bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal mycoflora dysbiosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhong Mengya , Xiong Yubo , Zhao Jiabao , Gao Zhi , Ma Jingsong , Wu Zhengxin , Hong Xuehui , Song Yongxi
Published: August 2020

Background: Bacterial infection is associated with gastric carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between nonbacterial components and gastric cancer (GC) has not been fully explored. We aimed to characterize the fungal mycobiome in GC.Results: We observed significant gastric fungal dysbiosis in GC. Principal component analysis revealed separate clusters for the GC and control groups, and Venn diagram analysis indicated that the GC group showed a lower OTU abundance than the control. At the genus level, the abundances of 15 fungal biomarkers distinguished the GC group from the control, of which Candida (p = 0.000246) and Alternaria (p = 0.00341) were enriched in GC, while Saitozyma (p = 0.002324) and Thermomyces (p = 0.009158) were decreased. Combining the results of Welch’s t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test, C. albicans was significantly elevated in GC. The species richness Krona pie chart further revealed that C. albicans occupied 22% and classified GC from the control with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.743. Random forest analysis also confirmed that C. albicans could serve as a biomarker with a certain degree of accuracy. Moreover, compared with that of the control, the alpha diversity index was significantly reduced in the GC group. The Jaccard distance index and the Bray abundance index of the PCoA clarified separate clusters between the GC and control groups at the species level (p = 0.00051). Adonis (PERMANOVA) analysis and ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in fungal structure among groups (p = 0.001). Finally, FUNGuild functional classification predicted that saprotrophs were the most abundant taxa in the GC group.Conclusions: This study revealed GC-associated mycobiome dysbiosis characterized by an altered fungal composition and ecology and demonstrated that C. albicans can be a fungal biomarker for GC. In addition, C. albicans may mediate GC by reducing the diversity and richness of fungi in the stomach, contributing to the pathogenesis of GC.
An Intronic Variant of CHD7 Identified in Autism Patients Interferes With Neuronal Differentiation and Development
Authors: Zhang Ran , He Hui , Yuan Bo , Wu Ziyan , Wang Xiuzhen , Du Yasong , Chen Yuejun , Qiu Zilong
Published: August 2020

Background: Genetic compositions play critical roles in pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Inherited and de novo intronic variants are often seen in patients with ASD. However, the biological significance of intronic variants are difficult to address. Here, we identified a recurrent inherited intronic variant in the CHD7 gene among Chinese ASD cohort, which is specifically enriched in East Asian populations. CHD7 has been implicated in numerous developmental disorders including CHARGE syndrome and ASD. Here, we use differentiated human embryonic stem cells to investigate whether the ASD-associated CHD7 intronic variant may affect neural development. Methods: 167 ASD probands and their parents performed whole-exome sequencing and a recurrent inherited intronic variant was selected for functional research. We established human embryonic stem cells carrying this intronic variant using CRISPR/Cas methods and differentiated to neural progenitor cells and neurons for analysis. Results: The level of CHD7 mRNA significantly decreased in cell lines carrying homozygous mutants compared to control. Upon differentiation towards the forebrain neuronal lineage, neural cells carrying the CHD7 intronic variant exhibited developmental delay in neuronal differentiation and maturation. Importantly, TBR1, a gene also implicated in ASD, significantly increased in neurons carrying the CHD7 intronic variant, suggesting the intrinsic relevance among ASD genes. Furthermore, the morphological defects found in neurons carrying CHD7 intronic mutations could be rescued by knocking down TBR1, indicating that TBR1 may be responsible for defects in CHD7-related disorders. Finally, the CHD7 intronic variant generates three abnormal forms of transcripts through alternative splicing, which all exhibited loss-of-function manners in functional assays. Limitations: The probands with CHD7 intronic variant were heterozygous while both cell lines established were homozygous, so the phenotype of the disease could not be completely simulated. Conclusions: Our study provides the crucial evidences for supporting the notion that intronic variant site of CHD7 is a potentially autism susceptible site, shedding new light on identifying functions of intronic variants in autism genetic studies.
Clinicopathological factors affecting the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang Lin , Ma Zhiqiang , Ye Xin , Kang Weiming , Yu Jianchun
Published: August 2020

