bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NnLAC17, a Gene Related to Lignin Synthesis, is Involved in Adventitious Root Formation in the Seedlings of Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn)
Authors: libao Cheng , Chen Zhao , minrong Zhao , yuyan Han , Shuyan Li
Published: September 2021

BarkgroundAdventitious roots (ARs), which are considered as an important member of root system, have an unmatched status in plant growth and metabolism due to the degeneration of primary roots in lotus. The regulation of AR formation was previously revealed and multiple factors were recognized to be involved in this biological process. ResultsIn the present study, we sought to assess the effect of sucrose on AR formation. Based on our results, lignin metabolism, which is regulated by the sucrose signal transduction pathway, is involved in AR development. The lignification degree of the AR primordium was weaker in plants treated with 20 g/L sucrose than in control plants. However, based on the microstructural observation of the AR developmental process, 50 g/L sucrose promoted the lignification process. Lignin content, including monomer and polymer lignin, was determined in the present study. Compared with control plants, the monomer (containing 30%–45% S type and 55%–70% G type) and polymer lignin contents were lower in plants treated with 20 g/L sucrose and higher in plants treated with 50 g/L sucrose. The precursors of monomer lignin were identified in four libraries of differential developmental stages in seedlings using LC-MS/MS technique. The contents of four metabolites, including p-coumaric acid, caffeate, sinapinal aldehyde and ferulic acid for monomer lignin synthsis were lower in the GL50 library than in the GL20 library. Further analysis revealed that the gene expression of these four metabolites had no novel difference in the GL50/GL20 libraries. However, NnLAC17, a gene involved in polymer lignin synthesis, had a higher expression in the GL50 library than in the GL20 library. ConclusionsTherefore, NnLAC17 was cloned, and the overexpression of NnLAC17 was found to directly result in a decrease in AR number in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. These findings suggest that NnLAC17, which is relevant to lignin synthesis, is involved in AR formation in lotus seedlings.
Genome-wide Analysis of the WUSCHEL-related Homeobox Gene Family and Functional Characterization of VcWOX4b Regarding the Inhibition of Adventitious Root Formation in Blueberry (Vaccinium Spp.)
Authors: Gao Yudi , Li Ke , Yin Yahong , Li Yongqiang , Zong Yu , Liu Xianglei , Liu Jian , Zhu Youyin , Guo Weidong
Published: September 2021

Background: Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is one of the most important commercial fruit tree species. The development of high-quality seedlings is a prerequisite for fruit production. Stem cutting and tissue culture methods are widely applied for propagating blueberry seedlings. Both methods require adventitious roots (ARs), indicating ARs are critical for vegetative propagation. However, the underlying factors and molecular mechanisms regulating blueberry AR formation remain relatively unknown. Results: In this study, the rooting abilities of differentially lignified cuttings from various cultivars or the same cultivars cultured differently were evaluated following an indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment. Field-grown semi-lignified and tissue culture-grown cuttings formed ARs, but the latter had more pericycle and secondary xylem cells and formed ARs more easily and faster. WUSCHEL-related homeobox genes are commonly involved in vascular tissue development and early root meristem maintenance. On the basis of the available Vaccinium corymbosum genome data, 29 putative WOX genes with conserved homeodomains were identified and divided into three major clades (modern/WUS, intermediate, and ancient). These 29 WOX genes were differentially expressed in the root, shoot, leaf, flower bud, and fruit. Additionally, a qRT-PCR analysis revealed that five selected VcWOX genes were responsive to an IBA treatment during AR formation. Accordingly, VcWOX4b was functionally characterized. The overexpression of VcWOX4b in transgenic tobacco inhibited AR formation by altering vascular cell division and differentiation and the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA):cytokinin (CTK) ratio. These observations suggest that VcWOX4b regulates the IAA:CTK ratio to promote primary xylem cell differentiation, thereby inhibiting AR formation. However, an IBA treatment can induce AR formation by inhibiting VcWOX4b expression. Conclusions: Current study elucidates the rooting abilities of various cultivars and the cytological characters of influence on AR formation of blueberry cuttings, which may provide novel insights into the selection of high-quality blueberry cuttings. VcWOX4b, VcWOX8/9a, VcWOX11/12c, and VcWOX13b might regulate blueberry AR formation in an IBA-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of VcWOX4b modulated the IAA:CTK ratio to promotes primary xylem cell differentiation, but inhibit secondary xylem cell differentiation, ultimately leading to decreased AR formation.
Preparation and Performance of Structure Controllable Biochar Obtained From Cattail-Sludge Composites
Authors: Liang Fanfan , Wang Yan
Published: September 2021

