bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phenomics-based approach for the detection and interpretation of shared genetic influences on 29 biochemical indices in Chinese south men
Authors: hu yanling , tan aihua , yu lei , hou chenyang , kuang haofa , wu qunying , sun Jinghan , zhou Qingniao , zhu yuanyuan , Zhang Chenqi , wei wei , li Lianfeng , li weidong , huang yuanjie , huang hongli , xie xing , lu tingxi , zhang haiying , yang xiaobo , gao yong , li tianyu , Jiang yonghua , mo zengnan
Published: October 2019

Background: Phenomics provides a new technologies and platforms as a systematic phenome-genome approach. However, few studies have reported on the system mining of shared genetics among clinical biochemical indices based on Phenomics methods, especially in China. This study aimed to apply phenomics to systematically explore shared genetics among 29 biochemical indices based on the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey cohort.
Result: A total of 1,999 subjects with 29 biochemical indices and 709,211 single nucleotide polymorphisms were subjected to phenomics analysis. Three bioinformatics methods, namely, Pearson test, Jaccard index, and linkage disequilibrium score regression , were used. Results showed that 29 biochemical indices were from a network. IgA, IgG, IgE, IgM, HCY, AFP and B12 were in the central community of 29 biochemical indices. Key genes and loci associated with metabolism traits were further identified, shared-genetics analysis showed that 29 SNPs (P < 10 -4 ) were associated with three or more traits. After integrating the SNPs related to two or more traits with the GWAS catalog, 31 SNPs were found to be associated with several diseases (P < 10 -8 ). Taking ALDH2 as an example to preliminarily explore its biological function, we also confirmed that rs671 (ALDH2) polymorphism affected multiple traits of osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
Conclusion: All these findings indicated a network of shared genetics and 29 biochemical indices, which will helpfully understand the genetics participated in biochemical metabolism.
Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in Korean Firefighters: a nationwide study
Authors: Park Heyeon , Kim Johanna Inhyang , Min Beom Jun , Oh Sohee , Kim Jeong-Hyun
Published: October 2019

Background: It is generally known that firefighters are at an increased risk of suicide. However, the prevalence or correlates of suicidal ideation in firefighters have not been thoroughly explained to date. The aim of this study was to measure the 1-year prevalence of suicidal ideation in firefighters and to investigate the correlates of past-year suicidal ideation among the demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics.
Method: A web-based survey was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 45,698 Korean firefighters were included for analysis. Prevalence of suicidal ideation in the past year was calculated and its correlates were elucidated using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: The 1-year prevalence of suicidal ideation was 10.66% in Korean firefighters. Recent traumatic experience, high levels of occupational stress from physical work environment and emotional labor, as well as current duty of officer were significant correlates of suicidal ideation in the previous year, even after controlling the effect of PTSD and depressive symptoms. With respect to demographic factors, female gender, and divorced/separated/widowed marital status were associated with suicidal ideation in the previous year in firefighters.Conclusions: More firefighters experienced recent suicidal ideation than the general population and there were risk factors related to the role of firefighters in Korea. Intervention and policies that manage these risk factors are necessary for the prevention of suicide in firefighters.
CRISPR elements provide a new framework for the genealogy of the citrus canker pathogen Xanthomonas citri pv. citri
Authors: Jeong Kwanho , Muñoz-Bodnar Alejandra , Rojas Nathalia Arias , Poulin Lucie , Rodriguez-R Luis Miguel , Gagnevin Lionel , Vernière Christian , Pruvost Olivier , Koebnik Ralf
Published: October 2019

Background Xanthomonads are an important clade of Gram-negative bacteria infecting a plethora of economically important host plants, including citrus. Knowledge about the pathogen’s diversity and population structure are prerequisite for epidemiological surveillance and efficient disease management. Rapidly evolving genetic loci, such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), are of special interest to develop new molecular typing tools. Results We analyzed CRISPR loci of 56 Xanthomonas citri pv. citri strains of world-wide origin, a regulated pathogen causing Asiatic citrus canker in several regions of the world. With one exception, 23 unique sequences built up the repertoire of spacers, suggesting that this set of strains originated from a common ancestor that already harbored these 23 spacers. One isolate originating from Pakistan contained a string of 14 additional, probably more recently acquired spacers indicating that this genetic lineage has or had until recently the capacity to acquire new spacers. Comparison of CRISPR arrays with previously obtained molecular typing data, such as amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), variable-number of tandem-repeats (VNTR) and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), demonstrated that these methods reveal similar evolutionary trajectories. Notably, genome analyses allowed to generate a model for CRISPR array evolution in X. citri pv. citri, which provides a new framework for the genealogy of the citrus canker pathogen. Conclusions CRISPR-based typing will further improve the accuracy of the genetic identification of X. citri pv. citri outbreak strains in molecular epidemiology analyses, especially when used concomitantly with another genotyping method.
Tobacco Use and Associated Risk Factors in Burkina Faso: Results from a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Kadari Cissé , Tiéba Millogo , Gautier Ouédraogo H. , Franck Garanet , Mariam Ouedraogo A. , Gabriela Boyle , Sékou Samadoulougou , Seni Kouanda , Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou
Published: October 2019

