bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional and proteomic insights into phytotoxic activity of interspecific potato hybrids with low glycoalkaloid contents
Authors: Szajko Katarzyna , Ciekot Jarosław , Wasilewicz-Flis Iwona , Marczewski Waldemar , Sołtys-Kalina Dorota 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Glycoalkaloids are bioactive compounds that contribute to the defence response of plants against herbivore attack and during pathogenesis. Solanaceous plants, including cultivated and wild potato species, are sources of steroidal glycoalkaloids. Solanum plants differ in the content and composition of glycoalkaloids in organs. In wild and cultivated potato species, more than 50 steroidal glycoalkaloids were recognized. Steroidal glycoalkaloids are recognized as potential allelopathic/phytotoxic compounds that may modify the growth of target plants. There are limited data on the impact of the composition of glycoalkaloids on their phytotoxic potential.

Results
The presence of α-solasonine and α-solamargine in potato leaf extracts corresponded to the high phytotoxic potential of the extracts. Among the differentially expressed genes between potato leaf bulks with high and low phytotoxic potential, the most upregulated transcripts in sample of high phytotoxic potential were anthocyanin 5-aromatic acyltransferase-like and subtilisin-like protease SBT1.7-transcript variant X2. The most downregulated genes were carbonic anhydrase chloroplastic-like and miraculin-like. An analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed that the most abundant group of proteins were those related to stress and defence, including glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase acidic isoform, whose expression level was 47.96× higher in potato leaf extract with low phytotoxic.

Conclusions
The phytotoxic potential of potato leaf extract possessing low glycoalkaloid content is determined by the specific composition of these compounds in leaf extract, where α-solasonine and α-solamargine may play significant roles. Differentially expressed gene and protein profiles did not correspond to the glycoalkaloid biosynthesis pathway in the expression of phytotoxic potential. We cannot exclude the possibility that the phytotoxic potential is influenced by other compounds that act antagonistically or may diminish the glycoalkaloids effect.
Negative central venous to arterial lactate gradient in patients receiving vasopressors is associated with higher ICU 30-day mortality: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liu Ye , Su Longxiang , Chai Wenzhao , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Dawei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Serum lactate has long been used to evaluate hypoxia and predict prognosis in critically ill patients, however, discrepancy in lactate measurements between different sites have not been recognized as a useful tool for monitoring hypoxia and evaluating outcome.

Methods
Data were obtained from the clinical information system of the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary academic hospital for 1582 ICU patients with vasoactive drug requirement and valid paired blood gas. The mortality rates were compared between patients with sustained negative venous to arterial lactate gradient (VALac) and the others using the Cox proportional hazard model. Predictive factors associated with negative VALac were searched.

Results
A sustained negative VALac was significantly associated with higher 30 day ICU mortality [Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–4.99; p = 0.032. Propensity score- weighted HR: 2.57; 95% CI, 1.17–5.64; p = 0.010]. Arterial lactate in the first blood gas pair, 24-h arterial lactate clearance, use of epinephrine, mean positive end-expiratory pressure level, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation showed statistically significant association with sustained negative VALac during the first 24 h.

Conclusion
The sustained negative VALac in the early stage of treatment may suggest additional information about tissue hypoxia than arterial lactate alone. Critical care physicians should pay more attention to the lactate discrepancy between different sites in their clinical practice.
Persistently higher serum sCD40L levels are associated with outcome in septic patients
Authors: Liang Yingjian , Zhu Chengrui , Sun Yini , Li Zhiliang , Wang Liang , Liu Yina , Li Xin , Ma Xiaochun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) exhibits proinflammatory and procoagulant effects. Recent data indicated that sCD40L plays a significant role in septic patients. The aim of the present study was to determine sCD40L changes in surgical patients without sepsis (SWS) and surgical sepsis patients (SS) during the first 3 days after intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to observe the association between sCD40L and mortality.

Methods
Time changes in sCD40L levels were assessed for 3 days after ICU admission in 49 patients with SS and compared with those in 19 SWS patients. Serum sCD40L concentration was detected by ELISA. Survival at 28 days served as the endpoint.

Results
SS had significantly higher sCD40L levels than SWS and control patients. We observed an association between sCD40L levels ≥1028.75 pg/mL at day 2 and 28-day mortality (odds ratio = 7.888; 95% confidence interval = 1.758 to 35.395; P = 0.007). We could not discover any significant differences in sex, presence of septic shock, site of infection, length of stay in the ICU, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, incidence of AKI, ARDS, or type of surgery between nonsurvivors and survivors.

