bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can virtual reality improve traditional anatomy educational programmes?A mixed-method study on the use of a 3D skull model
Authors: Chen Shi , Zhu Jiawei , Cheng Cheng , Pan Zhouxian , Liu Lingshan , Du Jianhua , Shen Xinhua , Shen Zhen , Zhu Huijuan , Liu Jihai , Yang Hua , Ma Chao , Pan Hui
Published: May 2020

Background: Realistic, portable, and scalable lectures, cadaveric models, 2D atlases and computer simulations are being combined more frequently for teaching anatomy, resulting in major increases in user satisfaction. However, while digital simulations may be more portable, interesting, or motivating than traditional teaching tools, it is unclear whether they are superior in terms of student learning. This paper presents a study in which the educational effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) skull model is compared with that of cadaveric skulls and atlases. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of teaching with VR with those of traditional teaching methods by administering objective questionnaires and perception surveys. Methods: A mixed-method study with 73 medical students was carried out with three different groups: the VR skull (N=25), cadaveric skull (N=25) and atlas (N=23) groups. Anatomical structures were taught through an introductory lecture and model-based learning. All students completed the pre- and post-intervention tests, which were composed of a theory test and an identification test. Results: The participants in all three groups had significantly higher total scores on the post-intervention test than on the pre-intervention test; the post-interview test score in the VR group was not statistically significantly higher than those of the other groups (VR: 30 [22-33.5], cadaver: 26 [20-31.5], atlas: 28[20-33]; p=0.571). The participants in the VR and cadaver groups provided more positive feedback on their learning models than the atlas group (VR: 26 [19-30], cadaver: 25 [19.5-29.5], atlas: 12 [9-20]; p<0.0001).Conclusions: The VR skull model was equally efficient as the cadaver skull and atlas in terms of enabling students to learn anatomy. In addition, VR can aid participants in understanding complex anatomy structures with a higher level of motivation and mild adverse effects.
Risk Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Body Profiles via Random Forests Model
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Yu , Liu Wen-Te , Lin Yin-Tzu , Lin Shang-Yang , Majumdar Arnab , Houghton Robert , Wu Dean , Lee Hsin-Chien , Wu Cheng-Jung , Li Lok Yee Joyce , Juang Jer-Nan , Tsai Yi-Shan , Hsu Shin-Mei , Lo Chen-Chen , Lo Kang , Chen You-Rong , Lin Feng-Ching
Published: May 2020

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a major global health concern and is typically diagnosed by in-lab polysomnography (PSG). This examination though has high medical manpower costs and alternative portable methods have further limitations. This paper develops a new model for screening the risk of OSAS in different age groups and gender by using body profiles. The effects of body profiles for different subgroups in sleep stage alteration and OSAS severity are also investigated.
Methods

The data is derived from 6614 Han-Taiwanese subjects who have previously undergone PSG in order to assess the severity of OSAS in the sleep center of Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital between March 2015 and October 2019. Characteristics of subjects, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and waist circumference, were obtained from a questionnaire. Pearson regression was used to evaluate the correlations between body profiles and sleep stages as well as sleep disorder indexes. To develop an age and gender independent model, random forests (RF), which is an ensemble learning method with high explainability, were trained by the four groups by gender and age (older or younger than 50 years old) with ratios of 70% (training dataset) and 30% (testing dataset), respectively. Prediction performance was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Variable importance was assessed by averaging the impurity decrease to account for the effect of different factors.
Results

Results indicate that high BMI, neck circumference and waist circumference decreased the duration of slow-wave sleep and increased the sleep disorder indices and the percentage of wake and N1. Additionally, screening models for different gender and age utilizing anthropometric features as predictors via RF were established and demonstrated to have high accuracy (75.63% for younger males, 74.72% for elder males, 78.81% for younger females, and 72.10% for elder females). Feature importance indicated that waist circumference was the highest contributing factor in females and elder males, whereas the BMI was the highest contribution in younger males.
Conclusions

The authors recommend the use of the prediction models for those with Han-Taiwanese craniofacial features.
Comparing nutrients and volatiles among different tomato varieties
Authors: Cheng Guoting , Chang Peipei , El-Sappah Ahmed H. , Zhang Yan , Liang Yan
Published: May 2020

