bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inhibitory effect of curcumin via fascin suppression through JAK/STAT3 pathway on metastasis and recurrence of ovary cancer cells
Authors: Kim Mi Ju , Park Ki-Su , Kim Kyoung-Tae , Gil Eun Young
Published: November 2020

Background

Fascin is an actin-binding protein and highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells. It is associated with metastasis of cancer and may be a useful prognostic factor. Anticancer activity of curcumin is related to its effect on several signaling mechanisms. Although there have been many reports regarding the anticancer properties of curcumin, its inhibitory effects on migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, particularly in the context of fascin expression, have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells and to propose a possible mechanism for the anticancer activity of curcumin through reduced fascin expression.

Methods

SKOV3, human epithelial ovary cancer cell line, was cultured with curcumin at various dose and duration. The fascin was quantified using cell viability test and Western blot. To determine the effect of curcumin on the upstream pathway of fascin expression, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was analyzed by sandwich-ELISA. Attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay were analyzed to approve the change of cellular invasiveness of ovary cancer after curcumin. To determine the morphological changes of ovarian cancer cells by curcumin, immunofluorescence was performed.

Results

MTS assays showed that cell viability was different at various concentration of curcumin, and as concentration increased, cell viability tended to decrease. Curcumin appears to suppress fascin expression, even with a minimal concentration and short exposure time. Also, curcumin may suppress fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells through STAT3 downregulation. The attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay of the ovarian cancer cells exhibited a statistically significant decrease. Immunofluorescence revealed a change of cell shape from a typical form of uninfluenced cells to a more polygonal appearance, with a significant reduction in filopodia formation.

Conclusions

Curcumin reduces fascin expression through JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibition, which interferes with the cellular interactions essential for the metastasis and recurrence of ovarian cancer cells. Higher curcumin concentrations and longer exposure times concomitantly decreased fascin expression.
Is lymph node dissection mandatory among early stage endometrial cancer patients? A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Guangmin , Chen Hongyou , Liu Yanying , Niu Liyan , Jin Liming , Li Dong , Song Lihua , Shang Lifei , Lin Xiangya , Wang Fei , Li Fengtong , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Gao Yan , Qiu Dongyu , Zhang Yunpu , Na Ren , Su Riguge
Published: November 2020

Background

Whether routine lymph node dissection for early endometrial cancer is beneficial to survival is still controversial. However, surgeons usually perform lymph node dissection on all patients with early endometrial cancer. This study aimed to prove that the risk of lymph node metastasis, as defined by our standard, is very low in such patients and may change the current surgical practice.

Methods

36 consecutive patients who had staged surgery for endometrial cancer were collected. All eligible patients meet the following very low risk criteria for lymph node metastasis, including: (1) preoperative diagnosis of endometrial cancer (preoperative pathological diagnosis), (2) tumors confined to the uterine cavity and not beyond the uterine body, (3) PET-MRI lymph node metastasis test is negative. PET-MRI and pathological examination were used to assess the extent and size of the tumor, the degree of muscular invasion, and lymph node metastasis.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 52 years (range 35–72 years). The median tumor size on PET-MRI was 2.82 cm (range 0.66–6.37 cm). Six patients underwent robotic surgery, 20 underwent laparoscopic surgery, 8 underwent Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 2 underwent vaginal hysterectomy. 23% (63.9%) patients had high-grade (i.e. 2 and 3) tumors. Among the 36 patients who underwent lymph node sampling, the median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 32 (range 9–57 nodules). No patient (0%) was diagnosed with lymph node metastasis. According to the policy of each institution, 8 patients (22.2%) received adjuvant therapy, and half of them also received chemotherapy (4 patients; 50%).

Conclusions

None of the patients who met the criteria had a pathological assessment of lymph node metastasis. Omitting lymph node dissection may be reasonable for patients who meet our criteria.
“Who is watching the watchdog?”: ethical perspectives of sharing health-related data for precision medicine in Singapore
Authors: Lysaght Tamra , Ballantyne Angela , Xafis Vicki , Ong Serene , Schaefer Gerald Owen , Ling Jeffrey Min Than , Newson Ainsley J. , Khor Ing Wei , Tai E. Shyong
Published: November 2020

Background

We aimed to examine the ethical concerns Singaporeans have about sharing health-data for precision medicine (PM) and identify suggestions for governance strategies. Just as Asian genomes are under-represented in PM, the views of Asian populations about the risks and benefits of data sharing are under-represented in prior attitudinal research.

Methods

We conducted seven focus groups with 62 participants in Singapore from May to July 2019. They were conducted in three languages (English, Mandarin and Malay) and analysed with qualitative content and thematic analysis.

