bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Dehydrated Human Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane Skin Substitute in the Treatment of Pediatric Facial Burn
Authors: Puyana Salomon , Elkbuli Adel , Ruiz Samuel , Bernal Eileen , McKenney Mark , Lim Rizal , Askari Morad , Mir Haaris
Published: August 2019

Background:

Facial burns have lasting physical and psychological effects on pediatric patients. Proper management to minimize morbidities challenges reconstructive surgeons. New technologies allowed the development of skin substitutes such as amniotic and chorionic membranes, yet the use of these skin dressings and their impact on burn outcomes have not been sufficiently studied to guide practices. The objective of this study is to report on the outcomes of dehydrated amniotic membrane as a biologic skin dressing in pediatric facial burn injury compared to cadaveric allografts.

Methods:

Retrospective review of data collected from our institutional burn registry from 2012 to 2016. The study population included patients younger than 16 years with facial burns. Patients between 2012 and 2014 received cadaveric allografts, whereas during 2015 to 2016 patients received dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane as standard treatment. Demographic characteristics and outcome measures were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

Included 30 patients with a mean age of 3.7 years and with an average total body surface area burn of 6.8% (2%–27%). Mean injury severity scores did not significantly differ between both groups, 1.8 in amniotic group versus 2.3 in cadaveric skin group (P > 0.05). There were 4 complications (3 hypertrophic scars and 1 wound infection) in the cadaveric allografts group versus no complications in the amniotic membrane group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dehydrated amniotic/chorionic membrane wound dressings are a safe alternative to cadaveric allografts in treating pediatric partial thickness facial burns.
Surgical Techniques and Prevention of Complications in the Treatment of Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage Through the Distal Transsylvian Approach
Authors: Gao Wenbo , Li Zefu , Zhang Liangwen
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Basal ganglia hemorrhage can damage the internal capsule and lead to high rates of disability and mortality. The distal transsylvian approach is a validated approach in the treatment of basal ganglia hemorrhage. However, this approach is difficult and prone to complications. The present study was performed to investigate the surgical techniques and prevention of complications of basal ganglia hemorrhage through the distal transsylvian approach.

Patients and Methods:

From January 2015 to January 2018, the authors treated 40 cases of basal ganglia hemorrhage using the distal transsylvian approach. The surgical video recordings and the patients’ clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. The authors discussed the surgical techniques and prevention of complications through the distal transsylvian approach.

Results:

Thirty-eight cases of basal ganglia hemorrhage were successfully treated through the distal transsylvian approach. The other 2 cases were converted to the transcortical transtemporal approach. In the early cases, complications occurred in 3 stages: sylvian fissure dissection, insula lobectomy, and hematoma removal. In the subsequent cases, the authors implemented appropriate surgical techniques to prevent complications.

Conclusion:

Basal ganglia hemorrhage can be treated through the distal transsylvian approach, but not in all patients. The distal transsylvian approach is highly technical and more problematic than the transcortical transtemporal approach. Mastering certain operative skills can reduce the surgical complications.
Risk Factors Influencing Recovery of Neurosensory Disturbances Following Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy
Authors: Demirbas Ahmet Emin , Yilmaz Gökhan , Topan Cihan , Kütük Nükhet , Kilic Erdem , Alkan Alper
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors influencing the recovery time of neurosensory disturbances (NSD) following sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

Methods:

One hundred twenty-seven patients (254 operated sites) underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy due to dentofacial deformities between the period of 2011 and 2017. These patients were followed up for at least 1 year, and the data obtained from changes in sensation of inferior alveolar nerve were recorded subjectively. The subjects were categorized according to age, gender, type of deformity, nerve manipulation, side of the jaw, and the amount of the mandibular movement. The relationship between the above-mentioned parameters, and the recovery time of NSD were investigated. Pearson χ
2 analysis was used, and the value of significance was accepted as P < 0.05.

Results:

The recovery time of NSD is significantly correlated with the age of the patients, the amount of the mandibular movement (>7 mm), and the nerve manipulation (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation found between the recovery time of NSD and gender, type of deformity, side of the jaw (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The recovery time of NSD may prolong in cases of large amounts of mandibular movements more than 7 mm or the nerve manipulation. The older age may increase the risk of permanent NSD.
Virtual Surgical Planning for Mandible Reconstruction With a Double Barrel Fibula Flap and Immediate Implant Placement
Authors: Berrone Mattia , Crosetti Erika , Battiston Bruno , Succo Giovanni
Published: August 2019

This brief clinical report describes our experience with virtual surgical planning in a case of mandibulectomy and mandibular reconstruction with a double barrel vascularized osteofasciocutaneous fibula free flap and immediate implant placement in a case of mandibular ameloblastoma. Fibular segments were positioned to obtain the best result both for masticatory function and for aesthetic facial appearance. Furthermore, in this particular case, as well as being positioned for future masticatory rehabilitation, the implants have served to stabilize the fibula segments in the reconstructive intraoperative phase. A superimposition of programed surgery and 6 months postoperative computed tomography scan was performed and results are presented.
Mandibular Fracture as First Sign of an Occult Intraosseous Hemangioma
Authors: Albarracin-Arjona Beatriz , Rodriguez-Jara Pablo , Montes-Carmona Jose-Francisco , Hernandez-Guisado Jose-Maria , Gonzalez-Perez Luis-Miguel , Infante-Cossio Pedro
Published: August 2019

