bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Rhodanese Homologue from Haemonchus Contortus and its Immune-Modulatory Effects on Goat Immune Cells in Vitro
Authors: Wang Yujian , Ehsan Muhammad , Huang Jianmei , Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Yan RuoFeng , Song XiaoKai , Xu LiXin , Li Xiangrui 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Suppression and modulation of the immune response of the host by nematode parasites have been reported widely. Rhodaneses or thiosulfate: cyanide sulfurtransferases are present in a wide range of organisms, such as archea, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Previously, it was reported that a rhodanese homology could bind by goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vivo.Results: In the present study, we cloned and produced recombinant rhodanese protein originated from Haemonchus contortus (rHCRD), which was one of the parasitic nematodes of small ruminants. The effect of this protein on modulating the immunity of goat PBMC and monocyte was studied in the current work. The predominant localization of the natural HCRD protein was verified as the bowel wall and body surface of worms, according to the immunohistochemical tests. It was proved in this study that the serum produced by artificially infecting goats with H. contortus successfully recognized rHCRD which conjugated goat PBMCs. The rHCRD was co-incubated with goat PBMCs to observe the immunomodulatory effect on proliferation, apoptosis and secretion of cytokines exerted by HCRD. The results showed that the interaction of rHCRD suppressed proliferation of goat PBMCs stimulated by ConA but did not induce the apoptosis of goat PBMCs. After rHCRD exposure, the production of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly decreased, however, it significantly increased the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in goat PBMCs. Phagocytotic assay by FITC-dextran internalization showed that rHCRD inhibited the phagocytosis of goat monocytes. Moreover, rHCRD could down-regulate the expression of MHC-II on goat monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: These discoveries proposed a possible target as immunomodulator, which was potentially beneficial to illuminate the interaction between parasites and hosts in the molecular level and hunt for innovative protein species as candidate targets of drug and vaccine.
Structure, Assembly, and Co-Occurrence of Archaeal Communities in Tree Rhizosphere of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Chai Liwei , Huang Muke , Jia Weiqian , Guo Jiabao , Huang Yi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Archaea are considered to be an important component of complex microbiomes, which play vital roles in mediating soil biogeochemical processes. However, little is known about the ecology of archaeal communities in the rhizosphere, especially regarding their assembly and co-occurrence patterns. Results: Here, we used high-throughput Illumina sequencing to investigate the community variations of archaea between the rhizosphere and bulk soil collected from two native alpine tree species of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Thaumarchaeota was the dominant archaeal phylum in all soils tested, while archaeal community structures in the rhizosphere significantly differed from that in the bulk soil. Soil ammonium nitrogen, soil organic matter, available phosphorus and pH were significantly correlated with the archaeal community structure, and the deterministic processes dominated the assembly of archaeal communities across all soils. In addition, the network structures of the archaeal community in the rhizosphere were less complex than they were in the bulk soil, and an unclassified archaeal group (Unclassified_k_norank) was identified as the keystone species in all archaeal networks. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings suggest the structural variability, assembly processes, and co-occurrence patterns of archaeal communities in the rhizosphere of the the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which further deepens our ecological understanding of the archaeal microbiome.
Genetic Variation Analysis and Treatment Strategy of 20 Patients with Dystrophin Gene Mutations
Authors: Liu Yedan , Chen Jun , Hou Mei , Zhang Yanhui , Guo Ya , Liu Peipei , Li Fei , Yang Chengqing , Song Jie , Wei Wei , Chen Zongbo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background. Dystrophin (DMD) gene mutations canaffect muscular dystrophin isoform expression and result in progressive muscular dystrophy including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD). To establish the correlation between phenotype and genotype and exemplify the current and future treatment for muscular dystrophy disorders, we investigated 20 patients suffering from a dystrophinopathy andsummarized clinical manifestation and gene mutations of them. Case presentation.The clinical manifestations, physical examination, laboratory work, and gene mutation results were collected in 20 patients with DMD or BMD diagnosed by clinical phenotype and genetic sequencing from July 2015 to December 2019. Multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect mutations in the DMD gene, and detected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The clinical manifestation of patients was characterized by progressive symmetrical muscle degeneration, limb weakness, and pseudohypertrophy along with the elevated concentration of creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase.We found 11 dystrophin gene deletions (55%) and 4 duplication mutations (20%) among the affected patients. However, we also found point mutations including 1 nonsense (20%), 3 frameshifts (60%), and 1 splice sites (20%) mutations in the rest 5 patients. Among the 15 cases of exon deletion or duplication mutations, 7 were inherited from the mother, 3 were de-novo, while the other 5 were not tested. Besides, all 5 point-mutation cases were inherited from the mother, among which 4 point mutations were identified for the first time and linked to the disease phenotype. Conclusions.We provided clinical portraits, genetic results, and the molecular effects of mutations in patients. Four novel point mutations were identified for the first time and associated with the development of DMD and BMD. Further, we expanded knowledge of the DMD variant spectrum and exemplified the emerging therapies in muscular dystrophy.
