bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irradiation-induced M1 Microglia Affect Brain Metastatic Colonization of A549 Cell Lines via miR-9/CDH1 Axis
Authors: Jin Yu , Kang Yalin , Qin Wan , Li Qianxia , Mei Qi , Chen Xinyi , Hu Guangyuan , Tang Yang , Yuan Xianglin
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose: Brain metastasis is among the leading causes of death in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Through yet unknown mechanisms, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) can significantly decrease the incidence of brain metastases. We propose that PCI probably exerts indirect anti-tumoral effects by turning cerebral “soil” unfavorable for the colonization of metastatic tumor “seeds”. This study aims to reveal how PCI regulates the brain microenvironment conducing to a reduction in brain metastases.Materials and methods: Key marks of M1/M2 microglia types and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western Blot in vitro. The target miR-9-5p was obtained by miRNA array analysis and confirmed by qRT-PCR in microglia. miRTarBase and TargetScan were used to predict the target genes of miR-9-5p, which were assessed by luciferase activity assay. Anti-metastatic effects of irradiation on the brain were evaluated by intravital imaging using a brain metastatic NSCLC A549-f3 cell line in a nude mouse model.Results: We found the microglia can polarize into M1 type after irradiation and the irradiated microglia inhibited mesenchymal-epithelial transition of metastatic tumor cells, which decreased their adhesion and colonization capabilities in brain. We discovered up-regulated miR-9 was related with inhibition of MET process. Further overexpression/silencing experiments indicated that irradiated M1-type microglia inhibited A549 mesenchymal-epithelial transition, mediated by miR-9 up-regulation and secretion. Additionally, these results were confirmed in mice model, as low dose irradiation increased miR-9 level in the brain microenvironment and reduced brain metastases of metastatic tumor cells.Conclusions: We demonstrated that miR-9 secreted by irradiated M1-type microglia played important role in inducing A549 cell lines into mesenchymal phenotype, and further decreased their localization capabilities in brain. Our findings emphasized the modulating effect of irradiation on metastatic soil, and the cross-talk between tumor cells and the metastatic microenvironment. More importantly, our findings provided new perspectives for effective anti-metastasis therapies, especially for NSCLC patients with high risk of brain metastasis.
One-pot Production of Butyl Butyrate From Glucose by Constructing a “Diamond-Shaped” E. Coli Consortium
Authors: Sinumvayo Jean Paul , Zhao Chunhua , Liu Guoxia , Zhang Yanping , Li Yin
Published: December 2020

Esters are widely used in plastic, texture, fiber, and petroleum industries. Usually, esters are produced from chemical synthesis or enzymatic processes from the corresponding alcohols and acids. Recently, fermentation production of esters was developed with supplementation of precursors (either alcohol or acid, or both at once). Here using butyl butyrate as an example, we demonstrated that we can use a microbial consortium developed from two engineered butyrate- and butanol-producing E. coli strains for the production of ester, with the assistance of exogenously added lipase. The synthesizing pathways for both precursors and the lipase-based esterification reaction created a “diamond-shaped” consortium. The concentration of the precursors for ester biosynthesis could be altered by adjusting the ratio of the inoculum of each E. coli strain in the consortium. Upon appropriate optimization, the consortium produced 7.2 g/L butyl butyrate without the exogenous addition of butanol or butyrate, which is the highest titer of butyl butyrate produced by E. coli reported to date. This study thus provides a new way for the biotechnological production of esters.
The Association among Hyperuricemia, Aspirin Resistance, and Ischemic Events Recurrence in Stroke Patients
Authors: Zhang Yongkang , Lv Huihui , Shi Zhuqing , Liu Xu , Liu Wei , Liu Qianyun , Huo Yajing , Long Xie , Liu Mingyuan , Zhou Yinting , Zhu Guoqin , Wu Haibo , Han Yan
Published: December 2020

