bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WRKY40, WRKY70, and Downy Mildew Resistant 6 (DMR6)-Like Oxygenase 1 are universal marker genes for the salicylic acid pathway in bananas
Authors: Tzean Yuh , Hou Bo-Han , Tsao Shu-Ming , Chen Ho-Ming , Cheng An-Po , Chen Elena Gamboa , Chou Wei-Yi , Chao Chih-Ping , Shen Wei-Chiang , Yeh Hsin-Hung 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Banana, an important cash and staple crop worldwide, suffers from various biotrophic and hemi-biotrophic pathogens. In plants’ defense against these pathogens, the phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) plays a key role in the regulation of immune response. Using a specific set of SA-responsive genes as markers is frequently adopted to monitor the onset of SA-mediated immune response. However, reliable SA-responsive genes marker genes have not been well established in bananas. Results: From the transcriptome analysis of SA-treated ‘Pei-Chiao’ banana roots, we identified 19 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated genes. Four of the up-regulated genes previously reported to play crucial roles in SA-mediated immunity in other species were further analyzed for their applicability in different tissues and cultivars of bananas using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. The analysis showed that WRKY40, WRKY70, and Downy Mildew Resistant 6 (DMR6)-Like Oxygenase 1 (DLO1) were significantly induced upon SA treatment in both the leaves and roots of ‘Pei-Chiao’ (AAA genome), ‘Pisang Awak’ (ABB genome), and ‘Lady Finger’ (AA genome) bananas.Conclusions: The uncovering of common marker genes WRKY40, WRKY70, and DLO1 for SA response in different banana genome types provides the stepping stone for studies towards understanding of SA-mediated immune response in bananas.
Bio-organic fertilizers stimulate indigenous soil Pseudomonas populations to enhance plant disease suppression
Authors: Tao Chengyuan , Li Rong , Xiong Wu , Shen Zongzhuan , Liu Shanshan , Wang Beibei , Ruan Yunze , Geisen Stefan , Shen Qirong , Kowalchuk George A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Plant diseases caused by fungal pathogen result in a substantial economic impact on the global food and fruit industry. Application of organic fertilizers supplemented with biocontrol microorganisms (i.e. bioorganic fertilizers) has been shown to improve resistance against plant pathogens at least in part due to impacts on the structure and function of the resident soil microbiome. However, it remains unclear whether such improvements are driven by the specific action of microbial inoculants, microbial populations naturally resident to the organic fertilizer or the physical-chemical properties of the compost substrate. The aim of this study was to seek the ecological mechanisms involved in the disease suppressive activity of bio-organic fertilizers.Results: To disentangle the mechanism of bio-organic fertilizer action, we conducted an experiment tracking Fusarium wilt disease of banana and changes in soil microbial communities over three growth seasons in response to the following four treatments: bio-organic fertilizer (containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W19), organic fertilizer, sterilized organic fertilizer and sterilized organic fertilizer supplemented with B. amyloliquefaciens W19. We found that sterilized bioorganic fertilizer to which Bacillus was re-inoculated provided a similar degree of disease suppression as the non-sterilized bioorganic fertilizer. We further observed that disease suppression in these treatments could be linked to impacts on the resident soil microbial communities, with noted increases in specific Pseudomonas spp.. The link between Bacillus amendment and indigenous Pseudomonas spp. was further examined using pot experiments and biofilm assays. Conclusion: Together we demonstrate that the action of bioorganic fertilizer is a product of the biocontrol inoculum within the organic amendment and its impact on the resident soil microbiome. This knowledge should help in the design of more efficient biofertilizers designed to promote soil function.
Proteomic analysis of Rickettsia akari proposes a 44 kDa-OMP as a novel biomarker for Rickettsialpox diagnosis
Authors: Csicsay František , Flores-Ramirez Gabriela , Zuñiga-Navarrete Fernando , Bartošová Mária , Fučíková Alena , Pajer Petr , Dresler Jiří , Škultéty Ľudovít , Quevedo-Diaz Marco Antonio 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Rickettsialpox is a febrile illness caused by the mite-borne pathogen Rickettsia akari. Several cases of this disease are reported worldwide. Nevertheless, the relationship between the immunogenicity of R. akari and the disease development remains poorly understood. Therefore, misdiagnosis is frequent. Our study is aimed to identify immunogenic proteins that may improve disease recognition and enhance subsequent treatment. To achieve this goal, two proteomics methodologies were applied, followed by immunoblot confirmation. Results: Three hundred and sixteen unique proteins were identified in the whole-cell extract of R. akari. The most represented protein groups were found to be those involved in translation, post-translational modifications, energy production, and cell wall development. A significant number of proteins belonged to amino acid transport and intracellular trafficking. Also, some proteins affecting the virulence were detected. In silico analysis of membrane enriched proteins revealed 25 putative outer membrane proteins containing beta-barrel structure and 11 proteins having a secretion signal peptide sequence. Using rabbit and patient sera, various immunoreactive proteins were identified from which the 44 kDa uncharacterized protein (A8GP63) has demonstrated a unique detection capability. It positively distinguished the sera of patients with Rickettsialpox from other rickettsia positive patient sera. Conclusion: Our proteomic analysis certainly contributed to the knowledge of the pathogenesis of R. akari. The result obtained may also serve as a guideline for a more accurate diagnosis of rickettsial diseases. Identified R. akari antigenic protein can be design as a unique marker of rickettsialpox and used as a target for the development of more effective treatment.
