bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The appropriate hybrid surgical strategy in three-level cervical degenerative disc disease: a finite element analysis
Authors: Xie Y. M. , Zheng Y. C. , Qiu S. J. , Gong K. Q. , Duan Y.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The purpose of this FE study was to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of different HS strategies used in the treatment of three-level CDDD (one-level CDA and two-level ACDF).

Methods

We validated the FE model of an intact cervical spine established by transferring the data, collected by 3D CT scan, to the FE software ABAQUS and comparing these data with the data from published studies. Then, the FE model of hybrid surgery was reconstructed to analyze the range of motion (ROM), facet joint force, and stress distribution on an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) core.

Results

The current cervical FE model was able to measure the biomechanical changes in a follow-up hybrid surgery simulation. The total ROM of the cervical HS models was substantially decreased compared with the total ROM of the intact group, and the M2 (C3/4 ACDF, C4/5 CDA, and C5/6 ACDF) model had the closest total ROM to the intact group, but the facet joint force adjacent to the treatment levels showed very little difference among them. The stress distribution showed noticeable similarity: two flanks were observed in the center core, but the inlay of M2 was more vulnerable.

Conclusions

Through the comparison of ROM, the facet joint force after CDA, and the stress distribution of the prosthesis, we find that M2 model has a better theoretical outcome, especially in preserving the maximum total ROM.
European reference network for rare vascular diseases (VASCERN) consensus statement for the screening and management of patients with pathogenic ACTA2 variants
Authors: van de Laar Ingrid M. B. H. , Arbustini Eloisa , Loeys Bart , Björck Erik , Murphy Lise , Groenink Maarten , Kempers Marlies , Timmermans Janneke , Roos-Hesselink Jolien , Benke Kalman , Pepe Guglielmina , Mulder Barbara , Szabolcs Zoltan , Teixidó-Turà Gisela , Robert Leema , Emmanuel Yaso , Evangelista Arturo , Pini Alessandro , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Jondeau Guillaume , De Backer Julie
Published: December 2019

TheACTA2gene encodes for smooth muscle specific α-actin, a critical component of the contractile apparatus of the vascular smooth muscle cell. Pathogenic variants in theACTA2gene are the most frequently encountered genetic cause of non-syndromic hereditary thoracic aortic disease (HTAD). Although thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection is the main clinical manifestation, a variety of occlusive vascular disease and extravascular manifestations occur inACTA2-related vasculopathy. Current data suggest possible mutation-specific manifestations of vascular and extra-aortic traits.

Despite its relatively high prevalence, comprehensive recommendations on the care of patients and families with pathogenic variants inACTA2have not yet been established. We aimed to develop a consensus document to provide medical guidance for health care professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and relatives with pathogenic variants inACTA2.

The HTAD Working Group of the European Reference Network for Rare Vascular Diseases (VASCERN) convened to review current literature and discuss expert opinions on clinical management ofACTA2related vasculopathy. This consensus statement summarizes our recommendations on diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, pregnancy, genetic counselling and testing in patients withACTA2-related vasculopathy. However, there is a clear need for additional prospective multicenter studies to further define proper guidelines.
First-response treatment after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a survey of current practices across 29 countries in Europe
Authors:   for the ESCAPE-NET Investigators, Oving Iris , Masterson Siobhan , Tjelmeland Ingvild B.M. , Jonsson Martin , Semeraro Federico , Ringh Mattias , Truhlar Anatolij , Cimpoesu Diana , Folke Fredrik , Beesems Stefanie G. , Koster Rudolph W. , Tan Hanno L. , Blom Marieke T.
Published: December 2019

Background

In Europe, survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary widely. Presence/absence and differences in implementation of systems dispatching First Responders (FR) in order to arrive before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may contribute to this variation. A comprehensive overview of the different types of FR-systems used across Europe is lacking.

Methods

A mixed-method survey and information retrieved from national resuscitation councils and national EMS services were used as a basis for an inventory. The survey was sent to 51 OHCA experts across 29 European countries.

Results

Forty-seven (92%) OHCA experts from 29 countries responded to the survey. More than half of European countries had at least one region with a FR-system. Four categories of FR types were identified: (1) firefighters (professional/voluntary); (2) police officers; (3) citizen-responders; (4) others including off-duty EMS personnel (nurses, medical doctors), taxi drivers. Three main roles for FRs were identified: (a) complementary to EMS; (b) part of EMS; (c) instead of EMS. A wide variation in FR-systems was observed, both between and within countries.

