bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait-Based Comparison of Coral and Sponge Microbiomes
Authors: Fiore Cara L. , Jarett Jessica K. , Steinert Georg , Lesser Michael P. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCorals and sponges harbor diverse microbial communities that are integral to the functioning of the host. While the taxonomic diversity of their microbiomes has been well-established for corals and sponges, their functional roles are less well-understood. It is unclear if the similarities of symbiosis in an invertebrate host would result in functionally similar microbiomes, or if differences in host phylogeny and environmentally driven microhabitats within each host would shape functionally distinct communities. Here we addressed this question, using metatranscriptomic and 16S rRNA gene profiling techniques to compare the microbiomes of two host organisms from different phyla. Our results indicate functional similarity in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur assimilation, and aerobic nitrogen cycling. Additionally, there were few statistical differences in pathway coverage or abundance between the two hosts. For example, we observed higher coverage of phosphonate and siderophore metabolic pathways in the star coral, Montastraea cavernosa, while there was higher coverage of chloroalkane metabolism in the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Higher abundance of genes associated with carbon fixation pathways was also observed in M. cavernosa, while in X. muta there was higher abundance of fatty acid metabolic pathways. Metagenomic predictions based on 16S rRNA gene profiling analysis were similar, and there was high correlation between the metatranscriptome and metagenome predictions for both hosts. Our results highlight several metabolic pathways that exhibit functional similarity in these coral and sponge microbiomes despite the taxonomic differences between the two microbiomes, as well as potential specialization of some microbially based metabolism within each host.
A novel de novo variant of GABRA1 causes increased sensitivity for GABA in vitro
Authors: Steudle Friederike , Rehman Sabah , Bampali Konstantina , Simeone Xenia , Rona Zsofia , Hauser Erwin , Schmidt Wolfgang M. , Scholze Petra , Ernst Margot 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe GABRA1 gene encodes one of the most conserved and highly expressed subunits of the GABAA receptor family. Variants in this gene are causatively implicated in different forms of epilepsy and also more severe epilepsy-related neurodevelopmental syndromes. Here we study functional consequences of a novel de novo missense GABRA1 variant, p.(Ala332Val), identified through exome sequencing in an individual affected by early-onset syndromic epileptic encephalopathy. The variant is localised within the transmembrane domain helix 3 (TM3) and in silico prediction algorithms suggested this variant to be likely pathogenic. In vitro assessment revealed unchanged protein levels, regular assembly and forward trafficking to the cell surface. On the functional level a significant left shift of the apparent GABA potency in two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology experiments was observed, as well as changes in the extent of desensitization. Additionally, apparent diazepam potency was left shifted in radioligand displacement assays. During prenatal development mainly alpha2/3 subunits are expressed, whereas after birth a switch to alpha1 occurs. The expression of alpha1 in humans is upregulated during the first years. Thus, the molecular change of function reported here supports pathogenicity and could explain early-onset of seizures in the affected individual.
Effects of exogenous testosterone application on network connectivity within emotion regulation systems
Authors: Votinov Mikhail , Wagels Lisa , Hoffstaedter Felix , Kellermann Thilo , Goerlich Katharina S. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Habel Ute 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStudies with steroid hormones underlined the vital role of testosterone on social-emotional processing. However, there is still a lack of studies investigating whether testosterone modulates network connectivity during resting-state. Here, we tested how the exogenous application of testosterone would affect functional connectivity between regions implicated in emotion regulation. In total, 96 male participants underwent resting-state fMRI scanning. Before the measurement, half of the subjects received 5 g TestimTM gel (containing 50 mg testosterone) and the other half a corresponding amount of placebo gel. Seeds for the connectivity analysis were meta-analytically defined. First, all regions associated with emotion regulation were chosen via Neurosynth (data driven). Among those, specific seeds were selected and categorized based on the neural model of emotion regulation by Etkin and colleagues (Etkin et al., 2015) (theory-guided). Resting-state connectivity analysis revealed decreased connectivity between the right DLPFC and the right amygdala as well as between the VMPFC and the left IPL for the testosterone group compared to the placebo group. A complementary dynamic causal modeling (DCM) analysis on findings from the resting-state connectivity analysis underlined a bidirectional coupling which was decreased close to zero by testosterone administration. Our results demonstrate that testosterone administration disrupts resting-state connectivity within fronto-subcortical and fronto-parietal circuits. The findings suggest that even without a specific task (e.g. challenge, reward processing) testosterone modulates brain networks important for social-emotional processing.
