bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterolateral decompression, distractive reduction and reconstructive stabilization for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine fracture-dislocations
Authors: Chen Changbao , Zhang Xiaolin , Ma Xinlong
Published: March 2020

Background: Fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine are uncommon and highly unstable injuries, and the ideal management for patients with thoracic and lumbar spine fracture-dislocations is challenging. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results following posterolateral decompression, distractive reduction and reconstructive stabilization for patients with severe thoracic and lumbar spine fracture-dislocations.Methods: Twenty-three patients with thoracic and lumbar spine fracture-dislocations underwent this procedure. Demographic data, radiographic results, neurologic function, clinical functions and treatment-related complications were prospectively evaluated. Results: The average preoperative sagittal and coronal displacement was 31.9% and 6.7%, significantly improved to 6.4% and 2.1% after surgery, respectively. The final sagittal and coronal displacement was 5.3% and 1.5%. The average segmental kyphosis was 20.4° before surgery, markedly corrected to 4.7° immediately after surgery. The final sagittal kyphosis was 6.1°. Twelve patients with incomplete neurologic deficits had improvement by at least one ASIA grade neurologic improvement. The preoperative pain level showed a mean VAS score of 9.5 improved to 3.5 postoperatively, and to 1.2 at the final follow-up. Mean ODI preoperatively was 90.2%, and improved to 38.3% postoperatively, and to 24.9% at the final follow-up. No patient had persistent postoperative back pain. No obvious complications were observed in this series.Conclusions: Posterolateral decompression, distractive reduction and reconstructive stabilization is a reasonably safe and effective technique for thoracic and lumbar spine fracture-dislocations. This replicable procedure can result in satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes, with sufficiently circumferential decompression, excellent reduction, perfect spine alignment, solid instrumentation and sound fusion.
Management of periprosthetic fractures of knee arthroplasty with revision surgery
Authors: Kamal Ahmad , Dong Ren Jiang , Shah Rafiq , Li Cao
Published: March 2020

Objective : As periprosthetic knee fractures are becoming common with the increase in incidence of primary and revision total knee arthroplasty, their management and treatment have become important. The current study aims to evaluate the revision knee arthroplasty carried out due to the failure of primary treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures.Methods: The study was conducted from May 2012 to September 2019 at Orthopedics department of Xinjiang Medical University; out of 21 patients 11 were women and 10 men aged 44 to 80 (mean, 70.76±8.31) years who underwent revision surgery for periprosthetic fractures of 19 distal femur, 1 patellar, and 1 proximal tibial fracture. Nineteen cases had definite trauma history leading to periprosthetic fracture, and 2 cases had fracture during post-operative functional exercise. All patients had revision surgery with extended stems with either constrained or limited condylar knee prosthesis.Results : The duration of follow-up averaged 4.3 years. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score before fracture averaged 91 + 7.01 points (89 - 95 points) and 85.5 + 6.18 points (81 - 90 points) at the last follow-up. The average range of motion of knee joint before fracture was 115.7 [+7.6] (110 [~126]), and 101.3 [+9.8] (85 [~115]) at the last follow-up. There was no significant statistical difference. No complications such as infection, component loosening or nonunion. 2 patients had lower extremity vein thrombosis.Conclusion Revision surgery of the knee for the periprosthetic fractures with proper prosthetic selection can attain good outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty. Reasonable and correct procedure is the main principle for a successful operation. The benefits and applicability of revision TKA is the reconstructive solution for the issues of prosthetic knee fractures, is highly recommended.
GM-CSF and HMGB1 level were associated with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of childhood refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Cao Lianfu , Lin Haijiao , Yu Hongjun , Wang Yongji
Published: March 2020

Background: To analyze the relationship between granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) level in alveolar lavage fluid with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of children refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), so as to provide reliable targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A total of 106 children diagnosed with MPP and prepared for bronchoalveolar lavage therapy were selected in this study, which were divided into 2 groups according to clinical diagnosis: those showing clinical and radiological deterioration despite appropriate antibiotic therapy for ≥7 days were classified into refractory MPP group (n=47), while the others were classified into non-refractory MPP group (n=59). The data of physical examination, treatment and outcome were collected. In addition, the GM-CSF and HMGB1 levels in alveolar lavage fluid during each bronchoalveolar lavage therapy were detected by ELISA kits. Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, course of fever, the highest temperature, WBC, L, PLT, ALT, AST, CK-MB, D-D, CK, IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and C4 between refractory MMP group and non-refractory MMP group on admission (P＞0.05). The levels of N, CRP, PCT, and LDH in refractory MPP group were higher than those in non-refractory MPP group, the difference had statistical significance (P＜0.05). Both GM-CSF and HMGB1 levels were positively correlated with traditional indicators N, CRP, PCT and LDH (r=0.611-0.785, P<0.05). ROC analysis results showed that CRP, GM-CSF and HMGB1 had predictive value for refractory MPP attack (AUC=0.636, 0.657, 0.651, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis results showed GM-CSF and HMGB1 were independent factors for refractory MPP (B＞1.0, P<0.05). ROC analysis results showed that GM-CSF and HMGB1 at 2nd bronchoalveolar lavage therapy had predictive value for long hospital stay (>28 d) and poor prognosis of refractory MPP (AUC=0.782-0.825, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The level of GM-CSF and HMGB1 in alveolar lavage fluid is closely related to the occurrence and development of refractory MPP, which can be used as an auxiliary indicator for clinical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation, and has certain guiding significance for its clinical treatment.
Meta-analysis of two approaches to Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: lateral transperitoneal versus posterior retroperitoneal approach
Authors: Lu Youyi , Li Qi , Li Lin , Wang Hongtao
Published: March 2020

