bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin content with metabolic syndrome among Kazakhs in Xinjiang
Authors: Hao Hao , Guo Heng , Ma Ru-lin , Yan Yi-zhong , Hu Yun-hua , Ma Jiao-long , Zhang Xiang-hui , Wang Xin-ping , Wang Kui , Mu La-ti , Song Yan-peng , Zhang Jing-yu , He Jia , Guo Shuxia
Published: May 2020

Background: Some studies have shown that a high level of bilirubin is a protective factor against metabolic syndrome (MS), while a high level of transaminase is a risk factor for MS. However, the existing results are inconsistent and few cohort studies have been published.Methods: Using an ambispective cohort study, 565 Kazakhs from Xinjiang, China were selected as the study subjects. The baseline serum bilirubin and transaminase levels of the subjects were divided into quartiles and the relationship between these values and the incidence of MS was analyzed. The definition of MS was based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) diagnostic criteria.Results: The average follow-up time for the subjects was 5.72 years. The cumulative incidence of MS was 36.11% (204 of the 565 subjects), and the incidence density was 63.10/1000 person-years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) were negatively correlated with the occurrence of MS, Compared to the lowest quartile level (Q1), the hazard ratios of MS the TBIL levels at the Q2-Q4 quartiles were: 0.47 (0.31-0.71), 0.53 (0.35-0.79), and 0.48 (0.32-0.72), respectively, while IBIL levels at the Q2-Q4 quartiles showed an MS hazard ratio of 0.48 (0.32-0.72), 0.54(0.36-0.81), and 0.52 (0.35-0.77), respectively, all at a 95% confidence level. However, no relationship was found between transaminase levels and the incidence of MS.Conclusion: Serum TBIL and IBIL levels were negatively correlated with the incidence of MS in a Kazakh population in China.
Mediation effect of body mass index on the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia in rural Chinese adults: the Henan Rural Cohort Study
Authors: Dong Xiaokang , Li Yuqian , Yang Kaili , Zhang Lulu , Xue Yuan , Yu Songcheng , Liu Xiaotian , Tu Runqi , Qiao Dou , Luo Zhicheng , Liu Xue , Wang Yan , Li Wenjie , Zheng Zhaohui , Wang Chongjian
Published: May 2020

Background: The relationship of spicy food intake with hyperuricemia remains unknow. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, and whether this association was mediated by body mass index (BMI) in Chinese rural population.Methods: A total of 38, 027 adults, aged 18–79 years, were from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Information on spicy food intake was obtained using a validated questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, multiple linear regression model was performed to estimate the relationships between spicy food intake, BMI and serum urate level. BMI was used as a mediator to estimate the mediation effect. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with no spicy food flavor, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of mild, middle, and heavy flavor for hyperuricemia was 1.09 (1.00-1.19), 1.10 (0.97-1.24), and 1.21 (1.10-1.46), respectively (Ptrend=0.017). Similarly, compared with no spicy food intake, the adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1 or 2days/week, 3-5 days/week, and 6 or 7 days/week were 1.15 (1.01-1.31), 1.14 (1.01-1.30) and 1.15 (1.05-1.26), respectively (Ptrend=0.007). Associations were substantially attenuated after additional control for BMI. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that BMI play a full mediating role in the relationship between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia.Conclusion: Spicy food flavor and intake frequency is positively related with hyperuricemia in Chinese rural population. BMI may play a full mediating role in the relationship.
Qualitative and quantitative assay of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase in patients attending tertiary care center
Authors: Sharma Uday , Mishra Satyendra , Gautam Narayan , Gupta Badri Kumar
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The study was carried out with the aim to find out the frequency of Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among the patients attending the hospital and to rationalize the qualitative methemoglobin reduction test in reference to the quantitative spectrophotometric assay. Timely screening of the patients for G6PD with appropriate screening method can play an important role in preventing hemolytic crisis that arises from therapeutic use of oxidative drugs like primaquine.Result: The frequency of G6PD deficient cases was 3% by both of the employed tests. The mean ± SD of G6PD activity in the patients under study was 15.34 ± 4.7 IU/g Hb in males and 16.01 ± 3.74 IU/g Hb in females. G6PD activity was positively associated with reticulocyte count (r = 0.289, p-value = 0.004) and negatively with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (r = -0.220, p-value = 0.028). The correlation of red blood corpuscular count and G6PD was statistically significant (p-value = 0.048).
Homeobox proteins are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiao , Dai Lu , Ma lan Yi , Wang yan Jia , Yan hao Hai , Jin Ye , Zhu juan Xiao , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2020

