bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Biofilm Transfer and Electron Mediators Transfer on Klebsiella quasipneumoniae sp.203 Electricity Generation Performance in MFCs
Authors: Guo Yating , Wang Guozhen , Zhang Hao , Wen Hongyu , Li Wen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Extracellular electron transfer ( EET ) is essential in improving the power generation performance of electrochemically active bacteria ( EAB ) in microbial fuel cells ( MFCs ) . Currently, the EET mechanisms of dissimilatory metal-reducing ( DMR ) model bacteria Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens have been thoroughly studied. Klebsiella has also been proved to be an EAB capable of EET, but the EET mechanism has not been perfected. This study investigated the effects of biofilm transfer and electron mediators transfer on Klebsiella quasipneumoniae sp. 203 electricity generation performance in MFCs. Results： Herein, we covered the anode of MFC with a layer of microfiltration membrane to block the effect of the biofilm mechanism, and then explore the EET of the electron mediator mechanism of K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 and electricity generation performance. In the absence of short-range electron transfer, we found that K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 can still produce a certain power generation performance, and coated-MFC reached 40.26 mW / m 2 at a current density of 770.9 mA / m 2 whereas the uncoated-MFC reached 90.69 mW / m 2 at a current density of 1224.49 mA / m 2 . The difference in the electricity generation performance between coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC was probably due to the microfiltration membrane covered in anode, which inhibited the growth of EAB on the anode. Therefore, we speculated that K.quasipneumoniae sp. 203 can also perform EET through the biofilm mechanism. The protein content, the integrity of biofilm and the biofilm activity all proved that the difference in the electricity generation performance between coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC was due to the extremely little biomass of the anode biofilm. To further verify the effect of electron mediators on electricity generation performance of MFCs, 10µM 2,6-DTBBQ, 2,6-DTBHQ and DHNA were added to coated-MFC and uncoated-MFC. Combining the time-voltage curve and CV curve, we found that 2,6-DTBBQ and 2,6-DTBHQ had high electrocatalytic activity toward the redox reaction of K.quasipneumoniae sp.203-inoculated MFCs. It was also speculated that K. quasipneumoniae sp. 203 produced 2,6-DTBHQ and 2,6-DTBBQ. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, the three modes of EET did not exist separately. K.quasipneumoniae sp.203 will adopt the corresponding electron transfer mode or multiple ways to realize EET according to the living environment to improve electricity generation performance.
Impact of water quality on Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Thunukkai Division in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gobalarajah Kalaivani , Prabagar Subramaniam , Jayawardena Uthpala , Gobalarajah Rasiah , Rajendra Subramaniam , Prabagar Jasotha 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIncrease in the number of cases in Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka has become an environmental health issue of national concern. Even though, Northern Province is not identified as a high risk province, there is an increasing trend of CKDu after the end of civil war in the Northern territory.MethodsThe present study was conducted in Thunukkai Division in Mullaitivu District to investigate the socio demographic and clinical pattern of CKDu patients and to evaluate the quality of their water sources. The samples were selected by using stratified purposive random sampling method which represented 29% of total CKDu patients in Thunukkai Division. Pretested structured questionnaire was administrated to collect the data from CKDu patients.ResultsAmong the patients, 80% of them were male with an age range of 30-80, majority (88%) involved in farming. 26% and 20% of people were engaged in smoking and taking alcohol, respectively. 17% and 43% were suffered with diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics of more than 50% of the water samples recorded higher electric conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness and Na levels compared to drinking water standards in Sri Lanka.ConclusionsThe association between serum creatine excreted by CKDu patients and water quality parameters were determined by using regression model, revealing a significant negative relationship with phosphate and positive relationship with Total Dissolved Solid and arsenic content of the drinking water. Thus, the study suggests, total dissolved solid and arsenic in drinking water have a positive correlation with CKDu in Thunukkai region in the Mullaitivu District.
A comparison of the effects and usability of two exoskeletal robots with and without robotic actuation for upper extremity rehabilitation among patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Park Jin Ho , Park Gyulee , Kim Ha Yeon , Lee Ji-Yeong , Ham Yeajin , Hwang Donghwan , Kwon Suncheol , Shin Joon-Ho 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background : Robotic rehabilitation of stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction may yield different outcomes depending on the robot type. Considering that excessive dependence on assistive force by robotic actuators may interfere with the patient’s active learning and participation, we hypothesised that the use of an active-assistive robot with robotic actuators does not lead to a more meaningful difference with respect to upper extremity rehabilitation than the use of a passive robot without robotic actuators. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical and kinematic outcomes between active-assistive and passive robotic rehabilitation among stroke survivors.

