bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Procalcitonin (PCT) a reliable biomarker for preoperative diagnosing of low grade Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Prospective Study
Authors: Busch André , Jäger Marcus , Engler Harald , Haversath Marcel , Bielefeld Charlotte , Landgraeber Stefan , Wegner Alexander
Published: April 2020

Background: Since a „gold-standard“ is missing, diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum and synovial fluid Procalcitonin (S-PCT and SF-PCT) as a diagnostic parameter and to compare it to the biomarkers recommended in the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Methods: Between August 2018 and July 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted in 70 patients with painful hip, shoulder and knee arthroplasty. Besides medical history, clinical and laboratory data was gathered. PJI was diagnosed based on the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Preoperative blood and synovial joint fluid were taken for PCT measurement. S-PCT and SF-PCT levels were measured using standard quantitative PCT enzyme immunoassays. Results: Twenty three patients (33%) were classified as the PJI group and fourty seven patient (67%) as the aseptic group. The mean levels of S-PCT were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the PJI group than those in the aseptic group (PJI 0.05 ng/mL ± 0.21 (0.0-1.03) vs. aseptic 0.02 ng/mL ± 0.03 (0.0-0.18)). In synovial fluid, the mean PCT values in the aseptic group were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of PJI group (PJI 2.7 ng/mL ± 1.4 (0.53-9.7) vs. aseptic 8.7 ng/mL ± 2.5 (0.25-87.9)). S- PCT, with a cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 91.0%. SF-PCT, with a cut-off level of 5.0 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 52.0%. Conclusion: S-PCT and SF-PCT appeared to be no reliable biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of PJI from aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty.
Australian Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are susceptible to infection with a highly divergent and sylvatic strain of dengue virus type 2 but are unlikely to transmit it
Authors: Pickering Paul , Hugo Leon , Devine Gregor J , Aaskov John G , Liu wenjun
Published: April 2020

Background: Humans are the primary hosts of dengue viruses (DENV). However, sylvatic cycles of transmission can occur among non-human primates and human encroachment into forested regions can be a source of emergence of new strains such as the highly divergent and sylvatic strain of DENV2, QML22, recovered from a dengue fever patient returning to Australia from Borneo. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the vector competence of Australian Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for this virus. Methods: Four- to five-day-old mosquitoes from two strains of Ae. aegypti from Queensland, Australia, were fed a meal of sheep blood containing 108 50% cell culture infectious dose per ml (CCID50/ml) of either QML22 or an epidemic strain of DENV serotype 2 (QML16) isolated from a dengue fever patient in Australia in 2015. Mosquitoes were maintained at 28 °C, 75% relative humidity and sampled 7, 10 and 14 days post-infection (dpi). Live virions in mosquito bodies (abdomen/thorax), legs and wings and saliva expectorates from individual mosquitoes were quantified using a cell culture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CCELISA) to determine infection, dissemination and transmission rates. Results: The infection and dissemination rates of the sylvatic DENV2 strain, QML22, were significantly lower than that for QML16. While the titres of virus in the bodies of mosquitoes infected with either of these viruses were similar, titres in legs and wings were significantly lower in mosquitoes infected with QML22 at most time points although they reached similar levels by 14 dpi. QML16 was detected in 16% (n = 25) and 28% (n = 25) of saliva expectorates at 10 and 14 dpi, respectively. In contrast, no virus was detected in the saliva expectorates of QML22 infected mosquitoes. Conclusions: Australia urban/peri-urban Ae. aegypti species are susceptible to infection by the sylvatic and highly divergent DENV 2 QML22 but replication of QML22 is attenuated relative to the contemporary strain, QML16. A salivary gland infection or escape barrier may be acting to prevent infection of saliva and would prevent onward transmission of this highly divergent virus in Australia.
Multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii hospital infection associated with high mortality: A retrospective study in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Sun Ting , Cui Yun , Wang Chunxia , Wang Fei , Zhou Yiping , Miao Huijie , Shan Yijun , Zhang Yucai
Published: April 2020

