bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Implementation of PLANET®Dose for Dosimetric Assessment after 177Lu-DOTATATE: Comparison with Dosimetry Toolkit® and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0
Authors: Santoro Lore , Pitalot Laurine , Trauchessec Dorian , Mora-Ramirez Erick , Kotzki Pierre-Olivier , Bardiès Manuel , Deshayes Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

Background: Recently, commercial software tools have become available for dosimetry evaluations in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to compare a commercial dosimetry workstation (PLANETâDose) and the dosimetry approach (GE Dosimetry Toolkit® and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0) currently used in our department for quantification of the absorbed dose in organs at risk after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE.Methods: First, an evaluation on phantom, with data acquisition at 5 time points, was performed to determine the SPECT calibration factor variations over time and to compare the Time Integrated Activity Coefficients (TIACs) and absorbed doses obtained with the two tools. Then, the two tools were used for dosimetry evaluation in 21 patients with neuroendocrine tumours after the first and second injection of 7.2 ± 0.2 GBq of 177Lu-DOTATATE (40 dosimetry analyses with each software). SPECT/CT images were acquired at 4h, 24h, 72h and 192h after 177Lu-DOTATATE injection and were reconstructed using the Xeleris software (General Electric). The liver, spleen and kidney masses, TIACs and absorbed doses were calculated using i) GE Dosimetry Toolkit® (DTK) and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0 and ii) the Local Deposition Method (LDM) or Dose voxel-Kernel convolution (DK) on PLANETâDose. Results: With the phantom, the 3D calibration factors showed a slight variation (0.8% and 3.3%) over time and TIACs of 225.19h and 217.52h were obtained with DTK and PLANETâDose, respectively. In patients, the mean of the relative standard deviations was -1% for the organ masses, 5.6%, for the TIACs, and 4.4% for the absorbed doses. The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.99 and the Bland-Altman plot analysis estimated that the difference of absorbed dose values between methods ranged from -0.58 Gy to 0.84 Gy for approximately 95% of the 40 dosimetry analyses. A difference of 2.2% was obtained between the absorbed doses to organs at risk calculated with LDM and DK (PLANETâDose). Conclusions: The absorbed doses to organs at risk obtained with the new workstation are concordant with those calculated with the currently used software and in agreement with the literature. These results validate the use of PLANETâDose in clinical routine for patient dosimetry after targeted radiotherapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE.
Association between non-motor symptoms and health-related quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease: Evidence from a smartphone-based survey
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Zhao Yaxin , Luo Huanyuan , James Ben , Wang Duolao , Hellman Bruce
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aims to explore the association between the total number of non-motor symptoms and the Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ health-related quality of life quantitatively, using data from one of the largest smartphone-powered studies and a simplified version of 8-item Parkinson’s disease Quality of life Questionnaire (PDQ-8).
Methods

The data used for analysis constitutes one part of a dataset derived from the project named ‘100 for Parkinson’s’. 1246 patients were included in the baseline survey. The 30-item Non-Motor Symptom (NMS-30) Questionnaire and PDQ-8 Summary Index (PDQ-8 SI) were used to measure health-related quality of life and a generalized linear model was used to analyze the association of the non-motor symptoms and quality of life.
Results

The mean number of NMS per patient was 11.81 ± 5.53. For patients with limited ability to work: the key symptoms were urgency (77.4%), sad or blue (71.05%) and difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep (70.90%). After controlling for the life-style determinants and psychological symptoms prior PD diagnosis determinants, GLM presented the total sum of NMS-30 questions had the strongest positive influence on health-related quality of life as measured by the PDQ-8 SI. Where the sum of NMS scores increases by 1 point, the PDQ-8 SI will increase by 1.33 points (95%CI: 1.13, 1.52; P < 0.001). For patients without limited ability to work: urgency (62.45%), difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep (59.81%) and getting up regularly at night to pass urine (55.09%) were the most frequent symptoms. GLM showed that where the total sum of NMS scores increases by 1 point, the PDQ-8 SI will increase by 1.56 points (95%CI: 1.37, 1.76; P < 0.001) after controlling for other confounders.
Conclusions

This smartphone-based study finds a higher total number of non-motor symptoms is related to a lower health-related quality of life for PD patients. It provides useful evidence for the PDQ-8 instrument and is helpful for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and facilitate the provision of more comprehensive education for patients and caregivers.
Pack Years and Lower Lung Function is Associated With Ultra-short Telomeres in Copd: Evidence From Lung Tissue
Authors: Cagsin Huseyin , Serakinci Nedime , Uzan Ali , Rasmussen Finn
Published: June 2020

