bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of Panama disease of banana by intercropping with Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler): cultivar differences
Authors: Li Zhen-Fang , Wang Tong , He Chenlin , Cheng Kelin , Zeng Rensen , Song Yuanyuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPanama disease (Fusarium wilt disease) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC) severely threatens banana (Musa spp.) production worldwide. Intercropping of banana with Allium plants has shown a potential to reduce Panama disease. In this study six cultivars of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) were selected to compare their differences in antifungal activity and active compounds. Three cultivars Duokang Fujiu 11, Fujiuhuang 2, and Duokang Sijiqing with higher levels of antifungal compounds were further used for intercropping with banana in the pots and field to compare their effects on growth and disease incidence of banana.Methods and ResultsThe six cultivars showed significant differences in antifungal activity against FOC mycelia growth in both leaf volatiles and aqueous leachates. The aqueous leachates displayed stronger antifungal activity than the volatiles. FJH cultivar showed the best inhibitory effect among all six cultivars. Contents of three main antifungal compounds dipropyl trisulfide (DPT), dimethyl trisulfide (DMT), and 2-methyl-2-pentenal (MP) in volatiles and aqueous leachates varied considerably among cultivars. Pot and field experiments showed that intercropping with three selected Chinese chive cultivars significantly improved banana vegetative growth, increased photosynthetic characteristics and yield but decreased disease incidence of Panama disease.ConclusionsOur results indicate that intercropping with Chinese chive shows potential to reduce banana Panama disease and selection of appropriate cultivars is vital for effective disease control.
MicroRNA-103a curtails the stemness of non-small cell lung cancer cells by binding to OTUB1 through the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Zhenzhen , Xiao Dan , Qiu Tingting , Li Jun , Liu Zhentian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Although dysfunction of microRNA-103a (miR-103a) has been implicated in various cancers, its relevance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unsettled. This study was designed with an aim to examine the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory role of miR-103a in NSCLC. Methods: Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out to study the correlation between overall survival of NSCLC patients and miR-103a expression. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to evaluate the expression of relevant genes in tissues and cells. Sphere formation, MTS, flow cytometry as well as Transwell assays were conducted for characterizing the stemness. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were applied to clarify the binding relationship between miR-103a and ovarian tumor domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde binding protein 1 (OTUB1). Results: miR-103a expression was diminished in NSCLC tissues and cells, whereas OTUB1 expression was increased. Higher miR-103 expression indicated better prognosis for patients with NSCLC. After overexpression of miR-103a, the cell viability and stemness were diminished, while the cycle arrest and apoptosis rate were facilitated, and the expression of p-YAP decreased significantly. The opposite trends were observed after miR-103a silencing. miR-103a lowered the expression of OTUB1, while overexpression of OTUB1 blocked the inhibition effects of miR-103a on NSCLC. Conclusion: miR-103a/OTUB1/Hippo axis plays a possible role in modulating the malignant behavior and stemness of cells which might function as a possible therapeutic option for the management of NSCLC.
Analysis of operation procedure and effect for emergency surgery in general hospital during novel coronavirus pneumonia period
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Wang Minggang , Shen Yingmo , Chen Jie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Novel coronavirus pneumonia(NCP) outbreak in Wuhan, China in early 2020, resulted in over 80 thousand infections in China. At present, NCP has an explosive growth in the world. Surgeons could refuse selective operation during the outbreak, but they must face the emergency operation. We hope to avoid the spread of NCP while ensuring efficient treatment of emergency cases. Methods The data of patients with incarcerated hernia admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital during NCP epidemic were analyzed and compared with those in 2019. All cases were divided into NCP group and 2019 group. The operation data and inpatient protection process of emergency cases were analyzed. Result During the NCP epidemic, 17 cases with incarcerated hernia were treated in our department. A Total of 263 cases of the same disease were admitted in 2019. There was no significant difference in age, gender, BMI and hernia type between two groups. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in operation method and hospital stay. The waiting time for emergency operation of NCP group was significantly longer than that of 2019 group (P=0.002). A buffer ward was set up by administrator of hospital during NCP outbreak. Hospitals were divided into "Red area, Yellow area and Green area" artificially, and strict screening consultation system was implemented. There was no case of SARS-nCoV-2 infection in medical staff. ﻿Conclusion It was safe and effective to carry out emergency operation on the premise of screening, protection and isolation during the NCP epidemic. The increased waiting time for operation due to NCP screening did not threaten medical safety of emergency incarcerated hernia patients.
