bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kommerell’s Diverticulum With a Twist: A Case of Recurrent Wheeze in an 8-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Robles Tiffany Amber , Srinivasan Aditya , Mazur Lynnette , Gourishankar Anand
Published: December 2019

Kommerell’s diverticulum is a rare, congenital aortic arch anomaly, usually associated with other vascular abnormalities. When present with a concurrent right-sided aortic arch and an aberrant subclavian artery, this triad can form a vascular ring that encompasses the trachea and esophagus. This anatomical variant is usually asymptomatic but can present with respiratory symptoms due to compression of the trachea. In this report, we discuss a case of a Kommerell’s diverticulum, which presented as frequent and recurring asthma exacerbations in a pediatric patient.
Regulation of Salivary Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 in Adolescents
Authors: Raivisto T. , Heikkinen A.M. , Silbereisen A. , Kovanen L. , Ruokonen H. , Tervahartiala T. , Haukka J. , Sorsa T. , Bostanci N.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1), a member of peptidoglycan recognition proteins, is known to be involved in the proinflammatory response toward bacterial infections. Recently, PGLYRP1 was identified as a ligand for triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1). Although PGLYRP1 is involved in immune and inflammatory responses, its levels in initial stages of periodontal disease in adolescents are currently unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate salivary levels of PGLYRP1 and its correlation with TREM-1, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMN elastase), and an active matrix metalloproteinase 8 (aMMP-8) in adolescents.

Methods:

Whole saliva samples (n = 537) were collected from 15- to 16-y-old adolescents at Kotka Health Center, Finland, prior to periodontal examination, including measurement of periodontal pocket depth (PPD), visible plaque index (VPI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Adolescents, clustered as periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or subclinical periodontitis, were tested for salivary levels of TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and PMN elastase by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and aMMP-8 by a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA).

Results:

Salivary levels of PGLYRP1 and aMMP-8 were significantly higher in adolescents with subclinical periodontitis and gingivitis compared to individuals with healthy periodontium. TREM-1 and PMN elastase levels were higher in adolescents with subclinical periodontitis compared to healthy individuals but did not reach significance. PGLYRP1 correlated positively with BOP, PPD, VPI, aMMP-8, and TREM-1.

Conclusions:

Elevated PGLYRP1 levels in adolescents with gingivitis and subclinical periodontitis and its positive correlation with TREM-1 and aMMP-8 may indicate an association of PGLYRP1 with initial stages of periodontal disease. Sex and poor oral hygiene but not smoking are also associated with higher levels of PGLYRP1. However, PGLYRP1 has a lower discriminating capacity and is therefore a less reliable marker alone in the diagnosis of initial stages of periodontal disease in adolescents.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

PGLYRP1, a member of peptidoglycan recognition proteins, is a ligand for TREM-1. Elevated PGLYRP1 levels in adolescents with gingivitis and subclinical periodontitis and its positive correlation with TREM-1 and aMMP-8 may indicate an association of PGLYRP1 with initial stages of periodontal disease. However, it has a lower discriminating capacity and is therefore a less reliable marker alone in the diagnosis of periodontal disease in adolescents.
Economic and Resource Use Associated With Management of Malaria in Children Aged <5 Years in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: El-Houderi Amira , Constantin Joëlle , Castelnuovo Emanuela , Sauboin Christophe
Published: December 2019

Background. Malaria is a major health, economic, and social burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Purpose. The objective is to help understanding the economic impact of malaria and informing estimates of the potential economic impact of malaria prevention. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic review of published information on health system costs, health care resource use, and household costs for the management of malaria episodes in children aged <5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Data Sources and Study Selection. We conducted searches in Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies reporting data on economic cost or resource use associated with management of malaria in children aged <5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Searches were limited to articles published in English or French between January 1, 2006, and September 1, 2016. Conference abstracts from 2014 to 2016 were hand-searched. Data Extraction and Data Synthesis. We identified 1846 publications, of which 17 met the selection criteria. The studies covered nine countries: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. All costs were standardized to 2016 US dollars (US$). Seven studies estimated the costs of a malaria episode to health systems, and 10 publications plus one abstract reported household costs. The cost to the health system was US$1.94 to US$31.53 for outpatient malaria cases to US$20 to US$136 for inpatient cases. Families bear a large share of the burden through out-of-pocket payments of medical care and lost income due to time off work. Limitations. Data were missing for many countries and few comparisons could be made. Conclusions. Severe malaria is associated with much higher costs than uncomplicated malaria, and families bear a large share of the cost burden.
Acute Thrombotic Complication Post-Endovenous Ablation With Mobile Thrombus: A Case Study
Authors: O’Brien Danielle M. , Mohammad Sundus H.
Published: December 2019

