bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrology of a Southern Appalachian Hypocrene Spring-Fed Fen
Authors: Wilcox Jeffrey , Marino Emily Bradshaw , Warwick Adam , Sutton Megan
Published: June 2020

Garland Seep is a Southern Appalachian fen that supports a population of federally endangered green pitcher plants (Sarracenia oreophila). The wetland is underlain by clayey stream deposits above fractured bedrock, is located at the base of a mountain slope, and is fed by groundwater that originates as recharge on the adjacent hillslope. Groundwater wells were installed following a hydrologic restoration in the mid-1990s and have been monitored at varying frequencies since that time. The 20+ year record provides evidence that Garland Seep can be classified as a “hypocrene fen,” in which spring flow rarely reaches the ground surface because of low discharge rates and high evapotranspiration (ET). In general, water-level fluctuations followed seasonal ET patterns, with higher water levels in the winter and early spring (when ET is low) and lower levels in the summer and fall. During wetter years, the water table remained near the ground surface for much of the year, with the clay layer underlying the site retaining moisture even after water levels had dropped. The “clay wetting” period was shorter during dryer years and corresponded with a reduction in the number of pitcher plant clumps observed at the site. In addition to the geologic and climatic controls on hydrology, previous landowners used fire to maintain open space for grazing, and The Nature Conservancy has continued the practice to combat woody vegetation and to open the canopy. Prescribed burns reduce ET (at least initially), cause a rise in water levels, and have helped maintain a thriving Sarracenia population.
Using Reference Springs to Describe Expected Flow, Temperature, and Chemistry Conditions for Geologically Related Groups of Springs
Authors: Swanson Susan K. , Graham Grace E. , Hart David J.
Published: June 2020

Reference springs can result in improved conceptual models of groundwater flow and an expanded understanding of the temporal variations in flow, temperature, and chemistry that may be expected for related springs. The reference spring concept is patterned off of the common practice of establishing reference sites to establish benchmark ecological conditions. We use the term “reference spring” to indicate a spring that is minimally disturbed and representative of a geologically related group of springs. Seven reference springs were selected from six previously defined groups that represent over 400 springs in Wisconsin, United States. Geologic cross-sections were constructed for each reference spring site, and springs were monitored for flow, spring-water temperature, and chemistry for up to 4 years, revealing new relationships within and between groups. Examples include: a range of temperature conditions that can be related to the depth of groundwater circulation for springs discharging from layered bedrock uplands, and differences in thermal patterns and specific conductance that can be related to the permeability and solubility of surficial glacial deposits for springs emanating from uneven glacial terrain. The results suggest that establishing reference springs may be a useful approach in other regions where geologically related groups of spring have been identified.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF RAT (Rattus norvegicus) DUE TO ADMINISTRATION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF SOURSOP FLOWERS (Annona muricata L.) AND Salmonella enteritidis INFECTION
Authors: Zuraidawati Zuraidawati , Sugito Sugito , Darmawi Darmawi , Taufiq Taufiq
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of soursop flower extract (Annona muricata L.) and hematological profile of rats (Rattus norvegicus) due to administration of soursop flower ethanol extract and Salmonella enteritidis infection. The concentrations of soursop flower ethanol extract used for the antibacterial activity test were 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, with the antibiotic ampicillin 10 μg/disk was used s a positive control (PC) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 10% as a negative control (NC). For examination of hematological features, 15 male rat aged two months were used. All rats were divided into 5 treatment groups, each consisting of three rats. The NC group was not given soursop flower ethanol extract and S. enteritidis infection. The PC group was not given soursop flower extract but was given S. enteritidis infection. Groups P1, P2, and P3 were given ethanol extracts of soursop flower at a dose of 0.18, 0.36, and 0.72 g/rat/day peroral for a week using gastric sonde. On the following day (after administration of soursop flower extract) the first blood drawing was performed. All rats, except NC group, were then infected with S. enteritidis intraperitonially at dose of 3x108 CFU/mL dose (0.5 mL McFarland). One week after being infected with S. enteritidis, a second blood drawing was performed. The results of the antibacterial activity test showed that there was no antibacterial activity was observed since no inhibition at various concentrations was formed. The administration of soursop flower extract at various dosage levels was able to maintain the number of leukocytes but reduced the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value and the number of platelets in rats; whereas S. enteritidis infection decreased all the hematologic features of lab rats.
Variabilidade Temporal das Concentrações de Clorofila -A e da Temperatura Superficial do Mar na Costa Central de Santa Catarina
Authors: Serrato Gabriel , Noernberg Mauricio
Published: June 2020

