bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KEBIJAKAN PENGEMBANGAN WISATA PANTAI KENJERAN SURABAYA DAN KONFLIK NELAYAN
Authors: Taufiq Amal , Azizah Siti
Published: October 2020

The focus of this research is the conflict that occurred between the the fishermen of Tambak Wedi Kenjeran Surabaya and PT PP Properti Suramadu, which represents the Surabaya city government as a result of government policies in developing the Kenjeran Beach tourism area, especially in the cable car development plan. This study used a qualitative approach, so that in the data mining technique the researcher used the method of observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. From the research results, it was found that the Kenjeran beach tourism development policy carried out by the Surabaya City Government was in accordance with the natural and socio-cultural potential of the local community, but the impact of this policy was a conflict which in Ralf Dahrendorf's perspective there were three groups involved in the conflict. namely quasi groups, interest groups and conflict groups. The conflict started because of the demolition of a fishing post which had been used to monitor boats, three posts were dismantled, a fishing post for cumi-cumi group, kakap merah group and dorang groups, due to massive protests from fishermen until finally there was mediation by the Surabaya legislative, finally a fishing post was built. reset at the same location.

Keywords: Tourism Area Development, Government Policy, Fishermen
 
Abstrak

Fokus dalam penelitian adalah konflik yang terjadi antara nelayan Tambak Wedi kecamatan Kenjeran Surabaya dengan PT PP Properti Suramadu yang mewakili pemeritah kota Surabaya sebagai dampak dari kebijakan pemerintah dalam  pengembangan kawasan wisata Pantai Kenjeran terutama dalam rencana pembangunan Kereta Gantung. Penelitian ini  menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, sehingga dalam teknik penggalian data peneliti menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa kebijakan pengembangan kawasan wisata pantai Kenjeran yang dilakukan oleh Pemerintah Kota Surabaya sesuai dengan potensi alam dan sosial budaya masyarakat setempat, namun dampak dari kebijakan itu terjadi konflik yang dalamk persepektif Ralf Dahrendorf ada tiga kelompok yang terlibat dalam konfik itu. yaitu kelompok semu, kelompok kepetingan dan kelompok komflik. Konflik dimulai karena adanya pembongkaran pos nelayan yang selama ini digunakan untuk memantau perahu, ada tiga pos yang dibongkar, pos nelayan kelompok cumi-cumi, kakap merah dan dorang, karena protes masif dari nelayan hingga akhirnya ada mediasi oleh DPRD Surabaya, akhirnya pos nelayan dibangun ulang di lokasi yang sama.
Kata Kunci : Wisata Pantai; Kebijakan Pemkot;  Nelayan
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals evolutionary divergence and shared network of cold and salt stress response in diploid D-genome cotton
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Magwanga Richard Odongo , Jin Dingsha , Cai Xiaoyan , Hou Yuqing , Juyun Zheng , Agong Stephen Gaya , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang , Zhou Zhongli
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWild species of cotton are excellent resistance to abiotic stress. Diploid D-genome cotton showed abundant phenotypic diversity and was the putative donor species of allotetraploid cotton which produce the largest textile natural fiber. ResultsA total of 41,053 genes were expressed in all samples by mapping RNA-seq Illumina reads of G. thurberi (D1), G. klotzschianum (D3-k), G. raimondii (D5) and G. trilobum (D8) to reference genome. The numbers of differently expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly higher under cold stress than salt stress. However, 34.1% DEGs under salt stress were overlapped with cold stress in four species. Notably, a potential shared network (cold and salt response, including 16 genes) was mined out by gene co-expression analysis. A total of 47,180- 55,548 unique genes were identified in four diploid species by De novo assembly. Furthermore, 163, 344, 330, and 161 positively selected genes (PSGs) were detected in thurberi, G. klotzschianum, G. raimondii and G. trilobum by evolutionary analysis, respectively, and 9.5% - 17% PSGs of four species were DEGs in corresponding species under cold or salt stress. What’s more, most of PSGs were enriched GO term related to response to stimulation. G. klotzschianum showed the best tolerance under both cold and salt stress. Interestingly, we found that a RALF-like protein coding gene not only is PSGs of G. klotzschianum, but also belongs to the potential shared network. ConclusionOur study provided new evidence that gene expression variations of evolution by natural selection were essential drivers of the morphological variations related to environmental adaptation during evolution. Additionally, there exist shared regulated networks under cold and salt stress, such as Ca2+ signal transduction and oxidation-reduction mechanisms. Our work establishes a transcriptomic selection mechanism for altering gene expression of the four diploid D-genome cotton and provides available gene resource underlying multi-abiotic resistant cotton breeding strategy.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Prevalent and Persistent Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomavirus(HPV) Infection
Authors: Adebamowo Sally N. , Adeyemo Adebowale A , Rotimi Charles N , Olaniyan Olayinka , Offiong Richard B. , Adebamowo Clement A
Published: October 2020

