bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment for secondary aortoesophageal fistula
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Iwahashi Toru , Koizumi Nobusato , Nishibe Toshiya , Fujiyoshi Toshiki , Ogino Hitoshi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a relatively rare condition that is often life-threatening. Secondary AEF is a complication of previous surgery, which can be more critical and challenging than primary AEF. The number of secondary AEF is increasing due to increase in the number of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Although TEVAR has become a successful alternative surgical strategy for thoracic aortic aneurysms, secondary AEF after TEVAR might be critical than other secondary AEF because of severe adhesion between the esophagus and residual thoracic aortic wall.MethodsThis study analyzed six patients with secondary AEF who were treated at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between 2011 and 2016. These participants included four patients who had undergone TEVAR and two who had undergone total arch replacement.ResultsAlthough they were subsequently hospitalized for a long period, open surgical repair was completed in two patients who had undergone total arch replacement. TEVAR alone was performed in two patients who had undergone TEVAR and they were discharged without major complications shortly. Combined repair of TEVAR as a bridge to open surgery was planned for two patients who had undergone TEVAR. However, reconstruction of the aorta and esophagus could not be completed in these patients due to severe adhesions, and they died during hospitalization.ConclusionsDefinitive open repair was successfully performed in patients with secondary AEF after total arch replacement. However, in the patients with secondary AEF after TEVAR, severe adhesion between the aorta and esophagus led to difficulty in performing a successful definitive open repair. The strategy for secondary AEF should, therefore, be decided considering the etiology of secondary AEF. In secondary AEF after TEVAR, definitive open repair is difficult to complete because of catastrophic complication, and palliative treatment using TEVAR without reconstruction of aorta and esophagus can be an alternative.
The Effects of Everyday-Life Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Biological Age Indicators
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Campisi Manuela , Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Hoxha Mirjam , Bollati Valentina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFurther knowledge on modifiable aging risk factors is required to mitigate the increasing burden of age-related diseases in a rapidly growing global demographic of elderly individuals. We explored the effect of everyday exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are fundamental constituents of air pollution, on cellular biological aging. This was determined via the analysis of leukocyte telomere length (LTL), mitochondrial DNA copy number (LmtDNAcn), and by the formation of anti- benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (B[a]PDE–DNA) adducts.MethodsThe study population consisted of 585 individuals living in North-East Italy. PAH exposure (diet, indoor activities, outdoor activities, traffic, and residential exposure) and smoking behavior were assessed by questionnaire and anti-B[a]PDE–DNA] by high-perfomance-liquid-chromatography. LTL, LmtDNAcn and genetic polymorphisms [glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1; GSTT1)] were measured by polymerase chain reaction. Structural equation modelling analysis evaluated these complex relationships.ResultsAnti-B[a]PDE–DNA enhanced with PAH exposure (p=0.005) and active smoking (p=0.0001), whereas decreased with detoxifying GSTM1 (p=0.021) and in female (p=0.0001). Subsequently, LTL and LmtDNAcn reduced with anti-B[a]PDE–DNA (p=0.028 and p=0.018), particularly in males (p=0.006 and p=0.0001). Only LTL shortened with age (p=0.001) while elongated with active smoking (p =0.0001). Besides this, the most significant determinants of PAH exposure that raised anti-B[a]PDE–DNA were indoor and diet (p=0.0001 ), the least was outdoor (p=0.003). Conclusion New findings stemming from our study suggest that certain preventable everyday life exposures to PAHs reduce LTL and LmtDNAcn. In particular, the clear association with indoor activities, diet, and gender opens new perspectives for tailored preventive measures in age-related diseases.Capsule:Everyday life exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons reduces leukocyte telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number through anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct formation.