Background: It is unclear about the relationship among hyperuricemia, aspirin resistance (AR) and recurrence of ischemic events in ischemic stroke patients. This study focuses on this topic. Methods: In this prospective, observational, and single-center study, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients within 14 days of onset were recruited. Every patient took aspirin 100mg/d during the follow-up period, the aspirin reaction unit (ARU) was detected by the VerifyNow System on the 5-7th day, and serum uric acid (SUA) level was also tested. ARU≥550 is defined as AR. Patients were followed up for 3 years and record ischemic events recurrence in the clinical database we built (including transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke recurrence, major adverse cardiovascular events, and vascular composite death). Results: A total of 138 patients with newly ischemic stroke were recruited in this study, of which 27 were AR and 14 were hyperuricemia. A total of 119 patients completed 3-year follow up, among which 32 patients experienced at least one endpoint, 23 patients had aspirin resistance, and 12 patients had hyperuricemia. Among these 32 patients, no one had hyperuricemia. In the univariate analysis, hyperuricemia was significantly associated with no ischemic events (p=0.035); the incidence of AR was significantly associated with recurrent ischemic events (p=0.012); hyperuricemia has no association with AR (p=0.457). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia might be a protective factor in patients with AIS, and AR has a significant association with ischemic events recurrence which is not associated with hyperuricemia.
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium From Wastewater by Cu/Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ye Jien , Wang Yi , Xu Qiao , Wu Hanxin , Tong Jianhao , Shi Jiyan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) is a promising material for removing heavy metals from wastewater. However, passivation of nZVI hinders its efficiency in water treatment. Loading another catalytic metal has been found to improve the efficiency significantly. In this study, Cu/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by liquid-phase chemical reduction for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. Purpose of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanisms of Cu loading on the removal efficiency of Cr(VI).ResultsThe results showed that Cu loading can significantly enhance the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) by 29.3% to 84.0%, and the optimal Cu loading rate was 3% (wt%). The removal efficiency decreased with increasing initial pH and Cr(VI) concentration. It was found that Cr(VI) removal followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. When the Cu loading rate was 3%, the initial concentration of Cr(VI) was 100 mg/L, the observed first-order rate coefficient (kobs) was 0.016 min-1 for Cu/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles at pH of 3.5, which was twice than that of nZVI (0.008 min-1). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that Cr(VI) was completely reduced to Cr(Ⅲ) and precipitated on the particle surface as hydroxylated Cr(OH)3 and CrxFe1-x(OH)3 coprecipitation.ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that the loading of Cu can significantly increase the specific surface area and the Cr(VI) remove efficiency of nZVI, and the removal efficiency decreases with increasing pH and Cr(VI) initial concentration. Therefore, Cu loading can alleviate the passivation of nZVI effectively and can be beneficial for the application of iron-based nanomaterials in remediation of wastewater.
Arthroscopic Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation: Short-term Clinical Results
Authors: Huang Yong , Yang Yuan , Zhong Mingjin , Su Fan , Xu Jian , Deng Zhenhan , Chen Kang , Feng Wenzhe , Lu Wei , Zhu Weimin
Published: December 2020

The present study aimed to introduce a novel technique to reconstruct medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) via arthroscopy for recurrent patellar dislocation. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected registry was undertaken. A total of 34 patients (35 knees) who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of MPFL from December 2017 to August 2019 were identified. Kujala score, Tegner score, Lyscholm score, patellar tilt, and congruence angle were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. The occurrences of patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrent dislocation were recorded. The cohort consisted of both genders equally, and the mean age was 21.0±7.8 years, the mean body mass index was 22.5±3.5, and the mean follow-up time was 21.8±5.6 months. The patellar tiltdecreased from 46.4±19.3° to 12.5±16.9° (P < 0.001), the congruence angle decreased from 46.4±19.3° to 12.5±16.9° (P < 0.001), Kujala score improved from 55.1±4 to 88.7±4.4 (P < 0.001); Tegner score improved from 1.3±0.4 to 3.7±1.1 (P < 0.001), and Lyscholm score improved from 55.5±3.9 to 89.1±4.8 (P < 0.001). Among them, 30 (88.2%) patients fully recovered to normal pain-free daily life, 24 patients (70.6%) returned to sports, 32 patients were satisfied with surgery, and no redislocations were encountered. MPFL reconstruction via arthroscopy improves the knee joint function in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation and is a safe and effective surgical treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation.
Doxorubicin and siRNA Co-Delivery System Based on Carbon Dots Inhibits Metastasis of Lung Cancer by Attenuating Mrp1-Mediated Resistance
Authors: Luo Hui , Huang Kaichen , Tang Kexin , Lin Xi , Mei Chaoming , Wu Lili , Yang Lei , Yu Hailing
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTumor easily develops resistance to anti-cancer drugs leading to decreased therapy efficiency of chemotherapies. Targeting signaling molecules related with chemoresistance through strategy of co-delivery siRNA and chemotherapeutics may overcome the multidrug resistance to chemotherapy. A co-delivery nanosystem that could carry siRNA and DOX simultaneously has been studied in this work. ResultsThe co-delivery is based on carbon dots was surface-modified with poly-ethylenimine (PEI), and loaded the siMRP1 and chemotherapeutics on the surface with pH-triggered drug release. The CD-PEI was synthesized by one-step microwave assisted method; the PEI were raw materials and passivator during the reaction process that makes CD exhibit excellent optical property. The CD-PEI was capable of loading and delivering siMRP1 and DOX to tumor and release synchronously in cell by acid-triggered manner, i.e. hydrazone bond cleavage and endosome/lysosome escape using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. MRP1 was successfully knocked down by siRNA. The silencing of MRP1 by co-delivery system could increase DOX accumulation and significantly enhance the inhibitory effect of metastatic potential elicited by doxorubicin in A549 and A549/ADM cells.Conclusion﻿The co-delivery systems effectively loaded and released siRNA and DOX agents to the targeted lung tumor, overcoming the resistant to chemotherapy. By suppressing MRP1, CD-PEI-DOX-siMRP1 can obviously increase the drug intercellular accumulation and inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion, implying its potential application in enhancing therapeutic efficiency in clinical practices.
Association of Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index With Leukoaraiosis in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jung Dong-Hyuk , Park Byoung Jin , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: December 2020

