bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative population genomics reveals genetic divergence and selection in lotus, Nelumbo nucifera
Authors: Li Ye , Zhu Feng-Lin , Zheng Xing-Wen , Hu Man-Li , Dong Chen , Diao Ying , Wang You-Wei , Xie Ke-Qiang , Hu Zhong-Li
Published: February 2020

Background

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant with important agronomic, horticulture, art and religion values. It was the basal eudicot species occupying a critical phylogenetic position in flowering plants. After the domestication for thousands of years, lotus has differentiated into three cultivated types -flower lotus, seed lotus and rhizome lotus. Although the phenotypic and genetic differentiations based on molecular markers have been reported, the variation on whole-genome level among the different lotus types is still ambiguous.

Results

In order to reveal the evolution and domestication characteristics of lotus, a total of 69 lotus accessions were selected, including 45 cultivated accessions, 22 wild sacred lotus accessions, and 2 wild American lotus accessions. With Illumina technology, the genomes of these lotus accessions were resequenced to > 13× raw data coverage. On the basis of these genomic data, 25 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in lotus. Population analysis showed that the rhizome and seed lotus were monophyletic and genetically homogeneous, whereas the flower lotus was biphyletic and genetically heterogeneous. Using population SNP data, we identified 1214 selected regions in seed lotus, 95 in rhizome lotus, and 37 in flower lotus. Some of the genes in these regions contributed to the essential domestication traits of lotus. The selected genes of seed lotus mainly affected lotus seed weight, size and nutritional quality. While the selected genes were responsible for insect resistance, antibacterial immunity and freezing and heat stress resistance in flower lotus, and improved the size of rhizome in rhizome lotus, respectively.

Conclusions

The genome differentiation and a set of domestication genes were identified from three types of cultivated lotus- flower lotus, seed lotus and rhizome lotus, respectively. Among cultivated lotus, flower lotus showed the greatest variation. The domestication genes may show agronomic importance via enhancing insect resistance, improving seed weight and size, or regulating lotus rhizome size. The domestication history of lotus enhances our knowledge of perennial aquatic crop evolution, and the obtained dataset provides a basis for future genomics-enabled breeding.
A fast-linear mixed model for genome-wide haplotype association analysis: application to agronomic traits in maize
Authors: Chen Heli , Hao Zhiyu , Zhao Yunfeng , Yang Runqing
Published: February 2020

Background

Haplotypes combine the effects of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with high linkage disequilibrium, which benefit the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). In the haplotype association analysis, both haplotype alleles and blocks are tested. Haplotype alleles can be inferred with the same statistics as SNPs in the linear mixed model, while blocks require the formulation of unified statistics to fit different genetic units, such as SNPs, haplotypes, and copy number variations.

Results

Based on the FaST-LMM, the fastLmPure function in the R/RcppArmadillo package has been introduced to speed up genome-wide regression scans by a re-weighted least square estimation. When large or highly significant blocks are tested based on EMMAX, the genome-wide haplotype association analysis takes only one to two rounds of genome-wide regression scans. With a genomic dataset of 541,595 SNPs from 513 maize inbred lines, 90,770 haplotype blocks were constructed across the whole genome, and three types of markers (SNPs, haplotype alleles, and haplotype blocks) were genome-widely associated with 17 agronomic traits in maize using the software developed here.

Conclusions

Two SNPs were identified for LNAE, four haplotype alleles for TMAL, LNAE, CD, and DTH, and only three blocks reached the significant level for TMAL, CD, and KNPR. Compared to the R/lm function, the computational time was reduced by ~ 10–15 times.
Next-generation sequencing identified novel Desmoplakin frame-shift variant in patients with Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Ma Yuankun , Cai Zhejun , Wang Qiyuan , Wang Lihua , Huo Zhaoxia , Hu Dan , Wang Jian’an , Xiang Meixiang
Published: February 2020

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is one of the leading causes for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Recent studies have identified mutations in cardiac desmosomes as key players in the pathogenesis of AC. However, the specific etiology in individual families remains largely unknown.

Methods

A 4-generation family presenting with syncope, lethal ventricular arrhythmia and SCD was recruited. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed and validated by Sanger sequencing. Plasmids containing the mutation and wild type (WT) were constructed. Real-time PCR, western-blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the functional change due to the mutation.

Results

The proband, a 56-year-old female, presented with recurrent palpitations and syncope. An ICD was implanted due to her family history of SCD/ aborted SCD. NGS revealed a novel heterozygous frame-shift variant (c.832delG) in Desmoplakin (DSP) among 5 family members. The variant led to frame-shift and premature termination, producing a truncated protein. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) of the family members carrying the same variant shown myocardium thinning and fatty infiltration in the right ventricular, positive bi-ventricular late gadolinium enhancement and severe RV dysfunction, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of AC. HEK293T cells transfected with mutant plasmids expressed truncated DSP mRNA and protein, upregulation of nuclear junction plakoglobin (JUP) and downregulation of β-catenin, when compared with WT.

