bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-polarization dynamics and conformational study of variously sized cellulose crystallites using solid-state 13C NMR
Authors: Daicho Kazuho , Fujisawa Shuji , Kobayashi Kayoko , Saito Tsuguyuki , Ashida Jun
Published: September 2020

Cellulose forms crystalline fibrils, via biosynthesis, that can be just a few nanometers wide. The crystallinity is a structural factor related to material performance. Recently, many routes to isolate these fibrils as nanocellulose have been developed, and there exist various types of nanocellulose with different crystallinities. Quantitative assessment of the crystallinity of nanocellulose is thus essential to advance knowledge in the high performance and functionality of such materials. Solid-state 13C cross-polarization/magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a strong tool to investigate the structural features and dynamics of solid cellulose. The crystallinity is often evaluated by using the NMR signal ratio of the C4 crystalline and noncrystalline regions as a crystallinity index (CI) value. To calculate the CI value, it is necessary to examine the dependence of the contact time (CT) for CP on the signal intensity and set the optimum CT at a maximum of the signal intensity. However, the dependence has not been investigated for evaluation of the CI value of various cellulose samples with different crystal sizes. Here, we optimized the CT for evaluation of the CI value of cellulose with different crystal sizes. The error in the CI at the optimized CT was ~ 3%. At the optimized CT, the structural change after surface modification by TEMPO-oxidation was also analyzed from the NMR spectra of the C6 region. The relationship between the CI value and the degree of oxidation shows that it is possible to evaluate the degree of oxidation from the NMR spectra irrespective of the crystallinity of cellulose. Furthermore, the C4-based CI value was linearly correlated with the C6-based trans-gauche (tg) ratio, which is approximated by a function, CI = 0.9 tg ratio.
Effects and interaction of different interior material treatment and personal preference on psychological and physiological responses in living environment
Authors: Sun Minkai , Nakashima Taisuke , Yoshimura Yuri , Honden Akiyoshi , Nakagawa Toshinori , Saijo Hiromi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Ajimi Tsuyoshi , Yasunari Shinji , Yamada Yuki , Nagano Jun , Okamoto Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Hiroya , Ohnuki Koichiro , Fujimoto Noboru , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: September 2020

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood is widely used as a traditional construction material in Japan. The relationship between an individual’s perceived comfort level and a preference for Japanese cedar wood interiors is of interest. We compared volunteers’ physiological responses and subjective evaluations of wooden dwelling spaces with different wood materials: planed Japanese cedar lumber, or printed grain resin sheet overlay boards. Eighty-three subjects were asked to stay in each room for 30 min. We evaluated salivary stress markers, blood pressure, the profile of mood states-brief form (POMS), and a questionnaire that used the semantic differential method to evaluate the subjects’ feeling state for both rooms. The concentrations of the volatile organic compounds in both rooms were also quantified after the experiment. The results demonstrated that the subjects’ evaluation of each room was highly dependent on their preference; each room was evaluated more positively by subjects who preferred it. Although the subjects’ feelings were also influenced by their preference, the room with Japanese cedar did not elicit negative feelings, even from the subjects who disliked it. The subjects’ physiological responses were totally independent of their preferences. Their blood pressure decreased in the Japanese cedar room, and their salivary alpha-amylase activity was repressed in both rooms. These results indicated that the subjective evaluations were influenced in part by the subjects’ preferences, while their physiological responses were not affected. Regardless of which room the subjects preferred, the Japanese cedar room reduced the subjects’ blood pressure compared to the room with artificial materials.
ANDDigest: a new web-based module of ANDSystem for the search of knowledge in the scientific literature
Authors: Ivanisenko Timofey V. , Saik Olga V. , Demenkov Pavel S. , Ivanisenko Nikita V. , Savostianov Alexander N. , Ivanisenko Vladimir A.
Published: September 2020

Background

The rapid growth of scientific literature has rendered the task of finding relevant information one of the critical problems in almost any research. Search engines, like Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, and others, are highly effective in document search; however, they do not allow knowledge extraction. In contrast to the search engines, text-mining systems provide extraction of knowledge with representations in the form of semantic networks. Of particular interest are tools performing a full cycle of knowledge management and engineering, including automated retrieval, integration, and representation of knowledge in the form of semantic networks, their visualization, and analysis. STRING, Pathway Studio, MetaCore, and others are well-known examples of such products. Previously, we developed the Associative Network Discovery System (ANDSystem), which also implements such a cycle. However, the drawback of these systems is dependence on the employed ontologies describing the subject area, which limits their functionality in searching information based on user-specified queries.

Results

The ANDDigest system is a new web-based module of the ANDSystem tool, permitting searching within PubMed by using dictionaries from the ANDSystem tool and sets of user-defined keywords. ANDDigest allows performing the search based on complex queries simultaneously, taking into account many types of objects from the ANDSystem’s ontology. The system has a user-friendly interface, providing sorting, visualization, and filtering of the found information, including mapping of mentioned objects in text, linking to external databases, sorting of data by publication date, citations number, journal H-indices, etc. The system provides data on trends for identified entities based on dynamics of interest according to the frequency of their mentions in PubMed by years.

