bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIRT6 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Activating Notch Signaling via Antagonizing DNMT1
Authors: Jia Bo , Chen Jun , Wang Qin , Sun Xiang , Han JiuSong , Guastaldi Fernando , Xiang ShiJian , He Yan , Ye Qingsong
Published: September 2020

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are increasingly accepted as one of ideal seed cells for regenerative medicine for its potential to differentiate into multiple cell types, including osteogenic lineages. Sirtuin proteins 6 (SIRT6) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase and plays important roles in a variety of biological processes, including cell differentiation.Methods: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red Staining was performed to explore the roles of SIRT6 in the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Western blot , RT-qPCR,Luciferase reporter assay and Co-Immunoprecipitation assay were applied to confirm the relationship between of Sirt6, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and NOTCHs.Results: SIRT6 leads to increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, enhanced mineralization and upregulated expression of osteogenic-related genes of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies showed that SIRT6 regulated osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs depending on its deacetylase activity. SIRT6 selectively prevents abnormal DNA methylation of NOTCH1, NOTCH2 in hADSCs by antagonizing DNMT1. DNMT1 expression was suppressed in SIRT6 overexpression hADSCs, and knockdown partially rescued abnormal DNA methylation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2, leading to the increased capable of osteogenic differentiation. Conculsions: SIRT6 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.The SIRT6 protein suppresses DNMT level via physical interaction with the DNMT1 protein, deacetylating and destabilizing DNMT1 protein,leading the activation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2.
Stable Bagging Feature Selection on Medical Data
Authors: Alelyani Salem
Published: September 2020

In the medical field, distinguishing genes that are relevant to a specific disease, let's say colon cancer, is crucial to finding a cure and understanding its causes and subsequent complications. Usually, medical datasets are comprised of immensely complex dimensions with considerably small sample size. Thus, for domain experts, such as biologists, the task of identifying these genes have become a very challenging one, to say the least. Feature selection is a technique that aims to select these genes, or features in machine learning field with respect to the disease. However, learning from a medical dataset to identify relevant features suffers from the curse-of-dimensionality. Due to a large number of features with a small sample size, the selection usually returns a different subset each time a new sample is introduced into the dataset. This selection instability is intrinsically related to data variance. We assume that reducing data variance improves selection stability. In this paper, we propose an ensemble approach based on the bagging technique to improve feature selection stability in medical datasets via data variance reduction. We conducted an experiment using four microarray datasets each of which suffers from high dimensionality and relatively small sample size. On each dataset, we applied five well-known feature selection algorithms to select varying number of features. The results of the selection stability and accuracy show the improvement in terms of both the stability and the accuracy with the bagging technique.
A review of clinical profile, complications and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella Typhi isolates in children in Karachi.
Authors: Shahid Saba , Mahesar Marvi , Ghouri Nida , Noreen Saba
Published: September 2020

Background: Enteric fever is a systemic infection, which can be caused by Salmonella enterica; Typhi and Paratyphi A. Over time, Salmonella Typhi has developed resistance to antibiotics resulting in the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) enteric fever. WHO estimated 5274 cases of XDR Enteric fever in Karachi from November 2016 to December 2019. This study aims to determine clinical course, complications and outcomes of XDR enteric fever among the pediatric population coming to Indus HospitalMethods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (aged one month to 15 years) seen in Indus Hospital between July 2017 to December 2018 was conducted. A pre-designed data abstraction form was used to record detailed information about seasonality and distribution of cases, demographic details, signs and symptoms, clinical course, treatment, complications and outcomes of the cases treated for XDR Enteric feverResults: Six hundred and eighty children were included in the study. The median (IQR) age of the patients was 5 (2-8) years. More than half (n=391, 57.5%) of the patients were males. Most common clinical manifestations included fever, vomiting and diarrhea, noted in 680 (100%), 242 (35%) and 174 (25%) patients. Outcomes of 270 (39.7%) patients were recorded. Others were lost to follow up [351 (51.6%)], referred out [52 (7.6%)] or left against medical advice [7 (1%)]. 266 (39.1%) patients were cured, and four children (0.6%) expired. Seventy-eight patients (82%) and 15 patients (16.3%) got cured on Azithromycin and Meropenem alone while 157 on a combination of drugs.Conclusion: Our review indicated that children under five years of age were affected more with XDR Enteric fever. Meropenem and Azithromycin, either alone or in combination were the most effective antibiotics for treating XDR Enteric fever in children coming to Indus hospital
Size and temperature effects on dielectric breakdown of ferroelectric films
Authors: Tong Sheng
Published: September 2020