Background: Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies characterizing the prevalence of tobacco use in low-income countries are lacking. This study describes the prevalence of tobacco use in Burkina Faso and its associated factors.
Methods : Data from the 2013 Burkina Faso World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) were analyzed. The prevalence of any tobacco product use, cigarette smoking, and other tobacco use was calculated. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with tobacco use. Overall, 4,691 people were included in this analysis.
Results: The prevalence of any tobacco use was 19.8% (95% CI: 18.4–21.2). Tobacco use was higher for men (29.2% [27.0–31.5]) than women (11.8% [10.3–13.4]). The prevalence of smoked tobacco was 11.3% (10.3–12.4), with a significantly higher prevalence among men (24.5% [22.1–27.0]) than women (0.1% [0.01–0.3]). The overall prevalence of other tobacco use was 8.9% (7.4–10.7), with lower values for men (5.6% [4.1–7.2]) compared to women (11.7% [9.4–14.1]). Tobacco smoking among men was significantly associated with an increased age and alcohol consumption. The analysis of risk factors for other tobacco use stratified by gender showed that age, education, residence, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with consumption for women, and age and alcohol consumption for men.
Conclusion: Tobacco use is common in Burkina Faso. To effectively reduce tobacco use in Burkina Faso, a comprehensive tobacco control program should consider associated factors, such as gender, age, and alcohol consumption.
Evaluation of efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on remineralization of white spot lesions in vitro and clinical research: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Xueling , Lin Xuandong , Zhong Tengfei , Xie Fangfang
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: This systematic review with meta-analyses sought to answer whether casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) provided a remineralizing benefit superior to that of nonintervention or placebo.
Methods: The Cochrane databases, PubMed, EmBase, and Ovid up to May 20th, 2019, were scanned, only published in English. Study information extraction and methodological quality assessments were accomplished independently by two reviewers. The “Criteria for judging risk of bias in the ‘Risk of bias’ assessment tool” was used for methodological quality assessment. The continuous data was analyzed by mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Review Manager 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Outcome variables include quantitative light-induced fluorescence in clinical research, average surface roughness and surface microhardness in vitro.
Results: There were significant differences in the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI: [−0.79, −0.07], P = 0.02), average surface roughness (SMD = −8.21, 95% CI: [−10.37, −6.04], P < 0.01), Vickers microhardness (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI: [0.72, 1.66], P < 0.01), and Knoop microhardness (SMD = 3.52, 95% CI: [2.68, 4.36], P < 0.01) between the CPP-ACP and control groups or baseline.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this meta-analysis, CPP-ACP exhibited excellent remineralization effects evaluated in clinical research and in vitro, indicating outstanding restoration of form, aesthetics, and function in treating white spot lesions.
Major obstetric haemorrhage in Metro East, Cape Town, South Africa: a population-based cohort study using the Maternal Near Miss approach
Authors: heitkamp anke , Aronson Simcha Lot , Akker Thomas van den , Vollmer Linda , Gebhardt Stefan , Roosmalen Jos van , de Vries Johanna I , Theron Gerhard
Published: October 2019

Background

Major obstetric haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and accounts for one-third of maternal deaths in of Africa. This study aimed to assess the population-based incidence, causes, management and outcomes of major obstetric haemorrhage and risk factors associated with poor maternal outcome.Methods

Women with major obstetric haemorrhage who met the WHO Maternal Near-Miss criteria or died in the Metro East region, Cape Town, South Africa, were evaluated from November 2014-November 2015. Major obstetric haemorrhage was defined as haemorrhage in pregnancies of at least 20 weeks’ gestation or occurring up to 42 days after birth, and leading to hysterectomy, hypovolaemic shock or blood transfusion of ≥5 units of Packed Red Blood Cells. A logistic regression model was used to analyse associations with poor outcome, defined as major obstetric haemorrhage leading to massive transfusion of ≥8 units of packed red blood cells, hysterectomy or death.Results

The incidence of major obstetric haemorrhage was 3/1000 births, and the incidence of massive transfusion was 4/10.000 births in the Metro East region (32.862 births occurred during the studied time period). Leading causes of haemorrhage were placental abruption 45/119 (37.8%), complications of caesarean section 29/119 (24.4%) and uterine atony 13/119 (10.9%). Therapeutic oxytocin was administered in 98/119 (82.4%) women and hysterectomy performed in 33/119 (27.7%). The median numbers of packed red blood cells and units of Fresh Frozen Plasma transfused were 6 (interquartile range 4-7) and 3 (interquartile range 2-4), ratio 1.7:1. Caesarean section was independently associated with poor maternal outcome: adjusted OR 4.01 [95% CI 1.58, 10.14]Conclusions

