bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transposons and satellite DNA: on the origin of the major satellite DNA family in the Chenopodium genome
Authors: Belyayev Alexander , Josefiová Jiřina , Jandová Michaela , Mahelka Václav , Krak Karol , Mandák Bohumil
Published: June 2020

Extensive and complex links exist between transposable elements (TEs) and satellite DNA (satDNA), which are the two largest fractions of eukaryotic genome. These relationships have a crucial effect on genome structure, function and evolution. Here, we report a novel case of mutual relationships between TEs and satDNA. In the genomes of Chenopodium s. str. species, the deletion derivatives of tnp2 conserved domain of the newly discovered CACTA-like TE Jozin are involved in generating monomers of the most abundant satDNA family of the Chenopodium satellitome. The analysis of the relative positions of satDNA and different TEs utilizing assembled Illumina reads revealed several associations between satDNA arrays and the transposases of putative CACTA-like elements when an ~ 40 bp fragment of tnp2 served as the start monomer of the satDNA array. The high degree of identity of the consensus satDNA monomers of the investigated species and the tnp2 fragment (from 82.1 to 94.9%) provides evidence of the genesis of CficCl-61-40 satDNA family monomers from analogous regions of their respective parental elements. The results were confirmed via molecular genetic methods and Oxford Nanopore sequencing. The discovered phenomenon leads to the continuous replenishment of species genomes with new identical satDNA monomers, which in turn may increase species satellitomes similarity.
An emerging allergen: Cannabis sativa allergy in a climate of recent legalization
Authors: Jackson Bradley , Cleto Erica , Jeimy Samira
Published: June 2020

Considering its recent legalization in Canada, the health implications of Cannabis sativa exposure, including allergy, are coming to the forefront of medical study and interest. C. sativa allergy is an issue that affects recreational users of the substance, processors, agricultural workers, and contacts of Cannabis aeroallergens and secondhand product. Allergies to C. sativa are heterogenous and span the spectrum of hypersensitivity, from dermatitis to rhinoconjunctivitis to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Due to its recent legalization, sensitized individuals will have increasing exposure from direct contact to agricultural pollens. Diagnosis and treatment of Cannabis allergy are developing fields that are already showing promise in the identification of culprit antigens and the potential for immunotherapy; however, much responsibility still falls on clinical diagnosis and symptom management. Hopefully, given the current explosion of interest in and use of Cannabis, C. sativa allergy will continue to garner awareness and therapeutic strategies.
Type I allergic reaction to rituximab upon first lifetime exposure: a case report
Authors: Polito V. , Barbacki A. , Isabwe G.
Published: June 2020

Background

While drug reactions to rituximab have been commonly reported in the literature, a type I allergic reaction to rituximab after first lifetime exposure has never been reported.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 58-year-old female patient who received rituximab for the first time for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She developed symptoms immediately after infusion, however presented 11 days after drug exposure with cyclical anaphylaxis-like reaction requiring multiple doses of epinephrine. On second exposure, she experienced immediate anaphylaxis 30 min into infusion.

Conclusion

Our case illustrates the importance of heightened awareness by physicians that type I IgE-mediated reactions after first exposure to monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab are possible, and if unrecognized, could be potentially life-threatening.
Differential response to biologics in a patient with severe asthma and ABPA: a role for dupilumab?
Authors: Mümmler Carlo , Kemmerich Bernd , Behr Jürgen , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Milger Katrin
Published: June 2020

Background

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a severe hypersensitivity reaction to aspergillus species colonizing the airways of patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Biologics including anti-IgE and anti-IL5 antibodies have strongly changed the treatment of severe asthmatics and have partly been reported to be effective in the treatment of ABPA. Recently, dupilumab, an anti-IL4-Rα antibody which inhibits signaling by the Th2-cytokines IL4 and IL13, has been approved for the treatment of severe asthma.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a 49-year-old woman with severe asthma and ABPA, who was uncontrolled despite maximum inhalative therapy, anti-IL5-Rα antibody and continuous oral steroid therapy. Moreover, trials of itraconazole as well as omalizumab showed insufficient efficacy. Lung function revealed peripheral obstruction. FeNO and IgE were increased, eosinophils were suppressed under treatment while marked increases had been documented previously. Switching to dupilumab led to a complete resolution of pulmonary symptoms, resolution of exacerbations and complete withdrawal of oral steroids. A drastic improvement in lung function was noted, with an increase in FEV1 of almost 1 l. FeNO was normalized and IgE strongly reduced.

