bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth inhibition and metabolomic analysis of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae treated with resveratrol
Authors: JIA Ai-Qun , Luo Huai-Zhi , Guan Ying , Yang Rui , Qian Guo-Liang , Yang Xian-Hui , Wang Jun-Song
Published: March 2020

Background Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo ) can cause destructive bacterial blight in rice. As an antibacterial, resveratrol may inhibit Xoo growth. This study focused on the potential structural-activity relationship of resveratrol and its derivatives against Xoo growth, and 1 H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis was applied to investigate the global metabolite changes in Xoo after resveratrol treatment. Results Resveratrol showed the strongest inhibitory effects on Xoo growth compared with its derivatives, which lacked double bonds (compounds 4 – 6 ) or hydroxyls were substituted with methoxyls (compounds 7 – 9 ). The IC 50 of resveratrol against Xoo growth was 11.67 ± 0.58 μg/mL. Results indicated that the double bond of resveratrol contributed to its inhibitory effects on Xoo growth, and hydroxyls were vital for this inhibition. Interestingly, resveratrol also significantly inhibited Xoo flagellum growth. Based on 1 H-NMR global metabolic analysis, a total of 30 Xoo metabolites were identified, the changes in the metabolic profile indicated that resveratrol could cause oxidative stress as well as disturb energy, purine, amino acid, and NAD + metabolism in Xoo , resulting in the observed inhibitory effects on growth. Conclusions This study showed that the double bond of resveratrol contributed to its inhibitory effects on Xoo growth, and hydroxyls were also the important active groups. Resveratrol could cause oxidative stress of Xoo cells, and disturb the metabolism of energy, purine, amino acid and NAD +, thus inhibit Xoo growth.
Investigating the satisfaction level of physicians in regards to implementing medical picture archiving and communication system (PACS)
Authors: Abbasi Reza , Jabali Monireh Sadeqi , Tadayon Hamidreza
Published: March 2020

Background: User's satisfaction with PACS is considered as one of the important criteria for assessing success in using PACS. The objective of this study is to determine the level of satisfaction in PACS’ users and also comparing its functional features with traditional film-based systems.
Methods: This analytical study was conducted in 2017. Residents at three large university hospitals in Kerman city were included. We used self-administered questionnaire that was consisted of three parts include: demographic information, individuals' satisfaction, comparing features of the two digital and traditional imaging systems. Validity of this questionnaire was approved by specialists and its reliability was obtained as 86%. Data analysis was done with using descriptive statistics and after checking the normality of data, data compared with the spearman, the Mann Whitney U and the Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests.
Results: The mean of the participants' ages 31.4 (±4.4) years old and 59% of the participants were females. Mean of overall physicians’ satisfaction with PACS' score has no significant relationship with the variables of age (P=0.611), experience in using PACS (P=0.301), type of specialty (P=0.093), level of interpretation of images using PACS (P=0.762), however it did show a significant relationship with their computer skills (P=0.022).
Conclusions: The mean for physicians’ satisfaction with PACS was at a moderate to high level, yet there are still problems in successfully implementing these systems and establishing interoperability between them . PACS has not fully met all the demands of physicians and has not achieved its predetermined objectives such as all-access from different locations .
Genetic diversity and different cross-neutralization capability of porcine circovirus type 2 isolates recently circulating in South Korea
Authors: Kang Seok-Jin , Kang Hyeonjeong , Yu Su-Hwa , Lee Hye Jeong , Lee Nakhyung , Hyun Bang-Hun , Cha Sang-Ho
Published: March 2020

Background : Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a small single-stranded DNA virus and a primary cause of PCV-associated diseases (PCVAD) that result in substantial economic loss for swine farms. Between 2016 and 2018, PCV2 field viruses were isolated from PCVAD-affected swine farms in South Korea and investigated for genetic and antigenic heterogeneity.

Results : The genetic analysis of ORF2 showed that the genotype of the Korean PCV2 field isolates has been rapidly shifted from PCV2a or 2b to mutant PCV2b known as PCV2d with 82.6% to 100% amino acid sequence similarity. PCV2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) demonstrated variable antigen-binding activity to four representative Korean PCV2 field isolates [QIA215 (PCV2a), QIA418 (PCV2b), QIA169 (PCV2d), and QIA244 (PCV2d)] without genotype specificity, and one mAb showed neutralization activity to QIA215. In a cross-virus neutralization assay using anti-PCV2 sera of pigs and guinea pigs injected with a commercial vaccine and the Korean PCV2 field isolates, the anti-porcine sera of a commercial vaccine had high neutralization activity against QIA215 and QIA418 with statistically lower activity against PCV2d viruses. Anti-guinea pig sera of QIA215, QIA418, QIA169, and a commercial vaccine had high neutralization activity against all of the viruses with significantly lower activity against QIA244. Importantly, anti-guinea pig sera of QIA244 had high neutralization activity against all of the viruses.

