bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma neurofilament light is associated with white matter damage in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Balabandian Mohammad , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Kankam Samuel Berchi , Ranjbaran Fetemeh , Ranjbaran Fetemeh
Published: December 2020

The most replicated blood biomarker for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease is neurofilament light (NFL). Recent evidence revealed that the plasma level of the NFL has a strong predictive value in cognitive decline and is elevated in AD patients. The Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is understood to reflect white matter disruption, neurodegeneration, and synaptic damage in AD. However, few investigations have been carried out on the association between plasma NFL and white matter microstructure integrity. We have investigated the cross-sectional associations of plasma NFL, CSF total tau, phosphorylated tau, and Amyloid β with white matter microstructural changes as measured by DTI in 92 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants. We investigated potential correlations of the DTI values of each region of the MNI atlas, with plasma NFL, separately using a partial correlation model controlled for the effect of age, sex, and APOE ε4 genotype. Our findings revealed a significant correlation between plasma and CSF biomarkers with altered white matter microstructural changes in widespread brain regions. Plasma NFL negatively correlates with FA and the positive correlation with RD, DA, and MD values in different regions. Our findings showed that plasma NFL is associated with white matter changes and AD-related features, including atrophy and hypometabolism. Plasma NFL promises to be an early biomarker of microstructural changes in MCI and MCI progression to AD.
Plasma p tau 181 levels is associated with white matter microstructural changes in across the Alzheimer’s disease stages
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Jameie Seyed Behnamedin , Khani Saghar , Rezaei Aida , Ranjbaran Fatemeh , Deravi Niloofar
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairments and memory difficulties, which hinder daily activities and lead to personal and behavioral problems. In recent years, blood-based biomarkers like plasma phosphorylated tau protein at threonine 181 (p tau 181) emerged as new tools and showed sufficient power in detecting AD patients from healthy people. Here we investigate the correlation between p tau 181 and white matter microstructural changes in AD. We add 41 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, 119 patients with mild cognitive impairments and 43 healthy controls with baseline plasma p tau 181 level and DTI values for each region of interest from the ADNI database. The analysis revealed that the plasma level of p tau 181 could predict changes of MD (Mean Diffusivity), RD (Radial Diffusivity), DA (Axial Diffusivity) and FA (Fractional Anisotropy) parameters in widespread regions and there is a significant association between white matter pathway alteration in different regions and p tau 181 plasma measurements within each group. In conclusion, our findings showed that plasma p tau 181 levels are associated with cellular and molecular changes in AD, which enhance the biomarkers for diagnostic procedures and support the application of plasma p tau 181 as a biomarker for white matter changes and neurodegeneration. Longitudinal studies are also necessary for proving the efficacy of these biomarkers and predicting the role in structural changes.
Stability and Ocular Biodistribution of Topically Administered PLGA Nanoparticles
Authors: Swetledge Sean , Carter Renee , Stout Rhett , Astete Carlos E. , Jung Jangwook P. , Sabliov Cristina
Published: December 2020

The spatiotemporal distribution profile of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) in the eye is important as it will determine their effectiveness as topical ocular drug delivery systems for specific eye diseases. Physical stability of the nanoparticles in an ophthalmic formulation and thermal stability of the entrapped drug are critical as well to the applicability of polymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery to the eye. To investigate these characteristics, Cy5-labeled, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs (ζ-potential: -14.1±1.5 mV, size: 241.7±0.6 nm) and lutein-loaded PLGA NPs (ζ-potential: -6.7±0.3 mV, size: 210.6±3.3 nm) were synthesized, and their stability and biodistribution were assessed. Lutein-loaded NPs were stable at 4°C without significant changes in size and morphology, without significant lutein degradation, and 26% release after 5 weeks in suspension. In contrast, lutein-loaded NPs stored at 25°C and 37°C experienced significant changes in size, likely due to aggregation and surfactant dissociation; these NPs showed signs of bulk degradation based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and had significant lutein degradation and over 40% release after 5 weeks. Lutein loaded in NPs was more resistant to photodegradation compared to a free lutein solution when exposed to UV for 6 h, degrading 5 times slower than free lutein. To test the performance of NP therapeutics in vivo, Cy5-labled NPs were applied topically to the eyes of rats and incubated for 15 min, 30 min, or 60 min. Exterior eye tissues including the cornea, episcleral tissue, and sclera showed the highest fluorescence intensity in animals that received fluorescent nanoparticles, while the choroid was the only inner eye tissue that was significantly higher in a treatment group compared to the control group. Additionally, decreases of fluorescence in all exterior eye tissues and the choroid at 1 h compared to 30 min, indicated rapid elimination of NPs from the eye.
The Role of NbTMP1, a Surface Protein of Sporoplasm, in Nosema Bombycis Infection
Authors: Zheng Shiyi , Huang Yukang , Huang Hongyun , Yu Bin , Zhou Ni , Wei Junhong , Pan Guoqing , Li Chunfeng , Zhou Zeyang
Published: December 2020

