bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCSIM: Jointly simulating correlated single-cell and bulk next-generation DNA sequencing data
Authors: Giguere Collin , Dubey Harsh Vardhan , Sarsani Vishal Kumar , Saddiki Hachem , He Shai , Flaherty Patrick
Published: May 2020

Background

Recently, it has become possible to collect next-generation DNA sequencing data sets that are composed of multiple samples from multiple biological units where each of these samples may be from a single cell or bulk tissue. Yet, there does not yet exist a tool for simulating DNA sequencing data from such a nested sampling arrangement with single-cell and bulk samples so that developers of analysis methods can assess accuracy and precision.

Results

We have developed a tool that simulates DNA sequencing data from hierarchically grouped (correlated) samples where each sample is designated bulk or single-cell. Our tool uses a simple configuration file to define the experimental arrangement and can be integrated into software pipelines for testing of variant callers or other genomic tools.

Conclusions

The DNA sequencing data generated by our simulator is representative of real data and integrates seamlessly with standard downstream analysis tools.
Comparative genomic analysis of 142 bacteriophages infecting Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica
Authors: Gao Ruimin , Naushad Sohail , Moineau Sylvain , Levesque Roger , Goodridge Lawrence , Ogunremi Dele
Published: May 2020

Background

Bacteriophages are bacterial parasites and are considered the most abundant and diverse biological entities on the planet. Previously we identified 154 prophages from 151 serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. A detailed analysis of Salmonella prophage genomics is required given the influence of phages on their bacterial hosts and should provide a broader understanding of Salmonella biology and virulence and contribute to the practical applications of phages as vectors and antibacterial agents.

Results

Here we provide a comparative analysis of the full genome sequences of 142 prophages of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica which is the full complement of the prophages that could be retrieved from public databases. We discovered extensive variation in genome sizes (ranging from 6.4 to 358.7 kb) and guanine plus cytosine (GC) content (ranging from 35.5 to 65.4%) and observed a linear correlation between the genome size and the number of open reading frames (ORFs). We used three approaches to compare the phage genomes. The NUCmer/MUMmer genome alignment tool was used to evaluate linkages and correlations based on nucleotide identity between genomes. Multiple sequence alignment was performed to calculate genome average nucleotide identity using the Kalgin program. Finally, genome synteny was explored using dot plot analysis. We found that 90 phage genome sequences grouped into 17 distinct clusters while the remaining 52 genomes showed no close relationships with the other phage genomes and are identified as singletons. We generated genome maps using nucleotide and amino acid sequences which allowed protein-coding genes to be sorted into phamilies (phams) using the Phamerator software. Out of 5796 total assigned phamilies, one phamily was observed to be dominant and was found in 49 prophages, or 34.5% of the 142 phages in our collection. A majority of the phamilies, 4330 out of 5796 (74.7%), occurred in just one prophage underscoring the high degree of diversity among Salmonella bacteriophages.

Conclusions

Based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences, a high diversity was found among Salmonella bacteriophages which validate the use of prophage sequence analysis as a highly discriminatory subtyping tool for Salmonella. Thorough understanding of the conservation and variation of prophage genomic characteristics will facilitate their rational design and use as tools for bacterial strain construction, vector development and as anti-bacterial agents.
The utility of red cell distribution width to predict mortality of septic patients in a tertiary hospital of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Rajan , Shakya Yogendra Man , Shrestha Tirtha Man , Neupane Ram Prasad
Published: May 2020

Background

Sepsis is a common problem encountered in the emergency room which needs to be intervened early. Predicting prognosis is always a difficult task in busy emergency rooms using present scores, which has several variables to calculate. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an easy, cheap, and efficacious score to predict the severity and mortality of patients with sepsis.

Methods

This prospective analytical study was conducted in the emergency room of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital among the patients age ≥ 16 years and with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis using qSOFA score. 148 patients were analyzed in the study by using a non-probability purposive sampling method.

Results

RDW has fair efficacy to predict the mortality in sepsis (Area under the Curve of 0.734; 95% C. I = 0.649–0.818; p-value = 0.000) as APACHE II (AUC of 0.728; 95% C. I = 0.637 to 0.819; p-value = 0.000) or SOFA (AUC of 0.680, 95% C. I = 0.591–0.770; p-value = 0.001). Youden Index was maximum (37%) at RDW value 14.75, which has a sensitivity of 83% (positive likelihood ratio = 1.81) and specificity of 54% (negative likelihood ratio = 0.32). Out of 44 patients with septic shock 16 died (36.4%) and among 104 patients without septic shock, 24 died (22.9%) which had the odds ratio of 0.713 (p = 0.555, 95% C. I = 0.231–2.194). Overall mortality was 27.02% (n = 40). RDW group analysis showed no mortality in RDW < 13.1 group, 3.6% mortality in 13.1 to 14 RDW group, 22.0% mortality in 14 to > 15.6 RDW group and 45.9% mortality in > 15.6 RDW group. Significant mortality difference was seen in 14 to > 15.6 and > 15.6 RDW subgroups with a p-value of 0.003 and 0.008 respectively.

