bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Educational Program to Help Patients Manage Androgen Deprivation Therapy Side Effects: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Wibowo Erik , Wassersug Richard J. , Robinson John W. , Santos-Iglesias Pablo , Matthew Andrew , McLeod Deborah L. , Walker Lauren M.
Published: February 2020

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a common treatment for prostate cancer, is associated with physical, psychological, and sexual side effects that reduce patients’ quality of life. The authors designed an educational program to prepare patients for managing these side effects. This paper describes an implementation model for national dissemination of the program, testing its feasibility and acceptability at the institutional and patient level. Postprogram changes in patients’ self-efficacy to manage side effects and side effect bother are also explored. Patients on or anticipating ADT enrolled in the educational program. Pre and post intervention questionnaires measured patient satisfaction with the program, side effect bother, and self-efficacy to manage ADT side effects. The ADT Educational Program was deemed feasible and acceptable. Five of six targeted sites successfully launched the program with sufficient patient enrolment. Patient attendees were highly satisfied. Self-efficacy, bother, and use of management strategies were interrelated. Lower bother was associated with increased self-efficacy and more use of management strategies, and increased bother was associated with lower self-efficacy and less use of management strategies. Based on pre–post scores, improvements in patients’ self-efficacy to manage ADT side effects were also observed. Results demonstrate that this brief educational program is feasible and acceptable to patients and cancer care institutions. The program appears to promote self-efficacy and the uptake of ADT management strategies for ADT side effects. The results of this study support the program implementation and suggest that improvements in self-efficacy after program participation may help patients adapt to ADT side effects.
Non-hardening embrittlement mechanism of pressure vessel steel Ni-Cr-Mo-V welds during thermal aging
Authors: Wei Guojun , Wang Chenglong , Yang Xingwang , Tong Zhenfeng , Wu Wenwang
Published: February 2020

The mechanical performance of reactor pressure vessel materials is an important factor in the safety and economics of the operation of a nuclear power plant. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperature tested by Charpy impact test is the key parameter for evaluating the reactor pressure vessel embrittlement. In this article, the study of thermal aging embrittlement of temperature sets of reactor pressure vessel surveillance Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel weld metal was conducted by Charpy impact test. The thermal aging effect on the impact fracture behavior was analyzed. The impact test of the three batches of weld surveillance sample indicated that the weld metal embrittled during thermal aging. The study of impact fracture and Auger electron spectroscopy indicated that the element P segregated to the grain boundaries and lowered their cohesion strength during the long-term thermal aging. Therefore, the non-hardening embrittlement of Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel welds in a reactor pressure vessel caused by segregation of impurity elements P occurs during thermal aging.
Conceptual framework for establishing the African Stroke Organization
Authors: Akinyemi Rufus , Sarfo Fred , Abd-Allah Foad , Ogun Yomi , Belo Mofou , Francis Patty , Mateus M Bettencourt , Bateman Kathleen , Naidoo Pamela , Charway-Felli Augustina , Akpalu Albert , Wahab Kolawole , Napon Christian , Arulogun Oyedunni , Ebenezer Ad Adams , Ekeng Gloria , Scola George , Hamzat Kolapo , Zimba Stanley , Ossou-Nguiet Paul Macaire , Ademokoya Julius , Adebayo Philip , Ayele Biniyam Alemayehu , Vaz Deise Catamo , Ogbole Godwin , Barasukan Patrice , Melifonwu Rita , Onwuekwe Ikenna , Belson Sarah , Damasceno Albertino , Okubadejo Njideka , Njamnshi Alfred K , Ogeng’o Julius , Walker Richard W , Diop Amadou Gallo , Ogunniyi Adesola , Kalaria Rajesh , Sandercock Peter , Davis Stephen , Brainin Michael , Ovbiagele Bruce , Owolabi Mayowa
Published: February 2020

Africa is the world’s most genetically diverse, second largest, and second most populous continent, with over one billion people distributed across 54 countries. With a 23% lifetime risk of stroke, Africa has some of the highest rates of stroke worldwide and many occur in the prime of life with huge economic losses and grave implications for the individual, family, and the society in terms of mental capital, productivity, and socioeconomic progress. Tackling the escalating burden of stroke in Africa requires prioritized, multipronged, and inter-sectoral strategies tailored to the unique African epidemiological, cultural, socioeconomic, and lifestyle landscape. The African Stroke Organization (ASO) is a new pan-African coalition that brings together stroke researchers, clinicians, and other health-care professionals with participation of national and regional stroke societies and stroke support organizations. With a vision to reduce the rapidly increasing burden of stroke in Africa, the ASO has a four-pronged focus on (1) research, (2) capacity building, (3) development of stroke services, and (4) collaboration with all stakeholders. This will be delivered through advocacy, awareness, and empowerment initiatives to bring about people-focused changes in policy, clinical practice, and public education. In the spirit of the African philosophy of Ubuntu “I am because we are,” the ASO will harness the power of diversity, inclusiveness, togetherness, and team work to build a strong, enduring, and impactful platform for tackling stroke in Africa.
Nutrition training in residency and fellowship programme: time for a change
Authors: Asokkumar Ravishankar , Salazar Ennaliza
Published: February 2020

Background:

Despite several measures, the nutrition education during undergraduate and postgraduate training has been identified to be suboptimal. The objective of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practice of residents, fellows and teaching faculties, following a reformation in the training curriculum, in a tertiary teaching hospital.

