bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposed facets dictate microbial methylation potential of mercury sulfide nanoparticles
Authors: Tian Li , Guan Wenyu , Ji Yunyun , He Xin , Chen Wei , Alvarez Pedro , Zhang Tong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Methylmercury formation is the major concern of global mercury contamination. Accurate prediction of methylmercury production remains elusive due in part to the lack of mechanistic understanding of microbial methylation potential of particulate-phase mercury. Here we show that the methylation potential of nanoparticulate metacinnabar, which is formed during the early stage of mercury mineralization and is ubiquitous in contaminated soils and sediments, is determined by its exposed facets. Nanoparticulate metacinnabar with higher (111) content exhibits significantly greater affinity to the methylating bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132, leading to higher methylmercury production. This is likely attributable to the favored binding between the (111) facet and the protein transporter responsible for mercury cellular uptake prior to methylation. The (111) facet of metacinnabar tends to diminish during nanocrystal growth, but natural ligands alleviate this process by preferentially adsorbing to the (111) facet (verified with adsorption experiments using facet-engineered model materials coupled with theoretical calculations). This facet evolution of metacinnabar and its subsequent effect on mercury bioavailability explain the intriguing observation that methylation potential of nanoparticulate mercury is surface-area-independent. Our discovery provides new mechanistic insights for interfacial processes involved in nanoparticle−microorganism interactions that have important implications for understanding the environmental behavior of mercury and other nutrient or toxic elements associated with widely present crystalline nanoparticles.
Bilateral Transversus Thoracis Muscle Plane Block Provides Effective Analgesia and Enhances Recovery After Open Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gong Haixia , Zhan Biming , Chen Shibiao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The mid-sternum is the main source of pain after open cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTMP) blocks on open cardiac surgery.Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups：bilateral TTMP blocks (TP group) or no nerve block (CO group). The primary endpoint was perioperative sufentanil consumption. The secondary outcome measures included postoperative pain, flurbiprofen axetil administration, quality of sleep after extubation, time to extubation, time to the return of gastrointestinal function, time to drain removal, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay time and hospital stay.Results: The TP group reported significantly less sufentanil and flurbiprofen axetil consumption than the CO group. The CO group had higher Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at 1, 2, 6,12, 24 h after extubation both at rest and during movement than the TP groups. Compared to the CO group, time to extubation, time to the first bowel movement, ICU stay time and hospital stay were significantly decreased in the TP group. The TP group was rated as better in the quality of the two nights of sleep after extubation.Conclusion: Bilateral TTMP blocks can provide good perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing open cardiac surgery and promote postoperative recovery. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000032318) on 04/08/2019.
Comparative Assessment of the Diagnostic Performance of PCA3 in Urinary Sediments and Exosomes for Prostate Cancer in Chinese Population with the Total PSA range of 4-10 ng/ml.
Authors: Fang Zhenqiang , He Fan , Feng Huan , Jia Weishen , Sun Mengjia , Chen Tingting , Wu Ronghua , Fu Weihua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The diagnostic value of prostate cancer antigen-3 (PCA3) in urine sediment and exosome in Chinese patients with total prostate specific antigen (PSA) ranging from 4-10ng/ml.Methods: Serum and urine samples were collected from consecutive eligible patients. The PCA3 and PSA mRNA were tested by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Overall 130 patients were involved in this study. 113 cases in urinary sediments group and 103 cases in urinary exosomes group were finally analyzed. 24 of 130 patients (18.5%), 20 of 113 patients (17.7%) and 17 of 103 patients (16.5%) were diagnosed as PCa in the three groups, respectively. The PCA3 score and PSAD of patients with positive biopsy results were significantly higher than those with negative biopsy results in both the urinary sediments and exosomes groups, but no differences between two urinary substrates groups. The ROC analysis showed the higher values of AUC of the PCA3 score in urinary sediments and exosomes than that of serum PSA (0.728 vs 0.540, P = 0.0402; 0.740 vs 0.540, P = 0.0263), but no significant difference in term of AUC of PCA3 between two urinary substrates groups (0.728 vs 0.740, P = 0.9000), as well as when compared the AUC of the PCA3 score with that of %fPSA and PSAD (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that diagnostic performances of PCA3 in urinary sediments and exosomes were not significant different, but both were superior to serum PSA in Chinese patients with PSA 4–10ng/ml.