Background:Even though many studies have reported comparisons of the lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA)and posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (PRA) approaches,the conclusions were inconsistent.This meta-analysis aims at a systematic assessment of LTA and PRA.Methods:We searched MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Embase database and finally obtained 19 studies published since January 2009.Systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. RevMan 5.3(Cochrane Collaboration) was used for data analysis.Results:19 studies were included in the meta-analysis.The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were similar(age, BMI, proportion of right sided, proportion of bilateral lesions,and previous abdominal surgery).There was slightly higher heterogeneity in proportion of male patients (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97, P = 0.01) and size of the tumor (MD 0.62, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.08, P = 0.008).The results confirmed that the PRA group was superior to LTA group regarding shorter operative time (MD 17.54, 95% CI 9.67 to 25.40, P < 0.0001),lower estimated blood loss (MD 37.75, 95% CI 18.08 to 57.41, P = 0.0002), shorter hospital stay (MD 1.19, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.63, P < 0.00001) and shorter time to first oral intake(MD 0.48, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.86, P =0.01).There were no statistically significant differences between LTA and PRA regarding overall complication(OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.97, P = 0.08),conversion to open laparotomy (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.16, P = 0.63) or blood transfusion(OR 2.22, 95% CI 0.51 to 9.57, P = 0.28) .Conclusion:This meta-analysis suggests that PRA has more advantages over LTA,such as shorter operative time,lower estimated blood loss,shorter hospital stay and shorter time to first oral intake.And there were no statistically significance between LTA and PRA in terms of postoperative outcomes(total complications, conversion rates and blood transfusion).
Dynamic change of gut microbiota in the male bee of Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Liuhao , Zhang Zhengyi , Guo Yulong , Guo Jun , Chen Yanping , Zhuang Daohua , Li Jilian
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe gut microbiota play a key role in the development and health of bumble bees. Male bees are important for the reproductive activity of a colony, yet there are few studies on their gut microbiota. ResultsBy using qPCR, we found there are significant changes in total bacteria and six important bacteria genera from different developmental stages compared to workers bees. The results indicate that Gilliamella , Snodgrassella , and Lactobacillus are the dominant gut bacteria in male bees, which is consistent with the previous studies in worker bees, however, there are more total bacteria in male bees. Another gut bacteria genus, Bacillus may be a probiotic bacteria for reproduction in male bees, although the possible function of these bacteria require further study. ConclusionsThis research can provide insight into the relationship between the bacterial community and the physiological health and reproductive capacity of male bumble bees.#Authors contributed equally to this work.
The reflection on an AIDS patient with asymptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Yang Rongrong , Gui Xien , Gao Shicheng , Mo Pingzheng , Ke Hengning , Zhang Yongxi , Xiong Yong
Published: March 2020

We reported the process of exposure, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and prognosis of an AIDS patient with asymptomatic COVID-19. In our report, we found the asymptomatic is still shedding virus for at least 29 days. Therefore, we suggested that for individuals who had close contact with diagnosed or suspected COVID-19 patients, in addition to isolation, medical observation, and further related testing if clinical symptoms appear in the observation period, it is best to collect nasopharyngeal and throat swab specimens and test for COVID-19 nucleic acid as early as possible. The purpose of this active detection is to screen out COVID-19 asymptomatic patients, and to avoid further transmission through recessive source of infection. Our findings will facilitate understanding of asymptomatic COVID-19 and improve prevention strategies against COVID-19 transmission.
Inferring Grasp Intentions from Arm Trajectories via Deep Learning to Enable Functional Movement in Quadriplegia
Authors: Bhagat Nikunj , King Kevin , Ramdeo Richard , Bouton Chad
Published: March 2020

