bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Risk of Emergency Cesarean Delivery in Nulliparous Korean Women at Term
Authors: Wie Jeong Ha , Park Ji Hyun , Park Jae Young , Park Yong Gyu , Park In Yang , Ko Hyun Sun
Published: December 2020

Background To develop a nomogram for identifying nulliparous women at high risk of unplanned cesarean delivery (CD) during labor at term pregnancyMethods This retrospective cohort study involves singleton pregnancies delivered between October 2008 and October 2017 at a tertiary center. We included nulliparous women at term conducting a trial of labor. We identified the risk factors for CD during labor based on logistic regression analysis and created a predictive nomogram. We assessed predictive performance with respect to calibration and validation using C-statics and calibration plot. Results Overall, a total of 3237 nulliparous women met our inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into a training set (n = 1618) and a validation set (n = 1619). The risk due to the five preselected parameters for emergent CD during labor was as follows: advanced maternal age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.101; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.058-1.146], higher maternal height [aOR, 0.955; 95% CI 0.928-0.983], increasing BMI [aOR, 1.147; 95% CI 1.098-1.199], fetal head circumference [aOR, 1.116; 95% CI 0.976-1.276], and fetal abdominal circumference [aOR, 1.161; 95% CI 1.055-1.276]. A nomogram was developed to indicate the individual risk of emergency CD during labor, with excellent calibration and discriminative ability, and the C-indices were 0.714 and 0.703 in the training and validation sets, respectivelyConclusions We developed a validated nomogram using five variables to identify nulliparous Asian women at high risk for CD during labor at term pregnancy. This model might be useful for counseling of individual women at risk of CD and to modify the current management protocols.
High Temperature Superfluorescence in Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide
Authors: Findik Gamze , Biliroglu Melike , Seyitliyev Dovletgeldi , Mendes Juliana , Barrette Andrew , Ardekani Hossein , Lei Lei , Dong Qi , So Franky , Gundogdu Kenan
Published: December 2020

Light-matter interactions can create and manipulate collective many-body phases in solids1-3, which are promising for the realization of emerging quantum applications. However, in most cases these collective quantum states are fragile, with a short decoherence and dephasing time, limiting their existence to precision tailored structures under delicate conditions such as cryogenic temperatures and/or high magnetic fields. In this work, we discovered that the archetypal hybrid perovskite, MAPbI3 thin films, exhibit such a collective coherent quantum many-body phase, namely superfluorescence, at 78 K and above. Pulsed laser excitation first creates a population of high energy electron-hole pairs, which quickly relax to lower energy domains and then develop a macroscopic quantum coherence through spontaneous synchronization. The excitation fluence dependence of the spectroscopic features and the population kinetics in such films unambiguously confirm all the well-known characteristics of superfluorescence. These results show that the creation and manipulation of collective coherent states in hybrid perovskites can be used as the basic building blocks for quantum applications4,5.
sGC Stimulators for Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shi Xueli , Yu Xuejing , Wang Jinhui , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: December 2020

Background Oral sGC stimulators are novel treatments for heart failure (HF). Since individual studies are limited to confirm the efficacy and safety of sGC stimulators in patients with HF, we provide a meta-analysis based on published clinical randomized controlled trials. Methods Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Medline were applied to search for randomized controlled trials (published before March 29, 2020 without language restrictions) by comparing oral sGC stimulators to placebos. Main endpoints were efficacy outcomes, including all-cause mortality, incidence of cardiovascular-events related death or hospitalization, alterations of EQ-5D index, and N-terminal (NT)-pro hormone BNP(NT-proBNP); and safety outcomes included incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs), symptomatic hypotension and syncope. Results Six trials were enrolled (N=6255 participants), sGC stimulators yielded a lower incidence of cardiovascular-events related death or hospitalization (OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.79 to 0.98), an improvement in EQ-5D scores (SMD=0.44, 95% CI=0.24 to 0.63), and a lower relative risk of SAEs (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.81 to 1.00) compared with placebos. Furthermore, NT-proBNP was decreased by riociguat (SMD=-0.79, 95% CI=-1.10 to -0.49), but not by vericiguat (SMD=0.04, 95% CI=-0.18 to 0.25). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.83 to 1.09), incidence of symptomatic hypotension (OR=1.15, 95% CI=0.95 to 1.40) and syncope (OR=1.15, 95% CI=0.87 to 1.53) between sGC stimulators and placebos. Conclusion Oral sGC stimulators may be beneficial for HF with a good tolerance, further studies are also needed to establish the optimal approach in clinical practice.
Deeper Understanding of the Mechanism Promoting Gall Formation of Zizania latifolia under Fenaminosulf Treatment
Authors: Li Fang , Zhang Juefeng , Zhong Haiying , Chen Jianming
Published: December 2020

