bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel research method for workshops and co-production of interventions: using a secret Facebook group
Authors: Buelo Audrey , Kirk Alison , Jepson Ruth
Published: June 2020

Background: Co-production of interventions is reliant on good communication and consensus between participants and researchers but attending in-person meetings and workshops is hard for time-constrained groups such as new mums, who may be geographically dispersed without reliable transport. Discussions with a lay advisory group resulted in the decision to hold a workshop over a secret Facebook group. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility a secret Facebook group for co-production activities. In the example presented, the population was women with previous gestational diabetes; the topic was physical inactivity; and the purpose was to develop an acceptable physical activity intervention.Methods: The researchers created a secret Facebook group with content similar to an in-person workshop that sequentially progressed to develop a programme theory for an intervention. The researcher posted 1-2 times per day for 14 days and members of the group were invited to comment and discuss the content. Feasibility and acceptability of the group analysed using Facebook analytics and a post-workshop survey.Results: Twenty-one participants took part. In total, 521 comments were provided in response to 18 posts of varying types (average = 28.9 comments per post). The total word count of participant comments was 21,142 words. The workshop was viewed positively, with 20 of 21 participants saying they liked the workshop ‘somewhat’ or ‘a great deal’, and felt the group was a safe and open environment to share opinions. When asked if they would take part in something like this again, 15 of 21 said “Yes”. Participants mentioned the format was convenient; it allowed them to reflect on their experiences and they liked helping research progress. Those who say “maybe” said it was difficult finding time and depended on what else was going on.Conclusion: Using a secret Facebook group as a method of co-production or as a workshop in the research process is a feasible and acceptable method. Social media holds significant potential for co-production and involvement in research for populations who are geographically dispersed or time-constrained; with an uncommon condition; or other circumstances where in-person meetings are either not appropriate or not possible.
A comprehensive study on the oncogenic mutation and molecular pathology in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Xilin , Jiang Yan , Yu Huanming , Xia Hui , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Several driver genetic alterations have been identified in micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma (MPA). However, the frequency of ROS1 rearrangements is yet unclear. Herein, we investigated the associations between clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of MPA compared with non-micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma (LA). Methods: Formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections derived from lung adenocarcinoma patients who never received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy prior to surgical resection were collected from October 2016 to June 2019. EGFR mutations, ROS1 rearrangement and EML4-ALK fusion were identified in a set of 131 MPA and LA cases by using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS). Results: EGFR mutations had occurred in 42 (76.4%) MPA patients and 42 (55.3%) LA patients. But interestingly, ROS1 rearrangement was present in 10.9% (6/55) MPA cases and 1.3% (1/76) LA cases. Moreover, 7.3% (4/55) MPA samples had multiple gene mutations, while only 1.3% (1/76) LA cases had double gene alterations. Of 5 patients with harbouring two driver oncogenes mutations, four patients (80%) obtained partially response and one patient (20%) suffered recurrence. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of ROS1 rearrangements or combined mutations of ROS1 and EGFR or EML4-ALK may play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of MPA. These findings provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the patients with malignant MPA through combining TKIs than one TKI.
Understanding mobile application development and implementation to monitor Posyandu data in Indonesia: a 3-years hybrid action research to build “a bridge” from the community to national use
Authors: Rinawan Fedri Ruluwedrata , Susanti Ari Indra , Amelia Indah , Ardisasmita Mulya Nurmansyah , - Widarti , Dewi Rima Kusumah , Ferdian Dani , Purnama Wanda Gusdya , Purbasari Ayi
Published: June 2020

Background. There is a small number of facts available to understand better how mobile health application technology on mother and child health (MCH) is developed. This study is aimed: (a) to explore the process of developing the mobile app in MCH community-based services in the Indonesian setting/Posyandu, (b) to perform feasibility assessment among the community health workers (CHWs), and (c) to see the potential use of the mobile app in the country. Method. Using a hybrid method in which the action research principles and the mixed-method, which comprise qualitative and quantitative methods, were synergistically combined for the end-users. The study was conducted in Pasawahan sub-district, Purwakarta, Indonesia, from 2017 to 2019. Content analysis, coding, and categorizing were carried out using NVivo 12 Pro for the transcribed data. Wilcoxon Test (2018 and 2019) was conducted using STATA 15 Special Edition. Results. (1) The use of a CHW notebook for data entry in the Posyandu information system book delayed the data reporting process, resulting in the need to develop a mobile app; (2) There are significant differences of CHW’s knowledge (p=0.000) and skills (p=0.0097) on training (2018) and Posyandu phases (2019); (3) As many as 964 posyandu are registered to Posyandu mobile app from almost all provinces in Indonesia. Conclusions. The 3-years hybrid approach suggests the crucial phases to develop a mobile app in a more user-friendly manner to substitute the use of CHW’s old-fashion book use and that its implementation is promising for national use.
Comparison of non-schistosomal colorectal cancer and schistosomal colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Weixia , Lu Kui , Wang Limei , Jing Hongyan , Pan Weiyu , Huang Sinian , Xu Yanchao , Bu Dacheng , Cheng Meihong , Liu Jing , Liu Jican , Shen Weidong , Zhang Yingyi , Yao Junxia , Zhu Ting
Published: June 2020

