bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-modality biomarkers in the early prediction of ischaemic heart disease in middle-aged men during a 21-year follow-up
Authors: Sakalaki Maria , Hansson Per-Olof , Rosengren Annika , Thunström Erik , Pivodic Aldina , Fu Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) often develops after decades of preceding subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Biomarkers are useful prognostic predictors of IHD, but their long-term predictive value in a general population has not been adequately studied.

Purpose

To investigate the early predictive value of multi-modality biomarkers in addition to clinical risk factors in incident IHD in a random male general population sample followed from 50 to 71 years of age.

Method

“The Study of Men Born in 1943” is a longitudinal cohort study during follow-up. All the men underwent a baseline examination in 1993, where a panel of biomarkers were analysed and incident IHD was registered during 21-year follow-ups.

Results

Of 739 participants, 97 men (13.1%) developed an IHD event. For time to first occurrence of IHD, univariable analyses showed that elevated levels of high sensitivity troponin T (hs-TNT), high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significant predictors of IHD. In addition, a high number of biomarkers with elevated levels (hs-TNT > 10 ng/L, hs-CRP > 1 mg/L, IL-6 > 8 ng/L and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) > 100 pg/mL) increased predictive ability. In univariable and multivariable analysis high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) had the highest predictive ability. Hs-TNT provided better predictive ability than smoking, body mass index and glucose, and was an independent significant predictor when adjusted for HDL-C, total cholesterol and hypertension. Addition of biomarkers on top of clinical risk factors provided significantly better prediction as tested by likelihood ratio test (p = 0.033), but did not significantly enhance the model’s discriminative ability However, it appeared contributing to higher sensitivity in the late phase of follow-up.

Conclusion

In this random, middle-aged male population sample, the addition of biomarker hs-TNT was an independent significant predictor of IHD and significantly improved prediction, indicating the probability of a better prediction of long-term risk of IHD in a low-risk population.

Trial registration: The study is registered at Clinical Trials.gov Identifier number: NCT03138122
Recanalization of the occluded radial artery via distal transradial access in the anatomic snuffbox
Authors: Li Feng , Shi Gan-Wei , Zhang Bi-Feng , Yu Xiao-Long , Huang Hao-Min , Xiao Jian-Qiang , Cai Gao-Jun
Published: February 2021

Background

Radial artery occlusion is a common complication after coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention via the transradial access. In recent years, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention via the distal transradial access has gradually emerged, but recanalization of the occluded radial artery through the distal transradial access has rarely been reported.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old female with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital due to chest pain for three hours. She was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. After admission, the patient successfully underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention through the right transradial access. Radial artery occlusion was found after the operation, and recanalization was successfully performed through the right distal transradial access before discharge. Immediately after the operation and one month later, vascular ultrasonography showed that the antegrade flow was normal.

Conclusions

This report presents a case of radial artery occlusion after emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention in which recanalization was successfully performed through the right distal transradial access. This case demonstrates that recanalization of a radial artery occlusion via the distal transradial access is safe and feasible.
Identification of potential biomarkers for abdominal pain in IBS patients by bioinformatics approach
Authors: Lin Zhongyuan , Wang Yimin , Lin Shiqing , Liu Decheng , Mo Guohui , Zhang Hui , Dou Yunling
Published: February 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort and pain. The mechanisms of abdominal pain, as a relevant symptom, in IBS are still unclear. We aimed to explore the key genes and neurobiological changes specially involved in abdominal pain in IBS.

Methods

Gene expression data (GSE36701) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Fifty-three rectal mucosa samples from 27 irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) patients and 40 samples from 21 healthy volunteers as controls were included. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups were identified using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed on the DAVID database. Then a protein–protein interaction network was constructed and visualized using STRING database and Cytoscape.

Results

The microarray analysis demonstrated a subset of genes (CCKBR, CCL13, ACPP, BDKRB2, GRPR, SLC1A2, NPFF, P2RX4, TRPA1, CCKBR, TLX2, MRGPRX3, PAX2, CXCR1) specially involved in pain transmission. Among these genes, we identified GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1 genes as potential biomarkers for irritating abdominal pain of IBS patients.

Conclusions

Overexpression of certain pain-related genes (GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1) may contribute to chronic visceral hypersensitivity, therefore be partly responsible for recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort in IBS patients. Several synapses modification and biological process of psychological distress may be risk factors of IBS.
Development of an explicit tool assessing potentially inappropriate medication use in Hong Kong elder patients
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Wong Eliza LY , Yeoh Eng-kiong , Ma Bosco HM
Published: February 2021

Background

Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use has adverse effects on health, particularly in elder patients. Various country-specific explicit criteria have been developed to measure the appropriateness of prescribing worldwide. However, it is difficult to apply the criteria developed from other regions to measure and guide the local prescribing practice in Hong Kong. This study aims to develop a Hong Kong-specific PIM assessing tool from previously published criteria and validate this tool using the modified Delphi method.