Background: Flavor is an important quality of tomato fruit. The improvement of flavor attracts more and more attention. This study aimed to explore the differences in the concentrations of nutrients and volatiles between red and pink colors of tomatoes fruit, including cherry tomato (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme Mill) and large-fruited tomato (S. lycopersicum), respectively. Methods: Soluble sugar, titratable acids, and volatile organic compounds, were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Hedonism score and odor activity value were used to evaluate the taste and odor intensity of tomato fruit. The membership function method was used to comprehensively evaluate the fruit flavor. Results: It was found that the levels of aldehydes, ketones, esters, and phenols were significantly higher in pink tomato than in red tomato. The concentrations of ascorbic acid, soluble solids, fructose, glucose, citric acid, and carotenoid-derived volatiles were significantly greater in cherry tomato than in large-fruited tomato. However, Phe-derived and Ile/Leu-derived volatiles were significantly higher in pink large-fruited tomato and red cherry tomato. The fatty and irritant odors were stronger in pink tomato than in red tomato, and cherry tomato had better overall taste than large-fruited tomato. The sweetness and sweetness/acidity ratio were significantly higher in pink cherry tomato than other categories of tomatoes. Conclusion: The concentrations of volatiles varied greatly between pink and red tomatoes, and the levels of nutrients varied greatly between cherry and large-fruited tomatoes. This study can provide reference for tomato flavor quality improvement breeding.
Effectiveness of the self-retrieval basketing technique for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy for urolithiasis
Authors: Anan Go , Komatsu Kenji , Hatakeyama Shingo , Iwamura Hiromichi , Kohada Yuki , Mikami Jotaro , Ito Jun , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Shimbo Masaki , Endo Fumiyasu , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara , Hattori Kazunori , Sato Makoto
Published: May 2020

Background

To assess the safety and effectiveness of using the self-retrieval basketing technique by solo surgeon as a method for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) for urolithiasis.
Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with urinary calculus who underwent f-URS at two institutions in Japan between September 2014 and November 2019. A total of 100 cases were performed by one experienced surgeon using the self-retrieval basketing technique. With this approach, the f-URS apparatus was manipulated with the nondominant hand and the basket catheter was manipulated with the dominant hand. The self-retrieval basketing technique employed two parts—specifically, a “front catch” and “side catch” to gather fragmented stones visible in the front and side of the ureteroscopic view, respectively. We retrospectively examined perioperative results, complications, and the stone free rate (with “stone-free” defined as ≤ 2 mm with kidney ureter bladder (KUB) 1 month after f-URS) to estimate the safety and effectiveness for comparison with results of the conventional retrieval basketing technique.
Results

Among our study population, the median stone size was 14 mm and the median operative time was 80 minutes. A stone free status was achieved in 87 patients (87%). The median stone fragmentation time was 16 minutes and the stone retrieval time was 32 minutes. All included cases were completed with the self-retrieval basketing technique. Complications related to stone retrieval were identified in two cases (2%); the degree of ureter injury being Clavien grade IIIa. There were no intraoperative complications such as heavy hematuria not to detect ureteral mucosa.
Conclusions

The self-retrieval basketing technique is safe and effective for the extraction of stone fragments during f-URS for urolithiasis. The self-retrieval basketing technique does not require assistance for basketing; therefore, f-URS with active retrieval basketing could be completed by solo surgeon.
Improving the Use of Healthcare Resources in Canadian Hospitals: The Impact of a Reintegration Unit in Expanding Acute Care Capacity and Resource Use in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Authors: Cheng Ivy , Baker G. Ross , Carew Debra , Landau Stacy , Walko Debra , Li Wendy , Ma Yan Yan
Published: May 2020

Background: Alternate level of care (ALC) patients are those who reside in acute hospital beds but can be managed in non-hospital settings. They contribute to high occupancy levels in Canadian hospitals. Between 2017-18, Ontario spent 1.1 billion dollars on hospitalized patients waiting for alternate level of care (ALC) beds. To improve value for care, Ontario Ministry of Health (MOHLTC) invested into reintegration units which are designed to transfer ALC patients out of hospital and transition them back into the community or long-term care (LTC). Given today’s healthcare budget pressures, it is unclear if reactivation units are feasible. In 2018, the MOHLTC funded a reintegration unit, Pine Villa with an operational partner, Sunnybrook Hospital and community service providers (SPRINT Senior Care, LOFT) in Toronto, Ontario. The objective was to determine averted costs for ALC-patients and impact on Sunnybrook patient flow-through if ALC-patient Pine Villa transfers occurred on the day of ALC readiness. Methods: Retrospective, observational analysis of Sunnybrook ALC-patients discharged to Pine Villa between January 9, 2018 to February 4, 2019. From the healthcare payer’s perspective (MOHTLC), cost analysis was modelled for ALC patients designated for 1) LTC and 2) home with supports. Avoided costs at time of ALC readiness were determined by case-costing. Averted hospital ALC days were established. Results: If ALC patients were transferred to Pine Villa at time of ALC readiness for LTC, the healthcare system could have averted 5.4 million dollars from Sunnybrook. If the patients were transferred for home, 2.3 million dollars could have been averted. Both models increased acute Sunnybrook Hospital capacity by 34 beds. Conclusion: There is a business case supporting reintegration units if ALC-patients are discharged from the hospital on the day of ALC-readiness.
Corneal nerve and brain imaging in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Janahi Eiman , Ponirakis Georgios , Hamad Hanadi Al , Vattoth Surjith , Elsotouhy Ahmed , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , Chandran Mani , Ramadan Marwan , ADN Marwa Elorrabi , ADN Masharig Gadelseed , ADN Rhia Tosino , Gawhale Priya Vitthal , Arasn Anjum , Alobaidi Maryam , Khan Shafi , Manikoth Pravija , Hamdi Yasmin , Osman Susan , Nadukkandiyil Navas , AlSulaiti Essa , Thodi Noushad , Almuhannadi Hamad , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Own Ahmed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz
Published: May 2020

