bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
USP4 function and multifaceted roles in cancer: a possible and potential therapeutic target
Authors: Wang Yizhi , Zhou Li , Lu Jun , Jiang Bolun , Liu Chengxi , Guo Junchao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCancer remains one of the major culprits causing disease-related deaths and leads to a high morbidity and similar mortality. Insidious onset, difficult early detection and a lack of broad-spectrum and effective multi-cancer therapeutic targets have limited the prolongation of cancer patients’ survival for decades. Therefore, a versatile therapeutic target which is involved in various cancer-related signaling pathways and different cancers may be more effective for cancer targeted therapy. USP4, one of the DUBs members which participates in deubiquitination, an inverse process of ubiquitination, can regulate various classical cancer-related signaling pathways, and thereby plays a vital role in some pathological and physiological processes including tumor initiation and progression. Recently, USP4 has been found to exert versatile influences on cells proliferation, migration and invasion, also apoptosis of various tumors. Moreover, USP4 can also act as a prognostic biomarker in several cancers. This review will give a comprehensive introduction of USP4 about its regulatory mechanisms, related signaling pathways, pathophysiological functions and the roles in various cancers which may help us better understand its biological functions and improve future studies to construct suitable USP4-targeted cancer therapy system.
Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Chewaka District, Ethiopia
Authors: Abamecha Abdulhakim , Yilma Daniel , Addisu Wondimagegn , El-Abid Hassan , Ibenthal Achim , Noedl Harald , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Moumni Mohieddine , Abdissa Alemseged 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in south-western Ethiopia is poorly documented. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is an important tool for supporting national treatment policies and practice. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of AL for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopia.

Methods
The study was a one-arm, prospective, evaluation of the clinical and parasitological, responses to directly observed treatment with AL among participants 6 months and older with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR reaction methods were used to quantify and genotype P. falciparum. A modified protocol based on the World Health Organization 2009 recommendations for the surveillance of anti-malarial drug efficacy was used for the study with primary outcomes, clinical and parasitological cure rates at day-28. Secondary outcomes assessed included patterns of fever and parasite clearance. Cure rate on day-28 was assessed by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analysis. Parasite genotyping was also performed at baseline and at the time of recurrence of parasitaemia to differentiate between recrudescence and new infection.

Results
Of the 80 study participants enrolled, 75 completed the follow-up at day-28 with ACPR. For per protocol (PP) analysis, PCR-uncorrected and-corrected cure rate of AL among the study participants was 94.7% (95% CI 87.1–98.5) and 96% (95% CI 88.8–99.2), respectively. For intention to treat (ITT) analysis, the cure rate was 90% (95% CI 88.8–99.2). Based on Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, the cumulative incidence of failure rate of AL was 3.8% (95% CI 1.3–11.4). Only three participants 3.8% (95% CI 0.8–10.6) of the 80 enrolled participants were found to be positive on day-3. The day three-positive participants were followed up to day 28 and did not correspond to treatment failures observed during follow-up. Only 7.5% (6/80) of the participants were gametocyte-positive on enrollment and gametocytaemia was absent on day-2 following treatment with AL.

Conclusions
The therapeutic efficacy of AL is considerably high (above 90%). AL remained highly efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the study area resulted in rapid fever and parasite clearance as well as low gametocyte carriage rates despite the use of this combination for more than 15 years.
Novel transcription regulatory sequences and factors of the immune evasion protein ICP47 (US12) of herpes simplex viruses
Authors: Cheng Jun-Ting , Wang Ying-Ying , Zhu Lin-Zhong , Zhang Ying , Cai Wen-Qi , Han Zi-Wen , Zhou Yang , Wang Xian-Wang , Peng Xiao-Chun , Xiang Ying , Yang Hui-Yu , Cui Shu-Zhong , Ma Zhaowu , Liu Bing-Rong , Xin Hong-Wu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause encephalitis. Its infected cell polypeptide 47 (ICP47), encoded by immediate-early gene US12, promotes immune escape. ICP47 was modified in the clinically approved oncolytic HSV (oHSV) T-Vec. However, transcription regulatory sequence (TRS) and transcription regulatory factor (TRF) of HSV US12 are seldom reported.

