bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loop changes after knee flexion-extension movement in a cadaveric anterior cruciate reconstruction model
Authors: Wang Jian , Yuan Fu-Zhen , Yu Jia-Kuo
Published: June 2020

Background

Recently, adjustable-loop devices (ALDs) have been widely used, and their reliability has always been the focus of attention. This study compared loop length changes under pull stress caused by flexion and extension of the cadaver knee between ALDs and fixed-loop devices (FLDs) in terms of femoral fixation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

ACL reconstruction in cadaveric knee joints was performed under arthroscopy with femoral suspension devices and tibial fixation by tying sutures on staples. The knee joint was repeatedly flexed and extended 30 times after fixation. According to the femoral fixation device used (Endobutton or Ultrabutton), the knee joints were divided into two groups: the ALD group (12 specimens) and the FLD group (ten specimens). The length of the loop before and after fixation was measured, and the loop length of the ALD group was re-measured 1 day after reconstruction.

Results

There was no significant difference in the length of the loop between the two groups (t = 0.579, P = 0.569). One day later, the loop length of the ALDs retracted by 0.29 ± 0.33 (0–1.1) mm, and there was no retraction in three specimens.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the loop length under flexion and extension stress after ACL reconstruction between ALDs and FLDs.
Cell cycle-related lncRNAs and mRNAs in osteoarthritis chondrocytes in a Northwest Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhang Feng’e , Lammi Mikko Juhani , Tan Sijia , Meng Peilin , Wu Cuiyan , Guo Xiong
Published: June 2020

Background:

A group of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play key roles in osteoarthritis (OA), although they represented only a small proportion of lncRNAs that may be biologically and physiologically relevant. Since our knowledge of regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs is still limited, it is important to gain better understanding of their relation to the pathogenesis of OA.

Methods:

We performed mRNA and lncRNA microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed RNAs in chondrocytes from three OA patients compared with four healthy controls. Then, enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed mRNAs was carried out to define disease molecular networks, pathways and gene ontology (GO) function. Furthermore, target gene prediction based on the co-expression network was performed to reveal the potential relationships between lncRNAs and mRNAs, contributing an exploration of a role of lncRNAs in OA mechanism. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses were used to demonstrate the reliability of the experimental results.

Findings:

Altogether 990 lncRNAs (666 up-regulated and 324 down-regulated) and 546 mRNAs (419 up-regulated and 127 down-regulated) were differentially expressed in OA samples compared with the normal ones. The enrichment analysis revealed a set of genes involved in cell cycle. In total, 854 pairs of mRNA and lncRNA were highly linked, and further target prediction appointed 12 genes specifically for their corresponding lncRNAs. The lncRNAs lncRNA-CTD-2184D3.4, ENST00000564198.1, and ENST00000520562.1 were predicted to regulate SPC24, GALM, and ZNF345 mRNA expressions in OA.

Interpretation:

This study uncovered several novel genes potentially important in pathogenesis of OA, and forecast the potential function of lnc-CTD-2184D3.4, especially for the cell cycle in the chondrocytes. These findings may promote additional aspects in studies of OA.
Brain metastases from esophageal cancer
Authors: Qie Shuai , Ran Yuge , Yang Huibin , Cui Guimin , Liu Miaoling , Sun Xiaojing , Tian Yuan , Sun Wenfan , Li Nan , Liu Chan
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

At present, there is no uniform consensus on the treatment of brain metastases from esophageal cancer. The studies on the treatment of brain metastases from esophageal cancer by radiotherapy combined with temozolomide (TMZ) are even rarer.

Patient concerns:

A 69-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for brain metastases from esophageal cancer after thoracic irradiation.

Diagnoses:

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed a round, heterogeneous metastatic tumor in the left parietal lobe. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed edema around brain metastases

Interventions: After radiotherapy plus TMZ in this patient's head, the brain metastatic tumor was significantly decreased.

Outcomes:

At the end of radiotherapy, and 1 and 2 months after the end of radiotherapy, the metastatic tumor continued to shrink, and no obvious side effects were observed.

Lessons:

This study suggests that radiotherapy plus TMZ might be a feasible option for brain metastases from esophageal cancer.
Herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid dermal filler
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Sun Tianyu , Yu Nanze , Wang Xiaojun
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Hyaluronic acid injections is relatively safe with little risk of complications. Although herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is rare, it produces quite a huge pressure and panic on patients. Quite a lot cosmetic practitioners have no awareness of preventing, diagnosing, and giving correct treatment in time due to lack of experience.

Patient concerns:

A 24-year-old woman presented with erythema, crusted papules, pain and swelling on the nose after receiving the injection of hyaluronic acid. A swab of the discharge fluid was obtained for bacterial and viral culture, showing positive for herpes simplex virus.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed as herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid.

