bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study of the surface-display of SPA protein via Lpp-OmpA system for screening of IgG
Authors: Vahed Majid , Ramezani Fatemeh , Tafakori Vida , Mirbagheri V.S. , Najafi Akram , Ahmadian Gholamreza
Published: August 2020

Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) is a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is able to escape detection by the immune system by the surface display of protein A. The SpA protein is broadly used to purify immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. This study investigates the fusion ability of Lpp’-OmpA (46−159) to anchor and display five replicate domains of protein A with 295 residues length (SpA295) of S. aureus on the surface of Escherichia coli to develop a novel bioadsorbent.First, the binding between Lpp’-OmpA-SPA295 and IgGFc and the three-dimensional structure was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Then high IgG recovery from human serum by the surface-displayed system of Lpp’-OmpA-SPA295 performed experimentally. In silico analysiswas demonstrated the binding potential of SPA295 to IgG after expression on LPP-OmpA surface. Surface-engineered E. coli displaying SpA protein and IgG-binding assay with SDS-PAGE analysis exhibited high potential of the expressed complex on the E. coli surface for IgG capture from human serum which is applicable to conventional immune precipitation.
The microbiota of the surface, dermis and subcutaneous tissue of dog skin
Authors: García-Fonticoba Rocío , Ferrer Lluis , Francino Olga , Cusco Anna
Published: August 2020

Background. Studies using highly sensitive molecular techniques have detected bacterial communities below the human epidermis. Depending on their abundance and composition, this finding could be clinically relevant. This possibility, however, has not been investigated in the dog so far. The aim of this study was to determine if bacteria can be detected in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of healthy dogs using two different approaches: traditional cultures and DNA sequencing of the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results. Seven healthy dogs were included in the study, and two sets of samples were collected from each subject. Sample sets were composed of a 6-mm abdominal skin biopsy, including epidermis, dermis, and subcutis, a skin surface swab, and an environmental blank sample for contamination control. One set of samples from each dog was submitted for bacterial culture and the other one for bacterial DNA amplification and sequencing. Five different bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus) were isolated in five out of the seven skin surface swab samples with aerobic microbiological culture methods, while no growth was obtained from the other two samples. Although some DNA could be amplified from epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous tissue samples, the results of the NGS were similar to those of the blanks. Conclusion. When investigated with aerobic microbiological culture methods, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of dogs are sterile. NGS techniques lead to the detection of some bacterial DNA, similar to the signal detected in blanks, which does not support the presence of a microbiota in dermis or subcutaneous tissue.
Self-Reported Psychological Problems and Coping Strategies: A Web-Based Study in Peruvian Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Authors: Guerrero Rita Judith Ames , Parra Victoria Aymé Barreda , Cahua Julio Cesar Huamani , Holl Jane Banaszak
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: this study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological morbidities and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress. RESULTS: 434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (ME =33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), well-educated (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), employed (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). 40.8% reported psychological problems, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that women developed more somatic symptoms (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and greater anxiety/insomnia (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84) than men. Depression and social dysfunction were equally likely at any age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and emotional discharge) are more commonly reported.CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of psychological disorders occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological morbidity and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual’s active strategies to improve mental health, especially in underprivileged groups during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Long noncoding RNA ARHGAP5-AS1 inhibits migration of breast cancer cell via stabilizes SMAD7 protein 
Authors: Wang Chen-Long , Li Jing-Chi , Zhou Ci-Xiang , Ma Cheng-Ning , Wang Di-Fei , Wo Lu-Lu , He Ming , Chen Guo-Qiang , He Jian-Rong , Zhao Qian
Published: August 2020

Background: Tumor metastasis is the main cause of death from breast cancer patients and cell migration plays a critical role in metastasis. Recent studies have shown long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the initiation and progression of cancer. In the present study, the role of a LncRNA, ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer was investigated. Methods: Bioinformation was analyzed for the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1. qRT-PCR was conducted to verify the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer specimens. Transwell migration assays and F-actin staining were utilized to estimate cell migration ability. RNA pulldown assays and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to prove the interaction between ARHGAP5-AS1 and SMAD7. Western blot and immunofluorescence imaging were used to examine the protein levels. Dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate the activation of TGF-β signaling.Results: Compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, the expression of LncRNA ARHGAP5-AS1(NR_027263) was significantly suppressed in its highly metastatic subtype MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells. Functional study showed ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit cell migration via suppression of stress fibers in breast cancer cell lines. Afterwards, SMAD7 was further identified to interact with ARHGAP5-AS1 by its PY motif and thus its ubiquitination and degradation was blocked due to reduced interaction with E3 ligase SMURF1 and SMURF2. Moreover, ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit TGF-β signaling pathway due to its inhibitory role on SMAD7. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that ARHGAP5-AS1 inhibits breast cancer cell migration and could server as a novel biomarker for breast cancer metastasis and a potent target for the treatment in the future.
Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography before bronchial artery embolization in hemoptysis management and early recurrence prediction: a prospective study
Authors: Le Huu Y , Le Van Nam , Pham Ngoc Hung , Phung Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Do Quyet
Published: August 2020

