bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rôle des mitochondries dans le développement d’un stress oxydant dans le muscle squelettique au cours du vieillissement
Authors: CAPEL F. , DEMAISON L. , MORIO B. , RIMBERT V. , PATUREAU-MIRAND P. , MOSONI L.
Published: May 2020

Le vieillissement s’accompagne d’une perte de masse musculaire qui contribue à l’affaiblissement des capacités de défenses de l’organisme, et à la réduction de la mobilité et de l’autonomie des personnes âgées. Ce travail a été entrepris pour déterminer si le stress oxydant pouvait être impliqué dans ce phénomène, et en particulier la mitochondrie, forte productrice d’espèces actives de l’oxygène.
Nous avons montré dans les muscles glycolytiques que la production mitochondriale d’H2O2 (PMH) induite par le flux inverse d’électrons entre les complexes II et I augmentait avec l’âge. Dans les muscles oxydatifs, la PMH induite par un flux d’électrons à partir du complexe I augmentait également. La PMH semble donc augmenter avec l’âge dans tous les types musculaires et la réduction de l’activité de la GPX dans les muscles glycolytiques pourrait accroître les conséquences de ce phénomène. Cependant, d’autres paramètres mitochondriaux (respiration, activités des complexes II à IV) n’étaient pas modifiés. De plus, un stress calcique provoqué par l’injection d’un ionophore (A23187) n’a pas eu d’effet chez des rats jeunes, alors qu’il a induit une atrophie du muscle soleus et un accroissement de la PMH dans le muscle gastrocnemius chez les rats âgés.
L’ensemble de nos résultats suggère donc que l’augmentation de la PMH au cours du vieillissement n’a pas d’effet majeur à court terme sur le vieillissement musculaire. Elle pourrait avoir un effet à long terme, notamment dans le grand âge et/ou contribuer à accentuer la fragilisation du tissu âgé, en particulier en réponse à un stress.
La teneur en lipides de la viande : une balance métabolique complexe
Authors: GONDRET F. , HOCQUETTE J.F.
Published: May 2020

La teneur en lipides intramusculaires est une composante importante de la qualité des produits carnés, et en particulier de leur acceptabilité sensorielle. Les facteurs susceptibles de modifier la quantité de lipides dans les muscles de l’animal au moment de son abattage sont multiples, parmi lesquels son génotype, son type sexuel, son âge et son alimentation. Cependant, les déterminismes métaboliques ou géniques de la teneur en lipides intramusculaires restent mal connus. Des travaux récents montrent que l’importance des flux de lipides dans le muscle et l’orientation d’une balance entre de nombreuses voies impliquées dans la lipogenèse des acides gras d’une part et leur oxydation d’autre part, seraient responsables de l’essentiel de la variabilité de la teneur en lipides intramusculaires durant la période postnatale. Les mécanismes précoces qui président au contrôle du nombre d’adipocytes intramusculaires (c’est-à-dire à la prolifération et différenciation cellulaires) seraient majoritairement à l’origine des différences de teneur en lipides intramusculaires en fonction du génotype de l’animal ou de la sélection génétique intra-race. Les approches à haut débit sans a priori, telles que la transcriptomique et la protéomique, devraient prochainement aboutir à l’identification de nouvelles cibles permettant le contrôle de la teneur en lipides intramusculaires, indépendamment de l’adiposité corporelle des animaux.
Gestion optimisée de la variabilité génétique dans les populations porcines sélectionnées
Authors: COLLEAU J.J. , TRIBOUT T.
Published: May 2020

Il est possible de modérer l’accroissement des coefficients de parenté et de consanguinité dans les populations sélectionnées en calculant les taux optimaux d’utilisation des reproducteurs, compte tenu de la diversité génétique existante, et en optimisant ensuite les accouplements. Les potentialités d’une telle approche ont été testées rétrospectivement sur la population Landrace Français en sélection en comparaison aux saillies réellement effectuées au cours d’une période test de 21 semaines. La contrainte majeure a été la conservation du niveau génétique moyen pour l’objectif global de sélection de la population, pour ne pas pénaliser le progrès génétique à court terme. En optimisant l’utilisation des verrats disponibles durant cette période, il aurait été possible de diminuer les coefficients de parenté et de consanguinité d’environ 20 %. Cette diminution aurait pu être portée à environ 30 % si en plus on avait optimisé le renouvellement et les réformes en considérant la variabilité génétique, toujours avec la même contrainte de niveau génétique inchangé par rapport au réel. A partir des résultats de cette dernière optimisation, il est possible de définir pour chaque individu un index synthétique pénalisé qui combine l’index synthétique actuel et une pénalité proportionnelle à sa parenté moyenne avec le reste de la population. Le coefficient de pondération de la parenté a été trouvé très élevé en dépit de la clause de conservation des niveaux génétiques pour l’index synthétique actuel. Ces résultats montrent l’intérêt qu’il y aurait à fournir à l’avenir, au moment de chaque évaluation génétique, les résultats de ces optimisations effectuées en continu, de manière à promouvoir la préservation de la variabilité génétique par les acteurs de la sélection.
Y a-t-il des alternatives à la castration chirurgicale des porcelets ?
Authors: PRUNIER A. , BONNEAU M.
Published: May 2020

