bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of novel Lehmann’s Funnel Entry Trap prototypes performance to control malaria mosquito populations
Authors: Sanou Roger , Maïga Hamidou , Bilgo Etienne M. , Sawadogo P. Simon , Sow Bazoumana D. , Ouema Adama , Bayili Koama , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Paré Léa Melanie , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThere is a global consensus that new intervention tools are needed to make the final steps toward malaria elimination/eradication. In a recent study in Burkina Faso, the Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET) has shown promising results in the reduction of mosquito densities, even in areas where insecticide resistance is as high as 80%. The LFET requires no chemicals and is self-operated. However, one of the issues with the original LFET is the size of the funnel, which often occupies too much space within users’ homes. Here, we compared the performance of three new, smaller-sized LFET prototypes that combine a screening and killing effect on mosquitoes. MethodsThe study was carried out over three months during the rainy season in low and high malaria vector density sites, Soumousso and Vallée du Kou, respectively. The original LFET (or ‘Prototype 1’/’P1’) was modified to produce three new prototypes, which we will refer to as Prototype 2 (‘the Medium’ or ‘P2’), Prototype 3 (P3) and Prototype 4 (P4). Each of the new prototypes was tested on eight days per month over the three-month period to assess their effectiveness in trapping and killing mosquitoes entering houses through the windows compared to the original LFET. ResultsOverall, 78,435 mosquitoes (mainly Anopheles gambiae s.l.) were collected in the two study sites, both in the traps and in the houses. A total of 56,430 (72%) mosquitoes were collected from the traps. In Vallée du Kou, the original LFET caught a greater number of mosquitoes than the Medium (prototype 2), whereas no difference was observed between the other new prototypes (3 and 4) and the Medium. In Soumousso, the original and Medium LFETs both collected significantly greater numbers of mosquitoes compared to prototypes 3 and 4. ConclusionThis study has shown that the new LFET prototypes are effective in trapping mosquitoes in high mosquito density settings. A large-scale study with one of the prototypes will be needed to assess community acceptance of the traps and their ability to control malaria vectors.
Investigating the definitions of metabolic syndrome among urban high-school students in Taipei City in Taiwan and the optimal cutoff points of relevant risk factors
Authors: Lin Shao Chia Chiu , Chen Mei-Ju , Kao Feng-Hsia
Published: September 2020

Background: A comparison of different definitions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on its prevalence among a sample of urban high-school students in Taipei City in Taiwan was examined. The differences in the discriminatory power and the optimal cutoff points of relevant risk factors were analyzed in this study.Methods: A total of 45,756 health checkup data sets from 2011 to 2014 of high-school students aged between 15 to 17 years were sourced in Taipei city in Taiwan. The database included the students’ gender, age, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as biochemical markers such as triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose (FG) levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve statistical approach was used to analyze the discriminatory power and optimal cutoff points of the relevant MetS risk factors. Results: The prevalence of MetS among adolescents in Taipei City in Taiwan was 2.3% and 1.2%, according to the criteria of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) respectively. The prevalence increased to 4.3% when this study’s criteria were used. Among the components of MetS analyzed, WC and TG had stronger discriminatory powers, while FG had the weakest. The optimal cutoff point for WC was approximately the 90th percentile, while that for the TG was similar to the criteria of the modified NCEP ATP III. About 44.6% of adolescents had at least one MetS component. Body mass index also had good discriminatory power.Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS differs depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Redefining the cutoff points for the components of MetS in adolescents in different regions, as well as further screening and intervention, is crucial to prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood.
Effectiveness and Long-term Outcomes of Different Crossing Strategies for the Endovascular Treatment of Iliac Artery Chronic Total Occlusions
Authors: Zhang Huan , Li Xiangtao , Niu Luyuan , Feng Yaping , Luo Xiaoyun , Zhang Changming , Zhang Fuxian
Published: September 2020

Background: The iliac occlusive disease is usually treated with endovascular procedures in recent years. The effectiveness of different crossing approaches for these occlusions is not precisely known. We performed a retrospective study to explore the optimal crossing approach (antegrade versus retrograde) for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and to examine the long-term outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a study on 107 patients (116 iliac occlusive lesions, mean age 64.0±11.1, 88 men) who underwent an iliac CTO endovascular intervention attempted with the use of both crossing strategies but were managed with one final crossing approach between August 2012 and August 2018. Baseline data, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were described. A Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier method were developed to assess the differences in the two crossing approaches in terms of the 1-year and 5-year primary patency rates, target lesion revascularization (TLR ) and major adverse limb events (MALEs ). Results: Common iliac artery (CIA ) lesions were more likely to be crossed successfully in the retrograde direction (6.8% for antegrade vs. 20.9% for retrograde, p=0.005), while lesions in the CIA/ external iliac artery (EIA ) were more prone to be crossed successfully in the antegrade direction (58.9% for antegrade vs. 39.5% for retrograde, p=0.016). There were no significant differences in the crossing approach for EIA lesions between the two groups. The two crossing approaches were associated with similar estimates of 1- and 5-year primary patency, TLR and MALE rates. Conclusion: The antegrade approach was associated with a higher rate of successful crossing in CIA/EIA CTO lesions, while the CIA-only CTOs were more likely to be crossed successfully with the retrograde approach.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Prevents Atrial Electrical and Structural Remodeling via Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase in a Rabbit Rapid Atrial Pacing Model
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Wensu , Zhang Yao , Wang Zhirong
Published: September 2020

