bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The miR-200c/FUT4 axis prevents the proliferation of colon cancer cells by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Cong Jinchun , Yang Chuanjia , Xia Zhixiu , Gong Jian , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2020

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of miR-200c, which targets fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4), on the proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells and to further explore its mechanism.MethodsWe assessed the miR-200c and FUT4 mRNA levels in LoVo and SW480 cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and their correlation was analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. LipofectamineTM 2000 transfection reagent was used to transfect miR-200c mimic, FUT4 siRNA, FUT4 mimic and FUT4 mimic negative control into LoVo and SW480 cells, and RT-PCR was used to analyse the transfection efficiency. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and transwell assays were used to detect the migration, invasion and proliferation of LoVo and SW480 cells. Immunofluorescence was used to analyse the expression of the Ki-67 protein. Moreover, the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins was detected by western blots. A double luciferase experiment was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-200c and FUT4. In vivo, tumour growth and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins were also analysed. ResultsPearson correlation analysis showed that miR-200c and FUT4 were negatively correlated in LoVo and SW480 cells (correlation coefficients were -0.9046 and -0.9236, respectively). MiR-200c overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LoVo cells by downregulating FUT4. The Ki67-positive cells and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins were reduced in the miR-200c overexpression and FUT4 silencing groups. A bioinformatics analysis and a dual luciferase reporting system identified FUT4 as the target of miR-200c. ConclusionsIn conclusion, miR-200c overexpression inhibits FUT4 expression and downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thereby inhibiting the migration, invasion and proliferation of colon cancer cells.
Impact of Teacher-Student Writing Conferences on Frequency and Accuracy of Using Cohesive Devices in EFL Students’ Writing
Authors: Alfalagg Abdullah Rajab
Published: September 2020

While the bulk of feedback studies have focused on written corrective feedback, oral feedback in teacher-student writing conferences in EFL context has been underexplored. This article investigated teacher oral feedback based on the tenets of sociocultural theory. It examined the impact of teacher-student writing conferences on students’ accuracy and frequency of cohesive devices employment. The study followed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, intervention and post-test. Data were collected from an intensive writing course for intermediate students at the college level. Based on guided-free writing prompts, the students had to write argumentative paragraphs of about 150-180 words followed by individual conference sessions to offer them oral feedback. The findings showed that oral feedback in writing conferences statistically impacted the students’ writing performance with huge effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.19). Moreover, the results demonstrated empirical evidence that writing conferences positively impacted the students’ frequency of employing referential markers (t value = -3.011; p= 0.006 < 0.05) and conjunctions (t value=-2.200; p= 0.039 < 0.05). Further, oral feedback statistically impacted the students’ accuracy of utilizing referential markers (t value= -6.874; p= 0.000 < 0.05) and conjunctions (t value= -7.253; p= 0.000 < 0.05). Writing conferences provided mediated learning experience for the students. The oral feedback assisted the students to decrease the overuse of the first, second person pronouns and the definite article ‘the’ with generic meaning in their writing. Instead, they depended on noun phrases and the third person pronouns which contributed to the text overall cohesion by creating explicit chains of references to the antecedents within the textual environment. Also, oral feedback helped the students to use conjunctions appropriately and accurately, so their texts were written densely cohesive. Pedagogical implications were discussed at the end of the article.
Media Exposure to COVID-19 Information, Risk Perception, Social and Geographical Proximity, and Self-Rated Anxiety in China
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Hongzhong , Huang Hui
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that spreads around the world. The lack of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, along with the relatively high mortality rate and high contagiousness, has raised strong public concerns over COVID-19, especially for people living in the most severely affected areas. This study aimed to clarify the influencing factors for the anxiety level among the Chinese people during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the media exposure to different COVID-19 information.MethodsA total of 4991 respondents were randomly recruited from a national online panel from February 12th, 2020 to February 14th, 2020, a period when the number of COVID-19 cases surpassed 10,000 in a single day, with the total cases in China reaching up to 90000. The relationships between media exposure of COVID-19 information, social and geographical proximity to COVID-19, risk perceptions were assessed using hierarchical ordinary least squares regression analysis.ResultsThe media exposure to COVID-19 information was differently associated with anxiety. Meanwhile, the anxiety level was found to be high in respondents who personally knew someone infected with COVID-19 or those who living in an area with reported cases. Respondents who perceived more risks also reported a higher level of anxiety.ConclusionsThis study highlights the role of media exposure in affecting individuals’ anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, it is recommended that government and health professionals are recommended to adopt effective risk communication strategies to protect citizens’ mental health during the pandemic.
Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes Improve Cell Survival Rate and Reduce Oxidative Injury in Cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox Embryogenic Callus
Authors: Ren Li , Deng Shan , Chu Yunxia , Zhang Yiying , Zhao Hong , Chen Hairong , Zhang Di
Published: September 2020

