bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Madd as Orthoepy Rather Than Orthography
Authors: van Putten Marijn
Published: May 2021

This article explores the function and distribution of the maddah sign throughout the history of the Islamic manuscript tradition. It demonstrates that, to date, descriptions have not adequately described its use, and it shows that rather than being a part of Classical Arabic orthography, medieval sources clearly indicate that the maddah sign was specifically used to express an orthoepic feature of Classical Arabic prose, namely madd, the pronunciation of vowels as overlong.
Fellowship in the Gospel: Scottish Baptists and their relationships with other Christian churches 1900-1945
Authors: Talbot Brian R.
Published: May 2021

This article provides an overview of the relationships between churches in the Baptist Union of Scotland and other Christian denominations, not only at home but also in an international context in the first half of the twentieth century. Consideration is also given to the impact of three para-church agencies on this Scottish denomination during this period of time. The article reveals a growing input to and confidence in the growth of ecumenical relations up to the 1940s, however, more critical questions were then raised concerning the direction of the inter-church movement, which would provide the stage for a more hesitant appraisal of ecumenism in the second half of the twentieth century.
Refining the conversation:
Authors: Thiessen Elmer J.
Published: May 2021

This article critically evaluates a growing trend among evangelical academics to reject the notion of a worldview and the related long-standing model of integrating faith and learning as espoused by Reformed scholars. It is argued instead that there are many models of Christian scholarship and higher education. I argue that we may be giving up worldview thinking and the Reformed model of integration of faith and learning too quickly and for the wrong reasons. While I agree that we must be open to other voices, conversations with the other must go somewhere. We must seek an ever more adequate model of Christian scholarship and education. The long-standing Reformed model of faith and learning might need refining, but not abandonment.
Who’s your daddy? Gendered birth images in the soteriology of the Epistle of James (1:14-15, 18, 21)
Authors: Baker William R.
Published: May 2021

A cohesive picture of the unique salvation world of the Epistle of James is achieved by taking the images of birth the author has provided that lead to a person’s death in 1:14-15 in order to fill in the mirrored images of 1:18 and 1:21 that lead to salvation. What emerges is a multi-generational allegory in which the union of a person with Desire births Sin who births Death, while the union of the Word of Truth (the gospel) with a person births a Christian who births Salvation. This allegorical conception of salvation helps provide a consistent framework for understanding the rest of the epistle. This is especially so with regard to the male identity of the Death pattern and the female identity of the Salvation pattern.
From either/or to yin/yang: the hyphenation of Christianity
Authors: Cook Rob
Published: May 2021

This article seeks to describe the nature and context of religious hyphenation or dual-belonging as it relates to Christianity. Some examples are provided along with an assessment which connects the phenomenon to mutual-fulfilment theology. This theology is defended and some precedents are suggested from both Scripture and Church history. Various objections to dual-belonging are then considered and rejected, and the article concludes with a plea for evangelicals to avoid a premature dismissal of hyphenation but rather to join in the debate of this important issue.
Predestination in the century before Gottschalk (Part 1)
Authors: Gumerlock Francis X.
Published: May 2021

Scholarship often regards the predestinarian ninth-century monk, Gottschalk of Orbais, as one who stood virtually alone promoting the sovereignty of God in a time when Semi-pelagian soteriology ruled supreme. An investigation of eighth and early ninth-century literature challenges that view. Some writings in the century before Gottschalk do reveal an influence of Pelagian and Semi-pelagian theology of grace, but the era also abounds with theological literature proclaiming the inability of human freedom to make salvific decisions and the priority of grace over free will.
A searchlight on daily bread (Matthew 6:11)
Authors: Derrett J. Duncan M.
Published: May 2021

Translations of Matt. 6:11 presuppose, erroneously, that the prayer was for material bread. The distinction between literal and metaphorical bread prevents this petition from being banal, out of keeping with the remainder of the prayer. Biblical texts which restore the true meaning include Deut. 8:3 and Isa. 55:1-4.

Current Jewish imagery identified lehem/artos as (1) the Law and so (2) a fine comestible. John 6:32-54 relies on this. The basic idea having been recovered, the problem of epiousios remains. Aramaic idiom lies behind it, unintelligible to non-Jews. One thinks of mêmra’ which means both the Word and its Author. A paraphrase, not a translation is called for. Metaphorical ‘bread’ would ensure life, membership of the Kingdom and obedience to the Will. Could a Greek neologism manage this? Epiousios could have meant ‘essential’.
Clement of Alexandria and penal substitutionary atonement
Authors: Ensor Peter
Published: May 2021

The article analyses Clement of Alexandria’s doctrine of the atonement, with special reference to the question whether it expresses a penal substitutionary understanding. Following mention of the problems associated with the task, and a survey of modern scholarship on the subject, the article identifies and comments on the relevant passages from Clement’s extant works, and concludes that, while Clement’s main theological interests lie elsewhere, there is clear evidence in his works for a penal substitutionary understanding of the atoning work of Christ on the cross. This evidence strengthens the view that this particular understanding of the cross was widely held in the Church during the postapostolic period.
For the wages of sin is… banishment: An unexplored substitutionary motif in Leviticus 16 and the ritual of the scapegoat
Authors: Gilchrest Eric
Published: May 2021