Conclusions

The main feature of ANDDigest is its functionality, serving as a specialized search for information about multiple associative relationships of objects from the ANDSystem’s ontology vocabularies, taking into account user-specified keywords. The tool can be applied to the interpretation of experimental genetics data, the search for associations between molecular genetics objects, and the preparation of scientific and analytical reviews. It is presently available at https://anddigest.sysbio.ru/.
Review of medical image recognition technologies to detect melanomas using neural networks
Authors: Efimenko Mila , Ignatev Alexander , Koshechkin Konstantin
Published: September 2020

Background

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer that has become a world-class problem. According to the World Health Organization estimates, 132,000 cases of the disease and 66,000 deaths from malignant melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are reported annually worldwide (https://apps.who.int/gho/data/?theme=main) and those numbers continue to grow. In our opinion, due to the increasing incidence of the disease, it is necessary to find new, easy to use and sensitive methods for the early diagnosis of melanoma in a large number of people around the world. Over the last decade, neural networks show highly sensitive, specific, and accurate results.

Objective

This study presents a review of PubMed papers including requests «melanoma neural network» and «melanoma neural network dermatoscopy». We review recent researches and discuss their opportunities acceptable in clinical practice.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database for systematic reviews and original research papers on the requests «melanoma neural network» and «melanoma neural network dermatoscopy» published in English. Only papers that reported results, progress and outcomes are included in this review.

Results

We found 11 papers that match our requests that observed convolutional and deep-learning neural networks combined with fuzzy clustering or World Cup Optimization algorithms in analyzing dermatoscopic images. All of them require an ABCD (asymmetry, border, color, and differential structures) algorithm and its derivates (in combination with ABCD algorithm or separately). Also, they require a large dataset of dermatoscopic images and optimized estimation parameters to provide high specificity, accuracy and sensitivity.

Conclusions

According to the analyzed papers, neural networks show higher specificity, accuracy and sensitivity than dermatologists. Neural networks are able to evaluate features that might be unavailable to the naked human eye. Despite that, we need more datasets to confirm those statements. Nowadays machine learning becomes a helpful tool in early diagnosing skin diseases, especially melanoma.
The ranging of amino acids substitution matrices of various types in accordance with the alignment accuracy criterion
Authors: Polyanovsky Valery , Lifanov Alexander , Esipova Natalia , Tumanyan Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Background

The alignment of character sequences is important in bioinformatics. The quality of this procedure is determined by the substitution matrix and parameters of the insertion-deletion penalty function. These matrices are derived from sequence alignment and thus reflect the evolutionary process. Currently, in addition to evolutionary matrices, a large number of different background matrices have been obtained. To make an optimal choice of the substitution matrix and the penalty parameters, we conducted a numerical experiment using a representative sample of existing matrices of various types and origins.

Results

We tested both the classical evolutionary matrix series (PAM, Blosum, VTML, Pfasum); structural alignment based matrices, contact energy matrix, and matrix based on the properties of the genetic code. This study presents results for two test set types: first, we simulated sequences that reflect the divergent evolution; second, we performed tests on Balibase sequences. In both cases, we obtained the dependences of the alignment quality (Accuracy, Confidence) on the evolutionary distance between sequences and the evolutionary distance to which the substitution matrices correspond. Optimization of a combination of matrices and the penalty parameters was carried out for local and global alignment on the values of penalty function parameters.

Consequently, we found that the best alignment quality is achieved with matrices corresponding to the largest evolutionary distance. These matrices prove to be universal, i.e. suitable for aligning sequences separated by both large and small evolutionary distances. We analysed the correspondence of the correlation coefficients of matrices to the alignment quality. It was found that matrices showing high quality alignment have an above average correlation value, but the converse is not true.

Conclusions

This study showed that the best alignment quality is achieved with evolutionary matrices designed for long distances: Gonnet, VTML250, PAM250, MIQS, and Pfasum050. The same property is inherent in matrices not only of evolutionary origin, but also of another background corresponding to a large evolutionary distance. Therefore, matrices based on structural data show alignment quality close enough to its value for evolutionary matrices. This agrees with the idea that the spatial structure is more conservative than the protein sequence.
The speciation and adaptation of the polyploids: a case study of the Chinese Isoetes L. diploid-polyploid complex
Authors: Dai Xiaokang , Li Xiang , Huang Yuqian , Liu Xing
Published: September 2020

Background

The ChineseIsoetesL. are distributed in a stairway pattern: diploids in the high altitude and polyploids in the low altitude. The allopolyploidI. sinensisand its diploid parentsI. yunguiensisandI. taiwanensisis an ideal system with which to investigate the relationships between polyploid speciation and the ecological niches preferences.

