bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes of Laminoplasty for Patients With Lysosomal Storage Disease Including Mucopolysaccharidosis and Mucolipidoses: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Terai Hidetomi , Tamai Koji , Hoshino Masatoshi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Suzuki Akinobu , Takahashi Shinji , Hori Ysuke , Yabu Akito , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: June 2021

Background:Although the clinical efficacy of laminoplasty in adult cervical spondylotic myelopathy or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament has been frequently reported, there are only a few reports of laminoplasty for patients with lysosome storage diseases (LSDs). Thus, this study aimed to report the midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with LSDs after cervical laminoplasty.Methods: Six LSD patients who underwent laminoplasty with/without C1 laminectomy for cervical myelopathy were enrolled. Clinical evaluations, including the cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association (cJOA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) for upper extremity numbness and radiographic parameters, including C2-7 lordotic angle, atlanto-dens interval (ADI), and ⊿ADI, were evaluated preoperatively, at 2 years postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Results: Five patients had mucopolysaccharidoses (type I: n=1, II: n=3, VII: n=1) and one patient had mucolipidoses type III. Mean age at surgery was 27.5 years. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 61 months. All mucopolysaccharidoses cases required C1 posterior arch resection with C2-C7 laminoplasty. No critical complications were observed postoperatively. There were no significant differences between preoperative and final follow-up in C2-7 angle (p=0.724) and ⊿ADI (p=0.592). The cJOA score and VAS for numbness significantly improved at the final follow-up (p=0.004 and p=0.007, respectively).Conclusion: The cervical myelopathy of LSD patients could be safely and effectively treated with laminoplasty with/without C1 posterior arch resection after eliminating patients with atlantoaxial instability. The atlantoaxial stability and symptom improvement could be maintained at an average of 5 years postoperatively.
Study On Oxylipins Metabolomics Components of Follicular Fluid In Infertile Patients With Diminished Ovarian Reserve By UHPLC-MS-MS
Authors: Liang Chengcheng , Zhang Xiaole , Qi Cong , Hu Hui , Zhang Qinhua , Zhu Xiuxian , Fu Yonglun
Published: June 2021

Background: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to the decrease of the number and quality of oocytes in the ovary, which leads to the lack of sex hormones and the decline of fertility in women. DOR can also develop into premature ovarian failure (POF), which affects women's quality of life and is an important cause of female infertility. Oxidative stress is an important cause of fertility decline in DOR patients, which significantly affects follicular microenvironment, oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development. Defining specific oxidized lipid components in follicular fluid (FF) of DOR infertile patients can better understand the existing knowledge of intracellular signal transduction.Methods: UHPLC-MS-MS technology was used to analyze oxylipins metabolic signatures in the FF of DOR patients and females with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) enrolled for the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The obtained metabolomic profiles were analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and MetaboAnalyst databases were used for pathway enrichment analysis.Results: Fifteen oxylipins were found to be lower in FF of patients with DOR than those in NOR group, including ±20-HDoHE, ±5-iso PGF2α-VI, 12S-HHTrE, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2, 1a,1b-dihomo PGE2, 1a,1b-dihomo PGF2α, 20-COOH-AA, 20-HETE, 8S,15S-DiHETE, PGA2, PGD2, PGE1, PGF1α, PGF2α, PGJ2. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the 15 different oxylipins metabolites were closely related to arachidonic acid metabolic pathway.Conclusions: Metabolomic analysis of FF indicated that disorders of oxylipins metabolism was closely related to ovarian reserve function. Among these oxylipins metabolites, arachidonic acid metabolism undergoes significant changes that affect the development of oocytes thus causing reduced fertility in DOR patients.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000038182,Registered 12 September 2020-Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ edit.aspx? pid=61313&htm=4
Preclinical Evaluation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing MicroRNA-126 to Treat Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Nammian Pegah , Asadi-Yousefabad Seyedeh-Leili , Daneshi Sajad , Fallahi Jafar , Tabei Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Razban Vahid
Published: June 2021