Conclusion

Our case highlights that a patient may exhibit differential treatment responses to the currently available asthma biologics and suggests switching treatment if outcome is insufficient. A potential role for dupilumab in the treatment of ABPA warrants future studies.
Overexpression of GATA4 enhances the antiapoptotic effect of exosomes secreted from cardiac colony-forming unit fibroblasts via miRNA221-mediated targeting of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Hao Chunshu , Lu Zhengri , Zhao Yuanyuan , Chen Zhong , Shen Chengxing , Ma Genshan , Chen Lijuan
Published: June 2020

Background

GATA4 is an early cardiac-specific transcription factor, and endogenous GATA4-positive cells play a critical role in cardioprotection after myocardial injury. As functional paracrine units of therapeutic cells, exosomes can partially reproduce the reparative properties of their parental cells. Here, we investigated the cardioprotective capabilities of exosomes derived from cardiac colony-forming unit fibroblasts (cCFU-Fs) overexpressing GATA4 (cCFU-FsGATA4) and the underlying mechanism through which these exosomes use microRNA (miRNA) delivery to regulate target proteins in myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Exosomes were harvested from cCFU-Fs by ultracentrifugation. miRNA arrays were performed to determine differential miRNA expression between exosomes derived from cCFU-FsGATA4 (GATA4-Exo) and control cCFU-Fs (NC-Exo). A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR221 directly targets the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN) gene. Cardiac function and myocardial infarct size were evaluated by echocardiography and Masson trichrome staining, respectively.

Results

Compared with NC-Exo, GATA4-Exo increased the survival and reduced the apoptosis of H9c2 cells. Direct intramyocardial transplantation of GATA4-Exo at the border of the ischemic region following ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery significantly restored cardiac contractile function and reduced infarct size. Microarray analysis revealed significantly increased miR221 expression in GATA4-Exo. qPCR confirmed higher miR221 levels in H9c2 cells treated with GATA4-Exo than in those treated with NC-Exo. miR221 mimic-transfected H9c2 cells demonstrated a significantly higher survival rate following exposure to hypoxic conditions than those transfected with miR221 inhibitor. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the PTEN gene as a target of miR221. Western blot analysis showed that H9c2 cells treated with GATA4-Exo exhibited lower PTEN protein expression and higher p-Akt expression.

Conclusion

GATA4 overexpression enhances the protective effect of cCFU-F-derived exosomes on myocardial ischemic injury. In terms of the mechanism, it is at least partly due to the miR221 transferred by GATA4-Exo, which inhibits PTEN expression, activates the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, and subsequently alleviates apoptosis of myocardial cells (CMs).
CCL1 blockade alleviates human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease (Scl-GVHD) model
Authors: Lim Ji-Young , Ryu Da-Bin , Kim Tae Woo , Lee Sung-Eun , Park Gyeongsin , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Min Chang-Ki
Published: June 2020

Background

Human chronic graft-versus-host disease (CGVHD) shares clinical characteristics with a murine sclerodermatous GVHD (Scl-GVHD, B10.D2 → BALB/c) model that is characterized by skin and lung fibrosis. In this study, bone marrow- or adipose tissue-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were injected into the Scl-GVHD mice to address their therapeutic effect on CGVHD.

Methods

Lethally irradiated BALB/c mice were transplanted with B10.D2 T cell-depleted bone marrow with or without spleen cells to generate Scl-GVHD. hMSCs were intravenously treated on days 3, 5, and 7 post-transplantation, and the control antibody or CCL1 blocking antibody was subcutaneously injected according to the same schedule as the hMSCs. Fourteen days after transplantation, the recipient mice were sacrificed, and their skin and lungs were analyzed.

Results

After the early injection of hMSCs after transplantation, the clinical and pathological severity of Scl-GVHD in the skin was significantly attenuated, whereas the pathological score was exacerbated in the lungs. hMSCs had migrated into the lungs, but not into the skin. CD11b monocyte/macrophages and CD4 T cells were markedly decreased in skin tissues, whereas there was an early recruitment of CD11b cells, and subsequently increased infiltration of CD4 T cells, in the lungs. Importantly, hMSCs persistently upregulated the expression of CCL1 in the lungs, but not in the skin. Concurrent treatment of hMSCs with a CCL1-blocking antibody alleviated the severity of the lung histopathology score and fibrosis with the preservation of the cutaneous protective effect against CGVHD. Infiltration of CD3 T cells and CD68 macrophages and upregulation of chemokines were also decreased in lung tissues, along with the recruitment of eosinophils and tissue IgE expression. In the skin, chemokine expression was further reduced after CCL1 blockade.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that despite a protective effect against Scl-GVHD in the skin, administration of hMSCs exacerbated lung fibrosis associated with eosinophilia and airway inflammation through persistent CCL1 upregulation. CCL1 blockade offers a potential treatment of pulmonary complications induced after treatment with hMSCs.
Recovery of ovarian function by human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells in cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure in mice
Authors: Yoon Sook Young , Yoon Jung Ah , Park Mira , Shin Eun-Young , Jung Sookyung , Lee Jeoung Eun , Eum Jin Hee , Song Haengseok , Lee Dong Ryul , Lee Woo Sik , Lyu Sang Woo
Published: June 2020

Background

Clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) requires a uniform cell population, and their harvesting is invasive and produces a limited number of cells. Human embryonic stem cell-derived MSCs (hESC-MSCs) can differentiate into three germ layers and possess immunosuppressive effects in vitro. Anticancer treatment is a well-known risk factor for premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, we investigated the effect of hESC-MSC on recovery of ovarian function in cisplatin-induced POF in mice.

