bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptomics in Syllidae (Annelida) indicates that posterior regeneration and regular growth are comparable, while anterior regeneration is a distinct process
Authors: Ribeiro Rannyele Passos , Ponz-Segrelles Guillermo , Bleidorn Christoph , Aguado Maria Teresa
Published: November 2019

Background

Annelids exhibit remarkable postembryonic developmental abilities. Most annelids grow during their whole life by adding segments through the action of a segment addition zone (SAZ) located in front of the pygidium. In addition, they show an outstanding ability to regenerate their bodies. Experimental evidence and field observations show that many annelids are able to regenerate their posterior bodies, while anterior regeneration is often limited or absent. Syllidae, for instance, usually show high abilities of posterior regeneration, although anterior regeneration varies across species. Some syllids are able to partially restore the anterior end, while others regenerate all lost anterior body after bisection. Here, we used comparative transcriptomics to detect changes in the gene expression profiles during anterior regeneration, posterior regeneration and regular growth of two syllid species:Sphaerosyllis hystrixandSyllis gracilis; which exhibit limited and complete anterior regeneration, respectively.

Results

We detected a high number of genes with differential expression: 4771 genes inS. hystrix(limited anterior regeneration) and 1997 genes inS. gracilis(complete anterior regeneration). For both species, the comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that gene expression during posterior regeneration and regular growth was very similar, whereas anterior regeneration was characterized by up-regulation of several genes. Among the up-regulated genes, we identified putative homologs of regeneration-related genes associated to cellular proliferation, nervous system development, establishment of body axis, and stem-cellness; such asrupandJNK(inS. hystrix); andglutamine synthetase,elav,slit, Hoxgenes, β-cateninandPL10(inS. gracilis).

Conclusions

Posterior regeneration and regular growth show no significant differences in gene expression in the herein investigated syllids. However, anterior regeneration is associated with a clear change in terms of gene expression in both species. Our comparative transcriptomic analysis was able to detect differential expression of some regeneration-related genes, suggesting that syllids share some features of the regenerative mechanisms already known for other annelids and invertebrates.
Transcriptomic analyses suggest a dominant role of insulin in the coordinated control of energy metabolism and ureagenesis in goat liver
Authors: Lu Zhongyan , Xu Zhihui , Shen Zanming , Shen Hong , Aschenbach Jörg R.
Published: November 2019

Background

The ureagenesis plays a central role in the homeostatic control of nitrogen metabolism. This process occurs in the liver, the key metabolic organ in the maintenance of energy homeostasis in the body. To date, the understanding of the influencing factors and regulators of ureagenesis in ruminants is still poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between energy metabolism and ureagenesis and detect the direct regulators of ureagenesis in the liver by using RNA-seq technology.

Results

Eighteen four-month-old male goats were divided into two groups randomly and received a diet containing 10% (LNFC group,n = 9) or 30% non-fiber carbohydrate (MNFC group,n = 9), respectively, for four weeks. The global gene expression analysis of liver samples showed that, compared with a LNFC diet, the MNFC diet promoted the expression of genes required for synthesis of fatty acid and glycerol, whereas it suppressed those related to fatty acid oxidation, gluconeogenesis from amino acids and ureagenesis. Additionally, gene expression for rate-limiting enzymes of ureagenesis were highly correlated to the gene expression of key enzymes of both fatty acid synthesis and glycerol synthesis (Spearman correlation coefficient > 0.8 andp < 0.05). In the differentially expressed signaling pathways related to the endocrine system, the MNFC diet activated the insulin and PPAR signaling pathway, whereas it suppressed the leptin-JAK/STAT signaling pathway, compared with the LNFC diet. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR analyses of 40 differentially expressed genes confirmed the RNA-seq results (R2 = 0.78).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that a dietary NFC-induced increase of energy supply promoted lipid anabolism and decreased ureagenesis in the caprine liver. By combining our results with previously published reports, insulin signaling can be suggested to play the dominant role in the coordinated control of hepatic energy metabolism and ureagenesis.
Construction of the first high-density genetic linkage map and identification of seed yield-related QTLs and candidate genes in Elymus sibiricus, an important forage grass in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zongyu , Xie Wengang , Zhang Junchao , Wang Na , Zhao Yongqiang , Wang Yanrong , Bai Shiqie
Published: November 2019

Background

Elymus sibiricus is an ecologically and economically important perennial, self-pollinated, and allotetraploid (StStHH) grass, widely used for forage production and animal husbandry in Western and Northern China. However, it has low seed yield mainly caused by seed shattering, which makes seed production difficult for this species. The goals of this study were to construct the high-density genetic linkage map, and to identify QTLs and candidate genes for seed-yield related traits.