Dans la plupart des pays, les porcelets mâles sont castrés par voie chirurgicale pour éviter les odeurs sexuelles, lors de la cuisson des viandes, qui sont dues essentiellement à l’androsténone et au scatol. Cette intervention peut légalement être réalisée par l’éleveur sur les porcelets jusqu’à 7 jours d’âge mais pourrait être interdite dans un avenir proche pour des raisons éthiques car elle est très douloureuse. Une alternative consisterait à réduire fortement la douleur liée à la castration. Compte tenu des nombreuses contraintes auxquelles sont soumis les élevages de porcs, très peu de solutions existent. L’une d’elles serait d’associer une anesthésie locale à la lidocaïne avec un traitement antalgique par un anti-inflammatoire. Alternativement, la castration chirurgicale pourrait être remplacée par l’immunocastration ou par la destruction du tissu testiculaire avec des sels minéraux. L’alternative la plus documentée consisterait à immuniser les porcs mâles contre le GnRH mais il n’existe actuellement aucun vaccin ayant un agrément dans l’UE. Par ailleurs, l’acceptabilité par les consommateurs et les conséquences de cette technique sur le bien-être des animaux sont mal connus. L’élevage de porcs mâles entiers pourrait être envisagé mais suppose de réduire le risque d’odeur sexuelle dans la viande et de pouvoir trier les carcasses défectueuses. Les teneurs en scatol et surtout en androsténone pourraient être diminuées par la sélection génétique. La mise en place de conduites d’élevage et de régimes alimentaires appropriés pourrait contribuer à réduire davantage les teneurs en scatol. En conclusion, l’interdiction de la castration chirurgicale poserait de graves problèmes à la filière porcine du fait de l’absence de solution alternative opérationnelle.
metaRE R Package for Meta-analysis of Transcriptome Data to Identify the Cis-regulatory Code behind the Transcriptional Reprogramming
Authors: Novikova Daria , Sizentsova Yana , Cherenkov Pavel , Mironova Victoria
Published: May 2020

At the molecular level, response to an external factor or an internal condition causes reprogramming of temporal and spatial transcription. When an organism undergoes physiological and/or morphological changes, several signaling pathways are activated simultaneously. Examples of such complex reactions are the response to temperature changes, dehydration, various biologically active substances, and others. Synergistic action of multiple pathways greatly complicates the experimental study of the molecular genetic mechanisms of the organism's reactions. As a result, a significant part of the regulatory ensemble in such complex reactions remains unidentified. We developed metaRE, an R package for the systematic search for cis-regulatory elements enriched in the promoters of the genes significantly changed their transcription in a complex reaction. metaRE mines multiple expression profiling datasets generated to test the same organism's response and identifies simple and composite cis-regulatory elements systematically associated with differential expression of genes. Here we showed metaRE performance for identification of cold stress-responsive cis-regulatory code in Arabidopsis thaliana. MetaRE identified potential binding sites for known as well as unknown cold response regulators. Software with source files, documentation, and example data files are freely available online at the repository (https://github.com/cheburechko/MetaRE).
Order in the Statistical Learning of Phonotactics
Authors: Richtsmeier Peter
Published: May 2020

A premise of statistical learning research is that learners attend to and learn the frequencies of repeating or co-occurring elements in the input. When the input is a series of words, participants readily learn the frequencies of phoneme sequences, that is, to learn phonotactic frequencies. Inherent to the concepts of both frequency and phonotactics is order, or the temporal structure of the input. Order is similarly inherent to statistical learning, yet the effect of order on statistical learning is not well understood. In the present study, adult participants learned the relative frequencies of eight item-medial consonant sequences, for example, the /mk/ in /nʌmkət/. Across five ordering conditions, both familiarization and test stimuli were independently ordered and randomized, thus allowing for a relatively broad search for order effects in an established statistical learning paradigm. Participants learned the target frequencies equivalently across the five ordering conditions, indicating no modulating effect of order. Nevertheless, participants also approached the task by applying idiosyncratic, structured orders to their responses. The result is an unexpected but robust effect of order. Both the results and the design of the study also allow for increased integration of statistical learning with memory and other aspects of cognition.
CONDITION OF CORAL AND REEF FISH IN THE LOCATION OF FISH CATCHING USING DYNAMITE FISHING IN KAPOPOSANG WATER PARK AND THE SURROUNDING SEA
Authors: Mahmudin Mahmudin , Rani Chair , Hamzah Hamzah
Published: May 2020

Dynamite fishing is one of the causes of damage to the coral reef ecosystem in Indonesia. Fishing activities using explosives (dynamite fishing) occur because of the desire of fishermen to get a lot of catch with low cost in a short time. Kapoposang Water Park (WP) is a region rich in marine biological resources. However, dynamite fishing activities which are still found within the area have caused the coral reef ecosystem to be severely damaged. The results showed a lower difference in the percentage of live coral cover at dynamite fishing locations (DF1, DF2) compared to control locations (K1, K2). In addition, the highest average values of coral fish abundance were found at locations K1, DF1, and DF2. Conversely, the results of the analysis found the lowest fish abundance at the K2 location. Different from the average number of reef fish species that were higher at the control location (K1, K2) compared to dynamite fishing locations (DF1, DF2). For the target fish biomass there is no real difference between the control location and dynamite fishing.
Strain-Specific Differences in House Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides farinae)-Induced Mouse Models of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Ki-Il , Bae Jun-Sang , Kim Eun Hee , Kim Ji Hye , Lyu Lele , Chung Young-Jun , Mo Ji-Hun
Published: May 2020

