bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modified β-Tricalcium Phosphate Enhanced Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation in Vitro and Bone Regeneration in Vivo
Authors: Choy Cheuk Sing , Lee Wei Fang , Lin Pei Ying , Wu Yi-Fan , Huang Haw-Ming , Teng Nai-Chia , Pan Yu-Hwa , Salamanca Eisner , Chang Wei-Jen
Published: December 2020

In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies had demonstrated Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity in bone regeneration. The present research aimed to enhance β-TCP's biocompatibility and physical and chemical properties by argon plasma surface treatment without surface modification. Treated β-TCP characterization was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization. The viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and osteoblastic differentiation were determined by water-soluble tetrazolium salts-1 (WST-1), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated a slight enhancement of the β-TCP by argon glow discharge plasma (GDP) sputtering, which resulted in a higher Ca/P ratio (2.05) than the control. Furthermore, when compared withcontrol β-TCP, we observed an improvement of WST-1 on all days (p < 0.05) as well as of ALP activity (day 7, p < 0.05), with up-regulation of ALP, osteocalcin, and Osteoprotegerin osteogenic genes in cells cultured with the β-TCP test. XPS and SEM analyses indicated treated β-TCP’s surface was not modified when impurities were removed. In vivo, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis indicated that the β-TCP test managed to regenerate more new bone than the β-TCP control and was able to control defects at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Argon GDP treatment is a viable method for removing macro and micro particles of <7 μm in size from β-TCP bigger particles surfaces while improving its biocompatibility with slight surface roughness modification, enhancing hMSCs proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation, and stimulating more new bone formation.
Specific and Rapid Reverse Assaying Protocol for Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa based on Bacteriophage Tail Fiber Protein and Magainin II Recognition
Authors: He Yong , Zhao Hang , Liu Yuanwen , Zhou He
Published: December 2020

The worldwide emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance are accelerated by irrational administration and use of empiric antibiotic. A key point to the crisis is lack of rapid diagnostic protocol to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for timely and rational antibiotic prescription. Here, bacteriophage tail fiber protein (TFP) recombined in Escherichia coli expression system was functionalized on magnetic particles (MPs) to specifically capture P. aeruginosa, and FITC-labeled-magainin II was utilized as the indicator. For solving the MPs’ blocking effects, a reverse assaying protocol (RAP) based on TFP recognition was investigated the feasibility of detection and AST of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa detection can be rapidly, sensitively and specifically detected within 1.5 h with a linear range of 1.0 × 102 to 1.0 × 106 CFU⋅mL− 1 and a detection limit of 3.3 × 10 CFU⋅mL− 1. Subsequently, the results of AST which was consistent in the results of broth dilution can be obtained within 3.5 h. Due to the high specificity of TFP, the AST can actually be conducted without the requirement of bacterial isolation and identification by this RAP. Based on the proof-of-principle work, the detection and AST of other pathogens can be extended by expressing the TFP of their bacteriophages.
TBX15/miR-152/KIF2C Pathway Regulates Breast Cancer Doxorubicin Resistance via Preventing PKM2 Ubiquitination
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Fei , Xie Yun-Xia , Qian Ying-Chen , Wang Min , Liu Ling-Zhi , Shu Yong-Qian , Bai Xiao-Ming , Jiang Bing-Hua
Published: December 2020

BackgroundChemoresistance is a critical risk problem for breast cancer treatment. However, mechanisms by which chemoresistance arises remains to be elucidated. The expression of T-box transcription factor 15 (TBX-15) was found downregulated in some cancer tissues. However, role and mechanism of TBX15 in breast cancer chemoresistance is unknown. Here we aimed to identify the effects and mechanisms of TBX15 in doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer.MethodsAs measures of Drug sensitivity analysis, MTT and IC50 assays were used in DOX-resistant breast cancer cells. ECAR and OCR assays were used to analyze the glycolysis level, while Immunoblotting and Immunofluorescence assays were used to analyze the autophagy levels in vitro. By using online prediction software, luciferase reporter assays, co-Immunoprecipitation, Western blotting analysis and experimental animals models, we further elucidated the mechanisms.ResultsWe found TBX15 expression levels were decreased in Doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells. Overexpression of TBX15 reversed the DOX resistance by inducing microRNA-152 (miR-152) expression. We found that KIF2C levels were highly expressed in DOX-resistant breast cancer tissues and cells, and KIF2C was a potential target of miR-152. TBX15 and miR-152 overexpression suppressed autophagy and glycolysis in breast cancer cells, while KIF2C overexpression reversed the process. Overexpression of KIF2C increased DOX resistance in cancer cells. Furthermore, KIF2C directly binds with PKM2 for inducing the DOX resistance. KIF2C can prevent the ubiquitination of PKM2 and increase its protein stability. In addition, we further identified that Domain-2 of KIF2C played a major role in the binding with PKM2 and preventing PKM2 ubiquitination, which enhanced DOX resistance by promoting autophagy and glycolysis. ConclusionsOur data identify a new mechanism by which TBX15 abolishes DOX chemoresistance in breast cancer, and suggest that TBX15/miR-152/KIF2C axis is a novel signaling pathway for mediating DOX resistance in breast cancer through regulating PKM2 ubiquitination and the enhancement of PKM2 stability. This finding suggests new therapeutic target and/or novel strategy development for cancer treatment to overcome drug resistance in the future.
Multiview Deconvolution Two-photon Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Kapsokalyvas Dimitrios , Rosas Rodrigo , Janssen Rob , Vanoevelen Jo , Strauch Martin , Merhof Dorit , Zandvoort Marc van , Nabben Miranda
Published: December 2020

