bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artemisinin protects against sepsis-associated encephalopathy by activating the AMPK axis in the microglia
Authors: Lin Shao-Peng , Wei Jue-Xian , Ye Shan , Hu Jiasong , Bu Jingyi , Zhu Lidong , Li Qi , Liao Haojun , Wu Yi , Lin Pei-Yi , Chen Sheng-Qiang , Chen Xiao-Hui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and purpose: Artemisinin has been in use as an anti-malarial drug for almost half a century in the world. There is growing evidence that artemisinin also possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. However, the efficacy of artemisinin treatment in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) remains unknown. Here, we evaluate the possible protective effects and explore the underlying mechanism of action of artemisinin on SAE. Methods: Male C57BL/6mice were pretreated with either vehicle or artemisinin, and then injected with LPS to establish an animal model of SAE. The cognitive function was then assessed using the Morris water maze. Neuronal damage and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, the protective mechanism of artemisinin was determined in vitro. Results: The results showed that artemisinin preconditioning attenuated LPS-induced cognitive impairment, neural damage, and microglial activation in the mouse brain. Luminex liquid chip revealed that artemisinin could inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by LPS in the BV2 microglia cells. Meanwhile, artemisinin suppressed the migratory ability of BV2 cells. Western blot demonstrated that artemisinin promoted adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinaseα1 (AMPKα1) expression and suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, knock-down of AMPKα1 markedly abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinin when exposed to LPS. Conclusion: Artemisinin is a potential therapeutic agent for SAE, and its effect was probably mediated by the activation of AMPKα1signalling pathway in microglia.
Comparative genomic and secretomic characterisation of endophytic Bacillus velezensis LC1 producing bioethanol from bamboo lignocellulose
Authors: Tang Hao , Li Yuanqiu , Zheng Li , Lei Lu , Yang Xiaowen , Luo Chaobing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Compared to physical and chemical methods, microbial lignocellulosic degradation is a green process. Bacillus is an excellent organic matter degrader, and it has exhibited various abilities required for lignocellulose degradation, including the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Several B. velezensis strains encode lignocellulosases. However, their usefulness based on their ability to transform biomass has not been appreciated. Genomic, comprehensive comparative genomic and secretomic analyses were used to clarify the lignocellulose-degrading potential of these bacteria, which is necessary for their future application.Results: In the present study, the complete genomes of 20 B. velezensis strains and an endophytic bacterium, B. velezensis LC1, were analysed to find common and unique genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and evaluate their potentials to degrade lignocellulose. By comparative whole genomic and CAZyomic analyses of all 21 strains, we identified genes of lignocellulolytic enzymes with the potential to degrade cellulose (GH5, GH30, GH4, GH1, GH16 and GH32) and hemicellulose (GH43, GH30, GH51, GH26 and GH53). Further identification of the secretome of B. velezensis LC1 by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed that a considerable number of proteins in the culture medium are involved in lignocellulose degradation, including endoglucanase, hemicellulases, and other related proteins. Moreover, assays of the activities of several lignocellulolytic enzymes including endoglucanase, exoglucanase, β-glucosidase, xylanase, lignin peroxidase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase show that these enzymes are more active in bamboo powder compared to glucose substrates. After a 6-day treatment, the degradation efficiencies of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin from bamboo powder were 59.90%, 75.44% and 23.41%, respectively. The hydrolysate was subjected to ethanol fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli KO11, yielding 10.44 g/L ethanol after 96 h.Conclusions: These findings indicate that Bacillus velezensis strains have the potential to degrade a range of polysaccharides in lignocellulosic biomass. One strain, B. velezensis LC1, efficiently degrades bamboo lignocellulose components, allowing for subsequent ethanol production.
Long-read sequencing of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. ‘Hangju’ transcriptome reveals flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Feng , Guo Qiaosheng , Zou Qingjun , Zhang Wenyan , Zuo Lin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. ‘Hangju’ has been widely used in China due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoids, a group of bioactive components, in C. morifolium are poorly understood. Transcriptome sequencing is an effective method for obtaining transcript information. Therefore, single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing was performed to obtain the full-length genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation in C. morifolium.
