bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of LCB1 subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase stimulates its activity and modulates sphingolipid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Yuan , Cao Hanwei , Dong Tingting , Wang Xiaoke , Ma Liang , Li Kun , Lou Huqiang , Song Chun-Peng , Ren Dongtao
Published: December 2020

Sphingolipids are the structural elements for membrane lipid bilayers and the signal molecules for many cellular processes. Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) is the first committed and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo sphingolipids biosynthetic pathway. The core SPT was previously suggested as a heterodimer consisting of LCB1 and LCB2 subunits. The SPT activity was shown to be inhibited by orosomucoid proteins (ORMs) and stimulated by small subunits of SPT (ssSPT). However, whether LCB1 is modified and how the modification regulates SPT activity have been unclear. Here, we show that activation of MPK3 and MPK6 by upstream MKK9 and Flg22 (a pathogen-associated molecular pattern) treatment increases SPT activity and induces the accumulation of sphingosine long-chain base (LCB) t18:0 in Arabidopsis thaliana; the activated MPK3 and MPK6 phosphorylate AtLCB1. Phosphorylation of AtLCB1 strengthens its binding with AtLCB2b, promotes its binding with ssSPTs, and stimulates the higher-order-oligomer and active SPT complexes formation. Our findings suggest a novel regulatory mechanism of SPT activity.
Subacromial Erosion after Hook Plate Fixation in Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Kim Jung Youn , Rhee Yong Girl , Ko Young Wan , Rhee Sung Min
Published: December 2020

Background: This study was to analyze the clinical results of locking hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury and to find out the incidence of subacromial erosion, carry out quantitative analysis and identify risk factors. Methods: The study was conducted on 35 patients who underwent the locking hook plate fixation for acute ACJ joint injury. The clinical outcomes were evaluated measuring the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score. The computed tomography (CT) was conducted to measure the subacromial erosion. The acromioclavicular slope (AC slope) of the unaffected side, the acromion-hook angle (AH angle), the acromioclavicular anteroposterior distance (AC-AP distance), and the preoperative acromioclavicular interval (ACI) of the affected side were analyzed to identify the risk factors of subacromial erosion. Results: The mean preoperative VAS score was 7.6 points, which improved by a significant level of 0.3 at the final follow-up (P <0.001). The UCLA score at the last follow-up was 32.3 points, which was higher than the preoperative average of 15.2 points (P = 0.003). According to the computed tomography (CT) findings, subacromial erosion was found in all cases, and the mean value was 5.0mm, which is 53% of the entire acromion thickness. The AC slope (B=-0.159, P<0.001) and AC-AP distance (B=0.233, P=0.004) were found to have a significant influence on postoperative subacromial erosion. The AC slope showed a negative correlation with the amount of erosion, while the AC-AP distance showed a positive correlation with erosion. onclusion: The study was able to obtain satisfactory clinical and radiological results after locking hook plate fixation for acute ACJ injury. The CT findings revealed that subacromial erosion occurred in all cases, and the mean erosion depth was about 50% of the acromial thickness. If the preoperative AC slope of the unaffected side was more acute and the AC-AP distance was larger, the incidence of subacromial erosion was higher. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level IV Retrospectively registered study: This study was retrospective in nature, and final approval of informed consent exemption by the institutional review board was obtained (KHUH IRB 2019-04-079)
Increased depression genetic liability associates with inflammatory markers in multiple electronic health record systems
Authors: Davis Lea , Sealock Julia , Lee Younga , Moscati Arden , Venkatesh Sanan , Voloudakis Georgios , Straub Peter , Singh Kritika , Feng Yen-Chen , Ge Tian , Roussos Panos , Smoller Jordan W. , Chen Guanhua
Published: December 2020

Although depression is a common disorder, its underlying biological basis remains poorly understood. The results of clinical lab tests available for research in electronic health records can be used to identify biomarkers that may reveal biological processes involved in the development of depression or may be markers of physiological changes due to depression. Here, we leveraged clinical laboratory tests and integrated biobank data to evaluate the relationship between genetic risk for depression and 315 routinely collected quantitative lab measures. Analyses across four health care systems (N = 382,452) robustly implicate increased white blood cell count as both a risk factor and consequence of depression diagnosis and revealed neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes as the primary cell types responsible for this association. Our results highlight the importance of the immune system in the etiology of depression and motivate future development of clinical biomarkers and targeted treatment options for depression and its systemic effects.
Patterns of seroconversion for SARS-CoV2-IgG in patients with malignant disease and association with anti-cancer therapy
Authors: Thakkar Astha , Pradhan Kith , Jindal Shawn , Cui Zhu , Rockwell Bradley , Shah Akash , Packer Stuart , Sica R.Alejandro , Sparano Joseph , Goldstein D.Yitzhak , Verma Amit , Goel Sanjay , Halmos Balazs
Published: December 2020