Background: Cryopreservation is the best way for long-term in vitro preservation of plant germplasm resources. The preliminary studies found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative stress and ice-induced membrane damage are the fundamental causes of cell death in cryopreserved samples. How to improve plant cryopreservation survival rate is an important scientific issue in the cryobiology field.Results: This study found that the survival rate was significantly improved by adding single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to plant vitrification solution (PVS) in cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox embryogenic callus (EC), and analyzed the oxidative response of cells during the control and SWCNTs-added cryopreservation protocol. The SWCNTs entered EC at the step of dehydration and mainly located around the cell wall and in the vesicles, and most of SWCNTs moved out of EC during the dilution step. Combination with physiological index and gene quantitative expression results, SWCNTs affect the ROS signal transduction and antioxidant system response during plant cryopreservation. The EC treated by SWCNTs had higher antioxidant levels, like POD, CAT, and GSH than the control group EC. The EC mainly depended on the AsA-GSH and GPX cycle to scavenge H2O2 in the control cryopreservation, but depended on CAT in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation which lead to low levels of H2O2 and MDA. The elevated antioxidant level in dehydration by adding SWCNTs enhanced cells resistance to injury during cryopreservation. The ROS signals of EC were balanced and stable in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation.Conclusions: The SWCNTs regulated oxidative stress responses of EC during the process and controlled oxidative damages by the maintenance of ROS homeostasis to achieve a high survival rate after cryopreservation. This study is the first to systematically describe the role of carbon nanomaterial in the regulation of plant oxidative stress response, and provided a novel insight into the application of nanomaterials in the field of cryobiology.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Mediates the Improvement of Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder via AKT and AMPK Signaling Pathways in L02 with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Tian Qiao ji , Liu Yifeng , Yuan Peng , Liu Jia , Li Haizhi , Han Xiaofeng , Pan Cong , Duan Shenglin , Xia Kai
Published: September 2020

Background: Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has previously been found to regulate glycolipid metabolism in the liver by promoting insulin secretion. However, the direct regulation of GLP-1 on liver glycolipid metabolism was still controversial, due to the presence of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in human liver has not been determined. In this research, the presence and direct effect on hepatic metabolism of GLP-1R were investigated in L02 cells (normal human hepatocytes).Methods: The insulin resistance cell model with metabolic disorder was constructed using oleic acid and fructose to simulate the metabolic syndrome caused by high-fat and high-fructose in modern diet. Glycolipid metabolism markers and the involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PI3 Kinase (PI3K)-AKT were assessed.Results: GLP-1R was found to be expressed in L02 cells and decreased in insulin resistance cells. GLP-1R knockdown induced a dramatic decrease in glucose utilization and intracellular content, and increase in mRNA levels of genes associated with gluconeogenesis via AKT pathway independent of PI3K. Furthermore, GLP-1R knockdown increased the contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) by increasing the mRNA levels of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and decreasing the mRNA level of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1) via AMPK pathway.Conclusions: GLP-1R mediated the LG-caused promotion of glucose utilization and inhibition of lipid synthesis, as the positive effects of LG were diminished by GLP-1R knockdown. These findings demonstrated that GLP-1R is the molecular basis for GLP-1 to improve glycolipid metabolism in L02 cells.
Easy and effective test to evaluate tear-film stability for self-diagnosis of dry eye syndrome: Blinking tolerance time (BTT)
Authors: Hwang Hyung Bin , Ku Yong Ho , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Hwang Ho Sik
Published: September 2020

Background: The tear film breakup time (tBUT) is a clinical evaluation of evaporative dry eye disease assessed by instilling topical fluorescein into the eyes. In the present study, we introduce a new diagnostic test, blinking tolerance time (BTT), for self-evaluation of tear-film stability. We compared the results with the tBUT and validated the BTT test for self-assessment of tear film instability.Methods: This was a prospective controlled study involving 212 eyes of 106 participants 20–79 years of age. A total of 114 eyes of 57 dry eye patients and 98 eyes of 49 healthy subjects were included in the study. All patients and subjects were administered the following tests to diagnose dry eye disease: Ocular Surface Disease Index, BTT, tBUT, slit-lamp examination, corneal stain score, and Schirmer I test (without anesthesia). Patients and subjects were instructed not to blink for as long possible after reset blinking. The time interval between the reset blink and the next blink was measured. The mean of 3 tBUT values in both the right and left eyes was defined as tBUTBE. Correlations between the BTT and tBUTBE were also evaluated. To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the BTT and tBUT tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to obtain a cutoff score, and the sensitivities of the tests against the specificity at all possible thresholds were plotted.Results: Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant weakly positive correlation between BTT and tBUTBE (r = 0.447; p=0.000). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the tBUT was 0.679 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.575–0.765) and the ICC of the BTT was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.867–0.932). The area under the ROC curve did not significantly differ between the tBUTBE (0.678) and BTT (0.628, p=0.641). When the cutoff value of the BTT test was set to 8.1 s, the sensitivity was 63.3% and the specificity was 56.1%.Conclusion: The BTT test is a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for self-diagnosing dry eye that can also be used in the clinical setting.
Evaluation of Camera-Based Freehand SPECT in Preoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kogler Annie K. , Polemi Andrew M. , Nair Surabhi , Majewski Stanislaw , Dengel Lynn E. , Slingluff Craig L. , Kross Brian , Lee S J , McKisson J. E. , McKisson John , Weisenberger Andrew G. , Welch Benjamin L. , Wendler Thomas , Matthies Philipp , Traub Joerg , Witt Michael , Williams Mark Bennett
Published: September 2020

