bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NaCl-altered oxygen flux profiles and H+-ATPase activity in roots of two contrasting poplar species
Authors: Ma Xiuying , Li Jinke , Deng Chen , Sun Jian , Liu Jian , Li Niya , Lu Yanjun , Wang Ruigang , Zhao Rui , Zhou Xiaoyang , Lu Cunfu , Chen Shaoliang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMaintaining mitochondrial respiration is crucial for proving ATP for H+ pumps to continuously exclude Na+ under salt stress. NaCl-altered O2 uptake, mitochondrial respiration and the relevance to H+-ATPase activity were investigated in two contrasting poplar species, Populus euphratica (salt-tolerant) and Populus popularis 35-44 (salt-sensitive). Compared with P. popularis, P. euphratica roots exhibited a greater capacity to extrude Na+ under NaCl stress (150 mM). The cytochemical analysis with Pb(NO3)2 staining revealed that P. euphratica root cells retained higher H+ hydrolysis activity than the salt-sensitive poplar during a long term (LT) of increasing salt stress (50–200 mM NaCl, 4 weeks). Long-sustained activation of proton pumps requires long-lasting supply of energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP), which is delivered by aerobic respiration. Taking advantage of the vibrating-electrodes technology combined with the use of membrane-tipped, polarographic oxygen microelectrodes, the species, spatial and temporal differences in root O2 uptake were characterized under conditions of salt stress. Oxygen uptake upon NaCl shock (150 mM) was less declined in P. euphratica than in P. popularis, although the salt-induced transient kinetics were distinct from the drastic drop of O2 caused by hyperosmotic shock (255 mM mannitol). Short-term (ST) treatment (150 mM NaCl, 24 h) stimulated O2 influx in P. euphratica roots, and LT-treated P. euphratica displayed an increased O2 influx along the root axis, whereas O2 influx declined with increasing salinity in P. popularis roots. The spatial localization of O2 influxes revealed that the apical zone was more susceptible than the elongation region upon high NaCl (150, 200 mM) during ST and LT stress. Pharmacological experiments showed that the Na+ extrusion and H+-ATPase activity in salinized roots were correspondingly suppressed when O2 uptake was inhibited by a mitochondrial respiration inhibitor, NaN3. Therefore, we conclude that the stable mitochondrial respiration energized H+-ATPase of P. euphratica root cells for maintaining Na+ homeostasis under salt environments.
Prevalence of Linguatula sp., a food-borne zoonotic aberrant arthropod, in river buffaloes slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, Iran
Authors: Hajipour Nasser , Ketzis Jennifer , Hassanzadeh Parviz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Canids and herbivores are the definitive and intermediate hosts of Linguatula sp., respectively.

Methods
Mesenteric lymph nodes (n=32 525) were randomly collected from 7585 buffaloes from July 2016 to July 2019 and examined macroscopically.

Results
Results showed that 388 (5.11%) buffaloes were infected. The intensity of infection was determined to be 3.07±0.07. Significant statistical association was identified between infection rate and age and sex. Although there were no significant differences in the infection rate over different seasons, the highest infection rate was observed in autumn.

Conclusions
These data highlight the importance of inspection at slaughter.
Affecting Length of Stay in Well-appearing Febrile Infants
Authors: Mier Madeline , Antoon James W. , Sefcovic Sarah , Awatramani Seema , Kreppel Andrew , Smith Sara Boblick 
Published: October 2020

Introduction:
The management of infants under 2 months of age presenting with fever has perplexed pediatricians for decades. The University of Illinois at Chicago was selected as one of the primary sites for the REVISE (Reducing Variation in Infant Sepsis Evaluations) study through the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our primary objective was to decrease the length of stay (LOS) for well-appearing febrile infants by 20% over 8 months from December 2016 to August 2017.

Methods:
We introduced the use of a decision support smartphone application to providers caring for febrile infants. Monthly retrospective chart review of patients 7–59 days old with fever seen in the emergency department or the inpatient setting was performed from September 2015 to August 2016 for baseline data, from December 2016 to August 2017 for intervention data, and from September 2017 to December 2018 for surveillance data.

