bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anterior Capsule of the Hip Joint Is a Major Hindrance to the Surgical Treatment of Basicervical Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Single Center, Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Shin Won Chul , Jang Jae Hoon , Jung Seok Jin , Moon Nam Hoon
Published: December 2020

Background: The basicervical intertrochanteric fracture has recently received considerable attention as one of the major risk factors for failure of internal fixation. We aimed to analyze the anatomical characteristics of basicervical intertrochanteric fractures related to their surgical outcomes using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) and to determine the causes for the high failure rate of surgery.Methods: Between May 2015 and October 2019, 226 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur including 58 basicervical types who were treated with femoral nail were evaluated. Following data were collected to find out the risk factors for surgical failure: fracture patterns (unstable or basicervical type), tip apex distance, type of postoperative reduction (acceptable or unacceptable), and continuity of anterior capsule for logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for surgical failuresResults: Union was achieved in 215 patients (95.1%), with 11 surgical failures (4.9%), including 10 non-unions (4.6%) and 1 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (0.4%). Seven surgical failures (8.7%) were identified in the unstable fracture group, 6 (10.3%) in the basicervical type group, and 10 (19.6%) in the unacceptable reduction group. Multivariate analysis showed that unstable fracture (OR 10.311, 95% CI 1.165 – 91.229, p = 0.036), basicervical type (OR 11.564, 95% CI 1.339 – 99.872, p = 0.026), and unacceptable reduction (OR 28.364, 95% CI 3.428 – 234.695, p = 0.002) were significant predictors for surgical failure. Unacceptable reduction (OR 13.180, 95% CI 1.336 – 130.059, p = 0.027) was the only risk factor for surgical failure in the basicervical intertrochanteric fracture group. A chi-square test showed that an intact anterior capsule was statistically correlated with surgical failure (p = 0.043) and unacceptable reduction (p = 0.008).Conclusion: Because the intact anterior capsule of the hip joint may hinder achieving acceptable reduction, the evaluation of the anterior capsule should be included as an important preoperative assessment for the surgical treatment of basicervical intertrochanteric fracture.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study
Airway management during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; a prospective observational study comparing I-gel® and LTS-D ™
Authors: Lønvik Maja , Elden Odd Eirik , Lunde Mats , Nordseth Trond , Bakkelund Karin , Uleberg Oddvar
Published: December 2020

Background: Airway management in patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important and several methods are used. The establishment of a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is a common technique used during OHCA. Two types of SAD are routinely used in Norway; the Kings LTS-D™ and the I-gel®. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of these two devices in terms of difficulty and number of attempts before successful insertion.Methods: All adult patients with OHCA, in whom ambulance personnel used a SAD over a one-year period in the ambulance services of Central Norway, were included. After the event, a questionnaire was completed and the personnel responsible for the airway management were interviewed. Primary outcomes were number of attempts until successful placement of SAD and graded difficulty of insertion. Secondary outcomes were specified challenges with the SAD at insertion. Intergroup differences were compared using Chi-square test for multiple groups.Results: Two hundred and fifty patients were included, of whom 191 received I-gel and 59 received LTS-D. Overall success rate was significantly higher in I-gel (86 %) compared to LTS-D (75%, p = 0,043). The difficulties of insertion were significantly lower among patients receiving I-gel (easy 80 %, medium 13 % and difficult 7 %) compared to LTS-D (easy 51 %, medium 22 % and difficult 27 %, p < 0,001). Conclusions: Overall success rate was significantly higher and the difficulty in insertion was significantly lower in the I-gel group compared to the LTS-D in patients with OHCA.
Substrate Stiffness-Dependent Regulatory Volume Decrease and Calcium Signaling in Chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Quanyou , Zhang Min , Wu Xiaoan , Du Genlai , Wei Xiaochun , Chen Weiyi
Published: December 2020

The pericellular matrix stiffness is strongly associated with its biochemical and structural changes During the aging and osteoarthritis progresses of articular cartilage. However, how substrate stiffness modulates the chondrocyte regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and calcium signaling remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness on the chondrocyte RVD and calcium signaling by recapitulating the physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Our results showed that substrate stiffness induced completely different dynamical deformation between the cell swelling and recovering progresses. Chondrocytes swelled faster on the soft substrate but recovered slower than the stiff substrate during the RVD response induced by the hypo-osmotic challenge. We found that stiff substrate enhanced the cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation of chondrocytes in the iso-osmotic medium. More importantly, chondrocytes exhibited a distinctive cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation during the RVD response. Soft substrate significantly improved the Ca2+ oscillation during the cell swelling whereas stiff substrate enhanced the cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation during the cell recovering. Our work also suggests that TRPV4 channel are involved in the chondrocyte sensing substrate stiffness and RVD response by mediating Ca2+ signaling in a stiffness-dependent manner. It helps to understand a previously unidentified relationship between substrate stiffness and RVD response under the hypo-osmotic challenge.
Colonisation of the Colonic Mucus Gel Layer With Butyrogenic and Hydrogenotropic Bacteria in Health and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Earley Helen , Lennon Grainne , Winter Desmond , Coffey Calvin , O'Connell Ronan
Published: December 2020

