bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of supraspinal feedback on human gait: rhythmic auditory distortion
Authors: Forner-Cordero Arturo , Pinho João Pedro , Umemura Guilherme , Lourenço João Carlos , Mezêncio Bruno , Itiki Cinthia , Krebs Hermano Igo
Published: December 2019

Background

Different types of sound cues have been used to adapt the human gait rhythm. We investigated whether young healthy volunteers followed subliminal metronome rhythm changes during gait.

Methods

Twenty-two healthy adults walked at constant speed on a treadmill following a metronome sound cue (period 566 msec). The metronome rhythm was then either increased or decreased, without informing the subjects, at 1 msec increments or decrements to reach, respectively, a low (596 msec) or a high frequency (536 msec) plateaus. After 30 steps at one of these isochronous conditions, the rhythm returned to the original period with decrements or increments of 1 msec. Motion data were recorded with an optical measurement system to determine footfall. The relative phase between sound cue (stimulus) and foot contact (response) were compared.

Results

Gait was entrained to the rhythmic auditory stimulus and subjects subconsciously adapted the step time and length to maintain treadmill speed, while following the rhythm changes. In most cases there was a lead error: the foot contact occurred before the sound cue. The mean error or the absolute mean relative phase increased during the isochronous high (536 msec) or low frequencies (596 msec).

Conclusion

These results showed that the gait period is strongly “entrained” with the first metronome rhythm while subjects still followed metronome changes with larger error. This suggests two processes: one slow-adapting, supraspinal oscillator with persistence that predicts the foot contact to occur ahead of the stimulus, and a second fast process linked to sensory inputs that adapts to the mismatch between peripheral sensory input (foot contact) and supraspinal sensory input (auditory rhythm).
A novel peptide RIFV suppresses human adipocyte differentiation through the inhibition of C/EBP-β expression
Authors: Zhang Wen , Shen Dan , Li Yun , Zhong Hong , Wang Xing , Cui Xian-wei , Shi Chun-Mei , Ji Chen-Bo , Guo Xi-Rong , Chen Ling
Published: December 2019

Background

Obesity is a global epidemic disease that increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. However, therapeutic drugs for obesity are still scarce. In recent years, peptides have been identified as new biological regulators. RIFV (R-I-F-V-P-I-K-G-R-P-A-P), a novel active peptide from our peptide database.

Methods

We performed oil red O staining and triglyceride measurement to analyze the influence of RIFV on white preadipocytes differentiation. Then the effects of RIFV on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of adipogenesis-related genes were respectively detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Rescue experiment was conducted to confirm whether RIFV could regulate adipocytes differentiation via targeting C/EBP-β. Finally, the luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the regulation of RIFV on C/EBP-β gene.

Results

RIFV was revealed to inhibit the differentiation of human white adipocytes without affecting their proliferation. Additionally, RIFV could also suppress the differentiation of mouse primary white preadipocytes isolated from inguinal fat tissues. Furthermore, RIFV may have an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis by inhibiting the regulation of the adipogenic gene C/EBP-β.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that RIFV may be a novel essential regulator of adipocyte differentiation and represents a therapeutic strategy for obesity and related complications.
Primary epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Yangkun , Guo Pei , Zhang Zhishang , Jiang Runde , Li Zuguo
Published: December 2019

Background

Epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare tumor that generally occurs in the bladder, the parotid gland, or the skin of the neck. We describe an unusual case of primary epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach and review the literature.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old woman presented with a lesion at the gastroesophageal junction. Histopathological examination showed irregularly sized round cells with low cytoplasmic content and eccentric nuclei. Mitotic figures were present. Fibrovascular septa and areas of necrosis were observed between tumor cells. Tumor cells were strongly positive for MyoD1, desmin, and myogenin, and weakly positive for actin, CD56, and PGP9.5. The ki-67 index was ≥90%.

Conclusions

Primary epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach is extremely rare. Better awareness of this entity is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment.
Physical and psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa based on duration of illness: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Takakura Shu , Aso Chie Suzuyama , Toda Kenta , Hata Tomokazu , Yamashita Makoto , Sudo Nobuyuki
Published: December 2019

Background

We evaluated physical and psychological features of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who differed by duration of illness.

Methods

Data were obtained from 204 female patients with AN, divided into two groups based on illness duration: short-term illness duration (less than 5 years; n = 118); and long-term duration (5 years or more; n = 86). Physical parameters were measured using blood serum testing and psychological aspects were assessed using various instruments.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of restricting type AN was observed in the short-term group while the proportion of binge eating/purging type AN was higher in the long-term group. There was no difference in body mass index (BMI) between the groups. Serum total protein, albumin, potassium, chloride, and calcium in the long-term group were significantly lower than in the short-term group. Overall scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory as well as most of the subscales, except maturity fears, were higher in the long-term group than in the short-term group. The care subscale of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was lower in the long-term group than in the short-term group, while the overprotection subscale of the PBI was higher in the long-term group than in the short-term group. Results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that the overprotection subscale of the PBI was the only significant predictor of duration of illness.

