bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A techno-practical method for overcoming the biotoxicity and volatility obstacles of butanol and butyric acid during whole-cell catalysis by Gluconobacter oxydans
Authors: Hua Xia , Du GenLai , Zhou Xin , Xu Yong
Published: March 2020

Background

Butyric acid is a platform chemical material, the production of which has been greatly stimulated by the diverse range of downstream applications in many industries. In particular, higher quality butyric acid used in food and medicine, is more dependent on microbiological production methods. Hence, the bio-oxidation of butanol to butyric acid has been identified as a promising method with good potential economic and environmental benefits. However, both butanol and butyric acid usually performs intensive toxicity on most microorganisms as well as the bio-oxidation pathway. To develop a green, efficient and competitive microbiological method is the primary work to overcome the bottleneck of butyric acid industry.

Result

A combined bioprocess was designed with alternative whole-cell catalysis for butyric acid bio-conversion from butanol by Gluconobacter oxydans in a sealed-oxygen supply bioreactor (SOS). In the operation system, the escape of volatile substrates and toxic chemicals to cells can be avoided by the use of a sealed bioreactor, combined with the rejuvenation of cells by supplying energy co-factors. Finally, during one batch whole-cell catalysis, the utilization rate of substrate increased from 56.6% to 96.0% by the simply skill. Additionally, the techno-practical bioprocess can realize the purpose of cell-recycling technology through the rejuvenation effect of co-factor. Finally, we obtained 135.3 g/L butyric acid and 216.7 g/L sorbose during 60 h whole-cell catalysis. This techno-practical technology provides a promising approach to promote the industrial production of butyric acid with more competitiveness.

Conclusion

The techno-practical biotechnology has powerfully promoted the process of butyric acid production by microorganism, especially makes up for the lack of aerobic fermentation in the industry, and surmount the shortcomings of traditional anerobic fermentation. At the same time, this technically-practical system provides a promising approach for the promotion of the industrial production of butyric acid in a more competitive manner.
Stress response after breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy as modifiable predictors of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum: a longitudinal study
Authors: Shiraishi Mie , Matsuzaki Masayo , Kurihara Shoko , Iwamoto Maki , Shimada Mieko
Published: March 2020

Background: Only 50% of mothers in Japan exclusively breastfeed their infants during the postpartum period. To increase this rate, we aimed to examine modifiable factors at 1 month postpartum related to exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum by focusing on breastfeeding-related and psychosocial variables. Methods: This prospective cohort study was a secondary analysis of a longitudinal study, which was conducted in a secondary medical care center in Osaka, Japan from 2017 to 2018. Demographic variables, infant feeding modality, breastfeeding-related variables, and psychosocial variables were obtained using questionnaires at 1 month postpartum. Daytime salivary cortisol levels before and after breastfeeding at 1 month postpartum were measured as a biological marker for stress responses associated with breastfeeding. Each infant’s feeding modality was re-assessed at 3 months postpartum. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. Results: Of the 104 participants, 61 reported exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. The following factors significantly affected exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum: multipara (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 11.128, 2.078–59.594), having a university degree (5.246, 1.037–26.526), no plan to return to work by 6 months postpartum (0.021, 0.001–0.460), exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month postpartum (42.841, 6.047–303.515), higher breastfeeding self-efficacy scale score at 1 month postpartum (1.070, 1.004–1.139), and lower cortisol level after breastfeeding at 1 month postpartum (0.000, 0.000–0.020). Conclusions: Stress levels after breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy were identified as modifiable factors related to subsequent exclusive breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals need to develop effective approaches to reducing breastfeeding-related stress and improving breastfeeding self-efficacy to help women fulfill their antenatal breastfeeding intentions and increase exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Application Effect of Reading List in Teaching of Temporal CT Reading
Authors: Wei Fanqin , Fang Ruihua , Wen Lanying , Qin Zili , Wu Xuan
Published: March 2020

Background

Temporal CT is the most commonly used imaging data in the clinical work of otology. How to cultivate and improve the ability of residents to read images has become an important focus in clinical teaching. Our aim is to explore the application effect of reading list in the reading teaching of temporal CT for resident otologists.

Methods

The resident otologists were selected as subjects and randomly divided into a Group A and a Group B. Group A adopted reading list of temporal CT while Group B did not adopted reading list. The ability of student to read temporal CT was tested and evaluated.

Results

The scores and identification proficiency of temporal CT in Group A were significantly better than those in Group B after training. The evaluation in the learning interest, prediction ability of surgical risk, prevention of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis risk, doctor-patient communication ability, standard organization of reading, self-confidence in reading, self-learning of reading, and satisfaction degree with reading teaching methods in Group A were better than those in Group B.