Coexistence of the blaNDM-1-carrying plasmid pWLK-NDM and the blaKPC-2-carrying plasmid pWLK-KPC in a Raoultella ornithinolytica isolate
Authors: Dang Bingjun , Zhang Haoyang , Li Ziwei , Ma Shuanglong , Xu Zicheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo date, blaNDM and blaKPC genes have been found predominantly in clinical settings around the world. In contrast, bacteria harbouring these two genes from natural environments are relatively less well studied compared to those found in clinical settings. In this study, a carbapenem-resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica strain, WLK218, was isolated from urban river sediment in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China. This isolate was subjected to PCR and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. PCR results showed that this isolate was positive for both the blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing results showed that this isolate exhibited resistance or intermediate resistance to all the antibiotics tested except for streptomycin (susceptible) and cefepime (susceptible-dose dependent). The complete genome sequence of the WLK218 isolate was then determined by using a combination of the PacBio and Illumina sequencing technologies. The de novo assembly of the genome generated one chromosome and six plasmids. Among the six plasmids, the blaNDM-1 gene was carried on the IncX3 plasmid pWLK-NDM, while the blaKPC-2 gene was located on the untypeable plasmid pWLK-KPC. This is the first report of an environmental Raoultella ornithinolytica isolate co-harbouring the blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes.
Chronic kidney disease attenuates the impact of obesity on quality of life
Authors: Suh Sang Heon , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Lee Dae Ho , Kim Soo Wan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe impact of obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) population has not been elucidated, despite the impairment of HRQoL in the obese among general population. We hypothesized that the impact of obesity on HRQoL might be confounded by impaired renal function in CKD population, and that CKD would attenuate the impact of obesity on HRQoL. To compare the impact of obesity on HRQoL according to kidney function, 17,001 subjects from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011) were categorized by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as follows: group 1, eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2; group 2, eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2; group 3, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The association between obesity parameters (body mass index, waist circumference and, truncal fat mass) and HRQoL parameters (EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Despite robust correlations between obesity parameters and low EQ-5D index or EQ-VAS in general population, no significant association was observed in group 3 population. Impact of obesity on HRQoL in CKD population was only limitedly observed in the mobility domain of EQ-5D, as mobility limitation was associated with increased body mass index or waist circumference regardless of kidney function. Therefore, the impact of obesity on HRQoL seems significantly attenuated in CKD population, suggesting that the risk of obesity should not be over-estimated in patients with CKD, especially with respect to HRQoL.
A Bayesian predictive approach for dealing with pseudoreplication
Authors: Lazic Stanley E. , Mellor Jack R. , Ashby Michael C. , Munafo Marcus R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPseudoreplication occurs when the number of measured values or data points exceeds the number of genuine replicates, and when the statistical analysis treats all data points as independent and thus fully contributing to the result. By artificially inflating the sample size, pseudoreplication contributes to irreproducibility, and it is a pervasive problem in biological research. In some fields, more than half of published experiments have pseudoreplication – making it one of the biggest threats to inferential validity. Researchers may be reluctant to use appropriate statistical methods if their hypothesis is about the pseudoreplicates and not the genuine replicates; for example, when an intervention is applied to pregnant female rodents (genuine replicates) but the hypothesis is about the effect on the multiple offspring (pseudoreplicates). We propose using a Bayesian predictive approach, which enables researchers to make valid inferences about biological entities of interest, even if they are pseudoreplicates, and show the benefits of this approach using two in vivo data sets.
A novel vibriophage exhibits inhibitory activity against host protein synthesis machinery
Authors: Thammatinna Khrongkhwan , Egan MacKennon E. , Htoo Htut Htut , Khanna Kanika , Sugie Joseph , Nideffer Jason F. , Villa Elizabeth , Tassanakajon Anchalee , Pogliano Joe , Nonejuie Poochit , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince the emergence of deadly pathogens and multidrug-resistant bacteria at an alarmingly increased rate, bacteriophages have been developed as a controlling bioagent to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria. One of these pathogens, disease-causingVibrio parahaemolyticus(VPAHPND) which induces acute hepatopancreatic necrosis, is considered one of the deadliest shrimp pathogens, and has recently become resistant to various classes of antibiotics. Here, we discovered a novel vibriophage that specifically targets the vibrio host, VPAHPND. The vibriophage, designated Seahorse, was classified in the familySiphoviridaebecause of its icosahedral capsid surrounded by head fibers and a non-contractile long tail. Phage Seahorse was able to infect the host in a broad range of pH and temperatures, and it had a relatively short latent period (nearly 30 minutes) in which it produced progeny at 72 particles per cell at the end of its lytic cycle. Upon phage infection, the host nucleoid condensed and became toroidal, similar to the bacterial DNA morphology seen during tetracycline treatment, suggesting that phage Seahorse hijacked host biosynthesis pathways through protein translation. As phage Seahorse genome encodes 48 open reading frames with many hypothetical proteins, this genome could be a potential untapped resource for the discovery of phage-derived therapeutic proteins.