Background: Nosema bombycis is a unicellular eukaryotic pathogen of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and a hazard to the silkworm industry. Because of its long incubation period and horizontal and vertical transmission, it is a quarantine pathogen in sericulture. The microsporidian life cycle includes a dormant extracellular phase and intracellular proliferation phase. The proliferation period is the most active period of the microsporidian. This period lacks spore wall protection and may be the most susceptible stage for control. Results: The N. bombycis protein (NBO_76g0014) was identified as a transmembrane protein and named NbTMP1. It is not homologous with proteins from other microsporidia and species. NbTMP1 has a transmembrane region of 23 amino acids at the N-terminus. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) results suggest that NbTMP1 is secreted on the plasma membrane as the spores develop. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that NbTMP1 expressed in all development stages of N. bombycis in infected cells and in the silkworm midgut. Down-regulation of NbTMP1 expression resulted in significant inhibition of N. bombycis proliferation. Conclusions: We confirmed that NbTMP1 is a membrane protein of N. bombycis. Reduction of the transcription level of NbTMP1 significantly inhibited N. bombycis proliferation, and this protein may be a target for the selective breeding of N. bombycis resistant silkworm strains.
Public Knowledge about Monogenic Diseases and Attitudes Toward Expanded Carrier Screening in China
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Min , Wu Heli , Shen Wei , Han Jianmei , Fu Yuxia , Sun Jimei , Wu Wenyan
Published: December 2020

Background: Monogenic diseases affect about 10 in 1000 live births globally and account for 20% of infant mortality and 18% of pediatric hospitalizations. Many monogenic disorders could be prevented by offering expanded carrier screening (ECS) to the general population. The purpose of our study was to assess knowledge about monogenic diseases and attitudes toward ECS in China.Methods: Chinese individuals were invited to complete an online survey from July 11 to September 10, 2020. A total of 1663 questionnaires were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Descriptive statistics were computed for all items. Categorical data were reported as frequencies and percentages with differences assessed by chi-square test.Results: The respondents’ total awareness rate ranged from 3.3% to 55.2%. Medical practitioners had more knowledge than non-medical practitioners. Knowledge about monogenic diseases was positively correlated with educational level. Most respondents showed a positive attitude toward ECS: 54.4% of respondents thought ECS was necessary, and 80.5% wanted to know more about monogenic diseases.Conclusions: Although the public had little knowledge about monogenic disease and ECS, most of them showed a positive attitude. Lack of knowledge is a barrier to application of ECS. Since pre-test counseling by a genetic counselor before ECS may not always be feasible, pre-test information may not be delivered by a trained genetic counselor. If clinicians are going to be the primary counselors, further education is necessary to improve their comfort and competence with this role.
Plant Availability of Magnesium in Typical Tea Plantation Soils 
Authors: Zhang Qunfeng , Tang Dandan , Yang Xiangde , Geng Saipan , He Ying , Chen Yupei , Yi Xiaoyun , Ni Kang , Liu Meiya , Ruan Jianyun
Published: December 2020

Background and aims: Magnesium (Mg) plays important roles in improving the yield and quality of tea. However, Mg deficiency frequently occurs in acidic tea plantation soil. Methods: Tea plants were pot-cultivated in 12 typical tea plantations soils amended with and without Mg fertilizer. Exchangeable Mg (Ex-Mg) concentration in soils were quantitatively extracted using four extraction solutions (Mehlich-3, BaCl2, CaCl2 and NH4OAC). Plant availability of Mg was evaluated by Mg uptake and use efficiency, as well as its association with quality-components in tea plants.Results: Ex-Mg in soils were extracted most efficiently by Mehlich-3, while Mg concentrations in tea plant tissue higher correlated with Ex-Mg extracted by CaCl2 than other extraction solutions. Mg fertilizer use efficiency in tea plant varied from 6.08% to 29.56 %, and Mg fertilization significantly improve green tea quality by decreasing the ratio of total polyphenol to amino acid in tea leaves (24-60%). Moreover, the effect of Mg application on tea quality improvement and the use efficiency of Mg fertilizer both negatively correlated with total Mg concentration (r = -0.94 and -0.63, respectively) and nitrogen (N) level (r = -0.61 and -0.51, respectively) in soils prior to tea plant cultivation.Conclusions: CaCl2 could be recommended for plant-available Mg extraction in tea plantation soil, and Mg fertilizer use efficiency could be affected and predicted by total N and Mg status in soils prior to tea plant cultivation, providing a potential theoretical for guidance of Mg fertilization for tea yield and quality improvement in tea plantation management.
A Novel QTL Controlling Flag Leaf Width Located on Chromosome Arm 7AS in Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Ye Xueling , Li Jian , Zheng Zhi , Zhou Hong , Xiang Dabing
Published: December 2020