Conclusion

Area under the curve value for RDW is fair enough to predict the mortality of patients with sepsis in the emergency room. It can be integrated with other severity scores (APACHE II or SOFA score) for better prediction of prognosis of septic patients.
Craniofacial morphology of wind and string instrument players: a cephalometric study
Authors: Clemente Miguel Pais , Mendes Joaquim , Moreira André , Ferreira Afonso Pinhão , Amarante José Manuel
Published: May 2020

Background

Playing an instrument may promote a parafunctional behavior within the cranio-cervical-mandibular-complex with unknown repercussions. The aim of this study was to find any association between the dental inter-arch relationship and the practice of a wind or string instrument.

Methods

A sample of 77 musicians, divided in two groups of wind (n = 50) and string instrumentalists (n = 27), had a lateral cephalogram taken to compare six cephalometric parameters following the Rickett’s analysis (maxilla position, mandible position, facial type, skeletal class, upper incisor and lower incisor inclination). The Fisher test was performed to compare, with a 95% statistical confidence, if both groups have similar frequency distributions for each cephalometric parameter.

Results

No statistical differences were found for the maxilla position, mandible position, facial type, skeletal class and upper incisor inclination. Statistical differences were found for the lower incisor inclination (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Playing a wind instrument showed to have little orthopaedic influence at the craniofacial morphology, on contrary it may influence the lower incisor inclination with its osseous base.
DL-3-n-butylphthalide improves cerebral hypoperfusion in patients with large cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis: a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Chen Dawei , Yin Yanwei , Shi Jin , Yang Fen , Wang Kehua , Zhao Faguo , Li Wenping , Li Bin
Published: May 2020

Background

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) was demonstrated to increase the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the animal models, but there are no clinic studies to verify this. We aimed to explore the effect of NBP on improving cerebral hypoperfusion caused by cerebral large-vessel stenosis.

Methods

In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 patients with severe carotid atherosclerotic stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) were included and randomly assigned into NBP or placebo group as 1:1 radio. Patients in NBP or placebo group received 200 mg or 20 mg of NBP capsules three times daily for four weeks respectively. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to assess regional CBF (rCBF) in four regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to MCA before and 12 weeks after the treatment. After therapy, the rCBF change for every ROI and the whole CBF change in MCA territory for every patient were classified into amelioration, stabilization and deterioration respectively.

Results

48 NBP patients (6 with bilateral stenosis) and 46 placebo patients (8 with bilateral stenosis) completed the trial. Overall, both groups had 54 stenotic carotid arteries and 216 ROIs for rCBF change analysis. After therapy, the rCBF in ROIs increased in NBP group (83.5% ± 11.4% vs. 85.8% ± 12.5%, p = 0.000), whereas no change was found in placebo group (86.9% ± 11.6% vs. 87.8% ± 11.7%, p = 0.331). Besides, there was higher percentages of ROIs with rCBF amelioration and stabilization in NBP group than in placebo group (93.1% vs. 79.2%, p = 0.000). Furthermore, ordinal regression analysis showed that compared with placebo, NBP independently made more patients to have whole CBF amelioration in ipsilateral MCA (Wald-χ2 = 5.247, OR = 3.31, p = 0.022).

Conclusions

NBP might improve the cerebral hypoperfusion in the patients with carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028005, registered December 8th 2019- Retrospectively registered (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) related to immunogenic cell death are differentially triggered by clinically relevant chemotherapeutics in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Solari José Ignácio Gonzalez , Filippi-Chiela Eduardo , Pilar Emily Salles , Nunes Vitória , Gonzalez Esteban Alberto , Figueiró Fabrício , Andrade Cristiano Feijó , Klamt Fábio
Published: May 2020

Background

Chemotherapeutics can stimulate immune antitumor response by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is activated by Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) like the exposure of calreticulin (CRT) on the cell surface, the release of ATP and the secretion of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1).

Methods

Here, we investigated the levels of ICD-associated DAMPs induced by chemotherapeutics commonly used in the clinical practice of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the association of these DAMPs with apoptosis and autophagy. A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells were treated with clinically relevant doses of cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide, paclitaxel and gemcitabine. We assessed ICD-associated DAMPs, cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy in an integrated way.

