bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Enriched Pathways in SARS-CoV-2/ COVID-19 using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Alshabi Ali Mohamed , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Vastrad Basavaraj Mallikarjunayya , Vastrad Chanabasayya Mallikarjunayya
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe exact molecular mechanisms of the progression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remain unclear. The current investigation strived to understand and functionally analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mock samples applying extensive bioinformatics analyses.MethodsGSE148729 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and investigated utilising the limma package in R software to identify DEGs. Pathway and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the up and down-regulated genes were performed in ToppGene. The HIPPIE database was applied to estimate the interactions of up and down-regulated genes and to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was utilized for validation.ResultsA total of 928 DEGs (461 up-regulated genes and 467 down-regulated genes) were identified between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mock samples. The up and down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. Several significant GO terms, including the response to biotic stimulus and oxoacid metabolic process, were identified. The top hub genes and target genes included JUN, FBXO6, PCLAF, CFTR, TXNIP, PMAIP1, BRI3BP, FAHD1, PROX1, CXCL11, SERHL2 and CFI. ROC curve analysis showed that messenger RNA levels of these ten genes (DDX58, IFITM2, IRF1, PML, SAMHD1, ACSS1, CYP2U1, DDC, PNMT and UGT2A3) exhibited better diagnostic efficiency between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mock.ConclusionsThe current investigation distinguished vital genes and pathways that may be implicated in the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing a new understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A Mutational Signature that Predicts Prognosis and Benefit of Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Liang , Lin Yanyun , Chen Xijie , Zheng Lisheng , Cheng Yufeng , Hu Jiancong , Zheng Bin , Zhang Bin , Li Guanman , Chi Zengjie , Guo Shuang , Liu Danling , He Xiaosheng , Lan Ping
Published: December 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by broad genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity. However, the genomic basis of this variability remains poorly understood. Our pilot study identified mutated genes were associated with immune infiltration. This study aims to explore a novel mutational signature (MS) in tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC.Methods: We integrated single nucleotide variation and transcriptome data and collected corresponding clinicopathologic information from 1,133 and 588 CRC patients of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases, respectively. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to identify the subtypes of CRC based on the immune genomes of 29 immune signatures. CIBERSORT was used to analyze the infiltration of 22 immune cell types in the TME and immune-related gene expression CRC tissues. Results: In the training cohort, we identified a novel MS consisting of 27 genes and generated a prognostic model that classifies patients into high- and low-risk groups. The low-risk group was associated with better survival and more tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and mismatch repair deficiency. The data were all verified in the validation set. Further analysis revealed that the MS was associated with tumor immunogenicity and immunocyte infiltration, and the determined risk score (RS) could be an index for the immunity level.Conclusion: We identified a MS that could assist clinicians to select immunotherapy responsive patients and the combination of RS and TNM stage could provide comprehensive prognostic information for CRC.
Efficacy of Early Administration of Liposomal Amphotericin B in Patients with Septic Shock: A Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Tashiro Masato , Takazono Takahiro , Ota Yuki , Wakamura Tomotaro , Takahashi Akinori , Sato Kumiko , Miyazaki Taiga , Obata Yoko , Nishino Tomoya , Izumikawa Koichi
Published: December 2020

To determine the most suitable time to initiate liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) treatment in patients with invasive fungal infections, patients with septic shock treated with L-AMB were identified from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination national database to determine their survival rates following septic shock onset, mortality during shock, and shock cessation period. We identified 141 patients administered L-AMB: 60 patients received treatment on the day of septic shock onset (early L-AMB group), whereas 81 patients received treatment after the onset (delayed L-AMB group). Survival rates after septic shock onset were higher in the early L-AMB group than in the delayed L-AMB group (4 weeks: 68.4% vs 57.9%, P=0.197; 6 weeks: 62.2% vs 44.5%, P=0.061; 12 weeks: 43.4% vs 35.0%, P=0.168, respectively). Mortality during septic shock was significantly lower in the early L-AMB group than in the delayed L-AMB group (13% vs 42%, P<0.001), with a significant difference confirmed after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio: 0.240, 95% confidence interval: 0.096-0.601, P=0.002). Septic shock cessation period was shorter in the early L-AMB group than in the delayed L-AMB group (7.0±7.0 days vs 16.5±15.4 days, P<0.001). L-AMB administration at septic shock onset could be associated with early shock cessation and decreased mortality.
Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 Detected by Immunohistochemical Is an Independent Poor Prognostic Marker in Men Receiving Adjuvant Androgen-Deprivation Therapy After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Zhang Yucong , Long Gongwei , Sun Guoliang , Liu Man , Li Fan , Yang Chunguang , Zeng Xing , Yang Jun , Yu Xiao , Wang Zhihua , Liu Zheng , Guan Wei , Hu Zhiquan , Wang Shaogang , Liu Xiaming , Li Heng , Xu Hua , Ye Zhangqun
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the predictive value of AR-V7 expression detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) in the prognosis of prostate cancer patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT) following by radical prostatectomy (RP).Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 110 patients with prostate cancer receiving RP, followed by AHT, from Tongji hospital. IHC analysis of AR-V7 expression was performed in a retrospective cohort. Results: In total, 110 patients were enrolled, of whom 21 patients (19.1%) were AR-V7-positive and 89 patients (80.9%) were AR-V7-negative. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. AR-V7-positive patients had shorter progression‑free survival (PFS) (HR: 4.26; 95% CI, 1.55 to 11.68; P=0.003), shorter (cancer-special survival) CSS (HR: 22.47; 95% CI, 2.912 to 173.4; P=0.003) and shorter overall survival (OS ) (HR: 6.61; 95% CI, 1.40 to 31.20; P=0.017) compared to AR-V7-negative patients. In multivariate analysis, AR-V7 is an independent risk factor for shorter PFS (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.63 to 8.70; P=0.002), shorter CSS (HR: 9.17; 95% CI, 1.48 to 55.56; P=0.017) and shorter OS (HR: 4.81; 95% CI, 1.28 to 17.86; P=0.020).Conclusion: The presence of AR-V7 in prostate cancer tissue is independently associated with an unfavorable prognosis for PFS, OS and CSS in patients who received AHT.
Overexpression of ID1 mediates resistance to osimertinib in T790M positive non-small cell lung cancer through epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Liu Kejun , Fang Nianxin , Wu Ligang , Chen Shiyuan , Cai Limin , Jia Jun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To analyzed the effect of ID1 overexpression on osimertinib resistance to T790M positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods

We established drug resistant cell line H1975/OR from osimertinib sensitive cell line H1975. Protein alterations of ID1 and Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected with western blot analysis. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the differences of gene mRNA. ID1 silencing and overexpression was used to investigate the effect of related gene on osimertinib resistance. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) was used to assess proliferation rate of ID1 differently expressed cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis was compared using flow cytometry.
Results

In our study, we found that in osimertinib resistant NSCLC cells, the expression level of EMT related protein E-cadherin was lower than that of sensitive cells, while the expression level of ID1 and vimentin was higher than that of sensitive cells. ID1 expression level was closely related to E-cadherin and vimentin both in osimertinib sensitive and resistant cells. Alteration of ID1 expression in H1975/OR cells could change the expression of E-cadherin. Downregulating ID1 expression of H1975/OR cells could promote the apoptosis induced by osimertinib and block cell cycle at G1/G0 stage. Our study indicated that ID1 may induce EMT in T790M positive NSCLC, which mediates drug resistance of osimertinib.
Conclusions

Our study reveal the mechanism of ID1 mediated resistance to osimertinib in T790M positive NSCLC through EMT, which may provide new ideas and methods for treatment of EGFR mutated NSCLC after osimertinib resistance.
Unwrapping the Surprisingly High Risk of Dying from Cardiovascular Disease at Christmas: The HUNT Prospective Population-based Cohort Study in Norway
Authors: Moholdt Trine , Afoakwah Clifford , Scuffham Paul , McDonald Christine , Burrell Louise , Stewart Simon
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAlthough it is known that winter inclusive of the Christams holiday period is associated with an increased risk of dying compared to other times of the year, very few studies have specifically examined this phenomenon within a population cohort subject to baseline profiling and prospective follow-up. In such a cohort, we sought to determine the specific characteristics of mortality occuring during the Christmas holidays. MethodsBaseline profiling and outcome data were derived from a prospective population-based cohort with longitudinal follow-up in Central Norway - the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. From 1984-1986, 88% of the target population comprising 39,273 men and 40,353 women aged 48±18 and 50±18 years, respectively, were profiled. We examined the long-term pattern of all-cause mortality and specific causes of death according to season, month and individual days of the year to determine the number of excess (cause-specific) deaths occuring at key timepoints (including the Christmas holidays). ResultsDuring 33.5 (IQR 17.1-34.4) years follow-up, 19,879 (50.7%) men and 19,316 (49.3%) women died at age-adjusted rate of 5.3 and 4.6 deaths per 1000/annum, respectively. Each winter, there were 44 (95% CI 43-45) more all-cause deaths compared to summer, with 21 (95% CI 20-22) more deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease. Compared to any other time of the year, December 25th-27th was the deadliest; being associated with an excess of 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.5) all-cause and 1.0 (95% CI 0.7-1.3) cardiovascular-related deaths per day each year. Compared to the pre-Christmas/Winter period (1st-21st December), the incidence rate ratio of all-cause mortality increased to 1.22 (95% CI 1.16-1.27) and 1.17 (95% 1.11-1.22) in men and women, respectively, in the next 21 days (Christmas/New Year holiday period). All observed differences were highly significant (P<0.001). A less pronounced pattern of seasonally-linked deaths attributable to respiratory illnesses (but not cancer) was also observed.ConclusionChristmas in Central Norway is characterised by a distinctive change and increase in cardiovascular-related mortality over and above that observed between winter (more deaths) and summer (fewer deaths). This distinctive pattern contrasted with cancer-related deaths. Further research to address vulnerability to the darker consequences of winter and, more specifically Christmas, is required.
Loss of Aklotho Causes Reduced Motor Ability and Short Lifespan in Zebrafish
Authors: Ogura Yurie , Ujibe Kota , Wakamatsu Yuma , Hirata Hiromi
Published: December 2020

