bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Early Outcomes between Percutaneous Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhou Chuanli , Wang Chao , Zhu Kai , Tu Qihao , Kong Meng , Zhao Chong , Ma Xuexiao
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWith the rapid development of less-invasive techniques, the percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) as a novel minimal surgical technique for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis in recent years. To compare the preliminary efficacy of Endo-TLIF with that of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.MethodsBetween May and August 2019, 62 patients with single-segment lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by a single surgeon were enrolled in this clinical study: there were 32 patients in the Endo-TLIF group and 30 patients in the MIS-TLIF group. Perioperative parameters, including operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), interoperative fluoroscopy time, ambulation time and operative complications, were recorded. At preoperatively, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, the results of clinical metrics such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were obtained and used to compare early outcomes between the two groups. Postoperative fusion rates were assessed by CT scans 12 months after surgery.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the demographic data, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), segment distribution and spondylolisthesis severity, between the two groups. Compared with MIS-TLIF group, Endo-TLIF group had a similar operative time (202.6±31.4 minutes), less intraoperative blood loss (73.0±26.0 ml) and a shorter ambulation time (1.6±0.6 days) but had a longer duration of X-ray radiation (46.3±5.1 seconds). The postoperative VAS scores for back pain as well as the ODI and JOA scores were improved compared with the preoperative scores in the two groups, but the Endo-TLIF group showed more significant improvement in the early follow-up. There were no significant differences in terms of the interbody fusion rate between the two groups. However, no obvious postoperative complications were observed in the study.ConclusionEndo-TLIF technique shows relatively better outcomes compared with MIS-TLIF in terms of an early curative effect, especially one week and six months postoperatively.
Attitude, Practice and Associated Factors Towards Patients With Hepatitis B and C Viruses Among Nurses Working in Governmental Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. 
Authors: Amera Tekalign Birlie , Argaw Zeleke , Habtie Teshome , Tsedalu Abraham
Published: October 2020

Background: nurses spend much time caring for patients with different diagnosis some of which are potentially infectious. Infectiousness of some diseases may affect nurse’s behavior to care for patients equally and effectively. Hepatitis B and C are infectious global treats responsible for 96% of hepatitis related mortality. Hence, this study aimed to assess attitude, practice and associated factors towards patients with hepatitis B and C viruses among nurses working in governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from April 01 to 30, 2019. A total of 396 nurses were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire. Epi info version 7.2 and SPSS version 24 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to characterize the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 383 respondents 45.6% and 35.8% reported to have positive attitude and good practice respectively. Receiving training on infection prevention and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B are significantly associated with nurse’s attitude. Nurses who served for more than ten years and those vaccinated against hepatitis B are also found to have good practice.Conclusion: The overall level of nurse’s attitude and practice towards patients with hepatitis B and C viruses is significantly low. Therefor nurses need to get training on infection prevention and hepatitis B vaccine for free. Proper supply of personal protective equipment should also be assured.
Atypical HIV-Vacuolar Myelopathy. Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Tau Mongezi , Joseph Sibi , George Jerry , Ibañez-Valdés Lourdes de Fatima , Dubula Thozama , Foyaca-Sibat Humberto
Published: October 2020

Background: Here, we report an atypical presentation of HIV-vacuolar myelopathy and search the available medical literature about atypical presentations of human immunodeficiency virus associate vacuolar myelopathy (HIVVM) and immunoglobulin therapy response.Case: A 26-year-old lady who was four weeks postpartum presented to us with acute flaccid quadriparesis, with no sensory level. Extensive workup ruled out other causes of myelopathy. She developed a stage 3 acute kidney injury, and MRI showed diffuse cord atrophy involving the lower cervical and thoracic cord. The patient received IV-immunoglobulin, ARV's, and supportive therapy with inadequate response. Unfortunately, she developed nosocomial pneumonia and died. Discussion: In HIV-VM, there is spinal cord atrophy, which mainly involves the thoracic cord. In our case, this pathological process also affected the spinal cord's cervical region, leading to flaccid tetraplegia, no responding to the treatment, including intravenous immunoglobulin.