Objectives. Limited information is available regarding strain-related differences in mouse models of allergic rhinitis induced by Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f1). In this study, we compared differences between two mouse strains and determined the optimal dose of Der f1 for allergic rhinitis mouse models.Methods. Forty-eight mice were assigned to the following six groups (n=8 per group): group A (control, BALB/c), group B (Der f1-sensitized BALB/c, 25 µg), group C (Der f1-sensitized BALB/c, 100 µg), group D (control, C57BL/6), group E (Der f1-sensitized C57BL/6, 25 µg), and group F (Der f1-sensitized C57BL/6, 100 µg). Allergic inflammation was induced with Der f1 and alum sensitization, followed by an intranasal challenge with Der f1. Rubbing and sneezing scores, eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration, and immunoglobulin, cytokine, and chemokine levels in the nasal mucosa and from splenocyte cultures were assessed.Results. Rubbing and sneezing scores were higher in groups B, C, E, and F than in groups A and D, with a similar pattern in both strains (i.e., group B vs. E and group C vs. F). Serum immunoglobulin levels were significantly elevated compared to the control in groups B and C, but not in groups E and F. Eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration increased (all P<0.05) after the Der f1 challenge (groups B, C, E, and F) compared to the control (groups A and D) in both the BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains, without any significant difference between the two strains (group A vs. D, group B vs. E, and group C vs. F) (P>0.05). BALB/c mice (group B) showed a greater elevation of splenic interleukin (IL)-4 (P<0.01), IL-5 (P<0.01), and IL-6 levels (P<0.05) and nasal IL-4 mRNA levels (P<0.001) than the C57BL/6 mice (group E). Interestingly, mice treated with 100 µg Der f1 showed a weaker allergic response than those treated with 25 µg.Conclusion. We found 25 µg to be a more appropriate dose for Der f1 sensitization. BALB/c mice are more biased toward a Th2 response and are a more suitable model for allergic rhinitis than C57BL/6 mice. This study provides information on the appropriate choice of a mouse model for allergic rhinitis.
Medically Necessary Orthopaedic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Service Benjamin C. , Collins Andrew P. , Crespo Antonio , Couto Patricia , Gupta Sunny , Avilucea Frank , Kupiszewski Stanley , Langford Joshua , Lewellyn Brett , Petrie Jeffrey , Zumsteg Justin W. , Zeini Ibrahim M. , Osbahr Daryl C. , Haidukewych George J. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved as a viral pandemic. Countries worldwide have been affected by the recent outbreak caused by the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV-2 virus. As with prior viral pandemics, health-care workers are at increased risk. Orthopaedic surgical procedures are common in health-care systems, ranging from emergency to elective procedures. Many orthopaedic surgical procedures are life or limb-saving and cannot be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic because of potential patient harm. Our goal is to analyze how orthopaedic surgeons can perform medically necessary procedures during the pandemic and to help guide decision-making perioperatively.

Methods:

We performed a review of the existing literature regarding COVID-19 and prior viral outbreaks to help guide clinical practice in terms of how to safely perform medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the pandemic for both asymptomatic patients and high-risk (e.g., COVID-19-positive) patients. We created a classification system based on COVID-19 positivity, patient health status, and COVID-19 prevalence to help guide perioperative decision-making.

Results:

We advocate that only urgent and emergency surgical procedures be performed. By following recommendations from the American College of Surgeons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the recent literature, safe orthopaedic surgery and perioperative care can be performed. Screening measures are needed for patients and perioperative teams. Surgeons and perioperative teams at risk for contracting COVID-19 should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), when risk of viral spread is high. When preparing for medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the pandemic, our classification system will help to guide decision-making. A multidisciplinary care plan is needed to ensure patient safety with medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

Orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic can be performed safely when medically necessary but should be rare for COVID-19-positive or high-risk patients. Appropriate screening, PPE use, and multidisciplinary care will allow for safe medically necessary orthopaedic surgery to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Level of Evidence:

PrognosticLevel V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Spine Roundtable: Nonoperative Treatments for Nonradicular Lower Back Pain
Authors: Sinkov Vladimir , DaCruz Jason , Bianculli Jessica D. , Cloutier Dagan
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the JOPA Roundtable discussion is to give orthopaedic physician assistants insight into how each participating editorial board member would treat certain clinical scenarios in his or her own current practice. For this Spine Roundtable, editorial board members with expertise in the spine will discuss nonoperative treatments for nonradicular lower back pain. Participants will share their knowledge and experience on the topic.
Question webs-based learning: Science process skills and scientific questioning skills of students on harmonic motion topic
Authors: Nurjannah Ammalia , Gani Abdul , Evendi Evendi , Syukri Muhammad , Elisa Elisa
Published: May 2020