Background The pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation(AF) is complex, and the treatment method is still not satisfactory. A rapid atrial pacing (RAP) model was constructed to study the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on electrical and structural remodeling, as well as its possible mechanism in rabbits.Methods A total of 30 rabbits were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (SHAM group), a rapid atrial pacing model group (RAP group) and an alpha-lipoic acid+rapid atrial pacing model group (ALA+RAP group). Their right atriums were paced at a speed of 600 beats/min for 12 h in the RAP and ALA+RAP groups, and the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AERP frequency adaptability were determined during the pace. In each group, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to observe the effects of oxidative stress. The pathological structure of the atrial tissue was observed through HE and Masson staining. Ultrastructural changes in the atrial myocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the expression levels of Nox2 and Nox4 were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and ELISA.Results Through testing AERP and AERP frequency adaptability, it was found that in the early stage of rapid atrial pacing, AERP gradually shortened, while ALA injection could remarkably delay this process. Correspondingly, AERP frequency adaptability in the RAP group was reduced, and ALA could enhance it. HE staining showed that pathological changes in the ALA+RAP group were milder than those in the RAP group. And it was found that in the ALA+RAP group, the deposition of collagen in the endomysium was remarkably reduced via Masson staining. Ultrastructure injury in the ALA+RAP group showed various degrees of improvement compared with the RAP group. RAP was accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress levels, and ALA could effectively inhibit RAP-induced oxidative stress in vivo via detecting SOD, MDA and ROS. In addition, Western blot showed that the expression of NOX2 and NOX4 was upregulated in RAP group, but ALA intervention could inhibit their expression. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and ELISA also got similar results as Western blot.Conclusion ALA can inhibit atrial electrical remodeling and structural remodeling by reducing ROS production and alleviating oxidative stress injury induced by rapid right atrial pacing, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activity of NADPH oxidase.
Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by three trans-boundary ethnic groups in Jiangcheng County, Pu’er, Southwest China
Authors: Cao Yilin , li ren , Zhou Shishun , Song Liang , Quan Ruichang , Hu Huabin
Published: September 2020

Background: Dai, Hani, and Yao people, in the trans-boundary region between China, Laos, and Vietnam, have gathered plentiful traditional knowledge about wild edible plants during their long history of understanding and using natural resources. The ecologically rich environment and the multi-ethnic integration provide a valuable foundation and driving force for high biodiversity and cultural diversity in this region. However, little study has uncovered the mystical veil of this unique and attractive culture to the world. Methods: We conducted Ethnobotanical survey in 20 villages of Jiangcheng County from 2016 to 2020. Altogether 109 local Dai, Hani, and Yao people were interviewed, and their traditional knowledge about wild edible plants was recorded. Voucher specimens were identified by the authors and deposited in the herbarium of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (HITBC). The use value was used as a quantitative index to evaluate the consume frequency and relative importance of the wild edible plants. The Jaccard index was calculated to assess the usage similarity of different areas. The relationship of age and recognized wild edible plants by different ethnic people was performed by R. Results: A total of 211 wild edible plants, belonging to 71 families and 151 genera, were recorded. These plants were consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, salads, spices, sour condiments, tonic soups, tea substitutes, liquor brewing, or dyeing materials. The use value, current cultivation, market availability, as well as the quantitative traditional knowledge inheritance situation of these wild edible plants among different generations were analyzed. Based on the data from threatened species list of China’s higher plants and the IUCN Red List, the food plant list for Asia Elephant, the Subject Database of China Plant and the calculated UV score, the top 30 most important wild edible plants were selected for further cultivation in some local villages. Conclusion: Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants, owned by Dai, Hani, and Yao people in Jiangcheng County, is rich but at risk of being lost among the young generation. Diversified cultivation of wild edible plants by the local communities could be a solution for sustainable use of natural resources and to conserve the endangered species in this trans-boundary region.
MAL62 overexpression enhances uridine diphosphoglucose-dependent trehalose synthesis and glycerol metabolism for cryoprotection of baker’s yeast in lean dough
Authors: Sun Xi , Zhang Jun , Fan Hua Zhi , Xiao Ping , Li Feng , Liu Qing Hai , Zhu Bi Wen
Published: September 2020

