bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantified MRI and 25OH-VitD3 can be used as effective biomarkers for patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced liver injury in CRCLM?
Authors: Wang Qian , Ye Feng , Ma Peiqing , Che Yiqun , Guo Weilan , Yan Dong , Zhao Xinming
Published: August 2020

Background

To evaluate proton-density fat-fraction (PDFF) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) techniques, and human 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OH-VitD3) levels, as potential biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (CRCLM). Changes were compared with those related to chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis (CASH) and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).

Methods

63 patients with pathologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma received 4–6 courses of NC before liver resection and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantification and IVIM sequences. Blood samples were analyzed using CTCAE. Pathological changes of liver tissues outside the metastases were assessed as the gold standard, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed.

Results

16 cases had CASH liver injury, 14 cases had SOS changes, and 4 cases had CASH and SOS, and 7 showed no significant changes. Consistency between biochemical indices and pathological findings was poor (kappa = 0.246,p = 0.005). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and TBIL were 0.571–0.691. AUCs of D, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 exceeded 0.8; when considering these markers together, sensitivity was 85.29% and specificity was 93.13%. ANOVA showed statistically significant differences amongD, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 for different grades of liver injury (F = 4.64–26.5,p = 0.000–0.016).

Conclusions

D, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 are biomarkers for accurate prediction of NC-induced liver injury in patients with CRCLM, while FF and 25OH-VitD3 might be beneficial to distinguish liver injury grades.

Trial registration

Current Trials was retrospectively registered asChiCTR1800015242at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 16, 2018.
Association of nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene practices with children’s nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhoea in rural Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Akina , Six Jeanne , Dahal Dikshya , Marks Sara , Meierhofer Regula
Published: August 2020

Background

Providing universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in remote Nepal remains challenging. We investigated WASH conditions and their association with children’s nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhoea.

Methods

Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 1427 households, including questionnaires, observations, stool analysis, anthropometry, water quality measurements, and assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies.

Results

We found 55.5% of children were undernourished, 63.9% had clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies, 51.1% had intestinal parasitic infections and 52.2% had diarrhoea. Multivariate mixed logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between undernutrition and socio-economic level, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 0.70 (95%-CI = 0.43–1.11) and 0.43 (95%-CI = 0.25–0.75) for high and intermediate levels compared to the lowest level. Undernutrition was negatively associated with regular deworming of children (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20–0.94), food supplements (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38–0.84), household’s own food production (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46–0.97) and personal hygiene (AOR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.51–1.35). Nutritional deficiency was negatively associated with handwashing after cleaning a baby’s bottom (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.40–0.92) and cleanliness of caregiver’s hands (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.89) and positively associated with keeping animals inside the house overnight (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.17–2.51) and the presence of total coliforms in the drinking water source (AOR = 10.44, 95% CI = 1.61–67.4). Diarrhoea was positively associated with intermittent water supply (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.18–6.31) and the presence of a mud floor (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.20–4.37) and negatively associated with cleanliness of the toilet (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47–0.98), and the cleanliness of children’s hands (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.40–0.96).

Conclusions

Our study found, more than half of the survey children were in a critical health condition. Results suggest that child health improvements are dependent on multiple public health improvements, including providing better nutrition, promoting adequate hygiene behaviour, such as handwashing, keeping the latrines clean, keeping the household environment free from animal faeces and assuring a reliable supply of safe water.
Circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at admission predicts the long-term outcome in acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury patients
Authors: Zhao Jian-Lan , Lai Song-Tao , Du Zhuo-Ying , Xu Jian , Sun Yi-Rui , Yuan Qiang , Wu Xing , Li Zhi-Qi , Hu Jin , Xie Rong
Published: August 2020

Background

The prognostic value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) for the outcome of acute cervical traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) patients has rarely been studied by now throughout the world.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the prognostic value of NLR from peripheral whole blood count in patients with acute cervical tSCI. Patients within 6 h of acute cervical tSCI treated between Dec 2008 and May 2018 in Huashan Hospital of Fudan University were enrolled. Outcomes of patients with tSCI were assessed using American spinal injury association Impairment Scale (AIS). 6-month outcomes were dichotomized into poor outcome group (AIS A to C) and good outcome group (AIS D and E). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the independent predictors of 6-month outcome. Two prediction models based on admission characteristics were built to evaluate the prognostic value of NLR. The discriminative ability of predictive models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 377 patients were identified from our single center in China PR. Multivariate analysis showed that age, AIS grade at admission, NLR (p < 0.001) and coagulopathy (p = 0.003) were independent predictors of the 6-months outcome for acute cervical tSCI patients. The model combing NLR and standard variables (AUC = 0.944; 95% CI, 0.923–0.964) showed a more favorable prognostic value than that without NLR (AUC = 0.841; 95% CI, 0.798–0.885) in terms of 6-month outcome.