Conclusions

Duration of illness may be associated with physical and psychological features of AN; thus, adapting therapeutic approaches to illness duration might be necessary.
Association between hydroxocobalamin administration and acute kidney injury after smoke inhalation: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Dépret François , Hoffmann Clément , Daoud Laura , Thieffry Camille , Monplaisir Laure , Creveaux Jules , Annane Djillali , Parmentier Erika , Mathieu Daniel , Wiramus Sandrine , Demeure DIt Latte Dominique , Kpodji Aubin , Textoris Julien , Robin Florian , Klouche Kada , Pontis Emmanuel , Schnell Guillaume , Barbier François , Constantin Jean-Michel , Clavier Thomas , du Cheyron Damien , Terzi Nicolas , Sauneuf Bertrand , Guerot Emmanuel , Lafon Thomas , Herbland Alexandre , Megarbane Bruno , Leclerc Thomas , Mallet Vincent , Pirracchio Romain , Legrand Matthieu
Published: December 2019

Background

The use of hydroxocobalamin has long been advocated for treating suspected cyanide poisoning after smoke inhalation. Intravenous hydroxocobalamin has however been shown to cause oxalate nephropathy in a single-center study. The impact of hydroxocobalamin on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and survival after smoke inhalation in a multicenter setting remains unexplored.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in 21 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. We included patients admitted to an ICU for smoke inhalation between January 2011 and December 2017. We excluded patients discharged at home alive within 24 h of admission. We assessed the risk of AKI (primary endpoint), severe AKI, major adverse kidney (MAKE) events, and survival (secondary endpoints) after administration of hydroxocobalamin using logistic regression models.

Results

Among 854 patients screened, 739 patients were included. Three hundred six and 386 (55.2%) patients received hydroxocobalamin. Mortality in ICU was 32.9% (n = 243). Two hundred eighty-eight (39%) patients developed AKI, including 186 (25.2%) who developed severe AKI during the first week. Patients who received hydroxocobalamin were more severe and had higher mortality (38.1% vs 27.2%, p = 0.0022). The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of AKI after intravenous hydroxocobalamin was 1.597 (1.055, 2.419) and 1.772 (1.137, 2.762) for severe AKI; intravenous hydroxocobalamin was not associated with survival or MAKE with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.114 (0.691, 1.797) and 0.784 (0.456, 1.349) respectively.

Conclusion

Hydroxocobalamin was associated with an increased risk of AKI and severe AKI but was not associated with survival after smoke inhalation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03558646
tmap: an integrative framework based on topological data analysis for population-scale microbiome stratification and association studies
Authors: Liao Tianhua , Wei Yuchen , Luo Mingjing , Zhao Guo-Ping , Zhou Haokui
Published: December 2019

Untangling the complex variations of microbiome associated with large-scale host phenotypes or environment types challenges the currently available analytic methods. Here, we presenttmap, an integrative framework based on topological data analysis for population-scale microbiome stratification and association studies. The performance oftmapin detecting nonlinear patterns is validated by different scenarios of simulation, which clearly demonstrate its superiority over the most commonly used methods. Application oftmapto several population-scale microbiomes extensively demonstrates its strength in revealing microbiome-associated host or environmental features and in understanding the systematic interrelations among their association patterns.tmapis available athttps://github.com/GPZ-Bioinfo/tmap.
Normalization and variance stabilization of single-cell RNA-seq data using regularized negative binomial regression
Authors: Hafemeister Christoph , Satija Rahul
Published: December 2019

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data exhibits significant cell-to-cell variation due to technical factors, including the number of molecules detected in each cell, which can confound biological heterogeneity with technical effects. To address this, we present a modeling framework for the normalization and variance stabilization of molecular count data from scRNA-seq experiments. We propose that the Pearson residuals from “regularized negative binomial regression,” where cellular sequencing depth is utilized as a covariate in a generalized linear model, successfully remove the influence of technical characteristics from downstream analyses while preserving biological heterogeneity. Importantly, we show that an unconstrained negative binomial model may overfit scRNA-seq data, and overcome this by pooling information across genes with similar abundances to obtain stable parameter estimates. Our procedure omits the need for heuristic steps including pseudocount addition or log-transformation and improves common downstream analytical tasks such as variable gene selection, dimensional reduction, and differential expression. Our approach can be applied to any UMI-based scRNA-seq dataset and is freely available as part of the R package , with a direct interface to our single-cell toolkit .
Design and rationale for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) for social housing residents in Ontario and Quebec, Canada
Authors: Agarwal Gina , Girard Magali , Angeles Ricardo , Pirrie Melissa , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Marzanek Francine , Dolovich Lisa , Paterson J. Michael , Thabane Lehana , Kaczorowski Janusz
Published: December 2019

Background

The Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) uses volunteers to provide cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes screening in a community setting, referrals to primary care providers, and locally available programs targeting lifestyle modification. CHAP has been adapted to target older adults residing in social housing, a vulnerable segment of the population. Older adults living in social housing report poorer health status and have a higher burden of a multitude of chronic illnesses, such as CVD and diabetes. The study objective is to evaluate whether there is a reduction in unplanned CVD-related Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among residents of social seniors’ housing buildings receiving the CHAP program for 1 year compared to residents in matched buildings not receiving the program.

