bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis and prediction of genes involved in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and bioactive secondary metabolites in high-temperature-tolerant of wild Flammulina filiformis
Authors: Chen Juan , Li Jia-Mei , Tang Yan-Jing , Ma Ke , Li Bing , Zeng Xu , Liu Xiao-Bin , Li Yang , Yang Zhu-Liang , Xu Wei-Nan , Xie Bao-Gui , Guo Shun-Xing , Liu Hong-Wei
Published: December 2019

Background: Flammulina filiformis (=Asian “F.velutipes”) is a popular commercial edible mushroom. Many bioactive compounds with medicinal effects, such as polysaccharides and sesquiterpenoids, have been isolated and identified from F. filiformis, but their biosynthesis and regulation at the molecular level remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced the genome of the wild strain F. filiformis Liu355, predicated its the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and profiled the expression of these genes in wild and cultivar strains and in different developmental stages of the wild F. filiformis strain by a comparative transcriptomic analysis. Results: We found that the genome of the F. filiformis was 35.01 M bp in length and harbored 10396 gene models. Thirteen putative terpenoid gene clusters were predicted and 12 sesquiterpene synthase genes belonging to four different groups and two type I polyketide synthase gene clusters were identified in the F. filiformis genome. The number of genes related to terpenoid biosynthesis was higher in the wild strain (119 genes) than in the cultivar strain (81 genes). Most terpenoid biosynthesis genes were upregulated in the primordium and fruiting body of the wild strain, while the polyketide synthase genes were generally upregulated in the mycelium of the wild strain. Moreover, genes encoding UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, which are involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis, had relatively high transcript levels both in the mycelium and fruiting body of the wild F. filiformis strain. Conclusions: F. filiformis is enriched in a number of gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and terpenoid bioactive compounds and these genes usually display differential expression between wild and cultivar strains, even in different developmental stages. This study expands our knowledge of the biology of F. filiformis and provides valuable data for elucidating the regulation of secondary metabolites in this unique F. filiformis strain.
Human plasma dynamically quenches the fluorescein at the initial point of Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) Assay
Authors: Gunawardena Harshi Prasadini , Silva Renuka , Ranasinghe Pathmasiri
Published: December 2019

Objective: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay measures the quenching of fluorescent probe by peroxyl radicals. Antioxidants present in biological systems block the quenching of fluorescence probe. We experienced dynamic quenching of fluorescein in ORAC assay by human plasma while plasma ORAC assay was optimized. Therefore, for the first time, we report the quenching of fluorescein by plasma at the initial point of ORAC assay. Results: Aqueous whole and non-protein fractions of plasma were used in the analysis. Since both fractions showed a similar pattern of quenching at the initial stage, quenched percentage of fluorescein was calculated and added to each sample in subsequent analysis. Addition of extra 20% fluorescein allowed plasma samples to quench the required amount of fluorescein and follow normal decay curves afterwards. Further, change of fluorescein quenching (ΔF/F 0 ) disclosed a dose dependent linear relationship with plasma (R 2 =0.8). It can be speculated that dynamic quenching exhibited by human plasma biomolecule/s at the initial stage would be of non-protein aqueous phase molecule/s. We suggest initiating further studies to detect, identify and quantify the fluorescein quenching biomolecules present in human plasma for further improvements in plasma ORAC assay.
Men’s grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss: A systematic review and emerging theoretical model
Authors: Obst Kate , Due Clemence , Oxlad Melissa , Middleton Philippa
Published: December 2019

Background: Emotional distress following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss is common, with enduring grief occurring for many parents. However, little is known about men’s grief, since the majority of existing literature and subsequent bereavement care guidelines have focused on women. To develop a comprehensive understanding of men’s grief, this systematic review sought to summarise and appraise the literature focusing on men’s grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken with searches completed across four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL). These were guided by two research questions: 1) what are men’s experiences of grief following pregnancy/neonatal loss; and 2) what are the predictors of men’s grief following pregnancy/neonatal loss? Eligible articles were qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods empirical studies including primary data on men’s grief, published between 1998 and October 2018. Eligibility for loss type included miscarriage or stillbirth (by any definition), termination of pregnancy for nonviable foetal anomaly, and neonatal death up to 28 days after a live birth. Results: A final sample of 46 articles were identified, including 26 qualitative, 19 quantitative, and one mixed methods paper. Findings indicate that men’s grief experiences are highly varied, and current grief measures may not capture all of the complexities of grief for men. Qualitative studies identified that in comparison to women, men may face different challenges including expectations to support female partners, and a lack of social recognition for their grief and subsequent needs. Men may face double-disenfranchised grief in relation to the pregnancy/neonatal loss experience. Conclusion: There is a need to increase the accessibility of support services for men following pregnancy/neonatal loss, and to provide recognition and validation of their experiences of grief. Cohort studies are required among varied groups of bereaved men to confirm grief-predictor relationships, and to refine an emerging socio-ecological model of men’s grief.
Elevated expression of AGGF1 predicts poor prognosis and promotes the metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Sun Huimin , Chen Wanyuan , He Xianglei
Published: December 2019