Butyrate is the primary energy source for colonocytes and is essential for mucosal integrity and repair. Butyrate deficiency as a result of colonic dysbiosis is a putative factor in ulcerative colitis (UC). Commensal microbes are butyrogenic, while others have an inhibitory effect, through hydrogenotropic activity. The aim of this study was to quantify butyrogenic and hydrogenotropic species and determine their relationship with inflammation within the colonic mucus gel layer (MGL).Mucosal brushings were obtained from 20 patients with active colitis (AC), 20 healthy controls (HC) and 14 with quiescent colitis (QUC). Abundance of each species was determined by RT-PCR. Inflammatory scores were available for each patient. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskall-Wallis tests.Butyrogenic R. hominis was more abundant in health than UC (p<0.005). Hydrogenotropic B. wadsworthia was reduced in AC compared to HC and QUC (p<0.005). An inverse correlation existed between inflammation and R. hominis (ρ -0.460, p >0.005) and B. wadsworthia (ρ -0.646, p >0.005). Other hydrogenotropic species did not widely colonise the MGL. These data support a role for butyrogenic and some species of hydrogenotropic bacteria in UC. Butyrate deficiency in UC may be related to reduced microbial production, rather than inhibition by microbial by-products.
An adaptive optics module for deep tissue multiphoton imaging in vivo
Authors: Ji Na , Rodriguez Cristina , Chen Ichun , Rivera José , Mohr Manuel , Liang Yajie , Sun Wenzhi , Milkie Daniel , Bifano Thomas , Chen Xiaoke
Published: December 2020

Understanding complex biological systems requires visualizing structures and processes deep within living organisms. We developed a compact adaptive optics module and incorporated it into two- and three-photon fluorescence microscopes, to measure and correct tissue-induced aberrations. We resolved synaptic structures in deep cortical and subcortical areas of the mouse brain, and demonstrated high-resolution imaging of neuronal structures and somatosensory-evoked calcium responses in the mouse spinal cord at unprecedented depths in vivo.
Whole Genome Sequence of biosurfactant producing Bacillus tequilensis
Authors: Nayarisseri Anuraj , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: December 2020

We announce the complete genome sequence of Bacillus tequilensis, a biosurfactant producing bacterium isolated from Chilika lake, Odisha, India(latitude and longitude: 19.8450 N 85.4788 E). The genome sequence is 4.47 MB consisting of 4,478,749 base pairs forming a circular chromosome with 528 scaffolds, 4492 protein-encoding genes(ORFs), 81 tRNA genes, and 114 ribosomal RNA transcription units. The total number of raw reads was 4209415 and processed reads were 4058238 with predicted genes of 4492. The whole-genome obtained from the present investigation was used for genome annotation, variant calling, variant annotation and comparative genome analysis with other existing Bacillus species. In this study we constructed a pathway which describe the biosurfactant metabolism of Bacillus tequilensis and identified the genes such as SrfAD, SrfAC, SrfAA which are involved in biosurfactant synthesis. The sequence of the same was deposited in Genbank database with accession MUG02427.1, MUG02428.1, MUG02429.1, MUG03515.1 respectively. The whole-genome sequence was submitted to Genbank with an accession RMVO00000000 and the raw reads can be obtained from SRA, NCBI repository using accession: SRX5023292.
Second-harmonic generation and the conservation of spatiotemporal orbital angular momentum of light
Authors: Gui Guan , Brooks Nathan , Kapteyn Henry , Murnane Margaret , Liao Chen-Ting
Published: December 2020

Light with spatiotemporal orbital angular momentum (ST-OAM) is a recently discovered type of structured electromagnetic field with characteristic space-time spiral phase structure and transverse OAM. In this work, we present the first generation and characterization of the second-harmonic of ST-OAM pulses. By uncovering the conservation of transverse OAM in a second-harmonic generation process, where the space-time topological charge of the fundamental field is doubled along with the optical frequency, we establish a general nonlinear scaling rule— analogous to that describing the spatial topological charges associated with the conventional longitudinal OAM of light. Furthermore, we observe that the topology of a second-harmonic ST-OAM pulse can be modified by complex spatiotemporal astigmatism, giving rise to multiple phase singularities separated in space and time. Our finding thus confirms that a spatiotemporal phase winding, surrounding one or many phase singularities in space and time, can be interpreted as a new class of topological charge. Our study opens a new route for nonlinear conversion and scaling of light carrying ST-OAM with the potential for driving other secondary ST-OAM sources of electromagnetic fields, electron pulses, and beyond.
Malaria Early Detection in a Declining Transmission Setting in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Nekorchuk Dawn , Gebrehiwot Teklehaimanot , Lake Mastewal , Awoke Worku , Mihretie Abere , Wimberly MIchael
Published: December 2020

