bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AAV9-Retro Mediates Efficient Transduction with Axon Terminal Absorption and Blood-brain Barrier Transportation
Authors: Lin Kunzhang , Zhong Xin , Li Lei , Ying Min , Yang Tian , Zhang Zhijian , He Xiaobin , Xu Fuqiang
Published: August 2020

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs), especially which permit efficient gene transfer to neurons from axonal terminals or across the blood-brain barrier, are useful vehicles for the structural and functional studies of neural circuit, and for the treatment of many gene-deficient brain diseases that needs to compensate for the correct genes to every cell in the whole brain. However, AAVs with these two advantages have not been reported. Here, we describe a new capsid engineering method, which draws on advantage combination of different capsids, and aims to yield a capsid that can provide more alternative routes of administration, which are more suitable for wide-scale transduction of the CNS. A new AAV variant, AAV9-Retro, was developed by inserting the 10-mer peptide fragment from AAV2-Retro into the capsid of AAV9, and the biodistribution properties were evaluated in mice. By intracranial and intravenous injection in the mice, we found that AAV9-Retro can retrogradely infect projection neurons with efficiency comparable to AAV2-Retro, and retains the characteristic of AAV9 that can transport across the nervous system. Our strategy provides a new tool for the manipulation of neural circuits, and for the future preclinical and clinical treatment of some neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
MELD-Albumin score predicts 30-day mortality in high-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism admitted to intensive care units
Authors: İdin Kadir , Dereli Seçkin , Yenerçağ Mustafa , Kaya Ahmet
Published: August 2020

Background: The Model for End-stage Liver Disease excluding the international normalised ratio (INR, MELD-XI) and modified MELD, which uses albumin in place of the INR (MELD-Albumin) scores reflect liver and renal function and are predictors of mortality. However, their prognostic value in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) has not been studied.Methods: We assessed the predictive value of the MELD scores in patients diagnosed with high-risk APE admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.Results: Of the 273 patients included in the study, 231 were survivors and 42 were non-survivors. The mortality rate was 15.3%. The mean Meld-XI and MELD-Albumin scores were significantly higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors (MELD XI, 11.8 ± 1.8 and 10.6 ± 1.43, respectively; p = 0.002; MELD-Albumin, 10.5 ± 1.6 and 8.7 ± 1.1, respectively; p = 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis identified the MELD-XI (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.029, confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.21, p = 0.007) and MELD-Albumin (HR: 1.13, CI: 1.06–1.21, p = 0.002) scores as independent predictors of mortality. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the predictive power of the MELD-Albumin score (0.871 ± 0.014; p < 0.001) was higher than those of the MELD-XI (0.726 ± 0.022, p < 0.001), APACHE III (0.682 ± 0.024, p < 0.001), and PESI (0.624 ± 0.023, p < 0.001) scores.Conclusions: The MELD-Albumin score is an easily calculable, reliable, and practical risk assessment tool and independent predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with high-risk APE.
Mortality rate among critically ill patients with COVID-19 in a medical system with adequate hospital resources: a prospective observational study
Authors: Routsi Christina , Magira Eleni , Kokkoris Stelios , Siembos Ilias , Vrettou Charikleia , Zervakis Dimitris , Ischaki Eleni , Malahias Sotiris , Sigala Ioanna , Asimakos Andreas , Daidou Theodora , Kaltsas Panagiotis , Douka Evangelia , Sotiriou Adamandia , Markaki Vassiliki , Temberikidis Prodromos , Koroneos Apostolos , Politis Panagiotis , Mastora Zafiria , Dima Efrosini , Tsoutsouras Theodoros , Papahatzakis Ioannis , Gioni Panagiota , Strilakou Athina , Maraguti Aikaterini , Mizi Eleftheria , Kanavou Ageliki , Sarri Aikaterini , Gavrielatou Evdokia , Mentzelopoulos Spyros , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Papastamopoulos Vassilios , Kotanidou Anastasia , Zakynthinos Spyros G
Published: August 2020