Methods/design

This is a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial in community-based social (subsidized) housing buildings in Ontario and Quebec. All residents of 14 matched pairs (intervention/control) of apartment buildings will be included. Buildings with 50–200 apartment units with the majority of residents aged 55+ and a unique postal code are included. All individuals residing within the buildings at the start of the intervention period are included (intention to treat, open cohort). The intervention instrument consists of CHAP screens for high blood pressure using automated blood pressure monitors and for diabetes using the Canadian Diabetes Risk (CANRISK) assessment tool. Monthly drop-in sessions for screening/monitoring are held within a common area of the building. Group health education sessions are also held monthly. Reports are sent to family doctors, and attendees are encouraged to visit their family doctor. The primary outcome measure is monthly CVD-related ED visits and hospitalizations over a 1-year period post randomization. Secondary outcomes are all ED visits, hospitalizations, quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and participant experience.

Discussion

It is anticipated that CVD-related ED visits and hospitalizations will decrease in the intervention buildings. Using the volunteer-led CHAP program, there is significant opportunity to improve the health of older adults in social housing.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03549845. Registered on 15 May 2018. Updated on 21 May 2019.
Does cranberry extract reduce antibiotic use for symptoms of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (CUTI)? Protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Gbinigie Oghenekome , Allen Julie , Boylan Anne-Marie , Hay Alastair , Heneghan Carl , Moore Michael , Williams Nicola , Butler Chris
Published: December 2019

Background

Consultations in primary care for symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and patients are frequently treated with antibiotics. Given increasing antimicrobial resistance, there has been interest in non-antibiotic treatment options for common infections. One such option is the use of cranberry extract to treat symptoms attributable to UTIs.

Methods

A target of 45 women consulting in primary care, with symptoms suggestive of an uncomplicated UTI for whom the practitioner would normally prescribe antibiotics, will be randomised to receive one of three treatment approaches: (1) immediate prescription for antibiotics; (2) immediate prescription for antibiotics plus a 7-day course of cranberry capsules and (3) cranberry capsules plus a delayed prescription for antibiotics to be used in case their symptoms do not get better, or get worse. Follow-up will be by daily rating of symptoms and recording of treatments used for 2 weeks in an online symptom diary. Interviews will be conducted with around 10–15 study participants, as well as with around 10–15 women who have experienced a UTI but have not been approached to take part in the study. Both groups will be asked about their experience of having a UTI, their thoughts on non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs and their thoughts on, or experience of, the feasibility trial. The primary objective is to assess the feasibility of undertaking a full trial in primary care of the effectiveness of cranberry extract to reduce antibiotic use for symptoms of acute uncomplicated UTI. The secondary objective is to conduct a preliminary assessment of the extent to which cranberry might reduce antibiotic use and symptom burden.

Discussion

This feasibility study with embedded interviews will inform the planning and sample size calculation of an adequately powered trial to definitively determine whether cranberry helps to alleviate the symptoms of acute uncomplicated UTIs in women and whether it can safely reduce antibiotic use.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, ID:10399299. Registered on 24 January 2019.
Comparing the effect of auricular acupressure and body acupressure on pain and duration of the first stage of labor: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alimoradi Zainab , Kazemi Farideh , Valiani Mahboubeh , Gorji Maryam
Published: December 2019

Background

Labor pain is one of the leading causes of fear of childbirth. Acupressure is a non-pharmacological pain relief method that has shown promising results in relieving this pain. The present study is designed to compare the effects of body acupressure at multiple points and auricular acupressure on the pain and duration of labor.

Methods/design

In a randomized controlled trial, 90 primigravida women who attend for childbirth will be randomly assigned to one of three groups (intervention groups of either body acupressure or auricular acupressure; control, consisting of routine care). Computer-generated six-block randomization techniques will be used to determine the allocation sequence with a 1:1:1 ratio. To hide the allocation, the type of intervention will be written according to the generated sequence and put in opaque envelopes; these as well as questionnaires will be encoded. The pain score for all participants will be measured at the peak uterine contraction at 4-cm cervical dilation and at 10-cm dilation based on a visual analog scale (VAS). The duration of the active phase of labor in these groups will be recorded too. Data will be imported into SPSS-16 software. First, normality of the data distribution will be investigated. To compare labor duration among the research groups, ANOVA will be used, which will be followed, in case of significance, by the Scheffe post hoc test. Furthermore, Chi-squared test will be used to compare the categorized demographic variables and ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests will be used to compare the quantitative variables in the studied groups. A significance level of 0.05 is considered significant.

