bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-urban Microclimate Investigation in Urban Heat Islands: A Novel Experimental Transect Monitoring and Startup Findings from Implementation in Historical City
Authors: Ioannis Kousis , pigliautile ilaria , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: December 2020

Monitoring microclimate variables within cities with high accuracy is anongoing challenge for a better urban resilience to climate change. Assessingthe intra-urban characteristics of a city is of vital importance for ensuringfine living standards for citizens. Here, a novel mobile microclimate stationis applied for monitoring the main microclimatic variables regulating urbanenvironment as well as directionally monitoring shortwave radiation and illuminance and hence evaluate the effect of urban surfaces and anthropogenicheat. We performed day-time and evening-time monitoring campaigns withina historical city in Italy, characterized by substantial urban structure differentiations. We found significant intra-urban variations concerning variables suchas air temperature and shortwave radiation. Moreover, the proposed experimental framework may capture, for the very first time, significant directionalvariations with respect to Shortwave radiation and illuminance across the cityat microclimate scale. The presented mobile station represents therefore thekey missing piece for exhaustively identifying urban environmental qualityand data driven modelling toward risk and resilience planning. It can betherefore used in combination with satellite data, stable weather station orother mobile stations, e.g. bicycle and wearable sensing techniques, througha citizens’ science approach in smart, livable, and sustainable cities in the near future.
Differences of palbociclib and ribociclib in terms of cell death pathways; a cell culture assay
Authors: Ozluk Ahmet , Bulut Gulcan , Atmaca Harika , Karaca Saziye
Published: December 2020

Differences of palbociclib and ribociclib in terms of cell death pathways; a cell culture assay
The contribution of adding cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors to hormonotherapy in relation with the survival was indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer which had positive hormone receptor and negative HER2. In this study, it was planned to indicate two different CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib and ribociclib) providing CDK4/6 inhibition on the cell lines (MCF-7 and BT474) having specifications of luminal-A and luminal-B, the molecular sub-types of positive hormone receptor of breast cancer, and to reveal the molecular differences and to compare cytotoxicity data and necrosis mechanisms in the cell culture experiments. It was planned to determine the differences of resistance mechanism of new combinations. MCF-7 and BT474 cell lines were handled with Palbociclib and Ribociclib individually. The possible cytotoxicity, apoptosis and authopagy effects and the levels of apoptotic proteins were examined. It was indicated that Palbociclib and Ribociclib had cytotoxic effects in both breast cancer cells. In regard of comparing from the point of intracellular pathways, it was determined that the effect of Palbociclib decreased in the increased dosage but that the effect of Ribociclib on cell indicated by means of apoptosis. It was found that palbociclib induced autophagy in the autophagy experiment conducted on the decrease of apoptotic activity with increasing doses. Even though they worked on the same pathway, Palbociclib and Ribociclib utilized different mechanisms to kill the cells and new evidences were obtained that the resistance mechanism may be different from each other according to the treatment.
Energy of Flipping A Spin
Authors: Wang Frank
Published: December 2020

We found that the physics of using a spin’s orientation to store data fundamentally differs from that of using a particle’s position as a (classical) bit of information: the former is quantum dynamic and independent of temperature (if the temperature is below the Curie point), whereas the latter is thermodynamic and thereby dependent on temperature. The formula to calculate the minimum energy of flipping a spin should be the Bohr magneton times the magnetic field. Obviously, the key to calculating such a minimum energy is to find a minimum magnetic field that should not be zero; otherwise, spin-flipping will not take place. Our conclusion is that the energy limit of storing data in a modern way (using a spin’s orientation) is 1.64E-36 J, 15 orders of magnitude lower than that of storing data in a classical way (using a particle’s position), which implies that spin electronics in data storage is fundamentally superior to classical charge-based methods in terms of energy efficiency and computational reversibility. We also verified this new limit based on a spinspin interaction experiment.
An Unusual Case of Delayed Recurrent Traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Chen Ping , Wang Bing
Published: December 2020

