bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Methodologies Used to Determine Monolignol Ratios in Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Happs Renee M. , Addison Bennett , Doeppke Crissa , Donohoe Bryon S. , Davis Mark F. , Harman-Ware Anne Elizabeth 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMultiple analytical methods have been developed to determine the ratios of monolignol monomers, particularly the syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio, of lignin biopolymers in plant cell walls. Chemical degradation methods yield monomers that are either selective of certain linkages, such as thioacidolysis, or induce chemical changes rendering it impossible to distinguish and determine the source of specific monomers, such as nitrobenzene oxidation. NMR methods provide powerful tools used to analyze cell walls for lignin monomeric composition and linkage information. Pyrolysis-mass spectrometry methods are also widely used, particularly as a high-throughput method. However, the different techniques used to analyze lignin monolignol ratios frequently yield different results within particular studies, making it difficult to interpret and compare results, and to obtain meaningful insights relating these measurements to other characteristics of plant cell walls that may impact biomass sustainability and conversion metrics for the production of bio-derived fuels and chemicals.ResultsThe authors compared the S/G monolignol ratios of pine, several genotypes of poplar, and corn stover biomass obtained from thioacidolysis, pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry (py-MBMS), HSQC liquid-state NMR and solid-state (ss) NMR methodologies. An underutilized approach to deconvolute ssNMR spectra was implemented to derive S/G ratios. The S/G ratios obtained for the samples did not agree across the different methods, but trends were similar with the most agreement among the py-MBMS, HSQC NMR and deconvoluted ssNMR methods. The relationship between monolignol S/G, thioacidolysis yields, and linkage analysis determined by HSQC is also addressed.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates that different methods using chemical, thermal, and nondestructive NMR techniques to determine native monolignol S/G ratios in plant cell walls may yield different results depending on species and linkage abundances. Spectral deconvolution likely applies well to many hardwoods that are S and G dominant, but results may not be reliable for some woody and grassy species for which the lignin composition is more diverse. HSQC may be a better method for analyzing lignin in those species given the wealth of information provided on additional aromatic moieties and bond linkages. Careful consideration is required when choosing a method to measure S/G ratios and the benefits and shortcomings of each method discussed here are summarized.
Predictors of Death at Home Among Cancer Patients in Israel: A Population-based Study
Authors: Rottenberg Yakir , Goldzweig Gil , Shaulov Adir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Most cancer patients want to die at home; however, many die in hospital. The aim of the current study is to elucidate the correlation between dying at home and various personal factors in the Israeli population of cancer patients.Methods: Data on cancer incidence (2008-2015) and death (2008-2017) was provided by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics and the Israel National Cancer Registry. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess odds ratios for death at home following cancer diagnosis while controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, years of education, residential socioeconomic score, and time from diagnosis. We also assessed the relation between place of death and specific cancer sites, as well as the time trend from 2008-2017.Results: About one quarter (26.7%) of the study population died at home. Death at home was most frequent among patients diagnosed with brain tumors (37.0%), while it was the lowest among patients with hematologic malignancies (lymphoma and leukemia, 20.3% and 20.0%, respectively). Rates of dying at home among patients with residential socioeconomic scores of 1, 2-9, and 10 were about 15%, 30%, and 42.9%, respectively. In patients from the 4th to the 7th decades of life, rates of death at home increased at a linear rate that increased exponentially from the 8th decade onwards. After controlling for potential confounders, predictive variables for death at home included age (HR=1.020 per year), male sex (HR=1.18), years of education (HR=1.029 per year), and time from diagnosis (HR=1.003 per month, all p<0.001). No trend was seen from 2008-2013, while from 2014-2017 a slight increase in the rate of death at home was seen each year.Conclusions: These results indicate that inequality exists among cancer patients in Israel regarding the opportunity to die at home. The present findings stress the importance of delivering efficient palliative care at home, mainly for patients with hematologic malignancies, younger patients, and patients of very low socioeconomic statuses. Understanding the complex mechanisms whereby patient preferences and the above variables may determine the preferred place of death remains an important research priority.