Imaging in three dimensions is necessary for thick tissues and small organisms. This is possible with tomographic optical microscopy techniques such as confocal, two-photon and light sheet microscopy. All these techniques suffer from anisotropic resolution and limited penetration depth. In the past, Multiview microscopy - imaging the sample from different angles followed by 3D image reconstruction - was developed to address this issue for light sheet microscopy based on fluorescence signal. In this study we applied this methodology to accomplish Multiview imaging with two-photon microscopy based on fluorescence and additionally second harmonic signal from myosin and collagen. It was shown that isotropic resolution was achieved, the entirety of the sample was visualized, and interference artifacts were suppressed allowing clear visualization of collagen fibrils and myofibrils. This method can be applied to any scanning microscopy technique without microscope modifications. It can be used for imaging tissue and whole mount small organisms such as heart tissue, and zebrafish larva in 3D, label-free or stained, with at least 3-fold axial resolution improvement which can be significant for the accurate quantification of small 3D structures.
Investigation of Water Bonding Status of Normal and Psoriatic Skin in Vivo Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Chao-Chun , Yen Yun-Yo , Hsu Chao-Kai , Cheng Nan-Yu , Tzeng Shih-Yu , Chou Shih-Jay , Chang Jun-Ming , Tseng Sheng-Hao
Published: December 2020

Psoriasis affects more than 125 million people worldwide, and the diagnosis and treatment efficacy evaluation of the disease mainly rely on clinical assessments that could be subjective. Our previous study showed that the skin erythema level could be quantified using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and the hemoglobin concentration of most psoriatic lesion was higher than that of its adjacent uninvolved skin. While the compromised epidermal barrier function has been taken as the major cause of clinical manifestation of skin dryness and inflammation of psoriasis, very few methods can be used to effectively evaluate this function. In this study, we investigate the near infrared spectroscopic features of psoriatic (n = 21) and normal (n = 21) skin that could link to the epidermal barrier function. From the DRS measurements, it was found that the water bonding status and light scattering properties of psoriasis are significantly different from those of uninvolved or normal skin. The connection between these parameters to the epidermal barrier function and morphology will be discussed. Our results suggest that objective evaluation of epidermal barrier function of psoriasis could be achieved using a simple DRS system.
Analysis of Cooperative Approaches and Sustainable Development Mechanism: Fundamental Contents and Implementation Framework
Authors: DENG Huangwei , SU Ying , LIAO Zhenliang , WU Jiang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTo slow down climate warming and achieve sustainable development, the Paris Agreement establishes Cooperative Approaches (CAs) and Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) for carbon trading. However, deficiencies in implementation exist due to a lack of systematic execution regulations and an integrated management system. The study's primary purpose is to propose a proposal of effective implementation of CAs and SDM for alleviating global warming. Based on international regime theory in global climate change and the nine elements of the market mechanism, the article analyzes the type of mechanism, coverage of the system, operational framework, and governance framework of CAs and SDM. The paper combines the operational framework with the governance framework to form an implementation framework of CAs and SDM, developing the nine elements of the market mechanism.ResultsCAs are considered as project-based and quota-/ credit-based carbon market mechanisms. Under CAs, trading units should be authorized at the international-regional/ sub-regional level. CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3 shall be covered and function as subject matters. The unit of CO2-eq shall account for them. CAs can transfer verified ITMOs through bilateral/ multilateral cooperation agreements or ITMOs information disclosure platform. The governance of CAs shall keep up with both international and regional/ sub-regional rules and regulations.SDM is an industry-based and credit-based carbon market framework. Under SDM, trading units should be authorized at the international level. CO2, CH4, N2O, and PFCs work in SDM as subject matters. The unit of gases shall be CO2-eq. SDM is designed to transfer carbon reductions via an industry-level platform. A fully-centralized scenario is suggested as the governance model of SDM.ConclusionsThis study proposes the rules and implementation framework of CAs and SDM, which can work as a guideline for the early implementation stage of CAs and SDM. The implementation framework of CAs ought to follow three stages: project preparation, project submission & auditing, and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) transfer. The implementation framework of SDM ought to contain three phases: project development & review, project implementation & monitoring, and project acceptance & unit transfer.
Compensation Capacity of The Living-Related Donor’s Remnant Kidney and Recipient’s Transplanted Kidney
Authors: Huang Xin , Ma Binbin , Lin Wenhao , Shao Kun , An Huimin , Dai Jun , Xu Danfeng , Zhou Peijun , Zhao Juping
Published: December 2020

