bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of language proficiency on the time course and neural basis of L2 semantic access in bilinguals
Authors: Liang Lijuan , Chen Baoguo
Published: December 2019

Aims:

The present study aimed to explore the impact of L2 proficiency on the time course and neural basis of L2 semantic access.

Methodology:

Two groups of participants with either high or low L2 proficiency performed a picture–word semantic matching task (i.e. consistent vs. inconsistent), with their event-related potentials (ERP) responses being recorded. Two stimulus types, L2 words and L1 words, were investigated in two separate blocks. Here the L1 words were tested as a control condition.

Data and Analysis:

The ERP epochs time-locked to the onset of the word were analyzed within 300–600 ms both at the surface (i.e. mean amplitude and peak latency) and the source (i.e. source localization) level.

Findings/Conclusions:

In the L2, a reliable N400 effect (i.e. semantic incongruity effect) was found for both high and low L2 proficiency bilinguals. However, the difference waves showed that the N400 peak latency was much shorter and the mean amplitude within 300–600 ms was much larger in bilinguals with higher L2 proficiency. Source localization analysis found left insula cortex (Brodmann area 13, Low > High) to be responsible for this proficiency effect (i.e. a decrease in the activation of left insula at a higher proficiency level). In the L1, a reliable N400 effect was found for both participant groups, and the two groups were matched in the N400 peak latency and amplitude, and its neural source.

Originality:

This study provides further evidence for the neural substrates underlying the modulation of L2 proficiency in semantic access by using a more sensitive task (i.e. picture–word matching task), and the current results revealed the engagement of left insula for the first time.

Significance/Implications:

The current findings suggest that L2 proficiency affects the time course and neural basis of L2 semantic access, probably through a modulation of the strength of “L2 word-to-concept” connections.
Influencing the physiology and decisions of groups: Physiological linkage during group decision-making
Authors: Thorson Katherine R. , Dumitru Oana D. , Mendes Wendy Berry , West Tessa V.
Published: December 2019

Many of the most important decisions in our society are made within groups, yet we know little about how the physiological responses of group members predict the decisions that groups make. In the current work, we examine whether physiological linkage from “senders” to “receivers”—which occurs when a sender’s physiological response predicts a receiver’s physiological response—is associated with senders’ success at persuading the group to make a decision in their favor. We also examine whether experimentally manipulated status—an important predictor of social behavior—is associated with physiological linkage. In groups of 5, we randomly assigned 1 person to be high status, 1 low status, and 3 middle status. Groups completed a collaborative decision-making task that required them to come to a consensus on a decision to hire 1 of 5 firms. Unbeknownst to the 3 middle-status members, high- and low-status members surreptitiously were told to each argue for different firms. We measured cardiac interbeat intervals of all group members throughout the decision-making process to assess physiological linkage. We found that the more receivers were physiologically linked to senders, the more likely groups were to make a decision in favor of the senders. We did not find that people were physiologically linked to their group members as a function of their fellow group members’ status. This work identifies physiological linkage as a novel correlate of persuasion and highlights the need to understand the relationship between group members’ physiological responses during group decision-making.
Family-centered practices in home-based support for families with children with an intellectual disability: Judgments of parents and professionals
Authors: Vanderkerken Lien , Heyvaert Mieke , Onghena Patrick , Maes Bea
Published: December 2019

Background:

The realization of the family-centered approach (FCA) in home-based support (HBS) for families with children with an intellectual disability (ID) in Flanders was investigated, and parents’ and family workers’ perspectives were compared. The relation between parents’ educational level, the family worker’s education, and his/her experience in HBS; and parents’ and family workers’ judgments on the realization of the FCA was considered.

Method:

Parents ( N = 58 families) and family workers ( N = 46) completed the helpgiving practices scale and the enabling practices scale.

Results:

The FCA was largely present, parents rated its realization higher than family workers. Considering family workers’ answers, parents’ educational level appeared an important factor for parental autonomy.

Conclusions:

The study confirms recent research on the realization of the FCA. Including different perspectives, a nuanced view on the realization of the FCA was obtained. Further research on the concrete meaning, interpretation, and elaboration of the FCA is needed.
Use of Biologics as an Adjunct Therapy to Arthroscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Robinson Patrick G. , Murray Iain R. , Maempel Julian , Rankin Conor S. , Hamilton David , Gaston Paul
Published: December 2019

Background:

There has been a recent increase in the use of biologics in hip arthroscopy to assist in the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Purpose:

To analyze the current use of biologics for the treatment of FAI and its associated lesions.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A search of the PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases was performed in March 2019 with use of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The criterion for inclusion was observational, published research articles studying the therapeutic use of biologics as an adjuvant therapy during arthroscopic surgery for FAI; treatments included bone marrow aspirate concentrate, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid, growth factors, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC).

