bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold stress in the harvest period: effects on tobacco leaf quality and curing characteristics
Authors: Li Yan , Ren Ke , Hu Mengyang , He Xian , Gu Kaiyuan , Hu Binbin , Su Jiaen , Jin Yan , Gao Wenyou , Yang Daosheng , Li Folin , Zou Congming
Published: March 2021

Background

Weather change in high-altitude areas subjects mature tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL.) to cold stress, which damages tobacco leaf yield and quality. A brupt diurnal temperature differences (the daily temperature dropping more than 20 °C) along with rainfall in tobacco-growing areas at an altitude above 2450 m, caused cold stress to field-grown tobacco.

Results

After the flue-cured tobacco suffered cold stress in the field, the surface color of tobacco leaves changed and obvious large browning areas were appeared, and the curing availability was extremely poor. Further research found the quality of fresh tobacco leaves, the content of key chemical components, and the production quality were greatly reduced by cold stress. We hypothesize that cold stress in high altitude environments destroyed the antioxidant enzyme system of mature flue-cured tobacco. Therefore, the quality of fresh tobacco leaves, the content of key chemical components, and the production quality were greatly reduced by cold stress.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that cold stress in high-altitude tobacco areas was the main reason for the browning of tobacco leaves during the tobacco curing process. This adverse environment seriously damaged the quality of tobacco leaves, but can be mitigated by pay attention to the weather forecast and pick tobacco leaves in advance.
Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio as a promising indicator of prognosis in human cancers: is it possible?
Authors: An Lin , Yin Wei-tian , Sun Da-wei
Published: March 2021

Background

The impact of albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) on prognosis in cancer patients remains uncertain, despite having multiple relevant studies in publication.

Methods

We systemically compiled literatures from 3 databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) updated to May 24th, 2020. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed and synthesized using STATA 14, values were then pooled and utilized in order to assess the overall impact of AAPR on patient’s prognosis.

Results

In total, 18 studies involving 25 cohorts with 7019 cases were incorporated. Pooled results originated from both univariate and multivariate analyses (HR = 2.14, 95%CI:1.83–2.51, random-effects model; HR = 1.93, 95%CI:1.75–2.12, fixed-effects model; respectively) suggested that decreased AAPR had adverse effect on overall survival (OS). Similarly, pooled results from both univariate and multivariate analysis of fixed-effects model, evinced that decreased AAPR also had adverse effect on disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.81, 95%CI:1.60–2.04, I2 = 29.5%, P = 0.174; HR = 1.69, 95%CI:1.45–1.97, I2 = 13.0%, P = 0.330; respectively), progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.71, 95%CI:1.31–2.22, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.754; HR = 1.90, 95%CI:1.16–3.12, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.339; respectively), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 2.22, 95%CI:1.67–2.95, I2 = 5.6%, P = 0.347; HR = 1.88, 95%CI:1.38–2.57, I2 = 26.4%, P = 0.244; respectively). Admittedly, heterogeneity and publication bias existed, but stratification of univariate meta-analytic results, as well as adjusted meta-analytic results via trim and fill method, all showed that AAPR still significantly correlated with poor OS despite of confounding factors.

Conclusions

In summary, decreased AAPR had adverse effect on prognosis in cancer patients. As an inexpensive and convenient ratio derived from liver function test, AAPR might become a promising indicator of prognosis in human cancers.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging and ocular biometry in cataract patients with open angle glaucoma comorbidity
Authors: Pakuliene Giedre , Zimarinas Kirilas , Nedzelskiene Irena , Siesky Brent , Kuzmiene Loreta , Harris Alon , Januleviciene Ingrida
Published: March 2021

Background

Anterior chamber angle anatomy in perspective of ocular biometry may be the key element to intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, especially in glaucoma patients. We aim to investigate anterior chamber angle and biometrical data prior to cataract surgery in patients with and without glaucoma comorbidity.

Materials and methods

This prospective comparative case-control study included 62 subjects (38 with cataract only and 24 with cataract and glaucoma). A full ophthalmic examination including, Goldmann applanation tonometry, anterior chamber swept source optical coherence tomography (DRI OCT Triton plus (Ver.10.13)) and swept source optical biometry (IOL Master 700 v1.7) was performed on all participants.

Results

We found that ocular biometry parameters and anterior chamber parameters were not significantly different among groups. However, when we added cut-off values for narrow angles, we found that glaucoma group tended to have more narrow angles than control group. IOP was higher in glaucoma group despite all glaucoma patients having medically controlled IOP. In all subjects, anterior chamber parameters correlated well with lens position (LP), but less with relative lens position, while LP cut-off value of 5.1 mm could be used for predicting narrow anterior chamber angle parameters.