The success of students in dealing with the globalization era of scientific literacy needs to be supported by practising skills, one of the skills that must be mastered by students in the science process skills and scientific questioning skills. This study aims to determine the implementation of the question webs based learning model of learning to improve science process skills and scientific questioning skills in grade X students at SMAN 1 Darul Imarah using a quasi-experimental method with nonequivalent control group design. The samples were taken by purposive sampling technique which was then divided into experimental and control groups. The data were collected from pretest and posttest scores which were then tested based on N-gain values. The results showed that the score of science process skills and scientific questioning skills of experimental class students obtained higher mean scores than control class mean scores. Statistically, it can be seen that testing the results of tests using the t-test 4.507 for science process skills and 29.79 for scientific questioning skills with a significant difference. The conclusion of this study shows that the question web-based learning model improve science process skills and scientific questioning skills compared to conventional models.
Factors associated with malnutrition in children <5 years in western Kenya: A hospital-based unmatched case control study
Authors: Gudu Edwin , Obonyo Mark , Omballa Victor , Oyugi Elvis , Kiilu Cecilia , Githuku Jane , Gura Zeinab , Ransom James Anthony
Published: May 2020

Background : Globally, under-nutrition accounts for >3 million deaths annually among children <5 years, with Kenya having ~35,000 deaths. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malnutrition in children aged <5 years in western Kenya. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based unmatched case-control study between May and June 2017. Cases were defined as children aged 6-59 months with either z-score for weight-for-height ≤-2SD or ≥+2SD; weight-for-age ≤-2SD or ≥+2SD; or height-for-age ≤-2SD. Controls were children aged 6-59 months with age-appropriate anthropometric measurements. Cases were consecutively recruited while systematic random sampling was used to select controls. Data from interviews and clinical records were collected and entered into Epi-Info, which was used to run unconditional logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 94 cases and 281 controls were recruited. Of the cases, 84% (79/94) were under-nourished. Mother not having attended ante-natal clinic (OR=7.9; 95% CI: 1.5-41.2), deworming (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.4-1.2), and pre-lacteal feeding (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0) were associated with under-nutrition. Delayed developmental milestones (AOR=13.9; 95% CI: 2.8-68.6); low birth weight (AOR=3.3; 95% CI: 1.4-7.6), and paternal lack of formal education (AOR=4.9; 95% CI: 1.3-18.9) were independently associated with under-nutrition. Conclusion: Proper pre-natal care, child feeding practices and deworming programs should be enhanced to reduce pediatric malnutrition.
An Integrated Linkage Map of Interspecific Backcross 2 (BC2) Populations Reveals QTLs Associated With Fatty Acid Composition and Vegetative Parameters Influencing Compactness in Oil Palm
Authors: Yaakub Zulkifli , Kamaruddin Katialisa , Singh Rajinder , Mustafa Suzana , Marjuni Marhalil , Ting Ngoot-Chin , Amiruddin Mohd Din , Leslie Low Eng-Ti , Cheng-Li Ooi Leslie , Sritha Kandha , Nookiah Rajanaidu , Jansen Johannes , Abdullah Meilina Ong
Published: May 2020

Background Molecular breeding has opened new avenues for crop improvement with the potential for faster progress. As oil palm is the major producer of vegetable oil in the world, its improvement, such as developing compact planting materials and altering its oils’ fatty acid composition for wider application, is important. Results This study sought to identify the QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative traits for compactness in the crop. It integrated two interspecific backcross two (BC 2 ) mapping populations to improve the genetic resolution and evaluate the consistency of the QTLs identified. A total 1,963 markers (1,814 SNPs and 149 SSRs) spanning a total map length of 1793 cM were integrated into a consensus map. For the first time, some QTLs associated with vegetative parameters and carotene content were identified in interspecific hybrids, apart from those associated with fatty acid composition. The analysis identified 8, 3 and 8 genomic loci significantly associated with fatty acids, carotene content and compactness, respectively. Conclusions Major genomic region influencing the traits for compactness and fatty acid composition was identified in the same chromosomal region in the two populations using two methods for QTL detection. Several significant loci influencing compactness, carotene content and FAC were common to both populations, while others were specific to particular genetic backgrounds. It is hoped that the QTLs identified will be useful tools for marker-assisted selection and accelerate the identification of desirable genotypes for breeding.
Prognosis Evaluation of Universal Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Interplay between SYNTAX Score and ApoB/ApoA1
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Wang Zhongyu , Li Bing , Yang Ping
Published: May 2020

