bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Downregulation of Estradiol Binding Na+/H+ Exchanger Nhx-2, Mimics Calorie Restriction, Extends Reproductive Longevity and Ameliorates Effects Associated With Alpha Synuclein Aggregation In C. Elegans
Authors: Shukla Shikha , Kumar Lalit , Sarkar Arunabh , Srivi Kottapalli , Nazir Aamir
Published: May 2021

Setting in of reproductive senescence (RS) gives rise to several changes, making aged individuals susceptible to multiple disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular ailments and bone disorders amongst others. The present study, employing transgenic C. elegans that expresses ‘human’ alpha synuclein, endeavors to decipher the association of reproductive senescence with age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral ageing, under normal conditions and after being probed with estradiol. We carried out RNAi induced silencing of a subset of 22 genes that are known to delay RS, followed by studies on alpha-Synuclein aggregation and associated effects. These studies led us to functional characterization of the Na+/H+ exchanger; nhx-2, expressed exclusively in gut. We found that RNAi of nhx-2 not only ameliorates the effects associated with alpha-Synuclein aggregation, but it also attunes effects related to behavioral aging including that of reproductive health-span and neuroprotection via mimicking dietary restriction, as it alters food absorption from the gut. We further elucidated that these effects are Sir-2.1 driven as nhx-2 knock out did not delay reproductive senescence in knock down condition of sir-2.1. To substantiate our findings, we performed whole transcriptome analysis in nhx-2 mutant strain. Our data revealed differential expression of 61 out of 62 hallmark genes of CR described by GenDR, in knock out condition of nhx-2. As estradiol plays a central role in both reproductive health as well as neuronal health, we subjected worms to exogenous estradiol treatment and observed that it led to elevated levels of nhx-2. Studies on structural binding analysis demonstrated significant binding potential of estradiol receptor NHR-14 with nhx-2 gene and ChIP analysis revealed that estradiol treatment gives rise to enhanced NHX-2 levels through inducing the promoter specific histone H3 acetylation (H3K9) and lysine methylation (H3K4me3). These studies identify nhx-2 as an important modulator that extends reproductive longevity and ameliorates effects associated with alpha synuclein aggregation in C elegans.
A Survey of Regional Anesthesia Use In Greece And The Impact of A Structured Regional Anesthesia Course On Regional Techniques Knowledge And Practice
Authors: Theodoraki Kassiani , Moka Eleni , Makris Alexandros , Stavropoulou Evmorfia
Published: May 2021

Background: Due to the growing interest in regional anesthesia (RA) techniques and the realization of the need for formalized education in them, the Greek Chapter of the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA-Hellas) has established a structured hands-on training Course held annually since 2009, which is quite popular in the community of Greek anesthesiologists. The aim of the current survey was two-fold: first to provide an overview about the current practice of RA in Greece and secondly to evaluate the effect the aforementioned training Course has on participants’ knowledge and attitude towards RA.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was uploaded on SurveyMonkey and a link giving access to the questionnaire was forwarded via email to an electronic database of 825 practicing Greek anesthesiologists held in the electronic database of ESRA Hellas. The survey was totally anonymous and no identifying information was collected throughout. It contained questions relating to the anesthesiologists’ demographic characteristics, their RA practice and information pertaining to the RA training Course.Results: A total of 424 fully completed questionnaires were received, representing an overall response rate of 51.4%. Attendants of the Course are more familiar with the performance of peripheral nerve blocks with neurostimulation and/or ultrasound guidance as compared to non-attendants (p<0.001). Attendants are also less likely to practice exclusively general anesthesia, more likely to use peripheral blocks for lower limb surgery and more likely to consider taking the European Diploma of RA in comparison to non-attendants (p<0.001, p=0.018 and p=0,002, respectively). Both cohorts consider the Course of value and agree that the main reason to use regional techniques is to ensure optimal postoperative analgesia while the main hindrance to RA practice is the lack of relevant education in the techniques, especially those under ultrasound guidance. Regarding improvement of the Course, most participants suggested devoting ampler time in ultrasound hands-on practice and application.Conclusion: Greek anesthesiologists seek educational activities in the field of RA and the Course seems to fulfil the majority of attendants’ expectations. There will be further effort by the organizers to improve weaknesses of the current Course and undertake further educational initiatives in the field of RA according to international recommendations.
Levofloxacin Might be Safe to use for OSCC Patients
Authors: Aydemir Levent , İplik Elif Sinem , Ertugrul Baris , Kasarci Göksu , Atas Merve Nur , Ulusan Murat , Ergen Hayriye Arzu , CAKMAKOGLU BEDIA
Published: May 2021

