bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serosurvey of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in homeless persons of São Paulo city, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Felipetto Laís Giuliani , Teider-Junior Pedro Irineu , Silva Felipe Fortino Verdan da , Yamakawa Ana Carolina , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Couto Anahi Chechia do , Martins Camila Marinelli , Vaz Eduarda Stankiwich , Ullmann Leila Sabrina , Langoni Helio , Timenetsky Jorge , Santos Andrea Pires dos , Biondo Alexander Weilker
Published: May 2020

Background: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii has been extensively studied in a variety of vulnerable populations. However, no study has focused on homeless populations. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and the risk factors associated in homeless persons from homeless shelter of São Paulo city, southeastern Brazil. In addition, anti-HIV antibodies and associated risk of T. gondii and HIV coinfection have been evaluated.Methods: Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected by indirect fluorescent antibody test. In addition, anti-HIV levels were testedby chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay, with positive samples confirmed by rapid immunoblot assay.Results: Overall, IgG anti-T. gondii seropositivity was found in 43/120 (35.8%) homeless persons, with endpoint titers varying from 16 to 1,024. The only two pregnant womentested were negative for IgM by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay, with normal parturition and clinically healthy newborns in both cases. There were no statistical differences in the risk factors for anti-T. gondii serology (p>0.05). Anti-HIV seropositivity was found in 2/120 (1.7%) homeless persons, confirmed as HIV-1. One HIV seropositive individual was also sero-reactive to IgG anti-T.gondii, and both were negative to IgM anti-T. gondii.Conclusions: This is the first study that reports the serosurvey of T. gondii in homeless persons worldwide. Despite the limited sample size available in the present study, our findings have shown that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in homeless persons herein was lower than the general population, probably due to homeless diet habit of eating mainly processed food intake. No statistical differences were found regarding risk factors for anti-T. gondii exposure in homeless persons.
Recurrence of ovarian squamous cell carcinoma with MET gene copy number variation: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Dong Xuhui , Yuan Lei , Yao Liangqing
Published: May 2020

Background: Malignant transformation such as ovarian squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in ovarian mature cystic teratoma (OMCT) is a rare tumor. The gene mutation of ovarian SCC remains unclear. We herein report a recurrent case of ovarian squamous cell carcinoma with MET gene copy number variation. Case presentation: A 60-year-old woman presented with recurrence of ovarian SCC 8 months after primary surgery. Adhesiolysis, right abdominal wall mass excision, prosthetics, enterectomy, enterostomy and partial cystectomy were performed by laparoscope. Pathologic examination demonstrated metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in ileocecus, rectum and abdominal wall muscle. MET gene copy number was elevated with copy number of six in this case. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with four cycles of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin. The patient was free of disease at 20 months’ follow-up. Conclusions: Optimal cytoreductive surgery combined with platinum-based chemotherapy is recommended currently for not only primary tumor but also recurrence. For patients with malignant transformation in OMCT, prompt diagnosis and individualized treatment are crucial for better prognosis. Increased copy number of MET may be correlated with her poor PFS and can be a potential therapeutic target for this case.
Yolk Sac tumor differentiation in urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: A case report and differential diagnosis
Authors: Espejo-Herrera Nadia , Mundó Enric Condom
Published: May 2020

Background: Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a germ cell neoplasm that arises predominantly in the gonads, but can also derive from somatic neoplasms in extragonadal locations. These latter cases have been documented in several organs, although reports from the urinary tract are limited. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a bladder urothelial carcinoma with a predominant component of YST differentiation.Case presentation: We present a unique case of a 76-year-old man with a recurrent urinary bladder tumor, initially interpreted as a high grade urothelial carcinoma with glandular differentiation. In the recurrent tumor, diverse histological patterns were identified, including glandular, hepatoid and sarcomatoid. This tumor showed positivity for AFP, GLP3 and SALL4, and negativity for CK7 and EMA. Fluorescent in situ hybridization study showed a polysomic pattern of chromosome 12. All these findings led to the final diagnosis of a YST derived from urothelial carcinoma. Conclusions: YST differentiation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a high grade urothelial carcinoma, particularly when glandular and other unusual patterns are observed.
Analysis of primary oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in inhabitants of Beijing, China—A 10-year continuous single-center study
Authors: Bai Xuexiao , Zhang Jie , Wei Li
Published: May 2020