The ritual of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 has often been understood through the lens of substitution. Whereas substitution is typically thought of in terms of death, I wish to argue for a different kind of substitution – substitutionary banishment. By highlighting banishment as a consequence for sin, the scapegoat ritual can be read as a substitutionary act in which the goat receives the consequences meant for the Israelites – not death but banishment. Furthermore, using the categories of ‘psychological’ and ‘ontological’, I wish to show that God’s reasoning for the consequences is not related to an emotional wrath but is instead necessitated by his holy nature and the assumption that holy and unholy cannot coexist thus requiring the removal of one or the other. Instead of the removal of the Israelites, the scapegoat is removed – and along with it, the sins of Israel.
1 Timothy 3:16 – A new perspective
Authors: Martin Brice L.
Published: May 2021

‘The mystery of godliness’ may refer not only to Christ as saviour, but also as example. The six lines of 3:16b are based not on a chronology of the Christ event, or on noun couplets, or a chiastic structure that alternates between heaven and earth, but on personal roles in bringing salvation. The basic movement is the descent (line 1) and ascent (line 6) of Christ. The six lines present the role of God (1, 6), Christ (1), Holy Spirit (2), angels (3), and humans (4, 5) in saving sinners (cf. 1:15).
The Gospel and the Gospels
Authors: Dunn James D. G.
Published: May 2021

The origins of the word ‘gospel’ lie with Paul, who derived it from the Isaianic proclamation of a messenger of good news (Isa. 52:7; 61:1–2) and its influence on Jesus. Paul uses the term to refer to the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection, a message which brings salvation. Mark was influenced by Paul’s usage and makes the term describe the whole account of Jesus’s mission and preaching climaxing in Jesus’s death and resurrection. The other Gospels follow suit. This use is not contradictory to that of Paul, who undoubtedly taught much about Jesus’ life and teaching in his oral communication to the churches he founded. While a number of non-canonical writings claim the title ‘Gospel’, best known of which is the Gospel of Thomas, their presentation of Jesus’s message is too disparate to give confidence that their distinctive message originates with Jesus.
Omphalodes nedimeae (Boraginaceae), a new species from the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Authors: AYKURT CANDAN , SÜMBÜL HÜSEYİN , GÜLBEN MERTCAN , SARI DUYGU , KONURALP LEMAN YASEMİN
Published: May 2021

A new species of Omphalodes from the high mountain region of Kumluca (Antalya) is described here and named as O. nedimeae. A phylogenetic tree based on the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region suggests a close relationship with O. luciliae. The new species differs from the morphological similar species by having dense strigose hairs covering all vegetative parts and dense trichomes on its nutlets. We suggest that it should be in the “critically endangered” threat category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.
The floral morphology of Ferrocalamus rimosivaginus (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)
Authors: CAI ZHUO-YU , XIA NIAN-HE
Published: May 2021

Flowering material of Ferrocalamus rimosivaginus has been identified, allowing its analysis and description. The unit of inflorescence of the synflorescences of F. rimosivaginus is panicle-like and its fruit is berry-like. Ferrocalamus rimosivaginus differs from F. strictus in its rachilla puberulent except on its adaxial surface, the first glume with a glabrous apex, the abaxially glabrous lemma with an acute mucronate apex, and the palea with the surfaces between keels apically pubescent and progressively less pubescent towards the glabrous base. An epitype is designated to support the sterile holotype.
Phyllanthus sanatanadharmae (Phyllanthaceae): a new species from southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: MATHEW JOSE , YOHANNAN REGY
Published: May 2021

A new species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae: Eriococcus), P. sanatanadharmae, from the southern part of Western Ghats, India is described. Detailed taxonomic description and colour photographs are provided along with key to the section Eriococcus in Kerala region of Western Ghats.
Review of the genus Lesteva Latreille, 1797 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V. , ZANETTI ADRIANO
Published: May 2021

New taxonomic, diagnostic, and faunistic data for twelve species of the genus Lesteva Latreille, 1797 of the Iberian Peninsula and adjacent territories are provided. Six species are (re-) described and illustrated: L. (s.str.) aterrima Lohse, 1967, L. (s.str.) balearica Lohse, 1967, L. (s.str.) lusitana Lohse, 1955, L. (s.str.) mariei Jarrige, 1963, L. (s.str.) mateui Jarrige, 1954, and L. (s.str.) osellai Zanetti & Shavrin, sp.n. (Portugal, Spain). The following new synonymies are established: L. (s.str.) fontinalis Kiesenwetter, 1850 = L. (s.str.) fontinalis gustavi Herman, 2001 syn.n., L. (s.str.) mateui = L. cazorlana Lohse, 1987 syn.n., L. (s.str.) pubescens Mannerheim, 1830 = L. fageli Lohse, 1960 syn.n. A lectotype is designated for L. (s.str.) fontinalis. Images of habitus and aedeagi of L. (s.str.) aterrima, L. (s.str.) balearica, L. (s.str.) cazorlana, L. (s.str.) fontinalis, L. (s.str.) hanseni Lohse, 1953, L. (s.str.) mariei Jarrige, 1963, and L. (s.str.) pubescens are provided. A key to the species of Portugal and Spain, and a distributional map for some species are provided. New records are reported for L. (Lestevina) sicula heeri Fauvel, 1871 from Morocco, L. (s.str.) hanseni Lohse, 1953 and L. (s.str.) pubescens from Portugal, and L. (s.str.) mariei from Spain.
New records of Anomala tibialis Lansberge, 1886 and a new replacement name for Anomala tibialis Schaeffer, 1906 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anomalini)
Authors: SEIDEL MATTHIAS
Published: May 2021

