bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radioactivity and radionuclides in deciduous teeth formed before the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Chiba Mirei , Tanahara Akira , Aida Jun , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Suzuki Toshihiko , Murakami Shinobu , Koarai Kazuma , Ono Takumi , Oka Toshitaka , Ikeyama Joji , Kaneko Osamu , Unno Makoto , Hirose Kimiharu , Ohno Takashi , Kino Yasushi , Sekine Tsutomu , Osaka Ken , Sasaki Keiichi , Shinoda Hisashi
Published: January 2021

The Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident in March 2011 released substantial amounts of radionuclides into the environment. We collected 4,957 deciduous teeth formed in children before the Fukushima accident to obtain precise control data for teeth formed after the accident. Radioactivity was measured using imaging plates (IP) and epidemiologically assessed using multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, we measured 90Sr, 137Cs, and natural radionuclides which might be present in teeth. Epidemiological studies of IP showed that the amount of radioactivity in teeth from Fukushima prefecture was similar to that from reference prefectures. We found that artificial radionuclides of 90Sr and 137Cs, which were believed to have originated from past nuclear disasters, and natural radionuclides including 40K and daughter nuclides in the 238U and 232Th series contributed to the generation of radioactivity in teeth. We also found no evidence to suggest that radionuclides originating from the FNPP accident significantly contaminated pre-existing teeth. This is the first large-scale investigation of radioactivity and radionuclides in teeth. The present findings will be indispensable for future studies of teeth formed after the FNPP accident, which will fall out over the next several years and might be more contaminated with radionuclides.
C-Reactive Protein As a Triage Test in Guiding Who Should Get a Confirmatory Test For Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosis Among Adults: A Case-Control Proof-of-Concept Study From Urban Tanzania
Authors: Chiweka Evarist , Maroa Thomas , Temba Hosiana , Ponera Joseph , Athumani Sharifa , Kamwela Lujeko , Sasamalo Mohamed , Naftari Rastard , Tito Mirambi , Mhimbira Francis , Hella Jerry
Published: January 2021

Background: The current screening tools for tuberculosis (TB) are inadequate resulting in insufficient TB case detection and continued community transmission of TB.As the world in geared into finding missing TB cases, new strategies are called for to aid in rapid identification of TB cases. This study aimed to evaluate the role C-reactive protein (CRP)in triaging for who to get a definitive test for active pulmonary TB diagnosis in urban Tanzania.Methods: A case–control study was conducted among pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and contacts without active PTB. The diagnosis of PTB was performed using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and culture. Blood was collected from cases and controls for measuring CRP levels during recruitment. We compared socio-demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters obtained during recruitment and performed diagnostic accuracy analyses for CRP. Results: Out of all 193 study participants who were involved in final analysis, 147 (76.2%) were males. Pulmonary TB cases had significantly lower median BMI than controls (median 17.4 kg/m2 [IQR: 15.8–19.2 kg/m2] vs., 24.9 kg/m2 [IQR: 22.1–28.5 kg/m2), p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in prevalence of HIV between PTB cases and controls i.e., 13.33% vs., 11.7%, p = 0.48. CRP was significantly higher in PTB cases vs., controls (median 67.8 mg/L, [IQR: 36.5– 116.9 mg/L] vs., 1.55 mg/L, [IQR: 0.59–6.0mg/L], p = 0.003). Furthermore, CRP at cut-off ≥ 10mg/L were associated with best combination of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of 89.9%, 95% CI: 82.2-95.0, 80.9%, CI: 71.4-88.2 and 0.85, 95%CI: 0.80-0.90 respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for fever, night sweats and body mass index showed that CRP above 10mg/L was significantly associated with PTB, aOR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.8. Conclusions: CRP at cut-off ≥ 10mg/L can be used to screen pulmonary TB. These findings can be used to improve TB screening algorithm by incorporating CRP in combination with TB symptoms to identify patients who need further confirmatory TB tests. However, additional prospective studies are required to support our findings and contribute into policy recommendations on use of CRP in a screening algorithm for pulmonary TB.
Optimization of Crude Inulin Extraction from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Agro-industrial Waste using the Response Surface Methodology.
Authors: Lara-Fiallos Marco V. , Bastidas-Delgado Leiker A. , Montalvo-Villacreses Dayana T. , Espín-Valladares Rosario C. , Núñez-Pérez Jimmy , Martínez Amaury Pérez , Vispo Nelson Santiago , Cabrera Hortensia Rodríguez , Suárez Erenio González , Pais-Chanfrau José Manuel
Published: January 2021

