[Method of double data entry and quality control by REDCap system].

In medical research, the quality of data is the key to success. Thus, data quality control becomes an important part of ensuring the research's high quality. REDCap system is an emerging data acquisition system in medical research, which is gradually applied in research at home and abroad. It is a hot issue to realize double data entry and data quality control in using the REDCap system, which researchers are concerned about when this system is supposed to apply. This article will systematically introduce how to use the REDCap system for double data entry and quality control from the aspects of research project creation, data collection tool design, double data entry, data checking and exporting.

miR-497 inhibits tumor growth and migration of osteosarcoma by targeting plexinA4 and CDK6.

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level which have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In the present study, we found that miR-497 was downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues. Gain and loss of function studies were carried out to investigate the effect of miR-497 on the growth of osteosarcoma cells. The results indicated that miR-497 inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis predicted plexinA4 and CDK6 as targets of miR-497, which was afterward confirmed by luciferase activity assay and rescue experiments. These findings suggested that miR-497, plexinA4 and CDK6 may serve as novel potential makers for osteosarcoma diagnostics and therapy.

LncRNA DANCR affected cell growth, EMT and angiogenesis by sponging miR-345-5p through modulating Twist1 in cholangiocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: LncRNA DANCR has been reported to play an important role in various cancers. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the function and regulatory mechanism of DANCR in Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression of DANCR, miR-345-5p in tissues and cells. Western blot was applied to measure the protein expression of Twist, N-cadherin, Vimentin, E-cadherin, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, PCNA and C-caspase 3. The relationship between DANCR and miR-345-5p was determined by luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell invasion and migration. RESULTS: We found that the expression of DANCR was significantly induced in CCA tissues and cells. Inhibition of DANCR remarkably suppressed CCA cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and angiogenesis as well as induced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assay determined that DANCR directly targeted miR-345-5p and Twist1 was a target mRNA of miR-345-5p. Otherwise, miR-345-5p down-expression partially reversed the effect induced by the suppression of DANCR in CCA. Moreover, the suppressive effects of high miR-345-5p expression on CCA cells were reversed by improving Twist1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we verified that LncRNA DANCR affected cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induced apoptosis through modulating miR-345-5p/Twist1 axis in Cholangiocarcinoma.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine or sufentanil combined with ropivacaine for epidural analgesia after thoracotomy: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracotomy is frequently accompanied with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, and excellent pain management is important for early rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for epidural analgesia after thoracotomy. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients undergoing elective lung lobectomy were enrolled in the double-blind study and randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 0.5 µg/mL of dexmedetomidine plus 0.1% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia, and group B (control group) received 0.5 µg/mL of sufentanil plus 0.1% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored. Pain intensity at rest was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 6，8, 12, 24, and 48 hrs postoperatively. Ramsay sedation score (RSS), analgesic consumption, postoperative respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and bradycardia were recorded. RESULTS: The VAS values at rest during the postoperative 6-48 hrs were lower in group A than those in group B (P<0.05), and the RSS values were higher in group A during the postoperative 4-48 hrs compared to group B (P<0.05). Side effects were similar between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine may provide better postoperative analgesia and sedative effect in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with fewer side effects. It is superior to sufentanil in analgesic effect during postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy.

Water use efficiency of Irish dairy processing.

