bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural variation of physiological traits, molecular markers, and chlorophyll catabolic genes associated with heat tolerance in perennial ryegrass accessions
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Hui , Jiang Yiwei , Li Huibin , Zhang Zhipeng , Xu Zhipeng , Xu Bin , Huang Bingru
Published: October 2020

Background: Identification of genetic diversity in heat tolerance and associated traits is of great importance for improving heat tolerance in cool-season grass species. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variations in heat tolerance associated with phenotypic and physiological traits and to identify molecular markers associated with heat tolerance in a diverse collection of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).Results: Plants of 98 accessions were subjected to heat stress (35/30 ℃, day/night) or optimal growth temperature (25/20 ℃) for 24 d in growth chambers. Overall heat tolerance of those accessions was ranked by principal component analysis (PCA) based on eight phenotypic and physiological traits. Among these traits, electrolyte leakage (EL), chlorophyll content (Chl), relative water content (RWC) had high correlation coefficients (−0.858, 0.769, and 0.764, respectively) with the PCA ranking of heat tolerance. We also found expression levels of four Chl catabolic genes (CCGs), including LpNYC1, LpNOL, LpSGR, and LpPPH, were significant higher in heat sensitive ryegrass accessions then heat tolerant ones under heat stress. Furthermore, 66 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to perform association analysis based on the PCA result. The population structure of ryegrass can be grouped into three clusters, and accessions in cluster C were relatively more heat tolerant than those in cluster A and B. SSR markers significantly associated with above-mentioned traits were identified (R2>0.05, p <0.01)., including two pairs of markers located on chromosome 4 in association with Chl content and another four pairs of markers in association with EL.Conclusion: The result not only identified useful physiological parameters, including EL, Chl content, and RWC, and their associated SSR markers for heat-tolerance breeding of perennial ryegrass, but also highlighted the involvement of Chl catabolism in ryegrass heat tolerance. Such knowledge is of significance for heat-tolerance breeding and heat tolerance mechanisms in perennial ryegrass as well as in other cool-season grass species.
The effect of the difference in C2-7 angle on the occurrence of dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with the Zero-P Implant System
Authors: Huang Chengyi , Meng Yang , Wang Beiyu , Yu Jie , Ding Chen , Yang Yi , Wu Tingkui , Liu Hao
Published: October 2020

Objectives: To investigate the effect of the difference in C2-7 angle on dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-P Implant System.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 181 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least one year of follow-up from January 2011 to November 2018 was performed. All patients were divided into a non-dysphagia group and a dysphagia group to explore the effect of the difference between postoperative and preoperative C2-7 angle (dC2-7A) on postoperative dysphagia. At the same time, other possible related factors including the difference between postoperative and preoperative O-C2 angle (dO-C2A), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS), the highest segment involved in the surgery and the levels of surgery segments were analyzed.Results: In total, the non-dysphagia group comprised 139 patients and the dysphagia group comprised 42 patients. The single-factor analysis showed that smoking, PSTS and dC2-7A were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed no significant correlation between the degree of dysphagia and dC2-7A (P>0.05). The results of the multiple-factor analysis with an ordinal logistic regression model showed that smoking, PSTS and dC2-7A were significantly associated with the incidence of dysphagia (P<0.05).Conclusions: The postoperative C2-7 angle has an important effect on the occurrence of dysphagia in patients undergoing Zero-P implant system interbody fusion surgery.
The effect of hearing protection devices on speech intelligibility of Persian employees
Authors: Karami Mina , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Nahrani Morteza Hamidi
Published: October 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hearing protection devices (HPDs) on speech intelligibility in Persian work environments. Three current earmuffs and three earplugs and one of the prototypes of molded earplug were tested on 15 male subjects which were randomly selected. The noise reduction of HPDs was measured based on the Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) method. Speech intelligibility during using HPDs was determined based on the speech discrimination score (SDS) at two signal to noise (S/N) ratios (0 and +5). Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.Results: The actual to nominal noise reduction rating values were from 47% to 84% for HPDs. At two S/N ratios, no significant differences were observed in speech intelligibility using HPDs (p >0.05). At S/N ratio=0, the speech intelligibility descriptively has been only improved by using common earmuffs up to 9.07 %. There was a significant difference up to 21.27% in speech intelligibility for proposed molded earplugs at S/N ratio=0 (p <0.05). Increase the HPDs' noise attenuation values lead to increase interference in the speech (p <0.05). The HPDs with the minimum required noise attenuation while maintaining acceptable speech intelligibility should be worn by employees exposed to medium noise levels.
Healthcare providers and Caregivers’ perspectives on factors underlying the persistent malnutrition of Children aged 0-59 months in Buhweju district, southwestern Uganda
Authors: Catherine Abaasa N , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Ayesiga Savino , Atukunda Susan Pearl , Campisi Susan , O’Hearn Shawna , MacDonald Noni
Published: October 2020