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is driven by a complicated mix of factors such as lifestyle and environmental exposures. Tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for forming chronic inflammation in COPD. Association between cigarette smoking and the role of telomere shortening in COPD has been studied mainly based on the assessment of mean telomere length on leukocytes instead of lung tissue where the primary damage occurs. Here we investigate this association in bronchoalveolar samples by using a new assay that specifically evaluates critically short telomeres, namely, ultra-short telomeres that have sizes less than 1.5kb.MethodsThe study was carried out on materials from the patients eligible for bronchoscopy as well as mild to severe persistent airway obstruction, defined as a post-bronchodilator ratio of less than 70%. Bronchial washing (BW) and leukocyte samples were collected from 32 patients diagnosed with COPD. Telomere length evaluation was done with isolated DNA using Universal STELA to specifically identify the presence of ultra-short telomeres in samples. A t-Student, ANOVA, Chi2, and Paired Sample T-test were used to test differences in means and proportions in statistical analysis. Two-tailed p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significantResultsThe location of BW did not show a significant difference when compared in terms of the presence of ultra-short telomeres (p>0.05). Higher total pack-years was found amongst patients with ultra-short telomeres (32 packyears versus 16 packyears; p=0.045), lower lung function (FEV1%) (51% versus 82%; p<0.001) when compared with subjects with telomere length more than 1.5kbs in BW. An increasing number of total pack-years, older age and lower FEV1% was observed through the groups comprising subjects with ultra-short telomeres in both BW and leukocytes, subjects with ultra-short telomeres only in BW and subjects with telomeres longer than 1.5kbs(all p<0.01) ConclusionsOur results emphasize the role of ultra-short telomeres in COPD, in vivo, especially when the lung tissue instead of leukocytes is investigated. Additionally, our results demonstrated a dose-response association between pack-years of smoking, low lung function, and ultra-short telomere length in COPD.
The relation between dietary phytochemical index and metabolic syndrome and its components in a large sample of Iranian adults: A population-based study
Authors: Vasmehjani Aazam ahmadi , Darabi Zahra , Nadjarzadeh azadeh , Mirzaei masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: June 2020

Background: Phytochemicals are natural non-nutritive bioactive compounds in plant foods. There is growing agreement that plant foods-based phytochemicals have a protective role against chronic diseases. The purpose of current study was to appraise Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.Methods: This study was conducted on 2326 participants (1097 men and 1220 women), aged 20-70 years of the recruitment phase of Yazd Health Study (YaHS), a population-based cohort study on Iranian adults. Dietary intake was prepared using a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. DPI is calculated based on dietary energy derived from phytochemical-rich food sources (kcal)/ total daily energy intake (kcal). The odds ratio of MetS and its components were assessed across DPI quartiles by binary logistic regression models.Results: After adjustment for all potential confounders, the risk of MetS (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.41-0.96, P=0.03) and elevated blood pressure (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.40-0.96, P=0.03) in second category of DPI compared to the first significantly decreased. After full adjustment for confounders, women in the highest quartile of DPI compared with the lowest, had 59% lower risk of MetS (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.22-0.76, P=0.005). In second quartiles of DPI, the risk of MetS decreased by 62% (OR=0.38, 95% CI=0.16-0.90, P=0.02) in participants with normal BMI and 29% in subjects with high BMI (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.52-0.99, P=0.04), and also 57% in men (OR=0.43, 95%CI=0.23-0.83, P=0.01). Independent of variables including age, sex and total energy intake, subjects in second and fourth quartiles of DPI had 30% and 25% lower risk of abdominal obesity, respectively.Conclusions: Greater adherence to phytochemical-rich diet could reduce odds of MetS and some components especially in women. Further studies with intervention approaches are required to discover causal relations and relevant underlying mechanisms.
Endostar Rebuilding Vascular Homeostasis and Enhancing Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cervical Cancer Treatment
Authors: Guan Liming
Published: June 2020

