bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Neuropeptide Precursor Genes Potentially Involved in the Larval Settlement in the Echiuran Worm Urechis unicinctus
Authors: Hou Xitan , Qin Zhenkui , Wei Maokai , Fu Zhong , Liu Ruonan , Lu Li , Bai Shumiao , Ma Yubin , Zhang Zhifeng
Published: September 2020

Background: In marine invertebrate life cycles, which often consist of planktonic larval and benthonic adult stages, settlement of the free-swimming larva to the sea ﬂoor in response to environmental cues is a key life cycle transition. Settlement is regulated by a specialized sensory–neurosecretory system, the larval apical organ. The neuroendocrine mechanisms through which the apical organ transduces environmental cues into behavioral responses during settlement are not fully understood yet.Results: In this study, a total of 54 neuropeptide precursors (pNPs) were identified in the Urechis unicinctus larva and adult transcriptome databases using local BLAST and de novo prediction, of which 10 pNPs belonging to the ancient eumetazoa, 23 pNPs belonging to the ancient bilaterian, 3 pNPs belonging to the ancient protostome, 10 pNPs exclusive in lophotrochozoa, 3 pNPs exclusive in annelid, and 5 pNPs only found in U. unicinctus. Furthermore, four pNPs (MIP, FRWamide, FxFamide and FILamide) which may be associated with the settlement and metamorphosis of U. unicinctus larvae were verified successfully by qRT-PCR. Whole-mount in situ hybridization results showed that all the four pNPs were expressed in the region of the apical organ of the larva, and the positive signals were also detected in the ciliary band and abdomen chaetae. We speculated that these pNPs may regulate the movement of larval cilia and chaeta by sensing external attachment signals.Conclusions: This study represents the ﬁrst comprehensive identiﬁcation of neuropeptides in Echiura, and would contribute to a complete understanding on the roles of various neuropeptides in larval settlement of most marine benthonic invertebrates.
Kawasaki Disease Outbreak in Children During COVID-19 Pandemic.
Authors: Gowin Ewelina , Wysocki Jacek , Frydrychowicz Magdalena , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn response to the recent information about the outbreak of Kawasaki disease (KD) in children connected to SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, we would like to present a group of six patients hospitalized from March to May 2020 with an inflammatory disease similar to KD. Findings There were four girls and two boys, aged from 15 months to 16 years. They all presented with fever lasting at least five days, irritability, bilateral nonexudative conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, mucus membrane changes, rash, edema.Neither the patients nor the other members of the patients' households had a positive history of COVID-19 infection. None of the six children had a positive PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 or a positive results for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. All patients received empiric antibiotic therapy. Four patients were diagnosed with KD. Three children received standard treatment. One boy did not respond and received an additional 14-days course of methylprednisolone.In two girls, the diagnosis of KD was not made. All patients survived ConclusionFinding a correlation with the Covid-19 pandemic is difficult regarding the situation in our country. According to ECDC, in May 2020 Poland wass still before the peak of the epidemy. The intention of this article is to report that increased hospitalization of children with the inflammatory syndrome is also observed in countries with low levels of transmission of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Our observation may broaden the knowledge of new inflammatory syndrome, which is not necessarily caused by SARS-Cov-2 but may be worsened by co-infection.
Sex and APOE Genotype Differences Related to Statin Use in The Aging Population
Authors: Dagliati Arianna , Peek Niels , Brinton Roberta Diaz , Geifman Nophar
Published: September 2020

Background. Significant evidence suggests that the cholesterol-lowering statins can effect cognitive function, and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These potential effects may be constrained by specific combinations of an individual’s sex and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Methods. Here we examine data from 252,327 UK BioBank participants, aged 55 or over, and compare the effects of statin use in males and females. We identified that in this population, males were older, had a higher level of education, better cognitive scores, higher incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and a higher rate of statin use.Results. We observed that males and those participants with an APOE4 (E4 variant of APOE) positive genotype had higher probabilities of being treated with statins; while participants with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis had slightly lower probabilities. We found that use of statins was not significantly associated with overall higher rates of survival. However, when considering the interaction of statin use with sex, the results suggest higher survival rates in males treated with statins. Finally, examination of cognitive function indicates a potential beneficial effect of statins, however this is limited to APOE4 positive genotypes. Conclusions. Our evaluation of the ageing population in a large cohort from the UK BioBank confirms sex and APOE genotype as funda mental risk stratifiers for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive function, furthermore it extends them to the specific area of statin use, clarifying their specific interactions with treatments.
Identification of a Seven-Gene Signature and Establishment of a Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Haige , Wu Xiangkun , Liu Huixian , Lu Yumin , Li Hengguo
Published: September 2020