Results

There were two major clades in the nuclear phylogenetic tree, all of the populations of polyploid were simultaneously located in both clades. The chloroplast phylogenetic tree included two clades with different populations of the polyploid clustered with the diploids separately:I. yunguiensiswith partial populations of theI. sinensisandI. taiwanensiswith the rest populations of theI. sinensis. The crow node of theI. sinensisallopolyploid system was 4.43 Ma (95% HPD: 2.77–6.97 Ma). The divergence time betweenI. sinensisandI. taiwanensiswas estimated to 0.65 Ma (95% HPD: 0.26–1.91 Ma). The narrower niche breadth inI.sinensisthan those of its diploid progenitors and less niche overlap in the pairwise comparisons between the polyploid and its progenitors.

Conclusions

Our results elucidate thatI. yunguinensisandI. taiwanensiscontribute to the speciation ofI. sinensis, the diploid parents are the female parents of different populations. The change of altitude might have played an important role in allopolyploid speciation and the pattern of distribution ofI. sinensis. Additionally, niche novelty of the allopolyploid population ofI. sinensishas been detected, in accordance with the hypothesis that niche shift between the polyploids and its diploid progenitors is important for the establishment and persistence of the polyploids.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yang Fan , Dong Fu-shuang , Hu Fang-hui , Liu Yong-wei , Chai Jian-fang , Zhao He , Lv Meng-yu , Zhou Shuo
Published: September 2020

Background

Plant calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) proteins play important roles in hormone signal transduction, developmental regulation, and environmental stress tolerance. However, in wheat, the CAMTA gene family has not been systematically characterized.

Results

In this work, 15 wheat CAMTA genes were identified using a genome-wide search method. Their chromosome location, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, gene structure, protein domain, and promoter cis-elements were systematically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis classified the TaCAMTA genes into three groups (groups A, B, and C), numbered 7, 6, and 2, respectively. The results showed that most TaCAMTA genes contained stress-related cis-elements. Finally, to obtain tissue-specific and stress-responsive candidates, the expression profiles of the TaCAMTAs in various tissues and under biotic and abiotic stresses were investigated. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that all of the 15 TaCAMTA genes were expressed in multiple tissues with different expression levels, as well as under abiotic stress, the expressions of each TaCAMTA gene could respond to at least one abiotic stress. It also found that 584 genes in wheat genome were predicted to be potential target genes by CAMTA, demonstrating that CAMTA can be widely involved in plant development and growth, as well as coping with stresses.

Conclusions

This work systematically identified the CAMTA gene family in wheat at the whole-genome-wide level, providing important candidates for further functional analysis in developmental regulation and the stress response in wheat.
MasterPATH: network analysis of functional genomics screening data
Authors: Rubanova Natalia , Pinna Guillaume , Kropp Jeremie , Campalans Anna , Radicella Juan Pablo , Polesskaya Anna , Harel-Bellan Annick , Morozova Nadya
Published: September 2020

Background

Functional genomics employs several experimental approaches to investigate gene functions. High-throughput techniques, such as loss-of-function screening and transcriptome profiling, allow to identify lists of genes potentially involved in biological processes of interest (so called hit list). Several computational methods exist to analyze and interpret such lists, the most widespread of which aim either at investigating of significantly enriched biological processes, or at extracting significantly represented subnetworks.

Results

Here we propose a novel network analysis method and corresponding computational software that employs the shortest path approach and centrality measure to discover members of molecular pathways leading to the studied phenotype, based on functional genomics screening data. The method works on integrated interactomes that consist of both directed and undirected networks – HIPPIE, SIGNOR, SignaLink, TFactS, KEGG, TransmiR, miRTarBase. The method finds nodes and short simple paths with significant high centrality in subnetworks induced by the hit genes and by so-called final implementers – the genes that are involved in molecular events responsible for final phenotypic realization of the biological processes of interest. We present the application of the method to the data from miRNA loss-of-function screen and transcriptome profiling of terminal human muscle differentiation process and to the gene loss-of-function screen exploring the genes that regulates human oxidative DNA damage recognition. The analysis highlighted the possible role of several known myogenesis regulatory miRNAs (miR-1, miR-125b, miR-216a) and their targets (AR, NR3C1, ARRB1, ITSN1, VAV3, TDGF1), as well as linked two major regulatory molecules of skeletal myogenesis, MYOD and SMAD3, to their previously known muscle-related targets (TGFB1, CDC42, CTCF) and also to a number of proteins such as C-KIT that have not been previously studied in the context of muscle differentiation. The analysis also showed the role of the interaction between H3 and SETDB1 proteins for oxidative DNA damage recognition.

Conclusion

The current work provides a systematic methodology to discover members of molecular pathways in integrated networks using functional genomics screening data. It also offers a valuable instrument to explain the appearance of a set of genes, previously not associated with the process of interest, in the hit list of each particular functional genomics screening.
Relative abundance of the Prevotella genus within the human gut microbiota of elderly volunteers determines the inter-individual responses to dietary supplementation with wheat bran arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides
Authors: Chung Wing Sun Faith , Walker Alan W. , Bosscher Douwina , Garcia-Campayo Vicenta , Wagner Josef , Parkhill Julian , Duncan Sylvia H. , Flint Harry J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The human colon is colonised by a dense microbial community whose species composition and metabolism are linked to health and disease. The main energy sources for colonic bacteria are dietary polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. These play a major role in modulating gut microbial composition and metabolism, which in turn can impact on health outcomes.

