bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Functional Analysis of Serum Specific MiRNAs in Recurrent Aphthous Somatitis Patients With Excess-heat or Yin-deficiency
Authors: Bao Jie , Zhu Zhengyang , Zhang Xizhao , Huang Lin , Xu Li , Dou Xiaobing , Fan Yongsheng
Published: June 2020

Background:To identity key miRNAs as signatures for recurrent aphthous stomatitis(RAS)with Excess-heat or Yin-deficiency bymiRNA microarrays. Method: Serum samples were collected from patients meeting the RAS diagnostic criteria of excess-heat oryin-deficiencysyndrome and healthy individuals. CoremicroRNAs (miRNAs) were then identified under miRNA microarray analyses. Target prediction and bioinformatic analyses were carried out andgene-pathway-networks werevisualized to better understand the relationship between differentgenes and pathways.Result:(1) 90 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria were collected in this study, of which 30 were normal control, 30 were patients of excess-heat syndrome and the rest were patients ofyin-deficiency syndrome. Among them, 9 miRNAs werescreened out in excess-heat syndrome group, with 1 upregulated and 8 downregulated. And four randommiRNAs(hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-483-5p and hsa-miR-3197) were validatedby real-time PCR method. 14 miRNAs werescreened out in yin-deficiency syndrome group(7 upregulated and 7 downregulated). And hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-106-5p and hsa-miR-20b-5p were validated. (2)A total of 4776 target genes were identified for the validated 9 miRNAs in excess-heat syndrome group.These targets were enriched inGO categories including nervous system development, homophilic cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules, and calcium ion binding and KEGG pathway such as proteoglycans in cancer, P13K-AKT signaling pathway and Calcium signaling pathway. 10172 target genes were identified for the validated 14 miRNAs in yin-deficiency syndrome group. The enrichedGO categories included protein binding, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter and membrane andenrichedKEGG pathway included pathways in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway.Conclusion:Hsa-miR-20b-5p in patients with RAS could act as the novel target for syndromeclassification of the disease. It is upregulated in RAS patients with excess-heat syndrome while downregulated in patients with yin-deficiency syndrome. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway and related target genes may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of RAS with excess-heat syndrome or yin-deficiency syndrome, respectively.
Predictors of adolescents’ use of sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Odo Amelia Ngozi , OFUEBE Justina Ifeoma , ANIKE Anthony Ifeanyi , Samuel Efiong S
Published: June 2020

Sexual and Reproductive health Services (SRHS) are essential for prevention and control of SRH problems among adolescents and the achievement of sustainable development goal 3. These services may be available but certain factors interfere with their access and utilization by the adolescents. This study sought to determine factors that predict adolescents’ utilization of SRHS in Enugu State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted mixed method research employing cross-sectional research design. The population of the study comprised adolescents (12-22 years). Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 1,447 adolescents used for the study. Questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Percentages, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo software.ResultsSocio-demographic factors of gender, age, education, location and living status (p = < .05) were significant predictors of utilization of SRHS. Psycho-cultural and health system factors (p = < .05) were also significant predictors of utilization of SRHS.ConclusionThe study concluded that some socio-demographic, psycho-cultural and health system factors are predictors of adolescents’ access to and utilization of SRHS. These predictors could be addressed through home sex education, regular training of health care providers on youth-friendly services delivery and policy reforms
Women’s Experiences of Safety Apps for Sexualized Violence: A Narrative Scoping Review
Authors: Doria Nicole , Ausman Christine , Wilson Susan , Consalvo Annalisa , Sinno Jad , Numer Matthew
Published: June 2020

Background
Sexualized violence against women is a significant human rights problem worldwide. Safety apps have the capacity to provide women with resources to prevent or respond to experiences of sexualized violence. The aim of the following study was to review the scope of the literature on women’s experiences of safety apps related to sexualized violence and identify if there is a current gap in this literature.
Methods
This scoping review employed a systematic methodology guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The search for this scoping review was conducted in January 2020 and four electronic databases were searched: Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Reference lists of systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and literature reviews that were found through the search of databases were also checked to ensure all relevant studies had been screened. Last, the table of contents for the last five years (2015–2020) were hand searched in four key journals (Journal of Technology in Human Services, Violence Against Women, BMC Public Health, and Health Promotion International) to identify any articles that may have been missed in the database search. Covidence was used to complete the screening. All data that met inclusion criteria was charted, extracted and synthesized.
Results
Across the four databases searched, a total of 389 studies were identified; 127 duplicates were removed, resulting in 262 studies screened. In total, 6 studies were included from the search of databases and 1 study was included from hand-searching, for a total of 7 included studies. Thematic analysis identified the following themes in the literature, which are summarized narratively: (1) security; (2) accessibility; and (3) knowledge. Recommendations and barriers found in relation to each theme are also presented.
Conclusions
This review confirms that the qualitative literature on women’s experiences of sexualized violence safety apps is scarce and exposes that a gap in the literature on this topic. The gaps in the literature were identified and implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Analysis of the changes in the lacrimal system before and after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Li Sha , Zheng Yijun , Zhang Yong , Chen Lin
Published: June 2020

