bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircRNAs: biogenesis, functions, and role in drug-resistant Tumours
Authors: Ma Shuo , Kong Shan , Wang Feng , Ju Shaoqing
Published: August 2020

Targeted treatment, which can specifically kill tumour cells without affecting normal cells, is a new approach for tumour therapy. However, tumour cells tend to acquire resistance to targeted drugs during treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules with unique structures and important functions. With the development of RNA sequencing technology, circRNAs have been found to be widespread in tumour-resistant cells and to play important regulatory roles. In this review, we present the latest advances in circRNA research and summarize the various mechanisms underlying their regulation. Moreover, we review the role of circRNAs in the chemotherapeutic resistance of tumours and explore the clinical value of circRNA regulation in treating tumour resistance.
Offspring sex affects the susceptibility to maternal smoking-induced lung inflammation and the effect of maternal antioxidant supplementation in mice
Authors: Wang Baoming , Chan Yik Lung , Zhou Shengyu , Saad Sonia , Chen Hui , Oliver Brian G
Published: August 2020

Background

Cigarette smoke exposure (SE) during pregnancy is the largest modifiable risk factor for the development of lung disorders in offspring. We have previously shown that maternal L-Carnitine treatment can reduce the adverse impacts of maternal SE on renal and brain disorders in offspring. Here, we investigated the effect of maternal L-Carnitine supplementation on lung inflammatory pathways, autophagy, and mitophagy markers in the offspring in response to maternal SE.

Methods

Female BALB/c mice (8 weeks) were exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. Some of the SE dams were given L-Carnitine supplementation (1.5 mM in drinking water, SE + LC) during gestation and lactation. Lungs from the offspring were studied at birth and adulthood (13 weeks).

Results

At birth, in male offspring, there were increased levels of inflammatory markers (phosphorylated(p)-ERK1,2, p-P38 MAPK, p- NF-κB), and inflammasome marker (NLRP3), as well as mitophagy fission marker Drp-1 and autophagosome marker (LC3A/B-II) in the lung. Maternal L-Carnitine supplementation significantly reduced NLRP3 level. In contrast, maternal SE only increased IL1-β in female offspring, which was reversed by maternal L-Carnitine supplementation. At 13 weeks, there was an increase in LC3A/B-II and p- NF-κB in the male SE offspring with reduced p-JNK1,2, which were partially normalised by maternal L-Carnitine treatment. Female offspring were not affected by maternal SE at this age.

Conclusion

Maternal SE had adverse impacts on the male offspring’s lung, which were partially alleviated by maternal L-Carnitine supplementation. Females seem to be less affected by the adverse effects of maternal SE.
Potential interaction between lysophosphatidic acid and tumor-associated macrophages in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Feng Ying , Xiao Meizhu , Zhang Zihan , Cui Ran , Jiang Xuan , Wang Shuzhen , Bai Huimin , Liu Chongdong , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: August 2020

Ovarian carcinoma is the deadliest type of gynecological cancer. The unique tumor microenvironment enables specific and efficient metastasis, weakens immunological monitoring, and mediates drug resistance. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are a crucial part of the TME and are involved in various aspects of tumor behavior. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is elevated in the blood of ovarian carcinoma patients, as well as in the tumor tissues and ascites, which make it a useful biomarker and a potential therapeutic target. Recent studies have shown that LPA transforms monocytes into macrophages and regulates the formation of macrophages through the AKT/mTOR pathway, and PPAR γ is a major regulator of LPA-derived macrophages. In addition, TAMs synthesize and secrete LPA and express LPA receptor (LPAR) on the surface. With these data in mind, we hypothesize that LPA can convert monocytes directly into TAMs in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer. LPA may mediate TAM formation by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through LPAR on the cell surface, which may also affect the function of PPAR γ, leading to increased LPA production by TAMs. Thus, LPA and TAMs form a vicious circle that affects the malignant behavior of ovarian cancer.
N-acetylcysteine alleviates post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction and improves survival outcomes via partly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome induced-pyroptosis
Authors: He Fenglian , Zheng Guanghui , Hou Jingying , Hu Qiaohua , Ling Qin , Wu Gongfa , Zhao Hui , Yang Jin , Wang Yue , Jiang Longyuan , Tang Wanchun , Yang Zhengfei
Published: August 2020

Background

NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is necessary to initiate acute sterile inflammation. Increasing evidence indicates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced pyroptosis is closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the sterile inflammatory response triggered by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and plays a protective role in local myocardial I/R injury, while its effect on post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, as well as its mechanisms, remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of NAC on post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in a cardiac arrest rat model, and whether its underlying mechanism may be linked to ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis.

