bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota with Increased Trimethylamine N-oxide Level in Patients with Large Artery Atherosclerotic and Cardioembolic Strokes
Authors: Xu Dong-Juan , Wang Kai Cheng , Yuan Lin-Bo , Lin Qiong-Qiong , Li Hong-Fei , Xu Yun-Yun , Wei Lian-Yan , Chen Li , Jin Ke-Ke
Published: April 2020

Background — With the establishment of the concept of the gut–brain axis, increasing evidence has shown that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Gut bacteria can transform dietary choline, L-carnitine, and trimethylamine N -oxide (TMAO) into trimethylamine, which can be oxidized into TMAO again in the liver and participate in atherogenesis. However, only few studies have described alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function in cardioembolic (CE) and large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) strokes. Methods and Results — A case–control study was performed on patients with LAA and CE strokes. TMAO was determined via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiome was profiled through Illumina sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (V4–V5 regions). The TMAO levels in the plasma of patients with LAA and CE strokes were significantly increased (TMAO: LAA stroke, 2931±456.4 ng/mL vs. CE stroke, 4220±577.6 ng/mL vs. control, 1663±117.8 ng/mL; P < 0.05). The TMAO level in patients with LAA stroke was positively correlated with the carotid plaque area (rho = 0.333, 95% confidence interval = 0.08 to 0.55, and P = 0.0093). The composition and function of gut microbiomes in the LAA and CE stroke groups were significantly different from those of the asymptomatic control. In addition to the significantly increased α and β diversities, the gut microbiome composition and function showed that the LAA group had more microorganisms than the asymptomatic control group; such microorganisms convert dietary source choline, TMAO to TMA. Parabacteroides and Streptococcus exhibited the strongest association with LAA and CE strokes. Conclusions — This study established the compositional and functional alterations of gut microbiomes in patients with LAA and CE strokes and the relationship between plasma TMAO and gut microbiota. The findings suggest the potential of using gut microbiota as a biomarker for patients with LAA and CE strokes.
Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio serves as a prognostic indicator in unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Zhang Ke , Dong Shu , Jing Yan Hua , Gao Hui Feng , Chen Lian Yu , Hua Yong Qiang , Chen Hao , Chen Zhen
Published: April 2020

Background Recent evidence suggests that albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio (AAPR) functions as a novel prognostic marker in several malignancies. However, whether it can predict the prognosis of unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. Herein, we seek to investigate this possibility by a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study in which 419 patients diagnosed with unresectable PDAC and receiving chemotherapy were recruited. Patients were stratified based on the cutoff value of AAPR. The PSM analysis was performed to identify 156 well-balanced patients in each group for overall survival (OS) comparison and subgroup analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the potential of AAPR to indicate the prognosis of unresectable PDAC. The prediction performance of conventional model and combined model including AAPR was compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and concordance index (C-index).Results We identified an AAPR of 0.4 to be the optimal cutoff for OS prediction. Patients with AAPR≤0.4 had significantly shorter OS compared with patients with AAPR>0.4 (6.4 versus 9.3 months; P<0.001). Based on the PSM cohort and entire cohort, multivariate Cox analysis revealed that high pretreatment for AAPR was an independent marker predicting favorable survival in unresectable PDAC (hazard ratio, 0.556; 95% confidence interval, 0.408 to 0.757; P<0.001). Significant differences in OS were observed in all subgroups except for the group of patients age≤60. Combined prognostic model including AAPR had lower AIC and higher C-index than conventional prognostic model.Conclusions Pretreatment AAPR servers as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with unresectable PDAC. Inclusion of AAPR improved the prediction performance of conventional prognostic model, potentially helping clinicians to identify patients at high risk and guide individualized treatment.
Administration of Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701 improves growth performance, promotes antioxidant capacity, alleviates intestinal inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Zhang Wenxiu , Bao Chengling , Wang Jian , Zang Jianjun , Cao Yunhe
Published: April 2020

Background: Probiotics seem to be an alternative to antibiotics for improving animal's health and intestinal development. Saccharomyces boulardii ( S. boulardii ) is a well-known probiotic. However, only few studies have been performed examining the effects of S. boulardii on weaned piglets . Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary S. boulardii mafic-1701 on growth performance, antioxidant parameters, inflammation and intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets, using aureomycin as positive control. One hundred and eight piglets were randomly divided into three dietary treatment groups: (1) basal diet (CON); (2) basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg aureomycin (ANT); (3) basal diet supplemented with 1 × 10 8 CFU/kg S. boulardii mafic-1701 (SB). Results: Compared to CON, the supplementation with S. boulardii mafic-1701 improved feed efficiency over the entire 28 days ( P < 0.01) and decreased the rate of diarrhea during the first week ( P < 0.05). Total superoxide dismutase concentration was markedly increased in piglets with S. boulardii mafic-1701 ( P < 0.01). Moreover, compared with CON, SB increased the concentration of interleukin-4 in ileum ( P < 0.05), while the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 ( P < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor ( P < 0.01) were decreased in jejunum. SB increased the abundance of Bacillus and Ruminococcaceae ( P < 0.05), whereas the population of Clostridiaceae were decreased ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis of microbiota metabolites showed that S. boulardii mafic-1701 administration increased the concentration of formate and isobutyrate in cecum to maintain a stable microbiota and gut health ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that S. boulardii mafic-1701 supplementation could improve growth performance, alleviate the severity of diarrhea in weaned piglets, which may be associated with S. boulardii mafic-1701 promoted antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory responses and microbi al ecology of piglets.
The association between length of stay in the emergency department and short term mortality
Authors: Wessman Torgny , Ärnlöv Johan , Carlsson Axel , Ekelund Ulf , Melander Olle , Ruge Thoralph
Published: April 2020