Results

An F2 mapping population of 200 individuals was developed from a cross between single genotype from “Y1005” and “ZhN06”. Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) was applied to construct the first genetic linkage map. The final genetic map included 1971 markers on the 14 linkage groups (LGs) and was 1866.35 cM in total. The length of each linkage group varied from 87.67 cM (LG7) to 183.45 cM (LG1), with an average distance of 1.66 cM between adjacent markers. The marker sequences of E. sibiricus were compared to two grass genomes and showed 1556 (79%) markers mapped to wheat, 1380 (70%) to barley. Phenotypic data of eight seed-related traits (2016–2018) were used for QTL identification. A total of 29 QTLs were detected for eight seed-related traits on 14 linkage groups, of which 16 QTLs could be consistently detected for two or three years. A total of 6 QTLs were associated with seed shattering. Based on annotation with wheat and barley genome and transcriptome data of abscission zone in E. sibiricus, we identified 30 candidate genes for seed shattering, of which 15, 7, 6 and 2 genes were involved in plant hormone signal transcription, transcription factor, hydrolase activity and lignin biosynthetic pathway, respectively.

Conclusion

This study constructed the first high-density genetic linkage map and identified QTLs and candidate genes for seed-related traits in E. sibiricus. Results of this study will not only serve as genome-wide resources for gene/QTL fine mapping, but also provide a genetic framework for anchoring sequence scaffolds on chromosomes in future genome sequence assembly of E. sibiricus.
Stability of petal color polymorphism: the significance of anthocyanin accumulation in photosynthetic tissues
Authors: Del Valle José Carlos , Alcalde-Eon Cristina , Escribano-Bailón Mª. Teresa , Buide Mª. Luisa , Whittall Justen B. , Narbona Eduardo
Published: November 2019

Background

Anthocyanins are the primary source of colour in flowers and also accumulate in vegetative tissues, where they have multiple protective roles traditionally attributed to early compounds of the metabolic pathway (flavonols, flavones, etc.). Petal-specific loss of anthocyanins in petals allows plants to escape from the negative pleiotropic effects of flavonoid and anthocyanins loss in vegetative organs, where they perform a plethora of essential functions. Herein, we investigate the degree of pleiotropy at the biochemical scale in a pink-white flower colour polymorphism in the shore campion,Silene littorea. We report the frequencies of pink and white individuals across 21 populations and underlying biochemical profiles of three flower colour variants: anthocyanins present in all tissues (pink petals), petal-specific loss of anthocyanins (white petals), and loss of anthocyanins in all tissues (white petals).

Results

Individuals lacking anthocyanins only in petals represent a stable polymorphism in two populations at the northern edge of the species range (mean frequency 8–21%). Whereas, individuals lacking anthocyanins in the whole plant were found across the species range, yet always at very low frequencies (< 1%). Biochemically, the flavonoids detected were anthocyanins and flavones; in pigmented individuals, concentrations of flavones were 14–56× higher than anthocyanins across tissues with differences of > 100× detected in leaves. Loss of anthocyanin pigmentation, either in petals or in the whole plant, does not influence the ability of these phenotypes to synthesize flavones, and this pattern was congruent among all sampled populations.

Conclusions

We found that all colour variants showed similar flavone profiles, either in petals or in the whole plant, and only the flower colour variant with anthocyanins in photosynthetic tissues persists as a stable flower colour polymorphism. These findings suggest that anthocyanins in photosynthetic tissues, not flavonoid intermediates, are the targets of non-pollinator mediated selection.
Assessing causal treatment effect estimation when using large observational datasets
Authors: John E. R. , Abrams K. R. , Brightling C. E. , Sheehan N. A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Recently, there has been a heightened interest in developing and evaluating different methods for analysing observational data. This has been driven by the increased availability of large data resources such as Electronic Health Record (EHR) data alongside known limitations and changing characteristics of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A wide range of methods are available for analysing observational data. However, various, sometimes strict, and often unverifiable assumptions must be made in order for the resulting effect estimates to have a causal interpretation. In this paper we will compare some common approaches to estimating treatment effects from observational data in order to highlight the importance of considering, and justifying, the relevant assumptions prior to conducting an observational analysis.

Methods

A simulation study was conducted based upon a small cohort of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Two-stage least squares instrumental variables, propensity score, and linear regression models were compared under a range of different scenarios including different strengths of instrumental variable and unmeasured confounding. The effects of violating the assumptions of the instrumental variables analysis were also assessed. Sample sizes of up to 200,000 patients were considered.

Results

Two-stage least squares instrumental variable methods can yield unbiased treatment effect estimates in the presence of unmeasured confounding provided the sample size is sufficiently large. Adjusting for measured covariates in the analysis reduces the variability in the two-stage least squares estimates. In the simulation study, propensity score methods produced very similar results to linear regression for all scenarios. A weak instrument or strong unmeasured confounding led to an increase in uncertainty in the two-stage least squares instrumental variable effect estimates. A violation of the instrumental variable assumptions led to bias in the two-stage least squares effect estimates. Indeed, these were sometimes even more biased than those from a naïve linear regression model.

