bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity, mutagenicity and stability assessment of simply produced electrolyzed water as a wound healing agent in vitro
Authors: Reis R , Sipahi H , Dinc O , Kavaz T , Charehsaz M , Dimoglo A , Aydın A
Published: September 2020

Over the last decade, electrolyzed water (EW) produced by salt and tap water has gained importance due to its antimicrobial effects. Regarding to chlorine-based compounds, EW also used in post-harvest safety of food processing and sterilization of surfaces. The latest studies suggested that EW might act as wound healing agent due to anti-infective and cell proliferative properties. In this study, we evaluated acute contact cytotoxicity in L929 mice fibroblast cells and wound healing activity of EWs in vitro. In addition, mutagenic activity was evaluated by Ames test with and without metabolic activation by S9 fraction and the stability profile of freshly prepared EWs has been followed up. According to the results, strong acid (StAEW) and mixed EW (MEW) showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity due to possible high HOCl concentration, while slightly acidic and catholyte EW (CEW) were not cytotoxic even applied directly for 30 sec. Further, StAEW and CEW showed a significant increase in L929 cell migration in scratch assay. Likewise, with/ without metabolic activation, neither of EWs had shown mutagenic profile in TA 98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Follow-up of ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), pH and FCC (free chlorine concentration) showed that temperature and light were important storage conditions to maintain a stable profile particularly for ORP and FCC, which are the most important indicators for biological activity of EW. According to the present findings, it can be suggested that particularly StAEW, may represent a valuable wound healing agent with an achievable, economical and easy production system when stored under proper conditions.
Clinging to My Child: Mothers’ Experiences Taking Care of a Child Hospitalized with Leukemia
Authors: Lee Dasuel , Lee Sunhee
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate, within the sociocultural context of Korea, mothers’ experiences caring for their child being treated in a hospital for leukemia. Study participants included 11 mothers who visited a hospital for their child’s follow-up care after treatment for leukemia. The researchers investigated the mothers’ experiences in caring for their children using a qualitative study design. Through interviews, the researchers identified five categories of experiences among participants, including, “Death anxiety,” “Feeling guilty,” “Fulfilling responsibilities as a mom,” “Feeling overwhelmed by life,” and “Feeling grateful.” In the course of treatment, mothers tended to feel pressured to be a good mother, and sometimes felt overwhelmed by life. Healthcare providers need to grasp the difficulties faced by mothers taking care of their children hospitalized for treatment of leukemia, and must develop programs to reduce the burden on mothers and increase their families’ functioning.
Serum Albumin Levels: Who Needs Them?
Authors: Erstad Brian L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this critical narrative review is to discuss common indications for ordering serum albumin levels in adult critically ill patients, evaluate the literature supporting these indications, and provide recommendations for the appropriate ordering of serum albumin levels.

Data Sources

PubMed (1966 to August 2020), Cochrane Library, and current clinical practice guidelines were used, and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched for additional articles.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Current clinical practice guidelines were the preferred source of recommendations regarding serum albumin levels for guiding albumin administration and for nutritional monitoring. When current comprehensive reviews were available, they served as a baseline information with supplementation by subsequent studies.

Data Synthesis

Serum albumin is a general marker of severity of illness, and hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor patient outcome, but albumin is an acute phase protein, so levels vacillate in critically ill patients in conjunction with illness fluctuations. The most common reasons for ordering serum albumin levels in intensive care unit (ICU) settings are to guide albumin administration, to estimate free phenytoin or calcium levels, for nutritional monitoring, and for severity-of-illness assessment.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Because hypoalbuminemia is common in the ICU setting, inappropriate ordering of serum albumin levels may lead to unnecessary albumin administration or excessive macronutrient administration in nutritional regimens, leading to possible adverse effects and added costs.

Conclusions

With the exception of the need to order serum albumin levels as a component of selected severity-of-illness scoring systems, there is little evidence or justification for routinely ordering levels in critically ill patients.
Long term stability of an admixture of alizapride and ondansetron in 0.9% sodium chloride solution polyolefin bags stored at 5±3°C
Authors: Closset Mélanie , Goderniaux Nicolas , Colsoul Marie-Lise , Soumoy Laura , Bihin Benoit , Jamart Jacques , Odou Pascal , Hecq Jean-Daniel , Galanti Laurence
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment are currently treated by a concomittent infusion of alizapride and ondansetron. To optimise the procedure and to ensure patients’ safety, the admixture could be prepared in advance by the Centralized Intravenous Additive Service (CIVAS) provided that the stability of the mixture has been proven beforhand to reduce nausea and vomiting. Aim of the study: to evaluate the long-term stability of an admixture of alizapride 0.926 mg/l and ondansetron 0.074 mg/ml in 0.9% sodium chloride polyolefin bags stored at 5 ± 3°C.