Inulin is a polysaccharide with several applications within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industry. It is considered a dietary fibre that provides multiple health benefits. In this work, the yield of raw inulin obtained from garlic agro-industrial useless waste was maximized, by applying the response surface methodology in a central composite design (CCD), in which different distilled-water (DW)-to-garlic-agro-industrial-waste (GAIW) ratios (3 and 5 mL/g) and different temperatures (60 and 80 °C) were evaluated. Optimal condition was obtained with a DW/GAIW ratio of 4.3 mL/g and a temperature of 80.2 °C. Under this condition, the quadratic model showed a maximum yield of crude inulin of 8.17 ± 0.89 g/100 g. Further, the CCD model obtained was validated with three additional experiments at the same optimal condition. The FTIR spectra of inulin obtained from garlic agro-industrial residues and chicory inulin showed similarities and differences, presumably related to the different degrees of polymerization of the fructans present.
Green synthesis of Silk Sericin Embedded Silver Nanoparticles and their Antibacterial Application Against Multidrug Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Masud Md. Abdullah Al , Shaikh Hamid , Alam Md. Shamsul , Karim M. Minnatul , Momin M. Abdul , Islam M. Ariful , Khan Arifuzzaman
Published: January 2021

Silk sericin (SS) was extracted from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons in an aqueous medium. 17 w/w% of dry sericin powder with respect to the cocoon’s weight was obtained by freeze drying. The extracted sericin exhibited excellent hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and reducing properties. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles conjugated to sericin, i.e., SS-capped silver nanoparticles (SS-AgNPs) were synthesized by easy, cost effective, and environment-friendly methods. The synthesized SS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction measurement. It has been found from the absorbance of UV-visible spectroscopy that a higher parent of SS-AgNPs was obtained at a higher concentration of silver nitrate solution. FTIR-ATR spectra showed that the carboxylate groups obtained from silk sericin act as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, while NH2 + and COO- act as a stabilizer of AgNPs. The X-ray diffractogram of SS-AgNPs was quite different to that for AgNO3 and sericin due to a change in crystal structure. The diameter of AgNPs was around 20–70 nm observed using TEM. The synthesized SS-AgNPs exhibited strong anti-bacterial activity against multi-drug-resistant pathogens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations against E. coli and P. aeruginosa were 20 µg/mL. This study encourages the use of Bombyx mori for the ecofriendly synthesis of SS-AgNPs to control multi-drug-resistant microorganisms.
WITHDRAWN: Sunflower Seed Meal and Probiotics in Short-term Feeding of Laying Hens
Authors: Ditta Yasir , Naseem Sadia , Saksrithai Ketwee , King Annie J.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHorticultural byproducts may be used to partially or completely replace more expensive soy and corn while providing adequate energy and protein for broilers and laying hens. Probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, may aid in digestion of fibrous byproducts such as sunflower seed meal containing complex carbohydrates that along with some amino acids may not be easily digested by monogastric animals. Thus, byproducts and probiotics, when fed to poultry, may improve the production of nutritious meat and eggs. ResultsWhite Leghorn Crosses (64 layers at 65- to 74-wk-old) were fed one of four diets for four weeks. Diets were (1) a corn/soy Control, (2) Control + 20% sunflower seed meal (SFM), (3) Control + Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum, rhamnosus, and paracasei - each at > 23.3 Mil CFU/g for a total of approximately 70,000,000 Mil CFU/g added in drinking water), and (4) Control + 20% SFM + Probiotics. Significance (P < 0.05) and trends (P < 0.10) were determined for production measurements as well as external and internal egg quality parameters. Diet did not significantly affect production measurements. There were trends due to Probiotics*Week for FCR and SFM*Probiotics*Week for feed intake. For external egg quality, SFM significantly increased egg weight, decreased specific gravity, and caused a downward trend for egg shell thickness. SFM*Week produced a significant effect on specific gravity. Probiotics significantly increased egg weight and egg shell weight while decreasing egg shell thickness; there was a trend due to temporal effects on specific gravity. For internal egg quality, SFM, SFM*Week, Week, and SFM*Probiotics*Week significantly affected yolk color. Week affected all internal measurements and SFM*Week caused weekly fluctuations, thereby producing a trend for Haugh unit. ConclusionsDiet had no effect on production measurements. SFM increased egg weight and decreased specific gravity; Probiotics increased egg weight, shell weight, and shell thickness. Future research in needed to assess production and egg quality parameters when feeding various fiber types, the digestibility of SFM/Probiotic diets, and colonization of varying quantities of probiotics (added in water and feed) in the gut of various types and ages of laying hens.
The UPTAKE study: Implications for the future of COVID-19 vaccination trial recruitment in UK and beyond
Authors: Sethi Sonika , Kumar Aditi , Mandal Anandadeep , Shaikh Mohammed , Hall Claire Anne , Kirk Jeremy MW , Moss Paul , Brookes Matthew , Basu Supratik
Published: January 2021

