bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microorganisms associated with intraamniotic infection among women with preterm birth at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Rwanda: A case-control study
Authors: Yadufashije Callixte , Umugwaneza Jasmine , Izere Cedrick , Munyeshyaka Emmanuel , Mala Albert Onyango , Niyonzima François , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Sangano Georges Bahati , Ndayambaje Martin , Mwanzia Lydia , Habyarimana Thierry 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

Preterm birth could be a worldwide open well-being danger. It was assessed that each year 15 million neonates are born prematurely around the world, and 40% brought about from intrauterine infections.
Methods

A total of 40 women were selected. Of the 40 women, 20 had a premature birth, and the remaining 20 had a full-term birth. 120 Swab samples were collected from the placenta, amniotic fluids, and fetal membrane immediately after birth. The sterile cotton swab was used to collect samples and put into swabs Stuart plastic to avoid sample contamination. Samples were transported to the clinical microbiology laboratory at INES Ruhengeri for microbiological investigation. Gram staining, culture, and biochemical tests were performed. The independent t-test was used to test for significant difference between means of the two groups, while the chi-square test (x2) was used to test for significant association with microorganisms and intraamniotic infections.
Results

The findings revealed that half of the participants were in the age range of 24–29 years. Non- Albicans Candida (32.7%) and mold (27.9%) were the foremost overwhelming confined microorganisms. Some microorganisms were common to the placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetal membrane. Only Non-Albicans Candida and mold were common to samples of both preterm and full-term women, Staphylococcus species was observed in placental and fetal membrane samples and absented in amniotic fluid. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Streptococcus species, and Candida Albicans were only observed among women with preterm birth. To compare isolated microorganisms between both preterm and full-term birth, the significance test of mean was performed. There was a statistically significant difference between the two means in the amniotic fluid isolates (t = 4.023, P = 0.006522), placental membrane isolates (t = 7.17, P = 0.000372), and fetal membrane isolates (t = 6.7, P = 0.000537). Association with microorganisms and intraamniotic infection was statistically significant with Escherichia coli (x2 = 3.98, P = 0.046044), Streptococcus species (x2 = 5.53, P = 0.018693), Yeast (x2 = 8.37, P = 0.003815) and Candida Albicans (x2 = 3.98, P = 0.046044).
Conclusion

Invasion of the amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal membranes by pathogenic microorganisms may be associated with the incidence of preterm labor and birth. Early diagnosis is recommended to avoid both maternal and fetal complications.
The genome of the bowfin (Amia calva) illuminates the developmental evolution of ray-finned fishes
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Hawkins Michael , Parey Elise , Wcisel Dustin , Ota Tatsuya , Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Funk Emily , Losilla Mauricio , Fitch Olivia , Pan Qiaowei , Feron Romain , Milhes Marine , Racicot Brett , Childs Kevin , Fontenot Quenton , Ferrara Allyse , David Solomon , McCune Amy , Dornburg Alex , Yoder Jeffrey , Guiguen Yann , Crollius Hugues Roest , Berthelot Camille , Harris Matthew , Braasch Ingo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The bowfin fish (Amia calva) diverged before the genome duplication in teleost fishes, and its archetypical body plan and slow rate of molecular evolution make it a key species for genomic exploration as a basal representative of the neopterygian fishes. To investigate the evolution and development of ray-finned fishes, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for bowfin that enables gene-order analyses which settle its long-debated, phylogenetic relationship with gars. We analyze the genomic underpinnings of the bowfin’s unique combination of derived and ancestral phenotypes involving the immune system as well as scale, respiratory organ, and skeletal development. By detailing chromatin accessibility and gene expression through bowfin development, we connect developmental gene regulatory loci across vertebrates. We illustrate the utility of these genomic resources to connect developmental evolution across bony fishes, showing the importance of bowfin in understanding vertebrate biology and diversity.
Regulating Health Professional Scopes of Practice:&nbsp;Comparing Institutional Arrangements &amp; Approaches in the US, Canada, Australia &amp; the UK
Authors: Leslie Kathleen , Moore Jean , Robertson Chris , Bilton Douglas , Hirschkorn Kristine , Langelier Margaret H , Bourgeault Ivy Lynn 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFundamentally, the goal of health professional regulatory regimes is to ensure the highest quality of care to the public. Part of that task is to control what health professionals do, or their scope of practice. Ideally, this involves the application of evidence-based professional standards of practice to the tasks for which health professional have received training. There are different jurisdictional approaches to achieving these goals. MethodsUsing a comparative case study approach and similar systems policy analysis design, we present and discuss four different regulatory approaches from the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. For each case, we highlight the jurisdictional differences in how these countries regulate health professional scopes of practice in the interest of the public. Our comparative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis is based on archival research carried out by the authors wherein we describe the evolution of the institutional arrangements for form of regulatory approach, with specific reference to scope of practice.Results/ConclusionsOur comparative examination finds that the different regulatory approaches in these countries have emerged in response to similar challenges. In some cases, ‘tasks’ or ‘activities’ are the basis of regulation, whereas in other contexts protected ‘titles’ are regulated, and in some cases both. We discuss the implications for how these different approaches achieve positive outcomes for the public but also for health professionals and the system more broadly in terms of workforce optimization.
