bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI Study on Tibial Nerve of the Ankle Canal and Its Branches: A method of multiplanar reconstruction with 3D-FIESTA-C sequences
Authors: Zhang Yan , He Xucheng , Li Juan , Ye Ju , Han Wenjuan , Zhou Shanshan , Zhu Jianzhong , Wang Guisheng , chen xiaoxia
Published: August 2020

Background
The display of tibial nerve and its branches in the ankle canal is helpful for the diagnosis of local lesions and compression, and also for clinical observation and surgical planning.The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional dual-excitation balanced steady-state free precession sequence (3D-FIESTA-C) multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) display of tibial nerve and its branches of the ankle canal.
Methods
The subjects were 20 healthy volunteers (40 ankles), aged 22–50, with no history of ankle joint desease. 3D-FIESTA-C sequence was used in the 3.0t magnetic resonance equipment for imaging. During the scanning, each foot was at a 90-degree angle to the tibia.The tibial nerve of the ankle canal and its branches were displayed and measured at the same level through multiplanar reconstruction.
Results
Most of the tibial nerve bifurcation points were located in the ankle canal (57.5%), few (42.5%) were located at the proximal end of the ankle canal, and none was found away from the distal end. The bifurcation between the medial plantar nerve and the lateral plantar nerve is on the line between the tip of the medial malleolus and the calcaneus, and it’s angle is between 6° and 35°.The average cross-sectional diameter of the medial plantar nerve is about mm, and the lateral plantar nerve about mm. In MPR images, the display rates of both the medial calcaneal nerve and the subcalcaneal nerve were 100%, and the starting point of the subcalcaneal nerve was always at the distal end of the starting point of the medial calcaneal nerve. In 55% of cases, there were more than 2 medial calcaneal nerve innervations.
Conclusion
The 3D-FIESTA-C MPR can display the morphological features and positions of tibial nerve and its branches and the bifurcation point’s projection position on the body surface can be marked. This method not only benefited the imaging diagnosis of tibial nerve and branch-related lesions of the ankle canal, but also provided a good imaging basis to plan the clinical operation of the ankle canal and avoid surgical injury.
Study of the Demographic and Clinical Profile in a Neurocutaneous Rare Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jouybari Leila , foji samira , Sanagoo Akram , oladenabidozin Morteza , yazdani Ali
Published: August 2020

Background : Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common dominantly inherited genetic disorders. The aim of this study was Study of the demographic and clinical profile in neurofibromatosis patient. Methods :This study is cross-sectional conducted in 2020 on the population of patients with neurofibromatosis. Patients who are members of Neurofibromatosis Association answered the online demographic and clinical information questionnaire. Results: 446 patients with neurofibromatosis participated in this study with a mean age of 33.39 ± 12.87 years. 297 patients (66.6%) were women and 378 (84.8%) patients had type 1 neurofibromatosis. The disease visibility was reported to be moderate in 254 patients (54.9%) and the severity of the disease was mild in 238 (53.4%) patients. The type of neurofibromatosis was not significantly related to gender, age groups, parental education, and ethnicity. The relationship between severity and age (p = <0.001) and gender (p = 0.042) was significant and the relationship between visibility and age (p = <0.001) was significant but despite the fact that the disease was more visible in men than women, it was not significantly related to gender.Conclusions: The study results showed that the most common complication in the study population was Café au lait spot. In addition, visibility and severity of the disease were mild and moderate, respectively.
The Splicing Factor XAB2 interacts with ERCC1-XPF and XPG for RNA-loop processing during mammalian development
Authors: Goulielmaki Evi , Tsekrekou Maria , Batsiotos Nikos , Ascensão-Ferreira Mariana , Ledaki Eleftheria , Stratigi Kalliopi , Chatzinikolaou Georgia , Topalis Pantelis , Kosteas Theodore , Altmueller Janine , Demmers Jeroen , Barbosa-Morais Nuno , Garinis George
Published: August 2020

RNA splicing, transcription and the DNA damage response are intriguingly linked in mammals but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using an in vivo biotinylation tagging approach in mice, we show that the splicing factor XAB2 interacts with the core spliceosome and that it binds to spliceosomal U4 and U6 snRNAs and pre-mRNAs in developing livers. XAB2 depletion leads to aberrant intron retention, R-loop formation and DNA damage in cells. Studies in illudin S-treated cells and Csbm/m developing livers reveal that transcription-blocking DNA lesions trigger the release of XAB2 from all RNA targets tested. Immunoprecipitation studies reveal that XAB2 interacts with ERCC1-XPF and XPG endonucleases outside nucleotide excision repair and that the trimeric protein complex binds RNA:DNA hybrids under conditions that favor the formation of R-loops. Thus, XAB2 functionally links the spliceosomal response to DNA damage with R-loop processing with important ramifications for mammalian development and transcription-coupled DNA repair disorders.
Blood Pressure and Transient Postoperative Neurologic Deterioration, Following Superficial Temporal-to-middle Cerebral Artery Anastomosis in Adult Patients With Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Kim Ji Hyeon , Lee Ho-Young , Kim Seong-Eun , Kim Tackeun , Kim Beom Joon , Bang Jae Seung , Han Moon-Ku , Oh Chang Wan , Bae Hee-Joon , Jeon Young-Tae
Published: August 2020

