bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The explanation on the essence of Qi & Blood at meridians theory
Authors: cha yongchol , choe hyok , oh songjin , cha zinhwa
Published: August 2020

Background; By the classical meridian theory, acupuncture meridian is the channel through which Qi & Blood flows. And "When Qi moves, Blood follows". "When Qi stagnates, Blood congeals." Therefor Qi and Blood are inseparable, and the disease is treated by transmission and regulating of Qi & Blood. So then, what’s the essence of Qi & Blood?Objectives; The purpose of this study is to explain clinical-physiologically the essence of Qi & Blood. Methods; The nephrotic syndrome cure result by mineral and non-mineral pulse light stimuli on acupoints, were researched and analyzed contrast. And the classical meridian theory on Qi & Blood was analyzed. Results and discussion; Nephrotic syndrome was only treated by mineral pulse light stimuli on SP6, KI3 acupoints without any drug use, but was never treated by non-mineral pulse light stimuli. And Qi & Blood is inseparable. Conclusions; Qi & Blood transmitted into kidney along KI meridian course from SP6, KI3 acupoints at legs, is DNA-biophoton spectrum code inputted by mineral filter spectrum, and pulse ion current flowing into the primo vascular system. In a word, Qi & Blood is DNA-biophoton spectrum code (Qi) and pulse ion current (Blood) flowing into primo vascular system, the meridian’s substance.
Factors Affecting Participant Recruitment and Retention in Borderline Personality Disorder Research: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Woo Julia , Shahid Hamnah , Hillmer Alannah , Abdullah Alamna , Deshpande Sarah , Panesar Balpreet , Sanger Nitika , Samaan Zainab
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that stigma is a major barrier to participation in psychiatric research, and that individuals who participate in psychiatric research may differ clinically from non-participants. However, no previous study has explored research recruitment and retention challenges in the context of personality disorders.
Aim

To provide an analysis of the factors affecting participant recruitment and retention in a study of borderline personality disorder.
Methods

Adult inpatients in a tertiary psychiatric hospital were approached about participating in a cross-sectional study of borderline personality disorder. Recruitment rates, retention rates, and reasons for declining participation or withdrawing from the study were collected. Demographic characteristics were compared between participants and non-participants, and between patients who remained in the study and those who withdrew.
Results

A total of 70 participants were recruited into the study between January 2018 and February 2020. Recruitment and retention rates were 46% and 70%, respectively. Lack of interest was the most commonly cited reason for non-participation, followed by scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding mental/physical well-being. Age and sex were not predictors of study participation or retention.
Conclusions

More research is needed to explore patients’ perspectives and attitudes towards borderline personality disorder diagnosis and research; determine effects of different recruitment strategies; and identify clinical predictors of recruitment and retention in personality disorder research.
Trial registration:

The study was not registered as it did not involve the provision of a health care intervention to human participants.
The role of perforating artery pedicled neurotrophic flap in the treatment of compound tissue defect of tibia with Ilizarov technique
Authors: Zhang Yu-bo , Wu Yuan-jian , Zhang Wen-jun , Zhang Tao , Lou Tengfei , Han Pei
Published: August 2020

Background The aim of this research is to present our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method.Methods Between 2008 and 2016, soft tissue coverage with pedicled neurotrophic flap followed by distraction osteogenesis using Ilizarov external fixator was performed in 25 patients for reconstruction of segmental bone defects of lower extremity complicated by massive loss of soft tissue. There were 16 men and 9 women: their mean age was 39 years (23 to 57) at the time of surgery. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 5 × 9 cm2 to 11 × 14 cm2, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.02 (2.5 to 7.5) cm.Results The distally based sural neurovascular flap was performed in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.74 (4.5 to 9.5) cm. The function was judged to be excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in 7 patients. Complications observed in the process of the treatment included pain, pin tract infections (PTI), ankle midfoot joints stiffness, and nonunion of docking sites. All the cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection.Conclusions The combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis should be considered to be an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of the massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremity.Trial registration: This article has been retrospectively registered.
Analysis of influencing factors of incision infection in combined anterior-posterior surgery for subaxial cervical fracture dislocation
Authors: Li Shuixia , Wang Jing , Hu Jing , Hao Ding-Jun , He Baorong , Wei Dongmei , Gong Han-Lin , Li Qing-Da , Yang Jun-Song , Zhao Yuan-Ting
Published: August 2020

