bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mismatch Repair–Deficient Rectal Cancer and Resistance to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Cercek Andrea , Dos Santos Fernandes Gustavo , Roxburgh Campbell S. , Ganesh Karuna , Ng Shu , Sanchez-Vega Francisco , Yaeger Rona , Segal Neil H. , Reidy-Lagunes Diane L. , Varghese Anna M. , Markowitz Arnold , Wu Chao , Szeglin Bryan , Sauvé Charles-Etienne Gabriel , Salo-Mullen Erin , Tran Christina , Patel Zalak , Krishnan Asha , Tkachuk Kaitlyn , Nash Garrett M. , Guillem Jose , Paty Philip B. , Shia Jinru , Schultz Nikolaus , Garcia-Aguilar Julio , Diaz Luis A. , Goodman Karyn , Saltz Leonard B. , Weiser Martin R. , Smith J. Joshua , Stadler Zsofia K.
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Evaluate response of mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Experimental Design:

dMMR rectal tumors at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) were retrospectively reviewed for characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Fifty patients with dMMR rectal cancer were identified by IHC and/or microsatellite instability analysis, with initial treatment response compared with a matched MMR-proficient (pMMR) rectal cancer cohort. Germline and somatic mutation analyses were evaluated. Patient-derived dMMR rectal tumoroids were assessed for chemotherapy sensitivity.

Results:

Of 21 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (fluorouracil/oxaliplatin), six (29%) had progression of disease. In comparison, no progression was noted in 63 pMMR rectal tumors (P = 0.0001). Rectal cancer dMMR tumoroids reflected this resistance to chemotherapy. No genomic predictors of chemotherapy response were identified. Of 16 patients receiving chemoradiation, 13 (93%) experienced tumor downstaging; one patient had stable disease, comparable with 48 pMMR rectal cancers. Of 13 patients undergoing surgery, 12 (92%) had early-stage disease. Forty-two (84%) of the 50 patients tested positive for Lynch syndrome with enrichment of germline MSH2 and MSH6 mutations when compared with 193 patients with Lynch syndrome–associated colon cancer (MSH2, 57% vs 36%; MSH6, 17% vs 9%; P < 0.003).

Conclusions:

Over one-fourth of dMMR rectal tumors treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy exhibited disease progression. Conversely, dMMR rectal tumors were sensitive to chemoradiation. MMR status should be performed upfront in all locally advanced rectal tumors with careful monitoring for response on neoadjuvant chemotherapy and genetic testing for Lynch syndrome in patients with dMMR rectal cancer.
Alexithymia Is Associated with Altered Cortical Thickness Networks in the General Population
Authors: Terock Jan , Frenzel Stefan , Wittfeld Katharina , Klinger-König Johanna , Janowitz Deborah , Bülow Robin , Hosten Norbert , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans Jörgen
Published: March 2020

Background: Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing emotions and associated with various psychiatric disorders. Neuroimaging studies found evidence for morphological and functional brain alterations in alexithymic subjects. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alexithymia remain incompletely understood. Methods: We study the association of alexithymia with cortical correlation networks in a large community-dwelling sample of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Our analysis includes data of n = 2,199 individuals (49.4% females, age = 52.1 ± 13.6 years) which were divided into a low and high alexithymic group by a median split of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Cortical correlation networks were constructed based on the mean thicknesses of 68 regions, and differences in centralities were investigated. Results: We found a significantly increased centrality of the right paracentral lobule in the high alexithymia network after correction for multiple testing. Several other regions with motoric and sensory functions showed altered centrality on a nominally significant level. Conclusions: Finding increased centrality of the paracentral lobule, a brain area with sensory as well as motoric features and involvement in bowel and bladder voiding, may contribute to explain the association of alexithymia with functional somatic disorders and chronic pain syndromes.
Prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo
Authors: Romero-López Zaira , Rojas-Cisneros Fermín , Ochoa-Vázquez María Dolores , Rico-Méndez Favio Gerardo , Mata-Marín José Antonio
Published: March 2020

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es el problema respiratorio de mayor prevalencia e impacto socioeconómico en el mundo. Se ha propuesto una asociación entre los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y mayor susceptibilidad al desarrollo de EPOC. Los pacientes con VIH tienen mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo e infecciones pulmonares recurrentes que conllevan mayor riesgo de desarrollar la EPOC. Objectivo: Determinar la prevalencia de la EPOC en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH referidos al Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza IMSS. Metodología: Se incluyeron individuos con infección documentada por VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo o actual, con o sin antecedentes exposicionales para el desarrollo de EPOC, con sintomatología respiratoria crónica. Se realizó espirometría pre y posbroncodilatador, tomografía computada de alta resolución y determinación de carga viral y conteo de CD4. Para comparar las mediciones espirométricas, previo y posterior al broncodilatador, se utilizó la prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 66 pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo, 64 hombres, 2 mujeres, mediana de edad de 31.5 años. La prevalencia de EPOC fue de 7.6% (IC 95% 2.5-16.8). El grupo con obstrucción presentó menor conteo de CD4 (27.3 vs 225.9) y mayor carga viral (165,000 vs 57,722) en comparación con el grupo sin obstrucción. Se observó correlación positiva entre menor carga viral con mayor relación FEV1/CVF. Conclusión: Los pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH con menor conteo de CD4 y mayor carga viral presentan disminución de los valores espirométricos.
Regulation of Protein Synthesis and Apoptosis in Lymphocytes of Parkinson Patients: The Effect of Dopaminergic Treatment
Authors: Pain Stéphanie , Deguil Julie , Belin Jeremie , Barraud Pauline , Ragot Stéphanie , Houeto Jean-Luc
Published: March 2020

