bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Panna Guide Wire Facilitates Percutaneous and Nonfluoroscopic Procedure for Atrial Septal Defect Closure
Authors: Kong Pengxu , Zhao Guangzhi , Zhang Zonggang , Zhang Weimin , Fan Taibing , Han Yu , Pang Kunjing , Wang Shouzheng , Zhang Fengwen , Wang Weiwei , Hu Shengshou , Pan Xiangbin
Published: August 2020

Background:

Echo-guided percutaneous procedures have been reported reliable and advantageous. However, the learning curve is difficult for junior doctors. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel guidewire (Panna wire) in percutaneous atrial septal defect closure under transthoracic echocardiography guidance only.

Methods:

The Panna wire is designed for echo-guide procedure with a retractable spindle-shaped tip. A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Panna wire versus the conventional guidewire for junior doctors with <100 cases experience. The primary outcome was operative success rate. The secondary outcomes were incidence of major adverse events, operation time, time needed to enter the left atrium, number of arrhythmia episodes, number of misguidance to tricuspid valve, and incidence of peripheral vascular complications.

Results:

Between July 2018 and September 2019, 100 patients with atrial septal defect were randomized to either the Panna wire group (n=52) or the conventional wire group (n=48) at 3 centers. The baseline clinical characteristics were similarly distributed. The operative success rate (primary outcome) was 100% in the Panna wire group versus 68.75% in the conventional wire group (
P
<0.001). No major adverse events occurred in either group. Significant differences in favor of the Panna wire group were found in operation time (
P
=0.004), time needed to enter the left atrium (
P
<0.001), number of arrhythmia episodes (
P
<0.001), and number of misguidance to tricuspid valve (
P
=0.005).

Conclusions:

The Panna wire is safe and effective and reduces the learning curve in percutaneous atrial septal defect closure under transthoracic echocardiography guidance only.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT04096924.
Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronavirus With ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme)-2 as Their Main Receptor
Authors: Davidson Anne M. , Wysocki Jan , Batlle Daniel
Published: August 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 originated from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and rapidly spread to other areas worldwide. Since then, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic proportions with >570 000 deaths globally by mid-July 2020. The magnitude of the outbreak and the potentially severe clinical course of COVID-19 has led to a burst of scientific research on this novel coronavirus and its host receptor ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)-2. ACE2 is a homolog of the ACE that acts on several substrates in the renin-Ang (angiotensin) system. With unprecedented speed, scientific research has solved the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and imaged its binding with the ACE2 receptor. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, the viral S (spike) protein receptor-binding domain binds to ACE2 to enter the host cell. ACE2 expression in the lungs is relatively low, but it is present in type II pneumocytes—a cell type also endowed with TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease serine 2). This protease is critical for priming the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to complex with ACE2 and enter the cells. Herein, we review the current understanding of the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with ACE2 as it has rapidly unfolded over the last months. While it should not be assumed that we have a complete picture of SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of infection and its interaction with ACE2, much has been learned with clear therapeutic implications. Potential therapies aimed at intercepting SARS-CoV-2 from reaching the full-length membrane-bound ACE2 receptor using soluble ACE2 protein and other potential approaches are briefly discussed as well.
Shaping Taiwan’s History through Non-human Agents
Authors: Chang Ti-han
Published: August 2020

In the field of postcolonial Taiwanese literature, a literary tradition that an author follows often consists in contextualising issues of political identity, historical representation or social struggle via the narrative account of a human protagonist. This paper examines Wu Ming-yi’s postcolonial ecological novels, Shuimian de hangxian 睡眠的航線 [Routes in a Dream] (2007) and Danche shiqieji 單車失竊記 [The Stolen Bicycle] (2015), which not only break with this literary norm, but further invite readers to pay attention to the involvement of non-human agents in Taiwan’s colonial history. With an ecocritical reading of Wu’s works, the paper investigates the significant role of these non-human agents—including butterflies, elephants, a bird, fish–men and a bamboo forest—and further demonstrates that a non-anthropocentric narrative offered by these non-humans is also powerful in the shaping of historical representations and political identities of Taiwan.
Travel, Cultural Hybridity and Transnational Connections in Taiwanese Graphic Narratives
Authors: Zemanek Adina
Published: August 2020

This study adopts a discursive analytical perspective to elaborate on transnational connections and cultural diversity as strategies for defining Taiwaneseness in graphic narratives published between 1997 and 2016. It considers the following aspects represented in the analysed texts: (1) processes of self-identification while travelling abroad; (2) depictions of Taiwan centred on familiar spaces open to outside cultural influences, which become locally appropriated through daily activities that link them to individual emotions and weave them into personal and collective memories; and (3) reaching beyond Taiwan to highlight transnational encounters and connections, thus placing the island within a global or regional framework of reference. The article assesses the degree to which this transnational viewpoint reproduces, challenges or complements existing notions regarding Taiwan’s relations with China, Japan and the US, while also exploring relations established with other nodes of reference: Europe, New Zealand and Hong Kong. It also comments on the extent to which academic critical stances on Taiwan’s multiculturalism and warnings against overlooking existing ties between Taiwan and the PRC in contemporary definitions of nationhood may hold true for the research material.
Negotiating Legacies
Authors: Momesso Lara , Alsford Niki J.P.
Published: August 2020