Background: The incidence rate of cervical cancer is the highest in the reproductive tract, and is not sensitive to chemotherapy. An appropriate amount of antiangiogenic agents can reconstruct tumor blood vessels in a short period of time and form vascular homeostasis, increase the function of blood vessel perfusion and reverse the multidrug resistance of chemotherapy, which is also called "vascular normalization".Endostar(a recombinant human endostatin) was developed by China and as a multi-target anti-angiogenesis agent.Endostar was mainly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer,less reported in the treatment of cervical cancer.Purpose: To determine whether endostar can rebuild tumor vascular homeostasis and enhance chemotherapy effects for patients with cervical cancer.Methods: In this study,the patients with cervical cancer were selected,endostar combined with cisplatin+paclitaxel neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT) before surgical operation was adopted, patients outcome and adverse reaction were followed up.The changes of tumor vascular structure and perfusion function before and after endostar given were evaluated by histopathology and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DEC-MRI). VEGF-Notch signal pathway was detected for the regulating mechanism of vascular proliferation in different groups. GraphPad Prism 6 software were used for statistical analysis of the study results.Results: Endostar enhanced short-term (2 year) overall survival(OS) ,progression free survival(PFS) rates for cervical cancer patients.All the same,endostar increased long term (5 year) OS and PFS for cervical cancer patients.Endostar therapy exhibited with mild adverse reaction.MRI showed endostar+NACT further reduce tumor volume than NACT alone.The parameters of Ktrans,Ve for DEC-MRI in endostar groups exhibited obviously increase than NACT groups.Tumor vascular maturation index α-SMA/CD31 in endostar groups increased obviously than that of NACT groups, correspondingly tumor proliferative rate Ki67 staining in endostar groups further declined than NACT groups.The genes and proteins expression of VEGFR2,Notch1,Notch1,4,Dll4,Jagged-1 were obviously down regulated in endostar group comparing to that of NACT group.Conclusions: Endorstar restored vascular homeostasis in cervical cancer temporarily, provided a new way to reverse chemotherapeutic agents resistance in cervical cancer, increased patient survival time.The VEGF-Notch connection was blocked by endostar playing a role in this effects.
Induction Chemotherapy for the Individualized Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer with Oesophageal Invasion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Tian-qiao , Wang Ru , Fang Ju-gao , He Shi-zhi , Zhong Qi , Hou Li-zhen , Ma Hong-zhi , Chen Xiao-hong , Chen Xue-jun , Li Ping-dong , Feng Ling , Shi Qian , Lian Meng
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the potential for induction chemotherapy to be an indicator for the management of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion.Methods: Sixty-eight patients (admitted to our department between February 2003 and November 2016) with stage IVB hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical oesophageal invasion were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment they selected following an explanation they received on the different treatments. Group A patients received induction chemotherapy and had (1) complete or partial remission following chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy or (2) stable disease following chemotherapy combined with surgery. Group B patients underwent surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy following surgery. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, differences between the two groups were tested using the log-rank test, and the laryngeal and oesophageal retention rates were compared using the cross-tabulation test. Results: The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of patients in Group A were 22.86% and 11.43%, respectively; in Group B, the rates were 24.25% and 6.06%, respectively (P > 0.05 for all). The laryngeal retention rates in Group A and B patients were 40% and 0%, respectively, whereas the oesophageal retention rates in Group A and B patients were 74.3% and 27.3%, respectively (P < 0.01 for all). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (Group A: 8.6%, Group B: 12.1%, P > 0.05). Conclusions: For patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical oesophageal invasion, induction chemotherapy could be the appropriate first choice for individualized treatment to ensure laryngeal and oesophageal cancer preservation.﻿
Nomograms Predicting Long-Term Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A SEER Population-Based Study
Authors: Cui Chi , Duan Yaru , Li Rui , Ye Hua , Wang Peng , Wan Didi , Shi Jianxiang , Zhang Jianying
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and develop nomograms to predict their long-term overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Methods: Information on metastatic HCC from 2010 to 2015 was retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute. The metastatic HCC patients were divided into a long-term survival (LTS) group and a short-term survival (STS) group with 1 year selected as the cut-off value. Then, we compared the demographic and clinicopathological features between the two groups. Next, all patients were randomly divided into a training group and validation group at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify potential predictors for OS and CSS in the training group, and nomograms of OS and CSS were established. These predictive models were further validated in the validation group. Results: A total of 2163 patients were included in the current study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with characteristics including lower T stage and N stage; treatment with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy; no lung metastasis; and AFP negative status showed better survival. The concordance index (C-index) of the OS nomogram was 0.72 based on 9 variables. The C-index of the CSS nomogram was 0.71 based on 8 variables.Conclusions: These nomograms may help clinicians make better treatment recommendations for metastatic HCC patients.
Effects of Ferula Assa-Foetida on Clinical, Hormonal and Sonography Parameters in Young Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pilot Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Triple-Blinded
Authors: Ghavi Fatemeh , Abdolahian Somayeh , Shakeri Fatemeh , Taebi Mahboubeh
Published: June 2020

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women. As a result of side effect of pharmaceutical medications women are interested in using alternative medicines to treat. To determine the comparative effects of Ferula assa-foetida on androgenic hormone levels and ovarian features in patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In this triple-blinded controlled clinical trial, 34 student participants were randomly divided in two groups. Intervention group received 100 mg of oleo-gum resin of Ferula assa- foetida, control group received oral paraffin (Placebo) twice daily for 3 months. The efficacy of this herbal medicines was measured after the 3-month intervention. Hormonal assay for evaluating Testosterone, DEHAS, Prolactin, TSH, FSH, LH levels and also abdominal sonography for evaluating ovarian volumes, number of follicles of both ovaries, and endometrial thickness. were measured before and after the study.Results: In this study, no significant hormonal changes were observed (p value>0.5). Although the greatest reduction in the number of ovarian follicles and ovarian volume was reported in the Ferula assa-foetide group (p value <0.01). Conclusion: Use of Ferula assa-foetida can be effected in decrease of ovarian volume and ovarian follicles number in young girls with PCOS.Trial registration: the Iranian Randomized Clinical Trial (IRCT2016040427207N1).url: https://www.irct.ir/trial/22343
Monochromatic Green Light Stimulation During Incubation Shortened the Hatching Time via Pineal Function in White Leghorn Eggs
Authors: Wang Panlin , Sun Yanyan , Fan Jing , Zong Yunhe , Isa Adamu Mani , Li Yunlei , Shi Lei , Wang Yuanmei , Ni Aixin , Ge Pingzhuang , Jiang Linlin , Bian Shixiong , Ma Hui , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Jilan
Published: June 2020

