bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of newly described avian malaria parasite Plasmodium (Novyella) collidatum n. sp., genetic lineage pFANTAIL01 obtained from South Asian migrant bird
Authors: Platonova Elena , Aželytė Justė , Iezhova Tatjana , Ilgūnas Mikas , Mukhin Andrey , Palinauskas Vaidas
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAvian malaria parasites are common and worldwide distributed microorganisms parasitizing erythrocytes and various tissues of the birds. These parasites are known to infect birds of different taxa and be the cause of the bird’s deaths in wildlife and captivity. A particular interest possesses the species of parasites with the ability to colonize new territories and infect local non-migratory birds. This scenario is likely in temperate zones of Europe because of the present climate change and its contribution to the spreading of southern origin vectors which can be involved in the transmission of malaria parasites. In the present study, a tropical Plasmodium parasite from a naturally infected long-distance migrant bird was isolated and tested for its ability to develop in common species of mosquitoes and European short-distance migrant bird. MethodsPlasmodium sp. (pFANTAIL01) was isolated from the naturally infected Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus. The parasite was described based on the morphological features of its blood stages, the partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and development after experimental infection of birds and mosquitoes. The parasite was inoculated into Eurasian siskins, Carduelis spinus. Parasitemia, hematocrit value and weight of birds were monitored. At the end of the survey, internal organs were collected to study exoerythrocytic stages of this parasite. Experimental infection of mosquitoes Culex pipiens pipiens form molestus and C. quinquefasciatus was applied to study sporogonic development of the parasite.ResultsBased on morphological features, the new parasite was described as Plasmodium collidatum n. sp. and attributed to subgenus Novyella. It was revealed that the obtained pFANTAIL01 lineage is a generalist parasite infecting a wide range of avian hosts and most likely is transmitted in South and Southeast (SE) Asia and Oceania. In Europe this strain was recorded only in adult migratory birds wintering in South Asia. This parasite developed high parasitemia in experimentally infected siskins and caused 25% mortality. Exoerythrocytic stages of pFANTAIL01 were found in the lungs, liver, spleen and kidney of the deceased birds. Sporogonic development did not occur in C. p. p. f. molestus and C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.ConclusionPlasmodium collidatum is a highly virulent for Eurasian siskin and completes its development in these birds, which can be considered as a potential vertebrate host if the transmission of the infection starts occurring in Europe and temperate zones.
Comparison of Free and Bound Phenolic Compositions and Antioxidant Activities of Leaves from Different Mulberry Varieties
Authors: Wang Zhenjiang , Tang Cuiming , Xiao Gengsheng , Dai Fanwei , Lin Sen , Li Zhiyi , Luo Guoqing
Published: November 2020

Mulberry leaves are used in traditional Chinese medicine and contain numerous active substances that are known to be beneficial for human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic compositions and antioxidant activities of the leaves from 23 mulberry cultivars. Qualitative LC-ESI-QTOF analysis revealed the presence of 11 phenolic compounds in the free phenolic extracts and 10 phenolic compounds in the bound fractions. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the major components in the free and bound fractions, respectively. The results revealed that the changguosang cultivar from Taiwan contained the greatest content of phenolic compounds as well as the highest antioxidant activity among the 23 cultivars examined, as determined using three separate antioxidant assays. The isoquercitrin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin contents of the free phenolic extracts displayed significant correlations with the antioxidant activities, while syringic acid and rutin were the main contributors to the antioxidant activities of the bound phenolic fractions. The obtained results demonstrate that mulberry leaves contain a variety of beneficial phenolic substances and may be suitable for further development as a herbal medicine.
3-Dimensional Printing in Rehabilitation: Feasibility of Printing an Upper Extremity Gross Motor Function Assessment Tool
Authors: Kapadia Naaz , Myers Mathew , Musselman Kristin , Wang Rosalie , Yurkewich Aaron , Popovic Milos R.
Published: November 2020

