bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction and quality evaluation of exosomes from joint effusion
Authors: Ruan Anmin , Yin Yueshan , Chen Pu , Zhou Jun , Zhang Xiaozhe , Ma Yufeng , Wang Qingfu
Published: October 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality and efficiency of exosomes extracted from knee joint effusion by different methods, laying a foundation for further research on exosomes from knee joint effusion. Methods:To separate and extract joint exosomes by 8% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method, ultracentrifugation method (UC) and ultrafiltration with exclusion chromatography (SECF). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracing technology (NTA) were used to detect particle morphology and particle size, and Western Blot (WB) was used to detect marker proteins of granule surface (CD9, CD63, Flotillin-1 and calnexin).Results: Three methods separated vesicle-like round particles from joint effusion successfully. The results of TEM show that the particles obtained by the three extraction methods are round or oval vesicles, the plasma membrane is intact, the size is different, and the diameter is distributed between 30 and 150 nm. Compared with SECF group, PEG group had more background particle impurities. and the broken vesicle fragments can be seen in the UC group; The results of NTA show that the main peaks of the three groups of particles are between 100-120nm, and the particle concentration is greater than 1×1010/ml; The results of WB show that the protein expressions of CD9, CD63 and Flotillin-1 in the suspension extracted by the three methods were higher, the expression of calnexin protein in the PEG group was higher than the UC group and SECF group.Conclusion: The three extraction methods can extract the exosomes of joint effusion successfully. The quality of exosomes obtained by the SECF method is relatively high, while the PEG precipitation method contains a small amount of impurity particles. UC method does not guarantee the integrity of exosomes. In summary, we recommend the SECF method to extract and isolate joint effusion exudates-derived exosomes when further studying the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis.
Favorable short-term oncologic outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for small T4 colon cancer : a multicenter comparative study
Authors: Park Sung Sil , Lee Joon Sang , Park Hyoung-Chul , Park Sung Chan , Sohn Dae Kyung , Oh Jae Hwan , Han Kyung Su , Lee Dong-Won , Lee Dong-Eun , Kang Sung-Bum , Park Kyu Joo , Jeong Seung‑Yong
Published: October 2020

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for T4 colon cancer may be safe in selected patients. We hypothesized that small tumor size might preoperatively predict a good laparoscopic surgery outcome. Herein we compared the clinicopathologic and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgery in small T4 colon cancer. Methods: In a retrospective multicenter study, we reviewed the data of 449 patients, including 117 patients with tumors ≤ 4.0 cm who underwent surgery for T4 colon cancer between January 2014 and December 2017. We compared the clinicopathologic and 3-year oncologic outcomes between the laparoscopic and open groups. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model . A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Blood loss, length of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity were lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (median [range]: 50 [0–700] vs. 100 [0–4000] mL, p < 0.001; 8 vs. 10 days, p < 0.001; and 18.0 vs. 29.5%, p = 0.005, respectively). There were no intergroup differences in 3-year overall survival or disease-free survival (86.6 vs. 83.2%, p = 0.180 and 71.7 vs. 75.1%, p = 0.720, respectively). Among patients with tumor size ≤4.0 cm, blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (median [range]: 50 [0–530] vs. 50 [0–1000] mL, p = 0.003). Despite no statistical difference observed in the 3-year overall survival rate (83.3 vs. 78.7%, p = 0.538), the laparoscopic group had a significantly higher 3-year disease-free survival rate (79.2 vs. 53.2%, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery showed similar outcomes to open surgery in T4 colon cancer patients , and may have favorable short-term oncologic outcomes in patients with tumors ≤4.0 cm.
All-arthroscopic repair of Atzei class II and III triangular fibrocartilage complex tears using the FasT-Fix suture device
Authors: Tsai Mengchun , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Chiu Chih-Hao , Cheng Chun-Ying , Chan Yi-Sheng , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu
Published: October 2020

Background The study is aimed to propose an arthroscopic repair technique using a pre-tied suture device for peripheral TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tear with proximal component involvement. Methods Through a retrospective review in the medical records of patients who underwent unilateral arthroscopic repair for TFCC Palmer IB lesion between 2017 and 2019, 12 patients were arthroscopically diagnosed as proximal component tear and received more than one year follow-up postoperatively. The arthroscope was introduced from 6R portal to discriminate Atzei class II from III lesions by a “visualization test”, and to supervise the repair procedure using pre-tied FasT-Fix suture device from 3-4 portal. Two poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) blocks were further advanced along the device needle to finally seat outside the ulnar joint capsule, followed by gradually tightening the pre-tied suture loop until the TFCC periphery was securely repositioned and held stably. Results Operation time averaged 87 minutes. Hook test and DRUJ arthroscopy confirmed proximal component tear in all 12 wrists.Four patients were diagnosed to be Atzei class II lesion as full thickness tear of distal component was arthroscopically identified from 6R portal while the other 8 exhibited partial thickness tear and were categorized as class III lesion. Follow-up averaged 15 months with a range of 12 to 24 months. Mayo modified wrist score improved from an average of 61.3 preoperatively to 90.4 at the latest visit. Conclusions A modified technique for diagnosis and all-arthroscopic repair in TFCC Atzei class II and III lesions using a pre-tied suture device is a feasible and safe option with promising results.
Nasopharyngeal Metastasis From Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Ye-Huan , Lin Bei-Bei , Lv Shi-Xu
Published: October 2020

