bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide run of homozygosity analysis reveals candidate genomic regions associated with environmental adaptations of Tibetan native chickens
Authors: Yuan Jingwei , Li Shijun , Sheng Zheya , Zhang Meikun , Liu Xuming , Yuan Zhengdong , Yang Ning , Chen Jilan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn Tibet, the two most important breeds are Tibetan chicken and Lhasa white chicken, and the duo exhibit specific adaptations to the high altitude thereby supplying proteins for humans living in the plateau. These breeds are partly included in the conservation plans because they represent important chicken genetic resources. However, the genetic diversity of these chickens is rarely investigated. Based on whole-genome sequencing data of 113 chickens from 4 populations of Tibetan chicken including Shigatse (SH), Nyemo (NM), Dagze (DZ) and Nyingchi (LZ), as well as Lhasa white (LW) chicken breed, we investigated the genetic diversity of these chicken breeds by genetic differentiation, run of homozygosity (ROH), genomic inbreeding and selection signature analyses.ResultsOur results revealed high genetic diversity across the five chicken populations. The linkage disequilibrium decay was highest in LZ, while subtle genetic differentiation was found between LZ and other populations (Fst ranging from 0.05 to 0.10). Furthermore, the highest ROH-based inbreeding estimate (FROH) of 0.11 was observed in LZ. In other populations, the FROHranged from 0.04 to 0.06. In total, 74, 111, 62, 42 and 54 ROH islands containing SNPs ranked top 1% for concurrency were identified in SH, NM, DZ, LZ and LW, respectively. Genes common to the ROH islands in the five populations includedBDNF,CCDC34,LGR4,LIN7C,GLS,LOC101747789,MYO1B,STAT1andSTAT4. This suggested their essential roles in adaptation of the chickens. We also identified a common candidate genomic region harboringAMY2A,NTNG1andVAV3genes in all populations. These genes had been implicated in digestion, neurite growth and high-altitude adaptation.ConclusionsHigh genetic diversity is observed in Tibetan native chickens. Inbreeding is more intense in the Nyingchi population which is also genetically distant from other chicken populations. Candidate genes in ROH islands are likely to be the drivers of adaptation to high altitude exhibited by the five Tibetan native chicken populations. Our findings contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity offer valuable insights for the genetic mechanism of adaptation, and provide veritable tools that can help in the design and implementation of breeding and conservation strategies for Tibetan native chickens.
Family caregiver quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia: qualitative analyses of caregiver interviews
Authors: Hazzan Afeez Abiola , Dauenhauer Jason , Follansbee Patti , Hazzan Joyce O , Allen Katy , Omobepade Ibukun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
While studies have examined the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers for people living with dementia, it is not yet clear how these caregivers’ quality of life affects their ability to meet the care demands of their loved ones. The purpose of the study was to explore caregivers’ perceived quality of life in relation with the care provided to persons with dementia.

Methods
Twenty-three caregivers participated in this study. These caregivers participated in focus groups or one-on-one interviews after completing questionnaires regarding their own quality of life as well as the care provided to their loved ones with dementia. The interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using qualitative description methodology.

Results
Regarding the relationship between caregiver QoL and the care provided to older people with dementia, the following themes were derived: (1) needs of the person with dementia; (2) caregivers’ ability to cope with progressing needs of the care recipient; (3) availability and accessibility of support for the caregiver; (4) unmet needs of the caregiver; and (5) ability of the caregiver to meet their own progressing needs as the condition of the care recipient deteriorates.

Conclusions
Findings from this study suggest that caregiver quality of life is important for the care they provide to their loved ones living with dementia. The study highlights the need for the provision of much needed support for caregivers and older people living with dementia. These issues are particularly important during and post-pandemic.
RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis of ethanol extract of saffron protective effect against corticosterone-induced PC12 cell injury
Authors: Chen Xi , Yang Ting , Zhang Congen , Ma Zhijie 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
At present, oral antidepressants are commonly used in the clinical treatment of depression. However, the current drug treatment may lead to more serious adverse reactions. Therefore, we focus on Chinese traditional medicine, trying to find an effective and safe alternative or complementary medicine. Crocus sativus (saffron) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which is typically used in the clinic to regulate anxiety, insomnia, amnesia, and other mental disorder. The study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of ethanol extract of saffron (EES) on corticosterone (CORT)- induced injury in PC12 cells and further explored its potential mechanism.

Methods
The authenticity of saffron and the active components of EES were identified by a water test and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry system. The screening of cytotoxicity for PC12 cells was incubated with EES in different concentrations for 24 h, and the protective efficacy of EES on CORT (500 μM) -induced PC12 cell injury, cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of EES-protected PC12 cells were analyzed using the RNA-seq method, and the results were analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. The results of RNA-seq were verified by qPCR analysis.