Background: The detrimental effects of increased length of stay at the emergency department (ED-LOS) for patient outcome have been sparsely studied in the Swedish setting. Our aim was to further explore the association between ED-LOS and short term mortality in patients admitted to the EDs of two large University hospitals in Sweden. Methods: All adult patients (> 18 years) visiting the ED at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, from 1/1/2010 to 1/1/2015 (n=639 385) were retrospectively included. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between ED-LOS and 7 and 30-day mortality rates. All patients were triaged according to the RETTS-A into different levels of medical urgency and subsequently separated into five quintiles of ED-LOS. Results: We observed that prolonged ED-LOS was associated with increased mortality for patients with lowest triage priority (risk estimates for 30-day mortality were OR 1.49 (CI 95% 1.20-1.85) for patients with triage priority group 4 and the highest quintile of ED-LOS. No such association was observed in patients with the highest triage priority group and in patients admitted to in-hospital care. Conclusion : Our data suggest that increased ED-LOS could be associated with slightly increased short term mortality in patients with lower clinical urgency and dismissed from the ED but that this does not include patients admitted to in-hospital care.
MiR-21-3p regulation FGFR1/FGF21/PPARγ pathway induces atrial fibrosis by targeting FGFR1 in diabetes
Authors: Gu Jun , Pan Jian-an , Yu Jian-ying , Lin Hao , Zhang Hui-li , Zhang Jun-feng , Wang Chang-qian
Published: April 2020

Background

A relationship between the abundance of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. And browning of EAT might be a novel approach for prevention or treatment in AF by adjusting atrial fibrosis. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is one of the most important miRs, and previous studies have shown that it is a regulatory factor in atrial fibrosis and AF. The aim of this study was to examine the role of different subtypes of miR-21 in EAT browning and atrial fibrosis under hyperglycemia conditions.

Methods

The expression of serum hsa-miR-21-3p and hsa-miR-21-5p in patients with DM and/or AF were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. And normal C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and miR-21 knockout (KO) mice were used to establish the diabetic model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). In vitro, The EAT adipocytes from miR-21 KO mice were cultured and transfected with miR-21-3p mimic or miR-21-5p mimic and co-cultured with atrial fibroblasts in both HG or LG conditions. The browning of EAT and the fibrosis of fibroblasts were assessed by western blotting, immunofluorescence, Masson staining, and ELISA. Finally, the gain- and loss-of-function experiments were used to identified fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) as the target gene of miR-21-3p, and the regulatory pathway of miR-21-3p FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) that controlled EAT browning and participates the process of hyperglycemia-induced atrial fibrosis.

Results

In patients with DM and/or AF, serum hsa-miR-21-3p, instead of hsa-miR-21-5p, was significantly up-regulated. And miR-21 KO clearly ameliorated the atrial fibrosis in the diabetic mice. miR-21-3p as a key regulator that controls EAT browning and participates in atrial fibrosis under hyperglycemia conditions. Moreover, our gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that FGFR1, as a direct target of miR-21-3p identified a regulatory pathway in EAT adipocytes consisting of miR-21-3p, FGFR1, FGF21 and PPARγ.

Conclusions

MiR-21-3p regulated EAT browning and participates the process of hyperglycemia-induced atrial fibrosis by targeting FGFR1/FGF21/PPARγ pathway.
An Empirical Approach toward the SLCF reduction targets in Asia for the Mid-term Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: AKIMOTO HAJIME , Nagashima Tatsuya , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Klimont Zbigniew , Amann Markus
Published: April 2020