This special issue concerns agency and negotiation in the context of the hierarchical relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC), a global superpower, and Taiwan, a subordinated actor often relegated to a marginal position in contemporary global geopolitics. By exploring how Taiwan opposes, interrupts and re-creates its subordinate position vis-à-vis China, the authors of this special issue will shed light on the complexities of the ongoing Taiwan experience, shaped by different, often opposing, interests, positions and perspectives regarding its relationship with China. Yet, by exploring the experience of Taiwan with reference to its Chinese legacies, this special issue will also allow important reflections on China, not only in its hegemonic role regionally and globally, but also in its weaknesses when it deals with subordinated actors. This is a timely and important piece, which will allow alternative interpretations of contemporary events not only in Taiwan, for instance the recent national elections and related political developments, but also in the region, such as the protests which have been occurring in Hong Kong during the last four months.
Comparative Secularities: Tracing Social and Epistemic Structures beyond the Modern West
Authors: Kleine Christoph , Wohlrab-Sahr Monika
Published: August 2020

In view of the questionability of the concept “religion” as an analytical category for the investigation of pre-modern, non-Western cultures, how can one still pursue the history of religion or historical sociology of religion? Roughly speaking, scholars of religion can be placed between two poles with regard to this question: (1) those who reject the cross-cultural use of “religion” as a comparative concept and (2) those who believe they cannot do without it. We propose an approach that acknowledges the cultural dependence and historicity of concepts such as “religion” and the “secular,” while still conducting historical research on pre-colonial non-Western societies relevant to the study of both. Our approach aims to investigate the emergence of social and epistemic structures in various cultures—forms of differentiation and distinction—that have enabled the reorganisation of socio-cultural formations into religions and thus facilitated the formation of “multiple secularities” in global modernity.
Collaboration and Competition: The Twofold Logic of Science Diplomacy
Authors: Ruffini Pierre-Bruno
Published: August 2020

From an attentive reading of the practitioner-driven literature, this essay questions the reasons why the dominant discourse on science diplomacy highlights practices based on international co-operation and the pursuit of shared interests but pays little attention to practices which are inspired by a spirit of competition. It advances hypotheses related to the professional profiles of those who built the definitions and shaped this discourse, and who are scientists. It underlines the need to provide a broader definition of science diplomacy, by recognising its double nature, both collaborative and competitive.
The EU Delegation Sarajevo as an Organisational Proxy of the EU’s Administrative Co-governance
Authors: Navrátil Matej
Published: August 2020

This article argues that by using the European Union Delegation (EUD) in Sarajevo as an organisational proxy, the EU creates tools allowing it to participate in the enhancement of external administrative co-governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Inspired by the organisation theory approach, this article conceives of the EUD Sarajevo as a hybrid organisation. Such organisations are defined as a product of a combination of two sovereign organisations pursuing a common interest. They recombine multiple institutional logics, stimulate institutional change and spark innovative practices. The conceptualisation of the EUD Sarajevo as a hybrid organisation offers analytical insight for understanding the EU’s role in the society of states and allows us to theorise more concretely about the impact that a non-state actor has on the transformation of the institutions of diplomacy and sovereignty, which are foundational institutions of the international system of states.
Éléments du costume féminin italo-ostrogothique au nord de la mer Noire et la politique militaire de Justinien
Authors: Kazanski Michel
Published: August 2020

Une série d’objets de tradition vestimentaire italo-ostrogothique (boucles de ceinture et fibules) apparaissent en Crimée et sur la péninsule de Taman au VIe siècle. Ces objets témoignent du déplacement de groupes de population italo-ostrogothique vers le nord de la mer Noire. Il est possible que cette migration se soit déroulée dans le cadre de la politique militaire de Justinien, par exemple la déportation de prisonniers de guerre avec leurs familles et leurs installations sur les frontières lointaines de l’Empire romain d’Orient.
The Crimean Goths in the Russian Imperial and Soviet Periods
Authors: Khrapunov Nikita
Published: August 2020

This paper addresses scholarly and ideological interpretations of Crimean Goths from the late eighteenth century to the collapse of the Soviet Union. At the first stage, intellectual travellers and armchair researchers discovered the basic set of written sources, using archaeology often as illustrations and producing many long-living phantoms. From the mid-nineteenth century on, archaeological and historical researches made a big step towards understanding Crimean Gothic history. However, the Crimean War destroyed sites and museum collections, thus being a prologue to the terrible events of the Russian Civil War and the Second World War. The first Soviet decades were an ambivalent period: advancement of scientific research combined with ideological pressure. The shock of the Second World War put Crimean Goths into the focus of ideological struggle: the Nazis used them in substantiation of their rights to the Crimea as imagined “Land of the Goths” (Gotenland), while Soviet ideologists preferred to erase the Goths from Crimea’s history. However, continuing excavations collected abundant materials related to different periods and features of the Crimean Goths’ history.
Die Blonden des 11. Buches des Pseudo-Maurikios
Authors: Shuvalov Petr
Published: August 2020