Background: Compensatory renal growth following nephrectomy is common. We try to explore the compensatory capacity of the living-related donor’s remnant kidney and recipient’s transplanted kidney in terms of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) one month after transplantation. Methods: Clinical data of 94 patients who received living-related kidney transplantation in our hospital between June 2007 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. GFR was calculated by 99mTc-DTPA detection. The GFR compensatory capacity of donor’s remnant and donated kidneys in their new milieus after transplantation was compared. The differential value (D-value) of split renal function was defined as postoperative GFR - preoperative ipsilateral GFR. The compensatory percentage (C-percentage) of split renal function was defined as (postoperative GFR - preoperative ipsilateral GFR)/preoperative ipsilateral GFR. Results: The median D-value of the donor’s remnant kidney increased by 20.8 ml/(min·1.73m2)[IQR=8.9-29.6 ml/(min·1.73m2)] with a C-percentage of 46.6% (IQR=17.0%-73.0%). The median D-value of the donated kidney increased by 30.6 ml/(min·1.73m2)[IQR=19.8-42.3 ml/(min·1.73m2)] with a C-percentage of 67.8% (IQR=39.6%-94.7%). Multivariable analysis showed that only split preoperative GFR in the donor was the independent predictor for C-percentage of the split kidney. Conclusions: Renal function could be well preserved and compensated after kidney donation in most donors and recipients in Chinese population. Healthy donors with a good GFR before operation possessed a mighty functional compensation capacity.
ALAD Expression and Prognostic Value in Multiple Human Cancers: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chen Quan , Jiang Chao , Li Jing , Li Pei Qiong , Yin Ye Kui , Liu Qing Nan , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: December 2020

Background: δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) is a kind of metalloenzyme, which can catalyze δ-aminolevulinic acid to synthesize bilirubin. However, the expression level, prognostic role, biological function and mechanism of action of ALAD in a variety of human tumors are still not clear.Methods: GEPIA Online (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn) website was used for mRNA analysis of ALAD in multiple human solid tumors. NCBI/GEO database and UALCAN website (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu) were used to analyze the ALAD mRNA expression in breast cancer and lung cancer. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis from HPA database was used to detect the protein expression of ALAD in different human tumors. Kaplan-Meier plotter database (http://kmplot.com/analy sis/) was used to evaluate the prognostic value of ALAD expression in different human tumors. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis were used for ALAD enrichment analysis and signal pathway analysis.Results: Analyzed by GEPIA, UALCAN online website and GEO analysis in multiple human tumors, the results showed that ALAD mRNA expression is significantly down-regulated and positively correlated with the overall survival (OS) time of different cancer patients. Besides, the expression of ALAD protein is always none or low in multiple solid tumors. In addition, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that ALAD may play an anti-tumor role in many directions, and GSEA further found that the overexpression of ALAD is negatively correlated with cell cycle signal pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study demonstrated for the ﬁrst time that ALAD is downregulated in multiple human cancers and ALAD low expression is associated with worse overall survival of different cancer patients. Furthermore, we showed that ALAD low expression is associated with tumor cell cycle process and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. ALAD may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of multiple human tumors.
Determining Threshold Value on Information Gain Feature Selection to Increase Speed and Prediction Accuracy of Random Forest
Authors: Prasetiyowati Maria Irmina , Maulidevi Nur Ulfa , Surendro Kridanto
Published: December 2020

Feature selection is a preprocessing technique aims to remove the unnecessary features and speed up the algorithm's work process. One of the feature selection techniques is by calculating the information gain value of each feature in a dataset. From the information gain value obtained, then the determined threshold value will be used to make feature selection. Generally, the threshold value is used freely, or using a value of 0.05. This study proposed the determination of the threshold value using the standard deviation of the information gain value generated by each feature in the dataset. The determination of this threshold value was tested on ten original datasets and datasets that had been transformed by FFT and IFFT, then classified using Random Forest. The results of the average value of accuracy and the average time required from the Random Forest classification using the proposed threshold value are better compared to the results of feature selection with a threshold value of 0.05 and the Correlation-Base Feature Selection algorithm. Likewise, the result of the average accuracy value of the proposed threshold using a transformed dataset in terms are better than the threshold value of 0.05 and the Correlation-Base Feature Selection algorithm. However, the calculation results for the average time required are higher (slower).
NR4A3 and CCL20 Clusters Dominate the Dynamic Gene Network of Peripheral CD146+ Blood Cells in the Early Stage of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Human.
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Li Chenxin , Stephenson Jessica M , Marrelli Sean P , Kou Yanming , Meng Dazhi , Wu Ting
Published: December 2020

