bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ipsilateral Synchronous Papillary and Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yin Jing , Li Baojiang , Zheng Mo
Published: January 2021

Background: The rare disease of ipsilateral synchronous papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinoma was often misdiagnosed as a single tumor with intra-renal metastasis or some other diseases preoperatively. Both of the effective management and long overall survival might be affected as the different prognosis of the two kinds of tumors. Here, we report a case of ipsilateral synchronous papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and present the clinicopathological features as well as review the literature in China.Case presentation: A 70-year-old man presented with a single mass in the left renal revealed either by ultrasound or CT during a routine physical examination. The tumor was occurred as two isolated masses in the gross finding. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed. Papillary cell carcinoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma were the compositions of the tumors. Immunostainings were as follows: The papillary renal cell carcinoma showed positive for CK7, P504s, Pax8,Vimentin, and scatterly for CD10, the proliferation rates of Ki67 was just 3%; While the clear cell renal cell carcinoma was positive for Pax8,CAIX,Vimentin, and diffusely for CD10, but negative for CK7 and P504s, the Ki67 proliferation rates was 5%. The patient was diagnosed with ipsilateral synchronous papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and free from the disease 9 months after surgery.Conclusions: Ipsilateral synchronous papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a rare condition without specific clinical manifestations. The understanding of the computed tomography features and increasing the awareness or experience of the disease may be helpful to improve the preoperative diagnosis accuracy. Precise diagnosis should be based on histopathological morphology and immunostaining. As the different prognosis of the two tumors, optimal surgical treatment should be performed to prolong the survival time.
Sister Mary Joseph Nodules: A Case Report About a Rare Location of Skin Metastasis
Authors: Leyrat Brice , Bernadach Maureen , Ginzac Angeline , Lusho Sejdi , Durando Xavier
Published: January 2021

BackgroundUmbilical skin metastases (or Sister Mary Joseph nodules) are rare. Their presence typically indicates the late manifestation of deep-seated abdominopelvic malignancy. They occur mainly in gynecological cancers, and gastro-intestinal cancers in men. The most common histology is adenocarcinoma (~ 75% of cases), but it can also rarely be squamous cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. These metastases can be present at diagnosis or appear at disease recurrence, and are associated with a very poor prognosis with an average survival of 11 months.Case presentationWe report the clinical case of a 58-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and umbilical cutaneous metastasis after receiving first-line chemotherapy. The diagnosis was established upon liver biopsy in July 2019, after the patient presented with complaint of transfixiant abdominal pain. The first-line treatment consisted of six cycles of modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. However, in November 2019, computed tomography (CT) scan showed disease progression. Second-line treatment with gemcitabine (brand name: Gemzar) led to a 16% decrease of target lesions. During the fourth cycle, three periumbilical indurated nodules appeared. After six cycles, skin infiltration had increased and the patient reported his abdominal pain had intensified. Reassessment by CT scan showed an increase in both hepatic and peritoneal disease progression. Third-line treatment with FOLFIRI, started on April 15, 2020, was not able to control the disease, leading to greater induration and subcutaneous infiltration, which were responsible for the increased pain and ultimate death.ConclusionUmbilical skin metastases are rare and they are associated with advanced metastatic disease and a very poor prognosis. Cases reporting Sister Mary Joseph nodules are needed to better understand the conditions and mechanisms of their appearance and dissemination.
A novel estimator of survival without assumption of censored survival time
Authors: Chen Shee-Ping
Published: January 2021

The Kaplan-Meier estimator is commonly used to analyze time-to-event data, but it may over estimate the survival function when censored events occur. Several methods have been developed to adjust the traditional Kaplan-Meier estimator. Most of these adjusted methods are based on their assumptions for survival time of censored events. We here propose a novel estimator of survival without assumption of censored survival time, and it gives sensible estimates of survival probabilities in various censoring conditions.
Vertical Profiles of Microbial Trace Element Utilization in Marine Environments
Authors: Xu Yinzhen , Liu Qiong , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2021

Background: Biological trace elements are used in small amounts but are required for all living organisms. They are key components of many proteins and enzymes involved in important biological processes. Many trace element-dependent proteins have been characterized in various microbes, but very little is known about their occurrence, functions, and interactions in microbial communities in marine environments, especially in depth-related marine ecosystems. Results: In this study, by analyzing metagenomic data from different geographic locations and water depths in the oceans around the world, we identified the distribution of genes encoding trace element-dependent proteins (for copper, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, and selenium) in a variety of marine samples from the upper ocean to the deep sea, which demonstrates vertical patterns of trace element utilization in marine microbes. More than 63,000 metalloprotein and selenoprotein genes belonging to nearly 100 families were predicted, constituting the largest environmental metalloprotein and selenoprotein gene dataset reported so far. Further examination of the interactions among trace elements revealed significant correlations between some of them (especially molybdenum or tungsten and selenium) and more active elemental crosstalk in the epipelagic zone of the ocean. Comparison of the patterns of trace element utilization across samples suggested that additional unknown factors might play a more important role in shaping trace element utilization in marine microbes living in certain locations. Finally, analysis of the relationship between water depth and metalloprotein/selenoprotein families revealed that the evolution of approximately half of the metalloprotein and selenoprotein families in marine microbial world could be influenced by ocean depth at either the global or the local level. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the utilization and functions of trace elements in marine microbes along a vertical gradient across the ocean.
Development and Psychometric Testing of Quality Nursing Care Scale in Public Hospital Settings in Mongolia
Authors: Tsogbadrakh Basbish , Kunaviktikul Wipada , Akkadechanunt Thitinut , Wichaikhum Orn-Anong , Gaalan Khulan , Badamdorj Oyungoo , Stark Azadeh
Published: January 2021

