bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amorphous silica nanoparticles accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in ApoE-/- mice through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated CD36 up-regulation in macrophage
Authors: Ma Ru , Qi Yi , Zhao Xinying , Li Xueyan , Sun Xuejing , Niu Piye , Li Yanbo , Guo Caixia , Chen Rui , Sun Zhiwei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The biosafety concern of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is rapidly expanding alongside with its mass production and extensive applications. The cardiovascular effects of SiNPs exposure have been gradually confirmed, however, the interaction between SiNPs exposure and atherosclerosis, and the underlying mechanisms still remain unknown. Thereby, this study aimed to explore the effects of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis, and to investigate related mechanisms. Results: We firstly investigated the in vivo effects of SiNPs exposure on atherosclerosis via intratracheal instillation of ApoE-/- mice fed a Western diet. Ultrasound microscopy showed a significant increase of pulse wave velocity (PWV) compared to the control group, and the histopathological investigation reflected a greater plaque burden in the aortic root of SiNPs-exposed ApoE-/- mice. Compared to the control group, the serum levels of total triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were elevated after SiNPs exposure. Moreover, intensified macrophage infiltration and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was occurred in plaques after SiNPs exposure, as evidenced by the upregulated CD68 and CHOP expressions. Further in vitro, SiNPs was confirmed to activate ER stress and induce lipid accumulation in mouse macrophage, RAW264.7. Mechanistic analyses showed that 4-PBA (a classic ER stress inhibitor) pretreatment greatly alleviated SiNPs-induced macrophage lipid accumulation, and reversed the elevated CD36 expression by SiNPs. Conclusions: Our results firstly revealed the acceleratory effect of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice, which was related to lipid accumulation caused by ER stress-mediated upregulation of CD36 expression in macrophage.
The miR-200c/FUT4 axis prevents the proliferation of colon cancer cells by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Cong Jinchun , Yang Chuanjia , Xia Zhixiu , Gong Jian , Zhang Hong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the effects of miR-200c, which targets fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4), on the proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells and to further explore its mechanism.MethodsWe assessed the miR-200c and FUT4 mRNA levels in LoVo and SW480 cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and their correlation was analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. LipofectamineTM 2000 transfection reagent was used to transfect miR-200c mimic, FUT4 siRNA, FUT4 mimic and FUT4 mimic negative control into LoVo and SW480 cells, and RT-PCR was used to analyse the transfection efficiency. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and transwell assays were used to detect the migration, invasion and proliferation of LoVo and SW480 cells. Immunofluorescence was used to analyse the expression of the Ki-67 protein. Moreover, the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins was detected by western blots. A double luciferase experiment was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-200c and FUT4. In vivo, tumour growth and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins were also analysed. ResultsPearson correlation analysis showed that miR-200c and FUT4 were negatively correlated in LoVo and SW480 cells (correlation coefficients were -0.9046 and -0.9236, respectively). MiR-200c overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LoVo cells by downregulating FUT4. The Ki67-positive cells and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins were reduced in the miR-200c overexpression and FUT4 silencing groups. A bioinformatics analysis and a dual luciferase reporting system identified FUT4 as the target of miR-200c. ConclusionsIn conclusion, miR-200c overexpression inhibits FUT4 expression and downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thereby inhibiting the migration, invasion and proliferation of colon cancer cells.
Impact of Teacher-Student Writing Conferences on Frequency and Accuracy of Using Cohesive Devices in EFL Students’ Writing
Authors: Alfalagg Abdullah Rajab 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
While the bulk of feedback studies have focused on written corrective feedback, oral feedback in teacher-student writing conferences in EFL context has been underexplored. This article investigated teacher oral feedback based on the tenets of sociocultural theory. It examined the impact of teacher-student writing conferences on students’ accuracy and frequency of cohesive devices employment. The study followed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, intervention and post-test. Data were collected from an intensive writing course for intermediate students at the college level. Based on guided-free writing prompts, the students had to write argumentative paragraphs of about 150-180 words followed by individual conference sessions to offer them oral feedback. The findings showed that oral feedback in writing conferences statistically impacted the students’ writing performance with huge effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.19). Moreover, the results demonstrated empirical evidence that writing conferences positively impacted the students’ frequency of employing referential markers (t value = -3.011; p= 0.006 < 0.05) and conjunctions (t value=-2.200; p= 0.039 < 0.05). Further, oral feedback statistically impacted the students’ accuracy of utilizing referential markers (t value= -6.874; p= 0.000 < 0.05) and conjunctions (t value= -7.253; p= 0.000 < 0.05). Writing conferences provided mediated learning experience for the students. The oral feedback assisted the students to decrease the overuse of the first, second person pronouns and the definite article ‘the’ with generic meaning in their writing. Instead, they depended on noun phrases and the third person pronouns which contributed to the text overall cohesion by creating explicit chains of references to the antecedents within the textual environment. Also, oral feedback helped the students to use conjunctions appropriately and accurately, so their texts were written densely cohesive. Pedagogical implications were discussed at the end of the article.