Conclusions
Septic patients show persistently higher circulating sCD40L levels in the first 3 days after ICU admission, and serum sCD40L levels are associated with the mortality of patients with sepsis. Thus, serum sCD40L may be used as a reliable biomarker and therapeutic target in sepsis.
Natural killer cells, gamma delta T cells and classical monocytes are associated with systolic blood pressure in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , Olson Nels C. , Sitlani Colleen M. , Fohner Alison E. , Huber Sally A. , Landay Alan L. , Heckbert Susan R. , Tracy Russell P. , Psaty Bruce M. , Feinstein Matt , Doyle Margaret F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is a major source of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence from mouse models, genetic, and cross-sectional human studies suggest increased proportions of selected immune cell subsets may be associated with levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP).MethodsWe assayed immune cells from cryopreserved samples collected at the baseline examination (2000–2002) from 1195 participants from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA). We used linear mixed models, with adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, exercise, body mass index, education, diabetes, and cytomegalovirus titers, to estimate the associations between 30 immune cell subsets (4 of which were a priori hypotheses) and repeated measures of SBP (baseline and up to four follow-up measures) over 10 years. The analysis provides estimates of the association with blood pressure level.ResultsThe mean age of the MESA participants at baseline was 64 ± 10 years and 53% were male. A one standard deviation (1-SD) increment in the proportion of γδ T cells was associated with 2.40 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–3.42] higher average systolic blood pressure; and for natural killer cells, a 1-SD increment was associated with 1.88 mmHg (95% CI 0.82–2.94) higher average level of systolic blood pressure. A 1-SD increment in classical monocytes (CD14++CD16−) was associated with 2.01 mmHG (95% CI 0.79–3.24) lower average systolic blood pressure. There were no associations of CD4+T helper cell subsets with average systolic blood pressure.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the innate immune system plays a role in levels of SBP whereas there were no associations with adaptive immune cells.
Clinical experiences and predictors of success of treatment with vedolizumab in IBD patients: a cohort study
Authors: Mühl Laura , Becker Emily , Müller Tanja M. , Atreya Raja , Atreya Imke , Neurath Markus F. , Zundler Sebastian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Vedolizumab has become a standard treatment for the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, there is an ongoing debate on the ideal individual treatment algorithms and means to predict treatment response are not routinely established.

Aims
We aimed to describe our experiences with vedolizumab at a large German tertiary referral center and to identify clinical predictors of success of vedolizumab treatment.

Methods
We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study employing univariable and multivariable analyses as well as Kaplan–Meier analyses of persistence on treatment.

Results
36% and 35% of the patients with UC and CD, respectively, reached clinical remission after 17 weeks. Patients with lower clinical disease activity were more likely to achieve remission. The median persistence on treatment was 33 months for UC and 29 months for CD.

Conclusion
Our study confirms that vedolizumab is an efficient option for the treatment of UC and CD. Clinical parameters of disease activity may help to predict the success of treatment.
Protocol for a multi-site, cluster‐randomized, phase III, comparative clinical trial of geriatric assessment of older patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer: the ENSURE-GA study
Authors: Tsubata Yukari , Shinomiya Shun , Inoue Koji , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Saito Ryota , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Hotta Katsuyuki , Hamada Akinobu , Nagashima Fumio , Ando Yuichi , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Isobe Takeshi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
In Japan, approximately half of all lung cancer patients are aged > 75 years, and the proportion of older patients is increasing. In older patients, it is necessary to consider comorbidities and concomitant drug use to ensure optimal cancer treatment; however, geriatric assessment (GA) is not widely performed. We plan to conduct a study (ENSURE-GA) of GA in older lung cancer patients to determine whether GA with intervention improves patient satisfaction with their treatment.

Methods
The study will be a phase III comparative clinical trial with a cluster-randomized design, and it will be conducted at 81 sites distributed throughout Japan. Approximately 1000 lung cancer patients aged ≥ 75 years will be enrolled in the study. All participants will undergo a standardized GA before starting treatment (using an iPad). At the intervention sites, the GA results and intervention method recommended on the basis of the GA results will be returned as an instant report to guide the physician’s choice of intervention. At the control sites, the physician will decide on interventions based on standard practice. All participants will complete a patient satisfaction survey before treatment initiation (after the GA) and 3 months later.

Discussion
The purpose of the ENSURE-GA study is to evaluate whether GA with interventions improves patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes. The study may lead to the increased use of GA and improved treatment of cancer in older adults. The results will also be used to prepare guidelines for treating older cancer patients and will provide a foundation for the development of a standardized geriatric oncology system.