Conclusion

Application of reading list can improve the ability of resident otologists to read temporal CT and predict surgical risk, and help students cultivate the standard reading habits and enhance their interest in learning.
Association of S. haematobium Infection Morbidity and Severity on Co-infections status in Pre-school Age Children Living in a Rural Endemic Area in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mduluza-Joko Tariro Lavender , Naicker Thajasvarie , Jokonya Luxwell , Midzi Herald , Vengesai Arthur , Kasambala Maritha , Choto Emelia , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Sibanda Elopy , Mutapi Francisca , Mdul Takafira
Published: March 2020

Background: Individuals living in S. haematobium endemic areas are often at risk of having other communicable diseases, simultaneously. This usually creates diagnostic difficulties leading to misdiagnosis and overlooking schistosomiasis infection. In this study we investigated the prevalence and effects of coinfections in pre-school age children.Methodology : About 465 Preschool age children were clinically examined for the following top morbidity conditions: respiratory tract infections, dermatophytosis, malaria and fever of unknown origin. S. haematobium infection was diagnosed by urine filtration and the children were screened for other communicable infections common in rural areas.Results : Prevalence of S. haematobium was 35% (145). A positive relationship between S. haematobium prevalence and under-5 mortality rate in Zimbabwean provinces was demonstrated. The odds of co-infections observed for S. haematobium were: upper respiratory tract infection AOR = 1.98 (95% CI 1.657 to 2.48), dermatophytosis AOR = 5.10 ( 95% CI 2.99 to 8.72), fever of unknown origin AOR = 9.07 ( 95% CI 5.70 to 14.44) and malaria AOR = 0.91 ( 95% CI 0.54 to1.54). The risk ratio of having S. haematobium and co-infections in children who had fever of unknown origin 138%, dermatophytosis 38%, Upper respiratory tract infection 1% increase risk and malaria had a 2% reduced risk. Odds of having severe sequelae following the above conditions were: severe pneumonia AOR = 8.41(95%CI 3.09-22.93), complicated malaria AOR = 7.09 (95% CI 1.51-33.39), severe and persistent dermatophytosis AOR=20.3 (95% CI 4.78-83.2) and seizures AOR=1.62 (95%CI 1.56-4.73).Conclusion : This study is novel as it identifies a possible causal relationship between S. haematobium infection and top morbidity conditions in children under five years. There is need to alert policy makers so as to initiate early treatment of schistosomiasis in pre-school age children.
The chemical composition and manufacturing technology of glass beads excavated from the Hetian Bizili site, Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Dong , Wen Rui , Hu Xingjun , Li Wenying
Published: March 2020

The Hetian Bizili site of the Lop County, located in the southern route of the Silk Road in the Xinjiang, China, was a trade and cultural hub between the East and the West in ancient times. In 2016, a large number of glass beads were unearthed from the 40 tombs excavated in this site. This study analyzed the chemical composition and manufacturing technology of twelve glass beads from the M5 tomb of the Bizili site by using various analytical techniques such as LA-ICP-AES, EDXRF, Raman Spectrometry, and SR-μCT. The chemical compositions of the beads were all Na 2 O-CaO-SiO 2 , with plant ash and natron as fluxes. The lead antimonite and lead stannate were applied as the opacifying agents. Some of the beads with high contents of aluminum may potentially come from Ancient India. In terms of manufacturing technology, the craftsmen made eyeballs of glass beads in different ways, and even applied the same process as Etched Carnelian beads in some beads. This study confirmed that Bizili was an essential place for the interactions between the East and the West and provided the foundation for the spreading of glass beads.
Moral neutralization: Nurses' evolution in unethical climate workplaces
Authors: Hakimi Hamideh , Joolaee Soodabeh , Farahani Mansoureh Ashghali , Rodney Patricia , Ranjbar Hadi
Published: March 2020

Introduction Good quality of care is dependent on nurses’ strong clinical skills and strong moral competencies, as well. However, the moral performance of some nurses in some organizations shows a deterioration in their moral sensitivity and actions. The aim of the study reported on in this paper was to explore the experiences of nurses regarding negative changes in their moral practice. Materials and Methods This was a qualitative study utilizing a inductive thematic analysis approach, which was conducted from February 2017 to September 2019. Twenty-five nurses participated in semi-structured interviews. Results The main theme that emerged from our analysis was one of moral neutralization in the context of an unethical moral climate. We found five sub-themes, including: (1) feeling discouraged; (2) normalization; (3) giving up; (4) becoming a justifier; and (5) moral indifference. Conclusions Unethical moral climates in health organizations can result in deterioration of morality in nurses which can harm both pateints and health syetms. Some unethical behaviors in nurses can be explaiened by this process.
Genetic diagnostic features after failure of initial treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors among non-small-cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR mutations
Authors: Takeda Yuichiro , Naka Go , Yamaguchi Yoh , Hashimoto Masao , Suzuki Manabu , Izumi Shinyu , Sugiyama Haruhito
Published: March 2020