Background

This study investigated whether intraoperative systolic blood pressure (ISBP) is associated with the risk of transient neurologic deficits (TND), following superficial temporal-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis in adult patients with moyamoya disease (MMD).
Methods

In this retrospective observational study, data from adult patients with MMD who had undergone MCA-STA anastomosis at a single tertiary academic hospital during May 2003-April 2014 were examined. ISBP data were extracted from our clinical data warehouse. Data on patient characteristics were obtained from electronic medical records, including the details of comorbidities and laboratory findings. TND was the primary outcome of interest.
Results

Out of 192 patients (228 hemispheres), 66 (29%) hemispheres had TND after surgery. There were significant differences in ISBP between patients with and without TND. The lowest ISBP quartile was independently associated with TND (odds ratio: 5.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.96–15.46).
Conclusions

Low ISBP might lead to TND after STA-MCA anastomosis in adult patients with MMD. In patients with poor perfusion status, low ISBP was associated with an increased risk of TND. Our findings suggest that strict ISBP control might be required to prevent TND after anastomosis in patients with MMD, in particular, patients with poor perfusion status.
The role of nicotinic receptors in SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 expression in intestinal epithelia
Authors: Hove Anne Sophie ten , Brinkman David Jan , Yim Andrew Y.F. Li , Verseijden Caroline , Hakvoort Theo B.M. , Admiraal Iris , Welting Olaf , Hamersveld Patricia H.P. van , Sinniger Valerie , Bonaz Bruno , Luyer Misha D. , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: August 2020

Background – Recent evidence demonstrated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) propagates in intestinal epithelial cells expressing Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), implying that these cells represent an important entry site for the viral infection. Nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) have been put forward as potential regulators of inflammation and of ACE2 expression. As vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) activates nAChRs, we aimed to investigate whether VNS can be instrumental in affecting intestinal epithelial ACE2 expression. Methods – By using publicly available datasets we qualified epithelial ACE2 expression in human intestine, and assessed gene co-expression of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 priming Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) with nAChRs in intestinal epithelial cells. Next, we investigated mouse and human ACE2 expression in intestinal tissues after chronic VNS via implanted devices. Results – We show co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with nAChRs and α7 nAChR in particular in intestinal stem cells, goblet cells, and enterocytes. However, VNS did not affect ACE2 expression in murine or human intestinal tissue, albeit in colitis setting. Conclusions – ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are specifically expressed in epithelial cells of human intestine, and both are co-expressed with nAChRs. However, no evidence for regulation of ACE2 expression through VNS could be found. Hence, there is no indication for a therapeutic value of VNS with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection risk through ACE2 receptors in intestinal epithelia.
Whole-Proteome Tree of Arthropods: An “alignment-free” phylogeny of proteome “books”
Authors: Kim Sung-Hou , Choi JaeJin , Kim Byung-Ju
Published: August 2020

Background: An “organism tree” of a group of extant-organisms can be considered as a conceptual tree to capture a simplified narrative of the evolutionary course among the organisms. Due to the difficulties of whole-genome sequencing for many organisms, the most common approach has been to construct a “gene tree” by selecting a group of genes common among the organisms, “align” each gene family and estimate evolutionary distances. Despite broad acceptance of the gene trees as the surrogates for the organism trees, there are important limitations and confounding issues with the approach. During last decades, whole-genome sequences of many extant-arthropods became available, providing an opportunity to construct a “whole-proteome tree” of the arthropods, the largest and most species-diverse group of all living animals. Results: An “alignment-free” whole-proteome tree of the arthropods shows that (a) the demographic grouping-pattern is similar to those in the gene trees, but there are notable differences in the branching orders of the groups and the sisterhood relationships between pairs of the groups; and (b) almost all the “founders” of the groups have emerged in an “explosive burst” near the root of the tree. Conclusion: Since the whole-proteome sequence of an organism can be considered as a “book” of amino-acid alphabets, a tree of the books can be constructed, without alignment of sequences, using a text analysis method of Information Theory, which allows comparing the information content of whole-proteomes. Such tree provides another view-point to consider in telling the narrative of kinship among the arthropods.
Investigation of the role of AcTPR2 in kiwifruit and its response to Botrytis cinerea infection
Authors: Li Zhexin , Lan Jian-Bin , Liu Yi-Qing , Qi Li-Wang , Tang Jianmin
Published: August 2020