The species Anomala tibialis Schaeffer, 1906 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anomalini) was described based on a single specimen from Texas, United States of America, and is currently treated as a valid species. However, Anomala tibialis Schaeffer, 1906 is a junior homonym of the widespread African Anomala tibialis Lansberge, 1886. This primary junior homonym has no known available and potentially valid synonyms and must therefore be rejected and replaced by a new substitute name (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999, Articles 57.2 and 60.1). In this paper, full bibliography, distribution data, and new records for the species concerned are provided, and a new replacement name for Anomala tibialis Schaeffer, 1906 is established.
Impact of NFE2 mutations on AML transformation and overall survival in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Marcault Clémence , Zhao Lin-Pierre , Maslah Nabih , Verger Emmanuelle , Daltro de Oliveira Rafael , Soret-Dulphy Juliette , Cazaux Marine , Gauthier Nicolas , Roux Blandine , Clappier Emmanuelle , Parquet Nathalie , Dosquet Christine , Réa Delphine , Zini Jean-Marc , Vainchenker William , Raffoux Emmanuel , Giraudier Stéphane , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Cassinat Bruno , Benajiba Lina
Published: May 2021

Marcault et al report the impact of NFE2 mutations on the prognosis of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in a study of over 700 patients for whom sequential next-generation sequencing was available. NFE2 mutations were reported in 9.1% of patients and predicted for increased transformation and decreased survival. Since histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors decrease NFE2 levels, patients with NFE2 mutations may benefit from HDAC inhibitors.
Correction to: A prototypical non-malignant epithelial model to study genome dynamics and concurrently monitor micro-RNAs and proteins in situ during oncogene-induced senescence
Authors: Komseli Eirini-Stavroula , Pateras Ioannis S. , Krejsgaard Thorbjørn , Stawiski Konrad , Rizou Sophia V. , Polyzos Alexander , Roumelioti Fani-Marlen , Chiourea Maria , Mourkioti Ioanna , Paparouna Eleni , Zampetidis Christos P. , Gumeni Sentiljana , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Pefani Dafni-Eleftheria , O’Neill Eric , Gagos Sarantis , Eliopoulos Aristides G. , Fendler Wojciech , Chowdhury Dipanjan , Bartek Jiri , Gorgoulis Vassilis G.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals an association of gibel carp fatty liver with ferroptosis pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Juan , Zhou Li , Lu Wei-Jia , Du Wen-Xuan , Mi Xiang-Yuan , Li Zhi , Li Xi-Yin , Wang Zhong-Wei , Wang Yang , Duan Ming , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: May 2021

Background

Fatty liver has become a main problem that causes huge economic losses in many aquaculture modes. It is a common physiological or pathological phenomenon in aquaculture, but the causes and occurring mechanism are remaining enigmatic.

Methods

Each three liver samples from the control group of allogynogenetic gibel carp with normal liver and the overfeeding group with fatty liver were collected randomly for the detailed comparison of histological structure, lipid accumulation, transcriptomic profile, latent pathway identification analysis (LPIA), marker gene expression, and hepatocyte mitochondria analyses.

Results

Compared to normal liver, larger hepatocytes and more lipid accumulation were observed in fatty liver. Transcriptomic analysis between fatty liver and normal liver showed a totally different transcriptional trajectory. GO terms and KEGG pathways analyses revealed several enriched pathways in fatty liver, such as lipid biosynthesis, degradation accumulation, peroxidation, or metabolism and redox balance activities. LPIA identified an activated ferroptosis pathway in the fatty liver. qPCR analysis confirmed that gpx4, a negative regulator of ferroptosis, was significantly downregulated while the other three positively regulated marker genes, such as acsl4, tfr1 and gcl, were upregulated in fatty liver. Moreover, the hepatocytes of fatty liver had more condensed mitochondria and some of their outer membranes were almost ruptured.

Conclusions

We reveal an association between ferroptosis and fish fatty liver for the first time, suggesting that ferroptosis might be activated in liver fatty. Therefore, the current study provides a clue for future studies on fish fatty liver problems.
Simultaneous gene expression and multi-gene silencing in Zea mays using maize dwarf mosaic virus
Authors: Xie Wenshuang , Marty Dee Marie , Xu Junhuan , Khatri Nitika , Willie Kristen , Moraes Wanderson Bucker , Stewart Lucy R.
Published: May 2021

Background

Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, infects maize and is non-persistently transmitted by aphids. Several plant viruses have been developed as tools for gene expression and gene silencing in plants. The capacity of MDMV for both gene expression and gene silencing were examined.