Results

Cisplatin and its combination with etoposide induced the highest levels of apoptosis, while etoposide was the less pro-apoptotic treatment. Cisplatin also induced the highest levels of ICD-associated DAMPs, which was not incremented by co-treatments. Etoposide induced the lower levels of ICD and the highest levels of autophagy, suggesting that the cytoprotective role of autophagy is dominant in relation to its pro-ICD role. High levels of CRT were associated with better prognosis in TCGA databank. In an integrative analysis we found a strong positive correlation between DAMPs and apoptosis, and a negative correlation between cell number and ICD-associated DAMPs as well as between autophagy and apoptosis markers. We also purpose a mathematical integration of ICD-associated DAMPs in an index (IndImunnog) that may represent with greater biological relevance this process. Cisplatin-treated cells showed the highest IndImmunog, while etoposide was the less immunogenic and the more pro-autophagic treatment.

Conclusions

Cisplatin alone induced the highest levels of ICD-associated DAMPs, so that its combination with immunotherapy may be a promising therapeutic strategy in NSCLC.
Dropout at Danish vocational schools: does the school’s health promotion capacity play a role? A survey- and register-based prospective study
Authors: Thøgersen Maja , Aadahl Mette , Elsborg Peter , Klinker Charlotte Demant
Published: May 2020

Background

School dropout rates and risky health behavior is common among students in vocational education and training (VET) schools. Students with poor physical and mental health are more likely to drop out, and as such VET schools may be an important setting for health promotion initiatives, not only to support a healthy lifestyle, but also to assure completion of education. A common feature of successful health promotion at VET schools is a high health promotion capacity at the school level. This study aimed to investigate the association between VET school’s health promotion capacity and later student dropout rates. Secondary, we explored other school characteristics associated with student dropout rates.

Methods

This prospective study comprised 58 Danish VET schools offering basic programs. Health promotion capacity was assessed using questionnaire data from 2017 from school managers and teachers, and this was combined with register-based data on student dropouts the following year. Health promotion capacity was assessed using six scales, representing six underlying domains, and managers and teachers’ ratings of these were compared using t-test. Associations between health promotion capacity and student dropout rates as well as associations between school characteristics and student dropout rates were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Results

No associations between VET schools’ health promotion capacity and student dropout rates were observed, neither for the schools’ overall health promotion capacity or for any of the six underlying domains (p = 0.17–0.84). School managers assessed health promotion capacity significantly higher than teachers overall and within all domains (p < 0.05). Moreover, student dropout rates were significantly lower at schools with a higher proportion of ethnic Danish students, VET-students at higher educational level and schools located in the Western part of Denmark (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

No associations between VET schools’ health promotion capacity and student dropout rates were observed. This may be due to a relatively short follow-up time in our study and future research may reveal if VET school health promotion capacity may affect dropout rates over a longer time period. Moreover, more work is needed to further develop instruments for measuring health promotion capacity in a VET school context as well as other contexts.
Complications after surgical management of proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review of event terms and definitions
Authors: Alispahic N. , Brorson S. , Bahrs C. , Joeris A. , Steinitz A. , Audigé L.
Published: May 2020

Background

The most frequently used surgical procedures for treating a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) are plate osteosynthesis, nail osteosynthesis and arthroplasty. Evidence-based recommendations for an appropriate surgical procedure after PHF requires transparent and valid safety data. We performed a systematic review to examine reported terms and definitions of complications after surgically-treated PHFs.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus and WorldCat to identify clinical articles and book chapters on complications of PHF published from 2010 to 2017. Complication terms and definitions were extracted from each selected article independently by two reviewers and grouped according to a predefined scheme.

Results

From 1376 initial references, we selected 470 articles, of which 103 were reviewed in reverse chronological order until no further information was gained. Twelve book chapters were reviewed. We found 667 local event terms associated with complications after surgical treatment of PHFs. The most frequently used event terms were infection (52 references), nonunion (n = 42), malunion (n = 35), avascular necrosis (n = 27) and pain (n = 25). Overall, 345, 177, 257 and 102 local event terms were related to plating, nailing, arthroplasty and other surgical techniques, respectively. Radiological assessment was the basis for the majority of event terms and complication definitions. Thirty-six event definitions were extracted, mostly defining the terms “secondary fracture displacement”, “screw perforation/cutout”, “malunion”, “delayed healing” and “notching”.

Conclusion

Scientific literature on surgically-managed PHF uses different terms to describe complications and without approved definitions, which highlights a lack of agreement on adverse event terminology for PHFs. Defined event terms are mostly based on radiological observations. Consensus among shoulder surgeons on a core event set is indispensable to support the standardization of safety reporting for surgically-treated PHFs.
Use of web-based game in neonatal resuscitation - is it effective?
Authors: Yeo Cheo Lian , Ho Selina Kah Ying , Tagamolila Vina Canlas , Arunachalam Sridhar , Bharadwaj Srabani Samanta , Poon Woei Bing , Tan Mary Grace , Edison Priyantha Ebenezer , Yip Wai Yan , Haium Abdul Alim Abdul , Jayagobi Pooja Agarwal , Vora Shrenik Jitendrakumar , Khurana Simrita Kaur , Allen John Carson , Lustestica Ereno Imelda
Published: May 2020

Background

Knowledge and skills decline within months post simulation-based training in neonatal resuscitation. To empower ‘Millennial’ learners to take control of their own learning, a single-player, unguided web-based Neonatal Resuscitation Game was designed. The present study investigates the effectiveness of the game on retention of resuscitation knowledge and skills.