Results

We investigated the influence of wheat bran arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) and maltodextrin supplements in modulating the composition of the colonic microbiota and metabolites in healthy adults over the age of 60. Male and female volunteers, (n = 21, mean BMI 25.2 ± 0.7 kg/m2) participated in the double-blind, cross over supplement study. Faecal samples were collected for analysis of microbiota, short chain fatty acids levels and calprotectin. Blood samples were collected to measure glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels. There was no change in these markers nor in calprotectin levels in response to the supplements. Both supplements were well-tolerated by the volunteers. Microbiota analysis across the whole volunteer cohort revealed a significant increase in the proportional abundance of faecalBifidobacteriumspecies (P ≤ 0.01) in response to AXOS, but not maltodextrin, supplementation. There was considerable inter-individual variation in the other bacterial taxa that responded, with a clear stratification of volunteers as eitherPrevotella-plus (n = 8; > 0.1% proportional abundance) orPrevotella-minus (n = 13; ≤0.1% proportional abundance) subjects founded on baseline sample profiles. There was a significant increase in the proportional abundance of both faecalBifidobacterium(P ≤ 0.01) andPrevotellaspecies (P ≤ 0.01) inPrevotella-plus volunteers during AXOS supplementation, whilePrevotellaandBacteroidesrelative abundances showed an inverse relationship. Proportional abundance of 26 OTUs, including bifidobacteria andAnaerostipes hadrus,differed significantly between baseline samples ofPrevotella-plus compared toPrevotella-minus individuals.

Conclusions

The wheat bran AXOS supplementation was bifidogenic and resulted in changes in human gut microbiota composition that depended on the initial microbiota profile, specifically the presence or absence ofPrevotellaspp. as a major component of the microbiota. Our data therefore suggest that initial profiling of individuals through gut microbiota analysis should be considered important when contemplating nutritional interventions that rely on prebiotics.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration number:NCT02693782. Registered 29 February 2016 - Retrospectively registered,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02693782?term=NCT02693782&rank=1
Comparative analysis of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene family between Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Ma Panpan , Zhang Xingtan , Chen Lanping , Zhao Qian , Zhang Qing , Hua Xiuting , Wang Zhengchao , Tang Haibao , Yu Qingyi , Zhang Muqing , Ming Ray , Zhang Jisen
Published: September 2020

Background

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) genes play vital roles in sucrose production across various plant species. Modern sugarcane cultivar is derived from the hybridization between the high sugar content species Saccharum officinarum and the high stress tolerance species Saccharum spontaneum, generating one of the most complex genomes among all crops. The genomics of sugarcane SPS remains under-studied despite its profound impact on sugar yield.

Results

In the present study, 8 and 6 gene sequences for SPS were identified from the BAC libraries of S. officinarum and S. spontaneum, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SPSD was newly evolved in the lineage of Poaceae species with recently duplicated genes emerging from the SPSA clade. Molecular evolution analysis based on Ka/Ks ratios suggested that polyploidy reduced the selection pressure of SPS genes in Saccharum species. To explore the potential gene functions, the SPS expression patterns were analyzed based on RNA-seq and proteome dataset, and the sugar content was detected using metabolomics analysis. All the SPS members presented the trend of increasing expression in the sink-source transition along the developmental gradient of leaves, suggesting that the SPSs are involved in the photosynthesis in both Saccharum species as their function in dicots. Moreover, SPSs showed the higher expression in S. spontaneum and presented expressional preference between stem (SPSA) and leaf (SPSB) tissue, speculating they might be involved in the differentia of carbohydrate metabolism in these two Saccharum species, which required further verification from experiments.

Conclusions

SPSA and SPSB genes presented relatively high expression and differential expression patterns between the two Saccharum species, indicating these two SPSs are important in the formation of regulatory networks and sucrose traits in the two Saccharum species. SPSB was suggested to be a major contributor to the sugar accumulation because it presented the highest expressional level and its expression positively correlated with sugar content. The recently duplicated SPSD2 presented divergent expression levels between the two Saccharum species and the relative protein content levels were highest in stem, supporting the neofunctionalization of the SPSD subfamily in Saccharum.
Distant survival for patients undergoing surgery using volatile versus IV anesthesia for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a retrospective study
Authors: Meng Xiao-Yan , Zhang Xiu-Ping , Sun Zhe , Wang Hong-Qian , Yu Wei-Feng
Published: September 2020

Background

Whether anesthesia type is associated with the surgical outcome of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) remains to be determined. This study aims to investigate the impact of volatile inhalational anesthesia (INHA) versus total IV anesthesia (TIVA) on the survival outcomes in HCC patients with PVTT.