Background: Nasopharyngeal metastasis from colorectal cancer has never been reported in the past. Case presentation: In this paper, we establish a case report of a 79-year-old man suffering from adenocarcinoma of the rectum with distant metastases to the liver, lung, and nasopharynx. Over the past 7 years, he received radical surgery for rectal cancer (miles surgery), chemotherapy, hepatectomy, and pneumonectomy. Conclusions: We equally discuss the histopathological and clinical aspects associated with this condition.
Electronic transition in liquid Fe at P, T conditions: Implication for double-diffusive convection in Mercury’s dynamo.
Authors: Ezenwa Innocent , Yoshino Takashi
Published: October 2020

A double-diffusive model demonstrated that Mercury's dynamo is driven by thermochemical convection with thermal energy source deep in its core. Although radioactive elements concentrated in the core has been suggested as the source of the energy, arguments were made that there is no geochemical or geophysical validation for this. We report the temperature-dependent resistivity of solid and liquid Fe measured up to 21 GPa in multi anvil. With increasing pressure, we observe resistivity transition with a value change of about 35 µΩ-cm at the melting boundary on the liquid side at ~18 GPa. This change in resistivity corresponds to a change in thermal conductivity of about 30 Wm-1K-1 that would generate ~0.94 TW change in heat flux. This indicates that transition in Fe properties is responsible for thermal buoyancy in Mercury's dynamo and not radioactive materials. From the entropy balance, we estimate a thermal dynamo power of about 0.1 TW.
The XZZX surface code
Authors: Ataides J. Bonilla , Tuckett David , Bartlett Stephen , Flammia Steven , Brown Benjamin
Published: October 2020

We show that a variant of the surface code—the XZZX code—oﬀers remarkable performance for fault-tolerant quantum computation. The error threshold of this code matches what can be achieved with random codes (hashing) for every single-qubit Pauli noise channel; it is the ﬁrst explicit code shown to have this universal property. We present numerical evidence that the threshold even exceeds this hashing bound for an experimentally relevant range of noise parameters. Focusing on the common situation where qubit dephasing is the dominant noise, we show that this code has a practical, high-performance decoder and surpasses all previously known thresholds in the realistic setting where syndrome measurements are unreliable. We go on to demonstrate the favorable sub-threshold resource scaling that can be obtained by specializing a code to exploit structure in the noise. We show that it is possible to maintain all of these advantages when we perform fault-tolerant quantum computation. We ﬁnally suggest some small-scale experiments that could exploit noise bias to reduce qubit overhead in two-dimensional architectures
Risk factors of severe adult-onset asthma: a multi-factor approach
Authors: Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Lemmetyinen Riikka , Chanoine Sebastien , Karjalainen Jussi , Pekkanen Juha , Bousquet Jean , Siroux Valérie
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim was to identify risk factors of severe adult-onset asthma.

Methods

We used data from 1350 population-based asthmatics (Adult Asthma in Finland) with adult-onset asthma (age range 31-93 years) from Finnish national registers. Severe asthma was defined as self-reported severe asthma AND asthma symptoms causing much harm AND regular impairment AND (≥1 oral corticosteroid course/year OR regular oral corticosteroids OR wake up in the night due to asthma symptoms/wheezing attach ≥ a few times/month). Sixteen covariates covering several domains (personal characteristics, education, life-style, early life factors, asthma characteristics and multimorbidities) were selected based on literature and were studied in association with severe asthma using logistic regressions.

Results

The study population included 100 (7.4%) individuals with severe asthma. In a univariate analysis, severe asthma was associated with male sex, age, low education, no professional training, ever smoking, ≥ 2 siblings, ≥ 1 chronic comorbidity and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) -exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) (p<0.05); and trends for association (p<0.2) were observed for severe childhood infection, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and being the 1 st child. The 10 variables (being 1 st child was removed due to multicolinearity) were thus entered in a multivariate regression model and severe asthma was significantly associated with male sex (OR [CI95%] = 1.96 [1.16-3.30]), ever smoking (1.98 [1.11-3.52]), chronic comorbidities (2.68 [1.35-5.31]), NERD (3.29 [1.75-6.19]), and ≥ 2 siblings (2.51 [1.17-5.41]). There was a dose-response effect of the total sum of these five factors on severe asthma (OR [CI95%] = 2.30 [1.81-2.93] for each increase of one unit of the score).