Psychological Stress and BMI in the Prevalence of Uterine Leiomyoma Among Young Adult Women: Results from Project ELEFANT
Authors: Yuan Bibo , Song Ruixue , Barrow Timothy M. , Fang Junkai , Colicino Elena , Osorio-Yáñez Citlalli , Zhang Ying , Li Chen , Li Peng-Hui , Guo Liqiong , Hou Shike , Byun Hyang-Min
Published: October 2020

Background: Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is a benign tumour with a prevalence of 4-21% in Western populations and UC occurrence is associate with impaired quality of life. Few studies have studied on psychological stress with the prevalence of UL in non-Western populations. We sought to identify the association of psychological stress with the prevalence of UL and mediation by BMI. Methods: Analysis was performed in a cross-sectional, population-based Project Young ELEFANT study. We analysed clinical data collected from young Chinese women (age 20-40; n=178205) who were residents of Tianjin, China. Work-related, social and financial stress were evaluated by questionnaire and categorised by intensity (none, low, intermediate, and high). Odds ratios of UL were determined by binary logistic regression models adjusted for age at enrolment, smoking, passive smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, education, occupation, residence, age at menarche, parity, oral contraceptive use, and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Results: UL prevalence in young adult women was associated with psychosocial stress by cause and intensity. High levels of work-related, social and financial stress were associated with ORs (95% CI) of 1.72 (1.41, 2.10), 1.48 (1.18, 1.84) and 1.44 (1.11, 1.88) respectively. The risk of UL with psychosocial stress showed interaction with BMI, with underweight women at greatest risk. Conclusions: In young adult Chinese women, psychological stress is associated with UL prevalence. While BMI was positively associated with UL incidence, underweight and healthy weight women with psychosocial stress showed highest risk of UL.
Correlation between TXNRD1/HO-1 Expression and the Histological Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy in patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Akaishi Ryujiro , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Ishida Hirotaka , Tsunokake Junichi , Yamauchi Takuro , Gokon Yusuke , Ueki Shunsuke , Fukutomi Toshiaki , Okamoto Hiroshi , Takaya Kai , Sato Chiaki , Taniyama Yusuke , Kamei Takashi , Sasano Hironobu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNrf2 signaling plays a pivotal role in antioxidant response, and its expression has been reported to increase in various human malignancies, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This also leads to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients. Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are proteins involved in this pathway that play key roles in antioxidant responses. However, the correlation between the expression of these two proteins and the therapeutic response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT), and the changes before and after chemoradiation therapy in patients with ESCC, remain unknown. MethodsThe proteins involved in the Nrf2 signaling pathway were immunolocalized in carcinoma cells in patients with ESCC undergoing NACRT with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin followed by esophagectomy. The 8-OHdG levels were used to determine ROS levels in individual carcinoma cells. Fifty-two pre-operative endoscopic biopsy and fifty post-operative resected specimens were available for this study. Among these, 39 specimens were available for comparison of the results before and after NACRT. The changes in immunoreactivity before and after NACRT (Δ) were assessed. ResultsSignificant histological resistance to NACRT was observed in patients with high levels of Nrf2, TXNRD1, and HO-1 expression. Among pre-therapeutic biopsy specimens, the tumor reduction effect was significantly attenuated in those with high levels of Nrf2, TXNRD1, and HO-1 expression. TXNRD1Δ and HO-1Δ were both significantly higher, while 8-OHdGΔ was significantly lower in the ineffective (poor response) groups. In resected specimens, the overall survival was significantly lower in groups with high Nrf2, TXNRD1, HO-1, and HO-1Δ values. Disease-free survival was significantly lower in the groups with high expression of Nrf2, TXNRD1, HO-1, and Ki-67 and large values of HO-1Δ, and Ki-67Δ. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that high Nrf2, TXNRD1, and HO-1 expression in pre-therapeutic biopsy specimens could predict the histological response to NACRT, and their status in surgically resected specimens could predict clinical outcomes in patients with ESCC.