Methods

Female mice received intraperitoneal cisplatin for 10 days. On day 12, CHA15-derived hESC-MSCs were transplanted into the mice by tail vein injection. An injection of PBS served as the negative control. Ovaries were removed 28 days after transplantation for assessment of ovarian histology, immunostaining, and fertility testing by superovulation and in vitro fertilization. hESC-MSC transplantation into mice with cisplatin-induced damage restored body weight and ovary size.

Results

Mean primary and primordial follicle counts in the hESC-MSC group were significantly improved compared to the PBS group (P < 0.05), and counts of zona pellucida remnants, an apoptotic sign in ovarian follicles, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). TUNEL assays and cleaved PARP immunostaining indicated apoptosis, which led to loss of ovarian stromal cells in negative control mice, while Ki-67 was higher in the hESC-MSC group and in non-cisplatin-treated controls than in the PBS group. Ovulation was reduced in the PBS group but recovered significantly in the hESC-MSC group. Rates of blastocyst formation from ovulated eggs and live births per mouse also recovered significantly in the hESC-MSC group.

Conclusions

hESC-MSC restored structure and function in the cisplatin-damaged ovary. Our study provides new insights into the great clinical potential of human hESC-MSC in treating POF.
Lung delivery of MSCs expressing anti-cancer protein TRAIL visualised with 89Zr-oxine PET-CT
Authors: Patrick P. Stephen , Kolluri Krishna K. , Zaw Thin May , Edwards Adam , Sage Elizabeth K. , Sanderson Tom , Weil Benjamin D. , Dickson John C. , Lythgoe Mark F. , Lowdell Mark , Janes Sam M. , Kalber Tammy L.
Published: June 2020

Background

MSCTRAIL is a cell-based therapy consisting of human allogeneic umbilical cord-derived MSCs genetically modified to express the anti-cancer protein TRAIL. Though cell-based therapies are typically designed with a target tissue in mind, delivery is rarely assessed due to a lack of translatable non-invasive imaging approaches. In this preclinical study, we demonstrate89Zr-oxine labelling and PET-CT imaging as a potential clinical solution for non-invasively tracking MSCTRAIL biodistribution. Future implementation of this technique should improve our understanding of MSCTRAIL during its evaluation as a therapy for metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

MSCTRAIL were radiolabelled with89Zr-oxine and assayed for viability, phenotype, and therapeutic efficacy post-labelling. PET-CT imaging of89Zr-oxine-labelled MSCTRAIL was performed in a mouse model of lung cancer following intravenous injection, and biodistribution was confirmed ex vivo.

Results

MSCTRAIL retained the therapeutic efficacy and MSC phenotype in vitro at labelling amounts up to and above those required for clinical imaging. The effect of89Zr-oxine labelling on cell proliferation rate was amount- and time-dependent. PET-CT imaging showed delivery of MSCTRAIL to the lungs in a mouse model of lung cancer up to 1 week post-injection, validated by in vivo bioluminescence imaging, autoradiography, and fluorescence imaging on tissue sections.

Conclusions

89Zr-oxine labelling and PET-CT imaging present a potential method of evaluating the biodistribution of new cell therapies in patients, including MSCTRAIL. This offers to improve understanding of cell therapies, including mechanism of action, migration dynamics, and inter-patient variability.
Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for m-convex and $( \alpha , m)$-convex functions
Authors: Özcan Serap
Published: June 2020

In this paper, some new inequalities of the Hermite–Hadamard type for the classes of functions whose derivatives’ absolute values arem-convex and$( \alpha , m) $(α,m)-convex are obtained. The results obtained in this work extend and improve the corresponding ones in the literature. Some applications to special means of real numbers are also given.
First report of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-8.1 gene from a clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from Lebanon
Authors: Salloum Tamara , Panossian Balig , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav , Araj George F. , Tokajian Sima
Published: June 2020

Colistin is considered as a last resort treatment for infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes contributed to the global spread of colistin resistance. This is the first report of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-8 gene from a clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae K9 isolate recovered from Lebanon. The isolate was characterized phenotypically and genotypically through both short and long read whole-genome sequencing, plasmid typing and conjugation assays. k9 belonged to sequence type 15 and harbored 31 antimicrobial resistance genes. The mcr-8.1 variant was carried on a novel ~ 300 kb multireplicon plasmid having IncFIA, IncR and IncHI1B. The plasmid was conjugative and carried a plethora of antimicrobial resistance determinants. The introduction of novel mcr variants in Lebanon poses an alarming health concern. Surveillance and screening for colistin resistant Enterobacteriaceae and mcr in livestock, animal farms, imported meat and poultry is highly recommended along with monitoring antibiotic use.
New insights into the associations among feed efficiency, metabolizable efficiency traits and related QTL regions in broiler chickens
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Ranran , Zheng Maiqing , Feng Furong , Liu Dawei , Guo Yuming , Zhao Guiping , Wen Jie
Published: June 2020

Background

Improving the feed efficiency would increase profitability for producers while also reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among feed efficiency traits and metabolizable efficiency traits in 180 male broilers. Significant loci and genes affecting the metabolizable efficiency traits were explored with an imputation-based genome-wide association study. The traits measured or calculated comprised three growth traits, five feed efficiency related traits, and nine metabolizable efficiency traits.

