bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of the Mycorrhiza Helper Bacteria from the Fairy Rings of Floccularia Luteovirens
Authors: xu minghang , Xing Rui , Gao Qing-bo , Zhang Fa-qi , Chen Shi-long 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Floccularia luteovirens is an edible ectomycorrhizal fungus which forms fairy rings (FRs) distributed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our previous study found four isolates of potential mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB), but they were only isolated from a single FR and their mycorrhizal promoting ability was not tested. Thus, it was necessary to collect samples from a larger area and measure the mycorrhizal promoting ability of the potential candidates. Of 184 bacterial isolates from five fairy rings located in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau belonging to 12 species, and 7 of them (58.3%) significantly promoting the growth of F. luteovirens. We also tested the symbiosis-promoting ability of the isolates, and the results showed that only four of them stimulated the formation of mycorrhizal symbiosis. This is the first report of the construction of mycorrhizal symbiosis between F. luteovirens and its host plant in greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that the strain A89 (Achromobacter marplatensis) could produce antifungal properties but nonetheless stimulated the fungal growth. This may due to the nutrient condition of medium and the genotype specificity of MHBs. The results suggest that the promotion of significant growth is not a good predictor for mycorrhiza formation promotion ability of MHB.
Metabolomic differences and interactions between coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus: Pathogenesis understanding and auxiliary diagnosis
Authors: Liu Wuping , Guo Pengfei , Dai Tao , Shi Xiulin , Shen Guiping , Feng Jianghua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Comprehensive understanding of plasma metabotype of diabetes (DB), coronary heart disease (CHD) and especially diabetes with coronary heart disease (CHDDB) has kept lacking. The metabolic fingerprints of CHD, DB and CHDDB were investigated to reveal their pathogenic mechanisms and interactions and identify their specific biomarkers.Methods: The plasma metabolomic differences and links of 15 DB, 15 CHD and 30 CHDDB patients and 15 matched healthy controls were investigated by NMR-based strategy. The univariate and multivariate statistical analyses-based pattern recognition was combined with network analysis to determine disease specific biomarkers and understand the corresponding pathogenic pathways.Results: A total of 17 metabolites related to the development of disease were identified by comparative metabolomic analysis, and 6 of them were shared by the three diseases. The metabolites involved in amino acid synthesis (valine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, and N-acetyl-glycoprotein) were positively associated with CHD and CHDDB (Odds Ratios (OR) >1); The trimethylamine oxide, glycerol, lactose, indoleacetate and scyllo-inositol are closely related to the development of DB to CHDDB (OR>1), and indoleactate (OR: 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.12) and lactose (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.67-3.25) are particularly prominent in CHDDB. The three different multi-biomarker signatures could serve to distinguish between CHDDB, DB, and CHD. All diseases demonstrated the disturbed glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and amino acid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, inositol phosphate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and microbiota metabolism play a major role in the development of CHDDB from DB.Conclusions: The disease-specific multi-biomarkers provide promising capability in auxiliary diagnosis of DB-related disease and follow-up of disease progression and treatment. The comparative metabolomics strategy of multi-diseases offers a comprehensive perspective in disease-specific markers and pathogenic pathways.
Loss of ATRX sensitizes HeLa cells in response to ionizing irradiation in a manner dependent on the ATM/Chk2 pathway
Authors: Tang Geng , Yang Yanming , Liu Yuxin , Han Bing , Xu Weiqiang , Qin Lijing , Fang Fang , Wang Zhicheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Identifying novel targets for molecular radiosensitization is critical to improve the efficacy of cancer radiotherapy. Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), a member of the SWI/SNF-like chromatin remodeling protein family, functions in the maintenance of genomic integrity, alternative lengthening of telomeres, and the regulation of apoptosis and senescence. However, whether ATRX is directly involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) remains unknown. Here, we show that silencing ATRX increased the sensitivity of cells to ionizing radiation (IR). IR-induced DNA damage was greater and G2/M arrest was less efficient in ATRX knockdown cells. ATRX downregulation caused defects in apoptosis and senescence, indicating that ATRX has a biological function in the DDR. ATRX loss led to failure to trigger ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) auto-phosphorylation, inhibiting the activation of ATM/Chk2 downstream effectors. These data identify ATRX as a novel target for radiosensitization, and its effect depends on inhibition of the ATM/Chk2 pathway in the DDR.