Background: Quality Nursing Care (QNC) is fundamental to the profession of nursing practice. Perception of QNC differ across the globe because of differences in social norms, cultural values and political ambiance and economy. This study aimed to develop a QNC instrument congruent with the Mongolian (QNCS-M) healthcare system and cultural values and societal norms. Methods: We implemented sequential exploratory mixed-method study to develop and assess performance of QNCS-M. First, we focused on developing the components of QNCS-M and their operational definitions. The field testing consisted of assessing the construct validity and internal consistency reliability. Correlation between QNCS-M and the criterion tool, Quality of Nursing Care Questionnaire-Registered Nurse was evaluated. Inter-item correlation was examined by Spearman rank-order correlation. The internal consistency reliability was analyzed using Cronbach’s α. ANCOVA statistical technique was used to discern social desirability and the interaction between scores of each item and MSCDS. Results: The initial version of QNCS-M contained 66 items of which 7 were deleted after content validity assessment. The total-item correlation analysis yielded to exclusion of another 3 items. Additional 12 items were excluded after inter-item correlation. Results from ANCOVA analysis of the remaining 44 items indicated interaction between social desirability and 6 items. These items were excluded. A total of 38 items remained for exploratory factor analysis. Results from exploratory factor analysis yielded eigenvalues > 1.0 for the 9 domains. Three domains contained items fewer than 3. These domains and 2 items were eliminated, yielding to 6 domains with 36-item. Results from internal consistency reliability yielded an overall Cronbach’s α=.92; the coefficient values for the 6 domains ranging between .72 and .85. Results from test-retest reliability yielded an acceptable performance consistency (Cronbach’s α= .93). Conclusion: Improving the quality of healthcare services delivered by nurses is a priority for the Mongolian government. The development of QNCS-M is a major stride in addressing this concern. The final version of QNCS-M which contains 36 items, loaded into 6 domains, was morphed to the specifics of the Mongolian healthcare systems and cultural values and societal norms. QNCS-M demonstrates a high level of content and construct validity with acceptable reliability.
Stoma Location and Ostomy-Related Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors with Ostomies: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Mo Julia , Sun Virginia , Hornbrook Mark C. , Grant Marcia , Ercolano Elizabeth , Malkowicz S. Bruce , Tallman Nancy J. , McCorkle Ruth C. , Krouse Robert S.
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION

Ostomies have substantial impacts on many aspects of cancer survivors’ daily lives. We sought to describe how stoma location may affect clothing style, ostomy appliance leakage, skin irritation around the stoma, weight changes after ostomy surgery, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

A pooled dataset was obtained from three multi-site studies that had used the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy questionnaire to measure HRQOL and ostomy-specific concerns in cancer survivors with ostomies. Questions pertaining to stoma location, clothing issues, weight change since ostomy surgery, and HRQOL were analyzed. Ostomy bag change frequency was assessed in two of the three studies. Respondents were categorized by self-reported stoma location quadrant: lower left side, upper left side, lower right side, or upper right side. Predicted means for HRQOL and individual items were generated for every stoma location, adjusting for sex, ostomy type (fecal or urinary), and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Of 607 cancer survivors included in this analysis, abdominal quadrant ostomy groups were: 138 (23%) upper left, 298 (49%) lower left, 51 (8%) upper right, and 120 (20%) lower right. The majority of participants (>50%) reported changing their clothing styles due to their ostomies. Cancer survivors with ostomies on the lower right side had significantly more weight gain after ostomy surgery (p=0.02) and reported more frequent ostomy bag changes or emptying over a 24-hour period. Overall HRQOL did not vary by stoma location, with predicted means of 6.90 to 7.18 (out of 10). Survivors with ostomies on the right half of the abdomen reported statistically significantly different QOL scores spiritual well-being (p=0.031), sleep disruptions (p=0.03), satisfaction with appearance (p<0.001) and interference with social activities (p=0.005) compared to survivors with ostomies on the left half of the abdomen.

