bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced Energy Barrier for Li+ Transport Across Grain Boundaries with Amorphous Domains in LLZO Thin Films
Authors: Zhu Yanlin , Wu Shuai , Pan Yilan , Zhang Xiaokun , Yan Zongkai , Xiang Yong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe high-resistive grain boundaries are the bottleneck for Li+ transport in Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid electrolytes. Herein, high-conductive LLZO thin films with cubic phase and amorphous domains between crystalline grains are prepared, via annealing the repetitive LLZO/Li2CO3/Ga2O3 multi-nanolayers at 600 °C for 2 h. The amorphous domains may provide additional vacant sites for Li+, and thus relax the accumulation of Li+ at grain boundaries. The significantly improved ionic conductivity across grain boundaries demonstrates that the high energy barrier for Li+ migration caused by space charge layer is effectively reduced. Benefiting from the Li+ transport paths with low energy barriers, the presented LLZO thin film exhibits a cutting-edge value of ionic conductivity as high as 6.36 × 10−4 S/cm, which is promising for applications in thin film lithium batteries.
Disruption of a Rice Chloroplast-Targeted Gene OsHMBPP Causes a Seedling-Lethal Albino Phenotype
Authors: Liu X. , Cao P. H. , Huang Q. Q. , Yang Y. R. , Tao D. D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Chloroplast development is coordinately regulated by plastid- and nuclear-encoding genes. Although many regulators have been reported to be involved in chloroplast development, new factors remain to be identified, given the complexity of this process.

Results
In this study, we characterized a rice mutant lethal albinic seedling 1(las1)form of a 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase (OsHMBPP) that was targeted to the chloroplasts. The LAS1 mutation caused the albino lethal phenotype in seedlings. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that las1 were defective in early chloroplast development. LAS1 is preferentially expressed in leaves, implying its role in controlling chloroplast development. The expression levels of many chloroplast-encoded genes were altered significantly in las1. The expression levels of nuclear-encoded gene involved in Chl biosynthesis were also decreased in las1. We further investigated plastidic RNA editing in las1 and found that the edit efficiency of four chloroplast genes were markly altered. Compared with WT, las1 exhibited defective in biogenesis of chloroplast ribosomes.

Conclusions
Our results show that LAS1/OsHMBPP plays an essential role in the early chloroplast development in rice.
The wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici senses and responds to different wavelengths of light
Authors: McCorison Cassandra B. , Goodwin Stephen B. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The ascomycete fungus Zymoseptoria tritici (synonyms: Mycosphaerella graminicola, Septoria tritici) is a major pathogen of wheat that causes the economically important foliar disease Septoria tritici blotch. Despite its importance as a pathogen, little is known about the reaction of this fungus to light. To test for light responses, cultures of Z. tritici were grown in vitro for 16-h days under white, blue or red light, and their transcriptomes were compared with each other and to those obtained from control cultures grown in darkness.

Results
There were major differences in gene expression with over 3400 genes upregulated in one or more of the light conditions compared to dark, and from 1909 to 2573 genes specifically upregulated in the dark compared to the individual light treatments. Differences between light treatments were lower, ranging from only 79 differentially expressed genes in the red versus blue comparison to 585 between white light and red. Many of the differentially expressed genes had no functional annotations. For those that did, analysis of the Gene Ontology (GO) terms showed that those related to metabolism were enriched in all three light treatments, while those related to growth and communication were more prevalent in the dark. Interestingly, genes for effectors that have been shown previously to be involved in pathogenicity also were upregulated in one or more of the light treatments, suggesting a possible role of light for infection.