The paper introduces a model of dielectric breakdown strength. The model integrated thermal breakdown and defect models, representing the relationship between the electric field of ferroelectric films and dimensional parameters and operating temperature. This model is verified with experimental results of the lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films of various film thickness (d = 0.8 – 3 mm), electrode area (A = 0.0020 – 25 mm2) tested under a range of operating temperature (T = 300 – 400 K) with satisfying fitting results. Also learned is a relationship that the recoverable electric energy density is directly proportional to the square of breakdown electric field. This relationship is found viable in predicting the electric energy density in terms of variables of d, A, and T for the PLZT films.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to compound heterozygous mutations in the GFPT1 gene
Authors: Jiang Yanfang , Liu Siwen , Wang Chunyan , Yu Yan , Zhang Peng , Yu Xuefan
Published: September 2020

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary neuromuscular disorders associated with neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction. Here, we report the genetic variants and clinical follow-up of one individual suffering from CMS. The proband presented with limb weakness, and symptoms worsened after limb activities. In addition, decreases in muscle action potential were observed with repetitive nerve stimulation. Thus, myasthenia gravis was initially suspected, but the patient did not experience drooping eyelids or blurred vision. Trio whole exome sequencing was performed for the proband and his parents. We found two different heterozygous missense variants (c.331C>T; p.Arg111Cys and c.1428G>C; p.Lys476Asn) in the gene encoding glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (GFPT1) in this patient with autosomal recessive CMS, of which one was novel. The new c.1428G>C; p.Lys476Asn variant has not been previously reported, and has not been recorded in the ClinVar dataset or the gnomAD global population dataset. The phenotypes （proximal muscle weakness and fatigue while ocular and facial involvement is only minimal，limb-girdle weakness and fatigue.，beneficial and sustained response to acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment）of the proband were consistent with those previously reported for CMS. Our study provides important information for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMS.
Numerical Simulation of Coal Wall Cutting and Lump Coal Formation in a Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Yuan Yong , Wang Shengzhi , Wang Wenmiao , Zhu Cheng
Published: September 2020

It is difficult to accurately calculate the lump coal rate in a fully mechanized mining face. Therefore, a numerical simulation of the coal wall cutting process, which revealed the crack expansion, development, evolution in the coal body and the corresponding lump coal formation mechanism, was performed in PFC2D. Moreover, a correlation was established between the cutting force and lump coal formation, and a statistical analysis method was proposed to determine the lump coal rate. The following conclusions were drawn from the results. (1) Based on a soft ball model, a coal wall cutting model was established. By setting the roller parameters based on linear bonding and simulating the roller cutting process of the coal body, the coal wall cutting process was effectively simulated, and accurate lump coal rate statistics were provided. (2) Under the cutting stress, the coal body in the working face underwent three stages—microfracture generation, fracture expansion, and fracture penetration—to form lump coal, in which the fracture direction was orthogonal to the cutting pressure chain. Within a certain range from the roller, as the cutting depth of the roller increased, the number of new fractures in the coal body first increased and then stabilized. (3) Under the cutting stress, the fractured coal body was locally compressed, thereby forming a compact core. The formation and destruction of the compact core caused fluctuations in the cutting force. The fluctuation amplitude was positively related to the coal mass. (4) Because the simulation did not consider secondary damage in the coal, the simulated lump coal rate was larger than the actual lump coal rate in the working face; this deviation was mainly concentrated in large lump coal with a diameter greater than 300 mm.
Pyrrolnitrin Biosynthesis From Rhizospheric Serratia Spp. With Antifungal Activity and Binding Interactions of PrnF With Ligands
Authors: Pawar Shraddha P. , Chaudhari Ambalal B.
Published: September 2020

Pyrrolnitrin (PRN) from rhizobacteria displays a key role in biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi in rhizospheric soil. Therefore, different rhizospheric soils were investigated for the prevalence of PRN producer in minimal salt (MS) medium containing tryptophan (0.2 M NaCl; pH 8) using three successive enrichments. Of 12% isolates, only five bacterial strains had shown PRN secretion, screened with Thin Layer Chromatography (Rf 0.8) and antifungal activity (27 mm) against phytopathogen. The phenetic and 16S rRNA sequence revealed the close affiliation of isolates (KMB, M-2, M-11, TW3, and TO2) to Stenotrophomonas rhizophila (KY800458), Enterobacter spp. (KY800455), Brevibacillus parabrevis (KY800454), Serratia marcescens (KY800456) and Serratia nemtodiphila (KY800457). Purified compound from isolates was characterised using UV, IR, HPLC, LCMS and GCMS as PRN. However, BLASTn hit of prn gene sequences from both Serratia species showed 99% similarity with NADPH dependent FMN reductase component (prnF). The homology protein model of prnF was developed from translated sequence of S. marcescens TW3 with chromate reductase of Escherichia coli K-12. Docking with FMN and NADPH was performed. The study demonstrated the possible role of prnF NADPH dependent FMN reductases in prnD for supply of reduced flavin in rhizobacterial strain of Serratia spp. which may pave a way to understand PRN production.
WITHDRAWN: A Novel Circular RNA hsa_circ_20403 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Progression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Renzan , Liu Zhengpeng , Zhang Yilong
Published: September 2020