Methods

The study evaluated 162 healthcare professionals who attended simulation-based training in neonatal resuscitation. Following standard simulation-based training, participants were assigned to either a gaming group (Gamers) with access to the web-based Neonatal Resuscitation Game or a control group (Controls) with no access to the game. Although Gamers were given access, game utilization was completely voluntary and at will. Some Gamers chose to utilize the web-based game (Players) and others did not (Non-players). Knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation were assessed upon completion of training and 6 months post-training using a multiple-choice question test and a manikin-based skills test. Changes in scores were compared statistically between Gamers vs Controls, Players vs Controls, and Players vs Controls + Non-players using two-sample t-tests.

Results

At the final assessment, declines in knowledge scores were seen in all groups. Mean change from baseline in knowledge and skill performance scores at 6 months, adjusted for baseline skill performance and MCQ test scores, did not differ significantly between Players vs Controls and Players vs Controls + Non-players.

Conclusion

The web-based game in its current format may not be effective in facilitating retention of knowledge and technical skills in neonatal resuscitation.
Workplace interventions that support older employees’ health and work ability - a scoping review
Authors: Söderbacka Tina , Nyholm Linda , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to examine workplace interventions that support older employees’ health and work ability and the effect of these interventions.

Methods

We used a scoping review, a type of a systematic literature review in which selected published academic articles and grey literature reports are included, to answer the following questions: 1) What kind of interventions have been made to support older employees’ health? and 2) What effects do these interventions have on older employees’ work ability? The scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and summarized by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used. Four key concepts comprised the basis for the research: health, intervention, older employee and work ability. A total of 8 articles were found to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was limited to published academic articles between 2007 and 2019. Participant age varied between 37 and 74 years (overall average age 50–55) and workplaces comprised the intervention settings.

Results

Three main intervention categories were discerned: health checks and counselling for employees on the individual level, interventions based on screenings, and improvements in work environment or organization. Positive behavioral change and lowered health risks can be achieved through health counselling, which increases work ability. Measurements and screenings comprise good ways to chart and follow-up on employees’ work ability and health status. Supervisor training and support from supervisors were seen to have a positive effect on health outcomes and increased work ability.

Conclusions

To guarantee good results, employers should focus on employees’ health and interventions should occur when employees are younger than the studied group. The small number of articles related to intervention studies for the age group studied here indicate that a knowledge gap exists. We maintain that workplaces that promote employees’ health by strengthening older employees’ vitality can encourage employees to have longer careers.
The translation and psychometric assessment of the perception of empowerment in midwifery scale: the Persian version
Authors: Hajiesmaello Maryam , Kariman Nourossadat , Sharif Nia Hamid , Ozgoli Gity , Hajian Sepideh , Bazzazian Shahin , Mokhtarian-Gilani Tahereh
Published: May 2020

Background

A major part of midwifery care involves the empowerment of women and their families for the control of factors affecting their health. To this end, midwives should experience their own empowerment first. The present study was conducted to translate and determine the psychometric properties of the Perception of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale among Iranian midwives.

Methods

A total of 380 people participated in this cross-sectional study. A demographic questionnaire and the 22-item Perception of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale were sent to the participants online. The validity of the scale and the analysis of its main components were carried out through exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the scale was assessed using the internal consistency method with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, average inter-item correlation (AIC) and McDonald’s omega.

Results

Seventeen scale items were retained after the exploratory factor analysis, and five factors were extracted, including “effective management”, “professional practice”, “authority”, “advocacy”, and “professional informant”, with factor loadings ranging from 0.489 to 0.899. The five latent factors explained 53.07% of the overall variance of the scale. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable goodness of fit. The internal consistency of the scale was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.7.

Conclusion

The Persian version of the Perception of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale with 17 items has adequate reliability for midwives working in Iran. Given its appropriate psychometric properties, this scale is fit to be used among midwives in future studies.
Impact of socioeconomic status on patient experience on quality of care for ambulatory healthcare services in tertiary hospitals in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Aloh Henry E. , Onwujekwe Obinna E. , Aloh Obianuju G. , Okoronkwo Ijeoma L. , Nweke Chijioke Joel
Published: May 2020

Background

To determine how socioeconomic factors, such as level of education and employment status, affect patient experiences on quality of care for ambulatory healthcare services in teaching hospitals in southeast Nigeria.