Background This study aimed to describe some of the characteristics of the inhabitants of Beijing with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) who had received treatment at Stomatology Hospital of Peking University and to analyze the survival rate and the prognostic factors of patients following surgical treatment.. Methods Data of 603 consecutive cases with primary OSCC between 2004 and 2013 were obtained from the Stomatology Hospital of Peking University. Clinical data including age, sex, living district, primary site，TNM stage, history of drinking and smoking, pathological differentiation, treatment, survival were retrospectively analyzed. Results The male: female ratio was 1.1:1. The frequency of site involvement in descending order were tongue(34.3%), gingiva(25.0%), buccal mucosa(13.8%), oral floor(9.0%), oropharynx(8.5%), lip(6.3%) and palate(3.2%). Female OSCC patients tended to be significantly older than men with OSCC (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with stages III-IV OSCC was 52.4%. The results revealed that 65.3% of male patients and only 6.3% of female patients smoked or drank. The overall 5-year survival rate was 64%. Female patients had a worse prognosis than male patients. Among the patients who received surgery, tumor size and lymph node involvement were independent prognostic factors. Smoking and drinking were not prognostic factors.Conclusion Among the Beijing inhabitants who were diagnosed with OSCC and treated in our hospital in the past 10 years, more than half of them were in the advanced stage, and the cancer stage was the main prognostic factor of oral cancer. Therefore, the recognition of oral cancer should be strengthened, and early detection and treatment of OSCC should be achieved to improve the survival rate.
Multiple HPV 16 infection with two strains: a possible marker of neoplastic progression
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Scalia Guido , Cassaro Nazario , Boemi Sara
Published: May 2020

Background. We studied the cases of single and multiple HPV infection and analyzed the correlation with negative cases, and preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix with the aim of making a contribution to the prognostic factor under discussionMethods: 909 women undergoing second level screening because they had been positive at cervical cytology were enrolled. All the patients underwent colposcopy and cervical biopsy with viral genotyping. We divided mHPV infection based on the number of genotypes present: infections with 2 strains, 3 strains, 4 strains and 5 or more strains.Statistical analysis The analysis of the data was made using the χ2 test. Contingency tables were created to evaluate the correlation between single, multiple and CIN2+ infections. Values with p <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: The presence of genotype HPV16 in our study was associated with a 12 times greater risk of developing a high-grade lesion, OR = 12.70. The patients with single infections had the highest incidence of CIN2+ (34.1 %) with respect to those with multiple infections (10.6%).When we studied in the mHPV infection the prevalence of the combinations between the genotypes, we found that in mHPV16 infections, the combinations HPV16, 18 and HPV16, 31 were the most frequent (55.5%) in CIN3 lesion.ConclusionsOur results suggest that single HPV infections have a greater risk of developing SCC with respect to multiple infections. Multiple HPV infections are relevant only in the first phase of the lesion (CIN1-CIN2), while they are absent in carcinomas, where infections are of a single genotype. In particular, among multiple infections, HPV16 infection with 2 HR genotypes is associated significantly with CIN2 / CIN3 (21/30) and has 4 times greater risk of developing a high-grade lesion. Thus, it is probable that only specific combinations of HPV (HPV16,18 - HPV 16,31) can be associated with a clinically significant impact, while other combinations can simply be correlated because of a common infection or diagnostic method used. Therefore, multiple HPV16 infections with two high-risk genotypes is a major risk of CIN2/CIN3.
Alkaline organosolv pretreatment of different sorghum stem parts for enhancing the total reducing sugar yields and p-coumaric acid release
Authors: Li Dandan , Long Liangkun , Ding shaojun
Published: May 2020

Background: The sorghum stem can be divided into the pith and rind parts with obvious differences in cell type and chemical composition, thus arising the different recalcitrance to enzyme hydrolysis and demand for different pretreatment conditions. The introduction of organic solvents in the pretreatment can reduce over-degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, but significance of solvent addition in pretreatment of different parts of sorghum stem is still unclear. Valorization of each component is critical for economy of sorghum biorefinery. Therefore, in this study, NaOH-ethanol pretreatment condition for different parts of the sorghum stem was optimized in order to maximize p-coumaric acid release and total reducing sugar recovery. Result: Ethanol addition improved p-coumaric acid release and delignification efficiency, but significantly reduced hemicellulose deconstruction in NaOH-ethanol pretreatment. Optimization using the response surface methodology revealed that the pith, rind and whole stem require different NaOH-ethanol pretreatment conditions for maximal p-coumaric acid release and xylan preservation. By respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, the p-coumaric acid release yields reached 94.07%, 97.24% and 95.05% from pith, rind and whole stem, which increased by 8.16%, 8.38% and 8.39% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. The xylan recoveries of pith, rind and whole stem reached 76.80%, 88.46% and 85.01%, respectively, which increased by 47.75%, 15.11% and 35.97% compared to NaOH pretreatment. Adding xylanase significantly enhanced the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated residues. The total reducing sugar yields after respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis reached 84.06%, 82.29% and 84.09% for pith, rind and whole stem, respectively, which increased by 29.56%, 23.67% and 25.56% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. Considering the economic cost on the separation of the different parts, whole stem of sorghum stem can be directly used as feedstock in industrial biorefinery. Conclusion: These results indicated that NaOH-ethanol is effective for the efficient fractionation and pretreatment of sorghum biomass. This work will help to understand the differences of different parts of sorghum stem under NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, thereby improving the full-component utilization of sorghum stem.
Enzymatic Activity and Brine Shrimp Lethality of Venom From the Large Brown Spitting Cobra (Naja Ashei) and Its Neutralization by Antivenom
Authors: Okumu Mitchel Otieno , Mbaria James Mucunu , Gikunju Joseph Kangangi , Mbuthia Paul Gichohi , Madadi Vincent Odongo , Ochola Francis Okumu
Published: May 2020