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare clinicopathological features of patients with non-schistosomal and schistosomal colorectal cancer to explore the effect of schistosomasis on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients` clinical outcomes. Methods: 351 cases of CRC were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Survival curves were constructed by using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to identify associations with outcome variables.Results: Colorectal cancer patients with schistosomiasis (CRC-S) were significantly older (P＜0.001) than the patients without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS). However, there were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS patients in other clinicopathological features. Schistosomiasis were associated with adverse overall survival (OS) upon K-M analysis (P=0.0277). By univariate and multivariate analysis, gender (P=0.003), TNM stage (P＜0.001), schistosomiasis (P=0.025), lymphovascular invasion (P=0.030) and lymph nodes positive for CRC (P＜0.001) were all independent predictors in the whole cohort. When patients were stratified according to clinical stage and lymph node metastasis state. Schistosomiasis was also an independent predictors in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ tumors and in patients with lymph node metastasis, but not in patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ tumors and in patients without lymph node metastasis.Conclusion: Schistosomiasis was significantly correlated with OS and it was an independent prognostic factor for OS in the whole cohort. When patients were stratified according to clinical stage and lymph node metastasis state, schistosomiasis was still an independent unfavorably prognosis factor for OS in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ tumors or patients with lymph node metastasis.
Cellular senescence mediates the detrimental effect of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on postnatal long bone growth in mice offspring
Authors: Su Jianwen , Chai Yu , Ji Zhiguo , Xie Yongheng , Yu Bin , Zhang Xianrong
Published: June 2020

Background: Prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) induces low birth weight and retardation of fetal bone development which are associated with lower peak bone mass in adult offspring. Here we evaluated whether and how PDE affects postnatal long bone growth in mice offspring. Methods: Pregnant mice were injected subcutaneously with dexamethasone (1.2 mg/kg/day) every morning from gestational day (GD) 12-14. Femurs and tibias of 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-week-old female offspring were harvested for histological, immunofluorescence, flow cytometric analysis, or microcomputed tomography (μCT) measurement. Results: PDE leads to impaired bone remodeling as well as decreased bone mass in the long bone of female mice offspring. During postnatal bone growth, significant decrease of CD45-CD29+CD105+Sca-1+ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and CD45-Nestin+ cells, loss of type H vessels as well as increment of cellular senescence were found in metaphysis of long bone in mice offspring after PDE. We further show that eliminating the excessive senescent cells with dasatinib (5 mg/kg/day) and quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) during GD 12-14 rescues the above toxic effect of PDE on the postnatal long bone growth in female mice offspring. Conclusion: Cellular senescence mediates the toxic effect of PDE on postnatal long bone growth in mice offspring, and inhibition of cellular senescence may be proposed for treating the retardation of bone growth caused by PDE.
The association of dietary inflammatory index with urinary risk factors of kidney stones formation in men with nephrolithiasis
Authors: Maddahi Niloofarsadat , Yarizadeh Habib , Aghamir SeyedMohammad Kazem , Alizadeh Shahab , Yekaninejad MirSaeed , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: June 2020

Objective: Inflammation plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis. The association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with urinary lithogenic factors is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relation of DII to urinary risk factors of kidney stones formation.Results: Of 264 participants, 61.4% (n= 162), 72% (n=190), 74.6% (n=197), 68.6% (n=181), and 80.3% (n=212) had hyperoxaluria, hypercreatininuria, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, hypocitraturia, respectively. There was a significant increasing trajectory in urinary calcium, uric acid, and creatinine as well as a decreasing trend in urinary citrate across tertiles of DII score (all P=≤0.001). After multivariate adjustment for energy intake, age, physical activity and body mass index, high DII scores were associated with elevated odds of having hypercreatininuria (OR=2.80, 95%CI: 1.10-7.12, Ptrend=0.04), hypercalciuria (OR=7.44, 95%CI: 2.62-21.14, Ptrend≤0.001), hyperuricosuria (OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.001-4.95, Ptrend=0.05), and hypocitraturia (OR=5.84, 95%CI: 2.14-15.91, Ptrend≤0.001). No association was identified between DII and hyperoxaluria.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Endometrial Screening Liquid-Based Cytology Specimens A Comparative Study to Tissue Specimens
Authors: Akahane Toshiaki , Kitazono Ikumi , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamio Masaki , Togami Shinichi , Sakamoto Ippei , Nohara Sachio , Yokoyama Seiya , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Hiraki Tsubasa , Suzuki Shinsuke , Ueno Shinichi , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: June 2020

Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is now a widely used method for cytologic screening and cancer diagnosis. Since the cells are fixed with alcohol-based fixatives, and the specimens are stored in a liquid condition, LBC specimens are suitable for genetic analyses. Methods: Here, we established a small cancer gene panel, including 60 genes and 17 microsatellite markers for next-generation sequencing, and applied to residual LBC specimens obtained by endometrial cancer screening to compare with corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Results: A total of 49 FFPE and LBC specimens (n=24) were analyzed, revealing characteristic mutations for endometrial cancer, including PTEN, CTNNB1, PIK3CA, and PIK3R1 mutations. Eight cases had higher scores for both tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI), which agree with defective mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression. Paired endometrial LBC, and biopsied and/or resected FFPE tissues from 7 cases, presented almost identical mutations, TMB, and MSI profiles in all cases. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that our ad hoc cancer gene panel enabled the detection of therapeutically actionable gene mutations in endometrial LBC and FFPE specimens. Endometrial cancer LBC specimens offer an alternative and affordable source of molecular testing materials.
Plantar pressure sensors indicate women to have a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial of the foot compared to men
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Hoshino Yuichi , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Nukuto Koji , Yamashita Takahiro , Ibaraki Kazuyuki , Nagai Kanto , Nagamune Kouki , Araki Daisuke , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: June 2020

Background: Sex-related differences of plantar pressure distribution during activities should be thoroughly inspected as it can help establish treatment and prevention strategies for foot and ankle problems. In-shoe measurement systems are preferable without space and activity restrictions; however, previously reported systems are still heavy and bulky and induce unnatural movement. Therefore, a slim and light plantar pressure sensor was newly developed to detect the effect of sex difference on plantar pressure during standing and walking.Methods: One-hundred healthy adult volunteers (50 women and 50 men) were recruited. Ten plantar pressure sensors were implanted in a 1-mm thick insole, with a total weight of 29 g. Plantar pressure was recorded with 200 Hz during 3 seconds of standing and while walking 10 steps. The maximum loads during standing and walking were analyzed in each sensor, and the results were compared between different areas of the foot in the antero-posterior direction and the medio-lateral direction and between different time points. The movement of the center of pressure (COP) during walking was also evaluated. Analyses were adjusted for body mass index and gait speed.Results: The movement of COP was constant for both sexes. In all cases, the maximum load was observed on the medial of the foot. Women had a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial aspect of the foot compared to men while standing and walking (p < .05).Conclusions: A newly introduced in-shoe plantar pressure sensor demonstrated a typical loading transition pattern of the foot. Furthermore, higher plantar pressure in the forefoot was detected in healthy women as compared to men during standing and walking activities.
Going web or staying paper? The use of web-surveys among older people
Authors: Kelfve Susanne , Kivi Marie , Johansson Boo , Lindwall Magnus
Published: June 2020

Background: Many surveys today use a web-survey as an alternative to more traditional survey modes. Yet, web-surveys targeting older individuals are still uncommon for various reasons. However, with younger cohorts approaching older age, the potentials for web-surveys among older people might be improved. In this study, we investigated response patterns in a web-survey targeting older adults and the potential importance of offering a paper questionnaire as an alternative to the web questionnaire. Methods: We analyzed data from three waves of a web-based retirement study, in which a paper questionnaire was offered as an alternative to the web questionnaire in the last reminder. We mapped the response patterns, compared web- and paper respondents and compared different key outcomes resulting from the sample with and without the paper respondents, both at baseline and after two follow-ups.Results: Paper-respondents, that is, those that did not answer until they got a paper questionnaire with the last reminder, were more likely to be women, low educated, fully retired, non-married and reported higher depression and lower self-rated health, compared with web-respondents. The association between retirement status and depression was only present among web-respondents. The differences between web and paper respondents were stronger in the longitudinal sample (after two follow-ups) than at baseline.Conclusions: We conclude that a web survey might be a feasible and good alternative in surveys targeting people in the retirement age range. However, without offering a paper questionnaire, a small but important group will likely be missing with potential biased estimates as the result.
The use of negative-pressure wound therapy after total knee arthroplasty is effective for reducing complications and the need for reintervention.
Authors: Helito Camilo Partezani , Sobrado Marcel Faraco , Giglio Pedro Nogueira , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Pecora Jose Ricardo , Demange Marco Kawamura , Gobbi Riccardo Gomes
Published: June 2020

