bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Hypertrophy and Improving Chondrocyte Differentiation by MMP-13 Inhibitor Small Molecule-Encapsulated in Alginate-Chondroitin Sulfate-Platelet Lysate Hydrogel
Authors: Jahangir Shahrbanoo , Eglin David , Pötter Naomi , Ravari Mojtaba Khozaei , Stoddart Martin , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Alini Mauro , Eslaminejad Mohammadreza Baghaban , Safa Majid
Published: May 2020

Background Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising cell source for chondrogenic differentiation and have been widely used in several preclinical and clinical studies. However, they are prone to an unwanted differentiation process towards hypertrophy that limits their therapeutic efficacy. Matrix Metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13) is a well-known factor regulated during this undesirable event. MMP-13 is a collagen degrading enzyme, which is also highly expressed in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate and in OA cartilage. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of MMP-13 inhibition on MSC hypertrophy.Methods In this study, 5-bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid (BICA) was used as an inhibitory agent for MMP-13 expression. After identifying its optimal concentration, BICA was mixed into a hydrogel and the release rate was studied. To prepare the ideal hydrogel, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and platelet lysate (PL) were mixed with sodium alginate (Alg) at concentrations selected based on synergistic mechanical and rheometric properties. Then, four hydrogels were prepared by combining alginate (1.5%w/v), and/or CS (1%w/v) and/or PL (20%v/v). The chondrogenic potential and progression to hypertrophy of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBM-MSC) loaded hydrogels were investigated under free swelling and mechanical loading conditions, in the presence and absence of BICA.Results Viability of hBM-MSCs seeded in the four hydrogels was similar. qRT-PCR revealed that BICA could successfully inhibit MMP-13 expression, which led to an inhibition of Coll X and induction of Coll-II, in both free swelling and loading conditions. The GAG deposition was higher in the group combining BICA and mechanical stimulation.Conclusions It is concluded that BICA inhibition of MMP-13 reduces MSC hypertrophy during chondrogenesis.
Angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptor heteromer expression in the hemilesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease that increases with levodopa-induced dyskinesia
Authors: Rivas-Santisteban Rafael , Rodriguez-Perez Ana I. , Muñoz Ana , Reyes-Resina Irene , Labandeira-García José Luis , Navarro Gemma , Franco Rafael
Published: May 2020

Background/Aims: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is altered in Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disease due to substantia nigra neurodegeneration and whose dopamine-replacement therapy, using the precursor levodopa, leads to dyskinesias as the main side effect. Angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, mainly known for their role in regulating water homeostasis and blood pressure and able to form heterodimers (AT1/2Hets), are present in the central nervous system. We assessed the functionality and expression of AT1/2Hets in Parkinson Disease (PD).Methods: Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze the colocalization between angiotensin receptors, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer was used to detect AT1/2Hets. Calcium and cAMP determination, MAPK activation and label-free assays were performed to characterize signaling in homologous and heterologous systems. Proximity ligation assays was used to quantify receptor expression in mouse primary cultures and in rat striatal sections.Results: We confirmed that AT1 and AT2 receptors form AT1/2Hets that are expressed in cells of the central nervous system. AT1/2Hets are novel functional units with particular signaling properties. Importantly, the coactivation of the two receptors in the heteromer reduces the signaling output of angiotensin. Remarkably, AT1/2Hets that are expressed in both striatal neurons and microglia show a cross-potentiation, i.e. candesartan, the antagonist of AT1 increases the effect of AT2 receptor agonists. In addition, the level of striatal expression increased in the unilateral 6-OH-dopamine lesioned rat PD model and was markedly higher in parkinsonian-like animals that did not become dyskinetic upon levodopa chronic administration if compared with expression in those that became dyskinetic.Conclusion: The results indicate that boosting the action of neuroprotective AT2 receptors using an AT1 receptor antagonist constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy in PD.
Construction and analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on competitive endogenous RNA reveal functional lncRNAs in oral cancer
Authors: Yin Junhao , Zeng Xiaoli , Ai Zexin , Yu Miao , Wu Yang’ou , LI SHENGJIAO
Published: May 2020

Background: A growing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge in various diseases including oral cancer. However, the pathophysiological function of lncRNAs remains unclear. Methods: Based on the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theory, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in oral cancer with the human expression profiles GSE74530 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We used topological analysis to determine the hub lncRNAs in the regulatory ceRNA network. Then, function enrichment analysis was performed using the clusterProfiler R package. Clinical information was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: A total of 238 potential co-dysregulated competing triples were obtained in the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network in oral cancer, which consisted of 10 lncRNA nodes, 41 miRNA nodes and 122 mRNA nodes. Additionally, we found lncRNA HCG22 exhibiting superior potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of oral cancer. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights to understand the ceRNA regulation in oral cancer and identify a novel lncRNA as a potential molecular biomarker.
WITHDRAWN: The mechanism of Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction in IR adipocytes and its component analysis
Authors: Fang Fang , Wen WeiBo , Xie Xuehua , Yang Ling , Zhang Xu , Zhao jie
Published: May 2020

