bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of two different feeding strategies in the dry period on dry matter intake and plasma protein peroxidative and antioxidative profile during dry period and early lactation
Authors: Gundelach Yasmin , Streuff Beate , Franczyk Monika , Kankofer Marta , Hoedemaker Martina
Published: May 2020

Background

Dairy cows undergo dramatic changes in endocrine and metabolic status around parturition and in early lactation. Meeting the nutritional requirements of transition dairy cows is important for animal health, production and animal wellbeing. Dry cow feeding and managing play an essential role in this. The changes in metabolism of periparturient cows also lead to a rise in the production of oxidising agents, leading to oxidative stress. The relationship between dry cow diet composition and oxidative stress has received little research attention so far. In the present study, the influence of two different dry cow feedings (single diet with medium energy content over the whole dry period versus traditional two-phase diet with a low-energy “far-off” ration and a high energy “close-up” ration) on dry matter intake, energy intake and plasma protein peroxidative and antioxidative profile was investigated.

Results

The examined parameters revealed a dynamic profile within the experimental period. Dry matter intake (DMI) did not differ between groups. However, there was a time and a group x time interaction effect: Group 1 (“one-phase”) had a very constant DMI with a slow and even decrease until calving. In Group 2 (“two-phase”), an initial increase in DMI two weeks antepartum (a.p.) was followed by a sharp drop at week 1 a.p.. The highest total antioxidant capacity and sulfhydryl residue concentration was noted at partus. In contrast, concentration of formylokinurenine and bityrosine bridges as representatives of protein peroxidation were lowest at parturition. The time course of formylokinurenine and bityrosine bridges showed parallels to the DMI. The contents of sulfhydryl groups, formylokinurenine and total antixoxidant capacity did not differ between groups. In contrast, concentration of bityrosine bridges was always higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1 and these differences were statistically significant at week 3 a.p., week 2 a.p., week 1 a.p. and at parturition.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest time-related changes of pro- and antioxidative plasma parameters. Different dry cow feeding affected antepartal DMI. Furthermore, DMI and diet compositions seemed to have an influence on plasma protein peroxidative profile and activity of antioxidative defence.
Molecular diagnosis in recessive pediatric neurogenetic disease can help reduce disease recurrence in families
Authors: Issa Mahmoud Y. , Chechlacz Zinayida , Stanley Valentina , George Renee D. , McEvoy-Venneri Jennifer , Belandres Denice , Elbendary Hasnaa M. , Gaber Khaled R. , Nabil Ahmed , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S. , Zaki Maha S. , Gleeson Joseph G.
Published: May 2020

Background

The causes for thousands of individually rare recessive diseases have been discovered since the adoption of next generation sequencing (NGS). Following the molecular diagnosis in older children in a family, parents could use this information to opt for fetal genotyping in subsequent pregnancies, which could inform decisions about elective termination of pregnancy. The use of NGS diagnostic sequencing in families has not been demonstrated to yield benefit in subsequent pregnancies to reduce recurrence. Here we evaluated whether genetic diagnosis in older children in families supports reduction in recurrence of recessive neurogenetic disease.

Methods

Retrospective study involving families with a child with a recessive pediatric brain disease (rPBD) that underwent NGS-based molecular diagnosis. Prenatal molecular testing was offered to couples in which a molecular diagnosis was made, to help couples seeking to prevent recurrence. With this information, families made decisions about elective termination. Pregnancies that were carried to term were assessed for the health of child and mother, and compared with historic recurrence risk of recessive disease.

Results

Between 2010 and 2016, 1172 families presented with a child a likely rPBD, 526 families received a molecular diagnosis, 91 families returned to the clinic with 101 subsequent pregnancies, and 84 opted for fetal genotyping. Sixty tested negative for recurrence for the biallelic mutation in the fetus, and all, except for one spontaneous abortion, carried to term, and were unaffected at follow-up. Of 24 that genotyped positive for the biallelic mutation, 16 were electively terminated, and 8 were carried to term and showed features of disease similar to that of the older affected sibling(s). Among the 101 pregnancies, disease recurrence in living offspring deviated from the expected 25% to the observed 12% ([95% CI 0·04 to 0·20], p = 0·011).

Conclusions

Molecular diagnosis in an older child, coupled with prenatal fetal genotyping in subsequent pregnancies and genetic counselling, allows families to make informed decisions to reduce recessive neurogenetic disease recurrence.
Role of rhinomanometry in the prediction of therapeutic positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Hsu Yen-Bin , Liu Stanley Yung-Chuan , Lan Ming-Ying , Huang Yun-Chen , Tzeng I-Shiang , Lan Ming-Chin
Published: May 2020

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between nasal resistance in different posture and optimal positive airway pressure (PAP) level. Other potential factors were also assessed for possible influence on PAP pressure.