Promoting healthy foods in the new digital era: An experimental study on the effect of a popular versus fictitious ‘Insta-influencer’ on brand attitude and purchase intentions
Authors: Folkvord Frans , Roes Elze , Bevelander Kris 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Most studies on influencer marketing techniques have focused on the promotion of unhealthy foods whereas little is known about the promotion of healthier foods. The present experimental study investigated whether a popular real versus fictitious social influencer is more successful in promoting healthy food products. In addition, we examined the role of parasocial interaction as an underlying mechanism of healthy food product endorsement. Methods: We used a randomized between-subject design with 154 participants (age: 24.0 years). Viewers’ product attitude and purchase intention were tested after exposure to an Instagram post by a popular social influencer (n = 77) or fictitious social influencer (n= 77).Results: Results showed that parasocial interaction mediated the relation between the type of social influencer and product attitude as well as purchase intention. Parasocial interaction was higher for participants exposed to the popular influencer compared to the fictitious influencer, leading to higher healthy food brand attitude and purchase intentions. Discussion: The findings showed that it is crucial for influencers to establish a warm personal relationship and connection with the their followers when promoting a healthy product successfully. We suggest that the promotion of healthy foods could be more successful in public health when using popular social influencers.
Dapagliflozin activates AMPK to attenuate cardiac dysfunction and oxidative stress under hypoxia/reoxygenation-caused damage
Authors: Tsai Kun-Ling , Hsieh Pei-Ling , Chou Wan-Ching , Cheng Hui-Ching , Huang Yu-Ting , Chan Shih-Hung 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence demonstrated Dapagliflozin (DAPA), an inhibitor of type II sodium-glucose cotransporter-2, prevented various cardiovascular events. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its cardioprotective properties remained largely unknown. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effects of DAPA on the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and study the mechanisms of DAPA-provided cardioprotection.Methods: For in intro studies, cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells were exposed to hypoxia with no-glucose medium for 1 hr than followed a reoxygenation with high-glucose medium for 4 hr. DAPA was treated before hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) exposure. For in vivo investigations, I/R was instigated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). DAPA was given daily by gavage for 5 days before I/R induction.Results: Results from in vitro experiments showed that DAPA induced the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), resulting in the downregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC) in the cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells following H/R condition. We demonstrated that DAPA treatment diminished the H/R-elicited oxidative stress via the AMPK/ PKC/ NADPH oxidase (Nox) pathway. In addition, DAPA prevented the H/R-induced abnormality of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial DNA copy number through AMPK/ PKC/ Nox signaling. Besides, DAPA reversed the apoptosis-associated changes, including H/R-suppressed Bcl-2 and H/R-induced expression of phosphorylated p53, Bax cytochrome c, and activated caspase 3 via AMPK/ PKC/ Nox/ PGC-1α signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DAPA improved the I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction by echocardiography and abrogated the I/R-elicited apoptotic cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay in the myocardium of rats. Also, the administration of DAPA mitigated the production of two myocardial infarction markers, creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes and lactate dehydrogenase.Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggested that DAPA treatment holds the potential to ameliorate the I/R-elicited oxidative stress and the following cardiac apoptosis via AMPK/ PKC/ Nox/ PGC-1α signaling, which attenuates the cardiac dysfunction caused by I/R injury.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Prediction of Circular RNAs in Response to Heat Stress in Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Qi Ying , Li Qiuling , Guo Yuemei , Chu Mingxing , Zhang Yiming , Guo Junfei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Heat stress (HS) leads to substantial economic loss of dairy industry each year. The negative effect of HS in dairy cows is becoming one of the more urgent and important issue due to accelerating side-effects of global warming. At present, the best way to alleviate the effect of HS is breeding of thermotolerant cows which depends on the profound understanding of mechanism of HS. Various genes are involved in HS response but the information about the role of noncoding RNAs, especially circular RNAs (circRNAs) is largely unknown.Results: In our study, we aimed to investigate the different expression profile of circRNAs between HS and normal condition (NC) of Chinese Holstein cow’s mammary gland. CircRNAs were identified using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In total, 37405 circRNAs were detected and 95 were differentially expressed (DE), including 15 downregulated and 80 upregulated circRNAs in HS group compared to NC. Eight circRNAs were randomly selected to verify the RNA sequencing result. Further, Sanger sequencing validated the backsplicing site of the eight circRNAs. Moreover, results obtained from the Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed consistent expression trend with that of RNA sequencing. GO annotation and KEGG analysis suggested that these DE circRNAs probably involved in the energy metabolic regulation. Furthermore, we constructed ceRNA network and the result indicated that these DE circRNAs could regulate lactation through IGF1 and PRL signaling pathway.Conclusion: During our study, it was evident that circRNAs were involved in regulation of HS response in Chinese Holstein cow’s mammary gland. This will help researchers to achieve a better understanding of mechanism related to HS response and can provide new insights in breeding of thermotolerant dairy cows.