Material and methods

Five polyolefin bags containing 100 ml sodium chloride 0.9% added with 4 ml alizapride (100 mg) and 4 ml ondansetron (8 mg) were prepared in aseptic conditions and stored at 5 ± 3°C for 56 days. Periodically, physical stability tests were performed including: pH measurements, optical density measurements at 350, 410 and 550 nm to track turbidity appearance, visual and microscopical inspections to detect colour changes, precipitation, microaggregates or crystals. The concentrations of the solutions were measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with an UV detector.

Results

There was no change in pH and optical densities during the study period. Visual and microscopical inspections didn’t show any change of colour neither precipitation, microaggregate or crystal. The alizapride and ondansetron concentrations remained stable over the study.

Conclusion

The admixture of alizapride and ondansetron in 0.9% sodium chloride solution polyolefin bags is physicochemically stable up to 56 days at 5 ± 3°C. These results support the possibility of preparing the solutions in advance by a CIVAS.
Specialized primary care medical home: A positive impact on continuity of care among autistic adults
Authors: Hand Brittany N , Coury Daniel L , White Susan , Darragh Amy R , Moffatt-Bruce Susan , Harris Lauren , Longo Anne , Garvin Jennifer H
Published: September 2020

While the medical home has proven effective at improving continuity of care among other populations, there is a paucity of literature testing the effectiveness of medical homes in serving the healthcare needs of autistic adults. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the continuity of care of autistic adult patients at a specialized primary care medical home designed to remove barriers to care for autistic adults, called the Center for Autism Services and Transition (CAST), to propensity score matched national samples of autistic adults with private insurance or Medicare. The unadjusted median Bice–Boxerman continuity of care index was 0.6 (interquartile range = 0.4–1.0) for CAST patients, 0.5 (interquartile range = 0.3–1.0) for Medicare beneficiaries, and 0.6 (interquartile range = 0.4–1.0) for privately insured autistic adults. In multivariable models controlling for demographic characteristics, on average, CAST patients had continuity of care indices that were 10% higher than national samples of autistic adult Medicare beneficiaries (p < 0.0001). Continuity of care among CAST patients did not significantly differ from that of the national sample of privately insured autistic adults (p = 0.08). Our findings suggest that medical homes, like CAST, may be a promising solution to improve healthcare delivery for the growing population of autistic adults.

Lay abstract

There is a nationally recognized need for innovative healthcare delivery models to improve care continuity for autistic adults as they age out of pediatric and into adult healthcare systems. One possible model of care delivery is called the “medical home”. The medical home is not a residential home, but a system where a patient’s healthcare is coordinated through a primary care physician to ensure necessary care is received when and where the patient needs it. We compared the continuity of care among autistic adult patients at a specialized primary care medical home designed to remove barriers to care for autistic adults, called the CAST, to matched national samples of autistic adults with private insurance or Medicare. Continuity of primary care among CAST patients was significantly better than that of matched national samples of autistic adult Medicare beneficiaries and similar to that of privately insured autistic adults. Our findings suggest that medical homes, like CAST, are a promising solution to improve healthcare delivery for the growing population of autistic adults.
Back of the queue: Brexit, status loss, and the politics of backlash
Authors: Freedman Joshua
Published: September 2020

Status anxiety is not a necessary condition for backlash movements, and yet, both are highly complementary. Across political levels, from the community and state to the international system, status anxiety is often cited as a principal grievance and motivator of backlash politics. This article challenges the basic premise behind this framing by arguing that status loss – as a subset of status anxiety – and backlash politics, are essentially co-constitutive phenomena. Status loss can certainly propel backlash movements to form, but claims of status loss and decline are also uniquely exploitable mechanisms for bringing backlash movements into existence. Rather than treat objective status loss as an obvious cause of backlash movements, then, this article switches the focus to how subjective narratives of status loss are constructed, promoted, retrieved, and contested, in order to either advance, or oppose, the cause of backlash entrepreneurs. Doing so illustrates a primary mechanism of backlash politics, but also a primary mechanism of status loss, challenging dominant intrinsic and material premises on the role of status in international relations. This discussion is illustrated through a focus on Britain’s 2016 referendum on the European Union, and the extent to which both Leave and Remain campaigners elevated the rhetoric of status loss in defence of alternative pasts, presents, and futures.
Overview of recent cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union (February 2020-June 2020)
Authors: Melin Pauline
Published: September 2020

In the reporting period (1 February - 30 June 2020), there were five noteworthy cases in the field of social security. Two cases originated in French courts and concerned E 101 certificates. The Vueling case concerned the conditions for disregarding fraudulent E 101 certificates. Bouygues travaux publics dealt with the effects of E 101 certificates on obligations at the crossroads of social security and labour law. In Pensionsversicherungsanstalt v CW, the issue concerned whether a Member State of origin, Austria, must grant a rehabilitation allowance to a national no longer working or residing there. Caisse d’assurance retraite et de la santé au travail d’Alsace-Moselle v SJ related to the obligation for the competent institution to take into account an allowance paid by another Member State for raising a disabled child when calculating an insurance period for entitlement to an old-age pension. Finally, Caisse pour l’avenir des enfants v FV was a case about access to family benefits by a frontier worker for a child living in the same household but with whom there was no blood relationship.
Reducing wheel wear from the perspective of rail track layout optimization
Authors: Ye Yunguang , Sun Yu
Published: September 2020

