bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Wide Association Study Pinpoints Key Agronomic QTLs in African Rice Oryza glaberrima
Authors: Cubry Philippe , Pidon Hélène , Ta Kim Nhung , Tranchant-Dubreuil Christine , Thuillet Anne-Céline , Holzinger Maria , Adam Hélène , Kam Honoré , Chrestin Harold , Ghesquière Alain , François Olivier , Sabot François , Vigouroux Yves , Albar Laurence , Jouannic Stefan
Published: September 2020

Background

African rice, Oryza glaberrima, is an invaluable resource for rice cultivation and for the improvement of biotic and abiotic resistance properties. Since its domestication in the inner Niger delta ca. 2500 years BP, African rice has colonized a variety of ecologically and climatically diverse regions. However, little is known about the genetic basis of quantitative traits and adaptive variation of agricultural interest for this species.

Results

Using a reference set of 163 fully re-sequenced accessions, we report the results of a Genome Wide Association Study carried out for African rice. We investigated a diverse panel of traits, including flowering date, panicle architecture and resistance to Rice yellow mottle virus. For this, we devised a pipeline using complementary statistical association methods. First, using flowering time as a target trait, we found several association peaks, one of which co-localised with a well described gene in the Asian rice flowering pathway, OsGi, and identified new genomic regions that would deserve more study. Then we applied our pipeline to panicle- and resistance-related traits, highlighting some interesting genomic regions and candidate genes. Lastly, using a high-resolution climate database, we performed an association analysis based on climatic variables, searching for genomic regions that might be involved in adaptation to climatic variations.

Conclusion

Our results collectively provide insights into the extent to which adaptive variation is governed by sequence diversity within the O. glaberrima genome, paving the way for in-depth studies of the genetic basis of traits of interest that might be useful to the rice breeding community.
The ubiquitin–proteasome system in regulation of the skeletal muscle homeostasis and atrophy: from basic science to disorders
Authors: Kitajima Yasuo , Yoshioka Kiyoshi , Suzuki Naoki
Published: September 2020

Skeletal muscle is one of the most abundant and highly plastic tissues. The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is recognised as a major intracellular protein degradation system, and its function is important for muscle homeostasis and health. Although UPS plays an essential role in protein degradation during muscle atrophy, leading to the loss of muscle mass and strength, its deficit negatively impacts muscle homeostasis and leads to the occurrence of several pathological phenotypes. A growing number of studies have linked UPS impairment not only to matured muscle fibre degeneration and weakness, but also to muscle stem cells and deficiency in regeneration. Emerging evidence suggests possible links between abnormal UPS regulation and several types of muscle diseases. Therefore, understanding of the role of UPS in skeletal muscle may provide novel therapeutic insights to counteract muscle wasting, and various muscle diseases. In this review, we focussed on the role of proteasomes in skeletal muscle and its regeneration, including a brief explanation of the structure of proteasomes. In addition, we summarised the recent findings on several diseases and elaborated on how the UPS is related to their pathological states.
Stroking stimulation of the skin elicits 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in young adult rats
Authors: Shimoju Rie , Shibata Hideshi , Hori Miyo , Kurosawa Mieko
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to clarify if stroking stimulation of the skin produces positive emotion in rats. 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were recorded as an index of the positive emotion. Stroking stimulation was applied to the ventral, dorsal, or head region of the body while the rat was in a vertical holding condition. Rats emit abundant 50-kHz USVs in response to stroking, and the number of the USVs was not different among these three stimulated regions. Other stimulations, such as light touching of the abdominal area, swinging of the body back and forth, or stroking of the external genitalia under vertical holding condition, produced significantly less 50-kHz USVs. Furthermore, different call subtypes were observed during and after stroking of the ventral region. In particular, “Trill” calls, a representative index of positive emotion, were dominant after stimulation. These results suggest that stroking of the skin induces positive emotional states.
The enhancing antibiofilm activity of curcumin on Streptococcus mutans strains from severe early childhood caries
Authors: Li Bingchun , Pan Ting , Lin Huancai , Zhou Yan
Published: September 2020

Background

Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans) is one of the main cariogenic bacteria for caries. It was found that the clinical strains ofS. mutansisolated from caries active population have stronger cariogenic ability than the isolates from caries-free (CF) people. Previous studies have found that curcumin can inhibit biofilm formation ofS. mutansUA159. The objective of this study is to explore the antibiofilm effect of curcumin on the clinical isolates ofS. mutansfrom severe early childhood caries(SECC).