BackgroundWe aimed to analys and explore the changes in the lacrimal system before and after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR).MethodsA series of case studies was reviewed. The clinical data of 104 patients (120 eyes) who underwent EN-DCR in our hospital from March 2019 to October 2019 were selected for the study. The tear meniscus height (TMH) and the Schirmer I test (SIt) values were compared preoperatively and 1 month and 3 months postoperatively and statistically analysed by Mauchly's test of sphericity and the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsThe TMH decreased across all 3 timepoints, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The TMH values were measured 3 times in 120 eyes and showed three patterns: increased steadily (34 eyes), descended first and then ascended (32 eyes), and decreased steadily (54 eyes); the changes in the three patterns were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were a significant increases in SIt values among the three timepoints, and the SIt values gradually increased when the SIt values were < 10 mm/5 min preoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in SIt values when the SIt values were ≥ 10 mm/5 min preoperatively. The TMH was highly correlated with the SIt value preoperatively (r = 0.763), moderately correlated at 1 month postoperatively (r = 0.515), and not correlated at 3 months postoperatively (r = 0.097).ConclusionsEN-DCR has a certain degree of influence on the tear system, which is not only reflected in the tear drainage system, but also in the tear secretion system and the interaction between the two systems; however, excess tear drainage, can also alleviate dry eyes.Funding programmeJoint Fund Project of Hubei Provincial Health Select Committee (No. WJ2019H318); General Key Projects of Medical Research in Wuhan City, Hubei Province (No. WX19A03)
Effects of Robot-Aided Rehabilitation on Improving Ankle and Balance Performance of Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhai Xiaoxue , Wu Qiong , Xu Quan , Li Xin , Zhang Yanlin , Fan Senchao , Zhang Li-Qun , Pan Yu
Published: June 2020

Background: Stroke survivors often experience abnormal posture control, which affects balance and locomotion. The ankle strategy is important in maintaining static balance. Prolonged spasticity may result in biomechanical changes at the ankle joint, which may cause balance disorders. The intelligent stretching device may decrease the stiffness of the ankle and improve balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-aided ankle rehabilitation of stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and the correlations between biomechanical properties and balance in these patients. Methods: Twenty inpatients post stroke with ankle spasticity performed 20 minutes of stretching treatment for 2 weeks. The study group used a rehabilitation robot to stretch the spastic ankle plantar flexors under intelligent control and the control group received manual stretching. Outcome measures included biomechanical, clinical evaluations and Pro-Kin balance test. Results: After training, significant improvements were found in both groups in the active range of motion, muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment of Lower Extremity, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, 6-minute walk test, and Modified Barthel Index (P<0.05); significant decreases were found in the study group in dorsiflexion stiffness, Modified Ashworth Scale, trajectory lengths, elliptical trajectory, standard deviation medial/lateral, average speed forward/backward with eyes closed, and standard deviation forward/backward with eyes open (P=0.001, P=0.037, P=0.028, P=0.019, P=0.016, P=0.001, and P=0.033, respectively); dorsiflexion stiffness was positively correlated with the Pro-Kin balance test outcomes: ellipse area, trajectory length, average speed forward/backward, average speed medial/lateral with eyes open ( =0.352, P=0.026; =0.522, P=0.001; =0.045, P=0.004; =0.433, P=0.005, respectively); dorsiflexion stiffness was correlated with the Modified Ashworth Scale ( =0.265, P=0.041); the study group improved significantly more than the control group in the activities of daily living after training (P =0 .017). Conclusions: The results suggested that robot-aided ankle rehabilitation had a positive effect on the biomechanical properties of the spastic ankle, and it may be feasible to improve balance post-stroke. Ankle dorsiflexion stiffness affected balance poststroke significantly; it may be a sensitive indicator for evaluating balance. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900022128. Registered 21 February 2020. Retrospectively registered.
Lithospheric Flexural Isostasy Background of the 2017 Ms7.0 Jiuzhaigou Earthquake and Its Implications on Material Extrusion in the Northeastern Bayan Har Block
Authors: Hu Minzhang , Wu Yunlong , Hao Hongtao , Wang Jiapei , Wang Jian , Li Zhongya
Published: June 2020