Results:

There were 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 674 patients were included across all studies. FAI was studied in all articles. Further, 7 studies (78%) also analyzed chondral injuries, and 3 studies also analyzed labral tears (33%). ACI or AMIC was used in 56% of studies and showed superior functional outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up versus debridement or microfracture. PRP did not improve the outcome of labral repairs at short-term follow-up.

Conclusion:

The current literature regarding biologic adjuncts in hip arthroscopy is varied in quality, with only one level 1 study. The use of ACI/AMIC for medium-sized chondral lesions showed promising results in individual studies; however, these were of lower quality. To enable comparisons among future studies, investigators must ensure accuracy in the reporting of biologic preparations and formulations used and homogeneity in the type and severity of lesion treated.
Naming “World Christianity”: Historical and Personal Perspectives on the Yale-Edinburgh Conference in World Christianity and Mission History
Authors: Robert Dana L.
Published: December 2019

This article was originally delivered as the keynote address at the 2019 Yale-Edinburgh Conference on mission history. It charts three phases in the historical development of the interlocking academic discourses of mission studies and World Christianity, with special reference to their context in North American mainline Protestant academia since 1910. It further focuses on the provenance of the Yale-Edinburgh Conference and argues for its importance in the naming of World Christianity as a field of study. The author reflects on her own experiences in the emergence of World Christianity as a contemporary academic discourse.
Bilateral phrenic neuropathy responsive to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment
Authors: Ripellino Paolo , Pons Marco , Izzo Mikael Gian Andrea , Gobbi Claudio
Published: December 2019

The aetiology of phrenic neuropathy is often unknown, but immune mechanisms may play a role. In a typical case of bilateral phrenic neuropathy with paradoxical breathing (video), an inflammatory pathogenesis was suggested by prolonged distal latency of phrenic nerve compound muscle action potentials in nerve conduction studies and a clear-cut albumin-cytologic dissociation. This encouraged us to treat the patient with a standard dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. After obtaining a strong improvement at spirometry, we repeated the second cycle of intravenous immunoglobulin and observed normalization of symptoms within few weeks and no relapse after 3 years. This case suggests that lumbar puncture should be performed in the acute phase of phrenic neuropathies to detect potential responders to immunomodulatory treatment.
More humility, less counterproductive work behaviors? The role of interpersonal justice and trust
Authors: Wang Yue , Luo Wenhao , Zhang Jing , Guo Yirong
Published: December 2019

Leader humility has emerged as an important topic in understanding the role of leadership in organizations in recent years. Though it was found to enhance subordinates’ work performance and positive work behaviors, we are unaware of the psychological mechanism and boundary conditions underlying leader humility and employees’ negative behaviors toward leaders. Drawing on social exchange theory and using a multistage sample including 273 employees and 55 supervisors in China, we demonstrated a negative indirect effect between leader humility and subordinates’ counterproductive work behaviors toward supervisors (CWB-S) via interpersonal justice and trust in supervisor. Furthermore, we find that leader political skill moderates the effect of leader humility on interpersonal justice and trust in supervisor. The indirect effect of leader humility on subordinates’ CWB-S through interpersonal justice is stronger when leader political skill is high, suggesting a moderated mediation model. Finally, we discuss the theoretical contributions and practical implications of this study, and highlight future directions for research on leader humility.
VariFAST: a variant filter by automated scoring based on tagged-signatures
Authors: Zhang Hang , Wang Ke , Zhou Juan , Chen Jianhua , Xu Yizhou , Wang Dong , Li Xiaoqi , Sun Renliang , Zhang Mancang , Wang Zhuo , Shi Yongyong
Published: December 2019

Background

Variant calling and refinement from whole genome/exome sequencing data is a fundamental task for genomics studies. Due to the limited accuracy of NGS sequencing and variant callers, IGV-based manual review is required for further false positive variant filtering, which costs massive labor and time, and results in high inter- and intra-lab variability.

Results

To overcome the limitation of manual review, we developed a novel approach for Variant Filter by Automated Scoring based on Tagged-signature (VariFAST), and also provided a pipeline integrating GATK Best Practices with VariFAST, which can be easily used for high quality variants detection from raw data. Using the bam and vcf files, VariFAST calculates a v-score by sum of weighted metrics causing false positive variations, and marks tags in the manner of keeping high consistency with manual review, for each variant. We validated the performance of VariFAST for germline variant filtering using the benchmark sequencing data from GIAB, and also for somatic variant filtering using sequencing data of both malignant carcinoma and benign adenomas as well. VariFAST also includes a predictive model trained by XGBOOST algorithm for germline variants refinement, which reveals better MCC and AUC than the state-of-the-art VQSR, especially outcompete in INDEL variant filtering.