Interventions:

The patient underwent antiviral therapy with acyclovir 400 mg, 3 times daily for seven days.

Outcomes:

After a week of antiviral treatment, the clinical signs improved.

Conclusion:

Herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is quite rare but needed sufficient attention of cosmetic practitioners to make the proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Prevalence and association of depression with uremia in dialysis population: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhang Fan , Wang Yujie , Wu Dan
Published: June 2020

Depression may hamper the immune system and nutritional status, which leads to poor outcomes of treatment. It is very common in dialysis patients. There are the numbers of parameters affected by the depression of patients and available studies are not enough to define the association between biological parameters and depression in the dialysis population. The purposes of the study were to find the prevalence of depression and association of it with the biochemical abnormalities in the dialysis patients.

The selected battery of tests (clinician-administered questionnaires) were applied to dialysis patients (test cohort, n = 298) and caregivers (control cohort, n = 202) for establishing depression. The demographic and clinical conditions of participants were also collected. Univariate analysis followed by multiple regression analysis was performed for demographical parameters, clinical conditions, and laboratory results for the detection of association of them with depression. The abnormal test considered as more than 2 SD of mean below the normal value. Out of all tests, at least 2 abnormal tests were considered as mild depression. More than half of abnormal parameters among all tests were considered as moderate depression and all abnormal parameters were considered as severe depression.

There was a significant difference for all the test between dialysis patients and the caregivers (P < .0001 for all). The half (153 out of 298) of dialysis patients were depressive and clinically asymptomatic. 70 (23%) dialysis patients were mild depressive, 45 (15%) dialysis patients were moderate depressive, and 38 (13%) dialysis patients were severely depressive. Serum phosphate (P = .023), level of parathyroid hormone (P = .021), and urea reduction rate (P = .048) were directly associated with depression.

Biochemical abnormalities (serum phosphate level, parathyroid hormone, and urea reduction rate) were independent predictors of depression in the dialysis population.

Level of evidence: III.
Relationship between perimetric increase and fluoroscopic pattern type in secondary upper limb lymphedema observed by Indocyanine green lymphography
Authors: Medina-Rodríguez María Elena , de-la-Casa-Almeida María , Mena-Rodríguez Antonio , González-Martín Jesús María , Medrano-Sánchez Esther Mª
Published: June 2020

To ascertain the relationship between the perimetric differences obtained between the limbs and the type of fluoroscopic pattern observed by Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in patients with upper limb lymphedema.

A correlational descriptive study was carried out in 19 patients with upper limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. The perimetric increase was recorded in 11 anatomical regions after ICG injection, fluoroscopic patterns were identified using an infrared camera. The ICG patterns were categorized into worse (stardust, diffuse) or better (linear, splash) patterns.

The pattern coincidence between the anterior and posterior regions of the edematous extremities was 45%. At the wrist level, a difference of 2 cm was associated with the presence of a worse fluoroscopic pattern, whereas perimeter differences of 4.25 cm in the elbow and 2.25 cm in the arm (12 cm from the epicondyle) were associated with the presence of a better fluoroscopic pattern.

The perimetric differences observed between the healthy and affected upper limbs in 4 specific anatomical areas allowed us to predict the type of fluoroscopic pattern. ICG lymphography has facilitated the study of the posterior regions of edema, which are difficult to visualize using other imaging techniques.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with different frequencies on post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Li Tiao , Zeng Xiaoxiang , Lin Lijuan , Xian Tingting , Chen Zhuoming
Published: June 2020

Backgrounds:

Previous studies indicated inconsistent results for the treatment effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke aphasics. The study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether the rTMS with different frequencies demonstrated any effect in patients with post-stroke aphasia.

Methods:

Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published before July 2019. Statistical analyses were made using STATA 12.0 software. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the treatment effect of rTMS on post-stroke aphasia.

Results:

Meta-analysis indicated significant treatment effects on naming of rTMS in post-stroke aphasics (SMD 0.76, 95%CI 0.16 to 1.36, I2 = 76.9%, P < .001). Subgroup analyses showed significant treatment effects on naming of low frequency (LF)-rTMS (SMD 0.40, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.69, I2 = 0.0%, P = .671). However, the changes in repetition and comprehension following stimulation were not significant.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, we provide preliminary evidence that both LF-rTMS and high-frequency-rTMS might be relatively effective and safe treatment for post-stroke aphasics. However, LF-rTMS mainly plays a short-term role in subacute post-stroke aphasics. Longer-term and large-scale studies are essential to explore the effect of rTMS with different frequencies on post-stroke aphasia.
Progress in the correlation between PTPN12 gene expression and human tumors
Authors: Huo Yu-hu , Wang Ya-ni , Meng Ling-bing , Zhang Ai-li , Liu Bin
Published: June 2020

Background:

The global morbidity of cancer is rising rapidly. Despite advances in molecular biology, immunology, and cytotoxic and immune-anticancer therapies, cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 (PTPN12) is a new member of the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase family, isolated from a cDNA library of adult colon tissue. Thus far, no studies have reviewed the correlation between PTPN12 gene expression and human tumors.