Background: Wound healing complications are causal factors of prosthesis infection and poor postoperative evolution of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be an option to minimize these complications. The aim of this study is to compare the complications of patients undergoing TKA who used a portable NPWT device in the immediate postoperative period with those of a control group.Methods: A total of 296 patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who used NPWT for seven days in the postoperative period (Group 1 – prospective evaluated) and those who used conventional dressings (Group 2 – historical control group). Epidemiological data, comorbidities, local parameters related to the surgical wound and complications were evaluated.Results: The groups did not differ in regard to sex, age and clinical comorbidities. Overall, 153 (51.7%) patients had at least one risk factor for wound complications. Patients who used NPWT had a lower rate of complications (28.5% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.001) and a lower rate of reintervention in the operating room (2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001). Patients in group 1 had a lower incidence of hyperaemia (14.7% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.01), skin necrosis (2.1% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.04) and wound dehiscence (3.1% vs 10.1%, p = 0.03). The use of NPWT was a protective factor for the presence of complications, with an odds ratio of 0.36 (95% CI 0.206-0.629).Conclusion: The number of complications related to the wound after TKA is high; however, most of them are minor and have no impact on the treatment and clinical evolution of patients. The use of NPWT decreased the number of surgical wound complications, especially hyperaemia, dehiscence and necrosis, and reduced the need for reintervention.
Distribution pattern and prognosis of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical posterior to level V in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Jiang Chaoyang , Gao Hui , Zhang Ling , Li Hua , Zhang Tao , Ma Ji , Liu Bisheng
Published: June 2020

Lymph node metastasis in the cervical region posterior to level V (PLV) often occurs in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the significance and the delineation of the radiotherapy target area have not been reported. We retrospectively studied 605 cases of NPC. A total of 49 metastatic lymph nodes from the PLV region were counted. Linear regression correlation analysis suggested that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was associated with ipsilateral level IVa, level Va, level Vb, and level Vc lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The 5-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS of patients with N3 NPC with or without lymph node metastasis in the PLV region were 41.8% vs 67.3% (P=0.007), 27.8% vs 48.5% (P=0.005), 92.3% vs 80.5% (P=0.521), 40.6% vs 78.4% (P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS (P<0.05). In summary, NPC patients with lymph node metastasis in the PLV region had a poor prognosis and a high risk of distant metastasis. When patients have lymph node metastasis in levels IVa and V, the posterior boundary of the radiotherapy target in ipsilateral level V should be appropriately moved backward. We recommend that the margin of the PLV region may be a new cervical lymph node segment for head and neck tumors.
Association Between Morphologic Grading and Implantation Rate of Euploid Blastocyst
Authors: Lou Hua , Li Na , Guan Yichun , Zhang Yuchao , Hao Dayong , Cui Shihong
Published: June 2020

Objective: To determine the association between the morphologic grading and implantation rate of euploid blastocysts in single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (SET) cycles.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Single university-based fertility centerPatient(s): Women aged 20–40 years undergoing euploid SET from January 2017 to December 2019 were identified. Main Outcomes Measure(s): Implantation rate (IR) Result(s): A total of 271 euploid SET cycles were included. The cycles were divided into three groups based on their morphologic grading before cryopreservation: good-quality (n = 58), average-quality (n = 88) and poor-quality blastocysts (n = 125). Good-quality blastocysts yielded statistically signiﬁcantly higher implantation rates than poor-quality embryos (79.31% vs. 48%; P＜0.001). Planned subgroup analyses by age and the day of TE biopsy were conducted. Logistic regression analyses that adjusted for these variables identified higher implantation rates (adjusted odds ratio(aOR)= 4.083, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.836–9.082, P＜0.001) for the good-quality blastocysts than for those that underwent poor-quality cycles in women aged <35 years, but not in women aged ≥35 years (aOR=6.074, 95%CI: 0.456-80.919, P=0.172). The implantation rates were higher among women with good-quality blastocysts on both Day 5 and Day 6 of TE biopsy than among those with poor-quality blastocysts (Day 5, aOR=3.294, 95%CI:1.260-8.616, P = 0.015; Day 6, aOR=4.179, 95%CI:1.004~17.399, P=0.049). Day 5 euploid blastocysts had no significant difference in implantation potential and early spontaneous abortion rate compared with similarly graded Day 6 euploid blastocysts.Conclusions: Blastocyst morphologic grading was associated with implantation rate for euploid embryo transfers after adjustment for potential confounders. These ﬁndings suggest that evaluating blastocyst morphology is critical when selecting the best euploid blastocyst.
Semi-field evaluation of freestanding transfluthrin passive emanators and the BG sentinel trap as a “Push-Pull control strategy” against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Tambwe Mgeni Mohamed , Moore Sarah , Chilumba Hassan , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Moore Jason , Stica Caleb , Saddler Adam
Published: June 2020