Results

The isolates from SECC group had more biomass than CF group (t = 4.296,P < 0.001). The acidogenicity and aciduricity of the strains from two groups showed no significant difference. After treatment with curcumin, the viability of biofilm was reduced to 61.865% ± 7.108% in SECC and to 84.059% ± 10.227% in CF group at 24 h (P < 0.05). The net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305,P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378,P = 0.045) at 5 min. For 24 h, the net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305,P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378,P = 0.045). The reduction of biofilm thickness reduced significantly in 5 min (t = 4.110,P = 0.015) and in 24 h (t = 3.453,P = 0.014). Long-term (24 h) curcumin treatment inhibited the amount of EPS in SECC group from (25.980 ± 1.156) μm3/μm2to (20.136 ± 1.042) μm3/μm2, the difference was statistically significant (t = 7.510,P < 0.001). The gene ofgtfC,gtfD,ftf,gbpB,fruAandsrtAin the CF group and thegtfB,gtfC,gtfD,ftf,gbpB,srtAin SECC group were respectively reduced after 5 min curcumin treatment. After 24 h treatment, thegtfB,gtfC,gtfD,ftf,gbpB,fruAandsrtAin both two groups were downregulation, all the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Curcumin has antibiofilm activity on clinical strains ofS. mutans, especially for those isolated from SECC.
Revealing the full-length transcriptome of caucasian clover rhizome development
Authors: Yin Xiujie , Yi Kun , Zhao Yihang , Hu Yao , Li Xu , He Taotao , Liu Jiaxue , Cui Guowen
Published: September 2020

Background

Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguumM. Bieb.) is a strongly rhizomatous, low-crowned perennial leguminous and ground-covering grass. The species may be used as an ornamental plant and is resistant to cold, arid temperatures and grazing due to a well-developed underground rhizome system and a strong clonal reproduction capacity. However, the posttranscriptional mechanism of the development of the rhizome system in caucasian clover has not been comprehensively studied. Additionally, a reference genome for this species has not yet been published, which limits further exploration of many important biological processes in this plant.

Result

We adopted PacBio sequencing and Illumina sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in five tissues, including taproot (T1), horizontal rhizome (T2), swelling of taproot (T3), rhizome bud (T4) and rhizome bud tip (T5) tissues, in the caucasian clover rhizome. In total, we obtained 19.82 GB clean data and 80,654 nonredundant transcripts were analysed. Additionally, we identified 78,209 open reading frames (ORFs), 65,227 coding sequences (CDSs), 58,276 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 6821 alternative splicing (AS) events, 2429 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 4501 putative transcription factors (TFs) from 64 different families. Compared with other tissues, T5 exhibited more DEGs, and co-upregulated genes in T5 are mainly annotated as involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. We also identified betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) as a highly expressed gene-specific to T5. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of transcription factors and physiological indicators were combined to reveal 11 hub genes (MEgreen-GA3), three of which belong to the HB-KNOX family, that are up-regulated in T3. We analysed 276 DEGs involved in hormone signalling and transduction, and the largest number of genes are associated with the auxin (IAA) signalling pathway, with significant up-regulation in T2 and T5.

Conclusions

This study contributes to our understanding of gene expression across five different tissues and provides preliminary insight into rhizome growth and development in caucasian clover.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus secondary to Lyme disease, a case report and review of seven reported cases
Authors: Gimsing Louise Nørreslet , Hejl Anne-Mette
Published: September 2020

Background

Infection with tick borne Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme disease) can without treatment rarely develop into a chronic phase. Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (sNPH) based on chronic infection with Borrelia Burgdorferi (Bb) is an even rarer entity, that with the right treatment is potentially curable.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old male with a slow onset of progressive balance problems, also presented unspecified dizziness, urge feeling, neck soreness and discrete cognitive complaints. An MRI scan revealed an enlarged ventricular system compatible with NPH. After further liquor dynamic procedures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analysed with the surprising results of lymphocytic pleocytosis, and signs of increased antibody production. Microbiology revealed chronic neuroborreliosis and the patient was treated with antibiotics accordingly. At the one-year follow-up no symptoms remained and the ventricular system almost normalized.

Conclusions

We describe the 7th published case of sNPH secondary to chronic Borreliosis in a previous healthy adult. Existing published literature has been reviewed and previous cases showed similarly nearly full clinical recovery. Primary/idiopathic NPH (iNPH) is treated with the surgical intervention of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and can be mistaken for a sNPH. The awareness of rare causes of sNPH like chronic Borreliosis is important as it is easily treated non surgically.
Development and validation of a novel pseudogene pair-based prognostic signature for prediction of overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Du Yajuan , Gao Ying
Published: September 2020

Background

There is growing evidence that pseudogenes may serve as prognostic biomarkers in several cancers. The present study was designed to develop and validate an accurate and robust pseudogene pairs-based signature for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

RNA-sequencing data from 374 HCC patients with clinical follow-up information were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and used in this study. Survival-related pseudogene pairs were identified, and a signature model was constructed by Cox regression analysis (univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator). All individuals were classified into high- and low-risk groups based on the optimal cutoff. Subgroups analysis of the novel signature was conducted and validated in an independent cohort. Pearson correlation analyses were carried out between the included pseudogenes and the protein-coding genes based on their expression levels. Enrichment analysis was performed to predict the possible role of the pseudogenes identified in the signature.

