bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Value of Blood Markers to Assess the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Xiao Liuniu , Ran Xiao , Zhong Yan-Xia , Li Shu-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is threatening the world with the symptoms of seasonal influenza. This study was conducted to investigate the patient characteristics and clinical value of blood markers to assess the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: 187 patients, diagnosed with COVID-19 (non-severe and severe cases) and admitted to hospital between January 27th and March 8th of 2020, were enrolled in the present study. Results: A higher proportion of clinical symptoms, including cough, expectoration, myalgia and fatigue were observed in non-severe group. Significant increased level of WBC count, neutrophils, CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were noted in severe group. The level of neutrophils, CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased, while platelet was remarkely decreased in the severe group. The risk model based on lymphocyte, IL-6, IL-8, CRP and platelet had the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). The baseline of IL-6, IL-8 and CRP was positively correlated with other parameters except lymphocyte, hemoglobin and platelet. While the baseline of platelet was negatively correlated with other parameters except lymphocyte and hemoglobin. Additionally, there was no connection between severity of COVID-19 and cultures of blood, sputum and catheter secretion. Conclusions: The present study suggested that IL-6, IL-8, CRP and platelet played a critical role in deterioration of COVID-19 with potential value for monitoring the severity of COVID-19.
A Model for Segmentation of CT Images of Liver Lesions Based on Regional Fitting and Gradient Information
Authors: Xue Baoshan , Zhang Fengfeng , Yan Xiaojian , Wang Rongmiao
Published: October 2020

Background: The Computed Tomography (CT) images of liver have such disadvantages as uneven gray scale, fuzzy boundary and missing, so the commonly used image segmentation model of liver lesions has low segmentation accuracy.Methods: We propose a new hybrid active contour model based on regional fitting and gradient information for segmenting CT images of liver lesions. Firstly, the problem of uneven gray scale of liver lesions image was solved by local area fitting method, and the gradient information of liver lesions image was integrated to enhance the detection ability of the model on the edge of liver lesions. Secondly, we introduce the region area term, which can keep the image segmentation curve smooth in the process of segmentation, and effectively control the direction and speed of curve evolution. Finally, the performance of the DRLSE model, RSF model and the present model was compared in the segmentation of liver lesions. Results: It can be concluded from the experimental results that: compared with DRLSE model and RSF model，the average Dice similarity coefficient reached 97.7%, ncreased by 12.7% and 11.7% respectively; the under segmentation rate was 2%, 9% and 17% lower, and the over segmentation rate was 1.6%. Conclusion: Therefore, the segmentation model proposed in this paper has excellent segmentation performance and greatly improves the segmentation accuracy of liver lesions.
The Relationship Between Lower Respiratory Tract Microbiome and Allergic Respiratory Tract Diseases in Children
Authors: Cui Jinghua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Hanqing , Chen Zhen , Zhang Quan , Yan Chao , Xue Guanhua , Li Shaoli , Feng Yanling , Liu Han , Chen Chen , Xie Xianghui , Yuan Jing
Published: October 2020

Background: With the development of sequencing technologies, it has been found that there are microbes similar to those in the upper respiratory tract present in the healthy human lower respiratory tract (LRT), including the lungs and bronchus. Thus, to study the LRT microbiome and evaluate the relationship between this microbiome and allergic respiratory diseases in children, we enrolled 68 children who visited the respiratory department and underwent bronchoscopy from January 2018 to December 2018 in the affiliated hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics. Methods: Using the total IgE (TIgE) values, children were divided into two groups: one group had 34 patients with allergy (allergy sensitivity, AS); the second group had 34 patients with no allergy (no allergy sensitivity, NAS). Nucleic acid was extracted from samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) taken during bronchoscopy treatment and the 16S rDNA gene was sequenced and analysed. Results: The results showed that Haemophilus, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Neisseria, and Rothia were detected in all patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the composition and distribution of microbiota between the AS and NAS groups (p < 0.01). Compared with children in the AS group, the LRT of those belonging to the NAS group were enriched with Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Anoxybacillus. However, the level of Bacteroidetes in the AS group was significantly higher. Analysis of the correlation of clinical indices and microbiome showed that TIgE was positively correlated with Bacteroidetes and negatively correlated with Streptococcus. In addition, absolute lymphocyte count showed a relationship with Streptococcus, and the absolute neutrophil count or percentage of neutrophils showed a relationship with Cardiobacterium.Conclusions: The respiratory tract microbiome functioned similarly to the intestinal microbiome. That is, the decrease in microbial diversity and the change in composition could lead to an increase in allergic symptoms. The colonised microbiota of the LRT in children, especially that of Bacteriodetes and Streptococcus, showed a certain correlation with early respiratory allergic diseases. Trial registration number is ISRCTN18302701, and date of registration is 06/10/2020.
A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Haifu , Zhang Qinxia , Yang Dong , Xu Zhao , Zhang Xingwei
Published: October 2020