Conclusions

Instrumental variable methods can perform better than naïve regression and propensity scores. However, the assumptions need to be carefully considered and justified prior to conducting an analysis or performance may be worse than if the problem of unmeasured confounding had been ignored altogether.
Three cases of histologically proven hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma evaluated using a second-generation microbubble contrast medium in ultrasonography: case reports
Authors: Arai Jun , Shimozuma Yuu , Otoyama Yumi , Sugiura Ikuya , Nakajima Yoko , Hayashi Eiichi , Kajiwara Atsushi , Omori Risa , Uozumi Shojiro , Miyashita Miyuki , Uchikoshi Manabu , Doi Hiroyoshi , Sakaki Masashi , Wang Tianpeng , Eguchi Junichi , Ito Takayoshi , Kurihara Toshikazu , Munechika Jiro , Gokan Takehiko , Saito Koji , Miura Sakiko , Tate Genshu , Takimoto Masafumi , Yoshida Hitoshi
Published: November 2019

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is rare; it is reported in < 1 person in 1,000,000 individuals. For accurate diagnosis, information regarding multiple graphic modalities in HEH is required. However, there is very little information concerning Sonazoid® contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in HEH.

Case presentation

The present report describes the histologically proven three HEH cases evaluated using Sonazoid® CEUS. Case 1 was a 33-year-old female patient with no relevant past medical history, who experienced right upper quadrant pain. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic liver nodules with vague borderlines. In CEUS, the vascularity of the nodules was similar to that seen in the neighboring normal liver. Later in the portal venous and late phases (PVLP) and post vascular phase, washout of Sonazoid® was detected in the nodules. Case 2 was a 93-year-old female patient with a previous medical history including operations for breast cancer and ovary cancer in her 50’s. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic nodules, some of which contained cystic lesions. In the early vascular phase of CEUS, nodules excluding the central anechoic regions were enhanced from peripheral sites. Although the enhancement inside the nodules persisted in both the PVLP and post vascular phase, anechoic areas in the center of some nodules were not enhanced at all. Case 3 was a 39-year-old male patient presented with right upper-quadrant pain, without any relevant past medical history. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic liver nodules. In the early vascular phase of CEUS, nodules were gradually enhanced from the peripheral sites as ringed enhancement. Sonazoid®was washed out from the nodules in the PVLP and post vascular phase.

Conclusions

The most important feature was peripheral enhancement in the early vascular phase. In case 2, the enhancement of the parenchyma of liver nodules persisted even in the PVLP; indicating the lower degree of malignant potential than others. Actually, the tumors did not extend without any treatment in case 2. Since case 2 is the first case report of HEH with cystic lesions, in patients with liver nodules including cystic lesions, HEH is a potential diagnosis.
Increased risk of aspirin-induced gastric mucosal erosion in elderly Chinese men harboring SLCO1B1*1b/*1b while using aspirin and an ACEI or ARB concomitantly
Authors: Duan Lei , Bai Yongyi , Li Man , Li Huiying , Li Yanping , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2019

Background

It is well established that long-term use of aspirin can cause gastric mucosal injury. ACEIs and ARBs are inversely related to gastric ulcer development. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SLCO1B1 polymorphisms, which can affect ACEI and ARB transport, and gastric mucosal erosion in elderly male Chinese patients with cardiovascular disease who use aspirin.

Methods

Patients taking aspirin and an ACEI or ARB concomitantly who had undergone endoscopic screening for gastric erosion were analyzed for SLCO1B1 polymorphisms by a TaqMan assay.

Results

The frequency of the SLCO1B1*1b/*1b diplotype (42% vs. 24%; p = 0.002) was significantly higher in the gastric mucosal erosion group than in the control group. After adjustment for significant factors, SLCO1B1*1b/*1b (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.59–4.17; p < 0.05) was found to be associated with gastric mucosal erosion in aspirin users.

Conclusions

The presence of the SLCO1B1*1b/*1b diplotype may be a risk factor for aspirin-induced gastric mucosal erosion in elderly Chinese men taking aspirin and an ACEI or ARB concomitantly.
Characterization of glomerular extracellular matrix in IgA nephropathy by proteomic analysis of laser-captured microdissected glomeruli
Authors: Paunas Flavia Teodora Ioana , Finne Kenneth , Leh Sabine , Osman Tarig Al-Hadi , Marti Hans-Peter , Berven Frode , Vikse Bjørn Egil
Published: November 2019

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) involves mesangial matrix expansion, but the proteomic composition of this matrix is unknown. The present study aimed to characterize changes in extracellular matrix in IgAN.

Methods

In the present study we used mass spectrometry-based proteomics in order to quantitatively compare protein abundance between glomeruli of patients with IgAN (n = 25) and controls with normal biopsy findings (n = 15).