Results

A 19-pseudogene pair signature, which included 21 pseudogenes, was established. Patients in high-risk group demonstrated an increased the risk of adverse prognosis in the TCGA cohort and the external cohort (all P < 0.001). The novel pseudogene signature was independent of other conventional clinical variables used for survival prediction in HCC patients in the two cohorts revealed by the multivariate Cox regression analysis (all P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis further demonstrated the diagnostic value of the signature across different stages, grades, sexes, and age groups. The C-index of the prognostic signature was 0.761, which was not only higher than that of several previous risk models but was also much higher than that of a single age, sex, grade, and stage risk model. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that the potential biological mechanisms mediated by these pseudogenes are primarily involved in cytokine receptor activity, T cell receptor signaling, chemokine signaling, NF-κB signaling, PD-L1 expression, and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer.

Conclusion

The novel proposed and validated pseudogene pair-based signature may serve as a valuable independent prognostic predictor for predicting survival of patients with HCC.
Chronic rhinosinusitis due to cyano-acrylic glue after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Bani-Ata Majid , Alzoubi Firas , Abuzayed Bashar , Alhowary Ala”a A. , Aleshawi Abdelwahab J.
Published: September 2020

Background

To reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak, clinicians utilize a filling material placed in the sella followed by floor reconstruction with various materials, including glue sealing. Cyano-acrylic glue Glubran®2 glue is commercially available and is generally used as embolizing agent and for the prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Case Description

A 25-year-old woman underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. After tumor resection, sellar floor reconstruction was performed by mucosal graft and Glubran®2 glue. The early post-operative period was uneventful. However, 2 months after surgery, the patient complained of headache, facial pain and greenish foul-smelling nasal discharge with solid particles dripping from the nose. Medical treatment was unsuccessful. Brain MRI showed inflammation and thickening of the sphenoidal and para-sphenoidal mucosa. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery and a solid glass-like mass surrounded by inflamed infected mucosa was seen in the inferior and lateral aspects of the sphenoid sinus. Efforts were made to erupt and de-crust the solid mass until total resection was achieved. Early post-operative period was uneventful, and a course of antibiotics was continued until total disappearance of the discharge.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting of acrylic glue (Glubran®2)-related sinusitis. Surgeon should be aware about similar side effects for the glue material that would complicate the surgery.
An in vitro study of the effect of 5-ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy on oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ying , Qu Shujuan , Xu Liangpeng , Lu Hongbo , Li Baoguo
Published: September 2020

Background

The primary aim of this study was to observe the effect of 5-ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy on oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro.

Methods

SCC25 cells were divided into the observation group and the blank control group. Different concentrations of 5-ALA and SCC25 cells were co-incubated for different times, and the concentration of protoporphyrin IX was detected by flow cytometry. SCC25 cells were divided into the 5-ALA group (100 mg/L), the laser irradiation group alone, the 5-ALA plus laser irradiation group, and the blank control group (0 mg/L 5-ALA), and the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) solution method was used (each group was incubated for 4, 8 and 12 h in turn). The cell survival rate was calculated. Using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide method, the apoptosis of SCC25 cells was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

The level of protoporphyrin IX in SCC25 cells increased with increased concentrations of 5-ALA and length of incubation. However, after 12 h, protoporphyrin IX level in SCC25 cells was gradually stabilized, and similar effect was obtained with 100 mg/L or more 5-ALA, indicating that the level of protoporphyrin IX in SCC25 cells was determined by 5-ALA concentration and incubation time. 5-ALA plus laser irradiation exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of SCC25 cells, which was highly associated with drug dose and incubation time. Compared with the control group, laser irradiation alone or 5-ALA alone had no effect on the apoptosis of SCC25 cells. Different concentrations of 5-ALA combined with laser irradiation showed a remarkable effect of apoptosis, and a higher apoptosis rate was seen with higher drug concentrations.

Conclusion

5-ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy affects the growth of SCC25 cells in vitro, which may provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Pentraxin 3 promotes airway inflammation in experimental asthma
Authors: Gao Pengfei , Tang Kun , Lu Yanjiao , Huang Zhenli , Wang Shanshan , Wang Meijia , Wang Jianmiao , Zhao Jianping , Xie Jungang
Published: September 2020

Background

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) regulates multiple aspects of innate immunity and tissue inflammation. Recently, it has been reported that PTX3 deficiency enhances interleukin (IL)-17A–dominant pulmonary inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. However, whether PTX3 treatment would provide protection against allergic airway inflammation has not been clearly elucidated. The goal of this study was to further investigate the effect of recombinant PTX3 administration on the phenotype of asthma.

