bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LRH1 promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration and correlates with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Wenzhou , Shi Qingtao , Li Jiaxin , Li Jinmeng , Yu Libo
Published: May 2020

Background Recent studies have revealed that liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH1) plays a vital role in several human cancers, but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether LRH1 protein can act as a promising biomarker to predict the prognosis and metastasis in OC patients.Methods LRH1 expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR analysis. The effects of LRH1 on tumor cell proliferation and progression were evaluated in vitro. Results RT-qPCR showed that LRH1 mRNA expression was more intense in the invasive lesions (P < 0.05). LRH1 overexpression were extremely related with elevated FIGO stage (P = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.011), and peritoneal metastasis (P = 0.001). Furthermore, LRH1 expression was an independently prognostic index for disease-free survival in OC patients (P = 0.041). In addition, LRH1 overexpression (P=0.011) along with FIGO stage (P<0.001) and ascites (P=0.015) independently affect peritoneal metastasis in OC patients. LRH1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of human OC cells (P < 0.05).Conclusions The present study provides evidence that LRH1 predicts peritoneal metastasis and poor outcome, highlighting its potential role as biomarker for targeted therapy in OC.
FLNC and MYLK2 gene mutations in a Chinese family with different phenotypes of cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qin Xianyu , Li Ping , Qu Hui-Qi , Liu Yichuan , Xia Yu , Chen Shaoxian , Yang Yongchao , Huang Shufang , Wen Pengju , Zhou Xianwu , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Yonghua , Tian Lifeng , Hakonarson Hakon , Wu Yueheng , Zhuang Jian
Published: May 2020

Background

Mutations in the sarcomeric protein filamin C (FLNC) gene have been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in which they increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. In this study, we identified a novel missense mutation of FLNC in a Chinese family with HCM and interestingly a second novel truncating mutation of MYLK2 in one family member with different phenotype.
Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese family with HCM of unknown cause. To validate the function of a novel mutation of FLNC, we introduced the mutant and wild-type gene into AC16 cells (human cardiomyocytes), and used western blotting to analyze the expression of FLNC in subcellular fractions, and confocal microscope to observe the subcellular distribution of the protein.
Results

We identified a novel missense single nucleotide variant (FLNC c.G5935A [p.A1979T]) in the family, which segregates with the disease. FLNC expression levels were equivalent in both wild type and p.A1979T cardiomyocytes. However, expression of the mutant protein resulted in cytoplasmic protein aggregations, in contrast to wild type FLNC, which was distributed in the cytoplasm and did not form aggregates. Unexpectely, a second truncating mutation, NM_033118:exon8:c.G1138T:p.E380X of the MYLK2 gene, was identified in the mother of the proband with dilated cardiomyopathy, but absent in other subjects.
Conclusion

We identified the FLNC A1979T mutation as a novel pathogenic variant associated with HCM in a Chinese family, as well as a second causal mutation in a family member with a distinct phenotype. The possibility of more than one causal mutations in cardiomyopathy warrants clinical attention, especially for patients with atypical clinical features.
Clonal Diversity of the B cell Receptor Repertoire in Patients with Coronary in-Stent Restenosis and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Weng Ruiqiang , Liu Sudong , Gu Xiaodong , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: May 2020

Background Coronary artery disease patients with diabetes mellitus may have a higher risk for clinical and angiographic restenosis. Evidence has suggested that B cells play a functional role in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clonal diversity of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) and diabetes mellitus.Methods In the present study, we had enrolled 21 patients with ISR and DM or not and collected the peripheral blood mononuclear cell. The DNA was extrated and then we performed DNA-seq analysis to character the B-cell receptor profiles (BCR) of CAD patients with or without ISR. The BCR diversity and the overlap was evaluate by the bioinformatics base on the DNA-seq data.Result Seq-data showed that the diversity of amino acids was altered in patients with ISR. Specifically, 6 V gene segments as well as 41 V/J pairs exhibited different frequencies in patients with ISR, with the altered common amino acid sequences reaching 0.1–1.01% in ISR patients.Conclusion The present findings suggest that B cells may play a role in the occurrence of ISR and that further analysis of BCR profiles would enhance understanding of ISR.
Electrical, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties of Mg2+ Doped Zn-Co-La Spinel Ferrites for High Microwave Frequency (5.7-13.4 GHz) Applications
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Sajjad Ul , Morley Nicola A , Ali Syed Shahbaz , Amin Nasir , Bibi Aisha , Arshad Muhammad Imran , Nabi Muhammad Ajaz Un , Ali Adnan , Mahmood Khalid , Aslam Asma
Published: May 2020