Methods:

This article summarizes the latest domestic and international research developments on how the expression of PTPN12 relates to human tumors. The extensive search in Web of Science and PubMed with the keywords including PTPN12, tumor, renal cell carcinoma, proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes was undertaken.

Results:

More and more studies have shown that a tumor is essentially a genetic disease, arising from a broken antagonistic function between proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. When their antagonistic effect is out of balance, it may cause uncontrolled growth of cells and lead to the occurrence of tumors. PTPN12 is a tumor suppressor gene, so inhibiting its activity will lead directly or indirectly to the occurrence of tumors.

Conclusion:

The etiology, prevention, and treatment of tumors have become the focus of research around the world. PTPN12 is a tumor suppressor gene. In the future, PTPN12 might serve as a novel molecular marker to benefit patients, and even the development of tumor suppressor gene activation agents can form a practical research direction.
Acute pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to silicone embolism
Authors: Bejarano Alejandro , Bautista Diego F. , Sua Luz F. , Pérez Bladimir , Lores Juliana , Aguirre Marisol , Fernández-Trujillo Liliana
Published: June 2020

Rationale:

Polydimethylsiloxane, commonly referred as silicone, is an inert liquid compound used in esthetic procedures due to its durability and thermal stability, yet the application of non-pure silicone generates risks. One of the complications is systemic embolism syndrome which is presents with fever, hypoxemia, and progression to respiratory failure, diffuse alveolar damage and alveolar hemorrhage, as well as neurological alterations in one-third of the cases. Management is strictly supportive. We present the case of acute pneumonitis with alveolar hemorrhage after silicone injection.

Patient concerns:

25-year-old transsexual man, who consulted 48 hours after liquid silicone injection in the buttocks and trochanteric area, with progressive dyspnea and chest tightness, with rapid progression to respiratory failure.

Diagnosis:

Clinical diagnosis of silicone embolism was made. Chest x-ray and CT angiography showed diffuse alveolar infiltrates and pleural effusion without evidence of acute venous thromboembolism. Bronchoscopy plus bronchoalveolar lavage showed hemorrhagic fluid, 60% macrophages with hemosiderin in cytology and negative cultures.

Intervention:

Sedation, relaxation, pronation, and protective ventilation were implemented until hemodynamic stabilization; as well as IV steroids and antibiotics.

Outcomes:

Clinical progress was slow towards improvement with resolution of radiological or physical abnormalities. Despite severity, the patient improved satisfactorily without late sequelae.

Lessons:

Silicone injection can trigger phenomena similar to that seen in fat embolism causing inflammation and immune response activation that lead to alveolar hemorrhage, diffuse alveolar damage, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We reported pulmonary complications related to the illegal use of injected silicone for esthetic procedures.
Efficacy and safety of telbivudine treatment for the prevention of HBV perinatal transmission
Authors: Ren Cuicui , Wang Lili , Sun Weihui , Ma Lei , Dong Zhi , Hao Anhua , Zhou Lin , Li Fengzhu , Ma Wenjie
Published: June 2020

To observe the efficacy of telbivudine in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) women with high viral load during pregnancy and the long-term effects on intelligence, growth, and development of the newborns.

A total of 87 patients were included. Forty-two patients received telbivudine orally 600 mg per day and treatment initiated from 12 weeks after gestation until the 12th postpartum week. Forty-five patients were untreated according to principle of informed consent. All infants received injection of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG; 200 IU) and were vaccinated with recombinant HBV vaccine. Wechsler preschool intelligence scale was used to assess mental and neuropsychological developments of these children till they were 6 years old. Data including serum HBV DNA viral load, Apgar score, and scores of Wechsler preschool intelligence scale were analyzed and compared.

Levels of both serum HBV DNA and ALT in patients who received telbivudine were significantly decreased at the 12th week after delivery, compared with baseline levels (P < .01). No significant changes were observed in patients not receiving telbivudine (P > .05). Serum HBV DNA and ALT levels at the 12th week after delivery in the telbivudine group were significantly lower than those of patients without telbivudine (P < .01). The serum HBsAg-positive rate in neonates 7 months of age was 0%, which was significantly lower than that in control group (11.11%) (P < .05). No statistical differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding maternal cesarean section rate, adverse pregnancy rate, postpartum bleeding rate, neonatal body mass, Apgar score, neonatal malformation incidence, or intelligence development of newborn.

