bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Молекулярные основы эффекта малых доз радиации
Authors: Королев В. Г.
Published: October 2020

По определению, малые дозы — это минимальные дозы повреждающего агента, в частности радиации, вызывающие регистрируемый биологический эффект. Проблема воздействия малых доз радиации обсуждается в научной литературе в течение десятилетий, но прийти к общему выводу о наличии каких-то особенностей их воздействия, в отличие от таковых острого облучения, не удаётся. Это связано с тем, что эффекты, если они фиксируются, имеют слабое выражение и легко могут быть подвергнуты критике. Другой важный аспект проблемы — то, что биологические эффекты в основном описаны в научной литературе феноменологически, без расшифровки их молекулярных причин. В последние годы появился ряд статей, в которых авторы, изучая действие малых доз ДНК-тропных агентов, показывают, что ключевую роль в этих эффектах играет пострепликативная репарация, в частности её безошибочная ветвь. В лаборатории генетики эукариот Петербургского института ядерной физики имени Б. П. Константинова удалось выделить уникальных мутантов дрожжей с нарушенной ветвью безошибочной пострепликативной репарации. Исследование процессов ликвидации повреждений ДНК при минимальных отклонениях их количества от спонтанного уровня позволило на молекулярном уровне объяснить различия в клеточном ответе на малые дозы от острого облучения.
Rapid identification of bacterial viability, culturable and non-culturable stages by using flow cytometry
Authors: Taimur Mohiuddin Md. , Acevedo Renan , Sklar Larry A. , Thomsen Keith , Tegos George P. , Camper Anne K.
Published: October 2020

The protocol details methods developed to optimize staining procedures and instrument settings for the rapid identification and unbiased enumeration of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) and viable-culturable (VC) cells as well as the membrane integrity of bacteria by flow cytometry (FCM). To detect viability, various Gram-negative bacteria were stained with numerous fluorescent membrane permeable (SYTO 9, SYTO 13, SYTO 17, SYTO 40) and impermeable (propidium iodide, PI) probes, and then quantified using the FCM. FCM data are then integrated with specific plate count results to calculate VC cells in different growth states. The cells were also exposed to heat (72° C) to monitor cellular membrane integrity. At late log phase (at 18 h incubation) of bacterial culture, the culturable, non-culturable and cells with damaged membranes varied from 40-98%, 1 to 64% and 0.7% to 4.5%, respectively. In this study, the cells with damaged cell membranes were considered dead (non-viable). This robust method preserves cell viability and takes a little more than an hour allowing the simultaneous quantification of phenotypes or cellular functions that is compatible with downstream cell-sorting and RNA-based assays.
Changes in physical activity across pregnancy among Chinese women: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lü Yan , Feng Yahui , Ma Shuai , Jiang Yu , ma liangkun
Published: October 2020

Background

Sufficient physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is beneficial for a woman’s health; however, the PA levels of Chinese women at different pregnancy stages are not clear. The aim of our study was to investigate PA changes during pregnancy and the association of population characteristics with PA change among Chinese women.

Methods

Data were obtained from 2485 participants who were enrolled in the multicentre prospective Chinese Pregnant Women Cohort Study. PA level was assessed in early pregnancy (mean=10, 5-13 weeks of gestation) and again in mid-to-late pregnancy (mean=32, 24-30 weeks of gestation) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). Sufficient PA (≥600 MET min/week) in early pregnancy and insufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy indicated decreasing PA. Insufficient PA in early pregnancy and sufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy indicated increasing PA. The associations between demographic, pregnancy and health characteristics and PA changes were examined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Total energy expenditure for PA increased significantly from early (median=396 MET min/week) to mid-to-late pregnancy (median=813 MET min/week) (P<0.001), and 55.25% of the participants eventually had sufficient PA. Walking was the dominant form of PA. Women with sufficient PA levels in early pregnancy were more likely to have sufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy (OR=1.897, 95% CI: 1.583-2.274). Women in West China and those in Central China were most and least likely, respectively, to have increasing PA (OR=1.387, 95% CI: 1.078-1.783 vs. OR=0.721, 95% CI: 0.562-0.925). Smoking was inversely associated with increasing PA (OR=0.480, 95% CI: 0.242-0.955). Women with higher educational levels were less likely to have decreasing PA (OR=0.662, 95% CI: 0.442-0.991).

