bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alveolar compartmentalization of inflammatory and immune cell biomarkers in pneumonia-related ARDS
Authors: Bendib Inès , Beldi-Ferchiou Asma , Schlemmer Frédéric , Surenaud Mathieu , Maitre Bernard , Plonquet Anne , Carteaux Guillaume , Razazi Keyvan , Godot Veronique , Hüe Sophie , Mekontso Dessap Armand , de Prost Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Background

Biomarkers of disease severity might help individualizing the management of patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Whether the alveolar compartmentalization of biomarkers has a clinical significance in patients with pneumonia-related ARDS is unknown. This study aimed at assessing the interrelation of ARDS/sepsis biomarkers in the alveolar and blood compartments and explored their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Immunocompetent patients with pneumonia-related ARDS admitted between 2014 and 2018 were included in a prospective monocentric study. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood samples were obtained within 48 h of admission. Twenty-two biomarkers were quantified in BAL fluid and serum. HLA-DR+ monocytes and CD8+ PD-1+ lymphocytes were quantified using flow cytometry. The primary clinical endpoint of the study was hospital mortality. Patients undergoing a bronchoscopy as part of routine care were included as controls.

Results

Seventy ARDS patients were included. Hospital mortality was 21.4%. The BAL fluid-to-serum ratio of IL-8 was 20 times higher in ARDS patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). ARDS patients with shock had lower BAL fluid-to-serum ratio of IL-1Ra (p = 0.026), IL-6 (p = 0.002), IP-10/CXCL10 (p = 0.024) and IL-10 (p = 0.023) than others. The BAL fluid-to-serum ratio of IL-1Ra was more elevated in hospital survivors than decedents (p = 0.006), even after adjusting for SOFA and driving pressure (p = 0.036). There was no significant association between alveolar or alveolar/blood monocytic HLA-DR or CD8+ lymphocytes PD-1 expression and hospital mortality.

Conclusions

IL-8 was the most compartmentalized cytokine and lower BAL fluid-to-serum concentration ratios of IL-1Ra were associated with hospital mortality in patients with pneumonia-associated ARDS.
Combined whole cell wall analysis and streamlined in silico carbohydrate-active enzyme discovery to improve biocatalytic conversion of agricultural crop residues
Authors: Tingley Jeffrey P. , Low Kristin E. , Xing Xiaohui , Abbott D. Wade
Published: January 2021

The production of biofuels as an efficient source of renewable energy has received considerable attention due to increasing energy demands and regulatory incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Second-generation biofuel feedstocks, including agricultural crop residues generated on-farm during annual harvests, are abundant, inexpensive, and sustainable. Unlike first-generation feedstocks, which are enriched in easily fermentable carbohydrates, crop residue cell walls are highly resistant to saccharification, fermentation, and valorization. Crop residues contain recalcitrant polysaccharides, including cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectins, and lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes. In addition, their cell walls can vary in linkage structure and monosaccharide composition between plant sources. Characterization of total cell wall structure, including high-resolution analyses of saccharide composition, linkage, and complex structures using chromatography-based methods, nuclear magnetic resonance, -omics, and antibody glycome profiling, provides critical insight into the fine chemistry of feedstock cell walls. Furthermore, improving both the catalytic potential of microbial communities that populate biodigester reactors and the efficiency of pre-treatments used in bioethanol production may improve bioconversion rates and yields. Toward this end, knowledge and characterization of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) involved in dynamic biomass deconstruction is pivotal. Here we overview the use of common “-omics”-based methods for the study of lignocellulose-metabolizing communities and microorganisms, as well as methods for annotation and discovery of CAZymes, and accurate prediction of CAZyme function. Emerging approaches for analysis of large datasets, including metagenome-assembled genomes, are also discussed. Using complementary glycomic and meta-omic methods to characterize agricultural residues and the microbial communities that digest them provides promising streams of research to maximize value and energy extraction from crop waste streams.
Effective lipid extraction from undewatered microalgae liquid using subcritical dimethyl ether
Authors: Wang Quan , Oshita Kazuyuki , Takaoka Masaki
Published: January 2021

Background

Recent studies of lipid extraction from microalgae have focused primarily on dewatered or dried samples, and the processes are simple with high lipid yield. Yet, the dewatering with drying step is energy intensive, which makes the energy input during the lipid production more than energy output from obtained lipid. Thus, exploring an extraction technique for just a thickened sample without the dewatering, drying and auxiliary operation (such as cell disruption) is very significant. Whereas lipid extraction from the thickened microalgae is complicated by the high water content involved, and traditional solvent, hence, cannot work well. Dimethyl ether (DME), a green solvent, featuring a high affinity for both water and organic compounds with an ability to penetrate the cell walls has the potential to achieve this goal.