Method:

We conducted an anonymous survey involving residents, fellows and teaching faculties in medical and surgical speciality. We assessed four domains: (a) recognition, (b) knowledge, (c) application of basic principles of nutritional and (d) attitude towards clinical nutrition during residency and fellowship training. Each domain had five multiple choice questions and the attitude section was assessed using a five-point Likert scale.

Result:

We distributed the survey to 305 doctors: 265 completed the first three domains and 259 completed all the domains. The overall mean ± SD score between residents (6.5 ± 1.9), fellows (6.8 ± 1.8) and teaching faculties (6.5 ± 2.2) was similar. All scored similarly in the recognition, knowledge and application domain of the questionnaire. When subcategorised, the gastroenterology sub-speciality scored significantly higher than the rest (8.1 ± 2.2 vs. 6.4 ± 1.9, p = 0.001). Sixty-three per cent and 44% of the responders felt there was lack of adequate focus on clinical nutrition training in residency and during daily ward round, respectively. Only 10% of responders felt confident in providing nutritional counselling and treatment for malnourished patients.

Conclusion:

Our study shows the current nutritional education during residency and fellowship training is still inadequate and falls short in achieving the recommended goals.
European guidelines on achalasia: United European Gastroenterology and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility recommendations
Authors: Oude Nijhuis RAB , Zaninotto G , Roman S , Boeckxstaens GE , Fockens P , Langendam MW , Plumb AA , Smout AJPM , Targarona EM , Trukhmanov AS , Weusten BLAM , Bredenoord Albert J
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the oesophagus characterised by absence of peristalsis and insufficient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. With new advances and developments in achalasia management, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive evidence‐based guidelines to assist clinicians in achalasia patient care.

Methods

Guidelines were established by a working group of representatives from United European Gastroenterology, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility,European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Recommendations were voted upon using a nominal group technique.

Results

These guidelines focus on the definition of achalasia, treatment aims, diagnostic tests, medical, endoscopic and surgical therapy, management of treatment failure, follow‐up and oesophageal cancer risk.

Conclusion

These multidisciplinary guidelines provide a comprehensive evidence‐based framework with recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of adult achalasia patients.
Assessing the Impact of Neurogenic Claudication on Outcomes Following Decompression With Lumbar Interbody Fusions in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Martini Michael L. , Nistal Dominic A. , Deutsch Brian C. , Neifert Sean N. , Lamb Colin D. , Caridi John M.
Published: February 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To conduct the first comprehensive national-level study examining specific risks, outcomes, and costs surrounding surgical treatment of lumar spinal stenosis (LSS) in patients with and without neurogenic claudication (NC).

Methods:

Data for patients with or without NC who underwent decompression with a lumbar interbody fusion approached anteriorly (ALIF), posteriorly (PLIF), or laterally (LLIF) for LSS was collected from the 2013-2014 National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Disease codes.

Results:

A total of 121 025 LSS cases without NC and 20 095 cases with NC were included in this study. The most significant complications associated with NC status by organ system included renal ( P = .0030) and hematological complications ( P = .0003). Multivariate regression controlling for key demographic and comorbidity variables showed that patients with NC did not have significantly higher odds of complication, non-home discharge, or extended hospitalization compared to patients without NC regardless of fusion type. Interestingly, NC patients had comparatively lower total charges for their hospitalization following PLIFs ( P = .0001) and LLIFs ( P < .0001), but not ALIFs ( P = .6121).

Conclusion:

NC does not appear to significantly increase odds of adverse outcomes following fusion in LSS. Given the large prevalence of LSS and coincidental NC, these findings may carry important implications in managing this challenging patient population and justifies future prospective investigation of this topic.
Transfer of the anterior gluteus maximus to address abductor deficiency following soft tissue tumour excision
Authors: Shea Graham Ka-Hon , Ching-Hin Yau Raymond , Wai-Hung Shek Tony , Ho Wai-Yip , Ying-Lee Lam Albert
Published: February 2020

Hip abductor deficiency is most commonly encountered in the context of degeneration of the hip, and techniques for reconstruction pioneered by arthroplasty surgeons. We adopted a local muscle transfer technique utilizing the anterior half of the gluteus maximus for abductor reconstruction following soft tissue tumour excision in a young female patient. The patient of concern had a solitary fibrous tumour located between the right gluteus medius and minimus detected as an incidental finding. Marginal excision of the mass resulted in removal of the gluteus medius. The anterior half of the gluteus maximus was transferred and attached to the decorticated lateral greater trochanter by means of suture anchors and transosseous sutures. The patient initially demonstrated a Trendelenburg gait and limited abduction against gravity. By 1-year post-operation, there was return of normal gait and recovery of hip abductor power. This is the first report of anterior gluteus maximus transfer being successfully applied for soft tissue reconstruction around the hip subsequent to tumour excision.
Strategic Role of Mandated Corporate Social Responsibility: The India Story
Authors: Mitra Nayan
Published: February 2020

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is changing from charity and philanthropy to structures and mandates; from voluntary to statutory! Moreover, with the introduction of this mandated CSR in India, there is a sudden surge in CSR research and the differences in the concept of CSR between developed and developing countries have become evident.