Methods

Forty- three patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were prospectively recruited in this study. Nasal resistance was assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry in a seated position and then in a supine position at pressures of 75, 150, and 300 pascal. The factors correlating with PAP pressure were analyzed, including nasal resistance and patients’ clinical data.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that PAP pressure was correlated to nasal resistance in the supine position at 75 and 150 pascal (SupineNR75 and SupineNR150) (P = 0.019 and P = 0.004 in Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis), but not correlated to nasal resistance in the seated position at different pressures or in the supine position at 300 pascal. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both SupineNR150 and body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted PAP pressure (β = 0.308, p = 0.044; β = 0.727, p = 0.006). The final PAP pressure predictive model was:

PAP pressure = 0.29 BMI + 2.65 SupineNR150 + 2.11.

Conclusions

Nasal resistance in the supine position measured at 150 pascal may provide valuable information regarding optimal PAP pressure. Rhinomanometry should be included in the treatment algorithm of OSA patients when PAP therapy is considered.
MicroRNA-421-3p-abundant small extracellular vesicles derived from M2 bone marrow-derived macrophages attenuate apoptosis and promote motor function recovery via inhibition of mTOR in spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Rong Yuluo , Ji Chengyue , Lv Chengtang , Jiang Dongdong , Ge Xuhui , Gong Fangyi , Tang Pengyu , Cai Weihua , Liu Wei , Fan Jin
Published: May 2020

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a very disabling central nervous system impact but currently lacks effective treatment. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) are recruited to the injured area after SCI and participate in the regulation of functional recovery with microglia. Previous studies have shown that M2 microglia-derived small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) have neuroprotective effects, but the effects of M2 BMDM-derived sEVs (M2 BMDM-sEVs) have not been reported in SCI treatment.

Results

In this study, we investigated the role of M2 BMDM-sEVs in vivo and in vitro for SCI treatment and its mechanism. Our results indicated that M2 BMDM-sEVs promoted functional recovery after SCI and reduced neuronal apoptosis in mice. In addition, M2 BMDM-sEVs targeted mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to enhance the autophagy level of neurons and reduce apoptosis. MicroRNA-421-3P (miR-421-3p) can bind to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of mTOR. MiR-421-3p mimics significantly reduced the activity of luciferase-mTOR 3′UTR constructs and increased autophagy. At the same time, tail vein injection of inhibitors of SEVs (Inh-sEVs), which were prepared by treatment with an miR-421-3p inhibitor, showed diminished protective autophagy of neuronal cells in vivo.

Conclusions

In conclusion, M2 BMDM-sEVs inhibited the mTOR autophagy pathway by transmitting miR-421-3p, which reduced neuronal apoptosis and promoted functional recovery after SCI, suggesting that M2 BMDM-sEVs may be a potential therapy for SCI.
Effects of active localization and vascular preservation of inferior parathyroid glands in central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hou Dawei , Xu Haie , Yuan Bing , Liu Jianhui , Lu Yibing , Liu Ming , Qian Zhuyin
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of present study is to assess the effects of active localization and vascular preservation of inferior parathyroid glands in central neck dissection (CND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A classification of IPGs according to their location and vascular features was developed, and, based on this classification, a CND procedure was designed, and IPGs and their vascular were actively localized and strategically preserved. A total of 197 patients with PTC who underwent a total thyroidectomy and concomitant CND were enrolled. Eighty-nine patients with traditional meticulous fascia dissection were allocated to group A, and 108 patients with active location and vascular preservation of IPGs were allocated to group B. Those with inferior parathyroid glands auto-transplantation in each group were assigned as group At (18) and group Bt (12). Variables including serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium, the incidence of transient, and permanent hypoparathyroidism were studied.

Results

Compared with group A, serum intact PTH (P < 0.001) and total calcium levels (P < 0.05) in group B significantly improved on the first postoperative day, and the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism significantly dropped in group B (P < 0.001). A total of 170 patients in the two groups had complete follow-up data. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism significantly decreased in group B, from 8.8% to 1.0% (P = 0.017). However, there were no significant differences in all variables between group Bt and group At.

Conclusion

Active location and vascular preservation of inferior parathyroid glands effectively protected the function of IPGs in CND for PTC.
The relationship between H19 and parameters of ovarian reserve
Authors: Xia Xi , Burn Martina S. , Chen Yong , Karakaya Cengiz , Kallen Amanda
Published: May 2020

Context

The H19 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) belongs to a highly conserved, imprinted gene cluster involved in embryonic development and growth control. We previously described a novel mechanism whereby the Anti-mullerian hormone (Amh)appears to be regulated byH19.However, the relationship between circulatingH19and markers of ovarian reserve including AMH not been investigated.