Conclusion

We infer that the novel c.832delG variant in DSP was associated with AC in this family, likely through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
The effect of preconditioning with high-intensity training on tissue levels of G-CSF, its receptor and C-kit after an acute myocardial infarction in male rats
Authors: Ghanimati Reza , Rajabi Hamid , Ramezani Fatemeh , Ramez Maral , Bapiran Mohsen , Nasirinezhad Farinaz
Published: February 2020

Background

Exercise training is known as a practical way to increase cardioprotection against stress, and it seems that stem cell recruitment is one of its mechanisms. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of preconditioning with High-intensity interval training (HIIT) on tissue levels of G-CSF, its receptor and C-Kit following acute myocardial infarction in male rats.

Methods

Twenty Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of control, MI, HIIT, and HIIT+MI. Training groups performed 2 weeks of high intensity interval training in 4 sections. The first section consisted training in 3 days and 2 sessions in each day (4 × 2 min with 35–40 m/min and 3 × 2 min with 25–30 m/min between high intervals. The second part included 2 days of training (4 × 2 min with 40 to 45 m/min and 3 × 2 min with 28 to 32 m /min). The third part was performed in 3 days with one more repetition. The fourth section consisted 2 days of training and with one more repetition compared to section 3. For induction of myocardial infarction, subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline was used. CK, total CK, LDH, and troponin T were measured in serum and G-CSF, G-CSFR and C-Kit proteins were measured by the Western Blot method in the heart tissue.

Results

The results of this study showed that enzymes of CK, total CK, LDH, troponin T had a significant increase in both MI and HIIT+MI groups compared to the other two groups (P < 0.001) and these indices in the MI group were significantly higher than the HIIT+MI group. Also, the results demonstrated that G-CSF, G-CSFR and C-Kit protein expression in the heart tissue significantly increased after MI. As well as, 2 weeks of HIIT training significantly increased G-CSF and C-kit in the training group compared to the control group, but the training caused that these proteins does not increase in HIIT+MI group as much as MI group.

Conclusions

Along with other protective pathways, high intensity interval training can increase cardioprotection and decrease heart injuries through the increase in G-CSF, G-CSFR and C-kit level.
Outcome choice and definition in systematic reviews leads to few eligible studies included in meta-analyses: a case study
Authors: Saldanha Ian J. , Lindsley Kristina B. , Money Sarah , Kimmel Hannah J. , Smith Bryant T. , Dickersin Kay
Published: February 2020

Background

There is broad recognition of the importance of evidence in informing clinical decisions. When information from all studies included in a systematic review (“review”) does not contribute to a meta-analysis, decision-makers can be frustrated. Our objectives were to use the field of eyes and vision as a case study and examine the extent to which authors of Cochrane reviews conducted meta-analyses for their review’s pre-specified main outcome domain and the reasons that some otherwise eligible studies were not incorporated into meta-analyses.

Methods

We examined all completed systematic reviews published by Cochrane Eyes and Vision, as of August 11, 2017. We extracted information about each review’s outcomes and, using an algorithm, categorized one outcome as its “main” outcome. We calculated the percentage of included studies incorporated into meta-analyses for any outcome and for the main outcome. We examined reasons for non-inclusion of studies into the meta-analysis for the main outcome.

Results

We identified 175 completed reviews, of which 125 reviews included two or more studies. Across these 125 reviews, the median proportions of studies incorporated into at least one meta-analysis for any outcome and for the main outcome were 74% (interquartile range [IQR] 0–100%) and 28% (IQR 0–71%), respectively. Fifty-one reviews (41%) could not conduct a meta-analysis for the main outcome, mostly because fewer than two included studies measured the outcome (21/51 reviews) or the specific measurements for the outcome were inconsistent (16/51 reviews).

Conclusions

Outcome choice during systematic reviews can lead to few eligible studies included in meta-analyses. Core outcome sets and improved reporting of outcomes can help solve some of these problems.
Enterovirus D68 in a 6-year-old acute flaccid myelitis case in China, 2018: a case report
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Pengfei , Li Jie , Chu Yanhui , Li Zheng , Yang Yang , Li Fu , Cui Shujuan , Huo Da , Wang Yu , Wang Quanyi
Published: February 2020

Background

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) are reported to be associated with enterovirus D68 infection. Though an increasing number of AFM cases were reported with EV-D68 infection in the US, few such cases have been found in China.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old boy presented with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) involving left arm after fever and respiratory symptoms for 6 days. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed inflammation in both lungs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine showed swelling in the left frontal lobe and brain stem. The patient was diagnosed with meningomyelitis. EV-D68 was detected from pharyngeal samples 36 days after the onset of the disease.

