bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RGS12 as a Novel Maternal-Effect Gene Causes Arrest at the Pronuclear Stage of Human Zygote
Authors: Ma Tianzhong , Zhang Chengpeng , Zhou Songxia , Xie Xuezhen , Chen Jingyao , Wang Jing , Gao Sini , Mai Ruiqin , Zhang Guohong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Early embryonic arrest is one of the major causes of female infertility after in vitro fertilization (IVF), but the causal gene of arrest at the pronuclear (PN) zygote stage is largely unknown. Results: To understand this process, we recruited a family characterized by recurrent PN arrest during IVF cycles and performed whole-exome sequencing. The missense variant c.C1630T (p.R544W) in RGS12 was responsible for a phenotype characterized by paternal transmission. RGS12 controls Ca2+ oscillation, which is required for oocyte activation after fertilization. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of PN-arrest zygotes revealed defective established translation, RNA processing and cell cycle, which explained the failure of complete oocyte activation. Furthermore, we identified proximal genes involved in Ca2+ oscillation–cytostatic factor–anaphase-promoting complex (Ca2+ oscillation–CSF–APC) signaling, including upregulated CaMKII, ORAI1, CDC20, and CDH1 and downregulated EMI1 and BUB3. The findings indicated abnormal spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations leading to oocytes with prolonged low CSF and high APC level, which resulted in defective nuclear envelope breakdown and DNA replication. The changes in levels of critical genes were confirmed by examining other independent PN-arrest zygotes. However, the PN-arrest zygote phenotype was not consistent with that of RGS12-deficient mice, thereby indicating species-specific functions between human and mouse. Conclusion: Our findings expand our knowledge of the genetic determinants of human early embryonic arrest at the PN stage and provide guidance for selecting clinically infertile individuals with PN-arrest zygotes for Ca2+ intervention.
Prevalence of Y Chromosome Microdeletion Among Mongolian Infertile Men With Azoospermia and Severe Oligozoospermia
Authors: Damdinsuren Erdenesuvd , Naidansuren Purevjargal , Gochoo Mendsaikhan , Choi Bum-Chae , Choi Min Youp , Baldandorj Bolorchimeg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Backgound: Y chromosome microdeletions are the second most common genetic causes in male infertility. The aim of the present study was to reveal the patterns of Y chromosome microdeletions among Mongolian infertile men. Method: A descriptive study was performed to 75 infertile men during February 2017 to December 2018. Y chromosome microdeletions were identified by PCR. Semen parameters, hormonal levels, testis biopsy were determined. All collected data were evaluated with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22.0).Results: Among 75 infertile men, 2 cases of Y chromosome microdeletions were determined (2.66%). The first case had AZFa complete deletion and the other one had AZFc partial deletion. The azoospermia patient with AZFa complete deletion had Sertoli cell only syndrome in the testis biopsy, FSH 58.0 mIU/ml and LH 12.0 mIU/ml. The azoospermia patient with AZFc partial deletion showed FSH 23.85 mIU/ml and LH 13.01 mIU/ml. Serum FSH level was significantly higher in the Y chromosome microdeletion patients (p value 0.016). Conclusion: This study determined Y chromosome microdeletion among Mongolian infertile men to be at 2.66%. Our results showed FSH level is the best predictor of a successful TESE. However, best cut off value for FSH was 9.69 mIU/ml with a sensitivity and specificity 85.6% and 83.3% respectively. There is a possibility that sperm retrieval will be difficult from the TESE since the testicular tissue is severely damaged. The findings can be applied to IVF and Assisted Reproductive Techonology, and our results will help clinicians improve treatment management for Mongolian infertile couples.
Parent-Adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues and Associated Factors Among Secondary and Preparatory School Students in Agaro town, Jimma Zone Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abdissa Daba , Sileshi Workitu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Adolescents are rarely provided with adequate information about their development, especially in regard to sexuality. This problem has exposed the adolescents to the risk of many sexual and reproductive health problems. Parents have significant role to reduce sexual risk behaviors and promote healthy adolescent sexual development. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues among secondary and preparatory school students in Agaro town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: School based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13-20/2019 using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire entered into Epi data version 3.1; and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A variable having a p-value of <0.25 in the bivariable model was subjected to multivariable analysis to avoid the confounding variable’s effect. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at the 95% confidence interval and considered significant with a p-value of <0.05.Results: A total of 315 students were included to the study. The mean age of the respondents was 20.2±2.6 years. The study finding showed that 61.3% of the participants were discussed on SRH issues with their parents. Educational status of mother [primary education (AOR=3.67; 95%CI:1.93,6.97),secondary education(AOR:2.86;95%CI:1.2,6.8)],educational status of father[primary education (AOR=5.8;95%CI:2.8,12.3,secondary education (AOR=3.21; 95%CI:1.55,6.59)],having family size of <5 (AOR= 6.4; 95%CI: 3.36,12.37) and having boy/girlfriend(AOR=1.99; 95%CI:1,3.8) were significantly associated with parent adolescent communication. Conclusion: About two third of the participants communicate with their parents. parents’ educational status, family size of <5 and having boy/girlfriend were significantly associated with the communication.