Background Assessment of lymphatic status via sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an integral and crucial part of melanoma surgical oncology. The most common technique for sentinel node mapping is preoperative planar scintigraphy of an injected gamma-emitting lymphatic tracer followed by intraoperative node localization using a non-imaging gamma probe with auditory feedback. In recent years, intraoperative visualization of SLNs in 3-D has become possible by coupling the probe to an external system capable of tracking its location and orientation as it is read out, thereby enabling computation of the 3D distribution of the tracer (freehand SPECT). In this project, the non-imaging probe of the fhSPECT system was replaced by a unique handheld gamma camera containing an array of sodium iodide crystals optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). A feasibility study was performed in which preoperative SLN mapping was performed using camera fhSPECT and the number of detected nodes was compared to that visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, probe fhSPECT, and to the number ultimately excised under non-imaging probe guidance.Results Among five subjects, SLNs were detected in nine lymphatic basins, with one to five SLNs detected per basin. A basin-by-basin comparison showed that the number of SLNs detected using camera fhSPECT exceeded that using lymphoscintigraphy and probe fhSPECT in seven of nine basins and five of five basins, respectively (probe fhSPECT scans were not performed for four basins). It exceeded the number excised under non-imaging probe guidance for seven of nine basins, and equaled the number excised for the other two basins. Conclusions Freehand SPECT using a prototype SiPM-based gamma camera demonstrates high sensitivity for detection of SLNs in a preoperative setting. Camera fhSPECT is a potential means for efficiently obtaining real-time 3D activity distribution maps in applications such as image-guided percutaneous biopsy, and surgical SLN biopsy or radioguided tumor excision.
A scoping review of admission criteria and selection methods in nursing education
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghahramanian Akram , Valizadeh Leila , bagheriyeh farzaneh , Lynagh Marita
Published: September 2020

Background: Nursing education institutions are required to select and train applicants who have appropriate characteristics for delivering effective healthcare. Unlike other healthcare professions and despite the need to attract and select a competent workforce, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the selection criteria and methods used to recruit nursing students. As there is relatively limited prior research available, we conducted a scoping review to explore and synthesise the existing evidence regarding admission criteria and selection methods of nursing students and for the purpose of identifying an agenda for future research in this field.Methods: Our scoping review follows the Arksey and O’Malley five-step proposition including identifying the research question and relevant studies, study selection, tabulation of data, and summarizing and reporting the results. Seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ERIC, SID, Irandoc and PsycINFO) were searched systematically using relevant keywords. Articles on admission of undergraduate nursing students published in both English and/or Persian from 2006 to 2019 were retrieved.Results: Existing research evidence suggests that nursing students are largely selected on the basis of two criteria - “cognitive-academic abilities” and “non-cognitive abilities.” Cognitive-academic abilities were assessed in four main dimensions of mathematics, language, natural sciences and reasoning skills mainly through standardized tests and academic records. Our review shows a wide range of non-cognitive characteristics are evaluated in nursing applicants including: morality, interpersonal communication skills and psychological strength. The selection method most commonly used to assess characteristics was through interviews (panel interviews or multiple mini interviews). Other methods included references, personal statements and personality assessment tools. Conclusions: This is the first scoping review of literature regarding nursing education selection and recruitment. Results can be used to inform nursing education policymakers and institutions in the design of their selection practices. Future research should concentrate on the evaluation and improvement methods of student selection including content and predictive validity analysis of multiple mini interview and standardized tests, development of cost-effective selection methods and job analysis studies to identify specific non-cognitive characteristics for nursing.
A CRISPR/dCas9 toolkit for functional analysis of maize genes
Authors: Gentzel Irene , Park Chan Ho , Bellizzi Maria , Xiao Guiqing , Gadharve Kiran , Murphree Colin , Yang Qin , LaMantia Jonathan , Redinbaugh Margaret , Balint-Kurti Peter , Sit Tim , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: September 2020