Biochar obtained from cattail-sludge composites (BC/CS) was treated as a raw material, with monopotassium phosphate and ammonium chloride solution as absorbents, to find the best parameters for the preparation of structure controllable biochar (BC/SC). Slow pyrolysis and single factor experiment method were employed in the preparation of BC/CS and BC/SC, with EA, BET and SEM to illustrate the performance of BC/SC. The results showed that the best parameters for BC/CS were characterized by a ratio of cattail-sludge composites (60:40, wt%), a charring temperature of 500℃, a charring time of 0.5 hrs, KOH as an activator, an immersion ratio of 4 mL·g-1, an activation concentration of 300 g·L-1 and an immersion time of 6 hrs; the best parameters for BC/SC contained a sizing amount of 60%, a molding pressure, temperature and time of 5 N (cm2)-1, 160℃, and 95 min, respectively; compared to BC/CS, BC/SC was characterized by a higher content of H but a lower O content, leading to the increase in its hydrophobicity and stability; in addition, the addition of polyethylene enabled an increase in the pore diameter of BC/SC and a close bond with particles on the surface. Meanwhile, in BC/SC, the surface functional groups of CH3 and C—O—C were reduced in their contents, in contrast to a large amount of C crystals on its surface. Such results could provide a new process for resource recycling of cattail and sludge, as well as evidence for material selection in the treatment of eutrophication water bodies.
Lytic Bacteriophages against Mutidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: Development of an Effective Phage-based Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Martins Willames , Cino Juliana , Li Mei , Lenzi Michael , Sands Kirsty , Portal Edward , Mathias Jordan , Hassan Brekhna , Dantas Priscila , Migliavacca Roberta , Hunter James , Medeiros Eduardo , Gales Ana , Toleman Mark
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to develop a phage-based approach against Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type (ST16). Phages were investigated using sewage samples from Brazil, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the United Kingdom. After isolation, the bacteriophages were submitted to microbiological, structural and genomic characterisation. The best phages were selected to integrate a phage-cocktail for potential use in humans. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to demonstrate the efficiency of this approach using a collection of 56 clinical strains of K. pneumoniae ST16 with distinct genetic backgrounds. Anti-biofilm activity, synergism with meropenem and activity in human body fluids were also evaluated. Fourteen lytic phages were isolated, belonging to Autographiviridae, Ackermannviridae, Demerecviridae, Drexlerviridae, and Myoviridae families. The viruses demonstrated good activity against our collection of K. pneumoniae ST16 at a different range of temperatures but also against other important Klebsiella clones such as ST11, ST15, and ST258. The cocktail Katrice-16 was highly active in vitro against K. pneumoniae ST16 collection consisting of isolates from several disparate countries. It demonstrated good in vivo activity in the Galleria mellonella model, anti-biofilm and synergic activity with meropenem. In addition, we also showed the Katrice-16 activity in human body fluids. Our results reinforce how effective bacteriophages can be, supporting their capacity for human clinical use to combat prevalent antimicrobial resistance bacterial clones.
A Novel LDLR variant in a Ukrainian Patient: A Case Report and Overview of the Disease-Causing LDLR Variants Associated to Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Moffa Simona , Onori Maria Elisabetta , De Paolis Elisa , Tenore Claudio Ricciardi , Perrucci Alessia , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Giaccari Andrea , Urbani Andrea , Minucci Angelo
Published: September 2021

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and it is primarily caused by pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in LDLR, APOB or PCSK9 genes.Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology allows the evaluation of more genes simultaneously, rising the diagnostic throughput of genomics laboratories. We report a Ukrainian 37-year-old woman hypercholesterolemic since 2010. Despite a suggestive family history, FH was suspected only when the patient referred to the Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Center of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. After specialist advice, genetic testing was offered to the patient at our Molecular and Genomic Diagnostics Unit.A targeted NGS-based pipeline highlighted a novel out-of-frame deletion in the LDLR gene. This variant has a clear deleterious effect on the LDLR protein and it can be classified as PV.The ideal model of care for FH is an evidence-based system aimed to provide the highest-quality health services to all FH patients. In fact, this study reports that an integrated care pathway adopted in our hospital for FH patients led successfully to the discovery of a novel LDLR PV in a Ukrainian patient. The finding of this LDLR variant allowed the clinical FH diagnosis in this patient and in her family, expanding the knowledge of FH-related genetic variants in the Ukrainian population.
Comprehensive analysis of N6-methyladenosine regulators with the tumor immune landscape and correlation between the insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 and programmed death ligand 1 in bladder cancer
Authors: Cui Jianfeng , Liu Xiaochen , Wang Wenfu , Jiang Xuewen , Xia Yangyang , Zhou Guanwen , Chen Shouzhen , Shi Benkang
Published: September 2021

Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant post-transcriptional modifications of RNA. However, there is limited information about the potential roles of m6A regulators in tumor immunity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the functions of m6A regulators in bladder cancer as well as their association with the tumor immune landscape.
Methods
We reported that the variation and expression levels of m6A regulators in TCGA database and GTEx database of bladder cancer. Clusters, risk score patterns, and nomograms were constructed to evaluate the function and prognostic value of m6A regulators. Further, we constructed nomogram to evaluate the prognosis of individual patient. The correlation between insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.
Results
We found that the tumor grade and DNA damage pathways were strongly correlated with distinct clusters. Furthermore, two risk score groups with six m6A regulators were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analysis, which could be regarded as independent prognostic markers in patients with bladder cancer. The risk score pattern was linked to the tumor immune landscape, indicating a correlation between immune checkpoints and m6A regulators. Moreover, an m6A regulator, IGF2BP3, was found to be highly expressed in the tumor samples, regulating both the total and membrane-bound PD-L1 expression levels.
Conclusions
the results of this study revealed that the m6A clusters and patterns play crucial roles in the regulation of tumor immunity, which may be used to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for the management of bladder cancer.
Channel Estimation for Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted mmWave Communications
Authors: Chen Dong , Fu Youhua , Liu Chen , Wang Hong
Published: September 2021

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) consists of a large number of low-cost passive reflective elements, which can assist millimeter wave communications to solve the problems of weak penetration and short propagation distance. However, it is challenging to obtain channel state information (CSI) in IRS-aided millimeter wave communication systems. To solve this challenge, this paper proposes a regular alternating least squares (RALS) algorithm based on the canonical/parallel factor (CP) decomposition. Compared with the traditional alternate least squares (ALS) algorithm, the proposed RALS algorithm has better convergence performance, thus solving the problem of divergence or slow convergence of the conventional ALS algorithm. Besides, in order to improve the accuracy of the channel estimation, the convex optimization theory is invoked to devise the regularization parameters, and a regularization parameter selection scheme is developed to ensure that the proposed algorithm obtains the optimal solution. The simulation results verify the theoretical analysis and prove the superiority of the proposed RALS algorithm in terms of estimation error performance.
The trajectory of early disengagement: A longitudinal learning analytics study over a full program
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , López-Pernas Sonsoles
Published: September 2021

Research on online engagement is abundant. However, most of the available studies have focused on a single course. Therefore, little is known about how students’ online engagement evolves over time. Previous research in face-to-face settings has shown that early disengagement has negative consequences on students’ academic achievement and graduation rates. This study examines the longitudinal trajectory of students’ online engagement throughout a complete college degree. The study followed 99 students over 4 years of college education including all their course data (15 courses and 1383 course enrollments). Students’ engagement states for each course enrollment were identified through Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Students who were not engaged at least one course in the first term were labeled as “Early Disengagement”, whereas the remaining students were labeled as “Early Engagement”. The two groups of students were analyzed using sequence pattern mining methods. The stability (persistence of the engagement state), transition (ascending to a higher engagement state or descending to a lower state), and typology of each group trajectory of engagement are described in this study. Our results show that early disengagement is associated with higher rates of dropout, lower scores and lower graduation rates whereas early engagement is relatively stable. Our findings indicate that it is critical to proactively address early disengagement during a program, watch the alarming signs such as presence of disengagement during the first courses, declining engagement along the program or history of frequent disengagement states.
Answering Complex Hierarchy Questions in Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Salanti Georgia , Mavridis Dimitris , Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido , Nikolakopoulou Adriani
Published: September 2021

Background: Network meta-analysis estimates all relative effects between competing treatments and can produce a treatment hierarchy from the most to the least desirable option according to a health outcome. While about half of the published network meta-analyses present such a hierarchy, it is rarely the case that it is related to a clinically relevant decision question. Methods: We first define treatment hierarchy and treatment ranking in a network meta-analysis and suggest a simulation method to estimate the probability of each possible hierarchy to occur. We then propose a stepwise approach to express clinically relevant decision questions as hierarchy questions and quantify the uncertainty of the criteria that constitute them. The steps of the approach are summarized as follows: a) a question of clinical relevance is defined, b) the hierarchies that satisfy the defined question are collected and c) the frequencies of the respective hierarchies are added; the resulted sum expresses the certainty of the defined set of criteria to hold. We then show how the frequencies of all possible hierarchies relate to common ranking metrics. Results: We exemplify the method and its implementation using two networks. The first is a network of four treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease where the most probable hierarchy has a frequency of 28%. The second is a network of 18 antidepressants, among which Vortioxetine, Bupropion and Escitalopram occupy the first three ranks with frequency 19%.Conclusions: The developed method offers a generalised approach of producing treatment hierarchies in NMA, which moves towards attaching treatment ranking to a clear decision question, relevant to all or a subset of competing treatments.
The application of scrotoscope-assisted minimally invasive excision for epididymal mass: an initial report
Authors: Qin Chuying , Yang Jinrui , Zhang Ruochen , Yang Yaojing , Cai Wanghai , Li Tao , Zhu Qingguo , Ye Liefu , Gao Yunliang , Wei Yongbao
Published: September 2021

