bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive transcriptional analysis reveals salt stress-regulated key pathways, hub genes and time-specific response categories in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) roots
Authors: Shao An , Wang Wei , Fan Shugao , Xu Xiao , Yin Yanling , Amombo Erick , Li Xiaoning , Wang Guangyang , Wang Hongli , Fu Jinmin
Published: July 2020

Background: Despite the salt-tolerance quality of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), the key pathways and genes involving in salt response and their temporal response pattern have not been deeply identified. Therefore, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the bermudagrass roots was conducted in this study to understand the underlying regulatory mechanism following the different period of salt exposure.Results: The transcripts that commonly and specifically regulated following 1 h, 6 h, or 24 h of hydroponic exposure to 200 mM NaCl in the roots of bermudagrass were investigated and analysed. The salt-responsive transcripts were mainly divided into 16 distinct temporal expression profiles by analysing the time series dataset. Enrichment analysis identified groups of stress response themes which are consistent or distinctive with generally observed stress response themes, such as hormonal metabolic (e.g. ABA, Auxin, JA, CTK, ethylene), secondary metabolism (e.g. carotenoid, phenylalanine, flavonoid, phenols, glucosinolates), misc (e.g. UDP glucosyl and glucoronyl transferases, oxidases-copper, peroxidases, plastocyanin-like), lipid metabolism (e.g. ω-3 FA desaturase), cell wall (e.g. cellulose synthesis MUR4, hemicellulose synthesis, cell wall proteins AGPs), transcription factors (e.g. MYB, HB, AP2, EREBP) and genes encoded a series of transporters (e.g. amino, sugars, nitrate, major intrinsic proteins). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that lavenderblush2 and brown4 modules showed significant positive correlations with proline content and peroxidase activity and hub genes within these two modules were further determined. In addition, after 1 h of salt treatment, categories such as signalling receptor kinase, transcription factors, tetrapyrrole synthesis, lipid metabolism were immediately and specifically up-enriched compared to the following time points, suggesting a fast-acting and immediate physiological responses. Other specific categories involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis such as simple phenols, glucosinolates, isoflavones and tocopherol biosynthesis were specifically up-regulated after 24 h salt treatment, suggesting longer-term reactions of metabolic adjustment.Conclusion: This study revealed salt response themes that were commonly or differentially expressed in earlier or later salt exposure phases, suggesting adaptive salt response mechanisms in the roots of bermudagrass. In addition, the distinctive salt-response pathways and potential salt-tolerant hub genes investigated can provide useful references to study the salt response of bermudagrass in the future.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Interaction between Rice and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Fan , Huang Liyu , Zeng Dan , Cruz Casiana Vera , Li Zhikang , Zhou Yongli
Published: July 2020

Background: Bacterial blight, which is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a devastating rice disease worldwide. Rice introgression line H471, derived from the recurrent parent Huang-Hua-Zhan (HHZ) and the donor parent PSBRC28, exhibits broad-spectrum resistance to Xoo, including to the highly virulent Xoo strain PXO99A, whereas its parents are susceptible to PXO99A. To characterize the responses to Xoo, we compared the proteome profiles of the host and pathogen in the incompatible interaction (H471 inoculated with PXO99A) and the compatible interaction (HHZ inoculated with PXO99A).Results: In this study, a total of 374 rice differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and 117 Xoo DAPs were detected in the comparison between H471 + PXO99A and HHZ + PXO99A. Most of the Xoo DAPs related to pathogen virulence, including the outer member proteins, type III secretion system proteins, TonB-dependent receptors, and transcription activator-like effectors, were less abundant in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible interaction. The rice DAPs were mainly involved in secondary metabolic processes, including phenylalanine metabolism and the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Additionally, some DAPs involved in the phenolic phytoalexin and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathways accumulated much more in H471 than in HHZ after the inoculation with PXO99A, suggesting that phytoalexin and SA production was induced faster in H471 than in HHZ.Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that during an incompatible interaction between H471 and PXO99A, rice plants prevent pathogen invasion and also initiate multi-component defense responses that inhibit disease development.
De novo sequencing and analysis of the transcriptome of two highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum L.) cultivars ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Legacy’ at harvest and following post-harvest storage
Authors: Concepcion Maria Carcamo de la , Sargent Daniel James , Surbanovski Nada , Colgan Richard , Moretto Marco
Published: July 2020