In the present research work, Mg 2+ is inserted into Zn 0.4 Co 0.6-x Mg x Fe 1.9 La 0.1 O 4 (X = 0.00, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60) soft ferrites prepared by the co-precipitation method. Structural, optical, vibrational, dielectric, electrical and magnetic properties were explored by XRD, SEM, UV, FTIR, SMU two probe, Raman, LCR and VSM methods respectively. XRD pattern revealed the formation of cubic spinel structure in all fabricated nanoferrites by the replacement of Co 2+ ions with Mg 2+ ions. UV-Vis also verified the substitution. The declining nature of optical band gap in the range of 2.65 – 1.85 eV were observed by UV-Vis proving the Mg 2+ ions replacement. Uniform spherical shaped nanoparticles were inspected by SEM investigation in form of microimages confirming the XRD outcomes. DC Electrical resistivity showed remarkable decreasing trend with the enhancement of Mg 2+ concentration from 4.61 x 10 9 to 5.39 x 10 6 Ω-cm as Mg 2+ is more conductive than Co 2+ . Five active phonon modes of Raman were examined by Raman spectroscopy. Dielectric parameters including dielectric losses and impedance demonstrated diminishing trends with the enrichment of Mg 2+ contents. Various magnetic parameters such as magnetic moment (μ B ), anisotropy constant (K), initial permeability (μ i ), Y-K angles (α y-k ) and microwave frequency (ω m ) were disclosed for all nanoferrites. Coercivity (H c ), squareness (SQ), remanance (M r ) and saturation magnetization (M s ) all illustrated significant reducing trends with the addition of Mg 2+ contents. Hence fabricated spinel ferrite materials are highly acceptable in microwave devices and in electrical transformers to remove eddy current losses.
Combination of chondrocytes with chondrons improves Proteoglycan and Collagen-2 production to promote the repairs of defective knee cartilage in rabbits
Authors: Duan Wangping , Zhao Yu , Ren Xiaochun , Zhao Ruipeng , Li Qi , Sun Zhenwei , Song Wenjie , Yang Yanfei , Li Pengcui , Wei Xiaochun
Published: May 2020

Background: Chondrons are composed of chondrocytes and the surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM) and function to enhance chondrocyte-mediated cartilage tissue engineering. This study aimed at investigating the potential effect of combined chondrocytes with chondrons on the production of proteoglycan and collagen-II (Col-2) and the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits.Methods: Chondrocytes and chondrons were isolated from the knee cartilage of rabbits, and cultured alone or co-cultured for varying periods in vitro. Their morphology was characterized by histology and immunohistochemistry. The levels of aggrecan (AGG), Col-2 and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) expression were quantified by qRT-PCR, Alcian Blue-based precipitation and ELISA. The effect of combined chondrocytes with chondrons in alginate spheres on the repair of defective knee cartilage was examined in rabbits.Results: The isolated chondrocytes and chondrons displayed unique morphology and began to proliferate on day 3 and 6 post culture, respectively, accompanied by completely degenerated PCM on day 6 post culture. Evidently, chondrocytes had stronger proliferation capacity than chondrons. Longitudinal analyses indicated that culture of chondrons, but not chondrocytes, increased AGG mRNA transcripts and GAG levels with time and Col-2 mRNA transcripts only on day 3 post culture. Compared with chondrocytes or chondrons alone, co-culture of chondrocytes and chondrons significantly up-regulated AGG and Col-2 expression and GAG production, particularly at a ratio of 1:1. Implantation with chondrocytes and chondrons at 1:1 significantly promoted the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits, accompanied by reduced the Wakiteni scores with time. Conclusion: Combined chondrons with chondrocytes promoted the production of proteoglycan and Col-2 and the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits.
Awareness of COVID-19 amongst undergraduate dental students in India – A questionnaire based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kashid Rhea Vivek , Shidhore Asawari Awadhut , Kazi Mohammad Mukhit , Patil Sameer
Published: May 2020

Background Coronavirus disease caused by SARS-COV2, a potentially fatal disease has become a global public health concern. As the understanding of this novel disease is evolving, dental students and professionals should have an in-depth knowledge and understanding and should be updated with the practices that have to be adapted to identify a possible COVID-19 infection. Aim and Objectives To assess awareness about COVID-19 amongst undergraduate dental students. Material and methods A 28-item self-administered close ended questionnaire assessing awareness about COVID-19 was shared through online portal. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence intervals with p value <0.05; statistically significant. Results The maximum number of students were in the average knowledge category (48.9%), followed by good knowledge (47.5%) Our results show that the overall mean knowledge score of all the undergraduate students was 12.67 (+ 2.98), which comes under the category “Good”. The practice domain states that most of the students were first informed of the disease through media. Conclusion The undergraduate dental students in different colleges in India are well aware of the different clinical aspects of the disease. More emphasis should be put on updating their knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment component of the COVID-19 disease.
Impacts of Intensive Land use on Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Central China
Authors: ZENG QUANCHAO , Meitang Yingze , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Wu Yonghong , Tan Wenfeng
Published: May 2020

