bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferases in Haematococcus lacustris reveals their functions and engineering potential in triacylglycerol biosynthesis and possible roles in astaxanthin esterification
Authors: Cui Hongli , Zhao Chunchao , Xu Wenxin , Zhang Hongjiang , Hang Wei , Zhu Xiaoli , Ji Chunli , Xue Jinai , Zhang Chunhui , Li Runzhi
Published: August 2020

Background: Haematococcus lacustris is an ideal source of astaxanthin (AST) which is stored at oil bodies containing esterified AST (EAST) and triacylglycerol (TAG). Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) catalyze the last step of the acyl-CoA-dependent TAG biosynthesis and are also considered as the crucial enzymes involving in EAST biosynthesis in H. lacustris. Previous studies have identified four putative DGAT2 encoding genes in H. lacustris and only the HpDGAT2D allowed the recovery of TAG biosynthesis, but the engineering potential of HpDGAT2s in TAG biosynthesis, especially possible roles in AST esterification, remains ambiguous.Results: Five putative DGAT2 genes (HpDGAT2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E) were identified in H. lacustris. Transcription analysis showed that the expression levels of HpDGAT2A, 2B, and 2E genes markedly increased under high light and nitrogen deficient conditions with distinct patterns, which led to significant TAG and EAST accumulation. Functional complementation demonstrated HpDGAT2A, 2B, 2D, and 2E had the capability to restore TAG synthesis in a TAG-deficient yeast strain (H1246) with the large difference in enzymatic activity. Fatty acids (FAs) profiles assays revealed that HpDGAT2A, 2D, and 2E except for 2B preferred monounsaturated fatty acyl-CoA (MUFA) for TAG synthesis in yeast cells, and also showed polyunsaturated fatty acyl-CoA (PUFA) preference by feeding strategy. The over-expression of HpDGAT2D in Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii significantly increased the TAG content and obviously promoted the MUFA and PUFA contents. Interestingly, molecular docking analysis implied that HpDGAT2s structures contained AST binding sites, which provides strong evidence for AST esterification function in H. lacustris.Conclusions: Our study represents a pioneering work on the characterization of HpDGAT2s by systematically integrating expression pattern, AST/TAG accumulation, functional complementation, molecular docking, and over-expression in yeast, plants, and algae. These results (1) update the gene models of HpDGAT2s, (2) prove TAG biosynthesis capacity of HpDGAT2s, (3) show the strong preference for MUFA and PUFA, (4) offer target genes to modulate TAG biosynthesis by genetic engineering method, and (5) provide new evidence for HpDGAT2s roles in AST esterification.
Identification of bipolar disorder using a combination of multimodality magnetic resonance imaging and machine learning techniques
Authors: Li Hao , Cui Liqian , Cao Liping , Zhang Yizhi , Liu Yueheng , Deng Wenhao , Zhou Wenjin
Published: August 2020

Background: Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a common mood disorder that is often goes misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years. Recently, machine learning techniques have been combined with neuroimaging methods to aid in the diagnosis of BPD. However, most studies have focused on the construction of classifiers based on single-modality MRI. Hence, in this study, we aimed to construct a support vector machine (SVM) model using a combination of structural and functional MRI, which could be used to accurately identify patients with BPD.Methods: In total, 44 patients with BPD and 36 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation and MRI scans were performed for each subject. Next, image pre-processing, voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and ReHo analyses were performed. The ReHo values of each subject in the clusters showing significant differences were extracted. Further, LASSO approach was recruited to screen features. Based on selected features, the SVM model was established, and discriminant analysis was performed.Results: After using the two-sample t-test with multiple comparisons, a total of 8 clusters were extracted from the data (VBM = 6; ReHo = 2). Next, we used both VBM and ReHo data to construct the new SVM classifier, which could effectively identify patients with BPD at an accuracy of 87.5%, sensitivity of 86.4%, and specificity of 88.9% in the test data (p=0.0022).Conclusions: A combination of structural and functional MRI can be of added value in the construction of SVM classifiers to aid in the accurate identification of BPD in the clinic.
5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor Antagonist and Dexamethasone as Prophylaxis for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting During Moderately Emetic Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Matsui Reiko , Suzuki Kenichi , Takiguchi Tomomi , Nishio Makoto , Koike Takeshi , Hayashi Toshinobu , Seto Takashi , Kogure Yuki , Nogami Naoyuki , Fujiwara Kimiko , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Harada Tomohiko , Shimizu Satoru , Kimura Masashi , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Goto Koichi
Published: August 2020