Background: Leukoaraiosis refers to lesions of high signal intensity in the periventricular and subcortical white matter that result from chronic microvascular ischemic damage to the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is associated with arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease, which are both closely related to ischemic arterial damage. We hypothesized that the serum TyG index could be associated with cerebrovascular microangiopathy as measured by leukoaraiosis among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,162 Korean adults aged ≥45 years who participated in a health examination program between 2010 and 2011. TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides (mg/dl) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dl)/2). TyG index quartiles were categorized as follows: Q1, ≤8.12; Q2, 8.13-8.50 Q2, 8.51-8.89; and Q4, ≥8.90. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for leukoaraiosis based on brain MRI scans were calculated across TyG index quartiles using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: The overall prevalence of leukoaraiosis was 5.4% and increased with serum TyG index quartiles. Compared to the lowest quartile, the ORs (95% CIs) of the highest TyG index quartile for leukoaraiosis was 2.37 (1.17-4.79) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol levels, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.Conclusions: The serum TyG index was positively and independently associated with leukoaraiosis. Our findings indicate that the TyG index might be a useful additional measure for assessing cerebrovascular microangiopathy in clinical settings.
Dyslipidemia Modified the Association Between Serum Uric Acid and First Hemorrhagic Stroke Among Chinese Population : A Community Based Nested Case-control Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Bi Chonglei , Lin Tengfei , Liu Lishun , Liu Chengzhang , Wang Ping , Song Yun , Wang Binyan , Fang Chongqian , Ma Hai , Huang Xiao , Xu Xiping , Guo Huiyuan , Wang Xiaobin , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that serum uric acid (SUA) and dyslipidemia are risk factors for stroke. However, it is not clear that whether dyslipidemia could modify the association between SUA and hemorrhagic stroke.Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study from “H-type Hypertension and Stroke Prevention and Control Project (HSPCP)” in China. A total of 355 first hemorrhagic stroke cases and 355 controls matched for age (± 1 years), sex and study site were included in the final data analysis. Logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association between SUA and first hemorrhagic stroke.Results: In matched analysis, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was associated with the increased SUA levels (OR:1.13, 95% CI:0.98 to 1.30). However, multiple regression analyses showed that per 1 mg/dL in SUA was associated with a 16% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke among participants without dyslipidemia and associated with a 28% increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke among dyslipidemia participants [without dyslipidemia: odds ratio (OR) = 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.09, with dyslipidemia: OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.48; P Interaction ＜0.001]. The results of the subgroup analysis were consistent with the main results.Conclusions: Elevated SUA was associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke especially among participants with dyslipidemia. These findings suggest that we need to focus on SUA levels especially among participants with dyslipidemia.
Number of Implanted Stents May Predict Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Guo-An , He Chun-Hui , Liu Zhong-Wei , Pan Shuo , He Ting , Zhao Xiu-Juan , Zhang Xue-Mei
Published: December 2020

Background: This study is intended to explore the confounding factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese Han population with acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods: 300 acute MI patients were enrolled in this study, the demographic data, complicating diseases, medication, and perioperative procedures were documented. The PTSD was evaluated using the PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C) scale one month after the occurrence of MI. Results: 97 (32.3%) patients were diagnosed as PTSD after finishing the PCL-C scale. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation and use of diuretic in PTSD patients with acute MI were significantly higher than those in non-PTSD patients with acute MI. The age, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, number of stents, urea nitrogen, white blood cells counts, creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were significantly and positively correlated with PTSD score (all P < 0.05). After the adjustment of the confounding factors, the number of stents was significantly associated with PTSD in acute MI patients (OR = 4.131, P = 0.003), meanwhile we also documented the troponin I and BNP were also significantly associated with PTSD in acute MI patients (OR = 1.066, P = 0.046; OR = 1.002, P = 0.019; respectively). The PTSD scores were 39.72 ± 11.12, 44.85 ± 13.46, 47.69 ± 9.39 and 49.33 ± 18.14 in acute MI patients with 1, 2, 3 and 4 stents respectively (P = 0.008).Conclusion: The study found that the number of implanted stents may predict PTSD in Chinese Han patients with acute MI.
Diminished ovarian reserve is the major cause of infertility among women undergoing their first assisted reproductive technology treatment: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Mengqian , Zhang Hongxian , Yang Rui , Feng Guoshuang , Xu Huiyu , Qiao Jie
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aims to investigate the effects of various factors on treatment outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) with embryo transfer (ET).
Methods