Background: Developing a safe and effective vaccine will be the principal way of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, current COVID-19 vaccination trials are not adequately representing a diverse participant population in terms of age, ethnicity and comorbidities. Achieving the representative recruitment targets that are adequately powered to the study remains one of the greatest challenges in clinical trial management. To ensure accuracy and generalizability of the safety and efficacy conclusions generated by clinical trials, it is crucial to recruit patient cohorts as representative as possible of the future target population. Missing these targets can lead to reduced validity of the study results, and can often slow down drug development leading to costly delays. This study explores the key factors related to perceptions and participation in vaccination trials. Methods: This study involved an anonymous cross-sectional online survey circulated across the UK. Statistical analysis was done in six phases. Multi-nominal logistic models examined demographic and geographic factors that may impact vaccine uptake. Results: The survey had 4884 participants of which 9·44% were BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic). Overall 2020 (41.4%) respondents were interested in participating in vaccine trials; 27.6% of the respondents were not interested and 31.1.% were unsure. The most interested groups were male (OR=1.290), graduates (OR=1.277), the 40-49 and 50-59 age group (OR=1.880 and OR=1.460 respectively) and those with no health issues (OR=1.064). The least interested groups were BAME (OR=0.427), those from villages and small towns (OR=0.66 and 0.54 respectively), and those aged 70 and above (OR=1.11).Conclusions: In order to have a vaccination that is generalizable to the entire population, greater work needs to be done in engaging a diverse cohort of participants. Public health campaigns need to be targeted in improving trial recruitment rates for the elderly, BAME community and the less educated rural population.
Bibliometric Analysis of China’s Contribution to the Knowledge System of Cerebrovascular Intervention
Authors: Ma Hongyu , Li He , Liu Peng , Liu Pei , Zhang Xiaoxi , Zhang Yongxin , Li Zifu , Zhao Rui , Hong Bo , Liu Jianmin , Yang Pengfei
Published: January 2021

Background: Cerebrovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in China. The purpose of this article is to analyze China’s contribution to interventional treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Bibliometric analysis was used for evaluating the quantity, quality, research hotspots, and cooperation network of publications from China. Articles were acquired from the database of Web of Science Core Collection. The authors, publication years, citation times, original regions, and source journals were recorded by EXCEL 2019. Network analysis and visualization were performed on Citespace5.6.Results: From 1991 to 2019, totally 5,052 articles regarding cerebrovascular intervention were published by Chinese researchers. The number of publications from China grew fastest annually in the latest five years among countries. These publications were totally cited 61,216 times, with 12.12 average citations per item. The h-index was 82. Affiliated hospitals of Capital Medical University contributed most articles. Cerebral ischemia and intracranial aneurysm were the most popular keywords over the three decades. The timeline view of keywords indicated that cerebral ischemia was always a hot spot. Stent techniques were the main treatment tools and still had a strong developing trend. Basic researches of cerebrovascular intervention had a preference for neural regeneration and neuroprotection.Conclusions: The number of publications from China grows fast in recent years, but research quality needs further enhancement. The highly targeted researches are continuously promoting the clinical practice of CVDs. More valuable clinical evidence would be provided.
Mixed phenotype acute leukemia with PML-RARα positive: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zheng Xiaolong , Shen Huafei , Zhu Mingyu , Shi Yuanfei , Wang Huanping , Chen Zhimei , Huang Xin , Wang Yungui , Jin Jie , Xie Wanzhuo
Published: January 2021

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is an uncommon type of leukemia. It is one kind of malignant clonal diseases that expresses more than one genealogical specific antigen simultaneously. Most MPAL patients are associated with clonal chromosomal abnormalities and molecular genetic changes, such as t(9;22) (q34;q11) and KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement. These specific abnormalities usually have important guiding significance in MPAL diagnosis, targeted therapy and prognosis judgment. In this paper, we reported a case of MPAL, T/myeloid (M5) with an unfrequent combination of PML-RARα positivity and t(15;17). The treatment was successful with chemotherapy for both AML and ALL with daunorubicin, cytarabine (DA) and vincristine, prednisone (VP). We reported here this suggestive MPAL case of rare disease condition and effective treatment, in order to provide experience for the early diagnosis and treatment of similar patients.
Perception of Post-partum Women Towards Birth Companions at a Tertiary Hospital and Its Catchment Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gizachew Kidist , Bekele Delayehu , Getinet Tewodros
Published: January 2021

Background: Birth companion refers to a person who provides support to laboring women during child birth. Various studies have shown the benefits of birth companions. The objective of this study was to assess the attitude of mothers towards the involvement of birth companions during child birth at St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) and its selected catchment health centers. Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional study to determine the perception of postpartum mothers on the involvement of birth companions during child birth. Result: The study included a total of 393 postpartum women. The finding from the study showed majority of the post-partum women (98.7%) were not allowed to have companions during labor. Among postpartum women 27.3 % has negative attitude towards involvement of birth companions. The commonest reasons mentioned by post-partum women for having negative attitude to this practice included need for privacy, religious values and fear of overburdening family members with stress. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that majority of women were denied the option of having a birth companion. The study has also shown the desire to have birth companion isn’t universal among laboring women in our setup. There is a need to understand the socio-cultural values of the community before embarking on widespread implementation of involvement of birth companions.
Overcoming Hybrid Lethality Induced by Chromosomal Instability in an Interspecific Hybrid of Genus Nicotiana
Authors: Nakata Kouki , Nagashima Hiroki , Yamashita Haruka , Inaba Natsuki , Shinozaki Yoshihito Shinozaki , Kanekatsu Motoki , Marubashi Wataru , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: January 2021

