bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of structural variants in four African Cichlids highlights an association with developmental and immune related genes
Authors: Dolfin Luca Penso , Man Angela , Mehta Tarang , Haerty Wilfried , Palma Federica Di
Published: February 2020

Background . East African lake cichlids are one of the most impressive examples of an adaptive radiation. Independently in Lake Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi, several hundreds of species arose within the last 10 million to 100,000 years. Whereas most analyses in cichlids focused on nucleotide substitutions across species to investigate the genetic bases of this explosive radiation, to date, no study has investigated the contribution of structural variants (SVs) in the evolution of adaptive traits across the three Great Lakes of East Africa.
Results . Here, we annotate and characterize the repertoires and evolutionary potential of different SV classes (deletion, duplication, inversion, insertions and translocations) in four cichlid species: Haplochromis burtoni, Metriaclima zebra, Neolamprologus brichardi and Pundamilia nyererei . We investigate the patterns of gain and loss evolution for each SV type, enabling the identification of lineage specific events. Both deletions and inversions show a significant overlap with SINE elements, while inversions additionally show a limited, but significant association with DNA transposons. Inverted regions are enriched for genes regulating behaviour, or involved in skeletal and visual system development. We also find that duplicated regions show enrichment for genes associated with “antigen processing and presentation” and other immune related categories. Our pipeline and results were further tested by PCR validation of selected deletions and inversions, which confirmed respectively 7 out of 10 and 6 out of 9 events.
Conclusions . Altogether, we provide the first comprehensive overview of rearrangement evolution in East African cichlids, and some important insights into their likely contribution to adaptation.
Silencing of microRNA-210 inhibits the progression of liver cancer and Hepatitis B virus-associated liver cancer via targeting EGR3
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Yuan Mei , Song Lu , Wang Yan
Published: February 2020

Background: This study was aimed to investigate the regulatory role of microRNA-210 (miRNA-210) on the progression of liver cancer and Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cancer. Methods: The expression of miRNA-210 was detected in liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells by qRT-PCR. MiRNA-210 was silenced in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells by the transfection of miRNA-210 inhibitor. The cell viability and apoptosis was detected by MTT assay and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, respectively. The protein expression of EGR3 was detected by Western blot. The regulatory relationship between EGR3 and miRNA-210 was predicted by TargetScan and identified by Dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results: MiRNA-210 was overexpressed in the liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). Silencing of miRNA-210 inhibited the viability and promoted the apoptosis of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). EGR3 was a target of miRNA-210, which was down-regulated in the liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). Silencing of miRNA-210 increased the mRNA and protein expression of EGR3 (P < 0.05). Silencing of EGR3 reversed the anti-tumor effect of miRNA-210 inhibitor on HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Silencing of miRNA-210 inhibits the progression of liver cancer and HBV-associated liver cancer via up-regulating EGR3.
Effects of blended versus offline case-centered learning on academic performance and critical thinking ability among undergraduate nursing students：a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Zhenzhen , Shen Ling , Zhuang Jiayuan , Chen Yimin , Chen Meijing , Lin Yazhu , Hu Rong
Published: February 2020

