bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polimorfismos de nucleotídeos único no gene IGFBP3 e o processo de carcinogênese: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Freitas Paulo Pedro de , Santos Israel Faustino dos , Silva Denise Macedo da , Nascimento Cristiane Araújo , Santos Ana Caroline Melo dos , Silva Aline Cristine Pereira e , Moura Edilson Leite de , Figueiredo Elaine Virgínia Martins de Souza , Farias Karol Fireman de
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein -3 (IGFBP3) is the main mediator of IGF-1/IGF-1R binding, and may inhibit the binding between IGF-1 and IGF-1R and trigger cell growth suppression. Method: This study is a systematic review in which searches were conducted in Pubmed, Web of science, Science direct and Scopus databases for studies published in the period 2010-2020, including case-control studies that evaluated the association of polymorphisms in the IGFBP3 gene with cancer. Results: Of the 6 studies included, 5 were conducted in China and 1 in Iran, published in 2015 (n=2), 2014 (n=2), 2013 (n=1) and 2011 (n=1). In all, there were 5 types of cancer studied: esophagus (n=2), prostate (n=1), colorectal (n=1), breast (n=1) and gastric (n=1). In the studies chosen, 8 SNPs located in the IGFBP3 gene were evaluated: rs2854744, rs2854746, rs2132572, rs9282734, rs3110697, rs2960436, rs2270628 and rs10282088. Only the Zhao et al studies. (2015) and Liu et al. (2015) found a relationship between SNPs in the IGFBP3 gene with cancer. Two studies (Qian et al., 2014 and Qian et al., 2011) did not describe allelic frequencies in their results. Conclusion: Based on the studies we can demonstrate that the findings on the association of polymorphisms in the IGFBP3 gene with cancers are confusing, divergent and the role of the IGF pathway in carcinogenesis has not been clearly defined. However, the studies bring strong evidence that suggests possible relationships of this pathway and genetic variants with the carcinogenesis process in several types of cancer.
Physical Stability of Hair Tonic Contain Ethanol Extract Galangal (Alpinia galanga L.) Rhizome and Aloe Vera Leaf Filtrate (Aloe vera L.)
Authors: Akib Nur illiyin , Tendri Adjeng Andi Nafisah , Lakasa Rahiswari Pramudita , Suryani Suryani , Sartinah Ari , Ritonga Halimahtussaddiyah , Armadany Fery Indradewi
Published: January 2021

AbstractFormulation and stability testing of hair tonic contain galangal rhizome (Alpinia galanga L.) ethanol extract and Aloe vera L. filtrate has been done as alternative for dandruff removal and hair growth. This study aimed to produce stable hair tonic. Galangal rhizome extract obtained by maceration method using ethanol and aloe leaf filtrate obtained by filtering. Extracts and filtrates characterized include water and ethanol soluble content, water and ash content. Hair tonic was formulated by mechanical mixing method with variations of galangal rhizome ethanol extract and aloe vera leaf filtrate which were 4% and 12.5%; 5% and 25%; 6% and 37.5%. Hair tonic prepared were tested for stability by cycling test method including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, and viscosity. The characteristics of the galangal rhizome ethanol extract were 12% water soluble extract, 12% ethanol soluble extract, 3% water content, and 2% ash content. The characteristics of Aloe vera leaf filtrate were 10% ethanol soluble extract, 1.6% water soluble extract, and 1% ash content. Stability testing shows that hair tonic preparations are organoleptically stable and homogeneous. The pH values before and after cycling test for formulas A, B, and C were 5.27 to 5.34, respectively; 5.00 to 5.15; and 4.87 to 5.05. Viscosity before and after the cycling test for formulas A, B, and C were 1.178 to 1.676 cPs respectively; 1,306 to 1,883 cPs; and 2,148 to 2,296 cPs. It is concluded that hair tonic prepared are stable based on the requirements of Indonesian National Standard (SNI).
Direct Fixation of Atmospheric CO2 towards Chemical Synthesis of Fuel Hydrocarbon
Authors: Imanaka Tadayuki , Takemoto Tadashi , Imanaka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

We have reported that fuel hydrocarbon was chemically synthesized from CO2 and activated water. In this report, we show the direct evidence of CO2 fixation from air. CO2 in the air is composed of about 99 % 12C, about 1% 13C, and about one trillionth radioisotope 14C. The extremely trace amount of 14C was measured with liquid scintillation counter by following beta-decay. The newly synthesized hydrocarbon revealed 14.6 dpm/gC. These facts clearly demonstrate direct fixation of atmospheric CO2 toward hydrocarbon synthesis.
A Research on determining the factors affecting on seed yield in different lentil lines and cultivars (Lens culinaris Medik.) in adiyaman conditions by correlation and path coefficient analysis
Authors: Girgel Umit , Cokkizgin Hatice , Cokkizgin Alihan
Published: January 2021

