bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergic effects of decellularized bone matrix, hydroxyapatite, and extracellular vesicles on repairing of the rabbit mandibular bone defect model
Authors: Emami Asrin , Talaei-Khozani Tahereh , Tavanafar Saeid , Zareifard Nehleh , Azarpira Negar , Vojdani Zahra
Published: September 2020

Background

Extracellular vesicles (ECV) and bone extracellular matrix (ECM) have beneficial effects on the treatment of some pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to find the synergic effects of decellularized bone (DB) ECM and ECVs on the repair of rabbit.

Methods

The quality of decellularized sheep bones was confirmed by H&E, Hoechst, DNA quantification, immunohistochemistry, histochemical staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblast-derived ECVs were evaluated by internalization test, Transmission electron microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, and flow cytometry for CD9, CD63, CD81 markers. The hydrogel containing DB and hydroxyapatite (HA) with or without ECVs was evaluated for osteoblast functions and bone repair both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The data indicated ECM preservation after decellularization as well as cell depletion. In vitro assessments revealed that mineralization and alkaline phosphatase activity did not improve after treatment of MG63 cells by ECVs, while in vivo morphomatrical estimations showed synergic effects of ECVs and DB + HA hydrogels on increasing the number of bone-specific cells and vessel and bone area compared to the control, DB + HA and ECV-treated groups.

Conclusions

The DB enriched with ECVs can be an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering and may provide a suitable niche for bone cell migration and differentiation.
Development of the squamate naso-palatal complex: detailed 3D analysis of the vomeronasal organ and nasal cavity in the brown anole Anolis sagrei (Squamata: Iguania)
Authors: Kaczmarek Paweł , Janiszewska Katarzyna , Metscher Brian , Rupik Weronika
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite the diverse morphology of the adult squamate naso-palatal complex – consisting of the nasal cavity, vomeronasal organ (VNO), choanal groove, lacrimal duct and superficial palate – little is known about the embryology of these structures. Moreover, there are no comprehensive studies concerning development of the nasal cavity and VNO in relation to the superficial palate. In this investigation, we used X-ray microtomography and histological sections to describe embryonic development of the naso-palatal complex of iguanian lizard, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). The purpose of the study was to describe the mechanism of formation of adult morphology in this species, which combines the peculiar anole features with typical iguanian conditions. Considering the uncertain phylogenetic position of the Iguania within Squamata, embryological data and future comparative studies may shed new light on the evolution of this large squamate clade.

Results

Development of the naso-palatal complex was divided into three phases: early, middle and late. In the early developmental phase, the vomeronasal pit originates from medial outpocketing of the nasal pit, when the facial prominences are weakly developed. In the middle developmental phase, the following events can be noted: the formation of the frontonasal mass, separation of the vestibulum, appearance of the lacrimal duct, and formation of the choanal groove, which leads to separation of the VNO from the nasal cavity. In late development, the nasal cavity and the VNO attain their adult morphology. The lacrimal duct establishes an extensive connection with the choanal groove, which eventually becomes largely separated from the oral cavity.

Conclusions

Unlike in other tetrapods, the primordium of the lacrimal duct in the brown anole develops largely beyond the nasolacrimal groove. In contrast to previous studies on squamates, the maxillary prominence is found to participate in the initial fusion with the frontonasal mass. Moreover, formation of the choanal groove occurs due to the fusion of the vomerine cushion to the subconchal fold, rather than to the choanal fold. The loss or significant reduction of the lateral nasal concha is secondary. Some features of anole adult morphology, such as the closure of the choanal groove, may constitute adaptations to vomeronasal chemoreception.
gsufsort: constructing suffix arrays, LCP arrays and BWTs for string collections
Authors: Louza Felipe A. , Telles Guilherme P. , Gog Simon , Prezza Nicola , Rosone Giovanna
Published: September 2020

Background

The construction of a suffix array for a collection of strings is a fundamental task in Bioinformatics and in many other applications that process strings. Related data structures, as the Longest Common Prefix array, the Burrows–Wheeler transform, and the document array, are often needed to accompany the suffix array to efficiently solve a wide variety of problems. While several algorithms have been proposed to construct the suffix array for a single string, less emphasis has been put on algorithms to construct suffix arrays for string collections.

Result

In this paper we introduce , an open source software for constructing the suffix array and related data indexing structures for a string collection with N symbols in O(N) time. Our tool is written in and is based on the algorithm gSACA-K (Louza et al. in Theor Comput Sci 678:22–39, 2017), the fastest algorithm to construct suffix arrays for string collections. The tool supports large fasta, fastq and text files with multiple strings as input. Experiments have shown very good performance on different types of strings.