Conclusions

Policies relating to FRs are commonly implemented on a regional level, leading to a wide variation in FR-systems between and within countries. Future research should focus on identifying the FR-systems that most strongly influence survival. The large variation in local circumstances across regions suggests that it is unlikely that there will be a ‘one-size fits all’ FR-system for Europe, but examining the role of FRs in the Chain of Survival is likely to become an increasingly important aspect of OHCA research.
National early warning score (NEWS) and the new alternative SpO2 scale during rapid response team reviews: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tirkkonen Joonas , Karlsson Sari , Skrifvars Markus B.
Published: December 2019

Background

The national early warning score (NEWS) enables early detection of in-hospital patient deterioration and timely activation of hospital’s rapid response team (RRT). NEWS was updated in 2017 to include a separate SpO2 scale for those patients with type II respiratory failure (T2RF). In this study we investigated whether NEWS with and without the new SpO2 scale for the T2RF patients is associated with immediate and in-hospital patient outcomes among the patients actually attended by the RRT.

Methods

We conducted a two-year prospective observational study including all adult RRT patients without limitations of medical treatment (LOMT) in a large Finnish university associated tertiary level hospital. According to the first vital signs measured by the RRT, we calculated NEWSs for the RRT patients and further utilized the new SpO2 scale for the patients with confirmed T2RF. We used multivariate logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic analyses to test NEWS’s accuracy to predict two distinct outcomes: RRT patient’s I) immediate need for intensive care and/or new LOMT and 2) in-hospital death or discharge with cerebral performance category >2 and/or LOMT.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 886 RRT patients attended for the first time during their hospitalization. Most common reasons for RRT activation were respiratory (343, 39%) and circulatory (226, 26%) problems. Cohort’s median (Q1, Q3) NEWS at RRT arrival was 8 (5, 10) and remained unchanged if the new SpO2 scale was applied for the 104 patients with confirmed T2RF. Higher NEWS was independently associated with both immediate (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.22–1.35) and in-hospital (1.15; 1.10–1.21) adverse outcomes. Further, NEWS had fair discrimination for both the immediate (AUROC 0.73; 0.69–0.77) and in-hospital (0.68; 0.64–0.72) outcomes. Utilizing the new SpO2 scale for the patients with confirmed T2RF did not improve the discrimination capability (0.73; 0.69–0.76 and 0.68; 0.64–0.71) for these outcomes, respectively.

Conclusions

We found that in patients attended by a RRT, the NEWS predicts patient’s hospital outcome with moderate accuracy. We did not find any improvement using the new SpO2 scale in T2RF patients.
The impact of intensive care unit diaries on patients’ and relatives’ outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Barreto Bruna Brandao , Luz Mariana , Rios Marcos Nogueira de Oliveira , Lopes Antonio Alberto , Gusmao-Flores Dimitri
Published: December 2019

Background

Memory gaps in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are associated with psychiatric disorders. The ICU diaries improve the patient’s factual memory of the ICU, but it is not clear if they reduce the incidence of psychiatric disorders in patients and relatives after hospital discharge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the literature on the effect of ICU diaries for patients admitted in ICU and their relatives.

Methods

Two authors independently searched the online databases PubMed, OVID, Embase, EBSCO host, and PsycINFO from inception to July 2019. Studies were included if the intervention group (ICU diary) was compared with a group with no diaries and the sample was comprised patients ≥ 18 years old admitted in the ICU for more than 24 h and their relatives. Randomized clinical trials, observational studies, letter with original data, and abstracts were included, irrespective of the language. The search was not limited by any specific outcome. Review articles, commentaries, editorials, and studies without a control group were excluded. Structured tools were used to assess the methodological quality (“Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I)” for cohort studies and the “Cochrane Risk of Bias tool” for included RCTs and before/after studies). A random-effects model was employed considering the anticipated variability between the studies.

Results

Seven hundred eighty-five titles were identified for screening. Two additional studies were selected after a reference search, and after a full-text review, a total of 12 studies were included. When pooling the results, ICU diary was associated with lower risk of depression (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23–0.75) and better quality of life (10.3 points higher in SF-36 general health score, 95% CI 0.79–19.8), without a decrease in anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For the relatives receiving an ICU diary, there was no difference in the incidence of PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusion and relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis supports the use of ICU diaries to reduce the risk of depression and preserve the quality of life of patients after ICU admission. ICU diaries do not seem to have any beneficial effect on the relatives of the patients.

Trial registration

PROSPERO, CRD42019136639
Development of a biomarker mortality risk model in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Bime Christian , Casanova Nancy , Oita Radu C. , Ndukum Juliet , Lynn Heather , Camp Sara M. , Lussier Yves , Abraham Ivo , Carter Darrick , Miller Edmund J. , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Downs Charles A. , Garcia Joe G. N.
Published: December 2019

Background

There is a compelling unmet medical need for biomarker-based models to risk-stratify patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Effective stratification would optimize participant selection for clinical trial enrollment by focusing on those most likely to benefit from new interventions. Our objective was to develop a prognostic, biomarker-based model for predicting mortality in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis using a cohort of 252 mechanically ventilated subjects with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Survival to day 7 with both day 0 (first day of presentation) and day 7 sample availability was required. Blood was collected for biomarker measurements at first presentation to the intensive care unit and on the seventh day. Biomarkers included cytokine-chemokines, dual-functioning cytozymes, and vascular injury markers. Logistic regression, latent class analysis, and classification and regression tree analysis were used to identify the plasma biomarkers most predictive of 28-day ARDS mortality.

