bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 Positively Regulate Panicle Blast Resistance in Rice
Authors: Dong Jingfang , Zhou Lian , Feng Aiqing , Zhang Shaohong , Fu Hua , Chen Luo , Zhao Junliang , Yang Tifeng , Yang Wu , Ma Yamei , Wang Jian , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Liu Qing , Liu Bin
Published: June 2021

Background

Although panicle blast is more destructive to yield loss than leaf blast in rice, the cloned genes that function in panicle blast resistance are still very limited and the molecular mechanisms underlying panicle blast resistance remain largely unknown.

Results

In the present study, we have confirmed that the three Oxalate oxidase (OXO) genes, OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 from a blast-resistant cultivar BC10 function in panicle blast resistance in rice. The expression of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 were induced by panicle blast inoculation. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the three OXO proteins are all localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Simultaneous silencing of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 decreased rice resistance to panicle blast, whereas the OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 overexpression rice plants individually showed enhanced panicle blast resistance. More H2O2 and higher expression levels of PR genes were observed in the overexpressing plants than in the control plants, while the silencing plants exhibited less H2O2 and lower expression levels of PR genes compared to the control plants. Moreover, phytohormone treatment and the phytohormone signaling related gene expression analysis showed that panicle blast resistance mediated by the three OXO genes was associated with the activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of SA signaling pathway.

Conclusion

OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 positively regulate panicle blast resistance in rice. The OXO genes could modulate the accumulation of H2O2 and expression levels of PR gene in plants. Moreover, the OXO genes mediated panicle blast resistance could be regulated by ABA, SA and JA, and may be associated with the activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of the SA signaling pathway.
Effect of Voacamine upon inhibition of hypoxia induced fatty acid synthesis in a rat model of methyln-nitrosourea induced mammary gland carcinoma
Authors: Singh Lakhveer , Singh Manjari , Rastogi Shubham , Choudhary Anurag , Kumar Dinesh , Raj Ritu , Ansari Mohd Nazam , Saeedan Abdulaziz S. , Kaithwas Gaurav
Published: June 2021

Background

In the present study, fatty acid synthesis is targeted to combat mammary gland carcinoma by activating prolyl hydroxylase-2 with Voacamine alone and in combination with Tamoxifen. It was hypothesized that the activation of prolyl hydroxylase-2 would inhibit the hypoxia-induced fatty acid synthesis and mammary gland carcinoma. Mammary gland carcinoma was induced with a single dose administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg,i.p.) and treatment with Voacamine and Tamoxifen 15 days after carcinogen administration.

Results

At the end of the study, hemodynamic profiling of animals was recorded to assess the cardiotoxic potential of the drug. Blood serum was separated and subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Carmine staining and histopathology of mammary gland tissue were performed to evaluate the anti-angiogenic potential of the drug. The antioxidant potential of the drug was measured with antioxidant markers. Western blotting was performed to study the effect of the drug at the molecular level.

Conclusion

Results of the study have shown that Voacamine treatment stopped further decrease in body weight of experimental animals. The hemodynamic study evidenced that Voacamine at a low dose is safe in cardiac patients. Microscopic evaluation of mammary gland tissue documented the anti-angiogenic potential of Voacamine and Tamoxifen therapy. Perturbed serum metabolites were also restored to normal along with antioxidant markers. Immunoblotting of mammary gland tissue also depicted restoration of proteins of the hypoxic and fatty acid pathway. Conclusively, Voacamine and its combination with Tamoxifen activated prolyl hydroxylase-2 to combat mammary gland carcinoma.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. reveals tissue-specific expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes
Authors: Yuan Lin , Pan Kun , Li Yonghui , Yi Bo , Gao Bingmiao
Published: June 2021

Background

Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. is an important edible and medicinal herb, and its dried fruits are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. Flavonoids are one of the main chemical compounds in A. oxyphylla; however, the genetic and molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis are not well understood. We performed transcriptome analysis in the fruit, root, and leaf tissues of A. oxyphylla to delineate tissue-specific gene expression and metabolic pathways in this medicinal plant.

Results

In all, 8.85, 10.10, 8.68, 6.89, and 8.51 Gb clean data were obtained for early-, middle-, and late-stage fruits, leaves, and roots, respectively. Furthermore, 50,401 unigenes were grouped into functional categories based on four databases, namely Nr (47,745 unigenes), Uniprot (49,685 unigenes), KOG (20,153 unigenes), and KEGG (27,285 unigenes). A total of 3110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five distinct clusters with similar expression patterns were obtained, in which 27 unigenes encoded 13 key enzymes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. In particular, 9 DEGs were significantly up-regulated in fruits, whereas expression of 11 DEGs were highly up-regulated in roots, compared with those in leaves.

