bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel method of analyzing spinning tensions for yarn breakage detection in ring frame
Authors: Cui Peng , Zhang Yi , Xue Yuan
Published: January 2020

To reduce yarn breakage rates in spinning and increase production efficiency, we developed a detection device for spinning tension of the ring-spinning system by implementing the stress and displacement sensors with the yarn guide plate. The as-developed device receives data through signal acquisition system, and then the yarn tension at the thread guide and the displacement of the guide plate are obtained by solving the coupled physical-mathematical equations describing yarn tensions in twisting, ballooning, and winding processes, which gives the real-time dynamics. We found that the yarn tensions show periodical fluctuations along with the reciprocating movement of the yarn guide plate. In particular, the maximum tension at the initial winding stage has increased 12.6% when compared to the second winding stage, while the maximum tension at the third winding stage has increased 10.6% when compared to the second winding stage.
Adaptive and maladaptive narcissism, charisma, and leadership performance: A study of perceptions about the presidential leadership of Donald Trump
Authors: Williams Ethlyn A , Pillai Rajnandini , McCombs Kate , Lowe Kevin B , Deptula Bryan J
Published: January 2020

The current study examines the effects of perceptions of leader adaptive and maladaptive narcissism on ratings of charisma and presidential leadership performance for Donald Trump by registered voters. We present a model examining differing dimensions of narcissism, and their effects on attributed charisma and perceptions of leadership performance for Donald Trump. Structural equation modeling results reveal positive effects of adaptive narcissism on attributed charisma and leadership performance of Donald Trump; and negative effects of maladaptive narcissism on attributed charisma and leadership performance of Donald Trump. Perceived adaptive and maladaptive narcissism had indirect effects on leadership performance (through attributed charisma). The contributions made to the literature, implications of the findings, and directions for future research are discussed.
D-4F, an ApoA-I mimetic peptide ameliorating TRPA1-mediated nocifensive behaviour in a model of neurogenic inflammation
Authors: Oehler Beatrice , Kloka Jan , Mohammadi Milad , Ben-Kraiem Adel , Rittner Heike L
Published: January 2020

Background

High doses of capsaicin are recommended for the treatment of neuropathic pain. However, low doses evoke mechanical hypersensitivity. Activation of the capsaicin chemosensor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) induces neurogenic inflammation. In addition to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species are produced. These highly reactive molecules generate oxidised phospholipids and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) which then directly activate TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). The apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F neutralises oxidised phospholipids. Here, we asked whether D-4F ameliorates neurogenic hypersensitivity in rodents by targeting reactive oxygen species and 4-HNE in the capsaicin-evoked pain model.

Results

Co-application of D-4F ameliorated capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and allodynia as well as persistent heat hypersensitivity measured by Randell–Selitto, von Frey and Hargreaves test, respectively. In addition, mechanical hypersensitivity was blocked after co-injection of D-4F with the reactive oxygen species analogue H2O2 or 4-HNE. In vitro studies on dorsal root ganglion neurons and stably transfected cell lines revealed a TRPA1-dependent inhibition of the calcium influx when agonists were pre-incubated with D-4F. The capsaicin-induced calcium influx in TRPV1-expressing cell lines and dorsal root ganglion neurons sustained in the presence of D-4F.

Conclusions

D-4F is a promising compound to ameliorate TRPA1-dependent hypersensitivity during neurogenic inflammation.
Analysis of Association between Morphometric Parameters of Growth Plate and Bone Growth of Tibia in Mice and Humans
Authors: Wilson Kimberly , Usami Yu , Hogarth Danielle , Scheiber Amanda L. , Tian Hongying , Oichi Takeshi , Wei Yulong , Qin Ling , Otsuru Satoru , Toyosawa Satoru , Iwamoto Masahiro , Abzug Joshua M. , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purposes of this study are to evaluate which growth plate parameters are associated with bone growth in mice and to compare the mouse results with those in humans.

Design

The sagittal sections of the proximal growth plate of the mouse tibia from neonate to young adult stages were subjected to histomorphometric and functional analyses. The radiographic images of tibias of human patients until puberty were analyzed to obtain the tibia length and the proximal growth plate height. It was found that a linear correlation best modeled the relationship between the growth plate variables with the tibia growth rate and length.

Results

In mice, total height, resting zone height, combined height of the proliferation and prehypertrophic zones, proliferation activity, and the total width of tibia growth plate showed high linear correlation with tibia bone length and bone growth rate, but the hypertrophic zone height and the growth plate area did not. In both mice and humans, the total growth plate width of tibia was found to have the strongest correlation with tibia length and growth rate.