Background Despite remarkable progress in the reduction of malaria incidence, this disease remains a public health threat to a significant portion of the world’s population. Surveillance, combined with early detection algorithms, can be an effective intervention strategy to inform timely public health responses to potential outbreaks. Our main objective was to compare the potential for detecting malaria outbreaks by selected event detection methods.Methods We used historical surveillance data with weekly counts of confirmed Plasmodium falciparum (including mixed) cases from the Amhara region of Ethiopia, where there was a resurgence of malaria in 2019 following several years of declining cases. We evaluated three early detection methods to detect the 2019 malaria events: 1) the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS), 2) methods based on weekly statistical thresholds, including the WHO and Cullen methods, and 3) the Farrington algorithms.Results All of the methods and parameters evaluated performed better than a naïve random alarm generator. We also found distinct trade-offs between the percent of events detected and the percent of true positive alarms. CDC EARS and weekly statistical threshold methods had high event sensitivities (80% − 100% CDC; 57% − 100% weekly statistical) and low to moderate alarm specificities (25% − 40% CDC; 16% − 61% weekly statistical). Farrington variants had a wide range of scores (20% − 100% sensitivities; 16% − 100% specificities) and could achieve various balances between sensitivity and specificity.Conclusions Of the methods tested, we found that the Farrington improved method was most effective at maximizing both the percent of events detected and true positive alarms for our dataset (83% sensitivity, 51% specificity). This method uses statistical models to establish thresholds while controlling for seasonality and multi-year trends, and we suggest that it and other model-based approaches should be considered more broadly for malaria early detection.
Identification of Cutaneous Fungi and Mites in Adult Atopic Dermatitis: Analysis by Targeted 18S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Edslev Sofie , Andersen Paal , Ingham Anna , Johannesen Thor , Lindhardt Ditte , Agner Tove , Clausen Maja-Lisa
Published: December 2020

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have a changed skin bacterial community, with high abundance of Staphylococcus aureus associated with flairs, highlighting that microbial organisms may be important for disease exacerbation. Despite strong evidence of association between bacterial skin colonization and AD, very limited knowledge regarding the eukaryotic microbial community, including fungi and ectoparasites, in AD exists. In this study, we compared the skin and nasal eukaryotic microbial community between adult AD patients (n=55) and non-AD healthy controls (n=45) using targeted 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Analysis was based on the presence or absence of eukaryotic microorganisms. Results: The cutaneous composition of the eukaryotic microbial community and the alpha-diversity differed significantly between AD patients and non-AD individuals, with increased species richness on AD skin. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity were similar on lesional and non-lesional skin of patients. The ectoparasite Demodex folliculorum and the yeast Geotrichum candidum were significantly more prevalent on the skin of AD patients. The prevalence of D. folliculorum on lesional skin was greater among patients recently treated with topical corticosteroid. Malassezia was one of the most frequently detected genera at all sites, with M. globosa and M. restricta being the most prevalent. M. restricta was overrepresented in the anterior nares of AD patients as compared to the non-AD control population. Conclusion: Significant differences in the eukaryotic microbial communities were found between AD patients and non-AD individuals, with the most striking finding being the significantly overrepresentation of D. folliculorum on AD skin. Whether D. folliculorum can contribute to skin inflammation in AD needs further investigation.
Oxidative Stress, Lysosome Functioning, and Element Interactions in the Muscles of the Sea Trout Salmo Trutta m. Trutta L. Depending on Its Life Cycle
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia , Takchenko Halyna
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to elucidate the effects of both development stages (parr, smolt, adult, spawner), and kelt as a survival form and sex (male, female) on the functional stability of the lysosomal complex, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and element contents in the muscle tissue of the sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.) sampled in the Pomerania region (northern Poland). We have evaluated the maximal activities of lysosomal enzymes (alanyl aminopeptidase, leucyl aminopeptidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase), lipid peroxidation level, and protein carbonyl derivatives as indices of muscle tissue degradation. The relationship between lysosomal activity and oxidative stress biomarkers estimated by the lipid peroxidation level and protein carbonyl derivatives was also assessed, as well as the relationships between element levels and oxidative stress biomarkers. Trends of the main effects (i.e., the development stages and sex alone, the interaction of the sex and development stage simultaneously) on oxidative stress biomarkers, lysosomal functioning, and element contents in the muscle tissue were evaluated. The study has shown sex-related relationships between the pro- and antioxidant balance and the tissue type in the adult stage as well as modifications in the lysosomal functioning induced by long-term environmental stress associated with changing the habitats from freshwater to seawater and intense migrations. The highest level of toxic products generated in oxidative reactions and oxidative modification of proteins was noted in both the spawner stage and the kelt form. The holistic model of analysis of all parameters of antioxidant defense in all development stages and sex demonstrated the following dependencies for the level of lipid peroxidation, oxidative modification of proteins, lysosomal activities, and element contents: TBARS>OMP KD>OMP AD>TAC, AcP>NAG>LAP>AAP and Cu>Fe>Ca>Mn>Zn>Mg, respectively.
Determining Correlation of Food Intake and Satiety Related Hormones with the Findings of Brain Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans and Psychological Disorders in Children with Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bagheri Shabnam , Masoudi Mohammad Sadegh , Ekramzadeh Maryam
Published: December 2020