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, presumably due to increased apoptosis. In previous studies, we showed altered expression of proteins involved in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) antiapoptotic and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) apoptotic pathways of translational control in experimental cellular and animal models of PD. Results: In this work, our results showed clear modifications in the expression of kinases involved in mTOR and PKR apoptosis pathways, in lymphocytes of PD patients treated or not with anti-PD treatment (levodopa), which confirmed the role played by apoptosis in the pathogenesis of this disease and the positive effect of treatment with medication on this parameter. Others proteins involved in apo­ptosis were also evaluated in lymphocytes of patients as the expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and caspase-3. Conclusion: Translational control is altered in PD and hence its evaluation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may serve as an early marker of apoptosis and indicate the efficacy of the dopaminergic treatment.
A Rare Case of Palpebral Cellulitis, a Variation of Pott’s Puffy Tumor
Authors: Yamamoto Marina , Wakayama Nozomu , Hamajima Yuki , Miyata Kohei , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kobayakawa Shinichiro
Published: March 2020

A rare case of palpebral cellulitis with simultaneous frontal sinusitis and osteomyelitis is reported. A healthy 45-year-old man presented with left upper eyelid swelling. He was given intravenous meropenem at the local hospital, but he failed to improve. Magnetic resonance imaging showed left frontal and maxillary sinusitis and upper palpebral cellulitis with an abscess. His temperature was 37.6°C, C-reactive protein was 1.36 mg/dL, thyroid hormone was elevated, left best-corrected visual activity was 1.2, and intraocular pressure was 25 mm Hg. He was then given cefazolin intravenously for 3 days but with no improvement. Therefore, the eyelid skin was incised. Postoperatively, the swelling improved significantly. Computed tomography demonstrated osteomyelitis of the left frontal sinus and osteolysis of the inferior wall. This case was considered a variation of Pott’s puffy tumor. Bacterial cultures from the cellulitis abscess and sinusitis were negative. As for sinusitis, endoscopic sinusitis surgery (frontal sinus single sinus surgery [Draf III] and Kilian surgery) was performed. During 10 months of follow-up after the skin incision, no signs of recurrent eyelid swelling were observed.
Influencing Factors for Influenza Vaccination among South Korean Adolescents with Asthma Based on a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kyung Yechan , Choi Min Hwan , Lee Ju Suk , Lee Jun Hwa , Jo Seon Hui , Kim Sung Hoon
Published: March 2020

Background:Influenza viral infection is a major public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality.Asthma is a risk factor for developing serious complications related to influenza infection. Objective: We explored factors associated with influenza vaccination coverage among adolescents with asthma. Methods: Data were obtained from 62,276 participants in the 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS) conducted in 2017. KYRBS data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to identify variables potentially related to influenza vaccination in adolescents with asthma. Results: The proportion of asthma was 8.8%, and the influenza vaccination rate overall was 37.9%. It was 41.8% in the asthma group and 37.5% in the nonasthma group (p < 0.001). After regression, male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45; 95% CI 1.35–1.55), a high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.05–1.19), residence at an orphanage (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.38–2.29), regular breakfast consumption (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02–1.17), and subjective good health (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.69–3.39) were associated with increased influenza vaccination, whereas current smoking (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.67–0.96) and a depressive mood (OR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were inversely associated in adolescents with asthma. Conclusion: It is important to improve influenza vaccination in adolescents with asthma, especially females, those with a low socioeconomic status, independent residents, breakfast skippers, current smokers, and those who consider themselves unhealthy and have depressive moods.
The Advantages of Using Vascular Dilators in Angioaccess Surgery
Authors: Fila Branko
Published: March 2020