Cryptotanshinone Breaks ERα-dependent and -independent BCRP Dimerization to Reverse the Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ni Wenting , Fan Hui , Zheng Xiuqin , Xu Fangming , Wu Yuanyuan , Li Xiaoman , Wang Aiyun , Huang Shile , Chen Wenxing , Wang Shijun , Lu Yin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Not only a long-term anti-estrogen therapy, but also estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer are generally prone to induce resistance, causing poor prognosis in clinic. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) plays an important role in multidrug resistance. Here it is to elucidate the mechanism that a natural compound cryptotanshinone inhibits BCRP.Methods: HPLC was for analyzing the special compound concentration and molecular docking assay for the affinity of compound with protein. Non-reducing gradient gel electrophoresis and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy imaging were used to detect polymer and stain the membrane protein. Immunofluorescence staining, plasmids transfection, real-time PCR and western blot were also used.Results: Cryptotanshinone, an anti-estrogen compound was firstly found to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) membrane dimerization to attenuate its transport function. And this process is dependent on estrogen receptor α (ERα) in breast cancer. Furthermore, the resistant breast cancer cells with high BCRP expression are also sensitive to cryptotanshinone because it can bind to BCRP and significantly inhibit membrane dimer of BCRP although they are ERα-negative, suggesting that BCRP expression is essential to cryptotanshinone reversing the resistance; Meanwhile, the combination of cryptotanshinone and chemotherapy drugs could obviously enhance the chemotherapeutic effect. Conclusion: Cryptotanshinone is a novel natural BCRP inhibitor via blocking the formation of BCRP membrane dimer by an ERα-dependent and -independent way. Cryptotanshinone reverses resistance dependent on BCRP in breast cancer.
Human stool preservation impacts taxonomic profiles in 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics studies
Authors: Plauzolles Anne , Toumi Eya , Goutorbe Benoit , Bonnet Marion , Pénaranda Guillaume , Bidaut Ghislain , Chiche Laurent , Allardet-Servent Jérôme , Retornaz Frédérique , Halfon Philippe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Microbiotas play critical roles in human health, yet in most cases scientists lack standardized and reproducible methods. To date, stool sample preservation remains a source of technological bias in metagenomic sequencing, despite newly developed storage solutions. Studying those biases will help in identifying the appropriate stool preservation approach to promote the implementation of standard operating procedure and improve comparability across multiple microbiome studies. Results: Here, we conducted a comparative study of 10 storage methods for human stool over a 15-day period of storage at fluctuating temperatures. We first compared the performance of each stabilizer with observed bacterial composition variation within the same specimen. Then, we identified the nature of the observed variations to determine which bacterial populations were more impacted by the stabilizer. We found that DNA stabilizers display various stabilizing efficacies and affect the recovered bacterial profiles. Furthermore, our results showed that the bias associated with the stabilizers can be linked to the phenotypical characteristics of the bacterial populations present in the studied samples. Conclusions: Although newly developed storage solutions have improved our capacity to stabilize stool microbial content over time, they are nevertheless not devoid of biases. We therefore recommend considering the nature of these technological biases before claiming whether some microbes are beneficial or even deleterious to human health.
CCL19 has potential to be a prognostic biomarker and a modulator of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on TCGA database
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Wang Jinqiu , Gu Quan , Yang Yan , Ma Yajun , Zhang Quan'an 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The development of cancer was determined by not only the intrinsic properties of cancer cells, but also the communication between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). We applied ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms to calculate the immune/stromal component and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in TME of BC. The results showed that immune component in TME predicted patients’ survival and associated with progression of BC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily enriched in immune-related activities. Finally, CCL19 was acquired which shared the leading nodes in PPI network and was associated with patients’ survival. High expression of CCL19 predicted better prognosis and participated in progression of BC. Genes in CCL19 up-regulated group were enriched in immune-related activities and these functions might depend on the communications between CCL19 and multiple TICs in TIME. In conclusion, CCL19 functioned as a potential prognostic biomarker and a modulator of TIME in BC through communicating with various TICs.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Melanoma Development by Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Xu Guoyong , Liang Tuo , Yu Chaojie , Liao Shian , Zhang Zide , Lu Zhaojun , Wang Zequn , Chen Jiarui , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Liu Chong , Zhan Xinli 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify important genes associated with melanoma for further development of new target gene therapies and to analyze their significance in relation to prognosis.Materials and methods: Gene expression data for melanoma and normal tissue were downloaded from three databases. Differentially co-expressed genes were identified by WGCNA and DEGs analysis. These genes were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis as well as construction of the PPI, visualized with Cytoscape, and screened for the top 10 Hub genes using CytoHubba. We verified the protein levels of the Hub gene using the HPA database.Results: A total of 435 differentially co-expressed genes were obtained. Survival curves showed that high expression of FOXM1, EXO1, KIF20A, TPX2 and CDC20 in melanoma patients with 5 of the top 10 hub genes was associated with reduced overall survival (OS). The HPA database results showed that FOXM1, KIF20A, TPX2 and CDC20 showed upregulated expression in melanoma compared to normal tissues.Conclusion: FOXM1, KIF20A, TPX2, and CDC20 are prognosis-associated core genes of melanoma, and their high expression correlates with low prognosis of melanoma patients, and can be used as biomarkers for melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction.