Telbivudine is effective to reduce the viral load in CHB mothers with high viral load and could lower the perinatal transmission rate. Both mental and physical development in neonates with exposure to telbivudine during perinatal period were similar to those without telbivudine exposure.
The “criminal” artery of de Winter may be the left circumflex artery
Authors: Shao Dongpu , Yang Na , Zhou Shanshan , Cai Qingyuan , Zhang Rangrang , Zhang Qian , Wei Zhaoyang , Li Hang , Zheng Yang , Tong Qian , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: June 2020

Rationale:

De Winter et al first described a new ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-equivalent pattern associated with acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Studies show that this pattern has a positive predictive value of 95.2% to 100%. However, some cases of non-STEMI, caused by acute right coronary artery or LAD diagonal branch occlusion, have been reported, which exhibit electrocardiogram (ECG) changes similar to the de Winter pattern. Few cases of de Winter ECG pattern caused by left circumflex artery (LCX) stenosis have been reported.

Patient concerns:

A 57-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department 12 hours after suffering from oppressive chest pain and diaphoresis. The patient had a history of diabetes and smoking. An initial ECG showed atrial fibrillation, upsloping ST-segment depression at the J point, followed by peaked, positive T waves in leads V2 to V6 and slight ST-segment elevation in lead aVR, with poor R-wave progression. Coronary angiography showed tubular stenosis (up to 95%) of the proximal portion of the LCX.

Diagnosis:

LCX stenosis led to a diagnosis of non-STEMI.

Interventions:

Left coronary artery stenosis was successfully treated with angioplasty and insertion of a drug-eluting stent.

Outcomes:

The patient's chest pain resolved completely after stent implantation. No myocardial infarction occurred during the 6-month follow-up period.

Lessons:

De Winter ECG pattern cannot be presumed to be associated with LAD stenosis and 18-lead ECG is required to support the identification of the “criminal” artery and to rule out posterior myocardial infarction.
General internal medicine and family medicine journals
Authors: Sebo Paul
Published: June 2020

Like research in general internal medicine, family medicine research can play an important role in improving medical knowledge. We aimed to compare articles published in family medicine journals with articles published in general internal medicine journals. In this bibliometric study, we retrieved 658 randomly selected quantitative articles published in 2016 in 18 high impact factor journals of family medicine and general internal medicine. We extracted the following data: author (gender, number of publications, and place of residence of the first author), paper (number of participants, study design) and journal characteristics (journal discipline, 2015 impact factor). We compared the two groups of articles, using multivariate logistic regressions adjusted for impact factor and intra-cluster correlations. The first author of the articles published in family medicine journals, compared to general internal medicine journals, was more often a woman (OR 2.8 [95%CI 1.8–4.4], P-value < .001), living in the Western world (OR 14.4 [95%CI 6.0–34.4], P-value < .001), and a less experienced researcher (<5 vs >15 publications: OR 2.4 [95%CI 1.5–4.0], P-value .01). In addition, these studies generally included more participants (>1000 vs <100: OR 3.5 [95%CI 1.4–8.6], P-value .02). There was no statistically significant difference in the study design between the two groups of articles (P-value .25). Despite some differences between the two groups of articles, studies published in family medicine journals do not appear to be any less ambitious in terms of study design and sample size than those published in general internal medicine journals.
Efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids on liver-related outcomes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shi Xiao-yan , Fan Si-min , Shi Guo-mei , Yao Jia , Gao Yang , Xia Yu-guo , Chen Qiu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has a great prevalence all over the world. New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of NAFLD. This review will be to assess the efficacy and safety of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on liver-related outcomes (liver histology and liver enzymes) in patients with NAFLD.

Methods:

We will search 5 databases for relative studies: Medline, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov and identified all reports of randomized controlled trials published prior to July 2020. Two authors will independently scan the articles searched, extract the data from articles included, and assess the risk of bias by Cochrane tool of risk of bias. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion among authors. All analysis will be performed based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Fixed-effects model or random-effects model will be used to calculate pooled estimates of weighted mean difference with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

This systematic review aims to examine the effect of n-3 PUFAs on liver histology and liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD.

Conclusions:

These findings will provide guidance to clinicians and patients on the use of n-3 PUFAs for NAFLD.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study is a protocol for a systematic review of n-3 PUFAs as a treatment of NAFLD patients. This review will be published in a journal and disseminated in print by peer-review.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202050008.
Effect of febuxostat on blood pressure in hyperuricemic patients
Authors: Yao Jia , Shi Xiaoyan , Fan Simin , Gao Yang , Hu Hengchang , Wang PanPan , Chen Qiu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Increasing evidence connects serum uric acid (sUA) with hypertension. Previous studies on the efficacy of febuxostat on blood pressure (BP) in hyperuricemic patients have provided conflicting results. Thus, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of febuxostat on BP.