The creation of a functional angioaccess is the cornerstone in treatment of chronic hemodialysis patients. The aim of this article is to review the use of vascular probes as a simple and cheap tool that could help surgeons in preparation of vessels and with creation of an anastomosis. Autogenous arteriovenous fistula is the best angioaccess available but is hampered by its relatively high non-maturation rate. Guidelines recommend preoperative duplex ultrasonography (USG) and use of vessels with a diameter that is able to maintain sufficient flow and fistula maturation to avoid unsuccessful attempts. Despite recommendations, preoperative duplex USG is not performed in many centers. In such circumstances, the use of vascular probes could help surgeons to create a fistula with a high chance of successful maturation. Vessel probes and dilators could be used to assess vessel diameter and patency, the ability to dilate and resolve a spasm, to stop retrograde blood flow in the vein (to avoid the use of vascular clamps), to avoid torsion of vein, to open and check vessel lumen with each stitch (to avoid using the forceps and possible wall injury), for tightening of continuous suture over the probe (to avoid excessive tightening and possible anastomotic stenosis). To my knowledge, this is the first review article which summaries the experience of using vascular dilators in angioaccess surgery. This information can be very helpful especially when there is the lack of valid preoperative USG of the vessels.
Great Abundance of Satellite DNA in Proceratophrys (Anura, Odontophrynidae) Revealed by Genome Sequencing
Authors: da Silva Marcelo J. , Fogarin Destro Raquel , Gazoni Thiago , Narimatsu Hideki , Pereira dos Santos Paulo S. , Haddad Célio F.B. , Parise-Maltempi Patricia P.
Published: March 2020

Most eukaryotic genomes contain substantial portions of repetitive DNA sequences. These are located primarily in highly compacted heterochromatin and, in many cases, are one of the most abundant components of the sex chromosomes. In this sense, the anuran Proceratophrys boiei represents an interesting model for analyses on repetitive sequences by means of cytogenetic techniques, since it has a karyotype with large blocks of heterochromatin and a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system. The present study describes, for the first time, families of satellite DNA (satDNA) in the frog P. boiei. Its genome size was estimated at 1.6 Gb, of which 41% correspond to repetitive sequences, including satDNAs, rDNAs, transposable elements, and other elements characterized as non-repetitive. The satDNAs were mapped by FISH in the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes, suggesting a possible involvement of these sequences in centromere function. SatDNAs are also present in the W sex chromosome, occupying the entire heterochromatic area, indicating a probable contribution of this class of repetitive DNA to the differentiation of the sex chromosomes in this species. This study is a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge on repetitive sequences in amphibians. We show the presence of repetitive DNAs, especially satDNAs, in the genome of P. boiei that might be of relevance in genome organization and regulation, setting the stage for a deeper functional genome analysis of Proceratophrys.
Addressing Long-Standing Questions with Advanced Approaches: The 4th B Chromosome Conference
Authors: Martins Cesar , Trifonov Vladimir , Houben Andreas
Published: March 2020

B chromosomes (Bs) are enigmatic accessory genomic elements extensively characterized in diverse eukaryotes. Since their discovery in the beginning of the 20th century, B chromosomes have been the subject of investigation in laboratories all around the world. As a consequence, scientific meetings have dealt with B chromosomes, including the most specific and important conference in the field, “The B Chromosome Conference.” The 4th B Chromosome Conference (4BCC) took place in Botucatu, Brazil, in 2019 and was an excellent opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the B chromosome research field. B chromosome science has advanced from classical and molecular cytogenetics to genomics and bioinformatics approaches. The recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies and high-throughput molecular biology protocols have led Bs to be the subject of massive data analysis, thus enabling the investigation of structural and functional issues not considered before. Although extensive progress has been made, questions are still remaining to be answered. The advances in functional studies based on RNA, epigenetics, and gene ontologies open the perspective to a better understanding of the complex biology of B chromosomes.
Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Single-Center Experience in Serbia
Authors: Milovanovic Tamara , Popovic Dusan , Stojkovic Lalosevic Milica , Dumic Igor , Dragasevic Sanja , Milosavljević Tomica
Published: March 2020

Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic autoimmune disease, predominantly affecting middle-aged women, which may progress to end-stage liver disease. We aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) in patients with PBC given that social, economic, and geographical factor also influence QoL. Methods: This study included patients with diagnosed PBC according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines, who were treated for at least 6 months in order to allow adequate time for the initial burden of symptoms to subside. We used the PBC-40 questionnaire validated in the Serbian language. Results: The mean total PBC-40 score was 89.4 ± 29.3. The overall frequency of moderate and severe involvement in each domain was as follows: 84.9% (n = 107) in “Symptoms,” 29.3% (n = 36) in “Itch,” 76.4% (n = 97) in “Fatigue,” 58.1% (n = 72) in “Cognitive,” 77.2% (n = 98) in “Social,” and 70.9% (n = 90) in “Emotional.” There was a statistically significant negative correlation of disease duration and albumin score with the Emotional domain score. Furthermore, this domain showed a significant positive correlation with the Mayo score. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that patients with PBC have significant impairment in QoL with fatigue being the most prevalent symptom. The Social and Emotional domains were also significantly affected in these individuals, particularly in patients with peripheral edema who exhibited worse QoL that those who were euvolemic.
Supervised evolutionary programming based technique for multi-DG installation in distribution system
Authors: Firdaus Shaari Muhammad , Musirin Ismail , Mohamad Nazer Muhamad Faliq , Jelani Shahrizal , Jamaludin Farah Adilah , Mansor Mohd Helmi , Kumar A.V.Senthil
Published: March 2020

