bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of fecal microbiota transplantation in Parkinson's disease patients with constipation
Authors: Kuai Xiao-yi , Yao Xiao-han , Xu Li-juan , Zhou Yu-qing , Zhang Li-ping , Liu Yi , Pei Shao-fang , Zhou Chun-li 
Published: May 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and 70–80% of PD patients suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction such as constipation. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating PD related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. We conducted a prospective, single- study. Eleven patients with PD received FMT. Fecal samples were collected before and after FMT and subjected to 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene sequencing. Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) grade, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, and the Non-Motion Symptom Questionnaire (NMSS) were used to assess improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms. PAC-QOL score and Wexner constipation score were used to assess the patient's constipation symptoms. All patients were tested by the small intestine breath hydrogen test, performed before and after FMT. Community richness (chao) and microbial structure in before-FMT PD patients were significantly different from the after-FMT. We observed an increased abundance of Blautia and Prevotella in PD patients after FMT, while the abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased dramatically. After FMT, the H-Y grade, UPDRS, and NMSS of PD patients decreased significantly. Through the lactulose H2 breath test, the intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in PD patients returned to normal. The PAC-QOL score and Wexner constipation score in after-FMT patients decreased significantly. Our study profiles specific characteristics and microbial dysbiosis in the gut of PD patients. FMT might be a therapeutic potential for reconstructing the gut microbiota of PD patients and improving their motor and non-motor symptoms.
The mutual regulatory loop between TPTEP1 and miR-1303 in leukemogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Li , Zhao Weidong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as key regulators during the pathogenesis and development of cancers. However, most of ncRNAs have never been explored in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods
Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Functional assays were performed to assess the cellular processes in AML cells. The relationship between genes was verified by means of a series of mechanism assays.

Results
Transmembrane phosphatase with tensin homology pseudogene 1 (TPTEP1) was notably downregulated in AML cells, and functionally acted as a proliferation-inhibitor. Additionally, TPTEP1 suppressed AML cell growth by inactivating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-JUN signaling pathway. MicroRNA (MiR)-1303, as an oncogene, was predicted and validated as a target of c-JUN in AML cells. Also, TPTEP1 interacted with miR-1303 and they were mutually silenced by each other in AML cells. Furthermore, the effect of TPTEP1 overexpression on AML cell proliferation was counteracted under miR-1303 upregulation.

Conclusion
Our findings unmasked a feedback loop of TPTEP1/JNK/c-JUN/miR-1303 axis in AML cells, suggesting TPTEP1 and miR-1303 as potential targets for developing therapeutic strategies for AML patients.
KIF15 is involved in development and progression of Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Wang Zhao , Chen Meiting , Fang Xiaojie , Hong Huangming , Yao Yuyi , Huang He 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive, fast-growing B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, manifested in several subtypes, including sporadic, endemic, and immunodeficiency-related forms, the mechanism of which is still not clear. Abundant evidence reported that KIF15 was involved in the progression of human cancer. The emphasis of this study is to explore the functions of KIF15 in the development of BL.

Methods
Firstly, tumor and normal tissues were collected for detecting expression of KIF15 in BL. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA knockdown of KIF15 was used to construct BL cell model, which was verified by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. The cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were measured through flow cytometry. Transwell assay was conducted to detect the migration.

Results
We first found that KIF15 is highly expressed in BL. Knockdown of KIF15 can inhibit proliferation and migration, promote apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle. Moreover, KIF15 is involved in BL cell activity through regulating expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3, Caspase8, HTRA, IGFBP-6, p53, SMAC, sTNF-R1, TNF-β and Bcl-2) and downstream pathways, such as p-Akt, CCND1, CDK6 and PIK3CA.

Conclusions
These findings justify the search for small molecule inhibitors targeting KIF15 as a novel therapeutic strategy in BL.
Anxiety is associated with appetitive traits in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Coakley Kathryn E. , Le Huyen , Silva Spirit Rae , Wilks Aspen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 has impacted mental health globally, however, associations between anxiety and appetitive traits during the pandemic are unreported. This study evaluated anxiety symptom severity and associations with appetitive traits in students at a large public University in the U.S. during the pandemic.

Methods
Current undergraduate and graduate/professional students completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. Demographic information, anxiety symptoms in the past 2 weeks assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and appetitive traits assessed by the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) were evaluated. Mean scores for eight AEBQ scales (four food approach and four food avoidance traits) were calculated. Differences in mean scores were examined between participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥ 10) and those with mild to no anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score < 10) via independent samples t-tests and effect sizes. Associations between GAD-7 score and individual appetitive traits were also examined, adjusting for age and gender.

