bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue-Specific Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Lignocellulose Synthesis Regulation in Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.)
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Shengkui , Lu Xianqin , Li Can , Liu Xingwang , Dong Geyu , Xia Tao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The characteristics of elephant grass, especially its stem lignocellulose, are of great significance for its quality as feed or other industrial raw materials. However, the research on lignocellulose biosynthesis pathway and key genes is limited because the genome of elephant grass has not been deciphered.Results: In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with lignocellulose content analysis and cell wall morphology observation using elephant grass stems from different development stages as materials were applied to reveal the genes that regulate the synthesis of cellulose and lignin. A total of 3852 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three periods of T1, T2, and T3 through RNA-seq analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of all DEGs showed that the two most abundant metabolic pathways were phenylpropane metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, which were closely related to cell wall development, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose synthesis. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of DEGs, a ‘blue’ module highly associated with cellulose synthesis and a ‘turquoise’ module highly correlated with lignin synthesis were exhibited. A total of 43 candidate genes were screened, of which 17 had function annotations in other species. Besides, by analyzing the content of lignocellulose in the stem tissues of elephant grass at different developmental stages and the expression levels of genes such as CesA, PAL, CAD, C4H, COMT, CCoAMT, F5H and CCR, it was found that the content of lignocellulose was related to the expression level of these structural genes.Conclusions: This study provides a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellulose and lignin synthesis pathways of elephant grass, and offers a unique and extensive list of candidate genes for future specialized functional studies which may promote the development of high-quality elephant grass varieties with high cellulose and low lignin content.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-derived Phase Angle as a Determinant of Protein-energy Wasting and Frailty in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saitoh Masakazu , Ogawa Masumi , Kondo Hisae , Suga Kiichi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Itoh Haruki , Tabata Yoichiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Phase angle (PA), measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been studied as indicator of nutritional status or muscle function in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It remains unclear if the phase angle is associated protein-energy wasting (PEW) or frailty, which are common complication in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether BIA-derived PA is a marker of PEW or frailty in HD patients.Methods: This retrospective observational study included 116 adult HD patients (35% female, 64 ± 12 years of age) in a single dialysis center. Patients were classified according to the PA quartiles into four groups; 1) first quartile: PA<3.7°, 2) second quartile: PA 3.7-4.1°, 3) third quartile: PA 4.2-4.9°and 4) forth quartile: PA ≥ 5.0°. International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria and Japanese version of Cardiovascular Health Study (J-CHS) criteria were used to identify PEW and frailty.Results: The lower PA group was associated with a greater risk of PEW (35% vs. 24% vs. 21% vs. 3%; p=0.032), frailty (59% vs. 40% vs. 21% vs. 3%; p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the first quartile group was at a significantly greater risk of both PEW and frailty compared with the fourth quartile group after adjusting for other confounding factors.Conclusions: Lower PA was associated with a greater risk of PEW and frailty in HD patients.
m5CPred-SVM: A Novel Method for Predicting m5C Sites of RNA
Authors: Chen Xiao , Xiong Yi , Liu Yinbo , Chen Yuqing , Bi Shoudong , Zhu Xiaolei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: As one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications (PTCM) in RNA, 5-cytosine-methylation plays important roles in many biological functions such as RNA metabolism and cell fate decision. Through accurate identification of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) sites on RNA, researchers can better understand the exact role of 5-cytosine-methylation in these biological functions. In recent years, computational methods of predicting m5C sites have attracted lots of interests because of its efficiency and low-cost. However, both the accuracy and efficiency of these methods are not satisfactory yet and need further improvement. Results: In this work, we have developed a new computational method, m5CPred-SVM, to identify m5C sites in three species, H. sapiens, M. musculus and A. thaliana. To build this model, we first collected benchmark datasets following three recently published methods. Then, six types of sequence-based features were generated based on RNA segments and the sequential forward feature selection strategy was used to obtain the optimal feature subset. After that, the performance of models based on different learning algorithms were compared, and the model based on the support vector machine provided the highest prediction accuracy. Finally, our proposed method, m5CPred-SVM was compared with several existing methods, and the result showed that m5CPred-SVM offered substantially higher prediction accuracy than previously published methods. It is expected that our method, m5CPred-SVM, can become a useful tool for accurate identification of m5C sites.Conclusion: In this study, by introducing position-specific propensity related features, we built a new model, m5CPred-SVM, to predict RNA m5C sites of three different species. The result shows that our model outperformed the existing state-of-art models. Our model is available for users through a web server at http://zhulab.ahu.edu.cn/m5CPred-SVM.