Of the 8993 eligible women who underwent their first IVF/ICSI–ET cycles, and met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2742(30.5%) achieved clinical pregnancy while 6251(69.5%) did not. Multivariable Cox regression analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and classification tree analysis were used sequentially to screen key predictors among predictors of various infertility causes and ovarian stimulation protocols through the best subset technique.
Results

Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the main factor affecting fertility in first attempts at IVF/ICSI–ET is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.406 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.353–0.466. Multiple forward logistic regression with 5-fold cross-validation also found that, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.522 (95% CI = 2.167–2.937), DOR affects fertility. The classification tree analysis was further used to better visualize the model.
Conclusions

DOR is the major factor affecting success rates in couples undergoing their first attempt at IVF/ICSI-ET. The selection of the most appropriate pairs for IVF/ICSI treatment can not only increase the success rates but also the cumulative cost-effectiveness.
Evaluating diversity education in the National Health Service: the development and piloting of a new situational judgement test
Authors: George Riya Elizabeth , Dugard Pat , Dogra Nisha
Published: December 2020

Background

As a subject, diversity education poses inherent challenges in its delivery and evaluation. Current evaluation tools are largely inadequate and often rely on participants’ self-reported assessments of their knowledge, attitudes and skills. These tools rarely ask participants to demonstrate these attributes. This study describes the development and piloting of a new situational judgement test (SJT) for use in evaluating diversity education in the National Health Service (NHS) and healthcare educational institutions.
Methods

We started by adapting scenarios developed from a series of participatory workshops. Scenario based questions, response items, response formats and scoring methods were devised, tested and refined through an iterative process of three stages of piloting with a total of 198 new participants, either attending NHS diversity trainings or as part of a control group.
Results

SJTs are not generally used to evaluate diversity education, but our findings suggest they have considerable untapped potential. The findings from this study SJT shows how an individual can demonstrate differing attitudes to a range of diversity factors.
Conclusion

This tool has important applications beyond research. An unexpected finding was the enthusiasm of the participants for using the SJT as an educational resource to foster clinically relevant discussions on diversity issues. The scenarios can be tailored to different contexts, further developed and refined for future use. This preliminary attempt at devising and piloting a SJT is a key innovative step in the development of improved evaluation of diversity education.
Induction Effect and Underlying Mechanism of Scutellarin on Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer SW480 Cells and AOM/DSS Mouse
Authors: Zeng Sha , Tan Li , Zhao Hui , Yang Han , Chen Li , Ren Shan , Liu Maolun , Sun Qiang , He Man , Zhang Meng , Meng Xianli , Xu Haibo
Published: December 2020

Background: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Scutellarin on apoptosis of human colorectal cancer SW480 cells and azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse, and clarify its mechanism. Methods: 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) and cell migration assay were performed to detect the viability and proliferation of SW480 cells that treated with different concentrations of Scutellarin. Hoechst33342 Staining to determine apoptosis, detecting Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities after administration of different concentrations of Scutellarin. AOM/DSS mouse were administrated with Scutellarin; immunohistochemistry and western blot was employed to detect the effect on the expression of BCL2-Associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins, and the message Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3and Caspase-9 were assessed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS19.0 software, expressed as mean ± standard deviation (x ± s). Results: Scutellarin could inhibit the proliferation of SW480 cells after treatment with different concentrations of Scutellarin, while the chromatin condensation and nucleus showed more intense blue fluorescence. Moreover, Scutellarin could significantly increase the activities of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 as well as different concentrations of Scutellarin could significantly down-regulate the expression of apoptosis related protein Bcl-2 and up-regulate the expression of Bax protein. When compared with the solvent control group, the relative expression levels of the related gene Bcl-2 were down-regulated by different concentrations of Scutellarin, while the Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 genes were up-regulated. Conclusion: Scutellarin can inhibit the in vitro activity of colon cancer SW480 cells, promote Bax expression, inhibit Bcl-2 expression, and up-regulate the activities of apoptotic enzymes Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 to induce apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that it has a certain therapeutic effect on colon cancer.
In vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the Phytexponent preparation of selected plants
Authors: Moriasi Gervason , Nelson Elias , Twahirwa Epaphrodite
Published: December 2020