Installing DG in network system, has supported the distribution system to provide the increasing number of consumer demand and load, in order to achieve that this paper presents an efficient and fast converging optimization technique based on a modification of traditional evolutionary programming method for obtain the finest optimal location and power loss in distribution systems. The proposed algorithm that is supervised evolutionary programming is implemented in MATLAB and apply on the 69-bus feeder system in order to minimize the system power loss and obtaining the best optimal location of the distributed generators. 
ANN based method for improving gold price forecasting accuracy through modified gradient descent methods
Authors: Verma Shilpa , Thampi G. T. , Rao Madhuri
Published: March 2020

Forecast of prices of financial assets including gold is of considerable importance for planning the economy. For centuries, people have been holding gold for many important reasons such as smoothening inflation fluctuations, protection from an economic crisis, sound investment etc.. Forecasting of gold prices is therefore an ever important exercise undertaken both by individuals and groups. Various local, global, political, psychological and economic factors make such a forecast a complex problem. Data analysts have been increasingly applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to make such forecasts. In the present work an inter comparison of gold price forecasting in Indian market is first done by employing a few classical Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques, namely Gradient Descent Method (GDM), Resilient Backpropagation method (RP), Scaled Conjugate Gradient method (SCG), Levenberg-Marquardt method (LM), Bayesian Regularization method (BR), One Step Secant method (OSS) and BFGS Quasi Newton method (BFG). Improvement in forecasting accuracy is achieved by proposing and developing a few modified GDM algorithms that incorporate different optimization functions by replacing the standard quadratic error function of classical GDM. Various optimization functions investigated in the present work are Mean median error function (MMD), Cauchy error function (CCY), Minkowski error function (MKW), Log cosh error function (LCH) and Negative logarithmic likelihood function (NLG). Modified algorithms incorporating these optimization functions are referred to here by GDM_MMD, GDM_CCY, GDM_KWK, GDM_LCH and GDM_NLG respectively. Gold price forecasting is then done by employing these algorithms and the results are analysed. The results of our study suggest that  the forecasting efficiency improves considerably on applying the modified methods proposed by us.
Ripe for Renegotiation?
Authors: Spector Bertram
Published: March 2020

An international negotiated agreement is typically viewed as a major achievement, but it may not last forever. Sometimes agreements need to be adjusted – still based on the existing formulas – as a result of changed circumstances or because particular provisions prove not as effective as originally hoped. But other times, agreements need to be overhauled from scratch and renegotiated using new formulas and possibly involving new actors. Such renegotiations are an under-examined process in the negotiation literature. When and why are renegotiations called for, and what are the best tactics and strategies to ensure that they succeed for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders? This article presents basic research questions that need to be addressed.
Diplomatic Negotiation at the Crossroads?
Authors: Meerts Paul W.
Published: March 2020

While interstate negotiation is becoming more important than ever in guiding the course of world affairs, it is in danger of being weakened as a consequence of the erosion of multilateral diplomacy. Multilateral organizations and cooperation between states has opened new pathways for negotiation, stabilized the world, and served to equalize power distribution. Growing multilateralism has protected negotiation processes and offered smaller powers more of a say in world affairs. However, with the current trend for powerful countries to undermine multilateral negotiation processes in favor of bilateral and minilateral power-based negotiations, global political gaps are widening. This will undermine small countries and middle powers that want to use diplomatic negotiation as their main tool to influence others. The consequence could be a process of diplomatic negotiation used by hegemonic powers to further their interests to the detriment of the less powerful.
Asian Interpretations of Philippians 2:5–11
Authors: Peter-Dass Rakesh
Published: March 2020

Interpretations of Philippians 2 have a conspicuous place in the theological imagination of Asian Christians. This is a paradoxical state of affairs. The biblical pericope is kenotic in content, but its function in Asia has been to assert liberation. Asian scholarship on the passage has generated a variety of goals: economic justice, social equality, interfaith relations, and national development. The choice of the passage as a catch-all anchor is not an accident. Its kenotic content constitutes the very ground used by marginal voices to theologize for influence. As a result, a study of theological interpretations of Philippians 2 in Asia reveals the particular goals of Asian theologies and constitutes a case study on the religious imagination of Christians in Asia.
Constructing ‘Alternative Masculinity’
Authors: Singh David Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

This paper examines evidence from the 19th century in support of the argument that the reformation of Hinduism was a strategy to persuade Indian Christians (and Muslims) to consider ‘homecoming’ (gharvāpasī). It focusses on ‘Hindu masculinity’ and highlights Lekhram’s distinctive perspective which undermines traditional patriarchy and offers relative equality to women through ‘positive discrimination’. This is argued with evidence from strī śikśā, rāmcandarjī kā saccā darśan and śrī kriṣṇa kā jīvancaritr as well as Shraddhananda’s editorial in kulliyāt-e ārya musāfir and Dayananda Saraswati’s satyārtha prakāsh.
Refugees and Religion in Hong Kong: 1945–1960
Authors: Shive Glenn
Published: March 2020

This article points to the importance of religion for refugees and the migration process. After World War II and civil war in China, many refugees flocked to Hong Kong (HK) for safe haven in the British colony, and possible subsequent migration abroad. Christian congregations in HK, and missionaries who themselves were refugees from China, offered hospitality and support services across refugee groups. They advocated for the colonial government to help settle refugees by building low-cost urban housing, schools, medical clinics and new infrastructure. This new workforce was crucial to HK’s industrialization which took-off in the 1950s. With the decline of HK’s trade economy due to the Cold War embargo of China, many refugees became entrepreneurs-of-necessity by starting family businesses that absorbed migrant labour.