Nanopolystyrene translocation and fetal deposition after acute lung exposure during late-stage pregnancy
Authors: Fournier Sara B , D’Errico Jeanine N , Adler Derek S , Kollontzi Stamatina , Goedken Michael J , Fabris Laura , Yurkow Edward J , Stapleton Phoebe A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Plastic is everywhere. It is used in food packaging, storage containers, electronics, furniture, clothing, and common single-use disposable items. Microplastic and nanoplastic particulates are formed from bulk fragmentation and disintegration of plastic pollution. Plastic particulates have recently been detected in indoor air and remote atmospheric fallout. Due to their small size, microplastic and nanoplastic particulate in the atmosphere can be inhaled and may pose a risk for human health, specifically in susceptible populations. When inhaled, nanosized particles have been shown to translocate across pulmonary cell barriers to secondary organs, including the placenta. However, the potential for maternal-to-fetal translocation of nanosized-plastic particles and the impact of nanoplastic deposition or accumulation on fetal health remain unknown. In this study we investigated whether nanopolystyrene particles can cross the placental barrier and deposit in fetal tissues after maternal pulmonary exposure.Results: Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 20 nm rhodamine-labeled nanopolystyrene beads (2.64 x 1014 particles) via intratracheal instillation on gestational day (GD) 19. Twenty-four hours later on GD 20, maternal and fetal tissues were evaluated using fluorescent optical imaging. Fetal tissues were fixed for particle visualization with hyperspectral microscopy. Using isolated placental perfusion, a known concentration of nanopolystyrene was injected into the uterine artery. Maternal and fetal effluents were collected for 180 minutes and assessed for polystyrene particle concentration. Twenty-four hours after maternal exposure, fetal and placental weights were significantly lower (7% and 8%, respectively) compared with controls. Nanopolystyrene particles were detected in the maternal lung, heart, and spleen. Polystyrene nanoparticles were also observed in the placenta, fetal liver, lungs, heart, kidney, and brain suggesting maternal lung-to-fetal tissue nanoparticle translocation in late stage pregnancy.Conclusion: These studies confirm that maternal pulmonary exposure to nanopolystyrene results in the translocation of plastic particles to placental and fetal tissues and renders the fetoplacental unit vulnerable to adverse effects. These data are vital to the understanding of plastic particulate toxicology and the developmental origins of health and disease.
Medical status of patients presenting for treatment at an Australian dental institute: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Frydrych Agnieszka Monika , Parsons Richard , Kujan Omar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals seeking dental treatment often present with medical conditions which may affect dental treatment provision. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of medical conditions and medication use among individuals attending dental clinics at a Western Australian tertiary institution. Methods: This observational study examined the general demographics, medical and social histories of 873 subjects presenting for a general dental examination at a Western Australian Tertiary Institution between March 2018 and February 2019. Individual recruited were those presenting to the clinics either as new patients to the Centre or returning patients after an extended period of absence. Results: Presence of a medical condition was reported by 86% of the participants, with males more commonly affected (p=0.0448). Medication use was noted by 80% of the participants. Cardiovascular disease (37.9%), allergy (32.3%), mental health disorders (29.4%), musculoskeletal (23.0%), endocrine (22.4%) and respiratory disease (17.8%) were the most common conditions identified. Women were significantly more likely to report allergy (p=0.0002) or a mental health condition (p=0.0368). Conclusion: Medical comorbidities are common among individuals presenting for student dental treatment in Western Australia, highlighting the importance of knowledge and teaching of internal medicine and its application to the dental setting.
Novel oxygen saturation imaging endoscopy to assess anastomotic integrity in a porcine ischemia model
Authors: Hasegawa Hiro , Takeshita Nobuyoshi , Ito Masaaki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Establishing anastomotic integrity is crucial for avoiding anastomotic complications in colorectal surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of assessing anastomotic integrity using novel oxygen saturation imaging endoscopy in a porcine ischemia model.Methods: In three pigs, a new endoscope system was used to check the mechanical completeness of the anastomosis and capture the tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) images. This technology can derive the StO2 images from the differences in the absorption coefficient in the visible light region between oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin. Bowel perfusion at the proximal rectum was assessed before and after the anastomosis, and one minute and thirty minutes after the ligation of the cranial rectal artery (CRA).Results: The completeness of the anastomoses was confirmed by the absence of air leakage. Intraluminal oxygen saturation imaging was successfully performed in all animals. There was no significant difference in the StO2 level before and after the anastomosis (52.6 ± 2.0 vs. 52.0 ± 2.6; p = 0.76, respectively). The StO2 level of the intestine on the oral side of the anastomosis one minute after the CRA ligation was significantly lower than immediately after the anastomosis (15.9 ± 6.0 vs. 52.0 ± 2.6; p = 0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference in the StO2 level between one minute after and thirty minutes after the CRA ligation (15.9 ± 6.0 vs. 12.1 ± 5.3; p = 0.41, respectively).Conclusion: Novel oxygen saturation imaging endoscopy was safe and feasible to assess the anastomotic integrity in the experimental model.
Improvement of stem cell-derived exosome release efficiency by surface-modified nanoparticles
Authors: Park Dong Jun , Yun Wan Su , Kim Woo Cheol , Park Jeong-Eun , Lee Su Hoon , Ha Sunmok , Choi Jin Sil , Key Jaehong , Seo YoungJoon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stromal cells that release extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain various growth factors and antioxidants that can positively affect the surrounding cells. Nanoscale MSC-derived EVs, such as exosomes, have been developed as bio-stable nano-type materials. However, some issues, such as low yield and difficulty in quantification, limit their use. We hypothesized that enhancing exosome production using nanoparticles would stimulate the release of intracellular molecules. Results: The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of exosome generation by comparing the internalization of surface-modified, positively charged nanoparticles and exosome generation from MSCs. We determined that Rab7, a late endosome and auto-phagosome marker, was increased upon exosome expression and was associated with autophagosome formation. Conclusions: It was concluded that the nanoparticles we developed were transported to the lysosome by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. additionally, entered nanoparticles stimulated that autophagy related factors to release exosome from the MSC. MSC-derived exosomes using nanoparticles may increase exosome yield and enable the discovery of nanoparticle-induced genetic factors.
Clinical Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in a primary care practice in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Guisado-Clavero Marina , Gil Ana Herrero , Álvarez Marta Pérez , Jurado Marta Castelo , Marinas Ana Herrera , Ruiz Vanesa Aguilar , Iarrondo Ileana Gefaell , Menéndez Miguel , Ares-Blanco Sara 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Possible cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed in primary care in Madrid, some of these cases had pneumonia. Most of the SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia published data came from hospitalised patients. This study set out to describe clinical characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in primary care across age groups and type of pneumonia.Methods: Observational retrospective study obtaining clinical data from the electronic health records of patients who were followed-up by SARS-CoV-2 possible infection in a primary care practice in Madrid. All the cases were collected by in-person or remote consultation during the 10th March to the 7th of April. Exposure: Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia by chest X-ray ordered by the GP. Main outcomes and measures: Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, physical examination and diagnostic tests as a blood test, nasopharyngeal swab results for RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and chest X-ray results. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 pneumonias collected were 172 (female 87 [50.6%], mean age 60.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 17.0). Comorbidities were body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 (90 [52.3%]), hypertension 83 [48.3%]), dyslipidaemia (68 [39.5%]) and diabetes (33 [19.2%]). The sample was stratified by age groups (<50 years, 50-75 years and ≥75 years). Clinical manifestations at onset were fever (144 [83.7%]), cough (140 [81.4%]), dyspnoea (103 [59.9%]) and gastrointestinal disturbances (72 [41.9%]). Day 7.8 (SD:4.1) from clinical onset was the mean day of pneumonia diagnosis. Bilateral pneumonia was more prevalent than unilateral (126 [73.3%]) and 46 [26.7%]). Patients with unilateral pneumonia were prone to higher pulse oximetry (96% vs 94%, p <0.001). We found differences between unilateral and bilateral cases in C-reactive protein (29.6 vs 81.5mg/L, p <0.001), and lymphocytes (1400.0 vs 1000.0E3/ml, p<0.001). Complications were registered: 42 (100%) of patients ≥75 years were admitted into hospital; pulmonary embolism was only present at bilateral pneumonia (7 patients [5.6%]) and death occurred in 1 patient with unilateral pneumonia (2.2%) vs 10 patients (7.9%) with bilateral pneumonia ( p 0.170).Conclusion: Clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were fever, cough and dyspnoea; this was especially clear in the elderly. We described different characteristics between unilateral and bilateral pneumonia.
Characteristics and outcomes of frail patients with suspected infection in intensive care units: a descriptive analysis from a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Komori Akira , Abe Toshikazu , Yamakawa Kazuma , Ogura Hiroshi , Kushimoto Shigeki , Saitoh Daizoh , Fujishima Seitaro , Otomo Yasuhiro , Kotani Joji , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Sasaki Junichi , Shiino Yasukazu , Takeyama Naoshi , Tarui Takehiko , Tsuruta Ryosuke , Nakada Taka-aki , Hifumi Toru , Iriyama Hiroki , Naito Toshio , Gando Satoshi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Frailty is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). However, the characteristics of frail patients with suspected infection remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of frail patients with suspected infection in ICUs. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study, including 22 ICUs in Japan. Adult patients (aged ≥16 years) with newly suspected infection from December 2017 to May 2018 were included. We compared baseline patient characteristics and outcomes among three frailty groups based on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score: fit (score, 1–3), vulnerable (score, 4), and frail (score, 5–9). We conducted subgroup analysis of patients with sepsis defined as per Sepsis-3 criteria. We also produced Kaplan–Meier survival curves for 90-day survival.Results: We enrolled 650 patients with suspected infection, including 599 (92.2%) patients with sepsis. Patients with a median CFS score of 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 3–5) were included: 337 (51.8%) were fit, 109 (16.8%) were vulnerable, and 204 (31.4%) were frail. The median patient age was 72 years (IQR 60−81). The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores for fit, vulnerable, and frail patients were 7 (IQR 4–10), 8 (IQR 5–11), and 7 (IQR 5–10), respectively (p = 0.59). The median body temperatures of fit, vulnerable, and frail patients were 37.5°C (IQR 36.5°C–38.5°C), 37.5°C (IQR 36.4°C–38.6°C), and 37.0°C (IQR 36.3°C–38.1°C), respectively (p < 0.01). The median C-reactive protein levels of fit, vulnerable, and frail patients were 13.6 (IQR 4.6–24.5), 12.1 (IQR 3.9–24.9), 10.5 (IQR 3.0–21.0) mg/dL, respectively (p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality did not statistically differ among the patients according to frailty (p = 0.19). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed little difference in the mortality rate during short-term. However, more vulnerable and frail patients died after 30-day than fit patients; this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Compared with the fit and vulnerable groups, the rate of home discharge was lower in the frail group.Conclusion: Frail and vulnerable patients with suspected infection tend to have poor disease outcomes. However, they did not have a statistically significant increased 90-day mortality risk.
MassARRAY multigene screening combined with LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection for more favorable outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy
Authors: Tian Yong , Wang Junhong , Liu Yanxiao , Luo Xiangguang , Yao Ziying , Xu Cheng , Zhao Xiaoyu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To determine the clinical value of multigene polymorphisms, LDL-C and sdLDL-C on T2DM therapy.Methods: In total, 352 T2DM patients before and after treatment and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected in 352 T2DM patients and 48 healthy individuals by Quantimetrix Lipoprint System. The 11 gene polymorphisms—HTR3B (rs2276307, A>G), APOE (rs7412, c.526C>T), APOE (rs429358, c.388T>C), CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910, c.1075A>C), KIF6 (rs20455, c.2155T>C), HMGCR (rs17238540, T>G), HMGCR (rs17244841, A>T), ABCB1 (rs2032582, c.2677G > T/A), HTR7 (rs1935349, C>T), SLCO1B1 (rs4149056, c.521T>C), and CETP (rs708272, G>A)—were screened in these 352 T2DM patients by the Agena Bioscience MassARRAY system before therapy.Results: Genetic polymorphisms associated with T2DM and statin effects in pretreatment patients were detected, then results showed that all 11 genes had heterozygous mutation, and 7 genes had homozygous mutation in 352 T2DM patients, more specifically reflected that these gene polymorphisms were common in Chinese T2DM patients. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected before and after treatment, sdLDL mainly existed in T2DM patients, and T2DM patients had higher mean levels of sdLDL-C than healthy people. After pharmacotherapy, the coincidence rates of decreases in LDL-C and sdLDL-C levels were 88.35% (311/352) and 84.09% (296/352), consistent with patients in remission.Conclusions: Gene polymorphisms related to pharmacotherapy were common in Chinese T2DM patients. And the expression of LDL-C and sdLDL-C was consistent with the T2DM disease course. Combined multigene screening before therapy and LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection before and after therapy could better assist T2DM treatment.
Characteristics of hepatic solitary necrotic nodules on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Lu Chunyu , Tang Shaoshan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Wang Yang , Wang Kaiming , Shen Peng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:To summarize the characteristics of solitary necrotic nodules (SNN) in the liver observed under contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS).Methods:Conventional ultrasonography (US) and CEUS were performed in 24 patients who were confirmed to have SNN by pathological assessment. The US data and dynamic enhancement patterns of CEUS were recorded and retrospectively analyzed.Results:All patients underwent CEUS, and of these, 10 patients underwent surgical resection, while 14 patients underwent a puncture biopsy to confirm SNN. Among the 24 patients, 13 patients had a single lesion and 11 patients had multiple lesions，the largest lesion was selected for CEUS examination. Eleven patients presented no enhancement in all three phases, while the other 13 patients presented with a peripheral thin rim-like enhancement in the arterial phase, an iso-enhancement in the portal phase and delayed phase, and no enhancement in the interior of the lesions. Conclusions:SNN has characteristic findings on the CEUS, which play an important role in the differential diagnoses of liver focal lesions.