Methods

The rats were randomized into three groups: (1) sham group, (2) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) group, and (3) CPR + NAC group. CPR group and CPR + NAC group went through the induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and resuscitation. After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), rats in the CPR and CPR + NAC groups were again randomly divided into two subgroups, ROSC 6 h and ROSC 72 h, for further analysis. Hemodynamic measurements and myocardial function were measured by echocardiography, and western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins.

Results

Results showed that after treatment with NAC, there was significantly better myocardial function and survival duration; protein expression levels of NLRP3, adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Cleaved-Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in myocardial tissues were significantly decreased; and inflammatory cytokines levels were reduced. The marker of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with NAC treatment.

Conclusions

NAC improved myocardial dysfunction and prolonged animal survival duration in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Moreover, possibly by partly inhibiting ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pryoptosis.
Clinical outcomes of Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) application in couples with chromosomal inversion, a study in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Shao Yuhan , Li Jing , Lu Juanjuan , Li Hongchang , Zhu Yueting , Jiang Wenjie , Yan Junhao
Published: August 2020

Background

Chromosomal inversion was considered to have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes through abnormal gametogenesis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate whether preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) improves pregnancy outcomes for couples with chromosomal inversion.

Methods

A total of 188 cycles from 165 couples with one chromosomal inversion carrier were divided into two groups: PGT (136 cycles, 125 couples) and non-PGT (52 cycles, 50 couples). Biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates of their first transfer cycles, as well as cumulative live birth rates of each cycle and euploidy rates, were analyzed.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. The euploidy rate of pericentric inversion carriers was not higher than that of paracentric inversion carriers in PGT group (60.71% vs 50.54%,P = 0.073). Similarly, the euploid rate of male carriers was not higher than that of female carriers (61.2% vs 56.1%,P = 0.256).

Conclusions

Due to limitation of retrospective study and small sample size, our current data showed that PGT cannot provide prominent benefits for inversion carriers in the Chinese Han population. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effects of PGT.
Ischemia considerations for the development of an organ and tissue donor derived bone marrow bank
Authors: Woods Erik J. , Sherry Aubrey M. , Woods John R. , Hardin James W. , LaFontaine Michael , Brandacher Gerald , Johnstone Brian H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Deceased organ donors represent an untapped source of therapeutic bone marrow (BM) that can be recovered in 3–5 times the volume of that obtained from living donors, tested for quality, cryopreserved, and banked indefinitely for future on-demand use. A challenge for a future BM banking system will be to manage the prolonged ischemia times that are inevitable when bones procured at geographically-dispersed locations are shipped to distant facilities for processing. Our objectives were to: (a) quantify, under realistic field conditions, the relationship between ischemia time and the quality of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from deceased-donor BM; (b) identify ischemia-time boundaries beyond which HSPC quality is adversely affected; (c) investigate whole-body cooling as a strategy for preserving cell quality; and (d) investigate processing experience as a variable affecting quality.

Methods

Seventy-five bones from 62 donors were analyzed for CD34+ viability following their exposure to various periods of warm-ischemia time (WIT), cold-ischemia time (CIT), and body-cooling time (BCT). Regression models were developed to quantify the independent associations of WIT, CIT, and BCT, with the viability and function of recovered HSPCs.

Results

Results demonstrate that under “real-world” scenarios: (a) combinations of warm- and cold-ischemia times favorable to the recovery of high-quality HSPCs are achievable (e.g., CD34+ cell viabilities in the range of 80–90% were commonly observed); (b) body cooling prior to bone recovery is detrimental to cell viability (e.g., CD34+ viability < 73% with, vs. > 89% without body cooling); (c) vertebral bodies (VBs) are a superior source of HSPCs compared to ilia (IL) (e.g., %CD34+ viability > 80% when VBs were the source, vs. < 74% when IL were the source); and (d) processing experience is a critical variable affecting quality.

Conclusions

Our models can be used by an emerging BM banking system to formulate ischemia-time tolerance limits and data-driven HSPC quality-acceptance standards.
Practicability of clinical application of bladder cancer molecular classification and additional value of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition: prognostic value of vimentin expression
Authors: Lobo João , Monteiro-Reis Sara , Guimarães-Teixeira Catarina , Lopes Paula , Carneiro Isa , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui
Published: August 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BlCa) taxonomy has proved its impact in patient outcome and selection for targeted therapies, but such transcriptomic-based classification has not yet translated to routine practice. Moreover, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has shown relevance in acquisition of more aggressive BlCa phenotype. We aimed to test the usefulness of the molecular classification, as defined by immunohistochemistry (a routinely performed and easy-to-implement technique), in a well-defined BlCa cohort of both non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle invasive (MIBC) disease. Also, we aimed to assess the additional prognostic value of the mesenchymal marker vimentin to the stratification strategy.