Results
Of the 1243 students who completed the survey (57% undergraduates; mean age = 26.5 years), 51.9% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Groups experiencing the highest degree of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms included transgender, gender fluid, and other-gendered participants (73.6%); the youngest age group [18–20 years (62%)]; undergraduate students (60.7%); and Hispanic/Latinx participants (57.7%). Participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms had higher scores for most food approach and avoidance traits but lower scores for enjoyment of food than those with mild to no anxiety symptoms. Effect sizes were largest for hunger and emotional over-eating (Cohen’s d = 0.31 and 0.30, respectively). Adjusting for age and gender, GAD-7 score was significantly and positively associated with hunger, emotional over-eating, food and satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness and negatively associated with enjoyment of food.

Conclusions
Over half of students at a U.S. University reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during COVID-19. More severe anxiety symptoms were associated with increased hunger, emotional over-eating, and food and satiety responsiveness and decreased enjoyment of food. Universities must consider strategies to address anxiety, particularly in younger students; transgender, gender fluid, and students of other genders; and across race/ethnicities keeping in mind associations with appetitive traits.
NIR-II-activated biocompatible hollow nanocarbons for cancer photothermal therapy
Authors: Xu Zhourui , Zhang Yinling , Zhou Weixiao , Wang Lijian , Xu Gaixia , Ma Mingze , Liu Fenghua , Wang Zan , Wang Yucheng , Kong Tiantian , Zhao Binyuan , Wu Weiping , Yang Chengbin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPhotothermal therapy has attracted extensive attentions in cancer treatment due to its precise spatial-temporal controllability, minimal invasiveness, and negligible side effects. However, two major deficiencies, unsatisfactory heat conversion efficiency and limited tissue penetration depth, hugely impeded its clinical application. In this work, hollow carbon nanosphere modified with polyethylene glycol-graft-polyethylenimine (HPP) was elaborately synthesized. The synthesized HPP owns outstanding physical properties as a photothermal agent, such as uniform core-shell structure, good biocompatibility and excellent heat conversion efficiency. Upon NIR-II laser irradiation, the intracellular HPP shows excellent photothermal activity towards cancer cell killing. In addition, depending on the large internal cavity of HPP, the extended biomedical application as drug carrier was also demonstrated. In general, the synthesized HPP holds a great potential in NIR-II laser-activated cancer photothermal therapy.
The impact of common chronic conditions on health-related quality of life: a general population survey in Iran using EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Akbari Sari Ali , Karimi Fereshteh , Emrani Zahra , Zeraati Hojjat , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Daroudi Rajabali 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Diseases have undeniable effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Chronic diseases, in particular, limit the productive potentials and HRQoL of individuals. EQ-5D is a very popular generic instrument, which can be used to estimate HRQoL scores in any diseases. The current study investigates mean HRQoL scores in certain chronic diseases and examines the relationship between utility scores and chronic diseases in Iran.

Method
This cross-sectional study was carried out among the general adult population of Tehran. 3060 individuals were chosen by a stratified probability sampling method. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was applied. The utility scores were estimated using the Iranian crosswalk-based value set. The effect of chronic diseases on the HRQoL scores was derived by the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Data was analyzed using Stata version 13 software.

Results
The mean ± standard deviation utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.85 ± 0.14 and 76.73 ± 16.55 in the participants without any chronic conditions. The scores were 0.69 ± 0.17 and 61.14 ± 20.61 in the participants with chronic conditions. The highest and lowest mean utility scores were related to thyroid disease (0.70) and Stroke (0.54), respectively. Common chronic conditions had significant negative effects on the HRQoL scores. Stroke (0.204) and cancer (0.177) caused the most reduction in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. Lumbar disc hernia, digestive diseases, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, and anxiety/nerves cause 0.133, 0.109, 0.108, 0.087, and 0.078 reductions, respectively, in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores.

Conclusion
This study provides insight into some common chronic conditions and their effects on the HRQoL. Policymakers and planners should pay attention to the effects of chronic conditions especially high prevalence one. They should adopt effective interventions to control this issue and increase health. The results of this study can also be beneficial in economic evaluation studies.
The theoretical basis of a nationally implemented type 2 diabetes prevention programme: how is the programme expected to produce changes in behaviour?
Authors: Hawkes Rhiannon E. , Miles Lisa M. , French David P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
It is considered best practice to provide clear theoretical descriptions of how behaviour change interventions should produce changes in behaviour. Commissioners of the National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS-DPP) specified that the four independent provider organisations must explicitly describe the behaviour change theory underpinning their interventions. The nationally implemented programme, launched in 2016, aims to prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults through changing diet and physical activity behaviours. This study aimed to: (a) develop a logic model describing how the NHS-DPP is expected to work, and (b) document the behaviour change theories underpinning providers’ NHS-DPP interventions.

