bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotoninergic Receptor Ligands Improve Tamoxifen Effectiveness on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Magli Elisa , Caliendo Giuseppe , Sparaco Rosa , Massarelli Paola , D'Esposito Vittoria , Migliaccio Teresa , Mosca Giusy , Fiorino Ferdinando , Formisano Pietro
Published: February 2021

Background: The tightly regulated pattern of serotonin (or 5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in mammary gland becomes dysregulated in cancer, also contributing to proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis. Antagonists of serotonin receptors or inhibitors of serotonin reuptake/synthesis may be co-prescribed with Tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors, and may modulate its efficacy. Thus, the discovery of novel compounds targeting serotonin signaling may contribute to tailor new therapeutic strategies usable in combination with endocrine therapies. We have previously synthesized serotoninergic receptor ligands (SER) with high affinity and selectivity towards 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, the main mediators of mitogenic effect of serotonin in breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the effect of 10 SER on viability of MCF7, SKBR3 and MDA-MB231 BC cells and focused on their potential ability to affect Tamoxifen responsiveness in ER+ cells. Methods: Cell viability has been assessed by sulforhodamine B assay. Cell cycle has been analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene expression of 5-HT receptors and Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) has been checked by RT-PCR; CTGF mRNA levels have been measured by qPCR. All data were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism 7. Results: We found that SER were more effective on MCF7 ER+ cells (IC50 range 10.2µM - 99.2µM) compared to SKBR3 (IC50 range 43.3µM - 260µM) and MDA-MB231 BC cells (IC50 range 91.3µM - 306µM). Next, we provided evidence that two ligands, SER79 and SER68, improved the effectiveness of Tamoxifen treatment in MCF7 BC cells and modulated the expression of CTGF. Moreover, in a cell model of Tamoxifen-resistance, SER79 and SER68 restored drug responsiveness and reduced CTGF levels. Conclusions: These results identified new compounds potentially usable in combination with Tamoxifen to improve its effectiveness on ER+ BC patients.
High serum creatinine in early life of preterm infants predicts the severe retinopathy of prematurity: a retrospective single-centre study
Authors: Bae Seong Phil , Kim Sung Shin , Han Won-Ho , Kim Ho , Koh Ji Won , Song Jun Hwan , Park Soo Yeon
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia and anemia are among the risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The kidneys are important organs that sense oxygen levels and regulate red blood cell synthesis via erythropoietin production. We investigated the contribution of abnormal renal function (reflected by serum creatinine [SCr] levels) to severe ROP in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
METHODS

In the present study, we enrolled 242 VLBW infants of gestational age (GA) ranging between 25 and 32 weeks who were admitted at Soonchunhyang Cheonan University Hospital between Nov 2014 and Dec 2019. The cut-off value for normal SCr for each GA group based was defined as 95th percentile of SCr based on a reference chart developed in a previous study. Risk factors for ROP requiring treatment were analyzed using logistic regression.
RESULTS

Of the 242 infants, 63 (26%) were high SCr group and 30 (12.4%) infants had ROP requiring treatment. GA (odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.61) and high SCr group (4.68 [1.10–19.90]) were independent factors for ROP requiring treatment.
CONCLUSIONS

In VLBW infants, high SCr within the first 4 weeks after birth is one of the risk factors for ROP requiring treatment.
Forest quality mitigates extinction risk in humid tropical vertebrates
Authors: Pillay Rajeev , Watson James , Hansen Andrew , Aragon-Osejo Jose , Armenteras Dolors , Atkinson Scott , Burns Patrick , Ervin Jamison , Goetz Scott , Gonzalez-del-Pliego Pamela , Jantz Patrick , Supples Christina , Virnig Anne Lucy , Williams Brooke , Venter Oscar
Published: February 2021

Reducing deforestation underpins efforts to conserve global biodiversity. However, this focus on retaining forest cover overlooks the multitude of anthropogenic pressures that can degrade forest quality in ways that may imperil biodiversity. Here we use the latest remotely-sensed measures of forest structural condition and associated human pressures across the global humid tropics to provide the first estimates of the importance of forest quality, relative to forest cover, in mitigating extinction risk for rainforest vertebrates worldwide. We found tropical rainforests of intact structural condition and minimal human pressures played an outsized role in reducing the odds of species being threatened or having a declining population. Further, the effects of forest quality in mitigating extinction risk were stronger when small amounts of high quality forest remained within species geographic ranges, as opposed to when large extents were forested but of low quality. Our research underscores a critical need to focus global environmental policy and conservation strategies toward the targeted protection of the last remaining undisturbed forest landscapes, in concert with strategies aimed at preserving, restoring and reconnecting remnant forest fragments across the hyperdiverse humid tropics.
Antireflux endoscopic injection therapy in adult patients via modified hydrodistention implantation techniques adopted for the dilated ureteral orifice: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Maruyama Tetsuji , Mizuno Kentaro , Nishio Hidenori , Kato Taiki , Hamakawa Takashi , Ikegami Yosuke , Yasui Takahiro , Hayashi Yutaro
Published: February 2021