Background The nutritional well-being of infants and young children is influenced by economic, environmental and maternal factors that range from food intake, health, sanitation and care. All regions of Uganda have registered unacceptably high levels of childhood malnutrition over the years, although with an uneven distribution across regions. This study assessed health provider and caregiver perspectives on factors responsible for persistent malnutrition among children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub counties in Buhweju district.Methods In this phenomenological qualitative study, we conducted six Focus group discussions with Village Health Team members and care takers of children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub-counties and two key informant interviews with two members of the district health team to explore their perceptives on the factors responsible for persistent malnutrition in Buhweju District in May 2018. Data were thematically analyzed manually and using Atals Ti 7.5Results Historical and geographical challenges, poverty and economic occupation, parental alcoholism and domestic violence as well as inadequate childcare services were identified as factors responsible for persistent malnutrition among children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub counties in Buhweju district Conclusion Persistent malnutrition in children aged 0-59 months in Buhweju district is mainly due to historical and geographical challenges and its associated factors that include poverty and economic occupation, parental alcoholism and domestic violence and inadequate childcare services . Addressing these factors from the grassroots up through, multisectoral collaboration between infrastructure, Agriculture, Education and health, engaging communities and effective policy changes and implementation has the potential to improve the nutrition status of children in Buhweju district
Early postpartum dyslipidemia and its potential predictors during pregnancy in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pei Ling , Xiao Huangmeng , Lai Fenghua , Li Zeting , Li Zhuyu , Yue Shufan , Chen Haitian , Li Yanbin , Cao Xiaopei
Published: October 2020

Background : This study aimed to analyze the incidence of early postpartum dyslipidemia and its potential predictors in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods : This was a retrospective study. 589 women diagnosed with GDM were enrolled and followed up at 6–12 weeks after delivery. A 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and lipid levels were performed during mid-trimester and the early postpartum period. Participants were divided into the normal lipid group and dyslipidemia group according to postpartum lipid levels. Demographic and metabolic parameters were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the potential predictors for early postpartum dyslipidemia. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was calculated to determine the cut-off values.
Results: A total of 38.5% of the 589 women developed dyslipidemia in early postpartum and 60% of them had normal glucose metabolism. Delivery age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were independent predictors of early postpartum dyslipidemia in women with a history of GDM. The cut-offs of maternal age, SBP, HbA1c values, and LDL-C levels were 35 years, 123mmHg, 5.1%, and 3.56 mmol/L, respectively. LDL-C achieved a balanced mix of high sensitivity (63.9%) and specificity (69.2%), with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.696). When LDL-C was combined with age, SBP, and HbA1c, the AUC reached to 0.733.
Conclusions: A lipid metabolism evaluation should be recommended in women with a history of GDM after delivery, particularly those with a maternal age > 35 years, SBP > 123 mmHg before labor, HbA1c value > 5.1%, or LDL-C levels > 3.56 mmol/L in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Risk of pre-term births and major birth defects resulting from paternal intake of COVID-19 medications prior to conception
Authors: Rizzi Silvia , Wensink Maarten Jan , Lindahl-Jacobsen Rune , Tian Lu , Lu Ying , Eisenberg Michael
Published: October 2020

Objective. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, large numbers of people will receive one of the several medications proposed to treat COVID-19, including patients of reproductive age. Given that some medications have shown adverse effects on sperm quality, there might be a transgenerational concern. We aim at examining the association between drugs proposed to treat COVID-19 when taken by the father around conception and any pre-term birth or major birth defects in offspring in a nation-wide cohort study using Danish registry data. Offspring whose father filled at least one prescription of the following medications in the three months preceding conception were considered exposed: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, losartan, azithromycin, naproxen, dexamethasone and prednisone. Results. For azithromycin and naproxen, large numbers of offspring were exposed (> 1800 offspring), and we found no association with adverse birth outcomes. For chloroquine, losartan and dexamethasone, exposure was intermediate (~900 offspring), and there was no statistically significant association with birth defects. For hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, exposure was limited (<300 offspring). Our evidence suggests that azithromycin and naproxen are safe with respect to pre-term birth and birth defects. For the other drugs investigated larger exposures are needed for conclusive statements.
Determination of The Level of Knowledge About Hpv Among Adolescents and Improvement of Vaccinationapproval Through Health Education In The Area of Trikala, Central Greece
Authors: Thanasas Ioannis , Lavranos Giagkos , Gkogkou Penelopi , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the importance of the role of the Health Education among young adolescents, regarding the level of knowledge about the HPV and the acceptance of the HPV vaccination, in order to increase the vaccination coverage, both in young adolescents and young teenagers in the area of Trikala, in Central Greece.Methods: The methodological tools of the study were questionnaires. The completion of the questionnaires was gained after the informed and written consent of the parents – guardians. Ethical approval was obtained of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religions. Students of the 1st Gymnasium, randomly chosen by drawing among all school groups of the area. In the first phase of the study, the questionnaires were completed by the entire study population. During the second and third phases, the completion of the questionnaires concerned the population under study, immediately after the interactive seminar and three months later, respectively. The IBM SPSS 20.0 statistical program was used for analyzing the data and extracting the results.Results: A total of 434 female students, who met the criteria for participation in the study, completed the questionnaire (response rate 76.26%). Most participants (66.6%) were girls. From the final analysis of the results we observed a rapid change in the level of awareness about the HPV virus, between the three phases of the study. The percentage of the participants who stated that they "do not know" what HPV is, decreased from 44.4%, before the informative interactive intervention in students (first phase), to1.6% and 8.1%immediately after the intervention (second phase) and 3 months later (third phase), respectively. Similarly, the willingness of young students to be vaccinated against the HPV was increased from 71% during the first phase of the study, to 89.1% and 83.5% after the second and third phases, respectively.Conclusion: Young teens are poorly informed about the HPV and HPV vaccination. However, with the use of targeted interactive informational interventions in the school environment, a statistically significant increase in both the level of knowledge about the HPV and the infection caused by it, is recorded, as well as in the willingness of young adolescent students to be vaccinated against the cervical cancer.
Inverse centrifugal effect induced by collective motion of vortices in rotating turbulent convection
Authors: Ding Shan-Shan , Chong Kai Leong , Shi Jun-Qiang , Ding Guang-Yu , Lu Hao-Yuan , Xia Ke-Qing , Zhong Jin-Qiang
Published: October 2020