Intraosseous hemangioma (IH) in the maxillofacial area is a very uncommon neoplasm. Here, the authors show an exceptional case not previously reported in the literature of a 65-year-old man who presented with a pathological mandibular fracture following a facial trauma that was the first sign of an occult cavernous IH. Complete excision of the tumor in the mandibular ramus reduced the risk of severe bleeding and prevented long-term recurrence, whereas immobilization of the fracture obtained an excellent functional result. This clinical report highlights the possibility that a previously unknown primary IH may debut as a pathological fracture and the importance of differential diagnosis in this location.
Extended Maxillotomy for Nasopharynx Access in Infantile Immature Teratoma
Authors: Kobayashi Shinji , Yasumura Kazunori , Yabuki Yuichiro , Satake Toshihiko , Maegawa Jiro , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: August 2019

Infantile immature teratoma located in the nasopharynx is a rare congenital tumor that is not easily removed. Three surgeries and chemotherapy for recurrence of the tumor have been performed since a male infant with a nasopharyngeal mass was born at a gestational age of 35 weeks. Extended maxillotomy combining Le Fort I osteotomy with midline palatal split was performed at 2 years and 6 months of age. Residual tumor left in the intracranial region had not increased as of 4 years of age. Careful follow-up is needed until the patient reaches adulthood.
Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Yalcin Eda Didem
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate morphometric analysis of sella turcica using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and healthy controls.

Methods:

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 68 patients (36 males, 32 females, age range 7–20 years) with CLP and 68 healthy individuals (36 males, 32 females, age range 8–19 years) were examined retrospectively. Sella turcica shapes were analyzed by 2 different methods in CLP and control groups. Length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were measured in both groups. The data were statistically assessed by age, gender using Independentt-test and one-way analysis.

Results:

Diameter of sella turcica was smaller in CLP group compared to healthy individuals (P < .05). Length and depth of sella turcica were lower than in control group, but not statistically significant (P > .05). Sella turcica shape significantly differed between groups (P < .05). The most common sella turcica types were flattened and irregular shapes in CLP group, whereas round and normal shapes were in control group. There was no significant difference between groups in any dimension of sella turcica by gender (P > .05). Sella turcica depth was significantly higher at age of 15 years and above in CLP group.

Conclusion:

This study showed that flattened and irregular shapes of sella turcica were the most common types in CLP group. Smaller sella turcica was detected in CLP group compared to healthy individuals. Cone-beam computed tomography can be useful for evaluation of sella turcica.
Anatomical Study of the Posterior Auricular Branch of the Facial Nerve: Application to Parotid Surgery
Authors: Kikuta Shogo , Iwanaga Joe , Watanabe Koichi , Kusukawa Jingo , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: August 2019

The posterior auricular nerve (PAN) is the first branch of the facial nerve after it leaves the stylomastoid foramen. The literature describing the anatomy of the PAN is very sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the detailed anatomical features of the PAN and consider its clinical and surgical applications. The authors examined 10 sides from 6 fresh frozen adult cadaveric Caucasian heads. The PAN was observed as the first branch of the facial nerve in all specimens. During the dissection of the PAN, the posterior auricular artery was constantly near the PAN. Moreover, the PAN was located under the investing layer of deep cervical facia covering the sternocleidomastoid and mastoid process in all specimens. The diameter of the PAN was 0.82 ± 0.21 mm (range from 0.55 to 1.21). The distance from the stylomastoid foramen to where the PAN branched from the facial nerve was 0.40 ± 1.25 mm (range from 0 to 4.35). The distance from the location of this branching point of the PAN to the entering point of the PAN to any muscles was 28.03 ± 5.51 mm (range from 19.71 to 38.75). Understanding the anatomical features of the PAN is essential for performing surgical procedures in this region.
Consensus on Methodology for Experimental Studies of Nasal Mucosal Injury
Authors: Kar Murat , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Bafaqeeh Sameer Ali , Cingi Cemal
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The way wounds heal involves significant complexity, resulting in restoration of functional and anatomical integrity to tissues damaged as a result of trauma (whether mechanical, chemical, or radiation-induced). The authors reviewed the consensus on methodology for experimental studies of nasal mucosal injury.

Methods:

The review aims to find where consensus exists amongst different experimental studies in nasal wound healing about the use of animal models. To achieve this, the authors queried the Pubmed, Proquest Central and Google databases for the last 20 years (i.e. 1996–2016). The search terms were: “mucosa injury,” “nasal mucosa injury,” “injury,” “wound healing,” “nasal,” “nasal wound healing,” “experimental,” “animal,” “model,” “rat,” “rabbit,” “guinea pig,” and “mice.” These terms were searched for whether they occurred singly or in combination. The search uncovered 18 papers, on the basis of which this review has been prepared.