Media Exposure to COVID-19 Information, Risk Perception, Social and Geographical Proximity, and Self-Rated Anxiety in China
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Hongzhong , Huang Hui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that spreads around the world. The lack of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, along with the relatively high mortality rate and high contagiousness, has raised strong public concerns over COVID-19, especially for people living in the most severely affected areas. This study aimed to clarify the influencing factors for the anxiety level among the Chinese people during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the media exposure to different COVID-19 information.MethodsA total of 4991 respondents were randomly recruited from a national online panel from February 12th, 2020 to February 14th, 2020, a period when the number of COVID-19 cases surpassed 10,000 in a single day, with the total cases in China reaching up to 90000. The relationships between media exposure of COVID-19 information, social and geographical proximity to COVID-19, risk perceptions were assessed using hierarchical ordinary least squares regression analysis.ResultsThe media exposure to COVID-19 information was differently associated with anxiety. Meanwhile, the anxiety level was found to be high in respondents who personally knew someone infected with COVID-19 or those who living in an area with reported cases. Respondents who perceived more risks also reported a higher level of anxiety.ConclusionsThis study highlights the role of media exposure in affecting individuals’ anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, it is recommended that government and health professionals are recommended to adopt effective risk communication strategies to protect citizens’ mental health during the pandemic.
Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes Improve Cell Survival Rate and Reduce Oxidative Injury in Cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox Embryogenic Callus
Authors: Ren Li , Deng Shan , Chu Yunxia , Zhang Yiying , Zhao Hong , Chen Hairong , Zhang Di 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Cryopreservation is the best way for long-term in vitro preservation of plant germplasm resources. The preliminary studies found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative stress and ice-induced membrane damage are the fundamental causes of cell death in cryopreserved samples. How to improve plant cryopreservation survival rate is an important scientific issue in the cryobiology field.Results: This study found that the survival rate was significantly improved by adding single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to plant vitrification solution (PVS) in cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox embryogenic callus (EC), and analyzed the oxidative response of cells during the control and SWCNTs-added cryopreservation protocol. The SWCNTs entered EC at the step of dehydration and mainly located around the cell wall and in the vesicles, and most of SWCNTs moved out of EC during the dilution step. Combination with physiological index and gene quantitative expression results, SWCNTs affect the ROS signal transduction and antioxidant system response during plant cryopreservation. The EC treated by SWCNTs had higher antioxidant levels, like POD, CAT, and GSH than the control group EC. The EC mainly depended on the AsA-GSH and GPX cycle to scavenge H2O2 in the control cryopreservation, but depended on CAT in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation which lead to low levels of H2O2 and MDA. The elevated antioxidant level in dehydration by adding SWCNTs enhanced cells resistance to injury during cryopreservation. The ROS signals of EC were balanced and stable in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation.Conclusions: The SWCNTs regulated oxidative stress responses of EC during the process and controlled oxidative damages by the maintenance of ROS homeostasis to achieve a high survival rate after cryopreservation. This study is the first to systematically describe the role of carbon nanomaterial in the regulation of plant oxidative stress response, and provided a novel insight into the application of nanomaterials in the field of cryobiology.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Mediates the Improvement of Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder via AKT and AMPK Signaling Pathways in L02 with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Tian Qiao ji , Liu Yifeng , Yuan Peng , Liu Jia , Li Haizhi , Han Xiaofeng , Pan Cong , Duan Shenglin , Xia Kai 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has previously been found to regulate glycolipid metabolism in the liver by promoting insulin secretion. However, the direct regulation of GLP-1 on liver glycolipid metabolism was still controversial, due to the presence of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in human liver has not been determined. In this research, the presence and direct effect on hepatic metabolism of GLP-1R were investigated in L02 cells (normal human hepatocytes).Methods: The insulin resistance cell model with metabolic disorder was constructed using oleic acid and fructose to simulate the metabolic syndrome caused by high-fat and high-fructose in modern diet. Glycolipid metabolism markers and the involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PI3 Kinase (PI3K)-AKT were assessed.Results: GLP-1R was found to be expressed in L02 cells and decreased in insulin resistance cells. GLP-1R knockdown induced a dramatic decrease in glucose utilization and intracellular content, and increase in mRNA levels of genes associated with gluconeogenesis via AKT pathway independent of PI3K. Furthermore, GLP-1R knockdown increased the contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) by increasing the mRNA levels of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and decreasing the mRNA level of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1) via AMPK pathway.Conclusions: GLP-1R mediated the LG-caused promotion of glucose utilization and inhibition of lipid synthesis, as the positive effects of LG were diminished by GLP-1R knockdown. These findings demonstrated that GLP-1R is the molecular basis for GLP-1 to improve glycolipid metabolism in L02 cells.