Although importance of co-control of SLCFs together with the emission reduction of CO 2 has attracted much attention for the mid-term climate change mitigation, their contribution to radiative forcing (RF) are rather complex, and chemical-climate model analysis for the future scenario tends to give black box for the contribution of each species. In order to deliver a more straightforward message on the effect of the reduction of SLCFs to policymakers, we propose “top-down” reduction targets of CH 4 and tropospheric O 3 in reference to the historical levels of their RF. Although the RF increase due to the increasing CO 2 concentration is inevitable in mid-term future (ca. 0.80 W m -2 in 2040), the RF of CH 4 and O 3 is expected to decrease from 0.48 to 0.41, 0.34, 0.27, and 0.22 W m -2 , and from 0.40 to 0.29, 0.23, 0.19, and 0.15 W m -2 , respectively, if their atmospheric concentrations decrease from the level of 2010 to those of 1980, 1970, 1960 and 1950, according to the IPCC 2013 database. Consequently, the sum of -ΔRF x (CH 4 ) and -ΔRF x (O 3 ) (the difference of RF between the target year of x and 2010 as the base year) are 0.18, 0.31, 0.42 and 0.51 W m -2 in 1980, 1970, 1960 and 1950, respectively. This indicates that the increase of ΔRF 2040 (CO 2 ) can be compensated by of 23 to 64%, and the policy target can be selected from the combination of different target years for CH 4 and O 3 . With these global reduction ratio the necessary reductions in CH 4 , NO x, and NMVOC in Asia was estimated and compared with the GAINS model-based cost-beneficial reduction amount proposed by the Solution Report prepared under UN Environment Asia pacific Office. The comparison suggests that the reduction of O 3 to the 1970 level is promising if the emissions of NO x and NMVOC from other parts of the world are reduced coherently, but further efforts would be necessary for the reduction of CH 4 emissions to realize the 1970 concentration level.
Quantitative 166Ho-microspheres SPECT derived from a dual-isotope acquisition with 99mTc-colloid is clinically feasible
Authors: Stella Martina , Braat Arthur J.A.T. , Lam Marnix G.E.H. , de Jong Hugo W.A.M. , Rooij Rob van
Published: April 2020

Background Accurate dosimetry is essential in radioembolization. To this purpose, an automatic protocol for healthy liver dosimetry based on dual isotope (DI) SPECT imaging, combining holmium-166 ( 166 Ho)-microspheres and technetium-99m ( 99m Tc)-colloid, was developed: 166 Ho-microspheres used as scout and therapeutic particles and 99m Tc-colloid to identify the healthy liver. DI SPECT allows for an automatic and accurate estimation of absorbed doses, introducing true personalized dosimetry. However, photon crosstalk between isotopes can compromise image quality. This study investigates the effect of 99m Tc downscatter on 166 Ho dosimetry, by comparing 166 Ho-SPECT reconstructions of patient scans acquired before ( 166 Ho-only) and after additional administration of 99m Tc-colloid ( 166 Ho-DI). Results The 166 Ho-only and 166 Ho-DI scans were performed in short succession by injecting 99m Tc-colloid on the scanner table. To compensate for 99m Tc downscatter, its influence was accounted for in the DI image reconstruction using energy window-based scatter correction methods. The qualitative assessment was performed by independent blinded comparison by two nuclear medicine physicians assessing 65 pairs of SPECT/CT. Inter-observer agreement was tested by Cohen's kappa coefficient. For the quantitative analysis, two volumes of interest within the liver, VOI TUMOR and VOI HEALTHY , were manually delineated on the 166 Ho-only reconstruction and transferred to the co-registered 166 Ho-DI reconstruction. Absorbed dose within the resulting VOIs, and in the lungs (VOI LUNGS ), was calculated based on the administered therapeutic activity. The qualitative assessment showed no distinct clinical preference for either 166 Ho-only or 166 Ho-DI SPECT (kappa=0.093). Quantitative analysis indicated that the mean absorbed dose difference between 166 Ho-DI and 1 66 Ho-only was -2.00±2.84 Gy (median 27 Gy; p-value <0.00001), -5.27±8.99 Gy (median 116 Gy; p-value =0.00035) and 0.80±1.08 Gy (median 3 Gy; p-value <0.00001) for VOI HEALTHY , VOI TUMOR and VOI LUNGS respectively. The corresponding Pearson’s correlation coefficient between 166 Ho-only and 166 Ho-DI for absorbed dose was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusions The DI protocol enables automatic dosimetry with undiminished image quality and accuracy.
Comprehensive molecular profiling of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the Chinese population and therapeutic experience
Authors: Wang Longrong , Zhu Hongxu , Zhao Yiming , Pan Qi , Mao Anrong , Zhu Weiping , Zhang Ning , Lin Zhenhai , Zhou Jiamin , Wang Yilin , Zhang Yongfa , Wang Miao , Feng Yun , He Xigan , Xu Weiqi , Wang Lu
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE: The genomic alterations of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in the Chinese population have not been fully revealed. Molecular profiling may provide a reference for clinical management, especially targeted therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 122 ICC patients. All patients had results of next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays that analyzed 417 cancer-associated genes. The genetic characteristics, clinical management and therapeutic responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The most commonly mutated genes were TP53 (34%), KRAS (25%) and ARID1A (17%). Targeted agents were used referring to molecular profiling, with a combination of chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients with wild-type KRAS/NRAS/BRAF were treated with cetuximab. The disease control and response rates were 78% and 47%, respectively, which were higher than those achieved with chemotherapy alone (72% and 11%, P=0.16). Fifty-four patients underwent anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab. The disease control and response rates were 85% and 60%, respectively. Better therapeutic efficiency (P=0.001) and longer progression-free survival (PFS; 15.4 vs 6.7 months, P=0.04) were observed in the bevacizumab-treated group than in the chemotherapy alone group. The PFS of ten patients who underwent hepatectomy after combined treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab was longer than that of 139 patients who underwent surgical treatment (28.9 vs 18.0 months, P=0.03). Two patients (1.6%) had signatures of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), and both benefited from immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of genetic alterations in Chinese ICC patients and indicates the potential clinical implications for NGS-based personalized therapies.
Suppression of Rcn3 in the alveolar epithelial cells may have beneficial effect against COPD
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Wang Tong , Jin Jiawei , Shi Xiaoqian , Ma Zhenru , Ma Runlin Z. , Fang Qiuhong
Published: April 2020