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias in clinical practice. Alcohol consumption has been linked to the occurrence of AF.Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, Google scholar, and Web of Science) was performed. The search yielded a total of 1177 articles, and 12 cohort studies from the total were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of different doses of alcohol consumption on the risk of AF in men and women were compared using hierarchical analysis. Dose-response curves of alcohol consumption and risk of AF were plotted for the two groups according to sex.Results: The risk of AF increased with increased alcohol consumption in both men and women. In the male population, light-moderate alcohol consumption did not increase the risk of AF (HR: 1.07, 95%CI: 0.92-1.23, P=0.38), while heavy alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of AF (HR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.23-1.54, P<0.01). In the female population, the risk of AF was not significantly increased by either light-moderate or heavy alcohol consumption (light- moderate drink: HR: 1.00, 95%CI: 0.92-1.10, P=0.95; heavy drink: HR: 1.05, 95%CI: 0.90-1.23, P=0.55).Conclusions: In women, the risk of AF was not associated with any degree of alcohol consumption while high levels of alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of AF in men.
Exploration of Chinese Parental Awareness About COVID-19 Outbreaks
Authors: Peng Niang-Huei , Meng Hongyan , Li ZhenZhen , Wei BiRong , Chang Yue‐Cune , Huang MaoXin , Zhou JianFu
Published: October 2020

Background: Currently children’s COVID-19 case numbers are gradually increased in various countries, and many parents fear for their children’ safety after schools reopen. The aim of this research was to investigate Chinese parents’ awareness of pediatric COVID-19 in relation to protecting their children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fujian and Jiangsu provinces in China using a web-based research questionnaire to investigate parents with children aged 6 to 16 years old. Results: Research samples included 1222 participants. 99.2% of participants were aware of respiratory transmission of COVID-19, and 75.6% also believed fecal-oral transmission to be possible. Although 98.3% of participants reported knowing how to properly wear and remove masks, most parents were unaware of good handwashing technique and answered incorrectly regarding cough etiquette. Research participants seemed uncertain of children’s symptoms. Awareness scores of participants significantly differed across parental role, educational attainment levels, and social-economic levels (P<0.005), with fathers, the better educated, and those of higher income showing higher levels of awareness. Conclusion: Research results suggest an urgent need for parental education regarding COVID-19 in children, especially regarding handwashing techniques and cough etiquette; educational facilities and outreach to parents and schoolchildren are particularly important.
Fatty Acid Composition of Eucommia Rubber Particles, Content and Molecular Weight Distribution of Eu-rubber in Eucommia Ulmoides Leaves and Samaras
Authors: Qin Li-Jun , Yuan Ting , Yang ZhengWei , Zhao DeGang
Published: October 2020