Results

This study investigated an energy-saving method for lipid extraction using DME as the solvent with an entrainer solution (ethanol and acetone) for flocculation-thickened microalgae. Extraction efficiency was evaluated in terms of extraction time, DME dosage, entrainer dosage, and ethanol:acetone ratio. Optimal extraction occurred after 30 min using 4.2 mL DME per 1 mL microalgae, with an entrainer dosage of 8% at 1:2 ethanol:acetone. Raw lipid yields and its lipid component (represented by fatty acid methyl ester) contents were compared against those of common extraction methods (Bligh and Dryer, and Soxhlet). Thermal gravimetry/differential thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and C/H/N elemental analyses were used to examine differences in lipids extracted using each of the evaluated methods. Considering influence of trace metals on biodiesel utilization, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analyses were used to quantify trace metals in the extracted raw lipids, which revealed relatively high concentrations of Mg, Na, K, and Fe.

Conclusions

Our DME-based method recovered 26.4% of total raw lipids and 54.4% of total fatty acid methyl esters at first extraction with remnants being recovered by a 2nd extraction. In additional, the DME-based approach was more economical than other methods, because it enabled simultaneous dewatering with lipid extraction and no cell disruption was required. The trace metals of raw lipids indicated a purification demand in subsequent refining process.
Scientometric analysis of chemotherapy of canine leishmaniasis (2000–2020)
Authors: Olías-Molero A. I. , Fontán-Matilla E. , Cuquerella M. , Alunda J. M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first-order pathology in canine veterinary clinics in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections are considered the main reservoir for human disease; despite their importance in the control of the disease within a One Health approach, no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included analyzing the impact of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) on the scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000 to 2020 and efficacy criteria employed.

Methods

A Web of Science (WOS)-based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000–2020 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups, drugs and combinations, and efficacy criteria.

Results

Reports on CanL (n = 3324) represented < 16% of all publications on leishmaniasis (n = 20,968), and of these around 18% (n = 596) were related to chemotherapy. Publication records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection by L. infantum in endemic areas although Mediterranean countries were overrepresented in the reports on chemotherapy of CanL. Publications on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Pentavalent antimonials (SbV), alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented > 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on SbV and combinations and to a lesser extent on miltefosine (MIL). Reports on chemotherapy are scarce and mostly publicly funded, and the variability of experimental conditions hampers the direct comparison of the efficacy of drugs, combinations and schedules. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the studies if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports on the chemotherapy (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the trials performed.

Graphical Abstract
Prone positioning improves oxygenation and lung recruitment in patients with SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome; a single centre cohort study of 20 consecutive patients
Authors: Clarke Jennifer , Geoghegan Pierce , McEvoy Natalie , Boylan Maria , Ní Choileáin Orna , Mulligan Martin , Hogan Grace , Keogh Aoife , McElvaney Oliver J. , McElvaney Oisín F. , Bourke John , McNicholas Bairbre , Laffey John G. , McElvaney Noel G. , Curley Gerard F.
Published: January 2021

Objective

We aimed to characterize the effects of prone positioning on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation in invasively ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS.

Results

This was a prospective cohort study in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral centre. We included 20 consecutive, invasively ventilated patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 related ARDS who underwent prone positioning in ICU as part of their management. The main outcome was the effect of prone positioning on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. There was a median improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 132 in the prone position compared to the supine position (IQR 67–228). We observed lower PaO2/FiO2 ratios in those with low (< median) baseline respiratory system static compliance, compared to those with higher (> median) static compliance (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in respiratory system static compliance with prone positioning. Prone positioning was effective in improving oxygenation in SARS-CoV-2 ARDS. Furthermore, poor respiratory system static compliance was common and was associated with disease severity. Improvements in oxygenation were partly due to lung recruitment. Prone positioning should be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS.
Bidirectional association between asthma and otitis media in children
Authors: Kim So Young , Kim Hye-Rim , Min Chanyang , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: January 2021

Background

This study explored the reciprocal association between otitis media and asthma in children.

Methods

The 2002–2013 Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Sample Cohort participants < 15 years old were used. In study I, 14,665 asthma patients from 2002 through 2005 were selected. The asthma patients were matched 1:1 with the control I group, and the occurrence of otitis media was followed until 2013. In study II, 27,043 otitis media patients from 2002 through 2005 were selected. The otitis media patients were matched 1:1 with the control II group, and the occurrence of asthma was followed until 2013. Stratified Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the hazard ratio (HRs) of asthma for otitis media (study I) and otitis media for asthma (study II).

