bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barley yellow dwarf virus-GAV-derived vsiRNAs are involved in the production of wheat leaf yellowing symptoms by targeting chlorophyll synthase
Authors: Shen Chuan , Wei Caiyan , Li Jingyuan , Zhang Xudong , Zhong Qinrong , Li Yue , Bai Bixin , Wu Yunfeng
Published: October 2020

Background: Wheat yellow dwarf virus disease is infected by barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which causes leaf yellowing and dwarfing symptoms in wheat, thereby posing a serious threat to China's food production. The infection of plant viruses can produce large numbers of vsiRNAs, which can target host transcripts and cause symptom development. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the role played by vsiRNAs in the interaction between BYDV-GAV and host wheat plants.Methods: In this study, small RNA sequencing was conducted to profile vsiRNAs in BYDV-GAV-infected wheat plants. The putative targets of vsiRNAs were predicted by the bioinformatics software psRNATarget. RT-qPCR and VIGS were employed to identify the function of selected target transcripts. To confirm the interaction between vsiRNA and the target, 5’ RACE was performed to analyze the specific cleavage sites.Results: From the sequencing data, we obtained a total of 11,384 detected vsiRNAs. The length distribution of these vsiRNAs was mostly 21 and 22 nt, and an A/U bias was observed at the 5' terminus. We also observed that the production region of vsiRNAs had no strand polarity. The vsiRNAs were predicted to target 23,719 wheat transcripts. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that these targets were mostly involved in cell components, catalytic activity and plant-pathogen interactions. The results of RT-qPCR analysis showed that most chloroplast-related genes were downregulated in BYDV-GAV-infected wheat plants. Silencing of a chlorophyll synthase gene caused leaf yellowing that was similar to the symptoms exhibited by BYDV-GAV-inoculated wheat plants. A vsiRNA from an overlapping region of BYDV-GAV MP and CP was observed to target chlorophyll synthase for gene silencing. Next, 5’ RACE validated that vsiRNA8856 could cleave the chlorophyll synthase transcript in a sequence-specific manner.Conclusion: This report is the first to demonstrate that BYDV-GAV-derived vsiRNAs can target wheat transcripts for symptom development, and the results of this study help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf yellowing after viral infection.
Two novel anticancer compounds with minimum cardiotoxic property
Authors: Afsharirad Tayebeh , Tahmasvand Raheleh , Amini Mohsen , Daraei Bahram , Salimi Mona
Published: October 2020

Background: Although two novel synthesized compounds with tri-aryl structures; 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole (A) and 3,5-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole (B) have been previously demonstrated to possess remarkable anti-breast cancer activity, their cardiotoxicity remains a major concern due to their mechanism of action. To address this concern, we assessed the ability of these compounds to cause toxicity towards H9c2 cardiomyocytes as an in vitro model of cardiotoxicity. Methods: Cytotoxic activity of both compounds was explored in vitro on H9c2 cells using MTT assay. Annexin V/PI method, intracellular ROS determination and mitochondrial membrane potential assay were applied to elucidate the mechanism of action of the cell death. Results: MTT assay revealed a concentration- and time-dependent cardiotoxicity. Findings of apoptosis by double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide divulged no cell death including apoptosis and necrosis at the concentration that were effective to inhibit cancer cells proliferation (10 µM) at 24 and 48 hours. Furthermore, flow cytometric measurement of membrane potential and ROS determination using DCFH-DA verified the safe concentration of the compounds against H9c2 cells with no cardiotoxic effect. However, the higher concentration of the compounds could induce cell death through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Conclusions: Altogether, the results represented two novel chemical molecules possessing anti-breast cancer activity with minimum cardiac side effect.
Impact of superselective intra-arterial and systemic chemoradiotherapy for gingival carcinoma; analysis of treatment outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Mukai Yuki , Hayashi Yuichiro , Koike Izumi , Koizumi Toshiyuki , Sugiura Madoka , Oguri Senri , Takano Shoko , Kioi Mitomu , Sato Mizuki , Mitsudo Kenji , Hata Masaharu
Published: October 2020