Assessment of major obstetric haemorrhage using the Maternal Near Miss approach revealed that placental abruption and complications of caesarean section were the major causes of major obstetric haemorrhage. Caesarean section was associated with poor outcome.
Does Phone Messaging improves Tuberculosis Treatment Success? A Systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gashu Kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Mekonnen Zeleke Abebaw , Lester Richard , Tilahun Binyam
Published: October 2019

Background: Compliance to anti-TB treatment is crucial in achieving cure and avoiding the emer­gence of drug resistance. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are included in the strategy to end the global Tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2035. Evidences showed that mobile messaging systems could improve patient adherence to clinic appointment for diagnosis and treatment. This review aimed to assess the effect of mobile-phone messaging on anti-TB treatment success.
Methods: All randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies done prior to August 26, 2019 were included in the review. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and ScienceDirect databases including, grey and non-indexed literatures from Google and Google scholar. Quality of studies were independently assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A qualitative synthesis and quantitative pooled estimation were used to measure the effect of phone messaging on TB treatment success rate. PRISMA flow diagrams were used to summarize article selection process, see Additional file 1.
Results: A total of 1237 articles were identified, with 14 meeting the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis. Eight studies with a total of 5680 TB patients (2733 in intervention and 2947 in control groups) were included in meta-analysis. The pooled effect of mobile-phone messaging revealed a small increase in treatment success compared to standard of care (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06), with low heterogeneity (I 2 =7%, p<0.0002). In the review, performance, detection and attrition biases were reported as major risk of biases.
Conclusions: Mobile-phone messaging showed a modest effect in improving anti-TB treatment success; however, the quality of evidence was low. Further controlled studies are needed to increase the evidence-base on the role of mHealth interventions to improve TB care.
Protocol registration number: CRD420170744339
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017074439
Key Words: Mobile phone, Treatment success, Text messaging, Tuberculosis
A pilot trial on lithium disilicate partial crowns using a novel prosthodontic Functional Index for Teeth (FIT)
Authors: Cagidiaco Edoardo Ferrari , Grandini Simone , Goracci Cecilia , Joda Tim
Published: October 2019

Background

Lithium disilicate is now a well accepted material for indirect restorations. The aim of this trial was to evaluate two lithium disilicate systems using a novel prosthodontic Functional Index for Teeth (FIT).Methods

Partial adhesive crowns on natural abutment posterior teeth were made on sixty patients (clinicaltrial.gov # NCT 01835821). Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 e.max press (Ivoclar), Group 2 LiSi press (GC Co.). The restorations were followed-up for 3 years. The FIT is composed of seven variables (Interproximal, Occlusion, Design, Mucosa, Bone, Biology and Margins), each of them to be evaluated using a 0-1-2 scoring scheme. The Mann-Whitney ‘U’ test was applied. The level of significance was set at p<0,05.Results

Survival rate was 100%, without any biological or technical complication. No statistically significant difference emerged between the two groups in any of the assessed variables (p>0.05).Conclusions

The results showed that it is possible to evaluate the clinical performance of partial crowns using FIT. The FIT proved to be an effective tool to foresee the possible risk of failures and to monitor the performance of the restorations at each recall. The two lithium dislocate materials showed same results after 3 years of clinical service.
An artificially simulated outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease
Authors: Guo Zuiyuan , Xu Shuang , Tong Libo , Dai Botao , Liu Yuandong , Dan Xiao
Published: October 2019

Background Outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases often take place in crowded places. To understand the spreading pattern of an outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease and provide a theoretical basis for the targeted implementation of scientific prevention and control, we attempted to establish a stochastic model to simulate an outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease at a military camp. This model fits the general pattern of disease transmission and further enriches theories on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases.Methods We established an enclosed system of 500 people exposed to adenovirus type 7 (ADV 7) in a military camp. During the infection period, the patients transmitted the virus randomly to susceptible people. The spread of the epidemic under militarized management mode was simulated using a computer model named “the random collision model”, and the effects of factors such as the basic reproductive number (R0), time of isolation of the patients (TOI), interval between the onset and isolation (IOI), and immunization rates (IR) on the developmental trend of the epidemic were quantitatively analysed.
Results Once the R0 exceeds 1.5, the median attack rate increases sharply; when R0=3, with a delay in the TOI, the attack rate increases gradually and eventually remains stable. If the IOI exceeds 2.3 days, the median attack rate will also increase dramatically. If the IR exceeds 0.5, the median of the attack rate nears zero. The median generation time was 8.26 days (95% CI: 7.84-8.69 days). The partial rank correlation coefficients between the attack rate of the epidemic and the R0, TOI, IOI, and IR were 0.61, 0.17, 0.45, and -0.27, respectively.
Conclusion The random collision model not only simulates how an epidemic spreads with superior precision but also allows more flexibility in the settings of the exposure population’s activities and different types of infectious diseases, which is conducive to furthering the exploration of the epidemiological characteristics of epidemic outbreaks.
Bacillus velezensis LG37: Transcriptome profiling and functional verification of GlnK and NmtA in ammonia (NH4+) assimilation
Authors: Liu Guangxin , V Sarath Babu , Dong Yanjun , Li Xinfeng , A Binda Tembeng , Zhao Lijuan , Tu Jiagang , He Jin , lin li
Published: October 2019