Correlations Between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values of WB-DWI and Clinical Parameters in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zhang Bei , Bian Bingyang , Zhao Zhiwei , Lin Fang , Zhu Zining , Lou Mingwu
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE: Whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) is a method for evaluating bone marrow infiltration in multiple myeloma (MM). This study seeks to elucidate the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and some selected clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 Chinese patients with MM who had undergone WB-DWI from May 2017 to May 2019 were enrolled in this study. The ADC values of the MM lesions and the clinical parameters were quantified at the first (baseline) visit and after four-course induction chemotherapy. Multiple linear regression and logistic analyses were carried out to find the implicit inherent relationships within the patients’ data.RESULTS: The paired Wilcoxon test showed that the ADC values at the baseline visit (ADC0) were significantly lower than the values after four-course induction chemotherapy (ADC4 c) (p < 0.001), including different therapeutic responses. The Revised International Staging System (RISS) stage, type of MM, and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were predictors of clinically significant increases or decreases in the ADC values (p< 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the ADC0 was negatively associated with β2-MG (p ＜ 0.001) and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (p = 0.012), while the RISS Stage Ⅲ (p = 0.001), type IgG λ (p = 0.005), and albumin were negatively associated with ADC4 c (p = 0.010). The impacts of the therapeutic response were associated with ADC0 and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (p ＜ 0.001).CONCLUSION: The ADC values of WB-DWI may be associated with clinical parameters of MM including the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) result, and may be useful in the prognosis of patients with MM.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000029587
Unveiling the experiences of women of reproductive age with access to iron-rich food and the use of gutka: an exploratory study from a coastal slum of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Ameer , Tariq Eleze , Cheema Daniyaal Ahmad , Khan Uzma , Saleem Sarah , Shafiq Yasir
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAnemia among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) is an emerging public health issue. With the growing prevalence in coastal slums, understanding of community perceptions, practices and attitudes towards consuming iron-rich food items is very crucial. An in-depth understanding of why community women are consuming gutka is also important in these slums. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of this qualitative study to better understand community perceptions and experiences regarding access to iron-rich food and use of gutka. MethodA simple exploratory design using focus group discussions with nonpregnant MWRA and community health workers as well as thorough interviews with different shopkeepers were performed at Rehri Goth, a coastal slum at Karachi, Pakistan. Further, observational visits were also conducted to perform a market survey and to explore the situation regarding the availability of iron-rich food items in the community. ResultsCommunity-level knowledge and understanding on consuming iron-rich food items was poor, and many participants shared concerns regarding accessibility in terms of purchasing power as well as poor availability of these food items in the community as the key issues. These issues are rooted in the sociocultural beliefs that lead to adopting behaviors that result in the use of monotonous diet. These findings were consistent with the fact that observational visits revealed that the community has very low availability of four iron-rich items. Meat shops are only available in 21.4% of the area, and beef availability was only 41.7% during observational visits. Additionally, gutka consumption is considered by locals as a solution to poor accessibility of food. ConclusionStudy findings suggest that strategies should be developed at the policy-forming and implementation level to increase awareness about consuming iron-rich food items as well as initiatives to improve the accessibility to these items.
The vesicular release probability sets the strength of individual Schaffer collateral synapses
Authors: Dürst Céline , Wiegert J. Simon , Schulze Christian , Helassa Nordine , Torok Katalin , Oertner Thomas
Published: October 2020

Information processing in the brain is controlled by quantal release of neurotransmitters, a tightly regulated process. Even in a single axon, presynaptic boutons differ in the number of docked vesicles, but it is not known if the vesicular release probability (pves) is homogenous or variable between individual boutons. We optically measured evoked transmitter release at individual Schaffer collateral synapses using the genetically encoded glutamate sensor iGluSnFR, localizing the fusion site on the bouton with high spatiotemporal precision. Fitting a binomial model to measured response amplitude distributions allowed us to extract the quantal parameters N, pves, and q. Schaffer collateral boutons typically released only a single vesicle under low pves conditions and switched to multivesicular release in high calcium saline. We found that pves was highly variable between individual boutons and had a dominant impact on presynaptic output.