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of advanced gastric cancer (GC). The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays a key role in the prognosis of GC patients. Pathological response can represent the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, evidence focused on pathological response and associated clinicopathological factors in GC patients is quite little. In this retrospective study, the clinicopathological factors affecting the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in GC patients were investigated, and suggestions were proposed to improve the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on GC.Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on GC patients who received radical surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy from February 2016 to March 2019 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Relevant clinicopathological data was collected to analyze the factors influencing the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the cut-off value of variables which significantly influenced the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Results: A total of 171 GC patients were included in the study. Analyses showed that patients <60 years old (OR=1.971[1.032-3.764], P=0.040), pathological type of poor differentiation or signet ring cell carcinoma (OR=2.449[1.172-5.119], P=0.017), and weight loss during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR=2.091[1.090-4.011], P=0.027) were independent risk factors for neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect. In ROC analysis of weight change and neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.591(P=0.046) and cut-off value of weight change was -2.9%. Chi-square test showed patients without weight loss during neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a higher rate of oral nutritional supplement (ONS) than patients with weight loss (P=0.046).Conclusions: Patients <60 years old, pathological type of poor differentiation or signet ring cell carcinoma, and weight loss during neoadjuvant chemotherapy were independent risk factors for neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect in GC patients. Patients with weight loss >2.9% during neoadjuvant may have a worse chemotherapy effect. Timely nutritional support such as ONS to maintain patients’ body weight is crucial for improving the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
GLP-1 Vasodilatation in Humans With Coronary Artery Disease is Not Adenosine Mediated.
Authors: Aetesam-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Giblett Joel P. , Khialani Bharat , Kyranis Stephen , Clarke Sophie J. , Zhao Tian X. , Braganza Denise M. , Clarke Sarah C. , West Nick E. J. , Bennett Martin R. , Hoole Stephen P.
Published: August 2020

Background Incretin therapies appear to provide cardioprotection and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes, but the mechanism of this effect remains elusive. We have previously shown that glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 is a coronary vasodilator and we sought to investigate if this is an adenosine-mediated effect.Methods We recruited 41 patients having percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable angina and allocated them into four groups administering a specific study-related infusion following successful PCI: GLP-1 infusion (Group G) (n=10); Placebo, normal saline infusion (Group P) (n=11); GLP-1 + Theophylline infusion (Group GT)(n=10); and Theophylline infusion (Group T) (n=10). A pressure wire assessment of coronary distal pressure and flow velocity (thermodilution transit time – Tmn) at rest and hyperaemia was performed after PCI and repeated following the study infusion to derive basal and index of microvascular resistance (BMR and IMR). Results There were no significant differences in the demographics of patients recruited to our study. Most of the patients were not diabetic. GLP-1 caused significant reduction of resting Tmn that was not attenuated by theophylline: mean delta Tmn (SD) group G -0.23s (0.27) vs. group GT -0.18s (0.37), p=0.65. Theophylline alone (group T) did not significantly alter resting flow velocity compared to group GT: delta Tmn in group T 0.04s (0.15), p=0.30. The resulting decrease in BMR observed in group G persisted in group GT: -20.83 mmHg.s (24.54 vs. -21.20mmHg.s (30.41), p=0.97. GLP-1 did not increase circulating adenosine levels in group GT more than group T: delta median adenosine -2.0 ng/ml (-117.1, 14.8) vs. -0.5 ng/ml (-19.6, 9.4); p=0.60.Conclusion The vasodilatory effect of GLP-1 is not abolished by theophylline and GLP-1 does not increase adenosine levels, indicating an adenosine-independent mechanism of GLP-1 coronary vasodilatation.Trial Registration The local research ethics committee approved the study: REC reference 14/EE/0018. The study was performed according to institutional guidelines, was registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (unique identifier: NCT03502083) and the study conformed to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.
MiR-489-3p Reduced Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis by Targeting PKM2 and LDHA Involving Glycolysis
Authors: Zhang Dan , He Zhiwei , Shen Yiyi , wang Jie , Liu Tao , Jiang Jianxin
Published: August 2020

Background: Malignant proliferation and chemotherapy resistance are some of the causes of high mortality in pancreatic cancer. MicroRNAs have long been a hot spot in cancer research and are involved in tumor formation and metabolic stress responses. miR-489-3p is involved in inhibiting the growth of many tumors, but its relationship with the growth and metabolism of pancreatic cancer is not clear. Methods：We used RNA in situ hybridization to analyze the differential expression of miR-489-3p in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. The qRT-PCR experiment detected the content of miR-489-3p in pancreatic cancer cell lines and ordinary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Then we did experiments in vivo (subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice) and in vitro (plate cloning, transwell, glycolysis related experiments) experiments to verify that miR-489-3p can continue the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we confirmed that LDHA and PKM2 are the two targets of miR-489-3p through dual luciferase reporter gene experiments. Finally, several reply experiments were done to verify the regulation mechanism of miR-489-3p.Results: We determined that miR-489-3p is under-expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues by RNA in situ hybridization, and the function acquisition and deletion experiments and glycolysis experiments confirmed that miR-489-3p can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of Glycolysis. We then analyzed the website to find that miR-489-3p can target LDHA and PKM, and then we verified this finding with a luciferase report experiment. Therefore, we proceeded with recovery experiments on LDHA and PKM2, and concluded that miR-489-3p performs its function by targeting LDHA and PKM2. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed that highly expressed miR-489-3p inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: In short, we identified miR-489-3p as a novel chemotherapy target for pancreatic cancer, and its diagnostic value deserves further study.
Down-Regulated microRNA-421 Was Associated with the Poor Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Keqian , Mao Tianqi , He Zhicheng , Wu Xiaojiao , Peng Yu , Chen Yanrong , Dong Yan , Ruan Zhihua , Wang Zhe
Published: August 2020