Background：Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a group of clinical syndromes associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rate. Syntax and Syntax II score used to be a reference for surgical selection of coronary revascularization and prognosis evaluation in patients with 3-vessel or left main artery disease. In addition, apoB/apoA1 is an important predictor of ACS risk. This study aims to assess the prognosis value of different kinds of SYNTAX score together with apoB/apoA1 in universal ACS patients (Regardless of ACS type, lesion location and vessel numbers). Method：396 patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention（PCI）and coronary stenting from 2013 to 2014 were chosen and recorded the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and quality of life during the next 5 years. According to SYNTAX and SYNTAX II score, the patients were divided into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups, and the clinical features, MACCE incidence and EQ-5D score at each time points were compared. And the predictive factors of MACCE incidence were analyzed. Results：①Compared with SYNTAX low-risk group, MACCE incidence in 1 year significantly increased in medium/high risk group（p=0.011）. Compared with SYNTAX II low-risk group, MACCE incidence in 5 years significantly increased in medium and high-risk group（p=0.032）.② Compared with SYNTAX II low-risk group，cardiovascular mortality in 3 and 5 years significantly elevated in high-risk group（p=0.001，p＜0.001 respectively）. ③ Compared with SYNTAX II low and medium-risk group, EQ-5D score in 5 years significantly decreased in high-risk group（p=0.019, p=0.023 respectively）. ④ ApoB/ApoA1 was more likely to be classified as high risk in SYNTAX/SYNTAX II medium and high-risk group（p=0.023，p=0.044 respectively）. ⑤Logistic regression analysis showed that apoB/apoA1 was an independent predictor of MACCE events in hospital and 5 years（p=0.038，p=0.016 respectively），SYNTAX score was an independent predictor of MACCE events in 1 year（medium-risk group：p=0.02；high-risk group：p=0.015）SYNTAX II score was an independent predictor of MACCE events in 5 yeasrs(p=0.003). Conclusions：①SYNTAX score has a high predictive value for short-term prognosis while SYNTAX II score is more predictive of long-term prognosis. ② SYNTAX II score is superior to SYNTAX score in predicting cardiovascular death. ③ The combination of apoB/apoA1 high-risk and SYNTAX II medium and high-risk group is the focus of clinical treatment and long-term follow-up observation.
The origin of Epichloë endophyte - perennial ryegrass symbionts modify plant reactions to elevated concentration of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions in soil
Authors: Żurek Grzegorz , Wiewióra Barbara , Rybka Krystyna , Prokopiuk Kamil
Published: May 2020

Background: The phenomenon of plant mutualistic symbiosis with microbes may have a positive effect on improvement of plant tolerance to environmental stresses. The influence of fungal endophyte of the Epichloë sp. (Clavicipitaceae) on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) plants grown in presence of elevated concentration of heavy metal (HM) ions: Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+, in soil was studied. Results: The presence of Epichloë in the host grass tissues resulted in increased accumulation of HM ions in aerial parts of plants and was dependent on host genotypes related to host plant origin. In plants with (E+) and without (E-) endophytes the hormesis effect was induced by elevated concentration of Cu2+ ions, resulting in better growth and photosynthesis, as examined by measurements of Chl a fluorescence. The obtained results indicate that based on the laboratory evaluation of the efficiency of the symbiosis, we were able to choose the best associations of perennial ryegrass with endophytes for HM phytoremediation. Conclusions: The presence of Epichloë endophytes positively affected ryegrass ability to accumulate HM ions and this accumulation was associated with the origin of Epichloë-ryegrass symbionts.
Daily variations of gut microbial translocation markers in ART-treated HIV-infected people
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Isnard Stéphane , Lin John , Fombuena Brandon , Chatterjee Debashree , Salinas Tomas Raul Wiche , Planas Delphine , Cattin Amelie , Fert Augustine , Gabriel Etiene Moreira , Marchand Laurence Raymond , Zhang Yonglong , Finkelman Malcolm , Chen Yaokai , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Cermakian Nicolas , Ancuta Petronela , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2020