Background: CD146 is a tight junction associated molecule involved in maintaining endothelial barrier and balancing immune-inflammation response in cardiovascular disease. Notably, the peripheral CD146+ cells significantly upsurge under vessel dyshomeostasis like acute myocardial injury (AMI), appearing to be promising therapeutic targets. In this study, in a new view of gene correlation, we aim at deciphering the underlying complex mechanism of CD146+ cells in the development of AMI. Methods: Transcription dataset GSE 66360 of CD146+ blood cells from clinical subjects were downloaded from NCBI. Pearson networks were constructed and the clustering coefficients were calculated to disclose the differential connectivity genes (DCGs). Analysis of gene connectivity and gene expression was performed to reveal the hub genes and hub genes clusters followed by gene enrichment analysis. Results and Conclusions: Among the total 23520 genes, 27 genes out of 126 differential expression genes are identified as DCGs. Those DCGs normally stay in the peripheral of networks while transfer to the functional central position under AMI situation. Moreover, it is revealed that DCGs spontaneously crowd together into two functional models, CCL20 cluster and NR4A3 cluster, influencing the CD146-mediated signaling pathways during the pathology of AMI for the first time.
Effect of First-Line Biologic Initiation on Glucocorticoid Exposure Initiation in Children Hospitalized with New-Onset Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Emulation of a Pragmatic Trial Using Observational Data
Authors: Peterson Rosemary , Xiao Rui , Katcoff Hannah , Fisher Brian , Weiss Pamela
Published: December 2020

Background: Glucocorticoid exposure is a significant driver of morbidity in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). We determined the effect of early initiation of biologic therapy (IL-1 or IL-6 inhibition) on glucocorticoid exposure in hospitalized patients with new-onset sJIA. Methods: We emulated a pragmatic sequence of trials (“pseudo-trials”) of biologic initiation in children (≤ 18 years) hospitalized with new-onset sJIA utilizing retrospective data from an administrative database from 52 tertiary care children’s hospitals from 2008-2019. Eligibility window, treatment assignment and start of follow-up between biologic and non-biologic study arms were aligned for each pseudo-trial. Patients in the source population could meet eligibility criteria at several timepoints. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the effect of biologic initiation on in-hospital glucocorticoid exposure. Results: 468 children met eligibility criteria, of which 19% received biologic therapy without preceding or concomitant initiation of immunomodulatory medications. This proportion significantly increased over time during the study period (p < 0.01). 1451 trial subjects were included across 4 pseudo-trials with 71 assigned to the biologic arm and 1409 assigned to the non-biologic arm. After adjustment, there was a trend toward decreased odds of glucocorticoid initiation in the biologic arm compared to the non-biologic arm (OR 0.39, 95% CI [0.13, 1.15]). Conclusion: Biologic initiation in children hospitalized with new-onset sJIA significantly increased over time and may be associated with reduced glucocorticoid exposure. The increasing use of first-line biologic therapy may lead to clinically relevant reductions in treatment-related adverse effects of glucocorticoid-reliant therapeutic approaches.
Chorionic Villous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes Deliver miR-135b-5p to Trophoblasts, Promoting their Proliferation and Invasion by Targeting TXNIP via β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Chu Yijing , Zhang Yan , Gao Guoqiang , Zhou Jun , Lv Yang , Zhang Ning , Li Jing , Liu Ling , Tan Ping , Wang Xiaofei , Yao Ke , Liu Chong , Zhou Huansheng , Li Min , Zhao Min , Yang Han , Hu Xiaoyu , Wang Yan , Ye Yuanhua
Published: December 2020