Background: Dural and bony defects mostly occur in the same position in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea of anterior cranial base fractures, and a few cases of delayed CSF leakage after repair are also reported.Case presentation: We report a case in which a pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap was used to repair the comminuted fracture of the anterior skull base with CSF leakage. Delayed CSF leakage occurred 45 days after the operation. A minimally invasive approach through an eyebrow incision was performed for reoperation, it was found that the bony defect was located in the right frontal sinus and the dural defect was located in the right ethmoid plate. Conclusions: This case suggests that delayed traumatic CSF rhinorrhea after reconstructive surgery is more complex than usual, and appropriate approach should be adopted to repair the dural and bony defects, the transeyebrow approach is a good choice.
The effect of aerobic exercise and vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and lung function in male smokers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nikniaz Leila , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Nateghian Hooman , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizadeh , pourmanaf Hadi
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and vitamin D supplementation on inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, CC16, SP-D, and CC16/SP-D ratio) and lung function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio) in male smokers.MethodsAfter applying inclusion criteria, a total of 40 healthy male smokers were recruited in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Aerobic Exercise + vitamin D Supplementation (AE + VitD, N = 10), Aerobic Exercise (AE, N = 10), vitamin D Supplementation (VitD, N = 10), and Control (C, N = 10). The subjects in the AE + VitD and AE groups performed aerobic exercise training (running) up to 50% of heart rate (HR) max, three times a week for four weeks. Subjects in AE + VitD and VitD groups received 6000 UI/w vitamin D3 for four weeks. The subjects in control group did not receive any intervention. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, Clara cell protein (CC16), surfactant protein (SP)-D, CC16/SP-D ratio, and lung function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio) were measured before and after four weeks of intervention.ResultsSerum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CC16, and SP-D decreased significantly in AE + VitD and AE groups after four weeks (P < 0.05), but serum SP-D level in the AE group did not decrease significantly. In addition, FEV1 and FVC increased significantly (P < 0.05) in AE + VitD and AE groups after four weeks of intervention. However, AE + VitD and AE did not have a significant effect on CC16/SP-D ratio and FEV1/FVC ratio. Furthermore, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CC16 decreased significantly after vitamin D supplementation (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of present study demonstrates that aerobic exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation can reduce inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory proteins in the blood and improve lung function after four weeks. Further larger trials with higher sample size and longer duration are suggested to confirm these results.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered. IRCT20180513039637N4. Registration date: 2020/10/20. URL: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20180513039637N4
Cardiorespiratory fitness in the population with different glucose metabolic statuses: low cardiorespiratory fitness increases the risk of early abnormal glucose metabolism
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Lanxiang , Jia Xiaojiao , Lu Qiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a risk factor for many chronic diseases. This study aims to evaluate CRF in the population with different glucose metabolism and explore its relationship with early abnormal glucose metabolism.Method: A total of 93 participants were assigned to three groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT); impaired glucose regulation (IGR); and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through OGTT. CPET was performed to evaluate CRF.Results and Conclusion: The anaerobic threshold (AT), oxygen uptake (VO2) and maximum VO2/kg in male participants, and the AT heart rate (HR), AT systolic blood pressure (Psys) and the maximum VO2/kg in female participants, were lower in the T2DM and IGR groups than in the NGT group. Regression analysis shows that the maximum VO2/kg and 1-min HR recovery of female 2-h blood glucose entered into the equation, the maximum VO2 of male participants was related to pre-diabetes and AT power was related to new-onset diabetes, the AT Psys of female participants was related to pre-diabetes and AT HR was related to new-onset diabetes. CRF was closely associated with 2-h blood glucose after glucose load and was an important risk factor for pre-diabetes and new-onset diabetes.
New Germinal Mutation of BRCA1 gene (c.829_832delAATA) in a Polish Patient with Breast/Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ostrowska Malgorzata , Podlodowska Justyna , Sierocinska-Sawa Jadwiga , Wojcierowski Jacek
Published: December 2020