Conclusions

Cataract patients tend to develop narrow anterior chamber angles. Anterior chamber angle parameters have a positive moderate to strong relationship with lens position. LP may be used predicting narrow angles.
Barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in eastern China: a qualitative study
Authors: Chai Xiaoyun , Liu Ying , Mao Zhuxin , Li Shunping
Published: March 2021

Background

Mental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders. Previous studies relating to medication non-adherence were mainly quantitative. Meanwhile, there have been even fewer studies conducted in rural areas in China that focused on patients’ medication non-adherence. This study aims to explore the barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in China from the perspectives of patients, patients’ family members and healthcare providers.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out in the rural areas of four towns within Shandong Province in eastern China. The study adheres to COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients, 21 family members and 8 primary mental health service providers.

Results

Thematic analysis generated five major themes: (1) lack of self-insight, (2) inadequate family support, (3) long treatment duration and side effects of drugs, (4) poor economic conditions, and (5) the perceived stigma of illness.

Conclusion

These findings may be useful for policymakers and planners to improve medication adherence and decrease the recurrence rate of mental disorders in China.
Incidence and predictors of surgical site infection after distal femur fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation: a prospective single‐center study
Authors: Zhu Chao , Zhang Junzhe , Li Junyong , Zhao Kuo , Meng Hongyu , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Yingze
Published: March 2021

Background

There remain limited data on the epidemiological characteristics and related predictors of surgical site infection (SSI) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for distal femur fractures (DFFs). We designed this single-centre prospective study to explore and forecast these clinical problems.

Methods

From October 2014 to December 2018, 364 patients with DFFs were treated with ORIF and followed for complete data within one year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, univariate Chi-square analyses, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to screen the adjusted predictors of SSI.

Results

The incidence of SSI was 6.0 % (22/364): 2.4 % (9/364) for superficial SSIs and 3.6 % (13/364) for deep SSIs. Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 2 cases) was the most common pathogenic bacteria (36.8 %,7/19). In multivariate analysis, parameters independently associated with SSI were: Open fracture (OR: 7.3, p = 0.003), drain use (OR: 4.1, p = 0.037), and incision cleanliness (OR: 3.5, p = 0.002). An albumin/globulin (A/G) level ≥ 1.35 (OR: 0.2, p = 0.042) was an adjusted protective factor for SSI.

Conclusions

The SSI after ORIF affected approximately one in 15 patients with DFFs. The open fracture, drain use, high grade of intraoperative incision cleanliness, and preoperative A/G levels lower than 1.35 were significantly related to increasing the risk of post-operative SSI after DFFs. We recommended that more attentions should be paid to these risk factors during hospitalization.

Trial registration

NO 2014-015-1, October /15/2014, prospectively registered.

We registered our trial prospectively in October 15, 2014 before the first participant was enrolled. This study protocol was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board. The ethics committee approved the Surgical Site Infection in Orthopaedic Surgery (NO 2014-015-1). Data used in this study were obtained from the patients who underwent orthopaedic surgeries between October 2014 to December 2018.
Laparoscopic left hepatectomy for a patient with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis in the falciform ligament: a case report
Authors: Nomura Yoriko , Sakai Hisamune , Akiba Jun , Hisaka Toru , Sato Toshihiro , Goto Yuichi , Akashi Masanori , Fukutomi Shogo , Muroya Daisuke , Kanno Hiroki , Okamura Shusuke , Yano Yuta , Yano Hirohisa , Akagi Yoshito , Okuda Koji
Published: March 2021

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is primary cancer of the liver with poor prognosis because of its high potential for recurrence and metastasis. We experienced a rare case of ICC with hematogenous metastasis to the falciform ligament. We aimed to clarify the route of metastasis to the mesentery by increasing the accuracy of preoperative imaging and establish a hepatectomy to control cancer.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for a detailed study of progressively increasing liver tumors. She had no subjective symptoms. Her medical history showed hypertension, aneurysm clipping for cerebral hemorrhage, and gallstones. A detailed physical examination and laboratory data evaluation included tumor markers but did not demonstrate any abnormalities. On computed tomography scan, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid, the tumor appeared to be located in liver segment IV, protruding outside the liver. It appeared to contain two distinct components; we suspected ICC in the intrahepatic tumor component. Laparoscopic observation revealed that the extrahepatic lesion was an intra-falciform ligament mass; laparoscopic left hepatectomy was performed. Microscopically, the main tumor in segment IV was 15 mm in diameter and was diagnosed as moderately and poorly differentiated ICC. The tumor of the intra-falciform ligament was not continuous with the main intrahepatic nodule and was also diagnosed as ICC with extensive necrosis. There were no infiltrates in the round ligament of the liver, and several tumor thrombi were found in the small veins of the falciform ligament.

