bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic rectal cancer to papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Luo Min , Huang Yu , Li Yongqiang , Zhang Yumei
Published: May 2020

Background

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is a rare event. Rectal cancer to primary thyroid neoplasm metastasis is extremely rare. Herein, we reported a case of metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma to a papillary thyroid carcinoma. The incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of metastatic colorectal cancer to a thyroid gland neoplasm were described, and the pertinent literature was reviewed.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old female patient had curative treatment of initial rectal adenocarcinoma in 2012, and was found to have lung metastases by follow-up CT scan 3 years later. In 2018, she was found to have thyroid metastasis by imaging due to left neck pain and hoarseness. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) result suggested suspicious papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and bilateral cervical lymph nodes dissection. The histopathology of thyroidectomy specimen revealed a rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the thyroid concomitant with the papillary carcinoma in metastatic adenocarcinoma. The patient received levothyroxine supplementation therapy and palliative chemotherapy with irinotecan and anti-angiogenesis for the metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. After 1 year of thyroidectomy, no newly developed lesion evidence of recurrent PTC was observed. The patient remains still alive.

Conclusion

The possibility of metastases should be considered in patients with a history of rectal cancer and with a thyroid lesion, particularly in those with ageing, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or long-term survival. The diagnosis should be histologically confirmed for the presence of both primary thyroid lesions and secondary thyroid neoplasms. Thyroidectomy may be a feasible treatment for symptomatic thyroid metastasis or thyroid cancer. we need to gain more available evidence from large or multi-center clinical data to help clinicians to diagnose rectal cancer to thyroid neoplasm metastases and evaluate treatment.
Comparison of three dimensional reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography in patients undergoing zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Jiang Chen , Wu Guangyu , Shen Chao , Fu Qibo , Chen Yonghui , Liu Dongming , Xue Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

With the development of three dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing technology, it has been widely using in the field of urology. However, there have been few studies reporting the role of 3D reconstruction in zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy (PN). The aim of this study was to assess the role of 3D reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography (CTA) in zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

Methods

A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing zero-ischemia LPN between October 2017 and March 2018 who underwent CTA (CTA group including 30 patients) and 3D reconstruction (3D group including the remaining 30 patients) preoperatively were included. 3D reconstruction and CTA images were prepared which were used to demonstrate the number and spatial interrelationships of the location of renal tumors and tumor feeding arteries. These radiological findings were directly correlated with intraoperative surgical findings at laparoscopy. Baseline, perioperative variables and the rate of accurate tumor feeding artery orientation were compared between groups.

Results

All LPNs were completed without conversion to renal hilar clamping or open surgery. Preoperative 3D reconstruction identified that 15 patients had only one tumor feeding artery, 12 had two, and another 3 had three, while the conventional CTA revealed that 22 patients had one tumor feeding artery, 8 had two (P > 0.05). The mean operation time was shorter and estimated blood loss was less in the 3D group (P < 0.05) and the rate of accurate tumor feeding artery dissection was higher in the 3D group (91.7%) in comparison with the CTA group (84.2%). The baseline characteristics and renal function outcomes had no statistical differences between groups.

Conclusions

3D reconstruction can provide comprehensive information for the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative orientation about tumor feeding arteries that may facilitate tumor resection during zero-ischemia LPN for renal tumors.
The association between serum chloride levels and chronic kidney disease progression: a cohort study
Authors: Khatri Minesh , Zitovsky Joshua , Lee Dale , Nayyar Kamal , Fazzari Melissa , Grant Candace
Published: May 2020

Background

Limited data suggest serum chloride levels associate with mortality in heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Randomized trials have also shown that administration of crystalloid intravenous fluids with lower chloride concentration may have better renal outcomes. However, chloride has not been studied longitudinally for CKD progression.

Methods

We used a prospective cohort of subjects with stage 3 and 4 CKD recruited from a nephrology clinic at a single medical center. Linear regression, linear regression with generalized estimating equations, and Cox proportional hazards models were created for outcomes of overall change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), longitudinal changes in eGFR, and time to > 30% decline in eGFR, respectively. Baseline chloride was modeled continuously and categorically, and models were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Median follow-up was 1.7 years. Baseline median age was 72 years and median eGFR was 35.7 mL/min/1.73m2. In multivariable analysis, higher serum chloride associated with worsened eGFR decline. Every 1 mEq/L increase in chloride associated with an overall eGFR decline of 0.32 mL/min/1.73m2 (p = 0.003), while the difference in eGFR decline in the highest quartile of chloride was 3.4 mL/min/1.73m2 compared to the lowest quartile (p = 0.004). No association between serum chloride and time to 30% decline in eGFR was observed in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 1.05 per 1 mEq/L increase in serum chloride, p = 0.103).