Results:
A total of 1013 patients of ages 7–59 days seen in the emergency department or inpatient unit between September 2015 to December 2018 were screened for study inclusion. Forty-one febrile, well-appearing infants of ages 7–59 days met inclusion criteria. During the baseline period, there was a mean LOS of 48 hours. Intervention and surveillance data did not change the mean from baseline.

Conclusions:
Infants with a negative diagnostic evaluation for urinary tract infection, bacteremia, or meningitis drove our LOS. Further study is needed to affect the LOS in febrile infants with diagnoses of urinary tract infection, bacteremia, or meningitis.
Microbotulinum: A Quantitative Evaluation of Aesthetic Skin Improvement in 62 Patients
Authors: Diaspro Alberto , Calvisi Lucia , Manzoni Veronica , Sito Giuseppe 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Microbotulinum refers to the systematic injection of tiny blebs of diluted botulinum toxin at repeated intervals into the skin. This targets the superficial fibers of the facial muscles, and weakens their insertion into the undersurface of the skin, which is responsible for the fine lines and wrinkles on the face. The authors present a pilot study based on quantitative evaluation, by means of a skin-scanning technology, of the aesthetic improvement of skin texture, microroughness, and enlarged pore size in a patient group treated with microbotulinum injections for cosmetic purposes.

Methods:
The treatment was performed using a 32-gauge needle to deliver injections on a regular 1-cm grid from the forehead to the cheek and down to the jawline.

Results:
Sixty of the 62 patients completed the study. All analyzed parameters improved significantly (p < 0.0001) at 90 days with respect to the pretreatment time point (skin texture, −1.93 ± 0.51; microroughness, −2.48 ± 0.79; and pore diameter, 2.1 ± 0.43). Best results have been obtained in patients aged between 42.7 and 46.8 years, and standard deviation calculation allows us to recommend it in patients aged between 36.5 and 53 years.

Conclusions:
The results of this pilot study suggest that intradermal botulinum toxin injection, or so-called microbotulinum, is a safe and effective method to treat skin flaws. Because of the high satisfaction rate among both physicians and patients, further studies are indeed mandatory to determine the optimal number of units needed for a longer and lasting effect with this particular novel dilution.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
Aesthetic Augmentation Phalloplasty: A Systematic Review of Techniques and Outcomes
Authors: Vyas Krishna S. , Abu-Ghname Amjed , Banuelos Joseph , Morrison Shane D. , Manrique Oscar 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Aesthetic augmentation phalloplasty is a set of procedures aimed at increasing penile length and/or girth; many of these procedures are investigational. This systematic review set out to summarize available literature on these procedures in patients with normal penile anatomy.

Methods:
A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Databases were used to identify articles on aesthetic augmentation phalloplasty in cis-gender men without penile deformity from 1990 to 2018. Data on outcomes, complications, and patient-reported satisfaction were collected.

Results:
Sixteen articles, involving 1192 patients, met our inclusion criteria. Mean age ranged from 23 to 44 years, and follow-up time ranged from 6 to 48 months. The quality of the studies was poor regarding methodology for patient selection and outcomes reporting. Surgical interventions included suspensory ligament incision, grafting, flaps, and penile disassembly. Augmentation was performed for length only in 16 percent of patients, girth only in 70.6 percent, and combined in 13.4 percent. Length gain ranged from 8 to 83 percent in the flaccid state and 12 to 53 percent in the erect state. Girth gain ranged from 16 to 56 percent in the flaccid state and 19 to 30 percent in the erect state. The pooled complication rate was 14.6 percent, with those undergoing combined augmentation having the highest complication rate. Patients were generally satisfied; reported satisfaction rates ranged from 50 to 100 percent.