Conclusion

VariFAST can assist researchers efficiently and conveniently to filter the false positive variants, including both germline and somatic ones, in NGS data analysis. The VariFAST source code and the pipeline integrating with GATK Best Practices are available at https://github.com/bioxsjtu/VariFAST.
LMAP_S: Lightweight Multigene Alignment and Phylogeny eStimation
Authors: Maldonado Emanuel , Antunes Agostinho
Published: December 2019

Background

Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and the cost drop in high-throughput sequencing continue to give rise to a deluge of data available for downstream analyses. Among others, evolutionary biologists often make use of genomic data to uncover phenotypic diversity and adaptive evolution in protein-coding genes. Therefore, multiple sequence alignments (MSA) and phylogenetic trees (PT) need to be estimated with optimal results. However, the preparation of an initial dataset of multiple sequence file(s) (MSF) and the steps involved can be challenging when considering extensive amount of data. Thus, it becomes necessary the development of a tool that removes the potential source of error and automates the time-consuming steps of a typical workflow with high-throughput and optimal MSA and PT estimations.

Results

We introduce LMAP_S (Lightweight Multigene Alignment and Phylogeny eStimation), a user-friendly command-line and interactive package, designed to handle an improved alignment and phylogeny estimation workflow: MSF preparation, MSA estimation, outlier detection, refinement, consensus, phylogeny estimation, comparison and editing, among which file and directory organization, execution, manipulation of information are automated, with minimal manual user intervention. LMAP_S was developed for the workstation multi-core environment and provides a unique advantage for processing multiple datasets. Our software, proved to be efficient throughout the workflow, including, the (unlimited) handling of more than 20 datasets.

Conclusions

We have developed a simple and versatile LMAP_S package enabling researchers to effectively estimate multiple datasets MSAs and PTs in a high-throughput fashion. LMAP_S integrates more than 25 software providing overall more than 65 algorithm choices distributed in five stages. At minimum, one FASTA file is required within a single input directory. To our knowledge, no other software combines MSA and phylogeny estimation with as many alternatives and provides means to find optimal MSAs and phylogenies. Moreover, we used a case study comparing methodologies that highlighted the usefulness of our software. LMAP_S has been developed as an open-source package, allowing its integration into more complex open-source bioinformatics pipelines. LMAP_S package is released under GPLv3 license and is freely available at https://lmap-s.sourceforge.io/.
The H3ABioNet helpdesk: an online bioinformatics resource, enhancing Africa’s capacity for genomics research
Authors:   as members of the Sustainability and Outreach Work Package of the H3ABioNet Consortium, Kumuthini Judit , Zass Lyndon , Panji Sumir , Salifu Samson P. , Kayondo Jonathan K. , Nembaware Victoria , Mbiyavanga Mamana , Olabode Ajayi , Kishk Ali , Wells Gordon , Mulder Nicola J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Currently, formal mechanisms for bioinformatics support are limited. The H3Africa Bioinformatics Network has implemented a public and freely available Helpdesk (HD), which provides generic bioinformatics support to researchers through an online ticketing platform. The following article reports on the H3ABioNet HD (H3A-HD)‘s development, outlining its design, management, usage and evaluation framework, as well as the lessons learned through implementation.

Results

The H3A-HD evaluated using automatically generated usage logs, user feedback and qualitative ticket evaluation. Evaluation revealed that communication methods, ticketing strategies and the technical platforms used are some of the primary factors which may influence the effectivity of HD.

Conclusion

To continuously improve the H3A-HD services, the resource should be regularly monitored and evaluated. The H3A-HD design, implementation and evaluation framework could be easily adapted for use by interested stakeholders within the Bioinformatics community and beyond.
Molecular differentiation of the Murraya paniculata Complex (Rutaceae: Aurantioideae: Aurantieae)
Authors: Nguyen Chung Huy , Beattie G. Andrew C. , Haigh Anthony M. , Astuti Inggit Puji , Mabberley David J. , Weston Peter H. , Holford Paul
Published: December 2019

Background

Orange jasmine has a complex nomenclatural history and is now known asMurraya paniculata(L.) Jack. Our interest in this common ornamental stemmed from the need to resolve its identity and the identities of closely related taxa as hosts of the pathogen ‘CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus’ and its vectorDiaphorina citri. Understanding these microbe-vector-plant relationships has been hampered by taxonomic confusion surroundingMurrayaat both the generic and specific levels.

Results

To resolve the taxonomic uncertainty, six regions of the maternally-inherited chloroplastal genome and part of the nuclear-encoded ITS region were amplified from 85 accessions ofMurrayaandMerrilliausing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clustering used maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Chronograms were produced for molecular dating, and to test the monophyly ofMurrayarigorously, using selected accessions ofMurrayaand 26 accessions of the Rutaceae and Simarubaceae. Sequence data from the ITS and chloroplastal regions suggest thatMurraya paniculata(sensu (Swingle WT and Reece CR, The Citrus Industry, p. 190–430, 1967)) can be separated into four distinct but morphologically somewhat cryptic taxa:Murraya paniculata(sensu (Mabberley DJ, Taxon 65:366–371, 2016)),M. elongata,M. sumatranaandM. lucida. In addition,Murraya omphalocarpawas identified as a putative hybrid ofM. paniculataandM. lucidawith two geographically isolated nothovarieties representing reciprocal crosses.Murrayais monophyletic, and molecular dating suggests that it diverged fromMerrilliaduring the Miocene (23–5 Ma) with thisMurrayagroup speciating and dispersing during the Middle Miocene onwards.

