bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide RNAi screen in Drosophila reveals Enok as a novel trithorax group regulator
Authors: Umer Zain , Akhtar Jawad , Khan Muhammad Haider Farooq , Shaheen Najma , Haseeb Muhammad Abdul , Mazhar Khalida , Mithani Aziz , Anwar Saima , Tariq Muhammad 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPolycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins contribute to the specialization of cell types by maintaining differential gene expression patterns. Initially discovered as positive regulators of HOX genes in forward genetic screens, trxG counteracts PcG-mediated repression of cell type-specific genes. Despite decades of extensive analysis, molecular understanding of trxG action and regulation are still punctuated by many unknowns. This study aimed at discovering novel factors that elicit an anti-silencing effect to facilitate trxG-mediated gene activation.ResultsWe have developed a cell-based reporter system and performed a genome-wide RNAi screen to discover novel factors involved in trxG-mediated gene regulation inDrosophila. We identified more than 200 genes affecting the reporter in a manner similar to trxG genes. From the list of top candidates, we have characterized Enoki mushroom (Enok), a known histone acetyltransferase, as an important regulator of trxG inDrosophila. Mutants ofenokstrongly suppressed extra sex comb phenotype ofPcmutants and enhanced homeotic transformations associated withtrxmutations. Enok colocalizes with both TRX and PC at chromatin. Moreover, depletion of Enok specifically resulted in an increased enrichment of PC and consequently silencing of trxG targets. This downregulation of trxG targets was also accompanied by a decreased occupancy of RNA-Pol-II in the gene body, correlating with an increased stalling at the transcription start sites of these genes. We propose that Enok facilitates trxG-mediated maintenance of gene activation by specifically counteracting PcG-mediated repression.ConclusionOur ex vivo approach led to identification of new trxG candidate genes that warrant further investigation. Presence of chromatin modifiers as well as known members of trxG and their interactors in the genome-wide RNAi screen validated our reverse genetics approach. Genetic and molecular characterization of Enok revealed a hitherto unknown interplay between Enok and PcG/trxG system. We conclude that histone acetylation by Enok positively impacts the maintenance of trxG-regulated gene activation by inhibiting PRC1-mediated transcriptional repression.
CGGBP1 regulates CTCF occupancy at repeats
Authors: Patel Divyesh , Patel Manthan , Datta Subhamoy , Singh Umashankar 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
CGGBP1 is a repeat-binding protein with diverse functions in the regulation of gene expression, cytosine methylation, repeat silencing and genomic integrity. CGGBP1 has also been identified as a cooperator of histone-modifying enzymes and as a component of CTCF-containing complexes that regulate the enhancer–promoter looping. CGGBP1–CTCF cross talk in chromatin regulation has been hitherto unknown.

Results
Here, we report that the occupancy of CTCF at repeats depends on CGGBP1. Using ChIP-sequencing for CTCF, we describe its occupancy at repetitive DNA. Our results show that endogenous level of CGGBP1 ensures CTCF occupancy preferentially on repeats over canonical CTCF motifs. By combining CTCF ChIP-sequencing results with ChIP sequencing for three different kinds of histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3), we show that the CGGBP1-dependent repeat-rich CTCF-binding sites regulate histone marks in flanking regions.

Conclusion
CGGBP1 affects the pattern of CTCF occupancy. Our results posit CGGBP1 as a regulator of CTCF and its binding sites in interspersed repeats.
Interaction of HSD11B1 and H6PD polymorphisms in subjects with type 2 diabetes are protective factors against obesity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chedid Marcio F. , do Nascimento Filipe V. , de Oliveira Fernanda S. , de Souza Bianca M. , Kruel Cleber R. P. , Gurski Richard R. , Canani Luis H. , Crispim Daisy , Gerchman Fernando 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The enzyme 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol in a process mediated by the enzyme hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD). The generation of cortisol from this reaction may increase intra-abdominal cortisol levels and contribute to the physiopathogenesis of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The relationship of HSD11B1 rs45487298 and H6PD rs6688832 polymorphisms with obesity and MetS was studied. We also studied how HSD11B1 abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) gene expression is related to body fat distribution.