Conclusions

NLR is firstly identified as an independent predictor of the 6-month outcome in acute cervical tSCI patients worldwide. The prognostic value of NLR is favorable, and a high NLR is associated with poor outcome in patients with acute cervical tSCI.
In vivo length change of ligaments of normal knees during dynamic high flexion
Authors: Kono Kenichi , Konda Shoji , Yamazaki Takaharu , Tanaka Sakae , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: August 2020

Background

Few studies compared the length change of ligaments of normal knees during dynamic activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo length change of ligaments of the normal knees during high flexion.

Methods

Eight normal knees were investigated. Each volunteer performed squatting, kneeling, and cross-leg motions. Each sequential motion was performed under fluoroscopic surveillance in the sagittal plane. The femoral, tibial, and fibular attachment areas of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) were determined according to osseous landmarks. After 2D/3D registration, the direct distance from the femoral attachment to the tibial or fibular attachment was measured as the ligament length.

Results

From 20° to 90° with flexion, the ACL was significantly shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting. For the PCL, dMCL, sMCL, and LCL, there were no significant differences among the 3 motions.

Conclusion

The ACL was shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting in mid-flexion. This suggests that the ACL is looser during cross-leg motion than during squatting. On the other hand, the length change of the PCL, MCL, and LCL did not change even though the high flexion motions were different.
Motor unit number index detects the effectiveness of surgical treatment in improving distal motor neuron loss in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yancheng , Li Yang , He Shisheng , Wang Deguo
Published: August 2020

Background

Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI.

Methods

Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales.

Results

There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cervical SCI has a negative effect on the LMNs distal to the injury site. Early surgical intervention in Cervical SCI patients may improve the dysfunction of LMNs distal to the injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving clinical prognosis.
Injury and training history are associated with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit in youth tennis athletes
Authors: Kalo Kristin , Vogt Lutz , Sieland Johanna , Banzer Winfried , Niederer Daniel
Published: August 2020

A glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) of the shoulder, is associated with an increased risk of shoulder injuries in tennis athletes. The aim of the present study was to reveal the impact of 1) age, sex, specific training data (i.e. training volume, years of tennis practice, years of competitive play) and 2) upper extremity injuries on GIRD in youth competitive tennis athletes.

A cross-sectional retrospective study design was adopted. Youth tennis players (n = 27, 12.6 ± 1.80 yrs., 18 male) belonging to an elite tennis squad were included. After documenting the independent variables (anthropometric data, tennis specific data and history of injury), the players were tested for internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotation range of motion (RoM, [°]). From these raw values, the GIRD parameters ER/IR ratio and side differences and TRoM side differences were calculated. Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed to find potential associations of the independent variables with the GIRD outcomes.

A significant positive linear correlation between the years of tennis training and IR side asymmetry occurred (p < .05). A significant negative linear relation between the years of tennis training and the ratio of ER to IR range of motion (RoM) in the dominant side (p < .05) was found. The analysis of covariance showed a significant influence of the history of injuries on IR RoM (p < .05).

Injury and training history but not age or training volume may impact on glenohumeral internal rotation deficit in youth tennis athletes. We showed that GIRD in the dominant side in youth tennis players is progressive with increasing years of tennis practice and independent of years of practice associated with the history of injuries. Early detection of decreased glenohumeral RoM (specifically IR), as well as injury prevention training programs, may be useful to reduce GIRD and its negative consequences.
Efficacy of single high-molecular-weight versus triple low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection among knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad Hasan , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Cheraghi Mohsen , Rahimi-Dehgolan Shahram , Ebrahimpour Adel
Published: August 2020

Background

To compare intra-articular (IA) knee injections of a cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) with a linear low-molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) in terms of pain and functional improvement among knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

Methods

In this single-blinded RCT, the patients were randomly divided into two groups for HA injections. The first group received an HMW-HA (Arthromac) injection, while the other received three weekly LMW-HA (Hyalgan) injections. Pain and function were assessed using the outcome measures including WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS indices, once prior to injection, as well as 2 and 6 months after injections.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics including age and sex between the two groups. Our analysis showed that total WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS mean scores remarkably improved at both follow-up time-points compared to the baseline measurements (p < 0.001). There was no significant superiority between the two therapeutic protocols according to our outcome measures at any time-point of follow-up. The only except was about the improvement in WOMAC stiffness subscale that was significantly higher in LMW-HA group compared to HMW-HA (p = 0.021). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in minor complications and injection-induced pain scores between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study proved that a single HMW-HA injection is as effective as multiple injections of LMW-HA counterparts in periods of 2 and 6 months follow-up.