Background

In recent years, interest in Bacillus velezensis has increased considerably due to its role in many industrial water bioremediation processes that include - probiotics. In this study, we isolated and assessed the transcriptome of Bacillus velezensis LG37 (a new strain isolated from aquaculture pond) under different nitrogen sources. Since Bacillus species exhibit heterogeneity, the underlying molecular mechanisms in ammonia nitrogen assimilation are poorly understood; and ammonia’s nitrogen is considered toxic to aquatics.Results

Here, a total of 812 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the transcriptomic sequencing of LG37 grown with ammonia or glutamine were obtained, from which 56 had Fold Change ≥ 2. BLAST NCBI and UniProt databases revealed 27 out of the 56 DEGs were potentially involved in NH4+ assimilation. Among them, the relative expression level of the two-component regulatory system glnK/glnL were significantly upregulated in the transcriptomic profile, and the same was authenticated by RT-qPCR along with six other genes. In addition, the transcriptome and relative expression analysis showed that the transporter (amtB) gene of LG37 was not involved in ammonia transport even in the highest ammonia concentrations. Besides, CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (Δ) and overexpression (OE) LG37 mutants of glnK further evidenced the exclusion of amtB regulation, suggesting an involvement of alternative transporter. Moreover, in the transcriptomic data, a novel ammonium transporter nmtA was expressed significantly in increased ammonia concentrations. Subsequently, OEnmtA and ΔnmtA LG37 strains showed a unique expression pattern compared to that of wild-LG37 strain.Conclusion

Based on the transcriptome data, regulation of nitrogen related genes were promptly screened from the newly isolated LG37 strain to analyse the key regulating factors during ammonia assimilation. The novel NmtA transporter of LG37 became apparent in ammonia transport instead of AmtB, which transport ammonium nitrogen in other Bacillus strains, with the aid of the genomic editing tools. The validated NmtA and other transcriptome predicted data would shed a new light on the assimilation mechanism of ammonia, and the isolate can be broadly used to facilitate the removal of ammonium nitrogen.
Reliability and validity of miniscrews as references in cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scanner digital models: study on goat heads
Authors: JIANG YIRAN , CHEN GUI
Published: October 2019

Background: Miniscrews have been used to superimpose craniofacial three-dimensional (3D) images or explore stable structures in jaws, in spite of their artifact. Our purpose was to evaluate the reliability and validity of linear and angular measurements on a 3D model of miniscrews from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at two voxel sizes and an intraoral scanner (IOS).
Methods: Altogether, 64 miniscrews were placed in 12 jaws of goat. Jaws with miniscrews were scanned by CBCT machine at different voxels and IOS. Linear and angular measurements between miniscrews on CBCT at 0.12-mm and 0.3-mm voxels and the IOS were compared with actual measurements and with each other.
Results: An intra-and inter-class correlation of 0.961–1.000 was obtained by each method. Significant overestimations of linear measurements of 0 .2 7 ± 0.24, 0.14 ± 0.22 and 0.15±0.26 mm, and non-significant differences of 0.11±1.97 °, 0.15±2.79° and 0.41±2.34°, were observed on CBCT at 0.12-mm and 0.3-mm voxels and the IOS, respectively. Equal magnification of linear measurements was on homolateral and contralateral sides using CBCT, whereas significantly greater magnification on the homolateral side than on the opposite was observed using the IOS. There was no significant difference on results of angular measurements between digital models of CBCT at two voxels and IOS and of them in comparison with actual measurement results respectively.
Conclusions: Miniscrews in CBCT and IOS are reliable and clinical valid as reference measuring tooth movement. However, when miniscrews are involved in high precision measurement in CBCT or IOS image, the systematic error should be taken into consideration. Same voxels of CBCT images are recommended for miniscrew related measurements to reduce the type of error source.
Osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms and otosclerosis: an additional genetic association study, multilocus interaction and meta-analysis
Authors: Bouzid Amal , Tekari Adel , Jbeli Fida , Chakroun Amine , Hansdah Kirtal , Souissi Amal , Singh Neha , Mosrati Mohamed Ali , Achour Imen , Ghorbel Abdelmonem , Charfeddine Ilhem , Ramchander Puppala Venkat , Masmoudi Saber
Published: October 2019

