bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FLNC and MYLK2 gene mutations in a Chinese family with different phenotypes of cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qin Xianyu , Li Ping , Qu Hui-Qi , Liu Yichuan , Xia Yu , Chen Shaoxian , Yang Yongchao , Huang Shufang , Wen Pengju , Zhou Xianwu , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Yonghua , Tian Lifeng , Hakonarson Hakon , Wu Yueheng , Zhuang Jian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Mutations in the sarcomeric protein filamin C (FLNC) gene have been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in which they increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. In this study, we identified a novel missense mutation of FLNC in a Chinese family with HCM and interestingly a second novel truncating mutation of MYLK2 in one family member with different phenotype.
Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese family with HCM of unknown cause. To validate the function of a novel mutation of FLNC, we introduced the mutant and wild-type gene into AC16 cells (human cardiomyocytes), and used western blotting to analyze the expression of FLNC in subcellular fractions, and confocal microscope to observe the subcellular distribution of the protein.
Results

We identified a novel missense single nucleotide variant (FLNC c.G5935A [p.A1979T]) in the family, which segregates with the disease. FLNC expression levels were equivalent in both wild type and p.A1979T cardiomyocytes. However, expression of the mutant protein resulted in cytoplasmic protein aggregations, in contrast to wild type FLNC, which was distributed in the cytoplasm and did not form aggregates. Unexpectely, a second truncating mutation, NM_033118:exon8:c.G1138T:p.E380X of the MYLK2 gene, was identified in the mother of the proband with dilated cardiomyopathy, but absent in other subjects.
Conclusion

We identified the FLNC A1979T mutation as a novel pathogenic variant associated with HCM in a Chinese family, as well as a second causal mutation in a family member with a distinct phenotype. The possibility of more than one causal mutations in cardiomyopathy warrants clinical attention, especially for patients with atypical clinical features.
Clonal Diversity of the B cell Receptor Repertoire in Patients with Coronary in-Stent Restenosis and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Weng Ruiqiang , Liu Sudong , Gu Xiaodong , Zhong Zhixiong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Coronary artery disease patients with diabetes mellitus may have a higher risk for clinical and angiographic restenosis. Evidence has suggested that B cells play a functional role in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clonal diversity of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) and diabetes mellitus.Methods In the present study, we had enrolled 21 patients with ISR and DM or not and collected the peripheral blood mononuclear cell. The DNA was extrated and then we performed DNA-seq analysis to character the B-cell receptor profiles (BCR) of CAD patients with or without ISR. The BCR diversity and the overlap was evaluate by the bioinformatics base on the DNA-seq data.Result Seq-data showed that the diversity of amino acids was altered in patients with ISR. Specifically, 6 V gene segments as well as 41 V/J pairs exhibited different frequencies in patients with ISR, with the altered common amino acid sequences reaching 0.1–1.01% in ISR patients.Conclusion The present findings suggest that B cells may play a role in the occurrence of ISR and that further analysis of BCR profiles would enhance understanding of ISR.
Electrical, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties of Mg2+ Doped Zn-Co-La Spinel Ferrites for High Microwave Frequency (5.7-13.4 GHz) Applications
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Sajjad Ul , Morley Nicola A , Ali Syed Shahbaz , Amin Nasir , Bibi Aisha , Arshad Muhammad Imran , Nabi Muhammad Ajaz Un , Ali Adnan , Mahmood Khalid , Aslam Asma 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the present research work, Mg 2+ is inserted into Zn 0.4 Co 0.6-x Mg x Fe 1.9 La 0.1 O 4 (X = 0.00, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60) soft ferrites prepared by the co-precipitation method. Structural, optical, vibrational, dielectric, electrical and magnetic properties were explored by XRD, SEM, UV, FTIR, SMU two probe, Raman, LCR and VSM methods respectively. XRD pattern revealed the formation of cubic spinel structure in all fabricated nanoferrites by the replacement of Co 2+ ions with Mg 2+ ions. UV-Vis also verified the substitution. The declining nature of optical band gap in the range of 2.65 – 1.85 eV were observed by UV-Vis proving the Mg 2+ ions replacement. Uniform spherical shaped nanoparticles were inspected by SEM investigation in form of microimages confirming the XRD outcomes. DC Electrical resistivity showed remarkable decreasing trend with the enhancement of Mg 2+ concentration from 4.61 x 10 9 to 5.39 x 10 6 Ω-cm as Mg 2+ is more conductive than Co 2+ . Five active phonon modes of Raman were examined by Raman spectroscopy. Dielectric parameters including dielectric losses and impedance demonstrated diminishing trends with the enrichment of Mg 2+ contents. Various magnetic parameters such as magnetic moment (μ B ), anisotropy constant (K), initial permeability (μ i ), Y-K angles (α y-k ) and microwave frequency (ω m ) were disclosed for all nanoferrites. Coercivity (H c ), squareness (SQ), remanance (M r ) and saturation magnetization (M s ) all illustrated significant reducing trends with the addition of Mg 2+ contents. Hence fabricated spinel ferrite materials are highly acceptable in microwave devices and in electrical transformers to remove eddy current losses.