Hybrid lethality is a type of reproductive isolation in which hybrids die before maturation, due to the interaction between the two causative genes derived from each of the hybrid parents. The interspecific hybrid of Nicotiana suaveolens x Nicotiana tabacum is a model plant for studies of hybrid lethality. In this cross, most hybrid seedlings die, but rare individuals grow normally and mature. Separately, a technique for producing mature hybrids by artificial culture has been developed. However, the mechanism by which hybrids overcome lethality, either spontaneously or by artificial culture, remains unclear. In the present study, we found that some hybrids that overcome lethality, either spontaneously or by artificial culture, lack the distal part of the Q chromosome, a region that includes the gene responsible for lethality. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results suggested that the distal deletion of the Q chromosome, detected in some hybrid seedlings that overcome lethality, is caused by reciprocal translocations between homoeologous chromosomes. These results indicated that the chromosomal instability during meiosis of the amphidiploid N. tabacum and during artificial culturing of hybrid seedlings is involved in overcoming hybrid lethality in interspecific hybrids of the genus Nicotiana.
A Method for Continuous Study of Soaring and Windhovering Birds
Authors: Penn Matthew , Yi George , Mohamed Abdulghani , Watkins Simon , Windsor Shane
Published: January 2021

Avian flight continues to inspire aircraft designers. As the scales of autonomous aircraft reduce to those of birds and large insects, new control challenges are apparent when attempting to hold steady flight in turbulent atmospheric wind. Some birds, however, are capable of remarkably stable hovering flight in the same conditions. This work describes the development of a wind tunnel configuration that facilitates the study of flapless windhovering (hanging) and soaring bird flight in wind conditions replicating those in nature. Updrafts were generated by flow over replica “hills” and turbulence was introduced through upstream grids. Successful flight tests with windhovering nankeen kestrels (Falco cenchroides) were conducted, verifying that the facility is suitable for future studies investigating the flight of soaring and windhovering birds in smooth and turbulent flows. The wind tunnel allows the flow characteristics to be carefully controlled and measured, providing great advantages over outdoor flight tests. Also, existing wind tunnels may be readily configured using this method, eliminating the need for the development of dedicated bird flight wind tunnels.
Sex Ratio Is Synergistically Modulated by Local Resource Competition and Enhancement: the Case of a Primitively Eusocial Wasp Under Female Philopatry
Authors: Tsuchida Koji , Ishiguro Norio , Saito-Morooka Fuki , Kojima Jun-Ichi , Spradbery Philip
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIn animals, the offspring sex ratio is modulated by kin conflict and cooperation, and determining the ratio is a main concern in evolutionary biology. Male competition for access to local mates is predictive of a female-biased sex ratio in the offspring (local mate competition; LMC). Conversely, female competition for access to local resources is predictive of a male-biased sex ratio in the offspring (local resource competition; LRC). However, several factors other than competition should synergistically operate in real-world populations. In the Australian paper wasp Ropalidia plebeiana, LRC and local resource enhancement (LRE) may operate simultaneously. To determine whether this is the case, we evaluated colony sex ratios and examined whether competition and/or enhancement operates at the population level in this species. ResultsIn spring, many foundress queens started their colonies by comb-cutting, in which nest combs from the previous season were divided into several combs to be reused. Genetic relatedness among foundresses did not differ before and after comb-cutting. Relatedness among foundresses was 0.339, whereas relatedness among new foundresses was 0.589, revealing nearly functional monogyny. The global FST value calculated with mtDNA markers was higher than that calculated with microsatellite markers, even after we corrected for differences in effective population sizes between sexes. This finding indicates female philopatry, which was also confirmed by mark–release–recapture before and after the hibernation of new foundresses. The colony sex ratio of reproductives became slightly biased toward males in larger colonies. In addition, both the number of foundresses and number of workers were positively associated with the number of reproductives, which indicates that LRE was also operating.ConclusionsOur results suggest that although the population structure seems to meet the requirements of LRC, the sex ratio is not modulated solely by LRC. Instead, the availability of female helpers at the founding stage likely mitigates the sex ratio predicted by LRC through LRE. Thus, LRC at the founding stage and LRE at the reproductive stage synergistically modulate the colony sex ratio in R. plebeiana.
Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Tfr/Tfh Cell Balance by Low-Dose-IL-2 in Active SLE: A Post-Hoc Analysis from a Double-Blind RCT Study
Authors: Miao Miao , Xiao Xian , Tian Jiayi , Zhufeng Yunzhi , Feng Ruiling , Zhang Ruijun , Chen Jiali , Zhang Xiaoying , Huang Bo , Jin Yuebo , Sun Xiaolin , He Jing , Li Zhanguo
Published: January 2021