Background: Use of standardized and scientifically sound outcome measures is highly encouraged in clinical practice and research. Researchers have identified that with the development of newer rehabilitation therapies we need technology-supported upper extremity outcome measures that are easily accessible and can measure change consistently and reliably. 3‐dimensional printing (3D-printing) has recently seen a meteoric rise in interest within medicine including the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of designing and constructing a 3D printed version of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-Hand Function Test (TRI-HFT). The secondary objective was to assess the preliminary psychometrics of the 3D TRI-HFT in individuals with stroke. Results: 3D design files were created using the measurements of the original TRI-HFT objects. The 3D printed objects were then compared to the original test objects to ensure that the original dimensions were preserved. All objects were successfully printed except the sponge and paper which required some modification. The error margin for weight of the objects was within 10% for the rest of the objects. Nine participants underwent the following assessments: the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Fugl Meyer Assessment-Hand (FMA-Hand), Chedoke McMaster stages of recovery of the arm (CMSA-Arm) and Chedoke McMaster stages of recovery of the hand (CMSA-Hand) and the 3D TRI-HFT for assessment of psychometric properties of the test. The video recorded assessment of the 3D TRI-HFT was reviewed by two assessors for reliability testing. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the scores on 3D TRI-HFT with the scores on CAHAI, CMSA-Arm, CMSA-Hand and FMA-Hand. The 3D TRI-HFT had high inter-rater reliability (ICC of 0.99; P < 0.000), high intra-rater reliability (ICC of 0.99; P < 0.000) and moderate to strong correlation with the CMSA-Arm, CMSA-Hand and FMA-Hand scores. Conclusions: The TRI-HFT could be successfully 3D printed and initial testing indicates that the test is a reliable and valid measure of upper extremity motor function in individuals with stroke.
Energy-Efficient Offloading and Resource Allocation for Mobile Edge Computing Enabled Mission-Critical Internet-of-Things Systems
Authors: Fu Yaru , Yang Xiaolong , Yang Peng , Wong Angus K. Y. , Shi Zheng , Wang Hong , Quek Tony Q. S.
Published: November 2020

