bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan gene family in Nicotiana benthamiana: genome-wide identification, classification and expression in response to pathogens
Authors: Wu Xinyang , Lai Yuchao , Lv Lanqing , Ji Mengfei , Han Kelei , Yan Dankan , Lu Yuwen , Peng Jiejun , Rao Shaofei , Yan Fei , Zheng Hongying , Chen Jianping
Published: June 2020

Background: Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used as a model plant to study plant-pathogen interactions. Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs), a subclass of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), participate in mediating plant growth, development and response to abiotic stress. However, the members of FLAs in N. benthamiana and their response to plant pathogens are unknown.Results: 38 NbFLAs were identified from a genome-wide study. NbFLAs could be divided into four subclasses, and their gene structure and motif composition were conserved in each subclass. NbFLAs may be regulated by cis-acting elements such as STRE and MBS, and may be the targets of transcription factors like C2H2. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that selected NbFLAs were differentially expressed in different tissues. All of the selected NbFLAs were significantly downregulated following infection by turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and most of them also by Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato strain DC3000 (Pst DC3000), suggesting possible roles in response to pathogenic infection.Conclusions: This study systematically identified FLAs in N. benthamiana, and indicates their potential roles in response to biotic stress. The identification of NbFLAs will facilitate further studies of their role in plant immunity in N. benthamiana.
The Effects of Immediate Programmed Cryotherapy and Continuous Passive Motion in Patients after Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Mei-Chu , Lin Chiu-Chu , Ko Jih-Yang , Kuo Feng-Chih
Published: June 2020

Background: The postoperative nursing intervention with i mmediate cryotherapy and continuous passive motion (CPM) remains elusive regarding the postoperative pain and range of motion (ROM) for patients undergoing computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (CAS-TKA). Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial with a purposive sampling method was utilized. Sixty patients scheduled for a unilateral CAS-TKA at a medical center were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The intervention group applied programed cryotherapy and CPM within one hour while returning to the ward on the day of surgery, while the control group did not. Data were analyzed using mixed models to compare the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, ROM, and swelling at postoperative day (POD) 4. Results: There was no significant difference in the NRS score between the groups ( p = 0.168). The intervention group had significantly higher ROM than the control group (98 degrees vs. 91 degrees, p = 0.004) at POD 4. Although no significant difference in joint swelling was found between groups ( p = 0.157), the intervention group had lower mean joint swelling (32.2 cm) than the control group (33.9 cm). Conclusions: Immediate programmed cryotherapy and continuous passive motion could help to improve ROM quickly after CAS-TKA. It should be incorporated into the daily nursing plan for patients undergoing CAS-TKA.
Electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviated myocardial injury via regulation mitochondrial function
Authors: Wang Chunai , Liang Xi , Yu Yan , Li Yulan , Wen Xiaohui , Liu Min
Published: June 2020

Background. Electroacupuncture is well known for its advantageous neuroanalgesic and therapeutic effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The purpose of the present research was to verify whether electroacupuncture can alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury. Methods. Specific-pathogen-free Wistar rats were used to establish the bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury model. Western blot, PCR, transmission electron microscope and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) methods were used to evaluate bupivacaine-induced structure injury and dysfunction of the mitochondria as well as the alleviating effects of lipid emulsion, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment of the oxidase stress response. Results Bupivacaine caused structural damage, degradation, and swelling of mitochondria. Furthermore, it reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and impaired energy metabolism in the mitochondria. Structural and functional impairment of the mitochondria was alleviated via lipid emulsion injection, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment. Electroacupuncture pre-treatment yielded a greater alleviating effect than the other two approaches. Following electroacupuncture pre-treatment, the number of mitochondria increased; apoptosis was reduced, enzymatic activity of cytochrome C oxidase (COX) and superoxide dismutase and expression of uncoupling protein 2, voltage-dependent anion channel 1, and Bcl 2 were upregulated and SLC25A6, MDA levels were downregulated. Additionally, our findings indicated that electroacupuncture pre-treatment exerted an effect on the mitochondria via the mitochondrial-transcription-factor-A / nuclear-respiratory-factor-1 / proliferator-activated-receptor-gamma-coactivator -1 pathway. Conclusion The present study revealed that electroacupuncture pre-treatment could effectively alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial mitochondrial damage, thereby providing a theoretical basis for clinical studies and applications of this treatment method.
First molecular insights into the infection process provoked by Neofusicoccum parvum in Liquidambar styraciflua and the identification of new cysteine-rich proteins in both organisms
Authors: Vázquez-Avendaño Rebeca , Rodríguez-Haas José Benjamín , Velázquez-Delgado Hugo , Rosas-Saito Greta Hanako , Hernández-Domínguez Eric Edmundo , Sánchez-Rangel Diana
Published: June 2020