Results

From eight biologically relevant biomarker candidates, six demonstrated an enhanced capacity to predict mortality at day 0. Latent-class analysis identified two biomarker-based phenotypes. Phenotype A exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of angiopoietin-2, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukin-8, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-6, and extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT) compared to phenotype B. Mortality at 28 days was significantly higher for phenotype A compared to phenotype B (32% vs 19%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

An adult biomarker-based risk model reliably identifies ARDS subjects at risk of death within 28 days of hospitalization.
HOPS: automated detection and authentication of pathogen DNA in archaeological remains
Authors: Hübler Ron , Key Felix M. , Warinner Christina , Bos Kirsten I. , Krause Johannes , Herbig Alexander
Published: December 2019

High-throughput DNA sequencing enables large-scale metagenomic analyses of complex biological systems. Such analyses are not restricted to present-day samples and can also be applied to molecular data from archaeological remains. Investigations of ancient microbes can provide valuable information on past bacterial commensals and pathogens, but their molecular detection remains a challenge. Here, we present HOPS (Heuristic Operations for Pathogen Screening), an automated bacterial screening pipeline for ancient DNA sequences that provides detailed information on species identification and authenticity. HOPS is a versatile tool for high-throughput screening of DNA from archaeological material to identify candidates for genome-level analyses.
Transcriptome assembly from long-read RNA-seq alignments with StringTie2
Authors: Kovaka Sam , Zimin Aleksey V. , Pertea Geo M. , Razaghi Roham , Salzberg Steven L. , Pertea Mihaela
Published: December 2019

RNA sequencing using the latest single-molecule sequencing instruments produces reads that are thousands of nucleotides long. The ability to assemble these long reads can greatly improve the sensitivity of long-read analyses. Here we present StringTie2, a reference-guided transcriptome assembler that works with both short and long reads. StringTie2 includes new methods to handle the high error rate of long reads and offers the ability to work with full-length super-reads assembled from short reads, which further improves the quality of short-read assemblies. StringTie2 is more accurate and faster and uses less memory than all comparable short-read and long-read analysis tools.
A systematic review identifying common data items in neonatal trials and assessing their completeness in routinely recorded United Kingdom national neonatal data
Authors: Jawad Sena , Modi Neena , Prevost A. Toby , Gale Chris
Published: December 2019

Background

We aimed to test whether a common set of key data items reported across high-impact neonatal clinical trials could be identified, and to quantify their completeness in routinely recorded United Kingdom neonatal data held in the National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD).

Methods

We systematically reviewed neonatal clinical trials published in four high-impact medical journals over 10 years (2006–2015) and extracted baseline characteristics, stratification items and potential confounders used to adjust primary outcomes. Completeness was examined using data held in the NNRD for identified data items, for infants admitted to neonatal units in 2015. The NNRD is a repository of routinely recorded data extracted from neonatal Electronic Patient Records (EPR) of all admissions to National Health Service (NHS) Neonatal Units in England, Wales and Scotland. We defined missing data as an empty field or an implausible value. We reported common data items as frequencies and percentages alongside percentages of completeness.

Results

We identified 44 studies involving 32,095 infants and 126 data items. Fourteen data items were reported by more than 20% of studies. Gestational age (95%), sex (93%) and birth weight (91%) were the most common baseline data items. The completeness of data in the NNRD was high for these data with greater than 90% completeness found for 9 of the 14 most common items.

Conclusion

High-impact neonatal clinical trials share common data items. In the United Kingdom, these items can be obtained at a high level of completeness from routinely recorded data held in the NNRD. The feasibility and efficiency using routinely recorded EPR data, such as that held in the NNRD, for clinical trials, rather than collecting these items anew, should be examined.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42016046138. Registered prospectively on 17 August 2016.
Reduction of corticosteroid use in outpatient treatment of exacerbated COPD - Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study, (The RECUT-trial)
Authors: Urwyler Pascal , Boesing Maria , Abig Kristin , Cattaneo Marco , Dieterle Thomas , Zeller Andreas , Bachler Herbert , Markun Stefan , Senn Oliver , Merlo Christoph , Essig Stefan , Ullmer Elke , Rutishauser Jonas , Schuurmans Macé M , Leuppi Joerg Daniel
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health issue affecting approximately 4% to 7% of the Swiss population. According to current inpatient guidelines, systemic corticosteroids are important in the treatment of acute COPD exacerbations and should be given for 5 to 7 days. Several studies suggest that corticosteroids accelerate the recovery of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), enhance oxygenation, decrease the duration of hospitalization, and improve clinical outcomes. However, the additional therapeutic benefit regarding FEV1 recovery appears to be most apparent in the first 3 to 5 days. No data are available on the optimum duration of corticosteroid treatment in primary-care patients with acute COPD exacerbations. Given that many COPD patients are treated as outpatients, there is an urgent need to improve the evidence base on COPD management in this setting. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a 3-day treatment with orally administered corticosteroids is non-inferior to a 5-day treatment in acute exacerbations of COPD in a primary-care setting.