Results

Infectious clones of an Ohio isolate of MDMV, MDMV OH5, were obtained, and engineered for gene expression only, and for simultaneous marker gene expression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of three endogenous maize target genes. Single gene expression in single insertion constructs and simultaneous expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and silencing of three maize genes in a double insertion construct was demonstrated. Constructs with GFP inserted in the N-terminus of HCPro were more stable than those with insertion at the N-terminus of CP in our study. Unexpectedly, the construct with two insertion sites also retained insertions at a higher rate than single-insertion constructs. Engineered MDMV expression and VIGS constructs were transmissible by aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that MDMV-based vector can be used as a tool for simultaneous gene expression and multi-gene silencing in maize.
Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection: An alternative resection modality for large laterally spreading tumors in the cecum?
Authors: Wang Xiang-Yao , Chai Ning-Li , Zhai Ya-Qi , Li Long-Song , Wang Zan-Tao , Zou Jia-Le , Shi Yong-Sheng , Linghu En-Qiang
Published: May 2021

Background

Endoscopic resection for large, laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) in the cecum is challenging. Here we report on the clinical outcomes of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in large cecal LSTs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with cecal LSTs ≥ 2 cm who underwent ESD or hybrid ESD procedures between January of 2008 and June of 2019. We compared the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes, including procedure time, the en bloc and complete resection rates, and adverse events.

Results

A total of 62 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 27 patients in the ESD group and 35 patients in the hybrid ESD group, respectively. Hybrid ESD was more used for lesions with submucosal fibrosis. No other significant differences were found in patient characteristics between the two groups. The hybrid ESD group had a significantly shorter procedure time compared with the ESD group (27.60 ± 17.21 vs. 52.63 ± 44.202 min, P = 0.001). The en bloc resection rate (77.1% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.677) and complete resection rate (71.4% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.359) of hybrid ESD were relatively lower than that of the ESD group in despite of no significant difference was found. The perforation and post-procedure bleeding rate (2.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.684) were similar between the two groups. One patient perforated during the ESD procedure, which was surgically treated. One patient in the hybrid ESD group experienced post-procedure bleeding, which was successfully treated with endoscopic hemostasis. Post-procedural fever and abdominal pain occurred in six patients in the ESD group and five patients in the hybrid ESD group. One patient in the ESD group experienced recurrence, which was endoscopically resected.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that hybrid ESD may be an alternative resection strategy for large cecal LSTs with submucosal fibrosis.
The feasibility of modified HIV and antiretroviral drug testing using self-collected dried blood spots from men who have sex with men
Authors: Luo Wei , Sullivan Vickie , Chavez Pollyanna R. , Wiatrek Sarah E. , Zlotorzynska Maria , Martin Amy , Rossetti Rebecca , Sanchez Travis , Sullivan Patrick , MacGowan Robin J. , Owen S. Michele , Masciotra Silvina
Published: May 2021

Background

In the US, one in six men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV are unaware of their HIV infection. In certain circumstances, access to HIV testing and viral load (VL) monitoring is challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting laboratory-based HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) drug testing, and VL monitoring as part of two studies on self-collected dried blood spots (DBS).

Methods

Participants were instructed to collect DBS by self-fingerstick in studies that enrolled MSM online. DBS from the first study (N = 1444) were tested with HIV serological assays approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A subset was further tested with laboratory-modified serological and VL assays, and ARV levels were measured by mass spectrometry. DBS from the second study (N = 74) were only tested to assess VL monitoring.

Results

In the first study, the mail back rate of self-collected DBS cards was 62.9%. Ninety percent of DBS cards were received at the laboratory within 2 weeks from the day of collection, and 98% of the cards had sufficient spots for one assay. Concordance between FDA-approved and laboratory-modified protocols was high. The samples with undetectable ARV had higher VL than samples with at least one ARV drug. In the second study, 70.3% participants returned self-collected DBS cards, and all had sufficient spots for VL assay. High VL was observed in samples from participants who reported low ARV adherence.

Conclusions

In these studies, MSM were able to collect and provide adequate DBS for HIV testing. The FDA-approved and laboratory-modified testing algorithms performed similarly. DBS collected at home may be feasible for HIV testing, ARV measurement, and monitoring viral suppression.
Iohexol plasma clearance for measuring glomerular filtration rate: effect of different ways to calculate the area under the curve
Authors: Pottel Hans , Schaeffner Elke , Ebert Natalie , van der Giet Markus , Delanaye Pierre
Published: May 2021

Background

Measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using iohexol plasma clearance has been proposed as the preferred way for GFR determination. The extended multiple-sample protocol is based on fitting the full concentration-time decay-curve, and from the obtained fit-parameters, the area under the curve (AUC) and GFR (the injected dose divided by the AUC) were calculated. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of different fitting procedures on the precision of GFR-results obtained from the full concentration-time curve, and compare these results with those obtained with simplified multiple-samples and single-sample protocols.