Climatic and topographic changes since the Miocene influenced the diversification and biogeography of tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) species complex in Southern Africa
Authors: Zhao Zhongning , Heideman Neil , Bester Phillip , Jordaan Adriaan , Hofmeyr Margaretha D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Climatic and topographic changes function as key drivers in shaping genetic structure and cladogenic radiation in many organisms. Southern Africa has an exceptionally diverse tortoise fauna, harbouring one-third of the world’s tortoise genera. The distribution of Psammobates tentorius (Kuhl, 1820) covers two of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of in the world, the Succulent Karoo and Cape Floristic Region. The highly diverged P. tentorius represents an excellent model species for exploring biogeographic and radiation patterns of reptiles in Southern Africa.Results We investigated genetic structure, population dynamics, and radiation patterns against temporal and spatial dimensions since the Miocene in the Psammobates tentorius species complex, using multiple types of DNA markers and niche modelling analyses. Cladogenesis in P. tentorius started in the late Miocene (11.63–5.33 Ma) when populations dispersed from north to south to form two geographically isolated groups. The northern group diverged into a clade north of the Orange River (OR), followed by the splitting of the group south of the OR into a western and an interior clade. The latter divergence corresponded to the intensification of the cold Benguela current, which caused western aridification and rainfall seasonality. In the south, tectonic uplift and subsequent exhumation, together with climatic fluctuations seemed responsible for radiations among the four southern clades since the late Miocene. We found that each clade occurred in a habitat shaped by different climatic parameters, and that the niches differed substantially among the clades of the northern group but were similar among clades of the southern group. Conclusion Climatic shifts, and biome and geographic changes were possibly the three major driving forces shaping cladogenesis, population dynamics, and genetic structure in Southern African tortoise species. Our results revealed that the cladogenesis of the P. tentorius species complex was probably shaped by environmental cooling, biome shifts and topographic uplift in Southern Africa since the late Miocene. The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) may have impacted the population dynamics of P. tentorius substantially. We found the taxonomic diversify of the P. tentorius species complex to be highest in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. All seven clades discovered warrant conservation attention, particularly C1–C3, C5 and C6.
EvoMol: a flexible and interpretable evolutionary algorithm for unbiased de novo molecular generation
Authors: Leguy Jules , Cauchy Thomas , Glavatskikh Marta , Duval Béatrice , Mota Benoit Da 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The objective of this work is to design a molecular generator capable of exploring known as well as unfamiliar areas of the chemical space.

Our method must be flexible to adapt to very different problems. Therefore, it has to be able to work with or without the influence of prior data and knowledge. Moreover, regardless of the success, it should be as interpretable as possible to allow for diagnosis and improvement.

We propose here a new open source generation method using an evolutionary algorithm to sequentially build molecular graphs. It is independent of starting data and can generate totally unseen compounds. To be able to search a large part of the chemical space, we define an original set of 7 generic mutations close to the atomic level.

Our method achieves excellent performances and even records on the QED, penalised logP, SAscore, CLscore as well as the set of goal-directed functions defined in GuacaMol. To demonstrate its flexibility, we tackle a very different objective issued from the organic molecular materials domain. We show that EvoMol can generate sets of optimised molecules having high energy HOMO or low energy LUMO, starting only from methane. We can also set constraints on a synthesizability score and structural features. Finally, the interpretability of EvoMol allows for the visualisation of its exploration process as a chemically relevant tree.
Smartphone and medical application use among dentists in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Fan Lin , Chai Zhaowu , Yu Cong , Song Jinlin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: With the development of information technology, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are using smartphones and mobile medical applications (apps) in their clinical practice. The objective of this study was to survey the use of smartphone-based medical apps among dentists in China and determine dentists’ perceptions of such apps.Methods: All data were collected using anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaires for this cross-sectional study were randomly sent to dentists by email, and 379 dentists responded. Dentists’ demographics and perceptions of WeChat, QQ (the most popular social media apps in China) and other medical apps were assessed; the questionnaire including questions on the purpose, frequency, daily use, and opinion of the apps they used. Questions were answered using a Likert scale (1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree, 3 = not sure, 4 = disagree, and 5 = strongly disagree).Results: A total of 379 valid responses were received; the respondents had a median age of 33.6 years old (63.3% female). All subjects (100%) owned a smartphone, and all of them installed and used WeChat or QQ in their clinical practice. Only 76% of subjects installed medical apps (other than WeChat and QQ) on their smartphones. Male dentists were more likely to install medical apps than female dentists (p < 0.05). With increasing age, the percentage of dentists who installed medical apps decreased (p < 0.001). The frequency and daily use were higher for WeChat and QQ than for medical apps. Medical apps were positively perceived, with dentists reporting that they recommend these medical apps to their peers (Likert score: 1.67 ± 0.68).Conclusion: Medical apps were perceived to have a positive impact on clinical practice, education and patient care in dentistry by providing relevant medical information. However, there will still be much room for improvement in the future.