Background:Effect of monochromatic green light illumination on embryo development has been reported in chickens. The avian pineal is an important photo-endocrine organ formed by a mediodorsal protrusion of the rudiment during embryonic development. However, the involvement of pineal gland in the lighting transducing process remain to beelucidated.In the present study, we investigated the influence of monochromatic green light on hatching time and explored the possible mechanism via pineal function. Results: A total of 600 eggs were incubated underphotoperiods of either 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness using monochromatic green light (12L:12D group) or 24 h of darkness (0L:24D group)for 18 d, with two replicates for each treatment. As compared to 0L:24D group, the green light stimulation shortened the hatching time without extending the hatch window or impairing hatchability. The liver of embryos incubated in the 12L:12D light condition was heavier than those of the 0L:24D group on d 21 post incubation. Meanwhile, the green light increased the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is primarily secreted by the liver. Histological structure analysis of pineal gland demonstrated that the light stimulation increased follicle area, wall thickness and lumen area on d 10 and d 12 post incubation. Rhythmic function analysis demonstrated that three clock related genes (brain and muscle ARNT-like-1, BMAL1; circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, CLOCK; and cryptochrome-1, CRY1) and a melatonin rate-limiting enzyme related gene (Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) were rhythmically expressed in the pineal gland of the 12L:12D group, but not in that of the 0L:24D group. Simultaneously, the light stimulation also increased the concentration of melatonin (MT), which was linked to hepatocyte proliferation and IGF-1 secretion in previous studies. Conclusions: The 12L:12D monochromatic green light stimulation during incubation shortened hatching time without impairing hatching performance. Pineal gland’s early histological development and maturation of its rhythmic function were accelerated by the light stimulation. It may be the key organ in the photo-endocrine axis that regulates embryo development, and the potential mechanism could be that its higher secretion product of MT in the 12L:12D group promotes the secretion of IGF-1.
Calprotectin predicts mortality after ischemic stroke and is present in the thrombus
Authors: Marta-Enguita Juan , Navarro-Oviedo Manuel , Rubio-Baines Idoia , Aymerich Nuria , Herrera Maria , Zandio Beatriz , Mayor Sergio , Rodriguez Jose-Antonio , Páramo Jose-Antonio , Toledo Estefania , Mendioroz Maite , Muñoz Roberto , Orbe Josune
Published: June 2020

Background- Inflammatory response plays an important role in many processes related to acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9), released by monocytes and neutrophils, is a key protein in the regulation of inflammation and thrombosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of circulating calprotectin with other inflammatory biomarkers and AIS prognosis, as well as the calprotectin content in stroke thrombi.Methods- Among the 748 patients treated at a comprehensive stroke centre between 2015-2017, 413 patients with confirmed acute ischemic injury were evaluated. Patients with systemic inflammation or infection at onset were excluded. Plasma calprotectin was measured by ELISA in blood samples of AIS patients within the first 24h. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to evaluate its association with mortality and functional independence (FI) at 3-months (defined as modified Rankin Scale<2), and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after stroke. Further, S100A9 was localized by immunostaining in stroke thrombi (n=44). Results- Higher calprotectin levels were associated with 3-month mortality and ICH, while lower calprotectin levels were documented in patients with 3-month FI. After adjusting for potential confounders, plasma calprotectin levels remained associated with 3-month mortality [OR (95%CI); 3.06, (1.67-5.61)]. Patients with calprotectin≥2.26 µg/mL were 4-times more likely to die [OR 3.98, (1.88-8.41)]. Likewise, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were also associated with 3-month mortality [OR 1.98, (1.17-3.35); and 1.39, (1.02-1.89) respectively]. A multimarker approach demonstrated that patients with increased calprotectin, CRP and NLR had the poorest outcome with a mortality rate of 42.3% during follow-up. S100A9 protein, as part of the heterodimer calprotectin, was present in all thrombi retrieved from AIS patients. Mean S100A9 content was 3.5% and tended to be higher in patients who died (p=0.09). Moreover, it positively correlated with platelets (Pearson r 0.46, p<0.002); leukocytes (0.45, p<0.01) and neutrophil elastase (0.70, p<0.001) thrombi content. Conclusions- Plasma calprotectin is an independent predictor of 3-month mortality and provides complementary prognostic information to identify patients with poor outcome after AIS. Presence of S100A9 in stroke thrombi suggests a possible inflammatory mechanism in clot formation and further studies are needed to determine its influence in resistance to reperfusion.
Female partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football intervention: a qualitative study
Authors: Midtgaard Julie , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Rørth Mette , Kronborg Malene , Bjerre Eik D. , Oliffe John L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prostate cancer is often labelled a couple’s disease wherein the partner plays an important role in the man’s illness management and related health promotion activities. The aim of this study was to explore partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football program.
Methods