WITHDRAWN: Intimate partner violence and mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami in Norway – the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey.
Authors: Eriksen Astrid M.A , Melhus Marita , Jacobsen Bjarne Koster , Schei Berit , Broderstad Ann-Ragnhild 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Mental health problems is an important contributor to the global burden of disease. Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and violence in childhood (CV) is associated with mental health problems. These issues are scarcely studied among the Sami. This study estimates the prevalence of IPV and its association to mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami, and whether the effect of IPV on mental health was altered by exposure to CV. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study estimating IPV and its association to mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami in Norway. Methods: This study was based on the cross-sectional SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey, a part of the Population-based Study on Health and Living Conditions in Regions with Sami and Norwegian Populations – the SAMINOR Study. Pearson’s chi-square tests and two-sample t-tests were used for testing differences between groups and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the association between IPV/CV and mental health problems (continuous scores of psychological distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress). Results: A total of 12.8% of women and 2.0% of men reported to have experienced any IPV (emotional, physical, and/or sexual). A significantly higher proportion of Sami women reported exposure to emotional (12.4% vs. 9.5%, p=.003), physical (11.6% vs. 6.9%, p<.001), and any IPV (17.2% vs. 11.8%, p<.001) compared to non-Sami women. There were no ethnic differences in sexual IPV among women (2.1% vs. 1.8%, p=.5). The study demonstrated that being exposed to emotional, physical, or sexual IPV is associated with mental health problems. The most severe mental health problems were observed among those who reported both IPV and CV. There were no ethnic differences in the association between the different types of IPV and mental health problems, and we observed overall similar results among men and women. Conclusions: The most severe mental health problems were observed for those who were exposed to both IPV and CV. It is therefore important for victims of IPV to address experiences of violence in childhood. The effect that IPV and CV have on mental health problems seems to be same, regardless of ethnicity and gender.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices associated with COVID-19 among health care workers: A cross-sectional study in India.
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Shivkumar , Kandasamy Sangeetha , Almohammed Omar A. , Abraham Bobby , Senthilkumar Monika 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background In India, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused phenomenal loss of lives and overburdened the health system. Low morale, fatigue and inadequate knowledge among health personnel are perceived threats to pandemic control. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) studies among HCWs can identify crucial knowledge gaps and gauge psychological impact. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 related current level of knowledge, attitude and practices among our HCWs. Methods A cross-sectional, electronically distributed, questionnaire-based study was conducted among HCWs. The questionnaire identified participants’ demographics and the current KAP related to COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were used to present the participants’ demographics and Chi-square test to assess differences among the participants’ demographics based KAP. α < 0.05 was used for statistical significance. The association between the knowledge, attitude and practices was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results Of 1,429 total participants, 71.9% belonged to age group 21-40 years. Female workers constituted 61.5%. Only 40.2% received any infection control training and 62.7% relied upon single source of information update. However, 82.9% of participants had adequate knowledge. Being married, urban dwelling and higher qualification were associated with knowledge adequacy (p<0.001). Interestingly, senior HCWs (age 41-50 years) were least likely to have adequate knowledge (74.1%). 84.2% had positive attitude towards COVID. Notably, 83.8% feared providing care to COVID patient. 93% practised safety precautions correctly most of the times and training had no influence on practise. Positive correlation was recognized between adequate knowledge and positive attitude (r=0.26). Conclusion More than 80% of HCWs in India had adequate knowledge, positive attitude and practiced safely most of the time. However pitfalls like poor training, knowledge uncertainties and fear of disease acquisition among HCWs need to be addressed. Adverse outcomes can be averted by structured training sessions and psychological support programs for HCWs.