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent lung disease worldwide and imposes increasing disease burdens globally. COPD is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction. Emphysema is one of the primary pathological features causing the irreversible decline of pulmonary function, while the precise mechanisms behind emphysema remain unclear. Reticulocalbin 3 (Rcn3) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen protein localized in the secretory pathway of living cells. We have reported that Rcn3 in type II alveolar epithelial cell (AECIIs) plays a critical role in perinatal lung development and bleomycin-induced lung injury-repair. Since is associated with alveolar epithelial disruption, Rcn3 might be involved in the development of emphysema during COPD. Materials and Methods : We examined Rcn3 expression in lung specimens from patients (44 COPD patients and 26 non-COPD control patients) undergoing lung lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Mouse models of COPD and emphysema were established by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and intratracheal installation of pancreatic porcine elastase (PPE), respectively. Rcn3 expression was detected in the lung tissues from these mice. Furthermore, conditional knockout (CKO) mice with Rcn3 deletion specific to AECIIs, were used to explore the role of Rcn3 in PPE-induced emphysema progression. Rcn3 protein expression in lung tissues were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Rcn3 mRNA expression in lung tissues was detected by qPCR.Results : Compared with non-COPD patients, Rcn3 expression was significantly increased in the lung specimens from COPD patients. Rcn3 expression was also significantly up-regulated in the lung tissues from COPD mice and emphysematous mice. Moreover, selective ablation of Rcn3 in AEC IIs significantly alleviated severity of the mouse emphysema in response to intratracheal installation of PPE.Conclusions: Our data, for the first time, indicated that Rcn3 in AECIIs might play a role in modulating the progression of emphysema, and thus be involved in the development of COPD. Suppression of Rcn3 expression in AECIIs may have a beneficial effect on COPD.This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81641004).
Altered expression of IL-18, IL-18 binding protein and IL-18 receptor in blood monocytes of patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang Junling , Gu Fangqiu , Li Zhi , Zhan Mengmeng , Wang Ling , Zhang Huiyun , Chen Dong , Xie Hua , Chai Ruonan , Zhao Nan , Yang Ruiming , Hu Yalin , He Shaoheng
Published: April 2020

Background: Interleukin (IL)-18 is emerging as an attractive participant in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, correlation of IL-18 with IL-18 binding protein (BP) in plasma, and expression of IL-18, IL-18BP and IL-18 receptor (R) in AR blood monocytes remain obscure.Methods: We investigated IL-18, IL-18BP and IL-18R expression in monocytes by using flow cytometric analysis, murine AR model, and quantitative real-time PCR in the present study.Results: It was found that plasma IL-18 and IL-1β in AR patients was higher than those in healthy control subjects. Free (f)IL-18 had a high correlation with IL-18BP, IL-1β and TNF-α in AR plasma. Proportion of IL-18 + monocytes was increased, whereas IL-18BP + monocytes were decreased in blood of patients with AR. It was found that Platanus pollen allergen extract provoked the elevated expression of IL-18 and IL-18R in AR blood monocytes. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , Artemisia sieversiana wild and Platanus pollen allergen extracts enhanced IL-18R protein and mRNA expression in primary monocytes from AR patients. Moreover, numbers of macrophages and IL-18R + macrophages in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were increased, and levels of IL-18 in both plasma and NLF were elevated in AR mice.Conclusions: IL-18 is likely to participate in the development of AR as a causative factor, therefore, it could be a therapeutic target for AR.
Real-time Monitoring of Bacterial Biofilms Metabolic Activity by a Redox-Reactive Nanosensors Array
Authors: Davidi Ella Yeor , Zverzhinetsky Marina , Krivitsky Vadim , Patolsky Fernando
Published: April 2020