Background Increasing studies have uncovered aberrant expression of homeobox (HOX) proteins in gastric cancer (GC), which is critically associated with prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of GC. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical value and potential acting mechanisms of HOX proteins in GC.Methods A comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% CI were used to assess the effect of HOX proteins expression on the prognosis and clinicopathological features of GC, respectively.Results A total of 19 studies involving 3775 patients were selected for this study. Heterogeneity among HRs of overall survival (OS) was markedly high (I2 = 90.5%, p = 0.000). The subgroup analysis showed that elevated expression of HOX proteins in the down-regulated subgroup was associated with a good prognosis in GC. (pooled HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.36–0.59, I2 = 3.1%, p = 0.377), while over-expressed HOX proteins in the up-regulated subgroup were related to poor OS. (pooled HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.79–3.74, I2 = 73.5%, p = 0.000). The aberrant expression of HOX proteins was crucially related to the TNM stage, depth of tumor invasion, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, vascular invasion, histological differentiation and Lauren classification in GC. In addition, the molecular mechanisms how HOX proteins regulate tumorigenesis and development of GC were also explored.Conclusions HOX proteins play vital roles in GC progression and might serve as prognostic markers for GC. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting HOX proteins might be promising for GC prevention and therapy.
Transgenerational effect of drug-mediated inhibition of LSD1 on eye pigment expression in Drosophila
Authors: Hoyer-Fender Sigrid
Published: May 2020

Background: The Drosophila melanogaster mutant white-mottled is a well-established model for position-effect variegation (PEV). Transposition of the euchromatic white gene into the vicinity of the pericentric heterochromatin caused variegated expression of white due to heterochromatin spreading. The establishment of the euchromatin-heterochromatin boundary and spreading of silencing is regulated by mutually exclusive histone modifications, i.e. the methylations of histone H3 at lysine 9 and lysine 4. Demethylation of H3K4, catalysed by lysine-specific demethylase LSD1, is required for subsequent methylation of H3K9 to establish heterochromatin. LSD1 is therefore essential for heterochromatin formation and spreading. We asked, whether drug-mediated inhibition of LSD affects expression of white and if this induced change can be transmitted to those generations that have never been exposed to the triggering signal, i.e. transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.Results: We used the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1)-inhibitor Tranylcypromine to investigate its effect on eye colour expression in consecutive generations by feeding the parental and F1 generations of the Drosophila melanogaster mutant white-mottled . Quantitative Western blotting revealed that Tranylcypromine inhibits H3K4-demethylation both in vitro in S2 cells as well as in embryos when used as feeding additive. Eye colour expression in male flies was determined by optical measurement of pigment extracts and qRT-PCR of white gene expression. Flies raised in the presence of Tranylcypromine and its solvent DMSO showed increased eye pigment expression. Beyond that, eye pigment expression was also affected in consecutive generations including F3, which is the first generation without contact to the inhibitor.Conclusions: Our results show that feeding of Tranylcypromine and DMSO caused desilencing of white in treated flies of generation F1. Consecutive generations, raised on standard food without further supplements, are also affected by the drug-induced alteration of histone modifications. Although eye pigment expression eventually returned to the basal state, the observed long-lasting effect points to a memory capacity of previous epigenomes. Furthermore, our results indicate that food compounds potentially affect chromatin modification and hence gene expression, and that the alteration is putatively inherited not only parentally but transgenerationally.
Transcriptome changes induced by drought stress in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Yang Shipeng , Wang Lihui , Zhong Qiwen , Zhang Guangnan , Zhang Dengshan , Sun Xuemei
Published: May 2020

Background: Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is strongly resistant to stress and an important plant used for ecological management in northern China in recent years. Currently, Jerusalem artichoke has been widely planted in the area around Qinghai Lake in Qinghai Province, China. Jerusalem artichoke can not only prevent land desertification but also has maintain most of its level of production. However, there is little research on the mechanism of drought resistance of Jerusalem artichoke.Results: We conducted transcriptome sequencing under drought stress and normal watering treatment for two varieties, QY1 and QY3, with differing degrees of drought tolerance. In the three stress periods of QY1 and QY3, 5,613, 12,985 and 24,923 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, respectively. GO analysis showed that there were more DEGs in QY1 than in QY3, but there were more up-regulated genes in QY3 than in QY1. Based on an additional analysis of the metabolic pathways under drought stress using MapMan, the most different types of metabolism included secondary metabolism, light reaction metabolism and cell wall. The up-regulated genes in QY3 were significantly more prevalent than those in QY1 and were primarily concentrated in flavor IDS, phenylpropanoids, and the shikimate and terpenoids pathway. As a whole, QY1 and QY3 both had a large number of up-regulated genes in the flavor pathway. In addition, the gene analysis of the ABA key metabolic pathway showed that QY3 had more genes in NAC and WRKY than QY1. A weighted gene co-expression network was constructed and divided into modules. By specifically analyzing the expressed modules, four modules were found to have the highest correlation with drought. Further research on the genes revealed that all 16 genes related to histone, ABA and protein kinase were the most significant in these pathways.Conclusions: In summary, these findings represent the first RNA-Seq analysis of drought stress in Jerusalem artichoke, which is of substantial significance to explore the function of drought resistance in Jerusalem artichoke and the unearthing of related genes.
Assessing the genetic diversity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] germplasm collections using phenotypic traits and SNP markers
Authors: Nkhoma Nelia , Shimelis Hussein , Laing Mark , Shayanowako Admire , Mathew Isack
Published: May 2020