PurposeSince oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients are exhausted against the powerful chemotherapies and radiotherapies after surgeries, therefore most of the studies still look for less toxic but effective alternatives with new ideas such as antibiotic combinations.MethodsThe antiproliferative and apoptotic outcomes of levofloxacin with cisplatin combination as well as their single usage were examined with WST-1, Caspase-3/BCA and Annexin-V methods on SCC-15 cells and on a healthy cell line (MRC-5).Results24h treatment of 50 mM single levofloxacin, 50 mM single cisplatin and 50 mM levofloxacin-cisplatin combination resulted in cell viability rates of SCC-15 cells as 90%, 67% and 80.8% respectively. Caspase-3 enzyme activity was enhanced 0.92-fold for single levofloxacin, 13.05-fold for single cisplatin and 9.73-fold for the combination of levofloxacin-cisplatin, the total apoptotic activity of single levofloxacin, single cisplatin and levofloxacin-cisplatin combination were observed as 4.88%, 21.14% and 16.21% respectively on SCC-15. Also MRC-5 were showed the lower toxicity than cancer cells via apoptosis.ConclusionLevofloxacin-cisplatin combination results have also ended up apoptotic results with less toxicity for cells than single cisplatin treatment. Therefore, our apoptotic findings suggest that the different dosage combinations with levofloxacin and cisplatin are necessary to understand the interaction for the treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
First report of Taenia laticollis and a new species, “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” from the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Northwestern China
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Shanshan , Hornok Sándor , Chen Xueling , Wang Suwen , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Gu Xinli , Wang Yuan-Zhi
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized wild cat species distributed throughout Eurasia, from Europe to the Far East. There has been no report on Taenia species (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) infecting this felid in China.MethodsIn this study, 24 tapeworms were found in two Eurasian lynxes (#1 and #2) in Xinjiang, northwestern China. The tapeworms were identified based on two mitochondrial genetic markers, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S rDNA. This was followed by detailed morphologic characterization.ResultsMolecular and phylogenetic analyses of the cox1 gene revealed that i) a single tapeworm from lynx #2 shared 100% identity with Taenia laticollis genotype C detected in Eurasian lynx in Finland, and ii) the remaining 23 tapeworms, provisionally named here as “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx”, had two nucleotide substitutions but phylogenetically clustered together. The latter showed only 93.25% sequence identity to T. hydatigena from sheep (Ovis aries) in Slovakia. The scolex morphology is characteristic enough to distinguish “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” from other species of its genus.Conclusions﻿“Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” is a novel tapeworm species found in Eurasian lynx. In addition, T. laticollis was found in this wild felid for the first time in China. The intermediate hosts of T. laticollis and “Taenia sp. Eurasian lynx” should be explored in the near future.
Life Cycle Impacts of Enzyme Production: Xylanase Production Case Study via Solid-state Fermentation and Suspended Culture Methods
Authors: Çimenlik Sercan , Ozgen Gaye Ongen , Uctug Fehmi Gorkem
Published: May 2021

Xylanase enzyme has the potential to be used in bread production, as addition of small amounts of xylanase can significantly increase the volume of the bread, making it more appealing to the consumer. In this study, the environmental life cycle assessment of producing xylanase via suspended culture and solid-state fermentation methods has been realized by using CCaLC software with Ecoinvent 2 database and CML2001 method and the following impacts were calculated: carbon footprint, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical smog potential, and human toxicity potential. Raw material acquisition, production, and transportation stages were taken into account. Results show that solid-state fermentation method has much higher environmental impact than the suspended culture method, mostly because of the higher yield of the latter. Energy consumption in the bioreactor stage, followed by high amounts of water use in separation and cleaning processes emerged as the main hotspots. The results showed consistency with earlier literature for high-purity enzyme production. An analysis of the potential implications of the nation-wide use of xylanase in bread production in Turkey showed that xylanase can increase the carbon footprint of bread production by 20% on average (of the two methods).
Study On Solidification Treatment of Electrolytic Manganese Slag And Numerical Simulation of Slope Stability
Authors: Chen Meng , Wei Jianming , Jia Lipei , Yao Qiqi , Chen Yusu
Published: May 2021

Manganese slag contains a large number of easily migrated heavy metals and ammonia nitrogen and other pollutants, which have a negative impact on the ecological environment. To verify the feasibility of manganese slag as highway subgrade material, manganese slag samples were solidified by mixing fly ash, cement and quicklime, and the solidification effect was compared. The permeability coefficient, cohesion and internal friction angle of manganese slag were measured by permeability test and triaxial test. On this basis, optimization of manganese slag road sections under different slope heights and different slope ratios in a total of 50 schemes was carried out. GeoStudio software is used to perform finite element simulation on the slope stability of manganese slag slopes under dead weight and rainfall. This study provides a reference for highway construction projects using manganese slag.
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer, A Study in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Shafiee Mohammad , Parizi Maryam Kouhestani , Arabi Akram , Lashkarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Shah-abadi Mehran Ebrahimi , Zand Sanaz
Published: May 2021