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an impairment with high prevalence amongst the pediatric population. Central nervous system (CNS) regulates food intake and each region of the brain can be responsible for appetite control network. It seems that TBI might affect appetite control system which could result in overeating or reduced food intake. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine, if there is a relationship between daily energy intake and satiety related hormones with computerized tomography scan (CT scan) findings in children with mild to moderate TBI.Methods: In this cross sectional study, 50 pediatrics with mild to moderate TBI were recruited and the following steps were performed for each patient: Completing the demographic information (age, gender, medical disorders, etc.), dietary intake assessment, taking blood samples for biochemical evaluations, and evaluating psychological disorders using the “Rutter Children Behavior Questionnaire”. The patient's CT scan was also used to determine the main area of brain injury. Results: The results showed that in comparison with the Reference Dietary Allowance (RDA) values, calorie intake was inadequate in 32% of the patients, while 32% had excess calorie intake. Comparison of the mean daily energy intake and serum levels of satiety hormones in different categorical CT scan findings showed that there was a significant relationship between energy intake and the site of injury. Post- hoc analysis showed that energy intake in patients with temporal lobe injury was significantly higher than in patients with frontal lobe injury or injuries to other sites of the brain. The results also showed that mean serum Ghrelin and Orexin levels in patients with temporal lobe injury were higher than patients with frontal lobe injury but no significant relationship was found regarding leptin and site of injury. Moreover, it was shown that children with frontal lobe injury had significantly more behavioral disorders.Conclusions: It seems that frontal lobe injuries might be associated with anorexia while temporal lobe injury can be associated with increased food intake. Future studies are recommended to determine, if there is a relationship between satiety related hormones with other site of injury in TBI patients.
Structural Manubrium Autograft in Cervical Fusion for Patients With Cervical Tuberculosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Xu Shuang , WANG QING , XIONG YI LING , WANG GAOJU , YANG JIN , ZHANG SHUAI
Published: December 2020

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of structural manubrium autografts in the surgical treatment of cervical spinal tuberculosis.Methods From January 2015 and December 2018, 10 patients with lower cervical spine tuberculosis (C4-C7) underwent anterior debridement, interbody fusion with structural manubrium autograft, and anterior or posterior instrumentation. The medical records and radiographic findings of the patients were reviewed.Results The surgery duration was 198.5 min and blood loss was 355.0 mL. The average preoperative kyphosis angle was 16.3 ± 8.2° and returned to -2.1 ± 2.8° two weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05 ), reaching -1.4 ± 2.5° at final follow-up (P < 0.05 vs. preoperative). The average preoperative visual analog scale score of neck pain was 4.1 ± 1.1, which decreased to 1.5 ± 0.8 one week after the surgery (P < 0.05 ) and to 0.7 ± 0.5 at final follow-up. The ESR and CRP gradually decreased postoperatively, becoming normal at final follow-up. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients by 6 months after surgery. Neurological outcomes were improved by 1–2 grades in most patients. There were no postoperative complications associated with the donor site, and there was no recurrence of tuberculosis in any patient.Conclusion Structural bone obtained from the manubrium is safe, providing a viable alternative to cervical fusion for patients with cervical spine tuberculosis. It confers the advantages of autograft fusion without the complications associated with donor site morbidities.
Odonata Timetree; Exponentially Increased Base Substitution Rate Toward The Recent and Within the Carboniferous
Authors: Osozawa Soichi , Wakabayashi John
Published: December 2020

Using BEAST v1.X, we constructed a credible timetree of 115 specimens of Odonata and five species of Ephemeroptera (Paleoptera; Pterygota) and two species of Archaeognatha and three species of Zygentoma (Apterygota). 88 specimens we ourselves analyzed were collected from the Ryukyu islands, Taiwan, Japan, and China, and the resting sequence data were mostly from whole mitochondrial data found in GenBank / DDJB. The combined gene (not concatenated gene) analysis of the mitochondrial COI (795 bp), COII (548 bp), and 16S rRNA (517 bp), and the nuclear 28S rRNA (825 bp) were performed. Using the calibration function of BEAST v1.X, the timetree was constructed by applying a 1.55 Ma geological event (isolation of the Ryukyu islands from China), in addition to chronologically robust fossil dates ranging from 400 Ma for Archaeognatha, 300 Ma for Ephemeroptera, and 200 Ma for Odonata and to 1.76 Ma for Calopterygidae, for a total of 13 calibration points (event: 6, fossil: 12; Quaternary 7, pre Quaternary 11). The resultant timetree showed that molecular clock was not uniformly progressed, and the base substitution rate has exponentially increased from ca. 20 Ma to the Recent by over an order of magnitude. Our new and attractive finding indicates that the Quaternary severe climatic change including a start of glacial and interglacial cycle might have resulted in the extensive radiation and speciation of Odonata, and consequently increased the biodiversity. C4 pores generated in the Miocene effectively decreased atmospheric CO2, and triggered the Quaternary glaciation. Another peak of base substitution rate was found in the Carboniferous time around 320 Ma, and this may be analogous to the late Paleozoic icehouse. This glaciation has been triggered by the development of terrestrial plants to form thick coal layers, because this process also reduced the atmospheric CO2.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of barley bHLH transcription factors and their expression in response to low nitrogen stress
Authors: Quan Xiaoyan , Liang Xiaoli , Xie Chunjuan , Yin Ning , Zhang Ning , Li Hongmei , He Wenxing
Published: December 2020