Background: Spatial repellents that drive mosquitoes away from treated area, and odour-baited traps, that attract and kill mosquitoes, can be combined and work synergistically in a push-pull system. Push-pull systems have shown to reduce house entry and outdoor biting rates of malaria vectors and so have the potential to control other outdoor biting mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti that transmit arboviral diseases. In this study, semi-field experiments were conducted to evaluate whether a push-pull system could be used to reduce bites from Aedes . Methods: The push and pull under investigation consisted of two freestanding transfluthrin passive emanators (FTPE), and a BG sentinel trap (BGS) respectively. The FTPE contained hessian strips treated with 5.25g of transfluthrin active ingredient. The efficacies of FTPE and BGS alone and in combination were evaluated by human landing catch in a large semi-field system in Tanzania. We also investigated the protection of FTPE over six months. The data was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with binomial distribution. Results: Two FTPE have a protective efficacy (PE) of 61. 2% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 52.2-69.9) against human landing rate of Aedes aegypti . The BGS did not significantly reduce mosquito landings; the PE was 2.1% (95% CI: -2.9-7.2). The combination of FTPE and BGS (push-pull) provided the PE of 64.5% (95% CI: 59.1-69.9). However, there was no significant difference in the protective efficacy between the push-pull and the two FTPE against Ae. aegypti (p=0.30). The FTPE offered significant protection against Ae. aegypti at month three, with a PE of 46.4% (95% CI: 41.1-51.8), but not at six months with a PE of 2.2 % (95% CI: -9.0-14.0). Conclusions: The protective efficacy of the FTPE and the full push-pull system are similar, indicative that bite prevention is primarily due to the activity of the FTPE. While these results are encouraging for the FTPE, further work is needed for a push-pull system to be recommended for Ae. aegypti control. The three-month protection provided by the FTPE against Ae. aegypti bites suggests it would be a useful additional personal protection tool during dengue outbreaks, that does not require regular user compliance.
Anthocyanins increase serum adiponectin in newly diagnosed diabetes but not in prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang LiPing , Ling Wenhua , Qiu Yun , Liu Yong , Wang Li , Yang Jing , Wang Changyi , Ma Jianping
Published: June 2020

Background Epidemiological studies have suggested that adiponectin is associated with the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study first examined the effect of purified anthocyanins, a group of dietary flavonoids, on serum adiponectin in patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes.Methods A total of 160 patients with prediabetes (n=90) or newly diagnosed diabetes (n=70) were randomly assigned to either the anthocyanins group or the placebo group for 12 weeks intervention. Serum adiponectin, a set of biomarkers related to glucolipid metabolism, anthropometric parameters, dietary intakes and physical activities were measured before and after intervention.Results Anthocyanins increased serum adiponectin compared with placebo (net change 0.46 ug/mL, 95%CI [0.03, 0.90], p=0.038) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes. No significant difference in the change of adiponectin was observed between the two groups either in the overall subjects (0.02 ug/mL [-0.32, 0.36], p=0.906) or in prediabetes (-0.35 ug/mL [-0.85, 0.16], p=0.174). Anthocyanins also decreased fasting glucose (-0.5 mmol/L [-1, -0.04], p=0.035) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes, and no such change was observed in those with prediabetes.ConclusionsAnthocyanins supplementation for 12 weeks improved serum adiponectin and fasting glucose in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, but not in patients with prediabetes.
Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 expression is associated with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Zhang Xianjun , Li Xinguo , Bao Hongbing , Li Guang , Li Ning , Li Hengli , Dou Jian
Published: June 2020