DISCUSSION

Stoma location is associated with HRQOL, ostomy bag usage, and difficulties related to adjusting to the ostomy, which may affect long-term survivorship and QOL. Moreover, even after controlling for ostomy type, there were sustained significant differences in ostomy-related QOL associated with stoma location. Our results indicate that stoma location should be considered when designing interventions for cancer survivors with ostomies.
Plasma Characteristic Metabolites of Pediatric Community Acquired Pneumonia in TCM Syndrome Differentiation Syndrome Differentiation
Authors: An Li , Lin Lili , Wang Shouchuan , Zhao Xia , Xie Tong , Yang Yan , Zhai Wensheng , Du Lina , Li Weiwei , Shen Cunsi , Ji jianjian , Zhang Ying , Shan Jinjun
Published: January 2021

Background Cold syndrome CS and Heat syndrome ( H S)S), with the opposite clinical manifestations, are two main syndrome types of pediatric community acquired pneumonia ( in Traditional Chinese medicine TCM )). According to research of syndrome types among CAP children, about 2.92% of them can be identified with CS while 91.25% with HS. This study aim s t o analyze plasma metabolic profiles and find out potential biomarkers for distinguishing H S from CS.Methods A total of 296 patients and 55 healthy controls (HC) were divided into discovery group ( n =213, HS=160, CS=23, HC= 30) and validation group N=138, HS=93, CS=20, HC = Plasma metabolic profiles were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography combined with linear ion trap quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC/LTQ Orbitrap MS) in both positive and negative mode. Finally, plasma metabolic profiles were obtained through principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS DA)DA). Differential metabolites in CS and HS were screened by counting the value of fold change (FC 1.5 or 0.667 P value ( P 0.05 ) and false discovery rate (FDR 0.05 Diagnostic accuracy of potential biomarkers was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results Among all metabolites 3 amino acids including alanine, phenylalanine, arginine, and 4 glycerophospholipids including lysoPC20:1, lysoPE16:0, lysoPE18:0, PE(16:0 22:6) were increased (FC 1.5 FDR 0.05) in CS versus HC . While 6 glycerophospholipids including PC(18:1 18:1), PC(20:4 20:4), lysoPE 20:4, lysoPE 18:2, lysoPE 22:6 andPE(16:0 18:2) were decreased (FC 0. 667 FDR 0.05) in HS versus HC. However, Ceramide(d18:1 24:1) was increased in HS versus HC . Differential metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid, glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid metabolism via KEGG pathway analysis P<0.05) and they all exhibited good diagnostic abilities with ROC analysis AUC 0.9 54 Mo reover, lyso PC20:1, lysoPE16:0, lysoPE18:2, lysoPE20:4, lysoPE22:6, PC(18:1_18:1), PC(20:4_20: and PC(P 16:0_22:4) may serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing HS from CS.Conclusions Plasma metabolism of amino acids and lipids (triglyceride, glycerophospholipid and sphingomyelin were largely disturbed in CAP children with CS or HS. Among them, detection of glycerophospholipids via metabolomics can help diagnose these two syndrome types on clinic.
Comparative iTRAQ Proteomics Identified Proteins Associated With Sperm Maturation Between Yak and Cattleyak Epididymis
Authors: Zhao Wangsheng , Ahmed Siraj , Liu Junxia , Ahmed Saeed , Quansah Eugene , Solangi Tajmal Hussain , Wu Yitao , Yangliu Yueling , Wang Hongmei , Zhu Jiangjiang , Cai Xin
Published: January 2021