Objective: To investigate the regulation of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) and T follicular (Tfh) cell subtypes by low-dose IL-2 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Methods: A post-hoc analysis was performed in a randomized cohort of SLE patients (n=60) receiving low-dose IL-2 therapy (n=30) or placebo (n=30), along with standard of care treatment. The primary end point was attainment of SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) at week 12 in the trial. Twenty three healthy controls were enrolled for T cell subsets detection at the same time with the trial. The t-stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) analysis of CD4 T subsets based on immune cells flow cytometry markers was performed to distinguish Tfh, Tfh1, Tfh2, Tfh17 and Tfr cell subsets. Results: Compared with HC, the frequency of Tfr (CXCR5+PD-1lowTreg and CXCR5+PD-1highTreg) cells was significantly reduced, while the pro-inflammatory Tfh cells were increased in patients with SLE. The imbalanced Tfh cell was associated with several pathogenic factors (anti-dsDNA antibodies (r=0.309, P=0.027) and serum IL-17 (r=0.328, P=0.021)) and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (r=0.273, P=0.052). Decreased CXCR5+PD-1lowTreg/Tfh and CXCR5+PD-1lowTreg/Tfh17 were both associated with increased immunoglobulin M (IgM) (r=-0.448, P=0.002 and r=-0.336, P=0.024 respectively). Efficacy of low-dose IL-2 therapy was associated with a restored Tfr/Tfh cell balance.Conclusion: These data supports the hypothesis that promotion of Tfr associated with decreased disease activities, and that low-dose IL-2 therapy can recover Tfr/Tfh immune balance.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registries (NCT02465580).
Molecular characterization of the highest risk adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through multi-omics clustering
Authors: nguyen trinh , Pepper John , Nguyen Cu , Fan Yu , Hu Ying , Chen Qingrong , Yan Chunhua , Meerzaman Daoud
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically heterogeneous group of diseases with poor outcomes that are partly due to its complex and poorly understood heterogeneity. Methods: Here, we use a multi-omics approach to identify a molecular subgroup with the worst response to chemotherapy, and to identify promising drug targets specifically for this AML subgroup. Results: Among the three primary clusters of 166 AML adult TCGA cancer cases, we found a High Risk Molecular Subgroup with the worst overall survival at two years – only about 10% survival. TP53 was mutated in most patients in this High Risk Molecular Subgroup , but not in any other patients, constituting a highly significant difference. The top 5 Genes over-expressed in the High Risk Molecular Subgroup included E2F4, CD34, CD109, MN1, and MMLT3. This High Risk Molecular Subgroup also showed higher activation than other patients of molecular pathways related to immune function, cell proliferation, and DNA damage. Conclusion: Some AML patients are not successfully treated with the current standard of care chemotherapy, and urgently need targeted therapeutics. Potential drug targets include over-expressed genes E2F4 , and MN1 , as well as mutations in TP53, and several molecular pathways .
EasyIDP: A python package for intermediate data processing in 3D based plant phenotyping
Authors: HAOZHOU WANG , Duan Yunlin , Shi Yun , Kato Yoichiro , Ninomiya Seish , Guo Wei
Published: January 2021

Background:The use of 3D based high-throughput phenotyping improves theefficiency of crop management and monitoring practices. Thestructure-from-motion and multi-view stereo photogrammetry (SfM-MVS)technique, applicable to common RGB digital cameras, has been widely used forthis and can be implemented by many commercial and open-source tools. Byusing such tools, several outputs such as digital orthophoto map (DOM), digitalsurface model (DSM), and point cloud data (PCD) can be generated. However,there is a gap between these outputs and the final 3D plant phenotyping. Forexample, calculating plant height and canopy ground cover requires thesegmentation of each plot from the whole DOM, DSM, or original image. Theseintermediate processes are time-consuming, and to the best of our knowledge,there are no easy-to-use alternatives currently available.Results:In this study, a software package called EasyIDP (easy intermediatedata processor) was developed to link the products of SfM-MVS techniques with3D based plant phenotyping. A lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) breeding field was usedto demonstrate the following points: 1) clipping (segmenting) SfM-MVS productsaccording to a given plot boundary or region of interest (ROI); 2) transformingthe ROI of the SfM-MVS products into high-quality raw images to assist inobject detection; and 3) evaluating the accuracy of the previous transformationusing manual annotation.Conclusions:The proposed intermediate data processing tool showed anacceptable accuracy and potential to process the products from SfM-MVStechniques. By using the EasyIDP, a bridge between SfM-MVS products andplant phenotyping was conveniently achieved.
Maternal Lipidomic Signatures in Relation to Spontaneous Preterm Birth and Large-For-Gestational Age Neonates
Authors: Aung Max , Ashrap Pahriya , Watkins Deborah , Mukherjee Bhramar , Rosario Zaira , Vélez-Vega Carmen , Alshawabkeh Akram , Cordero José , Meeker John
Published: January 2021