Results

Four key themes emerged: nuanced understandings of data security and data sensitivity; trade-offs between data protection and research benefits; trust (and distrust) in the public and private sectors; and governance and control options. Participants were aware of the inherent risks associated with data sharing for research. Participants expressed conditional support for data sharing, including genomic sequence data and information contained within electronic medical records. This support included sharing data with researchers from universities and healthcare institutions, both in Singapore and overseas. Support was conditional on the perceived social value of the research and appropriate de-identification and data security processes. Participants suggested that a data sharing oversight body would help strengthen public trust and comfort in data research for PM in Singapore.

Conclusion

Maintenance of public trust in data security systems and governance regimes can enhance participation in PM and data sharing for research. Contrary to themes in much prior research, participants demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the inherent risks of data sharing, analysed trade-offs between risks and potential benefits of PM, and often adopted an international perspective.
The nSMase2/Smpd3 gene modulates the severity of muscular dystrophy and the emotional stress response in mdx mice
Authors: Matsuzaka Yasunari , Tanihata Jun , Ooshima Yoshiko , Yamada Daisuke , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Miyatake Shouta , Aoki Yoshitsugu , Terumitsu Mika , Yashiro Ryu , Komaki Hirofumi , Ishiyama Akihiko , Oya Yasushi , Inoue Yukiko U. , Inoue Takayoshi , Takeda Shin’ichi , Hashido Kazuo
Published: November 2020

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, degenerative muscular disorder and cognitive dysfunction caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. It is characterized by excess inflammatory responses in the muscle and repeated degeneration and regeneration cycles. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2/sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (nSMase2/Smpd3) hydrolyzes sphingomyelin in lipid rafts. This protein thus modulates inflammatory responses, cell survival or apoptosis pathways, and the secretion of extracellular vesicles in a Ca2+-dependent manner. However, its roles in dystrophic pathology have not yet been clarified.

Methods

To investigate the effects of the loss of nSMase2/Smpd3 on dystrophic muscles and its role in the abnormal behavior observed in DMD patients, we generated mdx mice lacking the nSMase2/Smpd3 gene (mdx:Smpd3 double knockout [DKO] mice).

Results

Young mdx:Smpd3 DKO mice exhibited reduced muscular degeneration and decreased inflammation responses, but later on they showed exacerbated muscular necrosis. In addition, the abnormal stress response displayed by mdx mice was improved in the mdx:Smpd3 DKO mice, with the recovery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) expression in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

nSMase2/Smpd3-modulated lipid raft integrity is a potential therapeutic target for DMD.
ADAM22/LGI1 complex as a new actionable target for breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Charmsaz Sara , Doherty Ben , Cocchiglia Sinéad , Varešlija Damir , Marino Attilio , Cosgrove Nicola , Marques Ricardo , Priedigkeit Nolan , Purcell Siobhan , Bane Fiona , Bolger Jarlath , Byrne Christopher , O’Halloran Philip J. , Brett Francesca , Sheehan Katherine , Brennan Kieran , Hopkins Ann M. , Keelan Stephen , Jagust Petra , Madden Stephen , Martinelli Chiara , Battaglini Matteo , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V. , Ciofani Gianni , Hill Arnold D. K. , Young Leonie S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Metastatic breast cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in woman. Brain metastasis is a common and devastating site of relapse for several breast cancer molecular subtypes, including oestrogen receptor-positive disease, with life expectancy of less than a year. While efforts have been devoted to developing therapeutics for extra-cranial metastasis, drug penetration of blood–brain barrier (BBB) remains a major clinical challenge. Defining molecular alterations in breast cancer brain metastasis enables the identification of novel actionable targets.

Methods

Global transcriptomic analysis of matched primary and metastatic patient tumours (n = 35 patients, 70 tumour samples) identified a putative new actionable target for advanced breast cancer which was further validated in vivo and in breast cancer patient tumour tissue (n = 843 patients). A peptide mimetic of the target’s natural ligand was designed in silico and its efficacy assessed in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of breast cancer metastasis.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis of over-represented pathways in metastatic breast cancer identified ADAM22 as a top ranked member of the ECM-related druggable genome specific to brain metastases. ADAM22 was validated as an actionable target in in vitro, ex vivo and in patient tumour tissue (n = 843 patients). A peptide mimetic of the ADAM22 ligand LGI1, LGI1MIM, was designed in silico. The efficacy of LGI1MIM and its ability to penetrate the BBB were assessed in vitro, ex vivo and in brain metastasis BBB 3D biometric biohybrid models, respectively. Treatment with LGI1MIM in vivo inhibited disease progression, in particular the development of brain metastasis.