Conclusions

is a fast, portable, and lightweight tool for constructing the suffix array and additional data structures for string collections.
Micronized sacchachitin promotes satellite cell proliferation through TAK1-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway predominantly by TLR2 activation
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Lin Chuang-Yu , Hou Chun-Yin , Sheu Ming-Thau , Chang Hsi
Published: September 2020

Background

Ganoderma sp., such as Ganoderma tsugae (GT), play an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Ganoderma sp. contains several constituents, including Sacacchin, which has recently drawn attention because it can not only enhance the repair of muscle damage but also strengthen the muscle enforcement. Although Ganoderma sp. have a therapeutic effect for neuromuscular disorders, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of micronized sacchachitin (mSC) on satellite cells (SCs), which are known as the muscle stem cells.

Methods

The myogenic cells, included SCs (Pax7+) were isolated from tibialis anterior muscles of a healthy rat and were cultured in growth media with different mSC concentrations. For the evaluation of SC proliferation, these cultivated cells were immunostained with Pax7 and bromodeoxyuridine assessed simultaneously. The molecular signal pathway was further investigated by using Western blotting and signal pathway inhibitors.

Results

Our data revealed that 200 µg/mL mSC had an optimal capability to significantly enhance the SC proliferation. Furthermore, this enhancement of SC proliferation was verified to be involved with activation of TAK1-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway through TLR2, whose expression on SC surface was confirmed for the first time here.

Conclusion

Micronized sacchachitin extracted from GT was capable of promoting the proliferation of SC under a correct concentration.
Dietary mannose supplementation in phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2-CDG)
Authors: Taday Roman , Grüneberg Marianne , DuChesne Ingrid , Reunert Janine , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: September 2020

Background

PMM2-CDG (CDG-Ia) is the most frequent N-glycosylation disorder. While supplying mannose to PMM2-deficient fibroblasts corrects the altered N-glycosylation in vitro, short term therapeutic approaches with mannose supplementation in PMM2-CDG patients have been unsuccessful. Mannose found no further mention in the design of a potential therapy for PMM2-CDG in the past years, as it applies to be ineffective. This retrospective study analyzes the first long term mannose supplementation in 20 PMM2-CDG patients. Mannose was given at a total of 1–2 g mannose/kg b.w./d divided into 5 single doses over a mean time of 57,75 ± 25,85 months. Protein glycosylation, blood mannose concentration and clinical presentation were monitored in everyday clinical practice.

Results

After a mean time period of more than 1 year the majority of patients showed significant improvements in protein glycosylation.

Conclusion

Dietary mannose supplementation shows biological effects in PMM2-CDG patients improving glycosylation in the majority of patients. A double-blind randomized study is needed to examine the role of mannose in the design of a therapy for children with PMM2-CDG in more detail.
Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with advanced lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) compared with COPD – a retrospective analysis
Authors: Gloeckl Rainer , Nell Christoph , Schneeberger Tessa , Jarosch Inga , Boensch Martina , Watz Henrik , Wirtz Hubert , Welte Tobias , Kenn Klaus , Koczulla Andreas Rembert
Published: September 2020

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and progressive cystic lung disease with limited therapeutic options. We retrospectively analyzed the effects of a comprehensive 4-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program in 58 patients with advanced LAM (FEV1: 45 ± 34%predicted, 6-min walk distance (6MWD): 338 ± 167 m). Exercise performance (6MWD: + 49 ± 50 m; p < 0.001) and quality of life (SF-36 physical component: + 2.4 ± 7.8 points; p = 0.049 and mental component: + 5.2 ± 12.1 points; p < 0.001) increased significantly after PR comparable to an COPD cohort. There were no clinical parameters that predicted changes in outcomes following PR. PR seems to be an effective therapeutic option even in patients with advanced LAM.

Trial registration

Clinical-Trials registration number: NCT04184193; date of registration: December 3, 2019.
Fixed point theorems for nonlinear contractive mappings in ordered b-metric space with auxiliary function
Authors: Seshagiri Rao Namana , Kalyani Karusala , Mitiku Belay
Published: September 2020

Objectives

In this paper we present some fixed point theorems for self mappings satisfying generalized$$(\phi , \psi )$$(ϕ,ψ)-weak contraction condition in partially ordered completeb-metric spaces. The results presented over here generalize and extend some existing results in the literature. Finally, we illustrate two examples to support our results.