Eight audio-visual recorded semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 39 female partners of men with prostate cancer who participated in a community-based football program as part of the nationwide FC Prostate Community Trial (NCT02430792). Data was managed with the software program Nvivo 11 and analysed inductively to derive thematic findings.
Results

The four thematic findings were: 1) ‘Hope of a new beginning’ which included stories of hope that football would mitigate the negative effects of men’s prostate cancer treatment[s]; 2) ‘My new partner’ was characterized by attributing connections between physical activity and elevated mood as a by-product of men’s involvement in the program; 3) ‘Football first’ included assertions of the couples mutual commitment to the football program; and 4) ‘Invisible needs’ contrasted insecurity, and unforeseen challenges for partners feeling somewhat neglected. Overall, the results confirm the need for cohesion and flexibility amongst couple-dyads to ensure partners and men with prostate cancer benefit from their involvement in football programs.
Conclusions

This study indicates that prostate cancer survivors’ engagement with community-based football are intricately connected to gender relations, roles and identities. In many instances, these gendered dimensions aided positive dyadic coping and long-term exercise adherence.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Vancomycin in Severe COVID-19 Patients: a Preliminary Study in a Chinese Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Yin Lin , Qi Tangkai , Chen Yuancheng , Guo Mingquan , Shi Huichun , Fan Yaxin , Ling Yun , Tao Yonghong , Li Yili , Wang Lin , Gao Menglu , Xu Shuibao , Meng Xianmin , Ke Jin , Ping Junjun , Xing Yaru , Zhang Wenhong , Zhu Zhaoqin , Zhang Jing , Lu Hongzhou , Zhang Lijun
Published: June 2020

Vancomycin plays an important role in the treatment of concurrent infections in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, few is known about its pharmacokinetics (PK) in these patients. Here we performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of intravenous vancomycin with or without nasal administration in these patients. Drug dosage was adjusted depending on vancomycin concentration. A population PK model was developed using NONMEM software. Therapeutic effects, and vancomycin-related adverse events were monitored. A total of 63 samples from 8 patients were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The mean trough and peak concentration were 13.79±6.61 (4.63-34.2) mg/L (n=36) and 30.97±9.71 (17-49.9) mg/L (n=27), respectively. 25.4% of serum vancomycin concentration was beyond optimal range. Dose adjustments were made for 3 patients. The PK of vancomycin was consistent with two-compartment model, with the clearance and distribution volume in the central compartment of 4.3 L/h and 2.0 L, respectively. The AUC0-24/MIC of vancomycin was 848±566 h. Target infection was clinically cured in all patients, and no vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was detected during the TDM process. In conclusion, the PK studies of vancomycin in COVID-19 patients are needed to optimize drug dosage. Based on our PK model, the clearance of vancomycin was 4.3 L/h.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Receiving Hospital in the Home Services in South West of Sydney.
Authors: Hecimovic Anthony , Matijasevic Vesna , Frost Steven Alfred
Published: June 2020

BackgroundHospital in the home (HiTH) provides acute or subacute care in a patient’s home, that normally would require a hospital stay. HiTH has consistently been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. The characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving HiTH care in the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) has not been well described.AimThis project aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of HiTH services across the SWSLHD. MethodsThe characteristics of patients referred to HiTH between January 2017 and December 2019, the indications for HiTH, and representation rates to hospital emergency department (ED) will be presented.FindingsBetween January 2017 and December 2019 there was 7,118 referrals to the LHDs HiTH services, among 6,083 patients (3,094 females, 51%), median age 56 years (IQR, 40 - 69). The majority of indications for HiTH were for IV medications (78%, n = 5,552), followed by post-operative drain management (11%, n = 789), rehab in the home (5%, n = 334), bridging anticoagulant therapy (4%, n = 261), and intraperitoneal medications (1%, n = 100). The requirement for presentation to an ED for care, while receiving HiTH only occurred on 172 (2%) of occasions. The average length of HiTH treatment was 7-days (IQR 4 - 16). Rates of presentation to ED for HiTH patients has decreased since 2017, 3.4% (95% CI 2.7 – 4.2%), 2018 2.1% (95% CI 1.5 – 2.8%), and 2019 1.8% (95% CI 1.3 – 2.4 %), p for trend < 0.001.DiscussionHospital in the Home Services across the SWSLHD are predominately for administration of IV medications, but include management of post-operative drains, bridging of anticoagulant therapy, and rehab in the home. Importantly, only a very small proportion (3%) of HiTH episodes will results in an unplanned presentation to the ED.ConclusionHospital in the Home is well established, diverse, and safe clinical service to shorten or avoid hospitalisation for many patients. Importantly, avoidance of hospitalisation can avoid many risks that are associated with being cared for in the hospital setting.
Comparison of Fear of COVID-19 in Medical and Nonmedical Personnel in a Public Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Barbosa-Camacho Francisco José , García-Reyna Benjamín , Cervantes-Cardona Guillermo Alonso , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique , Chavarria-Avila Efraín , Pintor-Belmontes Kevin Josue , Guzmán-Ramírez Bertha Georgina , Hernández-Bernal Aldo , Ibarrola-Peña Juan Carlos , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , González-Ojeda Alejandro , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino
Published: June 2020