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor with high incidence and poor prognosis. Therefore, effective predictive models are needed to evaluate patient outcomes and optimize treatment. Methods: Ten gene microarray datasets were obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Level 3 mRNA expression and clinical data were obtained in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified highly robust differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between HNSCC and normal tissue in nine GEO and TCGA datasets using Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method. Univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso Cox regression analysis were performed to identify DEGs related to the Overall-survival (OS) and to construct a prognostic gene signature. External validation was performed using GSE65858. Moreover, gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) analysis was used to analyze significantly rich pathways in high-risk and low-risk groups, and tumor immunoassays were used to clarify immune correlation of the prognostic gene. Finally, integrate multiple forecast indicators were used to build a nomogram using the TCGA-HNSCC dataset. Kaplan–Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), a calibration plot, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to test the predictive capability of the seven genetic signals and the nomogram. Results: A novel seven-gene signature (including SLURP1, SCARA5, CLDN10, MYH11, CXCL13, HLF, and ITGA3) was established to predict overall survival in HNSCC patients. ROC curve performed well in the training and validation data sets. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that low-risk groups had a longer survival time. The nomogram containing seven genetic markers and clinical prognostic factors was a good predictor of HNSCC survival and showed a certain net clinical benefit through the DCA curve. Further research demonstrated that the infiltration degree of CD8 + T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and NK cells were significantly lower in the high-risk group.Conclusion: Our analysis established a seven-gene model and nomogram to accurately predict the prognosis status of HNSCC patients, immune relevance was also described, which may provide a new possibility for individual treatment and medical decision-making.
Air-Steam Gasification of Nigerian Lignite Coals for Hydrogen and Syngas Production
Authors: Oladokun Olagoke , Nyakuma Bemgba B.
Published: September 2020

Coal is the fuel that drives most emerging economies. The gasification along with carbon capture and sequestration could ameliorate the harmful effects of coal utilisation. In this study, two recently discovered lignite coals; Obomkpa (BMK) and Ihioma (IHM) were examined for hydrogen and synthesis gas production through air-steam gasification using a non-stoichiometric model simulated in ASPEN Plus. The results showed that H2 production from BMK and IHM was highly sensitive to temperature and air but moderately sensitive to steam during gasification. The optimal operating conditions for BMK and IHM are; temperature 1125 °C and 1350 °C; equivalence ratio (ER) 0.26 and 0.26; steam/carbon ratio (S/C) 2.25 and 2.19, respectively. The optimal gas composition for BMK was; H2 (0.66), CO (0.18) and CO2 (0.18) mole-fraction, whereas for IHM was; H2 (0.65), CO (0.17) and CO2 (0.17). The findings indicate that both lignite coals are suitable feedstock for H2 and syngas production.
An Investigation of Machine Learning Algorithms on COVID-19 Dataset 
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Jacob I.Jeena , Ruby A.Usha , Y.Vamsidhar
Published: September 2020

This paper studies the different machine learning classification algorithms to predict the COVID-19 recovered and deceased cases. The k-fold cross-validation resampling technique is used to validate the prediction model. The prediction scores of each algorithm are evaluated with performance metrics such as prediction accuracy, precision, recall, mean square error, confusion matrix, and kappa score. For the given dataset, the k-nearest neighbour (KNN) classification algorithm produces 80.4 % of predication accuracy and 1.5 to 3.3 % of improved accuracy over other algorithms. The KNN algorithm predicts 92 % (true positive rate) of the deceased cases correctly with 0.077 % of misclassification. Further, the KNN algorithm produces the lowest error rate as 0.19 on the prediction of accurate COVID-19 cases than the other algorithm. Also, it produces the receiver operator characteristic curve with the output value of 82 %.
Power Transformer Fault Diagnosis System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Guoshi , Liu Ying , Chen Xiaowen , Yan Qing , Sui Haibin , Ma Chao , Zhang Junfei
Published: September 2020