Background: The pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1)) has been reported to be overexpressed in pleomorphic adenoma (PA). However, its expression and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated.Methods: PLAG1 protein levels in HCC serum and benign liver diseases (BLD) controls were measured by Western Blot, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relevance of PLAG1expression with the clinicopathological factors was assessed by Chi-square test. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to investigate the values of the markers in diagnosis of HCC.Results: Serum PLAG1 protein level was significantly elevated in HCC group compared to that in controls (P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant association was found between PLAG1 expression and clinical factors, such as tumor size (P=0.000), differentiation (P=0.014) and metastasis (P=0.001). ROC analysis showed that PLAG1 could distinguish HCC patients from BLD controls with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.852 (95 % CI: 0.782-0.922; 78.8% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity; P<0.001), which had significantly superior discriminative ability than AFP (AUC=0.694, 67.3% sensitivity and 62.1 % specificity) or the combination of PLAG1 and AFP (AUC=0.706, 69.2% sensitivity and 63.6 % specificity).Conclusions: This study suggested that serum PLAG1 might be a potential noninvasive tumor biomarker in the diagnosis of HCC.
Human amniotic epithelial cells improve kidney repair in ischemia-reperfusion mouse model of acute kidney injury
Authors: Ren Yifei , Chen Ying , Zheng Xizi , Wang Hui , Kang Xin , Tang Jiawei , Qu Lei , Shao Xiaoyan , Wang Suxia , Li Shuangling , Liu Gang , Yang Li
Published: June 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical disease with complex pathophysiology and very limited therapeutic choices. This prompts the need for novel therapy targeting multiple aspects of this disease. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) are ideal alternative stem cell source for regenerative medicine. Increasing evidence suggests that hAEC-derived exosomes (hAECs-EXO) may act as novel cell–cell communicators. Accordingly, we assessed the therapeutic potential of hAECs in ischemia reperfusion mouse model of AKI and explored the underlying mechanisms.Methods: The hAECs were primary cultured and hAECs-EXO were isolated and characterized. An ischemic renal injury mouse model was established to mimic different severity of the kidney injury. Mouse blood creatinine level was used to assess renal function and kidney specimens were processed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Immune cells infiltration was analyzed by flow cytometry. hAECs-EXO was used to treat hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injured HK2 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages to evaluate their protective effect in vitro. Furthermore, hAEC exosomes were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteomic profiling. Results: We found that systematically administered hAECs could improve mortality and renal function in IRI mice; decrease the number of apoptotic cells; promote peritubular capillary regeneration and modulate kidney local immune response. However, hAECs showed very low kidney tissue integration. Exosomes isolated from hAECs recapitulated the renal protective effects of their parent cells. In vitro, hAECs-EXO protected HK-2 cells from H/R injury-induced apoptosis and promoted bone marrow-derived macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype. Proteomic analysis on hAECs-EXO revealed proteins involved in extracellular matrix organization, growth factor signaling pathways, cytokine production and immunomodulation. These findings demonstrated that paracrine of exosomes might be a key mechanism by hAECs mediating kidney functional recovery in AKI.Conclusions: We first reported hAECs could improve mortality and renal repair in mice with ischemia-reperfusion injury. The anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenetic, and immunomodulatory capabilities of hAECs at least partially, through paracrine pathways. The renoprotective effects of hAECs-EXO might be a promising clinical therapeutic tool, overcoming the weaknesses and risks associated with the use of native stem cells for patients with AKI.
Impact of lymphovascular invasion in bladder cancer ~Comparison of transurethral resection and total cystectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoneda Kei , Kamiya Naoto , Utsumi Takanobu , Wakai Ken , Oka Ryo , Endo Takumi , Yano Masashi , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) at first transurethral resection of bladder (TURBT) and radical cystectomy (RC) with survival outcomes, and to evaluate the concordance between LVI at first TURBT and RC. Methods: We reviewed 216 patients who underwent first TURBT and 64 patients who underwent RC at our hospital. Medical records were reviewed uniformly, collecting the following data: age, sex, clinical and pathological T stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, grade, metastasis, urinary cytology, carcinoma in situ and LVI. Results: LVI was identified in 22.7% of patients who underwent first TURBT, and 32.8% of patients who underwent RC. Univariate analysis identified ≥cT3, metastasis and LVI at first TURBT as factors significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Multivariate analysis identified metastasis (hazard ratio (HR) 6.560, p=0.009) and LVI at first TURBT (HR 9.205, p=0.003) as significant predictors of CSS. On the other hand, in patients who underwent RC, ≥pT3, inclusion of G3 and LVI were significantly associated with OS and CSS in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified inclusion of G3 as a significant predictor of OS and CSS. The concordance rate between LVI at first TURBT and RC was 48.0%. Patients with positive results for LVI at first TURBT and RC displayed poorer prognosis than other patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: We found that the combination of LVI at first TURBT and RC was likely to provide a more significant prognostic factor.
Clinical Efficacy of Intramedullary Fixation vs. Plate Fixation for Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Zhou Yu , Xia Chongjun , Ma Xiaowei , Yu Xiaobing
Published: June 2020

Background

To compare the clinical efficacy of proximal femoral intramedullary fixation and anatomical locking compression plate in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures among the elderly.
Methods

In this retrospective study, 210 surgically treated patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were analyzed and divided into groups A, B and C according to the surgical approach. Group A had interlocking compression nailing (INTERTAN) done (n = 69); group B had γ-III interlocking intramedullary nailing (γ-III) done (n = 73); and group C had proximal femoral anatomic locking plate (PFLP) done (n = 68). All patients’ data were followed up completely, and their clinical outcomes were observed.
Results

Group A and B were found to perform better than group C in operation time, bleeding volume, time of leaving bed, fracture healing time and hospitalization time (P < 0.05). Their respective incidences of postoperative complications were significantly lower than that of group C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The Harris scores of groups A and B at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation were significantly higher than those of group C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between group A and group B (P > 0.05).
Conclusions