O fenômeno das florações de algas é conhecido mundialmente devido aos impactos diretos na saúde dos ecossistemas aquáticos, nos recursos pesqueiros e aquícolas, nas atividades recreacionais e na saúde humana. O presente estudo avaliou o uso de sensores satelitais na quantificação dos parâmetros de temperatura superficial do mar (TSM) e concentração de clorofila-a na superfície do mar (Chl-a) na costa de Santa Catarina, durante o período entre 2002 e 2019, objetivando identificar a variabilidade temporal da TSM e da Chl-a a partir da decomposição das séries temporais em tendência, sazonalidade e resíduos. Para atingir este objetivo foram adquiridas estimativas de TSM e Chl-a oriundas dos sensores orbitais Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) a bordo dos satélites (Aqua e Terra) e Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) a bordo dos satélites (SNPP e NOAA-20). Através da extração dos valores de TSM e Chl-a para um ponto ao largo da costa central de Santa Catarina foram geradas séries temporais para o período especificado e aplicada a metodologia de decomposição de séries temporais para identificar oscilações de baixa frequência. Foi possível identificar que os eventos com maior Chl-a estão relacionados com eventos com menores valores de TSM. As componentes encontradas poderão ser utilizadas para modelos preditivos auxiliando assim a minimizar os impactos associados às florações de algas.
Classificação de Eventos Extremos de Precipitação quanto sua Intensidade, Persistência e Abrangência na Região das ZCAS
Authors: Rodrigues Barcellos Deise , Leal de Quadro Mário Francisco
Published: June 2020

Eventos extremos de precipitação são de grande relevância na climatologia. Suas estimativas e a abrangência desses eventos, são importantes para o planejamento e desenvolvimento de atividades sujeitas a seus efeitos adversos, além do planejamento para diminuição dos impactos causados pelos desastres naturais que acarretam danos econômicos, ao meio ambiente e a sociedade. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar e classificar os eventos extremos de precipitação na região das ZCAS. As bases de dados utilizadas neste trabalho são provenientes de reanálise do Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2), para os meses de novembro a março, de 1987 a 2016. A utilização de um algoritmo computacional permite a classificação dos eventos em Chuva Intensa Abrangente ou Não Abrangente (CIA/CIN) e  Chuva Persistente Abrangente ou Não Abrangente (CPA/CPN), conforme critérios de intensidade, persistência e abrangência. Os resultados encontrados mostram que o algoritmo de rastreamento de CI e CP se mostrou uma ferramenta eficiente para rastrear eventos intensos/extremos de precipitação, além de  configurar a CP e a abrangência espacial. Na análise do episódio ocorrido entre os dias 11 e 12 de janeiro de 2011, foi detectado CIA e CPA sobre o Estado do Rio de Janeiro, que  contribuiu para a ocorrência de chuvas contínuas, fortes enxurradas e deslizamentos de terra.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Recording Protocol for Cognitive and Affective Human Neuroscience Research
Authors: Farrens Jaclyn L. , Simmons Aaron M. , Luck Steven J. , Kappenman Emily S.
Published: June 2020

Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most widely used techniques to measure human brain activity. EEG recordings provide a direct, high temporal resolution measure of cortical activity from noninvasive scalp electrodes. However, the signals are small relative to the noise, and optimizing the quality of the recorded EEG data can significantly improve the ability to identify signatures of brain processing. This protocol provides a step-by-step guide to recording the EEG from human research participants using strategies optimized for producing the best quality EEG.
An Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Infection at a Training Base in Beijing, China Due to Human Adenovirus Type B55
Authors: Lu Guilan , Peng Xiaomin , Li Renqing , Liu Yimeng , Wu Zhanguo , Wang Xifeng , Zhang Daitao , Zhao Jiachen , Sun Ying , Zhang Li , Yang Peng , Wang Quanyi
Published: June 2020

Background: Twelve students experienced symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) at a training base in Beijing from August 26 to August 30, 2015. We investigated the cause of this ARI outbreak. Methods: In partnership with the local center for disease control, we collected a total of twelve pharyngeal swab specimens as well as demographic information for the affected patients. We used multiplex real-time PCR to screen for sixteen common respiratory viruses in these samples. To isolate HAdV, we inoculated Hep-2 cells with the human adenovirus (HAdV)-positive samples and then carried out sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hexon, fiber, and penton genes of the isolated adenoviruses. In addition, we analyzed the entire genome of one strain isolated from the index case to identify single-nucleotide substitutions. Results: We identified ten HAdV-positive students using multiplex real-time PCR. None of the students were co-infected with other viruses. We successfully isolated seven HAdV strains from the pharyngeal swab specimens. The coding sequences of the hexon, fiber, and penton genes of these seven HAdV strains were identical, suggesting that they represented seven strains from a single virus clone. One HAdV isolate obtained from the index case, BJDX-01-2015, was selected for whole genome analysis. From this isolate, we obtained a 34,774-nucleotide sequence. The genome of BJDX-01-2015 clustered with HAdV-B55 in phylogenetic analyses and had 99.97% identity with human adenovirus 55 isolate HAdV-B/CHN/BJ01/2011/55 (GenBank accession no. JX491639). Conclusions: We identified HAdV-B55 as the strain associated with the August 2015 ARI outbreak at a training base in Beijing. This was the first reported outbreak in Beijing due to HAdV-B55. Continuous surveillance of respiratory adenoviruses is urgently needed to understand the epidemiological and evolutionary features of HAdV-B55, and an epidemiological modeling approach may provide further insights into this emerging public health threat. Furthermore, the clinical laboratory data from this outbreak provides important reference for the clinical diagnosis and may ultimately aid in informing the development of strategies to control and prevent respiratory tract infections caused by HAdV-B55.
Association of PIN3 16-bp Duplication Polymorphism of TP53 with Breast Cancer Risk in Mali and A Meta-analysis.
Authors: Diakite Brehima , Kassogue Yaya , Dolo Guimogo , Kassogue Oumar , Keita Mamadou Lassine , Joyce Brian , Neuschler Erin , Wang Jun , Musa Jonah , Traore Cheick Bougari , Kamate Bakarou , Dembele Etienne , Nadifi Sellama , Isichei Mercy , Holl Jane L , Murphy Robert , Doumbia Seydou , Hou Lifang , Maiga Mamoudou
Published: June 2020