Conclusions

The accessions from Asia and Australasia used in this study grouped into biogeographical regions that match herbarium specimen records for the taxa that suggest natural allopatric distributions with limited overlap and hybridity.Murraya paniculatahas been distributed around the world as an ornamental plant. The division of theMurraya paniculatacomplex into four species with a rare hybrid also confirms morphological studies.
Effects of cage and floor rearing system on the factors of antioxidant defense and inflammatory injury in laying ducks
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gu Tiantian , Tian Yong , Chen Li , Li Guoqin , Zhou Wei , Liu Guofa , Wu Xinsheng , Zeng Tao , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong , Lu Lizhi
Published: December 2019

Background

Cage-rearing in laying ducks, as a novel rearing system, not only fundamentally solves the pollution problem of the duck industry and improve bio-safety and product quality but also exhibits more benefits by implementing standardized production compared with the floor-rearing. Of course, this system also brings some welfare problems and stress injuries to layers due to lack of water environment and limited activities in the cages. However, the effects on the factors of antioxidant defense and inflammatory injury in the early cage stage are not well-understood.

Results

In this study, eighty Shaoxing layers were reared on floor and in cages from 12 weeks of age. The ducks were caged 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 days, the factors of antioxidant defense and inflammatory injury were investigated. The results showed that the caged ducks suffered liver injury to a certain extent when the ducks were just put into the cages. Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activities indicated that the different rearing system could not affect the change of antioxidant capacities, while the liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significant higher in the 2-d, 7-d, and 10-d ducks compared with the 1-d ducks during the change of days, while catalase (CAT) activity showed the opposite results. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-RCR) revealed that the relative mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related gene (CHOP and GRP78) were significantly upregulated in cage rearing ducks compared to that of the floor rearing ducks. Moreover, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), were also increased significantly in caged layers.

Conclusions

Taken together, although antioxidant defense has no obvious effect on cage stress, the stress levels of laying ducks vary greatly in the early cage stage, which not only caused liver tissue damage to some extent, but also resulted in increases in the expression of the factors of inflammatory injury. Therefore, we recommend that anti-stress agents should be added in the feed to alleviate the stress in the early cage stage.
Capture of complete ciliate chromosomes in single sequencing reads reveals widespread chromosome isoforms
Authors: Lindblad Kelsi A. , Pathmanathan Jananan S. , Moreira Sandrine , Bracht John R. , Sebra Robert P. , Hutton Elizabeth R. , Landweber Laura F.
Published: December 2019

Background

Whole-genome shotgun sequencing, which stitches together millions of short sequencing reads into a single genome, ushered in the era of modern genomics and led to a rapid expansion of the number of genome sequences available. Nevertheless, assembly of short reads remains difficult, resulting in fragmented genome sequences. Ultimately, only a sequencing technology capable of capturing complete chromosomes in a single run could resolve all ambiguities. Even “third generation” sequencing technologies produce reads far shorter than most eukaryotic chromosomes. However, the ciliateOxytricha trifallaxhas a somatic genome with thousands of chromosomes averaging only 3.2 kbp, making it an ideal candidate for exploring the benefits of sequencing whole chromosomes without assembly.

Results

We used single-molecule real-time sequencing to capture thousands of complete chromosomes in single reads and to update the publishedOxytricha trifallaxJRB310 genome assembly. In this version, over 50% of the completed chromosomes with two telomeres derive from single reads. The improved assembly includes over 12,000 new chromosome isoforms, and demonstrates that somatic chromosomes derive from variable rearrangements between somatic segments encoded up to 191,000 base pairs away. However, while long reads reduce the need for assembly, a hybrid approach that supplements long-read sequencing with short reads for error correction produced the most complete and accurate assembly, overall.

Conclusions

This assembly provides the first example of complete eukaryotic chromosomes captured by single sequencing reads and demonstrates that traditional approaches to genome assembly can mask considerable structural variation.
Genomic identification and characterization of MYC family genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Bai Jian-fang , Wang Yu-kun , Guo Li-ping , Guo Xiao-ming , Guo Hao-yu , Yuan Shao-hua , Duan Wen-jing , Liu Zihan , Zhao Chang-ping , Zhang Feng-ting , Zhang Li-ping
Published: December 2019

Background

MYC transcriptional factors are members of the bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) superfamily, and play important roles in plant growth and development. Recent studies have revealed that some MYCs are involved in the crosstalk between Jasmonic acid regulatory pathway and light signaling in Arabidopsis, but such kinds of studies are rare in wheat, especially in photo-thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (PTGMS) wheat line.