­ Comprehensive analysis of key genes associated with ceRNA networks in nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xu Yuanji , Huang Xinyi , Ye Wangzhong , Zhang Yangfan , Li Changkun , Bai Penggang , Lin Zhizhong , Chen Chuanben 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy with high morbidity rates in the east and southeast Asia. The molecular mechanisms of NPC remain largely unknown. We explored the pathogenesis, potential biomarkers, and prognostic indicators of NPC.Methods. We analyzed mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the whole transcriptome sequencing dataset of our hospital (five normal tissues vs. five NPC tissues) and six microarray datasets (62 normal tissues vs. 334 NPC tissues) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE12452, GSE13597, GSE95166, GSE126683, and GSE70970, GSE43039). Differential expression analyses, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed using the miRanda and TargetScan database, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was built using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) software. Hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), NetworkAnalyzer, and CytoHubba.Results. We identified 61 mRNAs, 14miRNAs, and 10 lncRNAs as shared DEGs related to NPC in seven datasets. Changes in NPC were enriched in the chromosomal region, sister chromatid segregation, and nuclear chromosome segregation. GSEA indicated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 OH kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) pathway, apoptotic pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were involved in the initiation and development of NPC. Finally, 20 hub genes were screened out via the PPI network.Conclusions. Several DEGs and their biological processes, pathways, and interrelations were found in our current study by bioinformatics analyses. Our findings may offer insights into the biological mechanisms underlying NPC and identify potential therapeutic targets for NPC.
Patients’ perception of the practice of anaesthesia in a Jordanian teaching hospital: A survey.
Authors: Bataineh Adel M. , Qudaisat Ibraheem Y. , El-Radaideh Khaled , Alzoubi Rawand A. , Abu-Shehab Mohammad I 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite big leaps of progress in its scope, the practice of anesthesia is still suffering from poor public image, especially in developing countries. Little research investigated the public awareness of anesthesia in the Middle East. This study aimed to examine the perception of the practice of anaesthesia among Jordanian patients.Methods:. A standard questionnaire with 29 questions was administered through personal interview to consenting patients. Questions tested patients’ correct knowledge of the identity of anesthetists, their roles and scope of their practice. Awareness was measured using the frequency of correct answers to each survey question. A total awareness score was calculated as the percentage ratio of the number of correct answers to the total number of questions. We classified this score into: Poor<50%. Moderate 50 – 75%, and Good >75% to reflect patient’s overall perception of anesthetists and their roles. Effects of demographic variables on results were also investigated. Appropriate statistical tests were used to summarize and compare results. A total of 513 patients admitted for elective surgery were sequentially approached for enrolment Results: Five hundred and five patients were enrolled. Most patients identified anesthesia as a separate practice from surgery (86%). The anaesthetist was identified as a physician by only 37% of patients. Equal importance to both anaesthetists and surgeons was assumed by 71.5% of patents. Only 15% of patients showed good level of total knowledge of anaesthetist roles, while 51% scored poorly. highest awareness was of anaesthetist’s preoperative roles (65.1%). Age was the only demographic factor affecting studied awareness (P=0.009).Conclusion: Although the importance of anesthetist is well perceived among Jordanian patients, there is still some ignorance in their knowledge of the details of anesthesia practice. Active communication efforts and patient education by anesthetists are needed to improve the public status of the specialty.
The impact of growth differentiation factor 15 on the risk of cardiovascular disease: evidence from Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Yang Fangkun , Ma Menghuai , Bao Qinyi , Shen Jinlian , Ye Feiming , xie xiaojie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15) concentration is apparently associated with cardiovascular disease, but whether there is a causal relationship has not been testified. Methods: We utilized Mendelian randomization to assess the function of GDF-15 in incidence of cardiovascular disease. The single-nucleotide polymorphism- GDF-15 association evaluations came from meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS). Besides inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger test and weighted median method were applied to examine sensitivity. Results: Based on the instruments, GDF-15 level linked to the increasing risk of cardioembolic stroke (1.06, OR 1.09 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.01, 1.19) , atrial fibrillation (OR 1.03 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.0, 1.06), coronary artery disease (OR 0.94 per SD increase, 95% CI 0.89, 0.99) and myocardial infarction (OR 0.94 per SD increase, 95% CI 0.90, 0.98). However, the significant causal relationship between GDF-15 and the other cardiovascular diseases was not found in our study. Conclusions: The result suggested that GDF-15 was causally associated with the risk of cardioembolic stroke,atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, providing us conceivable strategies to alleviate the burden of cardiovascular disease.