Background: For critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who require intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality rates vary widely depending on many factors, among which hospital resources and clinical setting seem important. We sought to determine the outcome of critically ill patients admitted in the usual multidisciplinary ICUs of a big referral for COVID-19 tertiary-care hospital with adequate resources.Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of all adult patients with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to four COVID-designated ICUs at Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece, from March 11 to April 27, 2020.Results: Among 50 critically ill patients, ICU and hospital mortality for the entire cohort was 32% (16/50), whereas 66% (33/50) of patients were discharged alive from the ICU and 2% (1/50) were still treated in the ICU until June 16, 2020. ICU and hospital mortality for those who received invasive mechanical ventilation was 39% (16/41). Patients who eventually died had already increased risk of death on ICU admission, as suggested by the high values of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, the presence of current malignancy and occurrence of cardiac arrest in 44% (7/16) of patients, and the general need for circulatory support by noradrenaline. Median PaO2/FiO2 on ICU admission for the entire cohort was 121 mmHg [interquartile range (IQR), 86-171 mmHg] and most patients had moderate and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the Berlin Definition. The primary cause of death of all patients was multi-organ failure, most commonly due to sepsis, whereas none died from refractory hypoxemia, neurologic dysfunction or withdrawal of life support. Hospital stay was long in patients who survived [median 24 days (IQR, 15-35 days)] and was frequently complicated by bacteremias [36% (12/33)].Conclusion: Severely ill COVID-19 patients with moderate and severe ARDS may have equal or even lower mortality rates compared to ARDS due to other causes, when they are admitted in general ICUs with experienced and adequate staff without limitations in hospital resources, where established ARDS therapies are used.
Energy-Efficient Time and Energy Resource Allocation in Non-selfish Symbiotic Cognitive Relaying Sensor Network with Privacy Preserving for Smart City
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Yu , Gao Xiang , Li Huibo , Gong Peng
Published: August 2020

Energy efficiency and privacy preserving have become essential for the wireless sensor networks. In the previous work, an optimal power allocation algorithm was investigated for a non-selfish symbiotic cognitive relaying scheme (NSCRS) in the sensor network with coexistence of a primary user (PU) and cognitive users (CUs). However, the optimal strategy of energy and time resource allocation as well as the privacy preserving was not considered. In this paper, we further consider the joint energy and time resource allocation problem for the cognitive users in NSCRS to maximize the overall capacity of the primary user and cognitive users with the consideration of information privacy under the energy constraints of cognitive users. With full channel state information (CSI), i.e., PU s -PU d , PU s -CUs and CUs-PU d , an optimal energy and time resource allocation algorithm is proposed based on the exhaustive searching. In order to reduce the overhead of CSI feedback, a suboptimal algorithm, in which only the instantaneous CSI of PU s -PU d , the instantaneous CSI of PU s -CUs and an averaged CSI of CUs-PU d by long term observation rather than an instantaneous value of CSI of CUs-PU d are required, is additionally proposed. Simulation results demonstrate the energy efficiency of primary and cognitive users in the NSCRS with consideration of information privacy can be greatly improved by the proposed algorithms.
COVID-19: What Can Iodine Maps From Perfusion CT Teach US? A Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Santamarina Mario G. , Riscal Dominique Boisier , Beddings Ignacio , Contreras Roberto , Baque Martiniano , Volpacchio Mariano , Lomakin Felipe Martinez
Published: August 2020

Background: Subtraction CT angiography (sCTA) is a technique used to evaluate pulmonary perfusion based on iodine distribution maps. The aim of this study is to assess lung perfusion changes with sCTA seen in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, and correlate them with clinical outcomes.Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out with 45 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients that required hospitalization at three different hospitals, between April and May 2020. In all cases, a basic clinical and demographic profile was obtained. Lung perfusion was assessed using sCTA. Evaluated imaging features included: Predominant type of perfusion abnormality (increased perfusion or hypoperfusion), perfusion abnormality distribution (focal or diffuse), extension of perfusion abnormalities (mild, moderate and severe involvement), presence of vascular dilatation and vascular tortuosity. All participants were followed-up until hospital discharge searching for the development of any of the study endpoints. These endpoints included intensive-care unit (ICU) admission, initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and death.Results: Forty-one patients (55.2 +/- 16.5 years, 22 men ) with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and an interpretable iodine map were included. Patients with perfusion anomalies on sCTA in morphologically normal lung parenchyma showed lower Pa/Fi values (294 ± 111.3 vs. 397 ± 37.7, p=0.035), and higher D-dimer levels (1156 ± 1018 vs. 378 ± 60.2, p<0.01). The patterns seen on lung CT were ground-glass opacities, mixed pattern and alveolar consolidation in 51.2%, 41.6% and 7.3%, respectively. Perfusion abnormalities were common (36 patients, 87.8%), mainly hypoperfusion in areas of apparently healthy lung . Patients with severe hypoperfusion in areas of apparently healthy lung parenchyma had an increased probability of being admitted to ICU and to initiate IMV (HR of 11.9% and HR 7.8%, respectively).Conclusion: Perfusion abnormalities evidenced in iodine maps obtained by sCTA are associated with increased admission to ICU and initiation of IMV in COVID-19 patients.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective multi-center study
Authors: Liu Jiao , Chen Yizhu , Li Ranran , Dong Xuan , Li Yizhong , Xu Qianghong , Feng Huibin , Huang Sisi , Guo Jun , Zhang Lidi , Ye Xiaofei , Zhu Wei , Du Hangxiang , Liu Yong’an , Wang Tao , Chen Limin , Wen Zhenliang , Teboul Jean-Louis , Chen Dechang
Published: August 2020