Background: Visual rating of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) is an accepted biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive ophthalmic imaging biomarker of neurodegeneration. We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CCM to distinguish mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia from no cognitive impairment (NCI) in relation to MTA rating.Methods: Subjects aged 60-85 with NCI, MCI and dementia were recruited from the geriatric and memory clinic in Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar between 18/09/16 and 31/07/19. The diagnosis of MCI and dementia were based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria. Subjects underwent cognitive screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), CCM and MTA rating on MRI. Statistical tests used were ANOVA with Bonferroni’s post hoc test, kappa statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A two-tailed P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: 182 subjects with NCI (n=36), MCI (n=80) and dementia (n=66), including AD (n=19, 28.8%), VaD (n=13, 19.7%) and combined AD (n=34, 51.5%) were studied. CCM showed a progressive reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, fibers/mm2) (32.0±7.5 vs 24.5±9.6 vs 20.8±9.3, p<0.0001), branch density (CNBD, branches/mm2) (90.9±46.5 vs 59.3±35.7 vs 53.9±38.7, p<0.0001), and fiber length (CNFL, mm/mm2) (22.9±6.1 vs 17.2±6.5 vs 15.8±7.4, p<0.0001), in subjects with MCI and dementia compared to NCI. The MTA rating in the dementia group was significantly higher compared with the NCI and MCI group in the right (1.9±1.0 vs 0.5±0.6 and 0.6±0.8, p<0.0001) and left (2.1±1.1 vs 0.6±0.7 and 0.8±0.8, p<0.0001) hemispheres. The area under the ROC curve (95% CI) for the diagnostic accuracy of CNFD, CNBD, CNFL vs MTA-right and -left for MCI was 78% (67-90%), 82% (72-92%), 86% (77-95%) vs 53% (36-69%) and 40% (25-55%), respectively, and for dementia it was 85% (76-94%), 84% (75-93%), 85% (76-94%) vs 86% (76-96%) and 82% (72-92%), respectively.Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of CCM, a non-invasive ophthalmic biomarker of neurodegeneration was high and comparable with MTA rating for dementia and superior to MTA rating for MCI.
Efficient Preparation of Nanoparticles Reinforced Nickel-based Composite Coating with Highly Preferred (220) Orientation
Authors: Ji Renjie , Jin Hui , Liu Yonghong , Dong Tiancong , Zhang Fan , Zhao Lilong , Wu Xinlei , Sun Qiang , Liu Peng , Dong Hang , Ma Chi , Li Dege , Cai Baoping
Published: May 2020

This paper reports a phenomenon that the grain orientation gradually evolves to (220) with the deposition current density increasing when preparing nanoparticles reinforced nickel-based composite coatings by jet electrodeposition (JED). During the preparation of Ni-SiC composite coatings, the deposition current density increases from 180 A/dm2 to 220 A/dm2, and TC(220) gradually increases from 41.4% to 97.7% correspondingly.The Ni-SiC composite coating with highly preferred (220) orientation has superior corrosion resistance and adhesion force. With the increase of TC(220), the surface roughness is reduced from Ra1.210 μm to Ra0.119 μm, the self-corrosion potential increases from -0.747 V to -0.477 V, the corrosion current density decreases from 54.52 μA·cm2 to 2.76 μA·cm2, the diameter of corrosion pits that after 10 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution decreases from 3.3~22.2 μm to 153~260 nm, and the adhesion of the coating is increased from 20.5 N to 61.6 N.The research results can provide theoretical and technical support for the preparation of new composite coatings with high efficiency, low cost, high adhesion and strong corrosion resistance.
Point-of-care training program on COVID-19 infection prevention and control for pediatric healthcare workers
Authors: Ye Yingzi , Shi Peng , Gui Yonghao , Li Albert M. , Huang Guoying , Xu Hong , Lu Quan , Hong Jianguo , Gu Ying , Hu Xiaojing , Liu Gongbao , Wang Chuanqing , Huang Qing , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: May 2020