Conclusion

ADAM22 expression in advanced breast cancer supports development of breast cancer brain metastasis. Targeting ADAM22 with a peptide mimetic LGI1MIM represents a new therapeutic option to treat metastatic brain disease.
Forest malaria in Cambodia: the occupational and spatial clustering of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection risk in a cross-sectional survey in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia
Authors: Sandfort Mirco , Vantaux Amélie , Kim Saorin , Obadia Thomas , Pepey Anaïs , Gardais Soazic , Khim Nimol , Lek Dysoley , White Michael , Robinson Leanne J. , Witkowski Benoit , Mueller Ivo
Published: November 2020

Background

After a marked reduction in malaria burden in Cambodia over the last decades, case numbers increased again in 2017–2018. In light of the national goal of malaria elimination by 2025, remaining pockets of high risk need to be well defined and strategies well-tailored to identify and target the persisting burden cost-effectively. This study presents species-specific prevalence estimates and risk stratification for a remote area in Cambodia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 villages in the high-incidence province Mondulkiri in the dry season (December 2017 to April 2018). 4200 randomly selected participants (2–80 years old) were tested for Plasmodium infection by PCR. Risk of infection was associated with questionnaire-derived covariates and spatially stratified based on household GPS coordinates.

Results

The prevalence of PCR-detectable Plasmodium infection was 8.3% (349/4200) and was more than twice as high for Plasmodium vivax (6.4%, 268) than for Plasmodium falciparum (3.0%, 125, p < 0.001). 97.8% (262/268) of P. vivax and 92.8% (116/125, p < 0.05) of P. falciparum infections were neither accompanied by symptoms at the time of the interview nor detected by microscopy or RDT. Recent travels to forest sites (aOR 2.17, p < 0.01) and forest work (aOR 2.88, p < 0.001) were particularly strong risk factors and risk profiles for both species were similar. Large village-level differences in prevalence of Plasmodium infection were observed, ranging from 0.6% outside the forest to 40.4% inside. Residing in villages at the forest fringe or inside the forest compared to outside was associated with risk of infection (aOR 2.14 and 12.47, p < 0.001). Villages inside the forest formed spatial hotspots of infection despite adjustment for the other risk factors.

Conclusions

Persisting pockets of high malaria risk were detected in forested areas and in sub-populations engaging in forest-related activities. High levels of asymptomatic infections suggest the need of better case detection plans and the predominance of P. vivax the implementation of radical cure. In villages inside the forest, within-village exposure was indicated in addition to risk due to forest activities. Village-level stratification of targeted interventions based on forest proximity could render the elimination efforts more cost-effective and successful.
Spatial Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) insecticide resistance patterns across malaria-endemic regions of Botswana
Authors: Buxton Mmabaledi , Wasserman Ryan J. , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: November 2020

Background

Since the advent of the Green Revolution, pesticides have played an important role in the global management of invertebrate pests including vector mosquitoes. Despite optimal efficacy, insects often display insensitivity to synthetic insecticides owing to prolonged exposure that may select for resistance development. Such insecticide insensitivity may regress national and regional coordination in mosquito vector management and indeed malaria control. In Botswana, prolonged use of synthetic insecticides against malaria vectors have been practiced without monitoring of targeted mosquito species susceptibility status.

Methods

Here, susceptibility status of a malaria vector (Anopheles arabiensis), was assessed against World Health Organization-recommended insecticides, across three malaria endemic districts. Adult virgin female mosquitoes (2–5 days old) emerging from wild-collected larvae were exposed to standardized insecticide-impregnated papers with discriminating doses.

Results

The results showed resistance dynamics were variable in space, presumably as a result of spatial differences in insecticide use across malaria endemic districts and the types of insecticides used in the country. Overall, there was a reduced susceptibility ofAn. arabiensisfor the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin and for dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane [DDT], which have similar modes of action and have been used in the country for many years. The Okavango district exhibited the greatest reduction in susceptibility, followed by Ngamiland and then Bobirwa, reflective of national intervention strategy spraying intensities. Vector mosquitoes were, however, highly susceptible to carbamates and organophosphates irrespective of region.

Conclusions

These results provide important findings of vector susceptibility to insecticides recommended for vector control. The results highlight the need to implement insecticide application regimes that more effectively including regionally integrated resistance management strategies for effective malaria control and elimination.
Nerve growth factor is closely related to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in the second trimester: a case–control study in Chinese
Authors: Tang Mengyang , Luo Mingjuan , Lu Wenqian , Zhang Rong , Liang Wei , Gu Jianfen , Yu Xuemei , Zhang Xueli , Hu Cheng
Published: November 2020

Objective

Inflammation-related factors have been shown to play a significant role throughout pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationships between selected inflammatory cytokines and gestational diabetes (GDM) in Chinese pregnant women.

Design and methods

This was a 1:1 matched case–control study that included 200 pairs of subjects in the second trimester and 130 pairs of subjects in the third trimester. Serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, Interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The associations of these inflammatory factors with metabolic parameters were analysed.

