bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and clinical profiles of COVID-19 in patients with gynecological surgery: A single center descriptive study from Spain.
Authors: Oliver Reyes , Lopez-Gonzalez Gregorio , Galindo Alberto , Alvarez-Conejo Carmen , Aragon-Sanchez Sofia , Sanz-Ferrandez Maria Consuelo , Tejerizo-Garcia Alvaro
Published: June 2020

Background: The inflammatory reaction after a surgical intervention could exacerbate the course of the COVID-19. We aim to determine the rate of COVID-19 and its complications among gynecological surgeries in the context of different measures taken during the pandemic period in our department. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal observational study was conducted. Clinical records of patients who underwent gynecological surgery from March 1 st to April 10 th , 2020 were reviewed. During this period, three different approachs were made: first phase, without any screening or surgical restrictions; second phase, with presurgical epidemiological screening using a specific questionnaire; and third phase, also with presurgical SARS-COV-19 RT-PCR. During the second and third phases the surgical activity and complexity were restricted, and different workflows were established for patient with suspected/confirmed infection. After hospital discharge, telephone follow-up was performed and screening for COVID-19 was carried out. Complications from the disease were analyzed. Results : Of the 118 patients that underwent gynecological surgeries, 10 (8.5%) were perioperatively diagnosed with COVID-19. Of these patients, 8 (80%) were not pre-surgical screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection, neither clinical nor with RT-PCR. The other 2 (20%) were preoperative screened with RT-PCR, one of them with a positive test result. Screening false negative rate was 0.8%. No postoperative complications derived from COVID-19 were observed. Conclusions: The establishment of different surgical workflows, the reduction of surgical complexity, and the use of a pre-surgical screening to detect patient at SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, could reduce the postoperative complications derived from that infection and improve surgical outcomes.
A Baseline Survey on the Treatment Workflow and Pediatric IGRT Practice Among European Members of the Project-Based Consortium and the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS).
Authors: Windmeijer Coen A.A. , Bel Arjan , Jong Rianne de , Balgobind Brian V. , Aznar Marianne C. , Beek Karen van , Beldjoudi Guillaume , Boterberg Tom , Cernea Dana M. , Daniels Laurien , Dieckmann Karin , Filippi Andrea R. , Haasbeek Cornelis J.A. , Hoeben Bianca , Janssens Geert O.R. , Josipovic Mirjana , Jürgens Hannes , Kouvelis Adam , Lassen Yasmin , Loginova Anna , Maduro John H. , Ondrová Barbora , Rombi Barbara , Steinmann Diana , Stokkevag Camilla , Theodorou Marilena , Timmermann Beate , Vasileva-Kodeyh Vaska , Zaletel Lorna Zadravec , Dijk Irma W.E.M. van
Published: June 2020

Background Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) enables high precision tumor treatment with potential for sparing healthy tissues. The value of pediatric IGRT is widely acknowledged, but there is no consensus on ‘best practice’. We aimed to assess clinical pediatric IGRT practice among European members of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS) and members of our project-based consortium.Methods A survey addressing radiotherapy preparation, planning and delivery in seven treatment sites was sent to European PROS members and/or our IGRT project-based consortium (70 institutes). Responses were collected from June-September 2018.Results Of the 42 responding institutes (response rate 60%), 33 indicated to treat children. 28/33 are photon-only institutes, 3/33 are dedicated proton (‘proton-only’) institutes and 2/33 use both. Immobilization includes facial masks (in 100% of brain, craniospinal axis (CSA) and head-and-neck (H&N) treatments), and vacuum cushions (all sites, except brain and H&N). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy are most frequently applied ranging from 71%-81% in respectively CSA (20/28), and extremities (21/26), followed by 3D conformal radiotherapy ranging from 36%-69% in respectively H&N (10/28), and extremities (18/26). Isotropic planning target volume (PTV) margins varied widely in brain and abdomen (range, 1-10mm). The use of in-room kilovolt cone-beam computed tomography ranges from 57%-86% in respectively CSA (16/28), and thorax (24/28). Daily online imaging is used by the majority of institutes, ranging from 85%-90% in respectively extremities (22/26) and pelvis (27/30). Offline imaging protocols are used by 14%-21% in respectively H&N (4/28) and thorax (6/28).Conclusions Our survey shows comparable practice in pre-treatment imaging, planning and treatment techniques, and IGRT application among the participating European institutes. However, wide ranges in PTV margin sizes exist, supporting the need to define international ‘best practice’ guidelines for pediatric IGRT, and to aim for consensus on optimal margin definitions in view of available IGRT facilities and workflows among institutes.
Myofascial trigger-point compression therapy as an adjunct to exercise program is superior in alleviating chronic low back pain compared to exercise program alone
Authors: Masarwa Rawan , Uri Ofir , Peled Givon , Laufer Gil , Gutman Gabriel , Behrbalk Eyal
Published: June 2020

Background

Current guidelines for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) endorse physical exercise programs and a range of non-pharmacological complementary therapies. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) compression therapy is a well-established form of manual therapy, which aims to induce temporary ischemia and over-stimulation of mechanoreceptors over a desired area in order to restore tissue normal functional conditions required for healing response. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of MTrPs compression therapy as an adjunct to active exercise program in alleviating chronic non-specific low back pain.
Methods