Transformer is the most important equipment in the power system. The research and development of fault diagnosis technology for Internet of things equipment can effectively detect the operation status of equipment and eliminate hidden faults in time, which is conducive to reducing the incidence of accidents and improving people's life safety index. Objective: To explore the utility of Internet of things in power transformer fault diagnosis system. Methods: A total of 30 groups of transformer fault samples were selected, and 10 groups were randomly selected for network training, and the rest samples were used for testing. The matter-element extension mathematical model of power transformer fault diagnosis was established, and the correlation function was improved according to the characteristics of three ratio method. Each group of power transformer was diagnosed for four months continuously, and the monitoring data and diagnosis were recorded and analyzed result. GPRS communication network is used to complete the communication between data acquisition terminal and monitoring terminal. According to the parameters of the database, the working state of the equipment is set, and various sensors are controlled by the instrument driver module to complete the diagnosis of transformer fault system. Results: The detection success rate of the power transformer fault diagnosis system model established in this paper is as high as 95.6%, the training error is less than 0.000 l, and it can correctly identify the fault types of the non-training samples. It can be seen that the technical support of the Internet of things is helpful to the upgrading and maintenance of the power transformer fault diagnosis system.
Development and validation of a DNA methylation signature to predict the progression-free survival in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer
Authors: Fan Suzhen , Gao Xiang , Qin Qiaohong , Li Hongyu , Yuan Zhongfu , Zhao Shujun
Published: September 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a disease characterized by late-stage presentation and poor prognosis. Our aim was to identify a DNA methylation signature for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with advanced-stage OC.Methods: A bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify methylation sites that are relevant to PFS and develop a DNA methylation signature. A total of 501 patients with advanced-stage OC who were identified from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were enrolled as a training cohort, and 108 patients with advanced-stage OC from GSE65820 were used as a validation cohort.Results: A DNA methylation signature was constructed on the basis of five methylation sites. We found that patients with OC in the training and validation cohorts could be stratified, based on the DNA methylation signature, into high- and low-risk groups with distinct prognosis. Different cancer-related pathways were enriched between these two groups. Finally, a nomogram that integrated the methylation signature risk score and clinical stage was established, and the nomogram performed well.Conclusions: The DNA methylation signature provides a promising prognostic biomarker for patients with advanced-stage OC and may help to optimize clinical management.
Evaluation of Automated Microvascular Flow Analysis Software AVA 4.0: A Validation Study
Authors: Guay Christian S. , Khebir Mariam , Shahiri Shiva , Szilagyi Ariana , Cole Erin Elizabeth , Bracco David , Simoneau Gabrielle , Badawy Mohamed
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Real-time automated analysis of videos of the microvasculature is an essential step in the development of research protocols and clinical algorithms that incorporate point-of-care microvascular analysis. Validation studies on the software packages developed to perform these analyses have reported low agreement with the current referent standard semi-automated analysis method. In response to the call for validation studies of available automated analysis software by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, we report the first human validation study of AVA 4.0. METHODS: Two retrospective perioperative datasets of human microcirculation videos (P1 and P2) and one prospective healthy volunteer dataset (V1) were used. Video quality was assessed using the Microcirculation Image Quality Selection (MIQS) score. Videos were initially analysed with (1) AVA software 3.2 by two experienced users through a semi-manual method, followed by an analysis with (2) AVA automated software 4.0 for perfused vessel density (PVD), total vessel density (TVD), and proportion of perfused vessels (PPV). Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to measure agreement between the two methods. Each method’s ability to discriminate between microcirculatory states before and after induction of general anesthesia was assessed using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Fifty-two videos from P1, 128 videos from P2 and 26 videos from V1 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Correlational analysis and Bland Altman analysis revealed poor agreement and no correlation between AVA 4.0 and AVA 3.2. Increasing video length did not improve agreement. Automated analysis consistently underestimated measures of vessel density. Following the induction of anesthesia, TVD and PVD measured using AVA 3.2 increased significantly for P1 and P2 (p < 0.05). However, these changes could not be replicated with the data generated by AVA 4.0. CONCLUSIONS: AVA 4.0 is not a suitable tool for research or clinical purposes at this time. Future validation studies of automated microvascular flow analysis software should aim to measure the new software’s agreement with the referent standard, its ability to discriminate between clinical states and the quality thresholds at which its performance becomes unacceptable.
Decreased Serum Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Levels After Lifestyle Intervention in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: He Xingxing , Su Jiaorong , Ma Xiaojing , Lu Jingyi , Wang Yufei , Yin Jun , Bao Yuqian , Hu Gang , Zhou Jian
Published: September 2020

Background: Recent studies noted that circulating growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) were closely related to metabolic states. The study aimed to explore the changes of GDF15 levels and their influencing factors after 4 weeks of lifestyle intervention (LI) or LI combined with breakfast meal replacement (LI+MR) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: A total of 84 patients with available serum samples at both baseline and Week 4 were enrolled in this biomarker substudy. All subjects underwent a 2-hour 75g oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and Week 4. Serum GDF15 levels were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: After 4-weeks of LI, GDF15 levels overall significantly decreased compared with baseline (P<0.05). ∆GDF15 levels were significantly and negatively associated with baseline GDF15 levels (r=–0.450, P<0.001). The optimal cut-off point of baseline GDF15 levels for predicting a GDF15 decrease after 4-weeks of LI was 904.57 pg/ml, with an area under curve of 0.699. Based on the cut-off point of 900 pg/ml, patients with baseline GDF15 ≥900 pg/ml had significantly decreased GDF15 levels after LI, while those <900 pg/ml had no significant changes. Regression models showed that baseline GDF15 level was an independent positive factor for the improvement of fasting plasma glucose and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance only in patients with baseline GDF15 levels ≥900 pg/ml. Conclusions: LI led to significantly decreased GDF15 levels among patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and its effect was more significant among patients with baseline GDF15 levels ≥900 pg/ml.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02248714. Registered 25 September 2014 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02248714?term=NCT02248714&draw=2&rank=1
Mechanisms of Compound Kushen Injection for Treatment of Bladder Cancer Based on Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology With Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Zhang Wanying , Xiong Jiaming , Duan Xiumei , Hai Lina , Zhang Yuliang , Zhang Miaomiao , Qin Guifang , Zhang Guowei
Published: September 2020

