bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CLC gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum) reveals its roles in salt resistance
Authors: Liu Cuiyu , Zhao Yujie , Zhao Xueqing , Dong Jianmei , Yuan Zhaohe 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important commercial fruit tree, with moderate tolerance to salinity. The balance of Cl− and other anions in pomegranate tissues are affected by salinity, however, the accumulation patterns of anions are poorly understood. The chloride channel (CLC) gene family is involved in conducting Cl−, NO3−, HCO3− and I−, but its characteristics have not been reported on pomegranate.Results: In this study, we identified seven PgCLC genes, consisting of four antiporters and three channels, based on the presence of the gating glutamate (E) and the proton glutamate (E). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven PgCLCs were divided into two clades, with clade I containing the typical conserved regions GxGIPE (I), GKxGPxxH (II) and PxxGxLF (III), whereas clade II not. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that PgCLC-B had a P [proline, Pro] residue in region I, which was suspected to be a NO3–/H+ exchanger, while PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2, PgCLC-D and PgCLC-G contained a S [serine, Ser] residue, with a high affinity to Cl−. We determined the content of Cl−, NO3−, H2PO4−, and SO42− in pomegranate tissues after 18 days of salt treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Compared with control, the Cl− content increased sharply in pomegranate tissues. Salinity inhibited the uptake of NO3− and SO42− , but accelerated H2PO4− uptake. The results of real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PgCLC genes had tissue-specific expression patterns. The high expression levels of three antiporters PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2 and PgCLC-D in leaves might be contributed to sequestrating Cl− into the vacuoles. However, the low expression levels of PgCLCs in roots might be associated with the exclusion of Cl− from root cells. Also, the up-regulated PgCLC-B in leaves indicated that more NO3− was transported into leaves to mitigate the nitrogen deficiency.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the PgCLC genes played important roles in balancing of Cl− and NO3− in pomegranate tissues under salt stress. This study established a theoretical foundation for the further functional characterization of CLC genes in pomegranate.
Prevalence and Correlates of Maternal Early Stimulation Behaviors during Pregnancy in Northern Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Mackness Jessica , Gallis John A , Owusu Raymond Kofi , Ali Mohammed , Abubakr-Bibilazu Safiyatu , Adam Haliq , Aborigo Raymond , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Lillie Margaret , McEwan Elena , Hembling John , Vasudevan Lavanya , Baumgartner Joy Noel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Per UNICEF’s Nurturing Care Framework, early childhood development (ECD) begins during pregnancy and many lower-resource settings need data to inform their programs for optimal child development. The maternal-fetal relationship can be partly examined via a series of bonding activities called early stimulation behaviors (ESB). This study describes early stimulation behaviors and the associated correlates among pregnant women in Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from a cluster-randomized trial in two districts of Northern Ghana. A total of 374 pregnant women were enrolled at baseline and administered a pre-intervention survey. Communication-related early stimulation behaviors was the primary outcome which was evaluated using three maternal-fetal bonding activities; did the woman self-report touching and/or talking, singing, and/or talking about family to her belly. A generalized estimating equation modified Poisson model was used for the bivariate and multivariable analysis.Results: About half of the participants reported performing communication-related ESB during pregnancy frequently or sometimes. Bivariate analysis revealed that negative life experiences including higher rates of emotional, physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms were associated with women performing early stimulation behaviors more often. In the multivariable model, physical intimate partner violence remained significantly associated with early stimulation behaviors. Conclusion: Research on early stimulation behaviors is still in a nascent phase. It is unclear why our results revealed an association between intimate partner violence and early stimulation behaviors; this could reflect a coping mechanism for the expectant mother. Further research is needed to better understand this association and explore potential long-term impacts of early stimulation behaviors during pregnancy on child development.Trial registration: Clinical Trials # NCT03665246, August 29, 2018.