Background: During maturation, spermatozoa acquire motility and fertilizing capacity as they transit through the epididymis. In recent years, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis has been employed in proteomics studies conducted in rat, boar and human. However, there has not been a complete information regarding the proteins associated with sperm maturation in the epididymis. In this study, we employed iTRAQ proteomics to investigate proteins associated with sperm maturation between yak and cattleyak epididymis. Results: After successfully establishing the samples and protein extraction, the iTRAQ coupled with LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis was performed. We identified 288 DAPs between yak and cattleyak epididymis; 151 were up-regulated while 137 were down-regulated in cattleyak relative to yak. Gene Ontology analysis identified that down-regulated DAPs in cattleyak were mostly enriched in the acetylation of protein component, negative regulatory activity, and positive regulatory activity. iTRAQ proteomics data showed that the top down-regulated DAPs were predominantly associated with sperm maturation, long-term sperm storage, sperm forward motility, sperm-oocyte fusion, and regulatory functions, while, the top up-regulated DAPs were mainly enriched in cell communication, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization, stress response, post-translational modifications and metabolic functions. Conclusion: These results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying male cattleyak infertility.
The Results of Patient-Specific Instrument Guided Chevron-cut Distal Femur Osteotomy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jung , Lin Kuan-Yu , Huang Yen-Chun , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng , Yang Jesse Chieh-Szu
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDistal femur osteotomy (DFO) has been gaining popularity in treating subjects with genu valgum and the associated lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the risk of non-union and a period of protective weight bearing still remain unsolved even with the advent of locking plates. To improve the inherent stability of medial close-wedge DFO, we create bone cut in chevron shape with the guidance of a patient-specific instrument (PSI). The patients were allowed immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. The objective of the study was to assess the results of this technique.MethodsTwenty-five knees in twenty-three consecutive patients with genu valgum and lateral compartment osteoarthritis received chevron-cut medial close-wedge DFO. The alignment parameters of the knee, including the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) were assessed. We defined outliers as those with a difference of more than 10% from the targeted 50% WBL ratio. Patient-reported evaluation included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale.ResultsThe WBL ratio, HKA, and mLDFA were corrected from a mean of 78.7% ± 12.0%, 9.3° ± 2.8° valgus, and 83.6° ± 1.9° to 48.7% ± 2.9%, 0.5° ± 1.1° varus, and 91.4° ± 3.5° (respectively) postoperatively. A mean operative time of 58.8 ± 18.3 minutes, and 6.2 ± 1.3 intraoperative radiographs were taken. A mean Hb drop of 1.4 g/dl was found, while no patient required transfusion. Only one knee (4%) postoperatively fell in the defined range of correction outliers. Consolidation of the osteotomy was achieved at 11.3 ± 2.8 weeks. The OKS, KSS, and VAS pain scale were significantly improved compared with the pre-operative data. Complications developed in three patients, including one periprosthetic fracture, one loss of fixation, and a case of non-union.ConclusionThe PSI-guided chevron-cut close-wedge DFO, followed by immediate weight-bearing as tolerated is accurate, safe, and effective in the correction of genu valgum deformity and the associated lateral compartment osteoarthritis.Level of evidence IV
Expiratory aerosol particle escape from surgical masks due to imperfect sealing
Authors: Cappa Christopher , Asadi Sima , Barreda Santiago , Wexler Anthony , Bouvier Nicole , Ristenpart William
Published: January 2021

Wearing surgical masks or other similar face coverings can reduce the emission of expiratory particles produced via breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. Although it is well established that some fraction of the expiratory airflow leaks around the edges of the mask, it is unclear how these leakage airflows affect the overall mask efficiency at blocking emission of expiratory aerosol particles. Here, we show experimentally that the aerosol particle concentrations in the leakage airflows around a surgical mask are reduced compared to no mask wearing, with the magnitude of reduction dependent on the direction of escape (out the top, the sides, or the bottom). Because the actual leakage flowrate in each direction is difficult to measure, we use a Monte Carlo approach to estimate flow-corrected particle emission rates in all orientations, from which a flow-weighted overall efficiency is derived. The overall mask efficiency, accounting both for air that passes through the mask and for leakage flows, is reduced compared to the through-mask efficiency, from 93% to 70% for talking, but from only 94% to 90% for coughing. These results demonstrate that leakage flows due to imperfect sealing do decrease mask efficiencies for reducing emission of expiratory particles, but even with such leakage surgical masks provide substantial control.
SEM and TEM for Identification of Capsular Fibrosis and Cellular Behavior Around Breast Implants – a Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Kuehlmann Britta , Zucal Isabel , Bonham Clark Andrew , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Prantl Lukas
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCapsular fibrosis (CF) is the most common long-term complication in implant-based breast augmentation. It is well accepted that the foreign body response (FBR) instigates the development of fibrotic disease. Our study aims to compare murine and human samples of CF and describe the cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).ResultsMiniature microtextured silicone breast implants were implanted in mice and subsequently harvested at days 15, 30, and 90 post-operation. Isolated human capsules with the most aggravated form of CF (Baker IV) were harvested post-operation. Both were analyzed with SEM and TEM to assess cellular infiltration and ECM structure.An architectural shift of collagen fiber arrangement from unidirectional to multidirectional was observed at day 90 when compared to days 15 and 30. Fibrosis was observed with an increase of histiocytic infiltration. Moreover, bacterial accumulation was seen around silicone fragments. These findings were common in both murine and human capsules.Conclusions﻿This murine model accurately recapitulates CF found in humansand can be utilized for future research on cellular invasion in capsular fibrosisThis descriptive study helps to gain a better understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in the FBR. Increases of ECM and cellularity were observed over time with SEM and TEM analysis.
SPECT Imaging of Neovascularization With 99mTc-3PRGD2 for Evaluating Early Response to Endostar Involved Therapies on Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts in Vivo
Authors: Jin Xiaona , Dong Chengyan , Zheng Kun , Shi Ximin , Liu Yu , Huo Li , Wang Fan , Li Fang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMolecular imaging targeting angiogenesis is warranted for specific monitoring of molecular changes as early therapeutic effects via antiangiogenesis. We explore the predictive value of 99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2) as an integrin αvβ3 targeting imaging agent for monitoring the efficacy of endostar antiangiogenic therapy and chemotherapy in an animal model, to find a specific pathway that could monitor early therapeutic effects.ResultsTumor growth was significantly lower in treatment groups than in the control group (P<0.05), and also in Endostar + Gemcitabine group than in Endostar group(P=0.034) or Gemcitabine group (P=0.021), and the differences was observed at 28 days after treatment. The difference of uptake of 99mTc-3PRGD2 was observed between the control group and Endostar group(P=0.033) or the combination therapy group(P<0.01) at 7 days after treatment, and at 14 days after treatment between the control group and Gemcitabine group(P<0.01). 99mTc-3PRGD2 accumulation was significantly correlated with microvessel density (r=0.998, P=0.002).Conclusion﻿With 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT, the tumor response to antiangiogenic therapy, chemotherapy, and combination therapy can be assessed at a very early stage of treatment, much earlier than the tumor volume change, which provides new opportunities to develop individualized therapeutic approaches and optimized dosages for effective treatments.
Study on the Preparation and Properties of Fe-tailings Based Foamed Glass-ceramics
Authors: Li Pengwei , Luo S.H. , Wang Qing , Zhang Pudong , Zhang Yahui , Liu Xin , Liang Jinsheng , Duan Xinhui
Published: January 2021