Methods
Previously, our laboratory isolated a new HSV strain named HSV-1-LXMW from a male patient with oral herpes in Beijing, China. Firstly, the genetic tree was used to analyze its genetic relationship. The US12 TRS and TRF in HSV-1-LXMW were found by using predictive software. Secondly, the further verification by the multi-sequence comparative analysis shown that the upstream DNA sequence of HSV US12 gene contained the conserved region. Finally, the results of literature search shown that the expression of transcription factors was related to the tissue affinity of HSV-1 and HSV-2, so as to increase the new understanding of the transcriptional regulation of HSV biology and oncolytic virus (OVs) therapy.

Results
Here we reported the transcriptional regulation region sequence of our new HSV-1-LXMW, and its close relationship with HSV-1-CR38 and HSV-1-17. Importantly we identified eight different kinds of novel TRSs and TRFs of HSV US12 for the first time, and found they are conserved among HSV-1 (c-Rel, Elk-1, Pax-4), HSV-2 (Oct-1, CF2-II, E74A, StuAp) or both HSVs (HNF-4). The TRFs c-Rel and Oct-1 are biologically functional respectively in immune escape and viral replication during HSV infection.

Conclusions
Our findings have important implication to HSV biology, infection, immunity and oHSVs.
MiR-708 inhibits MC3T3-E1 cells against H2O2-induced apoptosis through targeting PTEN
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cui Sheng-Yu , Yi Hong , Zhu Xin-Hui , Liu Wei , Xu You-Jia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe dysregulation of proliferation and apoptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO). MicroRNAs play an important role in regulating apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. However, the role and potential mechanism of miR-708 for regulating H2O2-induced apoptosis is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective function of miR-708 in H2O2-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts.MethodsMC3T3-E1 was co-cultured with H2O2for 8 h, then, flow cytometry, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) levels were measured to establish the oxidative model. MiRNA microarray was performed to assess differentially expressed miRNAs between control and H2O2-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. We then performed RT-PCR to identify the relative expression of miR-708 and PTEN. After transfected MC3T3-E1 with miR-708 mimics, flow cytometry, MDA, and Gpx level were performed to identify the apoptosis rate and oxidative stress in these groups. Furthermore, we small interfering RNA of PTEN to identify the role of PTEN in H2O2-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells.ResultsH2O2(100 nM) could significantly induce the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, H2O2could significantly increase the MDA level and downregulated Gpx level. RT-PCR found that H2O2significantly decrease the level of miR-708. Compared with H2O2group, H2O2+ miR-708 mimic significantly decreased the apoptosis rate.ConclusionsmiR-708 plays a protective role in H2O2-induced MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts apoptosis and its protective effect is proceeded by regulating ROS level and PTEN expression level.
Stakeholder perspectives of Community Mental Health Forums: a qualitative study in Sierra Leone
Authors: Adams Ben , Vallières Frédérique , Duncan Joshua Abioseh , Higgins Agnes , Eaton Julian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Mental health is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the wake of both a civil war and an Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone ranks as one of the lowest ranked countries on the Human Development Index (UNDP. Human Development Report 2015, Work for Human Development. The United Nations Development Programme; 2015). The WHO identified Sierra Leone among its priority countries for the piloting of its Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Aligned to these efforts, CBM and their affiliated partners employed the use of Community Mental Health Forums (CMHFs), facilitated by Mental Health Nurses (MHNs), as a sensitive and practical way of engaging key community stakeholders to discuss and address issues of mental health. This study sought firstly, to identify factors that affect the successful implementation of CMHFs, as identified by programme participants. Second, the study sought to identify what changes participants perceived as having taken place as a result of their participation in CMHFs.