Background: Determination of the BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation status in patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer is commonly performed using various molecular techniques. The use only of targeted PCR-based tests may not be sufficient, as not all possible variants are investigated. Quick and effective diagnosis in order to apply the appropriate treatment is extremely important. In the following study, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques to identify novel pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Methods: In this study, material (blood and FFPE) collected from a 67-year-old patient with ovarian cancer was used. The presence of hereditary mutations characteristic for the Polish population was examined using Sanger sequencing. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene exons were amplified using the Devyser BRCA kit and sequenced on the Miniseq.Results: No germline mutations characteristic for the Polish population were detected. However,12 single nucleotide variants and 2 indels were identified. We found a new deleterious mutation of gene BRCA1 (c.829_832delAATA). To our knowledge, this mutation has not been reported yet in the Polish population and others. Conclusions: The use of the NGS technique increases the possibilities of detecting mutational changes in patients with ovarian and/or breast cancer. The frequency of somatic mutations in ovarian tumors is low (3% - 9%) but their detection may have therapeutic benefits due to the use of poly(adenosine diphosphate)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Quick determination of pathogenic variants is important to facilitate specific therapy in addition to the identification of familial predisposition to cancer.
Adopting and Implementing an Innovative Model to Organize Diabetes Care Within First Nations Communities: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Wozniak Lisa , Soprovich Allison , Johnson Jeffrey , Eurich Dean
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes care remains suboptimal in First Nations populations. Innovative and culturally relevant approaches are needed to promote systematic and proactive organization of diabetes care for people living with diabetes on-reserve in Canada. The RADAR model is one strategy to improve care: an integrated disease registry paired with an electronic health record for local community healthcare providers with remote care coordination. We qualitatively assessed adoption and implementation of RADAR in First Nations communities in Alberta to inform its potential spread in the province. Methods: We used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate adoption and implementation of RADAR in 6 First Nations communities. Using purposeful sampling, we recruited local healthcare providers and remote care coordinators involved in delivering RADAR to participate in telephone or in-person interviews at 6- and 24-months post-implementation. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and verified for accuracy. Data was analyzed using content analysis and managed using ATLAS.ti 8.Results: In total, we conducted 21 semi-structured interviews (6 at 6-months; 15 at 24-months) with 11 participants. Participants included 3 care coordinators and 8 local healthcare providers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered dietitians. We found that adoption of RADAR was influenced by leadership as well as appropriateness, acceptability, and perceived value of the model. In addition, we found that implementation of RADAR was variable across communities regardless of implementation supports and appropriate community-specific adaptations.Conclusions: The variable adoption and implementation of RADAR has implications for how likely it will achieve its anticipated outcomes. RADAR is well positioned for spread through continued appropriate community-based adaptations and by expanding the existing implementation supports, including dedicated human resources to support the delivery of RADAR and the provision of levels of RADAR based on existing or developed capacity among local HCPs.Trial registration: Not applicable to this qualitative assessment.
Feasibility of the New Zealand white Rabbit as an Animal Model for the Study of Biological Grafts in the Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions
Authors: Garcia Marta Peró , Arazo Laura Casani , Castells-Sala Cristina , Rodríguez Maria Pérez , Naranjo Maria Moga , Babot Josep Juan , DeLamo Leticia Alserawan , López-Chicón Patricia , Serrat Anna Vilarrodona , Maestro Lina Badimon , Roda Oriol Porta
Published: December 2020

Objective: to investigate the feasibility of the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit to study human acellular dermal matrix (hADM) biomaterials in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Study design: 20 white female NZW rabbits were randomized into 2 groups, the experimental group (hADM graft) and the control group (Polypropylene graft; PP). In each animal, grafts were surgically implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal wall and in the vaginal submucosa layer for 180 days. The graft segments were then removed and the surgical and clinical results were analysed. Results: The main surgical challenges were: a) to obtain the adequate vaginal exposure and the maintenance of the integrity of the vaginal mucosa layer; b) to keep aseptic conditions; c) to locate and dissect the breast vein during abdominal surgery; and, d) to withdraw blood samples from the ear artery. The most abnormal findings during the explant surgery were found in the PP group (33% of vaginal mesh extrusion) in comparison with the hADM group (0% of vaginal graft extrusion), p=0.015. Interestingly, macroscopic observation indicated that the integration of the vaginal grafts was more common in the hADM group (40%) than in the PP group, in which the vaginal mesh was identified in 100% of the animals (p=0.014). Conclusions: The NZW rabbit is an excellent model to assess materials to be used as grafts for pelvic reconstructive surgery and vaginal surgery. Animals are easily managed during the procedures, including the surgical intervention and vaginal mucosa handling.
Successful Implementation of a National Ethiopian Ophthalmology Review Course
Authors: Ejigu Meseret , O’Banion Jacquelyn , Wu Fran , Allen Keri , Jarstad Allison , Nikpoor Neda , Oliva Matt , Adamu Liknaw , Erny Barbara , Abateneh Aemero , Ayalaew Allehone , Hagos Habtom , Admassu Fisseha , Delelegn Demoze
Published: December 2020

Background: Development of a national ophthalmology review course for the education of residents and use of a standardized international exam as a metric of resident knowledge and education.Methods: A 3 day review course for all Ethiopian ophthalmology residents, taught by visiting and local faculty, in preparation for the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) exam. The ICO exam serves as an external and standardizing measurement of residency curriculum and preparedness for clinical practice. The course and exam was provided free of cost to residents. Baseline knowledge was assessed with the ICO exam in 2017 and results compared with performance each year after the introduction of the review course. Results: Over 2 years of implementation, the resident passage rates of the basic sciences and optics and refraction exams increased by 10% and 28% and a 15% improvement in passage rate of the clinical sciences exam. These scores were significantly higher than international averages. Additionally, increasing numbers of residents were able to sit for the advanced exam with a passage rate of 67% in 2019 compared to the international passage rate of 56%.Conclusions: The implementation of a national review course is feasible and effective in enhacing the education of ophthalmology residents in Ethiopia. The review course and ICO exam serves as a key metric in the education of Ethiopian residents and their knowledge as it compares to their peers in other countries.
Clinical Determinants of Disease Progression in Patients with Beta-sarcoglycan Gene Mutations.
Authors: Marchetti Giulia , Valenti Luca , Torrente Yvan
Published: December 2020