Objective Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent bone cancer in humans. Growing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert essential roles in regulating cancer initiation and metastasis. Some research were used Illumina HiSeq to screens differentially expressed of circRNAs in OS and found that hsa_circ_20403 is highly expressed in OS. Methods In this study, we investigated the clinical application value and biological function of hsa_circ_20403 in OS. We were performed to verified the biological functions by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell experiments. Results We found that the expression of circ_20403 is enhanced in both OS tissue specimens and cells. In addition, its expression is closely related to clinic opathological characteristics and prognosis. More importantly, circ_20403 was overexpressed and knocked down in OS cells. We found that circ_20403 can promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion, which can regulate the proportion of G1 and S phase cells. Conclusion Taken together, our study for the first time revealed hsa_circ_20403 as a carcinogen to promote the progression of OS. Our study suggested that hsa_circ_20403 can be used to predict the prognosis of OS and it might be a potential target for OS therapy.
Sequencing of 185 Streptococcus thermophilus and identification of fermentation biomarkers
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Wu Linjie , Zhao Jie , Li Weicheng , Wang Yu , Zheng Huijuan , Sun Tiansong , Zhang Heping , Xi Ruibin , sun Zhihong
Published: September 2020

Streptococcus (S.) thermophilus is an important dairy starter in the production of fermented dairy products has important significance, from natural fermentation in the past to industrial production today. While the genetic architecture underlying S. thermophilus traits and phenotypes is largely unknown. Here, we sequenced 185 S. thermophilus strains, which isolated from natural fermented dairy products of China and Mongolia and using comparative genomic and genome wide association study to provide novel point for genetic architecture underlying its traits and phenotypes. Genome analysis of S. thermophilus showed association of phylogeny with environmental and phenotypic features and revealed clades with high acid production potential or with substantial genome decay. A few S. thermophilus isolated from areas with high chloramphenicol emissions had a chloramphenicol-resistant gene CatB8. Most importantly, we defined a growth score and identified a missense mutation G1118698T located at the gene AcnA that were both predictive of acidification capability of S. thermophilus. Our findings provide novel insight in S. thermophilus genetic traits, antibiotic resistant and predictive of acidification capability which both may had huge help in culture starter screening.
Heme relieves the inhibition of proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HMEC-1 under hyperoxia by inhibiting BACH1
Authors: Jian Lan , Mei Yang , Rongdi Yuan
Published: September 2020

Background
The relatively hyperoxia inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retina is the main cause of angiogenesis retardation in phase I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Human retinal angiogenesis is related to the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of microvascular endothelial cells. Previous studies have confirmed that BTB and CNC homology l (BACH1) can inhibit VEGF and angiogenesis, while heme can specifically degrade BACH1. However, the effect of heme on endothelial cells and ROP remains unknown.
Methods
In this report, we established a model of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) induced by 40% hyperoxia to simulate the relatively hyperoxia of phase I ROP. Meanwhile, heme was added to investigate the effects on the growth and viability of HMEC-1. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deox-yuridine (EDU) methods were used to detect the proliferation ability. Cell scratch test and matrigel matrix glue were used to detect the migration or angiogenesis ability. Western blot and immunofluorescence methods were used to detect the relative protein expression of BACH1 and VEGF.
Results
The proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HMEC-1 were inhibited under hyperoxia. Moderate heme can promote endothelial cell proliferation, while excessive can inhibit, 20 µM heme could inhibit the expression of BACH1, promote the expression of VEGF, and relieve the inhibition of proliferation, migration and angiogenesis induced by hyperoxia in HMEC-1.
Conclusions
20 µM heme can relieve the inhibitory effects induced by hyperoxia, via the mechanism of promoting VEGF by inhibiting BACH1 in HMEC-1, and maybe a potential medicine for retinal angiogenesis retardation induced by relatively hyperoxia in phase I ROP.
Autistic Traits Are Associated With the Functional Connectivity of Between- but Not Within-attention Systems in the General Population
Authors: Yoshimura Sayaka , Kobayashi Kei , Ueno Tsukasa , Miyagi Takashi , Oishi Naoya , Murai Toshiya , Fujiwara Hironobu
Published: September 2020

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit dysfunction in the three attention systems (i.e., Alerting, Orienting, and Executive control) as well as atypical relationships among these systems. Additionally, other studies have reported that individuals with subclinical but high levels of autistic traits show similar attentional tendencies as those observed in ASD. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that autistic traits would affect the functions and relationships of the three attention systems in a general population. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 119 healthy adults to investigate relationships between autistic traits and within- and between-system functional connectivity (FC) among the three attention systems. Twenty-six regions of interest that were defined as components of the three attention systems by a previous task-based fMRI study were examined in terms of within-and between-system FC. Autistic traits were assessed using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.Result: Correlational analyses revealed significant correlations between autistic traits and between-system FC but not within-system FC. Conclusions: Together with findings of previous studies, these results suggest that high level of autistic traits, even if it is subclinical, affect relationships among the three systems and could possibly induce changes in the efficiency of attention.
Excretable, ultrasmall hexagonal NaGdF4:Yb50% Nanoparticles for bimodal imaging and radiosensitization
Authors: Damasco Jossana Abcede , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y , Mahajan Supriya D , Chen Guanying , Singh Ajay , Kutscher Hilliard , Huang Haoyuan , Turowski Steven , Spernyak Joseph A , Singh Anurag , Lovell Jonathan F , Seshadri Mukund , Prasad Paras
Published: September 2020