Background: Educational reform, especially methods of teaching, has been a focus among nursing educators. This study explored the impact of blended versus offline case-centered learning on academic performance of Medical Nursing and the development of critical thinking among undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: A cluster randomized controlled study design was used, with assessments immediately before and one school year after the intervention. There were two classes for second-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the study. The two classes of Medical Nursing were randomly allocated to either the experimental class, which undertook blended case-centered learning, or the control class, which undertook offline case-centered learning. The primary outcomes were academic performance consisting of final exam and process assessment, as well as the critical thinking ability assessed with the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (CTDI-CV). The Mann-Whitney U test and the unpaired t test was subsequently used. ANCOVA analyses were also performed to examine the two teaching methods’ effect on critical thinking.
Results: The median score in the Medical Nursing course was slightly higher in the experimental class than in the control class after 1 academic year, although was no significant difference in statistics. In addition, compared with the control class, the pre-post difference in competency in critical thinking self-confidence in the experimental class was significantly greater. In the experimental class, there was significant improvement compared with baseline in dimension of critical thinking self-confidence (p<0.05). In the control class, there was significant improvement compared with baseline in the total score (p<0.05) and two of the seven dimensions: truth-seeking (p<0.05) and systematicity (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Our study confirms the effectiveness of blended and offline learning (both based on case-centered learning) for academic performance and components of critical thinking among undergraduate nursing students. Blended and offline case-centered learning could be applied to other nursing subjects in future studies. Moreover, further efforts to improve teaching are warranted.Keywords: education, nursing, teaching methods, critical thinking
A pilot study: A possible implication of Candida as an etiologically endogenous pathogen for oral lichen planus
Authors: He Hong , Xia Xinyu , Yang Haiping , Peng Qiao , Zheng Jiaoer
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genotypic profiles of Candida albicans in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and Methods: Positive rates and genotypic profiles of Candida albicans strains from OLP patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Random amplified polymorphic DNA and internal transcribed spacer of ribosome DNA polymerase chain reactions were used to sequence the DNA of these strains, and then their genetic similarity was measured using BLAST, UIV Band, and Vector NTI Suite Sequence Analyses Software. Results: The prevalence of C. albicans strains detected from erosive-OLP, non-erosive OLP, and normal individuals was 18.87%, 18.75%, and 7.92%, respectively. Four different genotypes were revealed by the two methods. To be specific, type I was found only in the healthy subjects; type II a and II b were found in non-erosive OLP, and type III was identified in erosive OLP. Intragroup similarity coefficients, i.e. SAB were 100%, and inter-groups similarity coefficients, i.e. SAB were less than 30%. Conclusions: The genotypic results of C. albicans in OLP revealed an endogenous rather than exogenous infection of C. albicans. In addition, a possible pathogenic role of C. albicans in OLP, with the etiologic sense contributing to a more proper recognition on the pathogenesis, development, and progression of OLP, as well as some strategies for its diagnosis and treatment were identified.
Labial gingival thickness assessment at mandibular incisors of orthodontic patients with ultrasound and cone-beam ct. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kloukos Dimitrios , Kakali Lydia , Koukos George , Sculean Anton , Stavropoulos Andreas , Katsaros Christos
Published: February 2020

Background Quantitative and qualitative analysis of several periodontal parameters plays an important role in several dental procedures. Aim of the current study was to assess gingival thickness (GT) at mandibular incisors of orthodontic patients with two methods and determine how these methods are compared to each other when assessing periodontal anatomy through soft tissue thickness. Methods The sample consisted of 40 consecutive adult orthodontic patients. GT was measured at both central mandibular incisors, mid-facially on the buccal aspect, 2mm apically to the free gingival margin with two methods: a) clinically with an Ultrasound device (USD) and b) radiographically with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Results CBCT measurements were consistently higher than USD measurements, with the difference ranging from 0.13 mm to 0.21 mm. No difference was noted between the repeated CBCT measurements at the right central incisor (Bias= 0.05 mm; 95% CI= -0.01, 0.11, p=0.104). Although the respective results for the left incisor indicated, statistically, that the measurements were not exactly replicated, the magnitude of the point estimate was small and not clinically significant (Bias= 0.06 mm; 95% CI= 0.01, 0.11, p=0.014). Small differences between CBCT measurements made by the 2 examiners at the left central incisor (bias= 0.06 mm, 95% CI= 0.01, 0.11, p=0.014) were detected. However, this difference was minor, and again, not clinically significant. The respective analysis on the right incisor showed no significant difference (bias= 0.05 mm, 95% CI= -0.01, 0.11, p=0.246). Conclusions Present data indicate that CBCT measurements were highly reproducible and yielded greater values compared to USD measurements.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Assefa Natnael Lakachew , Admas Addisu , Adimasu Nebiyat
Published: February 2020

Background : Visual impairment refers to presenting distance visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the worst eye. It remains a global challenge that greatly affects the mobility, social participation and the quality of life of the people. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults aged 18 years. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Berhan town. Data were collected by interview with a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire and ocular examinations. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 416 participants were enrolled in the study with a 98.6% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment among adults aged 18 years was 16.8% (95% CI: 13.5%-20.2%). Aged > 64 years (AOR=12.18, 95%CI: 4.47-33.20), illiterates AOR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.36-6.72), previous eye trauma (AOR=4.44, 95% CI: 1.64-12.04), family size > 5 (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.43-13.75) and family history of eye problem (AOR=7.02, 95% CI: 1.95-25.22) had statistically significant association with visual impairment. Conclusions: Prevalence of visual impairment among adults was found to be a significant public health problem. Older age, illiterates, previous eye trauma, large family size and family history eye problem were positively associated with visual impairment.
Cost of inappropriate antimicrobial use for upper respiratory infection in Japan
Authors: Tsuzuki Shinya , Kimura Yuki , Ishikane Masahiro , Kusama Yoshiki , Ohamagari Norio
Published: February 2020