The world is social distancing and compulsory confinement has caused stress, psychological instability, stigmatization, fear, and discrimination in the general population. In this cross-sectional survey study, we administered the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to hospital medical and nonmedical personnel. A total of 1,216 participants were included in the study. We found that the global FCV-19S mean score was 16.4 ± 6.1, with a significant difference between women and men’s scores. Medical students presented higher scores than experienced medical personnel. As the medical and nursing personnel scored higher on the FCV-19S than the nonmedical hospital staff, our findings suggest that greater knowledge of medicine or infectious diseases could decrease the overall psychological impact of the pandemic disease.
Modification of municipal wastewater for improved biogas recovery
Authors: Hance Vaileth , Kivevele Thomas , Njau Karoli Nicholas
Published: June 2020

The energy demand, which is expected to increase more worldwide, has sparked the interest of researchers to find sustainable and inexpensive sources of energy. This study aims to integrate an energy recovering step into municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPS) through anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater (MWW), and then co-digestion with sugar cane molasses (SCM) to improve its organic content, was conducted at 25 °C and 37 °C. The results showed a substrate mixture containing 6% of SCM and total solids (TS) of 7.52% yielded a higher amount of biogas (9.73 L/L of modified substrate). However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the resulting digestate was high (10.1 g/L) and pH was not stable, and hence needed careful adjustment using 2 M of NaOH solution. This study recommends a substrate mixture containing SCM (2%) and TS (4.34%) having biogas production (4.97 L/L of modified substrate) for energy recovery from MWWTPS, since it was found to have more stable pH and low COD residue (1.8 g/L), which will not hold back the MWW treatment process. The annual generation of modified substrate (662,973 m3) is anticipated to generate about 16,241 m3 of methane, which produces up to 1.8 GWh and 8,193 GJ per annum.
Effects of influent temperature variation on floc blanket behavior and effluent water quality
Authors: Illangasinghe Wasantha , Manatunge Jagath , Ratnayake Niranjanie , Jayasuriya Niranjali
Published: June 2020

The temperature of the water in clarifier tanks has been shown to have a significant influence on floc blanket stability. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of variations in the influent temperature on a floc blanket using laboratory and field experiments and to assess whether the cohesivity of the blanket expressed as the sludge cohesion coefficient (SCC) can be used to interpret the effect of temperature variations. Effluent turbidity exhibited a strong positive correlation with inflow temperature during the increasing temperature phase and a strong negative correlation during the temperature recession phase. An increment of 2 °C in the influent temperature caused the effluent turbidity to increase by 1 NTU. The SCC of the blanket exhibited a significant relationship with the influent temperature. The optimum blanket cohesivity (SCC of 0.7 mm/sec) was observed at a temperature of 23.2 °C, above which the cohesivity decreased. At higher temperatures, frequent particle collisions owing to high inertial forces cause particle motion with the upward flow and increase the effluent turbidity. No correlation between SCC and blanket settling velocity was observed.
Effects and Mechanisms of Anlotinib and Dihydroartemisinin Combination Therapy in Ameliorating Malignant Biological Behavior of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Luo Qiong , Zhang Suyun , Zhang Donghuan , Feng Rui , Li Nan , Chen Wujin , Chen Xiangqi , Yang Sheng
Published: June 2020

Background:

Gastric Cancer (GC) is currently one of the major malignancies that threaten
human lives and health. Anlotinib is a novel small-molecule that inhibits angiogenesis to exert antitumor
effects. However, its function in gastric cancer is incompletely understood.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms
of anlotinib combined with Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells.

Methods:

Different concentrations of anlotinib and DHA were used to treat SGC7901 gastric cancer
cells, after which cell proliferation was measured. Drug interactions of anlotinib and DHA were analyzed
by the Chou-Talalay method with CompuSyn software. Proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration,
and angiogenesis were measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, flow cytometry,
Transwell invasion assays, scratch assays, and chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assays. Proliferation-
associated protein (Ki67), apoptosis-related protein (Bcl-2), and Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) were quantified by Western blotting.

