bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fructo-Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Steatohepatitis, Visceral Adiposity, and Associated Chronic Inflammation via Increased Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Takai Atsuko , Kikuchi Kentaro , Ichimura Mayuko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Moritoki Yuki , Matsumoto Kotaro , Tsunashima Hiromichi , Onda Takeshi , Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Nariyama Tomoyuki , Ohyatsu Sho , Kubota Juri , Nagumo Kozue , Sato Shipei , Hara Masumi , Miyakawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Within the spectrum of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in combination with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dysbiosis was reported to contribute to NASH pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on steatohepatitis and visceral adiposity in an obese mouse model of NASH. Methods: Twelve newborn C57BL/6J male mice were subcutaneously injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to induce obesity on a conventional diet. Six mice were also administered 5% FOS via drinking water from 10 weeks of age. At 18 weeks, histological characteristics of the liver and epididymal fat were compared between the groups. Hepatic mRNA expression of lipid metabolism enzymes and SCFA in feces and sera were measured. Results: Hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hepatocyte ballooning in the liver and increased hepatic mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase were observed in the MSG-treated mice. FOS treatment improved the liver pathology and blunted the increases in the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism enzymes. In addition, FOS inhibited adipocyte enlargement and formation of crown-like structures and reduced the M1 macrophage frequency in the epididymal fat of the MSG mice (39.4% ± 3.0% vs. 22.8% ± 0.7%; P = 0.001). FOS increased not only the fecal concentrations of n-butyric acid (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.38 ± 0.14 mg/g, P = 0.02), propionic acid (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.42 ± 0.16 mg/g, P = 0.02), and acetic acid (0.65 ± 0.16 vs. 1.48 ± 0.29 mg/g, P = 0.03) but also the serum concentration of propionic acid (3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 8.2 ± 0.5 μmol/L, P = 0.001). Conclusions: FOS ameliorates steatohepatitis, visceral adiposity, and chronic inflammation by increasing SCFA production .
A Simple Angle-Measuring Instrument for Measuring Cemented Stem Anteversion during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mitsutake Ryo , Tanino Hiromasa , Nishida Yasuhiro , Higa Masaru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Background During total hip arthroplasty (THA), the accurate placement of the femoral components is an important determinant of the success of the procedure. This study assessed the accuracy of cemented stem placement using a new angle-measuring instrument. The primary objective was to investigate the accuracy of the intraoperative measurements of cemented stem anteversion obtained using the angle-measuring instrument. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of stem positioning performed using the angle-measuring instrument.

Methods We compared the intraoperative stem anteversion measurements obtained using the angle-measuring instrument with postoperative stem anteversion measurements obtained using computed tomography in 149 hips (measurement accuracy). We also compared the target angle and postoperative stem anteversion in 105 hips (implantation accuracy).

Results The mean amount of intraoperative stem anteversion was 37.9°±10.1°, and the mean amount of postoperative stem anteversion was 37.0°±10.4°. The mean measurement accuracy was 0.9°±6.1°, and the absolute measurement accuracy was 4.9°±3.7°. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between the intraoperative and postoperative stem anteversion measurements was 0.824 (p=0.000). The mean amount of target angle was 37.4°±7.6°, and the mean amount of postoperative stem anteversion was 35.9°±9.1°. The mean implantation accuracy was 1.4°±5.6°, and the mean absolute implantation accuracy was 4.3°±3.6°. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between the target angle and postoperative stem anteversion was 0.795 (p=0.000).

Conclusions The angle-measuring instrument measured intraoperative stem anteversion accurately, and cemented stem was implanted accurately during THA with the angle-measuring instrument.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of EEG features during sleep in major depressive disorder after treatment with escitalopram:A pilot study
Authors: Wu Li , Wang Xue-Qin , Yang Yong , Dong Teng-Fei , Lei Ling , Cheng Qi-Qi , Li Su-Xia
Published: February 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown escitalopram is related to sleep quality. However， effects of escitalopram on dynamics of electroencephalogram (EEG) features especially during different sleep stages have not been reported. T his study may help to reveal pharmacological mechanism underlying escitalopram treatment . Methods: The spatial and temporal responses of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to escitalopram treatment were analyzed in this study. Eleven MDD patients and eleven healthy control subjects who completed eight weeks’ treatment of escitalopram were included in the final statistics. Six-channel sleep EEG signals were acquired during sleep. Power spectrum and nonlinear dynamics were used to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics features of the sleep EEG after escitalopram treatment. Results: For temporal dynamics: after treatment, there was a significant increase in the relative energy (RE) of band (0.5 - 2Hz), accompanied by a significant decrease in the RE of band (20 - 30Hz). Lempel-Ziv complexity and Co - complexity values were significantly lower. EEG changes at different sleep stages also showed the same regulation as throughout the night sleep. For spatio dynamics: after treatment, the EEG response of the left and right hemisphere showed asymmetry. Regarding band-specific EEG complexity estimations, δ1 and β2 in stage-1 and δ1 in stage-2 sleep stage in frontal cortex is found to be much more sensitive to escitalopram treatment in comparison to central and occipital cortices. Conclusions: The sleep quality of MDD patients improved, EEG response occurred asymmetry in left and right hemispheres due to escitalopram treatment, and frontal cortex is found to be much more sensitive to escitalopram treatment. These findings may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of escitalopram in the treatment of depression.
First evidence showing that Pepper vein yellows virus P4 protein is a movement protein
Authors: Li Sangsang , Su Xianyang , Luo Xiangwen , Zhang Yu , Zhang Deyong , Du Jiao , Zhang Zhanhong , OuYang Xian , Zhang Songbai , Liu Yong
Published: February 2020