Oxidative stress is a critical etiologic factor and driver of inflammatory responses, witnessed in chronic and persistent conditions. The current anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with detrimental effects, high dependence, high costs, inaccessibility, among other drawbacks; therefore, a need for alternatives is imperative. Despite the remarkable potential of medicinal plants, there are scanty empirical studies on their pharmacologic efficacy. The Phytexponent is an alcoholic polyherbal preparation of Allium sativum, Triticum repens, Echinacea purpurea, Viola tricolor and Matricaria chamomilla. In complementary medicine, the Phytexponent is used to boost immunity, to treat inflammatory disorders, oxidative stress, blood pressure, diabetes, stress/depression, among other conditions. However, there is no sufficient scientific data to support these healing claims. Therefore, in the current study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and qualitative phytochemical composition of the Phytexponent. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using the inhibition of protein denaturation and the human erythrocyte (HRBC) membrane stabilization techniques. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-picryl-1-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging-, the hydroxyl radical scavenging- and catalase activities. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures. The results showed a significantly higher percentage inhibition of heat-induced- and hypotonicity induced HRBC hemolysis by the Phytexponent at concentrations of 50 % and 100 %, compared with the percentage inhibitions of etanercept (p<0.05). No significant differences in percentage inhibitions of protein denaturation were observed among concentrations of 12.5 %,25.0 %,50.0 %,100.0 % of the Phytexponent and etanercept (25 mg/ml) (p˃0.05). Furthermore, the Phytexponent demonstrated high antioxidant activities against the DPPH- (IC50=0.00733%) and the hydroxyl- (IC50 = 0.716 %) radicals in vitro.The Phytexponent recorded significantly higher catalase activities at concentrations of 1 % and 0.1 % than those recorded by ascorbic acid at similar concentrations. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, among other antioxidant associated phytochemicals. The bioactivities of the Phytexponent reported herein, were attributed to the presence of these phytochemicals. Further studies to establish specific mode(s) through which the Phytexponent exerts in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are encouraged. Moreover, in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities should be done to determine the replicability of these findings in vivo. Bioassay-guided isolation of compounds responsible for the reported bioactivities herein should be done.
An Overview of Retraction Status and Reasons of Non-Cochrane Systematic Reviews in Medicine
Authors: Shi Qianling , Wang Zijun , Zhou Qi , Hou Ruizhen , Gao Xia , He Shaoe , Zhao Siya , Ma Yanfang , Zhang Xianzhuo , Guan Quanlin , Chen Yaolong
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMany previous studies have analyzed the status of retracted publications from different perspectives, but so far no study has focused on systematic reviews (SRs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the retraction status and reasons of non-Cochrane SRs in medicine. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE and Embase from their inception until April 18, 2020, as well as Retraction Watch Database and Google Scholar with no language restriction to find non-Cochrane SRs that were retracted for any reason. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. We described the characteristic and reasons of retraction and the duration from publication to retraction.ResultsWe identified 150 non-Cochrane SRs in medicine retracted between 2004 and 2020. The majority of retracted SRs were led by authors from China (n=113, 75.3%) and affiliated with hospitals (n=106, 70.7%). Most SRs were published in journals with an impact factor ≤3 (n=85, 56.7%). The largest proportion of retraction notices were issued by the publisher and editor(s) jointly (n=60, 40.0%); seven did not report this information. Fraudulent peer-review (n=61, 37.9%) was the most common reason for retraction, followed by unreliable data (n=41, 25.5%) meaning errors in study selection or data analysis. The median time between publication and retraction was 14.0 months. SRs retracted due to research misconduct took longer to retract than SRs retracted because of honest error. Conclusions﻿The situation with retracted SRs is critical worldwide, and in particular in China. The most common reasons for retraction are fraudulent peer-review and unreliable data, and in most cases the study is retracted more than a year after publication. Efforts should be made to improve the process of peer review and adherence to the COPE retraction guidance, and authors should strengthen their skills in SR methodology.
The Effect of Breast Milk Cells on the Clinical Outcomes of Neonates With Birth Weight Equal to or Less Than 1800 Grams: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fallahi Minoo , Shafiei Seyed Masoud , Taleghani Naeeme Taslimi , Shariati Maryam Khoshnood , Noripour Shamsollah , Pajouhandeh Fatehemh , Kazemian Sina , Hajipour Mahmood , Kazemian Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Background: Most premature and very low birth weight infants cannot tolerate feedings in the first few days of life and are deprived of breast milk's beneficial effects. This study aims to evaluate the breast milk cells' effects on neonates' clinical outcomes with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams.Methods: This research is a randomized controlled trial conducted on 156 infants in the neonatal intensive care unit of Mahdieh maternity Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from May 2019 to April 2020. All neonates with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams were enrolled and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. During the first 6-12 hours of delivery, neonates in the intervention group received the extracted breast milk cells (BMCs) provided by centrifuging their own mothers' breast milk for one time. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. We also had a subgroup analysis in neonates with birth weight less than 1500 grams.Results: A total of 156 neonates entered the final analysis. We divided participants into two groups by using a computer-generated block randomization sequence, including 75 patients in the intervention group and 81 neonates in the control group. The mean birth weight of neonates was 1390.1±314.4 grams, with a total mortality rate of 12.2% (n=19). We found that in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in neonates who received BMCs (6.7% vs. 17.3%; P-value: 0.043) compared to the control group, and it was more prominent in neonates with birth weight less than 1500 grams (9.5% vs. 30.2%; P-value: 0.017). We did not find any other significant differences in major complications such as retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.Conclusion: Our research demonstrated a significantly lower mortality rate in neonates (with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams) who received breast milk cells on the first day of life. Since this is a novel method with minimal intervention, we are looking forward to developing and evaluating this method in larger studies, with more frequent use of BMCs in very low birth weight infants.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20190228042868N1. Registered 25 May 2019, https://irct.ir/trial/38230.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Tubulin Gene Family in Upland Cotton
Authors: Chen Baojun , Zhao Junjie , Fu Guoyong , Pei Xinxin , Pan Zhaoe , Li Hongge , AHMED Haris , He Shoupu , Du Xiongming
Published: December 2020