Background Cervical spinal cord injury severely affects grasping ability of its survivors. Fortunately, many individuals with quadriplegia retain residual arm movements that allow them to reach for objects. We propose a wearable technology that utilizes pattern recognition and deep learning methods to automatically classify arm trajectories and infer grasping intentions. Further, this technology can enable individuals with SCI to grasp objects without assistance via neuromuscular stimulation. Methods Two cervical SCI participants performed various reaching movements and smooth trajectories in space, which were recorded using an inertial sensor worn on their wrist. Time series classifiers were trained to recognize the trajectories using either a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm or a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network. Successful trajectory prediction in real-time was demonstrated using DTW, which when used in combination with a high density neuromuscular stimulation sleeve with textile electrodes, enabled participants to perform functional grasps. Results In offline comparisons, LSTM (mean accuracies 98% and 99%) performed significantly better than DTW (mean accuracies 94% and 83%) for both 2D and 3D reaching movements, respectively. Type I and II errors occurred more frequently for DTW (up to 38% and 15%, respectively), whereas it stayed under 3% for LSTM. Also, DTW achieved online accuracy of 79 ± 5%. Conclusions We demonstrate the feasibility of inferring grasping intention from reaching trajectories using wearable sensors. Importantly, this technology can be successfully used to control neuromuscular stimulators and restore functional independence to individuals living with paralysis. Trial registration: NCT, NCT03385005. Registered September 26, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03385005
Grip Strength in Adults and Children with Cystinosis
Authors: Iyob-Tessema Helina , Wang Chia-Shi , Kennedy Sabina , Reyes Loretta , Shin Stella , Greenbaum Larry , Hogan Julien
Published: March 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with impaired muscle strength. Cystinosis patients have increased risk for impaired muscle strength due to early development of CKD and cystinosis-induced myopathy. This study assesses muscle strength in cystinosis patients and investigates risk factors of decreased muscle strength. Methods: Adult and pediatric patients were recruited from Cystinosis Research Network conferences and a large pediatric nephrology clinic between 2017 and 2019. Patients and caregivers completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, disease course, daily physical activity, and neuro-muscular symptoms. Grip strength was assessed using a dynameter and calculated z-scores for age and sex were assessed for associations with patient characteristics. Results: We included 76 patients with a mean grip strength z-score of -2.1 (SD 1.1), which was lower than seen in CKD patients without cystinosis. Male sex and delayed cysteamine initiation were independently associated with impaired grip strength. Among adults, a low level of physical activity was associated with lower grip strength z-score, but no association was found in children. A third of the patients reported neuro-muscular symptoms, with swallowing issues associated with lower grip strength. There was no significant correlation between eGFR and grip strength z-score. Conclusion: Cystinosis patients have impaired muscle strength compared to healthy controls and CKD patients. This impairment is greater in male patients and in patients with late initiation of cysteamine therapy, and is associated with lower physical activity. Further studies investigating the effect of different types of physical activities, optimizing cysteamine therapy and other interventions are needed.
Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome in Neonates: Report of Fourteen New Cases and A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mei Mei , Yang Lin , Lu Yulan , Wang Laishuan , Cheng Guoqiang , Cao Yun , Chen Chao , Qian Liling , Zhou Wenhao
Published: March 2020

Background: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in PHOX2B gene. Characteristics of neonatal-onset CCHS cases have not been well assessed. Our study aimed to expand current knowledge of clinical and genetic features of neonates with CCHS and provide data on the genotype-phenotype correlation.Methods: We made a retrospective analysis of 14 neonates carrying PHOX2B pathogenic variants from 2014 to 2019 and we reviewed previously published neonatal-onset cases. Clinical and genetic data were analyzed. Moreover, genotype-phenotype correlation analysis was performed.Results: We identified a total of 60 cases with neonatal-onset CCHS including 14 novel cases from our local cohort. Nearly 20% (18.2%, 10/55) of the patients were born prematurely. Nearly half (46.2%, 18/39) of the patients had abnormal family history. Polyhydramnios was observed in 21.3% (10/47) of the patients. About 90% of the patients manifested hypoventilation in the first week. Forty-six (76.7%) patients were classified as severer-CCHS. Gastrointestinal manifestations were observed in 71.7% of the patients. Approximately twofold more males than females were affected by Hirschprung disease (HSCR)/variant HSCR (75.8% vs 35%, P=0.003). Neural crest tumor occurred in 9.1% (4/44) patients. Half patients had PARMs in PHOX2B and the left had 23 distinct non-PARMs (NPARMs) with one novel variant (c.684dup). The prevalence of HSCR and mild-CCHS among patients with NPARMs was significantly greater than that of the patients with PARMs.Conclusions: This report provides a large cohort of neonatal-onset CCHS cases. The results indicate that severe hypoventilation and HSCR are frequently observed in this group. NPARMs accounted for half of the cohort with some genotypes tend to be associated with mild phenotype. Molecular testing in suspicious neonates and genetic counseling for CCHS families are highly recommended.
Health status of female Moldovan immigrants to Italy by health literacy level and age group: a descriptive study
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Vianello Francesca Alice , Zaccagnini Federica , Pinato Carlo , Maculan Pietro
Published: March 2020