Conclusions

PA increased as pregnancy progressed, and walking was the dominant form of PA among Chinese women. Further research is needed to better understand correlates of PA change.
Emphasise Capability, Not Disability: Exploring public perceptions, facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia in Northern Ireland.
Authors: Mitchell Gary , McTurk Victoria , Carter Gillian , Brown-Wilson Christine
Published: October 2020

Background: Improving public knowledge and understanding about dementia has been identified as a priority area by people living with the condition, researchers, educators, and policymakers for several years. Societies that have a better understanding of the condition are more likely to enable people living with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore current public perceptions of dementia along with the facilitators and barriers to living well from the perspective of people living with the condition in Northern Ireland. Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 20 people living with dementia across three Northern Irish Counties in June 2019. These interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for this study prior to data collection. Findings: Following thematic analysis, three themes emerged in relation to barriers and facilitators to living well with dementia. These were: ‘Emphasis on Disability NOT Capability’, which highlighted societal misconceptions about the activities and modes of life which people with dementia could or could not do; ‘Normalise Dementia – We Don’t Want a Fool’s Pardon’, which focused on how the public could encourage people living with the condition to enjoy greater independence, and ‘Dementia isn’t a Death Sentence’, which considered how professionals, family members and friends treated the person after diagnosis. Conclusions: Public perceptions about dementia have the potential to act as both facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia. People with dementia articulated that they are more likely sustain wellbeing when they are valued and can lead the type of life, they are able to lead. On the contrary, poor public and professional attitudes to dementia had the potential to disempower people living with dementia.
Exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) promote changes in growth, phospholipid composition, membrane permeability and virulence phenotypes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Herndon Joshua , Peters Rachel , Hofer Rachel , Simmons Tim , Symes Steven , Giles David
Published: October 2020

Background: The utilization of exogenous fatty acids by Gram-negative bacteria has been linked to many cellular processes, including fatty acid oxidation for metabolic gain, assimilation into membrane phospholipids, and control of phenotypes associated with virulence. The expanded fatty acid handling capabilities have been demonstrated in several bacteria of medical importance; however, a survey of the polyunsaturated fatty acid responses in the model organism Escherichia coli has not been performed. The current study examined the impacts of exogenous fatty acids on E. coli. Results: All PUFAs elicited higher overall growth, with several fatty acids supporting growth as sole carbon sources. Most PUFAs were incorporated into membrane phospholipids as determined by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, whereas membrane permeability was variably affected as measured by two separate dye uptake assays. Biofilm formation, swimming motility and antimicrobial peptide resistance were altered in the presence of PUFAs, with arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids eliciting strong alteration to these phenotypes. Conclusions: The findings herein add E. coli to the growing list of Gram-negative bacteria with broader capabilities for utilizing and responding to exogenous fatty acids. Understanding bacterial responses to PUFAs may lead to microbial behavioral control regimens for disease prevention.
Neuregulin-1 inhibits CoCl2-induced upregulation of excitatory amino acid carrier 1 expression and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and the hippocampus of mice
Authors: Kim Han-Byeol , Yoo Ji-Young , Yoo Seung-Yeon , Lee Jun-Ho , Chang Wonseok , Kim Hye-Sun , Baik Tai-Kyoung , Woo Ran-Sook
Published: October 2020

Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is an important subtype of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and is the route for neuronal cysteine uptake. CoCl2 is not only a hypoxia-mimetic reagent but also an oxidative stress inducer. Here, we found that CoCl2 induced significant EAAC1 overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells and the hippocampus of mice. Transient transfection of EAAC1 reduced CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Based on this result, upregulation of EAAC1 expression by CoCl2 is thought to represent a compensatory response against oxidative stress in an acute hypoxic state. We further demonstrated that pretreatment with Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) rescued CoCl2-induced upregulation of EAAC1 and tau expression. NRG1 plays a protective role in the CoCl2-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in antioxidative enzyme (SOD and GPx) activity. Moreover, NRG1 attenuated CoCl2-induced apoptosis and cell death. NRG1 inhibited the CoCl2-induced release of cleaved caspase-3 and reduction in Bcl-XL levels. Our novel finding suggests that NRG1 may play a protective role in hypoxia through the inhibition of oxidative stress and thereby maintain normal EAAC1 expression levels.
Reference letters for subspecialty medicine residency positions: Are they valuable for decision-making? Results from a Canadian study.
Authors: Chopra Deepti , Joneja Mala , Sandhu Gurjit , Smith Christopher A. , Spagnuolo Catherine M. , Hookey Lawrence
Published: October 2020