Background: Bacterial biofilms are communities of surface-associated microorganisms living in cellular clusters or micro-colonies, encapsulated in a complex matrix composed of an extracellular polymeric substance, separated by open water channels that act as a circulatory system that enable better diffusion of nutrients and easier removal of metabolic waste products. The monitoring of biofilms can provide important information on fundamental biofilm-related processes. That information can shed light on the bacterial processes and enable scientists to find ways of preventing future bacterial infections. Various approaches in use for biofilm analysis are based on microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical and piezoelectrical methods. All these methods provide significant progress in understanding the bio-process related to biofilm formation and eradication, nevertheless, the development of novel approaches for the real-time monitoring of biochemical, in particular metabolic activity, of bacterial species during the formation, life and eradication of biofilms is of great potential importance.Results: Here, detection and monitoring of the metabolic activity of bacterial biofilms in high-ionic-strength solutions were enabled as a result of novel surface modification by an active redox system, composed of 9,10-dihydroxyanthracene/9,10-anthraquinone, on the oxide layer of the SiNW, yielding a chemically-gated FET array. With the use of enzymatic reactions of oxidases, metabolites can be converted to and monitored by the nanosensors. Here, the successful detection of glucose consumption in high-ionic-strength solutions, such as bacterial media, without pre-processing of small volume samples under different conditions and treatments, has been demonstrated. The biofilms were treated with antibiotics differing in their mechanisms of action and were compared to untreated biofilms. Further examination of biofilms under antibiotic treatment with SiNW-FET devices could shed light on the bioprocess that occurs within the biofilm. Moreover, finding a proper treatment that eliminates the biofilm could be examined by the novel nanosensor array as a monitoring tool.Conclusions: To summarize, the combination of redox-reactive SiNW-FET devices with microfluidic techniques enables the performance of label-free, rapid, automated, multiplex and real-time noninvasive metabolites detection for the investigation of bacterial biofilms. This novel platform can be used as an extremely sensitive tool for detection and establishing medical solutions for bacterial-biofilm eradication and for finding a proper treatment to eliminate biofilm contaminations. Moreover, the sensing system can be used as a research tool for further understanding of the metabolic processes that occur within the bacterial biofilm population.
Stage IIIA pathologic N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients may maximize benefit from preoperative radiotherapy: a population-based study
Authors: Duan Hongxia , Liang Long , Xie Shuanshuan , Wang Changhui
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the best surgery and radiotherapy sequence in patients affected by stage IIIA pathologic N2 (IIIA/N2) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to identify its potential risk factors.Method: A total of 17,654 patients (8,786 men and 8,868 women), diagnosed with NSCLC stage IIIA-N2 from 2004 to 2015 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Among the relevant clinical parameters, we evaluated overall survival (OS), lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) and other variables such as age, sex and tumor size in patients who were treated with different combinations of surgery and radiotherapy strategies.Results: We discovered that among patients who refused radiotherapy, there was a higher prevalence of elderly individuals and patients who underwent less chemotherapy than the average. Survival of patients treated by radiotherapy combined with surgery was higher than that of patients who underwent surgery only (p < 0.001). Compared with surgery only, preoperative radiotherapy significantly improved the survival rate most (p < 0.001). When we performed the OS and LCSS analysis in the subgroup of patients who were >75 years old, who underwent postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) had the highest survival rate in all groups (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that the following parameters had a negative impact on survival: female sex, older age, no chemotherapy, large tumor size, high tumor grade, no surgery or radiotherapy.Conclusions: In IIIA/N2 NSCLC patients, the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy resulted in better survival, while preoperative radiotherapy is the most promising regimen, except for patients whose age > 75.
Patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks among parent-child dyads
Authors: Thomson Jessica , Hennessy Erin , Landry Alicia , Goodman Melissa
Published: April 2020

Background: Children’s food preference and intake patterns are affected by parental child feeding practices. The objective of this study was to determine patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks (JS) and to investigate their associations with demographic characteristics and dietary intake in a large cohort of parents and their children (12-17 years). Methods: Dyadic survey data from the cross-sectional, internet-based Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study, conducted in 2014, were analyzed using latent class analysis to identify patterns of parent- and child-reported JS parenting practices (n=6). Model covariates included self-reported parent sex, body mass index, sugar intake, and legitimacy of parental authority; and self-reported child age, sex, body mass index percentile, sugar intake, and legitimacy of parental authority. Results: Based on 1,657 parent-child dyads, five latent classes were identified – Complete Influencers (28%), Indifferent Influencers (21%), Negative Influencers (20%), Minimal Influencers (18%), and Disagreeing Influencers (13%). Compared to older child dyads, younger child dyads had 77% and 65% lower odds of belonging to Indifferent and Minimal Influencers versus Complete Influencers. Odds of belonging to Negative Influencers were 3% higher for every teaspoon increase in parent sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages while odds for Minimal Influencers were 8% lower for every teaspoon increase in child sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages versus Complete Influencers. Dyads with low compared to high parental and child agreement with legitimacy of parental authority regarding JS had between 2 and 27 times the odds of belonging to one of the other classes versus Complete Influencers. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that parents utilize distinct patterns of feeding practices related to JS, and those patterns vary by dyadic demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and perceived legitimacy of parental authority. Counseling or intervening with parents to use a mix of structure practices to positively influence their child’s and possibly their own intake of sugary snacks and drinks may prove more efficacious than use of coercive control practices.
Looking for Painting Mixtures to Glimpse Pictorial Techniques: A Micro-Stratigraphic Physicochemical Approach to the Rock Art From the Oyola’s Caves (Argentina)
Authors: Gheco Lucas Ignacio , Marcos Tascon , Eugenia Ahets Etcheberry , Quesada Marcos Nicolás , Fernando Marte
Published: April 2020