Background
Elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of kiwifruit response to gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea can provide the basis for its molecular breeding to impart resistance against this disease. In this study, 'Hongyang' kiwifruit served as the experimental material; the TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED (TPL/TPR) co-repressor gene AcTPR2 was cloned into a pTRV2 vector (AcTPR2-TRV) and the virus-induced gene silencing technique was used to establish the functions of the AcTPR2 gene in kiwifruit resistance to Botrytis cinerea.
Results
Virus-induced silencing of AcTPR2 enhanced the susceptibility of kiwifruit to Botrytis cinerea. Defensive enzymes such as SOD, POD, CAT, and PAL and endogenous phytohormones such as IAA, GA, ABA, and SA were detected. Kiwifruit activated these enzymes and endogenous phytohormones in response to pathogen-induced stress and injury. The expression levels of the IAA signaling genes—AcNIT, AcARF1, and AcARF2—were higher in the AcTPR2-TRV treatment group than in the control. The IAA levels were higher and the rot phenotype was more severe in AcTPR2-TRV kiwifruits than that in the control. These results suggested that AcTPR2 downregulation promotes expression of IAA and IAA signaling genes and accelerates postharvest kiwifruit senescence. Further, Botrytis cinerea dramatically upregulated AcTPR2, indicating that AcTPR2 augments kiwifruit defense against pathogens by downregulating the IAA and IAA signaling genes.
Conclusions
The results of the present study could help clarify the regulatory mechanisms of disease resistance in kiwifruit and furnish genetic resources for molecular breeding of kiwifruit disease resistance.
Metabonomic analysis reveals EMP pathway activation and flavonoid accumulation during dormancy transition in tree peony
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yuan Yanchao , Zhan Yu , Cao Xinzhe , Liu Chunying , Zhang Yuxi , Gai Shupeng
Published: August 2020

Background
Bud dormancy is a sophisticated strategy in which plants evolved to survive in tough environments. Chilling exposure is an effective method to promote dormancy release in perennial plants including tree peony, and endodormancy is a key obstacle for forcing culture of tree peony. However, the mechanism of dormancy release is still poorly understood, and there are few systematic studies on the metabolomics during chilling induced dormancy transition.
Results
A total of 535 small molecules were obtained in tree peony buds treated with chilling, belonging to flavonoids, amino acid and its derivatives, lipids, organic acids and its derivates, nucleotide and its derivates, alkaloids, hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, carbohydrates and alcohols, phytohormones, coumarins, and vitamins, respectively. 118 differential metabolites were detected, and they involved in serveral metabolic pathways related to dormancy. Sucrose was the most abundant carbohydrate in peony bud. Starch degradation and EMP activity were enhanced during the dormancy release, according to the variations of sugar contents, related enzyme activities and key genes expression. Flavonoids synthesis and accunmulation were also promoted by prolonged chilling, which might attribute to the activated expression of PsDFR and PsANS. Moreover, the variations of phytohormones (SA, JA, ABA, and IAA) indicated they played different roles in dormancy transition.
Conclusion
Our study suggested that starch degradation, EMP activation, and flavonoid accumulation were crucial and associated with bud dormancy transition in tree peony.
Alloying of Alkali Metals with Tellurene
Authors: Jain Rishabh , Yuan Yifei , Singh Yashpal , Basu Swastik , Wang Dawei , Yang Aijun , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe , Lee Ho Jin , Frey David , Khadka Rajan , Hundekar Prateek , Kim Sang Ouk , Han Fudong , Wang Lin-wang , Mitlin David , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: August 2020

Graphite is ubiquitous as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries, but offers relatively low volumetric capacity (330 to 430 mAh cm-3). By contrast, Tellurene (Te) is expected to alloy with alkali metals with high volumetric capacity (~2620 mAh cm-3), but to date there is no detailed study on its alloying behavior. In this work, we have investigated the alloying response of a range of alkali metals (A = Li, Na or K) with few-layer Te. In-situ transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory both indicate that Te alloys with alkali metals forming A2Te. However, the crystalline order of alloyed products varied significantly from single-crystal (for Li2Te) to polycrystalline (for Na2Te and K2Te). It is well established that typical alloying materials (e.g., silicon, tin, black phosphorous) lose their crystallinity when reacted with Li. The ability of Te to retain its crystallinity is therefore surprising. Nudged elastic band calculations and ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal that compared to Na or K, the migration of Li is highly “isotropic” in Te, enabling its crystallinity to be preserved. Such isotropic Li transport is made possible by Te’s peculiar structure comprised of chiral chains bound by van der Waals forces. To evaluate the electrochemical performance of Te, we tested Te electrodes in half-cells vs Li/Na/K metal. While alloying with Na and K showed poor performance, with Li, the Te electrode exhibited a volumetric capacity of ~700 mAh cm-3, which is about two-times the practical capacity of commercial graphite. Such Te based batteries could play an important role in applications where high volumetric energy and power density are of paramount importance.
A Community Based Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Health Related Quality of Life in Pakistani Females
Authors: Naz Sajida , Anjum Nimra , Gul Iram
Published: August 2020