Conclusions

In CKD patients, higher serum chloride associated with a modestly steeper rate of eGFR decline, and may be a useful biomarker to predict CKD progression. Further studies are needed to determine causality.
Obstetric triage systems: a systematic review of measurement properties (Clinimetric)
Authors: Moudi Asieh , Iravani Mina , Najafian Mahin , Zareiyan Armin , Forouzan Arash , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: May 2020

Background

Since labor and delivery units often serve as emergency units for pregnant women, the use of obstetric triage systems with poor or inadequate quality can lead to unintended consequences such as over and under-triage and so a waste of humans and financial resources. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to evaluate the measurement properties of obstetric triage tools.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline were searched to identify studies in October 2018 and were updated in May 2019. The risk of bias COSMIN checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The quality of every measurement property was appraised by the update criteria of COSMIN. Evidence quality was judged using the modified GRADE approach.

Results

A total of 444 studies were retrieved in initial search. Six studies evaluating 4 tools were included in this study. All the included studies reported only content validity and reliability. The quality of evidence varied from very low to moderate. The quality of content validity and reliability of the included tools was sufficient except for the reliability of the maternal-fetal triage index. The obstetric triage acuity scale (OTAS) was found to have higher reliability than other tools.

Conclusions

Due to insufficient evidence, the conclusions about the quality of measurement properties of each obstetric triage tool may be uncertain. This review emphasizes the necessity for further studies with robust methodological quality on the measurement properties of obstetric triage tools.
Impact of the comprehensive geriatric assessment on treatment decision in geriatric oncology
Authors: Sourdet Sandrine , Brechemier Delphine , Steinmeyer Zara , Gerard Stephane , Balardy Laurent
Published: May 2020

Background

The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the gold standard in geriatric oncology to identify patients at high risk of adverse outcomes and optimize cancer and overall management. Many studies have demonstrated that CGA could modify oncologic treatment decision. However, there is little knowledge on which domains of the CGA are associated with this change. Moreover, the impact of frailty and physical performance on change in cancer treatment plan has been rarely assessed.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of older patients with solid or hematologic cancer referred by oncologists for a geriatric evaluation before cancer treatment. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed by a multidisciplinary team to provide guidance for treatment decision. We performed a multivariate analysis to identify CGA domains associated with change in cancer treatment plan.

Results

Four hundred eighteen patients, mean age 82.8 ± 5.5, were included between October 2011 and January 2016, and 384 of them were referred with an initial cancer treatment plan. This initial cancer treatment plan was changed in 64 patients (16.7%). In multivariate analysis, CGA domains associated with change in cancer treatment plan were cognitive impairment according to the MMSE score (p = 0.020), malnutrition according to the MNA score (p = 0.023), and low physical performance according to the Short Physical Performance Battery (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Cognition, malnutrition and low physical performance are significantly associated with change in cancer treatment plan in older adults with cancer. More studies are needed to evaluate their association with survival, treatment toxicity and quality of life. The role of physical performance should be specifically explored.
Psychosocial, education, economic factors, decision-making ability, and caries status of mothers of children younger than 6 years in suburban Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , El Tantawi Maha , Oginni Ayodeji , Adeniyi Abiola , Alade Michael , Finlayson Tracy L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Little information is available on the relationship between mothers’ psychosocial profile and caries status, and less information is available on the oral health status and psychosocial status of mothers of young children in Africa. This study examined the association between the psychosocial profile of mothers in Nigeria and their prevalence of caries.

Methods

The prevalence of caries and severe caries (DMFT > 3) in mothers with children 71 months old and younger recruited through a household survey in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, was estimated through clinical examination. The explanatory variables were maternal education, income, decision-making status, and psychosocial status (dental anxiety, general anxiety, depressive symptoms, parenting stress, executive dysfunction, sense of coherence, fatalism and social support). The risk indicators for maternal caries were analyzed with logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of caries was 3.3%. Twenty (39.2%) of the 51 women with caries had DMFT > 3. Most study participants were 25–34 years old (59.3%), had secondary level education (63.1%), earned N18,000 ($49)-N30000 ($84) per month (42.9%), and can make autonomous decisions about their health care, household purchases, or visits to family/relatives (68.8%). Most women had normal general anxiety (79.9%), low dental anxiety (90.4%), and normal stress (76.4%) levels. Most also had high fatalism (56.6%), perceived moderate social support (81.6%), had normal depressive symptoms (75.9%), low executive dysfunction (55.9%), and high sense of coherence (53.8%). Mothers who had clinically significant levels of stress were twice more likely to have caries than were those whose level of stress was normal (AOR: 2.26; 95%CI: 1.04–4.89; P = 0.039). Also, mothers who had high fatalism were less likely to have caries than were those with low fatalism (AOR: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.21–0.75; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

High levels of parenting stress was a risk indicator for caries while high fatalism was protective from caries in mothers of children younger than 6-years. Maternal education, income and decision-making ability were not associated with maternal caries. Though the caries prevalence for women with young children was low, the prevalence of severe caries was high and this because of the possible negative effect on their health and wellbeing.
Frequency, risk factors, and complications of induced abortion in ten districts of Madagascar: results from a cross-sectional household survey
Authors: Ratovoson Rila , Kunkel Amber , Rakotovao Jean Pierre , Pourette Dolores , Mattern Chiarella , Andriamiadana Jocelyne , Harimanana Aina , Piola Patrice
Published: May 2020

Background

Madagascar has restrictive abortion laws with no explicit exception to preserve the woman’s life. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of abortion in the country and examine the methods, consequences, and risk factors of these abortions.