Background: Bladder cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the urinary system. CompoundKushen injection (CKI) is a Chinese medicinal preparation that has been used clinically to treat varioustypes of cancers for more than 20 years. However, the pharmacological effect of CKI on bladder cancerrequires further clarification.Methods: Network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics was used to elucidate the therapeuticmechanism and potential targets of CKI in bladder cancer. The mechanism by which CKI is effective againstbladder cancer was further verified in vitro using the human bladder cancer cell line T24.Results: Network pharmacology analysis identified 35 active compounds and 268 target genes of CKI.Bioinformatics data mining revealed 5500 differentially expressed genes associated with bladder cancer.Common genes of CKI and bladder cancer suggested that CKI exerts anti-bladder cancer effects byregulating genes such as MMP-9, JUN, EGFR, and ERK1. Functional enrichment analysis indicated thatCKI has a therapeutic effect on bladder cancer by synergistically regulating certain biological processes,including cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell apoptosis. In addition, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes andGenomes enrichment analysis implicated pathways related to cancer, bladder cancer, and the PI3K-Aktsignaling pathway. Consistently, cell experiments indicated that CKI could inhibit proliferation andmigration of T24 bladder cancer cells, and induce their apoptosis. Moreover, RT-qPCR and western blotresults indicated that CKI may treat bladder cancer by downregulating gene and protein expression levels,respectively of MMP-9, JUN, EGFR, and ERK1.Conclusions: CKI can inhibit proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis of T24 bladder cancer cellsthrough multiple biological pathways and targets. CKI also has significant effects on regulation of key genesand proteins associated with bladder cancer. Overall, our findings provide solid evidence and deepen currentunderstanding of the therapeutic effects of CKI for bladder cancer, and further support its clinical use.
HER2 Nuclear Translocation and Decreased T-DM1 Efficacy in HER2 Positive Advanced Breast Cancer Treated with Dual HER2 Blockade. The SePHER Study.
Authors: Bon Giulia , Pizzuti Laura , Laquintana Valentina , Loria Rossella , Porru Manuela , Marchiò Caterina , Krasniqi Erisled , Barba Maddalena , Maugeri-Saccà Marcello , Gamucci Teresa , Berardi Rossana , Livi Lorenzo , Ficorella Corrado , Natoli Clara , Cortesi Enrico , Generali Daniele , Verde Nicla La , Cassano Alessandra , Bria Emilio , Moscetti Luca , Michelotti Andrea , Adamo Vincenzo , Zamagni Claudio , Tonini Giuseppe , Barchiesi Giacomo , Mazzotta Marco , Marinelli Daniele , Tomao Silverio , Marchetti Paolo , Valerio Maria Rosaria , Mirabelli Rosanna , Russo Antonio , Fabbri Maria Agnese , D'Ostilio Nicola , Veltri Enzo , Corsi Domenico , Garrone Ornella , Paris Ida , Sarobba Giuseppina , Giotta Francesco , Garufi Carlo , Cazzaniga Marina , Medico Pietro Del , Roselli Mario , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Sperduti Isabella , Sapino Anna , De Maria Ruggero , Leonetti Carlo , Leo Angelo Di , Ciliberto Gennaro , Falcioni Rita , Vici Patrizia
Published: September 2020

Background: ErbB2-targeting agents have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape of ErbB2+ advanced breast cancer (ABC). However, their optimal sequence of administration deserves further investigation.Methods: The biology of ErbB2 was investigated through sequential treatments in vitro, in ErbB2+ breast cancer cell lines resistant to trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and their combination. We analyzed data from 555 ErbB2+ ABC patients treated with trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and explored the efficacy of T-DM1 in the 371 patients who received it in second-line. Survival estimates were graphically displayed in Kaplan Meier curves, compared by log rank test and, when possibile, confirmed in multivariate models.Results: We show here lower activity of T-DM1 in two HER2+ breast cancer cell lines resistant to trastuzumab+pertuzumab, as compared to trastuzumab-resistant cells. Reduced T-DM1 efficacy is associated with a marked reduction of HER2 expression on the cell membrane and its nuclear translocation. Membrane-HER2 downregulation was confirmed in biopsies of four trastuzumab/pertuzumab-pretreated patients. Among 371 patients treated with second-line T-DM1, median overall survival (mOS) from diagnosis and median progression-free survival to second-line treatment (mPFS2) were 52 and 6 months in 177 patients who received trastuzumab/pertuzumab in first-line, and 74 and 10 months in 194 pertuzumab-naïve patients (p=0.0006 and 0.03 for OS and PFS2, respectively). Conclusions: Our data support the hypothesis that the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab reduces the amount of available plasma membrane HER2 receptor, limiting the binding of T-DM1 to cancer cells. This may help interpret the less favorable outcomes of second-line T-DM1 in trastuzumab/pertuzumab pre-treated patients compared to their pertuzumab-naïve counterpart.
Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant Mothers in the Initial Stage of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in Southwest of Iran
Authors: Maharlouei Najmeh , Keshavarz Pedram , Lankarani Kamran B.
Published: September 2020