The energy cost minimization for mission-critical internet-of-things (IoT) in mobile edge computing (MEC) system is investigated in this work. Therein, short data packets are transmitted between the IoT devices and the access points (APs) to reduce transmission latency and prolong the battery life of the IoT devices. The effects of short-packet transmission on the radio resource allocation is explicitly revealed. We mathematically formulate the energy cost minimization problem as a mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem, which is difficult to solve in an optimal way. More specifically, the difficulty is essentially derived from the coupling of the binary offloading variables and the resource management among all the IoT devices. For analytical tractability, we decouple the mixed-integer and non-convex optimization problem into two sub-problems, namely, the task offloading decision-making and the resource optimization problems, respectively. It is proved that the resource allocation problem for IoT devices under the fixed offloading strategy is convex. On this basis, an iterative algorithm is designed, whose performance is comparable to the best solution for exhaustive search, and aims to jointly optimize the offloading strategy and resource allocation. Simulation results verify the convergence performance and energy-saving function of the designed joint optimization algorithm. Compared with the extensive baselines under comprehensive parameter settings, the algorithm has better energy-saving effects.
A Study About Signal Variation with Minor Receiver Displacement in a Meeting Room at 60 GHz: Measurements and Simulations
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Usman , Ruttik Kalle , Jantti Riku , Hämäläinen Jyri
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to study the impact of small receiver displacement on a signal propagation in a typical conference room environment at a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency of 60 GHz. While channel measurements provide insights on the propagation phenomena, their use for the wireless system performance evaluation is challenging. Whereas, carefully executed three dimensional ray tracing (RT) simulations represent a more flexible option. Nevertheless, a careful validation of simulation methodology is needed. The first target of this paper is to highlight the benefits of an in-house built three dimensional RT tool at 60 GHz, and show the effectiveness of simulations in predicting different characteristics of the channel. To validate the simulation results against the measurements, two different transmitter (Tx) positions and antenna types along with ten receiver (Rx) positions are considered in a typical conference room. In first system configuration, an omnidirectional antenna is placed in the middle of the table, while in the second system configuration a directed horn antenna is located in the corner of the meeting room. After validating the simulation results with the measurement data, in the second part of this work, the impact of a small change i.e. 20 cm in the receiver position, is studied. To characterize the impact we apply as performance indicators the received power level, root mean square delay spread (RMS-DS), and RMS angular spread (RMS-AS). The channel characteristics is considered with respect to the direct orientation (DO) i.e., the Rx antenna is directed towards the Tx antenna. Different antenna configurations at the TX and Rx side are applied to highlight the role of antenna properties on the considered channel characteristics. The validation of results show RMS errors of only 2 - 3 dB between the measured and simulated received power levels for different Tx configurations in the direction of DO. Results indicate that only a small change of the Rx position may result as a large difference in the received power level even though a line-of-sight between Tx and Rx occurs. In the considered conference room, the average standard deviation (STD) of the received power was found to be around 6:5 dB and up to 9:5 dB for directed and omnidirectional antennas, respectively. As can be expected, directed antennas offer lower value of RMS-DS and RMS-AS compared to omnidirectional antennas.
The Effect of Fibrates on Kidney Function and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: Protocol for a Systematic Review.
Authors: Kousios Andreas , Hadjivasilis Alexandros , Kouis Panayiotis , Panayiotou Andrie
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives: Fibrates reduce cardiovascular risk in the general population and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although, they are commonly used as second-line agents in addition to statins for hypertriglyceridemia, their use in CKD is limited due to a decrease of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at treatment initiation. This change in GFR is reversible with fibrate discontinuation. Importantly, randomised control trials with fibrate treatment have demonstrated reduction in proteinuria and benefit for microvascular diabetic complications. In addition, a number of experimental studies have shown nephroprotective effects with fibrates through attenuation of renal fibrosis and inflammation. Thus, the effect of fibrates on renal outcomes remains undetermined. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence from randomised controlled studies and provide pooled estimates on the effect of fibrates on short- and long-term renal outcomes. Methods/Design: The study will be contacted according to the Cochrane Collaboration principles for Systematic reviews. We will include randomised trials comparing fibrate to placebo or studies comparing the addition of fibrate on statin versus statin alone and reporting on the short- and long-term effects on renal function, CKD progression and proteinuria. We will examine studies including patients with established CKD and those studies including patients at risk of developing CKD, separately. A comprehensive summary of the evidence will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data from included studies suitable for metanalysis will be analyses accordingly to provide quantitative estimates using a random effects model. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized clinical trials will be utilised. The quality of the evidence from included studies will be addressed descriptively using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations).Discussion: The results of this systematic review will be informative for clinicians. A summary of high-level evidence with robust estimates of the effect of fibrates on safety and renal outcomes may be used to inform clinical practice guideline development for dyslipidaemias and primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020187764
Clinicopathological Features of Incidental Parotid Lesions.
Authors: Al-Balas Hassan , Metwalli Zeyad , Eberson Sarah , Sada David
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of primary malignancy of asymptomatic parotid lesions incidentally discovered on cross-sectional imaging.MethodsOver a 10-year period, 154 patients underwent 163 ultrasound-guided parotid lesion biopsies at our institution. This retrospective chart review included 89 lesions in 87 patients with asymptomatic parotid lesions discovered on cross-sectional imaging studies performed for unrelated clinical indications. The histopathologic findings of all sampled lesions were reviewed. We evaluated the patient demographics and pathological diagnoses of sampled parotid lesions to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of malignancy.ResultsThe average age was 67.5 years and 92% were males. 25% of patients had bilateral lesions. The average size of the parotid lesions was 1.5 cm and 91% were located in the superficial lobe. 92.1% of lesions were benign with Warthin tumor being the most common diagnosis followed by pleomorphic adenoma. 2.3% of lesions were primary parotid malignant neoplasms, while 5.6% were metastatic lesions in patients with known malignancy.ConclusionsThe incidence of primary parotid malignant neoplasm in asymptomatic incidentally discovered parotid lesions is low. Imaging or clinical follow-up may be considered in patients with incidental parotid lesions who prefer to avoid biopsy.
Genome-wide analysis identifies critical DNA methylations within NTRKs genes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Zijian , Huang Zenghong , Luo Yanxin , Zou Qi , Bai Liangliang , Tang Guannan , Wang Xiaolin , Cao Guangwen , Huang Meijin , Xiang Jun , Yu Huichuan
Published: November 2020

Background: Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinases (NTRKs) are a gene family function as oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in distinct cancers. We aimed to investigate the methylation and expression profiles and prognostic value of NTRKs gene in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: An analysis of DNA methylation and expression profiles in CRC patients was performed to explore the critical methylations within NTRKs genes. The methylation marker was validated in a retrospectively collected cohort of 229 CRC patients and tested in other tumor types from TCGA. DNA methylation status was determined by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP).Results: The profiles in six CRC cohorts showed that NTRKs gene promoter was more frequently methylated in CRC compared to normal mucosa, which was associated with suppressed gene expression. We identified a specific methylated region within NTRK3 promoter targeted by cg27034819 and cg11525479 that best predicted survival outcome in CRC. NTRK3 promoter methylation showed independently predictive value for survival outcome in the validation cohort (P = 0.004, HR = 2.688, 95% CI = [1.355, 5.333]). Based on this, a nomogram predicting survival outcome was developed with a C-index of 0.705. Furthermore, the addition of NTRK3 promoter methylation improved the performance of currently-used prognostic model (AIC: 516.49 vs 513.91; LR: 39.06 vs 43.64, P = 0.032). Finally, NTRK3 promoter methylation also predicted survival in other tumors, including pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma and stomach adenocarcinoma.Conclusions: This study highlights the essential value of NTRK3 methylation to evaluate prognosis risk, improve current prognostic models and the potential to guide treatment in CRC and other tumors.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Water Quality of the Public Swimming Pools in Klang Valley Malaysia
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Naim
Published: November 2020