Methods

The concentration-time curves of 8 samples at times 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240 and 300 min after bolus injection of iohexol of 570 adults, aged 70+, from the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS), were analysed. The fit-parameters for the two-compartment model (double-exponential decay curve), and from these, the AUC and GFR were obtained with 8 different fitting procedures.

Results

The two-compartmental non-linear least squares fitting procedure showed the best accuracy (541 out of 570 reported GFR-results were within 5% of the majority of the 8 fitting methods). The two-compartmental slope-intercept fitting procedure was not always applicable and the non-compartmental fitting procedures did not always allow to calculate the GFR. All correction formulas for the simplified late multiple-samples methods showed acceptable accuracy and precision with a preference for Ng’s correction formula (Lin’s CCC = 0.992, bias = 0.5 ± 2.5). Jacobsson’s iterative method was the best one-sample method, with Lin’s CCC = 0.983 and bias = − 0.6 ± 3.4.

Conclusion

The fitting procedure has an important impact on the precision of the calculated AUC and GFR. The simplified late-sample protocols and one-sample methods did not suffer from fitting problems and showed acceptable equivalence when compared to the full compartment GFR-results.

Trial registration

The “Berlin Initiative Study” is officially registered with the German Register for Clinical Studies (“Deutschen Register Klinischer Studien”(DRKS)) under registration number DRKS00017058, since April 12, 2019, and it is also visible on the WHO clinical trials registry platform (within the next 4 weeks after the registration date).
Pronuclear score improves prediction of embryo implantation success in ICSI cycles
Authors: Stigliani Sara , Massarotti Claudia , Bovis Francesca , Casciano Ida , Sozzi Fausta , Remorgida Valentino , Cagnacci Angelo , Anserini Paola , Scaruffi Paola
Published: May 2021

Background

In assisted reproduction technology embryo competence is routinely evaluated on morphological criteria but efficacy remains relatively low. Additional information could be obtained by evaluating pronuclear (PN) morphology. Up to now controversial results have been reported about the prognostic value of PN score. One of the main limitations of literature data is the use of different PN classification methods. In this regard, in 2011 the ESHRE and Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine defined three PN categories to standardize zygote assessment. In this study we evaluated whether the consensus ESHRE-Alpha system for the pronuclear scoring could be an useful additional criterion to improve prediction of embryo implantation potential.

Methods

This is a retrospective, longitudinal, observational, cohort study. We included 3004 zygotes from 555 women who underwent ICSI treatment at our Center between January 2014 and June 2019. The PN were categorized as score 1: symmetrical, 2: non-symmetrical, 3: abnormal. A subset of 110 zygotes did not cleaved. On day 2–3 1163 embryos were transferred, 232 arrested, and 9 were cryopreserved. Among the 1490 embryos cultured up to day 5–7, 516 became blastocysts: 123 were transferred on day 5 and 393 were cryopreserved.

Comparisons of age, cleavage and blastocyst rate, quality of embryos, implantation success among PN score groups were evaluated by chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. Potential predictors of embryo implantation were first tested in univariable analysis using generalized estimating equations taking into account correlation between embryos originated from the same patient. Then, variables potentially associated with implantation success (P<0.05) were included in a multivariable analysis for calculating the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

There was no significant difference in patients’age, cleavage and blastulation rates, and embryo morphology among the three PNscore groups. The PN score 1-embryos had a greater implantation success respect to score 2-3-ones (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.34-2.50, P=0.0001). Consistently, the pronuclear score remained predictive of implantation in top quality embryos (OR 1.68; 95%CI 1.17-2.42, P= 0.005).

Conclusions

The consensus pronuclear score may be routinely included among criteria for embryo evaluation to increase patients’ chance of becoming pregnant.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid alleviates pulmonary endoplasmic reticulum stress and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis
Authors: Tong Bin , Fu Lin , Hu Biao , Zhang Zhi-Cheng , Tan Zhu-Xia , Li Se-Ruo , Chen Yuan-Hua , Zhang Cheng , Wang Hua , Xu De-Xiang , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2021

Background

Several studies demonstrate that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the process of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a bile acid with chaperone properties, is an inhibitor of ER stress. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of TUDCA on BLM-induced EMT and lung fibrosis.

Methods

The model of lung fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection with a single dose of BLM (3.0 mg/kg). In TUDCA + BLM group, mice were intraperitoneally injected with TUDCA (250 mg/kg) daily.

Results

BLM-induced alveolar septal destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration were alleviated by TUDCA. BLM-induced interstitial collagen deposition, as determined by Sirius Red staining, was attenuated by TUDCA. BLM-induced elevation of pulmonary α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and reduction of pulmonary E-cadherin were attenuated by TUDCA. BLM-induced pulmonary Smad2/3 phosphorylation was suppressed by TUDCA. BLM-induced elevation of Ki67 and PCNA was inhibited by TUDCA in mice lungs. In addition, BLM-induced elevation of HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) and 3-NT (3-nitrotyrosine) was alleviated by TUDCA. Finally, BLM-induced upregulation of pulmonary GRP78 and CHOP was attenuated by TUDCA.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence that TUDCA pretreatment inhibits Smad2/3-medited EMT and subsequent lung fibrosis partially through suppressing BLM-induced ER stress and oxidative stress.
A role for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in detecting physiological changes underlying health status in Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Davis R. , Dixon C. , Millar A. B. , Maskell N. A. , Barratt S. L.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There is limited data available on the use of CPET as a predictive tool for disease outcomes in the setting of IPF. We investigated the feasibility of undertaking CPET and the relationship between CPET and quality of life measurements in a well-defined population of mild and moderate IPF patients.