Flexor Hallucis Longus Hypertrophy Secondary to Achilles Tendon Tendinopathy: An MRI-based Case-Control Study
Authors: Wirth Stephan , Andronic Octavian , Aregger Fabian , Jungwirth-Weinberger Anna , Jentzsch Thorsten , Hecker Andreas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to outline indirect signs of advanced Achilles tendinopathy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and develop a potential tool that could aid in surgical decision-making.Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of Achilles tendon were analyzed retrospectively in two consecutive cohorts. Control group consisted of patients that had an MRI due to other reasons and no signs of tendinopathy. Two parameters from two muscle bellies were measured and compared on axial MRI scans 4 to 5 cm above the ankle joint line at the level of greatest thickness: area and diameter of the triceps surae (TS) and of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL). Interobserver agreement was analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created for both quotients to assess potential cut-off points.Results: A total of 60 patients for each study group were included. The ratios for area and for diameter showed significant higher values for FHL in the tendinopathy group (p<0.001). There was strong to very strong interobserver agreement (rho=0.744). A diameter ratio FHL/TS of 2.0 or higher had a sensitivity of 49% and specificity of 90% for concomitant Achilles tendinopathy.Conclusion: In our patient cohort, flexor hallucis longus hypertrophy was observed even before a tendon transfer was employed as a possible compensatory mechanism for Achilles tendon tendinopathy. Using the tool described in this study, measuring a value of 2.0 or higher on an axial MRI, may be indicative as an indirect sign of functional deterioration of the Achilles tendon.
Differential Expression of Members of SOX Family of Transcription Factors in Failing Human Hearts
Authors: Liu Chia-Feng , Ng Ying , Thachil Varun , Morley Michael , Moravec Christine S , Tang W. H. Wilson 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The Sry-related high-mobility-group box (SOX) gene family, with 20 known transcription factors in humans, plays essential roles during development and in many disease processes. Several SOX proteins, e.g., SOX4, SOX11, and SOX9, are required for normal heart morphogenesis. SOX9 was shown to contribute to cardiac fibrosis in animal models. However, differential expression of other SOX transcription factors and their functional roles in the failing human myocardium have not been explored.Methods and Findings: All 20 SOX genes from RNA-seq data were extracted, and their RNA levels were compared to the NF, DCM, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) groups. The protein levels of the differential expressed SOX genes were confirmed by Western blot. Four SOX genes whose RNA levels were significantly upregulated in DCM or HCM compared to NF. However, only SOX4 and SOX8 proteins were markedly increased in the heart failure groups. Gene co-expression network analysis identified genes associated and respond similarly to perturbations with SOX4 in cardiac tissues. Using a meta-analysis combining epigenetics and genome-wide association data, we reported several genomic variants associated with HF phenotype linked to SOX4 or SOX8.Conclusions: Elevation of SOX8 and SOX4 are observed in the failing human myocardium. The molecular mechanism associated with them in HF warrants further investigation.
Prognostic Significance of Lymph Node Metastases and Ratio in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhihai , Li Yanshi , Lu Tao , Liu Chuan , Hu Guohua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The lymph node metastases (LNM) and the lymph node ratio (LNR) were shown to be prognostic factors in head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the LNM and LNR in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
Methods

All patients undergoing resection of laryngeal cancer at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between March 2011 and December 2018 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using log-rank and Cox proportional hazard models, and survival curves estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results

Of 670 patients with LSCC, the median overall survival (OS) of was 42.2 months, and 3-year and 5-year OS rates were respectively 92.9 ± 1.1% and 86.1 ± 1.7%. 12.69% (85/670) were pathological nodal positive (pN+). LNM was associated with tumor site, T stage and differentiation degree (p < 0.05). And the 5-year OS rates in the pathological nodal negative (pN-) and pN + groups were 88.7± 1.7% and 69.9 ± 5.9%, respectively (p = 0.000), and the presence of pN + was the most significant prognostic factor for survival. Furthermore, the 5-year OS of patients with 1 to 3 positive LN and 4 or more positive LN were 64.6±8.1% and 44.9 ± 15.2%, respectively (p = 0.032). Additionally, LNR examination did not reach significance in our study. However, it demonstrates that increasing LNR was associated with worsening survival.
Conclusion

LNM is an independent prognostic factor in LSCC, and increasing number of positive LN and LNR in patients portend a poor prognosis.
Development of the General Self-regulation Scale for a Healthy Lifestyle (GSRSHL) among Japanese University Students
Authors: Wang Yiran , Urban Robert , Rigó Adrien , Kato Yoshiko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: A healthy lifestyle of students is an important contributor to both quality of life and longevity. The objective of this study was to develop a new measurement scale, the General Self-regulation Scale for a Healthy Lifestyle (GSRSHL), for university students. Methods: A total of 434 university students (281 male, 153 female) participated in this study. To confirm the validity of the new scale, we examined the relationship among the GSRSHL, the Japanese version of the Brief Self-control Scale, perceived stress, and life satisfaction.Results: The exploratory factor analysis of 15 items yielded two correlated factors: “planning achievement” and “emotional control.” The new scale showed good internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis with covariate analysis demonstrated that “planning achievement” and “emotional control” were positively associated with self-regulation and life satisfaction. “Emotional control” related negatively to perceived stress. “Planning achievement” increased the odds of adequate sleep, balanced diet, and physical exercise. “Emotional control” increased the odds of consuming breakfast, having adequate sleep, following a balanced diet, and having less stress.Conclusions: Our study provided evidence of the validity and the applicability of the GSRSHL in Japanese students.
