bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Background Frequency Patterns in Standard Electroencephalography During Targeted Temperature Management as an Early Prognostic Tool in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Min-jee , Koo Yong Seo , Kim Won Young
Published: January 2020

Background Electroencephalography is a widely used tool for detecting epileptiform and assessing neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. We investigated the prognostic value of standard electroencephalography during early post-cardiac arrest period and evaluated the performance of electroencephalography findings combined with other clinical features for predicting good outcome. Methods This observational registry-based study was conducted at tertiary care hospital in Korea. Data of all consecutive adult comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who underwent electroencephalography during targeted temperature management between 2010 and 2018 were extracted. Electroencephalography findings, classiﬁed according to the American Clinical Neurophysiological Society critical care electroencephalography terminology, and good neurologic outcome-related clinical features were identified via multivariable logistic analysis. Results Good outcomes were observed in 36.5% of 170 patients. Median electroencephalography time was 22.0 hours. Electroencephalography background, voltage and other findings (burst suppression, reactivity to pain stimuli) significantly differed between good and poor outcome groups. Electroencephalography background with dominant alpha and theta waves had the highest odds ratio of 9.8 (95% confidence interval 3.9-24.9) in multivariable logistic analysis. Electroencephalography background frequency enabled identification of a good neurologic outcome (sensitivity, 83.87%; specificity, 75.93%). Combination of other clinical features (age<65 years, initial shockable rhythm, resuscitation duration<20 min) with electroencephalography findings increased predictive performance for good neurologic outcomes (sensitivity, 95.2%; specificity, 100%). ConclusionsBackground frequency patterns of standard electroencephalography during targeted temperature management may play a role as an early prognostic tool in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
Optimizing nitrogen balance is associated with better outcomes in neurocritically ill patients
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Park Soo-Hyun , Jeong Hae-Bong , Ha Eun Jin , Cho Won Sang , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jung Eun , Ko Sang-Bae
Published: January 2020

Background Marked protein catabolism is common in patients with critical illness. We hypothesized that optimal protein supplementation using nitrogen balance might be associated with better clinical outcomes in patients in the neurointensive care unit (NICU).Methods A retrospective observational analysis was performed among patients admitted to the NICU between July 2017 and December 2018. Nitrogen balance was measured within 72 hours after NICU admission and measurements were repeated after 10 days in those who stayed in the NICU for more than 7 days. Nitrogen balance was calculated using a standard formula: total protein intake (grams)/6.25 – (urine urea nitrogen + 4 grams). Included patients were categorized into two groups (positive or negative) based on the initial nitrogen balance results. The rate of neurological worsening, defined by a worsening of ≥2 in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and in-hospital mortality were compared between patients who achieved the improvement of nitrogen balance on a follow-up measurement and those who failed to.Results A total of 175 patients were included, and 140 (80.0%) had a negative nitrogen balance on the initial assessment. The negative nitrogen balance group had a lower GCS, longer NICU stay, more events of neurological worsening, and higher in-hospital mortality. Among the 77 patients (44.0%) who underwent a follow-up measurement of nitrogen balance (on a median day of 10), 39 (50.6%) showed an improvement in nitrogen balance and thus received a higher amount of protein (1.94 g/kg/day) than those who did not show this improvement (1.28 g/kg/day) ( P < 0.001). The improvement group had fewer events of neurological worsening (15.4% vs. 36.8%, P = 0.032) and lower in-hospital mortality (12.8% vs. 31.6%, P = 0.047). However, there were no significant differences in baseline nitrogen balance, GCS, and the development of acute kidney injury between the two groups.Conclusions This study demonstrated that a significant proportion of patients in NICU were under protein hypercatabolism. An adequate provision of protein was associated with improved outcomes, suggesting the importance of protein supplementation in neurocritically ill patients.
Ellagic acid protects from rotenone-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage via activation of Nrf2 signaling in astroglia
Authors: Wei Yi-zheng , Zhu Guo-fu , Zheng Chang-qing , Li Jing-jie , Sheng Shuo , Li Dai-di , Wang Guo-qing , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2020

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent central nervous system (CNS) degenerative disease. Oxidative stress is one of key contributors to the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the pathogenesis of PD. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be a ‘master regulator’ of many genes involved in anti-oxidant stress to attenuate cell death. Therefore, activation of Nrf2 signaling provides an effective avenue to treat PD. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic contained in fruits and nuts, possesses amounts of pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidant stress and anti-inflammation. Recent studies have confirmed EA could be used as a neuroprotective agent in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been entirely elucidated. MethodsIn this study, mice subcutaneous injection of rotenone (ROT)-induced DA neuronal damage was performed to investigate EA-mediated neuroprotection. In addition, adult Nrf2 knockout mice and different cell cultures including MN9D-enciched, MN9D-BV-2 and MN9D-C6 cell co-cultures were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms. ResultsThe present study demonstrated EA protected DA neurons against ROT-induced neurotoxicity. Furtherly, activation of astroglial Nrf2 signaling pathway participated in EA-mediated neuroprotection as evidenced by the following observations. First, EA activated Nrf2 signaling pathway in ROT-induced DA neuronal injury. Second, EA generated neuroprotection with the presence of astroglia and silence of Nrf2 in astroglia abolished EA-conferred DA neuroprotection. Third, EA failed to produce DA neuroprotection in Nrf2 knockout mice. ConclusionThis study identified EA protected against DA neuronal loss via an Nrf2-dependent manner in astroglia.
Exploring the bi-directional relationship of descriptive and injunctive parental and peer norms and snacking behavior in a three-year-cross-lagged study
Authors: Bevelander Kirsten , Burk William , Smit Crystal , Woudenberg Thabo van , Buijs Laura , Buijzen Moniek
Published: January 2020