Methods
10 MHNs and 52 forum participants were purposely selected to take part in key informant interviews and focus group discussions, conducted across eight districts in Sierra Leone. Interview transcripts were analysed across four rounds of coding, using a mixture of deductive and inductive approaches.

Results
Results identified three themes, Traditional Beliefs and Culture; Health System; and Inclusive Approaches as affecting the implementation of CMHFs in their districts. Participants further perceived that their participation in the Community Mental Health Forums resulted in changes taking place across the themes of Awareness and beliefs, Behaviours towards people experiencing psychological distress, and as leading to greater Collaboration and cooperation between formal and informal mental health practitioners.

Conclusions
Results are discussed in the context of the extant literature and a novel framework, that incorporates multiple best practice recommendations and factors which influence the successful implementation of CMHFs is put forward.
Using metagenomic analysis to assess the effectiveness of oral health promotion interventions in reducing risk for pneumonia among patients with stroke in acute phase: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Juncang , Dai Yuanchang , Lo Edward C. M. , Qi Yinliang , Zhang Ya , Li Quan-li , Dai Ruoxi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of pneumonia complicating stroke in acute phase has a poor prognosis and higher risk for death. Oral opportunistic pathogens have been reported to be associated with pneumonia among people with compromised health. Oral health promotion is effective in reducing dental plaque among patients with stroke, which is considered as reservoirs for oral opportunistic pathogens. This study evaluates the effectiveness of oral health promotions in reducing the prevalence of pneumonia via its effects on composition and relative abundance of oral opportunistic pathogens.Methods/designThis study is a randomized, single-blind, parallel trial of 6 months duration. The study is being conducted at one of the largest medical teaching hospitals in Hefei, China. A total of 166 patients with stroke and free from any post-stroke complication will be recruited. After enrollment, patients will be randomized to one of the following groups: (1) oral hygiene instruction (OHI) or (2) OHI, 6-month use of powered tooth brushing, and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse (10 ml twice daily). The primary outcome is the prevalence of pneumonia complicating stroke. Patients will be monitored closely for any occurrence of pneumonia over the entire period of this trial. Oral rinse samples will be collected at baseline and multiple follow-up reviews (3, 5, 7 days, and 1, 3, 6 months after baseline). Next-generation sequencing will be employed to detect composition and relative abundances of the microorganism in the oral rinse samples. Questionnaire interviews and clinical oral examinations will be conducted at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after baseline.DiscussionThe findings of this trial will provide evidence whether oral health promotion intervention is effective in reducing the prevalence of pneumonia complicating stroke via its effect on the oral microbiome. The analysis of the outcomes of this trial is empowered by metagenomic analysis at 16S rRNA level, which is more sensitive and comprehensive to help us detect how oral health promotion inventions affect the oral microbiome in terms of its composition, relative abundance, and interactions between species, which all may contribute to the occurrence of pneumonia complicating stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04095780. Registered on 19 September 2019
Enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids by overexpression of putative plastidial pyruvate transporter in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Seo Seungbeom , Kim Joon , Lee Jun-Woo , Nam Onyou , Chang Kwang Suk , Jin EonSeon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The development of microalgal strains for enhanced biomass and biofuel production has received increased attention. Moreover, strain development via metabolic engineering for commercial production is being considered as the most efficient strategy. Pyruvate is an essential metabolite in the cells and plays an essential role in amino acid biosynthesis and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids. Although pyruvate can be a valuable target for metabolic engineering, its transporters have rarely been studied in microalgae. In this study, we aimed to identify the plastidial pyruvate transporter of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and utilize it for strain development.

Results
We identified putative pyruvate transporter localized in the plastid membrane of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Transformants overexpressing the pyruvate transporter were generated to increase the influx of pyruvate into plastids. Overexpression of a plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum resulted in enhanced biomass (13.6% to 21.9%), lipid contents (11% to 30%), and growth (3.3% to 8.0%) compared to those of wild type during one-stage cultivation.