Background : Antibiotics are often prescribed inappropriately to patients with upper respiratory infection (URI) in ambulatory care settings; however, the economic burden of such prescription has not been quantitatively assessed. Here, we aimed to evaluate the additional cost of antimicrobial prescription for URI at the population level in Japan.
Methods : We conducted a retrospective observational survey using longitudinal claims data between 2013 and 2016 obtained from JMDC Claims Database, which contains data from 5·1 million corporate employees and family members under the age of 65 years. Appropriateness of antibiotic prescription was assessed by a panel of six infectious disease physicians according to ICD-10 code in JMDC Claims Database. Total additional cost of antibiotic prescription for URI at the national level was estimated by weighting of age-structured population data.
Results : The annual additional cost of inappropriate antibiotic prescription for URI was estimated at 423·6 (95% CI: 416·8–430·5) million USD in 2013, 340·9 (95% CI: 335·7–346·2) million USD in 2014, 349·9 (95% CI: 344·5–355·3) million USD in 2015, and 297·1 (95% CI: 292·4–301·9) million USD in 2016. Three classes of broad-spectrum oral antibiotics (third-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones) accounted for >90% of the total additional cost.
Conclusions : Although a decreasing trend was observed, annual additional costs of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for URI could be a substantial economic burden in Japan. Appropriately prescribing broad-spectrum oral antibiotics might be an important issue to reduce unnecessary medical costs in Japanese ambulatory care.
Modular stem in total hip arthroplasty for patients with trochanter valgus deformity: surgical technique and case series
Authors: Kong Xiangpeng , Chai Wei , Yang Minzhi , Ong Alvin , Chen Jiying , Wang Yan , Zhou Yonggang
Published: February 2020

Background: Trochanter valgus deformity (TVD) is a rare condition of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The femoral osteotomy might be required to correct the deformity to implant the femoral stem in severe TVD. In this study, we described one unpublished technique of reverse sleeve of S-ROM to get through the complex situation. This study aimed to summarize and evaluate its technical challenges, safety and effectiveness. Methods : From January 2006 to December 2014, the patients whose sleeves were implanted towards the great trochanter rather than sitting on the calcar, to solve the TVD in THA were enrolled. Their demographics, perioperative and postoperative information were recorded. To explore its indication, we measured and analyzed the ratio of greater trochanter/lesser trochanter (G/L ratio) and trochanter valgus angle (TVA). Results : Twelve patients (1 male and 11 female, average age 42.30±10.23) who had the complete clinical data were analyzed. The survivorship of femoral prosthesis were 100% with mean follow-up of 6 years. No other complications were found, except for two patients with intraoperative fracture of femur. The Harris hip score (HHS) increased from preoperative 34.31±14.43 to postoperative 84.12±11.33. All patients’ G/L ratio were larger than 1.50. Conclusions: The reverse sleeve of S-ROM was a reliable method for the patients with severe trochanter valgus deformity, which brought satisfying clinical outcomes in mid-term follow-up.
Is Procalcitonin (PCT) a reliable biomarker for preoperative diagnosing of low grade Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Prospective Study
Authors: Busch André , Jäger Marcus , Engler Harald , Haversath Marcel , Bielefeld Charlotte , Landgraeber Stefan , Wegner Alexander
Published: February 2020

Background: Since a „gold-standard“ is missing, diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum and synovial fluid Procalcitonin (S-PCT and SF-PCT) as a diagnostic parameter and to compare it to the biomarkers recommended in the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Methods: Between August 2018 and July 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted in 70 patients with painful hip, shoulder and knee arthroplasty. Besides medical history, clinical and laboratory data was gathered. PJI was diagnosed based on the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Preoperative blood and synovial joint fluid were taken for PCT measurement. S-PCT and SF-PCT levels were measured using standard quantitative PCT enzyme immunoassays. Results: Twenty three patients (33%) were classified as the PJI group and fourty seven patient (67%) as the aseptic group. The mean levels of S-PCT were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the PJI group than those in the aseptic group (PJI 0.05 ng/mL ± 0.21 (0.0-1.03) vs. aseptic 0.02 ng/mL ± 0.03 (0.0-0.18)). In synovial fluid, the mean PCT values in the aseptic group were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of PJI group (PJI 2.7 ng/mL ± 1.4 (0.53-9.7) vs. aseptic 8.7 ng/mL ± 2.5 (0.25-87.9)). S- PCT, with a cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 91.0%. SF-PCT, with a cut-off level of 5.0 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 52.0%. Conclusion: S-PCT and SF-PCT appeared to be no reliable biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of PJI from aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty.
Predictive Value of Admission D-dimer for Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Chen Han-Chuan , Jiang Hui , Wang Sun-Ying , Chen Hong-mei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Feng , Guo Yan-Song , ZHU PENG-LI
Published: February 2020