Objective: Naja ashei is a snake of medical importance in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, little is known about the enzymatic and toxic activities of Naja ashei venom and crucially, the capacity of commercially available antivenom to neutralize these effects. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the enzymatic and toxic activities of N. ashei venom as well as the capacity of commercially available antivenoms to neutralize these effects. Results: The enzymatic/snake venom phospholipase A2/svPLA2 activity of Naja ashei venom is dose-dependent while the toxic effects of the venom in the brine shrimp animal model are dose and time-dependent. Commercially available antivenoms have poor neutralization capacity against the svPLA2 activity of Naja ashei venom. One ml of commercial antivenom manufactured in Mexico neutralized 0.21 mg of Naja ashei venom. However, the antivenom manufactured in India was ineffective against Naja ashei venom-induced brine shrimp lethality.
Summed rest score in gated myocardial perfusion imaging is a good predicator for treatment-related cardiotoxicity after anthracycline chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Lin Yan , Wang Jianfeng , Xu Min , Qiu Chun , Xu Peng , Shang Limei , He Bai , Wang Fei , Yue Yanhua , Guo Yanting , Li Feng , Dong Weimin , Xie Xiaobao , Wang Yuetao , Gu Weiying
Published: May 2020

Background: Anthracycline chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Treatment-related cardiotoxicity (TRC) may be observed during treatment and may induce severe cardiac failure or cardiac arrhythmia as the main cause of death, even several years after chemotherapy implementation. Herein, we performed a study to investigate the prognostic value of gated myocardial perfusion imaging (G-MPI) summed rest score (SRS) for the early detection of TRC caused by anthracycline chemotherapy in DLBCL patients.Methods: A total of 36 DLBCL patients were enrolled, and a series of parameters from the same individual patient were compared between baseline and after the end of the 6th R-CHOP chemotherapeutic regimen. According to whether TRC occurred during the observation period, the patients were divided into two groups, and parameters related to cardiac function were compared.Results: SRS in G-MPI and QTc interval in electrocardiogram were significantly different before and after chemotherapy (P = 0.012 and P = 0.015, respectively).By comparing parameters related to cardiac function between the TRC group (n = 22) and the no-TRC group (n = 14), only SRS was significantly different (P = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the SRS level was the only independent predicator for TRC (P = 0.018, HR = 6.053, 95% CI: 1.364-26.869). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an optimal SRS cutoff of >1for predicting TRC after anthracycline chemotherapy (P＜ 0.001).Conclusion: The G-MPI SRS level was an early indicator for TRC surveillance in DLBCL patients after anthracycline chemotherapy, thus contributing to early treatment and a subsequent decrease in mortality caused by such cardiovascular complications.
Immune Transcripts of the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas Larvae that Change in Expression as a Result of Bacteria Challenge
Authors: Fang Jing , Cai Xiaohui , Mao Fengyi , Li Hongyu , Chen Honglin , Qian Minhua , Hambrook Jacob M , Hanington Patrick C , Wu Xinzhong
Published: May 2020