Background: Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) can promote angiogenesis and increasing evidence has highlighted the important roles of AGGF1 in tumorigenesis. However, the differential expression as well as the biological functions of AGGF1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be established. The purpose of the present study is therefore to identify the effect of AGGF1 on prognosis and metastasis in CRC patients.
Methods: The expression level of AGGF1 in CRC was examined by qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray containing 236 CRC specimens and paired normal mucosae. And the effect of AGGF1 on CRC cell malignance was investigated in our established stable AGGF1 upregulated and knockdown CRC cell lines.
Results: The expression level of AGGF1 in CRC tissue was not significantly different to that in adjacent normal mucosa at the mRNA level. However, at the protein level, AGGF1 expression in CRC tissues was significantly higher than in paired normal mucosa, which showed a clear association with TNM stage, AJCC stage, vascular invasion, and differentiation. Further, we revealed an apparent correlation between AGGF1 expression and poorer disease-free survival and overall survival of CRC patients. In addition, we discovered that AGGF1 significantly promoted CRC cell wound healing, migration, and invasion in vitro and distant metastasis in vivo.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the aberrant overexpression of AGGF1 in CRC and provides a basis on which to explore the application of AGGF1 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC patients, especially for CRC patients with distant metastasis.
Ectopic expression of citrus UDP-GLUCOSYL TRANSFERASE gene enhances anthocyanin and proanthocyanidins contents and confers high light tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rao Muhammad Junaid , Xu Yuantao , Huang Yue , Tang Xiaomei , Deng Xiuxin , Xu Qiang
Published: December 2019

Background

Citrus fruits are consumed freshly or as juice to directly provide various dietary flavonoids to humans. Diverse metabolites at different levels are present among Citrus genera and many flavonoids biosynthetic genes were induced after abiotic stresses. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we designed experiments to overexpress a UDP-GLUCOSYL TRANSFERASE gene from Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) to evaluate its possible function in metabolism and response to stress.Results

Our results demonstrated that overexpression of Cs-UGT78D3 resulted in high accumulation of proanthocyanidins in the seed coat and a dark brown color to transgenic Arabidopsis seeds. In addition, the total contents of flavonoid and anthocyanin were significantly enhanced in the leaves of overexpressed lines. Gene expression analyses indicated that many flavonoid (flavonol) and anthocyanin genes were up-regulated by 4-15 folds in transgenic Arabidopsis. Moreover, after 14 days of high light stress treatment, the transgenic Arabidopsis lines showed strong antioxidant activity and higher total contents of anthocyanins and flavonoids in leaves compared with the wild type.Conclusion

Our study concluded that the citrus Cs-UGT78D3 gene is involved in proanthocyanidins accumulation in seed coats and confers tolerance to high light stress by accumulating the total anthocyanin and flavonoid contents with better antioxidant potential (due to photoprotective activity of anthocyanin) in the transgenic Arabidopsis.
Transcriptome-wide map of m6A circRNAs identified in a rat model of hypoxia mediated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Su Hua , Wang Guowen , Wu Lingfang , Ma Xiuqing , Ying Kejing , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: December 2019

Background: Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a lethal disease and lacks effective therapy. CircRNAs play significant roles in physiological process. Recently, circRNAs are found to be m6A-modified. The abundance of circRNAs was influenced by m6A. Furthermore, the significance of m6A circRNAs has not been elucidated in HPH yet. Here we aim to investigate the transcriptome-wide map of m6A circRNAs in HPH.
Results: Differentially expressed m6A abundance was detected in lungs of HPH rats. M6A abundance in circRNAs was significantly reduced in hypoxia in vitro. M6A circRNAs were mainly from protein-coding genes spanned single exons in control and HPH groups. Moreover, m6A influenced the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA co-expression network in hypoxia. M6A circXpo6 and m6A circTmtc3 were firstly identified to be downregulated in HPH.
Conclusion: Our study firstly identified the transcriptome-wide map of m6A circRNAs in HPH.
M6A can influence circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network. Furthermore, we firstly identified two HPH-associated m6A circRNAs: circXpo6 and circTmtc3. However, the clinical significance of m6A circRNAs for HPH should be further validated.