The klotho gene encodes a transmembrane protein aKlotho that interacts with a fibroblast growth factor receptor in renal tubular epithelial cells and functions as a co-receptor for FGF23, which is an osteocytes-derived hormone. It is known that this bone-to-kidney signal promotes urinary phosphate excretion. Interestingly, aKlotho-deficient mice show accelerated aging and shortened life span in addition to dysregulation of serum phosphorus. However, physiological basis of aging-related function of aklotho and its generality in animals remain unclear. The aklotho-deficient vertebrate animals other than mice have been awaited as an alternative premature aging model. We here employed zebrafish in our aklotho study and revealed that aklotho mutant zebrafish appear to be normal at 3 months postfertilization (mpf) in young adults but eventually undergo premature death by 9 mpf, while normal zebrafish is known to survive for 42 months. We also assessed motor ability of zebrafish in a forced swimming assay and found that aklotho mutant zebrafish displayed reduced swimming performance before their survival declined. A recent study also reported a similar finding that aklotho-deficient zebrafish exhibited short life span and reduced spontaneous movements. Taken together, these results suggest that aKlotho mutant zebrafish show premature aging and are useful to investigate aging in vertebrates.
Sensory Geneidentificationin the Transcriptome of the Ectoparasitoid Quadrastichus Mendeliinthe Eucalyptus Gall wasp Leptocybe Invasa
Authors: Huang You , Wang Yun , Lu Wen , Zheng Lin
Published: December 2020

Gall-inducing insects live within plant tissues and induce tumor-like growth that provides insects with food, shelter, and protection from natural enemies. Interestingly, these insects can be precisely targeted by parasitoids. However, the chemical mechanism of the host location by parasitoids of gall-inducing insects has not been elucidated. Empirical evidence has shown that sensory genes play a key role in the host location of parasitoids. To date, the sensory genes that regulate parasitoids to locate gall-inducing insects have not been uncovered. An obligate ectoparasitoid, Quadrastichus mendeli Kim & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), is one of the most important parasitoids of Leptocybe invasa, which is a global gall-making pest in eucalyptus plantations. Therefore, Q. mendeli - L. invasa provides an ideal system to study the way that parasitoids use sensory genes in gall-making pests. In this study, we present the transcriptome of Q. mendeli using high-throughput sequencing. In total, 31820 transcripts were obtained and assembled into 26925 unigenes in Q. mendeli. Then, the major sensory genes were identified, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with these genes from Q. mendeli and other model insect species. Three chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 10 gustatory receptors (GRs), 21 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 58 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 30 odorant receptors (ORs) and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were identified in Q. mendeli by bioinformatics analysis. Our report is the first to obtain abundant biological information on the transcriptome of Q. mendeli that provided valuable information regarding the molecular basis of Q. mendeli perception, and it may help to understand the host location of parasitoids of gall-making pests.
Thermal Transport Investigation in AA7072 and AA7075 Aluminum Alloys Nanomaterials Based Radiative Nanofluids by Considering The Multiple Physical Flow Conditions
Authors: Abbasi Adnan , Khan Umar , Ahmed Naveed , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef
Published: December 2020