PurposePancreatic cancer (PC) has the worst prognosis among cancers and is the only cancer whose annual incidence is higher than its prevalence. Considering that many PC cases are annually diagnosed in the world, and the fact that the disease has the worst prognosis among cancers, and the prevalence of its risk factors such as diabetes, high-fat diets, smoking, population aging, etc. has been on the rise, the incidence of PC is expected to increase in the future. So, our aim was to assess the demographic features of PC patients in an Iranian population.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive cross-sectional research conducted in 2018 in the teaching hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences (i.e., Afzalipour and Bahonar hospitals). The statistical population of this study was all the patients with PC, referring to these hospitals. The files of all the patients diagnosed with PC (confirmed clinically and pathologically) from the beginning of 2009 to the end of 2019 were assessed. Treatments (i.e., surgical tumor resection or other alternative treatments) were recorded into a data collection sheet. Finally, the data was entered into SPSS version 20 for performing statistical analyses. ResultsIn this study, 380 patients with PC were studied, of whom 60.5% were male, and 39.5% female. Most of the patients were in the age range of 61-70 years (26.1%), and most of them were residents of Kerman city (62.9%), followed by Jiroft (5.5%) and Bam and Iranshahr (each 4.7%). A history of alcohol consumption was noted in 9.3%, and 33.7% were exposed to cigarette smoke. The most common symptoms of the patients were jaundice (65.3%), abdominal pain (54.7%), and anorexia (50.7%). The most common tumor location was the head of the pancreas (62.4%), and the most common type of the tumors was adenocarcinoma (71%). Overall, 23.7% and 76.3% of the patients underwent chemotherapy and surgery, respectively. Of those who had surgeries, 63.8% underwent palliative surgery. Of all 380 patients, 30 (7.8%) individuals were still alive, and 350 (91.4%) had died.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that most of the PC patients were male, had an age between 61 and 70 years, and lived in Kerman and Jiroft cities. The most common tumor site was the pancreatic head, and the most common type of the tumors among both sexes was adenocarcinoma. Surgery, mostly palliative surgery, was the most frequent treatment of choice among all patients.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Admission for Stroke Patients: Time Series Study in Japan
Authors: Tani Takuaki , Shinobu Imai , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: May 2021

BackgroundHospitalization rates have reportedly reduced on account of measures such as the declaration of a COVID-19-related state of emergency. Appropriate treatment of stroke immediately after its onset contributes to improved survival, and delay in hospitalisation after onset affect stroke severity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency hospitalisation of stroke patients in Japan and the associated changes in stroke severity and mortality. MethodsThis was an observational study that used nationwide administrative data. The participants were selected from the data of hospitalised patients diagnosed with stroke. We cross-sectionally observed the background factors of patients during April and May 2020, when COVID-19-related state of emergency was declared, and the same period in 2019. We also modelled monthly trends in the numbers of emergency stroke admissions, of stroke admissions at each level of Japan Coma Scale (JCS), and of deaths within 24 h using interrupted time series regression (ITS). ResultsThere was no difference between the pre- and the COVID-19 pandemic periods in the pre-hospital baseline characteristics of patients. No significant change was seen through ITS in the number of emergency stroke admissions between the COVID-19 and the pre-COVID-19 pandemic periods (risk ratio [RR]=0.96, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.90–1.02, P=0.159). There was a significant difference in the JCS3 of impaired consciousness in emergency stroke patients, which was more severe during the COVID-19 pandemic than pre-COVID-19 pandemic (RR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.04–1.28, P=0.005). There was no change in the mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19, but there were significantly more deaths within 24 h of admission. (No deaths within 24 h: RR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.88–1.06, P=0.446; deaths within 24 h: RR=2.80, 95%CI: 2.40–3.27, P<0.001). ConclusionsOVID-19 infection prevalence increased the number of deaths and severity of illness within 24 h of hospitalisation in Japan. However, there was no association between the number of hospital admissions or deaths with baseline characteristics. These results suggest no problems in accepting hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the delay in visiting the hospital after disease onset may have increased stroke severity.
Evaluation of Molecular Targets and Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Kumari Niraj , Shukla Pooja , krishnani Narendra , Behari Anu , Kapoor Vinay K
Published: May 2021

PurposeGallbladder cancer (GBC) is most aggressive malignancy having very short survival having heterogeneous incidence, clinical and molecular profile. We evaluated molecular targets and mismatch-repair (MMR) protein expression in North-Indian patients. Method111 cases were subjected to high-resolution melt curve, followed by Sanger sequencing for KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA. Immunohistochemistry was done for four MMR proteins. ResultsSix (5.4%) cases showed KRAS mutation while no mutation was found in BRAF and PIK3CA. Deficient MMR was seen in 27.6% of GBC. All KRAS mutant cases were >50 years having higher perineural invasion (67%), lymphnode metastasis (67%) and stage-III disease (67%). MMR deficient GBC were significantly associated with well differentiated histology. KRAS mutant GBC had shorter mean survival than wild patients. MMR deficient GBC showed longer mean survival than MMR proficient cases. 10% of MMR deficient compared to 4% MMR proficient GBC showed KRAS mutation. ConclusionKRAS mutation was lower in North Indian patients despite having high GBC incidence making these patients suitable for targeted therapy. It was associated with poor prognostic factors and lower mean survival. MMR deficiency was higher and harbored predominantly well-differentiated histology with higher mean survival. Molecular targets and MMR expression in GBC may guide towards more appropriate approach in these patients.
The Added Value of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary with [18F]FDG Negative Findings
Authors: Gu Bingxin , Xu Xiaoping , Zhang Ji , Ou Xiaomin , Xia Zuguang , Guan Qing , Hu Silong , Yang Zhongyi , Song Shaoli
Published: May 2021