Methods

A disease-oriented Hong Kong-specific preliminary PIM list was developed based on nine sets of reference criteria selected from a literature review. Any medication or medication class appeared in at least two sets of the reference criteria as well as its related medical conditions were selected as PIM candidates. After examining the availability of PIM candidates by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority drug formulary, the Hong Kong-specific preliminary PIM list was validated by a two-round of modified Delphi process. Eight experts from different specialties were invited to rate the degree of inappropriateness of each PIM candidate using a five-point Likert scale. The experts were also encouraged to propose therapeutic alternatives and new PIM candidates not covered by the preliminary PIM list. The PIM candidates that the expert panel didn’t reach consensus on were excluded from the final Hong Kong-specific PIM list.

Results

After two rounds of the Delphi process, eight PIM candidates remained questionable and thus were excluded from the PIM list. The final Hong Kong-specific PIM list included a total of 164 statements applicable to older adults aged 65 years or above, among which 77 were under PIMs independent of diagnoses, and 87 were under PIMs considering specific medical conditions.

Conclusions

The Hong Kong-specific PIM list can be used as a quality measure and an educational tool to improve the local prescribing quality. Further studies should validate its association with adverse health outcomes in clinical and research settings.
Common mental disorders among seasonal migrant farmworkers in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie , Teshome Destaw Fetene , Wolde Haileab Fekadu , Demissie Getu Debalkie , Wami Sintayehu Daba , Azale Telake , Ayele Tadesse Awoke
Published: February 2021

Background

Seasonal migrant farmworkers in Ethiopia are a vulnerable segment of the population facing numerous threats to their mental health. This research aimed to determine the magnitude of common mental disorders (CMDs) and its associated factors among seasonal migrant farmworkers in the northwest of Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 950 seasonal migrant farmworkers were selected randomly. CMDs were assessed using the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) and a structured questionnaire was employed to collect the associated characteristics of socio-demographic data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable binary logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence level was used to declare a statistically significant association with CMDs.

Results

The prevalence of CMDs was found to be 23.05% (219/950; 95% CI 20.47–25.84) among seasonal migrant farmworkers. The prevalence of psychological stress was 74.53% (708/950; 95% CI 71.65–77.20). Having a daily income below USD 5 (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10–2.15), moderate perceived stress (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.18, 5.36), severe perceived stress (AOR = 16.15, 95% CI: 8.96, 29.11), and heat-related illness (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.30) were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing CMD. On the other hand, those seasonal migrant farmworkers who migrated for the first time (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.23–0.65) and those who received health related information (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.85) were less likely to have CMDs.

Conclusion

In this study, CMDs were found to be prevalent among seasonal migrant farmworkers. These findings highlight the importance of systematic development of community-based mental health services in combination with rural primary health care centers and an integrated approach to the health care of farmworkers such as screening, early identification, and treatment of CMDs of seasonal migrant farmworkers.
Comparison of barriers and facilitators of MIND diet uptake among adults from Northern Ireland and Italy
Authors: Timlin Deirdre , Giannantoni Barbara , McCormack Jacqueline M. , Polito Angela , Ciarapica Donatella , Azzini Elena , Giles Melanie , Simpson Ellen E. A.
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of the study was to identify and compare components of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model, that influences behaviour to modify dietary patterns in 40–55-year olds living in Northern Ireland (NI) and Italy, in order to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life.

Methods

This was a qualitative study examining factors influencing Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet behaviour. This study further elaborated the COM-B components into the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework to further understand behaviour. Twenty-five Northern Irish and Italian participants were recruited onto the study, to take part in either a focus group or an interview. Participants were both male and female aged between 40 and 55 years.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed that the main barriers to the uptake of the MIND diet were; time, work environment (opportunity), taste preference and convenience (motivation). Culture (motivation), seasonal foods and lack of family support (opportunity) to be a barrier to the Italian sample only. The main facilitators reported were; improved health, memory, planning and organisation (motivation) and access to good quality food (opportunity). Cooking skills, knowledge (capability) and heathy work lunch (opportunity) reported as a facilitator to the Italian sample only.