Objective

To determine whetherH19expression is altered in women with decreased ovarian reserve.

Design

Experimental study.

Setting

Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, USA) and Gazi University School of Medicine (Ankara, Turkey).

Patients or other participants

A total of 141 women undergoing infertility evaluation and treatment.

Intervention

Collection of discarded blood samples and cumulus cells at the time of baseline infertility evaluation and transvaginal oocyte retrieval, respectively.

Main outcome measure

Serum and cumulus cellH19expression.

Results

Women with diminished ovarian reserve (as determined by AMH) had significantly lower serum H19 expression levels as compared to controls (p < 0.01). Serum H19 was moderately positively correlated with serum AMH. H19 expression was increased 3.7-fold in cumulus cells of IVF patients who demonstrated a high response to gonadotropins, compared to low responders (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, we show that downregulation ofH19in serum and cumulus cells is closely associated with decreased ovarian reserve, as measured by decreased AMH levels and reduced oocyte yield at oocyte retrieval. Further study with expanded sample sizes is necessary to determine whetherH19may be of use as a novel biomarker for diminished ovarian reserve.
Association between time-weighted activity space-based exposures to fast food outlets and fast food consumption among young adults in urban Canada
Authors: Liu Bochu , Widener Michael , Burgoine Thomas , Hammond David
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite increased attention on retail food environments and fast food consumption, results from previous studies have been inconsistent. Variation in measurement of exposure to retail food environments and the context of the built environment are possible reasons for inconsistencies. The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between exposure to fast food environment and fast food consumption among young adults, and to explore possible associations between built environment and fast food consumption.

Methods

We employed an observational, cross-sectional study design. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2017. In a sample of 591 young adults aged 16–30 years in five Canadian cities, we constructed and computed individual-level time-weighted number and ratio of fast food outlets in activity spaces derived from GPS trajectory data. Negative binomial regression models estimated the associations between exposure measures and frequency of fast food consumption (number of times consuming fast food meals in a seven-day period), controlling for built environment characterization and individual-level characteristics.

Results

Significant positive associations were found between time-weighted number of fast food outlets and count of fast food meals consumed per week in models using a radius of 500 m (IRR = 1.078, 95% CI: 0.999, 1.163), 1 km (IRR = 1.135, 95% CI: 1.024, 1.259), or 1.5 km (IRR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.004, 1.289) around GPS tracks, when generating activity spaces. However, time-weighted ratio of fast food outlets was only significantly associated with count of fast food meals consumed when a radius of 500 m is used (IRR = 1.478, 95% CI: 1.032, 2.123). The time-weighted Active Living Environment Index with Transit measure was significantly negatively related to count of fast food meals consumed across all models.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated associations of time-weighted activity space-based exposure to fast food outlets and fast food consumption frequency in a sample of young adults in urban Canada, and provides evidence of the association between context of built environment and fast food consumption, furthering discussion on the utility of individual-level, activity space-based data and methods in food environment research. These results imply that both food retail composition and activity spaces in urban areas are important factors to consider when studying diets.
Neighbourhood fast food exposure and consumption: the mediating role of neighbourhood social norms
Authors: van Rongen Sofie , Poelman Maartje P. , Thornton Lukar , Abbott Gavin , Lu Meng , Kamphuis Carlijn B. M. , Verkooijen Kirsten , de Vet Emely
Published: May 2020

Background

The association between the residential fast food environment and diet has gained growing attention. However, why the food environment affects food consumption is under-examined. This study aimed to investigate neighbourhood social norms with respect to fast food consumption as a potential mediating pathway between residential fast food outlet exposure and residents’ fast food consumption.

Methods

A correlational study was conducted in which a nationwide sample of 1038 respondents living across The Netherlands completed a survey. Respondents reported their fast food consumption (amount/week) as well as perceived descriptive and injunctive norms regarding fast food consumption in their neighbourhood. Fast food outlet exposure was measured by the average count of fast food outlets within a 400 m walking distance buffer around the zip-codes of the respondents, using a retail outlet database. Regression models were used to assess associations between residential fast food outlet exposure, fast food consumption, and social norm perceptions, and a bootstrapping procedure was used to test the indirect -mediation- effect. Separate analyses were performed for descriptive norms and injunctive norms.

Results

There was no overall or direct association between residential fast food outlet exposure and residents’ fast food consumption. However, fast food outlet exposure was positively associated with neighbourhood social norms (descriptive and injunctive) regarding fast food consumption, which in turn were positively associated with the odds of consuming fast food. Moreover, results of the bootstrapped analysis provided evidence of indirect effects of fast food outlet exposure on fast food consumption, via descriptive norms and injunctive norms.