Background: Osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), can be used as second-line treatment for lung cancer patients harboring the T790M substitution. Although osimertinib is more effective than first-generation EGFR-TKIs used for first-line treatment, their efficacy for long-term patient survival remains unclear even upon administration of a complete sequence of EGFR-TKI therapy, and limited information is available regrading genetic diagnostic approaches after EGFR-TKI naïve treatment. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of EGFR-mutated lung cancer patients harboring the T790M substitution resistant to EGFR-TKIs and the advantages of rebiopsy and liquid biopsy among these patients.Methods: The medical records of patients screened for EGFR mutations were reviewed. Upon failure of naïve treatment with EGFR-TKIs except for osimertinib, single plexus COBAS version 2 was repeatedly used to detect the T790M substitution in EGFR via tissue or liquid biopsy. Results: From April 2016 through May 2019, 113 patients harbored EGFR mutations. Sixty patients were treated with EGFR-TKIs, among which 46 underwent tissue or liquid biopsy. Twenty-nine of these 46 (63%) patients harbored the T790M substitution. In total, 141 rebiopsies were performed. The T790M substitution was detected in 24 of 43 tissue and 11 of 98 liquid biopsies. If patients displayed an EGFR exon 19 deletion, displayed a new lesion, and were administered gefitinib as first-line therapy, patients harboring an EGFR mutation were suspected to harbor the T790M substitution. Furthermore, the T790M substitution was detected through rebiopsy in patients with co-existing original mutations, brain metastases, tumor enlargement by ≥ 12 mm, or metastases at rare sites. Conclusion: Repeated biopsy can help maximize the detection rate of the T790M substitution. Furthermore, the advantages of repeated tissue or liquid biopsy should be considered among patients with positive T790M factors, and these biopsies can be repeated numerous times.
Fostering Teaching-Learning through Workplace Based Assessment in Postgraduate Chemical Pathology Residency Program Using Virtual Learning Environment
Authors: Jafri Lena , Siddiqui Imran , Khan Aysha Habib , Tariq Muhammed , Effendi Muhammad Umer Naeem , Naseem Azra , Ahmed Sibtain , Ghani Farooq , Alidina Shahnila , Shah Nadir , Majid Hafsa
Published: March 2020

Background The principle of workplace based assessment (WBA) is to assess trainees at work with feedback integrated into the program simultaneously. A student driven WBA model was introduced and perception evaluation of this teaching method was done subsequently by taking feedback from the faculty as well as the postgraduate trainees (PGs) of a residency program. Methods Descriptive mixed method study was conducted. A WBA program was designed for PGs in Chemical Pathology on MOODLE and forms utilized were Case-based discussion (CBD), Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS) and Evaluation of clinical events (ECE). Consented assessors and PGs were trained on WBA through a workshop. Pretest and post-test to assess PGs knowledge before and after WBA were conducted. Every time a WBA form was filled, perception of PGs and assessors towards WBA, time taken to conduct single WBA and feedback were recorded. Faculty and PGs qualitative feedback on perception of WBA was taken via interviews. WBA tools data and qualitative feedback were used to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the new tools. Results Six eligible PGs and seventeen assessors participated in this study. A total of 79 CBDs (assessors n=7 and PGs n=6), 12 ECEs (assessors n=6 and PGs n=5), and 20 DOPS (assessors n=6 and PGs n=6) were documented. PGs average pretest score was 55.6%, which was improved to 96.4% in posttest. Overall mean time taken to evaluate PG’s was 12.6±9.9 min and feedback time 9.2±7.4 min. Mean WBA process satisfaction of assessors and PGs on likert scale of 1 to 10 was 8±1 and 8.3±0.8 respectively. Conclusion Both assessors and fellows were satisfied with introduction and implementation of WBA. It gave the fellows opportunity to interact with assessors more often and learn from their rich experience.
circRAE1 promotes colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion through modulating miR-338-3p/TYRO3 axis
Authors: Du Jiabin , Xu Jianhua , Chen Junxing , Liu Weinan , Wang Pengcheng , Ye kai
Published: March 2020

Background: Growing evidences have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) including circular RNAs (circRNAs) involve in numerous carcinogenesis. However, the roles of circRNAs in the cancer biology of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain vague. Methods: qRT-PCR and western-blot were used to detecte the circRAE1 levels in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using wound healing assays, and transwell assays. The interaction between circRAE1 and miR-338-3p and TRYO3 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results: We uncovered that a novel circRNA Hsa_circ_0060967 (also known as circRAE1) was remarkably increased in CRC tissues, and high circRAE1 level was positively associated with advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size. Loss-of-function assay indicated that circRAE1 accelerated cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Besides, miR-338-3p , lowly expressed in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines. dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that circRAE1 could sponge miR-338-3p, which targeted TRYO3 in CRC cells. Furthermore, overexpression of circRAE1 could recue the impaired migration and invasion triggered by miR-338-3p mimics or si-TYRO3 in CRC cells and vice versa. Conclusion : We figured out the network of circRAE1, miR-338-3p, and TYRO3 in CRC cells and revealed that increased circRAE1 served as an oncogene through sponging miR-338-3p, resulting in upregulated TYRO3 expression, which suggested that circRAE1 would be a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker for CRC treatment.
Identifies of key biomarkers associated with cell adhesion in multiple myeloma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Peng Yue , Wu Dong , Zhang Peihua , Li Fangmei , Feng Yuandong , He Aili
Published: March 2020