Results
The saffron was initially identified as authentic in the water test and 10 compounds were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)- Mass Spectrometry (MS). The results of CCK-8 demonstrated that EES at concentrations above 640 μg/mL exerted a certain cytotoxic effect, and PC12 cells pretreated with EES (20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) significantly reversed the 500 μM CORT-induced cell death. RNA-seq analysis showed that EES regulated 246 differential genes, which were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Dusp5, Dusp6, Gadd45b, Gadd45G, and Pdgfc were further validated by qPCR. Experimental data showed that the results of qPCR were consistent with RNA-seq.

Conclusions
These findings provide an innovative understanding of the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of EES on PC12 cells at the molecular transcription level, and Dusp5, Dusp6, Gadd45b, Gadd45g, and Pdgfc may be potential novel targets for antidepressant treatment.
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of antioxidative, anti-Alzheimer, antidiabetic and anticancer potentials of hydroponically and soil grown Lactuca sativa
Authors: Naseem Shahid , Ismail Hammad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Lactuca sativa is an edible plant commonly used by local communities to manage diabetes and stomach problems.

Methods
This work aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and Anti-Alzheimer effects of hydroponically (HyL) and soil-grown (SoL) Lactuca sativa. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes and AlCl3-induced Alzheimer’s disease model was used to evaluate the medicinal effects of Lactuca sativa.

Results
HyL showed significant activity in lipid peroxidation assay, DPPH and DNA protection assay, while SoL extract showed moderated activity, respectively. A similar activity response was quantified for α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition assays. The cytotoxic potential of HyL and SoL extracts against MCF7, and HePG2 cancer cell lines exhibited significant activity. HyL and SoL showed a substantial decrease in blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes-related liver/kidney biomarkers and anti-oxidant enzyme trends moved toward normal after HyL and SoL treatment. In Anti-Alzheimer’s based Morris water and elevated plus maze tests, HyL and SoL displayed memory-enhancing response and anti-anxiety behaviour, respectively. HPLC quantification of dopamine and serotonin revealed a moderate but significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of these neurotransmitters in HyL and SoL groups.

Conclusion
Overall, the study revealed that hydroponic Lactuca sativa possesses the therapeutic potential to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
Comparison of the performance of the CareStart Malaria Pf/Pan Combo test and field microscopy in the diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax malaria in North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Pasaribu Ayodhia Pitaloka , Nasution Irma Sari , Sembiring Krisnarta , Fahmi Fahmi , Pasaribu Syahril 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
In areas where malaria is endemic and where trained microscopists are not available, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are needed not only to allow prompt treatment without delay but also to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment based on clinical judgements that may lead to drug resistance. This study aimed to compare the performances of the CareStart Pf/Pan Combo test to field microscopy, which is considered to be the gold standard for malaria diagnosis.

Methods
Any person with a fever or a history of fever within 48 h who came to the health centre was recruited for the study and tested both by the CareStart Pf/Pan test and by field microscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were analysed with both methods.

Results
Two-hundred study participants were enrolled: 96 (48%) were found to be positive through microscopy, while 100 (50%) participants were found to be positive through RDT. The RDT produced four false-positive results. High sensitivity and specificity were observed for the CareStart Pf/Pan test (100 and 96.15%, respectively). The CareStart Pf/Pan test also showed excellent agreement with the field microscopy results.

Conclusion
The Carestart Pf/Pan could be used as an alternative diagnostic test in malaria-endemic areas where facility for performing microscopy is not available.
The COVID-19 patients' educational needs assessment questionnaire (COPENAQ): development and psychometrics
Authors: Hajialibeigloo Reza , Moradi Yaser , Habibzadeh Hossein , Baghaei Rahim , Alinejad Vahid , Namazi Nia Mohammad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Despite the importance of assessing COVID-19 patients' educational needs, there is currently no standard tool for a comprehensive assessment of these needs. The present study was aimed at developing a questionnaire to assess the educational needs of COVID-19 patients and determining its psychometric properties.

Methods
This study was conducted using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design in 3 stages. At the first stage, patients' educational needs were explained and determined using conventional content analysis so that a total of 15 COVID-19 patients were first selected using purposive sampling and then interviewed. At the second stage, the questionnaire items were developed using the qualitative findings and a review of valid sources related to the study subject. At the third stage, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were determined using internal consistency reliability and the face, content, and construct validities.

Results
The mean content validity ratio and the content validity index were obtained to be 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. The internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, which was measured to be 0.97. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the questionnaire was developed with 36 items in four subscales of "disease recognition and treatment follow-up", "prevention of infection transmission", "medication regimen", and "psychological and physiological needs". The results of confirmatory factor analysis also showed appropriateness and approval of the structural model obtained from the questionnaire.

Conclusion
This questionnaire was found to have the necessary psychometric criteria (validity and reliability) so that it can be applied to assess the educational needs of COVID-19 patients and provide better and more effective patient education for them.
The efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide versus triamcinolone hexacetonide for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Rubin Shiri , Ohana Orly , Goldberg Ori , Peled Orit , Gendler Yulia , Habot-Wilner Zohar , Levinsky Yoel , Tal Rotem , Harel Liora , Amarilyo Gil 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common childhood rheumatic disease. Intra-articular corticosteroids joint injection (IAJI), with triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) or triamcinolone acetonide (TA), is an effective additional treatment for oligo and polyarticular JIA. Previous studies have shown the benefits of TH over TA; however, TA is still used in many pediatric rheumatology centers. Our unit has experience with both regimens, and therefore we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TA versus TH for JIA patients.

Methods
Chart review of JIA patients who were randomly (based on drug availability) treated with TA or TH IAJI during 2010–2019. Primary outcomes for efficacy were defined as full recovery from arthritis one month after IAJI and a relapse rate of arthritis 3 months after IAJI. Primary outcome for safety was defined as the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) during the follow up period after IAJI.

Results
Overall, 292 joints of 102 JIA patients were treated (138 TA/154 TH joints). Complete recovery after one month was documented in 107 (69.6%) of TA treated joints and 96 (69.5%) of TH treated joints (P = 0.232). However, rate of relapse after 3 months was significantly higher for TA treated joints (27 (20.1%) vs. 13 (8.8%), respectively, P < 0.01). No AEs were documented except minor scars at four joint injection sites.

Conclusion
The recovery from arthritis was similar (~ 70%) with both regimens, however relapse rate was more than double in TA as compared to TH injected joints. These findings are important due to a contemporary shortage of TH in the US market.
Radiotherapy treatment modification for prostate cancer patients based on PSMA-PET/CT
Authors: Karagiannis Vasileios , Wichmann Viktor , Saarinen Juha , Eigeliene Natalja , Andersen Heidi , Jekunen Antti 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and its diagnosis and treatment are improving. Our study evaluated how PSMA-PET/CT prior to treatment planning might improve the optimal management of prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Methods
This retrospective pilot study included 43 prostate cancer (PCa) patients referred to our radiation oncologist department, from the urology department, for radiation therapy. 18F-PSMA-PET/CT was ordered by the radiation oncologists mainly due to the lack of resent image staging. The patients were divided into three different groups according to their initially planned treatments: radical radiation therapy (RT) (newly diagnosed PCa patients), salvage RT (patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy), or oligometastatic RT (oligometastatic PCa patients with good response after systemic treatment).

Results
Following PSMA-PET/CT, the initially planned RT was changed for 60.5% of the patients due to new findings (metastases and/or recurrent disease). The final treatment choice was effected by PSMA-PET/CT outcome in 60.5% (26/43) of the patients, and in 50% (16/32) of patients, the radiation treatment plan changed following PSMA-PET/CT. Only 39.5% (17/43) of the patients who underwent PSMA-PET/CT were treated according to their initial treatment plans.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that PSMA-PET/CT impacts treatment decisions and the selection of RT as well as adjuvant treatment protocols in the management of prostate cancer.
Gene expression predicts dormant metastatic breast cancer cell phenotype
Authors: Ren Qihao , Khoo Weng Hua , Corr Alexander P. , Phan Tri Giang , Croucher Peter I. , Stewart Sheila A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer can recur months to decades after an initial diagnosis and treatment. The mechanisms that control tumor cell dormancy remain poorly understood, making it difficult to predict which patients will recur and thus benefit from more rigorous screening and treatments. Unfortunately, the extreme rarity of dormant DTCs has been a major obstacle to their study.

Methods
To overcome this challenge, we developed an efficient system to isolate and study rare dormant breast cancer cells from metastatic organs including bones, which represent a major site of metastasis. After isolation of cells from the long bones, we used single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile proliferative and dormant PyMT-Bo1 breast cancer cells. We also compared this signature to dormant versus proliferative tumor cells isolated from the lungs. Finally, we compared our dormant signature to human datasets.

Results
We identified a group of genes including Cfh, Gas6, Mme and Ogn that were highly expressed in dormant breast cancer cells present in the bone and lung. Expression of these genes had no impact on dormancy in murine models, but their expression correlated with disease-free survival in primary human breast cancer tumors, suggesting that these genes have predictive value in determining which patients are likely to recur.