Background: Water is essential for life and it is used for various activities such as drinking, bathing, and recreational purposes and also one of the modes of the transmission of the disease. Objective: The objective of this study to assess the present of bacteriological and the standard of physicochemical quality of swimming pools’ water in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. Methodology: Seven water sample collected from outdoor and indoor swimming pools (hotel, apartment and public swimming pool) in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. The water samples were collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters were determined using water quality testing kit pH & chlorine apparatuses. The water sample than had cultured and incubated. The presence of bacteria was counted by total bacterial count method. Result: The ranges of mean values of the various chlorine level parameters of the selected water samples investigated for the apartment, hotel and municipal were, 0.56±1.01, 0.77±0.95 and 1.19±0.91. All the physicochemical parameters except conductivity values were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards 2006 and American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas (ANSI/APSP) 2015. The mean standard plate count of water samples from the selected apartment, hotel, and municipal’s swimming pools were, 28407.14±28469.05, 8192.86±10556.36 and 3257.14±6250.17which above the WHO Guideline limit, thus signifying contamination. Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate cleansing of the pools and enforcement of standards by the government.
Comparing breastfeeding experiences between mothers spending the traditional Chinese confinement period in a confinement centre and those staying at home: a cohort study
Authors: Foong Siew Cheng , Tan May Loong , Foong Wai Cheng , Ho Jacqueline J , Rahim Fairuz Fadzilah
Published: November 2020

BackgroundEthnic Chinese mothers in Malaysia adhere to 30 days of traditional postpartum practices (the “confinement period”) aimed at recuperation after delivery. Recently there has been an emergence of confinement centres (CCs) where mothers stay and receive traditional confinement care. Ethnic Chinese mothers have low breastfeeding rates. There are concerns that practices in CCs could contribute to this but no data exists. We described mother’s breastfeeding experience at CCs and identify areas for potential improvement in breastfeeding support.MethodsEthnic Chinese mothers intending to breastfeed their healthy infants were recruited post-delivery between August and October 2017 then, at 1 and 6 months, were telephone interviewed about their experience. For every participant going to a CC, another mother going home was recruited.Chi-square test was used to compare groups and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of confinement place on exclusive breastfeeding. We defined exclusive breastfeeding according to the World Health Organisation’s definition which means no other food or drink, not even water, except breast milk (including milk expressed or from a donor).Results Of 187 mothers, 88(47%) went to CCs. Significantly more were primipara and fewer had previous breastfeeding experience. Response rates for the 1- and 6- month interviews were 88%(CC) versus 97%(home); and 77%(CC) versus 87%(home).Exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar between the groups: 62%(CC) versus 56%(home) at 1 month (p=0.4); and 37%(CC) versus 42%(home) at 6 months (p=0.5). Multiple logistic regression did not show that CCs were a factor affecting exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 month, (adjusted odds ratio(aOR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.9, 3.3), or 6 months (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4, 1.7). However, significantly more CC participants only fed expressed breast milk. Despite 66% of CC participants reporting that their centre supported breastfeeding, only 6(8%) CC participants compared to 66(69%) of home participants slept with their baby (p<0.001). The proportion encountering breastfeeding difficulties were similar between groups. CC participants sought help for breastfeeding problems mainly from CC staff and support groups while home participants obtained help from friends and healthcare professionals.ConclusionBreastfeeding rates appeared to be similar at CCs and home but there were gaps in how CCs supported breastfeeding. Targeted training to CC staff to support breastfeeding may result in better outcomes for mothers staying in CCs.
Clinical physiological parameters for the prediction of gram-negative bacterial infection in the emergency department
Authors: Hsu Chan-Peng , Chen Hsin-Yu , Chen Wei-Lung , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Huang Chien-Cheng , Wu Po-Han , Chung Jui-Yuan
Published: November 2020