One-hundred and three patients with chronic non-specific LBP were retrospectively reviewed, 45 of them were treated with MTrPs compression therapy as an adjunct to physical exercise program (MTrPs group) and 58 were treated with exercise program alone (control group). Pain and functional scores were compared before initiating treatment and at 3-month follow-up.
Results

Pain reduction at 3-month follow-up was 5.6 points (0–10 numerical scale) in the MTrPs group compared to 3.6 points in the control group (p < 0.001). Oswestry Disability Index and SF-12 life quality scores also improved significantly more in the MTrPs group compared to the control group at 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001).
Conclusions

Myofascial trigger points compression therapy as an adjunct to active exercise program provides superior pain and disability relief to patients with chronic LBP compared to active exercise program alone.
Evaluation of skin-surface interleukin 1 alpha, interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, CXCL-1/2 and beta-defensin-1 as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Orro Kadri , Salk Kristiina , Abram Kristi , Arshavskaja Jelena , Meikas Anne , Karelson Maire , Neuman Toomas , Kingo Külli , Spee Pieter
Published: June 2020

Background:

Psoriatic skin is typically evaluated through visual assessment of its clinical hallmarks: thickness, redness and scaling of skin lesions. Sonography is used to physically monitor disease severity through physical assessment of the skin outer layers. Both methods assess consequences of inflammation rather than the molecular basis of disease. The aim of the current study was to assess 1) whether expression patterns of IL-1α, IL-1RA, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and hBD-1, examples of proteins known to drive psoriasis pathology, can be measured non-invasively from the skin surface, 2) whether expression patterns of these proteins correlate with disease severity, and 3) whether skin surface expression of these proteins can be used to measure pharmacodynamic effects of psoriasis treatment.
Results:

Using non-invasive FibroTx TAP technology for sampling and measurements of proteins from the skin of psoriasis patients revealed clear differences of IL-1α, IL-1RA, CXCL-1/2 on lesional skin when compared to non-lesional skin or skin from healthy volunteers. Comparing these expression patterns with visual assessment of thickness, redness and scaling of skin lesions revealed no significant quantitative correlations, with the exception of a weak correlation between CXCL-1/2 and thickness of lesions. Similarly, there were no significant correlations between FibroTx TAP measurements and ultrasound measurements, with the exception of a weak correlation between CXCL-1/2 and SLEB thickness. The potential of these skin-surface biomarkers were studied by monitoring skin lesions of psoriasis patients undergoing narrow-band UVB (311 nm) phototherapy. During the course of UVB treatment, clear patterns towards normalisation of IL-1RA and CXCL-1/2 were observed on lesions measured.
Conclusions:

Skin surface measurements of proteins involved in psoriasis skin pathology, in this study exemplified by IL-1α, IL-1RA, CXCL-1/2 and hBD-1, have potential as biomarkers for monitoring severity of disease, as well as for monitoring pharmacodynamic changes. Skin surface measurements of IL-1RA and CXCL-1/2 displayed a different profile than achieved by visual scoring of local inflammation or sonography, thus confirming that measuring the ‘molecular root’ of inflammation appears to have value as an objective, non-invasive biomarker measurement for scoring disease severity in its own right.
Results of postoperative anti-rotation on the intracapsular femoral neck fracture fixed with cannulated screws
Authors: ren bu-fang , ma quan-ping , lv xin , yin yunsheng , gao yaozhu
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate effect of postoperative anti-rotation on the union of intracapsular displaced femoral neck fracture treated with three cannulated screws. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all the intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated in the department of orthopedics of the second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from July 2015 to December 2018. Fractures of femoral neck were reduced and fixed with three cannulated screws. The patients who wore anti-rotation shoes in the affected side were kept at bed rest for 10-12 weeks after surgery. The results were analyzed.Results: A total of 135 patients were included in the analysis. Six patients (4.4%) were not united. There were 12 cases of avascular necrosis (9.3%). No wound infections, screw breakages was found.Conclusion: Anti-rotation after surgery can significantly reduce the rate of femoral neck fracture nonunion, but not significantly improve the femoral head necrosis
Determinants of Low Birth Weight Infants in Mekelle Zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia- Case-Control study
Authors: Adem Omer Seid , Gebresalassie Nigisti Hailemariam , Tekele Tesfaye Hailu
Published: June 2020