Patients with cancer have been identified in several studies to be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19; however, rates of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroconversion and its association with cancer types and anti-cancer therapy remain obscure. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with cancer that underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing. Two hundred and sixty-one cancer patients underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing and demonstrated a high rate of seroconversion (92%). However, significantly lower seroconversion was observed in patients with hematologic malignancies (82%), patients that received anti-CD-20 antibody therapy (59%), CAR-T/cellular therapy (33%) and stem cell transplant (60%). Interestingly, all 17 patients that received immunotherapy, including 16 that received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, developed SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibodies (100% seroconversion). These data show differential rates of seroconversion in specific patient groups and bear importance for clinical monitoring and vaccination strategies that are being developed to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic
Expression and Prognostic Significance of m6A-Related Genes in TP53-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhuochen , Wan Junhu , Guo Manman , Wang Yangxia , Yang Zhengwu , Li Zhuofang , Ming Liang
Published: December 2020

Background: TP53 is an important tumor suppressor gene on human chromosome 17. TP53 mutations have been confirmed in more than 60% of tumor patients' somatic cells. N6-methyladenosine is an enzyme that plays an important role in mRNA splicing, translation, and stabilization. It is a common internal modification of nucleotides, that is regulated by methyltransferases ("writer"), binding proteins ("reader"), and demethylases ("eraser"). However, its role in TP53 mutant non-small-cell lung cancer remains unknown. In this study, we investigated 17 common N-6-Methyladenosine regulators' contributions and prognostic values.Results: Wilcox test showed that 9 of 17 m6A regulators were expressed differently between TP53 mutant and wild type NSCLC (p<0.05). A new way of tumor typing is attempted by consensus clustering. Using univariate cox regression analysis, ALKBH5, HNRNPA2B1 were associated with the prognostic of TP53 mutant patients. Then we built signatures of N-6-Methyladenosine regulators with prognostic ability based on the multivariate cox regression in TP53 mutant cohorts. Moreover, ROC curve showed that this signature could predict the prognostic in mutant cohort well and the riskscore for patients was calculated. With this riskscore, patients with TP53 mutations can be divided into high and low risk groups, and there was a significant difference between two groups. Finally, we found 338 DEGs between high and low risk groups, then GO enrichment analysis, PPI network and GSEA enrichment analysis were used to analysis different signaling pathways between two groups. In conclusion, our study showed m6A regulators can be used as predictive prognostic tools in TP53 mutant patients.Conclusion: Signature consisting of the “erasers” ALKBH5 and “readers” HNRNPA2B1 have potential diagnostic value and prognostic significance in patients with TP53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer.
Characterization and Transcriptomic Analysis of a Novel Yellow-Green Leaf Wucai (Brassica Campestris L.) Germplasm
Authors: Nie Libing , Zheng Yushan , Zhang Liting , Wu Ying , Zhu Shidong , Hou JinFeng , Chen Guohu , Tang Xiaoyan , Wang Chenggang , Yuan Lingyun
Published: December 2020

Background: Leaf color mutants are the ideal materials to explore the pathways of chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism, chloroplast development, and photosynthesis system. In this study, a spontaneous yellow-green leaf wucai (Brassica campestris L.) mutant “WY16-13” was identified, which exhibited yellow-green leaf color during its entire growth period. However, current understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying Chl metabolism and chloroplast development of “WY16-13” is limited.Results: Comparative transcriptome profiling was performed using leaves from the yellow-green leaf type (WY16-13) and normal green-leaf type (W16-13). A total of 54.12 million (M) (WY16-13) and 56.17 M (W16-13) reads were generated. A total of 40,578 genes were identified from the mapped libraries. We identified 3,882 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in WY16-13 compared with wild-type W16-13 (i.e., 1,603 upregulated genes and 2,279 downregulated genes). According to the Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, these DEGs are involved in porphyrin and Chl metabolism [i.e., chlorophyllase (CLH), heme oxygenase (HO), chlorophyll(ide) b reductase (NYC), and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) genes], carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. Moreover, deficiency in Chl biosynthetic intermediates in the mutant revealed that the formation of the yellowing phenotype was related to the disorder of heme metabolism.Conclusions: Our results provide valuable insights into Chl deficiency in the yellow-green leaf mutant and a bioinformatics resource for further functional identification of key allelic genes responsible for differences in Chl content.
Towards Service Composition based on Hybrid Bio-Inspired Cloud-based QoS Provisioning Approach.
Authors: Bahgat Waleed , Salam Mahmoud A. , Atwan Ahmed , Badawy Mahmoud , El-Daydamony Eman
Published: December 2020