Results

Using a previously published paper by Lennon et al. and cross-referencing with the Matrisome database we identified 179 extracellular matrix proteins. In the comparison between IgAN and controls, IgAN glomeruli showed significantly higher abundance of extracellular matrix structural proteins (e.g periostin, vitronectin, and extracellular matrix protein 1) and extracellular matrix associated proteins (e.g. azurocidin, myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Periostin (fold change 3.3) and azurocidin (3.0) had the strongest fold change between IgAN and controls; periostin was also higher in IgAN patients who progressed to ESRD as compared to patients who did not.

Conclusion

IgAN is associated with widespread changes of the glomerular extracellular matrix proteome. Proteins important in glomerular sclerosis or inflammation seem to be most strongly increased and periostin might be an important marker of glomerular damage in IgAN.
A qualitative exploration of potential determinants of accelerated summer weight gain among school-age children: perspectives from parents
Authors: Tanskey Lindsay A. , Goldberg Jeanne P. , Chui Kenneth , Must Aviva , Wright Catherine M. , Sacheck Jennifer M.
Published: November 2019

Background

There is growing evidence that school children in the United States gain weight more rapidly during the summer than the school year, but few studies have explored the causes of this phenomenon. The goal of this study was to qualitatively explore potential determinants of accelerated summer weight gain by interviewing parents of school-age children.

Methods

Key informant interviews were conducted with parents of third and fourth grade students enrolled in a school-based physical activity intervention in three peri-urban communities in Eastern Massachusetts. A structured interview guide was developed to assess school year and summertime differences in child diet, physical activity, daily routine, and family rules. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and major themes were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

Summer activities varied substantially by family. Many parents characterized summer as a time with less structure and more relaxed rules, particularly around bedtime and screen use. Parents perceived their child to be more physically active in the summer and reported few barriers to summertime physical activity. Parents reported increases in both positive (increased consumption of fruits and vegetables) and negative (increased consumption of “sweets” and “junk foods”) dietary behaviors. They highlighted several stressors unique to summer, such as the high cost of camps and the need to coordinate childcare and manage children’s time.

Conclusions

Parents perceived their children to be more physically active in the summer and consume more fruits and vegetables than during the school year. However, they also perceived children to consume more energy-dense, nutrient poor foods, engage in more screen time, and have later bedtimes during the summer. These behaviors are important targets for summertime obesity prevention interventions. Large-scale quantitative studies are needed to determine whether these parent perceptions reflect meaningful risk factors for accelerated summer weight gain.
A review of autobiographical memory studies on patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Kuhn Sara K. , Jobson Laura , Haque Shamsul
Published: November 2019

Background

Patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders demonstrate various cognitive deficiencies, the most pertinent one being impairment in autobiographical memory. This paper reviews quantitative research investigating deficits in the content, and characteristics, of autobiographical memories in individuals with schizophrenia. It also examines if the method used to activate autobiographical memories influenced the results and which theoretical accounts were proposed to explain the defective recall of autobiographical memories in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between January 1998 and December 2018. Fifty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies implemented the generative retrieval strategy by inducing memories through cue words or pictures, the life-stage method, or open-ended retrieval method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines were followed for this review.

Results

Most studies reported that patients with schizophrenia retrieve less specific autobiographical memories when compared to a healthy control group, while only three studies indicated that both groups performed similarly on memory specificity. Patients with schizophrenia also exhibited earlier reminiscence bumps than those for healthy controls. The relationship between comorbid depression and autobiographical memory specificity appeared to be independent because patients’ memory specificity improved through intervention, but their level of depression remained unchanged. The U-shaped retrieval pattern for memory specificity was not consistent. Both the connection between the history of attempted suicide and autobiographical memory specificity, and the relationship between psychotic symptoms and autobiographical memory specificity, remain inconclusive. Patients’ memory specificity and coherence improved through cognitive training.

Conclusions

The overgeneral recall of autobiographical memory by patients with schizophrenia could be attributed to working memory, the disturbing concept of self, and the cuing method implemented. The earlier reminiscence bump for patients with schizophrenia may be explained by the premature closure of the identity formation process due to the emergence of psychotic symptoms during early adulthood. Protocol developed for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no: CRD42017062643).
Diagnoses from lung specimen collected through flexible bronchoscopy from patients in a tertiary hospital in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndilanha Deus A. , Shayo Grace A. , Hassan Ramadhan , Byomuganyizi Moses , Lema Leonard E. K.
Published: November 2019

Background

Flexible bronchoscopy enables visualization of the respiratory airway mucosa from the oropharynx to third generation branching of the tracheobronchial tree. Bronchoscopic diagnoses vary from one locality to the other in accordance to the locality specific risk factors for lung diseases. This study aimed at describing diagnoses of all specimen of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy at Muhimbili National Hospital from January 2013 to November 2017.

Methods

A retrospective hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted among 451 patients. Data was collected from archives and included both demographic and clinical variables. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings.