When a fluid system is subject to strong rotation, centrifugal fluid motion is expected, i.e., denser (lighter) fluid moves outward (inward) from (toward) the axis of rotation. Here we demonstrate, both experimentally and numerically, the existence of an unexpected outward motion of warm and lighter vortices in rotating turbulent convection. This anomalous vortex motion occurs under rapid rotations when the centrifugal buoyancy is sufficiently strong to induce a symmetry-breaking in the vorticity field, i.e., the vorticity of the cold anticyclones overrides that of the warm cyclones. We show that through hydrodynamic interactions the densely populated vortices can self-aggregate into coherent clusters and exhibit collective motion in this flow regime. Interestingly, the correlation of the vortex velocity fluctuations within a cluster is scale-free, with the correlation length being about 30% of the cluster length. Such long-range correlation leads to the collective outward motion of cyclones. Our study provides new understanding of vortex dynamics that are widely present in nature.
A method of value measurement based on
conditional probability theory
Authors: Xi Gang , Yang Xiaoyi , Xi Ming
Published: October 2020

Value is one of the most fundamental concepts in economics. The existing main definitions of value have certain limitations and are difficult to be unified and quantified. Thus, this article presents a method of quantifying value based on the conditional probability theory; we set value as a random variable, and thus uses conditional probability distribution to measure value. Furthermore, the mean and variance of random variables are used to describe the weighted average of the possible values and the dispersion of values distribution. This method provides a new perspective for the measurement of value.
Hypofibrinogenemia is Associated With a High Degree of Risk in Infectious and Hematological Diseases: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Post-Marketing Surveillance of Patients With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Treated With Thrombomodulin Alfa
Authors: Kawasugi Kazuo , Wada Hideo , Honda Goichi , Kawano Noriaki , Uchiyama Toshimasa , Madoiwa Seiji , Takezako Naoki , Suzuki Kei , Seki Yoshinobu , Ikezoe Takayuki , Iba Toshiaki , Okamoto Kohji
Published: October 2020

Introduction In patients with infectious diseases, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is often diagnosed without the fibrinogen value and the relationship between hypofibrinogenemia and the outcomes of infectious DIC has remained unclear.Materials and Methods We analyzed 3204 patients who received with thrombomodulin alfa (TM-α) for with DIC and suspected DIC. Hypofibrinogenemia was defined by a fibrinogen level of <1.5 g/L.Results Hypofibrinogenemia was observed in 10.3% of patients with infectious diseases. The frequencies of both bleeding and organ failure symptoms, and the scores for organ failure or the DIC diagnostic criteria were significantly high in infectious disease patients with hypofibrinogenemia, suggesting that in patients with infectious diseases, hypofibrinogenemia is associated with more progressive and severe DIC. Although the 28-day survival rate and the DIC resolution rate were both significantly lower in infectious disease patients with DIC with hypofibrinogenemia than in those without hypofibrinogenemia, this difference was not observed in DIC patients with hematological diseases.Conclusion In infectious disease patients with DIC, hypofibrinogenemia may reflect from the increased consumption of fibrinogen due to an accelerated coagulating reaction, while that in hematological disease patients DIC may be caused by fibrinogenolysis due to hyperfibrinolysis, and frequently results in bleeding and multiple-organ failure.
Inhibition of miR-152 During in Vitro Maturation Enhances the Developmental Potential of Porcine Embryos
Authors: Gad Ahmed , Murín Matej , Nemcova Lucie , Bartkova Alexandra , Laurincik Jozef , Procházka Radek
Published: October 2020