Results

In the second trimester, GDM patients had higher NGF levels and lower IL-8 levels than did normal controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). However, in the third trimester, only lower leptin levels were observed in the GDM group (P = 0.031). Additionally, in the second trimester, NGF levels were not only positively associated with fasting, 1-h and 2-h glucose levels and the area under curve of glucose, but also positively related to insulin sensitivity and secretion, as suggested by fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment index of β-cell secretion (HOMA-β) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, IL-6 and leptin levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, and TNF-α levels were positively related to HOMA-IR (all P < 0.05). Except for the relationships between NGF and HOMA-β and TNF-α and HOMA-IR, the other correlations still existed even after adjusting for confounding factors (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In addition to the positive associations of IL-6 and leptin with insulin resistance and secretion, NGF was higher in the GDM patients and strongly linked to glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell function in Chinese pregnant women in the second trimester.
Correction to: Feasibility study: one year fortnightly follow-up of the evolution of supra-spinatus degeneration via text-messages
Authors: Vincent Karl , Gagey Olivier , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Unilateral-dominant reduction in muscle volume in female knee osteoarthritis patients: computed tomography-based analysis of bilateral sides
Authors: Tsukada Ayumi , Uchida Kentaro , Aikawa Jun , Takano Shotaro , Iwase Dai , Mukai Manabu , Miyagi Masayuki , Nanri Yuta , Inoue Gen , Takaso Masashi
Published: November 2020

Background

Muscle weakness is associated with osteoarthritis pathology. A recent study demonstrated that measuring muscle volume using computed tomography (CT)-based analysis and comparing bilateral muscles in the same patient allowed for accurate evaluation of muscle volume in unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Here, we evaluated muscle volume using CT-based analysis and compared bilateral muscles in knee OA (KOA) patients.

Methods

CT images were obtained from 35 female radiographic KOA patients the day prior to total knee replacement surgery. Muscle volume (MV) was semi-automatically analyzed. Knee extension muscle strength (MS) was determined using a hand-held dynamometer. The severity of KOA patients’ clinical symptoms was examined using four domains of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. We compared the difference in MS (ΔMS) and MV (ΔMV) between the operated side (OS), which exhibited severe radiographic OA or severe pain, and the contralateral side (CS).

Results

JOA score was significantly lower in the OS than CS. MV and MS were also significantly lower in the OS than CS. There was no correlation between MV and MS or between MV and MS as a percentage of body weight on either side. However, ΔMV was positively correlated with ΔMS and pain on walking in the JOA.

Conclusions

We evaluated MV and MS using bilateral CT images of the legs of KOA patients. A reduction in MV was observed on the OS, and was correlated with a reduction in MS and pain on walking. Bilateral CT image analysis may be useful for evaluating the relationship between OA pathology and muscle atrophy.
Outcomes of 42 pregnancies in 14 women with cartilage-hair hypoplasia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Holopainen Elina , Vakkilainen Svetlana , Mäkitie Outi
Published: November 2020

Background

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature, immunodeficiency, anemia and risk of malignancies. All these features can affect pregnancy and predispose to maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to evaluate obstetric history and maternal and fetal outcomes in women with CHH.

Methods

Among 47 Finnish women with CHH, we identified 14 women with ICD codes related to pregnancies, childbirth and puerperium in the National Hospital Discharge Registry and obtained detailed data on gynecologic and obstetric history with a questionnaire. Offspring birth length and weight were collected and compared with population-based normal values.

Results

There were altogether 42 pregnancies in 14 women (median height 124 cm, range 105–139 cm; 4′1′′, range 3′5′′–4′7′’). Twenty-six pregnancies (62%), including one twin pregnancy, led to a delivery. Miscarriages, induced abortions and ectopic pregnancies complicated 9, 5, and 2 pregnancies, respectively. Severe pregnancy-related complications were rare. All women with CHH delivered by cesarean section, mostly due to evident cephalo-pelvic disproportion, and in 25/26 cases at full-term. In the majority, the birth length (median 48 cm, range 45.5–50 cm; 1′7′′, range 1′6′′–1′8′′) and weight (3010 g, range 2100–3320 g; 6.6 lb, range 4.6–7.3 lb) of the offspring in full-term singleton pregnancies was normal.