Background: Lipidome-wide metabolites may be useful biomarkers of pregnancy outcomes. We sought to characterize maternal lipidomic signatures associated with preterm birth and neonatal anthropometric parameters. Methods: Plasma samples were collected 24-28 weeks gestation, and lipidomic profiling was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Lipid metabolites were analyzed individually and as whole lipid classes and subgroups based on degree of hydrocarbon chain saturation. Associations were estimated using linear and logistic regression.Results: After false discovery adjustment (q<0.15), four plasmenyl-phosphatidylethanolamines and three free fatty acids associated with increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Five phosphatidylinositols, two phosphatidylglycerols, and one phosphatidic acid were associated with large for gestational age neonates. The saturated plasmenyl-phosphatidylethanolamines held the association with increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Both the mono- and poly-unsaturated free fatty acids held the association for increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Mono- and poly-unsaturated phosphatidylinositols were associated with large for gestational age neonates. Whole lipid classes (plasmenyl-phophatidylcholines and plasmenyl-phosphatidylethanolamines) were associated with increased risk for large for gestational age at delivery.Conclusions: This study provides evidence that finer omics-scale analysis of the maternal lipidome may be more informative biomarkers of pregnancy outcomes compared to whole class level lipid analysis.
Analysis of Differentially Expressed Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum Genes During the Interaction With Moderately Resistant and Highly Susceptible Chickpea Lines
Authors: Mwape Virginia , Mobegi Fredrick , Regmi Roshan , Newman Toby , Kamphuis Lars , Derbyshire Mark
Published: January 2021

Background: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the cause of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), is a host generalist necrotrophic fungus that can cause major yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) production. This study used RNA sequencing to conduct a timecourse transcriptional analysis of S. sclerotiorum gene expression during chickpea infection. The study explored S. sclerotiorum pathogenicity and developmental factors employed during chickpea infection. Results: During infection of moderately resistant and highly susceptible chickpea lines, 9,491 and 10,487 S. sclerotiorum genes, respectively, were significantly differentially expressed relative to in vitro. Analysis of the upregulated genes revealed enrichment of Gene Ontology biological processes, such as oxidation-reduction process, metabolic process, carbohydrate metabolic process, response to stimulus, and signal transduction. Several gene functional categories were upregulated in planta, including carbohydrate-active enzymes, secondary metabolite biosynthesis clusters, transcription factors and candidate secreted effectors. Differences in S. sclerotiorum genes expressed on varieties with different levels of susceptibility were also observed. Conclusion: These findings provide a framework for a better understanding of S. sclerotiorum interactions with hosts of varying susceptibility levels. Here, we report for the first time on the S. sclerotiorum transcriptome during chickpea infection, which could be important for further studies on this pathogen's molecular biology.
Risk Factors for Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With the Zero-P Implant System: a Retrospective Study With Minimum of 2 Years Follow-up
Authors: Xue Rong , Li Ningdao , Ji Zhurong , Cheng Xingdong , Zhang Zhuqiu , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2021

Background: Dysphagia is one of the most common complications after anterior cervical spine surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-P Implant System by multidimensional analysis and investigated the predictive values of these risk factors for dysphagia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 260 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least 2 year of follow-up ware performed. All patients were divided into a non-dysphagia group and a dysphagia group. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft-tissue thickness, the levels of surgery, O-C2 angle, C2–7 angle, T1 slope and segmental angle were analyzed. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to analyze the predictive value of each dimension for dysphagia. Results: In total, the non-dysphagia group comprised 170 patients and the dysphagia group comprised 90 patients. Chi-square test results indicated that number of operated levels, operation time dT1 slope, dO-C2 angle, dC2–7 angle, segmental angle and dPSTT were associated with a high incidence of dysphagia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that number of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia.Conclusions: Number of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia. In additionally, sufficient preoperative preparation, evaluation combining with proficient and precise treatment measures are suggested to reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia when ACDF is performed.
Decreased Complications but a Distinctive Fixation Loosening Mechanism of Fully Threaded Headless Cannulated Screw Fixation for Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults.
Authors: Sun Hui , Shu Lin-Yuan , Matthew Sherrier , Zhu Yi , Liu Jing-Wen , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