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is commonly used to treat severe COVID-19, although the clinical outcomes remain unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of IVIG treatment for severe COVID-19.Methods: This retrospective multi-center study evaluated 28-day mortality and time for SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance in severe COVID-19 patients with or without IVIG treatment. Propensity score matching was used to control confounding factors. Logistic regression and competing risk analyses were performed.Results: The study included 850 patients (421 patients received IVIG). No significant differences in 28-day mortality or time for SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance were observed (p=0.357 and p=0.123, respectively). High-dose of IVIG treatment (>10 g/day) (n=27) was associated with decreased 28-day mortality (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77; p=0.011). The IVIG group had prolonged median hospitalization, less shock, and higher incidences of acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial injury. Furthermore, IVIG-treated patients were more likely to require non-invasive mechanical ventilation and less likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation.Conclusions: IVIG treatment for severe COVID-19 patients was not associated with significant improvements in 28-day mortality or time for SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance. However, some improvements in 28-day survival were observed for high-dose IVIG treatment (>10 g/day).
Automatic Detection of Liver Disease Using Voting Ensemble Method
Authors: Dutta Shawni , Bandyopadhyay Prof. Samir Kumar
Published: August 2020

Liver disease is one of the prominent causes of death which can be tackled by providing detection at an early stage along with possible countermeasures. Liver diseases caused by factors like genetic predisposition, infections and the environment. It requires diverse and targeted treatment options. The increasing of hepatic conditions worldwide is due to lifestyle actions such as intake of alcohol and drug with the consultation of physicians. The cause of numerous infections and disorders are not yet well understood. A voting ensemble method is proposed in this paper that considers influential factors responsible for liver disease. This predictive model aims to enhance forecasting reports with respect to other peer intelligent model. The enhanced efficiency reaches an accuracy of 77.2% which is quite promising towards early liver disease prediction.
Montmorillonite combined organic acid or essential oil complex improves the intestinal health status of laying hens
Authors: Chen Jifa , Geng Xiaofeng , Ali Ali Seif
Published: August 2020

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of montmorillonite combined organic acid (MOA) complex and montmorillonite combined essential oil (MEO) complex on the laying performance and intestinal barrier functions in laying hens. Methods: Two hundred and seventy 29-wk-old laying hens were randomly assigned to 3 treatments consisted of 6 replicates of 15 hens, receiving the following diets for 10 wks, respectively: 1) basal diet; 2) the basal diet added with 0.65 g/kg of MOA complex; 3) the basal diet added with 0.70 g/kg of MEO complex. Results: Dietary supplementation with both MOA and MEO complexes tended to increase (P = 0.094) the hens’ egg production and improved numerically (P > 0.05) the egg mass and feed conversion ratio during 6–10 weeks of the experiment. Dietary MOA and MEO complexes decreased (P < 0.05) the relative amount of Clostridium perfringens and the mRNA expression levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and interleukin‐1 beta (IL-1β) in the ileum while increased (P < 0.05) the activity of suctase and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of the ileum. Besides, dietary inclusion of MEO complex increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression level of claudin-5 in the ileum. The MOA complex supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the relative amount of Salmonella and nuclear factor kappa B P65 (NF-κB p65) mRNA expression level of the ileum but enhanced (P < 0.05) the alkaline phosphatase activity in the ileum and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of the jejunum. Conclusions: Dietary both MOA and MEO complexes could improve the intestinal health status of laying hens, which may contribute to the partially increase in hens’ laying performance.
Reappraisal of Trifluperidol against NSP-3 protein: Potential therapeutic for COVID-19
Authors: Pandey Ajita
Published: August 2020

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease that is caused by the recently discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Because there are no specific vaccines or drugs for SARS-CoV-2, drug repurposing may be a promising approach. SARS-CoV-2 has a positive-sense RNA genome that encodes non-structural proteins (Nsps), which are essential for viral replication in the host cell. Non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3) is a multidomain protein and is the largest protein of the replicase complex. Nsp3 contains an ADP-ribose phosphatase (ADRP) domain, also called the macrodomain, which interferes with the host immune response. In the present study, we used computational regression methods to target the ADRP domain of Nsp3, using FDA-approved drugs. We virtually screened 2,892 FDA-approved drugs, using a combination of molecular docking and scoring functions. Saquinavir and trifluperidol were identified as potential leads and were further investigated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) to predict the stability and behavior of the ADRP-drug complexes. Analysis of root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, solvent accessible surface area and number of hydrogen bonds showed that the ADRP-trifluperidol complex is more stable than the ADRP-saquinavir complex. The screening and the MDS results suggest that trifluperidol is a novel inhibitor of the ADRP domain of Nsp3. Trifluperidol could, therefore, potentially be used to help control the spread of COVID-19, either alone or in combination with antiviral agents. Further in-vitro and in-vivo experiments are necessary to confirm our in silico results.
Sustainable Water Management using Rainfall Runoff Modeling: A Geospatial Approach
Authors: Shyam Gara Megha , Sudhanshu  , Singh Suraj Kumar
Published: August 2020