Background
To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic injection therapy for vesicoureteral reflux in adult patients with dilated ureteral orifice via modified hydrodistension implantation techniques.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed medical records including operational procedure and clinical course of all consecutive patients over 12 years old with a history of injection therapy. Endoscopic injection of dextranomer /hyaluronic acid copolymer was performed under hydrodistension implantation technique with some modifications in order to inject through dilated ureteral orifice align with the intramural ureter. Technical selections were done according to hydrodistension grade of the ureteral orifice. Voiding cystourethrography was evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. Hydronephrosis was evaluated using ultrasonography preoperatively until 6 months postoperatively.
Results
From 2016 to 2019, 12 patients (all female, 16 ureteral units; median age 32 [range: 15 to 61] years) underwent endoscopic injection therapy at one of our institutions. We have identified grade II vesicoureteral reflux in 5 ureters, grade III in 8, and grade IV in 3 ureters. Grade 3 ureteral-orifice dilation were presented in 12 ureters (75%), grade 2 in 3 and grade 1 in ureter in the present cases. Postoperatively, vesicoureteral reflux was diminished to grade 0 in 12 ureteral units (75%), decreased to grade I in 3 (9%), and remained grade III in 1 (6%). Three patients reported dull flank pain for several days postoperatively and there was 1 case of acute pyelonephritis. Temporary hydronephrosis was confirmed in 3 ureteral units (19%) at 1 month postoperatively.
Conclusions
According to hydrodistension grade of the ureteral orifice, endoscopic injection therapy via modified hydrodistension implantation technique is an effective and safe treatment for vesicoureteral reflux in adult patients with dilated ureteral orifice.
Direct mapping of Peptide-to-Spectra-Matches to genome information facilitates qualifying proteomics information
Authors: Anders John , Petruschke Hannes , Jehmlich Nico , Haange Sven-Bastiaan , Bergen Martin von , Stadler Peter F
Published: February 2021

Background: Small Proteins have received increasing attention in recent years. They have in particular been implicated as signals contributing to the coordination of bacterial communities. In genome annotations they are often missing or hidden among large numbers of hypothetical proteins because genome annotation pipelines often exclude short open reading frames or over-predict hypothetical proteins based on simple models. The validation of novel proteins, and in particular of small proteins (sProteins), therefore requires additional evidence. Proteogenomics is considered the gold standard for this purpose. It extends beyond established annotations and includes all possible open reading frames (ORFs) as potential sources of peptides, thus allowing the discovery of novel, unannotated proteins. Typically this results in large numbers of putative novel small proteins fraught with large fractions of false-positive predictions.
Results: We observe that number and quality of the Peptide-to-Spectra-Matches (PSMs) that map to a candidate ORF can be highly informative for the purpose of distinguishing proteins from spurious ORF annotations. We report here on a workflow that aggregates PSM quality information and local context into simple descriptors and reliably separates likely proteins from the large pool of false-positive, i.e., most likely untranslated ORFs. We investigated the artificial gut microbiome model SIHUMIx, comprising eight different species, for which we validate 5114 proteins that previously have been annotated only as hypothetical ORFs. In addition, we identified 37 non-annotated protein candidates for which we found evidence in proteomic and transcriptomic level. Half (19) of these candidates have close functional homologs in other species. Another 12 candidates have homologs designated as hypothetical proteins in other species. The remaining six candidates are short (< 100 AA) and are most likely bona fide novel proteins.
Conclusions: The aggregation of PSM quality information for predicted ORFs provides a robust and efficient method to identify novel proteins in proteomics data. The workflow is in particular also capable of identifying small proteins and frameshift variants. Since PSMs are explicitly mapped to genomic locations, it furthermore facilitates the integration with transcriptomics data and other source of genome-level information.
Are Hormonal Agents Better Than Chemo İn Metastati̇c Castrati̇on Resistant Prostate Cancer?
Authors: Yıldırım Serkan , ERDOĞAN Atike Pınar , Yılmaz Cengiz , Ekinci Ferhat , Bulut Gülcan , Özveren Ahmet
Published: February 2021

İNTRODUCTİONIn this study, we aim to determine which treatment is more appropriate in castration-resistant chemotherapy-naive patients. Therefore, docetaxel and agents active in the androgen pathway (abiraterone and enzalutamide) were compared retrospectively in patients progressing on ADT.MATERİAL METHODThe study was designed as a retrospective and multi-center study. Patients from 5 centers in Turkey were included in the study. The primary endpoint of the study was ovreall survival and the secondary endpoint was progression-free survival.RESULTSMedian overall survival of the chemotherapy group was 18.66 months, it was 16.26 months in the hormonal treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.311). Median progression-free survival of the chemotherapy group was 5.6 months, while it was 9 months in the hormonal therapy group. There was statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.024).CONCLUSİONThere was statistical difference in progression-free survival in favor of hormonal therapies in our study. The difference did not reflect on overall survival and there was no difference between hormonal therapies and docetaxel. Heterogeneity in the selection of patients is considered to lead to this result; however, larger randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the most appropriate treatment in these patients.
Adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes in the early and advanced gastric cancer.
Authors: Zhao Xixian , Li Yizhang , Yang Zhenwei , Zhang Hailin , Wang Hongling , Lin Jun , Zhao Qiu , Liu Jing
Published: February 2021