Background: The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has become a powerful tool for functional genomics in plants. The RNA-guided nuclease can be used to not only generate precise genomic mutations, but also to manipulate gene expression when present as a deactivated protein (dCas9). Results: In this study, we describe a vector toolkit for analyzing dCas9-mediated activation (CRISPRa) or inactivation (CRISPRi) of gene expression in maize protoplasts. An improved maize protoplast isolation and transfection method is presented, as well as a description of dCas9 vectors to enhance or repress maize gene expression. Conclusions: We anticipate that this maize protoplast toolkit will streamline the analysis of gRNA candidates and facilitate genetic studies of important trait genes in this transformation-recalcitrant plant.
Zonal adjusted PSA density improves prostate cancer detection rates compared with PSA in Taiwanese males with PSA < 20 ng/mL
Authors: Chang Tsung-Hsin , Lin Wun-Rong , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiang Pai-Kai , Chen Marcelo , Tseng Jen-Shu , Chiu Allen W
Published: September 2020

Background: The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of transition zone PSA density (TZPSAD) with traditional PSA and PSA density (PSAD), for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) in Taiwanese males.Methods: Men with PSA between 4.0 and 20.0 ng/mL who underwent a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy between the studied period were retrospectively identified. The demographic data, PSAD and TZPSAD were calculated in all patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the accuracy of a positive PCa diagnosis.Results: The area under the ROC (AUC) was 0.615, 0.748 and 0.746 for PSA, PSAD and TZPSAD, respectively. The best cut-off of value for TZPSAD in predicting PCa in men with a PSA of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml was 0.367 ng/ml/ml with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 77.5%. In men with a PSA of 10.1–20.0 ng/ml, the best cut-off value was 0.454 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 74.8% and specificity of 70.9%.Conclusion: The use of TZPSAD can improve the efficiency and specificity of PSA for the diagnosis of PCa in Taiwanese men with PSA 4.0–20.0 ng/ml. TZPSAD efficiency was similar to PSAD but TZPSAD had better cancer specificity.
WITHDRAWN: Quantitative assessment of middle deltoid elasticity during different shoulder abduction using shear wave elastography: A preliminary study
Authors: Wang Lei , Xiang Xi , Zhu Bihui , Qiu Li
Published: September 2020

Background: To measure the middle deltoid (MD) elasticity in healthy participants during different shoulder abduction (with bilateral shoulder in 0 degree abduction and 90 degree active abduction) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and analyze the factors that may affect the MD elasticity, and the objective of this study is to establish the reference ranges of normal MD elasticity during different shoulder abduction by using SWE. Methods: Mean shear wave velocity (SWV) of the MD in 70 healthy right-handed participants (35 females, 35 males) were evaluated using SWE during different shoulder abduction, and potential factors that may affect MD elasticity including gender, MD thickness, age, body mass index were analyzed. Different shoulder abduction positions of each participant were as follows: (i) 0° abduction of bilateral shoulder (L0° and R0°), (ii) 90° active abduction of bilateral shoulder (L90° and R90°). Reference ranges of normal MD elasticity were calculated using normal distribution method. Results: Mean SWV was significantly higher at L90° than L0°, higher at R90° than R0°, higher at R0° than L0°, and higher at R90° than L90° (all p< 0.0001). Mean SWV was significantly higher in males at both L0° (p< 0.05) and R0° (p< 0.01) than in females. Neither MD thickness, age nor body mass index influenced MD elasticity. Normal reference ranges of the MD elasticity were 2.4-3.1 m/s in males and 2.2-2.9 m/s in females at L0° and 2.5-3.3 m/s in males and 2.4-3.2 m/s in females at R0°, and were 4.9-6.7 m/s at L90°, 5.2-7.1 m/s at R90° for both males and females. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the normal MD elasticity at L0°, R0°, L90°, and R90° with SWE are different. A separate reference range of normal MD elasticity at L0°, R0°, L90°, and R90° should be used. Moreover, the reference ranges of normal MD elasticity at L0° and R0° shoulder be divided by gender. These values may serve as quantitative baseline measurements for assessment of normal MD elasticity.
Epidemiological scenario of leprosy in a province in China: long delay in diagnosis and high rate of deformity.
Authors: Li Ge , Zhang Qing-Ping , Lin Zhao-Xing , Chen Ping , Li Chao
Published: September 2020