Conclusions
This analysis shows that Z. tritici can sense and respond to light with a huge effect on transcript abundance. High proportions of differentially expressed genes with no functional annotations illuminates the huge gap in our understanding of light responses in this fungus. Differential expression of genes for effectors indicates that light could be important for pathogenicity; unknown effectors may show a similar pattern of transcription. A better understanding of the effects of light on pathogenicity and other biological processes of Z. tritici could help to manage Septoria tritici blotch in the future.
Whole genome sequencing of macrolide resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A sequence type 416
Authors: Spanelova Petra , Jakubu Vladislav , Malisova Lucia , Musilek Martin , Kozakova Jana , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav , Pantosti Annalisa , del Grosso Maria , Zemlickova Helena 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to macrolides is becoming an increasingly important issue and thus it is important to understand the genetics related to adaptation of this species to the widespread use of antibiotics in Europe. The 58 isolates of S. pneumoniae belonging to sequence type (ST) 416 and serotype 19A and to several different phenotypes originated from Italy, Portugal and Czech Republic were thus sequenced on Illumina MiSeq. The aim of the study was to describe genetical origine of isolates, investigate their macrolide resistance and suggest reasons for spread of ST416 in the Czech Republic.

Results
Investigation of genes associated with serotype determined serotype switch between 15B and 19A serotypes and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) confirmed the origine of concerned isolates in Netherlands15B-37 clone. Inspected genomes proved variability of genes associated with the macrolide resistance even within closely genetically relative isolates.

Conclusions
Participation of 19A/ST416 on the spread of Netherlands15B-37 is accompanied by serotype switch between 19A and 15B serotypes and with acquisition of genes involved in macrolide resistance to the clone that was originally macrolide susceptible. There is evident tendency to interchanging and modifications of these and surrounding genes, that could lead to accelerate spreading of this sequence type in regions with high macrolide consumption.
Correlation of drug resistance with single nucleotide variations through genome analysis and experimental validation in a multi-drug resistant clinical isolate of M. tuberculosis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kausik , Nemaysh Vishal , Joon Monika , Pratap Ramendra , Varma-Basil Mandira , Bose Mridula , Brahmachari Vani 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundGenome sequencing and genetic polymorphism analysis of clinical isolates ofM. tuberculosisis carried out to gain further insight into molecular pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction. Therefore the functional evaluation of the effect of single nucleotide variation (SNV) is essential. At the same time, the identification of invariant sequences unique toM. tuberculosiscontributes to infection detection by sensitive methods. In the present study, genome analysis is accompanied by evaluation of the functional implication of the SNVs in a MDR clinical isolate VPCI591.ResultBy sequencing and comparative analysis of VPCI591 genome with 1553 global clinical isolates ofM. tuberculosis(GMTV and tbVar databases), we identified 141 unique strain specific SNVs. A novel intergenic variation in VPCI591 in the putative promoter/regulatory region mapping betweenembC(Rv3793) andembA(Rv3794) genes was found to enhance the expression ofembAB, which correlates with the high resistance of the VPCI591 to ethambutol. Similarly, the unique combination of three genic SNVs in RNA polymerase β gene (rpoB) in VPCI591 was evaluated for its effect on rifampicin resistance through molecular docking analysis.The comparative genomics also showed that along with variations, there are genes that remain invariant. 173 such genes were identified in our analysis.ConclusionThe genetic variation inM. tuberculosisclinical isolate VPCI591 is found in almost all functional classes of genes. We have shown that SNV inrpoBgene mapping outside the drug binding site along with two SNVs in the binding site can contribute to quantitative change in MIC for rifampicin. Our results show the collective effect of SNVs on the structure of the protein, impacting the interaction between the target protein and the drug molecule inrpoBas an example. The study shows that intergenic variations bring about quantitative changes in transcription inembABand in turn can lead to drug resistance.
Dose-response association between physical activity and clustering of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among 26,093 Chinese adults
Authors: Shi Rui , Cai Yamei , Qin Rui , Yan Yang , Yu Dahai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
There is uncertain evidence in the dose-response association between overall physical activity levels and clustering of cardiovascular diseases modifiable risk factors (CVDMRF) in Chinese adults. This study examined the hypothesis whether inverse dose-response association between overall physical activity levels and clustering of CVDMRF in Chinese adults exist.