Background: Neofusicoccum parvum belongs to the Botryosphaeriaceae family, which groups endophytic and latent pathogens of woody plants responsible for diseases such as cankers, dieback and blight. It is a widespread pathogen with a broad host range, including agricultural, horticultural and forestry plants; therefore, it is relevant to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease caused by this pathogen. This work reports for the first time N. parvum as a pathogen of Liquidambar styraciflua. We established an in vitro pathosystem using foliar tissue to characterize the infection process through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Because cysteine-rich proteins (CysRPs) have been studied for their important functions in plant-pathogen interactions, new CysRPs were identified for these organisms, and mRNA expression of these proteins was analyzed at early time points during the interaction.Results: After the first 24 hours post infection, the pathogen caused visible symptoms, and microscopic analysis at 16 days post infection revealed the presence of N. parvum pycnidia embedded in L. styraciflua leaf tissue. For both organisms, two databases with transcriptomic and genomic information were analyzed, and five new CysRPs were identified for each organism. The length varied between 95 and 204 amino acids, and in silico analysis revealed that all the proteins are potentially secreted. The search for conserved domains and phylogenetic analyses revealed that all the proteins are novel, including two of N. parvum that present the well-known CFEM domain. RT-qPCR analysis was conducted at 24 and 72 hours post infection, and the results showed changes in the levels of CysRP mRNAs for both the plant and the fungus at early stages during the interaction.Conclusions: N. parvum was identified for the first time as a pathogen of L. styraciflua, and this work presents an approach to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this interaction, highlighting the potential involvement of CysRPs of both organisms under this biotic stress.
Characterization of LC-MS Based Urine Metabolomics in Healthy Subjects Across the Life Span
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Tian Xiaoyi , Shi Qinghong , Sun Haidan , Li Jing , Tang Xiaoyue , Guo Zhengguang , Liu Ying , Ma Jie , Ren Na , Jin Fang , He Chengyan , sun wei , Song Wenqi
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous studies reported that gender and age could influence urine metabolomics, which should be considered in biomarker discovery. As a consequence, for the baseline of urine metabolomics characteristics, it becomes critical to avoid confounding effects in clinical cohort studies. Results: In this study, we provided a comprehensive lifespan characterization of urine metabolomics in a cohort of 348 healthy children and 315 adults aged 1 to 70 years using liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Our results suggested that gender-dependent urine metabolites are much greater in adults than in children. The pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and alanine metabolism pathways were enriched in early life. Androgen and estrogen metabolism showed high activity during adolescence and youth stages. Pyrimidine metabolism was enriched in the old stage. Conclusion: Based on the above analysis, metabolomic characteristics of each age stage were provided. This work could help us understand the baseline of urine metabolism characteristics and contribute to further studies of clinical disease biomarker discovery.
Responsiveness of human bronchial fibroblasts and epithelial cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors to the transforming growth factor-β1 in epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit model
Authors: Paw Milena , Wnuk Dawid , Jakieła Bogdan , Bochenek Grażyna , Sładek Krzysztof , Madeja Zbigniew , Michalik Marta
Published: June 2020

Background: Asthma-related airway wall remodeling is associated with i.a. damage of bronchial epithelium and subepithelial fibrosis. Functional interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts are known as the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) and are necessary for a proper functioning of lung tissue. However, a high concentration of the transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ) in the asthmatic bronchi drives the structural disintegrity of epithelium with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the bronchial epithelial cells, and of subepitheial fibrosis with the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) of the bronchial fibroblasts. Since previous reports indicate different intrinsic properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells and the human bronchial fibroblasts which affect their EMT/FMT potential beetween cells derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients, cultured separatelly in vitro , we were interested to see whether corresponding effects could be obtained in co-cultures of bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial fibroblasts. In this study, we investigate the effects of the TGF-β 1 on the EMT markers of the bronchial epithelial cells cultured in the air-liquid-interface and effectiveness of FMT in the bronchial fibroblast populations in the EMTU models.
Results: Our results show that the asthmatic co-cultures are more sensitive to the TGF-β 1 than the non-asthmatic ones, which is associated with a higher potential of asthmatic bronchial cells for a profibrotic response, analogously to be observed in “2D” cultures. Moreover, our results indicate a noticeable impact of human bronchial epithelial cells on the TGF-β 1 -induced FMT, stronger in the asthmatic bronchial fibroblast populations in comparison to the non-asthmatic ones.
Conclusions: Our data are the first to demonstrate a protective effect of human bronchial fibroblasts on the properties of human bronchial epithelial cells, which suggests that intrinsic properties of not only epithelium but also subepithelial fibroblasts affect a proper condition and function of the EMTU in both normal and asthmatic individuals.
Chest CT scan in patients with contusion and COVID-19, a comparative study with pure lung contusion
Authors: Sefidbakht Sepideh , Jafari Seyed Hamed , Zarei Fariba , Abdolrahimzadeh Hossein , Sabetian Golnar , Iranpour Pooya , Bijan Bijan , Sadraei Nazanin
Published: June 2020