Magnitude of metabolic syndrome and its components among adult residents of Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, community-based cross-sectional study.
Authors: Gebrehiwot Gebremedhin Gebreegziabiher , Belachew Tefera , Mehari Kibrti , Tamiru Dessalegn 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Metabolic Syndrome is becoming a big public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. The risk of dying from NCDs in low and lower-middle-income countries is almost two times that in high-income countries. NCDs account for 42% of deaths in Ethiopia. The trend of deaths due to NCD is increasing over time in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of metabolic syndrome and its components among adult residents of Mekelle city.Method: a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2019 among adults aged 20 years and above in Mekelle city. Around 266 study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemical tests were performed using WHO stepwise technique. Blood glucose and lipid profiles were determined after overnight fasting. The classification of metabolic syndrome was based on the international diabetic federation criteria. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done using SPSS version 24.Result: the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome was 21.8%. Elevated waist circumference was the most prevalent metabolic syndrome component followed by hypertriglyceridemia, with a prevalence of 41.7% and 38.0% respectively. The prevalence of the remaining three components of MetS were also 33.8%, 32.7%, 21.4%, and 14.3% for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol respectively. Age of 40 years and above, the highest rank of monthly income, blood cholesterol greater than 200mg/dl, waist to height ratio greater than 0.55, and walking at least 10 minutes daily were identified as significant predictors of metabolic syndrome.Conclusion : Adult residents of Mekelle city have a high magnitude of Metabolic syndrome and its components which may aggravate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This result emphasizes an urgent need for a public health strategy for preventive, early detection, and management of metabolic syndrome, and its individual components.
Improvement of therapeutic capacity of insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from human liver cells using engineered cell sheet
Authors: Lee Yu Na , Yi Hye-Jin , Seo Eun Hye , Oh Jooyun , Lee Song , Ferber Sarah , Okano Teruo , Shim Inkyong , Kim Song Cheol 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Although pancreatic islet transplantation therapy is ideal for diabetes patients, several hurdles have prevented it from becoming a standard treatment, including donor shortage and low engraftment efficacy. In this study, we prepared insulin-producing cells trans-differentiated from adult human liver cells as a new islet source. Also, cell sheets formation could improve differentiation efficiency and graft survival.Methods: Liver cells were expanded in vitro and trans-differentiated to IPCs using adenovirus vectors carrying human genes for PDX1, NEUROD1 and MAFA. IPCs were seeded on temperature-responsive culture dishes to form cell sheets. Differentiation efficiency were confirmed by ß cell-specific gene expression, insulin production, and immunohistochemistry. IPCs suspension was injected by portal vein (PV), and IPCs sheet was transplanted on the liver surface of the diabetic nude mouse. The therapeutic effect of IPC sheet was evaluated by comparing blood glucose control, weight gain, histological evaluation and hepatotoxicity with IPCs injection group. Also, cell biodistribution was assessed by in vivo/ex vivo fluorescence image tagging.Results: Insulin gene expression and protein production were significantly increased on IPC sheets compared with those in IPCs cultured on conventional culture dishes. Transplanted IPC sheets displayed significantly higher engraftment efficiency and fewer transplanted cells in other organs than injected IPCs, and also lower liver toxicity, improved blood glucose levels, and weight gain. One and two weeks following IPC sheet transplantation, immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue revealed positive staining for PDX1 and insulin.Conclusions: In conclusion, cell sheet formation enhanced the differentiation function and maturation of IPCs in vitro. Additionally, parameters for clinical application such as distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity were favorable. The cell sheet technique may be used with IPCs derived from various cell sources in clinical applications.