Results:

The combination of 2.5 μmol/L of anlotinib and 5 of μmol/L DHA was highly synergistic in inhibiting cell growth,
significantly increased the apoptosis rate and suppressed obviously the invasion and migration capability and angiogenesis
of gastric cancer cells. In addition, the expression levels of Ki67, Bcl-2, and VEGF-A, as well as angiogenesis, were significantly decreased in the Combination of drugs compared with in control and either drug alone.

Conclusion:

The combination of anlotinib and DHA showed synergistic antitumor activity, suggesting
their potential in treating patients with gastric cancer.
Unravelling the Role of Rhizospheric Plant-Microbe Synergy in Phytoremediation: A Genomic Perspective
Authors: Agarwal Priyanka , Giri Balendu Shekher , Rani Radha
Published: June 2020

Background:

Accretion of organic and inorganic contaminants in soil interferes in the food
chain, thereby posing a serious threat to the ecosystem and adversely affecting crop productivity and
human life. Both endophytic and rhizospheric microbial communities are responsible for the biodegradation
of toxic organic compounds and have the capability to enhance the uptake of heavy metals by
plants via phytoremediation approaches. The diverse set of metabolic genes encoding for the production
of biosurfactants and biofilms, specific enzymes for degrading plant polymers, modification of
cell surface hydrophobicity and various detoxification pathways for the organic pollutants, plays a
significant role in bacterial driven bioremediation. Various genetic engineering approaches have been
demonstrated to modulate the activity of specific microbial species in order to enhance their detoxification
potential. Certain rhizospheric bacterial communities are genetically modified to produce specific
enzymes that play a role in degrading toxic pollutants. Few studies suggest that the overexpression
of extracellular enzymes secreted by plant, fungi or rhizospheric microbes can improve the degradation
of specific organic pollutants in the soil. Plants and microbes dwell synergistically, where microbes
draw benefit by nutrient acquisition from root exudates whereas they assist in plant growth and
survival by producing certain plant growth promoting metabolites, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization,
auxin production, siderophore production, and inhibition or suppression of plant pathogens.
Thus, the plant-microbe interaction establishes the foundation of the soil nutrient cycle as well as decreases
soil toxicity by the removal of harmful pollutants.

Conclusion:

The perspective of integrating genetic approach with bioremediation is crucial to evaluate
connexions among microbial communities, plant communities and ecosystem processes with a focus
on improving phytoremediation of contaminated sites.
Single-cell Sequencing in the Field of Stem Cells
Authors: Chen Tian , Li Jiawei , Jia Yichen , Wang Jiyan , Sang Ruirui , Zhang Yi , Rong Ruiming
Published: June 2020

Variation and heterogeneity between cells are the basic characteristics of stem cells. Traditional
sequencing analysis methods often cover up this difference. Single-cell sequencing technology
refers to the technology of high-throughput sequencing analysis of genomes at the single-cell level. It
can effectively analyze cell heterogeneity and identify a small number of cell populations. With the
continuous progress of cell sorting, nucleic acid extraction and other technologies, single-cell sequencing
technology has also made great progress. Encouraging new discoveries have been made in stem
cell research, including pluripotent stem cells, tissue-specific stem cells and cancer stem cells. In this
review, we discuss the latest progress and future prospects of single-cell sequencing technology in the
field of stem cells.
CD24, A Review of its Role in Tumor Diagnosis, Progression and Therapy
Authors: Ni Yang-Hong , Zhao Xia , Wang Wei
Published: June 2020

CD24, is a mucin-like GPI-anchored molecules. By immunohistochemistry, it is widely detected in many solid tumors, such as breast cancers, genital system cancers, digestive system cancers, neural system cancers and so on. The functional roles of CD24 are either fulfilled by combination with ligands or participate in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. However, the character of CD24 remains to be intriguing because there are still opposite voices about the impact of CD24 on tumors. In preclinical studies, CD24 target therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, target silencing by RNA interference and immunotherapy, have shown us brighten futures on the anti-tumor application. Nevertheless, evidences based on clinical studies are urgently needed. Here, with expectancy to spark new ideas, we summarize the relevant studies about CD24 from a tumor perspective.
Risk Reduction and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease: Biological Mechanisms of Diet
Authors: McGurran Hugo , Glenn Jordan , Madero Erica , Bott Nick
Published: June 2020

:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) incidence is increasing and with no disease modifying agents
available, preventative measures through lifestyle factors are being investigated. Combined with the
prevention of AD risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and with more recent evidence, microbiome
dysfunction, there is a substantial foundation for diet as a modifiable risk factor and preventative
measure for AD. Recent evidence suggests AD associated pathologies, such as oxidative stress and inflammation,
can be modulated by the lipids, vitamins, and polyphenols obtained through nutritional intake.
Furthermore, epidemiological and preclinical evidence has uncovered certain compounds within
foods that may have beneficial effects in the prevention of AD, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin
E, and resveratrol among others. However, clinical data examining specific compounds are often inconsistent
and fail to replicate the preclinical data. On the other hand, dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean
or MIND diet have shown promise in terms of clinical outcomes for patients, indicating a reductionist
approach to diet is not as effective as a holistic dietary pattern. In this review, we summarize
some of the biological mechanisms of key compounds in their relation to AD and how they fit into a
dietary pattern that supports the role of diet as a risk reducing factor for AD.
Neuroimaging Outcomes in Studies of Cognitive Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beishon Lucy , Intharakham Kannakorn , Swienton David , Panerai Ronney B. , Robinson Thompson G. , Haunton Victoria J.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cognitive Training (CT) has demonstrated some benefits to cognitive and psychosocial
function in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early dementia, but the certainty related to
those findings remains unclear. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which CT improves cognitive
functioning may help to understand the relationships between CT and cognitive function.
The purpose of this review was to identify the evidence for neuroimaging outcomes in studies of CT in
MCI and early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods:

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library were
searched with a predefined search strategy, which yielded 1778 articles. Studies were suitable for inclusion
where a CT program was used in patients with MCI or AD, with a structural or functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) outcome. Studies were assessed for quality using the Downs and Black criteria.

Results:

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library were
searched with a predefined search strategy, which yielded 1778 articles. Studies were suitable for inclusion
where a CT program was used in patients with MCI or AD, with a structural or functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) outcome. Studies were assessed for quality using the Downs and Black criteria.

Conclusions:

CT resulted in variable functional and structural changes in dementia, and conclusions are
limited by heterogeneity and study quality. Larger, more robust studies are required to correlate these
findings with clinical benefits from CT.
Insights into Nanotherapeutic Strategies as an Impending Approach to Liver Cancer Treatment
Authors: Singh Archu , Shafi Sadat , Upadhyay Tanya , Najmi Abul Kalam , Kohli Kanchan , Pottoo Faheem Hyder
Published: June 2020

Liver cancer, being the utmost prevalent fatal malignancy worldwide, is ranked as the fifth
leading cause of deaths associated with cancer. Patients with liver cancer are diagnosed often at an advanced
stage, contributing to poor prognosis. Of all forms of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) contributes to 90% of cases, with chemotherapy being the treatment of choice. However, unfavorable
toxicity of chemotherapy drugs and the vulnerability of nucleic acid-based drugs to degradation,
have limited their application in clinical settings. So, in order to improvise their therapeutic efficacy in
HCC treatment, various nanocarrier drug delivery systems have been explored. Furthermore, nanoparticle
based imaging provides valuable means of accurately diagnosing HCC. Thus, in recent years, the
advent of nanomedicine has shown great potential and progress in dramatically altering the approach to
the diagnosis as well as treatment of liver cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) are being explored as potential
drug carriers for small molecules, miRNAs, and therapeutic genes used for liver cancer treatment. This
review emphasizes on the current developments and applications of nanomedicine based therapeutic and
diagnostic approaches in HCC.
Adolescent Inpatients with Depression: Comparison to Inpatients without Depression and to Peers without Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Savilahti Emma M. , Rytilä-Manninen Minna , Haravuori Henna , Marttunen Mauri
Published: June 2020

Background:

Family background, social support and psychological characteristics
are known to be associated with depression in adolescence, but scientific data in complex,
naturalistic settings are scarce.

Objective:

To investigate the characteristics of adolescent psychiatric inpatients with depressive
disorders compared to peers without psychiatric disorders and to adolescent psychiatric
inpatients without depression.

Methods:

The study population of 206 inpatients (13-17 years old) and 203 age and gendermatched
non-referred adolescents was evaluated using the Schedule for Affective Disorders
and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) interview,
and clinical interview and clinical records when available. Structured self-reports
provided information on family background, defense styles, self-image and perceived social
support. We compared firstly subjects with current depressive disorders (n=120) to subjects
without any psychiatric disorder (n=159) and secondly within the inpatient population, those
with depressive disorders (n=117) to those with any other psychiatric diagnoses (n=89).

Results:

Current depressive disorders were characterized by worse self-image, less mature
defenses and less perceived social support particularly from the family. Adversities in the
family were more prevalent in subjects with depression compared to subjects without any
psychiatric diagnosis, while among inpatients, no significant differences were observed.
Psychiatric comorbidity was common in all inpatients, whereas suicidality was more prevalent
among inpatients with depression.

Conclusions:

Negative self-image, less mature defense style and low perceived social support
particularly from the family were characteristics of depression in adolescents.