Key words: m6A circRNAs; hypoxic pulmonary hypertension; m6A circXpo6; m6A circTmtc3
A new approach to characterize postural deficits in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and to analyze postural adaptions after an exercise intervention
Authors: Kneis Sarah , Wehrle Anja , Dalin Daniela , Wiesmeier Isabella Katharina , Lambeck Johann , Gollhofer Albert , Bertz Hartmut , Maurer Christoph
Published: December 2019

Background Postural instability presents a common and disabling consequence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, knowledge about postural behavior of CIPN patients is sparse. With this pilot study, we used a new approach to i) characterize postural impairments as compared to healthy subjects, ii) allocate possible abnormalities to a set of parameters describing sensorimotor function, and iii) evaluate the effects of a balance-based exercise intervention.Methods We analyzed spontaneous and externally perturbed postural control in eight CIPN patients before and after a balance-based exercise intervention by using a modification of an established postural control model. These findings were compared to 15 matched healthy subjects.Results Spontaneous sway amplitude and velocity were larger in CIPN patients compared to healthy subjects. CIPN patients’ reactions to external perturbations were smaller compared to healthy subjects, indicating that patients favor vestibular over proprioceptive sensory information. The balance-based exercise intervention up-weighted proprioceptive information in patients.Conclusion CIPN patients’ major postural deficit may relate to underuse of proprioceptive information that results in a less accurate posture control as spontaneous sway results indicate. The balance-based exercise intervention is able to partially correct for this abnormality. Our study contributes to a better understanding of postural impairments in CIPN patients and suggests an effective treatment strategy.
Can IVIM MRI be used to differentiate patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders?
Authors: Lu Tao , Pu Hong , Li Kuide , Mei Jie , Huang Meng-wei , Wang Shao-yu
Published: December 2019

Objective Background The incidence of PAS disorders increased rapidly in recent years, and introvoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI has been applied in the assessment of placenta. The study aims to investigate whether the parameters from IVIM can be used to differentiate patients with PAS disorders complicating placenta previa and secondly to differentiate different categories of PAS disorders. Methods The study participants were comprised of 99 patients with placenta previa, including 16 patients with placenta accreta, 51 patients with increta, 8 patients with percreta and 24 patients without PAS disorders between 28+0 and 39+6 weeks. IVIM MRI was performed on a 1.5T scanner. Perfusion fraction (f), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) and standard diffusion coefficient (D) were calculated. Results Women with PAS disorders had a higher perfusion fraction (p=0.019) than women without the disease. Multiple comparisons showed perfusion fraction in patients without PAS disorders was significantly lower than in patients with placenta accreta and percreta(P=0.018 and 0.033 respectively), but was not lower than in patients with increta(p=1). Conclusion Patients with placenta accreta and percreta differed in placental perfusion fraction from women with increta and without PAS disorders.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the defense mechanism of cotton against Verticillium dahliae in the presence of the biocontrol fungus Chaetomium globosum CEF-082
Authors: ZHANG YUN , Yang Na , Zhao Lihong , Zhu Heqin , Author) Canming Tang(New Corresponding
Published: December 2019

Background: Verticillium wilt of cotton is a serious soil-borne disease that causes a substantial reduction in cotton yields. A previous study showed that the endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 could control Verticillium wilt of cotton, and induce a defense response in cotton plants. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanism governing this response is not yet clear.
Results: To study the signalling mechanism induced by CEF-082, the transcriptome of cotton seedlings pretreated with CEF-082 was sequenced. The results revealed 5638 DEGs at 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, and 2921 and 2153 DEGs at 12 and 48 h post inoculation with Verticillium dahliae, respectively. At 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched mainly in the plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signalling pathway-plant, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. There were 1209 DEGs specifically induced only in cotton plants inoculated with V. dahliae in the presence of the biocontrol fungus CEF-082, and not when cotton plants were only inoculated with V. dahliae. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were enriched mainly in the following terms: ROS metabolic process, H2O2 metabolic process, defense response, superoxide dismutase activity, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, many genes, such as ERF, CNGC, FLS2, MYB, GST and CML, that regulate crucial points in defense-related pathways were identified and may contribute to V. dahliae resistance in cotton. These results provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanism by which the biocontrol fungus CEF-082 increases the resistance of cotton to Verticillium wilt.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that CEF-082 could regulate multiple metabolic pathways in cotton. After treatment with V. dahliae, the defense response of cotton plants preinoculated with CEF-082 was strengthened.
Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Hernández-Reyes Alberto , Cámara-Martos F. , Molina-Luque R. , Romero-Saldaña M. , Molina-Recio G. , Moreno-Rojas R.
Published: December 2019