Background: This ecological study aimed to analyze both the distribution and the characteristics of leprosy in an endemic province in the Chinese Northwest. Methods: The medical records of leprosy in the province of Shaanxi, China, 1998-2018 were collected from the leprosy management information system in China (LEPMIS). Epidemiological variables were analyzed in this study. Results: 477 new cases were diagnosed between 1998-2018 in this area. The average rate of annual detection was 0.070/100,000 population, and the average annual prevalence was 0.305/100,000 population. The mean age of new patients was 46.7 years, and the ratio of male to female was 2.5:1. There were 399 cases (83.6%) of multibacillary (MB) forms. 148 cases (31.0%) had grade 2 disability. The mean delay in diagnosis for new cases was 62.0 months. Conclusion: The epidemiological study showed that the characteristics of the new leprosy cases in our province were still long delay in diagnosis and high rate of deformity, which indicated the need of actions of stimulating early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthening the detection of leprosy in low prevalent areas.
Negative histology in cervical specimens obtained with the “see and treat” method in women at a referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Teodoro Renata Pereira , Scherrer Danielle , Camargo Maria José de , Costa Ana , Andrade Cecília Vianna de , RUSSOMANO FABIO BASTOS
Published: September 2020

Background: According to the Brazilian Guidelines on Cervical Cancer Screening, women with cytopathologic diagnosis of high-grade intraepithelial lesion, abnormal colposcopic findings, fully visible squamocolumnar junction, and age 25 years or older should be treated at the first visit (“see and treat – S&T”). The main limitation to this approach is the risk of overtreatment, identified by histology without preinvasive lesion. The objectives of this study were to identify the overtreatment rate in women undergoing S&T in cervical cancer prevention at a referral center with extensive experience with the method and to detect possible factors associated with this rate.. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed records from a database with 616 women submitted to S&T from 1996 to 2017. Negative histology was defined as the following histopathologic results: human papillomavirus (HPV) without Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), inflammatory, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and CIN 1. Results: Of the 616 women, there were 52 (8.44% - 95%CI 6.25 – 10.64%) with a histopathologic report without preinvasive cervical lesion. No statistical association was found between this outcome and age or a significant downward trend over time.Conclusion: The overtreatment rate in this study can be considered low and consistent with the acceptable rates reported in the literature, reinforcing the prevailing Brazilian guideline, in which the benefits of immediate treatment outweigh the risk of losses following biopsy.
Determinants of Food Safety Knowledge among University Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ullah Azmat , Ahmad Waqas , Saeed Farhan , Sohaib Muhammad , Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Anjum Faqir M
Published: September 2020

Background

Foodborne diseases are among the most serious public health problems and young adults are an important target group as they often engage in risky food handling practices. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of food safety knowledge and its determinants among Pakistani university students.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students during the academic year 2018-2019. A convenient sample of 1417 students completed a structured questionnaire containing forty-four questions on food safety and hygiene.

Results

Overall, participants showed a moderate level of food safety knowledge with a mean percentage score of 62.5±8.4. Students had a good level of knowledge about causes of foodborne diseases (66.3±16.9). However, the lowest level of knowledge was identified in foodborne diseases' symptoms (55.2±14.3). In general, females and participants from health-related degree program scored significantly higher (p<0.01) in all knowledge sections than their counterparts. A significant association was found between the causes of foodborne diseases and postgraduate students being more knowledgeable (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, academic degree program, level of education, and father's education were significant predictors of overall food safety knowledge.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that university students have a moderate knowledge in food safety. Educational interventions and awareness programs are needed to strengthen the existing knowledge.
Proteomic profiling reveals differentially expressed proteins associated with amylose accumulation during rice grain filling
Authors: Zhang Hengdong , Chen Jiana , Shah Shuanglü , Cao Fangbo , Chen Guanghui , Zou Yingbin , Huang Min , Abou-Elwafa Salah Fatouh
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAmylose accumulation in rice grains is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Amylose content is a determinant factor of rice quality in terms of cooking and eating. Great variations in amylose content in indica rice cultivars have been observed. The current study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in starch and sucrose metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and their relationships to amylose synthesis using two rice cultivars possess contrasting phenotypes in grain amylose content.ResultsSynthesis and accumulation of amylose in rice grains significantly affected the variations between rice cultivars in amylose contents. The high amylose content cultivar has three down-regulated differentially expressed proteins, i.e., LOC_Os01g62420.1, LOC_Os02g36600.1, and LOC_Os08g37380.2 in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, which limit the glycolytic process and decrease the glucose-1-phosphate consumption. In the starch and sucrose metabolic pathway, an up-regulated protein, i.e., LOC_Os06g04200.1 and two down-regulated proteins, i.e., LOC_Os05g32710.1 and LOC_Os04g43360.1 were identified (Figure 4). Glucose-1-phosphate is one of the first substrates in starch synthesis and glycolysis that are catalyzed to form adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPG), then the ADPG is catalyzed by granule-bound starch synthase Ⅰ (GBSS I) to elongate amylose.ConclusionsThe results indicate that decreasing the consumption of glucose-1-phosphate in the glycolytic process is essential for the formation of ADPG and UDPG, which are substrates for amylose synthesis. In theory, amylose content in rice can be regulated by controlling the fate of glucose-1-phosphate.
Effect of advanced chelate technology based trace minerals on growth performance, mineral digestibility, tibia characteristics, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens
Authors: Ghasemi Hossein Ali , Hajkhodadadi Iman , Hafizi Maryam , Taherpour Kamran , Nazaran Mohammad Hassan
Published: September 2020