Background: Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2E (LGMD 2E), recently renamed as autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-4 (LGMDR4), is characterized by the lack of beta-sarcoglycan, normally expressed in skeletal muscles and cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that progressive respiratory and left ventricular (LV) failure in LGMDR4 could be associated to the age and interrelated phenomena of disease’s natural history. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the records of 26 patients with LGMDR4. Our primary objective was to compare the rates of decline among creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values, pulmonary function test (PFT) measures, and echocardiographic estimates and to relate them to patients’ age. Results: The rates of decline/year of CPK, PFTs and LV function estimates are significatively bound to age, with the LV ejection fraction (EF) being the strongest independent variable describing disease progression. Moreover, the rate of decline of CPK, PFTs and LV differed in patients grouped according to their genetic mutations, demonstrating a possible genotype-phenotype correlation. The parallel trend of decline in CPK, PFTs and EF values demonstrates the presence in LGMDR4 of a simultaneous and progressive deterioration in muscular, respiratory, and cardiac function.Conclusions: This study expands the current knowledge regarding the trend of CPK values and cardiac and respiratory impairment in patients with LGMDR4, to optimize the monitoring of these patients, to improve their quality of life and provide clinical indices capable of quantifying the effects of any new gene or drug therapy.
Failure Characteristics of W Straps Based on Field Observations and Laboratory Tests 
Authors: Feng Xiaowei , Xue Fei , Wei Qun
Published: December 2020

W straps are important surface supporting components. When they cooperate properly with inner supporting components, such as rock bolts and cable bolts, they can enhance the supporting effects and bridging bolting units with integrity. Unfortunately, relevant studies regarding this topic have not been extensively reported. In this study, the failure characteristics of the W strap in the field are discussed and different types of distortion are proposed. Followed by the detailed failure patterns of the strap, a possible mechanism and solution are hypothetically put forward, which are then both numerically and experimentally verified. Afterwards, a loading apparatus capable of examining the mechanical behaviours of the strap is designed, which can similarly recreate the loading environment of the strap to the situation in the engineering field. By virtue of the designed loading device, a series of failure patterns of the bolting system are presented, and the distortion degree of the strap is evaluated using a 3D scanning method. The major findings in this study are as follows: 1) a domed face plate is better than a square domed face plate; 2) the existence of a hole beneath the strap in engineering applications can easily induce failure; and 3) cracked but compacted gravel-like roof strata beneath the strap may not cause damage to the strap-bolt supporting system. These ideas present new understandings in terms of the working conditions of W straps in coal mine roadway supporting systems, and the results can be referred to by practitioners.
Clinical Features of Cluster Headache without Cranial Autonomic Symptoms: Results from a Prospective multicentre study
Authors: Chu Min Kyung , Kim Byung-Su , Chung Pil-Wook , Kim Byung-Kun , Lee Mi Ji , Park Jeong Wook , Ahn Jin-Young , Bae Dae Woong , Song Tae-Jin , Sohn Jong-Hee , Oh Kyungmi , Kim Daeyoung , Kim Jae-Moon , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Choi Yun-Ju , Chung Jae Myun , Moon Heui-Soo , Chung Chin-Sang , Park Kwang-Yeol , Cho Soo Jin
Published: December 2020

Background: Although cranial autonomic symptoms are typical in cluster headache, some individuals with cluster headache show no cranial autonomic symptoms during their headache attacks. Probable cluster headache is a subtype of cluster headache that fulfils all but one of the five criteria for cluster headache. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical features of cluster headache and probable cluster headache without cranial autonomic symptoms in comparison to those with cranial autonomic symptoms.Methods: We analysed data from the Korea Cluster Headache Registry, a prospective multicentre registry involving data from 16 hospitals.Results: Of the 216 participants with cluster headache and 26 with probable cluster headache, 19 (8.8%) and 7 (26.9%), respectively, did not have cranial autonomic symptoms. Participants with cluster headache without cranial autonomic symptoms exhibited less severe anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 score, median [interquartile range], 2.0 [1.0-6.0] vs 8.0 [3.0-12.0], p = 0.001) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, 3.0 [1.0-7.0] vs 7.0 [3.0-11.0], p = 0.042) than those with cranial autonomic symptoms. Other clinical features, including headache intensity, daily headache frequency, attack duration, bout duration, and location of the pain, did not differ between participants with cluster headache with and without cranial autonomic symptoms. Headache intensity was less severe in participants with probable cluster headache without cranial autonomic symptoms than in those with cranial autonomic symptoms (numeric rating scale, 8.0 [7.0-8.0] vs 9.5 [8.0-10.0], p = 0.015).Conclusions: A significant proportion of participants with cluster headache and probable cluster headache did not have cranial autonomic symptoms. Some clinical features of cluster headache and probable cluster headache differed based on the presence of cranial autonomic symptoms.
High Efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment in Patients With Comorbid Migraine and Depression: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Affatato Oreste , Moulin Thiago C. , Pisanu Claudia , Babasieva Victoria S. , Russo Marco , Aydinlar Elif I. , Torelli Paola , Chubarev Vladimir N. , Tarasov Vadim V. , Schiöth Helgi B. , Mwinyi Jessica
Published: December 2020