Methods

The study is of a cross-sectional design and exit poll was used to collect its data. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to clients accessing care in the outpatient departments of three tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The assessment of patient experiences for quality of care was based on five (5) domains of care: waiting time; environment of the outpatient department; quality of doctor’s care; quality of care by nurses/other health workers; and responsiveness of care. In addition, the overall quality of care was assessed.

Results

The mean rating of patient experience for quality of care for ambulatory healthcare services (outpatients’ care) was 74.31 ± 0.32%. Moderate differences were observed between the hospitals assessed for various levels of patients’ care, especially for waiting time, quality of doctors’ care and overall quality of care. Employment status was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) determinant of overall patient experience rating for quality of care, while the level of patient’s education was an influence on the perception of waiting by the patients and their rating of care from nurses/other healthcare providers (apart from medical doctors).

Conclusion

The study showed that educational and employment status (measures of socioeconomic status) of patients determined how patients receiving ambulatory (outpatient) healthcare services perceived the quality of care in the hospitals. Hence, in order to ensure equity, there is need to institutionalize patient-centered care, while full consideration is given to the patients’ socioeconomic status.
Children’s microvascular traits and ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood: prospective evidence to elucidate the developmental origin of particle-induced disease
Authors: Luyten Leen J. , Dockx Yinthe , Provost Eline B. , Madhloum Narjes , Sleurs Hanne , Neven Kristof Y. , Janssen Bram G. , Bové Hannelore , Debacq-Chainiaux Florence , Gerrits Nele , Lefebvre Wouter , Plusquin Michelle , Vanpoucke Charlotte , De Boever Patrick , Nawrot Tim S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Particulate matter exposure during in utero life may entail adverse health outcomes later in life. The microvasculature undergoes extensive, organ-specific prenatal maturation. A growing body of evidence shows that cardiovascular disease in adulthood is rooted in a dysfunctional fetal and perinatal development, in particular that of the microcirculation. We investigate whether prenatal or postnatal exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) or NO2 is related to microvascular traits in children between the age of four and six.

Methods

We measured the retinal microvascular diameters, the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), and the vessel curvature by means of the tortuosity index (TI) in young children (mean [SD] age 4.6 [0.4] years), followed longitudinally within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We modeled daily prenatal and postnatal PM2.5 and NO2 exposure levels for each participant’s home address using a high-resolution spatiotemporal model.

Results

An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy was associated with a 3.85-μm (95% CI, 0.10 to 7.60; p = 0.04) widening of the CRVE and a 2.87-μm (95% CI, 0.12 to 5.62; p = 0.04) widening of the CRAE. For prenatal NO2 exposure, an IQR increase was found to widen the CRVE with 4.03 μm (95% CI, 0.44 to 7.63; p = 0.03) and the CRAE with 2.92 μm (95% CI, 0.29 to 5.56; p = 0.03). Furthermore, a higher TI score was associated with higher prenatal NO2 exposure. We observed a postnatal effect of short-term PM2.5 exposure on the CRAE and a childhood NO2 exposure effect on both the CRVE and CRAE.

Conclusions

Our results link prenatal and postnatal air pollution exposure with changes in a child’s microvascular traits as a fundamental novel mechanism to explain the developmental origin of cardiovascular disease.
Transcriptome profiling of porcine testis tissue reveals genes related to sperm hyperactive motility
Authors: van Son Maren , Tremoen Nina Hårdnes , Gaustad Ann Helen , Våge Dag Inge , Zeremichael Teklu Tewoldebrhan , Myromslien Frøydis Deinboll , Grindflek Eli
Published: May 2020

Background

Sperm hyperactive motility has previously been shown to influence litter size in pigs, but little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to use RNA sequencing to investigate gene expression differences in testis tissue from Landrace and Duroc boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactive motility. Boars with divergent phenotypes were selected based on their sperm hyperactivity values at the day of ejaculation (day 0) (contrasts (i) and (ii) for Landrace and Duroc, respectively) and on their change in hyperactivity between day 0 and after 96 h liquid storage at 18 °C (contrast (iii)).

Results

RNA sequencing was used to measure gene expression in testis. In Landrace boars, 3219 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (i), whereas 102 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (iii). Forty-one differentially expressed genes were identified in both contrasts, suggesting a functional role of these genes in hyperactivity regardless of storage. Zinc fingerDNLZwas the most up-regulated gene in contrasts (i) and (iii), whereas the most significant differentially expressed gene for the two contrasts were ADP ribosylation factorARFGAP1and solute carrierSLC40A1, respectively. For Duroc (contrast (ii)), the clustering of boars based on their gene expression data did not reflect their difference in sperm hyperactivity phenotypes. No results were therefore obtained for this breed. A case-control analysis of variants identified in the Landrace RNA sequencing data showed that SNPs inNEU3,CHRDL2andHMCN1might be important for sperm hyperactivity.

