bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical and Numerical Modeling of In-Situ Reflux ISR for Optimizing Oil Sands Development
Authors: Mohammad Zeidani , Asghar Sadeghi Boogar , Zhangxing John Chen
Published: September 2020

In-Situ Reflex (ISR) is a novel solvent-based process that utilizes resistive electric heaters to vaporize solvent and recycle mobilized water downhole. ISR promises a significant reduction in greenhouse gases emissions through the elimination of steam generation and water handling facilities at the surface as well as effectively vaporizes the injected fluid along a wellbore. However, the economic viability of this process is highly dependent on the in-situ refluxing of the solvent which requires an in-depth understanding of the process and associated challenges numerically and analytically. In modeling the SAGD process, optimal operating conditions rely on a relatively constant temperature profile across the major portion of a steam chamber that leads to an excessive energy input requirement. However, ISR optimal operating conditions tend to exhibit different temperature profiles as a result of changing thermal recovery to a solvent diluting mechanism. As such, employing a SAGD analytical model results in misunderstanding the ISR fundamental thermodynamics and hindering further optimization of the process.

This paper is the first time that an unsteady-state semi-analytical model has been developed for predicting ISR performance and shared publicly. The developed model has been validated using numerical simulation data and is capable of properly predicting a temperature distribution in a steam-solvent gaseous chamber in the presence of a fixed source of heat in an injector. This model includes fixed heat sources in both injectors and producers to represent the resistive heater concept, capture the reflux concept, and evaluate the contribution of refluxed solvent to reducing the solvent usage. In addition, the model helps better understand the phase behavior and the effectiveness of various solvents in further analyzing and determining the optimum downhole operating conditions and improving the overall ISR performance and its economic viability.

The proposed model brings an insight into analytical modeling of the ISR process with the aim of increasing an understanding of the heat transfer mechanism, along with identifying the advantages and limitations of using the bottom-hole resistive heater technology. This will lead to a higher predictability of successful field implementation, lower upfront capital cost, higher energy efficiency, and environmentally sustainable development.
The Effect of Solvent based Nanofluid Flooding on Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Maaref Sepideh , Kantzas Apostolos , Bryant Steven L.
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of solvent based nanofluid flooding followed by waterflooding on heavy oil recovery performance and sweep efficiency improvement in unconsolidated oil-wet porous media. The sweep efficiency improvement is correlated with in-situ emulsion generation during such displacement and is monitored with a CT scanner.

Partially hydrophobic silica NPs with proper interface affinity was firstly synthesized, and subsequently dispersed in toluene along with a surfactant to prepare the solvent based nanofluid. The solvent based nanofluid was then injected into an oil saturated sandpack at different slug sizes and further chased by brine to investigate the sweep efficiency improvement through possible emulsification. To investigate the beneficial effect of NPs, the aforementioned flooding was compared against conventional solvent flooding followed by waterflooding. The displacement patterns were monitored with a CT-scanner to assess the heavy oil recovery performance in the absence or presence of the solvent based nanofluid.

The fluid density profiles during solvent based NF flooding followed by waterflooding were extracted from CT-scan images and compared against conventional solvent flooding followed by waterflooding to assess potential sweep efficiency improvement. The results revealed an increase in sweep efficiency during solvent based NF flooding followed by waterflooding. This was related to the creation of in-situ emulsion at the water-diluted oil interface due to the presence of NPs and surfactant in diluted oil. Unlike conventional solvent flooding where post water created several fingers through porous media, the water phase in solvent based nanofluid flooding was able to displace all the lower resistance paths created by the solvent based nanofluid. Moreover, chase water was able to recover almost all of the solvent in solvent based NF flooding, which is essential for the process to be economically viable. In general, the presence of solvent based NF was found to be effective in re- distributing the preferential water flow paths in to a more uniform front, which suppressed the fingering in turn and resulted in later water breakthrough, better sweep efficiency, and higher oil recovery.

The proposed solvent based nanofluid flooding has not been tested so far as a heavy oil recovery technique. Unlike conventional solvent flooding which can suffer from high residual solvent to waterflooding, this technique revealed negligible residual solvent upon waterflooding. Moreover, it was found to be effective in sweep efficiency improvement and heavy oil recovery compared to conventional solvent flooding.
Factors Associated with Receipt of Mammogram among Caregivers: A Comparison with Non-Caregivers
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Guo Yuqi , Won Chorong , Lee Hee Yun
Published: September 2020