Background: Early detection and treatment of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), major causative pathogens of sepsis (a potentially fatal condition caused by the body's response to an infection), may benefit a patient’s outcome, since the mortality rate increases by 5–10% for each hour of delayed therapy. Unfortunately, GNB diagnosis is based on bacterial culture, which is time consuming. Therefore, an economic and effective GNB (defined as a positive blood, sputum, or urine culture) infection detection tool in the emergency department (ED) is warranted.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the ED of a university-affiliated medical center between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age ≥ 18; (2) clinical suspicion of bacterial infection; (3) bacterial culture from blood, sputum, or urine ordered and obtained in the ED. Descriptive statistics was performed on patient demographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory data, infection sites, cultured microorganisms, and clinical outcomes. The accuracy of vital signs to predict GNB infection was identified via univariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: A total of 797 patients were included in this study; the mean age was 71.8 years and 51.3% were male. The odds ratios of patients with body temperature ≥ 38.5°C, heart rate ≥ 110 beats per minute, respiratory rate ≥ 20 breaths per minute, and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) < 14, in predicting GNB infection were found to be 2.3, 1.4, 1.9, and 1.6, respectively. The area under the curve values for ROC analysis of these measures were 0.70, 0.68, 0.69, and 0.67, respectively.Conclusion: The four physiological parameters were rapid and reliable independent predictors for detection of GNB infection.
Sex and FOXP3 gene rs2232365 polymorphism may be associated with the clinical and pathological aspects of chronic viral diseases
Authors: Pereira Leonn Mendes Soares , Madureira Max Willy da Silva , de Castro Renata Bezerra Hermes , Abreu Isabella Nogueira , Conde Simone Regina Souza da Silva , Demachki Sâmia , de Sousa Maisa Silva , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Silva Andrea Nazaré M. Rangel da , Lima Sandra Souza , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio C. R.
Published: November 2020

Background: The forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor is one of the main markers of immunological suppression in different pathological profiles, and the presence of polymorphic variants may alter the gene expression of this factor. Despite descriptions of an association between the presence of the rs2232365 polymorphism and chronic diseases, the role of the sex variant in this context has not yet been elucidated, as the FOXP3 gene is located on the human sex chromosome X. Results: To contribute to this topic, 323 women and 373 men were enrolled in the study, of which 101 were diagnosed with chronic viral liver diseases (39 women and 62 men), 67 with HTLV-1 infection (44 women and 23 men), 230 with coronary artery disease (91 women and 139 men) and 298 healthy and uninfected blood donors (149 women and men). They were genotyped for the rs2232365 polymorphism. The rs2232365 polymorphism was associated with clinical and pathological aspects and biomarkers of viral infections only in men, with functional differences between different infections. Conclusions: A relationship is suggested between sex and FOXP3 rs2232365 polymorphism, resulting in different biological repercussions.
The associations between social, built and geophysical environment and age-specific dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city
Authors: Ho Hung Chak , Fong Kenneth N.K. , Chan Ta-Chien , Shi Yuan
Published: November 2020

Background: Although socio-environmental factors which may affect dementia have widely been studied, the mortality of dementia and socio-environmental relationships among older adults have seldom been discussed.Method: A retrospective, observational study based on territory-wide register-based data was conducted to evaluate the relationships of four individual-level social measures, two community-level social measures, six short-term (temporally varying) environmental measures, and four long-term (spatially varying) environmental measures with dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city (Hong Kong), for the following decedents: 1) all deaths: age >=65, 2) “old-old”: age >= 85, 3) “mid-old”: aged 75 - 84, and 4) “young-old”: aged 65 – 74.Results: This study identified 5438 deaths (3771 old-old; 1439 mid-old; 228 young-old) from dementia out of 228,600 all-cause deaths among older adults in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2014. Generally, regional air pollution, being unmarried or female, older age, and daily O3 were associated with higher dementia mortality, while more urban compactness and greenness were linked to lower dementia mortality among older adults. Specifically, being unmarried and the age effect were associated with higher dementia mortality among the “old-old”, “mid-old” and “young-old”. Regional air pollution was linked to increased dementia mortality, while urban compactness and greenness were associated with lower dementia mortality among the “old-old” and “mid-old”. Higher daily O3 had higher dementia mortality, while districts with a greater percentage of residents whose native language is not Cantonese were linked to lower dementia mortality among the “old-old”. Economic inactivity was associated with increased dementia mortality among the “young-old”. Gender effect varied by age.Conclusion: The difference in strengths of association of various factors with dementia mortality among different age groups implies the need for a comprehensive framework for community health planning. In particular, strategies for air quality control, usage of greenspace and social space, and activity engagement to reduce vulnerability at all ages are warranted.
Blocked pollen release prevents fruit formation in the halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia in non-saline habitats
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Wang Baoshan
Published: November 2020