Discussion

In this study the effect of auricular acupressure and body acupressure on pain and duration of first stage of labor will be compared.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials,IRCT20180218038789N1. Registered 2018-03-04; pre result.
Conferring extracellular matrix affinity enhances local therapeutic efficacy of anti-TNF-α antibody in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katsumata Kiyomitsu , Ishihara Jun , Fukunaga Kazuto , Ishihara Ako , Yuba Eiji , Budina Erica , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Although disease in a majority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is often initially limited to one or a few joints, currently approved medications including anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody (α-TNF) are injected systemically. Given that α-TNF systemic injection typically does not cure RA and involves risk of treatment-related adverse events, one possible approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce α-TNF systemic exposure is to retain the antibodies in arthritic joints after local administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the approach of conferring extracellular matrix (ECM) binding affinity to α-TNF antibodies in a RA model.

Methods

α-TNF was chemically conjugated with a promiscuous ECM-binding peptide derived from placenta growth factor 2 (PlGF-2123-144). The binding activity of PlGF-2123-144-conjugated α-TNF (PlGF-2123-144-α-TNF) against ECM proteins was assessed by ELISA and by immunostaining on human cartilage specimens. The effect of conjugation on antibody function was assessed as a neutralizing activity against osteoclast differentiation. Retention at the injection site and therapeutic efficacy of PlGF-2123-144-α-TNF were tested in a collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model in the mouse.

Results

PlGF-2123-144peptide conjugation conferred α-TNF with affinity to ECM proteins without impairment of antigen recognition. PlGF-2123-144-α-TNF locally injected at a paw in the CAIA model was retained for at least 96 h at the injection site, whereas unmodified α-TNF was dispersed rapidly after injection. Local treatment with unmodified α-TNF did not suppress the arthritis score relative to isotype controls. By contrast, local administration of PlGF-2123-144-α-TNF suppressed arthritis development almost completely in the treated paw even at a 1000× lower dose.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that retention of α-TNF in arthritic joints can suppress arthritis development and enhance therapeutic efficacy. This simple bioengineering approach of ECM-binding peptide conjugation offers a powerful and clinically translational approach to treat RA.
Digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: their epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated clinical and economic burden
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene-Siew , Ferdowsi Nava , Hill Catherine L. , Roddy Janet , Walker Jennifer , Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana
Published: December 2019

Background

To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of systemic sclerosis-related digital ulcers, and associated direct health care costs, quality of life, and survival.

Methods

Digital ulcers (DUs) were defined as an area with a visually discernible depth and a loss of continuity of epithelial coverage. DU severity was calculated based on the physician reported highest number of new DUs at clinical review (mild = 1–5 DUs, moderate 6–10 DUs, severe > 10 DUs). Healthcare use was captured through data linkage, wherein SSc clinical data captured prospectively in a dedicated clinical database were linked with health services databases to capture hospital admissions, emergency department (ED) presentations and ambulatory care (MBS) utilization and cost for the period 2008–2015. Healthcare cost determinants were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Among 1085 SSc patients, 48.6% experienced a DU over a mean follow-up of 5.2 ± 2.5 years. Those who developed DUs were more likely to have diffuse disease subtype (34.9% vs 18.2%, p < 0.001), anti-Scl-70 antibody (18.9% vs 9.3%, p < 0.001), and a younger age at SSc onset (43.6 ± 13.9 vs 48.8 ± 14.0 years, p < 0.001) in addition to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by the SF-36 but without a significant impact on survival. SSc patients with a history of a DU utilized significantly more healthcare resources per annum than those without a DU, including hospitalizations, ED presentation, and ambulatory care services. Total healthcare services, excluding medications, were associated with an annual excess cost per DU patient of AUD$12,474 (8574-25,677), p < 0.001, driven by hospital admission and ED presentation costs.

Conclusion

DUs place a large burden on the patient and healthcare system through reduced HRQoL and increased healthcare resource utilization and associated cost.
Stroke secondary prevention, a non-surgical and non-pharmacological consensus definition: results of a Delphi study
Authors: Lawrence Maggie , Asaba Eric , Duncan Elaine , Elf Marie , Eriksson Gunilla , Faulkner James , Guidetti Susanne , Johansson Birgitta , Kruuse Christina , Lambrick Danielle , Longman Caitlin , von Koch Lena , Wang Xu , Lennon Olive
Published: December 2019

Objective

Evidence supporting lifestyle modification in vascular risk reduction is limited, drawn largely from primary prevention studies. To advance the evidence base for non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention (SSP), empirical research is needed, informed by a consensus-derived definition of SSP. To date, no such definition has been published. We used Delphi methods to generate an evidence-based definition of non-pharmacological and non-surgical SSP.

