bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transgelin interacts with PARP1 and affects Rho signaling pathway in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Lew Zhen-xian , Zhou Hui-min , Fang Yuan-yuan , Ye Zhen , Zhong Wa , Yang Xin-yi , Yu Zhong , Chen Dan-yu , Luo Si-min , Chen Li-fei , Lin Ying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Transgelin, an actin-binding protein, is associated with the cytoskeleton remodeling. Our previous studies found that transgelin was up-regulated in node-positive colorectal cancer versus in node-negative disease. Over-expression of TAGLN affected the expression of 256 downstream transcripts and increased the metastatic potential of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This study aims to explore the mechanisms that transgelin participates in the metastasis of colon cancer cells.Methods: Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analysis were used to determine the cellular localization of the endogenous and exogenous transgelin in colon cancer cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and subsequent high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry were performed to identify the proteins potentially interacting with transgelin. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the 256 downstream transcripts regulated by transgelin to discriminate the specific key genes and signaling pathways. GCBI tools were used to predict the potential transcription factor(s) for these key genes. The predicted transcription factors were matching to the proteins that have been identified to interact with transgelin. The interaction between transgelin and these transcription factors was verified by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.Results: Transgelin was found to localize both in cytoplasm and nucleus of colon cancer cells. 297 proteins have been identified to interact with transgelin by co-immunoprecipitation and subsequent high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Over-expression of TAGLN could lead to differential expression of 184 downstream genes. The network of gene-encoded proteins was constructed in which 7 genes (CALM1, MYO1F, NCKIPSD, PLK4, RAC1, WAS and WIPF1) have been discriminated as key genes by network topology analysis. They are mostly involved in the Rho signaling pathway. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) was predicted as the unique transcription factor for the key genes and concurrently matching to the DNA-binding proteins potentially interacting with transgelin. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence validated the interaction between PARP1and transgelin in human RKO colon cancer cells. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that transgelin binds to PARP1 and regulates the expression of downstream key genes which are mainly involved in Rho signaling pathway, thus participates in the metastasis of colon cancer.
Genotypic characterisation and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients of different hospitals and medical centres from Poland
Authors: Brzozowski Marcin , Krukowska Żaneta , Galant Katarzyna , Jursa-Kulesza Joanna , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta Izabela 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacteria responsible for infections in immunocompromised patients and is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections particularly in intensive care and burn units. We aimed to investigate the population structure of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from patients at different hospital wards. Methods: We analysed the possible presence of P. aeruginosa epidemic or endemic strains in hospitals of the selected region. A genotyping analysis was performed for 202 P. aeruginosa isolates collected from patients of eleven hospitals in north-western Poland. Collections of P. aeruginosa were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Phenotypic screening for antibiotic susceptibility was performed for the common antimicrobial agents.Results: P. aeruginosa isolates were distributed among 116 different pulsotype groups. We identified 30 groups of clonally related strains, each containing from 2 to 17 isolates and typed the obtained 13 unique patterns, designated as A, D, E, J, K, M, N, Ó, P, T, X, AC, AD, and AH. The two largest clusters, D and E, contained 17 and 13 isolates, respectively. Strains of these groups were continuously isolated from patients at intensive care units and burn units, indicating transmission of these strains. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate the clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa strains and their constant exchange in hospitals over a period of 15 months. The obtained results indicate a predominantly non-clonal structure of P. aeruginosa.