Could not be possible that rock paintings with similar hues and morphologies were the results of different painting events inside a cave but distanced in time? Is there any archaeometric approach that allows us to evidence these subtle differences? Aiming to address these inquires, in this work are presented the potentials of new physicochemical lines of evidence for characterization and differentiation of painting mixtures. This will improve the understanding of the technical heterogeneity and temporal complexity of painting sets executed in a particular archaeological site. In order to explore these points, the results obtained in the micro-stratigraphic studies of samples taken from the painted walls of Oyola, an archaeological site situated in the northwest of Argentina, are presented. These samples have been analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy (mRS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS). The differences found by cross-section chemical studies could be explained as a consequence of two situations: 1- differences in the painting’s chemical components, either in the pigments involved or additives used; and, 2- differences in the physical properties of the mixtures such as stratum thickness and/or particle size. Also, in this article is explained each of the hypothesis, presenting the limits of these interpretations and pointing out future research challenges. As we discussed, it could be possible that the chemical and physical differences found between painting mixtures were the material expression of varied types of pictorial techniques.
Comparison of a flexible versus rigid bone cement injection system in unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: li yuwei , cui wei , zhou peng , li cheng , wen yan , xiao wei
Published: April 2020

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture (AOVF). However, bilateral puncture takes more time to accept more X-ray irradiation; some scholars apply unilateral puncture PVP, but the cement cannot be symmetrically distributed in the vertebral body, so we use a flexible cement injector that undergoes PVP through the unilateral pedicle puncture. This research aims to compare the clinical results of PVP for AOVF with unilateral pedicle puncture using a straight bone cement injector and a bendable cement injector, determine the value of a bendable cement injector. Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients with thoracic and lumbar compression fracture treated with unilateral pedicle puncture Percutaneous vertebroplasty from our institution from June 2013 to July 2015. Operation time, radiation exposure, bone cement injection amount, and the incidence of bone cement leakage were recorded on presentation, the cement leakage was measured by x-ray and computed tomography scan. The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed mainly with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes. Results: There was no significant difference in the operation time, radiation exposure time and incidence of bone cement leakage between the two groups. There was significant difference in the amount of bone cement injection and the difference between the two groups. there were no significant differences in VAS and the relative height of the vertebral body and local Cobb angle and QUALEFFO between 2 groups at 1 week after PVP, only significant difference was observed between 12 months after operation. Conclusions: Application of flexible cement injector is safe and feasible,Compared with the application of straight bone cement injector, without prolonging the operative time, radiation exposure time and the incidence of bone cement leakage, it has the advantages of good long-term effect and low incidence of vertebral fracture recurrence.
COVID-19 presented with Deep Vein Thrombosis: An unusual case report
Authors: Davoodi Lotfollah , Taghavi Morteza , Razavi Alireza
Published: April 2020

BackgroundOn 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The pneumonia was caused by a virus called SARS-Cov-2, which was later named COVID-19. In this report, we present a patient with COVID-19 who developed deep vein thrombosis.Case presentationA 57-year-old woman presented to the clinic's infectious department with no underlying illness due to pain, redness, and leg swelling. According to a patient report, she had a mild dry cough for the past 3 days and had no other symptoms. The patient had no history of prone thrombosis conditions. Initially, CT angiography was performed to rule out pulmonary thromboembolism, which showed no evidence of thrombosis. Dilatation and thrombosis were seen in the examinations of the paired veins of the leg, popliteal, superficial and left femoral joints, and no evidence of vascular flow suggesting acute DVT. Because of fever and lymphopenia, nasal swabs were used for sampling and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was detected by RT-PCR. Chest X-ray also revealed bilateral patchy ground-glass opacity. Other tests including ANA, Anti-dsDNA, RF test and ACA test was normal. Heparin at a dose of 80 units/kg IV bolus, chloroquine 400 mg single dose and lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) 400 mg twice daily were prescribed to treat illness and relieve symptoms. On illness day 3, fever stopped and nasal swab sample turned undetectable for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR as well as swelling and tenderness on her leg had been disappeared gradually. She is under regular follow-up with no new symptoms to date.Conclusion The mechanism of DVT formation due to COVID-19 is unknown despite thrombocytopenia, and has not been investigated but it resolved as COVID-19 symptoms, tenderness, and leg pain improved. Although COVID-19 presented with Deep Vein Thrombosis is a rare condition, in middle-aged people with sudden onset of manifestations, we should recognize it from other diseases as an important and treatable differential diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic assays, efficient treatment, and prudent use of CT-scan are important to control future COVID-19 spread.
Potency of Super Red Dragon Fruit Flesh Extract (Hylocereus costaricencis) in Herbal Lipstick as Colorant, Antioxidant and Antibacterial
Authors: Anjarsari Lusiana Dian , Aditiyarini Dwi , Guntoro
Published: April 2020