‌Background: Women are at higher risk for depression progression especially during pregnancy. So, we aimed to investigate depression, anxiety, and stress level of pregnant mothers in the initial stage of the COVID-19 infection in Southwest of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted during March and April, 2020 in Shiraz, Iran. Pregnant mothers registered in maternity clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were included. An online self-administered checklist was used. It included socio-demographic, obstetric and medical history, and the short form of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) for evaluation of depression, anxiety, and stress. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: 540 pregnant mothers answered the questionnaire. 83.5% had no comorbidity. Abnormal depression score was significantly higher in those who did not have any insurance (OR= 2.5) and in those with poor self-rated health (SRH) (OR= 27.8). Pregnant mothers with lower SRH and two or more comorbidities had higher chance of having abnormal level of anxiety subscale; 6.9, 3.7 times, retrospectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that that abnormal level of depression was associated with SRH and medical insurance status. Moreover, the number of comorbidities and poor SRH were significantly increased the chance of achieving abnormal anxiety level in pregnant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors Influencing Contraceptive Decision Making and Use Among Young Adolescents in Urban Lilongwe, Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dombola Gift Mtawali , Chipeta Effie , Manda Wanangwa Chimwaza
Published: September 2020

Background: The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Malawi is 29% and about 25% of married and 30% of unmarried adolescents (15-19) use contraceptives. Data on contraceptive use has focused on older adolescents (15-19) leaving out the young adolescents (10-14). This study assessed factors that influence contraceptive decision-making and use among young adolescents aged 10-14 years.Methods: This was a qualitative study which used Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model to understand the processes that influence contraceptive decision making among young adolescents (10-14) in urban Lilongwe. The study was conducted in 6 youth health friendly service centers and in 12 youth clubs. Two focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted among sexually-active in and out of school young adolescents and key informants. The results are organized into themes identified during analysis.Results: Results showed that contraceptive decision making is influenced by social factors (individual, interpersonal, society) and adolescents` perceptions regarding hormonal contraceptives. There is also disconnect between Education and adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health policies.Conclusion: The findings suggest the need for empowering girls in decision making, addressing myths around contraceptives, and harmonization of Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health policies in the country.
LINE1 Methylation is Associated With Lead Exposure and Certain Job-Tasks Performed by Electronic Waste Workers
Authors: Issah Ibrahim , Arko-Mensah John , Rozek Laura S. , Zarins Katie R. , Agyekum Thomas P. , Dwomoh Duah , Basu Niladri , Batterman Stuart , Robins Thomas G. , Fobil Julius N.
Published: September 2020

Background: Electronic waste recycling processes such as dismantling with rudimentary tools and open-air burning result in the release of several toxic chemicals into the environment. Exposure to these toxic chemical mixtures has been associated with many adverse health outcomes affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive systems. DNA methylation has been associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, including heavy metals in several epidemiological studies. DNA methylation profile due to exposure to toxic chemicals among e-waste recyclers has not been studied.Objective: This study assessed the associations between blood and urine levels of heavy metals; cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) and methylation levels of the LINE1 gene among e-waste and control populations in Ghana.Methods: The study enrolled 100 male e-waste workers and 51 all-male non e-waste workers or controls. Body burden of Cd, Pb and As was measured in blood and urine using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, while LINE1 methylation levels were assessed by pyrosequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA extracted from whole blood.Results: There was no significant difference in LINE1 methylation between the e-waste and the non e-waste workers (85.16% ±1.32 vs 85.17% ±1.11, p = 0.950). However, CpG1 showed significantly lower mean methylation among controls, compared to e-waste workers (81.70% ±1.86 vs 82.48% ±2.20, p = 0.034). In linear regression models, blood lead (B-Pb) level was significantly inversely associated with overall LINE1 methylation (β = -0.004; 95%CI: -0.008, -0.0003; p = 0.034). Among e-waste recyclers, collectors showed significantly reduced LINE1 methylation levels (β = -0.889; 95%CI: -1.757, -0.021; p = 0.045). Conclusion: Continuous exposure to Pb may interfere with LINE1 methylation leading to epigenetic alteration, thus serve as an early epigenetic marker for future adverse health outcomes.
Long Noncoding RNA SNHG12 is a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Various Tumors
Authors: Wang XinZhuang , Jiang Qiuyi , Zhang Cheng , Yang Quan , Wang Lixiang , Zhang Jian , Wang Ligang , Chen Xin , Hou xu , Han Dayong , Wu Jianing , Zhao Shi Guang
Published: September 2020

