bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Feedstock Concentration on the Microbial Community Dynamics During Textile Waste Composting
Authors: Biyada Saloua , Merzouki Mohammed , Dėmčėnko Taisija , Vasiliauskienė Dovilė , Marčiulaitienė Eglė , Vasarevičius Saulius , Urbonavičius Jaunius
Published: March 2022

In this study, the effect of initial feedstock concentration on the microbial community structure and dynamics during textile waste composting processes was investigated using the next-generation sequencing approach. For this, three mixtures were prepared with different textile waste concentrations mixed with green waste and paper and cardboard waste for composting, to choose the proportion that will provide a mature final compost. A comprehensive characterization of the microbial communities associated with different textile waste concentrations during composting was achieved. It was noted that by increasing the concentration of textile waste, microbial communities (bacterial and fungal) change. Genera and species belonging to Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexia, Rozellomycota, Mortierellomycota, Aphelidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mucoromycota were the most abundant in the mixtures containing either 40 or 60% of textile waste, whereas some of the species were absent at 80% of textile waste in the mix; this difference was also reflected by their enzymatic activities. Generally, these phyla are associated with composting, and they play a major role in recalcitrant molecular decaying. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the shift most likely occurred in microbial communities during composting probably owing to the interaction between changes in the nutrient concentration and microbial communities. This investigation proves that the concentration of textile waste significantly affects the microbial communities and demonstrates that a high concentration of textile waste is not suitable to grant a good maturity of compost.
Genetic Variants of MicroRNA and DROSHA Genes in Association With the Risk of Tuberculosis in the Amazon Population
Authors: Leal Diana Feio da Veiga Borges , Santana da Silva Mayara Natália , Pastana Lucas Favacho , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Athayde Aidalucy do Socorro Costa de , Fernandes Porchera Débora Christina Ricardo , Silva Cleonardo Augusto da , Modesto Antônio André Conde , De Assumpcão Paulo Pimentel , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with high incidence and mortality. Studies reported that host genetic variants might be associated with the risk of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to perform an association study between 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and tuberculosis and evaluate whether these SNPs may confer risk factors to tuberculosis in the Amazon population. There were 52 males and 126 females, with total of 178 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan Open Array Genotyping. Ancestry-informative markers were used to estimate the ancestral proportions of the individuals in the case and control groups. The results indicated that the SNPs rs10035440 (DROSHA), rs7372209 (miR26-a1), rs1834306 (miR100), rs4919510 (miR608), and rs10739971 (pri-let-7a-1) were significantly associated with high risk and rs3746444 (miR499) and rs6505162 (miR423), with low risk of developing tuberculosis in the Amazon population. Our study concluded that seven miRNA polymorphisms were associated with tuberculosis. Our study contributes to a better understanding of TB pathogenesis and may promote the development of new diagnostic tools against M. tuberculosis infection.
The Contribution of Genetic Variation and Aberrant Methylation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway Genes to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Tian-Ping , Li Rui , Li Hong-Miao , Xiang Nan , Tan Zhen , Wang Guo-Sheng , Li Xiao-Mei
Published: March 2022

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway participates in immune regulation of multiple autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted this study to investigate the association of AHR signaling pathway genes (AHR, ARNT, AHRR) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as their methylation levels, with RA susceptibility. Nine SNPs (AHR gene rs2066853, rs2158041, rs2282885, ARNT gene rs10847, rs1889740, rs11204735, AHRR gene rs2292596, rs2672725, rs349583) were genotyped via improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) in 479 RA patients and 496 healthy controls. We used the Illumina Hiseq platform to detect methylation levels of these genes in 122 RA patients and 123 healthy controls. A significant increase in rs11204735 C allele frequency was observed in RA patients when compared to controls. Further, rs11204735 polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of RA under the dominant model. ARNT CCC haplotype frequency was significantly increased in RA patients in comparison to controls. In the AHRR gene, rs2672725 GG genotype, G allele frequencies were significantly related to an increased risk of RA and rs2292596, rs2672725 polymorphism were significantly associated with an increased risk of RA under the dominant model, recessive model, respectively. However, no significant association was identified between AHR gene polymorphism and RA susceptibility. The AHR methylation level in RA patients was significantly higher than the controls, while AHRR methylation level was abnormally reduced in RA patients. In addition, AHRR rs2672725 genotype distribution was significantly associated with the AHRR methylation level among RA patients. In summary, ARNT rs11204735, AHRR rs2292596, and rs2672725 polymorphisms were associated with RA susceptibility and altered AHR, AHRR methylation levels were related to the risk of RA.
Impact of Late and Recurrent Acute Graft Pyelonephritis on Long-Term Kidney Graft Outcomes
Authors: Pacaud Margaux , Colas Luc , Kerleau Clarisse , Le Borgne Florent , Giral Magali , Brouard Sophie , Dantal Jacques
Published: March 2022

Background

While Urinary tract infections are the most common infections in kidney transplant recipients, the impact of late acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN) on graft outcomes remains unknown. Our study was performed to more precisely evaluate the long-term impact of AGPN.