Background: The impacts of the conversion of natural to agricultural ecosystem on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions are still disputable. Here, we compared the soil biodiversity (bacteria and fungi) and ecosystem functions of citrus orchards in different stages of succession (5–30 years) with those in adjacent natural ecosystems. Different management strategies were also considered for one of this stage (15 years). Results: The results indicate that changes from natural vegetation land to citrus orchards would lead to reduced soil bacterial diversity, as well as significant declines in multiple ecosystem functions associated with C cycle after 30 years of citrus plantation. However, the functions associated with N and P cycle were enhanced by the plantation. Citrus plantation negatively affected the C cycle by reducing the soil microbial diversity. Reduction in soil bacterial biodiversity was indirectly driven by increased soil acidification resulting from citrus plantation, while wheat straw addition could alleviate the reduction (15-year stage). Compared with natural vegetation, citrus plantation also reduced the relative abundance of multiple phylotypes, including Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Subgroup_6, Subgroup_4, Anaerolineae and Bacteroidia. The ecological clusters of soil bacteria and fungi were significantly associated with multiple ecosystem functions, suggesting that citrus planting altered multiple ecosystem functions via ecological clusters. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that soil biodiversity, soil functions and C:N:P coupling are sensitive to the conversion of natural vegetation land to agricultural land, and further suggest that proper management of soil acidification can address some negative impacts of land use conversion on soil biodiversity and functions.
Men Show Higher Neural Sensitivity to Wins – Large or Small – than Women in the Monetary Incentive Delay Task
Authors: Dhingra Isha , Zhang Sheng , Zhornitsky Simon , Wang Wuyi , Le Thang M , Li Chiang-Shan Ray
Published: May 2020

Background Men and women show differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, which may impact behavior in health and disease. However, the neural bases of these sex differences remain under-investigated. Here, by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT), we examined sex differences in the neural responses to monetary wins and losses and how these regional activities vary with individual reward and punishment sensitivity. Methods Sixty-three healthy adults (27 women) participated in the fMRI study with a 3-Tesla scanner. Sensitivity to punishment (SP) and sensitivity to reward (SR) were assessed with the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). In the MIDT, participants pressed a button to collect either $1, 1¢, or nil, with the reaction time window titrated across trials to achieve ~67% success. Imaging data were processed with published routines and evaluated with a corrected threshold. Results The results showed higher SP score in women vs. men and higher SR score in men vs. women. Compared to women, men also showed higher response to the receipt of dollar or cent reward in the medial prefrontal cortex, in the area of the supplementary motor cortex. Regional responses to loss did not show sex differences. Further, in a whole-brain regression, activation of the caudate head during 1¢ loss was correlated positively with SR score in men but not in women, and the sex difference was confirmed by a slope test. Conclusions Together, men showed higher SR and neural sensitivity to the receipt of reward, big or small, than women. Individual differences in SR could be reflected by caudate response to a small loss in men. These findings highlight how men and women may differ in reward-related brain activations in the MIDT and add to the imaging literature of sex differences in cognitive and affective functions.
The in vitro Efficacy of Two Microbial Strains and Physicochemical Effects on their Aflatoxin Decontamination in Poultry Feeds
Authors: Tebetyo Zakia , Bogere Paul , Nabulime Margaret M. , Kaaya Archileo N. , Gnonlonfin Benoit , Ntale Mohammed , Nakavuma Jesca
Published: May 2020

Background: Contamination of animal feeds with aflatoxigenic fungi is a challenge to livestock farmers worldwide. Aflatoxins are very toxic fungal metabolites that are associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and estrogenic effects. The toxins affect animal productivity and may lead to deaths, causing enormous economic losses. Aflatoxin decontamination is a challenge to the feed industry, despite the several approaches available. This study investigated the efficacy of two microbial isolates, Bacillus spp (B285) and Yeast strain (Y833), in reducing Aflatoxin concentration in poultry feeds in comparison with a commonly used commercial chemical binder, Bentonite. The influence of the poultry feed matrix, pH, and temperature on the aflatoxin reducing activity by the two microorganisms was also explored. Results: The in vitro studies showed that the two microorganisms and the chemical binder reduced aflatoxins by over 74% of the original concentration. The chemical binder registered the highest reduction at 93.4%; followed by Y833 (83.6%), then the combination of Y833 and B285 (77.9%); and lastly B285 (74.9%). There was no significant (p>0.05) influence of temperature on the toxin reducing capacity of all the agents tested. The pHs 4.5 and 6.5 did not have a significant effect on the performance of both chemical binder and biological agents, however, the former performed better at pH 6.5 with 95% aflatoxin reduction compared to the microorganisms. The aflatoxin reducing activity was lower in presence of feeds compared to that in Phosphate Buffered Saline except for Y833 where no difference was observed. Conclusions: Although the feed components affected the aflatoxin reducing capacity of the test materials, the chemical binder was more effective than the microbial agents. Yeast strain was more effective than the bacterial strain in reducing the aflatoxin levels, however, both are promising strategies for countering the aflatoxin challenges in animal feeds. In response to the advocacy for use of biological control agents, there is need for more investigations to establish the safety of the microorganisms, the mechanism of decontamination and safety of the products; the optimum concentrations that can reduce aflatoxins in feeds to permissible levels and the effect of the toxin contamination levels on microbial efficiency.
A systematic review and meta-analysis: Female smokers,even former smokers lead higher incidence of psoriasis in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with biological agents.
Authors: Yang Meiqi , Liu Weixin , Deng Qiuping , Liang Zeng , Wang Qin
Published: May 2020