Background Multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii presents challenges for clinical treatment and causes high mortality in children. We aimed to assess the risk factors for MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infection and for overall mortality in this patient population. Methods This retrospective study included 102 pediatric patients who developed MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infection in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children’s Hospital in China from December 2014 to May 2018. Clinical presentations and outcome of the patients were analyzed. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes included the 28-day mortality and the length of hospital stay. Results Of the 102 patients (63 males and 39 females; mean age: 51.79 months), the overall mortality rate was 29.41%. 18(17.64%) had bloodstream infections;4(3.92%) for which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were positive; 14(13.73%) of them got positive cultures in aseptic fluid; 10 (9.8%) had central catheter-associated bloodstream infections; lower respiratory isolates (56/102) accounted for 54.9% of all patients. Non-survival patients appeared to have a lower NK cell activity 5.87%(2.43%, 8.93%) vs. 8.45%(4.51%, 14.61%), P =0.011), higher CD4 + T cell ratio (35.32% (29%, 47.81%) vs. 31.97% (20.52%, 38.22%), P = 0.045), and higher serum level of interlukin-6 (IL-6, 235.51(0.1, 4172.77) pg/ml vs. 0.1(0.1, 110.92) pg/ml, P = 0.028), interlukin-8 (IL-8, 22.73(3.14, 540.12) vs. 0.1(0.1, 25.85)pg/ml, P = 0.03) , and interlukin-10(10.82(0.1, 83.29)pg/ml vs. 6.05(0.1,21.81)pg/ml) were observed. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that high serum level of BUN (RR, 1.216, 95%CI, 1.27-2.616; P = 0.001) and high serum level of Cr (RR, 1.823, 95%CI, 0.902-0.980；P=0.004,) were associated with high risk of overall mortality in MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infected patients. Conclusion MDR/XDR- Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infection in PICU with a rather high mortality. The incidence increased in recent years, ineffective management, immune dysfunction, acute kidney injury contributed to the risk of death.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a Driven Factor of Human Papilloma Virus among Women: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Analysis in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: SOSSO Samuel Martin , Tchouaket Michel Carlos Tommo , Fokam Joseph , Simo Rachel Kamgaing , Torimiro Judith , Tiga Aline , Lobe Elise Elong , Ambada Georgia , Nange Achille , Semengue Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni , Nka Alex Durand , Tala Valère , Chenwi Collins , Abba Aissatou , Ka'e Aude Christelle , Yagai Bouba , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis
Published: April 2020

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancers, causing 270.000 deaths annually worldwide of which 85% occur in developing countries with an increasing risk associated to HIV infection. This study aimed at comparing HPV’s positivity and genotype distribution in women according to their HIV status and determinants. Methods: A comparative study was carried out in 2012 at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) among 278 women enrolled consecutively at the General Hospital and the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital of the City of Yaoundé. HPV genotyping was performed by real-time PCR, HIV serological screening by serial algorithm, CD4 T cell phenotyping by flow cytometry and HIV viral load by Abbott m2000RT. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Graph Pad version 6.0 software; with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Globally, mean age was 37 ±3 years; median CD4-count for HIV+ was 414 cells/mm 3 [IQR: 264.75-588] and median viremia was 50 RNA copies/mL [IQR: <40-8288]. Overall HPV rate was 38.49% (107/278); 58.88% for single women vs. others (28.97% married, 2.80% divorced, 9.34% for widows), OR: 2.164; p=0.0319. Following HIV status, HPV rate was 43.48% (80/184) among HIV+ vs. 28.72% (27/94) among HIV- (OR: 1.937; p<0.0142); HPV genotypes among HIV+ vs. HIV- were respectively distributed as follows: genotype 16 (3.75% vs. 0.00%, p=0.57), genotype 18 (3.75% vs. 3.70%, p=1.00), co-infection 16 and others (8.75% vs. 7.40%, p=1.00), co-infection 18 and others (8.75% vs. 11.11%, p=0.71), co-infection 16, 18 and others (2.50% vs. 0.00%, p=1.00) and other genotypes (72.50% vs. 77.78%, p=0.80). Among HIV+ participants, HPV rate following CD4 was 62.88% (61/97) for CD4<500 vs. 35.71% (20/56) for CD4≥500 (OR: 3.05; p=0.0012) while HPV rate following HIV viremia was 42.71% (41/96) with <1000 RNA copies/ml vs. 66.00% (33/50) with >1000 RNA copies/ml (OR= 0.384; p =0.009). Conclusion: In Yaoundé, HPV rate appear to be very high, with higher rates of genotypes other than 16 and 18. In the event of HIV infection, the risk of HPV positivity is two times higher, favoured essentially by immunodeficiency. Thus, HIV-infected women should be closely monitored to prevent the emergence of cervical cancer.
Dihydrolipoic acid protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation via regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/ NLRP3 signaling in rat
Authors: Bian Hetao , Wang Gaohua , Huang Junjie , Liang Liang , Zheng Yage , Wei Yanyan , Wang Hui , Xiao Ling , Wang Huiling
Published: April 2020

Background: Recently, depression has been identified as prevalent and severe mental disorder. However, the mechanisms underlying the depression risk remain elusive. The neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are known to be involved in the pathology of depression. Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) has been reported as a strong antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in various diseases, albeit the direct relevance between DHLA and depression is yet unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effect and potential mechanism of DHLA in the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behaviors in rats. Methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were utilized. LPS and DHLA were injected intraperitoneally every 2 days and daily, respectively. Fluoxetine (Flu) was injected intraperitoneally daily. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, was injected intraperitoneally one hour before DHLA injection daily. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2) was injected into the bilateral hippocampus 14 days before the DHLA injection. Depression-like behavior tests were performed. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. Results: The DHLA and fluoxetine treatment exerted preventive effects in LPS-induced sickness behaviors rats. The DHLA treatment increased the expression of ERK, Nrf2, and HO-1 but decreased the ROS generation levels and reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1b in LPS-induced sickness behaviors rats. PD98059 abolished the effects of DHLA on preventive effect as well as the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. Similarly, Nrf2 siRNA reversed the preventive effect of DHLA administration via the decreased expression of HO-1. Conclusions: These findings suggested that DHLA exerted a preventive effect via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway in LPS-induced sickness behaviors rats. Thus, DHLA may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.
Small for Gestational Age is a Risk Factor for Thyroid Dysfunction in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Author) Chunhua Liu(Former Corresponding , Wang Kaiyan , Guo Jizhong , Chen Jiru , Chen Mei , Xie Zhexi , Chen Pu , Wu Beiyan , Author) Niyang Lin(New Corresponding
Published: April 2020