It is in this perspective that this research aims to study the macro structure of CSR in India; understand its CSR mandate and document the different tenets of this CSR mandate as found in literature. In the micro context, it also analyzes the mediating role of the (variable) corporate social responsibility (VCSR) between strategic management and firm performance.
Entrainment of the Drosophila clock by the visual system
Authors: Schlichting Matthias
Published: February 2020

Circadian clocks evolved as an adaptation to the cyclic change of day and night. To precisely adapt to this environment, the endogenous period has to be adjusted every day to exactly 24 hours by a process called entrainment. Organisms can use several external cues, called zeitgebers, to adapt. These include changes in temperature, humidity, or light. The latter is the most powerful signal to synchronize the clock in animals. Research shows that a complex visual system and circadian photoreceptors work together to adjust animal physiology to the outside world. This review will focus on the importance of the visual system for clock synchronization in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. It will cover behavioral and physiological evidence that supports the importance of the visual system in light entrainment.
Organ responses with daratumumab therapy in previously treated AL amyloidosis
Authors: Chung Alfred , Kaufman Gregory P. , Sidana Surbhi , Eckhert Erik , Schrier Stanley L. , Lafayette Richard A. , Arai Sally , Witteles Ronald M. , Liedtke Michaela
Published: February 2020

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) involves deposition of abnormally folded light chains into a wide range of tissues causing organ dysfunction, including in the heart and kidney. Daratumumab, a CD38-targeted antibody, has recently demonstrated efficacy in producing hematologic responses in previously treated disease. However, data on survival outcomes and organ responses to daratumumab are lacking. Seventy-two patients with previously treated AL amyloidosis who received daratumumab monotherapy with dexamethasone were retrospectively evaluated. With a median follow-up of 27 months, 2-year overall survival (OS) was 86.9% (median OS, not reached) and 2-year time-to-next treatment or death (TTNT)–free survival was 62% (median TTNT, not reached). Forty of 52 evaluable patients achieved a hematologic response (77%), with >60% of patients achieving a very good partial response or better; median time-to-hematologic response was 1 month. Fifty-seven patients (79%) had cardiac involvement, and 55% of evaluable patients achieved a cardiac response, with a median response time of 3.2 months among responders. Cardiac responses were associated with an improvement in OS, with landmark analysis for cardiac responses at 3 months trending toward statistical significance (100% vs 55% at 30 months, P = .051). Forty-seven patients (65%) had renal involvement, and 52% of evaluable patients achieved a renal response, with a median response time of 6 months among responders; there was no significant difference in OS between renal responders and nonresponders. This study demonstrates that daratumumab is highly effective in the treatment of previously treated AL amyloidosis, and a significant proportion of patients can achieve deep hematologic responses, as well as improvements in organ function.
Severe desaturations increase psychomotor vigilance task-based median reaction time and number of lapses in obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Kainulainen Samu , Duce Brett , Korkalainen Henri , Oksenberg Arie , Leino Akseli , Arnardottir Erna S. , Kulkas Antti , Myllymaa Sami , Töyräs Juha , Leppänen Timo
Published: February 2020

Current diagnostic parameters estimating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity have a poor connection to the psychomotor vigilance of OSA patients. Thus, we aimed to investigate how the severity of apnoeas, hypopnoeas and intermittent hypoxaemia is associated with impaired vigilance.

We retrospectively examined type I polysomnography data and corresponding psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVTs) of 743 consecutive OSA patients (apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5 events·h−1). Conventional diagnostic parameters (e.g.AHI and oxygen desaturation index (ODI)) and novel parameters (e.g.desaturation severity and obstruction severity) incorporating duration of apnoeas and hypopnoeas as well as depth and duration of desaturations were assessed. Patients were grouped into quartiles based on PVT outcome variables. The odds of belonging to the worst-performing quartile were assessed. Analyses were performed for all PVT outcome variables using binomial logistic regression.

A relative 10% increase in median depth of desaturations elevated the odds (ORrange1.20–1.37, p<0.05) of prolonged mean and median reaction times as well as increased lapse count. Similarly, an increase in desaturation severity (ORrange1.26–1.52, p<0.05) associated with prolonged median reaction time. Female sex (ORrange2.21–6.02, p<0.01), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ORrange1.05–1.07, p<0.01) and older age (ORrange1.01–1.05, p<0.05) were significant risk factors in all analyses. In contrast, increases in conventional AHI, ODI and arousal index were not associated with deteriorated PVT performance.