Background: The letter of recommendation is currently an integral part of applicant selection for residency programs. Internal medicine residents will spend much time and expense completing sub-specialty away electives to obtain a letter of recommendation. The purpose of this study was 1) to examine a large sample of reference letters in order to define essential components of a high-quality letter, and 2) to elucidate the relationship between quality of reference letter and the letter writer. Methods: We conducted a two-phase study. In phase one, a large sample of letters of recommendation was examined using an audit tool as a coding framework. A 5-point composite endpoint of high-quality letter components was subsequently developed. In phase two, program director letters were compared to non-program director home institution and non-home institution elective letters based on inclusion of components of the 5-point composite endpoint using Chi square testing. Results: 715 letters were examined (398 non-program director home institution letters, 201 program director letters, and 116 non-home institution elective letters). High-quality letter components were: nature of relationship, duration of relationship, In Training Evaluation Report information, research involvement and comments on areas for improvement. Program director letters had a significantly higher proportion (10.4%) of all 5 high-quality components, compared to 0% in both non-program director home institution letters and elective letters (p<0.001). A significantly higher proportion of program director letters had 4-5 high-quality components (62.5%) compared to 2% of non-program director home institution letters and 0% of elective letters (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Letters of recommendation from elective rotations are of the poorest quality and such rotations should not be pursued for the sole purpose of obtaining a letter. The low quality of elective letters leads to the recommendation that writers should decline to write them, programs should not require them and trainees should not request them. Program directors write the highest quality letters and should be a resource for faculty development. Clinical supervisors can use the 5-point composite endpoint as a guide when writing letters for applicants.
Interprofessional Collaboration and Smartphone Use as Promising Strategies to Improve Prenatal Oral Health Care Utilization among US Underserved Women – Results From A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Johana , Fiscella Kevin A , Bullock Sherita , Sanders Mechelle R , Loomis Elizabeth L , Eliav Eli , Mendoza Michael , Cacciato Rita , Thomas Marie , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T , Billings Ronald J , Xiao Jin
Published: October 2020

Background: Data on barriers and facilitators to prenatal oral health care among low-income US women are lacking. The objective of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators and patient-centered mitigation strategies related to use of prenatal oral health care among underserved US women.Methods: We used community-based participatory research to conduct two focus groups with eight pregnant/parenting women; ten individual in-depth interviews with medical providers, dental providers and community/social workers; and one community engagement studio with five representative community stakeholders in 2018-2019. Using an interpretive description research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content.Results: We identified individual and systemic barriers/facilitators to utilization of prenatal oral health care by underserved US women. Strategies reported to improve utilization included healthcare system-wide change to promote inter-professional collaborations, innovative educational programs to improve dissemination and implementation of prenatal oral health care guidelines, and specialized dental facilities providing prenatal oral health care to underserved groups. Furthermore, use of smartphones offers an innovative entry point to promote utilization of prenatal oral care at the individual level. Conclusions: Low-income women face multiple, addressable barriers to receipt of oral health care during pregnancy. Inter-professional collaboration holds strong promise for improving prenatal oral health care utilization.
Analysis of the Detection and Influencing Factors of Dyslipidemia in the Elderly in Wuwei： A Community-based Study
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Yang Junshan , Ji Zhaohua
Published: October 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of the incidence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in Wuwei, and explore the related factors affecting dyslipidemia. Methods: The physical examination data of 43,092 elder people aged 60 and over from 2012 to 2019 in Wuwei city were collected to analyze the incidence of dyslipidemia, and the factors affecting dyslipidemia were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 12,338 cases of dyslipidemia were reported in 43,092 patients, and the incidence of dyslipidemia was 28.6%. Among these dyslipidemia patients, the proportion of patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the highest, and the proportion of patients with hypertriglyceridemia combined with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the lowest. Univariate analysis showed that age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, electrocardiogram, and total bilirubin were the influencing factors of dyslipidemia in the elderly, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender, overweight/obesity, abnormal blood glucose, and high alanine aminotransferase were independent risk factors for dyslipidemia in the elderly (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The age with the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in Wuwei city is 70–80 years old. Elderly women should strengthen the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia. In order to avoid the occurrence of dyslipidemia, it is necessary to control body weight, blood glucose and improve liver function.
The Dynamic Metastases of Human Ovarian Carcinoma to Grading Lymph Nodes in Mouse Model
Authors: Du Licheng , Kong Fenghua , Yang Qing , Li Yaqiong , Ding Peikai , Yu Guoxiang , Yao Yiping , Zhao Yueran , Tian Xingsong
Published: October 2020