[Backgroud] Eucommia ulmoides rubber particles (EuRPs) wrapped by a monolayer protein-lipid membrane are speculated to an important site for the biosynthesis of E. ulmoides rubber (Eu-rubber), and the types and contents of these protein and lipid varied in different E. ulmoides organs which might indicate the difference of Eu-rubber biosynthesis in EuRPs from different organs and tissues. In this paper, the morphological structure and fatty acid composition of EuRPs in leaves and samaras collected in October, 2019 were compared, and molecular weight (Mw) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) were also analyed by GPC system. [Results] The results showed that small rubber particles (SRPs, 1~4 μm) and medium rubber particles (MRPs, 4~7 μm) from leaves and samaras respectively accounted for 39%, 53% and 38%, 34%, while the amount of the large rubber particles (LRPs, 7~11 μm) were 23% and 13%, which indicated there was no significance in leaf and samara SRPs while the amount of MRPs and LRPs in leaf both were more than that of in samara. Synchronously, the determination results of fatty acids (FAs) compositon showed three of the 35 kinds FAs were uniquely detected in leaf rubber particles (LeRPs), which included eleven carbonic (C11:0), thirteen carbonic (C13:0) and arachidic acids (C20:0), while γ-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) was exclusively found in samara rubber particles (SaRPs) with a lower content. Additioanlly, five characteristic distribution peaks (CDPs) of Eu-rubber from leaves were detected while there were only 2-3 CDPs in samaras; Further, the MWD analysis suggested that the MWD of Eu-rubber in E. ulmoides samaras and leaves were 40.61 and 6.76 respectively, which indicated the more Eu-rubber molecules with various Mw existed in samara compared with those in leaf. [Conclusions] Together, we concluded that average size of LeRPs was bigger than SaRPs in October, and 3 kinds of saturated fatty acid (SAF) were unique to the leaves while only one of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) was sole to SaRPs. Simultaneously, the Eu-rubber in samara in October possessed more rubber molecules with various molecular weights compared with the contemporaneous leaves.
A comprehensive cell profiling reveals new cell subtypes and immune dysfunction in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis
Authors: Zou Gen , Wang Jianzhang , Xu Xinxin , Xu Ping , Zhu Libo , Yu Qin , Peng Yangying , Guo Xinyue , Li Tiantian , Zhang Xinmei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEndometriosis is a refractory and recurrent disease and it affects nearly 10% of reproductive-aged women and 40% of infertile patients. The commonly accepted theory for endometriosis is retrograde menstruation where endometrial tissues invade into peritoneal cavity and fail to be cleared due to immune dysfunction. Therefore, the comprehensive understanding of immunologic microenvironment of peritoneal cavity deserves further investigation for the previous studies mainly focus on one or several immune cells.ResultsHigh-quality transcriptomes were from peritoneal fluid samples of patients with endometriosis and control, and firstly subjected to 10 × genomics single-cell RNA-sequencing. We acquired the single-cell transcriptomes of 10,280 cells from endometriosis sample and 7,250 cells from control sample with an average of approximately 63,000 reads per cell. A comprehensive map of overall cells in peritoneal fluid was first exhibited and it showed that immune cells predominated in peritoneal fluid. We unveiled the heterogeneity of immune cells and discovered new cell subtypes including TCR+ macrophages, proliferating macrophages and natural killer dendritic cells in peritoneal fluid, which was further verified by double immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Pseudo-time analysis showed that the response of macrophages to the menstrual debris might follow the certain differentiation trajectory after endometrial tissues invaded into the peritoneal cavity. Our analyses also mirrored the dysfunctions of immune cells including decreased phagocytosis and cytotoxic activity and elevated pro-inflammatory and chemotactic effects in endometriosis.ConclusionTCR+ macrophages, proliferating macrophages and natural killer dendritic cells are firstly reported in peritoneal fluid. Our results also revealed that peritoneal cavity is an immune microenvironment and immune dysfunction happens in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis, which may be responsible for the residues of invaded menstrual debris. It provided a large-scale and high-dimensional characterization of peritoneal microenvironment and offered a useful resource for immunotherapy of endometriosis.
Schwann Cells Promote Prevascularization and Osteogenesis of Tissue-engineered Bone via Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Jiang Xiaorui , Jiang Shan , Cai Xiyu , Pei Guoxian
Published: October 2020

Background: Tissue-engineered bone grafts (TEBGs) that undergo vascularization and neurotization evolve into functioning bone tissue. Previously, we verified that implanting sensory nerve tracts into TEBGs promoted osteogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms and interaction between seed cells were not explored. In this study, we hypothesized that neurotization may influence the osteogenesis of TEBGs through vascularization. Methods: We cultured rat Schwann cells (SCs), aortic endothelial cells (AECs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and then obtained BM-MSC-derived induced endothelial cells (IECs) and induced osteoblasts (IOBs). IECs and AECs were cultured in SC-conditioned medium (SC-CM) to assess proliferation, migration, capillary-like tube formation and angiogenesis, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the supernatants were detected. We established an indirect coculture model to detect the expression of nestin and VEGF receptors in IECs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 in SCs. Then, SCs, IECs and IOBs were labeled and loaded into a β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold to induce prevascularization, and the scaffold was implanted into a 6-mm-long defect of rat femurs. Three groups were set up according to the loaded cells: I, SCs and IECs (coculture for 3 days) plus IOBs; II, IECs (culture for 3 days) plus IOBs; III, IOBs. Nestin and TIMP-2 expression and osteogenesis of TEBGs were evaluated at 12 weeks post implantation through histological and radiological assessment.Results: We found that SC-CM promoted IEC proliferation, migration, capillary-like tube formation and angiogenesis, but no similar effects were observed for AECs. IECs expressed nestin extensively, while AECs barely expressed nestin, and SC-CM promoted the VEGF secretion of IECs. In the coculture model, SCs promoted nestin and VEGF receptor expression in IECs, and IECs inhibited TIMP-2 expression in SCs. The promotion of prevascularized TEBGs by SCs and IECs in group I augmented new bone formation at 6 and 12 weeks. Nestin expression was higher in group I than in the other groups, while TIMP-2 expression was lower at 12 weeks. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that SCs can promote TEBG osteogenesis via IECs and further revealed the mechanisms related to specific characteristics of IECs, providing preliminary cytological evidence for neurotization of TEBGs.
Efficacy and Safety of Pidotimod in Childhood Wheezing: A Pilot Study 
Authors: Manti Sara , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Papale Maria , Mollica Federico , Giugno Andrea , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Background. Effective therapies for the management of wheezing in pediatric population are needed. We conducted a pilot, mono-centre, prospective, follow-up study to assess the efficacy and the safety of Pidotimod (PDT) in the treatment of wheezing in children. Methods. Globally, 90 children (M:F=58:62, mean age 4.7±1.64 years) with recurrent viral wheezing were enrolled in the study between October-November 2018. At baseline, children were receiving treatment with PDT as 1 vial of 400mg daily for 3 consecutive months. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of PDT treatment at the end of 3 (T3) months of therapy as well as the long efficacy and preventive efficacy of PDT treatment during a 3-months follow-up (T6) by using the following outcomes: (i) how many patients showed one or more episodes of viral wheezing, (ii) how many patients were taking concomitant medications (ICS, SABA, antibiotics), (iii) how many patients were requiring ED visits, and (iv) how many patients were requiring hospitalization.Results. A significant decrease in number of patients with at least one or more episodes of wheezing and taking antibiotics was recorded after 3 months of treatment, and a further significant decrease for both outcomes was reported at 3-months follow-up period (p<0.05). Differently, after 3 months of treatment, we found a significant decrease in number of patients taking ICS and SABA, in number of patients requiring ED visits and/or hospitalization (p<0.05); however, for all these outcomes no further significant decrease was reported at follow-up period. Conclusions. We firstly showed that administration of PDT is useful in the management of patients with recurrent viral wheezing because we found a reducing a number of patients requiring ED visits and/or hospitalization as well as number of patients taking drugs during the treatment period. Moreover, firstly to date, we found a long-term clinical effect over three months after treatment suspension counteracting the recurrence of disease.
The Influencing Factors of Self-evaluation in Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhai Xiaobing , Di Lihua , Eshak Ehab S , Jiang Can , Zeng Jing , Yang Mei , Zhou Jia , Peng Yushuang , Zhang Yanan , Cao Jinhong , Xiang Bing
Published: October 2020