It has recently become a critical issue to provide software development in a service-based conceptual style for business companies . As a powerful technology for service-oriented computing, the composition of web services is investigated. This offered great opportunities to improve IT industries and business processes by forming new value-added services that satisfy the user’s complex requirements. Unfortunately, many challenges are facing the service composition process. These include the difficulties to satisfy the user’s complex demands, maintaining the performance to be matched with the quality of service (QoS) requirements, and search space reduction for QoS missing or changeable values. Accordingly, this paper proposes a cloud-based QoS provisioning service composition (CQPC) framework to address these challenges. To prove the concept and the applicability of the CQPC framework, a Hybrid Bio-Inspired QoS provisioning (HBIQP) technique is presented for the operation of the CQPC framework modules. The solution space is reduced via utilizing skyline concepts to have faster execution time and keep only reliable and most interesting services. The CQPC framework is equipped with two proposed algorithms: (i) the modified highly accurate prediction (MHAP) algorithm to enhance the prediction of QoS values of the services participating in the composition process, (ii) the MapReduce fruit fly Particle swarm Optimization (MR-FPSO) algorithm to handle composing web services for large scale of data in the cloud environment. The experimental results demonstrate the worthiness of the HBIQP technique to meet the performance metrics more than other state-of-the-art techniques in terms of average fitness value, accuracy, and execution time.
Optimum Protein Requirement of Juvenile Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus Coioides)
Authors: Yan Xiaobo , Yang Junjiang , Dong Xiaohui , Tan Beiping , Zhang Shuang , Chi Shuyan , Yang Qihui , Liu Hongyu , Yang Yuanzhi
Published: December 2020

The purpose of subject was to explore the optimum protein requirement of juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides). In the test, 450 juveniles with an average weight of (10.02 ± 0.22) g were randomly divided into 6 groups, which were repeated 3 times, and were fed with 350 g/kg, 400 g/kg, 450 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 550 g/kg and 600 g/kg iso-lipid test diet twice one day for 8 weeks, respectively. The results showed that: 1) As protein levels rose, the body weight gain rate and specific growth rate first increased and then reduced, while the feed coefficient rate first decreased and then increased, while the protein efficiency significantly decreased. 2) As protein levels rose, the condition factor, hepaticsomatic index and visceralsomatic index significantly reduced. 3) With the raising of protein level, the crude protein content of whole fish and muscle gradually increased, while the crude lipid content gradually decreased. 4) High-protein diet (550-600g/kg) significantly increased the plasma total protein content and decreased the triglyceride content of orange-spotted grouper. 5) Compared with the 350 g/kg group, 500 g/kg, 550 g/kg, 600 g/kg groups significantly increased the activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in liver. 6) As protein levels rose, the protease activity of intestine first increased and then decreased, and reached the maximum at the protein level of 500 g/kg, while lipase and amylase decreased significantly. 7) The activities of acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme in the liver increased first and then decreased with the increasing of protein level, and reached the maximum in the 400 g/kg protein group. According to the analysis specific growth rate, the optimum protein level of juvenile orange-spotted grouper is 521.84 g/kg.
Comparison Between Selective Caudal Fixed Screw Construct and All Variable Screw Construct in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Yang Jae Jun , Park Sehan , Park Seongyun
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This retrospective comparative study aimed to compare the efficacy of selective caudal fixed screw constructs with all variable screw constructs in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent surgery using selective caudal fixed screw construct (SF group) were compared with 44 patients who underwent surgery using all variable constructs (AV group). The fusion rate, subsidence, adjacent level ossification development (ALOD), adjacent segmental disease (ASD), and plate-adjacent disc space distance were assessed.Results: The one-year fusion rates assessed by computed tomography bone bridging and interspinous motion as well as the significant subsidence rate did not differ significantly between the AV and SF groups. The ALOD and ASD rates and plate-adjacent disc space distances did not significantly differ between the two groups at both the cranial and caudal adjacent levels. The number of operated levels was significantly associated with pseudarthrosis in the logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: The stability provided by the locking mechanism of the fixed screw did not lead to an increased fusion rate at the caudal level. Therefore, the screw type should be selected based on individual patient’s anatomy and surgeon’s experience without concern for increased complications caused by screw type.
Quality and Methodology of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Antiviral Pharmacotherapy for COVID-19 During the Early Phase of the Pandemic
Authors: Mejza Filip , Lesniak Wiktoria , Jaeschke Roman
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDespite availability of reliable guidelines development methods, the risk of producing less reliable documents may be higher when the guidelines are developed rapidly and high-quality evidence is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the ways in which such documents, dealing with antiviral therapy, were developed in the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic and assess if recommendations were supported by evidence.MethodsWe performed the search for guidelines or similar documents, published before the results of any randomized controlled trials of COVID-19 treatment were available, that considered antiviral therapies and contained a recommendations for clinicians. The quality of the guidelines was assessed using the AGREE II-Global Rating Scale Instrument and series of dichotomous criteria based on the domain 3 of the AGREE II tool. We analyzed variables associated with the presence of recommendations, including strong ones, for antiviral therapy for SARS-CoV-2. Results The analysis included 40 publications, of which we classified 17 as clinical practice guidelines and 23 – as guidance or statements. The median of quality of documents assessed with the AGREE II-GRS tool (overall quality assessment on a scale ranging from 1-7) was 2.0 (IQR 1.5–2.5). Most documents did not fulfill the rigour of guideline development quality criteria. The AGREE II-GRS scores did not differ significantly across the type of the document, issuing institution and the mode of publication. Overall, 62.5% of documents provided recommendations for the use of antiviral medications despite apparent lack of sufficient evidence supporting such treatments. Documents that contained recommendations supporting antiviral drug use tended to be of lower quality than those without such recommendations. Of the included documents, 75% were not updated within the 2 months after the publication of the first randomized controlled trial on COVID-19 antiviral therapy. ConclusionsMost guidelines or guidance documents published during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic were of poor quality, contained recommendations for the use of antiviral therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection despite only very low quality of evidence available, and were not updated on a regular basis. This information may be of value during this or future pandemics.
10-hydroxy-2E-decenoic Acid (10HDA) is not a Caste-differentiation Factor in Melipona Scutellaris Stingless Bees
Authors: Borges Luiza , Batista Letícia , Malta Serena , Rodrigues Tamiris , Silva Jéssica , Venturini Gabriela , Pereira Alexandre , Guedes Pedro , Ueira-Vieira Carlos , Bonetti Ana
Published: December 2020