Purpose [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) plays an important role in location of primary tumor for patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP). But sometimes, [18F]FDG PET/CT still cannot find the primary malignancy. As 68Ga-radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT has promising results in detecting different tumor entities, our study aimed to evaluate the performance of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT for detecting the primary tumor in HNCUP patients with negative [18F]FDG findings.Methods A total of eighteen patients (16 males and 2 females; median age, 55 years; range, 24-72 years) with negative [18F]FDG findings were eligible in this study. All patients underwent [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT within one week. Biopsy and histopathological examinations were done in the sites with positive [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT findings. Results [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT detected the primary tumor in 7 of 18 patients (38.89%). The primary tumors sites were in nasopharynx (1/7), palatine tonsil (2/7), submandibular gland (2/7), and hypopharynx (2/7). The primary tumors showed mild to intensive uptake of FAPI (mean SUVmax, 8.79; range, 2.60-16.50) and excellent tumor-to-contralateral normal tissue ratio (mean SUVmax ratio, 4.50; range, 2.17-8.21). In lesion-based analysis, a total of 65 lymph nodes and 17 bone metastatic lesions were identified. The mean SUVmax of lymph node metastases were 9.05 ± 5.29 for FDG and 9.08 ± 4.69 for FAPI (p = 0.975); as for bone metastases, the mean SUVmax were 8.11 ± 3.00 for FDG and 6.96 ± 5.87 for FAPI, respectively (p = 0.478). The mean tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) values of lymph node and bone metastases were 10.65 ± 6.59 vs. 12.80 ± 8.11 (p = 0.100) and 9.08 ± 3.35 vs. 9.14 ± 8.40 (p = 0.976), respectively.Conclusion We present first evidence of diagnostic role of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in HNCUP, and our study demonstrated that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT had the potential to improve the detection rate of primary tumor in HNCUP patients with negative FDG findings. Moreover, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 had similar performance in assessing metastases with [18F]FDG.
Idiosyncratic Functions of Active Touch Strategies in Shape Perception.
Authors: Mizrachi Neomi , Nelinger Guy , Ahissar Ehud , Arieli Amos
Published: May 2021

Hand movements are essential for tactile perception of objects. However, the specific functions served by active touch strategies, and their dependence on physiological parameters, is unclear and understudied. Focusing on planar shape perception, we tracked at high resolution the hands of eleven participants during shape recognition task. Two dominant hand movements strategies were identified: Contour-following movements, either tangential to the contour or oscillating perpendicular to it, and exploration by scanning movements, crossing between distant parts of the shapes’ contour. Both strategies exhibited non-uniform coverage of the shapes’ contours. Idiosyncratic movement patterns were specific to the sensed object and could be explained in part by spatial and temporal tactile thresholds of the participant. Using simulations, we show how some strategy choices may affect receptors activation. These results suggest that motion strategies of active touch adapt to both the sensed object and to the perceiver’s physiological parameters.
Google-Reflected Information on Drugs Used for Anesthesia: Time Course of Growth in Number of Web Pages
Authors: Vlassakov Kamen V. , Kissin Igor
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the time course of growth in general Google-reflected information on drugs used for anesthesia. As a contrast to the changes in general Google-reflected information we used the changes in academic PubMed-reflected information.Methods: General Google-reflected information on anesthetics was assessed by counting the number of Google Web pages. Academic information was assessed by counting the number of articles in medico-biological journals covered by the PubMed database (The National Library of Medicine). The ratio of Google Web pages to PubMed articles (G/P Ratio) was used to indicate prevalence of Google-related information. Twenty-five agents used for anesthesia were selected from three pharmacological groups – general anesthetics, local anesthetics, and opioids -- based on the frequency of their association with anesthesia in academic medical journals. The time course of growth in general Google-reflected information was determined for seven 5-year periods, from 1983 to 2017. Results: With the growing role of the Web, the number of Google Web pages on drugs used for anesthesia increased rapidly. As a result, the relationship between general Google-reflected and academic PubMed-reflected information on anesthetics profoundly changed. Before the 1993-1997 period, the number of Google Web pages on anesthetics was only a fraction of the number of PubMed articles. By the 2013-2017period, the relationship was completely reversed: for any anesthetic, the number of Google Web pages was at least three times greater than the number of PubMed articles. However, the relationship of general Web-related information and academic information with different anesthetics was very variable. In 2013-2017, the G/P Ratio, indicating the magnitude of general information dominance, for the 25 agents varied from 3.0 (remifentanil) to 23.2 (oxycodone). The dominance of Google information was especially profound with drugs that have a wider spectrum of possible use beyond the field of anesthesia, such as oxycodone or diazepam.Conclusion: General Google-reflected information is rapidly growing and, as a result, its dominance over academic PubMed-reflected information is constantly increasing.
Metagenomics Study of Fungi and Fungi-Like Organisms Associated With the Seagrass Halophila Stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch. From Al-Leith Mangroves, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Bahkali Ali H. , El-Gorban Abdallah M , Jones Gareth
Published: May 2021