Background: Increased intestinal barrier permeability and subsequent gut microbial translocation are significant contributors to inflammatory non-AIDS comorbidities in people living with HIV (PLWH). Evidence in animal models have shown that markers of intestinal permeability and microbial translocation vary over the course of the day and are affected by food intake and circadian rhythms. However, daily variations of these markers are not characterized yet in PLWH. Herein, we assessed the variation of these markers over 24 hours in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a well-controlled environment. Methods: As in Canada, PLWH are predominantly men and the majority of them are now over 50 years old, we selected 11 men over 50 receiving ART with undetectable viremia for more than 3 years in this pilot study. Blood samples were collected every 4 hours over 24 hours before snacks/meals from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 the next day. All participants consumed similar meals at set times, and had a comparable amount of sleep, physical exercise and light exposure. Plasma levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and fungal (1→3)-β-D-Glucan (BDG) translocation markers, along with markers of intestinal damage fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and regenerating islet-derived protein-3α (REG3α) were assessed by ELISA or the fungitell assay.Results: Participants had a median age of 57 years old (range 50 to 63). Plasma levels of BDG and REG3α did not vary significantly over the course of the study. In contrast, a significant increase of LPS was detected between 12:00 and 16:00 (Z-score: -1.15 ± 0.18 vs 0.16 ± 0.15, p=0.02), and between 12:00 and 24:00 (-1.15 ± 0.18 vs 0.89 ± 0.26, p<0.001). The plasma levels of I-FABP at 16:00 (-0.92 ± 0.09) was also significant lower, compared to 8:00 the first day (0.48±0.26, p=0.002), 4:00 (0.73±0.27, p<0.001) or 8:00 on secondary day (0.88±0.27, p<0.001). Conclusions: Conversely to the fungal translocation marker BDG and the gut damage marker REG3α, time of blood collection matters for the proper evaluation for LPS and I-FABP as markers for the risk of inflammatory non-AIDS co-morbidities. These insights are instrumental for orienting clinical investigations in PLWH.
Osa-miR162a fine-tunes rice resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae and yield
Authors: Li Xu-Pu , Ma Xiao-Chun , Wang He , Zhu Yong , Liu Xin-Xian , Li Ting-Ting , Zheng Ya-Ping , Zhao Ji-Qun , Zhang Ji-Wei , Huang Yan-Yan , Pu Mei , Feng Hui , Fan Jing , Li Yan , Wang Wen-Ming
Published: May 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae, the causative agent of rice blast disease. Here we demonstrate that Osa-miR162a fine-tunes rice immunity against M. oryzae and yield traits. Overexpression of Osa-miR162a enhances rice resistance to M. oryzae accompanying enhanced induction of defense-related genes and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, blocking Osa-miR162 by overexpressing a target mimic of Osa-miR162a enhances susceptibility to blast fungus associating with compromised induction of defense-related gene expression and H2O2 accumulation. Moreover, the transgenic lines overexpressing Osa-miR162a display decreased seed setting rate resulting in slight reduced yield per plant, whereas the transgenic lines blocking Osa-miR162 show an increased number of grains per panicle, resulting in increased yield per plant. Altered accumulation of Osa-miR162 had a limited impact on the expression of rice Dicer-like 1 (OsDCL1) in these transgenic lines showing normal gross morphology, and silencing of OsDCL1 led to enhanced resistance to blast fungus similar to that caused by overexpression of Osa-miR162a, suggesting the involvement of OsDCL1 in Osa-miR162a-regulated resistance. Together, our results indicate that Osa-miR162a is involved in rice immunity against M. oryzae and fine-tunes resistance and yield.
Employers' perception of breastfeeding practice of employed mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Wolde Firmaye Bogale , Ali Jemal Haidar , Mengistu Yalemwork Getnet
Published: May 2020

Background: The universal importance of breastfeeding and human milk are demonstrated by different researches but despite the importance only 37% of children are exclusively breastfed worldwide. Women employment is one way of ensuring women's empowerment but it is also one of the commonly mentioned factors contributing for the low prevalence of breastfeeding. Hence, there needs to be a conducive work environment that accommodates maternal needs not to fall back from empowerment and to improve breastfeeding practice. There are not many studies that focus on work environment in relation with employers’ experience and their perception of breastfeeding of employed mothers. Therefore this study aims to explore employers’ experience and perception of employed mothers’ breastfeeding experience in different working environments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A descriptive phenomenology strategy was employed in this study and purposive sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Data was collected from 10 employers from private, governmental and non-governmental institutions through an in-depth interview. Thematic data analysis was performed where collected data was organized, coded and categorized into themes to give meaningful contributions to answering the research questions.Results: Understanding breastfeeding, current maternity leave, perception of breastfeeding supporting conditions and mother-friendly work environment were the themes generated after analysis. Almost all employers in this study recognized the importance of breastfeeding despite the different work environments they worked in and they also acknowledged the importance of making working environment mother-friendly for stability and motivation of employed mothers.Conclusions: Providing mothers with a friendly environment is understood as a positive thing by employers. The current maternity leave of three months has low acceptance and both onsite child care center and six-month maternity leave are believed to help in creating a mother-friendly work environment despite their pros and cons.
Mir10a overexpression aggravates the renal ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with a decrease in PIK3CA
Authors: Xu Dongsheng , Li Wenjun , Zhang Tao , Wang Gang
Published: May 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of miR-10a on the renal tissues with ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms of miR-10a in the HK-2 cells of hypoxia-reoxygenation. Methods: The miR-10a level was measured in renal tissues with I/R rats by RT-PCR. In order to research the role of miR-10a in the renal tissues, miR-10 agonist and miR-10a antagonist were used to treat I/R rats. The levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum, renal histopathology, apoptosis of cells in renal tissues were analyzed, separately. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway related proteins were measured by Western blot. The HK-2 cell was cultured to study the mechanism of miR-10a in the model of hypoxia-reoxygenation. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the PI3K p100 catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) was a target gene of miR-10a. Results: After renal I/R injury in rats, the miR-10a expression was significantly increased (p<0.05). Injection of miR-10a agonist significantly aggravated the injury of renal and raised the apoptosis of cells in renal in rats with renal I/R injury (p<0.05). However, administration of miR-10a antagonist obviously improved the injury of renal, decreased the renal cells apoptosis and inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway activity (p<0.05). In vitro experiments, the negative relation between PIK3CA and miR-10a was confirmed. Further, overexpression of miR-10a significantly decreased the proliferation of HK-2 cells, and increased the cells apoptosis via up-regulating PI3K/Akt pathway (p<0.05). Conclusion: miR-10a could aggravate the renal I/R injury associated with a decrease in PIK3CA/PI3K/Akt pathway.
Indirect measurement of anterior-posterior ground reaction forces using a minimal set of wearable inertial sensors: From healthy to hemiparetic walking
Authors: Revi Dheepak Arumukhom , Alvarez Andre , Walsh Conor J. , De Rossi Stefano M. M. , Awad Louis N
Published: May 2020