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of training on knowledge and practices of infection prevention and control (IPC) among pediatric health care workers (HCW) in Shanghai, China, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online training program was designed by the Shanghai Pediatric Clinical Quality Control Center (SPQCC) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic on disease knowledge and practice of IPC. Training took place in the 81 partner hospitals affiliated with SPQCC. A 25-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge gained from the training. Stratified-random sampling was used to select HCW according to three professionals (i.e., pediatricians, nurses and administrators) within each partner hospital. Awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and its related infection control and practice was assessed by comparing survey results between different types of hospitals, professionals and professional ranks. A higher survey score meant that the respondent was more prepared and knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its infection control measures. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 1,062 subjects (385 pediatricians, 410 nurses, and 267 administrators), giving a response rate of 96.5%. Overall, awareness of clinical information related to COVID-19, importance of personal hygiene and isolation policy was high among the respondents. No statistical difference of scores on knowledge of COVID-19, IPC and relevant practice between the tertiary and peripheral hospitals. Among all respondents, middle-ranked health care personnel were most knowledgeable and achieved the highest score. Conclusions: Majority of pediatric HCW showed good recognition and practice in infection protection and control measures. The online training was able to achieve its aim to enhance knowledge and awareness and could have contributed to the zero infection rate among HCW caring for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shanghai.
The treatment strategy of R0 resection in colorectal cancer with synchronous para-aortic lymph node metastasis
Authors: Ushigome Hajime , Yasui Masayoshi , Ohue Masayuki , Haraguchi Naoaki , Nishimura Junichi , Sugimura Keijirou , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Wada Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Omori Takeshi , Miyata Hiroshi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: May 2020

Background
Synchronous metastatic para-aortic lymph node (mPALN) dissectionin colorectal cancer has relatively good oncological outcomes, though many patients develop recurrence. Universal prognostic factor remain unclear and no definitive perioperative chemotherapy is available, making the treatment of mPALN controversial. In the present study, we aimed to establish a treatment strategy for synchronous mPALN.
Methods
This retrospective study involved 20 patients with pathological mPALN below the renal vein who underwent R0 resection. Long-term outcomes, recurrence type, and prognostic factors for survival were investigated.
Results
The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 38% and 25%, respectively. Seventeen patients (85%) developed recurrence, including 13 (76%) within 1 year after surgery, and ~ 70% of all recurrences were multiple recurrences. Four patients (20%) survived > 5 years. Pathological T stage (p = 0.016), time to recurrence (p = 0.006), and recurrence resection (p = 0.008) were identified as prognostic factors for long-term survival.
Conclusions
R0 resection of synchronous mPALN in colorectal cancer resulted in acceptable oncological outcomes, though we found a high rate of early unresectable recurrence. If the recurrence occurs late or isolated, surgical resection should be considered for longer survival.
Trichomes form genotype-specific microbial hotspots in the phyllosphere of tomato
Authors: Kusstatscher Peter , Wicaksono Wisnu Adi , Bergna Alessandro , Cernava Tomislav , Bergau Nick , Tissier Alain , Hause Bettina , Berg Gabriele
Published: May 2020

Background The plant phyllosphere is a well-studied habitat characterized by low nutrient availability and high community dynamics. In contrast, plant trichomes, known for their production of a large number of metabolites, are a yet unexplored habitat for microbes. We analyzed the phyllosphere as well as trichomes of two tomato genotypes (Solanum lycopersicum LA4024, S. habrochaites LA1777) by targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments.Results Leaves, leaves without trichomes, and trichomes alone harbored similar abundances of bacteria (108- 109 16S rRNA gene copy numbers per gram of sample). In contrast, bacterial diversity was found significantly increased in trichome samples (Shannon index: 4.4 vs. 2.5). Moreover, the community composition was significantly different when assessed with beta diversity analysis and corresponding statistical tests. At the bacterial class level, Alphaproteobacteria (23.6%) were significantly increased, whereas Bacilli (8.6%) were decreased in trichomes. The bacterial family Sphingomonadacea (8.4%) was identified as the most prominent, trichome-specific taxa; Burkholderiaceae and Actinobacteria showed similar pattern. Moreover, Sphingomonas was identified as a central element in the core microbiome of trichome samples, while distinct low-abundant bacterial families including Hymenobacteraceae and Alicyclobacillaceae were exclusively found in trichome samples. Niche preferences were statistically significant for both genotypes and genotype-specific enrichments were further observed.Conclusion Our results provide first evidence of a highly specific trichome microbiome in tomato and show the importance of micro-niches for the structure of bacterial communities on leaves. These findings provide further clues for breeding, plant pathology and protection as well as so far unexplored natural pathogen defense strategies.
Morphological findings in frozen non-neoplastic kidney tissues of patients with kidney cancer from large-scale multicentric studies on genomics of renal cancer
Authors: Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Nasrollahzadeh Dariush , Egevad Lars , Banks Rosamonde E , Vasudev Naveen , Holcatova Ivana , Povysil Ctibor , Foretova Lenka , Janout Vladimir , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Petrescu Amelia , Milosavljevic Sasa , Ognjanovic Miodrag , Ognjanovic Simona , Viksna Juris , Warren Anne Y , Lathrop Mark , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Carreira Christine , Chanudet Estelle , McKay James , Brennan Paul , Scélo Ghislaine
Published: May 2020

Background

There are unexplained geographical variations in the incidence of kidney cancer with the high rates reported in Baltic countries, as well as eastern and central Europe. Analysis of non-neoplastic tissues is a way to better understand the carcinogenesis.
Methods