Methods

We included 9052 kidney and combined kidney-pancreas recipients who underwent transplantation between 2008 and 2018 from a French multicenter cohort. The relationships between AGPN and patient and graft survival were analyzed with a time-dependent multivariate Cox model.

Results

The cumulative incidence of AGPN was 20.9%. A first episode of early AGPN is associated with a non-significant increase in the risk of graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.90 to 1.79). Though, cumulative number of AGPN episodes (HR = 1.51; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.57 for two episodes and HR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.69 for three or more episodes) is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. In contrast, when the first episode of AGPN occurred late (i.e., 6 months post transplantation), the risk of graft failure is significantly increased (HR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.65 to 3.07), and this risk remains relatively stable with the recurrence of late AGPN episodes. The onset of late AGPN were also associated with a higher risk of patient death.

Conclusion

This analysis shows that late AGPN and recurrent AGPN are both risk factors for a poor long-term graft outcome and mortality. Late AGPN should not be considered benign infections in post-transplantation follow-up.
LINC00520: A Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiudan , Shen Jinze , Wu Yuchen , Ruan Wenjing , Zhu Feng , Duan Shiwei
Published: March 2022

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is important in the study of cancer mechanisms. LINC00520 is located on human chromosome 14q22.3 and is a highly conserved long non-coding RNA. LINC00520 is widely expressed in various tissues. The expression of LINC00520 is regulated by transcription factors such as Sp1, TFAP4, and STAT3. The high expression of LINC00520 is significantly related to the risk of 11 cancers. LINC00520 can competitively bind 10 miRNAs to promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, LINC00520 is involved in the regulation of P13K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The expression of LINC00520 is significantly related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of tumor patients and is also related to the sensitivity of HNSCC to radiotherapy. Here, this article summarizes the abnormal expression pattern of LINC00520 in cancer and its potential molecular regulation mechanism and points out that LINC00520 can be used as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Estradiol Aggravate Nocardia farcinica Infections in Mice
Authors: Han Lichao , Ji Xingzhao , Liu Xueping , Xu Shuai , Li Fang , Che Yanlin , Qiu Xiaotong , Sun Lina , Li Zhenjun
Published: March 2022

Males are generally more susceptible to Nocardia infection than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 2 and higher clinical disease. 17β-Estradiol has been implicated in affecting the sex-based gap by inhibiting the growth of N. brasiliensis in experiments, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. In the present study, however, we report increased severity in N. farcinica IFM 10152-infected female mice compared with male mice with increased mortality, elevated lung bacterial loads and an exaggerated pulmonary inflammatory response, which was mimicked in ovariectomized female mice supplemented with E2. Similarly, the overwhelming increase in bacterial loads was also evident in E2-treated host cells, which were associated with downregulating the phosphorylation level of the MAPK pathway by binding the estrogen receptor. We conclude that although there are more clinical cases of Nocardia infection in males, estrogen promotes the survival of the bacteria, which leads to aggravated inflammation in females. Our data emphasize the need to include and separately analyze both sexes in future studies of Nocardia to understand the sex differences in immune responses and disease pathogenesis.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Regulation Mechanism of Sporogenesis in Ulva prolifera
Authors: Jiang Jianan , Li Yahe , Hu Chaoyang , Zhu Wenrong , Xu Nianjun
Published: March 2022

Ulva prolifera, the main causative species of green tide, has drawn much attention. Spore reproduction was one of the main reproduction strategies that could be induced by changing environmental factors, but the mechanism of spore formation remains obscure. Here, we culturedU. prolifera(segments) under the optimal sporulation condition, and four states in total from vegetative to reproductive were defined. Additionally, the chlorophyll fluorescence and transcriptome analysis were determined at these four states. The results showed that: (1) Compared with state I, the photosynthetic capacity (Fv/Fm, Fv′/Fm′, rETRmax) and chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, carotenoids) were enhanced in state II, whereas it decreased in state III and IV (the spore formation period); (2) a total of 41,058 unigenes were expressed during the spore formation process; (3) compared with state I, the genes related with photosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in states II, III, and IV whereas glycolysis was downregulated in state I; (4) some genes of the transcription factors families, such as the C3H family, may be one of the key factors that regulate genes in the spore formation; (5) 574 of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with flagella biosynthesis were annotated according to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology, including 20 unigenes encoding intraflagellar transport proteins (IFTs) which had not been reported in previous transcriptome analysis inU. prolifera. This study provides a new perspective of spore formation at the gene transcriptional level, although the detailed transcription regulatory spore formation network remains to be unveiled.
Hygrothermal Aging History of Amine-Epoxy Resins: Effects on Thermo-Mechanical Properties
Authors: Gibhardt Dennis , Buggisch Christina , Meyer Devin , Fiedler Bodo
Published: March 2022