Background Plant viruses move through plasmodesmata (PD) to infect new cells. To overcome the PD barrier, plant viruses have developed specific protein(s) to guide their genomic RNAs or DNAs to path through the PD. Results In the present study, we analyzed the function of Pepper vein yellows virus P4 protein. Our bioinformatic analysis showed that the P4 protein contains an transmembrane domain, encompassing the amino acid residue 117-138. The P4 protein was found to target PD and form small punctates near walls. The P4 deletion mutant or the substitution mutant lost their function to produce punctates near the walls inside the fluorescent loci. The P4-YFP fusion was found to move from cell to cell in infiltrated leaves, and P4 could complement Cucumber mosaic virus movement protein deficiency mutant to move between cells. Conclustion Taking together, we consider that the P4 protein is a movement protein of Pepper vein yellows virus.
NTP42, a novel antagonist of the thromboxane receptor, attenuates experimentally induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mulvaney Eamon , Reid Helen , Bialesova Lucia , Bouchard Annie , Salvail Dany , Kinsella B. Therese
Published: February 2020

Background
NTP42 is a novel antagonist of the thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP), currently in development for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a devastating disease with multiple pathophysiological hallmarks including excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodelling, inflammation, fibrosis, in situ thrombosis and right ventricular hypertrophy. Signalling through the TP, thromboxane (TX) A2 is a potent vasoconstrictor and mediator of platelet aggregation. It is also a pro-mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent. Moreover, the TP also mediates the adverse actions of the isoprostane 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, a free-radical-derived product of arachidonic acid produced in abundance during oxidative injury. Mechanistically, TP antagonists should treat most of the hallmarks of PAH, including inhibiting the excessive vasoconstriction and pulmonary artery remodelling, in situ thrombosis, inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NTP42 in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model, alongside current standard-of-care drugs.
Methods
PAH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT in male Wistar–Kyoto rats. Animals were assigned into groups: 1. ‘No MCT’; 2. ‘MCT Only’; 3. MCT + NTP42 (0.25 mg/kg BID); 4. MCT + Sildenafil (50 mg/kg BID), and 5. MCT + Selexipag (1 mg/kg BID), where 28-day drug treatment was initiated within 24 h post-MCT.
Results
From haemodynamic assessments, NTP42 reduced the MCT-induced PAH, including mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right systolic ventricular pressure (RSVP), being at least comparable to the standard-of-care drugs Sildenafil or Selexipag in bringing about these effects. Moreover, NTP42 was superior to Sildenafil and Selexipag in significantly reducing pulmonary vascular remodelling, inflammatory mast cell infiltration and fibrosis in MCT-treated animals.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that NTP42 and antagonism of the TP signalling pathway have a relevant role in alleviating the pathophysiology of PAH, representing a novel therapeutic target with marked benefits over existing standard-of-care therapies.
Adiposity reduces the risk of osteoporosis in Chinese rural population: the Henan Rural Cohort Study
Authors: Tian Huiling , Pan Jun , Qiao Dou , Dong Xiaokang , Li Ruiying , Wang Yikang , Tu Runqi , Abdulai Tanko , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Zhang Gongyuan , Wang Chongjian
Published: February 2020

Background: Adiposity plays a crucial role in the risk of osteoporosis. However, the impact of body fat distribution on the skeleton is contentious. The study was designed to explore the association of various adiposity indices on estimated bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis based on body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and visceral fat index (VFI).
Methods: A total of 8475 subjects derived from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were analyzed. The estimated BMD of study participants were measured by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Linear and binary logistic regression was performed to estimate the association of adiposity and the outcomes.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 55.23 ± 11.09 years and 59.61% were women. The crude and age-standardized prevalence of high risk for osteoporosis was 16.24% and 11.82%. Per unit increment in adiposity indices was associated with 0.005-0.021 g/cm 2 increase in estimated BMD. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for high osteoporosis risk in per 1 SD increase of WC, WHR, WHtR, BMI, BFP, and VFI were 0.820 (0.748, 0.898), 0.872 (0.811, 0.938), 0.825 (0.765, 0.891), 0.798 (0.726, 0.878), 0.882 (0.800, 0.972), and 0.807 (0.732, 0.889), respectively. Stratified analyses indicated greater effects on individuals aged 55 years or more.
Conclusions: The adiposity indices have an inverse association with the risk of osteoporosis among Chinese rural population, especially in the elderly.
Keywords: Adiposity; Bone mineral density; Osteoporosis; Rural population
Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of the Nucleolar Proteome of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Jin-mei Feng , Chun-Lin Yang , Hai-Feng Tian , Jiang-Xin Wang , Wen Jianfan
Published: February 2020