Background: Human chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells (CV-MSCs) are found to be a promising and effective treatment for tissue injury. Trophoblast dysfunction during pregnancies is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). This work was to understand how CV-MSCs regulated trophoblast function. Methods: In this study, we treated trophoblasts with CV-MSC-derived exosomes and RNA-seq analysis was used to understand the changes in trophoblasts. We examined the levels of TXNIP and β-catenin in trophoblasts by immunohistochemistry, western blot and qRT-PCR assays. Luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR assays were used to understand the role of miR135b-5p in the effects of CV-MSC-derived exosomes. The growth and invasion of trophoblasts was evaluated with the CCK-8 and transwell assays. Results: The treatment markedly enhanced the trophoblast proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, a significant decrease of TXNIP expression and inactivation of the β-catenin pathway in CV-MSCs exosomes-treated trophoblasts was observed. Consistent with these findings, TXNIP inhibition exhibited the same effect of promoting trophoblast proliferation and invasion as induced by CV-MSC-derived exosomes, also with the accompaniment of inactivation of β-catenin pathway. In addition, overexpression of TXNIP activated the β-catenin pathway in trophoblasts, and reduced the proliferation and invasion of trophoblasts. Importantly, miR135b-5p was found to be highly expressed in CV-MSC exosomes and interact with TXNIP. The miR-135b-5p overexpression significantly elevated the proliferation and invasion of trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by TXNIP overexpression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TXNIP-dependent β-catenin pathway inactivation mediated by miR135b-5p which is delivered by CV-MSC-derived exosomes could promote the proliferation and invasion of trophoblasts.
Osthole Inhibits Osteoclast Formation and Enhances Bone Mass of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem cells by Activating β-catenin-OPG Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Zhen-Xiong , Liao Xin-Yuan , Da Wei-Wei , Zhao Yong-Jian , Li Xiao-Feng , Tang Dezhi
Published: December 2020

Summary Osthole has potential therapeutic applications due to its antiosteoporotic. Our study suggested that osthole attenuates osteoclast formation by stimulating the activation of β-catenin-OPG signaling and could be a potential agent to inhibit bone resorption. Introduction Osthole has potential therapeutic applications due to its antiosteoporotic. we performed study to test if OPG is the target gene of osthole-attenuated osteoclastogenesis. Methods In vivo, using 12-month-old male mice to evaluate the effect of osthole on bone mass. In vitro, Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated, extracted from 3-month-old C57BL/6J mice, 3-month-old β-cateninfx/fx mice, or 3-month-old OPG−/− mice and its littermates of OPG+/+ mice. Results we found that osthole significantly increased the gene and protein levels of OPG expression in primary BMSCs dose-dependently. The deletion of the OPG gene did not affect β-catenin expression and the deletion of the β-catenin gene inhibited OPG expression in BMSCs, which indicated that osthole stimulated the expression of OPG through activation of β-catenin signaling. Conclusion Osthole attenuates osteoclast formation by stimulating the activation of β-catenin-OPG signaling and could be a potential agent to inhibit bone resorption.
Intelligent Long-Term Performance Analysis in Power Electronics Systems
Authors: Peyghami Saeed , Dragicevic Tomislav , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a long-term performance indicator for power electronic converters based on their reliability. The converter reliability is represented by the proposed constant lifetime curves, which have been developed using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) under different operating conditions. Unlike the state-of-the-art theoretical reliability modeling approaches, which employ detailed electro-thermal characteristics and lifetime models of converter components, the proposed method provides a nonparametric surrogate model of the converter based on limited non-linear data from theoretical reliability analysis. The proposed approach can quickly predict the converter lifetime under given operating conditions without a further need for extended, time-consuming electro-thermal analysis. Moreover, the proposed lifetime curves can present the long-term performance of converters facilitating optimal system-level design for reliability, reliable operation and maintenance planning in power electronic systems. Numerical case studies evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed reliability modeling approach.
Public Support for Health Coverage for Migrant Populations in The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Roles of Infection Externalities and Impressions of Migrants' Home Place
Authors: HUANG Genghua , Peng Zhaiwen
Published: December 2020

Background: International population mobility is a significant challenge for the management of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The suspension of flights and other traffic has been adopted to avoid more cases of imported infection by many countries, but these measures mean that most migrant populations, including immigrants, migrant and seasonal workers, international students, and others, have to stay in their host places. Therefore, equitable access to health services in the host places is crucial for them. Immigrant-receiving areas may encounter a dilemma when considering whether to extend health coverage of COVID-19 testing and treatment to immigrants. In this context, it is vital to understand public attitudes towards this issue since they explain and validate the policy responses. Methods: The data used in this study came from an survey conducted in March 2020. The survey targeted adults aged 18 and older who were local residents of nine cities in Guangdong province, China. The sample size was 1,040, and STATA 15.0 was used in the statistical analysis.Results: The results show that individuals with higher health security ratings, lower demand for health services, and greater concern about the risk of infectious diseases are more supportive of extending health services to immigrants. In addition, individuals who rate immigrants’ home place as more immigrant-friendly are also more supportive of it.Conclusions: Public support for health coverage for immigrants in the COVID-19 Pandemic is influenced by infection externalities and impression of immigrants’ home countries. This study attempts to contribute to the body of literature related to welfare attitudes and immigration. It also outlines a series of crucial implications for the global task of managing COVID-19.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Hongping , Zhou Zewen , Mo Qiuyan , Zhou Xianguo , Liu Yingchun , Feng Shixiong
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected patients’ access to healthcare. Patients with malignant tumors have experienced treatment interruptions and difficulties in seeking medical attention, and these have affected their mental health. The objective of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, WHO COVID-19 database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfangdata, CQVIP, and CBM electronic databases for relevant studies published from the first available day to June 30, 2020. Two researchers independently screened the literature based on predetermined criteria and assessed the risk of bias in each study. Random-effects meta-analyses was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with malignant tumors. The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020196421).Results: Nine eligible studies on 2,335 patients with malignant tumors were included, all of which were cross-sectional studies. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 52.94% (95% CI: 36.98%-68.91%, I2=98.6%) in 9 studies, and the pooled prevalence of depression was 43.25% (95% CI: 25.85%-60.85%, I2=98.8%) in 6 studies.Conclusions: Evidence shows that a considerable proportion of patients with malignant tumors suffered from emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to solve the problem of interruption or delay of treatment and strengthen psychological interventions for patients with malignant tumors during the pandemic.
Analysis of Merged Whole Blood Transcriptomic Datasets to Identify Circulating Molecular Biomarkers of Feed Efficiency in Growing Pigs
Authors: Messad Farouk , Louveau Isabelle , Renaudeau David , Gilbert Hélène , Gondret Florence
Published: December 2020