Background: Migration flows from Eastern Europe to Italy have been large and continue to grow. The purpose of this study was to examine the health status of a population of Moldovan immigrant women, and their access to health care services in northern Italy, by age group and health literacy level. Methods: We administered an ad-hoc questionnaire to adult Moldovan women to assess their lifestyles, self-reported health status (symptoms and diseases), access to health services, and health literacy. Then, using descriptive statistics, we compared our data with findings for a sample of Italian women of the same age living in the north-east of the country. Results: Our sample included 170 Moldovan women (aged 46.5 ± 12.3) in five occupational categories: home care workers (28.2%); cleaners (27.1%); health care workers (5.9%); other occupations (28.8%); and unemployed (10%). Active smokers were twice as prevalent among the women with a low health literacy. Health literacy level also determined access to healthcare services: women with a higher health literacy tended to use scheduled health services and screening programs, while those with a lower health literacy relied more on emergency health services. For all age groups, the Moldovan sample reported a higher prevalence of allergies, lumbar disorders and depression than the Italian controls. Conclusions: The reported prevalence of some diseases was higher among Moldovan immigrant women than among Italian resident women. Health literacy was associated with the immigrant women’s lifestyle and the use of health care services, as previously seen for the autochthonous population.
A Novel Trajectory Tracking Control Strategy for Underactuated Quadrotor UAV with Uncertainties and Disturbances
Authors: Han Jiang , Yang Siyang , Xia Lian , Chen Ye-Hwa
Published: March 2020

In this research, a novel position trajectory tracking control architecture has been constructed for an underactuated quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with uncertainties and disturbances. Primarily, we divide the whole dynamic system into an underactuated position subsystem and a fully-actuated attitude subsystem. For the position subsystem, we have transformed it into a fully-actuated system by constructing a virtual PD controller, and this controller can render the position tracking error asymptotically stable. Besides, based on the position controller designed for quadrotor UAV, the desired attitudes, i.e. roll, pitch and yaw angles, will be derived. Next, as for the attitude subsystem which is sensitive to uncertainties and external disturbances, a novel robust attitude constraint-following controller is proposed for this aircraft, this attitude controller can not only guarantee the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness of constraint deviation, but also does not requiring more information of uncertainties and disturbances except their bounds. Eventually, the simulations have demonstrated a sound tracking performance of our proposed control strategy for quadrotor UAV even in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances.
Clinical Significance of MicroRNA-155 Regulated Autophagy and Apoptosis by targeting gene Rictor/Fos in Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Yu , Ren Zhijian , Gu Yanmei , Tang Futian , Mao Jie , Zhu Junmin , Wang Ling , Li Yumin
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND Microrna-155 plays an important role in the pathogenesis, progression and treatment of various cancers. It is abnormally expressed in gastric cancer, but its expression level, mechanism and significance are controversial in different studies. So we make the study to explore the expression level, significance and mechanism of microRNA-155 on gastric cancer. METHODS Target genes of microRNA-155 in TargetScan and mirDB databases were analyzed by Wayne Mapping, Enrichr database, String database, TIMER database. Forty-three pairs of cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were collected to extract total RNA and protein. Expression of MicroRNA-155, Rictor, Fos, Beclin1, LC3, caspase3 and caspase9 were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. The relationship between gene expression and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 700 (miRDB) and 556 (TargetScan) target genes were obtained and 280 genes were in the intersection of Wayne Mapping, 49 of them had a target score of 90 or more. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that they were related to autophagy or apoptosis pathway. Rictor and Fos were selected as research objects. Thirty-two cases showed high microRNA-155 expression (group H) and 11 cases showed low expression (group L). Twelve patients had high Rictor expression and 31 patients had low expression; Thirteen cases had roughly normal Fos expression and 30 cases had low or negative expression; Thirty-three cases had high Beclin1/LC3 expression and 10 cases had low expression; Ten cases had high caspase3/caspase9 expression and 33 cases had low expression. According to the results of immunohistochemistry and western blot, Rictor, Fos, caspase3 and caspase9 were low expressed while Beclin1 and LC3 were high expressed in group H. However, all the six genes had no significant difference in group L. CONCLUSIONS The abnormal expression of microRNA-155 may indicate the occurrence of gastric cancer and its expression level is negatively correlated with clinical stage of cancer. The down-regulated expression of Rictor and Fos, enhancement of autophagy and weakening of apoptosis may be related to the over-expression of microRNA-155. MicroRNA-155 may promote the progression of gastric cancer by promoting autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis.
The profile of hematinic deficiencies in patients with oral lichen planus: a case-control study
Authors: Bao Zhe-xuan , Yang Xiao-wen , Shi Jing , Wang Yufeng
Published: March 2020

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common mucocutaneous disorder, its causative factors and pathogenesis still remain obscure. The existing studies on the association between hematinic deficiencies and OLP are limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the hematinic deficiencies in a cohort of OLP patients and evaluate the correlation between hematinic deficiencies and OLP.