Background: Improvement of low nitrogen (LN) tolerance or nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops is imperative for environment-friendly agriculture development. The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors are involved in multiple abiotic stress, suitable as the candidate genes for improving LN tolerance. Little research was done on characterization of bHLH gene family and their response to LN stress in barley.Results: In this study, 168 bHLH genes were identified in barley through genome-wide analysis. HvbHLH proteins were classified into 26 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis with bHLH proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. The analysis of conserved motifs and gene structures supported the evolutionary relationships among these HvbHLH proteins. Further, analysis of stress-related cis-elements in the promoter regions showed that bHLH proteins in barley are probably involved in multiple stress responses. Finally, at least 16 bHLH genes were differentially expressed in two barley genotypes differing in LN tolerance under LN stress. Dynamic expression analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) differed between the two barley genotypes in response to LN stress.Conclusion: It is the first genome-wide analysis of bHLH family genes in response to LN stress in barley. The results indicate the distinct difference among HvbHLH genes in response to various abiotic stresses. The HvbHLHs specifically expressed in the LN-tolerant barley genotype XZ149 identified herein may be valuable for future function analysis of HvbHLH genes under LN stress and breeding for barley cultivars with LN tolerance.
The Progression of the Tobacco Epidemic in India on the National and Regional Levels, 1998-2016
Authors: Shaikh Rufi , Janssen Fanny , Vogt Tobias
Published: December 2020

Background: According to the smoking epidemic framework, societies undergo successive stages in which the prevalence of tobacco use first increases, and then declines. This pattern was has been extensively documented for developed countries, but evidence that it has occurred in low- and middle-income countries remains fragmented. We assessed the progression of the tobacco epidemic in India on the national and regional levels by gender, including trends in the consumption of smokeless tobacco, to provide a comprehensive overview of tobacco use in India and its states.Methods: We use information on current tobacco consumption among Indians aged 15-49 from three rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) (1998-99, 2005-06, 2015-16) to estimate the age-standardized smoking and smokeless tobacco prevalence across India and its states.Results: Age-standardized tobacco consumption prevalence in India increased between 1998-99 and 2005-06, and declined from 2005-06 to 2015-2016, simultaneously for men and women. There are substantial spatial differences in the progression of the tobacco epidemic in India. In the north-eastern states in particular, tobacco consumption prevalence remains higher than the national average, and is still increasing. Conclusions: Our results suggest that India and the majority of its states experienced a ‘compressed tobacco epidemic’ in which the prevalence of tobacco consumption increased and decreased simultaneously for women and men over a comparatively short period of time. Despite the overall progress in reducing tobacco use India has made, further lowering tobacco consumption remains a public health priority, as the prevalence of smoking and/or smokeless tobacco use remains high in a number of states. We therefore conclude that tobacco regulations should be expanded with the aim of reducing the overall health burden associated with tobacco consumption across India.
Transcriptional regulation of maize (Zea mays) ear-length heterosis
Authors: Zhang Xiangge , Ma Chenchen , Wang Xiaoqing , Wu Mingbo , Shao Jingkuan , Huang Li , Yuan Liang , Fu Zhiyuan , Li Weihua , Zhang Xuehai , Guo Zhanyong , Tang Jihua
Published: December 2020

Background: Maize (Zea mays) ear length, which is an important yield component, exhibits strong heterosis. Understanding the potential molecular mechanisms of ear-length heterosis is critical for efficient yield-related breeding.Results: Here, a joint netted pattern, including six parent-hybrid triplets, was designed on the basis of two maize lines having long (T121 line) and short (T126 line) ears. Global transcriptional profiling of the young ears (containing meristem) was performed. Multiple comparative analyses revealed that 874 differentially expressed genes are mainly responsible for the ear-length variation between the T121 and T126 lines. Among them, four key genes, Zm00001d049958, Zm00001d027359, Zm00001d048502 and Zm00001d052138, were identified as being related to meristem development, which corroborated their roles in the superior genetic effects on ear length in the T121 line. Non-additive expression patterns were used to identify candidate genes related to ear-length heterosis. A non-additively expressed gene (Zm00001d050649) was associated with the timing of meristematic phase transition and was determined to be the homolog of tomato SELF PRUNING, which assists SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS in driving yield-related heterosis, indicating that Zm00001d050649 is a potential contributor to drive heterotic effect on ear length. Conclusion: Our results suggest that inbred parents provide genetic and heterotic effects on the ear lengths of their F1 hybrids through two independent pathways. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the transcriptional regulation of ear length and improve the understanding of ear-length heterosis in maize.
Genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics of atypical Papaya ringspot virus infecting Papaya.
Authors: Saleem Anam , Ali Zahid , Yeh Shyi-Dong , Saeed Wajeeha , Imdad Amna , Akbar Muhammad , Naseem Saadia
Published: December 2020