Background: Wheat is an important cereal crop and improving wheat production is essential for meeting the food demand from the growing population worldwide. Flag leaf width (FLW) is an important trait affecting plant architecture and contributing to grain yield. To detect loci conferring FLW, we assessed a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of EGA Wylie/Sumai 3 in different environments.Results: A total of six QTL were detected from the population. Two of them located on chromosome 2B and the other four located on chromosomes 2D, 4B, 7A, and 7B, respectively. The percentage of phenotypic variation (PEV) explained by these loci ranged from 14.6% to 33.8%, with LOD scores varying from 3.01 to 7.81. Of them, the locus located on chromosome arm 7AS is likely novel. Significant effects of this locus were detected in multiple trials conducted and the PEV explained by this QTL varied from 14.6% to 19.8% among the different trials. An orthologous analysis based on rice and Arabidopsis identified 3 putative genes underlying this potentially novel locus.Conclusion: This study identified a stable potentially novel QTL in multiple environments and predicted three candidate genes of it, which laid the foundation for further fine-mapping and cloning the gene(s) underlying QFlw.WS-7A with the contribution to grain yield.
Acupoint Application Therapeutic Mechanism for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia: A Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Liu Shan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Zexin , Guo Wei , Xia Jiangnan , Li Jing , Wang Zhijie
Published: December 2020

Background: Acupoint application (AA) therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method, is recommended as a complementary Chinese medicine therapy for treating new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), and can help improve curative effects, promote patient recovery, and improve immunity to prevent disease, but the mechanism is not clear. We sought to explore the key targets and mechanisms of Ephedra and Asarum, the main components used in AA, in the treatment of COVID-19 in this study.Methods: The active compounds and related targets of Ephedra and Asarum used in AA were screened by searching four databases. COVID-19-related target genes were identified from three disease databases, and the key targets of treating COVID-19 were obtained by Venn diagram using Cytoscape 3.2.1 software, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were used to explore possible mechanisms and pathways. The verification of the binding force between the compounds and target genes was completed by performing molecular docking with Autodock and pymol software.Results: Twenty-four active components of AA corresponded to 252 targets, with 713 target genes related to COVID-19, and 56 key genes were selected. GO analysis results showed that biological processes mainly included the inflammatory and immune responses, and cell components were mainly the plasma membrane and nucleus, with molecular functions including protein binding and identical protein binding. The top pathways included Immune System, Cytokine Signaling in Immune System, Adaptive Immune System, Signaling by Interleukins, Innate Immune System, and Signaling by GPCR.Conclusion: The results of this study preliminarily verified that Ephedra and Asarum used in AA therapy could treat COVID-19 via multiple compounds and multi-pathways, which provided a basis for clinical application and further research.
High Oil Accumulation in Tuber of Yellow Nutsedge Compared to Purple Nutsedge is Associated with More Abundant Expression of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid Synthesis and Triacylglycerol Storage
Authors: Ji Hongying , Liu Dantong , Yang Zhenle
Published: December 2020

Background: Yellow nutsedge is a specific plant species that can accumulate up to 35% oil of tuber dry weight, perhaps the highest level observed in the tuber tissues of plant kingdom. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism that leads to high oil accumulation in yellow nutsedge, gene expression profiles of oil production pathways involved carbon metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and triacylglycerol storage during tuber development were compared with purple nutsedge, a very close relative of yellow nutsedge that is poor in oil accumulation. Results: Compared with purple nutsedge, the high oil content in yellow nutsedge was associated with much higher transcripts for seed-like oil-body proteins, almost all fatty acid synthesis enzymes, and specific key enzymes of plastid Rubisco bypass as well as malate and pyruvate metabolism. However, transcript levels for carbon metabolism toward pyruvate generation were comparable and for triacylglycerol synthesis were similar in both species. Two seed-like master transcription factors ABI3 and WRI1 were found to display similar temporal transcript patterns but be expressed at 6.5- and 14.3-fold higher levels in yellow nutsedge than in purple nutsedge, respectively. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that ABI3 is in strong transcriptional coordination with WRI1 and other key oil-related genes. Conclusions: Together, these results implied that plastidial pyruvate availability and fatty acid synthesis, along with triacylglycerol storage in oil body, rather than triacylglycerol synthesis in endoplasmic reticulum, are the major factors responsible for high oil production in tuber of yellow nutsedge, and ABI3 is most likely to play a critical role in regulating oil accumulation. This study is of significance in deep understanding the molecular mechanism controlling carbon partitioning toward oil production in oil-rich tuber and provides a valuable reference for enhancing oil accumulation in non-seed tissues of crops through genetic breeding or metabolic engineering.
Barbaloin Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rats and Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Inflammatory Responses in BV2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Lijuan
Published: December 2020