Traditional building materials have disadvantages such as high pollution and high energy consumption, so it is particularly important to develop new environmentally friendly materials. In this paper, foamed glass-ceramics are prepared by high-temperature melting method with iron tailings, blast furnace slag, and desulfurization slag as the main raw materials, and CaCO3 as foaming agent. The effects of three kinds of basic glass scheme, the content of the foaming agent and heat treatment system on the degree of crystallization, micro-morphology, and crystal phase composition of foamed glass-ceramics are studied. The nucleation temperature and crystallization temperature of the basic glass are determined by differential thermal analysis curve to be 730 ℃ and 1000 ℃, respectively. Orthogonal experiments show that the optimal composition ratio of the prepared base glass is CaO: 22.25 wt.%, MgO: 4.57 wt.%, Al2O3: 6.19 wt.%, SiO2: 41.8 wt.%. The optimized scheme is based on a base glass prepared with 45 wt.% iron tailings, 25 wt.% blast furnace slag, and 30 wt.% desulfurization slag, added with 10% CaCO3 and sintered to 1000 °C for 3 h. The bending strength, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus are 95.73 Mpa, 53.09 Mpa·m1/2, 28023.55 Mpa, respectively.
COVID 19: The Lack of ACE2 Provides Protection for Children
Authors: TEMEDDA Med nour
Published: January 2021

Background In early December 2019, in China the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been spreading. It was reported that the number of children was lower than adults and they have fewer symptoms. Method Published articles were searched in PubMed, Science direct, in the end 60 articles were collected.Findings Three major findings were found after researching. First, The minority of cases in children category. Secondly, ACE2 resulting penetration in cells after the interaction with virus. And third, a poor presence of ACE2 in lungs children.Discussion Molecularly, the link between the virus and ACE2 was explained, through a segment of viral protein S, comprising four residues nested in RBD. The outbreak due to Sars-Cov-1 has shown that the highest attack rate in China was aged between 20 and 39 (53%).Also, there was a decrease in mortality and severity of diagnosis for patients on ACE inhibitors. It causes a decrease in ACE2 levels. In addition, patients with severe diagnostics are diabetic which lead to the excessive expression of ACE2 in human tissues.Conclusion the ACE2 factor was the aim of our study, but researchers can find many factors linked to the physiology of children.
Inconsistent Response of Bacterial Phyla Diversity and Abundance to Soil Salinity in A Chinese Delta
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Kangjia , Lv Dantong , Jiang Shenyi , Sun Junqi , Lin Hao , Sun Juan
Published: January 2021