Background: The anterior-posterior ground reaction force (AP-GRF) and propulsion and braking metrics derived from the AP-GRF time series are indicators of locomotor function across healthy and neurological diagnostic groups. In this paper, we describe the use of a minimal set of wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to indirectly measure the AP-GRFs generated during healthy and hemiparetic walking. Methods: Ten healthy individuals and five individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis completed a 6-minute walk test over a walking track instrumented with six forceplates while wearing three IMUs securely attached to the pelvis, thigh, and shank. Subject-specific models driven by IMU-measured thigh and shank angles and an estimate of body acceleration provided by the pelvis IMU were used to generate indirect estimates of the AP-GRF time series. Propulsion and braking point metrics (i.e., peaks, peak timings, and impulses) were extracted from the IMU-generated time series. Peaks and impulses were expressed as % bodyweight (%bw) and peak timing was expressed as % stance phase (%sp). A 75%-25% split of 6-minute walk test data was used to train and validate the models. Indirect estimates of the AP-GRF time series and point metrics were compared to direct measurements of the same made by the reference standard forceplates. Results: Indirect measurements of the AP-GRF time series strongly approximated the direct measurements made by forceplates, with low error and high consistency in both the healthy (RMSE = 4.5 %bw; R2 = 0.93) and post-stroke (RMSE = 2.65 %bw; R2 = 0.90) cohorts. In the healthy cohort, the average errors between indirect and direct measurements of the peak propulsion magnitude, peak propulsion timing, and propulsion impulse point estimates were 2.37 %bw, 0.67 %sp, and 0.43 %bw. In the post-stroke cohort, the average errors for these same point estimates were 1.07 %bw, 1.27 %sp, and 0.31 %bw. Average errors for the braking-related point estimates were higher, but comparable. Conclusions: Accurate estimates of the AP-GRF time series and key propulsion and braking point metrics can be generated using three strategically mounted IMUs and subject-specific calibrations. This study is a foundational step toward the development of point-of-care diagnostic systems that can catalyze the routine assessment and management of propulsion and braking locomotor deficits during rehabilitation.
Resveratrol Ameliorates Atherosclerosis Induced by High-fat Diet and LPS in ApoE-/- Mice and Inhibits the Activation of CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Zhou Liyu , Long Jun , Sun Yuting , Chen Weikai , Qiu Runze , Yuan Dongping
Published: May 2020

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS), which characterized with the accumulation of lipids on the vessel wall, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and seriously threatens human health. Resveratrol (RES) has been reported to be benefit for AS treatment. This research aimed to observe the effects of RES on AS induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and LPS in ApoE-/- mice and investigate the underlying mechanism.Methods: ApoE-/- mice were fed with HFD companied with LPS to induce AS and RES was administrated for 20 weeks. Splenic CD4+ T cells were cultured and treated with anti-CD3/CD28 together with LPS, and RES was added. Serum lipids and the atherosclerotic areas of aortas were detected. The activation of CD4+ T cells were investigated both in vivo and in vitro and the expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) in CD4+ T cells were measured. Results: In vivo, administration of RES prevented HFD and LPS induced dysfunction of serum lipids including TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), ameliorated the thickened coronary artery wall and decreased the areas of atherosclerotic lesion on aortas. Besides, RES decreased the number of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, decreased the expression of CD25 and CD44, but not affected the expression of L-selectin (CD62L). In vitro, RES decreased the expression of Ki67, CD25 and CD44 in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, RES increased the secretion of IL-2, IL-10 and TGF-β1, decreased IL-6. In addition, RES decreased both the mRNA and protein level of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b in CD4+ T cells.Conclusion: These results indicated that RES ameliorated AS induced by HFD companied with LPS in ApoE-/- mice, inhibited the proliferation and activation of CD4+ T cells and regulated the expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b.
Development, Validation and Regulatory Acceptance of Improved Purification and Simplified Quality Control of [13N] Ammonia
Authors: Yokell Daniel L , Rice Peter A , Neelamegam Ramesh , Fakhri Georges N El
Published: May 2020