Conclusions

To date, there have been a few reports of metastases of primary liver cancer to the falciform ligament. At the time of preoperative imaging and pathological diagnosis, this case was suggestive of considering that the malignant liver tumor might be suspected of metastasizing to the falciform ligament. Our case improves awareness of this pathology, which can be useful in the future when encountered by hepatic specialists and surgeons.
‘Every medicine is part poison’: a qualitative inquiry into the perceptions and experiences of choosing contraceptive methods of migrant Chinese women living in Australia
Authors: Dolan Hankiz , Li Mu , Bateson Deborah , Thompson Rachel , Tam Chun Wah Michael , Bonner Carissa , Trevena Lyndal
Published: March 2021

Background

In Australia, ethnic Chinese people are one of the largest, youngest and fastest growing overseas-born groups. Yet, little is known about their perceptions of contraceptive methods and their experiences with choosing one. Decisions about contraceptive methods are preference sensitive. Understanding the influencing factors of Chinese migrant women’s contraceptive method choice and practices will help cater to their decision-making needs in a culturally sensitive and responsive way.

Methods

A qualitative study design underpinned by critical realism approach was used to explore Chinese migrant women’s perceptions and experiences of choosing contraceptive methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 women who self-identified as being ethnically Chinese and had been living in Australia for no more than 10 years. The interview guide was adapted from the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Majority of the interviews were conducted in Mandarin Chinese. Transcribed data was analysed using thematic analysis method.

Results

Four major themes were identified, including: ‘every medicine is part poison: hormonal contraceptives cause harm to the body’; ‘intrauterine device, a device used in the past for married women’; ‘it takes two (or one) to decide, depending on the relationship dynamics and contraception preferences’; and ‘it is not necessary to seek medical advice in choosing contraceptive methods’.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Chinese migrant women’s perceptions and experiences of choosing contraceptive methods are influenced by complex personal, cultural, societal and inter-relational factors. Chinese migrant women were cautious of using hormonal methods due to fears of side-effects, including reduced or absent menstrual bleeding. Women were also reluctant to consider intrauterine devices as options due to associating them with past experiences of other women and themselves and also fears of potential complications. There was a reluctant attitude towards seeking medical advice regarding contraception due to beliefs that needing to use contraception is not an illness requiring treatment. Such findings are likely to be useful in increasing healthcare professionals’ and policy makers’ understanding of Chinese migrant women’s contraceptive method preferences, beliefs and behaviours. They also help to develop culturally and linguistically sensitive strategies, which goes beyond the provision of contraceptive counselling, in assisting Chinese migrant women’s decision-making needs.
Alternative approaches for clinical clerkship during the COVID-19 pandemic: online simulated clinical practice for inpatients and outpatients—A mixed method
Authors: Kasai Hajime , Shikino Kiyoshi , Saito Go , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Takahashi Yukiko , Kuriyama Ayaka , Tanaka Kazuhisa , Onodera Misaki , Yokoh Hidetaka , Tatusmi Koichiro , Yoshino Ichiro , Ikusaka Masatomi , Sakao Seiichiro , Ito Shoichi
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need for educational materials and methods that can replace clinical clerkships (CCs) for online simulated clinical practice (online-sCP). This study evaluates the impact of using simulated electronic health records (sEHR) for inpatients, and electronic problem-based learning (e-PBL) and online virtual medical interviews (online-VMI) for outpatients, for an online-sCP using a learning management system (LMS) and online meeting system facilitated by a supervising physician.

Methods

The sEHR was reviewed by medical students and subsequently discussed with a supervising physician using an online meeting system. In the e-PBL, medical students reviewed the simulated patients and discussed on the LMS. For the online-VMI, a faculty member acted as an outpatient and a student acted as the doctor. Small groups of students discussed the clinical reasoning process using the online meeting system. A mixed-method design was implemented. Medical students self-assessed their clinical competence before and after the online-sCP. They answered questionnaires and participated in semi-structured focus group interviews (FGIs) regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the practice.

Results

Forty-three students completed the online-sCP during May and June 2020. All students indicated significant improvement in all aspects of self-evaluation of clinical performance after the online-sCP. Students using sEHR reported significant improvement in writing daily medical records and medical summaries. Students using e-PBL and online-VMI reported significant improvement in medical interviews and counseling. Students also indicated CCs as more useful for learning associated with medical interviews, physical examinations, and humanistic qualities like professionalism than the online-sCP. Eight FGIs were conducted (n = 42). The advantages of online-sCP were segregated into five categories (learning environment, efficiency, accessibility, self-paced learning, and interactivity); meanwhile, the disadvantages of online-sCP were classified into seven categories (clinical practice experience, learning environment, interactivity, motivation, memory retention, accessibility, and extraneous cognitive load).