Background

Based on the WHO classification, adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes (AM) is a histological classification. We aimed to compare the prognosis among AM, classic adenocarcinoma (CA), mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC), and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) in early and advanced gastric cancer (EGC, AGC), respectively.
Methods

We compared the clinicopathologic features and prognosis between AM and other histologic subtypes of CA, SRCC and MAC in ECG and ACG, respectively. A nomogram was established to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of gastric cancer (GC) patients with AM. C-index, calibration curves, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) curves were applied to examine the accuracy and clinical benefits.
Results

In the prognosis among these four histological subtypes in EGC patients, there are no differences. For AGC patients, AM had a significantly poorer prognosis compared with CA and MAC (P = 0.003, 0.029), but similar prognosis to SRCC. A nomogram based on race, T stage, N stage, M stage and surgical modalities were proposed to predict 1- and 3- year CSS for GC patients with AM (C-index: training cohort: 0.804, validation cohort: 0.748. 1-, 3-year CSS AUC: training cohort: 0.871, 0.914, validation cohort: 0.810, 0.798). 1- and 3-year CSS DCA curves showed good net benefits.
Conclusions

EGC patients with AM had similar survival to those with CA, MAC and SRCC. AM was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in AGC. A nomogram for predicting the prognosis of GC patients with AM was proposed to quantitatively assess the long-term survival.
Give Me a Pain that I am used to: Distinct Habituation Patterns to Painful & Non-painful Stimulation
Authors: Paul Katharina , Tik Martin , Hahn Andreas , Sladky Ronald , Geissberger Nicole , Seidel Eva-Maria , Kranz Georg S. , Pfabigan Daniela M. , Kraus Christoph , Lanzenberger Rupert , Lamm Claus , Windischberger Christian
Published: February 2021

Pain habituation is associated with a decrease of activation in brain areas related to pain perception. However, little is known about the specificity of these decreases to pain, as habituation has also been described for other responses like spinal reflexes and other sensory responses. Thus, it might be hypothesized that previously reported reductions in activation are not specifically related to pain habituation. For this reason, we performed a 3T fMRI study using either painful or non-painful electrical stimulation via an electrode attached to the back of the left hand. Contrasting painful vs. non-painful stimulation revealed significant activation clusters in regions well-known to be related to pain processing, such as bilateral anterior and posterior insula, primary/secondary sensory cortices (S1/S2) and anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC). Importantly, our results show distinct habituation patterns for painful (in aMCC) and non-painful (contralateral claustrum) stimulation, while similar habituation for both types of stimulation was identified in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and contralateral S2. Our findings thus distinguish a general habituation in somatosensory processing (S2) and reduced attention (IFG) from specific pain and non-pain related habituation effects where pain-specific habituation effects within the aMCC highlight a change in affective pain perception.
The Fractional Nonlinear PT Dimer
Authors: Molina Mario I.
Published: February 2021

We examine a fractional Discrete Nonlinear Schrodinger dimer, where the usual first-order derivative of the time evolution is replaced by a non integer-order derivative. The dimer is nonlinear (Kerr) and PT-symmetric, and we examine the exchange dynamics between both sites. By means of the Laplace transformation technique, the linear PT dimer is solved in closed form in terms of Mittag-Leffler functions, while for the nonlinear regime, we resort to numerical computations using the direct explicit Grunwald algorithm. In general, the main effect of the fractional derivative is the onset of a monotonically decreasing time envelope for the amplitude of the oscillatory exchange. In the presence of PT symmetry, the dynamics shows damped oscillations for small gain/loss in both sites, while at higher gain/loss parameter values, the amplitudes of both sites grows unbounded. In the presence of nonlinearity, selftrapping is still possible although the trapped fraction decreases as the nonlinearity is increased past threshold, in marked contrast with the standard case.
The untrained response of pet dogs to human epileptic seizures
Authors: Powell Neil Anthony , Ruffell Alastair , Arnott Gareth
Published: February 2021