Background: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is one of the important cash crops. Therefore, improving fiber quality of upland cotton, is one of the current important research directions. Cotton fibers are single-celled extensions of the seed epidermis, which is important pattern material of research cytoskeleton. Tubulin genes act an important role in the synthesis of the microtubules (MT), which is core element of the cytoskeleton. Some tubulin genes in cotton ovule and fiber development are were reported, while the systematic study of its family genes has not yet in cotton. Therefore, identification and expression analyses of G. hirsutum tubulin genes provide pivotal targets for molecular manipulation in cotton breeding.Result: In this study, we investigated all tubulin genes from seven varies plant species, and identified 98 tubulin genes in G. hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that tubulin family genes were classified into three subfamilies. The protein motifs and gene structure of α, β-tubulin genes are more conservative comparing with γ-tubulin genes. Most tubulin genes are located at the proximate ends of the chromosomes. Spatiotemporal expression pattern by transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 12 α-tubulin and 7 β-tubulin genes are specific expression in different stages of fiber development. However, Gh.A03G027200, Gh.D03G169300 and Gh.A11G258900 had clear express pattern at distinct stages of ﬁber development in J02508 and ZRI015.Conclusion: In this study, evolutionary analysis showed that the tubulin genes were divided into 3 clades. The genetic structures and molecular functions were highly conserved in different plants. Three candidate genes of Gh.A03G027200, Gh.D03G169300 and Gh.A11G258900 may play key roles during length and strength in fiber development with the expression analysis at different organizations.
Genetic Diversity of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Accessions using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) Marker
Authors: Abdela Mohammed , Kebede Mulugeta , Feyissa Tiliye
Published: December 2020

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to the family Leguminoseae. It is the world’s most important source of edible oil and vegetable protein. To our knowledge, little is known about the genetic variability of cultivated Ethiopian A. hypogaea at a molecular level. It is important to understand the genetic diversity of the crop to collect, conserve and use the germplasm for variety development. In the present study, ISSR markers were used to determine the genetic variability and diversity of 43 accessions of A. hypogaea collected from different regions of Ethiopia.Results: Four ISSR primers were used to generate 56 reproducible bands of which 29 (51.8%) were polymorphic. The band size ranges from 120 bp to 1100 bp. The number of amplified bands varied from 12 in primer UBC841 to 18 in primer UBC 881. The polymorphic bands percentage ranges from 27.8 % of Primer UBC 881 to 84.6 % of primer UBC 857. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranges from 0.29 to 0.76 with the average value 0.49. The mean Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon’s information index were 0.25 and 0.33, respectively. Genetic relationship between A. hypogaea accessions based on Jaccard’s pair wise similarity coefficients varies from 44% to 83% with an average value of 63.5%. The UPGMA dendrogram based on cluster analysis grouped A. hypogaea accessions into five distinct clusters at 63.5% similarity coefficient, and the principal coordinate analysis revealed similar grouping. Conclusions: Even though in both UPGMA and PCoA most of the accessions were grouped in separate clusters irrespective of their geographic origins, the ISSR marker-based analysis shows the presence of genetic variability among the accessions. Moreover, the current study demonstrated the potential informativeness of ISSR markers in estimating the extent of genetic variation in A. hypogaea accessions.
Genetically Determined Blood Pressure, Antihypertensive Medications, and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ou Ya-Nan , Yang Yu-Xiang , Shen Xue-Ning , Ma Ya-Hui , Chen Shi-Dong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: December 2020