Zizania latifolia is a popular aquatic vegetable in China because of its enlarged edible stems resulting from persistent infection by a fungal endophyte, Ustilago esculenta. Fenaminosulf (FM) is a common fungicide and microbicide. In Z. latifolia fields, appropriate spraying of FM not just controls diseases, but also promotes an earlier harvest of Z. latifolia. In this study, we show that the timing of gall formation was advanced and the plant’s yield was increased significantly under a high concentration treatment of FM. Yet FM had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of U. esculenta in vitro, while the transcript levels of some growth-related genes were all substantially downregulated. Through a transcriptome analysis, we found that FM directly affected the growth of Z. latifolia by altering the expression level of genes involved in plant-pathogen interactions, plant hormone signal transduction, and some metabolism pathways. By contrast, FM had little effect on U. esculenta growing inside of Z. latifolia. Taken together, these results provide a more in-depth understanding of the molecular processes that promote gall formation in Z. latifolia, while also identifying potential targets for genetic manipulation to improve the yield and quality of Z. latifolia, in a safer and more effective way.
Significant Fluctuation in the Global Sulfate Reservoir and Oceanic Redox State During the Late Devonian Mass Extinction
Authors: Cai Chunfang , Xu Chenlu , Fakhraee Mojtaba , Chen Daizhao , Li Kaikai , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2020

Sulfate plays an important role in the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere, and its concentration might have fluctuated greatly throughout the Earth’s history, in response to perturbations in the ocean-atmosphere system. Coupling high-resolution experimental results with an inverse modeling approach, we, here, show an unprecedented dynamic in the global sulfate reservoir during the Frasnian-Famennian (F-F) mass extinction, as one of the “Big five” Phanerozoic biotic crises. Notably, our results indicate that, in a relatively short time scale (~ 200 thousand years), seawater sulfate concentration would have dropped from several mM before the Upper Kellwasser Horizon (UKH) to a few hundreds of µM or perhaps lower at the dawn and during the UKH (more than 100 times lower than the modern level), and returned to around mM range after the event. The extremely low oceanic sulfate concentrations during the UKH would have enhanced the biological production of methane, leading to an increase in the methane efflux from the ocean and a warmer climate. Taken together, our findings indicate that the instability in the global sulfate reservoir may have played a major role in driving the Phanerozoic biological crises.
Metagenomic Analysis of Rhizosphere Microbiome Provides Insights Into Occurrence of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Field of Asian Pears
Authors: Jia Bing , Chang Xiao , Fu Yuanyuan , Heng Wei , Ye Zhenfeng , Liu Pu , Liu Li , Shoffe Yosef Al , Watkins Christopher , Zhu Liwu
Published: December 2020

Fe-deficiency chlorosis (FDC) of Asian pear plants is widespread, but little is known about the association between the bacterial biogeography in the rhizosphere soil and leaf chlorosis. The leaf mineral concentration, leaf subcellular structure, soil physiochemical properties, and bacterial species community and distribution have been analyzed. The total Fe in leaves with Fe-deficiency was positively correlated with total K, Mg, S, Cu, Zn, Mo and Cl contents, but no differences of available Fe (AFe) were detected between the rhizosphere soil of chlorotic and normal plants. Degraded ribosomes and degraded thylakloid stacks in chloroplast were observed in chlorotic leaves. Bacterial community and distribution patterns in the rhizosphere soil of chlorotic plants were distinct from those of normal plants and the relative abundance and microbiome diversity were more stable in the rhizosphere soils of normal than in chlorotic plants. Water-impermeable tables reduce the soil aeration, inhibit root growth, and cause some absorption root death from infection by Fusarium solani. The rhizosphere soils of FDC plants have distinct composition, lower relative abundance, and unstable diversity of microbiome. Higher amounts of AFe in the rhizosphere soil of chlorotic plants demonstrated it was the Fe uptake that caused FDC in this study.
Antidiabetic and anti-obesity acylated flavonol diglucoside from Ammannia baccifera L. subsp. aegyptiaca (Willd.) Koehne Waste
Authors: Swilam Noha , Nawwar Mahmoud , Radwan Rasha , Mostafa Eman
Published: December 2020

Chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Ammania aegyptiaca ethanol extract (AEEE) revealed significant high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids content with notable antioxidant activity in DPPH, ORAC, and reducing power assay. New acylated diglucoside flavonol myricetin 3-O-β-4­C1-(6"-O-galloyl glucopyranoside) 7-O-β-4C1-glucopyranoside (MGGG) was isolated from aerial parts of AEEE along with four additional known phenolics, not characterized previously from AEEE. Moreover, powerful inhibitory effects of MGGG, AEEE, and all isolates against α-amylase, pancreatic lipase and β-glucosidase, were assessed. In addition, flexible molecular docking was used to reveal the inhibition towards digestive enzymes and confirmed that the MGGG interacted strongly with the active site residues of these enzymes with the highest binding free energy against β-glucosidase (DG=-8.98 kcal/mol) compared to the commercial drug Acarbose, thus justifying its dual management of diabetes and obesity. In streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, AEEE significantly decreased high serum glucose, α-amylase activity, liver and kidney function markers and increased insulin level. Moreover, it improved lipid profile due to diabetes with increased SOD activity and inhibited of TBARS formation. Consequently, AEEE and MGGG are found useful in controlling the secondary complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Histopathological studies proved the decrease in the pancreas damage and agreed with the biochemical findings. These results provide evidence that AEEE and MGGG have potent antidiabetic activity, which warrants additional investigations.
Risk Factors Related Balance Disorder for Patients With Dizziness/Vertigo
Authors: Cao Zhentang , Zhu Cuiting , Zhou Yanan , Wang Yan , Chen Meimei , Ju Yi , Zhao Xingquan
Published: December 2020