Results

27 non-redundant MYC gene copies, which belonged to 11 TaMYC genes, were identified in the whole genome of wheat (Chinese Spring). These gene copies were distributed on 13 different chromosomes, respectively. Based on the results of phylogenetic analysis, 27 TaMYC gene copies were clustered into group I, group III, and group IV. The identified TaMYC genes copies contained different numbers of light, stress, and hormone-responsive regulatory elements in their 1500 base pair promoter regions. Besides, we found that TaMYC3 was expressed highly in stem, TaMYC5 and TaMYC9 were expressed specially in glume, and the rest of TaMYC genes were expressed in all tissues (root, stem, leaf, pistil, stamen, and glume) of the PTGMS line BS366. Moreover, we found that TaMYC3, TaMYC7, TaMYC9, and TaMYC10 were highly sensitive to methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and other TaMYC genes responded at different levels. Furthermore, we confirmed the expression profiles of TaMYC family members under different light quality and plant hormone stimuli, and abiotic stresses. Finally, we predicted the wheat microRNAs that could interact with TaMYC family members, and built up a network to show their integrative relationships.

Conclusions

This study analyzed the size and composition of the MYC gene family in wheat, and investigated stress-responsive and light quality induced expression profiles of each TaMYC gene in the PTGMS wheat line BS366. In conclusion, we obtained lots of important information of TaMYC family, and the results of this study was supposed to contribute novel insights and gene and microRNA resources for wheat breeding, especially for the improvement of PTGMS wheat lines.
Chicken adaptive response to low energy diet: main role of the hypothalamic lipid metabolism revealed by a phenotypic and multi-tissue transcriptomic approach
Authors: Jehl F. , Désert C. , Klopp C. , Brenet M. , Rau A. , Leroux S. , Boutin M. , Lagoutte L. , Muret K. , Blum Y. , Esquerré D. , Gourichon D. , Burlot T. , Collin A. , Pitel F. , Benani A. , Zerjal T. , Lagarrigue S.
Published: December 2019

Background

Production conditions of layer chicken can vary in terms of temperature or diet energy content compared to the controlled environment where pure-bred selection is undertaken. The aim of this study was to better understand the long-term effects of a 15%-energy depleted diet on egg-production, energy homeostasis and metabolism via a multi-tissue transcriptomic analysis. Study was designed to compare effects of the nutritional intervention in two layer chicken lines divergently selected for residual feed intake.

Results

Chicken adapted to the diet in terms of production by significantly increasing their feed intake and decreasing their body weight and body fat composition, while their egg production was unchanged. No significant interaction was observed between diet and line for the production traits. The low energy diet had no effect on adipose tissue and liver transcriptomes. By contrast, the nutritional challenge affected the blood transcriptome and, more severely, the hypothalamus transcriptome which displayed 2700 differentially expressed genes. In this tissue, the low-energy diet lead to an over-expression of genes related to endocannabinoid signaling (CN1R,NAPE-PLD) and to the complement system, a part of the immune system, both known to regulate feed intake. Both mechanisms are associated to genes related polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesis (FADS1,ELOVL5andFADS2), like the arachidonic acid, a precursor of anandamide, a key endocannabinoid, and of prostaglandins, that mediate the regulatory effects of the complement system. A possible regulatory role ofNR1H3(aliasLXRα) has been associated to these transcriptional changes. The low-energy diet further affected brain plasticity-related genes involved in the cholesterol synthesis and in the synaptic activity, revealing a link between nutrition and brain plasticity. It upregulated genes related to protein synthesis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation in the hypothalamus, suggesting reorganization in nutrient utilization and biological synthesis in this brain area.

Conclusions

We observed a complex transcriptome modulation in the hypothalamus of chicken in response to low-energy diet suggesting numerous changes in synaptic plasticity, endocannabinoid regulation, neurotransmission, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial activity and protein synthesis. This global transcriptomic reprogramming could explain the adaptive behavioral response (i.e. increase of feed intake) of the animals to the low-energy content of the diet.
The transcriptomic signature of low aggression in honey bees resembles a response to infection
Authors: Rittschof Clare C. , Rubin Benjamin E. R. , Palmer Joseph H.
Published: December 2019

Background

Behavior reflects an organism’s health status. Many organisms display a generalized suite of behaviors that indicate infection or predict infection susceptibility. We apply this concept to honey bee aggression, a behavior that has been associated with positive health outcomes in previous studies. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the brain, fat body, and midgut of adult sibling worker bees who developed as pre-adults in relatively high versus low aggression colonies. Previous studies showed that this pre-adult experience impacts both aggressive behavior and resilience to pesticides. We performed enrichment analyses on differentially expressed genes to determine whether variation in aggression resembles the molecular response to infection. We further assessed whether the transcriptomic signature of aggression in the brain is similar to the neuromolecular response to acute predator threat, exposure to a high-aggression environment as an adult, or adult behavioral maturation.