HLA-B*35 as a new marker for susceptibility to Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) in patients living in Argentina
Authors: Benencio Paula , Gonzalez Sindy A. Fraile , Ducasa Nicolás , Page Kimberly , Berini Carolina A. , Biglione Mirna M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of HTLV associated myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), in around 2-5% of the infected individuals. Host genetic background might play a role in disease progression. Several previous studies across many countries report HLA haplotype to be one such factor. Here, we sequenced HLA-A, -B and -C of 66 individuals by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), and compared the frequency of different alleles among ATLL patients, HAM/TSP patients, asymptomatic carriers and non-infected individuals living in Argentina.Results: The frequency of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles largely matched that of the general population in Argentina. We identified HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*07 as associated to protection from ATLL (p=0.031), susceptibility to HAM/TSP (p<0.001) and susceptibility to ATLL (p=0.017), respectively. We also found a strong correlation between high proviral load (PVL) and disease (p=0.008), but were unable to identify any particular allele associated with high or low PVL.Conclusions: We have found HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*07 to be associated to protection from ATLL (HLA-A*02) and susceptibility to HAM/TSP (HLA-B*35) or to ATLL (HLA-C*07), respectively. Whereas HLA-A*02 protection from ATLL has already been extensively described in other regions of the world, this is the first report that links HLA-B*35 and an increased susceptibility to HAM/TSP. As for HLA-C*07 it has previously been associated to susceptibility to HAM/TSP in other countries but in our population it has been linked to ATLL.
Tespa1 plays a role in the modulation of airway hyperreactivity through the IL-4/STAT6 pathway
Authors: Yang Ruhui , Wang Guangli , Li Lingyun , He Hanjiang , Zheng Mingzhu , Lu Linrong , Wu Songquan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Thymocyte-expressed, positive selection-associated 1 (Tespa1) is a critical signaling molecule in thymocyte development. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of Tespa1 on mast cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and its relationship with the interleukin (IL)-4 /signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway.Methods: Tespa1 mRNA expression analysis and IgE levels were carried out using the induced sputum of 33 adults with stable asthma and 36 healthy controls. Tespa1- knockout mice ( Tespa1 -/- , KO) and C57BL/6 background (wild-type, WT) mice were sensitized and treated with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an asthma model. Pathological changes, number and activity of mast cells, and changes in activation of the IL-4 /STAT6 pathway in lung tissue were detected. The changes of tryptase expression and STAT6 activation after mast cell gene knockout were analyzed in vitro . The changes of enzyme activation and STAT6 activation after mast cell gene knockout were analyzed in vitro . The association between the Tespa1 and p-STAT6 was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation method.Results: Compared with the healthy controls, Tespa1 expression was decreased, and IgE levels were elevated in the sputum of asthmatic patients. Animal experiments showed that Tespa1 -/- mice exhibited more severe inflammation, higher quantity of goblet cells and mast cells in the bronchium, and greater activity of mast cell tryptase, which is induced by ovalbumin, than WT mice. And IL-4, IL-13, phospho-Janus kinase 1, and p-STAT6 expressions presented a higher increase in the Tespa1 -/- mouse model than in the WT mouse model. Further in vitro studies confirmed that IL-4 could more significantly promote tryptase and p-STAT6 activities in Tespa1 -/- mast cells than their WT counterparts. Correlation analysis results showed a negative correlation between Tespa1 and p-STAT6. Co-immunoprecipitation results demonstrated an association between Tespa1 and p-STAT6.Conclusions: Altogether, our results indicate that Tespa1 can negatively regulate mast cell activity, and this event is related to the mast cell IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway and could be therapeutically exploited to treat asthma attacks.
Mechanical ventilation of patients in helicopter emergency medical service transport: An international survey.
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Struck Manuel , Hofer Veronika , Hinkelbein Jochen , Rognas Leif , Adler Jörn , Christian Michael D. , Wurmb Thomas , Bernhard Michael , Hossfeld Björn 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mechanical ventilation in helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) environments is a procedure which carries a significant risk of complications. Limited data on the quality and performance of mechanical ventilation in HEMS are available in the literature.Method: We conducted an international survey to evaluate mechanical ventilation infrastructure in HEMS and collect data of transported ventilated patients. From June 20-22, 2019, the participating HEMS bases were asked to provide data via a web-based platform. Vital parameters and ventilation settings of the patients at first patient contact and at handover were compared using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Out of 215 invited HEMS bases, 53 responded. Respondents were from Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland. Of the HEMS bases, all medical team leaders were physicians, mainly anesthesiologists (79%), the majority were board certified (92.5%) and trained in intensive care medicine (89%) and had a median (range) experience in HEMS of 9 (0-25) years. HEMS may provide a high level of expertise in mechanical ventilation whereas the majority of ventilators are able to provide pressure controlled ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure modes (77%). Data of 30 ventilated patients with a median (range) age of 54 (21-100) years and 53% male gender were analyzed. Of these, 24 were primary missions and 6 interfacility transports. At handover, oxygen saturation (p<0.01) and positive end-expiratory pressure (p=0.04) of the patients were significantly higher compared to first patient contact.Conclusion: In this survey, the management of ventilated HEMS-patients was not associated with ventilation related serious adverse events. Patient conditions, training of medical crew and different technical and environmental resources are likely to influence management. Further studies are necessary to assess safety and process quality of mechanical ventilation in HEMS.Trial Registration: The survey was prospectively registered at Research Registry (researchregistry2925).
Genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS illuminate the potential antimicrobial active compounds and specificity of biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus subtilis NCD-2
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Chen Xiuye , Liu Xiaomeng , Guo Qinggang , Li Shezeng , Lu Xiuyun , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang PeiPei , Dong Lihong , Zhao Weisong , Ma Ping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Bacillus subtilis strain NCD-2 is an excellent biocontrol agent against plant soil-borne diseases and shows broad-spectrum antifungal activities. This study aimed to explore some of the secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and related bioactive compounds in strain NCD-2. An integrative approach, which combined genome mining with structural identification technologies using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), was conducted to interpret the chemical origins of the significant biological activities in strain NCD-2.

Results

Genome mining revealed that strain NCD-2 contained nine gene clusters having predicted functions involving secondary metabolites with bioactive abilities. They encoded six known products including fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin and three unknown products. Fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin were successfully detected from the fermentation broth of strain NCD-2 by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin related biosynthetic gene clusters showed 100% amino acid sequence similarity with B. velezensis strain FZB42，however, the biosynthetic gene clusters for surfactin and fengycin showed 83% and 92%, respectively. Further comparison of gene clusters encoding fengycin and surfactin revealed that strain NCD-2 had lost the fenC and fenD genes in the fengycin biosynthetic operon. Moreover, biosynthetic enzyme-related gene srfAB for surfactin had divided into two parts. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that FenE function in strain NCD-2 was same to that of FenE and FenC in strain FZB42, and FenA function in strain NCD-2 was same to that of FenA and FenD in strain FZB42. Five kinds of fengycin, with 26 homologs, and surfactin, with 4 homologs, were detected from strain NCD-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a non-typical and unique gene cluster related to fengycin synthesis.

Conclusions

It was found that there were many gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds in the genome of strain NCD-2, and the fengycin synthetic gene cluster might be unique by using genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS. The production of fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin might explain the biological activities of strain NCD-2.
De novo&nbsp;transcriptome assembly from the gonads of a scleractinian coral,&nbsp;Euphyllia ancora: Molecular mechanisms underlying scleractinian gametogenesis
Authors: Chiu Yi-Ling , Shikina Shinya , Yoshioka Yuki , Shinzato Chuya , Chang Ching-Fong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Sexual reproduction of scleractinians has captured the attention of researchers and the general public for decades. Although extensive ecological data has been acquired, underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to better understand mechanisms underlying gametogenesis, we isolated ovaries and testes at different developmental phases from a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora , and adopted a transcriptomic approach to reveal sex- and phase-specific gene expression profiles. In particular, we explored genes associated with oocyte development and maturation, spermiogenesis, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization.Results: 1.6 billion raw reads were obtained from 24 gonadal samples. De novo assembly of trimmed reads, and elimination of contigs derived from symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and other organisms yielded a reference E. ancora gonadal transcriptome of 35,802 contigs. Analysis of 4 developmental phases identified 2,023 genes that were differentially expressed during oogenesis and 678 during spermatogenesis. In premature/mature ovaries, 631 genes were specifically upregulated, with 538 in mature testes. Upregulated genes included those involved in gametogenesis, gamete maturation, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization in other metazoans, including humans. Meanwhile, a large number of genes without homology to sequences in the SWISS-PROT database were also observed among upregulated genes in premature / mature ovaries and mature testes.Conclusions: Our findings show that scleractinian gametogenesis shares many molecular characteristics with that of other metazoans, but it also possesses unique characteristics developed during cnidarian and/or scleractinian evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to create a gonadal transcriptome assembly from any scleractinian. This study and associated datasets provide a foundation for future studies regarding gametogenesis and differences between male and female colonies from molecular and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, our transcriptome assembly will be a useful reference for future development of sex-specific and/or stage-specific germ cell markers that can be used in coral aquaculture and ecological studies.