BackgroundPeople’s eating behavior is assumed to be influenced by what other people do (perceived descriptive norms) and what others approve of (perceived injunctive norms). It has been suggested that adolescents are more susceptible to peer norms than parental norms, because they experience a strong need for group acceptance that leads to conforming to peer group norms. The current study examined changes in snacking behavior and four types of social norms (i.e., parental and peer descriptive and injunctive norms) that promoted fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents. This study was the first to examine whether snacking behavior also influenced norm perceptions by testing the directionality of these associations.MethodsThe study consisted of 819 participants (M [SD] age = 11.19 [1.36]; 46.1% boys), collected at three time points (T1 = 2016, T2 = 2017 and T3 = 2018) during the MyMovez project. Self-reported frequency of snack consumption, perceived parental and peer descriptive and injunctive norms were assessed. The primary analysis consisted of a series of cross-lagged autoregressive models specified in a structural equation modeling framework. ResultsModel comparisons testing the descriptive and injunctive norms in separate models and in an additional combined model revealed evidence for bi-directional associations between norms and snacking behavior. Descriptive peer and parent norms were not found to have an effect on subsequent snacking behaviors. Perceived injunctive parental norms were positively associated with healthy snack food intake and negatively associated with unhealthy snack intake (forward direction). Injunctive peer norms were negatively associated with healthy snack food intake. In addition, higher unhealthy snack food intake was negatively associated with the perception of descriptive and injunctive parental norms one year later (reversed direction). We did not find peer norms to be more closely associated with changes in snacking behaviors compared to parental norms. ConclusionsParents expecting their children to snack healthy had a positive influence on healthy snacking behavior whereas only acting as a healthy role model did not. Future research should address the possible interaction between descriptive and injunctive norms. Research should also take into account the bi-directional relations between eating behaviors and normative perceptions.
Functional parameters indicative of Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Systematic Review using Instrumented Kinematic Assessment
Authors: Fuentes-Abolafio Iván José , Stubbs Brendon , Pérez-Belmonte Luis Miguel , Bernal-López María Rosa , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Vargas Antonio Cuesta
Published: January 2020

BackgroundSubjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience alterations of functional parameters, such as impaired balance or gait. The current systematic review set out to investigate whether functional objective performance may predict a future risk of MCI; to compare functional objective parameters in confirmed MCI people with a control group; and to assess longitudinal changes in these parameters after different physical interventions.MethodsA systematic review of relevant literature was conducted. Literature were searched in PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and Web of Science as well as grey literature databases. Cohort studies and Randimized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. Quality of reviewed studies were assessed independently by reviewers using quality assessment checklists.ResultsFifteen studies met inclusion criteria including mild cognitive impairment people. Results from RCTs suggested that gait speed, gait variability and balance may be improved by different physical interventions. Cohort studies showed that gait speed, gait variability and gait symmetry, especially in Dual Task (DT) conditions, were parameters impaired in confirmed MCI patients in comparison with a Control Gorup. Furthermore, cohort studies suggested that gait variability could be a predictor of MCI. However, RCTs showed an unclear risk of bias and all studies included in this systematic review had a low quality of evidence.ConclusionsExisting studies suggest that gait variability may predict incident MCI, moreover different gait parameters, especially during DT conditions, could be impaired in MCI. These parameters could be improved by some interventions. Further studies are required to refute our findings.
Postoperative visits by dedicated anesthesiologists in patients with elevated troponin: a retrospective cohort study evaluating postoperative care utility and early detection of complications
Authors: Akkermans Annemarie , Vernooij Lisette M. , Klei Wilton A. van , Waes Judith A. van
Published: January 2020