A Comprehensive Study on Li4si1-xtixo4 Ceramics for Advanced Tritium Breeders
Authors: Gong Yichao , Liu Lin , Qi Jianqi , Yang Mao , Li Junjie , Wang Hailiang , Guo Hao , Zhang Guojun , Lu Tiecheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Hetero-elements doped lithium orthosilicate has been considered as advanced tritium breeders due to its superior performances. In this work, Li4Si1-xTixO4 ceramics were prepared by proprietary hydrothermal process and multistage sintering. The reaction mechanism of Li4Si1-xTixO4 was put forward. XRD and SEM analyses indicate that insertion of Ti leads to lattice expansion, enhances the sinterability and changes the fracture mode. The compressive tests show that the crush load increases almost four times by increasing x from 0 to 0.2. However, the thermal conductivity and ionic conductivity are the best when x=0.05 and x=0.1, respectively. Thermal cycling stability of Li4Si1-xTixO4 pebbles was further appraised through investigating the changes of microstructure and crush load. After undergoing thermal cycling, the Li4Si1-xTixO4 still show higher crush load compared with Li4SiO4, despite Ti segregation in some samples. The x=0.05 sample exhibits excellent thermal cycling stability. To be sure, Ti doping improves the overall performance of Li4SiO4.
Preparation and electrical conductivity of (Cu0.5Ag0.5)7SiS5I-based superionic ceramics
Authors: Studenyak Ihor , POGODIN Artem , SHENDER Iryna , BEREZNYUK Serhiy , FILEP Mykhailo , KOKHAN Oleksandr , KÚŠ Peter 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The ceramics based on (Cu0.5Ag0.5)7SiS5I solid solution of superionic conductor with argyrodite structure were prepared by using the powders with different particles size. The structural studies of powders were performed by XRD technique, while the ceramic samples with different average size of the crystallites were investigated by microstructural analysis. The total electrical conductivity of ceramic samples was measured by impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 2×106 Hz and temperature interval from 292 K to 383 K. The contributions of ionic and electronic components into the total electrical conductivity were separated as well as their temperature behavior was studied. The dependences of ionic and electronic conductivity and their activation energies on average size of the crystallites in (Cu0.5Ag0.5)7SiS5I-based ceramic samples were investigated.
Does built environment influence physical activity and body postures in homework journeys?
Authors: Debache Isaac , Sueur Cédric , Vallée Julie , Bergouignan Audrey , Chaix Basile 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Understanding the effects of built environment on physical activity is important for promoting healthy lifestyles in cities. Yet, very few studies have used objective continuous location data and measures of physical activity while addressing biases to causal inference. In addition, the effect of the environment on body postures during trips, albeit of physiological importance, is rarely addressed. Using mixed models for compositional data on sensor-derived physical activity information, we estimated the effects of greenery, destination density, public transport time efficiency, and average area education among 692 home-work journeys made by 121 healthy adults (80 men, 41 women). Higher levels of greenery, public transport time efficiency, and average area education along the shortest network path between home and workplaces were found to reduce contemporaneous sedentary postures and increase physical activity. These relationships suggest that decision makers should consider greening cities and improving public transport efficiency as an effective way to reduce the prevalence of sedentary behaviors in our societies.