Methods/design

This study is a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in a primary-care setting. It is anticipated that 470 patients with acutely exacerbated COPD will be recruited. Participants are randomized to receive systemic corticosteroid treatment of 40 mg prednisone daily for 5 days (conventional arm, n = 235) or for 3 days followed by 2 days of placebo (experimental arm, n = 235). Antibiotic treatment for 7 days is given to all patients with CRP ≥ 50 mg/l, those with a known diagnosis of bronchiectasis, or those presenting with Anthonisen type I exacerbation. Additional treatment after inclusion is left at the discretion of the treating general practitioner. Follow-up visits are performed on days 3 and 7, followed by telephone interviews on days 30, 90, and 180 after inclusion in the study. The primary endpoint is the time to next exacerbation during the 6-month follow-up period.

Discussion

The study is designed to assess whether a 3-day course of corticosteroid treatment is not inferior to the conventional 5-day treatment course in outpatients with exacerbated COPD regarding time to next exacerbation. Depending on the results, this trial may lead to a reduction in the cumulative corticosteroid dose in COPD patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02386735. Registered on 12 March 2015.
Embryogenic cell suspensions for high-capacity genetic transformation and regeneration of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)
Authors: Ondzighi-Assoume Christine A. , Willis Jonathan D. , Ouma Wilson K. , Allen Sara M. , King Zachary , Parrott Wayne A. , Liu Wusheng , Burris Jason N. , Lenaghan Scott C. , Stewart C. Neal
Published: December 2019

Background

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.), a North American prairie grassland species, is a potential lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock owing to its wide adaptability and biomass production. Production and genetic manipulation of switchgrass should be useful to improve its biomass composition and production for bioenergy applications. The goal of this project was to develop a high-throughput stable switchgrass transformation method usingAgrobacterium tumefacienswith subsequent plant regeneration.

Results

Regenerable embryogenic cell suspension cultures were established from friable type II callus-derived inflorescences using two genotypes selected from the synthetic switchgrass variety ‘Performer’ tissue culture lines 32 and 605. The cell suspension cultures were composed of a heterogeneous fine mixture culture of single cells and aggregates.Agrobacterium tumefaciensstrain GV3101 was optimum to transfer into cells the pANIC-10A vector with a hygromycin-selectable marker gene and apporRFPorange fluorescent protein marker gene at an 85% transformation efficiency. Liquid cultures gave rise to embryogenic callus and then shoots, of which up to 94% formed roots. The resulting transgenic plants were phenotypically indistinguishable from the non-transgenic parent lines.

Conclusion

The new cell suspension-based protocol enables high-throughputAgrobacterium-mediated transformation and regeneration of switchgrass in which plants are recovered within 6–7 months from culture establishment.
Morphology is not a reliable taxonomic tool for the genus Lernaea: molecular data and experimental infection reveal that L. cyprinacea and L. cruciata are conspecific
Authors: Hua Cong J. , Zhang Dong , Zou Hong , Li Ming , Jakovlić Ivan , Wu Shan G. , Wang Gui T. , Li Wen X.
Published: December 2019

Background

Species belonging to the genusLernaeaare cosmopolitan parasites that can infect many different freshwater fish hosts. Due to a high degree of morphological intraspecific variability and high levels of interspecific similarities, their classification is extremely difficult and controversial. Although the suitability of the shape of cephalic horns has been questioned decades ago by some experimental infection studies, this character still plays the central role in the identification ofLernaeaspp.

Methods

We used the nominal speciesLernaea cyprinaceaandLernaea cruciatato test the hypothesis that the shape of the anchor can exhibit host-induced morphological variability, and that the two taxa may be synonymous.

Results

We examined 517 wild or farmed specimens of five host fish species (four cyprinids and a mosquitofish), and found that all 16 parasite specimens collected from mosquitofish could be morphologically identified asL. cruciata, whereas the remaining 25 parasite specimens were all identified asL. cyprinacea. We experimentally infected goldfish and mosquitofish specimens with offspring (copepodids) of a singleL. cyprinaceaspecimen: the adult parasites from goldfish were morphologically identified asL. cyprinacea, and those from mosquitofish asL. cruciata. We then used molecular data to corroborate that all these specimens are conspecific.

Conclusions

Our results suggest thatL. cyprinaceaandL. cruciatamay be synonyms, misidentified as different species as a result of host-induced morphological variation. Given the current shortage of molecular data for the genusLernaea, in order to resolve the taxonomy of this genus (determine the exact number of species), future studies should aim to sequence as much molecular data as possible, and conduct further experimental infections.
Transcriptome-based analysis of putative allergens of Chorioptes texanus
Authors: He Ran , Gu Xiao-Bin , Xie Yue , Peng Xue-Rong , Angel Christiana , Yang Guang-You
Published: December 2019

Background

Mites of the genusChorioptesare non-burrowing and cause mange in a wide range of domestic and wild animals including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, panda, moose, camelids, mydaus and alpacas. Molecular biology and host-parasite interactions ofChorioptes texanusare poorly understood, and only a fewC. texanusgenes and transcript sequences are available in public databases including the allergen genes.