Conclusion

We report the first EV-D68 infection in case of AFM in mainland China. AFM surveillance systems is recommended to be established in China to guide diagnosis, case reporting, and specimen collection and testing for better understanding its etiologies.
The S68G polymorphism is a compensatory mutation associated with the drug resistance mutation K65R in CRF01_AE strains
Authors: Li Shengjia , Ouyang Jinming , Zhao Bin , An Minghui , Wang Lin , Ding Haibo , Zhang Min , Han Xiaoxu
Published: February 2020

Background

The rate of S68G mutation in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase has increased and is closely related to the K65R mutation among CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment. We aimed to explore the temporal association of S68G and K65R mutations and disclose the role of the former on susceptibility to nucleotide/nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and viral replication with the K65R double mutations among CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment.

Methods

The occurrence of S68G and K65R mutations was evaluated among HIV-1 of various subtypes in the global HIV Drug Resistance Database. The temporal association of S68G and K65R mutations was analyzed through next-generation sequencing in four CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment with tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz. The impact of the S68G mutation on susceptibility to NRTI and replication fitness was analyzed using pseudovirus phenotypic resistance assays and growth competition assays, respectively.

Results

The frequency of the S68G mutation increased by 1.4–9.7% in almost all HIV subtypes and circulating recombinant forms in treatment-experienced patients, except subtype F. The S68G mutation often occurred in conjunction with the K65R mutation among RTI-treated patients, with frequencies ranging 21.1–61.7% in various subtypes. Next-generation sequencing revealed that the S68G mutation occurred following the K65R mutation in three of the four CRF01_AE-infected patients. In these three patients, there was no significant change detected in the half maximal inhibitory concentration for zidovudine, tenofovir, or lamivudine between the K65R and K65R/S68G mutations, as demonstrated by the phenotypic resistance assays. Virus stocks of the K65R and K65R/S68G mutations were mixed with 4:6, 1:1, and 9:1 and cultured for 13 days, the K65R/S68G mutants outgrew those of the K65R mutants irrespective of the input ratio.

Conclusions

S68G may be a natural polymorphism and compensatory mutation of K65R selected by NRTIs in the CRF01_AE strain of HIV-1. This mutation does not affect susceptibility to NRTI; however, it improves the replication fitness of K65R mutants. This study deciphers the role of the S68G mutation in the HIV reverse transcriptase of the CRF01_AE strain and provides new evidence for the interpretation of drug-resistant mutations in non-B subtypes of HIV-1.
Correction to: Clinical experience with a novel assay measuring cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immunity by flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining to predict clinically significant CMV events
Authors: Rogers Ralph , Saharia Kapil , Chandorkar Aditya , Weiss Zoe F. , Vieira Kendra , Koo Sophia , Farmakiotis Dimitrios
Published: February 2020

After publication of the original article [1], we were notified that an author’s family name has been erroneously spelled. Aditya Chandrokar should be replaced with Aditya Chandorkar.
Prevalence of syphilis in female sex workers in three countryside cities of the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Souza Ronaldo Lopes , dos Santos Madeira Lucimar Di Paula , Pereira Marcelo Victor Serejo , da Silva Rachel Macedo , de Luna Sales João Bráullio , Azevedo Vania Nakauth , Feitosa Rosimar Neris Martins , Monteiro Jacqueline Cortinhas , de Oliveira Guimarães Ishak Marluisa , Ishak Ricardo , Ribeiro Andre Luis Ribeiro , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir B. , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida
Published: February 2020

Background

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmitted from person to person mainly by sexual intercourse or through vertical transmission during pregnancy. Female sex workers (FSWs) are exposed especially to syphilis infection, and besides all the efforts to control the spread of STIs, syphilis prevalence is still rising, mainly occurring in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the syphilis prevalence, demographic characteristics and sexual habits among FSWs in the Amazon region of Brazil.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out including 184 FSWs from 3 countryside cities of the state of Pará, Amazon region of Brazil. A venereal disease research laboratory test and an indirect immunoenzyme assay to test antibodies against Treponema pallidum were used for screening syphilis infection, while sexual habits and demographic data information were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed comparing groups with/without syphilis. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the reasons of prevalence (RP).

Results

The overall prevalence of syphilis was 14.1% (95% CI = 9.8–17.8). FSWs had between 15 and 56 years of age, most were unmarried (65.7%), had attended less than 8 years of formal education (64.1%), had between 10 and 20 partners per week (64.1%), and reported no previous history of STIs (76.1%) and regular use of condom (52.7%). Low level of education attending up to the primary school (RP adjusted = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.4–9.2) and high frequency of anal sex during the past year (RP adjusted = 9.3; 95% CI = 3.5–28.7) were associated with a higher prevalence of syphilis.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of syphilis among FSWs in the Brazilian Amazon region was identified, showing that syphilis is more likely to be transmitted in FSW working in low-income areas, which is attributed to the low level of education. Anal intercourse was found as a risk factor associated with syphilis. Health programs focused on risk populations appear as a rational way to control syphilis spread, which is a rising problem in Brazil and in other several countries.
The incidence of collagen-associated adverse events in pediatric population with the use of fluoroquinolones: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Pei-Han , Hu Chih-Fen , Liu Jen-Wei , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Yong-Chen , Sun Chien-An , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: February 2020

Background

To evaluate the safety of using fluoroquinolones in pediatric population in Taiwan.