Epoxy systems are widely used as matrix resins for fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) and, therefore, often have to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Especially in marine and offshore environments, moisture or direct water contact leads to water absorption into the epoxy resin. As a result, the mechanical properties change during application. Since diffusion at room or colder temperatures is slow, industry and academia typically use accelerated aging methods at elevated temperatures for durability prediction. However, as the water-polymer interaction is a complex combination of plasticization, physical aging, and molecular interaction, all of these mechanisms are expected to be affected by the ambient temperature. To reveal the impact of aging time and temperature on the thermo-mechanical properties of an amine-epoxy system, this publication includes various hygrothermal aging conditions, like water bath and relative humidity aging at temperatures ranging from 8°C to 70°C and relative humidity from 20% to 90%. Thus, it is demonstrated via long-term aging, DMTA and FTIR investigations that, e.g., strength, stiffness, strain to failure, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) can differ significantly depending on aging time and temperature. For example, it can be shown that water absorption at cold temperatures leads to the strongest and longest-lasting reduction in strength, although the maximum water absorption amount is lower than at higher temperatures. For the application, this means that strength differences of up to 26% can be obtained, depending on the aging method selected. Furthermore, it can be shown that conventional prediction models, such as Eyring correlation, which consider the mobility of the molecular structure for the prediction of thermo-mechanical properties, can only be used to a limited extent for prediction in hygrothermal aging. The reasons for this are seen to be, in particular, the different characteristics of the water-polymer interactions depending on the aging temperature. While plasticization dominates in cold conditions, relaxation and strong water-molecule bonds predominate in warm conditions.
Imidazo [1,2-a] Pyrimidine Derivatives as Effective Inhibitor of Mild Steel Corrosion in HCl Solution: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Cao Kun , Huang Wenheng , Huang Xi , Pan Jie
Published: March 2022

The inhibitory performance of imidazole [1,2-a] pyrimidine derivatives, namely, 2,4-diphenylbenzo [4,5]imidazo [1,2-a]pyrimidine (DPIP) and 2-(4-octylphenyl)-4-phenylbenzo [4,5]imidazo [1,2-a]pyrimidine (OPIP), against mild steel corrosion in 1 mol L−1 HCl solution was studied by weight loss at different temperatures, potentiodynamic polarization curves (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface analysis technology. The two corrosion inhibitors showed an outstanding inhibition performance, and the inhibition efficiency achieved 91.9% for OPIP and 90.5% for DPIP at a concentration of 0.1 mmol L−1. Electrochemical methods showed that DPIP and OPIP behaved as mixed-type inhibitors. Density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) were approached to theoretically study the relationship of the inhibitor structure and anti-corrosion performance, which were also compatible with the weight loss and electrochemical observations.
The Pivotal Role of Quality Technical Structures for Clinical Trials Oversight in the Achievement of Long-Term Capacity Strengthening Outcomes
Authors: Owusu Sekyere Solomon , Škrnjug-Yudov Ivana , Pinz Alexander , Meyer Heidi , Conrad Christoph
Published: March 2022

Background

Development of safe and efficacious medicines in many sub-Sahara African countries remains hampered due to fragmented health research infrastructure and ineffective regulatory oversight. To boost the latter in the area of Clinical Trials (CT) Oversight (CTO), many international programs and Regional Centers for Regulatory Excellence (RCORE) initiatives offer various trainings to help strengthen human resource capacity. Here, we aimed at evaluating the training outcomes (at home-institution level) of sponsored fellows for one of such capacity strengthening interventions; a measure that is less often reported and thus remains poorly understood.

Method

The Global Health Protection Programme's VaccTrain project sponsored nine regulatory staff from eight National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) in sub-Saharan Africa for the RCORE CT Training Fellowship by FDA Ghana in a particular year. Using a systematized evaluation framework based on the theory of change, we assessed the individual- and NMRA-level achievement of pre-defined training outcomes. For this purpose, data was collected at pre-training and at short- and long-term evaluation time-points using a survey instrument.

Results

At pre-training, our data revealed existence of differential expectations and orientations among the training participants, thus providing an early indication of potential distinctive patterns in achievement of desired training outcomes. In a short-term post-training follow-up evaluation, a two-group clustering of fellows based on the achievement of training outcomes where only one group (representing 44%) reported achievement of CTO-related outcomes was observed. At this time-point, achievement of training outcomes was associated with the vibrancy of CT activity and existence of a comprehensive technical structure for CTO. In a further long-term follow-up evaluation, our data revealed a successful achievement of CTO-related individual- and/or institutional-level outcomes in all but one fellow. Here again, availability of a robust technical structure for CTO (and perhaps fellow affiliation/selection)–but not CT vibrancy–showed a trend of temporal association with achievement of training outcomes.