Background: Barbaloin (BAR) is a bioactive anthracycline derived from the leaf exudates of aloe plants with a variety of biological and pharmacological properties. The present study was performed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of BAR against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. Middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion was used to induce cerebral I/R injury in rats, and BAR was administered intraperitoneally after the onset of ischemia. Results: We found that BAR remarkably improved neurological scores, reduced brain infarct volume, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in cerebral I/R rats. Furthermore, BAR up-regulated Bcl-2 protein levels and down-regulated Bax, active caspase-3, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in ischemic cortex. I/R injury-induced increases in malondialdehyde content and decreases in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly attenuated by BAR administration. In vitro, BAR pretreatment inhibited the contents of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, iNOS, and interleukin-6) and reduced protein levels of iNOS and nuclear expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that BAR possesses neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R injury through anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Adaptive evolution of interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5(IFIT5) in birds
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhang Chuansheng , Meng Jie , Ren Yifan , Gong Jing , Yang Qing , Li Xianglong , Geng Liying
Published: December 2020

Background : Previous studies have revealed that wild birds are reservoirs and mobile vectors of viruses, many of which cause illness and mortality in domestic bird and humans. In birds, the invasion of viruses will quickly trigger the innate immune mechanism induced by interferon (IFN). As IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), the IFIT gene family plays an important role in innate immunity. However, only IFIT5 of the IFIT gene family exists in birds, and the direction and strength of selection acting on IFIT5 are largely unknown. Results : Here, we studied the selection on IFIT5 based on the coding sequence (CDS) data of 20 birds. We identified 12 persistent positive selection sites (PSS), other sites suffered purifying selection and neutral selection; probably due to functional constraints. We also found humans have only 3PSS (189,197and 295), likely due to having more IFIT gene family member that can cooperate to resist virus invasion. The 12 PSS located in the closed clamp structure of the IFIT5 protein, except for position 45. In particular, 3 PSS (335, 342 and 367) were located in the TPR domain, which implied their important roles in virus recognition. We only found 2 episodic PSS (30,332) in Passeriformes, indicating episodic selection pressure in Passeriformes lineage. The positive selection of IFIT5 might provide a theoretical basis for the pathogen-host interaction in birds. Conclusions : We found that the diversity of IFIT5 domains in birds, and that the PSS of IFIT5 is the joint influence of functional domain conservation and the pressure of virus evolution.We speculated that persistent PSS may affect the antiviral function of IFIT5, especially in the region of closed clamp structure. These results lay a theoretical foundation for the further study of the antiviral immune mechanism of IFIT5 in birds.
Ultimate 0.34 nm Gate-length Side-Wall Transistors with Atomic Level Channel
Authors: Ren Tian-Ling , Wu Fan , Shen Yang , Tian He , Ren Jie , Gou Guangyang , Yang Yi
Published: December 2020

Despite 55 years of efforts into short gate length transistors following the Moore’s law, the gate length below 1 nm has not been realized. Here, we demonstrated a side-wall monolayer MoS2 transistors with ultimate 0.34 nm gate length using the edge of graphene as gate electrode. Moreover, large area of chemical vapor deposition graphene and MoS2 are used for 2-inch wafer production. These ultrashort devices show excellent ON/OFF current ratio of 2 × 105. Simulation results indicate that the MoS2 side-wall effective channel length approaches 0.34 nm in the ON state. This graphene edge gate combined with MoS2 vertical channel structure provides an efficient gate control ability and enables the physical gate length scaling down to atomic level, which shows great potential to build next generation electronics.
Expression Status and Prognostic Value of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Rui , Feng Zian , Hu Jie , He Xiaodong , Shen Zuojun
Published: December 2020

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most abundant modification method in mRNA, and it plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many cancers. However, data on the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still lacking. This paper mainly discusses the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in LUAD, to identify novel prognostic biomarkers.Methods: The gene expression data of 19 m6A methylation regulator in LUAD patients and its relevant clinical parameters were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm were performed to construct a risk signature and evaluated its prognostic prediction efficiency by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk score of each patient was calculated according to the risk signature, and LUAD patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the independent prognostic significance of risk signature. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the differential signaling pathways and cellular processes between the two groups.Results: The expression of 15 m6A RNA methylation regulators in LUAD tissues was significantly different than that in normal tissues. YTHDF3, YTHDF2, KIAA1429, HNRNPA2B1, RBM15, METTL3, HNRNPC, YTHDF1, IGF2BP2, IGF2BP3, IGF2BP1 were significantly up-regulated in LUAD, and the expressions of FTO, ZC3H13, WTAP, and METL14 were significantly down-regulated. We selected IGF2BP1, HNRNPC, and HNRNPA2B1 to construct the risk signature. ROC curve indicated the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.659, which means the risk signature had a good prediction efficiency. The results of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score can be used as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD.Conclusions: The m6A RNA methylation regulators IGF2BP1, HNRNPC, and HNRNPA2B1 have a significant correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics of LUAD, which may be a promising prognostic feature and clinical treatment target.
The Novel CFP Scoring System is a Reliable Marker in Predicting Response and Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lu Siyi , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Bingyan , Li Fei , Meng Yan , Wang Junwei , Wang Yuxia , Wang Hao , Zhou Xin , Fu Wei
Published: December 2020