Religiously-inspired assistance to refugees, from within one’s group and beyond, made a big difference in assimilating newcomers and helping them to rebuild their lives in adverse conditions. Beyond Christian responses, the article also explores the role of the Wong Tai Sin Taoist temple in Kowloon, itself uprooted from Guangzhou and replanted in HK. It reassured displaced people with cultural continuity to their ancestor halls and offered psycho-social assistance through spirit-writing divination, herbal medicine and Taoist worship adapted from rural Chinese villages to urban workers struggling to improve their lives and adapt to Hong Kong.
A new species of Dryocalamus (Serpentes: Colubridae) endemic to the rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka
Authors: WICKRAMASINGHE L.J. MENDIS , VIDANAPATHIRANA DULAN RANGA , PUSHPAMAL VISHAN , WICKRAMASINGHE NETHU
Published: March 2020

We describe a new species of Dryocalamus based on two specimens collected from the wet zone rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka. Dryocalamus chithrasekarai sp. nov., is distinguished from congeners by its colour pattern (anterior body with solid white bands and a checkered appearance on the posterior lateral body, with consecutive bands coalescing along the ventrolateral margin; posterior margin of the nuchal band flat); the absence of a preocular scale; loreal in contact with supraocular; dorsal scales smooth and in 15 straight rows; cloacal shield divided. In addition, we find that previous records of Dryocalamus gracilis are probably spurious.
Revision of the genus Minutaleyrodes Jesudasan and David (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) with descriptions of two new species from the Little Andaman Island, India
Authors: DUBEY ANIL KUMAR
Published: March 2020

The whitefly genus Minutaleyrodes Jesudasan and David is revised based upon the examination of type specimens, and Minutaleyrodes andamanensis sp. nov. on Aporosa octandra (Phyllanthaceae), and Minutaleyrodes whisper sp. nov. on Psychotria andamanica (Rubiaceae) are described from the Little Andaman Island, India. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Minutaleyrodes tricolorata Pushpa and Sundararaj syn. nov. is synonymized with Dialeurodes turpiniae (Meganathan and David), and Minutaleyrodes cherasensis (Corbett) syn. nov. with Minutaleyrodes minuta (Singh); Aleuroclava kolliensis (David) comb. nov. for Aleurotuberculatus kolliensis David, and Aleuroclava pearlis (Pushpa and Sundararaj) comb. nov. for Minutaleyrodes pearlis Pushpa and Sundararaj. A revised key to puparia of Minutaleyrodes and new host plant records are included. Habitus of the holotype of the new species illustrations, line drawings, microphotographs and scanning electron microscope images of the new and known species are provided.
Coastal Sea Salt Chlorine Deposition Linked to Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) Oscillation in French Guiana
Authors: Gobinddass M. L. , Molinie J. , Richard S. , Panechou K. , Jeannot A. , Jean-Louis S.
Published: March 2020

Sea salt chloride is a major component of atmospheric aerosol and its behavior is an essential element in determining the climate. Two atmospheric chlorine deposition measurement procedures were performed between 2004 and 2008 by the French Guiana Regional Air Observatory (ORA), in the coastal plain of Sinnamary. The main goal was to determine the background spatial distribution of marine chlorine in order to evaluate the impact of Ariane rocket hydrogen chloride emission. To determine the chlorine concentration level, weekly samples from 10 sites were analyzed. A seasonal pattern was identified. For every site, a high sea salt chlorine deposition level was observed from December to April and a low level from July to October. The ratio of high to low mean chloride concentration RHC/LC shows that just under half of the variation in chlorine deposition can be linked to the variation of sea salt production with low-level wind speed. Equations relating mean sea salt chlorine concentration and the distance to shore were studied, taking into account parameters found in other tropical regions, with a focus on neighboring Brazil. The wind rotation between the two seasons, and the sea salt chlorine loss per kilometer equation found for dry deposition, were used to calculate RHC/LC. It appears that the observed rotation (60°) explains 88% of RHC/LC. Finally, inland sea salt chlorine deposition behavior in this region was linked to intertropical convergence zone oscillation through variations in wind speed and direction.
Genomic Organization and Comparative Phylogenic Analysis of NBS-LRR Resistance Gene Family in Solanum pimpinellifolium and Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wei Huawei , Liu Jia , Guo Qinwei , Pan Luzhao , Chai Songlin , Cheng Yuan , Ruan Meiying , Ye Qingjing , Wang Rongqing , Yao Zhuping , Zhou Guozhi , Wan Hongjian
Published: March 2020