In the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures, intramedullary fixation influences little on blood circulation at the fracture end, accelerates fracture healing, and enhances hip joint function, which assists patients in recovering faster postoperatively. Moreover, it enables them to gain mobility at an early stage and reduces postoperative complications of fractures. Its short-term clinical effects are better than extramedullary fixation, which should be more widely adapted clinically.
A Novel Human MrgX2-ELISA Kit to Detect MrgX2 Concentration Associated with Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Ding Yuanyuan , Zhang Tao , Liu Rui , Che Delu , Wang Nan , He Langchong
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MrgX2) directly mediates drug-induced pseudo allergic reactions. Skin mast cell MrgX2 is upregulated in severe chronic urticaria (CU). Mast cells and leukocytes are key effector cells in allergic reactions and undergo degranulation upon stimulation. It is unknown whether MrgX2 expression occurs in the whole blood of CU patients and there is no effective method for its detection. METHODS: Monoclonal and polyclonal MrgX2 specific antibodies were prepared. Indirect ELISA was used to evaluate antibody titer. The whole blood from normal controls and CU patients was used to detect MrgX2 and feasibility of this kit as a clinical detection tool was explored.RESULTS: A sandwich antibody ELISA method for MrgX2 was established with good linearity (R2 = 0.9980), low detection limit (3.125 ng/mL), quantification limit (6.25 ng/mL), good stability and high specificity. The initial truncation value of MrgX2 was 60.91 ng/mL (95% confidence interval). MrgX2 concentration in CU patients (median 98.01 ± 4.317 ng/mL, n = 75) was significantly increased compared to controls (58.09 ± 1.418 ng/mL, n = 75), with significant difference (p <0.0001) and higher accuracy (AUC = 0.8796). Comprehensive analysis of reference frequency distribution and ROC curve, determined the threshold for CU patients as 71.23 ng/mL, with 81.33% sensitivity and 90.67% specificity. CONCLUSION: MrgX2-ELISA provides a useful and convenient method for detecting MrgX2 in whole blood. Our method should help improve our understanding of the role of MrgX2 in regulating chronic urticaria.
An Economic and Financial Analysis of a Biomass Energy Project
Authors: Matarazzo Agata
Published: June 2020

In the Region of Sicily the use of biomass as a raw material for producing energy could be interesting for its particular nature and for the soil and climatic features of that territory, with significant, highly positive socio-economic consequences.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of a cogeneration system (i.e. electrical, thermal and cooling) in the biomass sector, and to perform a reliable environmental, as well as financial and economic analysis of a production process in an area of Eastern Sicily. With respect to the analysis of financial risk linked to the plant, appropriate sensitivity analyses, calculations of particular elasticities and of threshold values will be carried out, considering different scenarios corresponding to diverse combinations of production capacities. This method of analysis has been chosen, rather than using a fuzzy approach to consider the linguistic imprecision, because the data available are always expressed in crisp figures, but they are subject to the uncertainty of temporal dynamics. The results obtained outline a marginal economic advantage, sometimes negative for the majority of the scenarios considered from the point of view of a private investor.
A High-Efficiency Energy Harvesting By Using Hydraulic Electromagnetic Regenerative Shock Absorber
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Yousaf , Wu Zhifei , Mahmood Khalid
Published: June 2020

This article intends a hybrid energy harvesting shock absorber design which comprehends energy harvesting of automobile suspension vibration dissipation. A mathematical model of the energy harvesting prototype is established, and simulation results show that the dissipation energy can be recovered by varying the feed module, thereby got the damping forces ratio at different compression and extension stroke. The energy conversion from hydraulic energy to mechanical energy mainly then mechanical energy converted into electrical energy furthermore we can rechange our battery from this recovered energy. The advanced mathematical model and prototype proposed maximum ride comfort meanwhile recovered the suspension energy and fuel saving. This article shows the simulation results verifying it with prototype test results. The damping force of expansion stroke is higher than the damping force of compression stroke. The damping characteristics curves and speed characteristics curves verify the validity by simulation and prototyping damper at different amplitudes of off-road vehicles. The Hydraulic Electromagnetic Regenerative Shock Absorber (HESA) prototype characteristic is tested in which 65 watts recovered energy at 1.67 Hz excitation frequency. So, 14.65% maximum energy recovery efficiency got at 20 mm rod diameter and 8 cc/rev motor displacement. The damping characteristics of the HESA prototype examined and it has ideal performance as the standard requirements of the National Standard QC/T 491–1999.
Accuracy of routine biomarkers and blood leucocytes count to assist diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pneumonia in adult patients visiting the emergency department
Authors: Maincent Cécile , Berthier Frédéric , Farhad Ryan Lukas , Fissore-Magdelein Cristel , Dittlot Claire Claire , Beau Nathalie , Lépine Jérémy , Lorillou Marjorie , Dietz Matthieu , Liberatore Mathieu , Pathak Atul , Faraggi Marc Marc , Chaillou-Orpitz Sylvie , Keita-Perse Olivia , Chironi Gilles , Perrin Christophe , Claessens Yann-Erick
Published: June 2020