Methods:

Five electronic databases (included The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) will be searched. Randomized controlled trials will be included if they recruited hyperuricemic participants for assessing the effect of febuxostat on BP versus control (placebo, no treatment, and other therapeutic agents). The primary outcome will be BP, secondary outcomes will be sUA, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Relevant literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment will be performed by 2 researchers independently, and the third researcher will be involved in a discussion for any disagreements. All analyses will be performed based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Stata 12.0 software will be used for statistical analysis. The effect size of dichotomous data will be measured using the odds ratio , and the effect size of continuous data will be measured using the standardized mean difference. And 95% confidence intervals will be calculated. Heterogeneity will be tested by χ
2-based Cochran Q statistic and I
2 statistic. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis will be used to observe changes in the pooled effect size and heterogeneity between included studies, to assess the reliability and stability of the pooled results. The funnel plot and Egger's and Begg's tests will be used to judge publication bias, and the trim and fill method will be used to correct the funnel asymmetry caused by publication bias. P < .05 will be considered to indicate a statistically significant result.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will be to assess the efficacy of febuxostat on BP.

Conclusions:

Our findings will show the effect of febuxostat on BP in hyperuricemic patients. And such a study may find a new therapeutic option for hypertensive patients and assist clinicians and health professionals make clinical decisions.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study is a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of febuxostat on BP in hypertensive patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a journal and disseminated in print by peer-review.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY202050031.
Effects of bushen qianggu method for primary osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Guocai , Guan Yingxin , Ye Xiangling , Chen Guoqian , Du Jianping , Liu Wengang , Zhao Chuanxi , Yao Nan , Xu Xuemeng
Published: June 2020

Background:

Primary osteoporosis (POP) is one of the most common orthopedic diseases with a high risk of fracture. Effective treatment of POP is of great significance to reduce the rate of disability and improve the quality of life. Bushen qianggu (BSQG) is a classical method of TCM in treating POP. However, there is no systematic review related to BSQG for POP. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of the clinical evidence of BSQG in the treatment of POP.

Methods and analysis:

Relevant randomized controlled trial literature evaluating the effect of BSQG on patients with POP will be obtained by searching the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, China national knowledge infrastructure database, Wan fang database, Chongqing VIP information, and SinoMed from their inception to May 2020. Two researchers will select and evaluate qualified studies independently. The bone mineral density value and the incidence of fractures will be accepted as the primary outcomes. The meta-analyses will be performed by using the RevMan 5.3.

Results:

This study will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of BSQG method for patients with POP.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of our systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether BSQG is an effective intervention for patients with POP.

Trial registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZMX3W.
A-kinase interacting protein 1 high expression correlates with advanced tumor stage and poor overall survival in surgical patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Peng Huimin , Zhang Rong , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to detect the A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumor tissues and adjacent tissues, and further investigate the correlation of tumor AKIP1 expression with clinicopathological features and survival profile in ccRCC patients.

Totally 210 ccRCC patients who underwent resection were retrospectively reviewed, and their tumor and adjacent tissue specimens were acquired for immunohistochemical detection of AKIP1 expression. The survival data of patients were collected for overall survival (OS) assessment.

AKIP1 was upregulated in ccRCC tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues (P < .001). Tumor AKIP1 expression was positively associated with T stage (P = .019), N stage (P = .032), and TNM stage (P = .005) in ccRCC patients. According to AKIP1 expression in tumor tissues, all patients were grouped as AKIP1 low and high expression (AKIP1 high expression were further divided into AKIP1 high+, high++, and high+++ expression). OS was the lowest in the patients with AKIP1 high+++ expression, followed by those with AKIP1 high++ expression and AKIP1 high+ expression, and then patients with AKIP1 low expression (P < .001). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression exhibited tumor AKIP1 high expression (P = .017), age (>60 years) (P = .030), pathological grade (G2/G3 vs G1) (P = .037), and TNM stage (II/III vs I) (P < .001) were independent predictive factors for decreased OS in ccRCC patients.

AKIP1 presents potency to be a novel biomarker for tumor progression and prognosis surveillance in ccRCC.
Safety Audits in the Emergency Department
Authors: Tenedero Christine Bernice , Soliman Aiah , Samaan M. Constantine , Kam April Jacqueline
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aims to better understand factors that impact management of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the pediatric emergency department (ED) by novel application of the threat-and-error model, commonly used in the aviation industry.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with DKA and managed in our pediatric ED during a 1-year period. A “flight plan” was created for each patient's ED visit, from triage to final disposition. Each flight was analyzed with the goal of identifying threats and errors that may impact patients' clinical status or management. Particular focus was placed on physicians' adherence to hospital and provincial DKA protocols. Unintended patient states or outcomes were also noted.