Results

The residual feed intake (RFI) showed moderate to high and positive phenotypic correlations with eight other traits measured, including average daily feed intake (ADFI), dry excreta weight (DEW), gross energy excretion (GEE), crude protein excretion (CPE), metabolizable dry matter (MDM), nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), abdominal fat weight (AbF), and percentage of abdominal fat (AbP). Greater correlations were observed between growth traits and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) than RFI. In addition, the RFI, FCR, ADFI, DEW, GEE, CPE, MDM, AMEn, AbF, and AbP were lower in low-RFI birds than high-RFI birds (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), whereas the coefficients of MDM and MCP of low-RFI birds were greater than those of high-RFI birds (P < 0.01). Five narrow QTLs for metabolizable efficiency traits were detected, including one 82.46-kb region for DEW and GEE on Gallus gallus chromosome (GGA) 26, one 120.13-kb region for MDM and AMEn on GGA1, one 691.25-kb region for the coefficients of MDM and AMEn on GGA5, one region for the coefficients of MDM and MCP on GGA2 (103.45–103.53 Mb), and one 690.50-kb region for the coefficient of MCP on GGA14. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis indicated that the five regions contained high LD blocks, as well as the genes chromosome 26 C6orf106 homolog (C26H6orf106), LOC396098, SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 2 (SHANK2), ETS homologous factor (EHF), and histamine receptor H3-like (HRH3L), which are known to be involved in the regulation of neurodevelopment, cell proliferation and differentiation, and food intake.

Conclusions

Selection for low RFI significantly decreased chicken feed intake, excreta output, and abdominal fat deposition, and increased nutrient digestibility without changing the weight gain. Five novel QTL regions involved in the control of metabolizable efficiency in chickens were identified. These results, combined through nutritional and genetic approaches, should facilitate novel insights into improving feed efficiency in poultry and other species.
Developing standards for the microbiome field
Authors: Amos Gregory C. A. , Logan Alastair , Anwar Saba , Fritzsche Martin , Mate Ryan , Bleazard Thomas , Rijpkema Sjoerd
Published: June 2020

Background

Effective standardisation of methodologies to analyse the microbiome is essential to the entire microbiome community. Despite the microbiome field being established for over a decade, there are no accredited or certified reference materials available to the wider community. In this study, we describe the development of the first reference reagents produced by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) for microbiome analysis by next-generation sequencing. These can act as global working standards and will be evaluated as candidate World Health Organization International Reference Reagents.

Results

We developed the NIBSC DNA reference reagents Gut-Mix-RR and Gut-HiLo-RR and a four-measure framework for evaluation of bioinformatics tool and pipeline bias. Using these reagents and reporting system, we performed an independent evaluation of a variety of bioinformatics tools by analysing shotgun sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing data generated from the Gut-Mix-RR and Gut-HiLo-RR. We demonstrate that key measures of microbiome health, such as diversity estimates, are largely inflated by the majority of bioinformatics tools. Across all tested tools, biases were present, with a clear trade-off occurring between sensitivity and the relative abundance of false positives in the final dataset. Using commercially available mock communities, we investigated how the composition of reference reagents may impact benchmarking studies. Reporting measures consistently changed when the same bioinformatics tools were used on different community compositions. This was influenced by both community complexity and taxonomy of species present. Both NIBSC reference reagents, which consisted of gut commensal species, proved to be the most challenging for the majority of bioinformatics tools tested. Going forward, we recommend the field uses site-specific reagents of a high complexity to ensure pipeline benchmarking is fit for purpose.

Conclusions

If a consensus of acceptable levels of error can be agreed on, widespread adoption of these reference reagents will standardise downstream gut microbiome analyses. We propose to do this through a large open-invite collaborative study for multiple laboratories in 2020.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 to human-induced pluripotent stem cells: from gene editing to drug discovery
Authors: De Masi Claudia , Spitalieri Paola , Murdocca Michela , Novelli Giuseppe , Sangiuolo Federica
Published: June 2020

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system represent two instruments of basic and translational research, which both allow to acquire deep insight about the molecular bases of many diseases but also to develop pharmacological research.

This review is focused to draw up the latest technique of gene editing applied on hiPSCs, exploiting some of the genetic manipulation directed to the discovery of innovative therapeutic strategies. There are many expediencies provided by the use of hiPSCs, which can represent a disease model clinically relevant and predictive, with a great potential if associated to CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a gene editing tool powered by ease and precision never seen before.