Background：Lymphogenous metastasis, one of the most common dissemination routes for ovarian carcinoma, predicts a poor prognosis and relates to most cancer-related death. Now there were no effective therapy and control methods for ovarian carcinoma. Hence, it is necessary to build an animal model of lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer to seek for the tools to find effective treatments. Our purpose of this study was to investigate the tumor cell dissemination of ovarian carcinoma to the gradient lymph nodes of nude mice and its possible mechanism. Methods: The mice models of VEGF-D over-expressed were built and the tumor growth and sentinel lymph nodes were evaluated weekly, while the visible lymph nodes and tumor masses were excised for histological examination using HE examination. Then Evan’s Blue was conducted to observe the unveil lymphatic network. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry was performed to check the expression of relative genes. Meanwhile, microvessel counting was performed within the tumor tissues and measured using computer assisted morphometric analysis.Results: The over-expression of VEGF-D promoted the tumor growth of ovarian carcinoma, facilitated the hyperplasia of tumor lymphatic and increased the intratumoral lymphatic vessel density. Besides, the up-regulation of VEGF-D induced the expression of MMP-2, which might be the underlying mechanism for the lymph metastasis in ovarian cancer. Conclusion: It was a step-by-step progression from the inoculation of cancer cells, to the proliferation of the primary tumors, and then to the lymphatic metastases, in which VEGF-D and MMP-2 played vital roles.
Consanguineous Marriages and Their Association With Women’s Reproductive Health and Fertility Behavior in Pakistan: Secondary Data Analysis From Demographic and Health Surveys, 1990–2018
Authors: Iqbal Sarosh , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian , Zakar Muhammad Zakria
Published: October 2020

Background: Pakistan has been showing consistently the highest prevalence of consanguinity. The popularity of consanguineous marriages is not declining in the country, because of social, cultural, and religious beliefs as well as economic advantages. However, couples also face various health related implications, such as poor pregnancy outcomes or multiple reproductive and fertility consequences, having adverse effects on mothers and their children. This research investigated the trend of consanguineous marriages and their association with women’s reproductive health and fertility behavior in Pakistan from 1990 to 2018.Methods: This study is based on a secondary data analysis, using all four waves of the Pakistan Demographic Health Surveys carried out during 1990 to 2018. The analysis is limited to women aged 15–49 years, who had given birth in the previous five years preceding each survey. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of consanguinity with multiple characteristics related to socio-demographics, co-variates and women’s reproductive health and fertility behaviors. Results: The findings revealed an high but overall stable trend of consanguinity prevalence of about 63% during the last three decades. Consanguineous marriages were more prevalent amongst young and uneducated women, living in rural areas, with poorer wealth status and having less exposure of mass media to access information. A strong association of consanguinity was observed with women’s reproductive health and fertility behavior, particularly for women who gave first birth at younger age, had multi-gravida pregnancies, multi-parity, pregnancy termination, ANC visits and higher fertility.Conclusion: Consanguineous marriages are predominant in the patriarchal society of Pakistan. Findings revealed that consanguinity contributes significantly to women’s reproductive health and fertility behaviors. Appropriate counselling, educational and health promotional programs related to consanguinity should be designed and launched at community level to raise awareness about risks towards women’s reproductive health and fertility.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling Analysis of WOX Family Proteins Encoded Genes in Triticeae Plant Species
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Ke , Du Lipu , Song Yuxia , Li Huihui , Ye Xingguo
Published: October 2020

Background: Genotype dependence of plant regeneration is an important factor restricting the genetic improvement of Triticeae plant species. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) is a group of plant specific transcription factor, which play an important role in plant growth and development, and cell division and differentiation. Recent studies revealed that the application of regeneration-related genes such as WOX and BABY BOOM (BBM) could improve plant regeneration. The application of WOX genes is one of the ways to improve the genetic transformation system of Triticeae and other species, but there are rare studies in this area.Results: From the available genome sequence database, in total 136 WOX transcripts were identified for the Triticeae plants, including 43 in Triticum aestivum, 30 in Triticum turgidum, 25 in Triticum dicoccoides, 17 in Hordeum vulgare, 13 in Aegilops tauschii, and 8 in Triticum urartu. All of the WOX family genes were distributed on the chromosomes of homologous groups 1 to 5 in the six Triticeae species, part of which were confirmed by their specific PCR markers using a set of T. durum-T. aestivum genome D substitution lines. All of the WOX proteins in the six Triticeae species could be grouped into three clades, similar to those in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis. WOX family members were conserved among these Triticeae plants, all of them contained the conserved HOX DNA-binding homeodomain, and WUS clade members contained the characteristic WUS motif, while only TaWUS and TaWOX9 in all the six Triticeae plant species contained the ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif. The expression profiles of TaWOX genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed obvious difference among WOX family members.Conclusions: Totally 130 WOX genes were identified in the six Triticeae plant species. The WOX family genes were located on the chromosomes in the five homologous groups except groups 6 and 7 in the Triticeae species, and their expression profiles were different in different tissues, indicating that each of them had diverse function. The findings in this study could provide a basis for evolution and functional investigation and practical application of the WOX family genes in Triticeae plant species.
Missed Opportunities in Contraceptive Counselling: Findings from a European Survey-based Study with Simulated Patient Consultation
Authors: Nappi Rossella E. , Vermuyten Nicky , Bannemerschult Ralf
Published: October 2020