Result

We obtained a unique fixed point of a self mapping satisfying certain contraction condition which is involving an auxiliary function. Also, the results are presented for the existence of a common fixed point and a coincidence point for generalized$$(\phi , \psi )$$(ϕ,ψ)-weak contraction mappings in partially ordered completeb-metric space.
Complex dynamics and coexistence of period-doubling and period-halving bifurcations in an integrated pest management model with nonlinear impulsive control
Authors: Li Changtong , Tang Sanyi , Cheke Robert A.
Published: September 2020

An expectation for optimal integrated pest management is that the instantaneous numbers of natural enemies released should depend on the densities of both pest and natural enemy in the field. For this, a generalised predator–prey model with nonlinear impulsive control tactics is proposed and its dynamics is investigated. The threshold conditions for the global stability of the pest-free periodic solution are obtained based on the Floquet theorem and analytic methods. Also, the sufficient conditions for permanence are given. Additionally, the problem of finding a nontrivial periodic solution is confirmed by showing the existence of a nontrivial fixed point of the model’s stroboscopic map determined by a time snapshot equal to the common impulsive period. In order to address the effects of nonlinear pulse control on the dynamics and success of pest control, a predator–prey model incorporating the Holling type II functional response function as an example is investigated. Finally, numerical simulations show that the proposed model has very complex dynamical behaviour, including period-doubling bifurcation, chaotic solutions, chaos crisis, period-halving bifurcations and periodic windows. Moreover, there exists an interesting phenomenon whereby period-doubling bifurcation and period-halving bifurcation always coexist when nonlinear impulsive controls are adopted, which makes the dynamical behaviour of the model more complicated, resulting in difficulties when designing successful pest control strategies.
Bio-organic fertilizers stimulate indigenous soil Pseudomonas populations to enhance plant disease suppression
Authors: Tao Chengyuan , Li Rong , Xiong Wu , Shen Zongzhuan , Liu Shanshan , Wang Beibei , Ruan Yunze , Geisen Stefan , Shen Qirong , Kowalchuk George A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Plant diseases caused by fungal pathogen result in a substantial economic impact on the global food and fruit industry. Application of organic fertilizers supplemented with biocontrol microorganisms (i.e.bioorganic fertilizers) has been shown to improve resistance against plant pathogens at least in part due to impacts on the structure and function of the resident soil microbiome. However, it remains unclear whether such improvements are driven by the specific action of microbial inoculants, microbial populations naturally resident to the organic fertilizer or the physical-chemical properties of the compost substrate. The aim of this study was to seek the ecological mechanisms involved in the disease suppressive activity of bio-organic fertilizers.

Results

To disentangle the mechanism of bio-organic fertilizer action, we conducted an experiment tracking Fusarium wilt disease of banana and changes in soil microbial communities over three growth seasons in response to the following four treatments: bio-organic fertilizer (containingBacillus amyloliquefaciensW19), organic fertilizer, sterilized organic fertilizer and sterilized organic fertilizer supplemented withB.amyloliquefaciensW19. We found that sterilized bioorganic fertilizer to whichBacilluswas re-inoculated provided a similar degree of disease suppression as the non-sterilized bioorganic fertilizer across cropping seasons. We further observed that disease suppression in these treatments is linked to impacts on the resident soil microbial communities, specifically by leading to increases in specificPseudomonasspp.. Observed correlations betweenBacillusamendment and indigenousPseudomonasspp. that might underlie pathogen suppression were further studied in laboratory and pot experiments. These studies revealed that specific bacterial taxa synergistically increase biofilm formation and likely acted as a plant-beneficial consortium against the pathogen.

Conclusion

Together we demonstrate that the action of bioorganic fertilizer is a product of the biocontrol inoculum within the organic amendment and its impact on the resident soil microbiome. This knowledge should help in the design of more efficient biofertilizers designed to promote soil function.
Validity of the dispersion relations in magnetotellurics. Part II: synthetic and field data
Authors: Zorin Nikita , Alekseev Dmitry , Epishkin Dmitrii , Shimizu Hisayoshi , Yakovlev Denis , Zaytsev Sergey
Published: September 2020

The impedance tensor and tipper are shown to be non-causal in some classes of 2-D and 3-D magnetotelluric (MT) models, including those widely encountered off shore. At the same time, examination of a large database of onshore MT records yields only a handful of non-causal tensors, being non-causal due to the influence of nearby artificial conductors rather than some exotic geological conditions. This result implies that the actual chance to encounter a non-causal impedance tensor or tipper in terrestrial MT exploration is vanishingly small, thus securing the universal applicability of the dispersion relation technique for quality assessment of the mentioned transfer functions.
Machine learning helps improve diagnostic ability of subclinical keratoconus using Scheimpflug and OCT imaging modalities
Authors: Shi Ce , Wang Mengyi , Zhu Tiantian , Zhang Ying , Ye Yufeng , Jiang Jun , Chen Sisi , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To develop an automated classification system using a machine learning classifier to distinguish clinically unaffected eyes in patients with keratoconus from a normal control population based on a combination of Scheimpflug camera images and ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) imaging data.

Methods

A total of 121 eyes from 121 participants were classified by 2 cornea experts into 3 groups: normal (50 eyes), with keratoconus (38 eyes) or with subclinical keratoconus (33 eyes). All eyes were imaged with a Scheimpflug camera and UHR-OCT. Corneal morphological features were extracted from the imaging data. A neural network was used to train a model based on these features to distinguish the eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes. Fisher’s score was used to rank the differentiable power of each feature. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to obtain the area under the ROC curves (AUCs).