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder and its symptoms exist in most of young females. In Pakistan, PCOS diagnosis is being reported at an alarming rate, however the frequency of early diagnosis is very low.Objectives: Objective of this community based study was to find out prevalence of PCOS related symptomology based on Rotterdam criteria in Punjab district of Pakistan. Moreover, the relationship between health status and PCO related quality of life was also assessed.Methods: 1258 young females within the age range of 18-25 years participated in a cross sectional survey from the various colleges of Punjab District. The participants completed the questionnaire of Short Form-36, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Questionnaire and Clinical Profile Form.Results: There was an increased prevalence of one or two PCOS symptoms (i.e., Menstrual Irregularity and Hirtuism) in most of young females. Most of the females were not aware of the PCOS phenomenon. Furthermore, pearson correlation analysis on study scales revealed that with increase in PCOS symptomology, there are chances that quality of life will be poor.Discussion and Conclusion: These findings suggest that still most of educated females are largely unaware about PCOS symptoms, it needs further expansion in terms of educational seminars to promote awareness about risk factors. The results of this study can be used by educational institutions or health care centers for promoting PCOS awareness and contributing towards early diagnosis and prevention.
A Cambrian fossil from the Chengjiang fauna sharing characters with gilled lobopodians and radiodontans
Authors: Liu Jianni , Dunlop Jason A. , Steiner Michael , Shu Degan
Published: August 2020

Background: Lobopodians are worm-like animals with simple legs. Probably representing a grade of organization, rather than an explicit clade, some lobopodians are thought to have given rise to both Euarthropoda and Onychophora (velvet worms). Another subset has been referred to as gilled lobopodians, and are characterized by flap-like appendages along the trunk and large, raptorial forelimbs. These animals probably include the ancestors of another important Cambrian group, the Radiodonta: large predatory or filter-feeding stem-arthropods such as Anomalocaris.Results: Parvibellus atavusgen. et sp. nov.from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang fauna of China is a small fossil preserving a distinct cephalic region bearing a pair of lateral projections and a circular, ventral mouth. The trunk bears eleven pairs of flap-like appendages and a short pair of terminal projections. A circular ventral mouth is also seen in Radiodonta and in some gilled lobopodians. Parvibellus atavus, gilled lobopodians and radiodontans also share the character of flap-like appendages along the trunk. However, the new fossil differs from radiodontans and gilled lobopodians by its small size and the absence of enlarged and/or raptorial frontal appendages. It also differs from gilled lobopodians in lacking ventral lobopod limbs, and from radiodontans in lacking stalked eyes. Conclusions: Parvibellus atavus expresses a unique combination of characters among Cambrian arthropods, and could be part of an early radiation of nektonic stem-Euarthropoda. Lobopodians have emerged as a diverse grade of proto-arthropods ('worms with legs'), walking on the substrate of the early Palaeozoic seas. The new fossil hints at a similarly diverse fauna of nektonic (swimming) stem-group arthropods in the Cambrian, from which gilled lobopodians and radiodontans may have evolved.
A versatile DNA origami based plasmonic nanoantenna for label-free single-molecule SERS
Authors: Tapio Kosti , Mostafa Amr , Kanehira Yuya , Suma Antonio , Dutta Anushree , Bald Ilko
Published: August 2020

DNA origami technology allows for the precise nanoscale assembly of chemical entities that give rise to new functional materials. We have created a versatile DNA Origami Nanofork Antenna (DONA) by assembling Au or Ag nanoparticle dimers with 1.17 ± 0.67 nm gap size, enabling signal enhancements in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of up to 1011. This allows for single-molecule SERS measurements, which can even be performed with larger gap sizes to accommodate differently sized molecules, and at various excitation wavelengths. A general scheme is presented to place single analyte molecules into the SERS hot spots using the DNA origami structure exploiting covalent and non-covalent coupling schemes. By using Au and Ag dimers, single-molecule SERS measurements of three dyes and cytochrome c and horseradish peroxidase proteins are demonstrated even under non-resonant excitation conditions, thus providing long photostability during time-series measurement, and enabling unprecedented optical monitoring of single molecules and DNA origami based nanomachines.
Report on planning comparison of VMAT, IMRT and helical tomotherapy for the ESCALOX-trial pre-study
Authors: Pigorsch Steffi Ulrike , Kampfer Severin , Oechsner Markus , Mayinger Michael Christian , Mozes Petra , Devecka Michal , Kessel Kerstin , Combs Stephanie Elisabeth , Wilkens Jan Jacob
Published: August 2020