Background: When dizziness/vertigo patients presented with balance disorder, it will bring severe morbidity. There is currently lack of research to explore risk factor related balance disorder in dizziness patients, especially in those who walk independently.Aim: To investigate risk factors related balance disorder in dizziness/vertigo patients who walk independently.Methods: Medical data of 1002 dizziness/vertigo patients registered in vertigo/balance disorder registration database were reviewed. The demographic data, medical history, and risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS) were collected. Enrolled dizziness/vertigo patients could walk independently, completed Romberg test, videonystagmography (VNG), and limits of stability (LOS). The subjective imbalance was patient complained of postural symptom when performing Romberg test (whether eyes open or close). Multivariable logistic regression analyzed risk factors related balance disorder. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluated the utility of regression model.Results: 553 dizziness/vertigo patients who walk independently were included in the final analysis. According to LOS, patients were divided into 334 (60%) normal balance and 219 (40%) balance disorder. Compared with normal balance, patients with balance disorder were older (P=0.045) and had more risk factors for AS (P＜0.0001). The regression showed that risk factors for AS (OR 1.494, 95% CI 1.198-1.863), subjective imbalance (OR 4.835, 95% CI 3.047-7.673), and abnormality of optokinetic nystagmus (OR 8.308, 95% CI 1.576-43.789) were related to balance disorder. The sensitivity and specificity of model were 71% and 63% (P＜0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.721.Conclusions: Risk factors for AS, subjective imbalance, and abnormality of optokinetic nystagmus were predictors for balance disorder in patients with dizziness/vertigo who walk independently.
Simultaneous Electrochemical Oxidation of Methylene Blue and Reduction of CO2 using CNTs/CF Electrodes
Authors: Luan Nhat Huy , Yang Yu-Ting , Chang Chiung-Fen
Published: December 2020

Simultaneous degradation of methylene blue (MB) and reduction of CO2 by electrochemical process using CNTs/CF electrodes have been performed in various supporting electrolytes and applied current conditions in this study. The CNTs/CF electrodes have been successfully synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and employed as both cathode and anode in a two-compartment electrochemical cell. The synthesized electrodes were characterized by SEM and FTIR. The electrochemical oxidation efficiency of CNTs/CF electrodes in the anodic cell was evaluated using MB as model compound under electrolytes of H2SO4 and KHCO3 and applied currents of 10, 50 and 100 mA. The electrochemical reduction activity of CNTs/CF electrodes in the cathodic cell was assessed by the conversion of CO2 into CO and oxalic acid, and the generation of H2 under electrolytes of Na2SO4 and KHCO3 and a fixed applied current of 50 mA. The degradation kinetics of MB followed the pseudo-first-order model and the degradation efficiency was significantly affected by applied current rather than the sort of electrolyte under optimum condition. The optimal applied current can promote the high enough production of oxidant but also avoid electrode damage. The synthesized electrode of CNTs/CF combined with the electrochemical systems developed in this study provide a good solution for the simultaneous electrochemical oxidation of organic pollutants and reduction of CO2 to CO to yield H2 and CO, in which reaches the dual benefits of reduction of environmental hazards and production of green energy.
Integrated Metabolic Profiling and Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Therapeutic Modalities in Breast Cancer
Authors: Liao Chengheng , Glodowski Cherise Ryan , Fan Cheng , Liu Juan , Mott Kevin Raynard , Locasale Jason , McBrayer Samuel K , DeBerardinis Ralph , Perou Charles , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2020

Metabolic dysregulation is one of the distinctive features in breast cancer. However, examining the metabolic features in various subtypes of breast cancer in their relationship to gene expression features in a physiologically relevant setting remains understudied. By performing metabolic profiling on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ER+ breast cancers from patients, TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and representative breast cancer cell lines grown as tumors in vivo, we identify two distinctive groups defined by metabolites; a “Nucleotide-Enriched” group that shows high levels of pyrimidine pathway metabolites and biosynthetic enzymes, and a “Arginine Biosynthesis-Enriched” group that shows high levels of arginine biosynthesis intermediates. We reveal different metabolic enrichment profiles between cell lines grown in vitro versus in vivo, where cell lines grown in vivo more faithfually recapitulate patient tumors metabolic profiles. In addition, with integrated metabolic and gene expression profiling we identify a subset of genes that strongly correlates with the Nucleotide-Enriched metabolic profile, and which strongly predicts patient prognosis. As a proof-of-principle, when we target Nucleotide-Enriched metabolic dysregulation with a pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitor (Brequinar), and/or a glutaminase inhibitor (CB-839), we observe therapeutic efficacy and decreased tumor growth in representative TNBC cell lines and an in vivo PDX upon combinatorial drug treatment. Our study reveals new therapeutic opportunities in breast cancer guided by a genomic biomarker, which could prove highly impactful for rapidly proliferating breast cancers specifically.
Promoted disappearance of CO2 hydrate self-preservation effect by surfactant SDS
Authors: Chen Xueping , Zhang Peng , Li Shuaijun , Chen Wenting , Wu Qingbai , Zhan Jing , Wang Yingmei
Published: December 2020