Methods

C57BL/6 J mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA to induce eosinophilic asthma model, as well as sensitized with OVA plus LPS and challenged with OVA to induce neutrophilic asthma model. We evaluated effect of recombinant PTX3 on asthma phenotype through both asthma models. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) inflammatory cells and cytokines, airway hyperresponsiveness, and pathological alterations of the lung tissues were assessed.

Results

In both eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma models, PTX3 treatment provoked airway hyperresponsiveness, concomitant with increased inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-17, eotaxin, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and aggravated airway accumulation of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils and neutrophils. In histological analysis of the lung tissue, administration of PTX3 promoted inflammatory cells infiltration, mucus production, and collagen deposition. In addition, PTX3 also significantly enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation in lung tissue.

Conclusion

Our results show that exogenous PTX3 can exacerbate multiple asthmatic features by promoting both eosinophils and neutrophils lung infiltration and provide new evidence to better understand the complex role of PTX3 in allergic airway inflammation.
Pneumothorax in COVID-19 disease- incidence and clinical characteristics
Authors: Zantah Massa , Dominguez Castillo Eduardo , Townsend Ryan , Dikengil Fusun , Criner Gerard J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Spontaneous pneumothorax is an uncommon complication of COVID-19 viral pneumonia. The exact incidence and risk factors are still unknown. Herein we review the incidence and outcomes of pneumothorax in over 3000 patients admitted to our institution for suspected COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of COVID-19 cases admitted to our hospital. Patients who were diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax were identified to calculate the incidence of this event. Their clinical characteristics were thoroughly documented. Data regarding their clinical outcomes were gathered. Each case was presented as a brief synopsis.

Results

Three thousand three hundred sixty-eight patients were admitted to our institution between March 1st, 2020 and June 8th, 2020 for suspected COVID 19 pneumonia, 902 patients were nasopharyngeal swab positive. Six cases of COVID-19 patients who developed spontaneous pneumothorax were identified (0.66%). Their baseline imaging showed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidations, mostly in the posterior and peripheral lung regions. 4/6 cases were associated with mechanical ventilation. All patients required placement of a chest tube. In all cases, mortality (66.6%) was not directly related to the pneumothorax.

Conclusion

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication of COVID-19 viral pneumonia and may occur in the absence of mechanical ventilation. Clinicians should be vigilant about the diagnosis and treatment of this complication.
Concomitant surgery for aortic valve and lung cancer patients in an elder
Authors: Xu Hongfei , Tao Tingting , Ma Liang , Li Weidong , Ni Yiming
Published: September 2020

Background

The treatment strategy for aortic valve and lung cancer patients includes concomitant or two-stage procedures. Conventional simultaneous operations are usually performed under the median sternotomy.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after experiencing chest tightness after activity for two months. Aortic valve regurgitation had been confirmed when squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was discovered. The therapeutic strategy for these patients is controversial. Considering the potential risk of tumour metastasis and the risk of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), we recommended concomitant transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and a lobectomy. A trans-apical TAVI with left-sided intercostal thoracotomy was successfully performed, followed by an immediate video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and selective lymph node dissection.

Conclusions

We suggest that a one-stage surgery of pulmonary resection following TAVI is an acceptable and safe choice after careful evaluation and should be performed as soon as possible in response to lung cancer in elderly patients with aortic valve disease.
Pacemaker-generated stress fracture of the second rib: a case report
Authors: Ksela Jus , Racman Mark , Zbacnik Rok , Djordjevic Anze , Jan Matevz
Published: September 2020

Background

Pocket-related complications following the implantation of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices primarily include pocket hematoma, infection, skin erosion or decubitus, device migration, and Twiddler's syndrome, with other pathologies such as nerve impairment or bone lesions being extremely rarely encountered. We report a case of a 20-year old asthenic, non-athlete female patient presenting with a device-generated fracture of the second rib several months after sub-muscular permanent pacemaker implantation due to repeated bilateral pre-pectoral pocket infections.

Case presentation

A 20-year old female patient was readmitted to our institution 9 months following sub-pectoral implantation of a permanent pacemaker, complaining of severe pocket-related pain, which arose spontaneously in the absence of direct trauma, intense physical activity or vigorous coughing, and was associated with normal day-to-day activity. To rule out a pacemaker re-infection, a native computed tomography and a positron emission tomography—computed tomography of the thorax were performed. Both modalities excluded an infection but showed a healing fracture and a focus of enhanced metabolic activity in the anterolateral part of the right second rib, indicating a non-traumatic or stress fracture of the bone. Consequently, a complete extraction of the pulse generator and both leads was performed and the smallest available single-chamber pulse generator with a single atrial electrode was implanted in the sub-fascial, pre-muscular pocket in the now recovered and uninfected left subclavicular region, alleviating patient’s severe pain symptoms and significantly enhancing her quality of life.