Easy and effective test to evaluate tear-film stability for self-diagnosis of dry eye syndrome: Blinking tolerance time (BTT)
Authors: Hwang Hyung Bin , Ku Yong Ho , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Hwang Ho Sik 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The tear film breakup time (tBUT) is a clinical evaluation of evaporative dry eye disease assessed by instilling topical fluorescein into the eyes. In the present study, we introduce a new diagnostic test, blinking tolerance time (BTT), for self-evaluation of tear-film stability. We compared the results with the tBUT and validated the BTT test for self-assessment of tear film instability.Methods: This was a prospective controlled study involving 212 eyes of 106 participants 20–79 years of age. A total of 114 eyes of 57 dry eye patients and 98 eyes of 49 healthy subjects were included in the study. All patients and subjects were administered the following tests to diagnose dry eye disease: Ocular Surface Disease Index, BTT, tBUT, slit-lamp examination, corneal stain score, and Schirmer I test (without anesthesia). Patients and subjects were instructed not to blink for as long possible after reset blinking. The time interval between the reset blink and the next blink was measured. The mean of 3 tBUT values in both the right and left eyes was defined as tBUTBE. Correlations between the BTT and tBUTBE were also evaluated. To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the BTT and tBUT tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to obtain a cutoff score, and the sensitivities of the tests against the specificity at all possible thresholds were plotted.Results: Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant weakly positive correlation between BTT and tBUTBE (r = 0.447; p=0.000). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the tBUT was 0.679 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.575–0.765) and the ICC of the BTT was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.867–0.932). The area under the ROC curve did not significantly differ between the tBUTBE (0.678) and BTT (0.628, p=0.641). When the cutoff value of the BTT test was set to 8.1 s, the sensitivity was 63.3% and the specificity was 56.1%.Conclusion: The BTT test is a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for self-diagnosing dry eye that can also be used in the clinical setting.
Evaluation of Camera-Based Freehand SPECT in Preoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kogler Annie K. , Polemi Andrew M. , Nair Surabhi , Majewski Stanislaw , Dengel Lynn E. , Slingluff Craig L. , Kross Brian , Lee S J , McKisson J. E. , McKisson John , Weisenberger Andrew G. , Welch Benjamin L. , Wendler Thomas , Matthies Philipp , Traub Joerg , Witt Michael , Williams Mark Bennett 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Assessment of lymphatic status via sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an integral and crucial part of melanoma surgical oncology. The most common technique for sentinel node mapping is preoperative planar scintigraphy of an injected gamma-emitting lymphatic tracer followed by intraoperative node localization using a non-imaging gamma probe with auditory feedback. In recent years, intraoperative visualization of SLNs in 3-D has become possible by coupling the probe to an external system capable of tracking its location and orientation as it is read out, thereby enabling computation of the 3D distribution of the tracer (freehand SPECT). In this project, the non-imaging probe of the fhSPECT system was replaced by a unique handheld gamma camera containing an array of sodium iodide crystals optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). A feasibility study was performed in which preoperative SLN mapping was performed using camera fhSPECT and the number of detected nodes was compared to that visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, probe fhSPECT, and to the number ultimately excised under non-imaging probe guidance.Results Among five subjects, SLNs were detected in nine lymphatic basins, with one to five SLNs detected per basin. A basin-by-basin comparison showed that the number of SLNs detected using camera fhSPECT exceeded that using lymphoscintigraphy and probe fhSPECT in seven of nine basins and five of five basins, respectively (probe fhSPECT scans were not performed for four basins). It exceeded the number excised under non-imaging probe guidance for seven of nine basins, and equaled the number excised for the other two basins. Conclusions Freehand SPECT using a prototype SiPM-based gamma camera demonstrates high sensitivity for detection of SLNs in a preoperative setting. Camera fhSPECT is a potential means for efficiently obtaining real-time 3D activity distribution maps in applications such as image-guided percutaneous biopsy, and surgical SLN biopsy or radioguided tumor excision.