Exploring Perspectives and Preferences for Over-Diagnosis and Overtreatment of Thyroid Nodules using a MCDA Method
Authors: Karrer Linda , Zhang Shixuan , Kühlein Thomas , Kolominsky-Rabas Peter L
Published: October 2020

Background: The detection of thyroid cancer has rapidly increased over last few decades without an increase in disease specific mortality. Several studies claim that the diagnose of thyroid nodules through routine ultrasound imaging is often the trigger for cascade effects leading to unnecessary follow-up over many years or to invasive treatment. The objective of this study was to explore physicians’ and patients’ insights and preferences for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules as well as awareness of over-diagnosis and overtreatment. Methods: An online survey was developed using a comprehensive multi criteria decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, the EVIdence based Decision-Making (EVIDEM). The EVIDEM core model used in this study encompassed 13 quantitative criteria and four qualitative criteria. Participants were asked to provide weights for each criterion, performance scores for appraising the thyroid nodules interventions and their consideration of impact of contextual criteria. Normalized weights and standardized scores were combined to calculate a value contribution across all participants, additionally differences across participants were explored. Results: Of all 105 participants, there are 48 patients, 31 physicians and 26 normal citizens. The highest value estimate of the intervention on thyroid nodules reached 0.401 for citizens’ group and lowest value of 0.287 was reported for physicians’ group, compared to 0.359 for all participants. The highest value contributors were efficacy and prevention. Compared to all participants, physicians gave less weight to quality of life and prevention benefits. In addition, physicians’ group gave less score on the treatment such like thyroid surgery compared to other two groups. 59% participants considered healthcare system had a positive impact on the diagnostic of thyroid nodules. Conclusion: Our study shows participants’ preferences on each criterion, i.e., physician indicated keeping the intervention safe and effective more important, patients indicated quality of life after receiving intervention more important. Through comparison among participants, differences have been highlighted, which can make better communication between physicians and patients. This study provided a supportive decision making for health providers when they conduct researches on thyroid nodules.Trial registration: This study did not report the results of a health care intervention on human participants.
Immunotherapy Combined With Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for a Patient With Cancer of Unknown Primary: A Case Report
Authors: Ni Qingtao , Lu KaiJin , Pan Chi , Dai ShengBin , Wang Peng
Published: October 2020

Background: Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is metastatic at diagnosis with unknown primary site, indicating a high degree of malignancy with poor prognosis. The development and application of targeted therapy and Immunotherapy is the current research hotspot, and provide more treatment options for CUP.Case Presentations: A 36-year-old freeworking male presented with pain on the right hip in April 2018. After various examinations, he was diagnosed as CUP. He received chemotherapy, immunotherapy and local radiotherapy in our department. However, the use of radiotherapy after immunotherapy resulted in severe pneumonia. Conclusions: Compared with traditional treatments, immunotherapy is effective treatment with fewer side effects and better patient tolerance. However, treating physicians should continue to pay special attention to the occurrence of side effects, when radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy.
Determinants of the offer of breast milk complements for newborns
Authors: Pinheiro Josilene Maria Ferreira , Flor Taiana Brito Menêzes , Pires Vanessa Cristina da Costa , Mata Amanda Michelly Braga da , Oliveira Luana Isabelly Carneiro de , Barbosa Wanessa Pinheiro de Macedo , Andrade Fábia Barbosa de
Published: October 2020

Background: Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in the first hours of life, it is common to offer infant formula to the newborn, resulting in a negative effect on breastfeeding. This study has the objective of identifying the prevalence of the offer of food complements, its characteristics and the determining factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study, linked to a cohort study that assessed the newborn care in four public maternity wards in Natal. The sample was composed of 415 mothers and full-term newborns, with appropriate weight for gestational age and Apgar scores in 1st and 5th minutes ≥ 7. In order to analyze the association between the socioeconomic, biological and welfare characteristics and the offer of the complement for the newborn, we used Pearson’s Chi-Square, Student’s t-test, and Poisson’s regression.Results: Of the 415 newborns, 51.3% received complements (57.6% in the first hour of life), of which 92% with infant formula. Of these, only 50.7% were prescribed by the doctor. Colostrum deficiency was the main reason for indication (33.8%). The maternal age ≤ 20 years (PR=0.64; 95% CI=0.47-0.86) and between 20-30 years (PR=0.70; 95% CI=0.57-0.87) were shown as protective factors, while being primiparous (PR=1.37; 95% CI=1.11-1.60) and had undergone cesarean section (PR=1.2; 95% CI=1.00-1.45) as predictive factors. Conclusion: We observed that maternal characteristics are determinants for the offer of complement to the newborn in the first hours of life. The high prevalence shows the need for interventions that minimize the inadequate offer of infant formula and promote exclusive breastfeeding before hospital discharge.
