bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to micronutrient powder for home fortification of foods among infants and toddlers in rural China: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Sun Chang , Ye Ruixue , Akhtar Muizz , Dill Sarah-Eve , Yuan Ping , Zhou Huan , Rozelle Scott
Published: December 2022

Background

The WHO recommends daily use of micronutrient powder for infants and toddlers at risk of micronutrient deficiencies in low-and-middle-income countries. China has established a micronutrient powder distribution program in many rural townships and villages, yet adherence to micronutrient powder remains suboptimal; a little is known about the behavioral inputs that may influence adherence. This study examines direct and indirect behavioral inputs in micronutrient powder adherence among caregivers in rural western China following the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) framework.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from April to May 2019 among 958 caregivers of children aged 6 to 24 months in six counties. Data were collected on micronutrient powder adherence behavior, direct behavioral inputs (knowledge and skills, intention, salience, environmental constraints, and habits), and indirect behavioral inputs (attitudes, perceived social norms, and personal agency). Structural equation modeling (SEM) adjusted for sociodemographic covariates was used to evaluate the IBM framework.

Results

Mean micronutrient powder adherence in the previous seven days was 53.02%, and only 22.86% of caregivers consistently fed micronutrient powder from the start of micronutrient powder distribution at six months of age. The SEM model revealed small- to medium-sized effects of salience (β = 0.440, P < 0.001), intention (β = 0.374,P < 0.001), knowledge and skills (β = 0.214,P < 0.001), personal agency (st. effect = 0.172,P < 0.001), environmental constraints (β=-0.142,P < 0.001), and caregiver generation (β = 0.119,P < 0.05) on micronutrient powder adherence. Overall, 54.7% of the variance in micronutrient powder adherence was explained by the IBM framework. Salience had the largest impact on micronutrient powder adherence (Cohen’sf2 = 0.227). Compared to parent caregivers, grandparents had a higher degree of micronutrient powder adherence on average (P < 0.001), and behavioral inputs were consistent among both parent and grandparent caregivers.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve micronutrient powder adherence among rural caregivers. The IBM framework showed a high degree of explanatory power in predicting micronutrient powder adherence behavior. The findings suggest that increased reminders from doctors regarding micronutrient powder and coaching to improve personal agency in micronutrient powder feeding may increase adherence.
The roles of sclerostin and irisin on bone and muscle of orchiectomized rats
Authors: Zhou Bing-na , Zhang Qian , Lin Xiao-yun , Hu Jing , Zhao Di-chen , Jiang Yan , Xing Xiao-ping , Li Mei
Published: December 2022

Background

The reduction in androgen level gives rise to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle strength, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the roles of novel cytokines of sclerostin and irisin on bone and muscle of orchiectomized rats.

Methods

Twenty 3-month-old male rats were randomized to receive sham or orchiectomy (ORX) operation. Rats were euthanized after 8 weeks of surgery, and serum levels of sclerostin and irisin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and execution. Grip strength was measured by a grip strength tester at baseline and before execution. BMD and bone microarchitecture were measured by microcomputed tomography. The samples of bone and muscle were harvested at execution. Bone biomechanics were measured by three-point bending tests and vertebral body indentation tests. Bone and muscle histological features were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin stain, Von Kossa’s stain and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase stain. Simple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the relationships between serum levels of sclerostin, irisin and grip strength and BMD of ORX rats.

Results

Serum sclerostin level increased from 279 ± 44 pg/mL to 586 ± 57 pg/mL since baseline to 8 weeks after ORX (P = 0.002), which was significantly higher than that in sham rats (406 ± 20 pg/mL at execution) (P = 0.012). Serum irisin level decreased from 4.12 ± 0.20 ng/mL to 3.55 ± 0.29 ng/mL since baseline to 8 weeks of ORX (P = 0.048), which was significantly lower than sham rats (4.84 ± 0.37 pg/mL at execution) (P = 0.013). Trabecular BMD, parameters of bone microarchitecture, bone strength, grip strength and the myofibers size of soleus muscles were significantly lower in ORX rats than in sham group. Grip strength was positively correlated with femoral trabecular BMD (r = 0.713, P < 0.001) and bone volume/total volume (r = 0.712, P < 0.001) in all rats. The serum sclerostin level was negatively correlated to femoral trabecular BMD (r = -0.508, P = 0.022) and grip strength (r = -0.492, P = 0.028). Serum irisin level was positively correlated with femoral trabecular BMD (r = 0.597, P = 0.005), but no obvious correlation was found between irisin level and muscle strength in all rats.

