bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Disease and Ventricular Arrhythmia in Marfan Syndrome – a prospective study
Authors: Mosquera Laura Muino , De Wilde Hans , Devos Daniel , Babin Danilo , Jordaens Luc , Demolder Anthony , De Groote Katya , De Wolf Daniel , De Backer Julie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Aortic root dilatation and -dissection and mitral valve prolapse are established cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome (MFS). Heart failure and arrhythmic sudden cardiac death have emerged as additional causes of morbidity and mortality.Methods: To characterize myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia in MFS we conducted a prospective longitudinal case-control study including 86 patients with MFS (55.8% women, mean age 36.3yr - range 13-70yr-) and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Cardiac ultrasound, resting and ambulatory ECG (AECG) and NT-proBNP measurements were performed in all subjects at baseline. Additionally, patients with MFS underwent 2 extra evaluations during 30±7months follow-up. To study primary versus secondary myocardial involvement, patients with MFS were divided in 2 groups: without previous surgery and normal/mild valvular function (MFS-1; N=55) and with previous surgery or valvular dysfunction (MFS-2; N=31).Results: Compared to controls, patients in MFS-1 showed mild myocardial disease reflected in a larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), lower TAPSE and higher amount of (supra) ventricular extrasystoles ((S)VES). Patients in MFS-2 were more severely affected. Seven patients (five in MFS-2) presented decreased LV ejection fraction. Twenty patients (twelve in MFS-2) had non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) in at least one AECG. Larger LVEDD and higher amount of VES were independently associated with NSVT.Conclusion: Our study shows mild but significant myocardial involvement in patients with MFS. Patients with previous surgery or valvular dysfunction are more severely affected. Evaluation of myocardial function with echocardiography and AECG should be considered in all patients with MFS, especially in those with valvular disease and a history of cardiac surgery.
Incidence And Risk Factors Of Inguinal Hernia Occurred After Radical Prostatectomy-comparisons of different approaches.
Authors: Liu Lijia , Xu Haoxiang , Qi Feng , Wang Shangqian , Shadhu Kamleshsingh , Ramlagun-Mungur Dadhija , Wang Shui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To observe cumulative morbidity of postoperative inguinal hernia(PIH) and identify risk factors associated with its development in patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy(RRP), laparoscopic prostatectomy(LRP) or robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) operation.Methods: From June 2009 to September 2016, 756 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who had undergone RRP, LRP or RALP in our center were included in this study. Patients with PIH were retrospectively investigated in such factors as age, BMI, previous abdominal operations, diabetes mellitus history, hypertension history, prostate volume, previous hernia, operative methods, operative approach, preoperative Gleason, clinical T-stage, PLND situation, operative time, and estimated blood loss. Univariate and multivariate cox hazard regressions analysis were utilized to identify risk factors predisposing to PIH.Results: A total of 53 of 751(7.1%) patients developed PIH at a median follow-up period of 43 months. PIH rate in RRP was significantly higher compared to LRP and RALP group (RRP: 15.3%, LRP: 6.7%, RALP:1.9%, P=0.038). Right side (69.8%) and indirect (88.8%) PIH were dominant type in hernia group. Univariate and multivariate cox hazard regressions analysis indicated that age and RRP approach were identified to be implicated to PIH [adjusted hazard ratio7.39(1.18-46.39), 2.93(95% CI 1.47-5.84)].Conclusions: RRP technique and older age, especially patients over 80 years, are associated with higher incidence for PIH development. Appropriate prophylaxis during the operation should be evaluated for those in high-risk.