Methods

A prospective, single-centre observational study.

Results

Thirty-two IPF patients (mild n = 23, moderate n = 9) participated in the study, n = 13 mild patients attended for repeat CPET testing at 12 months. At baseline, total K-BILD scores and total IPF-PROM scores significantly correlated with 6MWT distance, but not with baseline FVC % predicted, TLco % predicted, baseline or minimum SpO2. VO2 peak/kg at AT positively correlated with total scores, breathlessness/activity and chest domains of the K-BILD questionnaire (p < 0.05). VO2 peak significantly correlated with total IPF PROM scores and wellbeing domains (p < 0.05), with a trend towards statistical significance for total IPF-PROM and VO2 peak/kg at anaerobic threshold (p = 0.06).

There was a statistically significant reduction in FVC% predicted at 12 months follow up, although the mean absolute decline was < 10% (p < 0.05). During this period VO2 peak significantly reduced (21.6 ml/kg/min ± 2.9 vs 19.1 ± 2.8; p = 0.017), with corresponding reductions in total K-BILD and breathlessness/activity domains that exceeded the MCID for responsiveness. Lower baseline VO2 peak/kg at anaerobic threshold correlated with greater declines in total K-BILD scores (r =  − 0.62, 0.024) at 12 months. Whilst baseline FVC% predicted or TLco % predicted did not predict change in health status,

Conclusion

We have shown that it is feasible to undertake CPET in patients with mild to moderate IPF.

CPET measures of VO2 peak correlated with both baseline and change in K-BILD measurements at 1 year, despite relatively stable standard lung function (declines of < 10% in FVC), suggesting its potential sensitivity to detect physiological changes underlying health status.
Do the successful revision surgery for humeral nonunion solve all the effects on health‐related quality of life? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhimeng , Lu Yao , Sun Liang , Song Leilei , Ma Teng , Wang Qiang , Zhang Kun , Li Zhong
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of successful revision operation on health quality of life(QoL) and functional outcome in humeral nonunion patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 62 patients with humeral nonunion from Northwest China, who were admitted to the Department of Trauma Surgery, Honghui Hospital between March 2013 and September 2019. The following data were retrospectively evaluated: demographic data, clinical data, imaging findings, and treatment methods. The QoL assessment indicators for humeral nonunion patients included the SF-12 mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS),brief pain inventory-severity(BPI-S) and brief pain inventory-interference (BPI-I). The mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was used to assess the elbow function of the patients.

Results

Successful revision surgery significantly improved the patient's PCS, MCS, BPI-S and BPI-I scores (p<0.001). According to the MEPS criteria, the excellent and good rates were 95.16% in this study. The impact of humeral nonunion on mental health was comparable with the reported impact of stroke and type II diabetes (p>0.05).The impact of post-op on physical health was comparable with the reported impact of COPD, silicosis, hypertension, barrentt’s esophagus and lower urinary tract symptoms(p>0.05).

Conclusion

Humeral nonunion is a devastating chronic medical condition that negatively affects both physical and mental health as well as quality of life. Although the effects of pain in the body can be completely relieved by treatment, the entire medical process may cause everlasting psychological trauma to the patient.
The distance between the femoral nerve and anterior acetabulum is significantly shorter in hip osteoarthritis than in non-osteoarthritis hip
Authors: Yoshino Kensuke , Hagiwara Shigeo , Nakamura Junichi , Horikoshi Takuro , Yokota Hajime , Shimokawa Kenji , Matsumoto Koji , Shiko Yuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Ohtori Seiji
Published: May 2021

Background

The appropriate position of retractors to minimize the risk of femoral nerve palsy remains uncertain. The purpose of this imaging study was to evaluate the distance between the femoral nerve (FN) and anterior acetabulum (AA) in hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Forty-one patients with unilateral hip OA underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Three measurement levels were defined and the minimum distance between the femoral nerve (FN) margin and anterior acetabulum (AA) rim was measured on axial T1-weighted images on the OA and normal sides at each level, with reference to an advanced neurography view. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the iliopsoas muscle was also measured at each level bilaterally by three observers. Distances and CSAs were compared between the OA and normal side. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with the distance in OA.

Results

The mean minimum FN to AA distances in OA were 19.4 mm at the top of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), 24.3 mm at the bottom of the AIIS, and 21.0 mm at the tip of the greater trochanter. These distances were significantly shorter than in normal hips at the top and bottom of the AIIS, with mean differences of 1.6 and 5.8 mm, respectively (p = 0.012, p < 0.001). CSAs of the iliopsoas in OA were significantly smaller at all levels (all p < 0.001), with reductions of 10.5 to 17.9%. The CSA of the iliopsoas at the bottom of the AIIS was associated with the FN to AA distance at the same level (p = 0.026). Interobserver reliabilities for measurements were very good to perfect (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.897 to 0.966).