In earth crust, precipitation is one of the dynamic hydrologic cycle. It is an ideal unit of natural resource like water from precipitation. In present days, Remote Sensing technology (RS) in association with Geographic Information system (GIS) has become a very important in innovation of technology in all fields of Engineering. Because these techniques enable us results with high accuracy in less time. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is one of the most effective models, to delineate stream network map with flow direction, stream density and watersheds. The rainfall runoff is estimated by using Lacy’s and Rational formula. To identify the feasible locations for excess precipitation water to the ground water regime by the help of Rain Water Harvesting systems (RWH), evaluate total recharge potential through these systems and its impact on ground water regime. This research paper provides a scientific approach to arrest the maximum possibility of precipitation runoff during rainfall event and also the conservation of water with ground water recharge, in the area of studied.
A New Simulation-based Robust Optimal Design of FOPID Controller for Five Bar Linkage Robot in a Cyber-physical System
Authors: Parnianifard Amir , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Zemouche Ali , Phanomchoeng Gridsada
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to further increase the reliability of optimal results by setting the simulation conditions to be as close as possible to the real or actual operation to create a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) view for the installation of the Fractional-Order PID (FOPID) controller. For this purpose, we consider two different sources of variability in such a CPS control model. The first source refers to changeability of a target of control model (multiple setpoints) because of environmental noise factors and the second source refers to an anomaly in sensors that is raised in a feedback loop. We develop a new approach to optimize two objective functions under uncertainty including signal energy control and response error control while obtaining the robustness among the source of variability with the lowest computational cost. A new hybrid surrogate-metaheuristic approach is developed using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to update the Gaussian Process (GP) surrogate for a sequential improvement of the robust optimal result. The application of efficient global optimization is extended to estimate surrogate prediction error with less computational cost using a jackknife leave-one-out estimator. This paper examines the challenges of such a robust multi-objective optimization for FOPID control of a five-bar linkage robot manipulator. The results show the applicability and effectiveness of our proposed method in obtaining robustness and reliability in a CPS control system by tackling required computational efforts.
Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on Renal Function After Radical Nephrectomy in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wu Tingkun , Xie Jingjing , Yan Liqun , Guo Xiuli , Xu Weijia , Wang Liping
Published: August 2020

Background: Nephrectomy, partial or radical, remains the standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) must still be considered. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of concomitant metabolic syndrome (MetS) on renal function in patients with RCC after radical nephrectomy.Methods: Medical records of 310 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for clear-cell RCC at 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA from December 2012 to January 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and CKD stages were calculated at one week preoperative as baseline and then at postoperative 1 week, 3 months, 12 months and 24 months. MetS patients were identified and enrolled in the MetS group (n=31), and a non-MetS group was selected by propensity score matching (n=31). Non-neoplastic renal parenchyma specimens taken at least 2 cm from edge of tumor were evaluated.Results: Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. At 24 months postoperative, mean eGFR levels of the MetS group were significantly lower than those in the non-MetS group (62.7 vs. 73.3 ml/min/1.73m2; p=0.004). CKD stages were still more severe in the MetS group than those in the non-MetS group (p = 0.006). The proportions of global sclerosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis were all significantly more prevalent in MetS patients, compared to non-MetS patients (all p<0.05).Conclusion: In RCC patients with MetS, the possibility of declining eGFR and CKD progression must be considered after radical nephrectomy. Routine monitoring of renal function must be emphasized.
Metabolic Syndrome among Adults in Jordan: Prevalence, Trend, and Associated Factors
Authors: Ajlouni Kamel , Khader Yousef , Alyousfi Mohamad , Nsour Mohannad Al , Batieha Anwar , Jaddou Hashem
Published: August 2020