Methods

Chorioptes texanusRNA was isolated from mites, and the transcriptome ofC. texanuswas analyzed using bioinformatics tools.Chorioptes texanusunigenes were compared with the allergen protein sequences from the mite allergen database website to predict the potential allergens.Chorioptes texanusputative allergen unigenes were compared with hydrolase genes by building aC. texanushydrolase gene library with the best match of the homologous sequences. Three allergen genes were cloned and expressed, their recombinant proteins were purified and their allergenic activities were preliminarily investigated.

Results

Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) ofC. texanuswas analyzed and results demonstrated that 33,138 unigenes were assembled with an average length of 751 bp. A total of 15,130 unigenes were annotated and 5598 unigenes were enriched in 262 KEGG signaling pathways. We obtained 209 putative allergen genes and 34 putative allergen-hydrolase genes. Three recombinant allergen proteins were observed to induce different degrees of allergic reactions on rabbit skin.

Conclusions

The present transcriptome data provide a useful basis for understanding the host-parasite interaction and molecular biology of theC. texanusmite. The allergenic activities of recombinantEuroglyphus maynei1-like (Eur m 1-like) protein,Dermatophagoides ptreronyssinus1-like (Der p 1-like) protein andDermatophagoides ptreronyssinus7-like (Der p 7-like) protein were preliminarily investigated by intradermal skin test. Meanwhile, differences in eosinophil counts were observed in different injected sites of the skin. The identification of putative allergen genes and hydrolase genes offers opportunities for the development of new diagnostic, prevention and treatment methods.
Nested plant LTR retrotransposons target specific regions of other elements, while all LTR retrotransposons often target palindromes and nucleosome-occupied regions: in silico study
Authors: Jedlicka Pavel , Lexa Matej , Vanat Ivan , Hobza Roman , Kejnovsky Eduard
Published: December 2019

Background

Nesting is common in LTR retrotransposons, especially in large genomes containing a high number of elements.

Results

We analyzed 12 plant genomes and obtained 1491 pairs of nested and original (pre-existing) LTR retrotransposons. We systematically analyzed mutual nesting of individual LTR retrotransposons and found that certain families, more often belonging to the Ty3/gypsy than Ty1/copia superfamilies, showed a higher nesting frequency as well as a higher preference for older copies of the same family (“autoinsertions”). Nested LTR retrotransposons were preferentially located in the 3’UTR of other LTR retrotransposons, while coding and regulatory regions (LTRs) are not commonly targeted. Insertions displayed a weak preference for palindromes and were associated with a strong positional pattern of higher predicted nucleosome occupancy. Deviation from randomness in target site choice was also found in 13,983 non-nested plant LTR retrotransposons.

Conclusions

We reveal that nesting of LTR retrotransposons is not random. Integration is correlated with sequence composition, secondary structure and the chromatin environment. Insertion into retrotransposon positions with a low negative impact on family fitness supports the concept of the genome being viewed as an ecosystem of various elements.
High-content screening image dataset and quantitative image analysis of Salmonella infected human cells
Authors: Antoniou Antony N. , Powis Simon J. , Kriston-Vizi Janos
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Salmonella bacteria can induce the unfolded protein response, a cellular stress response to misfolding proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum. Salmonella can exploit the host unfolded protein response leading to enhanced bacterial replication which was in part mediated by the induction and/or enhanced endo-reticular membrane synthesis. We therefore wanted to establish a quantitative confocal imaging assay to measure endo-reticular membrane expansion following Salmonella infections of host cells.

Data description

High-content screening confocal fluorescence microscopic image set of Salmonella infected HeLa cells is presented. The images were collected with a PerkinElmer Opera LX high-content screening system in seven 96-well plates, 50 field-of-views and DAPI, endoplasmic reticulum tracker channels and Salmonella mCherry protein in each well. Totally 93,300 confocal fluorescence microscopic images were published in this dataset. An ImageJ high-content image analysis workflow was used to extract features. Cells were classified as infected and non-infected, the mean intensity of endoplasmic reticulum tracker under Salmonella bacteria was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by an R script, quantifying infected and non-infected cells for wild-type and ΔsifA mutant cells. The dataset can be further used by researchers working with big data of endoplasmic reticulum fluorescence microscopic images, Salmonella bacterial infection images and human cancer cells.
In vivo conversion of rat astrocytes into neuronal cells through neural stem cells in injured spinal cord with a single zinc-finger transcription factor
Authors: Zarei-Kheirabadi Masoumeh , Hesaraki Mahdi , Kiani Sahar , Baharvand Hossein
Published: December 2019

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in glial scar formation and irreversible neuronal loss, which finally leads to functional impairments and long-term disability. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the ectopic expression of Zfp521 reprograms fibroblasts and astrocytes into induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). However, it remains unclear whether treatment with Zfp521 also affects endogenous astrocytes, thus promoting further functional recovery following SCI.