Background: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) considered as the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), and characterized by ischemic rest pain and non-healing ulcers. CLI being associated with a high risk of major amputation, cardiovascular events and death. Current therapy for CLI are surgical reconstruction and endovascular therapy or limb amputation (for patients with no treatment options). Neovasculogenesis induced by stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy is a promising approach to treat CLI. But this method of treatment faces challenges that reduce its effectiveness, such as: MSCs survival and paracrine secretion. MicroRNAs are post transcriptional regulatory molecules that regulate many biological processes including VEGF pathway. Therefore, microRNAs could be used to increase viability and angiogenic potential of MSCs. This study was conducted to reinforce and increase the angiogenic potential of BM-MSCs by using microRNA-126 and evaluate the effect of this stem cell gene therapy on treatment of ischemic tissues in CLI mouse models. Results: Our cellular, molecular and functional tests indicated that during 28 days after transplantation, BM-MSCs and virus groups had an enhancing effect on angiogenesis. BM-MSCs miR-126 group had remarkable effect on endothelial cell migration, muscle restructure, functional improvements and neovascularization in ischemic tissues and led to more effective treatment. On the other hand, miR-126 could increase paracrine secretion of BM-MSCs. Additionally, in vivo evaluation showed that miR-126 could increase BM-MSCs survival and paracrine secretion of angiogenic factors such as VEGF, and led to remarkable functional improvements and neovascularization in ischemic tissues. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it could concluded that combination of BM-MSCs and miR-126 leads to more effective recovery from critical limb ischemia compared to using them alone. In fact, miR-126 can be used as a strong modifier to reinforce the angiogenic potential of BM-MSCs, leading to more effective treatment for CLI.
Effects of Varying Viscosity and Mixed Convection on Nanotubes-water Flow With Reactions by a Stretching Cylinder: a Comparative Study
Authors: Hussain Zakir , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: June 2021

The addressed work explains SWCNT (Single walled carbon nanotubnes) and MWCNT (Multi walled carbon nanotubnes) nanofluid flow under the influences of temperature dependent viscosity and mixed convection. Comparative study of SWCN-T and MWCNT suspended in base liquid is presented. Further heat and mass transfer are addressed for nanofluid effected by radiation, heat generation/absorption and diffusion species. Mathematical development of problem is taken in cylindrical coordinates. System of highly nonlinear differential equations are constructed via appropriate transformations. The system of equations are tackled numerically by bvp4c MATLAB solver. The findings of the study show that volume fraction contributes to decline the fluid flow by cylindrical shaped nanoparticles. In addition, fluid flow decelerates via curvature and magnetic parameters while it boots by Grashof number and volume fraction. Further more, temperature dependent viscosity variable corresponds to decrease the temperature close to the surface and it develops away from the surface. The temperature advances in MWCNT-liquid than SWCNT-liquid. Volume fraction and magnetic parameters correspond to skin friction coefficient enhancement. Heat transfer rate increases for larger curvature and heat generation parameters and reverse trend holds against radiation parameter.
Oral Huzhang Granules For the Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis: Protocol For a Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Mi , Hua Liang , Wang Yi-Fei , Chen Si-Ting , Yang Chun-mei , Zhang Ming , Li Xin , Li Bin
Published: June 2021

Background:Acute gouty arthritis (GA) is the main clinical manifestation and the most common initial symptom of gout. The treatment of acute GA involves the use of colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Because of the side effects of these drugs, their clinical application is limited.The use oftraditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of acute GA is associated with unique advantages.The aim of this trial is to clarify the treatment efficacy, safety, and recurrence control efficacy of Huzhang granules (HZGs) in patients with GA showing dampness-heat syndrome.Methods/design:This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was planned to be conducted between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. A sample size of 267 participants (89 per group) with GA will be randomly assigned to three treatment groups in the ratio of 1:1:1: HZG, Etoricoxib, and placebo groups.The study duration will be 13 days, including a one-day screening period, 5-day intervention period, and one-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is analgesic effectiveness, assessed as pain in the worst affected joint, which was measured using the visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes include the patient’s assessment of pain in the primary study joint, patient’s global assessment of response to therapy, investigator’s global assessment of response to therapy, investigator’s assessment of tenderness and swelling of the study joint, and TCM syndromes. Furthermore, the number, nature, and severity of adverse events will be carefully recorded.Discussion: This study will provide an evidence regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of a Chinese medicine treatment for acute gouty arthritis. The results are worth anticipating.Trial registration: Clinicalstrials. GovID:NCT04462666, Registered on July 05, 2020(first version).
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Based on Tomotherapy Application for Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Xie Ziyi , Song Yingqiu , Liu Chengsen , Wang Chenyu , Zhao Peng , Huang Bo , He Lei , Wang Tianlu
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTomotherapy (TOMO), also known as spiral tomotherapy, offers better dose distribution, mild radiotherapy responses, shorter single-treatment times, and the benefits of timely adjustment of set errors. The overall treatment time of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) does not increase compared with that of conventional radiotherapy (Con-RT); thus, HFRT is considered the most promising and attractive alternative to standard segmentation. The effect of HFRT based on TOMO technology on limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) patients requires further investigation.MethodsThe number of samples required was calculated using PASS software, and this randomized, controlled, prospective study will include 120 LS-SCLC patients randomized (1:1) to the experiment group (HFRT with TOMO) or the control group (Con-RT). The primary outcome is progression-free survival time after treatment with HFRT with TOMO. Secondary outcomes include acute and chronic adverse reactions, overall survival, tumor response (stable disease, progressive disease, complete response, and partial response), and quality of life. The follow-up duration will be 2 years. This is version 1.0 of protocol on April 1, 2021. The start of recruitment for this clinical trial is July 1, 2020, and the completion of recruitment is January 1, 2022. DiscussionThis new experimental study aims to explore the selection criteria of instruments during LS-SCLC radiotherapy and provide data theory support for the specified treatment specifications and guidelines. For problems that may arise in the research, we will solve them through statistical methods, such as differential analysis, and project funding support. The study is committed to providing better efficacy for patients with LS-SCLC.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, with trial number ChiCTR1900027539 (date of registration: November 17, 2019). (URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=45872&htm=4)
Extraction, Partial Purification And Characterization Of Milk- Clotting Enzyme From Local Coagulants On The Yield Of Cheese Using Cow Milk
Authors: Tesfaw Alemu Tebeje
Published: June 2021