Background: caregiving responsibilities significantly impact females’ decisions on adhering to preventive mammography. The purpose of this study is to examine (1) the levels of mammogram receipt, (2) the role of caregiving factors on the receipt of mammogram in caregiving group, and (3) the role of cancer beliefs on mammogram screening in caregivers and non-caregivers.Methods: the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) provides samples of 1228 women aged 40 to 75 years old for this secondary analysis. By using Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, a binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze associations between mammography and socioeconomic factors, caregiving factors, and cancer belief factors. Results: caregivers who provided more caregiving hours per week (OR=0.749, 95% CI=0.564-0.94) and caregivers who had the belief of rather not knowing the likelihood of getting cancer (OR=0.673, 95% CI=0.496-0.914) were less likely to use mammogram. However, caregivers who believed cancer is more common than heart disease (OR=1.490, 95% CI=1.302- 2.151) were more likely to use a mammogram. Non-caregivers who worried about getting cancer (OR=1.158, 95% CI=0.793-1.691) were more likely to use mammogram, but non-caregivers who had the belief of rather not know the likelihood of getting cancer (OR=0.825, 95% CI=0.713-0.955) were less likely to use mammogram.Conclusions: to support caregivers’ breast cancer prevention, caregiving-related policies based on caregiving hours should be developed. Particularly, effort to promote breast cancer screening education and care support among older primary caregivers will likely increase their adherence to preventive mammography uptake. The development of targeted cancer prevention interventions on specific cancer beliefs held by both groups are also urgently needed to promote mammography.
High-Throughput Sequencing Identification of Differentially Expressed microRNAs in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer with experimental validations
Authors: Gu Yang , Zhang Shulan
Published: September 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological cancer and characterized by high metastatic potential. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have the promise to be harnessed as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for OC. Herein, we sought to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in metastatic OC, and to validate them with functional experiments. Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs and miRNAs were screened from six pairs of primary OC tissues and metastatic tissues using an miRStar™ Human Cancer Focus miRNA & Target mRNA PCR Array. Then, gene expression profiling results were verified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays. The binding affinity between miR-7-5p and TGFβ2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Expression of miR-7-5p and TGFβ2 was manipulated to assess their roles in malignant phenotypes of highly metastatic HO-8910PM cells. Results: MiRNA profiling and sequencing identified 12 miRNAs and 10 mRNAs that were differentially expressed in metastatic tissues. Gene ontology and Pathway analyses determined that 3 differentially expressed mRNAs (ITGB3, TGFβ2 and TNC) were related to OC metastasis. The results of RT-qPCR confirmed that the decrease of miR-7-5p was most significant in OC metastasis, while TGFβ2 was up-regulated in OC metastasis. Moreover, miR-7-5p targeted and negatively regulated TGFβ2. MiR-7-5p overexpression accelerated HO-8910PM cell viability and invasion, and TGFβ2 overexpression reversed the results. Meanwhile, simultaneous miR-7-5p and TGFβ2 overexpression rescued the cell activities. Conclusions: This study characterizes differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in metastatic OC, where miR-7-5p and its downstream target were most closely associated with metastatic OC. Overexpression of miR-7-5p targets and inhibits TGFβ2 expression, thereby inhibiting the growth and metastasis of OC.
Can virtual reality improve traditional anatomy educational programmes?A mixed-methods study on the use of a 3D skull model
Authors: Chen Shi , Zhu Jiawei , Cheng Cheng , Pan Zhouxian , Liu Lingshan , Du Jianhua , Shen Xinhua , Shen Zhen , Zhu Huijuan , Liu Jihai , Yang Hua , Ma Chao , Pan Hui
Published: September 2020

Background: Realistic, portable, and scalable lectures, cadaveric models, 2D atlases and computer simulations are being combined more frequently for teaching anatomy, which result in major increases in user satisfaction. However, although digital simulations may be more portable, interesting, or motivating than traditional teaching tools, whether they are superior in terms of student learning remain unclear. This paper presents a study in which the educational effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) skull model is compared with that of cadaveric skulls and atlases. The aim of this study was to compare the results of teaching with VR to results of teaching with traditional teaching methods by administering objective questionnaires and perception surveys. Methods: A mixed-methods study with 73 medical students was conducted with three different groups, namely, the VR group (N=25), cadaver group (N=25) and atlas group (N=23). Anatomical structures were taught through an introductory lecture and model-based learning. All students completed the pre- and post-intervention tests, which comprised a theory test and an identification test. The theory test consisted of 18 multiple-choice questions, and the identification test consisted of 25 fill-in-the-blank questions. Results: The participants in all three groups had significantly higher total scores on the post-intervention test than on the pre-intervention test; the post-intervention test score in the VR group was not statistically significantly higher than the post-intervention test score of the other groups (VR: 30 [IQR: 22-33.5], cadaver: 26 [IQR: 20-31.5], atlas: 28[IQR: 20-33]; p>0.05). The participants in the VR and cadaver groups provided more positive feedback on their learning models than the atlas group (VR: 26 [IQR: 19-30], cadaver: 25 [IQR: 19.5-29.5], atlas: 12 [IQR: 9-20]; p<0.001). Conclusions: The skull virtual learning resource (VLR) was equally efficient as the cadaver skull and atlas in teaching anatomy structures. Such a model can aid individuals in understanding complex anatomical structures with a higher level of motivation and tolerable adverse effects.
Public awareness and knowledge of factors associated with dementia in China
Authors: Zheng Yong-bo , Shi Le , Gong Yi-Miao , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Lu Qing-Dong , Que Jian-Yu , Khan Muhammad Zahid , Bao Yan-Ping , Lu Lin
Published: September 2020