Results:

The choice of an appropriate animal model is key in investigating nasal mucosal injury. Suitable animals include rodents such as rats or guinea pigs. There are reports in the literature concerning mechanical injury in rat nasal mucosae without attempts to treat it. Mechanical injury was induced unilaterally by means of an interdental brush. Other techniques involved the use of distilled water or irradiating the tissue to induce trauma.

Conclusion:

In this review, the use of a rat, guinea pig or rabbit model for human nasal mucosal injury is reviewed. Such models are suitable for use in well-designed experimental studies.
Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Reames Bradley N. , Blair Alex B. , Krell Robert W. , Groot Vincent P. , Gemenetzis Georgios , Padussis James C. , Thayer Sarah P. , Falconi Massimo , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Weiss Matthew J. , Are Chandrakanth , He Jin
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate surgeon preferences for the management of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Background:

Select patients with LAPC may become candidates for curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy, and recent reports of survival are encouraging. Yet the optimal management approach remains unclear.

Methods:

An extensive electronic survey was systematically distributed by email to an international cohort of pancreas surgeons. Data collected included practice characteristics, management preferences, attitudes regarding contraindications to surgery, and 6 clinical vignettes of patients that ultimately received a margin negative resection (with detailed videos of post-neoadjuvant imaging) to assess propensity for surgical exploration if resection status is not known.

Results:

A total of 153 eligible responses were received from 4 continents. Median duration of practice is 12 years (interquartile range 6–20) and 77% work in a university setting. Most surgeons (86%) are considered high volume (>10 resections/yr), 33% offer a minimally-invasive approach, and 50% offer arterial resections in select patients. Most (72%) always recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 65% prefer FOLFIRINOX. Preferences for the duration of chemotherapy varied widely: 39% prefer ≥2 months, 43% prefer ≥4 months, and 11% prefer ≥6 months. Forty-one percent frequently recommend neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and 53% prefer 5 to 6 weeks of chemoradiation. The proportion of surgeons favoring exploration following neoadjuvant varied extensively across 5 vignettes of LAPC, from 14% to 53%. In a vignette of oligometastatic liver metastases, 31% would offer exploration if a favorable therapy response is observed.

Conclusions:

In an international cohort of pancreas surgeons, there is substantial variation in management preferences, perceived contraindications to surgery, and the propensity to consider exploration in LAPC. These results emphasize the importance of a robust and nuanced multidisciplinary discussion for each patient, and suggest an evolving concept of “resectability.”
Simulated Volume-Based Regionalization of Complex Procedures
Authors: Fong Zhi Ven , Hashimoto Daniel A. , Jin Ginger , Haynes Alex B. , Perez Numa , Qadan Motaz , Ferrone Cristina R. , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Warshaw Andrew L. , Lillemoe Keith D. , Traeger Lara N. , Chang David C.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

This study simulates the regionalization of pancreatectomies to assess its impact on spatial access in terms of patient driving times.

Background:

Although policies to regionalize complex procedures to high-volume centers may improve outcomes, the impact on patient access is unknown.

Methods:

Patients who underwent pancreatectomies from 2005 to 2014 were identified from California's statewide database. Round-trip driving times between patients’ home ZIP code and hospital addresses were calculated via Google Maps. Regionalization was simulated by eliminating hospitals performing <20 pancreatectomies/yr, and reassigning patients to the next closest hospital that satisfied the volume threshold. Sensitivity analyses were performed for New York and Medicare patients to assess for influence of geography and insurance coverage, respectively.

Results:

Of 13,317 pancreatectomies, 6335 (47.6%) were performed by hospitals with <20 cases/yr. Patients traveled a median of 49.8 minutes [interquartile range (IQR) 30.8–96.2] per round-trip. A volume-restriction policy would increase median round-trip driving time by 24.1 minutes (IQR 4.5–53.5). Population in-hospital mortality rates were estimated to decrease from 6.7% to 2.8% (P < 0.001). Affected patients were more likely to be racial minorities (44.6% vs 36.5% of unaffected group, P < 0.001) and covered by Medicaid or uninsured (16.3% vs 9.8% of unaffected group, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses revealed a 17.8 minutes increment for patients in NY (IQR 0.8–47.4), and 27.0 minutes increment for Medicare patients (IQR 6.2–57.1).

Conclusions:

A policy that limits access to low-volume pancreatectomy hospitals will increase round-trip driving time by 24 minutes, but up to 54 minutes for 25% of patients. Population mortality rates may improve by 1.5%.
AntagomiR-199a Enhances the Liver Protective Effect of Hypoxia-Preconditioned BM-MSCs in a Rat Model of Reduced-Size Liver Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Weichen , Chen Qi , Ye Yufu , Zou Bei , Liu Yuanxing , Cheng Longyu , Yu Jun , Zheng Shusen
Published: August 2019

Background.