Milk-clotting activity is the most important property of enzymes used in cheese making. The study conducts at the University of Gondar, Institute of biotechnology microbial and cellular biology laboratory. Latex extracted from each plant using an appropriate procedure. Five hundred ml of milk added to each beaker in all extract labels with its replication, heated, each coagulant was added and heated till a separate layer of cheese and whey happened. Then after clotting time, whey product, cheese- fresh weight, cheese dry weight, and the percentage of cheese yield were recorded using appropriate measurement and calculation. All data analyzed using SAS Studio, and analysis of variance showed that highly significant differences have existed among plant extract used for all studied parameters. The highest (59, 74.67, 91.33 gm) amount of cheese- dry weight observes in lemon juice. The highest (11.34, 14.36, and 17.56)% of cheese- yield observe in lemon juice for all extract labels, respectively. The lowest amount (32.67, 25.67, and 17.00) of cheese formation starting time observed from lemon juice, respectively. Therefore, lemon juice, calotropis procera, and Solanum incanum could use in the dairy industry and local community as an alternative source of rennet.
The Impacts of Freeze-thaw Cycles on Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Microstructure of Saline-alkali Soils
Authors: Xu Wenshuo , Li Kesheng , Chen Longxiao , Kong Weihang , Liu Chuanxiao
Published: June 2021

Study on the microscopic structure of saline-alkali soil can reveal the change of its permeability more deeply. In this paper, the relationship between permeability and microstructure of saline-alkali soil with different dry densities and water content in the floodplain of southwestern Shandong Province was studied through freeze-thaw cycles. A comprehensive analysis of soil samples was conducted using particle-size distribution, X-Ray diffraction, Freeze-Thaw cycle test, saturated hydraulic conductivity test and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The poor microstructure of soil is the main factor that leads to the category of micro-permeable soil. The porosity of the local soil was only 6.19–11.51%, and ultra-micropores (< 0.05 µm) and micropores (0.05-2 µm) dominated the pore size distribution. Soil saturated water conductivity was closely related to its microscopic pore size distribution. As the F-T cycles progressed, soil permeability became stronger, with the reason the pore size distribution curve began to shift to the small pores (2–10 µm) and mesopores (10–20 µm), and this effect was the most severe when the freeze-thaw cycle was 15 times. High water content could promote the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on soil permeability and pore size distribution, while the increase of dry density could inhibit these effects. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of saline-alkali soil in the flooded area of Southwest Shandong.
Iron-Quercetin Complex Preconditioning Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Accelerates Angiogenic and Wound Healing Efficacy
Authors: Kantapan Jiraporn , Anukul Nampeung , Leetrakool Nipapan , Rolin Gwenaël , Vergote Jackie , Dechsupa Nathupakorn
Published: June 2021

Background: Cells-based therapy is a highly promising treatment paradigm in ischemic disease due to its ability to repair tissues when implanted into a damaged site. These therapeutic effects have been involving a strong paracrine component resulting from the high levels of bioactive molecules they secrete in response to the local microenvironment. Therefore, the secreted therapeutic can be modulated by preconditioning the cells during in vitro culture. Herein, we investigated the potential use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes “Iron-Quercetin complex” or IronQ for preconditioning peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to expand proangiogenic cells and enhance their secreted therapeutic factors. Methods: PBMCs obtained from healthy donor blood were cultured in the presence of the Iron-Quercetin complex. Preconditioning-PBMCs differentiated cells were characterized by immunostaining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to describe the secreted cytokines. In vitro migration and tubular formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were completed to investigate the proangiogenic efficacy.Results: IronQ significantly increased mononuclear progenitor cells' proliferation and differentiation into the spindle-shape-like cells, expressing both hematopoietic and stromal cell markers. The expansion increased the number of colony-forming units (CFU-Hill). The conditioned medium obtained from IronQ-treated PBMCs contained a high level of Interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, urokinase-type-plasminogen-activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and augmented migration and capillary network formation of HUVEC and fibroblast cells in vitro.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the IronQ-precondition PBMCs protocol could enhance the angiogenic and reparative potential of non-mobilized PBMCs. This protocol can be used as an adjunctive strategy to improve cell therapy's efficacy of PBMCs for ischemic diseases and chronic wound.
Comparative Study on the Corrosion Resistance of Inorganic Zinc-Rich Coating and Thermal-Spray Zinc Coating
Authors: Ni Weiliang , Li Peng , Zhu Yajun , Di Zhigang , Guo Liangliang , liu Yunqi
Published: June 2021