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females with high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in the development of cancers. However, the prognostic value of microRNA-421 (miR-421) in breast cancer have not been extensively explored.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the relative expression of miR-421 in breast cancer tissue samples. Relationships between miR-421 expression and clinicopathological factors were analyzed by chi-square test. The effects of several variables on survival status were tested by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.Results: MiR-421 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer tissues, compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues (P<0.001). Moreover, abnormal miR-421 expression was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), TNM stage (P=0.021), and differentiation (P=0.044) of breast cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with low miR-421 expression had a shorter overall survival time than those with high miR-421 expression (P=0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that miR-421 (P=0.014, HR=2.000, 95%CI: 1.149-3.480) was an independent prognostic indicator in breast cancer patients, as well as lymph node metastasis (P=0.016, HR=1.987, 95%CI: 1.137-3.474).Conclusion: The reduced expression of miR-421 may predict the poor prognosis of breast cancer and miR-421 may be involved in the progression of breast cancer.
miR-124 Functions as A Marker in Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yan Yang , Du Xiaohui , Xia Shaoyou , Li Songyan , Teng Da , Hu Shidong , Wang Yufeng , Li Rong
Published: August 2020

Background: MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) regulates cell growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and apoptosis of many human tumors. Our objective was to evaluate the levels of miR-124 in serum samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to explore whether miR-124 in serum can be used as a biomarker for the detection of CRC.Methods: Serum miR-124 level was measured in 85 patients with CRC and 60 healthy control subjects using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations between miR-124 levels and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed. Diagnostic performance of serum miR-124 level was calculated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: The expression level of miR-124 in serum samples was significantly lower in CRC patients than in healthy controls (P<0.001). A positive correlation between miR-124 level and tumor size (P=0.010), invasion depth (P=0.021), lymph node metastasis (P=0.015), and TNM stage (P=0.004) was observed. The serum miR-124 yielded an AUC (areas under the ROC curve) of 0.832 with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 81.7%, and the optimal cutoff point of miR-124 was 1.61.Conclusions: Serum miR-124 may have a potential as a novel biomarker for the detection of CRC.
Identification of Hub Gene TIMP1 and Relative ceRNAs Regulatory Network in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kong De-jun , Qin Ya-fei , Li Guang-ming , Wang Hong-da , Zhao Yi-ming , Hao Jing-peng , Wang Hao
Published: August 2020

Objectives This study aimed to discover the ceRNAs network in pathophysiological development of human colorectal cancer (CRC) and to screen biomarkers for target therapy and prognosis by using integrated bioinformatics analysis.Methods Data on gene expressions of mRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database respectively. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were identified by using DESeq2 package of R software. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted by ClusterProfiler package of R software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was shown by STRING website. Survival analysis of hub genes was performed by survival package in R software. Interactions among hub gene, DEmiRNAs and DEcircRNAs were used to construct ceRNAs network.Results A total of 412 DEGs (including 82 upregulated and 330 downregulated) were screened out between 473 CRC and 41 normal samples. 260 DEcircRNAs (including 253 upregulated and 7 downregulated) were altered. A ceRNAs and PPI network was successfully constructed and TIMP1 associated with prognosis were employed.Conclusion The present study identifies a novel ceRNAs network, which imply that TIMP1 is a potential biomarker underlying the development of CRC, providing new insights for survival prediction and therapeutic target.
Exploring Mandarin Chinese Teacher's Knowledge Base in China and the US: A Comparative Case Study
Authors: Lew Moi Mooi , Liu Liu
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to explore Mandarin Chinese teachers’ knowledge base in two different sociocultural contexts by comparing graduate level’s Teaching Chinese As a Foreign Language (TCFL) teacher education program curricula in China and the United States. The unit of analysis included four TCFL teacher education programs in both countries. The program curricula were analyzed based on three domains of knowledge, i.e., subject matter knowledge, procedural knowledge, and contextual knowledge. The comparative study results revealed that both countries focus on different domains of knowledge. China emphasis subject matters knowledge and the US focuses more on procedural knowledge. This study suggested that the TCFL teacher education program curricula in China should modify to focus more on the processes of Chinese second language teaching. The findings also asserted that the US’s TCFL teacher education curricula should focus more on the Chinese language subject matter knowledge so that graduates possess in-depth content knowledge to handle students’ misconceptions in second language acquisition. Mandarin Chinese teachers in both countries possess different domains of knowledge.
Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of ultrafine nickel substituted cobalt ferrite− reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Ambikeswari N. , Manivannan S.
Published: August 2020