Background: Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients with NAFLD. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the mechanism of drug serum of JGXZ in adipocytes and detect the main components of JGXZ in rat serum.Methods: The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were used to establish IR adipocytes model. The lipid accumulation in adipocytes was detected by oil red O staining. After JGXZ treatment, glucose consumption, TC and TG were analyzed by corresponding kits. ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, Western Blot was used to assess LKB1/AMPK and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT expressions. Except for that, the main components of JGXZ in rat serum samples were detected by LC-MS/MS method. A Phenomenex Luna C18 was used to perform chromatographic separation and detect the concentration of main components in JGXZ. The ion source was ESI. The mobile phase contained methanol and 0.1% formic acid solution. Results: JGXZ significantly decreased glucose levels and adipogenesis, accompanied by decreased IR (p<0.01). Besides, JGXZ markedly affected ROS, LKB1/AMPK and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT levels(p<0.01). The R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside and tanshinone could be significantly quantified. Conclusions: Thus, JGXZ decreased glucose and lipid synthesis possibly via ROS/AMPK/JNK pathway. R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside and tanshinone in JGXZ could play mainroles in treating NAFLD, which could offer assistance for us to study the mechanism of JGXZ on treating NAFLD.
The impact of frailty in aortic valve surgery.
Authors: Berastegui Elisabet , CAmara Maria Luisa , Moret Enrique , Casas Irma , Badia Sara , Gallego Claudio FErnandez , Delgado Luis , Julia Ignasi , Llorens Anna , Romero Bernat , Genis Antoni Bayes , Guijosa Christian Muñoz
Published: May 2020

Background Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that diminishes potential functional recovery after any surgical procedure. Preoperative surgical risk assessment is crucial to calibrate the risk and benefit of cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to test usefulness of FRAIL Scale and other surgical-risk-scales and individual features of frailty. Methods: Prospective study. From May-2014 to February-2016, we collected 200 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, either surgically or transcatheter. At 1-year follow-up, quality of life measurements were recorded using the EQ-5D (EuroQol). Univariate and multivariate analyses correlated preoperative condition, features of frailty and predicted risk scores with mortality, morbidity and quality of life at 1 year of follow-up. Results: Mean age 78.2y, 56%male. Mean-preoperative-scores: FRAIL scale 1.5(SD 1.02), STS 2.9(SD 1.13), BI 93.8(SD 7.3), ESlog I 12.8(SD 8.5) and GS 7.3s (SD 1.9). Morbidity at discharge, 6 m and 1 year was 51%, 14% and 28%. Mortality 4%. Survival at 6m/ 1-y was 97% / 88%. Complication-rate was higher in TAVI group due to-vascular complications. Renal dysfunction, anemia, social dependence and GS slower than 7 seconds were associated with morbidity. On multivariate analysis adjusted STS, BI and GS speed were statistically significant. Quality of life at 1-year follow-up adjusted for age and prosthesis type showed a significant association with STS and FRAIL scale scores. Conclusions: Frailty increases surgical risk and is associated with higher morbidity. Preoperative GS slower 7 s, and STS and FRAIL scale scores seem to be reliable predictors of quality of life at 1-year follow-up.
The prognosis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Anqiang , Ao Sheng , Chen Jiahui , Ji Ke , He Qifei , Ji Xin , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Li Zhongwu , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu
Published: May 2020

Background : To investigate whether there is a distinct difference in prognosis between hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach ( HAS) and non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (non-HAS) and whether HAS can benefit from radical surgery. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 722 patients with non-HAS and 75 patients with HAS who underwent radical gastrectomy between 3 November 2009 and 17 December 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to eliminate the bias among the patients in our study. The relationships between gastric cancer type and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Results : Our data demonstrate that there was no statistically significant difference in the OS between HAS and non-HAS {K-M, P=log rank (Mantel-Cox), (before PSM P=0.397); (1:1 PSM P=0.345); (1:2 PSM P=0.195)}. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, or 3-year survival rates between patients with non-HAS and patients with HAS (before propensity matching, after 1:1 propensity matching, and after 1:2 propensity matching). Conclusion : HAS was generally considered to be an aggressive gastric neoplasm, but its prognosis may not be as unsatisfactory as previously believed.
Google analytics of a pilot study to characterize the visitor website statistics and implicate for enrollment strategies in Medical University
Authors: Chen Szu-Chieh , Tsao Thomas Chang-Yao , Lue Ko-Huang , Tsai Yafang
Published: May 2020