Results

The HR for otitis media was 1.46 in asthma patients (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–1.52, P < 0.001). The HR for asthma was 1.43 in otitis media patients (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36–1.50, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Asthma and otitis media have a bidirectional association in children.
Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome misdiagnosed as recurrent Bell’s palsy: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Zewde Yared Zenebe
Published: January 2021

Background

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disorder of unknown cause, clinically characterized by a triad of recurrent facial palsy, orofacial swelling, and fissured tongue. It is frequently seen in females in their second and third decades of life. MRS is diagnosed based on clinical features and it is rarely possible to observe all the classical triad symptoms at the same time. The disorder may cause recurring peripheral facial palsy that is wrongly diagnosed as recurrent Bell’s palsy

Case presentation

A 25-year-old female patient was presented to the neurology clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa complaining of recurrent left-side peripheral facial weakness, facial swelling and fissured tongue of 5 days duration. Her past medical history was positive for similar symptoms, for which she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and received oral corticosteroid treatment. On examination left side lower facial swelling with flat naso-labial fold and fissured tongue were identified. After excluding other mimickers, she was diagnosed with Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome and completely recovered with high dose of corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusion

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome may present with the classic triads of symptoms, but mostly it shows an incomplete clinical pattern. Therefore, when clinicians including allergists encountered patients with facial swelling and facial palsy, they should have to consider MRS in their differential diagnosis and specifically assess for recurrent facial palsy and fissured tongue. Unlike true angioedema, the facial swelling in MRS often develops gradually and it might cause permanent swelling with cosmetic disfigurement from multiple relapses, which can be prevented by early detection and timely initiation of treatment.
Ascorbic acid can promote the generation and expansion of neuroepithelial-like stem cells derived from hiPS/ES cells under chemically defined conditions through promoting collagen synthesis
Authors: Bai Rui , Chang Yun , Saleem Amina , Wu Fujian , Tian Lei , Zhang Siyao , Li Ya’nan , Ma Shuhong , Dong Tao , Guo Tianwei , Jiang Youxu , You Yi , Lu Wen-Jing , Jiang Hong Feng , Lan Feng
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological, medically incurable disorder. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the potential to generate neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs), which hold promise in the treatment of SCI by transplantation. In our study, we aimed to establish a chemically defined culture system using serum-free medium and ascorbic acid (AA) to generate and expand long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial-like stem cells (lt-NES cells) differentiated from hPSCs effectively and stably.

Methods

We induced human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)/induced PSCs (iPSCs) to neurospheres using a newly established in vitro induction system. Moreover, lt-NES cells were derived from hESC/iPSC-neurospheres using two induction systems, i.e., conventional N2 medium with gelatin-coated plates (coated) and N2+AA medium without pre-coated plates (AA), and were characterized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunocytochemistry staining. Subsequently, lt-NES cells were induced to neurons. A microelectrode array (MEA) recording system was used to evaluate the functionality of the neurons differentiated from lt-NES cells. Finally, the mechanism underlying the induction of lt-NES cells by AA was explored through RNA-seq and the use of inhibitors.

Results

HESCs/iPSCs were efficiently induced to neurospheres using a newly established induction system in vitro. lt-NES cells derived from hESC/iPSC-neurospheres using the two induction systems (coated vs. AA) both expressed the neural pluripotency-associated genesPAX6,NESTIN,SOX1, andSOX2. After long-term cultivation, we found that they both exhibited long-term expansion for more than a dozen generations while maintaining neuropluripotency. Moreover, the lt-NES cells retained the ability to differentiate into general functional neurons that express β-tubulin at high levels. We also demonstrated that AA promotes the generation and long-term expansion of lt-NES cells by promoting collagen synthesis via the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway.

Conclusions

This new chemically defined culture system was stable and effective regarding the generation and culture of lt-NES cells induced from hESCs/iPSCs using serum-free medium combined with AA. The lt-NES cells induced under this culture system maintained their long-term expansion and neural pluripotency, with the potential to differentiate into functional neurons.

Graphical abstract
Human foreskin-derived dermal stem/progenitor cell-conditioned medium combined with hyaluronic acid promotes extracellular matrix regeneration in diabetic wounds
Authors: Xin Yu , Xu Peng , Wang Xiangsheng , Chen Yunsheng , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yixin
Published: January 2021

Background

Diabetic wounds remain a challenging clinical problem, which requires further treatment development. Published data showed that dermis-derived stem/progenitor cells (DSPCs) display superior wound healing in vitro. The beneficial effects of DSPCs are mediated through paracrine secretion, which can be obtained from conditioned medium (CM). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is especially suitable for skin regeneration and delivering bioactive molecules in CM. This study investigated the effect of human foreskin-derived dermal stem/progenitor cell (hFDSPC)-CM combined with HA on a diabetic mouse model and relevant mechanism in vitro.