Conclusions

Despite CHH mothers’ significant short stature and other potential CHH-related effects on pregnancy outcome, most pregnancies lead to a term cesarean section delivery. Since fetal growth was generally unaffected, cephalo-pelvic disproportion was evident and planned cesarean section should be contemplated in term pregnancies.
Commensal microbes and p53 in cancer progression
Authors: Celardo Ivana , Melino Gerry , Amelio Ivano
Published: November 2020

Aetiogenesis of cancer has not been fully determined. Recent advances have clearly defined a role for microenvironmental factors in cancer progression and initiation; in this context, microbiome has recently emerged with a number of reported correlative and causative links implicating alterations of commensal microbes in tumorigenesis. Bacteria appear to have the potential to directly alter physiological pathways of host cells and in specific circumstances, such as the mutation of the tumour suppressive factor p53, they can also directly switch the function of a gene from oncosuppressive to oncogenic. In this minireview, we report a number of examples on how commensal microbes alter the host cell biology, affecting the oncogenic process. We then discuss more in detail how interaction with the gut microbiome can affect the function of p53 mutant in the intestinal tumorigenesis.
The relationship between QT interval indices with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients: a case control study
Authors: Vasheghani Maryam , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Beyranvand Mohammad Reza , Emami Habib
Published: November 2020

Background

Long QT interval (QT) and abnormal QT dispersion (QTd) are associated with sudden death. The relationship between cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and QT indices in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated.

Methods

Totally 130 diabetic subjects (mean age 50.87 ± 13.9 years) were included (70 individuals with and 60 individuals without CAN). All participants had sinus cardiac rhythm. The patients who had diseases or take drugs that cause orthostatic hypotension (OH), cardiac arrhythmia and QT prolongation were excluded. After interview and examination, standard and continuous ECG was taken in supine position with deep breathing and standing up position. CAN diagnosis was based on Ewing’s tests. QT, QT corrected (QTc), minimum QT (QT min), maximum QT (QT max) and mean ± SD of QT (QT mean) and QTd were assessed from standard ECG. QTc was calculated by Bazett’s formula from V2 lead. QTc > 440 ms in men and QTc > 460 ms in women and QTd > 80 ms were considered abnormal.

Results

In patients with CAN, 21.5% were symptomatic. The prevalence of abnormal QTc and QTd was 11.3% and 28.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the patients with or without CAN in terms of long QTc and abnormal QTd. However, the mean ± SD of QT max, QT mean and QTd was higher in the patients with CAN (P value < 0.03). The used cut points for QTc and QTd have high specificity (79% for both) and low sensitivity (30% and 37%, respectively). To use QTc and QTd as screening test for CAN in T2DM patients, the cutoff points 380 and 550 ms are suggested, respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of asymptomatic CAN was 3.7 times that of symptomatic CAN. In patients with CAN the QT max, QT mean and QTd were higher than those without CAN. There was no association between CAN and long QTc and abnormal QTd.
Spatial inequality, characteristics of internal migration, and pulmonary tuberculosis in China, 2011–2017: a spatial analysis
Authors: He Wen-Chong , Ju Ke , Gao Ya-Min , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yin-Xia , Jiang Ye , Liao Wei-Bin
Published: November 2020

Background

Human migration facilitate the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Migrants face an increased risk of TB infection. In this study, we aim to explore the spatial inequity of sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB (SS + PTB) in China; and the spatial heterogeneity between SS + PTB and internal migration.

Methods

Notified SS + PTB cases in 31 provinces in mainland China were obtained from the national web-based PTB surveillance system database. Internal migrant data were extracted from the report on China’s migrant population development. Spatial autocorrelations were explored using the global Moran’s statistic and local indicators of spatial association. The spatial variation in temporal trends was performed using Kulldorff’s scan statistic. Fixed effect and spatial autoregressive models were used to explore the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration.

Results

A total of 2 380 233 SS + PTB cases were reported in China between 2011 and 2017, of which, 1 716 382 (72.11%) were male and 663 851 (27.89%) were female. Over 70% of internal migrants were from rural households and had lower income and less education. The spatial variation in temporal trend results showed that there was an 9.9% average annual decrease in the notification rate of SS + PTB from 2011 to 2017; and spatial clustering of SS + PTB cases was mainly located in western and southern China. The spatial autocorrelation results revealed spatial clustering of internal migration each year (2011–2017), and the clusters were stable within most provinces. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were significantly associated with SS + PTB, further, internal emigration could explain more variation in SS + PTB in the eastern region in mainland. However, internal immigration and rural-to-urban migration were not significantly associated with SS + PTB across China.