Results

The developed classification model used to combine all features from the Scheimpflug camera and UHR-OCT dramatically improved the differentiable power to discriminate between normal eyes and eyes with subclinical keratoconus (AUC = 0.93). The variation in the thickness profile within each individual in the corneal epithelium extracted from UHR-OCT imaging ranked the highest in differentiating eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes.

Conclusion

The automated classification system using machine learning based on the combination of Scheimpflug camera data and UHR-OCT imaging data showed excellent performance in discriminating eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes. The epithelial features extracted from the OCT images were the most valuable in the discrimination process. This classification system has the potential to improve the differentiable power of subclinical keratoconus and the efficiency of keratoconus screening.
Evaluation of a manualised speech and language therapy programme for children with social communication disorder: the SCIP feasibility study
Authors: Adams Catherine , Gaile Jacqueline , Roddam Hazel , Baxendale Janet , Clitheroe Laura , Emsley Richard
Published: September 2020

Background

Children with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) have long-term needs in using and processing social language and have a high risk of later mental health difficulties. A manualised speech and language therapy programme, the Social Communication Intervention Programme (SCIP) provides therapy content for SPCD. A feasibility study is required to derive more precise estimates of key parameters for a future trial of SCIP.

Aims

To assess the feasibility of conducting a substantive randomized controlled trial of SCIP for children with SPCD.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to paediatric speech and language therapists in England. Survey questions addressed number of eligible children, routine intervention provision and trial recruitment factors. In the second phase, a single-arm intervention feasibility study was completed. Fifteen speech and language practitioners identified 24 children aged 5–11 years with SPCD. Practitioners received training/supervision to deliver 20 SCIP therapy sessions to each child. At time 1, parents of participating children provided three communication goals; expected steps in each goal were defined. After intervention, parents and practitioners independently rated each goal compared to baseline ability. Two research practitioners compared parent post-intervention commentaries with outcome scores to derive guidance about clinical significance. All practitioners recorded audio commentaries on therapy experiences. Post-intervention interviews were conducted with 6 practitioners and 6 parents. An expert panel completed a Delphi consultation on trial design.

Results

Routine practice for SPCD varies widely. Children tend to be embedded in autism provision. Participation in a future trial was well supported provided resources are available to services. Outcomes analysis indicated all children except one made some progress on parent ratings; all children made progress on practitioner ratings. A power analysis for a future trial was carried out using current outcome measure as putative primary endpoint. Practitioners’ audio-diaries provided suggestions for training and adaption in a future trial. Outcomes and therapy methods were acceptable to practitioners and parents.

Conclusions

The feasibility study evaluated a novel outcome measure of social communication skills in SPCD. A power calculation indicated a feasible framework for a trial within a realistic period of time. Recommendations for recruitment methods, adaptation of manual and training were supported by practitioners and an expert panel.

Trial registration

Title: Speech-language therapy for child social communication disorder

Trial ID: ISRCTN48030419. Date registered: January 1, 2017. Registered retrospectively.
Maxillary sinus haziness and facial swelling following suction drainage in the maxilla after orthognathic surgery
Authors: Lee Jung-Soo , Kim Moon-Key , Kang Sang-Hoon
Published: September 2020

Background

We investigated the efficacy of a maxillary Jackson-Pratt (J-P) suction drain for preventing maxillary sinus hematoma and facial swelling after maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy (LF1).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 66 patients who underwent LF1 at a single institution. Of these, 41 had a J-P suction tube inserted in the mandible and maxilla (maxillary insertion), and 25 had a J-P drain inserted in the mandible only (no maxillary insertion). Facial CT was obtained before and 4 days after surgery. We compared mean midfacial swelling and maxillary sinus haziness by t test and examined correlations between bleeding amount and body mass index (BMI).

Results

For the maxillary-insertion group, the ratio of total maxillary sinus volume to haziness (57.5 ± 24.2%) was significantly lower than in the group without maxillary drain insertion (65.5% ± 20.3; P = .043). This latter group, however, did not have a significantly greater midfacial soft tissue volume (7575 mm3) than the maxillary-insertion group (7250 mm3; P = .728). BMI did not correlate significantly with bleeding amount or facial swelling.

Conclusions

Suction drainage in the maxilla reduced maxillary sinus haziness after orthognathic surgery but did not significantly reduce midfacial swelling.
Identifying pathophysiological bases of disease in COVID-19
Authors: Goldin Carla J. , Vázquez Ramiro , Polack Fernando P. , Alvarez-Paggi Damian
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can affect lung physiology encompassing a wide spectrum of severities, ranging from asymptomatic and mild symptoms to severe and fatal cases; the latter including massive neutrophil infiltration, stroke and multiple organ failure. Despite many recents findings, a clear mechanistic description underlying symptomatology is lacking.