Results

A total of 46 patient flights were outlined and analyzed. A total of 146 threats were identified, affecting 43 (93%) patient flights. No flight was error-free. Errors in communication and lack of adherence to protocol were the most common types of errors. Unintended patient states occurred in 30 cases (65%), some of which were preceded by at least 1 error. There were no cases of cerebral edema or death.

Conclusions

It is important to identify and appropriately mitigate threats and errors that commonly occur during initial management of DKA in the ED to prevent unintended states and patient morbidity. This study demonstrates the threat-and-error model as a potentially useful tool for focusing quality improvement initiatives in the pediatric ED setting.
Radiotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Imber Brandon S. , Yahalom Joachim
Published: June 2020

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a diverse and essential role in the contemporary management of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and remains the single most powerful monotherapeutic intervention for both aggressive and indolent subtypes. Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in radiation oncology practice, which have made modern treatments safer and more conformal. Despite this sophistication and evidence supporting a continued role for RT, numerous data suggest that utilization is on the decline. In this review, we discuss the rationale for RT in 4 commonly encountered scenarios: combined modality therapy for limited-stage aggressive NHL, consolidation therapy for advanced-stage aggressive NHL, and the changing roles of salvage RT for relapsed/refractory NHL in an era of new frontiers such as cellular therapies. We also evaluate current strategies to treat indolent histologies. We conclude with perspectives on how RT for the hematological malignancies may continue to evolve.
Caulobacter soli sp. nov., isolated from soil sampled at Jiri Mountain, Republic of Korea
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Jin Chun-Zhi , Jin Feng-Jie , Li Taihua , Lee Jong-Min , Kim Chang-Jin , Lee Hyung-Gwan , Jin Long
Published: June 2020

A Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic, non-spore-forming, motile with a single polar flagellum and rod-shaped bacterium, Ji-3-8T, was isolated from a soil sample taken from Jiri Mountain, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed the isolate had clear affiliation with

Alphaproteobacteria

and the closest relatedness to

Caulobacter rhizosphaerae

KCTC 52515T,

Caulobacter henricii

ATCC 15253T,

Caulobacter segnis

ATCC 21756T,

Caulobacter hibisci

THG-AG3.4T,

Caulobacter flavus

RHGG3T and

Caulobacter vibrioides

CB51T showing 99.1, 98.9, 97.7, 97.6, 97.5 and 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, and 94.7–96.5 % to the remaining species of genus

Caulobacter

. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1
 ω7c 11-methyl, C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω6c and/or C18 : 1
 ω7c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω6c and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c). The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified phosphoglycolipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Ji-3-8T was 68.1 mol%. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain Ji-3-8T with

C. rhizosphaerae

KCTC 52515T,

C. henricii

ATCC 15253T,

C. segnis

ATCC 21756T,

C. flavus

RHGG3T and

C. vibrioides

were 79.7–87.7% and 23.0–34.3%, respectively. Based on the polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain Ji-3-8T forms a novel species in the genus

Caulobacter

, for which the name Caulobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ji-3-8T (=CCTCC AB 2019389T=KCTC 72990T).
IgA dominates the early neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sterlin Delphine , Mathian Alexis , Miyara Makoto , Mohr Audrey , Anna François , Claër Laetitia , Quentric Paul , Fadlallah Jehane , Ghillani Pascale , Gunn Cary , Hockett Rick , Mudumba Sasi , Guihot Amélie , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Mayaux Julien , Beurton Alexandra , Fourati Salma , Lacorte Jean-Marc , Yssel Hans , Parizot Christophe , Dorgham Karim , Charneau Pierre , Amoura Zahir , Gorochov Guy
Published: June 2020

A major dogma in immunology has it that the IgM antibody response precedes secondary memory responses built on the production of IgG, IgA and, occasionaly, IgE. Here, we measured acute humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2, including the frequency of antibody-secreting cells and the presence of specific, neutralizing, antibodies in serum and broncho-alveolar fluid of 145 patients with COVID-19. Surprisingly, early SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral responses were found to be typically dominated by antibodies of the IgA isotype. Peripheral expansion of IgA-plasmablasts with mucosal-homing potential was detected shortly after the onset of symptoms and peaked during the third week of the disease. While the specific antibody response included IgG, IgM and IgA, the latter contributed to a much larger extent to virus neutralization, as compared to IgG. However, specific IgA serum levels notably decrease after one month of evolution. These results represent a challenging observation given the present uncertainty as to which kind of humoral response would optimally protect against re-infection, and whether vaccine regimens should consider boosting a potent, although, at least in blood, fading IgA response.

One sentence Summary

While early specific antibody response included IgG, IgM and IgA, the latter contributed to a much larger extent to virus neutralization.
An iterative supervised learning method identifying two subgroups of FOLFOX resistance patterns and predicting FOLFOX response in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Tian Sun , Wang Fulong , Lu Shixun , Wu Rujia , Chen Gong
Published: June 2020

Background

FOLFOX is a combination of drugs that is widely used to treat colorectal cancer. The response rate of FOLFOX in colorectal cancer(CRC) is 30-50%. We develop a method that analyzes mechanisms of FOLFOX resistance and predicts whether a patient will benefit from FOLFOX.