Wheel wear (W-wear) is one of the most critical issues affecting vehicle-track performances and operating costs. Currently, the works on W-wear behavior and W-wear reduction are mainly based on four aspects: wheel-rail (WR) tribology, WR profile, vehicle structure design and active control of vehicle suspensions. Little attention has been paid to the effects of track layout parameters, such as superelevation, gauge, and cant. To supplement the existing research, this work aims to investigate the relationship between W-wear and track layout parameters and ultimately reduce W-wear through optimizing track layout parameters. The framework consists of a series of steps. Firstly, a multibody dynamics simulation (MBS) model of an Sgnss wagon with 55 degrees of freedom (DOFs) is built. Then, taking a 375-m-radius curve as a case, the influence of track layout parameter (superelevation, gauge, and cant) on W-wear and vehicle derailment safety is investigated based on Kriging surrogate model (KSM). Finally, based on optimized results obtained by KSM and particle swarm optimization (PSO), two optimal regions and three reasonable suggestions concerning the layout of a 375-m-radius curve are given from the perspective of reducing W-wear. This study is promising for the parameter setting of those dedicated lines, on which the train speed is usually fixed, such as metro, light rail, and tram.
Investigation of mechanical properties for 2.5D woven composites with different weft-layer-numbers by a triple-cell model system
Authors: Guo Junhua , Wen Weidong , Zhang Hongjian , Cui Haitao , Song Jian , Liu Haolong
Published: September 2020

As a new type of textile composites with broad application prospects, it is essential to study the prediction method of the mechanical properties of 2.5 D woven composites (2.5DWC). Currently, the most popular prediction method is to use a representative volume cell (RVC) for numerical simulation, so the reasonableness of RVC determines the prediction accuracy. However, many practical factors are ignored in the traditional periodic unit-cell model (UCM), such as the weft-layer-number (WLN), resulting in low prediction accuracy; while the full-cell model (FCM) in which the surface extrusion effect (SEE) and WLN are considered has the problems of complex modeling and high computational cost. To solve these problems, a triple-cell model (TCM) system is proposed, which includes four RVCs that are applicable to different WLNs, each of which is composed of different sub-cells (surface-cell, transition-cell, and inner-cell) which are categorized according to the characteristics of the actual weft yarn cross-section. Based on the progressive damage method, the stiffness, strength, and damage behavior of 2.5DWC with different WLNs are predicted, and the TCM prediction results are compared with the results of the experiment, the UCM, and the FCM. Compared with the experimental results, the prediction accuracy of the TCM is more than 8% higher than that of the UCM, and the difference between the prediction results of the TCM and FCM is less than 5%. Therefore, the proposed TCM system has the characteristics of high prediction accuracy, relatively simple modeling, and the applicability of any WLN.
Investigation of the interaction between coach transformational leadership and coaching competency change over time
Authors: Kao San-Fu , Tsai Chou-Yu , Schinke Robert
Published: September 2020

Drawing on social cognitive theory, we examined a cross-level interaction between coach transformational leadership and the within-individual change in evaluations of perceived coaching competency over a season. We applied linear growth modeling to analyze 246 collegiate competitive basketball players (147 males and 99 females from 24 teams). Our results revealed that coaches with high transformational leadership were evaluated as having a decrease in perceived coaching competency over time. In contrast, coaches with low transformational leadership were evaluated as having an increase in perceived coaching competency over time. Implications for coaching education in terms of theory and research are discussed.
The effect of a rhythmic movement intervention on selected bio-motor skills of academy rugby players in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Solomons Jocelyn , Kraak Wilbur , Kidd Martin , Africa Eileen
Published: September 2020

Rhythmic movement, also referred to as “dance”, involves the execution of different motor skills as well as the integration and sequencing of actions between limbs, timing and spatial precision. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and compare the effect of a 16-week rhythmic movement intervention on flexibility, dynamic balance, agility, power and local muscular endurance of academy rugby players in the Western Cape, according to positional groups. Players (N = 54) (age 18.66 ± 0.81 years; height 1.76 ± 0.69 cm; weight 76.77 ± 10.69 kg), were randomly divided into a treatment-control [TCA] (n = 28) and a control-treatment [CTB] (n = 26) group. In this crossover experimental design, the interaction effect of the treatment order and the treatment time between the TCA and CTB group, was determined. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in agility2 (p = 0.06), power2 (p = 0.05), local muscular endurance1 (p = 0.01) & 3 (p = 0.01) and dynamic balance (p < 0.01). Likewise, forwards and backs also showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) per positional groups. Therefore, a rhythmic movement intervention has the potential to improve rugby-specific bio-motor skills and furthermore, improve positional specific skills should it be designed with positional groups in mind. Future studies should investigate, not only the effect of rhythmic movement on improving specific rugby bio-motor skills, but the potential of its application as an alternative training method during off-season (or detraining phases) or as a recovery method.
Treatment of anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose without erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Saadeh Salwa S. , Malhis Razan , Yasser Sameer , Abdulelah Hazem , Eljaber Rana , Kleib Amer , Ismael Rouba
Published: September 2020

Background:

Anemia is commonly encountered in cancer patients receiving active chemotherapy. Due to adverse events and presumed negative effects on disease-progression and survival, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are not frequently used. In this study, we assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) to treat cancer-induced anemia (CIA).