Background: Of patients receiving moderate emetic risk chemotherapy (MEC), 30%–90% experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV); however, the optimal antiemetic treatment remains controversial. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, observational study of adults treated with MEC while receiving chemotherapy for various cancer types in Japan, the enrolled patients kept diaries documenting CINV. All participants received a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone. Results: Of the 400 patients enrolled from May 2013 to January 2015, 386 were eligible for evaluation. The median age was 64 (range, 26–84). The overall complete response (CR; no emetic events and no antiemetic measures) rate was 64%. The proportion of patients showing CR was low in the carboplatin (CBDCA)- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy groups, especially among women. We showed that the CR rates in men were high in the CBDCA (AUC5) + etoposide (ETP) (80%), capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) (78%), and CBDCA+ paclitaxel (PTX) groups for lung cancer (73%). Total control (TC; no emetic events, no antiemetic measures, and no nausea) and complete control (CC; no emetic events, no antiemetic measures, and less than mild nausea) were achieved in 51% and 61% of patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed history of motion sickness, history of pregnancy-associated vomiting and CBDCA-based chemotherapy as risk factors for CR and history of motion sickness and history of pregnancy-associated vomiting as risk factors for TC. Additional, Ages ≥65 years is an independent predictive factor for achieving TC. Conclusion: Our data showed that two antiemetics were insufficient to control CINV in patients receiving CBDCA- or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. However, two antiemetics may be sufficiently effective for elderly male patients receiving CBDCA (AUC5)+ETP, CBDCA+PTX for lung cancer, or CAPOX. Additionally, we consider that three antiemetics are necessary for women with colorectal cancer receiving CAPOX. Risk factor analysis related to CR showed that CINV prophylaxis in patients treated with CBDCA-based chemotherapy was generally supportive of the guideline-recommended three antiemetics. However, the control of nausea in patients receiving non-CBDCA-based chemotherapy is a key point to note. The further individualization of antiemetic regimens for patients receiving MEC based on both types of chemotherapy regimens and sex is needed.
Biodegradation of atrazine and ligninolytic enzyme production by basidiomycete strains 
Authors: Henn Caroline , Monteiro Diego Alves , Boscolo Mauricio , Silva Roberto da , Gomes Eleni
Published: August 2020

Background Atrazine is one of the most widespread chlorinated herbicides, leaving large bulks in soils and groundwater. The biodegradation of atrazine by bacteria is well described, but many aspects of the fungal metabolism of this compound remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the toxicity and degradation of atrazine by 13 rainforest basidiomycete strains. Results In liquid medium, Pluteus cubensis SXS320, Gloelophyllum striatum MCA7, and Agaricales MCA17 removed 30, 37, and 38%, respectively, of initial 25 mg L-1 of the herbicide within 20 days. Deficiency of nitrogen drove atrazine degradation by Pluteus cubensis SXS320; this strain removed 30% of atrazine within 20 days in a culture medium with 2.5 mM of N, raising three metabolites; in a medium with 25 mM of N, only 21% of initial atrazine were removed after 40 days, and two metabolites appeared in culture extracts. This is the first report of such different outcomes linked to nitrogen availability during the biodegradation of atrazine by basidiomycetes. The herbicide also induced synthesis and secretion of extracellular laccases by Datronia caperata MCA5, Pycnoporus sanguineus MCA16, and Polyporus tenuiculus MCA11. Laccase levels produced by of P. tenuiculus MCA11 were 13.3-fold superior in the contaminated medium than in control; the possible role of this enzyme on atrazine biodegradation was evaluated, considering the strong induction and the removal of 13.9% of the herbicide in vivo. Although 88% of initial laccase activity remained after 6 h, no evidence of in vitro degradation was observed, even though ABTS was present as mediator. Conclusions This study revealed a high potential for atrazine biodegradation among tropical basidiomycete strains. Further investigations, focusing on less explored ligninolytic enzymes and cell-bound mechanisms, could enlighten key aspects of the atrazine fungal metabolism and the role of the nitrogen in the process.
Biomarker Discovery in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: RNA sequencing of Whole Blood in Discordant Twin and Case-Controlled Cohorts
Authors: McCaffrey Timothy , III Georges St. Laurent , Shtokalo Dmitry , Antonets Denis , Vyatkin Yuri , Jones Daniel , Battison Eleanor , Nigg Joel
Published: August 2020

Background: A variety of DNA-based methods have been applied to identify genetic markers of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the connection to RNA-based gene expression has not been fully exploited. Using well defined cohorts of discordant, monozygotic twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry, and case-controlled ADHD cases in adolescents, the present studies utilized advanced single molecule RNA sequencing to identify expressed changes in whole blood RNA in ADHD. Multiple analytical strategies were employed to narrow differentially expressed RNA targets to a small set of potential biomarkers of ADHD. Results: RNA markers common to both the discordant twin study and case-controlled subjects further narrowed the putative targets, some of which had been previously associated with ADHD at the DNA level. The potential role of several differentially expressed genes, including ABCB5, RGS2, GAK, GIT1 and 3 members of the galactose metabolism pathway (GALE, GALT, GALK1) are substantiated by prior associations to ADHD and by established mechanistic connections to molecular pathways relevant to ADHD and behavioral control. Conclusions: The convergence of DNA, RNA, and metabolic data suggests these may be promising targets for diagnostics and therapeutics in ADHD.
Does Socioeconomic Position Affect Knowledge of the Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke in the WHO European Region? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Stack Katie , Robertson Wendy , Blackburn Clare
Published: August 2020

Background: Strokes are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. People with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) (i.e. with regards to education, income and occupation) are at a higher risk of having a stroke and have worse clinical outcomes compared to the general population. Good knowledge levels about stroke risk factors and warning signs are key to prolonging life and reducing health issues caused by stroke. This systematic review examined differences in knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs with regards to SEP in the WHO European region.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and free text, combining search terms with Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers selected studies in two stages (title and abstract, and full-text), and screened reference lists of included studies. Only studies in English and based in the WHO European region were included.