Methods

236 OLP patients and 226 age-and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), serum folate, vitamin B12 and ferritin were measured and compared between OLP patients and healthy controls. REU (reticular/hyperkeratotic, erosive/erythematous, ulcerative) scoring system was adopted and compared between the OLP patients with and without hematinic deficiencies. The correlation between hematinic deficiencies and OLP was analyzed.

Results

The frequencies of serum ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiency in OLP patients were both significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. According to gender and age, the profiles of hematinic deficiencies in OLP patients were significantly different. As for REU score, no significant difference existed between OLP patients with and without hematinic deficiencies. Both serum ferritin deficiency and serum vitamin B12 deficiency were significantly correlated with OLP.

Conclusions

The present study suggested a significant association between hematinic deficiencies and OLP. Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in OLP patients should be monitored routinely. In the case of hematinic deficiencies, appropriate supplementation therapy is necessary. Further studies are warranted to explore the interactions between OLP and hematinic deficiencies.
Three-dimensional evaluation of mid-facial soft tissue changes after expansion using micro-implant-supported maxillary skeletal expander
Authors: Nguyen Hieu , Shin Jeong Won , Giap Hai-Van , Kim Ki Beom , Chae Hwa Sung , Kim Young Ho , Choi Hae Won
Published: March 2020

Background The aim of this study was to assess the mid-facial soft tissue changes induced by a micro-implant-supported maxillary skeletal expander in late adolescents and young adults by cone-beam computerized tomography and the correlations between hard and soft tissue changes after expansion with maxillary skeletal expander.Subjects and methods Twenty patients with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with maxillary skeletal expander were selected. Cone-beam computerized tomography images taken before and after expansion were superimposed to measure the changes in soft and hard tissue landmarks.Results Anterior nasal spine, posterior nasal spine, and alveolar bone width were significantly increased after expansion with maxillary skeletal expander (p < 0.05). The average lateral movement of the cheek points was 1.13 ± 0.33 mm (left) and 1.41 ± 0.39 mm (right), while that of the alar curvature points was 1.07 ± 0.72 mm (left) and 1.06 ± 0.68 (right) (p < 0.05). The average forward displacement of the cheek points was 0.42 ± 0.66 mm (left) and 0.60 ± 0.58 mm (right), whereas that of the alar curvature points was 0.80 ± 0.67 mm (left) and 0.68 ± 0.56 mm (right) side (p < 0.05). The average downward movement of the subnasale was 0.40 ± 0.37 mm (p < 0.05). The changes in cheek points and alar curvature points on both sides significantly correlated with hard-tissue changes (p < 0.05).Conclusions Maxillary expansion using maxillary skeletal expander resulted in significant lateral and forward movement of soft tissues of the cheek and alar curvature points on both sides and correlated with the maxillary suture opening at the anterior and posterior nasal spines.
Characteristics of cytokines in regeneration of injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Chen Sailing , Shen Yinying , Yi Sheng , Xu Hui
Published: March 2020

Background Cytokines are essential cellular modulators of a variety of physiological and pathological activities, including peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. However, the molecular changes of these cellular mediators during peripheral nerve regeneration are not well clarified. The study is aimed to discover critical cytokines for the regenerative process of injured peripheral nerves. Methods The sequencing data of the injured nerve stumps and the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats subjected to sciatic nerve (SN) crush injury was analyzed to determine expression patterns of genes coding for cytokines. PCR experiments were used to validate the accuracy of sequencing data. Results A total of 46, 52, and 54 upstream cytokines were differentially expressed in SNs at 1 day, 4 days, and 7 days after nerve injury. And a total of 25, 28, and 34 upstream cytokines were differentially expressed in DRGs at these time points. The expression patterns of some essential upstream cytokines were displayed in a heatmap and validated by PCR experiment. Bioinformatic analysis of these differentially expressed upstream cytokines after nerve injury demonstrated that inflammatory and immune responses were significantly involved. Conclusions In summary, the findings provided an overview of the dynamic changes of cytokines in SNs and DRGs at different time points after rat nerve crush injury, elucidated the biological processes of differentially expressed cytokines, especially the important roles in inflammatory and immune responses during peripheral nerve repair and regeneration, and thus might contribute to identification of potential treatments for peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.
Definitive chemoradiotherapy versus radical hysterectomy followed by tailored adjuvant therapy in women with early-stage cervical cancer presenting with pelvic lymph node metastasis on pretreatment evaluation: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Park Jongmoo , Kim Yeon-Joo , Song Mi Kyung , Nam Joo-Hyun , Park Sang-Yoon , Kim Young Seok , Kim Joo-Young
Published: March 2020