Effect of Tourniquet Use in Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery on Postoperative Recovery: A Prospective Non- Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Huang Tingting , Liu Haixiao , Hu Yuezheng , Xu Xinxian
Published: October 2020

The aim of this prospective non- randomized controlled study was to explore the effect of tourniquet use on joint swelling, pain, functional outcome, and tourniquet- related ischemia- reperfusion injury (IRI) during ankle arthroscopic surgery.52 patients who received ankle arthroscopy were allocated to had the procedure done with the tourniquet inflated (the Control group, n= 27) or without the tourniquet inflated (the NT group, n= 25). The main outcome measures were: (1) The amount of swelling of the ankle; (2) Pain as measured by a visual analog scale (VAS); (3) The levels of MDA, IMA,TOS, TAS and OSI at 10 min before incision (T1)，after the completion of surgery (T2), and 30 min after tourniquet deflation (T3); (4) The functional outcome as measured by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score; (5) The rate of complication. All patients were reviewed at a mean follow- up of 14.2 months (range, 12- 19 months). The mean circumferences of the ankle in the NT group were significantly lower than those in the Control group on postoperative day 2 and 5 (p<0.05). The mean level of VAS in the Control group was significantly higher on postoperative day 2 (p<0.05). The outcomes of AOFAS ankle hindfoot score were comparable between groups postoperatively (p>0.05). The levels of MDA, IMA, TOS and OSI were all significantly lower in the NT group compared at T2 and T3 (p<0.05), and the level of TAS was significantly lower in the NT group at T3 (p<0.05). The complication rates of two groups were comparable (p>0.05).With the use of tourniquet during ankle arthroscopic surgery, there was increased joint swelling and pain postoperatively, and a trend toward increased levels of MDA, IMA, TOS, TAS and OSI intraoperatively. Thus, we do not recommend using a tourniquet in this type of procedure.
Uncovering the Pharmacological of Xiaochaihu Decoction in the Treatment of Pancreatitis Based on the Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhan Lianghui , Pu Jinbao , Hu Yijuan , Xu Pan , Liang Weiqing , Ji Chunlian
Published: October 2020

BackgroundXiaochaihu Decoction (XD) was a traditional prescription, has been demonstrated the pharmacodynamic on pancreatitis. But the underline mechanism remained to be explored. Therefore, this study was aimed to combined network pharmacology method and molecular docking technology to demonstrate the potential mechanism of XD treated with pancreatitis.MethodsFirstly, compounds of seven herbs containing XD were collected from TCMSP Database and the putative targets of Pancreatitis were obtained from OMIM, TTD, Genecards Database. Then PPI network was constructed according to the matching results between XD potential targets and pancreatic neoplasms targets. Furthermore, enrichment analysis on GO and KEGG by DAVID utilized bioinformatics resources. Finally, Molecular Docking was performed to simulate the interaction between the active compound of XD and putative targets.ResultsA total of 196 active ingredients and 91 putative targets were selected out. The PPI interaction network analysis demonstrated that Quercetin was the candidate agents and MAPK3, IL-6 and TP53 were the potential targets for the XD treatment of pancreatitis. The KEGG analysis revealed that pathways in cancers, TNF signaling way, MAPK signaling way might play an important role in pancreatitis therapy. And Molecular Docking results showed that Quercetin combined well with MAPK3, IL-6 and TP53.ConclusionThis study illustrated that Quercetin containing in XD might played an important role in pancreatitis therapy by acting the key genes of MPAK3, IL-6 and TP53. And it also provided a strategy to elucidate the mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the level of network pharmacology.