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain and a seriously debilitating condition, which has been associated with injury, social stigmatisation and in some cases, sudden unexpected and premature death. A sense of profound isolation is felt by many individuals with epilepsy, and this community has expressed an urgent desire for an early warning system to allow them time to prepare for seizure onset. Surveys of dog owners with epilepsy have previously reported that some dogs can predict the onset of a seizure. Therefore, the current study investigated the hypothesis that if pet dogs were exposed to seizure-related odours which apparently emanated from their owners, they would respond by demonstrating attention seeking behaviours. This provides the first empirical test of this phenomenon in dogs that have not previously been trained for seizure alerting. This study, therefore, explores the propensity of pet dogs to anticipate and respond to human epileptic seizure onset in a controlled experimental investigation. Using a repeated measures design of experiment, recordings were made of the reactions of 19 untrained pet dogs to odours from sweat samples provided by three people with epilepsy and two people without epilepsy (controls). The sweat samples were from pre-ictal, ictal and post-ictal phases. Odours from the harvested sweat samples were randomly delivered to individual dogs in a test area, using two bespoke pieces of apparatus called Remote Odour Delivery Mechanisms, (RODMs). Behavioural changes by the dogs on encountering the odour samples were recorded by video for later analysis. Consistent with our hypothesis, seizure-associated odours evoked behavioural changes in the dogs, concordant with attention seeking attempts and thereby supporting the view that seizures are accompanied by a distinctive odour.
Biochip With Multi-Planar Electrodes Geometry for Differentiation of Non-Spherical Bioparticles in a Microchannel
Authors: Farooq Amina , Butt Nauman , Hassan Umer
Published: February 2021

A biosensor capable of differentiating cells or other microparticles based on morphology finds significant biomedical applications. Examples may include morphological determination in the cellular division process, differentiation of bacterial cells, and cellular morphological variation in inflammation and cancer etc. Here, we present a novel integrated multi-planar microelectrodes geometry design that can distinguish a non-spherical individual particle flowing along a microchannel based on its electrical signature. We simulated multi-planar electrodes design in COMSOL Multiphysics and have shown that the changes in electrical field intensity corresponding to multiple particle morphologies can be distinguished. Our initial investigation has shown that top-bottom electrodes configuration produces significantly enhanced signal strength for a spherical particle as compared to co-planar configuration. Next, we integrated the co-planar and top-bottom configurations to develop a multi-planar microelectrode design capable of electrical impedance measurement at different spatial planes inside a microchannel by collecting multiple output signatures. We tested our integrated multi-planar electrode design with particles of different elliptical morphologies by gradually changing spherical particle dimensions to the non-spherical. The computed electrical signal ratio of non-spherical to spherical particle shows a very good correlation to predict the particle morphology. The biochip sensitivity is also found be independent of orientation of the particle flowing in the microchannel. Our integrated design will help develop the technology that will allow morphological analysis of various bioparticles in microfluidic channel in the future.
Natal Origin and Age-Specific Egress of Pacific Bluefin Tuna From Coastal Nurseries Revealed With Geochemical Markers
Authors: Rooker Jay R. , Wells R. J. David , Block Barbara A. , Liu Hui , Baumann Hannes , Chiang Wei-Chuan , Zapp Michelle Sluis , Miller Nathaniel R. , Mohan John A. , Ohshimo Seiji , Tanaka Yosuke , Dance Michael A. , Dewar Heidi , Snodgrass Owyn E. , Shiao Jen-Chieh
Published: February 2021

Geochemical chronologies were constructed from otoliths of adult Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) to investigate the timing of age-specific egress of juveniles from coastal nurseries (natal sites) in the East China Sea or Sea of Japan to offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean. Element:Ca chronologies were developed for otolith Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Zn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca, and our assessment focused on the section of the otolith corresponding to the juvenile period (age-0 to age-1+). Next, we applied a common time-series approach (i.e., changepoint analysis) to geochemical profiles to identify divergences presumably linked to inshore-offshore migrations. Conspicuous geochemical shifts were detected during the juvenile interval for Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, and Sr:Ca that were indicative of coastal-offshore transitions or egress generally occurring for individuals approximately 4-6 mo. old, with later departures (6 mo. or older) linked to overwintering being more limited. Changepoints in ototith Ba:Ca profiles were most common in the early age-1 period (ca. 12-16 mo.) and appear associated with entry into upwelling areas such as the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem following trans-Pacific migrations. Natal origin of PBT was also predicted using the early life portion of geochemical profile in relation to a baseline sample comprised of age-0 PBT from the two primary spawning areas in the East China Sea and Sea of Japan. Mixed-stock analysis indicated that the majority of adult PBT in our sample originated from the East China Sea, but individuals of Sea of Japan origin were also detected our sample of spawning adults collected in the Ryukyu Archipelago.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of a Major Warm-Season Turfgrass Species, Centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.]: Genome Characterization, Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Zong Junqin , Wang Haoran , Wang Jingjing , Guo Hailin , Chen Jingbo , Li Dandan , Li Ling , Liu Jianxiu , Li Jianjian
Published: February 2021