Background Oocyte developmental competence is regulated by various mechanisms and molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the functions of many of these miRNAs in oocyte and embryo development are still unclear. In this study, we managed to manipulate the expression level of miR-152 during oocyte maturation to figure out its potential role in determining the developmental competence of porcine oocytes.Results The inhibition of miR-152 during oocyte maturation does not affect the MII and cleavage rates, however it significantly enhances the blastocyst rate compared to the mimic and control groups. Pathway analysis identified several signaling pathways (including PI3K/AKT, TGFβ, Hippo, FoxO, and Wnt signaling) that are enriched in the predicted target genes of miR-152. Gene expression analysis revealed that IGF1 was significantly up-regulated in the inhibitor group and downregulated in the mimic group of oocytes. Moreover, IGF1R was significantly upregulated in the inhibitor group compared to the control one and IGFBP6 was downregulated in the inhibitor group compared to the other groups. Blastocysts developed from the mimic-treated oocytes exhibited an increase in miR-152 expression, dysregulation in some quality-related genes, and the lowest rate of blastocyst formation. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a negative correlation between miR-152 expression level and blastocyst rate in pigs. This correlation could be through targeting IGF system components during oocyte development.
Ultrasonic Welding of Magnetic Hybrid Material Systems – 316L Stainless Steel to Ni/Cu/Ni-Coated Nd2Fe14B Magnets
Authors: Liesegang Moritz , Beck Tilmann
Published: October 2020

The performance of electric sensors is continuously improving due to the demands of modern vehicles and electronic devices. Magnetic sensors are used in a wide field of applications. However, handling and mounting the typical high-performance rare earth permanent magnets are challenging due to their brittleness. A constant magnetic flux is a key property of the magnetic setup in many devices. State-of-the-art adhesive bonding of magnets in devices can cause problems due to the low durability and viscous behaviour of adhesive polymers, as the magnet may change its position and hence, the magnetic flux distribution in the magnetic setup changes.Ultrasonic welding is a powerful technique to join hybrid material systems quickly and reliably, providing high joint strength, even for brittle materials such as glasses, ceramics and rare earth permanent magnets. The latter is being investigated in this work for the first time. The ultrasonic welding process was adapted to join 316L stainless steel, representing potential components of magnetic devices, to Ni/Cu/Ni-coated Nd2Fe14B. In addition to directly joined steel/magnet-hybrids, ductile aluminium and nickel interlayers were used in order to enhance the joint strength. Process parameters were developed and evaluated considering the resulting shear strength of the joints. The highest shear strength of 35 MPa was achieved for 316L/Nd2Fe14B and 316L/Al/Nd2Fe14B, which is more than twice the shear strength of adhesively bonded joints of up to 20 MPa, according to the literature. The functional performance of the hybrid material systems, evaluated by the magnetic flux density of the hybrid material systems was the highest for directly bonded joints, and those with a nickel interlayer, which did not show any losses in comparison to the single magnet in its initial state. Joints with an aluminium interlayer showed losses of 3% and adhesively bonded joints showed losses of 7% of the magnetic flux density.In summary, the results of this work indicate that ultrasonic welding is a suitable technique to improve the production process and performance of magnetic devices.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Is More Conducive to Hepatitis C Virus Invasion Compared with Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor
Authors: Cao Xiangyi , Kang Qiong , Jiang Deng , Xiao Jun , Zhang Yanyu , Ma Ping , Yang Xiaoang , Lv Liping
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatitis C virus is the major cause of chronic hepatitis which may deteriorate into liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. A number of studies have demonstrated that HCV cell entry is a complex multi-step process involving several cellular proteins, such as scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), tetraspanin CD81, tight junction protein claudin-1 (CLDN-1) and occludin (OCLN). The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is an important factor during the initial HCV particle-binding step, which interacts with the complex formed between the virus particle and the lipoprotein in the blood. However, the process of HCV early infection is not well-established, with many details remaining to be elucidated.This research aimed to study the early entry stage of HCV virus particles and the role of LDLR more effectively.Methods: Recombinant murine cell models of HCV infection in vitro was constructed, that expressed human HCV receptors, such as LDLR, CD81, SR BI, CLDN-1, and OCLN. These factors were also introduced to mice by hydrodynamic delivery to construct a humanized mouse model of HCV infection in vivo.Expression levels of the mRNA of HCV entry factors in recombinant cells were measured by qRT-PCR.Western blotting was used to determine whether the recombinant cells successfully expressed cellular proteins. HCV RNA was assayed by q-PCR following the incublation of HCVsd and HCVcc with the transgenice.Results: Transgenic murine cell lines and mice were developed successfully, and expressed four or five human HCV entry factors in tandem or individually, respectively. We found that all of these transgenic cells and mice were susceptible to HCV, and five entry factors (5EF) rendered higher infectivity. Additionally, we observed that four entry factors (4EF/hLDLR-) could facilitate abundant HCV entry, but four other factors (4EF/hSR-BI-) were less effective.﻿Conclusions: Whether in vitro or in vivo, SR-BI is an essential factor in HCV invasion, and target cells and mice were more vulnerable to the virus in the presence of SR-BI than LDLR. These results suggested that SR-BI may be a potential drug target to inhibit HCV early infection, and the absence of LDLR could reduce the infectivity to the virus.
Elevated L-Threonine is a Biomarker for Lassa Fever and Ebola
Authors: Gale Trevor V , Schieffelin John S , Branco Luis M , Garry Robert f , Grant Donald S
Published: October 2020

