bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Expansion and Expression Analysis of the Oligopeptide Transporter Gene Family Between Cucurbita Moschata and Cucurbita Maxima
Authors: Shen Changwei , Yuan Jingping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Pumpkin is an important non-saline economic vegetable, salt stress often restricts the growth of pumpkin roots and the transportation and balance of mineral ions in the body. Oligopeptide transporter (OPT) plays an important role in transporting small peptides, secondary amino acids, Glutathione and minerals. However, information about the family of OPT in pumpkin is still limited. Results: In this study, 45 OPT transporters were identified from two cultivated species of Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these OPT families were divided into two evolutionary branches: OPT clade and yellow stripe-like (YSL) clade. All of these genes contain the typical structure of OPT superfamily, OPT clade contains 12 conserved motifs, while the YSL clade contains 7 conserved motifs. There are tandem gene replication events on chromosomes 13, 16 and 18 of Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima, and 17 and 18 pairs of genes were collinear with Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. Promoter element analysis showed that there were many cis-acting elements in the upstream promoters of these genes in Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima, which responded to 10 kinds of stress, especially hormones (MeJA and ABA) and hypoxia. The expression patterns based on transcriptome data sources showed that some OPT genes were organ-specific and tissue-specific, which might be involved in plant functional development. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR verification tests showed that CmoYSL7, CmaOPT15 and CmaYSL7 of Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima might play a key role in regulating the balance of metal ions between leaf mesophyll and leaf veins under salt stress. Conclusions: Overall, the data obtained from our study contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the OPT genes family in pumpkins. These results will provide new insights into the mechanism of salt tolerance and the structure and function of OPT genes in pumpkin.
Epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and follow-up of mercury poisoning in China: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yawei Sun , Jianhai Long , Junxiu Zhao , Xiaobo Peng , Zewu Qiu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: There are no reports on the incidence of mercury poisoning in a large population in China. This study investigated the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and follow-up of Chinese patients with mercury poisoning. Methods: Data for 288 mercury poisoning patients were collected at our hospital from July 2014 to September 2019, including sex, age, admission time, blood mercury content, urine mercury content, creatinine, urinary mercury/creatinine ratio, 24-h urinary protein levels, electromyography (EMG) findings, renal biopsy, and follow-up. Patient characteristics were evaluated by statistical and correlation analyses. Results: First, mercury poisoning in China mainly occurred through occupational exposure and the inappropriate use of mercury-containing cosmetics and Chinese folk remedies (CFRs). Second, the most common symptoms were nervous system (50.3%), kidney (16.4%) and breathing (8.0%). Mercury poisoning-induced Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and peripheral neuropathy are common long-term complications. The complications of occupational and cosmetics-induced mercury poisoning are consistent with international belief. However, the NS caused by CFRs is mainly membranous nephropathy and the probability of peripheral neuropathy caused by CFRs is higher than other pathogens. Third, follow-up data shows that 13 patients with EMG-confirmed neurological injury, 10 showed full recovery after 38.5 ± 8.03 months. Furthermore, among 18 patients with NS, 15 had normal urine protein and serum albumin levels after 22.67 ± 10.26 months.Conclusions: Regulation of skin-lightening cosmetic products, safety surveillance of CFRs, and prevention and control of occupational exposure must be improved to decrease the incidence of mercury poisoning in China.
Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: sui wei fan , li jian yun , fu jian hua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Although sorafenib was recommended as a first-line systemic therapy to prolong overall survival time in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two randomized phase 3 noninferiority trials demonstrated that lenvatinib was noninferior to sorafenib in unresectable HCC.
Methods

This study included three trials containing 1462 patients identified by a database search using standard terms. We conducted the data analysis in Review Manager version 5.3 software.
Results

The outcomes showed that there were nonsignificant differences in OS of 6, 12, 18, 30 and 36 months, PFS of 18, 24, 30 and 36 months and AEs (grade < 3) between the lenvatinib group and the sorafenib group, and there were significant differences in OS of 24 months (p = 0.01), PFS of 6 (p < 0.00001) and 12 (p < 0.00001) months, ORR (p < 0.00001) and DCR (p < 0.00001) between the lenvatinib group and the sorafenib group.
Conclusions