Background: Fruit firmness and in particular the individual components of texture and moisture loss, are considered the key quality traits when describing blueberry fruit quality, and whilst these traits are genetically regulated, the mechanisms governing their control are not clearly understood. In this investigation, RNAseq was performed on fruits of two blueberry cultivars with very different storage properties, ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Legacy’, at harvest, three weeks storage in a non-modified environment at 4 oC and after three weeks storage at 4 oC followed by three days at 21 oC, with the aim of understanding the transcriptional changes that occur during storage in cultivars with very different post-harvest fruit quality.Results: De novo assemblies of the transcriptomes of the two cultivars were performed separately and a total of 39,335 and 41,896 unigenes for ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Legacy’ respectively were resolved. Differential gene expression analyses were grouped into four cluster profiles based on changes in transcript abundance between harvest and 24 days post-harvest. A total of 264 unigenes were up-regulated in ‘Legacy’ and down-regulated in ‘Bluecrop’, 103 were down-regulated in ‘Legacy’ and up-regulated in ‘Bluecrop’, 43 were up-regulated in both cultivars and 355 were down-regulated in both cultivars between harvest and 24 days post-harvest. Unigenes showing significant differential expression between harvest and following post-harvest cold-storage were grouped into classes of biological processes including stress responses, cell wall metabolism, wax metabolism, calcium metabolism, cellular components, and biological processes.Conclusions: In total 21 differentially expressed unigenes with a putative role in regulating the response to post-harvest cold-storage in the two cultivars were identified from the de novo transcriptome assemblies performed. The results presented provide a stable foundation from which to perform further analyses with which to functionally validate the candidate genes identified, and to begin to understand the genetic mechanisms controlling changes in firmness in blueberry fruits post-harvest.
Comparison of renal safety of Telbivudine and Entecavir in Chronic Hepatitis B patients with renal impairment: A meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Birong , Ma Shasha , Wu Jizhou
Published: July 2020

Background:This study aimed to evaluate the renal safety of telbivudine(LdT) and entecavir(ETV) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with renal impairment.Methods:Studies published from January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2020 were identified using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus,Cochrane Library,ClinicalTrials.gov and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure).Finally,a total of 7 studies (1088 patients) with eGFR outcomes were retrieved and analyzed.The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3.Results:The results of the 7 eligible studies analyzed suggested that the eGFR was both improved after LdT and ETV treatment.Compared with the baseline level,the eGFR was significantly improved with LdT (7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) while slightly improved with ETV (1.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) after 1 years of treatment. The eGFR was significantly higher in the LdT therapy group than in the ETV group after 6 months(RR = 4.63, 95%CI: 0.73–8.54,Z = 2.33; P = 0.02)，1 year(RR = 3.35, 95%CI: 1.18–5.52,Z = 3.02; P = 0.002)，and 2 years(RR = 11.00, 95%CI: 4.84–17.15,Z = 3.50; P = 0.0005) of treatment . Conclusion: Our meta-analysis of current evidence demonstrated that in CHB patients with impaired renal function, LdT could be the better choice than ETV.
Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 on female urinary incontinence during exercise in CrossFit practitioners: an observational study
Authors: de Araujo Maíta Poli , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira , Ejnisman Benno , Sartori Marair Gracio Ferreira , Girão Manoel B.C. , Pochini Alberto de Castro , Group Cross Continence Brazil
Published: July 2020

Introduction and hypothesis: Urinary incontinence (UI) during exercise (athletic incontinence) affects about 30% of CrossFit practitioners. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CrossFit academies were closed, impacting on several dimensions of the health of these athletes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of quarantine due to COVID19 pandemic on the training volume and UI during exercises for female crossfitters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 197 female CrossFit practitioners. An online questionnaire was emailed containing questions about frequency, duration and intensity of training and data related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether UI stopped among participants, they were asked about the possible reasons why this happened. A 5% significance level was stablished.Results: Mean age of the participants was 32 years old, with an average frequency of training of 50 minutes per day, four times/ week. Most participants lived in an apartment (65.5%) and with another person (40.1%). Main CrossFit training location during quarantine was inside home (55%). There was a decrease in training intensity in 64% of the respondents. Exercises with their own body weight, such as air squat (98.2%) followed by push up (92.2%) were the most performed. UI was reported by 32% of participants before the COVID-19 pandemic, and only 14% of them during the pandemic (OR = 0.32[0.19-0.53],p <0.01; univariate analysis). Practitioners reported that the reason possibly related to UI improvement was the reduction of training intensity and not performing double under exercise. Conclusion: Quarantine by COVID-19 reduced in 18% of UI during exercises by CrossFit practitioners.
The pattern of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in tracheostomy patients with severe traumatic brain injury: is it feasible?
Authors: Yin Xiangyi , Wu Jie , Zhou Lihui , Ni Chunyan , Xiao Minyan , Meng Xianlan , Zhu Xiaowen , Cao Qing , Li Huifen
Published: July 2020

Background
Tracheostomy is very common in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and long-term nursing care are needed for those patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in those patients.
Methods
Tracheostomy patients with severe TBI were included. Glasgow coma score (GCS), Karnofsky, Self-Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Barthel assessment at the discharge and two months after discharge were evaluated.
Results
A total of 60 patients were included. There weren’t significant differences between two groups in the GCS, Karnofsky, SAS and Barthel index at discharge((all p > 0.05), the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index was all significantly increased after two months follow-up for two groups (all p < 0.05), and the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly higher than that of control group(all p < 0.05), but the SAS at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly less than that of control group(p = 0.009). The incidence of block of artificial tracheal cannula and readmission in HCH group were significant less than that of control group (all p < 0.05).
Conclusion
HCH nursing care is feasible in tracheostomy patients with severe TBI, future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of HCH nursing care.
Intestinal thromboangiitis obliterans: Consequence of a delay in diagnosis
Authors: Mishra Swastik Sourav , Mishra Tushar Subhadarshan , Mitra Suvradeep , Kumar Pankaj
Published: July 2020