This analysis of the text of Pseudo-Maurice’s Strategikon ch. xi,3, discussing the “light-haired peoples,” is based on a new investigation of the MSS by the on-line photocopies, and shows that in the text there are many inner citations and paraphrases as well as some traces of redactions previous to the archetype (i.e. common ancestor of the MSS). The analysis of the punctuation allows to propose the hypothesis that the cola in Leo’s Problemata do reflect directly the system of punctuation in the hyparchetype α (i.e. the ancestor of β, which is the progenitor of the main MSS). The text’s development before the first split of the tradition between MSS families could be separated into the following phases for ch. xi,3: (1) Xanth (the Urtext of the chapter), (2) Kairos (many interpolations and possible extraction of the text of Xanth including the first part of the title), and (3) Abar (some additional interpolations, including the names of the Franks and Lombards). The blonds (xantha ethne) of the first phase are neither Franks nor Lombards. More likely they are different gentes of the Middle Danube between the time of Attila and the appearance of the Avars – like Ostrogoths, Gepids, Heruls, etc.
Genitive of Negation in Gothic
Authors: Bucci Giacomo
Published: August 2020

The “genitive of negation” (GenNeg) is a morphosyntactic phenomenon that has seldom been addressed in Germanic, and Gothic in particular. By means of internal and typological comparison, this article aims to pinpoint the major features of this phenomenon, as found in the Gothic Bible, from a semantic perspective. I will put forth the hypothesis that the genitive of negation was a non-productive phenomenon in Gothic, and that there are reasons to distinguish it from the partitive genitive (PartGen), at least synchronically.
al-Uṣūl al-Muhaḏḏabiyya
Authors: Ben-Shammai Haggai
Published: August 2020

Ms. St. Petersburg, Russian National Library, Evr Arab I 3951 has 14 leaves, which consist of three fragments: 1) Fols. 1–10, include part of al-Uṣūl al-Muhaḏḏabiyya, the subject of the present paper. 2–3) Fragments of a responsum on forbidden marriages and a theological work. al-Uṣūl al-Muhaḏḏabiyya was written as a concise compendium of Muʿtazili theology, written by a Karaite scholar Sahl b. al-Faḍl al-Tustarī, who was active in Jerusalem (and perhaps later in Egypt) at the end of the 10th century, at the request of al-Qaḍī al-Muhaḏḏab Saniyy al-Dawla, (apparently) a dignitary in the service of the Fāṭimid government. No person with this, or a similar name could be identified in historical or biographic sources as fitting the role of instigator of such an inter-confessional project. On the basis of a comparison between a quotation of a statement on the definition of prophecy by al-Sahl b. al-Faḍl al-Tustarī at an inter-confessional debate, which took place on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem ca. 1095 (quoted in Ibn al-ʿArabī’s Qānūn al-taʾwīl) and a similar statement on prophecy found in the fragment of al-Uṣūl al-Muhaḏḏabiyya, it is quite safe to conclude that the same person is the author of the compendium, and also of the important work Kitāb al-Īmāʾ.
Simone de Beauvoir et ses lectrices
Authors: Rouch Marine
Published: August 2020

À partir des lettres reçues par Beauvoir de la part de ses lectrices, l’ article étudie d’ abord la réception et l’ appropriation de l’ œuvre de l’ écrivaine par une partie des femmes des années 1950 et 1960 : Le Deuxième Sexe et l’ entreprise autobiographique sont au centre de ce processus. La lettre à l’ écrivain.e permettant une concrétisation du lectorat aux yeux de l’ écrivain.e, l’ hypothèse d’ une influence en retour des lectrices sur le parcours féministe de Simone de Beauvoir est ensuite poursuivie.
The State of the Art of the Genetic Relationship of Japonic: the Turanian and Altaic Hypotheses
Authors: Orlandi Giorgio (Georg)
Published: August 2020

The history of several attempts, both long-range and short-range, at linking the Japanese language is surveyed and scrutinized in the present paper. Special attention is given to some earlier proposals which are largely ignored by current scholarship, albeit it can be demonstrated that they still define certain long-range comparisons which continue to enjoy some popularity among modern scholars. The two most important hypotheses examined in the present paper are those linking Japanese (Japonic) with the languages that have been classified under the labels “Turanian” and “Altaic”. It is shown that the (Macro-)Altaic hypothesis, recently also called “Transeurasian”, has close historical connections with the Turanian hypothesis and its predecessors.
Altaicization and De-Altaicization of Japonic and Koreanic
Authors: Yurayong Chingduang , Szeto Pui Yiu
Published: August 2020