Conclusion s: This study confirmed genetic and antigenic diversity among recent PCV2 field isolates in Korean swine farms, and the strain-based difference in virus neutralization capability should be considered for more effective control by vaccination.
Plasmodium infection inhibits tumor angiogenesis through effects on tumor-associated macrophages in a murine implanted hepatoma model
Authors: Wang Benfan , Li Qinyan , Wang Jinyan , Zhao Siting , Nashun Bayaer , Qin Li , Chen Xiaoping
Published: March 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in China. The lack of an effective treatment for this disease results in a high recurrence rate in patients who undergo radical tumor resection, and the 5-year survival rate of these patients remains low. Our previous studies demonstrated that Plasmodium infection provides a potent antitumor effect by inducing innate and adaptive immunity in a murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Plasmodium infection on hepatocellular carcinoma in mice, and various techniques for gene expression analysis were used to identify possible signal regulation mechanisms. Results: We found that Plasmodium infection efficiently inhibited tumor progression and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice, which served as a murine implanted hepatoma model. The inhibition of tumor progression by Plasmodium infection was related to suppression of tumor angiogenesis within the tumor tissue and decreased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Further study demonstrated that matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) produced by TAMs contributed to tumor angiogenesis in tumor tissue and that the parasite-induced reduction in MMP-9 expression in TAMs resulted in the suppression of tumor angiogenesis. A mechanistic study revealed that the Plasmodium -derived hemozoin (HZ) that accumulated in TAMs inhibited IGF-1 signaling through the PI3-K and MAPK signaling pathways and thereby decreased the expression of MMP-9 in TAMs. Conclusions: Our study suggests that this novel approach of inhibiting tumor angiogenesis by Plasmodium infection is of high importance for the development of new therapies for cancer patients.
­Transcriptome profiling of non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon during ripening: insights on sugar metabolism
Authors: Schemberger Michelle Orane , Stroka Marília Aparecida , Reis Letícia , Los Kamila Karoline de Souza , de Araujo Gillize Aparecida Telles , Sfeir Michelle Zibetti Tadra , Galvão Carolina Weigert , Etto Rafael Mazer , Baptistão Amanda Regina Godoy , Ayub Ricardo Antonio
Published: March 2020

Background: The non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon ( Cucumis melo , inodorus group) is an economically important crop and its quality is mainly determined by the sugar content. Thus, knowledge of sugar metabolism and its related pathways can contribute to the development of new field management and post-harvest practices, making it possible to deliver better quality fruits to consumers.
Results: The RNA-seq associated with RT-qPCR analyses of four maturation stages were performed to identify important enzymes and pathways that are involved in the ripening profile of non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon fruit focusing on sugar metabolism. We identified 895 genes 10 days after pollination (DAP)-biased and 909 genes 40 DAP-biased. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed (DE) genes revealed that ‘hormone signal transduction’, ‘carbon metabolism’, ‘sucrose metabolism’, ‘protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum’ and ‘spliceosome’ were the most differentially regulated processes occurring during melon development. In the sucrose metabolism, five DE genes are up-regulated and twelve are down-regulated during fruit ripening.
Conclusions: The results demonstrated important enzymes in the sugar pathway that are responsible for the sucrose content and maturation profile in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon. New DE genes were first detected for melon in this study such as invertase inhibitor LIKE 3 ( CmINH3 ), trehalose phosphate phosphatase ( CmTPP1 ) and trehalose phosphate synthases ( CmTPS5 , CmTPS7 , CmTPS9 ). Furthermore, the results of the protein-protein network interaction demonstrated general characteristics of the transcriptome of young and full-ripe melon and provide new perspectives for the understanding of ripening.
Ability of near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to predict the age of mosquitoes reared under different conditions
Authors: Ong Oselyne , Kho Elise , Esperança Pedro , Freebairn Chris , Dowell Floyd , Devine Gregor , Churcher Thomas
Published: March 2020

Background: Practical, field-ready age-grading tools for mosquito vectors of disease are urgently needed because of the impact that daily survival has on vectorial capacity. Previous studies have shown that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), in combination with chemometrics and predictive modeling, can forecast the age of laboratory-reared mosquitoes with moderate to high accuracy. It remains unclear whether the technique has utility for identifying shifts in the age structure of wild-caught mosquitoes. Here we investigate whether models derived from the laboratory strain of mosquitoes can be used to predict the age of mosquitoes grown from pupae collected in the field. Methods: NIRS data from adult female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes reared in the laboratory (2, 5, 8, 12 and 15 days old) were analysed against spectra from mosquitoes emerging from wild-caught pupae (1, 7 and 14 days old). Different partial least squares (PLS) regression methods trained on spectra from laboratory mosquitoes were evaluated on their ability to predict the age of mosquitoes from more natural environments. Results: Models trained on spectra from laboratory-reared material were able to predict the age of other laboratory-reared mosquitoes with moderate accuracy and successfully differentiated all day 2 and 15 mosquitoes. Models derived with laboratory mosquitoes could not differentiate between field-derived age groups, with age predictions relatively indistinguishable for day 1-14. Pre-processing of spectral data and improving the PLS regression framework to avoid overfitting can increase accuracy, but predictions of mosquitoes reared in different environments remained poor. Principle component analysis confirms substantial spectral variations between laboratory and field-derived mosquitoes despite both originating from the same island population. Conclusions: Models trained on laboratory mosquitoes were able to predict ages of laboratory mosquitoes with good sensitivity and specificity though they were unable to predict age of field-derived mosquitoes. This study suggests that laboratory-reared mosquitoes do not capture enough environmental variation to accurately predict the age of the same species reared under different conditions. Further research is needed to explore alternative pre-processing methods and machine learning techniques, and to understand factors that affect absorbance in mosquitoes before field application using NIRS.
Antibiotic treatment regimens for bone infection after debridement: a study of 902 cases
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Fang Li , Wang Shulin , Chen Yueqi , Ma Huan , Zhao Hongwen , Xie Zhao
Published: March 2020