This study protocol was registered in Iranian database of RCTs (IRCT;www.irct.ir) with the trial registration number IRCT20130523013442N24 and registration date 2018-07-13.
Preclinical study of simultaneous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions between Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang and spironolactone
Authors: Hsueh Tun-Pin , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: August 2020

Background

The prevalence and therapeutic effects of the use of herbal remedies for chronic liver diseases make the combined administration of herbal products with conventional treatment unable to be ignored. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions between the herbal formula Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) and spironolactone.

Methods

A selective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the detection of spironolactone and its metabolite canrenone in rat urine. The interaction study was conducted by collecting urine samples after oral administration of spironolactone alone or in combination with YCHT for 5 days. Urine pharmacokinetic parameters and urinary sodium, potassium, volume, and weight were analyzed.

Results

The results revealed significant increases in the cumulative amount and the area under the rate curve (AURC) of the metabolite canrenone after pretreatment with the high dose of YCHT. The urine weight and volume were significantly reduced dose-dependently as a result of pretreatment with YCHT. The urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio, which indicates diuretic effects, was also reduced in the high-dose YCHT condition.

Conclusions

Herb-drug pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between YCHT and spironolactone were observed in the study. The herb-drug interaction that appeared with a single dose of spironolactone should be considered when patients are being treated with a continuous administration of this drug.
Outcomes of trauma education workshop in Vietnam: improving diagnostic and surgical skills
Authors: Choi Sugy , Kim Jieun , Heo Jongho , Nguyen Dung Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Son Hong , Kim Woong-Han
Published: August 2020

Background

Unintentional injuries have emerged as a significant public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), especially in Vietnam, where there is a poor quality of care for trauma. A scarcity of formal and informal training opportunities contributes to a lack of structure for treating trauma in Vietnam. A collaborative trauma education project by the JW LEE Center for Global Medicine in South Korea and the Military Hospital 175 in Vietnam was implemented to enhance trauma care capacity among medical staff across Ho Chi Minh City in 2018. We aimed to evaluate a part of the trauma education project, a one-day workshop that targeted improving diagnostic and surgical skills among the medical staff (physicians and nurses).

Methods

A one-day workshop was offered to medical staff across Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2018. The workshop was implemented to enhance the trauma care knowledge of providers and to provide practical and applicable diagnostic and surgical skills. To evaluate the workshop outcomes, we utilized a mixed-methods survey data. All participants (n = 27) voluntarily completed the post-workshop questionnaire. Quality of contents, satisfaction with teaching skills, and perceived benefit were used as outcomes of the workshop, measured by 5-point Likert scales (score: 1–5). Descriptive statistics were performed, and open-ended questions were analyzed by recurring themes.

Results

The results from the post-workshop questionnaire demonstrated that the participants were highly satisfied with the quality of the workshop contents (mean = 4.32 standard deviation (SD) = 0.62). The mean score of the satisfaction regarding the teaching skills was 4.19 (SD = 0.61). The mean score of the perceived benefit from the workshop was 4.17 (SD = 0.63). The open-ended questions revealed that the program improved their knowledge in complex orthopedic surgeries neglected prior to training.

Conclusions

Positive learning experiences highlighted the need for the continuation of the international collaboration of skill development and capacity building for trauma care in Vietnam and other LMIC.
A randomised controlled pilot trial of the influence of non-native English accents on examiners’ scores in OSCEs
Authors: Kozato An , Patel Nimesh , Shikino Kiyoshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are important aspects of assessment in medical education. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that students with non-native English accents (NNEA) may be subjected to unconscious bias. It is imperative to minimise the examiners’ bias so that the difference in the scores reflects students’ clinical competence. Research shows NNEAs can cause stereotyping, often leading to the speaker being negatively judged. However, no medical education study has looked at the influence of NNEAs in assessment.