Background : Thyroid hormones play an important role in the normal growth and maturation of the central nervous system. However, few publications addressed the altered thyroid hormone levels in preterm small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. We hypothesized preterm SGA infants have higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) ones within the normal range and an increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction. Methods : The study was designed to compare thyroid hormone levels within the normal range and the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in the SGA and AGA groups to test the hypothesis. The medical records of all preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018, were reviewed. Blood samples were collected between 72 and 96 hours of life and analyzed with TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) assays. Thyroid function test (TFT) results, and neonatal demographic and clinical factors were analyzed to identify the associations between SGA birth and altered thyroid concentrations and thyroid dysfunction. Results : TSH and FT4 concentrations were significantly higher in the SGA group than the AGA group ((3.74(interquartile range (IQR):2.28~6.18) vs. 3.01(IQR: 1.81~5.41) mU/L, p=0.018), and (17.76±3.94 vs. 17.42±3.71 pmol/L, p=0.371), respectively). The higher TSH levels were associated with being SGA or Z-score of birth weight (BW) for GA after adjusting for potential confounders (( β SGA =0.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15~1.21), p=0.013) or ( β Z-score =-0.25 (95%CI -0.48~-0.03), p=0.028), respectively). However, we did not find a significant association between SGA birth and altered FT4 concentrations. Furthermore, compared with the AGA group, the SGA group presented an increased incidence of transient hypothyroxinemia with delayed TSH elevation (dTSHe), a higher percentage receiving levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy, and a higher rate of follow-up within the first 6 months of life. Conclusions : Preterm SGA newborns had significantly higher TSH concentrations within the normal range and an increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction. The SGA newborns with these features should be closely followed up with periodical TFTs and endocrinologic evaluation.
Development and validation of bile acid profile-based scoring system for identification of biliary atresia: a prospective study
Authors: Zhao Dongying , Zhou Kejun , Chen Yan , Xie Wei , Zhang Yongjun
Published: April 2020

Background: Early distinguishing biliary atresia from other causes of infantile cholestasis remains a major challenge. We aimed to develop and validate a scoring system based on bile acid for identification of biliary atresia. Methods: In a prospective study, a total of 141 infants with cholestasis were enrolled in two sets (derivation cohort, n=66; validation cohort, n=75) from 2014 to 2018. Variables with significant difference between biliary atresia and non-biliary atresia infants were selected in the derivation cohort. Then, a scoring system including those variables was designed and validated. Results: Among 66 patients in the derivation cohort, 34 (51.5%) had biliary atresia. A scoring system was proposed with the following variables: glycochenodeoxycholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid, clay stool, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The total score ranged from 0 to 41, and a cutoff value of 15 identified biliary atresia with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.94), sensitivity of 85.3%, and specificity of 81.3% in the derivation cohort; these values were also confirmed in a validation cohort with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 80.0%. Conclusions: The proposed simple scoring system had good diagnostic accuracy for estimating the risk of biliary atresia in infants with cholestasis.
Spatial statistics and influencing factors of the novel coronavirus pneumonia 2019 epidemic in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Xiong Yongzhu , Wang Yunpeng , Chen Feng , Zhu Mingyong
Published: April 2020

An in-depth understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics of infectious diseases could be helpful for epidemic prevention and control. Based on the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) data published on official websites, GIS spatial statistics and Pearson correlation methods were used to analyze the spatial autocorrelation and influencing factors of the 2019 NCP epidemic from January 30, 2020 to February 18, 2020. The following results were obtained. (1) During the study period, Hubei Province was the only significant cluster area and hotspot of cumulative confirmed cases of NCP infection at the provincial level in China. (2) The NCP epidemic in China had a very significant global spatial autocorrelation at the prefecture-city level, and Wuhan was the significant hotspot and cluster city for cumulative confirmed NCP cases in the whole country. (3) The cumulative confirmed NCP cases had a very significant global spatial autocorrelation at the county level in Hubei Province, and the county-level districts under the jurisdiction of Wuhan and neighboring Huangzhou district in Huanggang City were the significant hotspots and spatial clusters of cumulative confirmed NCP cases. (4) Based on Pearson correlation analysis, the number of cumulative confirmed NCP cases in Hubei Province had very significant and positive correlations (p<0.01) at the prefecture-city and the county levels with four population indexes (registered population, resident population, regional GDP and total retail sales of consumer goods) during the study period. (5) The number of the cumulative confirmed NCP cases in Hubei Province also had a very significant and positive correlation (p<0.01) on the prefecture-city scale with the Baidu migration index and population density but not with land area, whereas that in Hubei Province had a significant and positive correlation (p<0.05) at the county level with land area but not with population density from January 30, 2020, to February 18, 2020. It was found that the NCP epidemic in Hubei Province had distinctive characteristics of a significant centralized outbreak, significant spatial autocorrelation and complex influencing factors and that the spatial scale had a significant effect on the global spatial autocorrelation of the NCP epidemic. The findings help to deepen the understanding of spatial distribution patterns and transmission trends of the NCP epidemic and may also benefit scientific prevention and control of epidemics such as COVID-19.
Risk factors of poor prognosis and impairment of activities of daily living in patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers
Authors: Arai Junya , Kato Jun , Toda Nobuo , Kurokawa Ken , Shibata Chikako , Kurosaki Shigeyuki , Funato Kazuyoshi , Kondo Mayuko , Takagi Kaoru , Kojima Kentaro , Ohki Takamasa , Seki Michiharu , Tagawa Kazumi
Published: April 2020