This article discusses 40 grammatical features in Japonic and Koreanic in relation to their neighbouring languages in Northeast Asia. The data comprise 66 modern language varieties of 13 different linguistic affinities, and 12 historical languages (including Old and Middle Japanese and Old and Middle Korean). The results generated from a computational phylogenetic tool show a significant distance in the typological profiles of three main clades: Northeast Asian, Japonic-Koreanic, and Sinitic spheres. Typologically, the Japonic and Koreanic languages form a common grammatical type by sharing up to 26/40 features. By tracing their attestation in the historical languages we can see that the converged grammars are likely to be results of typological Altaicization and de-Altaicization. The combination of linguistic and historical evidence points to a chronology in which Japonic and Koreanic had mutually converged by Altaicization and de-Altaicization, respectively, during the 1st millennium BC and AD before eventually diverging in the 2nd millennium AD.
Study of the genus Meleonoma Meyrick, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Autostichidae) from China, with descriptions of fifteen new species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , ZHU XIAOJU
Published: August 2020

Fifteen new species of the genus Meleonoma Meyrick are described: M. anisodonta sp. nov., M. catenata sp. nov., M. dilativalva sp. nov., M. dorsibacilliformis sp. nov., M. lanceolata sp. nov., M. longaedeaga sp. nov., M. longiprocessa sp. nov., M. lunulata sp. nov., M. papillata sp. nov., M. parvissima sp. nov., M. rugulosa sp. nov., M. tenuiuncata sp. nov., M. tianmushana sp. nov., M. triacantha sp. nov. and M. ventrospinosa sp. nov.; one species, M. aridula (Meyrick, 1910), is newly recorded from China; and the female of M. microbyrsa (Wang, 2003) is described for the first time. Images of both adults and genitalia are provided. All species are divided into two species-groups, and a key to each group as well as a map showing the distribution of each group in China are given.
Review of the genus Macropsis Lewis, 1836 (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae: Macropsini) of Southeastern Kazakhstan with description of new species
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: August 2020

Macropsis aselae Tishechkin sp. n. from Dzhungarsky Alatau Mtn. Range, Southeastern Kazakhstan is described. The synonymy M. iliensis Mityaev, 1971 = M. tuvensis Vilbaste, 1980 syn. n. is established. Descriptions, data on distribution and host plants, and an illustrated key to 20 Macropsis species from Southeastern Kazakhstan are given.
A Convenient and Efficient Centrifugation Assay for Comparing Cell Adhesion Strength on Uncharted Surfaces
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zhou Xin , Du Yichen , Shi Xiaohua , You Pan , Chen Tao , Fan Dongli , Zhang Yiming
Published: August 2020

Regulating cell-substrate adhesion is of fundamental importance in biomaterial design and development. While an increasing number of approaches are being developed to quantify cell adhesion strength, only a fraction of these techniques provide measurements that are simple and sensitive
at the living cell population level. In our previous study, the expression of adhesion-associated proteins in fibroblasts was found to change on ion-implanted silicone rubber; however, the actual effects of the modified surfaces on cellular mechanical properties remain to be probed. Here,
we proposed a convenient method to compare the cell adhesion strength on various surfaces, for multiple adhesion periods and with different cell types. This method requires only common laboratory equipment. In addition, we introduced a new parameter, ECS50, which is appropriate
for screening optimum centrifugal conditions when the cell affinity of the surface as a control is initially unknown. This parameter is helpful for further exploration of cell affinity on all the biomaterials of interest. The results demonstrate that this centrifugation assay is simple, efficient
and adaptable in investigating the overall adhesion strength of living cells under various conditions, and therefore, it is a valid way to develop adhesion-controlled biointerface materials in the future.
The Effects of Curcumin Combined with Cisplatin on Apoptosis, Invasion and Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathways
Authors: He Zhengxiang , Chen Yuyang , Wang Suzhen , Dong Yufeng , Liu Huiguang , Sun Shengde , Zhang Zhonghui
Published: August 2020

Objective: To explore the influences of Curcumin combined with Cisplatin on proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE-2 in vitro , and its relationship with TGF-β 1/Smads signaling pathway. Method: The
experiment included four groups: the Control group, Curcumin group (10 μmol/L), Cisplatin group (10 μmol/L), Merge group (10 mol/L Curcumin and 10 mol/L Cisplatin). The inhibition of Curcumin combined with Cisplatin on CNE-2 cell proliferation was measured by using MTT assay. Apoptosis
was detected by flow cytometry and DAPI staining. The invasion and migration ability of CNE-2 cells were tested by Transwell test and scratch test. The Caspase-3 activity was detected. The expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 in the cells were measured by Western
blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate of CNE-2 achieved remarkable decline in the Curcumin group, the Cisplatin group and the merge group (P < 0 05); the apoptosis rate and the Caspase-3 activity were significantly elevated (P < 0 05); the invasion
and metastasis ability was obviously reduced (P < 0 05); The merge group had the most significant effect of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion (P < 0 05). In addition, the Curcumin group, cisplatin group and combined group could inhibit the expression of TGF- β1, Smad2/3/4
proteins, and increase the expression of Smad7 proteins with significantly difference (P < 0 05). The regulatory effects of the merge group was the most significant (P < 0 05). Conclusion: Curcumin combined with Cisplatin has a synergistic effect, inhibiting proliferation, inducing
apoptosis and inhibiting invasion and metastasis of CNE-2 cells, possibly being related with the down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.
Effect of Dual-Targeting MiR-4282 and ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family C Member 4 on Drug Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells and Its Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jie , Jiang Guoqin
Published: August 2020