Patients and Methods:

We recruited adult cancer patients on active chemotherapy with a hemoglobin (Hb) level ⩽11.0 g/dL. Based on serum ferritin (sFr) and transferrin saturation (TSAT), patients were divided into 3 groups: group I (absolute iron deficiency, n = 26) with sFr < 30 ng/mL and TSAT < 20%; group II (functional iron deficiency, n = 24) with sFr 30–800 ng/mL and TSAT < 20%; and patients with TSAT ⩾ 20% were placed in group III as “others” ( n = 34). All patients were treated with intravenous FCM. Serum hepcidin and C-reactive protein were used as biomarkers to predict response.

Results:

A total of 84 patients with a median age (SD) of 53.8 (10.6) were recruited. Baseline median Hb level was 10.2 (range: 8.3–11.0) gm/dL. At week 12, there was a significant increment in Hb level for patients in groups I and II (median increment: 2.35 and 1.5 gm/dL, respectively), with limited response observed in group III, and most of the increment noted as early as week 3 (⩾1.0 g/dL). Responders tended to have lower levels of hepcidin. No clinically significant adverse events were reported; however, asymptomatic hypophosphatemia was observed in 39 (46.4%) patients.

Conclusions:

Intravenous FCM is a safe and effective treatment option for the management of a subgroup of patients with CIA. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [Identifier: NCT04246021]
Exploring Armenian Ethnicity as an Independent Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Findings from a Prospective Cohort of Patients in a County Hospital
Authors: Rostomian Ara H , Soverow Jonathan , Sanchez Daniel R
Published: September 2020

Objectives

While several studies have examined the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in larger racial and ethnic groups within the United States, limited information is available on smaller sub-populations, such as Armenians, with high rates of CVD in their home country. This study examined the association between Armenian ethnicity and a positive exercise treadmill test (ETT).

Design

Prospective cohort study of patients at a 377-bed county hospital in Los Angeles, California from 2008–2011.

Setting

All patients were interviewed at the time of ETT to assess their cardiovascular risk factors at the cardiac laboratory of the hospital.

Participants

5,006 patients between 18–89 years of age, of whom 12.6% were of Armenian ethnicity and 54.4% were female. Main Outcome Measure: ETT results as a proxy for CVD risk.

Results

After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, Armenian ethnicity was significantly associated with higher odds of positive ETT (OR = 1.40, p = 0.01). Known coronary artery disease CAD (OR = 2.28, p < 0.01), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.37, p < 0.01), and hypertension (OR = 1.24, p = 0.05) were significantly associated with higher odds of a positive ETT. In subgroup analyses, hyperlipidemia was the only significant predictor of positive ETT (OR = 1.92, p = 0.02) among Armenians, while patient history of CAD (OR = 2.49, p < 0.01), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.29, p = 0.03), and age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.01) were significant predictors among non-Armenians. Armenian ethnicity remained associated with higher odds of positive ETT (OR = 1.40, p < 0.01) when patients with CAD were excluded.

Conclusion

Armenian ethnicity may be an independent risk factor for CVD, influenced by the uniformity of the genetic pool and cultural and dietary exposures.
Faith in Trump, Moral Foundations, and Social Distancing Defiance during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Graham Amanda , Cullen Francis T. , Pickett Justin T. , Jonson Cheryl Lero , Haner Murat , Sloan Melissa M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Over the past several months, the coronavirus has infected more than six million Americans and killed nearly 200,000. Governors have issued stay-at-home orders, and prosecutors have filed criminal charges against individuals for defying those orders. And yet many Americans have still refused to keep their distance from their fellow citizens, even if they had symptoms of infection. The authors explore the underlying causes for those who intend to defy these norms.

Methods:

Using national-level data from a March 2020 survey of 989 Americans, the authors explore intentions to defy social distancing norms by testing an interactionist theory of foundation-based moral behavior in combination with faith in President Trump during the coronavirus pandemic. The analysis controls for a range of variables, including measures of low self-control and deterrence.

Results:

Low self-control is the strongest predictor of defiance intentions. Consistent with interactionist theory, defiance intentions are significantly higher for those holding specific faith in Trump and those endorsing binding foundations. Furthermore, the interaction of these two variables is significant and in the predicted direction. The results hold for two different measures of faith in Trump.