Thymosin β10 promotes tumor-associated macrophages M2 conversion and proliferation via the PI3K/Akt pathway in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yang Li , Zheng Yaxin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Thymosin β10 (TMSB10) has been reported to play a protumorigenic role in a majority of solid cancers. However, the function of TMSB10 in immune microenvironment may contribute to the pathobiology of lung adenocarcinoma has not been previously explored.Method: TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of 184 lung adenocarcinomas. Xenograft mice model was established to investigate the effect of TMSB10 shRNA on TAMs. The macrophages phenotype associated cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. Furthermore, the target proteins were detected by immunoblot.Results: We found that high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with the advanced TNM stage and T3/T4 tumor size. And high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall and progression-free survival of lung adenocarcinoma, acted as an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we investigated the biological functions of TMSB10 in macrophages in vivo and in vitro. TMSB10 knockdown dramatically reduced TAMs, THP-1 and RAW264.7 cell proliferation, and promoted macrophages conversion of M2 to M1, and TMSB10 knockdown reduced the levels of p-Akt (Sec473), p-mTOR (Sec2448) and p-p70S6K (Thr389) without effect on Akt, mTOR and p70S6K expression.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that TAMs-associated TMSB10 promotes tumor growth through increasing TAMs M2 conversion and proliferation via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, providing a promising tumor biomarker for predicting prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
CD4+ is associated with COVID-19-infected pneumonia patient recovery and recurrence
Authors: Liu Shuna , Liu Wenlin , Li Xinhua , Liu Na , Deng Wei , Gao Chenfeng , Zheng Weiqiang , Liu Bin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)–infected pneumonia (CDIP) occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, from where the disease has spread all over the world. Although the morbidity and mortality in China have been effectively controlled, the number of cases has increased rapidly in countries other than China. Here we report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 7 CDIP patients. We found that similar with the throat swabs, sputum induction still has a false negative rate. In addition, CD4+ count rise occurred before the disease remission, and decreased CD4+ count may be the cause of virus recurrence. These imply that CD4+ count could be a marker for recover and reinfection. Notably, we tentatively speculate that CD4+ plays a key role in the body's resistance to the COVID-19 attack on lung tissue.
A Software Ecosystem platform for the development of Recommender Systems
Authors: Abdalla André , Ströele Victor , Campos Fernanda , Braga Regina , David José Maria N. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Many application domains need to recommend resources for users. The development of solutions focused on the reuse of Recommender System components creates an interesting scenario from a Software Ecosystem perspective. Besides the interaction between actors and technology, a Software Ecosystem for the development of Recommender Systems should allow for integration with systems and platforms that support other ecosystems. The problem addressed by this study is the integration of methods, techniques, and approaches of existing Recommender Systems in a systematic way, facilitating the implementation of new solutions, their reuse and sharing, and the collaboration among the actors involved. This study, therefore, aims to propose R.ECOS, a Software Ecosystem platform to support the development and management of Recommender Systems, allowing for integration between multiple applications and other Software Ecosystems. The evaluation was conducted in two stages. First, two feasibility studies were carried out to validate both technology and architecture. Later, two case studies were conducted in real-world contexts. The results point to the viability of the proposal.
Cluster randomised controlled feasibility study of HENRY: a community-based intervention aimed at reducing obesity rates in preschool children
Authors: Bryant Maria , Collinson Michelle , Burton Wendy , Stamp Elizabeth , Schofield Holly , Copsey Bethan , Hartley Suzanne , Webb Edward , Farrin Amanda J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCommunity based obesity prevention interventions are often commissioned despite the limited evidence base. HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) is a programme delivered to parents of preschool children across the UK. Early evidence suggests that it may be effective, but a robust evaluation has not been conducted. We initiated a systematic evaluation of HENRY by studying the feasibility of conducting a multi-centre definitive trial to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to prevent obesity. Objectives were to: assess the feasibility of recruiting local authorities, centres and parents; test processes and time required to train and certify intervention staff; explore HENRY commissioning processes; identify potential sources (and associated impact) of contamination; and consider the feasibility of trial procedures.MethodsWe conducted a multi-centre, open labelled, two group, prospective, cluster randomised, controlled, feasibility study, with embedded process evaluation and pre-defined criteria for progression to definitive trial. We sought to recruit 120 parents from 12 children’s centres, across two UK local authority (government) areas. Within each local authority, we planned to randomise three centres to HENRY and three to ‘standard care’ control. Our plan was to collect data in family homes at baseline and 12 months, including parent and child height and weight, and parent-reported questionnaires on self-efficacy, feeding, eating habits, quality of life and resource use. Contamination, implementation and study acceptability were explored using parent interviews.ResultsWe recruited two local authorities and 12 children’s centres within eight months. 117 parents were recruited (average 3.9 parents per programme) and follow-up data were collected from 85% of participants. Process data from 20 parents and 24 members of staff indicate that both would benefit from more detail about their involvement as participants, but that methods were acceptable. Contamination was likely, though the impact of this on behaviour was unclear.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a cluster RCT of HENRY to assess its effect on childhood obesity prevention is feasible. This study has allowed us to design a pragmatic definitive trial with minimal bias, taking account of lessons learnt from conducting evaluation research in public health settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03333733 registered 6th November 2017
Contamination within trials of community based public health interventions: lessons from the HENRY feasibility study
Authors: Stamp Elizabeth , Schofield Holly , Roberts Victoria Laurina , Burton Wendy , Collinson Michelle , Stevens June , Farrin Amanda J , Rutter Harry , Bryant Maria J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction:
Contamination occurs when participants allocated to trial control arms receive elements of the active intervention. Randomisation at cluster level, rather than individual level, may reduce or eliminate contamination, avoiding the dilution of intervention effectiveness that it may cause. However, cluster randomisation can result in selection bias, and may not be feasible to deliver. We explored the extent of contamination in a qualitative study nested within a feasibility study of HENRY (Health, Exercise and Nutrition for the Really Young); a UK community-based child obesity prevention programme. We aimed to determine the nature and impact of contamination to inform a larger planned trial and other trials in community based public health settings.