Endovenous ablation is a common procedure performed on the superficial veins of the lower extremities to treat symptoms of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. While endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, patients may develop thrombotic complications including endovenous heat-induced thrombosis. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis is a rare complication of thrombus extension from the superficial vein into or near the deep system postprocedure. In this case report, a female with a history of recent endovenous ablation presented to the emergency department with symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Sonographic evaluation of the right lower extremity revealed extension of thrombus from the ablated superficial vein into the common femoral vein. Thrombus was also noted in the left lower extremity extending from the ablated superficial vein to approximately the saphenofemoral junction. While the left lower extremity was being interrogated, the thrombus was documented, via a cine clip, liberating from the occluded great saphenous vein. Further assessment utilizing computed tomography revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli. This unique case emphasizes the importance of sonographic evaluation post-endovenous ablation.
Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis enhanced cisplatin chemotherapy in osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , He Shaoya , Wu Huaming , Xie Hui , Zhang Tao , Deng Zhongliang
Published: December 2019

Background

The blocking of the programmed cell death protein (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis has been found to have an anticancer activity against various types of cancer by enhancing T cell immunity, while there are no studies linking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to chemotherapy drugs in osteosarcoma (OS). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of blocking PD-1/PD-L1 axis on the cisplatin chemotherapy in OS in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect PD-L1 mRNA in OS tissues. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. In vivo, the syngeneic mice were treated with cisplatin and anti-PD-1 antibody alone or jointly.

Results

In this study, it revealed that PD-L1 mRNA was highly expressed in OS tissues. Further inhibitory evaluation showed that the K7M2-LV cells (PD-L1 overexpression) co-cultured with PD-1+ lymphocytes could promote K7M2 cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the combination of anti-PD-1 antibody and cisplatin significantly decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of K7M2 cells in a co-culture system. In vivo, the combination of anti-PD-1 antibody and cisplatin significantly inhibited tumor growth, while the mechanisms did not involve regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

The present data suggested that the blocking of PD-1/PD-L1 axis had a positive prognostic value, which can enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin in OS. These findings provide a rationale for utilizing PD1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies as a single agent to cure refractory OS in patients receiving cisplatin treatment.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the flower induction and development of the Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys violascens)
Authors: Jiao Yulian , Hu Qiutao , Zhu Yan , Zhu Longfei , Ma Tengfei , Zeng Haiyong , Zang Qiaolu , Li Xuan , Lin Xinchun
Published: December 2019

Background

Bamboo is a very important forest resource. However, the prolonged vegetative stages and uncertainty of flowering brings difficulties in bamboo flowers sampling. Until now, the flowering mechanism of bamboo is still unclear.

Results

In this study, three successive stages of flowering buds and the corresponding vegetative buds (non-flowering stage) from Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys violascens) were collected for transcriptome analysis using Illumina RNA-Seq method. We generated about 442 million clean reads from the above samples, and 132,678 unigenes were acquired with N50 of 1080 bp. A total of 7266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined. According to expression profile and gene function analysis, some environmental stress responsive and plant hormone-related DEGs were highly expressed in the inflorescence meristem formation stage (TF_1) while some floral organ development related genes were up-regulated significantly in floral organs determination stage (TF_2) and floral organs maturation (TF_3) stage, implying the essential roles of these DEGs in flower induction and maturation of Lei bamboo. Additionally, a total of 25 MADS-box unigenes were identified. Based on the expression profile, B, C/D and E clade genes were more related to floral organs development compared with A clade genes in Lei bamboo.

Conclusions

This transcriptome data presents fundamental information about the genes and pathways involved in flower induction and development of Lei bamboo. Moreover, a critical sampling method is provided which could be benefit for bamboo flowering mechanism study.
MS2CNN: predicting MS/MS spectrum based on protein sequence using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Lin Yang-Ming , Chen Ching-Tai , Chang Jia-Ming
Published: December 2019

Background

Tandem mass spectrometry allows biologists to identify and quantify protein samples in the form of digested peptide sequences. When performing peptide identification, spectral library search is more sensitive than traditional database search but is limited to peptides that have been previously identified. An accurate tandem mass spectrum prediction tool is thus crucial in expanding the peptide space and increasing the coverage of spectral library search.

Results

We propose MS2CNN, a non-linear regression model based on deep convolutional neural networks, a deep learning algorithm. The features for our model are amino acid composition, predicted secondary structure, and physical-chemical features such as isoelectric point, aromaticity, helicity, hydrophobicity, and basicity. MS2CNN was trained with five-fold cross validation on a three-way data split on the large-scale human HCD MS2 dataset of Orbitrap LC-MS/MS downloaded from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It was then evaluated on a publicly available independent test dataset of human HeLa cell lysate from LC-MS experiments. On average, our model shows better cosine similarity and Pearson correlation coefficient (0.690 and 0.632) than MS2PIP (0.647 and 0.601) and is comparable with pDeep (0.692 and 0.642). Notably, for the more complex MS2 spectra of 3+ peptides, MS2PIP is significantly better than both MS2PIP and pDeep.