Reduced-size liver transplantation (LT) was invented to overcome the shortage of donor livers; however, it has proven to be more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell infusion has been shown to be protective following LT. Optimization of MSC infusion has been performed, among which hypoxia preconditioning and miRNA modulation have shown promise. MiR-199a inhibition was reported to induce angioneogenesis; however, whether mir-199a inhibition enhances the protective effect of Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in LT remains unknown. In this study, we combined antagomiR-199a with hypoxia-preconditioned MSC (H-MSC) infusion to discuss their effect and mechanism in a rat model of reduced-size LT.

Methods.

A reduced-size LT model was constructed and H-MSCs were intraportally injected during operation. AgomiR-199a and antagomir-199a were injected through the caudal vein once a day after LT. The level of apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokines were measured. An anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody was injected to further explore the underlying mechanism.

Results.

AntagomiR-199a plus H-MSC not only significantly decreased ALT and AST 72 h after LT but also ameliorated the level of apoptosis and inhibited inflammatory reactions. On the contrary, agomir-199a reduced the protective effect of the H-MSC infusion. In terms of mechanism, the liver protective effect of miR-199a inhibition was abolished by treatment with a VEGF-neutralizing antibody.

Conclusions.

AntagomiR-199a enhanced the protective effect of H-MSCs infusion via activation of the hypoxia induction factor 1α/VEGF axis.
Recipient Comorbidity and Survival Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation: A UK-wide Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Diana A. , Robb Matthew L. , Forsythe John L.R. , Bradley Clare , Cairns John , Draper Heather , Dudley Christopher , Johnson Rachel J. , Metcalfe Wendy , Ravanan Rommel , Roderick Paul , Tomson Charles R.V. , Watson Christopher J.E. , Bradley J. Andrew , Oniscu Gabriel C.
Published: August 2019

Background.

Comorbidity is increasingly common in kidney transplant recipients, yet the implications for transplant outcomes are not fully understood. We analyzed the relationship between recipient comorbidity and survival outcomes in a UK-wide prospective cohort study—Access to Transplantation and Transplant Outcome Measures (ATTOM).

Methods.

A total of 2100 adult kidney transplant recipients were recruited from all 23 UK transplant centers between 2011 and 2013. Data on 15 comorbidities were collected at the time of transplantation. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyze the relationship between comorbidity and 2-year graft survival, patient survival, and transplant survival (earliest of graft failure or patient death) for deceased-donor kidney transplant (DDKT) recipients (n = 1288) and living-donor kidney transplant (LDKT) recipients (n = 812).

Results.

For DDKT recipients, peripheral vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-6.74; P = 0.006) and obesity (HR 2.27, 95% CI: 1.27-4.06; P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for graft loss, while heart failure (HR 3.77, 95% CI: 1.79-7.95; P = 0.0005), cerebrovascular disease (HR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.72-6.92; P = 0.0005), and chronic liver disease (HR 4.36, 95% CI: 1.29-14.71; P = 0.018) were associated with an increased risk of mortality. For LDKT recipients, heart failure (HR 3.83, 95% CI: 1.15-12.81; P = 0.029) and diabetes (HR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.03-4.81; P = 0.042) were associated with poorer transplant survival.

Conclusions.

The key comorbidities that predict poorer 2-year survival outcomes after kidney transplantation have been identified in this large prospective cohort study. The findings will facilitate assessment of individual patient risks and evidence-based decision making.
Long-term Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation From Unrelated Donor Using Tacrolimus/Sirolimus-based GvHD Prophylaxis: Impact of HLA Mismatch
Authors: Al Malki Monzr M. , Gendzekhadze Ketevan , Yang Dongyun , Mokhtari Sally , Parker Pablo , Karanes Chatchada , Palmer Joycelynne , Snyder David , Forman Stephen J. , Nademanee Auayporn , Nakamura Ryotaro
Published: August 2019

Background.

While tacrolimus and sirolimus (T/S)-based graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis has been effective in preventing acute GvHD post hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), its efficacy and long-term outcome in matched (MUD) and mismatched unrelated donor (mMUD) setting is not well defined.

Methods.

Herein, we evaluated a consecutive case-series of 482 patients who underwent unrelated donor HCT (2005–2013) with T/S-based GvHD prophylaxis.

Results.

With a median follow-up of 6.2 years (range = 2.4–11.3), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse/progression-free survival were 47.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.0-52.0) and 43.6% (95% CI: 39.1-48.1), respectively; and the 5-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and relapse were 24.9%, and 31.5%, respectively. In this cohort, mMUD was associated with worse OS (39.0% versus 50.7% at 5 y; P = 0.034), primarily due to greater risk of NRM (33.5% versus 21.7%; P = 0.038). While rates of relapse, acute (II–IV or III–IV) or chronic GvHD (limited or extensive) were not different, death caused by chronic GvHD (20.8% versus 12.8%; P = 0.022) and infection (33.0% versus 18.1%; P < 0.01) were significantly greater in mMUD. In multivariable analysis, high-risk disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.16-4.23; P < 0.01) and mMUD (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08; P = 0.004) were independent predictive factors for OS.