Methods

A cohort of in-patients whom were diagnosed of HCC with PVTT in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China, from January 1, 2008 to December 24, 2012 were identified. Surgical patients receiving the INHA and TIVA were screened out. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and several postoperative adverse events were compared according to anesthesia types.

Results

A total of 1513 patients were included in this study. After exclusions are applied, 263 patients remain in the INHA group and 208 in the TIVA group. Patients receiving INHA have a lower 5-year overall survival rate than that of patients receiving TIVA [12.6% (95% CI, 9.0 to 17.3) vs. 17.7% (95% CI, 11.3 to 20.8), P = 0.024]. Results of multivariable Cox-regression analysis also identify that INHA anesthesia is significantly associated with mortality and cancer recurrence after surgery compare to TIVA, with HR (95%CI) of 1.303 (1.065, 1.595) and 1.265 (1.040, 1.539), respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that in more severe cancer patients, the worse outcome related to INHA might be more significant.

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis identifies that TIVA is associated with better outcomes compared with INHA. Future prospective studies clinical and translational studies are required to verify this difference and investigate underlying pathophysiology.
Time to adapt in the pandemic era: a prospective randomized non –inferiority study comparing time to intubate with and without the barrier box
Authors: Madabhushi Praneeth , Kinthala Sudhakar , Ankam Abistanand , Chopra Nitin , Porter Burdett R.
Published: September 2020

Background

The challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19 disease through aerosols have compelled anesthesiologists to modify their airway management practices. Devices such as barrier boxes are being considered as potential adjuncts to full PPE’s to limit the aerosol spread. Usage of the barrier box raises concerns of delay in time to intubate (TTI). We designed our study to determine if using a barrier box with glidescope delays TTI within acceptable parameters to make relevant clinical conclusions.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients were enrolled in this prospective non-inferiority controlled trial and were randomly allocated to either group C (without the barrier box) or the study group BB (using barrier box). The primary measured endpoint is time to intubate (TTI), which is defined as time taken from loss of twitches confirmed with a peripheral nerve stimulator to confirmation of end-tidal CO 2. 15 s was used as non-inferiority margin for the purpose of the study. We used an unpaired two-sample single-sided t-test to test our non- inferiority hypothesis (H 0: Mean TTI diff ≥15 s, H A: Mean TTI diff < 15 s). Secondary endpoints include the number of attempts at intubation, lowest oxygen saturation during induction, and the need for bag-mask ventilation.

Results

Mean TTI in group C was 42 s (CI 19.2 to 64.8) vs. 52.1 s (CI 26.1 to 78) in group BB. The difference in mean TTI was 10.1 s (CI -∞ to 14.9). We rejected the null hypothesis and concluded with 95% confidence that the difference of the mean TTI between the groups is less than < 15 s (95% CI -∞ to 14.9,p = 0.0461). Our induction times were comparable (67.7 vs. 65.9 s).100% of our patients were intubated on the first attempt in both groups. None of our patients needed rescue breaths.

Conclusions

We conclude that in patients with normal airway exam, scheduled for elective surgeries, our barrier box did not cause any clinically significant delay in TTI when airway manipulation is performed by well-trained providers.

The study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04411056) on May 27, 2020.
The clinical significance of the incorporation of tissue Doppler imaging into low-dose Dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with aortic stenosis prior to Transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Kellermair Joerg , Herstad Jon , Bleie Øyvind
Published: September 2020

Background

Low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is indicated in patients with low flow (stroke volume index [SVi] < 35 ml/m2) low gradient (mean pressure gradient < 40 mmHg) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% aortic stenosis (AS) to assess LV contractile reserve (> 20% increase in SVi) and severity grade of AS. Severe AS is defined by a mean pressure gradient of 40 mmHg occurring at any time during the test when aortic valve area remains < 1.0 cm2.

Case presentation

This case report highlights the utility of mitral annular systolic velocity (S′) by tissue Doppler imaging and peak LV outflow tract (LVOT) velocity as markers of LV intrinsic contractile function during DSE in a patient with low flow low gradient AS and reduced EF prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Conclusions

Mitral annular S′ and peak LVOT velocities are reliable markers of LV intrinsic contractile function and should be incorporated into routine low-dose DSE.
Life worth living: cross-sectional study on the prevalence and determinants of the wish to die in elderly patients hospitalized in an internal medicine ward
Authors: Bornet Marc-Antoine , Rubli Truchard Eve , Waeber Gérard , Vollenweider Peter , Bernard Mathieu , Schmied Laure , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: September 2020

Background

Elderly people frequently express the wish to die: this ranges from a simple wish for a natural death to a more explicit request for death. The frequency of the wish to die and its associated factors have not been assessed in acute hospitalization settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of the wish to die in elderly (≥65 years) patients hospitalized in an internal medicine ward.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 May, 2018, and 30 April, 2019, in an acute care internal medicine ward in a Swiss university hospital. Participants were a consecutive sample of 232 patients (44.8% women, 79.3 ± 8.1 years) with no cognitive impairment. Wish to die was assessed using the Schedule of Attitudes toward Hastened Death-senior and the Categories of Attitudes toward Death Occurrence scales.