Spectral hallmark of auditory-tactile interactions in the mouse somatosensory cortex
Authors: Zhang Manning , Kwon Sung Eun , Ben-Johny Manu , O’Connor Daniel H. , Issa John B. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo synthesize a coherent representation of the external world, the brain must integrate inputs across different types of stimuli. Yet the mechanistic basis of this computation at the level of neuronal populations remains obscure. Here, we investigate tactile-auditory integration using two-photon Ca2+ imaging in the mouse primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices. Pairing sound with whisker stimulation modulates tactile responses in both S1 and S2, with the most prominent modulation being robust inhibition in S2. The degree of inhibition depends on tactile stimulation frequency, with lower frequency responses the most severely attenuated. Alongside these neurons, we identify sound-selective neurons in S2 whose responses are inhibited by high tactile frequencies. These results are consistent with a hypothesized local mutually-inhibitory S2 circuit that spectrally selects tactile versus auditory inputs. Our findings enrich mechanistic understanding of multisensory integration and suggest a key role for S2 in combining auditory and tactile information.
CRISPR/Cas12a technology combined with immunochromatographic strips for portable detection of African swine fever virus
Authors: Wang Xinjie , Ji Pinpin , Fan Huiying , Dang Lu , Wan Wenwei , Liu Siyuan , Li Yanhua , Yu Wenxia , Li Xiangyang , Ma Xiaodong , Ma Xu , Zhao Qin , Huang Xingxu , Liao Ming 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAfrican swine fever virus (ASFV), the aetiological agent of African swine fever (ASF), causes lethal haemorrhagic fever in domestic pigs with high mortality and morbidity and has devastating consequences on the global swine industry. On-site rapid and sensitive detection of ASFV is key to the timely implementation of control. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive and instrument-free ASFV detection method based on CRISPR/Cas12a technology and lateral flow detection (named CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD). The limit of detection of CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD is 20 copies of ASFV genomic DNA per reaction, and the detection process can be completed in an hour. The assay showed no cross-reactivity with other swine DNA viruses, and has 100% agreement with real-time PCR detection of ASFV in 149 clinical samples. Overall, the CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD method provides a novel alternative for the portable, simple, sensitive, and specific detection of ASFV and may contribute to the prevention and control of ASF outbreaks.
Zuverlässigkeit von DRG-Routinedaten zur Analyse der Behandlungsergebnisse und Komplikationen im Rahmen der Schilddrüsenchirurgie. Ein kritischer Vergleich zwischen Krankenaktendaten und administrativen Routinedaten
Authors: Sahm Maik , Riegel Chrissanti , Mantke Anne , Reissig Kathrin , Hunger Richard , Mantke Rene 
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Qualitätssicherung in der Schilddrüsenchirurgie ist seit Langem Bestandteil des Handelns endokriner Chirurgen. Dabei wurden und werden überwiegend Register- und Studiendaten genutzt. Zunehmend kommen administrative Daten im Rahmen der Qualitätssicherung aus Routinedaten zur Auswertung. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Bestimmung der Reliabilität von Routinedaten zur Analyse von Behandlungsergebnissen und Komplikationen im Rahmen der Schilddrüsenchirurgie.
Patienten und Methode In einer Querschnittsstudie der Klinik wurden die Patientenaktendaten von 121 Patienten mit Schilddrüsenoperation eines Jahres mit den Qualitätssicherungsdaten aus Routinedaten (QSR) verglichen. Daraus wurde die Sensitivität, Spezifität und positive und negative prädiktive Werte (PPV/NPV) spezifischer Komplikationen ermittelt.
Ergebnisse In der Auswertung administrativer Daten wurden 40 spezifische Komplikationen identifiziert, dagegen 84 in der Auswertung der Patientenakten. Die Sensitivität für die Detektion der Komplikationen mit Routinedaten schwankte zwischen 31,3 und 60,0%. Die Spezifität reichte von 97,0 bis 100%. Der PPV betrug 0,77 – 1,0 und der NPV 0,56 – 1,0.