These results show that our novel parameters describing the severity of intermittent hypoxaemia are significantly associated with increased risk of impaired PVT performance, whereas conventional OSA severity and sleep fragmentation metrics are not. These results underline the importance of developing the assessment of OSA severity beyond the AHI.
Quantitative trait variation in ASD probands and toddler sibling outcomes at 24 months
Authors:   for the IBIS Network, Girault Jessica B. , Swanson Meghan R. , Meera Shoba S. , Grzadzinski Rebecca L. , Shen Mark D. , Burrows Catherine A. , Wolff Jason J. , Pandey Juhi , John Tanya St , Estes Annette , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Botteron Kelly N. , Hazlett Heather C. , Dager Stephen R. , Schultz Robert T. , Constantino John N. , Piven Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background

Younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased likelihood of receiving an ASD diagnosis and exhibiting other developmental concerns. It is unknown how quantitative variation in ASD traits and broader developmental domains in older siblings with ASD (probands) may inform outcomes in their younger siblings.

Methods

Participants included 385 pairs of toddler siblings and probands from the Infant Brain Imaging Study. ASD probands (mean age 5.5 years, range 1.7 to 15.5 years) were phenotyped using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (VABS-II). Siblings were assessed using the ADI-R, VABS-II, Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and received a clinical best estimate diagnosis at 24 months using DSM-IV-TR criteria (n = 89 concordant for ASD;n = 296 discordant). We addressed two aims: (1) to determine whether proband characteristics are predictive of recurrence in siblings and (2) to assess associations between proband traits and sibling dimensional outcomes at 24 months.

Results

Regarding recurrence risk, proband SCQ scores were found to significantly predict sibling 24-month diagnostic outcome (OR for a 1-point increase in SCQ = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.12). Regarding quantitative trait associations, we found no significant correlations in ASD traits among proband-sibling pairs. However, quantitative variation in proband adaptive behavior, communication, and expressive and receptive language was significantly associated with sibling outcomes in the same domains; proband scores explained 9–18% of the variation in cognition and behavior in siblings with ASD. Receptive language was particularly strongly associated in concordant pairs (ICC = 0.50,p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Proband ASD symptomology, indexed by the SCQ, is a predictor of familial ASD recurrence risk. While quantitative variation in social communication and restricted and repetitive behavior were not associated among sibling pairs, standardized ratings of proband language and communication explained significant variation in the same domains in the sibling at 24 months, especially among toddlers with an ASD diagnosis. These data suggest that proband characteristics can alert clinicians to areas of developmental concern for young children with familial risk for ASD.
Prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer by serum IgG glycomics profiling
Authors: Qin Ruihuan , Yang Yupeng , Chen Hao , Qin Wenjun , Han Jing , Gu Yong , Pan Yiqing , Cheng Xi , Zhao Junjie , Wang Xuefei , Ren Shifang , Sun Yihong , Gu Jianxin
Published: February 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could improve prognosis and survival quality of patients with local advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) by providing an opportunity of radical operation for them. However, no effective method could predict the efficacy of NACT before surgery to avoid the potential toxicity, time-consuming and economic burden of ineffective chemotherapy. Some research has been investigated about the correlation between serum IgG glycosylation and gastric cancer, but the question of whether IgG glycome can reflect the tumor response to NACT is still unanswered.

Method

Serum IgG glycome profiles were analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography in a cohort comprised of 49 LAGC patients of which 25 were categorized as belonging to the NACT response group and 24 patients were assigned to the non-response group. A logistic regression model was constructed to predict the response rate incorporating clinical features and differential N-glycans, while the precision of model was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

IgG N-glycome analysis in pretreatment serum of LAGC patients comprises 24 directly detected glycans and 17 summarized traits. Compared with IgG glycans of non-response group, agalactosylated N-glycans increased while monosialylated N-glycans and digalactosylated N-glycans decreased in the response group. We constructed a model combining patients’ age, histology, chemotherapy regimen, GP4(H3N4F1), GP6(H3N5F1), and GP18(H5N4F1S1), and ROC analysis showed this model has an accurate prediction of NACT response (AUC = 0.840) with the sensitivity of 64.00% and the specificity of 100%.