This is the first metagenomics study of the fungal community associated with leaves of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea. Five leave samples were collected from the Al-Leith mangroves along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Total DNA was extracted from 250 mg of each sample and the first 300 bp (contains D1-D2 variable regions) of the LSU rDNA amplicon was sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq (bTEFAP). A total of 928,626 reads were obtained from the five samples. The sequence reads belonged to the kingdoms: Metazoa (48.1% of the total reads), Viridiplantae (41.1%), Eukaryota (8.8%), Fungi (1.96%), Bacteria (0.09%), and Archaea (0.0001%). Fungi represented between 1.1% and 5.8% of the total reads in the five samples. A total of 18,279 reads (representing 1.96% of the total reads) were recorded from the 5 samples representing 296 molecular species (OTUs) that belong to 13 fungal phyla. At the phylum level, Basidiomycota dominated the community (37.2–51.6%) in three samples, while Neocallimastigomycota (37.5%) and Mucoromycota (42.1%) dominated the community in the fourth and the fifth sample respectively. High diversity of OTUs (28 molecular species) were recorded from the monokaryotic subkingdom with five unknown basal lineages that are not aligning with any known taxa. Total number of sequence reads of fungi-like organisms (Stramenopiles) from the five samples ranged between 0.16% of total reads in the fifth sample (AL-Hs05) to 2.9% in the first one (AL-Hs01). Majority of the fungi-like organisms reads (93.6%) belong to the phylum Oomycota, followed by Opisthokonts (Fungi/Metazoa group) representing 6.4% of fungi-like reads. Monokaryon phyla (i.e. Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota and Neocallimastigomycota) and fungi-like organisms occupied a major portion of the sequences reads followed by Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Our results support findings that the majority of fungi and fungi-like organisms’ communities are so far unknown with seven deep branching lineages remain to be cultivated.
Mosquito-vertebrate Interaction Networks in the Magdalena Medio Region of Colombia
Authors: Hoyos Juliana , Carrasquilla María Cristina , Leon Cielo , Montgomery Joel M. , Salyer Stephanie J. , Komar Nicholas , González Camila
Published: May 2021

Studies on the feeding behavior of hematophagous insects, particularly those of medical importance, are relevant for tracking possible pathogen transmission routes and identifying biases in the choice of vertebrates. We evaluated host selection of blood-feeding mosquitoes in a disturbed forest in the Magdalena Medio valley in Colombia from March 2017 to April 2018, after the introduction of Zika virus to the Americas from the 2015-2016 outbreak. We estimated vertebrate diversity and collected blood-engorged female mosquitoes. Mosquito genomic DNA/RNA was extracted for vertebrate host identification and pathogen detection. We performed conventional PCR and sequencing, using universal primers targeting vertebrate regions of the eukaryotic mitochondrial genome to determine bloodmeal host. Additionally, we tested for the presence of flaviviruses in all mosquito samples with RT-PCR. Based on the identity and quantity of detected bloodmeals, we performed mosquito-vertebrate interaction network analysis and estimated topology metrics. In total, we collected 292 engorged female mosquitoes representing 20 different species. Bloodmeal analyses identified 26 vertebrate species, the majority of which were mammals (N=16; 61.5%). No flavivirus infection was confirmed. Although feeding patterns varied, network analyses showed a high degree of specialization by mosquitoes and revealed ecological and phylogenetic relationships among the host community. We conclude that host selection or preference by mosquitoes is species specific.
Impact of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act on Brain Death Organ Tissue Donation in Korea: A Qualitative Study of Emergency Physicians’ Experiences and Perspectives
Authors: Park Song Yi , Kim Hyun , Park Kyung Hye , Park Kwi Hwa , Park Seung Min , Lee Dong Eun , Jung Yong Hun , Jeong Won Joon
Published: May 2021

Background: In Korea, a new law was enacted in January 2016 allowing life-sustaining treatment (LST) of patients in end-of-life to be stopped, popularly known as the LST Decision Act. It came into effect in February 2018. Since then, brain death organ tissue donation affiliated with emergency physicians has decreased. This study aimed to explore emergency physicians’ experiences of and perspectives toward the impact of the LST Decision Act on brain death in Korea. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis methods. Ten emergency physicians with experience in brain death, organ tissue donation, and LST were interviewed. Data analysis was performed following the six steps proposed by Braun and Clarke. Results: Data analysis revealed 14 subthemes and 5 themes: 1) The LST Decision Act is a legitimate way to stop LST, but it is not enough; 2) Many family members stop LST first, often more quickly and actively than physicians expect them to; 3) Stopping LST makes the patient more comfortable; thus, caregivers do not wish to opt for organ tissue donation, which is seen as distressing; 4) Not all patients experience brain death, and LST is stopped before brain death; and 5) Since the LST Decision Act, brain death organ tissue donation has decreased. Conclusion: Emergency physicians generally welcomed the LST Decision Act. However, family members seemed to perceive stopping LST as the means to making the patients comfortable, resulting in the loss of potential organ tissue donors. There is a need for a supplementary policy that connects stopping LST to brain death organ tissue donation.
Intraepineurial Fat Quantification and Cross-sectional Area Analysis of the Sciatic Nerve Using MRI in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A Patients
Authors: Kim Hyun Su , Lee Ji Hyun , Yoon Young Cheol , Cha Min Jae , Nam Soo Hyun , Kwon Hye Mi , Kim Seonwoo , Won Hojeong , Choi Byung-Ok
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to assess the fat fraction (FF) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the sciatic nerve in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients using Dixon-based proton density fat quantification MRI and to elucidate its potential association with clinical parameters. Thigh MRIs of 18 CMT1A patients and 18 age- and sex-matched volunteers enrolled for a previous study were reviewed. Analyses for FF and CSA of the sciatic nerve were performed at three levels (proximal to distal). CSA and FF were compared between the two groups and among the different levels within each group. The relationship between the MRI parameters and clinical data were assessed in the CMT1A patients. The CMT1A patients showed significantly higher FF at level 3 (p = 0.0217) and significantly larger CSA at all three levels compared with the control participants (p < 0.0001). Comparisons among levels showed significantly higher FF for levels 2 and 3 than for level 1 and significantly larger CSA for level 2 compared with level 1 in CMT1A patients. CSA at level 3 correlated positively with the CMT Neuropathy Score version 2 (CMTNSv2). In conclusion, the sciatic nerve FF of CMT1A patients was significantly higher on level 3 compared with both the controls and the measurements taken on more proximal levels, suggesting the possibility of increased intraepineurial fat within the sciatic nerves of CMT1A patients, with a possible distal tendency. Sciatic nerve CSA at level 3 correlated significantly and positively with CMTNSv2, suggesting its potential value as an imaging marker for clinical severity.
Discriminating uninfected surgical bed cysts from bacterial brain abscesses after Carmustine wafer implantation in newly diagnosed IDH-wildtype glioblastomas
Authors: Roux Alexandre , Ammar Hichem , Moiraghi Alessandro , Peeters Sophie , Baroud Marwan , Zah-Bi Gilles , Benzakoun Joseph , Parraga Eduardo , Oppenheim Catherine , Benevello Chiara , Chrétien Fabrice , Varlet Pascale , Dhermain Frédéric , Dezamis Edouard , Zanello Marc , Pallud Johan
Published: May 2021