Biosurfactant production by Trichoderma sp. MK116452 and its possible application in oil recovery
Authors: Matussin Nur Bazilah Afifah , Shivanand Pooja , Lim Lee Hoon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Surfactants are amphiphatic compounds containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, which are capable of lowering surface or interfacial tension. Considering the advantages of using biosurfactants produced by microorganisms, the aim of this study was to develop and characterise a biosurfactant produced by Trichoderma sp. MK116452 isolated from Seri Cermin filling station, Brunei Darussalam, and to examine its potential application in microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). The microorganism was cultured in a minimal salt medium containing 1% crude oil as a carbon source and a cell-free culture broth was used to screen its efficiency in producing biosurfactants. Characterisation of the biosurfactant showed the presence of glycosides and fatty acids, suggesting its glycolipidic nature. The isolated biosurfactant showed no toxicity to the micro-crustacean Artemia salina or to red bean ( Vigna angularis ). The extracted biosurfactant was effective at recovering up to 60% of crude oil from sand using the sand pack column method, which is similar to the recovery rate for a chemical surfactant (SDS) (65%). These findings highlight the potential use of Trichoderma sp. MK116452 biosurfactant in the oil industry.
Global identification of genes associated with xylan biosynthesis in cotton fiber
Authors: Chen Feng , Guo Yanjun , Chen Li , Gan Xinli , Liu Min , Li Juan , Xu wenliang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Mature cotton fiber secondary wall comprises largely of cellulose (>90%) and small amounts of xylan and lignin. Little is known about the cotton fiber xylan biosynthesis by far. Results: To comprehensively survey biosynthetic enzymes involved in xylan biosynthesis in cotton fiber, the combination of the phylogenetic analysis with expression profile analysis and co-expression analyses allowed us to identify five IRX9, five IRX10, one IRX14, six IRX15, two FRA8, one PARVUS, eight GUX, four GXM, two RWA, two AXY9, 13 TBL genes. In addition, we also identified two GT61 members, two GT47 members, and two DUF579 family members whose homologs in Arabidopsis were not functionally characterized. These 55 genes were regarded as the most probable genes to be involved in fiber xylan biosynthesis. Further experimental validation of one IRX10 like and two FRA8 related genes by complementation analysis indicated that these three genes are able to partially recover the irregular xylem phenotype conferred by the xylan deficiency in the respective Arabidopsis mutant. We presume that these genes are functional orthologs of respective genes that are implicated in GX biosynthesis. Conclusion: The list of 55 cotton genes presented here provides not only a solid basis to uncover the biosynthesis of xylan in cotton fiber, but also a genetic resource potentially useful for future studies aiming at fiber improvement via biotechnological approaches.
Modelling and predicting the spatio-temporal spread of COVID-19 in Italy
Authors: Giuliani Diego , Dickson Maria Michela , Espa Giuseppe , Santi Flavio 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in China at the end of 2019 and it has since spread in few months all over the World. Italy was one of the first Western countries who faced the health emergency and is one of the countries most severely affected by the pandemic. The diffusion of COVID-19 in Italy has followed a peculiar spatial pattern, however the attention of the scientific community has so far focussed almost exclusively on the prediction of the evolution of the disease over time.
Methods:
Official freely available data about the number of infected at the finest possible level of spatial areal aggregation (Italian provinces) are used to model the spatio-temporal distribution of COVID-19 infections at local level. An endemic-epidemic time-series mixed-effects generalized linear model for areal disease counts has been implemented to understand and predict spatio-temporal diffusion of the phenomenon.
Results:
Three subcomponents characterize the fitted model. The first describes the transmission of the illness within provinces; the second accounts for the transmission between nearby provinces; the third is related to the evolution of the disease over time. At the local level, the provinces first concerned by containment measures are those that are not affected by the effects of spatial neighbours. On the other hand, the component accounting for the spatial interaction with surrounding areas is prevalent for provinces that are strongly involved by contagions. Moreover, the proposed model provides good forecasts for the number of infections at local level while controlling for delayed reporting.
Conclusions:
A strong evidence is found that strict control measures implemented in some provinces efficiently break contagions and limit the spread to nearby areas. While containment policies may potentially be more effective if planned considering the peculiarities of local territories, the effective and homogeneous enforcement of control measures at national level is needed to prevent the disease control being delayed or missed as a whole. This may also apply at international level where, as it is for the EU or the USA, the internal border checks among states have largely been abolished.