Background: The nucleoli, including their proteomes, of higher eukaryotes have been extensively studied, while few studies about the nucleoli of the lower eukaryotes – protists were reported. Giardia lamblia , a protist with the controversy of whether it is an extreme primitive eukaryote or just a highly evolved parasite, might be an interesting object for carrying out the nucleolar proteome study of protists and for further examining the controversy. Results: Using bioinformatics methods, we reconstructed G. lamblia nucleolar proteome ( Gi NuP) and the common nucleolar proteome of the three representative higher eukaryotes (human, Arabidopsis , yeast) (HEBNuP). Comparisons of the two proteomes revealed that: 1) Gi NuP is much smaller than HEBNuP, but 78.4% of its proteins have orthologs in the latter; 2) More than 68% of the Gi NuP proteins are involved in the “Ribosome related” function, and the others participate in the other functions, and these two groups of proteins are much larger and much smaller than those in HEBNuP, respectively; 3) Both Gi NuP and HEBNuP have their own specific proteins, but HEBNuP has a much higher proportion of such proteins to participate in more categories of nucleolar functions. Conclusion: For the first time the nucleolar proteome of a protist - Giardia was reconstructed. The results of comparison of it with the common proteome of three representative higher eukaryotes -- HEBNuP indicated that the simplicity of Gi NuP is most probably a reflection of primitiveness but not just parasitic reduction of Giardia , and simultaneously revealed some interesting evolutionary phenomena about the nucleolus and even the eukaryotic cell, compositionally and functionally.
Detection of CNV in the SH3RF2 gene and its effects on growth and carcass traits in chickens
Authors: Jing Zhenzhu , Wang Xinlei , Cheng Yingying , Wei Chengjie , Hou Dan , Li Tong , Li Wenya , Han Ruili , Li Hong , Sun Guirong , Tian Yadong , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Li Zhuanjian
Published: February 2020

Background: The SH3RF2 gene is a protein-coding gene located in a quantitative trait locus associated with body weight, and its deletion has been shown to be positively associated with body weight in chickens. Results: In the present study, CNV in the SH3RF2 gene was detected in 4,079 individuals from 17 populations, including the “Gushi ×Anka” F2 resource population and populations of Chinese native chickens, commercial layers, and commercial broilers. The F2 resource population was then used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken SH3RF2 gene. The results showed that the local chickens and commercial layers were all homozygous for the wild-type allele. Deletion mutation individuals were detected in all of the commercial broiler breeds except Hubbard broiler. A total of, 798 individuals in the F2 resource group were used to analyze the effects of genotype (DD/ID/II) on chicken production traits. The results showed that CNV was associated with 2-, 6-, 10-, and 12-week body weight ( P = 0.026, 0.042, 0.021 and 0.039 respectively) and significantly associated with 8-week breast bone length ( P = 0.045). The mutation was significantly associated with 8-week body weight ( P = 0.007) and 4-week breast bone length ( P = 0.010). CNV was significantly associated with evisceration weight, leg muscle weight, carcass weight, breast muscle weight and gizzard weight ( P = 0.032, 0.033, 0.045, 0.004 and 0.000, respectively). Conclusions: CNV of the SH3RF2 gene contributed to variation in the growth and weight gain of chickens.
Newborn feeding recommendations and practices increase the risk of development of overweight and obesity
Authors: Watchmaker Brittany , Boyd Bridget , Dugas Lara
Published: February 2020

Background: The prevalence of obesity among infants less than 2 years of age has increased by more than 60 percent over the last three decades. Obese infants and toddlers are at an increased risk for staying overweight into adolescence and adulthood. Metabolic programming has been demonstrated in animal models whereby early life feeding habits result in life-long changes in hormone balance and metabolism. Our study explores if newborn over-nutrition on the first day of life (DOL1) is associated with risk for future overweight and obesity in childhood.

Methods: Retrospective chart data was collected for full-term formula-fed infants born between January 2008 and December 2012 who continued care at the same institution. Data included the volume of formula (ml) consumed on DOL1 as well as subsequent yearly BMI measures from well child check-ups. (WCC). Overfeeding was categorized as any feed greater than or equal to 30 ml on any of the first seven feeds while controlling for birth weight.

Results: The final data set included 1106 infants (547 male; 559 female). 1023 of the 1106 newborns (93%) were overfed at least once during DOL1, while 789 of 1106 (71%) were overfed 3 or more times during their first 7 feeds. After adjusting for birth weight, infants who were overfed 5 of the first 7 feeds were 5 times as likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year well child check-up (p<0.05) compared to children not overfed. Infants who were overfed on all 7 of their first 7 feeds were 7 times more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC (p=0.017).