Background: To explore the impact of related factors on the surgical site infection (SSI) after combined anterior-posterior surgery for subaxial cervical fracture dislocation (SCFD), and to provide a basis for formulating preventive measures.Methods: A total of 841 patients (531 males and 310 females, aged 24-68 years) with SCFD who received combined anterior-posterior surgery from January 2014 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the postoperative SSI occurred, they were divided into two groups. Demographic data, American spinal injury association (ASIA) neurological impairment scale, comorbidity, diet nursing and operating room related factors (time interval from skin preparation to operation, whether preoperative urinary catheterization was performed, whether was the consecutive operation, the total number of person in the operating room, operating room temperature, relative humidity, operational duration, and whether there was an intern nurse involved in the operation) the of patients in the two groups were analyzed by Logistic regression for the factors related to perioperative SSI. Result: SSI occurred in 44 patients with the rate of 5.2% (44/841). The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the grade of ASIA scale, diabetes, lack of dietary care, time interval from skin preparation to operation, preoperative urinary catheterization, consecutive operation and the total number of person in the operating room (all P<0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis results show that the severity of spinal cord injury (grade A OR value = 78.431, grade B OR value =24.120, grade C OR value = 5.342, P < 0.05, respectively), diabetes (OR value = 3.114, p=0.014), lack of dietary care (OR value = 2.275，p=0.023), time interval from skin preparation to operation > 6h (OR value = 2.342, p=0.022), preoperative urinary catheterization (OR value = 4.476, P <0.001) and the total number of person in the operating room > 8 (OR value = 2.921, P = 0.014) were positively correlated with perioperative SSI. Conclusion: The severity of spinal cord injury (ASIA grade A,B and C), diabetes, lack of dietary care, time interval from skin preparation to operation > 6 hours, preoperative urinary catheterization and the total number of person in the operating room > 8 are the risk factors for SSI after combined anterior-posterior surgery for SCFD.
Risk of hypertension in school-aged children with different parental risk: A longitudinal study from childhood to young adulthood
Authors: Amiri Parisa , Rezaei Marjan , Jalali-Farahani Sara , Karimi Mehrdad , Cheraghi Leila , Esbati Romina , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: August 2020

Background: Although previous studies have shown the relationship between different parental factors and children's blood pressure status, there is limited data on the cumulative effect of these factors. Considering parental socio-demographic, behavioral and cardio-metabolic factors, the current study aimed to distinguish parental risk clusters and their effects on the incidence of hypertension in school-age children over thirteen years.Methods: Parental characteristics of 1669 children including age, education, employment, smoking, physical activity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), hypertension (HTN), weight status and diabetes were considered to categorize parents into low and high risk clusters. Crude incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) of HTN in children were assessed in each maternal and paternal clusters. Using Cox proportional hazard model, results on association between parental risk clusters and HTN incidence in children were reported in five different models. Results: Mean age of children was 13.96±2.89 years and 51.2% (n=854) of them were girls. MetS, HTN and weight status were the most important factors distinguishing low and high risk parental clusters respectively. Crude incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) of HTN were 86 (95% CI: 71-106) and 38 (95% CI: 29-52), in boys and girls, respectively. Moreover, incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) of HTN were 50 (95% CI: 40-63) and 80 (95% CI: 64-102) in maternal low and high risk clusters, respectively. The incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) of HTN in paternal low and high risk clusters were 53 (95% CI: 41-70) and 68 (95% CI: 56-84), respectively.Conclusion: Our findings underscore the prognostic value of maternal characteristics in predicting the incidence of HTN in their offspring. The current results could be valuable in planning related programs to prevent hypertension in similar communities.
The Effect of Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Education in Adopting the Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Behavior in Pregnant Women: A randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moradpour Sheida , Shahnazi Hossein , Hassanzadeh Akbar
Published: August 2020

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection in women, and it is more likely to occur during pregnancy due to mechanical and hormonal changes in pregnant women. Urinary tract infections can cause many complications for both mother and fetus. Given the roles of health behavior in the prevention of urinary tract infections and the nature of the theory of planned behavior-based education in behavioral change, the present study aimed to determine the effect of the theory of planned behavior-based education in teaching the urinary tract infection prevention behavior in pregnant women.MethodsThe present study was a randomized controlled trial in which 100 pregnant women, who visited the comprehensive health service centers of Zarinshahr City, were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control, containing 50 individuals. The data collection tools were a urine test and a questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior. Five education sessions were held based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. We analyzed the effect of education review and data using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) one and three months after the educational intervention.ResultsAfter implementing the educational intervention, the mean scores of knowledge and constructs of the theory of planned behavior significantly increased in the intervention group over time (P < 0.001), while the difference was not significant in the control group over time. After the educational intervention, the incidence of urinary tract infections was 4.3% in the intervention group and 21.3% in the control group.ConclusionGiven the positive effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior in changing the pregnant mothers' behavior, the theory can be used as a suitable intervention framework for implementing the educational programs to prevent urinary tract infections.Trial registrationName: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Registration number: IRCT20170214032575N1. Registration date: 2019-12-12 [retrospectively registered].
Applying interpretive phenomenological analysis to library and information science research on blended librarianship: A case study
Authors: Dabengwa Israel Mbekezeli , Raju Jaya , Matingwina Thomas
Published: August 2020