Nickel substituted cobalt ferrite − reduced graphene oxide (NCF-RGO) composite was synthesized using a facile one-pot chemical co-precipitation method. The addition of graphene oxide (GO) leads to the dimensional decrease of NCF nanoparticles (< 10 nm) in the composite, which controls the magnetic and dielectric properties. Nickel with lower ionic radius, compared to cobalt and its substitution in the composite along with the incorporation of GO results in the transition of ferromagnetic to superparamagnetic ordering. A large magnetisation of 51.63 emu/g and a high dielectric constant of 3.92 x 10 6 (at 100 Hz) were also developed from the composite. The conjugated mechanism of magnetic combined electrical property, with a high charge–storing capability and tuneable magnetization, enables its potential use in magnetic flipping or switching devices and data storing systems.
Eco-friendly Mn-doped CsPbCl3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Glass with Blue-red Emitting for Indoor Plant Lighting
Authors: Chen Ya , Shen Linli , Liu Jianming , Liang Xiaojuan , Xiang Weidong , Liu Jianping
Published: August 2020

Mn-doped CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) glass was prepared by melt-quenching and in-situ crystallization. Under the protection of robust glass, PeNCs exhibit excellent moisture resistance and thermal stability. Due to the combination effect of thermal quenching and energy transfer of exciton-to-Mn2+, the emission intensity of Mn shows an abnormal temperature-dependence with the temperature increasing from 80 to 300 K, which can be explored further in the application of temperature sensor. Interestingly, by matching with ultraviolet chips, all-inorganic blue-red emitting conversion device consisting of PeNCs glasses were prepared for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which can meet the light requirements of plant growth. The cultivation results indicated that growth of cabbages using PeNCs plant cultivation LEDs were greater than those cultivated using commercial w-LEDs. Therefore, Mn-doped CsPbCl3 PeNCs can be used as a new-generation of solid fluorescent materials in the field of indoor plant cultivation LEDs.
Ex-vivo Quantification of Ovine Pia Arachnoid Complex Biomechanical Properties Under Uniaxial Tension
Authors: Natividad Gabryel Conley , Theodossiou Sophia K , Schiele Nathan R , Murdoch Gordon K , Tsamis Alkiviadis , Tanner Bertrand , Potirniche Gabriel , Mortazavi Martin , Vorp David , Martin Bryn
Published: August 2020

The pia arachnoid complex (PAC) is a cerebrospinal fluid-filled tissue conglomerate that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Pia mater adheres directly to the surface of the brain while the arachnoid mater adheres to the inferior side of the dura mater. Collagen fibers, known as subarachnoid trabeculae (SAT) fibers, and microvascular structure lie intermediately to the pia and arachnoid meninges. Due to its structural role, alterations to the biomechanical properties of the PAC may change surface stress loading in traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by sub-concussive hits. The aim of this study was to quantify the mechanical and morphological properties of ovine PAC. Ovine brain samples (n = 10) were removed from the skull and tissue was harvested within 30 minutes post-mortem. To access the PAC, ovine skulls were split medially from the occipital region down the nasal bone on the superior and inferior aspects of the skull. A template was used to remove arachnoid samples from the left and right sides of the frontal occipital regions of the brain. 10 ex-vivo samples were tested with uniaxial tension at 2 mm/s, average strain rate of 0.59 s− 1, until failure at < 5 hours post extraction. The force and displacement data were acquired at 100 Hz using LabVIEW. PAC tissue collagen fiber microstructure was characterized using second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging on a subset of n = 4 stained tissue samples. Samples were stained with DAPI and anti-von Willebrand Factor to visualize cell nuclei and epithelial cells, respectively. The Mooney-Rivlin model for average stress-strain curve fit was used to model PAC material properties. The elastic modulus, ultimate stress, and ultimate strain were found to be 7.7 ± 3.0 MPa, 2.7 ± 0.76 MPa, and 0.60 ± 0.13, respectively. No statistical significance was found across brain dissection locations in terms of biomechanical properties. SHG images were post-processed to obtain average SAT fiber intersection density, concentration, porosity, tortuosity, segment length, orientation, radial counts, and diameter as 0.23%, 26.14%, 73.86%, 1.07 ± 0.28, 17.33 ± 15.25 µm, 84.66 ± 49.18º, 8.15%, 3.46 ± 1.62 µm, respectively. For the sizes, strain, and strain rates tested, our results suggest that ovine PAC mechanical behavior is isotropic, and that the Mooney-Rivlin model is an appropriate curve-fitting constitutive equation for obtaining material parameters of PAC tissues.
Exosomes Derived from Nanocomplex-Loaded Macrophages for Targeted Delivery of Docetaxel and siPLK1 against Castrate-Resistance Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tian Jing , Tai Zongguang , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhongjian , Yu Qin , Li Guorui , Gong Chunai , Zhu Quangang , Gao Yuan , Gao Shen
Published: August 2020