Background An elevated cardiac troponin level after noncardiac surgery is associated with both morbidity and mortality. Guidelines suggest routine troponin monitoring in high-risk patients. We implemented a dedicated anesthesia team to conduct follow-up on patients with postoperative troponin elevation. We hypothesized that these visits would facilitate early detection of complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative visits by dedicated anesthesiologists on early detection of complications and care utility. Methods This retrospective observational study included patients aged ≥60 years with an elevated troponin within the first three days after noncardiac surgery. Troponin elevation was detected by routine biomarker monitoring. The primary outcome was early detected myocardial infarctions by the dedicated anesthesiologist. Other outcomes were overall detected complications, additional diagnostic tests and treatment advised by the anesthesiologist, consultation of another medical specialist, and advised postoperative follow-up at the outpatient cardiac clinic within one week after surgery. Results Of the 811 patients, 509 (63%) received a postoperative consultation by the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists were involved in the early detection of 59% of all myocardial infarctions and in 12% of all complications. Besides cardiac ischemia, patients were also often diagnosed with noncardiac complications, including respiratory failure (8.9%), pneumonia (13.2%) and acute kidney injury (17.5%) within one week after surgery. In 75% of patients, anesthesiologists ordered additional diagnostics, most frequently existing of electrocardiograms and additional cardiac enzyme testing. Additionally, change in treatment was advised, most often a medication change, in 16% of patients. Conclusions Standard consultation of a dedicated anesthesiologist resulted in an early detection of 59% of all myocardial infarctions and involved a change in treatment in a considerable number of patients with postoperative troponin elevation. Whether this may improve patient outcomes remains to be elucidated.
Hospital Managers Skills Required and Onward Challenges: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Moradi Farideh , ziapour arash , Abbas Jaffar , Baharirad Nadya , Soroush Ali
Published: January 2020

Aims: The qualification of managers in terms of management skills is one of the most important factors in the continuous success of each organization and utilizing such skills can have a positive contribution in the effectiveness of the organization while improving the performance of the employees in line with the objectives and goals of the organization. The main objective of the current study was to explore the necessary skills and the challenges of hospital managers from the point of view of managers at different levels of a hospital. Methods: This study is a qualitative one where the statistical population includes the mid-level and senior-level managers of the hospital. The sample size was 22 individuals. The interviews were analyzed by a MAXQDA software application after transcription. Results This study includes 5 main themes and 15 secondary themes. The strategic skill, the perceptive skill, the human relation skill, work experience, and personal characteristics were among the skills necessary for hospital managers. Some of the challenges facing the hospital managers included rapid changes in the policies, the limitations of financial resources, and lack of proportion between the educational and occupational spheres. Conclusion: Because of their existential philosophy and differences with other service sectors, managing hospitals poses a particular sensitivity. In this regard, the role of the hospital manager is very important. Therefore, in order to meet the satisfaction of those receiving services, decision makers, and policy makers must think twice when selecting and appointing hospital managers and evaluate and appraise this group in terms of abilities and skills necessary for managing such an important service section.
The Prevalence of Type D Personality and Correlations between Medication Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Behavior in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Wongsuriyanan Chayanee , Phattharayuttawat Sucheera , Ratta-apha Woraphat
Published: January 2020

Background: Type D personality is a combination of 2 traits which are negative affectivity and social inhibition. In health care situation, type D patients are more likely to have non-medication adherence, pessimistic about their ability to cope with illness and believe that it will be long-lasting which lead them to present worse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of type D personality and associations among medication self-efficacy and self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Patients with hypertension (n = 383) who attended a primary care unit were recruited. Volunteering participants completed the Type D-Scale (DS14) questionnaire for the evaluation of the prevalence of type D personality. To evaluate medication self-efficacy and self-care behavior, Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale Thai version and Self-care behaviors scale for patients with hypertension were employed. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and Pearson’s correlations were used in data analysis.
Results: Fifty-six participants (14.6%) were classified with type D personality (26 males and 30 females). A positive relationship between medication self-efficacy and self-care behavior was found (r = 0.294, p < 0.01). In contrast, type D personality had a negative association with medication self-efficacy and self-care behavior (r = -0.251, r = -0.138, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Compare to the previous studies, the present study illustrated quite lower prevalence of type D personality. Type D personality is a psychological health risk factor which negatively affects health both directly and indirectly, especially self-efficacy and self-care behavior. Even just one of the two type D personality traits can lead to a similar detrimental result. Positive relationship between medication self-efficacy and self-care behavior can be applied to develop health promotion programs for patient with hypertension.
Identifying NAHR mechanism between two distinct Alu elements through breakpoint junction mapping by NGS
Authors: Filho Gil Monteiro Novo , Carvalho Gleyson Francisco da Silva , Nascimento Amom Mendes , Montenegro Marilia Moreira , Damasceno Julian Gabriel , Zanardo Évelin Aline , Chehimi Samar Nasser , Oliveira Yanca Gasparini , Dias Alexandre Torchio , Kim Chong Ae , Kulikowski Leslie Domenici
Published: January 2020

