatomy of A. kojimai, A. boucheti and A. strummeri from the Fatu Kapa vent field, an area of hydrothermal activity recently discovered north of the Lau Basin near the Wallis and Futuna Islands and the only known example where all three species occur within adjacent vent fields. A combination of detailed dissections, histology and X-ray computed tomography demonstrate that A. kojimai, A. strummeri and A. boucheti are readily identifiable based on shell morphology and ornamentation alone, and therefore not truly cryptic. These traits provide a rapid and reliable means for species identification. However, aside from some subtle differences in radular morphology, these species of Alviniconcha exhibit conserved anatomical features, providing no evidence that functional host anatomy is implicated in habitat partitioning. This provides support for the current belief that host-species distributions are probably governed by symbiont-mediated physiological factors.
Response to a DNA vaccine against the H5N1 virus depending on the chicken line and number of doses
Authors: Kalenik Barbara Małgorzata , Góra-Sochacka Anna , Stachyra Anna , Olszewska-Tomczyk Monika , Fogtman Anna , Sawicka Róża , Śmietanka Krzysztof , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Background

Avian influenza virus infections cause significant economic losses on poultry farms and pose the threat of a possible pandemic outbreak. Routine vaccination of poultry against avian influenza is not recommended in Europe, however it has been ordered in some other countries, and more countries are considering use of the avian influenza vaccine as a component of their control strategy. Although a variety of such vaccines have been tested, most research has concentrated on specific antibodies and challenge experiments.

Methods

We monitored the transcriptomic response to a DNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin from the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in the spleens of broiler and layer chickens. Moreover, in layer chickens the response to one and two doses of the vaccine was compared.

Results

All groups of birds immunized with two doses of the vaccine responded at the humoral level by producing specific anti-hemagglutinin antibodies. A response to the vaccine was also detected in the spleen transcriptomes. Differential expression of many genes encoding noncoding RNA and proteins functionally connected to the neuroendocrine-immune system was observed in different immunized groups.

Conclusion

Broiler chickens showed a higher number and wider range of fold-changes in the transcriptional response than laying hens.
Assessing the Veterans Health Administration’s response to intimate partner violence among women: protocol for a randomized hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness trial
Authors: Iverson Katherine M. , Dichter Melissa E. , Stolzmann Kelly , Adjognon Omonyêlé L. , Lew Robert A. , Bruce LeAnn E. , Gerber Megan R. , Portnoy Galina A. , Miller Christopher J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the United States (US) remains a complex public health crisis. Women who experience IPV are among the most vulnerable patients seen in primary care. Screening increases the detection of IPV and, when paired with appropriate response interventions, can mitigate the health effects of IPV. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has encouraged evidence-based IPV screening programs since 2014, yet adoption is modest and questions remain regarding the optimal ways to implement these practices, which are not yet available within the majority of VA primary care clinics.

Methods/design

This paper describes the planned evaluation of VA’s nationwide implementation of IPV screening programs in primary care clinics through a randomized implementation-effectiveness hybrid type 2 trial. With the support of our VA operational partners, we propose a stepped wedge design to compare the impact of two implementation strategies of differing intensities (toolkit + implementation as usual vs. toolkit + implementation facilitation) and investigate the clinical effectiveness of IPV screening programs. Using balanced randomization, 16–20 VA Medical Centers will be assigned to receive implementation facilitation in one of three waves, with implementation support lasting 6 months. Implementation facilitation in this effort consists of the coordinated efforts of the two types of facilitators, external and internal. Implementation facilitation is compared to dissemination of a toolkit plus implementation as usual. We propose a mixed methods approach to collect quantitative (clinical records data) and qualitative (key informant interviews) implementation outcomes, as well as quantitative (clinical records data) clinical effectiveness outcomes. We will supplement these data collection methods with provider surveys to assess discrete implementation strategies used before, during, and following implementation facilitation. The integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework will guide the qualitative data collection and analysis. Summative data will be analyzed using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.

Discussion

This research will advance national VHA efforts by identifying the practices and strategies useful for enhancing the implementation of IPV screening programs, thereby ultimately improving services for and health of women seen in primary care.

Trial registration

NCT04106193. Registered on 23 September 2019.
Evaluating dosimetric constraints for carbon ion radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lin Lien-Chun , Jiang Guo-Liang , Ohri Nitin , Wang Zheng , Lu Jiade J. , Garg Madhur , Guha Chandan , Wu Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Objective

To identify a safe carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) regimen for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Methods

We generated treatment plans for 13 consecutive, unselected patients who were treated for LAPC with CIRT at our center using three dose and fractionation schedules: 4.6 GyRBE × 12, 4.0 GyRBE × 14, and 3.0 GyRBE × 17. We tested the ability to meet published dose constraints for the duodenum, stomach, and small bowel as a function of dose schedule and distance between the tumor and organs at risk.

Results

Using 4.6 GyRBE × 12 and 4.0 GyRBE × 14, critical (high-dose) constraints could only reliably be achieved when target volumes were not immediately adjacent to organs at risk. Critical constraints could be met in all cases using 3.0 GyRBE × 17. Low-dose constraints could not uniformly be achieved using any dose schedule.

Conclusion

While selected patients with LAPC may be treated safely with a CIRT regimen of 4.6 GyRBE × 12, our dosimetric analyses indicate that a more conservative schedule of 3.0 GyRBE × 17 may be required to safely treat a broader population of LAPC patients, including those with large tumors and tumors that approach gastrointestinal organs at risk. The result of this work was used to guide an ongoing clinical trial.
Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates repeated alcohol exposure-induced psychomotor and cognitive deficits
Authors: Huang Lu , Peng Zhuang , Lu Cong , Chen Ying , Lv Jing-wei , Qin Meng , Liao Duan-fang , Liu Xin-min , Shi Zhe
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic alcohol consumption disrupts psychomotor and cognitive functions, most of which are subserved by the dysfunction of hippocampus. Dysregulated excitatory glutamatergic transmission is implicated in repeated alcohol induced psychomotor and cognitive impairment. Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the main active ingredient of the traditional tonic medicine Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), has been used to treat cognitive deficits. Particularly, Rg1 has been demonstrated to improve hippocampus-dependent learning in mice and attenuate glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in vitro. Thus, in the present research, we sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 on repeated alcohol induced psychomotor and cognitive deficits in hippocampal-dependent behavioral tasks and unravel the underpinnings of its neuroprotection.

Methods

Male ICR (CD-1) mice were consecutively intragastrically treated with 20% (w/v) alcohol for 21 days. Then, behavior tests were conducted to evaluate repeated alcohol induced psychomotor and cognitive deficits. Histopathological changes, and biochemical and molecular alterations were assessed to determine the potential neuroprotective mechanism of Rg1.

Results

The results suggested that Rg1, at the optimal dose of 6 mg/kg, has the potential to ameliorate repeated alcohol induced cognitive deficits by regulating activities of NR2B containing NMDARs and excitotoxic signaling.

Conclusion

Our findings further provided a new strategy to treat chronic alcohol exposure induced adverse consequences.