Conclusions:

Even with a strong effect for low self-control, faith in President Trump is a strong predictor of refusal to social-distance, and its effect is largest among individuals high in binding foundations.
Targeting a cytokine checkpoint enhances the fitness of armored cord blood CAR-NK cells
Authors: Daher May , Basar Rafet , Gokdemir Elif , Baran Natalia , Uprety Nadima , Nunez Cortes Ana Karen , Mendt Mayela , Kerbauy Lucila Nassif , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Shanley Mayra , Imahashi Nobuhiko , Li Li , Lim Francesca Lorraine Wei Inng , Fathi Mohsen , Rezvan Ali , Mohanty Vakul , Shen Yifei , Shaim Hila , Lu Junjun , Ozcan Gonca , Ensley Emily , Kaplan Mecit , Nandivada Vandana , Bdiwi Mustafa , Acharya Sunil , Xi Yuanxin , Wan Xinhai , Mak Duncan , Liu Enli , Jiang Xin Ru , Ang Sonny , Muniz-Feliciano Luis , Li Ye , Wang Jing , Kordasti Shahram , Petrov Nedyalko , Varadarajan Navin , Marin David , Brunetti Lorenzo , Skinner Richard J. , Lyu Shangrong , Silva Leiser , Turk Rolf , Schubert Mollie S. , Rettig Garrett R. , McNeill Matthew S. , Kurgan Gavin , Behlke Mark A. , Li Heng , Fowlkes Natalie W. , Chen Ken , Konopleva Marina , Champlin Richard E. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: September 2020

Immune checkpoint therapy has resulted in remarkable improvements in the outcome for certain cancers. To broaden the clinical impact of checkpoint targeting, we devised a strategy that couples targeting of the cytokine-inducible Src homology 2–containing (CIS) protein, a key negative regulator of interleukin 15 (IL-15) signaling, with fourth-generation “armored” chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering of cord blood–derived natural killer (NK) cells. This combined strategy boosted NK cell effector function through enhancing the Akt/mTORC1 axis and c-MYC signaling, resulting in increased aerobic glycolysis. When tested in a lymphoma mouse model, this combined approach improved NK cell antitumor activity more than either alteration alone, eradicating lymphoma xenografts without signs of any measurable toxicity. We conclude that targeting a cytokine checkpoint further enhances the antitumor activity of IL-15–secreting armored CAR-NK cells by promoting their metabolic fitness and antitumor activity. This combined approach represents a promising milestone in the development of the next generation of NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
THRIL mediates endothelial progenitor cells autophagy via AKT pathway and FUS
Authors: Xiao Jiandong , Lu Yuli , Yang Xinchun
Published: September 2020

Background

This study focused on the roles of lncRNA THRIL in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) through regulating AKT signaling pathway and directly interacting with FUS.

Methods

QRT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of THRIL in CAD blood samples and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Cell autophagy of EPCs was examined through Cyto-ID Autophagy Detection Kit. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were carried out to assess cell viability and apoptosis under various interference conditions. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of interest proteins. The expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured by qRT-PCR. The direct interactions between HCG18 and FUS was confirmed through RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay (RNA EMSA) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

Results

THRIL was upregulated in CAD blood samples and EPCs. Knockdown of THRIL in EPCs promoted cell viability, inhibited cell autophagy and further suppressed the development of CAD. Over-expression of THRIL induced inactivation of AKT pathway, while knockdown of THRIL played reversed effects. THRIL directly interacted with FUS protein and knockdown of FUS reversed the over-expressing effect of THRIL on cell proliferation, autophagy and the status of AKT pathway.

Conclusion

THRIL inhibits the proliferation and mediates autophagy of endothelial progenitor cells via AKT pathway and FUS.
Comparison of time and dose dependent gene expression and affected pathways in primary human fibroblasts after exposure to ionizing radiation
Authors: Brackmann Lara Kim , Poplawski Alicia , Grandt Caine Lucas , Schwarz Heike , Hankeln Thomas , Rapp Steffen , Zahnreich Sebastian , Galetzka Danuta , Schmitt Iris , Grad Christian , Eckhard Lukas , Mirsch Johanna , Blettner Maria , Scholz-Kreisel Peter , Hess Moritz , Binder Harald , Schmidberger Heinz , Marron Manuela
Published: September 2020

Background

Exposure to ionizing radiation induces complex stress responses in cells, which can lead to adverse health effects such as cancer. Although a variety of studies investigated gene expression and affected pathways in human fibroblasts after exposure to ionizing radiation, the understanding of underlying mechanisms and biological effects is still incomplete due to different experimental settings and small sample sizes. Therefore, this study aims to identify the time point with the highest number of differentially expressed genes and corresponding pathways in primary human fibroblasts after irradiation at two preselected time points.