We applied a 2-dimensional, non-spectral technique to investigate the spatial variations of the lithospheric effective elastic thickness (Te) in the eastern Bayan Har block and its adjacent areas. Te values were determined by comparison of observed and flexural modelled Bouguer gravity anomalies. The results suggested that Te vary significantly from eastern Tibet to the Sichuan basin. The eastern Bayan Har block and northern Sichuan-Yunan block had low Te (0<Te<20km), indicated easily deformable lithosphere. The Sichuan basin had high Te (40km<Te<100km), and acted as a rigid block which resisted the eastward extrusion of plateau materials. Moderate Te (30km<Te<40km) under the Longmen Shan fault belt indicated that the lithosphere of the Sichuan basin plays an important role in supporting the Longmen Shan topography. The extremely low Te (Te<10km) in the seismogenic zone of the Ms7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake indicated that the topography is compensated locally, different from the Longmen Shan significantly. A banded relatively low Te (<40km) region stretched from northeastern Bayan Har block to southwestern Ordos block sketches out a plateau material escaping channel, questions the exiting of crustal flow in the north side of the Sichuan basin.
Effect of hypoglycemia on measures of myocardial blood flow and myocardial injury in adults with and without type 1 diabetes: a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, cross-over study
Authors: Noh Radzi M , Graveling AJ , Lang Ninian N , White Audrey C , Lee Ken K , Mills Nicholas L , Newby David E , Lang Chim C , Frier Brian M
Published: June 2020

Aims Hypoglycemia provokes a profound autonomic response in humans including cardiovascular effects. This study examined the effect of experimentally-induced hypoglycemia on measures of myocardial blood flow and myocardial injury in adults with, and without, type 1 diabetes. Methods and Results In a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded, endpoint cross-over study, 17 young adults with type 1 diabetes with no cardiovascular risk factors, and 10 healthy non-diabetic volunteers, underwent hyperinsulinemic euglycemic (blood glucose 4.5-5.5 mmol/L or 81-99 mg/dL) and hypoglycemic (2.2-2.5 mmol/L or 40-45 mg/dL) clamps. Myocardial blood flow was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography Doppler coronary flow reserve (CFR) and myocardial injury using plasma high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) concentration. During euglycemia, a non-significant trend for lower CFR was observed in participants with type 1 diabetes than in those without type 1 diabetes (3.66±0.47 versus 3.92±0.85), and a non-significant lower trend also occurred during hypoglycemia (type 1 diabetes: 3.54±0.58 versus non-diabetes: 3.80±0.84). A generalized linear mixed-model analysis was performed, with diabetes status and euglycaemia or hypoglycaemia as factors affecting CFR. No significant statistical difference in CFR was observed for diabetes status (p=0.23) or between euglycemia and hypoglycemia (p=0.31). No changes in hs-cTnI occurred during hypoglycemia or in the recovery period (p=0.86). Conclusions While the observed reduction in coronary flow reserve did not achieve significance during exposure to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in healthy young men with type 1 diabetes, with no evidence of myocardial injury, adverse cardiovascular effects of hypoglycemia cannot be excluded in older people who have coronary disease. Further studies are required to investigate this putative problem.
The burden and correlates of childhood undernutrition in Tanzania according to composite index of anthropometric failure
Authors: Khamis Ahmed Gharib , Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin , Kreppel Katharina , Kwesigabo Gideon
Published: June 2020

Background
Undernutrition is a public health problem worldwide. Tanzania has made significant achievements in the reduction of childhood undernutrition over the past two decades. However, the exact burden of undernutrition was under-estimated when using conventional indices of stunting, wasting and underweight. The objective of this study was to determine the overall prevalence of undernutrition, describe the trends and examine the correlates associated with undernutrition among children under the age of five years using the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF). This study aims to understand the real burden and drivers of undernutrition to improve design, implementation and monitoring of appropriate interventions to emeliorate childhood undernutrition in the country.
Methods
We retrieved and analyzed the data of mother-child pairs from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) of 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004-05, 2009-10, and 2015-16 using Stata and SPSS software. Data for 1991 to 2015 were used to determine the burden and trends of undernutrition. The recent TDHS surveys of 2004-05, 2010 and 2015-16 were used to determine the correlates of undernutrition. The main outcome of interest was undernutrition measured using CIAF. This is an aggregated index of conventional indices of stunting, wasting and underweight of children aged below 59 months. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the correlates associated with CIAF, whereby both crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined.
Results
About one in every three (38.2%) of the surveyed children had anthropometric failure in 2015 compared to half of them (50%) in 1991. The odds of anthropometric failure were significantly higher for boys, older children, living in rural areas, living in poorer households, and being born with non-educated or undernourished mothers. Female-headed households were more likely to have children with anthropometric failure, while age of the household head was negatively associated with anthropometric failure. Children who were born at home, with low birth weight, or having episode of illnesses such as diarhea or fever were most likely to have anthropometric failure.
Conclusion
One in every three under 5 years old children are suffering from either one or multiple forms of anthropometric failure in Tanzania as revealed by CIAF. Multiple factors including those related to mothers, children and household socio-economic characteristics have the potential to influence childhood anthropometric failure. Efforts to reduce the burden of undernutrition should focus on reducing poverty and raising people’s living standards.
Substance use in adults of Yazd Greater Area, 2014-2015: A population based study
Authors: Bagheri Behnam , Mirzaei Mohsen , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: June 2020