Soil salinization is an increasingly serious problem and decreases crop yields in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), but its effects on bacterial community and diversity at the phylum level are not well known. We used high-throughput sequencing of soil bacterial 16S rRNA to identify soil bacterial communities and diversity across a gradient of soil salinity (electrical conductivity), namely, S1: low salinity level (1.78 ds/m), S2: medium salinity level (3.16 ds/m), S3: high salinity level (17.26 ds/m), S4: extreme salinity level (34.41 ds/m), and a non-salted site as the control (CK, 0.92 ds/m). Our results indicated that CK, S2, S3, and S4 exhibited an increased soil C/N ratio of 0.64, 0.97, 1.27, and 1.55 times, respectively, compared with that in S1. Significantly lower values of the Shannon and Chao 1 indexes were observed in S4 compared with the CK (p < 0.05). High salinity decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria, but increased that of Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes. Additionally, the Shannon diversity of Bacteroidetes increased by 15.5% in S4 compared with that in the CK. Our results indicate that soil salt is a main factor regulating bacterial phyla diversity and community in the extremely saline-alkaline soils of YRD. The high abundance and diversity of Bacteroidetes can be used for saline-alkali land restoration.
Acrolein Contributes to Human Colorectal Tumorigenesis Through the Activation of RAS/MAPK Pathway.
Authors: Tsai Hong-Chieh , Tsou Han-Hsing , Lin Chun-Chi , Chen Shao-Chen , Cheng Hsiao-Wei , Liu Tsung-Yun , Chen Wei-Shone , Jiang Jeng-Kai , Yang Shung-Haur , Chang Shih-Ching , Teng Hao-Wei , Wang Hsiang-Tsai
Published: January 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most well-known malignancies with high prevalence and poor 5-year survival. Previous studies have demonstrated that high-fat diet (HFD) is capable of increasing the odds of developing CRC. Acrolein, an IARC group 2A carcinogen, can be formed through Maillard reaction. Also, acrolein has been shown to be produced from microbial glycerol metabolism in human gut. Consequently, humans are at risk of acrolein exposure through consumption of foods rich in fat. However, whether acrolein contributes to HFD-induced CRC remains elusive. In this study, we found that acrolein induced oncogenic transformation including faster cell cycling, proliferation, soft agar formation, sphere formation and cell migration in NIH/3T3 cells. Using xenograft tumorigenicity assays, the acrolein-transformed NIH/3T3 clone formed tumors. In addition, RAS/MAPK pathway contributing to colon tumorigenesis was activated in acrolein-transformed clones using cDNA microarray analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Besides, acrolein-induced DNA damages (Acr-dG adducts) were higher in CRC tumor tissues compared to normal epithelial cells in CRC patients. Intriguingly, CRC patients with higher Acr-dG adducts have better prognosis. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate that acrolein is important in oncogenic transformation through activating RAS/MAPK signaling pathway contributing to colon tumorigenesis.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Sever Early Childhood Caries and Breast Milk`s Lactose Among 12-24 Month Old Children.
Authors: Poureslami Hamidreza , Sharifi Maryam , Vahedi Mahla , Sabouri Salehe , Poureslami Parnian , Satarzadeh Naghmeh , Hatami Nima , Jafari Parisa
Published: January 2021

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between occurrence of Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) and breast milk lactose, in infants aged 12 to 24 months.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study performed on 30 children aged 12 to 24 months with or without S-ECC who were solely breastfed, and mothers answered questions about their breastfeeding. After the child's dental visit, the mother was asked to express 10 to 20 ml of her milk as a sample and give it to the researchers. The samples were immediately kept at -4 ° C and then they were tested to lactose measurement. Finally, the test results were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. Results: the average amount of lactose in the breast milk sof cases with S-ECC infant was 5.74g/100 ml and the average amount of lactose in the breast milk of cases without S-ECC infant was 4.64g/100 ml. There was no significant difference in lactose concentration between the two groups (p=0/64). The average number of breastfeeding times in cases with S-ECC infants was 7.87 per day while in the healthy cases this was 7.33 per day. There was no significant difference between the numbers of breastfeeding times per day in two groups.Conclusion: According to this study, the average level of lactose in the breast milk samples was lower than the average level of lactose in breast milk in other countries and the amount of lactose in breast milk of children with S-ECC was slightly higher than the amount of lactose in breast milk in children with healthy teeth.
Wdpcp Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation in the Developing Limb via Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Langhans Mark , Tuan Rocky , Alexander Peter , Gao Jingtao , Wang Bing , Tang Ying
Published: January 2021