In bees from genus Melipona, differential feeding is not enough to fully explain female polyphenism. In these bees, there is a hypothesis that in addition to the environmental component (food), a genetic component is also involved caste differentiation regulation. This mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated and may involve epigenetic and metabolic regulation. Here, we analysed the expression of the genes encoding histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC4 and histone acetyltransferase KAT2A in Melipona scutellaris. We also investigated the metabolic profile of larvae and larval food to search for putative queen-fate inducing compounds. Finally, we assessed the effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor 10-hydroxy-2E-decenoic acid (10HDA) - the major lipid component of royal jelly and hence a putative regulator of honeybee caste differentiation - on Melipona caste differentiation. The hdac1, hdac4 and kat2a transcripts were expressed at all stages, with fluctuations in developmental stages and castes, which may be related to endocrine regulation. We did not identify the putative caste-differentiation factors, geraniol and 10HDA. Also, 10HDA was unable to promote differentiation in queens. Our results suggest that epigenetic and hormonal regulations act synergistically for drive caste differentiation in Melipona and that 10HDA is not a caste-differentiation factor in Melipona scutellaris.
The Effect of Down Syndrome Biochemical Markers on Predicting Severity of Preeclampsia
Authors: OZBAN AYSE
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine whether it is possible to predict preeclampsia by comparing postpartum results and test results of the pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia, whose first and/or second trimester screening tests were accessible, and to demonstrate the predictability of severity and week of onset.Background: 204 patients underwent renal transplantation in our center and 84 of them were female. Five of our patients (one of them had two births) gave birth to a total of 6 pregnancies.Method: 135 patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia and their first and/or second trimester screening tests were accessible, and 366 control participants gave birth to a healthy baby between 37-41 weeks after standard follow-up period for pregnancy and their screening tests were also accessible.Results: The study results show that the first trimester maternal serum PAPP-A level is significantly low in preeclamptic pregnant women, and that the second trimester maternal serum AFP and hCG levels are significantly high and uE3 levels are significantly low The results also suggest that the first and second trimester Down syndrome biochemical markers can be used in preeclampsia screening.Conclusion: Among these markers, uE3 is the parameter which affects the possibility of preeclampsia the most. However, the first and second trimester Down syndrome biochemical markers are not effective in predicting the severity and onset week of preeclampsia.
Adsorption of EDCs On Reclaimed Water-Irrigated Soils: A Comparative Analysis of A Branched Nonylphenol, Nonylphenol and Bisphenol A
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Jiao Wentao , Li Xiaoou , Liang Cunzhen , Wu Wenyong
Published: December 2020

Nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) are two typical endocrine disrupter chemicals (EDCs) in the reclaimed water. The adsorptions of NP, a branched NP (NP7) and BPA on reclaimed water-irrigated soils were studied by isothermal experiments, and the different environmental factors on their adsorptions were investigated. The results showed that the adsorptions of NP and NP7 on soils conformed to Linear model, and the adsorption of BPA conformed to Freundlich model. The adsorptions of NP, NP7 and BPA on soils decreased with the increasing temperatures and pHs, while increased with the cation valence. Adsorption equilibrium constant (Kd or Kf) were maximum at pH=3, temperature 25℃ and As (Ⅲ)-soil, respectively; The adsorption capacity of NP, NP7, and BPA to soils increased in accordance with cation valence: trivalent cations > divalent cations > mono- cations. Kd of NP7 on soil was less than that of NP under the different pH and temperatures; while under different cations concentrations, it was inverse. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) analysis showed alkyl chains of NP and BPA seemed to form van der Waals interactions with the cavity of soil. Results of this study will provide further comprehensive fundamental data for human health risk assessment of nonylphenol in the soil.
LY900009 Regulates RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Formation and LPS-Induced Bone Resorption
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhao Congyun , Zhao Yi , Zhou Yuan , Wang Lei , Hang Donghua
Published: December 2020