Background: Chloroplast (cp) genome sequence data could provide valuable information for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic reconstruction among plant species and individuals. However, as one of the most important warm-season turfgrasses widely used in USA and China, cp genome characteristics and phylogenetic position of centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) were poorly understood.Results: In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast genome sequences of E. ophiuroides using high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. The circle pseudomolecule for E. ophiuroides cp genome is 139,107 bp in length, and has a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 22,230 bp each separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,081 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 12,566 bp. The nucleotide composition of E. ophiuroides cp genome is asymmetric with an overall A + T content of 61.60%. It encodes a total of 131 gene species, composed of 20 duplicated genes within the IR regions and 111 unique genes including 77 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and four ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes. Analysis of the repetitive sequences revealed that E. ophiuroides cp genome contains 51 tandem repeats including 29 forward, 20 palindromic and 2 reverse repeats, and 197 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) which were mainly composed of adenine (A) and thymine (T) bases. Comparison of the E. ophiuroides complete cp genome with the genomes of other seven Gramineae species showed a high degree of collinearity among Gramineae plants. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. ophiuroides was closely related to E. ciliaris and E. eriopoda, and was placed in a clade with the two Eremochloa species and Mnesithea helferi within the subtribe Rottboelliinae, which clarified evolutionary status of E. ophiuroides in tribe Andropogoneae and also authenticated the current taxonomy of the tribe Andropogoneae.Conclusions: The present study provides the complete structure of the E. ophiuroides cp genome, and preliminarily ascertains the phylogenetic position of E. ophiuroides in tribe Andropogonodae. This will be of value to grass taxa identification, phylogenetic resolution, population structure and biodiversity, novel gene discovery and functional genomic studies for the genus Eremochloa.
Downregulation of lncRNA ANRIL Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Cells via Sponging miR-7 through NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Zhou Yue
Published: February 2021

Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulation in periodontitis development and involved in osteogenesis. The current study aimed was to investigate the function of lncRNA ANRIL in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and potential molecular mechanisms.Methods Firstly, the level of ANRIL was tested by qPCR. Then PDLCs were treated with a mineralizing solution to induce the osteogenic differentiation. ALP activity was measured and protein levels of BMP2, Osterix, and OCN were measured by western blot. A target of ANRIL was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-7 level was measured by qPCR and the signalings of NF-κB pathway were tested by western blot.Results ANRIL expression was downregulated in PDL tissues. Next, ALP activity and protein levels of BMP2, Osterix, and OCN were reduced to show PDLCs were differentiated. ANRIL level was increased in differential PDLCs, and which knockdown inhibited osteogenic differentiation. Then, miR-7 was found as a target of ANRIL. The miR-7 level was upregulated in PDL tissues and reduced in differential PDLCs. Inhibition of miR-7 suppressed ALP activity and BMP2, Osterix, and OCN expression. Moreover, inhibition of miR-7 reversed the effects on the osteogenic differentiation induced by knockdown of ANRIL. Besides, the levels of p-P65 and p-IκBα were elevated by ANRIL downregulation and were rescued by suppressing miR-7.Conclusions Knockdown of ANRIL inhibited osteogenic differentiation via sponging miR-7 through the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that ANRIL might be a therapeutic target for periodontitis.
Physical Collection and Viability of Airborne Bacteria Collected under Electrostatic Field with Different Sampling Media and Protocols Towards Rapid Detection
Authors: Hong Seongkyeol , Kim Myeong-Woo , Jang Jaesung
Published: February 2021

Electrostatic samplers have been increasingly studied for sampling of viral and bacterial aerosols, and bioaerosol samplers are required to provide concentrated liquid samples with high physical collection and biological recovery, which would be critical for rapid detection. Here, the effects of sampling media and protocols on the physical collection and biological recovery of two airborne bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Micrococcus luteus) under electrostatic field were investigated using a personal electrostatic particle concentrator (EPC). Deionized (DI) water with/without sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and phosphate buffered saline were tested as sampling media. A polystyrene container was mounted onto the collection electrode of the EPC for stable storage and vortexing after capture. Many bacterial cells were found to be deposited on the bottom surface of the container submerged in the media via electrophoresis, and among the tested sampling protocols, wet sampling with a container and subsequent vortexing offered the most bacteria in the collection suspension. Experiments with several sampling media showed that 0.01% SDS-DI water demonstrated a higher recovery rate and larger total bacterial concentrations in the EPC than in the BioSampler. These findings would be valuable in the field of sampling and subsequent rapid detection of bioaerosols.
Deregulation of MMR-Related Pathways and Anticancer Potential of Curcuma Derivatives– A Computational Approach
Authors: Bhattacharya Priyanjali , Patel Trupti N
Published: February 2021