In recent time, variety of nanomaterials have been reported in scientific literature, among these Aluminum Alloys AA7072 and AA705 are significant with thermal, physical and mechanical characteristics. These extensively used in manufacturing of spacecraft, aircraft parts and building testing. Keeping in view the significance of nanoliquids, the analysis of methanol suspended by AA7072 and AA7075 alloys under the multiple physical flow conditions is reported. The model is successfully treated by coupling of RK and shooting algorithm and examined the results for the flow regimes by altering ingrained physical parameters. Then physical interpretation of the results discussed comprehensively.
The potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on maternal and child undernutrition in low and middle income countries
Authors: Osendarp Saskia , Akuoku Jonathan , Black Robert , Headey Derek , Ruel Marie , Scott Nick , Shekar Meera , Walker Neff , Flory Augustin , Haddad Lawrence , Laborde David , Stegmuller Angela , Thomas Milan , Heidkamp Rebecca
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19-related economic crisis and food- and health-system disruptions threaten to exacerbate undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We used three modelling tools (MIRAGRODEP, Lives Saved Tool, and Optima Nutrition Tool) to estimate impacts on child stunting, wasting, and mortality, maternal anemia, children born to low BMI women, and future productivity losses for three scenarios across 2020–2022 (n = 118 LMICs). We also estimated the additional cost of mitigation for six nutrition interventions to maximize non-stunted and alive children. By 2022 COVID-19 could result in an additional 9.3 million wasted and 2.6 million stunted children, 168,000 additional child-deaths 2.1 million maternal anemia cases, 2.1 million children born to low BMI women and US$29.7 billion future productivity losses due to excess stunting and child mortality. An additional $1.2 billion per year is needed to mitigate these effects. Governments and donors must maintain nutrition as a priority, continue to support resilient systems, and ensure efficient use of new and existing resources.
Missed Opportunities in Tuberculosis Investigation and Associated Factors at Public Health Facilities in Uganda 
Authors: Kakame Keith , Namuhani Noel , Kazibwe Andrew , Bongomin Felix , Baluku Joseph , Baine Sebastian
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is high in Uganda; yet, TB case detection is low. A recent national TB prevalence survey revealed that only 16% of presumptive TB patients seeking care at health facilities were offered sputum microscopy or chest-X ray (CXR). The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of, and patient factors associated with missed opportunities in TB investigation at public health facilities of Wakiso District in Uganda.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at 10 high volume public health facilities offering comprehensive TB services in Wakiso, Uganda, among adults (≥18 years) with at least one symptom suggestive of TB predefined according to World Health Organisation criteria. Using exit interviews, data on demographics, TB symptoms, and clinical data relevant to TB were collected. A missed opportunity in TB investigation was defined as a patient with symptoms suggestive of TB who did not have sputum and/or CXR evaluation to rule out TB. Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with missed opportunities in TB investigation using STATA 14.ResultsTwo hundred forty seven presumptive TB patients were recruited into this study exiting at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics (n=132) or general outpatient clinics (n=115) at public health facilities. Majority of participants were females (161/247, 65.2%) and the mean +SD age was 35.1 + 11.5 years. Sputum and/or CXR were not requested from 138 (55.9%) patients with symptoms suggestive of TB disease. Patients who did not inform health workers about TB related symptoms were more likely to miss a TB investigation (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.68, 95%CI; 1.36-2.08, P<0.001). Conclusion; A large proportion of patients with symptoms suggestive of TB did not have sputum and/ or CXR requested for investigation. Patients who did not inform health workers about their TB related symptoms were more likely to miss having sputum and/ or CXR requested. We recommend studies to explore barriers and facilitators of disclosure of TB symptoms to enable formulation of effective interventions to empower people to improve likelihood of disclosing TB related symptoms.
Impact of an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit on Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Suarez-Cuartin Guillermo , Gasa Merce , Bermudo Guadalupe , Ruiz-Albert Yolanda , Hernandez-Argudo Marta , Marin Alfredo , Trias-Sabria Pere , Cordoba Ana , Ariza Albert , Sabater Joan , Romero Nuria , Subirana Cristina , Molina-Molina Maria , Santos Salud
Published: December 2020

Background: Many severe COVID-19 patients require respiratory support and monitoring. An intermediate respiratory care unit (IMCU) may be a valuable element for optimizing patient care and limited health-care resources management. We aim to assess the impact of an IMCU in the management of severe COVID-19.Methods: Observational, retrospective study including patients admitted to the IMCU due to COVID-19 pneumonia during the months of March and April 2020. Patients were stratified based on their requirement of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and on survival status at the end of follow-up. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards method was used to assess risk factors associated with mortality.Results: A total of 253 patients were included. Of them, 68% were male and median age was 65 years (IQR 18 years). Ninety-two patients (36.4%) required ICU transfer. Patients transferred to the ICU had a higher mortality rate (44.6% Vs 24.2%; p<0.001). Multivariable proportional hazards model showed that age ³65 years (HR 4.14; 95%CI 2.31-7.42; p<0.001); chronic respiratory conditions (HR 2.34; 95%CI 1.38-3.99; p=0.002) and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.96; 95%CI 1.61-5.43; p<0.001) were independently associated with mortality. High-dose systemic corticosteroids followed by progressive dose tapering showed a lower risk of death (HR 0.15; 95%CI 0.06-0.40; p<0.001). Conclusions: IMCU allow to safely and effectively manage severe COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support and non-invasive monitoring, therefore reducing ICU burden. Older age and chronic respiratory or renal conditions are associated with worse clinical outcomes, while treatment with systemic corticosteroids may have a protective effect on mortality.
Pyramiding of Cry Toxins and Methanol Producing Genes to Increase Insect Resistance in Cotton
Authors: Youlu Yuan , Razzaq Abdul , Ali Arfan , Zafar Muhammad , Xiaoying Deng , Pengtao Li , Qun Ge , Ahsraf Muhammad , Ren Maozhi , Gong Wankui
Published: December 2020