Results

The 16 participants were members of INSsPiRE (International Network of Stroke Secondary Prevention Researchers), a multidisciplinary group of trialists, academics and clinicians. The Elicitation stage identified 49 key elements, grouped into 3 overarching domains: Risk factors, Education, and Theory before being subjected to iterative stages of elicitation, ranking, discussion, and anonymous voting. In the Action stage, following an experience-based engagement with key stakeholders, a consensus-derived definition, complementing current pharmacological and surgical SSP pathways, was finalised: Non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention supports and improves long-term health and well-being in everyday life and reduces the risk of another stroke, by drawing from a spectrum of theoretically informed interventions and educational strategies. Interventions to self-manage modifiable lifestyle risk factors are contextualized and individualized to the capacities, needs, and personally meaningful priorities of individuals with stroke and their families.
Prediction of the aggressiveness of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors based on the dual-tracer PET/CT
Authors: Majala Susanna , Seppänen Hanna , Kemppainen Jukka , Sundström Jari , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Gullichsen Risto , Schildt Jukka , Mustonen Harri , Vesterinen Tiina , Arola Johanna , Kauhanen Saila
Published: December 2019

Background

Predicting the aggressive behavior of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNET) remains controversial. We wanted to explore, in a prospective setting, whether the diagnostic accuracy can be improved by dual-tracer functional imaging 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients with NF-PNETs.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with NF-PNET (90% asymptomatic) underwent PET-imaging with 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTANOC, followed by surgery (n = 20), an endoscopic ultrasonography and fine-needle biopsy (n = 2) or follow-up (n = 9). A focal activity on PET/CT greater than the background that could not be identified as physiological activity was considered to indicate tumor tissue. The imaging results were compared to histopathology. The mean follow-up time was 31.3 months.

Results

Thirty-one patients presented a total of 53 lesions (40 histologically confirmed) on PET/CT. Thirty patients had a 68Ga-DOTANOC-positive tumor (sensitivity 97%) and 10 patients had an 18F-FDG-positive tumor. In addition, one 68Ga-DOTANOC-negative patient was 18F-FDG-positive. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was positive in 19% (3/16) of the G1 tumors, 63% (5/8) of the G2 tumors and 1/1 of the well-differentiated G3 tumor. 68Ga-DOTANOC-PET/CT was positive in 94% of the G1 tumors, 100% of the G2 tumors and 1/1 of the well-differentiated G3 tumor. Two out of six (33%) of the patients with lymph node metastases (LN+) were 18F-FDG-positive. The 18F-FDG-PET/CT correlated with tumor Ki-67 (P = 0.021). Further, the Krenning score correlated with tumor Ki-67 (P = 0.013). 18F-FDG-positive tumors were significantly larger than the 18F-FDG-negative tumors (P = 0.012). 18F-FDG-PET/CT showed a positive predictive value of 78% in the detection of potentially aggressive tumors (G2, G3, or LN + PNETs); the negative predictive value was 69%.

Conclusions

18F-FDG-PET/CT is useful to predict tumor grade but not the LN+ of NF-PNETs. Patients with 18F-FDG-avid NF-PNETs should be referred for surgery. The 68Ga-DOTANOC-PET/CT also has prognostic value since the Krenning score predicts the histopathological tumor grade.

Trial registration

The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; Non-functional Pancreatic NET and PET imaging, NCT02621541.
LCBPA: two-stage task allocation algorithm for high-dimension data collecting in mobile crowd sensing network
Authors: Zhou Ning , Zhang Jianhui , Wang Binqiang , Xiao Jia
Published: December 2019

Mobile crowd sensing (MCS) is a novel emerging paradigm that leverages sensor-equipped smart mobile terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablets, and intelligent wearable devices) to collect information. Compared with traditional data collection methods, such as construct wireless sensor network infrastructures, MCS has advantages of lower data collection costs, easier system maintenance, and better scalability. However, the limited capabilities make a mobile crowd terminal only support limited data types, which may result in a failure of supporting high-dimension data collection tasks. This paper proposed a task allocation algorithm to solve the problem of high-dimensional data collection in mobile crowd sensing network. The low-cost and balance-participating algorithm (LCBPA) aims to reduce the data collection cost and improve the equality of node participation by trading-off between them. The LCBPA performs in two stages: in the first stage, it divides the high-dimensional data into fine-grained and smaller dimensional data, that is, dividing an m-dimension data collection task into k sub-task by K-means, where (k < m). In the second stage, it assigns different nodes with different sensing capability to perform sub-tasks. Simulation results show that the proposed method can improve the task completion ratio, minimizing the cost of data collection.
A protocol for systematic review of Plantago major L. effectiveness in accelerating wound-healing in animal models
Authors: de Cássia Israel Cardoso Fernanda , Peruzzo Apolinário Priscila , da Silva Cunha Breder Jéssica , Paranhos Thalita , Ceretta Oliveira Henrique , Dini Polidoro Ariane , Souza Oliveira Kumakura Ana Railka , Melo Lima Maria Helena
Published: December 2019

Background

Studies have indicated thatPlantago majorL. (P. major) has therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, immunostimulatory, and tissue regeneration. This plant species is assumed to provide potent tissue repair and healing in treatments of skin wound injuries, but the understanding of its effectiveness is still unclear. The systematic review proposed herein aims to assess effectiveness ofP. majorfor wound healing in animal models.