Background
Productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] in sub-Sahara Africa is curtailed by a lack of farmer-preferred and improved cultivars and modern production technologies. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of genetic diversity present among a collection of cowpea accessions from Zambia and Malawi using phenotypic traits and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and, to select distinct and complementary parental lines for cultivar development. One hundred cowpea genotypes were evaluated for agronomic traits in two selected sites in Zambia, using a 10 × 10 alpha lattice design with two replications. Ninety-four of the test genotypes were profiled with 14,116 SNP markers.
Results
Number of pods plant− 1 (NPP), pod length (PDL), and number of seeds pod− 1 (NSP), were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by genotype × environment interaction effects. Genotypes such as CP411, CP421, CP645, CP732, Chimponongo, and MS1-8-1-4 exhibited higher grain yield of > 1200 kg/ha with excellent performance in yield components such as NSP, PDL, HSW and GYD. Grain yield had significant (p < 0.05) associations with NPP (r = 0.50), NSP (r = 0.46) and PDL (r = 0.42) useful for simultaneous selection for yield improvement in cowpea. The SNP markers revealed gene diversity and polymorphic information content of 0.22 and 0.17, respectively, showing that the tested cowpea accessions were genetically diverse. Test genotypes were classified into four genetic groups irrespective of source of collection allowing selection and subsequent crosses to develop breeding populations for cultivar development.
Conclusions
Genotypes Bubebe, CP411, CP421, CP645, Chimponogo and MS1-8-1-4 were identified to be the most genetically divergent and high yielding making them ideal parental lines for breeding. This study provided a baseline information and identified promising cowpea genetic resources for effective breeding and systematic conservation.
Association between five types of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene Polymorphism and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono , Ariyanto Fis Citra , Prabowo Gwenny Ichsan , Soetjipto Soetjipto , Handajani Retno
Published: May 2020

Background: Research focusing on the relationship between five types of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) SNPs and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were still controversial. Hereby, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the association between TNF-α promoter SNPs: -1031 T/C, -863 C/A, -857 C/T, -308 G/A, and -238 G/A with HCC risk. Methods: We interrogated articles from journal database: PubMed, Pro-Quest, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Springer to determine the relationship between five types of SNPs in TNF-α gene with HCC risk. RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis in fixed/random effect models. Results: This meta-analysis included 23 potential articles from 2004-2018 with 3,237 HCC cases and 4,843 controls. We found that SNP -863 C/A were associated with a significantly increased HCC risk (A vs C, OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.03-1.67; CA/AA vs CC, OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.03-1.36). Similar results were obtained in -857 C/T (TT/CT vs CC, OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.06-1.62), -308 G/A (G vs A, OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.62-2.42; AA/GA vs GG, OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.53-2.49; GG/GA vs AA, OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.69-3.76; AA vs GG, OR=3.14, 95% CI=2.06-4.79; and GA vs GG, OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.60-2.68), and -238 G/A (A vs G, OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.16-1.94; AA vs GG, OR=3.87, 95% CI=1.32-11.34; GA/GG vs AA, OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.17-6.10). While no associations were observed between SNP TNF-α -1031 T/C and HCC risk. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed that TNFα SNPs -863C/A, -857 C/T, -308 G/A, and -238 G/A were associated with the risk of HCC.
Effect of nutrition education on iodine deficiency disorder and iodized salt intake in south west Ethiopian women: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asfaw Agize , Belachew Tefera , Gari Taye
Published: May 2020

Background: Although iodine nutrition status is improving globally, the progress is not uniform throughout the world due to several factors. Among these, poor knowledge, negative attitude and improper practice of iodized salt are the main risk factors for poor iodine nutrition in Ethiopia.Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education intervention in improving the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards iodine deficiency disorder and iodized salt intake in southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out among 652 women of reproductive age group in southwest Ethiopia. A total of 24 clusters were selected and randomized in to an intervention and control villages. Women in the intervention village received iodine nutrition related education for six months; while those in the control village did not receive any education. Baseline and endline data were collected from both groups. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to determine the effect of intervention.Results: A total of 647 (99.2%) participants were successfully involved in the study. In the intervention group the median attendance was 10 out of 12 education sessions. There was significant change in mean KAP scores for intervention group (p < .001). In multivariable GEE model, after adjusting for other background characteristics, the knowledge score from the baseline increased by approximately nine points (β= 8.674, P<0.0001) and three points for both attitude ((β=3.193, P<0.0001) and practice (β=2.926, P<0.0001) after six months of intervention.Conclusions: Well designed and community-based iodine nutrition education is an effective strategy to improve the KAP of iodine deficiency disorder and iodized salt utilization.Trial registration: PACTR201809544276357 (Retrospectively registered on 14, Sept. 2018), http://www.pactr.org
Analysis across diverse fish species highlights no conserved transcriptome signature for proactive behaviour
Authors: Planellas Sonia Rey , Jin Xingkun , Damsgard Borge , Begout Marie-Laure , Mackenzie Simon
Published: May 2020