Background: Dementia is a global public health priority. Many modifiable factors have been shown to influence the development of dementia, but these factors are not adequately known by the general public. This study aimed to assess public awareness of the factors that are associated with dementia in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2019 using an Internet-based questionnaire. Data on basic sociodemographic characteristics were collected, and the knowledge of risk and protective factors for dementia was investigated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare levels of the knowledge of factors associated with dementia across populations with different demographic characteristics.Results: Data from 3,338 respondents were analyzed. The percentages of participants who accurately identified the risk factors of dementia were follows: 84.24% for negative affect, 65.07% for alcohol use, 56.68% for smoking, 48.74% for hypertension, and 42.66% for diabetes. The percentages of participants who accurately identified the protective factors for dementia were follows: 90.00% for exercise, 84.69% for social activity, 80.92% for intelligence games, 74.45% for reading, and 6.14% for antihypertensive or hypolipidemic drugs. The majority of Chinese people correctly recognized the role of lifestyle factors in the development of dementia but not medical factors. The levels of knowledge of the factors associated with dementia were significantly distinct across populations with different characteristics. The following sociodemographic characteristics were associated with more comprehensive knowledge of dementia risk and protective factors: women, young age, high education levels, nonmanual jobs, and contact with patients with dementia.Conclusions: Public awareness and knowledge of risk and protective factors for dementia in China are still insufficient. More efforts are needed to publicize information to reduce the risk of dementia.
JARID1B promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling via decreasing CDX2 level
Authors: Huang Da , Xiao Fan , Hao Haibin , Hua Fuzhou , Luo Zhenzhong , Huang Zhaoxia , Li Qing , Chen Sha , Cheng Xiuzhi , Zhang Xinyue , Fang Weilan , Hu Xiaoyun , Liu Fanrong
Published: September 2020

Background: Jumonji AT-rich interactive domain 1B(JARID1B) has been shown to be upregulated in many human cancers and plays a critical role in the development of cancers cells. Nevertheless, its functional role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is not fully understood.Methods: Herein, JARID1B expression levels were detected in clinical CRC samples by western blotting and qRT-PCR. DLD-1 cells with JARID1B knockdown or overexpression by stably transfected plasmids were used in vitro and in vivo study. Colony formation, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Real Time Cellular Analysis(RTCA) assays were used to detect cell proliferation and growth. Transcriptome and CHIP assays were used to examine the molecular biology changes and molecular interaction in these cells. Nude mice was utilized to study the correlation of JARID1B and tumor growth in vivo.Results: Here, we first observed that JARID1B was significantly upregulated in CRC tissue compared to adjacent normal tissues. In CRC patients, JARID1B high expression was positively relation with poor overall survival. Multivariate analyses revealed that high JARID1B expression was an independent predictive marker for the poor prognosis of CRC. In addition, we found that JARID1B promoted CRC cells proliferation by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Further studies demonstrated CDX2 as a downstream target of JARID1B, and our data demonstrated that CDX2 is crucial for JARID1B -mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that JARID1B regulated CDX2 expression through demethylation of H3K4me3.Conclusions: CDX2 inhibited by JARID1B-derived H3K4me3 methylation promoted cells proliferation of CRC via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, our studies provided a novel insight into the role of JARID1B in CRC cells proliferation and potential new molecular target for treating CRC.
Effects of Biofilm Transfer and Electron Mediators Transfer on Klebsiella quasipneumoniae sp.203 Electricity Generation Performance in MFCs
Authors: Guo Yating , Wang Guozhen , Zhang Hao , Wen Hongyu , Li Wen
Published: September 2020