The corrosion resistance of two steel coatings (inorganic zinc-rich coating and thermal-spray zinc coating) was studied in detail by using the electrochemical and salt spray test, and the salt spray corrosion thickness was calculated by the time-varying equation established from the mathematical fitting method. The result show that the corrosion mechanism of the two types of coatings was the same that based on the sacrificed of zinc through anodizing phenomenon. The main reason for the difference of corrosion resistance between the two anticorrosive coatings was that the coating density and shielding effect of corrosion products were different. The 7500-hours salt spray test showed that the corrosion rates and microstructure characteristics of both types of zinc coatings were homogeneous on the premise of ensuring coating reliability. The time-varying equation can be used to evaluate the service life of the zinc coatings and judge their corrosion resistance quickly, that providing theoretical support for the maintenance of steel structures as well as the accelerated selection and design of coating formulations.
Differential Changes of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation in Three-vessel Critical Stenosis CAD Patients with and without Diabetes: A Two-dimensional Speckle-tracking Echocardiography-based Study.
Authors: jiang luying , liu jingbo , yang zhenjia , wang li , zuo houjuan
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThough the presence of three-vessel disease (3VD) coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is relatively common, very limited data is regarding their left ventricular (LV) function. The purpose of our study is to assess the LV function in 3VD patients with T2DM by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE).MethodsHundred-three consecutive patients with confirmed 3VD CAD were enrolled and divided into two groups, 53 patients with DM and 50 patients without DM. The control group was composed of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Echocardiography was performed at baseline before coronary angiography. The 2-D STE was used to measure LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and segmental peak systolic longitudinal strains (PSLSs).ResultBy standard echocardiogram, there is no significant difference between 3VD-DM and 3VD-non-DM groups. Strains measured by 2-D STE showed that the 3VD-DM patients have significantly lower global longitudinal strain (GLS) than the 3VD-non-DM patients (15.87 ± 2.51 vs.17.56 ± 2.72, P < 0.05). Further, in the 3VD-DM groups, the duration of the DM and glucose control level were investigated. Our results showed that GLS of the duration of DM≥5 of 3VD was significantly lower than that in 3VD patients with duration of DM<5, especially in global PSLS (14.25 ± 2.31 vs. 16.65 ± 1.96, P=0.007), mid PSLS (14.08 ± 3.72 vs. 16.51 ± 2.15，P=0.017), and apical PSLS (15.26 ± 3.28 vs.18.44 ±4.36，p=0.049). However, the results of the glucose control level showed no difference on GLS between the 3VD patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and HbA1c < 7%.ConclusionsGlobal and segmental peak systolic longitudinal strains (PSLSs) are significantly lower in 3VD-DM patients than in the patients with 3VD only. The duration of diabetes is an important factor cause the decrease GLS in 3VD-DM patients. However, the glucose control level has limited influence on LV function in 3VD patients.
The Influence of Water Hardness Perturbations on Bubble Departure Dynamics
Authors: Dzienis Pawel , Mosdorf Romuald , Czarnecki Jerry
Published: June 2021

The influence of small changes to water hardness on the nonlinear behaviour of liquid penetration into a capillary and the resulting air pressure fluctuations during air bubble formation are examined in this paper. Experiments were undertaken in which bubbles were generated both in water having a surface tensile force of σ = 72.2 mN/m and in an aqueous solution of calcium carbonate having a surface tensile force of σ = 75.4 mN/m, each contained in a glass capillary with an internal diameter of 1 mm. It is shown that both the maximum value of liquid penetration into the capillary and bubble growth time are affected by perturbations to the water hardness. The time it takes for the bubble to depart the capillary was estimated using the following nonlinear data analysis methods: time delay (τ), attractor reconstructions, correlation dimension (D), and largest Lyapunov exponent (λ). All estimates demonstrate that the pressure fluctuations in the c-c aqueous solutions and extent of liquid solution penetration into the capillary during the time between subsequent bubble departures behave chaotically.
The Effect of Different Planning Conditions versus Explicit Grammar Instruction on Teenage EFL Learners’ Oral Production of a Picture Promoted Task and Grammar Gain
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Mogaddam Azadeh Hamidi
Published: June 2021