Sequential Motor Learning Transfers from Real to Virtual Environment
Authors: Takeo Yuhi , Hara Masayuki , Shirakawa Yuna , Ikeda Takashi , Sugata Hisato 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Skill acquisition of motor learning between virtual environments (VEs) and real environments (REs) may be related. Although studies have previously examined the transfer of motor learning in VEs and REs through the same tasks, only a small number of studies have focused on studying the transfer of motor learning in VEs and REs by using different tasks. Thus, detailed effects of the transfer of motor skills between VEs and REs remain controversial. Here, we investigated the transfer of sequential motor learning between VEs and REs conditions.Methods:Twenty-seven healthy volunteers performed two types of sequential motor learning tasks; a visually cued button press task in RE (RE task) and a virtual reaching task in VE (VE task). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups in the task order; the first group was RE task followed by VE task and the second group was VE task followed by RE task. Subsequently, the response time in RE task and VE task was compared between the two groups respectively.Results:The results revealed that sequential motor learning was transferred when motor learning in VEs was performed after motor learning in REs, but not when motor learning in REs was performed after motor learning in VEs.Conclusions:These findings suggested that sequential motor learning in VEs can be facilitated by motor learning task consisting of the same sequence in REs even when different task is applied. These results may derive from the fact that motor learning in REs is more implicit than that in VEs.
Perioperative FLOT Chemotherapy Plus Surgery for Oligometastatic Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma: Surgical Outcome and Overall Survival
Authors: Runkel Mira , Verst Rasmus , Spiegelberg Julia , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Hoeppner Jens , Glatz Torben 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Guidelines do not recommend surgery for patients with oligometastatic disease from esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGAC), although some studies suggest a more favourable survival. We analyzed the outcome of oligometastatic EGAC receiving FLOT chemotherapy followed by surgery. Methods:The data of patients with either pre-therapeutic, post-neoadjuvant or intraoperative clinical diagnosis of oligometastatic EGAC were extracted from a prospective database of the 2009-2018 treatment period. 48 consecutive patients were identified with oligometastatic disease, who underwent perioperative chemotherapy plus surgery. We retrospectively analyzed surgical outcome and overall survival. Results:The overall 5-year survival was 18 %. 12 patients with pre-therapeutic oligometastatic EGAC, who had no histologic vital tumor evidence of metastases after surgery had a survival rate of 48 % compared to an 11 % 5-year survival rate of 36 patients, who had histologic vital tumor metastatic evidence after FLOT chemotherapy and surgical resection (p=0.012). The survival rates after R0, R1 and R2 (non-resected metastases) resection were 21 % (n=33), 0 % (n=4) and 17 % (n=11), respectively (p=0.273).Conclusion:Oligometastatic EGAC is associated with poor overall survival even after complete resection of all tumor manifestations. The subgroup of patients with a complete pathohistologic response of metastatic lesions to neoadjuvant FLOT shows 5-year survival rates similar to non-metastatic EGAC. Trial registration: Not applicable
Macrophage activation in obese type 2 diabetes: an enhanced risk for COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Authors: Moin Abu , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Diboun Ilhame , Atkin Stephen , Butler Alexandra 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective Hyperactivation of the immune system through obesity and diabetes may enhance infection severity complicated by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the hallmark of severe COVID-19 disease. Objectives: to determine the circulatory biomarkers for macrophage activation at baseline and after serum glucose normalization in obese type 2 diabetes (OT2D) subjects.Methods A case-controlled interventional pilot study in OT2D (n=23) and control subjects (n=23). Subjects underwent hyperinsulinemic clamp normalizing serum glucose. Plasma macrophage-related proteins were determined using Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement at baseline (control and OT2D subjects) and after 1-hour of insulin clamp (OT2D subjects only).Results. Basal M1 macrophage activation was characterized by elevated levels of M1 macrophage-specific surface proteins, CD80 and CD38, and cytokines or chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL5, RANTES) released by activated M1 macrophages. Two potent M1 macrophage activation markers CXCL9 and CXCL10 were decreased in OT2D. Activated M2 macrophages were characterized by elevated levels of plasma CD163, TFGβ-1, MMP7 and MMP9 in OT2D. Conventional mediators of both M1 and M2 macrophage activation markers (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13) were not altered. No changes were observed in plasma levels of M1/M2 macrophage activation markers in OT2D in response to acute normalization of glycemia.Conclusion In the basal state, macrophage activation markers are elevated, and these reflect the expression of circulatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, that were not changed by glucose normalisation. These differences may predispose the diabetic individuals to ARDS reflecting in increased COVID-19 disease severity.
Functional Melanocytes Obtained From Rabbit Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath
Authors: Li Hanluo , Baumbach Christina-Marie , Schneider Marie , Schwalenberg Katrin , Kottek Tina , Bartella Alexander , Simon Jan-Christoph , Savkovic Vuk , Lethaus Bernd 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMelanocytes have been cultivated from the outer root sheath of hair follicles for two decades. So far, these isolation and culturing procedures have been carried out from human and mouse follicles. In this study, we have translated the established procedure for obtaining melanocytes from stem cells and precursors of human hair follicle to a rabbit species in order to isolate and cultivate rabbit melanocytes from whisker follicle outer root sheath (ORS), hereby named rMORS, and compare them to rabbit epidermal rabbit melanocytes (rEMs).ResultsThe rMORS were isolated and cultured by extracting whisker follicles from enzymatically digested skin and submitting them to the air-liquid interface hypoxic conditions. The cells were allowed to migrate from the follicle ORS onto the nylon mesh of Transwell inserts, collected and subcultured in melanocyte culture medium for 11 passages. From early passages on, the rMORS cells displayed typical melanocyte characteristics comparable to those of rEM used as experimental control. Melanocyte features were assessed on morphological level by the means of microscopy, functional and gene expression level. Functionality was qualitatively assessed by the Von Kossa and Nile Blue staining of melanin and by biochemically quantifying melanin content and Tyrosinase activity. Gene expression of neuroectodermal and melanocytic lineage markers NES, PAX3, MITF, TYR, CKIT and PMEL was determined by the means of qRT-PCR. ConclusionsWe concluded that the method of isolating and culturing rMORS efficiently and reproducibly corresponded to the prior art method established in human follicle, yielding melanocytes comparable to the rabbit epidermal melanocytes in all assessed features. This method is not crucial in terms of regenerative therapy, it rather paves way for a non-invasive ex vivo sampling of hair and it may give way to deeper insights into rabbit follicle biology or to postulating useful species-specific in vivo experimental models.
The Effect of Pre-analytical Handling on the Stability of Fractalkine, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1), Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 8 in Samples of Human Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Mortensen Winnie Charlotte , Bendix Laila , Jensen Hanne Irene , Varnum Claus , Rasmussen Lasse Enkebølle , Lauridsen Joergen , Borbye-Lorenzen Nis , Skogstrand Kristin , Toft Palle , Vaegter Henrik Bjarke , Blichfeldt-Eckhardt Morten Rune 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCytokine networks in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are important to our understanding of several neuroinflammatory diseases. Knowledge about optimal handling of samples is limited but important to minimize bias and reduce costs in CSF biomarker studies. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of storage temperature and time delay from CSF sample collection until freezing on the concentration levels of 11 different cytokines thought to be associated with chronic pain.MethodsCSF samples from 21 individuals undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were divided between two tubes. One tube was stored and centrifuged (within 30 minutes) at room temperature, and one tube was stored in ice water and centrifuged (within 30 minutes) at 4˚C. Each tube was split into six vials that were frozen at -80 ˚C, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours after collection. Cytokines were analyzed using a multiplex panel. A random effect panel data regression was conducted for each biomarker including the variables of storage temperature until freezing and time delay. ResultsFour cytokines had detectable levels: Fractalkine, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1), interleukine 6 (IL-6), and interleukine 8 (IL-8). There was no significant effect of storage temperature and time delay on MCP-1, IL-6, or IL-8 levels. Fractalkine levels showed no clear trend. No concentration differences were observed between samples kept in ice water and those at room temperature except at the 3-hour time point, and there was no overall significant effect of time delay on fractalkine concentration.ConclusionsWe found no clear effect of storage temperature and time delay up to five hours from sample collection until freezing on the CSF concentrations of fractalkine, MCP-1, IL-6, or IL-8.Trial registrationNot applicable as the study was not an intervention study.
Roles of GABA Signaling in Directing Basket Cell Axonal Projections Toward Purkinje Cells in the Cerebellum
Authors: Miwa Hideki , Kobayashi Ken , Hirai Shinobu , Yamada Mitsuhiko , Watanabe Masahiko , Okado Haruo , Yanagawa Yuchio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, synthesized by two isoforms of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD): GAD65 and GAD67. GABA may act as a trophic factor during brain development, but its contribution to the development and maturation of cerebellar neural circuits is not known. To understand the roles of GABA in cerebellar development and associated functions in motor coordination and balance, we examined GAD65 conventional knock out (KO) mice and mice in which GAD67 was eliminated in parvalbumin-expressing neurons ( PV-Cre ; GAD67 flox/flox mice). We found aberrant subcellular localization of the Shaker-type K channel Kv1.1 in basket cell collaterals of PV-Cre ; GAD67 flox/flox mice and abnormal projections from basket cells to Purkinje cells in both mouse strains. Furthermore, PV-Cre ; GAD67 flox/flox mice exhibited abnormal motor coordination in the rotarod test. These results indicate that GABA signaling in the cerebellum during development is critical for establishing appropriate connections between basket cells and Purkinje cells and is associated with motor coordination in mice.
Age at Menarche, Age at Natural Menopause and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis – A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Niu Zheng , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Padyukov Leonid , Jiang Xia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Hormonal reproductive factors have been suggested to play an important role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting primarily women. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study examining three relevant exposures, age at menarche (AAM), age at natural menopause (ANM) and age at first birth (AFB), with the risk of RA.Methods We collected summary statistics from the hitherto largest GWAS conducted in AAM (N=329,345), ANM (N=69,360), AFB (N=251,151) and RA (Ncase=14,361 and Ncontrol=43,923), all of European ancestry. We constructed strong instruments using hundreds of exposure-associated genetic variants and estimated causal relationship through different MR approaches including an inverse-variance weighted method, an MR-Egger regression and a weighted-median method. We conducted a multivariable MR to control for pleiotropic effect acting in particular through obesity and socioeconomic status. We also performed important sensitivity analyses to verify model assumptions.Results We did not find any evidence in support for a causal association between genetically predicted reproductive factors and risk of RA (ORAAM=1.06 [0.98-1.15], ORANM=1.05 [0.98-1.11], ORAFB=0.85 [0.65-1.10]). Results remained consistent after removing palindromic SNPs (ORAAM=1.06 [0.97-1.15], ORANM=1.05 [0.98-1.13], ORAFB=0.81 [0.61-1.07]) or excluding SNPs associated with potential confounding traits (ORAAM=1.03 [0.94-1.12], ORANM=1.04 [0.95-1.14]). No outlying instrument was identified through the leave-one-out analysis.Conclusions Our MR study does not convincingly support a casual effect of reproductive factors, as reflected by age at menarche, age at menopause and age at first birth, on the development of RA. Despite the largely augmented set of instruments we used, these instruments only explained a modest proportion of phenotypic variance of exposures. Our knowledge regarding this topic is still insufficient and future studies with larger sample size should be designed to replicate or dispute our findings.
Systemic Proteomic Analysis Reveals Distinct Exosomal Proteins Profiles in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Qin Qiu , SONG Ronghua , DU Peng , GAO Chaoqun , YAO Qiuming , ZHANG Jinan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous and complex disease characterized by autoantibodies production and inflammation of the synovium. Its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In recent years, exosomes have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers in diverse diseases. Due to its various inflammatory and immunological functions, some studies highlighted abnormalities of exosomes in RA, but fewer have paid attention to the broad spectrum of potential systemic markers of RA. The aim of this study was to identify exosomal candidate proteins in the pathogenesis of RA using systemic proteomic method. MethodsTotally 12 specimens of plasma from 6 RA patients and 6 age-and gender-matched controls from the Chinese population were obtained for nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in exosomes. Gene ontology (GO), protein interaction network (PPI) and KEGG pathway analyses were used in subcellular localization analysis. ResultsA total of 278 exosomal proteins were detected. Among them, 32 proteins were significantly upregulated (FC≥2.0 and P<0.05) and 5 proteins were downregulated (FC≤0.5 and P<0.05). Most of these DEPs were immunoglobullins (Igs). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these Igs are involved in inflammatory response of RA through diverse immune regulatory pathways, such as NF-kappa B signaling pathway. PPI analysis revealed that transthyretin (TTR, P02766), angiotensinogen (AGT, P01019), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP, P18428), monocyte differentiation antigen CD14 (CD14, P08571), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP, P49747), serum amyloid P (SAP/APCS, P02743) and tenascin (TNC, P24821) can interact with each other or may form a regulatory networks. Subsequently, these cross-linked proteins may mainly involve in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway or inflammatory-related pathways to mediate the onset of RA. Noteworthy, among these exosomal DEPs, the complex composed of LBP and CD14 is involved in NF-kappa B signaling pathway, resulting in promoted expression of IL-8, TNF-α, and eventually leading to the development of RA.ConclusionsOur findings suggest distinct plasmic exosomal protein profiles in RA patients. These proteins not only take important parts in the vicious circle in the pathogenic process of RA, but also serve as novel biomarkers in RA diagnosis and prognosis.