Background: Anther development affects the reproduction of flowering plants. Halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia can bear fruits when grown in saline soils. However, no fruits are born in non-saline soils. The possible reasons and differences in E. angustifolia under two conditions were elucidated. Results: We examined features including pollen vitality and germination, in situ pollen germination after natural and hand pollination, anthers after pollen release, and the transcriptome in anthers. No significant difference was observed in pollen vitality or stigma receptivity in E. angustifolia in non-saline vs. saline habitats. However, no pollen tubes were present in styles, and pollen grains were abundant in E. angustifolia anthers under non-saline conditions. Notably, many pollen tubes formed in styles of E. angustifolia after hand pollination in the non-saline habitat. And the differentially expressed genes in anthers from saline vs. non-saline habitats were mainly related to phytohormones, cell wall secondary thickening, transcription factors and ion transport. Conclusions: E. angustifolia fail to form fruits in non-saline habitats due to poor anther pollen release. The induction and coordinated upregulation of genes related to anther cell wall formation and JA biosynthesis likely contribute to anther dehiscence in E. angustifolia in saline habitats, whereas anther dehiscence is blocked in plants grown in non-saline habitats.
Prognostic implications of alcohol dehydrogenases in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiangye , Li Tingting , Kong Delong , You Hongjuan , Kong Fanyun , Tang Renxian
Published: November 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are huge family of dehydrogenase enzymes and associated with the prognosis of various cancers. However, comprehensive analysis of prognostic implications related to ADHs in HCC is still lacking and largely unknown. Methods: The expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to evaluate the expression of ADHs. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to investigate the association between clinicopathological characteristics and survival. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses were performed and visualized using R/BiocManager package. Results: We found that the expression of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was significantly downregulated in HCC samples compared to normal liver samples. Our univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses results showed that high expression of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was considered as an independent factor with an improved prognosis for the survival of HCC patients. Moreover, our Kaplan-Meier analysis results also revealed that high expression of AHD1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was significantly associated with good survival rate in HCC patients. In addition, GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses unveiled several oncogenic signaling pathways were negatively associated high expression of ADHs in HCC. Conclusion: In the present study, our results provide the potential prognostic biomarkers or molecular targets for the patients with HCC.
Circ6401, a novel circular RNA, is implicated in repair of the damaged endometrium by Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells through regulation of the miR-29b-1-5p/RAP1B axis
Authors: Shi Qin , Sun Baolan , Wang Di , Zhu Yi , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Xiaoqing , zhang yuquan
Published: November 2020

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert tissue repair effects and therapeutic angiogenesis through their noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Our previous studies showed that MSCs derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSCs) can ameliorate damaged human endometrium by promoting angiogenesis. There is limited information on the functions and mechanism of ncRNAs in MSC-induced endometrial repair, and additional studies are needed for more insights.Methods: Here, WJ-MSCs were cocultured with or without endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) damaged by mifepristone (cocultured group versus non-cocultured group). TUNEL staining assays, EdU proliferation assays, flow cytometry apoptosis assays, and western blot assays were performed to observe the reparative effect of WJ-MSCs on damaged ESCs. Subsequently, circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNA microarrays were performed between the two groups. A subset of top upregulated circRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. The functions of circ6401 (hsa_circ_0006401) in WJ-MSCs were investigated using lentivirus-mediated circRNA overexpression assays. The subcellular localization of circ6401 and miR-29b-1-5p in WJ-MSCs was identified by double RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and western blot assays were performed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms among circ6401, miR-29b-1-5p, and RAP1B. Results: WJ-MSCs significantly improved ESC proliferation and upregulated the expression of vascular angiogenesis markers. Circ6401 was upregulated in WJ-MSCs cocultured with damaged ESCs, while miR-29b-1-5p was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, circ6401 was found to bind to miR-29b-1-5p and prevent it from decreasing the level of RAP1B, a crucial protein involved in the VEGF signaling pathway, which promoted angiogenesis and stimulated the proliferation of ESCs.Conclusions: Our results showed the abundance and regulation profiles of ncRNAs of WJ-MSCs during repair of damaged ESCs, and for the first time, clarified the underlying mechanism by which circ6401 promotes endometrial repair by WJ-MSCs; thus, demonstrating that circ6401 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Association of Leptin and Adiponectin with Risk and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Combination of Traditional, Survival and Dose-response Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lilong , Yuan Qihang , Li Man , Chai Dongqi , Deng Wenhong , Wang Wei-Xing
Published: November 2020