Background: At present, infliximab(IFX) and adalimumab(ADA) are the classic drugs for the treatment of moderate-severe inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), which prove effective for the disease control. However, the side effects need to be monitored during the therapy process, especially the paradoxical reaction of the skin system such as psoriasis, which could greatly benefit quality of patients’ life.Aim: In order to describe and analyze TNF-antagonist-induced psoriasis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the aspects of incidence, pathogenesis, distribution and type of lesions, prognosis and treatment, the incidence of psoriasis induced by Infliximab (IBD) and Adalimumab (ADA) in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disease (IBD) as well as the relationship between sex, smoking and the incidence of psoriasis were investigated.Methods: Literatures in English language meeting the qualifications on Pubmeb, Embase, Web of Science, Google, and Geenmedical databases were searched . More than two co-authors evaluated the quality of the article and extracted the data respectively. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by statistical software of Revman and Stata.Results: 1) The incidence of psoriasis was higher in ADA Group (OR 0.66, P<0.05, 95% CI (0.52-0.84) ; 2) The incidence of psoriasis was higher in females than in males (OR 1.54, P<0.05, 95% CI (1.27-1.86)) ; 3) Smoking increased the incidence of psoriasis (OR 1.79, P<0.01, 95% CI (1.42-2.24); 4) Psoriasis is mainly distributed in the Scalp, Palmoplantar, skin folds and limbs, and often occurs in the genital organs, the pathogenesis of which is not completely clear; the interval of medication is more than one year, and the interval of medication using IFX is longer than that of ADA Group; most cases can be relieved by local hormone, phototherapy or systemic hormone therapy without changing the strategy of biological agents.Conclusion: The incidence of psoriasis induced by TNF-antagonists is higher in many autoimmune diseases. The frequency of reported in inflammatory bowel disease is higher than other autoimmune diseases, and the safety of ADA Treatment for IBD is higher than that of IFX The incidence of psoriasis is higher in women than in men; the incidence of psoriasis is significantly higher in smokers / ex-smokers than in non-smokers. The interval of drug use of TNF-antagonists may be a predictive factor for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis, and there are differences among different kinds of TNF-antagonists. Change of therapeutic strategy of TNF-antagonists is not recommended in the event of psoriasis.
New Accurate Approximation for Average Symbol Error Probability Under κ-μ Shadowed Fading Channel
Authors: Mouchtak Yassine , Bouanani Faissal El
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes new accurate approximations for average symbol error probability (ASEP) of a communication system employing either M-phase-shift keying (PSK) or differential quaternary PSK (DQPSK) modulation schemes, with Gray coding over κ-μ shadowed fading channel. Firstly, new accurate approximations of symbol error probability (SEP) of both modulation schemes are derived over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Leveraging the trapezoidal integral method, a tight SEP's approximation for M-PSK modulation is presented, while new upper and lower bounds for Marcum $Q$-function of the first order (MQF), and subsequently those for SEP under DQPSK scheme, are proposed. Next, these bounds are linearly combined to propose a highly accurate SEP's approximation. The key idea manifested in the decrease property of modified Bessel function $I_{v}$, strongly related with MQF, with its argument v. Finally, theses approximations are used to tackle ASEP's approximation under $\kappa-\mu$ shadowed fading. Numerical results show the accuracy of the presented approximations compared to the exact ones.
Alemtuzumab mediates T-regulatory response via macrophagal CD23.
Authors: Remez Lital , Cohen Esther Ganelin , Safina Dina , Hellman Mark , Lotan Itay , Bosak Noam , Buxbaum Chen , Vaknin Adi , Shifrin Alla , Rozenberg Ayal
Published: May 2020

Background: Alemtuzumab (ALM) effectively prevents multiple sclerosis (MS)​ relapses. It causes lymphocytic depletion with subsequent enhancement of T-regulatory cell population. Direct administration of ALM to T-cells causes cytolysis. However, the T-cells may be indirectly affected by myeloid cells, which are resistant to ALM cytotoxicity. Does ALM modulate monocytes? Does the cross-talk between exposed monocytes and lymphocytes result in anti-inflammatory effects?Methods: CD14​+​ monocytes of 10 healthy controls and 10 MS (treatment naïve) patients were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), exposed to ALM and reintroduced to PBMCs depleted from CD14​+​ cells. After treatment, macrophage profile and T-cells markers were measured. Results: ALM promoted M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, noted by increased​ percentage of CD23​+​, CD83​+ ​and CD163+​ cells. CD23​+​ cells were the most prominently upregulated (7-fold, p=0.0002). Observed effect was larger in MS patients compared to healthy subjects. The exposed macrophages increased the proportion of T-regulatory cells, without affecting T-effector cells. ​ Neutralization of​ monocytic CD23 reversed the effect on T-regulatory cells. Conclusions: ALM enabled monocytes’ conversion towards anti-inflammatory​ macrophages, which in turn promoted T-regulatory enhancement, in CD23 dependent manner. These findings suggest an ALM mechanism of action, which may explain some aspects of the MS pathogenesis.
Cost-effectiveness and diet quality in a 3-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial (The BALANCE trial)
Authors: Torreglosa Camila Ragne , Sarti Flávia Mori , Ferreira Ângela Cristine Bersch , Weber Bernardete , Santos Renato Hideo Nakagawa , Silvestrini Murilo Mazzotti , Filho Alexandre Dias Porto Chiavegatto
Published: May 2020