Methods

We will conduct database searches in BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and CABDirect. Reviewers will independently evaluate titles, abstracts, and full-text articles retrieved from databases to identify potentially eligible studies. Relevant articles will be assessed for risk of bias and quality. The database searches will include analysis of wound healing rate through macroscopic evaluation, photo images, or calculation of the wound area retraction until the wound closure. Relevant data will be compiled for the capability and effectiveness ofP. majortreatments in accelerating wound healing. Random effects meta-analysis models will be employed to compare among groups based on outcome variables from studies reporting sufficient high-quality data.

Discussion

Results of this systematic review will be presented in a narrative synthesis form. They will provide a summary and clear understanding of the relevant current questions and evidences directly related toP. majoreffective tissue repair and healing. Outcomes of this systematic review will contribute with important information that could benefit future research efforts and potential applicability in humans.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019121962
Infinitely many high energy solutions for fractional Schrödinger equations with magnetic field
Authors: Yang Libo , An Tianqing , Zuo Jiabin
Published: December 2019

In this paper we investigate the existence of infinitely many solutions for nonlocal Schrödinger equation involving a magnetic potential $$ (-\triangle )_{A}^{s}u+V(x)u=f\bigl(x, \vert u \vert \bigr)u, \quad\text{in } {\mathbb {R}}^{N}, $$(−△)Asu+V(x)u=f(x,|u|)u,in RN, where $s\in (0,1)$s∈(0,1) is fixed, $N>2s$N>2s, $V:{\mathbb {R}}^{N}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^{+}$V:RN→R+ is an electric potential, the magnetic potential $A:{\mathbb {R}}^{N}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^{N}$A:RN→RN is a continuous function, and $(-\triangle )_{A}^{s}$(−△)As is the fractional magnetic operator. Under suitable assumptions for the potential function V and nonlinearity f, we obtain the existence of infinitely many nontrivial high energy solutions by using the variant fountain theorem.
The dual functional role of MicroRNA‐18a (miR‐18a) in cancer development
Authors: Shen Kexin , Cao Zhe , Zhu Ruizhe , You Lei , Zhang Taiping
Published: December 2019

The polycistronic miR‐17‐92 cluster is instrumental in physiological processes commonly dysregulated in cancer, such as proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation. MicroRNA‐18a (miR‐18a) is one of the most conserved and multifunctional miRNAs in the cluster and is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumors. Altered miR‐18a expression has been found in various physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumorigenesis, cancer invasion and metastasis. In this review, we summarized the molecular basis and regulatory targets of miR‐18a in cancer development. Interestingly, miR‐18a has a dual functional role in either promoting or inhibiting oncogenesis in different human cancers. The differential miRNA expression in cancers of the same organ at different stages or of various subtypes suggests that this dual function of miR‐18a is independent of cancer type and may be attributed to the fundamental differences in tumorigenic mechanisms. Finally, we summarized the current clinical use of miR‐18a and discussed its potential uses in cancer therapy.
Mesenchymal stem cell–gut microbiota interaction in the repair of inflammatory bowel disease: an enhanced therapeutic effect
Authors: Ocansey Dickson Kofi Wiredu , Wang Li , Wang Jingyan , Yan Yongmin , Qian Hui , Zhang Xu , Xu Wenrong , Mao Fei
Published: December 2019

Background

Several investigations affirm that, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit dysbiosis characterized by restricted biodiversity and imbalanced bacterial composition intertwined with immune dysregulation. The interaction between stem cells and gut microbiota is a novel and highly promising field that could add up to a better understanding of the gut physiology, as well as therapeutic improvement towards diseases like IBD. Through direct contact or release of products and/or metabolites, gut bacteria regulate gut homeostasis, damage repair, regeneration and differentiation of stem cells. In the same way, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produce similar effects including restoration of gut–microbiome composition.

Body

We reviewed the anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, pathogenic bacterial clearance, proliferation and tissue remodeling effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as separate transplants in IBD, and the outcome of the interaction between MSCs and gut microbiota.

Conclusion

The two therapies share several points of connection in therapeutics with enhanced functionalities in their interaction with each other. Focused investigations of MSC–gut bacteria interactions could lead to a novel discovery in therapeutics. We also anticipate an improved clinical remission rate in a combined FMT–MSC transplantation approach in IBD than the current single FMT or MSC approach.
The critical detection distance for passively tracking tagged fish using a fixed radio telemetry station in a small stream
Authors: Sullivan Brittany G. , Struthers Daniel P. , Taylor Mark K. , Carli Chris , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Fixed radio telemetry stations are used to study the movement ecology of fishes in streams and rivers. A common assumption of such studies is that detection efficiency remains constant through space and time. The objective of this study was to understand how site characteristics and tag distance can influence the detection efficiency of a fixed receiver when used for fisheries research in a small stream. Field tests included a fixed receiver station on Forty Mile Creek, in Banff National Park, AB, Canada that recorded signals from radio tags over specified distances (i.e., 0 m, 27 m, 53 m, 80 m) within the expected detection range from July to October, 2016. Model selection was used to test which parameters may influence detection efficiency.