Conclusions

Cross-cultural differences in relation to psychosocial barriers and facilitators were found in both samples. More barriers than facilitators towards uptake of the MIND diet were found. There is a need for interventions that increase capability, opportunity, and motivation to aid behaviour change. The findings from this study will be used to design a behaviour change intervention using the subsequent steps from the Behaviour Change Wheel.
Understanding perceived access barriers to contraception through an African feminist lens: a qualitative study in Uganda
Authors: Potasse Meghan A. , Yaya Sanni
Published: February 2021

Background

There are many barriers that impact a woman’s access to contraception in rural sub-Saharan Africa, such as financial constraints, supply shortages, stigma, and misconceptions. Through and African Feminist lens, this study examines how these perceived barriers intersect with each other, and how they negatively impact women’s access to family planning and their perceived value of contraceptives in Luweero, Uganda.

Methods

This qualitative study analyzed data collected from healthcare workers at one private clinic and one public clinic that offer family planning services in four focus group discussions in Luweero, Central Region, Uganda. Two focus group discussions were held in each clinic. Eligible participants spoke English, were at least 18 years of age, and had at least 3 years of experience as a healthcare worker in Luweero. Among the participants were nurses, midwives, family planning counsellors, and village health workers, both male and female. Coded transcripts were analyzed using a reflexive methodology through an African Feminist lens.

Results

Most of the responses indicated that financial constraints experienced either by the clinic or the women significantly impact access to family planning. Certain social barriers were discussed, and the participants explained that barriers such as stigma, misconceptions, lack of knowledge, religiosity and cultural values impact women’s motivation or ability to access contraceptive methods. Side effects also have a significant role to play in women’s ability or motivation to navigate through these perceived social barriers.

Conclusions

Participants determined that increased funding for transportation for village health teams, consistent funding for free contraception, and expanded sensitization efforts that particularly target men would be some of the most impactful methods they can adapt to address some of these barriers.
Hemobilia due to Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to collateral circulation formation after liver trauma: a case report
Authors: Wu Qiqi , Sun Qianling , Mei Bin
Published: February 2021

Background

Hemobilia due to rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm and recurrent hemorrhage caused by hepatic artery collateral circulation are both rare complications after liver trauma. There have been a number of separate reports of both complications, but no cases have been reported in which the two events occurred in the same patient. Here we report a recurrent hemorrhage in the bile duct due to hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to collateral circulation formation after hepatic artery ligation in a patient with liver trauma.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital for liver trauma (Grade IV according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading system) with active bleeding after a traffic accident. Hepatic artery ligation was performed for hemostasis. Three months after the surgery, the patient was readmitted for melena and subsequent hematemesis. Selective angiography examination revealed the formation of collateral circulation between the superior mesenteric artery and right hepatic artery. Moreover, a ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm was observed and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed for hemostasis at the same time. After the treatment, the patient recovered very well and had an uneventful prognosis until the last follow-up.

Conclusion

For patients with hepatic trauma, the selection of the site of hepatic artery ligation and the diagnosis and treatment methods of postoperative biliary hemorrhage are crucial for the prognosis of the disease.
Biobanked human foreskin epithelial cell sheets reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in a nude mouse model
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Shao Jialiang , Zhuang Jingming , Zhou Shukui , Yin Shuo , Wu Fuyue , Hou Jiangang , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2021

Background

Human epithelial cell sheets (ECSs) are used to clinically treat epithelial conditions such as burns, corneal blindness, middle ear cholesteatoma and vitiligo. As a widely used material in clinic, there is little information on the biobanking of ECSs and its repair effect after storage.

Results

Two methods for biobanking foreskin ECSs were compared in a short term (7 days): 4-degree storage and programmed cryopreservation. Cell sheet integrity, viability, apoptosis, immunogenicity, mechanical properties and function were evaluated. In vivo, ECSs were directly transplanted to skin defect models and histological examination was performed at 1 week postoperatively. We successfully extracted human foreskin-derived primary epithelial cells and fabricated them into ECSs. Compared with 4-degree storage, programmed cryopreservation preserved the ECS structural integrity, enhanced the mechanical properties, decreased HLA-I expression, and increased cell viability and survival. An increased proportion of melanocytes with proliferative capacity remained in the cryopreserved sheets, and the undifferentiated epithelial cells were comparable to those of the fresh sheets. In vivo, cryopreserved ECSs could reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and promote connective tissue remodeling, epithelial cell proliferation and vascular regeneration.

Conclusions

Programmed cryopreservation of ECSs was superior and more feasible than 4-degree storage and the cryopreserved ECSs achieved satisfying skin wound healing in vivo. We anticipate that the off-the-shelf ECSs could be quickly used, such as, to repair human epithelial defect in future.