Conclusions

We showed that MS2CNN outperforms MS2PIP for 2+ and 3+ peptides and pDeep for 3+ peptides. This implies that MS2CNN, the proposed convolutional neural network model, generates highly accurate MS2 spectra for LC-MS/MS experiments using Orbitrap machines, which can be of great help in protein and peptide identifications. The results suggest that incorporating more data for deep learning model may improve performance.
Construction of competing endogenous RNA networks from paired RNA-seq data sets by pointwise mutual information
Authors: Lan Chaowang , Peng Hui , Hutvagner Gyorgy , Li Jinyan
Published: December 2019

Background

A long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to compete with an mRNA for binding to the same miRNA. Such an interplay between the lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA is called a ceRNA crosstalk. As an miRNA may have multiple lncRNA targets and multiple mRNA targets, connecting all the ceRNA crosstalks mediated by the same miRNA forms a ceRNA network. Methods have been developed to construct ceRNA networks in the literature. However, these methods have limits because they have not explored the expression characteristics of total RNAs.

Results

We proposed a novel method for constructing ceRNA networks and applied it to a paired RNA-seq data set. The first step of the method takes a competition regulation mechanism to derive candidate ceRNA crosstalks. Second, the method combines a competition rule and pointwise mutual information to compute a competition score for each candidate ceRNA crosstalk. Then, ceRNA crosstalks which have significant competition scores are selected to construct the ceRNA network. The key idea, pointwise mutual information, is ideally suitable for measuring the complex point-to-point relationships embedded in the ceRNA networks.

Conclusion

Computational experiments and results demonstrate that the ceRNA networks can capture important regulatory mechanism of breast cancer, and have also revealed new insights into the treatment of breast cancer. The proposed method can be directly applied to other RNA-seq data sets for deeper disease understanding.
The transcriptome of the rumen ciliate Entodinium caudatum reveals some of its metabolic features
Authors: Wang Lingling , Abu-Doleh Anas , Plank Johanna , Catalyurek Umit V. , Firkins Jeffrey L. , Yu Zhongtang
Published: December 2019

Background

Rumen ciliates play important roles in rumen function by digesting and fermenting feed and shaping the rumen microbiome. However, they remain poorly understood due to the lack of definitive direct evidence without influence by prokaryotes (including symbionts) in co-cultures or the rumen. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to characterize the transcriptome of Entodinium caudatum, the most predominant and representative rumen ciliate species.

Results

Of a large number of transcripts, > 12,000 were annotated to the curated genes in the NR, UniProt, and GO databases. Numerous CAZymes (including lysozyme and chitinase) and peptidases were represented in the transcriptome. This study revealed the ability of E. caudatum to depolymerize starch, hemicellulose, pectin, and the polysaccharides of the bacterial and fungal cell wall, and to degrade proteins. Many signaling pathways, including the ones that have been shown to function in E. caudatum, were represented by many transcripts. The transcriptome also revealed the expression of the genes involved in symbiosis, detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and the electron-transport chain. Overall, the transcriptomic evidence is consistent with some of the previous premises about E. caudatum. However, the identification of specific genes, such as those encoding lysozyme, peptidases, and other enzymes unique to rumen ciliates might be targeted to develop specific and effective inhibitors to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency by controlling the activity and growth of rumen ciliates. The transcriptomic data will also help the assembly and annotation in future genomic sequencing of E. caudatum.

Conclusion

As the first transcriptome of a single species of rumen ciliates ever sequenced, it provides direct evidence for the substrate spectrum, fermentation pathways, ability to respond to various biotic and abiotic stimuli, and other physiological and ecological features of E. caudatum. The presence and expression of the genes involved in the lysis and degradation of microbial cells highlight the dependence of E. caudatum on engulfment of other rumen microbes for its survival and growth. These genes may be explored in future research to develop targeted control of Entodinium species in the rumen. The transcriptome can also facilitate future genomic studies of E. caudatum and other related rumen ciliates.
Detection and characterization of bacterial endosymbionts in Southeast Asian tephritid fruit fly populations
Authors: Asimakis Elias D. , Doudoumis Vangelis , Hadapad Ashok B. , Hire Ramesh S. , Batargias Costas , Niu Changying , Khan Mahfuza , Bourtzis Kostas , Tsiamis George
Published: December 2019

Background

Various endosymbiotic bacteria, includingWolbachiaof the Alphaproteobacteria, infect a wide range of insects and are capable of inducing reproductive abnormalities to their hosts such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis, feminization and male-killing. These extended phenotypes can be potentially exploited in enhancing environmentally friendly methods, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), for controlling natural populations of agricultural pests. The goal of the present study is to investigate the presence ofWolbachia,Spiroplasma,ArsenophonusandCardiniumamongBactrocera,DacusandZeugodacusflies of Southeast Asian populations, and to genotype any detectedWolbachiastrains.