LINC00514 upregulates CCDC71L to Promote Cellular Process in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Sponging miR-6504-5p and miR-3139
Authors: Luo Xiao , Wang Hui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently identified as essential gene modulators in numerous cancers. Previous studies have confirmed the oncogenic role of long intergenic nonprotein-coding RNA 00514 (LINC00514) in some cancers. Nevertheless, its biological function and mechanism remain elusive in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Herein, we detected LINC00514 expression level in TNBC tissues and cells via RT-qPCR. The function of LINC00514 in TNBC cellular activities was assessed via colony formation, EdU, wound healing, transwell assays and flow cytometry analysis. Results: The binding between miR-6504-5p/miR-3139 and LINC00514/CCDC71L was validated by luciferase reporter assay. The data indicated that LINC00514 expression was increased in TNBC tissues and cells. Furthermore, it was manifested that silenced LINC00514 restrained cell proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities and accelerated cell apoptosis. In mechanism, LINC00514 was revealed to sequester miR-6504-5p and miR-3139 in TNBC cells. Furthermore, the low level of miR-6504-5p and miR-3139 was discovered in TNBC tissues and cells. Accordingly, we discovered overexpression of miR-6504-5p or miR-3139 retarded cell growth and migration in TNBC. Later, CCDC71L was recognized as a common downstream gene of miR-6504-5p and miR-3139. Rescue assay verified that overexpressed CCDC71L countervailed the inhibitive influence of LINC00514 knockdown in TNBC cellular process. Conclusion: MiR-6504-5p and miR-3139 were involved in LINC00514-mediated cellular activities through regulating CCDC71L expression, which provided a novel LINC00514/miR-6504-5p/miR-3139/CCDC71L axis in TNBC.
Construction and Validation of a Novel Eight-Gene Risk Score&nbsp;to Predict the Malignant Progression and Prognoses in Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Ruiliang , Zheng Zongtai , Mao Shiyu , Zhang Wentao , Liu Ji , Li Cheng , Liu Shenghua , Yao Xudong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The progression from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) largely predisposes a life-threatening risk. Owing to this, it is of paramount importance to find new relevant molecular models that will allow for effectively predict the malignant progression of BC. Based on the RNA-Sequence data of 49 BC patients in our center and weighted gene co-expression network analysis methods, a co-expression network was developed using these genes before selecting the three key modules. Univariate Cox regression was used to select the key module genes with prognostic value in The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA). Subsequently, we developed an eight-gene risk score using the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox model. Notably, the eight-gene risk score was observed to be closely related to the malignant clinical features and also showed a favorable predictive power of differentiation between NMIBC and MIBC in the training (TCGA) and the two validation sets (GSE3289 and GSE13507). Furthermore, we generated a nomogram for predicting the overall survival. Both the calibrations and decision curve analysis curves displayed predictive effectiveness of the nomogram. Lastly, the RT-qPCR results revealed that the majority of the eight genes were differentially expressed between BC cell lines and a normal bladder epithelial cell line. Hence, from our study, we established a model of eight-gene risk score, with the potential of predicting malignant progression and determine prognoses of BC patients.
Amelioration of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-induced&nbsp;disruption of intestinal epithelium by Manno-oligosaccharide&nbsp;in weaned pigs
Authors: Yu En , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Luo Yuheng , Zheng Ping , Yin Heng , Mao XiangBing , Huang Zhiqing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , He Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the major bacterial causes leading to diarrhea and disruption of intestinal epithelium in neonatal animals. Manno-oligosaccharide (MOS) is a prebiotic deprived from natural plants or yeasts. Here, we explored the protective effect of MOS on intestinal epithelium in weaned pigs upon ETEC challenge. Methods: Thirty-two pigs were randomly assigned into four treatments and fed with a basal diet or basal diet containing 0.3% MOS. On day 19, pigs were challenged by ETEC or culture medium. Results: MOS supplementation reduced diarrhea incidence in the pigs upon ETEC challenge (P<0.05). ETEC-challenge elevated the serum concentrations of D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO), however, MOS significantly decreased their concentrations in the serum (P<0.05). Moreover, MOS significantly decreased serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the ETEC-challenged pigs (P<0.05). Interestingly, MOS enhanced the expression and localization of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein in the duodenal and jejunal epithelium. Moreover, MOS decreased the cell apoptosis rate (P<0.05), but significantly elevated the content of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the jejunal mucosa (P<0.05). Importantly, MOS decreased the expression levels of critical genes involving in mucosal inflammatory responses (TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4, and NF-κB) and the apoptosis (Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and Bax) in the jejunum upon ETEC challenge (P<0.05). Moreover, MOS up-regulated the expression of mucosa functional genes such as the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the jejunum and ileum (P<0.05), and elevated the expression level of β-defensin 114 (PBD-114) in the duodenum upon ETEC challenge. Conclusions: These results suggested that MOS can alleviate ETEC-induced disruption of intestinal barrier in weaned pigs, which was associated with suppressed inflammation and epithelial cell apoptosis, and improved antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier functions.