Trial registration
The study has been registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network database (no. UMIN000037590). The registration date is August 4, 2019, and the protocol version is 2.0. (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042853.)
Antifungal stewardship in a tertiary care paediatric hospital: the PROAFUNGI study
Authors: Mendoza-Palomar Natalia , Garcia-Palop Beatriz , Melendo Susana , Martín Maria Teresa , Renedo-Miró Berta , Soler-Palacin Pere , Fernández-Polo Aurora 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The increasing use of antifungal drugs (AF) in children and the concern for related adverse events and costs has led to the development of specific AF stewardship programmes (AFS). Studies in adult patients have shown improvements in AF prescription and usage after implementation, but paediatric data are scant. The aim of this PROAFUNGI study was to describe the use and appropriateness of AF in a high complexity paediatric centre.

Methods
Observational, prospective, single-centre, modified point-prevalence study (11 surveys, July–October 2018), including paediatric (< 18 years) patients receiving at least one systemic AF. Prescriptions were evaluated by the AFS team.

Results
The study included 119 prescriptions in 55 patients (53% males, median age 8.7 years [IQR 2.4–13.8]). The main underlying condition was cancer (45.5% of patients; HSCT in 60% of them); and the first indication for AF was prophylaxis (75 prescriptions, 63.2%). Liposomal amphotericin B was used most commonly (46% prescriptions), mainly as prophylaxis (75%). Among the 219 evaluations, 195 (89%) were considered optimal. The reason for non-optimal prescriptions was mostly lack of indication (14/24), especially in critical patients with ventricular assist devices. The use of AF without paediatric approval accounted for 8/24 inappropriate prescriptions.

Conclusions
A high rate of AF appropriateness was found for the children’s hospital as a whole, in relation with a well-established AFS. Nonetheless, the identification of specific areas of improvement should guide future actions of the AFS team, which will focus mainly on prophylaxis in critically ill patients receiving circulatory assistance and the use of non-approved drugs in children.
Polymorphism rs368234815 of interferon lambda 4 gene and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis patients: a case-control study
Authors: Grzegorzewska Alicja E. , Mostowska Adrianna , Świderska Monika K. , Marcinkowski Wojciech , Stolarek Ireneusz , Figlerowicz Marek , Jagodziński Paweł P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn non-uremic subjects,IFNL4rs368234815 predicts HCV clearance. We investigated whether rs368234815 is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in haemodialysis patients and whether it is a stronger predictor of HCV resolution than theIFNLpolymorphisms already associated with HCV clearance in dialysis subjects. We also evaluated an association of rs368234815 with patients` survival and alterations in transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) caused byIFNLpolymorphisms.MethodsAmong 161 haemodialysis patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies, 68 (42.2%) spontaneously resolved HCV infection, whereas 93 remained HCV RNA positive. Patients were tested for nearIFNL3rs12980275,IFNL3rs4803217,IFNL4rs12979860,IFNL4rs368234815, and nearIFNL4rs8099917.IFNL4rs368234815 polymorphism (TT/TT, ΔG/TT, ΔG/ΔG) was genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; otherIFNLpolymorphisms - by high resolution melting curve analysis. We used the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test for survival analysis. In silico analysis included the use of ENCODE TFBS ChIP-seq data, HOCOMOCO, JASPAR CORE, and CIS-BP databases, and FIMO software.ResultsThe probability (OR, 95%CI, P) of spontaneous HCV clearance for rs368234815 TT/TT patients was higher than for the ΔG allele carriers (2.63, 1.38–5.04, 0.003). This probability for other major homozygotes varied between 2.80, 1.45–5.43, 0.002 for rs12980275 and 2.44, 1.27–4.69, 0.007 for rs12979860. In the additive model, rs368234815 TT/TT was the strongest predictor of HCV clearance (6.38, 1.69–24.2, 0.003). Survival analysis suggested an association of the ΔG allele with mortality due to neoplasms (log-rankP = 0.005). The rs368234815 ∆G allele caused TFBS removal for PLAGL1.ConclusionsIn haemodialysis patients, the association of rs368234815 with the spontaneous HCV clearance is better than that documented for otherIFNL3/IFNL4polymorphisms only in the additive mode of inheritance. However, identifying the homozygosity in the variant ∆G allele of rs368234815 means a more potent prediction of persistent HCV infection in haemodialysis subjects that we observe in the case of the variant homozygosity of other testedIFNL3/IFNL4polymorphisms. Removal of PLAGL1 TFBS in subjects harbouring the rs368234815 ∆G allele may contribute to cancer susceptibility. The association of rs368234815 with cancer-related mortality needs further studies in HCV-exposed subjects.
Scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy by Rickettsia slovaca after Dermacentor marginatus tick bite case report: multidisciplinary approach to a tick-borne disease
Authors: Barlozzari Giulia , Romiti Federico , Zini Maurizio , Magliano Adele , De Liberato Claudio , Corrias Franco , Capponi Guglielmo , Galli Luisa , Scarpulla Manuela , Montagnani Carlotta 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Scalp Eschar and Neck LymphAdenopathy after Tick bite is a zoonotic non-pathogen-specific disease most commonly due to Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii. Diagnosis is mostly based only on epidemiological and clinical findings, without serological or molecular corroboration.
We presented a clinical case in which diagnosis was supported by entomological identification and by R. slovaca DNA amplifications from the tick vector.