Background: Our aim was to investigate the clinical efficacy and complications of antibiotic treatment regimens for patients with bone infection.Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients with bone infection admitted to our hospital between March 2013 and October 2018. After surgical debridement was performed, the patients were divided into three groups: IV group (intravenous antibiotics for two weeks); oral group (intravenous antibiotics for two weeks followed by oral antibiotics for four weeks); and rifampicin group (intravenous antibiotics for two weeks followed by oral antibiotics plus rifampicin for four weeks). The infection control rate and complications were compared among the three groups.Results: A total of 902 patients were enrolled. The infection sites included 509 tibias, 228 femurs, 32 humeri, 23 radii and ulnae, 40 calcanei, and 47 miscellaneous sites, as well as 23 multiple-site infections. After at least six months of follow-up, 148 (16.4%) patients had an infection recurrence. The recurrence rate of the IV group was 17.9%, which was not significantly higher than the recurrence rates of the oral group (10.1%) and rifampicin group (10.5%), P=0.051. The incidence of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the IV group was 15.1%, which was lower than that in the oral group (18.0%) and rifampicin group (27.4%), P=0.026. The rates of proteinuria in the three groups were 3.2%, 4.5%, and 9.3%, respectively, P=0.020.Conclusions: After debridement of bone infection, short-term antibiotic treatment regimens might offer similar rates of infection eradication while avoiding the risk of renal and hepatic damage associated with prolonged antibiotic use.The Level of Clinical Relevance: Stage III.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Slovenian version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for Low back pain
Authors: Topolovec Matevž , Vozlič David , Plohl Nejc , Vengust Rok , Vodičar Miha , Mannion Anne Frances
Published: March 2020

Background: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in the Slovenian language, for use in patients with low back pain.Methods: The English version of COMI was translated into Slovene following established guidelines. 353 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Orthopedic clinic department of a tertiary care teaching institution. Data quality, construct validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability of the COMI were assessed. Results: The questionnaire was generally well accepted with no missing values. The majority of items exhibited only mild ceiling effects (below 20.0%) and somewhat more prominent floor effects, which were similar to previous studies (4.5%-78.8%). Correlations with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were high (ρ = 0.76 between overall COMI and ODI scores), suggesting that the Slovene version of COMI had high construct validity. Additionally, the Slovene version of COMI successfully captured surgical patients’ improvement in their low back problem after surgery (overall COMI score change: Z = -9.34, p < .001, r = -0.53) and showed acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86). Conclusions: The Slovene version of COMI showed good psychometric properties, comparable to those of previously tested language versions. It represents a valuable instrument for the use in future domestic and multicenter clinical studies.
MiR-423-5p may regulate ovarian response to ovulation induction via CSF1
Authors: Xie Shi , Zhang Qiong , Zhao Jing , Hao Jie , Fu Jing , Li Yanping
Published: March 2020

Background
We have previously shown that hsa-miR-423-5p expression in ovarian granulosa cells is decreased in high ovarian response populations. The objective of the present study was to find the target gene and mechanism for miR-423-5p involved in ovarian response regulation.
Methods
(a) TargetScan was used to predict the target gene of hsa-miR-423-5p. (b) A model for hsa-miR-423-5p overexpression or inhibition was constructed by transfecting KGN cells with lentivirus. CSF1 mRNA and protein expression and luciferase activity were measured. (c) The cell cycles of control and lentivirus treated KGN cells were analyzed. Western blot was used to measure the expression of CDKN1A in KGN cells. (d) The concentration of estradiol in KGN cell culture medium were measured.
Results
(a) TargetScan revealed that the 3′ un-translated region of CSF1 matched 11 bases at the 5′ end of miR-423-5p, making it a likely target gene. (b) Overexpression or inhibition of miR-423-5p were associated with respective decreases or increases in CSF1 expression (both mRNA and protein) (p < 0.05) and luciferase activity (p < 0.05). (c) When miR-423-5p expression increased, the number of G0/G1 phase cells and the expression of CDKN1A protein increased while estradiol concentrations in the cell culture solution decreased (p<0.05). However, when miR-423-5p expression decreased, the number of S phase cells increased and estradiol concentrations increased while the expression of CDKN1A protein decreased (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Colony stimulating factor 1 is a target gene of miR-423-5p and that it may regulate ovarian response to ovulation induction by affecting granulosa cells proliferation and estrogen secretion.
A standardised method of marking male mosquitoes with fluorescent dust
Authors: Culbert Nicole J , Kaiser Maria , Venter Nelius , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Gilles Jeremie R. L. , Bouyer Jérémy
Published: March 2020