Background: Consistent individual differences in behaviour, known as animal personalities, have been demonstrated within and across species. In fish, studies applying an animal personality approach have been used to resolve variation in physiological and molecular data suggesting a linkage, genotype-phenotype, between behaviour and transcriptome regulation. In this study, using three fish species (zebrafish; Danio rerio, Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar and European sea bass; Dicentrarchus labrax), we firstly address whether personality-specific mRNA transcript abundances are transferrable across distantly-related fish species and secondly whether a proactive transcriptome signature is conserved across all three species.Results: Previous zebrafish transcriptome data was used as a foundation to produce a curated list of mRNA transcripts related to animal personality across all three species. mRNA transcript copy numbers for selected gene targets show that differential mRNA transcript abundance in the brain appears to be partially conserved across species relative to personality type. Secondly, we performed RNA-Seq using whole brains from S. salar and D. labrax scoring positively for both behavioural and molecular assays for proactive behaviour. We further enriched this dataset by incorporating a zebrafish brain transcriptome dataset specific to the proactive phenotype. Our results indicate that cross-species molecular signatures related to proactive behaviour are functionally conserved where shared functional pathways suggest that evolutionary convergence may be more important than individual mRNAs.Conclusions: Our data supports the proposition that highly polygenic clusters of genes, with small additive effects, likely support the underpinning molecular variation related to the animal personalities in the fish used in this study. The polygenic nature of the proactive brain transcriptome across all three species questions the existence of specific molecular signatures for proactive behaviour, at least at the granularity of specific regulatory gene modules, level of genes, gene networks and molecular functions.
BK polyomavirus infection promotes growth and aggressiveness in bladder cancer
Authors: Sun Jiajia , Zeng Yigang , Bao Juan , Zhu Tongyu
Published: May 2020

Background Recent studies have confirmed the integration of the BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) gene into the cellular genome of urothelial carcinomas in transplant recipients, further confirming the correlation between BKPyV and urothelial carcinomas after transplantation. However, the role BKPyV infections play in the biological function of bladder cancer remains unclear.Methods We developed a BKPyV-infected bladder cancer cell model and a mice tumor model to discuss the role of BKPyV infections.Results Our research proves that BKPyV infections promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of bladder cancer, while the activation of β-catenin signaling pathway is one of its mediation mechanisms.Conclusions We first described BKPyV infection promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of bladder cancer. We verified the role of β-catenin signaling pathway and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition effect in BKPyV-infected bladder cancer. These results provide meaningful information towards the diagnosis and treatment of clinical bladder cancer.
Increase of Oxidative Stress is Positively Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Women Using Combined Oral Contraceptives: An Observational Study
Authors: Cauci Sabina , Francescato Maria Pia , Colannino Chiara , Barbina Mattia , Barbina Giuseppe , Xodo Serena
Published: May 2020

Background

Information concerning oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation in oral contraception users is scarce. We investigated relationships of oxidative stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in women by oral combined contraceptive (OC) use.
Methods

Caucasian Italian healthy non-obese women (n = 290; 100 OC-users; 190 non-OC-users; mean age 23.2 ± 4.7 years) were analyzed. Blood hydroperoxides, as oxidative stress biomarkers, were assessed by Free Oxygen Radical Test (FORT), and serum hsCRP was determined by routine methods.
Results

Oxidative stress levels were elevated (≥ 400 FORT Units) in 77.0% and 15.8% of OC-users and non-OC-users, respectively (odds ratio (OR) = 209, 95%CI = 60.9-715.4, p < 0.001); hsCRP levels ≥ 2.0 mg/L were found in 41.0% and 9.5% of OC-users and non-users, respectively (OR = 6.6, 95%CI 3.5–12.4, p < 0.001). Continuous hydroperoxides values in OC-users were 1.7-fold higher compared to non-users (median 472 versus 270 FORT Units, p < 0.001); OC-users had 3.7-fold higher hsCRP values compared to non-OC-users (median 1.31 versus 0.35 mg/L, p < 0.001). Hydroperoxides were strongly positively correlated to hsCRP in all women (rs=0.622, p < 0.001), in OC-users (rs=0.442, p < 0.001), and in non-OC-users (rs=0.426, p < 0.001). Women with hydroperoxides ≥ 400 FORT Units were 8 times as likely to have hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L. In non-OC-users only, hydroperoxides values were positively correlated with weight and body mass index, but negatively correlated with red meat, fish and chocolate consumption.
Conclusions

Our cross-sectional observational study is the first finding a strong positive correlation of serum hydroperoxides with hsCRP, a marker of inflammation. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential role of these two biomarkers in OC-use side-effects, like thromboembolism.
Concurrent ipsilateral Tillaux fracture and medial malleolar fracture in adolescence: management and outcome
Authors: yuan quanwen , Guo Zhixiong , Wang Xiaodong , Dai Jin , Zhang Fuyong , Fang Jianfeng , Yin Chunhua , Yu Wentao , Zhen Yunfang
Published: May 2020