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs), including substance dependence or abuse, have a tremendous impact on individuals, families, communities, and governments. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SUDs in Yazd Greater Area during 2014-2015.Method: This study uses data from the Yazd Health Study (YaHS) recruitment phase which was conducted from 2014 to 2015, to investigate the epidemiology of SUDs among 20-70 year-old adults. We studied 9965 participants 20-70 years old who lived in Yazd Greater Area. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Results: The age-adjusted prevalence of illicit substance use was 6.2% (95% CI: 5%-7.4%). for men and 2.5% (95% CI: 1.7%-3.6%) for women. The substance use was significantly correlated with age (r= -0.29, p=0.006), educational level (r= -0.24, p=0.021), tobacco smoking (r= 0.23, p= 0.001), and sex (r= -0.98, p=0.001), But with hookah smoking had no significant relationship (r= -0.01, p=0.891). 35.6% of those consuming drugs had a previous history of addiction treatment. Also, the prevalence of substance use was greater in elders. Conclusion: This study indicated that the prevalence of substance use in adults of Yazd Greater Area which was correlated to the factors including consumption of cigarettes, age, and sex. The prevalence of various addictions is slightly higher than the rest of Iran.
Network Pharmacology-based Research of the Therapeutic Effects of Epimedium Brevicornu Maxim on Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Authors: He Shan , Ning Yan , Jiang Shaoyan , Zeng Dan , Deng Shaojie , Xiong Yi , Liu Dayan
Published: June 2020

Background: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a common gynecological disease. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Epimedium brevicornu maxim (EBM) is often used to treat sexual dysfunction and irregular menstruation. But whether EBM could alleviate the symptoms of DOR is unclear.Methods: We constructed the DOR rat models and determined the effect of EBM on the development of DOR. Next, we used the network pharmacology to analyze the active ingredients of EBM and the targeted genes of these ingredients. And the critical genes were selected for the next research. ELISA were performed to detect the expression of these genes in the serum of rats.Results: We found that the EBM treatment suppressed the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the ovary tissue of rats. Meanwhile, the levels of estradiol (E2), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B (INHB) was promoted after the EBM treatment. The HE staining showed that the treatment of EBM enhanced the formation of follicles. Based on the network pharmacology analysis, we found that EBM has the potential to relieve symptoms of DOR by modulating the levels of steroid hormone receptor.Conclusion: In conclusion, EBM relieved the symptoms of DOR by modulating the steroid hormone receptors, such as promoting the secretion of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ESR1).
Deficits in Skilled Motor and Auditory Learning in a Rat Model of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Adcock Katherine S. , Blount Abigail E. , Morrison Robert A. , Alvarez-Dieppa Amanda , Kilgard Michael P. , Engineer Crystal T. , Hays Seth A.
Published: June 2020

Background Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the gene MECP2 . Individuals with Rett Syndrome display developmental regression at an early age, and develop a range of motor, auditory, cognitive and social impairments. Several studies have successfully modeled some aspects of dysfunction and Rett Syndrome-like phenotypes in transgenic mouse and rat models bearing mutations in the MECP2 gene. Here, we sought to extend these findings and characterize skilled learning, a more complex behavior known to be altered in Rett syndrome. Methods We evaluated the acquisition and performance of auditory and motor function on two complex tasks in heterozygous female Mecp2 rats. Animals were trained to perform a speech discrimination task or a skilled forelimb reaching task. Results Our results reveal that Mecp2 rats display slower acquisition and reduced performance on an auditory discrimination task than wild-type (WT) littermates. Similarly, Mecp2 rats exhibit impaired learning rates and worse performance on a skilled forelimb motor task compared to WT. Conclusions Together, these findings illustrate novel deficits in skilled learning consistent with clinical manifestation of Rett syndrome and provide a framework for development of therapeutic strategies to improve these complex behaviors.
Identification and validation of a novel prognostic index based on m6A RNA methylation regulators in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Wanli , Duan Lili , Zhao Xinhui , Wang Xiaoqian , Li Yiding , Niu Liaoran , Zhang Yujie , Zhou Wei , Liu Jinqiang , Zhao Qingchuan , Han Yu , Fan Daiming , Hong Liu
Published: June 2020

Background

The incidence and mortality rate of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) remains high. This study proposed to explore the promising prognostic markers based on m6A RNA methylation regulators, and finally to improve the prognostic assessment for ESCA patients.
Methods