Capture, storage and utilization of CO2 gas through the hydrate technology is deemed as a promising approach to solve the problem on global warming. After efficient transportation of CO2 gas with the self-preservation effect of hydrate, the dissociations of hydrate are required in some practical scenarios. In order to investigate the initial dissociation properties of hydrates while the self-preservation effect was removed, CO2 hydrates were formed in different experimental conditions and media and then frozen. After that, the self-preservation effect of hydrates was slowly removed through a uniform heating method. The measurement results exhibit that comparing with the pure water (PW), the initial dissociation temperatures (IDT) are significantly lowered by the silica gel powder (SG) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) solution (SS). Similarly, the initial dissociation rates (IDR) of hydrates are also reduced. These patterns are opposite to the traditional elucidating mechanism of the self-preservation effect of hydrate. Hence, the theory of ice shell was supplemented furthermore. In addition, it is found that the final duration time of the entire dissociation process of hydrate after losing the preservation effect presents obvious dependence on the initial dissociation rate (IDR). These findings are expected to provide some references for the future transportation of CO2 gas with the self-preservation effect of hydrate.
Deep learning from HE slides to predict the clinical benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Cho Soo Youn , Lee Jeong Hoon , Ryu Jai Min , Lee Jeong Eon , Cho Eun Yoon , Ahn Chang Ho , Paeng Kyunghyun , Yoo Inwan , Ock Chan-Young , Song Sang Yong
Published: December 2020

Background: The predictive value of adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer has been only validated by a 21-gene expression assay. We hypothesized that deep-learning prediction from HE images, called Lunit-SCOPE, is a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker of adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods: We retrospectively collected HE slides from 1153 de-identified breast cancer patients at the Samsung Medical Center (SMC) in order to develop a deep-learning algorithm called Lunit-SCOPE. The histological parameters from 255 patients, deciphered by Lunit-SCOPE, were trained to predict the recurrence score (RS) using the 21-gene assay from Oncotype DX. We validated the model’s performance using the recurrence survival of 898 patients and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, and examined related biological functions through RNA sequence data.Results: The histologic parameter-based RS prediction model predicted the oncotype DX score (R2=0.96) and the recurrence survival analysis on the validation (p<0.01) and TCGA cohort (p<0.01), where the most important variables were the nuclear grade and the mitotic cells in the cancer epithelium. Of the 85 patients classified as the high-risk group, 72 patients who received adjuvant therapy had a significantly better survival (p<0.01). The functions of the top 300 highly correlated genes with a predicted RS were enriched for cell cycle, nuclear division and cell division. Of the 21-genes from the Oncotype DX, the predicted RS had positive correlations with the proliferation category genes and was negatively correlated with the prognostic genes in the estrogen category.Conclusion: An integrative analysis using Lunit-SCOPE predicts a high risk of recurrence and those who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage hormone-positive breast cancer.
Incidence of Household Catastrophic and Impoverishing Health Expenditures among Patients with Breast Cancer in Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Faranak , Farrokh-Eslamlou Hamidreza , Yusefzadeh Hasan , Alinia Cyrus
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast cancer disease is the most common cancer among Iranian women. Management of this disease requires expensive services and care, imposing a significant financial burden on the households. This study calculated out-of-pocket (OOP), catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and impoverishing health spending attributed to breast cancer in Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional household study, clinical and financial information on breast cancer and also household information (expenditures and income) were obtained through face-to-face interviews and completing a questionnaire by 138 women with this disease in 2019. To defining the CHE, we applied three non-food expenditure thresholds of 40%, 20%, and 10%. Disease costs included periodical visits, diagnostic services, hospitalization care, treatment and rehabilitation services, home, and informal care. Households were disaggregated into socioeconomic status quintiles based on their monthly consumption expenditures, where SES classifications were standardized by Adult Equivalent values of consumption expenditures. For statistical comparisons of the incidence of CHE and impoverishing spending, we applied the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA respectively for two and more than two separate subgroups. Besides identifying the factors affecting these indicators, we performed the two different multivariate logistic regression models.Results: This study finds that each patient had an average OOP payment of $US 97.87 for the requested services, leading to impoverished of 5.07% and exposed to CHE of 13.77% of their households. These indicators have been mainly concentrated among the poor, as they have spent a large part of their meager income on buying the needed services, and for this purpose, most of them have been forced to sell their assets, borrow, or take a bank loan.Conclusions: Vulnerable people should be supported by expanding insurance coverage, governmental supporting programs, and increasing access to quality and effective public sector services.
Stroke prediction in patients presenting with isolated dizziness in the emergency department
Authors: Kim June-sung , Bae Hong Jun , Kim Muyeol , Ahn Shin , Sohn Chang Hwan , Seo Dong Woo , Kim Won Young
Published: December 2020