NBS-LRR (nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat) is one of the largest resistance gene families in plants. The completion of the genome sequencing of wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium provided an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the NBS-LRR gene superfamily at the genome-wide level. In this study, gene identification, chromosome mapping, and phylogenetic analysis of the NBS-LRR gene family were analyzed using the bioinformatics methods. The results revealed 245 NBS-LRRs in total, similar to that in the cultivated tomato. These genes are unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes, and ~59.6% of them form gene clusters, most of which are tandem duplications. Phylogenetic analysis divided the NBS-LRRs into 2 subfamilies (CNL-coiled-coil NBS-LRR and TNL-TIR NBS-LRR), and the expansion of the CNL subfamily was more extensive than the TNL subfamily. Novel conserved structures were identified through conserved motif analysis between the CNL and TNL subfamilies. Compared with the NBS-LRR sequences from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, wide genetic variation occurred after the divergence of S. pimpinellifolium and A thaliana. Species-specific expansion was also found in the CNL subfamily in S. pimpinellifolium. The results of this study provide the basis for the deeper analysis of NBS-LRR resistance genes and contribute to mapping and isolation of candidate resistance genes in S. pimpinellifolium.
Statistical treatment of cytotoxicity in Ames bacterial reverse mutation assays can provide additional structure–activity relationship information
Authors: Smith Carr J , Perfetti Thomas A
Published: March 2020

The bacterial reverse mutation assay, that is, the Ames test, measures mutations that reverse the inactivation of a gene involved in the synthesis of either histidine in Salmonella bacteria or tryptophan in Escherichia coli. The classic dose–response curve of an Ames assay plots number of reverse mutations (“revertants”) on the y-axis versus dose of the test chemical on the x-axis. Frequently, the dose–response curve resembles a parabola with a linear initial slope resulting from the accumulation of mutations, which transitions to a downward curvature resulting from cell killing (cytotoxicity) at increasingly higher doses of the test chemical. For regulatory purposes, a positive Ames test is usually considered as induction of twice the number of reverse mutations above background levels. For research purposes, the potency of the mutagenic response can be calculated from measuring the initial slope of the mutagenic response. This initial slope can be calculated in a manner that disentangles the downward pull on the initial slope value provided by the initiation of cytotoxicity. For a dose–response curve resembling a parabola, both the initial positive slope representing mutagenicity and the secondary negative slope representing cytotoxicity can be calculated from the same dose–response curve. The Ames test is the most commonly conducted genotoxicity assay. When a series of molecular congeners are assayed in the Ames test for mutagenicity, additional consideration of the cytotoxicity can provide important structure–activity relationship information.
In silico analysis of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in the human GJA3 gene associated with congenital cataract
Authors: Zhang Mingzhou , Huang Chen , Wang Zhenyu , Lv Huibin , Li Xuemin
Published: March 2020

Background

Gap junction protein alpha 3 (GJA3), an important pathogenic gene of congenital cataracts, encodes the transmembrane protein connexin46, which functions as an intercellular channel for voltage and chemical gating by forming dodecamers. This study systematically collected nsSNP information for theGJA3gene from SNP databases and literature and screened for nsSNPs with high risks of pathogenicity.

Results

A total of 379 nsSNPs ofGJA3were identified. A total of 88 high-risk pathogenicGJA3nsSNPs were found, including 31 published nsSNPs associated with congenital cataracts and 57 novel nsSNPs predicted by all eight online tools. The 88 high-risk pathogenic mutations, which are related to 67 amino acids in the wild-type sequences, cause a decrease in protein stability according to I-Mutant 3.0, MUpro and INPS. G2 and R33 were predicted to participate in post-translational modification and ligand binding by ModPred, RaptorX Binding and COACH. Additionally, high-risk mutations were likely to involve highly conserved sites, random coils, alpha helixes, and extracellular loops and were accompanied by changes in amino acid size, charge, hydrophobicity and spatial structure.

Conclusions

Eighty-eight high-risk pathogenic nsSNPs ofGJA3were screened out in the study, 57 of which were newly reported. The combination of multiple in silico tools is highly efficient for targeting pathogenic sites.
Effects of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block on MMP-9 and postoperative pain in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Chu Haichen , Dong He , Wang Yongjie , Niu Zejun
Published: March 2020

Background

Local anesthesia can reduce the response to surgical stress and decrease the consumption of opioids, which may reduce immunosuppression and potentially delay postoperative tumor recurrence. We compared paravertebral block (PVB) combined with general anesthesia (GA) and general anesthesia regarding their effects on postoperative pain and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

Methods

54 patients undergoing elective VATS lobectomy at a single tertiary care, teaching hospital located in Qingdao between May 2, 2018 and Sep 28, 2018 were randomised by computer to either paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia or general anesthesia. The primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and on cough at 1, 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The secondary outcome were plasma concentrations of MMP-9, complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay.