Background DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI. Methods We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure. Results Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 ug/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUC DD =0.729 vs AUC Mehran =0.722; p =0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD >0.69 ug/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio[OR]=3.37,95%CI:1.80-6.33, p <0.0001). Furthermore, DD >0.69 ug/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during during a mean follow-up period of 16 months(hazard ratio=3.41, 95%CI:1.4-8.03, p =0.005). Conclusion admission DD >0.69 ug/ml is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.
Heterogeneous components of lung adenocarcinomas confer distinct EGFR mutation and PD-L1 expression
Authors: Cai Yi-Ran , Wu Hongbo , Shi Xiaoqin , Dong Yujie , Chang Xiujun , Zhang Li , Zhou Lijuan , Su Dan , Yang Ming
Published: February 2020

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is composed of lepidic, papillary, mucinous, micropapillary and solid components in its parenchyma. Complex responses to therapeutics result from intratumoral heterogeneity. However, it remains confused that what components in a mixed LAC tumor are responsible to the heterogeneous EGFR mutation and PD-L1 expression. Methods We investigated EGFR status via laser microdissection to capture spatially separated cancer cell subpopulations and digital droplet PCR to determine the abundance of EGFR sensitizing mutation and naïve T790M. Whilst, PD-L1 expression level via tumor proportion score (TPS) was evaluated by Ventana immunohistochemistry using SP263 antibody. PD-L1 expression levels were tiered in <1%, 1%-49% and >=50% groups. Results EGFR mutation harbored in 154 (59%) of 261 LAC patients and more frequently occurred in papillary, lepidic and micropapillary constituents. Higher levels of PD-L1 were found in LACs at stage III and IV (68.3%) versus those at stage I and II (31.7%) ( P =0.04). Solid predominant LACs (41.3%) expressed PD-L1 with TPS >=50%, versus mucinous and lepidic LACs ( P <0.01). LACs with solid constituents also had more positive proportion of PD-L1 protein. Cut-offs <1%, 1%–49% or >=50% were associated with patients’ progression-free survival and longer in the <1% group (22.9 month, 95% CI 17.6-28.2) (P<0.05). LACs consisting of two constituents with PD-L1 TPS <1% had a better prognosis than the groups with single component and more than two components ( P <0.05). Eighteen LACs (6.9%) had concomitantly deletion in exon 19 or L858R and naïve T790M mutation. The abundance of T790M varied diversely with sensitizing mutation. PD-L1 expression was not concordant in same components and usually negative in the EGFR -mutated constituents. Heterogeneous PD-L1 expression occurred in the vicinity of stromal tissues. Conclusion Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity of LACs was demonstrated associated with histological patterns. Heterogeneous PD-L1 expression in higher level usually occurred in solid component both in EGFR mutated and EGFR wild-typed LACs. EGFR mutated LACs heterogeneously had sensitizing and resistant mutation and was accompanied with PD-L1 expression, but discordant among histological constituents. Immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor should be more effective to these LACs.
Prognosis of patients with acute exacerbation of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Ikuyama Yuichi , Ushiki Atsuhito , Kosaka Makoto , Akahane jumpei , Mukai Yuichi , Araki Taisuke , Kitaguchi Yoshiaki , Tateishi Kazunari , Urushihata Kazuhisa , Yasuo Masanori , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: February 2020