Background: The association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk as well as prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been investigated by an increasing number of studies, but the results were controversial.Methods: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between leptin, adiponectin levels and risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, Clinicaltrials, and Opengrey were searched, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and main texts were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data.Results: Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000) , the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher adiponectin levels than the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-1.30, 0.29), P= 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766).Conclusion: The study shows that high leptin levels are associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels are proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and are related to the poor prognosis.
Understanding equity of institutional delivery in public health centre by level of care in India: An assessment using Benefit Incidence Analysis
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Mishra Radhe Shyam , Mishra Suyash , Sen Soumendu
Published: November 2020

Background: The National Health Mission (NHM), the largest ever publicly funded health programme worldwide, used over half of the national health budget in India and primarily aimed to improve maternal and child health in the country. Though large scale public health investment in India has improved the health care utilization and health outcomes across states and socio-economic groups, little is known on the equity concern of NHM. In this context, this paper examines the utilization pattern and net benefit of public subsidy for institutional delivery by the level of care in India. Methods: Data from the most recent round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 4), conducted during 2015-16, was used in the study. A total of 148,645 last birth delivered in a health centre during the five years preceding the survey were used for the analyses. Out-of-pocket (OOP) payment on delivery care was taken as the dependent variable and was analysed by primary care and secondary level of care. Benefits Incidence Analysis (BIA), descriptive statistics, concentration index (CI), and concentration curve (CC) were used to do the analysis. Results: Institutional delivery from the public health centres in India is pro-poor and has a strong economic gradient. About 28% mothers from richest wealth quintile did not pay for delivery in public health centres compared to 16% among the poorest wealth quintile. Benefit incidence analyses suggests a pro-poor distribution of institutional delivery both at primary and secondary level of care. In 2015-16, at the primary level, about 32.29% of subsidies were used by the poorest, 27.22% by poorer, 20.39% by middle, 13.36% by richer and 6.73% by the richest wealth quintile. The pattern at the secondary level was similar, though the magnitude was lower. The concentration index of institutional delivery in public health centres was -0.161 [95% CI: -0.158, -0.165] compared to 0.296 [95% CI: 0.289, 0.303] from private health centres.Conclusion: Provision and use of public subsidy for institutional delivery in public health centres is pro-poor in India. Improving the quality of service in primary health centres is recommended to increase utilisation and reduce OOP payment for health care in India.
Intramuscular injection of Botox causes tendon atrophy by induction of senescence of tendon-derived stem cells
Authors: Chen Peilin , Chen Ziming , Mitchell Christopher , Gao Junjie , Chen Lianzhi , Wang Allan , Leys Toby , Landao-Bossonga Euphemie , Zheng Qiujian , Wang Tao , Zheng Minghao
Published: November 2020

Background: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection is in widespread clinical use for the treatment of muscle spasms and tendinopathy but the mechanism of action is poorly understood.Hypothesis:We hypothesised that the reduction of patellar-tendon mechanical-loading following intra-muscular injection of Botox results in tendon atrophy that is at least in part mediated by the induction of senescence of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs).Study Design:Controlled laboratory studyMethods:A total of 36 mice were randomly divided into 2 groups (18 Botox-injected and 18 vehicle-only control). Mice were injected into the right vastus lateralis of quadriceps muscles either with Botox (to induce mechanical stress deprivation of the patellar tendon) or with normal saline as a control. At 2 weeks post-injection, animals were euthanized prior to tissues being harvested for either evaluation of tendon morphology or in vitro studies. TDSCs were isolated by cell-sorting prior to determination of viability, differentiation capacity or the presence of senescence markers, as well as assessing their response to mechanical loading in a bioreactor. Finally, to examine the mechanism of tendon atrophy in vitro, the PTEN/AKT mediated cell senescence pathway were evaluated in TDSCs from both groups.Results:Two weeks after Botox injection, patellar tendons displayed several atrophic features including tissue volume reduction, collagen fibre misalignment and increased degradation. A colony formation assay revealed a significantly reduced number of colony forming units of TDSCs in the Botox injected group compared to controls. Multipotent differentiation capacities of TDSCs were also diminished after Botox injection. To examine if mechanically deprived TDSC are capable of forming tendon tissue, we used an isolated bioreactor system to culture tendon constructs using TDSC. These results showed that TDSCs from the Botox-treated group failed to restore tenogenic differentiation after appropriate mechanical loading. Examination of the signalling pathway revealed that injection of Botox into quadriceps muscles causes PTEN/AKT mediated cell senescence of TDSCs.Conclusion:Intramuscular injection of Botox interferes with tendon homeostasis by inducing tendon atrophy and senescence of TDSCs. Botox injection may have long-term adverse consequences for the treatment of tendinopathy.Clinical relevance:Intramuscular Botox injection for tendinopathy or tendon injury could result in adverse effects in human tendons and evaluation of its long-term efficacy is warranted.
Protecting benzylic C–H bonds by deuteration doubles the operational lifetime of deep blue Ir-phenylimidazole dopants in phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Bae Hyejin , Kim Jong Soo , Yakubovich Alexander , Jeong Jinhoon , Park Sangho , Chwae Jun , Ishibe Satoko , Son Won-Joon , Jung Yongsik , Kim Sunghan , Choi Hyeonho , Baik Mu-Hyun
Published: November 2020