Background: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is an useful examination to detect the source of the bleeding in patients with hemoptysis. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the role and clinical efficacy of MDCT angiography before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for the management of hemoptysis, and to investigate the predictors of early recurrence.Methods: It is a double-center study which included 57 hemoptysis patients undergoing MDCT angiography prior to BAE from August 2019 to July 2020. A prospective analysis of culprit arteries detected by MDCT angiography allowed an evaluation of the role of this technique. A follow-up was done to assess the efficacy of BAE with preprocedural MDCT angiography and to explore the risk factors of early recurrent hemoptysis.Results: The accuracy of MDCT angiography in the identification of culprit arteries was as high as 97.5%. The average number of total culprit arteries per patient was 2.75 1.73. Among which, the average numbers of culprit ectopic bronchial arteries (BAs) and non-bronchial systemic arteries (NBSAs) per patient were 0.21 0.41 and 1.04 1.57, respectively. The immediate clinical success rate, total hemoptysis recurrence rate, and early hemoptysis recurrence rate of BAE following MDCT angiography were 94.7%, 18.5%, 16.7%, respectively. Aspergilloma (HR = 6.63, 95% CI: 1.31-33.60, p = 0.022) was associated with an increase in the risk of early recurrence.Conclusions: MDCT angiography should be performed before BAE for the management of hemoptysis. Aspergilloma was an independent predictor for early recurrence.
Identification of lncRNAs associated with the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Huang Dan , Liu Jian , Wan Lei , Fang Yanyan , Long Yan , Zhang Ying , Bao Bingxi
Published: August 2020

Background
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the sacroiliac joint. To date, few studies have examined the association between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and AS pathogenesis. As such, we herein sought to characterize patterns of AS-related lncRNA expression and to evaluate the potential role played by these lncRNAs in this complex autoimmune context.
Methods
We conducted an RNA-seq analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples isolated from five AS patients and corresponding controls. These data were then leveraged to characterize AS-related lncRNA expression patterns. We further conducted GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the parental genes encoding these lncRNAs, and we confirmed the validity of our RNA-seq data by assessing the expression of six lncRNAs via qRT-PCR in 15 AS and control patient samples. Pearson correlation analyses were additionally employed to examine the associations between the expression levels of these six lncRNAs and patient clinical index values.
Results
We detected 56575 total lncRNAs in AS and control patient samples during our initial RNA-seq analysis, of which 200 and 70 were found to be up- and down-regulated (FC > 2 or < 0.05; P < 0.05), respectively, in AS samples relative to controls. In qRT-PCR validation assays, we confirmed the significant upregulation of NONHSAT118801.2, ENST00000444046, and NONHSAT183847.1 and the significant downregulation of NONHSAT205110.1, NONHSAT105444.2, and NONHSAT051856.2 in AS patient samples. We further found the expression of NONHSAT118801.2 and NONHSAT183847.1 to be positively correlated with disease severity.
Conclusion
Overall, our findings highlight several lncRNAs that are specifically expressed in the context of AS, indicating that they may play key functions in the pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease. Specifically, we determined that NONHSAT118801.2 and NONHSAT183847.1 may be valuable biomarkers of AS.
Implementation of Highly Challenging Balance Training for Parkinson’s disease in Clinical Practice: A Process Evaluation
Authors: Leavy Breiffni , Joseph Conran , Kwak Lydia , Franzén Erika
Published: August 2020

Background: Process evaluations provide contextual insight into the way in which interventions are delivered. This information is essential when designing strategies to implement programs into wider clinical practice. We performed a process evaluation of the HiBalance effectiveness trial investigating the effects of a 10-week of highly challenging and progressive balance training for mild-moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD). Study aims were to investigate i) the quality and quantity of intervention delivery and ii) barriers and facilitators for implementation.Methods: Process outcomes included; Fidelity; Dose (delivered and received) Recruitment and Reach. Investigation of barriers and facilitators was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Program delivery was assessed across four neurological rehabilitation sites during a two-year period. Data collection was mixed-methods in nature and quantitative and qualitative data were merged during the analysis phase.Results: Thirteen program trainers delivered the intervention to 12 separate groups during 119 training sessions. Trainer fidelity to program core components was very high in 104/110 (94%) of the sessions. Participant responsiveness to the core components was generally high, although adherence to the home exercise program was low (50%). No significant context-specific differences were observed across sites in terms of fidelity, dose delivered/ received or participant characteristics, despite varying recruitment methods. Facilitators to program delivery were; PD-specificity, high training frequency and professional autonomy. Perceived barriers included; cognitive impairment, absent reactional balance among participants, as well a heterogeneous group in relation to balance capacity. Conclusion: These findings provide corroborating evidence for outcome evaluation results and valuable information for the further adaptation and implementation of this program. Important lessons can also be learned for researchers and clinicians planning to implement challenging exercise training programs for people with mild-moderate PD. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02727478, registered 30 march − Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02727478
Bioinformatic analysis of the inner heterogeneity within MYCN non-amplified pediatric neuroblastoma sub-group
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Wang Xinrui , Xu Liangpu , Zhang Ji , Cao Hua
Published: August 2020