Conclusion

The DEGs and metabolic pathway related to flavonoids biosynthesis were identified in root, leaf, and different stages of fruits from A. oxyphylla. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in A. oxyphylla and application of genetically engineered varieties of A. oxyphylla.
Transcriptome analysis provides insights into copper toxicology in piebald naked carp (Gymnocypris eckloni)
Authors: Jin Wenjie , Li Zixuan , Ran Fengxia , Huang Shen , Huo Kefan , Li Jianjuan , Han Qingshuo , Wang Guojie , Wang Zhenji , Jian Shenlong , Li Kemao , Li Changzhong
Published: June 2021

Background

Copper was used for many years in aquaculture operations as an effective algaecide or a parasite treatment of fish. It is an essential nutrient with numerous functions in organisms, but is toxic at high concentrations. However, the toxicity of copper to fish remains unclear. In this study, we used the piebald naked carp, Gymnocypris eckloni, as a model. RNA-seq data from different tissues, including gills, kidney, and liver, were used to investigate the underlying mechanism of copper toxicology in G. eckloni.

Results

We compared the transcriptomes from different tissues with different time durations of copper ion treatment. After 72 h copper ion treatment, the number of genes with different expression in gills and liver changed dramatically, but not in kidneys. In KEGG functional enrichment, the pattern of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was also similar in the gills and liver. The most enriched pathway of DEGs was “Ribosome” in both tissues. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression levels of genes involved in oxidative stress response and protein synthesis using qPCR and RNA-seq data. Our results showed that several genes involved in oxidative stress response were up-regulated both in gills and liver. Up-regulation of these genes indicated that copper treatment caused oxidative stress, which is likely to result in ribosome damage. In addition, our results showed that the expression of Eef1b2, a transcription elongation factor, was decreased in the liver under oxidative stress, and the expression of translation initiation factors Eif4ebp1 and eIF2α, and elongation factor eEF2 was up-regulated. These results supported the idea that oxidative stress inhibits protein synthesis in cells.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that copper exposure caused different responses in different tissues, since the gene expression patterns changed substantially either in the gills or liver, while the effect on the kidney was relatively weak. Furthermore, our results indicated that the expression pattern of the genes involved in the ribosome, which is a complex molecular machine orchestrating protein synthesis in the cell, together with translation initiation factor and elongation factors, were affected by copper exposure both in the gills and liver of piebald naked carp. This result leads us to speculate that the downregulation of global protein synthesis is an acute response strategy of fish to metal-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, we speculate that this strategy not only exists in the selective translation of proteins but also exists in the specific translation of functional proteins in tissues and cells.
TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the key proteins related with the differentiation process of goat intramuscular adipocytes
Authors: Du Yu , Wang Yong , Xu Qing , Zhu Jiangjiang , Lin Yaqiu
Published: June 2021

Background

Intramuscular adipocytes differentiation is a complex process, which is regulated by various transcription factor, protein factor regulators and signal transduction pathways. However, the proteins and signal pathways that regulates goat intramuscular adipocytes differentiation remains unclear.

Result

In this study, based on nanoscale liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS), the tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling analysis was used to investigate the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) related with the differentiation process of goat intramuscular adipocytes. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed for the characterization of the identified DAPs. The candidate proteins were verified by parallel reaction monitoring analysis. As a result, a total of 123 proteins, 70 upregulation proteins and 53 downregulation proteins, were identified as DAPs which may be related with the differentiation process of goat intramuscular adipocytes. Furthermore, the cholesterol metabolism pathway, glucagon signaling pathway and glycolysis / gluconeogenesis pathway were noticed that may be the important signal pathways for goat Intramuscular adipocytes differentiation.

Conclusions

By proteomic comparison between goat intramuscular preadipocytes (P_IMA) and intramuscular adipocytes (IMA), we identified a series protein that might play important role in the goat intramuscular fat differentiation, such as SRSF10, CSRP3, APOH, PPP3R1, CRTC2, FOS, SERPINE1 and AIF1L, could serve as candidates for further elucidate the molecular mechanism of IMF differentiation in goats.
Genome-wide association studies reveal candidate genes associated to bacteraemia caused by ST93-IV CA-MRSA
Authors: Pang Stanley , Daley Denise A , Sahibzada Shafi , Mowlaboccus Shakeel , Stegger Marc , Coombs Geoffrey W
Published: June 2021

Background

The global emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has seen the dominance of specific clones in different regions around the world with the PVL-positive ST93-IV as the predominant CA-MRSA clone in Australia. In this study we applied a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach on a collection of Australian ST93-IV MRSA genomes to screen for genetic traits that might have assisted the ongoing transmission of ST93-IV in Australia. We also compared the genomes of ST93-IV bacteraemia and non-bacteraemia isolates to search for potential virulence genes associated with bacteraemia.