Methods: In this single-blinded randomised controlled pilot trial, we assigned 20 stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction (Medical Research Council scale score, 3 or 4) to the active-assistive robotic intervention (ACT) and passive robotic intervention (PSV) groups in a 1:1 ratio and administered 20 sessions of 30-minute robotic intervention (5 days/week, 4 weeks). The primary (Wolf Motor Function Test [WMFT]-score and -time: measures activity), and secondary (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA] and Stroke Impact Scale [SIS] scores: measure impairment and participation, respectively; kinematic outcomes) outcome measures were determined at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of the intervention, and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the usability of the robots through interviews with patients, therapists, and physiatrists.

Results: In both the groups, the WMFT-score and -time improved over the course of the intervention. Time had a significant effect on the WMFT-score and -time, FMA-UE, FMA-prox, and SIS-strength; group × time interaction had a significant effect on SIS-function and SIS-social participation (all, p <0.05). The PSV group showed better improvement in participation and smoothness than the ACT group. In contrast, the ACT group exhibited better improvement in mean speed.

Conclusions: There were no differences between the two groups regarding the impairment and activity domains. However, the PSV robots were more beneficial than ACT robots regarding participation and smoothness. Considering the high cost and complexity of ACT robots, PSV robots might be more suitable for rehabilitation in stroke survivors capable of voluntary movement.