Background: The ESCALOX trial was designed as a multicenter, randomized prospective dose escalation study for head and neck cancer. Therefore, feasibility of treatment planning via different treatment planning systems (TPS) and radiotherapy (RT) techniques is essential. We hypothesized the comparability of dose distributions for simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) volumes respecting the constraints by different TPS and RT techniques. Methods: CT data sets of the first six patients (all male, mean age: 61.3 years) of the pre-study (up to 77 Gy) were used for comparison of IMRT, VMAT, and helical tomotherapy (HT). Oropharynx was the primary tumor location. Normalization of the three step SIB (77 Gy, 70 Gy, 56 Gy) was D95%=77 Gy. Coverage (CVF), healthy tissue conformity index (HTCI), conformation number (CN), and dose homogeneity (HI) were compared for PTVs and conformation index (COIN) for parotids. Results: All RT techniques achieved good coverage. For SIB77Gy, CVF was best for IMRT and VMAT, HT achieved highest CN followed by VMAT and IMRT. HT reached good HTCI value, and HI compared to both other techniques. For SIB70Gy, CVF was best by IMRT. HTCI favored HT, consequently CN as well. HI was slightly better for HT. For SIB56Gy, CVF resulted comparably. Conformity favors VMAT as seen by HTCI and CN. Dmean of ipsilateral and contralateral parotids favor HT. Conclusion: Different TPS for dose escalation reliably achieved high plan quality. Despite the very good results of HT planning for coverage, conformity, and homogeneity, the TPS also achieved acceptable results for IMRT and VMAT. Funding: The ESCALOX trial was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG); Grant No.: MO-363/4-1. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 01212354, EudraCT-No.: 2010-021139-15. ARO: ARO 14-01
Empathy and attitude towards communication skill learning as a predictor of patient-centered attitude: A cross-sectional study of dental students in Korea
Authors: Lee Minjung , Ihm Jungjoon
Published: August 2020

Background: Enhancing medical students’ practicing patient-centered care is a goal of medical schools. In addition to exploring the demographic and academic factors of the students, it is necessary to identify other attitudes and perceptions that may influence the student’s patient-centered attitude and inclination toward communication skill learning. This study aimed to assess patient-centered attitudes among dental students in Korea and identify the association between the students’ characteristics and empathy, communication skill attitude, and patient-centered attitude. Methods: Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey, and 312 dental students were included in the analyses. The study participants completed the Patient-provider Orientation Scale (PPOS), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Communication Skills Attitudes Scale (CSAS). Analyses were performed using independent samples t-tests, hierarchical multi-variable regression, and ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey test. Results: The students tend to be moderately doctor-centered toward the caring aspect and slightly more doctor-oriented toward the sharing aspect of patient-centered attitudes. Being male and a longer academic period in dentistry were related to a doctor-centered attitude. Empathy and attitude toward on learning communication skills were related to a patient-centered attitude and “empathic concern” had the greatest significant impact on patient-centered attitude. Conclusion: The current study supports the idea that education programs should focus on enhancing empathy, emphasizing positive attitudes on learning communication skills, and conducting follow-up education sessions to prevent students from becoming less patient-centered with an increase in duration of their academic period.
A Robotic End-Effector With Rolling up Mechanism for Pick-and-Release of a Cotton Sheet
Authors: Abe Taiki , Kawasaki Yuichi , Yamazaki Kimitoshi
Published: August 2020

In this paper we introduce a novel robotic end-effector for pick-and-release of a sheet of cotton cloth. One of the main operations in a factory for sewing cloth products is to pick up cloth parts, provide them to a sewing machine, and sew them together. Fabric products are assembled by performing this work in various processes. Each work starts with a lot of cloth parts stacked near a sewing machine. In the case of underwear, thin cotton cloth is the target of manipulation, but such cloth parts tend to stick to each other, and a certain knack is required for picking up. Therefore, this work is basically done manually in the present. The purpose of this study is to automate such manipulation, so we devise an end-effector that picks up only the top one of stacked cotton sheets. The proposed end-effector has a mechanism that is a cylindrical brush attached with a remover cloth on its surface. The cylinder brush is grounded on a cotton sheet, and then is rotated to roll up only the cotton sheet. This mechanism makes it possible to release the sheet by rotating the brush in the reverse. We constructed hardware with this function and attached it to the tip of a robotic manipulator. In addition, we performed system integration so that the initial position of rolling up a cotton sheet could be automatically determined from images taken by a camera. We also conducted evaluation experiments.
Prevalence and Determinants of Covert Contraceptive Use in Kenya: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Akoth Catherine , Oguta James Odhiambo , Gatimu Samwel Maina
Published: August 2020