Conclusions

Differentially expressed genes were identified in Landrace boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactivity at the day of ejaculate collection and high and low change in hyperactivity after 96 h of sperm storage. The results point towards important candidate genes, biochemical pathways and sequence variants underlying sperm hyperactivity in pigs.
Enhanced production of recombinant proteins in Corynebacterium glutamicum by constructing a bicistronic gene expression system
Authors: Sun Manman , Gao Xiong , Zhao Zihao , Li An , Wang Yali , Yang Yankun , Liu Xiuxia , Bai Zhonghu
Published: May 2020

Background

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a traditional food-grade industrial microorganism, in which an efficient endotoxin-free recombinant protein expression factory is under developing in recent years. However, the intrinsic disadvantage of low recombinant protein expression level is still difficult to be solved. Here, according to the bacteria-specific polycistronic feature that multiple proteins can be translated in one mRNA, efforts have been made to insert a leading peptide gene upstream of target genes as an expression enhancer, and it is found that this can remarkably improve the expression level of proteins under the control of inducible tac promoter in C. glutamicum.

Results

In this research, the Escherichia coli (E. coli) tac promoter combined with 24 different fore-cistron sequences were constructed in a bicistronic manner in C. glutamicum. Three strong bicistronic expression vectors were isolated and exhibited high efficiency under different culture conditions. The compatibility of these bicistronic vectors was further validated using six model proteins- aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), RamA (regulator of acetate metabolism), Bovine interferon-α (BoIFN-α), glycoprotein D protein (gD) of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) and procollagen type Ι N-terminal peptide (PΙNP). All examined proteins were highly expressed compared with the original vector with tac promoter. Large-scale production of PΙNP was also performed in fed-batch cultivation, and the highest PΙNP production level was 1.2 g/L.

Conclusion

In this study, the strength of the inducible tac promoter for C. glutamicum was improved by screening and inserting fore-cistron sequences in front of the target genes. Those vectors with bicistronic expression patterns have strong compatibility for expressing various heterogeneous proteins in high yield. This new strategy could be used to further improve the performance of inducible promoters, achieving double competence of inducible control and high yield.
Correction to: Estimated postnatal p,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE levels and body mass index at 42 months of age in a longitudinal study of Japanese children
Authors: Plouffe Laurence , Bosson-Rieutort Delphine , Madaniyazi Lina , Iwai-Shimada Miyuki , Nakai Kunihiko , Tatsuta Nozomi , Nakayama Shoji F. , Verner Marc-André
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Lipid profile and left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children
Authors: Bjelakovic Bojko , Stefanutti Claudia , Vukovic Vladimir , Kavaric Nebojsa , Saranac Ljiljana , Klisic Aleksandra , Lukic Stevo , Stankovic Sanja , Jovic Maja , Prijic Sergej , Bjelakovic Marko , Banach Maciej
Published: May 2020

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Previous studies reported conflicting results concerning the relationship between serum lipid levels and left ventricular geometry pattern. We sought to explore the relationship between standard serum lipid profile measures with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children.

Patients and methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 70 obese children were examined. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), glucose, and insulin. Based on these valuesTG/HDLratio, BMI and HOMA index were calculated. We also measured the average 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) and two-dimensional (2/D) transthoracic echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between study variables and the LVMI or RWT as outcome variables. The final model with LVMI included TG/HDL ratio, BMI, 24 h-average SBP, age and sex, while for the RWT we included BMI, insulin, age and sex.

Results

Our study included 70 children (65.71% boys and 34.29% girls) median age (14 years, IQR = 12–16)." We demonstrated independent and positive association of TG/HDL ratio, BMI and 24 h-average SBP with LVMI (effect = 3.65, SE = 1.32,p < 0.01; effect = 34.90, SE = 6.84, p < 0.01; effect = 0.32, SE = 0.12, p < 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, in model with RWT as outcome variable, only BMI and insulin were significantly linked (BMI: effect = 13.07, SE = 5.02,p = 0.01 Insulin: effect = 2.80, SE = 0.97).

Conclusion

Increased TG/HDL ratio in obese children is associated with the development of eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy while increased BMI and insulin were associated with concentric left ventricular hypertophy.
CK20 versus AMACR and p53 immunostains in evaluation of Urothelial Carcinoma in Situ and Reactive Atypia
Authors: Neal Daniel J. , Amin Mahul B. , Smith Steven C.
Published: May 2020