Results: Screening identified 2,118 records. In the final review, 20 articles were included, with 67,309 study participants between them. Out of 17 studies that looked at stroke risk factors, 11 found increasing knowledge to be associated with higher SEP, four found no difference by SEP, one showed a mixed pattern and one outlier study found increasing knowledge of risk factors to be associated with a lower SEP. Out of 19 studies that looked at stroke warning signs or symptoms, 15 found there to be better knowledge of warning signs with a higher SEP, three found there to be no difference, and the same outlier study found increasing knowledge of warning signs with a lower SEP. Studies that seemed to have a higher quality rating found increasing knowledge of stroke with a higher SEP. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of studies.

Conclusions: In the WHO European region, better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs is associated with a higher SEP. Public health campaigns and educational interventions aiming to increase stroke knowledge should be targeted at people with a lower SEP.
Outcomes Of Treatment With CHOP And EPOCH In Patients With HIV Associated NHL In A Low Resource Setting
Authors: Okello Clement Dove , Omoding Abrahams , Ddungu Henry , Mulumba Yusuf , Orem Jackson
Published: August 2020

Background: The optimal chemotherapy regimen for treating HIV associated NHL in low resource settings is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study to describe survival rates, treatment response rates and adverse events in patients with HIV associated NHL treated with CHOP and dose adjusted-EPOCH regimens at the Uganda Cancer Institute.Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HIV and lymphoma and treated at the Uganda Cancer Institute from 2016 – 2018 was done.Results: One hundred eight patients treated with CHOP and 12 patients treated with DA-EPOCH were analysed. Patients completing 6 or more cycles of chemotherapy were 51 (47%) in the CHOP group and 8 (67%) in the DA-EPOCH group. One year overall survival (OS) rate in patients treated with CHOP was 54.5% (95% CI, 42.8 – 64.8) and 80.2% (95% CI, 40.3 – 94.8) in those treated with DA-EPOCH. Factors associated with favourable survival were BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, (p=0.03) and completion of 6 or more cycles of chemotherapy, (p<0.001). The overall response rate was 40% in the CHOP group and 59% in the DA-EPOCH group. Severe adverse events occurred in 19 (18%) patients in the CHOP group and 3 (25%) in the DA-EPOCH group; these were neutropenia (CHOP=13, 12%; DA-EPOCH=2, 17%), anaemia (CHOP=12, 12%; DA-EPOCH=1, 8%), thrombocytopenia (CHOP=7, 6%; DA-EPOCH=0), sepsis (CHOP=1), treatment related death (DA-EPOCH=1) and hepatic encephalopathy (CHOP=1).Conclusion: Treatment of HIV associated NHL with curative intent using CHOP and infusional DA-EPOCH is feasible in low resource settings and associated with >50% one year survival.
Subarticular Osteophytes in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip. A Histomorphometric Cross-sectional Case-control Study.
Authors: Klose-Jensen Rasmus , Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , Hartlev Louise Brøndt , Thomasen Jesper Skovhus , Boel Lene Warner Thorup , Laursen Mogens , Keller Kresten Krarup , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe
Published: August 2020

Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional case-control study was to determine the prevalence and size of marginal and subarticular osteophytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare these to that of a control group.

Design

We investigated femoral heads from 25 patients with OA following hip replacement surgery, and 25 femoral heads from a control group obtained post-mortem . The area and boundary length of the femoral head, marginal osteophytes, and subarticular osteophytes were determined with histomorphometry. Marginal osteophytes were defined histologically as bony projections at the peripheral margin of the femoral head, while subarticular osteophytes were defined as areas of bone that expanded from the normal curvature of the femoral head into the articular cartilage.

Results

The prevalence of OA patients with marginal- and subarticular osteophytes were 100% and 84%, respectively. Whereas the prevalence of the participants in the control group with marginal- and subarticular osteophytes were 56% and 28%, respectively.