Combination of chondrocytes with chondrons improves Proteoglycan and Collagen-2 production to promote the repairs of defective knee cartilage in rabbits
Authors: Duan Wangping , Zhao Yu , Ren Xiaochun , Zhao Ruipeng , Li Qi , Sun Zhenwei , Song Wenjie , Yang Yanfei , Li Pengcui , Wei Xiaochun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Chondrons are composed of chondrocytes and the surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM) and function to enhance chondrocyte-mediated cartilage tissue engineering. This study aimed at investigating the potential effect of combined chondrocytes with chondrons on the production of proteoglycan and collagen-II (Col-2) and the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits.Methods: Chondrocytes and chondrons were isolated from the knee cartilage of rabbits, and cultured alone or co-cultured for varying periods in vitro. Their morphology was characterized by histology and immunohistochemistry. The levels of aggrecan (AGG), Col-2 and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) expression were quantified by qRT-PCR, Alcian Blue-based precipitation and ELISA. The effect of combined chondrocytes with chondrons in alginate spheres on the repair of defective knee cartilage was examined in rabbits.Results: The isolated chondrocytes and chondrons displayed unique morphology and began to proliferate on day 3 and 6 post culture, respectively, accompanied by completely degenerated PCM on day 6 post culture. Evidently, chondrocytes had stronger proliferation capacity than chondrons. Longitudinal analyses indicated that culture of chondrons, but not chondrocytes, increased AGG mRNA transcripts and GAG levels with time and Col-2 mRNA transcripts only on day 3 post culture. Compared with chondrocytes or chondrons alone, co-culture of chondrocytes and chondrons significantly up-regulated AGG and Col-2 expression and GAG production, particularly at a ratio of 1:1. Implantation with chondrocytes and chondrons at 1:1 significantly promoted the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits, accompanied by reduced the Wakiteni scores with time. Conclusion: Combined chondrons with chondrocytes promoted the production of proteoglycan and Col-2 and the repair of defective knee cartilage in rabbits.
Awareness of COVID-19 amongst undergraduate dental students in India – A questionnaire based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kashid Rhea Vivek , Shidhore Asawari Awadhut , Kazi Mohammad Mukhit , Patil Sameer 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease caused by SARS-COV2, a potentially fatal disease has become a global public health concern. As the understanding of this novel disease is evolving, dental students and professionals should have an in-depth knowledge and understanding and should be updated with the practices that have to be adapted to identify a possible COVID-19 infection. Aim and Objectives To assess awareness about COVID-19 amongst undergraduate dental students. Material and methods A 28-item self-administered close ended questionnaire assessing awareness about COVID-19 was shared through online portal. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence intervals with p value <0.05; statistically significant. Results The maximum number of students were in the average knowledge category (48.9%), followed by good knowledge (47.5%) Our results show that the overall mean knowledge score of all the undergraduate students was 12.67 (+ 2.98), which comes under the category “Good”. The practice domain states that most of the students were first informed of the disease through media. Conclusion The undergraduate dental students in different colleges in India are well aware of the different clinical aspects of the disease. More emphasis should be put on updating their knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment component of the COVID-19 disease.
Impacts of Intensive Land use on Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Central China
Authors: ZENG QUANCHAO , Meitang Yingze , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Wu Yonghong , Tan Wenfeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The impacts of the conversion of natural to agricultural ecosystem on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions are still disputable. Here, we compared the soil biodiversity (bacteria and fungi) and ecosystem functions of citrus orchards in different stages of succession (5–30 years) with those in adjacent natural ecosystems. Different management strategies were also considered for one of this stage (15 years). Results: The results indicate that changes from natural vegetation land to citrus orchards would lead to reduced soil bacterial diversity, as well as significant declines in multiple ecosystem functions associated with C cycle after 30 years of citrus plantation. However, the functions associated with N and P cycle were enhanced by the plantation. Citrus plantation negatively affected the C cycle by reducing the soil microbial diversity. Reduction in soil bacterial biodiversity was indirectly driven by increased soil acidification resulting from citrus plantation, while wheat straw addition could alleviate the reduction (15-year stage). Compared with natural vegetation, citrus plantation also reduced the relative abundance of multiple phylotypes, including Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Subgroup_6, Subgroup_4, Anaerolineae and Bacteroidia. The ecological clusters of soil bacteria and fungi were significantly associated with multiple ecosystem functions, suggesting that citrus planting altered multiple ecosystem functions via ecological clusters. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that soil biodiversity, soil functions and C:N:P coupling are sensitive to the conversion of natural vegetation land to agricultural land, and further suggest that proper management of soil acidification can address some negative impacts of land use conversion on soil biodiversity and functions.