Background Otosclerosis (OTSC) is among the most common causes of a late-onset hearing loss and alteration in the osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was suggested in the implication of OTSC pathogenesis. A case-control association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the OPG gene was performed in a Tunisian-North African population composed of 183 unrelated OTSC patients and 177 healthy subjects.Results Rs3102734 and rs2073618 were significantly associated with OTSC which were predominantly detected in females after multiple corrections. The haplotypes A-A-C-G (p = 0.0.001) and A-A-C-C (p = 0.0004) were significantly associated with OTSC suggesting a reduced risk in females. Multilocus association revealed that: rs2073618 in OPG, rs39335, rs39350 and rs39374 in RELN, rs494252 in chromosome 11 and rs1800472 in TGFβ1 showed significant OTSC-associated alleles in the Tunisian samples. In addition, meta-analysis for rs2073618 SNP in Tunisian, Indian and Italian populations revealed evidence of association of the rs2073618 polymorphism with OTSC (Odds ratios of 0.826 (95% CI [0.691–0.987], p = 0.0035)).Conclusions Our findings suggest that rs3102734 and rs2073618 variants are associated with OTSC in an additional North African ethnic Tunisian population. Meta-analysis for rs2073618 based on three ethnic population revealed evidence of association with OTSC.
Automated External Defibrillator Issues and Challenges in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge Assessment among Laypersons; Public Safety Perspective
Authors: Haliq Samer A. Al , Khraisat Omar M. , Kandil Mohamed A. , Jumaan Mohammed A. Al , Alotaibi Faris M. , Alsaqabi Fahad S. , Alajmi Hussain M. , Ellouly Hany A. , Al-Haliq Mahmoud A. , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Abuhammad Sawsan H.
Published: October 2019

Background: A layperson is the first one who attends the scene in the case of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is not enough for those patients; they need Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to bring the heart to function normally. This study aimed to assess the current status of CPR & AED knowledge among laypersons. Methods: Using a descriptive design, study was conducted at seven malls located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred fifty participants were surveyed using American Heart Association (AHA) 2015 guidelines to assess CPR & AED knowledge. Results: The sample mean age was 32.60 years (SD = 10.02), and (87%) of participants working as security personnel. The mainstream of the participants did not receive training about CPR & AED (75.8%, 95.2% respectively). Common misconceptions are fall into all categories of CPR & AED knowledge. Correctly answered statements ranged from (7.2%) in compression rate to (24.2%) in hand placement). Conclusions: The study results indicated a poor training of CPR & AED in public settings. Integrating high quality CPR & AED knowledge within the school and college curricula is a vital need. National policy adopted by stakeholders’ and decision maker to improve public awareness of CPR & AED and maximize the survival rate. AED public access needs to empower health care system and support community safety regarding Emergency Cardiovascular Care in public settings. Keywords: Automated External Defibrillator; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Layperson; Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Saudi Arabia.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes Involved in the Regulation of Nicotine Biosynthesis at Early Time Points after Topping in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Sun Guiling , Qin Yan , Bai Shenglong , Li Wenzheng , Sun Ting , Galbraith David W. , Yang Zefeng , Zhou Yun , Wang Bingwu
Published: October 2019

Background： Nicotiana tabacum is an important economic crop. Topping, a common agricultural practice employed with flue-cured tobacco, is designed to increase leaf nicotine contents. Many genes are found to be differentially expressed in response to topping, particularly genes involved in nicotine biosynthesis, but comprehensive analyses of early transcriptional responses induced by topping are not yet available. To develop a detailed understanding of the mechanisms regulating nicotine biosynthesis after topping, we have sequenced the transcriptomes of N. tabacum roots at seven time points following topping.

Results： Differential expression analysis revealed that 4,830 genes respond to topping across all time points. Amongst these, nine gene families involved in nicotine biosynthesis and two gene families involved in nicotine transport showed significant changes during the immediate 24 hour period following topping. No obvious preference to the parental species was detected in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Significant changes in transcript levels of nine genes involved in nicotine biosynthesis and phytohormone signal transduction were validated by qRT-PCR assays. 549 genes encoding transcription factors (TFs), found to exhibit significant changes in gene expression after topping, formed 15 clusters based on similarities of their transcript level time-course profiles. 336 DEGs involved in phytohormone signal transduction, including genes functionally related to the phytohormones jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, auxin, ethylene, and gibberellin, were identified at the earliest time point after topping.

Conclusions： Our research provides the first detailed analysis of the early transcriptional responses to topping in N. tabacum , and identifies excellent candidates for further detailed studies concerning the regulation of nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco roots.
Comparison of the clinical outcomes of Scarf and Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ye Wei , Liu Yafang , Liu WeiFeng , Li XiaoLong , Fei Yanqiang , Gao Xing
Published: October 2019