Methods
A logic model detailing how the programme should work in changing diet and activity behaviours was extracted from information in three specification documents underpinning the NHS-DPP. To establish how each of the four providers expected their interventions to produce behavioural changes, information was extracted from their programme plans, staff training materials, and audio-recorded observations of mandatory staff training courses attended in 2018. All materials were coded using Michie and Prestwich’s Theory Coding Scheme.

Results
The NHS-DPP logic model included information provision to lead to behaviour change intentions, followed by a self-regulatory cycle including action planning and monitoring behaviour. None of the providers described an explicit logic model of how their programme will produce behavioural changes. Two providers stated their programmes were informed by the COM-B (Capability Opportunity Motivation – Behaviour) framework, the other two described targeting factors from multiple theories such as Self-Regulation Theory and Self-Determination Theory. All providers cited examples of proposed links between some theoretical constructs and behaviour change techniques (BCTs), but none linked all BCTs to specified constructs. Some discrepancies were noted between the theory described in providers’ programme plans and theory described in staff training.

Conclusions
A variety of behaviour change theories were used by each provider. This may explain the variation between providers in BCTs selected in intervention design, and the mismatch between theory described in providers’ programme plans and staff training. Without a logic model describing how they expect their interventions to work, justification for intervention contents in providers’ programmes is not clear.
High copy number variations, particular transcription factors, and low immunity contribute to the stemness of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Dai Zao , Liu Ping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTumor metastasis is the main cause of death of cancer patients, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) is the basis of tumor metastasis. However, systematic analysis of the stemness of prostate cancer cells is still not abundant. In this study, we explore the effective factors related to the stemness of prostate cancer cells by comprehensively mining the multi-omics data from TCGA database.MethodsBased on the prostate cancer transcriptome data in TCGA, gene expression modules that strongly relate to the stemness of prostate cancer cells are obtained with WGCNA and stemness scores. Copy number variation of stemness genes of prostate cancer is calculated and the difference of transcription factors between prostate cancer and normal tissues is evaluated by using CNV (copy number variation) data and ATAC-seq data. The protein interaction network of stemness genes in prostate cancer is constructed using the STRING database. Meanwhile, the correlation between stemness genes of prostate cancer and immune cells is analyzed.ResultsProstate cancer with higher Gleason grade possesses higher cell stemness. The gene set highly related to prostate cancer stemness has higher CNV in prostate cancer samples than that in normal samples. Although the transcription factors of stemness genes have similar expressions, they have different contributions between normal and prostate cancer tissues; and particular transcription factors enhance the stemness of prostate cancer, such as PUM1, CLOCK, SP1, TCF12, and so on. In addition, the lower tumor immune microenvironment is conducive to the stemness of prostate cancer. CD8 + T cells and M1 macrophages may play more important role in the stemness of prostate cancer than other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, EZH2 is found to play a central role in stemness genes and is negatively correlated with resting mast cells and positively correlated with activated memory CD4 + T cells.ConclusionsBased on the systematic and combined analysis of multi-omics data, we find that high copy number variation, specific transcription factors, and low immune microenvironment jointly contribute to the stemness of prostate cancer cells. These findings may provide us new clues and directions for the future research on stemness of prostate cancer.
Effect of post-stroke spasticity on voluntary movement of the upper limb
Authors: Lackritz Hadar , Parmet Yisrael , Frenkel-Toledo Silvi , Baniña Melanie C. , Soroker Nachum , Solomon John M. , Liebermann Dario G. , Levin Mindy F. , Berman Sigal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundHemiparesis following stroke is often accompanied by spasticity. Spasticity is one factor among the multiple components of the upper motor neuron syndrome that contributes to movement impairment. However, the specific contribution of spasticity is difficult to isolate and quantify. We propose a new method of quantification and evaluation of the impact of spasticity on the quality of movement following stroke.MethodsSpasticity was assessed using the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT). TSRT was analyzed in relation to stochastic models of motion to quantify the deviation of the hemiparetic upper limb motion from the normal motion patterns during a reaching task. Specifically, we assessed the impact of spasticity in the elbow flexors on reaching motion patterns using two distinct measures of the ‘distance’ between pathological and normal movement, (a) the bidirectional Kullback–Liebler divergence (BKLD) and (b) Hellinger’s distance (HD). These measures differ in their sensitivity to different confounding variables. Motor impairment was assessed clinically by the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale for the upper extremity (FMA-UE). Forty-two first-event stroke patients in the subacute phase and 13 healthy controls of similar age participated in the study. Elbow motion was analyzed in the context of repeated reach-to-grasp movements towards four differently located targets. Log-BKLD and HD along with movement time, final elbow extension angle, mean elbow velocity, peak elbow velocity, and the number of velocity peaks of the elbow motion were computed.ResultsUpper limb kinematics in patients with lower FMA-UE scores (greater impairment) showed greater deviation from normality when the distance between impaired and normal elbow motion was analyzed either with the BKLD or HD measures. The severity of spasticity, reflected by the TSRT, was related to the distance between impaired and normal elbow motion analyzed with either distance measure. Mean elbow velocity differed between targets, however HD was not sensitive to target location. This may point at effects of spasticity on motion quality that go beyond effects on velocity.ConclusionsThe two methods for analyzing pathological movement post-stroke provide new options for studying the relationship between spasticity and movement quality under different spatiotemporal constraints.
Airborne particulate matters induce thrombopoiesis from megakaryocytes through regulating mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Jin Xiaoting , Yu Hongyan , Wang Baoqiang , Sun Zhendong , Zhang Ze , Liu Qian S. , Zheng Yuxin , Zhou Qunfang , Jiang Guibin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Although airborne fine particulate matter (PM) pollution has been demonstrated as an independent risk factor for pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, their currently-available toxicological data is still far from sufficient to explain the cause-and-effect. Platelets can regulate a variety of physiological and pathological processes, and the epidemiological study has indicated a positive association between PM exposure and the increased number of circulative platelets. As one of the target organs for PM pollution, the lung has been found to be involved in the storage of platelet progenitor cells (i.e. megakaryocytes) and thrombopoiesis. Whether PM exposure influences thrombopoiesis or not is thus explored in the present study by investigating the differentiation of megakaryocytes upon PM treatment.