Conclusions

Reduced BMD, impaired bone microarchitecture, weak strength of bone and muscle, and thin myofibers were induced by androgen deficiency of ORX rats. Serum sclerostin and irisin levels were significantly changed after ORX, which might be closely correlated with the occurrence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in ORX rats.
Posterior instrumentation combined with anterior debridement and reconstruction using allogenic strut bone for the treatment of children with multilevel lumbar spinal tuberculosis: minimum 5-year follow-up
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Zhang Xueying , Zhang Yi , Lv Guohua , Wang Xiaobin , Li Jing
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of one-stage posterior instrumentation combined with anterior debridement and reconstruction using allogenic strut bone for the surgical treatment of multilevel lumbar spinal tuberculosis in children younger than 10 years of age with at least 5 years of follow-up.

Methods

A total of 16 children with multilevel lumbar spinal tuberculosis who underwent one-stage posterior instrumentation combined with anterior debridement and reconstruction using allogenic strut bone were enrolled from January 2003 to January 2017. Among them, 6 were females and 10 were males with an average age of 6.9 ± 2.2 years (range 3–10 years). Patients’ clinical outcomes, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), kyphosis angle, and neurologic function, were assessed before and after surgery. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The average follow-up was 7.8 ± 2.4 years. CRP and ESR of all patients returned to the normal range within 1 year. Compared with preoperative neurological deficits, postoperative and final follow-up neurological deficits improved significantly by grades 0.9 and 1.6, respectively. No instrumentation failure occurred, and all patients achieved solid bone fusion. The preoperative kyphosis angle was 29.9 ± 8.1°, which decreased significantly to 5.9 ± 2.6° postoperatively. There was a mild loss (2.5°) and the kyphosis angle was 8.4 ± 2.9° at final follow-up, with an overall correction rate of 71.3%.

Conclusion

One-stage posterior instrumentation combined with anterior debridement and reconstruction using allogenic strut bone is a safe and effective procedure for children with multilevel lumbar spinal tuberculosis. This approach facilitates the removal of lesions and decompression of the spinal cord and is effective in restoring spinal stability, correcting kyphosis, and preventing deterioration of the deformity.
Comprehensive use of a high-frequency electric knife, balloon dilatation, and cryotherapy for tuberculous central tracheobronchial cicatricial constriction
Authors: Li Kunying , Lian Taomei , Liang Qiang , Zhang Liping , Chen Ying , Liu Jiwei , Qian Jiaping , Liu Xin
Published: December 2022

Background

To examine the benefits of interventional therapy for cicatricial constriction using a high-frequency electric knife, saccular dilatation, and cryotherapy.

Methods

This case series included patients with central tracheobronchial cicatricial constriction admitted to the Department of Tuberculosis of Henan Provincial Chest Hospital from July 2018 to March 2021 and treated with bronchoscopic interventional therapies based on systemic anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Results

96 patients were included, in whom 443 interventional therapies were performed. The total mid-(3 months) and long-term (12 months) effective rates were both 100%. The internal diameter of tracheobronchial stenosis increased after the operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all < 0.05). After interventional treatment, patients’ symptoms of choking sensation in the chest and shortness of breath were relieved. Respiratory function was obviously improved. The ratios of hemorrhage, granulation hyperplasia, chest pain, and postoperative fever were 58.2%, 42.6%, 31.3%, and 26.7%, respectively. No focal transmission and progression of tuberculosis occurred, and no serious complications were observed.

Conclusion

The use of a high-frequency electric knife, saccular dilatation, and/or cryotherapy according to the pathological stage of the tracheobronchial cicatricial constriction is feasible, with good mid- and long-term curative effects and few complications.
State-level metabolic comorbidity prevalence and control among adults age 50-plus with diabetes: estimates from electronic health records and survey data in five states
Authors: Mardon Russell , Campione Joanne , Nooney Jennifer , Merrill Lori , Johnson Maurice , Marker David , Jenkins Frank , Saydah Sharon , Rolka Deborah , Zhang Xuanping , Shrestha Sundar , Gregg Edward
Published: December 2022

Background

Although treatment and control of diabetes can prevent complications and reduce morbidity, few data sources exist at the state level for surveillance of diabetes comorbidities and control. Surveys and electronic health records (EHRs) offer different strengths and weaknesses for surveillance of diabetes and major metabolic comorbidities. Data from self-report surveys suffer from cognitive and recall biases, and generally cannot be used for surveillance of undiagnosed cases. EHR data are becoming more readily available, but pose particular challenges for population estimation since patients are not randomly selected, not everyone has the relevant biomarker measurements, and those included tend to cluster geographically.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, the Health and Retirement Study, and EHR data from the DARTNet Institute to create state-level adjusted estimates of the prevalence and control of diabetes, and the prevalence and control of hypertension and high cholesterol in the diabetes population, age 50 and over for five states: Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.

Results

The estimates from the two surveys generally aligned well. The EHR data were consistent with the surveys for many measures, but yielded consistently lower estimates of undiagnosed diabetes prevalence, and identified somewhat fewer comorbidities in most states.

Conclusions

Despite these limitations, EHRs may be a promising source for diabetes surveillance and assessment of control as the datasets are large and created during the routine delivery of health care.

Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Bird conservation status and cultural values in Indigenous Mexican communities: towards a bioculturally informed conservation policy
Authors: Alcántara-Salinas Graciela , Hunn Eugene S. , Ibáñez-Bravo María Elena , Aldasoro-Maya Elda Miriam , Flores-Hernández Noé , Pérez-Sato Juan Antonio , Real-Luna Natalia , Trujillo Rafael Arturo Muñoz-Márquez , Lope-Alzina Diana , Rivera-Hernández Jaime Ernesto
Published: December 2022

Background

We summarize comparative ethnoornithological data for ten Mexican Indigenous communities, an initial step towards a comprehensive archive of the avian diversity conserved within Mexico’s Indigenous territories. We do so by counting highlighted species listed for bird conservation status on widely recognized “red lists” and their cultural value to build biocultural policies in Mexico for their conservation.

Methods

Indigenous bird names for each study site were determined to allow calculation of the “Scientific Species Recognition Ratio” (SSRR) for high cultural value birds obtained across communities. This demonstrated patterns of cultural prominence. A matrix of 1275 bird versus seven biocultural values was analysed using a correspondence analysis (InfoStat/L-v2020) to illustrate patterns of concordance between bird conservation status and cultural values.

Results

This paper contributes to quantitative and qualitative data on the role of ethnoornithology and ethnobiology in biocultural conservation. The areas studied provide refugia for almost 70% of the Mexican avifauna within a fraction of 1% of the national territory, that is 769 bird species recorded for all communities. The global correspondence of regions of biological and linguistic megadiversity is well established, while linguistic diversity is widely accepted as a good proxy for general cultural diversity. Our correspondence analysis explained 81.55% of the variation, indicating a strong relation between cultural importance and bird conservation status. We propose three main categories to establish a bioculturally informed public policy in Mexico for the conservation of what we described as high, medium, and bioculturally prominent bird species all include cultural value in any material or symbolic aspect. High are those species appearing on any threatened list, but also considered in any endemic status, while medium include threatened listed species. The last category included species not necessarily listed on any threat list, but with a wide range of social and cultural uses. We suggest that the concept might be extended to other species of biocultural importance.

Conclusions

We argue that bird conservation policies should be biocultural, that is they should recognize birds of cultural value on a par with bird species “of special interest” because they are most critical for biodiversity conservation. The desire of local people to protect their traditional community lands and livelihoods can be an effective biodiversity conservation strategy, which should be recognized in national biocultural policies.
Is the retromandibular approach a suitable approach to anatomical reduction of unilateral subcondylar fracture? A non-randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mohamed Abdo Ahmed Saleh , Rao Guangxin , Mai Lianxi , Sakran Karim Ahmed , Al-wesabi Saddam Noman , Pan Chaobin , Lin Zhaoyu
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the retromandibular approach (RMA) to produce three-dimensional (3-D) reduction of the unilateral subcondylar fracture and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) functional implication.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was designed. Twenty-nine patients with unilateral subcondylar fracture underwent consecutively Open Reduction, and Internal Fixation. The cohorts were divided into two groups; RMA group (n = 16, 55.17%) and submandibular approach SMA group (n = 13, 44.82%). The primary outcome was the anatomical 3-D reduction of the condyle. The secondary outcome was to compare the condyle position and inclination finding with TMJ outcomes. Helkimo Index score was used to evaluate the TMJ outcome at six months postoperatively.

Result: There was a significant difference between the mediolateral condylar inclination, condylar medial and vertical positions when RMA compared with SMA groups (P < 0.05). The medial joint space was correlated with the medial condylar position in both groups (P < 0.05). The Helkimo Ai and Di was associated with mediolateral condylar inclination in SMG; however, Helkimo Ai was found to be correlated with the RMA group.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that the RMA could re-establish the anatomical position of the unilateral subcondylar fracture in patients undergoing ORIF. The clinical outcome of the TMJ with RMA was better than SMA.
A technical guide to TRITEX, a computational pipeline for chromosome-scale sequence assembly of plant genomes
Authors: Marone Marina Püpke , Singh Harmeet Chawla , Pozniak Curtis J. , Mascher Martin
Published: December 2022

Background

As complete and accurate genome sequences are becoming easier to obtain, more researchers wish to get one or more of them to support their research endeavors. Reliable and well-documented sequence assembly workflows find use in reference or pangenome projects.

Results

We describe modifications to the TRITEX genome assembly workflow motivated by the rise of fast and easy long-read contig assembly of inbred plant genomes and the routine deployment of the toolchains in pangenome projects. New features include the use as surrogates of or complements to dense genetic maps and the introduction of user-editable tables to make the curation of contig placements easier and more intuitive.