Conclusion

We here firstly present the profiling of IgG N-glycans in pretreatment serum of LAGC. The alterations in IgG N-glycome may be personalized biomarkers to predict the response to NACT in LAGC and help to illustrate the relationship between immunity and effect of NACT.
Characterization of a New qLTG3–1 Allele for Low-temperature Germinability in Rice from the Wild Species Oryza rufipogon
Authors: Shim Kyu-Chan , Kim Sun Ha , Lee Hyun-Sook , Adeva Cheryl , Jeon Yun-A , Luong Ngoc Ha , Kim Woo-Jin , Akhtamov Mirjalol , Park Yong-Jin , Ahn Sang-Nag
Published: February 2020

Background

Rice (Oryza sativaL.) is generally sensitive to low temperatures, and in production systems that use direct-seeding, low-temperature germinability (LTG) is a desired trait. Previously, the QTLs,qLTG1andqLTG3,that control LTG, were mapped using the BC4F8population, which is a cross of Korean elite cultivar Hwaseong andO. rufipogon(IRGC 105491). We have characterized and analyzed the interaction between the two QTLs, by crossing TR20 that hasO. rufipogonalleles atqLTG1andqLTG3in a Hwaseong background, with Hwaseong, to develop an F2population.

Results

The F2plants with bothqLTG1andqLTG3alleles fromO. rufipogonshowed higher LTG scores, than the plants with onlyqLTG1orqLTG3. No significant interaction between theqLTG1andqLTG3was observed, indicating that they may regulate LTG via different pathways. Based on its location,qLTG3appears to be allelic withqLTG3–1, a major QTL known to control LTG. To investigate the genetic differences between the two parents, that were controlling LTG, we compared theirqLTG3–1sequences. In the coding region, three sequence variations leading to amino acid changes were identified between the Hwaseong andO. rufipogon. Of these, a non-synonymous substitution at the 62nd amino acid site, had not previously been reported. To understand the cause of the LTG variations between the parents, we genotyped three sequence variations ofqLTG3–1, that were identified in 98 Asian cultivated rice accessions (Oryza sativaL.). The 98 accessions were classified into 5 haplotypes, based on three variations and a 71-bp deletion. Mean low-temperature germination rates were compared among the haplotypes, and haplotype 5 (O. rufipogon-type) showed a significantly higher germination rate than haplotype 2 (Nipponbare-type), and haplotype 3 (Italica Livorno-type).

Conclusions

TheO. rufipogon qLTG3–1allele can be utilized for the improvement of LTG in rice breeding programs. Nearly isogenic lines harboring bothqLTG1andqLTG3–1alleles fromO. rufipogon,showed higher LTG scores than the NILs withqLTG1orqLTG3–1alone, and the two QTLs regulate LTG via different pathways. To our knowledge, this is the first report to detect a newqLTG3–1allele and analyze the interaction of the two LTG QTLs in a nearly isogenic background.
Primary orthologs from local sequence context
Authors: Gao Kun , Miller Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Background

The evolutionary history of genes serves as a cornerstone of contemporary biology. Most conserved sequences in mammalian genomes don’t code for proteins, yielding a need to infer evolutionary history of sequences irrespective of what kind of functional element they may encode. Thus, sequence-, as opposed to gene-, centric modes of inferring paths of sequence evolution are increasingly relevant. Customarily, homologous sequences derived from the same direct ancestor, whose ancestral position in two genomes is usually conserved, are termed “primary” (or “positional”) orthologs. Methods based solely on similarity don’t reliably distinguish primary orthologs from other homologs; for this, genomic context is often essential. Context-dependent identification of orthologs traditionally relies on genomic context over length scales characteristic of conserved gene order or whole-genome sequence alignment, and can be computationally intensive.

Results

We demonstrate that short-range sequence context—as short as a single “maximal” match— distinguishes primary orthologs from other homologs across whole genomes. On mammalian whole genomes not preprocessed by repeat-masker, potential orthologs are extracted by genome intersection as “non-nested maximal matches:” maximal matches that are not nested into other maximal matches. It emerges that on both nucleotide and gene scales, non-nested maximal matches recapitulate primary or positional orthologs with high precision and high recall, while the corresponding computation consumes less than one thirtieth of the computation time required by commonly applied whole-genome alignment methods. In regions of genomes that would be masked by repeat-masker, non-nested maximal matches recover orthologs that are inaccessible to Lastz net alignment, for which repeat-masking is a prerequisite. mmRBHs, reciprocal best hits of genes containing non-nested maximal matches, yield novel putative orthologs, e.g. around 1000 pairs of genes for human-chimpanzee.

Conclusions

We describe an intersection-based method that requires neither repeat-masking nor alignment to infer evolutionary history of sequences based on short-range genomic sequence context. Ortholog identification based on non-nested maximal matches is parameter-free, and less computationally intensive than many alignment-based methods. It is especially suitable for genome-wide identification of orthologs, and may be applicable to unassembled genomes. We are agnostic as to the reasons for its effectiveness, which may reflect local variation of mean mutation rate.
Dynamics of mobile genetic elements of Listeria monocytogenes persisting in ready-to-eat seafood processing plants in France
Authors: Palma Federica , Brauge Thomas , Radomski Nicolas , Mallet Ludovic , Felten Arnaud , Mistou Michel-Yves , Brisabois Anne , Guillier Laurent , Midelet-Bourdin Graziella
Published: February 2020

Background

Listeria monocytogenesClonal Complexes (CCs) have been epidemiologically associated with foods, especially ready-to-eat (RTE) products for which the most likely source of contamination depends on the occurrence of persisting clones in food-processing environments (FPEs). As the ability ofL. monocytogenesto adapt to environmental stressors met in the food chain challenges the efforts to its eradication from FPEs, the threat of persistent strains to the food industry and public health authorities continues to rise. In this study, 94 food and FPEsL. monocytogenesisolates, representing persistent subtypes contaminating three French seafood facilities over 2–6 years, were whole-genome sequenced to characterize their genetic diversity and determine the biomarkers associated with long-term survival in FPEs.