Results

Across all three tissues assessed, genes that are differentially expressed as a function of aggression significantly overlap with genes whose expression is modulated by a variety of pathogens and parasitic feeding. In the fat body, and to some degree the midgut, our data specifically support the hypothesis that low aggression resembles a diseased or parasitized state. However, we find little evidence of active infection in individuals from the low aggression group. We also find little evidence that the brain molecular signature of aggression is enriched for genes modulated by social cues that induce aggression in adults. However, we do find evidence that genes associated with adult behavioral maturation are enriched in our brain samples.

Conclusions

Results support the hypothesis that low aggression resembles a molecular state of infection. This pattern is most robust in the peripheral fat body, an immune responsive tissue in the honey bee. We find no evidence of acute infection in bees from the low aggression group, suggesting the physiological state characterizing low aggression may instead predispose bees to negative health outcomes when they are exposed to additional stressors. The similarity of molecular signatures associated with the seemingly disparate traits of aggression and disease suggests that these characteristics may, in fact, be intimately tied.
Efficacy and safety of prophylactic use of ketamine for prevention of postanesthetic shivering: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Mannan Abdul , Han Yuan , Liu He , Guan Hui-Lian , Gao Xing , Dai Ming-Sheng , Cao Jun-Li
Published: December 2019

Background

Postanesthetic shivering is a common complication of anesthesia, which accounts for much discomfort in postoperative patients and may increase postoperative complications in high-risk patients. Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, it is difficult to draw a conclusion about optimal anti-shivering medication. The main purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic use of ketamine for preventing postanesthetic shivering.

Methods

We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails for randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome observed was the difference of the incidence rate of postanesthetic shivering between ketamine group and placebo group. The secondary outcomes were the sedation score and incidence of the side effects caused by ketamine and any other drugs utilized in the studies.

Results

In this meta-analysis, we analyzed a total of 16 trials including 1485 patients. Ketamine reduced the incidence rate of postanesthetic shivering compared to a placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.26, P<0.01). Regarding side effects, there was no evident variability of the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Usage of ketamine was associated with a lower rate of hypotension and bradycardia when compared to a placebo. Hallucinations were more frequently observed in patients who received higher doses of ketamine. No significant difference was found in the incidence of postanesthetic shivering with ketamine versus other pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions

Ketamine can prevent postanesthetic shivering without severe side effects. However, ketamine shows no advantage over other anti-shivering drugs.
Costs and effects of interventions targeting frequent presenters to the emergency department: a systematic and narrative review
Authors: Korczak Viola , Shanthosh Janani , Jan Stephen , Dinh Michael , Lung Thomas
Published: December 2019

Background

Previous systematic reviews have examined the effectiveness of interventions for frequent presenters to the Emergency Department (ED) but not the costs and cost-effectiveness of such interventions.

Method

A systematic literature review was conducted which screened the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Econlit. An inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed following PRISMA guidelines. A narrative review methodology was adopted due to the heterogeneity of the reporting of the costs across the studies.

Results

One thousand three hundred eighty-nine papers were found and 16 were included in the review. All of the interventions were variations of a case management approach. Apart from one study which had mixed results, all of the papers reported a decrease in ED use and costs. There were no cost effectiveness studies.

Conclusion

The majority of interventions for frequent presenters to the ED were found to decrease ED use and cost. Future research should be undertaken to examine the cost effectiveness of these interventions.
Microscopic features of small bowel mucosa of patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Cui Yun , Lu Shi-yuan , Xu Jie , Peng Yan-shen , Miao Qi , Wang Xiao-qing , Chen Xiao-yu , Ran Zhi-hua
Published: December 2019

Background

Double-balloon enteroscopy enables performing numerous small bowel biopsies for pathologic analysis. However, most histopathological characteristics of Crohn’s disease are non-specific characteristics. We aimed to explore the small bowel mucosal histopathologic characters of Crohn’s disease and identify some disease-specific changes.

Methods

We included 253 patients without tumors and grouped them into Crohn’s disease, suspected Crohn’s disease, and non-Crohn’s disease groups. These patients underwent double-balloon endoscopy examination and small bowel biopsy at Renji Hospital, Shanghai. All histopathological sections were reviewed, and > 20 histopathological parameters were assessed. Immunohistochemistry was conducted when necessary.

Results

There were different forms of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa in Crohn’s disease. They showed as various macrophages or epithelioid cells in the lumina of lymphatics or in the center of the villi with or without evident obstruction. These features were only observed in Crohn’s disease patients. Furthermore, they were correlated with granuloma and lymphangiectasia. Additionally, 15 other features showed significant differences among the three groups, and Crohn’s disease patients showed an average of almost seven histopathological characteristics.