Conclusions

In neighbourhoods with more fast food outlets, residents were more likely to perceive fast food consumption in the neighbourhood as more common and appropriate. In turn, stronger neighbourhood social norms were associated with higher fast food consumption. Acknowledging the correlational design, this study is the first that implies that neighbourhood social norms may be a mediating pathway in the relation between the residential fast food environment and fast food consumption. Future research may examine the role of neighbourhood social norms in other contexts and explore how the changing food environment may shift our consumption norms.
Modelling the effect of a dengue vaccine on reducing the evolution of resistance against antibiotic due to misuse in dengue cases
Authors: Kurauchi Ana , Struchiner Claudio Jose , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Massad Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Background

This paper intends to check whether and how a hypothetical dengue vaccine could contribute to issue of evolution of bacteria resistance against antibiotics by reducing the number of patients that would inappropriately being treated with antibiotics.

Methods

We use a new mathematical model that combines, in a novel way, two previously published papers, one on the evolution of resistance against antibiotics and one classical Ross-Macdonald model for dengue transmission.

Results

The model is simulated numerically and reproduces a real case of evolution of resistance against antibiotics. In addition the model shows that the use of a hypothetical dengue vaccine could help to curb the evolution of resistance against an antibiotic inappropriately used in dengue patients. Both the increase in the proportion of resistant bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics in dengue cases as a function of the fraction of treated patients and the reduction of that proportion as a function of vaccination coverage occur in a highly non-linear fashion.

Conclusion

The use of a dengue vaccine is helpful in reducing the rate of evolution of antibiotic resistance in a scenario of misuse of the antibiotics in dengue patients.
Exploiting upper-limb functional principal components for human-like motion generation of anthropomorphic robots
Authors: Averta Giuseppe , Della Santina Cosimo , Valenza Gaetano , Bicchi Antonio , Bianchi Matteo
Published: May 2020

Background

Human-likeliness of robot movements is a key component to enable a safe and effective human-robot interaction, since it contributes to increase acceptance and motion predictability of robots that have to closely interact with people, e.g. for assistance and rehabilitation purposes. Several parameters have been used to quantify how much a robot behaves like a human, which encompass aspects related to both the robot appearance and motion. The latter point is fundamental to allow the operator to interpret robotic actions, and plan a meaningful reactions. While different approaches have been presented in literature, which aim at devising bio-aware control guidelines, a direct implementation of human actions for robot planning is not straightforward, still representing an open issue in robotics.

Methods

We propose to embed a synergistic representation of human movements for robot motion generation. To do this, we recorded human upper-limb motions during daily living activities. We used functional Principal Component Analysis (fPCA) to extract principal motion patterns. We then formulated the planning problem by optimizing the weights of a reduced set of these components. For free-motions, our planning method results into a closed form solution which uses only one principal component. In case of obstacles, a numerical routine is proposed, incrementally enrolling principal components until the problem is solved with a suitable precision.

Results

Results of fPCA show that more than 80% of the observed variance can be explained by only three functional components. The application of our method to different meaningful movements, with and without obstacles, show that our approach is able to generate complex motions with a very reduced number of functional components. We show that the first synergy alone accounts for the 96% of cost reduction and that three components are able to achieve a satisfactory motion reconstruction in all the considered cases.

Conclusions

In this work we moved from the analysis of human movements via fPCA characterization to the design of a novel human-like motion generation algorithm able to generate, efficiently and with a reduced set of basis elements, several complex movements in free space, both in free motion and in case of obstacle avoidance tasks.
High fat-induced inflammation in vascular endothelium can be improved by Abelmoschus esculentus and metformin via increasing the expressions of miR-146a and miR-155
Authors: Gou Luoning , Liu Geng , Ma Rong , Regmi Anita , Zeng Tianshu , Zheng Juan , Zhong Xueyu , Chen Lulu
Published: May 2020

Background

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which contributes to cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are reported to be involved in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) and metformin have been suggested to improve inflammation in vascular system. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether miRNAs are involved in high fat induced endothelial inflammation, and whether AE and metformin improve endothelial inflammation by regulating miRNAs.

Methods

We established high fat treated rats and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). AE and metformin were added to explore their effects on endothelial inflammation induced by high fat and the possible mechanism.

Results

The vascular inflammatory genes were increased in rats treated with high fat diet. The decreased miR-146a and miR-155 were involved in endothelial inflammation induced by high fat through targeting IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), respectively. While AE and metformin could ameliorate the endothelial inflammation by increasing miR-146a and miR-155.