In this article, we thoroughly review the available data involving risk factors, age, gender, comorbidities, symptoms of disease, cellular and molecular mechanisms and the details behind host/pathogen interaction that hints at the existence of different pathophysiological mechanisms of disease. There is clear evidence that, by targeting the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) –its natural receptor–, SARS-CoV-2 would mainly affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), whose imbalance triggers diverse symptomatology-associated pathological processes. Downstream actors of the RAAS cascade are identified, and their interaction with risk factors and comorbidities are presented, rationalizing why a specific subgroup of individuals that present already lower ACE2 levels is particularly more susceptible to severe forms of disease. Finally, the notion of endotype discovery in the context of COVID-19 is introduced.

We hypothesize that COVID-19, and its associated spectrum of severities, is an umbrella term covering different pathophysiological mechanisms (endotypes). This approach should dramatically accelerate our understanding and treatment of disease(s), enabling further discovery of pathophysiological mechanisms and leading to the identification of specific groups of patients that may benefit from personalized treatments.
Applications of artificial intelligence and deep learning in molecular imaging and radiotherapy
Authors: Arabi Hossein , Zaidi Habib
Published: September 2020

This brief review summarizes the major applications of artificial intelligence (AI), in particular deep learning approaches, in molecular imaging and radiation therapy research. To this end, the applications of artificial intelligence in five generic fields of molecular imaging and radiation therapy, including PET instrumentation design, PET image reconstruction quantification and segmentation, image denoising (low-dose imaging), radiation dosimetry and computer-aided diagnosis, and outcome prediction are discussed. This review sets out to cover briefly the fundamental concepts of AI and deep learning followed by a presentation of seminal achievements and the challenges facing their adoption in clinical setting.
Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis
Authors: Johnstad Petter Grahl
Published: September 2020

Background

While cannabis has a long history of spiritual use, its normalization in Western societies during the last decades has led to more recreational use. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of spiritual cannabis use as compared to recreational use and to the use of psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin.

Methods

The study employed a mixed methods research design that involved both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Participants in interviews (N = 29) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private messaging, and were queried in depth about their use of entheogens such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT in spiritual contexts. The Cannabis and Psychedelics User Survey (CPUS) was constructed on the basis of the reports from these interviews, and recruited 319 participants (median age 33; 81% male) from seven different online communities. The online survey consisted of three main sections, with the first asking about demographics, personality, current and past affiliation to spiritual or religious traditions, and non-psychedelic drug use, and the second and third sections containing questions about motivations for, experience with, and consequences of cannabis and psychedelics use. The main statistical analyses used were multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis, which identified the effect from having a spiritual motivation for cannabis use on various aspects of the cannabis experience while controlling for a range of demographic, personality, and drug use variables.

Results

Respondents differentiated clearly between the use of psychedelics and cannabis. Their use of the psychedelic drug they chose for the survey was restricted to a median of 1–10 use occasions per year, and 69% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. Cannabis, on the other hand, was used a median of 51–100 times per year, and 25% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. This minority of spiritual cannabis users differed significantly from non-spiritual users in how they approached cannabis use and in the type of experiences their use gave rise to. In multivariate logistic regression models, spiritual motivation was a significant predictor (p < .05) of experiences of insight, connectedness, joy, love, and unity with transcendent forces.

Conclusions

The study found evidence of a group of spiritual cannabis users who tended to regard cannabis as an entheogen. These spiritual cannabis users had a different mode of engagement with cannabis than recreational users, and reported cannabis experiences that in some aspects resembled experiences with psychedelics. Recent research has not given much attention to spiritual aspects of cannabis use, but the study indicates that spiritually motivated use remains prevalent and deserves further study.
Enhancement of antioxidant and storability of Hollywood plum cultivar by preharvest treatments with moringa leaf extract and some nutrients
Authors: Mahmoud Thanaa Shaban Mohamed , Shaaban Fatma Korany Mohamed , El-Hadidy Gehan Abd El-Malek
Published: September 2020

Background

Plum fruit has a short shelf life with a rapid deterioration in quality after harvest. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preharvest treatments by moringa leaf extract (MLE), boric acid (B), and chelated calcium (Ca EDTA) on Hollywood plum fruit quality attributes bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity during cold storage. Plum trees were sprayed twice: at full bloom stage and 1 month later with T1, 5% MLE + 1% B + 2% Ca EDTA; T2, 5% MLE + 2% B + 3% Ca EDTA; T3, 10% MLE + 1% B + 2% Ca EDTA; T4, 10% MLE + 2% B + 3% Ca EDTA; and T5, water only as control. At maturity stage, fruits were harvested and stored at 0 ± 1 °C and RH 85–90% for 8 weeks.