Although interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) has value in library and information science (LIS), it has low uptake in Africa. Readers are guided in how to apply IPA in LIS research using an example of a blended librarianship thesis conducted in Zimbabwe. The illustration narrates how IPA was implemented within the context of phenomenology to analyse the complexity of academic librarians' views, taking into consideration social and historical environments. The methodological and theoretical approaches to using IPA in LIS and other disciplines are outlined, including a critical analysis of applying double hermeneutics and horizontalization to construct a hermeneutic interpretation. The blended librarianship thesis is compared with LIS-based IPA studies and blended librarianship research to reflect the value of IPA methods. The weaknesses of the study are discussed, including the use of quality criteria of credibility, dependability, and transferability. The guided analysis of the study encourages the use of IPA in LIS as it can solve research problems and generate new theories to inform practice, services, philosophy, theory, and institutions.
Construction and Investigation of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA Regulatory Network in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Ming , Sang Meijie , Pan Shuo , Liu Fei , Sang Meixiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have drawn lots of attention in tumorigenesis and progression. However, circRNAs as crucial regulators in multitudinous biological processes have not been systematically identified in breast cancer (BC). Our research aims to explore novel circRNAs in BC and their mechanisms of action.Methods: The circRNA expression profile data, as well as RNA-sequencing data of BC, were downloaded from public database, respectively. The differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNA, and mRNA were determined via fold change filtering. The competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network were established on the foundation of the relationship between circular RNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis of the overlapped genes were performed to predict the potential functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in BC. The CytoHubba was used to determine the hub genes from the PPI regulatory network. Morever, we further used Kaplan–Meier plotter to perform survival analysis of these hub genes. Real-time PCR was used to validate the expression of the circRNAs in BC tissues.Results: A total of seven differential expressed circRNAs were screened. After the predicted target miRNA and DEmiRNA were intersected, four circRNA-miRNA interactions including three circRNAs and four miRNAs were determined. Furthermore, the Venn diagram was used to intersect the predicted target genes and the downregulated differentially expressed genes, and screened 149 overlapped genes. Moreover, we constructed a PPI network, and selecting six hub genes, including DGAT2, ACSL1, ADIPOQ, LPL, LEP, PCK1. Moreover, the survival analysis results revealed that low expression of ADIPOQ, LPL, LEP were obviously correlated with poor prognosis of BC patients. The real-time PCR results demonstrated that, the levels of circ_0028899, circ_0000375, and circ_0000376 were significantly down-regulated in breast cancer tissues.Conclusions: Our study constructed and analyzed a circRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory network and discovered that circ_0028899, circ_0000375, and circ_0000376 may function as ceRNAs to serve key roles in BC.
Challenges in Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillator Training of Deaf People
Authors: Strnad Matej , Šalda Zdenko , Jerko Boštjan , Vrečar Vida , Lesjak Vesna Borovnik , Petrovčič Rok
Published: August 2020

BackgroundBasic life support (BLS) with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is a fundamental link to a successful chain of survival of patients with cardiac arrest. However, the BLS protocol is not tailored for deaf people who encounter many challenges during BLS training. MethodsAfter an ergonomic analysis and modifications of the BLS and AED protocol, a practical course was conducted. A pre-course BLS and AED knowledge was tested with a questionnaire. After the course, each participant practically solved a cardiac arrest scenario on a manikin and qualitative and quantitative data on BLS and AED performance were collected with a modified Cardiff test and the QCPR mobile application. Results of the knowledge test and performance were presented with frequencies and correlations between pre- and post-course BLS and AED knowledge and performance were analyzed and presented with Spearman’s rho. Results51 deaf volunteers from seven Slovenian societies for deaf people participated in the study. Results on the pre-course knowledge test were poor (3.5 points out of 10). BLS performance according to the modified Cardiff test post-course was also poor: 52.9 % of the participants used a safe approach, 58.8 % checked responsiveness and 51.0 % sent a text message to the rescue service. Only 43.1 % of them opened the airway and 49.0% checked initial breathing. 80.4% of the deaf rescuers performed chest compressions on the lower half of the sternum but only 52.9 % of them compressed with adequate depth. According to the QCPR application the best performance was achieved with the compression score of 61.1 % and flow fraction 74.9%.ConclusionsThis study shows that a more comprehensive and assidiuous approach is needed for effective BLS and AED training courses for deaf people.
Formula-fed and Clostridioides difficile infected neonatal piglets carry a highly diverse and abundant set of antimicrobial resistance genes
Authors: Pieper Robert , Dadi Temesgen , Grzeskowiak Lukasz , Pieper Laura , Siegmund Britta , Vahjen Wilfried , Schwarz Stefan , Heinsen Femke , Franke Andre , Reinert Knut , Zentek Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an increasing zoonotic health threat and has also been documented as a cause of enteritis outbreaks in neonatal pigs. Furthermore, CDI in neonatal piglets cause changes in microbial gut colonization. We hypothesized that an imbalanced microbial colonization in piglets with CDI could be associated with an altered abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes.Results We analyzed fecal metagenomic data of lactating sows (S), their piglets during suckling (SP), the same piglets two weeks after weaning (WP), 5-day old artificially reared and formula-fed siblings (FP) and FP infected with C. difficile (FP-CD) for microbiota composition and antimicrobial resistance gene abundance. FP and FP-CD piglets had an immature-type microbiota and increased abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes. A co-occurrence of genes encoding for resistance against aminoglycosides (e.g. aph(3”)-lb, aph(6)-ld, ant(2”)-la), β-lactams (blaCTX−M, blaTEM), fluoroquinolones (pat(A) macrolides (mph(A)), sulfonamides (sul1, sul2), polypeptides (e.g. pmrB, pmrC, arnA, bac(A)) and tetracyclines (e.g. tet(A-D),) was observed. A strong association between Escherichia, Streptococcus, Shigella, Enterococcus and Fusobacterium taxa with the expansion of the resistome in FP and FP-CD piglets were found.Conclusion Increased abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes in formula feeding and concomitant CDI may be associated with therapeutic resistance later in life and warrant further studies.
The Direct Economic Disease Burden of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIS) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Preliminary Study in a Teaching Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Liu Xinliang , Shrestha Rajeev , Koju Pramesh , Maharjan Bedana , Shah Poonam , Thapa Pramila , Li Hao
Published: August 2020