The area and boundary length of marginal osteophytes was (median (Interquartile range)) 165.3mm 2 (121.4 – 254.0) mm 2 and 75.1 mm (50.8 – 99.3) mm for patients with OA compared to 0 mm 2 (0 – 0.5) mm 2 and 0 mm (0 – 0.5) mm for the control group (P < 0.001). For the subarticular osteophytes, the area and boundary length was 1.0 mm 2 (0 – 4.4) mm 2 and 1.4 mm (0 – 6.5) mm for patients with OA compared to 0 mm 2 (0 – 0.5) mm 2 and 0 mm (0 – 0.5) mm for the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

As expected, both marginal- and subarticular osteophytes at the femoral head, were more frequent and larger in patients with OA than in the control group. However, in the control group, subarticular osteophytes were more prevalent than expected from the minor osteophytic changes at the femoral head margin, which may suggest that subarticular osteophytes are an early degenerative phenomenon that ultimately might develop into clinical osteoarthritis.
Genetically-regulated transcriptomics & copy number variation of proctitis points to altered mitochondrial and DNA repair mechanisms in individuals of European ancestry
Authors: Pathak Gita A , Polimanti Renato , Silzer Talisa K , Wendt Frank R , Chakraborty Ranajit , Phillips Nicole R
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum and may be induced by radiation treatment for cancer. The genetic heritability of developing radiotoxicity and prior role of genetic variants as being associated with side-effects of radiotherapy necessitates further investigation for underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated gene expression regulated by genetic variants, and copy number variation in prostate cancer survivors with radiotoxicity.METHODS: We investigated proctitis as a radiotoxic endpoint in prostate cancer patients who received radiotherapy (n=222). We analyzed the copy number variation and genetically regulated gene expression profiles of whole-blood and prostate tissue associated with proctitis. The SNP and copy number data were genotyped on Affymetrix® Genome-wide Human SNP Array 6.0. Following QC measures, the genotypes were used to obtain gene expression by leveraging GTEx, a reference dataset for gene expression association based on genotype and RNA-seq information for prostate (n= 132) and whole-blood tissue (n=369). RESULTS: In prostate tissue, 62 genes were significantly associated with proctitis, and 98 genes in whole-blood tissue. Six genes - CABLES2, ATP6AP1L, IFIT5, ATRIP, TELO2, and PARD6G were common to both tissues. The copy number analysis identified seven regions associated with proctitis, one of which (ALG1L2) was also associated with proctitis based on transcriptomic profiles in the whole-blood tissue. The genes identified via transcriptomics and copy number variation association were further investigated for enriched pathways and gene ontology. Some of the enriched processes were DNA repair, mitochondrial apoptosis regulation, cell-to-cell signaling interaction processes for renal and urological system, and organismal injury.CONCLUSIONS: We report gene expression changes based on genetic polymorphisms. Integrating gene-network information identified these genes to relate to canonical DNA repair genes and processes. This investigation highlights genes involved in DNA repair processes and mitochondrial malfunction possibly via inflammation. Therefore, it is suggested that larger studies will provide more power to infer the extent of underlying genetic contribution for an individual’s susceptibility to developing radiotoxicity.
Study on the community structure and function of symbiotic bacteria at different growth and developmental stages of Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: sun shujing , Li Fan , Xu Xin , Liu Yunchao , Kong Xuqiang , Chen Jianqiu , Liu Ting , Chen Liding
Published: August 2020

Background: The symbiotic bacteria associated with edible fungi are valuable microbial resources worthy of in-depth exploration. It is important to analyze the community structure and succession of symbiotic bacteria in mushrooms. This can also assist in the isolation of growth-promoting strains that have an essential relationship with the cultivation cycle as well as the agronomic traits and yields of fruiting bodies.Results: In all of the samples from cultivation bags of Hypsizygus marmoreus, 34 bacterial phyla were detected. Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum (78.85%). The genus Serratia showed an exponential increase in abundance in the cultivation bags in the mature period, reaching a peak abundance of 55.74% and becoming the dominant symbiotic flora. The most predominant strain was Serratia odorifera HZSO-1, and its abundance increased with the amount of hyphae of H. marmoreus. Serratia odorifera HZSO-1 could reside in the hyphae of H. marmoreus, promote growth and development, shorten the fruiting cycle by 3-4 days, and further increase the fruiting body yield by 12%. Conclusions: This study is a pioneering demonstration of the community structure of the symbiotic microbiota and bacteria-mushroom interaction in the growth and development of edible fungi. This work lays a theoretical foundation to improve the industrial production of mushrooms with symbiotic bacteria as assisting agents.
Associations of Socioeconomic Factors with Cause-specific Mortality and Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases: Findings from the Vital Registration in Urban Shanghai, China, during 1974-2015
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Li Qi , Han Xue , Wang Shuo , Li Peng , Ding Yibo , Zhang Tao , Zhao Jia , Chen Yifan , Liu Jiluo , Li Jue , Tan Xiaojie , Liu Wenbin , Zhang Rong , Cao Guangwen
Published: August 2020