Background: Previous analyses of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) cohorts have provided conflicting data on the survival of patients with CPFE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the clinical prognosis of acute exacerbation (AE) of CPFE.
Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had been treated at Shinshu University Hospital (Matsumoto, Japan) between 2003 and 2017. We identified 21 patients with AE of CPFE and 41 patients with AE of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and estimated their prognoses using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results : Treatment content and respiratory management were not significantly different between the two groups before and after exacerbation. At the time of AE, the median serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 level was significantly lower in the CPFE group (Krebs von den Lungen-6: 966 U/µL; white blood cell count: 8810 /µL) than that in the IPF group (Krebs von den Lungen-6: 2130 U/µL, p < 0.001; white blood cells: 10809/µL, p = 0.0096). The baseline Gender-Age-Physiology score was not significantly different between the two groups (CPFE, 4.5 points; IPF, 4.7 points; p = 0.58). Kaplan–Meier curves revealed that the survival time after AE for patients with CPFE was longer than that for patients with IPF ( p < 0.001, log-rank test).
Conclusions : Survival prognoses after AE were significantly better for patients with CPFE than that for patients with IPF. Our findings may improve the medical treatment and respiratory management of patients with AE-CPFE.
Effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction and anchorage preservation during the two-step technique: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Haonan , Xie Congman , Lin Min , Yang Hongmei , Ren Aishu
Published: February 2020

Background: Temporary anchorage devices have been used for decades in orthodontic practice for many applications. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices in canine retraction during the two-step technique. Methods: A search was systematically performed for articles published prior to June 30, 2019 in five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for controlled clinical trials (CCTs) . The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used for the quality assessment. Data concerning the mean difference in mesial molar movement and extent of canine retraction were extracted for statistical analysis. The mean difference s and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed for continuous data. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model for comparable outcomes was carried out. Results: Three RCTs and five CCTs were finally included. Meta-analysis showed a significant increase not only in anchorage preservation in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (1. 56 mm , 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.98, P <0.00001 ) and the mandible (1.62 mm , 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.01, P <0.00001 ) but also in canine retraction in the implant anchorage group in both the maxilla (0.43 mm , 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.69, P =0.001 ) and the mandible (0.26 mm , 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.49, P =0.03 ). Conclusions: There is very low-quality evidence showing that implant anchorage is more efficient than conventional anchorage during canine retraction. Additional high-quality studies are needed. Keywords: Orthodontic implants; Canine retraction; Systematic review; Meta-analysis
Association of macular thickness with parapapillary atrophy in myopic eyes
Authors: Piao Helong , Guo Yue , Ha Jun Young , Sung Mi Sun , Park Sang Woo
Published: February 2020

Background: To investigate whether macular structure could be affected by axial elongation and to determine the association between macular intraretinal thickness and the microstructure of β-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA) in myopic eyes.Methods: The study recruited 113 healthy myopic subjects (113 eyes). Images of the macula, subfoveal choroid, and optic nerve head were acquired using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). An automatic segmentation algorithm was used to segment the macular images into 7 intraretinal layers. PPA widths with and without Bruch’s membrane (PPA+BM and PPA-BM, respectively) were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between macular intraretinal thickness and axial length and the microstructure of PPA.Results: An increase in axial length was associated with a decrease in whole macular thickness of the peripheral region and an increase in whole macular thickness of the central region. Thickness alterations of the macular intraretinal layers were most apparent in the peripheral region. A significant correlation was found between PPA-BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness, whereas no significant correlation was found between PPA+BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness. Moreover, both PPA+BM and PPA-BM widths significantly correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness.Conclusions: Macular intraretinal layer thickness may be affected by PPA-BM width. These findings indicate that the microstructure of PPA should be considered when evaluating the macula in patient with myopia and glaucoma.
Modelling the impact of MAUP on environmental drivers for Schistosoma japonicum prevalence
Authors: Navas Andrea Araujo , Osei Frank , Magalhães Ricardo J. Soares , Leonardo Lydia R. , Stein Alfred
Published: February 2020