Conclusions

To minimize the risk of femoral nerve palsy, surgeons should consider the change of the femoral nerve to anterior acetabulum distance in osteoarthritic hip surgery.
Tongue image quality assessment based on a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Jiang Tao , Hu Xiao-juan , Yao Xing-hua , Tu Li-ping , Huang Jing-bin , Ma Xu-xiang , Cui Ji , Wu Qing-feng , Xu Jia-tuo
Published: May 2021

Background

Tongue diagnosis is an important research field of TCM diagnostic technology modernization. The quality of tongue images is the basis for constructing a standard dataset in the field of tongue diagnosis. To establish a standard tongue image database in the TCM industry, we need to evaluate the quality of a massive number of tongue images and add qualified images to the database. Therefore, an automatic, efficient and accurate quality control model is of significance to the development of intelligent tongue diagnosis technology for TCM.

Methods

Machine learning methods, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Adaptive Boosting Algorithm (Adaboost), Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree (DT), Residual Neural Network (ResNet), Convolution Neural Network developed by Visual Geometry Group at University of Oxford (VGG), and Densely Connected Convolutional Networks (DenseNet), were utilized to identify good-quality and poor-quality tongue images. Their performances were made comparisons by using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-Score.

Results

The experimental results showed that the accuracy of the three deep learning models was more than 96%, and the accuracy of ResNet-152 and DenseNet-169 was more than 98%. The model ResNet-152 obtained accuracy of 99.04%, precision of 99.05%, recall of 99.04%, and F1-score of 99.05%. The performances were better than performances of other eight models. The eight models are VGG-16, DenseNet-169, SVM, RF, GBDT, Adaboost, Naïve Bayes, and DT. ResNet-152 was selected as quality-screening model for tongue IQA.

Conclusions

Our research findings demonstrate various CNN models in the decision-making process for the selection of tongue image quality assessment and indicate that applying deep learning methods, specifically deep CNNs, to evaluate poor-quality tongue images is feasible.
An equity evaluation in stroke inpatients in regard to medical costs in China: a nationwide study
Authors: Yang Yong , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Huang Zhengwei , Chen Xiaoping , Ma Yong , Shi Xuefeng
Published: May 2021

Background

Stroke has always been a severe disease and imposed heavy financial burden on the health system. Equity in patients in regard to healthcare utilization and medical costs are recognized as a significant factor influencing medical quality and health system responsiveness. The aim of this study is to understand the equity in stroke patients concerning medical costs and healthcare utilization, as well as identify potential factors contributing to geographic variation in stroke patients’ healthcare utilization and costs.

Methods

Covering 31 provinces in mainland China, our main data were a 5% random sample of stroke claims from Urban Employees Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) from 2013 to 2016. The Theil index was employed to evaluate the equity in stroke patients in regard to healthcare utilization and medical costs, and the random-effect panel model was used to explore the impact of province-level factors (health resource factors, enabling factors, and economic factors) on medical costs and health care utilization.

Results

Stroke patients’ healthcare utilization and medical costs showed significant differences both within and between regions. The UEBMI scheme had an overall lower Theil index value than the URBMI scheme. The intra-region Theil index value was higher than the inter-region Theil index, with the Theil index highest within eastern China, China’s richest and most developed region. Health resource factors and enabling factors (represented by reimbursement rate and education attainment years) were identified significantly associated with medical costs (P < 0.05), but have no impact on average length of stay.

Conclusions

China’s fragmented urban health insurance schemes require further reform to ensure better equity in healthcare utilization and medical costs for stroke patients. Improving education attainment, offering equal access to healthcare, allocating health resources reasonably and balancing health services prices in different regions also count.
VNTR polymorphism in the breakpoint region of ABL1 and susceptibility to bladder cancer
Authors: Kim Min-Hye , Yang Gi-Eun , Jeong Mi-So , Mun Jeong-Yeon , Lee Sang-Yeop , Nam Jong-Kil , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Tae Nam , Leem Sun-Hee
Published: May 2021

Background

ABL1 is primarily known as a leukemia-related oncogene due to translocation, but about 2.2% of ABL1 mutations have been identified in bladder cancer, and high expression in solid cancer has also been detected.

Methods

Here, we used the NCBI database, UCSC genome browser gateway and Tandem repeat finder program to investigate the structural characterization of the ABL1 breakpoint region and to identify the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). To investigate the relationship between ABL1-MS1 and bladder cancer, a case-controlled study was conducted in 207 controls and 197 bladder cancer patients. We also examined the level of transcription of the reporter gene driven by the ABL1 promoter to determine if the VNTR region affects gene expression.

Results

In our study, one VNTR was identified in the breakpoint region, the intron 1 region of ABL1, and was named ABL1-MS1. In the control group, only two common alleles (TR13, TR15) were detected, but an additional two rare alleles (TR14, TR16) were detected in bladder cancer. A statistically significant association was identified between the rare ABL1-MS1 allele and bladder cancer risk: P = 0.013. Investigating the level of transcription of the reporter gene driven by the ABL1 promoter, VNTR showed inhibition of ABL1 expression in non-cancer cells 293 T, but not in bladder cancer cells. In addition, ABL1-MS1 was accurately passed on to offspring according to Mendelian inheritance through meiosis.