Background. Breast cancer, the most common tumor in women in Mali and worldwide has been linked to several risk factors, including genetic factors, such as the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism of TP53. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism in the susceptibility to breast cancer in the Malian population and to perform a meta-analysis to better understand the correlation with data from other populations.Methods. We analyzed the PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism in blood samples of 60 Malian women with breast cancer and 60 healthy Malian women using PCR. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of case-control study data from international databases, including Pubmed, Harvard University Library, Genetics Medical Literature Database, Genesis Library and Web of Science. Overall, odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI from fixed and random effects models were determined. Inconsistency was used to assess heterogeneity between studies and publication bias was estimated using the funnel plot.Results. In the studied Malian patients, a significant association of PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism with breast cancer risk was observed in dominant (A1A2+A2A2 vs. A1A1: OR = 2.26, CI 95% = 1.08-4.73; P = 0.02) and additive (A2 vs. A1: OR =1.87, CI 95% = 1.05-3.33; P = 0.03) models, but not in the recessive model (P = 0.38). In the meta-analysis, nineteen (19) articles were included with a total of 6,018 disease cases and 4,456 controls. Except for the dominant model (P = 0.15), an increased risk of breast cancer was detected with the recessive (OR=1.46, 95% CI = 1.15-1.85; P = 0.002) and additive (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02-1.19; P = 0.01) models.Conclusion. The case-control study showed that PIN3 16-bp duplication polymorphism of TP53 is a significant risk factor for breast cancer in Malian women. These findings are supported by data from the meta-analysis carried out on different ethnic groups around the world.
Fusion transcript detection using spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Friedrich Stefanie , Sonnhammer Erik LL
Published: June 2020

Background Fusion transcripts are involved in tumourigenesis and play a crucial role in tumour heterogeneity, tumour evolution and cancer treatment resistance. However, fusion transcripts have not been studied at high spatial resolution in tissue sections due to the lack of full-length transcripts with spatial information. New high-throughput technologies like spatial transcriptomics measure the transcriptome of tissue sections on almost single-cell level. While this technique does not allow for direct detection of fusion transcripts, we show that they can be inferred using the relative poly(A) tail abundance of the involved parental genes. Method We present a new method STfusion, which uses spatial transcriptomics to infer the presence and absence of poly(A) tails. A fusion transcript lacks a poly(A) tail for the 5´ gene and has an elevated number of poly(A) tails for the 3´ gene. Its expression level is defined by the upstream promoter of the 5´ gene. STfusion measures the difference between the observed and expected number of poly(A) tails with a novel C-score. Results We verified the STfusion ability to predict fusion transcripts on HeLa cells with known fusions. STfusion and C-score applied to clinical prostate cancer data revealed the spatial distribution of the cis-SAGe SLC45A3-ELK4 in 12 tissue sections with almost single-cell resolution. The cis-SAGe occurred in disease areas, e.g. inflamed, prostatic intraepithelial neoplastic, or cancerous areas, and occasionally in normal glands. Conclusions STfusion detects fusion transcripts in cancer cell line and clinical tissue data, and distinguishes chimeric transcripts from chimeras caused by trans-splicing events. With STfusion and the use of C-scores, fusion transcripts can be spatially localised in clinical tissue sections on almost single cell level.
Decoding the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into mesangial cells at the transcriptomic level
Authors: Wong Chee-Yin , Chang Yao-Ming , Tsai Yu-Shuen , Ng Wailap Victor , Cheong Soon-Keng , Chang Ting-Yu , Chung I-Fang , Lim Yang-Mooi
Published: June 2020