The Effect of a Telerehabilitation Virtual Reality Intervention on Functional Upper Limb Activities in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study Protocol for the TEAMS Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kalron Alon , Achiron Anat , Pau Massimiliano , Cocco Eleonora 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Approximately 60% of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) suffer from upper limb dysfunction. Our primary goal is to implement a single-blind, randomized control trial (RCT) designed to compare the effectiveness of an 8-week home-based telerehab virtual reality (VR) program with conventional therapy in PwMS with manual dexterity difficulties. Secondary aims include: a) evaluating the impact of the programs on quality of life after the intervention and a follow up 1 month later; and b) evaluating the impact of the programs on adherence and satisfaction. Methods: Twenty-four PwMS will be recruited to the study which will be conducted at two established MS centers: (1) The Regional Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Binaghi Hospital, Cagliari, Italy; (2) The Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. Participants will complete a total of three assessments focusing on upper limb functions. Both groups will receive 16 training sessions focusing on functional upper limb activities. The home-based telerehab VR intervention will comprise a custom-made software program running on a private computer or laptop. PwMS will perform several ADL functions associated with self-care, dressing and meal preparation. Conventional therapy will focus on task-related upper-limb treatments while in a sitting or prone position, indicative of the standard care in MS. Following 8-weeks of training, participants will complete a further outcome assessment. The same tests will be conducted 1 month (as a follow-up) after completion of the intervention. Discussion: The outcomes of this study have tremendous potential to improve the quality of evidence and informed decisions of functional upper limb activities in PwMS. If comparable results are found between the treatments in improving upper limb outcomes, this would suggest that PwMS can choose the program that best meets their personal needs, e.g., financial concerns, transportation or accessibility issues. Secondly, this information can be used by healthcare providers and medical professionals in developing upper limb exercise programs that will most likely succeed in PwMS.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04032431. Registered on 19 July 2019.
A clinical randomized trial comparing T-tube drainage versus choledochojejunostomy in hepatolithiasis patients with sphincter of Oddi laxity: a study protocol (NCT04218669)
Authors: Chen Jiangming , Yan Xiyang , Zhu Tao , Chen Zixiang , Zhao Yijun , Xie Kun , Liu Fubao , Geng Xiaoping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Residual and recurrent stones remain one of the most important challenges of hepatolithiasis and is reported in 20% to 50% of patients treated for this condition. To date, the two most common surgical procedures performed for hepatolithiasis are choledochojejunostomy and T-tube drainage for biliary drainage. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic safety and perioperative and long-term outcomes of choledochojejunostomy versus T-tube drainage for hepatolithiasis patients with sphincter of Oddi laxity (SOL).Methods/Design: In total, 210 patients who met the following eligibility criteria were included and were randomized to the choledochojejunostomy arm or T-tube drainage arm in a 1:1 ratio: (1) diagnosed with hepatolithiasis with SOL during surgery, (2) underwent foci removal, stone extraction and stricture correction during the operation, (3) provided written informed consent, (4) was willing to complete a 3-year follow-up, and (5) aged between 18 and 70 years. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial will be the incidence of biliary complications (stone recurrence; biliary stricture; cholangitis) during the 3 years after surgery. The secondary outcomes will be the surgical, perioperative and long-term follow-up outcomes.Discussion: This is a prospective, single-centre and randomized controlled two-group parallel trial designed to demonstrate which drainage method (Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or T-tube drainage) can better reduce biliary complications (stone recurrence; biliary stricture; cholangitis) in hepatolithiasis patients with SOL.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04218669; Registered January 6, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04218669.
Peer Support During In Vivo Exposure Homework to Reverse Attrition from Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Description of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hernandez-Tejada Melba , Muzzy Wendy , Price Matthew , Hamski Stephanie , Hart Stephanie , Foa Edna , Acierno Ron 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEffective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (e.g., Prolonged Exposure (PE); Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)) exist and are widely adopted by the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD). Unfortunately, dropout from these treatments regularly exceeds 30%. However, in a recent survey of patients who dropped out of PE, approximately half indicated a greater likelihood of completion if a peer who had completed treatment were available to help with the in vivo exposure homework.MethodsWe will use a between-groups randomized controlled design with repeated assessment at baseline, post treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up across measures of PTSD, depression, and functioning with 150 veterans who have indicated they intend to drop out of treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two PE + peer support conditions: (1) a peer will offer support directly during in vivo exposure homework for 3-4 weeks; vs (2) a peer will call weekly for 3-4 weeks to offer general support and to check in on treatment progress.DiscussionThe present study was designed to test the hypothesis that dropout from exposure-based PTSD treatment may be mitigated by using peers as support agents directly during PE's in vivo homework experiences. Specifically, we intend to determine: whether patients who have dropped out of PE and are offered the ‘in vivo peer’ adjunctive component to PE therapy will a) return and complete treatment and b) evince reduced PTSD symptomatology, compared to the same PE treatment, but with general peer support more reflective of current VA practices.Trial registrationThis study protocol is approved and information is available on ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT03485391. Registered on April 2, 2018.