Results

The fixed receiver was able to record an average of 89% of transmissions over the study period. Detection efficiency was greater or equal to 0.97 at tag distances of ≤ 53 m. Detection efficiency significantly declined by 36% to a rate of 0.62 for tags placed 80 m from the fixed receiver. Water temperature and water depth also reduced detection efficiency, but only at the critical threshold of 80 m from the tag. Interestingly, turbidity had no influence on detection efficiency in this study.

Conclusions

This study provided insights into the reliability of fixed receiver stations as a passive tracking technique in small streams. The abrupt change in detection efficiency observed in this study presumably occurs in other systems. Identifying critical detection distance thresholds would appear to be a useful strategy for avoiding false-negative results. It is recommended that researchers who conduct radio tracking studies with fixed arrays should consider the deployment of sentinel tags over the study to understand the system performance.
The role of inhibition capacities in the Iowa gambling test performance in young tattooed women
Authors: Kertzman Semion , Kagan Alex , Hegedish Omer , Lapidus Rina , Weizman Abraham
Published: December 2019

Background

Using the Iowa Gambling Test (IGT), we demonstrated previously impaired decision- making process in young tattooed women. The purpose of the present study was to explore the associations among the three facets of impaired inhibition (response inhibition, reflection inhibition and interference inhibition) and decision-making processes in this population.

Methods

To this end, the participants of the previous study (60 tattooed women and 60 non-tattooed women) were assessed in the Go/NoGo task, a measure of response inhibition, the Matched Familiar Figure Test (MFFT), a measure of reflection inhibition and the Stroop task a measure of interference inhibition.

Results

Tattooed women were significantly slower than non-tattooed women in the Go/NoGo performance; however, no differences were detected in the MFFT and the Stroop task. A hierarchical regression analysis did not reveal any significant main effects of these inhibition measures on the IGT performance.

Conclusions

These findings do not support the hypothesis that risky decision in young tattooed women is due to impaired inhibitory control. Further studies are needed to identify the cognitive mechanisms involved in the tendency to risky decisions in young tattooed women.
Investigation of somatic CNVs in brains of synucleinopathy cases using targeted SNCA analysis and single cell sequencing
Authors: Perez-Rodriguez Diego , Kalyva Maria , Leija-Salazar Melissa , Lashley Tammaryn , Tarabichi Maxime , Chelban Viorica , Gentleman Steve , Schottlaender Lucia , Franklin Hannah , Vasmatzis George , Houlden Henry , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Warner Thomas T. , Holton Janice L. , Jaunmuktane Zane , Proukakis Christos
Published: December 2019

Synucleinopathies are mostly sporadic neurodegenerative disorders of partly unexplained aetiology, and include Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). We have further investigated our recent finding of somatic SNCA (α-synuclein) copy number variants (CNVs, specifically gains) in synucleinopathies, using Fluorescent in-situ Hybridisation for SNCA, and single-cell whole genome sequencing for the first time in a synucleinopathy. In the cingulate cortex, mosaicism levels for SNCA gains were higher in MSA and PD than controls in neurons (> 2% in both diseases), and for MSA also in non-neurons. In MSA substantia nigra (SN), we noted SNCA gains in > 3% of dopaminergic (DA) neurons (identified by neuromelanin) and neuromelanin-negative cells, including olig2-positive oligodendroglia. Cells with CNVs were more likely to have α-synuclein inclusions, in a pattern corresponding to cell categories mostly relevant to the disease: DA neurons in Lewy-body cases, and other cells in the striatonigral degeneration-dominant MSA variant (MSA-SND). Higher mosaicism levels in SN neuromelanin-negative cells may correlate with younger onset in typical MSA-SND, and in cingulate neurons with younger death in PD. Larger sample sizes will, however, be required to confirm these putative findings. We obtained genome-wide somatic CNV profiles from 169 cells from the substantia nigra of two MSA cases, and pons and putamen of one. These showed somatic CNVs in ~ 30% of cells, with clonality and origins in segmental duplications for some. CNVs had distinct profiles based on cell type, with neurons having a mix of gains and losses, and other cells having almost exclusively gains, although control data sets will be required to determine possible disease relevance. We propose that somatic SNCA CNVs may contribute to the aetiology and pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, and that genome-wide somatic CNVs in MSA brain merit further study.
Histaminergic interneurons in the ventral nerve cord: assessment of their value for Euarthropod phylogeny
Authors: Maurer Maite , Hladik Janina , Iliffe Thomas M. , Stemme Torben
Published: December 2019