Background: Migraine and depression are highly prevalent and partly overlapping disorders that cause strong limitations in daily life. Patients tend to respond poorly to the therapies available for these diseases. OnabotulinumtoxinA has been proven to be an effective treatment for both migraine and depression. While many studies have addressed the effect of onabotulinumtoxinA in migraine or depression separately, a growing body of evidences suggest benecial effects also for patients comorbid with migraine and depression. The current meta-analysis systematically investigates to what extent onabotulinumtoxinA is efficient in migraineurs with depression.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed based on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from the earliest date till October 30th, 2020. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and sample size have been used to evaluate improvement in depressive symptoms and migraine using random-effects empirical Bayes model. Results: Our search retrieved 259 studies, eight of which met inclusion criteria. OnabotulinumtoxinA injections administered to patients with both chronic migraine and major depressive disorder led to mean reduction of -8.94 points (CI: [-10.04, -7.84], p < 0:01) in the BDI scale, of -5.90 points (CI: [-9.92, -1.88], p < 0:01) in the BDI-II scale and of -6.19 points (CI: [-9.52, -2.86], p < 0:01) in the PHQ-9 scale, when evaluating depressive symptoms. In the case of the migraine-related symptoms, we found mean reductions of -4.10 (CI: [-7.31, -0.89], p = 0.01) points in the HIT6 scale, -32.05 (CI: [-55.96, -8.14], p = 0.01) in the MIDAS scale, -1.7 (CI: [-3.27, -0.13], p = 0.03) points in the VAS scale and of -6.27 (CI: [-8.48, -4.07], p < 0:01) migraine episodes per month. Comorbid patients showed slightly better improvements in BDI, HIT6 scores and migraine frequency compared to monomorbid patients. The latter group manifested better results in MIDAS and VAS scores. Conclusion: Treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA leads to a signicant reduction of disease severity of both chronic migraine and major depressive disorder in patients comorbid with both diseases. Comparative analyses suggest an equivalent strong effect in monomorbid and comorbid patients, with benecial effects specically seen for certain migraine features.
The Process of Adapting High School-based Public Health Interventions for Use in Vocational High School Settings - The Case of the Young and Active Intervention
Authors: Jensen Marie Pil , Brautsch Louise Ayoe Sparvath , Rosing Johanne Aviaja , Duus Katrine Sidenius , Jørgensen Andreas , Krølner Rikke Fredenslund
Published: December 2020

Objective: The Healthy High school study aimed to promote wellbeing at high schools in Denmark. While the study was still running, the funding body encouraged the project group to test the applicability of one of the high school-based intervention components, i.e. the Young and Active (Y&A) intervention component, to a Vocational Education and Training (VET) school setting. Y&A comprised a peer-led innovation workshop aimed at inspiring first-year students to develop and implement activities at school which promote sense of community and movement during the school day. Students could apply for a start-up grant to establish new activities and facilities. This research note reports on the systematic process of adapting this intervention component to a VET school setting: 1) needs assessment, 2) preliminary adaptation design, 3) preliminary adaptation testing, and 4) adaptation refinement. Results: Based on the needs assessment, the following adaptions were made to the original intervention component; 1) A narrowed objective and focus i.e. promoting active breaks during the school day, 2) The addition of activity props to support the implementation of active breaks, and 3) Changes to the target group. As part of the further adaptation process, this preliminarily adapted version will be pilot-tested among students at VET schools using mixed methods.
Estimating the Distribution of Viral Taxa in Next-generation Sequencing data using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kohls Moritz , Kircher Magdalena , Krepel Jessica , Liebig Pamela , Jung Klaus
Published: December 2020