Methods

This is a randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. Four videos of one mock OSCE station were produced. A professional actor played a medical student. Two near identical scripts were prepared. Two videos showed the actor speaking with an Indian accent and two videos showed the actor speaking without the accent in either script. Forty-two OSCE examiners in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. They watched two videos online, each with either script, each with a different script. One video with a NNEA and one video was without. Checklist item scores were analysed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric independent samples median test. Global scores were analysed with descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Thirty-two examiners completed the study. The average scores for the checklist items (41.6 points) did not change when the accent variable was changed. Independent samples median test showed no statistically significant relationship between the accent and the scores (p = 0.787). For the global scores received by the videos with the NNEA, there were one less ‘Good’ grade and one more ‘Fail’ grade compared to those without the NNEA. Mann-Whitney test on global score showed lower scores for videos with NNEA (p = 0.661).

Conclusions

Examiners were not biased either positively or negatively towards NNEAs when providing checklist or global scores. Further study is required to validate the findings of this study. More discussion is warranted to consider how the accent should be considered in current medical education assessment.

Registration

Trial registration completed trial, ID: ISRCTN17360102, Retrospectively registered on 15/04/2020.
Public trust and global biobank networks
Authors: Dive Lisa , Critchley Christine , Otlowski Margaret , Mason Paul , Wiersma Miriam , Light Edwina , Stewart Cameron , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: August 2020

Background

Biobanks provide an important foundation for genomic and personalised medicine. In order to enhance their scientific power and scope, they are increasingly becoming part of national or international networks. Public trust is essential in fostering public engagement, encouraging donation to, and facilitating public funding for biobanks. Globalisation and networking of biobanking may challenge this trust.

Methods

We report the results of an Australian study examining public attitudes to the networking and globalisation of biobanks. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods in conjunction with bioethical analysis in order to determine factors that may contribute to, and threaten, trust.

Results

Our results indicate a generally high level of trust in biobanks and in medical research more broadly. Key factors that can reduce perceived trustworthiness of biobanks are commercialisation and involvement in global networking.

Conclusions

We conclude that robust ethical oversight and governance standards can both promote trust in global biobanking and ensure that this trust is warranted.
Analyzing the lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA-associated ceRNA networks to reveal potential prognostic biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Zhu Xiaolong , Jiang Lan , Yang Hui , Chen Tianbing , Wu Xingwei , Lv Kun
Published: August 2020

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most seriously brain tumor with extremely poor prognosis. Recent research has demonstrated that competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network which long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate mRNA expression were closely related to tumor development. However, the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of ceRNA network in the pathogenesis of GBM are remaining poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we systematically analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA (GSE51146 dataset) and miRNA (GSE65626 dataset) from GEO database. Then, we constructed a ceRNA network with the dysregulated genes by bioinformatics methods. The TCGA and GSE4290 dataset were used to confirm the expression and prognostic value of candidate mRNAs.

Results

In total, 3413 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, 305 differentially expressed miRNAs were indentified in GBM samples. Then a ceRNA network containing 3 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 60 mRNAs was constructed. The overall survival analysis of TCGA databases indicated that two mRNAs (C1s and HSD3B7) were remarkly related with the prognosis of GBM.

Conclusion

The ceRNA network may increase our understanding to the pathogenesis of GBM. In general, the candidate mRNAs from the ceRNA network can be predicted as new therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for GBM.
Time, location and frequency of snack consumption in different age groups of Canadians
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Islam Naorin , Masoodi Hedyeh , Shafiee Mojtaba , Patil Rashmi Prakash , Smith Jessica , Whiting Susan J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The location and time of snack consumption may influence the composition, nutrient content and portion sizes of snacks. In this study, we aimed to determine and compare the time, location and frequency of snack consumption among different age groups of Canadians.

Methods

Nationally representative dietary data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used (19,677 participants aged ≥2 years). Dietary data were obtained using 24-h dietary recalls. Participants were categorized according to the frequency of snack consumption (1 time, 2–3 times, ≥4 times). The snack consumption over 24 h was divided into four time periods: before 10 am, 10 am to 3 pm, 3 pm to 8 pm and 8 pm to 12 am. Meal and snack location was categorized as at home; someone else’s home; restaurants; and other.