Nrf2 is required for structural and metabolic maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Ye Liang , Xu Hao , Zhou Qin , Tan Bin , Yi Qin , Yan Liang , Xie Min , Zhang Ying , Tian Jie , Zhu Jing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) hold great promise for regenerative medicine and in vitro screening. Despite displaying key cardiomyocyte phenotypic characteristics, they more closely resemble fetal/neonatal cardiomyocytes and are still immature, these cells mainly rely on glucose as a substrate for metabolic energy, while mature cardiomyocytes mainly employ oxidative phosphorylation of fatty acids. Studies showed that the alteration of metabolism pattern from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation improve the maturity of hiPSC-CMs. As a transcription factor, accumulating evidences showed the important role of Nrf2 in the regulation of energy metabolism, which directly regulates the expression of mitochondrial respiratory complexes. Therefore, we hypothesized that Nrf2 is involved in the maturation of hiPSC-CMs.
Methods
The morphological and functional changes related to mitochondria and cell maturation were analyzed by knock-down and activation of Nrf2.
Results
The results showed that the inhibition of Nrf2 led to the retardation of cell maturation. The activation of Nrf2 leads to a more mature hiPSC-CMs phenotype, as indicated by the increase of cardiac maturation markers, sarcomere length, calcium transient dynamics, the number and fusion events of mitochondria, and mitochondrial respiration. Bioinformatics analysis showed that in addition to metabolism-related genes, Nrf2 also activates the expression of myocardial ion channels.
Conclusions
These findings indicated that Nrf2 plays an important role in the maturation of hiPSC-CMs. The present work provides greater insights into the molecular regulation of hiPSC-CM metabolism and theoretical basis in drug screening, disease modeling and alternative treatment.
MicroRNA in Children with Asthma: Findings from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Authors: Liu Min , Lv Jian-Hai , Wu Lei , Tang Lan-Fang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the pathogenesis of miRNA in asthma by measuring the microRNAs (miRNAs) levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells of children with asthma.Methods: A total of 15 children with asthma were enrolled as the asthma group and another 13 children who were subjected to airway foreign removal within 24 hours were enrolled as the control group. The levels of miRNAs were measured by miRNA microarray and verified by qRT-PCR. The expression of target genes E-cadherin was assessed as well.Results: A total of 65 miRNAs in the BALF cells of the asthma group were different from those in the control group. Six miRNAs of miR-34/449 family and seven miRNAs of miR-200 family were decreased. For 13 differentially expressed miRNAs, qRT-PCR confirmed that 10 miRNAs were consistent with the results of miRNAs microarray, including miR-34b-3p, miR-34b-5p, miR-34c-3p, miR-34c-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200a-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200b-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-141-3p. E-cadherin, the predicted target of miR-34/449 family and miR-200 family, was down-regulated in children with asthma as well.Conclusions: These data suggested that miRNAs, especially the miR-34/449 and miR-200 families, were involved in the mechanism of childhood asthma by regulating E-cadherin expression. Further studies on the mechanism of miRNAs in asthma are required.
Expression Profiling of the Dof Gene Family Under Abiotic Stresses in Spinach
Authors: Yu Hongying , Ma Yaying , Lu Yijing , Yue Jingjing , Ming Ray 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors are plant-specific transcription factors involved in numerous pathways of plant development, especially in respond to abiotic stresses. Although genome-wide analysis of this gene family has been performed in many species, Dof genes in spinach have not been thoroughly analyzed. We performed a genome-wide analysis and characterization of Dof gene family in spinach. Twenty two Dof genes were identified and classified into four groups with nine subgroups, which was further corroborated by gene structure and motif analyses. Ka/Ks analysis revealed that SoDofs were subjected to purify selection. Using Cis-acting elements analysis, SoDofs were involved in plant growth and development, plant hormones and stress responses. Expression profiling demonstrated that SoDofs expressed in leaf and inflorescence, and responded to cold, heat, and drought stresses. SoDof22 expressed the highest level in male flowers and under cold stress. These results provided a genome-wide analysis of SoDof genes, their gender- and tissue-specific expression, and response to abiotic stresses. The knowledge and resources gained from these analyses will benefit spinach improvement.