Results

There was a 3 fold increase in the number of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy from 57 cases in 2013 to 180 cases in 2017. About 39% (174/451) of patients underwent lung biopsies while 64.5% (291/451) underwent bronchioalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or brush cytology, alone or in combination with biopsy. Generally, 64.4% (112/174) of all lung biopsies were malignant. Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis seen in 33.9% (59/174). Of 76 cytological samples which were sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity, 11/76 (11.8%) were culture positive. A total of 6 (10.7%) out of 56 samples which were sent for GeneXpert MTB/RIF tested positive for M.tuberculosis.

Conclusion

Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis. Bacterial and mycobacterial infections were among the most reported findings in cytological samples. Suspicious tuberculosis lesions during bronchoscopy made it possible to diagnose tuberculosis which was hard to diagnose before patients were sent for bronchoscopy.
The effect of a single consecutive volume aspiration on concentrated bone marrow from the proximal humerus for clinical application
Authors: Muench Lukas N. , Kia Cameron , Otto Alexander , Mehl Julian , Baldino Joshua B. , Cote Mark P. , McCarthy Mary Beth , Beitzel Knut , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Low aspiration volumes have been recommended to allow for higher concentrations of progenitor cells during bone marrow harvesting. However, these guidelines then require multiple aspiration attempts in order to maximize cellular yield. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single, high-volume aspiration with four consecutive aliquots on the number of nucleated cells (NCs) and colony-forming units (CFUs) in concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA) taken from the proximal humerus.

Methods

cBMA was taken from the proximal humerus of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. Four 12-mL double syringes were used consecutively from a single trocar to obtain four 10 cc aliquots. Each then underwent centrifugation to create a fractionated layer rich in nucleated cells. Following cellular separation, NCs were counted and CFUs were evaluated after incubation of 7–10 days. Cellular comparisons between each aliquot were performed along with their interaction with patient age and sex.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (55.9 ± 4.6 years) were included in this study. The number of NCs and CFUs showed significant differences between the four aliquots of aspirate, with the first 10 cc aliquot providing the highest amount (p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found between the sum of the three sequential aliquots compared to the initial 10 cc sample. There were no significant differences between male and female patients (p > 0.05). Increasing age resulted in no significant decrease in the number of NCs and CFUs across the four consecutive aliquots (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the initial aliquot provided the greatest number of nucleated cells and cultured CFUs, the addition of each sequential volume aspirate yielded similar amounts in total. This demonstrates the potential effectiveness of obtaining of higher volume aspirates from the proximal humerus during rotator cuff repair.
Analysis of official deceased organ donation data casts doubt on the credibility of China’s organ transplant reform
Authors: Robertson Matthew P. , Hinde Raymond L. , Lavee Jacob
Published: November 2019

Background

Since 2010 the People’s Republic of China has been engaged in an effort to reform its system of organ transplantation by developing a voluntary organ donation and allocation infrastructure. This has required a shift in the procurement of organs sourced from China’s prison and security apparatus to hospital-based voluntary donors declared dead by neurological and/or circulatory criteria. Chinese officials announced that from January 1, 2015, hospital-based donors would be the sole source of organs. This paper examines the availability, transparency, integrity, and consistency of China’s official transplant data.

Methods

Forensic statistical methods were used to examine key deceased organ donation datasets from 2010 to 2018. Two central-level datasets — published by the China Organ Transplant Response System (COTRS) and the Red Cross Society of China — are tested for evidence of manipulation, including conformance to simple mathematical formulae, arbitrary internal ratios, the presence of anomalous data artefacts, and cross-consistency. Provincial-level data in five regions are tested for coherence, consistency, and plausibility, and individual hospital data in those provinces are examined for consistency with provincial-level data.

Results

COTRS data conforms almost precisely to a mathematical formula (which first appeared to be a general quadratic, but with further confirmatory data was discovered to be a simpler one-parameter quadratic) while Central Red Cross data mirrors it, albeit imperfectly. The analysis of both datasets suggests human-directed data manufacture and manipulation. Contradictory, implausible, or anomalous data artefacts were found in five provincial datasets, suggesting that these data may have been manipulated to enforce conformity with central quotas. A number of the distinctive features of China’s current organ procurement and allocation system are discussed, including apparent misclassification of nonvoluntary donors as voluntary.

Conclusion

A variety of evidence points to what the authors believe can only be plausibly explained by systematic falsification and manipulation of official organ transplant datasets in China. Some apparently nonvoluntary donors also appear to be misclassified as voluntary. This takes place alongside genuine voluntary organ transplant activity, which is often incentivized by large cash payments. These findings are relevant for international interactions with China’s organ transplantation system.
Staff expectations for the implementation of an electronic health record system: a qualitative study using normalisation process theory
Authors: McCrorie Carolyn , Benn Jonathan , Johnson Owen Ashby , Scantlebury Arabella
Published: November 2019

Background

Global evidence suggests a range of benefits for introducing electronic health record (EHR) systems to improve patient care. However, implementing EHR within healthcare organisations is complex and, in the United Kingdom (UK), uptake has been slow. More research is needed to explore factors influencing successful implementation. This study explored staff expectations for change and outcome following procurement of a commercial EHR system by a large academic acute NHS hospital in the UK.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 members of hospital staff who represented a variety of user groups across different specialities within the hospital. The four components of Normalisation Process Theory (Coherence, Cognitive participation, Collective action and Reflexive monitoring) provided a theoretical framework to interpret and report study findings.