Background: Prior to a major release campaign of sterile insects, including the sterile insect technique, male mosquitoes must be marked and released (small scale) to determine key parameters including wild population abundance, dispersal and survival.Marking insects has been routinely carried out for over 100 years, however, there is no gold standard regarding the marking of specific disease-transmitting mosquitoes including Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . The research presented offersa novel dusting technique and optimal dust colour and quantities, suitable for small-scale releases, such as mark-release-recapture studies. Methods: We sought to establish a suitable dust colour and quantity for batches of 100 male An. arabiensis , that was visible both by eye and under UV light, long lasting and did not negatively impact longevity. A set of lower dust weights were selected to conduct longevity experiments with both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to underpin the optimal dust weight. A further study assessed the potential of marked male An. arabiensis to transfer their mark to undusted males and females. Results: The longevity of male An. arabiensis marked with various dust colours was not significantly reduced when compared to unmarked controls. Furthermore, the chosen dust quantity (5 mg) did not negatively impact longevity ( P = 0.717) and provided a long-lasting mark. Dust transfer was found to occur from marked An. arabiensis males to unmarked males and females when left in close proximity. However, this was only noticeable when examining individuals under a stereomicroscope and thus deemed negligible. Overall, male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus displayed a greater sensitivity to dusting. Only the lowest dust weight (0.5 mg) did not significantly reduce longevity ( P = 0.888) in Ae. aegypti, whilst the lowest two dust weights (0.5 and 0.75 mg) had no significant impact on longevity ( P = 0.951 and 0.166) respectively in Ae. albopictus . Conclusion: We have devised a fast, inexpensive and simple marking method and provided recommended dust quantities for several major species of disease-causing mosquitoes. The novel technique provides an evenly distributed, long-lasting mark which is non-detrimental. Our results will be useful for future MRR studies, prior to a major release campaign.
Invasive cattle ticks in East Africa: morphological and molecular confirmation of the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in south-eastern Uganda
Authors: Muhanguzi Dennis , Byaruhanga Joseph , Amanyire Wilson , Ndekezi Christian , Ochwo Sylvester , Nkamwesiga Joseph , Mwiine Frank Nobert , Tweyongyere Robert , Fourie Josephus , Madder Maxime , Schetters Theo , Horak Ivan , Juleff Nick , Jongejan Frans
Published: March 2020

Background: Rhipicephalus microplus, an invasive tick species of Asian origin and the main vector of Babesia species, is considered one of the most widespread ectoparasites of livestock. The tick has spread from its native habitats on translocated livestock to large parts of the tropical world, where it has replaced some of the local populations of Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks. Although the tick was reported in Uganda 70 years ago, it has not been found in any subsequent surveys. This study was carried out to update the national tick species distribution on livestock in Uganda as a basis for tick and tick-borne disease control, with particular reference to R. microplus.Methods: The study was carried out in Kadungulu, Serere district, south-eastern Uganda, which is dominated by small scale livestock producers. All the ticks collected from 240 cattle from six villages were identified microscopically. Five R. microplus specimens were further processed for phylogenetic analysis and species confirmation.Results: The predominant tick species found on cattle was Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (86.9 %; n = 16,509). Other species found were Amblyomma variegatum (7.2 %; n = 1377), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.3 %; n = 434) and R. microplus (3.6 %; n = 687). Phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequences of R. microplus confirmed the morphological identification.Conclusions: It is concluded that R. microplus has replaced R. decoloratus in the sampled villages in Kadungulu sub-county, since the latter was not any longer found in this area. There is currently no livestock movement policy in force in Uganda, which could possibly limit the further spread of R. microplus ticks. Future surveys, but also retrospective surveys of museum specimens, will reveal the extent of distribution of R. microplus in Uganda and also for how long this tick has been present on livestock without being noticed.
Production and the characterization of avian crypt-villus enteroids and the effect of chemicals
Authors: Acharya Mohan , Arsi Komala , Donoghue Annie , Liyanage Rohana , Rath Narayan C
Published: March 2020

Background: Three-dimensional models of cell culture such as organoids and mini organs accord better advantage over regular cell culture because of their ability to simulate organ functions hence, used for disease modeling, metabolic research, and the development of therapeutics strategies. However, most advances in this area are limited to mammalian species with little progress in others such as poultry where it can be deployed to study problems of agricultural importance. In the course of enterocyte culture in chicken, we observed that intestinal mucosal villus-crypts self-repair and form spheroid-like structures which appear to be useful as ex vivo models to study enteric physiology and diseases.