Method:
We invited participants to take part in the nested qualitative study who were already involved in the HENRY feasibility study. Semi-structured interviews/focus groups were conducted with children’s centre managers (n = 7), children’s centre staff (n = 15), and parents (n = 29). Data were transcribed and analysed using an integrative approach. First, deductively organised using a framework guided by the topic guide and then organised using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Potential for contamination between treatment arms was recognised by all stakeholder groups. Staff within the intervention centres presented the greatest risk of contamination, predominantly because they were often asked to work in other children centre’s (including control group centres). ‘Sharing of best practice’ by staff was reported to be a common and desirable phenomenon within community based settings. Parental sharing of HENRY messages was reported inconsistently; though some parents indicated a high degree of knowledge transfer within their immediate circles.
Conclusions
The extent of contamination identified has influenced the design of a future effectiveness trial of HENRY which will be clustered at the centre level (with geographically distinct clusters). The common practice of knowledge sharing amongst community teams means that this clustering approach is also likely to be most suitable for other trials based within these settings. We provide recommendations (e.g. cluster randomisation, training intervention facilitators on implications of contamination) to help reduce the impact of contamination in public health intervention trials with or without clustering, whilst enabling transfer of knowledge where appropriate.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03333733 registered 6th November 2017
Time-dependent displacement of commensal skin microbes by pathogens at the site of colorectal surgery
Authors: Holder-Murray Jennifer , Yeh Andrew , Rogers Matthew , Firek Brian , Mahler Brandon , Medich David , Celebrezze James , Morowitz Michael 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To characterize perioperative changes of the skin microbiome in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery and to determine this relationship with surgical site infections (SSIs).Summary of Background Data: Despite the prevalence and significance of SSIs, their pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Although the complexity of the human skin microbiome has been the subject of recent studies, it is not known whether alterations among commensal microbes contribute to the incidence of SSIs. Methods: Skin swabs of the abdominal wall and chest wall from 60 study subjects were collected before and after colorectal surgery, in addition to intraoperative samples including subcutaneous fat and colonic contents. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were sequenced and analyzed. Results: Alpha diversity on the skin decreased in the perioperative period but later recovered at the postoperative clinic visit. Alpha diversity of the subcutaneous fat increased significantly between the beginning and end of these operations, with an increase in abundance of gut microbes also seen within luminal contents after colon resection. In the early postoperative period, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae increased at the site of surgical incision, with a concomitant decrease in commensals including Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium. Only one patient developed a wound infection. Incisional skin swabs from this patient demonstrated a sharp postoperative increase in the abundance of Enterococcus, which was later cultured from wound drainage at the time of SSI diagnosis. Conclusions: In most patients, we observed a transient postoperative loss of skin commensals at the surgical site, which were replaced by potential pathogens and anaerobes from the gut. We postulate that real time monitoring of the skin microbiome, in parallel with improved knowledge with the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal surgery, could provide actionable findings about the pathogenesis of SSIs.
TMPRSS2, required for SARS-CoV-2 entry, is downregulated in lung cells by enzalutamide, a prostate cancer therapeutic
Authors: Leach Damien A. , Isac Ana-Maria , Bevan Charlotte L. , Brooke Greg N. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, attacks various organs but most destructively the lung. It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung cells requires two host cell surface proteins: ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Downregulation of one or both of these is thus a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19. TMPRSS2 is a known target of the androgen receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor; activation of the androgen receptor increases TMPRSS2 levels in various tissues, most notably the prostate. We show here that treatment with the antiandrogen enzalutamide – a well-tolerated drug widely used in advanced prostate cancer – reduces TMPRSS2 levels in human lung cells. Further, enzalutamide treatment of mice dramatically decreased Tmprss2 levels in the lung. In support of this new experimental data, analysis of existing datasets shows striking co- expression of AR and TMPRSS2, including in specific lung cell types that are targeted by SARS- CoV-2. Together, the data presented provides strong evidence to support clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antiandrogens as a treatment option for COVID-19.