Case presentation
A 6-year-old child presented with asthenia, scalp eschar and supraclavicular and lateral-cervical lymphadenopathy. Scalp Eschar and Neck LymphAdenopathy After Tick bite syndrome following a Dermacentor marginatus bite was diagnosed. Serological test on serum revealed an IgG titer of 1:1024 against spotted fever group rickettsiae, polymerase chain reaction assays on tick identified Rickettsia slovaca. Patient was successfully treated with doxycycline for 10 days.

Conclusions
A multidisciplinary approach including epidemiological information, clinical evaluations, entomological identification and molecular investigations on tick, enabled proper diagnosis and therapy.
Incidence, healthcare-seeking behaviours, antibiotic use and natural history of common infection syndromes in England: results from the Bug Watch community cohort study
Authors:   on behalf of the PASS research group, Smith Catherine M. , Shallcross Laura J. , Dutey-Magni Peter , Conolly Anne , Fuller Christopher , Hill Suzanne , Jhass Arnoupe , Marcheselli Franziska , Michie Susan , Mindell Jennifer S. , Ridd Matthew J. , Tsakos Georgios , Hayward Andrew C. , Fragaszy Ellen B. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Better information on the typical course and management of acute common infections in the community could inform antibiotic stewardship campaigns. We aimed to investigate the incidence, management, and natural history of a range of infection syndromes (respiratory, gastrointestinal, mouth/dental, skin/soft tissue, urinary tract, and eye).

Methods
Bug Watch was an online prospective community cohort study of the general population in England (2018–2019) with weekly symptom reporting for 6 months. We combined symptom reports into infection syndromes, calculated incidence rates, described the proportion leading to healthcare-seeking behaviours and antibiotic use, and estimated duration and severity.

Results
The cohort comprised 873 individuals with 23,111 person-weeks follow-up. The mean age was 54 years and 528 (60%) were female. We identified 1422 infection syndromes, comprising 40,590 symptom reports. The incidence of respiratory tract infection syndromes was two per person year; for all other categories it was less than one. 194/1422 (14%) syndromes led to GP (or dentist) consultation and 136/1422 (10%) to antibiotic use. Symptoms usually resolved within a week and the third day was the most severe.

Conclusions
Most people reported managing their symptoms without medical consultation. Interventions encouraging safe self-management across a range of acute infection syndromes could decrease pressure on primary healthcare services and support targets for reducing antibiotic prescribing.
Gestation and COVID-19: clinical and microbiological observational study (Gesta-COVID19)
Authors:   On behalf of the Gesta-COVID19 Collaboration Group, Suy Anna , Garcia-Ruiz Itziar , Carbonell Melchor , Garcia-Manau Pablo , Rodo Carlota , Maiz Nerea , Sulleiro Elena , Anton Andres , Esperalba Juliana , Fernández-Hidalgo Nuria , Frick Marie Antoinette , Camba Fatima , Pumarola Tomas , Carreras Elena 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel disease which has been having a worldwide affect since December 2019. Evidence regarding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is conflicting. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated in biological samples during pregnancy (placenta, umbilical cord or amniotic fluid); however, maternal and fetal effects of the virus are not well known.

Methods
Descriptive, multicentre, longitudinal, observational study in eight tertiary care hospitals throughout Spain, that are referral centres for pregnant women with COVID-19. All pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction during their pregnancy or 14 days preconception and newborns born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 will be included. They will continue to be followed up until 4 weeks after delivery. The aim of the study is to investigate both the effect of COVID-19 on the pregnancy, and the effect of the pregnancy status with the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 disease. Other samples (faeces, urine, serum, amniotic fluid, cord and peripheral blood, placenta and breastmilk) will be collected in order to analyse whether or not there is a risk of vertical transmission and to describe the behaviour of the virus in other fluids. Neonates will be followed until 6 months after delivery to establish the rate of neonatal transmission. We aim to include 150 pregnant women and their babies. Ethics approval will be obtained from all the participating centres.

Discussion
There is little information known about COVID-19 and its unknown effects on pregnancy. This study will collect a large number of samples in pregnant women which will allow us to demonstrate the behaviour of the virus in pregnancy and postpartum in a representative cohort of the Spanish population.