Conclusions

Male sex, smoking, NERD, comorbidity, age and number of siblings were independent risk factors for self-reported severe asthma. The effects of these factors seem to be additive; each additional risk factor gradually increase with the risk of severe asthma.
Ruling Out COVID-19 by Chest CT at Emergency Admission When Prevalence is Low - The Prospective, Observational SCOUT Study
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf , Malouhi Amer , Ingwersen Maja , Neumann Rotraud , Reljic Marina , Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie , Löffler Bettina , Behringer Wilhelm , Lewejohann Jan-Christoph , Stallmach Andreas , Reuken Philipp
Published: October 2020

Background: It is essential to avoid admission of patients with undetected corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to hospitals’ general wards. Even repeated negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results do not rule-out COVID-19 with certainty. The study aimed to evaluate a rule-out strategy for COVID-19 using chest computed tomography (CT) in adults being admitted to the emergency department and suspected of COVID-19.Methods: In this prospective, single centre, diagnostic accuracy cohort study, consecutive adults (≥ 18 years) presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or previous contact to infected individuals, admitted to the emergency department and supposed to be referred to general ward were included in March and April 2020. All participants underwent low-dose chest CT. RT-PCR- and specific antibody tests were used as reference standard. Main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of chest CT. Predictive values were calculated based on the theorem of Bayes using Fagan’s nomogram.Results: Of 165 participants (56.4% male, 71± 16 years) included in the study, the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed with RT-PCR and AB tests in 13 participants (prevalence 7.9%). Sensitivity and specificity of chest CT were 84.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.6-98.1) and 94.7% (95% CI, 89.9-97.7), respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratio of chest CT were 16.1 (95% CI, 7.9-32.8) and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.05-0.58) and positive and negative predictive value were 57.9% (95% CI, 40.3-73.7) and 98.6% (95% CI, 95.3-99.6), respectively.Conclusion: At a low prevalence of COVID-19, chest CT chest-CT could be used as a complement to repeated RT-PCR testing for early COVID-19 exclusion in adults with suspected infection before referral to hospital’s general wards.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04357938 April 22, 2020
Therapeutic Prediction of HIV-1 DNA Decay: A Multicenter Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Yue Yongsong , Li Yijia , Cui Yizhi , Wang Nidan , Huang Yunda , Cao Wei , Han Yang , Zhu Ting , Lyu Wei , Xie Jing , Song Xiaojing , Li Yanling , Wang Tong , Zhu Tuofu , Li Taisheng
Published: October 2020

Background: Factors predicting peripheral blood total HIV-1 DNA size in chronically infected patients with successfully suppressed viremia remain unclear. Prognostic power of such factors are of clinical significance for making clinical decisions.Methods: Total HIV-1 DNA in blood at baseline, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 288 weeks after combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation in 607 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HIV-1 infection were quantified. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression methods were used to derive and validate a predictive model of total HIV-1 DNA after 96 weeks of cART.Results: The total HIV-1 DNA rapidly decreased from baseline [mean = 3.04 log10 copies/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)] to week 24 (mean = 2.51 log10 copies/106 PBMCs), and leveled off afterwards. Of the 490 patients who had successful HIV-1 RNA suppression by 96 w post-cART, 92 (18.8%) had a low total HIV-1 DNA count (<100 copies/106 PBMCs) at week 96. In the predictive model, lower baseline total HIV-1 DNA [risk ratio (RR) = 0.08, per 1 log10 copies/106 PBMCs, P < 0.001] and higher baseline CD4+ T cell count (RR = 1.72, per 100 cells/μL, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low total HIV-1 DNA count at week 96. In an independent cohort of 117 patients, this model achieved a sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 69.52%.Conclusions: The derived model based on baseline total HIV-1 DNA and CD4+ T cell count provides a useful prognostic tool in predicting HIV-1 DNA reservoir control during cART.
The Effective Trends and Driving Forces in The Future of Research Performance Evaluation Based on Scoping Review and Interview
Authors: Sanee Nadia , Nemati-Anaraki Leila , Sedghi Shahram , Chakoli Abdolreza Noroozi
Published: October 2020

In this qualitative study, the trends analysis based on scoping review and interview used to identify the driving forces affecting the future of research performance evaluation. MAXQDA version 10 and thematic analysis were used to analyze the interviews and documents. The social trends included the research social impact, the social development of society, increasing researchers’ awareness of the research evaluation importance, lack of research culture in society, the gender gap in society, and employing human resources. The technological trends were the development of information and communication technology, scientometric indicators, and open science. The economic trends and driving forces included not emphasize on the oil economy merely, research grant, economic evaluation of research, and research budget. The environmental trends and driving forces were increased emphasis on green information, using the green environment components in research institutes, and a favorable organizational environment. The political trends and driving factors included scientific diplomacy, a country's domestic policy, war and political sanctions, research performance evaluation system, optimal research policy, and increased research collaboration. The results showed that various social, technological, economic, environmental, and political factors and indicators must be included and normalized in the national and international research performance evaluation system.
A sex stratified long-term clinical outcome analysis in Coronary chronic total occlusion patients
Authors: Gong Xuhe , Zhou Li , Ding Xiaosong , Chen Hui , li hongwei
Published: October 2020