Background: Available evidence highlights unmet needs in contraceptive counselling practices. The aim of this study was to better understand current practices and clinician behaviour across Europe.Methods: This survey-based study used a novel, online approach to simulate contraceptive counselling discussions based on three, predefined patient types, each with a hidden need. Clinicians were asked to recommend a contraceptive method for their randomly assigned patient at two time points: 1) after a simulated discussion, during which they were given a brief patient profile and the opportunity to question their patient to obtain further information; 2) after they had been presented with a full patient profile. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the clinicians’ counselling approach, how successful clinicians were at uncovering the hidden needs of their patients, and whether an understanding of these needs would cause clinicians to change their contraceptive recommendation. Results: In total, 661 clinicians from 10 European countries participated in the study, including obstetricians/gynaecologists, midwives and general practitioners. Clinician specialty varied by nation. Most clinicians (78.8% and 70.5%, respectively) failed to uncover the hidden needs of patients X and Y, both of whom had requested prescription renewals. By contrast, 63.4% of clinicians uncovered the hidden need of patient Z, who had requested a review of her contraceptive method. Clinicians who did uncover their patients’ hidden needs asked significantly more questions than those who did not (mean 5.1–7.8 vs 1.5–2.2). Clinicians were more likely to recommend a change of prescription once they had seen the full patient profile than after the simulated discussion (12.3–30.2% increase in prescription change), indicating that clinicians rely on their patients to speak up proactively about any concerns. Family planning and bleeding issues were frequently not discussed in consultations.Conclusions: Existing counselling practices appear insufficient to capture patient needs, with opportunities for shared decision-making and discussion being missed. Clinicians and contraceptive counselling services should aim to introduce more in-depth contraceptive counselling, incorporating clear, open-ended questions, to improve patient adherence and enhance reproductive planning. Women should be empowered to actively voice both their needs and any dissatisfaction with their current contraceptive.
SPF45/RBM17-dependent, but not U2AF-dependent, splicing in human short introns
Authors: Fukumura Kazuhiro , Yoshimoto Rei , Sperotto Luca , Kang Hyun-Seo , Hirose Tetsuro , Inoue Kunio , Sattler Michael , Mayeda Akila
Published: October 2020

Human pre-mRNA introns vary in size from under fifty to over a million nucleotides. We searched for essential factors specifically involved in the splicing of human short introns by screening siRNAs against 154 human nuclear proteins for activity on a model short 56-nucleotide intron-containing HNRNPH1 pre-mRNA. We identified a known alternative splicing regulator SPF45 (RBM17) as a general splicing factor that is essential to splice out this 56-nt intron. Whole-transcriptome sequencing of SPF45-deficient cells revealed that SPF45 is specifically required for the efficient splicing of many short introns. Our crosslinking and biochemical analyses demonstrate that SPF45 specifically replaces the U2AF heterodimer on the truncated poly-pyrimidine tracts in these short intron. To initiate splicing, the U2AF-homology motif (UHM) of the replaced SPF45 interacts with the UHM-ligand motif (ULM) of the U2 snRNP protein SF3b155 (SF3B1). We propose that splicing in a distinct subset of human short introns depends on SPF45 but not U2AF heterodimer.
The Clinical Characteristics of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Ventricular Septal Perforation and the Prognosis Comparison of Different Treatment Methods
Authors: Fu Chun , Zhao Zhou , Chen Yu , An Youzhong , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhou
Published: October 2020