Background: Improving feed efficiency (FE) is an important breeding goal due to its economic and environmental significance for farm animal production. The phenotypic value is obtained by measuring individual feed consumption and average daily gain during a test period, which is costly and time-consuming. The identification of reliable predictors of FE may be a relevant strategy to reduce phenotyping efforts. Results: Gene expression data in the whole blood from three originally separated experiments were combined and analyzed by machine learning algorithms to propose predictive molecular biomarkers of FE traits in growing pigs. The original datasets included pure Large White pigs (females and barrows) of two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI), a measure of net FE, and in which individual feed conversion ratio (FCR) and blood microarray data were available. Merging the three datasets allowed considering FCR values (Mean = 2.85; Min = 1.92; Max = 5.00) for a total of n = 148 pigs with a large range of body weight (15 kg to 115 kg) and different test period duration (2 weeks to 9 weeks). Random forest (RF) and gradient tree boosting (GTB) were applied on the whole blood transcripts (26,322 annotated molecular probes) to identify the most important variables for binary classification on RFI groups and for a quantitative prediction of FCR, respectively. Samples have been partitioned between learning (n = 74) and validation sets (n = 74). Iterative steps in variable selection led to identify about three hundreds (328 to 391) molecular probes as important predictors for RFI or FCR and participating to various biological pathways. With the GTB algorithm, simpler models combining 34 expressed unique genes to classify pigs on RFI (100% of success), and 25 expressed unique genes to predict FCR values (R² = 0.80, RMSE = 8%) were proposed. Accuracy performance of RF models were slightly lower in classification and markedly lower in regression.Conclusion: From small subsets of genes expressed in the whole blood, it is possible to predict feed efficiency traits in growing pigs. This offers good perspectives for microchip design in selection or precision farming applications.
Genome-Wide Identification of Cyclin Dependent Kinase (CDK) Family Genes Influencing Adipocyte Differentiation in Cattle
Authors: Pan Cuili , Lei Zhaoxiong , Wang Shuzhe , Wang Xingping , Wei Dawei , Cai Xiaoyan , Luoreng Zhuoma , Wang Lei , Ma Yun
Published: December 2020

Background: The cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) are protein kinases regulating important cellular processes such as cell cycle and transcription. A variety of studies have shown that many CDK genes also played a critical role during adipogenic differentiation. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the CDK gene family regulating bovine adipocyte differentiation.Therefore, this study aimed to characterize CDK family genes in bovine and study the expression pattern during adipocyte differentiation.Results: We performed a genome-wide analysis and identified 25, 25, 22, 21, 22, 24, 22 and 24 CDK genes in Bos taurus, Bos indicus, Hybrid-Bos taurus, Hybrid bos indicus, Bos grunniens, Bos mutus, Bison and Bubalus bubalis, respectively. All the CDK genes classified into 8 subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis. Chromosome localization displayed 25 bovine CDK genes distributed on 16 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that CDK family genes of Bos taurus were extensively homologous with Bos indicus, Hybrid-Bos taurus, Hybrid bos indicus, Bos grunniens and Bubalus bubalis. Tanscriptome analysis showed that several of the CDK family genes had relatively high expression levels in preadipocytes compared with differentiated adipocytes, which is generally similar to qPCR, indicating that it could have a significant function in the growth of the emerging lipid droplets.Conclusion: We performed a comprehensive analysis for the CDK family genes including identification, phylogenetic classification, structural characterization, chromosomal distribution, collinearity analysis and expression profile analysis by tanscriptome sequencing and qPCR. The results provide a basis for further study to determine the roles of CDK family genes in regulating adipocyte differentiation, which is beneficial for beef quality improvement.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed CircRNAs and CeRNA Regulatory Network in Porcine Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Na , Zhang Wanfeng , Hei Wei , Cai Chunbo , Yang Yang , Lu Chang , Gao Pengfei , Guo Xiaohong , Cao Guoqing , Li Bugao
Published: December 2020