Background: Mesangial cells play an important role in the glomerulus, providing mechanical support to it, and maintaining efficient ultrafiltration of renal plasma. Loss of mesangial cells due to pathologic conditions may lead to impaired renal function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into many cell types, including mesangial cells. However transcriptomic profiling during MSC differentiation into mesangial cells had not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to examine the pattern of transcriptomic changes during MSC differentiation into mesangial cells as well as to understand the involvement of transcription factor (TF) along the differentiation process, and finally to elucidate the relationship among TF-TF and TF-key gene or biomarkers during the differentiation of MSC into mesangial cells.Methods: Differentiation of MSC into mesangial cells was induced by co-culturing with injured mesangial cells. RNA from co-cultured MSC was extracted before running RNA sequencing. Generated RNA-seq data was analysed by two methods simultaneously: 1) Monotonic Feature Selector (MFSelector) to identify the key genes with ascending and descending monotonic patterns, and 2) Time-Ordered Gene Co-expression Network (TO-GCN) to construct a TF co-expression network. Results : MFSelector has identified several monotonic key genes (either ascending or descending). These identified descending monotonic key genes are related to stemness or regulation of cell cycle while ascending monotonic key genes are associated with the functions of mesangial cells. The TFs were arranged in a co-expression network in order of time by TO-GCN analysis. Additionally, not only can TO-GCN analysis classify the differentiation process into three stages: differentiation preparation, differentiation initiation and maturation, but it can also explore TF-TF-key genes regulatory relationships in the muscle contraction process.Conclusions: A systematic analysis for transcriptomic profiling of MSC differentiation into mesangial cells has been established. Key genes or biomarkers, TFs and pathways involved in differentiation of MSC-mesangial cells have been identified and the related biological implications have been discussed. Finally, we further elucidated for the first time the three main stages of mesangial cell differentiation, and the regulatory relationships between TF-TF-key genes existing in the muscle contraction process.
National mapping of soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections in Ethiopia
Authors: Leta Gemechu Tadesse , Mekete Kalkidan , Wuletaw Yonas , Gebretsadik Abeba , Sime Heven , Mekasha Sindew , Woyessa Adugna , Shafi Oumer , Vercruysse Jozef , Grimes Jack ET , Gardiner Iain , French Michael , Levecke Bruno , Drake Lesley , Harrison Wendy , Fenwick Alan
Published: June 2020

Background : An accurate understanding of the geographical distributions of both soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris trichiura , and the hookworms ( Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale ) and schistosomes (SCH; Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium ) is pivotal to be able to effectively design and implement mass drug administration (MDA) programs. The objective of this study was to provide up-to-date data on the distribution of both STH and SCH in Ethiopia to inform the design of the national control program and to be able to efficiently achieve the 75% MDA coverage target set by the WHO. Methods : Between 2013 and 2015, we assessed the distributions of STH and SCH infections in a nationwide survey covering 153,238 school-aged children (aged five to 15 years), from 625 woredas (districts), representing all nine Regional States and two City Administrations of Ethiopia. Nationwide disease maps were developed at the woreda level to enable recommendations on the design of the national MDA program. Results: The prevalence of any STH infection across the study population was 21.7%, with A. lumbricoides (12.8%) being the most prevalent STH, followed by hookworms (7.6%) and T. trichiura (5.9%). The prevalence for any SCH was 4.0% in areas where both SCH species were evaluated. S. mansoni was the most prevalent SCH (3.5% vs. 0.3%). STHs were more prevalent in southwest Ethiopia, whereas SCH was found mostly in the west and northeast of the country. The prevalence of moderate-to-heavy intensity infections was 2.0% for STHs and 1.6% for SCH. For STH, a total of 251 woredas were classified as moderately (178) or highly endemic (73), and therefore qualify for an annual and biannual MDA program, respectively. For SCH, 67 woredas were classified as endemic and 8 as highly endemic, and hence they require every two years and annual MDA program, respectively. Conclusions : The results confirm that Ethiopia is endemic for both STHs and SCH, posing a significant public health problem. Following WHO recommendations on mass drug administration, 18 and 14 million school-aged children are in need of MDA for STHs and SCH respectively based on the number of SACs that live on the eligible geographic areas.
Efficacy and safety of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine and prevalence of molecular markers associated with resistance, Guinea: an open-label two-arm randomised controlled trial
Authors: Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Camara Alioune , Delamou Alexandre , Doumbouya Abdoulaye , Kourouma Karifa , Bouedouno Patrice , Guilavogui Timothee , Santos Souza Samaly dos , Kelley Julia , Talundzic Eldin , Fofana Aissata , Plucinski Mateusz M , Diallo Mamadou Saliou
Published: June 2020