Diagnosing stroke in patients experiencing dizziness without neurological deficits is challenging for physicians. This study tried to evaluate the prevalence of acute stroke in patients who presented with isolated dizziness without neurological deficits at the emergency department (ED), and determine the relevant stroke predictors in this population. This was an observational, retrospective record review of consecutive 2,215 adult patients presenting with dizziness at the ED between August 2019 and February 2020. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for acute stroke. 1,239 patients were enrolled and analyzed. Acute stroke was identified in 55 of 1,239 patients (4.5%); most cases (96.3%) presented as ischemic stroke with frequent involvement (29.1%) of the cerebellum. In the multivariate analysis, the history of cerebrovascular injury (odds ratio [OR] 3.08 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.24 to 7.67]) and an age of > 65 years (OR 3.01 [95% CI 1.33 to 6.83]) were the independent risk factors for predicting acute stroke. The combination of these two risks showed a higher specificity (94.26%) than that of each factor alone. High-risk patients, such as those aged over 65 years or with a history of cerebrovascular injury, may require further neuroimaging workup in the ED to rule out stroke.
Revelation of candidate genes and molecular mechanism of reproductive seasonality in carp fish (Labeo rohita Ham) by RNA sequencing
Authors: Jaiswal Sarika , Nandi Samiran , Iquebal Mir , Jasrotia Rahul , Patra Sunita , Mishra Gayatri , Udit Uday , Sahu Dinesh , Angadi U , Meher Prem , Routray Padmanav , Sundaray Jitendra , Verma Dhananjay , Das Paramananda , Jayasankar Pallipuram , Rai Anil , Kumar Dinesh
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCarp fish, rohu (Labeo rohita Ham) is important freshwater aquaculture species of South-East Asia having seasonal reproductive rhythm. There is no holistic study at transcriptome level revealing key candidate genes involved in such circannual rhythm regulated by biological clock genes (BCGs). Seasonality manifestation has two contrasting phases of reproduction, i.e., post-spawning regression and initiation of gonadal activity appropriate for discovery of associated candidate genes. It can be deciphered by RNA sequencing of tissues involved in BPGL (Brain-Pituitary-Gonad-Liver) axis controlling seasonality. How far such BCGs of this fish are evolutionarily conserved across different phyla is unknown. Such study can be of further use to enhance fish productivity as seasonality restricts seed production beyond monsoon season.ResultA total of ~150 Gb of transcriptomic data of four tissues viz., BPGL were generated using Illumina TruSeq. De-novo assembled BPGL tissues revealed 75554 differentially expressed transcripts, 115534 SSRs, 65584 SNPs, 514 pathways, 5379 transcription factors, 187 mature miRNA which regulates candidate genes represented by 1576 differentially expressed transcripts which are available in the form of web-genomic resources. Findings were validated by qPCR. This is first report in carp fish having 32 BCGs found widely conserved in fish, amphibian, reptile, birds, prototheria, marsupials and placental mammals. This is due to universal mechanism of rhythmicity in response to environment and earth rotation having adaptive and reproductive significance.ConclusionThis study elucidates evolutionary conserved mechanism of photo-periodism sensing, neuroendocrine secretion, metabolism and yolk synthesis in liver, gonadal maturation, muscular growth with sensory and auditory perception in this fish. Study reveals fish as a good model for research on biological clock besides its relevance in reproductive efficiency enhancement.
Diversity of culturable bacteria endowed with antifungal metabolites biosynthetic characteristics associated with Tea rhizosphere soil of Assam, India
Authors: Dutta Jintu , Thakur Debajit
Published: December 2020

Background
Rhizosphere soil is a crucial niche for the diverse beneficial microbial communities for plant-microbe interactions. This study explores the antagonistic potential and diversity of the rhizosphere soil bacteria from commercial tea estates of Assam, India which comes under Indo-Burma mega-biodiversity hotspot. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from six different tea estates to isolate the bacteria. The bacterial isolates were subjected to evaluate for the antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens. The potential isolates were investigated for chitinase production and presence of chitinase gene. The bacterial genetic diversity was studied by ARDRA and BOX-PCR fingerprinting.
Results
A total of 217 rhizobacteria were isolated from tea rhizosphere soil and of which 50 isolates exhibited the potential antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens. Among them, 12 isolates showed extracellular chitinase activity and the presence of chitinase genes. The sequencing and analysis of the chitinase gene using PDB protein databank at the amino acid level showed the presence of ChiA and ChiA74 gene in the isolates which involved in the hydrolysis of chitin. The analysis showed that 6 most potential isolates exhibited antagonistic activity against all tested fungal pathogens and presence of chitinase genes within their genome. The diversity of 50 antagonistic bacterial isolates were analysed through ARDRA and BOX-PCR fingerprinting. Diversity analysis and molecular identification of the rhizosphere isolates revealed that these antagonistic isolates predominantly belonged to the genus Bacillus followed by Enterobacter, Serratia, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia.
Conclusion
The present study establishes that rhizobacteria isolated from the poorly explored tea rhizosphere soil could be a rich reservoir for the investigation of potential antagonistic bacterial candidates for sustainable agricultural and industrial applications.
The utility of point-of-care urinary lipoarabinomannan testing for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study
Authors: de Vasconcellos Kim , Ramjathan Praksha , Singh Dhivendra
Published: December 2020