Background:
Genomic rearrangements encompass deletions, duplications, inversions, insertions and translocations and may be the cause of several genetic diseases. One of the most frequent mechanisms that generates these rearrangements is the Non-Allelic Homologous Recombination (NAHR). They are caused by a misalignment between regions of high level of similarity, like Low Copy Repeats (LCRs) and Alu sequences. We aimed to sequence the breakpoint of a patient with a single deletion on chromosome 22q13.2 in order to understand the genomic structure of the region involved as well as elucidate the mechanism behind this rearrangement. Investigating breakpoints are of the utmost importance in the understanding the influence of the genomic architecture in clinical assays.
Results:
We flanked the breakpoint detected by array and then we captured the regions using Illumina Nextera Rapid Capture Custom to sequence with Illumina MiSeq. We found a chimeric read on Chr22:41,026,090, setting a 624,688 bp deletion on Chr22:41,026,112-41,650,780 (hg19).
This deletion merges the intronic region of MKL1 and RANGAP1 genes, on two different Alu sequences ( AluSx and AluY, respectively ).
Conclusions: The sequence of the breakpoint reveals that Alu elements are an important characteristic of the human genome on generating rearrangements.
ApoE and apoC-III-defined HDL subtypes: A descriptive study of their LCAT and CETP content and activity
Authors: Amaya-Montoya Mateo , Pinzón-Cortés Jairo A , Silva-Bermúdez Lina S , Ruiz-Manco Daniel , Perez-Matos Maria C , Jimenez-Mora Mario A , Mendivil Carlos O
Published: January 2020

Background High-density lipoproteins (HDL) in plasma are strongly and negatively associated with cardiovascular risk, yet interventions to raise HDL have not improved cardiovascular outcomes. HDL functionality and heterogeneity may hold the clue to this paradox. The apolipoprotein composition of HDL may be an important determinant of their functionality. Lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and cholesterol-ester transfer protein (CETP) are key enzymes for HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport. We assessed the distribution and activity of LCAT and CETP in HDL subspecies defined by their content of apolipoproteins E (apoE) and C-III (apoC-III) in humans. Methods We isolated in adult humans of both sexes (mean age 55.6, BMI 26.9 Kg/m2, HbA1c 5.4%), four subspecies of HDL containing respectively: No apoE and no apoC-III (E-C-), apoE but not apoC-III (E+C-), apoC-III but no apoE (E-C+) and both apoE and apoC-III (E+C+). In each HDL subspecies, we measured LCAT and CETP concentration and activity using immunoenzymatic and fluorometric methods. Additionally, we determined the size distribution of HDL in each apolipoprotein-defined fraction using non-denaturing electrophoresis and anti-ApoA-I western blot. Results Similar to previous studies, HDL in the E-C- fraction was the predominant subtype. The size distribution of HDL was very similar across all four apolipoprotein-defined fractions. LCAT was most abundant in E-C- HDL (3.58 mg/mL, 59.6 % of plasma LCAT mass), while HDL with apoE or apoC-III had much less LCAT (19.8%, 12.2% and 8.37% of plasma LCAT respectively for E+C-, E-C+ and E+C+). Despite a much lower LCAT mass, LCAT activity in E+C- HDL was comparable to that in E-C- HDL. Both CETP mass and CETP activity showed only slight variations across HDL subspecies. There was an inverse correlation between plasma LCAT activity and both E-C+ pre-beta HDL (r=-0.55, p=0.017) and E-C- alpha 1 HDL (r=-0.49, p=0.041). Conversely, there was a direct correlation between E-C+ alpha 1 HDL and CETP activity in plasma (r=0.52, p=0.025). Conclusions Our results suggest that LCAT activity in humans is influenced by the presence of small interchangeable apolipoproteins. The presence of apoE in small HDL is correlated with increased LCAT activity and esterification of plasma cholesterol.
Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-EBV activities of olive leaf (Olea Europea) extracts from Tunisia
Authors: Gargouri Bochra , Amor Ichrak Ben , Tlili Khaoula , Kallel Imen , Attia Hammadi , Lassoued Saloua
Published: January 2020

Background: Olive tree leaves ( Olea europaea ) are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean Region. Interest in the olive leaf and its chemical constituents has recently been increasing. Its benefits, however, have been known for centuries, and it has been traditionally used to prevent and treat different diseases. The aim of this study was the determination of antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and anti-EBV effects of olive leaves. Methods : The present study was focused on extraction of leaves of olea europea cultivated and wild type from two different geographical tunisian zone: Sfax and El Kef, and the determination of antimicrobial activities against Gram- and Gram+ bacteria and fungi. Olive leaves was analyzed for antioxidant power in chemical system by the DPPH test and the chemiluminescence and in biological system by lipid peroxydation tests (MDA and DC) in Raji cells lines. The antiviral (anti-EBV) effects of olive leaves were assessed using indirect immunofluorescence technique. Results: The antioxidant effect was studied by chemiluminescence where a significant decrease on reactive oxygen species production was observed after leaves olive extract treatment. Antioxidant activities were studied by direct reactive oxyden species assay using chemical systems. The results very interesting for both wild type and cultivated in the two regions since we obtained IC50s of the order of 20.79 μg / ml (cultivated sfax) with DPPH scavening radical. The best result obtained when used olive leaves extract cultivated from Sfax. Our results showed a protection against oxidative stress, highlighted by a significant decrease in MDA and DC levels (p <0.05). Also, a significant antiviral effect of leaves of olive cultivated in Sfax against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was determined. Conclusion: The olive leaves extracts analyzed in this work showed a potent antimicrobial activity, an antioxidant activity was expressed by a significant decrease in the production of ERO in the Raji cell line and an anti-EBV effect.
Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Guided Only by Transesophageal Echocardiography Without fluoroscopy
Authors: Zhao Tianli , Wu Qin , Ruge Hendrik , Lange Rüdiger , Yang Yifeng , Jiang Zheng , Zhang Weizhi , Jin Wancun , Bu Haisong , hu shijun
Published: January 2020