Conclusions: Infants overfed on DOL1 were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC, compared to infants not overfed on their first day of life. Newborn families may benefit from counseling regarding age-appropriate volumes of formula during this early critical and impressionable time period. Future studies will aim to look at effect of smaller feeding bottle size on DOL1 on reducing overfeeding practices and future overweight and obesity.
H19 gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children: a four-center case-control study
Authors: Li Wenya , Hua Rui-Xi , Wang Mi , Zhang Da , Zhu Jinhong , Zhang Songyang , Yang Yang , Cheng Jiwen , Zhou Haixia , Zhang Jiao , He Jing
Published: February 2020

Background: Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal cancer. However, genetic bases behind Wilms tumor remain largely unknown. H19 is a critical maternally imprinted gene. Previous studies indicated that Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the H19 can modify the risk of several human malignancies. Epigenetic errors at the H19 locus lead to biallele silencing in Wilms tumors. Genetic variations in the H19 may be related to Wilms tumor susceptibility.Methods: We conducted a four-center study to investigate whether H19 SNPs was a predisposing factor to Wilms tumor. Three polymorphisms in the H19 (rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G, rs217727 G>A) were genotyped in 355 cases and 1070 cancer-free controls,using Taqman method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations.Results: We found that all of these three polymorphisms were significantly associated with Wilms tumor risk alterations. Carriers of 1, 2 and 1-2 risk genotypes were inclined to develop Wilms tumor compared with those without risk genotype [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-1.80, P =0.037; adjusted OR=1.84, 95% CI=1.27-2.67, P =0.001; adjusted OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.17-1.92, P =0.002, respectively]. The stratified analysis further revealed that rs2839698 AA, rs217727 AA, and 1-2 risk genotypes could strongly increase Wilms tumor risk among children above 18 months of age, males, and with clinical stage I+II disease.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that genetic variations in the H19 may confer Wilms tumor risk.
Analytical evaluation of the clonoSEQ Assay for establishing measurable (minimal) residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma
Authors: Ching Travers , Duncan Megan E , Newman-Eerkes Tera , McWhorter Mollie M E , Tracy Jeffrey M , Steen Michelle S , Brown Ryan P , Venkatasubbarao Srivatsa , Akers Nicholas K , Vignali Marissa , Moorhead Martin E , Watson Drew , Emerson Ryan O , Mann Tobias P , Cimler B Melina , Swatkowski Pamela L , Kirsch Ilan R , Sang Charles , Robins Harlan S , Howie Bryan , Sherwood Anna
Published: February 2020

Background: The clonoSEQ® Assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation, Seattle, USA) identifies and tracks unique disease-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) sequences by next-generation sequencing of IgH, IgK, and IgL rearrangements and IgH-BCL1/2 translocations in malignant B cells. Here, we describe studies to validate the analytical performance of the assay using patient samples and cell lines.Methods: Sensitivity and specificity were established by defining the limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ) and limit of blank (LoB) in genomic DNA (gDNA) from 66 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and three cell lines. Healthy donor gDNA was used as a diluent to contrive test samples with specific DNA masses and malignant-cell frequencies. Precision was validated using a range of samples contrived from patient gDNA, healthy donor gDNA, and 9 cell lines to generate numerous measurable residual disease (MRD) frequencies spanning clinically relevant thresholds. Linearity was determined using samples contrived from cell line gDNA spiked into healthy gDNA to generate 11 MRD frequencies for each DNA input, then confirmed using clinical samples. Quantitation accuracy was assessed by (1) comparing clonoSEQ and multiparametric flow cytometry (mpFC) measures of ALL and MM cell lines diluted in healthy mononuclear cells, and (2) analyzing precision study data for quantitation bias between MRD results from clonoSEQ measurements of diluted gDNA and those expected from mpFC of original, undiluted samples. Repeatability of nucleotide base calls was assessed via the assay’s ability to recover malignant clonotype sequences across several replicates, process features, and MRD levels.Results: LoD and LoQ were estimated at 1.903 cells and 2.390 malignant cells, respectively. LoB was zero in healthy donor gDNA. Precision ranged from 18% CV at higher DNA inputs to 68% CV near the LoD. Variance component analysis showed MRD results were robust, with expected laboratory process variations contributing ≤3% CV. Linearity and accuracy were demonstrated for each disease across orders of magnitude of clonal frequencies. Nucleotide sequence error rates were extremely low.Conclusions: These studies validate the analytical performance of the clonoSEQ Assay, and demonstrate its potential as a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for selected lymphoid malignancies.
Understanding the Role of Elastic Modulus in the Relationship Between Second Harmonic Generation Scattering and Tumor Cell Motility
Authors: Elias Tresa M. , Desa Danielle , Nguyen Phong , Goyal Ananya , Benoit Danielle , Buckley Mark R. , Kuo Catherine K. , Brown Edward
Published: February 2020