Background: Estimating the taxonomic composition of viral sequences in a biological sample processed by next-generation sequencing is an important step for comparative metagenomics. For that purpose, sequencing reads are usually classified by mapping them against a database of known viral reference genomes. This fails, however, to classify reads from novel viruses and quasispecies whose reference sequences are not yet available in public databases. Methods: In order to circumvent the problem of a mapping approach with unknown viruses, the feasibility and performance of neural networks to classify sequencing reads to taxonomic classes is studied. For that purpose, taxonomy and genome data from the NCBI database are used to sample artificial reads from known viruses with known taxonomic attribution. Based on these training data, artificial neural networks are fitted and applied to classify single viral read sequences to di erent taxa. Model building includes di erent input features derived from artificial read sequences as possible predictors which are chosen by a feature selection method. Training, validation and test data are computed from these input features. To summarise classification results, a generalised confusion matrix is proposed which lists all possible misclassification combination frequencies. Two new formulas to statistically estimate taxa frequencies are introduced for studying the overall viral composition.Results: We found that the best taxonomic level supported by the NCBI database is that of viral orders. Prediction accuracy of the fitted models is evaluated on test data and classification results are summarised in a confusion matrix, from which diagnostic measures such as sensitivity and specificity as well as positive and negative predictive values are calculated. The prediction accuracy of the artificial neural net is considerably higher than for random classification and posterior estimation of taxa frequencies is closer to the true distribution in the training data than simple classification or mapping results. Conclusions: Neural networks are helpful to classify sequencing reads into viral orders and can be used to complement the results of mapping approaches. The machine learning approach is not limited to already known viruses. In addition, statistical estimations of taxa frequencies can be used for subsequent comparative metagenomics.
Mediation of The Salicylic Acid Pathway by ROS1 in Response to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yang Liping , Lang Chenjing , Wu Yanju , Meng Dawei , Yang Tianbo , Jin Taicheng , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: December 2020

Background: DNA methylation plays an important role in the growth and development of plants in response to various abiotic stresses. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule that is synthesized by plants and induces the expression of defense genes. Results: In this paper, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which an upstream regulator (ACD6) in the SA pathway, an ABA pathway-related gene (ACO3), and a stress resistance gene (GSTF14) were induced by various abiotic stresses. The results demonstrated that abiotic stresses, including drought, cold, and salt stresses, induced the demethylation of the repeats in the promoters of ACD6, ACO3, and GSTF14 and transcriptionally activated their expression. Furthermore, our results revealed that ROS1-mediated DNA demethylation plays an important role in the process of transcriptional activation of ACD6 and GSTF14 when Arabidopsis plants were under cold stress.Conclusions: Our results confirmed that ROS1 plays an important role in the process of defense genes in the SA pathway and stress resistance gene GSTF14 in response to abiotic stresses.
Systematic Review Protocol. Near Infra-Red Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Cholangiography Versus Intraoperative Cholangiography to Improve Safety in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallstone Disease – A Systematic Review Protocol.
Authors: Boira Mar Achalandabaso , Memba Robert , Bashir Yasir , Pavel Mihai Calin , Llacer Erik , Estalella Laia , Julià Elisabeth , Conlon Kevin , Jorba Rosa
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard surgical approach in the treatment of cholelithiasis. The rate of bile duct injury increased significantly during the initial period of its implementation. Diverse surgical techniques and different imaging modalities have been described to provide enhanced views of the biliary anatomy and potentially prevent or early detect bile duct injuries. Both x-ray intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and Near infra-red indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography (NIR-ICG) have been described as safe and feasible techniques to assess biliary anatomy. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate if NIR-ICG can visualise extrahepatic biliary anatomy more efficiently and safer than IOC in minimally invasive cholecystectomy for gallstone disease.MethodsLiterature search will be performed via Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and web of science. All randomised controlled clinical trials and prospective non-randomised controlled trials which report on comparison of NIR-ICG versus IOC will be included. All patients over 18 years old who require elective or urgent minimally invasive cholecystectomy (undergoing NIR-ICG during this procedure) due to gallstone disease both acute and chronic will be included. Primary outcomes will be ability to visualise extrahepatic biliary anatomy and time to obtain relevant images of the biliary tree.DiscussionOur research expects to give the reader a clear sense of the needed focus of future research and remaining uncertainties in the field. Understanding the benefits of this technique is critical to ensuring policymakers can make informed decisions as to where preventive efforts should be focused regarding specific imaging techniques. If ICG is proven to be faster and non-invasive, routine use could be encouraged and wide implementation could be a reality. Systematic review registrationIn accordance with the guidelines, our systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42020177991.
Adjuvant therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiangji , Wu Tong , Xiao Mengmeng , Wu Shanshan , Min Li , Luo Chenghua
Published: December 2020

Background

Adjuvant therapy is a promising treatment to improve the prognosis of cancer patients, however, the evidence base driving recommendations for adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) or chemotherapy (ACT) in retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) primarily hinges on observational data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy in the management of RPS by pooling analysis.
Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ASCO Abstracts, and Cochrane Library for comparative studies (until January 2020) comparing adjuvant therapy versus surgery alone. Data on the following endpoints were evaluated: overall survival (OS), local recurrence (LR), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS). Data were summarized as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Risk of bias of studies was assessed with Begg’s and Egger’s tests.
Results