PurposeCarmustine wafers can be implanted in the surgical bed of high-grade gliomas, which can induce surgical bed cyst formation, leading to clinically relevant mass effect.MethodsAn observational retrospective monocentric study was conducted including 122 consecutive adult patients with a newly diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma who underwent a surgical resection with Carmustine wafer implantation as first line treatment (2005–2018).FindingsTwenty-two patients (18.0%) developed a postoperative contrast-enhancing cyst within the surgical bed: 16 uninfected cysts and six bacterial abscesses. All patients with an uninfected surgical bed cyst were managed conservatively, all resolved on imaging follow-up, and no patient stopped the radiochemotherapy. Independent risk factors of formation of a postoperative uninfected surgical bed cyst were age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.019), number of Carmustine wafers implanted ≥ 8 (p = 0.040), and partial resection (p = 0.025). Compared to uninfected surgical bed cysts, the occurrence of a postoperative bacterial abscess requiring surgical management was associated more frequently with a shorter time to diagnosis from surgery (p = 0.009), new neurological deficit (p < 0.001), fever (p < 0.001), residual air in the cyst (p = 0.018), a cyst diameter greater than that of the initial tumor (p = 0.027), and increased mass effect and brain edema compared to early postoperative MRI (p = 0.024). Contrast enhancement (p = 0.473) and diffusion signal abnormalities (p = 0.471) did not differ between postoperative bacterial abscesses and uninfected surgical bed cysts.ConclusionsClinical and imaging findings help discriminate between uninfected surgical bed cysts and bacterial abscesses following Carmustine wafer implantation. Surgical bed cysts can be managed conservatively. Individual risk factors will help tailor their steroid therapy and imaging follow-up.
Telemedicine application in patient with Diabetes, Hypertension and Rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Yue , Zhao Yan , Zhao Chongbo , Lu Jiahong , Jiang Hong , Cao Yanpei , Xu Yafang
Published: May 2021

Background: Under the global epidemic condition，the telemedicine was widely used in the world, especially in the period of long-term care and treatment. The aim of study is to verify the effectiveness of telemedicine in the management of chronic disease by using scientific methods such as hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis by using Meta-analysis and systematic review methods. The purpose of this study was to systematic review of the effect of telemedicine in chronic disease, so as to provide inspiration for chronic disease management in the future.Methods: Article searching were performed using Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and other library or database to retrieve articles which published from database and library establishment to October 31st, 2020. Literature quality assessment, systematic review and Meta-analysis were then performed.Results: 12 articles were included in the literature quality assessment (7 diabetes,3 hypertensions,2 rheumatoid arthritis), the article included in this study is of high quality. There are 7 articles included in the Meta-analysis, the result shows there have effect in glycosylated hemoglobin after 12 months of intervention (95%CI=-1.53, -0.16; Z=2.42; P=0.02), compare with 6 months (95%CI=-1.32, -0.01; Z=1.99; P=0.05). It also showed that there was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose after 6 months of intervention (95%CI=-1.19,0.21; Z=1.37; P=0.17). Both systolic blood pressure (95%CI=-12.79, -3.69; Z=3.55; P= 0.0004) and diastolic blood pressure (95%CI=-9.90, -0.43; Z=2.14; P= 0.03) showed statistically significant. Moreover, we also found positive influence of telemedicine about good behaviors and rehabilitation for rheumatoid arthritis patients.Conclusion: The results showed that telemedicine had a positive effect on the management of diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, especially on the management of glycosylated hemoglobin and blood pressure. Telemedicine technologies have great promotion to access the medical services and improve the quality of care, especially for people with chronic diseases.
Prognostic Impact of Tumor Budding on Moroccan Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: agy Fatima El , bardai Sanae El , Bouguenouch Laila , Lahmidani Nada , abkari Mohammed El , Benjelloun El bachir , ousadden Abdelmalek , Mazaz Khalid , Taughrai Imane , Ibrahimi Sidi adil , Benbrahim Zineb , Chbani Laila
Published: May 2021