Results

Snacking 2–3 times per day was the most common reported frequency (53.0%). Snacking at home (73.0%) was more prevalent than snacking away from home (27.0%). The most frequently reported time for snacking among Canadians was 3 pm to 8 pm (36.3%), and the least frequently reported time was before 10 am (8.1%). Snacking contributed to a high proportion of Milk and Alternatives (23.7%) and Vegetables and Fruit (23.4%) food groups and lesser proportions of Grain Products (15.4%) and Meat & Alternatives (9.4%) food groups among Canadians.

Conclusions

Home is the main location, 3 pm to 8 pm is the main time, and 2–3 times per day is the most common reported frequency for snacking. A full understanding of snacking behaviors is needed in order to develop targeted strategies to improve the quality of snack food choices.
Retraction Note: HGF and TGFβ1 differently influenced Wwox regulatory function on Twist program for mesenchymal-epithelial transition in bone metastatic versus parental breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Bendinelli Paola , Maroni Paola , Matteucci Emanuela , Desiderio Maria Alfonsina
Published: August 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the retraction notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-015-0389-y
Night sleep duration and risk of each lipid profile abnormality in a Chinese population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Song Qiaofeng , Liu Xiaoxue , Zhou Wenhua , Wu Shouling , Wang Xizhu
Published: August 2020

Background

To explore the associations between sleep duration and abnormalities in serum lipid levels in a Chinese population.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted with 34,260 participants from the general Chinese population. Sleep duration was categorized as ≤5, 6, 7, 8 or ≥ 9 h. Each lipid profile abnormality was defined according to the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (2016). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between sleep duration and dyslipidemia.

Results

Compared with a 7 h sleep duration, long sleep duration (≥9 h) was significantly associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (hazard ratio (HR): 1.24; 95% CI: 1.12–1.38). In subgroup analyses, the positive association between long sleep duration and low HDL-C level in men and in the different age groups was more pronounced than the association in women. No significant interactions were observed in the association between sleep duration and each abnormal serum lipid level by sex/age in the study population (P-interaction> 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that long sleep duration is associated with low HDL-C level among the Kailuan community population.
Regulation of [Ca2+]i oscillations and mitochondrial activity by various calcium transporters in mouse oocytes
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Ang , Meng Tie-Gang , Wang Le-Yun , Wang Li-Juan , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan , Ou Xiang-Hong
Published: August 2020

Oocyte activation inefficiency is one of the reasons for female infertility and Ca2+functions play a critical role in the regulation of oocyte activation. We used various inhibitors of Ca2+channels located on the membrane, including sarcoplasmic/ endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPases (SERCAs, the main Ca2+pumps which decrease the intracellular Ca2+level by refilling Ca2+into the sarcoplasmic reticulum), transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel subfamily member 7 (TRPM7, a Ca2+/Mg2+-permeable non-selective cation channel), T-type Ca2+channels and calcium channel Orai1, to investigate their roles in [Ca2+]ioscillation patterns and mitochondrial membrane potential during oocyte activation by real-time recording. Our results showed that SERCAs, TRPM7 and T-type Ca2+channels were important for initiation and maintenance of [Ca2+]ioscillations, which was required for mitochondrial membrane potential elevation during oocyte activation, as well as oocyte cytoskeleton stability and subsequent embryo development. Increasing the knowledge of calcium transport may provide a theoretical basis for improving oocyte activation in human assisted reproduction clinics.
Development of a knowledge translation taxonomy in the field of health prevention: a participative study between researchers, decision-makers and field professionals
Authors: Affret Aurélie , Prigent Ollivier , Porcherie Marion , Aromatario Olivier , Cambon Linda
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The current literature lacks a detailed and standardised description of public health knowledge translation (KT) activities designed to be applied at local levels of health systems. As part of an ongoing research project called theTransfert de connaissances en regions(TC-REG project), we aim to develop a local KT taxonomy in the field of health prevention by means of a participative study between researchers, decision-makers and field professionals. This KT taxonomy provides a comparative description of existing local health prevention KT strategies.

Methods

Two methods were used to design a participative process conducted in France to develop the taxonomy, combining professional meetings (two seminars) and qualitative interviews. The first step involved organising a seminar in Paris, attended by health prevention professionals from health agencies in four regions of France and regional non-profit organisations for health education and promotion. This led to the drafting of regional KT plans to be implemented in the four regions. In a second step, we conducted interviews to obtain a clear understanding of the KT activities implemented in the regions. Based on data from interviews, a KT taxonomy was drawn up and discussed during a second seminar.