A total of 15 trials were eligible, including 9076 adjuvant therapy and 20830 surgery alone cases (20 studies for OS, 6 studies for RFS, 2 studies for LR, and 2 studies for MFS). Meta-analysis showed that ART was associated with distinct advantages as compared to surgery alone, including a longer OS (HR = 0.80, P < 0.0001), a longer RFS (HR = 0.61, P = 0.0002), and a lower LR (HR = 0.31, P = 0.005). However, this meta-analysis failed to demonstrate a benefit of ACT for RPS, including OS (HR = 1.11, P = 0.19), RFS (HR = 1.30, P = 0.09) and MFS (HR = 0.69, P = 0.09). in the sensitivity analysis, ACT was associated with a worse OS (HR = 1.19, P = 0.0002). No evidence of publication bias was observed.
Conclusions

Overall, the quality of the evidence was moderate for most outcomes. The evidence supports that ART achieved a generally better outcome as compared to surgery alone.
Honeybee Genetics Shape the Strain-Level Structure of Gut Microbiota in Social Transmission
Authors: Wu Jiaqiang , Lang Haoyu , Mu Xiaohuan , Zhang Zijing , Su Qinzhi , Hu Xiaosong , Zheng Hao
Published: December 2020

Background : Honeybee gut microbiota transmitted via social interactions are beneficial to the host health. Although the microbial community is relatively stable, individual variations and high strain-level diversity have been detected across honeybees. Although the bee gut microbiota structure is influenced by environmental factors, the heritability of the gut members and the contribution of the host genetics remains elusive. Considering bees within a colony are not readily genetically identical due to the polyandry of queen, we hypothesize that the microbiota structure can be shaped by host genetics. Results : We used shotgun metagenomics to simultaneously profile the microbiota and host genotypes of individuals from hives of four different subspecies. Gut composition is more distant between genetically different bees at both phylotype- and “sequence-discrete population”-level. We then performed a successive passaging experiment within colonies of hybrid bees generated by artificial insemination, which revealed that the microbial composition dramatically shifts across batches of bees during the social transmission. Specifically, different strains from the phylotype of Snodgrassella alvi are preferentially selected by genetically varied hosts, and strains from different hosts show a remarkably biased distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphism in the Type IV pili loci. A genome-wide association analysis identified that the relative abundance of a cluster of Bifidobacterium strains is associated with the host glutamate receptor gene that is specifically expressed in the bee brain. Finally, mono-colonization of Bifidobacterium with a specific polysaccharide utilization locus impacts the expression and alternative splicing of the gluR-B gene, which is associated with an altered circulating metabolomic profile. Conclusions : Our results indicated that host genetics influence the bee gut composition, and suggest a gut-brain connection implicated in the gut bacterial strain preference. Honeybees have been used extensively as a model organism for social behaviors, genetics, and gut microbiome. Further identification of host genetic function as shaping force of microbial structure will advance our understanding of the host-microbe interactions.
Association Between Salivary Carbonic Anhydrase 6 Levels and Early Childhood Caries in Children With Chronic Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Kormi Essa Ahmed , Pani Sharat Chandra , AlNatsha Reem
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the level of a salivary marker (carbonic anhydrase 6 isoenzyme (CA6)) between children with and without bronchial asthma (BA) with dental caries to age and gender-matched non-asthmatic children with a similar caries profile. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 80 children aged 6 to 8 years.The children were divided into four groups according to the presence of BA and caries: 1) high caries, presence of BA, 2) absence of caries, presence of BA, 3) high caries, absence of BA , 4) absence of caries, absence of BA . Differences in CA6 were compared among the groups using a One-Way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Separate regression models were developed to evaluate the impact of oral hygiene, dental caries and salivary pH on CA6 levels in children with and without BA. Results: Children with dental caries had a significantly higher CA6 level than their caries free healthy controls. Children with BA and dental caries had a significantly lower CA6 level than their caries free counterparts. The linear regression model showed dental caries had a significant inverse association with CA6 expression in children with BA but not in healthy children.Conclusion: CA6 may serve as a protective mechanism against dental caries in children with bronchial asthma.
Dietary Acid Load and Its Interaction With IGF1 and IL6 Polymorphisms on Metabolic Traits Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lim Sook Yee , (0000-0002-3853-736X) Yoke Mun Chan , Ramachandran Vasudevan , Shariff Zalilah Mohd , Chin Yit Siew , Arumugam Manohar
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite considerable work has been done to understand the underlying disease mechanisms by elucidating its genetic etiology, still the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome remains unclear. While numerous studies have shown that Insulin growth factors-1 (IGF1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphisms and high dietary acid load (DAL) were related to undesirable profile of metabolic traits; it remains controversial whether DAL is associated with genetic polymorphisms or risk of metabolic traits. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the effects of DAL, IGF1 and IL6 gene polymorphisms and their potential diet-gene interactions on metabolic traits. Methods: A total of 211 community-dwelling postmenopausal women were recruited. DAL was estimated using potential renal acid load (PRAL). Blood was drawn for biochemical parameters and DNA was extracted and Agena® MassARRAY was used for genotyping analysis to identify the signaling of IGF1 (rs35767, rs7136446) and IL6 (rs1800796) polymorphisms. Interactions between diet and genetic polymorphisms were assessed using hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis.Results: Mean age of respondents was 67 ± 6.7 years. A total of 68.2%, 59.2%, 49.3%, 23.2%, 23.2% and 10.9% had elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), hyperglycemia, excessive waist circumference (WC), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), respectively. DAL was positively associated with FBG (β = 0.147, p < 0.05) and there was significant interaction effect between DAL and IL6 with SBP (β = 0.19, p = 0.041). On the other hand, there were no significant main effects of DAL and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs35767, rs7136446 and rs1800796) on SBP, DBP, WC, TG or HDL and cholesterol ratio. There were also no significant interaction effects between DAL and IGF1 SNPs (rs35767 and rs7136446) on SBP, DBP and FBG, TG, HDL and cholesterol ratio. Conclusion: These findings did not support the interaction effects between DAL and IGF1 and IL6 SNPs (s35767, rs7136446 and rs1800796) on metabolic traits, except for SBP. Besides, higher DAL was associated with higher FBG, allowing us to postulate high DAL is a potential risk factor for diabetes. Future research delineating foods that contribute to high DAL, and how IL6 gene polymorphism influences the association with DAL on hypertension are warranted.
Value of Echocardiography Combined with Lung Ultrasound in The Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia
Authors: Han Jing , Yang Xi , Xu Wei , Jin Ronghua , Liu Weiyuan , Meng Sha , Li Jin , Zheng Ying , Li Haowen , Meng Fankun
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To investigate relationships between echocardiography results and lung ultrasound score (LUS) in COVID-19 pneumonia patients, and the value of their combined application for evaluating COVID-19 pneumonia in diagnosis and treatment.Methods: Hospitalized patients underwent lung ultrasound and echocardiography daily. Patients with tricuspid regurgitation within 3 days after admission were collected, and the correlations and differences between pulmonary artery pressures and LUS on days 3, 8, and 13 were compared. The inner diameter of the pulmonary artery root and the sizes of the atria and ventricles were observed.Results: Pulmonary artery pressure within 3 days was positively correlated with LUS (r = 0.448, p = 0.003; r = 0.738, p = 0.000; r = 0.325, p = 0.036). On day 8 the values of both were higher than the corresponding values on days 3 and 13 (p < 0.01). On day 8 the positive rate for increased pulmonary artery pressure was 92.9%(39/42), the positive rate for increased LUS was 90.5%(38/42), and the combined positive rate for the two was 97.6%(41/42). On day 8 the inner diameters of the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery differed significantly from the corresponding values on days 3 and 13 (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Pulmonary arterial pressure is positively correlated with LUS. The two should be combined for more informative assessment of the status of recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia.
A preliminary study of an ultrasound-based method for measuring talar displacement during the anterior drawer stress test using a Telos device
Authors: Tsutsumi Kaori , Nakaya Utayo , Koshino Yuta , Tateno Mari , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Tanaka Mai , Yokoyama Mika , Horie Tatsunori , Samukawa Mina , Kamishima Tamotsu , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: December 2020