Results

At the end of storage, all studied treatments exhibited significantly higher sensory quality: firmness, color, soluble solid content:titratable acidity ratio, total anthocyanin content, total flavonoids content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity than control.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that preharvest treatment with moringa leaf extract, boric acid, and chelated calcium could be a safe and eco-friendly to improve and maintain plum quality attributes and especially their content of antioxidant compounds during cold storage periods.
Relationship between right ventricular pacing and non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias in patients with dual-chamber pacemaker and normal range left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: El-Zein Rayan S. , Amin Anish K. , Billakanty Sreedhar R. , Fu Eugene Y. , Nichols Allan J. , Nelson Steven D. , Kleman James M. , Kidwell Gregory A. , Chopra Nagesh
Published: September 2020

Background

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) increases heart failure, AF, and death rates in pacemaker patients and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in defibrillator patients. However, the impact of RVP on VAs burden and its clinical significance in pacemaker patients with normal range LVEF of > 50–55% remains unknown. We sought to evaluate the relationship of RVP and VAs and its clinical impact in a pacemaker patient population.

Methods

Records of 105 patients who underwent denovo dual-chamber pacemaker implant or a generator change (Medtronic™ or Boston Scientific™) for AV block and sinus node disease at a tertiary care center between September 1, 2015, and September 1, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Data from 105 patients (51% females, mean age 76 ± 1 years, mean LVEF 61 ± 0.7%) without history of VAs (98.2%) were reviewed over 1044 ± 23 days. Dependent patients (100% RVP) exhibited the lowest VAs burden when compared to < 100% RVP (isolated PVCs, PVC runs of < 4 beats, and NSVT; p ≤ 0.001). Patients with < 1% RVP also exhibited low VA burden with intermediate RVP (1–99.9%) being most arrhythmogenic for PVC runs (p = 0.04) and for isolated PVCs (p = 0.006). Antiarrhythmics/beta and calcium channel blockers use and stress tests performed to evaluate VAs which were positive requiring intervention did not differ significantly. Burden of > 1/h of PVC runs and increasing PVC runs/h were significantly associated with hospitalization (p = 0.04) and all-cause mortality (p = 0.03), respectively.

Conclusions

In pacemaker patients with normal range LVEF (> 50–55%), 100% RVP is associated with the lowest burden of NSVT. Furthermore, patients with < 1% RVP also exhibit low VA burden; however, intermittent RVP seems to significantly correlate with non-sustained VAs.
The enterprise culture heritage of Minangkabau cuisine, West Sumatra of Indonesia as a source of sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Mardatillah Annisa
Published: September 2020

The enterprise cultural heritage of the Minangkabau cuisine, West Sumatra in Indonesia was formed by several factors such as history, knowledge, and inheritance of processing procedures to the presentation of cuisine. Minangkabau cuisine has a wealth of assets in the form of heterogeneity of culinary heritage resources that are thick with a unique value of a unique taste. Thus, Minangkabau cuisine with its cultural heritage becomes the strength of cultural identity for the Minangkabau people in the process of selecting food. The sustainability of the Minangkabau restaurant business cannot be separated from the ownership of its valuable, scarce, inimitable, and non-substitute resource assets so that it is not easy to move to competitors. The findings in this study have never been answered in previous literature reviews; furthermore, this paper is able to explain treasures about the history, geographical, cultural, and social significance of ethnic food Minangkabau with scientific evidence, the enterprise culture heritage in achieving the sustainable competitive advantage of Minangkabau cuisine with a more interesting scientific approach. This review aims to explain scientifically the identity of food and culture from Minangkabau cuisine, West Sumatra, Indonesia, namely reviewing the history and food culture of Minangkabau cuisine related to its origin, the authenticity of Minangkabau food, and the enterprise cultural heritage as a restaurant for Minangkabau cultural cuisine as a source of sustainable competition in this global business era. In the end, it was found that Minangkabau cuisine has high heterogeneity resource assets as a source of achievement of sustainable competitive advantage by heritage value.
Ancestral Peruvian ethnic fermented beverage “Chicha” based on purple corn (Zea mays L.): unraveling the health-relevant functional benefits
Authors: Vargas-Yana Diego , Aguilar-Morón Brigitte , Pezo-Torres Nelly , Shetty Kalidas , Ranilla Lena Gálvez
Published: September 2020