Conclusions

The results validated that growth plate total height, the height of the resting zone and cell proliferation activity are appropriate parameters to evaluate the balance between growth plate activity and bone growth in mice, consistent with previous reports. The study also provided a new growth plate parameter candidate, growth plate width for growth plate activity evaluation in both mouse and human tibia bone.
Triglyceride-containing lipoprotein sub-fractions and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: A prospective analysis in 11,560 adults
Authors: Joshi Roshni , Wannamethee S Goya , Engmann Jorgen , Gaunt Tom , Lawlor Deborah A , Price Jackie , Papacosta Olia , Shah Tina , Tillin Therese , Chaturvedi Nishi , Kivimaki Mika , Kuh Diana , Kumari Meena , Hughes Alun D , Casas Juan P , Humphries Steve , Hingorani Aroon D , Schmidt A Floriaan
Published: January 2020

Aims

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, there is uncertainty about the role of total triglycerides and the individual triglyceride-containing lipoprotein sub-fractions. We measured 14 triglyceride-containing lipoprotein sub-fractions using nuclear magnetic resonance and examined associations with coronary heart disease and stroke.

Methods

Triglyceride-containing sub-fraction measures were available in 11,560 participants from the three UK cohorts free of coronary heart disease and stroke at baseline. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association of each sub-fraction with coronary heart disease and stroke expressed as the odds ratio per standard deviation increment in the corresponding measure.

Results

The 14 triglyceride-containing sub-fractions were positively correlated with one another and with total triglycerides, and inversely correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Thirteen sub-fractions were positively associated with coronary heart disease (odds ratio in the range 1.12 to 1.22), with the effect estimates for coronary heart disease being comparable in subgroup analysis of participants with and without type 2 diabetes, and were attenuated after adjustment for HDL-C and LDL-C. There was no evidence for a clear association of any triglyceride lipoprotein sub-fraction with stroke.

Conclusions

Triglyceride sub-fractions are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease but not stroke, with attenuation of effects on adjustment for HDL-C and LDL-C.
ECG criteria for the detection of high-risk cardiovascular conditions in master athletes
Authors: Panhuyzen-Goedkoop Nicole M , Wellens Hein J , Verbeek André LM , Jørstad Harald T , Smeets Joep RLM , Peters Ron JG
Published: January 2020

Objective

Structured electrocardiography (ECG) analysis is used to screen athletes for high-risk cardiovascular conditions (HRCC) to prevent sudden cardiac death. ECG criteria have been specified and recommended for use in young athletes ≤ 35 years. However, it is unclear whether these ECG criteria can also be applied to master athletes >35 years.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to test whether the existing ECG criteria for detecting HRCC in young athletes can be applied to master athletes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among athletes >35 years screened for HRCC between 2006 and 2010. We performed a blinded retrospective analysis of master athletes’ ECGs, separately applying European Society of Cardiology (ESC)-2005, Seattle, and International criteria. HRCC were defined using recommendations from the international cardiac societies American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, and ESC, based on ECG screening and cardiovascular evaluation (CVE).

Results

We included 2578 master athletes in the study, of whom 494 had initial screening abnormalities mandating CVE. Atrial enlargement (109, 4.1%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (98, 3.8%) were the most common ECG abnormalities found using the ESC-2005 or Seattle criteria. Applying the International criteria, ST-segment deviation (66, 2.6%), and T-wave inversion (58, 2.2%) were most frequent. The ESC-2005 criteria detected more HRCC (46, 1.8%) compared with the Seattle (36, 1.4%) and International criteria (33, 1.3%). The most frequently detected HRCC was coronary artery disease (24, 0.9%).

Conclusion

ECG criteria recommended for use in young athletes can be applied to master athletes’ ECGs to detect HRCC. The ESC-2005 criteria had the highest sensitivity for detecting HRCC among master athletes.
Nitinol Memory Rods Versus Titanium Rods: A Biomechanical Comparison of Posterior Spinal Instrumentation in a Synthetic Corpectomy Model
Authors: Massey Patrick A. , Hoge Stephen , Nelson Bradley G. , Ogden Alan L. , Mody Milan G. , Myers Mitchell , Bilderback Karl , Solitro Giovanni , Barton Richard S.
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Biomechanical investigation.

Objective:

To compare the biomechanical performance of nitinol memory metal rods and titanium rods when used as posterior spinal instrumentation in a synthetic model.

Methods:

Biomechanical testing was performed using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene blocks. Nineteen spinal constructs were created to allow comparison of 5.5-mm nitinol rods with 5.5-mm titanium rods. Static compression and rotational testing were performed on an Instron 8874 and Instron 4202 at 37°C to simulate body temperature.

Results:

The average titanium construct stiffness under static compression or bending was 47.2 ± 9.1 N/mm while nitinol’s stiffness averaged 48.9 ± 12.4 N/mm ( P = .83). During axial rotation testing, the nitinol rod system showed no torsional stiffness difference from the titanium system: 0.95 ± 0.03 Nm/deg versus 0.96 ± 0.17 Nm/deg, respectively ( P = 0.91). There was a statistically significant difference between the average torsional yield point for the titanium constructs (14.4 ± 1.6 Nm/deg) and nitinol constructs (21.3 ± 0.8 Nm/deg) ( P = .004). The torsional toughness of the nitinol constructs was also statistically greater than the titanium rods: 473 GN/m3 versus 784 GN/m3 ( P = .0006). There was no statistically significant difference between the nitinol group sustaining a higher number of fatigue cycles until failure and the titanium group (181 660 cycles vs 64 104 cycles, respectively, P = .22).