Results

Our work resulted in a KT taxonomy composed of 35 standardised KT activities, grouped into 11 categories of KT activities, e.g. dissemination of evidence, support for use of evidence through processes and structures, KT advocacy, and so on.

Conclusions

The taxonomy appears to be a promising tool for developing and evaluating KT plans for health prevention in local contexts by providing some concrete examples of potential KT activities (advocacy) and a comparison of the same activities and their outcomes (evaluation).
Ingestion of Lactobacillus intestinalis and Lactobacillus reuteri causes depression- and anhedonia-like phenotypes in antibiotic-treated mice via the vagus nerve
Authors: Wang Siming , Ishima Tamaki , Zhang Jiancheng , Qu Youge , Chang Lijia , Pu Yaoyu , Fujita Yuko , Tan Yunfei , Wang Xingming , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: August 2020

Background

The brain–gut–microbiota axis plays a role in the pathogenesis of stress-related disorders such as depression. In this study, we examined the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mice with antibiotic-treated microbiota depletion.

Methods

The fecal microbiota was obtained from mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and control (no CSDS) mice. FMT from these two groups was performed to antibiotic-treated mice. 16S rRNA analysis was performed to examine the composition of gut microbiota. Furthermore, the effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in depression-like phenotypes after ingestion of microbes were examined.

Results

The ingestion of fecal microbiota from CSDS-susceptible mice resulted in an anhedonia-like phenotype, higher plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and decreased expression of synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in antibiotic-treated mice but not in water-treated mice. 16S rRNA analysis suggested that two microbes (Lactobacillus intestinalisandLactobacillus reuteri) may be responsible for the anhedonia-like phenotype in antibiotic-treated mice after FMT. Ingestion of these two microbes for 14 days led to depression- and anhedonia-like phenotypes, higher plasma IL-6 levels, and decreased expression of synaptic proteins in the PFC of antibiotic-treated mice. Interestingly, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy significantly blocked the development of behavioral abnormalities, elevation of plasma IL-6 levels, and downregulation of synaptic proteins in the PFC after ingestion of these two microbes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that microbiota depletion using an antibiotic cocktail is essential for the development of FMT-induced behavioral changes and that the vagus nerve plays a key role in behavioral abnormalities in antibiotic-treated mice after the ingestion ofL. intestinalisandL. reuteri. Therefore, it is likely that the brain–gut–microbiota axis participates in the pathogenesis of depression via the vagus nerve.
Bilateral asymmetrical herpes-zoster with Ramsay hunt syndrome in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Dai Siqi , Huang Xiaowen , Chen Yuxiang , Wang Menglei , Zheng Huanxin , Zeng Kang , Li Li
Published: August 2020

Background

Bilateral herpes zoster (BHZ) is an atypical presentation of herpes zoster (HZ), with few cases reported before. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is an uncommon complication of VZV infection. Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have been reported rarely.

Case presentation

We described an immunocompetent adult who suffered from left-sided thoracic herpes zoster and contralateral RHS simultaneously, and summarizes the characteristics of BHZ.

Conclusions

Cases of BHZ with RHS in immunocompetent adults have not been reported previously. Antivirus - glucocorticoid combination therapy showed a good effect in this case.
Integrated Puncture Score: force–displacement weighted rind penetration tests improve stalk lodging resistance estimations in maize
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J. , McMahan Christopher , Seegmiller Will , Cook Douglas D. , Robertson Daniel J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Rind penetration resistance tests have been used by plant scientists and breeders to estimate the stalk lodging resistance of maize for nearly a hundred years. However, the rind puncture method has two key limitations: (1) the predictive power of the test decreases significantly when measuring elite or pre-commercial hybrids, and (2) using rind penetration measurements as a breeding metric does not necessarily create stronger stalks. In this study, we present a new rind penetration method called the Integrated Puncture Score, which uses a modified rind penetration testing protocol and a physics-based model to provide a robust measure of stalk lodging resistance.

Results

Two datasets, one with a diverse array of maize hybrids and one with only elite hybrids, were evaluated by comparing traditional rind penetration testing and the Integrated Puncture Score method to measurements of stalk bending strength. When evaluating the diverse set of hybrids, both methods were good predictors of stalk bending strength (R2 values of 0.67). However, when evaluating elite hybrids, the Integrated Puncture Score had an R2 value of 0.74 whereas the traditional method had an R2 value of 0.48. Additionally, the Integrated Puncture Score was able to differentiate between the strongest and weakest hybrids in the elite hybrid data set whereas the traditional rind penetration method was not. Additional experiments revealed strong evidence in favor of the data aggregation steps utilized to compute the Integrated Puncture Score.