Results

A specific 16SrRNAPCR assay was used to investigate the presence of reproductive parasites in natural populations of nine different tephritid species originating from three Asian countries, Bangladesh, China and India.Wolbachiainfections were identified inBactrocera dorsalis,B. correcta,B. scutellarisandB. zonata, with 12.2–42.9% occurrence, Entomoplasmatales inB. dorsalis,B. correcta,B. scutellaris,B. zonata,Zeugodacus cucurbitaeandZ. tau(0.8–14.3%) andCardiniuminB. dorsalisandZ. tau(0.9–5.8%), while none of the species tested, harbored infections withArsenophonus. Infected populations showed a medium (between 10 and 90%) or low (< 10%) prevalence, ranging from 3 to 80% forWolbachia, 2 to 33% for Entomoplasmatales and 5 to 45% forCardinium.Wolbachiaand Entomoplasmatales infections were found both in tropical and subtropical populations, the former mostly in India and the latter in various regions of India and Bangladesh.Cardiniuminfections were identified in both countries but only in subtropical populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence ofWolbachiawith some strains belonging either to supergroup B or supergroup A. Sequence analysis revealed deletions of variable length and nucleotide variation in threeWolbachiagenes.Spiroplasmastrains were characterized as citri–chrysopicola–mirum and ixodetis strains while the remaining Entomoplasmatales to the Mycoides–Entomoplasmataceae clade.Cardiniumstrains were characterized as group A, similar to strains infectingEncarsia pergandiella.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that in the Southeast natural populations examined, supergroup AWolbachiastrain infections were the most common, followed by Entomoplasmatales andCardinium. In terms of diversity, most strains of each bacterial genus detected clustered in a common group. Interestingly, the deletions detected in threeWolbachiagenes were either new or similar to those of previously identified pseudogenes that were integrated in the host genome indicating putative horizontal gene transfer events inB. dorsalis,B. correctaandB. zonata.
Pathogenic fungi-induced susceptibility is mitigated by mutual Lactobacillus plantarum in the Drosophila melanogaster model
Authors: Su Wanzhen , Liu Jialin , Bai Peng , Ma Baocang , Liu Wei
Published: December 2019

Background

Since animals frequently encounter a variety of harmful fungi in nature, their ability to develop sophisticated anti-fungal strategies allows them to flourish across the globe. Extensive studies have highlighted the significant involvement of indigenous microbial communities in human health. However, the daunting diversity of mammalian microbiota and host genetic complexity are major obstacles to our understanding of these intricate links between microbiota components, host immune genotype, and disease phenotype. In this study, we sought to develop a bacterium-fungus-Drosophila model to systematically evaluate the anti-fungal effects of commensal bacteria.

Results

We isolated the pathogenic fungal strain, Diaporthe FY, which was detrimental to the survival and development of Drosophila upon infection. Using Drosophila as a model system, Drosophila-associated Lactobacillus plantarum functioned as a probiotic, and protected the flies from mortality induced by Diaporthe FY. Our results show that L. plantarum hindered the growth of Diaporthe FY in vitro, and decreased the mortality rate of Diaporthe FY-infected flies in vivo, consequently mitigating the toxicity of Diaporthe FY to the hosts. Additionally, the presence of L. plantarum overrode the avoidance of oviposition on Diaporthe FY-associated substrates.

Conclusions

Diaporthe FY was identified as a potential Drosophila pathogen. Commensal L. plantarum mitigated the susceptibility of Drosophila to pathogenic fungi, providing insight into the natural interplay between commensal and pathogenic microbial communities that contribute to animal health and pathogenesis.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing reveals the low-temperature-tolerance mechanism of Medicago falcata roots
Authors: Cui Guowen , Chai Hua , Yin Hang , Yang Mei , Hu Guofu , Guo Mingying , Yi Rugeletu , Zhang Pan
Published: December 2019

Background

Low temperature is one of the main environmental factors that limits crop growth, development, and production.Medicago falcatais an important leguminous herb that is widely distributed worldwide.M. falcatais related to alfalfa but is more tolerant to low temperature than alfalfa. Understanding the low temperature tolerance mechanism ofM. falcatais important for the genetic improvement of alfalfa.