Background
In this study, we report on the synthesis, imaging properties and radiosensitizing properties of β-NaGdF4:Yb50% nanoparticles as a multifunctional theranostic platform. The synthesized nanoparticles act as potent bimodal contrast agents with superior imaging properties compared to existing agents used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Clonogenic assays demonstrated that these nanoparticles can act as effective radiosensitizers, provided the nanoparticles are taken up intracellularly.
Results
A 2 Gy dose of X-ray induced ~ 20% decrease in colony survival when C6 rat glial cells were incubated with non-targeted nanoparticles (NaGdF4:Yb50%), whereas the same X-ray dose resulted in a ~ 60% decrease in colony survival with targeted nanoparticles conjugated to folic acid (NaGdF4:Yb50%-FA). Intravenous administration of nanoparticles resulted in clearance through urine and feces within a short duration, based on the ex vivo analysis of Gd3+ ions via ICP-MS.
Conclusion
These biocompatible and in vivo clearable ultra-small NaGdF4:Yb50% are promising candidates for further evaluation in image-guided radiotherapy applications.
Spatial Distribution of multielements including technology critical elements in sediments of the Danube River
Authors: Culicov Otilia Ana , Trtic-Petrovic Tatjana , Balvanović Roman , Petković Anđelka , Ražić Slavica
Published: September 2020

Background

The pollution of the second-longest European river (the river Danube) has been under monitoring and focused on various contaminants including metals/metalloids (Hg, As, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd), personal care products, technical additives, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, etc. Recent studies show that technology critical elements (TCE) – elements with a high supply risk and economic importance – are becoming emerging pollutants due to their wide application in new technologies. According to the European Union Water Framework Directive, sediments are one of the three major sources of river pollution. This study aims to determine major and trace elements including some TCEs in the Danube River sediment. The concentrations of the targeted elements in the surface sediments were discussed in the sense of the effect of building hydropower dam Iron Gate I and increasing the quantity of sediments in the Iron Gate gorge.
Results

The surface sediments were collected on the Danube River-km 1141 to 864 and three tributaries along this waterway. Two samples of deep sediments were used for comparison. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was applied for quantification of 36 elements, with special attention to selected TCE belonging to lanthanides (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Tm, and Yb). Spatial distribution is discussed (i) in the total pool of all analyzed elements and (ii) only lanthanides. For better understanding and to highlight a hidden relationship between targeted elements, multivariate statistical techniques (cluster analysis and principal component analysis) were applied to analyze the analytical data and to identify possible pollution sources. The obtained results of the targeted elements in the surface sediments were discussed in relation to the influence of hydropower dam Iron Gates I and the increasing quantity of sediments.
Conclusion

Overall results show increasing concentration of almost all investigated elements in the surface sediments from the Danube River-km 1112 to the dam. Sediment od the River Pek was separated as a location with extreme anthropogenic influence due to close vicinity of the copper mining site.
Improving Smoke Alarm Self-Report Via a Prompted Questionnaire
Authors: Shields Wendy C , Omaki Elise C , McDonald Eileen M , Gielen Andrea C.
Published: September 2020

Background: Previous work has demonstrated discrepancies between self-reported and observed smoke alarm functionality. This study aimed to improve self-report of smoke alarm status. Methods: Participants were asked if they had: 1) any working smoke alarm; and 2) a working smoke alarm on every level of their home (Brief Form). Subsequently, parents answered an Extended Form prompting them to consider each level and how they knew the smoke alarms were functioning. Results: 554 participants completed both forms. On the Brief Form, 96% of participants reported having any smoke alarm and 92% reported having a working alarm on every level. On the Extended Form, 85% of parents reported having any smoke alarm and 73% reported having a working alarm on every level. Conclusion: Prompting residents to consider the presence and functionality of smoke alarms on each level of their home increased the opportunity to provided tailoired communication to improve smoke alarm coverage.
Sarcasm Detection Using Multi-Channel Attention Based BLSTM On News Headline
Authors: Azwar Azika Syahputra , Suharjito
Published: September 2020