Background: The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) arises when the support size of a spatial variable affects the relationship between prevalence and environmental risk factors. Its effect on schistosomiasis modelling studies could lead to unreliable parameter estimates. The present research aims to quantify MAUP effects on environmental drivers of Schistosoma japonicum infection by (i) bringing all covariates to the same spatial support, (ii) estimating individual-level regression parameters at 30 m, 90 m, 250 m, 500 m, and 1 km spatial supports, and (iii) quantifying the differences between parameter estimates using five models.
Methods: We modelled the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum using sub-provinces health outcome data and pixel-level environmental data. We estimated and compared regression coefficients from convolution models using Bayesian statistics.
Results: Increasing the spatial support to 500 m gradually increased the parameter estimates and their associated uncertainties. Abrupt changes in the parameter estimates occur at 1 km spatial support, resulting in loss of significance of almost all the covariates. No significant differences were found between the predicted values and their uncertainties from the five models. We provide suggestions to define an appropriate spatial data structure for modelling that gives more reliable parameter estimates and a clear relationship between risk factors and the disease.
Conclusions: Inclusion of quantified MAUP effects was important in this study on schistosomiasis. This will support helminth control programs by providing reliable parameter estimates at the same spatial support, and suggesting the use of an adequate spatial data structure, to generate reliable maps that could guide efficient mass drug administration campaigns.
Keywords: schistosomiasis modelling; modifiable areal unit problem; uncertainty; Bayesian statistics; convolution model.
Clinical efficacy of submucosal injection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of type II/III interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhou Xiaozhou , Chen Zhipeng , Xiong Tailing , Fu Jian , Liu Zhengchao , Yan Dishi , Zhou Zhansong , Shen Wenhao
Published: February 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of submucosal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of type II/III interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of type II/III interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients treated in our department from April 2016 to August 2018 was conducted, and changes in International Prostate Symptom Scores and the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency symptom scale after surgery were evaluated to explore factors that may affect patient outcomes.Results: A total of 27 female patients and 8 male patients were enrolled, with type II patients accounting for 62.9% of the sample, and the median follow-up duration was 31 months (range: 12-40 months). Twenty-two patients (74.3%) had significantly improved questionnaire scores at 4 weeks postoperatively. Treatment efficacy was sustained for at least 1 year in 15 patients, and persistent effectiveness was noted in 10 (28.6%) patients. Patients with an advanced age (p=0.015), high pain scores (p=0.040), and higher International Prostate Symptom Scores (p=0.037) and Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency symptom scale scores (p=0.020) were more likely to benefit from submucosal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Gender, disease duration, and the presence of Hunner’s lesions had no predictive value for treatment outcomes.Conclusion: Submucosal injection of triamcinolone acetonide can improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life in both men and women with type II/III interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Patients with an advanced age and more severe interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome related symptoms may benefit more from triamcinolone acetonide injection.
Targeted sequencing of the short arm of chromosome 6V of a wheat relative Haynaldia villosa for marker development and gene mining
Authors: Xiao Jin , Wan Wentao , Li Mengli , Yu Zhongyu , Zhang Xu , Liu Jia , Holušová Kateřina , Vrána Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Wu Yufeng , Wang Haiyan , Wang Xiue
Published: February 2020

Background: Short arm of chromosome 6V (6VS) of Haynaldia villosa has been used in wheat breeding programs to introduce Pm21 resistance gene against powdery mildew and some other genes.
Results: In this work, 6VS was isolated from a wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) - 6VS telosome addition line by flow cytometric sorting and sequenced by illumina technology. The assembly length was 230.39 Mb with contig N50 of 9,788 bp. The sequence annotation identified 3,276 high confidence genes supported by RNA sequencing data, representing about 2.3% of the chromosome arm sequence; repetitive elements accounted for 74.91% of the arm sequence. Sequences homologous to 6VS genes were identified on short arms of chromosomes 6A of T. urartu , 6D of Aegilops tauschii , 6A and 6B of T. dicoccoides , 6A, 6B and 6D of T. aestivum and 6H of Hordeum vulgare , revealing synteny relationships among these chromosome arms. Based on differences in intron size between the homologous genes on 6VS and 6AS/6BS/6DS of T. aestivum , 222 primer pairs were designed. Out of them, 120 amplified 6VS-specific products and are suitable as intron-target (IT) markers to trace the 6VS chromatin introduced into wheat.
Conclusions: The results obtained and markers developed in this work will facilitate introduction of important genes to common wheat from its wild relative, while reducing the presence of unfavorable genes due to linkage drag.
Proteomics provides insights into the inhibition of Chinese hamster V79 cell proliferation in the deep underground environment
Authors: Liu Shixi , Liu Jifeng , Ma Tengfei , Gao Mingzhong , Liu Yilin , Liu Jun , Wang Shichao , Xie Yike , Wang Ling , Cheng Juan , Zou Jian , Wu Jiang , Li Weimin , Xie Heping
Published: February 2020