Conclusion
To regulate the pyruvate influx and its metabolism in plastids, we generated transformants overexpressing the putative plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum. They showed that its overexpression for compartmentalizing pyruvate in plastids could be an attractive strategy for the effective production of biomass and lipids with better growth, via enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids.
Activity of fungal β-glucosidases on cellulose
Authors: Keller Malene B. , Sørensen Trine H. , Krogh Kristian B. R. M. , Wogulis Mark , Borch Kim , Westh Peter 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Fungal beta-glucosidases (BGs) from glucoside hydrolase family 3 (GH3) are industrially important enzymes, which convert cellooligosaccharides into glucose; the end product of the cellulolytic process. They are highly active against the β-1,4 glycosidic bond in soluble substrates but typically reported to be inactive against insoluble cellulose.

Results
We studied the activity of four fungal GH3 BGs on cellulose and found significant activity. At low temperatures (10 ℃), we derived the approximate kinetic parameters kcat = 0.3 ± 0.1 s−1 and KM = 80 ± 30 g/l for a BG from Aspergillus fumigatus (AfBG) acting on Avicel. Interestingly, this maximal turnover is higher than reported values for typical cellobiohydrolases (CBH) at this temperature and comparable to those of endoglucanases (EG). The specificity constant of AfGB on Avicel was only moderately lowered compared to values for EGs and CBHs.

Conclusions
Overall these observations suggest a significant promiscuous side activity of the investigated GH3 BGs on insoluble cellulose. This challenges the traditional definition of a BG and supports suggestions that functional classes of cellulolytic enzymes may represent a continuum of overlapping modes of action.
Giant chronic calcified subdural empyema: a case report
Authors: Nour Amal Saleh , Shumbash Kibruyisfaw Zewdie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic calcified subdural empyema is an exceedingly rare central nervous system infection with a handful of cases published to date. Reported cases presented with nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms. The duration between the initial onset of symptoms and diagnosis can vary drastically from a few years to up to 46 years. Although there are known predisposing causes, the initial source of infection can sometimes be difficult to identify.

Case presentation
Our patient was a 39-year-old Ethiopian man who presented with left-side body weakness of 6 years’ duration with worsening of symptoms of 6 months’ duration. He had no history of trauma, meningitis, or previous surgery. The results of routine laboratory tests were normal. The diagnosis was made by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and was confirmed by surgery. Frontoparietal craniotomy was performed, and evacuation of non-foul-smelling collection was done. The patient was reoperated for tension pneumocephalus 48 hours after the initial surgery. He died 10 days later.

Conclusion
This is a rare case of a giant chronic calcified subdural empyema with no known preceding history of trauma or infection.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes protect cartilage damage and relieve knee osteoarthritis pain in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Authors: He Lei , He Tianwei , Xing Jianghao , Zhou Qing , Fan Lei , Liu Can , Chen Yuyong , Wu Depeng , Tian Zhenming , Liu Bin , Rong Limin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosome injection on cartilage damage and pain relief in both in vitro and in vivo models of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods
The BMSCs were extracted from rat bone marrow of the femur and tibia. Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β to establish the in vitro model of OA. Chondrocyte proliferation and migration were assessed by CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively. A rat model of OA was established by injection of sodium iodoacetate. At 6 weeks after the model was established, the knee joint specimens and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats were collected for histologic analyses. For pain assessment, paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were evaluated before model establishment and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after model establishment.

Results
Exosomes can be endocytosed with the chondrocytes in vitro. Exosome treatment significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on the proliferation and migration of chondrocytes. Exosome pre-treatment significantly attenuated IL-1β-induced downregulation of COL2A1 and ACAN and upregulation of MMP13 and ADAMTS5. In the animal study, exosome treatment significantly upregulated COL2A1 protein and downregulated MMP13 protein in the cartilage tissue of the OA rat. At weeks 2, 4, and 6, the PWL value was significantly improved in the exosome-treated OA rats as compared with the untreated OA animals. Moreover, exosome treatment significantly alleviated the upregulation of CGRP and iNOS in the DRG tissue of OA rats.