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been becoming the public and global health issues. The purpose of this study is to estimate the direct economic burden attributable to HAIs and AMR.Methods: This study applied propensity score matching (PSM) methodology to conduct a prospective case-control study of direct disease burden attributable to HAIs and AMR 16th December, 2017 to 16th April, 2018 in a teaching hospital in Nepal. Clinical information was retrieved from Hospital Health Information and electronic medical record systems, as well as the microbiology lab system. The finance system was used to determine the health expenditure and length of hospitalization of HAIs, HAIs-AMR and Non-HAIs patients. STATA 12.0 was used to conduct descriptive analysis, (bivariate) χ2 test, paired/independent T test, PSM (B=0.25a, nearest neighbour 1:1 matching, General Boosted Model, GBM). The statistically significant level was set at P < 0.05.Results: HAIs patients and HAIs-AMR patients had statistically significant higher expenditures and longer length of hospital days than Non-HAI inpatients during the study period (P<0.05). The additional average total medical expenditure, medicines expenditure, out-of-pocket expenditure and length of hospitalization per patient caused by HAIs were 17,224.93 Rupees, 11,947.49 Rupees, 15,776.57 Rupees and 7 days, respectively. In the meantime, the extra total medical expenditure, medicines expenditure, out-of-pocket expenditure and length of hospitalization attributable to HAIs-AMR were 39,879.63 Rupees, 21,173.63 Rupees, 38,770.87 Rupees and 9 days, respectively. Moreover, the percentage of out-of-pocket expenditure accounting for total medical expenditure of HAIs Group was 94.24% while it was 96.75% of HAIs-AMR Group.Conclusions: It was the first time to apply the research framework of the previous study in China to estimate the direct economic burden caused by HAIs and AMR in a teaching hospital of Nepal. HAIs and AMR have substantially led to excess direct economic burden for patients and their family due to the low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and low health expenditure in Nepal. This calls for active collaboration with developed countries to reduce the threat caused by HAIs and AMR to prevent the transnational communication.
Laparoscopic Transgastric Necrosectomy in Treatment of Walled-off Pancreatic Necrosis with Sinistral Portal Hypertension: A Single-Center Retrospectively Study
Authors: Cao Feng , Zheng Zhi , Li Ang , Wang Xiaohui , Gao Chongchong , Li Jia , Li Fei
Published: August 2020

Background: Laparoscopic transgastric necrosectomy (LTGN) has been used in treatment of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON) for more than a decade. However, the safety and effectiveness of LTGN for WON with sinistral portal hypertension was still unclear. Methods: WON patients with sinistral portal hypertension treated in our department between Jan. 2011 and Dec. 2018 were included and retrospective analyzed in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical approaches, LTNG or laparoscopic assisted trans-lesser sac necrosectomy (LATLSN). Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between two groups. Results: 312 cases diagnosed with WON were screened and 53 were finally included in this study. Of the included patients, 21 and 32 cases were received LTGN and LATLSN, respectively. LTGN was associated with significantly lower morbidity than LATLSN (19.0% vs 46.9%, p=0.04) and similar sever complication (Clavien-Dindo≥Ⅲ) rate (12.5% vs 19.0%, p=0.70). LTGN did not increase the rate of postoperative hemorrhage (9.5% vs 6.3%, p=1.00) and mortality (9.5% vs 9.4%, p=1.00). After 39(11-108) months follow-up, the recurrence rate of WON and long-term complications were also comparable between groups. Conclusions: From current data, LTGN was safe and effective in treatment of WON patients with sinistral portal hypertension in terms of short- and long-term outcomes.
RAGE mediates airway inflammation via the HDAC1 pathway in a toluene diisocyanate-induced murine asthma model
Authors: Peng Xianru , Huang Minyu , Zhao Wenqu , Lan Zihan , Wang Xiaohua , Yuan Yafei , Li Bohou , Yu Changhui , Liu Laiyu , Dong Hangming , Cai Shaoxi , Zhao Haijin
Published: August 2020

BackgroundExposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a significant pathogenic factor for asthma. We previously reported that receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a key role in TDI-induced asthma; however, the mechanism is not clear. Epigenetic alterations of histone deacetylase (HDAC) are associated with allergic asthma. However, its effect in TDI-induced asthma is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of RAGE and HDAC1 in the regulation of airway inflammation using a TDI-induced asthma model.MethodsBALB/c mice were sensitized, and challenged by TDI to establish murine asthma models. FPS-ZM1 (RAGE inhibitor), JNJ-26482585 and romidepsin (HDAC inhibitor) were given intraperitoneally before each challenge. The human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE was stimulated by TDI-human serum albumin (TDI-HSA) in vitro. RAGE knockdown cells were constructed and evaluated, and MK2006 (AKT inhibitor) was used in in vitro experiments.ResultsIn the TDI-induced asthmatic mice, airway reactivity, the level of Th2 cytokines in lymph supernatant, IgE, airway inflammation, and goblet cell metaplasia were all significantly increased. The increases were suppressed by FPS-ZM1, JNJ-26482585, and romidepsin. The expression of HDAC1, RAGE, and p-AKT/t-AKT was also upregulated in TDI-induced asthmatic mice, and the expressions were attenuated by FPS-ZM1. Knockdown of RAGE attenuated the upregulation of HDAC1 and phospho-AKT (p-AKT) in 16HBE cells stimulated by TDI-HSA. Treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK2006 suppressed TDI-induced HDAC1 expression. ConclusionRAGE mediates airway inflammation in a TDI-induced murine asthma model, partly via the HDAC1 pathway. Key words: Toluene diisocyanate, asthma, histone deacetylase 1, advanced glycosylation end product receptor
Multiple Anatomical Brain Networks for Self-esteem Related Analysis Among Young Adults
Authors: Peng Bo , Wang Suhong , Wee Chong-Yaw , Dai Yakang
Published: August 2020

Background: Self-esteem is the individual evaluation of oneself. People with high self-esteem have mental health and can bravely cope with the threats from the environment. With the development of neuroimaging techniques, researches on the cognitive neural mechanisms of self-esteem are increased. Existing methods based on brain morphometry and single-layer brain network cannot characterize the subtle structural differences related to self-esteem. Method: To solve this issue, we proposed multiple anatomical brain network framework based on multi-resolution ROI template to study the cognitive neuroscience mechanism of self-esteem. Multiple anatomical brain network consist of high-resolution ROI features extracted from structural MRI and hierarchal brain network features. For each layer, we calculated the correlation relationship between pairs of ROIs. In order to solve the high-dimensional problem caused by the large amount of multiple network features, combined feature selection methods are adopted to reduce the number of features while retaining discriminative information to the maximum extent. Multi-kernel SVM is employed to combine the two types of features by appropriate weight coefficient. Result: Our experimental results show that the proposed method can improve classification accuracy to 97.26% compared with single-layer brain network. Conclusions: This article reveals the cognitive neural mechanism of self-esteem and provides foundation for positive and healthy self-esteem.
Genetic association of G2/M checkpoint genes with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression in northern Chinese MSM population
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Zhang Xuelong , Wang Kaili , Xu Lidan , Liu Bangquan , Sun Wenjing , Hu Yuanting , Jia Xueyuan , Sun Haiming , Wu Jie , Huang Yun , Ji Wei , Saleem Komal , Fu Songbin , Qiao Yuandong
Published: August 2020

Background

MSM has a high risk of HIV infection. Previous studies showed that the cell cycle regulation played an important role in HIV-1 infection, especially in G2/M checkpoint. The ATR, Chk1, Cdc25C and CDK1 are key genes in G2/M checkpoint. However, the association between the SNPs of these genes and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression remains unknown.
Results

42 tSNPs of G2/M checkpoint genes were genotyped to analyze the association between these tSNPs and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression among MSM (529 HIV − 1 seropositive men and 529 HIV-1 seronegative men) in northern China. The results showed that rs34660854-A and rs75368165-A in ATR gene and rs3756766-A in Cdc25C gene could increase the risk of HIV-1 infection (P = 0.049, P = 0.020 and P = 0.010, respectively), and ATR rs75069062 and Chk1 rs10893405 were significantly associated with AIDS progression (P = 0.026 and P = 0.029, respectively). Besides, rs34660854 and rs75368165 in ATR gene, rs12576279 and rs540436 in Chk1 gene, rs3756766 in Cdc25C gene and rs139245206 in CDK1 gene were significantly associated with HIV-1 infection under different models (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

The genetic variants of G2/M checkpoint genes had a molecular impact on the genesis of HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression in northern Chinese MSM population.
Use of Murine Models to Identify Tumor Immune Components that Correlate with Response to Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Castrillon Jessica A. , Mehta Anita K. , Cheney Emily , Miller Eric , Sotayo Alaba , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Letai Anthony , Guerriero Jennifer L.
Published: August 2020