Conclusions.

T/S-based GvHD prophylaxis is an effective and acceptable GvHD prophylactic regimen. However, survival after mMUD remained poor, possibly related to the severity of chronic GvHD.
High-risk Corneal Transplantation: Recent Developments and Future Possibilities
Authors: Armitage W. John , Goodchild Christine , Griffin Matthew D. , Gunn David J. , Hjortdal Jesper , Lohan Paul , Murphy Conor C. , Pleyer Uwe , Ritter Thomas , Tole Derek M. , Vabres Bertrand
Published: August 2019

Human corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) is typically considered to have superior short- and long-term outcomes and lower requirement for immunosuppression compared to solid organ transplants because of the inherent immune privilege and tolerogenic mechanisms associated with the anterior segment of the eye. However, in a substantial proportion of corneal transplants, the rates of acute rejection and/or graft failure are comparable to or greater than those of the commonly transplanted solid organs. Critically, while registry data and observational studies have helped to identify factors that are associated with increased risk of corneal transplant failure, the extent to which these risk factors operate through enhancing immune-mediated rejection is less clear. In this overview, we summarize a range of important recent clinical and basic insights related to high-risk corneal transplantation, the factors associated with graft failure, and the immunological basis of corneal allograft rejection. We highlight critical research areas from which continued progress is likely to drive improvements in the long-term survival of high-risk corneal transplants. These include further development and clinical testing of predictive risk scores and assays; greater use of multicenter clinical trials to optimize immunosuppressive therapy in high-risk recipients and robust clinical translation of novel, mechanistically-targeted immunomodulatory and regenerative therapies that are emerging from basic science laboratories. We also emphasize the relative lack of knowledge regarding transplant outcomes for infection-related corneal diseases that are common in the developing world and the potential for greater cross-pollination and synergy between corneal and solid organ transplant research communities.
The relevance of dominance and functional annotations to predict agronomic traits in hybrid maize
Authors: Ramstein Guillaume P. , Larsson Sara J. , Cook Jason P. , Edwards Jode W. , Ersoz Elhan S. , Flint-Garcia Sherry , Gardner Candice A. , Holland James B. , Lorenz Aaron J. , McMullen Michael D. , Millard Mark J. , Rocheford Torbert R. , Tuinstra Mitchell R. , Bradbury Peter J. , Buckler Edward S. , Romay M. Cinta
Published: August 2019

Heterosis has been key to the development of maize breeding but describing its genetic basis has been challenging. Previous studies of heterosis have shown the contribution of within-locus complementation effects (dominance) and their differential importance across genomic regions. However, they have generally considered panels of limited genetic diversity and have shown little benefit to including dominance effects for predicting genotypic value in breeding populations. This study examined within-locus complementation and enrichment of genetic effects by functional classes in maize. We based our analyses on a diverse panel of inbred lines crossed with two testers representative of the major heterotic groups in the United States (1,106 hybrids), as well as a collection of 24 biparental populations crossed with a single tester (1,640 hybrids). We assayed three agronomic traits: days to silking (DTS), plant height (PH) and grain yield (GY). Our results point to the presence of dominance for all traits, but also among-locus complementation (epistasis) for DTS and genotype-by-environment interactions for GY. Consistently, dominance improved genomic prediction for PH only. In addition, we assessed enrichment of genetic effects in classes defined by genic regions (gene annotation), structural features (recombination rate and chromatin openness), and evolutionary features (minor allele frequency and evolutionary constraint). We found support for enrichment in genic regions and subsequent improvement of genomic prediction for all traits. Our results point to mechanisms by which heterosis arises through local complementation in proximal gene regions and suggest the relevance of dominance and gene annotations for genomic prediction in maize.
Spectral and lifetime fluorescence unmixing via deep learning
Authors: Smith Jason T. , Ochoa Marien , Intes Xavier R. M.
Published: August 2019

Hyperspectral Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging allows for the simultaneous acquisition of spectrally resolved temporal fluorescence emission decays. In turn, the acquired rich multidimensional data set enables simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent species for a comprehensive molecular assessment of biotissues. However, to enable quantitative imaging, inherent spectral overlap between the considered fluorescent probes and potential bleed-through must be taken into account. Such task is performed via either spectral or lifetime unmixing, typically independently. Herein, we present UNMIX-ME (unmix multiple emissions), a deep learning-based fluorescence unmixing routine, capable of quantitative fluorophore unmixing by simultaneously using both spectral and temporal signatures. UNMIX-ME was trained and validated using anin silicoframework replicating the data acquisition process of a compressive hyperspectral fluorescent lifetime imaging platform (HMFLI). It was benchmarked against a conventional LSQ method for both tri and quadri-exponential simulated samples. Last, UNMIX-ME’s potential was assessed for NIR FRETin vitroandin vivofor small animal experimental data.
Dynamic response of RNA editing to temperature in Grape by RNA deep-sequencing
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Jiang Xiaohan , Zhang Fuping , Wang Tengfei , Zhang Xiujun
Published: August 2019