Background: Family planning (FP) is a key intervention for preventing unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal death. Involvement of both women and their partners promotes contraceptive acceptance, uptake and continuation, couple communication and gender-equitable attitude. It is a key strategy for addressing about 17.5% of the unmet needs in FP in Kenya. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of covert contraceptive use (CCU) in Kenya.Methods: We used data from the sixth and seventh rounds of the performance monitoring for accountability surveys. We defined CCU as ”the use of contraceptives without a partner’s knowledge”. We used frequencies and percentages to describe the sample characteristics and the prevalence of CCU and assessed the determinants using bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions.Results: Of the 3,892 married women using contraceptives included in this study, 62.9% were 20−34 years, 65.4% lived in rural areas, 51.3% had primary education and 82.4% had two or more children. The mean age at first sexual encounter was 17.3 years (standard deviation: 3.0). The prevalence of CCU was 12.2% (95% CI: 10.4%−14.2%) and was high among 35−49 years (12.8%), uneducated (22.3%) and poorest (18.2%) women. Siaya (22.9%), Kericho (16.7%) and Kakamega (13.1%) counties had the highest prevalence of CCU. Injectables (53.3%) and implants (34.6%) were the commonest methods among women who practice CCU. County of residence, education, wealth, parity, and age at sexual debut were associated with CCU.Conclusion: About one in 10 married women in Kenya use contraceptive covertly, with injectables and implants being the preferred methods. Our study highlights a gap in partner involvement in FP and calls for efforts to strengthen their involvement to increase contraceptive use in Kenya while acknowledging the rights of women to make independent choices.
Fast Site-to-site Electron Transfer of High-entropy Alloy Nanocatalyst Driving Redox Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Hongdong , Han Yi , Zhao Huan , Qi Wenjing , Zhang Dan , Yu Yaodong , Cai Wenwen , Li Shaoxiang , Lai Jianping , Huang Bolong , Wang Lei
Published: August 2020

Designing electrocatalysts with high-performance for both reduction and oxidation reactions faces severe challenges. Here, the uniform and small size (~3.4 nm) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) Pt18Ni26Fe15Co14Cu27 nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by a simple low-temperature (<250 oC) oil phase synthesis strategy at atmospheric pressure for the first time. The Pt18Ni26Fe15Co14Cu27/C catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The catalyst is one of the best performance achieved by state-of-the-art alkaline HER catalysts, which shows an ultrasmall overpotential of 11 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2, excellent activity (10.96 A mg-1Pt at -0.07 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) and stability in the alkaline medium. Furthermore, it is also the most efficient catalyst (15.04 A mg-1Pt) ever reported for MOR in alkaline solution. DFT calculations confirm the multi-active sites for both HER and MOR on the HEA surface as the key factor for both proton and intermediate transformation. Meanwhile, the construction of HEA surfaces supplies the fast site-to-site electron transfer for both reduction and oxidation processes.
Blocked Pollen Release Prevents Fruit Formation in the Halophyte Elaeagnus Angustifolia in Non-Saline Habitats
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Wang Baoshan
Published: August 2020

Background: Anther development affects the reproduction of flowering plants. Halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia can produce fruits when grown in saline soils. However, no fruits are produced 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.
Psychometric Properties of a Persian Version of Respectful Maternity Care Questionnaire
Authors: Esmkhani Mina , Namadian Masoumeh , Nooroozy Ali
Published: August 2020

Background: Getting a high quality and respectful care during pregnancy and delivery is one of the ways to reduce complications in women. Respectful care is a type of care that requires a valid instrument to measure. This study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) questionnaire in 2018.Methods: This study was performed on 150 women (In the first 48 hours after delivery), who were admitted in the postpartum wards of public hospitals from 1st January until 6th April 2018 in Zanjan city in Iran. Participants were selected randomly using Poisson distribution (Time) sampling method. After receiving the permission from the questionnaire’s author, the internal consistency of the tool was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient after the Forward translation of Persian version of the tool under the supervision of experts. The reliability of the modified questionnaire was assessed using a test-retest method in 10 eligible postpartum women, who completed the same questionnaire after 72 hours again. The validity of the tool was confirmed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL and SPSS soft wares. Results: The original RMC tool was achieved an overall high internal reliability (α =0.839). Confirmatory factor analysis of original RMC scores demonstrated poor fit indices. In LISREL proposed paths for model, one item was excluded and a re-exploratory factor analysis was performed with the remaining 14 items. Four new subscales were defined for the revised tool including Abusive Care, Effective Care, Friendly Care, and Respectful Communication , which explained 60% of the variance. Conclusions: The revised included four subscales of Abusive Care, Effective Care, Friendly Care, and Respectful Communication in 14 items which explained 60% of the variance. Given the importance of providing a high quality care in maternity, and variety of cultures and service delivery in different countries, further researches are needed on this RMC tool to be used in maternity care in different places.
DCZ0014, A Novel Compound in the Therapy of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma via the B Cell Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chang Shuaikang , Li Bo , Wang Yingcong , Feng Qilin , Xu Zhijian , Tao Yi , Wei Rong , Lu Yumeng , Zhang Yong , Xie Yongsheng , Lai Weiming , Wu Xiaosong , Zhu Weiliang , Shi Jumei
Published: August 2020

Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinical and genetically heterogeneous lymphoid malignancy. Although the R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone) treatment can improve the survival rate of patients with DLBCL. However, more than 30% of patients exhibit treatment failure, relapse, or refractory disease. Therefore, novel drugs or targeted therapies are needed to improve the overall survival of patients with DLBCL. The compound DCZ0014 is a novel chemical similar to berberine, obtained by drug design and organic synthesis. Methods: The anti-DLBCL activity of DCZ0014 were investigated using assays of colony formation, CCK-8, TUNEL assay, EdU assay, cell cycle analysis, flow cytometry analysis, MMP analysis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and xenograft tumour model. Overexpression and knockdown of lyn in DLBCL cells was constructed with the small interfering RNAs or plasmid. The student's t-test was performed to the statistical analysis. Results: We found that DCZ0014 significantly inhibited the proliferation and activity of DLBCL cells, reduced the formation of their clones, and induced cell apoptosis. Following treatment with DCZ0014, DLBCL cells accumulated in G0/G1-phase of the cell cycle and showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, DCZ0014 significantly inhibited DNA synthesis, enhanced DNA damage in DLBCL cells, as well as inhibited Lyn/Syk in B cell receptor signaling pathway. Further experiments demonstrated that DCZ0014 did not significantly affect peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vivo analysis showed that DCZ0014 not only significantly inhibited tumor growth but also extended the survival time of mice in the DCZ0014-treated group. Conclusions: DCZ0014 showed potential for clinical application in the treatment of patients with DLBCL.
Mitophagy Promotes Sorafenib Resistance Through a Hypoxia-Inducible ATAD3A Dependent Axis
Authors: Wu Hong , Wang Tao , Liu Yiqiang , Li Xin , Wu Changtao , Zou Hongbo , Cao Mianfu , Jin Guoxiang , Wang Bin , Luo Xiaolin , Xu Chuan
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: The identification of novel targets for recovering sorafenib resistance is pivotal for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Mitophagy is the programmed degradation of mitochondria, and is likely involved in drug resistance of cancer cells. Here we identified hyperactivated mitophagy is essential for sorafenib resistance, and the mitophagy core regulator gene ATAD3A (ATPase family AAA domain containing 3A) was down regulated in the resistant hepatoma cells. Blocking mitophagy may restore the sorafenib sensitivity of these cells and provide a new treatment strategy for HCC patients.METHODS: Hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant cells were established by culturing under 1% O2 with increasing drug treatment. RNA sequencing was conducted in transfecting LM3 cells with sh-ATAD3A lentivirus. Subsequent mechanistic studies were performed in HCC cell lines by manipulating ATAD3A expression isogenically where we evaluated drug sensitivity, molecular signaling events. In vivo study, we investigated the combined treatment effect of sorafenib and miR-210-5P antagomir. RESULTS: We found a hyperactivated mitophagy regulating by ATAD3A-PINK/PARKIN axis in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant HCC cells. Gain- and loss- of ATAD3A were related to hypoxia-induced mitophagy and sorafenib resistance. In addition, ATAD3A is a functional target of miR-210-5p and its oncogenic functions are likely mediated by increased miR-210-5P expression. The classic hypoxia-induced miRNA was upregulated during hypoxia-induced mitophagy and sorafenib resistance. In vivo xenograft assay showed that miR-210-5P antagomir combined with sorafenib abrogated the tumorigenic effect of ATAD3A down-regulation in mice. CONCLUSION: Loss of ATAD3A hyperactivates mitophagy which is a core event in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Targeting miR-210-5P-ATAD3A axis is a novel therapeutic target for sorafenib-resistant HCC patients.
LncRNA NKX2-1-AS1 As ceRNA Promotes Tumor Progression and Angiogenesis by Upregulating SERPINE1 Expression and Activating VEGFR-2 Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Teng Fei , Zhang Juxiang , Chen Yi , Shen Xiaodong , Guo Yanjiao , Wang Puhua , Lei Ming , Cao Yiou , Liu Shao-Qun
Published: August 2020