Zonal Characterization and Differential Trilineage Potentials of Equine Intrasynovial Deep Digital Flexor Tendon-Derived Cells
Authors: Quam Vivian G , Altmann Nadine N , Brokken Matthew T , Durgam Sushmitha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Intrasynovial deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury is a common cause for forelimb lameness in horses and are typically associated with poor outcomes. Intrasynovial tendon contains a superficial fibrocartilage in response to compressive forces from an opposing boney prominence, and is critical for tendon gliding function. Characterization of tendon-derived cells (TDC) from intrasynovial tendon fibrocartilage has not been conducted as for prototypical extrasynovial tendon and is necessary for developing improved therapeutic strategies. Results: In this study, we successfully isolated homogenous TDC from the fibrocartilaginous (fTDC) and tendinous (tTDC) zones of equine forelimb intrasynovial DDFT via low-density plating method. During monolayer passage, both TDC subpopulations exhibited clonogenicity, high in vitro proliferation rate, and fibroblast-like morphology. Third passage fTDC and tTDC were positive for cell surface antigens CD90 and CD29 and negative for CD44 and CD45. There were no significant differences in the basal tenogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic marker expressions of fTDC and tTDC. Trilineage differentiation demonstrated that fTDC were largely restricted to chondrogenic differentiation; whereas, those from the tendinous zone underwent osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Both TDC subpopulations displayed weak adipogenic differentiation potentials. Conclusions: These results provide a foundation for studies exploring cell-based therapies for intrasynovial tendon repair as these TDC are potential targets to enhance intrinsic repair capacity. Pending further investigation, promoting chondrogenic properties in cells administered exogenously into the intrasynovial space may be beneficial for intrasynovial tendon regeneration.
COVID-19 phobia in a boy with undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder: a case report
Authors: Sakamoto Shoko , Miyawaki Dai , Goto Ayako , Harima Yuji , Tokuhara Daisuke , Inoue Koki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting mental health profoundly. Previous studies have reported pandemic-related anxiety. Anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are relatively common comorbidities. However, thus far, there is no report of any patient with undiagnosed ASD who developed anxiety disorders caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Case presentationIn this case report, we describe an 8-year-old Japanese boy with undiagnosed ASD who developed COVID-19 phobia, resulting in avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). As COVID-19 was highly publicized in the mass media and the risk of droplet infection was emphasized upon, the patient began to fear viral contamination from food, culminating in a refusal to eat or even swallow his saliva. He was admitted to a pediatric medical center in Osaka with life-threatening dehydration and was then referred to our child psychiatry department for treatment. We clinically diagnosed the patient with COVID-19 phobia resulting in ARFID. We identified the characteristics of ASD from his present social communication skills and developmental history. We provided psychoeducation of ASD for the parents as well as administered supportive psychotherapy for the patient. Shortly after our intervention, which was designed to relieve his ASD-related anxiety, his dysphagia improved. Our findings suggest that children with undiagnosed ASD may develop COVID-19 phobia. In these cases, intervention for ASD, such as sharing information with parents and teachers to explain what autism is and how it is likely to affect the child’s development and function, and to make an individual education plan may be more appropriate than starting treatment for anxiety disorders as the first-line option.ConclusionCOVID-19 is the biggest pandemic in the recent past and more undiagnosed ASD patients who develop COVID-19 phobia may seek treatment. Clinicians should consider the underlying ASD in these patients and assess their developmental history, such as joint attention, as well as their present social communication skills.
Psychometric properties of the German Version of the Psychological Consequences of Screening Questionnaire (PCQ)
Authors: Fichtner Urs Alexander , Maun Andy , Farin-Glattacker Erik 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:
This study aimed to translate the negative and positive items of the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) into German, to adapt this version to the context of screening for cirrhosis of the liver, and to test its psychometric properties.
Methods:
The three subscales (physical, emotional, and social) were translated into German using a forward-backward translation method. Furthermore, we adapted the wording to the context of liver diseases. We tested the acceptability, distribution properties, internal consistency, scale structure, and the convergent validity using an analysis sample of 443 patients who were screened for cirrhosis or fibrosis of the liver.
Results:
We found low non-response and non-unique answer rates on the PCQ items in general. However, positive items had higher non-response rates. All items showed strong floor effects. Cronbach’s alpha was high for both the negative (α = 0.95) and the positive PCQ scale (α = 0.90), as well as for the total PCQ scale (α = 0.90). Confirmatory factor analysis could reproduce the three dimensions that the PCQ intends to measure. However, it suggests not summing up a total PCQ score and instead treat the subscales separately. Convergent validity with the short form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-6) was acceptable.