Background Anti-malarial resistance is a threat to recent gains in malaria control. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in the management of uncomplicated malaria and to measure the prevalence of molecular markers of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in sentinel sites in Maferinyah and Labé Health Districts in Guinea in 2016.Methods This was a two-arm randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of AL and ASAQ among children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in two sites. Children were followed for 28 days to assess clinical and parasitological response. The primary outcome was the Kaplan-Meier estimate of Day 28 (D28) efficacy after correction by microsatellite-genotyping. Pre-treatment (D0) and day of failure samples were assayed for molecular markers of resistance in the pfk13 and pfmdr1 genes.Results A total of 421 participants were included with 211 participants in the Maferinyah site and 210 in Labé. No early treatment failure was observed in any study arms. However, 22 (5.3%) participants developed a late treatment failure (8 in the ASAQ arm and 14 in the AL arm), which were further classified as 2 recrudescences and 20 reinfections. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the corrected efficacy at D28 was 100% for both AL and ASAQ in Maferinyah site and 99% (95% Confidence Interval: 97.2-100%) for ASAQ and 99% (97.1-100%) for AL in Labé. The majority of successfully analysed D0 (98%, 380/389) and all day of failure (100%, 22/22) samples were wild type for pfk13. All 9 observed pfk13 mutations were polymorphisms not associated with artemisinin resistance. The NFD haplotype was the predominant haplotype in both D0 (197/362, 54%) and day of failure samples (11/18, 61%) successfully analysed for pfmdr1. Conclusion This study observed high efficacy and safety of both ASAQ and AL in Guinea, providing evidence for their continued use to treat uncomplicated malaria. Continued monitoring of ACT efficacy and safety and molecular makers of resistance in Guinea is important to detect emergence of parasite resistance and to inform evidence-based malaria treatment policies.
Expression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Related Markers in Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Nomura Shunichiro , Suzuki Yasutomo , Akatsuka Jun , Endo Yuki , Shimizu Akira , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: June 2020

Background: Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the urinary bladder is a variant of urothelial carcinoma that carries a poor prognosis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been demonstrated to contribute to tumor progression. As the cause of the increased aggressiveness of PUC is unknown, we investigated PUC and EMT-related marker expression. Methods: A total of 633 bladder carcinoma cases diagnosed from 2006 to 2015 at the Nippon Medical School Hospital were analyzed. Twelve patients were found to have plasmacytoid histology and diagnosed with PUC. Slides were evaluated for percentage of plasmacytoid variant, and stained for E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin and Snail expression. Results: The incidence of PUC was 1.9% (12/633). The median patient age at diagnosis was 71 years (range, 60–80 years) and the male-female ratio was 11:1. All but three patients had stage T2b or higher. The median overall survival was 10 months. In 10/12 cases, Snail and N-cadherin were positive. Vimentin was positive in 9/12 cases. Fibronectin was positive in 8/12 cases. While E-cadherin was negative in 10/12 cases. Nine cases showed >10% plasmacytoid component. Eight of the nine patients (88.9%) with >10% plasmacytoid component died.Conclusions: The results indicate that PUC may induce EMT and may be associated with high invasion.
Diagnostic accuracy of perioperative electromyography in the positioning of pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional diagnostic study
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo , Gavassi Bruno Moreira , Prado Francisco Eugenio , Batista Bernardo Nogueira , Pratali Raphael de Resende , Ribeiro Ana Paula , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Soares , Ferreira Ricardo Rodrigues
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate electromyography (EMG) thresholds for predicting pedicle screw positioning during adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery.Methods: 16 patients were included. Each screw was classified as “at risk for nerve injury” (ARNI) or “no risk for nerve injury” (NRNI) using CT and the diagnostic accuracy of EMG thresholds for predicting screw positions ARNI was investigated.Results: 226 pedicles were analyzed. In the axial plane, 204 (90.3%) screws were considered as NRNI, and 22 (9.7%), as ARNI. In the sagittal plane, 183 (81%) pedicle screws were considered as NRNI, and 43 (19%), as ARNI. We observed a significant association between EMG responses and screw positioning ARNI. A 1-mA decrease in EMG threshold corresponded to a 12% increase in the odds of screw position ARNI (OR=1.12; p<.001). The positive predictive value of EMG for diagnosing ARNI was very low, with the highest 18% corresponding to a cutoff of 25 mA, but the negative predictive value was moderate to high (78%-93%) for every cutoff.Conclusions: EMG had a poor accuracy for predicting screws ARNI but was effective for minimizing false-negative screws ARNI.
Characterization of exosome-like vesicles derived from Taenia pisiformis cysticercus and their immunoregulatory role on macrophages
Authors: Wang Li-Qun , Liu Ting-Li , Liang Pan-Hong , Zhang Shao-Hua , Li Tao-Shan , Li Yan-Ping , Liu Guang-Xue , Mao Li , Luo Xue-Nong
Published: June 2020

