bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-analytical sampling and storage conditions of Amyloid-β peptides in venous and capillary blood
Authors: Walter Marlena , Wiltfang Jens , Vogelgsang Jonathan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We analyzed the impact of pre-analytical storage and sampling conditions on plasma Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides.METHODS: Venous or capillary blood was collected and either stored as plasma or whole blood at room temperature or 4°C. Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 levels were measured using a chemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay.RESULTS: Aβ 40 , Aβ 42 and Aβ 42/40 levels significantly decreased during storage at room temperature in whole blood or plasma, starting at 6 hours after sampling. While Aβ 42 was most prone to the time of storage, Aβ 42/40 was stable up to 24 hours. Storing whole blood or plasma at 4°C led to stable Aβ peptide concentrations up to 72 hours. In addition, Aβ peptides could be measured in capillary blood. While Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 concentrations were slightly lower in capillary blood and started decreasing during storage conditions at 4°C, the Aβ 42/40 ratio remained constant up to 72 hours and was comparable to venous whole blood.CONCLUSION: These findings provide information that need to be respected in pre-analytical standard operating procedures for clinical and research practice to generate most reliable plasma Aβ measurements.
Identification of novel genes associated with dysregulation of B cells in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Inamo Jun , Suzuki Katsuya , Takeshita Masaru , Kassai Yoshiaki , Takiguchi Maiko , Kurisu Rina , Okuzono Yuumi , Tasaki Shinya , Yoshimura Akihiko , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to identify at the transcriptome level the molecular mechanism of dysregulation of B cell subpopulations of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods We enrolled patients with pSS (n=6) and healthy controls (HC) (n=6) in the discovery cohort using microarray and pSS (n=14) and HC (n=12) in the validation cohort using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Peripheral B cells acquired from these subjects were separated by cell sorting into four subsets: CD38 - IgD + (Bm1), CD38 + IgD + (naïve B cells), CD38 high IgD + (pre-germinal centre B cells) and CD38 ± IgD - (memory B cells). Results Expression of the long non-coding RNA LINC00487 was significantly upregulated in all B cell subsets, as was that of HLA and interferon (IFN) signature genes. Moreover, the normalized intensity value of LINC00487 significantly correlated with the disease activity score of all pSS B cell subsets. Studies of human B cell lines revealed that the expression of LINC00487 was strongly induced by IFNα. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed six gene clusters associated with the B cell subpopulation of pSS. Further, SOX4 was identified as an inter-module hub gene. ConclusionOur transcriptome analysis revealed key genes involved in the dysregulation of B cell subpopulations associated with pSS.
Targeted alpha immunotherapy of CD20-positive B-cell lymphoma model: Dosimetry estimate of 225Ac-DOTA-rituximab using 64Cu-DOTA-rituximab
Authors: Lee Chul-Hee , Lim Ilhan , Woo Sang-Keun , Kim Wook , Kim Kwang Il , Lee Kyo Chul , Song Kanghyon , Lim Sang Moo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the radiation dosimetry of 225 Ac-DOTA-rituximab using Monte Carlo simulation of 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab.Methods: CD20 expression was evaluated in lymphoma cell lines (Jurkat and Raji). DOTA-rituximab was conjugated and then chelated by 64 Cu. Tumor xenograft models were established in BALB/c-nu mice. Animal PET/CT imaging was obtained after tail vein injection with and without a pre-dose of 2 mg of cold rituximab. Specific binding of tumors was evaluated by an organ distribution assay and autoradiography. CD20 expression in tumor tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The residence time was calculated using 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab PET/CT acquisition data using OLINDA/EXM software. 225 Ac-DOTA-rituximab dosimetry analysis was performed using Monte Carlo simulation.Results: CD20 protein was highly expressed in Raji cells. Specific binding of Raji cells was 90 times that of Jurkat cells (p<0.0001). Immunoreactivity was more than 75%. PET/CT imaging with 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab was specifically observed in tumors. The radioactivity of the tumor was much higher than that of other organs, and tumor uptake was related to CD20 expression. The predicted human dose for the administration of 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab was measured as the effective dose (3.20E-02 mSv/MBq). In the tumor region, equivalent doses of 225 Ac-DOTA-rituximab (14 Sv RBE5 /MBq) were much higher (74-fold) than those of 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab (0.19 Sv RBE5 /MBq) ( p<0.01 ).Conclusion: Tumor dosimetry of 225 Ac-DOTA-rituximab can be estimated via the Monte Carlo simulation of 64 Cu-DOTA-rituximab. 225 Ac-DOTA-rituximab can be used as targeted alpha therapy for patients with refractory lymphoma.