Background: The present study focused on the effects of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 on drug resistance of breast cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms, expecting to provide a new approach for treating drug-resistant breast cancer. Material and methods: MiR-4282
overexpression and ABCC4 interference double gene lentiviral vectors were constructed. CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and scratch assay were used to determine the overexpression of A and B Group, as well as the expression, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of C and D
Group cells respectively. CCK-8 assay was applied to detect doxorubicin sensitivity. WB was used to detect the expressions of ABCC4, p53 and P-gp proteins in each group. Results: Overexpression of MiR4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration
of the cells, impeded normal cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis of the cells. The effect of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 on cell function is more pronounced. The results of CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression significantly
promoted the sensitivity of MCF-7-ADR to doxorubicin, and dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 were sensitive to the cell. The promotion effect is more obvious. WB analysis showed that overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression significantly inhibited p53 protein in the
cells, plus the inhibitory effects of dual-targeting MiR-4282 and ABCC4 were more obvious. MiR-4282 overexpression could prominently inhibit P-gp protein expression in the cells. Conclusion: Overexpression of MiR-4282 and downregulation of ABCC4 expression inhibit the proliferation,
invasion and migration of MCF-7-ADR.
Overexpression of Calcium Activated Chloride Channel A4 Suppressed the Proliferation, Invasion and Gemcitabine Resistance of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Ruowen , Ren Aihua , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Dawei
Published: August 2020

Lung cancer is one kind of the malignant tumor with high mortality. And non-small cell lung cancer is the main subtype of lung cancer. And the proteins of CLCA family (CLCA1, CLCA2 and CLCA4) played an inhibitory role in the occurrence and development of multiple types of tumors. However,
the effect of CLCA4 on non-small cell lung cancer cells remains unclear. In our study, we used the lentivirus to establish the overexpressed CLCA4 A549 cells. Next, the CCK-8 and clone formation assays were performed to detect the changes of proliferation of A549 cells. The wound healing and
transwell assays were performed to determine the changing of the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Then gemcitabine was used to treat these cells and the CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays were carried out to detect the effect of the combination of gemcitabine and the overexpression
of CLCA4 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells. After the overexpression of CLCA4, the clone formation and mobility of A549 cells was enhanced. Furthermore, the overexpression of CLCA4 induced the apoptosis of A549 cells and promoted the expression of apoptosis related
proteins. The combination of gemcitabine and the overexpression of CLCA4 further suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells. CLCA4 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells. CLCA4 also strengthened the sensitivity of non-small
cell lung cancer cells for gemcitabine.
Effect of microRNA-21 on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma Cells via Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue (PTEN)-Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT Pathway
Authors: Huang Lei , Xie Yongheng , Yao Zilong , Yu Bin
Published: August 2020

Objective: PTEN can inhibit the activity of PI3K/AKT signaling and regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Increased expression of microRNA-21 is associated with osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeted binding site between microRNA-21 and PTEN 3 -UTR. Our study
assessed whether microRNA-21 regulates PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling and affects the proliferation, cloning and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Methods: Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to assess the targeted interaction between microRNA-21 and PTEN. Expression of microRNA21
and PTEN was measured in human normal osteoblasts hFOB1.19, osteosarcoma Saos-2 and MG-63. Saos-2 cells were cultured and divided into microRNA-NC group and microRNA-21 inhibitor group followed by measuring the expression of microRNA-21, PTEN and p-AKT, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, cell
proliferation by EdU staining and cloning ability by plate cloning. Results: There was a targeted relationship between microRNA-21 and PTEN. Compared with hFOB1.19 cells, microRNA-21 level in Saos-2 and MG-63 cells was increased and PTEN was decreased. Transfection of microRNA-21 inhibitor
significantly reduced microRNA-21 level in Saos-2 cells, increased PTEN, decreased p-AKT, cell proliferation and cloning ability, as well as promoted cell apoptosis. Conclusion: The increased microRNA-21 expression may play a role in reducing PTEN level and promoting osteosarcoma pathogenesis.
Inhibiting microRNA-21 can inhibit the activity of PTENPI3K/AKT signaling, reduce the proliferation and cloning ability of osteosarcoma cells, and promote cell apoptosis.
miR-184 Inhibits Inflammation Through Targeting Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) Signaling Pathway in Neonatal Purulent Meningitis
Authors: Wu Jiang , Yang Shixiong , Shi Jin , Shi Yibing
Published: August 2020