Objective To compare the oncologic outcomes between chemoradiotherapy and radical hysterectomy followed by tailored adjuvant therapy in patients with early cervical cancer presenting with pelvic lymph node metastasis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of women with early cervical cancer presenting with positive pelvic nodes identified on pretreatment imaging assessment. Propensity score matching was employed to control for the heterogeneity between two groups according to confounding factors. Overall survival, disease-free survival, and pattern of failure were compared between the two groups in all patients as well as the matched cohort. Results A total 262 patients were identified; among them, 67 received definitive chemoradiotherapy (group A) and 195 received hysterectomy (group B). Adjuvant therapy was administered to 88.7% of group B. There were no significant differences between group A and group B regarding the 5-year overall survival rates (89.2% vs. 89.0%) as well as disease-free survival rates (80.6% vs. 82.7) in the entire cohort, and patterns of failure. Distant metastasis was the major failure pattern identified in groups A and B (16.4% and 15.4%). In multivariate analysis, non-squamous histology was significantly associated with poorer overall survival. Conclusion There were no significant differences in oncologic outcomes between definitive chemoradiotherapy and radical hysterectomy followed by tailored adjuvant therapy for early stage cervical cancer patients who had pelvic lymph node metastasis on pretreatment imaging assessment. Definitive chemoradiotherapy could avoid the complication of combined modality therapy without compromising oncologic outcomes.
Differences of psychological status of TMD patients, orthodontic patients and the general population during the COVID-19 epidemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Yange , Xiong Xin , Fang Xinyi , Sun Wei , Yi Yating , Liu Jin , Wang Jun
Published: March 2020

Background

Confronting with the outbreak of COVID-19, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the differences of psychological status of temporomandibular disorders patients, orthodontic patients and the general population in China during the epidemic.

Methods

An online anonymous questionnaire was developed in Chinese, including the individual background information, the perception of the epidemic, and level of anxiety and depression through Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The respondents were divided into Control group, ORTHO group and TMD group. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression modelling were performed.

Results

1241 valid questionnaires in total were collected, with 587 orthodontic patients and 220 TMD patients. The mean score of K10 was 18.65. When compared with the general population, TMD patients displayed statistically higher level of anxiety and depression (P<0.05), whereas orthodontic patients not (P>0.05). Multiple linear regression model also showed that age, gender, some concerns about the impact of epidemic were correlated with psychological status.

Conclusions

The overall mental health was severely worsened by the COVID-19 epidemic. TMD patients had higher level of psychological distress than orthodontic patients and the general population. Factors such as younger age, female, concerning about the isolation and psychological barriers and distrust were amongst the associations with a high level of psychological distress. Mental health care should be paid to patients when hospitals and clinics re-open after the COVID-19 epidemic, especially to patients with these relevant characteristics.
Drp1 widely, yet heterogeneously distributes in mice central nervous system
Authors: Luo Ting-Ting , Dai Chun-Qiu , Wang Jia-Qi , Wang Zheng-Mei , Yang Yi , Zhang Kun-Long , Wu Fei-Fei , Yang Yan-Ling , Wang Ya-Yun
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Drp1 is wildly expressed and plays a role in inducing mitochondrial fission process. It is confirmed that many diseases are associated with Drp1 and mitochondria. However, since the exact Drp1 is not specifically distributed, it is hard to determine the impact of anti-Drp1 molecules on human body and where the Drp1 inhibitor functions. Methods: We visualized distribution of Drp1 in different brain regions, and explicated the relationship between Drp1 and mitochondria. GAD67-GFP knock-in mice were utilized to detect the expression patterns of Drp1 on the GABAergic neurons. And we further analyzed Drp1 expression in human malignant glioma tissue. Results: Drp1 widely but heterogeneously distributed in central nervous system. Further observation indicated that Drp1 was highly and heterogeneously expressed in inhibitory neurons. Under transmission electron microscope, Drp1 distribution in dendrites was higher than other areas in neurons and only a small amount of Drp1 was located on mitochondria. In human malignant glioma, Drp1 fluorescence intensity increased from grade I-III, while grade IV showed the descending trend. Conclusion: In this study, we observed Drp1 widely yet heterogeneously distributed in central nervous system. Drp1 heterogeneous distribution may be related with the occurrence and development of neurologic disease. We hope that the relationship between Drp1 and mitochondria may give the therapeutic guidance.
The codon usage pattern of the novel coronavirus is drastically different from those of other pathogenic viruses
Authors: Wang Xiaolong
Published: March 2020