Background: Impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) due to hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers (HGU) has rarely been evaluated. The aim is to analyze the risk factors of poor prognosis, including mortality and impairment of ADL, in patients with HGU.Methods: In total, 582 patients diagnosed with HGU were analyzed. Impairment of ADL was defined as admission to care facilities after hospital discharge, or requirement of home modification for rehabilitation at home. The following clinical factors were evaluated: endoscopic features, need for interventional endoscopic procedures, comorbidities, symptoms, and medications. The risk factors of outcomes were examined with multivariate analysis.Results: Advanced age (> 75 years) was a significant predictor of poor prognosis, including impairment of ADL. Additional significant risk factors were renal disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–8.14) for overall mortality, proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) usage prior to hemorrhage (OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 2.08–16.2), and heart disease (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.11–8.43) for the impairment of ADL. Analysis of elderly (> 75 years) subjects alone also revealed that use of PPIs prior to hemorrhage was a significant predictor for the impairment of ADL (OR, 8.24; 95% CI, 2.36–28.7).Conclusion: In addition to advanced age, the presence of comorbidities was a risk of poor outcomes in patients with HGU. PPI use prior to hemorrhage was a significant risk factor for the impairment of ADL, both in overall HGU patients and in elderly patients alone. These findings suggest that the current strategy for PPI use needs reconsideration.
Morphological and molecular-based identification of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a main vector of Dengue Fever, the first record in Iran after decades.
Authors: Dorzaban Hedayat , Soltani Aboozar , Alipour Hamzeh , Hatami Jafar , Hashemi Seyed Aghil Jaber , Shahriari-Namadi Marzie , Safari Reza , Azizi Kourosh
Published: April 2020

Background : Aedes aegypti is an important vector for transmission of some dangerous arboviral diseases including Dengue Fever. This study was conducted for the first time in Iran in order to survey the existence of this invasive species in oriental parts of the country located near the Persian Gulf during August 2017 to January 2020. Methods : Different sampling methods were used to collect all stages of mosquitoes in five selected cities of Hormozgan province, south of Iran. After morphological identification, a molecular study based on Cytochrome Oxidase (CO1) gene-specific primers was performed to identify them more precisely. Then, the CO1 gene were sequenced via the Sanger method. Results : Totally, 4560 adults and 3520 larvae were collected from all sampling areas. Thirty-one Aedes aegypti specimens were identified from Bandar Khamir and Bandar Lengeh seaports. Conclusion : Based on the biology and ecology of Aedes aegypti , the possibility of establishment of this species in this region is very high due to the tropical climate of this region. Considering the detection of this invasive vector, high incidence of some arboviral diseases in the neighboring countries, and continuous movements of the settlers of these areas, some potential outbreaks of arboviral diseases can be predicted. Thus, planning and implementing an immediate preventative and surveillance program is vital in order to prevent the establishment of this invasive vector in this area. Keywords : Aedes aegypti , Dengue Fever, vector surveillance, CO1 Gene, Iran
Occupational risk factors for shoulder diseases in the Spanish automotive manufacturing sector: a case-control study.
Authors: DIEZ-CABALLERO BEATRIZ RODRIGUEZ , Alfonso-Beltran Joaquin , Pitarque Carlos Barrios
Published: April 2020