Methods

A total of 186 samples were available. Immunohistochemistry/RT-qPCR for luminal markers GATA3/FOXA1, basal markers KRT5/KRT6A and vimentin were performed.

Results

mRNA expression levels of the markers positively correlated with immunoexpression scores. We found substantial overlapping in immunoexpression of luminal and basal markers, evidencing tumor heterogeneity. In MIBC, basal tumors developed recurrence more frequently. NMIBC patients with higher vimentin immunoexpression endured poorer disease-free survival, and increased expression was observed from normal bladder-NMIBC-MIBC-metastases.

Conclusions

The classification has the potential to be implemented in routine, but further adjustments in practical scoring should be defined; focusing on additional markers, including those related to EMT, may further refine BlCa molecular taxonomy.
Molecular identification of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome viruses from tick and bitten patient in Southeast China
Authors: Tong Yongxi , Wang Qiujing , Fu Yongfeng , Li Shibo , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Zheen , Yu Xuewen
Published: August 2020

Background

Severe fever and thrombocytopenia bunyavirus (SFTSV) infection causes severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome with high mortality. It is extremely rare that a transmitting tick can be directly captured in bite wounds, and that SFTSV can be isolated from both the captured tick and patient’s serum to establish a solid pathogen diagnosis.

Case presentation

We report a case infected with severe fever and thrombocytopenia bunyavirus. The 69-year-old male patient presented with fever and tenderness on two lymph nodes in the right groin. A visible tick bite mark appeared on right upper quadrant of the patient’s abdomen, and a live tick was captured in the bite wound upon physical examination. The virus was detected in both the blood of the patient and in the tick that stayed in the bite wound for 7 days. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the SFTSV isolated from the tick and the patient’s serum sample belonged to type B, in which the L/S segment of these two isolates shared 100% homology, while the M segment had 99.9% homology. The bitten patient was given various supportive care, but eventually died of multiple organ failure.

Conclusion

The present case provides strong evidence of SFTSV transmission from H. longicornis to humans, and suggests that direct cross-species transmission can occur without additional intermediate hosts.
Patterns of ecstasy use amongst live music event attendees and their opinions on pill testing: a cross sectional study
Authors: Southey Madeleine , Kathirgamalingam Ashwini , Crawford Benjamin , Kaul Rohan , McNamara Jack , John-Leader Franklin , Heslop Jenny , Pit Sabrina Winona
Published: August 2020

Background

Pill testing services could potentially be used to reduce drug-related harm. This study aims to identify patterns of ecstasy use among live music event attendees; explore the opinions and potential usage of illicit pill testing programs and examine factors associated with the likelihood of still taking a pill containing a potential harmful substance.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was completed by 760 people attending a major Australian live music event in 2017.

Results

The most commonly used drug in the last 12 months was ecstasy (73.9%). About 5% of people who use drugs had sought medical attention due to consumption of ecstasy. People who use drugs agreed “a lot” that pill testing should be provided for free at live music events (82.2%) and that it should be combined with harm reduction advice (62.9%). Additionally, 32% of all participants agreed ‘a lot’ that they would be more likely to take illicit drugs at a music festival if pill-testing services were present. However, if people perceived that a harmful substance was detected in their drugs after using a pill testing service, 52.3% of people who have used illicit drugs reported that they would ‘not at all’ be likely to still consume the drug. They also reported that they would still take a pill if testing demonstrated the presence of unintended MDMA-type substances (70.3%), amphetamines (31.2%) or ketamine (27.8%). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only increased frequency of ecstasy use was significantly associated with taking a pill despite pill testing services detecting a harmful substance. Gender, age, alcohol and previously seeking ecstasy-related medical attention were not associated in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

A high proportion of live music attendees consume alcohol and ecstasy. Both people who have and who have not used illicit drugs support the implementation of pill testing services. People reported they would change their consumption patterns according to the results given by pill testing services. The findings may be used to stimulate public debate, and assist drug and alcohol policy makers in the implementation of harm minimisation strategies such as combining pill testing services with harm reduction advice.
Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: a community consultation in Iran
Authors: Mirzazadeh Ali , Hosseini-Hooshyar Samira , Shahesmaeili Armita , Bahramnejad Ali , Barshan Adibeh , Mousavian Ghazal , Najafi Esmail , Sharifi Hamid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Briceno Alya , McFarland Willi , Page Kimberly
Published: August 2020

Background

The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators.