Hospital incident command groups’ disaster medicine performance. A prospective study concerning decision-making and staff procedure skills during major incident simulations
Authors: Murphy Jason Patrick , Kurland Lisa , Rådestad Monica , Rüter Anders 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Hospital incident command groups’ (HICG) performance may have a profound impact on hospital response to major incidents. Previous research has assessed hospital incident command group capacity as opposed to performance and factors associated to performance. The objective was to assess associations between decision-making and staff procedure skills of the hospital incident command group.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study using performance indicators to assess hospital incident command groups’ decision-making and performance. A total of six hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, with their respective HICGs participated. Associations between decision-making skills and structural procedure skills during major incident simulations were assessed using measurable performance indicators as per the protocol of the Disaster Management Indicator tool.

Results

Decision-making skills are correlated to structural procedure skills and overall HICG performance. Proactive decision-making skills had significantly lower means than reactive decision-making skills and are significantly correlated to structural procedure skills.

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between decision-making skills and structural procedural skills. Hospital incident command groups’ proactive decision-making abilities tended to be less developed than reactive decision-making abilities and may be a predictive factor for overall hospital incident command performance. A lack of proactive decision-making ability may hamper efforts to mitigate the effects of a major incident.
DNMT1 mediated methylation silences miR-214-3p gene and promotes hair follicle stem cell differentiate into adipogenic lineages
Authors: Jin Fangcao , Li Min , Li Xuyang , Zheng Yunpeng , Zhang Kun , Liu Xiaojun , Cai Bingjie , Yin Guangwen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Dysfunction of the DNA methylation was associated with stem cell reprogramming. Moreover, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) deficiency was involved in the differentiation of hair follicle stem cell (HFSc), but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown.
Methods
HFSc from human scalp tissues were isolated and cultured. The oil red O staining was used to detect the adipogenesis. The interaction relationship between microRNA (miR)-214-3p and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was accessed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The methylation level of miR-214-3p promoter was detected by methylation-specific PCR, and the enrichment of DNMT1 in miR-214-3p promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). The mouse model of trauma was established to observe the skin regeneration at 0, 6 and 14 days.
Results
Expression of DNMT1 and MAPK1 was increased in the HFSc, while the expression of miR-214-3p was reduced. Moreover, DNMT1 inhibited the expression of miR-214-3p by promoting the promoter methylation of miR-214-3p. Overexpression of DNMT1 could reduce the expression of miR-214-3p but increased the expression of MAPK1 and the extent of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation. DNMT1 also significantly enhanced the adipogenic differentiation, and increased the proportion and markers of adipogenic cells. Importantly, DNMT1 promoted skin regeneration in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of miR-214-3p could reverse the effects of DNMT1 on adipogenesis of HFSc.
Conclusion
DNMT1 promotes adipogenesis of HFSc by mediating miR-214-3p/MAPK1/phosphorylated-ERK1/2 axis. This study may provide more biomarkers for the potential application in stem cell therapy.