Results
The results showed that PM exposure promoted the thrombopoiesis in an exposure concentration-dependent manner. PM exposure induced the megakaryocytic maturation and development by causing cell morphological changes, occurrence of DNA ploidy, and alteration in the expressions of biomarkers for platelet formation. The proteomics assay demonstrated that the main metabolic pathway regulating PM-incurred alteration of megakaryocytic maturation and thrombopoiesis was the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process. Furthermore, airborne PM sample promoted-thrombopoiesis from megakaryocytes was related to particle size, but independent of sampling filters.

Conclusion
The findings for the first time unveil the potential perturbation of haze exposure in thrombopoiesis from megakaryocytes by regulating mitochondrial OXPHOS. The substantial evidence on haze particle-incurred hematotoxicity obtained herein provided new insights for assessing the hazardous health risks from PM pollution.
Differential expression of TgMIC1 in isolates of Chinese 1 Toxoplasma with different virulence
Authors: Wang Yang , Han Chengjian , zhou Rongsheng , Zhu Jinjin , Zhang Famin , Li Jingyang , Luo Qingli , Du Jian , Chu Deyong , Cai Yihong , Shen Jilong , Yu Li 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The predominant genotype of Toxoplasma in China is the Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) lineage. TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 are two representative strains of Chinese 1, exhibiting high and low virulence to mice, respectively. Little is known regarding the virulence mechanism of this non-classical genotype. Our previous RNA sequencing data revealed differential mRNA levels of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6. We aim to further confirm the differential expression of TgMIC1 and its significance in this atypical genotype.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the RNA sequencing data; then, polyclonal antibodies against TgMIC1 were prepared and identified. Moreover, the invasion and proliferation of the parasite in HFF cells were observed after treatment with TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody or not.

Results
The data showed that the protein level of TgMIC1 was significantly higher in high-virulence strain TgCtwh3 than in low-virulence strain TgCtwh6 and that the invasion and proliferation of TgCtwh3 were inhibited by TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody.

Conclusion
Differential expression of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 may explain, at least partly, the virulence mechanism of this atypical genotype.

Graphical Abstract
TGIF-DB: terse genomics interface for developing botany
Authors: Tsugama Daisuke , Takano Tetsuo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a staple cereal crop for semi-arid regions. Its whole genome sequence and deduced putative gene sequences are available. However, the functions of many pearl millet genes are unknown. Situations are similar for other crop species such as garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum). The objective of the data presented here was to improve functional annotations of genes of pearl millet, garden asparagus, chickpea and Tartary buckwheat with gene annotations of model plants, to systematically provide such annotations as well as their sequences on a website, and thereby to promote genomics for those crops.Data descriptionSequences of genomes and transcripts of pearl millet, garden asparagus, chickpea and Tartary buckwheat were downloaded from a public database. These transcripts were associated with functional annotations of theirArabidopsis thalianaand rice (Oryza sativa) counterparts identified by BLASTX. Conserved domains in protein sequences of those species were identified by the HMMER scan with the Pfam database. The resulting data was deposited in the figshare repository and can be browsed on the Terse Genomics Interface for Developing Botany (TGIF-DB) website (http://webpark2116.sakura.ne.jp/rlgpr/).