Methods

hFDSPCs and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were identified, and the respective CM was prepared. PBS, HA, hFDSPC-CM combined with HA, or hADSC-CM combined with HA was topically applied to mice. HE, CD31, CD68, CD86, and CD206 staining was performed to evaluate gross wound condition, angiogenesis, and inflammation, respectively. Masson and Picrosirius red staining was performed to evaluate collagen deposition and maturation. The effects of hFDSPC-CM and hADSC-CM on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and fibroblasts were evaluated in vitro using CCK-8 and EdU assays to determine cell viability and proliferation, respectively. The scratch assay was performed to evaluate cell migration. Tube formation assay was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to confirm angiogenesis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolic balance-related genes and proteins, such as collagen I (COL 1), collagen III (COL 3), fibronectin (FN), α-SMA, matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinases 3 (MMP-3), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), were analysed.

Results

hFDSPC-CM combined with HA showed superior wound closure rate over hADSC-CM. Histologically, the hFDSPC-CM combined with HA group showed significantly improved re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, collagen regeneration, and maturation compared to hADSC-CM combined with HA group. In vitro assays revealed that hFDSPC-CM displayed significant advantages on cell proliferation, migration, and ECM regeneration through a TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway compared with hADSC-CM.

Conclusions

hFDSPC-CM combined with HA was superior for treating diabetic wounds. The underlying mechanism may promote proliferation and migration of epidermal cells with fibroblasts, thus leading to ECM deposition and remodelling. Reduced inflammation may be due to the above-mentioned mechanism.
Inflammatory cytokines-stimulated human muscle stem cells ameliorate ulcerative colitis via the IDO-TSG6 axis
Authors: Zhang Shengchao , Fang Jiankai , Liu Zhanhong , Hou Pengbo , Cao Lijuan , Zhang Yuyan , Liu Rui , Li Yanan , Shang Qianwen , Chen Yongjing , Feng Chao , Wang Guan , Melino Gerry , Wang Ying , Shao Changshun , Shi Yufang
Published: January 2021

Background

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are absolutely required for the formation, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue. Increasing evidence demonstrated that tissue stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can exert therapeutic effects on various degenerative and inflammatory disorders based on their immunoregulatory properties. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) treated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reported to possess anti-inflammatory functions by producing TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6). However, whether human muscle stem cells (hMuSCs) also possess TSG-6 mediated anti-inflammatory functions has not been explored.

Methods

The ulcerative colitis mouse model was established by subjecting mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. hMuSCs were pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α for 48 h and were then transplanted intravenously at day 2 of DSS administration. Body weights were monitored daily. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and TSG-6 in hMuSCs were knocked down with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Colon tissues were collected for length measurement and histopathological examination. The serum level of IL-6 in mice was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate gene expression.

Results

hMuSCs treated with inflammatory factors significantly ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. IDO and TSG-6 were greatly upregulated and required for the beneficial effects of hMuSCs on IBD. Mechanistically, the tryptophan metabolites, kynurenine (KYN) or kynurenic acid (KYNA) produced by IDO, augmented the expression of TSG-6 through activating their common receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR).

Conclusion

Inflammatory cytokines-treated hMuSCs can alleviate DSS-induced colitis through IDO-mediated TSG-6 production.
Expression and function of Ndel1 during the differentiation of neural stem cells induced by hippocampal exosomesticle
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Shanshan , He Hui , Qin Jianbing , Cheng Xiang , Zhao Heyan , Tian Meiling , Zhang Xinhua , Jin Guohua
Published: January 2021

Background

In the brain of adult mammals, neural stem cells persist in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, which are specialized niches with proliferative capacity. Most neural stem cells are in a quiescent state, but in response to extrinsic stimuli, they can exit from quiescence and become reactivated to produce new neurons, so neural stem cells are considered to be a potential source for cell replacement therapy of many nervous system diseases. We characterized the expression of Ndel1 during the differentiation of neural stem cells induced by hippocampus exosomes, and assessed the effect of Ndel1 on neural stem cells differentiation.

Methods

Hippocampal exosomes were isolated and extracted, and co-cultured exosomes with neural stem cells. Western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to analyze expression of neuronal markers. Further, utilizing high-throughput RNA sequencing technology, we found that nudE neurodevelopment protein 1-like 1 was significantly upregulated in exosomes derived from denervated hippocampus, and then characterized its mechanism and function during neural stem cells differentiation by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results