Methods

Fibroblasts from skin biopsies of 15 cell donors were exposed to a high (2Gy) and a low (0.05Gy) dose of X-rays. RNA was extracted and sequenced 2 h and 4 h after exposure. Differentially expressed genes with an adjusted p-value < 0.05 were flagged and used for pathway analyses including prediction of upstream and downstream effects. Principal component analyses were used to examine the effect of two different sequencing runs on quality metrics and variation in expression and alignment and for explorative analysis of the radiation dose and time point of analysis.

Results

More genes were differentially expressed 4 h after exposure to low and high doses of radiation than after 2 h. In experiments with high dose irradiation and RNA sequencing after 4 h, inactivation of the FAT10 cancer signaling pathway and activation of gluconeogenesis I, glycolysis I, and prostanoid biosynthesis was observed taking p-value (< 0.05) and (in) activating z-score (≥2.00 or ≤ − 2.00) into account. Two hours after high dose irradiation, inactivation of small cell lung cancer signaling was observed. For low dose irradiation experiments, we did not detect any significant (p < 0.05 and z-score ≥ 2.00 or ≤ − 2.00) activated or inactivated pathways for both time points.

Conclusions

Compared to 2 h after irradiation, a higher number of differentially expressed genes were found 4 h after exposure to low and high dose ionizing radiation. Differences in gene expression were related to signal transduction pathways of the DNA damage response after 2 h and to metabolic pathways, that might implicate cellular senescence, after 4 h. The time point 4 h will be used to conduct further irradiation experiments in a larger sample.
A comparison of BeadChip and WGS genotyping outputs using partial validation by sanger sequencing
Authors: Danilov Kirill A. , Nikogosov Dimitri A. , Musienko Sergey V. , Baranova Ancha V.
Published: September 2020

Background

Head-to-head comparison of BeadChip and WGS/WES genotyping techniques for their precision is far from straightforward. A tool for validation of high-throughput genotyping calls such as Sanger sequencing is neither scalable nor practical for large-scale DNA processing. Here we report a cross-validation analysis of genotyping calls obtained via Illumina GSA BeadChip and WGS (Illumina HiSeq X Ten) techniques.

Results

When compared to each other, the average precision and accuracy of BeadChip and WGS genotyping techniques exceeded 0.991 and 0.997, respectively. The average fraction of discordant variants for both platforms was found to be 0.639%. A sliding window approach was utilized to explore genomic regions not exceeding 500 bp encompassing a maximal amount of discordant variants for further validation by Sanger sequencing. Notably, 12 variants out of 26 located within eight identified regions were consistently discordant in related calls made by WGS and BeadChip. When Sanger sequenced, a total of 16 of these genotypes were successfully resolved, indicating that a precision of WGS and BeadChip genotyping for this genotype subset was at 0.81 and 0.5, respectively, with accuracy values of 0.87 and 0.61.

Conclusions

We conclude that WGS genotype calling exhibits higher overall precision within the selected variety of discordantly genotyped variants, though the amount of validated variants remained insufficient.
De novo sequencing, assembly and functional annotation of Armillaria borealis genome
Authors: Akulova Vasilina S. , Sharov Vadim V. , Aksyonova Anastasiya I. , Putintseva Yuliya A. , Oreshkova Natalya V. , Feranchuk Sergey I. , Kuzmin Dmitry A. , Pavlov Igor N. , Litovka Yulia A. , Krutovsky Konstantin V.
Published: September 2020

Background

Massive forest decline has been observed almost everywhere as a result of negative anthropogenic and climatic effects, which can interact with pests, fungi and other phytopathogens and aggravate their effects. Climatic changes can weaken trees and make fungi, such as Armillaria more destructive. Armillaria borealis (Marxm. & Korhonen) is a fungus from the Physalacriaceae family (Basidiomycota) widely distributed in Eurasia, including Siberia and the Far East. Species from this genus cause the root white rot disease that weakens and often kills woody plants. However, little is known about ecological behavior and genetics of A. borealis. According to field research data, A. borealis is less pathogenic than A. ostoyae, and its aggressive behavior is quite rare. Mainly A. borealis behaves as a secondary pathogen killing trees already weakened by other factors. However, changing environment might cause unpredictable effects in fungus behavior.

Results

The de novo genome assembly and annotation were performed for the A. borealis species for the first time and presented in this study. The A. borealis genome assembly contained ~ 68 Mbp and was comparable with ~ 60 and ~ 79.5 Mbp for the A. ostoyae and A. mellea genomes, respectively. The N50 for contigs equaled 50,544 bp. Functional annotation analysis revealed 21,969 protein coding genes and provided data for further comparative analysis. Repetitive sequences were also identified. The main focus for further study and comparative analysis will be on the enzymes and regulatory factors associated with pathogenicity.

Conclusions

Pathogenic fungi such as Armillaria are currently one of the main problems in forest conservation. A comprehensive study of these species and their pathogenicity is of great importance and needs good genomic resources. The assembled genome of A. borealis presented in this study is of sufficiently good quality for further detailed comparative study on the composition of enzymes in other Armillaria species. There is also a fundamental problem with the identification and classification of species of the Armillaria genus, where the study of repetitive sequences in the genomes of basidiomycetes and their comparative analysis will help us identify more accurately taxonomy of these species and reveal their evolutionary relationships.
Parallel analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs suggests distinct regulatory networks in Crassostrea gigas infected by Ostreid herpesvirus 1
Authors: Rosani Umberto , Abbadi Miriam , Green Timothy , Bai Chang-Ming , Turolla Edoardo , Arcangeli Giuseppe , Wegner K. Mathias , Venier Paola
Published: September 2020

Background

Since 2008, the aquaculture production of Crassostrea gigas was heavily affected by mass mortalities associated to Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) microvariants worldwide. Transcriptomic studies revealed the major antiviral pathways of the oyster immune response while other findings suggested that also small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) such as microRNAs might act as key regulators of the oyster response against OsHV-1. To explore the explicit connection between small non-coding and protein-coding transcripts, we performed paired whole transcriptome analysis of sncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) in six oysters selected for different intensities of OsHV-1 infection.

Results

The mRNA profiles of the naturally infected oysters were mostly governed by the transcriptional activity of OsHV-1, with several differentially expressed genes mapping to the interferon, toll, apoptosis, and pro-PO pathways. In contrast, miRNA profiles suggested more complex regulatory mechanisms, with 15 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNA) pointing to a possible modulation of the host response during OsHV-1 infection. We predicted 68 interactions between DE-miRNAs and oyster 3′-UTRs, but only few of them involved antiviral genes. The sncRNA reads assigned to OsHV-1 rather resembled mRNA degradation products, suggesting the absence of genuine viral miRNAs.

Conclusions

We provided data describing the miRNAome during OsHV-1 infection in C. gigas. This information can be used to understand the role of miRNAs in healthy and diseased oysters, to identify new targets for functional studies and, eventually to disentangle cause and effect relationships during viral infections in marine mollusks.
Natural killer cell levels in adults living with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies
Authors: Mxinwa Vuyolwethu , Dludla Phiwayinkosi V. , Nyambuya Tawanda M. , Mokgalaboni Kabelo , Mazibuko-Mbeje Sithandiwe E. , Nkambule Bongani B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic immune activation and hyperglycaemia are a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) while natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of T2D. Dysregulated NK cell responses are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients living with T2D.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive and systematic evidence-based estimate on the levels of NK cells in patients living with T2D.

Results

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies reporting on 491 adult patients with T2D and 1064 nondiabetic controls. The pooled effect estimates showed increased levels of NK cells in adult patients with T2D compared to controls (MD: 0.03 [− 3.20, 3.26], I2 = 97%,p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Overall, the evidence presented in this systematic review shows that the changes in NK cells in patients living with T2D are still unclear and further studies are needed.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and combined pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: a randomized open-label pilot study
Authors: Belyavskiy Evgeny , Ovchinnikov Artem , Potekhina Alexandra , Ageev Fail , Edelmann Frank
Published: September 2020

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is frequently complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). A pulmonary vascular contribution could be considered as a substantial therapeutic target in HFpEF and PH and combined pre- and postcapillary PH (Cpc-PH).

Methods

We enrolled 50 patients with HFpEF and Cpc-PH who were determined by echocardiography to have pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 40 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance > 3 Wood units, and/or transpulmonary gradient > 15 mmHg.

Results

The patients were assigned to the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil group (25 mg TID for 3 months followed by 50 mg TID for 3 months; n = 30) or the control group (n = 20). In the sildenafil group after 6 months, the 6-min walk distance increased by 50 m (95% CI, 36 to 64 m); substantial improvement in NYHA functional class and exercise capacity during diastolic stress test were revealed; decreases in early mitral inflow to mitral annulus relaxation velocities ratio by 2.4 (95% CI, − 3.3 to − 1.4) and PASP by 17.0 mmHg (95% CI, 20.4 to 13.5) were observed; right ventricular systolic function (M-mode tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) increased by 0.42 cm (95% CI, 0.32 to 0.52 cm; P < 0.01 for all). No changes occurred in the control group.

Conclusions

In a subset of patients with HFpEF and Cpc-PH assessed by echocardiography, PDE5 inhibition was associated with an improvement in exercise capacity, pulmonary haemodynamic parameters, and right ventricular function. The role of sildenafil needs to be considered in randomized trials in selected patients with HFpEF with invasively confirmed Cpc-PH.

Trial registration

Russian National Information System of Research, Development and Technology Data of Civilian Usage (NIS, https://rosrid.ru), registration number 01201257849. Registered 20 April 2012.

This manuscript adheres to the CONSORT guidelines.
Analysis of the status quo of the Elderly’s demands of medical and elderly care combination in the underdeveloped regions of Western China and its influencing factors: a case study of Lanzhou
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Wang Yunhua , Cai Hui , Zhang Juxia , Pan Bei , Bao Guoxian , Guo Tiankang
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aims to analyse the current demand by senior citizens in Lanzhou, China for a combination of medical and elderly care services and to identify the factors influencing their needs.