An antibiotic stewardship programme to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections in rural Chinese primary care facilities: study protocol for a clustered randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhuo Chao , Wei Xiaolin , Zhang Zhitong , Hicks Joseph Paul , Zheng Jinkun , Chen Zhixu , Haldane Victoria , Walley John , Guan Yubao , Xu Hongyan , Zhong Nanshan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections at primary care level represents the major source of antibiotic misuse in healthcare, and is a major driver for antimicrobial resistance worldwide. In this study we will develop, pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programme in China’s primary care hospitals to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections among all ages.Methods: We will use a parallel-group, cluster-randomised, controlled, superiority trial with blinded outcome evaluation but unblinded treatment (providers and patients). We will randomise 34 primary care hospitals from two counties within Guangdong province into the intervention and control arm (1:1 overall ratio) stratified by county (8:9 within-county ratio). In the control arm, antibiotic prescribing and management will continue through usual care. In the intervention arm, we will implement an antibiotic stewardship programme targeting family physicians and patients/caregivers. The family physician components include: 1) training using new operational guidelines, 2) improved management and peer-review of antibiotic prescribing, 3) improved electronic medical records and smart phone app facilitation. The patient/caregiver component involves patient education via family physicians, leaflets and videos. The primary outcome is the proportion of prescriptions for acute respiratory infections (excluding pneumonia) that contain any antibiotic(s). Secondary outcomes will address how frequently specific classes of antibiotics are prescribed, how frequently key non-antibiotic alternatives are prescribed and the costs of consultations. We will conduct a qualitative process evaluation to explore operational questions regarding acceptability, cultural appropriateness and burden of technology use, as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis and a long-term benefit evaluation. The duration of the intervention will be 12 months, with another 24 months post-trial long-term follow-up.Discussion: Our study is one of the first trials to evaluate the effect of an antibiotic stewardship programme in primary care settings in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). All intervention activities will be designed to be embedded into routine primary care with strong local ownership. Through the trial we intend to impact on clinical practice and national policy in antibiotic prescription for primary care facilities in rural China and other LMICs.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN96892547. Registered 18 August 2019, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN96892547
Elevated neurofilament light chain in plasma is associated with reduced right hippocampal and amygdala volume in Alzheimer's patients
Authors: Li Wei , Yue Ling , Wu Ye , Sun Lin , Xiao Shifu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Plasma neurofilament light (NfL) levels have been considered as an especially promising biomarker for dementia, however, the mechanism of NfL regulating cognition is not very clear.

Methods

43 amnesic mild cognitive impairment(aMCI), 35 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 30 cognitively normal subjects were recruited. Plasma NfL levels were examined by the Single Molecule array (Simoa) technique; the volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala were calculated and compared by T1-weighted MRI; and cognitive function was assessed by the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Results

Our results showed significantly increased plasma NfL levels in AD group (29.42 pg/ml) compared to aMCI(15.92 pg/ml) group and normal (12.85 pg/ml) group (both p < 0.001), while there was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between aMCI group and normal group. And the results of partial correlation analysis showed that plasma NfL levels were negatively correlated (p<0.05)with MoCA total score (r=-0.415, p=0.013), right hippocampal volume(r=-0.335,p=0.036) and right amygdala volume(r=-0.337, p=0.048).

Conclusions

NfL in plasma of AD patients is significantly increased, and the protein is related to atrophy of right hippocampus and right amygdala.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomes suppresses immune cell function in breast cancer via miR-92/PD-L1 pathway
Authors: Dou Dongwei , Ren Xiaoyang , Han Mingli , Xu Xiaodong , Ge Xin , Gu Yuanting , Wang Xingxing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) are important component in tumor microenvironment and has been reported contributes to tumor progression through many mechanisms, however, the detailed mechanism underling immune-suppression effect are not clearly defined. Methods In this study, human breast cancer-derived cancer associated fibroblasts was cultured, and CAF-derived exosomes in culture medium was isolated. Cancer cell migration was evaluated by transwell and wound healing assay, miR-92 binding to the LATS2 3’ untranslated region was validated by luciferase report assay, and underlying mechanism was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and Immunoprecipitation. Results After treatment by CAF-derived exosomes, breast cancer cells express higher PD-L1, accompanied with increased miR-92 expression. Increased PD-L1 expression which induced by CAF- derived exosomes significantly promotes apoptosis and impaired proliferation of T cell. proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells was increased after transfection of miR-92, LATS2 was recognized as target gene of miR-92, which was proved by luciferase assay. Immunoprecipitation (IP) shown that LATS2 can interact with YAP1, after nuclear translocation, YAP1 could binds to enhancer region of PD-L1 to promotes transcription activity, which was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Furthermore, animal study confirmed that cancer associated fibroblasts significantly promotes tumor progression and impaired function of tumor infiltrated immune cells in vivo. Conclusion Our data revealed a novel mechanism which can induce immune suppression in tumor microenvironment.