Here, we describe the possible applications of CRISPR/Cas9 to hiPSCs: from drug development to drug screening and from gene therapy to the induction of the immunological response to specific virus infection, such as HIV and SARS-Cov-2.
3D scanning, modeling, and printing of Chinese classical garden rockeries: Zhanyuan’s South Rockery
Authors: Dong Qianli , Zhang Qingping , Zhu Lingxi
Published: June 2020

Chinese classical garden rockeries have rich historical and cultural value, as they are a part of China’s cultural heritage. In recent years, while the digital research of rockeries has increased, most of it is limited to a rockery’s digital record. However, other issues have not been thoroughly discussed, such as how to digitally protect a rockery, activate it as an immovable, solid site heritage by digital means, and transform its function. To ensure the effectiveness of rockery data, this paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of digitally mapping the Huanxiu Shanzhuang rockery, which was conducted by the team at an early stage, to a convenient and accurate digital rockery data acquisition scheme that was used for the Zhanyuan South Rockery, as an example of carrying out three-dimensional digital mapping. Furthermore, from the perspective of the sustainable development of cultural heritage, this study attempts to print Chinese classical garden rockeries in three dimensions to realize their physical representation. This paper aims to provide a new way to activate, restore, and protect rockeries.
Performance characteristics of the digital uMI550 PET/CT system according to the NEMA NU2-2018 standard
Authors: Chen Shuguang , Hu Pengcheng , Gu Yushen , Yu Haojun , Shi Hongcheng
Published: June 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to conduct physical performance evaluation on the uMI550 whole-body PET/CT system according to the NEMA NU2-2018 standard.

Methods

According to the NEMA NU2-2018, spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, count-rate performance, accuracy of count losses and random corrections, image quality, and timing resolution were evaluated. Spatial resolution was measured by using a 22Na point source. System sensitivity was measured by inserting an 18F line-source in six concentric aluminum sleeves with varying diameters. Scatter fraction, count-rate performance, accuracy of count loss, and timing resolution were all calculated by analyzing dynamically acquired data of an 18F line-source inside a polyethylene cylinder in 20 cm diameter and 70 cm length. Image quality was assessed using a NEMA IEC body phantom with a 4:1 ratio of activity concentration of spheres to the warm background. Additionally, three patient studies were performed, with one brain scan and two whole-body scans, separately. The patient images were evaluated to get a visual first impression of uMI550.

Results

The tangential, radial, and axial spatial resolutions were measured as 2.91 mm, 2.98 mm, and 2.97 mm FWHM, respectively, at 1 cm radial offset. The total system sensitivity to line source at center was 10.24 cps/kBq. A NECR peak was measured as 124.4 kcps at 18.85 kBq/mL. The scatter fraction at NECR peak was 36.65%, and the maximum count-rate error at and below NEC peak was 1.55%. Contrast recovery coefficients were from 46.5 (10 mm) to 83.9% (37 mm). The timing resolution was measured as 372 ps at low count rate.

Conclusion

NEMA NU-2 2018 testing was performed on the new SiPM-based uMI550 PET/CT system. The uMI550 shows a high-spatial resolution of less than 3 mm and a good timing resolution of 372 ps. It shows clinical significances on improving potentially diagnostic ability on small lesions.
A pilot study of essential tremor: cerebellar GABA+/Glx ratio is correlated with tremor severity
Authors: Tapper Sofie , Göransson Nathanael , Lundberg Peter , Tisell Anders , Zsigmond Peter
Published: June 2020

Objective

Essential tremor is a common movement disorder with an unclear origin. Emerging evidence suggests the role of the cerebellum and the thalamus in tremor pathophysiology. We examined the two main neurotransmitters acting inhibitory (GABA+) and excitatory (Glx) respectively, in the thalamus and cerebellum, in patients diagnosed with severe essential tremor. Furthermore, we also investigated the relationship between determined neurotransmitter concentrations and tremor severity in the essential tremor patients.

Methods

Ten essential tremor patients (prior to deep brain stimulation surgery) and six healthy controls, were scanned using a 3 T MR system. GABA+ and Glx concentrations were measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) performed using single voxel MEGA-PRESS. For the purpose of assessing the tremor severity, the essential tremor rating scale (ETRS) was used in accordance with Fahn, Tolosa, and Marin.

Results

We demonstrated that the cerebellar GABA+/Glx ratio was positively correlated to the ETRS (r = 0.70, p = 0.03) in essential tremor. Cerebellar and thalamic GABA+ and Glx concentrations did not show any significant difference when comparing essential tremor patients with healthy controls, at the group level.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a positive correlation between increasing tremor disability and the ratio of GABA+/ Glx in the cerebellum of essential tremor patients. This highlights the impact of an altered balance of the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in tremor severity. Rather than a change in GABA+, which was constant, we attribute this finding to an overall decrease of Glx.
Left-sided portal hypertension caused by idiopathic splenic vein stenosis improved by splenectomy: a case report
Authors: Hayashi Hikaru , Shimizu Akira , Motoyama Hiroaki , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Ikehara Tomohiko , Yasukawa Koya , Kobayashi Akira , Soejima Yuji
Published: June 2020

Background

Splenic vein stenosis and occlusion, which are known causes of left-sided portal hypertension, often occur secondary to trauma, pancreatitis, or invasion or compression by pancreatic tumors. However, few reports have described idiopathic splenic vein stenosis.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital for examination of isolated gastric varices. He had no history of liver disease, pancreatitis, or abdominal trauma. Computed tomography revealed stenosis of almost the entire length of the splenic vein, and development of gastric fundal and short gastric varices. No inflammatory changes or neoplastic lesions of the pancreas were observed in any imaging study. The patient was diagnosed with left-sided portal hypertension caused by idiopathic splenic vein stenosis, and splenectomy was performed. The postoperative course was smooth, and improvement of the gastric varices was shown by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at 3 months after the operation.