This research was conducted in 2015 year in Kahramanmaras province (37°32'09.5"N 36°55'01.2"E) with 3 lentil genotypes (CAGIL, FIRAT-87, and FLIP 2005-20 L).  In the research, direct and indirect effects of yield components on seed yield were examined by correlation and path coefficient analysis. The correlation coefficients between the investigated features were found to be insignificant. According to the path coefficients, the highest positive direct effect on seed yield was determined as pod number per plant (p=4.015). On the other hand, the highest negative direct effect on seed yield was obtained from plant height (p=-3.606). The indirect effect of the seed number per plant over number of days until maturity on the seed yield was determined as the highest positive indirect effect (p=55.546%). The indirect negative highest effect on seed yield was determined in the pod number per plant over thousand seed weight (p=51.488%). As a result, the number of pods per plant should be taken into consideration by the breeders due to direct effect of it was positive and high
PERAN BIDAN SEBAGAI MOTIVATOR DALAM PROMOSI KESEHATAN PADA IBU HAMIL
Authors: Sari Liya Lugita , Rati Astuti Eka
Published: January 2021

Promosi dalam bidang kesehatan adalah cara pemerintah mengelola Sistem KesehatanNasional. Peran bidan dalam peningkatan peran serta masyarakat pada bidang kesehatandilakukan secara perorangan, kelompok, dan komunitas yang berada di masyarakat.Tujuan penelitian yang dilakukan untuk melihat gambaran peran bidan sebagai motivatordalam promosi kesehatan pada ibu hamil di area kerja Puskesmas Tungkal. Penelitianini menggunakan metode deskriptif jenis survei. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalahbidan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Tungkal yang berjumlah 24 orang. Instrumen yangdigunakan adalah checklist. Analisis data dilakukan secara univariat dengan memakainilai T. Hasil penelitian diperoleh nilai standar deviasi hasil penelitian ialah 0,28 dan nilaimean 33,00. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa peran bidan sebagai motivator dalam promosikesehatan pada ibu hamil di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Tungkal pada tahun 2020 termasukkategori baik.
Effect of cooking methods on levels of folates and ascorbic acid in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) from Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Mumbi J , Wanjau R , Murungi J
Published: January 2021

Folate (vitamin B9,5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and ascorbic acid (AA) (vitamin C) play a key role in human health and wellbeing. It is greatly established that AA is beneficial in preventing scurvy while folate helps in prevention of neural tube defects and congenital malformations. The main sources of these vitamins are fruits and vegetables especially green leafy vegetables including the African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs). However, these vegetables are consumed after cooking which leads to loss of the vitamins through oxidation, thermal degradation, and leaching. The study aimed at determining the effect of different cooking methods on the retention of AA and folate in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) as affected by different cooking methods. Folate and AA were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography with ultra UV-visible detection, HPLC-UV after extraction of the vitamins from raw and cooked samples. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine difference in nutrients retention by various cooking methods. Significance was imputed at p<0.05. Raw V. unguiculata ontained 45.516±0.649 mg/100g AA and 91.736±0.586 μg/100g folate. The cooked samples of the vegetable contained folate ranging from 40.713±0.081 to 65.128±0.007 μg/100g and AA ranging from 0.719±0.063 to 24.181±0.051 mg/100g of the edible portion of the vegetable. Cooking the vegetable significantly reduced both folate and AA concentration compared to the raw vegetable samples, p<0.05. Frying raw vegetables with onions and tomatoes was found to retain significant folate and AA than boiling the vegetables, p<0.05. Addition of milk resulted in significant retention of folate and significant loss of AA than boiling, p<0.05. Both lye and sodium bicarbonate significantly reduced folate and AA concentration than boiling, with lye causing significant reduction of both vitamins than sodium bicarbonate p<0.05. It is concluded that cooking reduces folate and AA concentration in cowpea (V. unguiculata L. Walp). Additive such as lye and bicarbonate also reduce the concentration of the vitamins. Cooking cowpea leaves with addition of milk and frying with onion and tomatoes retains more folate than boiling. However, AA is significantly lost in the process than when the vegetable is just boiled.
SOCS3 Negatively Regulates Cardiac Hypertrophy via Targeting GRP78-Mediated ER Stress During Pressure Overload
Authors: Liu Shuang , Sun Wen-Chang , Zhang Yun-Long , Lin Qiu-Yue , Liao Jia-Wei , Song Gui-Rong , Ma Xiao-Lei , Li Hui-Hua , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2021

Pressure overload-induced hypertrophic remodeling is a critical pathological process leading to heart failure (HF). Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) has been demonstrated to protect against cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, but its mechanisms are largely unknown. Using primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac-specific SOCS3 knockout (SOCS3cko) or overexpression mice, we demonstrated that modulation of SOCS3 level influenced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction induced by hypertrophic stimuli. We found that glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) was a direct target of SOCS3, and that overexpression of SOCS3 inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis through promoting proteasomal degradation of GRP78, thereby inhibiting activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitophagy in the heart. Thus, our results uncover SOCS3-GRP78-mediated ER stress as a novel mechanism in the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to HF induced by sustained pressure overload, and suggest that modulating this pathway may provide a new therapeutic approach for hypertrophic heart diseases.
A Combined Two-mRNA Signature Associated With PD-L1 and Tumor Mutational Burden for Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Congkuan , Wu Zhiquan , Wang Qingwen , Wang Yujin , Guo Zixin , Li Sheng , Hu Weidong
Published: January 2021