Conclusions

This study presents a new method for evaluating rind penetration resistance that highly correlates with stalk bending strength and can possibly be used as a breeding index for assessing stalk lodging resistance. This research lays the foundation required to develop a field-based high-throughput phenotyping device for stalk lodging resistance.
Distinct promoter methylation patterns of LKB1 in the hamartomatous polyps of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and its potential in gastrointestinal malignancy prediction
Authors: Li Teng , Lin Wensheng , Zhao Yilei , Zhu Jianping , Sun Tao , Ren Li
Published: August 2020

Background

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is known as a rare inherited polyposis due to the malfunction of serine/threonine kinase gene LKB1. However, not all of PJS patients carry LKB1 germline mutation. Previous researches have observed the elevated DNA methylation level in PJS polyps. Nevertheless, the mechanism of such abnormal and its impact on PJS patients remains to be fully described.

Results

The results proved a significant increase on the methylation level of LKB1 promoter in PJS polyps compared with normal colon biopsies through bisulfite PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Moreover, the methylation pattern in PJS polyps could be further categorized as three different scenarios: hypermethylated, hemimethylated and hypomethylated pattern. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of DNMT1/3a/3b suggested the up-regulation of DNMT1 and 3a might participate the epigenetic alternation of LKB1 in PJS polyps. Logistic regression suggested hypomethylated LKB1 promoter in PJS polyps as a risk factor for gastrointestinal malignancies in PJS patients.

Conclusions

The promoter methylation level of LKB1 gene in PJS polyps is generally elevated compared with normal colon mucosa. Yet not all of PJS polyps carry hypermethylated LKB1 promoter. Hypomethylation in this region has linked to malignant tumors in PJS patients. Given the rarity of PJS, this work together with previous researches, have proved the importance of LKB1 promoter methylation in PJS development and prognosis.
Molecular detection of pathogens in ticks and fleas collected from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Linh , Colella Vito , Greco Grazia , Fang Fang , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Venturina Virginia , Tong Kenneth Boon Yew , Tsai Yi-Lun , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan , Tiwananthagorn Saruda , Tangtrongsup Sahatchai , Le Thong Quang , Bui Khanh Linh , Do Thom , Watanabe Malaika , Rani Puteri Azaziah Megat Abd , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Halos Lenaig , Beugnet Frederic , Otranto Domenico
Published: August 2020

Background

Ticks and fleas are considered amongst the most important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary concern due to their ability to transmit pathogens to a range of animal species including dogs, cats and humans. By sharing a common environment with humans, companion animal-associated parasitic arthropods may potentially transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). This study aimed to molecularly detect pathogens from ticks and fleas from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia.

Methods

A total of 392 ticks and 248 fleas were collected from 401 infested animals (i.e. 271 dogs and 130 cats) from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, and molecularly screened for the presence of pathogens. Ticks were tested forRickettsiaspp.,Anaplasmaspp.,Ehrlichiaspp.,Babesiaspp. andHepatozoonspp. while fleas were screened for the presence ofRickettsiaspp. andBartonellaspp.

Result

Of the 392 ticks tested, 37 (9.4%) scored positive for at least one pathogen withHepatozoon canisbeing the most prevalent (5.4%), followed byEhrlichia canis(1.8%),Babesia vogeli(1%),Anaplasma platys(0.8%) andRickettsiaspp. (1%) [includingRickettsiasp. (0.5%),Rickettsia asembonensis(0.3%) andRickettsia felis(0.3%)]. Out of 248 fleas tested, 106 (42.7%) were harboring at least one pathogen withR. felisbeing the most common (19.4%), followed byBartonellaspp. (16.5%),Rickettsia asembonensis(10.9%) and “CandidatusRickettsia senegalensis” (0.4%). Furthermore, 35Rhipicephalus sanguineusticks were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, of which 34 ticks belonged to the tropical and only one belonged to the temperate lineage (Rh. sanguineus(sensu stricto)).