The Relationship Between the Radiation Dose of Different Anatomic Bony Sites and Neutrophil Toxicity in Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang Baozhong , Xu Liming , Liu Zhiyan , Chai Yanlan , Cao Yuanjie , Wang Jing , Hou Hailing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to verify the radiation dose of the pelvic bone marrow of different anatomical bony sitesand the incidence of neutrophil toxicity during the concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.Methods: There were 117 cervical cancer patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy included in this research. The radiotherapy includedexternal-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and the brachytherapy. The dosimetric parameters included V5, V10, V20, V30, V40, V50, and Dmean. The final neutrophil count was defined as the lowest neutrophil count after 2 circles of concurrent chemotherapy, during or within 1 month after the treatment. The correlation between the dosimetric parameters and the lowest neutrophil count were analyzed by linear regression, the cutoff values of the dosimetric parameters were obtained using the ROC curves,the patients were divided into subgroups based on the cutoff values. The clinicopathologic features and the dosimetric parameters were included into the multivariate regression analysis model to further prove the correlation between the dosimetric parameters and the neutrophil toxicity. Data were assessed with IBM-SPSS software version 22.0, and all values of p<0.05were considered statistically significant.Results:The neutrophil toxicity (grade 1-4) rate was 58.97%. The linear regression showed the Dmean and V50 of Lumbosacral vertebrae(LS), the Dmean, V5, V10, V20, V30, V40 and V50 of the ilium correlated with the lowest neutrophil count, while none of the dosimetric parameters of the femoral correlated with the lowest neutrophil count.The multivariate analysis showed the V20, V30 and V50 of the LS, the Dmean, V5, V10, V20 and V30 of the ilium correlated well with the neutrophil toxicity; none of the dosimetric parameters of the femoral correlated with the neutrophil toxicity.Conclusion:During the process of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer, the volume of medium and high dose of LS and the volume of low and medium dose of ilium should be strictly limitedto reduce the risk of neutrophil toxicity, the Dmean of the ilium should also be taken into consideration. The dosimetric parameters of the femur could be ignored.Trial registration:This is a retrospective research, and it will be retrospectively registered.
Evaluation of Etests and the disk diffusion method for assessment of the activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in China
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Feifei , Wang Zhanwei , Chen Hongbin , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Yawei , Li Shuguang , Wang Hui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Gram-negative bacilli, particularly Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, often acquire antimicrobial resistance. Ceftazidime-avibactam was approved for use in China in 2019. However, currently available commercial antimicrobial susceptibility test kits have not yet been developed. Here, we evaluated the Etest and disk diffusion method for assessment of the efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam against Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa in China. Results: In total, 194 Enterobacterales and 77 P. aeruginosa isolates, which were divided into a random selection group (140 Enterobacterales and 54 P. aeruginosa isolates) and a stock group (46 Enterobacterales and 31 P. aeruginosa isolates), were assessed by the Etest, disk diffusion, and broth microdilution (BMD) methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and zone diameters were interpreted according to the CLSI M100 30th edition. For all 271 Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa isolates, no very major errors were found using Etests. The overall categorical agreement rates (CA%) of Etests for Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were 99.5% (193/194) and 96.1% (74/77), respectively. The overall essential agreement rates (EA%) of Etests for Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were 95.9% (186/194) and 94.8% (73/77), respectively. In both the random selection and stock groups, EA% and CA% values of Etests exceeded 90%. Overall CA% values of the disk diffusion method for Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were 98.5% (191/194) and 93.5% (71/77), respectively. There was no linear relationship between zone diameter and BMD MIC. Conclusions: For Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa, Etests and the disk diffusion method could have better performance as alternative methods to meet the needs of clinical treatment interpretation. Application of the disk diffusion method in Enterobacterales was superior to that in P. aeruginosa.
Antibacterial Potential of Streptomyces showdoensis BYC17 from the Nest of Odontotermes formosanus
Authors: Cao Wei , Xie Jia , Liu Jia-le , Zhang Yi-wen , Huang Zhong-di , Yin Cai-ping , Zhang Ying-lao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: With the continuous exploration and application of antibiotics, many common diseases have been treated while the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria has increased. The immediate raised of antibiotic-resistance makes it necessary to research special microorganisms for finding novel bioactive substances against drug-resistant bacteria. Insect-associated microbes have special metabolic pathways and are valuable resource base for the research and development of new antibiotics. The Odontotermes formosanus has formed a unique self-defense mechanismin the long-term evolution. Hence, nest of O. formosanus is a potential material for screening actinomycetes and compounds with bacteriostatic activity.Methods: The strain BYC17 was identified by morphological observation and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, and the bacteriostasis test of BYC17 was carried on. The active component was separated and purified after screening, and the structure of the active monomer compound was determined by spectral analysis. Finally, the bacteriostatic effect of the active monomer compound was tested.Results: BYC17 was identified as Streptomyces showdoensis with antimicrobial activity against all three test bacteria. The monomer compound BYC17-01 was isolated from BYC17 and identified as izumiphenazine A. Under the concentration of 90 μg/6 mm filter paper, the inhibition zones of the monomer compound BYC17-01 against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus tetragenus were 13.0, 9.0 and 11.1 mm respectively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that izumiphenazine A produced by strain BYC17 hold the potential to be used against various human pathogenic microorganisms, particularly S. aureus and M. tetragenus .
