bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HpaXpm, a novel harpin of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis, acts as an elicitor with high thermal stability, reduces disease, and promotes plant growth
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhou Xiaoyun , Liu Wenbo , Huang Jiamin , Liu Qinghuan , Sun Jianzhang , Cai Xinfeng , Miao Weiguo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Harpins are proteins secreted by the type III secretion system of Gram-negative bacteria during pathogen–plant interactions that can act as elicitors, stimulating defense and plant growth in many types of non-host plants. Harpin-treated plants have higher resistance, quality and yields and, therefore, harpin proteins may potentially have many valuable agricultural applications. Harpins are characterized by high thermal stability at 100 °C. However, it is unknown whether harpins are still active at temperatures above 100 °C or whether different temperatures affect the activity of the harpin protein in different ways. The mechanism responsible for the heat stability of harpins is also unknown.

Results
We identified a novel harpin, HpaXpm, from the cassava blight bacteria Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis HNHK. The predicted secondary structure and 3-D structure indicated that the HpaXpm protein has two β-strand domains and two major α-helical domains located at the N- and C-terminal regions, respectively. A phylogenetic tree generated using the maximum likelihood method grouped HpaXpm in clade I of the Hpa1 group along with harpins produced by other Xanthomonas spp. (i.e., HpaG-Xag, HpaG-Xcm, Hpa1-Xac, and Hpa1Xm). Phenotypic assays showed that HpaXpm induced the hypersensitive response (HR), defense responses, and growth promotion in non-host plants more effectively than Hp1Xoo (X. oryzae pv. oryzae). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that HpaXpm proteins subjected to heat treatments at 100 °C, 150 °C, or 200 °C were still able to stimulate the expression of function-related genes (i.e., the HR marker genes Hin1 and Hsr203J, the defense-related gene NPR1, and the plant growth enhancement-related gene NtEXP6); however, the ability of heat-treated HpaXpm to induce HR was different at different temperatures.

Conclusions
These findings add a new member to the harpin family. HpaXpm is heat-stable up to 200 °C and is able to stimulate powerful beneficial biological functions that could potentially be more valuable for agricultural applications than those stimulated by Hpa1Xoo. We hypothesize that the extreme heat resistance of HpaXpm is because the structure of harpin is very stable and, therefore, the HpaXpm structure is less affected by temperature.
Non-selective beta blocker use is associated with improved short-term survival in patients with cirrhosis referred for liver transplantation
Authors: Ngwa Taiwo , Orman Eric , Gomez Eduardo Vilar , Vuppalanchi Raj , Kubal Chandrashekhar , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Recent evidence cautions against the use of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) in patients with refractory ascites or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis while other data suggests a survival benefit in patients with advanced liver disease. The aim of this study was to describe the use and impact of NSBB in patients with cirrhosis referred for liver transplantation.

Methods
A single-center cohort of patients with cirrhosis, who were referred and evaluated for liver transplantation between January and June 2012 were studied for baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes. Patients were grouped according to the use of NSBB at initial evaluation, with the endpoint of 90-day mortality.

Results
Sixty-five (38%) of 170 consecutive patients evaluated for liver transplantation were taking NSBB. Patients taking NSBB had higher MELD and Child Pugh score. NSBB use was associated with lower 90-day mortality (6% vs. 15%) with a risk adjusted hazard ratio of 0.27 (95%CI .09–0.88, p = .03). Patients taking NSBB developed acute kidney injury (AKI) within 90 days more frequently than patients not taking NSBB (22% vs 11%), p = 0.048). However, this was related to increased stage 1 AKI episodes, all of which resolved. Twelve (27%) of 45 patients with > 90 day follow up discontinued NSBB, most commonly for hypotension and AKI, had increased subsequent MELD and mortality.

Conclusions
NSBB use in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplant evaluation is associated with better short-term survival. Nevertheless, ongoing tolerance of NSBB in this population is dynamic and may select a subset of patients with better hemodynamic reserve.
Repeated false reactive ADVIA centaur® and bio-rad Geenius™ HIV tests in a patient self-administering anabolic steroids
Authors: Tsybina Polly , Hennink Maurice , Diener Tania , Minion Jessica , Lang Amanda , Lavoie Stephanie , Kim John , Wong Alexander 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
An individual is considered HIV positive when a confirmatory HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation test returns positive following an initial reactive antigen/antibody combination screen. Falsely reactive HIV screens have been reported in patients with various concomitant infectious and autoimmune conditions. Falsely positive confirmatory HIV differentiation assays are seen less frequently, but have been observed in cases of pregnancy, pulmonary embolism, and malaria.