Background: Lassa fever and Ebola are characterized by non-specific initial presentations that can progress to severe multisystem illnesses with high fatality rates. Methods: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry metabolomics was used to identify and confirm metabolites disrupted in the blood of Lassa fever and Ebola patients. Results: The amino acid L-threonine is elevated during Lassa fever and Ebola. Conclusions: Metabolomics may provide tools to identify pathways that are differentially affected during viral hemorrhagic fevers and guide development of diagnostics to monitor and predict outcome.
Spatial Distance Between Sites of Sampling Associated With Genetic Variation Among Neospora Caninum in Aborted Bovine Foetuses From Northern Italy
Authors: Villa Luca , Maksimov Pavlo , Luttermann Christine , Tuschy Mareen , Gazzonis Alessia L. , Zanzani Sergio A. , Mortarino Michele , Conraths Franz J. , Manfredi Maria Teresa , Schares Gereon
Published: October 2020

Background: Neospora caninum, a coccidian protozoan, represents an important cause of bovine abortion. While only a single genotype of N. caninum exists word-wide, available N. caninum strains show considerable variation in vitro and in vivo, including different virulence in cattle. To which extent sexual recombination, possible in the intestines of domestic dogs and closely related carnivores as definitive hosts, contribute to this variation is not clear, yet. Methods: Aborted bovine foetuses were collected between 2015 and early 2019 from Italian Holstein Friesian dairy herds suffering from reproductive problems. A total of 198 samples were collected from 165 intensive farms located in Lombardy, northern Italy. N. caninum samples were subjected to multilocus-microsatellite genotyping (MLMG) using ten previously established microsatellite markers. In addition to own data, those from a recent study providing data on five markers from other northern Italian regions were included and analyzed. Results: Of the 55 samples finally subjected to MLMG, 35 were typed at all or 9 out of 10 loci. Linear regression revealed a statistically significant association between the spatial distance of the sampling sites with the genetic distance of N. caninum MLMGs (P< 0.001). Including data from a previous North Italian study (eBURST analysis) revealed that part of N. caninum MLMGs from northern Italy separate into four groups; most of the samples from Lombardy clustered in one of these groups. Principle component analysis revealed similar clusters and confirmed MLMG groups identified by eBURST. Variations observed between MLMGs were not equally distributed over all loci, but predominantly observed in MS7, MS6A, or MS10.Conclusions: Our findings confirm the concept of local N. caninum subpopulations. The geographic distance of sampling was associated with the genetic distance as determined by MLMGs. Results suggest that multi-parental recombination in N. caninum is a rare event, but does not exclude uniparental mating. More comprehensive studies on microsatellites in N. caninum and related species like Toxoplasma gondii should be undertaken, not only to improve genotyping capabilities, but also to understand possible functions of these regions in the genomes of these parasites.
Local-Scale Genotype Diversity of Yersinia Pestis: A Case Study from Ambohitromby, Ankazobe District (2003-2016), Madagascar
Authors: Ramasindrazana Beza , Parany Mamionah N. J. , Rasoamalala Fanohinjanaharinirina , Rasoanoro Mercia , Rahajandraibe Soloandry , Vogler Amy J. , Sahl Jason W. , Andrianaivoarimanana Voahangy , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Wagner David M.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPlague is still a major public health concern in Madagascar despite the effort to reduce human cases and understand its epidemiology. In several localities known as plague foci, human cases are reported but the origin of the infection is most on the time unknown. In the present study, we report the presence of different genotypes of Yersinia pestis co-occurring in the same locality.MethodsHuman case was sampled in October 2016 and sent to the Central Laboratory for Plague for confirmation. Further, we undertook small mammal sampling to identify the circulation of plague in reservoirs. Isolated strains from human case, rodents as well as some archived strains from the same locality were combined with previously published strains to document the genotype of circulating strains. Further, blood sample from rodents were collected for seroprevalence analysis. Results In 2016, two different strains of Y. pestis from a human case and a reservoir circulated concurrently in the Ambohitromby commune (Ankazobe District) based on plague investigation. One type had been persisting there for more than 10 years but at least one other type may have been recently introduced. Seroprevalence of plague in rodents indicates that portion of the local murine population may resist to plague. These findings have implications for plague public health investigations and surveillance in Madagascar. Multiple distinct types of Y. pestis were circulating concurrently in the Ambohitromby commune (Ankazobe District) in Madagascar. Three strains genotype are now documented in Ambohitromby with the strain isolated in rats being a new genotype which is probably new to this locality or unobserved in previous years.
Identification of hub genes and potential drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma through integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Xia Zhixiong , Wan Yafeng , Huang Ping
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cancer-related cause of death in the world. Until now, the involved mechanisms during the development of HCC are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the driven-genes and potential drugs in HCC. MethodsThree mRNA expression datasets were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC. The bioinformatics approaches include identification of DEGs and hub genes, GO terms analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis, construction of protein–protein interaction network. The expression levels of hub genes were validated based on TCGA, GEPIA and the Human Protein Atlas. Moreover, overall survival and disease-free survival analysis of the hub genes were further conducted by Kaplan-Meier plotter and the GEPIA. DGIdb database was performed to search the candidate drugs for HCC. ResultsFinally, 197 DEGs were identified. The PPI network was constructed using STRING software. Then ten genes were selected and considered as the hub genes. The ten genes were all closely related to the survival of HCC patients. DGIdb database predicted 39 small molecules as the possible drugs for treating HCC. ConclusionsOur study provides some new insights into HCC pathogenesis and treatments. The candidate drugs may improve the efficiency of HCC therapy in future.
The Insufficient Coverage of Lateral Trochlear Resection is Correlated to the Tibiofemoral Alignment Parameters in Kinematically Aligned TKA: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Wen Liang , Zhang Liang , Ma Desi , Dong Xiang , Qu Tiebing
Published: October 2020