Background: Due to decreasing fertility rates in Taiwan, colleges and universities face significant difficulties in maintaining student attendance. This study aims to investigate students in the higher education market and explore their online behavior patterns in relation to university departmental websites to provide response strategies with the aim of potentially increasing enrollment. Methods: We used Google Analytics (GA) tools to analyze two departmental websites from a medical university between February 1 and July 30, 2018. We also observed website patterns during relevant periods for three college admission routes (Stars Program, Personal Application, and Admission by Examination and Placement). Results: Visitors were mostly between 18 and 24 years of age during the three visiting date ranges for the two departments analyzed. The visitor groups were mainly freshmen at the university, and secondarily their parents. The majority of visitors visited “Homepage,” “Subject Credits,” “Course Planning,” “Teacher Lineup,” and “Certificate of Subjects.” The overall timing of daily page views varied depending on academic events. Conclusions: Results suggest that the department should consider enhancing the presentation of its featured courses on the webpage or distinguish their course characteristics from those of competing departments in the curriculum to ensure clear market segmentation. It is recommended that each department consider the obtainable data online and identify suitable high schools to visit to attract potential students and improve student willingness to choose this university.
Ultrasonic bone scalpel for thoracic spinal decompression: case series and technical note
Authors: Sun Chuiguo , Chen Guanghui , Fan Tianqi , Li Weishi , Guo Zhaoqing , Qi Qiang , Zeng Yan , Zhong Woquan , chen zhongqiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) is a rare but intractable disease that fails to respond to conservative treatment. Thoracic spinal decompression, which is traditionally performed using high-speed drills and kerrison rongeurs, is a time-consuming and technically challenging task. Unfavorable outcomes and high incidence of complications are the major concerns. The development and adaptation of ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) has promoted its application in various spinal operations, but its application and standard operating procedure in thoracic decompression have not been fully clarified. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe our experience and technique note of using UBS, and come up with a standard surgical procedure for thoracic spinal decompression.Methods: A consecutive of 28 patients with TSS who underwent posterior thoracic spinal decompression surgery with UBS between December 2014 and May 2015 were enrolled in this study. The demographic data, perioperative complications, operation time, estimated blood loss, pre-and postoperative neurological statuses were recorded and analyzed. Neurological status was evaluated with a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and the neurological recovery rate was calculated using the Hirabayashi’s Method.Results: Thoracic spinal decompression surgery was successfully carried out in all cases via a single posterior approach. The average age at surgery was 49.7±8.5 years. The mean operative time of single-segment laminectomy was 3.0±1.4min and the blood loss was 108.3±47.3ml. In circumferential decompression, the average blood loss was 513.8±217.0ml. Two cases of instrument-related nerve root injury occurred during operation and were cured by conservative treatment. Six patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage postoperatively, but no related complications were observed. The mean follow-up period was 39.7±8.9 months, the average JOA score increased from 4.7 before surgery to 10.1 postoperatively, and the average recovery rate was 85.8%.Conclusions: The UBS is an optimal instrument for thoracic spinal decompression, and its application enables surgeons to decompress the thoracic spinal cord safely and effectively. This standard operating procedure is expected to help achieve favorable outcomes, and can be used to treat various pathologies leading to TSS.
Impaired autophagy triggered by HDAC9 in mesenchymal stem cells accelerates bone mass loss
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Qi Meng , Chen Ji , Zhao Jiangdong , Li Liya , Hu Jiachen , Jin Yan , Liu Wenjia
Published: May 2020

Background: Bone mass loss in aging is linked with imbalanced lineage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Recent studies have proved that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are regarded as key regulators of bone remodeling. However, HDACs involve in regulating BMMSCs bio-behaviors remain elusive. Here, we investigated ability of HDAC9 on modulation of autophagy and its significance in lineage differentiation of BMMSCs.Methods: The effects of HDAC9 on lineage differentiation of BMMSCs and autophagic signaling were assessed by various biochemical (Western blot and ChIP assay), morphological (TEM and confocal microscopy) and microCT assays.Results ：16-month mice manifested obvious bone mass loss and marrow fat increase, accompanied with decreased osteogenic differentiation and increased adipogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Further, the expression of HDAC9 elevated in bone and BMMSCs. Importantly, HDAC9 inhibitors recovered the lineage differentiation abnormality of 16-month BMMSCs and reduced p53 expression. Mechanistically, we revealed that HDAC9 regulated the autophagy of BMMSCs by controlling H3K9 acetylation in the promoters of the autophagic genes, ATG7 , BECN1 , and LC3a/b, which subsequently affected their lineage differentiation. Finally, HDAC9 inhibition improved endogenous BMMSCs properties and promoted the bone mass recovery of 16-month mice.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that HDAC9 is a key regulator in variety of bone mass by regulating autophagic activity in BMMSCs and thus a potential target of age-related bone loss treatment.
Identifying Chagas disease vectors using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors of body contour: A case for the cryptic dimidiata complex
Authors: Flores Daryl David Cruz , Arenas Elizabeth Arellano , Ávila Dennis Denis , Ibarra-Cerdeña Carlos N.
Published: May 2020