Background
There is evidence showing the effectiveness of a hypocaloric diet and the increase in physical activity on weight loss. However, the combined role of these factors, not only on weight loss but also body composition, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a hypocaloric diet on the body composition of obese adult women throughout different degrees of physical activity during a weight loss program.
Methods
One hundred and seventeen healthy female volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the experimental groups: a control group with a low-level prescription of physical activity (1-4 METs), moderate physical activity group that performed 10.000 steps walking (5-8 METs) and intense physical activity group that trained exercises by at least 70% of VO2max three times a week (>8 METs). All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet designed with a reduction of 500 kcal/day. Nutritional counseling was provided throughout the study period to help ensure dietary adherence.
Results
We found no differences in body weight compared to moderate and intense physical activity (ßstand. = -0.138 vs. ßstand. = -0.139). Body fat was lower in women following an intense activity (ßstand. = -0.436) than those with moderate exercise (ßstand. = -0.231). The high-intense activity also increased muscle mass at the end of the intervention, standing out above the moderate activity (ßstand. = 0.182 vs. ßstand. = 0.008).
Conclusions
These findings indicate that a hypocaloric diet, without prescription of physical activity, is adequate to lose weight in the short term (12 weeks), but physical activity is vital to modify the body composition in women with obesity. Body fat was lower when women practiced a moderate exercise compared to hypocaloric diet only, but an intense physical activity was the most effective protocol to obtain a reduction of body fat and maintain muscle mass.

Trial registration
The study protocol complied with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical studies, it was approved by the bioethical committee of Córdoba University, in the Department of Health at the Regional Government of Andalusia (Act nº284, ref.4156) and retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03833791). Registered 2 January 2019
Kinematic and Mechanical Analysis of the Ankle Rotating-Traction-Poking Manipulation
Authors: Chunyu Gao , Baojian Wang , Liguo Zhu , Gao Jinghua , Jianguo Li , Jian Li , Minshan Feng
Published: December 2019

Background: In China, the ankle rotating-traction-poking manipulation (RTPM) has been used to increase range of movement and reduce pain in patients with lateral ankle sprains. But no research so far has quantitatively analyzed the kinematic and mechanical data of RTPM therapy. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the kinematics and mechanics of RTPM technique. Methods: A total of 60 volunteers who had ankle sprains participated in the study. A single physiotherapist specializing in RTPM worked with each of the subjects. Motion capture technology, self-developed mechanical gloves, and a data synchronization device were used to acquire kinematic and mechanical data during the RTPM. Results: The mean maximum force of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger during the rotating was 18.89 N, 10.26 N, and 9.51 N, respectively, that of the traction force was 18.61 N, 13.25 N, and 8.33 N, respectively, and that of the poking force was 26.5 N, 8.61 N, and 10.62 N, respectively. The average time of rotating for six circles was 11.36 s. The average linear velocity of rotating was 58.28 mm/s, and that of traction-poking was 23.81 mm/s. The average linear acceleration of rotating was 0.43 mm/s2, and that of traction-poking was 0.54 mm/s2. The average displacements of traction and poking were 36.94 mm and 22.44 mm, respectively. The average angle of traction and poking were 23.27° and 22.76°, respectively. Conclusions: The RTPM can be repeatable for clinical application, and also has features of gentleness, rhythmicity, and continuity.
Photosynthetic performance and growth responses of Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey (Asparagaceae) planted within poplar forests having different canopy densities
Authors: zhang jiaojiao , Zhou Jian , Zhu Ling , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2019

Background: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses. Results: Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate (PN) were highest in lilyturf growing under high. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier. Conclusions: The novelty of this research is the demonstration of the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf's shade adaptation mechanisms indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fuorescence, Chla, Chlb and Car contents and grown in different irradiance. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting.The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the furture. Keywords: chlorophyll fluorescence; diurnal course; light acclimation; light response curve; soil characteristics; path analysis.
Making researchers responsible: Attributions of responsibility and ambiguous notions of culture in research codes of conduct
Authors: Valkenburg Govert , Dix Guus , Tijdink Joeri , de Rijcke Sarah
Published: December 2019