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is emerging as a global health challenge in the 21st century. Multiple epidemiological studies were conducted among variety of ethnic groups showed discrepancies in the prevalence of both Metabolic Syndrome and its individual components. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Jordan using the ATP III and IDF criteria and assess the changes of Metabolic Syndrome prevalence over time. Methods: Data from the 2017 cardiovascular risk factors national survey were. The survey collected extensive data from a national population-based sample of Jordanian residents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables and clinical data. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. Anthropometric characteristics were measured by the same team of trained field researchers. A total sample of 4,056 aged between 18 and 90 years were included. The findings from the 2017 survey were compared with the findings of the 2009 survey that adopted the same methods and procedures. Results: The crude prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 48.2% (52.9% among men and 46.2% among women; p<0.001) according to IDF criteria. Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence was 44.1% (51.4% among men and 41% among women, p<0.001). The age standardized prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome was 44% (95% CI: 42.7%, 45.4%) and 39.9% (95% CI: 39.6%, 41.2%) using the IDF definition and ATP III criteria, respectively. The kappa measure of agreement showed excellent agreement between the two definitions (k= 81.9%, p<0.001). Of all participants, 41.7% met both the IDF and ATP III diagnostic criteria, 6.6% met the IDF criteria only and 2.5% met the ATP III criteria only. The age-standardized prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome was significantly higher in 2017 (45.7% in men and 44.5% in women) than that in 2009 (34.6% in men and 39.8% in women).Conclusion: The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Jordan is considerably high and increasing. Healthy lifestyle programs encouraging appropriate dietary habits and physical activity are strongly recommended in Jordan.
miR-636 Inhibits EMT, Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle of Ovarian Cancer by Directly Targeting the Transcription Factor Gli2 of Hedgehog Pathway
Authors: Ma Jiong , Zhou Chunxia , Chen Xuejun
Published: August 2020

Objective: Ovarian cancer (OVC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and has a significant impact on physical and mental health of women. This study explores the molecular mechanism of miR-636 acting as a tumor suppressor in OVC in vitro and in vivo, and provides new insight into the treatment of OVC.Methods: Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed to identify the hub gene in Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. TargetScan database was used to predict the upstream regulatory miRNAs of Gli2 to obtain the target miRNA. qRT-PCR was performed to test the expression of miR-636, while Western blot were conducted to detect the expression of Hh and EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) related genes in OVC cell lines. MTT assay and wound healing assay were used to measure the effect of miR-636 on OVC cell proliferation and migration. Flow cytometry was carried out to examine the effect of miR-636 on cell cycle, and Western blot was used for identification of changes in expression of Hh and EMT related proteins. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was implemented to detect the targeted relationship between miR-636 and Gli2. The xenotransplantation model was used to detect the effect of miR-636 on OVC cell proliferation in vivo.Results: PPI interaction analysis found that Gli2 was the hub gene in Hh pathway. Based on TargetScan and GEO databases, Gli2 was found to be targeted regulated by the upstream miR-636. In vitro experiments discovered that miR-636 was significantly lowly expressed in OVC cell lines. Overexpressing miR-636 significantly inhibited HO-8910PM cell proliferation and migration abilities as well as induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, while the inhibition of miR-636 promoted cell proliferation and migration abilities. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that Gli2 was a target gene of miR-636. Besides, overexpressing miR-636 decreased protein expression of Gli2, while the inhibition of miR-636 increased protein expression of Gli2. Furthermore, the overexpression and inhibition of miR-636 both affected the expression of proteins related to Hh signaling pathway and EMT. Rescue experiments verified that overexpression of Gli2 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-636 on HO-8910PM cell proliferation and migration abilities, and attenuated the blocking effect of miR-636 on HO-8910PM cell cycle. The xenotransplantation model suggested that miR-636 inhibited cell growth of OVC by decreasing Gli2 expression. Besides, overexpressing Gli2 potentiated the EMT process in OVC via decreasing E-cadherin protein expression and increasing Vimentin protein expression, and it reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-636 on OVC cell proliferation and migration abilities in vivo.Conclusion: miR-636 inhibits the Hh pathway activation via targeted binding to Gli2, thus inhibiting EMT, cell proliferation and migration in OVC.
Factors Related to Reamputation in Patients with Diabetes Who Have Undergone Minor Amputation: A Single-Facility Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Imaoka Shinsuke , Sato Koji , Furukawa Masahide , Okita Minoru , Higashi Toshio
Published: August 2020

Background: With aging, there has been an increase in the number of patients with lower limb amputations, especially in Japan. Previous studies have reported that minor amputation after limb salvage is associated with a high recurrence, with the ulcer recurring within 10.5 months. Age, wounded area, history of peripheral artery disease, and wound infection have been reported as the risk factors of recurrence. Thus far, there are no studies on the association between rehabilitation and reamputation. This study therefore aimed to examine factors predictive of reamputation in patients with diabetes who have undergone minor amputation for developing a rehabilitation program.Methods: This study included 129 patients who had undergone physical therapy between January 2015 and February 2018. The patients were assigned to the reamputation and non-reamputation groups. We retrospectively studied the patients’ medical records and compared the factors between the groups. Next, we analyzed the differences between the factors using Cox proportional hazards analysis.Results: During the follow-up period, 42 patients (35.2%) underwent reamputation. The factors associated with reamputation were hemodialysis, ankle dorsiflexion angle, and ambulation Functional Independence Measure score.Conclusions: We identified hemodialysis, ankle dorsiflexion angle, and FIM ambulation were the factors associated with reamputation in patients with diabetes who had undergone minor amputation． Future developing a rehabilitation program focusing on these factors could reduce reamputations.
Retrospective analysis on Mass Drug Administration of Deng's Herbal Tea Granula preventing from Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19)
Authors: Tang Ye-Xiao , Pan Zi-Yi , Zou Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Hong-Ying , Guo Jia-Wen , Yuan Yue-Ming , Xu Zhi-Yong , Deng Chang-Sheng , Wang Qi
Published: August 2020