Methods

Rat astrocytes were transdifferentiated into neural stem cells in vitro by ZFP521 or Sox2. Then, ZFP521 was applied to the spinal cord injury site of a rat. Transduction, real-time PCR, immunohistofluorescence, and function assessments were performed at 6 weeks post-transduction to evaluate improvement and in vivo lineage reprogramming of astrocytes.

Results

Here, we show that Zfp521 is more efficient in reprogramming cultured astrocytes compared with Sox2. In the injured spinal cord of an adult rat, resident astrocytes can be reprogrammed into neurons through a progenitor stage by Zfp521. Importantly, this treatment improves the functional abilities of the rats as evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and further by calculation of its subscores. There was enhanced locomotor activity in the hind limbs, step length, toe spread, foot length, and paw area. In addition, motor evoked potential recordings demonstrated the functional integrity of the spinal cord.

Conclusions

These results have indicated that the generation of iNSCs or neurons from endogenous astrocytes by in situ reprogramming might be a potential strategy for SCI repair.

Graphical abstract
SOX19b regulates the premature neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells through EZH2-mediated histone methylation in neural tube development of zebrafish
Authors: Li Xian , Zhou Wenjuan , Li Xinyue , Gao Ming , Ji Shufang , Tian Wenyu , Ji Guangyu , Du Jingyi , Hao Aijun
Published: December 2019

Objective

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most serious and common birth defects in the clinic. The SRY-related HMG box B1 (SoxB1) gene family has been implicated in different processes of early embryogenesis. Sox19b is a maternally expressed gene in the SoxB1 family that is found in the region of the presumptive central nervous system (CNS), but its role and mechanism in embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) during neural tube development have not yet been explored. Considering that Sox19b is specific to bony fish, we intended to investigate the role and mechanism of Sox19b in neural tube development in zebrafish embryos.

Material and methods

Morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides were used to construct a Sox19b loss-of-function zebrafish model. The phenotype and the expression of related genes were analysed by in situ hybridization and immunolabelling. Epigenetic modifications were detected by western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

In this study, we found that zebrafish embryos exhibited a reduced or even deleted forebrain phenotype after the expression of the Sox19b gene was inhibited. Moreover, we found for the first time that knockdown of Sox19b reduced the proliferation of NSCs; increased the transcription levels of Ngn1, Ascl1, HuC, Islet1, and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors; and led to premature differentiation of NSCs. Finally, we found that knockdown of Sox19b decreased the levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 and decreased the level of H3K27me3 at the promoters of Ngn1 and ascl1a.

Conclusion

Together, our data demonstrate that Sox19b plays an essential role in early NSC proliferation and differentiation through EZH2-mediated histone methylation in neural tube development. This study established the role of transcription factor Sox19b and epigenetic factor EZH2 regulatory network on NSC development, which provides new clues and theoretical guidance for the clinical treatment of neural tube defects.
A social trust and preference segmentation-based matrix factorization recommendation algorithm
Authors: Peng Wei , Xin Baogui
Published: December 2019

A recommendation can inspire potential demands of users and make e-commerce platforms more intelligent and is essential for e-commerce enterprises’ sustainable development. The traditional social recommendation algorithm ignores the following fact: the preferences of users with trust relationships are not necessarily similar, and the consideration of user preference similarity should be limited to specific areas. To solve these problems mentioned above, we propose a social trust and preference segmentation-based matrix factorization (SPMF) recommendation algorithm. Experimental results based on the Ciao and Epinions datasets show that the accuracy of the SPMF algorithm is significantly superior to that of some state-of-the-art recommendation algorithms. The SPMF algorithm is a better recommendation algorithm based on distinguishing the difference of trust relations and preference domain, which can support commercial activities such as product marketing.
Lifestyle interventions to maternal weight loss after birth: a systematic review
Authors: Christiansen Pernille Kjaergaard , Skjøth Mette Maria , Rothmann Mette Juel , Vinter Christina Anne , Lamont Ronald Francis , Draborg Eva
Published: December 2019

Background

Over the past decades, there has been an increase in overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age, as well as the general population. Overweight and obesity are related to a later, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Increasing weight between pregnancies has a negative impact on the development of the fetus in a subsequent pregnancy. It is also related to long-term obesity and overweight for the woman. Accordingly, weight control in women of the childbearing age is important for both women and their offspring. Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an integrated part of many peoples’ lives, and it has the potential to prevent disease. In this systematic review, we summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials to compare effects of different ICT-based interventions to support postpartum women to achieve weight loss.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane, searching on terms, such as postpartum, weight loss, telemedicine, and randomized controlled trials. Two independent researchers undertook study selection and data extraction. Results were reported narratively. The systematic review only included studies that were randomized controlled trials.