Men Show Higher Neural Sensitivity to Wins – Large or Small – than Women in the Monetary Incentive Delay Task
Authors: Dhingra Isha , Zhang Sheng , Zhornitsky Simon , Wang Wuyi , Le Thang M , Li Chiang-Shan Ray 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Men and women show differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, which may impact behavior in health and disease. However, the neural bases of these sex differences remain under-investigated. Here, by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT), we examined sex differences in the neural responses to monetary wins and losses and how these regional activities vary with individual reward and punishment sensitivity. Methods Sixty-three healthy adults (27 women) participated in the fMRI study with a 3-Tesla scanner. Sensitivity to punishment (SP) and sensitivity to reward (SR) were assessed with the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). In the MIDT, participants pressed a button to collect either $1, 1¢, or nil, with the reaction time window titrated across trials to achieve ~67% success. Imaging data were processed with published routines and evaluated with a corrected threshold. Results The results showed higher SP score in women vs. men and higher SR score in men vs. women. Compared to women, men also showed higher response to the receipt of dollar or cent reward in the medial prefrontal cortex, in the area of the supplementary motor cortex. Regional responses to loss did not show sex differences. Further, in a whole-brain regression, activation of the caudate head during 1¢ loss was correlated positively with SR score in men but not in women, and the sex difference was confirmed by a slope test. Conclusions Together, men showed higher SR and neural sensitivity to the receipt of reward, big or small, than women. Individual differences in SR could be reflected by caudate response to a small loss in men. These findings highlight how men and women may differ in reward-related brain activations in the MIDT and add to the imaging literature of sex differences in cognitive and affective functions.
The in vitro Efficacy of Two Microbial Strains and Physicochemical Effects on their Aflatoxin Decontamination in Poultry Feeds
Authors: Tebetyo Zakia , Bogere Paul , Nabulime Margaret M. , Kaaya Archileo N. , Gnonlonfin Benoit , Ntale Mohammed , Nakavuma Jesca 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Contamination of animal feeds with aflatoxigenic fungi is a challenge to livestock farmers worldwide. Aflatoxins are very toxic fungal metabolites that are associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and estrogenic effects. The toxins affect animal productivity and may lead to deaths, causing enormous economic losses. Aflatoxin decontamination is a challenge to the feed industry, despite the several approaches available. This study investigated the efficacy of two microbial isolates, Bacillus spp (B285) and Yeast strain (Y833), in reducing Aflatoxin concentration in poultry feeds in comparison with a commonly used commercial chemical binder, Bentonite. The influence of the poultry feed matrix, pH, and temperature on the aflatoxin reducing activity by the two microorganisms was also explored. Results: The in vitro studies showed that the two microorganisms and the chemical binder reduced aflatoxins by over 74% of the original concentration. The chemical binder registered the highest reduction at 93.4%; followed by Y833 (83.6%), then the combination of Y833 and B285 (77.9%); and lastly B285 (74.9%). There was no significant (p>0.05) influence of temperature on the toxin reducing capacity of all the agents tested. The pHs 4.5 and 6.5 did not have a significant effect on the performance of both chemical binder and biological agents, however, the former performed better at pH 6.5 with 95% aflatoxin reduction compared to the microorganisms. The aflatoxin reducing activity was lower in presence of feeds compared to that in Phosphate Buffered Saline except for Y833 where no difference was observed. Conclusions: Although the feed components affected the aflatoxin reducing capacity of the test materials, the chemical binder was more effective than the microbial agents. Yeast strain was more effective than the bacterial strain in reducing the aflatoxin levels, however, both are promising strategies for countering the aflatoxin challenges in animal feeds. In response to the advocacy for use of biological control agents, there is need for more investigations to establish the safety of the microorganisms, the mechanism of decontamination and safety of the products; the optimum concentrations that can reduce aflatoxins in feeds to permissible levels and the effect of the toxin contamination levels on microbial efficiency.
A systematic review and meta-analysis: Female smokers,even former smokers lead higher incidence of psoriasis in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with biological agents.