Background: We compared outcomes and toxicities between concurrent retrograde super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy (IACRT) and concurrent systemic chemoradiotherapy (SCRT) for gingival carcinoma (GC).　Methods: We included 84 consecutive patients who were treated for non-metastatic GC ≥ stage III, from 2006 to 2018, in this retrospective analysis (IACRT group: n=66; SCRT group: n=18).Results: The median follow-up time was 24 (range: 1–124) months. The median prescribed dose was 60 (6–70.2) Gy (IACRT: 60 Gy; SCRT: 69 Gy). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of 3-year overall survival (OS; IACRT: 78.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 66.0–87.6; SCRT: 50.4%, 95% CI: 27.6–73.0; P = 0.039), progression-free survival (PFS; IACRT: 75.6%, 95% CI: 62.7–85.2; SCRT: 42.0%, 95% CI: 17.7–70.9; P = 0.028) and local control rates (LC; IACRT: 77.2%, 95% CI: 64.2–86.4; SCRT: 42.0%, 95% CI: 17.7–70.9; P = 0.015). In univariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, decreased performance status (PS) and SCRT were significantly associated with worse outcomes (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, clinical stage IV, and SCRT were significantly correlated with a poor OS rate (P < 0.05). Patients with poorer PS had a significantly worse PFS rate. Regarding acute toxicity, 22 IACRT patients had grade 4 lymphopenia, and osteoradionecrosis was the most common late toxicity in both groups.Conclusions: This is the first report to compare outcomes from IACRT and SCRT among patients with GC. ALL therapy related toxicities were manageable. IACRT is an effective and safe treatment for GC.
Telomere length de novo assembly of all 7 chromosomes and mitogenome sequencing of the model entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium brunneum, by means of a novel assembly pipeline
Authors: Saud Zack , Kortsinoglou Alexandra M. , Kouvelis Vassili N. , Butt Tariq M.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMore accurate and complete reference genomes have improved understanding of gene function, biology, and evolutionary mechanisms. Hybrid genome assembly approaches leverage benefits of both long, relatively error-prone reads from third-generation sequencing technologies and short, accurate reads from second-generation sequencing technologies, to produce more accurate and contiguous de novo genome assemblies in comparison to using either technology independently. In this study, we present a novel hybrid assembly pipeline that allowed for both mitogenome de novo assembly and telomere length de novo assembly of all 7 chromosomes of the model entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium brunneum. ResultsThe improved assembly allowed for better ab initio gene prediction and a more BUSCO complete proteome set has been generated in comparison to the eight current NCBI reference Metarhizium spp. genomes. Remarkably, we note that including the mitogenome in ab initio gene prediction training improved overall gene prediction. The assembly was further validated by comparing contig assembly agreement across various assemblers, assessing the assembly performance of each tool. Genomic synteny and orthologous protein clusters were compared between Metarhizium brunneum and three other Hypocreales species with complete genomes, identifying core proteins, and listing orthologous protein clusters shared uniquely between the two entomopathogenic fungal species, so as to further facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning fungal-insect pathogenesis. ConclusionsThe novel assembly pipeline may be used for other haploid fungal species, facilitating the need to produce high-quality reference fungal genomes, leading to better understanding of fungal genomic evolution, chromosome structuring and gene regulation.
Autistic traits are associated with the functional connectivity of between—but not within—attention systems in the general population
Authors: Yoshimura Sayaka , Kobayashi Kei , Ueno Tsukasa , Miyagi Takashi , Oishi Naoya , Murai Toshiya , Fujiwara Hironobu
Published: October 2020

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit dysfunction in the three attention systems (i.e., alerting, orienting, and executive control) as well as atypical relationships among these systems. Additionally, other studies have reported that individuals with subclinical but high levels of autistic traits show similar attentional tendencies to those observed in ASD. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that autistic traits would affect the functions and relationships of the three attention systems in a general population. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 119 healthy adults to investigate relationships between autistic traits and within- and between-system functional connectivity (FC) among the three attention systems. Twenty-six regions of interest that were defined as components of the three attention systems by a previous task-based fMRI study were examined in terms of within- and between-system FC. We assessed autistic traits using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.Results: Correlational analyses revealed that autistic traits were significantly correlated with between-system FC, but not with within-system FC. Conclusions: Our results imply that a high autistic trait level, even when subclinical, is associated with the way the three attention systems interact.
Fertility and Progeny Ploidy of Triploids in China Rosa Germplasm
Authors: Feng Hui , Ji Naizhe , Xie Yu , Ge Beibei , Bu Yanhua , Zhao Shiwei
Published: October 2020

Background

Although triploid plants are often assumed to be sterile, in Rosa, triploids appear to have been important in both species evolution and breeding. A better understanding of the fertility of China Rosa triploids and their behavior when used in interploidy crosses will not only improve gene introgression from China triploid roses to modern roses, but also enhance our understanding of male and female fertility mechanism with triploids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of five triploid China roses for breeding by measuring the pollen size, quantifying the fertility and following the ploidy transmission of interploidy crosses.
Results

In the five triploids, the pollen grain size of Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis Rehd ‘Fen Tuan Qiang Wei’ followed a normal distribution, suggesting that 1 mainly ploidy level pollen grain were produced, while the pollen size of other 4 triploids followed skewed, flattened, and slightly bimodal distributions, indicating a wide range of chromosome numbers. Although none of the 5 triploids produced hips as females, 3 gave good hip and seed production on the tetraploid mother plant when used as the pollen parents. Based on the ploidy level analysis of their progeny, ‘Fen Tuan Qiang Wei’ produced 1n viable pollen whereas ‘Chun Shui Lü Bo’ and ‘Yu Shi Zhuang’ produced 2n viable pollen. In the meiosis of triploids, the triads, pentads and microcyte in the meiosis products indicated the objective triploid production of euploid pollen grains.
Conclusions