Conclusions

In the absence of direct trauma, intense physical activity or vigorous coughing, we assume that in this asthenic girl a normal day-to-day motion of the right shoulder has persistently forced the sub-muscularly placed pulse generator toward thoracic wall, putting increased repetitive pressure force on the underlying bones, finally causing a fatigue stress fracture of the second rib. In asthenic phenotype patients with small thorax and short subclavicular distance, a sub-muscular pacemaker implantation can potentially cause unique and unexpected pocket-related adverse events necessitating advanced diagnostics and timely treatment.
Soil carbon fluxes and balances of crop rotations under long-term no-till
Authors: Rigon João Paulo Gonsiorkiewicz , Calonego Juliano Carlos
Published: September 2020

Background

A field study with the same crop rotations was conducted to test the hypothesis that the soil Carbon fluxes and balances could vary according to the crop species and also mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. This study aimed to assess the CO2 emission from crop rotations according to C and N inputs from crop residue, the influences on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TN) stocks, identifying the soybean production systems with positive C balance. Triticale (x Triticosecale) or sunflower (Helianthus annuus) are grown in the fall/winter; sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), or fallow are the spring treatments, and soybean as a main crop in summer.

Results

We found that high C inputs from crop residues modify the C dynamics in crop rotations by reducing the C output (CO2) and increasing C sequestration in the soil. In general, the higher SOC, C stocks, and TN in soil surface were due to higher C and N inputs from sunn hemp or forage sorghum crop residues in spring. These crops also produced lower accumulated CO2 emissions and, when rotating with triticale in the fall-winter season resulted in a positive C balance, making these soybean crop rotations more efficient.

Conclusion

Our study suggests the ideal crop species choice in a rotation can mitigate the CO2 emissions by increasing C and N input from crop residues and consequently SOC and C stocks. In particular, crop rotation comprises an important tool to achieve a positive C balance, mitigate CO2 emissions and provide an additional ecosystem service to soybean cultivation option.
NAUTICA: classifying transcription factor interactions by positional and protein-protein interaction information
Authors: Perna Stefano , Pinoli Pietro , Ceri Stefano , Wong Limsoon
Published: September 2020

Background

Inferring the mechanisms that drive transcriptional regulation is of great interest to biologists. Generally, methods that predict physical interactions between transcription factors (TFs) based on positional information of their binding sites (e.g. chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) experiments) cannot distinguish between different kinds of interaction at the same binding spots, such as co-operation and competition.

Results

In this work, we present the Network-Augmented Transcriptional Interaction and Coregulation Analyser (NAUTICA), which employs information from protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to assign TF-TF interaction candidates to one of three classes: competition, co-operation and non-interactions. NAUTICA filters available PPI network edges and fits a prediction model based on the number of shared partners in the PPI network between two candidate interactors.

Conclusions

NAUTICA improves on existing positional information-based TF-TF interaction prediction results, demonstrating how PPI information can improve the quality of TF interaction prediction. NAUTICA predictions - both co-operations and competitions - are supported by literature investigation, providing evidence on its capability of providing novel interactions of both kinds.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Zoltán Hegedüs and Endre Barta.
Predictive significance of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Liang Zhuoping , Yan Bing , Liu Chang , Tan Ruyu , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: September 2020

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) exhibits a poorer outcome compared with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nonECRSwNP), so it is significant to identify effective markers to differentiate ECRSwNP in guiding the treatment strategies of these patients. Although arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) is positioned as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation, its study in differentiating ECRSwNP has not been reported. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of ALOX15 in distinguishing and predicting ECRSwNP.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), including 30 ECRSwNP and 18 nonECRSwNP patients, were enrolled. ALOX15 mRNA level was determined in polyps by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients’ baseline characteristics were evaluated and analyzed for correlations with ALOX15. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive significance of the potential predictors for ECRSwNP.

Results

ALOX15 mRNA level was significantly higher in ECRSwNP patients than in nonECRSwNP patients (P < 0.001). ALOX15 mRNA was significantly correlated with tissue and blood eosinophil percentages (r = 0.565, P < 0.001 and r = 0.395, P = 0.006), olfaction scores (r = 0.400, P = 0.005), total visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom scores (r = 0.383, P = 0.007), ethmoid/maxillary sinus (E/M) ratio (r = 0.463, P = 0.001), and endoscopy scores (r = 0.409, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed ALOX15 mRNA level and percentage of blood eosinophils to be predictive factors for ECRSwNP (P = 0.004 and P = 0.036, respectively). ROC curve indicated ALOX15 to have high predictive accuracy for ECRSwNP (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.909), which was further improved by combination of ALOX15 with percentage of blood eosinophils (AUC = 0.933).