Background: Tuberculosis is a major global public health concern. Patients with tuberculosis who require critical care have a high mortality and delay in initiating anti-tuberculous therapy is associated with increased mortality. Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a lipopolysaccharide found in the cell wall of mycobacterium tuberculosis. Urinary LAM may be used as a bedside diagnostic test for tuberculosis.Methods: The study was a single centre, prospective observational study that compared the utility of urinary LAM with conventional tuberculosis diagnostic modalities in patients with suspected tuberculosis who required intensive care admission. Urinary LAM testing was performed using the Alere Determine TB LAM Ag lateral flow assay test strips. A patient was classified as having confirmed tuberculosis if they met the following criteria: a clinical presentation compatible with tuberculosis, with a positive TB culture, or 1 positive GeneXpert, or a histological diagnosis of tuberculosis.Results: Fifty patients were included in the study, with 12 having confirmed tuberculosis. Urinary LAM had a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 84.2% for confirmed tuberculosis. This compared with a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 100% for GeneXpert. There was no association between HIV status and CD4 count and urinary LAM results.Conclusion: Urinary LAM allows for rapid bedside diagnosis of tuberculosis in critically ill patients. A positive urinary LAM should prompt consideration to initiate antituberculous treatment while the results of further diagnostic testing are awaited.
Morphine Addiction and Its Withdrawal Effects on Prefrontal Cortex Using Concurrent Study of LFP and OISi
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Leila , Alizadeh Amir , Feiz Mohammad , Jamali Shole , Abedi Mohaddeseh , Haghparast Abbas , Latifi Hamid
Published: December 2020

Opiates are among the widely abused substances worldwide. Also, the clinical use of opioids can cause unwanted and potentially serious consequences such as developing tolerance and dependence. In this study, we simultaneously measured the changes induced after morphine dependence and naloxone-induced withdrawal syndrome on the resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) and local field potential (LFP) power in prefrontal cortex of the rat. Our results revealed that acute morphine administration significantly increased the LFP power in all frequency bands as well as the rsFC strength of the prefrontal cortex, and naloxone injection reversed this effect. In contrast, chronic morphine administration reduced neural activity and general correlation values in intrinsic signals as well as the LFP power in all frequency bands. In addicted rats, after each morphine administration, the LFP power in all frequency bands as well as the rsFC strength of the prefrontal cortex were increased and these effects were further enhanced after naloxone precipitated withdrawal syndrome. We conclude that general correlation merely reflects the field activity of the local cortices imaged.
Different cholinergic cell groups in the basal forebrain regulate social interaction and social recognition memory
Authors: Okada Kana , Nishizawa Kayo , Kobayashi Tomoko , Sakata Shogo , Hashimoto Kouichi , Kobayashi Kazuto
Published: December 2020

Social behaviour is a complex construct that is reported to include several components of social approach, interaction and recognition memory. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mainly characterized by progressive dementia and is accompanied by cognitive impairments, including a decline in social ability. The cholinergic system is a potential constituent for the neural mechanisms underlying social behaviour, and impaired social ability in AD may have a cholinergic basis. However, the involvement of cholinergic function in social behaviour has not yet been fully understood. Here, we performed a selective elimination of cholinergic cell groups in the basal forebrain in mice to examine the role of cholinergic function in social interaction and social recognition memory by using the three-chamber test. Elimination of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum (MS) and vertical diagonal band of Broca (vDB) caused impairment in social interaction, whereas ablating cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) impaired social recognition memory. These impairments were restored by treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, leading to cholinergic system activation. Our findings indicate distinct roles of MS/vDB and NBM cholinergic neurons in social interaction and social recognition memory, suggesting that cholinergic dysfunction may explain social ability deficits associated with AD symptoms.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury in elderly patients after coronary artery bypass grafting: A Chinese population
Authors: Hou Xuejian , Liu Taoshuai , Xu Shijun , Huang Zhuhui , Li Yang , Dong Ran
Published: December 2020

Background: Elderly patients are more likely to have adverse complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There are few studies on the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery in elderly patients, especially in the Asian population. This study retrospectively analyse the risk factors of AKI in Chinese elderly patients after CABG, and establish a risk prediction model to detect these risk factors early and take active intervention measures.Methods: A total of 432 patients were included in this study from 2018 to 2019. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The patients were divided into AKI group and non AKI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the factors with P < 0.05. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was made for the predictive risk model. At the same time, the incidence of complications after CABG was compared between the two groups.Results: Of 432 patients in the study, 119 (27.5%) developed AKI. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ≥ 3 coronary anastomoses, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation and ventilation time were independent risk factors for AKI. The area of the ROC curve was (0.702, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.643-0.761], P < 0.001). There were 7 deaths in the AKI group, which was significantly higher than that in the non AKI group. In addition, in the reoperation and postoperative myocardial infarction, the AKI group was also higher than the non AKI group. Conclusion: The eGFR, ≥ 3 coronary anastomoses, IABP implantation and ventilation time are independent risk factors for AKI in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Early discovering these risk factors and taking intervention measures are helpful to reduce the occurrence of AKI after CABG and improve the prognosis of patients.
PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Mediates the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Papillary Craniopharyngioma Cells
Authors: Zhou Lin , Yang Cheng Xing , Fang Lin Chun , Bao You Yuan , Wang Zhi Gang , Li Shao Yang , Li Min De , Lan Shi Hai , Wu Xiao , Tong Zhi Gao , Zheng Su Yue , Tang Bin , Hong Tao
Published: December 2020