In this study we reported 1 China triploid rose produces 1n viable pollen, and 2 China triploid roses produce 2n viable pollen, and no anueploid progeny was produced. Our results indicate that the triploids contribute significantly to tetraploids formation in the crossing system of Genus Rosa, and it is possible for breeders to create novel rose types with valuable triploids in the future. With the special triploid resources found in this experiment, Genus Rosa will be an excellent material to study the mechanism of triploids in the future.
Free Standing Large Area Metal-Organic Nanosheets Encapsulating Periodically Spaced Single-Ion Magnets
Authors: Kurmoo Mohamedally , Fan Kun , Xiao Tong-Tong , Bao Songsong , Huang Xin-Da , Wang Zhenxing , Ouyang Zhong-Wen , Zheng Li-Min
Published: October 2020

The high demand for electronic components from limited natural resources is forcing manufacturers to focus on thin-film technology but they are facing problems - limits of operation, uniformity of the films and expensive manufacturing tools. Chemistry can provide solutions to the last two problems with ease of manufacture and uniformity of two-dimensional materials retaining all functionalities within one single layer. Here, we present one such layered compound, [CoII(terpy)(H2O)2@CoII2(µ2-H2O)3{IrIII(ppy-COO)3}2]·6H2O (1). Each charge-balanced layer is an anionic triple-ply holding [CoII(terpy)(H2O)2]2+ cations. Treating the crystals with warm acetone or by sonication breaks the weak interlayer supramolecular π-π and H-bonds leading to free standing single- and double layers (>30´30 µm2). Each CoII(terpy)(H2O)2, at crystallographic positions 14.5 Å apart, behaves as a single-ion magnet (SIM). This is the first observation of periodic positioning of SIM shielded from their neighbours amounting to a staggering 350´1012 CoII/in2 capable of functioning as a 350 TeraBit/in2 magnetic memory device.
Lactic acid bacteria that activate immune gene expression in the Caenorhabditis elegans can antagonize the Campylobacter jejuni infection in nematodes, chickens and mice
Authors: Jin Xing , He Yufeng , Zhou Yonghua , Chen Xiaohua , Lee Yuan-kun , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: October 2020

Background

Campylobacter jejuni is the major microbacillary pathogen responsible for human coloenteritis. Lactic acid bacteria have been shown to protect against Campylobacter infection. But LAB that showed a good ability to inhibit the growth of C. jejuni in vitro are less effective in antagonising C. jejuni in animals and animal models have the disadvantages of high cost, a long cycle, cumbersome operation and insignificant immune response indicators. Caenorhabditis elegans is increasingly used to screen probiotics for anti-pathogenic property. However, no research on the use of C. elegans to screen for probiotic candidates antagonistic to C. jejuni has been conducted to date.
Results

This study established a Caenorhabditis elegans life-span model enabling preselection of lactic acid bacteria to counter Campylobacter jejuni infection. A potential protective mechanism of the LAB was identified. 9 strains of distinct LAB species offered the high level of protection for Caenorhabditis elegans. Many of the LAB strains with a high protection rate reduced Campylobacter jejuni load in nematodes. The transcription of antibacterial peptide genes, MAPK and Daf-16 signalling pathway related genes was elevated by the LAB isolates with a high protection rate. The reliability of the life-span model of Caenorhabditis elegans was verified using Campylobacter jejuni -infected mice and chicken model respectively.
Conclusions

These results showed that LAB vary in their ability to protect Caenorhabditis elegans against Campylobacter jejuni, and Caenorhabditis elegans provides a reliable model enabling researchers to screen for LAB antagonistic to Campylobacter jejuni on a large scale.
A cadaveric study of the location and morphology of the central patellar ridge for bone-patellar tendon-bone graft
Authors: Tanpowpong Thanathep , Itthipanichpong Thun , Huanmanop Thanasil , Jaruthien Nonn , Tangchitcharoen Nattapat
Published: October 2020