Case presentation
A healthy 27 year-old man was referred after a reactive ADVIA Centaur® HIV Ag/Ab screen and positive Bio-Rad Geenius™ HIV 1/2 Confirmatory assay, suggesting HIV-1 infection. The patient’s HIV viral load was undetectable prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and remained undetectable on subsequent testing after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Both Centaur® and Geenius™ tests were repeated and returned reactive. As this patient was believed to be at low risk of acquiring HIV infection, samples were additionally run on Genscreen™ HIV-1 Ag assay and Fujirebio Inno-LIA™ HIV-1/2 score, with both returning non-reactive. For confirmation, the patient’s proviral HIV DNA testing was negative, confirming the initial results as being falsely positive. The patient disclosed that he had been using a variety of anabolic steroids before and during the time of HIV testing.

Discussion and conclusions
The erroneous diagnosis of HIV can result in decreased quality of life and adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy if initiated, hence the importance of interpreting the results of HIV testing in the context of an individual patient. This reports suggests a potential association between the use of anabolic steroids and falsely-reactive HIV testing.
Effect of prior receipt of antibiotics on the pathogen distribution: a retrospective observational cohort study on 27,792 patients
Authors: Li Leiqing , Xu Lingcheng , Zhu Rongsheng , Song Jiaojiao , Wang Xuanding 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere have been no systematic studies of microbiological differences before and after antibiotics treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prior receipt of antibiotics on the microorganism distribution.MethodsA retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted in a 3200-bed tertiary, referral, teaching hospital in eastern China. During a 2-year period, all hospitalized patients treated with antimicrobial agents were enrolled in this study. Among 48,692 patients evaluated, the 27,792 (57.1%) who were sampled within 2 days before or after administration of the first dose of antimicrobial agents were included. Distribution of clinical specimens and the microorganism were compared between before and after antibiotic drug treatment groups.ResultsCompared to specimens taken after antibiotics exposure, specimens taken before antibiotics exposure had a higher proportion of blood and urine specimens and a higher culture positive rate (allP < 0.001). Higher percentages ofStaphylococcus aureus(9.9% vs. 8.5%,P = 0.041), non-fermenting bacteria (27.7% vs. 19.9%,P < 0.001), and fungi (8.4% vs. 4.0%,P < 0.001) were isolated from the group after antibiotics exposure, while the percentages ofStreptococcus spp.(4.8% vs. 2.7%,P < 0.001),Haemophilus influenzae(2.3% vs. 0.8%,P < 0.001), andMoraxella catarrhalis(0.7% vs. 0.1%,P < 0.001) were higher in the group before antibiotics exposure. Further analysis found significant differences of microbes derived from respiratory secretions, blood or urine samples. We found, after antibiotics exposure, the separation rate of non-fermenting bacteria was significantly increased (allP < 0.05), and the separation rate ofCandida spp. was higher, with statistical significance in airway secretion and urine samples (bothP < 0.05), but the separation rate ofStaphylococcus aureusamong the three groups was not affected by antibiotics. In addition, the isolation rate ofStreptococcus spp.in blood and urine samples decreased significantly (bothP < 0.05) after antibiotics exposure. Interestingly, no statistical difference was found for microbes isolated from body fluid specimens between the two groups.ConclusionsThe outcome revealed that antibiotic-insensitive organisms such as non-fermentative bacteria and fungi were more frequently isolated after antibiotics exposure. However, this trend might be specimen dependent and was not obvious in body fluid specimens.
Identification of a compound heterozygote in LYST gene: a case report on Chediak-Higashi syndrome
Authors: Song Yinsen , Dong Zhengping , Luo Shuying , Yang Junmei , Lu Yuebing , Gao Bo , Fan Tianli 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by loss of function of the lysosomal trafficking regulator protein. The causative gene LYST/CHS1 was cloned and identified in 1996, which showed significant homology to other species such as bovine and mouse. To date, 74 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations had been reported.

Case presentation
Here we describe a compound heterozygote in LYST gene, which was identified in a 4-year-old female patient. The patient showed skin hypopigmentation, sensitivity to light, mild splenomegaly and reduction of platelets in clinical examination. Giant intracytoplasmic inclusions were observed in the bone marrow examination, suggesting the diagnosis of CHS. Amplicon sequencing was performed to detect pathogenic mutation in LYST gene. The result was confirmed by two-generation pedigree analysis base on sanger sequencing.