Background: Taenia pisiformis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in canines, and leads to serious economic losses in the rabbit breeding industry. Exosome-like vesicles from parasites play crucial roles in host-parasite interactions by transferring cargo from parasites to host cells and by modulating host immunological response through inducing production of host-derived cytokines. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosome-like vesicles from T. pisiformis cysticercus regulate the macrophage immune response remains unknown. Methods: Using ultracentrifugation, we isolated exosome-like vesicles from excretory/secretory products (ESP) of T. pisiformis cysticercus. The morphology and size of purified vesicles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The components of proteins and miRNAs within these vesicles were identified by proteomic analysis and high-throughput small RNA sequencing. The biological function of targets of exosomal miRNAs was predicted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Moreover, the expression of Th1- and Th2-type immune response associated cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated by qPCR and ELISA. We found that exosome-like vesicles were typical cup-shaped vesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm. A total of 87 proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including proteins prominently associated with exosome-like vesicles biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. 41 known miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs were identified in the exosome-like vesicles. Eleven selected miRNAs, including 7 known miRNAs (miR-71-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-let-7-5p, miR-745-3p, miR-219-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-4989-3p) and 4 novel miRNAs (novel-mir-3, novel-mir-7, novel-mir-8 and novel-mir-11) were validated to exist in metacestiodes and exosome-like vesicles of T. pisiformis cysticercus by qPCR. The functions of most targets of exosomal miRNAs were mainly associated with signal transduction and the immune system. Additionally, T. pisiformis cysticercus-derived vesicles induced the production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13 and Arg-1, but downregulated the expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusions: We demonstrated that proteins and miRNAs enclosed within exosome-like vesicles from T. pisiformis cysticercus have immunomodulatory functions. Furthermore, exosome-like vesicles were shown to induce the macrophage Th2-type immune response in vitro . Our study suggests that exosome-like vesicles play an important role in the interaction between cysticerci and their hosts. Keywords: Cysticercus pisiformis, Exosome-like vesicles, Macrophages, Th2-type immune response.
Allowing more time to ILCOR Step A of neonatal resuscitation leads to better residents’ task completion in simulated scenarios. A problem of time pressure?
Authors: Boithias Claire , Jule Laure , Foulgoc Stephanie Le , Jourdain Gilles , Benhamou Dan
Published: June 2020

Background: Roughly 10% of newborns need help to complete the transition of birth. For these infants, international guidelines recommend supporting them using a 4-step procedure (A to D). Step A is an assessment time, which includes eight tasks and finishes by starting the positive pressure ventilation (PPV), if necessary (step B). The guidelines changed in 2015 and the allotted time was raised from 30 to 60 seconds for step A completion. Objectives: This study aimed to assess if the reduced time constraint in step A could have an impact on 1st-year pediatric residents' performance to complete step A and if could lead to later initiation of step A. Methods: Using video recordings of standardized neonatal scenarios over 6 years (3 before the change and 3 after), we assessed the ability of 1st-year pediatric residents of the Paris region to complete step A and initiate PPV in the allotted time in each period. Among the sessions, including at least five scenarios we evaluated all the PPV required scenarios executed for the first time by a dyad of 1st-year pediatric residents.Results: Among 52 sessions, we included 104 scenarios (25 sessions and 50 scenarios before the change and 27 sessions and 54 scenarios after). PPV started roughly at 1-minute resuscitation in both periods, but completion of the tasks before PPV-start was significant. Only 12% of the dyad of residents executed the eight tasks before PPV initiation in the first period versus 56% in the second period (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the completion of the eight tasks of step A was significantly better during the second period (6 [6-7] vs. 8 [7-8] p < 0.001).Conclusions: These results could suggest that a reduced time constraint for step A imposed by the new Guidelines was associated with better performance.
Epidemiology and risk factors of infective endocarditis in a tertiary hospital in China from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Wu Zhenzhu , Chen Yi , Xiao Tingting , Niu Tianshui , Shi Qingyi , xiao yonghong
Published: June 2020

Background: To explore the trends in epidemiology and the risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis in a tertiary hospital over the past ten years.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 407 consecutive patients who were admitted with infective endocarditis were included. The clinical characteristics and the risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis during this period were analyzed.

Results: A total of 407 patients with infective endocarditis were included, the average age was 48 ±16 years old with an increasing trend and in-hospital mortality rate was 10.6% and one-year mortality rate was 11.3%. Among patients with underlying heart disease, congenital heart disease was the most common(25.8%), followed by rheumatic heart disease(17.0%) which showed a decreased trend during this period (P<0.001). There were 222(54.5%) patients with positive blood cultures results and Streptococci (24.6%) was the main pathogens with an increasing trend. There were 403 patients (99%) with surgical indications, but only 235 patients (57.7%) received surgical treatment. Hemodialysis (P = 0.041, OR = 4.697, 95% CI 1.068-20.665), pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.001, OR = 5.308, 95% CI 2.034-13.852), Pitt score ≥ 4 (P <0.001, OR = 28.594, 95% CI 5.561-148.173) and vegetation length＞30mm (P = 0.011, OR = 13.754, 95% CI 1.832-103.250) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions: There were no significant change in the overall incidence of infective endocarditis, but the clinical features of infective endocarditis had slightly changed during the past ten years. Streptococci infective endocarditis was still the predominant. Patients with hemodialysis, pulmonary hypertension, Pitt score ≥ 4 and vegetation length＞30mm had an worse in-hospital outcome.
Keywords: Infective endocarditis, epidemiology, risk factors, mortality.
Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age.
Authors: Sixpence Alick , Nkoka Owen , Chirwa Gowokani C. , Milanzi Edith B. , Mangani Charles , Mathanga Don P. , Ntenda Peter A. M.
Published: June 2020