Ancillary testing with immunohistochemistry has shown recent promise in the workup of equivocal bladder lesions. We read with interest the recent findings of Alston et al., who assessed the diagnostic utility of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) in comparison to cytokeratin 20 (CK20) in evaluation of atypia in challenging flat urothelial lesions in the differential between carcinoma in situ (CIS) and reactive atypia. AMACR was reported to be a somewhat more specific but less sensitive marker for CIS than CK20, though showing weaker intensity. Spurred by their report, with the knowledge that we had consistently and consecutively performed AMACR, CK20, and p53 on flat urothelial lesions challenging enough to reach intradepartmental consensus, we performed a retrospective review. Similarly, we found that AMACR was less sensitive (80%) and more specific (100%) than CK20, with the same caveat of less staining intensity. Additionally, our p53 review identified a significant rate (~ 27%) of equivocal/non-informative findings. Taken together, our experience in this consecutive cohort confirms the impression of Alston et al. regarding the utility and challenges of AMACR use, while highlighting challenges with p53, which we plan to use more sparingly prospectively.
The primary total knee arthroplasty: a global analysis
Authors: Gao Jiaxiang , Xing Dan , Dong Shengjie , Lin Jianhao
Published: May 2020

Background

The use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in treatment of chronic degenerative pathologies of the knee has boasted of an experience of 50 years. The aim of this bibliometric and visualized study is to comprehensively examine the current status and global trends of TKA research.

Methods

Publications related to TKA research from 2010 to 2019 were retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) and Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) database and then analyzed through bibliometric methodology. As for the visualized study, the software VOS viewer was utilized for bibliographic coupling, coauthorship, cocitation, and co-occurrence analysis, along with further simulation of publication trends in this field.

Results

A total of 8631 publications were eventually included. The number of publications tends to increase annually worldwide. The USA was the pioneer which has made tremendous contributions, with the most publications and citations, as well as the highest H-index.The Journal of Arthroplastyhas published the most papers, whileClinical Orthopaedics and Related Researchhas the highest citation frequency. The Hospital for Special Surgery has made the greatest contribution when total publication number and coauthorship were taken together. Studies could be divided into five clusters: “alignment study”, “revision TKA study”, “complication study”, “rehabilitation study”, and “perioperative management study”, which have a trend of balanced development in this field.

Conclusions

There will be an increasing number of publications on TKA research according to the current global trends, and the USA maintained the leadership in this area. Additionally, a trend of balanced development may exist in the field of TKA research, accompanied with inherent changes of hotspots in each cluster.
Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies
Authors:   on behalf of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD), Opladen Thomas , López-Laso Eduardo , Cortès-Saladelafont Elisenda , Pearson Toni S. , Sivri H. Serap , Yildiz Yilmaz , Assmann Birgit , Kurian Manju A. , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Heales Simon , Pope Simon , Porta Francesco , García-Cazorla Angeles , Honzík Tomáš , Pons Roser , Regal Luc , Goez Helly , Artuch Rafael , Hoffmann Georg F. , Horvath Gabriella , Thöny Beat , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine , Burlina Alberto , Verbeek Marcel M. , Mastrangelo Mario , Friedman Jennifer , Wassenberg Tessa , Jeltsch Kathrin , Kulhánek Jan , Kuseyri Hübschmann Oya
Published: May 2020

Background

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies comprise a group of six rare neurometabolic disorders characterized by insufficient synthesis of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin due to a disturbance of BH4biosynthesis or recycling. Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is the first diagnostic hallmark for most BH4deficiencies, apart from autosomal dominant guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I deficiency and sepiapterin reductase deficiency. Early supplementation of neurotransmitter precursors and where appropriate, treatment of HPA results in significant improvement of motor and cognitive function. Management approaches differ across the world and therefore these guidelines have been developed aiming to harmonize and optimize patient care. Representatives of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD) developed the guidelines according to the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) methodology by evaluating all available evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of BH4deficiencies.

Conclusion

Although the total body of evidence in the literature was mainly rated as low or very low, these consensus guidelines will help to harmonize clinical practice and to standardize and improve care for BH4deficient patients.
Change in Norwegian consumer attitudes towards piglet castration: increased emphasis on animal welfare
Authors: Sødring Marianne , Nafstad Ola , Håseth Torunn Thauland
Published: May 2020

Background

Male piglets are surgically castrated at a young age primarily to prevent pork meat from being tainted with boar taint, an offensive taste and odor that can be present in uncastrated male pigs. The practice of surgical castration is considered to be both stressful and painful for the piglets, and is therefore under scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns. Rearing of intact males or vaccination against boar taint (immunocastration) are two potential alternatives to surgical castration, but in order to successfully implement either of these alternatives, consumer acceptance of the different methods must be taken into consideration as it will be central for future sales of pork products. A consumer survey mapping Norwegian consumers’ attitudes toward piglet castration was conducted to explore whether the consumers’ position regarding castration has changed since an almost identical study was completed in 2008.

Results

The internet-based survey found that Norwegian consumers are comfortable with the current practice of surgical castration with anesthesia, but also that they are open to the alternative method of vaccination against boar taint. When provided additional information stating that vaccination against boar taint may not be able to reduce boar taint to the levels that castration with anesthesia does, consumer skepticism towards vaccination increased. When evaluating castration methods, animal welfare was the most important influencing factor. Since the original survey from 2008, animal welfare was also the single factor that has increased the most among a set of assessment criteria when purchasing pork products.