Background: Second harmonic generation (SHG) is an intrinsic optical property of fibrillar collagen. SHG directionality is quantified by F/B, the ratio of forward- to backward-propagating signal, which is affected by collagen fiber internal structure, specifically the diameter, spacing, and disorder of fibrils within a collagen fiber. We have previously shown that F/B of primary invasive ductal carcinoma sections is prognostic of metastatic outcome. One possible cause of this relationship was revealed by our observation that tumor cells’ motility on collagen I gels varied when collagen fiber internal structure in those gels was manipulated. The mechanism by which tumor cells sense changes in collagen fiber internal structure remains unknown: here we evaluate the role of elastic modulus in the relationship between collagen fiber internal structure (as reported by F/B) and tumor cell motility. Methods: The 4T1 murine mammary adenocarcinoma, a model of metastatic triple negative breast cancer, (TNBC) and the 67NR line, a non-metastatic luminal phenotype, were introduced to a series of collagen-polyacrylamide mixed gels wherein collagen fiber internal structure and gel elastic modulus were independently controlled. F/B was measured with SHG, while elastic modulus was measured globally via rheometry and locally via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Tumor cell motility was quantified over three hours. Results: The motility of both cell lines varied with F/B while elastic modulus was held constant, and did so at two physiological modulus values. Interestingly, 4T1 cell motility increased as F/B increased, while 67NR cell motility decreased.Conclusions: Our results suggest that elastic modulus does not play a significant role in the observed relationship between collagen fiber internal structure (as reported by F/B) and tumor cell motility, for two cell lines that are models of TNBC and luminal-like breast cancer. Our observation that the two lines exhibit opposite motility trends as F/B increases is consistent with the trends in metastatic outcome versus F/B observed in our published clinical data for ER+ (i.e. containing the luminal subtypes) and ER- (i.e. containing the basal subtypes) cohorts, and suggests that a tumor’s subtype may play a role in their response to collagen fiber internal structure.
Competitive exclusion and metabolic dependency among microorganisms structure the cellulose economy of agricultural soil
Authors: Wilhelm Roland C , Pepe-Ranney Charles , Weisenhorn Pamela , Lipton Mary , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: February 2020

Many cellulolytic microorganisms degrade cellulose through extracellular processes that yield free intermediates which promote interactions with non-cellulolytic organisms. We hypothesize that these interactions determine the ecological and physiological traits that govern the fate of cellulosic carbon (C) in soil. We evaluated the genomic potential of soil microorganisms that access C from 13 C-labeled cellulose. We used metagenomic-SIP and metaproteomics to evaluate whether cellulolytic and non-cellulolytic microbes that access 13 C from cellulose encode traits indicative of metabolic dependency or competitive exclusion. The most highly 13 C-enriched taxa were cellulolytic Cellvibrio ( Gammaproteobacteria ) and Chaetomium ( Ascomycota ), which exhibited a strategy of self-sufficiency (prototrophy), rapid growth, and competitive exclusion via antibiotic production. These ruderal taxa were common indicators of soil disturbance in agroecosystems, such as tillage and fertilization. Auxotrophy was more prevalent in cellulolytic Actinobacteria than in cellulolytic Proteobacteria , demonstrating differences in dependency among cellulose degraders. Non-cellulolytic taxa that accessed 13 C from cellulose ( Planctomycetales , Verrucomicrobia and Vampirovibrionales ) were highly dependent, as indicated by patterns of auxotrophy and 13 C-labeling (i.e. partial labelling or labeling at later-stages). Major 13 C-labeled cellulolytic microbes ( e.g. Sorangium, Actinomycetales, Rhizobiales and Caulobacteraceae ) possessed adaptations for surface colonization ( e.g. gliding motility, hyphae, attachment structures) signifying the importance of surface ecology in decomposition. These results suggest that access to cellulose was accompanied by ecological trade-offs characterized by differing degrees of metabolic dependency and competitive exclusion. These trade-offs likely influence microbial growth dynamics on particulate organic carbon and reveal that the fate of carbon is governed by a complex economy within the microbial community.
From Plasmodium vivax outbreak to elimination: lessons learnt from a retrospective analysis of data from Guantang
Authors: Yang Guo-Jing , Liu Ying , Shang Le-Yuan , Zhang Hong-Wei , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Penny Melissa A. , Smith Thomas A.
Published: February 2020