Background: Mice with a loss of function mutation in Wdpcp were described previously to display severe birth defects in the developing heart, neural tube, and limb buds. Further characterization of the skeletal phenotype of Wdpcp null mice was limited by perinatal lethality. Results: We utilized Prx1-Cre mice to generate limb bud mesenchyme specific deletion of Wdpcp. These mice recapitulated the appendicular skeletal phenotype of the Wdpcp null mice including polydactyl and limb bud signaling defects. Examination of later stages of limb development demonstrated decreased size of cartilage anlagen, delayed calcification, and abnormal growth plates. Utilizing in vitro assays, we demonstrated that loss of Wdpcp in skeletal progenitors lead to loss of hedgehog signaling responsiveness and associated proliferative response. In vitro chondrogenesis assays showed this loss of hedgehog and proliferative response was associated with decreased expression of early chondrogenic marker N-Cadherin. E14.5 forelimbs demonstrated delayed ossification and expression of osteoblast markers Runx2 and Sp7. P0 growth plates demonstrated loss of hedgehog signaling markers and expansion of the hypertrophic zones of the growth plate. In vitro osteogenesis assays demonstrated decreased osteogenic differentiation of Wdpcp null mesenchymal progenitors in response to hedgehog stimulation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate how Wdpcp and associated regulation of the hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role at multiple stages of skeletal development. Wdpcp is necessary for positive regulation of hedgehog signaling and associated proliferation is key to the initiation of chondrogenesis. At later stages, Wdpcp facilitates the robust hedgehog response necessary for chondrocyte hypertrophy and osteogenic differentiation.
Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain — Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lange Tobias
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (rESWT) primarily on acute lumbar back pain (aLBP) and secondarily on physical function and quality of life.METHODS This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial with 12-week follow-up (FU) randomized 63 patients with aLBP 1 : 1 into two groups receiving either rESWT (intervention) or sham rESWT (placebo) with a manipulated shockwave head not delivering any shockwaves. Both, rESWT and sham procedure were carried out eight times for 4 weeks. Both groups received additional analgesics and physiotherapy twice a week.Primary patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) was the Visual Analogue Scale for aLBP (VAS-LBP). Secondary PROMs included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), EuroQol EQ-5D-3L and the Beck Depression Index (BDI-II). Primary endpoint was a between-arm comparison of mean changes in VAS-LBP from baseline to final FU. RESULTS At randomization, there were no differences between the two groups in relation to age and PROMs. Both groups showed significant improvement in all PROMs at final FU. VAS-LBP declined by 60.7% (P < .001) in the intervention and by 86.4% (P < .001) in the sham group. The intervention group showed significantly less pain relief after 4 and 12 weeks. The EQ-5D submodality pain showed significantly inferior results for the intervention (1.5 (0.58)) compared to the sham group (1.1 (0.33)) (P < 0.014) after 8 weeks. No significant intergroup differences were observed for RDQ, ODI or BDI-II.CONCLUSIONS Additional rESWT alongside conventional guideline therapy in aLBP does not have any significant effects on pain intensity, physical function, or quality of life.IMPACT STATEMENT To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with a high level of evidence reporting the efficacy of rESWT in aLBP treatment and will be a future basis for decision-making.
Malaria or COVID-19? A case report highlighting a diagnostic challenge in Africa
Authors: Nkeshimana Menelas , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: January 2021

A 40 years old woman previously healthy was diagnosed and treated for malaria without any significant improvement. At the concern of an increase in shortness of breath, she consulted the nearby hospital where an additional diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was made. She died shortly after due to severe COVID-19 Pneumonia. In countries like Rwanda where 70% of malaria cases are treated at community level by community health workers, typical malaria signs and symptoms (fever, shivering, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting) are well known by lay providers and even by patients themselves. These overlap with common COVID-19 symptoms. It is very likely that unrecognized COVID-19 disease transmitters will lead to a much wider virus spread, especially by those patients for whom a concurrent malarial disease is easily confirmed using the widely available malaria rapid tests. There is a growing need to reinforce the ability of fragile health systems to discriminate between multiple common causes for common symptoms, especially for malaria and COVID-19 infection.
A new Lorentz violating model with particle’s "maximum energy"
Authors: Hu Jinwen
Published: January 2021

In this paper we re-investigated the relationship between the symmetry of inertial systems and the Lorentz transformation. We found that when we just follow the following three principles: (1)we can define the time in the whole space with a prescribed clock synchronization, (2)the time-space is uniform and the space is isotropic and (3)all the inertial systems are equivalent, then we can totally construct a general coordinate transformation to meet the symmetry of inertial systems, and with a special assumption on the speed of light, we can construct a non-Lorentz transformation between inertial systems to make the particle’s energy have a limited value, which is similar to the rainbow model.Similar to the usual Lorentz violating models, the non-Lorentz transformation in this paper lead to a new modified disperse relation. We applied the obtained disperse relation to analyze the photon’s arrival time lag effect in astronomy and found that the "maximum energy" derived in our model is somewhat related to the "maximum energy" assumed in the rainbow model.
The Situation of Individuals Aged 70+ Years During the Corona Lockdown in Germany on the Example of the Population-based AugUR Study
Authors: Brandl Caroline , Zimmermann Martina E. , Günther Felix , Küchenhoff Helmut , Loss Julika , Stark Klaus J. , Heid Iris M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Individuals aged 70+ were most threatened by COVID-19 and most targeted by shielding recommendations. However, there is limited understanding of the situation of this high-risk population during lockdown. Methods: We derived information via a written self-completion questionnaire sent out to our population-based AugUR study participants (aged 70+, living in/near Regensburg, Germany) shortly after the lift of the curfew in spring 2020 in Bavaria, Germany. This was combined with data from previous AugUR study center visits including medical history assessment, medical exams, and bio-probing, which enabled the comparison of pre- and during-pandemic assessments in the very same individuals. Results: Among 1,850 survey participants (73–98 years; net-response 89%), 74% were at increased risk for severe COVID-19 according to medical conditions (75% extrapolated to the German population aged 70+). Despite 92% have potentially been exposed, only four reported SARS-CoV-2 infection (0.2%). COVID-19 related symptoms were reported by 23%. Regarding lifestyle changes since lockdown, we found no trend towards increased smoking or drinking alcohol, but 34% reported increased sedentary behavior and 29% refrained from medical appointments. Worse QOL was perceived by 38%. Particularly women and the more educated were susceptible to these changes. When comparing lifestyle differences between survey and previous visit, the pattern was similar. Conclusions: Our presented data will help understand the situation of this vulnerable group in the pandemic. While a majority of individuals reported no changes towards a less healthy life style, about one third would benefit from help to sustain a healthy lifestyle when accommodating future strategies.
The Effects of Extinction in Multiple Spatial Contexts on Fear Recovery in Animals and Humans: a Meta-analysis Protocol
Authors: Chao Wei Jun Marc , Wong Ananda Victor , McConnell Bridget L
Published: January 2021