Background: A healthy diet is essential to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. However, recent studies lack conclusive evidence on the affordability of cardioprotective diets worldwide. The Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial (BALANCE Program) is a randomized multicenter clinical trial that proposes regionally adapted cardioprotective diet that achieves nutritional recommendations and incorporates accessible and affordable foods. The study aim is to analyze cost-effectiveness of the BALANCE Program in comparison to generic dietary advice for individuals, based on diet costs and nutritional quality among patients with high adherence to the study protocol in both control and intervention groups. Methods: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of subsample from the BALANCE Program (1,161 individuals with previous event of CVD and high adherence to study protocol enrolled in 35 research sites throughout Brazil) after a 3-year follow-up. Direct costs and nutritional quality of diets reported by participants were estimated at the individual level. Diet costs were based on market prices collected from five major supermarket chains. Effectiveness was measured in terms of diet quality, according to adherence to the Brazilian Health Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R). Mean differences were compared between groups using generalized estimating equation. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to comprise probabilistic sensitivity analysis regarding trends in the comparison between groups. Results: At baseline, mean direct diet costs were equal (U$3.9/day), and there were small differences in BHEI-R between groups (53.5 points in BALANCE Program, and 51.8 points in control group). After the 3-year follow-up, the intervention was associated with a mean cost saving of U$0.31/day (95%CI: -0.59; -0.04) and mean BHEI-R increase of 4.38 (95%CI: 2.81; 5.95). The intervention was dominant strategy in terms of cost-effectiveness due to higher effectiveness at lower costs in comparison with the control group. Conclusions : There was a statistically significant effect of the intervention regarding increase in diet quality and reduction in cost after 3 years compared to the control group. The BALANCE intervention may be an option to improve diet quality with lower costs among Brazilians with CVD. Trial registration NCT01620398. Registered June 2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01620398
Diagnostic biomarkers for invasive aspergillosis utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Deng Weiwei , Ma Yubo , Liang Panpan , Huang Chen , Zhang Yi , Zhang Kai , Liu Xiao , Shao Jin , Chen Jian , Li Ruoyu
Published: May 2020

Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has a significant mortality in immunocompromised patients. In recent years, with more aggressive immunosuppressed therapies, the incidence of IA was increasing. However, diagnostic biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity remain rare. To get new diagnostic biomarkers, microarray dataset GSE78000 was analyzed. Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify hub genes. Roc curves were employed for investigating diagnostic biomarkers for IA.Results: Hub genes were TLR4, TP53I3/PIG3, TMTC1, ITGAM, CYSTM1, FAR1, GAS7 and MKNK1. However, after we compared gene expression of hematological patients suffering from IA with non-IA patients, only TLR4, TP53I3/PIG3 and TMTC1 were significantly high expression in IA patients. At the optimal cut‐off value, TLR4 can diagnose patients with IA with 78.3% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. TP53I3/PIG3 can diagnose patients with IA with 91.3% sensitivity and 54.5% specificity. TMTC1 can diagnose patients with IA with 78.3% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity. In addition, the data of hematological patients suffering from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) infections were also analyzed. The results showed that TLR4 and TP53I3/PIG3 were also significantly high expression in S. aureus and E.coli infections, while only TP53I3/PIG3 was obviously higher expression in patients with bacterial infections compared with IA. As for TMTC1, we cannot annotate the gene from the microarray data. Conclusions: our results suggested that TLR4, TP53I3/PIG3 and TMTC1 might be used for the diagnosis of IA, and TP53I3/PIG3 can also be used to discriminate hematological aspergillosis and bacterial infections.
Efficacy of natural compounds from Tinospora cordifolia against SARS-CoV-2 protease, surface glycoprotein and RNA polymerase.
Authors: Sagar Vasanthkumar , Kumar Arun HS
Published: May 2020

Background: Antiviral activity of natural compounds from Tinospora cordifolia (Amritaballi) were evaluated for their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 targets involved in virus attachment and replication. Materials and Methods: The binding efficacy (binding affinity, Ki and IC50 values) of natural compounds from Tinospora cordifolia were tested using Insilco tools against four key SARS-CoV-2 targets i.e., 1) surface glycoprotein (6VSB) and 2) Receptor binding domain (6M0J) both responsible for attachment of the virus to host cell, 3) RNA dependent RNA polymerase (6M71) and 4) main protease (6Y84) responsible for replication of the virus in the host cell. Results: Berberine, Isocolumbin, Magnoflorine and Tinocordiside showed high binding efficacy against all the four key SARS-CoV-2 targets. Tinocordiside and Isocolumbin showed IC50 value of < 1 µM against both 6Y84 and 6VSB. Conclusion: At least four natural compounds from Tinospora cordifolia showed high binding efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 targets involved in attachment and replication of the virus. Hence validating the merit of using Tinospora cordifolia in the clinical management of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Public knowledge of novel coronavirus diseases 2019: a web-based national survey
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Dan , Xu Hao , Xiao Ying , Chen Cui , Chen Ru-Nan , Hu Liang-Hao , Li Zhao-Shen
Published: May 2020