To investigate the suppressive function of LY900009, a potent-secretase inhibitor, on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. The cytotoxicity of LY900009 was evaluated. The suppressive effect and possible molecular mechanism of LY900009 on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The IC50 of LY900009 was 2.93 mM. LY900009 treatment at different doses (100 nM, 200 nM, and 400 nM) effectively reduced osteoclast formation (number and arear) in a dose-dependent manner. The qPCR result shows that LY900009 attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and NFATc1 protein expression. The in vivo experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of LY900009 on LPS-induced bone resorption. LY900009 could potently inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by down-regulating Notch/MAPK/Akt - mediated NFATc1 reduction in vitro. In accordance with the in vitro observations, we confirmed that LY900009 attenuated LPS-induced osteolysis in mice. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Notch was a potential therapeutic target which could be used for osteolytic diseases treatment.
Phedimus Aizoon L. Responds to Drought Stress: Growth, Physiological Changes and Mechanism of Drought Resistance
Authors: Liu Yuhang , He Zhongqun , Xie Yongdong , Su Lihong , Zhang Ruijie , Wang Haixia , Li Chunyan , Long Shengju
Published: December 2020

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the growth, physiological changes and mechanism of drought resistance of Phedimus aizoon L. under different levels of water content .CK: 75% ~ 80% of the MWHC (maximum water holding capacity), Mild drought: 55% ~ 60%, Moderate drought: 40% ~ 45%, Severe drought: 20% ~ 25%.We observed that the plants grew normally in the first two treatments, even the mild drought promoted the growth of the roots. In the last two treatments, drought stress had a significant negative effect on plant growth, at the same time, Phedimus aizoon L. also made positive physiological response to cope with the drought: The aboveground part of the plant (leaf, plant height, stem diameter) was smaller, the waxy layer of the leaves was thickened, the stomata of the leaves were closed during the day, and only a few stomata were opened at night, which proved that the dark reaction cycle metabolism mode of the plant was transformed from C3 cycle to CAM pathway. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) was continuously increased to alleviate the damage caused by drought. To ensure the relative stability of osmotic potential, the contents of osmoregulation substances such as proline, soluble sugar, soluble protein and trehalose increased correspondingly. But plants have limited regulatory power, with aggravation of drought stress degree and extension of stress time, the MDA content and electrolyte leakage of leaves increased continuously. Observed under electron microscope,the morphology of chloroplast and mitochondria changed and the membrane structure was destroyed. The plant's photosynthetic and respiratory mechanisms are destroyed and the plant gradually die.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Streptococcus Mutans Isolated From Dental Caries
Authors: Hossain Md. , Alam Sadab , Nibir Yead , Tusty Tahrima , Bulbul Sayyeed , Islam Mirajul , Hossain Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Background: Streptococcus mutans, considered as principal causative agent of dental caries, maintains a biofilm lifestyle in the dental plaque. The oral cavity harbors numerous S. mutans strains which displayed remarkable genotypic and phenotypic diversity. This study evaluated the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of S. mutans strains isolated from patients with dental caries and compared with the universal reference strain UA159.Methods: Selective cultivation on mitis-salivaries-bacitracin agar and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to isolate and identify the 209 S. mutans isolates from 336 patients with dental caries. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR), PCR amplification of specific gene, acid production, biofilm formation capacity, and deferred antagonism bacteriocin assay were performed to evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic variation. All statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 20 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).Results: Our study revealed a high degree of genotypic and phenotypic variability among the clinical strains. We observed significant differences in colony morphology, generation time, biofilm formation, bacteriocin and acid production while growing in culture medium. All the clinical isolates were able to lower pH while growing in Todd-Hewitt broth. Consistent with phenotypic variations, we also observed genotypic variation by AP-PCR and gene specific PCR. AP-PCR analysis suggested that most of the patients with dental caries have distinct type of S. mutans strains. Genes related to various two component systems were highly conserved among the isolated strains, however, bacteriocin encoding genes such as nlmAB, nlmC were absent in nearly half of the clinical isolates.Conclusions: Our study highlights the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of S. mutans clinical isolates and indicates the presence of diverse mechanism to initiate and establish the biofilm lifestyle which leads to tooth decay.
Over Use of Ionisation Radiation Imaging With Paediatric Head Trauma
Authors: Gharaibeh Ahmad , Gharaibeh Mahmoud , Alwadiya Ahmed , Cellar Robert , Lackova Antonia , Filip Vladimir , Mitro Istvan , Lacko Marek
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Is to determinate the incidence of paediatric head trauma age 0-17 years in our region in central Europe and the number of radiographic images done for paediatric patients to make a data base for further researches, to be effective in investigating, controlling, and preventing head trauma in our population and to study the real need of radiographic images: Methods: This is a retrospective study from the records of children with head trauma seen at the trauma clinics during the year 2018 Results: There were 3261 attendees recorded in paediatric age groups 0-17 years in 2018. 1168 paediatric patients presented with trauma to the head. 831 (36%) with simple injuries of the head, 295 (23.3%) with wounds in head area, 17 (1.5%) children had fractures, 23 (2%) had concussion and 2 (0.2%) patients had intracranial haematoma. 1097 (93.9%) children with head trauma were imaged by X ray (1032 patients) and CT scan (65 patients) in accordance with local guidelines for head trauma management. The percentage of patients in need of radiation is only 3.42%.Conclusion: Most head trauma in children was minor and not associated with brain injury. The radiation is over used in diagnosis of paediatric head trauma
COVID19 Pandemic: How Effective Are Interventive Control Measures and Is A Complete Lockdown Justified? A Comparison of Countries and States
Authors: Fuss Franz Konstantin , Weizman Yehuda , Tan Adin Ming
Published: December 2020