Due to biological heterogeneity, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with the same stage may exhibit variable responses to immunotherapy and a wide range of outcomes. It is urgent to seek a biomarker that can predict the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in these patients. In this study, we identified two genes (ANLN and ARNTL2) from multiple gene expression data sets, and developed a two-mRNA-based signature that can effectively distinguish high- and low-risk patients and predict patients’ response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, taking full advantage of the complementary value of clinical and molecular features, we combined the immune prognostic signature with clinical features to construct and validate a nomogram that can predict the probability of high tumor mutational burden (>10 mutations per megabyte). This may improve the estimation of immunotherapy response in LUAD patients, and provide a new perspective for clinical screening of immunotherapy beneficiaries.
Confined Electrochemiluminescence Generation at Ultra-High-Density Gold Microwell Electrodes
Authors: Ding Jialian , Zhou Ping , Guo Weiliang , Su Bin
Published: January 2021

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging analysis based on the ultra-high-density microwell electrode array (UMEA) has been successfully used in biosensing and diagnostics, while the studies of ECL generation mechanisms with spatial resolution remain scarce. Herein we fabricate a gold-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) UMEA using electroless deposition method for the visualization of ECL reaction process at the single microwell level in conjunction with using microscopic ECL imaging technique, demonstrating that the microwell gold walls are indeed capable of enhancing the ECL generation. For the classical ECL system involving tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium (Ru(bpy)32+) and tri-n-propylamine (TPrA), the ECL image of a single microwell appears as a surface-confined ring, indicating the ECL intensity generated inside the well is much stronger than that on the top surface of UMEA. Moreover, at a low concentration of Ru(bpy)32+, the ECL image remains to be ring-shaped with the increase of exposure time, because of the limited lifetime of TPrA radical cations TPrA+•. In combination with the theoretical simulation, the ring-shaped ECL image is resolved to originate from the superposition effect of the mass diffusion fields at both microwell wall and bottom surfaces.
Merging Datasets of CyberSecurity Incidents for Fun and Insight
Authors: Abbiati Giovanni , Ranise Silvio , Schizzerotto Antonio , Siena Alberto
Published: January 2021

Providing an adequate assessment of their cyber-security posture requires companies and organisations to collect information about threats from a wide range of sources. One of such sources is history, intended as the knowledge about past cyber-security incidents, their size, type of attacks, industry sector and so on. Ideally, having a large enough dataset of past security incidents, it would be possible to analyze it with automated tools and draw conclusions that may help in preventing future incidents. Unfortunately, it seems that there are only a few publicly available datasets of this kind that are of good quality. The paper reports our initial efforts in collecting all publicly available security incidents datasets, and building a single, large dataset that can be used to draw statistically significant observations. In order to argue about its statistical quality, we analyze the resulting combined dataset against the original ones. Additionally, we perform an analysis of the combined dataset and compare our results with the existing literature. Finally, we present our findings, discuss the limitations of the proposed approach, and point out interesting research directions.
Toward an Ethical Framework for the Text Mining of Social Media for Health Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ford Elizabeth , Shepherd Scarlett , Jones Kerina , Hassan Lamiece
Published: January 2021

Background: Text-mining techniques are advancing all the time and vast corpora of social media text can be analyzed for users' views and experiences related to their health. There is great promise for new insights into health issues such as drug side effects and spread of disease, as well as patient experiences of health conditions and health care. However, this emerging field lacks ethical consensus and guidance. We aimed to bring together a comprehensive body of opinion, views, and recommendations in this area so that academic researchers new to the field can understand relevant ethical issues.

Methods: After registration of a protocol in PROSPERO, three parallel systematic searches were conducted, to identify academic articles comprising commentaries, opinion, and recommendations on ethical practice in social media text mining for health research and gray literature guidelines and recommendations. These were integrated with social media users' views from qualitative studies. Papers and reports that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically to identify key themes, and an overarching set of themes was deduced.

Results: A total of 47 reports and articles were reviewed, and eight themes were identified. Commentators suggested that publicly posted social media data could be used without consent and formal research ethics approval, provided that the anonymity of users is ensured, although we note that privacy settings are difficult for users to navigate on some sites. Even without the need for formal approvals, we note ethical issues: to actively identify and minimize possible harms, to conduct research for public benefit rather than private gain, to ensure transparency and quality of data access and analysis methods, and to abide by the law and terms and conditions of social media sites.