Background Scarf and Chevron Osteotomy have been widely used for Hallux Valgus Deformity(HVD) to correcting hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal 1-2 angle (IMA), but there still have controversy which approach is the best way to repair HVD,this study aims to use meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Scarf and Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity.Methods Pubmed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies published before September 1, 2019. Studies clearly reporting a comparison of Scarf and Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity were selected. The Post-operative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal 1-2 angle (IMA) were evaluated and also the correction of HVA and IMA. The weighted mean differences and relative risks were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model.Results Five studies were included in this meta-analysis,one were prospective randomized controlled trials and three were randomized control trials.A total of 434 patients (210 Scarf and 224 Chevron) were enrolled in the studies.Compare Scarf Osteotomy,Chevron Osteotomy can significantly decreaseed Post-operative hallux valgus angle (HVA)[MD = 1.92 95% CI (1.21 to 2.63),P < 0.0001],but there have no significantly difference between Scarf and Chevron Osteotomy groups in terms of Postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA),the correction of IMA and HVA(C-IMA/HVA),DMAA,AOFAS and complication incidence[MD = 0.42, 95% CI (-0.34 to 1.17),P=0.28;MD = -0.30, 95% CI (-0.72 to 0.12),P =0.16; MD = -0.88, 95% CI (-2.34 to 0.57),P =0.23;MD = -0.78, 95% CI (-2.29 to 0.72),P =0.31;MD = -2.01, 95% CI (-9.81 to 5.61),P =0.59 and OR=0.80, 95% CI (0.40 to 1.60),P=0.53 respectively].Conclusion Compare Scarf osteotomy,Chevron Osteotomy can significantly decreaseed Post-operative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and other clinical outcomes are similar between the two treatments.
Geographic access to optometry services across Canada: Mapping distribution, need and self-reported use
Authors: Shah Tayyab , Milosavljevic Stephan , Bath Brenna
Published: October 2019

Background This research investigates the distribution of optometrists in Canada relative to population health needs and self-reported use of vision care services with a focus on identifying variation and poorly served health regions in order to gain a clearer understanding of geographic proximity of optometry services.Methods Optometrist locations were gathered from resources provided by provincial regulatory bodies. A geocoding approach then converted these descriptive data into a set of geographic coordinates. Utilization of vision care services was extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2013-2014 question regarding self-reported contacts with vision care providers. Data from the 2016 Statistics Canada census were used to create three population ‘need’ subgroups (65 years and over; low-income; and people aged 15 and over with less than a high school diploma). Optometrist-to-population ratios, expressed as number of providers per 10,000 people at the health region level, were then calculated. Cross-classification mapping compared optometrist distribution to self-reported use of vision care services in relation to need. Results A total of 5,959 optometrists working across ten Canadian provinces were included in this analysis. The nationwide distribution of optometrists is variable across Canada and they are predominantly concentrated in densely populated urban areas. The mean ratio of optometrists across Canada was 1.70 optometrists per 10,000 people (range = 0.13 to 2.92). Out of 109 health regions (HRs), 26 were classified as low ratios, 51 HRs were classified as moderate ratios, and 32 HRs were high ratios. Thirty-five HRs were classified as low utilization, 39 HRs were classified as moderate, and 32 HRs as high utilization. HRs with a low optometrist ratio relative to eye care utilization and a high proportion of key sociodemographic characteristics are located throughout Canada and identified with maps indicating areas of likely greater need for optometry services. Conclusion This research provides a nationwide overview of vision care provided by optometrists identifying gaps in geographic access relative to “supply” and “need” factors. This in-depth examination of variation in population accessibility to optometric services will be useful to inform workforce planning and policies at national, provincial, and health region levels.
The effect of comorbidities for the prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia: an epidemiologic study using a hospital surveillance in Japan
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi Ngoc , Saito Nobuyuki , Wagatsuma Yukiko
Published: October 2019

Objective Pneumonia is a common but serious illness that continues to present significant morbidity and mortality. Although the effect of severity at admission on outcome has been well reported, the role of comorbidity is still not widely understood. The Charlson Comorbidity Index measures comorbidity with a well-established history of predicting long-term outcome but its utility in pneumonia prognosis is still limited. Here, we use the Charlson Comorbidity Index and hospital surveillance data to investigate associations between comorbidities and in-hospital mortality due to community-acquired pneumonia.Results Among the 535 eligible adult patients (69.0% male, median [IQR] age, 79 [70-84] years), 100 (18.7%) acquired severe to extremely severe pneumonia. The median [IQR] CCI was 1[1-3]. Malignancy (129 of 535, 24.1%), chronic pulmonary diseases (113 of 535, 21.1%) and congestive heart failure (103 of 535, 19.3%) were frequent. Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07-1.53). These results support the inclusion of comorbid burden in predicting community-acquired pneumonia outcome.
Lenticulostriate arteries appearance before thrombectomy predicts good outcome in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Liu Feifeng , Chen Chen , Hong Lan , Shen Hao , Cao Wenjie , Dong Qiang , Yang Xinyi , Guo Mengruo , Li Ying , Xiao Yaping , Cheng Xin , Li Gang
Published: October 2019