Background: Preoperative tumor markers, inflammation, and nutritional status are considered important predictors of prognosis and tumor response in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. This study aims to explore the prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the Fibrinogen-Albumin Ratio Index (FARI), the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and a combined scoring system in LARC patients.Methods: A total of 138 LARC patients undergoing radical surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) between January 2012 and March 2019 were enrolled. The X-tile program was used to determine the optimal cutoff values of CEA, FARI, and PNI. A novel combined scoring system, CEA-FARI-PNI (CFP), was constructed. The prognostic ability of these factors was assessed by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and logistic regression. A nomogram was established to evaluate the predictive role of CFP in tumor response.Results: The optimal cutoff values of CEA, FARI, and PNI were 5.15 ng/l, 10.56%, and 42.25 g/L, respectively. The time-dependent ROC curve showed that compared to CEA, FARI, and PNI, CFP showed stable predictive efficacy for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). In multivariate analysis, CFP was the only factor that could independently predict OS (HR=8.117, p=0.001) and DFS (HR=4.994, p<0.001). Moreover, high CFP (OR=3.693, p=0.002) was also an independent risk factor of poor response. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram for predicting TRG (tumor regression grade) was better with CFP (0.717) than without (0.656) (p<0.05).Conclusions: The CFP score is an independent prognostic factor of OS, DFS, and tumor response in LARC patients. It might be a more reliable marker for predicting the prognosis of LARC patients.
Systematic Identification of Key Functional Modules and Genes in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhuang Hao , Sun Jin-yu , Zhao Li-li , Liu Li , Fan Zhining
Published: December 2020

Background: Esophageal cancer is associated with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Differential expression genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) are important methods to screen the core genes as bioinformatics methods.Methods: The DEGs and WGCNA were combined to screen the hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the hub module in the WGCNA. The CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene based on the intersection between DEGs and the greenyellow module in WGCNA. Expression levels and prognostic values of CCNB1 were verified in UALCAN, GEPIA2, HCMDB, Kaplan–Meier plotter, and TIMER databases.Results: We identified 1,044 DEGs form dataset GSE20347, 1,904 from GSE29001, and 2,722 from GSE111044, and 32 modules were revealed by WGCNA. The greenyellow module was identified as the hub module in the WGCNA. CCNB1 gene was identified as the hub gene, which was upregulated in tumour tissues. Moreover, esophageal cancer patients with higher expression of CCNB1 showed worse prognosis. However, CCNB1 doesn’t play an important role in immune cell infiltration.Conclusion Based on DEGs and key modules related to esophageal cancer, CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene, which offered novel insights into the development and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Predictors of Contraceptive Discontinuation among Postpartum Women in Arusha Region, Tanzania
Authors: Mahande Michael Johnson , Sato Ryoko , Amour Caroline , Manongi Rachel , Farah Amina , Msuya Sia Emmanuel , Elewonibi Bilikisu , Shah Iqbal
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPostpartum contraceptive discontinuation refers to cessation of use following initiation after delivery within one year postpartum. Discontinuation of use has been associated with an increased unmet need for family planning that leads to high numbers of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion or mistimed births. There is scant information about contraceptive discontinuation and its predictors among postpartum women in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine predictors of contraception discontinuation at 3, 6, 12 months postpartum among women of reproductive age in Arusha city and Meru district, Tanzania.MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted in two district of Arusha region (Arusha city and Meru district respectively). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 13 streets of the 3 wards in Arusha City and 2 wards in Meru District. A total of 474 women of reproductive age (WRAs) aged 16-44 years residing in the study areas were included in this analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the factors associated with contraceptives discontinuation (at 3, 6 and 12 moths) were estimated in a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, discontinuation rate for all methods at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum was 11%, 19% and 29% respectively. It was higher at 12 months for Lactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables (76%, 50.5% and 36%, respectively). Women aged 40-44 years had lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation at 3 months as compare to those aged 16 to 19 years. Implants and pills users had also lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation compared to injectable users at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively.ConclusionLactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables users had the highest rates of discontinuation. Women’s age and type of method discontinued were independently associated with postpartum contraceptive discontinuation. Addressing barriers to continue contraceptive use amongst younger women and knowledge on method attributes, including possible side-effects and how to manage complications is warranted.
Distribution, Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalate Esters in Indoor Dust Samples Across China
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Wenping , Lv Jiapei , Liu Wenxiu , Sun Shanwei , Guo Changsheng , Xu Jian
Published: December 2020