Conclusions

These results indicate that miR-146a and miR-155 play roles in the high fat induced endothelial inflammation, which could be potential therapeutic targets. AE and metformin can attenuate endothelial inflammation through regulating miR-146a and miR-155.
Chiropractic students call for action against unsubstantiated claims
Authors: Plener Joshua , Csiernik Ben , Bejarano Geronimo , Hjertstrand Jesper , Goodall Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Background

The 2019 coronavirus pandemic is a current global health crisis. Many chiropractic institutions, associations, and researchers have stepped up at a time of need. However, a subset of the chiropractic profession has claimed that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is clinically effective in improving one’s immunity, despite the lack of supporting scientific evidence. These unsubstantiated claims contradict official public health policy reflecting poorly on the profession. The aim of this commentary is to provide our perspective on the claims regarding SMT and clinically relevant immunity enhancement, drawing attention to the damaging ramifications these claims might have on our profession’s reputation.

Main text

The World Federation of Chiropractic released a rapid review demonstrating the lack of clinically relevant evidence regarding SMT and immunity enhancement. The current claims contradicting this review carry significant potential risk to patients. Furthermore, as a result of these misleading claims, significant media attention and public critiques of the profession are being made. We believe inaction by regulatory bodies will lead to confusion among the public and other healthcare providers, unfortunately damaging the profession’s reputation. The resulting effect on the reputation of the profession is greatly concerning to us, as students.

Conclusion

It is our hope that all regulatory bodies will protect the public by taking appropriate action against chiropractors making unfounded claims contradicting public health policy. We believe it is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the chiropractic profession to ensure this is carried out and the standard of care is raised. We call on current chiropractors to ensure a viable profession exists moving forward.
Non-destructive estimation of field maize biomass using terrestrial lidar: an evaluation from plot level to individual leaf level
Authors: Jin Shichao , Su Yanjun , Song Shilin , Xu Kexin , Hu Tianyu , Yang Qiuli , Wu Fangfang , Xu Guangcai , Ma Qin , Guan Hongcan , Pang Shuxin , Li Yumei , Guo Qinghua
Published: May 2020

Background

Precision agriculture is an emerging research field that relies on monitoring and managing field variability in phenotypic traits. An important phenotypic trait is biomass, a comprehensive indicator that can reflect crop yields. However, non-destructive biomass estimation at fine levels is unknown and challenging due to the lack of accurate and high-throughput phenotypic data and algorithms.

Results

In this study, we evaluated the capability of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data in estimating field maize biomass at the plot, individual plant, leaf group, and individual organ (i.e., individual leaf or stem) levels. The terrestrial lidar data of 59 maize plots with more than 1000 maize plants were collected and used to calculate phenotypes through a deep learning-based pipeline, which were then used to predict maize biomass through simple regression (SR), stepwise multiple regression (SMR), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF). The results showed that terrestrial lidar data were useful for estimating maize biomass at all levels (at each level, R2 was greater than 0.80), and biomass estimation at leaf group level was the most precise (R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 2.22 g) among all four levels. All four regression techniques performed similarly at all levels. However, considering the transferability and interpretability of the model itself, SR is the suggested method for estimating maize biomass from terrestrial lidar-derived phenotypes. Moreover, height-related variables showed to be the most important and robust variables for predicting maize biomass from terrestrial lidar at all levels, and some two-dimensional variables (e.g., leaf area) and three-dimensional variables (e.g., volume) showed great potential as well.

Conclusion

We believe that this study is a unique effort on evaluating the capability of terrestrial lidar on estimating maize biomass at difference levels, and can provide a useful resource for the selection of the phenotypes and models required to estimate maize biomass in precision agriculture practices.
Atlas-based auto-segmentation for postoperative radiotherapy planning in endometrial and cervical cancers
Authors: Kim Nalee , Chang Jee Suk , Kim Yong Bae , Kim Jin Sung
Published: May 2020

Background

Since intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has become popular for the treatment of gynecologic cancers, the contouring process has become more critical. This study evaluated the feasibility of atlas-based auto-segmentation (ABAS) for contouring in patients with endometrial and cervical cancers.

Methods

A total of 75 sets of planning CT images from 75 patients were collected. Contours for the pelvic nodal clinical target volume (CTV), femur, and bladder were carefully generated by two skilled radiation oncologists. Of 75 patients, 60 were randomly registered in three different atlas libraries for ABAS in groups of 20, 40, or 60. ABAS was conducted in 15 patients, followed by manual correction (ABASc). The time required to generate all contours was recorded, and the accuracy of segmentation was assessed using Dice’s coefficient (DC) and the Hausdorff distance (HD) and compared to those of manually delineated contours.