Conclusion: Although social media text mining can often legally and reasonably proceed without formal ethics approvals, we recommend improving ethical standards in health-related research by increasing transparency of the purpose of research, data access, and analysis methods; consultation with social media users and target groups to identify and mitigate against potential harms that could arise; and ensuring the anonymity of social media users.
Resolving Transcriptional States and Predicting Lineages in the Annelid Capitella teleta Using Single-Cell RNAseq
Authors: Sur Abhinav , Meyer Néva P.
Published: January 2021

Evolution and diversification of cell types has contributed to animal evolution. However, gene regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate acquisition during development remains largely uncharacterized in spiralians. Here we use a whole-organism, single-cell transcriptomic approach to map larval cell types in the annelid Capitella teleta at 24- and 48-h post gastrulation (stages 4 and 5). We identified eight unique cell clusters (undifferentiated precursors, ectoderm, muscle, ciliary-band, gut, neurons, neurosecretory cells, and protonephridia), thus helping to identify uncharacterized molecular signatures such as previously unknown neurosecretory cell markers in C. teleta. Analysis of coregulatory programs in individual clusters revealed gene interactions that can be used for comparisons of cell types across taxa. We examined the neural and neurosecretory clusters more deeply and characterized a differentiation trajectory starting from dividing precursors to neurons using Monocle3 and velocyto. Pseudotime analysis along this trajectory identified temporally-distinct cell states undergoing progressive gene expression changes over time. Our data revealed two potentially distinct neural differentiation trajectories including an early trajectory for brain neurosecretory cells. This work provides a valuable resource for future functional investigations to better understanding neurogenesis and the transitions from neural precursors to neurons in an annelid.
Downregulated microRNA-129-5p by Long Non-coding RNA NEAT1 Upregulates PEG3 Expression to Aggravate Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wen Huiqing , Peng Bangjian , Weng Jun , Zeng Fanhong
Published: January 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as inflammation-associated biological molecules with a specific role in the progression of liver fibrosis conditions including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p), and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) on the biological activities of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) subjected to NASH. First, microarray-based analysis revealed upregulated PEG3 in NASH. Liver tissues from mice fed a methionine–choline-deficient (MCD) diet exhibited increased expression of NEAT1 and PEG3 along with lower miR-129-5p expression. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were then performed on HSCs after transfection with shPEG3, miR-129-5p mimic, or treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Results confirmed the alleviated fibrosis by restoring miR-129-5p, while depleting PEG3 or NEAT1, as evidenced by the inactivation of HSCs. To sum up, NEAT1 can bind specifically to miR-129-5p and consequently regulate miR-129-5p and PEG3 expression in relation to the HSC activation occurring in NASH. Thus, NEAT1-targeted inhibition against miR-129-5p presents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NASH.
Deletion of Mir223 Exacerbates Lupus Nephritis by Targeting S1pr1 in Faslpr/lpr Mice
Authors: Hiramatsu-Asano Sumie , Sunahori-Watanabe Katsue , Zeggar Sonia , Katsuyama Eri , Mukai Tomoyuki , Morita Yoshitaka , Wada Jun
Published: January 2021

Objective

The micro RNAs (miRNAs) and their target mRNAs are differentially expressed in various immune-mediated cells. Here, we investigated the role of Mir223 and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1pr1) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

We analyzed miRNA and mRNA profiling data of CD4+ splenic T cells derived from MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice. We performed 3′ untranslated region (UTR) luciferase reporter gene assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We generated the B6-Mir223−/−Faslpr/lpr mice and the lupus phenotypes were analyzed.

Results

In CD4+ splenic T cells, we identified upregulation of miR-223-3p and downregulation of the possible target, S1pr1 by RNA sequencing of MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice. The transfection with miR-223-3p mimic significantly suppressed a luciferase activity in HUVEC treated with a Lentivirus vector containing 3′ UTR of S1pr1. The mRNA levels of S1pr1 were significantly decreased after miR-223-3p overexpression. In B6-Mir223−/−Faslpr/lpr mice, the proportion of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4-CD8− cells, B cells, plasma cells, and S1PR1+CD4+ T cells in the spleen was significantly increased compared with that in B6-Mir223+/+Faslpr/lpr mice by flow cytometry. B6-Mir223−/−Faslpr/lpr mice demonstrated the elevation of glomerular and renal vascular scores associated with enhanced intraglomerular infiltration of S1PR1+CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

Unexpectedly, the deletion of Mir223 exacerbated the lupus phenotypes associated with increased population of S1PR1+CD4+ T in spleen and the enhanced infiltration of S1PR1+CD4+ T cells in inflamed kidney tissues, suggesting compensatory role of Mir223 in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Phages Bind to Vegetative and Spore Forms of Paenibacillus larvae and to Vegetative Brevibacillus laterosporus
Authors: Brady T. Scott , Roll Charles R. , Walker Jamison K. , Fajardo Christopher P. , Breakwell Donald P. , Eggett Dennis L. , Hope Sandra
Published: January 2021

Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American Foulbrood (AFB), the most destructive bacterial infection in honeybees. Even antibiotic-sensitive strains of P. larvae can produce recurrent AFB months to weeks post-antibiotic treatment due to the survival of bacterial spores. Recently, phages that infect P. larvae have been shown to effectively combat AFB in the field. Here, we present evidence that phages not only bind to vegetative P. larvae but also bind to P. larvae spores. Spore binding was observed in the results of three specific experiments: (1) bacteria counted by flow cytometry generated quantitative data of FITC-labeled phages that were bound to vegetative bacteria as well as those bound to spores, (2) electron microscopy captured images of phages bound to the surface of spores in both horizontal and vertical positions, and (3) phages incubated with P. larvae spores bound to the spores and created plaques in vegetative bacteria under conditions not conducive to spore activation, indicating that binding to spores is reversible and that the phages are still active. Identification of phages with reversible spore-binding capability for use in phage therapy may improve treatment of sporulating bacterial infections.
WISDoM: Characterizing Neurological Time Series With the Wishart Distribution
Authors: Mengucci Carlo , Remondini Daniel , Castellani Gastone , Giampieri Enrico
Published: January 2021

WISDoM (Wishart Distributed Matrices) is a framework for the quantification of deviation of symmetric positive-definite matrices associated with experimental samples, such as covariance or correlation matrices, from expected ones governed by the Wishart distribution. WISDoM can be applied to tasks of supervised learning, like classification, in particular when such matrices are generated by data of different dimensionality (e.g., time series with same number of variables but different time sampling). We show the application of the method in two different scenarios. The first is the ranking of features associated with electro encephalogram (EEG) data with a time series design, providing a theoretically sound approach for this type of studies. The second is the classification of autistic subjects of the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange study using brain connectivity measurements.
Electro-Acupuncture Attenuates Chronic Stress Responses via Up-Regulated Central NPY and GABAA Receptors in Rats
Authors: Yang Yu , Yu Haijie , Babygirija Reji , Shi Bei , Sun Weinan , Zheng Xiaojiao , Zheng Jun
Published: January 2021

Stress can increase the release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the hypothalamus, resulting in attenuation of gastric motor functions. In contrast, central neuropeptide Y (NPY) can reduce the biological actions of CRF, and in turn weaken stress responses. Although electroacupuncture (EA) at stomach 36 (ST-36) has been shown to have anti-stress effects, its mechanism has not yet been investigated. The effect of EA at ST-36 on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and gastrointestinal motility in chronic complicated stress (CCS) conditions have not been studied and the inhibitory mechanism of NPY on CRF through the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor need to be further investigated. A CCS rat model was set up, EA at ST-36 was applied to the bilateral hind limbs every day prior to the stress loading. Further, a GABAA receptor antagonist was intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected daily. Central CRF and NPY expression levels were studied, serum corticosterone and NPY concentrations were analyzed, and gastric motor functions were assessed. CCS rats showed significantly elevated CRF expression and corticosterone levels, which resulted in inhibited gastric motor functions. EA at ST-36 significantly increased central NPY mRNA expression and reduced central CRF mRNA expression as well as the plasma corticosterone level, helping to restore gastric motor function. However, ICV administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist significantly abolished these effects. EA at ST-36 upregulates the hypothalamic NPY system. NPY may, through the GABAA receptor, significantly antagonize the overexpressed central CRF and attenuate the HPA axis activities in CCS conditions, exerting influences and helping to restore gastric motor function.
Trastuzumab Provides a Comparable Prognosis in Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer to Those With HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Post Hoc Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Post-Mastectomy Hypofractionated Radiotherapy
Authors: Sun Guang-Yi , Jing Hao , Wang Shu-Lian , Song Yong-Wen , Jin Jing , Fang Hui , Liu Yue-Ping , Ren Hua , Tang Yu , Zhao Xu-Ran , Song Yu-Chun , Chen Si-Ye , Yang Zhuan-Bo , Chen Bo , Tang Yuan , Li Ning , Lu Ning-Ning , Qi Shu-Nan , Yang Yong , Li Ye-Xiong
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose

We investigated the locoregional effect of trastuzumab, and determined whether patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2-positive breast cancer (BC) treated with trastuzumab could achieve comparable efficacy to that of patients with HER2-negative BC.

Materials and Methods

This was post hoc analyses of data of 793 BC patients from a randomized controlled trial comparing post-mastectomy hypofractionated radiotherapy with conventional fractionated radiotherapy. Survival rates were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

Results

Patients were classified into three groups: HER2-negative (HER2−; n = 547), HER2-positve with trastuzumab (HER2+ + T; n = 136), and HER2-positive without trastuzumab (HER2+ − T; n = 110). The HER2+ + T group had significantly lower locoregional recurrence (LRR, 6.0% vs. 13.9%), distant metastasis (DM, 17.4% vs. 33.8%) and higher disease-free survival (DFS, 81.2% vs. 61.9%) at 5 years than that of the HER2+ − T group (P <.05). The HER2− group had significantly lower LRR (6.8% vs. 13.9%), DM (22.4% vs. 33.8%) and higher DFS (76.1% vs. 61.9%) at 5 years than that of the HER2+ − T group (P <.05). The difference in LRR, DM and DFS at 5 years was not significant between the HER2+ + T group and HER2− group (P >.05). Different annual LRR patterns was found among groups according to HR status.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab reduces LRR in patients with locally advanced HER2-positive BC who have received post-mastectomy radiotherapy. It provides comparable DFS to that with patients with HER2-negative BC.
Potential of Immune-Related Therapy in COVID-19
Authors: Yuan Chunjue , Li Ruoyun , Liu Guohong , Pan Yunbao
Published: January 2021