Background For fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, countries used control measures of different severity, from ‘relaxed’ to lockdown. Drastic lockdown measures are considered more effective, but also have a negative impact on the economy. When comparing the financial value of lost lives to the losses of an economic disaster, the better option seems to be lockdown measures.Methods We developed a new parameter, the effectiveness of control measures, calculated from the 2nd time derivative of daily case data, and normalised to the average of the daily case data during the effective phase; and also calculated from the derivative of the logarithm of the reproductive number. We calculated this parameter and two associated parameters, i.e. effectiveness, duration of effective phase, and ratio of the 2 former parameters, for 92 countries, states and provinces, whose effective phase ended the latest on 15 May 2020. We compared these effectiveness parameters, and also the mortality during and after the effective phase, for countries with and without lockdown measures by means of the Mann-Whitney test.Results We did not find any statistically significant difference in the three effectiveness parameters, between countries with and without lockdown (p > 0.76; very small effect size). There was also no significant difference in mortality during the effective phase (p > 0.1; very small to small effect sizes), however a significant difference after the effective phase, with higher mortality for lockdown countries. The effectiveness parameter derived from the daily case data correlated well with the parameter derived from the reproductive number (R2 = 0.9480). The average duration of the effective phase was 17.3 ± 10.5 days.Conclusions The results indicate that lockdown measures are not necessarily superior to relaxed measures, which in turn are not necessarily a recipe for failure. Relaxed measures are, however, more economy-friendly. The higher mortality of lockdown countries is explained from the fact that, in our database, more lockdown countries than no-lockdown countries have higher mortality already during the effective phase that became significant only after the effective phase.
Decellularized Dermis Extracellular Matrix Alloderm as a Scaffold for Biological Engineered Blood Vessels
Authors: Patel Bijal , Saliganan Dan , Rteil Ali , Kabbani Loay , Lam Mai
Published: December 2020

The ideal engineered vascular graft would utilize human-derived materials to minimize foreign body response and tissue rejection. Current biological engineered blood vessels (BEBVs) inherently lack the structure required for implantation. Current methods of mechanical conditioning to encourage extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition requires weeks to months, impeding translation. We hypothesized that an ECM scaffold would provide the structure needed. Skin dermis ECM is commonly used in reconstructive surgeries, is commercially available and is FDA-approved. We evaluated the commercially available decellularized skin dermis ECM called Alloderm for its efficacy in providing structure to biological engineered blood vessels. Alloderm was seeded with fibroblast cells typically found in the adventitia during integration into our lab’s unique protocol for generating BEBVs. To assess structure, tissue mechanics were analyzed. Standard BEBVs without Alloderm exhibited a tensile strength of 67.9 ± 9.78 kPa, whereas Alloderm integrated BEBVs showed a significant increase in strength to 1500 ± 334 kPa. In comparison, native vessel strength is 1430 ± 604 kPa. Burst pressure reached 51.3 ± 2.19 mmHg. Total collagen and fiber maturity were significantly increased due to the presence of the scaffolding material. These results demonstrate the success of Alloderm to provide structure to BEBVs in an effective way.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Seclusion and Restraint in Old-age Psychiatry Inpatient Units
Authors: Chieze Marie , Kaiser Stefan , Courvoisier Delphine , Hurst Samia , Sentissi Othman , Fredouille Jérôme , Wullschleger Alexandre
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives Coercion in psychiatry is legally tolerated as a last resort. The reduction of the use of coercion is a shared goal of hospital administrators, medical and nursing staff and representatives of patients and families but requires the identification of risk factors for coercion. These risk factors in geriatric psychiatric inpatient settings are not well known, especially regarding seclusion. Through examining the prevalence of coercion and patients’ characteristics, this study aims to identify risk factors for coercion in elderly people.Methods The use of coercion in the geriatric psychiatry division of Geneva University Hospital in 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. The incidence rate ratios were estimated with multivariable Poisson regressions to assess risk factors for coercion. Results Eighty-one of 494 patients (16.4%) experienced at least one coercive measure during their stay (mainly seclusion). The risk factors for coercion were younger age, male gender, being divorced or married, cognitive disorders, high item 1 of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) score (overactive, aggressive, disruptive or agitated behavior) at admission, previous psychiatric hospitalizations and involuntary referrals from the emergency department. Other disorders and global HoNOS scores were not associated with the use of coercion.Conclusion Higher risks of coercion were outlined in men with cognitive disorders, agitated behaviors, and previous psychiatric hospitalizations. They differed from those observed in younger adults in terms of age, civil status, disorders, global HoNOS scores and referrals. Therefore, geriatric psychiatric populations should be specifically investigated for the development of interventions aiming coercion reduction.
Bioinformatics Network Analyses of Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Anti-aging Study
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Xia , Bao Zhijun
Published: December 2020