Background. Tumors are the second most common cause of death in humans worldwide, second only to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Although methods and techniques for the treatment of tumors continue to improve, the effect is not satisfactory. These may lack effective therapeutic targets. This study aimed to evaluate the value of SNHG12 as a biomarker in the prognosis and clinical characteristics of various cancer patients.Methods. We analyzed SNHG12 expression and plotted the survival curves of all cancer samples in the TCGA database using the GEPIA tool. Then, we searched for eligible papers up to April 1, 2019 in databases. Next, the data were extracted from studies examining SNHG12 expression, overall survival and clinicopathological features in patients with malignant tumors. We used Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15 software to analyze the statistical data.Results. In the TCGA database, abnormally high expression of SNHG12 in tumor samples indicates that the patient has a poor prognosis. Results of meta-analysis is that SNHG12 high expression is related to low overall survival (HR=2.72, 95% CI=1.95-3.8, P<0.00001), high tumor stage (OR=3.94, 95% CI=2.80-5.53, P<0.00001), high grade (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.18-3.51, P=0.01), distant metastasis (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.40-3.46, P=0.0006), tumor size (OR=2.79, 95% CI=1.89-4.14, P<0.00001) and lymph node metastasis (OR=2.66, 95%CI=1.65-4.29, P<0.0001).Conclusions. Our study confirmed that the high expression level of SNHG12 is closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients and is a new predictive biomarker for various cancer patients.
COVID-19 during pregnancy should we really worry from vertical transmission or rather from fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency? A systematic review and meta -analysis
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Fouda Raghda , Essam Rana , Negm Alhussein , Khalil Dalia , Habib Dalia , Afdal George , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Aly Hadeer , Genedy Ibrahim , Qadi Layla El , Makki Leena , Shulqamy Maha , Hanafy Maram , AbdelMassih Marian , Ibrahim Marina , Ebaid Mohamed , Ibrahim Monica , El-Husseiny Nadine , Ashraf Nirvana , Shebl Noura , Menshawey Rahma , Darwish Rama , ElShahawi Rana , Ramadan Rana , Albala Sadra , Imran Salwa , Ahmed Sama , Khaldi Samer , Abohashish Sara , Paulo Stavro , Omar Yasmin , Tadros Mourad Alfy
Published: September 2020

Background:COVID-19 is the largest outbreak to strike humanity. The wide scale of fatalities and morbidities lead to a concurrent pandemic of uncertainty in scientific evidence. Conflicting evidences are released on daily basis about the neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 positive mothers. The aim of this study was to use the relevant case reports and series to determine the percentage of newborns who test positive in COVID-19 positive mothers. Secondary outcomes included examining laboratory and placental abnormalities among fetus-mother pairs.Methods:Systematic review was performed on all studies reporting primary data on fetus-mother pairs with COVID-19. Data bases were searched for studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: Final screening revealed 66 studies, from which the primary data of 1787 mother-infant pairs was obtained. Only 2.8% of mother infant pairs were tested positive, and this finding is identical to percentages reported in former coronaviridae outbreaks. Whereas, 20% manifested with intrauterine hypoxia alongside placental abnormalities suggestive of heavy placental vaso-occlusive involvement. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while vertical transmission is unlikely, there appears to be an underlying risk of placental insufficiency due to the prothrombotic tendency observed in COVID-19 infection. Guidelines for proper prophylactic anticoagulation in COVID positive mothers need to be established.
Visual Variations between Pairs of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes on Integrated Density Matrix
Authors: Zhu Minghan , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

This paper is the B2 module of the MAS. The quantification matrix is formed according to the four-base arrangement in the genome sequence. The differences in new coronavirus genome sequencing sequences in different samples were demonstrated by using the most concise methods. Using 4 primitive variable value measures, changes in the virus genome sequence base order conditions were determined. When two relatively large genomic sequences are slightly different, the integrated distribution of the difference calculation is subtly similar to the Bose-Einstein distribution, while the sum calculation shows a powerful distribution complexity. It can be formed under the macroscopic angle and can distinguish 16 combinations of supersymmetric structures. In view of the abundant transformation structure in this kind of transformation system, the detailed exploration remains to be followed by the systematic expansion of theory and medical application.
Age and gender distribution of COVID-19 infected cases in Italian population
Authors: Arisi Ivan , Mantuano Elide
Published: September 2020

Since the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic started, it became clear that the impact of the infection incidence and fatality rate were closely related to the population structure. Our analysis was devoted to the distribution of the infected cases in the Italian population stratified by age and sex in order to define the differences in gender impact of COVID-19 in each age class. Data on infected cases were extracted from the Italian EpiCentro (ISS) web site from March 12 to May 20, 2020. Data were pooled in ten years’ groups. Odds ratio (OR) men versus women was evaluated by the Fisher exact test. Logistic regression was used to investigate the combined effect of age and sex on infection incidence. Statistical analysis, performed by R-Bioconductor, highlights differences in age-dependent susceptibility to infection between men and women. In elderly class (50+ ) generally man result more infected than women, with the exception of the oldest women (90+). In age classes <50 OR was about 1.0, while an intriguing exception is the age group 20-29 in which the ratio was unbalanced in favour of men. This analysis supports a strong influence of biological sex and environmental factors related to age in COVID-19 infection by SARS-Cov-2.
Comparative Study of Pathogenic Viruses Carried on Pairs of Species
Authors: Zhang Xin , Pan Zhaoyu , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