Background: Differences in outcomes for women and men after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients remain controversial. Herein, we compared the clinical outcomes by sex in CTO patients undergoing PCI.Methods: A total of 563 consecutive patients (19% women) who were diagnosed with CTO at a single center in China from June 2017 to December 2019 were included in this study. 300 patients were revascularized by PCI and 263 were not revascularized. The clinical outcomes of these patients stratified by sex were examined. The primary endpoints included the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE); the secondary endpoint was cardiac death; Hazard ratios were generated using multivariable Cox regression.Results: Women represented 19% of the cohort (107/563 patients). Women have lower mean body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference compared with men, however, the proportion of hypertension, diabetes, and previous coronary heart disease is higher in female patients. At 2-year follow up, there were no differences between men and women for MACCE (15.8% vs 20.6%, p=0.234) and cardiac death (3.1% vs 5.6%, p=0.202). Predictors of CTO recanalization revealed that Age＜65years, absence of prior CABG, no history of DM and non-triple vessel were predictors of CTO recanalization. Sex did not predict recanalization in this regression model. Successful CTO PCI was associated with reduced MACCE.Conclusion: Our study suggests an equal benefit of CTO recanalization with a marked reduction in MACCE in women and men alike. Further dedicated studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Global Distribution, Host Range and Prevalence of Trypanosoma Vivax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fetene Eyerusalem , Leta Samson , Regassa Fikru , Büscher Philippe
Published: October 2020

Background Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. T. vivax is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies; however, the parasite has acquired the ability to be also transmitted mechanically by hematophagous dipterans. Understanding its distribution, host range and prevalence is a key step in local and global efforts to control the disease. Methods The study was conducted according to the methodological recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. A systematic literature search was conducted on three search engines, namely Pubmed, Scopus and CAB Direct, to identify all publications reporting natural infection of T. vivax across the world. All the three search engines were screened using the search term Trypanosome vivax without time and language restrictions. Publications on T. vivax that met our inclusion criteria were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis. Result The study provides a global database of T. vivax, consisting of 899 records from 245 peer reviewed articles in 41 countries. A total of 232,6277 tests were performed on 97 different mammalian hosts, including a wide range of wild animals. Natural infections of T. vivax were recorded in 39 different African and Latin American countries and 47 mammalian host species. All the 245 articles were included into the qualitative analysis, while information from 186 cross-sectional studies was used in the quantitative analysis mainly to estimate the pooled prevalence. Pooled prevalence estimates of T. vivax in buffalo, cattle, dog, dromedary camel, equine, pig, small ruminant and wild animals were 30.6%, 6.4%, 2.6%, 8.4%, 3.7%, 5.5%, 3.8% and 12.9%, respectively. Stratified according to the diagnostic method, the highest pooled prevalences were found with serological techniques in domesticated buffalo (57.6%) followed by equine (50.0%) and wild animals (49.3%).Conclusion The study provides a comprehensive dataset on the geographical distribution and host range of T. vivax and demonstrates the potential of this parasite to invade other countries out of Africa and Latin America.
A Longitudinal Study of Parasitosis With Genotypes of Theileria Orientalis in Calves and Introduced Cattle at Dorrigo, New South Wales, and the Effect on Weight Gains.
Authors: Emery David , Wang Shaojing , Loo Chantelle , Shirley Chris
Published: October 2020

Background: In regions with endemic Theileria orientalis, recovered cattle are carriers, leaving newborn calves and introduced stock as the most susceptible groups to develop clinical disease after tick infestation. Methods: To gain information on the kinetics of infestation and development and effects of parasitosis by virulent Theilerial genotypes ikeda and chitose and the “benign” genotype, buffeli, this study sampled at total of 150 calves from 3 farms in Dorrigo, Australia, a region with multiple genotypes of the parasite. In addition, 30 introduced beef weaners were bled and weighed for 6 months after arrival. Results: In both cohorts, parasitosis with the T.orientalis ikeda and chitose (genotypes 1 & 2) occurred within 3-4 weeks in >95% of the groups, with maximal gene copies generated around 5-7 weeks after birth or introduction, before declining. In contrast, parasitosis with T.orientalis buffeli (genotype 3), increased slowly, with around 80% of the population testing positive by PCR after 4 months. The parasitosis with the buffeli genotype did not exceed 40000 gene copies /ul and was similar to those exhibited by ikeda and chitose genotypes following the “first wave of parasitaemia” as cattle entered the carrier state. In the 30 introduced weaners, the early parasitosis with T.orientalis ikeda and chitose also caused significant reductions in haematocrit and incurred around 20Kg loss in weight gain; the latter had not been recovered by 6 months after introduction. Conclusions: The results support previous findings in other endemic regions of Theileriosis, but imply that amelioration of the early high levels of parasitosis by the virulent genotypes could reduce the initial impact of Theileriosis on production, which appears much less affected once animals enter the carrier state.
MicroRNA-27a-3p Relives Inflammation and Neurologic Impairment after Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion via Inhibiting LITAF and the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Luo Jing , Li Junjie , Xiong Li , Fan Linna , Peng Lijia , Yang Yuan , Lu Di , Shao Jianlin
Published: October 2020