Methods

Patients aged 0~18 years old with fluoroquinolones prescriptions ≥5 consecutive days during year 2000 to 2013 were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database, 4-time case number were selected as controls. We evaluated the patient’s outcome after the use of fluoroquinolones by reviewing a newly diagnosis of the following collagen-associated adverse events by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, covering tendons rupture, retinal detachments, gastrointestinal tract perforation, aortic aneurysm or dissection.

Results

Of the enrolled patients (n = 167,105), collagen-associated adverse effects developed in 85 cases (0.051%) in 6-month tracking, including 0.051% in the fluoroquinolones study cohort (17 in 33,421) and 0.051% (68 in 133,684) in the fluoroquinolones free comparison cohort. The crude hazard ratio for collagen-associated adverse events in the fluoroquinolones group was 0.997 (0.586–1.696; p = 0.990). After adjusting for age, sex, catastrophic illness, low-income household, seasons, levels of urbanization, and healthcare, the corrected hazard ratio in 6-month tracking with FQs was 1.330 (95% CI; 0.778–2.276; p = 0.255).

Conclusions

There is no significant difference of collagen-associated adverse effects between fluoroquinolones group and fluoroquinolones free group from our data. We propose that fluoroquinolones for pediatric population in clinical practice may be not so harmful as previous references reported.
Arts, mental distress, mental health functioning & life satisfaction: fixed-effects analyses of a nationally-representative panel study
Authors: Wang Senhu , Mak Hei Wan , Fancourt Daisy
Published: February 2020

Background

Arts engagement within communities is ubiquitous across cultures globally and previous research has suggested its benefits for mental health and wellbeing. However, it remains unclear whether these benefits are driven by arts engagement itself or by important confounders such as socio-economic status (SES), childhood arts engagement, previous mental health, personality, or self-selection bias. The aim of this study is to use fixed effects models that account for unidentified time-constant confounding measures to examine the longitudinal association between arts (frequency of both arts participation and cultural attendance), mental distress, mental health functioning and life satisfaction.

Methods

Data from 23,660 individuals (with a mean age of 47 years) included in the UK Understanding Society wave 2 (2010–2012) and wave 5 (2013–2015) were analyzed. Aside from controlling for all time-constant variables using fixed-effects models, we additionally adjusted for time-varying demographic factors (e.g. age and marital status), health behaviors and social support variables.

Results

After controlling for all time-constant variables and identified time-varying confounders, frequent arts participation and cultural attendance were associated with lower levels of mental distress and higher levels of life satisfaction, with arts participation additionally associated with better mental health functioning. Health-related and social time-varying factors were shown partly but not wholly to explain the observed associations.

Conclusion

Arts engagement amongst the population as a whole may help enhance positive mental health and life satisfaction, and protect against mental distress. These results are independent of a wide range of time-constant confounding factors.
Socioeconomic - related inequalities in overweight and obesity: findings from the PERSIAN cohort study
Authors: Najafi Farid , Soltani Shahin , Karami Matin Behzad , Kazemi Karyani Ali , Rezaei Satar , Soofi Moslem , Salimi Yahya , Moradinazar Mehdi , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Barzegar Loghman , Pasdar Yahya , Hamzeh Behrooz , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Malekzadeh Reza , Poustchi Hossein , Eghtesad Sareh , Nejatizadeh Azim , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Zare Sakhvidi Mohammad Javad , Joukar Farahnaz , Hashemi-Shahri Seyed Mohammad , Vakilian Alireza , Niknam Ramin , Faramarzi Elnaz , Akhavan Akbari Ghodrat , Ghorat Fershteh , Khaledifar Arsalan , Vahabzadeh Davoud , Homayounfar Reza , Safarpour Ali Reza , Hosseini Sayed Vahid , Rezvani Reza , Hosseini Seyyed Ahmad
Published: February 2020

Background

Overweight and obesity are major health concerns worldwide, with adverse health consequences during the life span. This study measured socioeconomic inequality in overweight and obesity among Iranian adults.

Methods

Data were extracted from 129,257 Iranian adults (aged 35 years and older) participated in the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) in 14 provinces of Iran in 2014. Socioeconomic-related inequality in overweight and obesity was estimated using the Concentration Index (Cn). The Cnfurther decomposed to find factors explaining the variability within the Socioeconomic related inequality in overweight and obesity.

Results

Of the total number of participants, 1.98, 26.82, 40.76 and 30.43% had underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity respectively. The age-and sex standardized prevalence of obesity was higher in females than males (39.85% vs 18.79%). People with high socioeconomic status (SES) had a 39 and 15% higher chance of being overweight and obese than low SES people, respectively. The positive value of Cnsuggested a higher concentration of overweight (0.081, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.074–0.087) and obesity (0.027, 95% CI; 0.021–0.034) among groups with high SES. There was a wide variation in socioeconomic-related inequality in overweight and obesity rate across 14 provinces. The decomposition results suggested that SES factor itself explained 66.77 and 89.07% of the observed socioeconomic inequalities in overweight and obesity among Iranian adults respectively. Following SES, province of residence, physical activity, using hookah and smoking were the major contributors to the concentration of overweight and obesity among the rich.