Conclusions

Idiopathic splenic vein stenosis is an extremely rare cause of left-sided portal hypertension. Splenectomy is one of the most effective treatments for left-sided portal hypertension caused by idiopathic splenic vein stenosis.
Development of novel EST microsatellite markers for genetic diversity analysis and correlation analysis of velvet antler growth characteristics in Sika deer
Authors: Jia Boyin , Wang Guiwu , Zheng Junjun , Yang Wanyun , Chang Shuzhuo , Zhang Jiali , Liu Yuan , Li Qining , Ge Chenxia , Chen Guang , Liu Dongdong , Yang Fuhe
Published: June 2020

Background

Sika deer is one of the most popular and valued animals in China. However, few studies have been conducted on the microsatellite of Sika deer, which has hampered the progress of genetic selection breeding. To develop and characterize a set of microsatellites for Sika deer which provide helpful information for protection of Sika deer natural resources and effectively increase the yield and quantity of velvet antler.

Results

We conducted a transcriptome survey of Sika deer using next-generation sequencing technology. One hundred eighty-two thousand two hundred ninety-five microsatellite markers were identified in the transcriptome, 170 of 200 loci were successfully amplified across panels of 140 individuals from Shuangyang Sika deer population. And 29 loci were found to be obvious polymorphic. Number of alleles is from 3 to 14. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.3087 to 0.7644. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.7698. The polymorphism information content values of those microsatellites varied ranged from 0.2602 to 0.7507. The marker-trait association was tested for 6 important and kernel characteristics of two-branched velvet antler in Shuangyang Sika deer through one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that marker-trait associations were identified with 8 different markers, especially M009 and M027.

Conclusions

This study not only provided a large scale of microsatellites which were valuable for future genetic mapping and trait association in Sika deer, but also offers available information for molecular breeding in Sika deer.
Open up: a survey on open and non-anonymized peer reviewing
Authors: Besançon Lonni , Rönnberg Niklas , Löwgren Jonas , Tennant Jonathan P. , Cooper Matthew
Published: June 2020

Background

Our aim is to highlight the benefits and limitations of open and non-anonymized peer review. Our argument is based on the literature and on responses to a survey on the reviewing process of alt.chi, a more or less open review track within the so-called Computer Human Interaction (CHI) conference, the predominant conference in the field of human-computer interaction. This track currently is the only implementation of an open peer review process in the field of human-computer interaction while, with the recent increase in interest in open scientific practices, open review is now being considered and used in other fields.

Methods

We ran an online survey with 30 responses from alt.chi authors and reviewers, collecting quantitative data using multiple-choice questions and Likert scales. Qualitative data were collected using open questions.

Results

Our main quantitative result is that respondents are more positive to open and non-anonymous reviewing for alt.chi than for other parts of the CHI conference. The qualitative data specifically highlight the benefits of open and transparent academic discussions. The data and scripts are available onhttps://osf.io/vuw7h/, and the figures and follow-up work onhttp://tiny.cc/OpenReviews.

Conclusion

While the benefits are quite clear and the system is generally well-liked by alt.chi participants, they remain reluctant to see it used in other venues. This concurs with a number of recent studies that suggest a divergence between support for a more open review process and its practical implementation.
Habitat selection in the lesser cuckoo, an avian brood parasite breeding on Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Yun Seongho , Lee Jin-Won , Yoo Jeong-Chil
Published: June 2020

Background

Determining patterns of habitat use is key to understanding of animal ecology. Approximately 1% of bird species use brood parasitism for their breeding strategy, in which they exploit other species’ (hosts) parental care by laying eggs in their nests. Brood parasitism may complicate the habitat requirement of brood parasites because they need habitats that support both their host and their own conditions for breeding. Brood parasitism, through changes in reproductive roles of sex or individual, may further diversify habitat use patterns among individuals. However, patterns of habitat use in avian brood parasites have rarely been characterized. In this study, we categorized the habitat preference of a population of brood parasitic lesser cuckoos (Cuculus poliocephalus) breeding on Jeju Island, Korea. By using compositional analyses together with radio-tracking and land cover data, we determined patterns of habitat use and their sexual and diurnal differences.