Methods

Gene expression data of 83 stage IV CRC tumor samples (FOLFOX responder n=42, non-responder n=41) were used to develop a supervised learning method IML and analyze subgroups of FOLFOX resistance mechanism. Datasets of 32 FOLFOX treated stage IV CRC patients and 55 FOLFOX treated stage III CRC patients were used as independent validations.

Results

An iterative supervised learning (IML) method identified two distinct subgroups of CRC patients who resist FOLFOX. Each subgroup relies on different types of DNA damage repair proteins and they are mutually exclusive. Protein-protein networks showed the main mechanism might be the synergistic effect of resisting apoptosis and an altered cell cycle. IML method was validated in two independent validation sets, one FOLFOX treated stage IV CRC patients(HR=2.6, p-value=0.02, 3-years survival rate of the predicted responder group 61.9%, predicted nonresponder group 18.8%) and one FOLFOX treated stage III CRC patients (estimated HR=2.36, p-value=0.02). A subgroup of mesenchymal subtype patients shows the pattern as FOLFOX responders.

Conclusions

IML method reflects the underlying biology of FOLFOX resistance and predicts FOLFOX response.
Diagnostic accuracy study of a novel blood-based assay# for identification of TB in people living with HIV
Authors: Södersten Erik , Ongarello Stefano , Mantsoki Anna , Wyss Romain , Persing David H. , Banderby Sara , Meuzelaar Linda Strömqvist , Prieto Jacqueline , Gnanashanmugam Devasena , Khatri Purvesh , Schumacher Samuel G. , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: June 2020

A non-sputum triage test to rule out TB disease is a WHO high-priority diagnostic and a combinatory score based on a 3-gene host-signature has shown promise in discriminating TB from other illnesses. We evaluated the accuracy of an early-prototype cartridge-assay (“Xpert MTB Host Response”, or Xpert-MTB-HR-Prototype) of this 3-gene signature on bio-banked blood-samples from PLHIV against a comprehensive microbiological reference standard (CMRS) and against Xpert® MTB/RIF on first sputum alone. We depict results based on performance targets set by WHO in comparison with a laboratory-based CRP assay. Of 201 patients included, 67 were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. AUC for the Xpert-MTB-HR-Prototype was 0·89 (CI 0·83-0·94) against the CMRS and 0·94 (CI 0·89-0·98) against Xpert MTB/RIF. Considering Xpert-MTB-HR-Prototype as a triage test (at nearest upper value of sensitivity to 90%), specificity was 55·8% (CI 47·2-64·1) compared to the CMRS and 85·9% (CI 79·3-90·7) compared to Xpert MTB/RIF as confirmatory tests. Considering Xpert-MTB-HR-Prototype as a stand-alone diagnostic test, at a specificity near 95%, the test achieved a sensitivity of 65·7% (CI 53·7-75·9) while CRP achieved a sensitivity of only 13·6% (CI 7·3-23·4). In this first accuracy study of a prototype blood-based host-marker assay, we show the possible value of the assay for triage and diagnosis in PLHIV.

One Sentence Summary

This is an accuracy study of a blood-based host-marker assay demonstrating its potential in triage and diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) in people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Study on zonal coating design of absorbing material for a stealth helicopter
Authors: Lu Shaoze , Huang Jun , Yi Mingxu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

By reducing the coating thickness of the weak scattering source, the coating weight of the absorbing material can be reduced by 35% with little effect on the RCS.

Design/methodology/approach

To alleviate the weight-increasing problem caused by a large number of coating of absorbing materials, a method for zonal coating of absorbing materials for a stealth helicopter was proposed. By appropriately reducing the thickness of the coating at the secondary scattering locations, the amount of coating used is significantly reduced.

Findings

Compared with the full-coated, the zonal coating scheme achieves the corresponding RCS reduction effect.

Practical implications

Zonal coating design can achieve the effect of reducing coating weight and cost.

Originality/value

The effects of different coating methods on RCS were verified by electromagnetic scattering simulation, and the applicability of the zonal coating design of the absorbing material to the stealth helicopter was verified.
Assessment, learning and power in the architectural design studio jury: a case from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Musa Majd
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the architectural design jury in a university in the UAE. It explores the jury as an assessment tool, this system's formative value – i.e. significance for learning enrichment – and issues undermining it and power relations in the jury and their implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out through surveys of students' views, reflection on the author's experience and literature review.