Background : Malaria was once a serious public health problem in China with Plasmodium vivax the major species responsible for more than 90% of local transmission. Following significant integrated malaria control and elimination programs, malaria burden declined, and by 2017 China recorded no indigenous cases. To understand the historical malaria transmission patterns and epidemic characteristics in China and insights useful to guide P. vivax malaria control and elimination elsewhere, a retrospective study was carried out.Materials and Methods: Historical data from a pilot study conducted in Guantang, Luyi in central China from 1971-1995, were digitised. The data included monthly numbers of reported cases, febrile cases, parasite carriage rates, the neonatal infection rate, and entomological data from Anopheles sinensis.Results: Following 25 years of continuous integrated malaria control activities, malaria incidence in Guantang decreased from 4,333 cases per 10,000 in 1970 before integrated implementation to 0.23 cases per 10,000 in 1991, and no cases in 1992-1995. Some fluctuations in incidence were observed between 1977 and 1981. During the period parasite rates, antibody levels and the neonatal infection rate also decreased. The pattern of seasonality confirmed that P. vivax in Henan Province was primarily of long incubation type (temperate) during non-transmission period. The findings retrospectively provide a scientific basis for the implementation of mass campaigns of liver stage hypnozoite clearance. Entomological studies indicated that An. sinensis was the only vector, and it preferred bovine to human hosts, predominantly biting and resting outdoors . Mosquito densities declined between 1971 and 1984.Conclusion: The integrated malaria control approach in Guantang effectively controlled malaria and achieved elimination. Analysis of the effectiveness of the program can provide guidance to other regions or countries with similar ecological settings aiming to move from malaria control to elimination. There is a potential challenge in the maintenance of non-transmission status owing to imported cases and the long dormancy of liver stage hypnozoites.
Mutations in domain V of Mycoplasma pneumoniae 23S rRNA are not associated with clinical characteristics of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a case control study
Authors: Deng Huan , Zhu Yifan , Zhang Jiamin , Rong Qiangquan , Quan Yao , Tang Heng , Zhao Deyu
Published: February 2020

Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common agent of community-acquired pneumonia in children and young adults that can lead to refractory or persistent Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Macrolide-resistant MP harbors point mutations in domain V of 23S ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid (rRNA) with substitutions detected at positions 2063, 2064, 2067 and 2617. This study’s purpose is to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of mutations in domain V of MP 23S rRNA. Methods We sequenced the 23S rRNA domain V of MP strains collected from children with MPP. Clinical and laboratory data were also obtained, including gender, age, duration of fever, duration of fever after the start of macrolide therapy, MP-Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) load at enrollment, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count, immunomodulators treatment and pulmonary complications.Results Of 276 strains, 255 (92.39 %) harbored A to G transition at the position 2063 (A2063G), and 21 (7.61 %) were not mutated. There were no significant differences in gender, age, duration of fever, duration of fever after the start of macrolide therapy, MP-DNA load at enrollment, hospitalization days, lymphocyte count and pulmonary complications when patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of domain V mutations. We also found that children with refractory MPP experienced higher MP-DNA load than the non-refractory MPP, but the prevalence of domain V mutations was comparable.Conclusions We found that clinical MP strains harbored very high mutation rate in 23S rRNA domain V, especially A2063G mutation. However, these mutations were not associated with clinical symptoms, laboratory results, pulmonary complications and development of refractory pneumonia. Instead, MP-DNA load was significantly different between refractory and non-refractory MPP.
Application of the thermal time model for different Typha domingensis populations
Authors: León Fanny Mabel Carhuancho , Cortijo Pedro Luis Aguado , Izquierdo María del Carmen Morató , Moncho María Teresa Castellanos
Published: February 2020

BackgroundTypha domingensis Pers. is a perennial emergent plant that in comparison to other Typha species, produces more biomass. This species is used in Green Floating Filters (GFFs), one of the most innovative systems of wastewater treatment to bioremediate eutrophic waters and produce biomass as biofuel feedstocks. The establishment of a GFF depends on the seed germination and plant responses under conditions of a new habitat. This study analysed the germination response of four different populations of T. domingensis through a thermal time model to determine which population would have the fastest germination for establishment in a GFF.ResultsSeeds from the Badajoz (Ba), Cuenca (Cu), Madrid (Ma) and Seville (Se) populations were exposed to different thermal regimes (constant and alternating temperatures between 15 and 30°C) and photoperiods (0, 3, 5, 7,10 and 20 days in darkness) to determine the parameters of the thermal model. Regardless of other parameters, no germination occurred in total darkness (20 days). The mean value of the base temperature (Tb) was 16.4±0.2°C in all treatments. The optimum temperature (To) values in Ma and Ba were 25°C, and those in Cu and Se were 22.5°C. The germination response decreased when the temperature approached Tb and increased when it was close to To. In comparison to temperatures with a ΔT= 5°C or 10°C, those with a ΔT= 15°C or ΔT= 0°C had the highest germination response and lowest thermal time (θT(50)). The photoperiod had a relationship with θT(50), but it was not proportional. The populations also affected germination; Cu had the highest values of To and germination response but had a lower θT(50). which coincides with the lowest mean ambient temperatures.Conclusion According to these results, the germination response of T. domingensis under optimal conditions was high in all populations but was affected to a greater or lesser extent depending on thermal regimes, photoperiods, and population. The thermal time model allowed us to determine that in comparison to other populations, Cu is the best population for establishment in a GFF due to its high germination response under the conditions tested.
Study on the Color-Compensation Effect of Hybrid Orange-Red Quantum Dots in WLED Application
Authors: Hu Xiaoyue , Xie Yangyang , Geng Chong , Xu Shu , Bi Wengang
Published: February 2020