IntroductionThe central ridge of the patella is the thickest area of patella and varies among patients. This cadaveric study identified the location and thickness of the bone at the central patella ridge for bone-patellar tendon-bone(BPTB) harvesting.Materials and MethodsFifty cadaveric knees were assessed. First, the morphology, length, width, and location of the central patellar ridge were recorded. Then, we transversely cut the patella 25 mm from the lower pole and measured the thickness of the anterior cortex, cancellous bone and cartilage from both the mid-patella and the central ridge location. Finally, the depth of the remaining cancellous bone at the mid-patella was compared to the bone at the central ridge.ResultsThe location of the central-patellar ridge deviated medially from the mid-patella in 46 samples with an average distance of 4.36 ± 1 mm. Only 4 samples deviated laterally. The mean patella length was 41.19 ± 4.73 mm and the width was 42.8 ± 5.25 mm. After a transverse cut, the remaining cancellous bone were significantly thicker at the central ridge compared to the bone at the mid-patella.ConclusionsMost of the central patellar ridge deviated medially, approximately 4 mm from the mid-patella. Harvesting the graft from the central ridge would have more remaining bone compared to the mid patella.
Automated Structural Design of Shear Wall Residential Buildings Using GAN-Based Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Lu Xinzheng , Liao Wenjie , Huang Yuli , Zheng Zhe , Lin Yuanqing
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence is transforming many industries and reshaping building design processes to be smarter and automated. While a large number of studies on automated building design have been carried out recently, they focused on architectural aspects, leaving a gap in its application to structural design. Considering the increasingly wide application of shear wall systems in high-rise buildings and envisioning the massive benefit of automated structural design, this paper proposes a shear-wall design automation model based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). Its goal is to learn from existing shear wall design documents and then perform structural design intelligently and swiftly. To this end, a database of representative architectural and structural design documents was developed. Then, datasets were prepared via abstraction, semanticization, classification, and parameterization in terms of building height and seismic design category. The GAN model improved its shear wall design proficiency through adversarial training supported by data and hyper-parametric analytics. The performance of the trained GAN model was appraised against the metrics based on the confusion matrix and the intersection-over-union approach. Finally, case studies were conducted to evaluate the applicability, effectiveness, and appropriateness of the innovative GAN-based structural design method.
Effect of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles on rigidity sensing of human embryonic kidney cells
Authors: Ketebo Abdurazak Aman , Shin Tae Hwan , Jun Myeongjun , Lee Gwang , Park Sungsu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNanoparticles (NPs) can enter cells and cause cellular dysfunction. For example, reactive oxygen species generated by NPs can damage the cytoskeleton and impair cellular adhesion properties. Previously, we reported that cell spreading and protrusion structures such as lamellipodia and filopodia was reduced when cells are treated with silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles incorporating rhodamine B isothiocyanate (MNPs@SiO2(RITC)), even at 0.1 μg/μL. These protruded structures are involved in a cell’s rigidity sensing, but how these NPs affect rigidity sensing is unknown.ResultsHere, we report that the rigidity sensing of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells was impaired even at 0.1 μg/μL of MNPs@SiO2(RITC). At this concentration, cells were unable to discern the stiffness difference between soft (5 kPa) and rigid (2 MPa) flat surfaces. The impairment of rigidity sensing was further supported by observing the disappearance of locally contracted elastomeric submicron pillars (900 nm in diameter, 2 μm in height, 24.21 nN/μm in stiffness k) under MNPs@SiO2(RITC) treated cells. A decrease in the phosphorylation of paxillin, which is involved in focal adhesion dynamics, may cause cells to be insensitive to stiffness differences when they are treated with MNPs@SiO2(RITC).ConclusionsOur results suggest that NPs may impair the rigidity sensing of cells even at low concentrations, thereby affecting cell adhesion and spreading.
Awareness of Sudanese Citizens about the Benefits of Breastfeeding compared to Formula in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Aljafari Abdulmalek , Aziz Ibrahim Adel , Hezima Ahmed Gamal , Awad Mustafa Sabir , AlMustafa Ahmed , Sammarraie Ahmad Khairi Al , Alhaboob Ahmed Mohammedahmed , Hamadnalla Mohanad Altigani
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThere are a major differences between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Therefore, it’s essential for expectants and new parents to be aware of such variations, as its important determinants of infant feeding behavior. This study aimed to construct a solid foundation on the awareness and perception regarding breastfeeding verses packed formulas among the locals. Additionally, we wished to identify any possible misconceptions about their benefits.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out during the months of July and August 2020 at Khartoum state, Sudan. The target population was all Sudanese citizens of both genders, aged 18 and above, who’ve agreed to participate in this study, respondents who’ve missed any of the aforesaid criteria were excluded. ResultsAmong our study respondents (n=905), 464 (51.27%) were female and 409 (45.19%) were married. Two hundred and eleven (23.31%) had 1-2 children and 422 (46.63%) held a bachelor’s degree. The mean awareness score was 10.88 (SD: 2.25, range: 0-15), suggesting an overall 72.53% (10.88/15*100) correct rate on this awareness test. Awareness scores significantly differed across genders, age-groups, marital status, education levels, and places of residence (P<0.05). Most of our sample (97.35%) agreed that breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for infants <6 months old. Five hundred and ninety (65.19%) were aware that breastfeeding reduces the mortality rate of infants, and 712 (78.67%) of the participants answered correctly that breastfeeding decreases the maternal risk of breast and ovarian cancer.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the general awareness on this topic needs further improvement and more attention.
Glucose Levels During Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy and the Risk of Developing Postpartum Diabetes or Prediabetes
Authors: Phaloprakarn Chadakarn , Tangjitgamol Siriwan
Published: October 2020

Background: Blood glucose levels during pregnancy may reflect the severity of insulin secretory defects and/or insulin resistance during gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancy. We hypothesized that suboptimal glycemic control in women with GDM could increase the risk of postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or prediabetes. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of plasma glucose levels throughout GDM pregnancy on the risk of postpartum type 2 DM or prediabetes. Methods: The medical records of 706 women with GDM who underwent a postpartum 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at our institution between January 2011 and December 2018 were reviewed. These women were classified into 2 groups according to glycemic control during pregnancy: ≤ 1 occasion of either fasting glucose ≥ 95 mg/dL or 2-h postprandial glucose ≥ 120 mg/dL was defined as optimal glycemic control or else was classified as suboptimal glycemic control. Rates of postpartum type 2 DM and prediabetes were compared between women with optimal (n = 505) and suboptimal (n = 201) glycemic control. Results: The rates of postpartum type 2 DM and prediabetes were significantly higher in the suboptimal glycemic control group than in the optimal glycemic control group: 22.4% vs. 3.0%, P < 0.001 for DM and 45.3% vs. 23.6%, P < 0.001 for prediabetes. In a multivariate analysis, suboptimal glucose control during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for developing either postpartum type 2 DM or prediabetes. The adjusted odds ratios were 18.9 (95% confidence interval, 7.0–50.7) for DM and 4.1 (95% confidence interval, 2.6–6.4) for prediabetes. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that blood glucose levels during GDM pregnancy have an impact on the risk of postpartum type 2 DM and prediabetes.
Tongue Image Quality Assessment Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Jiang Tao , Hu Xiao-juan , Yao Xing-hua , Tu Li-ping , Huang Jing-bin , Ma Xu-xiang , Cui Ji , Wu Qing-feng , Xu Jiatuo
Published: October 2020