Background: Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel class of non-coding RNA, has a closed-loop structure with important functions in skeletal muscle growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), as well as the DEcircRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, at different stages of porcine skeletal muscle development. Here, we present a panoramic view of circRNA expression in porcine skeletal muscle from Large White and Mashen pigs at 1, 90, and 180 days of age. Results: We identified a total of 5,819 circRNAs. DEcircRNA analysis at different stages showed 327 DEcircRNAs present in both breeds. DEcircRNA host genes were concentrated predominately in TGF-β, MAPK, FoxO, and other signaling pathways related to skeletal muscle growth and fat deposition. Further prediction showed that 128 DEcircRNAs could bind to 253 miRNAs, while miRNAs could target 945 mRNAs. The constructed ceRNA network plays a vital role in skeletal muscle growth and development, and fat deposition. Circ_0015885/miR-23b/SESN3 in the ceRNA network attracted our attention. miR-23b and SESN3 were found to participate in skeletal muscle growth regulation, also playing an important role in fat deposition. Using convergent and divergent primer amplification, RNase R digestion, and qRT-PCR, circ_0015885, an exonic circRNA derived from Homer Scaffold Protein 1 (HOMER1), was confirmed to be differentially expressed during skeletal muscle growth. In summary, circ_0015885 may further regulate SESN3 expression by interacting with miR-23b to function in skeletal muscle. Conclusions: This study not only enriched the circRNA library in pigs, but also laid a solid foundation for the screening of key circRNAs during skeletal muscle growth and intramural fat deposition. In addition, circ_0015885/miR-23b/SESN3, a new network regulating skeletal muscle growth and fat deposition, was identified as important for increasing the growth rate of pigs and improving meat quality.
Decreased Clock Gene Bmal1 Mediates Epileptogenesis via PCDH19 in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Yong , Liu Lishuo , Meng Qiang , Du Changwang , Li Kuo , Dong Shan , Zhang Yong , Li Huanfa , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2020

Clock genes not only regulate the circadian rhythm of physiological activities but also participate in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Previous studies have found the abnormal expression of clock genes in epilepsy. However, as the core clock gene, the molecular mechanism of Bmal1 in the epileptogenesis and seizures of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is still unclear. To define the function of Bmal1, we firstly investigated the levels of Bmal1 and other clock proteins in the hippocampus in epilepsy. In the latency and chronic phases, the levels of Bmal1 were decreased compared with the control group. Knockout of Bmal1 in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurons of Bmal1flox/flox mice by Synapsin 1 (Syn1) promoter AAV (adeno-associated virus) lowered the threshold of seizures induced by pilocarpine administration. High throughput sequencing analysis showed that PCDH19 (protocadherin 19), a gene associated with epilepsy, was regulated by Bmal1. And the expression of PCDH19 was also decreased in the hippocampus of epileptic mice. Furthermore, the levels of Bmal1 and PCDH19 were higher in the patients with no hippocampal sclerosis (no HS), compared to HS International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) type I and III. Altogether, these data suggest that decreased expression of clock gene Bmal1 may participate in the epileptogenesis and seizures via PCDH19 in TLE.
Side Effects of Azathioprine in Patients with Ocular Behçet’s Syndrome
Authors: Masoumi Maryam , Davatchi Fereydoun , Shahram Farhad , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Kavosi Hoda , Shadmanfar Soraya , Alikhani Majid , Moradi Soroush , Balasi Javad
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBehçet’s syndrome (BS) is a multifactorial, polygenic, autoinflammatory vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, skin lesions, and arthritis. Azathioprine has been well established as an effective therapy among other immunosuppressive drugs; however, concerns remain about its safety. This study was conducted to determine the types and prevalence of adverse events related with azathioprine in patients with ocular BS.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study of 165 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of BS who had ocular involvement. Data were collected retrospectively on disease-related characteristics and events including severity, recurrence, relapse, recovery and flare-up, as well as on azathioprine dosage and the duration of use.ResultsOf 165 enrolled patients, 103 (62.43%) were male and 62 (37.57%) were female. Adverse events of treatment with azathioprine occurred in 11 patients (6.67%). These side effects included elevation of liver enzymes in 4 patients (2.43%), hypersensitivity reaction in 2 patients (1.21%), leukopenia in 2 patients (1.21%), nausea in 1 patient (0.61%), skin tumor in 1 patient (0.61%), and concomitant pancreatitis and hepatitis in 1 patient (0.61%). Six of these patients discontinued treatment, and 5 of them tapered the dose. In addition, we observed severe leukopenia in 2 patients.ConclusionAdministration of azathioprine with due attention to the signs, symptoms, and severity of the disease, results in a reduced rate of adverse events and resolution of the ocular involvement in patients with BS.
Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia Coli for Ectoine Production With the Fermentation Strategy of Supplementing Amino Donor
Authors: Zhang Hao , Cao Yingying , Dong Yingsheng , Zhao Ming , Ma Yanqin , Luo Zhengshan , Li Sha , Xu Hong
Published: December 2020