At the beginning of 2020, a sudden outbreak of new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), infections led to anxiety, panic, and crisis among people worldwide. The outbreak first occurred in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019 and then spread rapidly across the globe, thus becoming a major public health emergency. Although the current epidemic situation in China tends to be stable, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally. At present, no specific therapeutic drugs and vaccines are available against COVID-19. Also, the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 is not fully clear. Human immunity is important in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies have shown that excessive inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent induced uncontrolled cytokine storm are the main causes of disease deterioration and death of severe patients. Therefore, immune-related research is of great significance for the prevention, control, and prognosis of COVID-19. This study aimed to review the latest research on immune-related treatment of COVID-19.
Changes in Gene Expression of the MCU Complex Are Induced by Electrical Stimulation in Adult Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Quezada Esteban R. , Díaz-Vegas Alexis , Jaimovich Enrique , Casas Mariana
Published: January 2021

The slow calcium transient triggered by low-frequency electrical stimulation (ES) in adult muscle fibers and regulated by the extracellular ATP/IP3/IP3R pathway has been related to muscle plasticity. A regulation of muscular tropism associated with the MCU has also been described. However, the role of transient cytosolic calcium signals and signaling pathways related to muscle plasticity over the regulation of gene expression of the MCU complex (MCU, MICU1, MICU2, and EMRE) in adult skeletal muscle is completely unknown. In the present work, we show that 270 0.3-ms-long pulses at 20-Hz ES (and not at 90 Hz) transiently decreased the mRNA levels of the MCU complex in mice flexor digitorum brevis isolated muscle fibers. Importantly, when ATP released after 20-Hz ES is hydrolyzed by the enzyme apyrase, the repressor effect of 20 Hz on mRNA levels of the MCU complex is lost. Accordingly, the exposure of muscle fibers to 30 μM exogenous ATP produces the same effect as 20-Hz ES. Moreover, the use of apyrase in resting conditions (without ES) increased mRNA levels of MCU, pointing out the importance of extracellular ATP concentration over MCU mRNA levels. The use of xestospongin B (inhibitor of IP3 receptors) also prevented the decrease of mRNA levels of MCU, MICU1, MICU2, and EMRE mediated by a low-frequency ES. Our results show that the MCU complex can be regulated by electrical stimuli in a frequency-dependent manner. The changes observed in mRNA levels may be related to changes in the mitochondria, associated with the phenotypic transition from a fast- to a slow-type muscle, according to the described effect of this stimulation frequency on muscle phenotype. The decrease in mRNA levels of the MCU complex by exogenous ATP and the increase in MCU levels when basal ATP is reduced with the enzyme apyrase indicate that extracellular ATP may be a regulator of the MCU complex. Moreover, our results suggest that this regulation is part of the axes linking low-frequency stimulation with ATP/IP3/IP3R.
Depressive Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Diet During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Epidemic in China: A Survey of Medical Students
Authors: Xie Jianping , Li Xia , Luo Haiyun , He Liu , Bai Yufan , Zheng Fuyun , Zhang Lanchun , Ma Jiaqing , Niu Zhiqiang , Qin Yubing , Wang Ling , Ma Wenjie , Yu Haofei , Zhang Rongping , Guo Ying
Published: January 2021

The psychological condition of medical students may be influenced by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This study investigated the prevalence and influencing factors of depressive symptoms, poor sleep quality and poor diet in students at Kunming Medical University during the early part of the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was used from a questionnaire survey in February 2020. Of a total of 1,026 study participants, the prevalence of depressive symptoms, poor sleep quality, and poor diet was, respectively, 22.4, 33.2, and 17.4%. Male students and students with a low degree of focus on COVID-19 had a high risk of depressive symptoms. A high percentage of females and students in the fifth grade, as well as students with high levels of concern about the negative impact of COVID-19 on their education or employment, comprised those with poor sleep quality. Students in the fifth grade and students with high levels of concern about the negative impact of COVID-19 on their education or employment were more likely to report poor diet. This study suggests the importance of monitoring medical students' depressive state during the COVID-19 outbreak, and universities are encouraged to institute policies and programs to provide educational counseling and psychological support to help students to cope with these problems.
Community Participation Approaches for Effective National COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response: An Experience From Oman
Authors: Al Siyabi Huda , Al Mukhaini Said , Kanaan Mohsen , Al Hatmi Sumaya , Al Anqoudi Zahir , Al Kalbani Ahmed , Al Bahri Zakiya , Wannous Chadia , Al Awaidy Salah T.
Published: January 2021