Purpose Endovascular therapy is widely used in acute large vessel occlusion. This study investigated whether imaging of lateral lenticulostriate arteries(LSAs) before thrombectomy would potentially be helpful for predicting prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Methods 59 consecutive patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO treated with mechanical thrombectomy at two comprehensive stroke center were analyzed. Patients were categorized into LSA+ (appearing of lateral LSAs) and LSA- (sparing of lateral LSAs) group according to preprocedural digital substraction angiography (DSA).Baseline data and clinical outcomes were compared. A good clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. The association between clinical and imaging parameters and functional outcome was evaluated with logistic regression analysis.Results LSA+ was shown in 36 patients (61%). LSA+ group had a significantly higher proportion of good outcome (72.2% vs. 8.7%, OR 27.3,95% CI 5.38-138.4, P <0.001), lower risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sICH) (8.3% vs. 47.8%,OR 0.10,95% CI 0.02-0.42, P =0.001) and lower mortality in hospital (5.6% vs. 34.8%, OR 0.11,95% CI 0.02 -0.58, P <0.004) compared with LSA- group. Patients in LSA+ group had lower baseline NIHSS score( P <0.01) and NIHSS score at 14 days( P <0.01) and smaller infarct core volume( P =0.016) on computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTP) compared to the LSA- group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a small infarct core volume (OR 6.74,95% CI 1.148-39.569, P =0.035) and LSA+(OR 22.114,95% CI 3.339-146.470, P =0.001) were associated with a good clinical outcome.Conclusions Our data suggest that appearance of lateral LSAs before mechanical thrombectomy would be potentially helpful for predicting favorable prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO.
Disentangling the Genetics of Sarcopenia: prioritization of NUDT3 and KLF5 as genes for lean mass and HLA-DQB1-AS1 for hand grip strength based on associated SNPs
Authors: Singh Abhishek N.
Published: October 2019

Background: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disease of clinical importance that occurs commonly in old age and in various disease sub-categories. Widening the scope of knowledge of the genetics of muscle mass and strength is important because may allows us to identify new genetic markers or identify patients with an increased risk to develop a specific musculoskeletal diseases or condition such as sarcopenia. It might also allow us to identify drugs that affect muscle in ways unknown before and therefore to reposition drugs to other uses, in accordance to their newly found target. We used bioinformatics tools to identify gene loci responsible for regulating muscle strength and lean muscle mass, which can then be a target for downstream lab experimentation validation. SNPs associated with various disease traits for the muscles and specific loci were chosen according to their muscle phenotype association p-value, as traditionally done in the GWASs. We developed and applied a combination of expression quantitative trait loci study (eQTLs) and GWAS summary information, to prioritize causative SNP and point out the unique genes associated in the tissues of interest (muscle). Results: We found NUDT3 and KLF5 for lean mass and HLA-DQB1-AS1 for hand grip strength as candidate genes to target for these phenotypes. The associated regulatory SNPs are rs464553, rs1028883 and rs3129753 respectively. Conclusion: TWAS approaches of combining GWAS and eQTL summary statistics proved helpful in statistically prioritizing genes and their associated SNPs for the disease phenotype of study, here, Sarcopenia. Potentially regulatory SNPs associated with these genes can be analyzed with respect to TADs and then targeted for knock out in either C2C12 mouse myoblast cells, adipocytes or any other relevant cell, depending on the phenotype it is hypothesized to affect, as a downstream experimental validation plan.
Spectral response of Josephson junctions with low-energy quasiparticles
Authors: Keselman Anna , Murthy Chaitanya , van Heck Bernard , Bauer Bela
Published: October 2019

We study nanowire-based Josephson junctions shunted by a capacitor
and take into account the presence of low-energy quasiparticle
excitations. These are treated by extending conventional models used to
describe superconducting qubits to include the coherent coupling between
fermionic quasiparticles, in particular the Majorana zero modes that
emerge in topological superconductors, and the plasma mode of the
junction. Using accurate, unbiased matrix-product state techniques, we
compute the energy spectrum and response function of the system across
the topological phase transition. Furthermore, we develop a perturbative
approach, valid in the harmonic limit with small charging energy,
illustrating how the presence of low-energy quasiparticles affects the
spectrum and response of the junction. Our results are of direct
interest to on-going experimental investigations of nanowire-based
superconducting qubits.
Effect of moderate exercise on renal changes and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Silveira Mayane Oliveira Rebouças da , Amaral Liliany Souza de Brito , Souza Samira Itana de , Ferraz Halanna Rocha , Dias Jéssica Alves , Rocha Edilene Cândido , Silva Fernanda de Abreu , Magalhães Amélia Cristina Mendes de , Soares Telma de Jesus
Published: October 2019