Sarcasm is often used to express a negative opinion using positive or intensified positive words in social media. This intentional ambiguity makes sarcasm detection, an important task of sentiment analysis. Detecting a sarcastic tone in natural language hinders the performance of sentiment analysis tasks. The majority of the studies on automatic sarcasm detection emphasize on the use of lexical, syntactic, or pragmatic features that are often unequivocally expressed through figurative literary devices such as words, emoticons, and exclamation marks. In this paper, we introduce a multi-channel attention-based bidirectional long-short memory (MCAB-BLSTM) network to detect sarcastic headline on the news. Multi-channel attention-based bidirectional long-short memory (MCAB-BLSTM) proposed model was evaluated on the news headline dataset, and the results-compared to the CNN-LSTM and Hybrid Neural Network were excellent.
A Surfactant, Oxidant and Inhibitor Compatible Thermo-solvent-tolerant Amylase From a Novel Extrimophilic Bacillus Subtilis Strain Clb-34 Mk443366: Study on Purification and Characterization
Authors: Tiwari Soni , Gaur Rajeeva
Published: September 2020

It is the first time when thermo-tolerant, heavy metal resistance amylase producing strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from soil sample. Amylase was purified 3.8-fold with a specific activity of 11,305.0 U mg-1. The molecular weight of purified amylase was 67 kDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE and activity gel analysis. The amylase was active in broad pH and temperature range of 4.0-11.0 and 35-110°C, respectively, with maxima at pH 7.0 and 85°C temperature. The amylase has Km and Vmax value of 2.181 mg ml-1 and 909.09 µg ml-1min-1, respectively when starch used as substrate. The amylase was not only stable but also its activity enhanced in the presence of n-dodecane, iso-octane, n-decane, xylene, toluene, n-butanol, acetone, and cyclohexane, after prolonged incubation (7 days). Amylase activity and stability was inhibited in the presence of Hg2+, benzene, sodium perborate. The unique property of solvent tolerance and heavy metal resistance proves the potential candidature of this isolate not only for starch liquefaction for food application but also for bioremediation strategies involved in environmental cleanup.
Multi Potent Aromatic Nano Colloid: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
Authors: S Ranjani , M Salman Al Farzi , p Shruthy Priya , Waseem Mohammad , K Ruckmani , S Hemalatha
Published: September 2020

In this study the aromatic nanocolloids (CANCs) are synthesized using the noble metal silver by using Citronella extract and confirmed through physio chemical analysis. The synthesised CANCs were evaluated for its antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm activity against pathogenic biofilm forming E. coli. In addition, synthesized CANCs were evaluated for the expression of virulent genes encoding AmpC and CTX-M-15. The results confirmed that CANCs showed effective antimicrobial activity through its bacteriostatic, bactericidal and quorum quencher activity and downregulated CTX-M-15 gene. CANCs were validated as alternate to the commercial fungicides to control plant pathogenic fungi such as A. niger MTCC (281), Fusarium graminearum MTCC (2089) and F. udum MTCC (2204). Furthermore, analysis of CANCs on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells under in vitro condition showed that the cytotoxicity of CANCs is dose dependent. Thus, the multifunctional CANCs can be utilized as potential antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer agent.
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Critical COVID-19
Authors: Zhao Qiquan , Jian Li , Zhou Yuguo , Shang Jiandong , Ning Yan , Peng Fengying , Jia Bei
Published: September 2020

Background: According to the data from the joint investigative team of the WHO and China, the fatality rate in Wuhan is 5.8%and 0.7% in the rest of China. Most of the patients who have died have had chronic diseases or advanced age, and patients with critical COVID-19 have the highest death rate. Patients with critical COVID-19 are the main focus of research on treatment. However, there are few reports on critical COVID-19 patients in China and worldwide. It will help other researchers and clinicians around the world for similar cases.Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly infectious and has a high fatality rate.This paper summarizes and analyses the clinical characteristics of patients with critical COVID-19 to improve clinicians' understanding of this disease. Methods: We selected 16 patients with critical COVID-19 who were treated in the ICU of a grade A hospital in Wuhan from February to March 2020. Then, we collected the clinical data and analysed their general conditions, clinical symptoms, blood tests, CT scans and treatments. Results: Patients with critical COVID-19 had comorbidities (87.5%), and the main symptoms were low or moderate fever (75%), cough and expectoration (68.75%), and multiple lesions in both lungs (100%). 2. Patients with critical COVID-19 were divided into the non-surviving and surviving groups, and the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level and CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly different (P<0.05). 3. On chest CT, multiple patchy lesions were observed in both lungs, mainly as patchy infected lesions, partial consolidation, ground-glass opacities, and interstitial changes. 4. There were 10 patients (62.5%) who survived and 6 (37.5%) who died. Conclusion: Critical COVID-19 is mainly characterized by low or moderate fever, cough and sputum and often occurs in people with chronic disease.Chest CT showed multiple patchy ground-glass opacities and consolidation. For critically ill patients, it is important to monitor interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CD4/CD8 ratio. Early treatment involves thymalfasin, immunoglobulin and other immune-enhancing treatments, and a large dose of ulinastatin can reduce plasma levels of inflammatory factors.
Inferences from dysregulated long non-coding RNA-mediated competing endogenous RNAs in various chemotherapy drugs and evaluation of drug response in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Ziwen , Li Dongbo , Zhang Han , Qin Qi , Zhang Qingyuan
Published: September 2020