Conclusions

Online-sCP with sEHR, e-PBL, and online-VMI could be useful in learning some of the clinical skills acquired through CC. These methods can be implemented with limited preparation and resources.
Experts’ moral views on gene drive technologies: a qualitative interview study
Authors: de Graeff N. , Jongsma Karin R. , Bredenoord Annelien L.
Published: March 2021

Background

Gene drive technologies (GDTs) promote the rapid spread of a particular genetic element within a population of non-human organisms. Potential applications of GDTs include the control of insect vectors, invasive species and agricultural pests. Whether, and if so, under what conditions, GDTs should be deployed is hotly debated. Although broad stances in this debate have been described, the convictions that inform the moral views of the experts shaping these technologies and related policies have not been examined in depth in the academic literature.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we interviewed GDT experts (n = 33) from different disciplines to identify and better understand their moral views regarding these technologies. The pseudonymized transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results

The respondents’ moral views were principally influenced by their attitudes towards (1) the uncertainty related to GDTs; (2) the alternatives to which they should be compared; and (3) the role humans should have in nature. Respondents agreed there is epistemic uncertainty related to GDTs, identified similar knowledge gaps, and stressed the importance of realistic expectations in discussions on GDTs. They disagreed about whether uncertainty provides a rationale to refrain from field trials (‘risks of intervention’ stance) or to proceed with phased testing to obtain more knowledge given the harms of the status quo (‘risks of non-intervention’ stance). With regards to alternatives to tackle vector-borne diseases, invasive species and agricultural pests, respondents disagreed about which alternatives should be considered (un)feasible and (in)sufficiently explored: conventional strategies (‘downstream solutions’ stance) or systematic changes to health care, political and agricultural systems (‘upstream solutions’ stance). Finally, respondents held different views on nature and whether the use of GDTs is compatible with humans’ role in nature (‘interference’ stance) or not (‘non-interference stance’).

Conclusions

This interview study helps to disentangle the debate on GDTs by providing a better understanding of the moral views of GDT experts. The obtained insights provide valuable stepping-stones for a constructive debate about underlying value conflicts and call attention to topics that deserve further (normative) reflection. Further evaluation of these issues can facilitate the debate on and responsible development of GDTs.
Combining structured and unstructured data in EMRs to create clinically-defined EMR-derived cohorts
Authors: Tam Charmaine S. , Gullick Janice , Saavedra Aldo , Vernon Stephen T. , Figtree Gemma A. , Chow Clara K. , Cretikos Michelle , Morris Richard W. , William Maged , Morris Jonathan , Brieger David
Published: March 2021

Background

There have been few studies describing how production EMR systems can be systematically queried to identify clinically-defined populations and limited studies utilising free-text in this process. The aim of this study is to provide a generalisable methodology for constructing clinically-defined EMR-derived patient cohorts using structured and unstructured data in EMRs.

Methods

Patients with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were used as an exemplar. Cardiologists defined clinical criteria for patients presenting with possible ACS. These were mapped to data tables within the production EMR system creating seven inclusion criteria comprised of structured data fields (orders and investigations, procedures, scanned electrocardiogram (ECG) images, and diagnostic codes) and unstructured clinical documentation. Data were extracted from two local health districts (LHD) in Sydney, Australia. Outcome measures included examination of the relative contribution of individual inclusion criteria to the identification of eligible encounters, comparisons between inclusion criterion and evaluation of consistency of data extracts across years and LHDs.

Results

Among 802,742 encounters in a 5 year dataset (1/1/13–30/12/17), the presence of an ECG image (54.8% of encounters) and symptoms and keywords in clinical documentation (41.4–64.0%) were used most often to identify presentations of possible ACS. Orders and investigations (27.3%) and procedures (1.4%), were less often present for identified presentations. Relevant ICD-10/SNOMED CT codes were present for 3.7% of identified encounters. Similar trends were seen when the two LHDs were examined separately, and across years.