Conclusions

Overall, we found that overweight and obesity is concentrated among high SES people in the study population. . Accordingly, it seems that intersectional actions should be taken to control and prevent overweight and obesity among higher socioeconomic groups.
Unilateral temporary diaphragmatic paralysis secondary to bronchial artery embolization in a girl with cystic fibrosis and massive hemoptysis: a case report
Authors: Terlizzi V. , Botti M. , Gabbani G. , Fanelli F. , De Martino M. , Taccetti G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Massive hemoptysis is a serious complication in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), occurring commonly in older patients. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) can be performed to stop the bleeding. BAE is generally safe and effective, but can sometimes lead to serious complications. We report the first case of temporary unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis associated to lung consolidation following BAE in a pediatric CF female patient. This complication worsened the lung function of the patient who underwent lung transplantation after 9 months.

Case presentation

A 14 years old female CF patient followed by the CF center of Florence presented low-grade fever, cough increase and recurrent episodes of major hemorrhages such as to carry out a BAE. Within 24 h the patient started to complain of severe thoracic pain in the right hemithorax, increased dyspnea and fever. A computed tomographic angiography and a dynamic fluoroscopic evaluation revealed the right diaphragmatic paralysis, not present before the procedure. After 4 days the clinical condition and radiological imaging had improved with restored mobility of the right hemidiaphragm. Nine months later, she required mechanical ventilation, and subsequently the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for a pulmonary exacerbation with septic shock. Lung transplantation in ECMO was performed with success.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of phrenic nerve injury with BAE in pediatric CF patients.
Effectiveness of herbal oral care products in reducing dental plaque & gingivitis – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Janakiram Chandrashekar , Venkitachalam Ramanarayanan , Fontelo Paul , Iafolla Timothy J. , Dye Bruce A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Despite the large number of trials conducted using herbal oral care products for the reduction of dental plaque or gingivitis, results are conflicting and inconclusive.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of herbal oral care products compared to conventional products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis adults.

Methods

We searched the following databases for Randomised controlled trials (RCTs): MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE Ovid etc. which yielded 493 trails. Of which 24 RCTs comparing herbal toothpaste or mouth rinse with over the counter toothpaste or mouth rinse in adults aged 18 to 65 years were included. Two authors extracted information and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using Risk of Bias. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted for four outcomes for tooth paste and mouth rinse respectively. Mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to estimate the effect, with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 1597 adults participated in 24 RCT studies. These were classified as herbal toothpaste (HTP) (15 trials, 899 participants) and herbal mouth rinse (HMR) (9 trials, 698 participants) compared with non-herbal toothpaste (NHTP) or non-herbal mouth rinse (NHMR). We found that HTP was superior over NHTP (SMD 1.95, 95% CI (0.97–2.93)) in plaque reduction. The long-term use of NHMR was superior in reduction of dental plaque over HMR (SMD -2.61, 95% (CI 4.42–0.80)). From subgroup analysis it showed that HTP was not superior over fluoride toothpaste (SMD 0.99, 95% CI (0.14–2.13)) in reducing dental plaque. However, HTP was favoured over non-fluoride toothpaste (SMD 4.64, 95% CI (2.23–7.05)).

Conclusion

For short-term reduction in dental plaque, current evidence suggests that HTP is as effective as compared to NHTP; however, evidence is from low quality studies.
Ginsenosides induce extensive changes in gene expression and inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Zhewen , Zhou Shiping , Hu Xiaoqing , Chai Jiannan
Published: February 2020

Background

The effect of ginsenosides on the growth and apoptosis of human lens epithelial (HLE) B3 cells exposed to H2O2 was investigated. In addition, the effect of ginsenosides on gene expression in HLE-B3 cells was analyzed using microarray assays to determine its molecular mechanism.

Methods

HLE-B3 cells were treated with 1.75 M H2O2 in the presence or absence of 5, 10 or 20 μM ginsenosides. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assays and flow cytometry, respectively, at 24 to 120 h after the treatment. Furthermore, HLE-B3 cells were treated with 20 μM ginsenosides for 8 days and total RNA was isolated and analyzed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Array. Principal component analysis was performed to visualize the microarray data.

Results

Addition of ginsenosides significantly alleviated the growth inhibitory effect of H2O2 on HLE-B3 cells and the percentage of viable cells was increased by more than 3 folds. Flow cytometric analysis showed that 6.16 ± 0.29% of H2O2-treated HLE-B3 cells were early apoptotic cells, and the percentage was reduced to 4.78 ± 0.16% (P < 0.05) in the presence of 20 μM ginsenosides. Principal component analysis revealed that ginsenoside caused extensive changes in gene expression in HLE-B3 cells. A total of 6219 genes showed significant differential expression in HLE-B3 cells treated with ginsenoside; among them, 2552 (41.0%) genes were significantly upregulated, whereas 3667 (59.0%) genes were significantly downregulated. FOXN2, APP and RAD23B were the top three upregulated genes while WSB1, PSME4 and DCAF7 were the top three downregulated genes in HLE-B3 cells treated with ginsenosides.