Results: High-quality RNA was extracted from the inflorescence of C. morifolium at different developmental stages and used to construct two libraries (0-5 kb and 4.5-10 kb) for sequencing. Finally, 125,532 non-redundant isoforms with a mean length of 2,009 bp were obtained. Of these, 2,083 transcripts were annotated to pathways related to flavonoid biosynthesis, and 56 isoforms were annotated as CHS, CHI, F3H, F3’H, FNS Ⅱ, FLS, DFR and ANS genes. Based on gene expression levels at different stages, we predicted the major genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. By phylogenetic analysis, we found two candidate MYB transcription factors (CmMYBF1 and CmMYBF2) activating flavonol biosynthesis.
Conclusions: Based on the full-length transcriptomic data and further quantitative analysis, the major genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation in C. morifolium were predicted in our study. The results provide a valuable theoretical basis for the introduction and cultivation of C. morifolium cv. ‘Hangju’.
Nurse practitioners in Swiss family practices as potentially autonomous providers of home visits: an exploratory study
Authors: Gysin Stefan , Bischofberger Iren , Meier Rahel , Vught Anneke van , Merlo Christoph , Essig Stefan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Swiss primary care is challenged by impending shortages of general practitioners (GPs) in rural areas and decreasing number of GP home visits. In Anglo-Saxon and many other countries, nurse practitioners (NPs) have been implemented and provide high quality, patient-centred home visits autonomously. In Switzerland, the NP role is new and there are currently only a handful of ongoing pilot projects in family practices. Hence, studies are lacking and data collection is challenging as NPs are not yet registered providers who could be identified in billing or health insurance data. Our aims were to gain insights in the frequency of home visits by NPs in Swiss family practices, and to determine their autonomy based on the required level of GP supervision during consultations.Methods We used consultation data from two pilot practices in rural Switzerland. In “Practice A”, the NP was in postgraduate education and data was gathered electronically between August 2017 and 2018. In “Practice B”, the NP had completed her education, and had two years of work experience as a NP when data was collected manually between April and June 2018. We used a coding system based on five levels of GP supervision to identify NP consultations and home visits, and to determine the NPs’ autonomy in each consultation.Results We analysed data from 1375 consultations. The share of home visits in all NP consultations was 17% in Practice A and 51% in Practice B. Both NPs had a higher share of autonomously conducted consultations during home visits than in the office. In Practice A, the proportion of consultations in which the NP was autonomous increased from 0% in the first month of her employment to 19% after 13 months of GP supervision. In Practice B, the NP was autonomous in about three-quarters of her consultations.Conclusions After completing postgraduate education with clinical supervision by GPs, and few years of practical experience in their role, NPs can reach a relatively high degree of autonomy and might pose a potential solution to the decreasing numbers of GP home visits in Swiss primary care.
Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy and the antegrade technique: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liao Ye , Xiao Tingyue , Sheng Shiyun , Wu Yufan , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Sheng , Liu Xiang , Sun Siyu , Guo Jintao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is used after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Based on existing studies, intrahepatic (IH) approaches are suggested to be preferred in patients with a dilated IH bile duct. Both ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) are available IH approaches for patients with an unreachable papilla. However, a direct comparison between these two approaches is lacking. Therefore, we aim to evaluate and compare the safety and efficiency of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with an unreachable papilla. Methods: This is a prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre study. One-hundred forty-eight patients from three hospitals who met the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo either EUS-HGS or EUS-AG for relief of biliary obstruction. The final study follow-up is scheduled at 1 year postoperatively. The primary endpoint is to compare the safety and efficiency of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with an unreachable papilla. The secondary endpoint is the overall survival rate of patients undergoing EUS-HGS and EUS-AG. The chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier methods, the log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis will be used to analyse the data. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these two EUS-BD approaches directly using a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial design. The clinical economic indexes will also be compared, as they may also affect the patient’s choice. The result may contribute to establishing a strategic guideline for choosing IH EUS-BD approaches. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR1900020737; registered on 15 January 2019. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=33672
Differences in gait analysis and clinical outcome after TightRope® or screw fixation in acute syndesmosis rupture: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Doll Julian , Waizenegger Stefan , Bruckner Thomas , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Wolf Sebastian I. , Fischer Christian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ankle sprains and fractures are most common injuries in orthopedic and trauma surgery. The concurrent occurrence of syndesmosis ruptures in these injuries represents a more complex problem, as they often remain undetected. A proper and accurate treatment of isolated injuries of the syndesmosis is necessary to avoid long-term consequences. The most popular treatment option is a static screw fixation and the newly developed dynamic TightRope® (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). The aim of this study is to compare gait analysis, clinical and radiographic outcome after stabilization of an acute syndesmosis rupture with either a static implant (a 3.5mm metallic screw) or a dynamic device (TightRope®). Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical non-inferiority trial will be carried out at the Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury of the University Hospital Heidelberg. Full-aged patients, who suffer from an acute syndesmosis rupture and who are undergoing surgery at our trauma center will be included in our study. The patients will be randomized to the different treatment options (screw fixation or “TightRope®”). Subsequent to the surgical treatment, all patients will receive the same standardized follow-up procedures including a gait analysis and MRI of the ankle at 6 months follow-up. The primary endpoint of the study is the successful healing of the syndesmosis and biomechanical investigation with gait analysis. Discussion: The results of the gait analysis from the current study will help to impartially and reliably evaluate the clinical and biomechanical outcome of both treatment options of acute syndesmosis ruptures. We hypothesize that the dynamic fixation provides an equivalent or better biomechanical, clinical and radiographic outcome in comparison to the screw fixation. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), ID: DRKS00013562, registered on 07.12.2017.