Background: Compared to the corresponding source of inorganic trace minerals (TM), chelated supplements are characterized by better physical heterogeneity and chemical stability and appear to be better absorbed in the gut due to possibly decreased interaction with other feed components.Methods: This study was designed in broiler chickens to determine the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (TM) with an advanced chelate technology based supplement (Bonzachicken) on growth performance, mineral digestibility, tibia bone quality, and antioxidant status. A total of 625 male 1-d-old broiler chickens were allocated to 25 pens and assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Chelated TM (CTM) supplement was compared at 3 levels to no TM (NTM) or inorganic TM. A corn–soy-based control diet was supplemented with inorganic TM at the commercially recommended levels (ITM), i.e., iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, and chromium at 80, 92, 100, 16, 0.3, 1.2, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively, and varying concentration of CTM, i.e., match to 25, 50, and 100 % of the ITM (diets CTM25, CTM50, and CTM100, respectively).Results: Diets CTM50 and CTM100 increased average daily gain (ADG), European performance index (EPI), and tibia length compared to the NTM diet (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the CTM100 diet had lowest overall FCR and serum malondialdehyde level and highest EPI, tibia ash, zinc, manganese, and copper contents, and serum total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibilities of phosphorus and zinc were lower in the ITM group compared with the CTM25 and CTM50 groups (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed any of the diets, except diet CTM25, exhibited higher serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than those fed the NTM diet, where the best glutathione peroxidase activity was found for CTM100 treatment (P < 0.05).Conclusions: These results indicate that while CTM supplementation to 25 and 50% of the commercially recommended levels could support growth performance, a totally replacing ITM by equivalent levels of CTM could also improve growth performance, bone mineralization and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under the conditions of this study.
Application of Intelligent Orienteering Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Liu Ruijie
Published: September 2020

Orienteering has gradually changed from a professional sport to a civilian sport. Especially in recent years, orienteering has been widely popularized. Many colleges and universities in China have also set up this course. With the improvement of people's living conditions, orienteering has really become a leisure sport in modern people's life. The reduced difficulty of sports enables more people to participate, but it also exposes a series of problems. As the existing positioning technology is relatively backward, the progress in personnel tracking, emergency services and other aspects is slow. To solve these problems, a new intelligent Orienteering application system is developed based on the Internet of things. ZigBee network architecture is adopted in the system. ZigBee is the mainstream scheme in the current wireless sensor network technology, which has many advantages such as convenient carrying, low power consumption, and signal stability. Due to the complex communication environment in mobile signal, the collected information is processed by signal amplification and signal anti-interference technology. By adding anti-interference devices, video isolators and other devices, the signal is guaranteed to the maximum extent. In order to verify the actual effect of this system, through a number of experimental studies including the relationship between error and traffic radius and the relationship between coverage and the number of anchor nodes, the data shows that the scheme studied in this paper has a greater improvement in comprehensive performance than the traditional scheme, significantly improving the accuracy and coverage. Especially the coverage is close to 100% in the simulation experiment. This research has achieved good results and can be widely used in Orienteering Training and competition.
Water treadmill training attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting MMP-2/9 expression following spinal cord injury
Authors: Ying Xinwang , Xie Qingfeng , Li Shengcun , Yu Xiaolan , Zhou Kecheng , Yue Jingjing , Chen Xiaolong , Tu Wenzhan , Yang Guanhu , Jiang Songhe
Published: September 2020

Background: The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is mainly determined by the junction complex of adjacent endothelial cells, including tight junction (TJ) and adhesion junction (AJ), which can be severely damaged after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise training is a recognized method for the treatment of SCI. The destruction of the BSCB mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) leads to inflammation, neurotoxin production, and apoptosis of neurons. The failure of effective regeneration of new blood vessels is also an important reason for the difficulty of recovery after SCI. We introduced water treadmill training (TT) for the first time, which can help SCI rats successfully exercise, and we explored the role of TT in promoting the ability to exercise after SCI and its possible mechanism.Methods: Sprague-Dawley (200–250g) rats were randomly divided into three groups. SCI models were established and rats underwent TT after SCI. Animals were sacrificed 7 d or 14 d post-surgery. The degree of neurological deficit, water content, BSCB permeability, apoptosis, protein expression and ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells (EC) were assessed by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) motor rating scale, haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Evans blue (EB) staining, TUNEL staining, Western blot (WB) experiments, and immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Our experiments show that TT reduces the permeability of BSCB and decreased tissue structure damage. TT improved functional recovery and it has significant significance when compared with the M group after SCI; TJ and AJ proteins increased significantly after TT training in SCI rats. TT training reduced apoptosis induced by SCI. TT can promote angiogenesis and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly inhabited by TT after SCI.Conclusions: In this study, the results indicate that TT promotes functional recovery partly for the following reasons: (1) TT protects residual BSCB structure from further damage; (2) it promotes vascular regeneration; and (3) it inhibits the expression of MMP-2/9 to mitigate BSCB damage.
The impact of eHealth group interventions on the mental, behavioural, and physical health of adults: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Currie Cheryl L , Larouche Richard , Voss M. L. , Higa Erin K. , Spiwak Rae , Scott David , Tallow Treena
Published: September 2020