Background
Traditional open excision of epididymal mass is a non-minimal invasive treatment and brings relatively more postoperative discomfort and complications. To solve this problem, we apply scrotoscope to treat epididymal mass and compare the middle-term efficacy and safety results between scrotoscope-assisted (SA) minimally invasive excision and traditional open excision (OE) for the treatment of epididymal mass.
Methods
A total of 253 males with surgery excision of epididymal mass from 2012 to 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcomes included general information, intraoperative data and postoperative data.
Results
174 patients underwent SA and other 79 underwent OE. Demographic data was similar between the two groups. Compared with OE surgery, SA could significantly shorten operating time (19.4 ± 4.1 vs 53.8 ± 12.9 minutes), reduce blood loss (5.3 ± 1.5 vs 21.3 ± 5.6 mL) and downsize the operative incision (1.5 ± 0.3 cm vs 4.5 ± 0.8 cm). Additionally, postoperative complications were significantly less occurred in SA group than those in OE (15.5 % vs 21.5%). Patients in SA group had a significant higher overall satisfaction score (94.8 ± 3.7 vs 91.7 ± 4.9) than that in OE group.
Conclusion
SA is emerging as a novel and effective option with promising perspectives for epididymal mass therapy.
Differential Etiological Profiles and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Urinary Tract Infection Among Different Age Categories: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary General Hospital During a 12-Year Period
Authors: Huang Lei , Huang Chenwei , Yan Yan , Sun Liying , Li Haixia
Published: September 2021

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide. With continuing trends of antibiotic resistance, the etiological distribution and antibiotic susceptibility surveillance are of great importance for empirical antimicrobial therapy. However, the data may change with different ages. The aim of this study was to compare the etiological profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns of UTIs sorted by different age categories from a tertiary general hospital during a 12-year period.Methods: All positive urine culture results from non-repetitive UTI patients in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2020 were collected retrospectively. The microbial distribution and antibiotic resistance rates were analyzed by WHONET 5.6 software. The etiological profiles sorted by different age categories (newborn, pediatric, adult, and geriatric) and antibiotic resistance rates of the top 5 pathogens were analyzed.Results: A total of 13308 non-repetitive UTI patients were included in our study. Enterococcus faecium was dominant in newborn, and replaced by Escherichia coli in other age categories. The etiological profiles of different age categories were divergent, sorted by genders (male and female) and ward types (outpatient, in-patient, ICU, and emergency). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the top 5 pathogens in all age categories. The resistance rates of cefperazone-sulbactam and piperacillin-tazobactam in Escherichia coli were low in all age categories. The resistance rates of cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroqinolones in Klebsiella pneumoniae were higher in geriatric patients overall. Enterococcus faecium was more resistant than Enterococcus faecalis in all age categories.Conclusions: The UTI etiological profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns were divergent among different age categories, thus different empirical antibiotic therapies should be considered for different ages.
Nucleus Image Segmentation Method Based on GAN Network and FCN Model
Authors: Zhang Kai , Shi Yang , Hu Chengquan , Yu Hang
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the problems of rough edges and low accuracy in processing cell nucleus image segmentation in existing image segmentation methods. A cell nucleus image segmentation technology based on generative adversarial network (GAN) network and fully convolutional network (FCN) model is proposed. First, the FCN model is used to perform preliminary segmentation of the cell nucleus image, in which the fully connected layer convolution and skip connection are used to improve the accuracy of image segmentation. Then, improve the GAN network, introduce splitting branches into the discriminator structure, and combine the GAN network and the splitting network into one. At the same time, pixel loss is introduced in the generator to obtain a nucleus image that is visually more similar to the real image. Finally, the segmented image output by the FCN model is used as the input of the GAN network to achieve high-precision segmentation of the nucleus image. The proposed method is experimentally demonstrated based on the 2018 data science bowl dataset. The results show that it can achieve rapid convergence, and the mean intersection over union (MIoU) is 85.34%, which is better than other comparison methods.
Vibration Analysis of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor using Coupled Finite Element Analysis and Optimized Meshless Method
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Size
Published: September 2021