BackgroundObservational studies suggest that the use of antihypertensive medications (AHMs) is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, these findings may be biased by confounding and reverse causality. We aimed to explore the effects of blood pressure (BP) and lowering systolic BP (SBP) via the protein targets of different AHMs on AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.MethodsGenetic proxies from genome-wide association studies of BP traits and BP-lowering variants in genes encoding AHM targets were extracted. Estimates were calculated by inverse-variance weighted method as the main model. MR Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis were performed to identify potential violations. ResultsThere was limited evidence that genetically predicted SBP/diastolic BP level affected AD risk based on 400/398 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively (all P>0.05). Suitable genetic variants for β-blockers (1 SNP), angiotensin receptor blockers (1 SNP), calcium channel blockers (CCBs, 45 SNPs) and thiazide diuretics (5 SNPs) were identified. Genetic proxies for CCB [odds ratio (OR)=0.959, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.941-0.977, P<0.001], and overall use of AHMs (OR=0.961, 95% CI=0.944-0.978, P<0.001, SNPs=52) were associated with a lower risk of AD. No notable heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy were identified (all P>0.05). No single SNP was driving the observed effects. Conclusions﻿This MR analysis found robust evidence that genetically determined lowering BP was associated with a lower risk of AD and CCB was identified as a promising strategy for AD prevention.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of Landscape Change on Floristic Composition and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Muhammed Annissa , Elias Eyasu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBale mountains national park (BMNP) is one of the 34 International Biodiversity Hotspots that comprise a variety of life forms. However, it faces a critical challenge from subsistence farming and overgrazing. This study was made to analyze the effects of landscape change on floristic composition, diversity, and structure in BMNP. The vegetation and environmental data were collected from 96 plots that were laid along 8 line transects. Vegetation hierarchical clustering and landscape structural analysis was made using R software version 3.5.2 and FRAGSTATS version 4.2.1, respectively. ResultsA total of 205 species that belongs to 153 genera and 71 families were identified. The overall Shannon diversity and evenness index was 4.34 and 0.81, respectively. Both the species richness and Shannon diversity index were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the edge habitat (40 ± 0.2 and 2.93 ± 0.2, respectively) than the interior (25 ± 4.5 and 2.43 ± 0.4, respectively). Conversely, the basal area was lower in the interior habitat (173.79 m2 ha-1) than the edge (64.15 m2 ha-1). Moreover, as AREA_MN and COA of patches increases, species richness, diversity, evenness, woody species density, basal area, DBH, and height also increases. Whereas, as PN, SHAPE_MN, ED, ENN_MN, and IJI of patches increases, those floristic compositions and structural variables decrease. ConclusionThis study revealed that BMNP is a biologically diverse and ecologically significant area that provides a variety of ecological and economic benefits to the surrounding communities and the country at large. However, its landscape is changing alarmingly and urgent restoration and conservation action needs to be taken to reverse this condition.
Synergies and Fragmentation in Country Level Policy and Program Agenda Setting, Formulation and Implementation for Global Health Agendas: A Case Study of Health Security, Universal Health Coverage, and Health Promotion in Ghana and Sierra Leone
Authors: Agyepong Irene Akua , M’Cormack-Hale Fredline A.O. , Brown-Amoakoh Hannah , Derkyi-Kwarteng Abigail N.C. , Darkwa Theresa Ethel , Odiko-Ollennu Wallace
Published: December 2020

Background: Global health agendas have in common the goal of contributing to population health outcome improvement. In theory therefore, whenever possible, country level policy and program agenda setting, formulation and implementation towards their attainment should be synergistic such that efforts towards one agenda promote efforts towards the other agendas. Observation suggests that this is not what happens in practice. Potential synergies are often unrealized and fragmentation is not uncommon. In this paper we present findings from an exploration of how and why synergies and fragmentation occur in country level policy and program agenda setting, formulation and implementation for the global health agendas of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Health Security (HS) and Health Promotion (HP) in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Our study design was a two country case study. Data collection involved document reviews and Key Informant interviews with national and sub-national level decision makers in both countries between July and December 2019. Additionally, in Ghana a stakeholder workshop in December 2019 was used to validate the draft analysis and conclusions. This study is part of a series of country case studies to inform the Lancet Commission on synergies between UHC, HS and HP.Results: National and global context, country health systems leadership and structure including resources were drivers of synergies and fragmentation. How global as well as country level actors mobilized power and exercised agency in policy and program agenda setting and implementation processes within country were also important drivers. Conclusions: There is potential in both countries to pull towards synergies and push against fragmentation in agenda setting, formulation and implementation of global health agendas despite the resource and other structural constraints. It however requires political and bureaucratic prioritization of synergies, as well as skilled leadership. It also requires considerable mobilization of country level actor exercise of agency to counter sometimes daunting contextual, systems and structural constraints.
Innovation Practices for Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Performance and Survival during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic Crisis: The Moderating Role of External Support
Authors: Adam Nawal Abdalla , Alarifi Ghadah Abdulrahman
Published: December 2020