Conclusions

We described the detailed morphologies of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa and recommend it as a useful histopathological feature for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. In terms of specificity and sensitivity, it was superior to non-caseating epithelioid granuloma.
Bacteriuria and vitamin D deficiency: a cross sectional study of 385 nursing home residents
Authors: Arnljots Rebeka , Snaebjörnsson Arnljots Egill , Thorn Jörgen , Elm Marie , Moore Michael , Sundvall Pär-Daniel
Published: December 2019

Background

Up to half of elderly people at nursing homes have asymptomatic bacteriuria, and concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) are generally low. Vitamin D is a modulator of the immune system and involved in protection of the epithelium in the urinary tract as well. The objective was to determine a possible association between bacteriuria and vitamin D deficiency among elderly people at nursing homes.

Methods

Cross-sectional study: Voided urine specimens and blood samples for cultivation and analysis of 25OHD were collected from elderly people at nursing homes in Sweden. Exclusion criteria were: urinary catheter, ongoing antibiotic treatment, incontinence or dementia too severe to provide a voided urine specimen or leave a blood sample, unwillingness to participate or terminal illness. Urine cultures and serum 25OHD concentrations were outcome measures and the association of bacteriuria with vitamin D deficiency was determined by logistic regression.

Results

Twenty-two nursing homes participated and 385 of 901elderly people provided voided urine specimens and blood samples. The mean age was 87 (SD 6.7), 69% women, 19% received vitamin D supplement, 13% had diabetes mellitus, and 54% were diagnosed with dementia. There was significant growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria in 32% (123/385) of voided urine specimens.Escherichia coliwere present in 83% of positive urine cultures. The mean concentration of 25OHD in serum was 35 nmol/L (SD 21). Thirty-seven per cent (143/385) had 25OHD < 25 nmol/L, and 3.1% (12/385) 25OHD < 12.5 nmol/L. No association between bacteriuria and 25OHD < 25 nmol/L, OR 1.4 (0.86–2.3;p = 0.18) adjusted for age, gender, diabetes mellitus and dementia was found. However, if using 25OHD < 12.5 nmol/L as a cut-off for vitamin D deficiency the adjusted odds-ratio was 4.4 (1.1–17;p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Bacteriuria and vitamin D deficiency was common. No association between bacteriuria and 25OHD < 25 nmol/L was found. If using 25OHD < 12.5 nmol/L as cut-off for vitamin D deficiency there was an association. However, this has to be interpreted with caution as causality cannot be evaluated as well as only few residents had 25OHD < 12.5 nmol/L.
Automated classification of dense calcium tissues in gray-scale intravascular ultrasound images using a deep belief network
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Hwang Yoo Na , Kim Ga Young , Kwon Ji Yean , Kim Sung Min
Published: December 2019

Background

IVUS is widely used to quantitatively assess coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to automatically characterize dense calcium (DC) tissue in the gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images using the image textural features.

Methods

A total of 316 Gy-scale IVUS and corresponding virtual histology images from 26 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent IVUS along with X-ray angiography between October 2009 to September 2014 were retrospectively acquired and analyzed. One expert performed all procedures and assessed their IVUS scans. After image acquisition, the DC candidate and corresponding acoustic shadow regions were automatically determined. Then, nine image-base feature groups were extracted from the DC candidates. In order to reduce the dimensionalities, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, and selected feature sets were utilized as an input for a deep belief network. Classification results were validated using 10-fold cross validation.

Results

The dimensionality of the feature map was efficiently reduced by 50% (from 66 to 33) without any performance decrease using PCA method. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the proposed method were 92.8 ± 0.1%, 85.1 ± 0.1%, and 88.4 ± 0.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). We found that the window size could largely influence the characterization results, and selected the 5 × 5 size as the best condition. We also validated the performance superiority of the proposed method with traditional classification methods.

Conclusions

These experimental results suggest that the proposed method has significant clinical applicability for IVUS-based cardiovascular diagnosis.
Estimating the risk of acute kidney injury associated with use of diuretics and renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors: A population based cohort study using the clinical practice research datalink
Authors: Scott Jemima , Jones Tim , Redaniel Maria Theresa , May Margaret T. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Caskey Fergus
Published: December 2019

Background

The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) attributable to renin angiotensin aldosterone (RAAS) inhibitors and diuretics remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2008–2015) linked to Hospital Episode Statistics – Admitted Patient Care and Office for National Statistics mortality data. Patients were included if they had one or more chronic diagnoses requiring medication. Exposed patients had a first ever prescription for RAAS inhibitors/diuretics during the study period. AKI risk associated with exposure was determined by multivariable Cox regression, propensity score-adjusted Cox regression and a prior event rate ratio (PERR) analysis.

Results

One hundred forty thousand nine hundred fifty-two individuals were included. Increased AKI risk in the exposed group was demonstrated in both the multivariable and propensity score-adjusted cox regressions (HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.04–1.45) and HR 1.24 (1.05–1.47) respectively). The PERR analysis provided a similar overall hazard ratio with a wider confidence interval (HR 1.29 (0.94–1.63)). The increased AKI risk in the exposed group was present only in those receiving two or more antihypertensives. Absolute AKI risk was small.