Methods

We interviewed 3179 women between September 2015 and April 2016. Women were selected from rural and urban areas of ten districts via a multistage, stratified cluster sampling survey and asked about any induced abortions within the previous 10 years. Analyses used survey weighted estimation procedures. Quasi-Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate of abortions. Logistic regression models with random effects to account for the clustered sampling design were used to estimate the risk of abortion complications by abortion method, provider, and month of pregnancy, and to describe risk factors of induced abortion.

Results

For 2005–2016, we estimated an incidence rate of 18.2 abortions (95% CI 14.4–23.0) per 1000 person-years among sexually active women (aged 18–49 at the time of interview). Applying a multiplier of two as used by the World Health Organization for abortion surveys suggests a true rate of 36.4 per 1000 person-year of exposure. The majority of abortions involved invasive methods such as manual or sharp curettage or insertion of objects into the genital tract. Signs of potential infection followed 29.1% (21.8–37.7%) of abortions. However, the odds of potential infection and of seeking care after abortion did not differ significantly between women who used misoprostol alone and those who used other methods. The odds of experiencing abortion were significantly higher among women who had ever used contraceptive methods compared to those who had not. However, the proportion of women with a history of abortion was significantly lower in rural districts where contraception was available from community health workers than where it was not.

Conclusions

Incidence estimates from Madagascar are lower than those from other African settings, but similar to continent-wide estimates when accounting for underreporting. The finding that the majority of abortions involved invasive procedures suggests a need for strengthening information, education and communications programs on preventing or managing unintended pregnancies.
Hsa_circ_0068307 mediates bladder cancer stem cell-like properties via miR-147/c-Myc axis regulation
Authors: Chen Qi , Yin Qiuping , Mao Yemeng , Zhang Zheyu , Wu Siqi , Cheng Zhang , Chen Xinan , Xu Hanren , Jin Shengming , Jiang Haowen , Yang Chen
Published: May 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the role of hsa_circ_0068307 in bladder cancer (BCa).

Methods

Rt-qPCR was used to detect hsa_circ_0068307 expression in BCa cell lines. The CCK8, colony formation, and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effect of hsa_circ_0068307 on BCa cell migration and proliferation. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter experiments were used to study the regulatory mechanism. Nude mouse xenografts were generated to examine the effect of hsa_circ_0068307 on tumor growth.

Results

The results showed that hsa_circ_0068307 was upregulated in BCa cell lines. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0068307 suppressed cell migration and proliferation in T24 and UMUC3 cells. Hsa_circ_0068307 silencing suppressed cancer stem cell differentiation by upregulating miR-147 expression. Upregulation of miR-147 suppressed c-Myc expression, which is involved in cancer stem cell differentiation. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that hsa_circ_0068307 upregulated c-Myc expression by targeting miR-147. In vivo studies showed that hsa_circ_0068307 knockdown suppressed T24 tumor growth.

Conclusions

These data indicate that downregulation of hsa_circ_0068307 reversed the stem cell-like properties of human bladder cancer through the regulation of the miR-147/c-Myc axis.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a critical review of explanatory hypotheses
Authors: Dieudonné Maël
Published: May 2020

Background

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition defined by the attribution of non-specific symptoms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of anthropogenic origin. Despite its repercussions on the lives of its sufferers, and its potential to become a significant public health issue, it remains of a contested nature. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of symptoms experienced by self-declared EHS persons, which this article aims to review.

Methods

As EHS is a multi-dimensional problem, and its explanatory hypotheses have far-reaching implications, a broad view was adopted, not restricted to EHS literature but encompassing all relevant bodies of research on related topics. This could only be achieved through a narrative approach. Two strategies were used to identify pertinent references. Concerning EHS, a complete bibliography was extracted from a 2018 report from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety and updated with more recent studies. Concerning related topics, the appropriate databases were searched. Systematic reviews and expert reports were favored when available.