Background: Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) affects microRNA (miR) expression and causes substantial inflammation. Here, we investigated the influence and underlying mechanism of miR-27-3p in rats with CIR.Methods: Cerebral ischemia reperfusion was built by tMCAO. Rats were randomly divided into Sham group, brain ischemic reperfusion (IR) group, brain ischemic reperfusion transfected with NC group, brain ischemic reperfusion transfected with miR-27a-3p mimic group, brain ischemic reperfusion transfected with miR-27a-3p inhibitor group and brain ischemic reperfusion transfected with miR-27a-3p mimic and Litaf mimic group. The relationship between miR-27a-3p and Litaf was verified via qRT-PCR and luciferase assays. The cellular distribution of Litaf was determined via double immunofluorescence. The effect of miR-27a-3p on the expression of Litaf, TLR4, NF-κB and IL-6 was evaluated using synthetic miR-27a-3p mimic and inhibitor. The level of Nissl’s body in each group was detected by Nissl’s staining. The infarct in each group was evaluated by TTC staining.Results: Firstly, BV treatment relieves cerebral infarction and decreases the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Through our previous study, we found key microRNA mR-27a-3p and its targeted gene Litaf might involve in the molecular mechanism of CIR. Then, the regulation between miR-27a-3p and Litaf was verified by the temporal miR-27a-3p and Litaf expression profiles and luciferase assay. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection of the miR-27a-3p mimic significantly decreased the Litaf, TLR4, NF-κB and interleukin (IL)-6 levels and the double-labeled cell count 24 h post-surgery, whereas miR-27a-3p inhibitor reversed these effects. Furthermore, miR-27a-3p mimic could relive cerebral infarct and neurologic deficit after CIR. In addition, injection of miR-27a-3p mimic decreased neuronal damage induced by CIR.Conclusions: Increasing miR-27-3p levels protect against CIR by relieving inflammation, neuronal damage and neurologic deficit by inhibiting LITAF and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Pulmonary benign ground-glass nodules: CT features and pathological findings
Authors: Li Wang-jia , Lv Fa-jin , Tan Yi-wen , Fu Bin-jie , Chu Zhigang
Published: October 2020

Background: Some pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are benign and frequently misdiagnosed due to lack of understanding of their CT characteristics. This study aimed to reveal the CT features and corresponding pathological findings of pulmonary benign GGNs to help improve diagnostic accuracy.Methods: From March 2016 to October 2019, patients with benign GGNs confirmed by operation or follow-up were enrolled retrospectively. According to overall CT manifestations, GGNs were classified into three types: I, GGO with internal high-attenuation zone; II, nodules lying on adjacent blood vessels; and other type, lesions without obvious common characteristics. CT features and pathological findings of each nodule type were evaluated.Results: Among the 40 type I, 25 type II, and 14 other type GGNs, 24, 19, and 10 nodules were resected, respectively. Type I GGNs were usually irregular with only one high-attenuation zone (main pathological components: thickened alveolar walls with inflammatory cells, fibrous tissue, and exudation), which was usually centric, having blurred margin, and connecting to blood vessels. The peripheral GGO (main pathological component: a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration with fibrous tissue proliferation) was usually ill-defined. Type II GGNs (main pathological components: focal interstitial fibrosis with or without inflammatory cells infiltration) lying on adjacent vessel branches were usually irregular and well-defined, but showed coarse margins. Other type GGNs had various CT manifestations but their pathological findings were similar to that of type II.Conclusion: For subsolid nodules with CT features manifested in type I or II GGNs, follow-up should be firstly considered in further management.
Agrobacterium Tumefaciens-mediated T-DNA Insertional Mutagenesis of Fusarium Oxysporum
Authors: Feng Zeqing , He Dan , Gao Song , Han Shuaishuai , Wei Yunyun , Wang Li
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFusarium species are important pathogenic organisms, which can cause many diseases in plants and humans. Characterizing the mechanism underlying their pathogenicity and drug resistance is critical. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation has been widely used for the molecular analysis of many species. ResultsIn this study, we constructed the pXEN recombinant plasmid carrying the neomycin phosphatase II gene (neo) and established a simple and efficient procedure for the transformation of resistant Fusarium oxysporum mediated by A. tumefaciens. The transformation efficiency was as high as 250 mutants per 104 conidia. A total of 1,450 stably transformed mutants were generated, resulting in a small-scale library of F. oxysporum mutants containing T-DNA tags. Some of the mutants exhibited phenotypic changes in growth, metabolism, and development. Additionally, the sequences flanking the inserted T-DNA were obtained by touchdown-TAIL PCR, the insertion sites and genes associated with the phenotypic changes could be determined.ConclusionsThe developed method may enable to analyze gene functions and study biological characteristics, which will lay the foundation for future analyses of the mechanism underlying F. oxysporum pathogenicity and resistance. Furthermore, it may be applicable to investigations of other important pathogenic fungi.
ESM-1 Levels and ARDS Prediction Score for Predicting ARDS Occurrence in Sepsis Patients
Authors: Wang Xuebin , Dong Ting , Yang Huan , Ju Xuan , Ye Haiyan
Published: October 2020