Results

Health professionals had a common understanding for the rationale for EHR implementation (Coherence). There was variation in willingness to engage with and invest time into EHR (Cognitive participation) at an individual, professional and organisational level. Collective action (whether staff feel able to use the EHR) was influenced by context and perceived user-involvement in EHR design and planning of the implementation strategy. When appraising EHR (Reflexive monitoring), staff anticipated short and long-term benefits. Staff perceived that quality and safety of patient care would be improved with EHR implementation, but that these benefits may not be immediate. Some staff perceived that use of the system may negatively impact patient care. The findings indicate that preparedness for EHR use could mitigate perceived threats to the quality and safety of care.

Conclusions

Health professionals looked forward to reaping the benefits from EHR use. Variations in level of engagement suggest early components of the implementation strategy were effective, and that more work was needed to involve users in preparing them for use. A clearer understanding as to how staff groups and services differentially interact with the EHR as they go about their daily work was required. The findings may inform other hospitals and healthcare systems on actions that can be taken prior to EHR implementation to reduce concerns for quality and safety of patient care and improve the chance of successful implementation.
Correction to: Health seeking behaviour, delayed presentation and its impact among oral cancer patients in Pakistan: a retrospective qualitative study
Authors: Basharat Sarah , Shaikh Babar Tasneem , Rashid Haroon Ur , Rashid Mamoon
Published: November 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], an author’s name needs to be revised from Babar Tasneen Shaikh to Babar Tasneem Shaikh.
Unravelling the complex nature of resilience factors and their changes between early and later adolescence
Authors: Fritz J. , Stochl J. , Fried E. I. , Goodyer I. M. , van Borkulo C. D. , Wilkinson P. O. , van Harmelen A.-L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Childhood adversity (CA) is strongly associated with mental health problems. Resilience factors (RFs) reduce mental health problems following CA. Yet, knowledge on the nature of RFs is scarce. Therefore, we examined RF mean levels, RF interrelations, RF-distress pathways, and their changes between early (age 14) and later adolescence (age 17).

Methods

We studied 10 empirically supported RFs in adolescents with (CA+;n = 631) and without CA (CA−;n = 499), using network psychometrics.

Results

All inter-personal RFs (e.g. friendships) showed stable mean levels between age 14 and 17, and three of seven intra-personal RFs (e.g. distress tolerance) changed in a similar manner in the two groups. The CA+ group had lower RFs and higher distress at both ages. Thus, CA does not seem to inhibit RF changes, but to increase the risk of persistently lower RFs. At age 14, but not 17, the RF network of the CA+ group was less positively connected, suggesting that RFs are less likely to enhance each other than in the CA− group. Those findings underpin the notion that CA has a predominantly strong proximal effect. RF-distress pathways did not differ in strength between the CA+ and the CA− group, which suggests that RFs have a similarly protective strength in the two groups. Yet, as RFs are lower and distress is higher, RF-distress pathways may overall be less advantageous in the CA+ group. Most RF interrelations and RF-distress pathways were stable between age 14 and 17, which may help explain why exposure to CA is frequently found to have a lasting impact on mental health.

Conclusions

Our findings not only shed light on the nature and changes of RFs between early and later adolescence, but also offer some accounts for why exposure to CA has stronger proximal effects and is often found to have a lasting impact on mental health.
Two predictive precision medicine tools for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiao , Li Jing , He Tingshan , Ouyang Yanling , Huang Yiyan , Liu Qingbo , Wang Peng , Ding Jianqiang
Published: November 2019

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious threat to public health due to its poor prognosis. The current study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the overall survival of HCC patients.

Methods

The model cohort consisted of 24,991 mRNA expression data points from 348 HCC patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO) Cox regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic mRNA biomarkers for the overall survival of HCC patients.

Results

Using multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses, a prognostic nomogram (named Eight-mRNA prognostic nomogram) was constructed based on the expression data of N4BP3, -ADRA2B, E2F8, MAPT, PZP, HOXD9, COL15A1, and -NDST3. The C-index of the Eight-mRNA prognostic nomogram was 0.765 (95% CI 0.724–0.806) for the overall survival in the model cohort. The Harrell’s concordance-index of the Eight-mRNA prognostic nomogram was 0.715 (95% CI 0.658–0.772) in the validation cohort. The survival curves demonstrated that the HCC patients in the high risk group had a significantly poorer overall survival than the patients in the low risk group.