Our results revealed that exosomes of denervated hippocampus promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells into neuron. Hence, we identified that nudE neurodevelopment protein 1-like 1 was significantly upregulated and highly expressed in the nervous system. In addition, we found that miR-107-3p may regulate neural stem cell differentiation by targeting Ndel1.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that deafferentation of the hippocampal exosomes co-cultured with neural stem cells could promote them to differentiate into neurons. Hence, we found that miR-107-3p may regulate neural stem cells differentiation by targeting Ndel1. Importantly, Ndel1 enhanced spatial learning and hippocampal neurogenesis in rats after fimbria fornix transection in vivo. These findings set the stage for a better understanding of neurogenesis, a process that 1 day may inspire new treatments for central nervous system diseases.
Intravitreal autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation: a non-randomized phase I clinical trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Tuekprakhon Aekkachai , Sangkitporn Siripakorn , Trinavarat Adisak , Pawestri Aulia Rahmi , Vamvanij Visit , Ruangchainikom Monchai , Luksanapruksa Panya , Pongpaksupasin Phitchapa , Khorchai Areerat , Dambua Acharaporn , Boonchu Patcharaporn , Yodtup Chonlada , Uiprasertkul Mongkol , Sangkitporn Somchai , Atchaneeyasakul La-ongsri
Published: January 2021

Background

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive inherited retinal disease with great interest for finding effective treatment modalities. Stem cell-based therapy is one of the promising candidates. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and short-term efficacy of intravitreal injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in participants with advanced stage RP.

Methods

This non-randomized phase I clinical trial enrolled 14 participants, categorized into three groups based on a single dose intravitreal BM-MSC injection of 1 × 106, 5 × 106, or 1 × 107 cells. We evaluated signs of inflammation and other adverse events (AEs). We also assessed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF), central subfield thickness (CST), and subjective experiences.

Results

During the 12-month period, we noticed several mild and transient AEs. Interestingly, we found statistically significant improvements in the BCVA compared to baseline, although they returned to the baseline at 12 months. The VF and CST were stable, indicating no remarkable disease progression. We followed 12 participants beyond the study period, ranging from 1.5 to 7 years, and observed one severe but manageable AE at year 3.

Conclusion

Intravitreal injection of BM-MSCs appears to be safe and potentially effective. All adverse events during the 12-month period required observation without any intervention. For the long-term follow-up, only one participant needed surgical treatment for a serious adverse event and the vision was restored. An enrollment of larger number of participants with less advanced RP and long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01531348. Registered on February 10, 2012
Application of a roller conveyor type plasma disinfection device with fungus-contaminated citrus fruits
Authors: Sakudo Akikazu , Yagyu Yoshihito
Published: January 2021

Efficient methods to achieve the safe decontamination of agricultural products are needed. Here, we investigated the decontamination of citrus fruits to test the antifungal potential of a novel non-thermal gas plasma apparatus, termed a roller conveyer plasma instrument. This instrument generates an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (APDBP) plasma on a set of rollers. Penicillium venetum was spotted onto the surface of the fruit or pericarps, as well as an aluminium plate to act as a control, before performing the plasma treatment. The results showed that viable cell number of P. venetum decreased with a decimal reduction time (D value or estimated treatment time required to reduce viable cell number by 90%) of 0.967 min on the aluminium plate, 2.90 min and 1.88 min on the pericarps of ‘Kiyomi’ (Citrus unshiu × C. sinensis) and ‘Kawano-natsudaidai’ (C. natsudaidai) respectively, and 2.42 min on the surface of ‘Unshu-mikan’ (C. unshiu). These findings confirmed a fungicidal effect of the plasma not only on an abiotic surface (aluminium plate) but also on a biotic surface (citrus fruit). Further development of the instrument by combining sorting systems with the plasma device promises an efficient means of disinfecting citrus fruits during food processing.
ATPIF1 maintains normal mitochondrial structure which is impaired by CCM3 deficiency in endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Kang , Chen Haixuan , Zhou Zhongyang , Zhang Haifeng , Zhou Huanjiao Jenny , Min Wang
Published: January 2021

Background

Numerous signaling pathways have been demonstrated experimentally to affect the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), a disease that can be caused by CCM3 deficiency. However, the understanding of the CCM progression is still limited. The objective of the present work was to elucidate the role of CCM3 by RNA-seq screening of CCM3 knockout mice.

Results

We found that ATPIF1 was decreased in siCCM3-treated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), and the overexpression of ATPIF1 attenuated the changes in cell proliferation, adhesion and migration caused by siCCM3. The probable mechanism involved the conserved ATP concentration in mitochondria and the elongated morphology of the organelles. By using the CRISPR-cas9 system, we generated CCM3-KO Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) and found that the knockout of CCM3 destroyed the morphology of mitochondria, impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitophagy. Overexpression of ATPIF1 contributed to the maintenance of normal structure of mitochondria, inhibiting activation of mitophagy and other signaling proteins (e.g., KLF4 and Tie2). The expression of KLF4 returned to normal in CCM3-KO EPCs after 2 days of re-overexpression of CCM3, but not other signaling proteins.