Conclusion
BMSC-derived exosomes can effectively promote cartilage repair and extracellular matrix synthesis, as well as alleviate knee pain in the OA rats.
Curcumin prevents neuronal loss and structural changes in the superior cervical (sympathetic) ganglion induced by chronic sleep deprivation, in the rat model
Authors: Erfanizadeh Mahboobeh , Noorafshan Ali , Namavar Mohammad Reza , Karbalay-Doust Saied , Talaei-Khozani Tahereh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
In modern societies, sleep deprivation is a serious health problem. This problem could be induced by a variety of reasons, including lifestyle habits or neurological disorders. Chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) could have complex biological consequences, such as changes in neural autonomic control, increased oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is an important sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system. CSD can lead to a wide range of neurological consequences in SCG, which mainly supply innervations to circadian system and other structures. As the active component of Curcuma longa, curcumin possesses many therapeutic properties; including neuroprotective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CSD on the SCG histomorphometrical changes and the protective effect of curcumin in preventing these changes.

Methods
Thirty-six male rats were randomly assigned to the control, curcumin, CSD, CSD + curcumin, grid floor control, and grid floor + curcumin groups. The CSD was induced by a modified multiple platform apparatus for 21 days and animals were sacrificed at the end of CSD or treatment, and their SCGs removed for stereological and TUNEL evaluations and also spatial arrangement of neurons in this structure.

Results
Concerning stereological findings, CSD significantly reduced the volume of SCG and its total number of neurons and satellite glial cells in comparison with the control animals (P < 0.05). Treatment of CSD with curcumin prevented these decreases. Furthermore, TUNEL evaluation showed significant apoptosis in the SCG cells in the CSD group, and treatment with curcumin significantly decreased this apoptosis (P < 0.01). This decrease in apoptosis was observed in all control groups that received curcumin. CSD also changed the spatial arrangement of ganglionic neurons into a random pattern, whereas treatment with curcumin preserved its regular pattern.

Conclusions
CSD could potentially induce neuronal loss and structural changes including random spatial distribution in the SCG neurons. Deleterious effects of sleep deprivation could be prevented by the oral administration of curcumin. Furthermore, the consumption of curcumin in a healthy person might lead to a reduction of cell death.
Collapse columns in Permian and Carboniferous Formations of coal, Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Liao Zonghu , Zhang Lin , Wen Long , Zeng Lianbo 
Published: July 2020

Seismic survey data collected for coal gas exploration show that there are many collapse columns distributed in the subsurface of Qinshui Basin, China. The interesting features of the collapse columns are observed by the seismic attributes, including the circular discontinuous patches on the horizon of the Shanxi Formation and multiple parallel discontinuities in vertical profiles of amplitudes. We speculate that the wide presence of these collapse columns are point constraints for the migration and accumulation of coal gas on a large scale. Geological feature: Collapse columns within coal reservoirs Seismic appearance: The coherence illuminates circular/oval discontinuities on the horizon of the Shanxi Formation; the vertical amplitude profiles show cylindrical/funnel-shaped discontinuities. Alternative interpretations: Fault damage zones; velocity pulldown from the overburden Features with similar appearance: Fault-karst in carbonate reservoir; reef pinnacles Formation: Permian Shanxi Formation and Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation Age: Late Permian Location: Qinshui Basin in Shanxi, north-central China Seismic data: Provided by PetroChina Huabei Oilfield Company Contributors: Zonghu Liao, Lin Zhang, and Lianbo Zeng Analysis tools: The seismic amplitude and attribute of coherence from the seismic survey (prestack time migrated)