Chichais a traditional ethnic corn-based fermented beverage with a profound cultural relevance in the Andean region, especially in Peru where it has been part of religious ceremonies since pre-Inca civilizations.Chicha de Guiñapois made with purple corn and is a typical beverage from the Peruvian region of Arequipa (South of Peru) where some local people still preserve its traditional process and use, but no investigation has been focused on the study of its potential health-relevant functional properties linking the historical perspectives. The current research was aimed at advancing the ethnic cultural relevance of this traditional beverage with an understanding of deep historical and ecological roots and further by evaluating the differences in the traditional processing ofChicha de Guiñapofrom five geographical zones in Arequipa (Peru). Furthermore, to understand the potential health relevance, the influence on the total phenolic content (TPC), the total anthocyanin content (TAC), the antioxidant capacity, the in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase relevant for hyperglycemia management, along with the physicochemical characteristics, were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the physicochemical parameters, the antioxidant capacity, and the phenolic contents among theChichasamples from different origins. However, all samples showed a remarkable in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase with a significant influence of the geographical zone of origin that links historical usage and contemporary health benefits. The Z2Chichasample that followed the most traditional preparation had the highest values of TAC, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and anti-hyperglycemia-relevant α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Results from the current study reveal thatChichahas an important health-relevant functional potential and that the preservation of the traditional historical and ethnic knowledge about its processing is critical for its validation for wider use across all communities.
Mid-term lifetime survivals of octogenarians following primary and revision total knee arthroplasties were satisfactory: a retrospective single center study in contemporary period
Authors: Song Sang Jun , Kim Kang Il , Bae Dae Kyung , Park Cheol Hee
Published: September 2020

Background

As life expectancy increases, the number of octogenarians requiring primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing. Recently, primary TKA has become a common treatment option in octogenarians. However, surgeons may still be hesitant about performing revision TKA on octogenarians because of concern about risk and cost benefit. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and mid-term lifetime survival in octogenarians after primary and revision TKA.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 231 primary TKAs and 41 revision TKAs performed on octogenarians between 2000 and 2016. The mean age of patients undergoing primary TKA was 81.9 years and that of patients undergoing revision TKA was 82.3 years (p = 0.310). The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index was higher in revision TKA (4.4 vs. 4.8, p = 0.003). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated. The incidence of postoperative complications (TKA-related, specific or systemic) and lifetime survival rate (endpoint death determined by telephone or mail communication with patient or family) were investigated.

Results

The WOMAC and ROM improved significantly after primary and revision TKA, although postoperative results were worse in the revision group (33.1 vs. 47.2; 128.9° vs. 113.6°; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no cases of aseptic or septic component failure in either group. One case of periprosthetic fracture was observed in the revision group (0% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.151), and three cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) (one case of DVT and two cases of PTE) were observed in the primary group (1.3% vs. 0%, p = 1.000). The most common systemic complication in both groups was delirium (7.4% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.131). There were no differences between the two groups in the other systemic complication rates. The 5-year and 10-year lifetime survival rates were 87.2% and 62.9%, respectively, in primary TKA and 82.1% and 42.2%, respectively, in revision TKA (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Both primary and revision TKA are viable options for octogenarians, based on the satisfactory clinical outcomes, TKA-related complication rates, and mid-term lifetime survival. Delirium needs to be managed appropriately as the most common systemic complication in both primary and revision TKA in octogenarians.

Level of evidence

IV
Chest X-ray findings monitoring COVID-19 disease course and severity
Authors: Yasin Rabab , Gouda Walaa
Published: September 2020

Background

Coronavirus related respiratory illness usually manifests clinically as pneumonia with predominant imaging findings of an atypical or organizing pneumonia. Plain radiography is very helpful for COVID-19 disease assessment and follow-up. It gives an accurate insight into the disease course.

We aimed to determine the COVID-19 disease course and severity using chest X-ray (CXR) scoring system and correlate these with patients’ age, sex, and outcome.

Results

In our study, there were 350 patients proven with positive COVID-19 disease; 220 patients (62.9%) had abnormal baseline CXR and 130 patients (37.1%) had normal baseline CXR. During follow-up chest X-ray studies, 48 patients (13.7%) of the normal baseline CXR showed CXR abnormalities. In abnormal chest X-ray, consolidation opacities were the most common finding seen in 218 patients (81.3%), followed by reticular interstitial thickening seen in 107 patients (39.9%) and GGO seen in 87 patients (32.5%). Pulmonary nodules were found 25 patients (9.3%) and pleural effusion was seen in 20 patients (7.5%). Most of the patients showed bilateral lung affection (181 patients, 67.5%) with peripheral distribution (156 patients, 58.2%) and lower zone affection (196 patients, 73.1%). The total severity score was estimated in the baseline and follow-up CXR and it was ranged from 0 to 8. The outcome of COVID-19 disease was significantly related to the age, sex, and TSS of the patients. Male patients showed significantly higher mortality rate as compared to the female patients (P value 0.025). Also, the mortality rate was higher in patients older than 40 years especially with higher TSS.

Conclusion

Radiographic findings are very good predictors for assessing the course of COVID-19 disease and it could be used as long-term consequences monitoring.
Platelet rich plasma versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with non-calcific supraspinatous tears
Authors: Alian Samah M. , Zaghlol Rabab S. , Khalil Sahar S.
Published: September 2020

Background

To compare the clinical efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) subacromial injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on refractory non-calcific partial thickness supraspinatous tendon tear.