Background: Pediatric neuroblastoma is divided into MYCN amplified and MYCN non-amplified sub-groups. However, the extent of heterogeneity within MYCN amplified or non-amplified pediatric neuroblastoma is unclear.Methods: The prognostic significance of age and MYCN amplification was determined through multivariate cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. MYCN non-amplified pediatric neuroblastoma patients were divided into different sub-consensuses using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) based on the gene expression profiling. Genes particularly expressed in MYCN non-amplified younger neuroblastoma patients were identified using Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The prognostic effects of ALCAM, CACNA2D3, DST, EPB41L4A and KIFIB in MYCN non-amplified pediatric neuroblastoma patients were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival.Results: Age and MYCN amplification were independent prognostic factors in pediatric neuroblastoma. Compared with MYCN non-amplified older neuroblastoma patients, MYCN non-amplified younger neuroblastoma patients had better clinical outcomes. MYCN non-amplified pediatric neuroblastoma was divided into three sub-consensuses through NMF assay and each sub-consensus was with significantly different clinical outcomes. However, MYCN amplified pediatric neuroblastoma could not divide into sub-groups with different clinical outcomes by age or by NMF assay. ALCAM, CACNA2D3, DST, EPB41L4A and KIFIB were highly expressed in MYCN non-amplified younger neuroblastoma patients. Moreover, the high expression levels of ALCAM, CACNA2D3, DST, EPB41L4A or KIFIB were associated with the favorable prognosis of MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma patients. We also found that DST was an independent prognostic factor in MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma patients and MYCN non-amplified younger neuroblastoma patients with high DST expression levels had the best clinical overall survival.Conclusions: MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma was a heterogeneous disease and could be divided into sub-groups based on age or the expression levels of ALCAM, CACNA2D3, DST, EPB41L4A or KIFIB. MYCN non-amplified younger neuroblastoma patients with high DST expression levels had the best clinical overall survival.
Cloning of Long Sterile Lemma (lsl2), A Single Recessive Gene Regulating Spike Germination in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Dewei , He Niqing , Zheng Xianghua , Zhen Yanmei , Xie Zhenxin , Cheng Chaoping , Huang Fenghuang
Published: August 2020

Background: Rice is a typical monocotyledonous plant and an important cereal crop. The structural units of rice flowers are spikelets and florets. Floral organ development and spike germination affect rice reproduction and yield. Results: In this study, we identified a novel long sterile lemma (lsl2) mutant from an EMS population. First, we mapped the lsl2 gene between the markers Indel7-22 and Indel7-27, which encompasses a region of 25 kb. The rice genome annotation indicates the presence of four candidate genes in this region. Through gene prediction and cDNA sequencing, we confirmed that the target gene in the lsl2 mutant is allelic to LONG STERILE LEMMA1 (G1)/ELONGATED EMPTY GLUME (ELE), hereafter referred to as lsl2. Further analysis showed a one-amino acid change, serine (Ser) 79 mutated to proline (Pro), in the lsl2 protein had compared with LSL2, which may change the function of the LSL2 protein. The knockout experiments showed that the lsl2 gene is responsible for the long sterile lemma phenotype. The lsl2 gene may reduce the damage caused by spike germination by decreasing the seed germination rate, and yet other agronomic traits of rice are not affected in the lsl2 mutant. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the lsl2 gene will have specific application prospects in future rice breeding.Conclusions: The lsl2 gene is responsible for the long sterile lemma phenotype, and may reduce the damage caused by spike germination by decreasing the seed germination rate.
Elucidating The Multifunctional Role of The Cell Wall Components in The Maize Exploitation
Authors: López-Malvar Ana , Malvar Rosa Ana , Souto Xose Carlos , Gomez Leonardo Dario , Simister Rachael , Encina Antonio , Barros-Rios Jaime , Pereira-Crespo Sonia , Santiago Rogelio
Published: August 2020