Background Triatoma dimidiata (Reduviidae: Triatominae) is an important vector of Chagas disease in various countries in the Americas. Phylogenetic studies have defined three lineages in Mexico and part of Central America. While there is a marked genetic differentiation, methods for identifying them using morphometric analyses with landmarks have not yet been fully resolutive. Elliptical Fourier Descriptors (EFDs), which mathematically describe the shape of any closed two-dimensional contours, could be a potentially useful alternative method. Our objective was to validate the use of EFDs for the identification of three lineages of this species complex. Method 84 dorsal view images of individuals of the three lineages were used. Body contours were described with EFDs using between 5 and 30 harmonics. The number of obtained coefficients was reduced by a Principal Components Analysis and the first axis scores were used as shape variables. A linear discriminant function analysis and an Ordination plot of the Discriminant Analysis were performed using the shape variables. A confusion matrix of the Ordination plot of the Discriminant Analysis was obtained to estimate the classification errors, the first five PC scores were statistically compared, and a neural network were then performed using the shape variables. Results The first principal component explained 50% of the variability, regardless the number of harmonics used. The results of Discriminant Analysis get improved by increasing the number of harmonics and components considered. With 25 harmonics and 30 components, the identification of haplogroups was achieved with an overall efficiency greater than 97%. The ordering diagram shown the correct discrimination of haplogroups, with only one error of discrimination corroborated by the confusion matrix. When comparing the first five PC scores, significant differences were found among at least two haplogroups. The 30 multilayer perceptron neural networks were also efficient in identification, reaching 91% efficiency with the validation data. Conclusions The use of EFD is a simple and useful method for the identification of the main lineages of Triatoma dimidiata , with high values ​​of correct identification.
Identification of drug targets and potential molecular mechanisms for Wantong Jingu Tablet extract in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: bioinformatics analysis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Qi Fangyuan , Li Fan
Published: May 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis- fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) play important roles in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Wantong Jingu Tablet (WJT), a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, is a potentially effective therapy for RA, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we explore the effects of WJT on human RA-FLSs and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: The major components of WJT were determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). Cell proliferative ability was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation assay, and EdU incorporation assay. Cell apoptotic capacity was examined by caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity test. Protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were investigated by western blotting. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to screen and identify targeted genes, followed by identification by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Results: In this study, we have identified 346 compounds in WJT. Our results showed that WJT inhibited the RA-FLSs proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. More importantly, 184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) has been screened after WJT treatment based on DEGSeq2 and 278 DEGs was identified by DEGSeq2 combined with WGCNA. Then, 10 hub genes were identified based on two different analyses, while the expression levels of only SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 were decreased after WJT treatment, which was identical to the sequencing profiles.Conclusions: WJT exerted its anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects possibly through suppressing the expression of SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 in RA-FLSs. Thus, therapeutics targeting these genes may be a promising strategy for rescuing RA.
Overlapping volumes in re-irradiation for head and neck cancer - an important factor for patient selection
Authors: Embring Anna , Onjukka Eva , Mercke Claes , Lax Ingmar , Berglund Anders , Bornedal Sara , Wennberg Berit , Friesland Signe
Published: May 2020

Background: There is a lack of consensus concerning the definition of re-irradiation and re-irradiation volumes in head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of the present study is to introduce a more strict definition of the re-irradiated volume that might better predict the risk of serious side-effects from treatment. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients re-irradiated for HNC cancer were retrospectively analysed. CT images were deformably registered and the dose distributions accumulated after conversion to EQD2. Patients with a cumulative dose of ≥100 Gy in the overlapping volume (V100) were included in the study. Survival data and radiation-related acute and late toxicities were recorded. Results: The overall survival of all included patients at 2 and 5 years was 42.6% and 27.3% respectively and the progression free survival at 2 and 5 years was 32.5% and 28.5% respectively. The overall rate of any event of severe (grade ≥3) acute and late toxicity was 26% and 51%, respectively. We found that severe acute toxicity was more common in patients who had a larger overlapping volume (V100 >mean) where 43% of the patients experienced grade ≥3 acute toxicity, compared to the patients with smaller overlapping volumes (V100 <mean) where only 11% had severe toxicity (p = 0.02). The seemingly high rates of late toxicity in the present study could be due to the use of a more strict definition of re-irradiation. In previous studies also patients with low dose overlap are included and our results imply that there is a risk that previous studies might have overestimated the risk-benefit ratio in re-irradiation of HNC.Conclusions: Our study describes the outcome of a patient material where a more strict definition of the re-irradiated volume is used. With this definition, which could better describe the volume of highest risk for serious complications, we found that larger such overlapping volumes result in an increase in severe acute side-effects. A clear definition of re-irradiation and re-irradiation volumes is of utmost importance for future studies of HNC to make results from different studies comparable.
Staging Procedures Fail to Benefit Women with Borderline Ovarian Tumours Who Want to Preserve Fertility: A Retrospective Analysis of 448 cases
Authors: Li Na , Gou Jinhai , Li Lin , Ming Xiu , Hu Tingwenyi , Li Zhengyu
Published: May 2020