Background: Extracellular electron transfer ( EET ) is essential in improving the power generation performance of electrochemically active bacteria ( EAB ) in microbial fuel cells ( MFCs ) . Currently, the EET mechanisms of dissimilatory metal-reducing ( DMR ) model bacteria Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens have been thoroughly studied. Klebsiella has also been proved to be an EAB capable of EET, but the EET mechanism has not been perfected. This study investigated the effects of biofilm transfer and electron mediators transfer on Klebsiella quasipneumoniae sp. 203 electricity generation performance in MFCs. Results： Herein, we covered the anode of MFC with a layer of microfiltration membrane to block the effect of the biofilm mechanism, and then explore the EET of the electron mediator mechanism of K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 and electricity generation performance. In the absence of short-range electron transfer, we found that K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 can still produce a certain power generation performance, and coated-MFC reached 40.26 mW / m 2 at a current density of 770.9 mA / m 2 whereas the uncoated-MFC reached 90.69 mW / m 2 at a current density of 1224.49 mA / m 2 . The difference in the electricity generation performance between coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC was probably due to the microfiltration membrane covered in anode, which inhibited the growth of EAB on the anode. Therefore, we speculated that K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 can also perform EET through the biofilm mechanism. The protein content, the integrity of biofilm and the biofilm activity all proved that the difference in the electricity generation performance between coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC was due to the extremely little biomass of the anode biofilm. To further verify the effect of electron mediators on electricity generation performance of MFCs, 10µM 2,6-DTBBQ, 2,6-DTBHQ and DHNA were added to coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC. Combining the time-voltage curve and CV curve, we found that 2,6-DTBBQ and 2,6-DTBHQ had high electrocatalytic activity toward the redox reaction of K.quasipneumoniae sp.203-inoculated MFCs. It was also speculated that K. quasipneumoniae sp. 203 produced 2,6-DTBHQ and 2,6-DTBBQ. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, the three modes of EET did not exist separately. K.quasipneumoniae sp.203 will adopt the corresponding electron transfer mode or multiple ways to realize EET according to the living environment to improve electricity generation performance.
Impact of water quality on Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Thunukkai Division in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gobalarajah Kalaivani , Prabagar Subramaniam , Jayawardena Uthpala , Gobalarajah Rasiah , Rajendra Subramaniam , Prabagar Jasotha
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIncrease in the number of cases in Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka has become an environmental health issue of national concern. Even though, Northern Province is not identified as a high risk province, there is an increasing trend of CKDu after the end of civil war in the Northern territory.MethodsThe present study was conducted in Thunukkai Division in Mullaitivu District to investigate the socio demographic and clinical pattern of CKDu patients and to evaluate the quality of their water sources. The samples were selected by using stratified purposive random sampling method which represented 29% of total CKDu patients in Thunukkai Division. Pretested structured questionnaire was administrated to collect the data from CKDu patients.ResultsAmong the patients, 80% of them were male with an age range of 30-80, majority (88%) involved in farming. 26% and 20% of people were engaged in smoking and taking alcohol, respectively. 17% and 43% were suffered with diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics of more than 50% of the water samples recorded higher electric conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness and Na levels compared to drinking water standards in Sri Lanka.ConclusionsThe association between serum creatine excreted by CKDu patients and water quality parameters were determined by using regression model, revealing a significant negative relationship with phosphate and positive relationship with Total Dissolved Solid and arsenic content of the drinking water. Thus, the study suggests, total dissolved solid and arsenic in drinking water have a positive correlation with CKDu in Thunukkai region in the Mullaitivu District.
A comparison of the effects and usability of two exoskeletal robots with and without robotic actuation for upper extremity rehabilitation among patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Park Jin Ho , Park Gyulee , Kim Ha Yeon , Lee Ji-Yeong , Ham Yeajin , Hwang Donghwan , Kwon Suncheol , Shin Joon-Ho
Published: September 2020

Background : Robotic rehabilitation of stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction may yield different outcomes depending on the robot type. Considering that excessive dependence on assistive force by robotic actuators may interfere with the patient’s active learning and participation, we hypothesised that the use of an active-assistive robot with robotic actuators does not lead to a more meaningful difference with respect to upper extremity rehabilitation than the use of a passive robot without robotic actuators. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical and kinematic outcomes between active-assistive and passive robotic rehabilitation among stroke survivors.

Methods: In this single-blinded randomised controlled pilot trial, we assigned 20 stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction (Medical Research Council scale score, 3 or 4) to the active-assistive robotic intervention (ACT) and passive robotic intervention (PSV) groups in a 1:1 ratio and administered 20 sessions of 30-minute robotic intervention (5 days/week, 4 weeks). The primary (Wolf Motor Function Test [WMFT]-score and -time: measures activity), and secondary (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA] and Stroke Impact Scale [SIS] scores: measure impairment and participation, respectively; kinematic outcomes) outcome measures were determined at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of the intervention, and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the usability of the robots through interviews with patients, therapists, and physiatrists.