Conclusions

Our study found the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were statistically associated with SS + PTB; the negative association was identified between internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and SS + PTB. Further, we found those migrants with lower income and less education, and most of them were from rural households. These findings can help stakeholders to implement effective PTB control strategies for areas at high risk of PTB and those with high rates of internal migration.
Application of an iterative Golub-Kahan algorithm to structural mechanics problems with multi-point constraints
Authors: Kruse Carola , Darrigrand Vincent , Tardieu Nicolas , Arioli Mario , Rüde Ulrich
Published: November 2020

Kinematic relationships between degrees of freedom, also named multi-point constraints, are frequently used in structural mechanics. In this paper, the Craig variant of the Golub-Kahan bidiagonalization algorithm is used as an iterative method to solve the arising linear system with a saddle point structure. The condition number of the preconditioned operator is shown to be close to unity and independent of the mesh size. This property is proved theoretically and illustrated on a sequence of test problems of increasing complexity, including concrete structures enforced with pretension cables and the coupled finite element model of a reactor containment building. The Golub-Kahan algorithm converges in only a small number of steps for all considered test problems and discretization sizes. Furthermore, it is robust in practical cases that are otherwise considered to be difficult for iterative solvers.
The left main bronchus transected incorrectly during video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: a case report
Authors: Shindo Yuma , Miyajima Masahiro , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Arai Wataru , Maki Ryunosuke , Tsuruta Kodai , Watanabe Atsushi
Published: November 2020

Background

Several severe intraoperative complications of lung cancer surgery have been reported, but the incorrect transection of the main bronchus is a very rare and serious complication. We report a surgical case of a patient with left lower lobe lung cancer invading the inferior segment of the lingula, with fused interlobar fissure and dense pleural adhesion, in which the left main bronchus was mistaken for the left lower lobe bronchus and was transected.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 30-mm nodule with a clear border and irregular margins in the center of the anterior (S8) segment of the lower lobe of the left lung and another similar 30-mm nodule in the lateral (S9) segment of the same lobe. Metastasis within the same lobe was suspected. A thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy was scheduled for the patient. As the patient had a moderately, fused fissure, dense pleural adhesion, and suspicious tumor invasion from the left S8 segment to the left S5 segment, and the interlobar node tightly adhered to the main PA at the site of basilar artery origin of the LLL, we performed left lower lobectomy and a left S5 segmentectomy using the fissureless fissure-last technique. During surgery, the left main bronchus was mistaken for the left lower lobe bronchus and was transected. After transecting the left main bronchus, we performed a sleeve bronchoplasty to prevent pneumonectomy.

Conclusions

We experienced the rare and serious intraoperative complication of the incorrect transection of the main bronchus. There are few reports of this intraoperative complication, and it should not be overlooked by surgeons.
Use of an ultra-clean air flow for surgical field asepsis when performing intravitreous injections in an ambulatory surgical environment
Authors: Moreto Renata , Cyrino Francyne Veiga , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: November 2020

Background

Intravitreal injection of medications is one of the most common procedures performed in ophthalmology. Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents are currently the chosen treatment for ocular fundus diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. As an invasive procedure it involves risks. The most serious complication from intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents is endophthalmitis (EO). Although rare, EO can result in devastating loss of vision. This article evaluates whether the use of an ultra-clean air flow (UA) can be another useful tool in the prevention of EOs. Accordingly, the maintenance of asepsis of the surgical field of intravitreal injections was verified with and without the use of UA.

Methods

The study was conducted in operating room of an ambulatory surgery center on four different surgical days when just intravitreal injections were scheduled. Two experiments using two Blood Agar and two Chocolate Agar plates (first 2 days; 4 plates by day) were carried out by positioning an UA directed to the surgical table and two other experiments (last 2 days; 4 plates per day) were carried out using similar plates without the use of the UA. All Blood Agar and four Chocolate Agar plates were positioned on the surgical table, close to the surgical filed. At the end of the day, after the conclusion of the intravitreous injections, the plates were sent for a biomolecular study that was carried out after 1 day of incubation at 37 °C.

Results

The sixteen plates, eight Blood Agar and eight Chocolate Agar, were analyzed qualitatively for the growth or not of microorganism’s colonies and identification of their species. The biomolecular study demonstrated the growth of bacteria of the genus Micrococcus sp. with the use of the UA and without the the UA bacterias of the genera Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus cohnii ssp urealyticus were found.

Conclusion

The use of UA close to the operating table prevented the growth of pathogenic bacteria and should be considered as an alternative tool to avoid the contamination of materials and drugs used for intravitreal injections.
Lyophilized amniotic membrane patch (LAMPatch) as a replacement of tamponades in the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Saravia Mario , Zeman Luis , Berra Alejandro
Published: November 2020

Background

The basis of retinal detachment repair is sealing the retinal breaks. In order to seal the retinal breaks, chorioretinal adhesion around these lesions has to be achieved. Laser retinopexy is not immediate thus necessitates the use of a temporal endotamponade to maintain both tissues in apposition. We propose the use of a patch of lyophilized human amniotic membrane (LAMPatch) in order to occlude the retinal tear effectively until the chorioretinal adhesion is settled, overcoming the risks and limitations of the current tamponades.