A physical activity coaching intervention can improve and maintain physical activity and health-related outcomes in adult ambulatory hospital patients in a regional hospital: the Healthy4U-2 randomised controlled trial
Authors: Barrett Stephen , Begg Steve , O'Halloran Paul , Kingsley Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The Healthy 4U-2 study sought to evaluate the effect of a twelve-week, physical activity (PA) coaching intervention for changes and maintenance in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in adults presenting to an ambulatory hospital clinic. Methods One hundred and twenty insufficiently active adults were recruited from an ambulatory hospital clinic and randomised to an intervention group that received an education session and five 20-minute telephone sessions of PA coaching, or to a control group that received the education session only. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at baseline, post-intervention (3-months) and follow-up (9-months). Secondary outcome measures (anthropometrics, PA self-efficacy, health-related and quality of life) were also assessed at the three time points. Results At baseline, the mean age and body mass index of participants were 53 ± 8 years and 31 ± 4 kg/m 2 , respectively. Relative to control, the intervention group increased objectively measured MVPA at post-intervention (p<0.001) and 9 months follow-up (p<0.001). At the 9-month follow-up the intervention group completed 22 min/day of MVPA (95% CI: 20 to 25 min/day), which is sufficient to meet the recommended PA guidelines. The intervention group exhibited beneficial changes in body mass (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), PA self-efficacy (p<0.001), and health-related quality of life (p<0.001) at the 9-month follow-up. Conclusions This study demonstrates that a low contact PA coaching intervention results in beneficial changes in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in insufficiently active adults presenting to an ambulatory care clinic. The significant beneficial changes were measured at post-intervention and the 9-month follow-up, demonstrating a maintenance effect of the intervention. Trial registration: Prospectively registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial registration number: ACTRN12619000036112. http://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376318
Aurora-B Knockdown Inhibits Osteosarcoma Metastasis by Inducing Autophagy via the mTOR/ULK1 Pathway
Authors: Wu xin , Liu Jia-ming , Song Honghai , Yang Qikun , Ying Hui , Tong Weilai , Zhou Yang , Liu Zhi-li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Autophagy plays an essential role in metastasis of malignancies. Although our studies showed that Aurora-B facilitate pulmonary metastasis in OS, the mechanism of Aurora-B kinase on autophagy and metastasis in OS has not been explored.Methods: Clinical-pathological parameters and follow-up information was collected in OS patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect Aurora-B and LC3 protein in OS tissues. Short hairpin RNA transfection was used to silence Aurora-B in OS cells. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect Aurora-B mRNA expression in OS cells. Aurora-B and autophagy related protein were measured by Western blot. Transmission electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy were performed to observe the formation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Migratory and invasive ability of OS cells were measured by Wound healing and transwell assays. Orthotopic xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of autophagy mediated by Aurora-B inhibition on pulmonary metastasis of OS. Results: The elevated expression of Aurora-B protein in OS tissues negatively associated with the overall survival of OS patients. Further investigation has found that Aurora-B expression was negatively correlative with autophagy related protein LC3 in OS patient tissues. Knockdown Aurora-B stimulates autophagy and inhibits migratory and invasive ability of OS cells. Mechanistically, Aurora-B knockdown suppressed the mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway and reactivation of the mTOR/ULK1 pathway decreased autophagy level. Furthermore, the inhibition effect of silencing Aurora-B on migration and invasion of OS was reversed by chloroquine and mTOR activator in vitro and vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggest that silencing of Aurora-B stimulate autophagy via decreasing mTOR/ULK1 and result in inhibiting OS metastasis. Targeted Aurora-B/mTOR/ULK1 pathway may be a promising treatment strategy for OS patients.
Different expression pattern of human cytomegalovirus-encoded microRNAs in circulation from virus latency to reactivation
Authors: Zhou Wanqing , Wang Cheng , Ding Meng , Bian Yuying , Zhong Yujie , Shen Han , Wang Junjun , Zhang Chen-Yu , Zhang Chunni 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta-hersvirinae that has a high latent infection rate worldwide and can cause serious consequences in immunocompromised patients when reactivation; however, the mechanism of how HCMV convert from latent to reactivation has rarely been investigated. In the present study, we aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the HCMV-encoded microRNA (miRNA) profile in serum of patients upon HCMV reactivation from latency and to further evaluate its clinical significance for the disease monitoring and preventing usefulness.Methods: Serum samples from 59 viremia patients and 60 age-gender matched controls were enrolled in this study for screening and validation of different expression of HCMV miRNAs. Serum concentrations of 22 known HCMV miRNAs were determined by a hydrolysis probe-based stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. HCMV DNA was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with the whole blood sample. Serum HCMV IgG and IgM were assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Another 47 samples from 5 patients at different time points were collected to evaluate the monitoring effectiveness and disease prediction ability of differential expression HCMV-miRNAs during the antiviral treatment. Results: The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the serum levels of 16 of the 22 examined HCMV miRNAs were elevated in HCMV viremia patients compared with controls, and a profile of 8 HCMV miRNAs including hcmv-miR-US25-2-3p, hcmv-miR-US4-5p, hcmv-miR-US25-2-5p, hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p, hcmv-miR-US25-1, hcmv-miR-UL36, hcmv-miR-UL148D, hcmv-miR-US29-3p were markedly elevated (fold change > 2, P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed on the selected HCMV-miRNAs in all of the patients and controls that enrolled in this study, and which ranged from 0.72 to 0.80 in the autoimmune patients. In addition, hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p levels were significantly correlated with HCMV DNA load (r = 0.349，P = 0.007), and were obviously higher in the reactivation set than the latency set in the autoimmune patients, which could be a predictor for the monitoring of the antiviral treatment.Conclusions: HCMV miRNAs profile showed markedly shift-switch from latency to reactivation in circulation from HCMV infected patients and hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p may be served as a predictor for the switch upon reactivation from latency in patients suffered with autoimmune diseases.