Background: With the wide application of digital tongue diagnosis instrument, massive tongue images will be produced. Adequate image quality is the prerequisite to ensure accurate tongue image analysis. In the process of tongue image collection, improper operation may lead to many poor-quality images (fogging, underexposure, overexposure, blurred focus, wrong tongue posture, etc.), which seriously affect the image processing and the accuracy of image analysis. However traditional pattern recognition is difficult to evaluate the quality of tongue images by extracting features and manual removal of tongue images with bad quality consumes a lot of labor and has a high error rate. In this research, we utilized a deep convolutional neural network to automatically select bad quality tongue images.Methods: The present study was conducted to identify the most appropriate CNN model for Tongue Image Quality Assessment based on deep CNN. The CNN model was evaluated by using Residual neural network and compared with VGGNet and DenseNet. Evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were used for CNN model performance.Results: A detection model is established for tongue image quality control based on deep residual network, with an average accuracy of 99.04%, accuracy of 99.05%, recall of 99.04%, and F1-score of 99.05%, which can be used for quality screening of massive tongue images.Conclusions: Our research findings demonstrate various CNN models in the decision-making process for the selection of tongue image quality assessment and prove that applying deep learning methods, specifically deep CNN, to evaluate bad quality tongue images is feasible.
Comparison of Community Structure and Productivity of Pinus Plantation and Natural Broadleaved Forest in Same Ecology
Authors: Pandey Hari Prasad , Paudel Ganesh
Published: October 2020

Both plantation and natural forests are distributed throughout the world and the same is the case in Nepal. Different structures are forms due to mode of forests' origin that requires a different approach for sustainable forest management. This compares community structure and production between naturally-regenerated broadleaved and the plantation Pinus from the same ecological region, at present and predicts the scenarios taking into consideration of biomass production and sustainable management perspective. A total of 89 plots trees were sampled of area 250 m 2 each for both forests forest on a random basis in Mid-hills of Nepal. The t-test, correlation test, Man-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimators, linear and polynomial regression analysis were performed to compare the forests. The result showed the significantly (p<0.05) higher mean age, DBH, height, biomass density, carbon stock density and mean annual increment (MAI) in plantation forest but the forest had a very low level of undergrowth, a sign of frequent fire and absence of regeneration. The higher mean density of wood, stocking density (number - both trees and regeneration), under-growth biomass, absence of fire sign, good condition of regeneration were found in natural forests. Bell-shaped DBH-classes distribution having positive insignificant trend is found of plantation forest. Plantation forest hinders long-term sustainability though it showed significantly higher productivity (biomass). Result reveals that monoculture plantation forest can be managed either considering together with the naturally-regenerated forest of all age gradation or promote age (size-classes) gradation through management intervention in such forests for perpetuating yielding, otherwise, these forests lose ecological sustainability. On the contrast, naturally-regenerated forest comprises of all age gradation that they allow exercising active sustainable management without compromising continuous regeneration and sustainable production. The result could give insight for managing both plantation and natural forests sustainably.
Experience of Clinical Screening for Elective Orthopedic Surgery in The Midst of The COVID-19 Pandemic: An Alternative Proposal.
Authors: Peña Edwarth Soler , Amin Sammy Nicolas Farah , Bustos Valeria Patricia , Muñoz Sofia Elizabeth , Martinez Ernesto , Gomez Jairo Fernando , Moreno Carlos Álvarez
Published: October 2020