Background
The concurrent ipsilateral Tillaux fracture with medial malleolar fracture in adolescence commonly suffer from high-energy injury, making treatment more difficult. The aim of this study was to discuss the mechanism on injury, diagnosis and treatment of this complex fracture pattern.
Methods
The charts and radiographs of six patients were reviewed. The functional was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores.
Results
The mean age at operation was 12.8 years. The mean interval from injury to operation was 7.7 days. Five Tillaux fractures and all medial malleolar fractures were shown on AP plain radiographs. One Tillaux fracture and two cases with avulsion of posterolateral tibial aspect were confirmed in axial computerized tomography. Talar subluxation laterally with medial space widening in three, and syndesmotic disruption in one. There were five patients sustaining ipsilateral distal fibular fractures. All fractures, except nonunion in two medial malleolar fractures and in one Tillaux fracture, healed within 6–8 weeks. There was one case of osteoarthritis of ankle joint. The average AOFAS score was 88.7.
Conclusions
Computerized tomography is helpful in identifying the fracture pattern. Anatomic reduction and internal fixation of Tillaux and medial malleolar fracture was recommended to restore the articular surface congruity and ankle stability.
Role of SNPs in the biogenesis of mature miRNAs
Authors: Wang Ying , Ru Jidong , Xianglian Meng
Published: May 2020

BackgroundSNPs within pre-miRNA regions play a significant role in miRNA generation, processing and function by different molecular mechanisms and are thought to be major contributors to the variations in phenotypes and diseases. Therefore, whole-genome analysis of how SNPs affect mature miRNA biogenesis is important for precision medicine. ResultsIn this study, aiming to analyze the role of SNPs in mature miRNA biogenesis genome-wide, we constructed a SNP-pre-miRNA database, named miRSNPBase, consisting of 886 pre-miRNAs and 2640 SNPs based on the latest data. Then, we identified 10574 SNP-pre-miRNAs based on 886 pre-miRNAs and their associated 2640 SNPs, and we performed genome-wide association analyses to identify isoform miRNAs (isomiRs) based on miRFind that are associated with the mechanism of SNPs affecting miRNA maturation. A total of 4235 nor-SNP-pre-miRNAs based on 480 nor-pre-miRNAs and 1250 nor-SNPs were identified. We analyzed the effects of SNP type, SNP location and SNP-mediated free energy change during mature miRNA biogenesis and found that they are closely related to mature miRNA biogenesis. In addition, the MAF distribution of the iso-pre-miRNAs and nor-SNPs was analyzed based on the 1000 Genomes Project. The results demonstrated that individuals who contained the iso-SNPs were in the minority, and those who contained the nor-SNPs were in the majority. Notably, to verify our method and identify important biomarkers, we identified isomiRs and iso-SNPs in 18 GBR individuals of European origin. In the results, 209 iso-pre-miRNA candidates and 71 verified iso-pre-miRNAs of the 18 GBR samples were identified, and 2667 isomiRs of 209 pre-miRNAs were verified by miRNA sequencing data.ConclusionsOur results clearly indicated that SNPs that altered the mature miRNA splicing mechanism and led to the production of isomiRs, were closely related to and affected normal life processes, and led to epigenetic changes and diseases.
Potential value of combining CTX-II with C2C in evaluating and diagnosing early rat osteoarthritis
Authors: Shen Meilun , Zhang Zhiheng , Ma Xiangying , Li Rouqian , Jin Xiaodi , Ma Tianwen , Gao Li , Wang Zhi
Published: May 2020

Background

This article aims to study the changes of CTX-II and C2C biomarker concentrations during the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis with SD rats as the research object. Through the longitudinal and joint detection of the content of CTX-II and C2C markers in the serum of anterior cruciate ligament resection (ACLT) rats, the evaluation and early diagnosis of OA disease can be realized, and the theoretical basis for the rapid diagnosis technology of OA can be provided.
Methods

SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: Sham operation group and OA model group. The OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament excision (ACLT) for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks, respectively. The cartilage gross score and Mankin score were used to evaluate the model. The tibia of the right hind limb was sampled for pathological histology and HE staining. The collected blood samples are used to detect changes in the concentration of CTX-II and C2C in serum. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the area under the curve (AUC) of CTX-II, C2C and combined biomarkers.
Results

In the model group, the content of CTX-II and C2C in SD rat serum increased significantly, and the content of CTX-II and C2C increased with the prolonged modeling time, which was time dependent; The levels of CTX-II and C2C in the serum of rats in the sham operation group did not change significantly; both macroscopic observations and Mankin scores increased significantly. The AUC of the combined biomarker is higher than that of CTX-II and C2C. Finally, CTX-II and C2C levels were positively correlated with Mankin score.
Conclusion

Early combined detection of serum CTX-II and C2C concentrations has potential value for the evaluation and diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Different Subtypes of Collateral Vessels in Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease with p.R4810K Variant
Authors: Ge Peicong , Zhang Qian , Ye Xun , Liu Xingju , Deng Xiaofeng , Wang Jia , Wang Rong , Zhang Yan , Zhang Dong , Zhao Jizong
Published: May 2020