The RNA sequencing and relevant clinical data of ESCA and normal tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, we evaluated the expression pattern of 13 m6A methylation regulators in ESCA and normal samples. Two groups of ESCA were divided by the consensus clustering analysis. STRING database and R package were used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and conduct correlation analysis, respectively. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were performed to develop the multiple-gene risk signature. Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the accuracy of the model. The clinical nomogram combining clinicpathological factors and gene signature was built to predict survival rate of ESCA patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and networks prediction analysis were conducted to explore the signaling pathways that related to the risk genes.
Results

Eight m6A methylation regulators (HNRNPC, YTHDF1, METTL3, YTHDF2, WTAP, YTHDC1, KIAA1429, and RBM15) were significantly upregulated in ESCA. Two clusters of ESCA with obvious differences in tumor stage were identified via the consensus clustering analysis. A two-gene signature, ALKBH5 and HNRNPC, was established for predicting the prognosis of ESCA patients. Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated that the overall survival of patients in low-risk group was obviously longer than that of patients in high-risk group (P = 1.411e-02). Importantly, risk score and tumor stage were identified as the independent prognostic indicators. The testing dataset GSE13898 showed that the nomogram had a good capacity to assess the prognosis of ESCA patients. Cell cycle, mTOR pathway, and p53 signaling pathway were found to be related to the dysregulation of risk genes.
Conclusions

m6A RNA methylation regulators ALKBH5 and HNRNPC could act as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for prognostic analysis and cancer treatment of ESCA.
Influence of chronic kidney disease on early clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Li Xihui , Zhang Siyu , Xiao Feng
Published: June 2020

Backgroud:
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high incidence of coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in these patients. CABG significantly decreases short-term and long-term mortality in patients with CKD compared with PCI. The effect of CKD on the early outcomes of off-pump CABG has been studied less often. We aimed to investigate the effect of CKD on early postoperative mortality and complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed preoperative baseline and surgery data for 1173 patients undergoing off-pump CABG from January 2010 to December 2017 in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking University First Hospital. Outpatient follow-up was performed until 30 days postoperatively. Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates calculated according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were assigned to the normal renal function group (normal group, n = 924), and those with a rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were assigned to the CKD group (CKD group, n = 249). Results: Patients in the CKD group were seriously ill with multiple complications, and postoperative 30-day mortality and complication rates were significantly higher than those in the normal group. In the logistic regression analysis, after correcting for common confounding factors, namely, sex, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction, preoperative CKD was a risk factor for postoperative acute kidney injury, perioperative myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal bleeding, secondary tracheal intubation, stroke, chest wound infection, prolonged mechanical ventilation (≥ 24 h), prolonged intensive care unit stay (≥ 72 h), prolonged length of stay (≥ 14d), dialysis requirement, and postoperative death within 30 days. Conclusions: Patients with CKD had more preoperative complications, and their postoperative 30-day mortality and complication rates after off-pump CABG were significantly higher than those of patients with normal renal function. For CABG patients with CKD, the risk of surgery should be assessed carefully, and comprehensive measures should be taken to strengthen perioperative management, with an aim to reduce complications and mortality and improve surgical outcomes.
Continuous Endometrial Volumetric Analysis for Endometrial Receptivity Assessment on Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles
Authors: Martins Renato , Oliani Antonio Helio , Oliani Denise Vaz , de Oliveira Jose Martinez
Published: June 2020

Research Question: Human implantation is a complex process requiring synchrony between a healthy embryo and a functionally competent or receptive endometrium. In order to assess endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles continuous evaluation of endometrial volumetric analysis may have a predictive value on a positive outcome.Design: Serial 3D transvaginal ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate a pattern that better predicts implantation rates. 169 subjects on a prospective case control study were assessed. Endometrial pattern, endometrial thickness, endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume (ratio between endometrial volume and uterine volume) was performed to all subjects on a continuous process from baseline (prior to ovarian controlled stimulation), day 6, 8 and 10 of controlled ovarian stimulation, trigger day with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) and at embryo transfer day.Results: No statistical difference was noted between the two groups in terms of demographics and ART procedures and scores. Endometrium morphology also didn’t show any difference between the two groups. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume was significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation.Conclusions: Continuous serial 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes may be a useful tool for clinicians in predicting endometrial receptivity enhancing elective embryo transfers in fresh ART cycle, and thus providing a non-invasive continuous technique for endometrial receptivity assessment that reflects endometrial changes during ART procedures.
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Prognostic Indicator for 30-Day Mortality Following Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A prospective observational study
Authors: Aarsetøy Reidun , Omland Torbjørn , Røsjø Helge , Strand Heidi , Lindner Thomas Werner , Aarsetøy Hildegunn , Staines Harold , Nilsen Dennis Winston Trygve
Published: June 2020