Conclusion

Norwegian consumers regard animal welfare as an important factor both when purchasing pork products and when evaluating different methods of castration, and animal welfare as a factor has increased in importance since the initial survey in 2008. Although the current practice of castration using local anesthesia is still widely accepted among consumers, the acceptance of today’s method has declined since the original survey in 2008.
The use of tear ferning test in cats for evaluation of ocular surface
Authors: Veloso Jéssica Fontes , Oriá Arianne Pontes , Raposo Ana Cláudia Santos , Lacerda Ariane Jesus , Silva Cláudia Vital Borges , Lima Larissa Ferreira , Carlos Renata Santiago Alberto
Published: May 2020

Background

The tear film is a trilaminar fluid composed mainly of lipids, electrolytes, proteins and water. It is responsible for lubrication, nutrition and protection against microbial and toxic agents. Disruption of any these components may weaken the ocular surface, making it more susceptible to disease. Increasing evidence suggests that qualitative tear film deficiencies are an important predisposing factor or cause of some of the most common and challenging ocular diseases in cats, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED), pigmentary keratitis, corneal sequestrum and dry eye syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the tear ferning test in healthy cats and to compare the results by using two grading scales for humans. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer tear test (STT) strips from 60 healthy cats, and, after centrifuging the strips to obtain the samples, the aliquot was placed on clean microscope glass until it dried and the tear ferning patterns were observed under a polarized light microscope and classified according to the Rolando and Masmali grading scales.

Results

Ferning patterns in the lower grades showed full crystallization with high density, without gaps between the ferns and branches, forming several nuclei that were easily distinguished. According to the Rolando scale, 50% (60/120), 46.6% (56/120) and 3.4% (4/120) of eyes showed type I, II and III patterns, respectively. According to the Masmali scale, 15% (18/120), 56.6% (68/120 eyes) and 28.4% (34/120) of eyes showed grade 0, 1 and 2 patterns, respectively. No difference was observed between the right and left eyes for both Rolando (P = 0.225) and Masmali (P = 0.683) scales.

Conclusions

The tear ferning test is a qualitative test that can be used in cats as a complementary evaluation of the ocular surface. While the Rolando scale showed an increased prevalence of types I and II, the Masmali scale showed an increased prevalence of grades 1 and 2. This can be attributed to the species-specific differences between human and feline tear film. So Masmali grade 2 can be considered a normal tear pattern for the species, because all the cats used in study were clinically healthy. For this reason, future complementary studies are necessary for comparing healthy eyes and eyes with different ocular surface disease in cats. Both scales can be feasible options for grading tear crystallization in cats, but as Rolando scale included 96.6% of the samples in the 2 types that are considered normal for humans, we think that this scale seemed to be more precise to classify crystallization pattern in cats. The crystallization patterns observed in this study can form the basis for standardizing ocular surface parameters in cats.
Referral patterns to primary mental health services in Western Sydney (Australia): an analysis of routinely collected data (2005–2018)
Authors: Munasinghe Sithum , Page Andrew , Mannan Haider , Ferdousi Shahana , Peek Brendan
Published: May 2020

Background

Regionally-specific approaches to primary mental health service provision through Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been a feature of recent national mental health reforms. No previous studies have been conducted to investigate local patterns of primary mental health care (PMHC) services in Western Sydney. This study is designed to (i) understand the socio-demographic and economic profiles (ii) examine the inequalities of service access, and (iii) investigate the service utilisation patterns, among those referred to PMHC services in Western Sydney, Australia.

Methods

This study used routinely collected PMHC data (2005–2018), population-level general practice and Medicare rebates data (2013–2018) related to mental health conditions, for the population catchment of the Western Sydney PHN. Sex- and age-specific PMHC referrals were examined by socio-demographic, diagnostic, referral- and service-level factors, and age-specific referrals to PMHC services as a percentage of total mental health encounters were investigated.

Results

There were 27,897 referrals received for 20,507 clients, of which, 79.19% referrals resulted in follow-up services with 138,154 sessions. Overall, 60.09% clients were female, and median age was 31 years with interquartile ranged 16–46 years. Anxiety and depression were the predominant mental health condition, and 9.88% referred for suicidal risk. Over two-thirds of referrals started treatments during the first month of the referral and 95.1% of the total sessions were delivered by face to face. The younger age group (0–24) had greater referral opportunities as a percentage of total visits to a general practitioner and Medicare rebates, however demonstrating poor attendance rates with reduced average sessions per referral compared with older adults.

Conclusion

Children and young adults were more likely to be referred to PMHC services than older adults, but were less likely to attend services. Further research is needed to identify the strategies to address these differences in access to PMHC services to optimise the effectiveness of services.