Conclusions

The relative ALOX15 mRNA level alone or in combination with blood eosinophils might be a reliable biomarker for predicting a diagnosis of ECRSwNP.
Synchronization and resilience in the Kuramoto white matter network model with adaptive state-dependent delays
Authors: Park Seong Hyun , Lefebvre Jérémie
Published: September 2020

White matter pathways form a complex network of myelinated axons that regulate signal transmission in the nervous system and play a key role in behaviour and cognition. Recent evidence reveals that white matter networks are adaptive and that myelin remodels itself in an activity-dependent way, during both developmental stages and later on through behaviour and learning. As a result, axonal conduction delays continuously adjust in order to regulate the timing of neural signals propagating between different brain areas. This delay plasticity mechanism has yet to be integrated in computational neural models, where conduction delays are oftentimes constant or simply ignored. As a first approach to adaptive white matter remodeling, we modified the canonical Kuramoto model by enabling all connections with adaptive, phase-dependent delays. We analyzed the equilibria and stability of this system, and applied our results to two-oscillator and large-dimensional networks. Our joint mathematical and numerical analysis demonstrates that plastic delays act as a stabilizing mechanism promoting the network’s ability to maintain synchronous activity. Our work also shows that global synchronization is more resilient to perturbations and injury towards network architecture. Our results provide key insights about the analysis and potential significance of activity-dependent myelination in large-scale brain synchrony.
Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry define TET1 interactome during oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Kaixiang , Wang Jian , Liu Yuming , Liu Guangxin , Jin Weilin , Wu Shengxi , Zhao Xianghui
Published: September 2020

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, encoding dioxygenase for DNA hydroxymethylation, are important players in nervous system development and disease. In addition to their proverbial enzymatic role, TET proteins also possess non-enzymatic activity and function in multiple protein–protein interaction networks, which remains largely unknown during oligodendrocyte differentiation. To identify partners of TET1 in the myelinating cells, we performed proteome-wide analysis using co-immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry (IP-MS) in purified oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and mature oligodendrocytes (mOLs), respectively. Following a stringent selection of MS data based on identification reliability and protein enrichment, we identified a core set of 1211 partners that specifically interact with TET1 within OPCs and OLs. Analysis of the biological process and pathways associated with TET1-interacting proteins indicates a significant enrichment of proteins involved in regulation of cellular protein localization, cofactor metabolic process and regulation of catabolic process, et al. We further validated TET1 interactions with selected partners. Overall, this comprehensive analysis of the endogenous TET1 interactome during oligodendrocyte differentiation suggest its novel mechanism in regulating oligodendrocyte homeostasis and provide comprehensive insight into the molecular pathways associated with TET1.
Pulmonary embolism in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia: a narrative review
Authors: Sakr Yasser , Giovini Manuela , Leone Marc , Pizzilli Giacinto , Kortgen Andreas , Bauer Michael , Tonetti Tommaso , Duclos Gary , Zieleskiewicz Laurent , Buschbeck Samuel , Ranieri V. Marco , Antonucci Elio
Published: September 2020

Background

Preliminary reports have described significant procoagulant events in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), including life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).

Main text

We review the current data on the epidemiology, the possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, and the therapeutic implications of PE in relation to COVID-19. The incidence of PE is reported to be around 2.6–8.9% of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients and up to one-third of those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission, despite standard prophylactic anticoagulation. This may be explained by direct and indirect pathologic consequences of COVID-19, complement activation, cytokine release, endothelial dysfunction, and interactions between different types of blood cells.

Conclusion

Thromboprophylaxis should be started in all patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the hospital. The use of an intermediate therapeutic dose of low molecular weight (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin can be considered on an individual basis in patients with multiple risk factors for venous thromboembolism, including critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. Decisions about extending prophylaxis with LMWH after hospital discharge should be made after balancing the reduced risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with the risk of increased bleeding events and should be continued for 7–14 days after hospital discharge or in the pre-hospital phase in case of pre-existing or persisting VTE risk factors. Therapeutic anticoagulation is the cornerstone in the management of patients with PE. Selection of an appropriate agent and correct dosing requires consideration of underlying comorbidities.
Some new Simpson-type inequalities for generalized p-convex function on fractal sets with applications
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Rashid Saima , Hammouch Zakia , İşcan İmdat , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: September 2020

The present article addresses the concept ofp-convex functions on fractal sets. We are able to prove a novel auxiliary result. In the application aspect, the fidelity of the local fractional is used to establish the generalization of Simpson-type inequalities for the class of functions whose local fractional derivatives in absolute values at certain powers arep-convex. The method we present is an alternative in showing the classical variants associated with generalizedp-convex functions. Some parts of our results cover the classical convex functions and classical harmonically convex functions. Some novel applications in random variables, cumulative distribution functions and generalized bivariate means are obtained to ensure the correctness of the present results. The present approach is efficient, reliable, and it can be used as an alternative to establishing new solutions for different types of fractals in computer graphics.
Generating functions for some families of the generalized Al-Salam–Carlitz q-polynomials
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Arjika Sama
Published: September 2020