Plant derived products have steadily gained momentum in treatment of cancer over the past decades. Curcuma and its derivatives, in particular, have diverse medicinal properties including anticancer potential with proven safety as supported by numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. A defective Mis-Match Repair (MMR) is implicated in solid tumors but its role in haematologic malignancies is not keenly studied and the current literature suggests that it is limited. Nonetheless, there are multiple pathways interjecting the mismatch repair proteins in haematologic cancers that may have a direct or indirect implication in progression of the disease. Here, through computational analysis, we target proteins that are involved in rewiring of multiple signaling cascades via altered expression in cancer using various curcuma derivatives (Curcuma longa L. and Curcuma caesia Roxb.) which in turn, profoundly controls MMR protein function. These biomolecules were screened to identify their efficacy on selected targets (in blood-related cancers); aberrations of which adversely impacted mismatch repair machinery. The study revealed that of the 536 compounds screened, six of them may have the potential to regulate the expression of identified targets and thus revive the MMR function preventing genomic instability. These results reveal that, there may be potential plant derived biomolecules that may have anticancer properties against the tumors driven by deregulated MMR-pathways.
Clinical Significance of Small-Molecule Metabolites in the Blood of Patients With Different Types of Liver Injury
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Yan , Ma Shizhao , Zhang Chaoqun , Liu Hua , Sun Dianxing
Published: February 2021

Objective: To determine the difference and changes of serum metabolites in patients with different stages of liver disease after hepatitis B virus (HBV) and provide reference metabolomics information for the clinical diagnosis of liver disease patients. Methods: 255 patients with different stages of HBV infection were selected. 3 mL blood was collected from each patient in the morning to detect differences in serum lysophosphatidylcholine, acetyl-L-carnitine, oleic acid amide, and glycocholic acid concentrations by UFLC-IT-TOF/MS. Results: The diagnostic values of four metabolic substances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results showed that the optimal cut-off value of oleic acid amide concentration of the liver cirrhosis and HCC groups was 23.6 mg/L, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 70.6%. The diagnostic efficacies of the three substances were similar in the hepatitis and HCC groups, with an optimal cut-off value of 2.04 mg/L, and a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 47.2%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of lecithin of the HBV-carrier and HCC groups was 132.85 mg/L, with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 66.7%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of oleic acid amide of the healthy and HCC groups was 129.03 mg/L, with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 88.4% and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Lysophosphatidylcholine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and oleic acid amide were potential metabolic markers of HCC. Among them, lysophosphatidylcholine was low in the blood of HCC patients, and its diagnostic efficacy was better than that of acetyl-L-carnitine and oleic acid amide, providing reference metabolomics information in clinical diagnosis and future research.
Cross Cultural Workers for Women and Families From Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds: A Mixed-Methods Study of Service Providers Perceptions
Authors: Rogers Helen J , Hogan Lily , Coates Dominiek , Homer Caroline SE , Henry Amanda
Published: February 2021

BackgroundWomen from migrant and refugee backgrounds who live in high-income countries are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including mental health issues, preterm birth and maternal and infant mortality. There is a need to implement and evaluate models of care to meet their specific needs in order to improve health outcomes, their experiences of care, and overcome barriers to access. In Sydney, Australia, a unique model of care was implemented to support women and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds to access health and community-based services through the continuum of pregnancy to the early parenting period. This model of care is known as the Cross Cultural Workers (CCWs) in Maternity and Child and Family Health Service (the CCW Service). The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of service providers regarding the CCW Service and identify recommendations for improvement.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted consisting of surveys and face to face semi-structured interviews. Service providers were recruited from hospital-based maternity and community-based services. Survey data were analysed descriptively. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. ResultsSixty-nine service providers completed surveys and 19 were interviewed. The CCW Service was highly regarded by service providers who perceived it to be critical in improving care for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The overarching theme from the interviews was the ability of the CCW Service to act as a ‘bridge to health’. There were three main categories; supporting access to health and community-based services, improving the healthcare experience, and organisational factors affecting CCW Service provision. A limitation of the CCW Service was the part-time hours of the CCWs, reducing their ability to meet demand, build service provider capacity to provide culturally responsive care and fully operationalise the model. Conclusion Service providers perceived the CCW model to be a culturally responsive model of care tailored to the needs of women and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds, that reduces barriers to access, has the potential to improve perinatal outcomes, and women's experience and satisfaction with care.
α-Internexin expression in photoreceptor-like cells of the developing chicken pineal gland
Authors: Hao Chen-Ming , Liao Meng‐Lin , Chien Chung-Liang , Peng Wei Hao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIt has been reported that some pinealocytes have similar functions to retina photoreceptors in many non-mammalian vertebrates. Two types of pinealocytes, rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes and secretory pinealocytes, have been identified in the pineal gland of juvenile gull, but whether they exist in the chicken pineal gland was unknown. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate chicken α-internexin (chkINA) expression patterns in photoreceptor-like cells of the developing chicken pineal gland. Method In this study, we observed distribution patterns of chkINA in pineal gland at post-hatching day (P) 1, P7, P14, P21, P35, and at young adulthood chicks by using Immunocytologic analysis, and Western blot analysis. The ultrastructure changes were also observed by electron microscope. ResultsWestern blot and immunohistochemistry showed that chkINA expression was high in early developmental stages, but decreased across development. Visinin-immunoreactive cells were also detected during early development, reaching their greatest expression at post-hatching day 7, then gradually reducing over development. Further, confocal imaging revealed that chkINA and visinin were colocalized in photoreceptor-like cells of the chicken pineal gland. Ultrastructural observations revealed rudimentary-receptor pinealocyte morphology with cytoskeletal intermediate filaments in the embryonic chicken pineal gland. Therefore, we suggest that the existence of rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes might be highly relevant for photoreceptor-like cells. Conclusions We conclude that chkINA may be a useful photoreceptor-like cell marker for studying the chicken pineal gland. In particular, it could be a major cytoskeletal intermediate filament in rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes, which are homologous to photoreceptor cells in the chicken pineal gland. From an evolutionary viewpoint, we suggest that chkINA may be located not only in photoreceptor-like cells, but also in rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes.
Pinpointing Regulatory Protein Phosphatase 2A Subunits Involved in Beneficial Symbiosis Between Plants and Microbes
Authors: Averkina Irina O. , Harris Muhammad , Asare Edward Ohene , Hourdin Berenice , Paponov Ivan A. , Lillo Cathrine
Published: February 2021