Conclusions

Clinically-defined EMR-derived cohorts combining structured and unstructured data during cohort identification is a necessary prerequisite for critical validation work required for development of real-time clinical decision support and learning health systems.
Molecular phylogenetics of a recently isolated goat pox virus from Vietnam
Authors: Pham Trang Hong , Rahaman Nor Yasmin Abdul , Lila Mohd Azmi Mohd , Lai Huong Lan Thi , Nguyen Lan Thi , Van Nguyen Giap , Ha Bo Xuan , Nguyen Hieu , Vu Hanh Duc , Noordin Mustapha M.
Published: March 2021

Background

After a decade of silence, an outbreak of the contagious and Asian endemic disease, goat pox re-emerged in North Vietnam affecting more than 1800 heads with a mortality rate of 6.5%. The inevitable impact of goat pox on hide quality, breeding, chevon and milk production has resulted in a significant economic losses to the developing goat industry of Vietnam. In the act of establishing an effective control of this devastating disease, tracing the source of re-emergence via a phylogenetic study was carried out to reveal their genetic relatedness. Either skin scab or papule from the six affected provinces were collected, cultured into Vero cells followed by restricted enzyme digestion of targeted P32 gene DNA encoding. The P32 gene was then cloned and transformed into E.coli competent cells for further sequencing.

Results

The isolated sequence is deposited into GenBank under Accession No. MN317561/VNUAGTP1. The phylogenetic tree revealed high similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences to references goat pox strains accounting for 99.6 and 99.3, respectively. The Vietnamese strain is clustered together with currently circulating goat pox virus in China, India and Pakistan which suggested the origin of South China.

Conclusions

This Vietnam isolate is clustered together with other Asian goat pox strains indicating the dissemination of a common goat pox virus within this continent.
CTCF-silenced miR-137 contributes to EMT and radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Shuwen , Li Xiaofeng , Li Longfei , Wang Yufeng , Geng Chong , Guo Feng , Zhang Tao , Du Aonan , Lu Zhiwei , Hui Hua , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2021

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most malignant tumors in gastrointestinal system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in cancer development. However, the role of miR-137 has not been fully revealed in ESCC.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses were separately used to examine RNA level and protein level. 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assays and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to assess biological behaviors of ESCC cells. Additionally, the interaction between genes were analyzed via Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pull down assay and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

MiR-137 was down-regulated in ESCC cells. Upregulation of miR-137 hindered ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Besides, miR-137 enhanced the sensitivity of ESCC cells to irradiation. Moreover, CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) inactivated miR-137 transcription in ESCC cells. Furthermore, we revealed enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) and paxillin (PXN) as the downstream targets of miR-137. In turn, EZH2 was recruited by CTCF and induced methylation in miR-137 promoter.

Conclusion

CTCF/Suz12/EZH2 complex-silenced miR-137 facilitates ESCC progression and radioresistance by targeting EZH2 and PXN.
Circ_DOCK1 regulates USP11 through miR-132-3p to control colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Weitong , Wang Zhenfen , Cai Guohao , Huang Ping
Published: March 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) take part in colorectal cancer malignancies. CircRNA dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (circ_DOCK1) is involved in colorectal cancer progression, but the mechanism underlying this circRNA that takes part in colorectal cancer development remains largely undetermined.

Methods

Tumor and normal para-cancerous tissues were collected from 42 colorectal cancer patients. Human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 and SW480) were used for the experiments in vitro. Circ_DOCK1, microRNA (miR)-132-3p, and ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) levels were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis were investigated via colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, MTT, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and transwell analyses. The target association was evaluated via dual-luciferase reporter analysis, RNA pull-down, and immunoprecipitation (RIP). Xenograft assay was performed using HCT116 cells. USP11 and Ki67 levels in tumor tissues were detected via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Circ_DOCK1 expression was enhanced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Silencing circ_DOCK1 repressed cell growth, migration, and invasion, and facilitated apoptosis. Circ_DOCK1 sponged miR-132-3p, and miR-132-3p silence mitigated the effect of circ_DOCK1 interference on cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. MiR-132-3p targeted USP11, and circ_DOCK1 could regulate USP11 level by miR-132-3p. MiR-132-3p suppressed cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis, and USP11 attenuated these effects. Knockdown of circ_DOCK1 decreased colorectal cancer cell xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusion

Circ_DOCK1 interference suppressed cell growth and metastasis, and increased apoptosis of colorectal cancer via decreasing USP11 by increasing miR-132-3p.
A random-sampling approach to track cell divisions in time-lapse fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Amarteifio Saoirse , Fallesen Todd , Pruessner Gunnar , Sena Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Background

Particle-tracking in 3D is an indispensable computational tool to extract critical information on dynamical processes from raw time-lapse imaging. This is particularly true within vivotime-lapse fluorescence imaging in cell and developmental biology, where complex dynamics are observed at high temporal resolution. Common tracking algorithms used with time-lapse data in fluorescence microscopy typically assume a continuous signal where background, recognisable keypoints and independently moving objects of interest are permanently visible. Under these conditions, simple registration and identity management algorithms can track the objects of interest over time. In contrast, here we consider the case of transient signals and objects whose movements are constrained within a tissue, where standard algorithms fail to provide robust tracking.