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development is overtly associated with elevated mortality. This study aimed to determine the parameters predicting ARDS in sepsis patients. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. The sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit were divided into the ARDS and non-ARDS groups according to ARDS occurrence within 72 hours. Plasma endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT) were assessed on the first day. PaO2/FiO2 ratio was determined on the first two days. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were carried out. Results: The ARDS and non-ARDS groups included 12 and 42 patients respectively. ESM-1 levels in the ARDS group on the first day were significantly lower than those of the non-ARDS group (P=0.009). ESM-1 levels and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were positively correlated. Logistic regression analysis showed that ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels on the first day were associated with ARDS. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves (AUCs) for ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 were 0.750, 0.736 and 0.736, respectively. A regression equation was established based on the coefficients of plasma ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels to derive an ARDS prediction score with an AUC for predicting ARDS of 0.895.Conclusion: Plasma ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels on the first day are associated with ARDS in sepsis. The novel ARDS predictive score is obviously better than ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 in predicting ARDS in sepsis patients.
Comparison of Cardinality Matching and Propensity Score Matching for Causal Inference in Observational Research
Authors: Fortin Stephen P , Johnston Stephen S , Schuemie Martijn J
Published: October 2020

Background: Cardinality matching (CM), a novel matching technique, finds the largest matched sample meeting prespecified balance criteria thereby overcoming limitations of propensity score matching (PSM) associated with limited covariate overlap, which are especially pronounced in studies with small sample sizes. The current study compares CM and PSM in terms of post-match sample size, covariate balance and residual confounding at progressively smaller sample sizes.Methods: To evaluate CM and PSM within a comparative cohort study of new users of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic monotherapy identified from a U.S. insurance claims database. Candidate covariates included patient demographics, and all observed prior conditions, drug exposures and procedures. Propensity scores were calculated using LASSO regression, and candidate covariates with non-zero beta coefficients in the propensity model were defined as matching covariates for use in CM. One-to-one matching was performed using progressively tighter parameter settings. Covariate balance was assessed using standardized mean differences. Hazard ratios were estimated using unconditional Cox models for negative control outcomes perceived as unassociated with treatment (e.g., true hazard ratio of 1). Residual confounding was assessed using the expected systematic error of the empirical null distribution of negative control effect estimates compared to the ground truth. Analyses were repeated within 10%, 1% and 0.5% subsample groups.Results: A total of 172,117 patients (ACEI: 129,078; thiazide: 43,039) met the study criteria. Compared to PSM, CM was associated with increased sample retention except for analyses failing to converge to a matched sample. Although PSM achieved balance across all matching covariates within the full study population, substantial matching covariate imbalance was observed within the 1% and 0.5% subsample groups. Meanwhile, CM achieved matching covariate balance across all analyses. PSM was associated with better candidate covariate balance within the full study population. Otherwise, both matching techniques achieved comparable candidate covariate balance and expected systematic error.Conclusion: CM found the largest matched sample meeting prespecified balance criteria while achieving comparable candidate covariate balance and residual confounding. At smaller sample sizes, CM achieved superior matching covariate balance. We recommend CM as an alternative to PSM in studies with small sample sizes.
The External Metastasis of The Central Nerve Yystem Germ Cell Tumors: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Yanong , Qiu Xiaoguang
Published: October 2020