Background: Tumor budding is now emerging as one of the robust and promising histological factors that play an important role in colon cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between tumor budding and tumor clinicopathological factors, tumor molecular signature, and patient survival for the first time in the Moroccan population. Methods: We collected data of 100 patients with operated colon adenocarcinoma. Tumor budding was assessed on HES slides, according to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference 2016 recommendations. The expression of MMR proteins was performed by Immunohistochemistry. KRAS and NRAS mutations testing was performed by Sanger sequencing and pyrosequençing. Results: High tumor budding grade (BUD 3) was found to be significantly associated with adverse clinicopathological features including older age (P=0.03), presence of perineural invasion (P=0.02), presence of vascular invasion (P=0.05), distant metastases (P˂0.001), advanced TNM stage (P=0.001), the occurrence of relapse (P=0.04), and the high number of deceased cases (P=0.02). Interestingly, we found that tumors with high budding were more likely to be microsatellite stable (MSS) (P=0.005) and harbor more KRAS mutations (P=0.02). In all stages, High tumor budding was correlated with poorer overall survival (P=0.04) and decreased relapse-free survival with a difference close to significance ((P=0.09). we concluded that high tumor budding was strongly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and special molecular biomarkers and effectively affects the overall survival of CC patients. Conclusions: Based on these findings and the ITBCC group recommendations, tumor budding should be taken into account along with other clinicopathologic factors in the risk assessment of colorectal cancer.
Multiplex Detection of Rotavirus A, B, C, Norovirus GI and GII, Adenovirus, Astrovirus and Sapovirus in a Single PCR System in Stool Samples From Children With Acute Diarrhea
Authors: Li Wei , Li Wei-wei , Li Lin , He Lin , Xiang Wen-qing , Chen Jie , Mao Jian-hua
Published: May 2021

We developed a RT-PCR combined with melting curve analysis (RRCMC) method for simultaneous detection of rotavirus A, B, C, norovirus GI and GII, adenovirus, astrovirus and sapovirus. Stool samples were collected from 160 children with acute diarrhea and tested by RRCMC assay. A total of 71 patients were tested positive with norovirus, adenovirus or rotavirus. The RRCMC assay has high specificity. There is no internal cross-reaction through the 8 diarrhea viruses and no cross-reaction of other commonly intestinal pathogens and human genome. The detection limit was ranging from 1×102 to 1×105 copies/ml for each diarrhea virus. In conclusion, the RRCMC method is a suitable rapid clinical test for infectious viruses, with the advantages of high-throughput, low cost, high sensitivity and specificity.
Trajectory of Bearing Movement During Oxford Mobile-bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Using Kinematic Alignment Technique: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Lu Feifan , Wang Weiguo , Cheng Liming , Guo Wanshou , Zhang Qidong
Published: May 2021

Background: This study was performed to clarify whether the kinematic alignment technique can improve the trajectory of the bearing movement during Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Oxford MB UKA) compared with the traditional technique using a Microplasty instrument.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent UKA from January to June 2019. The kinematic alignment technique group (study group) comprised 23 patients (30 knees), and the Microplasty group (control group) comprised 25 patients (30 knees). The clinical outcomes, radiographic assessments, and intraoperative bearing movement trajectory and distance were compared between the two groups.Results: There were no differences in the baseline characteristics or clinical outcomes between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were also no differences in the postoperative femoral and tibial prosthesis varus and valgus angles, femoral prosthesis flexion and extension angles, tibial slope, or prosthesis convergence angle (P > 0.05). The contiguity between the femoral and tibial prosthesis in the study group was 4.8 ± 1.6 mm, while that in the control group was 6.3 ± 1.8 mm (P < 0.05). The difference in the bearing movement trajectory was significant, with an ideal trajectory in 23/30 cases in the study group and 14/30 cases in the control group (P < 0.05). The bearing movement distance showed no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The prosthesis installation accuracy of the kinematic alignment technique in Oxford MB UKA was similar to that of conventional Microplasty instrumentation. However, the contiguity between the femoral and tibial prosthesis was smaller, and the bearing movement trajectory was more optimal.
Genetic Characterization of Plasmid-mediated qepA Gene Among ESBL-producing Escherichia Coli Isolates in Mexico
Authors: Barrios-Camacho Humberto , Duran-Bedolla Josefina , Silva-Sanchez Jesus , Lozano-Aguirre Luis , Reyna-Flores Fernando , Sanchez-Perez Alejandro , Graza-Ramos Ulises
Published: May 2021