Methods
Rates of obesity and MetS features were cross-sectionally analyzed according to these polymorphisms in 1006 Brazilian white patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Additionally, HSD11B1 expression was analyzed in VAT and SAT in a different cohort of 28 participants with and without obesity who underwent elective abdominal operations.

Results
Although polymorphisms of the two genes were not individually associated with MetS features, a synergistic effect was observed between both. Carriers of at least three minor alleles exhibited lower BMI compared to those with two or fewer minor alleles adjusting for gender and age (27.4 ± 4.9 vs. 29.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2; P = 0.005; mean ± SD). Obesity frequency was also lower in the first group (24.4% vs. 41.6%, OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.87; P = 0.019). In the second cohort of 28 subjects, HSD11B1 gene expression in VAT was inversely correlated with BMI (r = − 0.435, P = 0.034), waist circumference (r = − 0.584, P = 0.003) and waist-to-height ratio (r = − 0.526, P = 0.010).

Conclusions
These polymorphisms might interact in the protection against obesity in T2DM individuals. Obese individuals may have decreased intra-abdominal VAT HSD11B1 gene expression resulting in decreasing intra-abdominal cortisol levels as a compensatory mechanism against central and general adiposity.
Stability and flexibility of full-length human oligodendrocytic QKI6
Authors: Raasakka Arne , Kursula Petri 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
Oligodendrocytes account for myelination in the central nervous system. During myelin compaction, key proteins are translated in the vicinity of the myelin membrane, requiring targeted mRNA transport. Quaking isoform 6 (QKI6) is a STAR domain-containing RNA transport protein, which binds a conserved motif in the 3′-UTR of certain mRNAs, affecting the translation of myelination-involved proteins. RNA binding has been earlier structurally characterized, but information about full-length QKI6 conformation is lacking. Based on known domains and structure predicitons, we expected full-length QKI6 to be flexible and carry disordered regions. Hence, we carried out biophysical and structural characterization of human QKI6.

Results
We expressed and purified full-length QKI6 and characterized it using mass spectrometry, light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. QKI6 was monodisperse, folded, and mostly dimeric, being oxidation-sensitive. The C-terminal tail was intrinsically disordered, as predicted. In the absence of RNA, the RNA-binding subdomain is likely to present major flexibility. In thermal stability assays, a double sequential unfolding behaviour was observed in the presence of phosphate, which may interact with the RNA-binding domain. The results confirm the flexibility and partial disorder of QKI6, which may be functionally relevant.
The magnitude and associated factors of postpartum hemorrhage among mothers who delivered at Debre Tabor general hospital 2018
Authors: Habitamu Daniel , Goshu Yitayal Ayalew , Zeleke Likenaw Bewuket 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
Since data related to postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia is scarce, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of postpartum hemorrhage among mothers who delivered in Debre Tabor general hospital.