Conclusion

Even maximally contiguous sequence assemblies of the telomere-to-telomere sort, and to a yet greater extent, the fragmented kind require validation, correction, and comparison to reference standards. As pangenomics is burgeoning, these tasks are bound to become more widespread and TRITEX is one tool to get them done. This technical guide is supported by a step-by-step computational tutorial accessible under https://tritexassembly.bitbucket.io/. The TRITEX source code is hosted under this URL: https://bitbucket.org/tritexassembly.
Estimation of ENPP1 deficiency genetic prevalence using a comprehensive literature review and population databases
Authors: Chunn Lauren M. , Bissonnette Jeffrey , Heinrich Stefanie V. , Mercurio Stephanie A. , Kiel Mark J. , Rutsch Frank , Ferreira Carlos R.
Published: December 2022

Background

ENPP1 Deficiency—caused by biallelic variants in ENPP1—leads to widespread arterial calcification in early life (Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy, GACI) or hypophosphatemic rickets in later life (Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets type 2, ARHR2). A prior study using the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC)—a database of exomes obtained from approximately 60,000 individuals—estimated the genetic prevalence at approximately 1 in 200,000 pregnancies.

Methods

We estimated the genetic prevalence of ENPP1 Deficiency by evaluating allele frequencies from a population database, assuming Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. This estimate benefitted from a comprehensive literature review using Mastermind (https://mastermind.genomenon.com/), which uncovered additional variants and supporting evidence, a larger population database with approximately 140,000 individuals, and improved interpretation of variants as per current clinical guidelines.

Results

We estimate a genetic prevalence of approximately 1 in 64,000 pregnancies, thus more than tripling the prior estimate. In addition, the carrier frequency of ENPP1 variants was found to be highest in East Asian populations, albeit based on a small sample.

Conclusion

These results indicate that a significant number of patients with ENPP1 Deficiency remain undiagnosed. Efforts to increase disease awareness as well as expand genetic testing, particularly in non-European populations are warranted, especially now that clinical trials for enzyme replacement therapy, which proved successful in animal models, are underway.
p53 regulates expression of nuclear envelope components in cancer cells
Authors: Panatta Emanuele , Butera Alessio , Celardo Ivana , Leist Marcel , Melino Gerry , Amelio Ivano
Published: December 2022

Nuclear organisation and architecture are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity as well as for the epigenetic regulations and gene expression. Disruption of lamin B1, major structural and functional member of the nuclear lamina, is observed in human laminopathies and in sporadic cancers, and leads to chromosomal rearrangements and alterations of gene expression. The tumour suppressor p53 has been shown to direct specific transcriptional programmes by regulating lamin A/C, however its relationship with lamin B1 has remained elusive. Here, we show that loss of p53 correlates with increased expression of members belonging to the nuclear pore complex and nuclear lamina and directly regulates transcription of lamin B1. We show that the genomic loci of a fraction of p53-dependent genes physically interact with lamin B1 and Nup210. This observation provides a possible mechanistic explanation for the p53-depedent changes of chromatin accessibility, with the consequent influence of expression and rearrangement of these genomic sites in pancreatic cancer. Overall, these data suggest a potential functional and biochemical regulatory network connecting p53 and nuclear architecture.
Validated HPLC–PDA methodology utilized for simultaneous determination of Etoricoxib and Paracetamol in the presence of Paracetamol toxic impurities
Authors: Abdel Rahman Mona A. , Elghobashy Mohamed R. , Zaazaa Hala E. , Atty Shimaa A. , El-Mosallamy Sally S.
Published: December 2022

Etoricoxib (ETO), Paracetamol (PCM), and two toxic impurities for Paracetamol impurity K (4-aminophenol (PAP)) and impurity E (para-hydroxy acetophenone (PHA)) were separated using a simple and selective HPLC method that was tested for the first time. PCM is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic medication that has recently been incorporated into COVID-19 supportive treatment. Pharmaceuticals containing PCM in combination with other analgesic-antipyretic drugs like ETO help to improve patient compliance. The studied drugs and impurities were separated on a GL Sciences Inertsil ODS-3 (250 × 4.6) mm, 5.0 µm column, and linear gradient elution was performed using 50 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate adjusted to pH 4.0 with ortho-phosphoric acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase at 2.0 mL/min flow rate at 25 °C and UV detection at 220 nm. The linearity range was 1.5–30.0 µg/mL for ETO and PCM while 0.5–10.0 µg/mL for PAP and PHA, with correlation coefficients (r) for ETO, PCM, PAP, and PHA of 0.9999, 0.9993, 0.9996, and 0.9998, respectively. The proposed method could be used well for routine analysis in quality control laboratory.
Generalized nuclear localization of retroelement transcripts
Authors: Das Simanti , Jones Amanda E. , Abrams John M.
Published: December 2022

Background

LINE-1s, Alus and SVAs are the only retrotransposition competent elements in humans. Their mobilization followed by insertional mutagenesis is often linked to disease. Apart from these rare integration events, accumulation of retrotransposition intermediates in the cytoplasm is potentially pathogenic due to induction of inflammatory response pathways. Although the retrotransposition of LINE-1 and Alu retroelements has been studied in considerable detail, there are mixed observations about the localization of their RNAs.