Lenvatinib was not superior to sorafenib in terms of OS and AEs, and lenvatinib was superior to sorafenib in terms of secondary endpoints, including PFS, ORR and DCR, in unresectable HCC.
Prevalence and Associated Factors for Protein Energy Malnutrition Among Children Below 5 Years Admitted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: SUBERU Safiu Adewale , MAALIM Leila Aweis , AKINOLA Saheed Adekunle , FASEUN Yusuf Olusola 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Undernutrition immensely contribute to the death of almost half of the children under 5 years, translating into the loss of about 3 million young lives a year. In developing countries, penultimate to hunger that constitute to the death of most children, Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) amongst other factors account for the death of 49% of children below the age of five. Due to incessant increase in poverty level in Uganda, Jinja District five-year development plan of 2011 was designed to curb menace posed by malnutrition not only on children but also adults in this district. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and factors associated with PEM among under-fives admitted in the paediatric wards of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH). Methods To carry out this study, a descriptive questionnaire-based and facility-based cross-sectional study design was used which will apply both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study involved a sample size of 364 with the study population being under-fives admitted in the paediatric wards of JRRH between March and August 2019.Results Results of this study shows that 52 out of 364 admissions were due to PEM giving a prevalence of 14.29%, males being affected more than females, with suboptimal immunization history. Children aged between 12 – 24 months contributed the highest (34.62%) cases of PEM and most are living in rural areas with low family socio-economic status and poor breastfeeding and feeding practices. The under-five PEM case-fatality rate was 2% (1 out of 52). Conclusion In conclusion, both the prevalence and case fatality rates of under-five PEM were high, calling for appropriate interventions based on the associated factors.
Optimization of Whole-Genome Sequencing of Plasmodium Falciparum From Low-Density Dried Blood Spot Samples
Authors: Teyssier Noam , Chen Anna , Duarte Elias , Sit Rene , Greenhouse Bryan , Tessema Sofonias 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly useful to study the biology, epidemiology, and ecology of malaria parasites. Despite ease of sampling, DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) has a high ratio of human DNA compared to parasite DNA, which poses a challenge for downstream genetic analyses. We evaluated the effects of multiple methods for DNA extraction, digestion of methylated DNA, and amplification on the quality and fidelity of WGS data recovered from DBS. Results: At 100 parasites/μL, Chelex-Tween-McrBC samples had higher coverage (5X depth = 93% genome) than QIAamp extracted samples (5X depth = 76% genome). The two evaluated sWGA primer sets showed minor differences in overall genome coverage and SNP concordance, with a newly proposed combination of 20 primers showing a modest improvement in coverage over those previously published. Conclusions: Overall, Tween-Chelex extracted samples that were treated with McrBC digestion and are amplified using 6A10AD sWGA conditions had minimal dropout rate, higher percentages of coverage at higher depth, and more accurate SNP concordance than QiaAMP extracted samples. These findings extend the results of previously reported methods, making whole genome sequencing accessible to a larger number of low density samples that are commonly encountered in cross-sectional surveys.
The Association of Quality of Life and Personality Characteristics with Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome: A Cohort Study
Authors: liang xiaohua , Zhang Peng , Luo Shunqing , Zhang Guifang , Tang Xian , Liu Lingjuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Increased prevalence of adolescent metabolic syndrome (MS) is a tracking factor for adulthood cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential relationship of quality of life (QoL) and personality traits with adolescent MS. Methods：1961 participants aged 11.68 years from a cohort study established in 2014 and followed in 2019 was included in Chongqing. Quality of life (QoL) and Eysenck’s personality questionnaire and MS components were collected.Results：The prevalence of adolescent MS is 4.69% (95% confidence interval, 3.84%-5.72%). Higher QoL domain score of physical activity ability (PAA) was a protective factor for both MS and MS score (all P<0.01), which was mainly negatively correlated with central obesity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and triglycerides levels, and positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Total score of QoL was negatively correlated with triglycerides level and positively correlated with DBP (all P<0.01). High extraversion personality score was a protective factor of adolescent MS (P=0.04) and MS score (P=0.06), which was mainly negatively correlated WC systolic blood pressure and TGs, and positively correlated with HDL-C (all P≤0.01).Conclusions：QoL score and extraversion personality score were independent protective factors for both MS prevalence and MS score, suggesting the community intervention to improve the QoL and psychological health of children is essential.
Pharmacological Ascorbate Induces Osteosarcoma&nbsp;Cells Death via H2O2&nbsp;Mediated-Oxidative Stress&nbsp;and Enhances the Efficacy of Cisplatin in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhou Liangfu , Zhao Xixi , Wang Shenghang , Lv Huanhuan , Shaikh Atik Badshah , Shang peng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Finding emerging strategies for new use of the “old drug-vitamin C” on cancer treatment-combined with chemotherapy drugs.Methods: This study investigates the mechanisms that pharmacological ascorbate (vitamin C, AA) mediated toxicity in osteosarcoma cells and the effects of pharmacological ascorbate combined with cisplatin (DDP) on osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo.Results: Pharmacological ascorbate not only promoted the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to kill osteosarcoma cells, but also improved its lethality to tumor cells by reducing the activity of catalase (CAT). DNA damage was the primary reason leading to osteosarcoma cell death, and depletion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), activated apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) all contribute to ascorbate-induced toxicity. The combination of pharmacological ascorbate with cisplatin showed synergistic effect on osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Pharmacological ascorbate enhanced the efficacy of cisplatin on inhibiting osteosarcoma tumor growth in orthotopic intra-tibial mouse model.Conclusion: These results suggest that pharmacological ascorbate causes DNA damage and induces osteosarcoma cells death via H2O2 mediated-oxidative stress. The combination of pharmacological ascorbate and cisplatin has synergistic effects on osteosarcoma cells and orthotopic intra-tibial mouse model. Pharmacological ascorbate could be a safe and effective adjuvant agent against osteosarcoma tumor.
Epigenetic Inactivation of Acetyl-Co A acetyltransferase 1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via decreasing ketogenesis
Authors: Lu Yunliang , Zhou Xiaohui , Zhao Weilin , Liao Zhipeng , Li Bo , Yang Yanping , Zhong Xuemin , Mo Yingxi , Li Ping , Huang Guangwu , Xiao Xue , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Xiaoying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Acy1 Coenzyme A Acyltransferases1 (ACAT1) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of ketone bodies, but its expression and biological function in the pathogenesis of NPC remains underexplored.
Methods