The mutation prone RNA genome of Papaya ringspot virus could be a driving force behind its geographical spread and dissemination. Here we present the molecular investigations on atypical PRSV–P strain identified from Pakistan with genome sequence phylogenetic and recombination analysis. The PRSV-P, Pakistan outbreak strain showing a geographic spread across India and Bangladesh in phylogenetic lineage. In major recombination events, it has acquired genome variation in amino terminal of PRSV coat protein gene, whereas the gene for helper component-proteinase (HC–Pro), a nonstructural coding region of multi-domain provenance, also evolves at nucleotide and amino acid levels. The phylogenetic analysis of another highly variable P1 region showed evolutionary dynamics with respect to other geographical strains, particularly the Indian isolate from North East region (Meghalaya). PRSV–PK holds high levels of genetic divergence in comparison to American, Australian and Asian isolates. The genetic and phylogeographic analyses indicate that a spatial recombination has occurred from first PRSV, however temporal evolution is within the region of occurrence. The genetic variations and evolutionary dynamics of this virus may challenge the resistance developed in papaya against PRSV and give rise to virus lineage because of its atypical emergence where geographic spread is already occurring.
Comparative analysis on visual and olfactory signals of Papilio xuthus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) during foraging and courtship
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Mingtao , Chen Shunan , Shi Lei , Chen Xiaoming
Published: December 2020

In this study, we examined the roles of visual and olfactory responses during foraging and courtship of the butterfly Papilio xuthus. Our results showed that P. xuthus was sensitive to color in the range of 350–500 nm. Visits of P. xuthus females and males to blue, purple, and red artificial cloth flowers were ♀ 54.90% and ♂ 39.22%, ♀ 19.61% and ♂ 35.29%, and ♀ 9.80% and ♂ 19.61%, respectively. Application of 10% honey on these artificial flowers resulted in an increase of 3.41 and 3.26 fold in flower visits by the butterfly in comparison with controls. When 10% honey water was sprayed on colorless artificial flowers, flower visits reduced seven fold for females and two fold for males, indicating that both visual and olfactory perceptions play important roles during foraging. During courtship, four types of chasing were observed in a natural population of P. Xuthus. The four types are males chasing females (49%), males chasing males (25%), females chasing males (13%), and females chasing females (10%). However, when odorless artificial mimics of butterflies were used, no significant differences were observed among these types of chasing, indicating that olfactory perception was crucial for the butterfly during courtship. Profiling volatile organic chemicals and individual bioassays revealed that α-farnesene might play an important role in distinguishing males from females during courtship of the butterfly.
Relationship of Cardiac Function with Pulmonary Function and Lung Volume using Whole-body MR Imaging: A Population-based Study
Authors: von Krüchten Ricarda , Lorbeer Roberto , Schuppert Christopher , Storz Corinna , Mujaj Blerim , Schulz Holger , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Karrasch Stefan , Schlett Christopher
Published: December 2020

Background
To evaluate the relationship of cardiac function, including time-volume-curves, with lung volumes derived from pulmonary function tests (PFT) and MRI in subjects without cardiovascular diseases.
Methods
216 subjects underwent whole-body MRI and spirometry as part of the KORA-FF4 cohort study. Lung volumes derived semi-automatically using an in-house algorithm. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and residual volume were measured. Cardiac parameters derived from Cine-SSFP-sequence using cvi42, while left ventricle (LV) time-volume-curves were evaluated using pyHeart. Linear regression analyses assessed the relationships of cardiac parameters with PFT and MRI-based lung volumes.
Results
Mean age was 56.3 ± 9.2 years (57% males). LV and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic-, end-systolic-, stroke volume, LV peak ejection- and early/late diastolic filling rate were associated with FEV1, FVC, and residual volume (excluding late diastolic filling rate with FEV1, LV end-systolic/stroke volume and RV end-diastolic/end-systolic volumes with residual volume). In contrast, LV end-diastolic volume (ß=–0.14, p = 0.01), early diastolic filling rate (ß=–0.11, p = 0.04), and LV/RV stroke volume (ß=–0.14, p = 0.01; ß=–0.11, p = 0.01) were inversely associated with MRI-based lung volume.
Conclusion
Subclinical cardiac impairment was associated with reduced FEV1, FVC, and residual volume. Cardiac parameters decreased with increasing MRI-based lung volume contrasting the results of PFT.
Long-term outcomes after endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage for symptomatic pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis
Authors: Kida Akihiko , Kawane Taro , Omura Hitoshi , Kumai Tatsuo , Yano Masaaki , Arihara Fumitaka , Hodo Yuji , Matsuda Koichiro , Ogawa Kohei , Shirota Yukihiro , Matsuda Mitsuru , Sakai Akito , Terada Mitsuhiro , Wakabayashi Tokio
Published: December 2020