Conventional finite element analysis (FEA) performed in electromagnetic-vibration coupling calculation of motor suffers from several significant drawbacks, such as large memory space, high computational cost and heavy reliance on mesh quality for accurate solution. With the traditional meshless method, special attention needs to be paid to correctly impose the boundary condition like FEA. Besides, the matrix is easily​​prone to be ill-conditioned due to introducing large amount of higher order basis functions. We propose a novel multiphyscial coupling method combining FEA and optimized meshless method. The proposed methodology is further evaluated on the vibration analysis of a 12-slot 10-pole permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Firstly, 2D stator electromagnetic force is simulated and derived based on the local Jacobian derivative method through FEA. The electromagnetic force spectrum is calculated using FFT analysis and further imported into commercial meshless structural simulation software Simsolid for stator harmonic response analysis. Correct force boundary condition and data mapping between meshless and FEA simulation interface is key to the accuracy of the proposed combined multiphysical modeling methodology. This is achieved by introducing a new high dimensional ramp function in the transition region between FEA and meshless domains, which are defined with the shape functions composed of the FEA and meshless method. This function satisfies the continuity and consistency of the displacement function, ensures the convergence of coupled FEA-meshless method. Subsequently, construction of basis function is key to the establishment of convention meshless discrete equation for the elastic problem of rotating machinery. This is designed using moving least square theory in cylindrical coordinate system. The harmonic response with meshless method is analyzed using a mode superposition method to obtain detailed mode shape data, acceleration and displacement distribution of stator. Finally, the tangential continuity and robustness are not well considered in the traditional simulation with FEA coupled meshless method. To mitigate this problem, we propose an optimized meshless method based on modified local basis functions to recalculate the harmonic response motion. Then the coupling electromagnetic-vibration simulation results of traditional coupled FEA-meshelss method, optimized coupled FEA-meshless method and complete FEA coupled method are compared. It is worth noting that optimized method significantly improves accuracy, robustness and computational speed at the same time. In short, the proposed electromagnetic-structure coupling calculation method provides a novel alternative for the multiphysical coupling calculation of rotating machinery combining FEA and meshless simulation methods.
Theoretical Analysis of OLED Performances of Some Aromatic Nitrogen-Containing Ligands
Authors: Elik Mustafa
Published: September 2021

It is well-known that tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) complex and N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1'-diphenyl-4,4'-diamine compound (TPD) are widely used as electron transfer material (ETL) and hole transfer material (HTL) in organic light emitting diode (OLED) structure, respectively. Considering the reference materials, in the present work, the OLED performances of some cyclic aromatic structures such as 4,4ꞌ-azopyridine [AZPY], 4,4ꞌ-bipyridine [BIPY], 1,2-bis[4ꞌ-(4-methylphenyl)2,2ꞌ:6ꞌ2ꞌꞌ-terpyridin-6-yl]ethyne (BISTERPY), 5,5ꞌ-diamino-2,2ꞌ-bipyridine (DABP), dipyrido[3,2-a:2ꞌ,3ꞌ-c]phenazine (DPP), 4,7-phenanthroline (PHEN) including nitrogen atom have been theoretically analyzed. It is important to note that B3LYP/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/TZP levels of the theory were taken into account for the calculations about monomeric and dimeric structures, respectively. For a detailed theoretical analysis, the reorganization energies (λe and λh), adiabatic and vertical ionization potentials and electron affinities, the effective transfer integrals (Ve and Vh), and the charge transfer rates (We and Wh) of all compounds were computed by means of computational chemistry tools. In the light of calculated parameters, it is determined that these mentioned aromatic cyclic structures will be used in which layers of OLED structure. The results obtained in this study will be helpful in the design and applications of new molecules as OLED materials in the future.
Genome-Wide Analysis of NAC Transcription Factors in Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus), Their Comparative Phylogenetic Analysis and Association With Leaf Senescence
Authors: Luoni Sofia A. Bengoa , Cenci Alberto , Moschen Sebastian , Nicosia Salvador , Radonic Laura M. , Garcia Julia Sabio y , Langlade Nicolas B. , Vile Denis , Rovere Cecilia Vazquez , Fernandez Paula
Published: September 2021

Background Leaf senescence delay impacts positively in grain yield by maintaining the photosynthetic area during the reproductive stage and during grain filling. Therefore a comprehensive understanding of the gene families associated with leaf senescence is essential. NAC transcription factors (TF) form a large plant-specific gene family involved in regulating development, senescence, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The main goal of this work was to identify sunflower NAC TF (HaNAC) and their association with senescence, studying their orthologous to understand possible functional relationships between genes of different species. ResultsTo clarify the orthologous relationships, we used an in-depth comparative study of four divergent taxa, in dicots and monocots, with completely sequenced genomes (Arabidopsis thaliana, Vitis vinifera, Musa acuminata and Oryza sativa). These orthologous groups provide a curated resource for large scale protein sequence annotation of NAC TF. From the 151 HaNAC genes detected in the latest version of the sunflower genome, 50 genes were associated with senescence traits. These genes showed significant differential expression in two contrasting lines according to an RNAseq assay. An assessment of overexpressing the Arabidopsis line for HaNAC001 (a gene of the same orthologous group of Arabidopsis thaliana ORE1) revealed that this line displayed a significantly higher number of senescent leaves and a pronounced change in development rate.ConclutionsThis finding suggests HaNAC001 as an interesting candidate to explore the molecular regulation of senescence in sunflower.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 6 (CLN6) Clinical Findings and Molecular Diagnosis: Costa Rica´s Experience
Authors: Badilla-Porras Ramses , Echeverri-McCandless Ann , Weiner Jill , Ulate-Campos Adriana , Soto-Rodríguez Andrés , Gutiérrez-Mata Alfonso , Hernández-Con Laura , Bogantes-Ledezma Sixto , Balmaceda-Meza Andrea , Brudvig Jon , Sanabria-Castro Alfredo
Published: September 2021