Background: To characterize the environment of deep underground laboratory (DUGL) with a rock cover of 1470m and observe the effect of the DUGL environment on the growth and metabolism of Chinese hamster V79 cells.
Results: Six environmental parameters in the DUGL and an above ground laboratory (AGL; control) were monitored. Compared to the AGL, O2 concentration was not significantly different, total γ ray dose rate was significantly lower (p=0.005), and relative humidity (p<0.001), air pressure (p<0.001), and concentration of CO2 and radon gas (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the DUGL. The growth curves of cultured V79 cells showed cell proliferation was slower in the DUGL. Tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics analysis was performed to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in V79 cells cultured in the DUGL and AGL. Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) was conducted to verify TMT results. TMT detected 980 DAPs, defined as proteins with a ≥1.2- absolute fold change in relative abundance (p <0.05) between V79 cells cultured in the DUGL and AGL. Of these, 576 proteins were up-regulated and 404 proteins were down-regulated in V79 cells cultured in the DUGL. GO term enrichment analysis of up-regulated proteins revealed enrichment of proteins involved in translation, ribosome, proton-transporting ATP synthase activity, oxygen binding, and oxygen transporter activity et al. GO term enrichment analysis of down-regulated proteins demonstrated enrichment of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and respiratory chain. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that ribosome (p<0.001), base excision repair (p<0.001), RNA transport (p=0.009), Huntington's disease (p=0.023), and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPPL) (p=0.035) pathways were significantly enriched.
Conclusion: Proliferation of V79 cells was inhibited in the DUGL, likely because cells were exposed to reduced cosmic ray muons flux. There were apparent changes in the proteome profile of the V79 cells cultured in the DUGL, which affected proteins related to the ribosome, RNA transport, translation, energy metabolism, and DNA repair. These proteins may have induced cellular changes that delayed proliferation but enhanced survival, making the V79 cells adaptable to the changing environment. Our findings provide insight into the cellular stress response that is triggered in the absence of normal levels of radiation.
WITHDRAWN: The Relationship between Consumption of Animal Products and Expenditure Levels with Quality of Life Scores (SF-36) by Veterinary Students in Turkey
Authors: TEKİNDAL Mustafa Agah , ÇEVRİMLİ Mustafa Bahadır , AKIN Ahmet Cumhur , MAT Burak , ARIKAN Mehmet Saltuk , POLAT Murat
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of the present study is to calculate the quality of life scores (Short Form-36) of veterinary students in Turkey and review their scores in terms of different socio-demographic characteristics.Methods: 1211 students that study veterinary medicine in 26 different faculties in Turkey and were selected by stratified sampling method were asked questions concerning their consumption of and expenditures on foods of animal origin using the SF-36 questionnaire between October and December 2018.Results: Significant differences were found between SF-36 components in terms of year level, gender, accommodation status, income level and level of expenditures on foods and foods of animal origin (p<0.01). As the size of budget set aside for animal products increased, the scores in the domains physical functioning, vitality, mental health, pain and general health perception increased as well, and statistically significant differences were found (p<0.01).Conclusion: Specifically regarding the veterinary students, the low quality of life scores can be increased if they can increase their income level and consumption of foods of animal origin, which will ensure that they are energetic and have a desired level of mental and general health perceptions.
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: February 2020

Background: 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 biophysical markers 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.
Down regulating PHGDH affects the lactate production of Sertoli cells in varicocele
Authors: Guo Wen-bin , Huang Zhen-hui , Yang Cheng , Lv Xian-yuan , Xia Hui , Tian Hu , Yang Jian-kun , Zhou Qi-zhao , Chen Ming-kun , Xue Kang-yi , Liu Cun-dong
Published: February 2020

Background: Although varicocele is considered to be one of the leading causes of male infertility, the precise mechanism underlying how varicocele leads to male infertility is not completely understood. We found the lactate concentration on the varicocele side of the patients was decreased compare with peripheral venous blood. In the testicles, the lactate produced by the sertoli cells (TM4) through the glycolysis pathway provides most of the energy needed for spermatogenesis, the reduction of lactate will affect spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of this abnormal energy metabolism phenomenon in varicocele.Methods: In this study, we collected the testicular tissue from patients with varicocele, the glycolysis related proteins PHGDH was identified by iTRAQ proteomics technology. Experimental rat varicocele model was constructed according to our new clip technique, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PHGDH were examined with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. We constructed a TM4 cell of PHGDH down-regulation model, and then detected the glucose consumption, LDH activities and lactate production in the TM4 cells. Western blot was conducted to investigate the effects of PHGDH on the expression of phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) and Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle in TM4 cells.Results: The results showed that testicular protein PHGDH was down-regulated in varicocele. Down-regulation of PHGDH in TM4 cells significantly decreased the glucose consumption, LDH activities and lactate production in the TM4 cells, indicating that the low expression of PHGDH ultimately led to a decrease in lactate production by affecting the glycolysis. The Western blot results showed that the down-regulation of PHGDH significantly reduced the expression of pathway protein PSPH and PKM2, leading to the reduction of lactate production. Moreover, PHGDH knockdown can promote apoptosis and inhibit cell cycle to affect cell growth.Conclusions: Overall, we conformed that varicocele lead to the decreasing of testis lactate production. Down-regulation of PHGDH in TM4 cells may mediate the process of abnormal glucose metabolism. Our study provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying metabolism-associated male infertility and suggests a novel therapeutic target for male infertility.
The role of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in complicated knee arthroplasty relevance of gentamicin allergy and benefit from revision surgery,  a case control follow-up study
Authors: Thomas Benjamin , Benedikt Maria , Alamri Ali , Kapp Florian , Bader Rainer , Summer Burkhard , Thomas Peter , Oppel Eva
Published: February 2020