Background Research codes of conduct offer guidance to researchers with respect to which values should be realized in research practices, how these values are to be realized, and what the respective responsibilities of the individual and the institution are in this. However, the question how the division between individual and institutional responsibilities is to be made, has hitherto received little attention. Therefore, we conduct an analysis of research codes of conduct, and investigate how responsibilities are positioned as individual or institutional ones and how the boundary between those two is shaped.Method We selected 12 codes of conduct that apply to medical research in the Netherlands, and performed a close-reading content analysis of these codes of conduct. We first identify dominant themes, and then investigate how responsibility is attributed to individuals and institutions.Results We observe that in many cases, the attribution of the responsibility to either the individual or the institution is not entirely clear and that the notion of culture appears as a residual category for such attributions. This notion of responsible research cultures is deemed important as something that mediates between the individual and institutional level, but at the same time largely lacks substantiation.Conclusions While many attributions of individual and institutional responsibility are clear, the exact boundary between individual and institutional responsibility is often problematic. We suggest two possible avenues for improvement in codes of conduct: either clearly attribute responsibilities to individuals or institutions and depend less less on the notion of culture, or make culture a more explicit concern and articulate what it is and how it could be fostered.
Indoxyl Sulfate and High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Li , Xiang Fangfang , Ji Jun , Zou Jianzhou , Chen Yunqin , Xue Ning , Zhang Lin , Jiang Xiaotian , Ding Xiaoqiang , Cao Xuesen
Published: December 2019

Background: High indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels are both risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the connection between which has not been clearly clarified. This study aimed to explore the relationship between IS and HDL-c levels in early stages of CKD population. Methods: Patients of CKD stage 1-3 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between HDL-c and IS were investigated among various clinicopathological variables.Results: A total of 205 CKD patients (96 men) with a mean age of 43.3 years old were included in this research. There were 96 patients (46 men) in CKD stage1 and 109 (50 men) in CKD stage 2 or stage 3. IS levels were significantly higher in CKD 2+3 group (1.50±1.74μg/ml vs 0.94±0.66μg/ml, p=0.007), while HCL-c levels were lower (1.19±0.39mmol/L vs 1.33±0.45 mmol/L, p=0.017) compared to CKD 1 group. Among all the patients, a negative correlation was observed between IS and HDL-c levels (r=-0.244, p=0.001). IS level was an independent risk factor for low HDL-c (<1.04mmol/L) incidence even after controlling for potential confounders (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.11-2.39, p=0.013). IS and HDL-c were both risk factors for predicting CKD stage 3. Conclusions: Metabolic disorder of HDL-c occurs in early CKD stages, probably attributed by increased IS level. Early management of dyslipidemia and uremic toxin retention is important for delaying disease progression and preventing cardiovascular events. Keywords: Indoxyl sulfate, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Chronic kidney disease, Cardiovascular disease, Lipids
The role of the MTG in negative emotional processing in young adults with autistic traits: a fMRI task study
Authors: Yu Yaxu , Wang Xiaoqin , Ward Jamie , Jiang Qiu
Published: December 2019

Individuals with autistic traits are those within the normal population who demonstrate social, communication, and cognitive impairments but who do not meet the clinical threshold for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder associated with deficits in high-level cognitive functions such as negative emotion processing and social cognitive processing, and people with autistic traits also have these impairments. Few previous studies have explored negative emotion processing in people with autistic traits using task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we focused on the behaviors of a large sample (N=104) of Chinese individuals with different levels of autistic traits, who we tested using a popular questionnaire called the autism spectrum quotient (AQ). We then applied task fMRI to determine negative emotion processing and social cognition associated with differences in brain activation and functional connectivity. The results mainly showed significantly positive activation in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and the right hippocampus gyrus (HG) in multiple regression analysis. More importantly, mediation analysis showed that the right MTG suppresses the relationship between AQ (total) score and negative emotional processing, showing that a higher autistic trait score in individuals leads to a smaller difference between the rating of negative images and the neutral images. Furthermore, generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses (gPPI) analysis also suggested that the right MTG shows significant functional connectivity (FC) with the left parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), suggesting that individuals with autistic traits have high level of spontaneous negative emotion. According to these findings, we assumed that the MTG might have a specific effect on processing negative emotion in individuals with autistic traits related to weaker to social emotion ability. The emotion perception mechanisms in the MTG region may be affected by atypical negative emotion processing in other brain regions such as HG and PHG, during a negative emotion processing task with socially emotion-relevant information in individuals with autistic traits.
Microglia depletion by administration of a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor antagonist exacerbates inflammation-induced fatigue in mice
Authors: Vichaya Elisabeth G. , Ford Bianca G. , Dantzer Robert
Published: December 2019