Background: Genetic factors may influence the susceptibility to high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and persistence. We conducted the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with cervical hrHPV infection and persistence. Methods: Participants were 517 Nigerian women evaluated at baseline and 6 months follow-up visits for HPV. HPV was characterized using SPF 10 /LiPA 25 . hrHPV infection was positive if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in a sample provided at the baseline visit and persistent if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in each of the samples provided at the baseline and follow-up visits. Genotyping was done using the Illumina Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array (MEGA) and imputation was done using the African Genome Resources Haplotype Reference Panel. Association analysis was done for hrHPV infection (125 cases/392 controls) and for persistent hrHPV infection (51 cases/355 controls) under additive genetic models adjusted for age, HIV status and the first principal component (PC) of the genotypes. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 38 (±8) years, 48% were HIV negative, 24% were hrHPV positive and 10% had persistent hrHPV infections. No single variant reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 X 10 -8 ). The top three variants associated with hrHPV infections were intronic variants clustered in KLF12 (all OR: 7.06, p =1.43 x 10 -6 ). The top variants associated with cervical hrHPV persistence were in DAP (OR: 6.86, p =7.15 x 10 -8 ), NR5A2 (OR: 3.65, p =2.03 x 10 -7 ) and MIR365-2 (OR: 7.71, p =2.63 x 10 -7 ) gene regions. Conclusions: This exploratory GWAS yielded suggestive candidate risk loci for cervical hrHPV infection and persistence. The identified loci have biological annotation and functional data supporting their role in hrHPV infection and persistence. Given our limited sample size, larger discovery and replication studies are warranted to further characterize the reported associations.
Optimizing the Efficiency and Implementation of Cash Transfers to Improve Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: Study Protocol for A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Packel Laura , Njau Prosper , Fahey Carolyn , Ramadhani Angela , Dow William H , Jewell Nicholas P , McCoy Sandra I
Published: October 2020

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, taken daily, is an effective strategy to clinically suppress the virus, providing the dual benefit of improved survival and vastly decreasing the risk of transmission. However, this highly effective intervention has not yet reached all who could benefit. Cash transfers are increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to motivate behavior change and improve HIV care and treatment outcomes, including engagement in HIV care and adherence to ART. Despite a growing evidence base and strong theoretical foundation for the cash transfer approach, key questions remain. To address these questions and begin to bridge the “know-do gap” with respect to cash transfers, our team is employing an implementation science approach to iterative development of an incentive-based intervention to promote ART uptake and adherence among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Lake Zone Region, Tanzania.Methods: We will conduct a type I hybrid implementation – effectiveness trial to test the effectiveness of a cash transfer intervention on the outcome of HIV viral suppression, and concurrently examine the potential for real-world implementation with an mobile health technology (mHealth) system through measurement of implementation science constructs. Specifically, our team will expand the intervention to 32 clinics and enroll 1,984 PLHIV to (a) evaluate its effectiveness by conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial with clinics as the unit of randomization and 12-month viral suppression as the primary outcome; and (b) evaluate the implementation challenges and successes at multiple levels (patient, provider, clinic).Discussion: This trial will provide evidence about not only the real-world effectiveness of cash transfers for retention in HIV care and viral suppression, but also on the implementation challenges and successes that will facilitate or hinder wider scale-up within Tanzania and beyond.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrails.govRegistration Number: NCT04201353 Date of Registration: December 17th, 2019URL for Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04201353
Adaptive Immune Responses Mediated Age-related Plasmodium yoelii 17XL and 17XNL Infections in 4 and 8-week-old BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Qiu-bo , Du Yun-ting , Liu Fei , Sun Xiao-dan , Sun Xun , Chen Guang , Pang Wei , Cao Yaming
Published: October 2020

Backgroud: As the quest to eradicate malaria continues, it is important to clarify the opposite clinical outcomes between children and adulthood. The relationship between adaptive immune response and age-related malaria infection remains unknown. Methods: 4 and 8-week-old mice were used to mimic children and adulthood, respectively. Parasitemia and the survival rate were monitored. The proportion and function of Th1 and Th2 cells were detected by FACS. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and Plasmodium yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were measured by ELISA. Results: Our results found that childhood mice were more susceptible to P. yoelii 17XNL infection, with lower survival rate and higher parasitemia. The adult group showed greater resistance to P. yoelii 17XL infection, with lower parasitemia. Compared with 4-week-old mice, the percentage of CD4+T-bet+IFN-γ+ Th1 cells as well as IFN-γ production were significantly increased on day 5 p.i. in the 8-week-old mice after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. The percentage of CD4+GATA3+IL-4+ Th2 cells and CD4+CXCR5+ Tfh cells, and IL-4 production in the 8-week-old mice significantly increased on day 5 and day 10 after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. Notably, the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and P. yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were also significantly increased in the 8-week-old mice. PD-1, a marker of exhaustion, was up-regulated on CD4+ or activated CD4+ T cells in the 8-week-old mice as compared to the 4-week-old group. Conclusions: Thus, we consider that enhanced cellular and humoral adaptive immunity might contribute to rapid clearance of malaria among adults, likely in a PD-1-dependent manner due to induction of CD4+ T cells exhaustion in P. yoelii 17XNL infected 8-week-old mice.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen
Published: October 2020