Background: In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, alpha-glucosidase (maltase) is a key enzyme in maltose metabolism. In addition, the overexpression of the alpha-glucosidase-encoding gene MAL62 has been shown to increase the freezing tolerance of yeast in lean dough. However, its cryoprotection mechanism is still not clear.Results: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that MAL62 overexpression increased uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG)-dependent trehalose synthesis. The changes in transcript abundance were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme activity assays. When the UDPG-dependent trehalose synthase activity was abolished, MAL62 overexpression failed to promote the synthesis of intracellular trehalose.Moreover, in strains lacking trehalose synthesis, the cell viability in the late phase of prefermentation freezing coupled with MAL62 overexpression was slightly reduced, which can be explained by the increase in the intracellular glycerol concentration. This result was consistent with the elevated transcription of glycerol synthesis pathway members.Conclusions: The increased freezing tolerance by MAL62 overexpression is mainly achieved by the increased trehalose content via the UDPG-dependent pathway, and glycerol also plays an important role. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of yeast response to freezing in lean bread dough and can help to improve industrial yeast strains.
Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the self-flocculating microalga Scenedesmus obliquus AS-6-11
Authors: Chen Bailing , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Ho Shih-Hsin , Chang Jo-Shu , Zhao Xinqing , Bai Fengwu
Published: September 2020

Background: Scenedesmus obliquus belongs to green microalgae and is widely used in aquaculture as feed, which is also explored for lipid production and bioremediation. However, genomic studies of this microalga have been very limited. Cell self-flocculation of microalgal cells can be used as a simple and economic method for harvesting biomass, and it is of great importance to perform genome-scale studies for the self-flocculating S. obliquus strains to promote their biotechnological applications.Results: We employed the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform for sequencing the genome of the self-flocculating microalga S. obliquus AS-6-11, and used the MECAT software for de novo genome assembly. The estimated genome size of S. obliquus AS-6-11 is 172.3 Mbp with an N50 of 94,410 bp, and 31,964 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses revealed 65 GO terms and 428 biosynthetic pathways. Comparing to the genome sequences of the well-studied green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella variabilis, Volvox carteri and Micractinium conductrix, the genome of S. obliquus AS-6-11 encodes more unique proteins, including one gene that encodes D-mannose binding lectin. Genes encoding the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall proteins, and proteins with fasciclin domains that are commonly found in cell wall proteins might be responsible for the self-flocculating phenotype, and were analyzed in detail. Four genes encoding both GPI-anchored cell wall proteins and fasciclin domain proteins are the most interesting targets for further studies.Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the in-depth annotation of the S. obliquus genome, and the results will facilitate functional genomic studies and metabolic engineering of this important microalga. The comparative genomic analysis here also provides new insights into the evolution of green microalgae. Furthermore, identification of the potential genes encoding self-flocculating proteins will benefit studies on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype for its better control and biotechnological applications as well.
Nomogram to identify severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on initial clinical and CT characteristics: a multi-center study
Authors: Yu Yixing , Wang Ximing , Li Min , Gu Lan , Xie Zongyu , Gu Wenhao , Xu Feng , Bao Yaxing , Liu Rongrong , Hu Su , Hu Mengjie , Hu Chunhong
Published: September 2020

Background: To develop and validate a nomogram for early identification of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on initial clinical and CT characteristics.Methods: The initial clinical and CT imaging data of 217 patients with COVID-19 were analyzed retrospectively from January to March 2020. 217 patients with 146 mild cases and 71 severe cases were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Independent risk factors were selected to construct the nomogram for predicting severe COVID-19. Nomogram performance in terms of discrimination and calibration ability was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve, clinical impact curve and risk chart.Results: In the training cohort, the severity score of lung in the severe group (7, interquartile range [IQR]:5-9) was significantly higher than that of the mild group (4, IQR:2-5) (P < 0.001). Age, density, mosaic perfusion sign and severity score of lung were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. The nomogram had a AUC of 0.929 (95% CI, 0.889-0.969), sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 86.3%, in the training cohort, and a AUC of 0.936 (95% CI, 0.867-1.000), sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 88.6% in the validation cohort. The calibration curve, decision curve, clinical impact curve and risk chart showed that nomogram had high accuracy and superior net benefit in predicting severe COVID-19.Conclusion: The nomogram incorporating initial clinical and CT characteristics may help to identify the severe patients with COVID-19 in the early stage.
COVID-19 pandemic and dental hygienists in Italy: a questionnaire survey.
Authors: Bontà Giuliana , Campus Guglielmo Giuseppe , Cagetti Maria Grazia
Published: September 2020