Background: Production of inflammatory mediators by activated microglial cells in the central nervous system is commonly considered to be responsible for the development of symptoms of depression including fatigue and lack of energy (anergia) in response to systemic inflammation. Methods: In order to directly test the validity of this hypothesis, male C57BL/6 mice were treated orally with PLX5622, a specific antagonist of colony stimulating factor receptor to eliminate microglia before administration of a fatigue-inducing dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) according to a 2 (PLX5622 versus control diet) x 2 (LPS x control) factorial design. Fatigue was measured by decreased wheel running activity. Results: Chronic administration of PLX5622 eliminated microglia and peripheral tissue macrophages. However, it did not abrogate the inducible expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain in response to LPS. Instead PLX5622 increased IL-6 and abrogated IL-10 response to LPS. PLX5622 had only moderate effects on the liver inflammatory response to LPS. In accordance with these neuroimmune effects, PLX5622-treated mice responded to LPS with the same level of decreased locomotor activity in a new environment as mice given the control diet. Further, PLX5622-treated mice displayed a prolonged decrease in running wheel activity. In addition, PLX5622-treated mice were less active in running wheels than mice given the control diet even in baseline conditions. Conclusions: These findings reveal a role for microglia in the regulation of immune-to-brain signaling that is different from the one usually ascribed to it and call for a re-evaluation of the importance of microglia in the brain response to physical exercise.
The Effects of a Novel Inhibitor of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha on Prepulse Inhibition and Microglial Activation in Two Distinct Rodent Models of Schizophrenia
Authors: Shelton Heath W. , Gabbita Somasundar Prasad , Gill W. Drew , Burgess Katherine C. , Whicker Wyatt S. , Brown Russell W.
Published: December 2019

Background: Increased neuroinflammation has been shown in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCHZ). This study evaluated a novel immune modulator (PD2024) that targets the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) to alleviate sensorimotor gating deficits and microglial activation employing two different rodent models of SCHZ. Methods: In Experiment 1, rats were neonatally treated with saline or the dopamine D2-like agonist quinpirole (NQ; 1 mg/kg) from postnatal day (P) 1-21 which produces increases of dopamine D2 receptor sensitivity throughout the animal’s lifetime. In Experiment 2, rats were neonatally treated with saline or the immune system stimulant polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) from P5-7. Neonatal Poly I:C treatment mimics immune system activation associated with SCHZ. In both experiments, rats were raised to P30 and administered a control diet or a novel TNFα inhibitor PD2024 (10mg/kg) in the diet from P30 until P67. At P45-46 and from P60-67, animals were behaviorally tested on auditory sensorimotor gating as measured through prepulse inhibition (PPI). Results: NQ or Poly I:C treatment resulted in PPI deficits, and PD2024 treatment alleviated PPI deficits in both models. Results also revealed that hippocampal microglial activation produced by neonatal Poly I:C was significantly reduced to control levels by PD2024. In addition, a separate group of animals neonatally treated with saline or Poly I:C from P5-7 demonstrated increased TNFα protein levels in the hippocampus, verifying increased TNFα in the brain produced by Poly I:C. Conclusions: Results from this study suggests that that brain TNFα is a viable pharmacological target to treat the neuroinflammation known to be associated with SCHZ.
Effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction and anchorage preservation during two-step technique: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Haonan , Xie Congman , Lin Min , Yang Hongmei , Ren Aishu
Published: December 2019

Background: To assess the effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction during two-step technique. Methods: The search was systematically performed up to June 2019 in five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus). A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for controlled clinical trials (CCTs) . The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied for quality assessment. Data concerning the mean difference in mesial molar movement and extent of canine retraction were extracted for statistical analysis. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval were analyzed for continuous data. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model for comparable outcomes was carried out. Results: Three RCTs and five CCTs were finally included. Meta-analysis showed a significant increase not only in anchorage preservation in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (1. 56 mm , 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.98, P <0.00001 ) and the mandible (1.62 mm , 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.01, P <0.00001 ) but also in canine retraction in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (0.43 mm , 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.69, P =0.001 ) and the mandible (0.26 mm , 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.49, P =0.03 ). Conclusions: Very low-quality evidence shows that implant anchorage is more efficient than conventional anchorage during canine retraction. Further high-quality studies are needed.
Strategies to reach and motivate migrant communities at high risk for TB to participate in latent tuberculosis infection screening program: a community-engaged mixed methods study among Eritreans
Authors: Spruijt Ineke , Haile Dawit Tesfay , Erkens Connie , Hof Susan van den , Goosen Simone , Kate Andrea ten , Teshome Hewan , Karels Marja , Koenders Marga , Suurmond Jeanine
Published: December 2019