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or Buerger’s disease is a form of peripheral vascular disease in young male smokers. The involvement of the intestine occurs only about 2% of the cases. Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease usually precede intestinal manifestations, although the latter can sometimes be the index presentation. The cessation of smoking usually, though not necessarily, prevents the progression of the disease and visceral involvement.Case presentation: Our patient presented with diffuse abdominal pain along with bouts of vomiting and loose motions. He was a known smoker with a prior history of amputation of the right foot, four years before. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension and diffuse tenderness and guarding. An omental band attached to the tip of the appendix was discovered at the initial exploration along with dilated proximal bowel loops, for which a release of the omental band along with appendectomy was done. He developed an enterocutaneous fistula on the sixth postoperative day for which the abdomen was re-explored which revealed multiple segmental perforation in the jejunum and two subcentimetric perforation adjacent to each other in the distal ileum. Resection of the affected jejunal segment was performed followed by Roux-en-Y gastrojejunosotomy and distal ileostomy. A feeding jejunostomy was also performed. The bleeding from the cut ends was unsatisfactory. The patient however had persistent feculent discharge from the wound for which a third exploration was done which revealed a leak from the gastrojejunostomy and feeding jejunosotomy sites, both of which were repaired primarily. However, the patient developed septicemia with persistently elevated serum lactate levels which progressed to refractory septic shock and ultimately succumbed to the illness on 23rd postoperative day of the index surgery.Conclusion: Acute abdomen in a young man, who is a chronic smoker and having an antecedent history of amputation of some part of an extremity for a nontraumatic cause should raise the suspicion of Buerger’s disease of the intestine. Although it is a progressive disease and things are already late by the time intestinal symptoms manifest, early detection may give some scope of salvage and decreasing morbidity and mortality.
Association of Iodine-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours with Urinary Iodine Excretion in Pregnant Women with Mild Iodine Deficiency
Authors: Wang Zhengyuan , Wu Yiwen , Shi Zehuan , Song Jun , Wang Guoquan , Song Qi , Jin Wei , Cui Xueying , Wu Chunfeng , Zang Jiajie , Guo Changyi
Published: July 2020

Background: China’s universal salt-iodization program has all but eliminated iodine deficiency disorders. Concern has shifted to mild iodine deficiency. Our study examined factors with the potential to predict mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women. Methods: A total of 2 400 pregnant women were enrolled using a multistage, stratified, random-sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, a standardized questionnaire, an iodine-related knowledge questionnaire, urine samples, and household cooking salt samples. Results: The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 148.0 μg/L for all participants, and 155.0 μg/L, 151.0 μg/L, and 139.6 μg/L in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. The third trimester’s MUIC was significantly lower than that of the first trimester, and the usage rates of iodized salt and qualified-iodized salt were 71.5% and 59.4%, respectively. Iodine-related knowledge was significantly different between the high and low UIC groups. Participants’ MUIC increased significantly with increases in iodine-related knowledge. The third trimester was a significant risk factor for high UIC, whereas abundant iodine-related knowledge, study the dietary knowledge urgently, and consumption of iodine-rich food within 48 hours of a urine iodine test were significant protective factors for high UIC (P<0.05). Conclusions: Iodine levels are adequate among pregnant women in Shanghai during the first and second trimesters, but insufficient in the third trimester. The use of iodized cooking salt does not determine the iodine status of pregnant women. Abundant iodine-related knowledge is important for pregnant women in the third trimester to maintain adequate urinary iodine.
Targeting Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Elsaadi Samah , Steiro Ida , Abdollahi Pegah , Vandsemb Esten N. , Yang Rui , Slørdahl Tobias S. , Rø Torstein Baade , Menu Eline , Sponaas Anne-Marit , Børset Magne
Published: July 2020