Background: The heterogeneity of the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) may contribute to the lack of durable responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), however, mouse models to test this are currently lacking. Proper choice and use of pre-clinical models are necessary for rigorous, pre-clinical studies to rapidly move laboratory findings into the clinic to treat patients. Methods: To elucidate how tumor latency and the heterogeneity of the TME contributes to ICB resistance, we performed comprehensive characterization of the TME using quantitative flow-cytometry and RNA expression analysis (NanoString) utilizing three distinct breast cancer models, all derived from the same autochthonous model. Tumor cells were obtained from the commonly used MMTV-PyMT murine breast cancer model and 1E6, 1E5 or 1E4 cells were either immediately injected into the mammary fat pad of FVB/NJ wild type mice or frozen (i.e. the tumor inoculation derived from the MMTV-PyMT tumors were never cultured). We then correlated the immunophenotyping to the efficacy observed from ICB. Results: These studies reveal that the number of cells used to generate syngeneic tumors significantly influences tumor latency, the infiltrating leukocyte population and response to ICB. The 4 models had vastly different TMEs which correlated to responses to ICB. Compared to the autochthonous model, all three syngeneic models had significantly more tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs; CD3 + , CD4 + , and CD8 + ) and higher proportions of PD-L1 positive myeloid cells, whereas the MMTV-PyMT model had the highest frequency of myeloid cells out of total leukocytes. Increased TILs correlated with response to anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy; but tumor cell PD-L1expression and T-cell PD-1 expression did not. Conclusions: Here we have identified ICB-sensitive and resistant breast cancer models, generated from the same tumor cell inoculum. These models represent an opportunity to further interrogate the TME for breast cancer treatment and provide novel insights into therapeutic combinations and response to ICB. We believe this work serves as an important resource for the field to inform proper mouse model selection for pre-clinical studies.
Knowledge level of cardio-oncology in oncologist and cardiologist: A survey study in China
Authors: Liu Binliang , Wang Yanfeng , An Tao , Cheng Leilei , Liu Ying , Ou Jianghua , Li Hong , Zhao Xuemei , Xia Yunlong , Zhang Yuhui , Ma Fei
Published: August 2020

Background: With the rapid development of the field of cardio-oncology, it has been recognized as an important medical area to improve the healthcare quality of cancer patients with cardiac complications. In this study, we investigated the knowledge level of cardio-oncology of oncologists and cardiologists in China.Methods: A structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 30th September, 2018 to 3rd December, 2019. Questionnaires were given to oncologists and cardiologists randomly selected. A general linear model was used to explore the significant factors associated with the knowledge level.Results: In total, 973 responses were finally solicited and included in the analysis. Only 3 respondents reached the full marks. Results of knowledge level of cardio-oncology in China were not found satisfactory. The knowledge level was better in respondents with a cardiology background (P-value =0.001), worked in the higher-level hospital (P-value =0.01), from the east or west region of mainland China (P-value <0.001), at a high position of doctor (Chief doctor, P-value =0.009), with full awareness of cardio-oncology (P-value <0.001) and favorable attitude toward cardio-oncology development (P-value <0.001).Conclusions: Our survey suggested that the demands of cardio-oncology service in China was huge but the low level of knowledge on cardio-oncology was alarming. Strong supports are needed to improve the dedicated education of cardio-oncology in China
Relationship Between Electrode Position and Clinical Efficacy of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation and Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Feng , Li Weiguo , Wang Ning , Han Chunlei , Fan Shiying , Li Peng , Xu Lifeng , Zhang Jianguo , Meng Fangang
Published: August 2020

Objectives To investigate the relationship between the position of bilateral STN-DBS location of active contacts and clinical efficacy of STN-DBS in the motor symptoms of Parkinson’ disease (PD) patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 57 patients with PD who underwent bilateral STN-DBS from March 2018 to December 2018. UPDRS III scores, LEDD, PDQ-39 scores before operation and within 6 months after operation were determined. The location of activate contacts and volume of tissue activated (VTA) in the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space, and their correlation with the rate of improvement of motor symptoms（UPDRS-Ⅲ score improvement rate）were examined. Results After 6 months of follow up, the UPDRS-Ⅲ scores of 57 patients（Med-off） were improved by 55.4±18.9% (P＜0.001) compared with that before operation. The improvement rate of PDQ-39 score [(47.4±23.2)%, (P<0.001)] and the reduction rate of LEDD [(40.1±24.3)% , (P<0.01)] at 6 months post surgery were positively correlated with the improvement rate of motor symptoms（Med-off）(PDQ-39:r=0.461, P＜0.001; LEDD:r=0.354, P=0.007)，the rate of improvement of UPDRS Ⅲ (Med-off) and the Z-axis coordinate of the active contact in the MNI space were positively correlated (left side:r=0.349,P=0.008;right eide:r=0.369,P=0.005). In the MNI space,there was no correlation between the UPDRS-Ⅲ score improvement rate (Med-off) at 6 months after operation and bilateral VTA in the STN motor subregion,STN associative subregion and STN limbic subregion of the active electrode contacts of 57 patients(all P>0.05).At 6 months after surgery, the difference between the Z-axis coordinate in the different improvement rate subgroups（＜25%, 25% to 50%, and＞50%） in the MNI space was statistically significant (left side: P=0.030; right side: P=0.024). In the MNI space, there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in the VTA of the active electrode contacts (all P>0.05). Conclusions STN-DBS could improve the motor symptoms of PD patients and improved the quality of life. The closer the active stimulation contacts is to the dorsolateral sensorimotor area of STN, the better effect the DBS has on the motor symptoms of PD patients.
Hand hygiene and facemask use to prevent droplet transmitted viral diseases during air travel: a systematic literature review
Authors: De Angelis Giulia , Lohmeyer Franziska M. , Grossi Adriano , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: August 2020