Background Although the existing cases of COVID-19 in China have been reducing since late February 2020, the confirmed cases are surging abroad. Improving public knowledge regarding COVID-19 is critical to control the epidemic. The study aimed to determine the China’s public knowledge of COVID-19 and attitude towards the control measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 hours, from 29 February 2020, 22:30 to 2 March 2020, 22:30, based on a self-administered web-based questionnaire. The survey was conducted on the WeChat network. Exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling were applied. The questionnaire was voluntarily submitted by WeChat users. The questionnaire covered the basic demographic information, public knowledge about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19, psychological state, and attitude towards overall control measures. The primary outcome was the Chinese public knowledge regarding COVID-19 and the attitude towards the control measures and secondary outcome was psychological state of the public during this epidemic.Results The study included 10,905 participants and 10,399 valid questionnaires were included for analysis. Participants with tertiary education, younger age and healthcare workers had better overall knowledge compared with other participants (all P<0.05). About 91.9% of the participants believed in person-to-person transmission and 39.1% believed in animal-to-person transmission. No significant correlation between anxiety and regional number of existing cases was found, while participants in Hubei were more anxious than those in other regions. In general, 74.1% of participants acknowledged the effectiveness of overall control measures and it was negatively correlated with regional number of existing cases (r=-0.492, P=0.007).Conclusions In conclusion, the survey revealed that Chinese public had overall good knowledge regarding COVID-19 except for those indeterminate knowledge. With the dynamic change of global epidemic situation and more researches, further study would be conducted to explore the change of public knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 in the future.
Insecticidal and antimicrobial extracts from Leaves and Stem -Bark of Sudanese Albizia anthelmintica﻿
Authors: Ahmed Nashwa Siddig , Issa Tahani Osman , Mohamed Yahya Sulieman , Makhawi Abdelrafie Mohamed , Khider Tarig
Published: May 2020

The Purpose: of this study is to determine the toxicity of Albizia anthelmintica leaves and stem bark extracted compounds to some insects. Methods: The phytochemical screening and physiochemical analysis for leaves and stem bark had been carried out by using Standard methods, to study the pharmacological activities of these materials.Results: the findings indicated Albizia anthelmintica leaves powder had significant (p> 0.05) against Tribolium castaneum. Organic extracts of Albizia anthelmintica leaves had toxic effect on Culex quinquefasciatus larve and were effective in reducing the fecundity of Tribolium castaneum adults. The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of some secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, coumarin, cardia glycosides and saponins. The results indicated high nutrients like crude fibre levels 16.15% and 9.5% are found in leaves and stems-barks respectively; beside protein level 8.95%, Crude fat level 2.6%, Moisture content 2.5%, ash content 6.75% and Nitrogen free extract content 63.05%. Minerals like sodium 350 ppm, phosphous 245 ppm, calcium 215 ppm, potassium 1.65 ppm and magnesium 1.25 ppm were showed in two parts. The ethyl acetate of extract of Albizia anthelmintica leaves intermediate activity against some types of bacteria and fungi. The ethanol extract of leaves presented high activity against fungi Candida Albicans.Conclusion: Albizia anthelmintica leaves powder and ethanolic extract had high efficiency on reducing number of pest and their ability of laying eggs.
Prediction of the epidemic trends of COVID-19 by the improved dynamic SEIR model
Authors: Jiang Jingyi , Jiang Lei , Li Gaorong , Luo Jingxuan , Wang Meitang , Xu Haizhou
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a public health emergency of international concern. The purpose of this study was to propose an improved dynamic SEIR (ID-SEIR) model to predict the epidemic trends of novel COVID-19. Firstly, we obtain the values of parameters in ID-SEIR model by using the epidemic data of Wuhan as the training sample. Secondly, we predict the epidemic trends of COVID-19 for the three most serious USA, New York and Italy with our proposed ID-SEIR model, and we can apply the proposed method to predict the epidemic trends of other countries and areas. Finally, we find that the proposed ID-SEIR model established in this paper has strong reliability, which can reasonably reflect the changes in national policies and public behavior during the epidemic. Also, this model can make predictions in line with the actual development of the epidemic and provide reference for infection prevention and control.
DO PÁTRIO PODER AO PODER FAMILIAR: AS ATRIBUIÇÕES DOS PAIS QUANTO À PROTEÇÃO DOS FILHOS
Authors: PEREIRA Marília Benedini , MARTOS Frederico Thales de Araújo
Published: May 2020