Backgroud: Differences in individual drug response, especially drug resistance, present an obstacle to the treatment of breast cancer (BRCA). Thus, the ability to predict drug response would contribute to developing novel treatment strategies. Accumulating evidence have suggested that tumor molecular profiles and drug response data provide opportunities and challenges for the discovery of new molecular characteristics and mechanisms of drug response in BRCA.
Methods: In the present study, an integrated pipeline was developed to explore drug response-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) motifs in BRCA.
Results: Drug response-specific ceRNAs indicated that lncRNAs play an essential role in various drug treatments for BRCA. Several key drug-resistant and -sensitive dysregulated ceRNAs were identified in Adriamycin, Cytoxan, and Tamoxifen. The interactions in these ceRNAs showed strong correlations in BRCA. Most drug response-related dysregulated ceRNAs were only present in one kind of drug. A number of drug response-related ceRNAs presented diverse dysregulation patterns. We also extracted some key drug response-related lncRNAs, such as HCP5 and FAM182A. These lncRNAs were associated with certain cancer hallmarks and survival in BRCA.
Conclusions: Ultimately, understanding the underlying lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs in drug responses will facilitate improved individual reactions to chemotherapy and overall outcomes of BRCA treatment.
Determinants of Growth Monitoring and Promotion Service Utilization Among Children 0-23 Months of Age in Northern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case Control Study
Authors: Dagne Samuel , Aliyu Jemal , Menber Yonatan , Wassihun Yosef , Fentahun Netsanet
Published: September 2020

Back ground: Child malnutrition is one of the world’s public health problems. Promotion of child growth and development is one of the health priorities to control child mortality and poverty reduction. One of the strategies to promote child health is growth monitoring and promotion services. But, there is limited information on determinants of Growth Monitoring and Promotion service utilization. Objective: To identify determinants of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service utilization among children 0-23 months of age in Legambo district, South Wollo zone, Northern Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: Community based un-matched case control study was conducted on 363 (91 cases and 272 controls) study participants from March 15 to April 15, 2020. . Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. . Data were collected by using interviewer administered questionnaire and entered in to Epi data and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was estimated to identify determinants of GMP service utilization.Results: Good maternal knowledge (AOR) = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.23, 4.75), mother with favorable attitude (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI; 1.20, 4.98), counseling on GMP (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI; 1.19, 4.56), Attending ante natal care services (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 5.16), index child age 12-17 months(AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.26, 9.41) and 18-23 months (AOR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.53, 12.49), and short distance to health facilities (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI; 1.99, 10.28) were determinants of GMP service utilization.Conclusions and recommendation: Index child age, good knowledge, favorable attitude, attending ante natal care services, receiving nutritional counseling and short distance to health facility were determinants of GMP service utilization. Nutritional interventions should emphasis nutritional counseling, utilization of ANC service and accessibility of growth monitoring and promotion service to improve growth monitoring and promotion service utilization and reduce malnutrition in Ethiopia
Chlorella Vulgaris Biomass Supplementation Increased the Abundance of Hepatic Antioxidant Proteins in Relation to Oxidative Stress Reduction in Rabbits
Authors: Sikiru Akeem Babatunde , Arunachalam Arangasamy , Egena Stephen Sunday Acheneje , Veerasamy Sejian , Reddy Ippala Janardhan , Bhatta Raghavendra
Published: September 2020

Background Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular microalga that is rich in antioxidant, its supplementation has been reported to reduce oxidative stress via upregulations of antioxidant genes. However, there are scarce reports on its effect on antioxidant protein expressions in rabbits – a situation which necessitate an untargeted proteomic profile analysis due to its supplementation. This is because untargeted proteomics profiling is an approach suitable for assessing the effectiveness of genes code translation into polypeptide chains folded into functional proteins used for specific sub-cellular or extracellular physiological activities. It remains one of the comparative avenues for evaluating the efficacies of drugs and nutraceutical agents including antioxidants. In this study, the antioxidant efficacy of a microalga Chlorella vulgaris was evaluated at molecular levels using its hepatic protein expression in rabbit models. Results After 120 days of the microalga supplementation, protein was extracted from liver of the rabbits for untargeted proteomics profiling using LC-MS/Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid™ peptides quantifier and sequencer. There were five-hundred and eleven (511) proteins identified; and among the proteins, 191 were specific to the control group while 186 were specific to the Treatment group; and 134 were common to both groups. Independent samples t-test of the protein abundance indicated that there was a significant difference (p = 0.01) between the treatment and the control groups. There was also a significant reduction in the malondialdehyde concentrations (p = 0.01), higher total antioxidant capacities (p = 0.002), and increased antioxidant enzyme activities (p = 0.05) between the treatment and control groups.Conclusion The study concluded that one of the molecular mechanisms associated with Chlorella vulgaris intake reduction of the hepatic oxidative stress is increased abundances of antioxidant proteins and reduction of the lipid peroxidation and these led to a suggestion that the microalga is a potent antioxidant agent suitable for protecting against oxidative stress in rabbits and other domestic food producing animals.
KVarPredDB: A Database for Predicting Pathogenicity of Missense Sequence Variants of Keratin Genes Associated With Genodermatoses
Authors: Banerjee Santasree , Ying Yuyi , Lu Lu , Xu Lizhen , Zhao Qiang , Wu Hao , Li Ruiqi , Xu Xiao , Yu Hua , Neculai Dante , Xi Yongmei , Yang Fan , Qin Jiale , Li Chen
Published: September 2020