Results

To optimize 3D tracking in these conditions, we propose the merging of registration and tracking tasks into a registration algorithm that uses random sampling to solve the identity management problem. We describe the design and application of such an algorithm, illustrated in the domain of plant biology, and make it available as an open-source software implementation. The algorithm is tested on mitotic events in 4D data-sets obtained with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy on growingArabidopsis thalianaroots expressing CYCB::GFP. We validate the method by comparing the algorithm performance against both surrogate data and manual tracking.

Conclusion

This method fills a gap in existing tracking techniques, following mitotic events in challenging data-sets using transient fluorescent markers in unregistered images.
Endotheliopathy in septic conditions: mechanistic insight into intravascular coagulation
Authors: Ito Takashi , Kakuuchi Midori , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: March 2021

Endothelial cells play a key role in maintaining intravascular patency through their anticoagulant properties. They provide a favorable environment for plasma anticoagulant proteins, including antithrombin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and protein C. Under septic conditions, however, the anticoagulant properties of endothelial cells are compromised. Rather, activated/injured endothelial cells can provide a scaffold for intravascular coagulation. For example, the expression of tissue factor, an important initiator of the coagulation pathway, is induced on the surface of activated endothelial cells. Phosphatidylserine, a high-affinity scaffold for gamma-carboxyglutamate domain containing coagulation factors, including FII, FVII, FIX, and FX, is externalized to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of injured endothelial cells. Hemodilution decreases not only coagulation factors but also plasma anticoagulant proteins, resulting in unleashed activation of coagulation on the surface of activated/injured endothelial cells. The aberrant activation of coagulation can be suppressed in part by the supplementation of recombinant antithrombin and recombinant thrombomodulin. This review aims to overview the physiological and pathological functions of endothelial cells along with proof-of-concept in vitro studies. The pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated thrombosis is also discussed.
Effects of salvianolate on microcirculatory disturbance in patients with stable coronary heart disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Zhanlu , Luan Yi , Wang Min , Li Ya , Shen Xiaohua , Fu Guosheng , Zhang Wenbin
Published: March 2021

Background

Obstruction of coronary microcirculation can lead to myocardial ischemia and poor prognosis. Salvianolate exerts cardiovascular protection at cellular levels. However, no studies have confirmed the effect of salvianolate on stable coronary heart disease (CHD) with high fractional flow reserve (FFR) and myocardial microcirculatory disturbances.

Methods/design

This study will enroll 78 patients who have stable coronary disease with 50 to 70% stenosis in major coronary arteries and whose FFR > 0.80 and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) > 25. Patients will be randomly divided into the salvianolate group or the placebo group. After above evaluations, salvianolate 200 mg will be intravenously dripped immediately for the next 30 min and subsequent 7 days in the salvianolate group, and matching 0.9% normal saline will be arranged in the placebo group. IMR will be reevaluated in immediate phase after first 30 min of salvianolate or placebo treatment. The primary end point will be the IMR change in this phase, and the secondary end points will be the total ischemic burden assessed by the Seattle angina scale, quality of life scale, Holter electrocardiography, and 6-min walk test after 7 days before discharge.

Discussion

This study will firstly clarify the improvement effect of salvianolate on coronary microcirculation and provide an effective treatment method for stable CHD patients with high FFR and myocardial microcirculatory disturbance.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800018772. Registered on 9 October 2018 and updated on 2 March 2020
Correction to: MicroRNA-335-5p is a potential suppressor of metastasis and invasion in gastric cancer
Authors: Sandoval-Bórquez Alejandra , Polakovicova Iva , Carrasco-Véliz Nicolás , Lobos-González Lorena , Riquelme Ismael , Carrasco-Avino Gonzalo , Bizama Carolina , Norero Enrique , Owen Gareth I. , Roa Juan C. , Corvalán Alejandro H.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A hidden cause of oxalate nephropathy: a case report
Authors: Mahmoud Tala , Ghandour Elias C. , Jaar Bernard G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Oxalate nephropathy is a rare disorder that can result in acute kidney injury (AKI) and progresses to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The causes can be either primary or secondary. Primary hyperoxaluria includes a group of hereditary disorders with enzymatic defects in the glyoxylate pathway, resulting in decreased oxalate metabolism. Secondary hyperoxaluria, often overlooked can result from increased intestinal absorption, nutritional deficiencies, decreased fluid intake, impaired excretion, and increased dietary consumption of oxalate.