Background: The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under different circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. A novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memory function of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Results: Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats.Conclusion: In summary, the findings of this study demonstrated that scopolamine-induced amnesia was associated with downregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and upregulated expression of SIN3A. Furthermore, treatment with EA alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats and was associated with upregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and downregulated expression of SIN3A.
Association between non-traumatic vertebral fractures and adjacent discs degeneration: a cross-sectional study and literature review
Authors: Takegami Norihiko , Akeda Koji , Murata Koichiro , Yamada Junichi , Sudo Akihiro
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPrevious clinical studies reported that thoracolumbar vertebral fractures (VFs) associated with high energy spine trauma cause adjacent intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration; however, the effect of non-traumatic VFs on the progression of adjacent disc degeneration remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between non-traumatic VFs and degenerative changes of adjacent IVDs.Methods98 consecutive patients undergoing spinal surgery were included in this study. VFs were semi-quantitatively evaluated by lateral lumbar radiography. 588 vertebral bodies (from T12 to L5) and 486 discs (from T12/L1 to L4/L5) were analyzed. The degree of IVD degeneration was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and classified into two groups according to Pfirrmann’s classification. Grades I, II and III were defined as the early stage of IVD degeneration and Grades IV and V as the advanced stage. Intradiscal vacuum phenomena (VPs) were evaluated by computed tomography. Adjacent IVDs were categorized according to the locations of VFs (superior, inferior, and bilateral). Associations between the presence of VFs and the extent of IVD degeneration or the presence of VPs were statistically analyzed.ResultsIVDs adjacent to VFs were identified in 115 IVDs (31.1% of total; superior: 11.4%, bilateral: 8.6%, inferior: 11.1%). The presence of VFs was significantly associated with MRI grades of adjacent IVD degeneration (P<0.01) and the prevalence of VPs within adjacent IVDs (P<0.01). From logistic regression analysis, age, disc level, and VFs were independent related factors for disc degeneration (P<0.05).ConclusionThis study showed that VFs were an independent related factor for adjacent disc degeneration and occurrence of intradiscal VPs. VFs may affect the micro-environment of adjacent IVDs, leading to disc degeneration and disc rupture.
COVID-19 pandemic and dental hygienists in Italy: a questionnaire survey.
Authors: Bontà Giuliana , Campus Guglielmo Giuseppe , Cagetti Maria Grazia
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThis online cross-sectional survey assesses the signs/symptoms, the protective measures taken and the awareness and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Italian dental hygienists. All Italian dental hygienists were invited to participate. The ad hoc online questionnaire was divided into four domains: personal data, protective measures (-before patient arrival; -in the waiting room; -in the operating room) and PPE, awareness and risk perception.ResultsTwo-thousand-seven-hundred-ninety-eight subjects participated. Only 0.25% of the sample was positive to the virus. Sense of fatigue (8.19%), headache (7.81%) and sore throat (7.32%) were the most common symptoms. A statistically significant trend across the areas with a different prevalence of COVID-19 was observed related to the number of signs/symptoms (areas z=6.38 p<0.01). Overall, 90.55% of the sample used protective glasses or visor, 90.10% disposable gloves and 82.80% surgical mask. Regarding the confidence to avoid the infection, a statistically significant difference was found among dental hygienists belonging to the three years-professional-experiences groups who worked in the high COVID-19 prevalence area. The findings of this survey show that Italian dental hygienists have modified their working habits according to the professional risk related to the current pandemic and they seem correctly prepared to face the risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Racial Differences in Lifestyle, Demographic, and Health Factors Associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in Midlife Women
Authors: Smith Brandi Patrice , Cardoso-Mendoza Esmeralda , Flaws Jodi A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Smith Rebecca Lee
Published: October 2020