Findings

Three main explanatory hypotheses appear in the literature: (1) the electromagnetic hypothesis, attributing EHS to EMF exposure; (2) the cognitive hypothesis, assuming that EHS results from false beliefs in EMF harmfulness, promoting nocebo responses to perceived EMF exposure; (3) the attributive hypothesis, conceiving EHS as a coping strategy for pre-existing conditions. These hypotheses are successively assessed, considering both their strengths and limitations, by comparing their theoretical, experimental, and ecological value.

Conclusion

No hypothesis proves totally satisfying. Avenues of research are suggested to help decide between them and reach a better understanding of EHS.
Immune landscape in Burkitt lymphoma reveals M2-macrophage polarization and correlation between PD-L1 expression and non-canonical EBV latency program
Authors: Granai Massimo , Mundo Lucia , Akarca Ayse U. , Siciliano Maria Chiara , Rizvi Hasan , Mancini Virginia , Onyango Noel , Nyagol Joshua , Abinya Nicholas Othieno , Maha Ibrahim , Margielewska Sandra , Wei Wenbin , Bibas Michele , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Fend Falko , Lazzi Stefano , Leoncini Lorenzo , Marafioti Teresa
Published: May 2020

Background

The Tumor Microenviroment (TME) is a complex milieu that is increasingly recognized as a key factor in multiple stages of disease progression and responses to therapy as well as escape from immune surveillance. However, the precise contribution of specific immune effector and immune suppressor components of the TME in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this paper, we applied the computational algorithm CIBERSORT to Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) datasets of 40 BL samples to draw a map of immune and stromal components of TME. Furthermore, by multiple immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multispectral immunofluorescence (IF), we investigated the TME of additional series of 40 BL cases to evaluate the role of the Programmed Death-1 and Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis.

Results

Our results indicate that M2 polarized macrophages are the most prominent TME component in BL. In addition, we investigated the correlation between PD-L1 and latent membrane protein-2A (LMP2A) expression on tumour cells, highlighting a subgroup of BL cases characterized by a non-canonical latency program of EBV with an activated PD-L1 pathway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study analysed the TME in BL and identified a tolerogenic immune signature highlighting new potential therapeutic targets.
Novel therapeutic strategies targeting telomere maintenance mechanisms in high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: George S. L. , Parmar V. , Lorenzi F. , Marshall L. V. , Jamin Y. , Poon E. , Angelini P. , Chesler L.
Published: May 2020

The majority of high-risk neuroblastomas can be divided into three distinct molecular subgroups defined by the presence of MYCN amplification, upstream TERT rearrangements or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The common defining feature of all three subgroups is altered telomere maintenance; MYCN amplification and upstream TERT rearrangements drive high levels of telomerase expression whereas ALT is a telomerase independent telomere maintenance mechanism. As all three telomere maintenance mechanisms are independently associated with poor outcomes, the development of strategies to selectively target either telomerase expressing or ALT cells holds great promise as a therapeutic approach that is applicable to the majority of children with aggressive disease.

Here we summarise the biology of telomere maintenance and the molecular drivers of aggressive neuroblastoma before describing the most promising therapeutic strategies to target both telomerase expressing and ALT cancers. For telomerase-expressing neuroblastoma the most promising targeted agent to date is 6-thio-2′-deoxyguanosine, however clinical development of this agent is required. In osteosarcoma cell lines with ALT, selective sensitivity to ATR inhibition has been reported. However, we present data showing that in fact ALT neuroblastoma cells are more resistant to the clinical ATR inhibitor AZD6738 compared to other neuroblastoma subtypes. More recently a number of additional candidate compounds have been shown to show selectivity for ALT cancers, such as Tetra-Pt (bpy), a compound targeting the telomeric G-quadruplex and pifithrin-α, a putative p53 inhibitor. Further pre-clinical evaluation of these compounds in neuroblastoma models is warranted.

In summary, telomere maintenance targeting strategies offer a significant opportunity to develop effective new therapies, applicable to a large proportion of children with high-risk neuroblastoma. In parallel to clinical development, more pre-clinical research specifically for neuroblastoma is urgently needed, if we are to improve survival for this common poor outcome tumour of childhood.
Single-cell RNA-seq with spike-in cells enables accurate quantification of cell-specific drug effects in pancreatic islets
Authors: Marquina-Sanchez Brenda , Fortelny Nikolaus , Farlik Matthias , Vieira Andhira , Collombat Patrick , Bock Christoph , Kubicek Stefan
Published: May 2020

Background

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is emerging as a powerful tool to dissect cell-specific effects of drug treatment in complex tissues. This application requires high levels of precision, robustness, and quantitative accuracy—beyond those achievable with existing methods for mainly qualitative single-cell analysis. Here, we establish the use of standardized reference cells as spike-in controls for accurate and robust dissection of single-cell drug responses.