Having access to a rich, well-annotated collection of “tumor/non-tumor” pairs of kidney cancer patients from Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, United Kingdom, and Russia for studying genomics of kidney cancer, we aimed to analyze morphology of non-neoplastic renal tissue. By applying digital pathology, we performed microscopic examination of 1012 frozen non-neoplastic kidney tissues from patients with renal cell carcinoma. Renal parenchyma was evaluated and scored for the interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis and arterial wall thickening, globally called chronic renal parenchymal changes.
Results

Moderate or severe changes was observed in 54 (5.3%) of patients with predominance of occurrence in Romania (OR = 2.67, CI 1.07–6.67) and Serbia (OR = 4.37, CI 1.20-15.96) in reference to those from Russia. Further adjustment for comorbidities, tumor characterstics and stage did not change risk estimates. In multinomial regression model, relative probability of non-glomerular changes were 5.22 times higher for Romania and Serbia compered to Russia.
Conclusion

Our findings show that the frequency of chronic renal parenchymal changes in kidney cancer patients varies by country, significantly more frequent in countries located in central and southeastern Europe where the incidence of kidney cancer has been reported to be high. We suggest that these parenchymal changes, possibly linked to environmental exposures, may be relevant to renal carcinogenesis in these countries.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the anthocyanin regulatory networks in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. flowers
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhang Meide , Wen Chunxiu , Xie Xiaoliang , Tian Wei , Wen Saiqun , Lu Ruike , Liu Lingdi
Published: May 2020

Background: The study objectives were to reveal the anthocyanin biosynthesis metabolic pathway in white and purple flowers of Salvia miltiorrhiza using metabolomics and transcriptomics, to identify different anthocyanin metabolites, and to analyze the differentially expressed genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis . Results: We analyzed the metabolomics and transcriptomics data of Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. A total of 1994 differentially expressed genes and 84 flavonoid metabolites were identified between the white and purple flowers of Salvia miltiorrhiza . Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomics showed that cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-galactoside were mainly responsible for the purple flower color of Salvia miltiorrhiza. A total of 100 unigenes encoding 10 enzymes were identified as candidate genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. The low expression of the ANS gene decreased the anthocyanin content but enhanced the accumulation of flavonoids in Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. Conclusions: Our results provide valuable information on the anthocyanin metabolites and the candidate genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways in Salvia miltiorrhiza .
Engineering Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 for Vitamin K2 production guided by genome analysis.
Authors: Yang Qiang , zheng zhiming , Liu Hui , Wang Peng , Wang Li , Sun Xiaowen , Ni Wenfeng , Wang Han , Tang Hengfang , Zhao Genhai
Published: May 2020

Background
The species in family Elizabethkingia meningoseptica are interesting strain for investigating Vitamin K2 metabolic analysis. However, their genomic sequence, metabolic pathway, potential abilities, and evolutionary status are still unknown.
Results
This study therefore aimed to perform a genome sequencing of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 and further accomplished comparative analysis with other Vitamin K2 strains reveals overall identifying its unique/shared metabolic genes across genomes. The 3,874,794–base pair sequence of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 is presented. Of 3,539 genes annotation was applied. Results of synteny block demonstrated Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 shares high levels of synteny with Elizabethkingia meningoseptica ATCC 13253 and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica NBRC 12535. Identification of Vitamin K2 metabolic pathway in Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 were also accomplished. In addition, Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 was resistant to gentamicin, streptomycin, ampicillin and caramycin, consistent with the presence of multiple genes encoding diverse multidrug efflux pump protein in the genome. Furthermore, By co-overexpression experiments of MenA and MenG, we showed that Vitamin K2 content was enhanced by 37% compared with control strain.
Conclusions
The genome analysis of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sp. F2 in conjunction with the comparative metabolic pathways analysis among the E.coli, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces provided a useful information on the Vitamin K2 biosynthetic pathway and other related pathways at systems level.
Metatranscriptomics and small RNA analysis revealed that viral covert coinfection resulted in disease symptoms reminiscent of rice sterility
Authors: Chao Shufen , Wang Haoran , Yan Qing , Chen Long , Chen Guoqing , Wu Lijuan , Wu Yihong , Zhu Xudong , Meng Baozhong , Feng Guozhong
Published: May 2020