Conclusion

Ginsenosides induce extensive changes in the expression of genes involved in multiple signaling pathways, including apoptotic signaling pathway and DNA damage response signaling pathway. Ginsenosides alleviate H2O2-induced suppression of the growth of HLB cells and inhibit H2O2-induced apoptosis of HLB cells.
Effects of tannase-converted green tea extract on skeletal muscle development
Authors: Hong Ki-Bae , Lee Hee-Seok , Hong Jeong Sup , Kim Dong Hyeon , Moon Joo Myung , Park Yooheon
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tannase-converted green tea extract with a high (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and gallic acid (GA) content on myotube density and fusion in normal and oxidative stress-induced C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Although the use of green tea extract is considered beneficial, cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of tannase-converted green tea extracts that are used as potential muscle growth materials have not been thoroughly studied.

Methods

This study used histological analysis and molecular biology techniques, and compared the results with those for AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (AICAR) and green tea extracts.

Results

The myotube density of normal and oxidative stress-induced C2C12 cells was significantly higher in the tannase-converted green tea extract-treated group than that observed in the other groups (normal cells: P < 0.01; oxidative stress-induced cells: P < 0.05). In addition, tannase-converted green tea extract and green tea extract treatments significantly upregulated the genetic expression of myogenin, Myf5, and MyoD (P < 0.05). The levels of AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα) and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF-1) in the tannase-converted green tea extract group were higher than those in the AICAR and green tea extract groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings describe that the high levels of EC, EGC, and GA in the tannase-converted green tea extract are attributable to the morphological changes in C2C12 cells and intercellular signaling pathways. Therefore, tannase-converted green tea extract can be used in the treatment of sarcopenia.
Lirioresinol B dimethyl ether inhibits NF-κB and COX-2 and activates IκBα expression in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Shehzad Adeeb , Rehmat Shagufta , Ul-Islam Salman , Ahmad Rizwan , Aljafary Meneerah , Alrushaid Noor A. , Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Inflammation is one of the key components in the initiation and progression of hepatic diseases. If not treated, inflammation may cause cell dysplasia, and ultimately cancer. In the current study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of plant isolated compound Lirioresinol B Dimethyl Ether (LBDE) extracted from the seeds of Magnolia fargesii CHENG (Magnoliaceae) against HepG2 cells as well as in BALB/C male mice.

Methods

We assessed the antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects of plant compounds using DPPH assay and HepG2 cell lines. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) were used to induce liver cell dysplasia followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in BALB/C male mice for 12 weeks. We investigated the underlying mechanism by using histopathology and immunoblot experiments.

Results

Intraperitoneal injection of LBDE (50 mg/kg body weight/day) inhibited CCl4-induced HCC. Free radical scavenging assay shows the strong anti-oxidant activity of LBDE. Western blot results show that LBDE down-regulated nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) by preventing the phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha (IκBα) in CCl4 treated group. LBDE also improved liver function by decreasing Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Histopathology results revealed that LBDE decreased granulomas and express normal morphology of hepatocytes.

Conclusions

These preliminary results show that LBDE has the potential to inhibit CCl4-induced liver cell dysplasia and prevents cancer development by regulating NFκB/COX-2 activation.
Assessing the effects of the nursing education reform on the educational environment in Tajikistan: a repeated cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Lechthaler Filippo , Arigoni Michele , Khamidova Mohira , Davlyatova Dilbar , Prytherch Helen , Wyss Kaspar
Published: February 2020

Background

A well-functioning education system for family nurses is a priority of the primary health care reform in Tajikistan. In 2015/2016, a baseline study was carried out to measure the educational environment at two nursing colleges, in Kulob and Dushanbe. Building on the study’s recommendations, the educational reform has addressed several key issues to improve the educational environment among nursing students with a focus on strengthening competency-based learning and clinical skills. A follow-up study was carried out in late 2018 to comparatively analyse progress in the educational environment against the baseline and assess potential impacts of tailored interventions.

Method

A repeated cross-sectional survey involving 1239 students was applied to measure changes in the educational environment between 2015/2016 (baseline) and 2018 (endline) using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). We compared mean scores over time using Welch’s two sample t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Single items have additionally been analysed using critical threshold (flags) for mean scores, and the percentage of answers falling above or below predefined values. A multivariate non-parametric regression was applied to control for confounding factors. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s α.