Conclusion

ATPIF1 maintains the normal structure of mitochondria, inhibiting the activation of mitophagy and other signaling pathway in endothelial cells. Loss of CCM3 leads to the destruction of mitochondria and activation of signaling pathways, which can be regulated by KLF4.
Decrease of peripheral blood mucosal‐associated invariant T cells and impaired serum Granzyme-B production in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Shao Chunyan , Zhu Chenwen , Zhu Yun , Hao Jiqing , Li Yongxiang , Hu Huaqing , Si Li , Zhong Fei , Wang Xuefu , Wang Hua
Published: January 2021

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an invariant T cell subset, which have been reported to play an antimicrobial role in infectious diseases. However, little is known about it in malignant diseases and tumors, especially in gastric cancer (GC). So in this study, we aim to examine the frequency, phenotype, partial functional capacity and clinical relevance of this cells from GC patients’ peripheral blood by flow cytometry. It was shown that the frequency of peripheral blood MAIT cells was negatively correlated with their increasing age in healthy adults. Importantly, comparing to the healthy controls (HC), the frequency and the absolute number of MAIT cells from GC patients’ peripheral blood with or without chemotherapy were both significantly lower than those. For the phenotype, the proportion of CD4−MAIT cell subset in GC patients without chemotherapy was lower than in HC, but higher than in GC patients with chemotherapy. Whereas, the proportion of CD4−CD8+MAIT cell subset in GC patients without chemotherapy was significantly lower than that in HC. Finally, the level of Granzyme-B (GrB), a molecule associated with MAIT cells was markedly lower in GC patients. But the correlation between the serum levels of GC-associated tumor antigens and the percentages of MAIT cells in GC patients was not observed. In conclusion, our study shows the decreased frequency, changed phenotypes and partial potentially impaired function of MAIT cells in GC patients, suggesting a possible MAIT cell-based immunological surveillance of GC.
The views of health guideline developers on the use of automation in health evidence synthesis
Authors: Arno Anneliese , Elliott Julian , Wallace Byron , Turner Tari , Thomas James
Published: January 2021

Background

The increasingly rapid rate of evidence publication has made it difficult for evidence synthesis—systematic reviews and health guidelines—to be continually kept up to date. One proposed solution for this is the use of automation in health evidence synthesis. Guideline developers are key gatekeepers in the acceptance and use of evidence, and therefore, their opinions on the potential use of automation are crucial.

Methods

The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of guideline developers towards the use of automation in health evidence synthesis. The Diffusion of Innovations framework was chosen as an initial analytical framework because it encapsulates some of the core issues which are thought to affect the adoption of new innovations in practice. This well-established theory posits five dimensions which affect the adoption of novel technologies: Relative Advantage, Compatibility, Complexity, Trialability, and Observability. Eighteen interviews were conducted with individuals who were currently working, or had previously worked, in guideline development. After transcription, a multiphase mixed deductive and grounded approach was used to analyze the data. First, transcripts were coded with a deductive approach using Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation as the top-level themes. Second, sub-themes within the framework were identified using a grounded approach.

Results

Participants were consistently most concerned with the extent to which an innovation is in line with current values and practices (i.e., Compatibility in the Diffusion of Innovations framework). Participants were also concerned with Relative Advantage and Observability, which were discussed in approximately equal amounts. For the latter, participants expressed a desire for transparency in the methodology of automation software. Participants were noticeably less interested in Complexity and Trialability, which were discussed infrequently. These results were reasonably consistent across all participants.

Conclusions

If machine learning and other automation technologies are to be used more widely and to their full potential in systematic reviews and guideline development, it is crucial to ensure new technologies are in line with current values and practice. It will also be important to maximize the transparency of the methods of these technologies to address the concerns of guideline developers.
Mapping evidence of nurses’ attitudes toward older adults in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wanko Keutchafo Esther L. , Kerr Jane , Jarvis Mary A. , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: January 2021

Background

Culture influences nurses’ attitudes towards caring for older adults. Additionally, nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes towards older adults affect their behavior, possibly their career choices and/or the quality of care provided to older adults after graduation. In the context of lower–middle-income countries with a faster growing older adults population compared to upper income countries, the improvement of the quality care, inclusive of nurses’ attitudes towards older adults, is one of the strategies for strengthening nursing and midwifery in Africa. Furthermore, examining nurses and nursing students’ attitudes towards older adults will answer the United Nations’ call for more data to understand the needs and the status of older adults in Africa.