Background: The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is the largest global event of recent times, leaving millions infected and hundreds of thousands of dead worldwide. Colombia is no stranger to this situation, being subject to massive cancellations of medically necessary surgical procedures categorized as ¨non vital¨. The objective of this study is to show the results of a program of elective essential and non-essential low and medium complexity orthopedic surgeries performed during the mitigation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic with a pre-surgical clinical protocol, without serological or molecular testing, during April, 2020 in two institutions in Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology​ :​ A multicenter, observational, retrospective, descriptive study of a cohort of patients who underwent elective orthopedic surgery at two institutions in the city of Bogota, Colombia, during April 2020. We performed a preoperative clinical protocol without including serological or molecular tests, an epidemiological survey, describing the type of surgery, their score in the MeNTs (medically necessary time sensitive) scale, and the presence of suggestive symptoms of COVID-19 postoperatively. Results​ :​ A total of 179 patients underwent orthopedic surgery with an average age of 47 years (swilk= 0.021) (Shapiro-Wilk) ranging between 18 and 81 years, with a majority of females (61.5%). As for the surgeries, 86 (48%) were knee operations, 42 (23.5%) hand surgeries, 34 (19%) shoulder surgeries, and 17 (9.5%) foot and ankle surgeries. The average MeNTS of all patients was 44.6 points. During the two weeks after surgery, four patients were considered suspects for COVID-19 for presenting at least two symptoms associated with the disease representing an incidence of 2.3%. Two (1.1%) of these four patients consulted an emergency department where RT-PCR(reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) type tests were performed, obtaining a negative result for SARSCov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2). No patients died or were hospitalized for symptoms associated with COVID-19. Conclusion​ :​ Through the implementation of a pre-surgical clinical protocol (physical examination, clinical survey inquiring about signs, symptoms and epidemiological contacts), a pre-surgical isolation and without the performance of molecular or serological diagnostic tests, the present study showed good results in the performance of low and medium complexity elective orthopedic surgery at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Level of evidence​ :​ IV.
Astrocytic atrophy as a pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease with LRRK2 mutation
Authors: Ramos-Gonzalez Paula , Mato Susana , Chara Juan Carlos , Verkhratsky Alexei , Matute Carlos , Cavaliere Fabio
Published: October 2020

The principal hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the selective neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurones. Mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes may contribute to dopaminergic neurodegeneration through decreased homeostatic support and deficient neuroprotection. In this study, we generated iPSC-derived astrocytes from PD patients with LRRK2(G2019S) mutation and healthy donors of the similar age. In cell lines derived from PD patients, astrocytes were characterised by a significant decrease in S100B and GFAP-positive astrocytic profiles associated with marked decrease in astrocyte complexity. In addition, PD-derived astrocytes demonstrated aberrant mitochondrial morphology, decreased mitochondrial activity and ATP production along with an increase of glycolysis and increase production of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our data indicate that astrocytic asthenia observed in patient-derived cultures with LRRK2(G2019S) mutation may contribute to neuronal death through decreased homeostatic support, elevated oxidative stress and failed neuroprotection.
Improvement of Sickle Cell Disease Morbimortality in Children: Experience in a Remote Area of an African Country
Authors: MBIYA Benoît Mukinayi , Kalombo Didier Kalenda , Mukendi Yannick Nkesu , Mpoyi John Kalenda , Biboyi Parola Mukendi , Daubie Valery , Disashi Ghislain Tumba , Gulbis Béatrice
Published: October 2020

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While reference sickle cell centers have been implemented in capital cities of African countries and have proven to be beneficial for SCD patients, they have never been set up in rural areas for families with very low sources of income. Method: A cohort of 143 children with SCD aged 10 years old (IQR (interquartile range): 6–15 years) (sex ratio male/female = 1.3) were clinically followed for 12 months without any specific intervention aside from the management of acute events, and then for 12 months with a monthly medical visit, biological follow-up, and regular prophylaxis. Results: The median age of patients at the diagnosis of SCD was 2 years (IQR: 1–5). The implementation of standardized and regular follow-ups in a new sickle cell referral center in a remote city showed an increase in the annual mean hemoglobin level from 50 to 70 g/L (p = 0.001), and a decrease in the lymphocyte count and spleen size (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the average annual number of hospitalizations and episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, blood transfusions, infections, and acute chest syndromes were also observed. Conclusions: Creation of a sickle cell referral center and the regular follow-up of children with SCD are possible and applicable in the context of a remote city of an African country and represent simple and accessible measures that can reduce the morbimortality of children with sickle cell disease.
Comparative Study of Outcomes for Older People with Long Term Conditions Attending Day Care Services Delivered by Paid Staff or by Volunteers
Authors: Lunt Catherine , Shiels Chris , Dowrick Christopher , Lloyd-Williams Mari
Published: October 2020