Objetiva-se, com o presente artigo científico, fazer uma análise acerca dos deveres dos pais quanto à proteção dos filhos, sob a óptica do princípio da afetividade, impondo-lhes, em caso de descumprimento, as sanções de suspensão ou destituição da autoridade parental. Para isso, examina-se, em primeiro lugar, as alterações promovidas pela Constituição Federal de 1988 em matéria de Direito de Família, decorrentes, principalmente, da consagração do axioma da dignidade humana, as quais refletiram em uma verdadeira transformação no modo de interpretação da legislação infraconstitucional, notadamente o Código Civil de 2002 e o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Passa-se, em seguida, à conceituação e breve elucidação dos estados de filiação biológico e socioafetivo, bem como dos encargos advindos do poder familiar a eles vinculado. Finalmente, examinam-se posições doutrinárias e jurisprudenciais relativas à atuação da Justiça da Infância e Juventude na coibição da negligência parental, por meio dos mecanismos previstos nos artigos 1.637 e 1.638 do diploma civil brasileiro.
KRONİK BEL AĞRISINDA SAKROİLİAK EKLEM FONKSİYON BOZUKLUĞUNUN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: YAĞCI Nesrin , SARAÇOĞLU İsmail , ŞEKERÖZ Serbay , ÖZKAN Yasemin
Published: May 2020

Amaç: Sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğunun, bel ağrısının önemli bir nedeni olabileceği bildirilmektedir. Bu çalışma, kronik bel ağrısı olan katılımcılarda sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğunun araştırılması ve sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğunun travma öyküsü ile ilişkisini incelemek amacıyla gerçekleştirildi. Yöntem: Çalışmaya 25-60 yıl yaş aralığında kronik bel ağrısı şikâyeti olan 323 katılımcı (189 kadın, 134 erkek; yaş=47,58±11,78 yıl) dahil edildi. Katılımcıların demografik bilgileri, travma/ düşme geçmişi kaydedildi. Ağrı şiddeti Görsel Analog Skalası (GAS) ile değerlendirildi. Sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğunu değerlendirmek amacıyla eklem provokasyon ve hareketlilik testleri kullanıldı. Sonuçlar: Çalışmaya alınan katılımcıların 174’ünde (% 53,9) sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu olduğu belirlendi. Travma/düşme geçmişinin, sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu görülme oranını olumsuz yönde etkilediği görüldü (p=0,001). Sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu olan katılımcıların ağrı şiddeti, eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu olmayanlara göre daha yüksek olarak bulundu (p=0,002). Tartışma: Çalışma sonuçlarımız, kronik bel ağrılı katılımcılarda sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu görülme oranının yüksek olduğunu ve eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu olan katılımcıların daha şiddetli ağrı deneyimlediklerini gösterdi. Ayrıca, travma/düşme geçmişinin sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğunu artırdığı sonucuna ulaşıldı. Kronik bel ağrısı olan hastaların sakroiliak eklem fonksiyon bozukluğu yönünden de araştırılması ve tedavi programının bu doğrultuda düzenlenmesi gerektiğini düşünmekteyiz.
Biotechnological Potential of Streptomyces Siderophores as New Antibiotics
Authors: Terra Luciana , Ratcliffe Norman , Castro Helena Carla , Vicente Ana Carolina Paulo , Dyson Paul
Published: May 2020

Background:

Siderophores are small-molecule iron-chelators produced by microorganisms
and plants growing mostly under low iron conditions. Siderophores allow iron capture and
transport through cell membranes into the cytoplasm, where iron is released for use in biological
processes. These bacterial iron uptake systems can be used for antibiotic conjugation or as targets
for killing pathogenic bacteria. Siderophores have been explored recently because of their potential
applications in environmental and therapeutic research. They are present in Streptomyces, Grampositive
bacteria that are an important source for discovering new siderophores.

Objective:

This review summarizes siderophore molecules produced by the genus Streptomyces
emphasizing their potential as biotechnological producers and also illustrating genomic tools for
discovering siderophores useful for treating bacterial infections.

Methods:

The literature search was performed using PUBMED and MEDLINE databases with
keywords siderophore, secondary metabolites, Trojan horse strategy, sideromycin and Streptomyces.
The literature research focused on bibliographic databases including all siderophores identified
in the genus Streptomyces. In addition, reference genomes of Streptomyces from GenBank were
used to identify siderophore biosynthetic gene clusters by using the antiSMASH platform.

Results:

This review has highlighted some of the many siderophore molecules produced by Streptomyces,
illustrating the diversity of their chemical structures and a wide spectrum of bioactivities
against pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the possibility of using siderophores conjugated with
antibiotics could be an alternative to overcome bacterial resistance to drugs and could improve
their therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusion:

This review confirms the importance of Streptomyces as a rich source of siderophores,
and underlines their potential as antibacterial agents.
Heat Shock Proteins Regulating Toll-like Receptors and the Immune System could be a Novel Therapeutic Target for Melanoma
Authors: Shomali Navid , Hatamnezhad Leila Sadat , Tarzi Saeed , Tamjidifar Rozita , Xu Huaxi , Shotorbani Siamak Sandoghchian
Published: May 2020