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy whose underlying molecular mechanism has not yet fully understood. Cell adhesion plays a pivotal role in regulating MM progression. In this work, we aim to identify key genes involved in cell adhesion. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with p<0.05 and [logFC]≥1 were identified from the mRNA expression profiles of GSE6477 using GEO2R. Functional analysis and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to explore the biological function of the identified DEGs. Interactive networks of selected genes were built by STRING and Cytoscape software. Then,the prognostic and diagnostic values of hub genes were performed by the PrognoScan online tool and ROC curves. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of candidate genes was performed using both clinical data and mRNA expression data. A retrospective clinical study was performed to evaluate the correlation between the expression of candidate proteins and the clinical characteristics of patients. Additionally, GSEA and transcription factor (TF) prediction were performed to identify biological progression that might be involved. Results: In total, 1383 DEGs were identified. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and cell adhesion. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly associated with cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and ECM-receptor interaction. To further identify key regulators involved in the cell adhesion process, we screened 180 overlapped genes between the DEGs and genes in GO terms of cell adhesion. Moreover, we built a PPI network to analyze filtered 123 proteins by STRING and Cytoscape software. 12 hub genes were identified as hub genes. Based on the PrognoScan database, ITGA9 and LAMB1 revealed the prognostic and diagnostic values of MM patients. They were both down-regulated in MM and had a correlation with some clinical characteristics of MM patients. Finally, GSEA analysis showed LAMB1 has a strong correlation with hypoxia, AKT1/mTOR signaling pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation. ITGA9 may be a target gene of MYC and has a strong correlation with oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, based on TF prediction and the correlation analysis, we speculated that MYC may repress transcription of ITGA9 through binding to the promoter, which needs further verification. Conclusion: ITGA9 and LAMB1 were identified as key cell adhesion genes, serving as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for MM.
Influence of MoSi2 on oxidation protective ability of TaB2-SiC coating in oxygen-containing environments within a broad temperature range
Authors: Ren Xuanru , Lv Junshuai , Li Wei , Hu Yuwen , Sun Ke , Ma Can , Chu Hongao , Wang Weiguang , Xu Leihua , Li Ziyu , Feng Peizhong
Published: March 2020

TaB2-SiC coating modified by different content of MoSi2 was fabricated on graphite substrate with SiC inner coating by liquid phase sintering to elevate the anti-oxidation capability of the TaB2-SiC coatings. As compared to the sample with the TaB2-40wt.%SiC coating, the coating sample modified with MoSi2 exhibited a weight gain trend at lower temperatures, the fastest weight loss rate went down by 76%, and the relative oxygen permeability value reduced from about 1% to near 0. More importantly, the large amount of SiO2 glass phase produced over the coating during oxidation was in contact with the modification of MoSi2 , which was proved to be beneficial to the dispersion of Ta-oxides. A concomitantly formed continuous Ta-Si-O-B compound glass layer showed excellent capacity to prevent oxygen penetration. However, when the TaB2 content was sacrificed to increase the MoSi2 content, the relative oxygen permeability of the coating increased instead of decreased. Thus, on the basis of ample TaB2 content, increasing the MoSi2 content of the coating is conducive to reducing the relative oxygen permeability of the coatings in a broad temperature region.
Overcoming Recruitment Challenges in Nursing Home Research with Nurses and Health Care Aides
Authors: Peters Sheryl , Thompson Genevieve , McClement Susan
Published: March 2020

BackgroundRecruiting busy health care providers into research can be challenging. Yet, the success of a research project can hinge on recruitment response rates. This article uses a case study to demonstrate how qualitative researchers creatively readjusted their methods when standard methods were not yielding enough recruitment response with the aim of supporting other researchers with their recruitment. MethodsCase Example – Interest was expressed but response rates were low among nurses and health care aides in a research project on person-centred health care in a personal care home research site. The research team reconceptualized the participation design, creating a research ‘event’, which accommodated the time constraints and work culture of the respondents. The research event was much better attended than standard interview recruitment.ResultsThe research event approach overcame barriers to participation. An 80% response rate resulted. Standard response rates for research interviews tend to be well under 20%.DiscussionSuccessful recruitment hinged on the researcher’s willingness to reconceptualize the recruitment approach part-way through, when recruitment difficulties were encountered. The high response could be attributed to the methods’ alignment to the available time and work culture in respondent-centred ways. The results suggest that attending to aspects of the work culture can increase recruitment, improve the chances of successful data collection, and reduce the likelihood of research ‘stall’.ConclusionNew and creative approaches to recruiting nurses and health care aides to qualitative research studies can help to meet recruitment targets. Rethinking and redesigning recruitment strategies after research begins, can be a mark of a successful research strategy and not a failure of research design.
An in vivo multimodal feasibility study in a rat brain tumour model using flexible multinuclear MR and PET systems
Authors: Choi Chang-Hoon , Stegmayr Carina , Shymanskaya Aliaksandra , Worthoff Wieland A. , Silva Nuno A da , Felder Jörg , Langen Karl-Josef , Shah Nadim Jon
Published: March 2020