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The effect of socioeconomic factors on cause-specific mortality and burden of CVD is rarely evaluated in low- and middle-income countries, especially in a rapidly changing society. Methods: Original data were derived from the vital registration system in Yangpu, a representative, population-stable district of urban Shanghai, China, during 1974-2015. Temporal trends for the mortality rates and burden of CVD during 1974-2015 were evaluated using Joinpoint Regression Software. The burden was evaluated using age-standardized person years of life loss per 100,000 persons (SPYLLs). Age-sex-specific CVD mortality rates were predicted by using age-period-cohort Poisson regression model. Results: A total of 101,822 CVD death occurred during 1974-2015, accounting for 36.95% of total death. Hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic stroke were the 3 leading causes of CVD death. The age-standardized CVD mortality decreased from 144.5/100,000 to 100.7/100,000 in the residents (average annual percentage change [AAPC] -1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.7 to -0.2), which was mainly contributed by women (AAPC -1.3, 95% CI -2.0 to -0.7), not by men. Hemorrhagic stroke, the major CVD death in the mid-aged population, decreased dramatically after 1991. The crude mortality of ischemic heart disease kept increasing but its age-adjusted mortality decreased continually after 1997. SPYLLs of CVD death increased from 1974 to 1986 (AAPC 2.1, 95% CI 0.4 to 3.8) and decreased after 1986 (AAPC 1.8, 95% CI -2.3 to -1.3). These changes were in concert with the implementation of policies including extended medical insurance coverage, pollution control, active prophylaxis of CVD including lifestyle promotion, and national health programs. The mortality of CVD increased in those born during 1937-1945, a period of the Japanese military occupation, and during 1958-1965, a period including the Chinese Famine. Sequelae of CVD and ischemic heart disease are predicted to be the leading causes of CVD death in 2029. Conclusions: Exposure to serious malnutrition in early life might increase CVD mortality in later life. Improvements in medical services, pollution control, and lifestyle could decrease CVD death. New strategy is needed to prevent the aging-related CVD death and burden in the future.
Polyporus polysaccharide regulates proliferation, apoptosis and migration of bladder cancer cells by polarizing macrophages to M1 subtype in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Jia Wenyu , Luo Siwan , Lai Gena , Li Shiqi , Huo Shuai , Li Meifang , Zeng Xing
Published: August 2020

Background: Polyporus polysaccharide (PPS), an active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicinal Polyporus umbellatus, has multiple biological functions, such as anti-cancer, immune-regulating and hepatoprotective activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of PPS activated macrophages in the treatment of bladder cancer.Methods: 100 ng/mL Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was used to induce THP-1 human leukemic cells as a macrophage model. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD14 and CD68 to verify the establishment of macrophage model. After that, Macrophages derived from THP-1 were treated with different concentrations of PPS (1,10 and 100 ug/mL). Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detected the expression of CD16, CD23, CD86, CD40 and interleukin (IL)-Iβ, iNOS mRNA. ELISA was used to test the change of IL-1β and TNF-α in macrophage after the treatment with PPS. The conditioned medium from PPS-polarized macrophages was used to detect the effect of activated macrophages on bladder cancer. MTT assay, 5-ethynyl-2¢-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and Western blot analysis were used to detect the effects of polarized macrophages on the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of bladder cancer cells. Western blot was also used to analysis the change of JAK2/NF-κB pathway protein.Results: PPS promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-Iβ, TNF-α and iNOS, and surface molecules CD86, CD16, CD23, and CD40 in macrophages and then polarized macrophages to M1 type. The results demonstrated that activated macrophages inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells, regulated their apoptosis, and inhibited migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). JAK2/NF-κB pathways were downregulated in the anti-bladder cancer process of activated macrophages. Conclusion: The findings indicated that PPS inhibited the proliferation and progression of bladder cancer by the polarization of macrophages to M1 type, and JAK2/NF-κB pathway was downregulated in the process of anti-bladder cancer.
Fermentation of Danggui Buxue Tang, an ancient Chinese herbal mixture, together with Lactobacillus plantarum enhances the anti-diabetic functions of herbal product
Authors: Guo Rui , Guo Shuchen , Gao Xiong , Wang Huaiyou , Hu Weihui , Duan Ran , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: August 2020

Background: Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), an ancient Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix at a ratio of 5: 1, is prescribed for menopausal women. Flavonoids and its flavonoid glycosides are considered as the major active ingredients within the herbal decoction; however, their amount is not controllable during the preparation. Besides, the aglycons within DBT are believed to have better gut absorption and pharmacological efficacy. Methods: The herbal extract of DBT was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum. The amounts of flavonoid glucosides and its aglycones in the fermented product were analyzed by using UPLC-MS/MS. In addition, in vitro assays were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the fermented DBT in regulating the activities of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase, as well as their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and T-OAC assays) and anti-glycation property (BSA-methylglyoxal, BSA-fructose, and arginine-methylglyoxal models).Results: The fermentation of DBT with L. plantarum drove a completed conversion of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and ononin to calycosin and formononetin, respectively. The chemical transformation could be probably mediated by β-glycosidase within the fermented product. Several in vitro assays corresponding to anti-diabetic functions were compared between parental DBT against its fermented product, which included the activities against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase, as well as anti-oxidation and anti-glycation. The fermented DBT showed increased activities in inhibiting α-glycosidase, suppressing DPPH radical-scavenging and anti-glycation, as compared to the original herbal product. Conclusion: These results suggested that DBT being fermented with the probiotic L. plantarum could pave a new direction for fermentation of herbal extract, as to strengthen its pharmacological properties in providing health benefits.
Bigger doesn’t mean bolder: Behavioral variation of four wild rodent species to novelty and predation risk following a fast-slow continuum
Authors: Best Ian Nicholas , Shaner Pei-Jen Lee , Lo Hsuan-Yi , Pei Kurtis Jai-Chyi , Kuo Chi-Chien
Published: August 2020