Authors: Yang Meiqi , Liu Weixin , Deng Qiuping , Liang Zeng , Wang Qin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: At present, infliximab(IFX) and adalimumab(ADA) are the classic drugs for the treatment of moderate-severe inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), which prove effective for the disease control. However, the side effects need to be monitored during the therapy process, especially the paradoxical reaction of the skin system such as psoriasis, which could greatly benefit quality of patients’ life.Aim: In order to describe and analyze TNF-antagonist-induced psoriasis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the aspects of incidence, pathogenesis, distribution and type of lesions, prognosis and treatment, the incidence of psoriasis induced by Infliximab (IBD) and Adalimumab (ADA) in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disease (IBD) as well as the relationship between sex, smoking and the incidence of psoriasis were investigated.Methods: Literatures in English language meeting the qualifications on Pubmeb, Embase, Web of Science, Google, and Geenmedical databases were searched . More than two co-authors evaluated the quality of the article and extracted the data respectively. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by statistical software of Revman and Stata.Results: 1) The incidence of psoriasis was higher in ADA Group (OR 0.66, P<0.05, 95% CI (0.52-0.84) ; 2) The incidence of psoriasis was higher in females than in males (OR 1.54, P<0.05, 95% CI (1.27-1.86)) ; 3) Smoking increased the incidence of psoriasis (OR 1.79, P<0.01, 95% CI (1.42-2.24); 4) Psoriasis is mainly distributed in the Scalp, Palmoplantar, skin folds and limbs, and often occurs in the genital organs, the pathogenesis of which is not completely clear; the interval of medication is more than one year, and the interval of medication using IFX is longer than that of ADA Group; most cases can be relieved by local hormone, phototherapy or systemic hormone therapy without changing the strategy of biological agents.Conclusion: The incidence of psoriasis induced by TNF-antagonists is higher in many autoimmune diseases. The frequency of reported in inflammatory bowel disease is higher than other autoimmune diseases, and the safety of ADA Treatment for IBD is higher than that of IFX The incidence of psoriasis is higher in women than in men; the incidence of psoriasis is significantly higher in smokers / ex-smokers than in non-smokers. The interval of drug use of TNF-antagonists may be a predictive factor for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis, and there are differences among different kinds of TNF-antagonists. Change of therapeutic strategy of TNF-antagonists is not recommended in the event of psoriasis.
New Accurate Approximation for Average Symbol Error Probability Under κ-μ Shadowed Fading Channel
Authors: Mouchtak Yassine , Bouanani Faissal El 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This paper proposes new accurate approximations for average symbol error probability (ASEP) of a communication system employing either M-phase-shift keying (PSK) or differential quaternary PSK (DQPSK) modulation schemes, with Gray coding over κ-μ shadowed fading channel. Firstly, new accurate approximations of symbol error probability (SEP) of both modulation schemes are derived over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Leveraging the trapezoidal integral method, a tight SEP's approximation for M-PSK modulation is presented, while new upper and lower bounds for Marcum $Q$-function of the first order (MQF), and subsequently those for SEP under DQPSK scheme, are proposed. Next, these bounds are linearly combined to propose a highly accurate SEP's approximation. The key idea manifested in the decrease property of modified Bessel function $I_{v}$, strongly related with MQF, with its argument v. Finally, theses approximations are used to tackle ASEP's approximation under $\kappa-\mu$ shadowed fading. Numerical results show the accuracy of the presented approximations compared to the exact ones.
Alemtuzumab mediates T-regulatory response via macrophagal CD23.
Authors: Remez Lital , Cohen Esther Ganelin , Safina Dina , Hellman Mark , Lotan Itay , Bosak Noam , Buxbaum Chen , Vaknin Adi , Shifrin Alla , Rozenberg Ayal 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Alemtuzumab (ALM) effectively prevents multiple sclerosis (MS)​ relapses. It causes lymphocytic depletion with subsequent enhancement of T-regulatory cell population. Direct administration of ALM to T-cells causes cytolysis. However, the T-cells may be indirectly affected by myeloid cells, which are resistant to ALM cytotoxicity. Does ALM modulate monocytes? Does the cross-talk between exposed monocytes and lymphocytes result in anti-inflammatory effects?Methods: CD14​+​ monocytes of 10 healthy controls and 10 MS (treatment naïve) patients were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), exposed to ALM and reintroduced to PBMCs depleted from CD14​+​ cells. After treatment, macrophage profile and T-cells markers were measured. Results: ALM promoted M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, noted by increased​ percentage of CD23​+​, CD83​+ ​and CD163+​ cells. CD23​+​ cells were the most prominently upregulated (7-fold, p=0.0002). Observed effect was larger in MS patients compared to healthy subjects. The exposed macrophages increased the proportion of T-regulatory cells, without affecting T-effector cells. ​ Neutralization of​ monocytic CD23 reversed the effect on T-regulatory cells. Conclusions: ALM enabled monocytes’ conversion towards anti-inflammatory​ macrophages, which in turn promoted T-regulatory enhancement, in CD23 dependent manner. These findings suggest an ALM mechanism of action, which may explain some aspects of the MS pathogenesis.