Background: To explore the clinical characteristics of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with ventricular septal perforation (VSR) and the prognosis comparison of different treatment methods, as well as the analysis of related risk factors.Methods: From January 2006 to February 2020, 29 patients with AMI and VSR diagnosed in the people's Hospital of Peking University were selected as the study object, among them, 16 cases were male (55.2%), 13 cases were female (44.8%), the average age was 64.69 ± 10.32 years old, and they were divided into survival group (n=16) and non-survival group (n=13) according to whether they survive within 30 days of surgical or drug conservative treatment.The clinical characteristics, coronary angiography and treatment of the two groups were summarized, and the prognosis and related risk factors were analyzed.Results: There was no significant difference in the basic clinical characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05)；Compared with the results of coronary angiography in the two groups, the proportion of the culprit vessel which was a simple anterior descending branch in the non-survival group was higher than that in the survival group, there was a statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.05)；The peri-operative data of the two groups showed that the proportion of patients with complete revascularization, simultaneous bypass and recanalization of culprit vessels in the survival group was significantly higher than that in the non- survival group (P < 0.05)；However, the incidence of postoperative low cardiac output and mortality during hospitalization in the survival group were significantly lower than those in the non-survival group (P < 0.05)；Logistic regression analysis showed that complete revascularization (OR = 0.021, 95% CI 0.001-0.374, P = 0.009), recanalization of culprit vessels (OR = 0.045, 95% CI 0.004-0.548, P = 0.015) were independent risk factors for 30 day mortality。Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that during the follow-up period, the long-term survival rate of patients with operation and complete revascularization was significantly higher than that of patients with drug conservative treatment and incomplete revascularization, there was a statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Whether complete revascularization and recanalization of culprit vessels or not are independent risk factors for 30 day mortality in patients with AMI and VSR；the long-term survival rate of patients after surgery and complete revascularization is significantly higher than that of patients with conservative medical treatment and incomplete revascularization. Surgery and complete revascularization are important factors affecting the long-term prognosis of patients with AMI and VSR.
Heterologous Expression of Phanerochaete Chrysosporium Cellobiose Dehydrogenase in Trichoderma Reesei
Authors: Wohlschlager Lena , Csarman Florian , Chang Hucheng , Fitz Elisabeth , Seiboth Bernhard , Ludwig Roland
Published: October 2020

Background: Cellobiose dehydrogenase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCDH) is a key enzyme in lignocellulose depolymerization, biosensors and biofuel cells. For these applications, it should retain important molecular and catalytic properties when recombinantly expressed. While homologous expression is time-consuming and the prokaryote Escherichia coli is not suitable for expression of the two-domain flavocytochrome, the yeast Pichia pastoris is hyperglycosylating the enzyme. Fungal expression hosts like Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei were successfully used to express CDH from the ascomycete Corynascus thermophilus. This study describes the expression of basidiomycetous PcCDH in T. reesei (PcCDHTr) and the detailed comparison of its molecular, catalytic and electrochemical properties in comparison with PcCDH expressed by P. chrysosporium and P. pastoris (PcCDHPp). Results: PcCDHTr was recombinantly produced with a yield of 600 U L-1 after 4 days, which is fast compared to the secretion of the enzyme by P. chrysosporium. PcCDHTr and PcCDH were purified to homogeneity by two chromatographic steps. Both enzymes were comparatively characterized in terms of molecular and catalytic properties. The pH optima for electron acceptors are identical for PcCDHTr and PcCDH. The determined FAD cofactor occupancy of 70% for PcCDHTr is higher than for other recombinantly produced CDHs and its catalytic constants are in good accordance with those of PcCDH. Mass spectrometry showed high mannose-type N-glycans on PcCDH, but only single N-acetyl-d-glucosamine additions at the six potential N-glycosylation sites of PcCDHTr, which indicates the presence of an endo-N-acetyl-b-d-glucosaminidase in the supernatant.Conclusions: Heterologous production of PcCDHTr is faster and the yield higher than secretion by P. chrysosporium. It also does not need a cellulose-based medium that impedes efficient production and purification of CDH by binding to the polysaccharide. The obtained high uniformity of PcCDHTr glycoforms will be very useful to investigate electron transfer characteristics in biosensors and biofuel cells, which are depending on the spatial restrictions inflicted by high-mannose N-glycan trees. The determined catalytic and electrochemical properties of PcCDHTr are very similar to those of PcCDH and the FAD cofactor occupancy is good, which advocates T. reesei as expression host for engineered PcCDH for biosensors and biofuel cells.
Opposing selective forces operating on human-specific duplicated TCAF genes in Neanderthals and humans
Authors: Hsieh PingHsun , Dang Vy , Vollger Mitchell , Mao Yafei , Huang Tzu-Hsueh , Dishuck Philip , Baker Carl , Cantsilieris Stuart , Lewis Alexandra , Munson Katherine , Scofield Melanie , Welch AnneMarie , Underwood Jason , Eichler Evan
Published: October 2020

