bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of pro-inflammatory neutrophils and C-reactive protein in cancer patient with COVID-19: a multi-center, retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yu Yuanhang , Herbet Shawna , Zhang Yue , Lu Jianhua , Liu Shihua , Xie Fang , Zhao Liang , Lei Xiao , Deng Wei , Chen Jianying , Li Yunqiao
Published: July 2020

Background: At present, the epidemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly engulfed the world. Inflammatory cytokines are associated with the severity and outcomes of patients with COVID-19. However, the effects of pro-inflammatory factors in cancer patients with COVID-19 are unknown. Methods: A multi-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study, based on 5 designated tertiary hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 in Hubei Province, China. 112 cancer patients with COVID-19, and 105 COVID-19 patients without cancer were enrolled in the study between January 1 st , 2020 and April 30 th , 2020. The risk assessment of pro-inflammatory factors for disease severity and clinical adverse outcomes was identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Of the 112 cancer patients with COVID-19, 40 (35.7%) patients were in critical condition and 18 (16.1%) patients died unfortunately. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that hemoglobin count and pro-inflammatory neutrophil and C-reactive protein, can be used as independent factors affecting the severity of COVID-19; Meanwhile, pro-inflammatory neutrophils and C-reactive protein can be used as an independent influencing factor for adverse clinical outcome. Moreover, the dynamic changes of neutrophils and C-reactive protein were also presented, and compared with COVID-19 patients without cancer, cancer patients with COVID-19 showed higher neutrophil counts and C-reactive protein levels. Conclusions: In cancer patients with COVID-19, the significant increase in pro-inflammatory neutrophil and C-reactive protein indicated a more critical illness and adverse clinical outcome, and pro-inflammatory neutrophils and C-reactive protein played a more adverse effect compare with COVID-19 patients without cancer, which may be the cause of critical illness and adverse clinical outcomes of cancer patients with COVID-19.
A Comparison Between the Effects of Manual Therapy Plus Sexual Advice With Manual Therapy Alone in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Study Protocol
Authors: Danazumi Musa Sani , Yakasai Abdulsalam Mohammed , Ibrahim Shehu Usman , Shehu Usman Tijjani , Abubakar Mubarak Falke , Zakari Usman Usman
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of manual therapy plus sexual advice (MT+SA) with manual therapy alone (MTA) in the management of individuals with low back pain (LBP). Methods: A total of 208 individuals diagnosed with LBP secondary to lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy (LDHR) will be randomly (computer-generated block randomization) assigned into 2 treatment groups; 104 participants each in (MT+SA) and (MTA) groups. Each participant will be assessed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intervention and then at 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. Outcomes to be assessed will include both self-report (pain, disability, sciatica bothersomeness and sciatica frequency), and objective outcomes (gait speed and dynamic isometric abdominal strength). Repeated measures ANOVA with intervention (MT+SA and MTA) as the between-subject variable and time (weeks 4, 8 and 12, months 6, 9 and 12) as the within-subject variable will be used to analyze treatment effects. Discussion: This study will determine if the addition of sexual advice to manual therapy will yield better outcomes than when manual therapy alone is administered to individuals with LBP secondary to LDHR. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR202002785212512.
Effectiveness of nutrition interventions and approaches used for Management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Children of age 6-59 months – A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Samnani Amir Ali , Azim Mehak
Published: July 2020

Background:In year 2019 approximately 47.0 million children under five were wasted of which 32.3 million were moderately & remaining 14.3 million were severely wasted. Acute malnutrition has been estimated to be responsible for almost 12.6% of under five deaths globally. If remained untreated moderate Acute malnutrition (MAM) is likely to progress to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Both prevention and treatment of MAM are, therefore, likely to improve under-five survival globally. Therefore, this review aimed in determining the effectiveness of different approaches used for the management of MAM in Children 6-59 months of age in comparison with WHO Protocol for the management of MAM.Methods:Systematic review of Quantitative literature on Management of MAM in children 6-59 months using two electronic data bases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) and search engine (google scholars). Use of Grey literature, manual search and cross referencing were also performed. PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to this review. Total 14 studies out of XXXX were available for full text review based on eligibility criteria. Data extraction sheet was designed to extract relevant information. Overall Quality appraisal of included studies will be undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for RCTs and New castle checklist for other studies. Data Synthesis will be done using Review Manager software version 5.3.Discussion: Acute malnutrition is a continuum condition, but severe and moderate forms are treated separately This review findings would expect to explore the effective interventions and approaches undertaken for the management of MAM; in order to support and advocate for uniform, effective, simpler and sustainable approach for its management and to ensure that all MAM children should have access to treatment and hence not been neglected or awaited till the situation deteriorated to SAM. Systematic Review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020161404
A novel RNA binding protein-associated prognostic model to predict overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Ye , Qin Zhixiang , Yang Hai , Gu Yang , Li Kun
Published: July 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate from HCC persists at a substantial level. This research strives to establish a prognostic model based on the RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that can predict HCC patients’ OS.

Methods

There was an RNA-seq data set derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databank which was included in our research as well as a Microarray data set (GSE14520). The differentially expressed RBPs between HCC and normal tissues were investigated in TCGA dataset. Subsequently, the TCGA data set was randomly split into a training and a testing cohort. The prognostic model of the training cohort was developed by applying univariate Cox regression and lasso Cox regression analyses and multivariate Cox regression analysis. In order to evaluate the prognostic value of the model, a comprehensive survival assessment was conducted.

Results

A total of 133 differentially expressed RBPs were identified. Five RBPs (RPL10L, EZH2, PPARGC1A, ZNF239, IFIT1) were used to construct the model. The model accurately predicted the prognosis of liver cancer patients in both the TCGA cohort and the GSE14520 validation cohort. HCC patients could be assigned into a high-risk group and a low-risk group by this model, and the overall survival of these two groups was significantly different. Furthermore, the risk scores obtained by our model were highly correlated with immune cell infiltration. .

Conclusions

Five RBPs-related prognostic models were constructed and validated to predict OS reliably in HCC individuals. It helps to identify patients at high risk of mortality with the risk prediction score, which optimizes personalized therapeutic decision-making.
Reconstructing the Household Transmission of Influenza in the Suburbs of Tokyo Based on Clinical Cases
Authors: Saito Masaya Masayoshi , Hirotsu Nobuo , Hamada Hiroka , Takei Mio , Honda Keisuke , Baba Takamichi , Hasegawa Takahiro , Kitanishi Yoshitake
Published: July 2020

Background Influenza is a public health issue that needs to be addressed strategically and assessment of detailed infectious profiles is important for that. Household transmission data have played a key role for estimating these profiles. From one clinic’s influenza diagnostic and questionnaire-based data, we aimed to estimate the detailed infectious period (incubation, symptomatic and infective, and extended infective after recovery) and secondary attack ratio (SAR) for each household size of influenza by using modified Cauchemez-type model.Results The data source was derived from enrolled patients with confirmed influenza who were treated at the Hirotsu Clinic (Kawasaki, Japan) with a neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) during the 6 Northern Hemisphere influenza seasons between 2010 and 2016. A total of 2,342 outpatients representing 1,807 households were included. For influenza type A, average incubation period and its 95% probability interval was 1.43 (0.03-5.32) days. Estimated average symptomatic and infective period was 1.76 (0.33-4.62) days and point estimated extended infective period after recovery was 0.25 days. Estimated SAR elevated from 20% to 32% as household size increases from 3 to 5. For influenza type B, average incubation period, average symptomatic and infective period, and extended infective period were estimated 1.66 (0.21-4.61) days, 2.62 (0.54-5.75) days and 1.00 days, respectively. SAR was increased 12% to 21% as household size increases from 3 to 5.Conclusion All estimated periods of influenza type B were longer than those of influenza type A. On the other hands, SAR of type B was less than that of type A. These results may reflect Japanese demographics and treatment policy. It is useful to understand the infectious profiles of influenza for examining public health measures.
How Mathematical Modeling Could Contribute to the Quantification of Metastatic Tumor Burden Under Therapy: Insights in Immunotherapeutic Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Schlicke Pirmin , Kuttler Christina , Schumann Christian
Published: July 2020

Background: Cancer is one of the leading death causes globally with about 8.2 million deaths per year and an increase in numbers in recent years. About 90% of cancer deaths do not occur due to primary tumors but due to metastases, of which most are not clinically identifiable because of their relatively small size at primary diagnosis and limited technical possibilities. However, therapeutic decisions are formed depending on the existence of metastases and their properties. Therefore non-identified metastases might have huge influence in the treatment outcome. The quantification of clinically visible and invisible metastases is important for the choice of an optimal treatment of the individual patient as it could clarify the burden of non-identifiable tumors as well as the future behavior of the cancerous disease. Results: The mathematical model presented in this study gives insights in how this could be achieved, taking into account different treatment possibilities and therefore being able to compare therapy schedules for individual patients with different clinical parameters. The framework was tested on three patients with NSCLC, one of the deadliest types of cancer worldwide, and clinical history including platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy. Results yield promising insights into the framework to establish methods to quantify effects of different therapy methods and prognostic features for individual patients already at stage of primary diagnosis.
Leveraging DNA methylation quantitative-trait loci to characterize the relationship between metabolic traits and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liu Di , Yu Zhiyuan , Cao Weijie , Wang Youxin , Meng Qun
Published: July 2020

Background: The relationship between DNA methylation, common metabolic risk and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not well understood.Methods: Summary statistics integrating DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) and several genome-wide association study data were used. Network with bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to examine the causal association among metabolic traits, DNA methylation and AD.Results: Our study showed that cis-mQTLs determined DNA methylation to higher total cholesterol (TC) was associated with higher AD risk (β [95% CI] =0.007 [0.002-0.013], P=0.005). The findings were robust in sensitivity analyses with different instrumental variables. We found no evidence to support causal associations of cis-mQTLs determined obesity and T2D with AD, and vice versa.Conclusion: Overall, our study showed that the cis-mQTLs determined DNA methylation to higher TC was associated with higher AD risk, whereas the relation of cis-mQTLs determined AD and metabolic dysregulation was unlikely to be causal.
SEBS colonized in ileal mucosa, optimized bacterial composition, improved Se level and activated TLR2－NF-kB1 signaling pathway to regulate β-defensin 1 expression
Authors: Yang Jiajun , Wang Jing , Zhang Minhong , Wu Dong , Zhan Kai , Wang Chonglong , Wu Yijing , Yu Pengcheng , Liu Zongliang , Huang Kehe , Wei Zhanyong
Published: July 2020

Background

Both selenium (Se) and probiotic bacillus improve immunity. Beta defensin 1 (BD1), a component of intestinal mucosal immunity, could be up-regulated in dietary selenium enriched bacillus subtilis (SEBS) supplementation. SEBS was supplemented in the culture medium of mouse intestinal crypt cells and the diets of chicks to observe the effects of SEBS on BD1 in the intestine by colonization of bacillus subtilis, its recognition and signaling pathway, bacterial composition optimization, and biological functions of Se.
Results

BD1 was formed in intestinal crypt cells and secreted into the lumen through the villi brush border. BD1 was up-regulated in distal ileum segments with SEBS and bacillus subtilis colonization. This occurred through the recognition of toll like receptor 2 and the NF-kB1 signaling pathway (TLR2-MyD88།NF-kB1), this increased expression was further enhanced with Se combination. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were up-regulated with bacillus subtilis supplementation, while this up-regulation was inhibited with Se. Colonization of bacillus subtilis in distal segments of the ileum improved bacterial diversity, while reducing the number of endogenous Salmonella and lactobacilli sp. in ileal mucous membranes with SEBS supplementation. Species of unclassified Lachnospiraceae, uncultured Anaerosporobacter, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Peptococcus, and Lactobacillus salivarius, and unclassified Butyricicoccus were substantial in ileal mucous membranes to promote BD1 concentration.
Conclusion

SECB, colonized in the ileal mucous membrane, optimized bacterial composition, enhanced BD1 secretion through activation of the TLR2-MyD88།NF-kB1 signaling pathway, and reduced pro-inflammatory factors. Our results suggest a new avenue for the combination of probiotic bacteria and essential micro-element selenium to improve intestinal mucosal immunity, increase defense against cold stress, and reduce illness incidence and mortality.
Analysis of the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Continuum of the Care in a Cohort of HIV-Positive Patients Followed in a Single Center of Northern Italy.
Authors: Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Magro Paola , Carriero Canio , Chiesa Annacarla , Hamad Issa El , Tratta Elena , Fazio Raffaella , Formenti Beatrice , Castelli Francesco
Published: July 2020

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals faced increasing pressure, where HIV patients risked to either acquire SARS-Cov-2 and to interrupt the HIV continuum of care.Methods: retrospective, observational study. We compared the numbers of medical visits performed, antiretroviral drugs dispensed and the number of new HIV diagnosis and of hospitalizations in a cohort of HIV patients followed by the Spedali Civili of Brescia, between the bimester of the COVID-19 pandemic peak and the bimester of October-November 2019.Results: We observed a reduction in the number of new HIV diagnosis from 6.4 in 2019 to 2.5 per month in 2020, a raise of missed visits from 5% to 8%, a drop in ART dispensation especially for not-protease inhibitors and an increase of hospitalized HIV patients due to COVID-19.Conclusions: Our experience highlights the importance of a resilient healthcare system and the need to implement new strategies in order to guarantee the continuum of HIV care even in the context of emergency.
Association Between Neck Circumference and Poor Outcome in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.
Authors: Li Yujian , Zhou Huiqing , Yang Xiang , Zheng Jun , Zhang Fan , Xu Mangmang , Li Hao
Published: July 2020

Background: Obesity is one of the major risk factors of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Neck circumference (NC) is an indicator of obesity, and little is known about the role of NC in patients with ICH. This study aimed to assess the association between NC and functional outcome in ICH patients.Methods: We prospectively analyzed data of ICH patients who received treatment at our institution from January 2018 to November 2019. Patients were categorized as two groups according to 180-day Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess whether NC was associated with poor outcome in ICH patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to manifest the significance of NC in predicting the functional outcome of ICH patients.Results: A total of 312 patients were enrolled in our study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that NC was an independent predictor of 180-day poor functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.205, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.075-1.350, p = 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that NC could predict poor functional outcome at 6 months.Conclusion: NC is an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcome at 6 months in ICH patients.
Associations of Living Environment and Lifestyle Factors with Sub-Health Status: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Urban China
Authors: Feng Yefang , Xue Yunlian , Liu Guihao , Xu Mengyao , Jiang Lijie , Lin Yuanqi , Wu Chengkai , Li Wenyuan , Xu Jun
Published: July 2020

Background: Sub-health status (SHS) is an increasingly concerned issue with a high prevalence worldwide. Although some factors of lifestyle and environment has been study, few studies have determined comprehensively the associations of lifestyle and living environmental factors with general, physical, mental and social SHS. Methods: A cross-sectional face-to-face survey (Sep 2017 to Sep 2018) was conducted via questionnaire among 6,750 urban residents aged 14 years and above randomly selected from five Chinese cities. There were 5,881 valid questionnaires with a response rate of 87%. General linear model and structure equation model were developed to quantifying the effects of lifestyle behaviors and living environmental factors on SHS. Results: Detection rates of general SHS, physical SHS, mental SHS and social SHS were 66.7%, 67.0%, 65.5% and 70.0%, respectively. Significant association of general SHS, physical SHS, mental SHS and social SHS had been found in smoking, bad dietary habits, breakfast consumption, physical exercise, sleep duration, air, neighbor harmony and living convenience, instead of noiseless. However, associations of general SHS, physical SHS, mental SHS and social SHS were different for second-hand smoking influence, alcohol consumption, sunshine, Bedtime before 11pm, surfing the internet, greenery, air, pleasant housing, spacious rooms and fitness facility. Good lifestyle behaviors and favorable living environment factors positively affected SHS (P<0.001). Lifestyle behaviors had the largest effect on physical SHS (β=-0.418), but the least on social SHS (β=-0.274). Living environmental factors had the largest effect on mental SHS (β=0.286), but the least on physical SHS (β=0.225). Conclusions: Lifestyle behaviors and living environmental factors were important influencing factors of SHS. Physical SHS was more associated with lifestyle. Lifestyle and living environment were similarly associated with mental and social SHS.
Winyanghuayin Decoction and Xiaoqinglong Decoction Treatment Airway Inflammation of Cold Asthma Through PI3K-mTOR Signal Pathway
Authors: chang xing , Lu Zhang , Qingxiang Zhang , Zhang tian , meng qingyan , yan peizheng , yan Liu
Published: July 2020

Background: Airway inflammation plays a pivotal role in cold asthma. Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction can significantly improve airway inflammation. The aim of the present study was to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction on OVA-induced cold asthma in rat and compare the effects of Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction for treatment of cold asthma ratsMethods: The cold asthma rat model was induced by OVA and ice water swim stress, treated with Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction respectively. The pulmonary function of asthmatic rats was detected by MIR Spirolab; The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining; The autophagy in the lung of rats were observed by transmission electron microscopy; The eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and total cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted under light microscope. The expression of IL-10\IL-13\TNF-α and TGF-β1 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); The protein level of LC3-II\I, ATG, PI3K and mTOR expression in lung tissues were detected by Western blot; Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected the expression of autophagy gene ATG3\ATG5\ATG7 and ATG12.Results: Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction can alleviate airway inflammation and improve airway hyper-responsiveness, significantly increased the level of autophagy in lung tissue and decreased the protein level of PI3K and mTOR in lung tissue of cold asthma rats. Winyanghuayin decoction have better regulation ability on autophagy and PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway.Conclusion: Winyanghuayin decoction and Xiaoqinglong decoction may alleviate the airway inflammation symptoms by enhancing autophagy in lung tissue dependent on the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway. Winyanghuayin decoction was more effective than Xiaoqinglong decoction for treatment of cold asthma.
Intracranial Delivery of Synthetic mRNA Using Common Transfection Reagent
Authors: Peng Hao , Guo Xingrong , He Jinjuan , Zhang Li , Fu Rui , Wang Bin , Wang Dekang , Cai Fenglin , Chen Hu , Zhang Xianghua , Gui Hui , Xin Jinxin , Dai Longjun , Tang Xiangjun , Luo Jie
Published: July 2020

Background: Owing to messenger RNA’s unique biological advantages, it has received increasing attention to be used as a therapeutic gene carrier, known as mRNA-based gene therapy. It is critical to precisely deliver specific mRNA into targeted part of the body to achieve effective treatment.Methods: In the present study, a mouse model of intracranial delivery of synthetic mRNA was established using commonly used transfection reagent. Synthetic luciferase mRNAs were wrapped with two different transfection reagents and microinjected into the brain at the fixed point. The expression status of delivered mRNA was monitored by a small animal imaging system. The possible reagent-induced biological toxicity was evaluated by behavioral and blood biochemical measurements. Synthetic modified TRAIL mRNA was also used as an example of therapeutic application.Results: This model demonstrated that synthetic mRNA could be successfully delivered into the brain with commonly used transfection reagents without measurable toxicity. The expression of exogenous mRNA persisted in a reasonable period following intracranial injection.Conclusions: This mouse model of intracranial delivery of synthetic mRNA can be applied in preclinical studies of mRNA-based gene therapy.
Preliminary clinical study of LenSx femtosecond laser-assisted limbal relaxing incision on correction of high myopia with low to moderate astigmatism in posterior implantable collamer lens implantation
Authors: Zhu Miaomiao , Zhongxiu Zhao , Liu Xialu , Peng Yanli
Published: July 2020

BackgroundTo evaluate the safety, efficacy, and predictability of the LenSx femtosecond laser-assisted limbal relaxing incision (LRI) for correction of high myopia with low to moderate corneal astigmatism (-0.75 to -1.50D) in implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL).MethodsThis prospective clinical control study included 56 eyes from 46 patients. They were divided into an ICL group with ICL implantation (14 patients,16 eyes); a TICL group with toric ICL implantation (17 patients, 23 eyes); and a LenSx + ICL group with a LenSx femtosecond laser-assisted LRI and an ICL implantation (15 patients, 17 eyes). The visual acuity, astigmatism correction ability and visual quality were measured before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.ResultsThe postoperative visual acuity of the 3 groups were higher than the preoperative visual acuity (P < 0.01), and the improvements in the LenSx + ICL group and the TICL group were greater than those in the ICL group (P < 0.01). The LenSx + ICL and TICL groups had less residual astigmatism and higher astigmatism correction index (CI) than the ICL group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the three groups of total high order aberrations (HOAs) before and after surgery (P > 0.05).ConclusionLenSx femtosecond laser-assisted LRI combined with ICL implantation can effectively correct low to moderate corneal astigmatism in high myopia. Compared with TICL implantation, it can achieve similar clinical effects in the short term.Trial registrationThis article has been retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry in 10 June 2019. (NO: ChiCTR1900023743).
Appropriate insertion point for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine using c-arm fluoroscopy: a cadaveric study
Authors: Xu Wei-Xing , Ding Wei-Guo , Xu Bin , Hu Tian-Hong , Sheng Hong-Feng , Zhu Jia-Fu , Zhu Xiao-Long
Published: July 2020

Background : We studied the characteristics and regularity of appropriate insertion points for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine using C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy to improve the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement and reduce the incidence of superior-level facet joint violation.Methods: Six normal spinal specimens were included. Three different methods for placing percutaneous pedicle screws in the lumbar spine were applied, including the Roy-Camille method, Magerl method and Weinstein method. The relationships among the insertion point, pedicle projection and proximal facet joint on C-arm X-ray films were studied. The projection morphology of the vertebral pedicle in different segments of the lumbar spine was observed. The relationship between the outer edge of the pedicle projection and the outer edge of the cranial articular process was also studied. The distance between the insertion point and the facet joint (M1), the distance between the insertion point and outer edge of the cranial articular process (M2), and the distance between the insertion point and the projection center of the pedicle (M) were measured.Results: In this study, we found that the projection shape of the vertebral pedicle differed across segments of the lumbar spine: the shape for L1-L3 was oval, and that for L4-L5 was round. The radiographic study showed that the outer edge of the cranial articular process was located on the lateral side of the outer edge of the pedicle projection and did not overlap with the pedicle projection. M for the Weinstein group was larger than that for the Roy-Camille group (P < 0.05). M1 for the Weinstein group was larger than that for the Roy-Camille and Magerl groups (P < 0.05). M2 for the Roy-Camille group was negative, M2 for the Magerl group was 0, and M2 for the Weinstein group was positive.Conclusion: Under C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy, we were able to accurately identify the characteristics and regularity of the appropriate insertion point for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine, which was important for improving the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement and reducing the incidence of superior-level facet joint violation.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Evaluating a Web- and Telephone-based Personalised Exercise Intervention for Individuals Living With Metastatic Prostate Cancer (Exerciseguide): Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Evans Holly EL , Forbes Cynthia C , Galvão Daniel A , Vandelanotte Corneel , Newton Robert U , Wittert Gary , Chambers Suzanne , Vincent Andrew D , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Brook Nicholas , Girard Danielle , Short Camille E
Published: July 2020

Introduction:Preliminary research has shown the effectiveness of supervised exercise-based interventions in alleviating sequela resulting from metastatic prostate cancer. Despite this, many individuals do not engage in sufficient exercise to gain the benefits. There are many barriers which limit the uptake of face-to-face exercise in this population including lack of suitable facilities, remoteness, access to experts, significant fatigue, urinary incontinence, and motivation. Technology-enabled interventions offer a distance-based alternative. This protocol describes a pilot two-armed randomised controlled study that will investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an online exercise and behavioural change tool (ExerciseGuide) among individuals with metastatic prostate cancer.Methods:Sixty-six participants with histologically diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer will be randomised into either the eight-week intervention or a wait-list control. The intervention arm will have access to a tailored website, remote supervision, and three tele-coaching sessions to enhance support and adherence. Algorithms will individually prescribe resistance and aerobic exercise based upon factors such as metastasis location, pain, fatigue, confidence, and current exercise levels. Behavioural change strategies and education on exercise benefits, safety and lifestyle are also tailored through the website. The primary outcome will be intervention feasibility (safety, usability, acceptability, adherence). Secondary exploratory outcomes include changes in physical activity, quality of life, sleep, and physical function. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and week 9.Discussion:The study aims to determine the potential feasibilityof an online remotely-monitored exercise intervention developed for individuals with metastatic prostate cancer. If feasible, this pilot intervention will inform the design and implementation of further distance-based interventions.Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12614001268639. Registered 10th December 2018, https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12618001979246.aspx
Influence of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) on Patients Receiving Lung Resection: A Retrospective Study with 1,749 Cases
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Lai Yutian , Li Pengfei , Su Jianhua , Che Guowei
Published: July 2020

Background the study was aimed to evaluate the outcomes following implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.Method a retrospective cohort study with 1,749 patients with lung cancer undergoing pulmonary resection was conducted. Two time period of the patients were included for analyzing (routine pathway and ERAS pathway). Logistic regression analysis and nomogram model was created respectively to assess the risks of postoperative pulmonary complications.Results Among those 1,749 patients, 691 of them was stratified into ERAS group, compared to 1,058 in routine group. ERAS group presented shorter postoperative in-hospital length of stay (LOS) (4.0 vs 6.0, P<0.001), total LOS (10.0 VS. 13.0 days, P<0.001), lower total in-hospital cost (P<0.001) including material (P<0.001), and drug expense (P<0.001). Meanwhile, ERAS group presented lower occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) compared to routine group (15.2% vs. 19.5%, P=0.022). Likewise, a significantly lower occurrence of pneumonia (8.4% vs. 14.2%, P<0.001) or atelectasis (5.9% vs. 9.8%, P=0.004) was found in ERAS group. Regarding to Binary logistic regression, ERAS intervention was the independent factor for the occurrence of PPCs (OR: 0.601, 95%CI: 0.434-0.824, P=0.002). In addition, age (OR: 1.032, 95%CI: 1.018-1.046), COPD (OR: 1.792, 95%CI: 1.196-2.686), and FEV1(OR: 0.205, 95%CI: 0.125-0.339) were independent predictors for PPCs. A nomogram with a C-index of 0.663 was constructed.Conclusion implementation of an ERAS pathway shows improved postoperative outcomes including shortened LOS, less in-hospital cost, and reduced occurrence of PPCs, providing benefits of postoperative recovery for patients with lung cancer undergoing surgical treatment.Clinical registration number: ChiCTR1900022478
Extract of Corallodiscus Flabellata Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in Aging Mice via the Wnt/β-catenin/RAS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Bing , Zeng Mengnan , Si Yanpo , Zhang Beibei , Wang Yangyang , Xu Ruiqi , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng
Published: July 2020

Background: Renal fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aging accelerates renal fibrosis and further aggravates the process of CKD. Corallodiscus flabellata B. L. Burtt (C. flabellata) is a commonly used botanical drug in the Chinese population. However, few studies have reported its physiological effects. This study aimed to explore the effect of C. flabellata extract on renal fibrosis in aging mice and identify potentially active compounds. Methods: Using Senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice and β-galactosidase (β-gal)-induced normal rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK-52E cells) as a model, to explore the mechanism of C. flabellata extract on senescence-related renal fibrosis, and initially clarified the material basis of C. flabellata. Results: The C. flabellata extract reduced the senescence and fibrosis of the kidneys in SAMP8 mice by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) to balance oxidative stress and inflammation, and interrupting the fibrinogen signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin/renin–angiotensin system. Moreover, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (SDC-0-14, 16) and (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol-8-O-[4-O-trans-caffeoyl-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (SDC-1-8) were isolated compounds from C. flabellata, which reduced the senescence of NRK-52E cells, and maybe the material basis for the function of C. flabellata. Conclusion: Our experiments illuminated that the extract of C. flabellata may improve the aging-related renal fibrosis through the Wnt/β-catenin/RAS pathway, and the material basis of its function may be SDC-0-14, 16 and SDC-1- 8.
Impact of community gardening on lifestyles' sustainability: quantitative & qualitative evaluation of a natural experiment
Authors: Tharrey Marion , Sachs Ashby , Perignon Marlène , Simon Chantal , Mejean Caroline , Litt Jill , Darmon Nicole
Published: July 2020

Background: Despite the increasing number of studies on gardening and health, evidence of health benefits of community gardening is limited by cross-sectional design. The “JArDinS” quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the impact of community garden participation on the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles in French adults. Methods: Individuals starting gardening in community gardens in Montpellier (France) in 2018 (N=66) were compared to pairwise matched individuals with no experience in community gardening (N=66). Monthly household food supplies, physical activity measured by accelerometers and questionnaires on physical, mental and social well-being, sensitivity to food waste, and connection with nature were used to explore sustainability of lifestyles in social/health, environmental and economic dimensions. Data were collected at baseline (t0) and 12 months later (t1). Linear mixed models were used to determine the independent effect of community gardening on investigated lifestyles components. In-depth interviews were conducted at t1 with 15 gardeners to better understand changes that may have occurred in gardeners’ lives during the first year of gardening.Results: At t0, gardeners had lower education level, lower BMI and reported lower percentage of meals consumed outside of the home in total household meals compared to non-gardeners (p<0.05). At t1, the mean weight of fruit and vegetables harvested from the garden was 19.5g/d/p. Participating in the community garden had no significant impact on any of the social/health, environmental and economic lifestyle components investigated. Qualitative interviews suggested the existence of pre-established health and environmental consciousness in some gardeners and revealed several barriers to the participation such as lack of time, lack of gardening knowledge, difficulty of gardening, health problems and conflicts with other gardeners. Conclusions: Using a longitudinal design allowing causality assessment, no impact was observed of the first year of community gardening on lifestyle sustainability. The pre-established sensitivity to sustainability and the various barriers encountered by new gardeners might explain the absence of community gardening impact. Further rigorous longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether or not community gardening is a relevant public health tool.Trial registration: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03694782. Date of registration: 3rd October 2018, retrospectively registered.
The Effect of SOCS2 Polymorphisms on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Susceptibility and Diabetic Complications in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Pan Juan , Tong Rui , Deng Qing , Tian Yanni , Wang Ning , Peng Yanqi , Fei Sijia , Zhang Wei , Cui Jiaqi , Guo Chaoying , Yao Juanchuan , Cui Wei , Xu Jing
Published: July 2020

Propose: We explored the effect of SOCS2 polymorphisms on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic complications.Methods: The subjects consisted of 500 T2DM patients and 501 healthy volunteers. Five variants in SOCS2 were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY system. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Results: Rs3825199 (OR = 1.44, p = 0.007), rs11107116 (OR = 1.39, p = 0.014) and rs10492321 (OR = 1.48, p = 0.004) had the increased T2DM risk. Moreover, the contribution of SOCS2 polymorphisms to T2DM risk was associated with age, gender, smoking and drinking and BMI. SOCS2 variants also had the reduced risk for T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and coronary heart disease.Conclusions: This study firstly reported that rs3825199, rs11107116 and rs10492321 in SOCS2 conferred to the increased risk for T2DM occurrence in the Chinese Han population.
Impact of meteorology and air pollution on Covid-19 pandemic transmission in Lombardy region, Northern Italy
Authors: Lolli Simone , Chen Ying-Chieh , Wang Sheng-Hsiang , Vivone Gemine
Published: July 2020

Italy was the first, among all the European countries, to be strongly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2). The virus, proven to be very contagious, infected more than 9 million people worldwide (in June 2020). Nevertheless, it is not clear the role of air pollution and meteorological conditions on virus transmission. In this study, we quantitatively assessed how the meteorological and air quality parameters are correlated to the Covid-19 transmission in Lombardy (Northern Italy), the region epicenter of the virus outbreak. Our main findings highlight that temperature and humidity related variables are negatively correlated to the virus transmission, whereas air pollution (PM2.5) shows a positive correlation. In other words, Covid-19 pandemic transmission prefers dry and cool environmental conditions, as well as polluted air. For these reasons, the virus might easier spread in unfiltered air-conditioned environments. Those results will be supporting decision makers to contain new possible outbreaks.
The Safety of Viscum Album L. in A Murine Model: A Reproductive Toxicity Study
Authors: Ghelman Ricardo , Cernach Mirlene Cecília Soares Pinho , Ishigai Marcia Marcelino de Souza , Hosomi Jorge Kioshi , Simões Manuel de Jesus , Junior Luiz Kulay , Batista João Vitor da Costa , Delebinski Catharina , Seifert Georg , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama
Published: July 2020

Background: The use of antineoplasic drugs in pregnancy poses a huge safety challenge because of the risk of teratogenicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. The rational use of the herbal medicine Viscum album (VA) has shown promising results in several tumor lines as part of the strategy of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis in integrative oncology. The safety of intrauterine fetal exposure to VA is however unknown and can be further evidenced for therapeutic doses in pregnant cancer patients.Methods: 47 pregnant Wistar rats and 399 fetuses bred following exposure to VA were investigated. The rats were randomized into five groups. Control group (CG) received no treatment and stress group (SG) received daily vehicle subcutaneous injections alone in same volume as the treatment groups from day zero until the twentieth day of pregnancy. There were three treatments groups: therapeutic dose group (TG) received the usual therapeutic dose (UTD) of 0.013 mg/kg BW; high dose group (HG) received 12.5 mg/kg BW and very high dose group (VHG) received 25mg/kg BW, daily.Results: Weight gain was greater in the rats, placentas and fetuses in the TG and HG compared to SG. Histology of the placentas showed a greater inflammatory process in HG and VHG.Conclusion: Since no cases of abortion, embryotoxicity, natimortality or teratogenicity were found in the fetuses and histology detected no lesions in the tissues evaluated, it is reasonable to conclude that this drug is safe for use in pregnant rats.
Adjoint-based Direct Data Assimilation of Gnss Time Series for Optimizing Frictional Parameters and Predicting Postseismic Deformation Following the 2003 Tokachi-oki Earthquake
Authors: Kano Masayuki , Miyazaki Shin'ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Hirahara Kazuro
Published: July 2020

PostseismicGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time seriesfollowed by megathrust earthquakes can be interpreted as a result of afterslip on the plate interface especially in its early phase. Afterslip is a stress release process accumulated by adjacent coseismic slip andcan be considered a recovery process for future events during earthquake cycles. Spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip often triggers subsequent earthquakes through stress perturbation. Therefore, it is important toquantitativelycapture the spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip and related postseismic crustal deformation and to predict their future evolution with a physics-based simulation. We developedanadjoint data assimilation method, which directly assimilates GNSS time series into a physics-based model to optimize the frictional parameters that control the slip behavior on the fault.The developed method was validated with synthetic data. Through the optimization of frictional parameters, the spatial distributions of afterslip can be roughly reproduced but not in detail if the observation noise is included. The optimization of frictional parameters provides not only the reproduction ofpostseismic displacements used for the assimilation but also the improvement in the prediction skill of the following time series. Then, we appliedthe developed method to the observed GNSS time series for the first 15 d following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. The frictional parameters in the afterslip regions were optimized to A-B ~ O(10 kPa), A ~ O(100 kPa), and L ~ O(10 mm). The large afterslip is inferred on the shallower side of the coseismic slip area. The optimized frictional parameters quantitatively predicted the postseismicGNSS time series for the following 15 d. These characteristics can be also detected if the simulation variables can be simultaneously optimized. The developed data assimilation method, which can be directly applied to GNSS time series following megathrust earthquakes, isan effective quantitative evaluation method for assessing risks of subsequent earthquakes and for monitoring the recovery process of megathrust earthquakes.
Effect of Low-and High-carbohydrate Diets on Swimming Economy: A Crossover Study
Authors: Bestard Merry A. , Rothschild Jeffrey A. , Crocker George Hayes
Published: July 2020

Background: Swimming economy refers to the rate of energy expenditure relative to swimming speed of movement, is inversely related to the energetic cost of swimming, and is as a key factor influencing endurance swimming performance. The objective of this study was to determine if high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) and low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets affect energetic cost of submaximal swimming.Methods: Eight recreational swimmers consumed two 3-d isoenergetic diets in a crossover design. Diets were tailored to individual food preferences, and macronutrient consumption was 69-16-16% and 16-67-18% carbohydrate-fat-protein for the HCLF and LCHF diets, respectively. Following each 3-d dietary intervention, participants swam in a flume at velocities associated with 50, 60, and 70% of their maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). Expired breath was collected and analyzed while they swam which enabled calculation of the energetic cost of swimming. A paired t-test compared macronutrient distribution between HCLF and LCHF diets, while repeated-measures ANOVA determined effects of diet and exercise intensity on physiological endpoints.Results: Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly higher in HCLF compared to LCHF (p = 0.003), but there were no significant differences in the rate of oxygen consumption (p = 0.499) or energetic cost of swimming (p = 0.324) between diets. Heart rate did not differ between diets (p = 0.712), but oxygen pulse, a non-invasive surrogate for stroke volume, was greater following the HCLF diet (p = 0.029).Conclusions: A 3-d high-carbohydrate diet increased carbohydrate utilization but did not affect swimming economy at 50-70% VO2max. Although these intensities are applicable to ultramarathon swims, future studies should use higher intensities that would be more relevant to shorter duration events.