Background To investigate whether routine biomarkers and blood leucocytes count could assist diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pneumonia in adult patients visiting the emergency department (ED). Methods This monocentre retrospective study enrolled 254 patients with nasopharyngeal RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2, routine biomarkers (D-dimers, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, NTpro-BNP, cTnT-hs) and blood cell counts. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. An adjudication committee classified diagnostic probability as certain, probable, unlikely, and excluded, based on all available data, then distributed in 2 categories: high (certain and probable) and low probability (unlikely and excluded). Results Between 25 th of February and 15 th of April, 2020, 254 of 388 patients could be analyzed. The adjudication committee classified 46 patients as definite, 18 as probable, 64 as unlikely, and 126 as excluded, corresponding to 64 high and 190 low probability. High and low probability patients differed for fibrinogen (P<0.0005) and white blood cell counts, notably leucocytes (P=0.0015), neutrophilic (P=0.0036), lymphocytes (P=0.0057), eosinophilic (P=0.027), and basophilic (P<0.001) counts. In a multivariate analysis, basophilic count < 25/µL (OR 3.048 [95%CI; 1.34-6.919]), neutrophilic count < 4000 /µL (OR 5.525 [95%CI; 2.20-13.855], and fibrinogen > 3g/L (OR 6355 [95%CI; 2.01-20.079] were independently associated with the diagnosis. Negative predictive values were 0.98 and 0.93 combining fibrinogen ( < 3g/L) and eosinophilic count ( < 80/µL), and fibrinogen and basophilic count ( < 25/µL), respectively. Conclusion Changes in fibrinogen and white blood cells, notably basophilic count, showed interesting performance for the diagnosis COVID-19 associated pneumonia. Combining fibrinogen with either eosinophilic or basophilic count was helpful to exclude the diagnosis.
Understanding HIV and Associated Risk Factors Among Religious Groups in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mapingure Munyaradzi Paul , Mukandavire Zindoga , Chingombe Innocent , Cuadros Diego , Mutenherwa Farirai , Mugurungi Owen MacDonald , Musuka Godfrey Nyangadzai
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe influence of religion and belief systems is widely recognized as an important factor in understanding of health risk perception and myths in the general fight against the HIV pandemic. This study compares the understanding of HIV risk factors and utilization of some HIV services among religious groups in Zimbabwe Methods: We conducted statistical analysis to investigate the understanding of HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe using Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data.MethodsWe conducted statistical analysis to investigate the understanding of HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe using 20015-2016 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data. We began by investigating on associations explaining of HIV risk factors among religious groups. A ranking procedure was conducted to compare the understanding of HIV risk for different religions. A multivariate stepwise backward elimination method was carried out to explore on factors determining understanding of HIV risk after controlling for confounding factors using the most recent ZDHS data (2015-2016). Analysis of the 2010-11, 2005-6 rounds of ZDHS data was also conductedResultsThe results from the three surveys showed that, in general apostolic sector had low understanding of HIV risk factors compared to other religious groups. Analysis of the 2015-2016 ZDHS data showed that women belonging to the apostolic sector were less likely to know where to get an HIV test odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval, 0.665 (0.503-0.880) and to know that male circumcision reduces HIV transmission OR 0.863 (0.781-0.955). Women from this group did not know that circumcised men can be infected if they do not use condoms OR 0.633 (0.579-0.693), nor that it is possible for a healthy-looking person to have HIV, OR 0.814 (0.719-0.921). They would not buy vegetables from a vendor with HIV OR 0.817 (0.729-0.915) and were less likely to support that HIV positive children should be allowed to attend school with HIV negative children OR 0.804 (0.680-0.950). Similar results were obtained for men in the apostolic sector. These men also did not agree that women were justified to use condoms if the husband has an STI OR 0.851 (0.748-0.967).Conclusions: Our results suggest that apostolic sector lack adequate knowledge of HIV and associated risk factors than other religious groups. Targeting HIV prevention programmes by religious groups could be an efficient approach for controlling HIV in Zimbabwe.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 Facilitates Cervical Cancer Progression and Angiogenesis via miR-509-3p/BTN3A1 Axis
Authors: Chen Ruxiang , He Ping
Published: June 2020

Background: Cervical cancer, the leading cause of cancer-relevant mortality in females, is an aggressive malignant tumor. Tumor angiogenesis is vital for cell proliferation and metastasis in cancers. Accumulating studies have claimed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the progression of various cancers. The aim of this research is to explore the biological role and regulatory mechanism of LncRNA HOXA-AS2 in cervical cancer.Methods: Experiments including RT-qPCR, western blot, RIP, MTT, EdU, transwell, luciferase reporter, RIP, FISH, tube formation assays were applied to investigate the biological role and regulatory mechanism of LncRNA HOXA-AS2 in cervical cancer.Results: In current study, the results disclosed that HOXA-AS2 was notably upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, and high HOXA-AS2 expression was strongly associated with poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Furthermore, HOXA-AS2 contributed to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in cervical cancer. In addition, HOXA-AS2 absorbed miR-509-3p and miR-509-3p targeted BTN3A1 in cervical cancer. Besides, BTN3A1 overexpression partly rescued the inhibitory influence of HOXA-AS2 knockdown on cervical cancer progression and angiogenesis. Overall, HOXA-AS2 promoted cervical cancer progression and angiogenesis through sponging miR-509-3p to elevate BTN3A1 expression. Conclusions: In other words, this paper was the first to study the molecular regulatory mechanism of HOXA-AS2 in cervical cancer and certified that HOXA-AS2 accelerated progression and angiogenesis in cervical cancer by targeting miR-509-3p/BTN3A1 axis, which may become a beneficial therapeutic target for cervical cancer.