Background: Understanding how wild species respond to novel situations with associated risk can provide valuable insights for inter-specific behavioral variation and associations with pace-of-life (POL). Rodents, a globally distributed and diverse taxonomic group, have been the subjects of countless studies emulating risky situations. Controlled laboratory experiments with a focus on wild-caught species provide the opportunity to test fine-scale behavioral responses to contexts of risk with ecological implications. For example, assessing the importance of predator cues eliciting antipredator responses, as well as whether wild rodents embody behavioral plasticity and repertoires, illustrated by habituation and variation in behavioral traits, respectively. Results: In this comparative study, we examined multiple behavioral responses of four rodent species in eastern Taiwan (three native species Mus caroli, Apodemus agrarius, Rattus losea, and one invasive, Rattus exulans) exposed to an unfamiliar microenvironment and novel cue from an allopatric predator, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). All wild-caught animals were subjected to two consecutive nights of experimental trials in a laboratory setting. Behavioral responses to a novel situation during the first trial differed between species; smaller species investing more time in non-defensive behaviors compared to the larger species. More specifically, the smaller species M. caroli and A. agrarius allocated more time to exploration and foraging, whereas the larger rat species R. exulans and R. losea spent more time motionless or concealing. During the second trial, the addition of leopard cat cues did not elicit antipredator behaviors, but rather, rodents were found to exhibit increased non-defensive behaviors, specifically foraging efforts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that these four species do largely follow a behavioral fast-slow continuum with the two smaller mice species demonstrating increased boldness in a novel context compared to the larger rat species. Also, the wild populations of rodents in eastern Taiwan may be naïve to leopard cats. Finally, the rodents in our study demonstrated habituation to the microenvironment, indicating they possess adaptive capacity.
WRN modulates translation by influencing mRNA export from the nucleus through its interaction with the export receptor NXF1 in HeLa cancer cell
Authors: Iglesias-Pedraz Juan Manuel , Jara Diego Matia Fossatti , Felice Valeria Del Carmen Valle-Riestra , Visalaya Sergio Rafael Cruz , Felix Jose Antonio Ayala , Comai Lucio
Published: August 2020

Background The Werner syndrome protein (WRN) belongs to the RecQ family of helicases and its loss of function results in the premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). We previously demonstrated that an early cellular change induced by WRN depletion is a posttranscriptional decrease in the levels of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways that control macromolecular synthesis and protect from oxidative stress. This metabolic shift is tolerated by normal cells but causes mitochondria dysfunction and acute oxidative stress in rapidly growing cancer cells, thereby suppressing their proliferation.Results To identify the mechanism underlying this metabolic shift, we examined global protein synthesis and mRNA nucleocytoplasmic distribution after WRN knockdown. We determined that WRN depletion in HeLa cells attenuates global protein synthesis without affecting the level of key components of the mRNA export machinery. We further observed that WRN depletion affects the nuclear export of mRNAs and demonstrated that WRN directly interacts with mRNA and the mRNA export receptor Nuclear Export Factor 1 (NXF1).Conclusions Our findings suggest that WRN influences the export of mRNAs from the nucleus through its interaction with the NXF1 export receptor thereby affecting cellular proteostasis. In summary, we identified a new partner and a novel function of WRN, which is especially important for the proliferation of cancer cells.
The relationship between ratio of serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and frequency of sarcopenia in Chinese community adults
Authors: Wang Na , Chen Mengjun , Fang Danhong
Published: August 2020