Graphical abstract
Teaching clinical reasoning to undergraduate medical students by illness script method: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moghadami Mana , Amini Mitra , Moghadami Mohsen , Dalal Bhavin , Charlin Bernard
Published: February 2021

Background

The illness script method employs a theoretical outline (e.g., epidemiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, interventions) to clarify how clinicians organized medical knowledge for clinical reasoning in the diagnosis domain. We hypothesized that an educational intervention based on the illness script method would improve medical students’ clinical reasoning skills in the diagnosis domain.

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 100 fourth-year medical students in Shiraz Medical School, Iran. Fifty students were randomized to the intervention group, who were taught clinical reasoning skills based on the illness script method for three diseases during one clinical scenario. Another 50 students were randomized to the control group, who were taught the clinical presentation based on signs and symptoms of the same three diseases as the intervention group. The outcomes of interest were learner satisfaction with the intervention and posttest scores on both an internally developed knowledge test and a Script Concordance Test (SCT).

Results

Of the hundred participating fourth-year medical students, 47 (47%) were male, and 53 (53%) were female. On the knowledge test, there was no difference in pretest scores between the intervention and control group, which suggested a similar baseline knowledge in both groups; however, posttest scores in the intervention group were (15.74 ± 2.47 out of 20) statistically significantly higher than the control group (14.38 ± 2.59 out of 20, P = 0.009). On the SCT, the mean score for the intervention group (6.12 ± 1.95 out of 10) was significantly higher than the control group (4.54 ± 1.56 out of 10; P = 0.0001). Learner satisfaction data indicated that the intervention was well-received by students.

Conclusion

Teaching with the illness script method was an effective way to improve students’ clinical reasoning skills in the diagnosis domain suggested by posttest and SCT scores for specific clinical scenarios. Whether this approach translates to improved generalized clinical reasoning skills in real clinical settings merits further study.
Designing a national model for assessment of nursing informatics competency
Authors: Farzandipour Mehrdad , Mohamadian Hashem , Akbari Hossein , Safari Samira , Sharif Reihane
Published: February 2021

Background

Due to the need for informatics competencies in the field of nursing, the present study was conducted to design a psychometric instrument to determine the qualification of informatics competencies of employed nurses in educational care centers.

Methods

The questionnaire was made by reviewing existing scientific resources and assessment tools. Two hundred nurses were selected using simple random sampling. Structural equation modeling was used using the measurement model technique and the average variance was calculated. Linear structural relations (LISREL) software was used to test the assumptions and correlations of the model.

Results

Findings showed relatively good estimation in the fit of first-order measurement model. The informatics knowledge subscale with a determining rate of 0.90 had the greatest explanatory effect among the subscales and informatics skill with a determining rate of 0.67 and basic computer skill with a determining rate of 0.60 were observed. The second-order measurement model of fitness indicators showed that the three factors can well explain the multidimensional construct of informatics competency.

Conclusions

The designed tool can be used to develop educational strategies in relation to nursing students in the field of informatics and prepare them in the rich environment of information technology, which can be helpful in training nursing instructors.
The most used questionnaires for evaluating telemedicine services
Authors: Hajesmaeel-Gohari Sadrieh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: February 2021

Background

Questionnaires are commonly used tools in telemedicine services that can help to evaluate different aspects. Selecting the ideal questionnaire for this purpose may be challenging for researchers. This study aims to review which questionnaires are used to evaluate telemedicine services in the studies, which are most common, and what aspects of telemedicine evaluation do they capture.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched in August 2020 to retrieve articles. Data extracted from the final list of articles included author/year of publication, journal of publication, type of evaluation, and evaluation questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Fifty-three articles were included in this study. The questionnaire was used for evaluating the satisfaction (49%), usability (34%), acceptance (11.5%), and implementation (2%) of telemedicine services. Among telemedicine specific questionnaires, Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) (19%), Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) (13%), and Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) (5.5%), were respectively most frequently used in the collected articles. Other most used questionnaires generally used for evaluating the users’ satisfaction, usability, and acceptance of technology were Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) (5.5%), Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction (QUIS) (5.5%), System Usability Scale (SUS) (5.5%), Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) (5.5%), and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (3.5%) respectively.

Conclusion

Employing specifically designed questionnaires or designing a new questionnaire with fewer questions and more comprehensiveness in terms of the issues studied provides a better evaluation. Attention to user needs, end-user acceptance, and implementation processes, along with users' satisfaction and usability evaluation, may optimize telemedicine efforts in the future.
Implementation of a standard outcome set in perinatal care: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators from all stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Depla Anne L. , Crombag Neeltje M. , Franx Arie , Bekker Mireille N.
Published: February 2021

Background

To improve their quality, healthcare systems are increasingly focused on value delivered to patients. For perinatal care, the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) proposed a patient-centred outcome set with both clinical and patient-reported measures for pregnancy and childbirth (PCB set). This study aimed to identify factors that affect the implementation of the PCB set at the pre-implementation stage, using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR).