Conclusion

In the current study, we have developed two convenient and efficient predictive precision medicine tools for hepatocellular carcinoma. These two predictive precision medicine tools are helpful for predicting the individual mortality risk probability and improving the personalized comprehensive treatments for HCC patients. The Smart Cancer Predictive System can be used by clicking the following URL: https://zhangzhiqiao2.shinyapps.io/Smart_cancer_predictive_system_HCC_2/. The Gene Survival Analysis Screen System is available at the following URL: https://zhangzhiqiao5.shinyapps.io/Gene_Survival_Analysis_A1001/.
The influence of PFK-II overexpression on neuroblastoma patients’ survival may be dependent on the particular isoenzyme expressed, PFKFB3 or PFKFB4
Authors: Trojan Sonia E. , Markiewicz Michał J. , Leśkiewicz Katarzyna , Kocemba-Pilarczyk Kinga A.
Published: November 2019

Background/Aim

During cancer progression metabolic reprogramming is observed in parallel to the alternation in transcriptional profiles of malignant cells. Recent studies suggest that metabolic isoenzymes of phosphofructokinase II (PFK-II) – PFKFB3 and PFKFB4, often induced in hypoxic environment, significantly contribute to enhancement of glucose metabolism and in consequence cancer progression.

Materials and methods

Using the publicly available data deposited in the R2 data base we performed a Kaplan–Meyer analysis for cancer patients divided into groups with high and low expression levels of PFKFB3/4, determined based on the median.

Results

Our data showed that high PFKFB3/4 expression significantly correlates with shorter overall survival in several cancers. Moreover, we found that neuroblastoma patients with poor overall survival and evidence free survival are characterized by high PFKFB3 and at the same time low PFKFB4 expression, whereas patients with high PFKFB4 expressions are characterized by significantly better overall survival/evidence free survival rates.

Conclusion

Our analysis clearly indicates that expression of PFKFB3/4 isoenzymes may have a key prognostic value for several cancers. What’s more, it seems that in neuroblastoma the prognostic value of PFK-II may be dependent on the relation between PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 isoenzyme expression, indicating that further studies analyzing the role of both cancer specific PFK-II isoenzymes are highly desired.
Analysis on external competency assessment for malaria microscopists in China
Authors: Li Mei , Zhou Hejun , Yan He , Yin Jianhai , Feng Xinyu , Xia Zhigui , Zhou Shuisen
Published: November 2019

Background

In order to meet the requirement of malaria elimination (ME), three courses of the External Competency Assessment of Malaria Microscopists (ECAMM) were conducted during 2017–2018 in China by facilitators designated by the World Health Organization (WHO-ECAMM). A training course with a model copied from the WHO-ECAMM course was also held a week ahead of ECAMM in March 2018. Thirty-six participants completed these courses and obtained different results.

Methods

The slide structures, agendas, score calculations, and the levels of certifications of the four courses strictly adhered to the WHO guidelines. All the data were collected in Excel 2016 and analysed in Graphpad Prism5 or SPSS 23. Significant differences were evaluated in Graphpad Prism5 by two-tailed paired t tests between the pre-assessment and final-assessment for each of the four courses, as well as one-way ANOVAs with Kruskal–Wallis tests and Dunn’s post hoc tests among the final assessments of the four courses. Correlations between participants’ competency results and their ages, years working on malaria, and numbers of malaria cases reported in their provinces were evaluated by bivariate correlations (two-tailed) and linear regression (excluding cases pairwise) in SPSS 23. The Pearson correlation coefficients (r values), P values (two tailed), adjusted R square (Adjusted R2), standardized coefficients (β) and Sig. P values were recorded. The percentages of participants who gave the right answer to each slide (PPS) in the final assessments of the three WHO-ECAMM courses were calculated. Correlation analysis between PPS and parasitaemia (100–2000 parasites/μL) of Plasmodium falciparum slides used in species identification and parasite counting, were also evaluated via bivariate correlations (two-tailed) tests.

Results

Among the 36 participants, 16 participants were certificated as Level 1 (two from NRL), 10 were certified as Level 2 (one from NRL). Within the same course, participants had improved their average scores from pre-assessments to final assessments. The numbers of malaria cases reported in participants’ provinces were strongly correlated to their species identification (SI) scores; r = 0.45, P = 0.040, n = 21; r = 0.57, P = 0.001, n = 32; r = 0.56, P = 0.007). The parasitaemia of P. falciparum within 100–2000 parasites/μL was correlated significantly (r = 0.44, P = 0.008, n = 36) with the PPS of all counting slides but not with slides for identification (r = − 0.018, P = 0.93, n = 30).