Background: Adolescents’ self-evaluation is an expressive form of their self-concept. Parental bonding, personality traits and psychological status were determining factors of adolescents’ self-evaluation; however, no study has tested the effects of the three variables simultaneously. We aimed to explore these effects by a systematic approach. Methods: Data came from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The associations of parental bonding (measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument), personality traits (the Responsibility Scale) and psychological status (the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K6) with self-evaluation measured in three domains (the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for children and the Self-Discipline Scale) were tested by the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Results: A total of 892 Chinese adolescents (Mage in years=10.72, SD = 0.89) were included. Signiﬁcant positive correlations were found among self-evaluation, parental bonding, personality traits and psychological status. The overall (direct and indirect) effects of parental bonding on adolescents’ self-evaluation was 0.49 (parental bonding→ self-evaluation, β=0.28; parental bonding→ personality traits and psychological status→ self-evaluation, β=0.21). Personality traits and psychological status were directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation (personality trait→ self-evaluation, β=0.78 and K6→ self-evaluation, β=0.39). Conclusions: The use of SEM offered a detailed analysis of the correlations between parental bonding, personality traits, and psychological status, and a systematic approach to investigate their direct and indirect effects on adolescents’ self-evaluation. The three factors were directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation and parental bonding had an indirect effect on adolescents’ self-evaluation that was mediated by both personality traits and psychological status.
Neuroanatomy and Behaviour in Mice with a Haploinsufficiency of AT-Rich Interactive Domain 1B (ARID1B) Throughout Development
Authors: Ellegood Jacob , Petkova Stela P , Kinman Adrienne , Qiu Lily R , Wade Ayanna , Fernandes Darren , Lindenmaier Zsuzsa , Crieghton Amie , Nutter Lauryl , Nord Alexander S , Silverman Jill L , Lerch Jason P
Published: October 2020