Methods
Twenty-six thousand ninety-three Chinese adult participants were recruited by two independent surveys in Nanjing and Hefei during 2011 to 2013, from random selected households provided smoking, glucose, lipids, anthropometric, and blood pressure measurements. Logistic regression model was applied to examine the dose-response association between overall physical activity (measured by metabolic equivalent task (MET)- minutes per week) and having ≥1, ≥2, and ≥ 3 CVDMRF (dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and overweight).

Results
An inverse linear dose-response relationship between physical activity and clustering of CVDMRF was identified, as increased physical activity levels are associated with lower odds of having clustering of CVDMRF. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of having ≥1, ≥2, and ≥ 3 CVRF for moderate physical activity group and high physical activity group was 0.88 (0.79 to 0.98) and 0.88 (0.79 to 0.99), 0.85 (0.78 to 0.92) and 0.85 (0.78 to 0.92), 0.84 (0.76 to 0.91) and 0.81 (0.74 to 0.89), respectively, with low physical activity as reference group.

Conclusions
Among Chinese adults, physical activity level inversely associates with clustering of CVDMRF, especially in those aged 35–54 years. Health promotion including improve physical activity should be advocated. The potential role of physical activity in the clustering of CVDMRF warrants further validation.
The use of restricted mean time lost under competing risks data
Authors: Lyu Jingjing , Hou Yawen , Chen Zheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Under competing risks, the commonly used sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR) is not easy to interpret clinically and is valid only under the proportional sub-distribution hazard (SDH) assumption. This paper introduces an alternative statistical measure: the restricted mean time lost (RMTL).

Methods
First, the definition and estimation methods of the measures are introduced. Second, based on the differences in RMTLs, a basic difference test (Diff) and a supremum difference test (sDiff) are constructed. Then, the corresponding sample size estimation method is proposed. The statistical properties of the methods and the estimated sample size are evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations, and these methods are also applied to two real examples.

Results
The simulation results show that sDiff performs well and has relatively high test efficiency in most situations. Regarding sample size calculation, sDiff exhibits good performance in various situations. The methods are illustrated using two examples.

Conclusions
RMTL can meaningfully summarize treatment effects for clinical decision making, which can then be reported with the SDH ratio for competing risks data. The proposed sDiff test and the two calculated sample size formulas have wide applicability and can be considered in real data analysis and trial design.
Analysing the preferences for family doctor contract services in rural China: a study using a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Fu Peipei , Wang Yi , Liu Shimeng , Li Jiajia , Gao Qiufeng , Zhou Chengchao , Meng Qingyue , Sylvia Sean 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Preliminary evaluations have found that family doctor contract services (FDCSs) have significantly controlled medical expenses, better managed chronic diseases, and increased patient satisfaction and service compliance. In 2016, China proposed the establishment of a family doctor system to carry out contract services, but studies have found the uptake and utilization of these services to be limited. This study aimed to investigate rural residents’ preferences for FDCSs from the perspective of the Chinese public.

Methods
A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed to elicit the preferences for FDCSs among rural residents in China. Attributes and levels were established based on a literature review and qualitative methods. Five attributes, i.e., cost, medicine availability, the reimbursement rate, family doctor competence, and family doctor attitude, were evaluated using a mixed logit model.