Background: Commonly known as Batten disease, the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a genetically heterogeneous group of rare pediatric lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent material (known as lipofuscin), progressive neurodegeneration, and neurological symptoms. In 2002, a disease-causing NCL mutation in the CLN6 gene was identified (c.214G>T) in the Costa Rican population, but the frequency of this mutation among local Batten disease patients remains incompletely characterized, as do clinical and demographic attributes for this rare patient population.Objective: To describe the main sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a clinical diagnosis for Batten Disease treated at the National Children's Hospital in Costa Rica and to genetically characterize their causative mutations.Methods: CLN6 gene sequences were determined from DNA extracted from patient buccal swabs. Participants’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also obtained from their medical records.Results: Nine patients with a clinical diagnosis of Batten disease were identified. Genetic sequencing determined the presence of the previously-described Costa Rican homozygous mutation in 8 of 9 cases. One patient did not have mutations in the CLN6 gene. In all cases where the Costa Rican CLN6 mutation was present, it was accompanied by a substitution in intron 2. Patients were born in 4 of the 7 Costa Rican provinces, with an average onset of symptoms close to 4 years of age. No parental consanguinity was present in pedigrees. Initial clinical manifestations varied between patients but generally included: gait disturbances, language problems, visual impairment, seizures and psychomotor regression. Cortical and cerebellar atrophy was a constant finding when neuroimaging was performed. Seizure medication was a common element of treatment regimens.Conclusions: This investigation supports that the previously characterized c.214G>T mutation is the most common causative NCL mutation in the Costa Rican population. This mutation is geographically widespread among Costa Rican NCL patients and yields a clinical presentation similar to that observed for CLN6 NCL patients in other geographies.
Clinical Impact of Pneumothorax in Patients with Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure in An HIV-Negative Cohort
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Kwak Se Hyun , Kim Min Chul , Seol Chang Hwan , Kim Sung Ryeol , Park Byung Hoon , Lee Eun Hye , Yong Seung Hyun , Leem Ah Young , Kim Song Yee , Lee Sang Hoon , Chung Kyung Soo , Kim Eun Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kang Young Ae , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Lee Su Hwan
Published: September 2021

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) with acute respiratory failure can result in development of pneumothorax during treatment. This study aimed to identify the incidence and related factors of pneumothorax in patients with PCP and acute respiratory failure and to analyze their prognosis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the occurrence of pneumothorax, including clinical characteristics and results of other examinations, in 119 non-human immunodeficiency virus patients with PCP and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilator treatment ina medical intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary-care center between July 2016 and April 2019.Results: The 28-day survival rate was 62.2% (N=74). Twenty-two patients (18.5%) developed pneumothorax during ventilator treatment, with 45 (37.8%) eventually requiringa tracheostomy due to weaning failure. Cytomegalovirus co-infection (odds ratio 13.9; p=0.013) was related with occurrence of pneumothorax. Of 74 patients with 28-day survival data, 15 (20.3%) developed pneumothorax. In those patients, five survived (p=0.048) and only two were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation (p=0.037).Conclusions: Patients with PCP and acute respiratory failure who developed pneumothorax did not have increased 28-day mortality, however pneumothorax increased in patient with cytomegalovirus co-infection, pneumothoraxmight have difficulty in and prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilators, which clinicians should be aware of when planning treatment for such patients.
A Qualitative Exploration of “Empathic Labor” in Chinese Hospice Nurses
Authors: Wang Ya-Ling , Yang Zi-Wei , Tang Yue-Zhong , Li Hui-Ling , Zhou Lan-Shu
Published: September 2021

Background: Hospice nurses may devote more emotional labor during the empathy process with patients, and this empathy can be used as a form of psychological behavior of emotional labor in the hospice care model. The aim of this study was to analyze hospice nurses’ empathy characteristics in the context of emotional labor theory, and explore the impact of empathy on patient care.Method: We conducted semi-participant observations from three hospitals and multicenter in-depth interviews with n=26 hospice nurses from eight cities. Interviews were transcribed, and directed content analysis was applied.Results: Two categories with four sub-categories were extracted from the data analysis. Category 1 described the “empathic labor” process which covers cognitive empathy (including empathic imagination, empathic consideration, and empathic perception) and affective empathy (including natural empathy, surface empathy, and deep empathy). The second category concerns the outcome of nurses’ “empathic labor” which incorporates both positive and negative effects.Conclusions: The findings indicated that hospice nurses’ empathy process should be understood as emotional labor. Nursing managers should pay more attention to raising the ability of deep empathy with hospice nurses, and explore more sufficient active empowerment strategies to alleviate the negative impact of empathy on nurses and to strengthen nurses' deep empathy with terminal patients.
Molecular Characterization of a Natural Mutant of Feline Calicivirus in China
Authors: Li Hang , Wang Yuanhong , Chen Zongyan , Meng Chunchun , Liu Guangqing , Li Chuanfeng
Published: September 2021