Background Standby of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is necessary for any PFO closure in case of some cases with complicated anatomy of patent foramen ovale (PFO). The safety and effectiveness of Transcatheter PFO closure guided only by TEE navigation without fluoroscopy is unclear.Methods From 2017.06 to 2019.11, we included 38 patients who were recommended for PFO closure by the department of neurology at our hospital. The procedure was performed in a regular operating room by TEE navigation without fluoroscopy. Follow-up was given at 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year after operation for each patient.Results All 38 patients were successfully performed PFO-closure guided by TEE. Procedural and intrahospital survival was 100%. Survival after a mean follow-up of 17.1±1.6months was 100%. "Catheter in sheath” technique was adopted in 16 cases. After the procedure, all 28 migraines with aura alleviated at different degree. All 10 patients suffering from pre-operational cryptogenic stroke survived and showed no evidence for recurrence of stroke (fatal or non-fatal), peripheral embolism or transient ischemic attack during follow-up. No serious adverse events in the PFO closure procedure and during the follow-up period.Conclusion First clinical experiences showed that percutaneous TEE guided PFO closure is safe and effective and might be promoted.
Systolic Aortic Root Motion and Angle as novel indices of Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: soltan ghada m , kersh ahmed m el , sami nevien e , yehia ghadeer m , soliman mahmoud ali
Published: January 2020

Background Aortic root motion was used only as a surrogate parameter of global left ventricular systolic function depending on its direct proportion to cardiac output. We hypothesize that aortic root motion angle and aortic root motion amplitude may overcome many limitations of EF calculation by M mode and two dimensional methods and are easier and reproducible.Objective The aim of this study is to asses systolic aortic root motion measured by M mode and aortic root motion angle as novel indices of global left ventricular systolic function.Patients and methods one hundred patients were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups: according to their age (above and below 60 years) and EF (above and below50%). They were subjected to full history taking, careful clinical examination, and conventional echo-Doppler study .Systolic aortic root motion obtained from long axis parasternal view by M-mode echo guided by 2D echo, and aortic root motion angle was traced off line and mathematically measured. Also global logitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) from apical 4,3 and 2 chamber views were measured offline.Results Statistical analysis of collected data show that there are significant differences between control groups and patient groups in aortic root motion angle (t= 16.9 and p value <0.001, and in aortic root motion amplitude (t= 20.1 and p value <0.001). Aortic root motion (cm) and aortic root motion angle have significant positive correlation with EF(Mm), EF(2D), Fs, global longitudinal strain(GLS) and global Strain rate . The best cutoff value of aortic root motion angle was 19.5 degree, with sensitivity of 93.9%, specificity of 96.1.Aortic root motion angle >19.5 predicts systolic function >50% and that<19.5 predicts systolic function <50% The best cutoff value of aortic root SAM was 8.5 mm. An aortic root SAM of ˂ 8.5 mm predicts an LVEF of ˂ 50% with sensitivity of 95.9%, specificity of 96.1%.Conclusion The amplitude of systolic aortic root motion (SARM) by (M-mode) and aortic root motion angle are well- correlated with the EF and GLS and could be considered as novel indices of global left ventricular systolic function with high accuracy and reproducibility .
Long term crop rotation effect on soybean yield explained by soil- and root-associated microbiome and soil health indicators
Authors: Neupane Achal , Bulbul Izzet , Wang Ziyi , Lehman R. Michael , Nafziger Emerson , Marzano Shin-Yi Lee
Published: January 2020

Background Crop rotation is an important management tactic that farmers use to manage crop production and reduce pests and diseases. Long-term crop rotations may select groups of microbes that form beneficial or pathogenic associations with the following crops, which could explain observed crop yield differences with different crop sequences. To test this hypothesis, we used two locations each with three long-term (14 year), replicated, crop rotation treatments: continuous corn ( Zea mays ) (CCC), corn/corn/soybean (SCC), and corn/soybean (CSC); both CSC and SCC had each phase present each year. In Year 15, we grew soybean ( Glycine max ) in each plot, so that soybean replaced corn in CCC and in the CSC phase where soybean grew in Year 14, and took data from soybeans following CCC (14 years of corn), SCC (two years of corn), CSC (one year of corn), and SCS (one year of soybean). Soybean yield and soil health indicators were measured, along with the bulk soil microbiome and soybean root-associated microbiome.Results Soybean yields were significantly higher following CCC than in the other three treatments at both locations. Soil protein as a soil health indicator was also higher following CCC than in the other treatments. Differential abundances of bacterial and fungal taxa were related to yield differences in a site-specific manner. Uncultured bacterial taxa in family JG30-KF-AS9 was enriched in the high-yielding CCC plots in Monmouth, whereas Microvirga , Rhodomicrobium , and Micromonosporaceae were enriched in the low-yielding SCS plots. Members of the fungal phylum Ascomycota were informative in explaining yield differences among treatments mostly as pathogens, but Tumularia , Pyrenochaetopsis and Schizothecium were enriched in the CCC plots, suggesting a role as either corn pathogens or beneficial fungal taxa for soybean. Multivariate analysis associated soil health indicators with the rotation regimes and some of the differentially abundant microbial taxa.Conclusions Our finding of associations between soil health indicators related to soil microbial populations and soybean yield following different cropping sequences has wide-ranging implications, opening the possibility of both monitoring and manipulating soil microbial populations as a way to improve crop yield potential.
The long noncoding RNA-30162 is regulated by commensal microbiota and modulates CCL24 and ARG1 in macrophages
Authors: Mu Yingjie , Chen Wen , Hu Shilian , Cheng Min
Published: January 2020