As the kinetics of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak still going all over the world and we can't predict when it'll make that turnaround and start coming down, seeking ways to prevent and control this disease is particularly important. Here we describe the role of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing COVID-19. In this clinical observation study, we selected 65 people who came back from Hubei province as subjects and launched a mass drug administration with them. We collected the data of the days from Hubei, non-symptoms rate, temperature before and after administration of these people. We treated them by isolating for 14 days and taking Deng's Herbal Tea Granula once a day for seven days. Then we assessed the possible efficacy of Deng's Herbal Tea Granula on COVID-19. Enrolled people had an average age of 27 years old (3–66 years old), among which 34 (53.97%) were females, with a median temperature of 36.4℃ (36.1–36.8℃). The median of the days from Hubei was 16 days (10–27 days). None of them presents any abnormal clinical manifestation. Isolation is the most effective way to defend and control COVID-19, but accompanied by the treatment of Deng's Herbal Tea Granula may increase the power of prevention. Not only this plant solid beverage which made of Chinese medicine can keep the temperature of all the suspected people at a healthy and stable level, but also is suitable for a large group of ages.
Clinical Significance of Inflammatory Factors Within the Synovial Fluids in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis for Predicting Meniscus Degeneration Progression
Authors: Wang Dalin , Wang Zhe , Jiang Weihai , Li Mingcheng
Published: August 2020

Background: This research aims to investigate the expressions and clinical significance of inflammatory factors in the synovial fluid of the meniscus degeneration with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A total of 100 patients with meniscus degeneration in knee OA were divided into into stage II and III groups based on MRI imaging. The expressions of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the knee joint fluid were determined by means of an ELISA and chemiluminescence assay. International general Lysholm score and correlation between the levels of four cytokines were further analyzed.Results: Compared with stage II group, patients in stage III group had significantly increased levels of IL-1β in the synovial fluid along with increases in TNF-α (P <0.05) and higher levels of IL-17 (P <0.05). In addition, stage II group also showed a decrease in TGF-β1 (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17 were negatively correlated with Lysholm score whilst TGF-β1 was positively correlated with Lysholm score (P<0.05). The values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the four cytokines in the diagnosis of meniscus degeneration in knee OA were 0.652, 0.604, 0.714 and 0.391 respectively. Conclusions: The high expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17, and the low expression levels of TGF-β1 in knee joint fluid are related to the severity of meniscus injury in patients with knee OA. These cytokines are associated with the pathological development of knee injury and ultimately lead to the decline of knee joint function.
Tennis Elbow, Study Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial: Needling With and Without Platelet-Rich Plasma After Failure of Up-to-Date Rehabilitation
Authors: Schwitzguebel Adrien J-P , Bogoev Mitko , Nikolov Viktor , Ichane Freddy , Laedermann Alexandre
Published: August 2020