Background: Resource allocation for traumatic patients who are positive/negative for COVID-19 challenges the diagnosis. We designed this study to compare the chest CT appearances of COVID-19 patients associated with lung contusion versus patients with lung contusion only, to determine the differentiation capability of CT scan concerning the two conditions. Methods: CT-scans of 9 RT-PCR positive patients of lung contusion due to motor-vehicle-accident (COVID-19 with contusion group) and 16 consecutive patients with lung contusions of comparable severity scores from the pre-COVID-19 era (contusion only group) were revaluated retrospectively and blindly by three radiologists in consensus. The distribution and characteristics of presenting CT-scan findings; including presence, shape and distribution of Ground Glass Opacities and consolidations, presence of subpleural sparing, crazy-paving and Atoll sign. In addition, presence of effusions and cavities were compared between the two groups. Time course of the opacities was compared. Results: Bilateral distribution of opacities was noted in 100% of COVID-19 with contusion and 87.5% of contusion only group. There was no significant difference between Ground Glass Opacities or consolidation shapes (P=0.44 and P=0.66). Both Ground Glass Opacities and consolidations were more diffusely distributed in COVID-19 with contusion, while a predominantly peripheral distribution was more commonly seen in the contusion only group (P=0.03 and P=0.01 respectively). Subpleural sparing was noted in 93.8% of contusion only as compared to 44% of CC group (p=0.04). Appearance resembling Atoll sign was noted in 12.5% of the contusion only groups and none of the COVID-19 with contusion group (P=0.01). Time to resolution was significantly longer in COVID-19 with contusion (15±6 days) comparing to contusion only patients (P=0.02). Conclusion: 'Typical' chest CT findings including bilateral peripheral Ground Glass Opacities and consolidations, also crazy-paving and Atoll signs, as well as less typical findings such as subpleural sparing is seen in both lung contusion and COVID-19 pneumonitis. Time course of the lesions might be a better radiologic discriminator between the two entities.
Calcium Channel TRPV6 is a Novel Regulator in RANKL-induced Osteoclastic Differentiation and Activity through the IGF–PI3K–AKT Pathway
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhu Lei , Zhou Zhibin , Song Tengfei , Yang Lei , Yan Xu , Chen Aimin , Ye TianWen
Published: June 2020

Background: Calcium ion signals are important for osteoclast differentiation. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) is a novel regulator of bone homeostasis. However, it is unclear whether TRPV6 was involved in the process of osteoclast formation.Results: In the present study, we found that knockout of the TRPV6 gene induced osteoporosis in mice, and depletion of TRPV6 did not affect bone formation but significantly enhanced bone resorption. Further studies showed that TRPV6, distributed on the cell membrane of osteoclasts, was a negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation and function. Mechanistically, TRPV6 suppressed osteoclastogenesis by decreasing the production the IGF1R and AKT ligands to inhibit the IGF–PI3K–AKT signaling pathway. Blocking the IGF–PI3K–AKT pathway significantly reduced the effect of TRPV6 on osteoclasts.Conclusion: Our study confirmed the important role of TPRV6 in bone metabolism and clarified its regulatory role on osteoclasts at the cellular level, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Work environment-related factors and nurses’ health outcomes: A cross-sectional study in Lebanese hospitals
Authors: ELBEJJANI Martine , Ahad Mary Abed Al , SIMON Michael , AUSSERHOFER Dietmar , DUMIT Nuhad , HUIJER Huda ABU-SAAD , Dhaini Suzanne R
Published: June 2020