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. To date, this disease is still incurable and novel therapeutic approaches are required. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo serine synthesis pathway, and it has been attributed to bortezomib-resistance in MM.Methods: Two different PHGDH inhibitors, CBR5884 and NCT-503, were tested against human myeloma cell lines, primary MM cells from patients, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from healthy donors. The PHGDH inhibitors were then tested in combination with proteasome inhibitors in different MM cell lines, including proteasome-resistant cell lines. Furthermore, we confirmed the effects of PHGDH inhibition through knocking down PHGDH and the effect of NCT-503 in vivo in the 5T33MM mouse model.Results: All the tested myeloma cell lines expressed PHGDH and were sensitive to doses of NCT-503 that were tolerated by peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from healthy donors. Upon testing bortezomib in combination with NCT-503, we noticed a clear synergy in several HMCLs. The sensitivity to bortezomib also increased after PHGDH knockdown, mimicking the effect of NCT-503 treatment. Interestingly, targeting PHGDH reduced the intracellular redox capacity of the cells. Furthermore, combination treatment with NCT-503 and bortezomib exhibited a therapeutic advantage in vivo. Conclusions: Our study shows the therapeutic potential of targeting PHGDH in MM, and suggest it as a way to overcome the resistance to proteasome inhibitors.
Propofol Attenuates Lung but not Brain Cancer Cell Malignancy through Metabolism and Cell Signaling Modulation In Vitro
Authors: Hu Cong , Iwasaki Masae , Liu Zhigang , Wang Bincheng , Li Xiaomeng , Lin Han , Li Jun , Li Jia V. , Lian Qingquan , Ma Daqing
Published: July 2020

Background: Intravenous anesthesia with propofol was reported to improve cancer surgical outcomes when compared with inhalational anesthesia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms largely remain unknown. The current study aims to investigate whether propofol affects cancer cell biology including tumor metastasis-related gene expression, cellular signaling and metabolic changes in lung and brain cancer cells.Methods: Lung cancer (A549) or neuroglioma (H4) cells were treated with propofol at a clinically relevant concentration (4 μg/mL) for 2 hours, followed by 24 hours recovery. Tumor metastasis-related gene expressions were assessed using a PCR array and validated with qRT-PCR. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), brain protein 44-like (BRP44L), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), Akt, phospho-Akt (p-Akt), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), phospho-Erk1/2 (p-Erk1/2), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) expressions were determined using immunofluorescent staining and/or western blotting. The metabolites in cell extract and media following propofol treatment were characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopy. The malignant hallmarks including cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Ki-67 staining, wound healing and transwell assay, respectively.Results: Propofol reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells, but not neuroglioma cells. In lung cancer cells, gene expressions of VEGFA, CTBP1, CST7, CTSK, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were downregulated, while NR4A3, RB1, NME1, MTSS1, NME4, SYK, APC, and FAT1 were upregulated following the propofol treatment. Furthermore, propofol downregulated GLUT1, BRP44L, p-Akt, p-Erk, and HIF-1α expressions in lung cancer cells and upregulated PEDF expression. Propofol increased glutamate and glycine but decreased acetate and formate in lung cancer cells whilst increased lactate, valine, isoleucine, and leucine and glycerol, and decreased pyruvate and isopropanol in the culture media. Consistent with the phenotypical changes, these molecular and metabolic changes were not observed in the neuroglioma cells.Conclusions: Our findings indicated “anti-tumor” effects of propofol on the lung cancer but not neuroglioma, through the regulation of tumor metastasis-related genes, multi-cellular signaling and cellular metabolism.
Treatment of cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: He Hai-Chao , Zhang Yong-jin
Published: July 2020