A molecular characterization of a plasmid-born qepA gene in (ESBL)-producing E. coli clinical isolates were performed. An 2.63% (11/418) were qepA positive isolates, of which a 90.0% carried CTX-M-15 (9/11) and SHV-12 (1/11). All isolates showed chromosomal mutations in the gyrA and parC genes. The clonal groups A, B and C were identified and belonged to, respectively, phylogroups A, B1 and D, as well as the sequence types 205, 405 and 617. Several plasmid profiles were determined with incompatibility groups FIA, FIB and FII. The genetic environment of the qepA in plasmid pEC8020 was different from those reported previously. The plasmid sequence included genes conferring resistance to β-lactams (blaCTX-M-15), macrolides (mphA), fluoroquinolones (qepA1), trimethoprim (dfrB4) and sulphonamides (sul1). Likewise, the IncF-pEC8020 plasmid carried several insertion sequences including ISCR3, IS6100 and multiple copies of IS26. This work contributes to the epidemiology and genetics of plasmid-born qepA genes of ESBL-producing E. coli.
Enhanced electrochemical water splitting activity in annealed TiO2 nanoparticles of photoanode
Authors: Nguyen Tien Thanh , Dao Khac An , Luong Xuan Dien , Ung Thi Dieu Thuy
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present the electrochemical water splitting characteristics of TiO2/FTO electrodes via spin-coating method. By using thermal annealing approach, the TiO2 nanoparticle (P25) was modified with a more active photocatalyst. The annealed TiO2 nanoparticle-based photoanode in vacuum shows photocurrent density of 0.27 mA/cm2 and photoconversion efficiency of (η = 0.22%) at potential of 0.4 V (vs. RHE), which are higher than those of annealed TiO2 nanoparticle-based electrode in air. The improved photoelectrochemical property is attributed to high oxygen vacancy density with more active sides, while TiO2 nanoparticle was annealed in vacuum (∼10−1 torr) with oxide concentration conditions. From this finding, we propose that a thermal annealing process might serve as an approach for fabricating the photoanodes of TiO2-based materials consisting of much active photocatalyst
Ppia is the most stable housekeeping gene for qRT-PCR normalization in kidney tissues of Pkd1 deficient mouse models
Authors: Muñoz Juan J , Anauate Ana C , Amaral Andressa G , Ferreira Frederico M , Watanabe Elieser H , Meca Renata , Ormanji Milene S , Boim Mirian A , Onuchic Luiz F , Heilberg Ita Pfeferman
Published: May 2021

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder, characterized by renal cyst development leading to end-stage renal disease. Although the appropriate choice of suitable reference is critical for quantitative RNA analysis, no comparison of frequently used “housekeeping” genes is available. Here, we determined the validity of 7 candidate housekeeping genes (Actb, Actg1, B2m, Gapdh, Hprt, Pgam1 and Ppia) in kidney tissues from mouse models orthologous to ADPKD, including a cystic mice (CY) 10–12 weeks old (Pkd1flox/flox:Nestincre/Pkd1flox/-:Nestincre, n = 10) and non-cystic (NC) controls (Pkd1flox/flox/Pkd1flox/-, n = 10), Pkd1-haploinsufficient (HT) mice (Pkd1+/-, n = 6) and wild-type (WT) controls (Pkd1+/+, n = 6) and a severely cystic (SC) mice 15 days old (Pkd1V/V, n = 7) and their controls (CO, n = 5). Gene expression data were analyzed using six distinct statistical softwares. The estimation of the ideal number of genes suggested the use of Ppia alone as sufficient, although not ideal, to analyze groups altogether. Actb, Hprt and Ppia expression profiles were correlated in all samples. Ppia was identified as the most stable housekeeping gene, while Gapdh was the least stable for all kidney samples. Stat3 expression level was consistent with upregulation in SC compared to CO when normalized by Ppia expression. In conclusion, present findings identified Ppia as the best housekeeping gene for CY + NC and SC + CO groups, while Hprt was the best for the HT + WT group.
Genetic factors inherited from both diploid parents interact to affect genome stability and fertility in resynthesized allotetraploid B. napus
Authors: Katche Elizabeth Ihien , Schierholt Antje , Schiessl Sarah V. , Lv Zhenling , Batley Jacqueline , Becker Heiko C. , Mason Annaliese S
Published: May 2021

The genetic diversity in Brassica napus (canola, rapeseed) is limited because of few hybridization events and selection for important oil quality traits. One possible means of overcoming this challenge is through resynthesizing B. napus hybrids by crossing the diploid parents in order to broaden its gene pool. However, resynthesized B. napus lines are often unstable and infertile, unlike B. napus cultivars. Meiotic stability in established B. napus may have arisen through allele inheritance from the progenitor species. We tested this hypothesis by characterizing 41 resynthesized B. napus lines produced by crosses between eight B. rapa and eight B. oleracea lines for copy number variation resulting from non-homologous recombination events, allele inheritance, and fertility. We resequenced eight B. rapa and five B. oleracea parent accessions, and analyzed the allelic variation in a list of meiosis gene homologs. SNP genotyping was performed using the Illumina Infinium Brassica 60K array for three individuals per line. Self-pollinated seed-set and genome stability (number of copy number variants) were significantly affected by the interaction between both B. rapa and B. oleracea parental genotypes. We identified two putative meiosis gene candidates ( HEI10 and MCM8 ) which were significantly associated with meiosis and/or fertility as well as genome stability. Our results support the hypothesis that allelic variants inherited from parental genotypes affect genome stability and fertility in resynthesized rapeseed.