Results

Food and FPEs isolates belonged to five CCs, comprising long-term intra- and inter-plant persisting clones. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids, prophages and transposons were highly conserved within CCs, some of which harboured genes for resistance to chemical compounds and biocides used in the processing plants. Some of these genes were found in a 90.8 kbp plasmid, predicted to be” mobilizable”, identical in isolates from CC204 and CC155, and highly similar to an 81.6 kbp plasmid from isolates belonging to CC7. These similarities suggest horizontal transfer between isolates, accompanied by deletion and homologous recombination in isolates from CC7. Prophage profiles characterized persistent clonal strains and several prophage-loci were plant-associated. Notably, a persistent clone from CC101 harboured a novel 31.5 kbp genomic island that we namedListeriagenomic island 3 (LGI3), composed by plant-associated loci and chromosomally integrating cadmium-resistance determinantscadA1C.

Conclusions

Genome-wide analysis indicated that inter- and intra-plant persisting clones harbour conserved MGEs, likely acquired in FPEs and maintained by selective pressures. The presence of closely related plasmids inL. monocytogenesCCs supports the hypothesis of horizontal gene transfer conferring enhanced survival to FPE-associated stressors, especially in hard-to-clean harbourage sites. Investigating the MGEs evolutionary and transmission dynamics provides additional resolution to trace-back potentially persistent clones. The biomarkers herein discovered provide new tools for better designing effective strategies for the removal or reduction of residentL. monocytogenesin FPEs to prevent contamination of RTE seafood.
Comparison of morphometry and ventricular function of healthy and smoking young people
Authors: Batista Ana Natália Ribeiro , Garcia Thais , Franco Estefânia Aparecida Thomé , Azevedo Paula Schmidt , Barbosa Mauricio Fregonesi , Zornoff Leonardo Antonio Mamede , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira , de Paiva Sergio Alberto Rupp , Zucchi José William , de Godoy Irma , Tanni Suzana Erico
Published: February 2020

Background

Tobacco smoke is one of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and damages in the myocardial tissue directly. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been used and is a promising tool to evaluate morphometry and cardiac function in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations of smoking with morphometry and cardiac function by CMR technique in young adult smokers.

Methods

Altogether, 49 volunteers (22 smokers and 27 non-smokers) were included in the study. The comparisons between groups were performed by multiple linear regression adjusting for body mass index and gender.

Results

In the morphometric and functional evaluation of the left ventricle, we observed statistical significant lower values of end-diastolic volume (EDV) (p = 0.02), ejection volume (EV) (p = 0.001) and indexed ejection volume (IEV) (p = 0.007) in smokers when compared to no-smoker group. Right ventricle showed statistical significant lower values of EDV (p = < 0.001), end-systolic volume (p = 0.01), EV (p = < 0.001), IEV (p = 0.001), indexed end-diastolic volume (p = 0.001) and major axis (p = 0.01) in smokers when compared to non-smokers group.

Conclusions

There is a strongly association of smoking in young adult and cardiac function decline, even adjusted by cofounders, which compromises the proper functioning of the heart. Evidence confirms that smoking can directly influence the cardiac function, even without atherosclerosis or other chronic comorbidities, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Association between perceived environmental pollution and health among urban and rural residents-a Chinese national study
Authors: Yang Ting
Published: February 2020

Background

China’s economic boom has led to severe environmental pollution, which has created significant health risks for residents. Although current studies have found urban residents can sense the harmful effects of environmental pollution in China, few studies have talked about their rural counterparts’ attitudes towards the health impacts of environmental pollution. Similarly, little research has talked about the inequality of environmental awareness between urban and rural residents.

Methods

Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the data analyses based on a national survey, namely, The 3rd Survey on the Status of Chinese Women in 2010, which was jointly conducted by the All China Women’s Federation and the China Statistical Bureau in 2010. A total of 24741observations were selected.