Conclusion

Given the pivotal role operational structures of international standards at home institutions play in translating training-acquired knowledge into measurable CTO-related outcomes, we encourage that capacity strengthening projects aimed at achieving health-related targets of Sustainable Development Goals adopt an approach built on this foundation.
Performance of NEWS, qSOFA, and SIRS Scores for Assessing Mortality, Early Bacterial Infection, and Admission to ICU in COVID-19 Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Alencar Julio , Marina Gómez Gómez Luz , Cortez Andre Lazzeri , Possolo de Souza Heraldo , Levin Anna Sara , Salomão Matias Chiarastelli
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a wide spectrum of presentations, from asymptomatic to pneumonia and sepsis. Risk scores have been used as triggers for protocols that combine several interventions for early management of sepsis. This study tested the accuracy of the score SIRS, qSOFA, and NEWS in predicting outcomes, including mortality and bacterial infection, in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We described 2,473 cases of COVID-19 admitted to the ED of the largest referral hospital for severe COVID-19 in Brazil during the pandemic. SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS scores showed a poor performance as prognostic scores. However, NEWS score had a high sensitivity to predict in-hospital death (0.851), early bacterial infection (0.851), and ICU admission (0.868), suggesting that it may be a good screening tool for severe cases of COVID-19, despite its low specificity.
Reproducibility of Standardized Uptake Values Including Volume Metrics Between TOF-PET-MR and TOF-PET-CT
Authors: Tanaka Aruki , Sekine Tetsuro , ter Voert Edwin E. G. W. , Zeimpekis Konstantinos G. , Delso Gaspar , de Galiza Barbosa Felipe , Warnock Geoffrey , Kumita Shin-ichiro , Veit Haibach Patrick , Huellner Martin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To investigate the reproducibility of tracer uptake measurements, including volume metrics, such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG) obtained by TOF-PET-CT and TOF-PET-MR.

Materials and Methods

Eighty consecutive patients with different oncologic diagnoses underwent TOF-PET-CT (Discovery 690; GE Healthcare) and TOF-PET-MR (SIGNA PET-MR; GE Healthcare) on the same day with single dose−18F-FDG injection. The scan order, PET-CT following or followed by PET-MR, was randomly assigned. A spherical volume of interest (VOI) of 30 mm was placed on the liver in accordance with the PERCIST criteria. For liver, the maximum and mean standard uptake value for body weight (SUV) and lean body mass (SUL) were obtained. For tumor delineation, VOI with a threshold of 40 and 50% of SUVmax was used (VOI40 and VOI50). The SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV and TLG were calculated. The measurements were compared between the two scanners.

Results

In total, 80 tumor lesions from 35 patients were evaluated. There was no statistical difference observed in liver regions, whereas in tumor lesions, SUVmax, SUV mean, and SUVpeak of PET-MR were significantly underestimated (p < 0.001) in both VOI40 and VOI50. Among volume metrics, there was no statistical difference observed except TLG on VOI50 (p = 0.03). Correlation between PET-CT and PET-MR of each metrics were calculated. There was a moderate correlation of the liver SUV and SUL metrics (r = 0.63–0.78). In tumor lesions, SUVmax and SUVmean had a stronger correlation with underestimation in PET-MR on VOI 40 (SUVmax and SUVmean; r = 0.92 and 0.91 with slope = 0.71 and 0.72, respectively). In the evaluation of MTV and TLG, the stronger correlations were observed both on VOI40 (MTV and TLG; r = 0.75 and 0.92) and VOI50 (MTV and TLG; r = 0.88 and 0.95) between PET-CT and PET-MR.

Conclusion

PET metrics on TOF-PET-MR showed a good correlation with that of TOF-PET-CT. SUVmax and SUVpeak of tumor lesions were underestimated by 16% on PET-MRI. MTV with % threshold can be regarded as identical volumetric markers for both TOF-PET-CT and TOF-PET-MR.
Prevalence and Main Clinical Characteristics of Fully Vaccinated Patients Admitted to Hospital for Delta Variant COVID-19
Authors: Vassallo Matteo , Clement Nicolas , Lotte Laurene , Manni Sabrina , Sindt Audrey , Bertrand Pierre M. , Durant Jacques
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The Delta variant of the novel beta coronavirus responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) spread across Europe during the summer of 2021. Little is known of vaccine efficacy on this variant. Our aim was to study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of fully vaccinated subjects admitted to hospital for Delta variant COVID-19.

Methods

We identified patients admitted to Cannes hospital for Delta-variant-related Covid-19 infection from July to September 2021. Their main demographic parameters, inflammatory markers, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Differences between fully vaccinated subjects and unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals were analyzed.

Results

We included 126 patients (57% male, mean age 64 years, mean delay since symptoms onset 7.8 days). Among admitted patients, 94 (75%) were not vaccinated, 11 (8%) incompletely so and 21 (17%) were fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated patients were older (77 vs. 61 vs. 62 years, p = 0.003), with fewer days since symptoms onset (5.9 vs. 8.0 vs. 9.3 days, p = 0.035) than unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients, respectively. Severe pneumonia was less frequent among completely vaccinated subjects (67 vs. 84 vs. 100%, p = 0.038), while rates of transfer to the ICU, mechanical ventilation or death did not differ. Thirteen fully vaccinated patients underwent a thoracic CT scan, revealing involvement of lung parenchyma in four of them.