Trial registration: The trial was registered retrospectively on 14 March 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03465267).
Deceased donor kidney allocation: an economic evaluation of contemporary longevity matching practices
Authors: Senanayake Sameera , Graves Nicholas , Healy Helen , Baboolal Keshwar , Barnett Adrian , Sypek Matthew P. , Kularatna Sanjeewa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Matching survival of a donor kidney with that of the recipient (longevity matching), is used in some kidney allocation systems to maximize graft-life years. It is not part of the allocation algorithm for Australia. Given the growing evidence of survival benefit due to longevity matching based allocation algorithms, development of a similar kidney allocation system for Australia is currently underway. The aim of this research is to estimate the impact that changes to costs and health outcomes arising from ‘longevity matching’ on the Australian healthcare system. Methods A decision analytic model to estimate cost-effectiveness was developed using a Markov process. Four plausible competing allocation options were compared to the current kidney allocation practice. Models were simulated in one-year cycles for a 20-year time horizon, with transitions through distinct health states relevant to the kidney recipient. Willingness to pay was considered as AUD 28000. Results Base case analysis indicated that allocating the worst 20% of Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) donor kidneys to the worst 20% of estimated post-transplant survival (EPTS) recipients (option 2) and allocating the oldest 25% of donor kidneys to the oldest 25% of recipients are both cost saving and more effective compared to the current Australian allocation practice. Option 2, returned the lowest costs, greatest health benefits and largest gain to net monetary benefits (NMB). Allocating the best 20% of KDRI donor kidneys to the best 20% of EPTS recipients had the lowest expected incremental NMB. Conclusion Of the four longevity-based kidney allocation practices considered, transplanting the lowest quality kidneys to the worst kidney recipients (option 2), was estimated to return the best value for money for the Australian health system.
Long noncoding RNA RP11-757G1.5 sponges miR-139-5p and upregulates YAP1 thereby promoting the proliferation and liver, spleen metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: zhu xiaojian , Bu Fanqin , Tan Ting , Luo Qilin , Zhu Jingfeng , Lin Kang , Huang Jun , Luo Chen , Zhu Zhengming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as crucial regulators in tumorigenesis. However, its biological functions of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been systematically clarified. Methods: An unbiased screening was performed to identify disregulated lncRNAs revealed to be implicated in CRC carcinogenesis according to an online-available data dataset. In situ hybridization (ISH), RT-qPCR and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) were applied to detect RP11-757G1.5 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. The associations of RP11-757G1.5 with clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Their effects on prognosis were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-rank test, Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analysis. The potential biological function of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC was investigated by Colony formation, Edu cell proliferation, Flow cytometry, Wound healing and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics binding site analysis, Luciferase reporter assay, Ago2 immunoprecipitation assays, RNA pull-down assay, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were utilized to demonstrate the mechanism of RP11-757G1.5 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-139-5p to regulate the expression of YAP1. Finally, we further explore the potential role of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC orthotopic xenografts in vivio . Results: We discovered a novel oncogenic lncRNA RP11-757G1.5, that was overexpressed in CRC tissues, especially in aggressive cases. Moreover, up-regulation of RP11-757G1.5 strongly correlated with poor clinical outcomes of patients with CRC. Functional analyses revealed that RP11-757G1.5 promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . Furthermore, RP11-757G1.5 stimulated cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistic studies illustrated that RP11-757G1.5 regulated the expression of YAP1 through sponging miR-139-5p and inhibiting its activity thereby promoting CRC progression and development. Conclusions: Altogether, these results reveal a novel RP11-757G1.5/miR-139-5p/YAP1 regulatory axis that participates in CRC carcinogenesis and progression.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the effect of LED light quality on morphological traits, and phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation in Sarcandra glabra seedlings
Authors: Xie Dejin , Chen Lingyan , Zhou Chengcheng , Tarin Muhammad Waqqas Khan , Yang Deming , Ren Ke , He Tianyou , Rong Jundong , Zheng Yushan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sarcandra glabra is an evergreen and traditional Chinese herb with anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Recently, artificial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely used as energy for plants in greenhouse. However, little is known regarding the effects of the different LED lights on plant growth and the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation patterns in S. glabra. Results: Compared to white LED light (WL), the red LED light (RL) significantly increased the plant height and decreased the stem diameter and leaf area, whereas blue LED light (BL) significantly suppressed the height and leaf area of S. glabra. According to the results of transcriptomic profiling, 861, 378, 47, 10,033, 7917, and 6379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the groups of leaf tissue under BL (BY) vs leaf tissue under RL (RY), BY vs leaf tissue under WL (WY), RY vs WY, root tissue under WL (WG) vs WY, stem tissue under WL (WJ) vs WG, and WJ vs WY, respectively. We identified 46 unigenes encoding for almost all known enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and flavonol synthase (FLS). We found 53 unigenes encoding R2R3-MYB proteins and bHLH proteins, respectively, where several were related to flavonoids biosynthesis. Based on metabolomic profiling, a total of 454 metabolites were identified, of which 44, 87, and 296 compounds were differentially produced in WY vs RY, WY vs BY, and WY vs WG, respectively. In BY, the production of esculetin, caffeic acid, isofraxidin, and fraxidin were significantly reduced, while the yields of quercitrin and kaempferol were significantly up-regulated. In RY, the contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol were significantly decreased. In addition, the production of metabolites (e.g., chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopolin) were significantly reduced, whereas the yields of metabolites (e.g., esculetin, fraxetin, isofraxidin, and fraxidin) were significantly promoted in WG. Conclusion: These results provide further insight into the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation patterns in S. glabra under different light conditions, enabling the development of optimum breeding conditions for this plant.
Comparative investigation of different telemetric methods for measuring intracranial pressure: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rot Sergej , Dweek Mamon , Gutowski Pawel , Goelz Leonie , Meier Ullrich , Lemcke Johannes 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) plays an important role in long-term monitoring and neuro-intensive treatment of patients with a cerebral shunt. Currently, only two complete telemetric implants with different technical features are available worldwide. This prospective pilot study aims to examine patients who had both probes implanted at overlapping times for clinical reasons and represents the first in vivo comparison of both measurement methods.

Materials and methods: Patients with a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage or a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage who had received a telemetric ICP probe (Raumedic ® NEUROVENT ® -P-tel) were included in the study. Conventional external ventricular drainages (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts with a telemetric ICP probe (Miethke Sensor Reservoir) were implanted in patients with hydrocephalus who required CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) drainage. ICP values from all systems were obtained. Due to the overlapping implantation time, parallel ICP measurements were performed via two devices simultaneously. ICP measurements via the sensor reservoir were repeated after three, six and twelve months. Differences between the ICP values measured via the NEUROVENT ® -P-tel probe, the Miethke sensor reservoir ® , and the EVD were analyzed.

Results: Sixteen patients were included in the present study between 2016 and 2018. 63% of all patients were male. In 11 patients the ICP measurements were followed up with both devices for 3 months. ICP measurements of the sensor reservoirs showed corresponding trends in 9 cases compared to ICP measurement via the telemetry probe or EVD. Difference in ICP values ranged between 14.5 mmHg and 0.0 mmHg. The average difference of the ICP values in 8 cases was ≤ 3.5 mmHg.