Conclusion
A compound heterozygote in LYST gene, consisting of a missense mutation c.5719A > G and an intron mutation c.4863-4G > A, was identified from the patient by using amplicon sequencing. The missense mutation is reported for the first time. Two-generation pedigree analysis showed these two mutations were inherited from the patient’s parents, respectively. Our result demonstrated that amplicon sequencing has great potential for accelerating and improving the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
Association between serotonin 2A receptor (HTR2A) genetic variations and risk of hypertension in a community-based cohort study
Authors: Choi Jung Ran , Jeon Minhee , Koh Sang Baek 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypertension is one of the risk factors for obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether genetic variations in serotonin 2A receptor (HTR2A) were associated with hypertension.

Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional study in cohorts A (Ansan-Ansung cohort, N = 6039) and B (Wonju-Pyengchang cohort, N = 7524). Several genetic variants in HTR2A including rs7330636, rs9590999, rs2183057, and rs4942595 were selected and genotyped.

Results
In hypertensive participants in cohort A, the baseline systolic blood pressure and body mass index were 141.80 ± 17.20 mg/dL and 24.48 ± 4.75 kg/m2, respectively, which were higher than in those without hypertension (p < 0.001). rs4942595TC genotype was associated with hypertension in cohort A (OR = 0.739), after adjusting for variables. Subjects with rs4942578AA genotype had a decreased risk of hypertension after adjusting for clinical factor (OR = 0.735) in cohort B, and an elevated risk of hypertension in cohort A (OR = 1.562). The logistic regression analysis showed that participants with rs4941573TC genotype were 1.327 times more likely to have a higher blood pressure than those with TT genotype (95% CI 1.101–1.599) in cohort B. Whereas, the OR for developing hypertension in subjects with rs17069883CC genotype compared to those with AA genotype was 1.447 (95% CI 1.018–2.056; p for trend = 0.040) in cohort A.

Conclusions
HTR2A genetic variations were associated with hypertension risk in our study.
Increased levels of XPA might be the basis of cisplatin resistance in germ cell tumours
Authors: Cierna Zuzana , Miskovska Vera , Roska Jan , Jurkovicova Dana , Pulzova Lucia Borszekova , Sestakova Zuzana , Hurbanova Lenka , Machalekova Katarina , Chovanec Michal , Rejlekova Katarina , Svetlovska Daniela , Kalavska Katarina , Kajo Karol , Babal Pavel , Mardiak Jozef , Ward Thomas A. , Mego Michal , Chovanec Miroslav 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Germ cell tumours (GCTs) represent a highly curable malignity as they respond well to cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy. Nevertheless, a small proportion of GCT patients relapse or do not respond to therapy. As this might be caused by an increased capacity to repair CDDP-induced DNA damage, identification of DNA repair biomarkers predicting inadequate or aberrant response to CDDP, and thus poor prognosis for GCT patients, poses a challenge. The objective of this study is to examine the expression levels of the key nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors, XPA, ERCC1 and XPF, in GCT patients and cell lines.

Methods
Two hundred seven GCT patients’ specimens with sufficient follow-up clinical-pathological data and pairwise combinations of CDDP-resistant and -sensitive GCT cell lines were included. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the ERCC1, XPF and XPA protein expression levels in GCT patients’ specimen and Western blot and qRT-PCR examined the protein and mRNA expression levels in GCT cell lines.

Results
GCT patients with low XPA expression had significantly better overall survival than patients with high expression (hazard ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–1.23, p = 0.0228). In addition, XPA expression was increased in the non-seminomatous histological subtype, IGCCCG poor prognosis group, increasing S stage, as well as the presence of lung, liver and non-pulmonary visceral metastases. Importantly, a correlation between inadequate or aberrant CDDP response and XPA expression found in GCT patients was also seen in GCT cell lines.

Conclusions
XPA expression is an additional independent prognostic biomarker for stratifying GCT patients, allowing for improvements in decision-making on treatment for those at high risk of refractoriness or relapse. In addition, it could represent a novel therapeutic target in GCTs.
Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival benefit in stage III colon cancer patients stratified by age: a Japanese real-world cohort study
Authors: Kawamura Hidetaka , Morishima Toshitaka , Sato Akira , Honda Michitaka , Miyashiro Isao 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Adjuvant chemotherapy is relatively underused in older patients with colon cancer in Japan, and its age-specific effects on clinical outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival benefit in stage III colon cancer patients stratified by age in a Japanese real-world setting.

Methods
In this multi-center retrospective cohort study, we analyzed patient-level information through a record linkage of population-based cancer registry data and administrative claims data. The study population comprised patients aged ≥18 years who received a pathological diagnosis of stage III colon cancer and underwent curative resection between 2010 and 2014 at 36 cancer care hospitals in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Patients were divided into two groups based on age at diagnosis (< 75 and ≥ 75 years). The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models for all-cause mortality with inverse probability weighting of propensity scores. Adjusted hazard ratios were estimated for both age groups.