Schlussfolgerung Die QSR zur Schilddrüsenchirurgie zeigt Defizite in der Sensitivität bei einer hohen Spezifität. Um eine zuverlässige Qualitätsanalyse in der Klinik vorzunehmen oder in der Versorgungsforschung daraus Volume-Outcome-Analysen zu erstellen, ist eine Steigerung der Validität der Routinedaten erforderlich. Der Parameter Hypokalzämie weist die größten Limitationen für Analysen im QSR auf.
Cardiac Myxoma with Cerebral Metastases and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Maas Jared A. , Menes Manuel , Siomin Vitaly 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Cardiac myxomas, the most common primary cardiac tumors, are generally benign neoplasms. Primary cardiac lymphoma is a rare cardiac malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Here we present a case of a cardiac myxoma with cerebral metastases and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) arising within the cerebral metastases.
Case description A 62-year-old man, who presented with symptoms of multiple transient ischemic attacks, was found to have a left atrial myxoma. Twelve months after excision of the myxoma, the patient experienced a recurrence of neurologic symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple hemorrhagic masses. Craniotomy was performed to resect the lesions. Histopathologic examination confirmed cardiac myxoma metastases and a small lymphocytic infiltrate within the tumor consistent with CLL/SLL.
Conclusion Including the present case, there are 27 cases of cardiac myxoma cerebral metastases and 22 cases of lymphomas arising within myxomas. The present case is the first known instance of both entities in the same patient. There is no standard management for either cardiac myxoma metastases or lymphoma within a myxoma. For both diseases, surgical excision is the primary treatment modality, but postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation have been attempted. Myxomas may create a chronic inflammatory state that could lead to the development of CLL/SLL.
Outcomes of Local Bone Graft and Fixation of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nascent Nonunions and Nonunions
Authors: Shoji Kristin E. , Simeone F. Joseph , Ozkan Sezai , Mudgal Chaitanya S. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid have an increased risk of nonunion due to its tenuous blood supply. The optimal treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions remains controversial.
Objectives To review a single surgeon's experience with proximal pole scaphoid nascent nonunions (delayed unions) and nonunions that underwent surgical fixation with a cannulated headless compression screw and local autologous bone graft from the distal radius.
Patients and Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the electronic medical record of one tertiary care center was queried for patients with the diagnosis of “proximal pole scaphoid fractures” who underwent surgical fixation by a single surgeon over an 11-year period (2006–2017). Fifteen patients met initial query criteria; upon review of records, four patients were excluded due to the acute nature of the fracture, and one was excluded as surgical fixation included a vascularized bone graft.
Results The final study cohort consisted of 10 patients with a total of 10 proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. Almost all of the patients in this study were male (9/10 [90%]), and sporting activities were the most common mechanism of injury (8/10 [80%]). Volumetric measurements of the scaphoid fractures on computed tomography (CT) revealed that the mean total volume of the scaphoid was 2.4 ± 0.48 cm3 and the mean volume of the proximal pole fragment was 0.38 ± 0.15 cm3. Postoperative CT scans were performed at a mean of 12.4 weeks (range: 8–16 weeks), with seven (7/10 [70%]) showing signs of complete union and three (3/10 [30%]) demonstrating partial union. None of the patients required additional procedures and there were no complications.
Conclusions Our results suggest that proximal pole scaphoid fractures with delayed union and nonunion treated with surgical fixation and autologous local bone graft heal without the need for more complex vascularized procedures. The volume of the proximal pole fragment did not correlate with increased risk of ongoing nonunion after the index procedure.
Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.
Fertility Preservation Before Deployment: Oocyte and Sperm Freezing in Members of the Active Duty Military
Authors: Martini Anne E. , Doyle Joseph O. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractActive duty military service and deployment has the potential to compromise fertility through combat-related genitourinary injury, gonadotoxic exposures, and physical separation from a partner. Despite a growing interest among the military community as well as promising efficacy and safety data, fertility preservation remains an uncovered benefit for active duty soldiers. In 2016, the Pentagon proposed a program that would cover oocyte and sperm cryopreservation for any member of the active duty military desiring its use. Regrettably, that funding was not secured and predeployment fertility preservation remains an out-of-pocket expense. Today, advocacy groups, non-for-profit organizations, and physicians remain vigilant in their attempts to drive another government initiative through Congress. While activism continues, it is important to stress the value of fertility preservation counseling in soldiers' predeployment preparation and military family planning.