Results

We find that contamination by cell-free RNA can constitute up to 20% of reads in human primary tissue samples, and we show that the ensuing biases can be removed effectively using a novel bioinformatics algorithm. Applying our method to both human and mouse pancreatic islets treated ex vivo, we obtain an accurate and quantitative assessment of cell-specific drug effects on the transcriptome. We observe that FOXO inhibition induces dedifferentiation of both alpha and beta cells, while artemether treatment upregulates insulin and other beta cell marker genes in a subset of alpha cells. In beta cells, dedifferentiation and insulin repression upon artemether treatment occurs predominantly in mouse but not in human samples.

Conclusions

This new method for quantitative, error-correcting, scRNA-seq data normalization using spike-in reference cells helps clarify complex cell-specific effects of pharmacological perturbations with single-cell resolution and high quantitative accuracy.
Integrative analyses of the RNA modification machinery reveal tissue- and cancer-specific signatures
Authors: Begik Oguzhan , Lucas Morghan C. , Liu Huanle , Ramirez Jose Miguel , Mattick John S. , Novoa Eva Maria
Published: May 2020

Background

RNA modifications play central roles in cellular fate and differentiation. However, the machinery responsible for placing, removing, and recognizing more than 170 RNA modifications remains largely uncharacterized and poorly annotated, and we currently lack integrative studies that identify which RNA modification-related proteins (RMPs) may be dysregulated in each cancer type.

Results

Here, we perform a comprehensive annotation and evolutionary analysis of human RMPs, as well as an integrative analysis of their expression patterns across 32 tissues, 10 species, and 13,358 paired tumor-normal human samples. Our analysis reveals an unanticipated heterogeneity of RMP expression patterns across mammalian tissues, with a vast proportion of duplicated enzymes displaying testis-specific expression, suggesting a key role for RNA modifications in sperm formation and possibly intergenerational inheritance. We uncover many RMPs that are dysregulated in various types of cancer, and whose expression levels are predictive of cancer progression. Surprisingly, we find that several commonly studied RNA modification enzymes such as METTL3 or FTO are not significantly upregulated in most cancer types, whereas several less-characterized RMPs, such as LAGE3 and HENMT1, are dysregulated in many cancers.

Conclusions

Our analyses reveal an unanticipated heterogeneity in the expression patterns of RMPs across mammalian tissues and uncover a large proportion of dysregulated RMPs in multiple cancer types. We provide novel targets for future cancer research studies targeting the human epitranscriptome, as well as foundations to understand cell type-specific behaviors that are orchestrated by RNA modifications.
Construction and analysis of an artificial consortium based on the fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 to produce the platform chemical 3-hydroxypropionic acid from CO2
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Lei , Diao Jinjin , Song Xinyu , Shi Mengliang , Zhang Weiwen
Published: May 2020

Background

Cyanobacterial carbohydrates, such as sucrose, have been considered as potential renewable feedstock to support the production of fuels and chemicals. However, the separation and purification processes of these carbohydrates will increase the production cost of chemicals. Co-culture fermentation has been proposed as an efficient and economical way to utilize these cyanobacterial carbohydrates. However, studies on the application of co-culture systems to achieve green biosynthesis of platform chemicals are still rare.

Results

In this study, we successfully achieved one-step conversion of sucrose derived from cyanobacteria to fine chemicals by constructing a microbial consortium consisting of the fast-growing cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusUTEX 2973 andEscherichia colito sequentially produce sucrose and then the platform chemical 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) from CO2under photoautotrophic growth conditions. First, efforts were made to overexpress the sucrose permease-coding genecscBunder the strong promoterPcpc560inS. elongatusUTEX 2973 for efficient sucrose secretion. Second, the sucrose catabolic pathway and malonyl-CoA-dependent 3-HP biosynthetic pathway were introduced intoE. coliBL21 (DE3) for heterologous biosynthesis of 3-HP from sucrose. By optimizing the cultivation temperature from 37 to 30 °C, a stable artificial consortium system was constructed with the capability of producing 3-HP at up to 68.29 mg/L directly from CO2. In addition, cell growth ofS. elongatusUTEX 2973 in the consortium was enhanced, probably due to the quick quenching of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the system byE. coli, which in turn improved the photosynthesis of cyanobacteria.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the feasibility of the one-step conversion of sucrose to fine chemicals using an artificial consortium system. The study also confirmed that heterotrophic bacteria could promote the cell growth of cyanobacteria by relieving oxidative stress in this microbial consortium, which further suggests the potential value of this system for future industrial applications.
Cattle gastrointestinal nematode egg-spiked faecal samples: high recovery rates using the Mini-FLOTAC technique
Authors: Amadesi Alessandra , Bosco Antonio , Rinaldi Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe , Claerebout Edwin , Maurelli Maria Paola
Published: May 2020

Background

Faecal egg count (FEC) techniques are commonly used to detect gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in cattle and to determine anthelmintic efficacy/resistance through the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Mini-FLOTAC is one of the techniques recommended for a standardised FEC/FECRT of helminth eggs in cattle. However, only one paper evaluated the recovery rate of GIN eggs by Mini-FLOTAC (compared to McMaster and modified-Wisconsin method) in cattle, using only a level of contamination of 200 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and using GIN eggs collected from goat faeces to spike faecal samples from cattle. To further study the recovery rate of GIN eggs from cattle faeces, this study was conducted in two laboratories, one in Belgium and one in Italy to evaluate the sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques (at two reading levels: grids and chambers) for the detection of GIN eggs in spiked bovine faecal samples.

Methods

In both countries, spiked cattle faecal samples with five different levels of egg contamination (10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 EPG) of GINs were used. The study was performed in both laboratories by the same expert operator and using the same standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques. Sensitivity, accuracy and precision were calculated for each technique and for each level of contamination. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate differences in performance between the two techniques.

Results

Mini-FLOTAC had a higher sensitivity (100% at all EPG levels for Mini-FLOTAC vs 0–66.6% for McMaster chambers and grids at levels< 100 EPG), a higher accuracy (98.1% mean value for Mini-FLOTAC vs 83.2% for McMaster grids and 63.8% for McMaster chambers) and a lower coefficient of variation (10.0% for Mini-FLOTAC vs 47.5% for McMaster grids and 69.4% for McMaster chambers) than McMaster. There was no significant difference in the recovery of GIN eggs between the two studies performed in Belgium and in Italy.

Conclusions

The high GIN egg recovery rate detected by Mini-FLOTAC and the similar results obtained in Belgium and in Italy indicated that the diagnostic performance of a FEC technique was not dependent on the laboratory environment.
MiR-153 reduces stem cell-like phenotype and tumor growth of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting Jagged1
Authors: Zhao Guoli , Zhang Yueying , Zhao Zhonghua , Cai Haibo , Zhao Xiaogang , Yang Tong , Chen Weijun , Yao Chengfang , Wang Zhaopeng , Wang Zhaoxia , Han Chen , Wang Hengxiao
Published: May 2020

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to be responsible for tumor recurrence and chemo-resistance. Previous studies suggested that miR-153 played essential roles in lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-153 in regulating the stemness of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-153 in regulation of the stemness of NSCLC.

Methods

The stemness property of lung stem cancer cells was detected by sphere formation assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to investigate the direct binding of miR-153 to the 3′-UTR of JAG1 mRNA. Animal study was conducted to evaluate the effect of miR-153 on tumor growth in vivo. The clinical relevance of miR-153 in NSCLC was evaluated by Rt-PCR and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

MiR-153 expression was decreased in lung cancer tissues. Reduced miR-153 expression was associated with lung metastasis and poor overall survival of lung cancer patients. Jagged1, one of the ligands of Notch1, is targeted by miR-153 and inversely correlates with miR-153 in human lung samples. More importantly, we found that miR-153 inhibited stem cell-like phenotype and tumor growth of lung adenocarcinoma through inactivating the Jagged1/Notch1 axis.

Conclusion

MiR-153 suppresses the stem cell-like phenotypes and tumor growth of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting Jagged1 and provides a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer therapy.
Investigation of memory-enhancing botanical mixture and their isolated compounds for inhibition of amyloid-β and tau aggregation
Authors: Baek Seungyeop , Park Sohui , Shin Jisu , Lee Jun-Seok , Kim Hye Yun , Han Gyoonhee , Kim YoungSoo
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the abnormal assembly of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau aggregates in the brain. When Aβ and tau proteins misfold, progressive brain cell death, synaptic loss, atrophy, and cognitive decline are observed. Here, we report that the memory-enhancing botanical natural product mixture, HX106N, efficiently inhibits formation of Aβ oligomers and fibrils and aggregation of tau. HX106N is a botanical mixture extract ofDimocarpus longan,Liriope platyphylla,Salvia miltiorrhizaandGastrodia elata. In previous clinical studies, HX106N showed increased working memory performances of individuals of subjective memory complaints. However, the drug mechanism and responsible ingredients of HX106N has been unclear yet. In this study, we expanded the investigation of the drug mode of action to the single chemical level by identifying four active components of HX106N, among 14 isolated molecules, with significant inhibitory function against Aβ aggregation. We found that salvianolic acids A, B, E and rosmarinic acid, isolated from the botanical mixture, have potency to inhibit the protein misfolding.
RNA modifications in brain tumorigenesis
Authors: Huang Albert Z. , Delaidelli Alberto , Sorensen Poul H.
Published: May 2020

RNA modifications are emerging as critical regulators in cancer biology, thanks to their ability to influence gene expression and the predominant protein isoforms expressed during cell proliferation, migration, and other pro-oncogenic properties. The reversibility and dynamic nature of post-transcriptional RNA modifications allow cells to quickly adapt to microenvironmental changes. Recent literature has revealed that the deregulation of RNA modifications can promote a plethora of developmental diseases, including tumorigenesis. In this review, we will focus on four key post-transcriptional RNA modifications which have been identified as contributors to the pathogenesis of brain tumors: m6A, alternative polyadenylation, alternative splicing and adenosine to inosine modifications. In addition to the role of RNA modifications in brain tumor progression, we will also discuss potential opportunities to target these processes to improve the dismal prognosis for brain tumors.
Observations of equatorial plasma bubbles using a low-cost 630.0-nm all-sky imager in Ishigaki Island, Japan
Authors: Hosokawa Keisuke , Takami Kohei , Saito Susumu , Ogawa Yasunobu , Otsuka Yuichi , Shiokawa Kazuo , Chen Chia-Hung , Lin Chien-Hung
Published: May 2020

Here, we introduce a low-cost airglow imaging system developed for observing plasma bubble signatures in 630.0-nm airglow emission from the F region of the ionosphere. The system is composed of a small camera, optical filter, and fish-eye lens, and is operated using free software that automatically records video from the camera. A pilot system was deployed in Ishigaki Island in the southern part of Japan (Lat 24.4, Lon 124.4, Mlat 19.6) and was operated for ~ 1.5 years from 2014 to 2016 corresponding to the recent solar maximum period. The pilot observations demonstrated that it was difficult to identify the plasma bubble signature in the raw image captured every 4 s. However, the quality of the image could be improved by reducing the random noise of instrumental origin through an integration of 30 consecutive raw images obtained in 2 min and further by subtracting the 1-h averaged background image. We compared the deviation images to those from a co-existing airglow imager of OMTIs, which is equipped with a back-illuminated cooled CCD camera with a high quantum efficiency of ~ 90%. It was confirmed that the low-cost airglow imager is capable of imaging the spatial structure of plasma bubbles, including their bifurcating traces. The results of these pilot observations in Ishigaki Island will allow us to distribute the low-cost imager in a wide area and construct a network for monitoring plasma bubbles and their space weather impacts on satellite navigation systems.
Ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty versus Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: a fellow-eye comparison
Authors: Mencucci Rita , Favuzza Eleonora , Marziali Elisa , Cennamo Michela , Mazzotta Cosimo , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Virgili Gianni , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: May 2020

Background

To compare the visual outcome and patients’ satisfaction after ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed on fellow eyes of the same patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the records of 18 pseudophakic patients affected by Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DMEK in one eye and UT-DSAEK in the fellow eye were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal pachymetry, keratometry, corneal aberrations, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity, and endothelial cell counts measured 12 months after surgery in either eye were analyzed and compared. The results of a satisfaction questionnaire were also reviewed.

Results

Twelve months after surgery, BCVA was not significantly different in UT-DSAEK and DMEK eyes (0.10 ± 0.04 and 0.07 ± 0.07 logMAR, respectively); at both 4- and 6 mm optical zones total and posterior corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs), posterior astigmatism and total coma were significantly lower after DMEK; BCVA in both groups was significantly correlated mainly with anterior corneal aberrations; contrast sensitivity was higher after DMEK especially in mesopic conditions and at medium spatial frequencies; the endothelial cell density was similar, although slightly higher in the UT-DSAEK group (p = 0.10). The satisfaction questionnaire showed that although patients were highly satisfied from both procedures, more than half of them preferred DMEK and reported a more comfortable and quicker postoperative recovery.

Conclusions

DMEK and UT-DSAEK showed no evidence of difference in terms of postoperative BCVA, although DMEK had a better performance in terms of contrast sensitivity, posterior corneal aberrations and overall patient satisfaction.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with carbon dioxide for peripheral arterial disease after kidney transplantation: a case report with literature review
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Marubayashi Seiji , Shintaku Sadanori , Sato Tomoyasu , Moriishi Misaki , Tsuchiya Shinichiro , Ohdan Hideki , Kawanishi Hideki
Published: May 2020

Background

Arteriosclerosis may progress and lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) during the waiting period until kidney transplantation in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. Additionally, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) of a kidney allograft after the examination and treatment for PAD is problematic. Here, we report the case of a kidney transplant recipient with PAD in the lower extremities who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with carbon dioxide to prevent CIN incidence.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman underwent a cadaveric kidney transplant when she was 49 years old. Immunosuppression was maintained with tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil. Her post-transplant course was uneventful, and serum creatinine level was maintained at 1.1–1.3 mg/dL. Intermittent claudication of the lower legs began 3 years after transplantation. Under saline intravenous rehydration, computed tomographic angiographies were performed, and the patient was diagnosed with PAD in the bilateral lower extremities. Total PTA was performed thrice for PAD in the lower extremities via a combination of carbon dioxide and iodinated contrast medium to prevent CIN incidence at 3, 4, and 7 years after kidney transplantation. The patient’s recoveries were uneventful. One year later, the serum creatinine level was maintained at 0.9–1.1 mg/dL, and since then, the patient has shown no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