Results
In this study, one hundred forty-four mothers’ charts were reviewed which made the response rate 100%. This study revealed that the magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage was 7.6% (CI 6.2, 9.8). Chi-square test revealed that there was an association between postpartum hemorrhage and gravidity, parity, having antenatal care visit, and the previous history postpartum hemorrhage. This finding confirmed that uterine atony, retained placenta, and genital tract trauma were the most common leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF): a validation study in Iranian mothers
Authors: Amini Payam , Omani-Samani Reza , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Hosseini Mostafa , Maroufizadeh Saman 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) is a widely used instrument that measures breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Persian version of BSES-SF in Iranian mothers.ResultsThe English version of BSES-SF was translated into Persian using the standard forward–backward translation procedure. No changes (i.e., neither delete nor rephrase the items) were made to the BSES-SF items. The mean BSES-SF total score was 50.80 ± 8.91. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for internal consistency for the BSES-SF was 0.910. The confirmatory factor analysis results provided evidence for unidimensionality of the scale (χ2/df = 4.42; CFI = 0.96; NFI = 0.95; IFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.095 and SRMR = 0.054). The divergent validity of the BSES-SF was proved via a significant negative correlation with scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (r = − 0.273, P < 0.001). In sum, the Persian version of the BSES-SF is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring breastfeeding self-efficacy in Iranian mothers.Trial registration numberThis was a cross-sectional study (not clinical trial).
Ability of real-time PCR for differential diagnosis of various forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a comparative study with histopathology
Authors: Fekri-SoofiAbadi Maryam , Fekri Meisam , moradabadi Alireza , Vahidi Reza , Shamsi-Meymandi Simin , Dabiri Donya , Dabiri Shahriar 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveHistopathological studies suggest that parasite load is different between acute and chronic forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). However, highly sensitive detection methods are still needed to distinguish different forms of leishmaniasis. In the present study, we developed a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect and quantifyLeishmania tropicaparasites in paraffin-embedded tissue samples.ResultsThe ability of real-time PCR for leishmania detection was higher than histopathological evaluation. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) quantified parasite loads were highly correlated with microscopic results (r = 0.598;P < 0.001). Among patients, the parasite load was inversely correlated with disease duration (acute CL lesions had very higher parasite load than chronic CL lesions), but there was no difference in the parasite load according to the patients’ age and sex as well as location of the lesions. In contrast to Ridley scoring system (P < 0.001), there were no statistically significant differences in the relative number of parasites among the lupoid and non-lupoid forms of chronic lesions in real-time PCR (P = 0.549), which indicates the superiority of histopathological evaluation for chronic forms differentiation.
Identifying communication-related predictors of patient satisfaction in a briefing prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Scholz Valentina , Lange Sandra , Rosenberg Britta , Kromrey Marie-Luise , Syperek Annika , Hosten Norbert , Kohlmann Thomas , Kirsch Michael 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to prospectively investigate patients’ satisfaction with briefings before computed tomography (CT) examinations, determine feasibility, and identify factors influencing patient satisfaction independent of patient and physician characteristics.

Methods
One hundred sixty patients received information by a radiologist prior to contrast-enhanced CT examinations in an open, prospective, two-center, cross-sectional study (including the introduction of the radiologist, procedure, radiation exposure, possible side effects, and alternatives). Afterwards, patients and radiologists evaluated the briefing using a standardized questionnaire. Additionally, factors such as age, socioeconomic status, inpatient/outpatient status, length of the radiologist’s professional experience, duration of the briefing, clarity of the radiologist’s explanations as perceived by patients, and the duration of communication were obtained in this questionnaire. Subsequently, three classes of influencing factors were defined and entered stepwise into a hierarchical regression.

Results
Patient satisfaction ratings differed significantly by type of hospitalization, perceived type of communication, and patient gender. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that perceived clarity was the strongest predictor of patients’ satisfaction when controlling for the patient and physician characteristics.