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the hemorrhgic sites and collateral vessels in hemorrhagic MMD with the p.R4810K variant.Methods Hemorrhage sites were classified as either anterior or posterior. Collateral vessels were classified into three subtypes according to origin: lenticulostriate anastomosis, thalamic anastomosis, and choroidal anastomosis. Lenticulostriate anastomosis. Hemorrhage sites and collateral vessels were compared between patients with wild-type p.R4810K variant (GG) and patients with heterozygous p.R4810K variant (GA) after 1:1 propensity score matching.Results A total of 130 hemorrhagic MMD patients were included in present study, 21 pairs (42 hemorrhagic hemispheres) were obtained after 1:1 propensity score. In GA group, 16 hemispheres (76.2%) presented anterior hemorrhage, and 5 hemispheres (23.8%) presented with posterior hemorrhage. In GG group, 13 hemispheres (61.9%) presented anterior hemorrhage, and 8 hemispheres (38.1%) presented with posterior hemorrhage. No significant differences were found in hemorrhagic sites between two matched groups (P > 0.05). Of 21 hemispheres in GA group, 10 (47.6%) exhibited lenticulostriate anastomosis, 6 (28.6%) thalamic anastomosis, and 6 (28.6%) choroidal anastomosis. Of 21 hemispheres in GG group, 3 (14.3%) exhibited lenticulostriate anastomosis, 5 (23.8%) thalamic anastomosis, and 9 (42.9%) choroidal anastomosis. There was significant difference in lenticulostriate anastomosis between two matched groups (P = 0.045). After adjustment the age, sex, and PCA involvement, we found that lenticulostriate anastomosis was associated with p.R4810K variant (OR, 5.995; 95% CI, 1.296–27.737; P = 0.022).Conclusion Lenticulostriate anastomosis were associated with p.R4810K variant. Whereas hemorrhagic sites, thalamic anastomosis, and choroidal anastomosis were not correlated with p.R4810K variant.
Diagnostic Accuracy of D-Dimer in Periprosthetic Joint Infection: a diagnostic meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Sun Xiaobo , Xin Pengfei , Zhu Xingyang , Jie Ke , Cao Houran , Feng Wenjun , Zeng Yuqing , Lv Yan , Chen Jinlun , LI Jie , Zeng Jianchun , zeng yirong
Published: May 2020

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications after total joint replacement. Up to now, the diagnosis of PJI is still in a dilemma. As a novel biomarker, whether D-Dimer is valuable in the diagnosis of PJI remains controversial. This meta-analysis attempts to determine the diagnostic accuracy of D-Dimer in PJI.Methods: Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (from database establishment to April 2020). Literature quality was evaluated using Revman (Version 5.3). The random effect model was used in Stata version 14.0 software to combine sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and area under SROC (AUC) to evaluate the diagnostic value of overall D-Dimer for PJI. Meta regression and subgroup analysis were performed according to the threshold, the study design, the sample size, the diagnostic gold standard, the country of study, and the type of sample.Results:A total of 9 studies were included in this study, including 1592 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of D-Dimer for PJI diagnosis are 0.82(95%CI, 0.72~0.89) and 0.73(95%CI, 0.58~0.83), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 2.99 (95%CI, 1.84~4.88) and 0.25 (95%CI, 0.15~0.41), respectively. The pooled AUC and diagnostic odds ratios were 0.85 (95%CI, 0.82~0.88) and 12.20 (95% CI, 4.98~29.86), respectively.Conclusion: D-Dimer is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of PJI, which should be used in conjunction with other biomarkers or as an adjunct to other diagnostic methods to enhance diagnostic performance.
Elevated Serum Free Carnitine Levels in Children with Kawasaki Disease and Their Relation to Unresponsiveness to Intravenous Immunoglobulin: retprospective study
Authors: Muto Taichiro , Nakamura Nami , Masuda Yu , Numoto Shingo , Kodama Shunsuke , Miyamoto Ryosuke , Miyata Kenji , Hayakawa Tomohito , Mori Hiromitsu , Kuroyanagi Yoshiyuki , Akaihata Mitsuko , Iwayama Hideyuki , Kurahashi Hirokazu , Shimomura Yasuhito , Nagai Takuhito , Hori Toshinori , Agata Hiroatsu , Okumura Akihisa
Published: May 2020

Background

Carnitine plays an essential role in transfer of long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria for subsequent β-oxidation. No studies to date have characterized carnitine in children with KD. The objective of this study is to investigate the characteristics of serum free carnitine (FC) in hospitalized pediatric patients with Kawasaki disease (KD).
Methods

In total, 45 patients with KD measured the levels of serum FC from October 2018 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. We analyzed the clinical and laboratory parameters just before the Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) including serum levels of serum FC with respect to the IVIG response.
Results

The median age was 33 months. IVIG was effective in 33 children (responders) and was ineffective in 12 (non-responders). The serum FC levels were higher in non-responders than in responders [(35.3 µmol/L (range, 26.8-118.4 µmol/L) vs. 31.4 µmol/L (range, 20.9–81.2 µmol/L), p value = 0.0496]. The FC levels before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in four-fifths of responders were below the normal range.The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, and FC were higher in non-responders than in responders. There was a correlation between FC and AST (R2 = 0.364, P = 0.0015) and between FC and ALT (R2 = 0.423, P < 0.001) levels.
Conclusion