Background : Low Birth Weight is a public health problem in Ethiopian. This study aimed to identify its determinant factors in Mekelle Zone, northern Ethiopia. Methods : Case control study design was employed on randomly selected 464 newborn. Baby measuring scale was used to weighing the newborn. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the determinants factors, P < 0.05 and 95 % confidence level by using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results : Maternal age <20 years (AOR = 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.55, 5.47), income < 2500 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 3.5, (95 % CI: 1.57, 7.95), gestation < 37 weeks (AOR= 4, 95% CI: 2.18, 7.29), hypertension (AOR= 2.6, 95% CI: 1.15, 6.07), anemia (AOR= 3.2, 95% CI: 1.70, 6.17), didn’t consume milk/week (AOR= 2.3, 95% CI: 1.02, 5.35), low dietary diversity (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.22, 6.19), MUAC < 23 cm (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.04) were the identified determinants factors for low birth weight. Conclusions : Maternal age, income, history of hypertension and anemia, milk consumption, dietary diversity and maternal MUAC were the determinants Therefore, employing multisectoral coordinated intervention is essential to ending low birth weight.
Stable Qtl And Candidate Genes Involved Into The Genetic Network Affecting Grain Yield And Seed Size In Durum Wheat
Authors: Mangini Giacomo , Blanco Antonio , Nigro Domenica , Signorile Massimo Antonio , Simeone Rosanna
Published: June 2020

Background: In wheat grain yield is expressed as the product of different components. Among these, thousand kernels weight (TKW) reflects the combination of several grain related traits including grain length (GL), grain width (GW) and area. Grain weight is also affected by phenological traits, such as heading time (HT) and plant height (PH). To detect stable QTL and candidate genes involved in phenotypic control of grain yield, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two elite durum wheat cultivars (Liberdur and Anco Marzio) was evaluated for yield components and grain related traits for three growing seasons in southern Italy. The mapping population was genotyped with a 90K SNP array and a high-density genetic linkage map with 5134 markers were obtained.Results: A total of 30 QTL were detected on the durum RIL population including 9 stable QTL for TKW (2 QTL), GL, GW (2 QTL), AREA, HT and PH (2 QTL) distributed on 1B, 2A, 3A and 6B chromosomes. Interestingly, a QTL cluster mapped on 2A included a major QTL for HT explaining at least 70% of phenotypic variance and co-located with a QTL for YLD, TKW, GL and GW and AREA, respectively. In the physical position of this QTL cluster a photoperiod sensitivity gene (Ppd-A1) was found. Serine carboxypeptidase, Big Grain 1 and β-fructofuranosidase candidate genes were mapped in clusters containing stable QTL. Candidate genes involved in auxin metabolism were also found in QTL clusters in which a QTL for AREA was declared. Conclusions: This study showed that yield components and phenological traits had higher inheritances than grain yield, allowing an accurate stable QTL cluster detection. This was a powerful requisite to physically map QTL on the reference durum wheat genome and to identify candidate genes strongly affecting the genetic grain yield network.
Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Simplified Chinese Brain Cancer Patient-Reported Outcomes Evaluation System
Authors: Zhan Chaohong , Yao Honghui , Xiao Gelei , Tang Zhi , Liang Ye , Jin Chen , Xu Cheng , Liu Jingping
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale Brain Cancer-Specific Module (FACT-Br) was developed by a standard measurement theory and used to assess the symptoms, functions, and quality of life among brain cancer patients in English spoken countries. However, this instrument has not been translated into Chinese.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop the Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale Brain Cancer-Specific Module (C-FACT-Br).MethodsC-FACT-Br was translated following the standard Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Translation (FACIT) methodology. Then, the cognitive briefing interviews were done to ensure the conceptual equivalence by probing 10 native Chinese-speaking brain cancer patients.ResultsThe translation was finished by bilingual teams with the help of the FACIT organization. All items in C-FACT-Br were understandable to patients, and they also gave some comments in adjusting items in scale.ConclusionsC-FACIT-Br items had the equivalence meaning, same structure, and harmonization with the English version. Brain cancer patients over 18 years old can understand the scale and express their symptoms, function, and quality of life by these measures.
Network analysis of the pharmacological mechanism of Reduning injection in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia
Authors: Xie Yizi , ZHENG Wenjiang , JIANG Yong , LIU Xiaohong , ZHAN Shaofeng
Published: June 2020

Background: Pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have played an important role in COVID-19 treatment in China. This study explores the specific mechanisms of action of Reduning injection (RDN) as a novel clinical treatment for COVID-19. Material and Methods: We collected RDN chemical components and targets, COVID-19-related targets, and predictions of potential targets of RDN treatment for COVID-19 and performed network topology, Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and WikiPathways enrichment analysis of these potential targets. Results: This study identified 14 chemical components and 200 targets of RDN; 3,558 COVID-19-related targets; 54 potential targets of RDN treatment for COVID-19. GO functional enrichment analysis identified 83 entries in biological process, including regulation of vasoconstriction、arachidonic acid secretion, and 17 entries in molecular function, including oxidoreductase activity, acting on the aldehyde or oxo group of donors. WikiPathways enrichment analysis identified 16 entries including the interleukin-12 signaling pathway. Conclusion: In brief, RDN may be involved in the core anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) action and also in the reduction of the resulting inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and lung tissue damage, and the regulation of apoptosis, providing evidence for the characteristics of TCM in COVID-19 treatment involving multiple components, targets, and pathways.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula therapy: A Feasible Treatment in Vulnerable Older COVID-19 Patients on the Wards
Authors: Steenkiste Job van , Herwerden Michael C. van , Weller Dolf , Bout Christiaan J. van den , Ruiter Rikje , Hollander Jan G. den , Moussaoui Rachida el , Verhoeven Gert T. , Noord Charlotte van , Dorpel Marinus van den
Published: June 2020