Results

Prevalence of the wish to die was 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3–13.0). Bivariate analysis showed that patients expressing the wish to die were older (P = .014), had a lower quality of life (P < .001), and showed more depressive symptoms (P = .044). Multivariable analysis showed that increased age was positively (odds ratio [OR] for a 5-year increase: 1.43, 95% CI 0.99–2.04, P = .048) and quality of life negatively (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.39–0.75, P < 0.001) associated with the likelihood of wishing to die. Participants did not experience stress during the interview.

Conclusions

Prevalence of the wish to die among elderly patients admitted to an acute hospital setting is low, but highly relevant for clinical practice. Older age increases and better quality of life decreases the likelihood of wishing to die. Discussion of death appears to be well tolerated by patients.
Case report: multiple and atypical amoebic cerebral abscesses resistant to treatment
Authors: Victoria-Hernández Joaquin Alvaro , Ventura-Saucedo Anayansi , López-Morones Aurelio , Martínez-Hernández Sandra Luz , Medina-Rosales Marina Nayeli , Muñoz-Ortega Martín , Ávila-Blanco Manuel Enrique , Cervantes-García Daniel , Barba-Gallardo Luis Fernando , Ventura-Juárez Javier
Published: September 2020

Background

The parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the causal agent of amoebiasis, a worldwide emerging disease. Amebic brain abscess is a form of invasive amebiasis that is both rare and frequently lethal. This condition always begins with the infection of the colon by E. histolytica trophozoites, which subsequently travel through the bloodstream to extraintestinal tissues.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 71-year-old female who reported an altered state of consciousness, disorientation, sleepiness and memory loss. She had no history of hepatic or intestinal amoebiasis. A preliminary diagnosis of colloidal vesicular phase neurocysticercosis was made based on nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). A postsurgery immunofluorescence study was positive for the 140 kDa fibronectin receptor of E. histolytica, although a serum analysis by ELISA was negative for IgG antibodies against this parasite. A specific E. histolytica 128 bp rRNA gene was identified by PCR in biopsy tissue. The final diagnosis was cerebral amoebiasis. The patient underwent neurosurgery to eliminate amoebic abscesses and was then given a regimen of metronidazole, ceftriaxone and dexamethasone for 4 weeks after the neurosurgery. However, a rapid decline in her condition led to death.

Conclusions

The present case of an individual with a rare form of cerebral amoebiasis highlights the importance of performing immunofluorescence, NMRI and PCR if a patient has brain abscess and a poorly defined diagnosis. Moreover, the administration of corticosteroids to such patients can often lead to a rapid decline in their condition.
Monofrequency electrical impedance mammography (EIM) diagnostic system in breast cancer screening
Authors: Murillo-Ortiz Blanca , Hernández-Ramírez Abraham , Rivera-Villanueva Talia , Suárez-García David , Murguía-Pérez Mario , Martínez-Garza Sandra , Rodríguez-Penin Allyson , Romero-Coripuna Rosario , López-Partida Xiomara Midory
Published: September 2020

Background

Some evidence has shown that malignant breast tumours have lower electrical impedance than surrounding normal tissues. Electrical impedance could be used as an indicator for breast cancer detection. The purpose of our study was to analyse the sensitivity and specificity of electrical impedance mammography (EIM) and its implementation for the differential diagnosis of pathological lesions of the breast, either alone or in combination with mammography/ultrasound, in 1200 women between 25 and 70 years old.

Methods

This study is a prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological observational study of serial screening. The women were invited to participate and signed a consent letter. Impedance imaging of the mammary gland was evaluated with the computerized mammography equipment of MEIK electroimpedance v.5.6. (0.5 mA, 50 kHz), developed and manufactured by PKF SIM-Technika®. The successful identification of breast cancer along with the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EIM were determined as follows: % sensitivity; % specificity; % positive predictive value (PPV); and % negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

EIM had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 96%; the positive predictive value was 12%, and the negative predictive value was 99%. Seven cases were biopsy confirmed cancers. Significant correlations between the electrical conductivity index and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04) and patient age were observed (p = 0.01). We also observed that the average conductivity distribution increased according to age group (p = 0.001). We used the chi-squared test to assess the interactions between percent density and BMI (normal < 25 kg/m2 (n = 310), overweight 25–29.9 kg/m2 (n = 418) and obese ≥30 (n = 437)) (p <  0.05). The patients with a diagnosis of mammary carcinoma had a BMI of 35.51 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the use of monofrequency electrical impedance mammography (EIM) in the detection of breast cancer had a sensitivity and specificity of 85 and 96%, respectively. These findings may support future research in the early detection of breast cancer. EIM is a non-radiation method that may also be used as a screening method for young women with dense breasts and a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Salvage chemoradiation therapy for recurrence after radical surgery or palliative surgery in esophageal cancer patients: a prospective, multicenter clinical trial protocol
Authors: Chang Xiao , Deng Lei , Ni Wenjie , Li Chen , Han Weiming , Gao Lin-rui , Wang Shijia , Zhou Zongmei , Chen Dongfu , Feng Qinfu , Liang Jun , Bi Nan , Lv Jima , Gao Shugeng , Mao Yousheng , Xue Qi , Xiao Zefen
Published: September 2020