Results

Based on single nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetics we revealed two distinct ST93-IV clades circulating concurrently in Australia. One of the clades contained isolates primarily isolated in the northern regions of Australia whilst isolates in the second clade were distributed across the country. Analyses of the ST93-IV genome plasticity over a 15-year period (2002–2017) revealed an observed gain in accessory genes amongst the clone’s population. GWAS analysis on the bacteraemia isolates identified two gene candidates that have previously been associated to this kind of infection.

Conclusions

Although this hypothesis was not tested here, it is possible that the emergence of a ST93-IV clade containing additional virulence genes might be related to the high prevalence of ST93-IV infections amongst the indigenous population living in the northern regions of Australia. More importantly, our data also demonstrated that GWAS can reveal candidate genes for further investigations on the pathogenesis and evolution of MRSA strains within a same lineage.
Uphyloplot2: visualizing phylogenetic trees from single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Kurtenbach Stefan , Cruz Anthony M. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Durante Michael A. , Harbour J. William
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent advances in single cell sequencing technologies allow for greater resolution in assessing tumor clonality using chromosome copy number variations (CNVs). While single cell DNA sequencing technologies are ideal to identify tumor sub-clones, they remain expensive and in contrast to single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) methods are more limited in the data they generate. However, CNV data can be inferred from scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq, for which several tools have been developed, including inferCNV, CaSpER, and HoneyBADGER. Inferences regarding tumor clonality from CNV data (and other sources) are frequently visualized using phylogenetic plots, which previously required time-consuming and error-prone, manual analysis.

Results

Here, we present Uphyloplot2, a python script that generates phylogenetic plots directly from inferred RNA-seq data, or any Newick formatted dendrogram file. The tool is publicly available at https://github.com/harbourlab/UPhyloplot2/.

Conclusions

Uphyloplot2 is an easy-to-use tool to generate phylogenetic plots to depict tumor clonality from scRNA-seq data and other sources.
The effect of methanol fixation on single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Wang Xinlei , Yu Lei , Wu Angela Ruohao
Published: June 2021

Background

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has led to remarkable progress in our understanding of tissue heterogeneity in health and disease. Recently, the need for scRNA-seq sample fixation has emerged in many scenarios, such as when samples need long-term transportation, or when experiments need to be temporally synchronized. Methanol fixation is a simple and gentle method that has been routinely applied in scRNA-sEq. Yet, concerns remain that fixation may result in biases which may change the RNA-seq outcome.

Results

We adapted an existing methanol fixation protocol and performed scRNA-seq on both live and methanol fixed cells. Analyses of the results show methanol fixation can faithfully preserve biological related signals, while the discrepancy caused by fixation is subtle and relevant to library construction methods. By grouping transcripts based on their lengths and GC content, we find that transcripts with different features are affected by fixation to different degrees in full-length sequencing data, while the effect is alleviated in Drop-seq result.

Conclusions

Our deep analysis reveals the effects of methanol fixation on sample RNA integrity and elucidates the potential consequences of using fixation in various scRNA-seq experiment designs.
SnoRNA copy regulation affects family size, genomic location and family abundance levels
Authors: Bergeron Danny , Laforest Cédric , Carpentier Stacey , Calvé Annabelle , Fafard-Couture Étienne , Deschamps-Francoeur Gabrielle , Scott Michelle S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are an abundant class of noncoding RNAs present in all eukaryotes and best known for their involvement in ribosome biogenesis. In mammalian genomes, many snoRNAs exist in multiple copies, resulting from recombination and retrotransposition from an ancestral snoRNA. To gain insight into snoRNA copy regulation, we used Rfam classification and normal human tissue expression datasets generated using low structure bias RNA-seq to characterize snoRNA families.

Results

We found that although box H/ACA families are on average larger than box C/D families, the number of expressed members is similar for both types. Family members can cover a wide range of average abundance values, but importantly, expression variability of individual members of a family is preferred over the total variability of the family, especially for box H/ACA snoRNAs, suggesting that while members are likely differentially regulated, mechanisms exist to ensure uniformity of the total family abundance across tissues. Box C/D snoRNA family members are mostly embedded in the same host gene while box H/ACA family members tend to be encoded in more than one different host, supporting a model in which box C/D snoRNA duplication occurred mostly by cis recombination while box H/ACA snoRNA families have gained copy members through retrotransposition. And unexpectedly, snoRNAs encoded in the same host gene can be regulated independently, as some snoRNAs within the same family vary in abundance in a divergent way between tissues.

Conclusions

SnoRNA copy regulation affects family sizes, genomic location of the members and controls simultaneously member and total family abundance to respond to the needs of individual tissues.
A high-throughput screening assay based on automated microscopy for monitoring antibiotic susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis phenotypes
Authors: Kalsum Sadaf , Andersson Blanka , Das Jyotirmoy , Schön Thomas , Lerm Maria
Published: June 2021

Background

Efficient high-throughput drug screening assays are necessary to enable the discovery of new anti-mycobacterial drugs. The purpose of our work was to develop and validate an assay based on live-cell imaging which can monitor the growth of two distinct phenotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and to test their susceptibility to commonly used TB drugs.