Results

Eight studies were included in the systematic review. All of them were characterized by applying one or more ICT components to assist postpartum women in weight control, and had weight loss as an outcome measure. A significant difference was found in weight loss between control group and intervention group in the majority of the studies. However, five of the studies had a relatively short follow-up period (40 days to 16 weeks), six of the studies had a relatively small sample size (18 to 66 women), and half of the studies indicated challenges with adherence to the interventions over time.

Conclusion

ICT-based interventions can support postpartum women to achieve a healthy lifestyle and weight control. Future studies should focus on larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and adherence to the interventions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018080731
Feasibility and acceptability of living systematic reviews: results from a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Millard Tanya , Synnot Anneliese , Elliott Julian , Green Sally , McDonald Steve , Turner Tari
Published: December 2019

Background

Living systematic reviews (LSRs) offer an approach to keeping high-quality evidence synthesis continually up to date, so the most recent, relevant and reliable evidence can be used to inform policy and practice, resulting in improved quality of care and patient health outcomes. However, they require modifications to authoring and editorial processes and pose technical and publishing challenges. Several teams within Cochrane and the international Living Evidence Network have been piloting living systematic reviews.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation with participants involved in six LSRs (three Cochrane and three non-Cochrane). Up to three semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants involved with one or more of the pilot LSRs. Interviews explored participants’ experiences contributing to the LSR, barriers and facilitators to their conduct and opportunities for future development. Pilot team members also completed monthly surveys capturing time for key tasks and the number of citations screened for each review.

Results

Across the pilot LSRs, search frequency was monthly to three-monthly, with some using tools such as machine learning and Cochrane Crowd to screen searches. Varied approaches were used to communicate updates to readers. The number of citations screened varied widely between the reviews, from three to 300 citations per month. The amount of time spent per month by the author team on each review also varied from 5 min to 32 h. Participants were enthusiastic to be involved in the LSR pilot. They highlighted the importance of a motivated and well-organised team; the value of technology enablers to improve workflow efficiencies; the need to establish reliable and efficient processes to sustain living reviews; and the potential for saving time and effort in the long run. Participants highlighted challenges with the current publication processes, managing ongoing workload and the lack of resources to support LSRs in the long term.

Conclusions

Findings to date support feasibility and acceptability of LSR production. There are challenges that need to be addressed for living systematic reviews to be sustainable and have maximum value. The findings from this study will be used in discussions with the Cochrane community, key decision makers and people more broadly concerned with LSRs to identify and develop priorities for scale-up.
Existence of solution for 2-D time-fractional differential equations with a boundary integral condition
Authors: Kasmi Lotfi , Guerfi Amara , Mesloub Said
Published: December 2019

In this article, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution for 2-dimensional time-fractional differential equations with classical and integral boundary conditions. We start by writing this problem in the operator form and we choose suitable spaces and norms. Then we establish prior estimates from which we deduce the uniqueness of the strong solution. For the existence of solution for the fractional problem, we prove that the range of the operator generated by the considered problem is dense.
Appropriateness of antimicrobial use among septic patients managed by the critical care response team: an opportunity for improvement through de-escalation
Authors: Al-Qahtani Saad M. , Baffoe-Bonnie Henry , El-Saed Aiman , Alshamrani Majid , Algwizani Abdullah , Alaklabi Ali , AlJoudi Khuloud , Albaalharith Nahlah , Mohammed Azzam , Hussain Sajid , Balkhy Hanan H.
Published: December 2019

Background

Most septic patients managed by critical care response teams (CCRT) are prescribed antimicrobials. Nevertheless, data evaluating their appropriateness are lacking both locally and internationally. The objective was to assess antimicrobial use among septic and non-septic patients managed by CCRT.

Setting

Case-control design was used to compare septic (cases) and non-septic (controls) CCRT patients at tertiary care setting. The frequency of antimicrobial use was assessed before and after CCRT activation. The appropriateness of antimicrobial use was assessed at day four post-CCRT, based on standard recommendations, clinical assessment, and culture results.