TRP channel-associated factor 1/2 (TCAF1/TCAF2) proteins antagonistically regulate the cold-sensor protein TRPM8 in multiple human tissues. Understanding their significance has been complicated given the locus spans a gap-ridden region with complex segmental duplications in GRCh38. Using long-read sequencing, we sequence-resolve the locus, annotate full-length TCAF models in human and nonhuman primate genomes, and show substantial human-specific TCAF copy number variation. We identify two human super haplogroups, H4 and H5, and establish that TCAF duplications originated ~1.7 million years ago but diversified only in Homo sapiens by recurrent structural mutations that altered TCAF copy number and regulation. Conversely, in all archaic-hominin samples the fixation for a specific H4 haplotype without duplication is likely due to positive selection. The significant, positive effect of H4 on TCAF2 expression in modern-day humans with candidate associations for hypothyroidism, nerve compression, and diabetes suggests TCAF diversification among hominins potentially in response to cold or dietary adaptations.
Implementation and Effectiveness of Continuous Kangaroo Mother Care: A Participatory Action Research Protocol
Authors: Mohammadi Marzieh , Bergh Anne Marie , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Hosseini Mohammad Baghr , Sattarzadeh Niloufar , Valizadeh Leila , Sarvaran Behzad , Hakimi Sevil
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe efficacy of continuous kangaroo mother care (C-KMC) in reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity among low birth weight and premature infants has been confirmed. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health of Iran to use C-KMC for eligible hospitalized neonates, this type of care is not performed due to implementation problems. This protocol aims to describe the design, implementation, and assessment of C-KMC in one tertiary hospital by means of participatory action research.MethodsThe objective of this study is to design and implement a C-KMC program for neonates that will be performed in two phases using a stages-of-change model. The first phase will be conducted in three consecutive activities of designing, implementing, and assessing the introduction of C-KMC. The second phase of the study has a before-and-after design to assess the effectiveness of C-KMC by comparing the length of preterm neonates’ stay in hospital and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge before and after implementing C-KMC.DiscussionKMC is an important component of neonatal developmental care as part of family-centered care. Applying this type of care requires creating appropriate strategies, budget allocation, and clear and coordinated planning at different levels of the health system. The stages-of-change model is one of the appropriate approaches to the implementation of C-KMC.
Ecological association between COVID-19 deaths and vitamin D deficiency among older adults: An international country-level systematic review and analysis
Authors: Beiter Kaylin , Lau Frank H , Danos Denise
Published: October 2020

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has been consistently associated with disproportionately high mortality among older adults, regardless of nation of origin. Previous research on pneumotropic viruses demonstrated an association between host vitamin D levels and viral disease state. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) also disproportionately impact older adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate VDD and COVID-19 mortality worldwide during the first 50 days of the pandemic as experienced by each country.
Methods
Country-specific VDD prevalence among older adults was evaluated according to a systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS during April 2020. Data were obtained from the public Our World in Data database which reports COVID-19 mortality from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and country population characteristics, size and proportion of the population greater than 65 years, from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Country-specific cumulative mortality was modeled via negative binomial random coefficient growth curve models.
Results
Among 29 countries included in this analysis, VDD prevalence among older adults ranged from 6.9% in Canada to 69% in France. Cumulative COVID-19 deaths up to day 50 within each country, modeled via exponential growth curves, demonstrated an association with country-level VDD (p = 0.0538). However, the association was not robust when controlling for proportion of older adults in each country (p = 0.2135).
Conclusions
This ecological analysis is further evidence for VDD correction as a component of COVID-19 treatment, especially among older individuals. Inclusion of data cross-culturally (i.e., collected from countries worldwide) supports the theory that VDD is a universal mechanism contributing to COVID-19 mortality. Though definitive randomized controlled trials are still needed, the current study provides support for VDD screening and correction as the influenza season rapidly approaches in the Northern hemisphere.
Nestedness and turnover of riverine species and functional diverity using eDNA and traditional approaches.
Authors: Seymour Mathew , Edwards François , Cosby Jack , Scarlet Pete , Bista Iliana , Brailsford Francesca , Glanville Helen , de Bruyn Mark , Carvalho Gary , Creer Simon
Published: October 2020

Accurately assessing community diversity in time and space, and linking these patterns to ecological theory, is essential for effective environmental monitoring. Freshwater macroinvertebrates are an important group of taxa routinely used for riverine environmental assessments due to their wide biological, functional and phylogenetic diversity and their responses to environmental factors. Recently, eDNA metabarcoding based sampling and identification has been shown to increase the accuracy of biodiversity assessments, while reducing cost and time, compared to traditional methods. Here, we present results from a field comparison of eDNA versus traditional riverine biodiversity techniques to assess freshwater macroinvertebrates. In addition, we investigated the effects of landuse and seasonality on community and functional diversity, to infer the underlying regional ecological temporal and spatial dynamics. Comparison of biodiversity dynamics based on traditional and eDNA survey methods showed significant differences in taxonomic groups identified between methods, landuse type, and method x season interactions. Our findings are the first example of eDNA derived functional spatio-temporal and dynamics, indicating that the regional shifts in diversity and function are linked to regional seasonal fluctuations in fine particle matter versus localized landuse type. Beta diversity components (nestedness and turnover) differed significantly along the environmental gradient, but in different directions, for each methodology. Overall, our findings show that eDNA based ecological assessment is effective in assessing temporal and spatial diversity and functional dynamics of macroinvertebrates, while demonstrating that these data can be used to infer effective biodiversity assessment and management strategies.
Wetting transition of ionic liquids at metal surfaces: A computational molecular approach to electronic screening using a virtual Thomas-Fermi fluid
Authors: Schlaich Alexander , Jin Dongliang , Bocquet Lyderic , Coasne Benoit
Published: October 2020