Background: Worldwide, studies show that work environment factors are related with increased health risks among nurses. However, it remains unclear how specific work-related factors relate to certain health outcomes and data investigating allocation of nursing tasks and detailed assessments of self-perceived workload are lacking. Data are particularly lacking for Lebanese nurses. We assessed the relationship of several work environment factors (overall workload and specific temporal, physical, mental, effort, frustration, and performance demands, staffing resources adequacy, leadership, teamwork climate, and allocation of nursing tasks per professional category) with the presence of health problems, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, skin, and mental health diseases and emotional exhaustion among Lebanese nurses.Methods:Data come from a cross-sectional self-report survey of 289 registered nurses (RNs) working in two university-affiliated hospitals in Lebanon. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of work-environment factors with nurses’ health conditions.Results:The most prevalent outcomes were musculoskeletal disease (69%), emotional exhaustion (59%), and mental health problems (56%); we found high co-comorbidity levels with 70% of RNs having ≥2 and 35.29% having ≥4 co-occurring health problems. There was a widespread pattern of associations between work environment-related factors and musculoskeletal and mental/emotional health problems, with positive associations of higher overall workloads and temporal demands and negative associations of teamwork climate with both musculoskeletal ((OR=1.36 (95%CI=1.03, 1.80); 1.30 (95%CI=1.09, 1.55); 0.60 (95%CI=0.36, 0.98), respectively) and mental/emotional health problems (increased risk ranging from 22% to 88%). Higher physical demands and allocation of nursing tasks to the RNs were associated with higher odds of musculoskeletal disease (OR=1.20 (95%CI=1.03, 1.49); 1.11 (95%CI=1.01, 1.23)); more frustration and effort demands and lower performance satisfaction and resources adequacy were related to mental/emotional problems (OR=1.22 (95%CI=1.06, 1.41); 1.26 (95%CI=1.06, 1.49); 0.82 (95%CI=0.70, 09.97); 0.54 (95%CI=0.35, 0.82)). Work-environment factors were also related to a higher co-occurrence of health problems among nurses.Conclusions:Results highlight the value of a more comprehensive approach towards improving the work environment of Lebanese nurses (including improving team climate, different components of workload demands, resources, and the allocation of nursing tasks) which can simultaneously improve multiple health risks in this burdened population.
Psychological Impact of an Epidemic/Pandemic on the Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals: A Rapid Review
Authors: Stuijfzand Suzannah , Deforges Camille , Sandoz Vania , Sajin Consuela-Thais Consuela-Thais , Jaques Cécile , Elmers Jolanda , Horsch Antje
Published: June 2020

Background: Epidemics or pandemics, such as the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, pose unique challenges to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Caring for patients during an epidemic/pandemic may impact negatively on the mental health of HCPs. There is a lack of evidence-based advice on what would be effective in mitigating this impact. Objectives: This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on the psychological impact of pandemics/epidemics on the mental health of HCPs, what factors predict this impact, and the evidence of prevention/intervention strategies to reduce this impact. Method: According to rapid review guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in Embase.com, PubMed, APA PsycINFO-Ovid SP, and Web of Science (core collection). Searches were restricted to the years 2003 or later to ensure inclusion of the most recent epidemic/pandemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Papers written in French or English, published in peer-reviewed journals, and of quantitative design using validated measures of mental health outcomes were included. Of 1308 papers found, 48 were included. The full protocol for this rapid review was registered with Prospero (reg.no.CRD42020175985). Results: Results show that exposed HCPs working with patients during an epidemic/pandemic are at heightened risk of mental health problems in the short and longer term, particularly: psychological distress, insomnia, alcohol/drug misuse, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, burnout, anger, and higher perceived stress. These mental health problems are predicted by organizational, social, personal, and psychological factors and may interfere with the quality of patient care. Few evidence-based early interventions exist so far. Discussion: Several recommendations relevant during and after an epidemic/pandemic, such as COVID-19, and in preparation for a future outbreak, are proposed.
A Novel Technique of ECG Denoising based on Lifting Wavelet Transform and Total Variation Minimization
Authors: Mourad Talbi , Riadh Baazaoui
Published: June 2020

Buckground:The signal of Electrocardiogram (•) is one of the most popular diagnostic means providing an electrical picture of the heart and also information about different pathological conditions. Due to the path deformities and external electrical disturbances, the signal of becomes noisy. Hence, in literature, many ECG denoising algorithms have been proposed and among them we can mention the techniques based on wavelet coefficient shrinkage. The purpose of this paper is to denoise ECG signals applying a new ECG Denoising technique and proving its performance compared to some denoising approaches existing in literature. This new proposed technique of B Denoising consists at the first step in applying the Lifting Wavelet Transform (u) to the noisy c Signal (where 2 is the decomposition level) in order to obtain three noisy wavelet sub-bands, k, g and r. The two coefficients, o, u are details ones and they are denoised by soft or hard thresholding in order to obtain denoised coefficients, n1 and d2. The coefficient : is an approximation one and is denoised by Total Variation Minimization in order to obtain a denoised one, T2. Finally, the inverse of his applied to e, and s in order to obtain the denoised i signal. The evaluation of this proposed technique is performed by comparing it to three other denoising approaches existing in literature. The first one of these approaches is based on g, the second one is n double-density complex a denoising method and the third one is based on non local means.Results:All These techniques are applied on a number of lsignals taken from database and corrupted by an additive White Gaussian noise at different values of Signal to Noise Ratio (o). The obtained results from the computation of the f and the Mean Square Error ( ), show that the proposed technique outperforms the other three mentioned techniques.Conclusion:In this paper, the proposed ECG denoising technique based on E and l, outperforms the other previously mentioned denoising approaches and this based on the computation of the SNR and MSE.
Metallic Stent Placement Versus Catheter Drainage for Malignant Bilioenteric Anastomotic Stricture
Authors: Zhou Wei-zhong , Wu Jun-zheng , Liu Sheng , Wan Wei , Zhou Chun-gao , Shi Hai-Bin
Published: June 2020