Despite numerous approaches to the resolution of euarthropod phylogeny, mainly based on modern sequence information and traditional external morphology, the resulting hypotheses are often contradictory and leave many questions about euarthropod evolution unanswered. The comparison of developmental and structural aspects of the nervous system has shown to be a valuable contribution to the assessment of current phylogenetic hypotheses. One promising approach for the generation of new character sets is the morphology of transmitter systems and the discovery of individually identifiable neurons, which allow phylogenetic comparisons on the single cell level. In this context, the serotonin transmitter system has been investigated to a considerable degree. Studies to date have yielded important stimuli to our understanding of euarthropod relationships and the evolution of their nervous systems. However, data on other transmitter systems remain fragmented, and their value with respect to phylogenetic questions remains speculative. The biogenic amine histamine is a promising transmitter; a substantial amount of data has been reported in the literature and the homology of some histaminergic neurons has been suggested. Here, we present a comprehensive review of histaminergic neurons in the ventral nerve cord of Euarthropoda. Using immunocytochemical labeling of histamine combined with confocal laser-scanning microscopy, we investigated the transmitter system in phylogenetically relevant taxa, such as Zygentoma, Remipedia, Diplopoda, and Arachnida. By reconstructing ground patterns, we evaluated the significance of this specific character set for euarthropod phylogeny. With this approach, we identified a set of neurons, which can be considered homologous within the respective major taxon. In conclusion, the histaminergic system contains useful information for our understanding of euarthropod phylogeny, supporting the proposed clades Tetraconata and Mandibulata. Furthermore, this character set has considerable potential to help resolve relationships within the major clades at a deeper level of taxonomy, due to the considerable variability in neurite morphology.
A case report of a long-term abandoned torn lingual nerve injury repaired by collagen nerve graft induced by lower third molar extraction
Authors: Fujita Shigeyuki , Mizobata Naoki , Nakanishi Takashi , Tojyo Itaru
Published: December 2019

Background

The lingual nerve plays an important role in multiple functions, including gustatory sensation and contact sensitivity and thermosensitivity. Misdiagnosed conservative treatments for serious lingual nerve (LN) injuries can induce the patient to serious mental disability. After continuous observation and critical diagnosis of the injury, in cases involving significant disruption of lingual nerve function, microneurosurgical reconstruction of the nerve is recommended. Direct anastomosis of the torn nerve ends without tension is the recommended approach. However, in cases that present significant gaps between the injured nerve ends, nerve grafts or conduits (tubes of various materials) are employed. Recently, various reconstruction materials for peripheral nerves were commercially offered especially in the USA, but the best method and material is still unclear in the world. There currently exists no conventional protocol for managing LN neurosensory deficiency in regard to optimal methods and the timing for surgical repair. In Japan, the allograft collagen nerve for peripheral nerves reconstruction was permitted in 2017, and we tried to use this allograft nerve and got a recommendable result.

Case presentation

This report is a long-term abandoned torn LN reconstructed with allograft nerve induced by the lower third molar extraction.

Conclusions

In early sick period, with the exact diagnosis, the LN disturbance should be managed. In a serious condition, the reconstruction with allograft nerve is one of the recommendable methods.
Correction to: Associations of thigh muscle fat infiltration with isometric strength measurements based on chemical shift encoding-based water-fat magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Inhuber Stephanie , Sollmann Nico , Schlaeger Sarah , Dieckmeyer Michael , Burian Egon , Kohlmeyer Caroline , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Kirschke Jan S. , Baum Thomas , Kreuzpointner Florian , Schwirtz Ansgar
Published: December 2019

After publication of this article [1], it is noticed it contained some errors in the Methods section.
Exhumations: rarely done procedure but useful in many circumstances—a review of 47 cases in Nigeria
Authors: Akhiwu Wilson Oberaifo , Nwafor Chukwuemeka Charles
Published: December 2019

Background

To do a comprehensive analysis of all exhumation and post mortem examination (EPME) performed in South-South region of Nigeria, with an aim to determine the causes of death and various factors that affect it.

Methodology

This is a retrospective study of all EPME that were done in South-South region of Nigeria over 16 years (1 January 2001 and 31 December 2017). The duplicate copies of all EPME reports that were written previously and police reports for each case were reviewed.

Results

A total of 47 cases were seen. The youngest case was a 6-month-old male and the oldest an 86-year-old man. Males accounted for 72.3% of cases. Age group 20–29 years accounted for most (19.1%) cases. The history summary included sudden traumatic death (40.4%), bodies found floating on the river (23.4%), and kidnapped victims (8.5%). In 91.5% of cases, the autopsies were performed immediately after exhumation beside the grave. Grave locations were the river bank (23.4%), farm lands (21.3%), the deceased family compound (21.3%), cemetery (17%), and in the forest (10.6%). Two mass graves were seen containing 8 bodies and 11 bodies, respectively. A casket was used in 9 cases (19.1%). The shortest interval between burial and exhumation was 5 days, and the longest interval was 348 days. On exhumation, the remains were moderately to severely decomposed (36.2%), skeletonized (34%), or partially decomposed (23.4%). The causes of death were seen in 63.8% of cases.

Conclusion

Exhumation, though rarely done, still remains a useful procedure, because in a significant number of cases, it helped to answer the medico-legal question (the causes of death were seen). Young males account for most cases in our setting.