Background: Transmission of airborne viral diseases (e.g. influenza A H1N1) takes mainly place in confined spaces including public travel by aircrafts. Adoption of hygiene measures may help to prevent the disease spread in air travel. This review summarizes the evidence on hand hygiene and use of facemask as viral disease prevention measures in aircrafts.Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to 10 June 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. A PICOS (participants, intervention, comparator, outcome, and study design) approach was used to define the review question.Results: We included four studies, published between 2007 and 2020, all targeting the influenza virus disease, in the qualitative synthesis. Three studies used mathematical models, and two of them single flight models. The fourth was a case-control designed study to tracing an influenza outbreak in two flights during the 2009 influenza A H1N1 pandemic. Unlike the others, this study provided substantial evidence about the risk of not wearing a facemask in the airplane cabin during a flight from New York City to Hong Kong. Interestingly, none of 9 infected passengers compared to 15 (47%) of 32 healthy control passengers wore a mask (odds ratio, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, 0–0.7). In contrast, both case and control passengers appeared to be equally compliant in hand hygiene. Finally, we discussed the practicability of hygiene measures to control and prevent the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in confined air travel-related spaces.Conclusions: Facemask use combined with other hygiene measures may minimize the chance of droplet-transmitted virus (including SARS-CoV-2) spread by air travelers. However, more evidence is necessary before hygiene measures become an integral part of standard procedures in aircrafts.
Dys-regulation of Lnc-SNHG1 and miR-216b-5p Correlate With Chemo-resistance and Indicate Poor Prognosis of Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pei Mei Li , Zhao Zong Xia , Shuang Ting
Published: August 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological cancers and the 5-year survival rate is still low and chemo-resistance is the main obstacle for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Methods and Results: In this study, the human ovarian cancer tissue microarray was applied, 63 cases of chemo-sensitive serous EOC tissues and 32 cases of chemo-resistant serous EOC tissues were selected. By applying RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we found expression of Lnc-SNHG1 was up-regulated while miR-216b-5p showed low expression in chemo-resistant EOC patients compared with the chemo-sensitive group, both were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of the tissue cells. Chi-square test showed high lnc-SNHG1 level was significantly correlated with tumor stage, histological grade, nodal status, metastasis and chemo-resistance except tumor size. While there was no significant association between miR-216b-5p expression and parameters including tumor stage, histological grade, nodal status, metastasis, except chemo-resistance (P=0.0001). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significantly negative correlations between lnc-SNHG1 and miR-216b-5p (r = -0.424, P = 0.0001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the expression of miR-216b-5p (P = 0.012, RR 2.137, 95 % CI 1.109–5.339) and FIGO stage (P = 0.001, RR 3.537, 95 % CI 1.72–7.276) was independent prognostic factors for the overall survival (OS) of serous EOC patients .While the FIGO stage (P = 0.003, RR2.237, 95 % CI 1.323–3.783) was the independent prognostic factor for the disease free survival (DFS) for the serous EOC patients. Kaplan- Meier curves revealed significant association of increased expression of lnc-SNHG1 with less OS and shorter DFS, while patients with low level of miR-216b-5p indicated less OS and DFS. Conclusions: In a word, we claimed over-expression of lnc-SNHG1 and decreased expression of miR-216b-5p were correlated with chemo-resistance of serous EOC patients and indicated less OS and shorter DFS of the patients.
Construction and identification of Rab7-ROSA26 knock-in mice by CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Authors: Xu Qing , Jin Linfang , Qi Xiaowei
Published: August 2020

Background: CRISPR/Cas9 system, a Genome editing technique, can achieve the purpose of gene knockout and gene insertion. Because we want to study the relationship between Rab7 and renal fibrosis in vivo, we should construct Rab7-knock-in mice. Results: We constructed Rab7-knock-in mice by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Using the identification of PCR, southern blot and sequencing, the detected results were in line with our expectation. Conclusions: We constructed Rab7-knock-in mice successful, which can be provided for studying the relationship between Rab7 and renal fibrosis.
Blue-wavelength Light Therapy for Post-traumatic Brain Injury Sleepiness, Sleep Disturbance, Depression, Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Srisurapan Karan , Samakarn Yanisa , Kamklong Boonyasit , Siratrairat Phichayakan , Bumiputra Arina , Jaikwang Montita , Srisurapan Manit
Published: August 2020