Conclusions

RAAS inhibitors/diuretics result in an increased risk of AKI. The absolute increase in AKI risk is small, however, and needs to be considered in the context of any potential benefits.
Prevalence, risk factors and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species among pregnant women at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tsega Alem , Mekonnen Feleke
Published: December 2019

Background

Candida is the commonest opportunistic fungi in human. Candida species cause diverse types of diseases. Vaginal candidiasis has been reported as one of the most common type of fungal diseases among pregnant women. However; In Ethiopia, due to scarcity of data, much has not been documented regarding the prevalence of Candida among pregnant women.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, possible risk factors and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species among pregnant women attending Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2017. A total of 384 pregnant women were included using a systematic random sampling technique. Vaginal specimens were collected, inoculated on Candida HiV eg culture Medium and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h.Colonies were identified using standard microbiological methods and selected for further Candida Species identification using Hi Chrome agar and germ tube test. Fungal suspensions were made and adjusted at 0.5% MacFarland standard. Modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used for antifungal susceptibility. Data was entered, cleaned using Ep info version 7.1and transported to Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed. P. value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant.

Result

From a total of 384 study participants, 96 (25%) were positive for Candida species. The predominant Candida species was Candida albicans 54(56.25%) followed by Candida krusei 21(21.9%), Candida glabrata 17(17.7%), Candida tropicalis 1(1%) and 3(3.1%) were other Candida species. Contraceptive use (AOR: 0.394; 95% CI = 0.20–0.74) and prolonged antibiotic uses (AOR: 0.393; 95% CI = 0.21–0.72) were risk factors. All isolates except Candida krusei were 100% susceptible to amphotericin-B. Resistance rate was high against itraconazole and Ketoconazole 55(57.3%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of Candida species among symptomatic pregnant women was significantly higher than asymptomatic pregnant women. Age group between 26 and 40 years was significantly associated with Candida infection. Amphotericin B was the most sensitive antifungal drug. High rate of multiple drugs resistant Candida species was detected. Therefore Symptomatic women should be routinely screened and treated.
Androgen receptor and FOXA1 coexpression define a “luminal-AR” subtype of feline mammary carcinomas, spontaneous models of breast cancer
Authors: Dagher Elie , Royer Violette , Buchet Paul , Abadie Jérôme , Loussouarn Delphine , Campone Mario , Nguyen Frédérique
Published: December 2019

Background

Invasive mammary carcinomas that spontaneously develop in female cats are associated with high mortality, and resemble the most aggressive human breast cancers, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Transcriptome studies showed that TNBCs are a heterogeneous group that includes a potentially hormone-dependent subtype named luminal-AR. Some authors proposed an immunohistochemical definition of the luminal-AR subtype, which is not only positive for Androgen Receptor (AR), but also either positive for the transcription factor Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), or negative for basal markers. The objectives of this study were to describe AR and FOXA1 expressions in feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs), their prognostic value, and if their coexpression could define a “luminal-AR” subtype of triple-negative mammary carcinomas in cats.

Methods

In a previously described retrospective cohort of 180 female cats with FMCs, with a 2-year follow-up post-mastectomy, we assessed AR, FOXA1, ER, PR, Ki-67, HER2, and CK14 expressions by automated immunohistochemistry.

Results

Of the 180 FMCs, 57 (32%) were luminal; i.e., ER and/or PR positive, and 123 (68%) were triple-negative (ER–, PR– and HER2–) FMCs. AR overexpression (found in 33 cases/180, 18%) and FOXA1 index ≥1% (64/180, 36%) were associated with a longer disease-free interval, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival in cats with FMC. Analysis of AR, FOXA1 and CK14 coexpression in triple-negative FMCs showed that AR+ triple-negative FMCs were heterogeneous: there existed an AR+ FOXA1+ CK14– subgroup (n = 7) associated with a better cancer-specific survival by multivariate survival analysis (HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07–0.89,p = 0.03) compared to AR+ FOXA1–CK14+ triple-negative FMCs (n = 46) (HR = 1.00), independently of the pathologic tumor size and pathologic nodal stage. The non-basal-like subtype of triple-negative FMCs that coexpresses AR and FOXA1 (the AR+ FOXA1+ CK14– subgroup) could represent the equivalent of the luminal-AR subgroup of human triple-negative breast cancer.

Conclusions

We identified an AR+ FOXA1+ CK14– subgroup of triple-negative FMCs that might correspond to the luminal-AR subgroup of human triple-negative breast cancers. Cats with FMC may be interesting spontaneous animal models to investigate new strategies targeting the androgen receptor, especially in the aggressive subtype of AR+ basal-like triple-negative mammary carcinomas with loss of FOXA1 expression (the AR+ FOXA1–CK14+ subgroup).