This study examined the effects of three task conditions on teenage EFL learners’ oral performance of a picture prompted task and their grammatical knowledge gain. To this end, 34 EFL learners were randomly assigned into three experimental groups, namely online planning, pre-planning, and explicit instruction, and one control group. Pictures were employed as prompts to implement the tasks in all groups. A Grammatical Judgment Test was used to compare students’ knowledge of simple present passive structure before and after the treatment. Learners’ oral task performance was measured in terms of Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF). The findings demonstrated significant differences among groups as for CAF measures. However, no significant differences were spotted in GJT posttest scores. The paper calls for the incorporation of diverse prompt-based planning conditions in task-oriented teaching practices in order to target learners' higher levels of oral competence.
Measurement of Hearing Impairment among Greenlandic School-Children: Association Between Self-Reported Data and Clinical Examinations
Authors: Schnohr Christina , Jensen Jakob Schmidt , Skovsen Cecilie Friis , Homøe Preben , Niclasen Birgit , Jensen Ramon Gordon
Published: June 2021

Background: Ear infections is the leading cause of hearing impairment among children world-wide and a major public health problem in many indigenous populations. Early onset of hearing impairment compromise communication skills and social and psychological development, and monitoring the prevalence in a population is important to assess the need for interventions both at the school-, societal and clinical settings in a population.Methods: 185 children from 5th to 10th grade from Sisimiut town and the nearby settlements participated in a clinical examination to have ear-examination and pure tone audiometry. Participants filled out a questionnaire at home with their parents before the clinical examination, and hearing impairment was collected as individual self-reports and as audiometric measurements. Ear examinations was assessed by two clinicians and if any discrepancy between self-reports and clinical measures they were re-assessed.Results: A total of 185 children between 9 and 15 years of age (median: 11 years, IQR: 10-13) were included, 60% (n=111) were girls. 247 (70%) of the 355 available otoscopies were clinically assessed as normal. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.31. Eighteen children (10%) were found to have hearing impairment using a PTA of ≥ 25 dB for either low or high frequencies or both as threshold in one or both ears. 32 children (17%) reported hearing impairment to the extent that they were not able to keep up in school, of which half reported that it had lasted for more than one year. 7 of the 32 children reporting hearing impairment (22%) reported that the extent of their hearing impairment was affecting their classroom experience so they were not able to follow. None of the children had hearing aids. Conclusion: Self-reported and clinically screening for hearing impairment are two different concepts. Even though the two concepts are statistically correlated, the correlation coefficients are low. The contextual processing in which perceived hearing impairment is assessed in a social environment seems to conceptually differ from the measure of hearing by pure tone audiometry. Since both measure hearing impairment, the choice of measure should relate to the purpose and method of the investigation.
A Study of the Molecular Mechanism by Which Substance P Enhances Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-Associated Autophagy and Apoptosis of Cardiomyocytes Induces Heart Failure
Authors: CHEN Fa-Xiu CHEN , Hu Jian , Fang Jing , Li Qing-Ling , Wan Qin , Peng Le
Published: June 2021

Background: Anthracyclines, including doxorubicin, are some of the most potent anticancer drugs available. However, the use of doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic agent is severely hindered by dose-limiting toxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity, while degrading other organ systems. Despite years of use and the amount of details published on this drug, the understanding of its cellular mechanisms is still incomplete. Method: Cardiomyocyte grouping was carried out, where H9C2 cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into a control group, a myocardial model group, an SP group and an SP antagonist group. For replication in animal models, twelve rats were similarly divided randomly into a control group, a myocardial model group, an SP group, and an SP antagonist group. Except for the control group, the rats in the other groups were modelled: the rats were injected with adriamycin solution. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, while HE staining, TUNEL stain, Western Blot detection and transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect autophagy levels accordingly. All the results were analysed and carefully interpreted. Results: The tachykinin, substance P, is located mainly in sensory nerves and in the heart, where substance P-containing nerve fibres are often found around coronary vessels, making them ideally situated to detect changes in the myocardial environment. Apoptosis and autophagy are genetically-regulated, evolutionary-conserved processes that regulate cell fate and are both important for development, normal physiology, and a wide range of diseases. Recent studies show that despite the significant differences between these two processes, their regulation is closely connected and certain regulators have been found to be able to control both apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusions: In this study, the influence of substance P was discussed, providing possible molecular mechanisms for crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy mediating heart failure due to Doxorubicin therapy. Trial registration: (20192BBGL7D031) 2019-09-17.
Terrestrial protected areas maintain freshwater ecosystem resilience to costly aquatic invasive species in the Panama Canal
Authors: Salgado Jorge , Vélez María , Gonzalez-Arango Catalina , O'Dea Aaron
Published: June 2021

River damming is expected to proliferate across Tropical American Rivers in the forthcoming decades with expected declines in ecosystem health to costly invasive species. Historical data and modern aquatic plant surveys of one of the largest and oldest tropical dam projects (the > 100 years old Panama Canal) reveal that modern plant communities in areas adjacent to terrestrial Natural Protected Areas (tNPAs) retain a pre-damming community structure that is apparently more resistant to invasive species. Establishing tNPAs adjacent to impounded rivers could be a cost-effective nature-based solution for tropical reservoir management.
Early and Midterm Outcome of TEVAR for Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Tun , He Hao , Li Xin , Peng Yuan , Wang Lunchang , Sun Likun , Li Quanming , Shu Chang
Published: June 2021