Validation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the detection of Loa loa infection in Chrysops spp in experimental and natural field conditions
Authors: Amambo Glory Ngongeh , Abong Raphael Awah , Fombad Fanny Fri , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Nietcho Franck , Beng Amuam Andrew , Ritter Manuel , Esum Mathias Eyong , Deribe Kebede , Cho Jerome Fru , Enyong Peter Ivo , Poole Catherine , Hoerauf Achim , Carlow Clotilde , Wanji Samuel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The Mass Drug Administration of ivermectin for onchocerciasis control has contributed to a significant drop in Loa loa microfilaria loads in humans that led to reduction of the levels of infection in Chrysops vectors. Accurate parasite detection is essential for assessing loiasis transmission; as such a potential alternative or an indirect strategy to address the problem co-endemic loiasis presents to the LF and onchocerciasis elimination programme and also, further reflecting the true magnitude of the loiasis problem as excess human mortality has been reported to be associated with the disease. Although microscopy is the gold standard for detecting the infection, its sensitivity is compromised when the intensity of infection is low. The Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of parasite DNA is an alternative method for detecting infection which offers operational simplicity, rapidity and versatility of visual readout options. This study aimed at validating the Loa loa LAMP assay for the detection of infected Chrysops spp. under experimental and natural field conditions. Methods: Two sets of 18 flies were fed on volunteers with either a low (<10mf/ml) or high (>30,000mf/ml) microfilarial load. The fed flies were maintained under laboratory conditions for 14 days and then analysed with LAMP for the detection of L. loa infection. In addition, a total of 9,270 flies were collected from the North West, East, and South West regions of Cameroon using sweep nets and subjected to microscopy (7,841 flies) and LAMP (1,291 flies plus 138 nulliparous flies) analyses. Results: LAMP assay successfully detected parasites in Chrysops fed on both low and high microfilariaemic volunteers. Field validation and surveillance studies phase revealed LAMP-based infection rates ranging from 0.5 % to 31.6 %, with the lowest levels in the South West 2 and highest infection rates in South West 1. LAMP assay detected significantly higher infection rates than microscopy in 4 of 5 study sites. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of LAMP as a simple surveillance tool, and is more sensitive than microscopy for the detection of experimental and natural L. loa infections in Chrysops vectors.
Microbial synthesis of poly- γ -glutamic acid ( γ -PGA) with fulvic acid powder, the waste from yeast molasses fermentation
Authors: Li Yazhou , Wang Jianghan , Liu Na , Ke Luxin , Zhao Xiuyun , Qi Gaofu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Molasses is a wildly used feedstock for fermentation, but it also poses a severe wastewater-disposal problem worldwide. Recently, the wastewater from yeast molasses fermentation is being processed into fulvic acid (FA) powder as a fertilizer for crops, but it consequently induces a problem of soil acidification after being directly applied into soil. In this study, the low-cost FA powder was bioconverted into a value-added product of γ-PGA by a glutamate independent producer of Bacillus velezensis GJ11.Results: FA power could partially substitute the high-cost substrates such as sodium glutamate and citrate sodium for producing γ-PGA. With FA powder in the fermentation medium, the amount of sodium glutamate and citrate sodium used for producing γ-PGA were both decreased around one third. Moreover, FA powder could completely substitute Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Fe3+ in the fermentation medium for producing γ-PGA. In the optimized medium with FA powder, the γ-PGA was produced at 42.55 g/L with a productivity of 1.15 g/(L·h), while only 2.87 g/L was produced in the medium without FA powder. Hydrolyzed γ-PGA could trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR), e.g. H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, against the pathogen’s infection in plants. Further investigations found the ISR triggered by γ-PGA hydrolysates was dependent on the ethylene (ET) signalling and nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related proteins 1 (NPR1). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report to use the industry waste, FA powder, as a sustainable substrate for microbial synthesis of γ-PGA. This bioprocess can not only develop a new way to use FA powder as a cheap feedstock for producing γ-PGA, but also help to reduce pollution from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation.