Results

Both planktonic and cording phenotypes were successfully monitored as fluorescent objects using the live-cell imaging system IncuCyte S3, allowing collection of data describing distinct characteristics of aggregate size and growth. The quantification of changes in total area of aggregates was used to define IC50 and MIC values of selected TB drugs which revealed that the cording phenotype grew more rapidly and displayed a higher susceptibility to rifampicin. In checkerboard approach, testing pair-wise combinations of sub-inhibitory concentrations of drugs, rifampicin, linezolid and pretomanid demonstrated superior growth inhibition of cording phenotype.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the efficiency of using automated live-cell imaging and its potential in high-throughput whole-cell screening to evaluate existing and search for novel antimycobacterial drugs.
Differential transcription pathways associated with rootstock-induced dwarfing in breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) scions
Authors: Zhou Yuchan , Underhill Steven J. R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop throughout the tropics. Through interspecific grafting, a dwarf phenotype with over 50% reduction in plant height was identified when marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) rootstocks were used. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the rootstock-induced breadfruit dwarfing is poorly understood.

Results

An RNA-sequencing study of breadfruit scions at 22 months after grafting identified 5409 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 2069 were upregulated and 3339 were downregulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks compared to those on self-graft. The DEGs were predominantly enriched for biological processes involved in carbon metabolism, cell wall organization, plant hormone signal transduction and redox homeostasis. The down-regulation of genes encoding vacuolar acid invertases and alkaline/neutral invertases, was consistent with the decreased activity of both enzymes, accompanying with a higher sucrose but lower glucose and fructose levels in the tissues. Key genes of biosynthetic pathways for amino acids, lipids and cell wall were down regulated, reflecting reduction of sucrose utilisation for stem growth on dwarfing rootstocks. Genes encoding sugar transporters, amino acid transporters, choline transporters, along with large number of potassium channels and aquaporin family members were down-regulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks. Lower activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase, together with the predominance of genes encoding expansins, wall-associated receptor kinases and key enzymes for biosynthesis and re-modelling of cellulose, xyloglucans and pectins in down-regulated DGEs suggested impairment of cell expansion. Signalling pathways of auxin and gibberellin, along with strigolacton and brassinosteroid biosynthetic genes dominated the down-regulated DEGs. Phenylpropanoid pathway was enriched, with key lignin biosynthetic genes down-regulated, and flavonoid biosynthetic genes upregulated in scions on marang rootstocks. Signalling pathways of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and MAPK cascade were significantly enriched in the upregulated DEGs.

Conclusions

Rootstock-induced disruption in pathways regulating nutrient transport, sucrose utilisation, cell wall biosynthesis and networks of hormone transduction are proposed to impair cell expansion and stem elongation, leading to dwarf phenotype in breadfruit scions. The information provides opportunity to develop screening strategy for rootstock breeding and selection for breadfruit dwarfing.
Effect of graphene / metal nanocomposites on the key genes involved in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway and its accumulation in Melissa officinalis
Authors: Soraki Roya Karimi , Gerami Mahyar , Ramezani Moazzameh
Published: June 2021

Background

Recently, numerous investigations have been done to study graphene and silver nanoparticle in the fields of agriculture and medicine. In the present study, the green synthesis of nanoparticles with two concentrations (0, 40, 60 mM) and their effect on the molecular and biochemical biosynthesis pathway of rosmarinic acid in a new method, low cost, and safe for the environment has been investigated. The transcript levels of key genes in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway (Tyrosine aminotransferase, rosmarinic acid synthase, and phenylalanine-ammonia lyase) were studied using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Then, the rosmarinic acid content was evaluated using HPLC.

Results

The results showed that a concentration-dependent manner was observed in treated plants. At the biochemical level, the use of nanocomposites at concentration of 40 mM showed higher soluble carbohydrate (37%), flavonoids (21%), total phenol (35%) as well as total protein (47%) compared to the control plants. HPLC results showed that rosmarinic acid content in the treated plants with a low concentration of nanocomposite (40 mM) was more affected than plants treated with a high concentration of nanocomposite (60 mM) (26%) and also compared to other treatments. At the molecular level, the result showed that Tyrosine aminotransferase and rosmarinic acid synthase gene expression was positively correlated with both silver nanoparticle concentrations and nanocomposite treatments, but phenylalanine-ammonia lyase gene expression was positively correlated only with nanocomposite at 40 mM concentration.