Results

For ABAS-CTV, the best results were achieved with groups of 60 patients (DC, 0.79; HD, 19.7 mm) and the worst results with groups of 20 patients (DC, 0.75; p = 0.012; HD, 21.3 mm; p = 0.002). ABASc-CTV performed better than ABAS-CTV in terms of both HD and DC (ABASc [n = 60]; DC, 0.84; HD, 15.6 mm; all p < 0.017). ABAS required an average of 45.1 s, whereas ABASc required 191.1 s; both methods required less time than the manual methods (p < 0.001). Both ABAS-Femur and simultaneous ABAS-Bilateral-femurs showed satisfactory performance, regardless of the atlas library used (DC > 0.9 and HD ≤10.0 mm), with significant time reduction compared to that needed for manual delineation (p < 0.001). However, ABAS-Bladder did not prove to be feasible, with inferior results regardless of library size (DC < 0.6 and HD > 40 mm). Furthermore, ABASc-Bladder required a longer processing time than manual contouring to achieve the same accuracy.

Conclusions

ABAS could help physicians to delineate the CTV and organs-at-risk (e.g., femurs) in IMRT planning considering its consistency, efficacy, and accuracy.
Perigraft abscess after DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Xu Lingling , Lin Shan , Yang Yali
Published: May 2020

Background

Perigraft abscess is a rare condition which constitutes a small proportion of aortic graft infection (AGI). Early diagnosis is very important for timely intervention and improving the survival rate of patients because of its significant morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old young male patient with a history of complicated total arch replacement using elephant trunk technique for acute DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection 6 months before visited our hospital with the chief complaint of persistent fever. Antibiotic treatment in local hospital was ineffective. Echocardiography showed liquid dark area around the aortic graft, and a computerized tomography angiography (CTA) was done for further evaluation of periaortic fluid collection which showed findings to suggest perigraft abscess. The patient underwent surgical debridement of the abscess and was found to have an abscess around the aortic graft which was drained followed by antibiotic treatment. The patient was discharged to his local hospital and recovered well at 2 month follow-up appointment.

Conclusion

This is a very rare case of aortic abscess around the graft that could successfully be managed by graft-conserving surgery, and it emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis of perigraft abscess in patients with aortic dissection surgery.
Suitability evaluation on material specifications and edible methods of Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis based on holistic polysaccharide marker
Authors: Cao Zi-Jun , Yip Ka-Man , Jiang Yi-Guo , Ji Shi-Liang , Ruan Jian-Qing , Wang Cheng , Chen Hu-Biao
Published: May 2020

Background

Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis (DC) is a well-known tonic herbal medicine worldwide and has favorable immunomodulatory activity. Various material specifications of DC are available in herbal markets, and DC is ingested by different edible methods. However, whether these specifications and edible methods are suitable or not remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the suitability of four material specifications (fresh stem, dried stem,fengdouand powder) and three edible methods (making tea, soup and medicinal liquor) based on holistic polysaccharide marker (HPM), the major polysaccharide components in DC. First, the HPMs were extracted from the four specifications of DC by the three edible methods in different conditions. Second, qualitative and quantitative characterization of the extracted HPMs was performed using high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Third, immunomodulatory activities of the extracted HPMs were evaluated in vivo.

Results

The results showed that the HPMs were found to be quantitatively different from various specification of DC and edible methods. In vivo analysis indicated that the HPMs exerted positive effects on innate immune responses by increment in proliferation of splenocytes, secretion of IL-2 and cytotoxicity activity of NK cells. Moreover, the dosage amount of HPM should be defined as a certain range, but not the larger the better, for exerting strong immunological activities.

Conclusion

According to the both chemical and biological results,fengdouby boiling with water for 4 h is the most recommended specification and edible method for DC.
Frameshift peptides alter the properties of truncated FUS proteins in ALS-FUS
Authors: An Haiyan , Rabesahala de Meritens Camille , Buchman Vladimir L. , Shelkovnikova Tatyana A.
Published: May 2020

Mutations in the FUS gene cause a subset of ALS cases (ALS-FUS). The majority of FUS mutations are missense mutations affecting the nuclear localisation signal (NLS) of FUS. In addition, a number of frameshift mutations which result in complete NLS deletion have been described. Patients bearing frameshift mutations usually present with more aggressive disease, characterised by an early onset and rapid progression. Both missense mutations in the NLS coding sequence and complete loss of the NLS are known to result in cytoplasmic mislocalisation of FUS protein. However, in addition to the removal of FUS functional domains, frameshift mutations in most cases lead to the attachment of a “tail” of novel amino acids at the FUS C-terminus – a frameshift peptide. It is not clear whether these peptide tails would affect the properties of truncated FUS proteins. In the current study, we compared intracellular behaviour of disease-associated truncated FUS proteins with and without the corresponding frameshift peptides. We demonstrate that some of these peptides can affect subcellular distribution and/or increase aggregation capacity and stability of the truncated FUS protein. Our study suggests that frameshift peptides can alter the properties of truncated FUS variants which may modulate FUS pathogenicity and contribute to the variability of the disease course in ALS-FUS.
Radiologic discrepancies in diagnosis of fractures in a Dutch teaching emergency department: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Mattijssen-Horstink Laura , Langeraar Judith Joëlle , Mauritz Gert Jan , van der Stappen William , Baggelaar Maarten , Tan Edward Camillus Thwan Han
Published: May 2020

Background

Missed fractures in the emergency department (ED) are common and may lead to patient morbidity.