Stress-induced Differential Gene Expression in Cardiac Tissue
Authors: de Carvalho Ana Elisa , Cordeiro Marco , Rodrigues Luana , Ortolani Daniela , Spadari Regina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The stress response is adaptive and aims to guarantee survival. However, the persistence of a stressor can culminate in pathology. Catecholamines released as part of the stress response over activate beta adrenoceptors (β-AR) in the heart. Whether and how stress affects the expression of components of the intracellular environment in the heart is still, however, unknown. This paper used microarray to analyze the gene expression in the left ventricle wall of rats submitted to foot shock stress, treated or not treated with the selective β2-AR antagonist ICI118,551 (ICI), compared to those of non-stressed rats also treated or not with ICI, respectively. The main findings were that stress induces changes in gene expression in the heart and that β2-AR plays a role in this process. The vast majority of genes disregulated by stress were exclusive for only one of the comparisons, indicating that, in the same stressful situation, the profile of gene expression in the heart is substantially different when the β2-AR is active or when it is blocked. Stress induced alterations in the expression of such a large number of genes seems to be an adaptive reaction, aimed at sustaining heart function and protecting cardiomyocytes from apoptosis.
Online Mental Health Survey for Addressing Psychosocial Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Instrument Evaluation
Authors: Sunjaya Deni , Sumintono Bambang , Gunawan Elvine , Herawati Dewi , Hidayat Teddy 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Regular monitoring of the pandemic’s psychosocial impact could be conducted among the community but is limited through online media. This study aims to evaluate the self-rating questionnaire commonly used for online monitoring of the psychosocial implications of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The data was taken from the online assessment results of two groups, with a total of 765 participants. The instruments studied were: Self-Rating Questionnaire (SRQ-20), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10), used in the online assessment. Data analysis used Rasch modeling and Winsteps applications. Validity and reliability were tested, data were fit with the model, rating scale, and item fit analysis.Results: All the scales for outfit mean square (MnSq) were very close to the ideal value of 1.0, and the Chi-square test was significant. Item reliability was greater than 0.67, item separation was greater than 3, and Cronbach’s alpha was greater than 0.60; all the instruments were considered very good. The raw variance explained by measures for the SRQ-20, PTSD, and CESD-10 was 30.7%, 41.6%, and 47.6%, respectively. The unexplained Eigen-value variances in the first contrast were 2.3, 1.6, and 2.0 for the SRQ-20, PTSD, and CESD-10, respectively. All items had positive point-measure correlations. Conclusions: The internal consistency of all the instruments was reliable. Data were fit to the model as the items were productive for measurement and had a reasonable prediction. All the scales are functionally one-dimensional.
Stress-induced Alterations of Mesocortical and Mesolimbic Dopaminergic Pathways
Authors: Quessy Francis , Bittar Thibault , Blanchette Léa-Jeanne , Lévesque Martin , Labonte Benoit 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Our ability to develop the cognitive strategies required to deal with daily-life stress is regulated by region-specific neuronal networks. Experimental evidences suggest that prolonged stress in mice induces depressive-like behaviors via morphological, functional and molecular changes affecting the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. Yet, the molecular interactions underlying these changes are still poorly understood and whether they affect males and females similarly is unknown. Here, we used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in male and female mice. Density of the mesolimbic and cortical projections was assessed via immuno-histochemistry combined with Sholl analysis along with the staining of the activity-dependent markers pERK and c-Fos in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We showed that social stress decreases the density of dopaminergic axonal projections to the mPFC but not to the NAc in susceptible and resilient mice. This was accompanied by sex-specific alterations of pERK and c-Fos expression in the VTA of susceptible but not resilient mice. Our results indicate that social defeat stress impacts the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways by altering the molecular interactions regulating somatic and axonal plasticity differently in males and females.