Conclusions:

This study provides biomechanical evidence that nitinol rods used in a posterior construct are comparable to titanium rods with regard to compression and have increased torsional failure load and torsional toughness. While nitinol trended toward superior fatigue resistance, there was no significant difference in nitinol versus titanium construct fatigue resistance.
Adjacent-Level Ossification Development in Single-Level Standalone Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plate
Authors: Huang Christopher , Mobbs Ralph , Selby Michael , Phan Kevin , Rao Prashanth
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case control study.

Objectives:

Adjacent-level ossification development (ALOD) is a distinct form of adjacent segmental degeneration that has been recognized to occur after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). It is unclear whether ACDF with plate versus standalone has an effect on rates of ALOD. This retrospective case-control study aims to assess the rate of ALOD in a large series of patients undergoing ACDF with and without plate and factors causing ALOD.

Methods:

Data was collected for patients undergoing ACDF from January 2009 to July 2016. Data collected was from multiple centers and included demographic data, surgical data, radiological imaging at time of surgery, and serial follow-up imaging. The radiology for ALOD was independently reviewed. Cohorts were divided into ACDF with plate (Group P = plate) and ACDF without plate (Groups S = standalone) and outcomes were compared.

Results:

There were 260 patients with 138 (53%) in Group P and 122 (47%) in Group S. ALOD was observed in 15.3% of patients overall, 29% in group P and 2.8% in group S ( P < .001). Following multivariate adjustment, statistically significant association was found between use of plate and ALOD (odds ratio = 12.8, 95% confidence interval = 3.52-45.45, P < .001). Plate-to-disc distance <5 mm was significantly associated with ALOD (odds ratio = 13.5, 95% confidence interval = 3.83-47.62, P < .001).

Conclusion:

The use of anterior plate with ACDF was associated with ALOD. Plate-to-disc distance <5 mm was significantly associated with ALOD even after adjustment for confounding factors. We conclude utilization of standalone cages or cages with plate with more than 5 mm distance from adjacent disc to minimize ALOD.
A Case of Acute Coronary Occlusion in a Morbidly Obese Patient Masked on Electrocardiogram by Low QRS Voltage
Authors: Golightly Jeffrey , Shipman Stacia , Owens Ross , Painter Kelly
Published: January 2020

Timely diagnosis of acute coronary occlusion is essential to avoid chronic cardiac impairment and death. We describe an uncommon case of acute myocardial infarction masked by low QRS voltage secondary to morbid obesity. This case highlights the importance of considering the degree of ST-segment elevation proportionally to the QRS amplitude if there is clinical suspicion of acute coronary occlusion.
Cost Analysis of Routine Examination of Pathology Specimens Following Ankle Arthroscopy
Authors: Burgess Colin , Petrone Brandon , Matai Prashant , Cohn Randy , Bitterman Adam
Published: January 2020

Background:

Routine submission of pathologic specimens for histologic analysis following orthopedic surgery is a common and often required practice in the United States. Prior orthopedic studies have determined that these histologic examinations are of limited cost effectiveness and low clinical value because rarely do the pathology findings alter patient management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness and clinical significance of routine histologic examination of tissue specimens removed during ankle arthroscopy.

Methods:

Between 2014 and 2018, 408 patients underwent ankle arthroscopy at a multi-center hospital system by 16 different orthopedic surgeons. The available pathology reports from these cases were retrospectively reviewed to determine if the routine histologic examination altered patient care. We compared the preoperative diagnosis to both the postoperative and histologic diagnoses. The total cost for these histologic examinations was estimated using 2017 Medicare physician fees released by the College of American Pathologists. Cost-effectiveness was estimated in 2017 US dollars by cost per discrepant and discordant diagnosis.

Results:

Of the 408 patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy, 361 pathology reports were available for review. The prevalence of concordant diagnosis was 98.9% (357/361); the prevalence of discrepant diagnoses was 1.0% (4/361). There were no cases identified with a discordant diagnosis. Total estimated cost for all pathology specimens was $46 381 in 2017 US dollars. Cost per discrepant diagnosis was $11 595.