Results

Cronbach’s α for overall scores ranged between 0.87 and 0.89. Between 2015/2016 and 2018 the perceived educational environment improved with an increase of the mean total DREEM score from 131.8 to 146.9 in Dushanbe and from 134.9 to 151.2 in Kulob. Mean comparisons and multivariate regression revealed a significant increase of all sub-scores between 2015/2016 and 2018 with students’ social self-perception exhibiting the smallest progress. Despite the general improvements observed, analysis at the level of single items revealed persistent weaknesses including a lack of competency-based learning and stress.

Conclusions

The education environment has improved in several important ways between 2015/2016 and 2018 which points to a likely positive contribution of the nursing education reform. This progress notwithstanding, there is still notable room for further improvement. Targeted efforts aimed at a better organization of practical trainings, improved didactical competences of teachers, and support structures for lonely and stressed students still seem to be lacking for the achievement of a good nursing education system in Tajikistan.
Unpacking organizational readiness for change: an updated systematic review and content analysis of assessments
Authors: Miake-Lye Isomi M. , Delevan Deborah M. , Ganz David A. , Mittman Brian S. , Finley Erin P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Organizational readiness assessments have a history of being developed as important support tools for successful implementation. However, it remains unclear how best to operationalize readiness across varied projects or settings. We conducted a synthesis and content analysis of published readiness instruments to compare how investigators have operationalized the concept of organizational readiness for change.

Methods

We identified readiness assessments using a systematic review and update search. We mapped individual assessment items to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), which identifies five domains affecting implementation (outer setting, inner setting, intervention characteristics, characteristics of individuals, and implementation process) and multiple constructs within each domain.

Results

Of 1370 survey items, 897 (68%) mapped to the CFIR domain of inner setting, most commonly related to constructs of readiness for implementation (n = 220); networks and communication (n = 207); implementation climate (n = 204); structural characteristics (n = 139); and culture (n = 93). Two hundred forty-two items (18%) mapped to characteristics of individuals (mainly other personal attributes [n = 157] and self-efficacy [n = 52]); 80 (6%) mapped to outer setting; 51 (4%) mapped to implementation process; 40 (3%) mapped to intervention characteristics; and 60 (4%) did not map to CFIR constructs. Instruments were typically tailored to specific interventions or contexts.

Discussion

Available readiness instruments predominantly focus on contextual factors within the organization and characteristics of individuals, but the specificity of most assessment items suggests a need to tailor items to the specific scenario in which an assessment is fielded. Readiness assessments must bridge the gap between measuring a theoretical construct and factors of importance to a particular implementation.
Through the professional’s eyes: transfers of care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period
Authors: van Stenus Cherelle M. V. , Poorthuis Max B. , Boere-Boonekamp Magda M. , Need Ariana
Published: February 2020

Background

In the Netherlands, the obstetric and neonatal healthcare system consists of multiple healthcare organizations. Due to this system, transfers between healthcare professionals are inevitable. Transfers can interrupt the continuity of care, which is an important aspect of care quality. The aim of this study is to examine how healthcare professionals transfer their clients and to understand factors that facilitate or impede continuity of care.

Methods

We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with community midwives (4), obstetricians/clinical midwives (4), maternity care assistants (4), and youth healthcare nurses (3) between June and September 2016. After discussing the meaning of transfers of care, we introduced a vignette on the care process of a pregnant woman and asked about the methods the professional would use to transfer a client and about factors that facilitate or impede continuity of care.

Results

Obstetric and neonatal healthcare professionals mentioned 19 factors that facilitate or impede continuity of care. The facilitating factors were, e.g., usage of protocols and standard formats, transfers in person, being accessible, and multidisciplinary meetings. Impeding factors included, e.g., acute situations, experienced hierarchy, insufficient knowledge of protocols, and privacy concerns.

Conclusion

Professionals mentioned a broad variety of factors facilitating and impeding continuity of care.
The role of professional logics in quality register use: a realist evaluation
Authors: Norman Ann-Charlott , Elg Mattias , Nordin Annika , Gäre Boel Andersson , Algurén Beatrix
Published: February 2020

Background

Clinical practice improvements based on quality-register data are influenced by multiple factors. Although there is agreement that information from quality registers is valuable for quality improvement, practical ways of organising register use have been notoriously difficult to realise. The present study sought to investigate the mechanisms that lead various clinicians to use quality registers for improvement.

Methods

This research involves studying individuals’ decisions in response to a Swedish programme focusing on increasing the use of quality registers. Through a case study, we focused on heart failure care and its corresponding register: the Swedish Heart Failure Register. The empirical data consisted of a purposive sample collected longitudinally by qualitative methods between 2013 and 2015. In total, 18 semi-structured interviews were carried out. We used realist evaluation to identify contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes.

Results

We identified four contexts –registration, use of output data, governance,andimprovement projects– that provide conditions for the initiation of specific mechanisms. Given a professional theoretical perspective, we further showed that mechanisms are based on the logics of eitherorganisational improvementorclinical practice. The two logics offer insights into the ways in which clinicians choose to embrace or reject certain registers’ initiatives.

Conclusions

We identified a strong path dependence, as registers have historically been tightly linked to the medical profession’s competence. Few new initiatives in the studied programme reach the clinical context. We explain this through the lack of an organisational improvement logic and its corresponding mechanisms in the context of the medical profession. Implementation programmes must understand the logic of clinical practice; that is, be integrated with the ways in which work is carried out in everyday practice. Programmes need to be better at helping core health professionals to reach the highest standards of patient care.
Assessing and treating complex mental health needs among homeless youth in a shelter-based clinic
Authors: Winiarski Dominika A. , Rufa Anne K. , Bounds Dawn T. , Glover Angela C. , Hill Kristin A. , Karnik Niranjan S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Rates of homelessness have been increasing in recent years, thereby necessitating a more direct approach to treating this complex social problem. Homeless youth have disproportionately high rates of untreated mental health problems and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the effects of homelessness during the transition period from adolescence to adulthood.

Methods

The study team developed a shelter-based clinic and collected clinical measures on youth who attended this clinic from October 2016 through June 2018.

Results

Youth attended an average number of three sessions, but there was a significant drop in follow-up after the first (intake) appointment. Depression, anger, and adjustment disorder emerged as the most common presenting mental health concerns identified by clinicians in the intake appointment, and trauma was identified as a significant complaint for those youth who returned for a second session.

Conclusion

Mental health care is needed in this population, but future studies should explore alternative approaches to retaining homeless youth in treatment and in designing targeted trauma-informed interventions.
Effect of the TetR family transcriptional regulator Sp1418 on the global metabolic network of Saccharopolyspora pogona
Authors: He Haocheng , Yuan Shuangqin , Hu Jinjuan , Chen Jianming , Rang Jie , Tang Jianli , Liu Zhudong , Xia Ziyuan , Ding Xuezhi , Hu Shengbiao , Xia Liqiu
Published: February 2020

Background

Saccharopolyspora pogonais a prominent industrial strain due to its production of butenyl-spinosyn, a high-quality insecticide against a broad spectrum of insect pests. TetR family proteins are diverse in a tremendous number of microorganisms and some are been researched to have a key role in metabolic regulation. However, specific functions of TetR family proteins inS. pogonaare yet to characterize.

Results

In the present study, the overexpression of thetetR-like genesp1418inS. pogonaresulted in marked effects on vegetative growth, sporulation, butenyl-spinosyn biosynthesis, and oxidative stress. By using qRT-PCR analysis, mass spectrometry, enzyme activity detection, andsp1418knockout verification, we showed that most of these effects could be attributed to the overexpression of Sp1418, which modulated enzymes related to the primary metabolism, oxidative stress and secondary metabolism, and thereby resulted in distinct growth characteristics and an unbalanced supply of precursor monomers for butenyl-spinosyn biosynthesis.

Conclusion

This study revealed the function of Sp1418 and enhanced the understanding of the metabolic network inS. pogona, and provided insights into the improvement of secondary metabolite production.
Protective effects of a food-grade recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum with surface displayed AMA1 and EtMIC2 proteins of Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens
Authors: Liu Qiong , Jiang Yanlong , Yang Wentao , Liu Yongshi , Shi Chunwei , Liu Jing , Gao Xing , Huang Haibin , Niu Tianming , Yang Guilian , Wang Chunfeng
Published: February 2020

Background

Avian coccidiosis posts a severe threat to poultry production. In addition to commercial attenuated vaccines, other strategies to combat coccidiosis are urgently needed. Lactobacillus plantarum has been frequently used for expression of foreign proteins as an oral vaccine delivery system using traditional erythromycin resistance gene (erm). However, antibiotic selection markers were often used during protein expression and they pose a risk of transferring antibiotic resistance genes to the environment, and significantly restricting the application in field production. Therefore, a food-grade recombinant L. plantarum vaccine candidate would dramatically improve its application potential in the poultry industry.

Results

In this study, we firstly replaced the erythromycin resistance gene (erm) of the pLp_1261Inv-derived expression vector with a non-antibiotic, asd-alr fusion gene, yielding a series of non-antibiotic and reliable, food grade expression vectors. In addition, we designed a dual-expression vector that displayed two foreign proteins on the surface of L. plantarum using the anchoring sequences from either a truncated poly-γ-glutamic acid synthetase A (pgsA′) from Bacillus subtilis or the L. acidophilus surface layer protein (SlpA). EGFP and mCherry were used as marker proteins to evaluate the surface displayed properties of recombinant L. plantarum strains and were inspected by western blot, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. To further determine its application as oral vaccine candidate, the AMA1 and EtMIC2 genes of E. tenella were anchored on the surface of L. plantarum strain. After oral immunization in chickens, the recombinant L. plantarum strain was able to induce antigen specific humoral, mucosal, and T cell-mediated immune responses, providing efficient protection against coccidiosis challenge.

Conclusions

The novel constructed food grade recombinant L. plantarum strain with double surface displayed antigens provides a potential efficient oral vaccine candidate for coccidiosis.