Conclude

It can conclude that the nanocomposite at low concentration is more likely to induce molecular and biochemical parameters. And also, in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway, the Tyrosine aminotransferase -derived pathway is more efficient than the phenylalanine-ammonia lyase -derived pathway by causing a nano-elicitor. Therefore, it was concluded that studied elicitor at low concentration, can create plants with higher production capacity.
Different body parts’ fat mass and corrected QT interval on the electrocardiogram: The Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohammad Hosein , Bahramali Ehsan , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Farjam Mojtaba , Mobasheri Maryam , Dadvand Shiva
Published: June 2021

Background

Previous studies suggested that obesity and fat mass are associated with QT interval prolongation, but the role of different body parts' fat mass is unclear. The associations between total and regional fat mass (FM) and corrected QT interval (QTc) were investigated for the first time in this study.

Methods

In this sub-analysis of Fasa PERSIAN cohort Study data, 3217 subjects aged 35–70 entered our study. Body fat mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and QTc interval calculated by the QT interval measured by Cardiax® software from ECGs and Bazett’s formula. Uni- and multi-variable linear and logistic regression was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics v23.

Results

In males, the fat mass to fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratio in the trunk, arms, total body, and legs were significantly higher in the prolonged QTc group (QTc > 450 ms). Trunk (B = 0.148), total (B = 0.137), arms (B = 0.124), legs (B = 0.107) fat mass index (FMI) showed significant positive relationship with continuous QTc (P-value < 0.001). Also, just the fat-free mass index of legs had significant positive associations with QTc interval (P-value < 0.05). Surprisingly, in females, the mean of FM/FFM ratio in trunk and legs in the normal QTc group had higher values than the prolonged QTc group (QTc > 470 ms). Also, none of the body composition variables had a significant correlation with continuous QTc.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that FMI ratios in the trunk, total body, arms, and legs were positively associated with QTc interval in males, respectively, from a higher to a lower beta-coefficient. Such associations were not seen in females. Our study implies that body fat mass may be an independent risk factor for higher QTc interval and, consequently, more cardiovascular events that should be investigated.
Instruments used to assess quality of life of older adults in African countries: a scoping review
Authors: Attafuah Priscilla Y. A. , Everink Irma H. J. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Lohrmann Christa , Abuosi Aaron , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Over 60% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, live in informal settlements (slums) with little or no resources. To be prepared to meet the needs of older people living in slums, it is necessary to know more about their quality of life (QoL). The objective of this review is to identify instruments, which can be used by researchers to assess the QoL of older adults living in African countries, especially those dwelling in slums.

Methods

A scoping review was performed using the databases Scopus, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science to retrieve studies published from January 2008 – September 2020. Studies were included if they reported generic QoL instruments, focused on adults with a mean age ≥ 50 and were conducted in African countries.

Results

In total, 18 studies were included using 7 unique instruments to measure QoL (EUROHIS-QOL-8, SWLS, WHOQOL-OLD, the WHOQOL-BREF, SF-36, SF-12 and RAND-38). All instruments could be interviewer-administered and had 5–36 items. However, little is known about their psychometric properties (validity and reliability), time-investment and cultural sensitivity of the domains included in the instruments.

Conclusions

Even though this review retrieved instruments used to assess QoL of older adults in African countries, there is a need for further research on adjustment and validation of currently existing QoL instruments. In addition, the development and validation of a new instrument which can be used in (illiterate) older populations, living in slums in Africa should be considered.
Contribution of IQ in young adulthood to the associations of education and occupation with cognitive ability in older age
Authors: Feinkohl Insa , Kozma Petra , Borchers Friedrich , van Montfort Simone J. T. , Kruppa Jochen , Winterer Georg , Spies Claudia , Pischon Tobias
Published: June 2021

Background

Studies suggest that a higher education and occupation are each associated with a higher late-life cognitive ability, but their inter-relationships in their association with cognitive ability and the contribution of peak IQ in young adulthood (‘pre-morbid IQ’) often remain unclear.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 623 participants aged ≥65 years of the BioCog study. Education was coded according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED; range 1 to 6). Occupation was coded as ‘semi/unskilled’, ‘skilled manual’, ‘skilled non-manual’, ‘managerial’, ‘professional’. A summary score of global ability (‘g’) was constructed from six cognitive tests. Pre-morbid IQ was estimated from vocabulary. The Geriatric Depression Scale assessed symptoms of depression. Age- and sex-adjusted analyses of covariance were performed.

Results

Education (partial eta20.076;p < 0.001) and occupation (partial eta2 = 0.037; p < 0.001) were each significantly associated withg. For education, the association was attenuated but remained statistically significant when pre-morbid IQ was controlled for (partial eta20.036;p < 0.001) and was unchanged with additional adjustment for depression (partial eta20.037;p < 0.001). For occupation, the association withgwas no longer significant when pre-morbid IQ (partial eta2 = 0.015;p = 0.06) and depression (partial eta2 = 0.011;p = 0.18) were entered as covariates in separate steps. When education and occupation were entered concurrently into the fully adjusted model, only education was independently associated withg(partial eta20.030;p < 0.001; occupation,p = 0.93).