Background
Currently, the percutaneous approach is the mainstream of treatment for malignant bilioenteric anastomotic stricture (BAS). However, there is no consensus on the optimal bile drainage method since previous studies on malignant BAS related jaundice are very limited. The purpose of the study is to compare self-expandable metallic stent placement with catheter drainage for malignant bilioenteric anastomotic stricture in terms of efficacy and safety.
Materials and Methods
This study included 54 patients with malignant bilioenteric anastomotic stricture treated from March 2016 to February 2020. Twenty-seven patients underwent insertion of self-expandable metallic stent (Stent group); the remaining twenty-seven patients underwent internal-external catheter drainage (Catheter group). Technical success was defined as successful placement of stent or drainage catheter in the appropriate position; clinical success was defined as a 20% reduction in serum bilirubin within 1 week after the procedure, compared with baseline. Complications, duration to stent/catheter malfunction, and overall survival were evaluated.
Results
Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. In the Stent group, 21 patients received one stent and the other 6 patients required two stents. Clinical success rates were similar between the groups (Stent group, 92.6% [25/27]; Control group, 88.9% [24/27]). There were no major complications. The median duration to stent/catheter malfunction was significantly longer in the Stent group (130 days) than in the Control group (82 days; P = 0.010). The median overall survival was also significantly longer in the Stent group (187 days) than in the Catheter group (118 days; P = 0.038).
Conclusion
Self-expandable metallic stent placement may be better than internal-external catheter drainage for malignant bilioenteric anastomotic stricture in terms of the duration before stent/catheter malfunction and patient survival.
Actin Reorganization in Hippocampal Neurons May Play Roles in Early Impairment of Learning and Memory in Rats After Propofol Anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Xuena , Li Jie , WU ANSHI
Published: June 2020

Background Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a kind of neuronal complication especially observed in elderly patients. The present study was conducted to observe the changes of actin in hippocampus after propofol anesthesia, and to evaluate their roles in consequent learning impairment in both young (3-month-old) and aged (20-month-old) male rats.Methods Double-shuttle box was used to learning evaluation since1, 3, 7 or 14d after anesthesia. Hippocampi were removed after evaluations. F-actin content and the spines were observed through immunofluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM).Results In young rats, latency of escape response (LER) was prolonged within 3 days after anesthesia. However, LER was significantly prolonged until 7days after anesthesia in elderly rats. Moreover, the learning curves were also shift in old rats. Dendritic spines became smaller in anesthesia groups of aged rats within 3 days, where the F-actin contents were significantly increased until 14d post anesthesia.Conclusion Our results indicate that learning ability could be inhibited until after propofol anesthesia especially in old rats. The over-polymerization of actin and the consequent reorganization of dendrite spines in hippocampus may be responsible, which provides fresh evidence in aspect of synaptic plasticity for PND mechanism.
Predictions of Current and Future Episodic Memory Using Grey Matter Volume and Functional Connectome: A Longitudinal Study in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients
Authors: Wang Zan , Shu Hao , Liu Duan , Su Fan , Xie Chunming , Cui Zaixu , Zhang Zhijun
Published: June 2020

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients are considered an at-risk group for progression to Alzheimer’s dementia and accurate prediction of aMCI progression could facilitate the optimal decision-making for both clinicians and patients. Based on the baseline whole-brain grey-matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (FC), we used relevance vector regression to predict the baseline and longitudinal Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall (AVLT-DR) scores of individual aMCI patients.Methods: Fifty aMCI patients completed baseline and 3-year follow-up visits. All patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and multimodal brain MRI scans.Results: We found that the GMV pattern predicted the baseline AVLT-DR score, while the pattern of FC predicted the longitudinal AVLT-DR score. In particular, GMV predicted the baseline AVLT-DR score with an accuracy of r = 0.54 (P < 0.001); the regions that contributed the most were within the default mode (e.g., the posterior cingulate gyrus, angular gyrus and middle temporal gyrus) and limbic systems (e.g., the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus). The FC predicted the longitudinal AVLT-DR score with an accuracy of r = 0.50 (P < 0.001), and the connections that contributed the most were the within- and between-system connectivity of the default mode and limbic systems. As a complement, we demonstrated that the GMV and FC patterns could also effectively predict the baseline and longitudinal composite episodic memory scores (calculated by averaging three well-known episodic memory test scores).Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the multimodal brain features in the individualized prediction of aMCI patients’ current and future episodic memory performance. These “neural fingerprints” have the potential to be biomarkers for aMCI patients and can help medical professionals optimize individual patient management and longitudinal evaluation.
Modelling Health Belief Predictors of Oral Health and Dental Anxiety Among Adolescents Based on the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xiang Bilu , Wong Hai Ming , Perfecto Antonio P. , McGrath Colman P.J.
Published: June 2020