During epidemiological surveillance of Feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates in Shanghai, China, a natural mutant of FCV, designated SH1909, was successfully isolated from a stray cat. The complete genome sequence of SH1909 was determined in this study. Sequence comparison and analysis showed that thirteen unique aa residues substitutions and single-aa insertion of N or Y were observed in SH1909, which indicated that SH1909 was a novel and natural mutant of FCV. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis based on LC-VP1 showed SH1909 could be clustered into an independent evolutionary branch with some Chinese isolates and was more distantly related to vaccine strains, indicating its potential to escape from vaccine-elicited immunity. According to the predicted B-cell epitopes of LC-VP1, amino acid mutation sites and positive selective sites, peptide C (aa sites: 445–460) and, peptide D (aa sites: 425–440) located in the hypervariable regions of LC-VP1, may result in the decreased immunological protection. Moreover, amino acid sites 439 and 449 may be responsible for the potential immune escape of SH1909. This study provides an important insight into genetic variations of FCV and vaccine development.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in Hippocampus Promotes the Comorbid Depressive Symptoms in Cancer Induced Bone Pain via Regulating the Microglial TREM2/DAP12 Signaling
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Jia Yifu , Xiong Mengyuan , Peng Minjing , Su Shanchun , Xu Xueqin , Wu Yanqiong , Ke Changbin
Published: September 2021

Pain and depression comorbidity affect the patients’ both physical and mental health and quality of life seriously. The comorbid depressive symptoms in cancer pain severely affect the recognition and treatment of pain. Similarly, cancer pain patients with depression are inclined toward more despair and greater impairment. The mechanisms responsible for the comorbid depressive symptoms in cancer induced bone pain have not been fully delineated and the currently available therapeutics for this pathological pain is relatively limited. In the present study, we observed that carcinoma cells implantation induced pain and depression comorbidity resulted in the upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) in hippocampus associated with the activation of TREM2/DAP12-mediated microglial signaling pathways. These observations were reversed by a lentiviral vector harboring RNA interference sequence targeting MHC-I injected into the hippocampus of tumor bearing mice. Together, these results suggest that MHC-I involves in the cancer induced bone pain and depression comorbidity through regulating the TREM2/DAP12-mediated signals in microglia of hippocampus. Suppression of MHC-I could be a therapeutic target for cancer induced bone pain.
Clinical Efficacy of Intra-Articular Injection With P-PRP Versus That of L-PRP in Treating Knee Cartilage Lesion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Zhou Yiqin , Li Haobo , Cao Shiqi , Han Yaguang , Shao Jiahua , Fu Qiwei , Wang Bo , Wu Jun , Xiang Dong , Liu Ziye , Wang Huan , Zhu Jun , Qian Qirong , Yang Xiaolei , Wang Song
Published: September 2021

Background: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection with pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) versus those of leukocyte platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) in treating knee cartilage lesions, we conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial with a larger sample and longer follow-up period.Methods: From October 2019 to October 2020, 95 patients were invited to participate in our study, and 60 (63.2%) were randomized to P-PRP (n = 30) or L-PRP (n = 30) groups. Patients from the two groups were treated with knee intra-articular injections of P-PRP or L-PRP. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after intervention.Results: We followed up 27 cases in the P-PRP group and 26 cases in the L-PRP group. No significant differences in VAS and WOMAC scores were found between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). The WOMAC Pain and VAS-Motions scores of the P-PRP group were significantly lower than those of the L-PRP group at 6 weeks after the intervention (P<0.05). While the long-term clinical efficacy of both injections was similar and weakened after 12 months, more adverse events were found in the L-PRP group.Conclusions: The short-term results of our study are encouraging and demonstrate that both L-PRP and P-PRP intra-articular injections reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee cartilage lesions. Compared with the L-PRP injection, the P-PRP injection (which had a lower risk of early inflammation caused by leukocytes) showed better clinical efficacy in the early phase of postoperative rehabilitation and resulted in fewer adverse events. However, long-term clinical efficacy for both injections were similar and weakened after 12 months.Trial registration: ChiCTR1900026365. Registered on 3 October 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43911.
Quality of Medical Records in Public Health Facilities of Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southwest, Ethiopia 2021
Authors: Endashaw Nigusu , Birhanu Bezawit , Teka Melese , Abrham Gelila
Published: September 2021