Neonatal purulent meningitis (NPM) leads to higher mortality and neurological sequelae rates. miR184 involves in inflammation and tumor, but the role of miR-184 in NPM remains unclear. NPM patients and non-intracranial infected neonates were collected and miR-184 expression in cerebrospinal
fluid was assessed by real-time PCR. The Neuro-2a cell line was cultured and divided into control group, inflammation group (treated with LPS), and miR-184 inhibitor group, which was transfected with miR-184 inhibitor on the basis of inflammation followed by analysis of miR-184 and TLR4 expression
by Real time PCR, Caspase 3 activity, cell proliferation by MTT assay, secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 by ELISA, NLRP3 expression by real time PCR and western blot, and Caspase-1 p20 and NF- B level by western blot. miR-184 expression level was significantly increased in cerebrospinal fluid
of NPM group (P < 0 05) and also elevated in inflammation group along with significantly inhibited cell proliferation was inhibited, increased Caspase 3 activity, IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, and decreased TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and NFκ- B expression (P < 0 05). miR-184 inhibitor
significantly down-regulated miR-184 expression in the inflammation group, promoted cell proliferation, decreased Caspase 3 activity, IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, and increased TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase1 p20 and NF- κB expression (P < 0 05). miR-184 expression is increased in neonatal
purulent meningitis and it can inhibit inflammation by targeting TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, leading to amelioration of the progression of neonatal purulent meningitis.
Down-Regulation of Mir-21 Alleviates Lung Injury Induced by Burns Through Activating Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 (SIRT1)-Protein Kinase B (AKT)-Nuclear Factor κB (NF- κB) Pathway
Authors: Xu Zhiyu , Xie Xiaohong , Tian Jia , Wang Huajie , Lei Zhenlin , Zhao Zhongyan
Published: August 2020

Severe burns can cause lung damage. Mir-21 is a promising biomarker for inflammatory response. However, the expression and role of Mir-21 in lung injury have not been elucidated. SD rats were divided into control group; model group; Mir-21 inhibition group; Mir-21 inhibition + SIRT1
inhibitor (nicotinamide) group followed by analysis of Mir-21 expression by real time PCR, arterial blood gas index and lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, lung tissue MPO and SOD activities, protein content and cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, secretion of TNF-α and IL-2 by ELISA,
SIRT1 expression by Real time PCR and ELISA and Akt and NF-κB level by Western blot. Compared with control group, model group showed significantly decreased PaO2 and pH, increased W/D and MPO activity increased, decreased SOD activity, increased protein content and cell count
in BALF, Mir-21 expression, and secretion of TNF-α and IL-2, decreased SIRT1 expression, and promoted pAkt and NF-κB expression (P < 0 05). Down-regulation of Mir-21 significantly improved blood gas index, decreased W/D and MPO activity, increased SOD activity, decreased TNF-α
and IL-2 secretion; increased SIRT1 expression, and decreased pAkt and NF-κB expression (P < 0 05). However, SIRT1 inhibitor significantly reversed the effect of down-regulation of Mir-21 on the protection of lung injury. Downregulation of Mir-21 regulates SIRT1-Akt-NFκB pathway
and oxidative stress, reduces inflammation, and thus alleviates burn-induced lung injury, and may be a new option for treating acute lung injury.
Effects of Cornu Bubali (CB) on the Adhesion of Leukocyte and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Li Haixia , Xiao Zhenghui , Tian Xuefei , Wang Paoqiu , Long Yan , Luo Wei , Liu Chunlei , Zheng Mincui , Kuang Wenyong
Published: August 2020

Background: The interaction between leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells is ubiquitous in the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially in the body's defense response. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of cornu bubali (CB) on the
adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells. Materials and methods: Human leukemic cell line (HL-60) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to simulate the adhesion effect between cells. After HUVECs were treated with TNF- α(15 ng/mL) combined with different
dose of CB (15, 30 and 60 μmol/L) and dexamethasone (DEX, 2 μg/ml) for 24 h, HL-60 cells were added into the coculture system for another 1 h. CCK8 assay was performed to investigate cell viability of HUVECs. HL-60 cells adhesion to HUVECs was quantified using Hoechst 33342 staining.
Subsequently, the levels of adhesion molecules were detected by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and ELISA, respectively. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and the expression
of Notch signaling pathway. Results: Treatment with CB could reduce the adherence of HL-60 to HUVECs induced by TNF- in a dose-dependent manner. CB inhibited the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD44, IL-1β, COX-2 and CCL4 in HUVECs. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that
CB prevented TNF-α -induced over-expression of Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch2), Notch ligands (DLL1 and Jagged1), signaling effectors (Hes1) and adhesion related proteins (NF-κB/p65, p-I B and IκBκ) in HUVECs. Conclusion: CB induces interactions between leukocytes
and endothelial cells through the activation of Notch signaling pathway. These data contribute to further explain the protective effect of CB against development of inflammatory process of hemorrhage in acute leukemia.
Drier North American Monsoon in Contrast to Asian–African Monsoon under Global Warming
Authors: He Chao , Li Tim , Zhou Wen
Published: August 2020