Background: A vicious cycle exists between dental anxiety, oral health behaviors and oral health status. Based on previous research, psychological factors of the Health Belief Model (HBM) are associated with oral health behaviors and oral health, and are likely involved in this cycle. However, little is known about the relationship between HBM factors and dental anxiety of adolescents. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between health belief factors, oral health and dental anxiety based on the constructs of the HBM.Methods: 1207 Grade 2 students from 12 secondary schools in Hong Kong were randomly selected and measured for the decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index. Data for oral health behaviors, HBM constructs and dental anxiety were collected using questionnaires. The hierarchical entry of explanatory variables into logistic regression models estimating prevalence odds ratios (POR) were analyzed and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for DMFT and dental anxiety were generated. Path analysis was used to evaluate the appropriateness of the HBM as predictors for oral health behaviors, DMFT and dental anxiety.Results: Based on the full model analysis, individuals with higher perceived susceptibility of oral diseases (POR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14-1.56) or girls or whose mother received higher education level were likelier to have a DMFT≥1, while those with higher perceived severity (POR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.09-1.57), flossing weekly, DMFT≥1 or higher general anxiety level statistically increases the possibility of dental anxiety. The results from path analysis indicated that stronger perceived susceptibility, greater severity of oral diseases, less performing of oral health behaviors and a higher score of DMFT were directly related to increased dental anxiety level. Other HBM variables, such as perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy beliefs, cues to action and perceived barriers, might influence dental anxiety through oral health behaviors and caries status.Conclusions: Clarifying the propositional structures of the HBM can help the future design of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing dental anxiety and preventing dental caries.
Application of Data Mining Technology in Risk Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome in Oil Workers
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Chao , Li Jing , Qin Sheng , Liu Chunlei , Wang Jiaojiao , Chen Zhe , Wu Jianhui , Wang Guoli
Published: June 2020

Background. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome continues to rise sharply worldwide, seriously threatening people's health.In this paper, three kinds of risk prediction models applicable to the metabolic syndrome of oil workers were established, and the optimal models were found through comparison. The optimal model can be used to identify people at high risk of metabolic syndrome as early as possible, to predict their risk, and to persuade them to change their adverse lifestyle so as to slow down and reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome.Methods. A total of 1,468 workers from an oil company who participated in occupational health physical examination from April 2017 to October 2018 were included in this study. We established the Logistic regression model, the random forest model and the convolutional neural network model, and compared the prediction performance of the models according to the F1 score, sensitivity, accuracy and other indicators of the three models.Results. The results showed that the accuracy of the three models in the training set was 83.45%, 94.21% and 86.34%, the sensitivity was 78.47%, 94.62% and 81.30%, the F1 score was 0.79, 0.93 and 0.83, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.894, 0.987 and 0.935, respectively. In the test set, the accuracy was 76.72%, 80.66% and 78.69%, the sensitivity was 70.00%, 77.50% and 68.33%, the F1 score was 0.70, 0.76 and 0.71, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.797, 0.861 and 0.855, respectively.Conclusions. The study showed that the prediction performance of random forest model is better than other models, and the model has higher application value, which can better predict the risk of metabolic syndrome in oil workers, and provide corresponding theoretical basis for the health management of oil workers.
Correlation of Adrenaline Doses With the Outcome of Paediatric Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest: Secondary Analysis of the SOS-KANTO 2012 Study
Authors: Ishihara Tadashi , Kondo Yutaka , Sueyoshi Koichiro , Matsuda Shigeru , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is very rare in the paediatric population, with an annual incidence of 2-9 cases per 1,000,000 children. The predictive factors for survival included a shorter interval between the time of arrest and hospital arrival, a palpable pulse on presentation in the emergency department (ED), a shorter duration of resuscitation in the ED, and the administration of fewer doses of adrenaline in the ED. This study was conducted to evaluated the interrelationship between the paediatric OHCA outcome and the number of adrenaline doses administered during resuscitation. Methods The SOS-KANTO 2012 study had enrolled all OHCA patients who were transported to the participant hospitals by emergency medical service personnel. After screening the available data, we included paediatric OHCA patients (aged ≤ 18 years) in this study. The primary outcome was the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the number of adrenaline doses that were administered, and the secondary outcome was the neurological outcome at 1 month after the OHCA in relation to the number of adrenaline doses. Results Two hundred sixty-seven patients were included in the final analyses. During CPR, 62 and 205 paediatric patients did and did not achieve ROSC, respectively. Patients who survived to one month after the OHCA received fewer adrenaline doses than patients who died, although there was no significant intergroup difference (3 [1.75-5.25], vs. 4 [2.5-6], p=0.319). Patients with a good neurological outcome (PCPC 1-2) received fewer doses of adrenaline than those with an unfavourable neurological outcome (PCPC 3-6), but intergroup difference was not significant. Fewer doses of adrenaline were associated with an improved rate of successful ROSC (odds ration = 0.80,95% confidence interval = 0.69-0.92, p<0.01). Conclusion The present study reports associations of the neurological outcomes with adrenaline doses in paediatric patients with OHCA. More than three adrenaline doses were associated with poor neurological outcome, and a favourable outcome occurred infrequently. By using information that was only available up to 1 month after the OHCA, we found that a higher number of adrenaline doses was associated with poor neurological outcome.
Early Detection of Steroid-Induced Femoral Head Necrosis using 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V-based Apoptosis Imaging in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Li Jianbo , Man Da , Liu Rui , Zhao Jianmin
Published: June 2020