Methods

In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews amongst a purposive sample of key stakeholders within an obstetric care network (OCN): 1) patients, 2) perinatal care professionals involved in the full cycle of perinatal care, and 3) policy makers, including hospital managers, administrative staff and health care insurers. While the CFIR guided data capture and structuring, thematic analysis revealed overarching themes that best reflected the barriers and facilitators from different stakeholder perspectives. Within these overarching themes, the CFIR constructs were maintained.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 6 patients, 16 professionals and 5 policy makers. Thematic analysis supported by the CFIR framework identified four main themes: the instrument and its implementation process, use in individual patient care, use in quality improvement, and the context of the OCN. Important barriers included professional workload, data reliability, and interprofessional and interorganizational collaboration. Potential facilitators were the PCB set’s direct value in individual care, interprofessional feedback and education, and aligning with existing systems. Prominent variations between stakeholder groups included the expected patient burden, the level of use, transparency of outcomes and the degree of integrated care.

Conclusions

This study clarified critical factors that affect successful implementation of the PCB set in perinatal care. Practice recommendations, suggested at multiple levels, can enable structural patient-centred care improvement and may unite stakeholders towards integrated birth care.
Title: insoluble proteins catch heterologous soluble proteins into inclusion bodies by intermolecular interaction of aggregating peptides
Authors: Carratalá Jose Vicente , Cisneros Andrés , Hellman Elijah , Villaverde Antonio , Ferrer-Miralles Neus
Published: February 2021

Background

Protein aggregation is a biological event observed in expression systems in which the recombinant protein is produced under stressful conditions surpassing the homeostasis of the protein quality control system. In addition, protein aggregation is also related to conformational diseases in animals as transmissible prion diseases or non-transmissible neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer, Parkinson’s disease, amyloidosis and multiple system atrophy among others. At the molecular level, the presence of aggregation-prone domains in protein molecules act as seeding igniters to induce the accumulation of protein molecules in protease-resistant clusters by intermolecular interactions.

Results

In this work we have studied the aggregating-prone performance of a small peptide (L6K2) with additional antimicrobial activity and we have elucidated the relevance of the accompanying scaffold protein to enhance the aggregating profile of the fusion protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the fusion of L6K2 to highly soluble recombinant proteins directs the protein to inclusion bodies (IBs) in E. coli through stereospecific interactions in the presence of an insoluble protein displaying the same aggregating-prone peptide (APP).

Conclusions

These data suggest that the molecular bases of protein aggregation are related to the net balance of protein aggregation potential and not only to the presence of APPs. This is then presented as a generic platform to generate hybrid protein aggregates in microbial cell factories for biopharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.
Fine tuning the glycolytic flux ratio of EP-bifido pathway for mevalonate production by enhancing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf) and CRISPRi suppressing 6-phosphofructose kinase (PfkA) in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Ying , Xian He , Xu Ya , Zhu Yuan , Sun Zhijie , Wang Qian , Qi Qingsheng
Published: February 2021

Background

Natural glycolysis encounters the decarboxylation of glucose partial oxidation product pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, where one-third of the carbon is lost at CO2. We previously constructed a carbon saving pathway, EP-bifido pathway by combining Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas Pathway, Pentose Phosphate Pathway and “bifid shunt”, to generate high yield acetyl-CoA from glucose. However, the carbon conversion rate and reducing power of this pathway was not optimal, the flux ratio of EMP pathway and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) needs to be precisely and dynamically adjusted to improve the production of mevalonate (MVA).

Result

Here, we finely tuned the glycolytic flux ratio in two ways. First, we enhanced PPP flux for NADPH supply by replacing the promoter of zwf on the genome with a set of different strength promoters. Compared with the previous EP-bifido strains, the zwf-modified strains showed obvious differences in NADPH, NADH, and ATP synthesis levels. Among them, strain BP10BF accumulated 11.2 g/L of MVA after 72 h of fermentation and the molar conversion rate from glucose reached 62.2%. Second, pfkA was finely down-regulated by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) system. The MVA yield of the regulated strain BiB1F was 8.53 g/L, and the conversion rate from glucose reached 68.7%.

Conclusion

This is the highest MVA conversion rate reported in shaken flask fermentation. The CRISPRi and promoter fine-tuning provided an effective strategy for metabolic flux redistribution in many metabolic pathways and promotes the chemicals production.
Bulk‐up synchronization of successive larval cohorts of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii through temperature reduction at early larval stages: effect on emergence rate, body size and mating success
Authors: Zubair Qaswa , Matthews Holly , Sougoufara Seynabou , Mujeeb Fatima , Ashall Simon , Aboagye-Antwi Fred , Tripet Frédéric
Published: February 2021

Background

Malaria persists as a huge medical and economic burden. Although the number of cases and death rates have reduced in recent years, novel interventions are a necessity if such gains are to be maintained. Alternative methods to target mosquito vector populations that involve the release of large numbers genetically modified mosquitoes are in development. However, their successful introduction will require innovative strategies to bulk-up mosquito numbers and improve mass rearing protocols for Anopheles mosquitoes.

Methods

The relationship between mosquito aquatic stage development and temperature was exploited so that multiple cohorts of mosquitoes, from separate egg batches, could be synchronized to ‘bulk-up’ the number of mosquitoes released. First instar larvae were separated into two cohorts: the first, maintained under standard insectary conditions at 27oC, the second subjected to an initial 5-day cooling period at 19oC.

Results

Cooling of 1st instars slowed the mean emergence times of Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae by 2.4 and 3.5 days, respectively, compared to their 27oC counterparts. Pupation and emergence rates were good (> 85 %) in all conditions. Temperature adjustment had no effect on mosquito sex ratio and adult fitness parameters such as body size and mating success.

Conclusions

Bulk-up larval synchronization is a simple method allowing more operational flexibility in mosquito production towards mark-release-recapture studies and mass release interventions.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Impact of NF-κB pathway on the intervertebral disc inflammation and degeneration induced by over‐mechanical stretching stress
Authors: Xu Hui , Qi Guobao , Li Kunpeng , Yang Keshi , Luo Dawei , Cai Zhongxu
Published: February 2021

Background

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) contributes to low back pain. Increased cell apoptosis and inflammation, decreased extracellular matrix are associated with IVDD. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the pathophysiology of IVDD.

Methods

In present study, we established a mechanical stretching stress-stimulated nucleus pulposus (NP) cell model. We knocked down NF-κB p65 by siRNA transfection to inhibit NF-κB and evaluated the effects of NF-κB inhibition on intervertebral disk degeneration. We applied the mechanical stretching stress on NP cells and inhibited NF-κB by siRNA, then evaluated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), aggrecan, collagen II, and monitored viability and apoptosis of NP cells.

Results

Mechanical stretching stress induced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, MMP-3 and MMP-13, while inhibited the production of aggrecan and collagen II in NP cells. Mechanical stretching stress decreased the cell viability and induced apoptosis in NP cells. Inhibition of NF-κB by siRNA suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, MMP-3 and MMP-13, while upregulated the expression of aggrecan and collagen II in NP cells.

Conclusions

Inhibition of NF-κB by knocking down p65 suppressed over-mechanical stretching stress-induced cell apoptosis and promoted viability in NP cell. Inhibition of NF-κB suppressed inflammation and degeneration of NP cells in IVDD.
Bringing AI to the clinic: blueprint for a vendor-neutral AI deployment infrastructure
Authors: Leiner Tim , Bennink Edwin , Mol Christian P. , Kuijf Hugo J. , Veldhuis Wouter B.
Published: February 2021

AI provides tremendous opportunities for improving patient care, but at present there is little evidence of real-world uptake. An important barrier is the lack of well-designed, vendor-neutral and future-proof infrastructures for deployment. Because current AI algorithms are very narrow in scope, it is expected that a typical hospital will deploy many algorithms concurrently. Managing stand-alone point solutions for all of these algorithms will be unmanageable. A solution to this problem is a dedicated platform for deployment of AI. Here we describe a blueprint for such a platform and the high-level design and implementation considerations of such a system that can be used clinically as well as for research and development. Close collaboration between radiologists, data scientists, software developers and experts in hospital IT as well as involvement of patients is crucial in order to successfully bring AI to the clinic.
MicroRNA let-7b downregulates AML1-ETO oncogene expression in t(8;21) AML by targeting its 3′UTR
Authors: Johnson Daniel T. , Davis Amanda G. , Zhou Jie-Hua , Ball Edward D. , Zhang Dong-Er
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the t(8;21)(q22;q22) chromosomal translocation is among the most common subtypes of AML and produces the AML1-ETO (RUNX1-ETO, RUNX1-RUNX1T1) oncogenic fusion gene. AML1-ETO functions as an aberrant transcription factor which plays a key role in blocking normal hematopoiesis. Thus, the expression of AML1-ETO is critical to t(8;21) AML leukemogenesis and maintenance. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is often mediated through interactions between trans-factors and cis-elements within transcript 3′-untranslated regions (UTR). AML1-ETO uses the 3′UTR of the ETO gene, which is not normally expressed in hematopoietic cells. Therefore, the mechanisms regulating AML1-ETO expression via the 3’UTR are attractive therapeutic targets.