Background: The conservative management of lateral epicondylitis is known to be a difficult-to-treat annoying condition. A treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is often performed, but its efficacy remains controversial.Methods: This study is a single-center, randomized double-blind controlled trial, preceded by a case series.This monocentric study including 232 patients will occur in two steps. During the first step, all patients will undergo an up-to-date rehabilitation, including epicondylar stretching and strengthening, periscapular tonification, epicondylar brace or taping, and focused extracorporeal shock waves therapy. Unsatisfied patients after the first step will be allocated for the 1:1 randomized trial of second step. Stratification is planned on age and lesion pattern. The masking will be quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator & Outcome Assessor). The patients will undergo ultrasound (US)-guided needling combined with either PRP (intervention group) or saline (Control group). Outcome data will be collected at -3, 0, 3, 6, and 12 months of the intervention.The primary endpoint is the pain improvement between months 0 and 3 on a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) during a maximal strength isometric contraction of the extensor carpialis brevis muscle. The secondary endpoints include the proportion of patients for which the tendon needling is not necessary after rehabilitation protocol, pain changes on VAS at rest and during maximal strength isometric contraction, changes of Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, changes of Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, changes of maximal grip strength on Jamar test, and changes of the US of the epicondylar tendons (i.e. Volume of the lesion in mm3; Doppler reaction classified at the proportion of the tendon marked with the Doppler signal; Solution of continuity in mm3; Tendon thickness in mm; Concomitant superficial lesion & volume in mm3; Pain on a 0-10 VAS scale during sonopalpation).Discussion: The study results will provide insight into the effect of PRP as adjuvant therapy to tendon fenestration, and may contribute to identify the best preceding and concomitant rehabilitation protocol.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03987256, registered 20 August 2019
Diagnostic Value of MRA and MRI for The Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Lianxin , Dong Jinlei , Li Qinghu , Dong Jinye , Zhou Dongsheng , Liu Fanxiao
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) for the articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (PTRCT).Methods: Three electronic databases, PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library, were utilized to retrieve articles comparing the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for detecting articular-sided PTRCTs. The pooled statistical indexes included sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Eleven studies involving 1703 patients and 1704 shoulders were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC and their 95% CIs of MRA to diagnose articular-sided PTRCTs were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-0.90), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-0.98), 68.14 (95% CI, 33.20-139.84) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.97), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC and their 95% CIs of MRI were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.87) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.84-0.99), 47.82 (95% CI, 8.29-275.89) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.92), respectively.Conclusions: This meta-analysis reveals that MRA has a better diagnostic value than that of MRI for the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, but only small improvement of sensitivity. Considering the price and invasion of MRA, MRI is recommended as an initial examination to detect patients suspected with articular-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Therapeutic Effects and Outcomes of Rescue High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation for Premature Infants With Severe Refractory Respiratory Failure
Authors: Hsu Jen-Fu , Yang Mei-Chin , Chu Shih-Ming , Yang Lan-Yan , Chiang Ming-Chou , Lai Mei-Yin , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Pan Yu-Bin , Fu Ren-Huei , Tsai Ming Horng
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite wide application of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in neonates with respiratory distress, little has been reported about its rescue use in preterm infants. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of HFOV in preterm neonates with refractory respiratory failure and investigate the independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data collected prospectively (January 2011-December 2018) in four neonatal intensive care units of two tertiary-level medical centers in Taiwan. All premature infants (gestational age 24-34 weeks) receiving HFOV as rescue therapy for refractory respiratory failure were included.Results: A total of 668 preterm neonates with refractory respiratory failure were enrolled. The median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight were 27.3 (25.3-31.0) weeks and 915.0 (710.0-1380.0) g, respectively. Pre-HFOV use of cardiac inotropic agents and inhaled nitric oxide were 70.5% and 23.4%, respectively. The oxygenation index (OI), FiO2, and AaDO2 were markedly increased after HFOV initiation (all p < 0.001), and can be decreased within 24-48 hours (all p < 0.001) after use of HFOV. 375 (56.1%) patients had a good response to HFOV within 3 days. The final in-hospital mortality rate was 34.7%. No association was found between specific primary pulmonary disease and survival in multivariate analysis. We found preterm neonates with gestational age < 28 weeks, occurrences of sepsis, severe hypotension, multiple organ dysfunctions, initial higher severity of respiratory failure and response to HFOV within the first 72 hours were independently associated with final in-hospital mortality.Conclusions: The mortality rate of preterm neonates with severe respiratory failure remains high after rescue HFOV treatment. Aggressive therapeutic interventions to treat sepsis and prevent organ dysfunctions are the suggested strategies to optimize outcomes.
Development of the Equine Hindgut Microbiome in Semi-feral and Domestic Conventionally-Managed Foals
Authors: Tavenner Meredith , McDonnell Sue M , Biddle Amy S
Published: August 2020

Background Early development of the gut microbiome is an essential part of neonate health in animals. It is unclear whether the acquisition of gut microbes is different between domesticated animals and their wild counterparts. In this study, fecal samples from ten domestic conventionally managed (DCM) Standardbred and ten semi-feral managed (SFM) Shetland-type pony foals and dams were compared using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify differences in the development of the foal hindgut microbiome related to time and management. Results Gut microbiome diversity of dams was higher than foals overall, and foals from both groups at Week 1 had less diverse gut microbiomes than subsequent weeks. The core microbiomes of SFM dams and foals had more taxa overall, and greater numbers of taxa within species groups when compared to DCM dams and foals. The gut microbiomes of SFM foals demonstrated enhanced diversity of key groups: Verrucomicrobia (RFP12), Ruminococcaceae, Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp., based on age and management. Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus spp. and Lactobacillaceae gen. were enriched only in DCM foals, specifically during their second and third week of life. Predicted microbiome functions estimated computationally suggested that SFM foals had higher mean sequence counts for taxa contributing to the digestion of lipids, simple and complex carbohydrates, and protein. DCM foal microbiomes were more similar to their dams in week five and six than were SFM foals at the same age. Conclusions This study demonstrates the impact of management on the development of the foal gut microbiome in the first 6 weeks of life. The higher numbers of taxa within and between bacterial groups found in SFM dams and foals suggests more diversity and functional redundancy in their gut microbiomes, which could lend greater stability and resiliency to these communities. The colonization of lactic acid bacteria in the early life of DCM foals suggests enrichment in response to the availability of dams’ feed. Thus, management type is an important driver of gut microbiome establishment on horses, and we may look to semi-feral horses for guidance in defining a healthy gut microbiome for domestic horses.
Has Bipolar Disorder become a predominantly female gender related condition? Analysis of recently published large sample studies
Authors: Dell'Osso Bernardo , Cafaro Rita , Ketter Terence A.
Published: August 2020