Background At present, the early diagnosis of femoral head necrosis mainly relies on MRI, and most early patients are difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, to investigate the early diagnostic value of 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging were compared with MRI in rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods The rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis were established by intravenous injection of horse serum and gluteal muscle injection of methylprednisolone in of 5-month-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits. 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging and MRI were performed at 2nd week, 4th week, and 6th week after modeling. After that, histopathology was used to verify the success of modeling. Apoptosis was detected by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL. Results At 2 weeks after the injection of hormone, 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT image showed abnormal radioactive uptake in the bilateral femoral head. And over time, the radioactivity concentration was more obvious, and the ratio of T/NT (target tissue/non-target tissues) was gradually increased. In the SPECT imaging at each time point, T/NT ratio of the model group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01); at 4 weeks after the injection of hormone, MRI showed an abnormal signal of osteonecrosis. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after hormone injection, apoptosis was observed by TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. Conclusions 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging can diagnose steroid-induced femoral head necrosis earlier than MRI, and has potential application value for non-invasively detecting early and even ultra-early stage of femoral head necrosis.
Differential genes and microbiota revealed by serum metabolomics of obese rats after intervention by Rhizoma Coptidis
Authors: zeng zhijun , Luo Kexing , Zhang Jiri Mutu , Ni Peng , Xiong Wangping , Luo Xiaoquan , Xu Guoliang , Liu Hongning , Ji Yanhua
Published: June 2020

Background

Integrating systems biology is an approach for investigating metabolic diseases in humans. However, few studies use this approach to investigate the mechanism by which Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) reduces the effect of glucose on high-fat induced obesity in rats.
Methods

Twenty-four specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley rats (80 ± 10 g) were used in this study. Serum metabolomics were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Liver tissue and cecum feces were used for RNA-Seq technology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively.
Results

We identified nine potential biomarkers, which are differential metabolites in the Control, Model and RC groups, including linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, stearic acid, and L-Alloisoleucine (p < 0.01). The liver tissue gene expression profile indicated the circadian rhythm pathway was significantly affected by RC (Q ≤ 0.05). A total of 149 and 39 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which were highly associated with biochemical indicators and potential biomarkers in the cecum samples (FDR ≤ 0.05), respectively, were identified.
Conclusions

This work provides information to better understand the mechanism of the effect of RC intervention on the hypoglycemic effect in obese rats. The present study demonstrates that integrating systems biology may be a powerful tool to reveal the complexity of metabolic diseases in rats intervened by traditional Chinese medicine.
Changes of the F-Wave in the Acute Phase of Permanent Spinal Cord Ischaemic Injury Predict Spinal Cord Function in Animal Models of Rabbits
Authors: Zhou Yunfei , Liu Xingming , Heng Xueyuan , Zhang Jian , Song Qimin , Chen Chunmei
Published: June 2020

Background: To explore the changes of the F-wave in the posterior tibial nerve of rabbits after different levels of lumbar spinal cord ischaemic injury and its correlation with motor function and the extent of lumbar spinal cord pathological damage. Methods: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups. The control group (n=5) was used to exclude the influence of anaesthesia and surgery on the F-wave. Different levels of lumbar arteries were ligated in the five experimental groups (n=5). The F-wave was recorded to observe the changes in the acute phase of spinal cord ischaemia.The correlation between the changes of the F-wave in the acute reversible phase and the motor function of the spinal cord was analysed. Results: The results for the control group indicated that anaesthesia and surgery did not affect the F-wave results.There was no statistically significant difference in the F-wave amplitudes and latency before and after ligation in the 1 and 2 level ligation groups. The F-wave changed immediately after ligation in the 3, 4 and 5 ligation groups. The latency of the F-wave gradually extended, the amplitude of the F-wave gradually reduced.The amplitude variations of the F-wave were positively correlated with the motor function 2 days after ligation, there was a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The F-waves in the posterior tibial nerve of rabbits were found to be sensitive to the lumbar spinal cord ischaemic injury and specific to predict motor function.
High miR-93 Expression Predicts Good Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Liu Yan , Cheng Zhiheng , Cui Longzhen , Pang Yifan , Dai Yifeng , Fu Lin
Published: June 2020