Background: Antibiotic-loaded (particularly gentamicin) bone cement (BC) is widely used in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to prevent periprosthetic infections (PPIs), but may itself cause implant failure. In light of a complete lack in literature, the objective was to assess the clinical relevance of gentamicin allergy for failure of cemented total knee arthroplasties in 25 out of 250 patients with positive patch test reactions to gentamicin and otherwise unexplained symptoms by evaluating benefits from revision with change to gentamicin-free cement.Methods: 15 of these 25 patients and their treating orthopaedic surgeons agreed to a re-assessment. They were surveyed regarding interim course of therapy and symptoms, including re-assessment of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and underwent follow-up clinical and radiographic investigations. The initial use of gentamicin-loaded BC was reaffirmed by review of the primary implantation operative reports and respective implant passports. Primary and follow-up KOOS scores were analyzed regarding benefits from revision surgery by comparing nine patients with revision to six without revision.Results: Mean follow-up time was 38 months. The entirety of patients experienced an improvement of self-reported symptoms, with revision surgery (i.e. switching to gentamicin-free BC or uncemented total knee arthroplasty) yielding significantly greater improvement (p=0.031): the nine revised patients reported a significant symptom relief (p=0.028), contrary to the six unrevised patients (p=0.14). Interestingly, the decision to proceed with revision surgery was significantly correlated with higher symptom severity (p=0.05).Conclusion: In symptomatic total knee arthroplasty with gentamicin allergy, uncemented revision arthroplasty or change to gentamicin-free BC provides significant symptom relief.
Supporting mental health service users to stop smoking: findings from a mixed method evaluation of the implementation of nicotine management policies into two mental health trusts
Authors: Jones Susan E , Billett A. , Mulrine S. , Clements H. , Hamilton S.
Published: February 2020

Background Life expectancy is 10-20 years lower among people with a severe mental health disorder. Most of these early deaths are due to chronic conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Smoking is a major risk factor for these conditions and introducing nicotine management policies has been recommended to mental health service providers. This paper reports an evaluation of introducing these policy recommendations. Aim To reflect on the process and effectiveness outcomes when introducing nicotine management policies, including smokefree sites, in National Health Service (NHS) Trusts providing mental health services in an English region. Method Process data were collected through semi-structured interviews with staff (n=51), members of partnering organisations (n=5), service users (n=7) and carers (n=2) between November 2016–April 2017. Normalization Process Theory (NPT) was used to design the data collection tools and analyse the data. A framework approach was taken with the analysis using the four concepts of NPT: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring. Aggregate routine quantitative data indicating the smoking status of service users were collected by querying patient administration systems every other quarter between 2013 and 2017. The data were analysed to investigate quality and completeness and to monitor smoking prevalence among service users over time. Results The policy made sense to some staff (coherence) who ‘bought-into’ the idea (cognitive participation) but other staff disagreed. Although nicotine management interventions were operationalised (collective action), sometimes they were opposed. Progress was made, especially in some units, but continued to be resisted in others. Informal appraisal of progress (reflexive monitoring) presented a varied picture. Routinely collected numerical data were of limited quality due to the high proportion of missing values; although there was some evidence of reducing smoking prevalence in both Trusts. Conclusion Some progress has been made in terms of changing entrenched, smoking cultures into one that is smokefree on Trust sites across the region. Systems for accurate, routine data capture of continued smoking and stop smoking journeys need to be established. Perseverance and resourcing over the long-term is required to establish routine data capture and a non-smoking culture in on-site provision of mental health services.