Background: Phthalates were detected in various environments due to their widespread application. In this study, indoor dust samples from 94 buildings, including 72 residences and 22 dormitories, were collected in seven geographical regions in China and analyzed for eight phthalate esters (PAEs). Investigation of contamination profiles, geographical distribution, sources and risks of PAEs in indoor dusts was explored.Results: The highest Σ8PAEs concentration in residential buildings was found in Northeast China (median: 164.71 μg·g−1), which was 2.3 and 2.8 times higher than that in South China (median: 71.71 μg·g−1) and Southwest China (median: 58.53 μg·g−1), respectively. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were the dominant compounds of Σ8PAEs in indoor dusts from residences and dormitories. The administrative levels revealed that the highly serious contamination occurred in the provincial capital, followed by non-provincial cities and countries. Such an occurrence was related to the usage of PAE products and the level of urbanization. Principal component analysis and positive matrix factorization showed that the emission from cosmetics and personal care products, plasticizers, and household building materials were the possible PAE sources in indoor dusts. Among three routes of ingestion, dermal adsorption, and inhalation, dust ingestion was the main route of human exposure to PAEs. The health risk of PAE exposure for different populations decreased in the order of children > women > men. The hazard indexes of non-cancer were higher than the threshold value of 10−6 during human exposure to DBP and DEHP. Children also faced potential non-cancer risk due to benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) exposure. The carcinogenic risks via exposure to BBzP and DEHP were low and negligible.Conclusion: Overall, PAEs were widely presented in indoor dusts. Obvious difference was observed in the distribution of PAEs concentration in indoor dusts due to the differences in economic development and usage of PAEs product. Plasticizers, household building materials, and cosmetics and personal care products were likely PAE sources in indoor dusts. The risk assessment suggested that carcinogenic risks of BBzP and DEHP were negligible, but DBP, DEHP, DnOP and BBzP may pose non-cancer risks to humans.
The Effect of Psycho-education Program on the Affiliate Stigma in the Caregivers of Clients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Bahrami Raheleh , Khalifi Talieh
Published: December 2020

Background

Mental health experts believe that stigma is the most challenging issue for caregivers of clients with psychiatric disorders. Therefore, monitoring and assessing the affiliate stigma in the caregivers is necessary. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of psycho-education program on the affiliate stigma in the caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder.
Materials and Methods

This quasi-experimental study with both intervention and control groups was conducted Ghods Hospital in Sanandaj (n = 64). Psycho-education program was performed for the intervention group for 4 weeks (one session per week for 60 to 90 minutes). Data was collected using the Affiliate Stigma Scale before and after intervention (with 4 weeks gap).
Results

The results of study showed that there was no difference between intervention and control groups in terms of the distribution of contextual variables. The mean and the standard deviation of the affiliate stigma before the conducting the psycho-education program in the control group was (73 ± 14.72), and in the intervention group was (69.63 ± 14.66). After the intervention and administrating the post-test, the results in the control group was (74 ± 14.21) and in the intervention group was (35.06 ± 8.31) which showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001).
Conclusions

According to the obtained results in this study and based on the other studies’ result, the routine care is not able to meet the educational needs of the caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder. Psycho-education is effective on the reduction of the affiliate stigma of caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder and it can be considered as one of the stigmatization strategies.
Addiction Therapeutic communities: residents’ retention, early dropout, and their correlates over fourteen years
Authors: Alshomrani Abdulaziz T
Published: December 2020

Background

Long-term retention is a reliably well-studied factor associated with enhanced outcomes in addiction therapeutic communities (ATCs). Staying no less than three months is considered to be a critical time for program effectiveness. I plan to estimate retention rates of Saudi AATCs for three months, completion of therapy (stay at least six months), and early abandonment and investigate its correlations in this study.
Methods