Background: Overexpression of microRNA-93 (miR-93) predicted worse outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastric cancer patients, yet the prognostic role of miR-93 in AML is still unclear.Methods: To further verify the prognostic significance of miR-93, the Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) was screened and 161 AML patients with miR-93 expression information were included in our study.Results: Compared with the patients who received chemotherapy alone with lower miR-93 expression, those with higher miR-93 expression had significantly longer event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of miR-93 was no association with either EFS or OS in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high miR-93 expression was an independent favorable factor for EFS and OS in AML patients only receiving chemotherapy (all P < 0.05).Conclusion: our study proved that high miR-93 expression could predict favorable prognosis in AML, but its prognostic effect could be overcome by allo-HSCT.
Reparative Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Endothelial Cells after Hypoxic and Inflammatory Injury
Authors: Sierra-Parraga Jesus Maria , Merino Ana , Eijken Marco , Leuvenink Henri , Ploeg Rutger J. , Møller Bjarne K. , Jespersen Bente , Baan Carla C. , Hoogduijn Martin J.
Published: June 2020

Background
The renal endothelium is a prime target for ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) during donation and transplantation procedures. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been shown to ameliorate kidney function after IRI. However, whether this involves repair of the endothelium is not clear. Therefore, our objective is to study potential regenerative effects of MSC on injured endothelial cells and to identify the molecular mechanisms involved.
Methods
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were submitted to hypoxia and reoxygenation and TNF-a treatment. To determine whether physical interaction or soluble factors released by MSC were responsible for the potential regenerative effects of MSC on endothelial cells, dose-response experiments were performed in co-culture and transwell conditions and with secretome deficient MSC.
Results
MSC showed increased migration and adhesion to injured HUVEC, mediated by CD29 and CD44 on the MSC membrane. MSC decreased membrane injury marker expression, oxidative stress levels and monolayer permeability of injured HUVEC, which was observed only when allowing both physical and paracrine interaction between MSC and HUVEC. Furthermore, viable MSC in direct contact with injured HUVEC improved wound healing capacity by 45% and completely restored their angiogenic capacity. In addition, MSC exhibited an increased ability to migrate through an injured HUVEC monolayer compared to non-injured HUVEC in vitro.
Conclusions
These results show that MSC have regenerative effects on injured HUVEC via a mechanism which requires both physical and paracrine interaction. The identification of specific effector molecules involved in MSC-HUVEC interaction will allow targeted modification of MSC to apply and enhance the therapeutic effects of MSC in IRI.
Interdigital Perineural Fibroma And A Care Pathway.
Authors: Price Mark , Bridgen Andrew
Published: June 2020

BackgroundInterdigital perineural fibroma (IPF) is a complex condition affecting the plantar nerve of the foot and the care pathway for its management is based upon a consensus of clinical opinions. AimThe aim of the study was to investigate the treatment outcomes within a podiatric surgical practice and produce a validated care pathway over a three-year period.MethodsA retrospective mixed methods design was used to allow combination of quantitative and qualitative data. 89 patients between 1/4/2014 and 1/4/2017 had completed PASCOM-10 audit data. The treatment options were investigated and the MOXFQ domains and PSQ10 outcome scores were subject to analysis with SPSS.FindingsThe mean age of patients in the study was 56 (range 36-86, SD 10.85) and 89% were female, 11% male. 749 patients out of the total caseload had local anaesthetic/steroid injections over the three-year period, of which 49% of the known injections were for Morton’s Neuroma. No outcome data was recorded for injections.89 patients went forward for surgical excision of the IPF. The surgical approach for excision was either dorsal (60.7%) or plantar (39.3%). All plantar incisions (transverse and linear) were analysed as a group for comparison against the dorsal approach. Using an independent t-test, there was no significant difference for dorsal or plantar approach or location of IPF across the three MOxFQ domains and PSQ10.Using a Pearson product moment correlation coefficient there was a moderately strong correlation between the PSQ10 and the MOxFQ domains (n=89, Walking and Standing: r=0.48, p<0.01; Pain: r=0.42, p<0.01; Social Interaction: r=0.40, p<0.01). Where increases in MOxFQ outcome score (amount of improvement) produces higher PSQ10 scores (greater patient satisfaction).ConclusionsMore audit data is required to assess the effectiveness of steroid and / or alcohol injections. Recommendation for practice is based on literature review. The surgical outcomes would suggest that the excision of IPF is an appropriate and effective technique and the surgical approach or location of pathology will not affect the clinical outcomes. A new care pathway for the management of IPF (Morton’s Neuroma) will be employed in practice and