Background: In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, many frail elderly were admitted to our hospital with COVID-19. We sought a treatment for those who had severe respiratory failure but were not eligible for invasive mechanical ventilation, due to frailty, functional status, comorbidity or wish of the patient. We started with applying High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) treatment on the wards.Methods: A retrospective cohort study amongst COVID-19 adult patients with respiratory failure defined as persisting hypoxemia despite maximum conventional oxygen administration requiring invasive mechanical ventilation at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but being treated with HFNC as they were non-eligible due to frailty or wish of the patient.Results: We included 32 patients between March 9 and May 1, 2020. The median age was 79.0 years (74.5-83.0) with a median of three comorbidities (3-4) and a median Clinical Frailty Score of 4 out of 9 (3-6). The median SPO2/FiO2 Ratio was 157.5 indicating moderate ARDS. Overall survival rate in the HFNC cohort was 25%. Age (80.5 (78.0-84.3) vs 69.5 (65.5-74.3) p=0.0040) and hypertension (92% vs 25%, p=0.0008) were associated with mortality.Conclusion: HFNC can be used as a last resort respiratory management strategy in vulnerable elderly COVID-19 patients in respiratory failure on the wards who failed on conventional high dose oxygen supply and are not eligible for invasive mechanical ventilation.
Plant nutrient quality promotes survival and reproductive fitness of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti
Authors: Nyasembe Vincent Odhiambo , Tchouassi David P. , Muturi Martha N. , Pirk Christian W. W. , Sole Catherine L. , Torto Baldwyn
Published: June 2020

Background

In a recent study using DNA barcoding, we identified the plants fed upon by four Afro-tropical mosquito species that vector dengue, malaria, and Rift Valley fever. Herein, we have expanded on this study by investigating the role of three of the plants Pithecellobium dulce (Fabaceae), Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae), and Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae) on survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.
Methods

We tested these effects using females that received a) an initial three rations of bloodmeal, and b) received no bloodmeal at all. Two controls were included; age-matched females fed on glucose solution with or without initial bloodmeal, and those fed exclusively on bloodmeal. Data was collected daily over a 30-day period. The amino acid content of Ae. aegypti guts and the amino acid content of their respective diets was detected by coupled liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry.
Results

Females fed on P. dulce and exclusive bloodmeal had a shorter survival than those fed on glucose. On the other hand, females fed on L. nepetifolia survived longer than those fed exclusively on bloodmeal, whereas those fed on O. ficus-indica had the shortest survival time. With initial bloodmeal, females fed on L. nepetifolia laid 1.6-fold more eggs while those fed on the other diets laid fewer eggs, compared to those fed exclusively on bloodmeal. Hatching rates of the eggs laid varied with the diet. Mass spectroscopic analysis of gut contents of mosquitoes exposed to the different diets showed qualitative and quantitative differences in their amino acid levels.
Conclusion

Our findings highlight the central role of plant nutrients in the reproductive fitness of dengue vectors which may impact their disease transmission potential.
Chronic Exposure to High Altitude and Job Burnout Among Chinese Military Personnel at Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: The Mediating Effect of Fatigue and Moderating Effect of Deployment Duration
Authors: Tu Zhi-hao , Peng Li , He Jing-wen , Shen Xing-hua
Published: June 2020

Background: Job burnout among military personnel is associated with many negative consequence including depression, various forms of job withdrawal, and poor job performance. The present study aimed to investigate how chronic exposure to HA, fatigue, and deployment duration may influence burnout among Chinese military personnel. Methods: Military plateau drivers at Golmud (average altitude: 2,890m) as high altitude group (N = 194) and military drivers at Fuzhou (average altitude: 84m) as low altitude group (N = 190) completed the self-administrated questionnaires. Path analysis with ordinary least squares regression procedures were used to test the mediating effect of fatigue and moderating eﬀect of deployment duration.Results: A simple mediation from altitude to burnout through fatigue was supported by the results. Military personnel at high altitude experienced severer fatigue than those at low altitude (B = 1.215, t = 4.303, p < 0.001), and fatigue in turn caused greater job burnout (B = 0.347, t = 6.132, p < 0.001). The mediating effect of fatigue was significant (M = 0.421, Boot LLCI = 0.207, Boot ULCI = 0.668) and explained 15.21% of the total effect of altitude on burnout. However, the moderating effects of deployment duration were not supported in the present study. Conclusion: The problem of job burnout among military personnel on the plateau may be diminished by relieving their mental and physical fatigue induced by chronic exposure to high altitude and increasing the number of vacation days away from plateau.
MicroRNA-133a-5p Promotes Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells via TRIM59/Id1 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Teng Lichen , Wu Jian , Li Huiling , Wang Huiyan , Wang Ying , Yu Ming , Zhu Yu , Su Yajuan
Published: June 2020

Background

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in tumor angiogenesis and growth. In this study, we assessed the effect of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) on EPCs migration and angiogenesis and its signaling pathway in patients suffered from ovarian cancer (OC).
Methods