Summer monsoon rainfall supplies over 55% of annual precipitation to global monsoon regions. As shown by more than 70% of models, including 30 models from CMIP5 and 30 models from CMIP6 under high-emission scenarios, North American (NAM) monsoon rainfall decreases in a warmer climate, in sharp contrast to the robust increase in Asian–African monsoon rainfall. A hierarchy of model experiments is analyzed to understand the mechanism for the reduced NAM monsoon rainfall in this study. Modeling evidence shows that the reduction of NAM monsoon rainfall is related to both direct radiative forcing of increased CO2 concentration and SST warming, manifested as fast and slow responses to abrupt CO2 quadrupling in coupled GCMs. A cyclone anomaly forms over the Eurasian–African continental area due to enhanced land–sea thermal contrast under increased CO2 concentration, and this leads to a subsidence anomaly on its western flank, suppressing the NAM monsoon rainfall. The SST warming acts to further reduce the rainfall over the NAM monsoon region, and the El Niño–like SST warming pattern with enhanced SST warming over the equatorial Pacific plays a key role in suppressing NAM rainfall, whereas relative cooling over the subtropical North Atlantic has no contribution. A positive feedback between monsoon precipitation and atmospheric circulation helps to amplify the responses of monsoon rainfall.
An approach to analyze the position and orientation between two parts assembled by non-ideal planes
Authors: Zhang Jian , Qiao Lihong , Huang Zhicheng , Anwer Nabil
Published: August 2020

Performance analysis, which plays a key role in the design stage, is employed to estimate whether product performance can satisfy design requirements. In general, product performance is gained after parts are assembled; product performance is influenced by the position and orientation deviations (PODs) that occur in directions of the constrained degrees of freedom (DOFs) due to the surface deviations of mating-surfaces. Furthermore, PODs are uncertain because the surface deviations as well as positions in the unconstrained DOF directions can vary randomly. Thus, predicting the consequences of uncertain PODs on product performance is key for performance analysis. Considering that planes are extensively used in assemblies, this study aims to propose a statistical approach to analyze the uncertain PODs of non-ideal planes. A modeling method from the perspective of manufacturing errors is employed to describe the uncertain surface deviations. A method for computing the uncertain PODs based on the progressive adjustment of coordinate systems is proposed. The maximum PODs that characterize the most unfavorable assembly situation are determined as evaluation indicators. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented approach is verified by a case study. Because both the effects of uncertain surface deviations and uncertain positions on PODs can be considered, the approach is expected to help predict the practical effects of uncertain PODs on product performance accurately during the design stage.
The ‘economy for the common good’, job quality and workers’ well-being in Austria and Germany
Authors: Ollé-Espluga Laia , Muckenhuber Johanna , Hadler Markus
Published: August 2020

The Economy for the Common Good movement proposes an alternative economic model, which promises to offset many of the detrimental effects of the contemporary labour market. Yet, despite its increasing economic and social relevance in Europe, there is little research on Economy for the Common Good firms and the quality of the jobs they offer their employees. We thus, first, introduce the ideas of this movement and then present findings on workplace characteristics and the well-being of workers. Our results are based on our own survey of Economy for the Common Good employees from 2018 and on the sixth wave of the European Working Conditions Survey. Our analyses offer mixed support for the claims of the Economy for the Common Good – while Economy for the Common Good workers can be found in high-quality work settings, their absenteeism and presenteeism, as well as indicators of control, time pressure, direct participation and financial participation do not differ from other workers when controlled in a propensity score matching approach. Based on our findings and feedback from Economy for the Common Good representatives, we conclude that the introduction of Economy for the Common Good ideas might be too recent to see any positive effects, but also that Economy for the Common Good companies should place more focus on their employees’ well-being.

JEL codes: P40, P52, J81, I14
3-Methylxanthine production through biodegradation of theobromine by Aspergillus sydowii PT-2
Authors: Zhou Binxing , Ma Cunqiang , Zheng Chengqin , Xia Tao , Ma Bingsong , Liu Xiaohui
Published: August 2020

Background

Methylxanthines, including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, are natural and synthetic compounds in tea, which could be metabolized by certain kinds of bacteria and fungi. Previous studies confirmed that several microbial isolates from Pu-erh tea could degrade and convert caffeine and theophylline. We speculated that these candidate isolates also could degrade and convert theobromine through N-demethylation and oxidation. In this study, seven tea-derived fungal strains were inoculated into various theobromine agar medias and theobromine liquid mediums to assess their capacity in theobromine utilization. Related metabolites with theobromine degradation were detected by using HPLC in the liquid culture to investigate their potential application in the production of 3-methylxanthine.