Results: In both the groups, the WMFT-score and -time improved over the course of the intervention. Time had a significant effect on the WMFT-score and -time, FMA-UE, FMA-prox, and SIS-strength; group × time interaction had a significant effect on SIS-function and SIS-social participation (all, p <0.05). The PSV group showed better improvement in participation and smoothness than the ACT group. In contrast, the ACT group exhibited better improvement in mean speed.

Conclusions: There were no differences between the two groups regarding the impairment and activity domains. However, the PSV robots were more beneficial than ACT robots regarding participation and smoothness. Considering the high cost and complexity of ACT robots, PSV robots might be more suitable for rehabilitation in stroke survivors capable of voluntary movement.

Trial registration: The trial was registered retrospectively on 14 March 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03465267).
Deceased donor kidney allocation: an economic evaluation of contemporary longevity matching practices
Authors: Senanayake Sameera , Graves Nicholas , Healy Helen , Baboolal Keshwar , Barnett Adrian , Sypek Matthew P. , Kularatna Sanjeewa
Published: September 2020

Background Matching survival of a donor kidney with that of the recipient (longevity matching), is used in some kidney allocation systems to maximize graft-life years. It is not part of the allocation algorithm for Australia. Given the growing evidence of survival benefit due to longevity matching based allocation algorithms, development of a similar kidney allocation system for Australia is currently underway. The aim of this research is to estimate the impact that changes to costs and health outcomes arising from ‘longevity matching’ on the Australian healthcare system. Methods A decision analytic model to estimate cost-effectiveness was developed using a Markov process. Four plausible competing allocation options were compared to the current kidney allocation practice. Models were simulated in one-year cycles for a 20-year time horizon, with transitions through distinct health states relevant to the kidney recipient. Willingness to pay was considered as AUD 28000. Results Base case analysis indicated that allocating the worst 20% of Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) donor kidneys to the worst 20% of estimated post-transplant survival (EPTS) recipients (option 2) and allocating the oldest 25% of donor kidneys to the oldest 25% of recipients are both cost saving and more effective compared to the current Australian allocation practice. Option 2, returned the lowest costs, greatest health benefits and largest gain to net monetary benefits (NMB). Allocating the best 20% of KDRI donor kidneys to the best 20% of EPTS recipients had the lowest expected incremental NMB. Conclusion Of the four longevity-based kidney allocation practices considered, transplanting the lowest quality kidneys to the worst kidney recipients (option 2), was estimated to return the best value for money for the Australian health system.
Long noncoding RNA RP11-757G1.5 sponges miR-139-5p and upregulates YAP1 thereby promoting the proliferation and liver, spleen metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: zhu xiaojian , Bu Fanqin , Tan Ting , Luo Qilin , Zhu Jingfeng , Lin Kang , Huang Jun , Luo Chen , Zhu Zhengming
Published: September 2020

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as crucial regulators in tumorigenesis. However, its biological functions of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been systematically clarified. Methods: An unbiased screening was performed to identify disregulated lncRNAs revealed to be implicated in CRC carcinogenesis according to an online-available data dataset. In situ hybridization (ISH), RT-qPCR and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) were applied to detect RP11-757G1.5 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. The associations of RP11-757G1.5 with clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Their effects on prognosis were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-rank test, Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analysis. The potential biological function of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC was investigated by Colony formation, Edu cell proliferation, Flow cytometry, Wound healing and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics binding site analysis, Luciferase reporter assay, Ago2 immunoprecipitation assays, RNA pull-down assay, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were utilized to demonstrate the mechanism of RP11-757G1.5 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-139-5p to regulate the expression of YAP1. Finally, we further explore the potential role of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC orthotopic xenografts in vivio . Results: We discovered a novel oncogenic lncRNA RP11-757G1.5, that was overexpressed in CRC tissues, especially in aggressive cases. Moreover, up-regulation of RP11-757G1.5 strongly correlated with poor clinical outcomes of patients with CRC. Functional analyses revealed that RP11-757G1.5 promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . Furthermore, RP11-757G1.5 stimulated cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistic studies illustrated that RP11-757G1.5 regulated the expression of YAP1 through sponging miR-139-5p and inhibiting its activity thereby promoting CRC progression and development. Conclusions: Altogether, these results reveal a novel RP11-757G1.5/miR-139-5p/YAP1 regulatory axis that participates in CRC carcinogenesis and progression.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the effect of LED light quality on morphological traits, and phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation in Sarcandra glabra seedlings
Authors: Xie Dejin , Chen Lingyan , Zhou Chengcheng , Tarin Muhammad Waqqas Khan , Yang Deming , Ren Ke , He Tianyou , Rong Jundong , Zheng Yushan
Published: September 2020