Case presentation

We present a Caucasian case of acute oxalate induced nephropathy associated with consumption of large quantities of green vegetables in a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Imaging study showed no evidence of kidney stone, but a kidney biopsy revealed acute tubular injury, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and dense tubular deposition of calcium oxalate crystals. Upon further questioning the patient, we learned that in the months prior to presentation, he had very significantly increased his consumption of green vegetables. Because of no clinical improvement, the patient was initiated and maintained on hemodialysis.

Conclusion

This report illustrates a case of acute oxalate nephropathy in the setting of very high dietary consumption of oxalate-rich foods in a patient with advanced CKD. Special attention should be given to the secondary causes of hyperoxaluria in patients with predisposing conditions such as CKD.
Doorways do not always cause forgetting: a multimodal investigation
Authors: McFadyen Jessica , Nolan Christopher , Pinocy Ellen , Buteri David , Baumann Oliver
Published: March 2021

Background

The ‘doorway effect’, or ‘location updating effect’, claims that we tend to forget items of recent significance immediately after crossing a boundary. Previous research suggests that such a forgetting effect occurs both at physical boundaries (e.g., moving from one room to another via a door) and metaphysical boundaries (e.g., imagining traversing a doorway, or even when moving from one desktop window to another on a computer). Here, we aimed to conceptually replicate this effect using virtual and physical environments.

Methods

Across four experiments, we measured participants’ hit and false alarm rates to memory probes for items recently encountered either in the same or previous room. Experiments 1 and 2 used highly immersive virtual reality without and with working memory load (Experiments 1 and 2, respectively). Experiment 3 used passive video watching and Experiment 4 used active real-life movement. Data analysis was conducted using frequentist as well as Bayesian inference statistics.

Results

Across this series of experiments, we observed no significant effect of doorways on forgetting. In Experiment 2, however, signal detection was impaired when participants responded to probes after moving through doorways, such that false alarm rates were increased for mismatched recognition probes. Thus, under working memory load, memory was more susceptible to interference after moving through doorways.

Conclusions

This study presents evidence that is inconsistent with the location updating effect as it has previously been reported. Our findings call into question the generalisability and robustness of this effect to slight paradigm alterations and, indeed, what factors contributed to the effect observed in previous studies.
Neighborhood disadvantage and firearm injury: does shooting location matter?
Authors: Dalve Kimberly , Gause Emma , Mills Brianna , Floyd Anthony S. , Rivara Frederick P. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: March 2021

Background

Firearm violence is a public health problem that disparately impacts areas of economic and social deprivation. Despite a growing literature on neighborhood characteristics and injury, few studies have examined the association between neighborhood disadvantage and fatal and nonfatal firearm assault using data on injury location. We conducted an ecological Bayesian spatial analysis examining neighborhood disadvantage as a social determinant of firearm injury in Seattle, Washington.

Methods

Neighborhood disadvantage was measured using the National Neighborhood Data Archive disadvantage index. The index includes proportion of female-headed households with children, proportion of households with public assistance income, proportion of people with income below poverty in the past 12 months, and proportion of the civilian labor force aged 16 and older that are unemployed at the census tract level. Firearm injury counts included individuals with a documented assault-related gunshot wound identified from medical records and supplemented with the Gun Violence Archive between March 20, 2016 and December 31, 2018. Available addresses were geocoded to identify their point locations and then aggregated to the census tract level. Besag-York-Mollie (BYM2) Bayesian Poisson models were fit to the data to estimate the association between the index of neighborhood disadvantage and firearm injury count with a population offset within each census tract.

Results

Neighborhood disadvantage was significantly associated with the count of firearm injury in both non-spatial and spatial models. For two census tracts that differed by 1 decile of neighborhood disadvantage, the number of firearm injuries was higher by 21.0% (95% credible interval: 10.5, 32.8%) in the group with higher neighborhood disadvantage. After accounting for spatial structure, there was still considerable residual spatial dependence with 53.3% (95% credible interval: 17.0, 87.3%) of the model variance being spatial. Additionally, we observed census tracts with higher disadvantage and lower count of firearm injury in communities with proximity to employment opportunities and targeted redevelopment, suggesting other contextual protective factors.