Background: The mismatching of the femoral component and trochlear resection surface is very common in kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (KA-TKA) when conventional prostheses are employed. This mismatching is mainly manifested in the insufficient coverage of the bone cut surface of the lateral trochlea. The aim of present study is to explore whether this mismatch is related to the alignment parameters of the tibiofemoral joint. Methods: 45 patients (52 knees) who underwent KA-TKA in our hospital were included. There were 16 patients (16 knees) received surgery using patient specific instrumentations, and conventional instruments with caliper and other special tools were employed in the other 29 patients (36 knees). The widths of exposed resection bone surface at the middle (MIDexposure) and distal (INFexposure) levels on the lateral trochlear were measured as dependent variables, while the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and transepicondylar axis angle (TEAA) were measured as independent variables. Correlation analysis and subsequent linear regression were conducted among the dependent variables and various alignment parameters of the tibiofemoral joint. Results: The incidence of insufficient coverage of the lateral trochlear cut bone surface was 86.5%, with MIDexposure and INFexposure being 2.3 (0-6mm) and 2.0 (0-5mm), respectively. The widths of two levels of exposed bone resection were significantly correlated to mLDFA and HKA, but were not related to TEAA. Conclusions: the insufficient coverage of trochlear resection surface in KA-TKA is negatively correlated with the degrees of valgus of the distal femoral joint line and the degrees of varus of the knee. The present study suggest that in the development of KA-specific prostheses, attention should be paid to the effects of tibiofemoral alignment parameters on the prosthetic matching of the trochlear resection surface.
Differences in clinical and imaging features of low lumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse in patients with or without Parkinson’s disease: Rapid destructive progression and appearance of a cauda equina sign in Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Kubota Arisa , Watanabe Shuji , Honjoh Kazuya , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: October 2020

BackgroundOsteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are age-related diseases, and surgery for osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) in PD patients become more common with aging of society. OVC commonly affects the thoracolumbar spine, but low lumbar OVC is frequent in patients with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher mechanical failure rate, compared with those with thoracolumbar junction collapse. The aim of this study was to identify differences in clinical and imaging features, and in outcomes of low lumbar OVC with or without PD and to discuss the appropriate treatment for lower lumbar OVC in patients with PD.MethodsThe subjects were 43 patients with low lumbar OVC below L3 who were treated surgically, including 11 patients with PD. Clinical symptoms, morphological features of affected vertebrae, neurological status, surgical procedures, and complications were compared in patients with and without PD.ResultsThe main clinical symptoms were radicular leg pain in non-PD cases (68.8%) and a cauda equina sign in PD cases (72.7%). Rapid progression and destructive changes of OVC were seen in patients with PD at 24.5 ± 10.5 days after injury. The morphological features of OVC were flat-type in non-PD cases with old compression fracture at the thoracolumbar lesion, and destruction-type in PD cases without old compression fracture. Progression of PD was associated with decreased lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar YAM, and severe sarcopenia, all of which can affect postoperative instrumentation-related complications. High postoperative complication rates may be due to vertebral fragility and longer fusion surgery. ConclusionsRapid progression and destructive changes of low lumbar OVC may occur in PD patients, and significantly more PD cases have a cauda equina sign and require urgent surgery. Progression of postural instability as a natural course of PD may lead to mechanical stress and instrumentation failure, especially at an upper adjacent level. Given the progression of PD after surgery, invasive long-fusion surgery should be avoided for single low lumbar OVC. A surgical strategy considering the severities of PD and osteoporosis, and aggressive control of PD before and after surgery are important to prevent complications.
Host Microbiome Dictates Infection Risk after Chemotherapy Revealing New Avenues for Antibiotic Stewardship in Oncology
Authors: Wardill Hannah R , Mooij Charlotte EM de , Ferreira Ana Rita Da Silva , Peppel Ivo P van de , Havinga Rick , Harmsen Hermie JM , Tissing Wim JE , Blijlevens Nicole MA
Published: October 2020