Background - One of the causal mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is chromatin modification, and the genes that regulate chromatin. AT-Rich Interactive Domain 1B (ARID1B) , a chromatin modifier, has been shown to be reduced in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to affect rare and inherited genetic variation in a broad set of NDDs. Methods - A novel preclinical mouse model of Arid1b deficiency was created validated to characterize and define neuroanatomical, behavioural and tran­scriptional phenotypes. Neuroanatomy was assess ex vivo in adult animals and in vivo longitudinally from birth to adulthood. Behavioural testing was also performed throughout development and tested all aspects of motor, learning, sociability, repetitive behaviours, seizure susceptibility and general milestones.Results - Brains of adult Arid1b+/- mice had a smaller cerebellum and a larger hippocampus and corpus callosum. These results stand in contrast to previously reported data highlighting losses in corpus callosum volume. In addition, a striking sex dependence was observed throughout development; males had an early emergence of this neuroanatomical phenotype at postnatal day 7, whereas females had a delayed emergence around postnatal day 40. Behaviourally, during neonatal development, Arid1b+/- mice exhibited robust impairments in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and metrics of developmental growth. As adults, Arid1b+/- mice showed low motor skills in open field exploration and normal three chambered approach. Arid1b+/- mice had learning and memory deficits in novel object recognition but not in visual discrimination and reversal touchscreen tasks. Social interactions in the male-female social dyad with USVs revealed social deficits on some but not all parameters. No repetitive behaviours were observed. Limitations – The behaviour and the neuroimaging analysis were done on separate cohorts of mice, which does not allow a direct correlation between the imaging and behavioural findings. Conclusions – This study represents a full investigation of Arid1b+/- haploinsufficiency throughout development and highlights the importance of examining both sexes throughout development in NDDs.
Size and surface modification of silica nanoparticles affect the severity of lung toxicity by modulating endosomal ROS generation in macrophages
Authors: Inoue Masahide , Sakamoto Koji , Suzuki Atsushi , Nakai Shinya , Ando Akira , Nakahara Yoshio , Nakase Ikuhiko , Sawada Makoto , Hashimoto Naozumi
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAs the application of silica nanomaterials continues to expand, increasing chances of its exposure to the human body and potential harm are anticipated. Although the toxicity of silica nanomaterials is assumed to be affected by their physio-chemical properties, including size and surface functionalization, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. ResultsWe employed a murine intratracheal instillation model of amorphous silica nanoparticles (NPs) to compare their in vivo toxicity in the respiratory system. Pristine silica-NPs of 50 nm diameters (50 nm-plain) induced airway-centered lung injury with marked neutrophilic infiltration. By contrast, instillation of pristine silica particles of a larger diameter (3 μm; 3 μm-plain) significantly reduced the severity of lung injury and neutrophilic infiltration, possibly through attenuated induction of neutrotactic chemokines including MIP2. Ex vivo analysis of alveolar macrophages as well as in vitro assessment using RAW264.7 cells revealed a remarkable decline in the cellular uptake of 3 μm-plain compared with 50 nm-plain, which is assumed to be the underlying mechanism of attenuated immunotoxicity. The severity of lung injury and neutrophilic infiltration was also significantly reduced after intratracheal instillation of silica NPs with an amine surface modification (50 nm-NH2) when compared with 50 nm-plain. Despite unchanged efficacy in cellular uptake, treatment with 50 nm-NH2 induced a significantly attenuated immune response in RAW264.7 cells. Assessment of intracellular redox signaling revealed that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endosomal compartments in RAW264.7 cells treated with 50nm-plain. In contrast, endosomal ROS signals were significantly attenuated in cells treated with 50nm-NH2. Moreover, selective inhibition of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) was sufficient to inhibit endosomal ROS bursts and induction of chemokine expressions in cells treated with silica NPs, suggesting the central role of endosomal ROS generated by NOX2 in the regulation of the inflammatory response in macrophages that endocytosed silica NPs.ConclusionsOur murine model demonstrated that the pulmonary toxicity of silica NPs depended on their physico-chemical properties through distinct mechanisms. Cellular uptake of larger particles by macrophages decreased, while surface amine modification modulated endosomal ROS signaling via NOX2, both of which are assumed to be involved in mitigating immunotoxicity in macrophages and resulting lung injury.
Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms of MIR3142HG and the Risk of Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in the Population of Northern China
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Wu Huiqiang , Liu Tingting , Sun Mneghu , An Feimeng , Dong Qiumei , Wang Jianzhong
Published: October 2020

Background: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is aseptic necrosis of the femoral head caused by glucocorticoid use. Once necrotic femoral head necrosis occurs, it irreversibly affects the quality of life seriously. Studies have shown that the susceptibility to steroid-induced ONFH is likely to be related to the variation of miRNA coding genes. Therefore, this study aimed was to investigate the effect of MIR3142HG on steroid-induced ONFH.Methods: Agena MassARRAY was used to genotype MIR3142HG gene rs1582417, rs2431689, rs7727155 and rs17057846 in 199 patients and 506 healthy people. A genetic model and haplotype analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the MIR3142HG polymorphism and the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained through logistic regression to assess the influence of gene polymorphisms on the occurrence of steroid-induced ONFH.Results: The consequences show that rs7727115(OR=0.76,p=0.036) is a protective factor, it could reduce the risk of steroid-induced ONFH, rs1582417(OR=1.28, p=0.041) could increase the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. Stratified analysis , according to each clinical index shows that MIR3142HG TC-CC genotype facilitated the risk of steroid-induced ONFH in male ( p<0.05). In addition, rs2431689 is related to HDL-C(p=0.012) and ApoA1 (p=0.010) levels, and rs17057846 (p=0.024) is related to ApoB levels.The linkage analysis indicated that three SNPs (rs2431689, rs7727115 and rs17057846) in MIR3142HG with significant chain imbalance. In addition, haplotype “GGG” of MIR3142HG was found out is harmful for steroid-induced ONFH.Conclusion: Our results firstly confirm that the genetic polymorphism of MIR3142HG is associated with steroid-induced ONFH susceptibility in Chinese Han population.
Identification and Comparison of Novel Circular RNAs With Associated Co-expression and Competing Endogenous Rna Networks in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Diao Weiyi , Wang Yongguang , Zhang Jun , Shao Haiyu , Huang Yazeng , Jin Mengran
Published: October 2020