Background
Early risk stratification applying cardiac biomarkers may prove useful in sudden cardiac arrest patients. We investigated the prognostic utility of early-on levels of high sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT), copeptin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
Methods
We conducted a prospective observational unicenter study, including patients with OHCA of assumed cardiac origin from the southwestern part of Norway from 2007 until 2010. Blood samples for later measurements were drawn during cardiopulmonary resuscitation or at hospital admission.
Results
A total of 114 patients were included, 37 patients with asystole and 77 patients with VF as first recorded heart rhythm. Forty-four patients (38.6%) survived 30-day follow-up. Neither hs-cTnT (p = 0.49), nor copeptin (p = 0.39) differed between non-survivors and survivors, whereas NT-proBNP was higher in non-survivors and significantly associated with time to death, with a hazard ratio (HR) for patients in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of 4.6 (95% CI 2.1–10.1), p < 0.001. This association was attenuated in the multivariable analysis [HR 2.18 (95% CI 0.83–5.72)], p = 0.11. NT-proBNP was significantly higher in asystole- as compared to VF-patients, p < 0.001.
Conclusions
In OHCA, NT-proBNP was significantly associated with 30-day survival in univariate analysis, but associations were attenuated after multivariable adjustment. Hs-cTnT and copeptin did not provide prognostic information following OHCA.
Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT02886273.
Effects of calcitriol on oxidative burst, phagocytic function, and leukocyte cytokine production in shelter dogs
Authors: Jaffey Jared , Bessette Mariah , Tao Zenan , Bradley-Siemens Nancy , Thompson Melissa
Published: June 2020

Background

The active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, has been shown across many different species to augment innate immune responses and dampen aberrant proinflammatory cytokine production. Community acquired infections are common in shelters and consume limited shelter resources, impact adoption rates, and can result in unnecessary euthanasia. Prophylactic oral vitamin D supplementation decreases the incidence and severity of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in humans. Before a clinical trial investigating the clinical benefit of oral vitamin D supplementation in shelter dogs can be pursued, an in vitro study evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of calcitriol in blood from shelter dogs is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if incubation of whole blood obtained from apparently healthy dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days with calcitriol would alter granulocyte/monocyte (GM) oxidative burst and phagocytic function as well as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10.

Results

Ten dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Whole blood from these dogs was incubated with calcitriol (10-7 M) or ethanol (control) for 24 h. Subsequent to this incubation phagocytosis of opsonized-Escherichia coli (E. coli) and E. coli-induced oxidative burst were evaluated via flow cytometry. In addition, leukocyte production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine-specific multiplex assay. Calcitriol significantly decreased leukocyte TNF-α production (p = 0.009) and increased IL-10 production (p = 0.002). Tumor necrosis factor-α-to-IL-10 ratio was significantly decreased with calcitriol (p = 0.017), while IL-6 production as well as GM oxidative burst and phagocytic function were not significantly affected.

Conclusions

These data indicate that calcitriol attenuates proinflammatory immune responses without affecting GM oxidative burst or phagocytic function in vitro in whole blood obtained from apparently healthy shelter dogs.
Atherogenic index of plasma predicts cerebrovascular accident occurrence in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Lucy Eunju , Pyo Jung Yoon , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won
Published: June 2020

Background: We investigated whether the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) at diagnosis can predict cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and cardiovascular disease during follow-up in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: The medical records of 167 immunosuppressive drug-naïve AAV patients and those of 300 age- and gender-matched controls were retrospectively reviewed. AIP was calculated using the following equation: AIP = Log (triglyceride (mmol/L) / high-density-cholesterol (mmol/L)). AAV patients were divided into two groups according to their AIP, AAV patients with AIP < 0.11 (N=115) and AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 (N=52). Results: The median age and body mass index of AAV patients were 59.0 years and 22.1 kg/m2, respectively. The median calculated AIP of patients was 0.01 and AAV patients with AIP < 0.11 exhibited a lower Birmingham vasculitis activity score than those with AIP ≥ 0.11 but it was not significant (P = 0.064). AAV patients had a significantly lower body mass index than controls, nevertheless, AAV patients had a significantly higher AIP than controls (0.01 vs. -0.12). Sixteen patients were diagnosed with CVA, and AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 had a significantly lower CVA-free survival rate than those with AIP < 0.11. Multivariable analysis indicated that AIP ≥ 0.11 at diagnosis was significantly associated with CVA during follow-up. Conclusions: AIP was significantly higher in AAV patients than in controls. Furthermore, AIP at diagnosis could predict CVA occurrence during follow-up in AAV patients.
Head Injury and Parkinson Disease: Updated Evidence from Meta-Analysis Studies
Authors: ji yanhu , Xue Junjun , Ling Yuhuan , Shen Chunhan , Li Niannian , Wang Heng
Published: June 2020