Conclusions:
Enhancement procedures are controversial and investigational. Data point to inconsistent methodology when reporting penile dimensions, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Despite the reportedly high satisfaction rates, patients should be counseled regarding high complication rates. Best-practice guidelines will be critical to achieve safe and reliable outcomes.
Facial Shape, Size, and Gender
Authors: Lambros Val , Amos Gideon 
Published: October 2020

Summary:
Traditional ways of visualizing the differences between male and female faces are often based on single-subject exemplars or artist depictions of hypermasculine and hyperfeminine faces. By equalizing the sizes of male and female facial averages, the authors analyzed the influences of intrinsic shape and size on the architecture of the face.
The impact of COVID-19 on Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) of an Italian Province: a cohort study and a retrospective analysis of observed vs. expected mortality
Authors: Tramarin Andrea , Gennaro Nicola , Dal Grande Giancarlo , Bragagnolo Luciana , Carta Maria Rosa , Giavarina Davide , Pascarella Michela , Rassu Mario , Matteazzi Antonio , Stopazzolo Giampaolo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn Italy, as in other countries, Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) have seen a disproportionally high number of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Veneto region was one of the first areas of the country where the virus spread rapidly particularly in the LTCFs. As it became evident that LTCs were the epicenter of the pandemic, health authorities of the Vicenza province adopted a plan, which included an epidemiological investigation in a case study facility (CSF) and a retrospective analysis to estimate the impact of COVID-19 in terms of mortality. Combining retrospective data and a prospective cohort study in the CSF we provided a tentative estimate of the impact of COVID-19 on LTCFs. We found an age-gradient in all variables explored. An observed mortality higher 60% than 2019 was found in those LTCF reporting COVID-19 cases. Our findings suggest the need to adopt and maintain strict mitigation measures in LTCFs in the future dynamics of the epidemic.
Viral dynamics of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Kissler Stephen M. , Fauver Joseph R. , Mack Christina , Olesen Scott W. , Tai Caroline , Shiue Kristin Y. , Kalinich Chaney C. , Jednak Sarah , Ott Isabel M. , Vogels Chantal B.F. , Wohlgemuth Jay , Weisberger James , DiFiori John , Anderson Deverick J. , Mancell Jimmie , Ho David D. , Grubaugh Nathan D. , Grad Yonatan H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infections are characterized by viral proliferation and clearance phases and can be followed by low-level persistent viral RNA shedding. The dynamics of viral RNA concentration, particularly in the early stages of infection, can inform clinical measures and interventions such as test-based screening.MethodsWe used prospective longitudinal RT-qPCR testing to measure the viral RNA trajectories for 68 individuals during the resumption of the 2019-20 National Basketball Association season. For 46 individuals with acute infections, we inferred the peak viral concentration and the duration of the viral proliferation and clearance phases.FindingsAccording to our mathematical model, we found that viral RNA concentrations peaked an average of 3.3 days (95% credible interval [2.5, 4.2]) after first possible detectability at a cycle threshold value of 22.3 [20.5, 23.9]. The viral clearance phase lasted longer for symptomatic individuals (10.9 days [7.9, 14.4]) than for asymptomatic individuals (7.8 days [6.1, 9.7]). A second test within 2 days after an initial positive PCR substantially improves certainty about a patient’s infection phase. The effective sensitivity of a test intended to identify infectious individuals declines substantially with test turnaround time.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 viral concentrations peak rapidly regardless of symptoms. Sequential tests can help reveal a patient’s progress through infection stages. Frequent rapid-turnaround testing is needed to effectively screen individuals before they become infectious.
Early use of nitazoxanide in mild Covid-19 disease: randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rocco Patricia R. M. , Silva Pedro L. , Cruz Fernanda F. , Junior Marco Antonio C. M. , Tierno Paulo F. G. M. M. , Moura Marcos A. , De Oliveira Luís Frederico G. , Lima Cristiano C. , Dos Santos Ezequiel A. , Junior Walter F. , Fernandes Ana Paula S. M. , Franchini Kleber G. , Magri Erick , de Moraes Nara F. , Gonçalves José Mário J. , Carbonieri Melanie N. , Dos Santos Ivonise S. , Paes Natália F. , Maciel Paula V. M. , Rocha Raissa P. , de Carvalho Alex F. , Alves Pedro Augusto , Modena José Luiz P. , Cordeiro Artur T. , Trivella Daniela B. B. , Marques Rafael E. , Luiz Ronir R. , Pelosi Paolo , Lapa e Silva Jose Roberto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe antiparasitic drug nitazoxanide is widely available and exerts broad-spectrum antiviral activity in vitro. However, there is no evidence of its impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection.In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adult patients who presented up to 3 days after onset of Covid-19 symptoms (dry cough, fever, and/or fatigue) were enrolled. After confirmation of SARS-CoV2 infection by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either nitazoxanide (500 mg) or placebo, TID, for 5 days. The primary outcome was complete resolution of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were viral load, general laboratory tests, serum biomarkers of inflammation, and hospitalization rate. Adverse events were also assessed.From June 8 to August 20, 2020, 1,575 patients were screened. Of these, 392 (198 placebo, 194 nitazoxanide) were analyzed. Median time from symptom onset to first dose of study drug was 5 (4-5) days. At the 5-day study visit, symptom resolution did not differ between the nitazoxanide and placebo arms. However, at the 1-week follow-up, 78% in the nitazoxanide arm and 57% in the placebo arm reported complete resolution of symptoms (p=0.048). Swabs collected were negative for SARS-CoV-2 in 29.9% of patients in the nitazoxanide arm versus 18.2% in the placebo arm (p=0.009). Viral load was also reduced after nitazoxanide compared to placebo (p=0.006). No serious adverse events were observed.In patients with mild Covid-19, symptom resolution did not differ between the nitazoxanide and placebo groups after 5 days of therapy. However, early nitazoxanide therapy was safe and reduced viral load significantly.Take home messageThis was the first study to evaluate the effect of early nitazoxanide therapy in mild Covid-19. Nitazoxanide did not accelerate symptom resolution after 5 days of therapy; however, reduced viral load significantly with no serious adverse events.
Age, wound size and position of injury – dependent vascular regeneration assay in growing leaves
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dhanya , Shanmukhan Anju Pallipurath , Kareem Abdul , Mathew Mabel Maria , Varaparambathu Vijina , Aiyaz Mohammed , Radha Raji Krishna , Mekala Krishnaprashanth Ramesh , Shaji Anil , Prasad Kalika 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundRecurring damage to aerial organs of plants necessitates their prompt repair, particularly their vasculature. While vascular regeneration assay in aerial plant parts such as stem and inflorescence stalk are well established, those on leaf vasculature remained unexplored. Recently we established a new vascular regeneration assay in growing leaf and discovered the underlying molecular mechanism.ResultsHere we describe the detailed stepwise method of incision and the regeneration assay used for studying the leaf vascular regeneration. By using a combination of micro-surgical perturbations, brightfield microscopy and other experimental approaches, our new findings show that the regeneration efficiency decreases with aging of the leaf, and increases with the nearness of the wound towards the proximal end of the leaf.ConclusionThis easy-to-master vascular regeneration assay is an efficient and rapid method to study the mechanism of vascular regeneration in growing leaves. It can be readily adapted for other plant species and can be combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques.
TruSight Oncology 500: Enabling Comprehensive Genomic Profiling and Biomarker Reporting with Targeted Sequencing
Authors: Zhao Chen , Jiang Tingting , Hyun Ju Jin , Zhang Shile , Tao Jenhan , Fu Yao , Lococo Jenn , Dockter Janel , Pawlowski Traci , Bilke Sven 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs knowledge of mechanisms that drive the development of cancer grows, there has been corresponding growth in therapies specific to a mechanism. While these therapies show improvements in patient outcomes, they can be expensive and are effective only for a subset of patients. These treatments drive interest in research focused on the assignment of cancer therapies based on aberrations in individual genes or biomarkers that assess the broader mutational landscape, including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB).MethodsHere we describe the TruSight™ Oncology 500 (TSO500; Research Use Only) bioinformatics workflow. This tumor-only approach leverages the next-generation sequencing-based assay TSO500 to enable high fidelity determination of DNA variants across 523 cancer-relevant genes, as well as MSI status and TMB in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.ResultsThe TSO500 bioinformatic workflow integrates unique molecular identifier (UMI)-based error correction and a dual approach variant filtering strategy that combines statistical modeling of error rates and database annotations to achieve detection of variants with allele frequency approaching 5% with 99.9998% per base specificity and 99% sensitivity in FFPE samples representing a variety of tumor types. TMB determined using the tumor-only workflow of TSO500 correlated well with tumor-normal (N =170, adjustedR2=0.9945) and whole-exome sequencing (N=108, adjustedR2=0.933). Similarly, MSI status determined by TSO500 showed agreement (N=106, 98% agreement) with a MSI-PCR assay.ConclusionTSO500 is an accurate tumor-only workflow that enables researchers to systematically characterize tumors and identify the next generation of clinical biomarkers.
Evaluation of gene knock-outs by CRISPR as potential targets for the genetic engineering of the mosquitoCulex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Feng Xuechun , Kambic Lukas , Nishimoto Jared H.K. , Reed Floyd A. , Denton Jai A. , Sutton Jolene T. , Gantz Valentino M. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes are a globally widespread vector of several human and animal pathogens. Their biology and behavior allow them to thrive in proximity to urban areas, rendering them a constant public health threat. Their mixed bird/mammal feeding behavior further offers a vehicle for zoonotic pathogens transmission to people, and separately, poses a threat to the conservation of insular birds. The advent of CRISPR has led to the development of novel technologies for the genetic engineering of wild mosquito populations, yet research inCulex quinquefasciatushas been lagging compared to other disease vectors. Here we use this tool to disrupt a set of five pigmentation genes inCulex quinquefasciatusthat, when altered, lead to visible, homozygous-viable phenotypes. We further validate this approach in separate laboratories and in two distinct strains ofCulex quinquefasciatusthat are relevant to potential future public health and bird conservation applications. We generate a double-mutant line, demonstrating the possibility of sequentially combining multiple such mutations in a single individual. Lastly, we target two loci,doublesexin the sex-determination pathway andproboscipediaa hox gene, demonstrating the flexibility of these methods applied to novel targets. Our work provides a platform of seven validated loci that could be used for targeted mutagenesis inCulex quinquefasciatusand the future development of genetic suppression strategies for this species. Furthermore, the mutant lines generated here could have widespread utility to the research community using this model organism, as they could be used as targets for transgene delivery, where a copy of the disrupted gene could be included as an easily-scored transgenesis marker.
Precursor processing by SBT3.8 and phytosulfokine signaling contribute to drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Stührwohldt Nils , Bühler Eric , Sauter Margret , Schaller Andreas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIncreasing drought stress poses a severe threat to agricultural productivity. Plants, however, evolved numerous mechanisms to cope with such environmental stress. Here we report that the stress-induced production of a peptide signal contributes to stress tolerance. The expression of phytosulfokine (PSK) peptide precursor genes, and transcripts of three subtilisin-like serine proteases, SBT1.4, SBT3.7 and SBT3.8 were found to be up-regulated in response to osmotic stress. Stress symptoms were enhanced insbt3.8loss-of-function mutants and could be alleviated by PSK treatment. Osmotic stress tolerance was improved in plants overexpression the precursor of PSK1 (proPSK1) orSBT3.8resulting in higher fresh weight and improved lateral root development in the transgenic compared to wild-type plants. We further showed that SBT3.8 is involved in the biogenesis of the bioactive PSK peptide. ProPSK1 was cleaved by SBT3.8 at the C-terminus of the PSK pentapeptide. Processing by SBT3.8 depended on the aspartic acid residue adjacent to the cleavage site. ProPSK1 processing was impaired in thesbt3.8mutant. The data suggest that increased expression in response to osmotic stress followed by the post-translational processing of proPSK1 by SBT3.8 leads to the production of PSK as a peptide signal for stress mitigation.HighlightThe expression of phytosulfokine precursor genes and processing by the subtilase SBT3.8 are upregulated in response to osmotic stress for improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis.