bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term observation of electric ablation with nanosecond pulsed electric field in the hepatic hilar area
Authors: Lu Jiahua , Qian Junjie , Zhang Shiyu , Chen Xinhua , Yin Shengyong , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen , Zhang Wu
Published: April 2020

Background: Treatment of liver malignancies located in the hepatic hilar area has long been recognized as a challenge for both surgeons and interventional radiologists. Traditional locoregional thermal ablative therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) turned to fail in achieving complete ablation near the major vasculatures. The nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has emerged as a novel electric power-based locoregional therapy. It has been reported to eﬀectively ablate liver malignancies without causing obvious damage. This preclinical study was conducted on animal models to evaluate the safety and feasibility of nsPEF ablation in the hepatic hilar area and to investigate its long-term effect on liver vasculature systems.Methods: Two nsPEF needle electrodes were placed around the hepatic hilar areas in the rabbit liver with ultrasonic guidance. During and after nsPEF ablation, electrocardiography (ECG) was used to monitor cardiovascular activity, and ultrasonography was used to detect blood flow changes. Blood samples and liver specimens were collected pre-treatment and 2 hours, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days posttreatment. Results: Histopathological studies showed that the liver tissues in the targeted portal area were ablated accurately without perivascular sparing. The major structures of the large hepatic veins and bile ducts near hilar areas were preserved well. Follow-up biochemical tests showed a transient impairment of liver function. The results of myocardial enzymes and blood routine proved that nsPEF will not cause collateral damage to cardiac systems or increase potential infection risks. Ultrasonography and electrocardiography found no massive hemorrhea or abnormal cardiac activities. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that nsPEF is highly effective and feasible for the ablation of liver tissues in the hepatic hilar area. During the treatment, nsPEF did not disturb vital organ functions or cause irreversible complications, proving its safety. Furthermore, nsPEF can ablate the hepatic hilar area without damaging large hepatic vasculatures, which could be a promising method for nonthermal tumor ablation.
Proactive community case management in Senegal 2014-2016: a case study in maximizing the impact of community case management of malaria
Authors: Gaye Seynabou , Kibler Janelle , Ndiaye Jean Louis , Diouf Mame Birame , Linn Annē , Gueye Alioune Badara , Fall Fatou Ba , Ndiop Medoune , Diallo Ibrahima , Cisse Moustapha , Ba Mady , Thwing Julie
Published: April 2020

The Senegal National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) introduced home-based malaria management for all ages, with diagnosis by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in 2008, expanding to over 2000 villages nationwide by 2014. With prise en charge à domicile (PECADOM), community health workers (CHWs) were available for community members to seek care, but did not actively visit households to find cases. A trial of a proactive model (PECADOM Plus), in which CHWs visited all households in their village weekly during transmission season to identify fever cases and offer case management, in addition to availability during the week for home-based management, found that CHWs detected and treated more cases in intervention villages, while the number of cases detected weekly decreased over the transmission season. The NMCP scaled PECADOM Plus to three districts in 2014 (132 villages), to a total of six districts in 2015 (246 villages), and to a total of 16 districts in 2016 (708 villages). A narrative case study with programmatic results is presented. During active sweeps over approximately 20 weeks, CHWs tested a mean of 77 patients per CHW in 2014, 89 patients per CHW in 2015, and 90 patients per CHW in 2016, and diagnosed a mean of 61, 61, and 43 patients with malaria per CHW in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. The number of patients who sought care between sweeps increased, with a 104% increase in the number of RDTs performed and a 77% increase in the number of positive tests and patients treated with ACT during passive case detection. While the number of CHWs increased 7%, the number of patients receiving an RDT increased by 307% and the number of malaria cases detected and treated by CHWs increased 274%, from the year prior to PECADOM Plus introduction to its first year of implementation. Based on these results, approximately 700 additional CHWs in 24 new districts were added in 2017. This case study describes the process, results, and lessons learned from Senegal’s implementation of PECADOM Plus, as well as guidance for other programs considering introduction of this innovative strategy.
GlideScope® versus C-MAC®(D) videolaryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope for double lumen endotracheal intubation in patients with predicted normal airways: a randomized, controlled, prospective trial
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhou Renlong , Lu Zhixing , Hang Yannan , Wang Shanjuan , Huang zhenling
Published: April 2020

Background: The double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) is the most widely-used device for single lung ventilation in current thoracic anesthesia practice. In recent years, the routine application of the videolaryngoscope for single lumen endotracheal intubation has increased; nevertheless there are few studies of the use of the videolaryngoscope for DLT. We wondered whether there were benefits to using the videolaryngoscope for DLT placement in patients with predicted normal airways. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the performances of the GlideScope®, the C-MAC®(D) videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope in DLT intubation.Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, prospective study. We randomly allocated 90 adult patients with predicted normal airways into three groups. All patients underwent routine anesthesia using different laryngoscopes according to group allocation. We compared DLT insertion times, first-pass success rates, numerical rating scales (NRS) of DLT delivery and DLT insertion, Cormack-Lehane degrees (C/L), hemodynamic changes and incidences of intubation complications. All outcomes were analyzed using SPSS13.0. Results: Compared with the GlideScope, the Macintosh gave shorter times for DLT insertion (median: 96 (IQR: 51 [min–max: 62–376] s vs 73 (26 [48–419] s, p = 0.003); however, there was no difference between the Macintosh and C-MAC(D) (p = 0.610). The Macintosh had a significantly higher successful first attempt rate than did the GlideScope or C-MAC(D) (p = 0.001, p = 0.028, respectively). NRS of DLT delivery and insertion were significantly lower in the Macintosh than in the others (p <0.001). However, the C/L degree in the Macintosh was significantly higher than in the others (p <0.001). The incidences of oral bleeding, hoarseness, sore throat and dental trauma were low in all groups (p >0.05). There were no significant differences in DLT misplacement, fiberoptic time or hemodynamic changes among the groups.Conclusions: Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the GlideScope® and C-MAC®(D) videolaryngoscopes may not be recommended as the first choice for routine DLT intubation in patients with predicted normal airways.Trial registration :The study was prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. ChiCTR1900025718); principal investigator: Z.L.H.; date of registration: September 6, 2019.
What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study
Authors: Kariuki Rewel , Rithaa Gilbert Koome , Elvis Oyugi , Gachathi Daniel
Published: April 2020

Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.
Identification and co-expression analysis of long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs involved in the deposition of intramuscular fat in Aohan fine-wool sheep
Authors: Han Fuhui , Li Jing , Liu Nan , Zhao Ranran , Liu Lirong , Li Lanlan , Li Qian , He Jianning
Published: April 2020

Background: Intramuscular fat (IMF) content has become one of the most important indicators for measuring meat quality, and its level is affected by various genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed non-coding RNAs that play an important regulatory role in a variety of biological processes; however, research on lncRNAs involved in sheep intramuscular fat deposition is still in its infancy. Aohan fine-wool sheep (AFWS), China's representative meat-hair, dual-purpose sheep breed, provides a great model for studying the role of lncRNAs in the regulation of intramuscular fat deposition. We identified lncRNAs by RNA sequencing in sheep longissimus dorsi muscle(LDM) samples at two ages: 2 months (Mth-2) and 12 months (Mth-12).Results: We identified a total of 26,247 genes and 6,935 predicted novel lncRNAs in LDM samples of sheep. Among these, 606 mRNAs and 408 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. We then compared the structural characteristics of lncRNAs and mRNAs. We obtained targeted genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs and performed an enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology(GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). We found these targeted mRNAs were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism, lipid transport, regulation of primary metabolic processes and developmental pathways, such as alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism and cell proliferation. Based on the results of this enrichment analysis, we obtained candidate lncRNAs that potentially regulate lipid deposition and constructed a lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. We speculated that these lncRNAs have important regulatory roles in intramuscular fat deposition. We randomly selected five mRNAs and five lncRNAs to verify the accuracy of sequencing results by qRT-PCR.Conclusions: Our study provided a list of the lncRNAs and mRNAs related to intramuscular lipid deposition in sheep and lay the foundation for future research on regulatory mechanisms.
Diagnostic anticipation to reduce emergency department length of stay: a cohort study in Ferrara University Hospital, Italy
Authors: Strada Andrea , Bolognesi Niccolò , Manzoli Lamberto , Valpiani Giorgia , Morotti Chiara , Bravi Francesca , Bentivegna Roberto , Forini Elena , Pesci Antonella , Stefanati Armando , Ruscio Eugenio Di , Carradori Tiziano
Published: April 2020

Background : Emergency Department (ED) crowding reduces staff satisfaction and healthcare quality and safety, which in turn increase costs. Despite a number of proposed solutions, ED length of stay (LOS) - a main cause of overcrowding - remains a major issue worldwide. This cohort study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness on ED LOS of a procedure called “diagnostic anticipation”, which consisted in anticipating the ordering of blood tests by nurses, at triage, following a diagnostic algorithm approved by physicians. Methods : In the second half of 2019, the ED of the University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, adopted the diagnostic anticipation protocol on alternate weeks for all patients with chest pain, abdominal pain, and non-traumatic bleeding. Using ED electronic data, LOS independent predictors were evaluated through multiple regression. Results : During the weeks when diagnostic anticipation was adopted, as compared to control weeks, the mean LOS was shorter by 18.2 minutes for chest pain, but longer by 15.7 minutes for abdominal pain, and 33.3 for non-traumatic bleeding. At multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, gender, triage priority and ED crowding, the difference in visit time was significant for chest pain only (p<0.001). Conclusions : The effectiveness of the anticipation of blood testing by nurses varied by patients' condition, being significant for chest pain only. Further research is needed before the implementation, estimating the potential proportion of inappropriate blood tests and ED crowding status
Functional polymorphisms and transcriptional analysis in the 5' region of the human serotonin receptor 1B gene (HTR1B) and their associations with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Xia Xi , Ding Mei , Xuan Jin-feng , Xing Jia-xin , Yao Jun , Wu Xue , Wang Bao-jie
Published: April 2020

Background The 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B receptor (5-HT1B) plays an essential role in the serotonin (5-HT) system and is widely involved in a variety of brain activities. HTR1B is the gene encoding 5-HT1B. Genome-wide association studies have shown that HTR1B polymorphisms are closely related to multiple mental and behavioral disorders; however, the functional mechanisms underlying these associations are unknown. This study investigated the effect of several HTR1B haplotypes on reporter protein expression levels in vitro and the functional sequences in the 5' regulatory region of HTR1B to determine their potential association with mental and behavioral disorders.MethodsSix haplotypes consisting of rs4140535, rs1778258, rs17273700, rs1228814, rs11568817, and rs130058 and several truncated fragments of the 5' regulatory region of HTR1B were transfected into SK-N-SH and HEK-293 cells. The relative fluorescence intensities of the different haplotypes and truncated fragments were detected using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system.Results Compared to the major haplotype T-G-T-C-T-A, the relative fluorescence intensities of haplotypes C-A-T-C-T-A, C-G-T-C-T-A, C-G-C-A-G-T, and C-G-T-A-T-A were significantly lower, and that of haplotype C-G-C-A-G-A was significantly higher. Furthermore, the effects of the rs4140535T allele, the rs17273700C-rs11568817G linkage combination, and the rs1228814A allele made their relative fluorescence intensities significantly higher than their counterparts at each locus. Conversely, the rs1778258A and rs130058T alleles decreased the relative fluorescence intensities. In addition, we found that regions from -1587 to -1371 bp (TSS, +1), -1149 to -894 bp, -39 to +130 bp, +130 to +341 bp, and +341 to +505 bp upregulated gene expression. In contrast, regions -603 to -316 bp and +130 to +341 bp downregulated gene expression. Region +341 to +505 bp contained the core promoter region and played a decisive role in gene transcription.Conclusions HTR1B 5' regulatory region polymorphisms have regulatory effects on gene expression and potential correlate with several pathology and physiology conditions. This study suggests that the core promoter sequence of HTR1B is located in region +341~+505 bp. Regions -1587 to -1371 bp, -1149 to -894 bp, -603 to -316 bp, -39 to +130 bp, and +130 to +341 bp contain functional sequences that can promote or suppress the HTR1B gene expression.
Genome-wide Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Expression Profile Reveals Associations Between Inorganic Elements Exposure and Risk of Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fang Zan-Xi , Niu Jian-Jun , Liu Ping-Guo , Lin Yong
Published: April 2020

Background The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study conducted a genome-wide microarray analysis and qPCR validation to gain a comprehensive insight on this issue. Methods Thirty male HCC patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the present study. Primary HCC tissues and normal tissue were collected. Synthesize double stranded complementary DNA from 10 pairs of samples were labeled and hybridized to microarray chip. Further analysis, such as hierarchical clustering analysis, gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis were performed. In addition, qPCR validation was conducted in all samples. Results The microarray analysis identified 946 upregulated and 571 downregulated lncRNAs, along with 1,720 upregulated and 1,106 downregulated mRNAs. Among them, ENST00000583827.1 (fold change: 21.11) and uc010isf.1 (fold change: 17.76) were the most over- and under-expressed lncRNAs in HCC tissues. As for the mRNAs, KIF20A (fold change: 26.44) and HEPACAM (fold change: 49.56) were the most over- and under-expressed in HCC tissues. GO analysis revealed that the most differentially expressed mRNAs were related with the response of metal ion. Pathway analysis also suggested the most enriched pathway was mineral absorption. Conclusion The subsequent qPCR validation exhibited high consistency with microarray analysis, expect one lncRNA. It also revealed that TCONS_00008984 had 768.94-fold expression level in HCC tissues when compared with normal tissues. TCONS_00008984 has the potential to serve as a diagnostic marker or prognosis indicator. GO and pathway analysis that exposure to inorganic elements may possibly involve with HCC risk.
Silence of long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Mei Hongliang , Yu Zhiguo , Zhang Guanqi , Huang Zhiyuan , Li Hanjun , Hu Yilin , Jin Weidong , Yao Jie , Lu Qipin , Liu Zhisu
Published: April 2020

Background: KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) has been reported to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is considered as one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, the mechanism of action of KCNQ1OT1 in human HCC has not been fully explained. In this study, we aimed to explore the functional role and the potential mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in human HCC.Methods: First, we analyzed the expression levels of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC tissues in starBase database and detected the expression of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Next, we analyzed the role of KCNQ1OT1 in migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC by scratch wound healing, transwell and cell counting kit-8 assays. Finally, we analyzed the potential interrelationship between KCNQ1OT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through western blot assays.Results: Based on bioinformatics analyses, we found that KCNQ1OT1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and its high expression was associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. We also confirmed an abnormal increase in the expression of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC cell lines. KCNQ1OT1 knockdown was found to have a negative impact on proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, interference with the expression of KCNQ1OT1 reduced the phosphorylation level of AKT and the protein level of PI3K, indicating the association of KCNQ1OT1 with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions: Collectively, this study confirmed the important role of KCNQ1OT1 in promoting HCC growth and revealed the inhibitory effect of KCNQ1OT1 on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This work may contribute to a better understanding of HCC progression and provide a potential biomarker for HCC.
Identification of Key Prognosis-Associated Genes in the Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma HongBo , Wu XiaoLi , Tao MiaoMiao , Jithin Uthaman , Zhou GenDou , Li YanYan , Zhou Qi
Published: April 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death globally, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for almost 40% of all lung cancer cases. In recent years, despite better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and achievements in the multimodal treatment of tumors, there is an urgent need to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers In this study, we aim to identify the potential key genes related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of LUAD by using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The gene expression profile was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and we calculated the LUAD immune scores and stromal scores by using the ESTIMATE algorithm. Based on these scores, we further quantified the immune and stromal components and obtained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tumor. Overall survival analysis could better reflect the impact of genes related to immune and stromal cells on the prognosis. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were conducted, while protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained from STRING. Analysis of the correlation revealed that these genes are mainly involved in the immune/inflammatory response. In conclusion, our study showed that 11 prognostic genes (CD33, IRF8, CD80, CD53, IL16, LY86, CD79B, TYROBP, CD1E, CD1C, and CD1B) might show a potentially good performance in predicting overall survival in patients with LUAD. In summary, we identified the key genes related to the microenvironment, which can further serve as the prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LUAD.
QTL Mapping of Agronomic and Economic Traits for Four F2 Populations in Upland Cotton
Authors: Li Hongge , Pan Zhaoe , He Shoupu , Jia Yinhua , Geng Xiaoli , Chen Baojun , Wang Liru , Pang Baoyin , Du Xiongming
Published: April 2020

Background: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) accounts for more than 90% of annual world cotton output due to its high yield potential. However, yield traits and fiber quality traits exhibit negative correlations in most cases. Here, to dissect simultaneously the genetic basis underlying complex traits such as yield and fiber quality as well as their genetic correlations in upland cotton, four F2 populations were constructed using two normal lines and two introgression lines. Subsequently, phenotyping of 8 agronomic and economic traits along with QTL mapping were implemented.Results: Extensive phenotype variations and transgressive segregation were found across segregation populations. Four genetic maps with length of 585.97cM, 752.45cM, 752.45cM and 1163.66cM were construct. The result of mapping displayed a total of 50 QTLs across four populations were identified, of which 27 were for fiber quality traits and 16 for yield traits. Multiple QTLs having the common maker, such as qBW4 and qBW2, or residing in the same QTL cluster, such as qLP9 and qFL9-1, were prioritized for further research.Conclusions: These findings will provide insight into simultaneous improvement of yield and fiber quality in upland cotton breeding.
The combination of serum NLR and D-dimer levels at diagnosis predicts overall survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mei Pei , Gong Qiong , Rong Yu-Ping , Chang Jian , Fang Qi , Tao Jing
Published: April 2020

Background Many studies have confirmed that the systemic inflammatory response and hypercoagulable state of the patient are related to the occurrence and development of various tumors, including pancreatic cancer. The aim of this research was to combine blood inflammatory factors and D-dimer into a new prognostic scoring system.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 73 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer between January 2015 and December 2018 at our institution. To identify the prognostic predictors, circulating inflammatory cells and D-dimer were analyzed.Results Univariate analysis showed that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), CA19-9, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score and D-dimer levels were significantly associated with overall survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Multivariate analysis suggested that only the NLR (p<0.026) and D-dimer level (p<0.012) were independent prognostic predictors. Then, we combined the NLR and D-dimer level to divide the cohort into three “NLRD” groups: “NLRD0”=NLR≤3.38 and D-dimer≤1.47, “NLRD1”=either NLR>3.38 or D-dimer>1.47, “NLRD2”=NLR>3.38 and D-dimer>1.47. Finally, we found that the NLRD2 group had the worst survival, with a median overall survival (OS) of 2 months (95%CI=1.450-2.550), while the NLRD0 group had the best outcome, with a median OS of 7 months (95%CI=5.897-8.121).Conclusions The scoring system combining the blood NLR with D-dimer levels provides important prognostic information for risk stratification in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and may help us identify patients who have a poor prognosis so that clinicians can develop personalized treatment strategies for these patients.
Dysregulation of ghrelin in diabetes impairs the vascular reparative response to hindlimb ischemia in a mouse model; clinical relevance to peripheral artery disease
Authors: Neale Joshua , Pearson James , Thomas Kate , Tsuchimouchi Hirotsugu , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kojima Masayasu , Sato Takahiro , Jones Gregory , Denny Adam , Daniels Lorna , Chandrasekera Dhananjie , Liu Ping , Rij Andre van , Katare Rajesh , Schwenke Daryl
Published: April 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a prominent risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Yet, the mechanistic link between diabetes and PAD remains unclear. This study proposes that dysregulation of the endogenous hormone ghrelin, a potent modulator of vascular function, underpins the causal link between diabetes and PAD. Moreover, this study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of exogenous ghrelin in a diabetic mouse model of PAD. Methods: Standard ELISA analysis was used to quantify and compare circulating levels of ghrelin between i) human diabetic patients with or without PAD (clinic) and ii) db/db diabetic and non-diabetic mice (lab). Db/db mice underwent unilateral hindlimb ischaemia (HLI) for 14 days and treated with or without exogenous ghrelin (150 µg/kg/day.) Subsequently vascular reparation, angiogenesis, hindlimb perfusion, structure and function were assessed using laser Doppler imaging, micro-CT, microangiography, and protein and micro-RNA (miRNA) analysis. We further examined hindlimb perfusion recovery of ghrelin KO mice to determine whether an impaired vascular response to HLI is linked to ghrelin dysregulation in diabetes.Results: Patients with PAD, with or without diabetes, had significantly lower circulating levels of endogenous ghrelin, compared to healthy individuals. Diabetic db/db mice had ghrelin levels that were only 7% of non-diabetic mice. The vascular reparative capacity of diabetic db/db mice in response to HLI was impaired compared to non-diabetic mice and, importantly, comparable to ghrelin KO mice. Daily therapeutic treatment of db/db mice with ghrelin for 14 days post HLI, stimulated angiogenesis, and improved skeletal muscle architecture and cell survival, which was associated with an increase in pro-angiogenic miRNAs-126 and -132.Conclusions: These findings unmask an important role for endogenous ghrelin in vascular repair following limb ischemia, which appears to be downregulated in diabetic patients. Moreover, these results implicate exogenous ghrelin as a potential novel therapy to enhance perfusion in patients with lower limb PAD, especially in diabetics.
Leadership among women working to eradicate female genital mutilation: the impact of transcultural moments
Authors: Siles-González Jose , Gutiérrez-García Ana Isabel , Solano-Ruíz Carmen
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe study aims to describe the transcultural process through which immigrant women who have experienced female genital mutilation become leaders against this practice. This study also aims to identify the incidence of female genital mutilation in the invisibility of health problems (especially sexual and reproductive disorders).MethodDescriptive research with cross-cultural principles and a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Inclusion criteria: the women investigated had undergone female genital mutilation and were fully prepared to discuss the issue.ResultsStaying and social relations in a different country reduce cultural pressure and promotes critical thinking. Cultural moments reflect the different situations that affect the thinking and practice of female genital mutilation. Health problems associated with female genital mutilation (sexual, reproductive and psychological) become visible at transcultural moments.ConclusionsThe country change affects the cultural pressure that keeps this practice in minds, institutions, structures and bodies. These changes produce the transcultural moments. The practice of female genital mutilation constitutes a significant segment of gender-based violence.
The Estimation and Analysis of the Head Office Sector in Each Intra-regional Input-Output Table in Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka in 2011
Authors: Suhara Natsumi
Published: April 2020

The central management functions of the economics, politics, and culture of Japan are concentrated in Tokyo or in other metropolitan areas. Extreme concentration in Tokyo has become a serious problem for Japan. There is a concentration of headquarter function in Tokyo that falls behind the concentration of profits of other regions. Production activities such as branch offices and factories usually take place in regions outside Tokyo. Indirect management activities, which supervise production activities, are called headquarter functional activities. There is a structure in which profits from other parts of the country are concentrated in Tokyo through the corporate division of labor. To analyze this mechanism quantitatively, we must apply input-output tables, which is appropriate to examine headquarter services as intermediate goods of direct production site activities. In this research, we estimate 37 head office sectors in each intra-regional input-output table in Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka, known as regions in which many Japanese head offices are located. Moreover, we analyzed the inter-regional relationships between the head offices located in these four regions and the dependence of these regional economy on headquarter functional activities. (183 words)
Why it is difficult to distinguish the Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) and 3M syndrome in clinical practice
Authors: Gong Chunxiu , Zhang Beibei
Published: April 2020

Background: To analyze why 3M syndrome can be regarded as a SRS-like syndrome by examining the patients with 3M syndrome and research the connection between 3M syndrome and SRS.Methods: The term “3M syndrome” was retrieved by Web of Science and the 3M patients were screened by NH-CSS to determine whether it was consist with the diagnosis of clinical SRS, and to analyze the relationship between the two diseases by exploring literature.Results: ① Among patients with 3M syndrome, 60/70 (83%) were in accordance with clinical SRS, and the coincidence rates of CUL7, OBSL1, CCDC8 gene mutations were: 30 (42%), 17 (24%) and 4 (6%) respectively; ② The phenotypes of 3M syndrome confirmed as clinical SRS were SGA (90%), short stature (100%), forehead protruding (100%), relative macrocephaly (100%), feeding difficulties/low BMI (33%), body asymmetry (0); ③ Skeletal abnormalities and pathogenesis were previously considered as the key points of differentiation also were overlaps between two diseases; ④ Symptomatic treatment and GH-treatment were carried out.Conclusions: ①. There isn’t reliable clinical points to distinguish the two diseases, especially for the patients with CUL7 mutations whose imaging is not typical, which need to rely on genetic detection; ②. Literature research points out the two diseases may have the same pathogenic pathway; ③. Both of diseases were treated symptomatically and used GH to improve height; ④. 3M syndrome diagnosed “clinical SRS” can incorporate into SRS to facilitate clinical classification and management.
The diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (dt-TGCT) patient journey: a prospective real-world study
Authors: Bernthal Nicholas M. , Spierenburg Geert , Healey John H. , Stacchiotti Silvia , Palmerini Emanuela , Bauer Sebastian , Group TOPP Study , Gelderblom Hans , Staals Eric L. , Lopez-Bastida Julio , Fronk Eva-Maria , Ye Xin , Laeis Petra , Sande Michiel A.J. van de
Published: April 2020

Background: Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare locally aggressive neoplasm arising from the synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths affecting small and large joints. It represents a wide spectrum ranging from minimally symptomatic to massively debilitating. The majority of findings to date are mainly from small, retrospective case series, and thus the morbidity and actual impact of this rare disease remain to be elucidated. This study explores prospectively the real-world management of TGCT.Methods: The TGCT Observational Platform Project (TOPP) registry was a multinational, multicenter, prospective observational study involving 12 tertiary sarcoma centers in 7 European countries, and 2 US sites. This study enrolled for 2 years all consecutive ≥ 18 years old patients, with histologically diagnosed primary or recurrent cases of diffuse-type TGCT. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months. Quality of life questionnaires (PROMIS-PF and EQ-5D) were also administered at the same time-points. Here we report baseline patient characteristics.Results: 166 patients were enrolled between November 2016 and March 2019. Baseline characteristics were: mean age 44 years (mean age at disease onset: 39 years), 139/166 (83.7%) had prior treatment, 71/166 patients (42.8%) had ≥ 1 recurrence after treatment of their primary tumor, 76/136 (55.9%) visited a medical specialist ≥ 5 times, and 66/116 (56.9%) missed work in the 24 months prior to baseline, and 17/166 (11.6%) changed employment status or retired prematurely due to disease burden. Prior treatment consisted of surgery (i.e., arthroscopic, open synovectomy) (128/166; 77.1%), and systemic treatments (52/166; 31.3%) with imatinib (19/52; 36.5%) or pexidartinib (27/52; 51.9%). Treatment strategies at baseline visits consisted mainly of watchful waiting (81/166; 48.8%), surgery (41/166; 24.7%), or targeted systemic therapy (37/166; 22.3%). Patients indicated for treatment reported more impairment compared to patients indicated for watchful waiting: worst stiffness NRS 5.16/3.44, worst pain NRS 6.13/5.03, PROMIS-PF 39.48/43.85, and EQ-5D VAS 66.54/71.85.Conclusion: This study confirms that diffuse-type TGCT can highly impact quality of life. A prospective observational registry in rare disease is feasible and can be a tool to collect curated-population reflective data in orphan diseases.
Effect of Inhibition of GLUT1 Expression and Autophagy Modulation on the Growth and Migration of Laryngeal Carcinoma Stem Cells under Hypoxic and Low-Glucose Conditions
Authors: Zhou Shui-Hong , Chen Xiao-Hong , Liu Jia , Zhong Jiang-Tao , Fan Jun
Published: April 2020