Background: Besides the use of maize grain as food and feed, maize stover can be a profitable by-product for cellulosic ethanol production, whereas the whole plant can be used in silage production. However, yield is reduced by pest damages, where stem corn borers are one of the most important factors limiting yield. Overall, cell wall composition is key in determining the quality of maize biomass, as well as pest resistance. This study aims to address the interrelations between cell wall components in diverse maize genotypes, and pest resistance, ethanolic production and forage digestibility. Results: We can highlight the following results: (i) pests resistant inbred lines may show cell walls with low p-coumaric acid and hemicellulose content; (ii) inbred lines showing cell walls with high cellulose content and diferulate cross-linking may present higher performance in ethanol production; (iii) and inbred lines with enhanced digestibility may have cell walls poor in neutral detergent fibre and diferulates, combined with a lignin polymer composition richer in G subunits. Conclusions: Our results evidence that there is no maize cell wall ideotype among the tested for optimal performance in the three areas evaluated, and maize plants should be specifically bred for each particular application.
The cost of breast cancer: A comparison between private and public hospitals
Authors: Afkar Abolhasan , Jalilian Habib , Pourreza Abolghasem , Mir Habibeh , Sigaroudi Abdolhosein Emami , Heydari Somayeh
Published: August 2020

Backgrounds Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Breast cancer imposes a considerable economic burden on the health system. This study aimed to compare the cost of breast cancer among patients who referred to private and public hospitals in Iran (2017).Methods This was a prevalence-based cost of illness study. A total of 179 patients were selected from private and public hospitals using the census method. The researcher-constructed checklist was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.Results The estimated total mean ± SD direct cost of patients who referred to the private hospital and the public hospital was $10051.78 ± 19484.61 and $3956.33 ± 6783.02, respectively. Further, the total mean indirect cost of patients who referred to the private hospital was lower than those referring to the public hospital at $1870.89 (%15.69 of total costs) and $22348.5 (%84.95 of total costs), respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion Breast cancer imposes a substantial cost on patients, health insurance organizations and the whole society in Iran. Therefore, the adoption of effective measures for the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer is urgently needed.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor is Involved in Bisphenol S Induced Proliferation of Hemangioma Cells
Authors: Liu Dahai , Hui Yubo , Wang Junrong , Ye Cong , Du Jianshi
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe hyperproliferation of mesoblastic vascular tissues can lead to the incidence of hemangioma (IHA), which is the most common benign tumor in infants. Estrogenic signals can trigger the progression of HA via activation of gene transcription.ResultsWe found that bisphenol S (BPS), one widely spread endocrine disrupting compound (EDC), can induce the proliferation of HA cells and trigger the G1 to S transition of cell cycle. Among the tested cytokines, BPS can up regulate of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Targeted inhibition of bFGF via its neutralization antibody can reverse BPS induced cell proliferation. Mechanistically, BPS can increase the mRNA expression of bFGF via increasing the transcription and mRNA stability. The activation of p65 and down regulation of miR-155-5p were responsible for BPS induced transcription and mRNA stability of bFGF, respectively. Conclusions: BPS can increase the expression of bFGF via activation of p65 and down regulation of miR-155-5p, which resulted in the proliferation of HA cells.
Application of Wire-Assisted Reduction Guided by Minimally Invasive Wire Introducer in the Treatment of Irreducible Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Lin Xiaocong , Huang Xiuxi , Fang Kaibin , Ke Qingfeng , Shi Shaojian , Dai Zhangsheng
Published: August 2020

Background: Open reduction was often required in the treatment of irreducible femoral intertrochanteric fractures. A minimally invasive wire introducer was designed to assist the reduction of such fractures. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of this technique.Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, 92 femoral intertrochanteric fracture patients who were treated with intramedullary nail fixation and difficult reduction using the traction beds were retrospectively reviewed. Decision for surgery was based on the displacement of the fracture. The patients was divided into two groups, 31 in the control group and 61 in the observation group. The control group were received open reduction operation. And the observation group still received the closed reduction operation, using minimally invasive wire introducer to guide the wire and assist the fracture reduction. The operation time, blood loss, VAS scores, angulation, reduction, neck-shaft angle, redisplacement, limb length discrepancy, and union time were recorded.Results: All patients of two groups were successfully operated and were followed up for an average of 23.8 months. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups. The observation group had shorter operation time, lower VAS score and less intraoperative bleeding. And the datas are statistically different.Conclusion: Minimally invasive wire introducer is a good technology to guide the wire for irreduciblr femoral intertrochanteric fracture reduction. Using this technique, irreduciblr femoral intertrochanteric fractures could be restored and good clinical outcome was achieved.Level of evidence: Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study
A Randomized Trial Evaluating Actual Versus Ideal Body Weight Dosing of Sugammadex in Morbidly Obese Patients 
Authors: Horrow Jay C. , Li Wen , Blobner Manfred , Lombard John , Speek Marcel , DeAngelis Matthew , Herring W. Joseph
Published: August 2020