Background : In addition to the structural information afforded by 1 H MRI, the use of X-nuclei, such as sodium-23 ( 23 Na) or phosphorus-31 ( 31 P), offers important complementary information concerning physiological and biochemical parameters. By then combining this technique with PET, which provides valuable insight into a wide range of metabolic and molecular processes by using of a variety of radioactive tracers, the scope of medical imaging and diagnostics can be significantly increased. While the use of multimodal imaging is undoubtedly advantageous, identifying the optimal combination of these parameters to diagnose a specific dysfunction is very important and is advanced by the use of sophisticated imaging techniques in specific animal models.Methods : In this pilot study, rats with intracerebral 9L gliosarcomas were used to explore a combination of sequential multinuclear MRI using a sophisticated switchable coil set in a small animal 9.4 T MRI scanner and, subsequently, a small animal PET with the tumour tracer O-(2-[ 18 F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ( 18 F-FET). This enabled in vivo multinuclear MR-PET experiments to be conducted without compromising the performance of either multinuclear MR or PET.Results : High-quality in vivo images and spectra including high-resolution 1 H imaging, 23 Na-weighted imaging, detection of 31 P metabolites and 18 F-FET uptake were obtained, allowing the characterisation of tumour tissues in comparison to a normal brain. These parameters have been shown to be useful in the identification of the genetic profile of gliomas, particularly concerning the mutation of the isocitrate hydrogenase gene, which is highly relevant for treatment strategy.Conclusions : The combination of multinuclear MR and PET in, for example, brain tumour models with specific genetic mutations will enable the physiological background of signal alterations to be explored and the identification of the optimal combination of imaging parameters for the non-invasive characterisation of the molecular profile of tumours.
Comparative transcriptomics analysis revealing flower trichome development during flower development in two Lonicera Japonica Thunb. cultivars using RNA-seq
Authors: Li Jianjun , Ye Chenglin , Chang Cuifang
Published: March 2020

Background: Trichomes comprise specialized multicellular structures that have the capacity to synthesize and secrete secondary metabolites and protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the trichome formation mechanism during flower development in Lonicera Japonica Thunb.Results: Here, we present a genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis between two L. japonica cultivars, toward the identification of biological processes and functional gene activities that occur during flowering stage trichome development. In this study, the density and average lengths of flower trichomes were at their highest during three green periods. Using the Illumina RNA-Seq method, we obtained 134,304 unigenes, 33,733 of which were differentially expressed. In an analysis of 40 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) involved in trichome development, 29 of these were transcription factors. The DEGs analysis of plant hormone signal transduction indicated that plant growth and development may be independent of GA and CTK signaling pathways, and plant stress may be independent of JA and ET signaling pathways. We successfully isolated key genes involved in the floral biosynthesis of odors, tastes, colors, and plant hormones, and proposed biosynthetic pathways for sesquiterpenoid, triterpenoid, monoterpenoid, flavonoid, and plant hormones. Furthermore, 82 DEGs were assigned to cell cycles and 2,616 were predicted as plant resistance genes (PRGs).Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the expression profiles of flower development during the seven developmental stages of L. japonica, thereby offering valuable insights into the molecular networks that underly flower development in L. japonica.
Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealing the potential mechanism of seed germination in Polygonatum cyrtonema
Authors: Liu Rong , Lu Jing , Xing Jiayi , Zhang Chihong , Zhou Min , Du Mei , Wang Mingxiu , Li Yunfang , Zhang Lei , Wu Yu
Published: March 2020

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a Chinese traditional medicine in the Liliaceae family. It have unique medical and edible value. However, the Polygonatum cyrtonema seeds are naturally difficult to germinate. Its reproductive and growth cycles should be accelerated through artificial technologies for meeting the market demand. Therefore, to beak the seeds dormancy and to elucidate the mechanism of germination, the metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis were performed in this study. Results: The results indicate that plant hormone (auxin, GA, ABA) were involved in seed germination. Furthermore, the expression levels of unigenes and α-amylase activity were increased in germinated seeds. In addition, the metabolites of phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis were accumulated in Polygonatum cyrtonema seeds. Hhydroxycinnamyl (caffeic acid, coniferin and sinapic acid et al.), organic acids (benzoic acid, ferulic acid, and coumaric acid etc.) were significantly decreased, while flavonoids significantly accumulated during the germination. The results suggest that the metabolites of germinated seeds were mainly to promote flavonoids synthesis and to inhibit the lignin synthesis, which was beneficial to germination of Polygonatum cyrtonema. And hydrolysis of starch to glucose can provides necessary energy for germination. Conclusions: Our results give a novel insights into the regulating networks of seed germination and pave the way for Polygonatum cyrtonema seeds propagation and cultivation.
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of biofilm producing Staphylococci isolated from different clinical samples
Authors: Tuladhar Ratna Shova , Shrestha Raju , Lekhak Sunil , Chaudhary Mahesh , Manandhar Sarita
Published: March 2020