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clinicopathologic and surgical factors on the prognosis and fertility outcomes of patients with borderline ovarian tumour (BOT). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of BOT patients who underwent surgical procedures in West China Second University Hospital from January 2008 to January 2015. The disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes and potential prognostic factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Furthermore, fertility outcomes were analysed using Pearson Χ 2 and Fisher’s correlation tests. Results A total of 448 patients were included, with a median age of 37.1 years and a median follow-up time of 113 months; 52 (11.6%) recurrences were observed, with a mean recurrence interval of 80.2 months and four (0.9%) deaths; 118 (26.3%) patients underwent staging surgery and the remaining 330 (73.7%) underwent unstaged surgery. In total, 233 patients undergoing fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) attempted to conceive, and 92 (39.48%) of them achieved pregnancy. No significant differences in fertility outcomes were found between the staging and unstaged surgery groups ( P = 0.691). In univariate analysis, staging surgery was associated with DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.191; P = 0.005), but it was not an independent prognostic factor ( P = 0.600) for DFS on multivariate analysis. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that advanced FIGO stage (≥stage II), positive ascites\pelvic washings, and laparotomy approach were independent prognostic factors for DFS in patients with BOT, whereas advanced stage (≥stage II), laparotomy approach, cystectomy-related procedures, invasive implants, and bilateral tumours were independent prognostic factors for DFS in patients undergoing FSS. In addition, laparoscopy resulted in better prognosis than laparotomy in patients with early-stage (stage I) tumours and a desire for fertility preservation. Conclusion Patients with BOT fail to benefit from surgical staging in terms of prognosis and fertility outcomes. Laparoscopy is recommended for patients with stage I disease who desire to preserve their fertility. Physicians should pay more attention to the risk of recurrence in patients who want to preserve fertility with advanced stage (≥stage II) disease, invasive implants, and bilateral tumours, and choose FSS carefully.
Clinical characteristics and laboratory indicator analysis of 69 COVID-19 pneumonia patients in Suzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yi , Yao Lin , Zhang Jian-Ping , Tang Pei-Jun , Ye Zhi-Jian , Shen Xing-Hua , Xu Jun-Chi , Wu Mei-Ying , Yu Xin
Published: May 2020

Background
Sudden exacerbations and respiratory failure are major causes for the death of severe COVID-19 pneumonia patient and but now the detection and treatment of severe patients is still lack.
Methods
A retrospective analysis is conducted on 69 collected cases, which are about 69 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to the Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital from January 1, 2020 to February 8, 2020. Their epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics as well as laboratory data of the 69 patients were analyzed.
Results
The study found fibrinogen increased in 45 (65.2%) patients and when the fibrinogen takes a critical value of 4.805 g/L, the sensitivity and specificity, helping distinguish general and severe classification, are 100% and 14%, respectively, which are significantly better than lymphocyte and myoglobin. Chest CT images indicate that the cumulative number of lung lobes in severe patients were significantly higher than that in general patients (P༜0.05) and the cumulative number of lung lobes in the lesions was negatively correlated with lymphocyte, and positively correlated with myoglobin and fibrinogen. Our study also found that there is no obvious effect of hormone therapy in severe patients with COVID-19.
Conclusions
Based on the retrospective analysis, the fibrinogen were found increased in severe patients and were better than lymphocyte and myoglobin in respect of distinguishing general and severe patients. And the study also suggested hormone treatment has no significant effect on COVID-19.
Significance of anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibody among patients with SLE or MCTD
Authors: Shima Natsuki , Sawa Naoki , Ueno Toshiharu , Mizuno Hiroki , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hoshino Junichi , Kinowaki Keiichi , Ohashi Kenichi , Fujii Takeshi , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: May 2020

Background

The significance of anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibody remains unclear in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
Methods

Thirty patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study. They were all positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-RNP antibody, were diagnosed with SLE(n = 25) or MCTD(n = 5), and underwent renal biopsy at our hospital between January 1990 and December 2014. These 30 patients were classified into 4 groups based on their anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm status. Renal histology was classified into 3 patterns, including pure subepithelial membranous nephropathy (MN), mesangial and/or subendothelial lesions (MES), and MN combined with MES.
Results

Comparison between groups A [dsDNA(-)and SM(-)] and B༻dsDNA(-)and SM(+)༽ revealed that group A was with pure MN(n = 5) + MN + MES(n = 4) + MES(n = 1) and normocomplementemia, while group B was with MES + MN(n = 2) + MES(n = 5) and hypocomplementemia. Comparison between groups C༻dsDNA(+)and SM(-)༽ and D༻dsDNA(+)and SM(+)༽showed that group C was with pure MES and normocomplementemia, while group D was with MN + MES(n = 4) + pure MES(n = 3) and hypocomplementemia. Among 10 patients in group A, all 5 patients with MCTD were categorized as pure MN, while the 5 patients with SLE were MN + MES or pure MES.
Conclusion