Methods

We used RNA-sequencing of t(8;21) patients and cell lines to examine the 3′UTR isoforms used by AML1-ETO transcripts. Using luciferase assay approaches, we test the relative contribution of 3′UTR cis elements to AML1-ETO expression. We further use let-7b microRNA mimics and anti-let-7b sponges for functional studies of t(8;21) AML cell lines.

Results

In this study, we examine the regulation of AML1-ETO via the 3’UTR. We demonstrate that AML1-ETO transcripts primarily use a 3.7 kb isoform of the ETO 3′UTR in both t(8;21) patients and cell lines. We identify a negative regulatory element within the AML1-ETO 3′UTR. We further demonstrate that the let-7b microRNA directly represses AML1-ETO through this site. Finally, we find that let-7b inhibits the proliferation of t(8;21) AML cell lines, rescues expression of AML1-ETO target genes, and promotes differentiation.

Conclusions

AML1-ETO is post-transcriptionally regulated by let-7b, which contributes to the leukemic phenotype of t(8;21) AML and may be important for t(8;21) leukemogenesis and maintenance.
Discovering the maximum k-clique on social networks using bat optimization algorithm
Authors: Khodadadi Akram , Saeidi Shahram
Published: February 2021

The k-clique problem is identifying the largest complete subgraph of size k on a network, and it has many applications in Social Network Analysis (SNA), coding theory, geometry, etc. Due to the NP-Complete nature of the problem, the meta-heuristic approaches have raised the interest of the researchers and some algorithms are developed. In this paper, a new algorithm based on the Bat optimization approach is developed for finding the maximum k-clique on a social network to increase the convergence speed and evaluation criteria such as Precision, Recall, and F1-score. The proposed algorithm is simulated in Matlab® software over Dolphin social network and DIMACS dataset for k = 3, 4, 5. The computational results show that the convergence speed on the former dataset is increased in comparison with the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) approaches. Besides, the evaluation criteria are also modified on the latter dataset and the F1-score is obtained as 100% for k = 5.
Clinical validation of time reduction strategy in continuous step-and-shoot mode during SPECT acquisition
Authors: Picone Valentin , Makris Nikolaos , Boutevin Fanny , Roy Sarah , Playe Margot , Soussan Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

The SwiftScan solution (General Electric Healthcare) combines a new low-energy high-resolution sensitivity collimator and a tomographic step-and-shoot continuous (SSC) mode acquisition. The purpose of this study is to determine whether SSC mode can be used in clinical practice with shorter examination times, while preserving image quality and ensuring accurate semi-quantification. Twenty bone scan and 10 lung scan studies were randomly selected over a period of 2 months. Three sets of image datasets were produced: step-and-shoot (SS) acquisition, simulated 25% count reduction using the Poisson resampling method (SimSS), and SimSS continuous acquisition (SimSSC), where SimSS was summed with counts acquired during detector head rotation. Visual assessment (5-point Likert scale, 2 readers) and semi-quantitative evaluation (50 focal uptake from 10 bone studies), assessed by SUVmean, coefficient of variation (COV), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), were performed using t test and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

Intra-reader agreement was substantial for reader 1 (k = 0.71) and for reader 2 (k = 0.61). Inter-reader agreement was substantial for SS set (k = 0.93) and moderate for SimSSC (k = 0.52). Bland-Altman analysis showed a good interchangeability of SS and SimSSC SUV values. The mean CNR between SS and SimSSC was not significantly different: 42.9 ± 43.7 [23.7–62.1] vs. 43.1 ± 46 [22.9–63.3] (p = 0.46), respectively. COV values, assessing noise level, did not deviate significantly between SS and SimSSC: 0.20 ± 0.08 [0.18–0.23] vs. 0.21 ± 0.08, [0.18–0.23] (p = 0.15), respectively, whereas a significant difference was demonstrated between SS and SimSS: 0.20 ± 0.08 [0.18–0.23] vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 [0.20–0.25] (p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

SSC mode acquisition decreases examination time by approximately 25% in bone and lung SPECT/CT studies compared to SS mode (~ 2 min per single-bed SPECT), without compromising image quality and signal quantification. This SPECT sensitivity improvement also offers the prospect of more comfortable exams, with less motion artifacts, especially in painful or dyspneic patients.
Management scheme influence and nitrogen addition effects on soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes in a Moso bamboo plantation
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Li Quan , Lv Jianhua , Peng Changhui , Gu Zhikang , Qi Lianghua , Song Xuzhong , Song Xinzhang
Published: February 2021

Background

It is still not clear whether the effects of N deposition on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are influenced by plantation management schemes. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of conventional management (CM) versus intensive management (IM), in combination with simulated N deposition levels of control (ambient N deposition), 30 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1 (N30, ambient + 30 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1), 60 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1 (N60, ambient + 60 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1), or 90 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1 (N90, ambient + 90 kg N·ha− 1·year− 1) on soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes. For this, 24 plots were set up in a Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) plantation from January 2013 to December 2015. Gas samples were collected monthly from January 2015 to December 2015.