Background: Biofilm mediated infection by Staphylococci have a significant negative impact on patient health and necessitate reliable method for detecting biofilm producers. The ability of isolates to produce biofilm make them resistant to host immune response as well as available antibiotics. This study aims to detect biofilm producing ability among clinical staphylococci by phenotypic methods and presence of icaAD genes as well as their antibiotic profile. Methods: A total of 4063 different clinical specimen received in the tertiary care hospital of Nepal were examined and Staphylococci were identified following standard microbiological procedure. The antibiotic resistivity pattern was detected by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method whereas biofilm formation was detected by three phenotypic methods viz. congo red agar (CRA), tube method (TM) and tissue culture plate (TCP) method. Furthermore, icaAD genes were detected by PCR method. Results: A total of 161 Staphylococci were isolated comprising S. aureus (63, 39.1%) and CNS (98, 60.9%). The isolates were found to be resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. Strong biofilm formation was detected among 6 (3.7%), 22 (13.7%) and 35 (21.7%) by CRA, TM and TCP method respectively. Similarly, among 24 (14.9%) isolates icaAD genes were detected. Biofilm formation was found to be correlated with methicillin resistance. Conclusion: The study showed significant association between phenotypic production of biofilm and presence of ica genes. The biofilm producing isolates were found to be resistant to antibiotics than biofilm non producers.
Google analytics of a pilot study to characterize the visitor website statistics and implicate for enrollment strategies in Medical University
Authors: Chen Szu-Chieh , Tsao Thomas Chang-Yao , Lue Ko-Huang , Tsai Yafang
Published: March 2020

Background: Under the lower fertility rate in Taiwan, colleges and universities face the harsh conditions of sourcing students. Therefore, each faculty must determine the strengths and weaknesses of its department, including the factors that students consider when choosing a major area.Methods: This study uses Google Analytics (GA) tools to perform a webpage analysis and conducts qualitative research to understand students’ needs. Among the webpage visitors, there were more women than men, with the highest frequency among those aged 18–24 years, followed by those aged 45–54 years.Results: The web information analysis provides information about the core content of the research department, the stay time, and the visitor characteristics.Conclusions: The website can enhance the introduction of the faculty-specific courses and highlight the differences in the characteristics of the curriculum design in competing departments to have clear market segmentation. The findings provide an information for the school’s enrollment strategies in each department.
New insights into patterns of first metastatic sites influencing survival of patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: a multicenter study of 271 patients
Authors: Yamamura Jun , Kamigaki Shunji , Fujita Junya , Osato Hiroki , Manabe Hironobu , Tanaka Yumiko , Shinzaki Wataru , Hashimoto Yukihiko , Komoike Yoshifumi
Published: March 2020

Background: The initial therapeutic strategy for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is based on the first metastatic site, but little evidence is available regarding the influence of metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites on prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify the metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites that significantly correlate with survival after recurrence. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of records from 271 patients with recurrent metastatic HR+/ HER2- breast cancer diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2015. We assessed survival after recurrence according to the metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites and identified significant prognostic factors among the patients with single and multiple metastases. Results: Prognosis was significantly better in patients with single metastasis than those with multiple metastases (median overall survival after recurrence: 5.86 years vs. 2.50 years, p<0.001). No metastatic organ site with single metastasis was significantly associated with prognostic outcome, though single metastasis with diffuse lesions was an independent risk factor for worse prognosis (HR: 3.641; 95% CI: 1.856-7.141), and more easily progressed to multiple metastases (p=0.002). Multiple metastases including liver metastasis (HR: 3.145; 95% CI: 1.802-5.495) or brain metastasis (HR: 3.289; 95% CI: 1.355-7.937) were regarded as a significant independent poor prognostic factor, but multiple metastases not involving liver or brain metastasis were not significantly related to prognosis after recurrence. Conclusions: Single metastasis with diffuse lesions could more easily disseminate systemically and progress to multiple metastases, leading to poor prognosis similar to multiple metastases. The metastatic distribution patterns of first metastatic sites may be important clinical clues for achieving optimal initial treatment for recurrent metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Our findings indicate that reconsideration of the determinant factors of therapeutic strategies for first recurrence may be needed.
Early screening of risk for multi-drug resistant organisms in the emergency department in patients with pneumonia and early septic shock: single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Wen-Lin , Tzeng I-Shiang , Shui Hao-Ai , Wu Meng-Yu , Peng Ming-Yieh , Chan Chih-Yu , Chan Edward D. , Wu Yao-Kuang , Lan Chou-Chin , Yang Mei-Chen , Huang Kuo-Liang , Wu Chih-Wei , Chang Chia-Hui , Yiang Giou-Teng
Published: March 2020