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been implicated in rejuvenative functions in age-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms connecting GDF11 with these anti-aging phenomena (reverse age-related cardiac hypertrophy, vascular and neurogenic rejuvenation, et al.) are still unclear. In this study, we aim to uncover the molecular functions of GDF11 using bioinformatics and network-driven analyses at human gene and transcription levels using gene co-expression network analysis and transcription factor network analysis. Our data suggests that GDF11 is involved in variety of functions such as apoptosis, DNA repair and telomere maintenance and interaction with key transcription factors such as MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), specificity protein 1 (SP1) and ETS proto oncogene 2 (ETS2). Our findings shed lights on the functions of GDF11 and provide insights into the role of GDF11 in aging.
Are Nurses at Swedish Departments of Infectious Diseases Prepared to Care for Patients With African Viral Haemorrhagic Fever? - A Survey Study
Authors: Blixt Sofia Jakobsson , Gamalielsson Susann , Manninen Katri
Published: December 2020

Background: The African viral haemorrhagic fevers have in recent years been causing large outbreaks with high mortality rates and elevated risks of global spread. These outbreaks puts the Departments of Infectious diseases, both national and international, on high demand when caring for this patient group, in a patient- and staff-safe manner. The aim of the study was to describe nurses perceived ability and knowledge about caring for patients with suspected or verified African viral haemorrhagic fever at Departments of Infectious diseases in Sweden. Method: A web survey was conducted to collect data. The results are presented through a descriptive design. Participants were registered nurses working in infectious diseases clinics; 216 survey results were registered. Results: Registered Nurses in Swedish Departments of Infectious diseases clinics witnessed about having limited knowledge about the African haemorrhagic fevers. They were also experiencing limited or very limited knowledge about some practical procedures, like drawing blood samples to confirm the infection. The majority of the participants had not been given theoretical education, nor had been given the opportunity to sufficiently practice using personal protective equipment at their place of work. The nurses witnessed about fear for their own safety while caring for this group of patients. Conclusion: The participants perceived about fear, both limited theoretical and practical knowledge and training about caring for patients with African haemorrhagic fever, even though they had worked with infectious diseases for several years. There is a need for implementation of measures to ensure the healthcare professionals' safety and to prevent them from being infected with potentially lethal infections. It also poses a risk for the patient in the absence of specific nursing care, which can lead to an increased critical disease state.
Construction of a Nomogram Model to Predict The Risk of Hypothyroidism in Patients With Thyroid Nodule Caused by Environmental Iodine and Fluorine
Authors: Yan Ruixia , Yang Dongliang , Li Yanguo , Zhou Yuan , Pang Yaxian , Li Shuzhen , Yang Guiran , Xu Ruoqi , Zhang Tong , Yang Fengyan , Zhang Chunhe , Hu Caihong , Zhang Juan , Zhang Qiuyu , Liu Mingqing
Published: December 2020