Conclusion:

In our study, histologic examination of surgical specimens following ankle arthroscopy had no effect on patient management, yet it increased costs. Routine examination of these pathologic specimens had a low rate of discrepant and/or discordant diagnoses. Based on our results, routine pathologic examination of ankle arthroscopy tissue specimens should be sent solely at the discretion of the orthopedic surgeon as opposed to being a mandated policy.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Preparation and study on the optical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of polylactic acid/ZnO/TiO2 shared nanocomposites
Authors: Tajdari Ali , Babaei Amir , Goudarzi Alireza , Partovi Razie
Published: January 2020

In this research, first, ZnO nanorods were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized in terms of morphological and structural properties by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Subsequently, polylactic acid/ZnO, polylactic acid/TiO2, and polylactic acid/ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposites with different percentages of nanoparticles and two different types of ZnO morphologies were prepared and their microstructural, optical, mechanical, hydrolytic degradation, and antibacterial properties were investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy results of polylactic acid/ZnO and polylactic acid/TiO2 samples showed a proper dispersion and nanoparticle distribution for low percentages (up to 5 wt%) and increased aggregation for the higher percentages. Besides, a large increase in the aggregation tendency was observed for combined nanoparticles (polylactic acid/ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposites). Results of the tensile test, the UV–Vis absorption tests, and the hydrolytic degradation tests of the samples showed an enhanced mechanical (approximately 55% increase in the presence of 3–5 wt% of nanoparticles) and light absorption and degradation (approximately 85% increase in the presence of 3–10 wt% of nanoparticles) for the polylactic acid by incorporating nanoparticles. It was also observed that, in addition to the quality of dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix, the type of morphology of nanoparticles can contribute to the improvement of these properties. The cylindrical morphology of ZnO played a greater role on improving the polylactic acid mechanical properties compared to the spherical ZnO morphology (approximately 20%). On the contrary, the increased polylactic acid optical properties and degradation with ZnO spherical morphology were more pronounced (approximately 60%). Interestingly, when both ZnO and TiO2 were added, a synergistic effect in the case of UV-shielding and degradation rate and alternatively, a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties were detected. (The polylactic acid optical properties increased by about 17% and its degradation more than doubled.) Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of polylactic acid was investigated against the two Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli by incorporating nanoparticles. The results indicated that as the nanoparticle percentage increases, the antibacterial activity steadily increases.
Aspirin has a better effect on PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancer cells by PI3K/Akt/Raptor pathway
Authors: Chen Zhihang , Wang Chun , Dong Hao , Wang Xing , Gao Feng , Zhang Sen , Zhang Xiaolong
Published: January 2020

Background

Aspirin, as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can improve the survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer, while aspirin is effective in patients with PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism of aspirin in the treatment of PIK3CA mutated CRC patients remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K and Raptor in colorectal cancer patients with PIK3CA mutation and PIK3CA wild-type patients. To demonstrate that aspirin has a better effect on the CRC of PIK3CA mutations in association with the PI3K/Akt/Raptor pathway, we used aspirin to treat PIK3CA mutant CRC cells (HCT-116 and RKO). Subsequently, the CCK8 assay and flow cytometry assay were used to detect the apoptosis of PIK3CA mutant CRC cells before and after aspirin use. Western blot was used to detect the changes of PI3K/Akt/Raptor-associated protein, autophagy protein microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (MAP1LC3A, LC3), beclin 1 (BECN1) and apoptosis protein BCL2-associated X protein/ BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bax/Bcl2), Caspase 3 after treatment of CRC cells with PIK3CA mutation by aspirin.

Results

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and regulatory associated protein of MTOR complex 1 (Raptor) protein expression levels were higher in PIK3CA-mutant patients than in IK3CA wild-type patients. The expression of Bax/Bcl2 increased after treatment indicates that aspirin can induce apoptosis of PIK3CA-mutant CRC cells. The expression level of MAP1LC3 (LC3) in cells increases with the concentration of aspirin demonstrates that aspirin can induce autophagy in CRC cells. After 48 h of treatment with aspirin, the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (S6K1) was reduced, cell proliferation has been inhibited. After treatment with aspirin, as phosphorylation of PI3K and Protein kinase B (PKB, Akt) was decreased, Raptor expression was also decreased.

Conclusion

Aspirin can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of CRC cells through the PI3K/Akt/Raptor pathway, affecting PIK3CA-mutant CRC.
Prevalence of Ineffective Haplotypes at the Rice Blast Resistance (R) Gene Loci in Chinese Elite Hybrid Rice Varieties Revealed by Sequence-Based Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Xiao Gui , Yang Jianyuan , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Wu Jun , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2020