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process of modifying genetic information on RNA molecules, which provides cells an additional level of gene expression regulation. Unlike mammals, in land plants, RNA editing converts C to U residues in organelles. However, its potential role in response to different stressors (heat, salt and so on) remains unclear. Grape is one of the most popular and economically important fruits in the world, and its production, like other crops, must deal with abiotic and biotic stresses, which cause reductions in yield and fruit quality. In our study, we tested the influence of the environmental factor temperature on RNA processing in the whole mRNA from grape organelle. In total, we identified 123 and 628 RNA editing in chloroplast and mitochondria respectively with the average editing extent nearly ~60%. The analyses revealed that number of non-synonymous editing sites were higher than that of synonymous editing sites, and the amino acid substitution type tend to be hydrophobic. Additionally, the overall editing level decreased with the temperature rises, especially several gene transcripts in chloroplast and mitochondria (matK, ndhB etc.). 245 sites were furthermore determined as stress-responsive sites candidates. We also found that the expression level of PPR genes decreased with the temperature rises, which may contribute to the loss of RNA editing at high temperature. Our findings suggest that the RNA editing events are very sensitive to high temperature, the changes of amino acid in these genes may contribute to the stress adaption for grape.
Descent of Bacteria and Eukarya from an archaeal root of life
Authors: Long Xi , Xue Hong , Wong J. Tze-Fei
Published: August 2019

The three biological domains delineated based on SSU rRNAs are confronted by uncertainties regarding the relationship between Archaea and Bacteria, and the origin of Eukarya. Herein the homologies between the paralogous valyl-tRNA and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetases in a wide spectrum of species revealed vertical gene transmission from an archaeal root of life through a Primitive Archaea Cluster to an Ancestral Bacteria Cluster of species. The higher homologies of the ribosomal proteins (rProts) of eukaryotic Giardia toward archaeal relative to bacterial rProts established that an archaeal-parent rather than a bacterial-parent underwent genome merger with an alphaproteobacterium to generate Eukarya. Moreover, based on the top-ranked homology of the proteins of Aciduliprofundum among archaea toward the Giardia and Trichomonas proteomes and the pyruvate phosphate dikinase of Giardia, together with their active acquisition of exogenous bacterial genes plausibly through foodchain gene adoption, the Aciduliprofundum archaea were identified as leading candidates for the archaeal-parent of Eukarya.
Application of non-invasive low-intensity pulsed electric field with thermal cycling-hyperthermia for synergistically enhanced anticancer effect of chlorogenic acid on PANC-1 cells
Authors: Lu Chueh-Hsuan , Kuo Yu-Yi , Lin Guan-Bo , Chen Wei-Ting , Chao Chih-Yu
Published: August 2019

Most existing cancer treatments involve high-cost chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with major side effects, prompting effort to develop alternative treatment modalities. In this study, we propose a novel non-invasive treatment calling for exposure of cells to CGA, coupled with thermal-cycling hyperthermia (TC-HT) and low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF). The study finds that this triple combination can significantly impede the proliferation of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells, with only about 20% viable cells left after 24h, whereas being non-toxic to normal cells. The synergistic activity against the PANC-1 cells was achieved by inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, which were associated with up-regulation of p53 and coupled with increased expression of downstream proteins p21 and Bax. Further mechanism investigations revealed that the cytotoxic activity could be related to mitochondrial apoptosis, characterized by the reduced level of Bcl-2, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sequential activation of caspase-9 and PARP. Also, we found that the triple treatment led to the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Notably, the triple treatment-induced cytotoxic effects and the elevated expression of p53 and p21 proteins as well as the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, all could be alleviated by the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). These findings indicate that the combination of CGA, TC-HT, and LIPEF may be a promising modality for cancer treatment, as it can induce p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through accumulation of ROS in PANC-1 cells.
Microalgal pigments and their relation with phytoplankton carbon biomass on the northeastern Mediterranean Sea shore, with special emphasis on nanophytoplankton
Authors: Konucu Merve , Eker-Develi Elif , Örek Hasan , Başduvar Şehmuz
Published: August 2019