Dairy processing uses a significant amount of water for processing and cleaning. Withdrawing and distributing water and treating wastewater represent significant costs to the Irish dairy processing industry. Stringent discharge limits also add pressure for water use efficiency, particularly during peak production months. Improving water use efficiency is therefore critical for Irish dairy processing. We conducted a detailed analysis of water use efficiency in 4 Irish dairy processing plants. Using farm gate to processor gate (gate-to-gate) life cycle assessment, we assessed on-site water data quality and investigated gate-to-gate volumetric water use and eutrophication potential (EP) for 3 common dairy products. We also benchmarked the on-site water use and water balance, characterized wastewater nutrient load, analyzed the influencers of on-site water use, and identified scope for increased water use efficiency. We found that condensate from evaporation represented a significant input at the site level (0.51 to 1.14 L/L of fresh water purchased or extracted from nature). In terms of gate-to-gate volumetric water use, butter used 1,326 to 1,843 m3/t of solids, with electricity being the largest contributor, whereas milk powders used 3,006 to 3,754 m3/t of solids, with electricity and ingredients being the largest contributors. Eutrophication of butter was found to be 0.51 to 0.77 kg of PO4 equivalents (eq)/t of solids, with transportation and nutrient emissions from wastewater treatment being the largest contributors. Eutrophication of milk powder was found to be 0.96 to 3.35 kg of PO4 eq/t of solids, and contributions varied depending on powder specifications. Milk intake water use and various leakages were found to be hotspots that could be managed to reduce water use on site. Comprehensive metering is urgently needed to improve water use efficiency in light of the ongoing expansion of dairy production and hence processing in Ireland. Significant opportunities exist to optimize operator behavior, water reuse, and off-site transportation and energy. This study represents the first attempt to define water efficiency opportunities both at the site level and along the supply chain. Processors need to be aware of off-site contributors that significantly affect both volumetric water use and environmental impacts of processed dairy products.

Interactions of two odorant-binding proteins influence insect chemoreception.

It is well known that the odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play crucial roles in insect olfactory detection. To explore if interactions of OBPs affect olfactory coding in the rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis ligand-binding experiments, molecular docking, RNA interference and electrophysiological recording were performed. The binding activity of two C. medinalis OBPs (CmedOBPs) to rice plant volatiles showed wide flexibility depending on the structure of ligands and interactions of CmedOBPs involved. The binding sites of CmedOBP2 and CmedOBP3 to rice plant volatiles were well predicted by three-dimensional structure modelling and molecular docking experiments. In addition, the interactions of these two CmedOBPs in the perception of rice volatiles were demonstrated by RNA interference experiments. When a single double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-CmedOBP2 was injected, the expression of CmedOBP2 was significantly reduced and the expression of CmedOBP3 was significantly increased, and vice versa. When both dsRNA-CmedOBP2 and 3 were injected together, greater reduction of electroantennogram responses to rice plant volatiles was induced than that seen with individual injection of either dsRNA-CmedOBP2 or dsRNA-CmedOBP3. These results clearly indicate that the interactions of CmedOBP2 and CmedOBP3 have significant effects on C. medinalis during the detection of host plant volatiles.

Cloning, expression, and polymorphism at the 5'-flanking region of the GnRH gene and their association with laying traits in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata).

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a neuropeptide, plays a vital role in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In vertebrates, GnRH is crucial for the onset of sexual development and the entire reproductive process. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic factors associated with egg-laying traits of Muscovy ducks. The full-length cDNA (474 bp) of Muscovy duck GnRH was obtained and characterised. It encodes 92 amino acids containing a 1-amino acid signal peptide cleavage site. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Muscovy duck GnRH has a close relationship with Anas platyrhynchos GnRH. GnRH showed significantly different expression profiles between 4 developmental periods in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. The expression of GnRH in the laying period (36 weeks) was higher than at other periods in the three tissues. GnRH was widely expressed in 12 examined tissues of nesting and laying Muscovy ducks. In the hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads, the expression of GnRH was higher than in other tissues. In laying Muscovy ducks, the expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, muscular stomach, pancreas, heart, duodenum and spleen was significantly higher than in nesting dusks. Differences were detected in the liver and glandular stomach between laying ducks and nesting ducks. Differences between the kidney and lung were not significant. In the pituitary, the GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) genes shared the same expression profiles during 4 time points. Both genes had the highest expression at 36 weeks of age. A mutation (g.206G > A) in the 5'-flanking region was associated with egg-laying performance. Individuals with genotype GG had better egg-laying performance than the individuals with genotype AA. GnRH may be used as a marker gene for laying performance in the Muscovy duck.

Cloning and tissue expression profiling of the GnRHR gene of the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata): polymorphism and association with egg-laying performance.