Background

Pneumonia is the fourth leading cause of death globally, with rapid progression during septic shock. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are becoming more common with some healthcare-associated pneumonia events. Early detection of MDRO risk may improve the outcomes; however, the risk of MDROs in patients with pneumonia and septic shock is unknown and may need broad spectrum multidrug antibiotic therapy. This study investigated the disease outcomes and multidrug antibiotic therapy of pneumonia with early septic shock in patients admitted in the emergency department (ED), a population with a high prevalence of MDROs, after early screening of MDROs risk.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with pneumonia and sepsis (n=533) admitted to the ED at the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from 2013 to 2019 were enrolled. The study population was divided into the high-risk and low-risk groups (patients from the communities or long-term care facilities with high and low prevalence of MDROs) and further divided into four subgroups to those whose screening procedure completed within 1 or 6 h of admission (high-risk within 1 h, high-risk within 6 h, low-risk within 1 h, and low risk within 6 h groups). The ICU mortality and multidrug antibiotic therapy were compared.

Results

The high-risk MDROs groups had higher percentage of P. aeruginosa than the low-risk group. Furthermore, the appropriate ED first antibiotics were higher in the “within 1 h” than in the “within 6 h” subgroup of the high-risk MDROs group. In multivariate analysis, the “within 6 h” high-risk MDROs subgroup had an adjusted odds ratio of 7.191 (95% CI: 2.911–17.767, p <0.001) and 2.917 (95% CI:1.456–5.847, p=0.003) for the ICU mortality and multidrug therapy in the ICU, respectively, after adjusting for other confounding factors.

Conclusions

Delayed MDRO screening in the high risk group had significant higher ICU mortality and multidrug antibiotic therapy in patients with pneumonia and early septic shock in the ED, especially in areas with a high prevalence of MDROs.
Comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of seven Nymphaea species
Authors: Sun chunqing , Chen fadi , Teng nianjun , Yao yuemei , Shan Xi , Dai zhongliang
Published: March 2020

Background: Although there has been a long history of cultivation and research on Nymphaea, the taxonomic relationships and evolutionary relationships among Nymphaea species remain controversial. The chloroplast (cp) genome can provide a new method to determine species origin, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships of Nymphaea. However, there are few studies on the cp genomes of Nymphaea, and the data of their genomes are very scarce. The complete cp genomes of seven Nymphaea species were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of cp genomes were analyzed.Results: A total of 126–129 genes were annotated in seven Nymphaea species, including 81–84 protein coding genes, eight rRNA, and 37 tRNA genes. A comparative cp genomic analysis of seven Nymphaea species showed that the cp gene sequence of Nymphaea was consistent, with no signs of reverse rearrangement. The codons preferentially ended with A/U. The cp genomes of seven Nymphaea species contained 147–168 dispersed repeats with a length of 15–19 bp and 979 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Using N. colorata as the reference sequence, a total of 8,328 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1,579 insertions/deletions were obtained. The degree of variation of the cp genome of the seven Nymphaea species in rpoA–rpl20, rbcL–ndhC, ndhD–ndhF, and trnN-GUU–ndhA regions is relatively high; related regions can be used as potential molecular markers for population genetics research. KaKs analysis showed that the ycf2 gene was positively selected. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that the genus Nymphaea can be divided into five branches: subgenus Nymphaea, subgenus Hydrocallis, subgenus Lotos, subgenus Anecphya, and subgenus Brachyceras. Conclusions: The cp genome of Nymphaea is very conservative in structure and composition, but it has rich variation in LSC and SSC regions. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Nymphaea could be further divided into five subgenera, and Euryale and Victoria were most closely related to Nymphaea. This study provided insight on the structure and composition of the cp genome of Nymphaea. Moreover, our results have provided more sequence information and genome resources for follow-up studies on Nymphaea.
On the Performance of Cooperative Non-orthogonal Multiple Access With Energy Harvesting Over Nakagami-m Fading Channels
Authors: Guo Weidong , Sun Lin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we analyze the performance of a full-duplex (FD) cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) model in multi-relay multiuser networks. In contrast to conventional cooperative networks, relays in the considered network have no embedded energy supply, but they can harvest energy from the radio-frequency signals broadcasted by the source to facilitate the cooperative NOMA transmission. Based on this structure, we propose a novel relay selection scheme in Nakagami-m fading channels by considering both the channel state information (CSI) and the battery statuses of relays. Assuming each relay has finite energy storage for the energy accumulation, we adpot a finite Markov chain to capture the evolution of relay batteries and simplify the performance analysis by making some reasonable assumptions. General closed-form expressions of the outage probability and the ergodic sum-rate are derived. All the theoretical results are validated by Monte-Carlo simulations. The impacts of various system parameters, such as the number of relays and the self-interference (SI) at the involved relay, on the performance are extensively investigated. It is shown that the FD relaying achieves better performance in the moderate and high SNR regions and the usage of NOMA with FD relaying outperforms the conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) network in terms of terminal fairness.
AQR Plays a Key Role in Splicing Fidelity in Higher Organisms
Authors: Li Meng
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe structures of the spliceosome have been resolved in different complexes, but the functions of spliceosome components in splicing fidelity are largely unclear. A few proteins, such as SLU7 and EJC, are known to have roles in splicing fidelity.ResultsIn this work, through a systematic analysis of the cryptic splice sites in humans, mice and fruit flies using shRNA-seq and siRNA-seq datasets, I ranked the importance of different proteins in splicing fidelity. The important proteins include IBC, EJC, SLU7, Prp22 and other splicing-related factors, especially AQR, whose knockdown induced the highest number of cryptic splice sites in K562, N2A, and CGR8, suggesting its central role in splicing fidelity in higher organisms. The metaprofiles of the cryptic splice sites for AQR and Prp17 further indicate that cryptic 3' splice sites can induce cryptic exons, which then contribute to cryptic 5' splice site generation.ConclusionsI analyzed siRNA-seq/shRNA-seq from a new angle. I found that AQR knockdown induced the highest number of cryptic 5' and 3' splice sites in three cell lines and that RBP knockdown mainly induced cryptic 3' splice sites, which then induced cryptic 5' splice sites.
Characterization of bovine MHC DRB3 diversity in global cattle breeds, with a focus on cattle in Myanmar
Authors: Giovambattista Guillermo , Moe Kyaw Kyaw , Polat Meripet , Borjigin Liushiqi , Hein Si Thu , Moe Hla Hla , Takeshima Shin-Nosuke , Aida Yoko
Published: March 2020