Background: [ 13 N]Ammonia is a cyclotron produced myocardial perfusion imaging agent. With the development of high-yielding [ 13 N]ammonia cyclotron targets using a solution of 5 mM ethanol in water, there was a need to develop and validate an automated purification and formulation system for [ 13 N]ammonia to be in a physiological compatible formulation of 0.9% sodium chloride since there is no widely available commercial system at this time. Due to its short half-life of 10 minutes, FDA and USP regulations allow [ 13 N]ammonia to be tested in quality control (QC) sub-batches with limited quality control testing performed on the sub-batches for patient use. The current EP and the original USP method for the determination of the radiochemical purity and identity of [ 13 N]ammonia depended on an HPLC method using a conductivity detector and a solvent free of other salts. This HPLC method created issues in a modern cGMP high volume PET manufacturing facility where the HPLC is used with salt containing mobile phase buffers for quality control analysis of other PET radiopharmaceuticals. Flushing of the HPLC system of residual salt buffers which may interfere with the [ 13 N]ammonia assay can take several hours of instrument time. Since there are no mass limits on [ 13 N]ammonia, a simplified TLC assay to determine radiochemical identity and purity could be developed to simplify and streamline QC. Results: We have developed and validated a streamlined automated synthesis for [ 13 N]ammonia which provides the drug product in 8mL of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection. A novel radio-TLC method was developed and validated to demonstrate feasibility to quantitate [ 13 N]ammonia and separate it from all known radiochemical impurities. Conclusions: The process for automated synthesis of [ 13 N]ammonia simplifies and automates the purification and formulation of [ 13 N]ammonia in a cGMP compliant manner needed for high-throughput manufacture of [ 13 N]ammonia. The novel radio-TLC method has simplified [ 13 N]ammonia quality control (QC) and now enables it to be tested using the same QC equipment as [18F]fludeoxyglucose (FDA/USP recognized name for 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose). Both the streamlined automated synthesis of [ 13 N]ammonia and the novel radio-TLC method have been accepted and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the cGMP manufacture of [ 13 N]ammonia.
Patterns, Management and Outcomes of Traumatic Pelvic Fracture: Insights from A Multicenter Study
Authors: Abdelrahman Husham , El-Menyar Ayman , Keil Holger , Alhammoud Abduljabbar , Ghouri Syed Imran , Babikir Elhadi , Asim Mohammad , Muenzberg Matthias , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: May 2020

Background: Traumatic pelvic fracture (TPF) is a significant injury results from high energy impact and has a high morbidity and mortality. Purpose: We aimed to describe the epidemiology, incidence, patterns, management, and outcomes of TPF in multinational level 1 trauma centers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with TPF between 2010 and 2016 at two trauma centers in Qatar and Germany. Results: A total of 2112 patients presented with traumatic pelvic injuries, of which 1814 (85.9%) sustained TPF, males dominated (76.5%) with a mean age of 41±21 years. In unstable pelvic fracture, the frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (41%) followed by falls (35%) and pedestrian hit by vehicle (24%). Apart from both extremities, chest (37.3%) was the most commonly associated injured region. The mean injury severity score (ISS) of 16.5±13.3. Hemodynamic instability was observed in 44%. Blood transfusion was needed in one third while massive transfusion and intensive care admission were required in a tenth and a quarter of cases, respectively. Tile classification was possible in 1228 patients (type A in 60%, B in 30%, and C in 10%). Patients with type C fractures had higher rates of associated injuries, higher ISS , greater pelvis abbreviated injury score (AIS), massive transfusion protocol activation, prolonged hospital stay, complications, and mortality (p-value <0.001). Two-thirds of patients were managed conservatively while a third needed surgical fixation. The median length of hospital and intensive care stays were 15 and 5 days, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 4.7% (86 patients). Conclusion: TPF is a common injury among polytrauma patients. It needs a careful, systematic management approach to address the associated complexities and the polytrauma nature.
Bioinformatics profiling integrating a three immune-related long non-coding RNA signature as a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yuanbin , Gou Xin , Wei Zongjie , Tan Jianyu , Yu Haitao , Zhou Xiang , Li Xinyuan
Published: May 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common aggressive malignant tumors in urogenital system, and the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal carcinoma. Immune related long non-coding RNAs (IRlncRs) plentiful in immune cells and immune microenvironment (IME) are potential in evaluating prognosis and assessing the effects of immunotherapy. A completed and meaningful IRlncRs analysis based on abundant ccRCC gene samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) will provide insight in this field. Methods: Based on the TCGA dataset, we integrated the expression profiles of IRlncRs and overall survival (OS) in the 611 ccRCC patients. The immune score of each sample was calculated based on the expression level of immune-related genes and used to identify the most meaningful IRlncRs. Survival-related IRlncRs (sIRlncRs) was estimated by calculating the algorithm of difference and COX regression analysis in ccRCC patients. Based on the median immune-related risk score (IRRS) developed from the screened sIRlncRs, the high-risk and low-risk components were distinguished. Functional annotation was detected by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and the immune composition and purity of the tumor was evaluated by microenvironment cell population records. The expression levels of three sIRlncRs were verified in various tissues and cell lines.Results: A total of 39 IRlncRs were collected by Pearson correlation analyses among immune score and the lncRNA expression. A total of 7 sIRlncRs were significantly associated with the clinical outcomes of ccRCC patients. Three sIRlncRs (ATP1A1-AS1, IL10RB-DT and MELTF-AS1) with the most significant prognostic values were enrolled to build the IRRS model in which the OS of in the high-risk group was shorter than that in the low-risk group. The IRRS was identified as an independent prognosis factor and correlated with the OS. The high-risk group and low-risk group illustrated different distributions in PCA and different immune status in GSEA. Besides, we found the more significant expression in certain ccRCC cell lines and tumor tissues of ccRCC patients compared with the HK-2 and adjacent tissues respectively. Additionally, the expression levels of lncR-MELTF-AS1 and IL10RB-DT were remarkably enhanced along the more advanced T-stages, but the lncR-ATP1A1-AS1 showed the inverse gradient.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate some sIRlncRs with remark clinical relevance show the latent monitoring and prognosis values for ccRCC patients and may provide new insight in immunological researches and treatment strategies of ccRCC patients.