Background: Germline variants of ten keratin genes (K1, K2, K5, K6A, K6B, K9, K10, K14, K16 and K17) have been reported for causing different types of genodermatoses with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Among all the variants of these ten keratin genes, most of them are missense variants. Unlike pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants, understanding the clinical importance of novel missense variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUS) is the biggest challenge for clinicians or medical geneticists. Functional characterization is the only way to understand the clinical association of novel missense variants or VUS but it is time-consuming, costly and depends on the availability of patient’s samples. Existing databases report the pathogenic variants of the keratin genes, but never emphasize the systematic effects of these variants on keratin protein structure and genotype-phenotype correlation. Results: To address this need, we developed a comprehensive database KVarPredDB, which contains information of all ten keratin genes associated with genodermatoses. We integrated and curated 398 reported pathogenic missense variants as well as 4629 missense VUS. KVarPredDB predicts the pathogenicity of novel missense variants as well as to understand the severity of disease phenotype, based on four criteria; firstly, difference in physico-chemical properties between the wild-type and substituted amino acids, secondly, the loss of inter/intra-chain interactions, thirdly, evolutionary conservation of the wild type amino acids and lastly, the effect of the substituted mutation in the heptad repeat. Molecular docking simulations based on resolved crystal structures were adopted to predict stability changes and get the binding energy to compare the wild type protein with the mutated one. We use this basic information to determine the structural and functional impact of novel missense variants on the keratin coiled-coil heterodimer. KVarPredDB was implemented in Java, Bootstrap, React-mutation-mapper, common MySQL, Tomcat, and under the integrative web application development framework SSM (SpringBoot, Spring MVC, MyBatis). The web site can be accessed through http://bioinfo.zju.edu.cn/KVarPredDB. The genomic variants and analysis results are freely available under the Creative Commons license.Conclusions: KVarPredDB provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface with computational analytical investigation for each missense variant of the keratin genes associated with genodermatoses.
The use of artificial teeth in a pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core undergraduate teaching program
Authors: Dudley James
Published: September 2020

Background

The use of artificial teeth in pre-clinical simulation clinic teaching of post-core techniques has clear educational benefits for students and staff. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for selection and direct student experiences with artificial teeth in a recently conducted pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core technique teaching program.
Methods

An online anonymous survey was delivered to fourth year undergraduate dental students who had completed the fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical program seeking information on the choice of artificial or natural teeth and direct experiences. Quantitative data was summarised and qualitative data was clustered into topics.
Results

A 100% response rate was received. 36% of 70 respondents chose to use one or more artificial teeth for the post-core exercises which was predominantly driven by difficulty in sourcing appropriate natural teeth (59%) rather than educational benefit (13%). 45 (64%) chose not to use artificial teeth largely due to the cost of the teeth (49%).
Conclusions

Direct student experiences in using the artificial teeth for post-core exercises were positive. In the choice to select artificial or natural teeth for post-core exercises, teaching staff may focus on educational benefits while students focus on the practicalities of sourcing teeth, associated costs and ease of use. As the first known research of its kind, within the limitations of this study artificial teeth provided an appropriate and realistic simulation compared to extracted natural teeth and were easier to source for the post-core exercises of the pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics program. More widespread use of artificial teeth was limited by cost.
Feedback after OSCE: A comparison of face to face versus an enhanced written feedback
Authors: Ngim Chin Fang , Fullerton Paul Douglas , Ratnasingam Vanassa , Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk , Dominic Nisha Angela , Niap Cindy Pei Sze , Thurairajasingam Sivakumar
Published: September 2020