Background Malawi is a malaria-endemic country and approximately 6 million cases are reported annually. Improving knowledge of malaria causes and symptoms, and the overall perception towards malaria and its preventive measures is vital for malaria control. The current study investigated the levels of knowledge of the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria among Malawian women. Methods Data from the 2017 wave of the Malawi Malaria Indicator Survey (MMIS) were analysed. In total, 3,422 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were sampled and analysed. The levels of women’s knowledge about: 1) causes of malaria; 2) symptoms of malaria; and, 3) preventive measures were assessed. The tertiles of the composite score were used as the cut-offs to categorize the levels of knowledge as ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to assess the independent factors while taking into account the complex survey design. Results Approximately 50% of all respondents had high levels of knowledge of causes, symptoms and preventive measures. The high level of knowledge was 45% for rural women and 55% for urban dwellers. After adjusting for the a wide range of factors, women of age group 15-19 years adjusted odds ratio ((aOR): 2.58; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.69-3.92), women with no formal education (aOR: 3.73; 95% CI: 2.20-6.33), women whose household had no television (aOR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.02-2.22), women who had not seen/heard malaria message (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20-1.95), women of Yao tribe (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10-3.46), and women from rural areas had low levels of knowledge about the causes of malaria, symptoms of malaria and preventive measures. Additionally, the results also showed that women aged 15-19 years (beta [β] = -0.73, standard error [SE] = 0.12); P <.0001, women with no formal education (β = -1.17, SE = 0.15); P <.0001, women whose household had no radio (β = -0.15, SE = 0.0816); P =0.0715 and women who had not seen or heard malaria message (β = -0.41, SE = 0.07); P <.0001 were likely to have a lower knowledge score. Conclusions The levels of malaria knowledge were reported to be unsatisfactory among adult women, underscoring the need to scale up efforts on malaria education. Beside insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and prompt diagnosis, malaria can be best managed in Malawi by increasing knowledge of malaria causes, and symptoms especially for younger women, women with no formal education, women whose households have no media, women from Yao tribes, and rural dwellers.
Is body mass index associated with irregular menstruation: A questionnaire study?
Authors: Tang Yunhui , Chen Yan , Feng Hua , Zhu Chen , Tong Mancy , Chen Qi
Published: June 2020

Background: Irregular menstrual cycles including the length of cycles and menses, and heavy menstrual blood loss are linked to many gynaecological diseases. Obesity has been reported to be associated with irregular menstrual cycles. However, to date, most studies investigating this association are focused on adolescence or university students. Whether this association is also seen in adult women, especially women who had a history of birth has not been fully investigated. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 1012 women aged 17 to 53 years. Data on age, weight and height, gravida, the length of menstrual cycles and menses, and the number of pads used during menses were collected. Factors associated with menstrual cycle according to BMI categories were analysed.Results: There were no differences in the length of menstrual cycles and menses in women of different body mass index (BMI) groups. However, there was a significant difference in menstrual blood loss in women of different BMI categories. The odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in obese women was 2.28 (95% CL: 1.244, 4.193), compared to women with normal weight, while there was no difference in the odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in overweight, compared to normal weight, women. In contrast, the odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in underweight women was 0.4034 (95% CL: 0.224, 0.725), compared to women with normal weight. Conclusion: Although BMI was not correlated with the length of menstrual cycle and menses, BMI is positively associated with menstrual blood loss. Our data suggest that BMI influences menstrual blood loss in women of reproductive age and weight control is important in women’s reproductive years.
Exercise promotes satellite cell contribution to myofibers in a load-dependent manner
Authors: Masschelein Evi , D'Hulst Gommaar , Zvick Joel , Hinte Laura , Soro-Arnaiz Inés , Gorski Tatiane , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Bar-Nur Ori , De Bock Katrien
Published: June 2020