Background: Comprehensive medical records are cornerstones in the quality and efficiency of patient care, as they can provide a complete and accurate chronology of treatments, patient results, and future plans for care. The study was aimed to assess the quality of medical records in public health facilities of Jimma Zone. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional quantitative study design supplemented by a qualitative method was used from May 30 to July 29, 2020. A total of 384 medical records were reviewed by using the facility inventory form for quantitative data. The data was entered by EPI data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS 23 and descriptive statistics were used to present the findings. Qualitative data were triangulated with the quantitative data.Result: The majority of the health facility has a shortage of trained and qualified recording personnel in the medical record department. Among 36 health facilities, only one facility have printer in the record room and 3(8%) of them have tracer card. The overall quality of medical records in terms of content completeness as per the standard of health facilities requirements for districts, hospitals, and health centers were 30.62%, 39.49%, 25.79% respectively. Conclusion: The majority of medical records had poor completeness of administrative data, clinical, financial, and legal contents. The overall quality of medical records in Jimma Zone was very low for components of the quality of medical records as per the standard of health facilities requirements.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Metabolic Regulation and its Application in 1,3-Propanediol Production
Authors: Wang Yadong , Mu Jing , Liao Yonghong , Wang Yuxuan , Yin Xian , Xu Bo , Wang Fenghuan
Published: September 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a well-known model organism for glycerol metabolism to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), a valuable chemical intermediate for materials, such as polyesters. However, the relatively low conversion rate and productivity, as well as the accumulation of by-products such as lactic acid, ethanol and acetic acid, inhibit the production of 1,3-PD. Hereby, the 1,3-PD metabolism in K. pneumoniae was regulated through pathway engineering by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology for the first time to knock out the ldhA gene of lactate dehydrogenase,the adhE gene of alcohol dehydrogenase and the ack gene of acetate kinase respectively as needed and constructed recombinant bacteria ldhA(−), ldhA(−)-ack(−), ldhA(−)-adhE(−) and ldhA(−)-adhE(−)-ack(−), all of which showed a decrease in by-product production, leading to a higher NADH availability, and 1,3-BD production was significantly increased. In the shake flask fermentation, the 1,3-PD yield and conversion rate of the recombinant strain ldhA(−), ldhA(−)-ack(−), ldhA(−)-adhE(−), ldhA(−)-adhE(−)-ack(−) were higher than those of the parent strain. In the fed-batch fermentation, the 1,3-PD yield and conversion rate of the recombinant strain ldhA(−) were higher than those of the parent strain. The biomass of the recombinant strain ldhA(−)-adhE(−)-ack(−) was reduced due to the accumulation of acetic acid, but its 1,3-PD conversion rate was still higher than that of the parent strain. The higher productivity and fewer by-products concluded that the four Klebsiella pneumoniae recombinant strains could be promising industrial strain for economical production of 1,3-PD.
Cryptogenic Cirrhosis may be Nonobese Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis—Risk Factors of Liver Steatosis After Liver Transplantation for Cryptogenic Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fukushima Masanori , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Sasaki Ryu , Haraguchi Masafumi , Miuma Satoshi , Hara Takanobu , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: September 2021

Background

As the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become more accurate, the number of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) has decreased. Despite this, there are patients in the liver transplant registry who are currently listed as having CC. Therefore, knowledge of the natural course of CC after liver transplantation (LT) is important. However, the natural course of CC after LT is unknown. We aimed to clarify the natural course post LT for CC and to infer the etiology of CC.
Methods

Eighteen patients who underwent LT for CC were included. To rule out the possibility of including NASH patients with CC patients, those with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) and type-2 diabetes mellitus or liver steatosis found on pretransplantation images, were excluded. Liver biopsy was performed 1 year after LT, and annually thereafter.
Results

Liver steatosis and steatohepatitis were identified in 61% and 39% of the patients after LT, respectively with a median time to onset of 12 and 27 months, respectively. No other pathological findings could identify the etiology of CC. The BMIs after LT were significantly higher in the steatosis group than in the non-steatosis group (28.5 vs. 22.4 kg/m2; P = 0.002). The mean muscle attenuation (MA) at the time of LT was significantly higher and the postoperative hospitalization period was shorter in the steatosis group than in the non-steatosis group (MA: 33.3 vs. 25.8 Hounsfield unit, P = 0.03; hospitalization: 50 vs. 102 days, P = 0.02). Recipients were significantly younger in the steatohepatitis subgroup than in the simple steatosis subgroup (55.0 vs. 63.5 years, P = 0.04).
Conclusions

Despite excluding patients with a history of obesity from our cohort of patients with CC, we observed that patients with CC had a high prevalence of steatosis after LT. Young patients with a favorable postoperative course were noted to have a high risk of NASH after LT for CC. Patients with CC may represent cases of non-obese NASH.