Background: Marine molluscs living in intertidal and estuarine areas, such as oysters, face numerous pathogen challenges during their development. Infection from bacteria such as Vibrio alginolyticus, represents a major factor affecting larval development and frequently leads to high mortality of the pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. The oyster immune response is known to play an important role in protecting the animal during development by mitigating the consequences of infection. Results: In this study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of the immune response of C. gigas to V. alginolyticus challenge. We sequenced the transcriptome of C. gigas at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post infection. After RNA-seq, the raw reads are available through the NCBI Sequence Read Archive under accession number PRJNA623063. After filtering, a total of 58.24 Gb clean reads were produced and assembled using the reference genome of C. gigas. The distribution of quality Q30 was higher than 90.88% for each sample and the GC content ranged from 41.27% to 42.91%. When compared with sequences in the COG, GO, KEGG, Swiss-Prot, and NR databases, there were 1267, 1112, 2187, 682, 1133 differentially expressed genes annotated at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours post infection respectively. Numerous immune-related genes displayed differential expression that varied over time: toll-like receptors, tripartite motif proteins, Lectin-like factors, scavenger receptors, signaling pathway components such as Myeloid differentiation factor 88, and stress proteins such as Heat shock 70 kDa protein were all found to be higher in abundance following V. alginolyticus challenge compared to control. For analysis, these genes were divided into several categories such as pattern recognition receptors, fibrinogen-like proteins, damage associated molecular patterns, complement factors, etc. These general categories allowed us to generate an immune response profile for C. gigas over the first 72 hours of infection. These results indicate that bacterial infection induce a complex pattern of immune gene expression in C. gigas larvae. Conclusion: Our study will facilitate targeted investigation into the function of specific immune factors that may explain the diversity and evolution of invertebrate immune molecules and lead to the development of effective measures to improve the performance of oyster culture.
Characteristics of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Hospitalized Patients in Tibet: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Lu Yuxuan , Zhuoga Cidan , Jin Haiqiang , Zhu Feiqi , Zhao Yuhua , Ding Zhijie , He Shihua , Du Ailian , Xu Jun , Luo Jingjing , Sun Yongan
Published: May 2020

BackgroundLots of studies of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) had been conducted at low altitude regions, and related findings were used to instruct clinic management while corresponding studies at high altitude were few. This study aimed to analyse AIS clinic characteristics at high altitude regions by conducting a hospital-based comparative study between Tibet and Beijing.MethodsThis study included diagnoses of AIS patients from People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region (PHOTAR) and Peking University First Hospital (PUFH) between 1st January 2014, and 31st December 2017, where data including patient demographics, treatment time, onset season, risk factors, infarction location, laboratory data, image examination results, treatments, and AIS subtype were collected and compared. Continuous and categorical variables were analysed with a two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test, respectively. Significant risk factors were examined with binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 236 and 1021 inpatients from PHOTAR and PUFH were included, respectively. The PHOTAR patients were younger than the PUFH patients (P < 0.001). Young adult stroke, erythrocytosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia were more frequent in PHOTAR patients (all P < 0.001). Other vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking and alcohol consumption history, were less prevalent in PHOTAR patients than in PUFH patients. The rate of intravenous thrombolysis and intravenous thrombolysis window time were also lower in PHOTAR patients (both P < 0.001). PHOTAR groups also tended to have anterior circulation infarction. Erythrocytosis and hyperhomocysteinemia were independent risk factors in PHOTAR, and here young adults accounted for a larger proportion of stroke cases.ConclusionIn Tibet, the average age of AIS patients were less, and anterior circulation infarctions were also more common. Erythrocytosis and hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to these differences. Here young adult stroke also accounted for a higher proportion, and this may be associated with erythrocytosis. Our findings present the first hospital-based comparative study in Tibet and may contribute to policies for stroke prevention in this region.
Flagella by numbers: comparative genomic analysis of the supernumerary flagellar systems among the Enterobacterales
Authors: De Maayer Pieter , Pillay Talia , Coutinho Teresa A
Published: May 2020

Background
Flagellar motility is an efficient means of movement that allows bacteria to successfully colonize and compete with other microorganisms within their respective environments. The production and functioning of these structures is highly energy intensive and as such flagellar motility is a tightly regulated process. Despite this, some bacteria have been observed to possess multiple flagellar systems which allow distinct forms of motility.
Results
Comparative genomic analyses showed that, in addition to the previously identified primary peritrichous (flag-1) and secondary, lateral (flag-2) flagellar loci, three novel types of flagellar loci, varying in both gene content and gene order, are encoded on the genomes of members of the order Enterobacterales. The flag-3 and flag-4 loci encode peritrichous flagellar systems while the flag-5 locus encodes a polar flagellum. In total, 798/4,028 (~ 20%) of the studied taxa incorporate dual flagellar systems, while nineteen taxa incorporate three distinct flagellar loci. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the complex evolutionary histories of the flagellar systems among the Enterobacterales.
Conclusions
Supernumerary flagellar loci are relatively common features across a broad taxonomic spectrum in the order Enterobacterales. Here, we report for the first time on the occurrence of two peritrichous flagellar loci in some enterobacterial taxa, as well as the occurrence of three flagellar systems in select members of the Enterobacterales. Considering the energetic burden of maintaining and operating multiple flagellar systems, they are likely to play a role in the ecological success of members of this family and we postulate on their potential biological functions.
GWAS unveils features between early- and late-flowering pearl millets
Authors: Diack Oumar , Kanfany Ghislain , Gueye Mame Codou , Sy Ousmane , Fofana Amadou , Tall Hamidou , Serba Desalegn D. , Zekraoui Leila , Berthouly-Salazar Cécile , Vigouroux Yves , Diouf Diaga , KANE NDJIDO ARDO
Published: May 2020