Results

Among urban residents, 67.21% reported that their total health was good, which was 1.35% lower than the reported rate of their rural counterparts; 25.88% of urban residents reported that their total health was general, which was nearly 3% higher than the reported rate of their rural counterparts; 6.91% of urban residents reported that their total health was poor, which was 1.63% lower than the reported rate of their rural counterparts. The study also found that the rates of urban residents who perceived air pollution (35.67%), water pollution (17.96%), garbage pollution (25.05%), and noise pollution (32.05%) were higher than those of their rural counterparts. Perceived air pollution, and perceived noise pollution both had a negative effect on urban residents’ good health (B = − 0.14, p < 0.05; B = -0.23, p < 0.001). Perceived garbage pollution had a positive effect on urban residents’ poor health (B = 0.33, p < 0.01). Perceived water pollution had no significant effect on urban residents’ health. The four types of perceived environmental pollution all had insignificant effects on rural residents’ health.

Conclusions

Rural residents lack awareness of the impacts of environmental pollution on health, which may create risks and vulnerability within the rural environment and the livelihood of these residents. Great attention should be paid to the impacts of environmental pollution on the health of not only urban residents but also rural residents, which will highly improve the support of green development among the public in China.
Intervertebral disc degeneration in mice with type II diabetes induced by leptin receptor deficiency
Authors: Li Xinhua , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Yiru , Cao Fuming , Chen Zhaoxiong , Hu Zhouyang , Yu Bin , Feng Hang , Ba Zhaoyu , Liu Tao , Li Haoxi , Jiang Bei , Huang Yufeng , Li Lijun , Wu Desheng
Published: February 2020

Background

The leptin receptor-deficient knockout (db/db) mouse is a well-established model for studying type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is an important risk factor of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Although the relationship between type I diabetes and IVDD has been reported by many studies, few studies have reported the effects of T2DM on IVDD in db/db mice model.

Methods

Mice were separated into 3 groups: wild-type (WT), db/db, and IGF-1 groups (leptin receptor-deficient mice were treated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). To observe the effects of T2DM and glucose-lowering treatment on IVDD, IGF-1 injection was used. The IVD phenotype was detected by H&E and safranin O fast green staining among db/db, WT and IGF-1 mice. The levels of blood glucose and weight in mice were also recorded. The changes in the mass of the trabecular bone in the fifth lumbar vertebra were documented by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Tunnel assays were used to detect cell apoptosis in each group.

Results

The weight of the mice were 27.68 ± 1.6 g in WT group, which was less than 57.56 ± 4.8 g in db/db group, and 52.17 ± 3.7 g in IGF-1 injected group (P < 0.05). The blood glucose levels were also significantly higher in the db/db mice group. T2DM caused by leptin receptor knockout showed an association with significantly decreased vertebral bone mass and increased IVDD when compared to WT mice. The db/db mice induced by leptin deletion showed a higher percentage of MMP3 expression as well as cell apoptosis in IVDD mice than WT mice (P < 0.05), while IGF-1 treatment reversed this situation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

T2DM induced by leptin receptor knockout led to IVDD by increasing the levels of MMP3 and promoting cell apoptosis. IGF-1 treatment partially rescue the phenotype of IVDD induced by leptin receptor knockout.
Pedicle frozen autograft–prosthesis composite reconstructions for malignant bone tumors of the proximal femur
Authors: Xu Gang , Miwa Shinji , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Igarashi Kentaro , Higuchi Takashi , Taniguchi Yuta , Araki Yoshihiro , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Morinaga Sei , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Background

Limb salvage surgery is becoming increasingly popular after tumor resection in the lower extremity. Biological reconstruction and use of megaprosthesis are main methods for malignant bone tumors of the proximal femur, which remain controversial due to short- and long-term complication in the proximal femur. Tumor-bearing bone treated by liquid nitrogen is one of biological reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the mid- and long-term functional outcomes and complications in patients treated with frozen autograft–prosthesis composite (FAPC) reconstructions in the proximal femur.

Methods

This retrospective study included 19 patients (10 women, 9 men) with malignant tumors of the proximal femur who underwent tumor-wide resection and FAPC reconstruction (mean age, 46 years; range, 9–77 years). The mean follow-up period of 69 months (range, 9–179 months). Functional outcomes, oncological outcome and complications were evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, clinical and radiological examinations.

Results

The overall survival rate was 68.4%, and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 26.4 points (88%). FAPC survival rates were 100 and 50% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Five of the 19 patients (26%) had complications: 2 required prosthesis removal and 2 developed a deep infection around acetabular. Wear of the acetabulum occurred in 2 cases, while disease recurrence was occurred in 1 case. There were no cases of greater trochanter avulsion, obvious absorption around frozen bone, prosthesis loosening or leg length discrepancy.

Conclusions

Due to without femoral osteotomy, this technique features satisfactory functional outcome and provide biomechanical stability that is comparable to those of other methods of biological reconstruction or megaprosthesis.
Monitoring of the invasion of Spartina alterniflora from 1985 to 2015 in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Li Nan , Li Longwei , Zhang Yinlong , Wu Ming
Published: February 2020

Background

Spartina alterniflora is an invasive plant on the coast of China that replaces native vegetation and has a serious negative impact on local ecosystems. Monitoring the spatial distribution of S. alterniflora and its changes over time can reveal its expansion mechanism, which is crucial for the management of coastal ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to map the distribution of S. alterniflora in Zhejiang Province from 1985 to 2015 using a time series of Landsat TM/OLI images and analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of expansion of this species.