Conclusion

While a higher education and a higher occupation were each associated with a higher late-life cognitive ability, only for education some unique contribution to cognitive ability remained over and above its relationship with pre-morbid IQ, depression, and occupation. Further research is needed to address whether a longer time spent in education may promote late-life cognitive ability.
A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial assessing the implementation, effectiveness and cost-consequences of the EDDIE+ hospital avoidance program in 12 residential aged care homes: study protocol
Authors: Carter Hannah E. , Lee Xing J. , Farrington Alison , Shield Carla , Graves Nicholas , Cyarto Elizabeth V. , Parkinson Lynne , Oprescu Florin I. , Meyer Claudia , Rowland Jeffrey , Dwyer Trudy , Harvey Gillian
Published: June 2021

Background

Older people living in residential aged care homes experience frequent emergency transfers to hospital. These events are associated with risks of hospital acquired complications and invasive treatments or interventions. Evidence suggests that some hospital transfers may be unnecessary or avoidable. The Early Detection of Deterioration in Elderly residents (EDDIE) program is a multi-component intervention aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital admissions from residential aged care homes by empowering nursing and care staff to detect and manage early signs of resident deterioration. This study aims to implement and evaluate the program in a multi-site randomised study in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial will be conducted at 12 residential aged care homes over 58 weeks. The program has four components: education and training, decision support tools, diagnostic equipment, and implementation facilitation with clinical systems support. The integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework will be used to guide the program implementation and process evaluation. The primary outcome measure will be the number of hospital bed days used by residents, with secondary outcomes assessing emergency department transfer rates, admission rates, length of stay, family awareness and experience, staff self-efficacy and costs of both implementation and health service use. A process evaluation will assess the extent and fidelity of program implementation, mechanisms of impact and the contextual barriers and enablers.

Discussion

The intervention is expected to improve outcomes by reducing unnecessary hospital transfers. Fewer hospital transfers and admissions will release resources for other patients with potentially greater needs. Residential aged care home staff might benefit from feelings of empowerment in their ability to proactively manage early signs of resident deterioration. The process evaluation will be useful for supporting wider implementation of this intervention and other similar initiatives.

Trial registration

The trial is prospectively registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12620000507987, registered 23/04/2020).
Pediatric sepsis cases diagnosed with group B streptococcal meningitis using next-generation sequencing: a report of two cases
Authors: Horiba Kazuhiro , Suzuki Michio , Tetsuka Nobuyuki , Kawano Yoshihiko , Yamaguchi Makoto , Okumura Toshihiko , Suzuki Takako , Torii Yuka , Kawada Jun-ichi , Morita Makoto , Hara Shinya , Ogi Tomoo , Ito Yoshinori
Published: June 2021

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of invasive infection in neonates and infants. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and culture may not show evidence of infection early in GBS meningitis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has the potential to detect microbial genetic material in patients with infectious diseases. We report two cases of infantile sepsis of GBS meningitis with negative results for CSF culture tests, but positive results for NGS analysis.

Case presentation

Patient 1 was a 22-day-old male infant diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis. His CSF findings showed pleocytosis, decreased glucose, and increased protein levels. However, CSF and blood culture results at admission were negative. He received a total of 3 weeks of treatment with ampicillin and cefotaxime, and showed clinical improvement. GBS was detected through NGS analysis of CSF collected at admission. Patient 2 was a 51-day-old male infant with sepsis. CSF findings on admission were normal, and blood and CSF cultures were also negative. Intravenous ampicillin and cefotaxime treatment were initiated. Treatment was de-escalated to ampicillin alone because Enterococcus faecalis was cultured from urine. He was discharged after a total of 1 week of antibiotic treatment. Six days after discharge, he was re-hospitalized for sepsis. Blood and CSF cultures were negative, and E. faecalis was again cultured from urine. He received a total of 3 weeks of ampicillin treatment for enterococcal-induced nephritis and did not relapse thereafter. NGS pathogen searches were retrospectively performed on both blood and CSF collected at the first and second admission. GBS was detected in the CSF collected at the first admission, but no significant pathogen was detected in the other samples. Inadequate treatment for GBS meningitis at the first admission may have caused the recurrence of the disease.

Conclusion

Infantile sepsis may present bacterial meningitis that is not diagnosed by either culture testing or CSF findings. NGS analysis for CSF may be useful for confirming the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
Impact of a maternal and newborn health results-based financing intervention (RBF4MNH) on stillbirth: a cross-sectional comparison in four districts in Malawi
Authors: Makuluni Regina , Stones William
Published: June 2021

Background

Malawi implemented a Results Based Financing (RBF) model for Maternal and Newborn Health, “RBF4MNH” at public hospitals in four Districts, with the aim of improving health outcomes. We used this context to seek evidence for the impact of this intervention on rates of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth, taking women’s risk factors into account.