Among patients showing positivity for anti-RNP antibody alone, those with MCTD seem likely to develop pure MN, while those with SLE tend to have MES as well as MN.
World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0): development and validation of the Igbo version in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso N , Kitchen Sheila , Sorinola Isaac Olubunmi , Godfrey Emma Louise
Published: May 2020

Background
The leading cause of years lived with disability globally is low back pain (LBP). Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is responsible for the cost and disability associated with LBP, which is more devastating in low-income countries, particularly in rural Nigeria with one of the greatest global LBP burdens. No Igbo back pain specific measure captures remunerative/non-remunerative work outcomes. Disability measurement using these tools may not fully explain work-related disability and community participation, a limitation not evident in the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the WHODAS 2.0 and validate it in rural and urban Nigerian populations with CLBP.
Methods
Translation, cultural adaptation, test–retest reliability and cross-sectional validity testing. WHODAS 2.0 was translated forwards and backwards by clinical/non-clinical translators. Translations were evaluated by expert review committee. The questionnaire was pre-tested among twelve rural Nigerian dwellers having CLBP. Cronbach’s alpha evaluating internal consistency; intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots investigating test–retest reliability; and minimal detectable change were examined in a convenient sample of 50 CLBP victims in rural and urban Nigeria. Spearman’s correlation analyses with the back-performance scale, Igbo Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and eleven-point box scale; and exploratory factor analysis in a random sample of 200 adults with CLBP in rural Nigeria determined construct validity. Ceiling and floor effects were investigated in all participants.
Results
Translation was straight forward. Patient instructions were translated. ‘Waist pain/lower back pain’ was added to ‘illness(es)’ to make the measure relevant for this study whilst allowing for future studies of other conditions. The Igbo phrase for ‘family and friends’ was used to better represent ‘people close to you’ in item D4.3. The Igbo-WHODAS had good internal consistency (α = 0.75–0.97); intra class correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.81–0.93); standard error of measurements (5.05–11.10) and minimal detectable change (13.99–30.77). Igbo-WHODAS correlated moderately with performance-based disability, self-reported back pain-specific disability and pain intensity, with a seven-factor structure and no floor and ceiling effects.
Conclusions
Igbo-WHODAS can be used clinically or for research as it is a psychometrically sound measure of self-reported disability.
Association of Helicobacter pylori vacA genotypes and peptic ulcer in Iranian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Ali-Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Karbalaei Mohsen
Published: May 2020

Background
Helicobacter pylori is accounted as the most etiologic agent for digestive disorders, in particular, the most important of them i.e. peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. In the recent years, association of vacA genotypes and gastrointestinal disorders has attracted a lot of attention. In present study, we assessed the correlation between vacA genotypes (s1, s2, m1, m2, s1m1, s1m2, s2m1 and s2m2) and development to peptic ulcer in Iranian population.
Methods
In our study, first, 23 original articles containing of information of 3328 patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). In this regards, we used from fixed-effects model for analysis of data with low heterogeneity, while for analysis of data with high heterogeneity (I2 statistic index > 25%, Cochrane Q statistic p value < 0.05), random-effects model was used.
Results
Abundance of each of s1, s2, m1, m2, s1m1, s1m2, s2m1, and s2m2 was estimated 36.24%, 28.32%, 42.90% 29.86%, 27.88%, 32.34%, 15.70%, and 25.94%, respectively. According to the results, the m1, s1, and s1m2 genotypes were among the most prevalent genotypes among the Iranian patients, whereas, s2m1 genotype had the lowest frequency.
Conclusions
Finally, we demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between infection of stomach with m1, s1m1, and s2m1 genotypes and development to peptic ulcer.
Differential diagnosis for suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective study
Authors: Chi Qiong , Dai Xinjian , Jiang Xiangao , Zhu Lefei , Du Junyan , Chen Yuxi , Zheng Jiyang , Huang Jianping
Published: May 2020