Summary Marker pigments are used as a proxy for biomass of distinct phytoplankton classes in different oceanic regions. However, sometimes disagreements are observed between microscopy and accessory-pigment based approaches in distinct regions mainly due to changing environmental factors governing diversity and structure of community composition. In this study, concordance between microscopy and HPLC-CHEMTAX methods were investigated first time in coastal waters of Erdemli, Turkey, in the Levantin Basin of the northeastern Mediterranean Sea by weekly intervals during 2015-2016. According to our results, marker pigment of diatoms, fucoxanthin, which was the most prominent pigment in the study area during most of the year, was a better indicator of diatom abundance than diatom carbon biomass. CHEMTAX derived values of diatom chlorophyll a (Chl a) were not in concert with either abundance or carbon biomass of this group. Contribution of dinoflagellates and cryptophytes to the phytoplankton community was underestimated with pigment based approach. Accessory pigment of cyanophytes, zeaxanthin, was also an important pigment in the samples. Biomass of haptophytes seemed to be overestimated by HPLC-CHEMTAX analysis. In contrast to diatoms, CHEMTAX derived chlorophyll a values of cryptophytes were correlated with abundance of this group but not with alloxanthin. Inclusion of live counts of nanoplanktic cryptophytes, haptophytes and prasinophytes provided a better correlation between microscopy and pigment based results. According to CHEMTAX analysis, nanoplankton and picoplankton constituted ∼55% of Chl a in the region.
Genetic analyses reveal population structure and recent decline in leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) across Indian subcontinent
Authors: Bhatt Supriya , Biswas Suvankar , Karanth Krithi K. , Pandav Bivash , Mondol Samrat
Published: August 2019

Large carnivores maintain the stability and functioning of ecosystems. Currently, many carnivore species face declining population sizes due to natural and anthropogenic pressures. The leopard,Panthera pardus, is probably the most widely distributed and adaptable large carnivore, still persisting in most of its’ historic range. However, we lack subspecies level data on country or regional scale on population trends, as ecological monitoring approaches are difficult to apply on such wide-ranging species. We used genetic data from leopards sampled across the Indian subcontinent to investigate population structure and patterns of demographic decline. Our genetic analyses revealed four distinct subpopulations corresponding to Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau-Semi Arid, Shivalik and Terai region of north Indian landscapes, each with high genetic variation. Coalescent simulations with 13 microsatellite loci revealed a 75-90% population decline in between 120-200 years ago across India, possibly human induced. Population-specific estimates of genetic decline are in concordance with ecological estimates of local extinction probabilities in four sub-populations obtained from occupancy modelling of historic and current distribution of leopards in India. Our results confirm population decline of a widely distributed, adaptable large carnivore. We re-iterate the relevance of indirect genetic methods for such species, and recommend that detailed, landscape-level ecological studies on leopard populations are critical to future conservation efforts. Our approaches and inference are relevant to other widely distributed, seemingly unaffected carnivores such as the leopard.
Keeping patient phenotypes and genotypes private while seeking disease diagnoses
Authors: Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Wu David J. , Birgmeier Johannes A. , Boneh Dan , Bejerano Gill
Published: August 2019

In an age where commercial entities are allowed to collect and directly profit from large amounts of private information, an age where large data breaches of such organizations are discovered every month, science must strive to offer society viable ways to preserve privacy while benefitting from the power of data sharing. Patient phenotypes and genotypes are critical for building groups of phenotypically-similar patients, identify the gene that best explains their common phenotypes, and ultimately, diagnose a patient with a Mendelian disease. Direct computation over these quantities requires highly-sensitive patient data to be shared openly, compromising patient privacy and opening patients up for discrimination. Existing protocols focus on secure computation over genotype data and only address the final steps of the disease-diagnosis pipeline where phenotypically-similar patients have been identified. However, identifying such patients in a secure and private manner remains open. In this work, we develop secure protocols to maintain patient privacy while computing meaningful operations over both genotypic and phenotypic data for two real scenarios: COHORT DISCOVERY and GENE PRIORITIZATION. Our protocols newly enable a complete and secure end-to-end disease diagnosis pipeline that protects sensitive patient phenotypic and genotypic data.
Plant economic strategies of grassland species control soil carbon dynamics through rhizodeposition
Authors: Henneron Ludovic , Cros Camille , Picon‐Cochard Catherine , Rahimian Vida , Fontaine Sébastien
Published: August 2019

The plant economics spectrum is increasingly recognized as a major determinant of plant species effects on terrestrial ecosystem functioning related to carbon cycling. However, the role of plant economic strategies in the effects of living root activity on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics through rhizodeposition remains unexplored, despite SOC being the largest terrestrial carbon pool.

Using a continuous 13C‐labelling method allowing partitioning of plant and soil sources to carbon fluxes and pools, we studied here the linkages between plant economic strategies and SOC cycling processes in a ‘common garden’ greenhouse experiment. It includes a panel of 12 grassland species selected along a gradient of economic traits and belonging to three functionnal groups (C3 grasses, forbs and legumes).

All species induced an acceleration of native SOC mineralization but this rhizosphere priming effect (RPE) substantially differed across species and varied eleven‐fold by the end of the experiment (from +26% to +295% relative to unplanted soil). Interspecific variation in RPE was primarily linked to plant photosynthetic activity associated to species economic strategies of light and CO2 resource acquisition and processing. Fast‐growing acquisitive species, such as legumes, featured large RPE, in relation with their high canopy photosynthesis coupled to high leaf photosynthetic capacity and large net primary productivity allocated above‐ground. This large RPE was further associated with high root metabolic activity, rhizodeposition and soil microbial activity. In contrast, fine‐root growth and economic traits related to soil resource foraging ability were poor predictors of RPE.