Multiple haplotypes at the same rice blastR-gene locus share extremely high sequence similarity, which makes the gene diagnostic method using molecular markers less effective in differentiation from one another. The composition and distribution pattern of deployedRgenes/haplotypes in elite rice varieties has not been extensively analyzed. In this study, we employed PCR amplification and sequencing approach for the diagnosis ofR-gene haplotypes in 54 Chinese elite rice varieties. A varied number of functional and nonfunctional haplotypes of 4 target majorR-gene loci, i.e.,Pi2/9,Pi5,Pik, andPib, were deduced by referring to the reference sequences of knownRgenes. Functional haplotypes accounted for relatively low frequencies for thePi2/9(15%) andPik(9%) loci but for relatively high frequencies for thePi5(50%) andPib(54%) loci. Intriguingly, significant frequencies of 33%, 39%, 46% of non-functional haplotypes at thePi2/9,Pik, andPibloci, respectively, with traceable original donors were identified, suggesting that they were most likely unintentionally spread by using undesirable donors in various breeding programs. In the case ofPi5locus, only a single haplotype, i.e.,Pi5was identified. The reactions of 54 rice varieties to the differential isolates were evaluated, which showed a good correlation to the frequency of cognate avirulence (Avr) genes or haplotypes in the differential isolates. FourRgenes, i.e.,Pi2,Piz-t,Pi50, andPikmwere found to contribute significantly to the resistance of the elite rice varieties. Other two genes,Pi9andPikh, which were not utilized in rice varieties, showed promising values in breeding durable resistance due to their high resistance frequencies to the contemporary rice blast population. The sequence-based molecular diagnosis provided a promising approach for the identification and verification of haplotypes in differentR-gene loci and effectiveRgenes valuable for breeding durable rice resistance to rice blast.
Genomic regions associated with muscularity in beef cattle differ in five contrasting cattle breeds
Authors: Doyle Jennifer L. , Berry Donagh P. , Veerkamp Roel F. , Carthy Tara R. , Evans Ross D. , Walsh Siobhán W. , Purfield Deirdre C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Linear type traits, which reflect the muscular characteristics of an animal, could provide insight into how, in some cases, morphologically very different animals can yield the same carcass weight. Such variability may contribute to differences in the overall value of the carcass since primal cuts vary greatly in price; such variability may also hinder successful genome-based association studies. Therefore, the objective of our study was to identify genomic regions that are associated with five muscularity linear type traits and to determine if these significant regions are common across five different breeds. Analyses were carried out using linear mixed models on imputed whole-genome sequence data in each of the five breeds, separately. Then, the results of the within-breed analyses were used to conduct an across-breed meta-analysis per trait.

Results

We identified many quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are located across the whole genome and associated with each trait in each breed. The only commonality among the breeds and traits was a large-effect pleiotropic QTL on BTA2 that contained the MSTN gene, which was associated with all traits in the Charolais and Limousin breeds. Other plausible candidate genes were identified for muscularity traits including PDE1A, PPP1R1C and multiple collagen and HOXD genes. In addition, associated (gene ontology) GO terms and KEGG pathways tended to differ between breeds and between traits especially in the numerically smaller populations of Angus, Hereford, and Simmental breeds. Most of the SNPs that were associated with any of the traits were intergenic or intronic SNPs located within regulatory regions of the genome.

Conclusions

The commonality between the Charolais and Limousin breeds indicates that the genetic architecture of the muscularity traits may be similar in these breeds due to their similar origins. Conversely, there were vast differences in the QTL associated with muscularity in Angus, Hereford, and Simmental. Knowledge of these differences in genetic architecture between breeds is useful to develop accurate genomic prediction equations that can operate effectively across breeds. Overall, the associated QTL differed according to trait, which suggests that breeding for a morphologically different (e.g. longer and wider versus shorter and smaller) more efficient animal may become possible in the future.
ASlive: a database for alternative splicing atlas in livestock animals
Authors: Liu Jinding , Tan Suxu , Huang Shuiqing , Huang Wen
Published: January 2020

Background

Alternative splicing is an important biological process whose precision must be tightly regulated during growth and development. Although there are species, disease (e.g. cancers), or study specific databases available in many organisms, no database exists in livestock animals specifically tailored for alternative splicing.

Description

We present in this study the development and implementation of a database for alternative splicing atlas in livestock animals (ASlive.org). Using publicly available RNASeq data sets across many tissues, cell types, and biological conditions totaling 28.6 T bases, we built a database of alternative splicing events in five major livestock and poultry animal species (cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, and chickens). The database contains many types of information on alternative splicing events, including basic information such as genomic locations, genes, and event types, quantitative measurements of alternative splicing in the form of percent spliced in (PSI), overlap with known DNA variants, as well as orthologous events across different lineage groups.

Conclusions

This database, the first of its kind in livestock animals, will provide a useful exploratory tool to assist functional annotation of animal genomes.
Identification of eQTLs and sQTLs associated with meat quality in beef
Authors: Leal-Gutiérrez Joel D. , Elzo Mauricio A. , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Transcription has a substantial genetic control and genetic dissection of gene expression could help us understand the genetic architecture of complex phenotypes such as meat quality in cattle. The objectives of the present research were: 1) to perform eQTL and sQTL mapping analyses for meat quality traits inlongissimus dorsimuscle; 2) to uncover genes whose expression is influenced by local or distant genetic variation; 3) to identify expression and splicing hot spots; and 4) to uncover genomic regions affecting the expression of multiple genes.