Background: Myanmar cattle populations predominantly consist of native cattle breeds, characterized by their geographical location and coat color, and the Holstein-Friesian crossbreed, which is highly adapted to the harsh tropical climates of this region. Here, we analyzed the diversity and genetic structure of the BoLA-DRB3 gene, a genetic locus that has been linked to the immune response, in Myanmar cattle populations.Methods: Blood samples (n=294) were taken from two native breeds (Pyer Sein, n=163 and Shwe Ni, n=69) and a cattle crossbreed (Holstein-Friesian, n=62) distributed across six regions of Myanmar (Bago, n=38; Sagaing, n=77; Mandalay, n=46; Magway, n=46; Kayin, n=43; Yangon, n=44). DNA was genotyped using the sequence-based typing method. DNA electropherograms were analyzed using the Assign 400ATF software. Results: We detected 71 distinct alleles, including three new variants for the BoLA-DRB3 gene. Venn analysis showed that 11 of these alleles were only detected in Myanmar native breeds and 26 were only shared with Asian native and/or Zebu groups. The number of alleles ranged from 33 in Holstein-Friesians to 58 in Pyer Seins, and the observed versus unbiased expected heterozygosity were higher than 0.84 in all the three the populations analyzed. The FST analysis showed a low level of genetic differentiation between the two Myanmar native breeds (FST=0.003), and between these native breeds and the Holstein-Friesians (FST < 0.021). The average FST value for all the Myanmar Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Myanmar native populations was 0.0136 and 0.0121, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) and tree analysis showed that Myanmar native populations grouped in a narrow cluster that diverged clearly from the Holstein-Friesian populations. Furthermore, the BoLA-DRB3 allele frequencies suggested that while some Myanmar native populations (Bago, Mandalay and Yangon) were more closely related to Zebu breeds (Gir and Brahman), others (Kayin, Magway and Sagaing) were more related to the native breeds found in the Philippines. On the contrary, the Holstein-Friesian populations demonstrated a high degree of dispersion, which is likely the result of the different degrees of native admixture in these populations. Conclusion: These results contribute to our understanding of the genetic diversity and distribution of BoLA-DRB3 gene alleles in Myanmar.
A new approach assessing the quality of whole slide images by discovering specific issues
Authors: Song Yuchen , Gao Ying , Liang Changhong , Liu Zaiyi
Published: March 2020

Background : Since whole slide images (WSIs) are widely used in clinical diagnosis, assessing the quality of these images has generated considerable interest. We divided the evaluation process into different sections focusing on specific issues and developed an approach based on computer technology to assess the quality of WSIs and provide details corresponding to specific issues.Methods : We focused on three issues in this work: position deviation, cover slip misplacement and wrong focus. Our approach revolves around these issues. We collected two datasets from Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital to develop the approach, discovered three issues and provided details corresponding to these issues.Results : We designed experiments based on two datasets to validate the effectiveness of the approach. The experiments show that using our approach, existing issues can be discovered and corresponding details are provided at a high accuracy. In the training set, the accuracy of the discovered three issues reaches 0.998, 0.987 and 0.988. In the validation set, the accuracy of discovering all issues reaches 0.914.Conclusions : We proposed an approach focusing on the following specific image issues: position deviation, cover slip misplacement and wrong focus. Using this approach, issues were discovered with high accuracy, and reports were produced that provide details regarding existing issues discovered by our approach. However, a dataset of WSIs with more issues, including stain concentration and poor microtomy, should be established, and methods discovering these issues must be developed in the future.