The mRNA and protein expression levels of ACAT1 in NPC and normal control tissues were analyzed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. GEO database was applied for meta-analysis of ACAT1 mRNA expression and DNA promoter methylation. The role of ACAT1 in NPC proliferation was examined by CCK8 and colony formation assays in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. The wound healing and transwell assays were used for analyzing the migratory and invasive ability. cDNA microarray analysis was performed to identify the genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dysregulated by ACAT1. These changes were further confirmed by western blot.
Results

We found that ACAT1 is inactivated in NPC cell lines and primary tissues. DNA microarray data showed higher methylation in the CpG island region of ACAT1 in NPC than normal tissues. The demethylating reagent 5-aza-dC significantly restored the transcription of ACAT1 in NPC cell lines, suggesting that ACAT1 was inactivated by DNA promoter hypermethylation. Ectopic overexpression of ACAT1 remarkably suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of NPC cells in vitro. As well, the tumorigenesis of NPC cells overexpressing ACAT1 was decreased in vivo. In addition, the migratory and invasive capacities of NPC cells was inhibited by ACAT1 overexpression. Importantly, the higher level of ACAT1 was accompanied by an increased expression of CDH1, EPCAM, and a decreased expression of vimentin and SPARC. This strongly indicates that ACAT1 is able to affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NPC, thereby controlling cellular motility. In addition, we found that ACAT1 expression increases the intracellular level of β-HB. Moreover, exogenous β-HB remarkably inhibits the growth of NPC cells in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions

We have discovered that the ketone body metabolism enzyme ACAT1 is epigenetically downregulated in NPC and acts as a potential tumor suppressor in NPC. Our findings highlight the possibility of using the modulation of ketone body metabolism as effective adjuvant therapy for NPC.
Exosomes miR-184 and miR-3913-5p are involved in Osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer patients with exon 21 L858R mutation
Authors: Li Xinying , Chen Cen , Wang Zimu , Liu Jiaxin , Sun Wei , Shen Kaikai , Lv Yanlin , Zhu Suhua , Zhan Ping , Zhang Fang , Liu Hongbin , Lv Tangfeng , Song Yong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The third-generation of EGFR-TKI Osimertinib has become an important treatment option for patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC. In recent years, more and more studies have begun to pay attention to the ability of miRNAs in exosomes secreted by tumor cells to transmit resistance information. The mechanisms of exosomal miRNAs involved in Osimertinib resistance need to be studied.
Methods

We constructed an Osimertinib-resistant cell line H1975-OR, and collected the exosomes from the cells of the drug-resistant strain and the sensitive strain, and extracted respective RNA for sequencing. We also compared miRNAs in serum exosomes of three patients before and after resistance to Osimertinib. Enlarged samples were then validated in 64 NSCLC patients.
Results

Cluster analysis of target genes revealed that miRNAs in exosomes participate in Osimertinib resistance mechanisms through the activation of bypass pathways (RAS-MAPK pathway abnormality, PI3K pathway activation). MiR-184 and miR-3913-5p increased significantly in serum exosomes of patients with later Osimertinib resistance. These two miRNAs mainly cause EGFR resistance in two types of NSCLC patients, EGFR exon 21 L858R mutation and T790M positive.
Conclusions