Background: Ectoine, a compatible solute, has broad application prospects in food biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, and cosmetics because of its protective action on biological compounds. Industrially, ectoine is produced by halophilic bacteria in a complex process. Recently, various works focus on improving ectoine production by using engineered strains, but there are still problems of low yield and low ectoine production efficiency.Results: To overcome the drawback, a final metabolic engineered strain E. coli ET08 was constructed by eliminating lysine synthesis branch and by-product metabolic pathways, and ectoine production reached 10.2 g/L through culture medium optimization. Compared with nitrate, addition of ammonium salt contributed more to the ectoine synthesis. Furthermore, the ammonium sulphate boosted more ectoine titers than ammonium chloride and sodium glutamate. The analysis of transcriptional levels revealed that the ammonium sulfate enhanced ectoine biosynthesis by enhancing metabolic flux toward ectoine biosynthesis and providing affluent synthetic precursors. Ultimately, the ectoine production and yield of the E. coli ET08 reached 36.5 g/L and 0.3 g/g glucose with supplementing amino donor in a 7.5 L bioreactor.Conclusions: a novel potential metabolic engineered Escherichia coli for ectoine production was constructed. optimizing amino donor and analyzing the transcription levels conclude that ammonium sulfate, as the optimal amino donor, has a positive effect on ectoine synthesis. It is the first report about the effect of exogenous amino donor on ectoine fermentation by metabolic engineered strain. The maximum ectoine production and yield from glucose synthesized by E. coli were obtained by two-stage feeding fermentation with supplementing amino donor. It provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of ectoine by engineered strain in industry. This research provides the basis for an effective process for ectoine production, together with the further applications of ectoine in food and cosmetics, and could also be used to produce other high value amino acid derivative.
Correlation of Early Total Leucocyte Count and Red Cell Distribution Width With Outcome in Trauma
Authors: Madineni Bhavana Chowdary , N Sreeramulu P
Published: December 2020

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in young adults. Risk stratification in patients with trauma remains challenging. There is a need for a readily available prognostic method to categorise these patients.Aims & Objectives: We aim to measure and correlate red cell distribution width and total leucocyte count in patients presenting with trauma within 24 hours of injury with the outcome.Methods: We included 52 trauma patients who were admitted in RLJH from November 2019 to April 2020, who did not require emergency surgery and analysed prospectively. Complete blood picture within 24 hours of injury was analysed and outcome measured in terms of length of hospital stay. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation found between TLC and Length of hospital stay (p<0.001). The correlation between RDW and Length of hospital stay was not statistically significant. The analysis showed that increased hospital stay was associated with high TLC and RDW% done within 24 hours of injury. Conclusion: TLC and RDW can be used as readily available and simple markers in early prediction of higher morbidity in patients presenting with trauma.
Epidemiological Investigation on Symptoms and Influencing Factors of Noise-Induced Deafness in Officers and Soldiers After Live Firing Training
Authors: Shi Lei , Li Dong-Yan , Ma Li-Sha , Qi Guo-Wei , Zhao Hui , Yu Ning , Yang Shi-Ming
Published: December 2020

Objective To study the symptom and influencing factors of acute acoustic injury in soldiers after shooting training. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 571 soldiers who participated in live firing training. The necessary information of soldiers, the history of noise exposure before enlistment, and acute acoustic injury symptoms after shooting practice were collected and analyzed statistically. Result The soldiers seldom contact with impulse noise before enlistment. Another environmental noise intensity is medium, and contact time is short; after enlistment, most of them have received shooting training. The most common symptom of acute acoustic injury is tinnitus. The low-frequency tinnitus is more common, and the degree of discomfort is low; A few soldiers wear protective equipment. Statistics found that military age, whether to wear protective equipment, blood type, is related to acute acoustic injury. Conclusion Acute acoustic injury is more likely to occur after exposure to impulse sound in shooting training, and tinnitus is the most common symptom. With the increase of military age, it is more likely to have acoustic injury symptoms. Wearing personal protective equipment can effectively reduce acoustic damage and the susceptibility to the noise of type A blood is low.