Results

After analyzing the distribution of coastal vegetation, the vegetation index was calculated based on Landsat images for 4 years (1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015). According to a threshold determined based on expert knowledge, the distribution of S. alterniflora in Zhejiang Province was extracted, and the temporal and spatial changes in the distribution of S. alterniflora were analyzed. The classification accuracy was 90.3%. S. alterniflora has expanded rapidly in recent decades after being introduced into southern Zhejiang. Between 1985 and 2015, S. alterniflora increased its area of distribution by 10,000 hm2, and it replaced native vegetation to become the most abundant halophyte in tidal flats. Overall, S. alterniflora expanded from south to north over the decades of the study, and the fastest expansion rate was 463.64 hm2/year, which occurred between 1995 and 2005. S. alterniflora was widely distributed in the tidal flats of bays and estuaries and expanded outward as sediment accumulated.

Conclusions

This study reveals the changes over time in S. alterniflora cover in Zhejiang and can contribute to the control and management of this invasive plant.
Decursinol from Angelica gigas Nakai enhances endometrial receptivity during implantation
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Lee Joo Eun , Han Young-Hyun , Lee Se-In , Kim Do Kyung , Park Seok-Rae , Yu Seong-Lan , Kang Jaeku
Published: February 2020

Background

Embryo implantation is essential for a successful pregnancy, and an elaborate synchronization between the receptive endometrium and trophoblast is required to achieve this implantation. To increase ‘endometrial receptivity’, the endometrium undergoes transformation processes including responses of adhesion molecules and cellular and molecular cell to cell communication. Many natural substances from traditional herbs have been studied to aid in the achievement of successful implantation. In this study, we investigated positive effects on embryonic implantation with decursinol that is a major compound extracted fromAngelica gigasNakai known to be associated with promotion of healthy pregnancy in the traditional Korean herbal medicine.

Methods

Expression of cell adhesion molecules after treatment of endometrial epithelial cells by decursinol (40 or 80 μM) was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis. The alteration of endometrial receptivity by decursinol (40 or 80 μM) was identified with the in vitro implantation model between Ishikawa cells and JAr cell spheroids (diameter, 143 ± 16 μm). Exosomes secreted from Ishikawa cells after treatment of 80 μM decursinol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the vehicle were investigated with invasion of JAr cells and attachment of JAr spheroids to Ishikawa cells.

Results

Decursinol significantly (P < 0.05) increased the expression of important endometrial adhesion molecules such as integrin β1, β3, β5 and L-selectin mRNAs and integrin β5 and L-selectin in protein. The adhesion rate of JAr spheroids to decursinol-treated Ishikawa cells also increased significantly which was 2.4-fold higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, decursinol induced an increase in the release of exosomes from Ishikawa cells and decursinol-induced exosomes showed autocrine (to Ishikawa cells) and paracrine (to JAr cells) positive effects on our implantation model.

Conclusion

These results propose that decursinol could serve as a new and alternative solution for patients who are infertile.
Chaenomelis fructus inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing NFATc1 expression and prevents ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Kim Minsun , Kim Ho-Seok , Kim Jae-Hyun , Kim Eun-Young , Lee Bina , Lee Sung Yub , Jun Jae-Yun , Kim Min Beom , Sohn Youngjoo , Jung Hyuk-Sang
Published: February 2020

Background

Osteoporosis is related to the number and activity of osteoclasts. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of Chaenomelis Fructus (CF) on osteoclastogenesis and its mechanism of bone loss prevention in an OVX-induced osteoporosis model.

Methods

Osteoclasts were induced by RANKL in RAW 264.7 cells. TRAP assay was performed to measure the inhibitory effect of CF on osteoclast differentiation. Then, Expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1), c-Fos which are essential transcription factors in osteoclastogenesis were detected using western blot and RT-PCR. The osteoclast-related markers were measured by RT-PCR. Moreover, the ability of CF to inhibit bone loss was researched by ovariectomized (OVX)-induced osteoporosis.

Results

Cell experiments showed that CF inhibited osteoclast differentiation and its function. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that CF suppressed osteoclastogenesis through the NFATc1 and c-Fos signaling pathways. RT-PCR determined that CF inhibited osteoclast-related markers, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CTK), osteoclast-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor (OSCAR), ATPase H+ Transporting V0 Subunit D2 (ATP6v0d2) and carbonic anhydrase II (CA2). In animal experiments, CF showed an inhibitory effect on bone density reduction through OVX. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining analysis data showed that CF inhibited OVX-induced trabecular area loss. TRAP staining and immunohistochemical staining analysis data showed that CF displayed an inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation through NFATc1 inhibition in femoral tissue.

Conclusion

Based on the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, CF inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation and its function and effectively ameliorated OVX-induced osteoporosis rats.