Oman, like other countries in the world, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the WHO's declaration of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health of Oman has initiated its preparedness and response to the pandemic, with community participation as one of the key components of the national preparedness and response plan. This paper is a descriptive study aims at describing the three community approaches that exist in Oman and reviewing their role in preparedness and response strategies to COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the lessons learned. Community participation approaches in Oman were translated into action during the pandemic through empowering community members, mobilizing resources, and strengthening the ownership among the local community to ensure effective advocacy, proper networking, and dissemination of information and, subsequently, actions at the level of the community. The first community participation approach is community organizations within the healthy cities and villages initiative, which facilitated networking and acted as a platform for community engagement, reviewing the health information and updating them accordingly to meet evloving demands. The second approach is Willayat (District) health committees, with their unique multi-sectoral structure, that enhanced collaboration at the state level with different community leaders and groups to develop pandemic action plans, which were implemented using available local resources. The third approach is community volunteers that remain the key information providers, particularly when physical access becomes limited due to physical distancing measures. Based on this review, we advocate to further strengthen these approaches and recommends that they are implemented for the protection and promotion of health and well-being, including for health emergencies.
Satisfied or Frustrated? A Qualitative Analysis of Need Satisfying and Need Frustrating Experiences of Engaging With Digital Health Technology in Chronic Care
Authors: Wannheden Carolina , Stenfors Terese , Stenling Andreas , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Digital health technologies such as self-monitoring devices and apps are becoming increasingly important as tools to promote healthy habits and support individuals in their self-care. There is still a scarcity of research that builds on motivational theory to better understand the functioning of digital health technologies. The self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of motivation that delineates three basic psychological needs that are linked to different types of motivation and lead to well-being when satisfied and illbeing when frustrated.

Objective: To explore how the use of a digital tool for self-monitoring and communication with healthcare satisfies or frustrates basic psychological needs across four spheres of user experience: interface, task, behavior, and life.

Methods: The study was conducted in a Swedish primary care setting with individuals who participated in a pilot study of a digital health intervention for self-monitoring in chronic care management. Data from a follow-up survey with participants 7 months after recruitment were analyzed using a thematic approach mixing inductive and deductive analysis. The unit of analysis is based on a total of 642 individual answers to seven open-ended questions, from 121 respondents.

Results: The analysis identified positive and negative influences of self-monitoring and digital communication with healthcare on all three psychological needs. Three main findings are that: (1) data covered all four spheres of user experiences, but most user experiences concerned the behavior and task spheres; (2) satisfaction and frustration of competence needs was more prominent than influences on other needs; (3) the same experience may be perceived as both need frustrating and need satisfying, which suggests a tension that reflects individual differences.

Conclusion: Designers of digital health technologies need to take into account basic psychological needs within all spheres of user experience, from interface to life in general. Because some features may be simultaneously experienced as satisfying and frustrating by different users, these types of tools need to be flexible to accommodate for variation of user experiences. Careful design considerations that take motivational theory into account would contribute to the transformation of care for individuals with chronic conditions.
Utilization of Food Processing By-products in Extrusion Processing: A Review
Authors: Dey Debomitra , Richter Jana K. , Ek Pichmony , Gu Bon-Jae , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: January 2021

The processing of agricultural products into value-added food products yields numerous by-products or waste streams such as pomace (fruit and vegetable processing), hull/bran (grain milling), meal/cake (oil extraction), bagasse (sugar processing), brewer's spent grain (brewing), cottonseed meal (cotton processing), among others. In the past, significant work in exploring the possibility of the utilization of these by-products has been performed. Most by-products are highly nutritious and can be excellent low-cost sources of dietary fiber, proteins, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins. The amount of energy utilized for the disposal of these materials is far less than the energy required for the purification of these materials for valorization. Thus, in many cases, these materials go to waste or landfill. Studies have been conducted to incorporate the by-products into different foods in order to promote their utilization and tackle their environmental impacts. Extrusion processing can be an excellent avenue for the utilization of these by-products in foods. Extrusion is a widely used thermo-mechanical process due to its versatility, flexibility, high production rate, low cost, and energy efficiency. Extruded products such as direct-expanded products, breakfast cereals, and pasta have been developed by researchers using agricultural by-products. The different by-products have a wide range of characteristics in terms of chemical composition and functional properties, affecting the final products in extrusion processing. For the practical applications of these by-products in extrusion, it is crucial to understand their impacts on the qualities of raw material blends and extruded products. This review summarizes the general differences in the properties of food by-products from different sources (proximate compositions, physicochemical properties, and functional properties) and how these properties and the extrusion processing conditions influence the product characteristics. The discussion of the by-product properties and their impacts on the extrudates and their nutritional profile can be useful for food manufacturers and researchers to expand their applications. The gaps in the literature have been highlighted for further research and better utilization of by-products with extrusion processing.
Exogenous Application of Mg, Zn and B Influences Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)
Authors: Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Anwar Raheel , Shafique Muhammad Waleed , Yousef Ahmed Fathy , Chen Faxing
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the level of macronutrients (Na, Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg, Pb) in loquat leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp, and seed) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). The results revealed that the foliar application of Mg increased the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, and Mn in fruit pulp; and Na, K, B, Mo, Co, Ni, and Cu in seeds. Zinc increased Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Fe, Co and Ni in fruit peel; K, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na and K in seeds. Similarly, B application increased the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, and B in leaves; Ca and Ni in fruit peel; Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Co, and Ni in loquat seeds. Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquats were greatly influenced by the application of Mg, Zn and B. Although heavy metal concentrations in fruit pulp were increased by the foliar application of B, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.
Consensus Genetic Linkage Map Construction Based on One Common Parental Line for QTL Mapping in Wheat
Authors: Hu Xin , Zhang Yingquan , Zhang Jingjuan , Islam Shahidul , She Maoyun , Zhao Yun , Tang Guixiang , Jiang Yanjie , Rong Junkang , Ma Wujun
Published: January 2021