Background: This randomized, double-blind trial evaluated sugammadex-mediated recovery time from rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced moderate (M-) or deep neuromuscular block (D-NMB) in morbidly obese adults dosed by actual (ABW) or ideal body weight (IBW). Methods: Adults with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 were randomized to 1 of 5 groups: M-NMB, sugammadex 2 mg/kg ABW; M-NMB, sugammadex 2 mg/kg IBW; M-NMB, neostigmine 5 mg, and glycopyrrolate 1 mg; D-NMB, sugammadex 4 mg/kg ABW; or D-NMB, sugammadex 4 mg/kg IBW. Supramaximal train of four (TOF) stimulation of the ulnar nerve (TOF-watch SX®) monitored recovery. Primary endpoint was time to TOF ratio ≥0.9 for ABW and IBW groups pooled across NMB agent (NMBA)/blocking depth, analyzed by log-rank test stratified for agent and depth. Prespecified safety outcomes included treatment-emergent bradycardia, tachycardia, and other arrhythmias, and adjudicated hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. Results: Of 207 patients randomized, 188 received treatment (28% male, BMI 47±5.1 kg/m2, age 48±13 years). Recovery was 1.5 min faster with ABW vs IBW dosing. The sugammadex 2 mg/kg groups recovered 9-fold faster [time 0.11-fold, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.14] than the neostigmine group. ABW (5.3%) and IBW (2.7%) groups had similar incidences of recovery time >10 min (95% CI of difference: -4.8% to 11.0%); 84% for neostigmine group. Re-curarization occurred in one patient each in the 2 mg/kg IBW and neostigmine groups. Prespecified safety outcomes occurred with similar incidences. Conclusions: ABW-based sugammadex dosing yields faster reversal without re-curarization, supporting ABW-based sugammadex dosing in the morbidly obese, irrespective of the depth of NMB or NMBA used. Trial registration: Registered on November 17, 2017, at ClinicalTrials.gov under number NCT03346070. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT03346070?term=NCT03346070&draw=2&rank=1
Branches and Leaves Growth Patterns in Myricaria laxiflora Remnant Populations Are Affected by Human-altered Water Level Fluctuations
Authors: Guan Shoupeng , Chen Fang-Qing , Zhou Jumei , Huang Yongwen , Fan Dayong
Published: August 2020

Background: The construction of the Three Gorges-Gezhou Dam altered the water level fluctuation pattern in the downstream habitat of the endangered species Myricaria laxiflora. This study investigated how branch and leaf growth traits of M. laxiflora remnant populations changed to adapt the environmental stress caused by human-altered water level fluctuations.Results:Due to such disturbance, branch and leaf growth traits of M. laxiflora populations exhibited significant differences across water level conditions. The number of secondary branches, plant height, and leaf number of the plants in the upper area of the habitat were significantly higher than that in the middle and lower river bank areas. The longest secondary branch length of the plants in the upper and middle region was significantly higher than that in the lower region. The branch and leaf volume of plants in the middle region was significantly higher than that in the upper and lower region. The maximum water content of plants in the middle and lower region was significantly higher than that in the upper region. Principal component analysis showed that the branch and leaf traits of plants changed with decreasing water level toward to decreasing plant height, leaf number and the number of secondary branches, and increasing maximum water content of branch and leaves. Conclusions: The phenotypic plasticity of M. laxiflora plants in branch and leaf growth traits alleviates the impacts of human-regulated water level fluctuations. However, the above ground growth of M. laxiflora plants distributed at the middle and lower areas of the fluctuation zone is still negatively affected.
Misdiagnosis of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: An Analysis of 12 Cases
Authors: Yang Baohui , Cao Shuai , He Xijing , Li Haopeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare spinal vascular disease. The clinical misdiagnosis rate is very high. The highest misdiagnosis rate is reported in orthopedics. The specific reason for misdiagnosis remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the clinical and imaging manifestations of SDAVF, analyze the causes of misdiagnosis, propose countermeasures, and improve the orthopedists and other specialists’ understanding of this disease. Methods: The clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of 12 patients who had SDAVF that was misdiagnosed as a different disease were retrospectively analyzed, and the modified Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale (ALS) scores before and during follow-up were compared. Results: From 2014 to February 2019, 15 patients were diagnosed with SDAVF at our institution. Twelve (80%) were misdiagnosed; of these, 6 (50%) were misdiagnosed more than twice, and 6 patients (50%) were misdiagnosed at least once. The initial diagnoses included lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in 6 patients, cervical spinal stenosis in one patient, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in one patient, myelitis in 2 patients, and syringomyelia in one patient. After the initial diagnosis, one patient was misdiagnosed with LDH, one was misdiagnosed with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, and 4 were misdiagnosed with myelitis. The clinical manifestations mainly included weakness and numbness of the lower limbs, urinary symptoms, and numbness of the perineal area. In the 12 misdiagnosed patients, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed signs of spinal cord edema and typical or atypical flow-void patterns. One patient had undergone extended cervical decompression and lumbar decompression. All patients eventually underwent microsurgical treatment. The average follow-up duration was 0.9 years. The modified ALS scores showed significant improvement in gait, bladder function and bowel movement, and the differences before and during follow-up were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: When patients, especially those with bladder and bowel dysfunction, have symptoms such as weakness of the lower limbs and/or numbness, a diagnosis of SDAVF should be considered. Furthermore, if MRI shows signs of spinal cord edema and typical or atypical flow-void patterns, the diagnosis of SDAVF should be strongly considered, and further angiography is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
De novo transcriptome sequencing and anthocyanin metabolite analysis reveals leaf color of Acer pseudosieboldianum in autumn
Authors: Gao Yu-fu , Zhao Dong-hui , Zhang Jia-qi , Chen Jia-shuo , Rong Liping
Published: August 2020