Background
Pearl millet, a dietary food for around 100 million people in Africa and in India, has a large diversity due to an extensive genetic diversity combined with a high degree of admixture with wild relatives. In Senegal, two major morphotypes are distinguished: early-flowering and late-flowering millets. The phenotypic variabilities according to the flowering time plays an important role in pearl millet adaptation to climate variability. A better understanding of the genetic makeup of these variabilities would allow breeding of pearl millet fitting different climatic areas. In this study, we aimed to characterize the genetic basis of these phenotypic differences.
Results
We defined a core collection capturing most of the diversity of cultivated pearl millet of Senegal, which includes 60 early-flowering Souna and 31 late-flowering Sanio. This panel was evaluated during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons at Nioro for 16 agro-morphological traits. Phenological and phenotypes traits linked with yield, flowering time, and biomass helped differentiated early- and late-flowering millets. Further, using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), 21,663 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with minor allele frequencies of more than 5% were identified. Sparse Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (sNMF) analysis confirms the genetic structure in 2 gene pools associated with flowering time differences. Moreover, 2 chromosomal regions on linkage groups 3 (~ 89.7 Mb) and 6 (~ 68.1 Mb) differentiated the early-flowering into 2 clusters. Genome-wide analysis study (GWAS) was used to associate phenotypic variation to the SNPs and 18 genes were linked to flowering time, plant height, nodal tiller number, and biomass (P-value ˂ 2.3E-06).
Conclusions
The diversity of early- and late-flowering pearl millet landraces of Senegal was captured using a heuristic approach. Key phenology and phenotypic traits, SNPs, ad candidate genes underlying flowering time, tillering, biomass and plant height of pearl millet were identified. Chromosome rearrangements in LG 3 and 6 were implicated as a source of variation in early-flowering morphotypes. Using candidate genes underlying these features between pearl millet morphotypes would have paramount importance in breeding strategies under climate change scenarios.
Supporting parents living in disadvantaged areas of Edinburgh to create a smoke-free home using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): A two-phase qualitative study.
Authors: O'Donnell Rachel , Lewis Grace , Lumsdaine Colin , Tano Giovanna Di , Swanston Liz , Amos Gillian , Finnie Anne , Rowa-Dewar Neneh
Published: May 2020

Background Childhood exposure to second-hand smoke in the home is largely associated with socio-economic disadvantage. Disadvantaged parents face specific challenges creating a smoke-free home, often caring for children in accommodation without access to outdoor garden space. Existing home interventions largely fail to accommodate these constraints. Innovative approaches are required to address this inequality. In this two-phase study, we engaged with parents living in disadvantaged areas of Edinburgh, Scotland, to explore tailored approaches to creating a smoke-free home and develop and pilot-test an intervention based on their views and preferences.Methods In Phase 1, qualitative interviews with 17 parents recruited from Early Years Centres explored alternative approaches to smoke-free home interventions. In Phase 2, an intervention based on parents’ views and preferences was pilot tested with parents recruited through Early Years and Family Nurse Partnership centres. 17 parents took part in an interview to share their views/experience of the intervention. Data from both study phases were thematically analysed.Results Phase 1 findings suggested that parents associated nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with quit attempts, but supported the idea of NRT use for temporary abstinence to create a smoke-free home, viewing this as a safer option than using e-cigarettes indoors. In Phase 2, 54 parents expressed an interest in accessing NRT to create a smoke-free home, 32 discussed NRT product choice during a home visit from a smoking adviser, and 20 collected their free NRT prescription from the pharmacy. NRT was used for up to 12 weeks in the home, with ongoing advice available from pharmacy staff. During qualitative interviews (N = 17), parents self-reported successfully creating a smoke-free home; quitting smoking; and reduced cigarette consumption, often exceeding their expectations regarding changes made. The intervention was acceptable to parents, but the multi-step process used to access NRT was cumbersome. Some participants were lost to this process.Conclusions Parents living in disadvantage may benefit from access to NRT for temporary abstinence in the home to assist them to protect their children from second-hand smoke exposure. Further research using a more streamlined approach to NRT access, is required to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this approach.
Isoliquiritin Pre-Treatment Promotes Multi-Territory Perforator Flap Survival in Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Wang Yapeng , Zhang Xin , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun
Published: May 2020