Background: Throughout the last decades, endoscopic techniques to treat lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have gained popularity in clinical practice. However, there is little literature on the treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) due to lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of PELD for CES caused by disc herniation.Methods: Between October 2012 and April 2017, 15 patients CES caused by LDH at the early and intermediate stages of Shi’s classification were selected as the objects of study, who underwent PELD. All patients were followed up for at least two years. The patients’ lumbar pain and limb pain were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Patient's satisfaction was evaluated using the MacNab outcome scale. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively, at 3 days, 3 months, 6 month and the last follow-up.Results: The VAS score for lumbar pain was 6.67±1.05 preoperatively and 3.27±0.96, 2.73±0.46, 2.40±0.51, and 1.80±0.41, at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months and the last follow-up postoperatively respectively. The VAS score for limb pain was 7.13±1.19 preoperatively and 2.93±0.80, 2.60±0.51, 2.20±0.56, and 1.47±0.52, at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months and the last follow-up postoperatively respectively. These postoperative scores were all significantly different when compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.01). According to the modified MacNab outcome scale, excellent was obtained in 8 of 15 patients, good was obtained in 5 patients, and fair was obtained in 2 patients, and 86.67% of these patients had excellent and good outcomes at the final follow-up. Complications included one patient of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and one patient developed recurrent herniation and who finally acquired satisfactory result after reoperation.Conclusion: PELD could be used as an alternative surgical method for the treatment of CES due to lumbar disc herniation in properly selected cases and appropriate patient selection. However, the operator should pay attention to foraminoplasty to enlarge the working space.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nurses Towards the Prevention and Control of COVID-19
Authors: Jin Zhengjiang , Luo Lan , Lei Xinyun , Zhou Wen , Wang Zhenhui , Yi Lu , Liu Nian
Published: July 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) has been spreading globally, with severe impacts on health and economies. Nursing is an essential component of medical care, and nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about the prevention and control of the disease directly affects patient’s outcomes ,but there is little know about the nurses’ KAP during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted using customized questionnaires designed by Sojump platform. 1323 nurses in Wuhan were the survey object for the KAP survey. The survey included 48 questions regarding the basic information of nurses and knowledge, attitude, and prevention measures for COVID-19. Results: A total of 1323 nurses in Wuhan were included in the survey, of whom women (95.7%) under 40 years old (94.6%) accounted for the majority. Nurses have a comprehensive knowledge of problems such as the COVID-19 susceptible population, isolation ward layout process, environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene measures, infectious disease case reporting processes, standard prevention measures, and personal protection level, with more than 60% accuracy. However, they have a general lack of knowledge about the route of transmission of COVID-19, the use of protective equipment, patient management, medical waste disposal, and occupational exposure emergency response, with less than 45% accuracy. There was a gap between the attitude and the practice of nurses (p <0.05). Moreover, the knowledge level of nurses has an impact on their attitude (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.08, p = 0.008), and title (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-2.15, p = 0.042), place of work (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.36-1.85, p <0.001), and attitude (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.52-2.46, p <0.001) had an impact on their practice.Conclusion: The nurses in Wuhan during the epidemic have insufficient knowledge about COVID-19 infection prevention and control, and there are gaps in attitude and practice, which further affect their attitude and practice. It is therefore necessary to strengthen relevant knowledge training on COVID-19 among nurses.
Genetic features of P. falciparum parasites collected in 2012-2016 and anti-malaria resistance along China-Myanmar border
Authors: Li Mei , Hui Liu , Linhua Tang , Henglin Yang , Bustos Maria Dorina Geluz , Hong Tu
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe therapeutic efficacy study (TES) of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHA-PIP) for uncomplicated P.falciparum patients had implemented during 2012-2016 along China (Yunnan province) -Myanmar border. The study focusing on the genetic features of falciparum parasites based on in vivo parasite clearance time (PCT) was investigated to explore if they had produced potential resistance to DHA and PIP at molecular level.MethodsThe genetic features were invested based on K13 propeller genotypes, Copy numbers of genes PfPM2 and Pfmdr1 and 9 microsatellite loci (Short Tandem Repeats, STR) flanking the K13 gene on chromosome 13. The (PCTs), copy numbers, expected heterozygosity ( He ), coefficient of gene differentiation (F st ) were calculated, compared and analyzed in Graph Prim5.0 and SPSS 23 with method of One-way Anova (Post Hoc test:LSD) or Nonparametric tests. Genetic diversity ( He and F st ) of parasites was estimated in Excel 2016 with method of GenAlEx 6.501.ResultsIn NW (North-West Yunnan province bordering with Myanmar) area, F446I prevalence was 58.96% (79/134) and no significant different PCT50 presented between any two K13 groups (Chi-Square=2.35, P=0.31, df=2). But the PCT50 of parasite isolates in this area (12.10, 10.72-13.47, n=136 hrs) was significantly shorter than that in SW (South-West Yunnan province bordering with Myanmar) area (P=0.036, t=-2.11, df=174) where isolates all showed wild K13 genotype. For the copy numbers of Pfmdr1 gene, 14.63% (18/123) and 62.5% (10/16) parasite isolates showed amplification (≥ 1.6) in NW and SW areas, but for those of PfM2 gene, none of them did. Based on STR data, He values of parasite isolates of 4 groups lined as ML group (Menglian County in SW), F446I group, Others (Non-F446I K13 mutation) group and W (wild K13 genotype) group from low to high. All of them showed significant with one another (Chi-Square=25.20, df=3, P=0.000). The mean F st value of 4 groups at 9 different loci (0.410±0.067) were significant higher than that of 3 NW groups (0.238±0.041) (Paired-T Test: t=-3.220,df=8,P=0.009). Highest mean F st (0.320±0.053) presented between ML group and W group when all mean F st values between W group and each of other 3 groups were compared.ConclusionsAccording to our study, we are inclined to conclude that no confirmed resistance of P.falciparum parasites to DHA and PIP occurred, although parasite isolates with prolonged PCTs were observed. Potentially resistant parasite isolates are widely spread along the Yunnan-Myanmar border based on the genetic index of K13, PfM2/3 and Pfmdr1, along with great genetic differentiation based on different areas and K13 mutations. F446I is the domain K13 mutation allele in NW area and seem to have emerged newly in those years.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN 11775446. Registered 13 April 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11775446.
Pediatrics Palliative Care and Ethical Consideration From Nursing and PharmD Perspectives: A Study in Jordan
Authors: Abuhammad Sawsan , Mufleh Suhiab , Alzoubi Karem H , Almasri Roaa , Khraisat Omar
Published: July 2020