Background
Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 2,310,000 people and killed over hundreds of thousands people worldwide. However, Differential diagnosis remains difficult for suspected cases of COVID-19 and need to be improved to reduce misdiagnosis.
Methods
Sixty-eight cases of suspected COVID-19 treated in Wenzhou Central Hospital from January 21 to February 20, 2020 were divided into confirmed and COVID-19-negative groups based on the results of real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nucleic acid testing of the novel coronavirus in throat swab specimens to compare the clinical symptoms and laboratory and imaging results between the groups.
Results
Among suspected patients, 17 were confirmed to COVID-19-positive group and 51 were distinguished to COVID-19-negative group. Patients with reduced white blood cell (WBC) count were more common in the COVID-19-positive group than in the COVID-19-negative group (29.4% vs 3.9%, P = 0.003). Subsequently, correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant inverse correlation existed between WBC count and temperature in the COVID-19-positive patients (r=-0.587, p = 0.003), instead of the COVID-19-negative group. But reduced lymphocyte count was no different between the two groups (47.1% vs 25.5%, P = 0.096). More common chest imaging characteristics of the confirmed COVID-19 cases by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) included ground-glass opacities (GGOs), multiple patchy shadows, and consolidation with bilateral involvement than COVID-19-negative group (82.4% vs 31.4%, p = 0.0002; 41.2% vs 17.6% vs p = 0.048; 76.5% vs 43.1%, p = 0.017; respectively). Through multiplex RT-PCR nucleic acid testing, 2 case of influenza A, 3 cases of influenza B, 2 cases of adenovirus, 2 cases of Chlamydia pneumonia, and 7 cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were diagnosed in the COVID-19-negative group.
Conclusions
Reduced WBC count inversely correlating with the severity of fever, GGOs, multiple patchy shadows, and consolidation in chest HRCT and clustered infection are features in the confirmed COVID-19 group but not unique. Multiplex RT-PCR nucleic acid testing helped exclude pathogenic diagnosis in COVID-19 patients.
Prevalence and associated risk factors for childhood strabismus in Lhasa, Tibet, China: a cross-sectional, school-based study
Authors: He Hailong , Fu Jing , Meng Zhaojun , Chen Weiwei , Li Lei , Zhao Xinyu
Published: May 2020

Background
To estimate the prevalence of strabismus and associated risk factors among grade one school children in Lhasa, Tibet, China.
Methods
The Lhasa Childhood Eye Study (LCES) was a cross-sectional, school-based childhood study conducted in Grade one students from primary schools in Lhasa, Tibet, China. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and basic systematic examinations were evaluated. A questionnaire survey contained information about children, as well as parents’ information was sent to the corresponding parents of eligible children. The prevalence of strabismus and its 95% confidence interval was estimated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associated risk factors.
Results
A total of 1942 eligible grade one students were enrolled, of which 1856 participants completed all procedures. The average age was 6.83 ± 0.46 years, 53% of participants were boys and 1762 were the Tibetan Minority. Overall, the prevalence of strabismus was 68/1856(3.7%) (95%CI: 2.81,4.52), with no difference between the ages, genders, ethnics and BMI, while tilt one's head when writing was a risk factor for strabismus (P=0.004). Strabismus students had the mean best corrected visual acuity 0.16 ± 0.28(LogMAR), over 50% patients with esotropia are hyperopia, participants who has stereopsis impairments showed a significant difference between esotropia and exotropia (P = 0.026).
Conclusions
The prevalence of strabismus in LCES was 3.7%, higher than previous reports from Chinese childhood epidemiology studies. Strabismus is a common contributing factor to amblyopia. Tilt one's head when writing was a risk factor. Patients with esotropia are more likely to affect stereopsis and be the refractive state of hyperopia.
Trial registration:
The study has finished the clinical registration on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900026693).
An Update on the Origin of SARS-CoV-2: Though Closest Identity, Bat (RaTG13) and Pangolin Derived Coronaviruses Varied in the Critical Binding Site and O-Linked Glycan Residues
Authors: Jeevan Malaiyan , Suresh Arumugam , Kamalraj Mohan , Gokul Gomathi Radhakrishnan
Published: May 2020

Background The initial cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and swept the world by 13 May 2020 with 4,179,479 active cases, 287,525 deaths across 215 countries, areas or territories. This strongly implies global transmission occurred before the lockdown of China. However, the initial source's transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 remain obscure and controversial. Research data suggest bat (RaTG13) and pangolin carried CoV were the proximal source of SARS-CoV-2.Methods In this study, we used systematic phylogenetic analysis of Coronavirinae subfamily along with wild type human SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 strains. The key residues of the receptor-binding domain (RBD), O-linked glycan and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were compared.Results SARS-CoV-2 strains were clustered with RaTG13 (97.41% identity), Pangolin-CoV (92.22% identity) and Bat-SL-CoV (80.36% identity), forms a new clade-2 in lineage B of beta-CoV. The alignments of RBD contact residues to ACE2 justified those SARS-CoV-2 strains sequences were 100% identical by each other, significantly varied in RaTG13 and pangolin-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 has a polybasic cleavage site with an inserted sequence of PRRA compared to RaTG13 and only PRR to pangolin. Only serine (Ser) in pangolin and both threonine (Thr) and serine (Ser) O-linked glycans were seen in RaTG13.Conclusion Though, pangolin (Manis javanica) and bat (Rhinolophus affinis) related CoV proximal to SARS-CoV; detailed study needed to confirm.
Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Suppurative Osteomyelitis in Children a Single Center Study in China
Authors: Xu Jingfang , Hua Chunzhen , Ye Wensong , Shi Shanshan , Shu Qiang
Published: May 2020