Conclusions
Patients appeared to be satisfied with the briefing prior to CT examination. The mean briefing time (2 min 35 s) seemed feasible. Patients’ demographics influenced satisfaction. To improve patients’ satisfaction with briefings before contrast-enhanced CT, radiologists should aim to clarify their communication.
Primary effusion lymphoma in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient with unexpected unusual complications: a case report
Authors: Fernández-Trujillo Liliana , Bolaños John E. , Velásquez Mauricio , García Carlos , Sua Luz F. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrimary effusion lymphoma is a rare, high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that usually occurs in immunosuppressed or human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals in advanced stages of the disease. However, primary effusion lymphoma occasionally affects immunocompetent patients who are infected with human herpes virus type 8 or Epstein-Barr virus. This disease manifests with liquid collections in cavities, producing constitutional symptoms; fever; weight loss; and symptoms related to extrinsic compression, such as dyspnea or abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis is confirmed with cytological or tissue evaluation showing large, multinucleated lymphoid cells with positive specific markers for the disease, such as CD45 and markers related to viral infections, when present. There is no standard treatment for primary effusion lymphoma, but several chemotherapy protocols are recommended, usually with poor results.Case presentationWe present a case of an adult human immunodeficiency virus-negative Hispanic origin woman with primary effusion lymphoma with pleuritic, pericardial, and peritoneal compromise who also had unusual complications during a diagnostic procedure: the accidental rupture of the left ventricle and the development of a secondary left ventricular pseudoaneurysm. We describe the clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics as well as the outcome of this case.ConclusionsPrimary effusion lymphoma is a very rare entity that represents 4% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases associated with human immunodeficiency virus and 0.1% to 1% of all lymphomas in patients with another type of immunodeficiency in regions where human herpes virus type 8 is not endemic. This reported case is an unusual presentation of primary effusion lymphoma because it occurred in an immunocompetent human immunodeficiency virus-negative adult woman without the presence of Kaposi’s sarcoma or Castleman’s disease and for whom the clinical course after chemotherapy was successful. However, the rupture of the free wall of the left ventricle is a very rare catastrophic event that usually occurs after myocardial infarction. Left ventricle free wall rupture rarely goes unnoticed, but when it occurs, it leads to the development of a ventricular pseudoaneurysm in which the rupture is contained by the pericardium with an organized thrombus and an adjacent hematoma.
Generation of insulin-secreting cells from mouse gallbladder stem cells by small molecules in vitro
Authors: Chen Fei , Li Tuo , Sun Yu , Liu Qinggui , Yang Tao , Chen Jiajia , Zhu Haiying , Shi Yongquan , Hu Yi-Ping , Wang Min-Jun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Stem cell-derived pancreatic β-like cells hold great promise for treating diabetes. Gallbladder belongs to the extrahepatic bile duct system and possesses stem-like cells. These stem cells could be expanded in vitro and have the potential of differentiating into hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, or pancreatic cells. As the gallbladder is highly available, gallbladder stem cells provide a new cell source of pancreatic β-like cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate an approach for the generation of pancreatic β-like cells from gallbladder stem cells (GSCs) without genetic modification.

Methods
A CK19CreERT;Rosa26R-GFP mouse was used to isolate CK19+ cells, which represented EpCAM+ stem cells in the gallbladder. They were cultured in the modified Kubota’s medium for expansion and further analyzed. Then, we developed a strategy to screen a combination of small molecules that can generate insulin-secreting cells from gallbladder stem cells. These cells were identified with markers of pancreatic cells. Finally, they were seeded into the cellulosic sponge and transplanted to the diabetic mice for functional examination in vivo.

Results
Gallbladder stem cells could be expanded for more than 15 passages. They expressed typical hepatic stem cell markers including CK19, EpCAM, Sox9, and albumin. By screening method, we found that adding Noggin, FR180204, and cyclopamine could efficiently induce gallbladder stem cells differentiating into insulin-secreting cells. These cells expressed Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and insulin but were negative for Gcg. After transplantation with the cellulosic sponge, they could ameliorate hyperglycemia in the diabetic mice.