The current outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused thousands of deaths and has been declared to be a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. There have been various disputes but the origin of COVID-19 is not clear. Here we analyzed the similarities of codon usage patterns between humans and pathogenic viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. In HIVs, HPAIs, SARS, and MERS, codon usages are highly similar to that of humans; in contrast, the codon usage pattern of COVID-19 is drastically different from those of humans and other pathogenic viruses. Besides, coronaviruses have been evolving in two opposite directions: human-preferred codons are adopted to substitute less-preferred ones in SARS and MERS but are substituted by less-preferred ones in COVID-19. The unique codon usage pattern suggesting that COVID-19 was evolved in an intermediate host, in which its codon usage pattern becomes drastically different from that of bats or humans, and its pathogenicity is weakened compared with SARS ad MERS COVs. Finally, we appeal to international cooperation to eliminate the epidemic by cutting off the transmission routes among humans and to search for the origin and intermediate hosts of the novel coronavirus to prevent future animal-to-human transmission.
Mortality rate of infection with COVID-19 in Korea from the perspective of underlying disease
Authors: Kang Yun Jung
Published: March 2020

On December 31st, 2019 the China National Health Commission (NHC) reported that an unknown cause of pneumonia had been detected in Wuhan in Hubei province. On February 12th, the disease caused by novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has a formal name, COVID-19. On January 20th, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Korea. Among the deaths, age-specific death rate was the highest among cases over 70’s, with underlying diseases in their circulatory system, such as myocardial infraction, cerebral infraction, arrythmia, and hypertension. Patients with underlying disease who are 70 years of age or older should recognize that there is a high possibility of developing a serious disease in case of viral infection and follow strict precautions.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Molecular Evolutionary Analysis, Global Burden and Possible Threat to Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md Bashir , Hasan Mahmudul , Harun-Al-Rashid Ahmed , Ahsan Md. Irtija , Imran Md. Abdus Shukur , Ahmed Syed Sayeem Uddin
Published: March 2020

Recently a new coronavirus strain, COVID-19 has emerged in Wuhan City, China which cause disease and in many cases deaths to humans. Considering its severity a number of works are working on it and full genomic sequences has already released in the last few weeks to understand the evolutionary origin and molecular characteristics of this virus. Based on currently available genomic information a phylogenetic tree was constructed from four types of representative viral proteins (Spike, Membrane, Envelope and Nucleoproetin) of COVID-19, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, HCoV-NL63, HKU1, MERS-CoV, HKU4, HKU5 and BufCoV-HKU26 clearly demonstrated that the ancestral origin and distant evolutionary relation of newly epidemic novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It had been found that COVID-19 was evolutionary related to SARS-CoV. It was also found that COVID-19 proteins were almost more than ninety (90%) similar and identical with SARS-CoV proteins. The cross-checked conservancy analysis of COVID-19 antigenic epitopes showed significant conservancy with SARS-CoV proteins. VaxiJen server reveal almost 100% immunogenic potential of four viral proteins with COVID-19. In this article, we present an effort on molecular evolutionary analysis, temperature comparison and compile and analyze epidemiological outbreak information on the 2019 novel coronavirus based on the several open datasets on COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) and possible threat to Bangladesh.Authors Md Bashir Uddin and Mahmudul Hasan contributed equally to this work
Simultaneous Detection of 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Influenza Virus by Double Fluorescent RT-PCR
Authors: zhang shasha
Published: March 2020

this paper introduces a method for simultaneous detection of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) and influenza virus by dual fluorescent RT-PCR, providing some references for the current clinical first-line practice against the epidemic. More than 1500 samples of nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and anal swabs were collected. Nucleic acid detection kits from two manufacturers of novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus were selected for the detection. Carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and green fluorescent protein (VIC) labeled probes were used to achieve simultaneous detection of the four gene targets using a double fluorescent RT-PCR reaction system. According to the analysis for the results of nucleic acid detection of existing samples, there is no cross infection between 2019 novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus. The Ct value of novel coronavirus nucleic acid in anal swab>Ct value of sputum > Ct value of nasopharyngeal swab in the same patient. Conclusion: A method for rapid and simultaneous detection of novel coronavirus and influenza virus by dual fluorescent RT-PCR was established to improve the detection efficiency and reduce the cost, which could be used for rapid and emergent detection of 2019 novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus.
Association of Carotid and Intracranial Stenosis with Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Kang Koung Mi , Byun Min Soo , Lee Jun Ho , Yi Dahyun , Choi Hye Jeong , Lee Eunjung , Lee Younghwa , Lee Jun-Young , Kim Yu Kyeong , Sohn Bo Kyung , Sohn Chul-Ho , Lee Dong Young
Published: March 2020