Temporal and spatial pattern of endophytic fungi diversity of Camellia Sinensis (cv. Shu Cha Zao)
Authors: Wu Zhen zhen , Su Qing qing , Cui Yu chen , He Hong zhu , Wang Jia li , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yu , Abul Hassan , Yang Yun qiu , Long Yan hua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The experimental materials were a 60-year-old tea tree (cv. Shu Cha Zao; SCZ) (the mother plant), and 1-year-old and 20-year old plants of SCZ that originated as cuttings from the mother plant. The aim of this study was to explore the spatial and dynamic distribution of endophytic fungi in different leaf niches (upper leaves, middle leaves, lower leaves) and rhizosphere soil on tea plants (Camellia sinensis) which with different ages in the same garden by high-throughput sequencing.Results: In this study, Ascomycota (83.77%), Basidiomycota (11.71%), and Zygomycota (3.45%) were the three dominant fungal phyla in all samples. Cladosporium (12.73%), Zymoseptoria (9.18%), and Strelitziana (13.11%) were the dominant genera in the leaf. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that endophytic communities in leaves differed from those in rhizosphere soil and different leaf niches had similar fungal diversity. Shannon’s indices and NMDS analysis indicated significant differences in fungal diversity and composition among the SCZ trees of different ages (p≤0.01). The abundance of Cladosporium and Zymoseptoria decreased with increasing SCZ age, whereas the abundance of Strelitziana increased.Conclusions: Our results illustrate the variation in endophytic fungi among different niches on tea plants of different ages. The distribution of endophytic fungi in leaves of C. Sinensis (cv. Shu Cha Zao) has a certain spatiotemporal variation.
Sleep quality and health in healthcare professionals fighting against COVID-19: a comparative study between high risk area (Hubei Province) and low risk area (Jiangsu Province) in China
Authors: Li Juan , Kong Xiangjing , Li Fanfan , Wu Bei , Xu Hanzhang , Wu Tian , Chu Jing , Liu Jianmin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Since then, there was an outbreak in Wuhan and the coronavirus spread quickly nationwide. Thousands of healthcare providers fought against COVID-19 in Wuhan and other areas of China. The present study aimed to investigate the levels and related factors of sleep quality of healthcare professionals fighting against COVID-19 in high risk area (Hubei Province) and low risk area (Jiangsu Province), and association between sleep quality and health. Methods: A total of 253 healthcare professionals in Hubei Province (n=119, female 72.3%, mean age=32.13±5.50, nurse 80.7%) and Jiangsu Province(n=134, female 94.0%, mean age=30.2±5.52, nurse 96.3%) were surveyed from February to March 2020. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index, PSQI) and health were assessed using an internet survey.Results: The global PSQI score of Hubei sample and Jiangsu sample was 9.74±5.00 and 7.79±4.64, respectively. The global PSQI score and the scores of subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration and use of sleep medications in Hubei sample were significantly higher than that of Jiangsu sample (p<0.05). For Hubei sample, fear of infection, fatigue in Class 3 protection and worry about family were predictors of poor sleep quality (OR=5.020, 95%CI 1.761-14.306, OR=3.859, 95%CI 1.168-12.753, OR=3.576, 95%CI 1.002-12.759, respectively), while dizziness in Class 3 protection was predictor of poor sleep quality for Jiangsu sample (OR=7.063, 95%CI 2.323-21.470). Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced self-reported health after controlling for covariates for all samples(β=-0.75, p<0.01, β=-0.52, p<0.01, respectively).Conclusions: Sleep quality of healthcare professionals in Hubei was worse than that in Jiangsu. Poor sleep quality was associated to poor health. Our findings call for systematic sleep intervention program that are specially designed to help healthcare professionals fighting against infectious disease to improve their sleep quality.