Findings

The paper finds that the jury emphasizes assessment over learning. Students are gradually disturbing unbalanced power relations in the jury, but power remains uneven and obstructive of the jury's developmental role. Despite the jury's shortcomings and scholars' call for abandoning it, students found the studio better with the jury, although they wanted the system to be enhanced. The persistent – albeit not unchallenged – power of the design jury institution and students' need for feedback from different sources and unawareness of any alternatives to the jury led to this position.

Practical implications

The paper recommends reforms to the design jury and suggests experimenting in supporting tools to direct this system toward student empowerment and learning enhancement.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature as it investigates persisting problematic components and practices in today's architectural design juries in university education in the Arab region, which have not received adequate attention. The context of the study and the new generation of students it involves enable a new perspective on the topic.
A disigned method of the surface structure of suspended glass transport device based bionic structure of dragonfly wings
Authors: Gao Siyang , Zhang Bangcheng , Sun Jianwei , Liu Wenrui
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a biomimetic surface structure for use in a glass transport device to enhance the suspension lift of a glass transport unit.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a surface structure of a suspended glass transport device based on the principle of bionics. First, a mapping model is constructed based on the wing structure. Second, the optimal structural parameters are given according to genetic algorithm optimization. Finally, the experimental comparison of the test bench verified the feasibility of the theory.

Findings

Through experimental comparison, the biomimetic suspension glass transport device saves 20% of air pressure compared with the ordinary suspended glass transport device, which verifies the effectiveness of the theoretical method.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a suspended glass transport device based on the principle of bionics, which saves the air pressure required for work. It is expected to be used in suspension glass transport devices.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2019-0389/
Explaining clothing decision-making styles among South-African and Nigerian young adults using two life-course theories
Authors: Duh Helen Inseng , Iyiola Oluwole
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Two life-course theories (human capital and socialization) were employed to examine how childhood family resources received and peer communication about clothes shopping influence consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) at young adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

Young adults (18–35 years old) were surveyed from two large African economies: South Africa (N = 306) and Nigeria (N = 272). The participants were surveyed at the economic capitals (Johannesburg and Lagos) of both countries to identify and explain CDMS related to clothes shopping. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analyses were used to analyze data.

Findings

The results found six CDMS in both countries, dominated by four utilitarian dimensions (perfectionist, price, quality and time/shopping uninterested consciousness). Structural equation modeling results revealed that family resources and peer communication received during adolescence predicted most of the six CDMS in both countries. Multi-group analyses found that there were no country differences in constructs' relationships.

Practical implications

From the results that young adults in both countries displayed more utilitarian than symbolic decision-making styles when shopping for clothing, it is suggested that retailers and other companies provide value-for-money to capture and retain this large, lucrative, but disloyal, young adult consumer segment.

Originality/value

Since 1986, when eight consumer decision-making styles were identified, studies of CDMS over the last three decades have focused on validating the scale and exploring demographic and cultural differences. Few studies have examined CDMS drivers, but not using a life-course approach.
Enhanced role of private sector through public private partnerships in low income urban housing in Kenya
Authors: Giti Daniel Mutegi , K'Akumu Owiti A. , Ondieki Edwin Oyaro
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Low income urban housing in Kenya is underdeveloped as a result of uninnovative financing, hence the many slums and informal settlements in the country, hence the need for enhanced participation of the private sector through application of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), which has been cited as one of the possible solutions. The purpose of this study was to investigate and make predictions of the need for enhanced role of private sector in developing low income urban housing in Kenya through PPPs.

Design/methodology/approach

Delphi method of research was used to forecast the enhanced role of private sector through PPPs in the development of low income urban housing in Kenya. Three rounds Delphi iterations using three panels of housing financiers (30 in number), housing developers (28 in number) and housing practitioners (30 in number) were used. Data was collected through questionnaires throughout the three rounds, where the first round was exploratory in nature, the second round built on answers from round one, while round three was based on answers from round two, after which the mean and standard deviation values were calculated to show the level of consensus.

Findings

Results showed that PPPs is one of the plausible ways through which low income urban housing in Kenya can be developed to address its shortage. Private sector in PPP transaction brings innovative technology, finance and efficiency, while government brings its assets such as land and other regulations long term contracts.

Research limitations/implications

The research was focussed on the Nairobi city county area in analysing the need for enhanced role of the private parties. It focussed on a panel of Housing practitioners-officers in the State Department for housing and Nairobi city county; housing financiers and housing developers, without interviewing the beneficiaries of the method.

Practical implications

It was, therefore, found out that PPPs models are applicable in developing low income urban housing because the country has the enabling environment for its effective application going forward. The implication of this study is that low income urban housing can be developed through the model.

Social implications

The slums and informal settlements will have adequate, affordable and quality housing being introduced within their neighbourhoods, which reduces political and societal animosities.

Originality/value

This research has benefited from published literature on PPPs and original research on PPPs.