Methods

This scoping review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The search will be performed using Scopus, PubMed databases, Academic search complete, CINAHL with full text, Education source, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, with words related to the topic. The reviewers will also use Google Scholar and the reference lists of the relevant articles. Primary studies and grey literature addressing the research question will be included. The search process will include a first stage where two reviewers will perform the title screening and the removal of duplicates, followed by a parallel abstract screening according to eligibility criteria. The second stage will involve the reading of full articles and the exclusion of articles, in accordance with the eligibility criteria. Data will be collated by two reviewers independently and parallel, using a predetermined data extraction form. Discrepancies will involve a third reviewer. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, version 2018 will be used to assess the quality of the data of eligible articles. A narrative approach containing summary tables and graphs will facilitate synthesis.

Discussion

The review will provide insight into nurses' and nursing students’ attitudes towards older adults in African countries. The outcomes will guide future research, practice, and education in nursing.
Uniqueness of the Hadamard-type integral equations
Authors: Li Chenkuan
Published: January 2021

The goal of this paper is to study the uniqueness of solutions of several Hadamard-type integral equations and a related coupled system in Banach spaces. The results obtained are new and based on Babenko’s approach and Banach’s contraction principle. We also present several examples for illustration of the main theorems.
Novel extended dissipativity criteria for generalized neural networks with interval discrete and distributed time-varying delays
Authors: Luemsai Sunisa , Botmart Thongchai , Weera Wajaree
Published: January 2021

The problem of asymptotic stability and extended dissipativity analysis for the generalized neural networks with interval discrete and distributed time-varying delays is investigated. Based on a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF), an improved Wirtinger single integral inequality, a novel triple integral inequality, and convex combination technique, the new asymptotic stability and extended dissipativity criteria are achieved for the generalized neural networks with interval discrete and distributed time-varying delays. By the above methods, the less conservative asymptotic stability criteria are obtained for a special case of the generalized neural networks. By using the Matlab LMI toolbox, the derived new asymptotic stability and extended dissipativity criteria are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) that cover$H_{\infty }$H∞,$L_{2}$L2–$L_{\infty }$L∞, passivity, and dissipativity performance by setting parameters in the general performance index. Finally, we show numerical examples which are less conservative than other examples in the literature. Moreover, we present numerical examples for asymptotic stability and extended dissipativity performance of the generalized neural networks, including a special case of the generalized neural networks.
Oxycodone versus other opioid analgesics after laparoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yan , Dou Zhi , Yang Liqiang , Wang Qi , Ni Jiaxiang , Ma Jun
Published: January 2021

Background

Intravenous opioids are administered for the management of visceral pain after laparoscopic surgery. Whether oxycodone has advantages over other opioids in the treatment of visceral pain is not yet clear.

Methods

In this study, the analgesic efficiency and adverse events of oxycodone and other opioids, including alfentanil, sufentanil, fentanyl, and morphine, in treating post-laparoscopic surgery visceral pain were evaluated. This review was conducted according to the methodological standards described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched in December 2019.

Results

Ten studies were included in this review. The sample size was 695 participants. The results showed that compared with morphine and fentanyl, oxycodone had a more potent analgesic efficacy on the first day after laparoscopic surgery, especially during the first 0.5 h. There was no significant difference in sedation between the two groups. Compared to morphine and fentanyl, oxycodone was more likely to lead to dizziness and drowsiness. Overall, patient satisfaction did not differ significantly between oxycodone and other opioids.

Conclusions

Oxycodone is superior to other analgesics within 24 h after laparoscopic surgery, but its adverse effects should be carefully considered.
Re-purposing software for functional characterization of the microbiome
Authors: Gardiner Laura-Jayne , Haiminen Niina , Utro Filippo , Parida Laxmi , Seabolt Ed , Krishna Ritesh , Kaufman James H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Widespread bioinformatic resource development generates a constantly evolving and abundant landscape of workflows and software. For analysis of the microbiome, workflows typically begin with taxonomic classification of the microorganisms that are present in a given environment. Additional investigation is then required to uncover the functionality of the microbial community, in order to characterize its currently or potentially active biological processes. Such functional analysis of metagenomic data can be computationally demanding for high-throughput sequencing experiments. Instead, we can directly compare sequencing reads to a functionally annotated database. However, since reads frequently match multiple sequences equally well, analyses benefit from a hierarchical annotation tree, e.g. for taxonomic classification where reads are assigned to the lowest taxonomic unit.

Results

To facilitate functional microbiome analysis, we re-purpose well-known taxonomic classification tools to allow us to perform direct functional sequencing read classification with the added benefit of a functional hierarchy. To enable this, we develop and present a tree-shaped functional hierarchy representing the molecular function subset of the Gene Ontology annotation structure. We use this functional hierarchy to replace the standard phylogenetic taxonomy used by the classification tools and assign query sequences accurately to the lowest possible molecular function in the tree. We demonstrate this with simulated and experimental datasets, where we reveal new biological insights.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that improved functional classification of metagenomic sequencing reads is possible by re-purposing a range of taxonomic classification tools that are already well-established, in conjunction with either protein or nucleotide reference databases. We leverage the advances in speed, accuracy and efficiency that have been made for taxonomic classification and translate these benefits for the rapid functional classification of microbiomes. While we focus on a specific set of commonly used methods, the functional annotation approach has broad applicability across other sequence classification tools. We hope that re-purposing becomes a routine consideration during bioinformatic resource development.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among adult smartphone and tablet device users: a retrospective study
Authors: Thorburn Ella , Pope Rodney , Wang Shaoyu
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous literature suggests the use of smartphones and tablet devices may result in various postural and musculoskeletal disorders, predominantly of the neck and upper extremities. However, factors that contribute to the symptoms have not been adequately explored.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and patterns (e.g. types, sites and temporal distributions) of musculoskeletal symptoms among adult smartphone and tablet device users. It also investigated device usage in terms of usage time, postures adopted during use, operational methods and purposes of device use in order to explain the symptom occurrences. Participants from eastern states of Australia retrospectively reported device usage and symptoms in the preceding two-week period, via an online survey. Data was analysed using Chi-square [χ2] analysis to determine the relationships between categorical variables; Mann-Whitney U tests to compare two groups (e.g. smartphone-only users versus tablet users) where dependant variables were ordinal; independent samples t-tests if dependent variables were continuous and approximated a normal distribution; and Spearman’s correlation analysis to assess the relationships between pairs of continuous or ordinal variables.

Results

Of the 207 participants, 59.9% reported musculoskeletal symptoms during or after device use; for 64.5% of these, symptoms began within the first 30 min (mostly between 15 and 30 min) of commencing usage. No statistically significant differences were observed between smartphone-only users and tablet device users in proportions reporting symptoms during device use (χ2 = .350, N = 207, p = .554). The most prevalent symptom was stiffness. The most prevalent symptom occurred in the neck (18.1% in smartphone-only users and 19.3% in tablet device users). Tablet users who were 18–24 year-old and used their device for more than 30 min in each usage session more often experienced symptoms (82.4% prevalence) than those who used a device for 30 min or less (52.2%) (χ2 = 4.723, N = 63, p = .030).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that user age, duration and frequency of usage, and type of device are important factors to consider in the formation of evidence-based guidelines to reduce experiences of musculoskeletal symptoms among smartphone and tablet device users. If usage was capped at < 15 min, the majority of smartphone and tablet device users would avoid symptoms.
Larvicidal potential of two silver nano-particles (Moringa oleifera and Ficus exasperata) against laboratory and field strains of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Idowu Emmanuel Taiwo , Adeogun Adedapo O. , Adams Luqman A. , Yusuf Modupe A. , Salami Olawale W. , Kanmi Olakiigbe Abiodun , Bello Joseph A. , Fagbohun Ifeoluwa Kayode , Otubanjo Olubunmi Adetoro , Awolola Taiwo Samson
Published: January 2021

Background

The interest in larvicides of plant origin is generally renewed in vector control because of their safety compared to synthetic larvicides. However, there are concerns about the relative safety dose of these phytochemicals on non-target organisms which led to the development of plant derived nanoparticles. In this study, we examined the bioefficacy of low doses of two green synthesized nanoparticles on immature stages ofAnophelesmosquitoes in Nigeria. Aqueous plants (Moringa oleiferaandFicus exasperata) extracts were used in the biosynthesis. The prepared Ag-NPs were characterizations using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Third and early fourth instars of known susceptible laboratory strains ofAnopheles gambiae s.s.(KISUMU strains) and pyrethroid resistant field strain ofAn. gambiaewere exposed to serial dilutions of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 2.5 ppm of each phyto nanoparticles. Moribund and dead larvae were observed after 24 and 48 h post exposure, and the results were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

With the laboratory mosquitoes,Moringa oleiferaAgNP effected high mortalities of 88–100% (LC50 = 0.39 ppm; LC95 = 0.62 ppm) at 24 h post exposure except at the lowest concentration, whileFicus exasperateAgNP induced a 32–100% mortality (LC50 = 0.51 ppm; LC95 = 1.15 ppm) except at the lowest concentration. In the field populations, mortality inMoringa oleiferaandFicus exasperatawas 23–93% (LC50 = 0.65 ppm; LC95 = 2.28 ppm) and 37–50% (LC50 = 1.51 ppm; LC95 = 391.64 ppm) respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality values between the laboratory and field strains (P < 0.05) at both 24 and 48 h post exposure times.

Conclusions

Overall, the study demonstrates the bioefficacy and potential use of green synthesized nanoparticles, at very low concentrations for the control ofAnopheleslarvae even in areas where resistance to the current chemical insecticides have been reported.