The formation of new root‐derived SOC varied nine‐fold across species and was similarly positively related to the net primary productivity allocated above‐ground. Fast‐growing acquisitive species with a high photosynthetic activity induced a disproportionately large RPE relative to SOC formation.

Synthesis. Overall, our study demonstrates that rhizodeposition is a major mechanism through which plant economic strategies of grassland species control soil carbon dynamics. Acquisitive versus conservative species were associated with high versus low rates of photosynthesis and rhizodeposition, in turn leading to fast versus slow SOC turnover. This emphasizes the importance of considering rhizosphere processes for understanding plant species effects on soil biogeochemistry.
Increased inward rectifier K+ current of coronary artery smooth muscle cells in spontaneously hypertensive rats; partial compensation of the attenuated endothelium‐dependent relaxation via Ca2+‐activated K+ channels
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Yin Ming Zhe , Cho Suhan , Kim Sung Eun , Choi Seong Woo , Ye Sang Kyu , Yoo Hae Young , Kim Sung Joon
Published: August 2019

Endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation is partly mediated by small‐conductance (SK3) and intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (SK4) in the endothelium that results in endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). Apart from the electrical propagation through myoendothelial gap junctions, the K+ released from the endothelium facilitates EDH by increasing inward rectifier K+ channel (Kir) conductance in smooth muscle cells. The EDH‐dependent relaxation of coronary artery (CA) and Kir current in smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) of hypertensive animals are poorly understood despite the critical role of coronary flow in the hypertrophic heart. In spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and control (WKY) rats, we found attenuation of the CA relaxation by activators of SK3 and SK4 (NS309 and 1‐EBIO) in SHR. In isolated CASMCs, whole‐cell patch‐clamp study revealed larger IKir in SHR than WKY, whereas the myocytes of skeletal and cerebral arteries showed smaller IKir in SHR than WKY. While the treatment with IKir inhibitor (0.1 mmol/L Ba2+) alone did not affect the WKY‐CA, the SHR‐CA showed significant contractile response, suggesting relaxing influence of the higher IKir in the CASMCs of SHR. Furthermore, the attenuation of NS309‐induced relaxation of CA by the combined treatment with 0.1 mmol/L Ba2+ was more prominent in SHR than WKY. Our study firstly shows a distinct increase of IKir in the CASMCs of SHR, which could partly compensate for the attenuated relaxation via endothelial SK3 and SK4.
What the Age of Populism Means for Our Liberal Democracy
Authors: Nandy Lisa
Published: August 2019

Populism has leapt from fringe protest to shaping, even dominating, mainstream politics in just a few years. Behind this political and social upheaval is an economic and political settlement that has failed to deliver good jobs, life chances and sustainable communities in many parts of the country, particularly outside urban centres. The failure of mainstream political parties to build a new settlement following the financial crash in 1998 has left a vacuum which now threatens the foundations of liberal, representative democracy. Progressive politicians need to build a new pluralist settlement based on a radical devolution of power that allows decision making to become less remote, more responsive and brings capital under greater democratic control.
Early life famine exposure to the Great Chinese Famine in 1959–1961 and subsequent pregnancy loss: a population‐based study
Authors: Zhang H , Qu X , Wang H , Tang K
Published: August 2019

Objective

To explore the relation between famine exposure in early life and subsequent pregnancy loss, including stillbirth, and spontaneous abortion in adulthood.

Design

A population‐based, partly ecological study.

Setting and population

Individual data of 58 601 females born around the time of the Great Chinese Famine in 1959–1961.

Methods

Associations between the famine exposure in early life and pregnancy loss (stillbirth and spontaneous abortion) in adulthood were analysed using negative binomial regression, with the non‐exposure group as reference, adjusting for region, highest education, monthly income, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass index in 25‐year‐olds and metabolic equivalent. Further analyses were stratified by rural versus urban region.

Main outcome measures

Continuous variables of times of stillbirths and spontaneous abortions were used according to the individual self‐reported reproductive history.

Results

No association was found between famine exposure and spontaneous abortion. In contrast, females experiencing the famine during their prenatal period (incidence rate ratio = 1.15, 95% CI 1.00–1.33) or infant period (incidence rate ratio = 1.27, 95% CI 1.12–1.44) were more likely to report stillbirth in later adult life. Such an association appeared stronger in women living in rural regions.

Conclusions

Early life exposure of famine was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth but not spontaneous abortion in adulthood. The strength of such an association appeared stronger in rural areas. Given the high potential for unmeasured confounding, these associations must be interpreted with caution. Regarding the potential implication that undernutrition in the fetal period is related to reproductive outcome in adulthood, fetal nutritional supply may play an important role in human reproduction.

Tweetable abstract

Exposure to famine in early life was associated with increased pregnancy loss in adulthood.