Results

Eighty steers were selected for phenotyping, genotyping and RNA-seq evaluation. A panel of traits related to meat quality was recorded inlongissimus dorsimuscle. Information on 112,042 SNPs and expression data on 8588 autosomal genes and 87,770 exons from 8467 genes were included in an expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping (eQTL and sQTL, respectively). A gene, exon and isoform differential expression analysis previously carried out in this population identified 1352 genes, referred to as DEG, as explaining part of the variability associated with meat quality traits. The eQTL and sQTL mapping was performed using a linear regression model in the R package Matrix eQTL. Genotype and year of birth were included as fixed effects, and population structure was accounted for by including as a covariate the first PC from a PCA analysis on genotypic data. The identified QTLs were classified as cis or trans using 1 Mb as the maximum distance between the associated SNP and the gene being analyzed. A total of 8377 eQTLs were identified, including 75.6% trans, 10.4% cis, 12.5% DEG trans and 1.5% DEG cis; while 11,929 sQTLs were uncovered: 66.1% trans, 16.9% DEG trans, 14% cis and 3% DEG cis. Twenty-seven expression master regulators and 13 splicing master regulators were identified and were classified as membrane-associated or cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors or DNA methylases. These genes could control the expression of other genes through cell signaling or by a direct transcriptional activation/repression mechanism.

Conclusion

In the present analysis, we show that eQTL and sQTL mapping makes possible positional identification of gene and isoform expression regulators.
Liver transplantation in Jehovah’s witnesses: 13 consecutive cases at a single institution
Authors: Costanzo Diego , Bindi Maria , Ghinolfi Davide , Esposito Massimo , Corradi Francesco , Forfori Francesco , De Simone Paolo , De Gasperi Andrea , Biancofiore Gianni
Published: January 2020

Background

Jehovah’s Witnesses represent a tremendous clinical challenge when indicated to liver transplantation because they refuse blood transfusion on religious grounds and the procedure is historically associated with potential massive peri-operative blood loss. We herein describe a peri-operative management pathway with strategies toward a transfusion-free environment with the aim not only of offering liver transplant to selected Jehovah’s Witnesses patients but also, ultimately, of translating this practice to all general surgical procedures.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of prospective medical records of JW patients who underwent LT at our Institution. The peri-operative multimodal strategy to liver transplantation in Jehovah’s Witnesses includes a pre-operative red cell mass optimization package and the intra-operative use of normovolemic haemodilution, veno-venous bypass and low central venous pressure.

Results

In a 9-year period, 13 Jehovah’s Witness patients received liver transplantation at our centre representing the largest liver transplant program from deceased donors in Jehovah’s Witnesses patients reported so far. No patient received blood bank products but 3 had fibrinogen concentrate and one tranexamic acid to correct ongoing hyper-fibrinolysis. There were 4 cases of acute kidney injury (one required extracorporeal renal replacement treatment) and one patient needed vasoactive medications to support blood pressure for the first 2 postoperative days. Two patients underwent re-laparotomy. Finally, of the 13 recipients, 12 were alive at the 1 year follow-up interview and 1 died due to septic complications.

Conclusions

Our experience confirms that liver transplantation in selected Jehovah’s Witnesses patients can be feasible and safe provided that it is carried out at a very experienced centre and according to a multidisciplinary approach.
Associations between circulating resistin concentrations and left ventricular mass are not accounted for by effects on aortic stiffness or renal dysfunction
Authors: Norman Glenda , Norton Gavin R. , Peterson Vernice , Gomes Monica , Libhaber Carlos D. , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Although, in-part through an impact on left ventricular mass (LVM), resistin (an adipokine) may contribute to heart failure, whether this is explained by the adverse effects of resistin on aortic stiffness and renal function is unknown.

Methods

Relationships between circulating resistin concentrations and LVM index (LVMI), and LVM beyond that predicted by stroke work (inappropriate LVM [LVMinappr]) (echocardiography) were determined in 647 randomly selected community participants, and in regression analysis, the extent to which these relations could be explained by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated.

Results

Independent of confounders, resistin concentrations were independently associated with LVMI, LVMinappr, LV hypertrophy (LVH), PWV and eGFR. Furthermore, independent of confounders, LVMI, LVMinappr and LVH were independently associated with PWV and eGFR. However, adjustments for either PWV or eGFR failed to modify the relationships between resistin concentrations and LVMI, LVMinappr or LVH. Moreover, in multivariate regression analysis neither PWV nor eGFR significantly modified the contribution of resistin to LVMinappr or LVMI.

Conclusions

Independent relationships between circulating concentrations of the adipocytokine resistin and LVM are not explained by the impact of resistin on ventricular-vascular coupling or renal dysfunction. Resistin’s effects on LVM are therefore likely to be through direct actions on the myocardium.
Patient characteristics, triage utilisation, level of care, and outcomes in an unselected adult patient population seen by the emergency medical services: a prospective observational study
Authors: Magnusson Carl , Herlitz Johan , Axelsson Christer
Published: January 2020

Background

Crowding in the emergency department (ED) is a safety concern, and pathways to bypass the ED have been introduced to reduce the time to definitive care. Conversely, a number of low-acuity patients in the ED could be assessed by the emergency medical services (EMS) as requiring a lower level of care. The limited access to primary care in Sweden leaves the EMS nurse to either assess the patient as requiring the ED or to stay at the scene. This study aimed to assess patient characteristics and evaluate the initial assessment by and utilisation of the ambulance triage system and the appropriateness of non-transport decisions.