Backgrounds: The prognosis of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm (TAP) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains unclear. This study investigates the early and midterm clinical outcome as well as relevant risk factors of TAP patients following TEVAR therapy.Methods: From July 2010 to July 2020, 37 eligible TAP patients who underwent TEVAR were selected into our research. We retrospectively explored their baseline, perioperative and follow-up data. Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier method were applied for comparing difference between groups. Risk factors of late survival were discerned using Cox regression analysis.Results: There were 29 men and 12 women, with the mean age as 59.5±13.0 years (range, 30-82). The mean follow-up time was 30.7±28.3 months (range, 1-89). For early result, early mortality (≦30days) happened in 3(8.1%) zone 3 TAP patients versus 0 in zone 4 (p= 0.028); acute arterial embolism of lower extremity and type II endoleak respectively occurred in 1(2.7%) case. For midterm result, survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 88.8±5.3%, 75.9±7.5% and 68.3±9.9%, which showed significant difference between zone 2/3 versus zone 4 group (56.3±14.8% versus 72.9±13.2%, p= 0.013) and emergent versus elective TEVAR groups (0.0±0.0% versus 80.1±8.0%, p= 0.049). On multivariate Cox regression, lesions at zone 2/3 (HR 4.605, 95%CI 1.095-19.359), concomitant cardiac disease (HR 4.932, 95%CI 1.086-22.403) and emergent TEVAR (HR 4.196, 95%CI 1.042-16.891) were significant independent risk factors for worse late clinical outcome. Conclusions: TEVAR therapy is effective and safe with satisfactory early and midterm clinical outcome for TAP patients. Lesions at zone 2/3, concomitant cardiac disease and emergent TEVAR were independent risk factors for midterm survival outcome.
Comparative Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries (Including Sports Injuries) in a Global Transcontinental Population Treated in an Orthopedic Physiotherapy Centre of UN Level II Hospital in a UN Peace Keeping Mission
Authors: Verma Pallavi , Sinha Shivendra Kumar
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of years lived with disability, which constitutes a substantial burden on society This study was done in a global transcontinental population dependent on a single physiotherapy centre of a UN level II Hospital in Naquora, Lebanon (catering predominantly to the military population of >39 countries serving in UNIFIL Lebanon) between Jan 2014 to Dec 2019. The patients were of various musculoskeletal injuries (including sports injuries- both acute and chronic) requiring conservative treatment, predominantly physiotherapy – using physiotherapy-based equipments followed by different rehabilitation exercises. Literature lacks any study involving the predominantly adult military population cohort of various parts of the globe with similar lifestyles and duties treated in a single centre. METHODS:Patients from more than 39 countries spread across various continents are included in this study. It is a retrospective observational study comprising hospital-based cohorts of patients who did not need any operative intervention for the treatmentand were essentially managed onservatively using physiotherapy equipments and rehabilitation exercises on OPD/inhospital admission basis. They underwent necessary diagnostic tests and then multiple sittings of physiotherapy as part of the individual treatment protocol. Data was collected from the UNIFIL Hospital registers. SWD, IFT ,TENS and other physiotherapy equipments and rehabilitation aids were used in the treatment.RESULTS:The study shows back complaints more common in all populations and more disabling than other injuries each year throughout the study. Foot and ankle complaints were the least reported symptoms in the centre. Regionwise, the local population was the largest clientele followed by Asians & thereafter equally by the found in the March to September months because of more outdoor sports activities during these months due to the congenial weather conditions.CONCLUSION:Back complaints are the most common complaints compared to the peripheral limbs and extremities complaints. All continents are equally affected irrespective of their original race, culture and climate. Dedicated hospital staff and good physiotherapy equipments are essential to treat such patients. Timely consultation to specialist doctors help to mitigate such ailments early by conservative means. SWD and IFT effectively treats both acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints than single isolated SWD or IFT therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Since this study is a retrospective observational non-interventional study not involving any new drug/ implant /equipment. Hence, trial registration is not applicable in this study. The study is purely of academic and research interest and the security classification of this research study is unclassified category.
Impact of Corona Pandemic on Numbers in Diagnostic Pathology; A Nationwide Survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Velthuysen Marie-Louise F van , Eeden Susanne van , Cessie Saskia le , de Boer Mirthe , Boven Hester van , Koomen Bregje M , Roozekrans Frank , Bart Jos , Timens Wim , Voorham Rinus JM
Published: June 2021