Conclusions

Even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, firearm injury research should investigate spatial clustering as independence cannot be able to be assumed. Future research should continue to examine potential contextual and environmental neighborhood determinants that could impact firearm injuries in urban communities.
A pilot study of the impact of an exercise intervention on brain structure, cognition, and psychosocial symptoms in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mayo Chantel D. , Harrison Laureen , Attwell-Pope Kristen , Stuart-Hill Lynneth , Gawryluk Jodie R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Despite pharmacological treatment, many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) continue to experience symptoms and medication side effects. Exercise holds promise for MS, but changes in brain structure following exercise have not been thoroughly investigated, and important cognitive and psychosocial variables are rarely primary outcomes. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether a 12-week exercise intervention would improve white matter integrity in the brain, or cognition, symptoms of fatigue, and depressed mood for individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

Method

Thirteen participants completed 12 weeks of speeded walking. Baseline and post-intervention testing included 3T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess white matter and neuropsychological testing to assess cognition, fatigue, and mood. Image pre-processing and analyses were performed in functional magnetic resonance imaging of the Brain Software Library.

Results

Post-intervention, there were no significant changes in white matter compared to baseline. Post-intervention, individuals with RRMS performed significantly better on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), reported fewer perceived memory problems, and endorsed less fatigue. Performance was not significantly different on Trails or Digit Span, and there were no significant changes in reports of mood.

Conclusion

Although 12 weeks of speeded walking did not improve white matter integrity, exercise may hold promise for managing some symptoms of RRMS in the context of this study population.
Unraveling Neuroendocrine Gallbladder Cancer: Comprehensive Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characterization
Authors: de Bitter Tessa J. J. , Kroeze Leonie I. , de Reuver Philip R. , van Vliet Shannon , Vink-Börger Elisa , von Rhein Daniel , Jansen Erik A. M. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J. L. , van der Post Rachel S.
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Neuroendocrine carcinomas and mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder (NE GBC) are rare and highly aggressive entities. The cell of origin of NE GBC has been a matter of controversy. Here, we performed a comparative histopathologic and molecular analysis of NE GBC cases and, if present, associated precancerous lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 in the Netherlands. Precursors and carcinomas were immunohistochemically compared and analyzed for mutations, gene amplifications, microsatellite instability, and tumor mutational burden using an next-generation sequencing panel containing 523 cancer-related genes. In addition, presence of fusion genes was analyzed using a panel of 55 genes.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of neuroendocrine cases (6/10) presented with a precursor lesion, either intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (n = 3) or biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 3). Immunohistochemically, neuroendocrine components were different from the epithelial precursor lesions. Molecular profiling, however, revealed TP53 mutations shared between different components in five of six cases, indicating a clonal relation. Furthermore, 40% of cases (4/10) harbored at least one potentially actionable alteration. This included (likely) pathogenic mutations in RAD54L, ATM, and BRCA2; amplifications of ERBB2 and MDM2; and a gene fusion involving FGFR3-TACC3. All cases were microsatellite-stable and had a tumor mutational burden of < 10 mutations/Mb.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide insight into the development of NE GBC and suggest a common origin of precancerous epithelial lesions and invasive neuroendocrine components, favoring the hypothesis of lineage transformation. Moreover, nearly half of the NE GBCs carried at least one potentially actionable molecular alteration, highlighting the importance of molecular testing in this highly lethal cancer.
A Case Report and Anesthetic Considerations in Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn
Authors: Matar Marla M.
Published: March 2021

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) is an uncommon, self-limiting panniculitis generally diagnosed in the first few weeks of extrauterine life in term or postterm infants subjected to perinatal physiologic stress. Hallmarks of the process include dramatic hypercalcemia without identifiable cause that may be associated with renal disease, seizures, and death. Herein, we describe the anesthetic approach in an 11-week-old infant, including perioperative laboratory testing, management of hypercalcemia, and intraoperative considerations.
Malaria parasite egress at a glance
Authors: Tan Michele S. Y , Blackman Michael J.
Published: March 2021

All intracellular pathogens must escape (egress) from the confines of their host cell to disseminate and proliferate. The malaria parasite only replicates in an intracellular vacuole or in a cyst, and must undergo egress at four distinct phases during its complex life cycle, each time disrupting, in a highly regulated manner, the membranes or cyst wall that entrap the parasites. This Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster summarises our current knowledge of the morphological features of egress across the Plasmodium life cycle, the molecular mechanisms that govern the process, and how researchers are working to exploit this knowledge to develop much-needed new approaches to malaria control.
Genome-wide screening of upstream transcription factors using an expression library
Authors: Yahagi Naoya , Takeuchi Yoshinori
Published: March 2021

The identification of upstream transcription factors regulating the expression of a gene is generally not an easy process.  To facilitate this task, we constructed an expression cDNA library named Transcription Factor Expression Library (TFEL), which is composed of nearly all the transcription factors in the mouse genome. Genome-wide screening using this library (TFEL scan method) enables us to easily identify transcription factors controlling any given promoter or enhancer of interest in a chromosomal context-dependent manner. Thus, TFEL scan method is a powerful approach to explore transcriptional regulatory networks.