Background: COVID-19 has resulted in an increased demand for eHealth services globally. There is emerging evidence for the efficacy for group eHealth interventions that support population-based mental health and wellbeing, but a systematic review is lacking. The primary objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence for eHealth group counselling and coaching programs for adults. A second objective is to assess, within studies selected for our primary objective, the impact of programs that encourage PA on outcomes compared to those that do not.Methods: Randomized controlled trials that assess the impact of eHealth group counselling or coaching programs on mental health, health behaviour, or physical health activity among community dwelling adults will be included. We will search the following electronic databases (from January 2005 onwards): MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, and the Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcomes will be changes in mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress, quality-of life), behavioural health conditions (e.g. substance use, smoking, sexual behaviour, eating behaviour, medication adherence), and physical health conditions (e.g. coping with cancer, menopausal symptoms, arthritis pain). Secondary outcomes will be changes in physical activity. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis will be conducted. The strength of the body of evidence will be assessed using GRADE. The risk of bias in individual studies will be appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Potential sources of gender bias in included studies will be considered at all stages of the planned review.Discussion: This review will contribute to the literature by providing evidence on the effectiveness of eHealth counselling and coaching programs delivered to adults in a group format. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020187551).
Serum platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels as a potential biomarker in assessing the metabolic activity of lesions in alveolar echinococcosis patients
Authors: ke ying , Bi Xiaojuan , Yang Ning , Li Xiaohong , Ma Wenmei , Liu Hui , Wang Hui , Li Liang , Li Cheng , Qin Yongde , Aji Tuerganaili , Shao Yingmei , Lü Guodong , Lin Renyong
Published: September 2020

Objective Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Assessing the metabolic activity of AE lesions is critical to evaluate disease progression and survey treatment options. There is an urgent need to identify more rapid, convenient, and non-invasive clinical detection methods to substitute the current techniques. Herein, we evaluated the viability of platelet-derived growth factor-B B (PDGF-BB) as a biomarker for detecting the metabolic activity of AE patients. Concentration of serum PDGF-BB homodimers (sPDGF-BB) was assessed via ELISA. Correlations of PDGF-BB expression levels with clinicopathological features of AE patients were analyzed using SPSS. Results The concentrations of sPDGF-BB were significantly lower in AE patients (p<0.0001), particularly in High Metabolically Active AE patients (HMAE) patients (p<0.05). The expression levels of PDGF-BB were significantly higher in close liver tissue (CLT) in AE patients (p<0.0001). We found that metabolically active AE and sPDGF-BB are significantly negatively correlated (r=-0.624, p=0.0004). Besides, the local expression levels of PDGF-BB was positively correlated with metabolic activity, PNM stage, and lesion size. Notably, the sPDGF-BB levels were proposed as a potential biomarker for assessing metabolic activity of AE, with 81% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity (95% confidence interval, p = 0.003).
The Effect of High-fat Diet and Exercise on KISS-1/GPR54 Expression in Testis of Growing Rats
Authors: FENG Junpeng , XU Rui , LI Yafei , ZHOU Qishu , SONG Ge , DENG Yimin , YAN Yi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To find the expression of KISS-1 and G protein-coupled receptor 54 in rats testis from PND 21st to 56th.

Method

128 three-week-old weaned rats underwent high-fat diet and exercise (60%–70% VO2max, 1 h/day, 5 days/week) intervention and were randomly divided into group C, CE, HC, or HE. Sample time points were set on the PND 21st, 35th, 43rd, and 56th. The testicular testosterone and the mRNA content, and protein content of KISS-1 and GPR54 in testis tissue were detected by ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.

Result

(1) The protein of KISS-1 and GPR54 increased gradually during the growing period. KISS-1 mRNA peaked at 35D and GPR54 peaked at 43D. (2) High-fat diet affected the expression of the KISS-1/GPR54 system in rat testis and reduced the expression level of KISS-1 protein. (3) 60%–70% VO2max exercise decreased the KISS-1/GPR54 expression level. Exercise intervention improved testicular development in rats with a high-fat diet.