Background: We aimed to determine the efficacy of blue-wavelength light therapy (BWLT) for post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, and fatigue.Methods: We searched six databases for randomized controlled trials of BWLT for adults with a history of TBI. Outcomes of interest included sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depression, or fatigue. We conducted random-effect frequentist network meta-analyses (NMA) to compare the efficacy and a pairwise meta-analysis to examine the dropout rates.Results: We included four randomized controlled trials that compared BWLT, amber light therapy, and no light therapy. BWLT was significantly superior in reducing depression as compared to amber light therapy (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.04 to 1.10) and no light therapy (SMD = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.43). BWLT was also significantly superior in reducing fatigue as compared to amber light therapy (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.14 to 1.86) and no light therapy (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.76). There was no significant heterogeneity of depression and fatigue data (I2 = 0% for both). The relative risk of dropout rates (95% CI) shows no significant difference between BWLT and amber light therapy groups (RR = 3.72, 95% CI = 0.66 to 21.34, I2 = 0%).Conclusion: BWLT may be effective for post-TBI depression and fatigue. Due to the risks of bias and the inability to exclude publication bias among included studies, the current evidence remains insufficient to support the clinical application of BWLT for post-TBI depression and fatigue. Protocol registration: The protocol of this systematic review is available at Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/yf2qe/).
Effects of COVID-19 on Anxiety, Depression and Other Mental Health Issues: A worldwide scope review.
Authors: Machado Daiane Borges , Alves1 Flávia J.O. , Teixeira Camila S. S. , Rocha Aline S. , Castro-de-Araujo Luís FS , Singh Amandeep , Barreto Maurício L.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world and, along with it, a considerable degree of fear and uncertainties that impact on various aspects of societal life, including on people’s Mental Health (MH). Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic affects MH can help to implement interventions and adequate public policies, providing more effective responses to mitigate its effects.OBJECTIVES: To summarize the scientific evidence on the possible influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on MH, critically evaluating the methods and scientific validity of the studies found, in addition to summarizing the recommendations on strategic measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on MH.METHODOLOGY: The current scoping review was conducted from a screening of 465 articles on COVID-19 and MH outcomes, based on the main database of scientific references on health, assessed throughout PubMed. RESULT: Of the 43 papers selected for summary and critical analysis 77% (n=33) indicated a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety symptoms, 56% (n=26) with depression or depressive symptoms, seven with changes in sleep pattern and seven with obsessive behaviours or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In addition to studies that showed an influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, stress and fear. Most of the studies were carried out in China, and primarily evaluated the presence of anxiety and depression, through scales and questionnaires. Health professionals and the elderly were cited among the most affected population groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies presented significant methodological limits. Investments in new research, with controlled studies, including representative and randomized samples, and longitudinal follow-up, are necessary, to further explore the relationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and people's MH and long-term effects. Pending such studies, given the effects (during and after) of previous epidemics on MH, government measures need to be implemented to reduce the potential catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MH, and the burden that will remain after the pandemic. The timely identification of psychological distress and the identification of MH needs among populations, facilitate the development of targeted psychological interventions, in addition to the organization of health services and systems, during the pandemic.
Engineered Site-specific Vesicular Systems for Colonic Delivery: Trends and Implications
Authors: Goel Honey , Razdan Karan , Singla Richu , Talegaonkar Sushama , Khurana Rajneet Kaur , Tiwary Ashok Kumar , Sinha Vivek Ranjan , Singh Kamalinder K.
Published: August 2020

Steering drug-loaded, site-specific, coated lipid vesicles to the target receptor sites have the potential of
plummeting adverse effects and improving the pharmacological response in diverse pathologies of the large
bowel, especially the colon. Colonic delivery via oral route has its own challenges, often governed by several
glitches such as drug degradation or absorption in the upper GIT, instability of proteins/peptides due to high molecular
weight, and peptidase activity in the stomach. Consequently, colon-specific coated liposomal systems
(CSLS) offer a potential alternate for not only site-specificity, but protection from proteolytic activity, and prolonged
residence time for greater systemic bioavailability. On the other hand, liposomal delivery via the oral route
is also cumbersome owing to several barriers such as instability in GIT, difficulty in crossing membranes, and
issues related to production at the pilot scale. New advancements in the field of CSLS have successfully improved
the stability and permeability of liposomes for oral delivery via modulating the compositions of lipid bilayers,
adding polymers or ligands. Despite this ostensible propitiousness, no commercial oral CSLS has advanced from
bench to bedside for targeted delivery to the colon as yet. Nevertheless, CSLS has quite fascinated the manufacturers
owing to its potential industrial viability, simplistic and low-cost design. Hence, this review aims to decipher
the convolutions involved in the engineering process of industrially viable CSLS for colonic delivery.