Results
A total of 609 residents were included in the main DCE analysis. The respondents valued the high competence (coefficient 2.44, [SE 0.13]) and the good attitude (coefficient 1.42, [SE 0.09]) of family doctors the most. Cost was negatively valued (coefficient − 0.01, [SE 0.01]), as expected. Preference heterogeneity analysis was conducted after adjusting the interaction terms, and we found that rural residents with higher educational attainment prefer a good attitude more than their counterparts with lower educational attainment. The estimated willingness to pay (WTP) for “high” relative to “low” competence was 441.13 RMB/year, and the WTP for a provider with a “good” attitude relative to a “poor” attitude was 255.77 RMB/year.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that strengthening and improving the quality of primary health care, including the competence and attitudes of family doctors, should be prioritized to increase the uptake of FDCSs. The contract service package, including the annual cost, the insurance reimbursement rate and individualized services, should be redesigned to be congruent with residents having different health statuses and their stated preferences.
Significance of sTREM-1 in early prediction of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonates: a single-center, prospective, observational study
Authors: Zhao Xingxing , Xu Lixiao , Yang Zuming , Sun Bin , Wang Ying , Li Gen , Feng Chenxi , Pan Tao , Yu Tian , Feng Xing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate whether soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) can be used as an early predictor of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).MethodsVentilated neonatal patients admitted into the neonatology department between January 2017 and January 2018 were divided into VAP (n = 30) and non-VAP (n = 30) groups. Serum sTREM, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were measured at 0, 24, 72, and 120 h after initiation of mechanical ventilation (MV). Correlations between blood biomarker concentrations and VAP occurrence were analyzed. Predictive factors for VAP were identified by logistic regression analysis and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the predictive value of sTREM-1 and biomarker combinations for VAP was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThe serum sTREM-1 concentration was significantly higher in the VAP group than in the non-VAP group after 72 and 120 h of MV (72 h: 289.5 (179.6–427.0) vs 202.9 (154.8–279.6) pg/ml,P < 0.001; 120 h: 183.9 (119.8–232.1) vs 141.3 (99.8–179.1) pg/ml,P = 0.042). The area under the curve (AUC) for sTREM-1 at 72 h was 0.902 with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 77% for the optimal cut-off value of 165.05 pg/ml. Addition of PCT to sTERM-1 at 72 h further improved the predictive value, with this combination having an AUC of 0.971 (95% confidence interval: 0.938–1.000), sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.88, and Youden index of 0.84.ConclusionsTREM-1 is a reliable predictor of VAP in neonates, and combined measurement of serum levels of sTREM-1 and PCT after 72 h of MV provided the most accurate prediction of VAP in neonatal patients.
Modifiable healthcare factors affecting 28-day survival in bloodstream infection: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Evans Rebecca N. , Pike Katie , Rogers Chris A. , Reynolds Rosy , Stoddart Margaret , Howe Robin , Wilcox Mark , Wilson Peter , Gould F. Kate , MacGowan Alasdair 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Bloodstream infection is common in the UK and has significant mortality depending on the pathogen involved, site of infection and other patient factors. Healthcare staffing and ward activity may also impact on outcomes in a range of conditions, however there is little specific National Health Service (NHS) data on the impact for patients with bloodstream infection. Bloodstream Infections – Focus on Outcomes is a multicentre cohort study with the primary aim of identifying modifiable risk factors for 28-day mortality in patients with bloodstream infection due to one of six key pathogens.

Methods
Adults under the care of five NHS Trusts in England and Wales between November 2010 and May 2012 were included. Multivariable Cox regression was used to quantify the association between modifiable risk factors, including staffing levels and timing of appropriate therapy, and 28-day mortality, after adjusting for non-modifiable risk factors such as patient demographics and long-term comorbidities.

Results
A total of 1676 patients were included in the analysis population. Overall, 348/1676 (20.8%) died within 28 days. Modifiable factors associated with 28-day mortality were ward speciality, ward activity (admissions and discharges), movement within ward speciality, movement from critical care, and time to receipt of appropriate antimicrobial therapy in the first 7 days. For each additional admission or discharge per 10 beds, the hazard increased by 4% (95% CI 1 to 6%) in medical wards and 11% (95% CI 4 to 19%) in critical care. Patients who had moved wards within speciality or who had moved out of a critical care ward had a reduction in hazard of mortality. In the first 7 days, hazard of death increased with increasing time to receipt of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusion
This study underlines the importance of appropriate antimicrobials within the first 7 days, and the potential for ward activity and ward movements to impact on survival in bloodstream infection.
Expansion of acquired 16S rRNA methytransferases along with CTX-M-15, NDM and OXA-48 within three sequence types of Escherichia coli from northeast India
Authors: Wangkheimayum Jayalaxmi , Bhattacharjee Mohana , Das Bhaskar Jyoti , Singha K. Melson , Chanda Debadatta Dhar , Bhattacharjee Amitabha 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to identify ten different 16S rRNA methyltransferase genes (rmtA, rmtB, rmtC, rmtD, armA, rmtF, npmA, rmtH, rmtE and rmtG) and their coexisting ESBL and carbapenemase with the emergence of three E.coli clones within a single study centre.