Results

Compared with CM, IM significantly increased soil CO2 emissions and their temperature sensitivity (Q10) but had no significant effects on soil CH4 uptake or N2O emissions. In the CM plots, N30 and N60 significantly increased soil CO2 emissions, while N60 and N90 significantly increased soil N2O emissions. In the IM plots, N30 and N60 significantly increased soil CO2 and N2O emissions, while N60 and N90 significantly decreased soil CH4 uptake. Overall, in both CM and IM plots, N30 and N60 significantly increased global warming potentials, whereas N90 did not significantly affect global warming potential. However, N addition significantly decreased the Q10 value of soil CO2 emissions under IM but not under CM. Soil microbial biomass carbon was significantly and positively correlated with soil CO2 and N2O emissions but significantly and negatively correlated with soil CH4 uptake.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that management scheme effects should be considered when assessing the effect of atmospheric N deposition on GHG emissions in bamboo plantations.
Inverse design of mesoscopic models for compressible flow using the Chapman-Enskog analysis
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Lian-Ping , Lai Jun , Chen Shiyi
Published: February 2021

In this paper, based on simplified Boltzmann equation, we explore the inverse-design of mesoscopic models for compressible flow using the Chapman-Enskog analysis. Starting from the single-relaxation-time Boltzmann equation with an additional source term, two model Boltzmann equations for two reduced distribution functions are obtained, each then also having an additional undetermined source term. Under this general framework and using Navier-Stokes-Fourier (NSF) equations as constraints, the structures of the distribution functions are obtained by the leading-order Chapman-Enskog analysis. Next, five basic constraints for the design of the two source terms are obtained in order to recover the NSF system in the continuum limit. These constraints allow for adjustable bulk-to-shear viscosity ratio, Prandtl number as well as a thermal energy source. The specific forms of the two source terms can be determined through proper physical considerations and numerical implementation requirements. By employing the truncated Hermite expansion, one design for the two source terms is proposed. Moreover, three well-known mesoscopic models in the literature are shown to be compatible with these five constraints. In addition, the consistent implementation of boundary conditions is also explored by using the Chapman-Enskog expansion at the NSF order. Finally, based on the higher-order Chapman-Enskog expansion of the distribution functions, we derive the complete analytical expressions for the viscous stress tensor and the heat flux. Some underlying physics can be further explored using the DNS simulation data based on the proposed model.
Placenta accreta scoring system (PASS)—assessment of a simplified clinico-radiological scoring system for antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta
Authors: Mahalingam Harsha Vardhan , Rangasami Rajeswaran , Premkumar J. , Chandrasekar Anupama
Published: February 2021

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) of disorders is an important cause of post-partum hemorrhage and resultant maternal morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an indispensable role in antenatal diagnosis of PAS. However, diagnosis of PAS on both ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reliant on recognition of multiple imaging signs each of which have a wide range of sensitivity and specificity. There is no single pathognomonic diagnostic feature. This results in interobserver variability. In our study, we aim to assess the accuracy of a combined clinico-radiological scoring system in predicting placenta accreta.

Results

This retrospective study included 60 MRI examinations done for suspected placenta accreta (PA). MRI findings were assessed by two radiologists in consensus. Clinical details of the patients were obtained from the hospital information system. Two clinical and six imaging criteria were assessed and a total score was calculated for each patient. Patients were stratified into three groups—low, moderate or high probability for placenta accreta based on the total score. The presence of any statistically significant difference in prevalence of PA among these groups was assessed. Intra-operative findings/histopathology were considered the gold standard. The prevalence of PA was 3% (1/33), 28.5% (2/7) and 90% (18/20) in the low-, moderate- and high-risk groups respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence between the three groups (chi-square statistic = 41.54, p value < 0.0001). A score of greater than or equal to 6 provided sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 85.71, 94.87 and 92.5% respectively in diagnosing placenta accreta.

Conclusion

PASS provides a simple, objective and accurate way to stratify patients into low, intermediate and high probability categories for PA.