bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of PpSnRK1α in tomato enhanced salt tolerance by regulating ABA signaling pathway and reactive oxygen metabolism
Authors: Wang Wen-Ru , Liang Jia-Hui , Wang Gui-Fang , Sun Mao-Xiang , Peng Fu-Tian , Xiao Yuan-Song 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSNF-related Kinase 1 (SnRK1) is a key component of the cell signaling network. SnRK1 is known to respond to a wide variety of stresses, but its exact role in salt stress response and tolerance is still largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, we reported that overexpression of the gene encoding the α subunit ofPrunus persica SnRK1(PpSnRK1α) in tomato could improve salt stress tolerance. The increase in salt stress tolerance inPpSnRK1α-overexpressing plants was found to correlate with increasedPpSnRK1αexpression level and SnRK1 kinase activity. AndPpSnRK1αoverexpression lines exhibited a lower level of leaf damage as well as increased proline content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with wild-type (WT) lines under salt stress. Furthermore,PpSnRK1αenhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism by increasing the expression level of antioxidase genes and antioxidant enzyme activities. We further sequenced the transcriptomes of the WT and threePpSnRK1αoverexpression lines using RNA-seq and identified about 1000PpSnRK1α-regulated genes, including many antioxidant enzymes, and these genes were clearly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway (plant), plant-pathogen interactions and plant hormone signaling transduction and can respond to stimuli, metabolic processes, and biological regulation. Furthermore, we identified the transcriptional levels of several salt stress-responsive genes,SlPP2C37,SlPYL4,SlPYL8,SlNAC022,SlNAC042,andSlSnRK2family were altered significantly byPpSnRK1α, signifying thatSnRK1αmay be involved in the ABA signaling pathway to improve tomato salt tolerance. Overall, these findings provided new evidence for the underlying mechanism ofSnRK1αconferment in plant salt tolerance phenotypes.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that plant salt stress resistance can be affected by the regulation of theSnRK1α. Further molecular and genetic approaches will accelerate our knowledge ofPpSnRK1αfunctions, and inform the genetic improvement of salt tolerance in tomato through genetic engineering and other related strategies.
Detection and recognition thresholds for five basic tastes in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease dementia
Authors: Kouzuki Minoru , Ichikawa Junya , Shirasagi Daiki , Katsube Fumiya , Kobashi Yuuki , Matsumoto Hideki , Chao Huichia , Yoshida Shintaro , Urakami Katsuya 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) are thought to exhibit taste disorders; however, this has not been extensively studied. We investigated gustatory functions and factors affecting taste in patients with ADD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in non-demented controls (NDCs) and evaluated associations between cognitive impairment and gustatory functions.

Methods
We recruited 29 patients with ADD, 43 with MCI, and 14 with NDCs. We obtained medical and medication history, measured salivary secretion volumes, and performed cognitive function tests, blood tests, whole-mouth gustatory tests, and dietary and gustatory questionnaires.

Results
Patients with ADD showed significantly higher recognition threshold values than NDCs (p < 0.05). Many individuals did not recognize umami at the maximum concentration, and this happened more frequently in patients with ADD or MCI than in NDCs. Evaluation items other than cognitive function tests did not show significant differences among the groups, but many individuals had decreased salivation, low serum zinc levels, and were on multiple medications. We found a significant correlation between recognition threshold and age (r = 0.229, p < 0.05) and cognitive function test score (r = 0.268, p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Patients with ADD showed impairment of gustatory function. Gustatory impairment in patients with MCI could not be confirmed. However, many individuals with MCI did not recognize umami, either. Our results suggest that taste disorders in elderly people with cognitive decline occur independently of factors affecting taste such as salivation, zinc levels, or prescription drugs.