Conclusions
Dormant breast cancer cells exhibit a distinct gene expression signature regardless of metastatic site. Genes enriched in dormant breast cancer cells correlate with recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients.
25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are inversely related to metabolic syndrome risk profile in northern Chinese subjects without vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Xu Hanyuan , Han Guiyan , Wang Linjie , Ding Huihua , Wang Chunyan , Ping Xiaochuan , Dong Caixia , Zhang Dianxi , Dai Yufei , Li Naishi , Li Yufeng , Yang Hongbo , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui , Gong Fengying , Chen Jichun , Xing Xiaoping 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The comparatively low 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have been reported in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Herein we investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between serum 25(OH)D levels and MetS risk profile in northern middle-aged Chinese subjects without vitamin D supplementation.

Methods
A cohort of 211 participants including 151 MetS patients and 60 controls at 20–69 years of age were enrolled from suburban Beijing, China. The recruited MetS patients were subjected to diet and exercise counselling for 1-year. All subjects at baseline and MetS patients after intervention underwent clinical evaluations.

Results
Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly decreased in MetS patients. 25(OH)D levels were inversely related to MetS score, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) after adjusting for cofounders (all P < 0.05). Participants in the lowest tertile of 25(OH)D levels had increased odds for MetS (P = 0.045), elevated FBG (P = 0.004) in all subjects, and one MetS score gain in MetS patients (P = 0.005). Longitudinally, the metabolic statuses as well as 25(OH)D levels of MetS patients were significantly improved (all P < 0.05), and the increase of 25(OH)D levels were inversely related to MetS scores, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), FBG, and TyG, while positively related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions
25(OH)D levels were significantly decreased in MetS patients, and it was negatively associated with metabolic dysfunctions at baseline and 1-year after. Metabolic aberrations of MetS patients were significantly ameliorated with 1-year follow-up counselling accompanying by notably elevated 25(OH)D levels.
A CYC–RAD–DIV–DRIF interaction likely pre-dates the origin of floral monosymmetry in Lamiales
Authors: Sengupta Aniket , Hileman Lena C. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
An outstanding question in evolutionary biology is how genetic interactions defining novel traits evolve. They may evolve either by de novo assembly of previously non-interacting genes or by en bloc co-option of interactions from other functions. We tested these hypotheses in the context of a novel phenotype—Lamiales flower monosymmetry—defined by a developmental program that relies on regulatory interaction among CYCLOIDEA, RADIALIS, DIVARICATA, and DRIF gene products. In Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon), representing Lamiales, we tested whether components of this program likely function beyond their previously known role in petal and stamen development. In Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), representing Solanales which diverged from Lamiales before the origin of Lamiales floral monosymmetry, we additionally tested for regulatory interactions in this program.

Results
We found that RADIALIS, DIVARICATA, and DRIF are expressed in snapdragon ovaries and developing fruit, similar to their homologs during tomato fruit development. In addition, we found that a tomato CYCLOIDEA ortholog positively regulates a tomato RADIALIS ortholog.

Conclusion
Our results provide preliminary support to the hypothesis that the developmental program defining floral monosymmetry in Lamiales was co-opted en bloc from a function in carpel development. This expands our understanding of novel trait evolution facilitated by co-option of existing regulatory interactions.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for tumor immunotherapy; recent progress
Authors: Budi Hendrik Setia , Ahmad Firdaus Nuri , Achmad Harun , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Mikhailova Maria Vladimirovna , Suksatan Wanich , Chupradit Supat , Shomali Navid , Marofi Faroogh 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDue to the overexpression or amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) with poor prognosis in a myriad of human tumors, recent studies have focused on HER2-targeted therapies. Deregulation in HER2 signaling pathways is accompanied by sustained tumor cells growth concomitant with their migration and also tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by stimulation of proliferation of a network of blood vessels. A large number of studies have provided clear evidence that the emerging HER2-directed treatments could be the outcome of patients suffering from HER2 positive breast and also gastric/gastroesophageal cancers. Thanks to its great anti-tumor competence, immunotherapy using HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing immune cell has recently attracted increasing attention. Human T cells and also natural killer (NK) cells can largely be found in the tumor microenvironment, mainly contributing to the tumor immune surveillance. Such properties make them perfect candidate for genetically modification to express constructed CARs. Herein, we will describe the potential targets of the HER2 signaling in tumor cells to clarify HER2-mediated tumorigenesis and also discuss recent findings respecting the HER2-specific CAR-expressing immune cells (CAR T and CAR NK cell) for the treatment of HER2-expressing tumors.