Methods

7500 participants aged 60 or above living in Lanzhou, China, were recruited, a unified questionnaire concerning elderly people’s demand for a service combining medical and elderly care has been adopted to survey these subjects. The status quo of the demand of the service combining medical and elderly care and its influencing factors were analysed with the single-factor Chi-square test and multi-factor binomial logistic regression method.

Results

3772 of 7320 older people have the demand for the service combining medical and elderly care, accounting for 53.15% of survey respondents. Many factors are in play, including gender, marital status, degree of education, occupation before retirement, number of children, monthly income, health self-assessment status, endowment insurance type, medical insurance type, current nursing arrangements, old-age demands, self-care ability and the knowledge of combining medical and elderly care and the willingness to pay for the combination of medical and elderly care have statistical significance (P < 0.05) with the elderly’s needs, different ages, living styles and the prevalence of chronic diseases, have no statistical significance (P > 0.05) with the elderly’s care needs in Lanzhou. The number of children, type of medical insurance and willingness to pay for the combination of medical treatment and nursing care are major influencing factors among the complex factors influencing the elderly’s demand for the proposed service.

Conclusions

The low knowledge rate and demand rate, the number of children, the type of medical insurance, and the willingness to pay for the medical-nursing combination service for the elderly in Lanzhou have a great impact on the elderly’s demand rate for combining medical and elderly care. Meanwhile, relevant government departments should focus more on the promotion of the endowment model of combining medical and elderly care and provide integrated medical care services by integrating multiple resources, and improving social security.
HIV knowledge and stigma among dietetic students in Indonesia: implications for the nutrition education system
Authors: Kusuma Mutiara Tirta Prabandari Lintang , Kidd Tandalayo , Muturi Nancy , Procter Sandra B. , Yarrow Linda , Hsu Wei-Wen
Published: September 2020

Background

Studies have demonstrated that health care students and practitioners are not immune to stigma towards people living with HIV (PLHIV). This attitude could lead to poor quality of care if it remains uncorrected. However, little is known about dietetic students’ acceptance of PLHIV despite their substantial role in treatment. This study aimed to measure the extent of knowledge and stigma towards PLHIV among dietetic students and to determine the associated factors using the attribution theory.

Methods

Students from three dietetics schools in Indonesia (n = 516) were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Survey questions covered demographic information, interaction with PLHIV, access to information sources, cultural values, and beliefs as predictor variables. The outcome variables were comprehensive knowledge of HIV, HIV and nutrition-specific knowledge, and attitudes. Analyses with linear regression and the stepwise selection were performed to determine factors related to the outcome.

Results

The levels of HIV comprehensive knowledge and HIV-nutrition specific knowledge among dietetic students were low, as indicated by the average score of 19.9 ± 0.19 (maximum score = 35) and 8.0 ± 0.11 (maximum score = 15), respectively. The level of negative attitudes towards PLHIV was high, with 99.6% of participants reported having a high stigma score. Types of university affiliation (public or private), beliefs and values, exposure to HIV discourse, access to printed media, and years of study were significantly related to HIV comprehensive knowledge (p < 0.05). Nutrition-specific knowledge was also correlated with university affiliation, beliefs and values, participation in HIV discussion, and years of study (p < 0.05). HIV comprehensive knowledge, university affiliation, discussion participation, and ethnicities were associated with attitudes (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Awareness and acceptance of PLHIV must be further improved throughout dietetic training to ensure patients’ quality of care since students represent future dietary care providers. Considering the consistent findings that affiliation to education institution correlates with HIV knowledge and attitude, some examinations concerning the curriculum and teaching conduct might be necessary.
The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia with spontaneous pneumothorax: a case report
Authors: Chen Xiaoxing , Zhang Guqin , Tang Yueting , Peng Zhiyong , Pan Huaqin
Published: September 2020

Background

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that was firstly reported in Wuhan, China, with cases now confirmed in more than 100 countries. However, COVID-19 pneumonia with spontaneous pneumothorax is unknown.

Case presentation

We reported a case of 66-year-old man infected with COVID-19, presenting with fever, cough and myalgia; The patient received supportive and empirical treatment including antiviral treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment, oxygen supply and inhalation therapy; The symptoms, CT images, laboratory results got improved after the treatments, and a throat swab was negative for COVID-19 PCR test; However, on the hospital day 30, the patient presented with a sudden chest pain and dyspnea. CT showed a 30–40% left-sided pneumothorax. Immediate thoracic closed drainage was performed and his dyspnea was rapidly improved. With five more times negative PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus, the patient was discharged and home quarantine.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance for clinicians to pay attention to the appearance of spontaneous pneumothorax, especially patients with severe pulmonary damage for a long course, as well as the need for early image diagnose CT and effective treatment once pneumothorax occurs.