【Background】 There is limited evidence demonstrating the usefulness of endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD) for symptomatic pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (sPJS). We examined the usefulness of ERPD for sPJS. 【Methods】 We conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 benign sPJS patients. Following items were evaluated: technical success, adverse events and clinical outcome of ERPD. 【Results】 Technical success rate was 100% (10/10); 9 patients had a pancreatic stent (no-internal-flap: n=4, internal-flap: n=5). Median follow-up was 920 days. Four patients developed recurrence. Among them, 3 patients had a stent with no-internal-flap in initial ERPD and the stent migrated in 3 patients at recurrence, and a stent was not placed in 1 patient in initial ERPD. Four follow-up ERPD were performed. No recurrence was observed in 6 patients. Among them, none of the stents migrated (no-internal-flap: n=1, internal-flap: n=5), and none were replaced stents due to stent failure. A stent placement with no-internal-flap was associated with recurrence (p=0.042). Mild adverse events developed in 14.3% (2/14). 【Conclusions】 ERPD was performed safely with high technical success. Recurrence was common in a stent placement with no-internal-flap, which was associated with stent migration. Long-term stent placement didn’t result in stent failure.
The impact of exhaustive exercise on metabolic profiles in young men: a metabolomics approach
Authors: Akazawa Nobuhiko , Nakamura Mariko , Otomo Mana
Published: December 2020

Background: Exercise-induced fatigue leads to reduction in the ability exert physical performance. Prolonged and intensive exercise stimulates several metabolic pathways to produce energy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of exhaustive exercise on metabolomic pathways. Methods: Nine young recreationally active men were recruited to this study. Participants performed step incremental maximal exercise until maximum exhaustion. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-exercise (immediately after exercise cessation) using a salimetric oral swab, and salivary metabolites were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results: Two hundred ten metabolites were detected, representing different clustering principle component structures between pre- and post-exercise. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis identified 29 metabolites with highly related variable importance for projection score and 16 metabolites significantly increased after exercise. Furthermore, increase in cyclohexylamine was positively correlated with an increase in fatigue on a visual analog scale. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that exhaustive exercise changed the saliva metabolomic pathways related to energy production including glycolysis, lipolysis, amino acid metabolism, amines, and ketone bodies.
The TOMM40 ‘523’ polymorphism in disease risk and age of symptom onset in two independent cohorts of Parkinson’s disease.
Authors: Bakeberg Megan , Hoes Madison , Gorecki Anastazja , Theunissen Frances , Pfaff Abigail , Kenna Jade , Plunkett Kai , Kõks Sulev , Akkari Patrick , Mastaglia Frank , Anderton Ryan
Published: December 2020

Abnormal mitochondrial function is a key process in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The central pore-forming protein TOM40 of the mitochondria is encoded by the translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 homologue gene (TOMM40). The highly variant poly-T repeat is associated with age-related cognitive decline and age of onset in Alzheimer’s disease, but whether it plays a role in modifying the risk or clinical course of PD it yet to be elucidated. The TOMM40 allele length was determined in 634 people with PD and 422 healthy controls from an Australian cohort and the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort, using polymerase chain reaction or whole genome sequencing analysis. Genotype and allele frequencies of TOMM40 and APOE ε did not differ significantly between the cohorts. Analyses revealed TOMM40 groups were not associated with disease risk, while considering APOE ε genotype. Regression analyses revealed the TOMM40 S/S genotype was associated with a significantly later age of symptom onset in the PPMI PD cohort, but not in the Australian cohort. Variation in the TOMM40 structural variant was not associated with PD risk, but may be a modifying factor for age of symptom onset in some PD populations, warranting further investigation.
Weaning age influences indicators of rumen function and development in female Holstein calves
Authors: Schwarzkopf Sarah , Kinoshita Asako , Hüther Liane , Salm Laurenz , Kehraus Saskia , Südekum Karl-Heinz , Huber Korinna , Dänicke Sven , Frahm Jana
Published: December 2020

Background: Prenatal and postnatal conditions are crucial for the development of calves. Primiparous cows are still maturing during pregnancy, thus competing with the nutritional needs of their offspring. Therefore, mature cows might provide a superior intrauterine condition. Furthermore, weaning calves at an older age might affect them positively as well by reducing stress and offering time for various organs and their functions to develop. We aimed to evaluate effects of mothers’ parity and calves’ weaning age on gastrointestinal development and corresponding acid-base balance. Fifty-nine female German Holstein calves (about 8 days old) were investigated in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with factors weaning age (7 vs. 17 weeks) and parity of mother (primiparous vs. multiparous). Calves were randomly assigned to one of these four groups. Animal behavior that was observed included “resting”, “chewing” and “active behavior”. Results: Behavioral patterns were interactively affected by time and weaning age. Rumen sounds per 2 minutes increased during early weaning, whereas in late-weaned calves they increased before weaning, already. Urinary N-containing compounds (creatinine, hippuric acid, uric acid, urea, allantoin) were interactively affected by time and weaning age. Concentrations of all measured compounds except urea increased during early weaning. All except hippuric acid concentration decreased in early-weaned calves after weaning. In late-weaned calves allantoin and uric acid increased before weaning and did not change during weaning. Conclusion: The results suggest that late-weaned calves developed adequate rumen functions and acid-base balance, whereas early-weaned calves might have suffered from ruminal acidosis and catabolism. Weaning calves at 7 weeks of age might be too early for an adequate rumen development.
Establishing Consensus Annotation for the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Chen Yi , Verbeek Fons , Wolstencroft Katherine
Published: December 2020