Natural variation of physiological traits, molecular markers, and chlorophyll catabolic genes associated with heat tolerance in perennial ryegrass accessions
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhang Jing , Li Hui , Jiang Yiwei , Li Huibin , Zhang Zhipeng , Huang Bingru 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Identification of genetic diversity in heat tolerance and associated traits is of great importance for improving heat tolerance in cool-season grass species. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variations in heat tolerance associated with phenotypic and physiological traits and to identify molecular markers associated with heat tolerance in a diverse collection of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Results: Plants of 98 accessions were subjected to heat stress (35/30 ℃, day/night) or optimal growth temperature (25/20 ℃) for 24 d in growth chambers. Overall heat tolerance of those accessions was ranked by principal component analysis (PCA) based on eight phenotypic and physiological traits. Among these traits, electrolyte leakage (EL), chlorophyll content (Chl), relative water content (RWC) had high correlation coefficients (−0.858, 0.769, and 0.764, respectively) with the PCA ranking of heat tolerance. We also found expression levels of four Chl catabolic genes (CCGs), including LpNYC1, LpNOL, LpSGR, and LpPPH, were significant higher in heat sensitive ryegrass accessions then heat tolerant ones under heat stress. Furthermore, 66 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to perform association analysis based on the PCA result. The population structure of ryegrass can be grouped into three clusters, and accessions in cluster C were relatively more heat tolerant than those in cluster A and B. SSR markers significantly associated with above-mentioned traits were identified (R2>0.05, p <0.01)., including two pairs of markers located on chromosome 4 in association with Chl content and another four pairs of markers in association with EL. Conclusion: The result not only identified useful physiological parameters, including EL, Chl content, and RWC, and their associated SSR markers for heat-tolerance breeding of perennial ryegrass, but also highlighted the involvement of Chl catabolism in ryegrass heat tolerance. Such knowledge is of significance for heat-tolerance breeding and heat tolerance mechanisms in perennial ryegrass as well as in other cool-season grass species.
Dietary iron intake and anemia: Food frequency questionnaire in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Authors: Cavalcoli Federica , Gandini Alberto , Matelloni Irene Aglaia , Catalano Francesca , Alicante Saverio , Manfredi Guido , Brambilla Gianfranco , Menozzi Fernanda , Perolini Federica , Costi Egon , Bertè Roberto , Buscarini Elisabetta 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a multisystemic inherited vascular disease characterized by a heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis. Dietary evaluation is relevant in HHT patients to provide adequate iron and nutrient intake. Additionally, different dietary items have been reported to precipitate epistaxis in this setting.Our primary aim was to investigate the dietary habits of HHT patients through a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate the presence of precipitants and/or protective factors for epistaxis and the occurrence of possible dietary modifications. The secondary aims were to evaluate the nutritional intake of iron in HHT patients and the self-reported effect of iron treatments on epistaxis.From April 2018 to October 2018, a 138-item FFQ was provided to HHT patients followed up at the HHT Referral Center of Crema Maggiore Hospital. The relationship between food items and epistaxis was ascertained on a separate form. Daily iron intake was calculated to establish the mean iron content of food items reported in the FFQ.Results: One hundred forty-nine questionnaires were evaluated [72 females, median age 54 years (12-76). Overall, 26 (18%) patients reported dietary items that improved epistaxis (mostly blueberries and red fruits, green vegetables and legumes), while 38 (26%) reported some dietary items that exacerbated epistaxis (spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries and ginger). Dietary modifications were reported in up to 58% of cases. In HHT patients, the mean daily iron intake was 8.46 ± 2.78 mg, and no differences were observed in the iron intake of patients reporting a diet modification and those who did not.Conclusions: In the comprehensive management of HHT a healthy and balanced diet, with increased consumption of dietary items with a high iron content, should be encouraged.
Recombinant Bacteriophage LysKB317 Endolysin Mitigates Lactobacillus Infection of Corn Mash Fermentations
Authors: Lu Shao- Yeh , Bischoff Kenneth M. , Rich Joseph O. , Liu Siqing , Skory Christopher D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Commercial ethanol fermentation facilities traditionally rely on antibiotics for bacterial contamination control. Here we demonstrate an alternative approach to treat contamination using a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase (LysKB317) isolated from a bacteriophage, EcoSau. This endolysin was specially selected against Lactobacillus strains that were isolated as contaminants from a fuel ethanol plant. The LysKB317 gene was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli as a 33 kDa purified enzyme. Results In turbidity reduction assays, the recombinant enzyme was subjected to a panel of 32 bacterial strains and was active against 28 bacterial strains representing one species of Acetobacter, eight species of Lactobacillus, one species of Pediococcus, three species of Streptococcus, and one species of Weissella. The activity of LysKB317 was optimal around pH 6, but it has broad activity and stability from pH 4.5 – 7.5 up to at least 48 h. Maximum activity was observed at 50°C up to at least 72 hrs. In addition, LysKB317 was stable in 30% ethanol up to at least 72 hrs. In experimentally infected corn mash fermentations, 1 µM endolysin reduced bacterial load by 3-log fold change, while 0.01 µM reduced bacteria by 2-log fold change. Concentration of fermentation products (ethanol, residual glucose, lactic acid, and acetic acids) for infected cultures treated with ≥ 0.01 µM LysKB317 were similar to uncontaminated controls. Conclusion Exogenously added LysKB317 endolysin is functional in conditions typically found in fuel ethanol fermentations tanks and may be developed as an alternative to antibiotics for contamination control during fuel ethanol fermentations.