Background The present study was design to investigate the effect of isoliquiritin (ISL) pretreatment on multi-territory perforator flap survival and blood vessels of Choke II zone in rats.Methods A total of 80 adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into ISL group and normal saline group, and subsequently and subjected to multi-territory perforator flap operations on the left flank. Afterwards, rats in ISL group were intraperitoneally injected with ISL, and rats from normal saline group were intraperitoneally injected with equal amount of normal saline. After seven days, the surviving flap area was calculated, the density of microvessels and (vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)were measured in Choke II zone. In addition, blood vessels of the flap were subjected to lead oxide-gelatin radiography.Results The flap survival area was significantly enhanced in rats from the ISL group compared with that from the saline group (P < 0.01). HE staining indicated significantly higher microvascular density in Choke II zone in the ISL group (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays showed that the expression of VEGF in the ISL group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the vascular structure in Choke II zone of the flap was clearer, with more new blood vessels and more complete vascular structure in the potential zone from the ISL group, in comparison with those from the normal saline group.Conclusion ISL is beneficial to the multi-territory perforator flap survival in rats.
Transplanted Hair Follicle Stem Cells Migrate to the Penumbra and Express Neural Markers in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischaemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Tang Hao , Mao Senlin , Li Bing , Zhou Yinglian , Yue Hui , Wang Duo , Wang Yifei , Fu Jin
Published: May 2020

Background: Ischaemic stroke has become the main cause of death and severe neurological disorders, for which effective restorative treatments are currently limited. While stem cell transplantation offers therapeutic potential through neural regeneration, this approach is associated with challenges of limited applicable sources. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are multipotential cells which can differentiate into ectodermal and mesodermal lineages and proliferate for long periods. The therapeutic potentials of HFSCs have not been investigated in ischaemic stroke models and, therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether they can survive and migrate to ischaemic areas after stroke attack. Methods : A rat model of middle cerebral artery ischaemia/reperfusion was established and intravenously administrated HFSCs. The potential of HFSCs to migrate and differentiate into neuron-like cells, as well as their ability to reduce the infarct size, was evaluated. Rat brain tissue samples were collected 2 weeks after cell transplantation and analysed via TTC staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry methods. The data were statistically analysed and are presented as the means ± standard deviations (SDs). Results : Intravenously administrated rat HFSCs migrated to the penumbra where they expressed neuron-specific markers, reduced the infarct volume, and promoted neurological recovery. Conclusion : HFSC transplantation has therapeutic potential for ischaemic stroke, which implies that HFSC treatment might be useful for stroke patients in the future and is, therefore, worthy of further investigation toward possible clinical development.
Optimal Parity Cut-off Values for Predicting Postpartum Hemorrhage in Vaginal Deliveries and Cesarean Sections
Authors: Miyoshi Yasuhiro
Published: May 2020

Background High parity is a major public health concern in developing countries and it is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The aim of this study was to analyze the optimal parity cut-off values for predicting PPH in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections in a rural Zambian setting.Methods All women who delivered at Zimba Mission Hospital in 2017 were reviewed in this retrospective survey. Those whose records were missing data on parity and those with risk factors for developing PPH (e.g. birth weight ≥ 4,000 g, multiple pregnancy, assisted vaginal delivery, and placenta previa) were excluded. We analyzed the association between parity and PPH using multiple logistic regression and ROC curve analyses.Results Among the 1,555 women included in the study, 72 (4.6%) women experienced PPH. The optimal cut-off values for parity in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections were para 7 and 3, respectively. Using these cut-off values, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 3.26 (1.15, 9.21) and 8.28 (2.25, 30.5), respectively.Conclusions Proper preparation is required for vaginal deliveries in women with a history of ≥ 7 births and cesarean sections in women with a history of ≥ 3 births.
Citizens’ Expectations from Government in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Tabrizi Reza , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: May 2020

Background The government is the main body in charge of controlling epidemics; hence, expectations from government’s intention and capacity would affect citizens’ behavior and flexibility. Although a range of policies, including social distancing measures, have been adopted in Iran to control COVID-19 pandemic, the Iranian have faced with several economic and social challenges. Accordingly, effective, equitable, and community-based policies must be formulated and adopted to diminish other burdens of this pandemic. Given the severity of COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need for people's cooperation in the prevention and combat processes, understanding the public perspectives would be crucial and instructive.Methods This qualitative study used an open-ended online questionnaire to investigate the common perspectives of the Iranian towards government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected using snowball and convenient sampling techniques across the country. The collected data were analyzed and described using thematic content analysis.Results In general, 2547 participants agreed to participate in this study and completed the online questionnaire. According to the findings, the Iranian exhibited several expectations regarding the government's response to COVID-19 pandemic, based on which three main themes were extracted: (1) health-related expectations, (2) policy-related expectations, and (3) mass media-related expectations. In this study, a majority of the participants highlighted the need to consider and follow-up the patients and their families, provide financial and hygiene support during the pandemic, apply strict restrictions, and have close monitoring and controlling procedures. Furthermore, they mentioned that authorities and news agencies should observe honesty and transparency principals.Conclusions Our findings revealed that people expect the government and other responsible institutions to minimize the burden of this pandemic on them through adopting effective policies. The study findings could help policy-makers become aware of people's expectations and develop better strategies.
Comparison of the spatiotemporal characteristics of the COVID-19 and SARS outbreaks in mainland China
Authors: Zhang Xi , Rao Huaxiang , Wu Yuwan , Huang Yubei , Dai Hongji
Published: May 2020