Carbon Stock, Sequestration and Soil Properties among Fields in Smallholder Farms in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Laekemariam Fanuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key indicator of soil quality and health. It has substantial benefits to the ecosystem. Information on the magnitude of carbon pools under field scale of subsistence farms is scanty. This study aimed to assess carbon stock, sequestration and soil properties among different fields in smallholder farms of southern Ethiopia. Five field types within a farm were investigated viz. coffee (Coffea arabica L.), enset (Ensete ventricosum), root and tuber crop field (RTC), crop field used for growing cereals and pulses, and fallow land. For each field, eight representative fields as a replication were selected. Surface soil samples were collected, and analyzed to determine soil physico-chemical properties. In addition, C stock, C-sequestration, and CO2 emission were also evaluated. Results The result regarding soil properties revealed significant differences in almost all of investigated parameters. The minimum and maximum values being recorded were: bulk density (BD) (1.05, 1.29 gm cm-3), pH (6.1, 7.0), SOC (1.1, 2.48%), TN (0.09-0.19%), available P (1.1, 70.9 mg/kg), total exchangeable bases (9.5, 20.5 Cmolc/kg), K/Mg (0.37,1.02), B (0.4, 1.2 mg/kg) Cu (0.32, 0.91 mg/kg), Zn (5, 20.5 mg/kg), Fe (105.5, 133.8 mg/kg) and CEC (18.6, 27.5 mg/kg). Fields in the backyard (enset and coffee) showed lowest BD and maximum values of soil chemical properties. On contrary, highest BD and lowest values of chemical parameters were observed in crop and fallow fields. The result further indicated that the field that stocked and sequestered more carbon, and emitted less CO2 was coffee > enset > RTC > crop field > fallow land. C-stock and sequestration (t/ha) magnitude was being: coffee (81.4, 298.5), enset (75.5, 277.0), RTC (68.8, 252.6), crop field (57.5, 211.0) and fallow (43.3, 159). Using coffee field as least CO2 emitter and as the base value for comparison, the percentage increment in CO2 emission out of the sequestered carbon was 7.2% (enset), 15.4% (RTC), 29.3% (crop field) and 46.7% (fallow).Soil deterioration index (%) relative to coffee field for OC, N, P, and K in their order was as follows: enset [-2.8, 0, 254.5, 23.1], RTC [-17.7, -31.6, -59.5, -34.6], crop field [-35, -47.4,-79, -46] and fallow [-55.7, -52.6, -94.5,and -76.9]. Conclusion Different fields within smallholder farms exhibited significant variation in amount of carbon sequestered, CO2 emission, soil degradation and soil properties. Thus, climate smart soil management practices that would enhance carbon pool and simultaneously increasing soil quality are suggested e.g., integrated nutrient management.
Systemic factors affecting the technical quality of healthcare in results-based financing in Burkina Faso.
Authors: Zigani Zambeando , BICABA Abel , Sanon Adama , Sawadogo Siméon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:In the implementation of the results-based financing (PBF) strategy in Burkina Faso, there is heterogeneity in the performance of technical quality of healthcare in basic healthcare facilities. This study aims to identify the factors that may explain this heterogeneity. Methods:We carried out a quantitative study in 30 basic public health facilities, thirteen of which have a quality score greater than or equal to 50% and 17 of which have a quality score less than 50%. Data from their profiles were collected using a direct observation grid. A total of 94 health professionals answered a series of semi-structured questions. A bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test and a multivariate analysis using the multiple regression model were used. Results:The difference is statistically significant in favour of health facilities with good performance in technical quality in terms of health infrastructure (p=0.020), health equipment (p=0.004) and compliance with norms and standards in terms of health personnel (p=0.004). The variables used in the multiple regression model are ongoing training (p=0.000), internal communication (p=0.000) and financial motivation (p=0.003) of health professionals.Conclusion:These results suggest that the effectiveness of the technical quality of healthcare in implementing the PBF depends on certain basic conditions in the health facilities, such as the presence of infrastructures, equipment and human resources that meet established norms and standards and the managerial dynamics of healthcare workers.