Methods

Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach.

Results

In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 31–40), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID.

Conclusions

Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.
Infrapatellar fat pad resection or preservation during total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun Changjiao , Zhang Xiaofei , Lee Woo Guan , Tu Yan , Li Huimin , Cai Xu , Yang Huadong
Published: August 2020

Background

The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) or Hoffa’s fat pad is often resected during total knee arthroplasty in order to improve visibility. However, the management of the IPFP during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the subject of an ongoing debate that has no clear consensus. The purpose of this review was to appraise if resection of the IPFP affects clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify relevant randomized controlled trials involving infrapatellar fat pad resection and infrapatellar fat pad preservation during total knee arthroplasty in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database, up to March 2020.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials, involving 783 TKAs (722 patients), were included in the systematic review. Outcome measures included patellar tendon length (PTL), Insall-Salvati ratio (ISR), rate of anterior knee pain, Knee Society Scores (KSS), and knee range of motion. The meta-analysis identified a trend toward the shortening of the patellar tendon with IPFP resection at 6 months (P = 0.0001) and 1 year (P = 0.001). We found no statistical difference in ISR (P = 0.87), rate of anterior knee pain within 6 months (p = 0.45) and 1 year (p = 0.38), KSS at 1 year (p = 0.77), and knee range of motion within 6 months (p = 0.61) and 1 year (0.46).

Conclusion

Based on the available level I evidence, we were unable to conclude that one surgical technique of IPFP can definitively be considered superior over the other. More adequately powered and better-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies with long-term follow-up are required to produce evidence-based guidelines regarding IPFP resection.
Synergistic effect of Huyang Yangkun Formula and embryonic stem cells on 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice
Authors: Li Meifang , Xie Li , Li Yang , Liu Jian , Nie Guangning , Yang Hongyan
Published: August 2020

Background

Huyang Yangkun Formula (HYYKF) was developed based on theory of traditional Chinese medicine as well as clinical experience and used to improve ovarian function of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients. Transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has great potential in improving POI, and studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine promoted the treatment effect of ESCs. In the present study, we compared the effect of combining HYYKF and ESCs, single HYYKF treatment and single ESCs intervention on POI mice to explore the effect of combination of HYYKF and ESCs in improving ovarian function.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were used to create a POI model by 15-day intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg of 4-vinylcyclonhexene diepoxide (VCD) and then treated with HYYKF, ESCs transplantation and combination of ESCs and HYYKF. When the treatments were finished, estrus cycle, ovarian follicle counting, serum sex hormone level, and expression of key nodes in the transforming growth factor beta/transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TGF-β/TAK1) signaling pathway were determined.

Results

Combination therapy brought down the abnormal estrus cycle rate to 5.26%, significantly lower than that of HYYKF or ESCs alone (30%, 25%, respectively). The numbers of follicles at all levels were increased significantly in the combination ESCs with HYYKF group (P < 0.05), especially that of antral follicles (P < 0.01), which was not increased significantly when HYYKF or ESCs was single used. The level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was more significantly increased in the combination ESCs with HYYKF group (P < 0.01) than that of HYYKF or ESCs alone (both P < 0.05). The expression of the key nodes TGF-β1, TAK1, JNK, Smad4 and FSHR in the TGF-β/TAK1 pathway were obviously affected in the SCHY group.

Conclusion

Both HYYKF and ESCs improve the ovarian function of POI induced by VCD, and a combination of HYYKF and ESCs has the advantage that they work together to promote follicles developing probably by inhibiting expression of the TGF-β1/TAK1 pathway.
Onset features and time to diagnosis in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Eigentler Andreas , Amprosi Matthias , Matteucci Gothe Raffaella , Giunti Paola , Mariotti Caterina , Arpa Javier , Durr Alexandra , Klopstock Thomas , Schöls Ludger , Giordano Ilaria , Bürk Katrin , Pandolfo Massimo , Didszdun Claire , Schulz Jörg B. , Boesch Sylvia ,   on behalf of the EFACTS (European Friedreich’s Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies)
Published: August 2020

Background

In rare disorders diagnosis may be delayed due to limited awareness and unspecific presenting symptoms. Herein, we address the issue of diagnostic delay in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA), a genetic disorder usually caused by homozygous GAA-repeat expansions.