Global epidemic crises, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19), usually put the lives of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in danger. However, studies have demonstrated the vital role of innovation in improving enterprises’ performance and increasing the likelihood of their viability. This study aims to develop a theoretical model to provide insights about the association between innovation practices and the SMEs’ performance and survival while underlining the auxiliary role of external support in such a relationship. Online questionnaire has been used to collect the data from 259 randomly selected SME managers in Saudi Arabia, and the data was analyzed using SmartPLS3 software. The structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) bootstrap results indicated that external support aids strengthen the positive impact of SMEs’ innovation practices on business survival. These findings have significant implications for policy makers and SME managers.
Impacts of Cucurbit Chlorotic Yellows Virus (CCYV) on Biological Characteristics of Its Vector Bemisia Tabaci
Authors: He Haifang , Li Jingjing , Zhang Zelong , Tang Xuefei , Song Danyang , Yan Fengming
Published: December 2020

Background: It is known that plant viruses, to facilitate their transmission, can change the phenotypes and defense pathways of the host plants and thereby the performance of their vectors. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a newly reported virus occurring on cucurbit plants and many other plant species, is transmitted specifically by B and Q biotypes of tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a semipersistent manner. This study evaluated the direct and indirect effects of CCYV on B. tabaci performance to better understand the plant-virus-vector interaction in terms of its impacts on the biological characteristics of its vector.Methods: In this study, by using CCYV-B. tabaci-cucumber as the model, we investigated whether or how a semipersistent plant virus impacts the biology of its whitefly vectors directly and/or indirectly. Virion titer, body size, life table parameters, survival rate of nymphs and adults, reproduction capacity of both adult sexes as well as sex ratio were compared between whiteflies on CCYV-infected plants and ones on healthy plants. Results: CCYV virions were detectable in nymphs from 1st to 4th instar and adults of B. tabaci with different titers. Female nymph duration and female adult longevity greatly extended on CCYV-infected plants, but male nymph duration and male adult longevity were not significantly influenced. In addition, on CCYV-infected plants, the body length and oviposition of adult B. tabaci increased, but the egg hatching rate and survival rate of different stages of the whiteflies were not affected. Most interestingly, the sex ratio (female:male) significantly increased up to 66.40% in whitefly populations on CCYV-infected plants, while the female ratio remained about 50.53% on healthy plants. Conclusions: These results indicated that CCYV can significantly impact the biological characteristics of its vector B. tabaci through the host plants. It is speculated that CCYV and B. tabaci have established a typical mutualist relationship mediated by host plants.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific Antibodies via Rapid Diagnostic Immunoassays in COVID-19 Patients with Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA Real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Results
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Posuwan Nawarat , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Chirathaworn Chintana , Poovorawan Yong
Published: December 2020

Background: Efficient monitoring and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires access to diagnostic tests, and serological diagnostic testing is desirable. In the current study antibodies were investigated in patients recently diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.Methods: Cross-sectional data derived from 245 patients in whom SARS-CoV-2 infection had been confirmed via real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were obtained. Samples were acquired at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients, and at another timepoint within 8 weeks thereafter. All specimens were tested simultaneously using an IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic test (RDT), nucleocapsid-based and spike protein-based IgG immunoassays, and a spike protein‑based IgA immunoassay. Blood donor samples obtained in 2018 were used as negative controls, and to assess cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses. Results: The IgM/IgG RDT exhibited 97.5% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity compared with a nucleocapsid-IgG-based chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and 98.4% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity compared with a spike protein-based ELISA. IgG RDT detection was 100% concordant with IgG and IgA immunoassays (P < 0.001). IgM, IgG, and IgA were low during the first week after COVID-19 symptom onset or the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. IgM began decreasing after 4 weeks, whereas IgG and IgA remained at appreciable levels over the 8-week study period. No cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses was detected.Conclusions: IgM/IgG RDTs alone or combined with molecular diagnostic tests may be useful for identifying recent SARS-CoV-2 infection.