Methods

A prospective observational study including 6712 patients aged ≥16 years was conducted. The patient records with 72 h of follow-up for non-transported patients were reviewed. Outcomes of death, time-critical conditions, complications within 48 h and final hospital assessment were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The median patient age was 66 years, and the most common medical history was a circulatory diagnosis. Males received a higher priority from dispatchers and were more frequently assessed at the scene as requiring hospital care. A total of 1312 patients (19.7%) were non-transported; a history of psychiatric disorders or no medical history was more commonly noted among these patients. Twelve (0.9%) of the 1312 patients not transported were later admitted with time-critical conditions. Full triage was applied in 77.4% of the cases, and older patients were triaged at the scene as an ‘unspecific condition’ more frequently than younger patients. Overall, the 30-day mortality was 4.1% (n = 274).

Conclusions

Age, sex, medical history, and presentation all appear to influence the initial assessment. A number of patients transported to ED could be managed at a lower level of care. A small proportion of the non-transported patients were later diagnosed with a time-critical condition, warranting improved assessment tools at the scene and education of the personnel focusing on the elderly population. These results may be useful in addressing resource allocation issues aiming at increasing patient safety.
Gastric tuberculosis mimicking submucosal tumor: a case series
Authors: Zhu Rong , Zhou Yuankun , Wang Haibo , Di Lianjun , Zhao Kui , Tuo Biguang , Wu Huichao
Published: January 2020

Background

Gastric tuberculosis mimicking submucosal tumors is extremely rare and often misdiagnosed.

Case presentation

Three cases of gastric tuberculosis mimicking submucosal tumors were identified among patients admitted to local county hospitals because of upper abdominal discomfort and pain, with gastroscopy showing gastric submucosal tumors. The patients were admitted to our hospital for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). As EUS revealed evidence of tuberculosis for the first two patients, we first considered gastric tuberculosis. However, because of atypical characteristics of the miniature ultrasonic probe and EUS, the lesion in the third patient was misdiagnosed as a stromal tumor, and the patient underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and intraoperative characteristics and postoperative pathology confirmed the lesion to be tuberculosis.

Conclusions

EUS is of great value in the diagnosis of gastric tuberculosis, especially gastric tuberculosis mimicking submucosal tumors. Here, we summarize some significant characteristics of gastric tuberculosis by EUS, which will be of substantial value to clinical work.
Multi-drug resistance of blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site nosocomial infections of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Motbainor Hilina , Bereded Fetlework , Mulu Wondemagegn
Published: January 2020

Background

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are major causes of nosocomial infections globally. They are the current World Health Organization critical priority pathogens for resistance, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and discovery of new antibiotics. However, there is paucity of data on nosocomial infections (NIs) caused by such superbugs in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the magnitude and profile of nosocomial MDR A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Felegehiwot referral hospital from April 1 to July 31, 2018. A total of 238 patients with blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site NIs were enrolled conveniently. Either blood, urine and wound swab specimens were collected and processed using standard bacteriological procedures. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques and confirmed by automated Vitek2 Compact. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on isolates was performed using the disk diffusion technique. The results were interpreted as per the standard zone sizes of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.Chi-square test was done to determine associations among variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistical significant.

Results

The median age of participants was 29 years. Overall,20(8.4%) of patients had nosocomial MDR A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections. The proportion of nosocomial MDR blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site infections were 13(8.9%), 5(8.3%) and 2 (6.3%), respectively. Patients with NI had lower mean age (24.9 years) (P = 0.035). All isolates of NIs were from patients with intravenous catheterization. The frequency of NI was 9(3.8%) for MDR A. baumannii and 11(4.6%) for MDR P.aeruginosa. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates were 100% MDR. All isolates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were 100% resistant to ampicillin and piperacillin.A. baumannii isolates were 33.3 and 44.5% resistance against meropenem and ciprofloxacin, respectively while P.aeruginosa isolates revealed 36.4 and 45.5% resistance against ciprofloxacin and meropenem, respectively.

Conclusions

Health care associated infections of MDR A.baumannii and P. aeruginosa are critical problems in the study area. Therefore, urgent focused interventions required to contain the spreading of MDR NIs. Treatment of NIs for patients on health care should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Determining the susceptibility of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains against common disinfectants at a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Chen Yili , Liao Kang , Huang Yongxin , Guo Penghao , Huang Han , Wu Zhongwen , Liu Min
Published: January 2020

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections have become a global health threat. Controlling CRE transmission in hospitals is increasingly dependent on the use of disinfectants to restrict the risk of infection. Here, the susceptibility of patient-derived carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and Escherichia coli (CREC) strains against three common disinfectants and the determinants of resistance to disinfectants were investigated.