Background: Patients with thyroid nodules may be complicated by hypothyroidism. However, effective means to predict thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) elevation in patients with thyroid nodules are currently lacking. Therefore, the research team recruited some patients with thyroid nodules to explore the relationship between TSH, environmental iodine, and fluoride and the development of thyroid nodules, and to draw a Nomogram in order to provide guidance for predicting hypothyroidism in patients with thyroid nodules.Methods: The subjects were from 313 patients with thyroid nodules in different areas of iodine and fluoride, with 71 men and 242 women. The content of TSH in serum of thyroid nodule patients was determined by electrochemical luminescence method. The iodine content in drinking water and urine was determined by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Fluoride in drinking water and urine was determined by fluoride ion selective electrode method. Univariate analysis, Lasso regression analysis and multiple factor Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the variables included in the Nomogram model. And the corresponding Nomogram model was constructed. ROC curve was drawn and repeated Bootstrap self-sampling method was used to test model differentiation.Results: There were 53 patients with elevated serum TSH and 256 patients with normal thyroid nodule. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that urine iodine（Odds Ratio[OR]=1.001, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.001～1.002, P=0.01） and gender (OR=3.328, 95% CI:1.256～8.819, P=0.079) are independent risk factors raised by serum TSH. And drinking water fluoride（OR=1.990, 95% CI:0.924～4.289, P=0.079）is a critical factor. Based on these risk factors, the predictive model and nomogram of serum TSH elevation in patients with thyroid nodule were constructed. The area under the ROC curve was 0.678 (P<0.001), confirming Nomogram's predictive potential. The calibration diagram of the Nomogram prediction model shows that the predicted values are in good agreement with the observed values.Conclusion: Gender, urine iodine and drinking water fluoride of thyroid nodules are independent influencing factors for the rise of serum TSH. The Nomogram can become a predictive accuracy and differentiation.
Development of Alpha-emitting radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Longitudinal Monitoring of Actinium-225’s Daughters Through SPECT Imaging
Authors: Du Yong , Cortez Angel , Zarisfi Mohammadreza , Josefsson Anders , Krimins Rebecca , Liapi Eleni , Nedrow Jessie R
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer and the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Most patients with advanced disease are offered non-surgical palliative treatment options. This work explores the first α-emitting radioembolization for the treatment and monitoring of hepatic tumors. Furthermore, this works demonstrates the first in vivo simultaneous multiple-radionuclide SPECT images of the complex decay chain of an [225Ac]Ac-labeled agent using a clinical SPECT system to monitor the temporal distribution. Methods: A DOTA chelator was modified with a lipophilic moiety and radiolabeled with Actinium-225. The resulting agent, [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA, was emulsified in Lipiodol® and evaluated in vivo in mouse model and the VX2 rabbit technical model of liver cancer. SPECT imaging was performed to monitor distribution of the TAT agent and the free daughters.Results: [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA was shown to retain within the HEP2G tumors and VX2 tumor, with minimal uptake within normal tissue. In the mouse model, significant improvements in overall survival were observed. SPECT imaging was able to distinguish between the Actinium-225 agent (Francium-221) and the loss of the longer lived daughter, Bismuth-213. Conclusion: A TAT agent emulsified in Lipiodol® is capable of targeting liver tumors with minimal accumulation in normal tissue, providing a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC as well as a variety of hepatic tumors. In addition, SPECT imaging presented here provides a foundation for imaging methodology and protocols that can be rapidly translated into the clinic to monitor Actinium-225-labeled agents.
Predicting The Risk and Timing of Bipolar Disorder In Offspring of Bipolar Parents: Exploring The Utility of a Neural Network Approach
Authors: Cooper Alysha , Horrocks Julie , Goodday Sarah Margaret , Keown-Stoneman Charles , Duffy Anne
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBipolar disorder onset peaks over early adulthood and confirmed family history is a robust risk factor. However, penetrance within families varies and most children of bipolar parents will not develop the illness. Individualized risk prediction would be helpful for identifying those young people most at risk and to inform targeted intervention. Using prospectively collected data from the Canadian Flourish High-Risk Offspring cohort study available in routine practice, we explored the use of a neural network, known as the Partial Logistic Artificial Neural Network (PLANN) to predict the time to diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorders Results Overall, for predictive performance, PLANN outperformed the more traditional logistic model for one year, three year and five-year predictions. PLANN was better able to discriminate or rank individuals based on their risk of developing bipolar disorder, better able to predict the probability of developing bipolar disorder and had higher accuracy than the logistic model. ConclusionsThis evaluation of PLANN is a useful step in the investigation of using neural networks as tools in the prediction of diagnosis of mental health for at-risk individuals and demonstrated the potential that neural networks have in this field. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in a separate high-risk sample.
Educational Knowledge, Attitude and LGBT Inclusive Training in an Academic Setting: A Mixed Methods Case Study of Faculty and Healthcare Students in Nigeria.
Authors: Sekoni Adekemi , Jolly Kate , Gale Nicola
Published: December 2020

Background: The highest quality of appropriate care is required to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and improve the health of the LGBT population in the global south. This study assessed the training, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practice of Nigerian healthcare students and faculty living, working and learning within the constraints of religious, legal and cultural barriers for LGBT people.Methods: This study was carried out among all the tutors in the faculty of clinical sciences, year five medical and nursing students in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. The sequential mixed methods study design was guided by the socio-ecological model of health. Quantitative data were collected with an adapted questionnaire. The results were used to generate prompts for the qualitative component consisting of In-depth interviews with 21 of the respondents. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The quantitative and qualitative data were subsequently integrated and, using the socio-ecological model, synthesized.Results: The response rate was 88.2% (medical students), 66.2% (nursing students) and 60.7% (tutors). Themes uncovered were: knowledge of LGBT terminologies; teaching and learning about LGBT health topics; ethics, professionalism and personal beliefs. A fifth of tutors reported teaching related topics or using LGBT examples in class. Students were more knowledgeable of LGBT terminologies than tutors. Facilitators and barriers to LGBT inclusion in healthcare education settings were identified within the following socio-ecological domains: globalization, policy, community, institution, intrapersonal and individual. Conclusion: Ongoing advocacy with policy makers and educational leaders on the right to health for all citizens was recommended. A multilevel intervention by non LGBT and LGBT individuals is required for inclusion of LGBT health in educational curriculum of healthcare students and professionals.