Exosomes miR-184 and miR-3913-5p mainly cause Osimertinib resistance in lung cancer patients containing EGFR exon 21 L858R+ and T790M+. They are regarded as important biomarkers of third-generation EGFR-TKI resistance. This not only enriches the application of liquid biopsy in lung cancer drug resistance, but also provides a direction for future targeted drug research.
Genome-Wide Association Study to Identify SNPs and Haplotypes Associated with Reproductive Performance and Egg Quality Traits in Geese
Authors: Gao Guangliang , Gao Dengfeng , Zhao Xianzhi , Xu Songsong , Zhang Keshan , Wu Rui , Yin Chunhui , Li Jing , Xie Youhui , Hu Silu , Wang Qigui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Geese are one of the most economically important waterfowl worldwide. However, suboptimal reproductive performance hinders the development of the goose rearing industry. With the increasing public concern surrounding animal health and the regulation of the goose rearing industry, reproductive performance and egg quality have become a major focus for researchers. To promote the accuracy of selective breeding and identify important candidate genes associated with reproductive performance and egg quality traits, we examined the birth body weight (BBW), egg number at 48 weeks (EN48), egg number at 60 weeks (EN60) and egg yolk color (EYC) among 209 Sichuan White geese using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).Results: In this study, we obtained 2.896 Tb of raw whole-genome sequencing data with a mean depth coverage of 12.44. A total of 9,279,339 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the goose genome. The GWAS analysis showed that 26 SNPs were significantly associated with the examined birth body weight (BBW), egg number in 48- and 60-week-old geese (EN48 and EN60) traits and egg yolk color (EYC), respectively. Notably, two genomic regions, a 28.85 kb genomic region (4512855bp ~ 4541709bp) on chromosome 35, and 294.57kb genomic region (21069009 b ~ 21363580 bp) located on chromosome 5, were significantly associated with egg number in 48- and 60-week-old geese (EN40 and EN60) egg yolk color (EYC), respectively. In addition, we performed the MALDI-TOP MS method to detected SNPs and haplotypes markers for EN48, EN60 and EYC traits were identified in the candidate gene TMEM161A, CALCR, TFPI2, and GLP1R, respectivelyConclusions: The SNPs, haplotypes markers and genes identified in this study can be used for marker-assisted selection of reproductive performance and egg quality traits in geese, promoting the accuracy of selective breeding. In addition, the identified candidate genes significantly associated with the traits provide a foundation for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying reproduction and egg quality in geese.
Remodelling Macroeconomic Trilemma and Central Bank Behaviour in Nigeria: A Markov-Switching Approach
Authors: AYINDE Taofeek Olusola , S. BANKOLE Abiodun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study investigates macroeconomic trilemma and Central Bank behavior in Nigeria. The period of investigation spans the quarterly period of 1981–2017. Upon the data stability condition of Zivot-Andrew unit-root test with structural breaks, the Markov Switching Dynamic Regression was employed as the technique of analysis. With a validated trilemma hypothesis, the study found that the trilemma constraints hold for the Nigerian economy but at the expense of the autonomy of the monetary authority. Being the policy variable of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the exchange rate was found to follow two regimes of fixed and managed-float regimes. The results also showed that political risk was found insensitive to the regimes of exchange rate while the foreign sector was considered as a moderating factor for the behavior of the monetary authority; irrespective of the exchange rate regime.JEL Classifications: F41, E32, E52, C22, E58.
The Effect of Acupuncture on MiRNA Expression Profiles in the Ovaries of Rats with PCOS and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Zhang Chunren , Yu Chuyi , Huang Shiya , Lin Zengxian , Zheng Ruqun , Su Yufei , Lin Han , Li Juan , Li Kunyin , Ma Hongxia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonendocrine and metabolic diseases of women of reproductive age. The majorcharacteristics of PCOS are anovulation, hyperandrogenism, infertility, and insulinresistance. Previous studies showed that acupuncture could promote menstruation,decrease testosterone levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve frequency ofovulation in women with PCOS. However, the mechanism of how acupunctureregulates the reproductive and metabolic abnormalities of PCOS remains unclear. Thepresent study investigated the differential expression of miRNAs in the ovaries of ratswith PCOS and insulin resistance (IR) after electroacupuncture (EA) treatment.Methods: A rat model of PCOS with IR was established by letrozole and a high-fatdiet. Rats in the PCOS+EA group received acupuncture treatment five times a week forfour weeks. The differentially expressed miRNAs of three rat ovaries of each group(n=3/group) were identified by deep sequencing. The differentially expressed miRNAsare shown by a hierarchical clustering heatmap and volcano plot. Gene ontology (GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysiswere conducted to explore the potential target genes of the differentially expressedmiRNAs and identify their putative biological function. Eight of the differentiallyexpressed miRNAs were selected for validation by real-time quantitative PCR (qRTPCR).Results: The rats in the PCOS+EA group had significantly decreased body weight andincreased insulin sensitivity compared with the rats in the PCOS group. EA tend toreduce testosterone levels in the rats with PCOS and insulin resistance. The rats in thePCOS+EA group displayed fewer large cystic follicles, fewer atretic antral follicles,and more corpora lutea than the rats in the PCOS group. A total of 23 differentiallyexpressed miRNAs were identified in the PCOS with IR group after EA treatment,including 15 miRNAs that were upregulated and 8 miRNAs that were downregulated.GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the predicted target genes were relatedto cellular processes, and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, qRT-PCR confirmed thatmiRNA-181 was significantly downregulated in the rat ovaries of the PCOS+EA groupcompared with the PCOS group.Conclusion: Our results indicate that differentially expressed miRNAs may mediate the effect of acupuncture on insulin sensitivity in PCOS with IR. It will be beneficial to study the mechanism of acupuncture in improving insulin resistance in women with PCOS.