Identification of potential prognostic markers for osteosarcoma by integrated analysis
Authors: Ge Yuxiang , Ding Wang , Bian Chong , Gu Huijie , Xu Jun , Yin Xiaofan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of musculoskeletal malignant tumor, accounting for over 30% of primary skeletal sarcomas. Although great efforts have been made, the mechanism of OS still remains largely unknown. In this study, we aim to identify gene modules and representative candidate biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of patients with OS, and reveal the mechanisms of OS progression.Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to construct a co-expression network and investigate the relationship between modules and clinical traits. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on module genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the hub gene and the expression level of hub genes was validated based on another dataset.Results: A total of 9854 genes were included in WGCNA, and 17 gene modules were constructed. Gene module related with OS in sacrum was mainly enriched in skeletal system development, bone development and extracellular structure organization. Furthermore, we screened the top 10 hub genes and further validated 5 of the 10 (MMP13, DCN, GNG2, PCOLCE and RUNX2), the expression of which were upregulated as compared with normal tissues.Conclusion: The hub gene we identified show great promise as prognostic markers for the management of OS and our findings also provide new insight for molecular mechanism of OS.
tRFTar: Identifying The Targets of tRNA-Derived Fragments
Authors: Xiao Qiong , Gao Peng , Huang Xuanzhang , Chen Xiaowan , Chen Quan , Lv Xinger , Fu Yu , Song Yongxi , Wang Zhenning 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are 14–40 nucleotides, small non-coding RNAs from specific tRNA cleavages, and they have key regulatory functions in many biological processes. Many studies showed that tRFs are associated with Argonaute complexes and inhibit gene expression in the same manner as miRNAs. However, there are currently no tools to accurately predict tRF target genes. Methods: We used tRF-mRNA pairs identified by crosslinking, ligation, and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH) and covalent ligation of endogenous Argonaute-bound RNAs (CLEAR)-CLIP to assess features that may participate in tRF targeting, including sequence context of each individual site and tRF-mRNA interactions. We applied genetic algorithm (GA) to select key features and support vector machine (SVM) to construct tRF predicting models. Results: We first identified features that globally influenced tRF targeting. Among them, the most significant ones were minimum free folding energy (MFE), position 8 match, number of bases paired in tRF-mRNA duplex, and length of tRF, which were consistent with previous findings. We built the model with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.980 (0.977-0.983) in the training process and AUC = 0.847 (0.83-0.861) in the test process. The model was applied to all the sites with perfect Watson-Crick complementarity to the seed in the 3'-UTR of human genome. Seven of nine target / non-target genes of tRFs confirmed by reporter assay were predicted. Conclusions: Predictions can be obtained online, tRFTar, freely available at http://trftar.cmuzhenninglab.org:3838/tar/, which is the first tool to predict targets of tRFs in human with a user-friendly interface.
Identification of Key Genes with Clinical Outcome&nbsp;in Benign Meningioma Using Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Cao Ming , Shen Chen , Zhu Jie , Wang YuHai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Meningioma is the second most common type of brain neoplasms.However,the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not clear,and the main treatment is mainly surgery plus radiotherapy. Material and method: To explore the key genes in benign meningioma,we downloaded microarray dataset GSE43290 from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database.The differential genes (DEGs) between benign meningioma and normal meninges were identified by GEO2R.The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were performed by the Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID).The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and module analysis were performed and visualized by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Gene database (STRING) and Cytoscape.The hub genes were evaluated by the Cytohubba and further explored by MCODE plugin of Cytoscape and Enrichr.The relationship between hub genes and clinical factors were further explored by GSE16581 through R software. Result: A total of 358 DEGs were identified,including 15 upregulated genes and 343 downregulated genes.The main enriched functions were extracellular matrix organization、inflammatory response、cell adhesion、extracellular space and integrin binding.The main KEGG pathways were Malaria and focal adhesion.Among these DEGs,5 overlapping genes(CXCL8、AGT、CXCL2、CXCL12、CXCR4) were selected as hub genes.CXCL2 and CXCL8 were correlated with age and tumor recurrence,which could be clinical therapeutic targets. Conclusion: This study indicates the key genes in benign meningioma which may help us understand the molecular mechanisms and provide the candidate therapeutic targets.