Methods

23-gauge vitrectomy was performed on eyes with primary retinal detachment with single retinal breaks of less than one-hour extension. A LAMPatch was deployed over the retinal breaks after retina was repositioned with perfluorocarbon. Neither gas nor silicon oil were injected.

Results

Six eyes of six patients with total or partial retinal detachment were included. Retinas remained reattached in all cases until the end on follow-up (3, 5 months). Best-corrected visual acuity at 1-week postop was between 20/30 and 20/100. Neither elevations of intraocular pressure, cataracts nor signs of inflammation were registered during follow-up. No second surgeries were needed.

Conclusion

This technique has proven to be safe and effective in this small case series. No intraocular pressure rise, inflammation or cataracts were registered until last follow-up visit.
Biocontrol of economically important weed species through endophytic fungi isolated from Parthenium hysterophorus (Family: Asteraceae)
Authors: Ahmad Yaseen , Ahmad Muhammad Nauman , Zia Afia , Alam Syed Sartaj , Khan Raja Asad Ali , Riaz Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Background

Fungal endophytes produce a variety of secondary metabolites which can be explored for herbicidal activities. Parthenium is a very aggressive and fast-spreading weed in Pakistan. The endophytes of Parthenium made it superior over other weeds. Those endophytes can be isolated, identified, and incorporated in sustainable agriculture to biologically control other severe weeds.

Main body

The present study was conducted to isolate and identify the endophytic fungi from the roots of Parthenium hysterophorus (Family: Asteraceae) and evaluate their cultural filtrate against the growth of three selected weed species, i.e., Chenopodium album, Avena fatua, and Convolvulus arvensis. Moreover, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of cultural filtrates of these endophytic fungi against the germination, growth, and other physiological parameters (cellular contents, respiration, and cellular leakage) of the abovementioned three weed species. Three endophytic fungi, i.e., Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Drechslera spp., were isolated from the roots of P. hysterophorus. Among these endophytic fungi, cultural (hyphal) filtrate of Alternaria spp. exhibited the strongest phytotoxic effect, followed by Drechslera spp. and Aspergillus spp. against the selected weeds. Moreover, all the three endophytic fungi showed significant reduction in the germination as well as other physiological parameters of the weed species.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the utilization of endophytic fungi could be a non-chemical, effective, ecofriendly, and low-cost biological control method that can be used for the biomanagement of fast-spreading and aggressive weeds.
COILUMICA: coil embolization of a coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula via novel dual lumen micro catheter technique
Authors: Nambiar Mithun , Maingard Julian , Li Kenny , Slater Lee-Anne , Chandra Ronil V. , Chong Winston , Brooks Duncan Mark , McGaw David , Asadi Hamed
Published: November 2020

Background

Management of coronary artery fistula (CAF) is based on obliterating the fistula communication between the cardiac arteries and other thoracic vessels.

Case presentation

We describe the presentation of an 85-year-old female with progressive exertional dyspnea on a background of a long standing left anterior descending diagonal to pulmonary artery fistula. We utilized neuro-interventional techniques to perform coil embolization via use of a Scepter XC dual lumen micro catheter.

Conclusions

Dual lumen balloon catheters allow for super-selective artery interrogation, stability of balloon positioning, with less trauma to vessel architecture and accurate embolization. There were no complications and the patient reported improvement of symptoms on review.
Extensive variability in the composition of immune infiltrate in different mouse models of cancer
Authors: Niemi Virginia , Gaskarth Douglas , Kemp Roslyn A.
Published: November 2020

Mouse models are invaluable tools for cancer immunology research. However, there are differences in the immune response to the tumour depending on the model used, and these differences are not often characterised on their own. Instead they are often only analysed in response to a therapeutic immune modulation. There are important issues with translatability into effective clinical research when considering the choice of mouse models. Here we analysed the tumour immune microenvironment and modified aspects of the tumour model to determine the effect on the composition of the immune infiltrate. Mice injected subcutaneously with the melanoma cell line, B16-OVA, had a higher frequency of T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, than mice injected subcutaneously with CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. We compared the same tumour cell line (CT26) delivered either subcutaneously and intracaecally. To minimise immunological impacts due to the invasive surgery procedure, we optimised an existing intracaecal injection protocol. Intracaecal tumours had a higher frequency of infiltrating CD3+ CD4+ T cells and a lower frequency of CD3-CD19- (putative NK cells) than subcutaneous tumours. In contrast, there was a higher frequency of F480+ macrophages in subcutaneous tumours than intracaecal tumours. These data demonstrate that variability between animals, between experiments and within tumour models, can lead to difficulty in interpreting the infiltrating immune response and translating this response to clinical research.
Structure-based design of some quinazoline derivatives as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uba Sani
Published: November 2020

Background

The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for the treatment of lung cancer, most especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), was one of the major challenges encountered by the medicinal chemist in the world. The treatment of EGFR tyrosine kinase to manage NSCLCs becomes an urgent therapeutic necessity. NSCLC was the foremost cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to develop more EGFR inhibitors due to the development of drug resistance by the mutation. This research is aimed at designing new EGFR inhibitors using a structure-based design approach. Structure-based drug design comprises several steps such as protein structure retrieval and preparation, ligand library preparation, docking, and structural modification on the best hit compound to design new ones.