Results

In this study, we explored the transcriptomic changes in the roots of low-temperature-treatedM. falcataplants by combining SMRT sequencing and NGS technologies. A total of 115,153 nonredundant sequences were obtained, and 8849 AS events, 73,149 SSRs, and 4189 lncRNAs were predicted. A total of 111,587 genes from SMRT sequencing were annotated, and 11,369 DEGs involved in plant hormone signal transduction, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and endocytosis pathways were identified. We characterized 1538 TF genes into 45 TF gene families, and the most abundant TF family was the WRKY family, followed by the ERF, MYB, bHLH and NAC families. A total of 134 genes, including 101 whose expression was upregulated and 33 whose expression was downregulated, were differentially coexpressed at all five temperature points. PB40804, PB75011, PB110405 and PB108808 were found to play crucial roles in the tolerance ofM. falcatato low temperature. WGCNA revealed that the MEbrown module was significantly correlated with low-temperature stress inM. falcata. Electrolyte leakage was correlated with most genetic modules and verified that electrolyte leakage can be used as a direct stress marker in physiological assays to indicate cell membrane damage from low-temperature stress. The consistency between the qRT-PCR results and RNA-seq analyses confirmed the validity of the RNA-seq data and the analysis of the regulatory mechanism of low-temperature stress on the basis of the transcriptome.

Conclusions

The full-length transcripts generated in this study provide a full characterization of the transcriptome ofM. falcataand may be useful for mining new low-temperature stress-related genes specific toM. falcata. These new findings could facilitate the understanding of the low-temperature-tolerance mechanism ofM. falcata.
Glycated hemoglobin predicts coronary artery disease in non-diabetic adults
Authors: Ewid Mohammed , Sherif Hossam , Billah Syed Muhammad Baqui , Saquib Nazmus , AlEnazy Wael , Ragab Omer , Enabi Saed , Rajab Tawfik , Awad Zaki , Abazid Rami
Published: December 2019

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to increased CAD risk factors in Saudi Arabia, research on more feasible and predictive biomarkers is needed. We aimed to evaluate glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a predictor of CAD in low-risk profile non-diabetic patients living in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with no history of CAD were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. They provided demographic data, and their HbA1c estimation followed the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program parameters. All patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for evaluation of chest pain. The extent of coronary artery stenosis (CAS) was quantified as percentage for each patient based on plaques detected in CCTA.

Results

Mean blood pressure of the patients was (91.2 ± 11.9 mmHg), BMI (28.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2), serum cholesterol level (174 ± 33.1 mg/dl), and HbA1c levels (mean 5.7 ± 0.45, median 5.7 and range 4.7–6.4%). Eighteen patients showed no CAS (47.4%), 12 showed minimal stenosis (31.6%), 3 showed mild stenosis (7.9%), 3 showed moderate stenosis (7.9%) and 2 showed severe stenosis (5.3%). A moderate correlation was detected between HbA1c and CAS percentages (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) as well as between HbA1c and the number of affected coronary vessels (r = 0.53, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Glycated hemoglobin can be used as a predictive biomarker for CAD in non-diabetic low-risk patients.
Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessment of malnutrition among Egyptian children with chronic liver diseases: a single institutional cross-sectional study
Authors: El Koofy Nehal , Moawad Eman Mohamed Ibraheim , Fahmy Mona , Mohamed Mona Anwar , Mohamed Hany Fathy Ahmed , Eid Ehab Mohamed , Zaki Moushira Errfan , El-Sayed Rokaya Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Background

Malnutrition is a common problem among children with chronic liver diseases (CLD). We aimed to assess the nutritional status of children with CLD and to correlate the anthropometric indices with the severity of liver disease, liver function tests, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25- OH D).

Methods

A total of 69 patients with CLD and 50 healthy controls (6 months − 6 years) were included in the study. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric indices expressed in standard deviation score (Z score), biochemical, hematological and clinical parameters.

Results

We found 52.2% of CLD patients underweight by weight for age (W/A); 50.2% were stunted by height for age/ length for age (HAZ or LAZ); and 39% exhibited wasting by weight/height or (length) for age (W/HZ or W/LZ) z scores analysis. The mean values of z scores for all anthropometric parameters were significantly correlated with unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin and INR (p < 0.05), except HAZ or LAZ. Also, a significant correlation to albumin was found, except for W/HZ or (W/LZ) (p = 0.157). The z scores < − 2 SD based on W/ H versus arm indicators showed significant differences in MUAC, UAA and AMA (p < 0.001). We found no correlation between anthropometric z-scores and the mean IGF-1 and (25- OH D) values (p > 0.05). Malnutrition was directly correlated with the severity of hepatic dysfunction, particularly, Child-Pugh C cases. The mean IGF-1 and (25- OH D) values were significantly correlated with the severity of liver disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results identified anthropometric arm indicators and MUAC/A measurements as an effective applied methods for assessing nutritional status in CLD children. Moreover, Integrating comprehensive clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements and objective biochemical analyses is essential for evaluation, follow-up and management of CLD children with variable degree of malnutrition.
Epidemiological study of scarlet fever in Shenyang, China
Authors: Chen Huijie , Chen Ye , Sun Baijun , Wen Lihai , An Xiangdong
Published: December 2019

Background

Since 2011, there has been an increase in the incidence of scarlet fever across China. The main objective of this study was to depict the spatiotemporal epidemiological characteristics of the incidence of scarlet fever in Shenyang, China, in 2018 so as to provide the scientific basis for effective strategies of scarlet control and prevention.