Background: Sarcandra glabra is an evergreen and traditional Chinese herb with anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Recently, artificial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely used as energy for plants in greenhouse. However, little is known regarding the effects of the different LED lights on plant growth and the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation patterns in S. glabra. Results: Compared to white LED light (WL), the red LED light (RL) significantly increased the plant height and decreased the stem diameter and leaf area, whereas blue LED light (BL) significantly suppressed the height and leaf area of S. glabra. According to the results of transcriptomic profiling, 861, 378, 47, 10,033, 7917, and 6379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the groups of leaf tissue under BL (BY) vs leaf tissue under RL (RY), BY vs leaf tissue under WL (WY), RY vs WY, root tissue under WL (WG) vs WY, stem tissue under WL (WJ) vs WG, and WJ vs WY, respectively. We identified 46 unigenes encoding for almost all known enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and flavonol synthase (FLS). We found 53 unigenes encoding R2R3-MYB proteins and bHLH proteins, respectively, where several were related to flavonoids biosynthesis. Based on metabolomic profiling, a total of 454 metabolites were identified, of which 44, 87, and 296 compounds were differentially produced in WY vs RY, WY vs BY, and WY vs WG, respectively. In BY, the production of esculetin, caffeic acid, isofraxidin, and fraxidin were significantly reduced, while the yields of quercitrin and kaempferol were significantly up-regulated. In RY, the contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol were significantly decreased. In addition, the production of metabolites (e.g., chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopolin) were significantly reduced, whereas the yields of metabolites (e.g., esculetin, fraxetin, isofraxidin, and fraxidin) were significantly promoted in WG. Conclusion: These results provide further insight into the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation patterns in S. glabra under different light conditions, enabling the development of optimum breeding conditions for this plant.
Comparative investigation of different telemetric methods for measuring intracranial pressure: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rot Sergej , Dweek Mamon , Gutowski Pawel , Goelz Leonie , Meier Ullrich , Lemcke Johannes
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) plays an important role in long-term monitoring and neuro-intensive treatment of patients with a cerebral shunt. Currently, only two complete telemetric implants with different technical features are available worldwide. This prospective pilot study aims to examine patients who had both probes implanted at overlapping times for clinical reasons and represents the first in vivo comparison of both measurement methods.

Materials and methods: Patients with a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage or a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage who had received a telemetric ICP probe (Raumedic ® NEUROVENT ® -P-tel) were included in the study. Conventional external ventricular drainages (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts with a telemetric ICP probe (Miethke Sensor Reservoir) were implanted in patients with hydrocephalus who required CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) drainage. ICP values from all systems were obtained. Due to the overlapping implantation time, parallel ICP measurements were performed via two devices simultaneously. ICP measurements via the sensor reservoir were repeated after three, six and twelve months. Differences between the ICP values measured via the NEUROVENT ® -P-tel probe, the Miethke sensor reservoir ® , and the EVD were analyzed.

Results: Sixteen patients were included in the present study between 2016 and 2018. 63% of all patients were male. In 11 patients the ICP measurements were followed up with both devices for 3 months. ICP measurements of the sensor reservoirs showed corresponding trends in 9 cases compared to ICP measurement via the telemetry probe or EVD. Difference in ICP values ranged between 14.5 mmHg and 0.0 mmHg. The average difference of the ICP values in 8 cases was ≤ 3.5 mmHg.

Conclusion: ICP measurements with both systems continuously showed synchronous ICP values, however absolute values of ICP measurement with the different systems did not match.
The enhancing antibiofilm activity of curcumin on Streptococcus mutans strains from severe early childhood caries
Authors: Li Bingchun , Pan Ting , Lin Huancai , Zhou Yan
Published: September 2020

Background Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the main cariogenic bacteria for caries. It was found that the clinical strains of S. mutans isolated from caries active population have stronger cariogenic ability than the isolates from caries-free (CF) people. Previous studies have found that curcumin can inhibit biofilm formation of S. mutans UA159. The objective of this study is to explore the antibiofilm effect of curcumin on the clinical isolates of S. mutans from severe early childhood caries(SECC).Results The isolates from SECC group had more biomass than CF group (t = 4.296, P < 0.001). The acidogenicity and aciduricity of the strains from two groups showed no significant difference. After treatment with curcumin, the viability of biofilm was reduced to 61.865%±7.108% in SECC and to 84.059%±10.227% in CF group at 24 h (P < 0.05). The net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305, P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378, P = 0.045) at 5min. For 24h, the net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305, P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378, P = 0.045). The reduction of biofilm thickness reduced significantly in 5min (t = 4.110, P = 0.015) and in 24h (t = 3.453, P = 0.014). Long-term (24h) curcumin treatment inhibited the amount of EPS in SECC group from (25.980±1.156) μm3/μm2 to (20.136±1.042) μm3/μm2, the difference was statistically significant (t = 7.510, P < 0.001). The gene of gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in the CF group and the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, srtA in SECC group were respectively reduced after 5min curcumin treatment. After 24h treatment, the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in both two groups were downregulation, all the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions Curcumin has antibiofilm activity on clinical strains of S. mutans, especially for those isolated from SECC.
Perceptions of Firearms in a cohort of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Leuenberger Laura , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer , Lehman Erik
Published: September 2020