Results

We undertook a comprehensive and unbiased approach to analyze retroelement RNA localization using common cell lines and publicly available datasets containing RNA-sequencing data from subcellular fractions. Using our customized analytic pipeline, we compared localization patterns of RNAs transcribed from retroelements and single-copy protein coding genes. Our results demonstrate a generalized characteristic pattern of retroelement RNA nuclear localization that is conserved across retroelement classes as well as evolutionarily young and ancient elements. Preferential nuclear enrichment of retroelement transcripts was consistently observed in cell lines, in vivo and across species. Moreover, retroelement RNA localization patterns were dynamic and subject to change during development, as seen in zebrafish embryos.

Conclusion

The pronounced nuclear localization of transcripts arising from ancient as well as de novo transcribed retroelements suggests that these transcripts are retained in the nucleus as opposed to being re-imported to the nucleus or degraded in the cytoplasm. This raises the possibility that there is adaptive value associated with this localization pattern to the host, the retroelements or possibly both.
SLC22A3 methylation-mediated gene silencing predicts adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gu Yu , Xu Zi-jun , Zhou Jing-dong , Wen Xiang-mei , Jin Ye , Yuan Qian , Xia Pei-hui , Feng Yuan , Yang Lei , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun
Published: December 2022

Background

We screened out several hypermethylated solute carrier (SLC) family genes in acute myeloid leukemia by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. SLC22A3 encodes an organic cation transport protein, which is critical for drug transportation and cellular detoxification. SLC22A3 is significantly downregulated and associated with tumor progression and worse prognosis in a variety of solid tumors. However, there are no data available regarding the role of SLC22 in AML. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation on SLC22A3 expression, as well as its clinical significance in AML prognosis.

Results

SLC22A3 was identified as the sole prognosis-associated gene among SLCs based on TCGA and Beat AML databases. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from AML, MDS patients, and healthy donors were enrolled in this study. SLC22A3 methylation was significantly increased in AML compared with controls and MDS patients; meanwhile, the expression level of SLC22A3 was decreased. SLC22A3 hypermethylation presented an obvious association with some specific clinical characteristics and affected the survival time of AML patients as an independent risk indicator. SLC22A3 expression changed regularly as the disease complete remissions and relapses. Demethylation drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) activated transcription and increased mRNA expression of SLC22A3 in leukemia cell lines and AML fresh BMMNCs. Knockdown of SLC22A3 in leukemia cells enhanced cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis. Data from public programs were used for auxiliary screening of probable molecular mechanisms of SLC22A3 in the antileukemia effect.

Conclusions

Our results showed that increased methylation and decreased expression of SLC22A3 may be indicators of poor prognosis in AML. Methylation-silenced SLC22A3 expression may have potential guiding significance on antileukemia effect of DAC.
Epigenetic silencing of JAM3 promotes esophageal cancer development by activating Wnt signaling
Authors: Yang Weili , Guo Chao , Herman James G. , Zhu Cheng , Lv Honghui , Su Xiaomo , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Meiying , Guo Mingzhou
Published: December 2022

Background

The role of JAM3 in different tumors is controversial. The epigenetic regulation and the mechanism of JAM3 remain to be elucidated in human esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

Eleven EC cell lines, 49 cases of esophageal intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and 760 cases of primary EC samples were employed. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, MTT, western blot and xenograft mouse models were applied in this study.

Results

The inverse association between RNA expression and promoter region methylation of JAM3 was found by analyzing 185 cases of EC samples extracted from the TCGA database (p < 0.05). JAM3 was highly expressed in KYSE450, KYSE520, TE1 and YES2 cells, low level expressed in KYSE70 cells and unexpressed in KYSE30, KYSE150, KYSE410, KYSE510, TE13 and BIC1 cells. JAM3 was unmethylated in KYSE450, KYSE520, TE1 and YES2 cells, partial methylated in KYSE70 cells and completely methylated in KYSE30, KYSE150, KYSE410, KYSE510, TE13 and BIC1 cells. The expression of JAM3 is correlated with methylation status. The levels of JAM3 were unchanged in KYSE450, KYSE520, TE1 and YES2 cells, increased in KYSE70 cells and restored expression in KYSE30, KYSE150, KYSE410, KYSE510, TE13 and BIC1 cells after 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment, suggesting that the expression of JAM3 is regulated by promoter region methylation. JAM3 was methylated in 26.5% (13/49) of EIN and 51.1% (388/760) of primary EC, and methylation of JAM3 was associated significantly with tumor differentiation and family history (allp < 0.05). Methylation of JAM3 is an independent prognostic factor of poor 5-year overall survival (p < 0.05). JAM3 suppresses cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion and induces G1/S arrest and apoptosis in EC. Further study demonstrated that JAM3 suppressed EC cells and xenograft tumor growth by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusion

JAM3 is frequently methylated in human EC, and the expression of JAM3 is regulated by promoter region methylation. JAM3 methylation is an early detection and prognostic marker of EC. JAM3 suppresses EC growth both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting Wnt signaling.
Systematic identification and characterization of repeat sequences in African swine fever virus genomes
Authors: Zhu Zhaozhong , Ge Shengqiang , Cai Zena , Wu Yifan , Lu Congyu , Zhang Zheng , Fu Ping , Mao Longfei , Wu Xiaodong , Peng Yousong
Published: December 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large DNA virus that infects domestic pigs with high morbidity and mortality rates. Repeat sequences, which are DNA sequence elements that are repeated more than twice in the genome, play an important role in the ASFV genome. The majority of repeat sequences, however, have not been identified and characterized in a systematic manner. In this study, three types of repeat sequences, including microsatellites, minisatellites and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), were identified in the ASFV genome, and their distribution, structure, function, and evolutionary history were investigated. Most repeat sequences were observed in noncoding regions and at the 5’ end of the genome. Noncoding repeat sequences tended to form enhancers, whereas coding repeat sequences had a lower ratio of alpha-helix and beta-sheet and a higher ratio of loop structure and surface amino acids than nonrepeat sequences. In addition, the repeat sequences tended to encode penetrating and antimicrobial peptides. Further analysis of the evolution of repeat sequences revealed that the pan-repeat sequences presented an open state, showing the diversity of repeat sequences. Finally, CpG islands were observed to be negatively correlated with repeat sequence occurrences, suggesting that they may affect the generation of repeat sequences. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of repeat sequences in ASFVs, and these results can aid in understanding the virus's function and evolution.
An enhanced beamspace channel estimation algorithm for wideband millimeter-wave massive MIMO systems
Authors: Liu Yang , Song Kaipeng , Luo Yi , Han Ding , Zhang Yinghui , Jin Minglu
Published: December 2022

Accurate beamspace channel estimation is critical in wideband millimeter-wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. However, the beam squint effect caused by the increase in bandwidth and array dimension can bring additional challenges to the wideband channel estimation. In this study, we propose a wideband channel estimation scheme based on compressed sensing to solve the beam squint effect in broadband mmWave massive MIMO systems. First, the channel estimation problem is transformed into a beamspace direction estimation problem by exploiting the special frequency-dependent sparse structure of a broadband beamspace channel. Then, we propose a beam-band function-based orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm, in which a beam-band function is constructed and used to capture the power of each path component to estimate the spatial direction. In addition, the support of each path component at different sub-carriers is estimated to reduce the influence of the beam squint effect. Moreover, the support is estimated adaptively to improve the estimation accuracy further. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme reduces the pilot overhead under the beam squint effect and improve the estimation accuracy significantly.
Artificial intelligence for channel estimation in multicarrier systems for B5G/6G communications: a survey
Authors: Vilas Boas Evandro C. , e Silva Jefferson D. S. , de Figueiredo Felipe A. P. , Mendes Luciano L. , de Souza Rausley A. A.
Published: December 2022

Multicarrier modulation allows for deploying wideband systems resilient to multipath fading channels, impulsive noise, and intersymbol interference compared to single-carrier systems. Despite this, multicarrier signals suffer from different types of distortion, including channel noise sources and long- and short-term fading. Consequently, the receiver must estimate the channel features and compensate it for data recovery based on channel estimation techniques, such as non-blind, blind, and semi-blind approaches. These techniques are model-based and designed with accurate mathematical channel models encompassing their features. Nevertheless, complex environments challenge accurate mathematical channel estimation modeling, which might neither be accurate nor correspond to reality. This impairment decreases the system performance due to the channel estimation accuracy loss. Fortunately, (AI) algorithms can learn the relationship among different system variables using a model-driven or model-free approach. Thereby, AI algorithms are used for channel estimation by exploiting its complexity without unrealistic assumptions, following a better performance than conventional techniques under the same channel. Hence, this paper comprehensively surveys AI-based channel estimation for multicarrier systems. First, we provide essential background on conventional channel estimation techniques in the context of multicarrier systems. Second, the AI-aided channel estimation strategies are investigated using the following approaches: classical learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and point out future research directions based on recent findings.
Nanopore long-read-only metagenomics enables complete and high-quality genome reconstruction from mock and complex metagenomes
Authors: Liu Lei , Yang Yu , Deng Yu , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2022

Background

The accurate and comprehensive analyses of genome-resolved metagenomics largely depend on the reconstruction of reference-quality (complete and high-quality) genomes from diverse microbiomes. Closing gaps in draft genomes have been approaching with the inclusion of Nanopore long reads; however, genome quality improvement requires extensive and time-consuming high-accuracy short-read polishing.