Methods

Excel 2010 was used to demonstrate the temporal distribution at the month level and ArcGIS10.3 was used to demonstrate the spatial distribution at the district/county level. Moran’s autocorrelation coefficient was used to examine the spatial autocorrelation and the Getis-Ord statistic was used to determine the hot-spot areas of scarlet fever.

Results

A total of 2314 scarlet fever cases were reported in Shenyang in 2018 with an annual incidence of 31.24 per 100,000. The incidence among males was higher than that among females(p<0.001). A vast majority of the cases (96.89%) were among children aged 3 to 11 years. The highest incidence was 625.34/100,000 in children aged 5–9 years. In 2018 there were two seasonal peaks of scarlet fever in June (summer-peak) and December (winter-peak). The incidence of scarlet fever in urban areas was significantly higher than that in rural areas(p<0.001). The incidence of scarlet fever was randomly distributed in Shenyang. There are hotspot areas located in seven districts.

Conclusions

Urban areas are the hot spots of scarlet fever and joint prevention and control measures between districts should be applied. Children aged 3–11 are the main source of scarlet fever and therefore the introduction of prevention and control into kindergarten and primary schools may be key to the control of scarlet fever epidemics.
POLE mutations improve the prognosis of endometrial cancer via regulating cellular metabolism through AMF/AMFR signal transduction
Authors: Li Yiran , Bian Yiding , Wang Kai , Wan Xiao-Ping
Published: December 2019

Background

The morbidity and mortality of endometrial tumors, a common type of malignant cancer in women, have increased in recent years. POLE encodes the DNA polymerase ε, which is responsible for the leading strand DNA replication. Somatic mutations of POLE have been acknowledged in numerous cancers, resulting in the accumulation of DNA errors, leading to ultra-mutated tumors. Mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE have been reported to improve progression-free survival in endometrial cancer. However, the potential relationship and underlying mechanism between POLE mutations and the prognosis of endometrial cancer patients remains unclear.

Methods

The whole exome sequencing data, RNA sequencing data, and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA database and employed for the analyses in this study. The detailed mutational information was analyzed using whole exome sequencing data and the mutated genes were shown with OncoPlot. The survival curves and cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to accessed patient prognosis, the association of clinical characteristics and prognosis. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed by the edgeR R/Bioconductor package, then the GSEA Pre-ranked tool was used for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to estimate the function of genes. Expression values were clustered using hierarchical clustering with Euclidean distance and ward linkage by the dendextend R package.

Results

POLE mutational status was proven to be an independent prognostic factor for endometrial cancer patients. Patients with somatic POLE mutations presented a favorable prognosis. POLE mutations regulated glycolysis and cytokine secretion, affecting cell metabolism and immune response. Autocrine motility factor (AMF)/PGI and AMFR/gp78 exhibited higher expression levels in POLE mutant patients. The comprehensive high expressions of AMFR/gp78 and low expression of POLE were associated with the favorable prognosis of endometrial cancer patients.

Conclusions

This study showed the POLE mutations a vital factor in endometrial cancer patients, leading to a higher expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78. These results suggested comprehensive consideration of the POLE mutations, expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78 may provide a more feasible and effective approach for the treatment of endometrial cancer, which might improve the prognosis.
Circulating microRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) are associated with chronic kidney disease among elderly survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors:   the RIAS study group, Fujii Ryosuke , Yamada Hiroya , Yamazaki Mirai , Munetsuna Eiji , Ando Yoshitaka , Ohashi Koji , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Shimoda Haruki , Sakata Kiyomi , Ogawa Akira , Kobayashi Seiichiro , Suzuki Koji
Published: December 2019

Background

A recent study has reported that incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in evacuees, but the molecular mechanism still remains unclear. One plausible hypothesis is a change in vascular function following to psychological distress. In order to assess molecular mechanisms underlying this association, we examined whether cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated miRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) were associated with CKD among Japanese elderly survivors after an earthquake.

Methods

We analyzed 1385 individuals (670 men and 715 women) who participated in a post-disaster health check-up after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in 2011. The check-up involved collection of information about lifestyle, clinical history, the degree of housing damage, and baseline measurement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Expression levels of miRNAs were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using sex, age, and serum creatinine. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. The multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between CVD-associated miRNAs and CKD after adjusting potential confounders.