Background In a previous study, the high ratio of serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) was relevant to a high risk of sarcopenia in Korean old males. In this study, the purpose was to discover the correlation in Chinese community adults.Methods Chinese adults who had physical examinations from May 2016 to August 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were involved in this study. The univariable and multivariable analyses were applied to evaluate possible effect and an association was found in a subgroup analysis.Results In total, 2613 adults were involved in the study, with 13.85% presenting sarcopenia. Individuals with TG/HDL-C ratios <2.78 or ≥2.78 were categorized as TG/HDL-Clow or TG/HDL-Chigh, respectively. 1266 individuals were in high group and the remaining were in the low group. By univariate and multivariable analyses, the ratio of TG/HDL-C remained independent association with sarcopenia status(OR: 0.63; 95%CI: 0.49-0.81). Besides, the effect of the TG/HDL-C ratio kept significantly favorable (OR<1.00) in most subgroups, except in groups aged＞65 years and in the overweight population. Conclusions The negative correlation between sarcopenia and TG/HDL-C ratio was discovered in Chinese community population, particularly in subjects aged <65 years and in non-overweight population.
Proposal of a new equation for estimating resting energy expenditure for acute kidney injury patients on dialysis. A Machine Learning Approach.
Authors: ponce daniela , de Goes Cassiana Regina , de Andrade Luis Gustavo Modelli
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was, therefore, to develop a new predictive equation of resting energy expenditure (REE) for acute kidney injury patients (AKI) on dialysis. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study has been carried out in 114 AKI patients on dialysis and mechanical ventilation consecutively selected, aged between 19 and 95 years. For the construction of the predictive model, 80% of the cases were randomly separated to train and 20% of unused cases for validation. Several machine learning models were tested in the training data: linear regression with Stepwise, rpart, support vector machine with radial kernel, generalized boosting machine, and random forest. The models were selected by 10-fold cross-validation and the performances evaluated by the root mean square error (RMSE). Results: There were 364 indirect calorimetry (IC) measurements in 114 patients, mean age of 60.65 ± 16.9 years and 68.4% were males. The average REE was 2081 ± 645 kcal. REE was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, minute volume (MV), expiratory positive airway pressure, serum urea, body mass index and inversely with age. The principal variables included in the selected model were age, BMI, use of vasopressors, expiratory positive airway pressure, minute volume, C-reactive protein, temperature, and serum urea. The final r-value in the validation set was 0.69. Conclusion: We propose a new predictive equation for estimating the REE for AKI patients on dialysis that use a non-linear approach with better performance than actual models.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Practice in Iran: A questionnaire-based report
Authors: Ahmadi Hanie , Ebrahimi Alireza , Ghorbani Farhad
Published: August 2020

Background: The highly contagious nature of the novel coronavirus, besides the fact that dental procedures commonly generate blood and saliva droplets that are the routes of contagion lead to the closure of many dental clinics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental practice by conducting an online questionnaire among the Iranian dental practitioners and finding their perspectives on the subject.Methods: This report is based on a questionnaire that was conducted among Iranian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluate the dentists’ attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their personal life, financial status, and the quality of dental services for patients. Results: Overall, 240 dentists contributed to this study (214 general dentists and 26 specialists). The majority of the participants (n=170, 70%) did not perform non-emergency procedures during the pandemic. More than half of the participants (n=156, 64%) believed that the triage of patients should be done regarding the COVID-19 symptoms. Most of the dentists (n=210, 87%) had a problem with providing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Moreover, 97% (n=234) of the participants reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the eruption of the pandemicConclusion: Dental health care workers are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Iranian dentists executed standard protocols more cautiously during the pandemic. Besides, they preferred to lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments until the end of the pandemic. It is recommended that public organizations should support the dental practitioners during the pandemic.
Combining quantitative analysis with an elliptic Fourier descriptor: A study of pottery from the Gansu-Zhanqi site based on 3D scanning and computer technology
Authors: WANG JIN , Qian wei , Chen guoke
Published: August 2020

Pottery is an important material in archaeological studies, and the accurate classification of pottery shapes largely depends on the experience and knowledge of archaeologists. In this thesis, pottery taken from the Gansu-Zhanqi site is used for sampling. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the pottery were obtained using 3D scanning, and a computer-assisted pottery typology was studied through quantitative analysis and elliptic Fourier analysis. This method, which can enhance and supplement the traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology and thereby enrich the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis, represents a new means for exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.
Relationship of serum VITD3, HSCRP and HbA1c level in non diabetic patients referring to tertiary hospital
Authors: zare-mirzaie ali , mehdizadeh somayeh , babaheidarian pegah
Published: August 2020

Background: In diabetic patients high HbA1c is associated with high level of HSCRP and VITD3 deficiency could result in diabetes and high HbA1c level. The aim of this study was to determine the relation of HbA1c, HSCRP and vitamin D3 in healthy individuals who referred to Rasool Akram Hospital. Methods: In this cross sectional study, individuals who referred to our center between 2018 and 2019 for the measurement of HbA1c were classified to three groups based on the level of the HbA1c: <5, 5-5.6 and 5.7≤. Then the Serum level of HSCRP and vitamin D3 were measured and compared between these three groups.Results: In this study, 90 healthy individuals were studied. In subjects with BMI below 25, no significant difference in HSCRP level was seen in group with low and normal HbA1c, but group with high HbA1c has non-significant higher level of HSCRP rather than group with normal HbA1c. In subject with BMI higher than 25, group with high HbA1c and low HbA1c had non-significant higher level of HSCRP than group with normal HbA1c and in the subjects, no significance difference at serum level of vitamin D3 level has been identified between HbA1c groups. Conclusion: As immunomedulatory role of VitD3 is shown in many studies and low VitD3 could predispose people to diabetes independent of obesity, Conflicting results in various studies emerge an idea to mind that considering relation of other factors responsible in glucose metabolism such as insulin level, IGF-1, C-Peptide and VitD3 could be a better overview on vitD3 effect on glucose metabolism
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus conventional/moderate fractionated radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy for unfavorable risk prostate cancer
Authors: Patel Sagar Anil , Switchenko Jeffrey , Fischer-Valuck Ben , Zhang Chao , Rose Brent , Chen Ronald , Jani Ashesh , Royce Trevor J
Published: August 2020