Continuing Our Work: Transplant Surgery And Surgical Oncology In A Tertiary Referral COVID-19 Center
Authors: Berardi Giammauro , Colasanti Marco , Sandri Giovanni Battista Levi , Basso Celeste Del , Ferretti Stefano , Laurenzi Andrea , Guglielmo Nicola , Meniconi Roberto Luca , Antonini Mario , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Ettorre Giuseppe Maria 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. COVID-19 is rapidly spreading worldwide. Healthcare systems are struggling to properly allocate resources while ensuring cure for diseases outside of the infection. The aim of this study was to demonstrate how surgical activity was affected by the virus outbreak and show the changes in practice in a tertiary referral COVID-19 center.Methods. The official bulletins of the Italian National Institute for the Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” were reviewed to retrieve the number of daily COVID-19 patients. Records of consecutive oncological and transplant procedures performed during the outbreak were reviewed. Patients with a high probability of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission were considered as high-risk and defined by an ASA score ≥ III and/or a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 6 and/or a Revised Cardiac Risk Index for Preoperative Risk (RCRI) ≥ 3.Results. 72 patients were operated including 12 (16.6%) liver (n=6) and kidney (n=6) transplantations. Patients had few comorbidities (26.3%), low ASA score (1.9±0.5), CCI (3.7±1.3) and RCRI (1.2±0.6) and had low risk of postoperative ICU admission. Few patients had liver cirrhosis (12.5%) or received preoperative systemic therapy (16.6%). 36 (50%) high risk surgical procedures were performed including major hepatectomies, pancreaticoduodenectomies, total gastrectomies, multivisceral resections and transplantations. Despite this, only 15 patients (20.8%) were admitted to the ICU.Conclusions. Only oncologic cases and transplantations were performed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Careful selection of patients allowed to perform major cancer surgeries and transplantations without further stressing hospital resources, meanwhile minimizing collateral damage to patients.
A case of postpartum maternal death with COVID-19 in the west of Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , bonab Mehrangiz Zamani , Akbari Sorour , parsapour Hamideh , Alimohammadi Shohreh , Jenabi Ensiyeh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: There are a limited number of studies about COVID-19 during delivery and postpartum.Case presentation: A 38-years old G3p2 woman at 35 weeks and 4 days of gestation referred with the chief complaints of dyspnea, cough, headache, and fever. Pharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative for COVID-19; however, in chest computed tomography (CT) angiography, ground glass was observed in the basal lobe of the left lung. The infant was born via cesarean section with gestational age of 36 weeks and an Apgar score of 8/9. No infant document was found about COVID-19‎ and other infections in several days after delivery. The patient died eight days after the onset of symptoms due to cardiovascular collapse.Conclusions: We reported the first death of postpartum maternal with COVID-19 and a healthy baby with no evidence of COVID-19 and gestational age of 36 weeks.
Most frequent South Asian haplotypes of ACE2 share identity by descent with East Eurasian populations
Authors: Srivasta Anshika , Pandey Rudra Kumar , Kumar Pramod , Rasalkar Avinash Arvind , Tamang Rakesh , Shrivastava Pankaj , Chaubey Gyaneshwer 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
It was shown that the human ACE2 is the receptor of recent coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and variation in this gene may affect the susceptibility of a population. Therefore, we have analysed whole genome data of World populations focusing South Asia. Genetically, South Asians are more related with the West Eurasian populations rather than East Eurasians. Whereas, for this gene, unexpectedly South Asians are more closer to East Eurasians rather than West Eurasians. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the majority of South Asian haplotypes are shared with the East Eurasians in the background of two unique event polymorphisms which are responsible for this attraction. The second SNP rs2285666 has marked difference among South Asian vs European/American. Hence, it is highly likely that among the South Asians, the host susceptibility to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will be more similar to East/Southeast Asians rather than the Europeans.