Why so stressed? A comparative study on stressors and stress between hospital and non-hospital nurses
Authors: Robat Rosnawati Muhamad , Fauzi Mohd Fadhli Mohd , Saruan Nur Adibah Mat , Yusoff Hanizah Mohd , Harith Abdul Aziz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Stress, which can be attributed to household and workplace stressors, is prevalent among nurses. However, these stressors’ attribution may differ between hospital and non-hospital nurses. It is currently unknown whether there are significant differences in the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics between hospital and non-hospital nurses which may potentially influence the type and magnitude of stressors, and subsequently the stress status. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of stress and compare the roles of sociodemograhic characteristics, occupational profiles, workplace stressors and household stressors in determining the stress status between hospital and non-hospital female nurses in Malaysia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly-selected 715 female nurses in Malaysia using pencil-and-paper self-reported questionnaires. Results: The majority of participants were ever married (87.0%), having children (76.2%), and work in hospital setting (64.8%). The level of household stressors was generally similar between hospital and non-hospital nurses. However, hospital nurses significantly perceived higher level of workplace stressors. Shift work is significantly associated with higher level of household and workplace stressors among nurses in both groups. The level of stress was significantly higher among hospital nurses. Both household and workplace stressors explained about 40% of stress status in both hospital and non-hospital nurses.Conclusion: Hospital nurses are at higher risk of having stressors and stress as compared to non-hospital nurses, probably due to higher proportion of them involved in shift work. Hospital nurses should be given high priority in mitigating stress among nurses.
Prognostic values, ceRNA network, and immune regulation function of SDPR in KRAS-mutant lung cancer
Authors: Luo Xiaoqing , Peng Shunli , Ding Sijie , Zeng Qin , Wang Rong , Ma Yueyun , Chen Shiyu , Wang Yanxia , Wang Wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Serum Deprivation Protein Response (SDPR) plays an important role in formation of pulmonary alveoli. However, the function and values of SDPR in lung cancer remain unknown. We explored prognostic value, expression pattern, and biological function of SDPR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and KRAS-mutant lung cancers. Methods: SDPR expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot on human NSCLC cells, lung adenocarcinoma tissue array, KRAS-mutant transgenic mice, TCGA, and GEO datasets. Prognostic values of SDPR were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. Bioinformatics implications of SDPR including SDPR-combined transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs were predicted. In addition, correlations between SDPR, immune checkpoint molecules, and tumor infiltration models were illustrated. Results: SDPR expression was downregulated in tumor cells and tissues. Low SDPR expression was an independent factor that correlated with shorter overall survival of patients both in lung cancer and KRAS-mutant subgroups. Meanwhile, ceRNA network was constructed to clarify the regulatory and biological functions of SDPR. Negative correlations were found between SDPR and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1, TNFRSF18, TNFRSF9, and TDO2). Moreover, diversity immune infiltration models were observed in NSCLC with different SDPR expression and copy number variation (CNV) patterns. Conclusions: This study elucidated regulation network of SDPR in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, and illustrated correlations between low SDPR expression and suppressed immune system, unfolding a prognostic factor and potential target for the treatment of lung cancer, especially for KRAS-mutant NSCLC.
The feasibility and reliability of actigraphy to monitor sleep in intensive care patients: An observational study
Authors: Delaney L.J. , Litton E. , Melehan K.L , Huang H-C.C , Lopez V , Haren F Van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Sleep amongst intensive care patients is reduced and highly fragmented which may adversely impact on recovery. The current challenge for Intensive Care clinicians is identifying feasible and accurate assessments of sleep that can be widely implemented. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of a minimally invasive sleep monitoring technique compared to the gold standard, polysomnography, for sleep monitoring. Methods: Prospective observational study employing a within subject design in adult patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Sleep monitoring was undertaken amongst minimally sedated patients via concurrent polysomnography and actigraphy monitoring over a 24-hour duration to assess agreement between the two methods; total sleep time and wake time. Results: We recruited 80 patients who were mechanically ventilated (24%) and non-ventilated (76%) within the intensive care unit. Sleep was found to be highly fragmented, composed of numerous sleep bouts and characterized by abnormal sleep architecture. Actigraphy was found to have a moderate level of overall agreement in identifying sleep and wake states with polysomnography (69.4%; K = 0.386, p < 0.05) in an epoch by epoch analysis, with a moderate level of sensitivity (65.5%) and specificity (76.1%). Monitoring accuracy via actigraphy was improved amongst non-ventilated patients (specificity 83.7%; sensitivity 56.7%). Actigraphy was found to have a moderate correlation with polysomnography reported total sleep time (r = 0.359, p < 0.05) and wakefulness (r = 0.371 p < 0.05). Bland-Altman plots indicated that sleep was underestimated by actigraphy, with wakeful states overestimated. Conclusions: Actigraphy was easy and safe to use, provided moderate level of agreement with polysomnography in distinguishing between sleep and wakeful states, and may be a reasonable alternative to measure sleep in intensive care patients.