Background: This online cross-sectional survey assesses the signs/symptoms, the protective measures taken and the awareness and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Italian dental hygienists. All Italian dental hygienists were invited to participate. The ad hoc online questionnaire was divided into four domains: personal data, protective measures (-before patient arrival; -in the waiting room; -in the operating room) and PPE, awareness and risk perception. Results: Two-thousand-seven-hundred-ninety-eight subjects participated. Only 0.25% of the sample was positive to the virus. Sense of fatigue (8.19%), headache (7.81%) and sore throat (7.32%) were the most common symptoms. A statistically significant trend across the areas with a different prevalence of COVID-19 was observed related to the number of signs/symptoms (areas z=6.38 p<0.01). Overall, 90.55% of the sample used protective glasses or visor, 90.10% disposable gloves and 82.80% surgical mask. Regarding the confidence to avoid the infection, a statistically significant difference was found among dental hygienists belonging to the three years-professional-experiences groups who worked in the high COVID-19 prevalence area. The findings of this survey show that Italian dental hygienists have modified their working habits according to the professional risk related to the current pandemic and they seem correctly prepared to face the risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka People in southeastern Cameroon.
Authors: Fils Pascal Eric Billong , Nana Natacha Afiong , Betti Jean Lagarde , Njimbam Oumar Farick , Womeni Stéphanie Tientcheu , Martin Eva Ávila , Brull Guillermo Ros , Okale Robert , Fa John E. , Funk Stephan Michael
Published: September 2020

Background: Forest inhabitants worldwide, and Indigenous Peoples especially, have depended for generations on plants and animals harvested in these ecosystems. A number of Baka hunter-gatherer populations in south-eastern Cameroon became sedentarised in the 1950s, but still rely on hunting and gathering to meet their basic needs. The use of wild edible plants (WEP) by these communities remains largely undocumented. In this study we record the diversity of WEP used by Baka people in dense rainforests in the Mintom region. The area still contains relatively undisturbed forest expanses, just south of the Dja Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin.Methods: We conducted two ethnobotanical surveys in 2019 in four villages on the Mintom road. In the first survey, we interviewed a total of 73 individuals to determine WEP usage. In our second survey, we specifically quantified WEP harvested and consumed daily in a number of households over a two-week period during the major rainy season, when use of forest products is highest. Specimens of all recorded plants were collected and identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon.Results: We documented 88 plant species and 119 unique species/plant organ/recipes in 1,519 different citations. A total of 61 genera and 43 families were noted. Excluding 14 unidentified wild yam species, 17 WEP species had not been reported in previous ethnobotanical surveys of the Baka. Our results showed that cultivated starchy plant foods make up a significant proportion of our study population’s daily nutritional intake.Conclusions: A high diversity of WEP are consumed by the studied Baka communities. The study area is likely to be significant in terms of WEP diversity since 18 out of the 30 ‘key’ Non-Timber Forest Products, NTFP, in Cameroon were mentioned. Documentation of the use of WEP by Indigenous communities is vital to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and future food security.
Altered gut microbiota correlate with different immune response to HAART in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Xie Yirui , Sun Jia , Wei Li , Jiang Haiyin , Hu Caiqin , Yang Jiezuan , Huang Ying , Ruan Bing , Zhu Biao
Published: September 2020

Background: Although gut microbiota dysbiosis has recently been reported in HIV infected individuals, the relationship between the gut microbiota and immune activation in patients with a different immune response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is still not well understood. Gut microbiota and immune activation were studied in 36 non-HIV-infected subjects (Health Control) and 58 HIV-infected individuals which included 28 immunological responders (IR) and 30 immunological non-responders (INR) (≥500 and <200 CD4+ T-cell counts/µl after 2 years of HIV-1 viral suppression respectively) without comorbidities. Results: Metagenome sequencing revealed that the gut microbiota dysbiosis could not be recovered completely in HIV-infected immunological responders and immunological non-responders although with long-term suppressive antiretroviral treatment. At the 97% similarity level, Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus_gnavus and Megamonas were more abundant, whereas Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Eubacteriumrectale and Roseburia were more depleted in the IR and INR groups than that in the health control. Ruminococcaceae and Alistipes were positively correlated with nadir and current CD4+ T-cell counts, but negatively correlated with CD8+CD57+ T-cell counts. Inflammation markers and translocation biomarkers (LPS) levels were positively correlated with the abundance of genus Ruminococcus and Fusobacterium, but were negatively correlated with the genus Faecalibacterium. The relative abundances of Escherichia-Shigella and Blautia were significantly higher in the IR than that in the INR group. Escherichia-Shigella were negatively correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio but positively correlated with the amount of CD8+CD57+ T-cells. Roseburia and Blautia were negatively associated with nadir CD4+ T-cell and positively associated with CD8+CD57+ T-cell counts. Conclusions: Gut microbiota dysbiosis may be one of the factors contributing to different immune response to HAART. Fusobacterium, Alistipes, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Roseburia and Blautia maybe the major genus contributed to different immune response in immunodiscordant and immunoconcordant patients on long-term suppressive ART. Blautia and Roseburia might be associated with treatment outcome.
The economic burden of measles in children under five in Bangladesh
Authors: de Broucker Gatien , Ahmed Sayem , Hasan Md. Zahid , Mehdi Gazi Golam , Campo Jorge Martin del , Ali Md. Wazed , Uddin Md. Jasim , Constenla Dagna , Patenaude Bryan
Published: September 2020