Methods

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of three common chemical disinfectants: chlorhexidine, trichloroisocyanuric (TCCA) acid and Povidone iodine (PVP-I) against 50 CRE strains were measured. The drug-resistance genes -qacEΔ1, qacA/B and cepA-were determined using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A total of 36 CRKP and 14 CREC strains were collected in our hospital from 2016 to 2018. The MIC ranges of 36 CRKP strains against chlorhexidine, TCCA and PVP-I were 8~512 mg/L, 64~128 mg/L and 8~128 mg/L, respectively. For 14 CREC strains, the MIC ranges against chlorhexidine, TCCA and PVP-I were 4~128 mg/L, 64~128 mg/L and 4~128 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, against chlorhexidine and PVP-I, the MIC90 of 36 CRKP strains was higher than that of 50 CSKP strains. The qacE△1 gene was detected in 15 isolates among 36 CRKP strains (41.7%), and 8 isolates among 14 CREC strains (57.1%); while the qacA/B gene was not detected. Specifically, the cepA gene was much more prevalent than the qacEΔ1; it reached over 80% among CRKP strains. Compared to the CSKP strains, the presence of the qacEΔ1 and cepA genes was significantly higher among the CRKP strains (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CRE strains collected from patients in our hospital exhibit various degree of resistance to the commonly used chemical disinfectants. It is of great help to keep monitoring the tendency of the reduced susceptibility of the pan-resistant strains against disinfectants, in order to effectively control and prevent the spread of the super resistant bacteria.
Eosinopenia as a diagnostic marker of bloodstream infection in a general internal medicine setting: a cohort study
Authors: Hirosawa Takanobu , Harada Yukinori , Morinaga Kohei , Takase Hiroshi , Nin Michihiro , Shimizu Taro
Published: January 2020

Background

Little is known about the potential use of the eosinophil count as a predictive marker of bloodstream infection. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability of eosinopenia as a predictive marker of bloodstream infection.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed in the outpatient department and general internal medicine department of a tertiary university hospital in Japan. A total of 189 adult patients with at least 2 sets of blood cultures obtained during the period January 1–December 31, 2018, were included; those with the use of antibiotic therapy within 2 weeks prior to blood culture, steroid therapy, or a history of haematological cancer were excluded. The diagnostic accuracies of each univariate variable and the multivariable logistic regression models were assessed by calculating the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs). The primary outcome was a positive blood culture indicating bloodstream infection.

Results

Severe eosinopenia (< 24.4 cells/mm3) alone yielded small but statistically significant overall predictive ability (AUROC: 0.648, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.547–0.748, P < 0.05), and only moderate sensitivity (68, 95% CI: 46–85%) and specificity (62, 95% CI: 54–69%). The model comprising baseline variables (age, sex), the C-reactive protein level, and neutrophil count yielded an AUROC of 0.729, and further addition of eosinopenia yielded a slight improvement, with an AUROC of 0.758 (P < 0.05) and a statistically significant net reclassification improvement (NRI) (P = 0.003). However, the integrated discrimination index (IDI) (P = 0.284) remained non-significant.

Conclusions

Severe eosinopenia can be considered an inexpensive marker of bloodstream infection, although of limited diagnostic accuracy, in a general internal medicine setting.
Antibiotic use among hospitalized patients in northern Nigeria: a multicenter point-prevalence survey
Authors: Abubakar Usman
Published: January 2020

Background

The evaluation of antibiotic use among hospitalized patients is a primary step required to design antibiotic stewardship intervention. There is paucity of data describing antibiotic use in hospitals across Northern Nigeria. This study evaluates the prevalence and indications for antibiotic use among inpatients in three acute care hospitals.

Methods

A point-prevalence survey was conducted among patients in the wards before or at 8.00 a.m. on the day of the survey, using the point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals protocol. The survey was conducted between April and May 2019. The medical records of the patients were reviewed by a clinical pharmacist with the support of physicians and nurses.

Results

Overall, 80.1% (257/321) of the patients used at least one antibiotic on the day of the survey. The prevalence of antibiotic use ranged from 72.9% in obstetrics and gynecology to 94.6% in pediatric medical specialty. Community acquired infections (38.7%) and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (22.5%) were the most common indications. Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis was used or scheduled to be used for more than a day in all the cases. Metronidazole (30.5%), ciprofloxacin (17.1%), ceftriaxone (16.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (12.5%) and gentamicin (11.8%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Overall, broad spectrum antibiotics represented one-third of all the prescriptions. The change of initial antibiotic prescription was reported in one-third of the patients and the reasons include a switch to oral antibiotic (28.5%), escalation (4.5%) and de-escalation (3.6%). Of the 257 patients with an antibiotic prescription, 6.2% had redundant antibiotic combinations.

Conclusion

The prevalence of antibiotic use was high with one in three prescriptions having a broad spectrum antibiotic. Prolonged use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and redundant antibiotic combination were observed. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are recommended in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and promote appropriate antibiotics prescribing.