Background Day care services can support older people living with multiple long term conditions (LTCs), to age in place, but little research on outcomes of Day Care attendance. Aims The aims of this comparative study were to determine outcomes for older people with LTCs attending day care services run entirely by paid staff or predominantly volunteers Methods Newly referred older people with LTCs to nine day care services in North West of England and North Wales were invited to participate in this longitudinal study with data being collected at baseline attendance and at 6 and 12 weeks. Demographic information was collected and the EQ-5D-3L and De Jong Loneliness 6 item questionnaire were completed at each time point.RESULTS 94 older people (64% female),age range 65 - 99 years (mean 82 years) were recruited. The mean number of LTCs was 4.3 (range 2-9) and 52% people lived alone. More than a third (36%) lived in one of the 20% most deprived local authorities in England and Wales. The outcomes in this exploratory study over 12 weeks appeared to be similar for paid, blended (paid staff and volunteers) and for volunteer led service, with those attending volunteer led services were significantly more likely to report fewer health problems in follow-up (OR=3.45, 95% CI 1.01-12.8, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that Day Care Services for older people with long term conditions provide benefits in terms of self-rated physical and emotional well-being. Older people attending paid staff services were more likely to have greater number of LTCs associated with a higher symptom burden. However, at baseline there was no difference in self-reported health by service type. This study suggests that Day Care Services provided by volunteers can provide comparable outcomes. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it is increasingly urgent to support older people with long term conditions who have lost physical and cognitive function during lockdown and to maintain and improve their function. Our study suggests that volunteers may be able to complement the care provided by paid staff freeing up resources and enabling increasing numbers of people to be supported.
The Work of Managing Multiple Myeloma and its Implications for Treatment-related Decision Making: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Caregiver Experiences.
Authors: Pritlove Cheryl , Jassi Mobin , Burns Bridget , McCurdy Arleigh
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Advancements in multiple myeloma (MM) therapy, including the introduction of oral agents, has produced a shift in the delivery of care from hospital to home. We sought to understand the impact of this shift on patients’ and caregivers’ management work and their treatment-related decision making. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 MM patients and 8 caregivers. Interviews were coded for emergent themes and patterns and a constant comparative approach was used to identify important similarities and differences within and between interviews.Results: Patient and caregiver participants described four types of work, including the work of accruing and personalizing medical knowledge, illness-related work in the hospital, illness-related work in the home, and psychosocial and relational management. They illuminated the physical, psychological, social and relational toll of this work and traced a pathway through which work informed their treatment-related decisions, sometimes in ways that conflicted with their preferences for treatment. Conclusions: The work involved in managing MM, its treatment, and side-effects can inform the treatment decisions that patients and caregivers make. We must continue to find meaningful ways for patients and caregivers to discuss goals of care and treatment throughout the cancer trajectory, as well as support health care providers in the delivery of person-centred care.Implications for Cancer Survivors: With an increasing emphasis on the importance of shared decision-making in MM, an improved understanding of the factors that frame patient’s and caregiver’s treatment decisions will be paramount to ensuring meaningful and high-quality patient-centered care.
Differences in Sensitivity to New Therapies Between Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Need to Stratify the Tumor Response?
Authors: Beaumont Hubert , Faye Nathalie , Iannessi Antoine , Chamorey Emmanuel , Kliffa Catherine , Hsieh Chih-Yi
Published: October 2020

Objective: We compared therapeutic response of Varlitinib + Capecitabine (VC) versus Lapatinib + Capecitabine (LC) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer after trastuzumab therapy by assessing changes in target lesion (TL) diameter and volume per location.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the CT data of the ASLAN001-003 study (NCT02338245). We analyzed TL size and number at each location focusing on therapeutic response from baseline to Week 12. We used TL diameter and volume to conduct an inter-arm comparison of the response according to: RECIST 1.1; stratified per TL location and; considering TLs independently. Multiple pairwise intra-arm comparisons of therapeutic responses were performed. Considering TL independently, weighted models were designed by adding weighted mean TL responses grouped by location. A sensitivity analysis tested the robustness of results.Results: We evaluated 42 patients (88 TL) and 35 patients (74 TL) respectively at baseline and Week 12.We found reductions in breast TL burden in the VC arm compared to the LC arm (p=0.002 (diameter), p<0.001 (volume)). Responses and TL sizes at baseline were not correlated.Explained variabilities of volume change per TL location, patient and patient:TL interaction were 36%, 10% and 4% (VC), and 13%, 1% and 23%, (LC).A test of inter-arm difference of responses yielded p=0.07 (diameter), and p<0.001 (volume).The sensitivity analysis confirmed our findings.Conclusions: The therapeutic responses differed across locations; differential responses were drug‑dependent. Stratified analysis provides better drug comparisons and is a powerful tool to understand TL heterogeneity.
Identification and Characterization of Satellite DNAs in Poa L.
Authors: Wei Linna , Liu Bo , Zhang Chunping , Yu Yang , Yang Xiaoxia , Dou Quanwen , Dong quanmin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPoa L is a large genus of grass in Gramineae, among which P. pratensis is widely cultivated as turf and forage. Satellite DNA is the main components of the plant genome. Information of satellites will helpful for dissection the genome composition and definition of the phylogeny relationship of these species. However, the knowledge about the satellites in genus Poa is still limited.ResultsFour satellite DNAs were identified using the Repeat Explorer pipeline in HiSeq Illumina reads from diploid plants in P. malaca (2n = 26). Two satellites showed high similarity with the previously identified PpTr-1 and PpTr-3, whereas two others are newly identified with the monomer of 326bp (Poa-326) and 353bp (Poa-353) respectively. The clone DNAs of PpTr-1 and PpTr-3, and oligonucleotides designed representing satellites Poa-326 and Poa-353 were probed to test on chromosomes across 13 Poa speceis with different polyploidy level by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). PpTr-1, PpTr-3, and Poa-362 were stably positioned in the subtelomeric regions in nearly all species with the variation of hybridization sites number. However, Poa-353 showed different FISH patterns of multiple regions with the variation of hybridization intensity and distribution sites across species. In addition, 5S rDNA and 45S rDNA were used to characterize the genome of the Poa species. Four rDNA FISH patterns were revealed in the tested species.ConclusionFour identified satellite were high conservable across Poa species. Genome distribution of these satellites can be characterized by FISH. The variation of satellite DNAs and rDNA chromosomal distributions between species provide useful information for phylogenetic analysis in genus Poa.
Contribution of LOC105371267 and MRPS30-DT Genetic Polymorphisms in IgA Nephropathy Among Chinese Han Population 
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Li Haiyue , Liu Yuanwei , Liu Jianfeng , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Xiong Zichao , Cao Wen
Published: October 2020