Background: circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators in many human diseases. So far, the expression profile and regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) are less studied, and needed to be deciphered urgently. Herein, we aimed to reveal key circRNAs affecting PMOP, and clarify their compounding regulatory actions.Methods: To reveal key circRNAs affecting PMOP, and clarify their compounding regulatory actions. Whole transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). The expression pattern and regulatory networks of DECs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were unearthed.Results: 373 DECs comprising 123 intronic, 100 antisense, 70 exonic, 55 intergenic and 25 sense-overlapping circRNAs were identified. Among these, 73 circRNAs were upregulated and 300 circRNAs were downregulated. These DECs exerted pivotal functions in the pathogenesis of PMOP as demonstrated by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network comprising 28 DECs, 145 miRNAs and 175 differentially expressed mRNAs predicted the possible mechanism of the pathogenesis and progression of PMOP.Conclusion: The results of present study provided a further comprehension of circRNA‑associated competing endogenous RNA regulatory mechanism in PMOP. These steadily expressed and disease-specific DECs may serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PMOP.
Substance Use and Overdose Risk: Documenting the Perspectives of Formerly Incarcerated Persons in the Fraser East Region of BC
Authors: McCaughran-Contreras Celine Esther , Fernando Saranee , Sikora Mike , Hawkins Jennifer , Kniseley Marinel , Snyder Daniel , Long Connie , Robson James , Slaunwhite Amanda , Salmon Amy
Published: October 2020

Background: The relationship between incarceration and risk of overdose has been well-documented in the literature, but few studies document the perspectives of persons at risk of overdose who were incarcerated. This sub-inquiry aimed to understand the experiences of persons with a history of substance use and incarceration in the Fraser East region of BC and how involvement with the criminal justice system affected their drug use and perceived risk of overdose. Methods: The Fraser East Overdose Response project utilized a community-based participatory action approach that included peer researchers with lived experience in all parts of the research process. This qualitative pilot study aimed to better understand individuals at risk of an unwitnessed overdose in order to prevent deaths and identify effective local responses. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit persons aged 19 and over who used illicit drugs over the past 3 years in the Fraser East since 2016. In total, 22 participants were interviewed. Of these, 13 participants identified a history of incarceration. Interviews were analyzed using a framework analysis approach.Results: The perspectives that participants shared revealed that impacts from incarceration are influenced by policies but also highly individualized. Our inquiry found three broader themes, within which were situated differing and sometimes conflicting interpretations and experiences of systemic environments: (1) incarceration was associated with harms and was perceived to increase risk of overdose following release, (2) incarceration was perceived to have limited impact on substance use and overdose risk, and (3) incarceration was associated with a perceived reduction of substance use and overdose risk.Conclusions: Understanding the complexities of the perceptions of those with lived experience of substance use and incarceration is of importance to better inform interventions in this population. The existing knowledge base urgently requires further inquiry into the intersections between qualitative perspectives, environments and policies, and quantitative outcomes of overdose vís-a-vís correctional institution.
Is Energy a Requirement for, or a Consequence of Economic Growth in Mauritius?
Authors: Neeliah HArris , SEETANAH Boopen
Published: October 2020

The non-reproducible nature of energy, coupled to its essentiality either as a direct or an intermediary input, makes it a crucial factor of production. We posit that it is, a complement to capital and labor and should be included in growth production models. Mauritius is a net energy importer, hence information about the nexus between energy consumption and economic growth is central to policy-making. This paper attempts to analyze this relationship for Mauritius within a multivariate framework over the period 1961 to 2019. The work adopts a dynamic time series framework (VECM approach) to account for dynamism, causality, endogeneity and omitted variables. Empirical results reveal long-run and short-run elasticities of energy consumption on economics growth of 0.33 and 0.17 respectively, thus giving credence to the thesis that energy is an important growth determinant in Mauritius. We also uncovered bi-directional causality between energy consumption and economic growth in both the long-run and the short-run. Therefore, unexpected and/ or voluntary contraction in either economic growth or energy consumption could result in a ‘feedback effect’ and dent either.JEL: Q4, O1
Unbounded Key-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption With Black-Box Traceability
Authors: ye yunxiu , Cao Zhenfu , Shen Jiachen
Published: October 2020