Conclusions

Therefore, the ABL1-MS1 region can affect ABL1 expression of bladder cancer. This study provides that ABL1-MS1 can be used as a DNA fingerprinting marker. In addition, rare allele detection can predict susceptibility to bladder cancer.
Increased monocyte count and red cell distribution width as prognostic biomarkers in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Karampitsakos Theodoros , Torrisi Sebastiano , Antoniou Katerina , Manali Effrosyni , Korbila Ioanna , Papaioannou Ourania , Sampsonas Fotios , Katsaras Matthaios , Vasarmidi Eirini , Papakosta Despoina , Domvri Kalliopi , Fouka Eva , Organtzis Ioannis , Daniil Zoe , Dimeas Ilias , Kirgou Paraskevi , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Papanikolaou Ilias C. , Markopoulou Katerina , Kounti Georgia , Tsapakidou Eirini , Papadopoulou Efthymia , Tatsis Konstantinos , Gogali Athena , Kostikas Konstantinos , Tzilas Vasilios , Chrysikos Serafeim , Papiris Spyridon , Bouros Demosthenes , Kreuter Michael , Tzouvelekis Argyrios
Published: May 2021

Background

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) represents a chronic lung disease with unpredictable course.

Methods

We aimed to investigate prognostic performance of complete blood count parameters in IPF. Treatment-naïve patients with IPF were retrospectively enrolled from two independent cohorts (derivation and validation) and split into subgroups (high and low) based on median baseline monocyte count and red cell distribution width (RDW).

Results

Overall, 489 patients (derivation cohort: 300, validation cohort: 189) were analyzed. In the derivation cohort, patients with monocyte count ≥ 0.60 K/μL had significantly lower median FVC%pred [75.0, (95% CI 71.3–76.7) vs. 80.9, (95% CI 77.5–83.1), (P = 0.01)] and DLCO%pred [47.5, (95% CI 44.3–52.3) vs. 53.0, (95% CI 48.0–56.7), (P = 0.02)] than patients with monocyte count < 0.60 K/μL. Patients with RDW ≥ 14.1% had significantly lower median FVC%pred [75.5, (95% CI 71.2–79.2) vs. 78.3, (95% CI 76.0–81.0), (P = 0.04)] and DLCO%pred [45.4, (95% CI 43.3–50.5) vs. 53.0, (95% CI 50.8–56.8), (P = 0.008)] than patients with RDW < 14.1%. Cut-off thresholds from the derivation cohort were applied to the validation cohort with similar discriminatory value, as indicated by significant differences in median DLCO%pred between patients with high vs. low monocyte count [37.8, (95% CI 35.5–41.1) vs. 45.5, (95% CI 41.9–49.4), (P < 0.001)] and RDW [37.9, (95% CI 33.4–40.7) vs. 44.4, (95% CI 41.5–48.9), (P < 0.001)]. Patients with high monocyte count and RDW of the validation cohort exhibited a trend towards lower median FVC%pred (P = 0.09) and significantly lower median FVC%pred (P = 0.001), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis in the derivation cohort demonstrated higher all-cause mortality in patients with high (≥ 0.60 K/μL) vs. low monocyte count (< 0.60 K/μL) [HR 2.05, (95% CI 1.19–3.53), (P = 0.01)].

Conclusions

Increased monocyte count and RDW may represent negative prognostic biomarkers in patients with IPF.
Weight gain from early to middle adulthood increases the risk of incident asthma later in life in the United States: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhou Yunping , Kong Nan , Zhang Jianzhong , Cheng Guo , Zheng Yuxin
Published: May 2021

Background

Data describing the effects of weight change across adulthood on asthma are important for the prevention of asthma. This study aimed to investigate the association between weight change from early to middle adulthood and risk of incident asthma.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we performed a nationally retrospective cohort study of the U.S. general population. A total of 20,771 people aged 40–74 years with recalled weight at young and middle adulthood were included in the cohort. Four weight change groups were categorized: stable non-obesity, non-obesity to obesity, obesity to non-obesity, and stable obesity. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relating weight change to incident asthma over 10 years of follow-up were calculated using Cox models adjusting for covariates.

Results

Compared with the stable non-obesity group, the HRs of incident asthma were 1.63 (95% CI = 1.29 to 2.07, P < 0.001) for the non-obesity to obesity group, 1.41 (95% CI = 0.97 to 2.05, P = 0.075) for stable obesity group, and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.41 to 3.62, P = 0.730) for the obesity to non-obesity group. In addition, participants who gained more than 20 kg from young to middle adulthood had a HR of 1.53 (95% CI = 1.15 to 2.03, P = 0.004), compared with those whose weight remained stable (weight change within 2.5 kg).

Conclusions

Weight gain from early to middle adulthood was associated with higher risk of incident asthma as compared to those who maintained normal weight. Thus, maintaining normal weight throughout adulthood might be important for the primary prevention of adult-onset asthma.