Background : Musculoskeletal Diseases (MSDs) are among the most prevalent health problems encountered in the workforce in Europe. Multiple risk factors contribute to their onset. In the present study, different individual risk factors for MSDs affecting the shoulder were analysed in a sample of workers from the automotive manufacturing sector. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted with 73 cases of officially recognised occupational diseases and 94 cases of healthy workers. The experimental group comprised individuals with shoulder impingement disease. Another group of healthy individuals working in the same jobs was included as a control group. Multiple variables that identified the risks present in the job were assessed along with participants´ evaluation of said risks. Furthermore, two standardised information sources: the Spanish National Institute of Social Security (INSS) and the American Occupational Information Network (O*Net), were used to evaluate the risk factors present in each job. Both descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. Results: The use of hand tools, exposure to mechanical pressure in the upper limbs and awkward postures were the most prevalent risk factors. The multivariate analysis revealed that pressure on the palm of the hand and the hand tool impacting the hand were the most important risk factors, alongside handling loads and certain awkward postures. Longer exposure times also increased the risk of injury, as did psychosocial factors such as lack of autonomy and mental workload. Conclusions: Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were present and increased the risk of developing occupational diseases of the shoulder in this sample of workers. Greater knowledge of how risk factors interact would facilitate the design of better preventive workplace strategies.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Bony Increased Offset-Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Asian Population
Authors: Tankshali Kirtan , Ji Jong-Hun , Park Sang-Eun , Suh Dong-Whan , Han Young-Hun , Park Min-Kyu , Cho Wan-Jae
Published: April 2020

Background: Bony increased offset-reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (BIO-RSA) was proposed which uses autograft harvested from the patient’s humeral head to lateralize the glenoid baseplate. This technique provided the lateralization of the center of rotation and the reduction of the scapular notching. Few studies have reported outcomes of BIO-RSA in the Asian population. We reported the first report of clinical and radiological outcomes of BIO-RSA in the Asian population at mid-term follow-up. Methods: From June 2012 to August 2017, a total 38 patients with average age of 73±6 years operated by the BIO-RSA technique with minimum two-year follow-up (average 36.7±16 months) were enrolled in our study. Indications of the BIO-RSA were rotator cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable cuff tear without osteoarthritis, primary osteoarthritis with glenoid defect, recurrent shoulder dislocation with massive cuff tear, and glenoid fracture sequela. We excluded patients with acute proximal humerus fracture, avascular necrosis and revision RSA performed using allo- or autograft. We evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes of BIO-RSA at the last follow-up. Results: VAS, ASES, UCLA, and SST scores improved significantly from preoperative (average-5, 39.4, 16.2, 3.9) to postoperative (average- 1.7, 78.9, 28.3, 7.8, p-value < 0.05). All range of motion except internal rotation improved significantly at the last follow-up (p-value <0.05) and the bone graft was incorporated with the native glenoid in all the cases (100%). However, scapular notching was observed in 23/38 (60.5%) of patients. Intraoperative complications were three metaphyseal fractures and one inferior screw malpositioning. Postoperative complications included one heterotropic ossification, one scapula neck stress fracture, one humeral stem loosening, and one late infection. Conclusions: BIO-RSA results in improved clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up in the Asian population. Although better cosmesis and advantage of glenoid lateralization were observed in our study along with similar complications rates as compared to conventional RTSA, we observed higher rates of scapular notching to previously reported rates in BIO-RSA studies.
Does Immigration Affect Residential Real Estate Prices? Evidence From Australia
Authors: Gopy-Ramdhany Narvada , SEETANAH Boopen
Published: April 2020

Worldwide migration flows have been gaining momentum over the past years, leading to population increases in some countries. Consequently, the population increase might have led to more housing demand in the host country. This study investigates the effect of immigration on housing prices in Australia by using data for eight states on a quarterly basis from 2004 – 2017. To study the possible dynamic and endogenous relationship between housing prices and immigration, a panel vector autoregressive error correction approach (PVECM) is adopted. Analysis of the results indicates that in the short run immigration positively and significantly affects housing prices, whereas in the long run no significant relationship was observed. From the regional breakdown and analysis, it is discerned that in some states there is significant and positive effect of immigration on residential real estate prices in the long run. Interestingly, analysis of reverse causation indicates that housing prices affect migration in a negative and significant way.
Junctophilin-2 physically interacts with ryanodine receptor type 2 for peripheral coupling of mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Luo Tianxia , Yan Ningning , Xu Mengru , Dong Fengjuan , Liang Qian , Xing Ying , Fan Hongkun
Published: April 2020