Background:Ultrahypofractionation using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an increasingly utilized technique for men with prostate cancer (PC). The comparative efficacy of SBRT plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to fractionated radiotherapy (EBRT) plus ADT in higher-risk prostate cancer is unknown. Methods:Men >40 years old with localized PC treated with external beam radiation and concomitant ADT for curative intent between 2004-2016 were analyzed from the National Cancer Database. Patients who lacked ADT or risk stratification data were excluded. 558 men treated with SBRT versus 40,797 men treated with conventional or moderately hypofractionated EBRT were included. Patients were stratified by unfavorable intermediate (UIR) and high (HR) risk using NCCN criteria. Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazards were used to compare overall survival (OS) between RT modality, adjusting for age, race, and comorbidity index.Results:With a median follow up of 74 months, there was no difference in estimated 6-year OS between men treated with SBRT versus EBRT regardless of risk group. On multivariable analysis, there was no difference in risk of death for men treated with SBRT compared to EBRT (UIR: adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68-1.74, p=.72; HR: adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76-1.14, p=.51). On sensitivity analyses, when confining the cohort to men treated with NCCN-preferred dose fractionations, with no comorbidities, or <65 years old, there remained no survival difference between treatment groups for both UIR and HR.Conclusion: Within study limitations, we found no difference in survival between SBRT+ADT and standard of care EBRT+ADT for UIR or HR PC. These results support recent NCCN guideline updates, which include SBRT as a non-preferred option for higher risk men. Prospective validation would further strengthen the evidence basis behind these recommendations.
Evaluation of 18F-FDG PET/CT Images Acquired with a Reduced Scan Time Duration in Lymphoma Patients using the Digital Biograph Vision
Authors: Weber Manuel , Jentzen Walter , Hofferber Regina , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Rischpler Christoph , Umutlu Lale , Conti Maurizio , Costa Pedro Fragoso , Sra Miriam , Kersting David
Published: August 2020

Background: The superior accuracy and sensitivity of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in comparison to morphological imaging alone leads to an upstaging in up to 30 % of lymphoma patients. Novel digital PET/CT scanners might enable to reduce administered tracer activity or scan time duration while maintaining diagnostic performance; this might allow for a higher patient throughput or a reduced radiation exposure, respectively. In particular, the radiation exposure reduction is of interest due to the often young age and high remission rate of lymphoma patients.Methods: Twenty patients with (suspected) lymphoma (6 for initial staging, 12 after systemic treatment, 2 in suspicion of recurrence) sequentially underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT examinations on a digital PET/CT (Siemens Biograph Vision) with a total scan time duration of 15 minutes (reference acquisition protocol) and 5 minutes (reduced acquisition protocol) using continuous-bed-motion. Both data sets were reconstructed using either standalone time of flight (TOF) or in combination with point spread function (PSF), each with 2 and 4 iterations. Lesion detectability by blinded assessment (separately for supra- and infradiaphragmal nodal lesions and for extranodal lesions), lesion image quantification, and image noise were used as metrics to assess diagnostic performance. Additionally, Deauville Score was compared for all patients after systemic treatment.Results: All defined regions were correctly classified in the images acquired with reduced emission time, and therefore, no changes in staging were observed. Lesion quantification was acceptable, that is, mean absolute percentage deviation of maximum and peak standardized uptake values were 6.8% and 6.4% (derived from 30 lesions). A threefold reduction of scan time duration led to an increase in image noise from 7.1% to 11.0% (images reconstructed with 4 iterations) and from 4.7% to 7.2% (images reconstructed with 2 iterations). No deviations in Deauville Score were observed.Conclusion: These results suggest that scan time duration or administered tracer activity can be reduced threefold without compromising diagnostic performance. Especially a reduction of administered activity might allow for a lower radiation exposure and better health economics. Larger trials are warranted to confirm our results.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into The Response of Ulva Compressa to The Fluctuating Salinity Conditions
Authors: Xing Qikun , Bi Guiqi , Cao Min , Belcour Arnaud , Aite Méziane , Mao Yunxiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Ulva compressa, known as the green tide forming species, was reported that can adapt to hypo-salinity conditions such as estuaries and brackish lakes. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hypo-salinity stress tolerance, a genome-wide gene expression profiles in U. compressa was performed using digital gene expression profile (DGE). Results: The RNA-seq data were analyzed based on the comparison of differently expressed genes involved in specific pathways under hypo-salinity and recovery conditions. Under the long-term hypo-salinity stress, the recovery of photosynthesis and energy metabolism could provide sufficient energy for the tolerance under long-term hypo-saline stress. Multiple strategies were performed to maintain the osmotic homeostasis. Additionally, several long non-coding RNA were detected as differently expressed genes during the stress, which could play important roles in the osmotolerance. Conclusions: Our work will serve as an essential foundation for the understanding of the tolerance mechanism of U. compressa under the fluctuating salinity conditions.