Conclusions

The analysis and comparison of participants’ competency results not only verified that the model of the WHO-ECAMM course had strong power in improving and assessing microscopists’ competencies but also reflected the correlation between decreased numbers of indigenous malaria cases and microscopists’ competencies in certain areas in China.
Functional electrical stimulation of the facial muscles to improve symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder: pilot feasibility study
Authors: Kapadia Naaz , Zivanovic Vera , Moineau Bastien , Downar Jonathan , Zariffa Jose , Popovic Milos R.
Published: November 2019

Background

Currently, the mainstay of treatment in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) requiring medical attention is second generation anti-depressants. However, about 40% of patients treated with second-generation anti-depressants do not respond to initial treatment and approximately 70% do not achieve remission during the first-step treatment. There are a few non-pharmacological options available, but none have shown consistently positive results. There is a need for an intervention that is relatively easy to administer, produces consistently positive results and is associated with minimal side effects. In the current study, we assessed the feasibility of using transcutaneous Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy (FEST) of the facial muscles, as a tool for improving depressive symptoms in individuals with MDD.

Results

Ten (10) individuals with moderate to severe MDD received three FEST sessions/week for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 40 sessions. All study participants completed the required 10 therapy sessions, and 5 of the 10 participants completed additional 30 (totalling 40) FEST sessions. There were no adverse events or concerns regarding compliance to therapy. We found statistically significant improvements on Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDS) and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) measures. However, no significant improvements were found on Positive and Negative Affect Scale and 10-point Visual Analogue Scale scales. Participants reported improvements in sleeping patterns, and this correlated with statistically significant improvements on sleep parameters of HDS and IDS measures.

Conclusion

This study indicates that facial FEST is an acceptable, practical, and safe treatment in individuals with MDD. We provide preliminary evidence to show improvements in depressive symptoms following a minimum of 10 FEST sessions.
Lawsonia inermis essential oil: extraction optimization by RSM, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxydation and antiproliferative effects
Authors: Elaguel Asma , Kallel Imen , Gargouri Bochra , Ben Amor Ichrak , Hadrich Bilel , Ben Messaoud Ezeddine , Gdoura Radhouane , Lassoued Saloua , Gargouri Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Background

The present study was focused on the optimization of yield of the essential oil extraction from leaves of Lawsonia inermis, and the determination of chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and lipid peroxydation and antiproliferative effects.

Methods

Henna essential oil (HeEO) were extracted by hydrodistillation; the identification of the chemical composition were done by GC/MS method. HeEO was analyzed for antioxidant power in: (1) chemical system by the DPPH test, the ABTS test and the total antioxidant activity test; and (2) in biological system by lipid peroxydation tests (MDA and DC) in cells culture. The cytotoxicity effects of HeEO were assessed using MTT assay against Raji and HeLa cell lines.

Results

The optimal extraction yield was 6.8 g/100 g d.b. HeEO showed a remarkable anti-oxidant activities including DDPH (42%), ABTS (87%) and the power of ammonium phosphomolybdate (2992 ± 230 mg of HeEO by equivalent to 1 mg of vitamin C in terms of total antioxidant power).

Conclusion

Beyond notable antioxidant activities of the HeEo, our results showed a significant decrease in the production of ERO in the Raji cell line. The anti-tumor power of the Henna essential oil shows an interesting cytotoxicity effect (IC50 at 0.26 μg/mL for Raji and at 1.43 μg/mL for HeLa) with a total mortality percentage reaching 60%, for both.
Specific trophoblast transcripts transferred by extracellular vesicles affect gene expression in endometrial epithelial cells and may have a role in embryo-maternal crosstalk
Authors: Es-Haghi Masoumeh , Godakumara Kasun , Häling Annika , Lättekivi Freddy , Lavrits Arina , Viil Janeli , Andronowska Aneta , Nafee Tamer , James Victoria , Jaakma Ülle , Salumets Andres , Fazeli Alireza
Published: November 2019

Background

Successful establishment of pregnancy hinges on appropriate communication between the embryo and the uterus prior to implantation, but the nature of this communication remains poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the endometrium is receptive to embryo-derived signals in the form of RNA.

Methods

We have utilized a non-contact co culture system to simulate the conditions of pre implantation environment of the uterus. We bioorthogonally tagged embryonic RNA and tracked the transferred transcripts to endometrium. Transferred transcripts were separated from endometrial transcripts and sequenced. Changes in endometrial transcripts were quantified using quantitative PCR.

Results

We show that three specific transcripts are transferred to endometrial cells. We subsequently demonstrate a role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this process, as EVs obtained from cultured trophoblast spheroids incubated with endometrial cells induced down-regulation of all the three identified transcripts in endometrial cells.

Finally, we show that EVs/nanoparticles captured from conditioned culture media of viable embryos as opposed to degenerating embryos induce ZNF81 down-regulation in endometrial cells, hinting at the functional importance of this intercellular communication.

Conclusion

Ultimately, our findings demonstrate the existence of an RNA-based communication which may be of critical importance for the establishment of pregnancy.