Background

Currently, adjuvant therapy is not recommended for patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer (TESCC) after radical surgery, and a proportion of these patients go on to develop locoregional recurrence (LRR) within 2 years. Besides, there is no evidence for salvage chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with residual tumor after esophagectomy (R1/R2 resection). In addition, factors like different failure patterns and relationship with normal organs influence the decision for salvage strategy. Here, we aimed to design a modularized salvage CRT strategy for patients without a chance of salvage surgery according to different failure patterns (including R1/R2 resection), and further evaluated its efficacy and safety.

Methods

Our study was designed as a one arm, multicenter, prospective clinical trial. All enrolled patients were stratified in a stepwise manner based on the nature of surgery (R0 or R1/2), recurrent lesion diameter, involved regions, and time-to-recurrence, and were further assigned to undergo either elective nodal irradiation or involved field irradiation. Then, radiation technique and dose prescription were modified according to the distance from the recurrent lesion to the thoracic stomach or intestine. Ultimately, four treatment plans were established.

Discussion

This prospective study provided high-level evidence for clinical salvage management in patients with TESCC who developed LRR after radical surgery or those who underwent R1/R2 resection.

Trial registration

Prospectively Registered. ClinicalTrials.govNCT03731442, Registered November 6, 2018.
ANGPTL4 overexpression inhibits tumor cell adhesion and migration and predicts favorable prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Cai Yu-Chen , Yang Hang , Wang Ke-Feng , Chen Tan-Huan , Jiang Wen-Qi , Shi Yan-Xia
Published: September 2020

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients have relatively poor clinical outcomes. A marker predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC could help guide treatment. Extensive evidence demonstrates that angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is involved in the regulation of cancer growth, metastasis and angiogenesis. Therefore, its role in TNBC is of interest.

Methods: We tested the ANGPTL4 expression level in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and detected its association with the clinical features of TNBC patients. Next, the effects and mechanisms of ANGPTL4 on TNBC cell migration and adhesion were investigated.

Results

We found that ANGPTL4 overexpression was associated with favorable outcomes in TNBC patients. ANGPTL4 upregulation inhibited cell adhesion, migration and invasion in vitro. Further analyses demonstrated that the possible mechanism might involve suppression of TNBC progression by interacting with extracellular matrix-related genes.

Conclusions

The present findings demonstrated that enhancement of ANGPTL4 expression might inversely correlate with TNBC progression. ANGPTL4 is a promising marker of TNBC and should be evaluated in further studies.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Anti-proliferative activity of A. Oxyphylla and its bioactive constituent nootkatone in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Yoo Eunsu , Lee Jaehak , Lertpatipanpong Pattawika , Ryu Junsun , Kim Chong-Tai , Park Eul-Yong , Baek Seung Joon
Published: September 2020

Background

A. oxyphylla extract is known to possess a wide range of pharmacological activites. However, the molecular mechanism of A. oxyphylla and its bioactive compound nootkatone in colorectal cancer is unknown.

Methods

Our study aims to examine the role of A. oxyphylla and its bioactive compound nootkatone, in tumor suppression using several in vitro assays.

Results

Both A. oxyphylla extract and nootkatone exhibited antiproliferative activity in colorectal cancer cells. A. oxyphylla displayed antioxidant activity in colorectal cancer cells, likely mediated via induction of HO-1. Furthermore, expression of pro-apoptotic protein NAG-1 and cell proliferative protein cyclin D1 were increased and decreased respectively in the presence of A. oxyphylla. When examined for anticancer activity, nootkatone treatment resulted in the reduction of colony and spheroid formation. Correspondingly, nootkatone also led to increased NAG-1 expression and decreased cyclin D1 expression. The mechanism by which nootkatone suppresses cyclin D1 involves protein level regulation, whereas nootkatone increases NAG-1 expression at the transcriptional level. In addition to having PPARγ binding activity, nootkatone also increases EGR-1 expression which ultimately results in enhanced NAG-1 promoter activity.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings suggest that nootkatone is an anti-tumorigenic compound harboring antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity.
Immunosenescence profile and expression of the aging biomarker (p16INK4a) in testicular cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Bourlon Maria T. , Velazquez Hugo E. , Hinojosa Juan , Orozco Luis , Rios-Corzo Ricardo , Lima Guadalupe , Llorente Luis , Hernandez-Ramirez Diego F. , Valentin-Cortez Francisco J. , Medina-Rangel Irene , Atisha-Fregoso Yemil
Published: September 2020

Background

Cytotoxic chemotherapy can cure advanced germ cell tumors. Nevertheless, cancer treatment may induce cellular senescence and accelerate molecular aging. The aging process implies an increase of cells expressing p16INK4a and changes in lymphocyte subpopulations. Our aim was to study the potential induction of premature immunosenescence in testicular cancer survivors (TCS) exposed to chemotherapy.