Results

Here, we introduce NanoPhase, an open-source tool to reconstruct reference-quality genomes from complex metagenomes using only Nanopore long reads. Using Kit 9 and Q20+ chemistries, we first evaluated the feasibility of NanoPhase using a ZymoBIOMICS gut microbiome standard (including 21 strains), then sequenced the complex activated sludge microbiome and reconstructed 275 MAGs with median completeness of ~ 90%. As a result, NanoPhase improved the MAG contiguity (median MAG N50: 735 Kb, 44-86X compared to conventional short-read-based methods) while maintaining high accuracy, allowing for a full and accurate investigation of target microbiomes. Additionally, leveraging these high-contiguity reference-quality genomes, we identified 165 prophages within 111 MAGs, with 5 as active prophages, indicating the prophage was a neglected source of genetic diversity within microbial populations and influencer in shaping microbial composition in the activated sludge microbiome.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that NanoPhase enables reference-quality genome reconstruction from complex metagenomes directly using only Nanopore long reads. Furthermore, besides the 16S rRNA genes and biosynthetic gene clusters, the generated high-accuracy and high-contiguity MAGs improved the host identification of critical mobile genetic elements, e.g., prophage, serving as a genomic blueprint to investigate the microbial potential and ecology in the activated sludge ecosystem.
Changing attitudes towards psychotherapy via social observations: are similarities more important than discrepancies?
Authors: Braun-Koch Kristina , Rief Winfried , Teige-Mocigemba Sarah
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

Therapy expectations and attitudes towards psychotherapy contribute substantially to the outcome, process and duration of psychotherapy. The a priori use of role model videos seems to be promising for changing expectations and attitudes towards psychotherapy. In contrast, underlying mechanisms, like identifying with the role model, have been sparsely investigated in studies so far. For instance, the effects of similarities and differences between the role model and the observer are not clear yet.

Methods:

A total of 158 persons were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups. In one of three experimental groups, participants watched an expectation-optimised video with patients giving information about their mostly positive therapy outcomes (positive model). Two further experimental groups saw the same video, but either received instructions to focus on similarities (similarity group) or on differences (discrepancy group) between the patients and themselves. A further control group watched a video with patients who gave information about their symptoms. As the primary outcome variable, we assessed attitudes towards psychotherapy using the Questionnaire on Attitudes towards Psychotherapy (QAPT). It was filled in before and after watching the video and after a two-week follow-up period.

Results:

Contrary to the hypotheses, the discrepancy group and the experimental group without further intervention (positive model) showed significant improvements in their attitudes towards psychotherapy after watching the video, while such an effect was not found in the similarity group or control group.

Conclusion:

Focusing on similarities between patient examples and the observer does not support a change in therapy expectations or attitudes through observation, while a positive video model without instructions, or with the instruction to focus on differences does. Attentional interference and depth of cognitive evaluation are discussed as possible reasons.

Trial registration:

Ethical approval (2018-19k) was obtained from the ethics committee of the Psychological Department, University of Marburg, and the trial was registered at Aspredicted.org (#22,205; 16.04.2019).
Near-field infrared nanoscopic study of EUV- and e-beam-exposed hydrogen silsesquioxane photoresist
Authors: Kim Jiho , Lee Jin-Kyun , Chae Boknam , Ahn Jinho , Lee Sangsul
Published: December 2022

This article presents a technique of scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) based on scanning probe microscopy as a nanoscale-resolution chemical visualization technique of the structural changes in photoresist thin films. Chemical investigations were conducted in the nanometer regime by highly concentrated near-field infrared on the sharp apex of the metal-coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. When s-SNOM was applied along with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to characterize the extreme UV- and electron-beam (e-beam)-exposed hydrogen silsesquioxane films, line and space patterns of half-pitch 100, 200, 300, and 500 nm could be successfully visualized prior to pattern development in the chemical solutions. The linewidth and line edge roughness values of the exposed domains obtained by s-SNOM were comparable to those extracted from the AFM and scanning electron microscopy images after development. The chemical analysis capabilities provided by s-SNOM provide new analytical opportunities that are not possible with traditional e-beam-based photoresist measurement, thus allowing information to be obtained without interference from non-photoreaction processes such as wet development.
Retraction Note: Prevalence and associated factors of early initiation of breastfeeding among women delivered via Cesarean section in South Gondar zone hospitals Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Getnet Bekalu , Degu Alemu , Yenealem Fantahun
Published: December 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-020-00121-3.
Injectable PTHF-based thermogelling polyurethane implants for long-term intraocular application
Authors: Zhang Kaiwen , Liu Zengping , Lin Qianyu , Boo Yi Jian , Ow Valerie , Zhao Xinxin , Wong Daniel Soo Lin , Lim Jason Y. C. , Xue Kun , Su Xinyi , Wu Decheng , Loh Xian Jun
Published: December 2022

Background

Hydrogels show great potential to be used for intraocular applications due to their high-water content and similarity to the native vitreous. Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels through a small-bore needle can be used as a delivery system for drugs or a tamponading substitute to treat posterior eye diseases with clear clinical potential. However, none of the currently available thermosensitive hydrogels can provide intraocular support for up to 3 months or more.