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Genetic factors have been reported to take essential part in IgAN progression. This study was designed to investigate the association between LOC105371267and MRPS30-DT with IgAN risk among Chinese.Methods: 6 SNPs were genotyped. A logistic recession model was used to calculate the effects of candidate SNPs on IgAN. The SNP-SNP interaction was analyzed by MDR.Results: We observed only LOC105371267 had relationships with IgAN. The results indicated an association between the genotype “CC” and the decreased IgAN risk (OR = 0.44, p = 0.014). The stratification analysis at age ≥ 35 showed that rs3931698 contributed to the IgAN susceptibility in “GT” (OR = 1.78, p = 0.038), while rs8044565 significantly showed a decreasing-risk effect with IgAN (“T”, OR = 0.59, p = 0.006; “CC”, OR = 0.15, p = 0.015; “CC-CT”, OR = 0.59, p = 0.023; Log-additive, OR = 0.56, p = 0.005). Rs8044565 was correlated with the decreased susceptibility of IgAN in male (“CC”, OR = 0.27, p = 0.006) and in Lee’s grade ≥ III (“CC”, OR = 0.46, p = 0.046). We found rs8044565 was related to systolic blood pressure and urinary casts, and rs3852740 had a relationship with Serum C3 and hemoglobin (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The present study first demonstrated that the SNPs in lncRNAs might be related to IgAN.
Gray Scale Ultrasound Feature Typing of Metastasis in the Ovary, Especially Signet-ring Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Junying , Chang Cai , Zhang Haixian
Published: October 2020

Background To describe the gray scale ultrasound features of metastatic ovarian tumors on the basis of the origin of the primary tumor in a large study population. This retrospective study included 112 patients with 188 histopathologically confirmed metastatic ovarian tumors. Among the patients, 102 were detected with 143 masses via ultrasonography. Patient age, mass bilaterality, and maximum tumor diameter were recorded. Results Ultrasound images were classified into three subtypes: (type A) multilocular-solid, (type B) purely solid, and (type C) solid with several round or oval cysts. The metastatic tumors in the ovaries were mostly bilateral but had a lower rate of bilaterality when detected by ultrasound. Breast cancer metastasis had the highest misdetection rate (69.6%) because its focal metastasis could only be recognized by histology or immunohistochemistry. Stomach was the most common origin of metastasis: 45.7% and 51.0% via pathology and ultrasonography, respectively. Metastases that originated from colon mostly belonged to type A (65.9%) and closely mimicked primary epithelial ovarian tumor morphologically. Metastases that originated from stomach predominantly belonged to types B (31.9%) and C (58.3%). Signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) corresponded to types B and C only regardless of its origin. Conclusions The novel typing method developed herein provides more vivid images for classifying ovary metastasis compared with existing typing methods. Given that no specific sonographic parameters have been established to distinguish metastatic ovarian masses from primary invasive ovarian tumors, these images can be helpful in diagnosing these masses.
Life Time Prevalence of Khat Chewing and Its Socio Demographic Correlates Among Adults Age 15-49 Years in Ethiopia: A Population Based Study Using the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey Data 
Authors: Assefa Abiyu , Tegegne Kaleab Tesfaye , Tessema Mekibib Kassa , Tegegne Eleni Tesfaye , Denbo Aselefech Mekuria
Published: October 2020

Background: Khat chewing has been practiced from ancient by people in the Eastern part of Africa, the Arabian, Peninsula and other parts of the world. In Ethiopia, khat chewing is becoming habitual and the proportion of people chewing khat has significantly risen over the years and chewers’ population in Ethiopia is now 16% from the country’s populationThe main aim of this study was to provide national data on life time prevalence of khat chewing and associated factors that will serve as evidence for policy and planning and as baseline data for further studies.Methods: The data for this study was extracted from the 2016 EDHS. The 2016 EDHS is the fourth and most recent in the Demographic and Health Survey series in Ethiopia. Socio demographic variables were selected based on their availability in the dataset Our analysis included all men and women age 15-49 years which resulted in a total weighted sample of 27,289 Descriptive statistics were employed to show the distribution of socio-demographic characteristics Logistic regression model was used to determine the true association between chat chewing and basic socio-demographic factors Results: Of the total sample of 27289 of men and women age 15-49 years at the time of survey, 18.3% (n = 5006) have life time khat chewing in Ethiopia, About 71.7% of the variation in the outcome variable (khat chewing) is explained by the independent variables included in model Men and women in the 15-19 age group 9.952 (AOR9.952 95% CI 6.156- 16.091) and Men and women age 15-49 years in urban areas 34.040 (AOR 34.040; 95% CI: 21.028--55.105) were found to be major contributing factors to the khat chewing Conclusions Younger age and urban residence had a statistically significant association with khat chewing. Therefore, to effectively control khat chewing in Ethiopia, Creating awareness and increasing knowledge on the harmful effects of khat chewing are recommended. A particular attention should be given to young adolescent and urban areas