Background: Almost one-half of U.S. women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner. IPV is associated with an increased risk of homicide, with firearms as the most commonly used weapon. We designed this study to better understand the correlation of interpersonal trauma exposures and demographic factors on firearm perceptions among a cohort of IPV-exposed women. Methods: 267 women in central Pennsylvania with exposure to IPV were surveyed about perceptions of gun access, safety, and gun presence in the home. Trauma variables included IPV type, IPV recency, unwanted sexual exposure, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Multivariable analyses examined three questions examining firearm perceptions controlling for trauma exposures and demographics.Results: Ease of firearm acquisition: Women who were older (mean 44.92 years +/- SD 12.05) , compared to women who were younger (40.91 +/- SD 11.81 years) were more likely to describe it as easy or very easy to acquire a gun (aOR 1.05, 95%CI 1.004, 1.10).Perceived safety in the proximity of a gun: Women with the highest ACE score were less likely to feel safe with a gun nearby (aOR 0.31, 95%CI 0.14,0.67). Odds of guns in the home: Women who were divorced or separated (aOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09,0.54), women were widowed or single (aOR0.23, 95%CI 0.08,0.67), and women who were partnered (aOR 0.45 95%CI 0.20, 0.97) had lower odds of having a gun in the home, compared to married women. There was no significant effect of the trauma variables on the odds of having a gun at home.Conclusions: Women with more severe childhood trauma felt less safe around firearms, but trauma exposures did not predict the perception of gun prevalence in the local community or gun ownership. Instead, demographic factors of marriage predicted presence of a gun in the home.
Positive association between triglyceride glucose index and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients: the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study
Authors: Li Minghui , Zhan Aihua , Huang Xiao , Hu Lihua , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: September 2020