Methods

Six hundred eleven genetically confirmed FRDA patients were recruited within a multicentric natural history study conducted by the EFACTS (European FRDA Consortium for Translational Studies, ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier NCT02069509). Age at first symptoms as well as age at first suspicion of FRDA by a physician were collected retrospectively at the baseline visit.

Results

In 554 of cases (90.7%), disease presented with gait or coordination disturbances. In the others (n = 57, 9.3%), non-neurological features such as scoliosis or cardiomyopathy predated ataxia. Before the discovery of the causal mutation in 1996, median time to diagnosis was 4(IQR = 2–9) years and it improved significantly after the introduction of genetic testing (2(IQR = 1–5) years, p < 0.001). Still, after 1996, time to diagnosis was longer in patients with a) non-neurological presentation (mean 6.7, 95%CI [5.5,7.9] vs 4.5, [4.2,5] years in those with neurological presentation, p = 0.001) as well as in b) patients with late-onset (3(IQR = 1–7) vs 2(IQR = 1–5) years compared to typical onset < 25 years of age, p = 0.03).

Age at onset significantly correlated with the length of the shorter GAA repeat (GAA1) in case of neurological onset (r = − 0,6; p < 0,0001), but not in patients with non-neurological presentation (r = − 0,1; p = 0,4). Across 54 siblings’ pairs, differences in age at onset did not correlate with differences in GAA-repeat length (r = − 0,14, p = 0,3).

Conclusions

In the genetic era, presentation with non-neurological features or in the adulthood still leads to a significant diagnostic delay in FRDA. Well-known correlations between GAA1 repeat length and disease milestones are not valid in case of atypical presentations or positive family history.
Consensus based recommendations for diagnosis and medical management of Poland syndrome (sequence)
Authors: Baldelli Ilaria , Baccarani Alessio , Barone Chiara , Bedeschi Francesca , Bianca Sebastiano , Calabrese Olga , Castori Marco , Catena Nunzio , Corain Massimo , Costanzo Sara , Barbato Giacomo De Paoli , De Stefano Santa , Divizia Maria Teresa , Feletti Francesco , Formica Matteo , Lando Mario , Lerone Margherita , Lorenzetti Fulvio , Martinoli Carlo , Mellini Lorenzo , Nava Maurizio Bruno , Porcellini Giuseppe , Puliti Aldamaria , Romanini Maria Victoria , Rondoni Franco , Santi Pierluigi , Sartini Silvana , Senes Filippo , Spada Lucia , Tarani Luigi , Valle Maura , Venturino Cristina , Zaottini Federico , Torre Michele , Crimi Marco
Published: August 2020

Background

Poland syndrome (OMIM: 173800) is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, breast, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals.

Main body

The aim of this work is to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of people affected by Poland syndrome based on evidence from literature and experience of health professionals from different medical backgrounds who have followed for several years affected subjects. The literature search was performed in the second half of 2019. Original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, books and guidelines were reviewed and final recommendations were reached by consensus.

Conclusion

Being Poland syndrome a rare syndrome most recommendations here presented are good clinical practice based on the consensus of the participant experts.
The chromogranin A-derived peptides catestatin and vasostatin in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Höglund Katja , Häggström Jens , Höglund Odd Viking , Stridsberg Mats , Tidholm Anna , Ljungvall Ingrid
Published: August 2020

Background

The protein chromogranin A (CgA) is stored and co-released with catecholamines from the stimulated adrenal glands. Increased plasma concentrations of CgA have been shown in people with heart disease. The aim of the study was to investigate whether plasma concentrations of the CgA-derived biologically active peptides catestatin and vasostatin were associated with the severity of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs and to assess potential associations between these blood variables and dog characteristics, echocardiographic variables, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and plasma N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) concentration. Sixty-seven privately owned dogs with or without MMVD were included. The dogs underwent physical examination, blood pressure measurement, blood sample collection, and echocardiographic examination. Plasma concentrations of catestatin and vasostatin were analyzed using radioimmunoassay.

Results

Catestatin concentration decreased with increasing left atrial and ventricular size (R2 ≤ 0.09, P ≤ 0.019), and increased with increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressures (R2 ≤ 0.08, P ≤ 0.038). Regression analyses showed no significant associations for vasostatin. No differences in plasma concentrations of catestatin or vasostatin were found between the disease severity groups used in the study.