We cultured peripheral circulating EPCs derived from 32 OC patients and 20 healthy control subjects, respectively. The miRNA profiles of EPCs in ovarian cancer patients were compared with that in healthy control subjects, and aberrantly expressed miRNAs in both groups were identified via miRNA microarray and clustering analysis. Among these miRNAs, miR-133a-5p was considered as one of the most important miRNAs, which biological function in EPCs has been investigated. Bioinformatic analysis combined with knockdown and overexpression of miR-133a-5p were used to identify its target protein.
Results

An obviously downregulated expression level of miR-133a-5p has been seen in EPCs with ovarian cancer patients. Downregulated expression level of miR-133a-5p has been seen in ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3). Downregulated of miR-133a-5p can increase TRIM59 expression, moreover, downregulated of miR-133a-5p further induce migration and angiogenesis via increase VEGF and Id1 in EPCs. MiR-133a-5p pro-angiogenesis would be diminished by TRIM59 knockdown.
Conclusions

The study found that miR-133a-5p was an important upstream factor regulated Id1/VEGF expression. Additionally, functional studies have revealed that TRIM59 was a direct target protein of miR-133a-5p, and TRIM59 silencing attenuated the role of miR-133a-5p in angiogenesis and Id1/VEGF expression. So we proposed that miR-133a-5p would be a new target for OC therapy.
Myocardial Injury at Early Stage and Its Association with Death Risk of Patients with COVID-19: A Hospital-Based Prospective Case-Cohort Study
Authors: Fu Lin , Li Xiu-Yong , Fei Jun , Xiang Ying , Xiang Hui-Xian , Li Meng-Die , Liu Fang-Fang , Li Ying , Zhao Hui , Xu De-Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background: There are growing evidence demonstrating that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is companied by acute myocardial injury. However, the association of SARS-CoV-2-induced myocardial injury with death risk of COVID-19 is unclear.Methods: This prospective case-cohort study analyzed 355 COVID-19 patients from two hospitals in different regions. Clinical and demographic information were collected. Myocardial injury was evaluated and its prognosis was followed up. Results: Of 355 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 213 were mild, 90 severe and 52 critically ill patients. On admission, 220 (62.0%) patients were with myocardial injury. Myocardial injury was more popular in critically ill patients. Using multivariate logistic regression, male, older age and comorbidity with hypertension were three crucial independent risk factors predicting myocardial injury of COVID-19 patients. Among 220 COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury, 33 (15.0%) died on mean 10.9 day after hospitalization. Mortality was increased among COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury (15.0% vs 1.74%, RR=8.625, P<0.001). Follow-up study observed that at least one myocardial index of 21.3% patients remained abnormal 14 days after discharge. Conclusion: Myocardial injury at early stage elevates mortality of COVID-19 patients. Male elderly patients with hypertension are more vulnerable to myocardial injury. SARS-CoV-2-induced myocardial injury has not completely recovered 14 days after discharge.
Rosiglitazone Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Following Ischemic Stroke by Reducing MMP-9 Expression Through a Caveolin-1-Dependent Pathway.
Authors: Huang Qianyi , Zhong Wei , Yi Xia , Qin Zhen , Tang Xiangqi
Published: June 2020

Background: Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a widely used antidiabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Recent work have shown that RSG can up-regulate caveolin-1 levels and ameliorate both chronic and acute brain injury. However, whether rosiglitazone can ameliorate ischemic injury in the brain via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway remains unknown. Methods: Adult male sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, rosiglitazone group and rosiglitazone+daidzein group. The rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established using the suture method, with ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 22 hours. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the methods of Longa’s standard scoring. Cerebral infarction volume was observed by staining with 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Evans blue content reflects BBB permeability. The expressions of caveolin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and occludin were detected by immunofluorescent staining and western blot. Results: In this study, we found that the expression of caveolin-1 was increased in a rat model of stroke, and treatment with RSG significantly increased the levels of caveolin-1, reduced the release of MMP-9, and increased the expression of occludin. On the other hand, a caveolin-1 inhibitor daidzein canceled the protective roles of RSG in the MCAO model.Conclusions: These data unveil that RSG might protect blood-brain barrier integrity by down-regulating the levels of MMP-9 via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway.
Expression and clinical significance of human leukocyte antigen class II, PD-1/PD-L1, and immune cells in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Liping , Zhang Wei , Wu Shengyu , Chen Bin , Zhao Sha , Li Wei , Sun Chenglong , Wang Lei , Jia Keyi , Wang Hao , Chen Peixin , Wu Chunyan , He Yayi
Published: June 2020

Background

Human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA class II) is considered to be related to antitumor immunity. But its value in SCLC is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed HLA class II, programmed death receptor-1/programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1/PD-L1), and immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3) expression and their role in predicting the patient’s prognosis in SCLC.
Methods

We analyzed 102 surgical SCLC tumor samples from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, China. HLA class II was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and we analyzed the status of HLA class II protein expressed in SCLC. Correlation between HLA class II and PD-1/PD-L1, immune cells, clinicopathological variables, and the survival data were also studied.
Results