Previously, quality of life (Qol) has been defined as an individual’s evaluation of a satisfactory life as a whole (i.e. physically, mentally, psychologically, and socially). Only a few studies have examined the racial differences between QoL, and risk factors associated with health, demographics, and lifestyle in midlife women. Thus, the purpose of our study is to determine racial differences in QoL in menopausal women due to lifestyle, demographic, and health related risk factors. A stratified ordinal logistic regression model was applied to self-reported questionnaire data from the Midlife Women's Health Study (MWHS) to determine risk factors associated with QoL differences between White and Black women during the menopausal transition. In multivariate models, our results showed Black women who had 3 or 4 comorbidities (moderate) were about 4 times as likely to have higher QoL compared to women who had 0 to 2 comorbidities (95% CI: 1.65,10.78). However, the number of comorbidities was not significantly associated with QoL in White women in univariate or multivariate analysis. Further, BMI and income were not significant factors in QoL in Black women but were in White women. Overall, our results illustrate that differences in health, demographic, and lifestyle factors are associated with QoL during menopause. Also, we suggest that future studies evaluate stratified models between racial groups to determine race-specific risk factors related to quality of life.
Development and evaluation of recombinant GRA8 protein for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats
Authors: Jirapattharasate Charoonluk , Udonsom Ruenruetai , Prachasuphap Apichai , Jongpitisub Kodcharad , Dhepakson Panadda
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe development of sensitive and specific methods for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection is critical for preventing and controlling toxoplasmosis in humans and other animals. Recently, various recombinant proteins have been used in serological tests for diagnosing toxoplasmosis. The production of these antigens is associated with live tachyzoites obtained from cell cultures or laboratory animals for genomic extraction to amplify target genes. Synthetic genes have gained a key role in recombinant protein production. For the first time, we demonstrated the production of the recombinant protein of the T. gondii dense granular antigen 8 (TgGRA8) gene based on commercial gene synthesis. Recombinant TgGRA8 plasmids were successfully expressed in an Escherichia coli system. The recombinant protein was affinity-purified and characterized via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of the recombinant protein was assessed using 306 field serum samples from goats via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT).ResultsWestern blotting using known positive serum samples from goats identified a single antigen at the expected molecular weight of TgGRA8 (27 kDa). iELISA illustrated that 15.40% of goat samples were positive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. In addition, TgGRA8 provided high sensitivity and specificity, with significant concordance (91.83) and kappa values (0.69) compared with the results obtained using LAT.ConclusionOur findings highlight the production of a recombinant protein from a synthetic TgGRA8 gene and the ability to detect T. gondii infection in field samples. The sensitivity and specificity of TgGRA8 demonstrated that this protein could be a good serological marker for detecting specific IgG in goat sera
CircRNA PIP5K1A promotes the progression of glioma through upregulation of TCF12/PI3K/AKT pathway by sponging miR-515-5p
Authors: Zheng Kebin , Xie Haipeng , Wu Xiaosong , Wen Xichao , Zeng Zhaomu , Shi Yanfang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIncreasing studies have revealed that circular RNAs (CircRNAs) make great contribution to regulating tumor progression. Therefore, we intended to explore the expression characteristics, function, and related mechanisms of a novel type of circRNA, PIP5K1A in glioma. MethodsFirstly, RT-PCR was carried out to examine CircPIP5K1A expression in glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and the correlation between CircPIP5K1A level and the clinical pathological indicators of glioma was analyzed. Then, the CircPIP5K1A expression in various glioma cell lines was detected, and a cell model of CircPIP5K1A overexpression and knockdown was constructed. Subsequently, cell proliferation and viability were detected by CCK8 method and BrdU staining, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and cell invasion was examined by Transwell assay. The expression of TCF12, PI3K/AKT pathway apoptotic related proteins (including Caspase3, Bax and Bcl2) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (including E-cadherin, Vimentin and N-cadherin) by western blot or RT-PCR. ResultsThe results manifested that CircPIP5K1A was obviously upregulated in glioma tissues (compared with that in normal adjacent tissues), and overexpressed CircPIP5K1A was distinctly related to glioma volume and histopathological grade. Functionally, overexpressing CircPIP5K1A notably elevated the proliferation, invasion, EMT of glioma cells, and inhibited apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, CircPIP5K1A also upregulated TCF12 and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Bioinformatics analysis testified that miR-515-5p was a common target of CircPIP5K1A and TCF12, while dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunocoprecipitation (RIP) experiment further confirmed that CircPIP5K1A targeted miR-515-5p, which bound the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TCF12. ConclusionsAltogether, the study illustrated that CircPIP5K1A is a potential prognostic marker in glioma and regulates the development of glioma through the modulating miR-515-5p mediated TCF12/PI3K/AKT axis.
From SARS-CoV-2 hematogenous spreading to endothelial dysfunction: clinical-histopathological study of cutaneous signs of COVID-19.
Authors: Patrì Angela , Vargas Maria , Buonanno Pasquale , Annunziata Maria Carmela , Russo Daniela , Staibano Stefania , Servillo Giuseppe , Fabbrocini Gabriella
Published: October 2020