Towards more effective strategies to reduce property level flood risk: standardising the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Casado Mónica Rivas , Leinster Paul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Effective flood risk management strategies require a detailed understanding of the source, extent and impact of flooding. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) enable detailed and accurate data collection that can be used to determine flood source, extent, impact and the presence of property level flood resistance measures. This paper draws on the practical experience of the authors including the use of UAVs during flood events. We highlight the potential uses of UAVs in flood risk management activities and the associated challenges. The impact of a flooding event will also be dependent on how well an area is prepared in terms of community and property level resistance and resilience measures. We have looked at potential reasons why there is not a greater uptake of property level resistance and resilience measures. It is clear that a standardised approach is required if UAVs are to fulfil their potential within flood risk management activities. We have identified five pillars of standardisation that underpin an overarching, purpose-driven, cost-effective systems-based approach to the use of UAVs in flood risk management. These are as follows: (P1) deployment, data collection and flight-related regulatory requirements; (P2) data processing, data merging and outputs; (P3) the introduction and use of innovative approaches and technological integration; (P4) use of outputs for public engagement and (P5) policy development and governance. We consider that the proposed approach will maximise cost-effective information gathering, standardise the way processed outcomes are generated and provide the basis for comparable and robust flood risk information that is based on a single coherent methodology.
Interactive decision support methodology for near real-time response to failure events in a water distribution network
Authors: Nikoloudi E. , Romano M. , Memon F. A. , Kapelan Z. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present study proposes a new interactive methodology and an interactive tool for the response to water network failure events facilitating near real-time decision-making. The proposed methodology considers: (i) a structured yet flexible approach supporting and guiding the operator throughout the entire response process to water network failure events, while allowing the operator to have a final say; (ii) a novel interaction with the operator in near real time via the proposed tool (e.g. allowing operators to propose different ‘what-if’ scenarios without being hydraulic experts); (iii) the provision of automatically generated advice (e.g. optimal response solutions and assessed end-impacts) – although optimal response solutions not identified in near real time yet; and (iv) improved impact assessment using realistic impact indicators that cover different aspects of the event – which are consistently calculated for every proposed response solution (to facilitate easy comparison between different response solutions). The new methodology was applied on a semi-real case study. The results obtained demonstrated the potential of the new response methodology and its application through the interactive tool to improve water utilities' current practice. This was accomplished through supporting/guiding operators in the identification of effective response solutions with low end-impact on the consumers and low cost for the utility.
Water loss control practices in developing countries: a case study of a Brazilian region
Authors: de Santi Aline Doria , Cetrulo Tiago Balieiro , Malheiros Tadeu Fabrício 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The control of water loss in distribution systems has been highlighted in multiple discussions in the field of water and sanitation. However, there are few scientific studies on this topic that have focussed on loss control performance in developing countries. With the intention to expand the limited scientific framework investigating the management of water losses in economic scarcity scenarios, this paper provides an overview of which practices directed to water loss control are being conducted in a Brazilian region. Data were collected from 42 water utilities and show there is a direct relationship between the utilities' performances and the number of water loss practices adopted. The divergences in the number of practices applied by the water utilities may be influenced by technical–operational, planning and management factors. The paper brings greater robustness to the loss management debates in regions with economic scarcity, being able to support the action of utilities operating in similar scenarios.
Recent progress in environmental applications of metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Jianming , Chen Meichen , Cui Haohui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Nanomaterials have aroused the interest of many researchers and become a research hotspot in recent years and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) included in that are a class of new organic-inorganic hybrid porous materials formed through the self-assembly of organic ligands and inorganic metal ions. MOFs have been attracting increasing attention due to their structural diversification, large specific surface area, high porosity, inerratic pore space framework. These characteristics play their advantages in different fields and make some excellent achievements. This article summarizes the research progress of metal-organic framework in the field of environment especially the remarkable achievements in adsorption and provides a clear help for understanding the research progress and prospects for future research.