Background Acute suppurative osteomyelitis is a common disease in pediatric orthopedics, but there are few studies on the etiology and treatment of this disease in children.Objective To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of acute suppurative osteomyelitis in children.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of pediatric in-patients with acute suppurative osteomyelitis between January 2011 and December 2017. Subperiosteal or intramedullary specimens were collected from each patient for culture. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility test were performed with the Vitek system. Results A total of 104 patients were included and 64 (61.5%) were male. Sixty-six isolates were obtained from 65 (62.5%) patients. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (51.0%, 53/104), followed by Escherichia coli (2.9%, 3/104), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.9%, 2/104), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1.9%, 2/104), Ochrobactrum anthropi (1.9%, 2/104), and other bacteria (3.0%, 3/104). Two pathogens were isolated from one patient. The etiology was unknown based on culture in 39 (37.5%) patients. The age of the patients infected with S. aureus was 6.67 (1.7, 9.1) years, which was significantly higher than that of patients infected with non-S. aureus, whose age was 2.42 (0.7, 7.8) years (Z = 2.20, P=0.028). Results of the antibiotic susceptibility test in 53 S. aureus strains showed that the resistance rates to oxacillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and erythromycin were 43.4%, 11.3%, 67.9%, and 69.8%, respectively. All S. aureus strains were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin. More patients with sequelae were found among those infected with oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (26.1%, 6/23) compared with oxacillin-sensitive S. aureus (3.3%, 1/30, χ2༝4.06, P༝0.044) or other pathogens (2.5%, 2/81, χ2༝10.94, P = 0.001). Conclusion S. aureus was the most common pathogen causing acute suppurative osteomyelitis in children and its resistance rate to oxacillin was high. Further study is needed to determine the etiology in the patients in whom the pathogen cannot be identified based on culture.
Application of 3D-printed plastic teeth in the teaching of tooth morphology
Authors: Wang Helin , Xu Haokun , Zhang Junhua , Yu Shibin , Wang Meiqing , Qiu Jun , Zhang Mian
Published: May 2020

Background: The "tooth morphology" course is an important basic stomatology course. But it is difficult to fully reflect the 3D morphological characteristics of tooth structure in the two-dimensional pictures in traditional textbooks. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 3D-printed plastic model teeth in the teaching of tooth morphology. Methods: Forty-five undergraduate stomatology students who had matriculated at the Fourth Medical University in 2014 and 23 who had matriculated in 2016 were involved in the study. Each student who matriculated in 2016 was given a full set of 14 standard 3D-printed plastic model teeth for use during the learning process, and an anonymous questionnaire was used to evaluate the 3D-printed plastic model teeth from the perspective of the students. Results: There was no significant difference in the scores of the theoretical examination and the total score between the two groups. However, for the score of the sculpted gypsum teeth, students who used the 3D-printed plastic model teeth in their studies scored significantly higher (P=0.002). More than 90% of the students thought that the 3D-printed plastic model teeth were of great help or were very helpful for mastering the anatomy of teeth and for carving the plaster teeth.Conclusion: The standard 3D-printed plastic teeth can effectively assist students in learning tooth morphology by transforming the two-dimensional pictures and descriptions in the textbook into a 3D conformation, effectively promoting students' learning and mastery of tooth morphology and structure. Additionally, the results suggest that the 3D-printed plastic teeth are of great help to the students in mastering and improving their carving skills.
­­­­­The kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488H did not affect brain-stimulation reward while it elicited conditioned place aversion in mice
Authors: Huang Peng , Gentile Taylor , Muschamp John , Liu-Chen Lee-Yuan
Published: May 2020

Objective
Selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists were shown to produce a dose-dependent depression of brain-stimulation reward (BSR) in the rat intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) tests. However, limited studies using mice produced less conclusive results. Here the effects of U50,488H were re-examined on BSR in mice with a larger cohort of animals.
Results
Forty C57BL/6J male mice were implanted with the electrodes in medial forebrain bundle. About a week after surgery, mice were subject to ICSS training. Only eighteen passed the two-phase procedures, at which point they readily spun the wheels to obtain reinforcing effect of BSR, and were used for the ICSS tests. Compared with saline (s.c.), U50,488H (2 mg/kg, s.c.) did not have effects on the BSR thresholds within 1 h post-treatment, while it decreased the maximum wheel-spinning rates in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, cocaine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) decreased the BSR thresholds time-dependently without affecting the maximum wheel-spinning rates in the same cohort of mice, demonstrating the validity of our mouse ICSS models. For comparison, U50,488H (2 mg/kg, s.c.) induced significant conditioned place aversion (CPA) in a different cohort of mice without surgeries. Thus, ICSS may not be an appropriate test for KOR agonist-induced aversion in mice.