Results

Significant improvement in all outcome measures achieved in both groups at 4 weeks follow-up period (the end of treatment course) (P< 0.05). At 12 weeks follow-up period, group I, showed significant improvement in all outcome measures compared to baseline and group II; however, in group II, there was no significant difference compared to baseline; moreover, deterioration in the previous improvement was noticed.

Conclusion

Both PRP (group I) and ESWT (group II) are effective therapeutic methods in the management of refractory non-calcific partial thickness supraspinatous tendon tear; however, PRP (group I) has better long-term effects on both pain and function.
A preoperative radiomics model for the identification of lymph node metastasis in patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yan Lifen , Yao Huasheng , Long Ruichun , Wu Lei , Xia Haotian , Li Jinglei , Liu Zaiyi , Liang Changhong
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

To develop and validate a radiomics model for preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).

Methods:

Total of 190 eligible patients were randomly divided into training (n = 100) and validation (n = 90) cohorts. Handcrafted features and deep-learning features were extracted from T2W fat suppression images. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and LASSO regression with 10-fold cross-validation were used for key features selection. A radiomics model that incorporated the handcrafted-signature, deep-signature, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) levels was developed by logistic regression. The model performance was assessed and validated with respect to its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.

Results:

Three handcrafted features and three deep-learning features were selected and used to build handcrafted- and deep-signature. The model, which incorporated the handcrafted-signature, deep-signature, and SCC-Ag, showed satisfactory calibration and discrimination in the training cohort (AUC: 0.852, 95% CI: 0.761–0.943) and the validation cohort (AUC: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.711–0.919). Decision curve analysis indicated the clinical usefulness of the radiomics model. The radiomics model yielded greater AUCs than either the radiomics signature (AUC = 0.806 and 0.779, respectively) or the SCC-Ag (AUC = 0.735 and 0.688, respectively) alone in both the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusion:

The presented radiomics model can be used for preoperative identification of LNM in patients with early-stage CSCC. Its performance outperforms that of SCC-Ag level analysis alone.

Advances in knowledge:

A radiomics model incorporated radiomics signature and SCC-Ag levels demonstrated good performance in identifying LNM in patients with early-stage CSCC.
SeqAcademy: an educational pipeline for RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq analysis
Authors: Ather Syed Hussain , Awe Olaitan Igbagbo , Butler Thomas J. , Denka Tamiru , Semick Stephen Andrew , Tang Wanhu , Busby Ben
Published: September 2020

Quantification of gene expression and characterization of gene transcript structures are central problems in molecular biology. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) are important methods, but can be cumbersome and difficult for beginners to learn. To teach interested students and scientists how to analyze RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data, we present a start-to-finish tutorial for analyzing RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data: SeqAcademy (source code: https://github.com/NCBI-Hackathons/seqacademy, webpage: http://www.seqacademy.org/). This user-friendly pipeline, fully written in markdown language, emphasizes the use of publicly available RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data and strings together popular tools that bridge that gap between raw sequencing reads and biological insight. We demonstrate practical and conceptual considerations for various RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq analysis steps with a biological use case - a previously published yeast experiment. This work complements existing sophisticated RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq pipelines designed for advanced users by gently introducing the critical components of RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq analysis to the novice bioinformatician. In conclusion, this well-documented pipeline will introduce state-of-the-art RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq analysis tools to beginning bioinformaticians and help facilitate the analysis of the burgeoning amounts of public RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data.
Case Report: Non-microscopic surgical management of incomplete penile amputation
Authors: Putra Donny Eka , Kusbin Theddyon Bhenlie Apry , Satyagraha Paksi , Widodo Stephanie Taneysa
Published: September 2020

Background: Penile amputation is an emergency urologic condition requiring immediate attention in order to maximize functional outcomes. Unfortunately, there is limited experience and publication of case reports describing the successful replantation of penis after incomplete amputation, especially in facilities without adequate microsurgical tools and means. We hereby present a case of penile amputation caused by a mechanical grass cutter and a discussion of its surgical management.

Case description: A 33-year-old Indonesian male presented to the emergency department with incomplete penile amputation six hours post injury. The patient has no prior medical history and presented with penile amputation due to a mechanical grass cutter trauma. He underwent immediate non-microsurgery reconstructive replantation of the penis, reattaching all visible vascular, corporal, and fascia layers. After replantation, the patient recovered well and showed preserved normal appearance and sensitivity of the penis. Subsequent Doppler ultrasound investigation revealed adequate arterial flow at the distal end of the anastomosis. The patient was discharged five days after surgery. 

Conclusion: In the absence of microsurgical tools and means, the use of non-microsurgical replantation with an at least 2.5x loupe magnification should be the choice of treatment in the case of incomplete penile amputation. The technique showed good outcomes involving adequate functional and cosmetic restoration.