Main results

A total of 157 cases and 158 controls were included. The average age was 61.1 ± 20.4 years, and 54.6% were males, with minor differences between groups. The use of any antimicrobial was 100.0% in cases and 87.3% in controls (p < 0.001). The use of meropenem (68.2% versus 34.8%, p < 0.001) and vancomycin (56.7% versus 25.9%, p < 0.001) were markedly higher in cases than controls. The overall appropriateness was significantly lower in cases than controls (50.7% versus 59.6%, p = 0.047). Individual appropriateness was lowest with meropenem (16.7%) and imipenem (25.0%), and highest with piperacillin/tazobactam (87.1%) and colistin (78.3%). Only 48.5% of antimicrobials prescribed by CCRT were de-escalated by a primary team within four days. Individual appropriateness and de-escalations were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Empiric use and inadequate de-escalation of broad-spectrum antimicrobials were major causes for inappropriate antimicrobial use in CCRT patients. Our findings highlight the necessity of urgent implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program, including training and auditing of antimicrobial prescriptions.
Causal effect of mergers and acquisitions on EU bank productivity
Authors: Aljadani Abdussalam , Toumi Hassen
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the causal effect of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on bank productivity (Q) in 23 European Union countries and the short- and long-term relationship among fixed assets (k1), liquid assets (k2), and labour (L) over the period 1990–2013 for a sample of 156 commercial banks, of which 60 entities have acquired at least one other entity. Granger causality tests on our results reveal unidirectional causality from liquid assets to fixed assets. However, the causality between K2 and L is unobservable, and the linkage between fixed assets and labour is bidirectional. The error correction term (ECT) is negative and statistically significant for all models, which denotes the presence of bidirectional relationship among all selected variables and long-term unidirectional causality from mergers and acquisitions to bank productivity. Our long-term dynamic panel estimates indicate that the strategic fit of mergers and acquisitions has the potential to create long-term productivity improvement.
Hypocenter relocation of the aftershocks of the Mw 7.5 Palu earthquake (September 28, 2018) and swarm earthquakes of Mamasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia, using the BMKG network data
Authors: Supendi Pepen , Nugraha Andri Dian , Widiyantoro Sri , Abdullah Chalid Idham , Puspito Nanang T. , Palgunadi Kadek Hendrawan , Daryono D. , Wiyono Samsul Hadi
Published: December 2019

On September 28, 2018, the Mw 7.5 earthquake occurred in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This earthquake produced strong tremors, landslides, liquefaction and a tsunami and caused thousands of fatalities and damaged houses and infrastructure. We have relocated 386 of the 554 Palu aftershocks by using the double-difference relocation method (hypoDD) from September 28 to November 22, 2018. The aftershock pattern is consistent with the crustal deformation in the area and generally shows that the events have a NW–SE trending of ~ 200 km in length and ~ 50 km in width. Most of the aftershocks are located to the east of the Palu-Koro Fault Line. Since November 2, 2018, there have been hundreds of swarm earthquakes in the area of Mamasa, West Sulawesi, which is about 230 km south of the city of Palu. Some of these earthquakes were felt, and houses were even damaged. We have relocated 535 of the 556 swarm earthquakes having a magnitude of M 2 to M 5.4. Our results show that the seismicity pattern has a dip that becomes shallower to the west (dipping at a ~ 45° angle) and extends from north to south for a length of ~ 50 km. We also conducted a focal mechanism analysis to estimate the type of fault slip for selected events of an M > 4.5 magnitude. Most of the solutions of the focal mechanism analysis show a normal fault type. This swarm earthquake probably corresponds to the activity of the fault in the local area.
A case report of carcinoma of uterine cervix throwing heterochronous metastasis to the skin, spleen, and pancreas: the role of multimodality treatment approach
Authors: Gupta P. K. , Lal P. , Tiwari A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Cancer of cervix often fails locally and/or within the pelvis. One to two percent of cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients have lung metastases at presentation, and 5–35% develop pulmonary metastases later on. Common sites of metastases are the liver, bone, and bowel. We report a rare case presentation of cervical squamous cell cancer where heterochronous metastasis occurred in the skin, spleen, and pancreas without loco-regional recurrence and skipping of visceral organs such as the lung, liver, and brain.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old, postmenopausal lady presented with a complaint of bleeding of the vagina for 2 months duration. Cervical biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, and she was staged as a case of FIGO stage IIIB. She received external beam-beam radiotherapy of 50 Gy in 25 fractions along with concurrent weekly cisplatin at 35 mg/m2 followed by 3 fractions of intracavitary brachytherapy of 6 Gy each. After 30 months of follow-up, she presented with a skin lesion of 6 × 5 cm2 in the infrascapular region for 2 months duration. Biopsy revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Her metastatic work-up revealed no other lesions. Palliative radiotherapy to local site of 8 Gy in single fraction was delivered. The lesion disappeared within 4 weeks. She was given 6 cycles of cisplatin and paclitaxel salvage chemotherapy. After 30 months of follow-up, she presented with a skin lesion of 6 × 5 cm2 in the infrascapular region. Biopsy revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Her metastatic work-up revealed no other lesions. Palliative radiotherapy to the local site was planned, and a dose of 8 Gy in a single fraction was delivered. The lesion disappeared within 4 weeks. She was given 6 cycles of cisplatin and paclitaxel salvage chemotherapy. Six months after the completion of salvage therapy, she reported with the complaints of recurrent bouts of hematemesis and melena. Her CECT scan revealed 2 × 1.5 cm2 growth in the body of the pancreas and a subcentric splenic hilum node. She underwent open splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy. Histopathology report showed metastatic infiltration in pancreatic tissue by squamous cell carcinoma and one metastatic node in the splenic hilum. Post-treatment, 6 months, the patient was asymptomatic with no recurrence.

Conclusions

This is a rare heterochronous metastatic presentation of cervical cancer without loco-regional recurrence and visceral organs such as the lung, liver, and brain. The optimal treatment remains undefined for these patients. Multimodality treatment is necessary to manage the patients.