1. cDNA sequence of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone receptor (GnRHR) gene was cloned and an association analysis between mutations and laying performance was conducted. 2. A 1680-bp cDNA sequence of Muscovy duck GnRHR, which encodes 415 amino acids, was obtained and characterised. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Muscovy duck GnRHR has a close relationship with Gallus gallus GnRHR. 3. There were significantly different expression profiles between 4 age periods in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. The expression of GnRHR at the age of 36 weeks (laying period) was higher than other time points in the three tissues. GnRHR was expressed in 12 different tissues. The highest expression levels were observed in hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads. 4. A single nucleotide polymorphism detected in the second intron was associated with egg-laying performance. Individuals with genotype TT had better egg-laying performance from individuals with genotypes CC or TC. Therefore, GnRHR could be used as a marker gene for laying performance in Muscovy duck.

GH gene polymorphisms and expression associated with egg laying in muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata).

Accumulated evidence suggests that the growth hormone (GH) gene plays a physiological role in the control of reproductive function. Here, we examined the correlation between egg-laying traits and GH gene polymorphisms and expression patterns in the muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism was used to identify polymorphisms in intron 3 of GH. One single nucleotide polymorphism (g.3270 A > G) was detected by sequencing, and the frequencies of the A and G alleles in the population were 0.65 and 0.35, respectively. A comparison test showed that the AA genotype group had more consecutive laying days and more eggs at 300 days than the GG genotype group (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference for the age at first laying (P > 0.05). Such a significant correlation between GH polymorphisms and egg-laying performance suggested that GH could be a candidate locus affecting the laying trait in muscovy duck. Furthermore, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR demonstrated that GH is expressed in all selected tissues, but is highly expressed in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and heart. This unique expression pattern suggested that GH may exert its local physiological function through the autocrine or paracrine pathway during gonad development and growth in the muscovy duck. The data presented in this paper revealed GH polymorphisms and expression patterns in the muscovy duck and indicated a potential regulatory effect of GH on reproduction.

Life cycle assessment of milk production from commercial dairy farms: the influence of management tactics.

Little consideration has been given to how farm management, specifically tactics used to implement the management strategy, may influence the carbon footprint (CF) and land use for milk produced on commercial farms. In this study, the CF and land use of milk production from 18 Irish commercial dairy farms were analyzed based on foreground data from a 12-mo survey capturing management tactics and background data from the literature. Large variation was found in farm attributes and management tactics; for example, up to a 1.5-fold difference in fertilizer nitrogen input was used to support the same stocking density, and up to a 3.5-fold difference in concentrate fed for similar milk output per cow. However, the coefficient of variation for milk CF between farms only varied by 13% and for land use by 18%. The overall CF and overall land use of the milk production from the 18 dairy farms was 1.23±0.04kg of CO2 Eq and 1.22±0.05 m(2) per kilogram of energy-corrected milk. Milk output per cow, economic allocation between exports of milk and liveweight, and on-farm diesel use per ha were found to be influential factors on milk CF, whereas the fertilizer N rate, milk output per cow, and economic allocation between exports of milk and liveweight were influential on land use. Effective sward management of white clover within a few farms appeared to lower the CF but increased on-farm land use. It was concluded that a combination of multiple tactics determines CF and land use for milk production on commercial dairy farms and, although these 2 measures of environmental impact are correlated, a farm with a low CF did not always have low land use and vice versa.

The carbon footprint of pasture-based milk production: can white clover make a difference?

Carbon footprint (CF) calculated by life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to compare greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based milk production relying mainly on (1) fertilizer N (FN), or (2) white clover (WC). Data were sourced from studies conducted at Solohead Research Farm in Ireland between 2001 and 2006. Ten FN pastures stocked between 2.0 and 2.5 livestock units (LU)/ha with fertilizer N input between 180 and 353 kg/ha were compared with 6 WC pastures stocked between 1.75 and 2.2 LU/ha with fertilizer N input between 80 and 99 kg/ha. The WC-based system had 11 to 23% lower CF compared with FN (average CF was 0.86 to 0.87 and 0.97 to 1.13 kg of CO(2)-eq/kg of energy-corrected milk, respectively, 91% economic allocation). Emissions of both N(2)O and CO(2) were lower in WC, whereas emissions of CH(4) (per kg of energy-corrected milk) were similar in both systems. Ratio sensitivity analysis indicated that the difference was not caused by error due to modeling assumptions. Replacing fertilizer N by biological nitrogen fixation could lower the CF of pasture-based milk production.