Background: Mucosal barrier injury (MBI) is a recognized risk factor for blood stream infection (BSI) in people undergoing chemotherapy, permitting expansion and translocation of enteric pathobionts; a phenomenon now clinically referred to as MBI-associated laboratory-confirmed BSI. Although recognized to originate from endogenous gastrointestinal sources, MBI-associated BSI continue to be treated with antibiotics; a counterintuitive approach that may increase infection risk by depletion of the host microbiome. While this point has been argued in numerous clinical studies and opinion pieces, there are few data describing mechanistic strategies to decrease MBI-associated BSI, reflecting a lack of translationally robust preclinical models. Here, we report on a new translational model of MBI caused by the chemotherapeutic drug, melphalan. We aimed to identify candidate pathways to strengthen the mucosal barrier and prevent infection, prompting new antibiotic stewardship initiatives. Results: Melphalan caused dose-dependent, systemic toxicity characterized by severe neutropenia, self-limiting intestinal injury, inflammation and biphasic fever, all of which were clinically and molecularly consistent with the dynamics of melphalan conditioning. The fecal microbiome following melphalan was depleted in richness and commensal taxa, impairing colonization resistance and the microbial metabolome and prompting expansion of enteric pathogens. Breakdown of the intestinal barrier was initiated by melphalan and exacerbated by mucotoxic bile acids.Conclusions: MBI-associated BSI is simply a form of collateral damage resulting from breakdown of the gastrointestinal microenvironment and self-perpetuating injury. Efforts to intervene early in these sequelae are therefore of great clinical significance to restrict antibiotic use and mitigate their detrimental consequences on treatment outcomes and antibiotic resistance. Our data support interventions targeting the host microbiome and metabolome due to its ubiquitous control of inflammation, mucosal injury, bile acid transformation; all of which contribute to infection risk in cancer.
A Multiplexed, Next Generation Sequencing Platform for High-Throughput Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wrana Jeff , Aynaud Marie-Ming , Hernandez J , Barutcu Seda , Braunschweig Ulrich , Chan Kin , Pearson Joel , Trcka Daniel , Prosser Suzanna , Kim Jaeyoun , Barrios-Rodiles Miriam , Jen Mark , Song Siyuan , Shen Jess , Bruce Christine , Hazlett Bryn , Poutanen Susan , Attisano Liliana , Bremner Rod , Blencowe B , Mazzulli Tony , Han Hong , Pelletier Laurence
Published: October 2020

Population scale sweeps of viral pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, that incorporate large numbers of asymptomatic or mild symptom patients present unique challenges for public health agencies trying to manage both travel and local spread. Physical distancing is the current major strategy to suppress spread of the disease, but with enormous socio-economic costs. However, modelling and studies in isolated jurisdictions suggest that active population surveillance through systematic molecular diagnostics, combined with contact tracing and focused quarantining can significantly suppress disease spread and has significantly impacted disease transmission rates, the number of infected people, and prevented saturation of the healthcare system. However, reliable systems allowing for parallel testing of 10-100,000’s of patients in larger urban environments have not yet been employed. Here we describe “COVID-19 screening using Systematic Parallel Analysis of RNA coupled to Sequencing” (C19-SPAR-Seq), a scalable, multiplexed, readily automated next generation sequencing (NGS) platform that is capable of analyzing tens of thousands of COVID-19 patient samples in a single instrument run. To address the strict requirements in clinical diagnostics for control of assay parameters and output, we employed a control-based Precision-Recall and predictive Receiver Operator Characteristics (coPR) analysis to assign run-specific quality control metrics. C19-SPAR-Seq coupled to coPR on a trial cohort of over 600 patients performed with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 91% on samples with low viral loads and a sensitivity of > 95% on high viral loads associated with disease onset and peak transmissibility. Our study thus establishes the feasibility of employing C19-SPAR-Seq for the large-scale monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
Exploration of High-Intensity Interval Training for Breast Cancer Survivors: Taking a Home-based Approach Toward New Normal
Authors: Tsuji Katsunori , Matsuoka Yutaka J. , Ochi Eisuke
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTo review the methods and outcomes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions for breast cancer survivors, and to explore the feasibility of prescribing exercise for breast cancer survivors.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for studies published up to May 31, 2020. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials of HIIT intervention in breast cancer survivors. Studies were grouped by whether the intervention was conducted during or after breast cancer treatment, and intervention methods and outcomes were reviewed within each group.Results Twenty-six studies were identified, and 13 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Intervention was conducted during treatment in 8 studies, and after treatment in 5. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 16 weeks, with 2 or 3 sessions per week, for a total of 9 to 36 sessions. All interventions were supervised; 12 were lab-based, and 1 was community-based. One of most promising outcomes was improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness by HIIT.ConclusionThis review found that most studies on HIIT for breast cancer survivors investigated lab-based, supervised interventions. HIIT is a time-efficient method for increasing cardiovascular function in breast cancer survivors, but further research is necessary to determine its effects on other outcomes.
The Critical Role of PTEN Mutation in Cellular Process and Drug Selection of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhou Jintuo , Niu Peiguang , Zeng Fanxiang , Cai Ruihong , Deng Jie , Lin Wei , Zeng Xiaoping , Shi Daohua
Published: October 2020