Lipstick is one kind of cosmetics which is used as lips colorant to increase self-confidence. Nowadays, lipsticks from natural source is popular to reduce the negative impact of chemical compound or synthetics colorant in lipstick intensively for health. Super red dragon fruit is one kind of natural ingredients which can be used as colorant for lipstick. Moreover, this fruit is rich of antioxidant and antibacterial component that is good for skin health. In this research, extract of super red dragon fruit flesh was added in the lipstick during preparation with variation of concentration 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Antioxidant analysis resulted the IC50 value in 81.55% indicating the strong antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the concentration of dragon fruit extract 40% was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Bionomic of Anopheles sp. in Merauke District, Papua
Authors: Rahardjo Djoko , Prakasita Vinsa Cantya , Pepiana Marlen Aviati Sarah
Published: April 2020

Malaria is known as an endemic disease that often causes death in Indonesia, especially in Papua. The malaria cases control in Papua has not been carried on based on data studies, therefore bionomic of Anopheles sp is important to be studied. Bionomics data are consisted of breeding places, resting places and feeding habits are from direct observation. Interviews and questionnaires were conducted to gain information about respondent behavior. Descriptive and qualitative data were then analyzed. The breeding places of Anopheles sp. were mostly found in swampy areas. Based on the feeding habit, the feeding activity of Anopheles sp. inside the house has only one biting peak at 23.00-02.00 WIT, while outside the house, biting peaks occurred at 21.00-22.00 WIT and 00.00-01.00 WIT. Resting place data shown that Anopheles sp. mostly found in piles of clothes and shoe racks. Recorded factors that affect mosquitos bionomics are temperature, humidity, salinity, pH, community behavior, and the presence of livestock. Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, salinity, and pH), habitual behavior of host (3M action, the habit of using insect repellent, mosquito repellent, and mosquito nets), the presence of livestock, and the type of bait blood type affect mosquito activity
Presentation and validation of induction irrigation as an efficient and profitable method
Authors: Bozorg-Haddad Omid , Bahrami Mahdi , Loáiciga Hugo A.
Published: April 2020

The scarcity of water resources along with population growth and low precipitation exert stresses on the agricultural sectors of arid regions. The evapotranspiration losses due to water use in the warm months of the year are high for walnut production, for example, which is one of the main Iranian agricultural exports. Also, the water losses occurring in flood irrigation, surface storage, and water conveyance, and the high costs of drip irrigation increase the need for efficient irrigation methods. This study proposes induction irrigation as a novel method for preventing evapotranspiration losses, increasing water-use efficiency, and raising agricultural profitability. Induction irrigation relies on recharge and extraction wells to inject treated sewage and withdraw groundwater, respectively, and create a saturated zone in the plants' root area. This paper demonstrates that induction irrigation applied to walnut orchards would lower costs and water losses, avoid surface pollution, and increase agricultural profitability.
Potential for bifenthrin removal using microalgae from a natural source
Authors: Weis Leticia , de Cassia de Souza Schneider Rosana , Hoeltz Michele , Rieger Alexandre , Tostes Schirley , Lobo Eduardo A.
Published: April 2020

The accumulation of environmental pesticides can cause problems in aquatic ecosystems and adverse effects in humans. These compounds can be found in water due to runoff from agricultural, industrial and domestic applications. In Southern Brazil, tobacco cultivation is one of the most important economic agricultural activities. The bifenthrin pesticide, classified as having moderate toxicity (class II), is commonly used as an insecticide in this culture. In this context, the present research aimed to study the performance of microalgae-induced bioremediation processes. Microalgae were isolated from a natural water source in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil, which is an artificial reservoir used for public water supply. For this purpose, biodegradation, biosorption, influence of pH, percentage of inoculum and photoperiod were evaluated in batch experiments for 20 cultivation days. After the phycoremediation process, the bifenthrin pesticide (m/z = 181) was quantified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that microalgae isolated from the water of the lake were able to contribute to the removal of approximately 99% of bifenthrin through biodegradation and biosorption processes. Photodegradation was identified (>77%) and the best condition for the phycoremediation was 20% inoculum with a photoperiod of 18:6 h.
Hemorrhoidal Laser Procedure (HeLP) and Hemorrhoidal Laser Procedure + Mucopexy (HeLPexx) and Other Emerging Technologies
Authors: Giamundo Paolo
Published: April 2020

Background:

Minimally-invasive treatments for hemorrhoids should be encouraged as
they cause low morbidity, reasonable discomfort and quicker return to work. According to the “vascular
theory”, hemorrhoidal disease is mainly caused by blood overflow into hemorrhoidal plexus
deriving from the superior hemorrhoidal arteries.

Introduction:

Many different procedures have been described in the literature with the common
goal of reducing the blood flow into the hemorrhoidal piles. ‘HeLP’ (Hemorrhoids Laser Procedure)
is a novel form of dearterialization to treat patients suffering from symptomatic hemorrhoids.