Quantum dots (QDs) as emerging light-converting materials show the advantage of enhancing color quality of white light-emitting diode (WLED). However, WLEDs employing narrow-emitting monochromic QDs usually present unsatisfactory color rendering in the orange region. Herein, orange-red emitting polychromic hybrid QDs (hybrid-QDs) are developed through mixing CdSe/ZnS based orange QDs (O-QDs) and red QDs (R-QDs) to compensate the orange-red light for WLEDs. We investigated the effect of self-absorption and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process in hybrid-QDs on the spectral controllability and fluorescent quenching in WLEDs. The concentration and donor/acceptor ratios were also taken into account to analyze the FRET efficiency and help identify suitable hybrid-QDs for color compensation in the orange-red light region. As the result, the optimized hybrid-QDs effectively improve the color rendering index of the WLED compared with monochromatic QDs at the same color coordinates.
Power Control for SISO Interference Channel Networks Based on Successive Convex Approximation
Authors: Mao Ruina , Yu Jiguo , Dong Anming , Wang Yue , Huang Baogui
Published: February 2020

Interference channel (IC) is a classical model used to characterize the effect of interference for many real-life communication systems. In this paper, we consider a sum rate maximization problem subject to maximum power restriction at each transmitter for a single-input single-output (SISO) IC network. The considered power control problem is typically a nonconvex problem which is hard to solve directly. We propose a solving algorithm for this power control problem based on successive convex approximation (SCA). Specifically, we first reformulate the original nonconvex objective function as the difference of two concave (D.C.) functions near a given point in the feasible region of the solution space. After that, we construct a convex substitute function for the D.C. objective by approximating its second concave function with the one-order Taylor expansion. The problem is further reformulated as an unconstrained problem by transforming the constraints as a barrier function. This unconstrained problem is then solved iteratively using Newton's method. We update the substitute function given the newly obtained solution, near which the one-order Taylor expansion is performed again. This process is then repeated until a smooth point is reached. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed SCA-based power control algorithm.
Association between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Coronary Artery Calcification Progression in Korean Adults
Authors: Nam Ji Sun , Kim Min Kyung , Nam Joo Young , Park Kahui , Kang Shinae , Ahn Chul Woo , Park Jong Suk
Published: February 2020

Background Dyslipidemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been proposed as a novel predictive marker for CVD, and there are few cross sectional studies that demonstrated a relationship between AIP and coronary artery disease. We investigated the association between AIP and the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in Korean adults without CVD. Methods A total of 1,124 participants who had undergone CAC measurement at least twice by multi-detector CT in a health care center were enrolled. Anthropometric profiles and multiple cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. The AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of the concentration of TG to HDL-C. The CAC progression was defined as either incident CAC in a CAC-free population at baseline or an increase of ≥ 2.5 units between the square roots of the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) among subjects with detectable CAC at baseline Results CAC progression was observed in 290 subjects (25.8%) during the mean 4.2 years of follow-up. All subjects were stratified into three groups according to AIP. There were significant differences in cardiovascular parameters among the groups at baseline. The follow-up CAC and the incidence of CAC progression increased gradually with the rising AIP tertiles. In the logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for CAC progression was 2.27 when comparing the highest to the lowest tertile of the AIP (95% CI: 1.61-3.19; P for trend <0.01). However, this association was attenuated after adjustment for multiple risk factors (P for trend = 0.67). Conclusions There is a significant correlation between AIP and CAC and its progression in subjects without CVD, but AIP is not an independent predictor of CAC progression.
Supporting breastfeeding at work in a public sector setting: A qualitative exploratory study among managers and employed mothers
Authors: Mabaso Prudence Bongekile , Jaga Ameeta , Doherty Tanya
Published: February 2020