This study evaluated the aerobic exercise effects of moderate and progressive intensity on renal function and structure, and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: OSC - ovariectomized and sedentary control rats; OSD - ovariectomized and sedentary diabetic rats; and OTD - ovariectomized and trained diabetic rats. After induction of diabetes, the OTD group was submitted to eight weeks of exercise. Twenty-four hours after the last training session urine samples were collected. Blood samples and kidneys were collected after euthanasia for renal function analysis, histology, morphometry and oxidative stress. Our results have shown a reduction of the weight gain, increase of kidney weight and postprandial glycemia in diabetic rats. However, exercise decreased glycosuria and prevented the proteinuria in OTD group rats. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), juxtamedullary glomerular tuft area, tubulointerstitial lesions (TIL), brush border loss and tubular cell debridement were reduced in OTD rats. In addition, exercise training decreased urinary and plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). Our results demonstrate the beneficial effect of progressive aerobic exercise on proteinuria, glycosuria, and renal structure in ovariectomized diabetic rats, which may be mediated in part by reduction of oxidative stress.
Method for evaluating the heat-island mitigation effect of porous/water-retentive blocks using a climatic chamber
Authors: Shin Dae Uk , Bae Woo Bin , Park Yun Mi , Kim Sang Rae , Kim Yong Gil
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a method and mock-up design for evaluating the heat-island mitigation effect of porous/water-retentive blocks in a climatic environmental chamber using ambient temperature measurements. To create the proposed method, the heat circulation mechanism of blocks was considered. From this, we specified the climatic chamber design requirements, determined the required components and equipment for the mock-up, and developed the proposed method for evaluating heat-island mitigation performance based on ambient temperature. Using the proposed mock-up design and method, we confirmed that both surface and air temperatures were lower when porous/water-retentive blocks were installed compared to conventional blocks. This method can be used to analyze the difference between surface and ambient temperatures under various conditions to quantify the heat-island mitigation performance of different materials according to ambient temperature.
Resistant Hypertension: Novel Insights
Authors: Lamirault Guillaume , Artifoni Mathieu , Daniel Mélanie , Barber-Chamoux Nicolas , Nantes University Hospital Working Group on Hypertension
Published: October 2019

:

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and the leading risk factor for disability
and premature deaths in the world, accounting for more than 9 million deaths annually. Resistant
hypertension is a particularly severe form of hypertension. It was described 50 years ago and since
then has been a very active field of research. This review aims at summarizing the most recent findings
on resistant hypertension.

:

The recent concepts of apparent- and true-resistant hypertension have stimulated a more precise
definition of resistant hypertension taking into account not only the accuracy of blood pressure
measurement and pharmacological class of prescribed drugs but also patient adherence to drugs and
life-style recommendations.

:

Recent epidemiological studies have reported a 10% prevalence of resistant hypertension among
hypertensive subjects and demonstrated the high cardiovascular risk of these patients. In addition,
these studies identified subgroups of patients with even higher morbidity and mortality risk, probably
requiring a more aggressive medical management.

:

In the meantime, guidelines provided more standardized clinical work-up to identify potentially
reversible causes for resistant hypertension such as secondary hypertension. The debate is however
still ongoing on which would be the optimal method(s) to screen for non-adherence to hypertension
therapy, recognized as the major cause for (pseudo)-resistance to treatment.

:

Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the strong benefit of anti-aldosterone drugs
(mostly spironolocatone) as fourth-line therapies in resistant hypertension whereas clinical trials
with device-based therapies displayed contrasting results. New trials with improved devices and
more carefully selected patients with resistant hypertension are ongoing.
Media Reports as a Source for Monitoring Impact of Influenza on Hospital Care
Authors: Reukers Daphne FM , Marbus Sierk D , Smit Hella , Schneeberger Peter , Donker Gé , van der Hoek Wim , van Gageldonk-Lafeber Arianne B
Published: October 2019

Background

The Netherlands, like most European countries, has a robust influenza surveillance system in primary care. However, there is a lack of real-time nationally representative data on hospital admissions for complications of influenza. Anecdotal information about hospital capacity problems during influenza epidemics can, therefore, not be substantiated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess whether media reports could provide relevant information for estimating the impact of influenza on hospital capacity, in the absence of hospital surveillance data.

Methods

Dutch news articles on influenza in hospitals during the influenza season (week 40 of 2017 until week 20 of 2018) were searched in a Web-based media monitoring program (Coosto). Trends in the number of weekly articles were compared with trends in 5 different influenza surveillance systems. A content analysis was performed on a selection of news articles, and information on the hospital, department, problem, and preventive or response measures was collected.

Results

The trend in weekly news articles correlated significantly with the trends in all 5 surveillance systems, including severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance. However, the peak in all 5 surveillance systems preceded the peak in news articles. Content analysis showed hospitals (N=69) had major capacity problems (46/69, 67%), resulting in admission stops (9/46, 20%), postponement of nonurgent surgical procedures (29/46, 63%), or both (8/46, 17%). Only few hospitals reported the use of point-of-care testing (5/69, 7%) or a separate influenza ward (3/69, 4%) to accelerate clinical management, but most resorted to ad hoc crisis management (34/69, 49%).

Conclusions

Media reports showed that the 2017/2018 influenza epidemic caused serious problems in hospitals throughout the country. However, because of the time lag in media reporting, it is not a suitable alternative for near real-time SARI surveillance. A robust SARI surveillance program is important to inform decision making.