Results

75 were enrolled to the study, of whom 21 were excluded before surgery. We analyzed lobectomy patients undergoing paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia (n = 25) or general anesthesia (n = 24). Both groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics. Pain scores at rest at 4 h and 24 h, on cough at 4 h were lower in PVB/GA group, compared with GA group (P < 0.05). There were no difference in pain scores at rest at 1 h, 48 h and on cough at 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h between groups. Patients in the PVB/GA group showed a greater decrease in plasma MMP-9 level at T1 and T2 after VATS lobectomy (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications and length of stay did not differ by anesthetic technique.

Conclusions

The paravertebral block/general anesthesia can provide statistically better pain relief and attenuate MMP-9 response to surgery and after VATS lobectomy. This technique may be beneficial for patients to recover rapidly after lung surgery and reduce postoperative tumor recurrence.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial registration number ChiCTR1800016379. Registered 28 May 2018.
Correction to: Challenges of one-year longitudinal follow-up of a prospective, observational cohort study using an anonymised database: recommendations for trainee research collaboratives
Authors:   STARSurg Collaborative
Published: March 2020

In the original publication of this article [1], the author should be only the collaboration group “STARSurg Collaborative”.
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head due to brucellosis: a case report
Authors: Wang Peixu , Sun Wei , Shi Lijun , Li Tengqi
Published: March 2020

Background

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection transmitted from infected animals to humans, osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating disease that affects patients’ life with pain, dysfunction of walking and always lead to total hip arthroplasty (THA). We presented a case of ONFH which was very likely due to the infection of Brucella spp.

Case presentation

The patient was a 49 years-old male who was a herder living in Inner Mongolia, the northern part of China. He first showed recurrent fever then presented bilateral hip pain, which was confirmed to be brucellosis and ONFH on the right side of the hip. He was admitted to our center showed bilateral ONFH with the restrictive movement of both hips. We performed THA after it was confirmed that the infection has been cured. The patient can walk with the help of the walker the second day after surgery.

Conclusion

Brucellosis is still a common epidemic disease worldwide, which can lead to many complications, brucellosis arthritis is the most common complication of Brucellosis. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head can also present in the patients with brucellosis. All the patients presented with recurrent fever and hip pain, who is from the epidemic region, should be taken both septic arthritis and ONFH into consideration.
Higher risk of revision in total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xi , Yang Zhen , Li Hairui , Zhu Shibai , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei
Published: March 2020

Background

High tibial osteotomy is commonly performed in young patients with high activity demand. Several studies have reported outcome of HTO. The reported 10-year survival ranged from 79 to 97.6%. The reported 15-year survival ranged from 56 to 65.5%, resulting in the need for conversion to TKA. Primary TKA now provides satisfactory long-term outcome in terms of function and survival. Researches have been conducted to compare clinical outcome between primary TKA and TKA after HTO to see if TKA should be the prior treatment rather than HTO in some cases. But the results were inconsistent. This study aims to compare the risk of revision and other parameters between total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy and primary total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Searches and screens of the relevant literature were conducted, after which data were extracted and pooled analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes between the two groups.

Results

A total of 14 studies with 144,692 cases were included. Pooled analysis showed significantly more revisions and complications, and more tibial component loosening and impingement in postoperative X-ray in the HTO-TKA group. Surgical complexity during conversion to total knee arthroplasty was summarised and listed in table.

Conclusion

High tibial osteotomy offers satisfactory pain relief and functional outcome in selected patients with high activity demand. However, the need for subsequent TKA should be noted, which might be a technically challenging procedure with significantly higher risk of revision comparing to primary TKA.
Organic extracts from Cleome droserifolia exhibit effective caspase-dependent anticancer activity
Authors: Panicker Neena Gopinathan , Balhamar Sameera Omar Mohammed Saeed , Akhlaq Shaima , Qureshi Mohammed Mansoor , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Hussain Javid , Mustafa Farah
Published: March 2020

Background

This study investigated the anticancer potential of the medicinal herb,Cleome droserifolia(CD),a local plant of the Arabian Peninsula.C. droserifoliais traditionally known for its rubefacient, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Organic fractions of the aerial parts ofCleome droserifoliaharvested from the Arabian Peninsula were tested in human breast and cervical cancer cell lines for their anticancer potential. This was accomplished by using biochemical and cellular assays, including MTT, caspase Glo, western blot, and annexin V/propidium iodide-based flow cytometry analyses.