Background
Both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are caused by coronaviruses and have infected people in China and worldwide. We aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 and SARS exhibited similar spatial and temporal features at the provincial level in mainland China.
Methods
The number of people infected by COVID-19 and SARS were extracted from daily briefings on newly confirmed cases during the epidemics, as of Mar. 4, 2020 and Aug. 3, 2003, respectively. We depicted the spatiotemporal patterns of the COVID-19 and SARS epidemics using spatial statistics such as Moran’s I and the local indicators of spatial association (LISA).
Results
Compared to SARS, COVID-19 had a higher incidence. We identified 3 clusters (predominantly located in south-central China, highest RR = 135.08) for COVID-19 and 4 clusters (mainly in Northern China, highest RR = 423.51) for SARS. Fewer secondary clusters were identified after the "Wuhan lockdown". The LISA cluster map detected a significantly high-low (Hubei) and low-high spatial clustering (Anhui, Hunan, and Jiangxi, in Central China) for COVID-19. Two significant high-high (Beijing and Tianjin) and low-high (Hebei) clusters were detected for SARS, although the global Moran’s I value was not significant.
Conclusions
The different spatiotemporal clustering patterns between COVID-19 and SARS could point to changes in social and demographic factors, local government containment strategies or differences in transmission mechanisms between these coronaviruses.
Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Erenumab for the Preventive Treatment of Persistent Post-Traumatic Headache attributed to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Open-Label Study.
Authors: Ashina Håkan , Iljazi Afrim , Al-Khazali Haidar , Eigenbrodt Anna Kristina , Larsen Eigil , Andersen Amalie , Hansen Kevin , Bräuner Karoline , Mørch-Jessen Thomas , Chaudhry Basit , Antic Sonja , Christensen Casper , Ashina Messoud , Amin Faisal , Schytz Henrik
Published: May 2020

BackgroundCalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic headache (PTH), which raises the prospect for therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP or its receptor. Therefore, we decided to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of erenumab for prevention of persistent PTH attributed to mild traumatic brain injury.MethodsA single-center, non-randomized, single-arm, open-label study of erenumab for adults aged 18–65 years with persistent PTH. Patients were assigned to receive 140-mg erenumab monthly by two subcutaneous 1-mL injections, given every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the mean change in number of monthly headache days of moderate to severe intensity from baseline (4-week pretreatment period) to week 9 through 12. Tolerability and safety endpoints were adverse events (i.e. number and type).ResultsEighty-nine of 100 patients completed the open-label trial. At baseline, the mean monthly number of headache days of moderate to severe intensity was 15.7. By week 9 through 12, the number was reduced by 2.8 days. The most common adverse events were constipation (n = 30) and injection-site reactions (n = 15). Of 100 patients who received at least one dose of erenumab, only two discontinued the treatment regimen due to adverse events.ConclusionsAmong patients with persistent PTH, erenumab resulted in a lower frequency of moderate to severe headache days in this 12-week open-label trial. In addition, erenumab was well-tolerated as discontinuations due to adverse events were low. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to adequately evaluate the efficacy and safety of erenumab in persistent PTH.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03974360. Registered on April 17, 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03974360
Linc00473 potentiates cholangiocarcinoma progression by modulation of DDX5 expression via miR-506 regulation
Authors: Huang Lining , Jiang Xingming , Li Zhenglong , Li Jinglin , Lin Xuan , Hu Zengtao , Cui Yunfu
Published: May 2020

Background
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a mortal cancer with high mortality, whereas the function and mechanism of occurrence and progression of CCA are still mysterious. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could function as important regulators in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Growing evidences have indicated that the novel lncRNA linc00473 plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, its function and molecular mechanism in CCA remain unknown.
Methods
The linc00473 expression in CCA tissues and cell lines was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the biological functions of linc00473 both in vitro and in vivo. Insights into the underlying mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were determined by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR arrays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and rescue experiments.
Results
Linc00473 was highly expressed in CCA tissues and cell lines. Linc00473 knockdown inhibited CCA growth and metastasis. Furthermore, linc00473 acted as miR-506 sponge and regulated its target gene DDX5 expression. Rescue assays verified that linc00473 modulated the tumorigenesis of CCA by regulating miR-506.
Conclusions
The data indicated that linc00473 played an oncogenic role in CCA growth and metastasis, and could serve as a novel molecular target for treating CCA.
Risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with kidney stones—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chuang Tzung-Fang , Hung Hung-Chang , Li Shu-Fen , Li Mei-Wen , Hung Chin-Tun
Published: May 2020