BackgroundViral pathogens are a major threat to stable crop production. The discovery of viral diseases traditionally concerns apparent infection that shows obvious symptoms in crop plants. However, little is known about the covert infection of crop plants by viruses. In this study, we used deep metatranscriptomic sequencing and small RNA analysis to identify covert infection of rice plants by viruses.ResultsOur results showed that introgression of the dominant brown planthopper (BPH) resistance gene Bph3 into the high-yielding but BPH-susceptible indica variety Ms55 via a backcross strategy significantly enhanced resistance to BPH. However, Bph3-carrying backcross lines infested by BPH exhibited panicle enclosure and failed to produce seed at the mature stage, which are typical characteristics of sterile rice plants. Using a metatranscriptomic analysis, we identified six RNA viruses in backcross line Rby1 and eleven RNA viruses in backcross line Rby2, including eight novel viruses that fell within existing families and orders. Furthermore, our small RNA analysis revealed the biogenesis of viral small interfering RNAs that represented active virus infection in rice plants.ConclusionBph3-carrying backcross rice lines are resistant to BPH but are susceptible to viral infection. We identified viral covert coinfection in sterile rice plants by deep metatranscriptomic sequencing and small RNA analysis. Our results suggested that covert coinfection of rice plants by RNA viruses resulted in disease symptoms reminiscent of rice sterility. To develop rice varieties resistant to BPH, it is necessary to introgress genes resistant to not only BPH but also viral infection.
ICT1 Knockdown inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation by regulating cell apoptosis through targeting BCL-2
Authors: Pan Xiaohui , Tan Jingxue , Du Rui , Jiang Yuqing , Weng Yiping , Zhou Dong
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) which occurs mainly in the young people is a common malignant bone tumor. Apoptosis is a form of programmed and controlled cell death and promoting apoptosis of OS cells is an important treatment for OS. However, the pathways of controlling apoptosis in OS remain unclear. Immature colon carcinoma transcript-1 (ICT1) which is previously named DS-1 belongs to a family of four putative mitochondrial translation release factors. It controls the termination stage of translation.
Methods

In this study, the function of ICT1 was elucidated by a series of in vivo and in vitro assays. The potential downstream targets of ICT1 in the OS was identified by qRT-PCR and western blotting, while immunohistochemical analysis and rescue experiment were performed to confirm this result.
Results

ICT1 was upregulated in OS, and higher expression of ICT1 was associated with worse overall survival rate. Functional studies suggested that knockdown of ICT1 could inhibit OS cell proliferation in vitro or in vivo. In addition, suppression of ICT1 could promote apoptosis of OS cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BCL-2, apoptotic related-genes, is a potential target of ICT1 and BCL-2 overexpression partly reversed the inhibitory effects of ICT1 knockdown on the pro-tumorigenic properties of OS cells in vitro.
Conclusion

The ICT1 protein was overexpressed in the OS and has identified a novel mechanism by which ICT1 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation by regulating cell apoptosis through targeting BCL-2.
Virome of riverside phytocommunity ecosystem of an ancient canal
Authors: Yang Shixing , Shan Tongling , Wang Yan , Yang Jie , Chen Xu , Xiao Yuqing , You Zhenqiang , He Yumin , Zhao Min , Lu Juan , Yang Zijun , Dai Ziyuan , Liu Qi , Yao Yuxin , Lu Xiang , Li Hong , Zhou Rui , Li Wang , Zhou Chenglin , Wang Xiaochun , Shen Quan , Xu Hui , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric , Zhang Wen
Published: May 2020

Background

The virus community in plants in a local plant ecosystem has remained largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the virus community in these wild and cultivated plants in Zhenjiang ancient canal ecosystem.

Results

using viral metagenomic approach, we investigated the viral community in leaf tissues of 161 plant species belonging in 38 different orders in a local riverside plant ecosystem. We discovered 251 different plant-associated virus genomes which included 88 DNA and 163 RNA viruses belonging to 27 different virus families, orders or unclassified virus groups. The identified viruses include some that are sufficiently divergent to comprise new genera, families, or even orders. Our data indicated that some groups of viruses known to infect non-plant organisms had host switching to infecting plants. Cross-species infection and co-infection of viruses were common in this plant ecosystem.

Conclusions

these data present a view of the viral community in plants present in a local plant ecosystem which is more diverse than that depicted in current classification of plant viruses and provide a solid foundation for studies in virus ecology and evolution in plants.
Dental Faculty’s Knowledge and Attitude regarding COVID-19 disease in Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Asma Munir , Nawabi Shazia , Javed Muhammad Qasim
Published: May 2020

Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at Qassim University, regarding novel COVID 19 disease. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The self-designed e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledge and attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%) respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. The mean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) and attitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation.Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission, Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients from COVID-19 in context of current outbreak.
Comparison of IOL Power Calculated by Preoperative Biometry versus Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometry in Thai Cataract Patients.
Authors: Khambhiphant Bharkbhum , Thanyaporn Sribenjapanon
Published: May 2020