Results

Based on theobromine utilization capacity, Aspergillus niger PT-1, Aspergillus sydowii PT-2, Aspergillus ustus PT-6 and Aspergillus tamarii PT-7 have demonstrated the potential for theobromine biodegradation. Particularly, A. sydowii PT-2 and A. tamarii PT-7 could degrade theobromine significantly (p < 0.05) in all given liquid mediums. 3,7-Dimethyluric acid, 3-methylxanthine, 7-methylxanthine, 3-methyluric acid, xanthine, and uric acid were detected in A. sydowii PT-2 and A. tamarii PT-7 culture, respectively, which confirmed the existence of N-demethylation and oxidation in theobromine catabolism. 3-Methylxanthine was common and main demethylated metabolite of theobromine in the liquid culture. 3-Methylxanthine in A. sydowii PT-2 culture showed a linear relation with initial theobromine concentrations that 177.12 ± 14.06 mg/L 3-methylxanthine was accumulated in TLM-S with 300 mg/L theobromine. Additionally, pH at 5 and metal ion of Fe2+ promoted 3-methylxanthine production significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study is the first to confirm that A. sydowii PT-2 and A. tamarii PT-7 degrade theobromine through N-demethylation and oxidation, respectively. A. sydowii PT-2 showed the potential application in 3-methylxanthine production with theobromine as feedstock through the N-demethylation at N-7 position.
Full-length transcriptome analysis of Phytolacca americana and its congener P. icosandra and gene expression normalization in three Phytolaccaceae species
Authors: Liu Danfeng , Chen Li , Chen Chao , An Xingkui , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Yi , Li Qingjun
Published: August 2020

Background

Phytolaccaceae species in China are not only ornamental plants but also perennial herbs that are closely related to human health. However, both large-scale full-length cDNA sequencing and reference gene validation of Phytolaccaceae members are still lacking. Therefore, single-molecule real-time sequencing technology was employed to generate full-length transcriptome in invasive Phytolacca americana and non-invasive exotic P. icosandra. Based on the transcriptome data, RT-qPCR was employed to evaluate the gene expression stability in the two plant species and another indigenous congener P. acinosa.

Results

Total of 19.96 Gb and 19.75 Gb clean reads of P. americana and P. icosandra were generated, including 200,857 and 208,865 full length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads, respectively. Transcript clustering analysis of FLNC reads identified 89,082 and 98,448 consensus isoforms, including 86,989 and 96,764 high-quality ones. After removing redundant reads, 46,369 and 50,220 transcripts were obtained. Based on structure analysis, total 1675 and 1908 alternative splicing variants, 25,641 and 31,800 simple sequence repeats (SSR) as well as 34,971 and 36,841 complete coding sequences were detected separately. Furthermore, 3574 and 3833 lncRNA were predicted and 41,676 and 45,050 transcripts were annotated respectively. Subsequently, seven reference genes in the two plant species and a native species P. acinosa were selected and evaluated by RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis. When tested in different tissues (leaves, stems, roots and flowers), 18S rRNA showed the highest stability in P. americana, whether infested by Spodoptera litura or not. EF2 had the most stable expression in P. icosandra, while EF1-α was the most appropriate one when attacked by S. litura. EF1-α showed the highest stability in P.acinosa, whereas GAPDH was recommended when infested by S. litura. Moreover, EF1-α was the most stable one among the three plant species whenever germinating seeds or flowers only were considered.

Conclusion

Full-length transcriptome of P. americana and P. icosandra were produced individually. Based on the transcriptome data, the expression stability of seven candidate reference genes under different experimental conditions was evaluated. These results would facilitate further exploration of functional and comparative genomic studies in Phytolaccaceae and provide insights into invasion success of P. americana.
The burden of disease and the cost of illness attributable to child maltreatment in Japan: long-term health consequences largely matter
Authors: Mo Xiuting , Gai Ruoyan Tobe , Tachibana Yoshiyuki , Bolt Timothy , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo
Published: August 2020

Background

Child maltreatment leads to enormous adverse short- and long-term health outcomes. The aim of this study is to estimate the burden of disease and the cost of illness attributable to child maltreatment in Japan.

Methods

An incidence-based top-down cost of illness analysis was conducted to estimate medical costs and burden of disease attributable to child maltreatment based on a societal perspective. The assessment included short-term and long-term medical costs and burden of disease measured by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) that generates mortality and morbidities, based on several national surveys and systematic review. We considered the main types of child maltreatment as exposure, for which the incidence was obtained from literature review. Based on population attributable fractions (PAFs), burden of disease of physical and mental health consequences attributable to child maltreatment were estimated. Then DALYs were converted into monetary value. The lifetime economic burden was finally estimated by combining with medical costs and subject to sensitivity analysis.

Results

The lifetime disease burden expressed in DALYs was estimated at 1,047,580 DALYs (95% CI 788,388 - 1326,80 DALYs) for the cohort victims in 2016. Based on the incidence according to literature review, the overall lifetime economic burden was 50.24 billion USD, equivalent to 1.3 million times of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Among the total economic burden, costs of suffering and pain based on DALYs were accounting for 81.3%. These estimates were 7–8 times of conservative estimates which used incidence data from official reported cases.

Conclusions

This study found that the national lifetime cost was huge and equivalent to 1.3 million GDP per capita, and its burden of disease was approximately equal to that of colon and rectum cancers or stomach cancer. Our findings particularly in terms of revealed the considerable burden of disease in long term and potential effects of the strengthened maternal and child care as the preventive strategy.