Background: To date, very few studies on clinical-histopathological correlations of cutaneous disorders associated with COVID-19 have been conducted. Case presentation: The Case 1 was a 90-year-old man, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from a nasopharyngeal swab. Two days later, he was hospitalized and after eleven days transferred to Intensive Care Unit. A chest CT showed bilateral ground-glass opacities. Just that day, an erythematous maculo-papular rash appeared on trunk, shoulders and neck, becoming purpuric after few days. Histological evaluations revealed a chronic superficial dermatitis with purpuric aspects. The superficial and papillary dermis appeared edematous, with a perivascular lympho-granulocytic infiltrate and erythrocytic extravasation. At intraepithelial level, spongiosis and a granulocyte infiltrate were detected. Arterioles, capillaries and post-capillary venules showed endothelial swelling and appeared ectatic. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir-ritonavir and tocilizumab. Regrettably, due to severe lung impairment, he died.The Case 2 was a 85-year-old man, admitted to Intensive Care Unit, where he was intubated. He had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from a nasopharyngeal swab two days before. A chest RX showed bilateral atypical pneumonia. After seven days, a cutaneous reddening involving trunk, upper limbs, neck and face developed, configuring a sub-erythroderma. Histological evaluations displayed edema in the papillary and superficial reticular dermis, and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir-ritonavir and tocilizumab. Sub-erythroderma as well as respiratory symptoms gradually improved until healing. Conclusions: The endothelial swelling detected in the Case 1 could be a morphological expression of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesize that cutaneous damage could be initiated by endothelial dysfunction, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells or induced by immune system activation. The disruption of endothelial integrity could enhance microvascular permeability, extravasation of inflammatory cells and cytokines, with cutaneous injury. The Case 2 developed a sub-erythroderma associated with COVID-19, and a non-specific chronic dermatitis was detected at histological level. We speculate that a purpuric rash could represent the cutaneous sign of a more severe coagulopathy, as highlighted histologically by vascular abnormalities, while a sub-erythroderma could be expression of viral hematogenous spreading, inducing a non-specific chronic dermatitis.
A novel circular RNA hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 pathway regulates cisplatin-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Han Jing , Lan Huiyin , Lin Qingren , Wang Yuezhen , Sun Xiaojiang
Published: October 2020

Background
Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and emerging evidences suggests that targeting circular RNAs (circRNAs) is an effective strategy to increase cisplatin-sensitivity in NSCLC, but the detailed mechanisms are still not fully delineated.
Methods
Cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis were examined by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, trypan blue staining assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay, respectively. The expression levels of cancer associated genes were measured by using the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis at transcriptional and translated levels. Dual-luciferase reporter gene system assay was conducted to validated the targeting sites among hsa_circRNA_103809, miR-377-3p and 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of GOT1 mRNA. The expression status, including expression levels and localization, were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay in mice tumor tissues.
Results
Here we identified a novel hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 signaling cascade contributes to cisplatin-resistance in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, parental cisplatin-sensitive NSCLC (CS-NSCLC) cells were subjected to continuous low-dose cisplatin treatment to generate cisplatin-resistant NSCLC (CR-NSCLC) cells, and we found that hsa_circRNA_103809 and GOT1 were upregulated, while miR-377-3p was downregulated in CR-NSCLC cells but not in CS-NSCLC cells. In addition, hsa_circRNA_103809 sponged miR-337-3p to upregulate GOT1 in CS-NSCLC cells, and knock-down of hsa_circRNA_103809 enhanced the inhibiting effects of cisplatin on cell proliferation and viability, and induced cell apoptosis in CR-NSCLC cells, which were reversed by downregulating miR-377-3p and overexpressing GOT1. Consistently, overexpression of hsa_circRNA_103809 increased cisplatin-resistance in CS-NSCLC cells by regulating the miR-377-3p/GOT1 axis. Finally, silencing of hsa_circRNA_103809 aggravated the inhibiting effects of cisplatin treatment on NSCLC cell growth in vivo.
Conclusions
Analysis of data suggested that targeting the hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 pathway increased susceptibility of CR-NSCLC cells to cisplatin, and this study provided novel targets to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin for NSCLC treatment in clinic.
Thyroid function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in hyperthyroidism patients
Authors: Wang Bairong , Wang Baomin , Yang Yumei , Xu Jing , Hong Mengyang , Xia Mingfeng , Li Xiaomu , Gao Xin
Published: October 2020

Background: Although thyroid function has been demonstrated to be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in different population, the prevalence and features of NAFLD in hyperthyroidism have not been reported. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and association of thyroid function and NAFLD in hyperthyroidism patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China. A total 117 patients with hyperthyroidism were consecutively recruited from 2014-2015. Thyroid function and other clinical features were measured, liver fat content was measured by color Doppler ultrasonically, NFALD NAFLD was defined in patients with liver fat content more than 9.15% . Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package version 13.0.Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 11.97% in hyperthyroidism. Patient with NAFLD had lower free triiodothyronine (FT3)fT3 and free thyroxine (FT4)fT4 levels than patients without NAFLD (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, metabolic parameters and inflammation factors, higher fT3 FT3 were associated with lower liver fat content (β=－0.072, P=0.009) and decreased odds ratio of NAFLD (OR=0.267, 95%CI 0.087-0.817, P=0.021). Conclusions: The prevalence of NAFLD was 11.97% in hyperthyroidism patients, and FT3 level was negatively associated with the liver fat content in this population. These results may provide new evidence in the role of thyroid hormone on the regulation of liver fat content and NAFLD.
“Can Virtue Be Taught?”: A Content Analysis of Medical Students’ Opinions of the Professional and Ethical Challenges to their Professional Identity Formation
Authors: Hawking Michael , Kim Jenny , Jih Melody , Hu Chelsea , Yoon John D.
Published: October 2020