Methods:

The procedure consists of the closure of the terminal branches of the superior rectal
artery approximately 2-3 cm above the dentate line by means of laser shots originated by a diode
laser platform. The arteries, at that level, have variable location and distribution. Therefore, a doppler
probe set at the frequency of 20MHz helps identifying the arteries that would be missed otherwise.
The laser beam is well tolerated by patients. For this reason, anesthesia is not required in
most cases and the procedure allows a quick return to daily activities. In the case of concomitant severe
mucosal prolapse, laser treatment can be combined with suture mucopexy. Three to six running
sutures allow a complete lifting of hemorrhoidal piles, securing a long-term resolution of symptoms.

Results:

‘HeLP’ is indicated in patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids where conservative treatment
failed and when mucosal prolapse is scarce or not symptomatic. The addition of mucopexy to
laser treatment (HeLPexx) contributes to the overall resolution of symptoms when mucosal prolapse
is an issue.

Conclusion:

Emborrhoid is another novel, ‘hi-tech’ form of selective dearterialization used in selected
cases of hemorrhoids where the main symptom is bleeding. It is generally used in cases
where surgery is contraindicated due to severe concomitant diseases.
Discontinuation of RAAS Inhibition in Children with Advanced CKD
Authors: van den Belt Sophie M. , Heerspink Hiddo J.L. , Kirchner Marietta , Gracchi Valentina , Thurn-Valsassina Daniela , Bayazit Aysun K. , Niemirska Anna , Canpolat Nur , Kaplan Bulut Ipek , Azukaitis Karolis , Duzova Ali , Bacchetta Justine , Shroff Rukshana , Paripovic Dusan , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Fidan Kibriya , Erdogan Hakan , Gellermann Jutta , Wühl Elke , de Zeeuw Dick , Melk Anette , Querfeld Uwe , Schaefer Franz
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives

Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi) is a cornerstone in the treatment of children with CKD, it is sometimes discontinued when kidney function declines. We studied the reasons of RAASi discontinuation and associations between RAASi discontinuation and important risk markers of CKD progression and on eGFR decline in the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with CKD study.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this study, 69 children with CKD (67% male, mean age 13.7 years, mean eGFR 27 ml/min per 1.73 m2) who discontinued RAASi during prospective follow-up were included. Initial change in BP, albuminuria, and potassium after discontinuation were assessed (median time 6 months). Rate of eGFR decline (eGFR slope) during a median of 1.9 years before and 1.2 years after discontinuation were estimated using linear mixed effects modeling.

Results

Physician-reported reasons for RAASi discontinuation were increase in serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, and symptomatic hypotension. After discontinuation of RAASi, BP and albuminuria increased, whereas potassium decreased. eGFR declined more rapidly after discontinuation of RAASi (−3.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% confidence interval, −5.1 to −2.6) compared with the slope during RAASi treatment (−1.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% confidence interval, −2.4 to −0.6; P=0.005). In contrast, no change in eGFR slope was observed in a matched control cohort of patients in whom RAASi was continued.

Conclusions

Discontinuation of RAASi in children with CKD is associated with an acceleration of kidney function decline, even in advanced CKD.
Knowledge, awareness and perceptions of diabetes mellitus among the Saudi population
Authors: Mujammami Muhammad H , Alodhayani Abdulaziz A , AlJabri Mohammad Ibrahim , Alanazi Ahmad Alhumaidi , Alanazi Sultan Sayyaf , Alanazi Abduelah Ghaith , Ekhzaimy Aishah Ali
Published: April 2020

Background:
High prevalence of undiagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased over the last two decades, most patients with DM only become aware of their condition once they develop a complication. Limited data are available regarding the knowledge and awareness about DM and the associated risk factors, complications and management in Saudi society.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess knowledge of DM in general Saudi society and among Saudi healthcare workers.
Results:
Only 37.3% of the participants were aware of the current DM prevalence. Obesity was the most frequently identified risk factor for DM. Most comparisons indicated better awareness among health workers.
Conclusion:
A significant lack of knowledge about DM in Saudi society was identified. Social media and educational curriculum can improve knowledge and awareness of DM.
Olhares em dobra: relações entre arte, ecologia e saúde
Authors: Azevedo Cláudio Tarouco de
Published: April 2020

O projeto de pesquisa “A produção de subjetividade em Félix Guattari: experiências com arte, ecologia e saúde” acolhe pesquisadores em níveis de mestrado e iniciação científica, além de configurar um território cartográfico de incursões sob minhas próprias implicações enquanto professor/artista/orientador. Nesse sentido, este ensaio visual é resultado de uma investigação em meus próprios arquivos fotográficos. O caminho que me leva a esses arquivos se engendra no exercício de orientações junto ao Grupo de Pesquisa Arte, Ecologia e Saúde – GPAES/UFPel, porque é nessa prática que, por vezes, reconheço no outro as minhas inquietações e lembranças. Na tessitura orgânica da orientação, encontro vasão para prospectar em minhas fotografias um fio condutor que me desvele, embora parcialmente. Essa dobra sobre si revela a importância de olhar-se por meio das próprias produções. Assim, as imagens aqui compartilhadas pretendem promover multiplicidades a partir das relações entre arte, ecologia e saúde.