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney stones are common in Taiwan; in particular, CKD has a high prevalence but low self-awareness rate. CKD-related risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drugs are well-known and uncontested; however, kidney stones are relatively less studied and easily overlooked as a risk factor. The objective of this study was to investigate whether kidney stones are a risk factor for CKD.Methods We conducted a nationwide population-based matched cohort study to assess the risk of incident CKD in people with kidney stones. Data on incident stones formers in the year 2001—excluding those with a history of CKD—were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database. Stone formers were matched (1:4) to control subjects according to sex, age, and index date. The total observation period of the study was 10 years, and the primary end-point was the occurrence of CKD. Student’s t-test and Chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of kidney stone patients with incident CKD relative to the control group. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to obtain the hazards ratio for development of incident CKD among patients with kidney stones.Results The incidence of CKD in the kidney stone cohort was 11.2%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < .001). Survival analysis showed that the stones cohort was 1.82 times more likely to experience CKD than the controls. Age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia increased the risk of CKD incidence (1.04, 1.27, 1.55, 3.31, and 1.25 times, respectively).Conclusion Kidney stones are a definite risk factor for CKD; therefore, patients with stones are suggested to undergo regular renal function monitoring and receive appropriate treatment to avoid CKD.
Design of Custom-made Navigational Template of Femoral Head and Pilot Research in Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty
Authors: LIANG Jinlong , Zhao Yonghui , Gao Xinjian , Fang Xuewei , Xu Yongqing , Lu Sheng
Published: May 2020

Background To develop a novel custom-made navigational template for accurate prosthesis implantation in total hip resurfacing arthroplasty (THRA) by computer-aided technology. Methods The template was produced based on data preoperatively acquired with computed tomography (CT) scan. The position of the drill guide was chosen as the anatomical axis of the femoral neck which was defined by the ligature between the center of the femoral head and another point on the centerline of proximal femoral neck. And the final direction of the drill guide was confirmed by a small valgus angle. The surface of the template was constructed as the inverse of the femoral neck surface. Then each template was formed from acrylate resin by using rapid prototyping (RP) technique. Finally, the template was tested in 18 cadavers scheduled for THRA and postoperative medical imaging was used to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the template. Results The template had a near-prefect fit with the femoral neck surface. There were no guide failures. Postoperative evaluation revealed that the Kirschner wires pass through the center of the femoral head, have a relative valgus angle to the central axis of the femoral neck and have no obvious varus-valgus angles or anterior/posterior inclination angles. So, the Kirschner wires achieved the expected implant requirement. Conclusion This study shows a novel way of guiding the prosthesis implantation accurately in THRA. The template is an excellent medium for preoperative planning and intraoperative technique, and embodies the development tendency of Computer Assisted Surgery.
Correlation between kinematic sagittal parameters of the cervical lordosis or head posture and disc degeneration in patients with posterior neck pain: retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Jeon Dae Geun , Park Jinyoung , Park Jung Hyun
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to examine degrees of the cervical disc degeneration and the parameters of cervical sagittal balance in plain radiographs, representing cervical lordosis or head posture in subjects with posterior neck pain.
Methods

This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study that analyzed 113 patients with posterior neck pain with or without radiating pain. The kinematic sagittal parameters of cervical radiographs were obtained at the occipito-cervical (O-C2) angle, sagittal Cobb’s angles of C1-C2, C2-C7, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of C1-C7 and C2-C7. Cervical disc degeneration was evaluated using the sum of Pfirrmann grades and total modified Matsumoto scores calculated from magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the cervical spine. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship of these parameters and a linear regression method was used to determine associations between sagittal cervical alignment and disc degeneration.
Results

A significant positive correlation was found for the C2-C7 angle using the sum of the Pfirrmann grades and total modified Matsumoto scores. The O-C2 angle was negatively correlated with the sum of the Pfirrmann grades and total modified Matsumoto scores. The C1-C2 angle was also negatively correlated with the sum of the Pfirrmann grades. No significant relationship was found between the cervical SVA and cervical disc degeneration.
Conclusions

The sagittal cervical parameters representing cervical kyphosis and jaw lifting posture, were found to be significantly correlated with the degree of cervical disc degeneration. These findings suggest that the loss of the natural sagittal lordosis of the cervical spine may contribute to the progression of disc degeneration, rather than the forward head posture.