Aim: This research aimed to survey a sample of nursing students and PharmD students in Jordan about their knowledge of pediatric palliative care (PPC) in the context of treating terminally ill children.Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used to fulfill the goal of this research. A convenience sample of nursing and PharmD students currently studying in Jordan University of Science and Technology in Jordan was recruited to complete a survey that contained 20 statements about issues on and around the subject of PPC Results: The results showed that there a significant difference in PPC between nurses and PharmD students. Mother’s education (t= 2.158, p= .032) and being a nursing or PharmD student ( t=1.969, p=.050) were associated with knowledge toward PPC. Other listed factors such as gender, working ward, and age were not associated with knowledge toward PPC.Conclusion: this was the first study in Jordan to survey a sample of nursing students and PharmD students in Jordan about their knowledge of PPC. The current study found that knowledge of nursing and PharmD students regarding PPC was satisfactory according to the scale used.
Identification of lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks for occurrence and prognosis of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Ye Lianmin , Jin Wumin
Published: July 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the common digestive malignancies worldwide and causes a severe public health issue. So far, the underlying mechanisms of GC are largely unclear. Thus, our aim is to identify the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) specialized for occurrence and progression in GC.Methods: The comprehensive online dataset, TCGA, was downloaded and used for identification of differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA screen with the value of logFC = 1 and FDR < 0.05, respectively. The interactions between lncRNA and miRNA as well mRNA and miRNA were predicted via multiple online databases, such as miRcode and Targetscan. Then the ceRNA network was constructed accompanied with gene set enrichment analysis and survival analysis. In addition, RT-qPCR and in vitro assay was carried out to validate the effect of the hub lncRNAs.Results: We identified 1485 lncRNAs, 312 miRNAs and 4260 mRNAs were differentially expressed between GC and normal tissues, respectively. Then, we generated a ceRNA network with 909 edges and 253 nodes including 76 lncRNA, 18 miRNA and 159 mRNA. This ceRNA network was involved in MET activates PTK2 signalling, MET promotes cell motility and non-integrin membrane-ECM interactions. Next, by univariate and multivariate analysis, there were 9 hub lncRNAs emerged and were associated subnetwork involved in actin filament binding and MAPK signaling pathway. The in vitro assay indicated lncRNA INHBA-AS1 and CCDC144NL-AS1 may positively related to the GC aggressive features, including proliferation, invasion and migration.Conclusion: In summary, we constructed a ceRNA network involved in the GC development. Moreover, we also identified 9 hub lncRNA-associated network related to prognosis of GC and validated two out of them as promising oncogenes. This may provide potential biomarkers or therapeutic target for GC in future.
An endoscopic dilation method using the rendezvous approach for the treatment of severe anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer surgery: A case report
Authors: Nakashima Takuya , Matsuhahshi Nobuhisa , Suetsugu Tomonari , Iwata Yoshinori , Kiyama Shigeru , Takahashi Takao , Fukada Masahiro , Yasufuku Itaru , Sato Yuta , Imai Takeharu , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Naoki , Kubota Masaya , Ibuka Takashi , Shimizu Masato , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: July 2020

Background: Postoperative anastomotic stenosis is a common complication in colorectal cancer patients (3-30%). Complete anastomotic stenosis is rare; however, when it occurs, almost all cases require surgical treatment. We herein report a case in which endoscopic dilation was effective for treating complete anastomotic stenosis after high anterior resection in a rectal cancer patient.Case presentation: The patient was a 67-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic high anterior resection for rectal cancer (Rs, 3/4circ, type2, pT4a, pN0, cM0, fStageII) in May 2018. The postoperative course was good and the patient was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. Subsequently adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated with oral uracil and tegafur plus leucovorin (UFT/LV); however, he complained of frequent defecation and melena after completion of the first course of chemotherapy. Thus, colonoscopy was performed, which revealed anastomotic stenosis. Endoscopic dilation was initially attempted, but failed. Thus, low anterior resection was performed with diverting colostomy. Four additional courses of chemotherapy were administered for one month after surgery. At six months after the second surgery, colonoscopy was performed, and complete anastomotic stenosis was pointed out again. The patient was successfully treated by endoscopic dilation using the rendezvous method. After this treatment, the lumen of the anastomotic site was observed to have narrowed again and endoscopic dilatation to treat anastomotic stenosis was repeated. In addition, he received local injection of steroids in anastomotic stenosis site. The lumen of anastomotic stenosis remained after the local injection of steroids and closure of colostomy was performed nine months after the second operation.Conclusions: Endoscopic dilation using the rendezvous method was effective for treating anastomotic stenosis after colorectal surgery.
Cavernous hemangioma of the mesorectum involving the rectum: A rare case report
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Bing
Published: July 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal hemangiomas are very rare and are even rarer in the mesentery. It is not known whether they originate in the bowel wall or the mesentery currently. Some studies have described mesenteric hemangiomas that originate in the bowel wall and extend into the mesentery. We herein describe a case of cavernous hemangioma of the mesorectum. Case presentation: A 31-year-old male presented with hematochezia and sensation of rectal tenesmus. Both the rectal MRI and contrast-enhanced CT scan of the whole abdomen indicated rectal wall thickening, marked dilated and tortuous vessels around the rectum. In addition, an anomalous vein had arisen from the superior mesenteric vein, extending down to the mesorectum. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgical resection of the mesorectal lesion and the involved portions of the rectum. The surgical samples underwent pathological analysis, and a diagnosis of mesenteric cavernous hemangioma was confirmed. Seven days after surgery, the patient was discharged without postoperative complications.Conclusion: Mesenteric hemangiomas are extremely rare tumors. In our present case, an anomalous vein had arisen from the superior mesenteric vein, extending down to the mesorectum. This findings suggest that the mesenteric hemangioma more likely originated in the mesentery.
Potential Treatment of Parkinson's Disease, Using Last-Generation Carbon Nanotubes: A Bimolecular In-Silico Study
Authors: Alimohammadi Ehsan , Nikzad Arash , Khedri Mohamad , Rezaeian Milad , Jahromi Ahmad Miri , Rezaei Nima , Maleki Reza
Published: July 2020