Background Published studies on head injury and Parkinson's risk(PD) were inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis study to explore the association.Methods We retrieved articles published in English from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2019. The pooled effect of head injury and PD risk was calculated by a random effect model.Results In the meta-analysis, there were 21 studies, including 214763 individuals and 39209 PD patients. The pooled OR estimates(ORs) showed an increased risk of PD was correlated with head injury(OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.29–1.66). Considering the unconscious state, head injury with LOC showed significant association with PD(OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.28–1.74). However, head injury without LOC had no significant association with PD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.29–1.12). Sensitivity analysis showed that, when any one study was excluded, the results did not change significantly.Conclusions Our research shows that head injury was associated with PD risk.This study provides a basis and reference for further study on head injury and PD.
Elevated serum ferritin level effectively discriminates severity illness and predicts prognosis of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Cao Peng , Wu Yuanjue , Wu Sanlan , Wu Tingting , Zhang Qilin , Zhang Rui , Lu Yongning , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2020

During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, medical resources in every country is in shortage. Efficacious indicators of discriminating severe illness and predicting outcome is in urgent need. We collected data and clinical records from 79 COVID-19 patients admitted between January 12, 2020 and February 21, 2020 at Wuhan Union hospital, China. Spearman’s correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, logistic regression model, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were employed in the analysis. Of 79 patients enrolled, 2 died in hospital, 8 were transferred to other hospitals, and 69 were discharged. Patients with elevated ferritin levels (> 200 ng/mL) had a higher incidence of severity illness when compared with those with normal ferritin levels (≤ 200 ng/mL) (50.0% vs 2.9%). In addition, severity illness manifested significantly higher level of ferritin as compared with non-severe ones (median 921.3 vs 130.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Furthermore, ferritin could effectively discriminate severity and non-severity, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) reaching 0.873 (sensitivity 96%, specificity 70%), larger than that of age (0.697), C-reactive protein (0.730) and lymphocytes% (0.717). Combined model incorporating multivariate revealed a similar manner with ferritin alone (p = 0.981). Furthermore, elevated ferritin group showed longer viral clearance time (median 16 vs 6 days, p < 0.001) and in-hospital length (median 18 vs 10 days, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that ferritin could act as a simple and efficacious complementary tool to identify severe COVID-19 patients at early stage and predict their outcome. This indicator would provide guidance for subsequent clinical practice, alleviate the medical stress and reduce the mortality.
Improved the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of cucumber by a modified the using of antibiotics and acetosyringone
Authors: Chai Li'ang , Du Changxia , Fan Huaifu , Liu Chen , Si Yuyang
Published: June 2020

Background: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world. As conventional breeding of cucumber is very challenging, genetic engineering is an alternative option to introduce important traits such as enhanced stress resistance and nutritional value. However, the efficiency of the transformation system depends on genotypes, transformation conditions, selection agents, etc. This study aims to speed up the process of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cucumber. ‘ Xintai mici ’, a very popular and typical north China-type cucumber variety, was transformed with Agrobacterium GV3101. The strain carried pCAMBIA2300s plasmid, a double vector with the marker gene of neomycin phosphotransferase II ( npt II). Results: The research results indicated that cefotaxime sodium was suitable for inhibiting Agrobacterium in the stage of screening and bud elongation. Timentin was best used during rooting stage. Furthermore, 25 mg/L kanamycin was used in the early stage of screening and increased to 50 mg/L for further screening. At the bud elongation and rooting stage, 75 and 100 mg/L kanamycin was used respectively to improve the screening efficiency. In order to obtain the highest regeneration frequency of resistant buds, 50, 150, and 100 μM acetosyringone were added in the pre-culture medium, infection solution, and co-culture medium respectively. To confirm the presence of the transgenes, DNA from npt II transgenic cucumber plants was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction after transplanting resistant regenerated plants. Conclusions: We finally achieved an 8.1% conversion, which was among the highest values reported until date using cucumber ‘ Xintai mici ’. Thus an effective protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated genetic transformation of cucumber was optimized.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values alone and combined with Prognostic Index predict septic AKI, DIC, and shock: a pilot study
Authors: Shimoyama Yuichiro , Umegaki Osamu , Kadono Noriko , Minami Toshiaki
Published: June 2020