Background : To find agreement between the calculated intraocular lens (IOL) power from using the SRK/T based preoperative biometry and the intraoperative wavefront aberrometry (ORA ® ) in Thai cataract patients, and to compare the accuracy of each method with the postoperative refraction results. Methods : Eyes that underwent cataract surgery with monofocal or multifocal IOL implantation were enrolled in this prospective study. All eye biometry was measured preoperatively and the ORA intraoperatively. The SRK/T suggested IOL from the preoperative biometry was chosen in all cases. The suggested power and the estimated refraction (EST) from both devices were collected. Bland Altman analysis was used to find the agreement between them. The predicted EST of implanted IOL from both devices were compared with the one-month postoperative SE. Results : The study comprised 97 eyes (79 patients). Of these, 38 eyes (39.2%) had the same suggested IOL power, 36 eyes (37.1%) were within ±0.5D, 20 eyes (20.6%) were within ±1.0D and 3 eyes were beyond ±1.0D. Bland-Altman analysis found the mean difference between IOL power calculated from both devices was 0.39 with LoA of -0.54 to 1.31. The correlation was 98.50% (95%CI 98%- 99.10%). In the same suggested IOL power group, the median difference of EST by preoperative biometry and ORA compared with one-month postoperative SE were -0.08 (95%CI: -0.08, 1.11), and -0.14 (95%CI: -0.88, 1.2), respectively. Conclusions :The ORA and preoperative biometry results were in concordance with each other. The result of preoperative biometry was more accurate than ORA in this study. Trial Registration: The clinical trial registration number: TCTR20171005001 Registration Date October 3 rd , 2017 First Enrollment November 1 st , 2017
In Vitro Virucidal Effect of Intranasally Delivered Chlorpheniramine Maleate Compound Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Ferrer Gustavo , Westover Jonna
Published: May 2020

Background. The initial global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic, responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported in Wuhan, China, at the end of December 2019. COVID-19 shares similarities with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and it behaves similarly to influenza with a high intranasal viral load. The genome sequence of COVID-19 opened the opportunity for multiple in vitro and clinical trials, but we still do not have a clear path to treatment. Chlorpheniramine is a safe and effective antihistamine with potent antiviral activity against various strains of influenza A/B, thus suggesting that CPM has broad antiviral activity. We tested the virucidal potential of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in a nasal spray composition currently in development as an anti-allergy medication.Methods. The virucidal activity of chlorpheniramine maleate was tested using viral stock of SARS-CoV-2, USA-WA1/2020 strain in Vero 76 infected cells. The end-point titer (CCID50) values were calculated with the Reed-Muench (1948) equation. Three independent replicates of each sample were tested, and the average and standard deviation were calculated. Results were compared with untreated controls by one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple comparison test in GraphPad Prism (version 8) software. Results. After 25-minutes of contact time, the nasal spray reduced the levels of the virus from 4.2 to 1.7 log10 CCID50 per 0.1 mL, a statistically significant reduction of 2.5 log10 CCID50.Conclusions. This study demonstrates the strong virucidal effect against SARS-CoV-2 of a nasal spray containing chlorpheniramine maleate. Given that CPM has broad antiviral effects against influenza, virucidal effect against SARS-CoV-2, and coadjuvant effects with hydroxychloroquine in treating multidrug-resistant malaria with minimal side effects. We propose two further studies: a randomized placebo-controlled study of intranasally delivered chlorpheniramine in patients with mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2, and a second study aiming to determine the potential antiviral and adjuvant effects of CPM plus hydroxychloroquine, versus chloroquine alone, in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2.
Withdrawal Notice: Lead Optimization from Natural Ligands by In-Silico Approach for Discovering Potential Monoamine Oxidasesinhibitors (MAOIs)
Authors: Dhiman Priyanka , Malik Neelam , Khatkar Anurag
Published: May 2020

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Application of Nanomaterials in Regulating the Fate of Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Lang , Li Yong , Zhang Maorui , Huang Kui , Peng Shuanglin , Xiao Jingang
Published: May 2020

Adipose-derived stem cells are adult stem cells which are easy to obtain and multi-potent.
Stem-cell therapy has become a promising new treatment for many diseases, and plays an increasingly
important role in the field of tissue repair, regeneration and reconstruction. The physicochemical
properties of the extracellular microenvironment contribute to the regulation of the fate of stem cells.
Nanomaterials have stable particle size, large specific surface area and good biocompatibility, which
has led them being recognized as having broad application prospects in the field of biomedicine. In this
paper, we review recent developments of nanomaterials in adipose-derived stem cell research. Taken
together, the current literature indicates that nanomaterials can regulate the proliferation and differentiation
of adipose-derived stem cells. However, the properties and regulatory effects of nanomaterials
can vary widely depending on their composition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guide
for future stem-cell research on the use of nanomaterials.
The Application of Nanomaterials in Cell Autophagy
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2020