Conclusions

In the present dog population, the catestatin concentration showed weak negative associations with left atrial and ventricular sizes, both of which are known to increase with increasing severity of MMVD. Furthermore, the catestatin concentration showed weak positive associations with blood pressure.
Evaluation of hemodynamics in healthy term neonates using ultrasonic cardiac output monitor
Authors: Doni Daniela , Nucera Silvia , Rigotti Camilla , Arosio Elena , Cavalleri Valeria , Ronconi Monica , Ventura Maria Luisa , Fedeli Tiziana
Published: August 2020

Background

Transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life is a critical phase during which several changes occur in cardiovascular system. In clinical practice, it is important to have a method that allows an easy, rapid and precise evaluation of hemodynamic status of a newborn for clinical management. We here propose a rapid, broadly applicable method to monitor cardiovascular function using ultrasonic cardiac output monitoring (USCOM).

Methods

We here present data obtained from a cohort of healthy term newborns (n = 43) born by programmed cesarean section at Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo. Measurements were performed during the first hour of life, then at 6 + 2, at 12–24, and 48 h of life. We performed a screening echocardiography to identify a patent duct at 24 h and, if patent, it was repeated at 48 h of life.

Results

We show that physiologically, during the first 48 h of life, blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance gradually increase, while there is a concomitant reduction in stroke volume, cardiac output, and cardiac index. The presence of patent ductus arteriosus significantly reduces cardiac output (p = 0.006) and stroke volume (p = 0.023). Furthermore, newborns born at 37 weeks of gestational age display significantly lower cardiac output (p < 0.001), cardiac index (p = 0.045) and stroke volume (p < 0.001) compared to newborns born at 38 and ≥ 39 weeks. Finally, birth-weight (whether adequate, small or large for gestational age) significantly affects blood pressure (p = 0.0349), stroke volume (p < 0.0001), cardiac output (p < 0.0001) and cardiac index (p = 0.0004). In particular, LGA infants display a transient increase in cardiac index, cardiac output and stroke volume up to 24 h of life; showing a different behavior from AGA and SGA infants.

Conclusions

Compared to previous studies, we expanded measurements to longer time-points and we analyzed the impact of commonly used clinical variables on hemodynamics during transition phase thus making our data clinically applicable in daily routine. We calculate reference values for each population, which can be of clinical relevance for quick bedside evaluation in neonatal intensive care unit.
Does propolis affect the quality of life and complications in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (diagnosed with Rome IV criteria)? A study protocol of the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Miryan Mahsa , Alavinejad Pezhman , Abbaspour Mohammadreza , Soleimani Davood , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: August 2020

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent and recurrent gastrointestinal diseases. However, up to now, no pharmacological agent has been approved to treat IBS. Emerging evidence showed that inflammation has a vital role in enhancing nervous system sensitivity and perception of abdominal pain in subjects with IBS. Propolis is an herbal substance with a broad spectrum of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties, which might exert beneficial effects to reduce the severity of IBS. The current clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of propolis supplementation on IBS.

Methods

This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be performed to evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation in adult patients with IBS diagnosed with Rome IV criteria. Fifty-two eligible patients will randomly be allocated to receive a propolis tablet (450 mg, containing 100 mg polyphenol compounds) or identical placebo, twice daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome of the trial is an improvement in IBS severity from baseline to the sixth week of intervention. The secondary outcomes include the change in weight, waist circumference, and IBS quality of life. We will use the paired samplettest or Mann-WhitneyUtest for the within-group comparison and independent samplettest or Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for the between-group comparison. Besides, a multivariable-adjusted mean effect will be computed using the ANCOVA test.

Discussion

We hypothesize that propolis supplementation would be useful for treating IBS through its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. This trial will show the results of propolis supplementation, whether positive or negative, on IBS. If the current trial confirms our hypothesis, propolis supplementation can be a new choice in adjunctive therapy of IBS.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20190708044154N1. Registered on 26 December 2019. Updated on 13 February 2020.https://en.irct.ir/trial/40983

Sponsor

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in Spanish sheep flocks
Authors: Fernández-Escobar Mercedes , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Benavides Julio , Regidor-Cerrillo Javier , Guerrero-Molina María Cristina , Gutiérrez-Expósito Daniel , Collantes-Fernández Esther , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel
Published: August 2020

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of abortion in small ruminants and presents a zoonotic risk when undercooked meat containing cysts is consumed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity among the T. gondii strains circulating in ovine livestock in Spain.

Methods

Selected samples collected from abortion outbreaks due to toxoplasmosis (n = 31) and from chronically infected adult sheep at slaughterhouses (n = 50) in different Spanish regions were bioassayed in mice, aiming at parasite isolation. In addition, all original clinical samples and the resulting isolates were genotyped by multi-nested PCR-RFLP analysis of 11 molecular markers and by PCR-DNA sequencing of portions of the SAG3, GRA6 and GRA7 genes.