The idea of enhanced methanol production from cell wall by pectin methyl esterase enzymes (PME) combined with expression of cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis as a strategy to improve pests control in cotton is presented. We constructed a cassette containing two cry genes (cry1Fa and Cry32Aa) and two pme genes, one from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPME), and other from Aspergillus niger (AnPME) in pCAMBIA1301 plant expression vector using CAMV-35S promoter. This construction was transformed in Eagle-2 cotton variety using shoot apex-cut Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The expression of cry genes and pme genes was confirmed by qPCR. Methanol production was measured in control and in the cry and pme transformed plants showing methanol production only in transformed plants, then the non-transgenic cotton plants. Finally, insect bioassays performed with transgenic plants expressing cry and pme genes, showed 100 % mortality for Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) larvae, 70% mortality for pectinophore gossypiella (pink bollworm) larvae and 95% mortality of Earias fabia, (spotted bollworm) larvae, that was higher than the transgenic plants expressing only cry genes that showed 84%, 49% and 79% mortality, respectively. These results demonstrate that Bt. cry-genes coupled with pme genes is an effective strategy to improve the control of different insect pests.
Cuticle Secretion Duration in the Uterus Is One of the Major Factors Affecting Eggshell Cuticle Deposition in White Leghorn Laying Hens
Authors: CHEN Xia , HE Zhaoxiang , LI Xingzheng , SONG Jianlou , HUANG Mingyi , SHI Xuefeng , LI Xianyu , LI Junying , XU Guiyun , YANG Ning , ZHENG Jiangxia
Published: December 2020

Background: The cuticle formed in the uterus is the outermost layer as the first defense line of eggshell against microbial invasions in most avian species, and analyzing its genetic regulation and influencing factors are of great importance to egg biosecurity in poultry production. The current study compared the uterine transcriptome and proteome of laying hens producing eggs with good and poor cuticle deposition (GC and PC, the top and tail of the cuticle deposition distribution), and identified several genes involved with eggshell cuticle deposition.Results: Overall, transcriptomic analysis identified 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PC vs GC group hens, among which 25 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. No differences were found in the uterine proteome. Several up-regulated DEGs of PC vs GC hen uterus, including PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR related to uterine functions and reproductive hormones, were validated by qPCR analysis. Phenotypic measurements for verification between GC and PC hens showed GC hens had longer laying interval between two consecutive ovipositions (25.64 ± 1.23 vs 24.94 ± 1.12 h), thicker eggshell thickness (352.01 ± 23.04 vs 316.20 ± 30.58 μm) and more laying days (20.67 ± 2.58 vs 18.48 ± 2.46) within 27 laying days (P < 0.05). Apart from eggshell traits, other egg quality traits didn’t differ. The results above suggested that the expression patterns of PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR genes in the uterus regulated the muscular activity rhythm and secretion function, which ensured the eggshell and cuticle formation duration, and lead to the good eggshell and cuticle quality of the GC hens.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated eggshell and cuticle secretion duration in the uterus is one of the major factors affecting eggshell cuticle deposition in laying hens. PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR genes were discovered and might play crucial roles in cuticle deposition by regulating the uterine muscular activities and secretion function. Moreover, the cuticle is associated with the eggshell quality and laying performance, implying the importance of selection to the cuticle trait in laying hens. The findings in present study provide new insights into the genetic regulation of cuticle deposition in laying hens and establish a foundation for further investigations.
Extraction of bioactive compounds from Psidium guajava leaves and its utilization in preparation of jellies
Authors: N.S. Sampath Kumar , Sarbon Norizah Mhd , Rana Sandeep Singh , Chintagunta Anjani Devi , S Prathibha , Ingilala Satheesh Kumar , S.P. Jeevan Kumar , B Sai Anvesh , Dirisala Vijaya Ramu
Published: December 2020

Psidium guajava (guava) is predominantly grown in India and known for its medicinal properties in treating various diseases and disorders. The present work focuses on aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds from the guava leaf and its utilization in the formulation of jelly to improve the public health. The guava leaf extract has been used in the preparation of jelly with pectin (1.5 g), sugar (28 g) and lemon juice (2 mL). The prepared guava leaf extract jelly (GJ) and the control jelly (CJ, without extract) were subjected to proximate, nutritional and textural analyses besides determination of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. GJ was found to contain carbohydrate (45.78 g/100 g), protein (3.0 g/100 g), vitamin C (6.15 mg/100 g), vitamin B3 (2.90 mg/100 g) and energy (120.6 kcal). Further, the texture analysis of CJ and GJ indicated that both the jellies showed similar properties emphasizing that the addition of guava leaf extract does not bring any change in the texture properties of jelly. GJ exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacteria ranging from 11.4–13.6 mm. Similarly, GJ showed antioxidant activity of 42.38% against DPPH radical and 33.45% against hydroxyl radical. Mass spectroscopic analysis of aqueous extract confirmed the presence of esculin, quercetin, gallocatechin, 3-Sinapoylquinic acid, gallic acid, citric acid and ellagic acid which are responsible for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The Context of Hypertension Management in India: A National Assessment of the Potential for Digital Technology Interventions in the Public Health Care System
Authors: Patel Shivani A , Vashist Kushagra , Jarhyan Prashant , Sharma Hanspria , Gupta Priti , Jindal Devraj , Venkateshmur Nikhil Srinivasapura , Pfadenhauer Lisa , Mohan Sailesh , Tandon Nikhil
Published: December 2020