Background: The central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) represent a class of rare tumors with incidences ranging from 3.6% in North America to 15.3% in some areas of Asia, and commonly occurring in children and adolescents[1]. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, GCTs divided into germinomas, non-germinal germ cell tumors (NGGCT) and suprasellar with male prominent[2]. Common symptoms of GCTs include headache, dizziness, vomiting, thirst, heavy drinking, and precocious puberty[3]. Because of GCTs arising in the pineal region could compress the interventricular foramen with consequence obstructive hydrocephalus, leading to high intracranial pressure (HIP), the ventriculoperitoneal shunt is preferred to relieve severe HIP. Although CNS GCTs tend to spread through the subependymal lining and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the metastasis along the ventriculoperitoneal shunt is extremely rare[4]. Therefore, we reported two cases and a review of the literature.
Protective effects of calorie restriction on insulin resistance and islets function in STZ-induced type 2 diabetes rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Ying-juan , Sun Jia-pan , Zhang Ting-ying , Liu Tao-li , Ke Bin , Shi Xian-fang , Li Hui , Zhang Geng-peng , Ye Zhi-yu , Hu Jian-guo , Qin Jian
Published: October 2020

Background Caloric restriction (CR), as the only approved scientific method that can retard aging, has become more and more attractive in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to increasingly common high calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to evaluate its role in T2DM treatment and further explored the potential molecular mechanism.Methods A total of 60 male SD rats were used in this study. Diabetes model was induced by 8 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) followed by a single dose of streptozotocin injection (30mg/kg). Subsequently, the diabetic rats were fed ab libitum of 28g/day (diabetic control) or 20g/day (30% CR regimen) with HFD for 20 weeks. Meanwhile, normal rats had free standard chow diet served as vehicle control. Body mass, plasma glucose, and lipid profile were monitored. After diabetes-related functional tests being done, rats were sacrificed at 10 and 20 weeks, and glucose uptake in fresh muscle were determined. Liver and pancreas were prepared for histopathology and histochemical evaluations, and western blotting and immunofluorescence were applied to detect alterations in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling. Results 30% CR significantly attenuated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, leading to alleviation of glucolipotoxicity, thus protected islets secretion, retarding the exhaustion of islets function. Insulin resistance was also markedly ameliorated, as indicated by notably improved insulin tolerance and HOMA-IR. However, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle was not significantly improved, and the up-regulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in muscle induced by 30% CR attenuated gradually over time. However, the consecutive decrease in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in white adipose tissue was significantly reversed by 30% CR. Conclusion 30% CR could protect islets function from hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, and improve insulin resistance with probable mechanism related to the up-regulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling.
Is Increased Peritoneal Seeding a Drawback After Using Intracorporeal Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Right Colectomy? A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Liao Chun-Kai , Chern Yih-Jong , Lin Yueh-Chen , Hsu Yu-Jen , Chiang Jy-Ming , Tsai Wen-Sy , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Hung Hsin-Yuan , Yeh Chien-Yuh , You Jeng-Fu
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds: Though better short-term outcomes were frequently reported, differences in specimen parameters and the rate of subsequent peritoneal seeding between intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomoses (EA) for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy have not been analyzed. We aimed to compare the pathologic differences and oncological outcomes between these two approaches.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 217 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomies from September 2016 to April 2018, and classified them into IA and EA groups, based on the approach used. Propensity score matching analysis was performed, after which 101 patients were included in each group.Results: The IA group had a longer operative time, shorter length of stay, shorter time to first flatus and tolerating a soft diet, and better pain scale scores at postoperative day 3. No inter-group differences in conversion, postoperative complication, mortality, or readmission rates were found. The IA group had a longer resected colon length (23.67 vs. 19.75 cm, p=0.010) and nearest resected margin (7.51 vs. 5.40 cm, p=0.010) for cancer near the hepatic flexure. There are comparable 3-year overall survival (87.7% vs. 89.6%, p=0.604) and disease free survival (75.0% vs. 75.7%, p=0.842) between IA and EA groups. The occurrence of peritoneal seeding was similar between the groups too.Conclusions: IA ensures better recovery and comparable complications to EA. The former also achieved a more precise tumor excision. It is a valid technique without compromising oncological outcomes.
WITHDRAWN: Process Evaluation of TeamUp: A Movement–Based Psychosocial Intervention for Refugee Children in the Netherlands
Authors: Bleile Alexandra Carina Eva , Koppenol-Gonzalez Gabriela Veronica , Verreault Katia , Abeling Karin , Hofman Elin , Vriend Willem , Hasan Adnan , Jordans Mark Joris Daniël
Published: October 2020