Results

Mean age (standard deviation) of participants with normal kidney function and CKD was 62.7 (10.6) and 71.9 (8.1) years, respectively. Expression levels of these miRNAs in participants with CKD were significantly lower than normal kidney function (all p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for lifestyle, clinical profiles, and psychological distress, significant associations between three miRNAs and CKD still remained. A significant linear association between the cumulative score of these miRNAs and CKD was found (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study suggested that CVD-associated miRNAs were an important factor of CKD in an elderly Japanese population after earthquake. Future studies need to examine this association in longitudinal dataset.
The eagle jugular syndrome
Authors: Zamboni Paolo , Scerrati Alba , Menegatti Erica , Galeotti Roberto , Lapparelli Marcello , Traina Luca , Tessari Mirko , Ciorba Andrea , De Bonis Pasquale , Pelucchi Stefano
Published: December 2019

Background

The elongation of the styloid process is historically associated with two variants of the Eagle syndrome. The classic one, mainly characterized by pain and dysphagia, and the carotid variant characterized by pain and sometimes by cerebral ischemia. We observed a further variant characterized by a styloid elongation coursing adjacent to the transverse process of C1, causing significant compression of the internal jugular vein.

Methods

We reviewed all the cases of Eagle syndrome, including the jugular variant, admitted in our Hospital in the last six years.

We compared symptomatology, associated comorbidities and imaging. Data were statistically analyzed.

Results

Overall 23 patients were admitted to the Hospital for symptomatic elongation of the styloid process, 11 male and 12 females. The jugular variant of the Eagle syndrome is clinically delineated by significant differences, as compared to the classic variant and carotid variants. Headache was the more prominent symptom (p < .009) as well as a documented peri-mesencephalic hemorrhage was the more significant comorbidity (p < .0003). The group classic-carotid variant was characterized by ipsilateral pain respect to the jugular variant (p < .0003). CT angiography with venous phase extended to the neck veins and imaging reconstruction is highly recommended as imaging technique, complemented by color-Doppler ultrasound.

Conclusions

The elongation of the styloid process may have different paths which creates compression on the surrounding anatomical structures. There may be a possible association of jugular impingement by an elongated styloid process with symptoms.

Trial registration

Protocol n°45–2013.
Confidential enquiries into maternal deaths in Ondo State, Nigeria – a comparative analysis
Authors: Oyeneyin Lawal , van den Akker Thomas , Durojaiye Oladipo , Obaado Ola , Akanbiemu Francis , Olagbuji Yetunde , Aladeniyi Isaac , Oyeneyin Majeed , Aladenola Olajumoke
Published: December 2019

Background

Paucity of data on state-wide maternal mortality in Nigeria hampers planning, monitoring and evaluation of the impact of interventions. The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in Ondo State was initiated to overcome this problem. This study aimed to compare trends of maternal mortality ratios, causes of deaths, geographical distribution and other associated factors in 12-monthly reports of the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in Ondo State.

Methods

Notification forms were distributed throughout the State to focal persons and medical records officers at community and facility levels, respectively. Maternal deaths, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases 10th version, were recorded prospectively over 3 years from 1st June 2012 to 30th May, 2015. Forms were submitted, collated and data analysed by a multidisciplinary review committee.

Results

Reported numbers of maternal deaths (and maternal mortality ratios) were 114 (253 per 100,000 births), 89 (192) and 81 (170), respectively per year, indicating a 33% reduction in maternal mortality ratio over the course of the study period. Assuming that the confidential enquiry process was the only intervention at the time aimed at reducing maternal mortality, simple linear regression with a correlation coefficient of 0.9314, showed a relationship though the difference in the values were not statistically significant (95% CI = − 184.55 to 101.55, p = 0.169). Postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia were the leading causes of deaths.

Conclusion

There was a trend of reduction in maternal mortality ratio during the period of study with postpartum haemorrhage as the major cause of death. The positive association between the confidential enquiry reports and maternal mortality ratios make us recommend that our model be adopted in other states and at the federal level.
The mechanisms and processes of connection: developing a causal chain model capturing impacts of receiving recorded mental health recovery narratives
Authors: Ng Fiona , Charles Ashleigh , Pollock Kristian , Rennick-Egglestone Stefan , Cuijpers Pim , Gillard Steve , van der Krieke Lian , Bongaardt Rob , Pomberth Scott , Repper Julie , Roe James , Llewellyn-Beardsley Joy , Yeo Caroline , Hui Ada , Hare-Duke Laurie , Manley David , Slade Mike
Published: December 2019

Background

Mental health recovery narratives are a core component of recovery-oriented interventions such as peer support and anti-stigma campaigns. A substantial number of recorded recovery narratives are now publicly available online in different modalities and in published books. Whilst the benefits of telling one’s story have been investigated, much less is known about how recorded narratives of differing modalities impact on recipients. A previous qualitative study identified connection to the narrator and/or to events in the narrative to be a core mechanism of change. The factors that influence how individuals connect with a recorded narrative are unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the immediate effects of receiving recovery narratives presented in a range of modalities (text, video and audio), by establishing the mechanisms of connection and the processes by which connection leads to outcomes.