Results: The villus-crypts harvested from chicken intestinal mucosa were cultured to generate enteroids, purified by filtration then re cultured with different chemicals and growth factors to assess their response based on their morphological dispositions. Histochemical analyses using marker antibodies and probes showed the enteroids consisting different cell types such as epithelial, goblet, and enteroendocrine cells typical to villi and retain functional characteristics of intestinal mucosa.

Conclusions: We present a simple procedure to generate avian crypt-villous enteroids containing different cell types. Because the absorptive cells are functionally positioned outwards, similar to the luminal enterocytes, the cells have better advantages to interact with the factors present in the culture medium. Thus, the enteroids have the potential to study the physiology, metabolism, and pathology of the intestinal villi and can be useful for preliminary screenings of the factors that may affect gut health in a cost-effective manner and reduce the use of live animals.
From Eat to trEat: Engineering the mitochondrial Eat1 enzyme for enhanced ethyl acetate production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kruis Aleksander J. , Bohnenkamp Anna Christina , Nap Bram , Nielsen Jochem , Mars Astrid E. , Wijffels Rene H. , Oost John van der , Kengen Servé W. M. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: March 2020

Background Genetic engineering of microorganisms has become a common practice to establish microbial cell factories for a wide range of compounds. Ethyl acetate is an industrial solvent that is used in several applications, mainly as a biodegradable organic solvent with low toxicity. While ethyl acetate is produced by several natural yeast species, the main mechanism of production has remained elusive until the discovery of Eat1 in Wickerhamomyces anomalus . Unlike other yeast alcohol acetyl transferases (AATs), Eat1 is located in the yeast mitochondria, suggesting that the coding sequence contains a mitochondrial pre-sequence. For expression in prokaryotic hosts such as E. coli , expression of heterologous proteins with eukaryotic signal sequences may not be optimal. Results Unprocessed and synthetically truncated eat1 variants of Kluyveromyces marxianus and Wickerhamomyces anomalus have been compared in vitro regarding enzyme activity and stability. While the specific activity remained unaffected, half-life improved for several truncated variants. The same variants showed better performance regarding ethyl acetate production when expressed in E. coli. Conclusion By analysing and predicting the N-terminal pre-sequences of different Eat1 proteins and systematically trimming them, the stability of the enzymes in-vitro could be improved, leading to an overall improvement of in-vivo ethyl acetate production in E. coli . Truncated variants of eat1 could therefore benefit future engineering approaches towards efficient ethyl acetate production.
Patients with IVF complicated by moderate-to-critical OHSS experience increased thrombosis,GDM and neonatal NICU admission but slightly shorter gestation compared with matched IVF counterparts: A retrospective Chinese cohort study
Authors: Hu Linli , Xie Rui , Wang Mengying , Sun Yingpu
Published: March 2020

Background : Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common disease during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatment. However, the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of these group of patients are barely known. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of late moderate-to-critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This is a prospective observational study including 17,537 patients after IVF/ICSI-fresh embryo transfer (ET) from June 2012 to July 2016, after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of whom 7064 eligible patients were diagnosed with clinical pregnancy. Finally, 6356 patients were allocated to the control group, and 385 patients who were hospitalized and treated at the center for late moderate-to-critical OHSS were allocated to the OHSS group.
Results: The live birth delivery rate did not significantly differ between the OHSS and the macthed control groups, and the incidence rates of the obstetric complications venous thrombosis (VT), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), neonatal complications and the numbers of neonates admitted to the NICU were significantly higher in the OHSS group than that in the macthed control group. The duration of gestation was significantly higher in the macthed control group than that in the OHSS group.
Conclusions: Late moderate-to-critical OHSS could reduce gestational time, increase obstetric complications and neonatal complications. However, the incidence rates of live birth rate, premature delivery, miscarriage, early abortion, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), Placenta previa (PP), Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), average neonatal weight and LBW did not statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Association between Dietary Energy Density with Mental Health and Sleep Quality in Women with Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Maddahi Niloofarsadat , Yarizadeh Habib , Setayesh Leila , Nasir Yasaman , Alizadeh Shahab , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2020

Objective: Mental health, sleep quality, and dietary intake are interlinked. Impairment of mental health and low sleep quality may contribute to obesity through the consumption of diets high in energy density. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether dietary energy density (DED) influences mental health. This study aimed to examine the association of DED with mental health indices, including depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality in women with overweight/obesity.Results: There was a decreasing trajectory in serum triglyceride across quartiles of DED (from Q1 to Q4) in the crude analysis and also after adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity After adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity, subjects in the highest quartile of DED had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. DED was significantly associated with increased odds of stress in the crude (OR =2.15, 95%CI: 1.01-4.56, p= 0.04) and adjusted model for age, BMI, and physical activity (OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.13-5.79, p=0.02). No significant relationship was observed between DED and depression, anxiety and sleep quality. In conclusion, current study shows preliminary evidence of an association between DED and stress.
Analysis of Sagittal Spinal Morphology and Function of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Feng Qiang , Zhou Yu , Wang Fubaihui , Wang Minghao
Published: March 2020