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. One of the underlying mechanisms of the disease is the accumulation of α-synuclein protein aggregates, including amyloids and Lewy bodies in the brain, resulting in the death of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. The current treatments for PD are mainly focused on replacing dopamine. However, if these medications are stopped, the severity of PD will increase. Moreover, the drugs used for the treatment of PD are associated with considerable side effects and dietary restrictions. Therefore, necessary studies to develop more effective medications for PD seem to be indispensable. To prevent the progression of PD, avoiding the development of α-synuclein amyloids could be proposed. Methods: In this study, the effects of three last-generation nanotube-based structures on α-synuclein amyloid formation were investigated for the first time employing Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation tools. Molecular dynamics provide a deep insight into atomic interactions and can well study α-synuclein amyloid formation at the atomic and molecular scales.Results: The molecular study results indicated that all of the nanotubes studied in this work, had strong energy interactions with α-synuclein. Therefore, nanotubes using phosphorus, nitrogen and boron dopants, have great potential to prevent α-synuclein amyloid formation. Among these nanotubes, phosphorus-doped carbon nanotube (P-CNT) has the most substantial interactions with α-synuclein. The P-CNT caused more hydrogen bonds to be formed between water and α-synuclein molecules. This phenomenon leads to a decrease in the compactness, stability, and contact area of α-synuclein proteins, which results in considerable changes in the secondary structure of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Doping nanotubes especially P-CNT could be very effective for preventing the α-synuclein amyloid formation and hence, halting the progression of PD. This molecular study paves the way for the use of the Doping nanotubes in the treatment of PD. These structures are highly tunable and flexible. Therefore, the results of this work can be developed to computational, experimental and clinical levels.
LncRNA FAM83H-AS1 Amplification is Associated With a Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Can Serve as A Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wang Siwei , Han Chencheng , Liu Tongyan , Ma Zhifei , Qiu Mantang , Wang Jie , Zheng Xiufen , Xu Weizhang , Xia Wenjia , Xu Youtao , Hu Jingwen , Xu Lin , Yin Rong
Published: July 2020

Background: Few oncogenic drivers of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified and investigated. Identifying noncoding drivers provides potential strategies for novel interventions in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: We constructed a machine learning model for driver gene annotation using pan-cancer and clinical prognosis data from OncoKB and TCGA to predict potential oncogenic drivers of lncRNAs; then, we used zebrafish models to validate the biological function of candidate targets. The full length of FAM83H-AS1 was obtained by rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE) assay. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), quantative mass spectrometry (QMS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) assays were utilized to explore the potential mechanisms. Additionally, we used CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting FAM83H-AS1 in vivo.Results: The results suggested that FAM83H-AS1 was a potential oncogenic driver from the chromosome 8q24 amplicon; increases in the expression of FAM83H-AS1 resulted in poor prognosis for LUAD patients both in JSCH and TCGA cohorts. Functional assays revealed that FAM83H-AS1 promotes malignant progression and inhibits apoptosis. Mechanistically, FAM83H-AS1 binds with HNRNPK to enhance the translation of oncogenes RAB8B and RAB14. Experiments using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-mediated xenografts and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models indicated that targeting FAM83H-AS1 inhibited LUAD progression in vivo. Conclusions: Our work demonstrated that FAM83H-AS1 is a potential oncogenic driver that inhibits LUAD-mediated apoptosis via the FAM83H-AS1-HNRNPK-RAB8B/RAB14 axis. Importantly, we suggest targeting of FAM83H-AS1 as a potential therapeutic strategy for LUAD.
Integrative analysis of the common genetic characteristics in ovarian cancer stem cells sorted by multiple approaches
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Su Yue , Wu Xue , Xiao Rourou , Wu Yifan , Yang Bin , Wang Zhen , Guo Lili , Kang Xiaoyan , Wang Changyu
Published: July 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer is the second fatal malignancy of the female reproductive system. Based on the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, its poor prognosis of ovarian cancer attributed to tumor recurrence caused by CSCs. A variety of cell surface-specific markers have been employed to identify ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). In this study, we attempted to explore the common feature in ovarian cancer stem cells sorted by multiple approaches.Methods: We collected the gene expression profiles of OCSCs were from 5 public cohorts and employed R software and Bioconductor packages to establish differently expressed genes (DEGs) between OCSCs and parental cells. We extracted the integrated DEGs by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and explored potential treatment by the Cellminer database.Results: We identified and integrated the DEGs of OCSCs sorted by multiple isolation approaches. Besides, we identified OCSCs share characteristics in the lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix changes. Moreover, we obtained sixteen co-expressed core genes, such as FOXQ1, MMP7, AQP5, RBM47, ETV4, NPW, SUSD2, SFRP2, IDO1, ANPEP, CXCR4, SCNN1A, SPP1 and IFI27 (upregulated) and SERPINE1, DUSP1, CD40, and IL6 (downregulated). Through correlation analysis, we screened out ten potential drugs to target the core genes.Conclusion: Based on the comprehensive analysis of the genomic datasets with different sorting methods of OCSCs, we figured out the common driving genes to regulating OCSC and obtained ten new potential therapies for eliminating ovarian cancer stem cells. Hence, the findings of our study might have potential clinical significance.
Influence of environmental factors on the detection of blood in sheep faeces using visible-near infrared spectroscopy as a measure of Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: Kho Elise Ai Hwee , Fernandes Jill N. , Kotze Andrew C. , Fox Glen P. , Sikulu-Lord Maggy T. , Beasley Anne M. , Moore Stephen S. , James Peter J.
Published: July 2020