Background: Efforts have begun to characterize the ethical and professional issues encountered by medical students in their clinical years. By applying previously identified taxonomies to a national sample of medical students, this study seeks to develop generalizable insights that can inform professional identity formation across various clerkships and medical institutions.Methods: In a national survey of medical students, participants answered an open-ended survey item that asked them to describe a clinical experience involving an ethical or professional issue. We conducted a content analysis with these responses using the Kaldjian taxonomy of ethical and professionalism themes in medical education through an iterative, consensus-building process. Noting the emerging virtues-based approach to ethics and professionalism, we also reexamined the data using a taxonomy of virtues.Results: The response rate to this survey item was 144 out of 499 eligible respondents (28.9%). All 144 responses were successfully coded under one or more themes in the original taxonomy of ethical and professional issues, resulting in a total of 173 coded responses. Professional Duties was the most frequently coded theme (29.2%), followed by Communication (26.4%), Quality of Care (18.8%), Student-specific Issues of Moral Distress (16.7%), Decisions Regarding Treatment (16.0%), and Justice (13.2%). In the virtues taxonomy, 180 total responses were coded from the 144 original responses, and the most frequent virtue coded was Wisdom (23.6%), followed by Respectfulness (20.1%) and Compassion or Empathy (13.9%).Conclusions: Originally developed from students’ clinical experiences in one institution, the Kaldjian taxonomy appears to serve as a useful analytical framework for categorizing a variety of clinical experiences faced by a national sample of medical students. This study also supports the development of virtue-based programs that focus on cultivating the virtue of wisdom in the practice of medicine.
Synthesis of nearly spherical AlN particles by an in-situ nitriding combustion route
Authors: Wei Zhilei , Li Kang , Ge Bangzhi , Guo Chaowei , Xia Hongyan , Guo Yajie , Shi Zhongqi
Published: October 2020

Spherical AlN powders with micrometer size have attracted great attention owing to their good fluidity and dispersity. However, the industrial preparation methods usually require high temperature and long soaking time, which lead to the high cost and limit the wide application of the products. Herein, nearly spherical AlN particles with the average size of 2.5 μm were successfully synthesized via an in-situ combustion synthesis method. The effect of N 2 pressure, NH 4 Cl content and Al particle size on the combustion reaction procedure, phase composition and microstructure of the products was systematically investigated. The results showed that the decreased N 2 pressure, increased NH 4 Cl content and Al particle size led to the decreasing of combustion temperature and speed, which further affected the morphology of the products. As a result, low N 2 pressure (0.2 MPa), a small amount of NH 4 Cl (0.5 wt%) and fine Al particles (~2.5 μm) contributed to a moderate combustion temperature and facilitated the formation of nearly spherical AlN particles. In addition, based on the gas-releasing assisted quenching experiments and thermo-kinetic analysis, a two-step growth mechanism for the nearly spherical AlN particles was rationally proposed. The present method shows the advantages of low cost and high efficiency for preparing nearly spherical AlN particles, which can be used as raw materials for electronic substrates and fillers for packaging materials.
Exosomes from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate histone-induced acute lung injury by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in endothelial cells.
Authors: Mizuta Yukie , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Guo Jie , Zhang Shuo , Narahara Sayoko , Kawano Takahito , Murata Masaharu , Tokuda Kentaro , Eto Masatoshi , Hashizume Makoto , Yamaura Ken
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), have been shown to attenuate organ damage in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential roles and molecular mechanisms of action of ADSCs in histone-induced endothelial damage. MethodsMale C57BL/6N mice were intravenously injected with ADSCs, followed by histones or a vehicle. The mice in each group were assessed for survival, pulmonary vascular permeability, and histological changes. A co-culture model with primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to histones was used to clarify the paracrine effect of ADSCs. Overexpression and inhibition of miR-126 ADSCs were also examined as causative factors for endothelial protection.ResultsThe administration of ADSCs markedly improved survival, inhibited histone-mediated lung hemorrhage and edema, and attenuated vascular hyper-permeability in mice. ADSCs were engrafted in the injured lung and attenuated histone-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. ADSCs showed endothelial protection (via a paracrine effect) and Akt phosphorylation in the histone-exposed HUVECs. Notably, increased Akt phosphorylation by ADSCs was mostly mediated by exosomes in histone-induced cytotoxicity and lung damage. Moreover, the expression of miR-126 was increased in exosomes from histone-exposed ADSCs. Remarkably, the inhibition of miR-126 in ADSCs failed to increase Akt phosphorylation in histone-exposed HUVECs. ConclusionADSC-derived exosomes may exert protective effects on endothelial cells via activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Efficient isolation of protoplasts from rice calli with pause points and its application in transient gene expression and genome editing assays
Authors: Poddar Snigdha , Tanaka Jaclyn , Cate Jamie H. D. , Staskawicz Brian , Cho Myeong-Je
Published: October 2020