FC levels were upregulated in patients with KD who were refractory to IVIG. Additionally, FC levels in children with KD correlated with AST and ALT levels. The pathogenesis resulting in the elevation of FC levels remains elusive. Further studies are necessary to understand more precisely carnitine properties in patients with KD.
High conservation combined with high plasticity: genomics and evolution of Borrelia bavariensis
Authors: Becker Noémie S , Rollins Robert Ethan , Nosenko Kateryna , Paulus Alexander , Martin Samantha , Krebs Stefan , Takano Ai , Sato Kozue , Kovalev Sergey Y , Kawabata Hiroki , Fingerle Volker , Margos Gabriele
Published: May 2020

BackgroundBorrelia bavariensis is one of the agents of Lyme Borreliosis (or Lyme disease) in Eurasia. The genome of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex, that includes B. bavariensis , is known to be very complex and fragmented making the assembly of whole genomes with next-generation sequencing data a challenge. ResultsWe present a genome reconstruction for 33 B. bavariensis isolates from Eurasia based on long-read (Pacific Bioscience, for three isolates) and short-read (Illumina) data. We show that the combination of both sequencing techniques allows proper genome reconstruction of all plasmids in most cases but us e of a very close reference is necessary when only short-read sequencing data is available. B. bavariensis genomes combine a high degree of genetic conservation with high plasticity: all isolates share the main chromosome and five plasmids, but the repertoire of other plasmids is highly variable. In addition to plasmid losses and gains through horizontal transfer, we also observe several fusions between plasmids. Although European isolates of B. bavariensis have little diversity in genome content, there is some geographic structure to this variation. In contrast, each Asian isolate has a unique plasmid repertoire and we observe no geographically based differences between Japanese and Russian isolates. Comparing the genomes of Asian and European populations of B. bavariensis suggest s that some genes which are markedly different between the two populations may be good candidates for adaptation to the tick vector, ( Ixodes ricinus in Europe and I. persulcatus in Asia) . ConclusionsWe present the characterization of genomes of a large sample of B. bavariensis isolates and show that their plasmid content is highly variable. This study opens the way for genomic studies seeking to understand host and vector adaptation as well as human pathogenicity in Eurasian Lyme borreliosis agents.
Nucleotide diversity of functionally different groups of immune response genes in Old World camels based on newly annotated and reference-guided assemblies
Authors: Lado Sara , Elbers Jean P. , Rogers Mark F. , Melo-Ferreira José , Yadamsuren Adiya , Corander Jukka , Horín Petr , Burger Pamela A.
Published: May 2020

The preprint has been removed because it was posted in error by Research Square.
Recurrence of Hepatitis C Virus after treatment with Pegylated Interferon and Direct Acting Antivirals in Punjab, Pakistan.
Authors: Raza Muhammad Naeem , Sughra Kalsoom , Zeeshan Nadia
Published: May 2020

Background Although increased response rates concomitant in hepatitis C virus but relapse after treatment is threatened. Therefore, it is terrible requirement to evaluate the response of Pegylated interferon and direct acting antivirals in Pakistan.Methods This study conducted at Department of Pathology, Nawaz Sharif Medical College Gujrat, while treatment effects monitored in different Government and Private Hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan from July 2017 to January 2019. Total 973 patients administered the recommended dose that divided in two groups (i) Interferon based therapy (ii) direct acting antivirals (DAAs).Other parameters like ALT and viral load studied.Results The 374 patients given interferon therapy and 32 of 374 were positive after 24 weeks of treatment. Among these 29 patients have same genotype and recurrence was present .While 3 patients were re-infected with different HCV strains. In case of DAAs, only 27 patients were positive among 558 patients after 2 weeks and only one patient re-infected with different genotype. Early and sustained virologic response noted in DAAs. ALT and viral load decreased faster with DAAs that not achieved after 4 weeks with pegylated interferon.Conclusion SVR appears in DAAs and recurrence rate was high in interferon-based therapy as compared to DAAs. Therefore, reinfection has implications for correct treatment efficiency and to select optimal strategies for retreatment cases.
SARS-CoV-2 Origins and Evolution: Insights from Coronaviruses Recombination and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Murahwa Alltalents Tutsirayi , Onywera Harris , Nindo Fredrick
Published: May 2020

Background: It is imperative in the midst of a global epidemic to investigate the origins of the infectious agent especially when it has reached parts of the world with either ailing economies or pre-existing political turmoil consistent with non-functional health systems. Methods: To explore the possibility of cross species infection, genomic recombination and the emergence of novel coronaviruses in the near future we carried out recombination and phylogenetic analysis to determine the spatio-temporal evolution and origins of the current SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results: Our findings prove using two robust recombination tools, RDPv4.100 and SimPlot3.5.1 analysis that SARS-CoV-2 is a recombinant of pangolin and bat RaTG13 sequences as been previously shown elsewhere. We also report one novel recombinantion event between two SARS-CoV-2 sequences ( SARS-CoV-2 sequence, MT188341 , SARS-CoV-2 sequence, MT293183). Bearing in mind that the prerequisite for recombination is the occurrence two viral sequences in the same reservoir, biological niche or host at the same time we postulate either co-infection with the two viral sequences, or superinfection, both scenarios have not been reported elsewhere. Conclusion: The possibility of recombination between the SARS-CoV-2 sequences poses the likelihood of the emergence of new and maybe more or less virulent “strains” of the virus. We believe that the future of science lies in our ability to be able to use computational based methods to predict the genetic sequences of infectious agents of the next epidemics. The addition of more SARS-CoV-2 sequences has a bearing on the understanding of the origin, evolution and clinical outcome prediction of given viral genomes. More SARS-CoV-2 sequences are needed to elucidate our understanding of this family of viruses.
Surgery Improve the Prognosis of Colon Mucinous Adenocarcinoma with Liver Metastases: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Huang Jia , Chen Guodong , Liu Huan , Zhang Yiwei , Tang Rong , Huang Qiulin , Fu Kai , Peng Xiuda , Xiao Shuai
Published: May 2020