The consensus map is used for the verification of marker order, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding. In this study, a wheat consensus genetic map named as Sp7A_G7A, was constructed using 5643 SNP markers in two double haploid (DH) populations of Spitfire × Bethlehem-7AS (Sp7A) and Gregory × Bethlehem-7AS (G7A), covering 4376.70 cM of 21 chromosomes (chr) with an average interval of 0.78 cM. The collinearity of the linkage maps with the consensus map of Con_map_Wang2014 and the physical map of wheat reference genome (IWGSC RefSeq v1.0) were analyzed based on the Spearman rank correlation coefficients. As results, the three constructed genetic maps of Sp7A, G7A and Sp7A_G7A showed high collinearity with the Con_map_Wang2014 and the physical map, and importantly, the collinearity level between our constructed maps and the wheat physical map is higher than that between the Con_map_Wang2014 and the physical map. The seed coat color QTL detected in both populations under multiple environments were on the region (745.73–760.14 Mbp) of the seed color gene R-B1/Tamyb10-B1 (TraesCS3B02G515900, 3B: 757,918,264–757,920,082 bp). The validated consensus map will be beneficial for QTL mapping, positional cloning, meta-QTL analysis and wheat breading.
Implant Removal in the Management of Prosthetic Joint Infection by Staphylococcus aureus: Outcome and Predictors of Failure in a Large Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Gómez-Junyent Joan , Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Baraia-Etxaburu Josu , Sánchez-Somolinos Mar , Iribarren Jose Antonio , Rodriguez-Pardo Dolors , Praena-Segovia Julia , Sorlí Luisa , Bahamonde Alberto , Riera Melchor , Rico Alicia , del Toro Mª Dolores , Morata Laura , Cobo Javier , Falgueras Luis , Benito Natividad , Muñez Elena , Jover-Sáenz Alfredo , Pigrau Carles , Ariza Javier , Murillo Oscar
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of cases with acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI; early post-surgical or hematogenous) by Staphylococcus aureus managed with implant removal (IRm) or debridement and retention (DAIR). To analyze the outcomes of all cases managed with IRm (initially or after DAIR failure). Methods: Retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of PJI by S. aureus (2003–2010). Overall failure included mortality within 60 days since surgery and local failure due to staphylococcal persistence/relapse. Results: 499 cases, 338 initially managed with DAIR, 161 with IRm. Mortality was higher in acute PJI managed initially with IRm compared to DAIR, but not associated with the surgical procedure, after propensity score matching. Underlying conditions, hemiarthroplasty, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus were risk factors for mortality. Finally, 249 cases underwent IRm (88 after DAIR failure); overall failure was 15.6%. Local failure (9.3%) was slightly higher in cases with several comorbidities, but independent of previous DAIR, type of IRm, and rifampin treatment. Conclusions: In a large multicenter study of S. aureus PJI managed with IRm, failure was low, but mortality significant, especially in cases with acute PJI and underlying conditions, but not associated with the IRm itself. Rifampin efficacy was limited in this setting.
Heme Oxygenase-1 as a Pharmacological Target for Host-Directed Therapy to Limit Tuberculosis Associated Immunopathology
Authors: Chinta Krishna C. , Pacl Hayden T. , Agarwal Anupam , Steyn Adrie J. C.
Published: January 2021

Excessive inflammation and tissue damage are pathological hallmarks of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Despite decades of research, host regulation of these clinical consequences is poorly understood. A sustained effort has been made to understand the contribution of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to this process. HO-1 is an essential cytoprotective enzyme in the host that controls inflammation and oxidative stress in many pathological conditions. While HO-1 levels are upregulated in animals and patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), how it regulates host responses and disease pathology during TB remains unclear. This lack of clarity is due in part to contradictory studies arguing that HO-1 induction contributes to both host resistance as well as disease progression. In this review, we discuss these conflicting studies and the role of HO-1 in modulating myeloid cell functions during Mtb disease progression. We argue that HO-1 is a promising target for host-directed therapy to improve TB immunopathology.