Conclusions:
Overall, our study results report a successful adaptation of the German PCQ with good performance in terms of acceptability, internal consistency, scale structure, and convergent validity. We could demonstrate that the German version of the PCQ is a useful and well-performing measurement for both negative and positive screening consequences, even in a non-cancer setting.
Tiredness of Life in Older Persons: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis
Authors: Humbeeck Liesbeth Van , Driedijk Femke , Mey Sarah De , Bock Reine De , Piers Ruth , Noortgate Nele Van Den 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOlder adults face accumulated vulnerabilities that can make day-to-day life a constant struggle. This may lead to the feeling that the story of their life has come to an end and a persistent death wish. In this context tiredness of life has become a widely used term, but remains a poorly understood concept in healthcare. This study seeks to review the health-related literature on tiredness of life and to identify attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept. MethodsA concept analysis of the scientific literature in the health disciplines was performed using Rodgers’ evolutionary method. Four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL and EMBASE) were searched (January 2000-September 2019). ResultsThirty-three publications were included. Four defining attributes (being weary of life, motivational depletion, loss of meaning in life and an inability to connect to ones’ life), four antecedents (the experience of unpredictable circumstances, experienced age-related life struggles, the fear of dependency and social redundancy), and three consequences (euthanasia requests, voluntary refusal to eat and drink and suicide) were identified. Concepts such as ‘finished with life’, ‘suffering from life’ and ‘completed life’ were used interchangeably both in public debate as among health care providers and patients.ConclusionsInternational consensus definition on “tiredness of life” is currently lacking. Analysis of its defining attributes and antecedents provides important information related to its impact and potential risk factors. Clearly, more work is needed to grasp the experience of tiredness of life.
Prevalence and related risk factors of psychotic symptoms among inpatients infected with COVID-19 during the second wave pandemic
Authors: Zhang Zhiyang , Feng Yi , Song Rui , Yang Di , Duan Xuefei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Possibility of psychotic symptoms and related risk factors among the normal person and infected patients during the outbreak of COVID-19 has been widely investigated in previous studies. With the arrival of the second wave of the epidemic in many countries around the word, the accordingly mental health outcomes were unclear yet, especially the mental health outcomes among infected patients. It aims to explore the prevalence of and related risk factors associated with psychotic symptoms in COVID-19 infected inpatients during the second wave.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five isolated wards of a designated hospital in Beijing, China, from 1 July to 15 July, 2020. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) was conducted to assess the psychiatric disorders, and a serious of scales was used to measure self-reported psychotic symptoms and psychosomatic factors. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors associated with psychotic symptoms.
Results
Among 199 infected participants, the prevalence of generalized anxiety symptoms is 51.3%, of depressive symptoms 41.2%, of PTSD symptoms 33.6%. Loneliness, hope, coping strategies, history of mental disorders were shared risk or protective factors across several psychotic symptoms. Perceived impact by COVID-19 is the specific risk factor associated with state anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSS/PTSD is high among infected inpatients during the second wave of pandemic in Beijing. Clinical doctors must realize that infected inpatients during the second wave of pandemic are likely to suffer from depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and PTSS/PTSD, as well as some neuropsychiatric syndromes. Specific mental health care is urgently needed to help inpatients cope with the virus during the second wave of pandemic.
Predictors of illness severity in COVID-19 cases
Authors: AlDossary Reem A. , Alnimr Amani , Aljindan Reem , Alkharsah Khaled , Al-Qurayn Ahmed , Eltreifi Obeid , Alkuwaiti Feras , Almashouf Abdullah , Alshahlawi Ahmed , Alshammari Amal , Hudhaiah Dhoha , Alshahrani Mohammed , Bukhari Huda 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Multiple studies worldwide reported the clinical and epidemiological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with limited reports form the Middle East area.
Methods

This is an observational study to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of 341 COVID-19 cases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia over the first three months from reporting the first case in the country and identify factors associated with severity of the illness.
Results

The median age was 45 years and males were twice as affected as females (p value < 0.0001). The duration of viral shedding ranged from 9 to 36 days. The most common clinical presentations include fever, shortness of breath, cough, myalgia, sore throat, vomiting, and headache. Severe and critical cases were significantly higher in males compared to females (23% vs 8.7%), senior adults (> 65 years), Bengali ethnicity, and in patient with com-morbidities including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (p-value = 0.001). Furthermore, case fatality rate was found to be 10% and was significantly higher in male gender compared to female (13.8%vs 2.6%), and in Asian ethnicity (17.9%) compared to Arabs (6%) and African counterparts (0) (p-value = 0.002). No association was found between viral load represented by the RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and severity of illness.
Conclusion

Age, gender and ethnicity are important predictors of COVID-19 severity while Cycle threshold (Ct) of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test cannot be used as a predictor of criticality of illness.