Objective:Craniopharyngiomas are rare, histologically benign but clinically challenging neoplasms. Here, we aimed to interrogate the effect and significance of Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway on papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP) cell growth and survival.Methods: We used Western blotting (WB) experiments to evaluate the expression of the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) in Craniopharyngiomas tissues, relative to health tissues. Primary tumor cells were obtained from fresh PCP samples by cell culture and then determined by cell morphology, immunofluorescence staining and expression of specific cell markers. In this study, PCP cell lines, isolated from fresh PCP samples, were treated with different concentrations of LY294002, a PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor, to evaluate their proliferation, migration and invasion. We determined the cell proliferation using Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation. We then used flow cytometry to evaluate cell apoptosis and cell cycle. In addition, cell migration and invasion levels were determined by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively.Results: Our data demonstrated that the expression of phosphorylated-PI3K/AKT was upregulated in human craniopharyngioma tissues compared to the normal control tissues. Immunofluorescence assays showed the presence of cytokeratin (pan CK) and vimentin protein (VIM) in the PCP primary cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling blocks the proliferation, migration and invasion of the PCP primary cells.Conclusions:Taken together, our data robustly demonstrates that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway mediates the proliferation, migration and invasion of the PCP cells.
Peripheral BDNF and psycho-behavioral aspects are positively modulated by high-intensity intermittent exercise and fitness in healthy women
Authors: de Poli Rodrigo , Lopes Vithor , Lira Fabio , Zagatto Alessandro , Jimenez-Maldonado Alberto , Antunes Barbara
Published: December 2020

The study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity intermittent effort (HIIE) performed in luteal and follicular menstrual phases on BDNF, cognitive function, mood and exercise enjoyment. Fourteen healthy women completed four experimental sessions, randomly. For each menstrual phase one graded exercise test (GXT) and one HIIE session (10 × 1-min runs 90% peak GXT velocity [1-min recovery]) were performed. Blood samples were collected at rest and immediately after efforts, as well profile of mood states questionnaire (POMS) and Stroop-task application. During the HIIE, subjective scales were applied (feeling, felt arousal, rate of perceived exertion and physical activity enjoyment). In serum BDNF no difference was observed between menstrual phases (p = 0.87). Nevertheless, HIIE increased BDNF concentration during two phases (p = 0.03). In addition, the magnitude of circulating BDNF changes (BDNFΔ) and VO2max showed an inverse relationship in follicular phase (r= -0.539, p = 0.046), whereas in luteal phase the BDNFΔ were negatively correlated with duration (r= -0.684, p = 0.007) and RPE (r= -0.726, p = 0.004) in GXT. No difference between menstrual phases was observed for POMS (p ≥ 0.05); however, HIIE attenuates tension (p < 0.01), depression (p < 0.01) and anger moods (p < 0.01), independently of menstrual phases. Subjective scales and Stroop-task did not show differences. Menstrual cycle does not affect BDNF, cognitive function, mood and exercise enjoyment, but HIIE increases peripheral BDNF and attenuate tension, depression and anger independently of menstrual phase. Besides, the BDNFΔ were correlated with fitness status in follicular phase, exhibiting higher changes in women with lower fitness status.
Integrating gene expression, spatial location and histology to identify spatial domains and spatially variable genes by graph convolutional network
Authors: Li Mingyao , Hu Jian , Li Xiangjie , Coleman Kyle , Schroeder Amelia , Irwin David , Lee Edward , Shinohara Russell
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics technologies have enabled comprehensive characterization of gene expression patterns in the context of tissue microenvironment. To elucidate spatial gene expression variation, we present SpaGCN, a graph convolutional network approach that integrates gene expression, spatial location and histology in spatial transcriptomics data analysis. Through graph convolution, SpaGCN aggregates gene expression of each spot from its neighboring spots, which enables the identification of spatial domains with coherent expression and histology. The subsequent domain guided differential expression analysis then detects genes with enriched expression patterns in the identified domains. Analyzing five spatially resolved transcriptomics datasets using SpaGCN, we show it can detect genes with much more enriched spatial expression patterns than existing methods. Furthermore, genes detected by SpaGCN are transferrable and can be utilized to study spatial variation of gene expression in other datasets. SpaGCN is computationally fast, making it a desirable tool for spatial transcriptomics studies.
Ramifications of third trimester amniocentesis in twin pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wertheimer Avital , Decter Dean , Borovich Adi , Bardin Ron , Hadar Eran , Krispin Eyal
Published: December 2020