Methods

We used maternity unit delivery registers at hospitals in four districts of Malawi to obtain information about stillbirths. We purposively selected two districts hosting the RBF4MNH intervention and two non-intervention districts for comparison. Data were extracted from the maternity registers and used to develop logistic regression models for variables associated with fresh and macerated stillbirth.

Results

We identified 67 stillbirths among 2772 deliveries representing 24.1 per 1000 live births of which 52% (n = 35) were fresh (intrapartum) stillbirths and 48% (n = 32) were macerated (antepartum) losses. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for fresh and macerated stillbirth at RBF versus non-RBF sites were 2.67 (95%CI 1.24 to 5.57, P = 0.01) and 7.27 (95%CI 2.74 to 19.25 P < 0.001) respectively. Among the risk factors examined, gestational age at delivery was significantly associated with increased odds of stillbirth.

Conclusion

The study did not identify a positive impact of this RBF model on the risk of fresh or macerated stillbirth. Within the scientific limitations of this non-randomised study using routinely collected health service data, the findings point to a need for rigorously designed and tested interventions to strengthen service delivery with a focus on the elements needed to ensure quality of intrapartum care, in order to reduce the burden of stillbirths.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of chemo-radiotherapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical surgery in patients with bulky cervical carcinoma (stage IB3 & IIA2)
Authors: Akhavan Setareh , Alibakhshi Abbas , Parsapoor Mahdieh , Alipour Abbas , Rezayof Elahe
Published: June 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women. Appropriate and timely treatment of these patients can reduce the complications and increase their survival. The objective of this study was to compare neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical hysterectomy (NACTRH) and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) in patients with bulky cervical cancer (stage IB3 & IIA2).

Material and methods

The medical records of patients with bulky cervical cancer (stage IB3 & IIA2) that received NACTRH or CRT between 2007 and 2017 were evaluated for therapeutic effects. Demographic characteristics, complications of chemo-radiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were collected in a researcher-made questionnaire. Our primary outcome was comparison of overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) between two groups receiving NACTRH and CRT modalities.

Results

One-hundred and twenty three patients were enrolled in the study. The median age and the proportion of patients with stage IIA2 were higher in the CRT group compared to the NACTRH group (p < 0.05). The medians (95% CI) OS were 3.64 (3.95–6.45) and 3.9 (3.53–4.27) years in the NACTRH and CRT groups, respectively (P = 0.003). There were 16 (34.8%) and 22 (43.1%) recurrences in the NACTRH and CRT group, respectively (P = 0.4). The median (95% CI) DFS was 4.5 (3.88–5.12) years in the NACTRH group and 3.6 (2.85–4.35) years in the CRT group (P = 0.004). The 3-year OS rate in NACTRH and CRT groups were 97 and 90% respectively. The 3-year DFS rate in NACTRH and CRT groups were 88 and 66% respectively.

Conclusions

NACTRH is associated with a higher OS and DFS compared to CRT.
ALG3-CDG: a patient with novel variants and review of the genetic and ophthalmic findings
Authors: Farolfi Martina , Cechova Anna , Ondruskova Nina , Zidkova Jana , Kousal Bohdan , Hansikova Hana , Honzik Tomas , Liskova Petra
Published: June 2021

Background

ALG3-CDG is a rare autosomal recessive disease. It is characterized by deficiency of alpha-1,3-mannosyltransferase caused by pathogenic variants in the ALG3 gene. Patients manifest with severe neurologic, cardiac, musculoskeletal and ophthalmic phenotype in combination with dysmorphic features, and almost half of them die before or during the neonatal period.

Case presentation

A 23 months-old girl presented with severe developmental delay, epilepsy, cortical atrophy, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and ocular impairment. Facial dysmorphism, clubfeet and multiple joint contractures were observed already at birth. Transferrin isoelectric focusing revealed a type 1 pattern. Funduscopy showed hypopigmentation and optic disc pallor. Profound retinal ganglion cell loss and inner retinal layer thinning was documented on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. The presence of optic nerve hypoplasia was also supported by magnetic resonance imaging. A gene panel based next-generation sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing identified compound heterozygosity for two novel variants c.116del p.(Pro39Argfs*40) and c.1060 C > T p.(Arg354Cys) in ALG3.

Conclusions

Our study expands the spectrum of pathogenic variants identified in ALG3. Thirty-three variants in 43 subjects with ALG3-CDG have been reported. Literature review shows that visual impairment in ALG3-CDG is most commonly linked to optic nerve hypoplasia.
Epidemiological findings of childhood ocular trauma in a public hospital in Colombia
Authors: D’Antone Valeria , Flórez Diana Cristina Palencia , García Claudia Juliana Lopez , Manrique Flor De María Cáceres , Barbosa Nahyr López
Published: June 2021

Background

Eye injury is a serious worldwide public health problem that may cause blindness. In children, blindness has functional impact and psychosocial implications. As indicated in many worldwide studies, identification of risk factors associated with the socio-cultural context may prevent eye injuries. The objetive of the study is to describe the sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric eye injury and its effects on ocular structures in a public hospital from Colombia.