44.1% of patients expressed HLA class II on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) positively, yet only 5.9% of patients expressed it on SCLC tumor cells. HLA class II on TILs was positively related to PD-1, PD-L1 on TILs, and immune cells. On tumor cells, it also had a positive relationship with PD-1 on TILs (correction coefficient = 0.723, p = 0.006). Comparison of logistic regression models indicates that the odds ratios (ORs) for expression of HLA II on TILs were 3.233 (95% CI: 1.051 ~ 9.95, p = 0.041) when negative for PD-L1 on TILs were compared with those positive for PD-L1 on TILs, and 0.314 (95% CI: 0.118 ~ 0.838, p = 0.021) when negative lymph node metastasis was compared with that positive one. With the Cox regression model, the stage, HLA class II on TILs, PD-L1 on TILs, CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3 were considered as protective factors for relapse-free survival (RFS). HLA class II positive patients had a longer RFS (1.20 years, 95% CI: 0.83 ~ 1.57 versus. 3.40 years, 95% CI: 2.47 ~ 4.33, p = 0.015). The high level of HLA class II expressed on TILs was related to a better prognosis. The RFS of patients with positive HLA class II, PD-1/PD-L1, and immune cells was higher than that of these all negative patients (3.45 years, 95% CI: 2.92 ~ 3.97 versus. 2.02 years, 95% CI: 1.32 ~ 2.72, p = 0.001).
Conclusions

HLA class II was expressed on SCLC TILs, which was correlated with PD-1/PD-L1 and immune cells expression. HLA class II positive patient had a better prognosis.
Single-parenthood and health conditions among children receiving public assistance in Japan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nishioka Daisuke , Saito Junko , Ueno Keiko , Kondo Naoki
Published: June 2020

Background: Single-parenthood is recognised as a risk factor for chronic childhood health conditions due to lower family income, resulting in food insecurity and an increased psychological burden. Governmental social assistance may address the risk by ensuring minimum-income protection and financial healthcare access. However, no study has investigated the association between single-parenthood and health statuses among children in families receiving social assistance benefits. This study aimed to examine the association between single-parent households and children’s health among public assistance recipients in Japan by—for the first time ever—using linkage data of two municipal public assistance databases and medical assistance claim data.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study. Public assistance for households below poverty line ensures their income security and medical care. We extracted individual factors of children aged 15 years or younger in January 2016 and observed until December 2016. We identified one-year prevalence of childhood diseases by using International Classification of Disease, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes.Results: Among the 573 participants, 383 (66.8%) lived in single-parent households. A multivariable Poisson regression showed that single-parenthood is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.26), allergic rhinitis (PR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07-1.86), dermatitis and eczema (PR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.21-2.70), and dental diseases (PR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.33-2.42), as compared to other households. No association was found between single-parenthood and acute children’s diseases such as respiratory infections, injuries, and intestinal infections.Conclusions: Living in single-parent households is a risk factor for children’s chronic diseases, despite them receiving public assistance benefits. These results may be explained by the increased psychosocial stress, suggesting that the present public assistance system in Japan should provide additional social support. Ameliorating health conditions of children among single-parent households on public assistance can be achieved by closer monitoring of the community. Further investigations are necessary using more detailed information such as environmental factors, the severity of children’s health conditions, the contents of any received treatments, and broader socioeconomic factors.
Prognostic nomograms for predicting overall survival of stage I lung cancer patients: a large population-based study
Authors: Wu Liwei , Wan Laiyi , Song Yanzheng , Wang Lin
Published: June 2020

Background

Postoperative prognosis of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing lymph node dissection is heterogeneous. Therefore, we sought to construct a novel survival prediction model for stage I NSCLC undergoing lymph node dissection.
Method:

Based on the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we successfully determined and incorporated independent prognostic markers to construct the nomogram. The constructed nomogram was further subjected to external validation with an independent cohort of patients. The performance of the survival prediction model was assessed by concordance index, calibration plots, and risk subgroup classification.
Results

A total of 23394 patients from SEER registries (training cohort), as well as 7016 patients (verification cohort) was included. Age, gender, race, histology, differentiation grade, stage, and lymph node dissection mode were identified as significant prognostic parameters. A novel nomogram was developed and externally validated. The model displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.666 (95% CI, 0.652 to 0.681) and good calibration. Calibration plots demonstrated an optimal consistency between the nomogram predicted and actual observed probability of survival.
Conclusion

This novel nomogram incorporating the age, gender, race, histology, differentiation grade, stage, and lymph node dissection mode could be conveniently used to facilitate the individual prognosis prediction in stage I NSCLC patients.
Up-regulation of Rb by small activating RNA inhibits cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Peng Lipan , Zeng Shujie , Kong Shuai , Tian Shubo , Xu Tao , Wang Guangchuan
Published: June 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is a lethal disease that needs further investigation. Recent studies have reported that small activating RNA (saRNA), involved in a process called RNA activation, plays an important role in the development of cancer. We designed three different saRNAs targeting the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene promoter in GC cell lines. Upregulated Rb expression after transfection of the saRNAs was confirmed by PCR and western blotting and resulted in inhibition of GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with the control groups. There was no significant difference between the negative control saRNA and mock transfection groups. Overall, Rb is a promising novel prognostic biomarker of GC and, due to its role in metastasis, a novel therapeutic target for the clinical management of invasive and metastatic GC.
Development of a regression model using socio-demographic, behavioural and occupational risk factors for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDHD)-A case control study.
Authors: Withanage Niroshima , Perera Sunil , Peiris Hemantha , Prathapan Sharmini , athiththan Lohini
Published: June 2020