Background: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy are means by which cells adapt to stressful microenvironments. We investigated the roles of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and autophagy in laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.Methods: CD133+ Tu212 laryngeal carcinoma stem cells were purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting and subjected to hypoxic and/or low-glucose conditions. Proliferation was evaluated using a cell-counting kit and a clone-formation assay, and migration was evaluated through a Transwell assay. Autophagy was assessed via transmission electron microscopy. GLUT-1 and beclin-1 expression were silenced using an shRNA and autophagy was manipulated using rapamycin, 3-MA, or chloroquine. Gene expression levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and protein concentrations were assessing via Western blotting.Results: Compared to CD133– stem cells, CD133+ cells showed increased proliferation and migration, and reduced apoptosis, under hypoxic or low-glucose conditions. They also showed increased expression of GLUT-1 and autophagy markers. Finally, GLUT-1 knockdown or autophagy inhibition reduced their proliferation and migration.Conclusions: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy maintain the functions of CD133+ laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.
ABCC7/CFTR Expression is Down-regulated in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho Jesus , Villeda-Ramírez Marco Antonio , Meza-Guillen Daniela , Barreto-Zúñiga Rafael
Published: April 2020

Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn´s disease (CD) of unknown etiology. The expression of ATP Binding Cassette Family proteins (ABC) has been associated with drug resistance and development of UC. The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) or also known as ABCC7 is involved in the inflammatory chronic response. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of ABCC7/CFTR in UC patients and normal controls without inflammation. Results A total of 62 patients with UC and normal controls were included. We found a significant downregulation of CFTR gene expression in patients with active UC compared to remission UC and normal controls without inflammation (P<0.004 and P<0.0001 respectively) even the gene expression of CFTR was decreased in remission UC patients compared to normal controls (P=0.047). The CFTR gene expression was associated with persistent activity of UC and young age at diagnosis before 40 years. The protein expression of CFTR was decreased in severe active UC patients compared to normal controls without inflammation. Conclusion The CFTR gene and protein expression were significantly decreased in active UC patients and it was also associated with clinical outcomes.
Gait Kinematics of Patients with Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries of Ankle
Authors: Zheng Bin , Liu Xin , Zhang Dezheng , Guo Qinwei , Zhang Zhongshi
Published: April 2020

Background Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries of ankle are a common problem in sports medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the walking kinematics in patients with LCL injuries of ankle for examining how ankle ligament injuries affect foot and ankle motion. The results will serve in precision assessment and computer-aided diagnosis. Methods Kinematics of walking were assessed by the Heidelberg Foot Measurement Model (HFMM) in 6 adults (3 patients, 3 control subjects). We hypothesized that patients with ligament injury will: present a shorter stance phase, but longer swing phase; be observed with an increasing number of shank and foot adjustments during the stance phase; reduce velocity of foot during the early swing phase with an increasing variation. Velocity profiles and micro-adjustment of knee, ankle, and foot were calculated during different gait phases and compared between two different subject groups by independent-sample t-test with 95% confidence intervals and standard error of measurements. Results In the gait cycle, 1 st rocker phase was 2.09% shorter (p < 0.001) and 2 nd rocker phase was 1.54% longer (p = 0.009) in patients than in controls. Compared to control subjects, the patients showed 89.1 mm shorter stride length (p<0.001), 0.10s slower stride (p<0.001) and 1.57 more complex micro-adjustments in 2 nd rocker phase than in other rocker/swing phases during natural walking (p=0.017). The mean velocity of knee (6.05 mm/10 -2 s vs. 4.74 mm/10 -2 s), ankle (0.85 mm/10 -2 s vs. 0.52 mm/10 -2 s), midfoot (0.79 mm/10 -2 s vs. 0.48 mm/10 -2 s) and forefoot (1.72 mm/10 -2 s vs. 0.97 mm/10 -2 s) in 2 nd rocker was significantly higher in patients (p<0.001). Conclusion Our findings revealed the human motion compensatory mechanism. Patients with ligament injuries need more musculoskeletal adjustments to keeping body balance than control subjects. Precise descriptions of the kinematics are crucial for clinical assessment before and after surgical management. These results will also provide a foundation for computer-aided diagnosis in the future. Key Terms ankle ligaments, gait analysis, Heidelberg Foot Measurement Model, foot and ankle kinematics, phase/rocker, physical therapy/rehabilitation.
Predicting Gleason score upgrade from biopsy pathology to radical prostatectomy specimens: a new nomogram and internal validation
Authors: Tian Ye , Wang Xiaochuan , Zhang Yu , Zhang Fengbo , Ji Zhengguo , Yang Peiqian
Published: April 2020