Result

Molecular docking virtual screening on fifty sets of quinazoline derivatives/epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors against their target protein (EGFR tyrosine kinase receptor PDB entry: 3IKA) and pharmacokinetic profile predictions were performed to identify hit compounds with promising affinities toward their target and good pharmacokinetic profiles. The hit compounds identified were compound 6 with a binding affinity of − 9.3 kcal/mol, compounds 5 and 8, each with a binding affinity of − 9.1 kcal/mol, respectively. The three hit compounds bound to EGFR tyrosine kinase receptor via four different types of interactions which include conventional hydrogen bond, carbon-hydrogen bond, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions, respectively. The best hit (compound 6) among the 3 hit compounds was retained as a template and used to design sixteen new EGFR inhibitors. The sixteen newly designed compounds were also docked into the active site of EGFR tyrosine kinase receptor to study their mode of interactions with the receptor. The binding affinities of these newly designed compounds range from − 9.5 kcal/mol to − 10.2 kcal/mol. The pharmacokinetic profile predictions of these newly designed compounds were further examined and found to be orally bioavailable with good absorption, low toxicity level, and permeable properties.

Conclusion

The sixteen newly designed EGFR inhibitors were found to have better binding affinities than the template used in the designing process and afatinib the positive control (an FDA approved EGFR inhibitor). None of these designed compounds was found to violate more than the permissible limit set by RO5. More so, the newly designed compounds were found to have good synthetic accessibility which indicates that these newly designed compounds can be easily synthesized in the laboratory.
More than smart pavements: connected infrastructure paves the way for enhanced winter safety and mobility on highways
Authors: Shi Xianming
Published: November 2020

Currently, there is an urgent demand for more cost-effective, resource-efficient and reliable solutions to address safety and mobility challenges on highways enduring snowy winter weather. To address this pressing issue, this commentary proposes that the physical and digital infrastructures should be upgraded to take advantage of emerging technologies and facilitate the vehicle-infrastructure integration (VII), to better inform decision-makers at various levels. Driven by the paradigm shift towards more automation and more intelligent transportation, it is time to reimagine the vehicle-infrastructure ecosystem with the cold-climate issues in mind, and to enhance communications and coordination among various highway users and stakeholders. This commentary envisages the deployment of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies to bring about transformative changes and substantial benefits in terms of enhanced winter safety and mobility on highways. At the center of the commentary is a conceptualized design of next-generation highways in cold climates, including the existing infrastructure entities that are appropriate for possible upgrade to connected infrastructure (CI) applications, to leverage the immensely expanded data availability fueled by better spatial and temporal coverage. The commentary also advances the idea that CI solutions can augment the sensing capabilities and confidence level of connected or autonomous vehicles. The application scenarios of VII system is then briefly explored, followed by some discussion of the paradigm shift towards V2X applications and a look to the future including some identified research needs in the arena of CI. This work aims to inspire dialogues and synergistic collaborations among various stakeholders of the VII revolution, because the specific challenges call for systematic, holistic, and multidisciplinary approaches accompanied by concerted efforts in the research, development, pilot testing, and deployment of CI technologies.
Curating the Christian Arts of Asia
Authors: Meegama Sujatha Arundathi
Published: November 2020

This essay examines the transformation of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) into a global art histories museum. An analysis of the new Christian Art Gallery and its objects that date from the eighth through the twentieth century illuminates the ways in which the ACM engages with global art histories in a permanent gallery and not only through special exhibitions. This essay begins with a history of the ACM and its transition from a museum for the “ancestral cultures of Singapore” to one with a new mission focusing on multicultural Singapore and its connections to the wider world. Hence, taking a thematic approach, the ACM's new galleries question how museums generally display objects along national lines or regional boundaries. This essay also brings attention to the multiple mediums and functions of Christian art from both the geographical locations that usually are associated with Asian art and also from cultures that are rarely taught or exhibited, such as Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. While showcasing the different moments that Christianity came to Asia, the museum also emphasizes the agencies of Asian artistic practitioners in those global encounters. Although appreciative of the ways in which the ACM's Christian Art Gallery reveal the various tensions within global art histories and break down hegemonic constructions of Christian art from Asia, this essay also offers a critique. Highlighting this unusual engagement with Christian art by an Asian art museum, the new gallery reveals that museums and exhibitions can add to the conversations on global art histories.