Background: Spine health is significant in adolescent health. Few studies have focused on adolescent sagittal plane health; therefore, this study investigated the sagittal spine morphology and function of adolescents.Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed 1152 junior and senior high school students (543 boys and 609 girls) in Beijing. Spinal sagittal morphology and function of adolescents were measured using the Spinal Mouse. The sacral angle (SA), thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), inclination angle (INA), sacral range of motion (SROM), thoracic range of motion (TROM), lumbar range of motion (LROM), and inclination range of motion (IROM) were measured. The Matthiass strength test was used to measure changes in angles after external load placement on the adolescent spine.Results: Abnormal TKA rates were 48.2% and 44.7% in the junior and senior high school groups, respectively. Abnormal LLA rates were 44.6% and 55.4%, respectively. Spinal mobility test results of the junior high school group were 60.6°±19.1° (SROM), 23.0°±16.6° (TROM), 81.3°±15.4° (LROM), and 136.1°±16.9° (IROM) for boys and 66.0°±34.4° (SROM), 14.0°±17.3° (TROM), 66.3°±18.6° (LROM), and 127.4°±26.8° (IROM) for girls. For the high school group, these results were 66.0°±17.6° (SROM), 21.6°±16.0° (TROM), 77.9°±15.1° (LROM), and 138.4°±16.0° (IROM) for boys and 72.2°±26.9° (SROM), 15.7°±17.2° (TROM), 65.8°±18.2° (LROM), and 133.4°±21.7° (IROM) for girls. There were significant differences between boys and girls (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The Matthiass strength test results indicated that the inclination angle change (INAc) values of the junior high school group were 5.7°±5.0° and 2.6°±3.7° for boys and girls, respectively; however, the INAc values of the senior high school group were 2.8°±3.3 and 1.6°±3.0 for boys and girls, respectively, indicating significant differences (P<0.01). The canonical correlation coefficients of SA, SROM, LROM, and IROM were 1.3877, -2.5384, -0.6625, and 1.6336, respectively. SROM and LROM were negatively correlated and IROM was positively correlated with spinal function.Conclusion: Thoracic kyphosis and lumber lordosis rates were high. During flexion and extension, Boys had better thoracic and lumbar vertebral activity and overall activity. Girls had better ability to maintain the normal spinal shape with an extra load. Sacral obliquity and pelvic position greatly influence the spinal morphology.
Functional constipation masked as irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Tosto Monica , D’Andrea Paola , Salamone Ignazio , Pellegrino Salvatore , Costa Stefano , Lucanto Maria Cristina , Pallio Socrate , MAGAZZU GIUSEPPE , Guandalini Stefano
Published: March 2020

Background: Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders state that children suspected of having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Constipation (IBS-C) should be preliminarily treated for constipation. We aimed at verifying if functional constipation may indeed lead to an erroneous diagnosis of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) or IBS with mixed pattern of diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M). Methods: We prospectively enrolled in an unblinded fashion 10 and 16 consecutive children referred to our center who met Rome IV criteria for a diagnosis of IBS-D and IBS-M, respectively. Patients who fulfilled criteria for suspect “occult constipation” were then given a bowel cleaning regimen with Polyethylene glycol 3350, re-evaluated at 2 months and followed up for at least 6 months. Sixteen additional patients with IBS with Constipation (IBS-C) referred in the same period served as control. The endpoints were: 1) a decrease of more than 50% in abdominal pain intensity and frequency scores; and 2) for patients with IBS-D and IBS-M: resolution of diarrhea. Results: The endpoints were met by 8 (80%) and 14 (87%) of the patients with IBS-D and IBS-M, respectively, with decrease of abdominal pain and resolution of “diarrhea”. The response was not significantly different from that observed in 15 (93%) of the IBS-C control group. Conclusion: Acknowledging the limitations of the small number of patients and of the uncontrolled nature of the study, we suggest that a possibly large number of patients labeled as IBS-D or IBS-M may actually simply present functional constipation and should be managed as such.
Cone beam computed tomographic analysis of the spatial limitation during mandibular arch distalization
Authors: Chen Chia-Ling , Chen Chia-Hui , Pan Chin-Yun , Chang Hong-Po , Chen Ping-Ho , Tseng Yu-Chuan
Published: March 2020