Background. As a class of naturally occurring nanoparticles with low immunogenicity and high biocompatibility, exosomes have become a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy. However, their clinical applications remain a challenge due to their unsuitable donors, low scalability, as well as insuﬃcient targeting ability. Here, we describe and validate a new strategy for drug loading into exosomes. We developed a folate-conjugated exosome (Co-Exo-FA) derived from nanocomplex-loaded Raw264.7 macrophages. This Co-Exo-FA containing docetaxel (DTX) and PLK1 siRNA (siPLK1) could be used for targeted therapy of castrate-resistance prostate cancer (CRPC).Results. Our results showed that Co-Exo-FA exhibited high stability, enhanced cancer targeting ability, and led to the suppression of tumor growth with reduced toxicity in vivo. Moreover, the delivery of siPLK1 and DTX using an exosome system effectively silenced the PLK1 gene and exhibited improved anticancer effects.Conclusion. Our results indicated that we managed to overcome major barriers to the efficient utility of exosomes and demonstrated the synergistic efficacy of siPLK1 and DTX in the treatment of CRPC, highlighting their potential value in therapeutic clinical applications.
Electrochemical Detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus With a Silicone Rubber Disposable Electrode Composed of Graphene Quantum Dots and Gold Nanoparticle-embedded Polyaniline Nanowires
Authors: Takemura Kenshin , Satoh Jun , Boonyakida Jirayu , Park Sungjo , Chowdhury Ankan Dutta , Park Enoch Y.
Published: August 2020

Background: With the enormous increment of globalization and global warming, it is expected that the number of newly evolved infectious diseases will continue to increase. To prevent damage due to these infections, the development of a diagnostic method for detecting a virus with high sensitivity in a short time is highly desired. In this study, we have developed a high-sensitivity and high-accuracy disposable electrode and evaluated it for several target viruses.Results: Conductive silicon rubber (CSR) was used to fabricate a disposable sensing matrix composed of nitrogen and sulfur-codoped graphene quantum dots (N,S-GQDs) and a gold-polyaniline nanocomposite (AuNP-PAni). A specific anti-white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) antibody was conjugated to the surface of this nanocomposite, which was successfully applied for the detection of WSSV over a wide linear range of 1.45 × 102 to 1.45 × 10⁵ DNA copies/ml, with a detection limit as low as 48.4 DNA copies/ml.Conclusion: The engineered sensor electrode can retain the detection activity for up to 5 weeks, a vital long-term stability requirement for disposable sensing applications. This is the first demonstration of the detection of WSSV by a nanofabricated sensing electrode with high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, providing a potential diagnostic tool to monitor WSSV in the aquaculture industry.
TMEFF2 Promoter Hypermethylation Is an Unfavorable Prognostic Marker in Gliomas
Authors: Xie Sidi , Zhang Yunxiao , Peng Tao , Guo Jinglin , Cao Yongfu , Guo Jing , Shi Xiaofeng , Li Yaqin , Liu Yawei , Qi Songtao , Wang Hai
Published: August 2020

Background: Transmembrane protein with EGF-like and two follistatin-like domains 2 (TMEFF2) is a transmembrane protein in the tomoregulin family. Little research has been performed to determine if TMEFF2 methylation can be a prognostic marker in adult diffuse gliomas. Methods: In this study, we investigated TMEFF2 expression in surgical tissue samples of gliomas. In addition, we conducted bisulfite amplicon sequencing (BSAS) and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to evaluate TMEFF2 methylation in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Subsequently, we investigated the biological function of TMEFF2 in GBM cells. Moreover, we explored the prognostic significance of TMEFF2 in gliomas through analyzing a cohort dataset from TCGA. Results: Immunohistochemistry analysis of 75 paired glioma tumor and peritumoral tissues proved that glioma tumor tissue expressed TMEFF2 at levels that were lower than those of peritumoral tissues (P<0.001). The methylation level of the TMEFF2 promoter was higher in glioblastoma cells than it was in SVG p12 cells (P<0.001). Inhibition of methylation reduced TMEFF2 methylation and improved its expression in LN229 and T98G cells (P<0.05). Knockdown of TMEFF2 expression significantly promoted the proliferation of U87MG cells and primary GBM cells (P<0.05). TMEFF2 methylation is negatively associated with IDH1, ATRX and TP53 mutations, and the subtype of gliomas harboring combined IDH1/ATRX/TP53 mutations was linked to low levels of TMEFF2 methylation. Survival analysis confirmed that low levels of TMEFF2 methylation are associated with a good prognosis in glioma patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that TMEFF2 DNA methylation might be associated with glioma tumor progression and could serve as a valuable prognostic marker of adult diffuse gliomas.
Misdiagnosis, detection rate, and associated factors of severe psychiatric disorders in specialized psychiatry centers in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayano Getinet , Demelash Sileshi , Yohannes Zegeye , Haile Kibrom , Tulu Mikiya , Assefa Dawit , Tesfaye Abel , Haile Kelemua , Solomon Melat , Chaka Asrat , Tsegay Light
Published: August 2020