Background: This study estimated the economic cost of treating measles in children under-5 in Bangladesh from the caregiver, government, and societal perspectives.Method: We conducted an incidence-based study using an ingredient-based approach. We surveyed the administrative staff and the healthcare professionals at the facilities, recording their estimates supported by administrative data from the healthcare perspective. We conducted 100 face-to-face caregiver interviews at discharge and phone interviews 7 to 14 days post-discharge to capture all expenses, including time costs related to measles. All costs are in 2018 USD ($).Results: From a societal perspective, a hospitalized and ambulatory measles cost $159 and $18, respectively. On average, the government spent $23 per hospitalized measles. At the same time, caregivers incurred $131 and $182 in economic costs, including $48 and $83 in out-of-pocket expenses in public and private not-for-profit facilities, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of the poorest caregivers faced catastrophic health expenditures compared to 21% of the richest. In 2018, 2263 cases of measles were confirmed, totaling $348,073 in economic costs to Bangladeshi society, with $121,842 in out-of-pocket payments for households.Conclusion: The resurgence of measles outbreaks is a substantial cost for society, requiring important short-term public expenditures putting households into a precarious financial situation. Improving vaccination coverage in areas where it is deficient (Sylhet division in our study) would likely alleviate most of this burden.
High-throughput sequencing analysis of the rhizosphere arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community composition associated with Ferula sinkiangensis
Authors: Luo Yunfeng , Wang Zhongke , He Yaling , Li Guifang , Lv Xinhua , Zhuang Li
Published: September 2020

Background: Ferula sinkiangensis is an increasingly endangered medicinal plant. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) are symbiotic microorganisms that live in the soil wherein they enhance nutrient uptake, stress resistance, and pathogen defense in host plants. While such AMF have the potential to aid in Ferula sinkiangensis cultivation, the composition of AMF communities associated with Ferula sinkiangensis and the relationship between these fungi and other pertinent abiotic factors remain to be clarified.Results: Herein, we collected samples of rhizosphere and surrounding soil at a range of depths (0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) and a range of slope positions (bottom, middle, top). These samples were then subjected to analyses of soil physicochemical properties and high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). We determined that Glomus and Diversispora species were highly enriched in all samples. We further found that AMF diversity and richness varied significantly as a function of slope position, with this variation primarily being tied to differences in relative Glomus and Diversispora abundance. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between soil depth and overall AMF composition, although some AMF species were found to be sensitive to soil depth. Many factors were found to significantly affect AMF community composition, including organic matter content, total nitrogen, total potassium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available potassium, total dissolvable salt levels, pH, soil water content, and slope position. We further found that Shannon diversity index values in these communities were positively correlated with total phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen levels, and pH values (P<0.05), whereas total phosphorus, total dissolvable salt levels, and pH were positively correlated with Chao1 values (P<0.05).Conclusion: In summary, these findings reveal that Glomus and Diversispora are key AMF genera found within the rhizosphere soil of Ferula sinkiangensis. These fungi are closely associated with specific environmental and soil physicochemical properties. The physical and chemical properties of these soil samples also differed significantly as a function of slope position (P<0.05). Together, our results provide new insights regarding the relationship between AMF species and Ferula sinkiangensis, providing a theoretical basis for further studies of their development.
DNA methylation abnormalities of imprinted genes in congenital heart disease: A pilot study
Authors: Chang Shaoyan , Wang Yubo , Xin Yu , Wang Shuangxing , Luo Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Hui , Li Jia
Published: September 2020