U-shaped association between BMI and the risk of PAD in Chinese hypertensive population
Authors: Li Junpei , Zhan Aihua , Yu Yun , Zhou Wei , Zhu Lingjuan , Wang Tao , Bao Huihui , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: High body mass index (BMI) is a well-recognized risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. But its role in peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains perplexing. Our study evaluated the association of BMI with PAD in Chinese hypertensive population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with enrollment data from the Chinese H-type Hypertension Registry.10896 hypertensive patients aged ≥18 years were included in the final analysis. Results: The prevalence of PAD diagnosed by ABI in this study was 3.2% (n=351). A U-shaped relationship between BMI and PAD was found. Per SD increment (3.6 kg/m2) on the left side of the BMI threshold (BMI < 25.7 kg/m2) was associated with a 27% decreased in the adjusted risk of PAD [OR, 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60, 0.89; P=0.002]; BMI was significantly positively associated with the risk of PAD (OR, 1.52; 95% CI 1.52, 1.93; P=0.001) in those with BMI ≥25.7 kg/m2. Conclusion: A “U-shaped” relationship between BMI and the risk of PAD in Chinese hypertensive population was found. BMI with the lowest risk of PAD was estimated to be 25.7 kg/m2.
Internalizing behavior problems among hui nationality left-behind children in rural China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Lingling , Liu Miaomiao , Li Qiuli , Dai Xiuying , Li Lingui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Internalizing behavior problems (IBPs) of left-behind children (LBC) due to parental migration, such as depression and anxiety, has aroused widespread public health concern in China. Limited research to date has focused on studying IBP in Chinese hui nationality LBC. The aims of this present study were to explore the prevalence of IBP and its influencing factors among hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012-2013). The demographic data were investigated by a self-designed questionnaire. The caregivers or parents assessed internalizing behavior problems using Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL for parents). Children completed Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ for Children) and Piers-Harri Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS). Data on 383 hui nationality LBC aged 6–16 years used in this study were from a survey conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship among the independent variables with children’s internalizing behaviors. Results: The prevalence of IBP in hui nationality LBC and non-left-behind children (non-LBC) was 21.7% (83/383) and 18.2% (104/572), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them (χ2=1.774，P=0.183). However, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of IBP among hui nationality LBC (22.2%) and non-LBC (14.1) for boys (χ2=5.086，P=0.024). Controlling for gender and age, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high mother-favoring subjects (OR=2.697), medium neuroticism (OR=12.77) and high neuroticism (OR=8.436) were risk factors for IBP in hui nationality LBC.﻿Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration is a risk factor for IBP among hui nationality LBC in rural China. Positive measures should be taken to prevent the IBP of LBC in rural Hui nationality from the aspects of personality development and parental rearing patterns.
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy induced by ApoE Kyoto mutation in ApoE-deficient mice
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Yang Jing , Liu Yun-Qiang , Lei Song , Yang Mei , Yang Zhi , Yang Yuan , Hu Zhangxue 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a rare autosomal dominant kidney disease that is most commonly caused by mutations in ApoE Kyoto (p.R43C) and ApoE Sendai (p.R163P). Differences in phenotype among the various ApoE mutations have been suggested, but the pathogenic role of ApoE Kyoto has not been validated in an animal model. This study intended to establish an ApoE Kyoto murine model and to further compare the pathologic differences between ApoE Kyoto and ApoE Sendai.Methods: Male ApoE-deficient mice, 3 months of age, were divided into five groups, including the Ad-ApoE Sendai, Ad-ApoE Kyoto, Ad-ApoE3, Ad-eGFP, and ApoE (−/−) groups. The first four groups received recombinant adenovirus that contained the entire coding regions of the human ApoE Sendai and ApoE Kyoto, apoE3, and eGFP genes, respectively. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected at multiple time points. Lipid profiles and urine albumin–creatinine ratio were measured. Renal and aortic histopathologic alterations were analyzed.Results: After virus injection, plasma human ApoE was detected and rapidly reached the maximum level at 4–6 days in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto and Ad-ApoE Sendai groups (17.4 ± 3.1 µg/mL vs.: 22.2 ± 4.5 µg/mL, respectively) and at 2 days in the Ad-apoE3 group (38.4 µg/mL). The serum total cholesterol decreased by 63%, 65%, and 73% in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto, Ad-ApoE Sendai, and Ad-apoE3 groups, respectively. There were no significant changes in serum triglyceride and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio among the five groups. Typical lipoprotein thrombi with positive ApoE staining were detected in the ApoE Kyoto and ApoE Sendai groups. The Oil-red O-positive glomerular area tended to be higher in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto group (9.2%) than in the Ad-ApoE Sendai (3.9%), Ad-apoE3 (4.8%), Ad-eGFP (2.9%), and ApoE (−/−) (3.6%) groups. The atherosclerotic plaque area in the aorta was lower in the group injected with various ApoE mutations than in the group without injection of ApoE mutation.Conclusions: In this animal study, we first established an ApoE Kyoto mutation murine model and confirmed its pathogenic role in LPG. Our results suggested that LPG may be more severe with the ApoE Kyoto than with the ApoE Sendai.