Background

Leaf color is an important ornamental trait of colored-leaf plants. The change of leaf color is closely related to the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in leaves. Acer pseudosieboldianum is a colored-leaf tree native to Northeastern China, however, there was less knowledge in Acer about anthocyanins biosynthesis and many steps of the pathway remain unknown to date.
Results

Anthocyanins metabolite and transcript profiling were conducted using HPLC and ESI-MS/MS system and high-throughput RNA sequencing respectively. The results demonstrated that five anthocyanins were detected in this experiment. It is worth mentioning that Peonidin O-hexoside and Cyanidin 3 5-O-diglucoside were abundant, especially Cyanidin 3 5-O-diglucoside displayed significant differences in content change at two periods, meaning it may be play an important role for the final color. Transcriptome identification showed that a total of 67.47 Gb of clean data were obtained from our sequencing results. Functional annotation of unigenes, including comparison with COG and GO databases, yielded 35,316 unigene annotations. 16,521 differentially expressed genes were identified from a statistical analysis of differentially gene expression. The genes related to leaf color formation including PAL, ANS, DFR, F3H were selected. Also, we screened out the regulatory genes such as MYB, bHLH and WD40. Combined with the detection of metabolites, the gene pathways related to anthocyanin synthesis were analyzed.
Conclusion

Cyanidin 3, 5-O-diglucoside played an important role for the final color. The genes related to leaf color formation including PAL, ANS, DFR, F3H and regulatory genes such as MYB, bHLH and WD40 were selected. This study enriched the available transcriptome information for A. pseudosieboldianum and identified a series of differentially expressed genes related to leaf color, which provides valuable information for further study on the genetic mechanism of leaf color expression in A. pseudosieboldianum.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) TFs in Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Authors: Diao Songfeng , Liu Hong , Lv Zhongrui , He Caiyun , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Guoyun , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2020

Background

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor gene family is one of the largest gene families and extensively involved in plant growth, organ development, and stress responses. However, limited studies are available on the gene family in sea buckthorn.
Results

In this study, we focused on 144 HrbHLH genes, exploring their DNA and protein sequences and physicochemical properties. According to their protein sequence similarities, we classified the genes into 15 groups with specific motif structures. In order to explore their expressions, we performed gene expression profiling using RNA-Seq and identified 108 HrbHLH genes that expressed in five sea buckthorn tissue, including root nodule, root, leaf, stem and fruit. Furthermore, we found 11 increased expressed HrbHLH genes during sea buckthorn fruit development. We validated the expression pattern of HrbHLH genes using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR.
Conclusions

This study lays the foundation for future studies on gene cloning, transgenes, and biological mechanisms. We performed a genome-wide, systematic analysis of bHLH proteins in sea buckthorn. This comprehensive analysis provides a useful resource that enables further investigation of the physiological roles and molecular functions of the HrbHLH TFs.
A Modified Sinus Tarsi Approach for Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ Compared to Extended Lateral Approach
Authors: Hu Yao , Zhan Junfeng , Meng Congpeng , Ma Zhida , Zhu Nan , Jing Juehua
Published: August 2020