FXYD2 mRNA Expression Represents a New Independent Factor That Affects Survival of Glioma Patients and Predicts Chemosensitivity of Patients to Temozolomide
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhou Kaijia , Jiang Tao , Liang Hui , Zhang Ming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor. Owing to the poor prognosis associated with high-grade gliomas, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers related to prognosis and treatment sensitivity. Clinical features, FXYD2 mRNA expression levels, and survival data were analyzed for 1265 glioma samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Map Project and two independent databases. The expression patterns for FXYD2 mRNA were compared using the chi-square test, and overall survival (OS) of glioma patients was evaluated according to FXYD2 mRNA expression levels. The factors affecting glioma survival were evaluated by Cox univariate and multivariate regression analysis. We found patients with primary oligodendroglioma, low World Health Organization (WHO) grade, low WHO molecular grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, and combined deletion of 1p19q showed higher FXYD2 mRNA expression and longer survival times. Moreover, temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy was found to be an independent factor affecting survival in patients with high FXYD2 mRNA expression, but not in patients with low expression. So FXYD2 mRNA expression represents a new independent factor affecting the survival of glioma patients and may serve as an independent prognostic indicator to predict the sensitivity of gliomas to TMZ.
Comparative Analysis of Arterial Stiffness Between Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Healthy People
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hui , Liu Peng , Huang Qiu-Ling , Liu Yun-Qiu , Zhang Sheng-Tao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Analyze and compare the difference in arterial stiffness between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy people. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 83 patients with COPD who were treated the observation group; 80 healthy people were selected as the control group during the same period. Pearson correlation analysis software was used to analyze the correlation between arterial stiffness and ultrasound index in COPD patients. Results: The ultrasound RI and PI level of observation group were lower than those of control group and PI level (t=6.326, 8.321, P=0.000). Observation group IMT (1.36±0.13) mm, total plaque area (19.75±2.19) cm2, plaque number (1.67±0.64) were higher than control group IMT (0.94±0.10) mm, total plaque area (5.84±1.32) cm2, number of plaques (0.82±0.30) (t=4.574, 7.493, 5.093, P=0.000). The arterial stiffness (1585.49±14.36) cm/s and ABI level (1.63±0.24) of the observation group were higher than the arterial stiffness (1142.45±10.77) cm/s and ABI level (1.12±0.16) of the control group (t=6.392, 5.109, P=0.000). Arterial stiffness in COPD patients was negatively correlated with ABI, RI, PI levels (P<0.05); positively correlated with IMT, total plaque area, and plaque number (P<0.05). Conclusion The arterial stiffness of COPD patients is higher than that of healthy people; the ultrasound index can be used as an auxiliary indicator for clinical prediction of arterial stiffness, which is helpful to improve the accuracy of prediction and thus better guide clinical intervention in high-risk groups of COPD in time.
Observations from the Hydrolysis of the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus Droebachiensis)
Authors: Solstad Runar Gjerp , James Philip 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
There is a large amount of co-product generated by the sea urchin fisheries around the world, as well as a growing interest in removing large quantities of undersize and low value sea urchins from barren areas in the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The authors believe there is scope to develop a hydrolysate product from this and this study gives preliminary observations on the characteristics of hydrolysate from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The biochemical composition for S. droebachiensis were; water 64.1%, protein 3.4%, oil 0.9% and ash 29.8%. Amino acid composition, molecular weight distribution, lipid-class and fatty acid composition are also presented. The authors suggest a sensory-panel mapping be undertaken on future sea urchin hydrolysates. Possible uses for the hydrolysate are unclear at this stage but the combination of amino acids and the relatively high levels of Glycine, Aspartic acid, and Glutamic acid should be further investigated.
Intermedin promotes breast cancer metastasis via Src/c-Myc-mediated ribosome production and protein translation
Authors: Kong Lingmiao , Xiao Fei , Wei Yong'gang , Feng Zhongxue , Li Min , Huang Luping , Zhang Haili , Wang Denian , Li Hongyu , Liu Fei , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. Intermedin (IMD) is an endogenous peptide that belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide family and has been reported to play important roles in several types of cancers, including breast cancer. In this study, we sought to investigate how IMD affects the behavior of breast cancer cells, the underlying mechanism of these effects, and whether blockade of IMD has a therapeutic effect against breast cancer.
Methods
Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), cell biological experiments, Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), and animal tumor models were used.
Results
IMD expression was significantly increased in breast cancer samples, and the IMD level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and Ki67 expression. Cell biological experiments showed that IMD promoted the anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Inhibiting IMD activity with an anti-IMD monoclonal antibody blocked these tumor-promoting effects. In addition, blockade of IMD reduced in situ tumor growth and significantly decreased lung metastasis of 4T1 breast cancer in vivo. IMD induced Src kinase phosphorylation, which triggered the transcription of c-Myc, a major oncoprotein controlling the expression of genes that encode ribosomal components. Our data suggest that IMD is involved in breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis, potentially through increasing ribosome biogenesis and protein translation via the Src/c-Myc signaling pathway.
Conclusion
These results suggest that IMD may be a novel target for the treatment of breast cancer.