Application Value of a New Lung Ultrasound Scoring Method in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treatment&nbsp;
Authors: Jiang Qiu-xia , Shi Li-jing , Shen Long-yuan , Li Xiao-qing , Hung Rong-sen , Chen Lin-jun , Li Jiang-bin , Li Ya-ya , Lyu Guo-rong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We studied a 14-zone lung ultrasound scoring method to quantify the efficiency of pulmonary surfactant treatment and to determine the timing of mechanical ventilation in neonates with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. In this prospective study, we identified 88 neonates who received pulmonary surfactant replacement therapy. We measured surfactant efficiency using the 14-zone scoring method pre-treatment and at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-treatment. The ultrasound score was inversely associated with pulmonary surfactant treatment. We also identified 67 neonates on mechanical ventilation. We applied the scoring method when the infants met criteria for ventilator withdrawal. A comparison of pre-treatment to 12 h post-treatment showed that scoring method was significantly different (t = 4.08, P < 0.05); other scoring methods did not differ (P > 0.05). Thus, the scoring method performed better on withdrawal time. A score of 41.0 was defined as the threshold for risk of withdrawal failure with 92.36% sensitivity and 93.80% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.955. Conclusion: The new 14-zone lung ultrasound scoring method improved scoring on the efficacy of pulmonary surfactant and had good diagnostic efficiency for timing the removal of mechanical ventilation in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Mofrad Morvarid Golrokh , Sadigh Zohreh Azita , Ainechi Sanaz , Faghihloo Ebrahim 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of viruses in the aetiology of breast cancer (BC) have been significantly investigated in recent years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in invasive breast carcinomas, and most studies have only focused on the detection of viral DNA therefore the aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of each papillomaviruses.Methods: We collected and analyzed 70 blocks of Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) including 59 BC samples, and 11 benign breast lesions as control from Iranian patients using nested PCR. Real-time PCR supported nested PCR findings. Genotyping of HPV positive samples was performed, the samples were also subjected to a multiplex PCR to detect herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in BC.Results: Papillomavirus DNA was present in 7 of 59 BC samples (11.8%); while none was detected in control samples. The most prevalent type was HPV18, followed by HPV 6, but we didn’t find HPV16 in these cases. All HPV positive patients had high tumor grades (II/ III), and the age range of them were from 33 to 73 years (average was about 51). Most of HPV positive patients had low levels of education. Histologic diagnosis of all positive cases were ductal carcinoma. On the other hand 5 of 59 BC specimens (8.47%), were positive for HSV-1.Conclusions: Our results suggest that high risk HPVs may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Also we detected HPV6 and HSV1 in our BC samples, taking into account a carcinogenesis role for low risk HPVs, in addition to high risk HPVs. Further large scale studies are warranted to assess the significance of our findings.
Human MDSCs derived from the bone marrow maintain their functional ability but have a reduced frequency of induction in the elderly compared to pediatric donors
Authors: Magri Sara , Masetto Elena , Solito Samantha , Francescato Samuela , Belluzzi Elisa , Pozzuoli Assunta , Berizzi Antonio , Ruggieri Pietro , Mandruzzato Susanna 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immunosuppressive cells developing from myeloid progenitors, which are enriched in pathological conditions such as cancer, and are known to inhibit the functions of effector T cells. During aging, several changes occur both at the adaptive and innate immune system level, in a process defined as immunoscenescence. In particular, the low-grade inflammation state observed in the elderly appears to affect hematopoiesis. We previously demonstrated that the combination of GM-CSF and G-CSF drives the in vitro generation of bone marrow-derived MDSCs (BM-MDSCs) from precursors present in human bone marrow aspirates of healthy donors, and that these cells are endowed with a strong immune suppressive ability, resembling that of cancer-associated MDSCs. In the present work we investigated BM-MDSCs induction and functional ability in a cohort of pediatric versus elderly donors. To this aim, we analyzed the differences in maturation stages and ability to suppress T cell proliferation. We found that the ex vivo distribution of myeloid progenitors is similar between pediatric and elderly individuals, whereas after cytokine treatment a significant reduction in the more immature compartment is observed in the elderly. Despite the decreased frequency, BM-MDSCs maintain their suppressive capacity in aged donors. Taken together, these results indicate that in vitro induction of MDSCs from the BM is reduced with aging and opens new hypotheses on the role of age-related processes in myelopoiesis.