Clinicopathological features of Epstein-Barr virus infection, microsatellite instability, tumor mutation burden and PD-L1 status in Chinese patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Aiwen , Li Zhongwu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) is the 4th most common type of cancer worldwide. Different GC subtypes exhibit unique molecular features that may potentially guide therapeutic decisions. The aim of the present study was to investigate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and gene mutations in patients with surgically-treated GC. Methods: The data of 2,504 GC patients, who underwent potentially curative gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy at Peking University Cancer Hospital between 2013 and 2018, were reviewed from a prospectively collected medical database. We also analyzed the clinicopathological factors associated with the immunohistochemistry (IHC) profiles of these patients, and genetic alterations were analyzed using next generation sequencing (NGS). Results: Mismatch repair-deficient (d-MMR) GC patients were found to have a higher probability of expressing PD-L1 (p<0.001, PD-L1 cutoff value = 1%). In addition, 4 and 6.9% of the 2,504 gastric cancer patients were EBV-positive and d-MMR, respectively. The number of MLH1/PMS2-negative cases was 126 (6%), and the number of MSH2/MSH6-negative cases was 14 (0.9%). d-MMR status was associated with a diffuse/mixed group (p<0.05), but not with tumor differentiation. Furthermore, MSI and d-MMR GC status (detected by NGS and IHC, respectively) were consistently high, and the rate of MSI was higher in patients with d-MMR GC. A number of genes associated with DNA damage repair were detected in GC patients with MSI, including POLE, ETV6, BRCA and RNF43. In patients with a high tumor mutation burden, the most significantly mutated genes were LRP1B (79.07%), ARID1A (74.42%), RNF43 (69.77%), ZFHX3 (65.12%), TP53 (58.14%), GANS (51.16%), BRCA2 (51.16%), PIK3CA (51.16%), NOTCH1 (51.16%), SMARCA4 (48.84%), ATR (46.51%), POLE (41.86%) and ATM (39.53%). Conclusions: Using IHC and NGS, MSI status, protein expression, TMB and genetic alterations were identified in patients with GC, which provides a theoretical basis for the future clinical treatment of GC.
The temperature of growth and sporulation modulates the efficiency of&nbsp;spore-display in&nbsp;Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Petrillo Claudia , Castaldi Stefany , Lanzilli Mariamichela , Saggese Anella , Donadio Giuliana , Baccigalupi Loredana , Ricca Ezio , Isticato Rachele 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacterial spores displaying heterologous antigens or enzymes have long been proposed as mucosal vaccines, functionalized probiotics or biocatalysts. Two main strategies have been developed to display heterologous molecules on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores: i) a recombinant approach, based on the construction of a gene fusion between a gene coding for a coat protein (carrier) and DNA coding for the protein to be displayed, and ii) a non-recombinant approach, based on the spontaneous and stable adsorption of heterologous molecules on the spore surface. Both systems have advantages and drawbacks and the selection of one or the other depends on the protein to be displayed and on the final use of the activated spore. It has been recently shown that B. subtilis builds structurally and functionally different spores when grown at different temperatures; based on this finding B. subtilis spores prepared at 25, 37 or 42°C were compared for their efficiency in displaying various model proteins by either the recombinant or the non-recombinant approach.Results: Immune- and fluorescence-based assays were used to analyze the display of several model proteins on spores prepared at 25, 37 or 42°C. Recombinant spores displayed different amounts of the same fusion protein in response to the temperature of spore production. In spores simultaneously displaying two fusion proteins, each of them was differentially displayed at the various temperatures. The display by the non-recombinant approach was only modestly affected by the temperature of spore production, with spores prepared at 37 or 42°C slightly more efficient than 25°C spores in adsorbing at least some of the model proteins tested. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the temperature of spore production allows control of the display of heterologous proteins on spores and, therefore, that the spore-display strategy can be optimized for the specific final use of the activated spores by selecting the display approach, the carrier protein and the temperature of spore production.
Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 suppresses age-dependent neurodegeneration via mitochondrial beta-oxidation
Authors: Labarre Audrey , Guitard Ericka , Tossing Gilles , Bareke Eric , Labrecque Marjorie , Tetreault Martine , Parker Alex 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The human microbiota is believed to influence health. Microbiome dysbiosis may be linked to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD). We report the ability of a probiotic bacterial strain in reversing neurodegeneration phenotypes. We show that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 is neuroprotective in C. elegans models of ALS and HD. Our results show that neuroprotection from L. rhamnosus HA-114 is unique from other L. rhamnosus strains, and resides in its fatty acid content. Neuroprotection by L. rhamnosus HA-114 requires acdh-1/ACADSB, kat-1/ACAT1 and elo-6/ELOVL3/6, which are key fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial β-oxidation genes. Moreover, L. rhamnosus HA-114 delayed disease onset and suppressed motor neuron degeneration in an aggressive mouse model of ALS. Our data suggest that disrupted lipid metabolism contributes to neurodegeneration and that dietary intervention with L. rhamnosus HA-114 restores lipid homeostasis and energy balance through mitochondrial β-oxidation. L. rhamnosus HA-114 is suitable for human consumption opening the possibility of modifying disease progression by dietary intervention.
Headache Characteristics In COVID-19 Pandemic-A Survey Study
Authors: Uygun Özge , Ertas Mustafa , Ekizoğlu Esme , Bolay Hayrunnisa , Özge Aynur , Orhan Elif Kocasoy , Çağatay Arif Atahan , Baykan Betül 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHeadache is the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptom. We aimed to reveal diagnostic clues of headache for COVID-19 infection and to investigate the course of primary headaches during the pandemic. MethodsWe developed a detailed web-based questionnaire screening the characteristics and course of headaches besides clinical COVID-19 features. The participants were grouped according to being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection or not, and having previous or new-onset headaches. The COVID-19 related headache features and their associations with other clinical features were investigated. A binary logistic regression model was performed to differentiate the characteristics of headache related to COVID-19. Findings A total of 3458 participants (2341 females;67.7%, 1495 healthcare workers;43.2%) with a mean age of 43.21±11.2 years contributed to the survey. Among them, 262 participants had COVID-19 diagnosis and 126 (48.1%) were male. The rate of males in the group without COVID-19 was 31% (991 out of 3196 participants) showing significant gender difference between groups (p<0.000). COVID-19 related headaches were more closely associated with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints (p<0.000 and p<0.000), and showed different characteristics like pulsating, pressing, and even stabbing quality. Logistic regression analyses showed that bilateral headache, duration over 72 hours, analgesic resistance and having male gender were significant variables to differentiate COVID-19 positive patients from those without COVID-19 (p=0.04 for long duration and p<0.000 for others). A worsening of previous primary headaches due to the pandemic-related problems was not reported in the majority of patients.Interpretation Bilateral, long-lasting headaches, resistance to analgesics and having male gender were more frequent in people with COVID-19 in conjunction with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints. These features may be helpful for diagnosing the headache related to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants Increase Bleeding Risk After Endoscopic Sphincterotomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Masuda Sakue , Koizumi Kazuya , Nishino Takashi , Tazawa Tomohiko , Kimura Karen , Tasaki Junichi , Ichita Chikamasa , Sasaki Akiko , Kako Makoto , Uojima Haruki , Sugitani Ayumu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bleeding is a serious adverse event of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). However, the risk of EST bleeding between direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users and those who received no antithrombotic agents has not been clarified. This study analyzed the risk factors for bleeding after EST in patients on DOAC and evaluated the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 524 patients treated with EST who received DOAC or no antithrombotic drug from May 2016 to August 2019. We investigated the risk factors for bleeding. Cessation and resumption of DOAC treatment were determined according to the JGES guidelines, although DOAC cessation or heparin replacement was determined by the attending physician. Results: The number of patients on DOAC (DOAC group) and those without antithrombotic drug (no-drug group) were 42 (8.0%) and 482 (92.0%), respectively. DOAC was discontinued for <2 days in 24 (57.2%) patients and for ≥2 days in 18 (42.8%) patients. Of the 524 patients, 21 (4.0%) had EST bleeding. The bleeding rate was significantly higher in the DOAC group (14.3%, 6/42). Multivariate analysis showed that bleeding occurs more frequently in patients on DOAC, patients with low platelet counts (<100,000/µl), and elderly patients (>80 years old).Conclusions: DOAC treatment, low platelet count, and old age (>80 years old) are significant risk factors for EST bleeding. Although the bleeding incidence increased in patients on DOAC, which was discontinued according to the JGES guidelines, successful hemostasis was achieved with endoscopy in all cases with bleeding, and no thrombotic events occurred after cessation of DOAC. Thus, the JGES guidelines are acceptable.
Modeling Soil Organic Carbon Using Remotely-Sensed Predictors: A Case Study from Fuzhou City, China
Authors: Sodango Terefe Hanchiso , Sha Jinming , Li Xiaomei , Shang Jiali , Bao Zhongcong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessing the spatial dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for carbon monitoring. Since, variability of SOC is mainly attributed to biophysical land surface variables, integrating a compressive set of such indices may support the pursuit for optimum set of predictor variables. Therefore, this study was aimed at predicting the spatial distribution of SOC in relation to remotely-sensed variables and other covariates. Hence, the land surface variables were combined from remote sensing, topographic, and soil spectral sources. Moreover, the most influential variables for prediction were selected using the RF and Classification and Regression Tree (CART).Results: The results indicated that the RF model has good prediction performance with corresponding R2 and RMSE values of 0.96, and 0.91 mg/g, respectively. The distribution of SOC content showed variability across landforms (CV=78.67%), land-use (CV=93%), and lithology (CV=64.67%). Forestland had the highest SOC (13.60 mg/g) followed by agriculture (10.43 mg/g), urban (9.74 mg/g), and water body (4.55 mg/g) land-uses. Furthermore, bauxite and laterite lithology had the highest SOC content (14.69 mg/g) followed by fluvial (14.52 mg/g) and shale (13.57 mg/g), whereas the lowest was predicted in sandstone (5.53mg/g). The mean SOC concentration was 11.70 mg/g, where the majority of area was classified as humous and organo-humus, distributing in the mountainous regions. The biophysical land surface indices, brightness removed vegetation indices, topographic indices (, and soil spectral bands, respectively were the most influential predictors of SOC. Conclusion: The spatial variability of SOC may be influenced by landform, land-use, and lithology of the study area. Remotely-sensed predictors including land moisture, land surface temperature and built-up indices added valuable information for prediction of SOC. Hence, the land surface indices may provide new insights into SOC modeling in complex landscapes of warm sub-tropical urban regions.
Sex Differences in Association Between Body Composition and Frailty or Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Soh Yunsoo , Won Chang Won 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFrailty is a common geriatric condition due to aging, defined as a decrease in the functional reserve to maintain the homeostasis. As part of the aging process, body composition changes occur. This study investigated the relationship between body composition and frailty in a community-dwelling elderly Korean population.MethodsThis cross-sectional cohort study analyzed data of 2,385 elderly participants (aged 70–84 years, 1131 males and 1254 females) of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study from 2016 to 2017. Body composition, including total and trunk fat masses and fat-free mass, were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass index (FMI), trunk fat mass index (TFMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) represented total fat mass, trunk fat mass, and fat-free mass according to height. Based on the frailty index developed by Fried, we compared the frail and non-frail groups. Poor physical performance assessed with the short physical performance battery score of <9 is considered frailty. To evaluate the relationship between the variables, simple and fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed according to sex.ResultsAmong the participants, 462 (19.3%) were defined as the frail group, with a significantly high mean age of 77.9±4.0 years. In the logistic regression analysis of frailty based on body mass index (BMI) categories, underweight (BMI<18 kg/m2) participants showed a high incidence of frailty in both sexes. BMI showed an association with frailty only in males. In both sexes, FFMI was associated with a lower incidence of frailty, which was statistically significant in the fully adjusted models. In the female, fat-related indexes including body fat percentage, FMI, and TFMI showed a significant association with poor physical performance. In contrast, males with low FFMI only showed a significant association with poor physical performance.ConclusionsFrailty closely correlated with FFMI in both sexes. The poor physical performance associated with frailty correlated with fat-related body composition in females and fat-free mass in males owing to the difference in body composition between the sexes. In the assessment of frailty, body composition and sex-related differences should be analyzed.