Background: Although many studies have been conducted on risk factors associated with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), only few studies reported on the association of these factors in comparison to LDH and lumbar disc herniation and degeneration (LDHD). There are no reported studies on a regression model incorporating these factors. As the risk factors are better described in regression models, present study aimed to develop a regression model associated with LDH and LDHD in relation to socio-demographic, behavioural and occupational factors.Methods: A case control study conducted using 104 cases with LDH and controls (n=104) without LDH. Pre-tested questionnaire was administered to all participants to gather information.Results: Among the cases with LDH, 35.6 % presented with LDHD while 64.4 % had only LDH. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index <25 kgm-2 was a significant protective factor for both LDHD (OR=0.31; 95% CI=0.13-0.72) and LDH (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.20-0.77). Involvement in daily activities with heavy (OR=5.1; 95 % CI=2.1-11.8) and moderate strain (OR=3.1; 95 % CI=1.5-6.6) to back, sitting more than eight hours per day (OR=5.1; 95 % CI=1.0-25.7), smoking (OR=5.0; 95 % CI=1.5-16.4) and sleeping in supine position (OR=2.09; 95% CI=1.09-4.06) were significant risk factors for LDH. Only daily physical activities with heavy strain act as a significant risk factor (OR=3.1; 95 % CI=1.1-8.5) for the development of LDHD. Types of mattresses used did not have significant difference among cases and controls. Majority of cases (56.7 %) did not know the causative factor that led to LDH. According to the regression model, BMI, smoking and involvement in physical activities with moderate and heavy strain to back were considered as significant risk factors for the development of LDH or LDHD.Conclusion: BMI, smoking and daily physical activities with moderate and heavy strain to back are significant risk factors for development of LDH or LDHD in regression model.
Unmet Healthcare Needs and Associated Factors in Rural Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Ju Young , Kim Ju Young , Kim Dae In , Park Hwa Yeon , Pak Yuliya , Tran Phap Hoang Ngoc , Truc Thai Thanh , Thuy Mai Thi Thanh , Dung Do Van
Published: June 2020

Background: Although health status in Vietnam has been much improved, people living in rural areas have faced several challenges, including a rapid increase of the aging population, inadequate capacity of health system, and problems of inequities in access to the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to examine the current utilization of healthcare services, exploring unmet healthcare needs and their associated factors among adults living in rural Vietnam.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted with 233 participants in a rural area of Binh Phuoc province and a suburban area of Da Lat city in Vietnam from October–December 2017. The methods included face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire as well as anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. We considered participants to have unmet health needs if they had any kind of health problem during the past 12 months for which they were unable to see a healthcare provider in the same period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs.Results: Of the participants, 18% (n=43) had unmet healthcare needs. The common causes of unmet healthcare were transportation (30%), a lack of available doctors or medicines (47%), and communication issues with healthcare providers (16%). The multivariate logistic regression showed that having stage 2 high blood pressure and reporting no place to go for medical problems were associated with unmet healthcare needs.Conclusions: Healthcare services are still needed in disadvantaged group living in rural or suburban area of Vietnam. Efforts should focus on availability of medicines, improvement of transportation system as well as communication skills of healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare services.
Taşkın Frekans Analizinde Eşik Üstü Pikler Yönteminin Seyhan Havzası’nda Uygulanması
Authors: ONUŞLUEL GÜL Gülay , GÜL Ali
Published: June 2020