Attribute-based encryption received widespread attention as soon as it proposes. However, due to its specific characteristics, the attribute-based access control method is not flexible enough in actual operation. In addition, since access authorities are determined according to users' attributes, users sharing the same attributes are difficult to distinguish. Once a malicious user makes illicit gains by their decryption authorities, it is difficult to trace specific users. This paper follows the practical demand to propose a more flexible key-policy attribute-based encryption scheme with black-box traceability. The scheme has a constant number of constant parameters which can be utilized to construct attribute-related parameters flexibly, and the method of traitor tracing in broadcast encryption is introduced to achieve effective malicious user tracing. In addition, the security and feasibility can be proved by the security proofs and performance evaluation in this paper.
Randomized Phase II Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of SOX versus mFOLFOX6 as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy without Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (KSCC1301)
Authors: Miwa Keisuke , Oki Eiji , Enomoto Masanobu , Ihara Keisuke , Ando Koji , Fujita Fumihiko , Tominaga Masahiro , Mori Shinichiro , Nakayama Goro , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Saeki Hiroshi , Baba Hideo , Mori Masaki , Akagi Yoshito
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), is associated with many radiotherapy (RT)-related side effects. We aimed to evaluate whether S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) or folinic acid, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) can be as effective as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens for LARC without RT. MethodsPatients with untreated resectable LARC were randomly assigned to receive SOX or mFOLFOX6. The NAC protocol period was 3 months. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints included pathological effects, surgical completion rate, 3-year survival, and safety.ResultsFrom September 2013 to October 2015, 56 and 54 patients were enrolled in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.9–83.6) and 73.4% (95% CI 58.7–83.6) in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively; no significant differences were found between the arms (log-rank test; P = 0.5315, hazard ratio: 0.808, 95% CI 0.414–1.578). The 3-year survival rates were 92.3% and 91.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The surgical completion rate was 98.1% overall, 100% in the SOX arm, and 96.0% in the mFOLFOX6 arm. The incidences of pathological response rates ≥grade 1b were 41.5% and 43.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. Both treatments were manageable and tolerable. ConclusionWe demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of SOX and mFOLFOX6, both of which may be new neoadjuvant treatment candidates in previously untreated LARC cases.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the UMIN clinical trials registry on Aug 14th, 2013. (UMIN-CTR number UMIN000011486). https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&recptno=R000013441&language=J
Study of Efficacy of Sevoflurane with Rocuronium during Induction in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Jose B Cherayath  , Jitin George
Published: October 2020

Background: Rocuronium provides good intubating conditions but large doses causes prolongation of its duration of action, making it unsuitable for short surgical procedures. Aims: We assessed the efficacy of sevoflurane with rocuronium during induction in terms of reducing the onset time for intubation, evaluating intubating conditions and haemodynamic responses during intubation.Subjects and Methods:This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 40 adult patients undergoing lumbar disc operations under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups namely Group R (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium) and Group RS (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium and 2% sevoflurane during induction).Results:The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, weight and ASA grade. The time for loss of thumb adduction was 101.4 ± 11.2 s in Group R compared with 61.04 ± 5.4 s in Group RS  P < 0.001]. The onset time of intubation was significant P < 0.001]. Significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were seen immediately after intubation, at 1 and 3 min after intubation (P < 0.05) between the two groups. The mean intubation score was comparable in both the groups is insignificant[P = 0.11].Conclusion:Rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg along with 2% sevoflurane provides rapid sequence intubation during anaesthesia in neurosurgical patients.
Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant in Sciatic Nerve Block for Lower Limb Surgeries: An Observational Study
Authors: Krishna Prasad GV  , Vipin Sharma Jaishree
Published: October 2020

Background: In recent anesthetic practice, peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) are used extensively for surgical anesthesia and non-surgical postop analgesia. PNBs offer many benefits over other anesthetic techniques in a certain population of patients and in some specific clinical setting that may contribute to faster and safer pain relief, increased patient satisfaction, reduced hospital stay, and decreased overall healthcare cost. However, the use of a single PNB is not sufficient enough to block the pain for longer durations. Hence, to prolong the effect of anesthesia without causing any adverse event, adjuvants are injected perineurally along with local anesthetic agents. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in sciatic nerve block in lower limb surgery patients.Subjects and Methods:This observational non-randomized study involved 50 patients who were undergoing lower limb surgeries in the study period. The heart rate, blood pressure (both SBP and DBP), and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded. A VAS score of more than 5 was considered significant and these patients received tramadol injection (75 mg) i.v. As rescue analgesia in the postop period. To prolong the effect of sciatic nerve block, dexmedetomidine (0.5 mcg/kg) was used.Results:In the maximum number of the patient,the complete block was achieved. Only 6 patients required tramadol injection as the rescue analgesia. No significant post and intraoperative complications were reported after the procedure.Conclusion:It is concluded from the study that the inclusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 mcg/kg) in lower limb surgeries was associated with a prolonged duration of analgesia.
A Comparative Study of Laryngeal Mask Airway and Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway Using Parker Flex Tip Tube
Authors: Sanjay Melville Masih  , Rakesh Kumar Gupta
Published: October 2020