Background Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is the second common pathological type of colon carcinoma (CC). Colon cancer liver metastases (CLM) is common and lethal, complete resection for both of the primary tumor and metastases of CLM would be beneficial. However, there is still no consensus for the role of surgery in MAC of CC with liver metastases (M-CLM).Methods Among 5816 patients who diagnosed with M-CLM or classical adenocarcinoma of CLM (A-CLM) from 2010 to 2013 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrieved. The clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) data were compared and analyzed.Results Total of 5816 M-CLM and A-CLM patients were enrolled in this study. Results showed M-CLM group had larger tumor size, more right colon location, high pT and pN stage compared with A-CLM group, as well as more female patients, more examined and positive lymph nodes and a higher proportion of surgery than A-CLM group. The OS and CSS of M-CLM patients accepted any surgery were significantly better than that didn’t accept any surgery, but poorer than that of A-CLM patients. Meanwhile, the OS and CSS of M-CLM and A-CLM were comparable when they didn’t receive any surgery. Moreover, partial colectomy provided the similar OS and CSS compared with hemicolectomy or greater for M-CLM, and surgery was an independent protective factor for long-term survival of M-CLM.Conclusions M-CLM had distinct clinicopathological characteristics, surgery could improve the long-term survival and act as an independent protective prognostic factor for M-CLM, additionally, partial colectomy might be a better selection for M-CLM from this study.
Investigation on Yield Behavior of 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Lin Jianping , Bao Xingyu , Hou Yong , Min Junying , Qu Xinlei , Tao Zhimin , Chen Jiajie
Published: May 2020

Aluminum alloys have drawn considerable attention in the area of automotive lightweight. High strength aluminum alloys are usually deformed at elevated temperatures due to their poor formability at room temperature. In this work, the yield behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy in T6 temper (AA7075-T6) within the temperature ranging from 20 ℃ to 230 ℃ was investigated. Uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests with the aid of induction heating system were performed to determine the stress vs. strain curves and the yield loci of AA7075-T6 at elevated temperatures, respectively. Von Mises, Hill48 and Yld2000-2d yield criteria were applied to predicting yield loci which were compared with experimentally measured yield loci of the AA7075-T6. Results show that yield stress corresponding to the same equivalent plastic strain decreases with increasing temperature within the investigated temperature range and the shape of yield loci evolves nearly negligibly. The experimental yield locus expands with an increase of equivalent plastic strain at the same temperature and the work hardening rate of AA7075-T6 exhibits obvious stress-state-dependency. The non-quadratic Yld2000-2d yield criterion describes the yield surfaces of AA7075-T6 more accurately than the quadratic von Mises and Hill48 yield criteria, and an exponent of 14 in the Yld2000-2d yield function gives the optimal predictions for the AA7075-T6 at all investigated temperatures.
Definitive radiotherapy in the management of non-resectable or residual retroperitoneal sarcomas: institutional cohort analysis and systematic review
Authors: Sobiborowicz Aleksandra , Spałek Mateusz Jacek , Czarnecka Anna , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: May 2020

Background There is currently no consensus on optimal management of patients with primary or recurrent non-resectable/residual retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS). The objective of this study was to document the outcomes of patients with primary or recurrent non-resectable/residual RPS treated in our center with definitive radiotherapy (RT), and to perform systematic review on that topic. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive RPS patients treated in our center between 2000 and 2019 was performed. All consecutive patients who underwent definitive conformal RT with image guidance for primary or recurrent non-resectable or macroscopically residual RPS were included. Additionally, the systematic review compliant with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was performed.Results 14 patients who met aforementioned criteria were found. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, RT and response to treatment were presented. RT allowed achieving prolonged local control of the disease i.e. no local progression of the disease for more than six months after RT in 12 patients. Achieved local control lasted more than 24 months in six cases, with none or minimal toxicity. 11 studies were included in the systematic review. Our results are in concordance to reports included in the review.Conclusions RT provided satisfactory local disease control with acceptable treatment tolerance in patients with primary or recurrent non-resectable/residual RPS. RT represents valuable treatment modality in this selected group of patients. Additional RT modalities i.e. particle therapy, MRI-guided RT or GRID/Lattice RT may be introduced to improve local control and minimize toxicity.