Taşkın frekans analizi; nehirlerdeki belirli tekerrürlere veya olasılıklara karşı gelen akım miktarlarını elde edebilmek için kullanılan bir yöntemdir. Bu yolla hidrolik yapıların projelendirilmesi ve ekonomik olarak değerlendirilmesi sağlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Seyhan Havzası’nda yer alan 1801 no’lu istasyon için eşik üstü pik değerleri kullanılarak taşkın frekans analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Eşik değer; eşik değer seçme grafiği, ortalama kalıntı ömrü grafiği, yayılım indeksi grafiği ile ortalama ve standart sapmaya bağlı yöntem olmak üzere dört farklı yöntemle belirlenmiş ve elde dilen eşik üstü piklerin bağımsız olup olmadıkları otokorelasyon analizi ile sınanmıştır. Bir sonraki adımda, kısmi süreklilik serilerinde sıklıkla kullanılan Genelleştirilmiş Pareto dağılımı uygulanarak gözlenmiş değerlere uygunluğu sınanmıştır. Genelleştirilmiş Pareto dağılımının parametrelerinin ve hesaplanan 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 ile 1000 yıl tekerrürlü taşkın debileri üzerinden güven aralıklarının belirlenmesiyle belirsizlik analizi yapılmıştır. Son olarak farklı tekerrürler için hesaplanan taşkın debilerinin, yıllık maksimum değerler üzerinden elde edilen aynı tekerrürlü taşkın debileri ile karşılaştırılması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre eşik üstü piklerin analizi ile elde edilen taşkın tahminlerinin yıllık maksimumların analizi ile elde edilen taşkın tahminlerine kıyasla düşük tekerrür aralıklarında daha büyük farklar gösterdiği, büyük tekerrürlerde ise (500 ve 1000 yıl) nispeten yakın sonuçlara ulaşıldığı görülmüştür.
Baraj Rezervuarlarında Heyelanlardan Kaynaklanacak İtki Dalga Özelliklerinin Ampirik İlişkilerle Değerlendirilmesi: Borçka Barajı Örneği
Authors: ERSOY Hakan , KARAHAN Murat , ÖZTÜRK Hasan Hüseyin
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmada Borçka Baraj Rezervuarında baraj gövdesine 4 km uzaklıkta bulunan paleo-heyelan malzemesinin aktif hale gelmesi durumunda oluşacak itki dalgalarının çevresel etkilerinin ampirik ilişkiler kullanılarak belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada, heyelan malzemesine ait farklı kalınlık ve genişlik değerleri dikkate alınarak, 0.5 ile 1 milyon metreküp arasında değişen hacimlerde malzemenin rezervuara akması durumu için 3 farklı senaryo geliştirilmiştir. Heyelan kaynaklı dalganın rezervuarda her yöne dairesel olarak yayılacağı belirlenmiş, dalga özellikleri 3 boyutlu ampirik yaklaşımlarla değerlendirilmiştir. Farklı senaryolar için, dalga hızının 27.1 ile 27.7 m/s arasında değişeceği, en yüksek hız değeri için karşı kıyıya ulaşacak dalga yüksekliğinin 23 metre olacağı ve bu dalganın karşı kıyıda yamaç boyunca 42.3 metre yükseleceği hesaplanmıştır. En düşük dalga hızı değeri için ise dalga yüksekliği 18.5 m ve yamaç boyunca ilerleme yüksekliği ise 32.5 metre olacaktır. Baraja ait 4 metrelik dalga payı değeri dikkate alındığında, rezervuar boyunca ilerleyerek baraj gövdesine ulaşacak dalganın gövde için bir tehlike oluşturmayacağı belirlenmiştir. Basit rezervuar geometrileri ve kısa mesafeler için heyelan kaynaklı dalga özelliklerinin hesaplanmasında ampirik eşitliklerin kullanılması önerilirken, kompleks rezervuar geometrileri için mutlaka 3 boyutlu sayısal modellerin kullanılması, bu modellerde ise sayısal tabanlı yamaç duraylılık analizleri uygulanarak hesaplanacak heyelan hacmi değerinin kullanılması gerekliliği göz ardı edilmemelidir.
Application of Readily Available Metals for C-H Activation
Authors: Dodangeh Mohammad , Ramazani Ali , Maghsoodlou Malek-Taher , Zarei Armin , Rezayati Sobhan
Published: June 2020

Catalytic C-H activation is a powerful method for organic synthesis. In recent
years, scientists have made great progress by developing transitional metals for catalyzing CH
functionalization reaction. In this review, we summarized and highlighted recent progress
in C-H activation with copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, and nickel as catalysts.
Computer-Assisted Design of Thiophene-Indole Hybrids as Leishmanial Agents
Authors: Félix Mayara Barbalho , de Araújo Rodrigo Santos Aquino , Barros Renata Priscila Costa , de Simone Carlos Alberto , Rodrigues Raiza Raianne Luz , de Lima Nunes Thaís Amanda , da Franca Rodrigues Klinger Antonio , Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça , Muratov Eugene , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus Tullius
Published: June 2020

Background:

Chemoinformatics has several applications in the field of drug design, helping to identify new compounds against a range of ailments. Among these are Leishmaniasis, effective treatments for which are currently limited.

Objective:

To construct new indole 2-aminothiophene molecules using computational tools and to test their effectiveness against Leishmania amazonensis (sp.).

Methods:

Based on the chemical structure of thiophene-indol hybrids, we built regression models and performed molecular docking, and used these data as bases for design of 92 new molecules with predicted pIC50 and molecular docking. Among these, six compounds were selected for the synthesis and to perform biological assays (leishmanicidal activity and cytotoxicity).

Results:

The prediction models and docking allowed inference of characteristics that could have positive influences on the leishmanicidal activity of the planned compounds. Six compounds were synthesized, one-third of which showed promising antileishmanial activities, with IC50 ranging from 2.16 and 2.97 μM (against promastigote forms) and 0.9 and 1.71 μM (against amastigote forms), with selectivity indexes (SI) of 52 and 75.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the ability of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR)-based rational drug design to predict molecules with promising leishmanicidal potential, and confirming the potential of thiophene-indole hybrids as potential new leishmanial agents.
Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Bedell Samantha , Hutson Janine , de Vrijer Barbra , Eastabrook Genevieve
Published: June 2020

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant
women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric
complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The
placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of
nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the
placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress,
dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function
and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities
in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and
GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing
therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular
and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.