The new coronavirus was checked on December 12, 2019, and spread rapidly over time. It has become a public health event spreading around the world. Until this time, the source of the virus remains controversial. In this paper, a series of SARS-CoV-2 genomes were collected using the A1 module of the MAS for visualization. Pairs of genomes are compared under similarity relationships between SARS-CoV-2 and other deadly viruses carried by different species. Through the proposed method of variant construction, it provides important information to understand similarity properties among genomes. The comparison mechanism provides an efficient and fast similarity mode to compare with a whole genome at multiple levels of hierarchical measurements to provide variation information on internal correlation to a certain extent. Sample results are intuitively expressed through a list of 1D visual line charts for various distributions.
Combined lymphocyte/monocyte count, D-dimer and iron status predict COVID-19 course and outcome in a long-term care facility
Authors: Biamonte Flavia , Botta Cirino , Mazzitelli Maria , Rotundo Salvatore , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Foti Daniela , Torti Carlo , Viglietto Giuseppe , Torella Daniele , Costanzo Francesco
Published: September 2020

Background: The Sars-CoV-2 can cause severe pneumonia with multiorgan disease, which created an urgent need for the identification of clinical and laboratory predictors of the progression towards severe and fatal forms of this illness. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated and integrated laboratory parameters/variables of 45 elderly subjects from a long-term care facility with Sars-CoV-2 outbreak and spread, to identify potential common patterns of systemic response able to better stratify patients’ clinical course and outcome.Methods: Baseline white blood cells, granulocytes’, lymphocytes’, and platelets’ counts, hemoglobin, total iron, ferritin, D-dimer, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration were used to generate a principal component analysis (PCA). Statistical analysis was performed by using R statistical package version 4.0.Results: Of the 45 patients, 19 were male and 26 were female, with a median age of 81 years. The overall mortality rate was 26.67%. By PCA and clustering approach we identified 3 laboratory patterns of response, renamed as low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk, strongly associated with patients’ survival (p<0.01). D-dimer, iron status, lymphocyte/monocyte count represented the main markers discriminating high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, patients belonging to the high-risk group presented a significantly longer time to ferritin decrease (p:0.047). Iron-to-ferritin-ratio (IFR) significantly segregated recovered and dead patients in the intermediate-risk group (p:0.012).Conclusions: Our data generate the hypothesis that a combination of few laboratory parameters, and in particular iron status, D-dimer and lymphocyte/monocyte count at admission and during the hospital stay, can predict clinical progression in COVID-19.
Bioinformatic and Experimental Analysis Reveals Knockdown of KIF15 Promotes Cell Apoptosis via Activating Crosstalk of Multi-Pathways in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sun Xinwei , Chen Mengyue , Liao Bin , Liang Zhiqing
Published: September 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy of females worldwide. Unlimited proliferation is a fundamental feature of OC cells. The genes associated with cell proliferation are potential histopathological biomarkers and targets of anti-tumor therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we aimed to identify proliferation-associated biomarkers with potential prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic value and reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of the candidate gene involved in OC by a combination of bioinformatic and experimental methods.Results: KIF15 was upregulated in early-stage OC tissues and could predict poor prognosis of patients of Stage I and II. The knockdown of KIF15 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, tumor formation, and growth as well as promoted apoptosis of OC cells. A combination of experimental and bioinformatic analyses revealed KIF15 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis via activating crosstalk of multi-pathways in OC.Conclusion: In this study, KIF15, an early-stage prognostic gene, was identified as a potential histopathological biomarker and therapeutic target of OC.
Genistein-3′-sodium Sulfonate Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/reperfusion Injury in Rats by Down-regulating Microglial M1 Polarization Through α7nAChR-mediated Inhibition of NF-κb Signaling Pathway 
Authors: Liu Chao-Ming , Liu Song , Xiong Li-Jiao , Li Xiao , Cao Xingling , Xue Jinhua , Li Liangdong , Huang Cheng , Huang Zhi-Hua
Published: September 2020

Background: Microglial M1 depolarization mediated prolonged inflammation contributing to brain injury in ischemic stroke. Our previous study revealed that Genistein-3′-sodium sulfonate (GSS) exerted neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines production. This study aimed to explore whether GSS protected against brain injury in ischemic stroke by regulating microglial M1 depolarization and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: We established transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (tMCAO) model in rats and used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells as in vitro model. Brain infarcted volume and neurological deficit were evaluated by TTC staining and Garcia assessment, respectively. M1-depolarized markers, α7nAChR and NF-κB signaling proteins were determined using western blot. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of M1 depolarization markers. Morphological changes, IL-1β expression and the nucleus translocation of P65-NF-κB were measured using immunofluorescent staining. The level of IL-1β was also determined using ELISA. Results: Our results showed that GSS treatment significantly reduced the brain infarcted volume and improved the neurological function in tMCAO rats. Meanwhile, GSS treatment also dramatically reduced microglia M1 depolarization, reversed α7nAChR expression, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling in the ischemic penumbra brain regions. These effects of GSS were further verified in LPS-induced M1 depolarization of BV2 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of α7nAChR inhibitor (α-BTX) significantly restrained the neuroprotective effect of GSS treatment in both tMCAO rats and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Alpha-BTX also blunted the regulating effects of GSS on GSM1 depolarization and α7nAChR expression.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that GSS protects against brain injury and neurological deficit in ischemic stroke by reducing microglia M1 depolarization to suppress neuroinflammation in peri-infarcted brain regions through upregulating α7nAChR and thereby inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Our findings uncover a potential molecular mechanism for GSS treatment in ischemic stroke.
Motivation, Satisfaction and Perceived Benefits of Volunteering With the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP): A Survey of French-speaking Volunteers in Quebec
Authors: Kaczorowski Janusz , Moussa Hanaa , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Girard Magali
Published: September 2020