Background Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the largest number of innate immune cells in the distal lung. AMs have critical roles in maintaining immunological homoeostasis and host defense in the lung and are inherently suppressive. Immune homeostasis depends on the integrity of microbiome, which contribute to appropriate maturation and priming of the immune system. The absence of commensal microbiota can lead to changes in AM function; however, little is known about the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules in this process. Results Here, by lncRNA microarray analysis using AM samples from antibiotic-treated (Abt) mice, we found that treatment with antibiotics resulted in differential expression of numerous lncRNAs in AMs. Target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with several biological pathways, including regulation of immune system processes, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, and chemotaxis, among others. Notably, lncRNA-30162 expression levels were up-regulated in AMs from Abt mice. Moreover, knockdown of lncRNA-30162 expression significantly reduced CCL24 and ARG1 levels in macrophages. Conclusions These findings indicate that microbiome can regulate the expression of lncRNA-30162 in AMs, identifying a molecular mechanism underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of macrophage functions.
Host-seeking behavior and hourly biting rhythm of vectors in malaria endemic district of Arba Minch area, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Zeru Melkam Abiye , Shibru Simon , Massebo Fekadu
Published: January 2020

Background The early and outdoor biting behaviors of malaria vectors are among the key challenges in malaria control. Hence, understanding the host-seeking behavior and the peak biting time of malaria vectors is important in malaria vector control programs. This study assessed the host-seeking behavior and hourly biting activity of malaria mosquitoes in Chano Mille village in Arba Minch district, southwest Ethiopia. Methods The first trial was done by keeping cattle together with human that collects the entered mosquitoes in tent, while the other was done by keeping cattle outside a 1 m distance from human collector inside a tent. In both trials, mosquito collation was done inside tents baited by cattle and human using human landing catches (HLC) techniques. Four human volunteers’ were recruited and trained to collect mosquitoes in the four tents from 18:00-24:00 for three months. Two tents were selected randomly for human alone and two for cattle baited collections in the first night and then rotated to minimize the variation due to location of tents and collectors skill. The tent trial was done close to the shore of the Lake Abaya to minimize the interference of other animals on mosquito movement. The peak biting hour of malaria vectors was assessed within a Chano village from 18:00-6:00. Mosquito collation was done both indoor and outdoor by HLC. Morphological speciation of Anopheles mosquitoes was done. The sporozoite infectivity status of Anopheles pharoensis was examined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay technique. The data was analyzed using a Generalized Estimating Equations with a negative binomial distribution. Results An. pharoensis, An. gambiae complex and An. tenebrosus were the three species documented during the trial. Keeping cattle together with human collector inside the tent attracted 42% ( P < 0.001) more An. pharoensis compared to human alone tent. Also, keeping cattle outside near to a tent with human at 1 m distance, attracted the entering An. pharoensis into the tent inside with human by 46% ( P = 0.002) than human in a tent with no cattle outside the same tent. The impact was not significant for An. gambiae complex and An. tenebrosus. Anopheles pharoensis and An. gambiae complex showed early night biting activity with peak biting from 19.00-20:00 which was significant for both An. gambiae complex ( P < 0.001) and An. pharoensis ( P = 0.015). Anopheles gambiae complex was mainly biting humans outdoor in the village. Conclusions Finally, keeping cattle within and close to human dwellings could increase malaria vectors bite exposure particularly to the zoophilic malaria vector An. pharoensis and, hence deployment of cattle far from human residence could be recommended to reduce the human exposure. The outdoor and early hours biting behavior of the An. gambiae complex could be a threat for success of current indoor based interventions and hence, tools could be designed to reduce this threat.
Cerebral Stroke Lesion Location and the Risk of Post-Stroke Pain A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Sheng , Wang Jiaxin , Yu Jia , Wang Xiaojiao , Li Qiang , Zhang Yufen , Ma Sehui , Yi Yao , Yu Hongyan , Yu Dian , Lv Fei , Li Shaojun , Feng Dan , Pei Lei
Published: January 2020