Much effort has been dedicated to increase the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent materials in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), but the reported device lifetimes are still too short for the industrial applications. An attractive method for increasing the lifetime of a given emitter without making any chemical change is exploiting the kinetic isotope effect, where key C–H bonds are deuterated. A computer model identified that the most vulnerable molecular site in an Ir-phenylimidazole dopant is the benzylic C–H bond and predicted that deuteration may lower the deactivation pathway involving C–H/D cleavage notably. Experiments showed that the device lifetime (T70) of a prototype phosphorescent OLED device could be doubled to 355 hours with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 25.1% at 1000 cd/m2. This is one of the best operational performances of blue phosphorescent OLEDs observed to date in a single stacked cell.
The Media Image of the North Caucasus in the Chechen Republic Mass Media as an Instrument of National Identification
Authors:   Russian Academy of National Economy  and Public Service, Alexander Y. Evseev , Irina V. Erofeeva ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: November 2020

The topicality of the research is caused by the totality of the modern media influence on an image of a particular territory in mass conscience. The article characterizes the system of the Chechen media as an information platform for promoting the image of the North Caucasus, and offers its image projection in the media of the Republic, taking into account the mental characteristics of the inhabitants of the region. The article aims at revealing communicative possibilities for modeling the Northern Caucasus image by the media resources of the Chechen Republic in the system of successful territorial branding, and presenting the media image role in forming national identity. Axiology of the media image is presented through linguistic and cultural analysis based on the inseparable unity of the language and culture of the society. Our interdisciplinary research was conducted using a structural-functional approach and discourse-analysis, which allowed us to reveal format and content features of constructing and advancing the media image. Basic media image features are intended to awake a man’s cultural memory and his national identity ‒ a feeling of belonging to a socio-code meaningful for a particular territory. The conclusion can be drawn that it is necessary to fundamentally readjust the media image taking into account the characteristics of perception and expectations of the audience. We stress the importance of changes in the presentation of information materials about the region. There is a need for regular and systematic work on neutralizing the negative stereotypes and constructing the effective media image of the Northern Caucasus as an instrument for the consolidation of the population and person’s cultural identification. The dominating idea for the strategy of advancing the media image of a multiethnic region should be the real integration of territorial, ethnopolitical, economic, and sociocultural interests of the population of this mountainous region. The article materials can be important as part of basic research dealing with the main features of representation of the territorial image with different characteristics in the mass media. Keywords: media image, Northern Caucasus, Chechen Republic, national identification, public opinion, image, media influence
The Cruel Reality of Phantasmagoria
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Sergey N. Il’chenko
Published: November 2020

The article is a review of the book by the famous Russian writer Zakhar Prilepin Some will not go to hell. Its plot is based on personal impressions that the author received during his stay in the ranks of the DPR militia for several years. The genre originality of the book is a combination of an obvious journalistic style of presentation of dramatic events and an original attempt to create a portrait of the leader of the Donetsk people’s Republic, Aleksandr Zakharchenko. Zakhar Prilepin was close to him, enjoyed his trust, often met with him and discussed not only the military situation around the Donbass region, but also the possible prospects for the region’s existence in the near future. The book contains many unexpected observations, exceptional details and information that turns it into a literary document of the time. In fact, the writer reveals a truly phantasmagoric picture of the semi-peaceful-semi-military existence of the inhabitants of the self-proclaimed Republic. Keywords: Zakhar Prilepin, Aleksandr Zakharchenko, Donbass, war, peace, civilians, militia