Background: Ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) mediate Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER and SR), which is involved in the peripheral coupling of mouse cardiomyocytes, and thereby plays an important role in cardiac contraction. Junctophilin-2 (JPH2, JP2) is anchored to the plasma membrane (PM) and membranes of the ER and SR, and modulates intracellular Ca 2+ handling through regulation of RyR2. However, the potential RyR2 binding region of JPH2 is poorly understood.
Methods: The interaction of JPH2 with RyR2 was studied using LC-MS/MS , bioinformatic analysis,co-immunoprecipitation studies in cardiac SR vesicles. GST-pull down analysis was performed to investigate the physical interaction between RyR2 and JPH2 fragments. Immunofluorescent staining was carried out to determine the colocalization of RyR2 and JPH2 in isolated mouse cardiomyocytes. Ion Optix photometry system was used to measure the levels of intracellular Ca 2+ transients in cardiomyocytes isolated from JPH2 knock down mice.
Results: We report that (i) JPH2 interacts with RyR2 and (ii) the C terminus of the JPH2 protein can pull down RyR2 receptors. Confocal immunofluorescence imaging indicated that the majority of JPH2 and RyR2 proteins were colocalized near Z-lines. A decrease in the levels of JPH2 expression reduced the amplitude of Ca 2+ transients in cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions: This study suggests that the C terminus domain of JPH2 is required for interactions with RyR2 in the context of peripheral coupling of mouse cardiomyocytes, which provide a molecular mechanism for looking for Ca 2+ - related diseases prevention strategies.
Pericardial fat and its influence on cardiac diastolic function
Authors: de Wit-Verheggen Vera , Altintas Sibel , Spee Romy , Mihl Casper , Kuijk Sander van , Wildberger Joachim , Schrauwen-Hinderling Vera , Kietselaer Bas , de Weijer Tineke van
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPericardial fat (PF) has been suggested to directly act on cardiomyocytes, leading to diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PF volume is associated with diastolic function independently.Methods254 healthy adults (50-70 years, BMI 18-35 kg/m2, normal left ventricular ejection fraction) from the cardiology outpatient department were included in this study. All patients underwent a coronary computed tomographic angiography for the measurement of pericardial fat volume, as well as a transthoracic echocardiography for the assessment of diastolic function parameters. To assess the independent association of PF and diastolic function parameters multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. To maximize differences in PF volume, the group was divided in low (lowest quartile of both sexes) and high (highest quartile of both sexes) PF. Multivariable binary logistic analysis was used to study the associations within the groups between PF and diastolic function, adjusted for age, BMI and sex.ResultsSignificant associations for all four diastolic parameters with the PF volume were found after adjusting for BMI, age, and sex. In addition, subjects with high pericardial fat had a reduced left atrial volume index (p=0.02), lower E/e (p<0.01) and E/A (p=0.01), reduced e’ lateral (p<0.01), reduced e’ septal p=0.03), compared to subjects with low pericardial fat.ConclusionThese findings confirm that pericardial fat, even in healthy subjects with normal cardiac function, is associated with diastolic function. Our results suggest that the mechanical effects of PF may limit the distensibility of the heart and thereby directly contribute to diastolic dysfunction. Trial registration NCT01671930
Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Renchao , Ma Jun , Mou Yi-Ping , Zhou Yu-Cheng , Jin Wei-Wei , Lu Chao
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are rare neoplasm with long life expectancy. In this setting, patients may benefit from laparoscopic organ-sparing resection. There are few reports of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs.MethodsA retrospective study was performed for patients with PNENs who underwent laparoscopic organ-sparing pancreatectomy between March 2005 and May 2018. The patients’ demographic data, operative results, pathological reports, hospital courses, morbidity and mortality, and follow-up data (including pancreatic function, till August 2018) was analyzed.ResultsThirty-five patients were identified. There were 9 male and 26 female patients, with a median age of 46 years (range, 25-75 years). The mean BMI was 24.6±3.3kg/m2. Nine patients received laparoscopic enucleation, 20 received laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, and 6 received laparoscopic central pancreatectomy. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, postoperative hospital stay were 186.4±60.2min, 165±73.0ml, 0, 9d(range, 5-23d), respectively. The morbidity rate, ≥Grade Ⅲ complication rate and ≥grade B pancreatic fistula rate were 34.2%, 11.4%, 8.7%, respectively, with no mortality. The rate of follow-up was 94.3%, and the median follow-up time was 55 months (range, 3-158months). One patients had diabetes after laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, no patient had symptom of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. One patient developed recurrence 36 months after laparoscopic enucleation and was managed with surgical resection. The other patients survived without metastases or recurrence during the follow-up.ConclusionsLaparoscopic organ-sparing resection for selected cases of PNENs is safe and feasible, and have favorable short- and long-term outcome.
The thermochemical non-equilibrium scale effects of the high enthalpy nozzle
Authors: Shen Junmou , Lu Hongbo , Li Ruiqu , Chen Xing , Ma Handong
Published: April 2020

The high enthalpy nozzle converts the high enthalpy stagnation gas into the hypervelocity free flow. The flow region of the high enthalpy nozzle consists of three parts: an equilibrium region upstream of the throat, a non-equilibrium region near the throat, and a frozen region downstream of the throat. Here we propose to consider the thermochemical non-equilibrium scale effects in the high enthalpy nozzle. With numerical solving axisymmetric compressible Navier-Stokes equations coupling with Park’s two-temperature model, the fully non-equilibrium solution is employed throughout the entire nozzle. Calculations are performed at different stagnation conditions with the different absolute scales and expansion ratio. The significant results of this study contain twofold. Firstly, as the absolute scale and expansion ratio increase, the freezing position is delayed, and the flow approaches equilibrium. Secondly, the vibrational temperature and Mach number decrease with the increase in the nozzle scale and expansion ratio，while the speed of sound, static pressure, and translational temperature increase as the nozzle scale and expansion ratio increase.
Identifying Chagas disease vectors using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors of body contour: A case for the cryptic dimidiata complex
Authors: Flores Daryl David Cruz , Arenas Elizabeth Arellano , Ávila Dennis Denis , Ibarra-Cerdeña Carlos N.
Published: April 2020