In this paper, by making use of the familiarq-difference operators$D_{q}$Dqand$D_{q^{-1}}$Dq−1, we first introduce two homogeneousq-difference operators$\mathbb{T}(\mathbf{a},\mathbf{b},cD_{q})$T(a,b,cDq)and$\mathbb{E}(\mathbf{a},\mathbf{b}, cD_{q^{-1}})$E(a,b,cDq−1), which turn out to be suitable for dealing with the families of the generalized Al-Salam–Carlitzq-polynomials$\phi_{n}^{(\mathbf{a},\mathbf{b})}(x,y|q)$ϕn(a,b)(x,y|q)and$\psi_{n}^{(\mathbf{a},\mathbf{b})}(x,y|q)$ψn(a,b)(x,y|q). We then apply each of these two homogeneousq-difference operators in order to derive generating functions, Rogers type formulas, the extended Rogers type formulas, and the Srivastava–Agarwal type linear as well as bilinear generating functions involving each of these families of the generalized Al-Salam–Carlitzq-polynomials. We also show how the various results presented here are related to those in many earlier works on the topics which we study in this paper.
Effect of unintended pregnancy on skilled antenatal care uptake in Bangladesh: analysis of national survey data
Authors: Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Harris Melissa L. , Oldmeadow Christopher , Loxton Deborah
Published: September 2020

Background

Around 48% of all pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries are unintended. Unintended pregnancy may contribute to lower use of antenatal care (ANC); however, current research in the area is largely inconclusive due to the methodological approaches applied.

Methods

Responses from 4493 women extracted from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) were used to assess the association between unintended pregnancy and subsequent uptake of at least one and at least four skilled ANC visits. For this, Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models with informative priors (representing a range of values within which the researcher is certain the true effect of the parameters included lies) were used, adjusting for other factors that affect ANC uptake. Informative priors were selected from the BDHS data collected in 2004, 2007, and 2011.

Results

Around 64% of women in Bangladesh who had at least one pregnancy within 3 years prior to the survey (that ended in a live birth) received ANC at least once, and of these around 32% used ANC at least four times. Mistimed (aOR, 0.73, 95% Cred I, 0.66–0.81) and unwanted (aOR, 0.69, 95% Cred I, 0.64–0.75) pregnancy were associated with reduced odds of attending the recommended minimum of four skilled ANC visits compared with wanted pregnancy. These likelihoods were even lower for at least one skilled ANC visit among women with a mistimed (aOR, 0.59, 95% Cred I, 0.53–0.65) or an unwanted pregnancy (aOR, 0.67, 95% Cred I, 0.61–0.74) than women with a wanted pregnancy.

Conclusions

In Bangladesh, more than one-quarter of women who report an unintended pregnancy at conception and do not terminate the pregnancy are at high risk of not using ANC. It is important for policies to include women with unintended pregnancy in mainstream healthcare services. This will increase the use of ANC and reduce associated adverse consequences.
Purification of high purity docosahexaenoic acid from Schizochytrium sp. SH103 using preparative-scale HPLC
Authors: Oh Chi-Eun , Kim Gap-Jin , Park Seung-Jin , Choi Seunghoon , Park Min-Joo , Lee O-Mi , Seo Jeong-Woo , Son Hong-Joo
Published: September 2020

High purity polyunsaturated fatty acids (> 95%) are essential for the synthesis of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as protectins, resolvins, and maresins, which are used for clinical application. To date, high purity (> 95%) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3) have been produced through various manufacturing steps using fish oil. In this study, we optimized preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) process to purify high-purity DHA ethyl ester (DHAee; > 98%) from oleaginous microalgae Shizochytrium sp. SH103 containing at least 34% DHA content. The purity and yield of DHA were determined by reverse phase chromatography with changing the mobile phase velocity, loading amount, and mobile phase composition. On a semi-preparative scale, optimal DHA separation in isocratic elution was obtained with a mobile phase velocity of 0.5 mL/min, a loading amount of 10 mg/mL, and mobile phase composition of methanol/water (96:4, v/v), wherein the purity of DHA was 98.5%. This separation was scaled up to a preparative column, resulting in 99.0% DHA fraction with a yield of 79.8%. This result suggests that a large amount of high purity DHA can be produced from microalgae when scaling up a preparative column to an industrial column.
Containment of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and implications for tuberculosis care and research
Authors: Mohammed Hussen , Oljira Lemessa , Roba Kedir Teji , Yimer Getnet , Fekadu Abebaw , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: September 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health and economic security threat with staggering cumulative incidence worldwide. Given the severity of projections, hospitals across the globe are creating additional critical care surge capacity and limiting patient routine access to care for other diseases like tuberculosis (TB). The outbreak fuels panic in sub-Saharan Africa where the healthcare system is fragile in withstanding the disease. Here, we looked over the COVID-19 containment measures in Ethiopia in context from reliable sources and put forth recommendations that leverage the health system response to COVID-19 and TB.