Method

A study involving 40 mental health service users in England was conducted. Participants were presented with up to 10 randomly-selected recovery narratives and were interviewed on the immediate impact of each narrative. Thematic analysis was used to identify the mechanisms of connection and how connection leads to outcome.

Results

Receiving a recovery narrative led participants to reflect upon their own experiences or those of others, which then led to connection through three mechanisms: comparing oneself with the narrative and narrator; learning about other’s experiences; and experiencing empathy. These mechanisms led to outcomes through three processes: the identification of change (through attending to narrative structure); the interpretation of change (through attending to narrative content); and the internalisation of interpretations.

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify mechanisms and processes of connection with recorded recovery narratives. The empirically-based causal chain model developed in this study describes the immediate effects on recipients. This model can inform selection of narratives for use in interventions, and be used to support peer support workers in recounting their own recovery narratives in ways which are maximally beneficial to others.
Vitamin D deficiency among patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Atamañuk Andrés N. , Litewka Diego F. , Baratta Sergio J. , Seropian Ignacio M. , Perez Prados Graciela , Payaslian Miguel O. , Ortiz Fragola Juan P. , Escribano Subias Pilar
Published: December 2019

Background

There is little information about vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The objective of this study was: 1) compare Vit D levels between patients with PH, left ventricular failure (LVF) and healthy subjects (HS); 2) correlate, in patients with PH, Vit D levels with prognosis-related variables, such as the 6-min walk test (6MWT).

Methods

Vitamin D levels were measured in a cross-sectional study in 126 patients from one of three groups: patients with PH (n = 53), patients with LVF (n = 42) and healthy subjects (n = 31). In all groups, 8-h fasting blood samples were obtained in the morning. In the PH and the LVF group, functional class (WHO criteria), metres covered in the 6MWT and echocardiographic parameters were analysed. In the PH group, plasma N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was analysed and a complete haemodynamic evaluation by right heart catheterisation was made.

Results

Mean Vit D levels were lower in PH than in both other groups (ng/ml, mean ± SD): PH 19.25 ± 10, LVF 25.68 ± 12, HS 28.8 ± 12 (PH vs LVF p = 0.017, PH vs HS p = 0.001 and HS vs LVF p = 0.46). Vit D deficiency prevalence was higher in PH as compared to the other groups (PH 53.8%, LVF 45.2%, HS 25%, p = 0.01). Patients with PH in functional class (FC; WHO criteria) III–IV had higher Vit D deficiency prevalence than those in FC I–II (86.7% vs 40.5%, p = 0.003). There was a significant linear correlation between the 6MWT and Vit D levels in PH (p < 0.01), but not in LVF (p = 0.69).

Conclusions

Vit D levels were lower in patients with PH as compared to patients with LVF and HS and correlated directly with 6-min walk distance.
Safety and use of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Zhi-wen , Wang Xiao-fei , Xu Hui-wen , Yu Hua , Chen Yan-bin , Huang Jian-an , Wang Jia-jia , Lei Wei
Published: December 2019

Background

To promote the utilization of pulmonary function tests (PFT) through analyzing the data of PFT during the past seven years in one large teaching hospital in China.

Methods

Through a retrospective analysis, the allocation of full-time staff in PFT room, the demographic characteristics of patients, cost-effectiveness of PFT, positive rate and failure rate of PFT, adverse events were analyzed.

Results

1) From 2012 to 2018, the numbers of PFT showed the trend of escalation year by year. The proportion of patients receiving PFT rose from 29.0/10,000 in 2012 to 34.7/10,000 in 2018. The best allocation of PFT room was 20–25/ person / day. 2) The number of PFT provided by Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accounted for 97.2, 97.1, 97.3, 97.8, 97.8, 98.0, and 98.2% of the total cases of outpatient PFT in the same year. The top three departments in the inpatient department were Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, and Department of Urinary Surgery, the total cases of PFT in these three departments accounted for 65.1, 64.4, 62.1, 63.5, 62.4, 65.3 and 69.1% of the total cases of inpatient PFT in the same year. 3) Data from 2018 showed that the revenue from PFT was about 3.7 million Chinese Yuan, and that the salary of personnel and expenditure on machine maintenance and wear were about 800,000 Chinese Yuan. 4) 58.2% of the patients who had undergone PFT had ventilatory dysfunction. 5) The average failure rate of PFT in the past seven years was 1.91%. 6) The main adverse events of PFT examination were dizziness, amaurosis, limb numbness, lip numbness and falls. The incidence rates were 0.49, 0.42, 0.41, 0.39, 0.44, 0.48, and 0.45% respectively, with an average of 0.44%.

Conclusions

The number of PFT showed an upward trend in the past seven years, and the optimal staffing of PFT room was 20–25 cases per person per day. The positive rate of pulmonary dysfunction was 58.2%. The failure rate of PFT and the incidence of adverse events were very low, suggesting it is a simple and safe clinical examination. It’s worthy of further popularization and promotion.