Autophagy is defined as separation and degradation of cytoplasmic components through
autophagosomes, which plays an essential part in physiological and pathological events. Hence it is
also essential for cellular homeostasis. Autophagy disorder may bring about the failure of stem cells to
maintain the fundamental transformation and metabolism of cell components. However, for cancer
cells, the disorder of autophagy is a feasible antitumor idea. Nanoparticles, referring to particles of the
size range 1-100 nanometers, are appearing as a category of autophagy regulators. These nanoparticles
may revolutionize and broaden the therapeutic strategies of many diseases, including neurodegenerative
diseases, tumors, muscle disease, and so on. Researches of autophagy-induced nanomaterials
mainly focus on silver particles, gold particles, silicon particles, and rare earth oxides. But in recent
years, more and more materials have been found to regulate autophagy, such as nano-nucleic acid materials,
nanofiber scaffolds, quantum dots, and so on. The review highlights that various kinds of
nanoparticles have the power to regulate autophagy intensity in stem cells of interest and further control
biological behaviors, which may become a reliable treatment choice for disease therapy.
Controversial Topics in School and Literature: Hrotswitha and Donatus on Terence's Rapes
Authors: Demetriou Chrysanthi
Published: May 2020

The paper examines the way Terence's comedy was received and exploited by the dramas of Hrotswitha of Gandersheim. The discussion focuses on a particular comic motif: rape. After the examination of the way Hrotswitha transforms Terentian rapes and incorporates them into her dramatic composition, the paper focuses on a very important spectrum of Terence's survival: education. Specifically, it explores how rape was read and interpreted by the most important treatise of Terence's exegesis: the commentary of Donatus. All in all, the paper aims at identifying possible common approaches between the educational and literary sources under examination, while, at the same time, investigates the extent to which the educational context of Terence's reception affected the literary products that used Terence as their prototype.
PENGARUH MODAL KERJA DAN RESIKO KREDIT TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PADA PT. BANK MANDIRI (PERSERO) TBK
Authors: Kulsum Kulsum , Muniarty Puji
Published: May 2020

Abstrak: Pengaruh Modal Kerja dan Resiko Kredit Terhadap Profitabilitas PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh modal kerja dan resiko kredit terhadap profitabilitas. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian asosiatif secara kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian yang digunakan selama 10 tahun. Sampel diambil menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode analisis yang digunakan yaitu analisis modal kerja, analisis resiko kredit, analisis profitabilitas, asumsi klasik meliputi uji normalitas, uji multikolinearitas, uji heteroskedastisitas, uji autokorelasi, analisis regresi linear berganda, uji t dan uji F. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa 1) Modal kerja berpengaruh positif terhadap profitabilitas. 2) Tidak terdapat pengaruh dan Signifikan antara Resiko Kredit terhadap Profitabilitas. 3) Secara bersama-sama atau secara simultan bahwa variabel Modal Kerja dan Resiko Kredit berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Profitabilitas. 4) faktor yang paling dominan yang mempengaruhi variabel Profitabilitas adalah Resiko Kredit.Kata kunci: Modal Kerja, Resiko Kredit (NPL), Profitabilitas (ROA)
“É posse pra uso ou é tráfico”?
Authors: Garau Marilha Gabriela Reverendo , Bento de Oliveira Costa Perla Alves
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho busca compreender os critérios e moralidades presentes no exercício discricionário de policiais militares no que se refere à distinção de indivíduos enquanto usuários ou traficantes, quando do registro da ocorrência em sede policial. A investigação é construída a partir da observação direta (MALINOSKI, 1978) e participante (BECKER, 1993). Neste exercício são conjugadas a análise entre discursos e práticas dos agentes policiais, e da descrição densa (GEERTZ, 2008). Identifica-se a existência de uma interferência do policial militar condutor da ocorrência junto ao delegado. Tal artifício se faz presente tendo em vista a subjetividade da lei no que diz respeito aos critérios para o enquadramento entre posse e uso ou tráfico. É possível observar diferenças significativas nos critérios adotados por policiais militares na rotulação de determinado indivíduo enquanto traficante, quando contrastado aos critérios mobilizados por policiais civis e delegados de polícia. Nesse sentido, serão identificados e descritos os critérios presentes nos discursos dos interlocutores, no exercício da discricionariedade policial, a fim de melhor identificar nesses critérios quais moralidades são mobilizadas no momento do flagrante, bem como quais são os princípios formadores para condução ou não condução da ocorrência à delegacia.
Personalidade jurídica, mercado e opinião pública
Authors: Amato Lucas Fucci
Published: May 2020

O objetivo do trabalho é defender um conceito de esfera pública ou ambiente interno específico ao sistema jurídico e revelar a importância da distinção entre esfera pública (ou ambiente interno) e esfera organizada para compreender a estrutura interna dos sistemas sociais – ou suas instituições. Com isso, desenvolve-se a distinção e o paralelo entre os ambientes internos dos sistemas jurídico, político e econômico: personalidade jurídica, opinião pública e mercado. Alia-se uma visão dos isomorfismos entre as estruturas institucionais desses sistemas sociais a uma análise de suas semânticas – de seus discursos de fundamentação e práticas decisórias. Enquanto a decisão política deve responsividade à opinião pública (à qual se vincula por meio do voto), a decisão jurídica (e especialmente judicial) vincula-se procedimentalmente a direitos, deveres, poderes e responsabilidades construídos como atributos subjetivos e garantidos pelo direito válido, que é a fonte autoritativa da motivação das sentenças.