ImportanceThere is substantial interest in leveraging digital health technology to support hypertension management in low- and middle-income countries such as India. The potential for healthcare infrastructure and broader context to support such initiatives in the public healthcare system in India has not been examined.ObjectiveWe evaluated existing healthcare infrastructure to support digital health interventions and examined epidemiologic, socioeconomic, and geographical contextual correlates of healthcare infrastructure in 544 districts covering 29 states and union territories across India.DesignCross-sectional analysis of India’s Fourth District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-4; 2012-2014), the most up-to-date district-level healthcare infrastructure data. Facilities were the unit of analysis and analyses accounted for clustering within states.SettingNationally representative data of health facilities across India.ParticipantsThe target sample was all health facilities within the government healthcare system.ExposuresEpidemiologic, socioeconomic, and geographical context.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)Healthcare system infrastructural context to implement hypertension management programs. Domains included diagnostics (functional BP instrument) medications (anti-hypertensive medication in stock), essential clinical staff (e.g., staff nurse, medical officer, pharmacist), and IT specific infrastructure (regular power supply, internet connection, computer availability). Infrastructure indicators were based on the Indian Public Health Standards.ResultsData from 32,215 government facilities were analyzed. Among lowest-tier subcenters, 30% had some IT infrastructure, while at the highest-tier district hospitals, 92% possessed IT infrastructure. At mid-tier primary health centres and community health centres, IT infrastructure availability was 29% and 51%, respectively. For all but sub-centres, the availability of essential staff was lower than the availability of IT infrastructure. For all but district hospitals, higher levels of blood pressure, body mass index, and urban residents were correlated with more favorable infrastructure. By region, districts in Western India tended towards having the best prepared health facilities.Conclusions and RelevanceIT infrastructure to support digital health interventions is more frequently lacking at lower and mid-tier healthcare facilities compared with apex facilities in India. Gaps were generally larger for staffing than physical infrastructure, suggesting that beyond IT infrastructure, shortages in essential staff pose as significant constraints to the adoption of digital health interventions. These data provide early benchmarks for state- and district level planning.
Enablers and Barriers to Implement COVID-19 Measures in Long-term Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Implementation Science Assessment in Chile
Authors: Salas Jorge Browne , Palacios Josefa , Dintrans Pablo Villalobos , Madero-Cabib Ignacio , Quilodran Rocio , Ceriani Alejandro , Meza Danilo
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe COVID-19 affected disproportionately older people, and particularly people living in long-term care facilities. Considering this problem, the Chilean government issued a series of guidelines and protocols to prevent and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in these facilities. MethodsThis study aims to identify barriers and enablers that affect the implementation of these prevention and management measures. For the analysis, we used an implementation science approach and a mixed-method strategy—survey to facilities’ managers and interviews to carers—, classifying enablers and barriers into four categories: agreement with the intervention’s goals, financial resources to implement the measures, technical needs of the intervention, and cultural factors in the facilities.ResultsResults highlight the importance of the four aforementioned factors in the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. Managers and caregivers differ in their view of the main enablers and barriers for implementation. However, they both identify the knowledge about the measures and availability of personal protective equipment as enablers and human resources as a potential barrier. ConclusionsThe identification of several factors related to goals and culture highlights the need to adopt a broad implementation approach when designing intervention for long-term care facilities, avoiding restricting the discussion to resources availability.
The Effect of Psychological Factors on the Quality of Life in Iranian Lactating Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Path Analysis
Authors: Samaneh Youseflu , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Nadia Jahangiri , Maleki Azam , Moini Ashraf
Published: December 2020

Background: breastfeeding women are susceptible to mental disorders particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In this study we develop a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of anxiety, depression, general health, breastfeeding, education, income, and corona disease anxiety on the QoL of breastfeeding women. Method: In a descriptive-analytical study, 279 breastfeeding women were recruited from March to April 2020. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, short Form of Health Survey (SF_12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).Results: The overall goodness-of-fit statistics showed that the conceptual model was acceptable (GFI =0.99, RMSEA =0.06). Results showed that breast-feeding, GHQ, anxiety, depression, and education have a direct effect on women’s QoL. We found significant total mediating effects of GH and breastfeeding and moderating effects of education and income on quality of life. Income had indirectly effect on QOL through the education.Conclusion: Our results give support for a hypothetical model in which improvement in breastfeeding, anxiety, depression, general health, education, and income led to higher levels of QoL in breastfeeding women. It seems that the predictors proposed by this model are greatly important and should be considered when designing optimal psychological care interventions.
Expression of Promyelocytic Leukemia (PML) Protein in the Mouse Developing Spermatogonia
Authors: Tavassoli Amin , DEHGHANI Hesam
Published: December 2020