Current Status of Periodontal Disease in Adults in Takahagi, Japan:A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sekino Satoshi , Takahashi Ryoichi , Numabe Yukihiro , Okamoto Hiroshi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To date, a few studies documented the detailed periodontal conditions of a Japanese population. It is important to know if the awareness of Japanese nationals and dentists to oral hygiene and prevention of periodontal disease have improved when compared with the past in Japan for the development of future scenarios regarding prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the severity, prevalence, and extent of periodontal disease in the adult population of the city of Takahagi, Japan. Results were also compared with those of an epidemiological study performed in Japan in the 1980s. Methods: A total of 582 inhabitants (aged 20 to 89 years) of Takahagi were randomly sampled, answered a comprehensive questionnaire and participated in clinical examinations performed by one examiner. Results: The mean percentages of tooth surfaces harboring plaque and exhibiting BOP were 59.5 ± 24.9% and 31.1 ± 21.1%, respectively. The mean PPD and CAL were 2.5 ± 0.5 mm and 2.9 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Compared with results of the 1980s survey, the mean percentages of plaque and bleeding on probing were lower in the current population. The mean CAL and prevalence of attachment loss of ³5 mm in some age groups were higher in the current study than in the 1980s study. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to mean probing depth between 1980s and current in all age groups. Conclusions: Periodontal disease was still prevalent in current Japanese population even though some improvement occurred. Proper public health programs therefore need to be established.
Infection with the sheep gastrointestinal nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta increases luminal pathobionts
Authors: Cortes Alba , Wills John , Su Xiaopei , Hewitt Rachel , Robertson Jack , Scotti Riccardo , Price Dan , Bartley Yvonne , McNeilly Tom , Krause Lutz , Powell Jonathan , Nisbet Alasdair , Cantacessi Cinzia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The multifaceted interactions between gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites, vertebrate host gut microbiota and the immune system are emerging as a key area of research within the field of host-parasite relationships. In spite of the plethora of data available on the impact that GI helminths exert on the composition of the gut microflora, whether alterations of microbial profiles are caused by direct parasite-bacteria interactions or, indirectly, by alterations of the GI environment (e.g. mucosal immunity), remains to be determined. Furthermore, no data is thus far available on the downstream roles that qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbial composition play in the overall pathophysiology of parasite infection and disease. Results In this study, we investigated the fluctuations in microbiota composition and local immune microenvironment of sheep vaccinated against, and experimentally infected with, the ‘brown stomach worm’ Teladorsagia circumcincta, a parasite of worldwide socio-economic significance. We compared gut microbial profiles with those obtained from groups of unvaccinated/infected and unvaccinated/uninfected animals. We show that alterations to the gut microbial composition are associated mainly with parasite infection, and that this involves the expansion of populations of bacteria with known pro-inflammatory roles that may contribute to the immunopathology of helminth disease. Using novel quantitative approaches for the analysis of confocal microscopy-derived images we also show that gastric tissue infiltration of T cells is driven by parasitic infection rather than anti-helminth vaccination. Conclusions Teladorsagia circumcincta infection leads to an expansion of potentially pro-inflammatory gut microbial species and abomasal T cells. This data paves the way for future experiments aimed at determining the contribution of the gut flora to the pathophysiology of parasitic disease, with the ultimate aim to design and develop novel treatment/control strategies focused on preventing and/or restricting bacterial-mediated inflammation upon infection by gastrointestinal helminths.
Adaptive Evolution after Gene Duplication in Maize
Authors: Wei Bin , Liu Hanmei , Xiao Qianlin , Wang Yongbin , Zhang Junjie , Hu Yufeng , Liu Yinghong , Yu Guowu , Li Yangping , Huang Yubi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Gene duplication can provide genetic basis for the evolution. The neo/sub-functionalization of redundant copies can promote plant growth and development, improve environmental adaptability, and even form new species. Methods: We systematically identified the duplication genes and their origin of maize by comprehensively utilizing methods of homologous clustering, chromosomal collinearity, Ks analysis and phylogenetic analysis. The distinction of duplicated genes was analyzed by comparing the gene structure, sequence composition, expression, and functional differentiation. Results: More than 70% of the genes in the maize genome have been found to be duplication genes, and mainly derived from the whole-genome duplication (WGD). The gene structure of the WGD genes is more complex, with rich components and long CDS. The GC content of WGD genes contributes to the bimodal distribution, indicating that a part of the duplicated gene contains abundant GC bases. The expression level of WGD genes is high and possesses tissue-specificity. The functionally differentiated duplication genes are mainly involved in the growth and stress response of maize. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that duplication genes produced by WGD provide new adaptability to maize growth, morphogenesis, and biotic and abiotic stress resistance, which are important to the evolution of maize.
Identification and molecular characterization of mutant line deficiency in three waxy proteins of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Qian , Hu Yaping , Hu Mengyun , Sun Lijing , Chen Xiyong , Li Qianying , Wang Peinan , Wang Li-an , Zhang Yingjun , Li Hui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Starch is the main component of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain and a key factor in determining wheat processing quality. The Wx gene encodes the granule bound starch synthase I (GBSS I) and is the sole gene responsible for amylose synthesis. Results: A waxy mutant (Wx-null) was isolated by screening M3 seeds derived from 1.0% EMS mutagenized materials with I2-KI staining of endosperm starch. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis confirmed that the Wx-null line lacked all three waxy proteins. DNA sequencing revealed three SNPs and a 3-bp InDel in the first exon, and a 16-bp InDel at the junction region of the first Wx-A1 intron from the Wx-null line. Six SNPs were identified in Wx-B1 gene of Wx-null line compared to the wild-type Gao 8901, including four missense mutations. One nonsense mutation was found at position 857 in the fourth exon, which resulted in a premature stop codon. Expression levels of Wx genes were dramatically reduced in the Wx-null line. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) may be triggered to degrade the non-functional Wx mRNA. There were no detectable differences in granule size and morphology between Wx-null and wild-type, but the Wx-null line contained a larger proportion of B-type starch granules. The amylose content of the Wx-null line (0.22%) was remarkably lower compared to the wild-type Gao 8901 (20.82%). Total starch is also lower in the Wx-null line. Conclusions: All three waxy proteins were non-functional in the Wx-null line. NMD may be the cause for reduced expression levels of Wx genes in the Wx-null line. The Wx-null line exhibited more B-type starch granules, dramatically lower amylose content, and decreased total starch. The Wx-null line may provide a potential waxy material with high agronomic performance in wheat breeding programs.
How do older adults understand and manage distress? A qualitative study
Authors: Moult Alice , Kingstone Tom , Chew-Graham Carolyn 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Anxiety and depression are prevalent in older adults, however, older people may be reluctant to seek medical help and may manage their own mood problems. Due to stigma, older adults are more likely to perceive and/ or recognise their mood problems as distress. Whilst previous literature has focused on how younger adults self-manage mood problems, little research has explored how older people self-manage distress. The study reported here seeks to address this gap through qualitative methods. Methods This study was approved by Keele University’s ethical review panel. Older adults who self-identified as distressed, depressed or anxious within the previous 12 months were recruited from community groups in North Staffordshire, England. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically using constant comparison methods. A public and patient involvement and engagement group contributed to development of the research questions and methods, and offered their perspectives on the findings. Results Data saturation was achieved after 18 interviews. Key themes were: experiences of distress, actions taken, help-seeking from healthcare services and perceptions of treatments offered in primary care. Various forms of loss contributed to participants’ distress. Participants initiated their own self-management strategies which included: pursuing independent activities, seeking social support and attending community groups and church. Five participants reported having consulted a GP when distressed but described a lack of acceptable treatments offered. Conclusions To support older adults who are distressed, primary care healthcare professionals need to explore patients’ existing ways of managing mood problems, provide information about a range of management options and consider the use of sign-posting older adults to community resources.