Discussion

Prevalence of hospitalization for Delta-variant COVID-19 in fully vaccinated subjects was low and, despite their age and comorbid conditions, these patients had a high rate of favorable outcome.
Changes in Mortality According to Creatinine/Cystatin C Ratio in Chronic Kidney Disease and Non-chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Hwang Jeong Ah , Song Younghoon , Shin Jaeun , Cho Eunjung , Ahn Shin Young , Ko Gang Jee , Kwon Young Joo , Kim Ji Eun
Published: March 2022

Background

Serum creatinine and cystatin C are not only good indicators of renal function but have also been confirmed to be related to disease prognosis and mortality in various diseases via creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR). However, although they are biomarkers of renal function, there is no study regarding renal impairment as a confounding variable in the relationship between CCR and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Patients who had simultaneous measurements of serum creatinine and cystatin C between 2003 and 2020 were enrolled. The patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were defined as having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) CKD-EPI Cr-Cystatin C < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. CCR was calculated by dividing the serum creatinine level by the cystatin C level measured on the same day. The main outcome assessed was all-cause mortality according to CCR in CKD or non-CKD groups.

Results

Among the 8,680 patients in whom creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured simultaneously, 4,301 were included in the CKD group, and 4,379 were included in the non-CKD group, respectively. CCR was 1.4 ± 0.6 in total participants. The non-CKD group showed higher mean CCR, (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5) as well as a wider distribution of CCR (p < 0.001) when compared to the CKD group. In non-CKD group, 1st, 4th and 5th quintiles of CCR significantly increased the all-cause mortality risk compared to 2nd quintile of CCR, suggesting U-shaped mortality risk according to CCR in non-CKD. On the other hand, in CKD group, the risk of all-cause mortality linearly increased and 5th quintile of CCR showed 1.82 times risk of mortality compared to 2nd quintile of CCR. In the subgroup analysis of mortality by age and sex, the mortality difference according to CCR were diminished in old age and female sex subgroups.

Conclusion

We discovered a U-shaped relationship between mortality and CCR levels in normal renal function, and an increased risk of mortality in CKD with elevated CCR.
Accuracy of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurements in Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Devices in a Simulation Model
Authors: Johnson Garrett G. R. J. , Jelic Tomislav , Derksen Angela , Unger Bertram , Zeiler Frederick A. , Ziesmann Markus T. , Gillman Lawrence M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Transorbital sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an emerging non-invasive technique for the identification and monitoring of intracranial hypertension. In recent years, new pocket ultrasound devices have become available, and it is uncertain if they have the resolution to measure such small structures appropriately as compared to their predecessors. In this study, we measure the performance of three ultrasound units on a simulation model to establish their precision and accuracy.

Methods

ONSD was measured by three expert point-of-care sonographers using ultrasound machines three times on each of seven discrete ONS model sizes ranging from 3.5 to 7.9 mm. Two pocket ultrasounds (IVIZ, Sonosite, and Lumify, Philips) and one standard-sized portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, Sonosite) were used. Measurements were analyzed for mean error and variance and tested for significance using blocked covariance matrix regression analyses.

Results

The devices differed in their variances (Lumify: 0.19 mm2, M-Turbo: 0.26 mm2, IVIZ: 0.34 mm2) and their mean error (Lumify: −0.05 mm, M-Turbo: 0.10 mm, IVIZ: −0.10 mm). The difference in mean error between users is not significant (p = 0.45), but there is a significant difference in mean error between devices (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Accurate ONSD measurement is possible utilizing pocket-sized ultrasound, and in some cases, may be more accurate than larger portable ultrasound units. While the differences in these devices were statistically significant, all three were highly accurate, with one pocket device (Lumify) outperforming the rest. Further study in human subjects should be conducted prior to using pocket ultrasound devices for in vivo diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.
Case Report: Successful ABO-Incompatible Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in an Infant Without Pre-transplant Immunological Treatment
Authors: Zhao Daqiang , Zhu Lan , Zhang Shengyuan , Guo Zhiliang , Wang Lu , Pan Tianhui , Sa Rula , Chen Zhishui , Jiang Jipin , Chen Gang
Published: March 2022