Method

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, in a tertiary public hospital of a medium-sized city located in the Northeast of Colombia. Children under 15 years old with trauma to the eyeball or its adnexa were included. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS) was used. Eye burns and Ocular adnexa were also included.

Results

61 cases of eye injuries were recorded, 67.21% (41 cases) of which were males. 57.37% (35 cases) corresponded to closed-globe injuries both contusion and lamellar laceration. Visual acuity fluctuated between 20/20 and 20/40. 14.75% (9 cases) were open-globe injuries while 50% (4 cases) were penetrating trauma. 27.86% of the injuries (17 cases) did not directly compromise the eyeball, 58.82% (10 of these cases) of which corresponded to eyelid wounds, and neither of those had visual acuity information.

Conclusion

The study showed that the majority of eye injuries in children under 15 years old, from a public hospital in the Northeast of Colombia, are closed globe, caused by blows, and occur in males.
Prevalence and predictive factors of transient and permanent congenital hypothyroidism in Fars province, Iran
Authors: Habib Ashkan , Shojazadeh Alireza , Molayemat Mohadeseh , Habib Asadollah , Jeddi Marjan , Arabsolghar Rita , Nahas Mitra , Rahimi Nazila , Ardekani Fariba Moradi
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There is no data on the number as well as the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the Fars province. Hence, we designed this study to analyze the latest data and the possible predictive factors on transient and permanent CH in this province.

Method

This cross sectional study is based on the Fars province screening data from 2013 to 2016. A total of 294,214 newborns were screened with 938 confirmed cases of CH, which were included in this study. After recall and completion of the missing data, follow-up data for 642 CH cases with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and levothyroxine doses for ten outpatient visits and final transient vs. permanent CH diagnosis were included.

Results

The incidence rate was 1:313.66, and out of the 642 CH cases, 66.04 % had permanent CH, while 33.96 % had transient CH. TSH level trend during the outpatient visits were not statistically different between the two groups (P = 0.312). A cutoff point of > 2.25 levothyroxine µg/kg (sensitivity: 76.11 %, specificity: 58.52 %) at the third year and a TSH concentration of > 43.35 mIU/L at the venous sampling (initial TSH) (sensitivity: 31.66 %, specificity: 90.32 %) were the predictive factors for permanent CH.

Conclusion

Fars province has one of the highest incidence rate of CH in Iran. Levothyroxine dose at the 3rd year and the 1st venous TSH sample are the predictive factors for permanent CH in the Iranian population; however, TSH concentrations during follow ups are unreliable predictors.
Infected simple renal cyst due to Streptococcus pneumoniae rapidly diagnosed by the melting temperature mapping method: a case report
Authors: Uejima Yoji , Niimi Hideki , Kato Reiko , Furuichi Mihoko , Sato Satoshi , Kitajima Isao , Kawano Yutaka , Oh-Ishi Tsutomu , Kawashima Hiroshi , Suganuma Eisuke
Published: June 2021

Background

Spontaneous infection of preexisting solitary renal cysts has been documented in adults but is extremely rare in children. To date, no cases of simple renal cysts infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae have been described. Recently, reports have described the diagnosis of bacterial infection using the 16 S rRNA gene as well as the accompanying antimicrobial stewardship for microorganisms that are difficult to culture and for culture-negative cases after preceding antibacterial administration.

Case presentation

A four-year-old Japanese girl who had a pleuroperitoneal shunt inserted to drain a right pleural effusion due to occlusion of the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava at three years old visited our hospital due to fever and respiratory discomfort. She was incidentally found to have a right simple renal cyst 10 months before admission. The patient was suspected to have pneumonitis or catheter-related blood stream infection on chest X-ray, which showed right-side pleural effusion. She was diagnosed with invasive pneumococcal infection, as Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected from blood culture on admission. Transient improvements in her symptoms and decreases in the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level were observed after effective antibiotic administration, but her respiratory condition deteriorated. Enhanced CT showed right renal cyst enlargement and enhancement and thickening of the surrounding wall. Using the melting temperature (Tm) mapping method, S. pneumoniae was rapidly detected directly from pus 4.5 hours after drainage. The specimen culture was negative, but the extracted 16 S rDNA sequence revealed 100 % identity for S. pneumoniae from the same specimen the subsequent day. We successfully performed optimal treatment and reduced medical cost based on the positive Tm mapping method result.

Conclusions

We report the first case of a S. pneumoniae-infected simple renal cyst. The drainage culture was negative, but the Tm mapping method rapidly detected S. pneumoniae directly from the drainage. The Tm mapping method may have great impacts on rapid diagnosis and effective antimicrobial stewardship.