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is resulted from the interaction of genetic aberration and environmental factors. Imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications, are essential for the normal embryonic development. However, the role of imprinted genes in the etiology of CHD remains unclear. Results: We investigated the alterations effect of imprinted gene gDMR methylation in patients with CHD. Eighteen imprinted genes that are known to affect early embryonic development were selected and the methylation modification genes were detected by massarray in 27 CHD children and 28 healthy children. Altered gDMR methylation level of 8 imprinted genes was found, including 2 imprinted genes with hypermethylation of GRB10 and MEST and 6 genes with hypomethylation of PEG10, NAP1L5, INPP5F, PLAGL1, NESP and MEG3. Stratified analysis showed that the methylation degree of imprinted genes was different in different types of CHD. Risk analysis showed that 6 imprinted genes, except MEST and NAP1L5, within a specific methylation level range were the risk factors for CHDConclusion: Altered methylation of imprinted genes is associated with CHD and varies in different types of CHD. Further experiments are warranted to identify the methylation characteristics of imprinted genes in different types of CHD and clarify the pathogenesis mechanism of imprinted genes in CHD.
Rhamnolipid coating reduces microbial biofilm formation on titanium implants: an in-vitro study
Authors: Tambone Erica , Bonomi Emiliana , Ghensi Paolo , Maniglio Devid , Ceresa Chiara , Agostinacchio Francesca , Caciagli Patrizio , Nollo Giandomenico , Piccoli Federico , Caola Iole , Fracchia Letizia , Tessarolo Francesco
Published: September 2020

Background: Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are biofilm-related diseases causing major concern in oral implantology, requiring complex anti-infective procedures or implant removal. Microbial biosurfactants emerged as new anti-biofilm agents for coating implantable devices preserving biocompatibility. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium. Methods: R89BS was physically adsorbed on titanium discs (TDs). Cytotoxicity of coated TDs was evaluated on normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5). using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The ability of coated TDs to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by quantifying biofilm biomass and cell metabolic activity, at different time-points, with respect to uncoated controls. A qualitative analysis of sessile bacteria was also performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: R89BS-coated discs showed no cytotoxic effects. TDs coated with 4 mg/mL R89BS inhibited the biofilm biomass of S. aureus by 98%, 49% and 10% and of S. epidermidis by 53%, 29%, and 10% at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. A significant reduction of the biofilm metabolic activity was also documented. The same coating applied on three commercial implant surfaces resulted in a biomass inhibition higher than 90% for S. aureus, and up to 75% for S. epidermidis at 24 h. Conclusions: R89BS-coating was effective in reducing Staphylococcus biofilm formation at the titanium implant surface. The anti-biofilm action can be obtained on several different commercially available implant surfaces, independently of their surface morphology.
The Discovery of Breast Cancer Risk Gene and Establishment of Prediction Model Based on Estrogen Metabolism Regulation
Authors: Zhao Feng , Hao Zhixiang , Zhong Yanan , Xu Yinxue , Guo Meng , Zhang Bei , Yin Xiaoxing , Li Ying , Zhou Xueyan
Published: September 2020

Background
In this study, we aim to uncover the relationship between estrogen levels and the genetic polymorphism of estrogen metabolism-related enzymes with breast cancer (BC) and establish a risk prediction model based on polygenic risk score.
Methods
Unrelated BC patients and healthy subjects were recruited for analysis of the estrogen levels and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of estrogen metabolism-related enzymes. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was used to explore the combined effect of multiple genes which was calculated using a Bayesian approach. The independent sample t test was used to evaluate the difference between PRS scores of BC and healthy subjects. Discriminatory accuracy of the models was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).
Results
The estrogen homeostasis profile was disturbed in BC patients, with parent estrogens (E1, E2) and carcinogenic catechol estrogens (2/4-OHE1, 2-OHE2, 4-OHE2) significantly accumulated in the serum of BC patients. Then,we established PRS model to evaluate the role of multiple genes SNPs. The PRS model 1 (M1) was established from 6 GWAS-identified high risk genes SNPs. On the basis of M1, we added 7 estrogen metabolism enzyme genes SNPs to establish PRS model 2 (M2). The independent sample t test results show that there is no difference between BC and healthy subjects in M1 (P = 0.17), however, there is significant difference between BC and healthy subjects in M2 (P = 4.9*10− 5). The ROC curve results also show that the accuracy of M2 (AUC = 62.18%) in breast cancer risk identification was better than M1 (AUC = 54.56%).
Conclusion
Estrogens and the related metabolic enzymes gene polymorphisms are closely related to BC. The model constructed by adding estrogen metabolic enzyme genes SNPs has a good ability in breast cancer risk prediction, and the accuracy is greatly improved comparing PRS model only includes GWAS-identified genes SNPs.
Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials Designed for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration 
Authors: Fortuna Jennifer K , Riddering Anne , Shuster Linda , Lopez-Jeng Cassie
Published: September 2020