Results

As a result, 30 isolates were obtained from 9 Spanish regions: 10 isolates from abortion-derived samples and 20 isolates from adult myocardial tissues. Overall, 3 genotypes were found: ToxoDB#3 (type II PRU variant) in 90% (27/30) of isolates, ToxoDB#2 (clonal type III) in 6.7% (2/30), and ToxoDB#1 (clonal type II) in 3.3% (1/30). When T. gondii-positive tissue samples (n = 151) were directly subjected to RFLP genotyping, complete restriction profiles were obtained for 33% of samples, and up to 98% of the specimens belonged to the type II PRU variant. A foetal brain showed a clonal type II pattern, and four specimens showed unexpected type I alleles at the SAG3 marker, including two foetal brains that showed I + II alleles as co-infection events. Amplicons of SAG3, GRA6 and GRA7 obtained from isolates and clinical samples were subjected to sequencing, allowing us to confirm RFLP results and to detect different single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusions

The present study informed the existence of a predominant type II PRU variant genotype (ToxoDB#3) infecting domestic sheep in Spain, in both abortion cases and chronic infections in adults, coexisting with other clonal (ToxoDB#1 and ToxoDB#2), much less frequent genotypes, as well as polymorphic strains as revealed by clinical sample genotyping. The use of multilocus sequence typing aided in accurately estimating T. gondii intragenotype diversity.
Relationship of metabolic syndrome defined by IDF or revised NCEP ATP III with glycemic control among Malaysians with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Saif-Ali Riyadh , Kamaruddin Nor Azmi , AL-Habori Molham , Al-Dubai Sami A. , Ngah Wan Zurinah Wan
Published: August 2020

Background

The chronic complications of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) such as macrovascular disease is amplified with the increase in the number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors. This research aims to study the relationship of MetS, diagnosed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) or revised National Cholesterol Education Programs Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, with glycemic control, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, and insulin resistance in T2D patients.

Methods

The study is a cross-sectional observational study which, involved 485 T2D patients who are receiving treatment at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The MetS among the T2D patients was diagnosed based on IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria. C-peptide and HbA1c levels were determined by an automated quantitative immunoassay analyzer and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The MetS factors; FBG, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured by spectrophotometer.

Results

Application of the IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria respectively resulted in 73% and 85% of the T2D subjects being diagnosed with MetS. The concordance of these criteria in diagnosing MetS among T2D patients was low (κ = 0.33, P < 0.001). Both IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria indicated that T2D patients with 5 MetS factors had higher insulin resistance (P = 2.1 × 10−13; 1.4 × 10−11), C-peptide (P = 1.21 × 10−13; 4.1 × 10−11), FBG (P = 0.01; 0.021), and HbA1c (P = 0.039; 0.018) than those T2D patients without MetS, respectively.

Conclusion

Although there is a low concordance between IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria in the diagnosis of MetS among T2D patients, both criteria showed that T2D patients with 5 MetS factors had higher insulin resistance, C-peptide, FBG, and HbA1c.
Comparing the differences in three measures of healthy life expectancy among prefectures in Japan
Authors: Taira Kazuya , Ogata Soshiro , Kamide Kei
Published: August 2020

Objective

An ecological study using secondary open data from Japanese government statistics was conducted. The study aimed to verify differences in three measures of healthy life expectancy (HLE); namely, disability-free life expectancy without activity limitation (DFLE-AL), life expectancy with self-perceived health (LE-SH), and disability-free life expectancy without care need (DFLE-CN).

Results

Each HLE from 47 prefectures in 2010, 2013, and 2016 was extended over time. There were strong Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (α) between DFLE-AL and LE-SH (Minimum α; 0.80, Maximum α; 0.90) as well as between LE and DFLE-CN (Minimum α; 0.92, Maximum α; 0.99) in both sexes in every data year. However, the other pairs had weaker associations. In regression analysis with each HLE as a dependent variable and aging rate, mortality, the proportion of unhealthy people as independent variables, the subjective unhealthy rate had significant standardized partial regression coefficients (β) in models with DFLE-AL and LE-SH as dependent variables (Minimum β; − 0.56, Maximum β; − 0.34). Therefore, DFLE-CN tended to differ from the other HLEs. The subjective unhealthy rate had a significant influence on DFLE-AL and LE-SH.
Congenital and hereditary cystic diseases of the abdomen
Authors: Karaosmanoglu Ali Devrim , Arslan Sevtap , Akata Deniz , Ozmen Mustafa , Haliloglu Mithat , Oguz Berna , Karcaaltincaba Musturay
Published: August 2020