Methods

Case-control exploratory study of TCS treated with chemotherapy (≥3 BEP cycles, disease-free ≥3 months) compared with age matched healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, and lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry. CDKN2A/p16INK4a expression in T cells was measured using qPCR. The percentage of lymphocyte subpopulations and the CDKN2A/p16INK4a expression in TCS were compared with the control group using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

We included 16 cases and 16 controls. The median age was 27 years (minimum 24, maximum 54) and the median time on surveillance was 26.5 months (minimum 3, maximum192). TCS had a lower percentage of total T cells and CD4+ T cells in total lymphocytes. Among the CD4+ T lymphocytes, TCS had less naïve CD4+ and increased memory CD4+ cells. Within the CD8+ T lymphocytes, TCS exhibited a decrease in the percentage of naïve cells and an increase in CD8 + CD45RA + CD57+ cells. TCS also exhibited decreased memory CD19+ B cells compared to the controls. The relative expression of CDKN2A/p16INK4a in T cells was increased in TCS (mean 1.54; 95% CI of the mean: 1.074–2.005; p = 0.048).

Conclusion

In this exploratory study, TCS showed increased expression of CDKN2A/p16INK4a and a lymphocyte phenotype that has been associated with immunosenescence. Further studies are warranted to define the clinical implications of these alterations in TCS.
Valsalva retinopathy induced by handstand: a case report
Authors: Miyaki Toshiya , Kida Teruyo , Oosuka Shou , Fukumoto Masanori , Sato Takaki , Nakajima Masayuki , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: September 2020

Background

Valsalva retinopathy is known to occur as a sudden preretinal or sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage induced by a rapid rise in venous pressure following increased intrathoracic or intraabdominal pressure. Here we report a case of Valsalva retinopathy that was probably induced by straining that occurred due to following a handstand.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old boy became aware of decreased visual acuity in his left eye immediately after doing a handstand for approximately 10 s during physical education class, and subsequently visited a local clinic on the same day. Upon examination, a vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in the posterior pole of the fundus was found in his left eye, and he was subsequently referred to our department 7 days later. Upon examination, the VH around the optic nerve head of the left eye appeared to be resolved, and an oval-shaped sub-internal limiting membrane (sub-ILM) hemorrhage was found in the superonasal side of the optic nerve head. No abnormalities were observed in the macular area. Four months later, the sub-ILM hemorrhage was found to have spontaneously resolved. Subsequent fluorescein angiography examinations revealed no abnormal findings at the lesion site.

Conclusions

In this patient, we hypothesize that the Valsalva retinopathy was induced by straining that occurred due to a handstand, and that the resultant sub-ILM hemorrhage progressed to VH.
Effect of football activity and physical fitness on information processing, inhibitory control and working memory in adolescents
Authors: Williams Ryan A. , Cooper Simon B. , Dring Karah J. , Hatch Lorna , Morris John G. , Sunderland Caroline , Nevill Mary E.
Published: September 2020

Background

Whilst an acute bout of exercise has been shown to enhance subsequent cognition, including in adolescents, the effects of team games (of which Football is the most popular) has received little attention. Therefore, this study examined: the effect of an acute bout of outdoor Football activity on information processing, inhibitory control, working memory and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adolescents; the effect of physical fitness on cognition and; the moderating effect of physical fitness on the acute exercise responses.

Methods

Following familiarisation, 36 adolescents (16 girls) took part in two trials (60-min Football and 60-min seated rest) separated by 7-d in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Information processing and inhibitory control (Stroop Test), and working memory (Sternberg Paradigm) were assessed 30-min before exercise/rest and immediately, 45- and 90-min post-exercise/rest. Capillary blood samples were obtained before exercise/rest and up to 120-min post-exercise/rest. The median split of distance covered on the MSFT was used to divide the group into high- and low-fit groups.

Results

Performance on the cognitive function tasks was similar between Football and seated rest (trial*time interactions; all p > .05). However, the high-fit group had overall quicker response times on both levels of the Stroop Task and all three levels of the Sternberg Paradigm (main effect of fitness; all p < .001). Furthermore, the exercise-cognition relationship was moderated by physical fitness, with improvements in working memory response times seen post-exercise, only in the high-fit group (trial*time*fitness interaction, p < .05). Circulating BDNF was unaffected by the Football activity and physical fitness (p > .05).

Conclusion

The present study shows that higher levels of physical fitness are beneficial for cognitive function and provides novel evidence that an ecologically valid, and popular, form of exercise is beneficial for working memory following exercise, in high-fit participants only.