ABO blood group antibodies have not been generated or are at low titer during early infancy. Therefore, in theory, ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi KT) may be successfully achieved in small infants without any pre-transplant treatment. We report here the first ABO-incompatible deceased donor kidney transplantation (ABOi DDKT) in an infant. The recipient infant was ABO blood group O, and the donor group A. The recipient was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) mutation and had received peritoneal dialysis for 4 months prior to transplant. At 7 months and 27 days of age, the infant underwent bilateral native nephrectomy and single-kidney transplantation from a 3-year-old brain-dead donor. No pre- or post-transplantation antibody removal treatment was performed, since the recipient's anti-iso-hemagglutinin-A Ig-M/G antibody titers were both low (1:2) before transplantation and have remained at low levels or undetectable to date. At 11 months post-transplant, the recipient is at home, thriving, with normal development and graft function. This outcome suggests that ABOi DDKT without antibody removal preparatory treatment is feasible in small infants, providing a new option for kidney transplantation in this age range.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D as Predictor of Renal Worsening Function in Chronic Kidney Disease. Results From the PASCaL-1,25D Study
Authors: Galassi Andrea , Fasulo Eliana Maria , Ciceri Paola , Casazza Roberta , Bonelli Fabrizio , Zierold Claudia , Calleri Mariella , Blocki Frank A. , Palmieri Maria Assunta , Mastronardo Claudio , Cozzolino Mario G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Heterogeneous progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) toward dialysis advocates improving in renal care management. Diagnosis and staging of CKD relies on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. Tubular biomarkers emerged as new predictors of worsening renal function (WRF), due to partial inaccuracy of eGFR and existing WRF in non-proteinuric patients. Active vitamin D is synthesized in renal tubules and participates to mineral adaptation in CKD. Circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] was poorly investigated as a biomarker of endocrine tubular function and predictor of WRF.

Objective

Investigate capability of 1,25(OH)2D to predict parathormone (PTH) increase and WRF in CKD stage 3–4.

Methods

PASCaL-1,25D was an observational, prospective, monocentric study. Primary outcomes were absolute and 20% increase in PTH, and WRF defined as 20% reduction in eGFR or dialysis initiation at 6 months.

Results

Seventy-one patients completed follow up. Absolute increase in PTH (1–84) was independently predicted by lower 1,25(OH)2D levels (p = 0.0134). No association was detected between 1,25(OH)2D and iPTH increase. Higher 1,25(OH)2D was associated with reduced risk of WRF at univariate analysis [OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.86–0.93), p = 0.006]. The 1,25(OH)2D/PTH (1–84) ratio was associated with non-significant 84% risk reduction for WRF [OR 0.16 (95% CI 0.06–0.41), p = 0.05]. Low 1,25(OH)2D reached 100% sensitivity in predicting WRF in CKD stage 3 (AUC 9.909, p < 0.0001) and non-elderly patients (AUC 0.883, p < 0.0001). Machine learning models retained 1,25(OH)2D/PTH (1–84) as relevant predictor of WRF together with eGFR and albuminuria. Age influenced interaction between renal and mineral biomarkers.

Conclusion

1,25(OH)2D deserves attention as biomarker of tubular health, and sensible predictor of WRF on the short run among non-elderly patients affected by stage 3 CKD. The 1,25(OH)2D/PTH (1–84) ratio may represent a composite biomarker of tubular reserve/endocrine response to the transition from adaptive to maladaptive equilibrium in CKD-MBD.
Circulating D-Dimers Increase the Risk of Mortality and Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Analysis Combined With External Validation
Authors: Li Jing , Yan Shanle , Zhang Xiaohui , Xiang Mengqi , Zhang Chuanhua , Gu Ling , Wei Xiaoying , You Chuanyun , Chen Shenhua , Zeng Daxiong , Jiang Junhong
Published: March 2022

Background

D-dimer is a fibrin-degrading substance that is soluble and whose degradation is produced by plasma protein-mediated degradation of cross-linked fibrin. Previous investigations have shown a link between D-dimer and the mortality in lung cancer patients. However, different investigations varied whether D-dimer could predict prognosis in these patients.

Methods

A meta-analysis and systematic review of all available cohort studies were performed on the link between circulating D-dimer levels and survival of lung cancer patients. Relevant studies were searched in Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases. Data from 540 lung cancer patients from the First Hospital of Soochow University and Sichuan Cancer Hospital were used for external validation.

Results

We finally obtained 19 eligible cohort studies with pooled HR showing that high D-dimer levels contribute to death in tumor group (HR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.39–1.88, I2 = 75.0%). Further stratified analysis showed that higher circulating D-dimer in the advanced lung cancer group was linked to a 1.91-fold risk (HR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.24–3.78, I2 = 6.0%). Incorporation of other variables, including days of follow-up, country, design, public year, population, disease status, and quality score, into the meta-regression model, indicated that disease status was an additional source of heterogeneity (p < 0.001). External validation of 540 patients also showed that high levels of D-dimer showed a higher risk of overall mortality (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13–1.72, p = 0.002) and VTE events (HR 3.98, 95% CI: 1.99–8.70, p = 0.002) in lung cancer patients.