Background There are limited studies regarding the magnitude of misdiagnosis as well as underdiagnosis in a specialized psychiatric setting. Thus far, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that determined the epidemiology of misdiagnosis as well as detection rates of severe psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar, and depressive disorders in a specialized psychiatric setting. Method In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 309 patients with severe psychiatric disorders were selected by systematic sampling technique. Severe psychiatric disorders were measured by structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The potential determinates of misdiagnosis were explored using binary and multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for the potential confounding factors. Result The current study demonstrated that a remarkable proportion (39.16%) of people with severe psychiatric disorders were misdiagnosed. The commonly misdiagnosed disorder was found to be schizoaffective disorders (75%) followed by major depressive disorder (54.72%), schizophrenia (23.71%), and bipolar disorder (17.78%). Among the patients detected with the interview by SCID criteria, the highest level of the correct diagnosis was recorded in the medical record for schizophrenia (76.29%) followed by bipolar (72.22%), depressive (42.40%), and schizoaffective (25%) disorders with detection rate (sensitivity) of 0.76 (95%CI 0.69-0.84), 0.42 (95%CI 0.32-0.53), 0.72 (95%CI 0.60-0.84), and 0.25 (95%CI 0.09-0.41), respectively for schizophrenia, depressive, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorders. This study revealed that bipolar disorder patients are more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenia (60%) whereas schizophrenia was most likely diagnosed as bipolar disorder (56.25%) and depressive disorders as schizophrenia (54.72%). Having a diagnosis of schizoaffective and depressive disorders as well as suicidal ideation were found to be significant predictors of misdiagnosis. Conclusion The current study revealed that four out of ten patients with severe psychiatric disorders are misdiagnosed in a specialized psychiatric setting in Ethiopia. The highest rate of misdiagnosis was observed for schizoaffective disorder (3 out of 4), followed by major depressive disorder (1 out of 2), schizophrenia (1 out of 4), and bipolar disorders (1 in 5). The detection rates were highest for schizophrenia, followed by bipolar, depressive, and schizoaffective disorders. Having a diagnosis of schizoaffective and depressive disorders as well as suicidal ideation were found to be significant predictors of misdiagnosis.
Effects of Fear of COVID-19 on Mental Well-Being and Quality of Life: A path analysis
Authors: Alyami Mohsen , De Albuquerque Julia Vajda , Krägeloh Christian U. , Alyami Hussain , Henning Marcus A
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has been very disruptive and thus likely to result in substantial challenges to mental health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fear of COVID-19 on mental well-being and quality of life among Saudi adult population, and to evaluate the impact of perceived social support. A total of 1029 Saudi adults with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD 11.5) took part in an anonymous online survey. Path analysis indicated that fear of COVID-19 was directly associated with mental well-being, which in turn was associated with lower quality of life. Perceived social support had more influence on quality of life than mental well-being. No direct link between fear of COVID-19 and quality of life was found. These findings emphasize the importance of having effective systems, in addition to social support, in place in order to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental well-being and quality of life.
Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Improves Reynolds Risk Score in Overweight or Obese Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Dieli-Conwright Christina , Lee Kyuwan , Sami Nathalie , Tripathy Debu , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Norris Mary K. , Courneya Kerry S.
Published: August 2020

Background: Breast cancer survivors have double the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than age-matched women without a cancer history. Reynolds risk score (RRS) is a validated algorithm for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. This secondary analysis sought to examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on RRS in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. Methods and Results: One hundred overweight or obese (BMI>25kg/m2) breast cancer survivors were randomized to exercise or usual care. The exercise group underwent aerobic and resistance exercise sessions for 16 weeks. RRS was calculated using a validated equation. Group differences in mean change for RRS were evaluated using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post-intervention, RRS was significantly reduced (7.9±0.9% to 1.0±0.5%, p<0.001) in the exercise group compared to a significant increase (9.0±0.8% to 11.6±1.2%; p=0.002%) in the usual care group (P<0.01). RRS was significantly reduced in exercise vs usual care (between group difference, -10.6; 95% CI, -16.3 to -7.4; p<0.001). Conclusion: A 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is an effective approach to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Exercise during cancer survivorship should be considered to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease risk in breast cancer survivors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01140282. Registered 9 June 2010, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01140282?term=NCT01140282&draw=2&rank=1
Infant Sex Modifies Associations Between Placental Malaria and Risk of Malaria in Infancy
Authors: kakuru Abel , Roh Michelle E. , Kajubi Richard , Ochieng Teddy , Ategeka John , Ochokoru Harriet , Nakalembe Miriam , Clark Tamara D. , Ruel Theodore , Staedke Sarah G. , Chandramohan Daniel , Havlir Diane V. , Kamya Moses R , Dorsey Grant , Jagannathan Prasanna
Published: August 2020