Background: Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) as the main protein of PML nuclear bodies regulates various physiological processes such as transcription, DNA repair, apoptosis, senescence, and several signaling pathways in different cell types. It is well known that the PML protein is involved in the regulation of stem cell properties by maintaining an open chromatin conformation for the regulatory regions of the Oct4 gene. However, there is no experimental evidence for the presence and function of PML protein in the testis tissue. Results: In this study, we show the presence of PML protein in the developing mouse testis and its co-expression with the OCT4 protein. Immunohistochemical analysis of testis mirror sections shows that PML is co-expressed with the OCT4 protein in the outermost cellular layer of seminiferous tubules, where the spermatogonial stem cells are located. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the PML protein might be involved in the stemness of spermatogonial stem cells at different stages of its development, even before earning the ability to produce mature sperm.
Altered Amyloid-β and Tau Proteins in Neural-Derived Plasma Exosomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Zhang Jinbiao , Chi Haiyan , Wang Tong , Zhang Shukun , Shen Tengqun , Leng Bing , Sun Hairong , Li Zhenguang , Li Fang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests a role for orthostatic hypotension (OH) in contributing to the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD). The aim of the study was to investigate whether neural-derived plasma exosomal amyloid-β and tau protein levels are associated with OH in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.MethodsThere were 274 subjects without dementia included in the study: 81 control participants (controls), 101 normotensive patients with DM without OH, and 92 patients with DM and neurogenic OH (DMOH). Neuronal-derived exosomal proteins were measured by ELISA kits for amyloid-β and tau.ResultsThe neuronal-derived exosome levels of Aβ42, T-tau, and P-T181-tau in the DM with OH group were higher than those in the DM and control groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the presence of OH in patients with DM was associated with elevated exosomal Aβ42 (β = 0.172, P = 0.018), T-tau(β = 0.159, P = 0.030), and P-T181-tau (β = 0.220, P = 0.003) levels after adjustment for age, sex, APOE ε4, duration of type 2 diabetes, HbA1c and cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, the levels of Aβ42, T-tau, and P-T181-tau in neuronal-derived exosomes were correlated with HIF-1α levels and the drop in mean cerebral blood flow velocity from the supine to upright position.ConclusionsThe presence of OH in DM patients was independently associated with elevated the Aβ42, T-tau, and PT181-tau levels in neural-derived plasma exosomes. Cerebral hypoperfusion from DM with OH are likely candidate mechanisms.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: ChiCTR1900021544 ). Registered 27 February 2019.
Value Added and Profitability Analysis of Bamboo Products in Case of Banja District Awi Zone Amhara Regional State Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistu Mulat , Alemu Asmamaw , Dagnew Abebe
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBamboo meets a rising and diverse consumer demands and generates income and contribute to reforestation and climate change mitigation due to its rapid growth and environmentally friendly character. Most bamboo processing enterprises and farmer and consumers use manual technology and produce less durable products. Since there is no research conducted in the area related to profitability of different bamboo products and the distribution of value added Therefore, this study aims to analyse the profitability of bamboo products for producers, traders and processors in the same way it analyses the value added distribution among different agents.MethodsTo collect primary data 122 smallholder bamboo producers, 13 traders and 16 bamboo product processors were selected. To analyse the data descriptive statistics were employed.ResultsOn average producers supply 374.79 bamboo culms and earn revenue of 7,623.23 ETB. The total value added at the producer level was 15.64 ETB per culm. On average local traders, retailers and wholesalers earn 7.52%, 9.51% and 9.23% of profit Margin and these traders earn average revenue of 66,420 ETB, 129,360ETB and 280,343 ETB respectively. Traditional bamboo product processors produce 687 traditional bamboo chairs on average per year and gained 3.06 ETB/culm as a net profit. Bamboo furniture enterprises on average process 823 modern bamboo chair per year and they earn 197.91 ETB per chair as a net profit. Higher value is added at bamboo furniture enterprise level and lower value is added at producer and trader level.ConclusionThe result of the study revealed that all actors have positive profit and value is added by different chain actors and distributed to different agents. Bamboo furniture enterprises gained higher profit margin than traditional bamboo processors. The contribution of the bamboo sector to the government economy is limited. Based on the finding of the study, an effort should be made to increase the contribution of the sector to the national economy. In addition to this, providing working capital and working place and enhancing the processors’ skill and capacity to transform the business into more modern and profitable bamboo furniture enterprise is advisable.
WITHDRAWN: Class and Landscape Level Habitat Fragmentation Analysis in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Muhammed Annissa , Elias Eyasu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe changes of landscape structure and function due to human interference is hastening worldwide, and it is compulsory to preserve biological resources in a protected system. This study aims to measure the landscape ecological structure and the extent of habitat fragmentation in the Bale mountains national park. The land use/land cover change was determined by interpreting the 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2017 Landsat images with ArcGIS 10.3, and the selected landscape structural metrics was analyzed using FRAGSTATS 4.2.1. ResultsAll land cover classes showed a declining trend, except the farmland, and grassland depicted the highest area reduction. From 1985 to 2017 grassland, Erica, forestland, and afro-alpine were decreased by 9.36%, 0.26%, 0.06%, and 0.01%, respectively. Whereas, farmland was increased by 43.67%. The study area was characterized as progressively fragmented since it was signified by the escalated value of patch number (40.22%), area-weighted mean shape index (18.84%), and edge density (22.27%) and a declined value of mean patch size (28.68%) and core area (10.60%) over the study period. Considering this result, there was a high loss in area available for core dependent species, particularly for Mountain nyala in the grasslands and woodlands, Ethiopian wolf in afro-alpine regions, and Bale monkey in the bamboo forest. ConclusionBoth forestland and grassland need a conservation priority since these habitats were the most fragmented and habitat lost area.
QSAR-Co-X: An Open Source Toolkit for Multi-Target QSAR Modelling
Authors: Cordeiro M. Natália Dias Soeiro , Halder Amit Kumar
Published: December 2020

Quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) modelling is a well-known computational tool, often used in a wide variety of applications. Yet one of the major drawbacks of conventional QSAR modelling tools is that models are set up based on a limited number of experimental and/or theoretical conditions. To overcome this, the so-called multitasking or multi-target QSAR (mt-QSAR) approaches have emerged as new computational tools able to integrate diverse chemical and biological data into a single model equation, thus extending and improving the reliability of this type of modelling. We have developed QSAR-Co-X, an open source python−based toolkit (available to download at https://github.com/ncordeirfcup/QSAR-Co-X) for supporting mt-QSAR modelling following the Box-Jenkins moving average approach. The new toolkit embodies several functionalities for dataset selection and curation plus computation of descriptors, for setting up linear and non-linear models, as well as for a comprehensive results analysis. The workflow within this toolkit is guided by a cohort of multiple statistical parameters along with graphical outputs onwards assessing both the predictivity and the robustness of the derived mt-QSAR models. To monitor and demonstrate the functionalities of the designed toolkit, three case-studies pertaining to previously reported datasets are examined here. We believe that this new toolkit, along with our previously launched QSAR-Co code, will significantly contribute to make mt-QSAR modelling widely and routinely applicable.
Downregulation of m6A reader YTHDC2 promotes the proliferation and migration of lung cancer and cigarette smoke-exposed BEAS-2B cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Tan Lirong , Jia Beibei , Yu Xiaofan , Yao Ruixin , Ouyang Nan , Tong Jian , Chen Tao , Chen Rui , Li Jianxiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common carcinomas worldwide. Cigarette smoking is considered as the leading cause of lung cancer. The aberrant expression of several YTH family proteins has been reported to be closely associated with several cancers. This study aims to evaluate the expression profile and function of YTHDC2, an RNA m6 A methylation reader protein, by in vitro and animal experiments and bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The expression of YTHDC2 gene and protein was analyzed by the GEPIA online tool and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, as well as immunohistochemistry of tissue arrays. The YTHDC2 expression in cigarette smoke-exposed cells was examined by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. The TCGA datasets and proteomic analysis of YTHDC2 knockdown cells were used to predict the clinical significance and biological function of YTHDC2. Functional assays, including wound healing, transwell migration, cell cycle and cell proliferation, were used to determine the biological role of YTHDC2 in lung cancer. The xenograft animal model further validated the tumor suppressor effect of YTHDC2 in vivo. The copy number variation of YTHDC2 was analyzed by TCGA datasets and TaqMan copy number assay. Results: YTHDC2 was significantly low-expressed in lung cancer and cigarette smoke-exposed cells. Notably, decreased YTHDC2 was found highly associated with smoking history, pathological stage, invasion depth, and lymph node metastasis, as well as poor outcomes. The YTHDC2 related genes and proteins were enriched in several cancer-related pathways, and several tumor suppressor genes were found positively correlated with YTHDC2. The in vivo and in vitro study revealed that overexpression of YTHDC2 inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of lung cancer cells, as well as the tumor growth in nude mice. Besides, a significant positive correlation between the copy number and expression level of YTHDC2 was found in lung cancer. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the smoking-related down-regulation of YTHDC2 was associated with enhanced proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells and appeared to be regulated by DNA copy number variation. Importantly, YTHDC2 may serve as a tumor suppressor gene and a favorable prognostic indicator in lung cancer patients.