Results

We found that the lesser cuckoo had a relatively large home range and its overall habitat composition (the second-order selection) was similar to those of the study area; open areas such as the field and grassland habitats accounted for 80% of the home range. Nonetheless, their habitat, comprised of 2.54 different habitats per hectare, could be characterized as a mosaic. We also found sexual differences in habitat composition and selection in the core-use area of home ranges (third-order selection). In particular, the forest habitat was preferentially utilized by females, while underutilized by males. However, there was no diurnal change in the pattern of habitat use. Both sexes preferred field habitats at the second-order selection. At the third-order selection, males preferred field habitats followed by grasslands and females preferred grasslands followed by forest habitats.

Conclusions

We suggest that the field and grassland habitats represent the two most important areas for the lesser cuckoo on Jeju Island. Nevertheless, this study shows that habitat preference may differ between sexes, likely due to differences in sex roles, sex-based energy demands, and potential sexual conflict.
Evaluation of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) using quantitative lung CT and clinical data: prediction of short-term outcome
Authors: Matos João , Paparo Francesco , Mussetto Ilaria , Bacigalupo Lorenzo , Veneziano Alessio , Perugin Bernardi Silvia , Biscaldi Ennio , Melani Enrico , Antonucci Giancarlo , Cremonesi Paolo , Lattuada Marco , Pilotto Alberto , Pontali Emanuele , Rollandi Gian Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT) enables quantification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, helping in outcome prediction.

Methods

From 1 to 22 March 2020, patients with pneumonia symptoms, positive lung CT scan, and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were consecutively enrolled. Clinical data was collected. Outcome was defined as favourable or adverse (i.e., need for mechanical ventilation or death) and registered over a period of 10 days following CT. Volume of disease (VoD) on CT was calculated semi-automatically. Multiple linear regression was used to predict VoD by clinical/laboratory data. To predict outcome, important features were selected using a priori analysis and subsequently used to train 4 different models.

Results

A total of 106 consecutive patients were enrolled (median age 63.5 years, range 26–95 years; 41/106 women, 38.7%). Median duration of symptoms and C-reactive protein (CRP) was 5 days (range 1–30) and 4.94 mg/L (range 0.1–28.3), respectively. Median VoD was 249.5 cm3 (range 9.9–1505) and was predicted by lymphocyte percentage (p = 0.008) and CRP (p < 0.001). Important variables for outcome prediction included CRP (area under the curve [AUC] 0.77), VoD (AUC 0.75), age (AUC 0.72), lymphocyte percentage (AUC 0.70), coronary calcification (AUC 0.68), and presence of comorbidities (AUC 0.66). Support vector machine had the best performance in outcome prediction, yielding an AUC of 0.92.

Conclusions

Measuring the VoD using a simple CT post-processing tool estimates SARS-CoV-2 burden. CT and clinical data together enable accurate prediction of short-term clinical outcome.
Potential of Cry1Ac from Bacillus thuringiensis against the tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Jalapathi Sandeep Kumar , Jayaraj J. , Shanthi M. , Theradimani M. , Venkatasamy Balasubramani , Irulandi S. , Prabhu S.
Published: June 2020

The tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera), is an introduced serious pest of tomato in India. Management of this insect pest mainly relies on insecticides because of its high infestation levels on all plant parts and life stages of tomato crop. This laboratory study investigated the efficacy of Cry1Ac protein of Bacillus thuringiensis against T. absoluta. The LC50 and LC95 values for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th larval instars were 0.12, 0.27, and 0.43 μg/ml and 0.63, 0.71, and 2.64 μg/ml, respectively. Experimental results showed that Cry1Ac is effective against different larval instars of tomato pinworm.
Cinnarizine- and flunarizine-associated movement disorder: a literature review
Authors: Rissardo Jamir Pitton , Caprara Ana Letícia Fornari
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Cinnarizine (CNZ) and flunarizine (FNZ) belong to the calcium channel blockers class of medication.

Main text

The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the clinical epidemiological profile, pathological mechanisms, and management of CNZ/FNZ-associated movement disorder (MD). Relevant reports in six databases were identified and assessed by two reviewers without language restriction. One hundred and seventeen reports containing 1920 individuals who developed a CNZ/FNZ-associated MD were identified. The MD encountered were 1251 parkinsonism, 23 dyskinesias, 11 akathisia, 16 dystonia, and 5 myoclonus, and in the group not clearly defined, 592 extrapyramidal symptoms, 19 tremors, 2 bradykinesia, and 1 myokymia. The predominant sex was female with a percentage of 72.69% (466/641). The mean age was 74.49 (SD, 7.88) years. The mean CNZ dose was 148.19 mg (SD, 42.51) and for the FNZ dose, 11.22 mg (5.39). The mean MD onset and recovery were 1.83 years (SD, 1.35) and 3.71 months (SD, 1.26). In the subgroup of subjects that had improvement of the symptoms, the complete recovery was achieved within 6 months of the drug withdrawal in almost all subjects (99%). The most common management was drug withdrawal. A complete recovery was observed in 93.77% of the patients (437/466).