Of particular relevance to energy storage, electrochemistry and catalysis, ionic and dipolar liquids display a wealth of unexpected fundamental behaviors – in particular in confinement. Beyond now well-documented adsorption, overscreening and crowding effects1,2,3, recent experiments have highlighted novel phenomena such as unconventional screening4 and the impact of the electronic nature – metallic versus insulating – of the confining surface on wetting/phase transitions5,6. Such behaviors, which challenge existing theoretical and numerical modeling frameworks, point to the need for new powerful tools to embrace the properties of confined ionic/dipolar liquids. Here, we introduce a novel atom-scale approach which allows for a versatile description of electronic screening while capturing all molecular aspects inherent to molecular fluids in nanoconfined/interfacial environments. While state of the art molecular simulation strategies only consider perfect metal or insulator surfaces, we build on the Thomas-Fermi formalism for electronic screening to develop an effective approach that allows dealing with any imperfect metal between these asymptotes. The core of our approach is to describe electrostatic interactions within the metal through the behavior of a `virtual' Thomas-Fermi fluid of charged particles, whose Debye length sets the Thomas-Fermi screening length λ in the metal. This easy-to-implement molecular method captures the electrostatic interaction decay upon varying λ from insulator to perfect metal conditions, while describing very accurately the capacitance behavior – and hence the electrochemical properties – of the metallic confining medium. By applying this strategy to a nanoconfined ionic liquid, we demonstrate an unprecedented wetting transition upon switching the confining medium from insulating to metallic. This novel approach provides a powerful framework to predict the unsual behavior of ionic liquids, in particular inside nanoporous metallic structures, with direct applications for energy storage and electrochemistry.
Associations of TLR4 and IL-8 genes polymorphisms with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roshanipour Nasrin , Shahriyari Elham , Laleh Maryam Ghaffari , Vahedi Leila , Gerami Sousan Mirnajd , Khamaneh Amin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe results of different studies have indicated the possible associations of TLR4 and IL-8 genes polymorphisms with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). A meta-analysis study was designed to evaluate the possible associations of TLR4 and IL-8 genes polymorphisms with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). MethodA systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify relevant publications. Pooled Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to evaluate the power of association.ResultsA total of 12 case-control studies with 4804 AMD patients and 4422 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. We found significant associations under the genotypic and allelic models of TLR4/rs4986790 (AA vs. AG+GG: OR=0.73 [0.55-0.97], P=0.03; and AA vs. AG: OR=0.71 [0.53-0.95], P=0.02) and IL-8/rs2227306 (TT vs. CC: OR=1.63 [1.04-2.56], P=0.03; CC vs. TT+TC: OR=0.62 [0.48-0.80], P<0.001; CC vs. TC: OR=0.65 [0.47-0.89], P=0.007; and C vs. T: OR=0.71 [0.64-0.78], P<0.001). However, the data from this meta-analysis declined the associations of TLR4/rs4986791 and IL-8/rs4073 polymorphisms.ConclusionThe current meta-analysis study suggested that IL-8/rs2227306 and TLR4/rs4986790 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to AMD.
Study on Income for the Workforce of Public Health Institutions in Beijing Between 2011 and 2016
Authors: Qiu Wuqi , Yang Yujie , Meng Yueli , Mao Ayan
Published: October 2020

Background: This article analyses the average annual incomes of the workforce of municipal and district level public health institutions in Beijing between 2011 and 2016, and provides a useful reference for strengthening of public health services in China. Methods: This investigation combined quantitative analysis with qualitative investigation through a questionnaire survey and interviews with key informant. Results: Remuneration was relatively high for staff of the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and the staff of the Mental Health Institution, who had the highest annual average income among municipal specialized public health institutions between 2011 and 2016. The average annual incomes of the Municipal CDC, HSI, TCI, Municipal Emergency Medical Centre and Red Cross Blood Centre were all lower than the average annual income of the workers in the city's health industry (157,200 yuan). The average annual income of staff in the public health institutions at district level in Beijing is generally lower than that for staff in municipal institutions, especially those with high professional positions. Conclusions: The average income of public health workers in Beijing is generally lower than that of other health workers in the whole city. The result is a lack of professional attractiveness, which affects the stability and development of Beijing public health personnel.