Background
The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is a useful means of generating meaningful feedback. OSCE feedback may be in various forms (written, face to face and audio or video recordings). Studies on OSCE feedback are uncommon, especially involving Asian medical students.
Methods
We compared two methods of OSCE feedback delivered to fourth year medical students in Malaysia: (i) Face to face (FTF) immediate feedback (semester one) (ii) Individualised enhanced written (EW) feedback containing detailed scores in each domain, examiners’ free text comments and the answer guide (semester two). Both methods were evaluated by students and staff examiners, and students’ responses were compared against their OSCE performance.
Results
Of the 116 students who sat for both formative OSCEs, 82.8% (n = 96) and 86.2% (n = 100) responded to the first and second survey respectively. Most students were comfortable to receive feedback (91.3% in FTF, 96% in EW) with EW feedback associated with higher comfort levels (p = 0.022). Distress affected a small number with no differences between either method (13.5% in FTF, 10% in EW, p = 0.316). Most students perceived both types of feedback improved their performance (89.6% in FTF, 95% in EW); this perception was significantly stronger for EW feedback (p = 0.008). Students who preferred EW feedback had lower OSCE scores compared to those preferring FTF feedback (mean scores ± SD: 43.8 ± 5.3 in FTF, 47.2 ± 6.5 in EW, p = 0.049). Students ranked the “answer guide” to be the most valuable aspect of the EW feedback. Tutors felt both methods of feedback were equally beneficial. Few examiners felt they needed training (21.4% in FTF, 15% in EW) but students perceived this need for tutors’ training differently (53.1% in FTF, 46% in EW)
Conclusion
Whilst both methods of OSCE feedback were highly valued, students preferred to receive EW feedback and felt it was more beneficial. Learning cultures of Asian students may have influenced this view. Information provided in EW feedback should be tailored accordingly to provide meaningful feedback in OSCE exams.
Arterial Carboxyhemoglobin Levels In Covid-19 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Paccaud Paul , Castanares-Zapatero Diego , Gerard Ludovic , Montiel Virginie , Wittebole Xavier , Collienne Christine , Laterre Pierre-François , Hantson Philippe
Published: September 2020

Background : Oxidative stress conditions may be responsible for an up-regulation of the expression of heme oxygenase, the enzyme synthesizing carbon monoxide (CO) in cells. Elevated levels of arterial carboxyhemoglogin (CO-Hb) have been found in critically ill patients, including those suffering from acute lung injury. We aimed to investigate the changes of arterial CO-Hb levels in COVID-19 critically ill patients.Methods : A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the medical charts of 63 patients admitted in the ICU for severe COVID-19 infection over the period March 1 – May 31, 2020.Results : The overall ICU mortality rate was 39%. Non-survivors had a significantly higher profile of arterial CO-Hb levels than survivors (p<0.001), but arterial CO-Hb increased significantly from admission to day 30 in both groups (p<0.001). Mortality could not be predicted by the changes in arterial CO-Hb, but there was a correlation between the maximal arterial CO-Hb value and SOFA score on admission. No correlation could be demonstrated between arterial CO-Hb and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of the inflammatory response.Conclusions : A greater increase of arterial CO-Hb levels over time may represent another marker of severity of COVID-19 infection in ICU patients.
Early Detection of Steroid-Induced Femoral Head Necrosis using 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V-based Apoptosis Imaging in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Li Jianbo , Man Da , Liu Rui , Zhao Jianmin
Published: September 2020

Background At present, the early diagnosis of femoral head necrosis mainly relies on MRI, and most early patients are difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, to investigate the early diagnostic value of 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging were compared with MRI in rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods The rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis were established by intravenous injection of horse serum and gluteal muscle injection of methylprednisolone in of 5-month-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits. 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging and MRI were performed at 2nd week, 4th week, and 6th week after modeling. After that, histopathology was used to verify the success of modeling. Apoptosis was detected by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL. Results At 2 weeks after the injection of hormone, 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT image showed abnormal radioactive uptake in the bilateral femoral head. And over time, the radioactivity concentration was more obvious, and the ratio of T/NT (target tissue/non-target tissues) was gradually increased. In the SPECT imaging at each time point, T/NT ratio of the model group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01); at 4 weeks after the injection of hormone, MRI showed an abnormal signal of osteonecrosis. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after hormone injection, apoptosis was observed by TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. Conclusion s 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging can diagnose steroid-induced femoral head necrosis earlier than MRI, and has potential application value for non-invasively detecting early and even ultra-early stage of femoral head necrosis.
Echocardiographic Characteristics and Prognosis of the Fetuses with Ebstein Anomaly in Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Yuduo , Gu Xiaoyan , He Yihua , Zhang Hongjia
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the fetal echocardiographic features of Ebstein anomaly (EA) and also to evaluate the prognosis of those fetuses.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 53 fetuses with EA who were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2018 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and analyzed the ultrasonic features and prognosis of the fetuses. Results: In this single-institutional study, 53 fetuses were screened after 23~39 weeks of gestation with EA. In these fetuses, patients with complications accounted for a greater percentage (69.81%). Ultrasound imaging showed that the posterior lobe shifted down further than the septal leaflets, and the anterior lobe changed less than 50%. Severe tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation showed the highest proportion in these fetuses (56.60%). Among the enrolled fetuses, 20 cases were classified into grade Ⅱ. 40 cases (75.47%) were inducted, and 13 cases (24.5%) were selected for continued pregnancy. However, only one of the fetuses developed till successful delivery. Conclusion: Echocardiography has become an important diagnostic tool in identifying the fetuses with EA, a rare and heterogeneous congenital heart disorder. The prognosis of the fetuses with EA is relatively poor. Therefore, understanding the echocardiographic characteristics and the prognosis of the fetuses with EA is of great value for pregnancy consultations during the perinatal period.