Motivation: The hallmarks of cancer provide a highly cited and well-used conceptual framework for describing the processes involved in cancer cell development and tumourigenesis. However, methods for translating these high-level hallmarks concepts into data level-links between individual genes and individual cancer hallmarks varies widely between studies. When we examine different strategies for linking and mapping cancer hallmarks in detail, we see significant differences, but also consensus. Results: Here we compare hallmark mapping schemes from multiple studies and explore the consensus knowledge from these different approaches, in order to help us better understand the core biological processes and pathways that are associated with the hallmarks of cancer. We also explore the differences between mapping schemes and identify which differences represent changes in our understanding of cancer, changes in our understanding of biological processes in the non-disease state, or the accumulation of more experimental evidence over time. Conclusions: Mapping strategies rely on intermediate knowledge resources, such as biological pathway databases like KEGG or the Gene Ontology. The structure and annotations of these intermediate resources also change over time. The results of this study therefore highlight the challenges of integrating accumulated, distributed and changing biological knowledge in bioinformatics.
Efficacy of Positron Emission Tomography in Diagnosis of Lateral Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with Rectal Cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Yukimoto Ryohei , Uemura Mamoru , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Hata Tsuyoshi , Fujino Shiki , Ogino Takayuki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Takahashi Hidekazu , Hata Taishi , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Kida Akira , Furuyashiki Mamoru , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: December 2020

Background The presence of lateral pelvic lymph node (LLN) metastasis is an essential prognostic factor in rectal cancer patients. Thus, preoperative diagnosis of LLN metastasis is clinically important to determine the therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis of LLN metastasis. Methods Eighty-six patients with rectal cancer who underwent LLN dissection at Osaka University were included in this study. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor and LLN were preoperatively calculated using PET/CT. Simultaneously, the short axis of the lymph node was measured using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). The presence of metastases was evaluated by postoperative pathological examination. Results Of the 86 patients, LLN metastases developed in the left, right, and both LLN regions in 7, 8, and 2 patients, respectively. The diagnosis of the metastases was predicted with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity 94%, positive predictive value 62%, and negative predictive value 98% when the cutoff value of the LLN SUVmax was set at 1.5. The cutoff value of the short axis set at 7 mm on MDCT was most useful in diagnosing LLN metastases, but SUVmax was even more useful in terms of specificity.Conclusions The cutoff value of 1.5 for lymph node SUVmax in PET is a reasonable measure to predict the risk of preoperative LLN metastases in rectal cancer patients.
Primary Care Management of Chronic Insomnia: A Qualitative Analysis of the Attitudes and Experiences of Australian General Practitioners
Authors: Haycock Jenny , Grivell Nicole , Redman Anne , Saini Bandana , Vakulin Andrew , Lack Leon , Lovato Nicole , Sweetman Alexander , Zwar Nicholas , Stocks Nigel , Frank Oliver , Mukherjee Sutapa , Adams Robert , McEvoy R. Doug , Hoon Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Background Chronic insomnia is a highly prevalent disorder, with ten to thirty percent of Australian adults reporting chronic difficulties falling asleep and/or staying asleep such that it causes significant daytime impairment. Current Australian general practice guidelines recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) as first line treatment for insomnia however, research suggests that most general practice consultations for insomnia result in a prescription for hypnotic or sedative medicines. Although the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms of insomnia is often general practice, little is known about the current role, experiences and capacity of Australian general practitioners to manage insomnia. This study aimed to address that gap by exploring the attitudes and opinions of general practitioners regarding insomnia management, to inform the development and implementation of new models of best practice insomnia care within general practice. Methods A descriptive, pragmatic qualitative study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit practising Australian general practitioners, varying in age, years of experience and geographic location. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results Twenty-eight general practitioners participated in the study. Three major themes were identified: 1) Responsibility for insomnia care; 2) Complexities in managing insomnia; and 3) Navigating treatment pathways. Whilst general practitioners readily accepted responsibility for the management of insomnia, provision of care was often demanding and difficult within the funding and time constraints of general practice. Patients presenting with comorbid mental health conditions and insomnia, and decision-making regarding long-term use of benzodiazepines presented challenges for general practitioners. Whilst general practitioners confidently provided sleep hygiene education to patients, their knowledge and experience of CBTi, and access and understanding of specialised referral pathways for insomnia was limited. Conclusions General practitioners report that whilst assessing and managing insomnia can be demanding, it is an integral part of general practice. Insomnia presents complexities for general practitioners, and greater clarity about funding options, targeted education about effective insomnia treatments, and referral pathways to specialist services would benefit insomnia management within general practice.