Background Triatoma dimidiata (Reduviidae: Triatominae) is an important vector of Chagas disease in various countries in the Americas. Phylogenetic studies using sequences from the cyt b, ND4, and 16S rRNA genes, have defined three lineages in Mexico and part of Central America, indicated between 6% and 14% divergence among haplogroups. While there is a marked genetic differentiation, methods for identifying them using morphometric analyses with landmarks have not yet been fully resolutive. Elliptical Fourier Descriptors (EFDs), which mathematically describe the shape of any closed two-dimensional contours, could be a potentially useful alternative method. Our objective was to validate the use of EFDs for the identification of three lineages of this species complex. Method 84 dorsal view images of individuals of the three lineages were used. Body contours were described with EFDs using between 5 and 30 harmonics. The number of obtained coefficients was reduced by a Principal Components Analysis and the first axis scores were used as shape variables. Before performing the discrimination of haplogroups, we compared statistically the first five principal components among them. A linear discriminant function analysis and an Ordination plot of the Discriminant Analysis were performed using the shape variables. Finally, a confusion matrix of the Ordination plot of the Discriminant Analysis was obtained to estimate the classification errors. Results When comparing the first five PC scores, significant differences were found among at least two haplogroups for all principal components except for PC3. The first principal component explained 50% of the variability, regardless the number of harmonics used. The results of Discriminant Analysis get improved by increasing the number of harmonics and components considered. With 25 harmonics and 8 components, the identification of haplogroups was achieved with an overall efficiency greater than 97%. The ordering diagram shown the correct discrimination of haplogroups, with only one error of discrimination corroborated by the confusion matrix. Conclusions The use of EFD is a simple and useful method for the identification of the main lineages of Triatoma dimidiata , with high values ​​of correct identification.
106Ruthenium eye plaque brachytherapy in the management of medium sized uveal melanoma
Authors: Jiang Ping , Purtskhvanidze Konstantine , Kandzia Gerit , Neumann Dirk , Luetzen Ulf , Siebert Frank-André , Roider Johann , Dunst Juergen
Published: April 2020

Background: To evaluate 106Ruthenium Brachytherapy in management of medium sized uveal melanoma, with emphasis on 5-year outcome and toxicity.Methods: From 2007 to 2015, 39 patients were treated with 106 Ru eye plaques brachytherapy. At the time of diagnosis, the median tumor depth was 3.0 mm (CI: 1.6-8.9 mm). Median dose at the apex of the tumor was 145 Gy (± SD: 12.1Gy). The median sclera dose was 444.0Gy (±SD: 257.3 Gy). Results: Median follow-up was 61.5 months (CI: 8.1-138 mon.). 34 patients (87.1%) remained free of recurrence. In 26 (66.7%) patients a total regression was achieved after a median period of 12 months (CI: 3-60 mon.). By the final examination, the visual acuity of 26 (66.7%) patients was better than 20/200. 12 (30.7%) patients had a visual acuity better than 20/40.Retinopathy was detected in 11 (28.2%) patients. After treatments only 1 (5.1%) patients had active vascular changes by the last examination. Moderate optic neuropathy was observed in 4 (10.3%) patients. Cataract development was diagnosed in 21 (53.8%) patients, although 16 (41%) of them had bilateral cataract development.Special emphasis was made on patients with larger tumors. Twelve out of the 39 patients had a tumor with a depth of 5mm or more. There was no significant difference neither in local control (75 % in tumors ≥5mm versus 92.6 % in tumors <5mm) nor in side effects between both groups. Conclusions: Our study proved 106 Ru -brachytherapy to be an excellent treatment option with regard to tumor control and preservation of the visual acuity in well-selected patients. The data suggest that this treatment is also suitable for tumors with a depth of more than 5mm.
Preliminary Validation of Infant Sucking Measurement System with Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Park Jinhee , D’Imperio Luke A. , Rose Aaron H. , Parrillo Elaina , Thoyre Suzanne M. , Naughton Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Background: Although various methods have been used to objectively evaluate an infant’s sucking behavior during breast- and bottle-feeding, variations in instruments and technologies currently employed make it difficult to compare findings across breast and bottle-feeding conditions. Therefore, we developed a new method, the Infant Sucking Measurement System (ISMS) that provides a consistent assessment of sucking across breast and bottle-feeding. The purpose of this study was to present preliminary findings of the feasibility and validity of the ISMS.Methods: In Phase 1, we examined the ability of the ISMS to differentiate different levels of negative pressure generated by an artificial sucking condition using a breast pump. In Phase 2, we tested the feasibility and validity of the ISMS with data obtained from four mothers and their healthy full-term infants (two bottle-feedings and two breastfeedings). Intraoral pressures were measured using the ISMS along with a video camera simultaneously recording the infant’s cheek movements. Mothers provided feedback for improvement of the ISMS design. Following each observation, the team reviewed the findings and refined the system; refinements were trialed with the next study. To test the validity of the ISMS, a one-minute period with the highest quality ISMS signal was selected from each feeding to examine the synchrony between ISMS intraoral pressure measurements and coded cheek movements.Results: The ISMS differential pressures when low, medium, and high suction pressures were applied by a breast pump were 18.8, 29.6, and 40.3 kPa, respectively. The agreement between direct observation of sucking and ISMS data was high (mean: 90.6%, range: 84.6-100%). With a series of modifications, we found that the ISMS was a feasible method of reliably measuring intraoral pressure during breast-feeding; however, further testing is necessary to optimize methods of securing the catheter to the bottle nipple.Conclusions: Preliminary data support the validity of the ISMS for identifying sucks and quantifying intraoral pressure generated by sucks in both breast and bottle-feeding. Although further modifications are needed to improve the attachment of the device to the bottle nipple, our initial results support further investigation of the ISMS for use in high-risk infants to evaluate sucking behaviors.
Recovery and Maintenance of NESTIN Expression in Umbilical Cord-MSC Using a Novel Culture Medium
Authors: Liu Yuncheng , Xiao Feidi , Hu Xiang , Tang Zan , Fu Zeqin , Liang Xiao , Zeng Guifang , Zeng Weijie , Liao Yan , Ren Yuan , Liu Zhiyu , Peng Hao , Mei Qiuhong , Liu Muyun
Published: April 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a popular candidate in cellular therapy for many diseases. It is well known by its feature of self-renewal and differentiation potential. NESTIN is a cytoskeletal protein that expresses in MSC and plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we demonstrated that adding UltraGRO, which is a medium supplement, could maintain and partially recover the expression of NESTIN in human umbilical cord derived MSCs (UC-MSCs). Furthermore, the UC-MSCs cultured with UltraGRO showed a better immunomodulation ability in colitis mouse model compared with that cultured in other mediums. This indicates that the use of novel culture medium benefits to the maintenance of NESTIN expression and NESTIN may be one of the vital factors that regulate the performances of MSC.
Evaluation of duplicated reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in genome unknown hexaploid oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Zheng , Wang Kai , Zhao Cuizhu , Zhang Meng
Published: April 2020