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate the discrepancy of Gleason score (GS) between biopsy pathology and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and to determine the predictors followed by constructing a nomogram for Gleason sum upgrade (GSU). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained prostate cancer (PCa) database. 166 patients who underwent RP following biopsy from October 2012 to September 2019 were enrolled after selection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were sequentially performed to determine the independent predictors. Nomogram was constructed based on independent predictors and receiver operating curve was undertaken to estimate the discrimination. Calibration curve was carried out to assess the concordance between predictive probabilities and true risks. Results: GS concordance rate was 40.4%, whilst GSU was 43.4%. There exists no statistical significance in distribution between global GS and highest GS. The independent predictors are PSA (prostate specific antigen), GPC (greatest percentage of cancer), clinical T-stage and PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score in the multivariate model. Our model showed good discrimination performance (area under the curve, 0.714). Our developed nomogram was validated internally with good calibration. The model underestimated the risk at the probability range 52-68% and below 28%. The overestimate risk was at the range 29-51% and above 69%. Conclusions: Utilization of basic clinical variables (PSA and T-stage) combined with imaging variable (PI-RADS score) and pathological variable (GPC) increases the predictive accuracy of GSU nomogram improves performance in predicting actual probabilities. From a clinical standpoint, our new nomogram may provide urologists a tool for assessing the risk and making treatment decision for PCa patients.
Enhanced PRL-1 expression in placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells accelerates hepatic function via mitochondrial dynamics in a cirrhotic rat model
Authors: Kim Jae Yeon , Choi Jong Ho , Jun Ji Hye , Park Sohae , Jung Jieun , Bae Si Hyun , Kim Gi Jin
Published: April 2020

Background: Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) have been highlighted as an alternative cell therapy agent that becomes a next-generation stem cell treatment because of several advantages, including therapeutic effects in regenerative medicine and potential as vehicles for targeted gene delivery systems. Phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1), an immediate early gene, plays a critical role during liver regeneration. However, whether enhanced PRL-1 expression in cirrhotic liver accelerates the mitochondrial metabolic state for hepatic regeneration remains unknown. Here, we generated enhanced PRL-1 in PD-MSCs (PD-MSCsPRL-1, PRL-1+) using lentiviral and nonviral gene delivery systems and investigated mitochondrial functions by PD-MSCPRL-1 transplantation for hepatic functions in a rat model with bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: PD-MSCsPRL-1 were generated by lentiviral and non-viral AMAXA gene delivery systems and analyzed for their characteristics and mitochondrial metabolic functions. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats induced liver cirrhosis using common BDL for 10 days. PKH67+ naïve and PD-MSCsPRL-1 using a non-viral system (2x106 cells/animal) were intravenously administered into cirrhotic rats. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks after transplantation and engraftment of stem cells, and histopathological analysis and hepatic mitochondrial functions were performed. Results: PD-MSCsPRL-1 using lentiviral and non-viral AMAXA systems were successfully generated, and they maintained characteristics similar to those of naïve cells. PD-MSCsPRL-1 improved respirational metabolic states in mitochondria compared with naïve cells. In particular, compared with mitochondria in PD-MSCsPRL-1 generated by the nonviral AMAXA system, mitochondria in PD-MSCsPRL-1 generated by the lentiviral system showed a significant increase in the respirational metabolic state, including ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis (*p<0.05). Furthermore, transplantation of PD-MSCsPRL-1 using a nonviral AMAXA system promoted engraftment into injured target liver tissues of a rat cirrhotic model with BDL and enhanced the metabolism of mitochondria via increased mtDNA and ATP production, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: Our findings will further our understanding of the therapeutic mechanism of enhanced MSCs and provide useful data for the development of next-generation MSC-based cell therapy and therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine in liver disease.