Background Satellite cells (SCs) are required for muscle repair following injury and are involved in muscle remodeling upon muscular contractions. Exercise stimulates SC accumulation and myonuclear accretion. To what extent exercise training at different mechanical loads drive SC contribution to myonuclei however is unknown. Results By performing SC fate tracing experiments, we show that 8-weeks of voluntary wheel running increased SC contribution to myofibers in mouse plantar flexor muscles in a load-dependent but fiber type-independent manner. Increased SC fusion however was not exclusively linked to muscle hypertrophy as wheel running without external load substantially increased SC fusion in the absence of fiber hypertrophy. Due to nuclear propagation, nuclear fluorescent fate tracing mouse models were inadequate to quantify SC contribution to myonuclei. Ultimately, by performing fate tracing at the DNA level, we show that SC contribution mirrors myonuclear accretion during exercise. Conclusions Collectively, mechanical load during exercise independently promotes SC contribution to existing myofibers. Also, due to propagation of nuclear fluorescent reporter proteins, our data warrant caution for the use of exisiting reporter mouse models for the quantitative evaluation of satellite cell contribution to myonuclei.
Desiccation does not drastically increase the accessibility of exogenous DNA to nuclear genomes: Evidence from the frequency of endosymbiotic DNA transfer
Authors: Li Xi-Xi , Fang Cheng , Zhao Jun-Peng , Zhou Xiao-Yu , Ni Zhihua , Niu Deng-Ke
Published: June 2020

Background: Although horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a widely accepted force in the evolution of prokaryotic genomes, its role in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes remains hotly debated. Some bdelloid rotifers that are resistant to extreme desiccation and radiation undergo a very high level of HGT, whereas in another desiccation-resistant invertebrate, the tardigrade, the pattern does not exist. Overall, the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by prolonged desiccation have been postulated to open a gateway to the nuclear genome for exogenous DNA integration and thus to facilitate the HGT process, thereby enhancing the rate of endosymbiotic DNA transfer (EDT).Results: We first surveyed the abundance of nuclear mitochondrial DNAs (NUMTs) and nuclear plastid DNAs (NUPTs) in five eukaryotes that are highly resistant to desiccation: the bdelloid rotifers Adineta vaga and Adineta ricciae, the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus, and the resurrection plants Dorcoceras hygrometricum and Selaginella tamariscina. Excessive NUMTs or NUPTs were not detected. Furthermore, we compared 24 groups of desiccation-tolerant organisms with their relatively less desiccation-tolerant relatives but did not find a significant difference in NUMT/NUPT contents.Conclusions: Desiccation may induce DSBs, but it is unlikely to dramatically increase the frequency of exogenous sequence integration in most eukaryotes. The capture of exogenous DNA sequences is possible only when DSBs are repaired through a subtype of non-homologous end joining, named alternative end joining (alt-EJ). Due to the deleterious effects of the resulting insertion mutations, alt-EJ is less frequently initiated than other mechanisms.
Ultraviolet irradiation improves the hydrophilicity and osteo-conduction of hydroxyapatite
Authors: Kaneko Sho , Yamamoto Yuji , Wada Kaniichro , Kumagai Gentaro , Harada Yoshifumi , Yamauchi Ryota , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: June 2020

Background: Treating a titanium or titanium alloy implant with ultraviolet (UV) light is known to improve its associated cell growth and osseointegration. However, little is known about the effect of UV irradiation on hydroxyapatite (HA), which is also used frequently in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Here we examined the effect of UV irradiation on the hydrophilicity of HA, and on its osteoconduction ability in rats. Methods: HA implants of low and high porosity were treated with UV light, and photofunctionalisation was assessed by the contact angle of a water drop on the surface. HA implants were also inserted into rat femurs, and the rats were killed two or four weeks later. The bone volume and bone area ratio were calculated from microcomputed tomography and histological data. Results: The contact angle of a water drop on HA implants of both porosities was significantly reduced after UV irradiation. In the rat femurs, there was no significant difference in the bone volume between the UV light-treated and control implants at two or four weeks. The bone area ratio for the UV light-treated versus control implants was significantly increased at two weeks, but there was no significant difference at four weeks. Conclusions: The surface of UV-irradiated HA disks was hydrophilic, in contrast to that of non-irradiated HA disks. Photofunctionalisation accelerated the increase in the bone area ratio in the early healing stage. This technology can be applied to surgical cases requiring the early fusion of bone and HA.
Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water
Authors: Schneider Marcel , Bláha Luděk
Published: June 2020

Drinking water production faces many different challenges with one of them being naturally produced cyanobacterial toxins. Since pollutants become more abundant and persistent today, conventional water treatment is often no longer sufficient to provide adequate removal. Amongst other emerging technologies, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have a great potential to appropriately tackle this issue. This review addresses the economic and health risks posed by cyanotoxins and discusses their removal from drinking water by AOPs. The current state of knowledge on AOPs and their application for cyanotoxin degradation is synthesized to provide an overview on available techniques and effects of water quality, toxin- and technique-specific parameters on their degradation efficacy. The different AOPs are compared based on their efficiency and applicability, considering economic, practical and environmental aspects and their potential to generate toxic disinfection byproducts. For future research, more relevant studies to include the degradation of less explored cyanotoxins, toxin mixtures in actual surface water, assessment of residual toxicity and scale-up are recommended. Since actual surface water most likely contains more than just cyanotoxins, a multi-barrier approach consisting of a series of different physical, biological and chemical – especially oxidative – treatment steps is inevitable to ensure safe and high quality drinking water.