Background Post-stroke pain (PSP) is generally a severe complication in stroke rehabilitation. It is always associated with allodynia and hyperalgesia to nociceptive stimuli. Previous studies believed that PSP was related with tissue injury at certain brain territory, possibly thalamic lesion. However, there is very little evidence that the risk of PSP has a salient association with the side of lesion location (left or right hemisphere). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the occurrence of PSP and the lesion location of stroke.Methods We selected relevant literatures by searching EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and systematically reviewed available publications according to predetermined inclusion criterion. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the subtype of PSP. The pooled risk estimates were calculated by using a randomized-effects model.Results A total of 19 studies involving 2038 patients suffered from cerebral stroke were included. Meta-analysis showed no significant relationship between brain lesion location and the risk of PSP (OR=0.95 95% CI 0.74–1.23). Subgroups analyses showed that the incidence of post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP) or central post-stroke pain (CPSP) was also not associated with the side of brain lesion (PSSP: OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.57–1.46; CPSP: OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.70–1.40). The pooled result of prospective studies had similar result (RR=1.02, 95% CI 0.84-1.25). Evidence of publication bias has not been found using visual inspection of a funnel plot and Begg’s and Egger’s tests.Conclusions Our systematic meta-analysis suggests that the lesion location of stroke has no significant association with the incidence of post-stroke pain. Further studies are needed to detect the risk factors for PSP, which may contribute to the prevention, identification and management of PSP.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Children With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia
Authors: Shafie Asrul Akmal , Chhabra Irwinder Kaur , Yi Jacqueline Wong Hui , Mohammed Noor Syahireen , Ibrahim Hishamshah Mohd , Alias Hamidah
Published: January 2020

Background The treatment of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in Malaysia has progressed since 2005. This study provides an updated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment for children with the disorder and the factors affecting the HRQoL.Methods A cross-sectional HRQoL survey of Malaysian children with TDT was conducted using the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies were excluded. Parent-proxy and self-reported HRQoL scores were obtained using a multi-stage convenient sampling. The relationship between HRQoL scores and demographic factors were tested using association, correlation and regression analysis.Results A total of 368 patients were recruited. The mean (SD) Total Summary Score (TSS) was 80.12(13.87) with increasing age and use of dual chelating agents being predictors for a lower score (R 2 = 0.057, F (4, 359) = 5.40, p = <0.001). The mean (SD) Physical Health Summary Score (PHSS) was 82.21 (16.82). Predictors of a higher PHSS score was being male, while increasing age and parent-proxy reports were predictors of a lower score (R 2 = 0.067, F (3,360) = 8.57, p = <0.001). The mean (SD) Psychosocial Health Summary Score (PCHS) was 79.39 (14.81), with the use of dual chelating agents being predictors for a lower score (R 2 = 0.041, F (1, 362) = 15.60, p = <0.001). The school functioning score had the lowest mean (SD) score of 69.52(20.92) in the psychosocial dimension.Conclusion The HRQoL of TDT children in Malaysia has improved over the last decade owing to the better access in treatment. However, further effort is needed to improve the school functioning dimension.
Chromatin run-on sequencing analysis finds that ECM remodeling plays an important role in canine hemangiosarcoma pathogenesis
Authors: Author) Chinatsu Mukai(New Corresponding , Choi Eunju , Sams Kelly L. , Zu Klampen Elena , Anguish Lynne , Marks Brooke A. , Rice Edward J. , Wang Zhong , Choate Lauren A. , Chou Shao-Pei , Kato Yukinari , Miller Andrew , Danko Charles G. , Author) Scott A. Coonrod(Former Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background Canine visceral hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly aggressive cancer of endothelial origin that closely resembles human visceral angiosarcoma, both clinically and histopathologically. Currently there is an unmet need for new diagnostics and therapies for both forms of this disease. The goal of this study was to utilize ChRO-seq and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify gene and protein expression signatures that may be important drivers of HSA progression. Methods Chromatin run-on sequencing (ChRO-seq) was performed on tissue isolated from 17 HSA samples and 4 normal splenic samples. Computational analysis was then used to identify differentially expressed genes and these factors were subjected to gene ontology analysis. Next, RT-PCR was performed on a subset of candidate genes to validate the ChRO-seq data. We then performed Masson’s trichrome, H&E, and IHC staining on these tissues to investigate the morphological features of HSA tumor tissue as well as the expression patterns of several proteins identified in our ChRO-seq analysis. Results ChRO-seq analysis revealed over a thousand differentially expressed genes in HSA tissue compared with normal splenic tissue (FDR <0.005). Interestingly the majority of genes overexpressed in HSA tumor tissue were associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This observation correlated well with our histological analysis, which found that HSA tumors contain a rich and complex collagen network. Additionally, we characterized the protein expression patterns of two highly overexpressed molecules identified in ChRO-seq analysis, podoplanin (PDPN) and laminin alpha 4 (LAMA4). We found that the expression of these two ECM-associated factors appeared to be largely limited to transformed endothelial cells within the HSA lesions. Conclusion Outcomes from this study suggest that ECM remodeling has an important role in HSA progression. Additionally, our study identified two potential novel biomarkers of HSA, PDPN and LAMA4. Interestingly, given that function-blocking anti-PDPN have shown anti-tumor effects in mouse models of canine melanoma, our studies raise the possibility that these types of therapeutic strategies could potentially be developed for treating canine HSA.
Medical infrared thermal imaging of syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Authors: Larkin Michael , Loughin Catherine , Marino Dominic , Dewey Curtis , Umbaugh Scott , Sackman Joseph
Published: January 2020