Aim

To determine the rate and nature of radiographic discrepancies between ED treating physicians, radiologists and trauma/orthopaedic surgeons and the clinical consequences of delayed diagnosis. A secondary outcome measurement is the timeframe in which most fractures were missed.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective analysis of all missed fractures in a general teaching hospital from 2012 to 2017 was performed. Data regarding missed fractures were provided by the hospital’s complication list and related database. Additional data were retrieved from the electronic medical records as required for the study.

Results

A total of 25,957 fractures were treated at our ED. Initially, 289 fractures were missed by ED treating physicians (1.1%). The most frequently missed fractures were the elbow (28.6%) and wrist (20.8%) in children, the foot (17.2%) in adults and the pelvis and hip (37.3%) in elderly patients. Patients required surgery in 9.3% of missed fractures, received immobilization by a cast or brace in 45.7%, had no treatment alterations during the first week in 38.1%. Follow-up data were lacking for 6.9% of cases. 49% of all missed fractures took place between 4 PM and 9 PM. There is a discrepancy in percentages of correctly diagnosed fractures and missed fractures between 5 PM and 3 AM.

Conclusion

Adequate training of ED treating physicians in radiographic interpretation is essential in order to increase diagnostic accuracy. A daily multidisciplinary radiology meeting is very effective in detecting missed fractures.
Hydrophobic pore space constituted in macroporous ZIF-8 for lipase immobilization greatly improving lipase catalytic performance in biodiesel preparation
Authors: Hu Yingli , Dai Lingmei , Liu Dehua , Du Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

During lipase-mediated biodiesel production, by-product glycerol adsorbing on immobilized lipase is a common trouble that hinders enzymatic catalytic activity in biodiesel production process. In this work, we built a hydrophobic pore space in macroporous ZIF-8 (named as M-ZIF-8) to accommodate lipase so that the generated glycerol would be hard to be adsorbed in such hydrophobic environment. The performance of the immobilized lipase in biodiesel production as well as its characteristics for glycerol adsorption were systematically studied. The PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method was utilized to get hydrophobic M-ZIF-8-PDMS with hydrophobic macropore space and then ANL (Aspergillus niger lipase) was immobilized on M-ZIF-8 and M-ZIF-8-PDMS by diffusion into the macropores.

Results

ANL@M-ZIF-8-PDMS presented higher enzymatic activity recovery and better biodiesel production catalytic performance compared to ANL@M-ZIF-8. Further study revealed that less glycerol adsorption was observed through the hydrophobic modification, which may attribute to the improved immobilized lipase performance during biodiesel production and ANL@M-ZIF-8-PDMS remained more than 96% activity after five cycles’ reuse. Through secondary structure and kinetic parameters’ analysis, we found that ANL@M-ZIF-8-PDMS had lower extent of protein aggregation and twice catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km) than ANL@M-ZIF-8.

Conclusions

Hydrophobic pore space constituted in macroporous ZIF-8 for lipase immobilization greatly improved lipase catalytic performance in biodiesel preparation. The hydrophobic modification time showed negligible influence on the reusability of the immobilized lipase. This work broadened the prospect of immobilization of enzyme on MOFs with some inspiration.
Genomic studies on Strongyloides stercoralis in northern and western Thailand
Authors: Aupalee Kittipat , Wijit Adulsak , Singphai Kittikhun , Rödelsperger Christian , Zhou Siyu , Saeung Atiporn , Streit Adrian
Published: May 2020

Background

Strongyloidiasis is a soil borne helminthiasis, which in most cases is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Human infections with S. fuelleborni fuelleborni and S. fuelleborni kellyi also occur. Although up to 370 million people are currently estimated to be infected with S. stercoralis, this parasite is frequently overlooked. Strongyloides stercoralis is prevalent among humans in Thailand; however, S. fuelleborni fuelleborni has also been reported. Three recent genomic studies of individual S. stercoralis worms found genetically diverse populations of S. stercoralis, with comparably low heterozygosity in Cambodia and Myanmar, and less diverse populations with high heterozygosity in Japan and southern China that presumably reproduce asexually.

Methods

We isolated individual Strongyloides spp. from different localities in northern and western Thailand and determined their nuclear small ribosomal subunit rDNA (18S rDNA, SSU), in particular the hypervariable regions I and IV (HVR-I and HVR-IV), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and for a subset whole genome sequences. These sequences were then compared with each other and with published sequences from different geographical locations.