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that leads to permanent vision loss in the central visual field. AMD makes reading challenging and inefficient. People with AMD often find it difficult to access, process and understand written patient education materials (PEMs). To promote health literacy, the demands of written PEMs must match the literacy capacities of the target audience. This study aims to evaluate the readability (grade level) and suitability (appropriateness) of online PEMs designed for people with AMD. Methods: Online PEMs were sourced from websites of national organizations providing patient education materials designed for people with AMD. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of PEMs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare online PEMs by organization based on national guidelines for readability level (≤ sixth grade) and the recommended suitability score (≥ 70%) for “superior” material.Results: One hundred online PEMs were evaluated from websites of 16 professional organizations. The mean readability level was 9.3 (range 5.0-16.6). The mean suitability score was 53% (range 18%-78%). Only six (6%) of PEMs achieved the recommended guidelines for readability level and suitability score.Conclusion: The majority of online PEMs designed for people with AMD were written above the recommended readability level, and below the suggested suitability score. To promote health literacy, the demands of written health information must match the reading capacities of the target audience. Heeding to evidence-based guidelines for providing written information to patients with low health literacy and low vision is beneficial for both patients and health care providers. Future research is warranted.
An exploratory study to estimate cost-effectiveness threshold value for life saving treatments in western Iran
Authors: Moradi Najmeh , Woldemichael Abraha , Malekian Parisa , Rotavandi Delnia Moradi , Rezaei Satar
Published: September 2020

Background: Cost-effectiveness analysis provides a crucial means for evidence-informed decision-making on resource allocation. This study aims to elicit individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for one additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from life-saving treatment and associated factors in Kermanshah city, western Iran.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a total of 847 adults aged 18 years and above to elicit their WTP for one additional QALY gained by oneself and a family member using a hypothetical life-saving treatment. We used a multistage sampling technique to select the samples, and the Iranian version of EQ-5D-3L, and visual analogue scale (VAS) measures to obtain the participants’ health utility value. The Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors affecting WTP per QALY values.Results: The mean WTP value and standard deviation (SD) was US$ 862 (3,224) for the respondents and US$ 1,355 (3,993) for the family members. The mean utility values using EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were 0.779 and 0.800, respectively. Besides, the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the individual participants using the EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were respectively US$ 1,202 and US$ 1,101, while the estimated value of the family members was US$ 1,355 (SD= 3,993). The Tobit regression models indicated that monthly income, education level, sex, and birthplace were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.05) with both the WTP for the extra QALY values using the EQ-5D-3L and the VAS methods. Educational level and monthly income also showed statistically significant relationships with the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the family members (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the participants' WTP value of the additional QALY gained from the hypothetical life-saving treatment was in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 of the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Iran. This value is far lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended CE threshold value of one. This wide gap reflects the challenges the health system is facing and requires further research for defining the most appropriate CE threshold at the local level.
Impact of Educational Intervention on Secondary School Students’ Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes Regarding to COVID-19
Authors: Ayed1 Manal Mohamed Ahmed , Mohamed Amel abd Elaziem , Mahmoud Thorea Mohamed , AbdElaziz Seham Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronavirus pandemic disease 2019 is considered an emerging respiratory disease that is highly infectious and is caused by coronavirus and was detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus has affected educational systems worldwide and led to the total closures of schools, universities, and colleges, in the middle of March 2020. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational intervention on secondary school students’ knowledge, practical knowledge and attitudes regarding to COVID-19. Methods: A pre/post quasi-experimental design was adopted. A total of 260 students were selected at secondary school students in Sohag City in the study from 20 April to 2 May 2020. The tools utilized in this study consists of: A self-administered questionnaire which contains four parts to assess secondary school students' demographic, knowledge regarding COVID -19, the attitude toward COVID -19 and practice regarding COVID -19 and health education Arabic booklet was prepared by the researchers. The COVID-19 related questionnaire was designed using Google forms regarding the COVID-19, the link of the survey was sent to the respondents via Facebook and Whatsapp groups. Results: A statistically significant difference between secondary students' knowledge attitudes, and practices before and after educational intervention. 202 (77.7%) had a poor pretest attitude level followed by fair (20.0%) and good 6 (2.3%). In the posttest, all 260 students had a good attitude level which improved after educational intervention implementation. (57.7%) had poor pretest practice levels followed by fair (38.3%) and good 10 (4.0%). Recommendations: It is important to encourage cooperation between educational institutions, medical care providers, and health personnel to educate secondary school students about COVID-19.
Restructuring citrus endophytic diversity through potential indigenous endophytes could eliminate huanglongbing pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Munir Shahzad , Li Yongmei , He Pengfei , He Pengbo , He Pengjie , Cui Wenyan , Wu Yixin , Li Xingyu , Li Qi , Hua Xiaobing , Zhao Chongjun , Zhang Sixiang , Xiong Yangsu , Wang Wenbiao , Zong Kexian , Yang Yongchao , Yang Shaocong , Mo Chan , Wen Heming , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Stephenso.n Steve L. , He Yueqiu
Published: September 2020