Methods
A total of 329 non-duplicate E.coli isolates were studied to detect the presence of 16S rRNA methyltransferases along with β-lactamases (TEM, SHV, OXA, VEB, GES, PER,CTX-M types, NDM, OXA-48,VIM, IMP and KPC) using PCR assay. Horizontal transferability were validated by transformation and conjugation analysis. Plasmid incompatibility typing and MLST analysis was also performed.

Results
A total of 117 isolates were found to be resistant to at least one of the aminoglycoside antibiotics. It was observed that 77 (65.8%) were positive for 16S rRNA methyltransferases. Among them thirty nine isolates were found to harbour only blaCTX-M-15, whereas combination of genes were observed in three isolates (blaVEB+ blaCTX-M-15 in 2 isolates and blaPER + blaCTX-M-15 in 1 isolate). blaNDM and blaOXA-48 like genes were found in 23 and 9 isolates, respectively. All the resistance genes were conjugatively transferable, and incompatibility typing showed multiple 16S rRNA methyltransferase genes were originated from a single Inc. I1 group. MLST analysis detected 3 clones of E.coliST4410, ST1341 and ST3906.

Conclusion
The present study identified emergence of three clones of E.coli, resistant to aminoglycoside -cephalosporin- carbapenem. This warrants immediate measures to trace their transmission dynamics in order to slow down their spread in clinical setting.
Using a hepatitis B surveillance system evaluation in Fujian, Hainan, and Gansu provinces to improve data quality and assess program effectiveness, China, 2015
Authors: Zheng Hui , Millman Alexander J. , Rainey Jeanette J. , Wang Fuzhen , Zhang Rui , Chen Hong , Yin Zundong , Wang Huaqing , Zhang Guomin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Monitoring hepatitis B surveillance data is important for evaluating progress towards global hepatitis B elimination goals. Accurate classification of acute and chronic hepatitis infections is essential for assessing program effectiveness.

Methods
We evaluated hepatitis B case-reporting at six hospitals in Fujian, Hainan and Gansu provinces in 2015 to assess the accuracy of case classification. We linked National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS) HBV case-reports with hospital information systems and extracted information on age, gender, admission ward and viral hepatitis diagnosis from medical records. To assess accuracy, we compared NNDRS reported case-classifications with the national HBV case definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with misclassification.

Results
Of the 1420 HBV cases reported to NNDRS, 23 (6.5%) of the 352 acute reports and 648 (60.7%) of the 1068 chronic reports were correctly classified. Of the remaining, 318 (22.4%) were misclassified and 431 (30.4%) could not be classified due to the lack of supporting information. Based on the multivariable analysis, HBV cases reported from Hainan (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.4) and Gansu (aOR = 12.7; 95% CI: 7.7–20.1) along with reports from grade 2 hospitals (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI:1.2–2.2) and those from non-HBV related departments (aOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 4.1–7.0) were independently associated with being ‘misclassified’ in NNDRS.

Conclusions
We identified discrepancies in the accuracy of HBV case-reporting in the project hospitals. Onsite training on the use of anti-HBc IgM testing as well as on HBV case definitions and reporting procedures are needed to accurately assess program effectiveness and ensure case-patients are referred to appropriate treatment and care. Routine surveillance evaluations such as this can be useful for improving data quality and monitoring program effectiveness.