Congenital and hereditary cystic lesions of the abdomen are relatively rare. Correct diagnosis is critical as they may simulate several other benign and malignant acquired diseases of the abdomen. With the correct and appropriate use of imaging, diagnosis may be relatively straightforward and clinical management may be implemented appropriately. The purpose of this article is to describe imaging findings of common and uncommon congenital and hereditary cystic disease of the abdominal organs.
Butyrate-mediated autophagy inhibition limits cytosolic Salmonella Infantis replication in the colon of pigs treated with a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bacillus
Authors: Chu Bingxin , Zhu Yaohong , Su Jinhui , Xia Bing , Zou Yunjing , Nie Jiawei , Zhang Wei , Wang Jiufeng
Published: August 2020

Probiotics as an effective and safe strategy for controllingSalmonellainfection are much sought after, while autophagy is a central issue in eliminating intracellular pathogens of intestinal epithelial cells. In this study, an animal model of colitis has been developed by infecting weaned pigs orally with a strain ofSalmonellaInfantis in order to illuminate the potential efficacy of a mixture ofLactobacillusandBacillus(CBB-MIX) in the resistance toSalmonellainfection by regulating butyrate-mediated autophagy. We found that CBB-MIX alleviatedS. Infantis-induced colitis and tissue damage. Autophagy markers ATG5, Beclin-1, and the LC3-II/I ratio were significantly enhanced byS. Infantis infection, while treatment with CBB-MIX suppressedS. Infantis-induced autophagy. Additionally,S. Infantis-induced colonic microbial dysbiosis was restored by this treatment, which also preserved the abundance of the butyrate-producing bacteria and the butyrate concentration in the colon. A Caco-2 cell model ofS. Infantis infection showed that butyrate had the same effect as the CBB-MIX in restrainingS. Infantis-induced autophagy activation. Further, the intracellularS. Infantis load assay indicated that butyrate restricted the replication of cytosolicS. Infantis rather than that inSalmonella-containing vacuoles. Suppression of autophagy by knockdown of ATG5 also attenuatedS. Infantis-induced cell injury. Moreover, hyper-replication of cytosolicS. Infantis in Caco-2 cells was significantly decreased when autophagy was inhibited. Our data demonstrated thatSalmonellamay benefit from autophagy for cytosolic replication and butyrate-mediated autophagy inhibition reduced the intracellularSalmonellaload in pigs treated with a probiotic mixture ofLactobacillusandBacillus.
Approximation by Jakimovski–Leviatan-beta operators in weighted space
Authors: Nasiruzzaman M. , Mursaleen M.
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this article is to introduce a more generalized version of Jakimovski–Leviatan-beta operators through the Appell polynomials. We present some uniform convergence results of these operators via Korovkin’s theorem and obtain the rate of convergence by using the modulus of continuity and Lipschitz class. Moreover, we obtain the approximation with the help of Peetre’s K-functional and give some direct theorems.
Some reverse inequalities of Hardy type on time scales
Authors: El-Deeb A. A. , El-Sennary H. A. , Khan Zareen A.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we obtain some new dynamic inequalities of Hardy type on time scales. The main results are derived using Fubini’s theorem and the chain rule on time scales. We apply the main results to the continuous calculus, discrete calculus, andq-calculus as special cases.
Some new local fractional inequalities associated with generalized $(s,m)$-convex functions and applications
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Rashid Saima , Hammouch Zakia , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: August 2020

Fractal analysis is one of interesting research areas of computer science and engineering, which depicts a precise description of phenomena in modeling. Visual beauty and self-similarity has made it an attractive field of research. The fractal sets are the effective tools to describe the accuracy of the inequalities for convex functions. In this paper, we employ linear fractals $\mathbb{R}^{\alpha }$

R
α

to investigate the $(s,m)$
(
s
,
m
)
-convexity and relate them to derive generalized Hermite–Hadamard (HH) type inequalities and several other associated variants depending on an auxiliary result. Under this novel approach, we aim at establishing an analog with the help of local fractional integration. Meanwhile, we establish generalized Simpson-type inequalities for $(s,m)$
(
s
,
m
)
-convex functions. The results in the frame of local fractional showed that among all comparisons, we can only see the correlation between novel strategies and the earlier consequences in generalized s-convex, generalized m-convex, and generalized convex functions. We obtain application in probability density functions and generalized special means to confirm the relevance and computational effectiveness of the considered method. Similar results in this dynamic field can also be widely applied to other types of fractals and explored similarly to what has been done in this paper.