Conclusions

High circulating plasma D-dimer levels independently predict long-term prognosis and the risk of venous thromboembolism in lung cancer.
A Comparative Study of Deep Learning Classification Methods on a Small Environmental Microorganism Image Dataset (EMDS-6): From Convolutional Neural Networks to Visual Transformers
Authors: Zhao Peng , Li Chen , Rahaman Md Mamunur , Xu Hao , Yang Hechen , Sun Hongzan , Jiang Tao , Grzegorzek Marcin
Published: March 2022

In recent years, deep learning has made brilliant achievements inEnvironmental Microorganism(EM) image classification. However, image classification of small EM datasets has still not obtained good research results. Therefore, researchers need to spend a lot of time searching for models with good classification performance and suitable for the current equipment working environment. To provide reliable references for researchers, we conduct a series of comparison experiments on 21 deep learning models. The experiment includes direct classification, imbalanced training, and hyper-parameters tuning experiments. During the experiments, we find complementarities among the 21 models, which is the basis for feature fusion related experiments. We also find that the data augmentation method of geometric deformation is difficult to improve the performance of VTs (ViT, DeiT, BotNet, and T2T-ViT) series models. In terms of model performance, Xception has the best classification performance, the vision transformer (ViT) model consumes the least time for training, and the ShuffleNet-V2 model has the least number of parameters.
Identification and Functional Analysis of GTP Cyclohydrolase II in Candida glabrata in Response to Nitrosative Stress
Authors: Nasuno Ryo , Suzuki Soma , Oiki Sayoko , Hagiwara Daisuke , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are signal molecules involved in various biological events; however, excess levels of RNS cause nitrosative stress, leading to cell death and/or cellular dysfunction. During the process of infection, pathogens are exposed to nitrosative stress induced by host-derived RNS. Therefore, the nitrosative stress resistance mechanisms of pathogenic microorganisms are important for their infection and pathogenicity, and could be promising targets for antibiotics. Previously, we demonstrated that theRIB1gene encoding GTP cyclohydrolase II (GCH2), which catalyzes the first step of the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway, is important for nitrosative stress resistance in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we identified and characterized theRIB1gene in the opportunistic pathogenic yeastCandida glabrata. Our genetic and biochemical analyses indicated that the open reading frame of CAGL0F04279g functions asRIB1inC. glabrata(CgRIB1). Subsequently, we analyzed the effect ofCgRIB1on nitrosative stress resistance by a growth test in the presence of RNS. Overexpression or deletion ofCgRIB1increased or decreased the nitrosative stress resistance ofC. glabrata, respectively, indicating that GCH2 confers nitrosative stress resistance on yeast cells. Moreover, we showed that the proliferation ofC. glabratain cultures of macrophage-like cells required the GCH2-dependent nitrosative stress detoxifying mechanism. Additionally, an infection assay using silkworms as model host organisms indicated thatCgRIB1is indispensable for the virulence ofC. glabrata. Our findings suggest that the GCH2-dependent nitrosative stress detoxifying mechanism is a promising target for the development of novel antibiotics.
Identification and Characterization of Bacillus tequilensis GYUN-300: An Antagonistic Bacterium Against Red Pepper Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum acutatum in Korea
Authors: Kwon Hyeok-Tae , Lee Younmi , Kim Jungyeon , Balaraju Kotnala , Kim Heung Tae , Jeon Yongho
Published: March 2022

Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused byColletotrichumspecies and has detrimental effects on many crops, including red pepper. This study usedBacillus tequilensisGYUN-300 (GYUN-300), which exhibit antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen,Colletotrichum acutatum. This pathogen causes anthracnose that manifests primarily as a fruit rot in red pepper. There have been little efforts to identify antagonistic bacteria from mushrooms; this strain of bacteria was identified asB. tequilensisusing BIOLOG and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. The genetic mechanism underpinning the biocontrol traits of GYUN-300 was characterized using the complete genome sequence of GYUN-300, which was closely compared to related strains. GYUN-300 inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination ofC. acutatumunderin vitroconditions. Important antagonistic traits, such as siderophore production, solubilization of insoluble phosphate, and production of lytic enzymes (cellulase, protease, and amylase), were observed in GYUN-300, These trains promoted growth in terms of seed germination and vigorous seedling growth compared to the non-treated control. When red pepper fruits were treated with GYUN-300, the preventive and curative effects were 66.6 and 38.3% effective, respectively, in wounded red pepper fruits; there was no difference between the preventive and curative effects in non-wounded red pepper fruits. Furthermore, GYUN-300 was resistant to several commercial fungicides, indicating that GYUN-300 bacterial cells may also be used synergistically with chemical fungicides to increase biocontrol efficiency. Based onin vitroresults, GYUN-300 played a role to control anthracnose disease effectively in field conditions when compared to other treatments and non-treated controls. The results from this study provide a better understanding of the GYUN-300 strain as an effective biocontrol agent against red pepper anthracnose; this form of biocontrol provides an environment-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Isolates BJSJQ20200612 and GSXT20191014 Provides Novel Insights Into Their Genetic Variability and Virulence
Authors: Chen Denghui , Zhong Xionghui , Cui Jian , Li Hailong , Han Rui , Yue Xiangqing , Xie Jianming , Kang Jungen
Published: March 2022