Bipolar Disorders are disabling and severe psychiatric disorders, commonly perceived as equally affecting both men and women. The prevalence of BD in the general population has been growing over the last decade, however, few epidemiological studies are available regarding BD gender distribution, leaving unanswered the question whether the often reported increment of BD diagnosis could be gender specific. In fact, BD in female patients can often be misdiagnosed as MDD, leaving such women non correctly treated for longer times than their male counterparts. From this perspective, we searched literature for large sample (>1000 subjects) studies conducted in the last decade (2010 onward) on BD patients. We included ten large sample studies that reported the gender distribution of their samples, and we therefore analysed them. Our results show a higher preponderance of female patients in every sample and sub-sample of BDI and BDII, supporting our hypothesis of an increase in BD diagnosis in females. BD in women presents with higher rates of rapid cycling, depressive polarity and suicide attempts, characteristics of non inferior severity compared to males; prompt recognition and adequate treatment of BD is therefore crucial to reduce risks and improve quality of life of affected women. In this regard, our results could lead the way for national or international epidemiological studies with the aim of more accurately assessing gender-specific prevalence of BD.
Loss of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine as an Epigenetic Signature that Correlates with Poor Outcomes in Patients with Medulloblastoma
Authors: Zhao Fu , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Shun , Zhang Heng , Zhao Chi , Chen Yang , Luo Lin , Tong Wei-Min , Li Chunde , Niu Yamei , Liu Pinan
Published: August 2020

Background: Medulloblastoma, as the most common malignant brain tumor in children, exhibits highly dysregulated DNA methylation. The novel epigenetic marker—5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) plays essential role in gene regulation during brain development and in brain tumors. However, the biological and clinical implications of 5hmC in medulloblastoma are still unclear. Methods: Here, we detected global 5hmC levels in two independent medulloblastoma patient cohorts (discovery cohort: n = 81; validation cohort: n = 171) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the cell proliferation and expression of Ten-eleven translocation 1 and 2 (TET1/2). The prognostic impacts of covariates on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using multivariate Cox hazards-regression models.Results: We observed that global 5hmC levels were decreased in medulloblastomas compared to normal cerebellums (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that low 5hmC levels correlated with poor PFS and OS rates (discovery cohort: PFS: P = 0.003, OS: P = 0.002; validation cohort: PFS: P = 0.0002, OS: P = 0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed an inverse correlation between 5hmC score and Ki-67 index (r = -0.747, P < 0.0001). Moreover, 5hmC score was associated with protein expression of TET1 (r = -0.419, P = 0.003) and TET2 (r = -0.399, P = 0.005).Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that loss of 5hmC is an epigenetic biomarker in medulloblastomas. Our results indicate that 5hmC could be a candidate prognostic indicator for improving survival prediction of risk stratification in patients with medulloblastoma.
Female Versus Male Oral Cavity Cancer: is There a Difference?
Authors: Lee Yi-Chieh , Chien Huei-Tzu , Young Chi-Kuang , Chin Shy-Chyi , Iandelli Andrea , Liao Chun-Ta , Tsao Chung-Kang , Kang Chung-Jan , Huang Shiang-Fu
Published: August 2020

Objectives: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of death in Taiwan, and most of the patients are male. Little is known about the differences in risk factors, cancer characteristics and treatment outcomes in female patients. The study aim is to investigate the clinicopathological and outcome differences between gender in patients affected by oral cancer in Taiwan.Methods: This is a retrospective study based on data obtained between 1995 and 2019. A total of 2,046 patients were recruited for analysis. Cancer characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes in patients with oral cancer between genders were collected. Results: Female patients represented the 6.7% of the entire cohort of study. Females were diagnosed at an older age and at an earlier local stage compared to male patients (p < 0.001). The female patients were less exposed to cigarette, alcohol, and betel-nut (BQ) (all p-values < 0.001). Tongue (55.1%) was the most frequent subsite involved in the female group, while buccal (38.4%) and tongue (35.3%) were more likely (p < 0.001) to be associated with male gender. In tongue cancer subgroup, female patients presented less frequently extra-nodal extension compared with male patients (p = 0.040). During the follow-up period, there was no significant difference in recurrence and overall deaths between genders.Conclusion:In Taiwan, the male to female ratio in OSCC is 14:1. The tumor subsite distribution, environment exposure and stage distribution are different between females and male. There are no differences in term of survival between female and male OSCC patients.