Results

All 237 worms isolated from 16 different human hosts were S. stercoralis, no S. fuelleborni was found. All worms had the common S. stercoralis SSU HVR IV haplotype A. Two different SSU HVR I haplotypes (I and II), both previously described in S. stercoralis, were found. No animal heterozygous for the two haplotypes was identified. Among the twelve cox1 haplotypes found, five had not been previously described. Based upon the mitochondrial cox1 and the nuclear whole genome sequences, S. stercoralis in Thailand was phylogenetically intermixed with the samples from other Southeast Asian countries and did not form its own branch. The genomic heterozygosity was even slightly lower than in the samples from the neighboring countries.

Conclusions

In our sample from humans, all Strongyloides spp. were S. stercoralis. The S. stercoralis from northern and western Thailand appear to be part of a diverse, intermixing continental Southeast Asian population. No obvious indication for genetic sub-structuring of S. stercoralis within Thailand or within the Southeast Asian peninsula was detected.
Protein phosphorylation networks in spargana of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei revealed by phosphoproteomic analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Tang Hailin , Abuzeid Asmaa M. I. , Tan Lei , Wang Aibing , Wan Xueping , Zhang Haoji , Liu Yisong , Li Guoqing
Published: May 2020

Background

Sparganosis caused by Spirometra erinaceieuropaei spargana is a zoonotic parasitic infection that has been reported in many countries, including China, Japan, Thailand and Korea, as well as European countries and the USA. The biological and clinical significance of the parasite have previously been reported. Although the genomic and transcriptomic analysis of S. erinaceieuropaei provided insightful views about the development and pathogenesis of this species, little knowledge has been acquired in terms of post-translational regulation that is essential for parasite growth, development and reproduction. Here, we performed site-specific phosphoproteomic profiling, with an aim to obtain primary information about the global phosphorylation status of spargana.

Results

A total of 3228 phosphopeptides and 3461 phosphorylation sites were identified in 1758 spargana proteins. The annotated phosphoproteins were involved in a variety of biological pathways, including cellular (28%), metabolic (20%) and single-organism (17%) processes. The functional enrichment of phosphopeptides by Gene Ontology analysis indicated that most spargana phosphoproteins were related to the cytoskeleton cellular compartment, signaling molecular function, and a variety of biological processes, including a molecular function regulator, guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity, protein kinase activities, and calcium ion binding. The highly enriched pathways of phosphorylation proteins include the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, phagosome, endocytosis, inositol phosphate metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and peroxisome. Domain analysis identified an EF-hand domain and pleckstrin homology domain among the key domains.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study performed the first global phosphoproteomic analysis of S. erinaceieuropaei. The dataset reported herein provides a valuable resource for future studies on the signaling pathways of this important zoonotic parasite.
Synergies in exosomes and autophagy pathways for cellular homeostasis and metastasis of tumor cells
Authors: Salimi Leila , Akbari Ali , Jabbari Nassrollah , Mojarad Behnam , Vahhabi Ali , Szafert Sławomir , Kalashani Sadegh Asghari , Soraya Hamid , Nawaz Muhammad , Rezaie Jafar
Published: May 2020

Background

Eukaryotic cells demonstrate two tightly linked vesicular transport systems, comprising intracellular vesicle transport and extracellular vesicle transport system. Intracellular transport vesicles can translocate biomolecules between compartments inside the cell, for example, proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Whereas, the secreted vesicles so-called extracellular vesicles facilitate the transport of biomolecules, for example, nucleic acids, proteins and lipids between cells. Vesicles can be formed during the process of endocytosis or/and autophagy and not only act as mediators of intra- and inter-cellular communication but also represent pathological conditions of cells or tissues.

Methods

In this review, we searched articles in PubMed, published between 2000 and 2020, with following terms: autophagy, autophagocytosis, transport vesicles, lysosomes, endosomes, exocytosis, exosomes, alone or in different combinations. The biological functions that were selected based on relevancy to our topic include cellular homeostasis and tumorigenesis.

Results

The searched literature shows that there is a high degree of synergies between exosome biogenesis and autophagy, which encompass endocytosis and endosomes, lysosomes, exocytosis and exosomes, autophagocytosis, autophagosomes and amphisomes. These transport systems not only maintain cellular homeostasis but also operate synergically against fluctuations in the external and internal environment such as during tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, exosomal and autophagic proteins may serve as cancer diagnosis approaches.

Conclusion

Exosomal and autophagy pathways play pivotal roles in homeostasis and metastasis of tumor cells. Understanding the crosstalk between endomembrane organelles and vesicular trafficking may expand our insight into cooperative functions of exosomal and autophagy pathways during disease progression and may help to develop effective therapies against lysosomal diseases including cancers and beyond.