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer, which develops in melanocyte
cells. Although it is less common than some other skin cancers, it can be far more
dangerous if not treated at an early stage because of its ability to spread rapidly to other
organs. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are intracellular molecular chaperones of naive
proteins, which are induced in response to stressful conditions. HSP is released into the
extracellular milieu and binds to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to regulate immune
responses, such as cytokine and chemokine release. HSPs can release and bind to
tumor-specific antigens, with cross-presentation of major histocompatibility complex
(MHC) class I antigens. TLRs are innate immune system receptors, involved in the
melanoma growth pathway through HSP activation. Melanocytes express TLR4 and
TLR9 to modulate immune responses. Many TLR ligands are considered as proper
adjuvant candidates, as they can activate dendritic cells. Targeting some TLRs, such as
TLR7 and TLR9, is an available option for treating melanoma. In this review, we aimed
to determine the relationship between TLRs and HSP groups in melanoma.
Withdrawal Notice: A Review Paper: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs): Catalytic Synthesis of Heterocyclic Structures
Authors: Kazemi Mosstafa , Rostami Hedieh , Ghobadi Massoud
Published: May 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Application, Reactivity and Synthesis of Isoxazole Derivatives
Authors: Walunj Yogesh , Mhaske Pravin , Kulkarni Pramod
Published: May 2020

In this review article, we describe the application, reactivity and synthesis of isoxazole derivatives,
more specifically, the application, reactivity, and synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted, 3,4-
disubstituted, and 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole using the green method. We review the application of
isoxazole in material science, agriculture and pharmaceutical. In material science, isoxazole is used
as a photochromic, electrochemical probe for Cu2+ and, given its optical properties, in dye-sensitized
solar cells, high energy material and liquid crystal. In agriculture, isoxazole is used as an insecticide
for managing Callosobruchus chinensis, Acaricidal activity against T. cinnabarinus, and herbicidal
activities of 2-cyanoacrylates containing isoxazole. In pharmaceutical, isoxazole shows anticancer,
antituberculosis, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Further, we describe various
reactions of isoxazole such as ring opens, bromination and iodination, thioynol ethers, intramolecular
SEAr reaction, arylation, cycloaddition and photocycloaddition, photoisomerization, Domino transformation
of isoxazoles to 2,4-dicarbonyl pyrroles and rearrangement. We also describe the synthesis
of 3,5-disubstituted, 3,4-disubstituted and 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole using different methods.
Promising In Vitro Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Effects of Commercial Chitosan
Authors: Esboei Bahman Rahimi , Keighobadi Masoud , Hezarjaribi Hajar Ziaei , Fakhar Mahdi , Daryani Ahmad , Chabra Aroona , Soosaraei Masoud , Yalveh Rezwan
Published: May 2020

Background:

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that results from infection with an obligate intracellular
T. gondii parasite, one of the world's most common parasites. Considering the complications of
chemical drugs and the need for an appropriate drug combination for treatment of toxoplasmosis
and also considering the antimicrobial potential of chitosan, as a natural source, this study was
aimed to evaluate in vitro activity of commercial chitosan (CC) on T. gondii.

Methods:

In this experimental study, the tachyzoites of T. gondii was collected from the
peritoneal exudates from infected Balb/c mice. The tachyzoites were diluted in phosphate buffer
saline (PBS). Chitosan with low molecular weight was commercially purchased. Then, at
concentrations of 10, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL and after 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes the viability
of tachyzoites were determined by using trypan blue 0.1%. Anti-T.gondii activity of CC in all
concentration was significantly higher than pyrimethamine as control group (P=0.05).

Results:

The concentration of 200 µg/mL of CC had the highest effects and killed 30.5, 52, 59
and 81.5% of tachyzoites after 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes. Moreover, IC50 values of CC were
515, 171, 12.5 and <10 μg/mL in comparison with pyrimethamine as 58.82 μg/mL for 30, 60,
120, and 180 min of exposure time.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate chitosan in low molecular weight had potent activity against T.
gondii tachyzoites and could be an appropriate candidate for treatment of at least acute
toxoplasmosis, certainly, after complementary in vivo experiments.
COX and PTGDS Gene Expression Levels in PGD2 Synthesis Pathway are Correlated with miR-520 in Patients with Vessel Restenosis
Authors: Rezaee Shima , Kakavandi Naser , Shabani Mohammad , Khosravi Mohsen , Hosseini-Fard Seyed R. , Najafi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Background:

The vessel restenosis is related to the inflammatory events in subendothelial
space. It is proposed that the inflammatory agents affect the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. In this
study, we investigated the COX-1, COX-2, PTGDS and miRNA-520a-5p expression levels and the
serum 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 metabolite values in patients with the stenosed and re-stenosed vessels.
Furthermore, the associations between genes and miR-520 were evaluated in the monocyte transfection
studies.

Methods:

The subjects (n=60) were included three groups; healthy subjects (control (stenosis < 5%),
stent no restenosis (SNR, restenosis < 5%) and in-stent restenosis (ISR, restenosis > 70%)). The
miRNA and gene expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR technique. 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2
values were measured by the ELISA technique. The miR-520 was transfected into myocytes using PEI
polymer.

Results:

The monocyte COX-1, COX-2 and PTGDS gene expression levels and the serum 15-Deoxy-
Δ12,14-PGJ2 values increased significantly in the patients. Furthermore, the miR-520 correlated conversely
with the COX-1, and PTGDS gene expression levels.

Conclusion:

The results showed that the PGD2 synthesis pathway is active in the patients and, miR-
520 may be involved in the function of this pathway.