Method

In this study, an injectable polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF)-based thermosensitive hydrogel was synthesized by polyurethane reaction. We examined the injectability, rheological properties, microstructure, cytotoxicity, and in vivo compatibility and stability of the hydrogels in rabbit eyes.

Results

We found that the PTHF block type and PTHF component ratio could modulate thermogelation properties of the polyurethane polymers. The PTHF-based hydrogel implants retained normal retinal structure and function. Incorporating bioinert PTHF generated highly biocompatible and more stable thermogels in the vitreous cavity, with gel networks and the presence of polymer still observed after 3 months when other thermogels would have been completely cleared. Moreover, despite lacking hydrolytically cleavable linkages, the polymers could be most naturally removed from the native vitreous by bio-erosion without additional surgical interventions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the potential of incorporating hydrophobic bioinert blocks to enhance the in vivo stability of supramolecularly associated hydrogels for long-term intraocular applications.

Graphical Abstract
PEG-mediated transduction of rAAV as a platform for spatially confined and efficient gene delivery
Authors: Zou Liang , Wang Jinfen , Fang Ying , Tian Huihui
Published: December 2022

Background

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) are commonly used vectors for gene delivery in both basic neuroscience and clinical applications due to their nonpathogenic, minimally immunogenic, and sustained expression properties. However, several challenges remain for the wide-scale rAAV applications, including poor infection of many clinically important cell lines, insufficient expression at low titers, and diffusive transduction in vivo.

Methods

In this work, PEG, which is a safe and non-toxic polymer of ethylene oxide monomer, was applied as an auxiliary transduction agent to improve the expression of rAAV. In detail, a small dose of PEG was added into the rAAV solution for the transgene expression in cell lines in vitro, and in the central nervous system (CNS) in vivo. The biocompatibility of PEG enhancer was assessed by characterizing the immune responses, cell morphology, cell tropism of rAAV, neuronal apoptosis, as well as motor function of animals.

Results

The results show that small dose of PEG additive can effectively improve the gene expression characteristics of rAAV both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, the PEG additive allows efficient transgene expression in cell lines that are difficult to be transfected with rAAV alone. In vivo studies show that the PEG additive can promote a spatially confined and efficient transgene expression of low-titer rAAV in the brain over long terms. In addition, no obvious side effects of PEG were observed on CNS in the biocompatibility studies.

Conclusions

This spatially confined and efficient transduction method can facilitate the applications of rAAV in fundamental research, especially in the precise dissection of neural circuits, and also improve the capabilities of rAAV in the treatment of neurological diseases which originate from the disorders of small nuclei in the brain.
Intradural extramedullary cervical metastasis from Merkel cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pennisi Giovanni , Talacchi Andrea , Tirendi Marcello Nunzio , Giordano Marco , Olivi Alessandro
Published: December 2022

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive primary skin carcinoma with an incidence of 44 cases per 100,000.

The natural course of MCC often results in rapid growth and early metastasis. On the other hand, the spinal cord is rarely affected and frequently features the end stage of the disease. The aim of this paper was to clarify the management of patients with spine metastasis from a skin lesion and showed a case-based update.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old female was admitted to the Neurosurgical Department in December 2021 for a sudden right hemiparesis with bladder dysfunction and a history of cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS) showed an intradural-extramedullary right-sided C6–C7 tumor with mass effect and edema of the cervical cord. The patient underwent a C6–C7 laminectomy with microsurgical total resection of the intradural extramedullary lesion. The neuropathological examination identified a metastasis from Merkel cell carcinoma. Nowadays, evidence for spinal metastasis from malignities skin cancer is generally lacking, probably because they are extremely rare. The exact time of life expectancy is controversial, and some clinicians use a cutoff of 3 months to determine whether surgical intervention should be offered, while others advocate at least 6 months of life expectancy.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, we showed the first case of solitary intradural extramedullary cervical spine metastasis from MCC. We recommend to consider metastasis of MCC in the differential diagnosis of spinal metastasis.
Characteristics of the 6th Japanese wave of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Haruta Munenori , Otsubo Shigeru , Otsubo Yuriko
Published: December 2022

Background

We examined the clinical characteristics of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 during the 6th wave of infection (mainly Omicron variant) in Japan.

Methods

Hemodialysis patients admitted in January 2022 and thereafter were grouped as the 6th wave group (n = 53), while others were grouped as the 1st–5th wave group (n = 47).

Results

The proportion of vaccinations was significantly higher in the 6th wave group than in the 1st–5th wave group (96.2% vs 10.6%,p < 0.0001). Neutralizing antibody and molnupiravir were used more frequently in the 6th wave group (75.5% and 88.7%) than in the 1st–5th wave group (14.9% and 0%, bothp < 0.0001). The critical disease was seen in 21.3% of the patients in the 1st–5th wave group and 0% in the 6th wave group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prognosis of hemodialysis patients in the 6th wave group was good. The vaccination and advances in the treatment may have contributed to the outcomes.