Trial registration
The study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry on February 10, 2017, with reference number UMIN000026087.
Biologically active pigment and ShlA cytolysin of Serratia marcescens induce autophagy in a human ocular surface cell line
Authors: Brothers Kimberly M. , Stella Nicholas A. , Shanks Robert M. Q. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe cellular process of autophagy is essential for maintaining the health of ocular tissue. Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with several ocular diseases including keratoconus and macular degeneration. It is known that autophagy can be used to respond to microbial infections and that certain microbes can exploit the autophagic process to their benefit. In this study, a genetic approach was used to identify surface-associated and secreted products generated by the opportunistic pathogenSerratia marcescensinvolved in activation of autophagy.MethodsA recombinant human corneal limbal epithelial cell line expressing a LC3-GFP fusion protein was challenged with normalized secretomes from wild-type and mutantS. marcescensderivatives. LC3-GFP fluorescence patterns were used to assess the ability of wild-type and mutant bacteria to influence autophagy. Purified prodigiosin was obtained from stationary phase bacteria and used to challenge ocular cells.ResultsMutations in the global regulatorseepRandgumBgenes highly reduced the ability of the bacteria to activate autophagy in corneal cells. This effect was further narrowed down to the secreted cytolysin ShlA and the biologically active pigment prodigiosin. Purified prodigiosin and ShlA fromEscherichia colifurther supported the role of these factors in activating autophagy in human corneal cells. Additional genetic data indicate a role for flagellin and type I pili, but not the nuclease, S-layer protein, or serratamolide biosurfactant in activation of autophagy.ConclusionsThis work identifies specific bacterial components that activate autophagy and give insight into potential host-pathogen interactions or compounds that can be used to therapeutically manipulate autophagy.
Rare cause of repeated pulmonary embolism: a case of primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma and literature review
Authors: Chen Zhongzhong , Feng Tingting , Wang Meng , Xu Xingxiang , Wang Yuxiu , Li Yiran , Min Lingfeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Malignant tumors are risk factors for a pulmonary embolism (PE), and a PE caused by a tumor is not uncommon. Primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma (PPSCC) is a rare malignancy; thus, a related PE is extremely rare.

Case presentation
A previously healthy 49-year-old female patient was admitted to Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital owing to chest tightness, cough, and breathing difficulty that persisted for 3 days. Following admission, a computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography revealed an embolism in the main pulmonary artery, upper and lower pulmonary artery branch. The patient was treated with alteplase, warfarin, and antibiotics. Over the following year, she experienced recurrent chest pain and tightness and breathing difficulty, with multiple CT pulmonary angiography revealing thrombosis in the right and left main pulmonary artery. No abnormalities were observed in surrogate markers of autoimmune diseases, tumor antigen testing, or ultrasonography; thus, the cause of recurrent PE was not identified. Subsequently, a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) examination revealed diffuse heterogeneous thickening of the right pleura and substantially increased glucose metabolism. A CT-guided pleural biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination of the pleura eventually revealed a diagnosis of PPSCC.

Conclusions
PPSCC is a rare tumor that lacks specific clinical manifestations and is difficult to detect with imaging techniques. The occurrence of PE as the primary manifesting symptom in a patient with PPSCC is extremely rare. Thus, malignant tumors should be considered in patients with no risk factors for PE and/or in those with recurrent PE. An immediate diagnosis and adequate intervention can be achieved with increased awareness of this diagnosis and subsequent related examinations.
The effect of smear layer on bacterial penetration through roots obturated using zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer
Authors: Buurma Hilbrand A. , Buurma Brian J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSmear layer removal has been shown to reduce bacterial penetration through root canal obturations when resin-based endodontic sealer is used. The purpose of this in vitro study was to test this effect when a non-resin-based sealer is used.Material and methodsThirty root segments were assigned to the following groups: Smear layer removed (n = 8); smear layer retained (n = 8); negative controls (n = 10; 5 with smear layer, 5 without); and positive controls (n = 4; 2 with smear layer, 2 without). After rotary instrumentation, smear layers were removed in the treatment group and half of controls using 17% ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid (EDTA) prior to obturation. Each obturated root was affixed into a dual-chamber leakage model employingStreptococcus mutans. Roots were incubated at 37 °C for 120 d. Days until lower chamber turbidity occurred was recorded for each sample, and data were analyzed usingKaplan-Meiersurvival curve analysis (p = 0.05).ResultsNo negative controls leaked, while all positive controls were turbid within 1 day. Mean days to leakage for roots with smear layer intact was 82.75 (+/− 33.29, 95% CI), although three never leaked. Mean days to leakage through roots with smear layer removed was 46.25 (+/− 26.67, 95% CI), and all leaked. Treatment survival curves were significantly different (p = 0.048).ConclusionsUnder the conditions and limitations of this study, retaining the smear layer reduced the rate of bacterial penetration through canals which had been obturated using zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) -based sealer.
Violence against healthcare workers and other serious responses to medical disputes in China: surveys of patients at 12 public hospitals
Authors: Du Yuxian , Wang Wenxin , Washburn David J. , Lee Shinduk , Towne Samuel D. , Zhang Hao , Maddock Jay E. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Workplace violence against healthcare workers is a global issue that is on the rise, with Chinese healthcare workers facing growing challenges with hospital violence. Attacks on medical staff have increased in recent years with no clear resolution. Prior research focused on policies to improve the doctor-patient relationship and better protect clinicians, but few studies addressed the patient perspective. This paper examines patients’ choices when facing a medical dispute and identifies groups who are more likely to respond to conflict with violence or other serious actions.

Methods
Patient survey responses were collected in 12 leading public hospitals in five Chinese provinces with 5556 participants. The survey asked sociodemographic information, patients’ attitudes (e.g., general optimism, trust in their physicians, perceived healthcare quality), and their primary response to a medical dispute. From least to most severe, the options range from “complaining within the family” to “violence.” We used t-tests and Chi-square tests to explore the relationships between reactions and patient characteristics. We also performed multivariable logistic regressions to determine the impact of sociodemographics and provider trust on the seriousness of responses.

Results
The primary response of a third of respondents was complaining to hospital or health department officials (32.5%). Seeking legal help (26.3%) and direct negotiation with doctors (19.6%) were other frequent responses. More serious responses included 83 stating violence (1.5%), 9.7% expressing a desire to expose the issue to the news media, and 7.4% resorting to seeking third-party assistance. Patients who were more likely to report “violence” were male (OR = 1.81, p < .05), high-income earners (OR = 3.71, p < .05), or reported lower life satisfaction (OR = 1.40, p < .05). Higher trust scores were associated with a lower likelihood of a serious response, including violence (OR = 0.80, p < .01).

Conclusion
Most respondents reported mild reactions when facing a medical dispute. Among those who reported the intent of serious reactions, some sociodemographic characteristics and the trust of physicians could be predictive. To prevent future hospital violence, this work helps identify the characteristics of patients who are more likely to seek severe approaches to medical dispute resolution, including resorting to violence. From these results, hospitals will be better able to target specific groups for interventions that build patient-provider trust and improve general patient satisfaction.
Emergency department-based medication review on outpatient health services utilization: interrupted time series
Authors: Kitchen Sophie A. , McGrail Kimberlyn , Wickham Maeve E. , Law Michael R. , Hohl Corinne M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundOne in nine emergency department (ED) visits in Canada are caused by adverse drug events, the unintended and harmful effects of medication use. Medication reviews by clinical pharmacists are interventions designed to optimize medications and address adverse drug events to impact patient outcomes. However, the effect of medication reviews on long-term outpatient health services utilization is not well understood. This research studied the effect of medication review performed by clinical pharmacists on long-term outpatient health services utilization.MethodsData included information from 10,783 patients who were part of a prospective, multi-centre quality improvement evaluation from 2011 to 2013. Outpatient health services utilization was defined as total ED visits and physician contacts, aggregated to four physician specialty groups: general and family practitioners (GP); medical specialists; surgical specialists; and imaging and laboratory specialists. During triage, patients deemed high-risk based on their medical history, were systematically allocated to receive either a medication review (n = 6403) or the standard of care (n = 4380). Medication review involved a critical examination of a patient’s medications to identify and resolve medication-related problems and communicate these results to community care providers. Interrupted time series analysis compared the effect of the intervention on health services utilization relative to the standard of care controlling for pre-intervention differences in utilization.ResultsED-based pharmacist-led medication review did not result in a significant level or trend change in the primary outcome of total outpatient health services utilization. There were also no differences in the secondary outcomes of primary care physician visits or ED visits relative to the standard of care in the 12 months following the intervention. Our findings were consistent when stratified by age, hospital site, and whether patients were discharged on their index visit.ConclusionThis was the first study to measure long-term trends of physician visits following an ED-based medication review. The lack of differences in level and trend of GP and ED visits suggest that pharmacist recommendations may not have been adequately communicated to community-based providers, and/or recommendations may not have affected health care delivery. Future studies should evaluate physician acceptance of pharmacist recommendations and should encourage patient follow-up to community providers.
TDP-43 promotes the formation of neuromuscular synapses through the regulation of Disc-large expression in Drosophila skeletal muscles
Authors: Strah Nina , Romano Giulia , Introna Clelia , Klima Raffaella , Marzullo Marta , Ciapponi Laura , Megighian Aram , Nizzardo Monica , Feiguin Fabian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The ribonuclear protein TDP-43 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with genetic mutations being linked to the neurological symptoms of the disease. Though alterations in the intracellular distribution of TDP-43 have been observed in skeletal muscles of patients suffering from ALS, it is not clear whether such modifications play an active role in the disease or merely represent an expression of muscle homeostatic mechanisms. Also, the molecular and metabolic pathways regulated by TDP-43 in the skeletal muscle remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze the function of TBPH, the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of TDP-43, in skeletal muscles.

Results
We modulated the activity of TDP-43 in Drosophila muscles by means of RNA interference and observed that it is required to promote the formation and growth of neuromuscular synapses. TDP-43 regulated the expression levels of Disc-large (Dlg), and restoring Dlg expression either in skeletal muscles or in motoneurons was sufficient to suppress the locomotive and synaptic defects of TDP-43-null flies. These results were validated by the observation of a decrease in Dlg levels in human neuroblastoma cells and iPSC-differentiated motoneurons derived from ALS patients, suggesting similar mechanisms may potentially be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Conclusions
Our results help to unveil the physiological role of TDP-43 in skeletal muscles as well as the mechanisms responsible for the autonomous and non-autonomous behavior of this protein concerning the organization of neuromuscular synapses.
Non-confirming replication of “Performance of InSilicoVA for assigning causes of death to verbal autopsies: multisite validation study using clinical diagnostic gold standards,” by Flaxman et al.
Authors: Li Zehang Richard , McCormick Tyler H. , Clark Samuel J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
A verbal autopsy (VA) is an interview conducted with the caregivers of someone who has recently died to describe the circumstances of the death. In recent years, several algorithmic methods have been developed to classify cause of death using VA data. The performance of one method—InSilicoVA—was evaluated in a study by Flaxman et al., published in BMC Medicine in 2018. The results of that study are different from those previously published by our group.

Methods
Based on the description of methods in the Flaxman et al. study, we attempt to replicate the analysis to understand why the published results differ from those of our previous work.

Results
We failed to reproduce the results published in Flaxman et al. Most of the discrepancies we find likely result from undocumented differences in data pre-processing, and/or values assigned to key parameters governing the behavior of the algorithm.

Conclusion
This finding highlights the importance of making replication code available along with published results. All code necessary to replicate the work described here is freely available on GitHub.
Sex disparities in dietary intake across the lifespan: the case of Lebanon
Authors: Nasreddine Lara , Chamieh Marie Claire , Ayoub Jennifer , Hwalla Nahla , Sibai Abla-Mehio , Naja Farah 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about sex-based dietary differences in middle-income countries, particularly those undergoing the nutrition transition. This study aims at examining sex disparities in energy and macronutrients’ intakes, food consumption patterns, and micronutrients’ adequacy in Lebanon, while adopting a life course approach.MethodsData were derived from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in Lebanon in 2008/2009. The study sample consisted of 3636 subjects: 956 children and adolescents aged 6–19.9 years; 2239 adults aged 20–59.9 years and 441 older adults aged above 60 years. At the households, trained nutritionists conducted face-to-face interviews with participants to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and one 24-h diet recall. Food items were categorized into 25 food groups. The Nutritionist Pro software was used for the analysis of dietary intake data and the estimation of energy, macronutrients’, and micronutrients’ intakes.ResultsIn all age groups, males had significantly higher energy intakes, while females had significantly higher fiber intakes. In addition, in adolescents aged 12–19.9 years, females had higher fat intakes as compared to males (37.02 ± 0.6% vs 35.03 ± 0.61%), and in adults aged 20–59.9 years, females had significantly higher total fat (37.73 ± 0.33% vs 36.45 ± 0.38%) and saturated fat intakes (11.24 ± 0.15% vs 10.45 ± 0.18%). These differences in macronutrient intakes were not observed in younger children nor in older adults. Sex-based differences in food groups’ intakes were also observed: men and boys had significantly higher intakes of red and processed meat, bread, fast food, soft drinks, and alcohol, while girls and women had higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk, and sweets. In all age groups, females had lower micronutrient intakes compared to males, including calcium, iron, and zinc.ConclusionsThis study identified sex-specific priorities that ought to be tackled by context-specific interventions to promote healthier diets in Lebanon. The fact that sex-based differences in nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns were the most noticeable in the adolescent and adult years, hence women’s reproductive years call for concerted efforts to improve nutrition for women and girls as this would lay the foundation not only for their future education, productivity, and economic empowerment, but also for the health of future generations.