Background
PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2A (PP2A) expression is crucial for the symbiotic association between plants and various microbes, and knowledge on these symbiotic processes is important for sustainable agriculture. Here we tested the hypothesis that PP2A regulatory subunits, especially B’φ, are involved in signalling between plants and mycorrhizal fungi or plant-growth promoting bacteria.
Results
Treatment of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas simiae indicated a role for the PP2A B’θ subunit in responses to PGPR. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi also influenced B’q transcript levels, but only in soil-grown plants with canonical arbuscular mycorrhizae, not in vermiculite-grown plants which had only vesicular mycorrhizae. In plant roots, transcripts of B’φ were scarce under all conditions tested and at a lower level than all other PP2A subunit transcripts. In transformed tomato plants with 10-fold enhanced B’φ expression, mycorrhization frequency was decreased in vermiculite-grown plants. Furthermore, the high B’φ expression was related to abscisic acid and gibberellic acid responses known to be involved in plant growth and mycorrhization. B’φ overexpressor plants showed less vigorous growth, and although fruits were normal size, the number of seeds per fruit was reduced by 60% compared to the original cultivar.
Conclusions
Expression of the B’θ gene in plant roots is strongly influenced by beneficial microbes. Expression analysis and phenotype observations of established tomato cultivars and B’φ overexpressor plants substantiate a function of B’φ in growth and development in addition to a role in mycorrhization.
Boosting Heritability: Estimating the Genetic Component of Phenotypic Variation With Multiple Sample Splitting
Authors: Mai The Tien , Turner Paul , Corander Jukka
Published: February 2021

Background: Heritability is a central measure in genetics quantifying how much of the variability observed in a trait is attributable to genetic differences. Existing methods for estimating heritability are most often based on random-effect models, typically for computational reasons. The alternative of using a fixed-effect model has received much more limited attention in the literature. Results: In this paper, we propose a generic strategy for heritability inference, termed as boosting heritability, by combining several advantageous features of different recent methods to produce an estimate of the heritability with a high-dimensional linear model. Boosting heritability uses in particular a multiple sample splitting strategy which leads to a more reliable estimate. We use both simulated data and real antibiotic resistance data from a major human pathogen, Sptreptococcus pneumoniae, to demonstrate the attractive features of our inference strategy. Conclusions: Compared with other methods, boosting heritability yields a more reliable estimate and allows one to make inference about heritability.
Characteristics and Factors Associated With Spontaneous Regression of Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Cases
Authors: Qin Qing-Guang , Liu Jia , Zhao Li-Jing , Yuan Shuai , Feng Fang , Xu Hong-Zhou , Jing Ya-Fei , Chen Lei , Zhu Kui , Wang Shuai , Zhang Bing-Qing , Zhang Fang-Lei , Li Yi-Kai
Published: February 2021

BackgroundLumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition leading to high individual, social, and economic impacts. Reported rates of spontaneous resorption of LDH vary from 35% to 100%; however, it remains unclear how spontaneous absorption, rather than re-protrusion, can be maximized.Purpose The main objective of this study was to determine the characteristics and factors enabling for spontaneous regression of extruded LDH. DesignA retrospective single center case series. Patient sampleInpatients (n = 33) with LDH who experienced spontaneous regression between September 2015 and June 2020. Outcome measuresQuestionnaire responses and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined hernia regression.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to patients to assess factors associated with hernia resorption, the volume of herniated intervertebral discs evaluated by MRI, and the absorption ratio calculated. Multiple linear regression was used to explore factors enabling spontaneous herniated disc regression. ResultsA total of 31 patients received a mean of 5.90 conservative treatments during hospitalization, and 1.91 during rehabilitation. Of patients, 90.32% underwent bed-rest during the acute phase of the disease, and 61.29% did so during rehabilitation. Rehabilitation exercise was undertaken by 93.55% of patients, with a mean of 2.42 exercise methods per patient. Waist lumbosacral orthosis devices were worn by 80.65% of patients. Multiple linear regression showed that bed-rest days in the acute phase (X1), herniation type (X2), time wearing lumbosacral orthosis (X3), onset-treatment duration (X4), and days of bed-rest days in rehabilitation (X5) had significant effects on the spontaneous regression ratio (y) of herniated discs (all P < 0.05). The optimal linear regression equation was y = 0.616 + 0.497X1 – 0.478X2 + 0.384X3 – 0.343X4 – 0.241X5. Conclusions Our findings support that patients with extruded or sequestered LDH should receive comprehensive treatment. Early treatment, early bed-rest, and lumbosacral orthosis protection promote the spontaneous regression of herniated discs; however, bed-rest during rehabilitation is a poor prognostic factor. Adherence to rehabilitation exercise will be beneficial to the recovery of patients with LDH.
Multimodal Imaging Probe for Melanoma Evaluating of PTK7 Expression by Sgc8-c Aptamer Recognition
Authors: Sicco Estefanía , Mónaco Amy , Fernandez Marcelo , Moreno María , Calzada Victoria , Cerecetto Hugo
Published: February 2021

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly skin cancers, and although histopathological criteria are used for its prognosis, biomarkers are necessary to identify the different evolution stages. The applications of molecular imaging include the in vivo diagnosis of cancer with probes that recognize the tumor-biomarkers specific expression allowing external images acquisitions and evaluations of the biological process in quali-quantitative ways. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that recognize targets with high affinity and specificity presenting advantages that make them interesting molecular imaging probes. Sgc8-c (DNA-aptamer) selectively recognizes PTK7-receptor overexpressed in various types of tumors. Herein, Sgc8-c was evaluated, in two melanoma models, non-metastatic and metastatic, as molecular imaging probe for in vivo diagnostic. Firstly, two probes, radio- and fluorescent-probe, were in vitro evaluated verifying the high specific PTK7 recognition and its internalization in tumor cells by the endosomal route. Secondly, in vivo proof of concept was performed in animal tumor models. Likewise, they have rapid clearance from blood exhibiting excellent target (tumor)/non-target organ ratios. Furthermore, optimal biodistribution was observed 24 hours after probes-injections accumulating almost exclusively in the tumor tissue. Sgc8-c is a potential tool for their specific use in the early detection of melanoma.
Facial nerve elongation as predictive factors of facial nerve outcome after the vestibular schwannoma resection
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Jiang Weichao , Chen Xi , Chen Sifang , Tan Guowei , Song Ningning
Published: February 2021

Background: To analyze risk factors affecting the long-term facial nerve functional outcomes in patients receiving vestibular schwannoma surgery. Method: A total of 89 cases receiving vestibular schwannoma surgery via retrosigmoid sinus approach were analyzed retrospectively. The facial nerve functional outcomes of all enrolled patients were evaluated 6 months after the operation according to House-Brackmann grading scale. The relationships between facial nerve injury and its potential risk factors were analyzed. Results: Postoperative facial nerve injury was found in 53 patients (59.6%) 6 months after the operation. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the tumor volume, the maximum tumor diameter, the facial nerve elongation, the enlargement of internal auditory canal (IAC), the IAC size on the affected side, and the facial nerve adhesion to tumor were significantly correlated with the occurrence of facial nerve injury. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the facial nerve elongation, the facial nerve adhesion to tumor, the tumor volume, and the enlargement of IAC were the independent risk factors of facial nerve injury 6 months after vestibular schwannoma surgery. The ROC curve showed that the cut-off points of the facial nerve elongation, tumor volume and enlargement of IAC were 2.925cm,10.965 cm³ and 1.818 respectively. When the cut-off points were exceeded, the possibility of facial nerve injury would largely increase. Conclusion: With the growth of the facial nerve elongation, the tumor volume, the facial nerve adhesion to tumor, and the enlargement of IAC, the possibility of facial nerve injury after the vestibular schwannoma surgery would accordingly increase.
Bone-conducted Responses in the Neonatal rat Auditory Cortex
Authors: Makarov Roman , Sintsov Mikhail , Valeeva Guzel , Starikov Pavel , Negrov Dmitry , Khazipov Roustem
Published: February 2021

Rats are born deaf and start hearing at the end of the second postnatal week, when the ear canals open and low-intensity sounds start to evoke responses in the auditory cortex. Here, using µECoG electrode arrays and intracortical silicon probe recordings, we found that bone-conducted (BC) sounds evoked biphasic responses in the auditory cortex starting from postnatal day (P) 8. The initial phase of these responses, generated by thalamocortical input, was followed by intracortical propagation within supragranular layers. BC-evoked responses co-localized with the responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the cochlea and the deepest layers of the inferior colliculus prior to onset of low-threshold hearing (P13), as well as with the responses evoked by high-frequency (30 kHz) low-intensity (70 dB) air-conducted sounds after that. Thus, BC signals reach high-frequency processing regions of the auditory cortex well before the onset of low-threshold hearing, reflecting early integrity of the auditory system.