Background: Nearly 60,000 people applied for asylum in the Netherland in 2015, confronting the governmental structures and services with great administrative, logistical and service provision challenges. Refugee children’s psychosocial needs and wellbeing are often overlooked, and post-migration support is of pivotal importance.Methods: An easy accessible movement–based psychosocial intervention, called TeamUp, was developed for children aged 6-17 living in refugee reception centres. A mixed-method process evaluation was conducted of (1) implementation process, assessing attendance (n = 2183 children, and n = 209 children); (2) implementation quality, using structured observations at two time points) to evaluate facilitator’s (2a) individual-level fidelity (n = 81 facilitators); (2b) team-level fidelity (n = 22 teams); (2c) facilitators’ competencies (n = 81); (2d) trainee perceived self-efficacy pre-post training (n = 73); and (3) perceptions on implementation and outcomes, employing a survey (n = 99), focus group discussions and key informant interviews with children (n = 94), facilitators (n = 24) and reception centre staff (n = 10).Results: Attendance lists showed a mean of 8.5 children per session, and children attending 31.3% of sessions. Structured observations demonstrated 49.2% and 58.2% individual-level fidelity, 72.5% and 73.0% team-level fidelity, and 82.9% and 88.4% adequacy in competencies, each at T1 and T2 respectively. Main challenges that were reported included managing children’s energy regulation (e.g. offering settling moments) and challenging behaviour. Training participation significantly improved perceived self-efficacy for trainees. The facilitator survey demonstrated on average, high satisfaction and self-efficacy, low experienced burden, and high perceived capacity-building support. Qualitatively, TeamUp was positively perceived by all stakeholders and was regarded as contributing to children’s psychosocial outcomes.Conclusion: (1) Attendance and group size were lower than expected. (2) The intervention’s facilitator fidelity ranged from moderate to adequate – exhibiting a need for specific fidelity strengthening and capacity-building – while facilitator competencies were high. Trainee’s perceived self-efficacy improved significantly following a two-day training. (3) Facilitators expressed high levels of satisfaction, self-efficacy and support, and low burden. The intervention was positively perceived by all stakeholders and to have a positive impact on children’s psychosocial learning and wellbeing.
Clinical Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia Treated with Corticosteroids and Colchicine in Colombia
Authors: Pinzón Miguel Alejandro , Arango Doris Cardona , Betancur Juan Felipe , Holguín Héctor , Arias Carolina Arias , Muñoz Bernardo Javier , Amarillo Michael , Llano Juan Felipe , Montoya Pablo
Published: October 2020

Background: To date, there is no specific antiviral therapy for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Since there is no specific therapy against SARS-CoV2, current efforts aim to prevent contagion through public health measures and develop a protective vaccine. While waiting for the latter, it is necessary to evaluate the drugs that at least, in initial studies, suggested some degree of utility in the management of Covid-19 or its complications.The Objective of the study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with severe Covid-19 Pneumonia treated with corticosteroids and colchicine.Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study of 301 adult patients with Covid-19 Pneumonia confirmed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-CoV2 (RT-PCR SARS-CoV2), Berlin protocol, who required hospitalization in three hospitals in Antioquia, Colombia. Patients were treated according to the institutional protocol (from March 20, 2020 to June 30, 2020) with corticosteroid if the patient required supplemental oxygen. From July 1, 2020, the management protocol changed with the addition of colchicine to all patients admitted to the institutions. The treatment was supervised and monitored by the same specialist in infectology of the institutions. We describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of the patients who received these treatments. The patient’s information was analyzed according to the outcome of interest (alive/dead) with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate measures to adjust the variables that presented statistical association.Results: All patients had pneumonia documented by chest computed tomography with ground glass images and presented an alveolar pressure / inspired oxygen fraction (PaFi) less than 300. 240 (79.7%) of patients received corticosteroids, and 145 (48.2%) also received colchicine; of these, 14 (9.6%) died vs. 23 (14.7%) of those who did not receive it. Hospital mortality due to severe Covid-19 Pneumonia was 12.3% in three hospitals in Colombia.Conclusions: Treatment with corticosteroids and colchicine for managing patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia was associated with low mortality at the hospital level. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are required to evaluate the effect of corticosteroids and colchicine on complications or death from Covid-19.
Olefin Oligomerization by Main Group Ga3+ and Zn2+ Single Site Catalysts
Authors: LiBretto Nicole , Xu Yinan , Quigley Aubrey , Edwards Ethan , Nargund Rhea , Vega-Vila Juan , Saxena Arunima , Gounder Rajamani , Greeley Jeffrey , Zhang Guanghui , Miller Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

In heterogeneous catalysis, olefin oligomerization is typically performed on immobilized transition metal ions, such as Ni2+ and Cr3+. Here we report that silica-supported, single site catalysts containing immobilized, main group Zn2+ and Ga3+ ions catalyze ethylene and propylene oligomerization to an equilibrium distribution of linear olefins with rates similar to that of Ni2+. The molecular weight distribution of products formed on Zn2+ is similar to Ni2+; while Ga3+ forms higher molecular weight olefins. In situ spectroscopic and computational studies suggest that oligomerization unexpectedly occurs by the Cossee-Arlman mechanism via metal hydride and metal alkyl intermediates formed during olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination elementary steps. Initiation of the catalytic cycle is proposed to occur by heterolytic C-H dissociation of ethylene, which occurs at about 250°C where oligomerization is catalytically relevant. This work reports new chemistry for main group metal catalysts with potential for development of new olefin processes.