A cohort retrospective study where data of all residents admitted to all Saudi ATCs since their establishment in 2000 through September 2014 were collected from their AATCs files. At the time of the study, there were five AATCs, two of them in Dammam, one in Riyadh, one in Jeddah, and the fifth one was in Taif. Date of admission, date of discharge, socio-demographic variable, and type of drug used of all of the five ACS were reported. Retention rate at 3 and 6 months and dropout in the first week were calculated.
Results

out of the 2050 files, 2003 of data was suitable for analysis. All of the residents were male adults. More than two-thirds of patients were younger than 40 years of age and most of them were singles (64%), unemployed (68%), and had intermediate or secondary school education (73%). Forty-six percent of patients reported Opioids use, 36% hash, 34% amphetamine, and 19% reported alcohol abuse. The retention rate for three months and six months was 45% and 28% respectively, and 8.3% dropped outs in the first week. The median duration of stay was 77 days. Residences in TC 1, TC 2, and TC 4 were less likely to stay for more than three months. Unemployment, and being students was associated with completion of treatment (stay > 6 months), while admission to TC 1 and TC-2 was associated with drop out prior completing the treatment program.
Conclusion

Three-month retention rates of 45% in Saudi addiction ATCs is reasonable and consistent with reported rates worldwide. In addition, treatment completion rate and drop out within the first week are at least comparable to the average rates recorded elsewhere. These rates can be considered as indicators for successful Saudi ATCs programs. However, there have been substantial variation between the different Saudi AATCs which may require further exploration to determine the factors related to these disparities.
Ptsd, Depression and Anxiety In Ebola Virus Disease Survivors In Beni Town, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: KAPUTU-KALALA-MALU CELESTIN , Musalu Eric Mafuta , Walker Tim , Ntumba-Tshitenge Olga , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve
Published: December 2020

Background

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly and feared infectious disease, which can be responsible of debilitating physical and psychological sequelae in survivors including depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, there are scarce data on survivor sequelae in Democratic Republic of the Congo. So this study assessed PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among EVD survivors enrolled in the follow-up program of the psychosocial care team of Beni town’s general hospital.
Methods

A cross-sectional study used consecutive sampling to recruit 144 Ebola virus disease survivors from October 23 to November 13; 2019. Basic socio-demographic data, presence of headache and short-term memory function were assessed. The Post-traumatic Checklist Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess psychological burden among participants. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for analysis.
Results

The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 24.3%, 24.3% and 33.3% respectively. Being male (p = 0.049 ; OR = 0. 42 (CI : 0. 16–0.95), suffering from persistent headache (p = 0. 014 OR = 2.62 CI (1.12–6.14), losing a loved one because of EVD (p = 0. 015 ; OR : 2.60 (CI : 1.11–6.15) and being young − 18–24 years - (p = 0,026 ; OR : 0. 261 (IC : 0. 018-0.055).) were statistically associated with PTSD diagnosis. Having short-term memory impairment and suffering from persistent headache were statistically associated with depression and anxiety diagnoses (p = 0.026 OR = 2,44 (CI : 1.03–5.82) ; (p = 0. 025 OR = 2.24 (CI : 1.04–4.85) ; (p = 0.014 OR = 2.62 (CI : 1.12–6.14) ; (p = 0. 020 OR = 2.31 (CI : 1.06–5.01)
Conclusion

The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety is high among EVD survivors. Development of specialized psychiatric services to sustain psychiatric and psychological health amongst survivors in the cultural context of the Eastern part of the DRC should be considered by the teams fighting against EVD in the DRC.
Assessing the feasibility of applying a combined osteopathy and psychoeducation therapy (OsteoPeCT) and its influence on levels of psychological and physiological stress in adult participants with moderate stress: A pilot study
Authors: Rahier Antoine , Taylor Victoria J , Gamage Teena KJB , Treacher Alastair , O’Carroll Simon J , Hach Sylvia , Shaikh Shamim B
Published: December 2020

Background: There is mounting evidence suggesting a relationship between stress and adverse health outcomes. Stress is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring a multimodal approach. While there is some evidence indicating a positive effect of massage therapy, there is limited research regarding the impact of related approaches such as general osteopathic techniques (GOTs). Further, research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of combining GOTs with psychoeducation in the management of stress is lacking. The present pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying a therapy package consisting of GOTs and brief psychoeducation and its influence on moderate stress in a convenience sample.Methods: A pilot uncontrolled trial with mixed pragmatic and exploratory design was conducted. The therapy package comprised of ten GOTs and ten minutes of scripted psychoeducation (OsteoPeCT) was applied in two sessions over two consecutive days to 18 adult participants with moderate stress. Feedback from participants and challenges experienced by both participants and researchers were recorded. The effects of OsteoPeCT were assessed by measuring pre-and post- intervention scores of self-reported perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10; Profile of Mood Scale, POMS) and salivary levels of physiological stress biomarkers (cortisol; secretory immunoglobulin A, sIgA and interleukin-6, IL-6).Results: All aspects related to the application of OsteoPeCT (participant recruitment, participant retention, therapy application, administration of health screen and self-reported perceived stress questionnaires, and the collection of saliva samples for biomarker analysis) were feasible. A total of 18 participants were enrolled. The timing of sessions on consecutive days was reported to be challenging. While a measurable decrease in perceived stress (PSS-10) and in mood scores (Tense, Fatigue, Depression, Anger) were noted post therapy (OsteoPeCT) application, physiological stress markers were unaffected. Diurnal variations of these biomarkers may need further consideration.Conclusion: The application of OsteoPeCT was feasible, well received with some beneficial influence on perceived stress indicating that an integration of psychoeducation and osteopathic care may confer benefits to patients. Future investigations with adapted protocols and larger sample size is warranted to assess effectiveness.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ACTRN12620000763943 ) and ICTRP .
Successful management of extremely frequent hives in children with multiple food allergies with integrative traditional Chinese medicine therapy
Authors: Xiawen Fan , Paul Misu , McKnight Tory , Park Song , Chung Danna , Li Xiu-Min
Published: December 2020