Background: Oat (Avena sativa L.), a hexaploid crop with unknown genome, has valuable nutritional, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. However, none of suitable RGs (reference genes) for qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) has been documented in oat yet. Single-copy gene is often selected as RG, which is challengeable or impactable in unexplored polyploids.Results: In this study, eleven candidate RGs, including four duplicated genes, were selected from oat transcriptome. The stability and the optimal combination of these candidate RGs were assessed in 18 oat samples by using four statistical algorithms including the ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. The most stable RGs for all samples, shoots and roots of seedlings, developing seeds and developing endosperms were EIF4A (Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-3), UBC21 (Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme 21), EP (Expressed protein) and EIF4A respectively, among which UBC21 was a four-copy duplicated gene. The reliability was validated by the expression pattern of AsPKP1 (Plastidial Pyruvate Kinase 1) normalized to the most and the least stable RGs in developing oat seeds and endosperms.Conclusions: These results provide a proof of concept that the duplicated RG is feasible for qPCR in polyploids. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic research on the optimal RGs for accurate qPCR normalization of gene expression in different organs and tissues of oat.
Interconnectivity between molecular subtypes and tumor stage in colorectal cancer
Authors: Braak R.R.J. Coebergh van den , Hoorn Sanne ten , Sieuwerts A.M. , Tuynman J.B. , Smid M. , Wilting S. , Martens J.W.M. , Punt C.J.A. , Foekens J.A. , Medema J.P. , IJzermans J.N.M. , Vermeulen Louis
Published: April 2020

Background There are profound individual differences in clinical outcome between colorectal cancers (CRCs) presenting with identical stage of disease. Molecular stratification, in conjunction with the traditional TNM staging, is a promising way to predict patient outcomes. We investigated the interconnectivity between tumor stage and tumor biology reflected by the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) in CRC, and explored the possible value of these insights in patients with stage II colon cancer. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis using clinical records and gene expression profiling in a meta-cohort of 1040 CRC patients. The interconnectivity of tumor biology and disease stage was assessed by investigating the association between CMSs and TNM classification. In order to validate the clinical applicability of our findings we employed a meta-cohort of 197 stage II colon cancers. Results CMS4 was significantly more prevalent in advanced stages of disease (III-IV). The observed differential gene expression between cancer stages is predominantly explained by the biological differences as reflected by CMS subtypes. Gene signatures for stage III-IV and CMS4 were highly correlated. CMS4 cancers showed an increased progression rate to more advanced stages. Indeed, determining CMSs was a relevant addition to TNM classification in identifying stage II colon cancer patients with high-risk of disease recurrence. Conclusions Considerable interconnectivity between tumor biology and tumor stage in CRC exists. This implies that the TNM stage, in addition to the stage of progression, also reflects distinct biological disease entities. These insights can be utilized to optimize identification of high-risk stage II colon cancers.