Background: An efficient in vivo transient transfection system using protoplasts is an important tool to study gene expression, metabolic pathways, and multiple mutagenesis parameters in plants. Although rice protoplasts can be isolated from germinated seedlings or cell suspension culture, preparation of those donor tissues can be inefficient, time-consuming, and laborious. Additionally, the lengthy process of protoplast isolation and transfection needs to be completed in a single day. Results: Here we report a protocol for the isolation of protoplasts directly from rice calli, without using seedlings or suspension culture. The method is developed to employ discretionary pause points during protoplast isolation and before transfection. Protoplasts maintained within a sucrose cushion partway through isolation, for completion on a subsequent day, per the first pause point, are referred to as S protoplasts. Fully isolated protoplasts maintained in MMG solution for transfection on a subsequent day, per the second pause point, are referred to as M protoplasts. Both S and M protoplasts, 1 day after initiation of protoplast isolation, had minimal loss of viability and transfection efficiency compared to protoplasts 0 days after isolation. S protoplast viability decreases at a lower rate over time than that of M protoplasts and can be used with added flexibility for transient transfection assays and time-course experiments. The protoplasts produced by this method are competent for transfection of both plasmids and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Cas9 RNPs were used to demonstrate the utility of these protoplasts to assay genome editing in vivo. Conclusion: The current study describes a highly effective and accessible method to isolate protoplasts from callus tissue induced from rice seeds. This method utilizes donor materials that are resource-efficient and easy to propagate, permits convenience via pause points, and allows for flexible transfection days after protoplast isolation. It provides an advantageous and useful platform for a variety of in vivo transient transfection studies in rice.
Intrinsic heterogeneity of mossy cells mediates the differential crosstalk between the dorsal and ventral hippocampus
Authors: Jeong Minseok , Jang Jin-Hyeok , Oh Seo-Jin , Choe Young-Shik , Park Jeongrak , Lee Junseop , Park Junwoo , Lee Yaebin , Hwang Sehyeon , Kim Jong , Lee Jusung , Ha Chang Man , Choi Yura , Kim Sang Ryong , Nishi Akinori , Greengard Paul , Oh Yong-Seok
Published: October 2020

Glutamatergic mossy cells (MCs) are responsible for the associational and commissural connectivity of the dentate gyrus. MCs are widely distributed along the dorsoventral axis, but potential heterogeneity within MCs is scarcely explored. Here, we showed that MCs consist of two subpopulations which differ in their neuronal properties and functions. We discovered that MCs, depending on their dorsoventral location, extend distinct axonal projections in the molecular layers. Comparative transcriptional profiling of dorsal and ventral MCs revealed different neurobiological characteristics in axon guidance and synapse assembly. Despite common activation by external stimuli, dorsal MCs, but not ventral MCs, provide net inhibitory control on granule cells across the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, dorsal MC inhibition, unlikely that of ventral MCs, increases behavioral anxiety and disables rapid contextual discrimination. Collectively, dorsoventral heterogeneity of MCs may provide a novel mechanism for functional differentiation as well as distinct association along the longitudinal extent of the hippocampus.
Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitor on Lipoprotein Particles in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhang Yingyi , Cong Hongliang
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds: To assess the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (evolocumab) on lipoprotein particles subfractions with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy in patients with acute coronary syndromes.Methods: A total of 99 consecutive patients with ACS and poor lipid control were enrolled and assigned to either the experimental group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 45). The combination therapy of PCSK9 inhibitor (Repatha®, 140mg, q2w) and moderate statin (rosuvastatin, 10 mg, qn) was administered in the experimental group, with statin monotherapy (rosuvastatin, 10 mg, qn) in the control group. The therapeutic effects on lipoprotein particle subfractions were assessed with NMR spectroscopy after eight weeks treatment, and the achievement of LDL-C therapeutic target in both groups were analyzed.Results: In the experimental group, after eight weeks of evolocumab combination treatment, the concentrations of blood lipids (TC, LDL-C and its subfractions [LDL-1 to 6], VLDL-C and its subfractions [VLDL-1 to 5], IDL-C, and HDL-C), lipoprotein particles, and their subfractions (VLDL-P, IDL-P, LDL-P, and its subfractions [LDL-P1 to 6], apoB, and LP(a)) demonstrated therapeutic benefits with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The decrease in total LDL-P concentrations was mainly due to a decreased concentration of small-sized LDL particles (LDL 5+6), which was significantly more prominent than the decrease in medium-sized LDL-P (LDL-P3+4) and large-sized LDL-P (LDL-P1+2) (P < 0.001). According to lipid control target recommended by the latest China Cholesterol Education Program Expert Consensus in 2019, after eight weeks treatment, 96.3% patients in the experimental group and 13.3% in the control group had achieved the LDL-C therapeutic target(P < 0.01).Conclusions: Evolocumab combination treatment for 8 weeks could significantly improve the plasma lipid profiles in ACS patients with poor lipid control, and significantly decrease the concentration of lipoprotein particles which could result in atherosclerosis.
Pollen-mimicking, enzyme-loaded microparticles to reduce organophosphate toxicity in managed pollinators
Authors: Chen Jing , Webb James , Shariati Kaavian , Guo Shengbo , Montclare Jin-Kim , McArt Scott , Ma Minglin
Published: October 2020