Conclusion

Our data reveals the circulation of different VBPs in ticks and fleas of dogs and cats from Asia, including zoonotic agents, which may represent a potential risk to animal and human health.
Glomerular filtration rate estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation in type 1 diabetes based on genomic ancestry
Authors: Haas Pizarro Marcela , Conte Santos Deborah , Gomes Nunes Melo Laura , Senger Vasconcelos Barros Bianca , Harcar Muniz Luiza , Porto Luís Cristóvão , Silva Dayse Aparecida , Bregman Rachel , Brito Gomes Marilia
Published: August 2020

Background

Black individuals have a great risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is associated with high morbimortality, so it is important to classify them into the correct renal function group. Some equations used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) divide patients only into two categories: African Americans and non-African Americans. The CKD-EPI equation was tested only in African Americans, and not Black patients from other regions, and takes into consideration self-reported color-race instead of genomic ancestry (GA) to determine the use of the ethnic correction factor. So far, this equation has not been evaluated in admixed populations, such as the Brazilian, using the percentage of GA to decide to apply the correction factor. The purpose of our study was to compare, in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the eGFR calculated without the use of the correction factor, with the values obtained using the correction factor in patients presenting 50% or more of African GA.

Methods

This cross-sectional, multicenter study enrolled 1279 patients from all geographic regions of Brazil. The CKD-EPI equation was used and CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min. GA were inferred using a panel of 46 AIM-INDEL, afterwards patients presenting an African GA ≥ 50% were selected.

Results

Initially, all patients with African GA ≥ 50% (n = 85) were considered as non-African Americans when calculating the eGFR and afterwards the ethnic correction factor was applied to recalculate the eGFR. CKD was present in 23 patients and 56.5% of them were redefined as having normal renal function after using the correction factor, mainly women [11 of the 13 patients (84.6%)], with GFR between 52–59.3 ml/min.

Conclusions

More than half of the patients in the study were reclassified to a normal renal function group, showing that GA may be an important tool to decide between the use of the ethnic correction factor in the CKD-EPI equation in a highly admixed population of patients with T1D. A large-scale study involving GA and eGFR in comparison to reference methods should be conducted to better establish whether or not the ethnic correction factor should be used in highly admixed populations.
Development of the Signposting Questionnaire for Autism (SQ-A): measurement comparison with the 10-item Autism Spectrum Quotient-Child and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the UK and Latvia
Authors: Jones Catherine R. G. , Barrett Sarah L. , Bite Ieva , Legzdina Maria , Arina Kristina , Higgins Andrea , Honey Kyla , Carrington Sarah J. , Hay Dale , Condon Johanna , Leekam Susan R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recognising the signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for frontline professionals. The use of brief parent-completed questionnaires for recording the signs of ASD in school-aged children may be an important and efficient contributor to professional insight. However, to date, such questionnaires have not been designed to be used in coordination with current standardised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the measurement characteristics of such questionnaires have been unexplored across countries that differ in levels of national autism service provision and cultural interpretation of the signs of ASD.

Methods

A new 14-item questionnaire (Signposting Questionnaire for Autism (SQ-A)) was developed using published DSM-5 items from a clinical interview, the Diagnostic Interview for Social Communication Disorders (DISCO). Measurement comparison was tested with the Short Autism Spectrum Quotient-Child (AQ-10) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents of 4–11-year-old children in the UK (N= 200) and Latvia (N= 104) completed all three questionnaires. Information on clinical diagnosis provided by parents led to classification into three groups: ASD diagnosis, other conditions and no conditions. In the UK, a subsample of teachers also provided cross-informant reliability.

Results

In both countries, there was evidence of acceptable to good internal consistency for the SQ-A, with significantly higher scores for the ASD group and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. There was also good parent-teacher reliability for the three measures. Notably, the questionnaires designed specifically to measure autism (SQ-A, AQ-10) performed more similarly to one another compared to the broader SDQ, with differences found for the ASD group. The overall pattern of responding to the three questionnaires was highly similar between countries.

Conclusions

These results indicate the potential of the 14-item SQ-A to guide frontline professionals in the recognition of the signs of autism in children, facilitating the provision of appropriate support.
Pre- and post-operative imaging of cochlear implants: a pictorial review
Authors: Widmann Gerlig , Dejaco Daniel , Luger Anna , Schmutzhard Joachim
Published: August 2020

Cochlear implants are increasingly used to treat sensorineural hearing disorders in both children and adults. Pre-operative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a pivotal role in patient selection, to rule out findings that preclude surgery or identify conditions which may have an impact on the surgical procedure. The post-operative position of the electrode array within the cochlea can be reliably identified using cone-beam computed tomography. Recognition of scalar dislocation, cochlear dislocation, electrode fold, and malposition of the electrode array may have important consequences for the patient such as revision surgery or adapted fitting.