Background
Sepsis is a syndrome involving life-threatening organ dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether septic AKI, ARDS, DIC, and shock can be predicted more readily by combining uNGAL values and inflammation-based prognostic scores, over the use of uNGAL values alone.
Methods
Adult patients diagnosed with sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 definition prospectively examined. Urine samples were collected from each patient to measure uNGAL after ICU entry at the following time points: immediately after and 2, 3, and 4 days after ICU entry. GPS, NLR, PLR, PI, and PNI were examined immediately after ICU entry. For category classification, a total score was calculated (hereafter, “inflammation-NGAL score [iNS]”) as follows: a score of 1 was assigned if uNGAL values and inflammation-based prognostic scores immediately after ICU entry were above cut-offs determined by ROC curve analysis for 28-day mortality; a score of 0 was assigned if the values were below the cut-offs (total score range, 0–2 points). As an example of nomenclature, the combination of uNGAL and NLR is presented as “iNS NGAL-NLR.” uNGAL, inflammation-based prognostic scores, iNS, and changes in uNGAL relative to uNGAL values immediately after ICU entry at each sampling point were compared between patients with septic AKI, ARDS, DIC, or shock after ICU entry and those without these disorders.
Results
ROC curve analyses yielded the following cut-off values: AKI: 438.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.8), 476.9 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 2 (AUC, 0.86), 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.81), 133.6 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 4 (AUC, 0.78), 1.0 for iNS NGAL-NLR (AUC, 0.75), 2.0 for iNS NGAL-PI (AUC, 0.77), DIC; 648.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.77); shock; 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.71) and 9 for SOFA (AUC, 0.71). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed iNS NGAL-PI to be a significant independent predictor of AKI (OR, 20.62; 95%CI, 1.03–412.3; p = 0.048).
Conclusions
uNGAL and iNS NGAL-PI were found to be predictors of septic AKI, DIC, and shock. Combining PI with uNGAL values improved the predictive value of uNGAL variables for septic AKI.
Clinical characteristics and socio-demographic features of psychotic major depression
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Wang Ranran , Hao Yu , Xiong Weifeng , Qiao Dongdong , He Juan
Published: June 2020

Background
Psychotic major depression (PMD) is a special subtype of depression with a worse prognosis. Previous studies failed to find many differences among patients with PMD versus those with non-psychotic major depression (NMD) or schizophrenia(SZ). This study compared psychotic major depression with non-psychotic major depression and schizophrenia based on sociodemographic factors (including season of conception) and clinical characteristics. We aimed to provide data to inform clinical diagnoses and etiology research.
Methods
This case–control study used data for patients admitted to Shandong Mental Health Center from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. We analyzed cases that had experienced a PMD episode (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes F32.3, F33.3), NMD (F32.0–2/9, F33.0–2/9), and SZ (F20–20.9). Data were collected on sex, main discharge diagnosis, birth date, ethnicity, family history of psychiatric diagnoses, marital status, age at first onset, educational attainment, allergy history, and existence of trigger events.
Results
Patients with depression with a primary school/below education (odds ratio [OR] 0.397, CI: 0.18–0.874) and without a family history (OR 0.557, CI: 0.332–0.937) were less likely to have psychotic symptoms than other patients. Compared with patients with PMD, a primary school/below education (OR 3.646, CI: 1.65–8.053), no allergy history (OR 2.2, CI: 1.152–4.2), trigger events experienced before first onset (OR 2.428, CI: 1.528–3.859), being unmarried (OR 0.3, CI: 0.104–0.871), and an earlier age at first onset (OR 0.931, CI: 0.911–0.952) were features of SZ.
Conclusion
PMD and NMD are similar in terms of patients’ demographic variables and clinical characteristics, whereas there are differences between PMD and SZ. The significant factors we identified may point to underlying heterogeneity of these diseases.
Clinicopathological features and recurrence patterns of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ishii Takamichi , Ito Takashi , Sumiyoshi Shinji , Ogiso Satoshi , Fukumitsu Ken , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: June 2020

Background
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a primary liver carcinoma with both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) components. We examined the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence patterns of cHCC-CCA. Because of the rarity of cHCC-CCA, its etiology, clinicopathological features, and prognosis in comparison with other primary liver carcinoma remain unknown. Its recurrence pattern and sites in particular also need to be elucidated.
Methods
All patients who underwent hepatectomy for primary liver malignancies between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively included in this study.
Results
Eight hundred and ninety-four hepatectomies were performed. Nineteen cases of cHCC-CCA (2.1%) in 16 patients were enrolled. Three patients underwent re-hepatectomy. The background of hepatitis viruses and tumor marker patterns of cHCC-CCA were similar to those of HCC and dissimilar to those of iCCA. Biliary invasion was common in cHCC-CCA and iCCA. The 5-year overall survival values of the cHCC-CCA, HCC, and iCCA patients were 44.7%, 56.6%, and 38.5%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival values of the cHCC-CCA, HCC, and iCCA patients were 44.7%, 56.6%, and 38.5%, respectively. The liver was the most common recurrence site. Unlike HCC, however, the lymph node was the second-most common recurrence site in both cHCC-CCA and iCCA. Pathological samples of the recurrent lesions were obtained in six patients, and four had cHCC-CCA recurrence pathologically.
Conclusion
cHCC-CCA had a mixture of characteristics of HCC and iCCA. Many cases of cHCC-CCA remained cHCC-CCA pathologically even after recurrence.