Lung ultrasound score to determine the effect of fraction inspired oxygen during alveolar recruitment on absorption atelectasis in laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Bo Rim , Lee Seohee , Bae Hansu , Lee Minkyoo , Bahk Jae-Hyon , Yoon Susie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The intraoperative alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) efficiently treats atelectasis, but the effect of Fio 2 during ARM on atelectasis is uncertain. Here, we investigated this effect. Methods Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position were randomized to low- (Fio 2 0.4; n=44) and high-Fio 2 (Fio 2 1.0, n=46) groups. ARMs were performed 1-min post tracheal intubation and post changes between supine and Trendelenburg positions during surgery. Intraoperative Fio 2 was set at 0.4 for both groups. Modified lung ultrasound (LUS) scores were calculated to assess lung aeration after inducing anesthesia and at surgery completion. The primary outcome was modified LUS score at the end of the surgery, and secondary outcomes were the intra- and postoperative Pao 2 to Fio 2 ratio and postoperative pulmonary complications. Results Both groups presented similar modified LUS scores before capnoperitoneum and ARM ( P =0.747). However, the postoperative modified LUS score was significantly lower in the low- than in the high-Fio 2 group (7.0±4.1 vs 11.7±4.2, mean difference 4.7, 95% CI 2.96–6.44, P <0.001). Significant atelectasis postoperatively was more common in the high-Fio 2 group (relative risk 1.77, 95% CI 1.27‒2.47, P <0.001). Intra- and postoperative Pao 2 to Fio 2 were similar and no postoperative pulmonary complications occurred. Atelectasis occurred more frequently when ARM was performed with high than with low Fio 2 . High-Fio 2 did not benefit oxygenation. Conclusions In patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position, absorption atelectasis occurred more frequently when the ARM was performed with high rather than low Fio 2 . No oxygenation benefit was observed in the high-Fio 2 group.
Complementary NAD+ Replacement Strategies Fail to Functionally Protect Dystrophin-Deficient Muscle
Authors: Frederick David , McDougal Alan V. , Semenas Melisa , Vappiani Johanna , Nuzzo Andrea , Ulrich John C. , Stewart Eugene L. , Sévin Daniel C. , Kramer H. Fritz , Becherer J. David , Preugschat Frank 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder stemming from a loss of functional dystrophin. Current therapeutic options for DMD are limited, as small molecule modalities remain largely unable to lessen the incidence or mitigate the consequences of repetitive mechanical insults to the muscle during eccentric contractions (ECCs). Methods Using a metabolomics approach, we observed distinct and transient molecular phenotypes in muscles of dystrophin-deficient MDX mice subjected to ECCs. Among the most depleted metabolites was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential metabolic cofactor suggested to protect muscle from structural and metabolic degeneration over time. We tested whether the MDX muscle NAD pool can be expanded for therapeutic benefit by providing a biosynthetic precursor, nicotinamide riboside, or specifically inhibiting the NAD-degrading activity of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase, CD38. Results Administering a novel, potent, and orally available CD38 antagonist to MDX mice successfully reverted a majority of the muscle metabolome toward the wildtype state, while supplementing nicotinamide riboside did not significantly affect the molecular phenotype of the muscle. However, neither strategy effectively lessened muscle damage markers or improved hindlimb strength following repeated rounds of eccentric challenge and recovery. Conclusions Intramuscular NAD depletion occurs rapidly after eccentic injury, with broad pleitropic effects on the molecular phenotype of the tissue. Currently available means of protecting or replenishing the muscle NAD pool via orally administered small molecules are insufficient to functionally restore dystrophin-deficient muscle.
Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation are Linked, but Independent of α-Synuclein Inclusions, in a Seeding/Spreading Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Garcia Pierre , Wemheuer Wiebke , Uriarte Oihane , Schmit Kristopher J , Masuch Annette , Brioschi Simone , Weihofen Andreas , Koncina Eric , Coowar Djalil , Heurtaux Tony , Glaab Enrico , Balling Rudi , Sousa Carole , Michelucci Alessandro , Kaoma Tony , Nicot Nathalie , Pfander Tatjana , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Allouche Ahmad , Fischer Nicolas , Biber Knut , Mittelbronn Michel , Buttini Manuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Akey process of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the transneuronal spreading of a-synuclein. Alpha-synuclein is a presynaptic protein that is implicated in the pathogenesis of PD and other synucleinopathies, where it forms, upon intracellular aggregation, pathological inclusions.Other hallmarks of PD include neurodegeneration and microgliosis in susceptible brain regions. Whether it is primarilytransneuronal spreading of a-synuclein particles,inclusion formation, or other mechanisms, such as inflammation,that cause neurodegeneration in PDis unclear.Methods: We used spreading/aggregation ofa-synuclein induced by intracerebral injection of a-synucleinpreformed fibrils into the mouse brain to address this question. We performed quantitative histological analysis for a-synuclein inclusions, neurodegeneration, and microgliosis in different brain regions, and a gene expression profiling of the ventral midbrain, at two different timepoints after disease induction.Results: We observed significant neurodegeneration and microgliosis in brain regions not only with,but alsowithouta-synuclein inclusions. We also observed prominent microgliosis in injured brain regions that did not correlate with neurodegeneration nor with inclusion load. In longitudinal gene expression profiling experiments, we observedearly and unique alterationslinkedto microglial mediated inflammation that preceded neurodegeneration, indicating an active role of microglia in inducing neurodegeneration. Our observations indicate that a-synuclein inclusion formation is not the major driverin the early phases of PD-like neurodegeneration, but that diffusible, oligomeric a-synuclein species,which induce unusual microglial reactivity, play a key role in this process.Conclusion: Our findings uncover new features of a-synuclein induced pathologies, in particular microgliosis, and point to the necessity of a broader view of the process of “prion-like spreading” of that protein.
10-year follow-up results of the prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study on autologous bone marrow buffy coat grafting combined with core decompression in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Ma Yuanchen , Fu Guangtao , Zhang Ruiying , Li Qingtian , Deng Zhantao , Zheng Minghao , Zheng Qiujian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) is a severely disabling disease of the hip. Several clinical trials have shown promising outcomes on the use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of ANFH, but long-term clinical assessments are lacking. Previously, we reported the two-year follow-up results of a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study on autologous bone marrow buffy coat grafting combined with core decompression in patients with ANFH. Here, we report the ten-year follow-up results of this study.Methods: We recruited 43 (53 hips) patients from 2009 to 2010. The hips were randomly allocated to code decompression (CD) with or without bone marrow buffy coat (BBC) grafting. Participants underwent follow-up at 24, 60, and 120 months postoperatively. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne algofunctional index and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) osteoarthritis scores were recorded. Survival rate analysis and prognostic factor analysis were performed. The endpoint was defined as progression to Ficat stage IV or conversion to hip arthroplasty.Results: A total of 31 patients (41 hips) were included in the final analysis. The CD + BBC group had better subjective assessment scores than the CD group. The average survival times were 102.3 months and 78.1 months in the CD + BBC group and CD group, respectively (log-rank test, P = 0.029). In the univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, age [hazards ratio (HR) = 1.079, P = 0.047] and preoperative Ficat stage (HR = 3.283, P = 0.028) indicated a high risk for progression, while the use of BBC (HR = 0.332, P = 0.042) indicated a low risk. Preoperative Ficat stage III was isolated as an independent risk factor for clinical failure in the multivariate model (HR = 3.743, P = 0.018).Conclusion: The ten-year follow-up results of this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study showed that the use of autologous BBC in combination with core decompression was more effective than the use of core decompression alone.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01613612. Registered 13 December 2011 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01613612.