In a kidney transplant recipient with PAD, PTA with carbon dioxide was effective to minimize the volumes of iodinated contrast medium and prevent CIN incidence.
Current efforts and challenges facing responses to 2019-nCoV in Africa
Authors: Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Lin Xu
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus is a pandemic that has started to creep into Africa thus making the virus a truly global, health security threat. The number of new 2019-nCoV cases has been rising in Africa, though currently lower than the cases reported outside the region. African countries have activated their Emergency Operations Centres to coordinate responses and preparedness activities to the pandemic. A series of measures such as restricting travel, case detection and contact tracing, mandatory quarantine, guidance and information to the public among other efforts are being implemented across Africa. However, the presence of porous borders, the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, poverty, poor health literacy, infodemic and family clustering, and most of all, weak health systems, may make containment challenging. It is important for African countries to continue to intensify efforts and address the challenges to effectively respond to the uncertainty the pandemic poses.
Tradition and Fermentation Science of prohok, an ethnic fermented fish product of Cambodia
Authors: LeGrand Karen , Borarin Buntong , Young Glenn M.
Published: May 2020

Cambodian foods are increasingly consumed outside Southeast Asia, yet are the subject of remarkably few reports. The Khmer culture and culinary traditions of Cambodian people, both historical and contemporary, depend most heavily on the fermented fish product prohok ("Image missing") as an essential ingredient in a wide variety of dishes. The aim of this report is to better understand the traditions, production methods, and uses of prohok as well as the retention of this essential flavoring and nutritional component of Khmer cuisine. The reported findings include how fish preservation developed to accommodate Cambodia's unique naturally occurring hydrological phenomena and has influenced the ethnic identity and social structure of Khmer people. Commercial and home production of prohok is observed to have socioeconomic and nutritional impact on people. The uses of prohok in main dishes, sauces, soups, and side dishes are explored. Furthermore, this report investigates and reviews the underlying microbiology and chemistry that takes place during traditional fermentations of fish to produce prohok. This foundational knowledge serves as a basis for additional scientific studies to further investigate prohok fermentations with the goal to better understand factors that contribute to the unique regional variation of aromas, textures, and flavors produced by traditional practitioners and beloved by Khmer people.
Affective lability across psychosis spectrum disorders
Authors: Høegh Margrethe Collier , Melle Ingrid , Aminoff Sofie R. , Laskemoen Jannicke Fjæra , Büchmann Camilla Bakkalia , Ueland Torill , Lagerberg Trine Vik
Published: May 2020

Background.

Despite apparent clinical remission, individuals with psychotic disorders often experience significant impairments across functional domains. Thus, there is a need to search beyond management of core symptoms to optimize treatment outcomes. Affective dysregulation is considered a risk factor for poor clinical and functional outcomes in many mental disorders, but research investigating such features in psychosis, particularly in schizophrenia, is limited. We aimed to investigate the level of affective lability (AL) in participants with schizophrenia- and bipolar spectrum disorders (n = 222) compared to healthy controls (n = 140), as well as clinical correlates of AL in the diagnostic groups.

Methods.

The Affective Lability Scale (ALS-SF) was used to measure total score of AL and subscores covering the domains of anxiety/depression, depression/elation, and anger. An analysis of covariance was performed to compare the ALS-SF total score between groups, correcting for potential confounders, as well as standard multiple regression analyses for diagnosis-specific investigations of the relationship between AL and demographic and clinical features.

Results.

Both the schizophrenia- and bipolar spectrum group had significantly higher ALS-SF total score compared to controls (p < 0.001), and no significant differences between the patient groups were found. In the schizophrenia group, current psychotic and depressive symptoms were significantly and independently associated with AL (p = 0.012 and p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions.

The findings indicate that AL is elevated in psychotic disorders and that it transcends diagnostic boundaries. Further research into the causal relationship between psychotic and affective symptoms and AL, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target in psychosis spectrum disorders, is warranted.
Hypermetabolic Syndrome and Dyskinesia After Neurologic Surgery for Labrune Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Holland Erica L. , Saneto Russell P. , Knipper Emily K.
Published: May 2020

A 20-year-old man with a rare neurodegenerative disease developed hypermetabolic symptoms with dyskinesia after a third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus. The initial presentation was concerning for an acute dystonic reaction after metoclopramide was administered for nausea. He concurrently developed hypermetabolic symptoms, including hyperthermia, tachycardia, and a lactic acidosis. The diagnosis was broadened to include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, and malignant hyperthermia. Although perhaps less intellectually satisfying but more true to clinical reality, we did not isolate a single diagnosis but treated effectively all 3 with dantrolene sodium and benzodiazepine.