BackgroundLaboratory studies that utilise an exposure-based approach seek to reduce recovery through repeated nonreinforced presentations of a fearful or appetitive stimulus. A recent meta-analysis on post-retrieval extinction revealed small and non-significant effects on fear recovery. While meta-analyses on the use of pharmacologic agents revealed promising results, deploying such methods as first-line treatment for anxiety disorders is not practicable. To date, there has not been a systematic review or meta-analysis conducted to evaluate the overall effectiveness of laboratory-based multiple spatial context extinction on fear renewal in animals or humans. The present paper provides a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise current literature investigating fear extinction in multiple spatial contexts. This will help provide information into the types of circumstances required to effectively implement this manipulation as a clinical treatment for anxiety-based disorders.MethodsA literature search will be conducted on electronic databases with the addition of forward and backward reference checking. Only primary research empirical studies that investigated fear conditioning and manipulated extinction training over two or more spatial contexts will be included. Eligible studies must include at least one control group that received comparable extinction in one context. The population of the studies will include both human (non-clinical) and non-human animals (e.g. rats). There will be no limitations on publication date, country of origin, or language. Essential scores related to recovery will be recorded. Data will be extracted by one of the two reviewers and quality of studies will be assessed by both the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2, for studies with human participants and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias tool, for studies with animals. A three-level meta-analysis will be conducted to determine fear attenuating effects of extinction across multiple spatial contexts. Should moderate-high heterogeneity be found, causes will be investigated through subgroup analyses.DiscussionThe planned review will be the first to present a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of the effectiveness of conducting multiple spatial context extinction on the possible attenuation of conditioned fear. The review will determine the types of circumstances that may provide better efficacy into informing translational research into clinical exposure therapy for anxiety-based disorders.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 142518, edited on 30th Oct 2020, pending approval.
Comprehensive analysis of micro RNAs in recurrent implantation failures patients and construction of prediction models based on circulating micro RNAs
Authors: Chen Peigen , Guo Yingchun , Li Tingting , Jia Lei , Wang Yanfang , Zhou Yi , Fang Cong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRecurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an obstacle in the process of assisted reproductive technology (ART). At present, there was limited research on its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment methods.ResultsIn this study, a series of analytical tools were used to analyze differences in miRNAs, mRNAs and lncRNAs in the endometrium of patients in the RIF group and the control group. At the same time, multiple databases are used to predict the target genes of non-coding RNAs. Then the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was built to describe the relationship between gene regulation in the endometrium of the RIF.ConcludesBased on the results of the logistic regression of co-expression miRNAs between serum and endometrial samples, we built a predictive model based on circulating miRNAs.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Radiotracer 125I-rIL-27 to Monitor Allotransplantation Rejection by Specifically Targeting IL-27Rα
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhao Shanshan , Hou Guihua
Published: January 2021

Non-invasive monitoring of allograft rejection is benefit for the prognosis of patients with organ transplantation. Recently, IL-27/IL-27Rα was proved in close relation with inflammatory diseases, and 125I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb our group developed demonstrated high accumulation in rejecting allograft. However, antibody imaging has limitation in the imaging background due to its large molecule weight. Therefore, we developed a novel radio tracer (Iodine-125 labeled recombinant IL-27) to evaluate the advantage on the targeting and imaging of allograft rejection. In vitro specific binding of 125I-rIL-27 was determined by saturation and competitive assay. Blood clearance, biodistribution, autoradio-imaging and IL-27Rα expression were studied on day 10 post transplantation (top period of allorejection). Our results indicated that 125I-rIL-27 could bind with IL-27Rα specifically and selectively in vitro. Blood clearance assay demonstrated a fast blood clearance with 13.20 µl/h of 125I-rIL-27 staying in blood after 24 h. Whole-body phosphor-autoradiography and biodistribution assay indicated that higher specific uptake of 125I-rIL-27 and clear radio-image in allograft than syngraft at 24 h, while similar result was obtained at 48 h in group of 125I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb injection. Meanwhile, higher IL-27Rα expression was found in allograft by the western blot study. The activity accumulation of 125I-rIL-27 was highly correlated with IL-27Rα expression on allograft. In conclusion, 125I-rIL-27 could be a promising probe to acutely monitor the allograft rejection with high specific binding towards IL-27Rα on allograft and low imaging background.