Background: In the Netherlands, migrant populations with a high TB incidence are an important target group for TB prevention programs. However, there is a lack of insight in community-engaged strategies to reach and motivate those migrants to participate in a latent TB infection (LTBI) education, screening and treatment program.Methods: In co-creation with Eritrean key figures and TB care staff, we designed and executed six strategies to reach and motivate Eritrean communities to participate in LTBI screening and treatment programs in five regions in the Netherlands. We registered participation in LTBI education and screening, and uptake and completion of LTBI treatment. We used semi-structured group and individual interviews with Eritrean participants and key figures, and TB care staff to identify program facilitators and barriers.Results: Uptake of LTBI education and consequent screening varied between strategies (13% - 75% and 10% - 124% respectively). The program resulted in high treatment initiation and completion (both 97%) among those diagnosed with LTBI. Strategies using face-to-face promotion and targeting smaller groups were most successful. Reported program barriers included: competing priorities in the target group, perceived good health, poor risk perception, and skepticism towards the program purpose. TB staff perceived the program as useful but demanding in terms of human resources.Conclusions: Migrant communities can be successfully reached and motivated for LTBI screening and treatment programs, when sufficient (human) resources are in place and community-members, well connected to and trusted by the community, are engaged in the design and execution of the program.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Hmong-American Adolescents: A Participatory Focus Group Study
Authors: Xiong Serena , Kasouaher Maiyia Y. , Vue Bai , Culhane-Pera Kathleen A. , Pergament Shannon L. , Desai Jay , Lee Hee Yun
Published: December 2019

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in Asian-American/Pacific- Islander (AAPI) populations are substantially lower than majority Americans. No studies have assessed HPV vaccine rates in the Hmong population, an AAPI group with increased risks of cervical and nasopharyngeal cancer. In 2015, the HPV vaccinations rates for Hmong girls and boys ages 9-17 at a Minnesota community health center (CHC) were 32% and 20%, lower than national 2017 HPV rates of 47% and 53%. This qualitative community-based participatory action research study identified multilevel barriers, facilitators, and decision-making processes about HPV vaccinations among Hmong adolescents and parents. Methods: Bilingual community researchers recruited Hmong adolescents and their parents from a community health center, conducted eight focus groups with 12 adolescents and 13 parents. Participants also completed demographic and HPV knowledge surveys. The research team analyzed transcripts using participatory thematic analysis and identified themes using a multilevel socioecological model combined with an assets lens. Results: Both survey and focus group results showed that Hmong adolescents and parents had low levels of HPV and HPV vaccine awareness. At the individual-level, both adolescents and parents reported concerns about side-effects and cost as reasons for not getting any type of vaccination, however they also expressed a strong desire to learn about HPV and the HPV vaccine. Community-level barriers identified included community narratives around traumatic experiences with vaccines, and facilitators included family and community connections and communications. At the institutional-level, barriers included structural constraints in health care settings, while facilitators included ease of obtaining vaccines at school-based clinics and provider authoritative decision-making. Finally, there was a range of decision-making processes between parents and adolescents and between parents and providers. Conclusion: A linguistically and culturally-specific HPV educational program for Hmong adolescents and parents could address barriers and build on facilitators and assets to promote HPV vaccine uptake. These findings have informed the development of an eHealth application to increase HPV vaccinations in Hmong adolescents. Future research will test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of culturally-tailored, multilevel HPV vaccination interventions that may provide evidence about the efficacy of culturally-appropriate education in comprehensive vaccine strategies.
Personalizes Social Support for non-dependent old persons decrease significantly caregivers’ burden: a longitudinal study of 876 old persons and their caregiver.
Authors: Arlotto Sylvie , Gentile Stéphanie , Durand Anne Claire , Bonin-Guillaume Sylvie
Published: December 2019