Background

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a major botanical pandemic of citrus crops caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Clas). It is important to understand the different mechanisms involved in interaction of pathogen with plants to develop novel management strategy against HLB. However, until now there has been no control strategy to manage this disease in vitro and on large scale in citrus grove. We found that, indigenous endophyte Bacillus subtilis L1-21, a patented strain isolated from healthy citrus tree, may have the potential to reduce the impact of pathogen through restructuring of core endophytes.
Results

A novel half-leaf method was developed to test the efficacy of B. subtilis L1-21 against Clas. Concentration of B. subtilis L1-21 at 104 cfu ml− 1 resulted in a 1000-fold reduction in Clas copy densities per gram of leaf midrib (107 to 104) by 4 d after treatment. With endophytes, where HLB incidence was reduced to < 3% and Clas copy density was reduced from 109 to 104 pathogen g− 1 of diseased leaf midrib. We found that 16 of 93 tree samples became Clas-free and functional pathways and pathogen resistance genes were regulated in diseased citrus trees after treatment.
Conclusions

This is the first large-scale study using an indigenous endophyte and shows its potential utility in sustainable disease management through strengthening the citrus microbiome.
Root-associated endophytic fungal community composition and structure of three medicinal licorices in Xinjiang
Authors: Dang Hanli , Wang Zhongke , Li Guifang , Mu Yudi , Lv Xinhua , Zhuang Li
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the diversity and composition of endophytic fungal community in the root of three medicinal licorices, and learn more about its biological characteristics by analyzing its interaction with soil and root factors. A total of 2,118,633 effective sequences and 1,063 effective operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with 97% identity were obtained by high-throughput sequencing among 27 samples. In this study, a total of 8 phyla and 140 genera were annotated, among them, the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and the genera Fusarium, Paraphoma and Helminthosporium were significantly dominant in the 27 samples. Wilcoxon rank sum test showed that the Shannon index was significantly different distribution between Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza inflata, especially 0-20cm at the root depth, the Chao1 index in Glycyrrhiza inflate was significantly affected by root depth, and there were significant differences in beta diversity between Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza inflata. Distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) showed that soil physicochemical properties (available potassium and ammonium nitrogen), and the root factor (liquiritin and water content) were the main contributing factors to the variations in the overall structure of endophytic fungal community in this study. This study provides useful information for formulating strategies to improve the quantity and quality of medicinal licorices.
Targeting dopamine receptor D2 as a novel therapeutic strategy in endometrial cancer
Authors: Pierce Stuart R. , Fang Ziwei , Yin Yajie , West Lindsay , Asher Majdouline , Hao Tianran , Zhang Xin , Tucker Katherine , Staley Allison , Fan Yali , Sun Wenchuan , Moore Dominic T. , Xu Chang , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Parker Joel , Prabhu Varun Vijay , Allen Joshua E , Lee Douglas , Zhou Chunxiao , Bae-Jump Victoria
Published: September 2020

BackgroundONC201 is a dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) antagonist that inhibits tumor growth in preclinical models through ClpP activation to induce integrated stress response pathway and mitochondrial events related to inhibition of cell growth, which is being explored in clinical trials for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumorigenic effect of ONC201 in endometrial cancer cell lines and a genetically engineered mouse model of endometrial cancer.MethodsCell proliferation was assessed by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by Cellometer. Invasion capacity was tested using adhesion, transwell and wound healing assays. LKB1fl/flp53fl/fl mouse model of endometrial cancer were fed a control low fat diet versus a high fat diet to mimic diet-induced obesity. Following tumor onset, mice were treated with placebo or ONC201. Metabolomics and lipidomics were used to identify the obesity-dependent effects of ONC201 in the mouse endometrial tumors. DRD2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in human endometriod and serous EC specimens. DRD2 mRNA expression from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was compared between the four molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer. ResultsIncreasing DRD2 expression in endometrial cancer was significantly associated with grade, serous histology and stage, as well as worse progression free survival and overall survival. Higher expression of DRD2 mRNA was found for the Copy Number High (CNH) subtype when compared to the other subtypes.. ONC201 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle G1 arrest, caused cellular stress and apoptosis and reduced invasion in endometrial cancer cells. Diet-induced obesity promoted endometrial tumor growth while ONC201 exhibited anti-tumorigenic efficacy in the obese and lean LKB1fl/fl/p53fl/fl mice. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that ONC201 reversed the obesity-driven upregulation of lipid biosynthesis and reduced protein biosynthesis in obese and lean mice. ConclusionONC201 has anti-proliferative and anti-tumorigenic effects in endometrial cancer cells and mouse model, and DRD2 expression was documented in both human serous and endometrioid endometrial cancer. These studies support DRD2 antagonism via ONC201 as a promising therapeutic strategy for endometrial cancer that has already demonstrated pharmacodynamic activity and clinical benefit in both serous and endometrioid endometrial cancer patients.