Background: To determine the association between gestational age at amniocentesis and procedure-related complications in twin gestations.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all twin gestations that underwent amniocentesis in a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2016. Outcomes and procedure related complications were compared between third trimester (≥24 weeks) and mid-trimester amniocentesis (16-23 weeks). Results: Compared to mid-trimester amniocentesis (n=157 (84.9%)), the third trimester group (n=28 (15.1%)) was younger (31.5 vs. 35.3 years, p<0.001) and presented with more fetal growth restriction (28% vs. 10% p=0.015). Membrane rupture within 4 weeks of amniocentesis was significantly higher in the third trimester amniocentesis group (31% vs. 1%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested gestational age at amniocentesis as an independent risk factor for premature rupture of membranes within 4 weeks of amniocentesis. Conclusions: Third trimester amniocentesis in twin pregnancies is associated with significantly higher rates of procedure related membrane rupture compared to mid-trimester amniocentesis.
The Tiny Impact of Respiratory Masks - on Physiological, Subjective and Behavioral Measures under Mental Load
Authors: Spang Robert , Pieper Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks is recommended to prevent droplets from traveling from one person to another. A commandment to wear masks applies in most public places to contain the widespread of the virus. Some public debates concern myths regarding risks caused by wearing a mask, like, e.g., decreased blood oxygen levels and impaired cognitive capabilities. The present, pre-registered study aims to contribute clarity by delivering a direct comparison of wearing an FFP2 (N95) respirator and wearing no mask. We focused on a demanding situation to show that cognitive efficacy and the person's state is equivalent in both conditions of a randomized-controlled cross-over study design. We measured physiological (blood oxygen saturation and heart rate variability), behavioral (parameters of performance in the task), and subjective (perceived mental load) data to substantiate our assumption as broad as possible. We analyzed data from 44 participants regarding both statistical equivalence and differences. All of the investigated dimensions showed statistical equivalence given our pre-registered equivalence boundaries. None of the dimensions showed a significant difference between wearing a mask and not wearing a mask.
How Does Medical Education Affect Students’ Views of Euthanasia/assisted Dying? A Mixed-method Study
Authors: Nie Luke , Smith-Han Kelby , Iosua Ella , Walker Simon
Published: December 2020

Background Previous studies report a majority of the general public support euthanasia/assisted dying (EAD), while a majority of doctors are opposed. In considering policy decisions about EAD, some may discount the views of doctors because they take them to be based on personal values or tradition, rather than reasons that the general public might share. One way to explore this notion is to examine whether medical students’ views change during medical education. The objective of this study was to learn how New Zealand medical students view EAD and whether their views change during medical education. MethodsAn on-line survey of undergraduate medical students was conducted. Quantitative data was analysed using unadjusted and multiple logistic regression. Thematic analysis was conducted with the qualitative data.Results A total of 326 students replied to the survey. The overall response rate was 28%. 65% of 2nd year students were supportive of EAD, compared to 39% in 5th year. The odds of 5th year students supporting a law change compared to 2nd year was 0.30 (95%CI 0.15-0.60). The predominant themes found in the qualitative results indicate that medical students support or oppose EAD for reasons similar to those found in the wider debate, and that their views are influenced by a range of factors. However, several at all year levels cited an aspect of medical school as having influenced their views. This was mentioned by participants who were supportive of, opposed to, or unsure about EAD, but it was the type of influence most often mentioned by those who were opposed. ConclusionsThe quantitative findings suggest that aspects of medical education made students less likely to support EAD. The qualitative findings indicate that this is not related to a single educational experience at Otago Medical School but a range. Together, these findings suggest that the lower support found among doctors is in part related to medical education and medical work rather than age, personality, or social context. They indicate a practical basis to ethical and professional formation that should be considered in curriculum design, policy decisions and when interpreting public opinion surveys on this issue.
Role of TRPM8 in Switching Between Fever and Hypothermia in Adult Mice During Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Shiraki Chinatsu , Horikawa Ririka , Fujimoto Momoka , Okamoto Kaho , Kurganov Erkin , Miyata Seiji
Published: December 2020

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) functions in the sensing of noxious and innocuous colds; however, its significance in pathogen-induced thermoregulation and inflammation remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of TRPM8 in the regulation of endotoxin-induced body temperature control and inflammation. The peripheral administration of low-dose LPS or zymosan generated fever in wild-type (WT) mice and hypothermia in TRPM8 knockout (KO) animals. TRPM8 KO mice exhibited severe hypothermia and sickness responses following the peripheral administration of high-dose LPS. An intracerebroventricular injection of LPS and interleukin-1ß (Il-1ß) elicited hypothermia in TRPM8 KO mice, in contrast to fever in WT animals, whereas that of prostaglandin E2 induced normal fever. Fos immunohistochemistry showed the stronger activation of hypothalamic thermoregulation-associated nuclei following the peripheral administration of low-dose LPS. Therefore, TRPM8 is necessary for switching between fever and hypothermia during endotoxin-induced inflammation.