Results

Test of the dichloromethane fraction of the methanolic extract ofC. droserifolia,(CDD) revealed potent cytotoxic activity (from 70 to 90%) against several human cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa. Further characterization of the CDD fraction in MCF-7 cells revealed that it could activate the enzymatic activity of various caspases in a statistically significant manner, and induce cleavage of both caspase 7 and poly ADB ribose polymerase (PARP) proteins, but not the ethyl acetate fraction. Test of the ability of CDD to induce early signs of apoptosis was validated by annexin V/propidium iodide assay using FACS analysis. Induction of apoptosis was completely reversed by the classic pan inhibitor of apoptosis, Z-VAD-FMK, reducing early apoptosis from 29.7 to 0.6%, confirming that CDD could induce caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Conclusions

Altogether, our results reveal thatC. droserifoliais a valuable medicinal plant with bioactive molecules that can induce apoptosis in human cancer cells. Thus, this plant should be explored further for its potential as an anticancer natural therapy as well as the isolation of novel molecules with anticancer properties.
Models and methods for determining the optimal number of beds in hospitals and regions: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Ravaghi Hamid , Alidoost Saeide , Mannion Russell , Bélorgeot Victoria D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Determining the optimal number of hospital beds is a complex and challenging endeavor and requires models and techniques which are sensitive to the multi-level, uncertain, and dynamic variables involved. This study identifies and characterizes extant models and methods that can be used to determine the required number of beds at hospital and regional levels, comparing their advantages and challenges.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and PubMed databases, with the search terms hospital bed capacity, hospital bed need, hospital, bed size, model, and method.

Results

Twenty-three studies met the criteria to be included in the review. Of these studies, a total of 11 models and 5 methods were identified, mainly designed to determine hospital bed capacity at the regional level. Common determinants of the required number of hospital beds in these models included demographic changes, average length of stay, admission rates, and bed occupancy rates.

Conclusions

There are no specific norms for the required number of beds at hospital and regional levels, but some of the identified models and methods may be used to estimate this number in different contexts. Moreover, it is important to consider alternative approaches to planning hospital capacity like care pathways to fix the limitations of “bed numbers”.
Inhibition of miR-153 ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in rats
Authors: Hou Wei , Zhu Xianting , Liu Juan , Map Jiaguo
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that suppression of microRNAs might protect cardiomyocytes and neurons against oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cell apoptosis. However, whether the protective effect of miR-153-inhibition on cardiomyocytes can be observed in the animal model is unknown. We aimed to address this question using a rat model of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R).

Methods

Rats were received the intramyocardial injection of saline or adenovirus-carrying target or control gene, and the rats were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) treatment. The effects of miR-153 on I/R-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the rat model were assessed using various assays.

Results

We found that suppression of miR-153 decreased cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression, and increased B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression. We further confirmed that Nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a functional target of miR-153, and Nrf2/Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling was involved in miR-153-regulated I/R-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Inhibition of miR-153 reduced I/R-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in rat myocardium.

Conclusion

Suppression of miR-153 exerts a cardioprotective effect against I/R-induced injury through the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, suggesting that targeting miR-153, Nrf2, or both may serve as promising therapeutic targets for the alleviation of I/R-induced injury.
Caspase-1 as a regulatory molecule of lipid metabolism
Authors: Molla Meseret Derbew , Ayelign Birhanu , Dessie Gashaw , Geto Zeleke , Admasu Tesfahun Dessale
Published: March 2020

Caspase-1 is an evolutionarily conserved inflammatory mediated enzyme that cleaves and activates inflammatory cytokines. It can be activated through the assembly of inflammasome and its major effect is to activate the pro-inflammatory cytokines; interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interluekine-18 (IL-18). In addition to IL-1β and IL-8, several lines of evidence showed that caspase-1 targets the substrates that are involved in different metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism. Caspase-1 regulates lipid metabolism through cytokine dependent or cytokine independent regulation of genes that involved in lipid metabolism and its regulation. To date, there are several reports on the role of caspase-1 in lipid metabolism. Therefore, this review is aimed to summarize the role of caspase-1 in lipid metabolism and its regulation.
An improved protein lipid overlay assay for studying lipid–protein interactions
Authors: Han Xiuli , Yang Yongqing , Zhao Fengyun , Zhang Tianren , Yu Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Lipids perform multiple functions in the cell, and lipid–protein interactions play a key role in metabolism. Although various techniques have been developed to study lipid–protein interactions, the interacting protein partners that bind to most lipids remain unknown. The protein lipid overlay (PLO) assay has revealed numerous lipid–protein interactions, but its application suffers from unresolved technical issues.

Results

Herein, we found that blocking proteins may interfere with interactions between lipids and their binding proteins if a separate blocking step is carried out before the incubation step in the PLO assay. To overcome this, we modified the PLO assay by combining an incubation step alongside the blocking step. Verification experiments included phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) and its commercially available interacting protein G302, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3 and the Arabidopsis plasma membrane H+-ATPase (PM H+-ATPase) AHA2 C-terminus, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and AtROP6, and phosphatidylserine (PS) and the AHA2 C-terminus. The lipid–protein binding signal in the classical PLO (CPLO) assay was weak and not reproducible, but the modified PLO (MPLO) assay displayed significantly improved sensitivity and reproducibility.

Conclusions

This work identified a limitation of the CPLO assay, and both sensitivity and reproducibility were improved in the modified assay, which could prove to be more effective for investigating lipid–protein interactions.