Background: In the literature, attempts are seldom made to quantify spatial limitation during mandibular arch distalization. This study aimed to investigate the spatial limitations associated with cortical contact with the mandibular second molar during mandibular arch distalization. Methods: The study population included 67 individuals who had undergone cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) (34 male and 33 female; mean age: 23.9 ± 2.72 years). The total ridge width, alveolar housing width, and root width were measured to evaluate the buccolingual limit. The space distal to the molar root represented the mesiodistal limit. The influence of sex, right versus left side, root-contact condition, malocclusion category, and presence of wisdom teeth were evaluated. Results: The rate of cortical contact was 49.3% before any orthodontic movement. No significant differences were observed in the alveolar width according to sex (male vs female), side assessed (right vs left), wisdom teeth (present vs absent), or malocclusion category. The ridge width and the alveolar width were smaller in the contact group than in the non-contact group (P < 0.01). The group with wisdom teeth showed a larger available distalization distance, but a significant difference was observed only near the alveolar crest. Conclusions: Both ridge width and available distalization distance were limiting factors for mandibular teeth distalization. For cases in which whole-arch distalization is planned, CBCT is recommended before treatment, especially for non-extraction treatment. This approach ensures safe and predictable tooth movement.
Chromosomal instability in untreated primary prostate cancer as an indicator of metastatic potential
Authors: Miller Eric T , You Sungyong , Cadaneanu Radu M , Kim Minhyung , Yoon Junhee , Liu Sandy T , Li Xinmin , Kwan Lorna , Hodge Jennelle , Quist Michael J , Grasso Catherine S , Lewis Michael S. , Knudsen Beatrice S , Freeman Michael R , Garraway Isla P
Published: March 2020

Background: Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is highly lethal. The ability to identify primary tumors capable of dissemination is an unmet need in the quest to understand lethal biology and improve patient outcomes. Previous studies have linked chromosomal instability (CIN), which generates aneuploidy following chromosomal missegregation during mitosis, to PC progression. Evidence of CIN includes broad copy number alterations (CNAs) spanning >300 base pairs of DNA, which may also be measured via RNA expression signatures associated with CNA frequency. Signatures of CIN in metastatic PC, however, have not been interrogated or well defined. We examined a published 70-gene CIN signature (CIN70) in untreated and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and previously published reports. We also performed transcriptome and CNA analysis in a unique cohort of untreated primary tumors collected from diagnostic prostate needle biopsies (PNBX) of localized (M0) and metastatic (M1) cases to determine if CIN was linked to clinical stage and outcome. Methods: PNBX were collected from 99 patients treated in the VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA-VA) Healthcare System between 2000-2016. Total RNA was extracted from high-grade cancer areas in PNBX cores, followed by RNA sequencing and/or copy number analysis using OncoScan. Multivariate logistic regression analyses permitted calculation of odds ratios for CIN status (high versus low) in an expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort (n = 121). Results: The CIN70 signature was significantly enriched in primary tumors and CRPC metastases from M1 PC cases. An intersection of gene signatures comprised of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated through comparison of M1 versus M0 PNBX and primary CRPC tumors versus metastases revealed a 157-gene "metastasis" signature that was further distilled to 7-genes (PC-CIN) regulating centrosomes, chromosomal segregation, and mitotic spindle assembly. High PC-CIN scores correlated with CRPC, PC-death and all-cause mortality in the expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort. Interestingly, approximately 1/3 of M1 PNBX cases exhibited low CIN, illuminating differential pathways of lethal PC progression. Conclusions: Measuring CIN in PNBX by transcriptome profiling is feasible, and the PC-CIN signature may identify patients with a high risk of lethal progression at the time of diagnosis.
Pre-operative denosumab is associated with higher risk of local recurrence in giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Hairui , Zhu Shibai , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei
Published: March 2020

Background: In 2013, denosumab was introduced as peri-operative adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone as it inhibits osteoclast activity. It is suggested that denosumab relives pain, facilitate curettage in lesions requiring resection initially. However, controversy remains whether denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after surgery. Methods: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in June 2019 to identify studies investigating the clinical outcome of GCT of bone with and without peri-operative denosumab after surgery. Data were gathered and a meta-analysis was conducted. Result: Ten studies with 1082 cases (169 in denosumab group, 913 in control group) were included. Overall, denosumab was associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence(P<0.02) and inferior 5 year recurrence free survival(P=0.000). Denosumab and curettage has a relatively higher risk of recurrence comparing to curettage alone(P=0.07). The risk of recurrence is not significantly increased if denosumab was administered both preoperatively and postoperatively(P=0.24). Conclusion: Administration of denosumab is associated with increased risk of recurrence due to a variety of reasons, though it is proven effective in relieving pain, enabling curettage and improved functional outcome. Post-operative denosumab is recommended as it continuously suppress/eliminate residue tumor cells.
Multilevel optimisation of anaerobic ethyl acetate production in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Bohnenkamp Anna Christina , Kruis Aleksander J. , Mars Astrid E. , Wijffels Rene H. , Oost John van der , Kengen Servé W. M. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: March 2020