Conclusion: ICP measurements with both systems continuously showed synchronous ICP values, however absolute values of ICP measurement with the different systems did not match.
The enhancing antibiofilm activity of curcumin on Streptococcus mutans strains from severe early childhood caries
Authors: Li Bingchun , Pan Ting , Lin Huancai , Zhou Yan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the main cariogenic bacteria for caries. It was found that the clinical strains of S. mutans isolated from caries active population have stronger cariogenic ability than the isolates from caries-free (CF) people. Previous studies have found that curcumin can inhibit biofilm formation of S. mutans UA159. The objective of this study is to explore the antibiofilm effect of curcumin on the clinical isolates of S. mutans from severe early childhood caries(SECC).Results The isolates from SECC group had more biomass than CF group (t = 4.296, P < 0.001). The acidogenicity and aciduricity of the strains from two groups showed no significant difference. After treatment with curcumin, the viability of biofilm was reduced to 61.865%±7.108% in SECC and to 84.059%±10.227% in CF group at 24 h (P < 0.05). The net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305, P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378, P = 0.045) at 5min. For 24h, the net reduction of live bacteria and total bacteria in the SECC group was significantly higher than that of the CF group (live bacteria t = 3.305, P = 0.016; total bacteria t = 2.378, P = 0.045). The reduction of biofilm thickness reduced significantly in 5min (t = 4.110, P = 0.015) and in 24h (t = 3.453, P = 0.014). Long-term (24h) curcumin treatment inhibited the amount of EPS in SECC group from (25.980±1.156) μm3/μm2 to (20.136±1.042) μm3/μm2, the difference was statistically significant (t = 7.510, P < 0.001). The gene of gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in the CF group and the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, srtA in SECC group were respectively reduced after 5min curcumin treatment. After 24h treatment, the gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf, gbpB, fruA and srtA in both two groups were downregulation, all the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions Curcumin has antibiofilm activity on clinical strains of S. mutans, especially for those isolated from SECC.
Perceptions of Firearms in a cohort of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Leuenberger Laura , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer , Lehman Erik 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Almost one-half of U.S. women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner. IPV is associated with an increased risk of homicide, with firearms as the most commonly used weapon. We designed this study to better understand the correlation of interpersonal trauma exposures and demographic factors on firearm perceptions among a cohort of IPV-exposed women. Methods: 267 women in central Pennsylvania with exposure to IPV were surveyed about perceptions of gun access, safety, and gun presence in the home. Trauma variables included IPV type, IPV recency, unwanted sexual exposure, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Multivariable analyses examined three questions examining firearm perceptions controlling for trauma exposures and demographics.Results: Ease of firearm acquisition: Women who were older (mean 44.92 years +/- SD 12.05) , compared to women who were younger (40.91 +/- SD 11.81 years) were more likely to describe it as easy or very easy to acquire a gun (aOR 1.05, 95%CI 1.004, 1.10).Perceived safety in the proximity of a gun: Women with the highest ACE score were less likely to feel safe with a gun nearby (aOR 0.31, 95%CI 0.14,0.67). Odds of guns in the home: Women who were divorced or separated (aOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09,0.54), women were widowed or single (aOR0.23, 95%CI 0.08,0.67), and women who were partnered (aOR 0.45 95%CI 0.20, 0.97) had lower odds of having a gun in the home, compared to married women. There was no significant effect of the trauma variables on the odds of having a gun at home.Conclusions: Women with more severe childhood trauma felt less safe around firearms, but trauma exposures did not predict the perception of gun prevalence in the local community or gun ownership. Instead, demographic factors of marriage predicted presence of a gun in the home.
Positive association between triglyceride glucose index and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients: the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study
Authors: Li Minghui , Zhan Aihua , Huang Xiao , Hu Lihua , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Data are limited on whether TyG index is an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the TyG index and arterial stiffness, and examined whether there were effect modifiers, in hypertensive patients. Methods: This study included 4718 hypertensive adults, a subset of the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study. The TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Arterial stiffness was determined by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results: The overall mean TyG index was 8.84. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that TyG index was independently and positively associated with baPWV (β, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83, 1.20). Consistently, Multiple logistic analyses showed a positive association between TyG index risk of elevated baPWV (> 75th percentile) (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% CI 1.80, 2.50). Analyses using restricted cubic spline confirmed that the associations of TyG index with baPWV and elevated baPWV were linear. Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between TyG index and baPWV were detected in men (all P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: TyG index was independently and positively associated with baPWV and elevated baPWV among hypertensive patients, especially in men. The data suggest that TyG index may serve as a simple and effective tool for arterial stiffness risk assessment in daily clinical practice.