Background Placental malaria (PM) has been associated with a higher risk of malaria during infancy. However, it is unclear whether this association is causal, and is modified by infant sex, and whether intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) can reduce infant malaria by preventing PM.MethodsData from a birth cohort of 656 infants born to HIV-uninfected mothers randomized to IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) was analyzed. PM was categorized as no PM, active PM (presence of parasites), mild-moderate past PM (>0-20% high powered fields [HPFs] with pigment), or severe past PM (>20% HPFs with pigment). The association between PM and incidence of malaria in infants stratified by infant sex was examined. Causal mediation analysis was used to test whether IPTp can impact infant malaria incidence via preventing PM. ResultsThere were 1088 malaria episodes diagnosed among infants during 596.6 person years of follow-up. Compared to infants born to mothers with no PM, the incidence of malaria was higher among infants born to mothers with active PM (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.71, p=0.05) and those born to mothers with severe past PM (aIRR 1.28, 95% CI 0.89-1.83, p=0.18), but the differences were not statistically significant. However, when stratifying by infant sex, compared to no PM, severe past PM was associated a higher malaria incidence in male (aIRR 2.17, 95% CI 1.45-3.25, p<0.001), but not female infants (aIRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.46-1.20, p=0.22). There were no significant associations between active PM or mild-moderate past PM and malaria incidence in male or female infants. Male infants born to mothers given IPTp with DP had significantly less malaria in infancy than males born to mothers given SP, and 89.7% of this effect was mediated through prevention of PM.ConclusionPM may have more severe consequences for male infants, and interventions which reduce PM could mitigate these sex-specific adverse outcomes. More research is needed to better understand this sex-bias between PM and infant malaria risk.Trial registrationTrial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02793622. Registered 8 June 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02793622
A Microfluidic Platform for in Situ Investigation of Biofilm Formation and Its Treatment Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Straub Hervé , Eberl Leo , Zinn Manfred , Rossi René M , Maniura-Weber Katharina , Ren Qun
Published: August 2020

Background Studying bacterial adhesion and early biofilm development is crucial for understanding the physiology of sessile bacteria and forms the basis for the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials. Microfluidics technologies can be applied in such studies since they permit dynamic real-time analysis and a more precise control of relevant parameters compared to traditional static and flow chamber assays. In this work, we aimed to establish a microfluidic platform that permits real-time observation of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation under precisely controlled homogeneous laminar flow conditions. Results Using Escherichia coli as the model bacterial strain, a microfluidic platform was developed to overcome several limitations of conventional microfluidics such as the lack of spatial control over bacterial colonization and allow label-free observation of bacterial proliferation at single-cell resolution. This platform was applied to demonstrate the influence of culture media on bacterial colonization and the consequent eradication of sessile bacteria by antibiotic. As expected, the nutrient-poor medium was found to promote bacterial adhesion and to enable a higher adhesion rate compared to the nutrient-rich medium. However, in rich medium the adhered cells colonized the glass surface faster than those in poor medium under otherwise identical conditions. For the first time, this effect was demonstrated to be caused by a higher retention of newly generated bacteria in the rich medium, rather than faster growth especially during the initial adhesion phase. These results also indicate that higher adhesion rate does not necessarily lead to faster biofilm formation. Antibiotic treatment of sessile bacteria with colistin was further monitored by fluorescence microscopy at single-cell resolution, allowing in situ analysis of killing efficacy of antimicrobials.Conclusion The platform established here represents a powerful and versatile tool for studying environmental effects such as medium composition on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Our microfluidic setup shows great potential for the in vitro assessment of new antimicrobials and antifouling agents under flow conditions.
Effects of exogenous nerve growth factor on the expression of BMP-9 and VEGF in the healing of rabbit mandible fracture with local nerve injury
Authors: Yang Sen , Cheng Jiao , Man Cheng , Jiang Lian , Long Guogeng , Zhao Wenjun , Zheng Dexin
Published: August 2020

Background

The fracture of mandible remains one of the most facial fractures and its healing is a complex process, involving nerve and growth factors. Currently, nerve growth factor not only benefits maintenance of sympathetic neurite growth, but also takes part in intricate regulatory network to stimulate other growth factors such as bone growth protein and vascular endothelial growth factor, which promote together essential osteogenesis and angiogenesis to physiological bone formation, growth and fracture healing. Therefore, it is necessary to analysis the combination of nerve growth factor, bone growth protein-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor to accelerate healing rate of mandible fracture.
Methods

The models of mandible fracture with local nerve injury established in forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into nerve growth factor group (NGF group), gelatin sponge group (GS group), blank group and intact group with 12 rabbits in each group. The fracture healing was observed with visual and X-ray after the operation, then callus tissue in mandibular fracture area were collected for HE staining observation, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of BMP-9 and VEGF in callus at different stages.
Results

The combined results of macroscopic observation, X-ray examination and histological section showed that a large number of osteoblasts and some vascular endothelial cells were found around the trabecular bone in NGF group and the amount of callus formation and reconstruction were better than GS group at 2th weeks after the operation. Quantitative RT-PCR result indicated that the expression levels of BMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the four groups reached the highest value at the second week, and then decreased with time. At the same time, the content of BMP-9 and VEGF in callus tissue in mandibular fracture area increased significantly in NGF group than GS group.
Conclusion