Background To clarify whether atherosclerosis of the carotid and intracranial arteries is related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology in vivo, we investigated the associations of carotid and intracranial artery stenosis with cerebral beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and neurodegeneration in middle- and old-aged individuals. Given the differential progression of Aβ deposition and neurodegeneration across clinical stages of AD, we focused separately on cognitively normal (CN) and cognitively impaired (CI) groups.Methods A total of 281 CN and 199 CI (mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia) subjects underwent comprehensive clinical assessment, [11C] Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging including MR angiography. We evaluated extracranial carotid and intracranial arteries for the overall presence, severity (i.e. number and degree of narrowing) and location of stenosis.Results We found no associations between carotid and intracranial artery stenosis and cerebral Aβ burden in either CN or CI group. In terms of AD-related neurodegeneration, exploratory univariate analyses showed associations between the presence and severity of stenosis and neurodegeneration biomarkers of AD (i.e. reduced hippocampal volume [HV] and cortical thickness in the AD-signature regions) in both CN and CI groups. In confirmatory multivariate analyses controlling for demographic covariates and diagnosis, the association between number of stenotic intracranial arteries ≥ 2 and reduced HV in the CI group remained significant.Conclusions Neither carotid nor intracranial artery stenosis appears to be associated with brain Aβ burden, while intracranial artery stenosis is related to amyloid-independent neurodegeneration, particularly hippocampal atrophy. These observations support the importance of proper management of intracranial artery stenosis for delaying the progression of AD neurodegeneration and related cognitive decline.
Breastfeeding cessation in the era of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ngbapai Jackslina Gaaniri , Izudi Jonathan , Okoboi Stephen
Published: March 2020

Background

To eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV (EMTCT), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should cease at one year for infants born to HIV infected mothers but data are limited. We examined the magnitude and factors associated with breastfeeding cessation at one year among HIV infected postpartum mothers at Ndejje Health Center IV, a large peri-urban health facility in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving all HIV infected postpartum mothers enrolled on EMTCT program for at least 12 months, between June 2014 and June 2018, abstracted data from EMTCT registers, held four focused group discussions with HIV infected postpartum mothers and four key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Breastfeeding cessation was defined as the proportion of HIV infected postpartum mothers who stopped breastfeeding an HIV exposed infant (HEI) at one year. We summarized quantitative data descriptively, tested differences in outcome with the Chi-square and t-tests, and established factors independently associated with breastfeeding cessation using modified Poisson regression analysis at 5% statistical significance level, and thematically analyzed qualitative data to enrich and triangulate the quantitative results.

Results

Of 235 HIV infected postpartum mothers, 150 (63.8%) ceased breastfeeding at one year and this was independently associated with the HEI being female than male (Adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04, 1.50), the mother being multiparous than primparous (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.53), and breastfeeding initiation on same day as birth (aRR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.41). Qualitative results showed that maternal demands of work, high demand for breastfeeding among male HEIs, and low breastfeeding interest among primarous mothers were reasons for cessation of breastfeeding before one year.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding cessation at one year among HIV infected postpartum mothers was suboptimal. This might increase the risk of mother to child transmissions of HIV. Breastfeeding cessation at one year was more likely when the HEI was female than male and when the HIV infected postpartum mother was multiparous than primparous, but less likely when breastfeeding was initiated on same-day as birth. Interventions to enhance breastfeeding cessation at one year should target these areas.
Burn Injuries Related to E-Cigarettes Reported to Poison Control Centers in the United States, 2010-2019
Authors: WANG BAOGUANG , Liu Sherry T. , Rostron Brian , Hayslett Camille
Published: March 2020

Background United States (U.S.) national data indicate that 2,035 individuals with burn injuries from e-cigarette explosion presented to U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs) in 2015-2017. This national estimate is valuable for understanding the burden of burn injuries from e-cigarette explosion among individuals who presented to EDs. However, little is known about individuals who experienced e-cigarette-related burns but may not present to EDs or health care facilities. Findings We analyzed data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) to describe the frequency and characteristics of e-cigarette-related burn cases in the U.S. in 2010-2019. NPDS contains information collected during telephone calls to poison control centers (PCCs) across the U.S., including e-cigarette-related burns and other unintended events. During 2010-2019, 19,306 exposure cases involving e-cigarettes were documented in NPDS. Of those, 69 were burn cases. The number of burn cases increased from one in 2011 to a peak of 26 in 2016, then decreased to three in 2019. The majority of the burn cases occurred among young adults aged 18-24 years (29.0%; n=20) and adults aged 25 years or older (43.5%; n=30). Of the 69 burn cases, 5.8% (n=4) were admitted to a hospital; 65.2% (n=45) were treated, evaluated, and released; 15.9% (n=11) were not referred to a health care facility (HCF); 4.4% (n=3) refused referral or did not arrive at an HCF; and 8.7% (n=6) were lost to follow-up or left against medical advice. Nearly one-third (30.4%; n=21) of the cases had a minor effect (i.e., symptoms were self-limited), 47.8% (n=33) had a moderate effect (symptoms were more pronounced and prolonged than in minor cases, but not life-threatening), and 2.9% (n=2) had a major effect (symptoms were life-threatening). Conclusions Approximately one-fifth of e-cigarette-related burn cases reported to PCCs were not referred to or did not arrive at an HCF. Some burn cases had serious medical outcomes. The burn cases mostly affected young adults and adults aged 25 years or older. The number of burn cases observed in this study represents a small portion of e-cigarette-related burn cases but can serve as a complementary data source to traditional injury surveillance systems.