Conclusion
This study provides a new approach which can generate insulin-secreting cells from the gallbladder without genetic modification. This offers an option for β cell therapy in treating type 1 diabetes.
Noncoding RNAs: new insights into the odontogenic differentiation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Fang Fuchun , Zhang Kaiying , Chen Zhao , Wu Buling 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOdontoblasts are cells that contribute to the formation of the dental pulp complex. The differentiation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells into odontoblasts comprises many factors and signaling pathways. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), comprising a substantial part of poly-A tail mature RNAs, are considered “transcriptional noise.” Emerging evidence has shown that ncRNAs have key functions in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In this review, we discussed two major types of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), in terms of their role in the odontogenic differentiation of dental tissue-derived stem cells. Recent findings have demonstrated important functions for miRNAs and lncRNAs in odontogenic differentiation. It is expected that ncRNAs will become promising therapeutic targets for dentin regeneration based on stem cells.
Diverse effects of nitric oxide reductase NorV on Aeromonas hydrophila virulence-associated traits under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Liu Jin , Dong Yuhao , Wang Nannan , Ma Shuiyan , Lu Chengping , Liu Yongjie 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
NorV has been known to be an anaerobic nitric oxide reductase associated with nitric oxide (NO) detoxification. Recently, we showed that the norV gene of Aeromonas hydrophila was highly upregulated after co-culturing with Tetrahymena thermophila. Here, we demonstrated that the transcription and expression levels of norV were upregulated in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to NO under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. To investigate the roles of norV in resisting predatory protists and virulence of A. hydrophila, we constructed the norV gene-deletion mutant (ΔnorV). Compared to the wild type, the ΔnorV mutant showed no significant difference in growth at various NO concentrations under aerobic conditions but significantly stronger NO-mediated growth inhibition under anaerobic conditions. The deletion of norV exhibited markedly decreased cytotoxicity, hemolytic and protease activities under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Also, the hemolysin co-regulated protein (Hcp) in the ΔnorV mutant showed increased secretion under aerobic conditions but decreased secretion under anaerobic conditions as compared to the wild-type. Moreover, the inactivation of norV led to reduced resistance to predation by T. thermophila, decreased survival within macrophages and highly attenuated virulence in zebrafish. Our data indicate a diverse role for norV in the expression of A. hydrophila virulence-associated traits that is not completely dependent on its function as a nitric oxide reductase. This study provides insights into an unexplored area of NorV, which will contribute to our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and the development of new control strategies for A. hydrophila infection.
Effects of challenge dose and inoculation route of the virulent Neospora caninum Nc-Spain7 isolate in pregnant cattle at mid-gestation
Authors: Vázquez Patricia , Osoro Koldo , Fernández Miguel , Román-Trufero Alicia , Regidor-Cerrillo Javier , Jiménez-Pelayo Laura , García-Sánchez Marta , Rojo-Montejo Silvia , Benavides Julio , Horcajo Pilar , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Parameters such as pathogen dose and inoculation route are paramount in animal models when studying disease pathogenesis. Here, clinical findings, including foetal mortality, parasite transmission rates and lesion severity, and immune responses were evaluated in Asturiana pregnant heifers at day 110 of gestation challenged with a virulent (Nc-Spain7) Neospora caninum isolate. Four different doses of parasite tachyzoites were inoculated intravenously (IV1, 107 parasites, n = 6; IV2, 105, n = 6; IV3, 103, n = 6; and IV4, 102, n = 5), and the subcutaneous (SC) inoculation route was also assessed for the dose of 105 tachyzoites (SC, n = 6). In addition, a control group (n = 4 pregnant heifers) was evaluated. Foetal death was observed in all infected groups from 25 to 62 days post-infection, varying with the dose (IV1:4/6, IV2:3/6; IV4:2/5, IV3:1/6), and was three times less frequently associated with the SC route than IV inoculation (1/6 vs. 3/6). A dose-dependent effect for parasite loads in placental and foetal brain tissues was also detected. After SC challenge, a reduced number of tachyzoites were able to reach foetal brain tissues, and no lesions were observed. In calves, specific IgG responses in precolostral sera were mainly associated with high-dose groups (IV1 [100.0%] and IV2 [66.7%]), and cerebral parasite DNA detection was scarce (3/18). In dams, IFN-γ production and the dynamics of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies varied with the dose, and the cell-mediated immune response was also found to be route-dependent. Our results confirm the influence of parasite dose and inoculation route on the outcome and dynamics of bovine neosporosis at mid-gestation.