Background: Recent evidence indicated that the lncRNA NKX2-1-AS1 (NKX2-1 antisense RNA 1) plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the associated molecular mechanisms of NKX2-1-AS1 in GC are still unclear. Methods: To determine the target of the study by bioinformatic analysis. NKX2-1-AS1 expression was measured in paired tumor and non-tumor tissues of 178 GC patients, by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The in vitro and in vivo biological functions of NKX2-1-AS1 were examined by loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments. The potential mechanisms of this competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) were elucidated using dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: NKX2-1-AS1 expression was upregulated in GC cell lines and tumor tissues, which was correlated with tumor progression and enhanced angiogenesis. Functionally, NKX2-1-AS1 overexpression promoted GC cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis, while NKX2-1-AS1 downregulation reversed these effects, both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay showed that the microRNA miR-145-5p is a direct target of NKX2-1-AS1, and that NKX2-1-AS1 acts as a ceRNA that regulates angiogenesis in the context of GC. The mechanistic study revealed that miR-145-5p specifically targets serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), and that the complex NKX2-1-AS1/miR-145-5p activates VEGFR2 signaling, via SERPINE1, to promote tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Conclusion: NKX2-1-AS1 upregulation is associated with tumor cell proliferation, increased angiogenesis, and poor prognosis in GC patients. NKX2-1-AS1 regulates SERPINE1 expression and VEGFR2 signaling by acting as a ceRNA for miR-145-5p.
Development and Validation of the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire – Autism Spectrum Conditions in Autistic, Possibly Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults.
Authors: Cassidy Sarah , Bradley Louise , Cogger-Ward Heather , Rodgers Jacqui
Published: August 2020

Background: Autistic people and those with high autistic traits are at high risk of experiencing suicidality. Yet, there are no suicidality assessment tools developed or validated for these groups.Methods: A widely used and validated suicidality assessment tool developed for the general population (SBQ-R), was adapted using feedback from autistic adults. The adapted tool was refined through 9 interviews, and an online survey with 251 autistic adults, to establish clarity and relevance of the items. Subsequently, 308 autistic, 113 possibly autistic, and 268 non-autistic adults completed the adapted tool online, alongside self-report measures of autistic traits (AQ), camouflaging autistic traits (CAT-Q), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (ASA-A), thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (INQ-15), lifetime non-suicidal self-injury, and the original version of the suicidality assessment tool (SBQ-R). Analyses explored the appropriateness and measurement properties of the adapted tool between the groups.Results: There was evidence in support of content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, test retest validity, sensitivity and specificity (for distinguishing those with or without lifetime experience of suicide attempt), and hypothesis testing of the adapted tool (SBQ-ASC) in each group. The structure of the SBQ-ASC was equivalent between autistic and possibly autistic adults, regardless of gender, or use of visual aids to help quantify abstract rating scales.Limitations: The samples involved in the development and validation of the adapted tool were largely female, and largely diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, which is not representative of the wider autistic population. The SBQ-ASC has been developed for use in research and is not recommended to assess risk of future suicide attempts and/or self-harm.Conclusions: The SBQ-ASC is a brief self-report suicidality assessment tool, developed and validated with and for autistic adults, without co-occurring intellectual disability. The SBQ-ASC is appropriate for use in research to identify suicidal thoughts and behaviours in autistic and possibly autistic people, and model associations with risk and protective factors.
Health Consequences of Drought in The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Hotspot Areas and Needed Actions.
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Lane Chris , Elhakim Mohamed , Nabeth Pierre
Published: August 2020

Background: Over the past four decades, drought episodes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the of the World Health Organization (WHO) have gradually become more widespread, prolonged and frequent. We aimed to map hotspot countries and identified key strategic actions for health consequences.Methods: We reviewed scientific literature and WHO EMR documentation on trends and patterns of the drought health consequences from 1990 through 2019. Extensive communication was also carried out with EMR WHO country offices to retrieve information on ongoing initiatives to face health consequences due to drought. An index score was developed to categorize countries according vulnerability factors towards drought. Results: A series of complex health consequences are due to drought in EMR, including malnutrition, vector-borne diseases, and water-borne diseases. The index score indicated how Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia are “hotspots” due to poor population health status and access to basic sanitation as well as other elements such as food insecurity, displacement and conflicts/political instability. WHO country offices effort is towards enhancing access to water and sanitation and essential healthcare services including immunization and psychological support, strengthening disease surveillance and response, and risk communication. Conclusions: Drought-related health effects in the WHO EMR represent a public health emergency. Strengthening mitigation activities and additional tailored efforts are urgently needed to overcome context-specific gaps and weaknesses, with specific focus on financing, accountability and enhanced data availability.
Prognostic Implications of Alcohol Dehydrogenases Inhepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiangye , Kong Delong , Li Tingting , You Hongjuan , Kong Fanyun , Tang Renxian
Published: August 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.
Results
In our study, the expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to evaluate the association between ADHs and outcomes of the patients. 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
Overall, our results provide the potential prognostic biomarkers or molecular targets for the patients with HCC.