Pollinators support the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide and contribute over $15 billion to U.S. farm income. Organophosphates are a heavily used group of insecticides that pollinators can be exposed to, especially during crop pollination. Exposure to lethal or sub-lethal doses can impair fitness of wild and managed bees, risking pollination quality and food security. Here, we report a low-cost, scalable in vivo detoxification strategy for organophosphate insecticides involving encapsulation of phosphotriesterase (OPT) in pollen-mimicking microparticles (PMMs). We developed uniform and consumable PMMs capable of loading OPT at 90% efficiency and protecting OPT from degradation in the pH of a bee gut. Microcolonies of bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) fed malathion-contaminated pollen patties demonstrated 100% survival when fed OPT-PMMs but 0% survival with OPT alone and 0% survival with plain sucrose within 5 and 4 days, respectively. Thus, the detrimental effects of malathion were eliminated when bees consumed OPT-PMMs. This design presents a versatile and scalable treatment for managed pollinators to reduce risk from organophosphate insecticides, which can be integrated into supplemental feeds such as pollen patties or dietary syrup.
Toroidal plasma conditions where the p-11B fusion Lawson criterion could be eased
Authors: Peng Yueng-Kay , Shi Yuejiang , Wang Mingyuan , Liu Bing , Yan Xueqing
Published: October 2020

We examine the theoretical conditions in which the Lawson ignition criterion for p-11B fusion in a magnetized toroidal plasma can
be reduced substantially. It is determined that a velocity differential between the protons and the boron ions of the order of the plasma
sound speed (Mach number of 1 or 2 at a plasma temperature of ~102 keV) could raise the p-11B fusion reaction rate to
~2x10-22 m3/s or ~6x10-22 m^3/s, respectively, from the ~1x10-22 m3/s level in a
static plasma. The Lawson triple product (ni τE Ti) required for ignition can thereby be reduced to as
low as ~1023 m-3 s keV, which is one order of magnitude above the ITER requirement for D-T burn. Since order-unity
Mach numbers in velocity differentials between deuterons and impurity carbon ions have been maintained in tokamak plasmas under excellent
confinement conditions, similar levels of velocity differentials between protons and minority boron-11 ions could in principle be
maintained also. A theoretical possibility of achieving p-11B fusion ignition in a toroidal plasma of ~102 keV in
ion temperature is hereby presented. Similar p-13C plasmas, for example, will introduce a possibility of measuring the CNO
fusion chain reaction rates in a laboratory.
Clinical impact of confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with fibromyalgia: A cohort study
Authors: Rivera Javier , Castrejón Isabel , Vallejo-Slocker Laura , Offenbächer Martin , Molina-Collada Juan , Trives Laura , López Katy , Caballero Liz , Hirsch Jameson K. , Toussaint Lauren , Nieto Juan C. , Alvaro-Gracia Jose M. , Vallejo Miguel A.
Published: October 2020

Background: Data on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on fibromyalgia (FM) patients are lacking. FM patients often experience clinical impairment with stress situations.The objective of this study was to determine whether severity of FM increases because of confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Prospective study including patients from the Combined Index of Severity of Fibromyalgia (ICAF) cohort who met the 2010 ACR FM criteria. In this cohort, all patients have a periodical evaluation of their quality of life through two questionnaires, the ICAF -which assesses the ability to perform daily living activities, anxiety and depression-, and through the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), which assesses overall change after a therapeutical intervention. Pre and post-confinement measurements were analyzed. Inferential statistical analysis and ANOVA for repeated measurements were used.Results: A total of 93 patients received a phone consultation, (95.5% females), mean (SD) age of 48.23 (8.38) years. Four patients were excluded as presenting COVID-19 and 51 (57%) completed the post-confinement ICAF. Following confinement, 25 (49%) patients got worse (group worse) and 26 (51%) patients experienced no change or improved (group stable). Comparisons between pre and post confinement ICAF did not show significant differences in both groups. Passive coping was significantly different in group worse in pre-confinement evaluation. In the 80% of patients with passive coping predominance there were no change in coping strategy.Conclusions: No clinical impairment due to COVID-19 confinement occurred. The perceived worsening among FM patients relies primarily on how patients cope with their disease, without a real impact on clinical manifestations.