Background: To facilitate tracheal intubation, intubating laryngeal mask airway(ILMA) was designed specifically. A relatively new supraglottic airway device, air-Q ILA is an alternative to ILMA to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Considering advantages of air-Q over ILMA are that the breathing tube of the device is shorter, wider and due to removable connector, a standard e Parker Flex Tip tracheal tube (product of Parker Medical Company) has a curved, centered, flexible and tapered distal tip that is designed to facilitate easy, rapid and non-traumatic intubation. It has double murphy eyes with an anterior curvature and a posterior opening bevel. It is designed so that the posterior bevel will decrease the incidence of the tube catching at the anterior or the lateral laryngeal structures during tracheal intubation.Subjects and Methods: This is a randomized, single-blind study. Total of 100 patients of either sex aged 18–60 years belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included in the study and the patients with respiratory or pharyngeal pathology, mouth opening < 2.5 cm, body mass index ≥35 kg/m2, pregnancy and anticipated difficult airway were excluded from the study. The duration of the study was one year. The ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Written informed consent from all participants was obtained for participation in the study. Results: A total of 100 patients were allocated for the study. The insertion of the airway device was successful in all the patients of group 1. So, 50  patients were analysed for intubation in group 1. Air-Q ILA could not be inserted and resulted in failure in two cases. Hence, 48 patients were analysed statistically for intubation in group 2. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, weight and sex distribution. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 40.00 ± 10.76 years and in group 2 it was 40.56 ± 11.0 years (P = 0.651). There were 30 females and 20 males both in group 1 and group 2 (P = 1.000). The mean weight of patients in group 1 was 60.34 ± 8.06 kg and in group 2 was 60.10 ± 10.05 kg (P = 0.924). Conclusion:The  overall success rate using Parker Flex Tip tube was more with ILMA (99%) as compared to air-Q ILA (78%). It can be further suggested that Parker Flex Tip tube can be used as an alternative to silicone tube with ILMA, but more multicentre studies are required over larger populations to evaluate the utility of Parker Flex Tip tube with air-Q ILA.
Comparison of Premixed with Sequential Administration of Intrathecal Morphine and Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Lower Segment Caesarean Section
Authors: Jahanara  , Koshyari Harish Singh , Asthana Veena , Nautiyal Ruchira
Published: October 2020

Background: Adequate pain relief is considered as a basic human right .In obstetrics patients, using  low dose opioids (Morphine, Fentanyl, sufentanil) in neuraxial blockade is effective method for anaesthesia and  postoperative analgesia  in LSCS and nearly no danger to parturient or unborn. Subjects and Methods: Keeping in mind the difference in the  baricties of commonly used hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine, we conducted a single blind randomized controlled trial on 156 full term parturient scheduled for elective and emergency LSCS under SAB and on the technique of intrathecal administration of drug parturients were divided into 3 groups. GROUP 1 (n=52) - Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) as a mixture GROUP 2 (n=52)-Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + Morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) administered after bupivacaine GROUP 3 (n=52)-Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + Morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) administered before bupivacaine. We observed for block characteristics, maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcome. Results: In our study, duration of analgesia was clinically prolonged in all the groups. The block characteristics were comparable between the groups.These beneficial effects were not accompanied by any major hemodynamic instability or adverse effects and no untoward effect on the newborn. Conclusion: Premixed and sequential administration of IT morphine with hyperbaric bupivacaine were comparable in terms of quality of subarachnoid block maternal hemodynamic and neonatal outcome.
Anatomical Study of Variations in the Origin of Axillary Artery Branches and Its Clinical Emphasis
Authors: Suman Tiwari  , M Khizer Hussain Afroze
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Axillary artery, one of the most important arteries of the upper limb is gaining increasing interest in the cardiac and cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries. The present study describes the number of branches arising from axillary artery and variations in their origin. Subjects and Methods: 40 upper limbs from 20 adult embalmed human cadavers of both the sexes were studied by dissection method at the Department of Anatomy, MVJ Medical College, and Bangalore. Results: The number of branches arising from axillary artery varied from 4 -7.The most common variation in the present study was observed in the origin of subscapular artery(15%), followed by posterior circumflex humeral (10%), anterior circumflex humeral & lateral thoracic (7.5% each) and superior thoracic artery (2.5%). Any type of variation in the origin of thoracoacromial artery was not found in the present study. Conclusion: Knowledge of variations in the origin of axillary artery branches is of immense significance to anatomists, anaesthetists, cardiovascular and orthopaedic surgeons during surgical exploration of axilla, during flap or reconstructive surgeries, shoulder dislocation and for radiologists during angiography.