Background: Data are limited on whether TyG index is an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the TyG index and arterial stiffness, and examined whether there were effect modifiers, in hypertensive patients. Methods: This study included 4718 hypertensive adults, a subset of the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study. The TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Arterial stiffness was determined by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results: The overall mean TyG index was 8.84. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that TyG index was independently and positively associated with baPWV (β, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83, 1.20). Consistently, Multiple logistic analyses showed a positive association between TyG index risk of elevated baPWV (> 75th percentile) (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% CI 1.80, 2.50). Analyses using restricted cubic spline confirmed that the associations of TyG index with baPWV and elevated baPWV were linear. Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between TyG index and baPWV were detected in men (all P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: TyG index was independently and positively associated with baPWV and elevated baPWV among hypertensive patients, especially in men. The data suggest that TyG index may serve as a simple and effective tool for arterial stiffness risk assessment in daily clinical practice.
Predictive values of multiple serum biomarkers in women with suspected preeclampsia: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Honghai , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Shenglong , Zheng Yuanyuan , Jia Zhaoxia , Chen Lu , Zhang Chunhong , Xie Xin , Zhong Junhui , Dong Ying , Liu Jingrui , Lu Yifan , Zhao Zhen , Zhai Yanhong , Zhao Juan , Cao Zheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Preeclampsia is a common obstetric multisystem disorder causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; it’s been shown that the prediction improves preeclampsia outcomes in pregnancy. However, the current serum biomarkers had low clinical application values and still lack validation studies. Here we aimed to evaluate the preeclampsia prediction values of a series of serum biomarkers in Chinese pregnant women of > 20 weeks of gestation. Methods: Singleton pregnant women with preeclampsia-related clinical and/or laboratory presentations were recruited and had blood drawn at their first visits. The prospective cohort was further divided into preeclampsia-positive and preeclampsia-negative groups based on the follow-up results. The following markers were tested using the collected serum samples: soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1); placental growth factor (PlGF); thrombomodulin (TM); tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (tPAI-C); compliment factors C1q, B, and H; glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn); pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2); blood urea nitrogen (BUN); creatinine (Cre); uric acid (UA); and cystatin C (Cysc). Results: A total of 196 women with suspected preeclampsia were recruited with follow-up medical records. Twenty-five percent (n=49) of the recruited subjects developed preeclampsia before delivery, and 75% remained preeclampsia-negative (n=147). The serum levels of sFlt-1, BUN, Cre, UA, Cysc and PAPP-A2 were significantly elevated, and the PlGF level was significantly decreased in the preeclampsia-positive patients. In the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses, the area under the curves were listed in the order of decreasing values: 0.73 (UA), 0.67 (sFlt-1/PlGF), 0.66 (Cysc), 0.65 (GlyFn/PlGF), 0.64 (PAPP-A2/PlGF), 0.63 (BUN), 0.63 (Cre), and 0.60 (PAPP-A2). With the cut-off values obtained from the ROC analyses, the positive predictive values of these serum markers were between 33.1% and 58.5%, and the negative predictive values were between 80.9% and 89.5%. Conclusions: Although several serum markers were found to be significantly changed with current prospective cohort, their limited predictive values in preeclampsia development posed potential barrier in clinical implementation. Further studies with larger cohort are warranted to further reveal the clinical utilities of the serum markers in preeclampsia prediction.
Effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on cardiac sympathetic activity in acute myocardial infarction patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the EMBODY trial
Authors: Shimizu Wataru , Kubota Yoshiaki , Hoshika Yu , Mozawa Kosuke , Tara Shuhei , Tokita Yukichi , Yodogawa Kenji , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Takano Hitoshi , Tsukada Yayoi , Asai Kuniya , Miyamoto Masaaki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Kodani Eitaro , Ishikawa Masahiro , Maruyama Mitsunori , Ogano Michio , Tanabe Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: Protection from lethal ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a crucial challenge after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity can be noninvasively assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). The EMBODY trial was designed to determine whether the Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor improves cardiac nerve activity.Methods: This prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients with AMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan; 105 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive once-daily 10-mg empagliflozin or placebo. The primary endpoints were changes in HRV, e.g., the standard deviation of all 5-min mean normal RR intervals (SDANN) and the low-frequency–to–high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in other sudden cardiac death (SCD) surrogate markers such as HRT.Results: Overall, 96 patients were included (46, empagliflozin group; 50, placebo group). The changes in SDANN were +11.6 and +9.1 msec in the empagliflozin (P=0.02) and placebo groups (P=0.06), respectively. Change in LF/HF ratio was –0.57 and –0.17 in the empagliflozin (P=0.01) and placebo groups (P=0.43), respectively. Significant improvement was noted in HRT only in the empagliflozin group (P=0.01). Whereas intergroup comparison on HRV and HRT showed no significant difference between the empagliflozin and placebo groups. Compared with the placebo group, the empagliflozin group showed significant decreases in body weight, systolic blood pressure, and uric acid. In the empagliflozin group, no adverse events were observed.Conclusions: This is the first randomized clinical data to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in patients with T2DM and AMI. Early SGLT2 inhibitor administration in AMI patients with T2DM might be effective in improving cardiac nerve activity without any adverse events. Trial Registration: The EMBODY trial was registered by the UMIN in November 2017 (ID: 000030158). UMIN000030158; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000034442
Differential Expression in Leaves of Saccharum Genotypes Contrasting in Biomass Production Provides Evidence of Genes Involved in Carbon Partitioning
Authors: Correr Fernando Henrique , Hosaka Guilherme Kenichi , Barreto Fernanda Zatti , Valadão Isabella Barros , Balsalobre Thiago Willian Almeida , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert James , Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe development of biomass crops aims to meet industrial yield demands, in order to optimize profitability and sustainability. Achieving these goals in an energy crop like sugarcane relies on breeding for sucrose accumulation, fiber content and stalk number. To expand the understanding of the biological pathways related to these traits, we evaluated gene expression of two groups of genotypes contrasting in biomass composition.ResultsFirst visible dewlap leaves were collected from 12 genotypes, six per group, to perform RNA-Seq. We found a high number of differentially expressed genes, showing how hybridization in a complex polyploid system caused extensive modifications in genome functioning. We found evidence that differences in transposition and defense related genes may arise due to the complex nature of the polyploid Saccharum genomes. Genotypes within both biomass groups showed substantial variability in genes involved in photosynthesis. However, most genes coding for photosystem components or those coding for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases (PEPCs) were upregulated in the high biomass group. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) coding genes were upregulated in the low biomass group, showing that this enzyme class can be involved with sucrose synthesis in leaves, similarly to sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose phosphate phosphatase (SPP). Genes in pathways related to biosynthesis of cell wall components and expansins coding genes showed low average expression levels and were mostly upregulated in the high biomass group.ConclusionsTogether, these results show differences in carbohydrate synthesis and carbon partitioning in the source tissue of distinct phenotypic groups. Our data from sugarcane leaves revealed how hybridization in a complex polyploid system resulted in noticeably different transcriptomic profiles between contrasting genotypes.