Conclusion

The expression of KISS-1/GPR54 increased during the growing period. High-fat diet can downregulate the protein and gene expression of KISS-1/GPR54 and change the expression trend. 60%–70% VO2max exercise decreased the expression of KISS-1/GPR54, which may be involved in the effects of exercise on high-fat dietary sex hormone disorders.
Comparative mapping and correlation analysis revealed differentiation in the genetic basis of stem trichome development between cultivated tetraploid cotton species
Authors: Yuan Rong , Cao Yuefen , Li Tengyu , Yang Feng , Yu Li , Qin Yuan , Du Xiongming , Liu Fang , Ding Mingquan , Jiang Yurong , Zhang Hua , Paterson Andrew H. , Rong Junkang
Published: September 2020

Background: Cotton stem trichomes and seed fibers are each single celled structures formed by protrusions of epidermal cells, and were found sharing the overlapping molecular mechanism . Compared with fibers, cotton stem trichomes are more easily observed, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their development are still poorly understood.Results: In this study, Gossypium hirsutum (Gh ) and G . barbadense ( Gb ) were found to differ greatly in percentages of varieties/accessions with glabrous stems and in trichome density, length, and number per trichopore. Gh varieties normally had long singular and clustered trichomes, while Gb varieties had short clustered trichomes. Genetic mapping using five F2 populations from crosses between glabrous varieties and those with different types of stem trichomes revealed that much variation among stem trichome phenotypes could be accounted for by different combinations of genes/alleles on Chr.06 and Chr.24. The twenty six F1 generations from crosses between varieties with different types of trichomes had varied phenotypes, further suggesting that the trichomes of tetraploid cotton were controlled by different genes/alleles. Compared to modern varieties, a greater proportion of Gh wild accessions were glabrous or had shorter and denser trichomes; whereas a smaller proportion of Gb primitive accessions had glabrous stems. A close correlation between fuzz fiber number and stem trichome density was observed in both Gh and Gb primitive accessions and modern varieties.Conclusion: Based on these findings, we hypothesize that stem trichomes evolved in parallel with seed fibers during the domestication of cultivated tetraploid cotton. In addition, the current results illustrated that stem trichome can be used as a morphological index of fiber quality in cotton conventional breeding.
Clinical Features and Efficacy of Antiviral Drug, Arbidol in 220 Nonemergency COVID‐19 Patients from East-West-Lake Shelter Hospital in Wuhan: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Si , Wang Kun , Chen Rongzhang , Guo Qian , Lu Jingjing , Wu Xiaodong , He Yanan , Yan Qiaoyun , Wang Shengyun , Wang Feilong , Jin Li , Hua Jing , Li Qiang
Published: September 2020

Objective. We aimed to describe the features of 220 nonemergency (mild or common type) COVID-19 patients from a shelter hospital, as well as evaluate the efficiency of antiviral drug, Arbidol in their disease progressions. Methods. Basic clinical characteristics were described and the efficacy of Arbidol was evaluated based on gender, age, maximum body temperature of the patients. Results. Basically, males had a higher risk of fever and more onset symptoms than females. Arbidol could accelerate fever recovery and viral clearance in respiratory specimens, particularly in males. Arbidol also contributed to shorter hospital stay without obvious adverse reactions.Conclusions. In the retrospective COVID-19 cohort, gender was one of the important factors affecting patient's conditions. Arbidol showed several beneficial effects in these patients, especially in males. This study brought more researches enlightenment in understanding the emerging infectious disease.
Size measurements of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparisons between contrast and two-dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Chen Fei , Wang Fei , Sun Si , Zhu Mei , Liu Zheng
Published: September 2020

Background

Ultrasound (US) imaging is known to underestimate tumor size in clinical. This study is aimed to compare the size measurements of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in three US imaging modalities, i.e. two-dimensional (2D) imaging, the arterial phase (AP) and the late phase (LP) imaging of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS).

Methods

Fifty-eight clinically proved HCC patients were included. The 2D and CEUS imaging were performed with Siemens S2000, Philips iu22 and BioSound Twice. 2.5 mL of SonoVue® was injected for every CEUS performance. Two physicians measured the maximal longitudinal and the transverse diameters of the tumors in 2D, the AP and the LP of CEUS from one image section. The three measurements were compared by paired t test.

Results

The mean longitudinal diameter of HCC appeared to be maximal in the AP (4.73±2.04 cm) of CEUS and minimal in the LP (3.98±1.99 cm) of CEUS. The 2D diameter (4.26±2.07 cm) was in the middle between two CEUS measurements. There were significant differences between any two measurements.

Conclusion

There is size difference between the three kinds of HCC measurement. It appeared to be maximal in the AP of CEUS and minimal in the LP. The 2D diameter was in the middle.