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a huge impact on healthcare provided. The nationwide pathology registry of the Netherlands, PALGA, offers an outstanding opportunity to measure this impact for diseases in which pathology examinations are involved. Methods: Pathology specimen numbers in 2020 were compared with specimen numbers in 2019 for 5 periods of 4 weeks, representing two lockdowns and the periods in between, taking into account localization, procedure and dignity of diagnosis.Results: The largest decrease was seen during the first lockdown (spring 2020), when numbers of pathology reports declined up to 88% and almost all specimen types were affected. Afterwards each specimen type showed its own dynamics with a decrease during the second lockdown for some, while for others numbers remained relatively low during the whole year. Generally, for most tissue types resections, cytology and malignant diagnoses showed less decrease than biopsies and benign diagnoses. A significant but small catch-up (up to 17%) was only seen for benign resections of the lower gastro-intestinal tract, malignant skin resections and gallbladder resections.Conclusion: The corona pandemic has a significant effect on pathology diagnostics. This effect was most pronounced during the first lockdown, diverse for different sites of origin and for cytology compared with histology. The data presented here can help to assess the consequences on (public) health and provide a starting point in the discussion on how to make the best choices in times of scarce healthcare resources, considering the impact of both benign and malignant disease on quality of life.
Aortic Arch Calcification Is Associated With Death From Cardiovascular Disease, Infection, and Malnutrition in Patients on Hemodialysis: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hashiba Toyohiro , Tanaka Mototsugu , Honda Tomoko , Kishi Satoru , Ogura Yoshiyasu , Takenaka Yuto , Furuse Satoshi , Nishio Kyosuke , Masaki Kazunobu , Kano Tatsuya , Mise Naobumi
Published: June 2021

Background: Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is a well-known risk factor of death in patients on hemodialysis (HD); however, the causes of death in those having severe AAC have not been well studied. This study aimed to clarify the association between AAC and causes of death in HD patients and investigate their long-term prognosis.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on Japanese HD patients from two clinics. AAC was classified into grade 0 to 3 using chest radiograph. The patients were followed up to 7 years, and their mortality and causes of death were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probabilities of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death. The Cox proportional hazard models were employed to investigate variables relevant to all-cause mortality.Results: Among 321 patients (211 male, 64 ± 11 years old, 10 ± 8 years of dialysis duration), AAC grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 were observed in 88 (27.4%), 145 (45.2%), 54 (16.8%), and 34 (10.6%), respectively. During 5.2 ± 2.1 years, 117 (36.4%) patients died. AAC was associated with all-cause mortality (p < .001), and the death rates in AAC grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 19.3%, 35.2%, 46.3%, and 70.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, grade 3 AAC, age, ischemic heart disease and C-reactive protein were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. The major causes of death were CVD (39.3%), infection (20.5%), and malignant tumor (15.4%) in the entire cohort. In AAC grade 3, death from infection (29.2%) and malnutrition (16.7%) increased and the combined death from these 2 reasons outweighed CVD death (33.3%).Conclusions: Although AAC was associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, the causes of death in patients on HD much differ among different AAC severities. Attention should be paid to CVD, infection, and malnutrition in patients on HD with severe AAC.
Theoretical Study of Novel B2CO Compounds with High Hardness
Authors: LIU Chao , LIU Lingyu , YING Pan
Published: June 2021

Two B2CO phases (oP8’ with sp2-sp3 hybridization coexist and mP16 with unitary sp3 hybridization) were discovered via structure searching and stability analysis. The study of formation enthalpy reveals that high pressure (HP) technology performed maybe an important method for synthesis. Among all isoelectronic with diamond (IED) B-C-O phases, oP8’ has the smallest gap and mP16 has the widest gap. With pressure increasing, for B2CO phases with high symmetry and composed of sp3 hybridization, their band gaps all increases monotonically; for B2CO phases composed by sp3-sp2 hybridization coexist or with low symmetry like mP16, their band gaps increased first and then decreased. oP8’ and mP16 both have large mechanical modulus and they are typical materials with high hardness. Pressure has a positive correlation with its mechanical modulus.
The Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Chinese Male Pediatric Patients With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Wang Yi , Qin Miao , Fan Lijun , Zhang Beibei , Gong Chunxiu
Published: June 2021

BackgroundsCongenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) are invided into Kallmann Syndrome (KS) and normosmic HH(nHH). The clinical and genetic characteristics of CHH are more studied in adults, but less in pre-adults. MethodsMedical records of 126 patients with CHH at our hospital during 2008−2020 were evaluated. ResultsTotally, seven patients (5.6%) had hypospadias. Among 49 patients with positive family history, delayed puberty, KS/nHH and olfactory abnormalities accounted for 44.9%, 16.3%, and 12.2%, respectively. Sixty-five patients completed the hCG prolongation test, and T levels of 24 patients were lower than 100 ng/dl. 25 CHH-related genes were found in 78 patients, digenic mutations in 23 patients, and trigenic mutations in 3 patients. The most common pathogenic genes were FGFR1 (21.1%), PROKR2 ( 17.9%), ANOS1 (12.6%), and CHD7 (12.6%). The oligogenicity rate of common autosomal dominant heredity genes accounted for 50.0% (FGFR1, 10/20) and 33.3% (CHD7, 4/12), of autosomal recessive heredity gene PROKR2 accounted for 47.1% (8/17). ConclusionMicropenis and cryptorchidism are important cues for CHH in pre-adulthood; hypospadias is a rare phenotype of CHH. At least 22.9% of patients tested had testicular Leydig cell dysfunction (dual CHH). Oligogenic mutations were found in 27.4% of all patients with CHH.
P2X7 Receptor of Microglia Mediates Neuropathic pain by Regulating Autophagy After Chronic-Constriction Injury
Authors: Zhong Qi , Huang Yifei , Zhang Bo , Li Tingting , Fang Peng , Chang Jing , chen Chang , Zhang Zongze
Published: June 2021

P2X7 receptor is a crucial receptor related to neuronal activation, neurosensitization, and pain transmission, and increasing evidences indicated that glial cells is thought to be a major contributor to the chronic neuropathic pain after nerve injury. In present study, we designed to investigate whether the P2X7R in glial plays a role in chronic neuropathic pain. We divided adult male Sprague Dawley rats were respectively into four groups:(1) vehicle group (Veh), (2) CCI (C group), (3) P2X7 inhibitor group (P group), (4) CCI+ P2X7R inhibition (CP group). Behavior test, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscope were used to analyze the scientific hypothesis. The results of the experiment is that(i) P2X7R of microglia was downregulated by A-70003 after CCI. (ii) Downregulation of P2X7R on microglia is coincident with remission of NP after CCI. (iii) P2X7R of microglia participates in NP via regulating autophagy and apoptosis. In summary, our results support P2X7R inhibition can counteract the CCI-induced NP due to microglia activation via a modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in mPFC and spinal cord. This may provide an importantly neuroprotective mechanism for the improved NP and also help devising new therapeutic to improve chronic pain in patients.
The Type of Anticoagulant Used for Plasma Collection Affects in Vitro Rhodococcus Equi Assays
Authors: Rivolta Alejandra Antonella , Pittman Dana Christine , Kappes Amanda J , Stancil Robert K , Kogan Clark , Sanz Macarena Guadalupe
Published: June 2021

Objective: The efficacy of Rhodococcus equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is usually evaluated in vitro. Anticoagulants (AC) used for plasma collection can negatively impact bacterial replication but their effect on R. equi growth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to establish the effect that AC routinely used in veterinary medicine (ACD, K2EDTA, Li Heparin, and Na Citrate) have on in vitro R. equi growth. To assess this, in vitro assays commonly used to test HIP efficacy (direct effect on microorganism and macrophage infection), were performed using each AC and non-treated bacteria. Results: There was no direct effect of ACD, Li Heparin or Na Citrate on R. equi growth. These AC significantly (p < 0.05) delayed growth for 12 h following opsonization. The number of R. equi colonies after macrophage infection was significantly (p < 0.05) lower 72h post-opsonization with Na Citrate. K2EDTA inhibited the formation of R. equi colonies by 12 h in all the assays. In conclusion, AC should be taken into consideration when interpreting in vitro results as their negative effect on bacterial growth may be mistakenly interpreted as HIP efficacy. ACD and Li Heparin appear more appropriate for the selected assays.
Quality of Life and Mortality after Craniotomy for Brain Tumor Removal: A South Korean Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae , Kwon Ji-Eyon , Lee Solyi , Choi Hey-ran , Jeon Young-Tae
Published: June 2021

PurposeWe aimed to investigate the prevalence of quality-of-life deterioration and associated factors in patients who underwent craniotomies for brain tumor removal. Additionally, we examined whether deteriorating quality of life after surgery might affect mortality. MethodsAs a national population-based cohort study, data were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. Adult patients (≥18 years old) who underwent craniotomy for excision of brain tumors after diagnosis of malignant brain tumor between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017, were included in this study. ResultsA total of 4,852 patients were included in the analysis. Among them, 2,273 patients (46.9%) experienced a deterioration in quality of life after surgery. Specifically, 595 (12.3%) lost their jobs, 1,329 (27.4%) experienced decreased income, and 844 (17.4%) patients had newly acquired disabilities. In the multivariable Cox regression model, a lower quality of life was associated with a 1.41-fold higher 2-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.27–1.57; P<0.001). Specifically, newly acquired disability was associated with 1.80-fold higher 2-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.59–2.03; P<0.001), while loss of job (P=0.353) and decreased income (P=0.599) were not significantly associated.ConclusionsAt one-year follow-up, approximately half the patients who participated in this study experienced a deterioration in the quality-of-life measures of unemployment, decreased income, and newly acquired disability after craniotomy for excision of brain tumors. Newly acquired disability was associated with increased 2-year all-cause mortality.