BackgroundFood allergy is becoming increasingly common among the pediatric population. Despite strict avoidance of food allergens, a subgroup of sensitive individuals still develop frequent, persistent and difficult to treat hives (FPDTH) for which there is no curative therapy. Although these cases are rare, these patients are in most need of therapy.Case DescriptionThis is a retrospective review of 3 pediatric patients with highly sensitive food allergy who initially presented with hives daily or every other day, but achieved marked remission after traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies. Patient 1 (P1) is a 5-year-old who had experienced 140 reactions in his lifetime. Reactions were mostly hives with 4 episodes of anaphylaxis. P1 had used Prednisone 20 times, had an Epinephrine injection 4 times and had 3 emergency room (ER) visits. Patient 2 (P2) is a 12-year-old who had experienced hives since age 3. Despite daily antihistamine use, P2 had > 730 reactions in his lifetime at the time of presentation including 2 episodes of anaphylaxis. He had been prescribed prednisone 4 times, an Epinephrine injection 2 times and had 1 ER visit. Patient 3 (P3) is a 20-month-old girl who had experienced > 120 reactions including 1 episode of anaphylaxis. She was on daily desonide and frequently used and antihistamine, yet still had required a course of prednisone once, an Epinephrine injection once and had 1 ER visit to manage her reaction. After presenting to our clinic, patients received internal and external TCM treatments, including herbal bath and creams (Remedy A-D) as basic remedies to reduce food reactions, including but not limited to frequent hives. Within 7–9 months of TCM treatment, remarkably all patients had complete remission of atopic symotoms. All three patients also experienced improvement in other conditions including food intolerance, diarrhea, anxiety, eczema, environmental allergies. After 1 year of treatment, all three patients had reductions in food-specific IgE levels that had been previously elevated, and additionally, P1 and P3, who initially had high total IgE levels, experienced marked decrease in total IgE levels as well. All three patients continued to introduce foods into their diet that they previously had reactions to, and all 3 patients remain symptom-free.ConclusionsThree pediatric patients with known history of multiple food sensitivities and physician diagnosed food allergies that presented with FPDTH underwent TCM regimen and experienced dramatic improvement in symptoms and reduction in their IgE levels. This regimen appears to be effective in FPDTH population although further study in a controlled clinical setting is required.
Medium-chain fatty acids accelerate incorporation of orally applied long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids into lung tissue
Authors: Beermann Christopher , Fussbroich Daniela , Schubert Ralf
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are discussed to resolve chronic inflammation in asthma and other lung diseases. This study aimed at accelerating the incorporation kinetic of orally applied LCPUFA into lung tissue by co-applying medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) which enhance the fat-metabolic rate.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were orally supplemented with 700 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3) (group size: n=16) or additionally with 300 mg coconut oil with 4.2 wt% MCFA of total fat per kg body weight per day (group size: n=16) for 28 days. The fatty acid profile alterations of lung tissues were monitored by fatty acid methylester-analysis with capillary gaschromatography-flame-ionization detection over 63 days.ResultsThe combined administration of EPA with MCFA increased its incorporation into the lung tissue up to day 28 (EPA 1.28 wt% ± 0,18; EPA and MCFA 1.83 wt% ± 0.17; Δ 0.55; p< 0.001 at day 28). But also its removal thereon was boosted compared to EPA supplementation alone (EPA 0.81 wt% ± 0.08; EPA and MCFA 0.58 wt% ± 0.06; Δ 0.23; p< 0.001 at day 31).ConclusionBased on the illustrated accelerating effects of MCFA on the incorporation and removal kinetics of dietary LCPUFA into lung tissue, the present study suggests a two-phase strategy for immune-regulative dietary LCPUFA-supplementation. At the very beginning supplementations should be accompanied with MCFA to support the LCPUFA-uptake, thereon MCFA should be omitted to stabilize the LCPUFA-status in the body.