Background: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a frequently mutated genes found in endometrial cancer (EC), making it a potential biomarker for individualized treatment opinions. In this study, a method was designed to evaluate the role of the PTEN mutation in the prognosis and drug selection of EC. We identified the potential alterations in pathways and genes related to the mechanism. Methods: cBioPortal database was used to analyze the PTEN mutation status for EC patients. Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze the prognosis of PTEN mutation in EC patients. GDSC dataset was used to identified the drugs that sensitive to cell lines with PTEN mutation. DEGs between PTEN mutation and wide type group were identified using the edgeR package. GO and KEGG analysis were carried out using the DAVID database. GSEA v3.0 were used to dig out the differences in gene mRNA levels of biological function annotation and pathways between PTEN mutation and wide type patients. PPI network of DEGs was performed using STRING and then visualized using Cytoscope software (3.7.2).Results: Our results showed that PTEN mutation was carried in 68% of EC patients. The mRNA expression level of PTEN was lower in patients with PTEN mutation than that with wide type. Prognosis analysis showed that there were favorable overall survival and progression free survival in EC patients with PTEN mutation. Moreover, it is more sensitive to AKT inhibitor (Afuresertib and AZD5363), and Mcl-1 inhibitor (MIM1) on EC cell lines with PTEN mutation than that with wide type. A total of 216 genes were identified as DEGs. GO analysis showed that DEGs significantly enriched in chemical synaptic transmission, extracellular region, etc.. KEGG analysis suggested that DEGs significantly enriched in categories associated with metabolic progression. GSEA analysis identified signaling pathways including fatty acid metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, etc.. PPI network analysis identified top 10 genes and top three clusters.Conclusions: Multiple genes and pathways may play an important role in EC patients with PTEN mutation. These results provide a potential target and therapeutic strategies for patients with PTEN mutation.
The Protective Effects of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor, Sildenafil on Post-resuscitation Cardiac Dysfunction of Cardiac Arrest: By Regulating the MiR-155-5p and MiR-145-5p
Authors: He Yong , Wang Guoxing , Li Chuang , WANG YUXING , ZHANG QIAN
Published: October 2020

Background: MiRNA-155 and miRNA-145 have been demonstrated to function as a key regulator in the development of the cardiovascular system. Recent experimental and clinical studies have indicated the cardioprotective role of sildenafil during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was designed to investigate if administration of sildenafil will attenuate post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by regulating miRNA-155 and miR-145 expressions.Methods: Thirty-two male pigs (weighing 30 ± 2 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups, sildenafil group (n= 8), sildenafil +NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (20mg/kg L) group (n=8), saline (SA group, n=8); and sham operation group (sham group, n=8). Eight minutes of untreated VF was followed by defibrillation in anesthetized, closed-chest pigs. Hemodynamic status and blood samples were obtained at 0 min, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the hearts were removed and analyzed under electron microscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and ultra structural analysis were performed to evaluate myocardial injury.Results: Compared with the sildenafil + L-NAME and saline groups, the sildenafil group had better outcomes in terms of hemodynamic and oxygen metabolism parameters as well as 24-hour survival rate, and attenuated myocardial injury; In this study, CA pigs showed evidently increased levels of miR-155-5p and miR-145-5p, while the sildenafil treatment decreased the levels of miR-155-5p and miR-145-5p in CA pigs. In addition, the levels of eNOS was decreased in CA pigs, validating sildenafil attenuating post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by regulating miRNA-155 and miR-145 expressions.Conclusions: sildenafil group had better outcomes in terms of hemodynamic and oxygen metabolism parameters as well as 24-hour survival rate, inhibited the increases in the miR-155-5p and miR-145-5p levels and attenuated myocardial injury in a porcine model of CA and resuscitation.