Black rot is a disease that has a severe impact on cabbage yield and quality in China. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the causal agent of black rot of Brassicaceae crops. So far, the whole genomic sequences of more than 30 Xcc isolates have been sequenced; however, little information about genomic variability and virulence has been reported. In this study, 12 Xcc isolates were isolated from diseased cabbage leaves in seven Chinese provinces and two municipalities from July 2019 to November 2020. Pathogenicity analysis showed that isolate GSXT20191014 was more aggressive than BJSJQ20200612 and HRIW 3811 on cabbage inbred line 1371. Both BJSJQ20200612 and GSXT20191014 were sequenced and comparatively analyzed. The results showed that BJSJQ20200612 and GSXT20191014 have a single circular chromosome comprising 5,115,975 and 4,975,682 bp, respectively. Compared to the other six sequenced strains, 26 and 47 variable genomic regions were found in BJSJQ2020061 and GSXT20191014 genomic sequences, respectively. The variable genomic regions could be responsible for the genetic variation in Xcc strains and have led to the differences in type III secreted effector repertoires, virulence factors and secreted proteins between these two strains. Among the identified secreted proteins, two copies of peptidase S8/S53 were found in GSXT20191014-specific chromosomal segments. The common effectors xopR, xopH, avrBs1, and xopAH are found in most Xcc genomes, but they are absent in the GSXT20191014 genome. Variations in the composition of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may aid GSXT20191014 isolate infections to evade recognition by the host immune system. Our results revealed a direct correlation between genomic variability and Xcc virulence. We also developed several markers for detecting BJSJQ20200612 and GSXT20191014 isolates and further tested the rest of our other 10 isolates. Finally, the isolated Xcc strains were classified into three genetic subgroups by specific molecular markers and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach. BJSJQ20200612 and GSXT20191014 isolates were also classified into two subgroups of Xcc according to the core-genome-based phylogenetic tree. This study extended our understanding of Xcc genomic features and provided the foundation to further characterize the mechanisms for Xcc virulence and a clue for black rot resistance breeding.
Modification of Early Response of Vitis vinifera to Pathogens Relating to Esca Disease and Biocontrol Agent Vintec® Revealed By Untargeted Metabolomics on Woody Tissues
Authors: Chervin Justine , Romeo-Oliván Ana , Fournier Sylvie , Puech-Pages Virginie , Dumas Bernard , Jacques Alban , Marti Guillaume
Published: March 2022

Esca disease is one of the most destructive grapevine trunk diseases. Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora are two of the known fungal pathogens associated with this disease. Today, biocontrol agents against Esca are mainly based on the use of the strain of the mycoparasite fungal genus Trichoderma such as the Vintec® product. The aim of this study was to investigate early response of woody tissues to Esca pathogens and identify metabolites that could be correlated with a biocontrol activity within a complex woody matrix. An untargeted liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic approach coupled to a spectral similarity network was used to highlight clusters of compounds associated with the plant response to pathogens and biocontrol. Dereplication highlighted the possible role of glycerophospholipids and polyphenol compounds, the latest mainly belonging to stilbenoids. Antifungal activity of some relevant biomarkers, evaluated in vitro on Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Botrytis cinerea, suggests that some of these compounds can play a role to limit the development of Esca pathogens in planta.
Fantastic [FeFe]-Hydrogenases and Where to Find Them
Authors: Morra Simone
Published: March 2022

[FeFe]-hydrogenases are complex metalloenzymes, key to microbial energy metabolism in numerous organisms. During anaerobic metabolism, they dissipate excess reducing equivalents by using protons from water as terminal electron acceptors, leading to hydrogen production. This reaction is coupled to reoxidation of specific redox partners [ferredoxins, NAD(P)H or cytochrome c3], that can be used either individually or simultaneously (via flavin-based electron bifurcation). [FeFe]-hydrogenases also serve additional physiological functions such as H2 uptake (oxidation), H2 sensing, and CO2 fixation. This broad functional spectrum is enabled by a modular architecture and vast genetic diversity, which is not fully explored and understood. This Mini Review summarises recent advancements in identifying and characterising novel [FeFe]-hydrogenases, which has led to expanding our understanding of their multiple roles in metabolism and functional mechanisms. For example, while numerous well-known [FeFe]-hydrogenases are irreversibly damaged by oxygen, some newly discovered enzymes display intrinsic tolerance. These findings demonstrate that oxygen sensitivity varies between different [FeFe]-hydrogenases: in some cases, protection requires the presence of exogenous compounds such as carbon monoxide or sulphide, while in other cases it is a spontaneous built-in mechanism that relies on a reversible conformational change. Overall, it emerges that additional research is needed to characterise new [FeFe]-hydrogenases as this will reveal further details on the physiology and mechanisms of these enzymes that will enable potential impactful applications.