Background: Locally recruited and trained volunteers are a vital component of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP), a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program that has been implemented across different settings and targeting different populations. As part of expanding and adapting CHAP to new settings, we conducted a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial to implement CHAP targeting elderly residents of subsidized social housing buildings in Québec and Ontario. As there is some evidence that the culture of volunteering might be different for English-speakers than their French-speaking counterparts, our objective was to generate a profile of French-speaking CHAP volunteers and to compare it with English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier community-based CHAP program and with volunteers in Canada as reported in the Statistics Canada's General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered online or by telephone to volunteers who participated in at least one CHAP session held in subsidized social housing in Montérégie (Québec, Canada) between March 2018 and June 2019. Results: The response rate was 79% (30/38), majority were female (87%, 26/30), retired or semi-retired (83%; 25/30), almost two-thirds (63%, 19/30) had previous work experience in the healthcare field, and 40% (12/30) had more than 10 years of volunteering experience. These characteristics were similar both to those of general profile of volunteers in Canada and to English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier pharmacy-based CHAP program. The top 5 reasons for volunteering among French-speaking CHAP volunteers were identical to those reported in CSGVP: making a contribution to the community; using one’s skills and experience; improving one’s sense of well-being or health; exploring one’s own strengths; and networking with or meeting people. The majority of French-speaking CHAP volunteers, like their English counterparts in Ontario, reported a high level of satisfaction with their participation in the program, enjoyed their interaction with participants, and gained new knowledge. Conclusions: French-speaking CHAP volunteers in Quebec share many similarities with English-speaking CHAP volunteers in Ontario and volunteers in Canada in terms of background, motivation, satisfaction and perceived benefits of volunteering.
Biomass and Lipid Accumulation Kinetics and the Transcriptome of Oleaginous Microalga Tetradesmus Bernardii (Chlorophyceae) Under Heterotrophic Culture With Different Nitrogen Source Supply and Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Gao Baoyan , Wang Feifei , Huang Luodong , Liu Hui , Zhong Yuming , Zhang Chengwu
Published: September 2020

Background: Heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae has been proposed as a viable alternative method for novel high-value biomolecules, enriched biomass and biofuel production because of their allowance of high cell density levels, as well as simple production technology. Tetradesmus bernardii, a newly isolated high-yielding oleaginous microalga under photoautotrophic conditions, is able to grow heterotrophically, meaning that it can consume organic carbon sources in dark condition. We investigated the effect of different carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios on the growth and lipid accumulation of T. bernardii in heterotrophic batch culture under two nitrogen sources (NaNO3, CO(NH2)2). In addition, we conducted time-resolved transcriptome analysis to reveal the metabolic mechanism of T. bernardii in heterotrophic culture. Results: T. bernardii can accumulated high biomass concentrations in heterotrophic batch culture which the highest biomass of 46.09 g/L was achieved at 100 g/L glucose concentration. The rate of glucose to biomass was exceed 55% when the glucose concentration was less than 80 g/L, and the C/N ratio was 44 at urea treatment. The culture was beneficial to lipid accumulation at a C/N ratio between 110 and 130. NaNO3 used as a nitrogen source enhanced the lipid content more than urea, and the highest lipid content was 45% of dry weight. We performed RNA-seq to analyze the time-resolved transcriptome of T. bernardii. As the nitrogen was consumed in the medium, nitrogen metabolism related genes were significantly up-regulated to speed up the N metabolic cycle. As chloroplasts were destroyed in the dark, the metabolism of cells was transferred from chloroplasts to cytoplasm. However, storage of carbohydrate in chloroplast remained active, mainly the synthesis of starch, and the precursor of starch synthesis in heterotrophic culture may largely came from the absorption of organic carbon source (glucose). With regard to lipid metabolism, the related genes of fatty acid synthesis in low nitrogen concentration increased gradually with the extension of cultivation time.Conclusion: T. bernardii exhibited rapid growth and high lipid accumulation in heterotrophic culture. It may be a potential candidate for biomass and biofuel production. Transcriptome analysis showed that multilevel regulation ensured the conversion from carbon to the synthesis of carbohydrate and lipid.