Results
A total of 783 patients were analyzed; 476 (60.8%) were aged < 75 years and 307 (39.2%) were aged ≥75 years. The proportion of older patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (36.8%) was substantially lower than that of younger patients (73.3%). In addition, the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy was different between the age groups: the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.56 (95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.94, P = 0.027) in younger patients and 1.07 (0.66–1.74, P = 0.78) in older patients.

Conclusions
The clinical effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in older patients with stage III colon cancer appears limited under current utilization practices.
Therapeutic effect against retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy: bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells versus Conbercept
Authors: Xu Wei , Cheng Weijing , Cui Xiaoyuan , Xu Guoxing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
To study the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) against retinal neovascularization and to compare with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Methods
Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed in hyperoxygen and returned to room air to develop oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Red fluorescent protein-labeled BMSC and Conbercept were intravitreally injected into OIR mice, respectively. Inhibition of neovascularization and apoptosis in OIR mice were assessed through retinal angiography, histopathology and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results
BMSC were able to migrate and integrate into the host retina, significantly inhibit retinal neovascular tufts and remodel the capillary network after injecton. Treatment with BMSC increased the retinal vascular density, decreased the number of acellular capillaries and inhibited retinal cell death. This effect was not inferior to current anti-VEGF therapy by using Conbercept.

Conclusions
Intravitreal injection of BMSC exerts a protective effect against retinal neovascularization and offers a therapeutic strategy for oxygen-induced retinopathy.
Knowledge of glaucoma and associated factors among adults in Gish Abay town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yenegeta Zewdu , Tsega Ayanaw , Addis Yezinash , Admassu Fisseha 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Glaucoma is a global public health problem and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Even though public knowledge of glaucoma is a key for early case identification and prevention of blindness, it is unknown in the study area, making provision of interventions difficult. Therefore, this study was intended to assess knowledge of glaucoma and associated factors among adults in Gish Abay town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018.

Methods
A Community based cross - sectional design study with systematic random sampling technique was used to select 630 adults. The study was conducted from April to May, 2018. Data was entered into Epi Info version 7 and was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Binary logistic regression model and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level was used to identify the significant factors associated with knowledge of glaucoma. Variables with P–value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
About 594 adults were participated with a response rate of 94%. Above half of (52%) the participants were females with median age of 28 years. The proportion of good knowledge was demonstrated in 16.8% [95% CI; 14.0, 19.9]. Educational status: primary education [AOR; 2.89: 1.41, 5.90], secondary education [AOR; 3.03: 1.47, 6.24] college and above [AOR; 5.18: 2.21, 12.13], history of eye examination [AOR; 6.52: 3.37, 12.63]; family history of glaucoma [AOR; 12.08: 4.13, 35.30] and higher income level [AOR; 3.11: 1.55, 6.25] were positively associated with good knowledge of glaucoma.

Conclusions
The proportion of good knowledge of glaucoma was low. Higher educational status, positive family history of glaucoma, eye examination and higher income level were significantly associated with knowledge of glaucoma.
Impact of an educational workshop on psychiatrists’ attitude towards psychosomatic medicine
Authors: Baessler Franziska , Ciprianidis Anja , Wagner Fabienne Louise , Zafar Ali , Kanellopoulos Thanos , Baumann Tabea Chiara , Sandmann Clara-Louisa , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Although psychosomatic medicine is not recognised as a medical specialisation globally, it has proven useful for treating many disorders in Germany. This paper reports on the impact of an educational workshop as a tool for raising awareness about psychosomatic medicine among international psychiatrists.

Methods
Psychiatrists from eight different countries were educated on psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy during a 90-min workshop using a video, a slide presentation and an innovative teaching format called ‘speed coaching’. Learning outcomes were assessed by analysing questionnaires completed by the participants before and after the workshop.

Results
Half of the participants who initially rejected the notion that psychosomatic medicine should be a specialisation on its own changed their minds in favour for it to be a separate discipline (p = 0.125). Awareness about which diseases and patients psychosomatic doctors deal with was increased. The intent for treatment of patients with eating disorders by a psychosomatic physician quadrupled among the participants (p = 0.004).

Conclusions
A brief educational intervention can influence psychiatrists’ decisions to opt for approaches by doctors specialized in psychosomatics for certain disorders. Further studies may explore why psychiatrists agree or disagree that psychosomatic medicine should be a separate specialisation on its own.