Background

Conventionally, X-ray examination has been performed to quantify the instability of the ankle joint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a new ultrasound-based examination for the quantitative detection of ankle instability, and whether the present examination could replace the conventional X-ray test.
Methods

Thirteen adults were recruited for this validation study and were divided into two groups: a control group (eight adults, 16 feet) and an ankle instability (AI) group (five adults, eight feet). The control group had Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores ≥ 25 points, and the AI group had CAIT scores < 25 points. Anterior drawer stress tests were performed using a Telos device with ultrasound (0–150 N) and X-ray (0, 120, and 150 N). The stress ultrasound was performed by two examiners, and changes in the anterior talar displacement were measured by two measurers. The inter-examiner and inter-measurer reliabilities were calculated in the control group, and correlations between stress ultrasound and conventional stress X-ray imaging results were examined at 120 and 150 N in both the control and AI groups.
Results

Ultrasound imaging detected changes in the anterior talar displacement under loads greater than 70 N. The inter-examiner and inter-measurer reliability of the ultrasound-based method were moderate and excellent, respectively, at 150 N. The tibiotalar distances observed with X-ray and ultrasound imaging at 120 N were highly correlated in the AI group.
Conclusion

The ultrasound-based method was comparable to the conventional X-ray method and represents a novel radiation-free method for the detection of ankle instability. This method has the potential for clinical application to quantitatively evaluate mechanical instability.