The Scutellarin Protects Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cells from ZEA-Induced Injury
Authors: Yi Yanyan , Wan Shuangxiu , Wang Shaoyu , Khan Ajab , Guo Jianhua , Zheng Xiaozhong , Li Hongquan , Sun Na
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe zearalenone (ZEA) contained in the animal grain feeds is produced by Fusarium fungi and this toxin targets ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) to cause reproductive disorders in female animals. Current research on drugs that can rescue ZEA-induced GCs damage is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of scutellarin (Scu) on ZEA-induced apoptosis of mouse ovarian GCs and its mechanism.ResultsIn one set of experiments, the primary cultured mouse ovarian GCs were co-treated with ZEA and scutellarin for 24 h. The results showed that Scu significantly alleviated ZEA-induced cell damage, restored cell cycle arrest, and inhibited apoptosis by reducing the ratio of cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, and Bax/Bcl-2. In other set of experiments, six weeks old mice were intragastrical administered with 40 mg/kg ZEA for 2 h, followed by 100 mg/kg Scu for 3 d. It was shown that Scu inhibited ZEA-induced apoptosis and positive signal expression of cleared-caspase-3 in the ovarian granulosa layer, with the involvement of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. ConclusionScu attenuated ZEA-induced reproductive toxicity by targeting mouse ovarian GCs, mainly affecting cell cycle phase distribution and apoptosis via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in vitro and in vivo. These data provide strong evidence that Scu can be further developed as potential new therapeutic drug for preventing or treating reproductive toxicity caused by animal exposure to ZEA found in the grains of animal feeds.
Integrated Analysis of Circular RNA Associated Cerna Network Reveals Potential CircRNA Biomarkers in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Shen Hui , Pan Huan , Lu Jianju , Shen Jianfen , Xu Longsheng , Sheng Han , Liu Beibei , Yao Ming
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that circular RNA (circRNA) is closely related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. circRNA has been identified as a sponge of microRNA (miRNA) in a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and is involved in the regulation of mRNA expression. However, the roles of cancer specific circRNAs in circRNA-related ceRNA network of breast cancer (BRCA) are still unclear. This study aims to construct a ceRNA network associated with circRNA and to explore new therapeutic and prognostic targets and biomarkers for breast cancer.MethodsWe downloaded the circRNA expression profile of BRCA from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets and downloaded the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of BRCA from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, these data were included in the study for comprehensive analysis. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on circRNA–miRNA pairs and miRNA–mRNA pairs. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were performed on mRNAs regulated by circRNAs in ceRNA networks. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network were performed. The STRING search tool was used to predict the interaction between proteins, and the hub genes were screened by the MCODE plugin in Cytoscape.ResultsA total of 72 DEcircRNAs, 158 DEmiRNAs and 2762 DE mRNAs were identified. The constructed ceRNA network contains 60 circRNA-miRNA pairs and 140 miRNA-mRNA pairs, including 40 circRNAs, 30 miRNAs and 100 mRNAs. Functional enrichment indicated that DEmRNAs regulated by DEcircRNAs in ceRNA networks were significantly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MicroRNAs in cancer and Proteoglycans in cancer. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network showed that a total of 13 mRNAs and 6 miRNAs were significantly associated with overall survival, and 48 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs had a significant negative correlation. A PPI network was established and 21 hub genes were determined from the network. After comprehensive analysis, four potential ceRNA regulatory axes were constructed based on three circRNAs, two miRNAs, and three mRNAs.ConclusionsThis study provides an effective bioinformatics basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms and predictions of breast cancer. A better understanding of the circRNA-related ceRNA network in BRCA will help identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
Combinatorial analyses reveal cellular composition changes have different impacts on transcriptomic changes of cell type specific genes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Johnson Travis S. , Xiang Shunian , Dong Tianhan , Huang Zhi , Cheng Michael , Wang Tianfu , Yang Kai , Ni Dong , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains are characterized by progressive neuron loss and gliosis. Previous studies comparing AD versus control using bulk brain tissue samples have not considered cell composition changes in AD brains that can cause transcriptional changes not due to transcriptional regulation.Using five large transcriptomic datasets, we mined conserved gene co-expression network modules, and applied differential expression and differential co-expression analysis on the modules in AD versus control brains. Combined with cell type deconvolution analysis, we addressed the question of whether the module expression changes are due to altered cellular composition or transcriptional regulation. