bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecology and biogeography of the ‘marine Geitlerinema’ cluster and a description of Sodalinema orleanskyi sp. nov., Sodalinema gerasimenkoae sp. nov., Sodalinema stali sp. nov. and Baaleninema simplex gen. et sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Samylina Olga S , Sinetova Maria A , Kupriyanova Elena V , Starikov Alexander Yu , Sukhacheva Marina V , Dziuba Marina V , Tourova Tatiana P 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to the ‘marine Geitlerinema’ cluster are spread worldwide in saline environments and considered to play an important ecological role. However, the taxonomy of this group remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the phylogeny, ecology and biogeography of the ‘marine Geitlerinema’ cluster representatives and revealed two subclusters: 1) an ‘oceanic’ subcluster containing PCC7105 clade and BBD clade with free-living and pathogenic strains distributed in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean-related localities, and 2) a Sodalinema subcluster containing free-living strains from marine, hypersaline, saline-alkaline and soda lake habitats from the Eurasian and African continents. Polyphasic analysis using genetic and phenotypic criteria demonstrated that these two groups represent separate genera. Representatives of Sodalinema subcluster were phylogenetically attributed to the genus Sodalinema. Our data expand the ecological and geographical distribution of this genus. We emended the description of the genus Sodalinema and proposed three new species differing in phylogenetic, geographic and ecological criteria: Sodalinema orleanskyi sp. nov., Sodalinema gerasimenkoae sp. nov. and Sodalinema stali sp. nov. Additionally, a new genus and species Baaleninema simplex gen. et sp. nov. was discribed within the PCC7105 clade. By this, we put in order the current confusion of the ‘marine Geitlerinema’ group and highlight its ecological diversity.
Response to sulfur in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Ohtsuka Hokuto , Shimasaki Takafumi , Aiba Hirofumi 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Sulfur is an essential component of various biologically important molecules, including methionine, cysteine and glutathione, and it is also involved in coping with oxidative and heavy metal stress. Studies using model organisms, including budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), have contributed not only to understanding various cellular processes but also to understanding the utilization and response mechanisms of each nutrient, including sulfur. Although fission yeast can use sulfate as a sulfur source, its sulfur metabolism pathway is slightly different from that of budding yeast because it does not have a trans-sulfuration pathway. In recent years, it has been found that sulfur starvation causes various cellular responses in S. pombe, including sporulation, cell cycle arrest at G2, chronological lifespan extension, autophagy induction and reduced translation. This MiniReview identifies two sulfate transporters in S. pombe, Sul1 (encoded by SPBC3H7.02) and Sul2 (encoded by SPAC869.05c), and summarizes the metabolic pathways of sulfur assimilation and cellular response to sulfur starvation. Understanding these responses, including metabolism and adaptation, will contribute to a better understanding of the various stress and nutrient starvation responses and chronological lifespan regulation caused by sulfur starvation.
Melatonin in plants: what we know and what we don’t
Authors: Zhang Zixin , Zhang Yang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Melatonin is an endogenous micromolecular compound of indoleamine with multiple physiological functions in various organisms. In plants, melatonin is involved in growth and development, as well as in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, melatonin functions in phytohormone-mediated signal transduction pathways. There are multiple melatonin biosynthesis pathways, and the melatonin content in plants is greatly affected by intrinsic genetic characteristics and external environmental factors. Although melatonin biosynthesis has been extensively studied in model plants, it remains uncharacterized in most plants. This article focuses on current knowledge on the biosynthesis, regulation and application of melatonin, particularly for fruit quality and preservation. In addition, it highlights the links between melatonin and other hormones, as well as future research directions.
Robotic total gastrectomy for carcinoma in the remnant stomach: a comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy
Authors: Li Zheng-Yan , Liu Jia-Jia , Yu Pei-Wu , Zhao Yong-Liang , Shi Yan , Luo Zi-Yan , Wu Bin , Wang Jun-Jie , Qian Feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Total gastrectomy for carcinoma in the remnant stomach (CRS) remains a technically demanding procedure. Whether robotic surgery is superior, equal, or inferior to laparoscopic surgery in patients with CRS is unclear. This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of robotic total gastrectomy (RTG) and laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for the treatment of CRS.

Methods
In this cohort study, we retrospectively analysed the data from patients who underwent RTG or LTG for CRS at Southwest Hospital (Chongqing, China) between May 2006 and October 2019. The surgical outcomes, post-operative complications, and survival outcomes between the two groups were compared.

Results
Compared with LTG, RTG was associated with similar effective operation time (272.0 vs 297.9 min, P = 0.170), higher total costs (105,967.2 vs 81,629.5 RMB, P &lt; 0.001), and less estimated blood loss (229.2 vs 288.8 mL, P = 0.031). No significant differences were found between the robotic and laparoscopic groups in terms of conversion rate, time to first flatus, time to first soft diet, post-operative hospital stay, post-operative complications, R0 resection rate, and number of retrieved lymph nodes (all P &gt; 0.05). The 3-year disease-free survival and 3-year overall survival rates were comparable between the two groups (65.5% vs 57.5%, P = 0.918; 69.0% vs 60.0%, P = 0.850, respectively).

Conclusions
RTG is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of CRS and could serve as an optimal treatment for CRS.
LncRNA LINC01088 inhibits the function of trophoblast cells, activates the MAPK-signaling pathway and associates with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Zhao Hui , Li Yali , Dong Nana , Zhang Lei , Chen Xi , Mao Huihui , Al-Ameri Samed Ahmed Al-Ezzi , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Qun , Du Lutao , Wang Chuanxin , Mao Haiting 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in various cellular processes and to participate in a variety of human diseases. Recently, increasing studies have reported that lncRNAs are related to many reproductive diseases, such as pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of LINC01088 in trophoblast cells and its potential role in pathogenesis of RPL. LINC01088 was found to be upregulated in first-trimester chorionic villi tissues from RPL patients. Increased LINC01088 repressed proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblast cells, and promoted apoptosis of trophoblast cells. Further exploration indicated that LINC01088 decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO) by binding and increasing Arginase-1 and decreasing eNOS protein levels. Importantly, JNK and p38 MAPK-signaling pathways were active after overexpression of LINC01088. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated that LINC01088 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RPL, and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RPL.
Plant-predominant eating patterns – how effective are they for treating obesity and related cardiometabolic health outcomes? – a systematic review
Authors: Remde Alan , DeTurk Stephen N , Almardini A , Steiner Lauren , Wojda Thomas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Context
The obesity epidemic is a main driver of the chronic disease epidemic; however, present treatment approaches have suboptimal efficacy.

Objectives
To assess the efficacy of plant-predominant (vegan, vegetarian, plant-based whole foods [PBWFs]) diets in treating obesity and its main cardiometabolic sequelae: hyperlipidemia (HLD); indices of insulin resistance, glycemic control, and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2); and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including hypertension (HTN).

Data Sources
A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted for articles published between November 2019 and February 2020; databases searched included: PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane, CENTRAL, and CINAHL.

Data Extraction and Analysis
All interventional trials (randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and trials of non-randomized experimental design) that met the inclusion criteria (English language, duration of at least 4 weeks, primary end point congruent with above objectives, no major flaws in research design that would prevent interpretation) were included in the review. A total of 3135 articles were scanned and 84 were selected. The articles were collated and summarized in 2 evidence tables. Risk of bias for RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool 2 as a guide. For non-randomized trials, higher risk of bias was assumed, and the JBI Critical Appraisal tool was used as a guide to determine inclusion.

Results
Plant-based diets, in general, demonstrated improved weight control and cardiometabolic outcomes related to lipids, cardiovascular end points, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, A1C, and fasting glucose, and a lower risk of diabetes compared with usual diets and in some cases standard health-oriented diets such as the American Heart Association (AHA), American Diabetic Association (ADA), and Mediterranean diets. Preliminary studies suggest plant-predominant diets practiced as part of healthy lifestyle interventions may stabilize or even reverse DM 2 and CVD. The acceptability and sustainability of plant-predominant diets where measured were generally similar to other health-oriented diets.

Conclusion
Plant-predominant diets can play a major role in reversing the obesity and chronic disease epidemics. In the setting of sustained lifestyle intervention programs, they may arrest or even reverse DM2 and CVD. Further higher-level RCTs are needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
Parent-administered Neurodevelopmental Follow up in Children After Picornavirus CNS Infections
Authors: Stephens Carol , Reynolds Clare , Cremin Molly , Barry Rachel , Morley Ursula , Gibson Louise , De Gascun Cillian F. , Felsenstein Susana 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Data on the neurodevelopment of children who experienced central nervous system (CNS) infections with enteroviruses (EV) or parechoviruses (hPeV) is scarce and mostly limited to follow up of short-term outcomes.

Methods:
Parents of children who presented between 2014 and 2019, underwent a lumbar puncture and whose cerebrospinal fluid was polymerase chain reaction positive for EV or hPeV, were asked to complete a care-giver-administered neurodevelopmental assessment tool (The Ages and Stages Instrument [ASQ3]). Clinical data of the infective episode were collected from patient notes.

Results:
Of 101 children, 43 (10 hPeV+, 33 EV+) submitted ASQ3 results. Median age at assessment was 38.9 months (interquartile range, 15.4–54.8), the follow-up interval 3 years (median 37 months; interquartile range, 13.9–53.1). Age, inflammatory markers, and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis during the infective event were not associated with ASQ3 scores. In 23 children (17 EV+, 6 hPeV+), no neurodevelopmental concerns were reported. Two more had preexisting developmental delay and were excluded. Of the remaining, 18/41 (43.9%) reported ASQ3 scores indicating need for monitoring or professional review in at least 1 category, not differing by pathogen (EV 14/31, 45.2%; hPeV 4/10, 40%; P = 0.71). Seven children will require formal review, scoring ≥2 SD below the mean in at least 1 category (6/31 EV+, 1/10 hPeV+, P = 0.7), 3 scored ≥2 SD below the mean in more than 1 area.

Conclusions:
Parent-administered developmental assessment of children with a history of early picornavirus infection of the CNS identified a subgroup that requires formal neurodevelopmental review. Wider application of community-based developmental screening will complement our understanding of the impact of CNS infections in early childhood.
Advancing our understanding of genetic risk factors and potential personalized strategies in pelvic organ prolapse: largest GWAS to date reveals 19 novel associated loci
Authors: Pujol-Gualdo Natàlia , Läll Kristi , Lepamets Maarja ,   Estonian Biobank Research Team, Rossi Henna-Riikka , Arffman Riikka K , Piltonen Terhi T , Mägi Reedik , Laisk Triin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo identify the genetic determinants of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and assess the predictive ability of polygenic risk scores (PRS) alone or in combination with clinical risk factors.DesignMeta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and PRS construction and validation.SettingGWAS summary statistics from three European datasets and individual-level data from Estonian Biobank, including phenotype questionnaire and measurement panel, together with follow-up data from linkage with national health-related registries.ParticipantsA total of 28,086 women with POP and 546,321 controls of European ancestry. Genetic risk scores were derived from a dataset of 20,118 cases and 427,426 controls of European ancestry and validated in a target dataset of 7,896 cases and 118,895 controls. Cases were defined using ICD codes and classical risk factors were derived from questionnaire data and ICD10 codes.ResultsThe identified novel loci reinforce the role of connective tissue abnormalities, urogenital tract development and point towards association with a range of cardiometabolic traits. A novel PRS combining 3,242,959 variants demonstrated that women in the top 5% have 1.63 (95% CI: 1.37 to 1.93) times the hazard of developing POP compared to the rest of the women. When analyzing PRS in incident POP, it showed similar predictive ability (Harrell C-statistic 0.583, sd=0.007) than five established clinical risk factors (number of children, body mass index (BMI), ever smoked, constipation and asthma) combined (Harrell C-statistic 0.588, sd=0.007) and demonstrated its incremental value in combination with these (Harrell C-statistic 0.630, sd=0.007).ConclusionsThe largest GWAS meta-analysis in POP to date identified 26 genetic loci which establish links between POP and connective tissue abnormalities, urogenital development and cardiometabolic health. We present a PRS for POP which provides the first potential tool for preventive strategies and early detection of higher risk susceptibility to POP including genetic risk factors.
Immunogenicity of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Vietnamese healthcare workers
Authors: Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Nguyet Lam Anh , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Toan Le Mau , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Hung Le Manh , Nhan Mai Thanh , Huy Man Dinh Nguyen , Ngoc Nghiem My , Thao Huynh Phuong , Hoang Tu Tran Nguyen , Mai Huynh Kim , Hung Do Thai , Han Ny Nguyen Thi , Thanh Le Kim , Anh Nguyen To , Thu Hong Nguyen Thi , Truc Nhu Le Nguyen , Yen Lam Minh , Choisy Marc , Thanh Tran Tan , Thwaites Guy , Van Tan Le ,   OUCRU COVID-19 Research Group
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTWe studied the immunogenicity of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in Vietnamese healthcare workers. We collected blood samples before each dose, at 14 days after each dose, and month 1 and 3 after dose 1 from each participant alongside demographics data. We measured neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization assay. The 554 study participants (136 males and 418 females) were aged between 22-71 years (median: 36 years). 104 and 94 out of 144 selected participants were successfully followed up at 14 days after dose 2 and 3 months after dose 1, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies increased after each dose, with the sero-conversion rate reaching 98.1% (102/104) at 14 days after dose 2. At month 3 after dose 1, neutralizing antibody levels decreased, while 94.7% (89/94) of the study participants remained seropositive. Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is immunogenic in Vietnamese healthcare workers. The requirement for a third dose warrants further research.
Endothelial dysfunction determines severe COVID-19 in combination with dysregulated lymphocyte responses and cytokine networks
Authors: Ruhl Louisa , Pink Isabell , Kühne Jenny F. , Beushausen Kerstin , Keil Jana , Christoph Stella , Sauer Andrea , Boblitz Lennart , Schmidt Julius , David Sascha , Jäck Hans-Martin , Roth Edith , Cornberg Markus , Schulz Thomas F. , Welte Tobias , Höper Marius M. , Falk Christine S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe systemic processes involved in the manifestation of life-threatening COVID-19 and in disease recovery are still incompletely understood, despite investigations focusing on the dysregulation of immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection. To define hallmarks of severe COVID-19 and disease recovery in convalescent patients, we combined analyses of immune cells and cytokine/chemokine networks with endothelial activation and injury. ICU patients displayed an altered immune signature with prolonged lymphopenia but expansion of granulocytes and plasmablasts along with activated and terminally differentiated T and NK cells and high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Core signature of seven plasma proteins revealed a highly inflammatory microenvironment in addition to endothelial injury in severe COVID-19. Changes within this signature were associated with either disease progression or recovery. In summary, our data suggest that besides a strong inflammatory response, severe COVID-19 is driven by endothelial activation and barrier disruption, whereby recovery depends on the regeneration of the endothelial integrity.
The Lived Experience of Implementing Infection Control Measures in Care Homes during two waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A mixed-methods study
Authors: Bunn Diane , Brainard Julii , Lane Kathleen , Salter Charlotte , Lake Iain 
Published: July 2021

AbstractContextDuring COVID-19 care-homes had to implement strict Infection Control Measures (ICMs), impacting on care and staff morale.ObjectivesTo explore the lived experiences of care-home staff in implementing ICMs.MethodsMixed-methods study comprising 238 online survey responses and 15 in-depth interviews with care-home staff, November 2020-January 2021 in England.ResultsThree themes were identified: ‘Integrating COVID-19 ICMs with caring’, ‘Conveying knowledge and information’, ‘Professional and personal impacts of care-work during the pandemic’. Reported adherence to ICMs was high but fatalistic attitudes towards COVID-19 infection were present. Challenges of providing care using personal protective equipment (PPE), especially for residents with dementia, were highlighted. Interviewees reported dilemmas between strictly implementing ICMs and conflicts with providing best care to residents and preserving personal space. Nine months into COVID-19, official guidance was reported as confusing, constantly changing and poorly suited to care-homes. Care-home staff appreciated opportunities to work with other care-homes and experts to interpret and implement guidance. ICM training was undertaken using multiple techniques but with little evaluation of these or how to sustain behaviour change.LimitationsResults may not be generalizable to other countries.ImplicationsCOVID-19 has had a profound effect on well-being of care-home staff. Despite challenges, participants reported broadly good morale, potentially a consequence of supportive colleagues and management. Nevertheless, clear, concise and care-home focussed ICM guidance is still needed. This should include evidence-based assessments on implementing and sustaining adherence. Groups of care-home staff and ICM experts working together to co-create, interpret and implement guidance were viewed positively.
COVID-19 and Black Fungus: Analysis of the Public Perceptions through Machine Learning
Authors: Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Khan Nafiz Imtiaz , Mahmud Tahasin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWhile COVID-19 is ravaging the lives of millions of people across the globe, a second pandemic ‘black fungus’ has surfaced robbing people of their lives especially people who are recovering from coronavirus. Again, the public perceptions regarding such pandemics can be investigated through sentiment analysis of social media data. Thus the objective of this study is to analyze public perceptions through sentiment analysis regarding black fungus during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. To attain the objective, first, a Support Vector Machine model, with an average AUC of 82.75%, was developed to classify user sentiments in terms of anger, fear, joy, and sad. Next, this Support Vector Machine is used to supervise the class labels of the public tweets (n = 6477) related to COVID-19 and black fungus. As outcome, this study found that public perceptions belong to sad (n = 2370, 36.59 %), followed by joy (n = 2095, 32.34%), fear (n = 1914, 29.55 %) and anger (n = 98, 1.51%) towards black fungus during COVID-19 pandemic. This study also investigated public perceptions of some critical concerns (e.g., education, lockdown, hospital, oxygen, quarantine, and vaccine) and it was found that public perceptions of these issues varied. For example, for the most part, people exhibited fear in social media about education, hospital, vaccine while some people expressed joy about education, hospital, vaccine, and oxygen.
Beyond Low-Hanging Fruit: A Systematic Approach to Assessing Quality Improvement Needs in Healthcare Practices
Authors: Hysong Sylvia J. , Modi Varsha , Wichmann Melia J. , Murphy Daniel R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuality Improvement (QI) tools abound to help clinicians improve the quality of their care. Such tools, however, assume one knows the process that needs attention. A systematic approach is thus needed for selecting the QI activities that have the greatest impact on quality. This study applies Functional Job Analysis (FJA) to systematically identify areas in preventive care most suitable for high-impact QI efforts. Seven internal medicine practice personnel served as subject matter experts (SMEs) in multiple FJA style focus groups to identify the tasks required to ensure successful execution of eight preventive-care measures. Tasks with the greatest prevalence across measures and highest human error consequence ratings were deemed most suitable for QI. SMEs generated improvement recommendations for the identified tasks via focus groups. Tasks with greatest cross-measure prevalence centered on information gathering; tasks with the greatest potential consequence of error centered on medication management, testing and test follow-up (MMTTF). SMEs reported time, space, staffing, and equipment constraints as fundamental barriers impacting all aspects of primary care. Barriers to successful information gathering included issues with front desk staff and the electronic health record. Barriers to MMTTF included lab workflow and patient-related factors. Improvement recommendations included strategic staffing, technology-based solutions, and added in-house testing capabilities. FJA successfully identified two clear, distinct clinic workflow areas that could benefit from QI initiatives. Although our work is limited by its single-site design, results are consistent with prior multi-site FJA research. Contrary to traditional, disease-specific QI approaches, our work identified a core set of processes that, if optimized, can improve care across multiple clinical conditions, and presented a novel application of a classic HR tool to make more systematic QI decisions.