Background: We have designed a modified sinus tarsi approach (MSTA) to treat sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ intra-articular calcaneal fractures, providing sufficient surgical field exposure and operation space, and significantly reducing the rate of wound complications. We compared the radiologic results, clinical outcomes, and complications of patients operated on via the MSTA and the extended lateral approach (ELA) for treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ.Methods: We retrospectively studied the utility of the ELA (32 patients, 34 feet) and the MSTA (33 patients, 36 feet) operated on from January 2013 to January 2018. The average follow-up time of the two groups was 58 months. We assessed the preoperative and final x-rays, clinical outcomes and complications at the last follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analog scale (VAS).Results: In both groups, the average final width, height, Bohler angle were significantly restored compared with the preoperative width, height, and Bohler. The last follow-up calcaneal length, width, height, Bohler angle, Gissane angle did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In terms of the clinical outcomes, the average AOFAS score of the ELA group checked to 82.1 points, yielding a 77.8% excellent or good rating, and the average VAS score was 1.76 points. In contrast, the average AOFAS score of the MSTA group checked to 81.0 points, yielding a 79.4% excellent or good rating, and the average VAS score was 1.68 points. There was no significant difference in AOFAS score and VAS score between the 2 groups. The wound-healing complication rate was 2.9% in MSTA group and 22.2% in ELA group (p = .040). 4 cases of sural nerve injury occurred in ELA group, and 2 in MSTA group. 1 cases of peroneal tendon complication only occurred in ELA group.Conclusion: Compared with ELA, MSTA provides similar and favorable radiological and clinical results, and is associated with fewer wound complications. We believe the MSTA is more appropriate in the treatment of Sanders II and III calcaneal intra-articular fractures.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Crack Propagation in the Central-Cracked Flat and Stiffened Plates Under Uniform Tension
Authors: Valdi Mohammad Hossein Taghizadeh
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the crack propagation behavior in flat and stiffened plates with central-cracked is studied based on the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics and 3D finite-element method. The magnitude and distribution of the stress intensity factor in a 3D stiffened plates are affected by the out-of-plane bending and loading modes. Initially, for validating this method, the behavior of crack propagation in a central-cracked flat plate (unstiffened), followed by the propagation behavior and the crack arrest effects on stiffened plates by stiffeners, as well as the out-of-plane bending effect on the geometry correction function distribution are studied; However, the results are compared with the results of the referenced article. In order to analyze the effect of stiffeners in preventing crack expansion, stiffeners with variable thickness and height were used. It should also be noted that the crack propagation behavior in the stiffened plate is analyzed in two methods. In the first analysis, after the crack tip reaches to the stiffeners, they have not fracture and the crack only expands in the stiffened plate (in the stiffened plate type 1 and 2). In the second analysis, with the crack growth in the stiffened plate and the crack tip reaching to the stiffeners, Also they fractured and cracks in the stiffened plate and stiffeners are propagated (only in the stiffened plate type 2). In both analyses, the magnitudes ​​of the geometry correction function in the middle-plane, the crack arrest effect by the stiffeners (Δβs), and the out-of-plane bending effect (Δβ) were obtained. Then, the changes in these magnitudes ​​were investigated. It was observed that the stiffeners thickness had a negligible effect on the distribution of the geometry correction function and, in general, the stiffeners had a significant role in preventing the crack growth compared to the flat plate, and the more the crack tip is closer to the adjoining stiffeners; the stiffeners effect in the crack arrest will increases. Furthermore, with attention to the geometry correction function that is studied for different crack sizes, it was determined that the geometry correction function and stress intensity coefficient with increasing the length of the crack in the plate, increase.
Risk Factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among the Patients Admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka: Case Control study
Authors: Nissanka Ayoma , Abeysena Chrishantha
Published: August 2020

Background: The burden of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was rising globally. It was the disease condition where there was increase fat deposition (≥5%) in the hepatic cells. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for NAFLD among the patients admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka.Methods: A case control study was conducted among the 106 cases with NAFLD and 212 unmatched hospital-based controls without having NAFLD. A case was defined based on the presence of fatty liver according to the diagnostic ultrasonographic criteria. Those were increase echogenicity of the liver compared to kidney and spleen, obliteration of vascular architecture, and deep attenuation of ultrasonic signals. There should be at least two out of three criteria to diagnosed as NAFLD. The data was collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The risk factors were determined by using multiple logistic regression and the results were interpreted by using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95 % confidence interval (95% CI).Results: The risk factors for NAFLD were found as the fast food consumption more than 1 time per week (AOR=9.34, 95% CI= 4.47-19.49), none consumption of coffee (AOR=2.78, 95% CI= 2.78-1.32), family history of liver disease (AOR=12.2, 95% CI= 2.16-67.97), methotrexate usage (AOR=32.02, 95% CI=1.45-707.29), inadequate physical activity (AOR=8.10, 95% CI= 4.04-16.26), high BMI value more ≥23Kg/m2 (AOR=6.17, 95% CI=2.93-12.99) Being a Sinhalese (AOR=12.7, 95% CI=2.03-79.33).Conclusion: There were seven independent risk factors for NAFLD were identified. Among those, most of the risk factors were modifiable risk factors such as inadequate physical activity, High BMI value (≥ 23Kg/m2) with overweight, infrequent coffee consumption, and increase fast-food consumption. It should be taken primary preventive strategies for those modifiable risk factors to prevent NAFLD.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the GRAS Gene Family Exhibited Expansion Model and Functional Differentiation in Sea Buckthorn
Authors: Yu Liyang , Zhang Guoyun , Lyu Zhongrui , He Caiyun , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2020

Background: GRAS proteins comprise a large family of transcription factors that experienced extensive replication, and play important roles in many aspects of growth regulatory and environmental signals. However, limited information was available about the GRAS genes in sea buckthorn of Elaeagnaceae. We perform a genome-wide investigation into the expansion model and tissue expression profiling of sea buckthorn GRAS genes based on the comparative genomes methods.Results: In this study, 62 sea buckthorn GRAS (HrGRAS) genes were identified and renamed based on their respective chromosome distribution. Fifty-nine HrGRASs were further classified into nine subgroups and three HrGRASs did not belong to any of the subfamilies according to their phylogenetic features. HrGRAS genes tend to have a representative GRAS domain, few introns and unevenly distributed on chromosomes. Collinear homology dotplot and the median synonymous substitution sites of collinearity blocks distinguished gene pairs with different duplication models and found that segmental duplication was the main driver of the GRAS gene family expansion in sea buckthorn, followed by whole genome duplication and tandem duplication. The all gene pairs from the different duplication models may experience strong purifying selection pressure during evolution processes according to the Ka/Ks ratios. Expression profiles derived from transcriptome data exhibited distinct expression patterns of HrGRAS genes in various tissues and fruit developmental stages. The interaction network analysis of HrGRAS protein found that some HrGRAS proteins interacted with more proteins and retained more copies in sea buckthorn, which indicate that the products of these genes play more important roles in the growth and development of sea buckthorn.Conclusions: Sea buckthorn GRAS gene family was first comprehensively analyzed in this study. This systematic analysis provided a foundation to further understand the expansion and potential functions of GRAS genes with an aim of sea buckthorn crop improvement.
A data driven approach to identify ZM-447439 as a potential repurposed drug to overcome tamoxifen-resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Alakwaa Fadhl M , Benny Paula , Chaudhary Kumardeep , Garmire Lana X
Published: August 2020

Background: Tamoxifen is the most commonly used endocrine therapy (ET) for Breast Cancer (BC) patients expressing estrogen receptors (ER), representing almost 70% of all cases. However, one third of early stage BC patients demonstrate endocrine resistance to tamoxifen over the initial five-year treatment period, prompting significant research effort on identifying other drugs to alleviate tamoxifen resistance in ER + BC patients.Methods: We combined a total of 229 tamoxifen resistant and 363 tamoxifen sensitive tumors and tumor cell lines, to select genes that showed consistency as either up- or down- regulated differential expression among these datasets. We use these genes as the input to identify the drugs and compounds in Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) database that can reverse the expression of these genes. With an innovative and comprehensive scoring system, we performed quality assessment on the results and prioritized drugs. Finally, we validated top five drugs using in vitro cell culture experiments.Results: We identified that ZM-447439, an aurora kinase inhibitor, can reverse the gene signatures associated with tamoxifen resistance. This was accomplished by a novel bioinformatics approach and scoring system, screening from over 20,000 small molecules in the Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) database. The in vitro cell culture experiments showed that ZM-447439 had high potency to reverse gene expression in the tamoxifen-resistance BC cell line (MCF7-RR).Conclusion: We demonstrate the utility of a bioinformatics repurposing approach to identify candidate drug ZM-447439 with the potential to treat patients with acquired tamoxifen resistance.
Renal Abscess: Invasive Treatment or not
Authors: Xia Mingrui , Liu Jun , Hong Yang , An Lizhe , Xiong Liulin , Huang Xiaobo , Xu Qingquan
Published: August 2020

Objective

To identify possible clinical indicators to guide the choice of treatment in patients with renal abscess.
Methods

According to different treatment methods, 38 patients initially diagnosed with renal abscess and received no prior treatment (antipyretics excepted) in our institution from April 2006 to November 2019 were divided into conservative treatment group and invasive treatment group, with the clinical data of all the cases being analyzed retrospectively.
Results

In the conservative treatment group, 19 patients got success and 1 failed in initial treatment, while in the invasive treatment group, 15 patients got success and 3 failed. Of the 4 patients who failed the initial treatment, 3 had a renal abscess between 3 cm and 5 cm, and 1 failed due to long-term use of bone marrow suppressive drugs. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences between the two groups in the following factors: diabetes mellitus, body temperature ≥ 38.5℃, PLT, RDW, BUN, PLR, AG, WBC in urine, size of abscess. In logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus, RDW and size of renal abscess were retained. The cut-off of RDW and size of renal abscess were 14.07% and 3.9 cm respectively.
Conclusions

Size of renal abscess is still the most important factor that determining treatment modalities. Other than size, high RDW and the comorbidity of diabetes mellitus may also be used as the possible clinical indicators for the determination of invasive treatment, especially in patients with renal abscess between 3 ~ 5 cm in size.