Conclusions

CNZ/FNZ-associated MD was extensively reported in the literature. Parkinsonism was the most well described. Myoclonus (MCL) was the poorest described MD with missing data about the neurological examination and electrodiagnostic studies. The knowledge of this disorder probably can contribute to the understanding of the other drug-induced MDs.
The lateral supraorbital approach, doable and cosmetic access to anterior skull base
Authors: Elsharkawy Ahmed Abdelaziz , Abdelhameed Essam Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Background

The anterior skull base region can be reached through multiple corridors. The most frequently used are the pterional, bifrontal, unifrontal, and orbitozygomatic approaches. These approaches are more extensive and time consuming. The lateral supraorbital approach is a less extensive frontal modification of the classic pterional approach designed to manage tumors and aneurysms of this region.

Objective

To evaluate efficacy, safety, and cosmetic results of the lateral supraorbital approach and to present some tricks to have an easy access to different pathologies at the anterior skull base through this approach.

Methods

Analysis of 50 operations for anterior skull base pathologies, vascular and neoplastic, made through the lateral supraorbital approach in Neurosurgery Department, Tanta University Hospitals between January 2013 and April 2017. The basic steps in performing the procedure are described. Special tricks required in individual cases and how to identify their need from preoperative images are discussed.

Results

We operated on 50 patients having 34 neoplastic and 16 vascular lesions. The mean incision length was 11 cm, mean bone flap size was 3.5 × 5.4 cm, and mean craniotomy time was 20 min.

All patients were satisfied with their scars; there were no limitations to this approach regarding nature or size of the lesion. We had 8 morbidities (4 transient and 4 permanent) and 2 mortalities; all morbidities and mortalities were not related to the approach.

Conclusion

The lateral supraorbital approach is simple, fast, and effective corridor to anterior skull base pathologies without significant morbidities or mortalities related to the approach.
Response of UK interventional radiologists to the COVID-19 pandemic – survey findings
Authors: Rostampour Sammy , Cleveland Trevor , White Hilary , Haslam Philip , McCafferty Ian , Hamady Mo
Published: June 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect upon the National Health Service (NHS). Like other specialties, Interventional Radiology (IR) rapidly adapted to the evolving situation. Members of BSIR were surveyed to obtain a snapshot of the experiences of UK IRs in response to COVID-19.

An electronic survey was compiled using Google Forms, approved by the BSIR Council Officers and distributed to BSIR members by email on 18 th April 2020. A total of 228 responses were received. The survey was open for a 14-day period and the data analysed in Microsoft Excel 365. The response rate was 29% (228/800).

Results

Two thirds of respondents work in a Tertiary unit and 33% deliver IR in a District Hospital. 84% have a day-case facility. After the COVID-19 crisis, 81% of respondents were able to maintain 24–7 On-call service. 59% of respondents had been required change their day to day practice to allow the on-call service to continue. 55% of respondents were involved in providing a central line service. Of those questioned, 91% continued to offer endovascular services, 98% genitourinary and 92% hepatobiliary services, although a degree of service reduction was described. 38% have provided IR trainees with additional training material during this pandemic.

Conclusions

This survey has confirmed that the responses of UK IR departments to the COVID-19 crisis have ensured vital on-call and urgent services have continued, including ongoing availability of most IR sub-specialties. Availability of a day case facility has possibly influenced the positive response.
The diagnostic value of normalized ADC using spleen as reference organ in assessment liver fibrosis
Authors: Mostafa Mai A. , Kamal Omnia , Yassin Aya , Nagi Mona A. , Ahmed Osama A. , Ahmed Hagar A.
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate the value of liver ADC normalization using spleen as a reference organ in liver fibrosis assessment compared to Fibroscan.

A total of 60 participants were included, 30 HCV positive patients and 30 in control group. We calculated mean spleen apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), liver mean ADC, and normalized liver ADC (defined as the ratio of liver ADC to spleen ADC) which were compared between cirrhotic patients and the control group. Data was analyzed, and ROC was used to evaluate the performance of nADC.

Results

No significant difference between spleen ADC values of patient and control groups or in-between different fibrosis stages. A negative correlation between liver ADC and nADC values with increasing fibrosis stages. We also found that the mean liver ADC and nADC value in patients with hepatic fibrosis were significantly lower than that of control group (1.53 × 10−3 mm2/s vs 1.65 × 10−3 mm2/s). After analysis with ROC, nADC shows higher diagnostic performance compared to liver ADC. nADC area under the curve (AUC) was 0.878 for detection of stage ≥ F2 with sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 80% respectively while ADC AUC was 0.548 with sensitivity and specificity of 62% and 72% respectively (p = 0.021); ≥ F3 AUC of nADC was 0.891 with sensitivity and specificity of 88.7% and 80% respectively while ADC AUC is 0.603 with sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 72% respectively (p = 0.023), and F4 stage nADC AUC was 0.879 for with sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 80% respectively, while ADC AUC was 0.648 with sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 72% respectively (p = 0.054).

Conclusion

Normalized liver ADC using the spleen as reference organs increases the diagnostic performance of MR in evaluation liver fibrosis compared to ADC alone.