Background. Informal care provided by family caregivers in old persons is associated to a high risk of burden and poor health status. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a Personalized Social Support (PSS) attributed to non-dependent old persons living in the community on caregiver burden, satisfaction and frailty. Methods. This non-interventional longitudinal study was performed in the south East area of in France: old persons asking for a PSS (>70 years old, with no disability and no severe chronic disease, living at home) and their caregiver were included with a 6-months follow up. Dyads were visited at home by social workers. Caregivers Burden has been assessed with Mini-Zarit and frailty status with FiND (Frail Non-Disable). Results. 876 dyads (old persons: female 77.6%, aged 82.2 ± 5.8 years old; caregivers: 64.5% female, 29% spouse, 61% children; 64% with frailty and 38% with high burden (high burden being significantly associated with frailty)) were eligible for a PSS. The follow-up was possible completed for 686 of them (78.3%). Among them, 569 PSS were financed, mainly: housekeeping and meal preparation. At follow-up, 53% of caregivers who had PSS experienced fewer difficulties in caring for their old person. Whether or not they received the PSS, 73% of the caregiver had a lower burden level, only 6% had a persistent high burden; 17% of them were less frail and 18% felt their health status was better than at the time of inclusion. 61,5% of caregivers who had PSS were totally satisfied. Conclusions. Our study highlight that the burden occurs also in non-dependent old person’s caregivers. Social support implementation for activity of daily living had a major impact on the burden but not on the caregiver frailty, which means that determinants of caregiver’s frailty are more complex and further studies are needed.
Association and Linkage Mapping to Unravel Genetic Architecture of Phenology-Related Traits and Lateral Bearing in Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Bernard Anthony , Marrano Annarita , Donkpegan Armel , Brown Patrick J. , Leslie Charles A. , Neale David B. , Lheureux Fabrice , Dirlewanger Elisabeth
Published: December 2019

Background: Unravelling the genetic architecture of agronomic traits in walnut such as budbreak date and bearing habit, is crucial for climate change adaptation and yield improvement. A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) using multi-locus models was conducted in a panel of 170 walnut accessions genotyped using the Axiom™ J. regia 700K SNP array, with phenological data from several years. These accessions come from the INRAE walnut germplasm collection which is the result of important prospecting work performed in many countries around the world. In parallel, an F1 progeny of 78 individuals segregating for phenology-related traits, was genotyped with the same array and phenotyped for the same traits, to construct linkage maps and perform Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) detection. Results: Using GWAS, we found strong associations of SNPs located at the beginning of chromosome 1 with both budbreak and female flowering dates. These findings were supported by QTLs detected in the same genomic region. Highly significant associated SNPs were also detected using GWAS for heterodichogamy and lateral bearing habit, both on chromosome 11. We developed a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker for budbreak date in walnut, and validated it using plant material from the Walnut Improvement Program of the University of California, Davis, demonstrating its effectiveness for marker-assisted selection in Persian walnut. We found several candidate genes involved in flowering events in walnut, including a gene related to heterodichogamy encoding a sugar catabolism enzyme and a cell division related gene linked to female flowering date. Conclusions: This study enhances knowledge of the genetic architecture of important agronomic traits related to male and female flowering processes and lateral bearing in walnut. The new marker available for budbreak date, the first key trait for good fruiting, will facilitate the selection and development of new walnut cultivars suitable for specific climates.
Patients' satisfaction factors mining and sentiment analysis of B2C mail-order pharmacy reviews
Authors: Liu Jingfang , Zhou Yingyi , Jiang Xiaoyan , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2019

BackgroundIn recent years, mail-order pharmacies have been accepted by increasingly more patients, and the prospects for mail-order pharmacies are optimistic. This article explores the patients’ satisfaction factors addressed in Business to Customer (B2C) mail-order pharmacy reviews and analyzes the sentiments expressed in the reviews. The goal of this work is to help B2C mail-order pharmacy enterprises identify patients’ concerns, continuously improve the health services level.MethodsThis paper was based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model. From a B2C mail-order pharmacy of integrated e-commerce and a vertical B2C mail-order pharmacy (JD.COM and J1.COM, respectively), 136,630 pieces of over-the-counter (OTC) drug review data posted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018 were selected as samples and used to explore the satisfaction factors of B2C mail-order pharmacy patients regarding the entire drug purchasing process. Then, the sentiments expressed in the drug reviews were analyzed with SnowNLP.ResultCategorization of the 12 factors identified by LDA showed that 5 factors were related to logistics; these 5 factors, which also included the most drug reviews, made up 38.5% of the reviews. The number of factors related to drug prices was second, with 3 factors, and reviews of drug prices made up 25.5% of the reviews. Customer service and drug effects each had two related factors, and a smaller percentage of these reviews (13.95%) were related to drug effects. Patients still maintain positive opinions of JD.COM and J1.COM. However, some opinions on logistics and drug prices are expressed.Conclusion The most important task for mail-order pharmacies is to improve logistics. It is better to develop self-built logistics. Both types of B2C mail-order pharmacies can improve patient viscosity by implementing marketing strategies. With regard to customer service, focusing on improving employees' service attitudes is necessary.