Background: Return to employment is a major barrier to breastfeeding continuation, globally and in the Southern African context. The Lancet breastfeeding series revealed an explicit need for research exploring breastfeeding as a workplace issue in low- and middle-income countries. A dearth of research on workplace breastfeeding in South Africa, and limited awareness about legislation to protect breastfeeding employees, calls for attention to this topic. Methods: This qualitative study explored experiences of workplace breastfeeding amongst employed mothers and senior managers in two provincial government departments in South Africa. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with senior managers ( n = 4) and employed mothers ( n = 8). Results: Thematic analysis of the data revealed findings important to understanding mothers’ decisions about breastfeeding at work, across three critical maternity periods: 1) During pregnancy: poor knowledge about comprehensive maternity benefits and an absence of a conversation on infant feeding plans with managers meant mothers were disempowered to make informed choices about breastfeeding at work; 2) During maternity leave: stress from anticipated work-family conflict and logistical considerations influenced mothers’ decisions to wean infants; and 3) Upon return to work: mothers experienced a lack of workplace infrastructural support for breastfeeding. Conclusion: Our study contributions emphasise that breastfeeding support from managers should begin prior to the mother taking maternity leave. Immediate supervisors were found to be an important but overlooked agent to enforce legislation and provide breastfeeding support. Implications for management for advancing support for breastfeeding at work in the public sector are presented.
Assessment of exercise-induced stress by automated measurement of salivary cortisol concentrations within the circadian rhythm in Japanese female long-distance runners
Authors: Ushiki Kazumi , Tsunekawa Katsuhiko , Shoho Yoshifumi , Martha Larasati , Ishigaki Hirotaka , Matsumoto Ryutaro , Yanagawa Yoshimaro , Nakazawa Asuka , Yoshida Akihiro , Nakajima Kiyomi , Araki Osamu , Kimura Takao , Murakami Masami
Published: February 2020

Background Overtraining syndrome, caused by prolonged excessive stress, results in reduced performance and cortisol responsiveness in athletes. It is necessary to collect saliva samples sequentially within circadian rhythm for assessing exercise stress by measuring cortisol concentrations, and automated cortisol measurements using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) may be useful for measuring a large number of saliva samples. In this study, we evaluated the appropriate use of cortisol-based exercise stress assessment within the circadian rhythm, which may diagnose and prevent overtraining syndrome in athletes. Methods We collected saliva and sera from 54 healthy participants and analyzed the correlation between salivary cortisol concentrations measured by ECLIA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or serum cortisol analysis. We also collected saliva continuously from 12 female long-distance runners on 2 consecutive days involving different intensities and types of exercise early in the morning and in the afternoon and measured salivary cortisol concentrations using ECLIA. Each exercise intensity of runners was measured by running velocities, Borg Scale score, and rate of change in the pulse rate by exercise. Results ECLIA-based salivary cortisol concentrations correlated positively with those detected by ELISA (ρ = 0.924, p < 0.001) and serum cortisol (ρ = 0.591, p = 0.001). In long-distance runners, circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol including peak after waking and decrease promptly thereafter were detected on both days by continuous saliva sampling. The rates of change in salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly lower after an early morning exercise than after an afternoon exercise on both days (day 1, p = 0.002 and day 2, p = 0.003). In the early morning exercise, the rate of change in salivary cortisol concentration was significantly higher on day 1 than on day 2 ( p = 0.034), similar to significant difference in running velocities ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Our results suggest that automated ECLIA-based salivary cortisol measurements are able to detect the athletes' circadian rhythm and compare the exercise stress intensities at the same times on different days, even in the early morning, possibly leading to prevention of overtraining syndrome.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of silodosin in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Yuan Chi , Jian Zhongyu , Ma Yucheng , Wang Menghua , Hu Qibo , Liu Linhu , He Yushi , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie
Published: February 2020

Background: Silodosin is a new high-selective α1A-adrenoceptors antagonist. A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis were performed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of silodosin with placebo, tamsulosin, naftopidil and alfuzosin in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) males with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Materials and Methods: We systematically searched literature among EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases until April 2019. 18 related randomized controlled trials were included according to eligibility criteria. Random-effects model were applied for data analysis. Results: 5,985 patients were included in our study. Silodosin presented superiority to placebo in improving LUTS and better efficacy than tamsulosin and naftopidil in improving IPSS void subscore and post-void residual urine volume with statistically significance (all P values < 0.05). Greater QoL index improvement were found in silodosin than alfuzosin groups (MD = -0.44, 95%CI: [-0.83, -0.05], P = 0.03) while no differences in total IPSS score and Qmax changes between these two groups. Retrograde ejaculation was significantly frequent in silodosin than placebo, tamsulosin and naftopidil groups (all P values < 0.05). Besides, silodosin increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infection compared to tamsulosin groups (RR = 0.69, 95%CI: [0.50, 0.96], P = 0.03). A higher rate of nasal congestion (RR = 7.76, 95%CI: [1.80, 33.41], P = 0.006) were found in silodosin than placebo groups while no difference for nasopharyngitis ((RR = 1.16, 95%CI: [0.54, 2.47], P = 0.71). Prevalence of headache (RR = 0.54, 95%CI: [0.27, 1.06], P = 0.07) and postural hypotension (RR = 0.14, 95%CI: [0.03, 0.77], P = 0.02) were lower in silodosin than tamsulosin groups, although dizziness and vertigo was more frequent in silodosin than placebo (RR = 2.26, 95%CI: [1.21, 4.21], P = 0.009). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated silodosin’s possible superiority to placebo and naftopidil while noninferiority to tamsulosin and alfuzosin in LUTS improvement of BPH males. Better cardiovascular safety was in silodosin groups, although incidence of retrograde ejaculation and respiratory adverse events were higher.