Background Medical infrared thermal imaging (MITI) is a non-invasive imaging modality gaining popularity in the veterinary field. An infrared camera captures emission of heat and creates a color map in the form of a thermogram. Topical heat emission is influenced by localized disease processes as a result of autonomic nervous system imbalance. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of using thermography to identify changes in thermographic patterns associated with syringomyelia (SM) presence or absence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with Chiari-like Malformation (CLM).Results In CKCS with CLM, MITI was most accurate at a texture distance of 6. Optimizing imaging feature sets produced a highest accuracy of 69.9% (95% CI: 59.5-79.0%), with 81.3% sensitivity and 57.8% specificity for identifying the presence of syringomyelia.Conclusion Thermographic image analysis is a successful non-invasive, diagnostic test that can be used to screen for syringomyelia presence in a CKCS with CLM.
A Five Year Trend Malaria Surveillance Data Analysis in Central, North and West Gondar Zones, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Lankir Damtie , Solomn Samrawit , Gize Addisu
Published: January 2020

Background: Trend analysis of malaria surveillance data is essential to inform stakeholders on progress towards malaria control. From the total 387,096 cases of malaria reported in Amhara region in 2017 G.C, 167,079 (43.2%) cases were in Central, North and West Gondar zones. From this total figure of zones, 15,445 (9.2%) were ≤5 years which contributes 4 % of cases in the region. So, the purpose of this study was to analyze trends of malaria parasite and districts of Central, North and West Gondar zones, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted in Central, North and West Gondar zones from July 1- 30/ 2018. Data were collected, entered, cleaned, analyzed and interpreted using Microsoft Excel-2010. Different tables, figures and maps were used to present results. Result: A total of 2,827,722 cases have been received a diagnostic test of; Microscopy 1,712,193(60.56%) and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) 1,115,529(39.44%). Trends of total patients treated as confirmed and clinical malaria cases in July 2017- June 2018 were decreased to 139297 (14%) as compared from July 2015- June 2016, 249571(25%). From total cases received diagnostic tests only 1,003,391 (36%) were confirmed and clinical cases treated with antimalaria. Of these Plasmodium falciparum and vivax malaria cases were confirmed to be 1,002,946 (99.96%) and clinical malaria cases were 445(0.04%), respectively. Conclusion: Risk of infection and diagnostic effort were high in West Gondar Zone. The Amhara public health institute including health Bureau, stakeholders and all responsible bodies should give special standing to highest malaria districts of West Gondar zone.
Cross-cultural analysis of medicinal plant use practice in four (Gurage, Mareqo, Qebena and Silti) ethnic communities in south central Ethiopia
Authors: Teka Alemtshay , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe , Damme Patrick Van
Published: January 2020

Background: Ethnic groups throughout the world have developed their own cultures expressed in the form of customs, taboos and traditional healthcare systems. Traditional medicine system is one of the widespread cultures known throughout the world which is very much tied to cultural practices of the community or ethnic group. Medicinal plant treasure found in Gurage and Silti Zones remained poorly characterized and understood. Therefore, this study was conducted in four ethnic groups (viz. Gurage, Qebena, Mareqo and Silti) which have lived in close proximity and contact for many centuries in the two Zones. In the present study unique and shared cultural elements in connection to traditional herbal medicine were examined through investigation of the diversity of medicinal plants. Moreover, attempts have been made to determine similarities among the society in the medicinal plants they have used in general and in medicinal plant species considered culturally most important.Methods: In a study that involved 320 randomly samples informants semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation were used and qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Descriptive statistics, rank order priority (ROP), Jaccard similarity coefficient and clustering were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 244 medicinal plant species and a fungal species used to treat human and/or livestock ailments were documented. The number of plants (80 plants, 33 %) with ROP value greater than 50% is considerably smaller than that of plants with ROP < 50% (164, 67 %). Jaccard similarity index and clustering analysis for all cited plants, among the respective studied districts, indicated that grouping generally followed the existing ethnic origin. On the contrary, clustering based on culturally important medicinal plant species (80 plant species, score ROP ≥ 50%) showed the influence of proximity and geographical orientation rather than ethnic relation. Conclusions: Culturally most important plants (80 spp.) are widely used and best shared with nearby communities and this could imply current (new) knowledge being practiced in the community. This knowledge must be documented and better utilized in a modern way including modernized use of traditional medicinal plants.