Background Ethyl acetate is a widely used industrial solvent that is currently produced by chemical conversions from fossil resources. Several yeast species are able to convert sugars to ethyl acetate under aerobic conditions. However, performing ethyl acetate synthesis anaerobically may result in enhanced production efficiency, making the process economically more viable. Results We engineered an E. coli strain that is able to convert glucose to ethyl acetate as the main fermentation product under anaerobic conditions. The key enzyme of the pathway is an alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT) that catalyses the formation of ethyl acetate from acetyl-CoA and ethanol. To select a suitable AAT, the ethyl acetate-forming capacities of Atf1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Eat1 from Kluyveromyces marxianus and Eat1 from Wickerhamomyces anomalus were compared. Heterologous expression of the AAT-encoding genes under control of the inducible LacI/ T7 and XylS/ Pm promoters allowed optimisation of their expression levels. Conclusion Engineering efforts on protein and fermentation level resulted in an E. coli strain that anaerobically produced ethyl acetate from glucose at an unprecedented level, i.e. 0.48 C-mol/C-mol or 72% of the maximum pathway yield.
Risk of multi-drug resistant Campylobacter spp. and residual antimicrobials at poultry farms and live bird markets in Bangladesh
Authors: Neogi Sucharit Basu , Islam Md. Mehedul , Islam SK Shaheenur , Akhter A.H.M. Taslima , Sikder Md. Mahmudul Hasan , Yamasaki Shinji , Kabir S. M. Lutful
Published: March 2020

Background: Understanding potential risks of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens from the booming poultry sector is a crucial public health concern. Campylobacter spp. are among the most important zoonotic pathogens associated with MDR infections in poultry and human. This study systematically examined potential risks and associated socio-environmental factors of MDR Campylobacter spp. in poultry farms and live bird markets (LBMs) of Bangladesh. Methods: Microbial culture and PCR-based methods were applied to examine the occurrence and MDR patterns of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources (n = 224) at 7 hatcheries, 9 broiler farms and 4 LBMs in three sub-districts. Antimicrobial residues in broiler meat and liver samples (n = 50) were detected by advanced chromatographic techniques. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted on socio-environmental factors. Results: Overall, 32% (71/ 224) samples were found contaminated with Campylobacter spp. In poultry farms, Campylobacter spp. was primarily found in cloacal swab (21/49, 43%), followed by drinking water (8/24, 33%), and meat (8/28, 29%) samples of broilers. Remarkably, at LBMs, Campylobacter spp. was detected in higher prevalence (p <0.05) in broiler meat (14/26, 54%), which could be related (p <0.01) to bacterial contamination of drinking water (11/21, 52%) and floor (9/21, 43%). Campylobacter isolates, one from each of 71 positive samples, were differentiated into Campylobacter jejuni (66%) and Campylobacter coli (34%). Alarmingly, 49% and 42% strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed as MDR, i.e., resistant to three or more antimicrobials, including, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. Residual antimicrobials (oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) were detected in majority of broiler liver (79%) and meat (62%) samples, among which 33% and 19%, respectively, had concentration above acceptable limit. Inadequate personal and environmental hygiene, unscrupulously use of antimicrobials, improper waste disposal, and lack of health surveillance were distinguishable risk factors, with local diversity and compound influences on MDR pathogens. Conclusion: Potential contamination sources and anthropogenic factors associated with the alarming occurrence of MDR Campylobacter, noted in this study, would aid in developing interventions to minimize the increasing risks of poultry-associated MDR pathogens under ‘One Health’ banner that includes poultry, human and environment perspectives.
The Burden of Laboratory-confirmed Influenza Infection in Lebanon Between 2008 and 2016: A single tertiary care center experience
Authors: Assaf-Casals Aia , Saleh Zeina , Khafaja Sarah , Fayad Danielle , Ezzeddine Hady , Saleh Mohammad , Chamseddine Sarah , Sayegh Rouba , Sharara Sima , Chmaisse Ahmad , Kanj Souha , Kanafani Zeina , Hanna-Wakim Rima , Araj George , Mahfouz Rami , Saito Reiko , Suzuki Hiroshi , Zaraket Hassan , Dbaibo Ghassan
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Following the 2009 pandemic, there was widened interest in studying influenza burden in all regions. However, since data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain limited, we aimed to contribute to the understanding of influenza burden in Lebanon. METHODS: A retrospective chart review extending over a period of 8 seasons from Jan 1st, 2008 till June 30 th , 2016 at a tertiary care center in Beirut was performed. All cases confirmed to have influenza based on rapid antigen detection or/and polymerase chain reaction on a respiratory sample were included for analysis. Data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, complications, antiviral use and mortality were collected for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1829 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza were identified. Average annual positivity rate was 14% (positive tests over total requested). Both influenza A and B co-circulated in each season with predominance of influenza A. Influenza virus started circulating in December and peaked in January and February. The age group of 19-50 years accounted for the largest proportion of cases (22.5%) followed by the age group of 5-19 years (18%). Pneumonia was the most common complication reported in 33% of cases. Mortality reached 3.8%. The two extremes of age (<2 years and ≥ 65years) were associated with a more severe course of disease, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, complications, and mortality rate. Of all the identified cases, 26% were hospitalized. Moderate-to-severe disease was more likely in influenza B cases but no difference in mortality was reported between the two types. Antivirals were prescribed in 68.8% and antibiotics in 41% of cases. There seemed to be an increasing trend in the number of diagnosed and hospitalized cases over the years of the study. CONCLUSION: Patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza at our center had a high rate of hospitalization and mortality. A population based prospective surveillance study is needed to better estimate the burden of Influenza in Lebanon that would help formulate a policy on influenza control.