The exogenous NGF could improve the expressions of BMP-9 and VEGF in the early stage of mandibular fracture to accelerate healing of mandible fracture. This work provides a new foundation and theoretical basis to make clear mechanism of fracture healing, thereby promoting patients’ fracture healing and reducing their disability rate.
Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties and Antibiofilm Activity of Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons
Authors: Javanbakht T. , Hadian H. , Wilkinson K. J.
Published: August 2020

In this article, the antibiofilm activity and physicochemical properties of graphene oxide (GO) nanoribbons, which have been among the most exciting materials, were studied by measuring the ratio of killed to alive bacteria incubated with these nanomaterials. Our objective was to determine the related physicochemical and antibiofilm properties of graphene oxide nanoribbons. We hypothesized that the physicochemical properties of graphene oxide nanoribbons could affect their antibiofilm activity. A combination of spectroscopic and microscopic measurements of the samples allowed us to determine their physicochemical properties affecting the biofilms. Our work includes information on the surface properties of these materials related to their incubation with the biofilms. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the vibrations of OH groups of water molecules adsorbed on graphene oxide nanoribbons. The results show the high antibiofilm activity of the graphene oxide nanoribbons. The fluorescence confocal microscopy revealed that 50 % ± 3 % of the total number of bacteria were killed with these nanomaterials. The incubation of graphene oxide nanoribbons with bacterial biofilms resulted in the appearance of the NO2–, NO3– peaks in the negative mode mass spectrum. The attenuation of the O– and OH– peaks were attributed to the interactions of the samples with the biofilms. Our study gives more evidence of the practical value of graphene oxide nanoribbons in killing bacteria related to their surface physical properties and the potential of these nanomaterials for materials science and biomedical applications.

Keywords: nanomaterials, bacterial biofilm, Fourier transform, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, confocal microscopy.
An Experimental Study of Heat and Mass Transfer in a Falling Liquid Film Evaporation into a Crossflow of Neutral Gas
Authors: Lukashov V. K. , Kostiuchenko Y. V. , Timofeev S. V. , Ochowiak M.
Published: August 2020

The work is devoted to the study of heat and mass transfer in a liquid film flowing down on a heated surface under conditions of evaporation into a crossflow of a gas neutral with respect to the liquid. The work aimed to experimentally determine the average heat transfer coefficients from a heated surface to the film, heat transfer and mass transfer from the film to the gas flow and to establish their dependence on the input parameters of the heat and mass transfer process. To achieve this goal, an experimental setup was created, and a research technique was developed based on the proposed mathematical model of the heat and mass transfer process. The results of the study showed that the dependences of the average heat and mass transfer coefficients on the initial liquid flow rate are extreme with the minimum values of these coefficients at the liquid flow rate, which corresponds to the critical value of the Reynolds criterion Re l cr ≈ 500, which indicates a transition from the laminar falling films to turbulent mode under the considered conditions. The dependences of the heat and mass transfer coefficients on other process parameters for both modes of film falling are established. A generalization of the experimental data made it possible to obtain empirical equations for calculating these coefficients.

Keywords: heat and mass transfer, cross flow, film apparatus, heat and mass return coefficient, neutral gas.
Ontological Tools in Anaerobic Fermentation Technologies: Bioinformation Database Applications
Authors: Shulipa Ye. O. , Chernysh Ye. Yu. , Plyatsuk L. D. , Fukui M.
Published: August 2020

An important direction of forming an effective system for recycling waste of various genesis is to optimize the processes of their treatment using the latest information resources. The paper deals with theoretical studies of directions for the systematization and optimization of anaerobic waste processing technologies using ontological tools based on information resources. Significant scientific support to biochemical research is provided by electronic bioinformatics databases such as KEGG, BacDive, and EAWAG-BBD, etc., which provide access to a collection of graphical representations and text descriptions of metabolic or signal pathways, schemes of regulation of biological processes, information about the organism. They cover various aspects of bacterial and archaic biodiversity, information on microbial biocatalytic reactions and biodegradation pathways of mainly xenobiotic chemical compounds. Also, in the course of work based on analytical data of electronic databases of bioinformatics, in particular, the interaction of necessary ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms, biochemical simulation of anaerobic waste processing with biofuel production was carried out.

Keywords: waste disposal, bioinformatics database, anaerobic fermentation, biofuel.
Criteria and Specifics of Staging Reality in New Media
Authors: Borovinskaya V.S.
Published: August 2020

Modern processes in the media, which include the extensive use of integrated content and the shift in emphasis from the correct transmission of the message to the easily understood and simplified form, have led to significant changes in the infosphere. Information distortions take on many forms that are not limited to fakes and inaccuracy, but become part of a large-scale staging of reality. On the basis of the concepts developed by domestic and foreign researchers the author attempts to identify criteria for staging of reality and to analyze the changes that occurred in its mechanisms during the transition from traditional forms of journalistic material to new media. These changes cause the continuous creation of staged risks, which was not possible within the framework of traditional media. The author concludes that these processes should be taken into account as a fundamentally important factor in the analysis of the shaping of public opinion under the influence of the media.