A scoping review of admission criteria and selection methods in nursing education
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghahramanian Akram , Valizadeh Leila , bagheriyeh farzaneh , Lynagh Marita 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Nursing education institutions are required to select and train applicants who have appropriate characteristics for delivering effective healthcare. Unlike other healthcare professions and despite the need to attract and select a competent workforce, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the selection criteria and methods used to recruit nursing students. As there is relatively limited prior research available, we conducted a scoping review to explore and synthesise the existing evidence regarding admission criteria and selection methods of nursing students and for the purpose of identifying an agenda for future research in this field.Methods: Our scoping review follows the Arksey and O’Malley five-step proposition including identifying the research question and relevant studies, study selection, tabulation of data, and summarizing and reporting the results. Seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ERIC, SID, Irandoc and PsycINFO) were searched systematically using relevant keywords. Articles on admission of undergraduate nursing students published in both English and/or Persian from 2006 to 2019 were retrieved.Results: Existing research evidence suggests that nursing students are largely selected on the basis of two criteria - “cognitive-academic abilities” and “non-cognitive abilities.” Cognitive-academic abilities were assessed in four main dimensions of mathematics, language, natural sciences and reasoning skills mainly through standardized tests and academic records. Our review shows a wide range of non-cognitive characteristics are evaluated in nursing applicants including: morality, interpersonal communication skills and psychological strength. The selection method most commonly used to assess characteristics was through interviews (panel interviews or multiple mini interviews). Other methods included references, personal statements and personality assessment tools. Conclusions: This is the first scoping review of literature regarding nursing education selection and recruitment. Results can be used to inform nursing education policymakers and institutions in the design of their selection practices. Future research should concentrate on the evaluation and improvement methods of student selection including content and predictive validity analysis of multiple mini interview and standardized tests, development of cost-effective selection methods and job analysis studies to identify specific non-cognitive characteristics for nursing.
A CRISPR/dCas9 toolkit for functional analysis of maize genes
Authors: Gentzel Irene , Park Chan Ho , Bellizzi Maria , Xiao Guiqing , Gadharve Kiran , Murphree Colin , Yang Qin , LaMantia Jonathan , Redinbaugh Margaret , Balint-Kurti Peter , Sit Tim , Wang Guo-Liang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has become a powerful tool for functional genomics in plants. The RNA-guided nuclease can be used to not only generate precise genomic mutations, but also to manipulate gene expression when present as a deactivated protein (dCas9). Results: In this study, we describe a vector toolkit for analyzing dCas9-mediated activation (CRISPRa) or inactivation (CRISPRi) of gene expression in maize protoplasts. An improved maize protoplast isolation and transfection method is presented, as well as a description of dCas9 vectors to enhance or repress maize gene expression. Conclusions: We anticipate that this maize protoplast toolkit will streamline the analysis of gRNA candidates and facilitate genetic studies of important trait genes in this transformation-recalcitrant plant.
Zonal adjusted PSA density improves prostate cancer detection rates compared with PSA in Taiwanese males with PSA &lt; 20 ng/mL
Authors: Chang Tsung-Hsin , Lin Wun-Rong , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiang Pai-Kai , Chen Marcelo , Tseng Jen-Shu , Chiu Allen W 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of transition zone PSA density (TZPSAD) with traditional PSA and PSA density (PSAD), for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) in Taiwanese males.Methods: Men with PSA between 4.0 and 20.0 ng/mL who underwent a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy between the studied period were retrospectively identified. The demographic data, PSAD and TZPSAD were calculated in all patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the accuracy of a positive PCa diagnosis.Results: The area under the ROC (AUC) was 0.615, 0.748 and 0.746 for PSA, PSAD and TZPSAD, respectively. The best cut-off of value for TZPSAD in predicting PCa in men with a PSA of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml was 0.367 ng/ml/ml with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 77.5%. In men with a PSA of 10.1–20.0 ng/ml, the best cut-off value was 0.454 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 74.8% and specificity of 70.9%.Conclusion: The use of TZPSAD can improve the efficiency and specificity of PSA for the diagnosis of PCa in Taiwanese men with PSA 4.0–20.0 ng/ml. TZPSAD efficiency was similar to PSAD but TZPSAD had better cancer specificity.