Background: Despite being a commonly encountered injury in orthopaedic practice, controversy surrounds the methods of optimal internal fixation for femoral neck fractures (FNF) in young patients. The objective of the present study is to compare complication rates and failure mechanisms for surgical fixation of FNF using fully threaded headless cannulated screws (FTHCS) versus partial threaded cannulated screws (PTS) in young adults.Methods: A total of 75 patients (18-65 years old) with FNF were prospectively treated with close reduction and internal fixation using three parallel FTHCS and compared to a historical control case-matched group (75 patients) with FNF treated by PTS fixation. After two years follow-up, rates of fixation failure (including varus collapse, fracture displacement, and femoral neck shortening), nonunion, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) were compared between the two cohorts. The demographic, follow-up information, and radiological images were assessed by independent blinded investigators. Results: Patient demographics and fracture patterns were similar in the two patient groups. The overall fixation failure rates were 8% (6/75) in the FTHCS cohort, which was significantly lower than the 25.3% (19/75) seen in the PTS group. Rates of nonunion and ANFH were significantly lower in the FTHCS group when compared to the PTS control group. When stratified by injury severity (high-energy versus low-energy fractures), the rate of fixation failure was significant lower with the use of FTHCS when compared with PTS for high-energy fractures while there was no difference in the rates of nonunion or ANFH for high or low-energy fracture patterns. Unique to the FTHCS cohort was an atypical screw migration pattern with varus collapse (6/75, 8%). Conclusions: The results show that FTHCS fixation could significantly reduce the complication rate of young patients with FNF, especially in high-energy fracture patterns (Garden III-IV, Pauwels III or vertical of the neck axis (VN) angle ≥ 15°). There was also confirmation that the modes of fixation loosening in the FTCHS group, including screw “medial migration” and superior cutout, were different from the screw withdrawal pattern seen in the PTS cohort. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at www.Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR-IPR-1900025851) on September 11, 2019.
Clinical Study of Radiofrequency Ozone and Injection of Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Solution into the Internal Orifice of Nerve Root Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Hook Operation in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Zhang WanHai , Wang ZhiGang , Yin JianWei , Bai YuanYuan , Qiu FengChao , Zhang HaiDong , Zhang HuiYi , Wang Bao , Wang LiHua , Zhang FengNing , Ji ShuJuan , Yuan MingXing , Zhao HongWei , Yang He
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ozone and injection of anti-inflammatory analgesic solution into the internal orifice of nerve root combined with traditional Chinese medicine hook operation in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The patients with lumbar disc herniation in our hospital from December 20, 2017 to June 19, 2019 were selected as the main research subjects, and the patients were numbered according to the order of their first visits, and the included patients were divided into treatment group and control group using random number table method. Patients in the treatment group were treated with radiofrequency ozone and injection of anti-inflammatory analgesic solution into the internal orifice of nerve root combined with traditional Chinese medicine hook operation. Patients in the control group were treated with traditional lumbar intervertebral disc radiofrequency treatment. The clinical treatment effects of the two groups were observed. Results: A total of 113 patients were included in this study, of which 73 were in the treatment group and 40 were in the control group. The results of the study showed that the NRS scores of patients in the treatment group before treatment were 5±1.68 points, and the NRS scores were 2±0.78 points, 1±0.54 points, and 1±0.77 points 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment, respectively. The NRS scores of patients in the control group were 3±0.48 points, 2±0.63 points, and 2±0.85 points 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment. Compared with before treatment and the control group, there were significant differences (P<0.01). Conclusion: Compared with single lumbar intervertebral disc radiofrequency treatment, radiofrequency ozone and injection of anti-inflammatory analgesic solution into the internal orifice of nerve root combined with hook operation can obtain good short-term and medium-term effects in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment method.
CAMP Gene Promoter Methylation Induces Chondrocyte Apoptosis By Inhibiting ROS Levels And Inflammatory Response
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Li Yanlin , Yang Guang , Yang Tengyun , He Lu , Wang Yang
Published: January 2021

Objective: The occurrence of osteoarthritis is related to genetic and environmental factors. Among them, the change of chondrocyte gene expression pattern regulated by epigenetic modification is an important participant. This study analyzed the effect of CAMP gene methylation on the level of oxidative stress and inflammation of chondrocytes. Methods: We analyzed the changes of the transcriptome in the articular cartilage tissue of osteoarthritis patients (OA) from the GSE117999 dataset. The GSE48422 dataset was used to analyze the changes in the methylation level of osteoarthritis cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) silencing CAMP gene and 5μM 5-Aza-2’-Deoxycytidine (AZA) treatment on the proliferation and apoptosis of Human Chondrocytes Osteoarthritis (HC-OA) cells. The DCFH-DA assay was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression level of inflammatory factors was analyzed by Western Blot. Results: The expression of CAMP in cartilage tissue of OA patients was up-regulated, and the level of methylation was down-regulated. CAMP was highly expressed in osteoarthritis articular cartilage cells. Silencing CAMP inhibited the proliferation of HC-OA cells and promoted their apoptosis. CAMP gene methylation inhibited ROS levels and TNF-α expression levels in HC-OA cells, and promoted TGF-β expression. CAMP gene methylation inhibited the proliferation of HC-OA cells and promoted their apoptosis. Conclusion: CAMP gene promoter methylation induces chondrocyte apoptosis by inhibiting ROS levels and inflammation.
Detection of subgenome bias using an anchored syntenic approach in Eleusine coracana (finger millet)
Authors: Hall Nathan Daniel , Patel Jinesh D , McElroy Joseph Scott , Goertzen Leslie Richard
Published: January 2021

Background: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana 2n=4x=36 ) is a hardy, nutraceutical, climate change tolerant, orphan crop that is consumed throughout eastern Africa and India. Its genome has been sequenced multiple times, but A and B subgenomes could not be separated because no published genome for E. indica existed. The classification of A and B subgenomes is important for understanding the evolution of this crop and provide a means to improve current and future breeding programs. Results: We produced subgenome calls for 704 syntenic blocks and inferred A or B subgenomic identity for 59,377 genes 81% of the annotated genes. Phylogenetic analysis of a super matrix containing 455 genes shows high support for A and B divergence within the Eleusine genus. Synonymous substitution rates between A and B genes support A and B calls. The repetitive content on highly supported B contigs is higher than that on similar A contigs. Analysis of syntenic singletons showed evidence of biased fractionation showed a pattern of A genome dominance, with 61% A , 37% B and 1% unassigned, and was further supported by the pattern of loss observed among cyto-nuclear interacting genes. Examination of transcript counts within the Circadian Rhythm Pathway suggests a possible A subgenomic preference. Conclusion: The evidence of individual gene calls within each syntenic block, provides a powerful tool for inference for subgenome classification. Our results show the utility of a draft genome in resolving A and B subgenomes calls, primarily it allows for the proper polarization of A and B syntenic blocks. There have been multiple calls for the use of phylogenetic inference in subgenome classification, our use of synteny is a practical application in a system that has only one parental genome available.
Clinical teaching of university-degree nursing students: Are the nurses in practice in Uganda ready?
Authors: Drasiku Amos , Gross Janet L. , Jones Casey , Nyoni Champion N.
Published: January 2021

Background: Nurses with degree qualifications offer better nursing care compared to nurses prepared at lower levels. University based nursing degrees have been sanctioned as entry into professional nursing and several low-resource states have introduced university based nursing degrees. The clinical teaching of students enrolled in such degrees is challenged, as most nurses in practice do not have university degrees and are incompetent in moulding the clinical reasoning processes which is inherent within degree education. A university in Uganda established a bachelor’s degree in Nursing program and was expecting to use nurses in practice at a teaching hospital for the clinical teaching of university-degree nursing students. This study reports on the perceptions of the nurses in practice regarding their readiness for the clinical teaching of undergraduate nursing students.Methods: A qualitative descriptive research study was conducted among 33 conveniently sampled nurses from ARRH who had been supervising Diploma and/or Certificate in Nursing students. Five focus group discussions and three informant interviews were used to generate the data. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive approach through thematic analysis.Results: The nurses in practice perceived themselves as ready for clinical teaching of undergraduate nursing students. Three themes emerged namely; “Willingness to teach undergraduate students” “Perceived attributes of undergraduate students”, and “The clinical practice environment”.Conclusion: The nurses in practice need support in the execution of the clinical teaching role of undergraduate nursing students. The nature of supports would include, continuing professional development specific to clinical teaching, engaging the educators in the clinical environment, positively engaging power gradients and address insecurities among the nurses and the students. Students in these programmes should be exposed to the clinical environment earlier within the programme, and be exposed to interprofessional and trans-professional education.
Host reproductive cycle influences the pouch microbiota of wild Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Authors: Weiss Sesilje , Taggart David , Smith Ian , Helgen Kristofer M , Eisenhofer Raphael
Published: January 2021

Background Marsupials are born much earlier than placental mammals, with most crawling from the birth canal to the protective marsupium (pouch) to further their development. However, little is known about the microbiology of the pouch and how it changes throughout a marsupial’s reproductive cycle. Here, using stringent controls, we characterized the microbial composition of multiple body sites from 26 wild Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (SHNWs), including pouch samples from animals at different reproductive stages. Results Using qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene we detected a microbial community in the SHNW pouch. We observed significant differences in microbial composition and diversity between the body sites tested, as well as between pouch samples from different reproductive stages. The pouches of reproductively active females had drastically lower microbial diversity (mean ASV richness 19 ± 8) compared to reproductively inactive females (mean ASV richness 941 ± 393) and were dominated by gram positive bacteria from the Actinobacteriota phylum (81.7-90.6%), with the dominant families classified as Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Dietziaceae. Three of the five most abundant sequences identified in reproductively active pouches had closest matches to microbes previously isolated from tammar wallaby pouches. Conclusions This study represents the first contamination-controlled investigation into the marsupial pouch microbiota, and sets a rigorous framework for future pouch microbiota studies. Our results indicate that SHNW pouches contain communities of microorganisms that are substantially altered by the host reproductive cycle. We recommend further investigation into the roles that pouch microorganisms may play in marsupial reproductive health and joey survival.