Background: Existing diagnostic methods for the parasitic gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus, are time consuming and require specialised expertise, limiting their utility in the field. A practical, on-farm diagnostic tool could facilitate timely treatment decisions, preventing production and welfare loss in the flock. We previously demonstrated the ability of visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify blood in sheep faeces with high accuracy. Here we investigate whether variation in sheep type and environment affect the prediction accuracy of vis-NIR spectroscopy in quantifying blood in faeces.Methods: Vis-NIR spectra were obtained from worm-free sheep faeces from different environments in South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW), Australia and spiked with various sheep blood concentrations collected. Spectra were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), and calibration models were built around the haemoglobin (Hb) wavelength region (387 – 609 nm) using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Models were used to predict Hb concentrations in spiked faeces from SA and naturally infected Queensland (QLD) faeces. Naturally occurring blood in QLD samples was quantified using Hemastix® and FAMACHA© scores.Results: PCA showed that location, class of sheep and pooled/individual samples were factors affecting the Hb predictions in sheep faeces. The calibration models successfully differentiated ‘healthy’ SA samples from those requiring anthelmintic treatment with moderate to good prediction accuracy (sensitivity: 57 – 94%, specificity: 44 – 79%). The models were not predictive for naturally infected QLD samples, which may be due in part to variability of faecal background and blood chemistry between samples, or the difference in validation methods used for blood quantification. PCA of QLD samples, however, identified a difference between samples containing high and low quantities of blood.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of vis-NIR spectroscopy for estimating blood concentration in faeces from various types of sheep and environmental backgrounds. However, the calibration models developed here did not capture enough environmental variation to accurately predict Hb in faeces collected from environments different to those used in the calibration model. Consequently, it will be necessary to establish models that incorporate samples that are more representative of areas where H. contortus is endemic for the accurate prediction of H. contortus infections in these regions.
Cosmetic and Functional Results of a Newly Reconstructed Thumb by Combining the Phalange of Second Toe and the Great Toenail Flap Transplantation
Authors: Yin Yefeng , Tao Xiaomei , Li Yanzhao , Bao Buhe , Ying Ying , Bao Tuya , Wang Jiangning
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND Microsurgical toe-to-hand transfer is a gold standard when it comes to repairing a thumb defect. Great toenail flap, thumbnail valva flap, free great toe and second toe transplantation are the common methods in thumb reconstruction. Second toe transplantation achieves good function, but poor aesthetics. Great toe transplantation achieves better aesthetics, but hindered walking, due to the foot’s loss of the great toe and moreover suboptimal thumb function. It is difficult to maintain both functional and aesthetic satisfaction in thumb reconstruction.METHODS We experimented with three different methods of toe to hand transfer. From October 2009 to July 2019, 30 patients with traumatic thumb defects received one of 3 different kinds of thumb reconstruction in our clinic according to their level of amputation. Divided evenly into three groups of ten, group one received a great toe transplantation, group two received a second toe transplantation, and group three received a combined great toenail flap and second toe phalange transplantation. Each of the patients’ thumbs had different levels of amputation at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) or distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). RESULTS 1 patient suffered from a partial flap necrosis and received a groin flap to cover the defect. No other thumbs had any complications. The functional and aesthetic results of both the donor and the recipient sites were satisfactory.CONCLUSIONS Compared to the great toe or second toe transfer, combined free transfer of the great toenail flap and 2nd toe phalange achieved a substantially better functional and aesthetic result in the thumb reconstruction.