Main text

Ethiopia shares a major proportion of the global burden of infectious diseases, while the patterns of COVID-19 are still at an earlier stage of the epidemiology curve. The Ethiopian government exerted tremendous efforts to curb the disease. It limited public gatherings, ordered school closures, directed high-risk civil servants to work from home, and closed borders. It suspended flights to 120 countries and restricted mass transports. It declared a five-month national state of emergency and granted a pardon for 20 402 prisoners. It officially postponed parliamentary and presidential elections. It launched the ‘PM Abiy-Jack Ma initiative’, which supports African countries with COVID-19 diagnostics and infection prevention and control commodities. It expanded its COVID-19 testing capacity to 38 countrywide laboratories. Many institutions are made available to provide clinical care and quarantine. However, the outbreak still has the potential for greater loss of life in Ethiopia if the community is unable to shape the regular behavioral and sociocultural norms that would facilitate the spread of the disease. The government needs to keep cautious that irregular migrants would fuel the disease. A robust testing capacity is needed to figure out the actual status of the disease. The pandemic has reduced TB care and research activities significantly and these need due attention.

Conclusions

Ethiopia took several steps to detect, manage, and control COVID-19. More efforts are needed to increase testing capacity and bring about behavioral changes in the community. The country needs to put in place alternative options to mitigate interruptions of essential healthcare services and scientific researches of significant impact.
Frictional properties of anorthite (feldspar): implications for the lower boundary of the seismogenic zone
Authors: Masuda Koji
Published: September 2020

Earthquake magnitude is closely related to the depth extent of the seismogenic zone, and higher magnitude earthquakes occur where the seismogenic zone is thicker. The frictional properties of the dominant mineral constituents of the crust, such as feldspar-group minerals, control the depth extent of the seismogenic zone. Here, the velocity dependence of the steady-state friction of anorthite, the calcic endmember of the feldspar mineral series, was measured at temperatures from 20 to 600 °C, pore pressures of 0 (“dry”) and 50 MPa (“wet”), and an effective pressure of 150 MPa. The results support previous findings that the frictional properties of feldspar play a dominant role in limiting the depth extent of the seismogenic zone. This evidence suggests that brittle deformation of anorthite may be responsible for brittle fault movements in the brittle–plastic transition zone.
Effect of 0.2% peracetic acid disinfection on the horizontal dimension of implant framework indexed with two autopolymerized acrylic resins
Authors: da Fonseca Emanuely Ronconi , Santana Paula Pereira , Xible Anuar Antonio , Curtis Donald A. , Kano Stefania Carvalho
Published: September 2020

Background

To minimize misfit between prosthesis and implant, the welding of the implant fixed partial denture (IFPD) framework is recommended and autopolymerized acrylic resin (AR) is the material of choice for the indexing process. As for any prosthetic device that comes into contact with saliva and blood in the oral cavity, IFPD indexed with AR must be disinfected before sending to the laboratory. However, disinfection procedures are often neglected for fear of shrinkage or distortion caused by a dimensional change of the acrylic resin. Peracetic acid is a high-level disinfectant agent at low concentrations and immersion time, with no reported toxic residues, and it is not inactivated in the presence of organic matter when compared to other disinfectants. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of 0.2% peracetic acid disinfectant solution after different storage media and times on the horizontal dimension of IFPD frameworks indexed with AR.

Material and methods

IFPD frameworks were indexed with two AR: group 1 Duralay and group 2 Pattern Resin LS. Each group was further divided into five subgroups according to disinfection procedure and storage medium: no disinfection and dry storage, no disinfection and water storage, 0.2% peracetic acid disinfection and water storage, 0.2% peracetic acid disinfection and peracetic acid storage, and 0.2% peracetic acid disinfection and dry storage. The horizontal dimension of the specimens and an average was established for analysis. Measurements were performed at four different storage times (hours): T0, T24, T48, T168.

Results

No statistical differences were found when T0 was compared to T168 for Pattern resin groups submitted to disinfection and storage in water (group 2b, p = 1.000) or peracetic acid solution (group 2c, p = 0.352). For Duralay groups, the use of peracetic acid solution did not affect the horizontal dimension of the specimens when T0 was compared to T168 only with water as a storage medium (group 1b, p = 1.000). Additionally, T0 did not differ from T24 for groups 1c (p = 0.553), 2b (p = 1.000), 2d (p = 0.234), and 2e (p = 1.000) and from T48 for groups 1d (p = 0.118) and 2b (p = 1.000).

Conclusion

Within the studied conditions, the use of 0.2% peracetic acid can be safely used as a disinfectant solution regarding dimensional stability of AR-indexed IFPD until 7 days of storage. Horizontal discrepancies are dependent on acrylic resin type, time, and medium of storage.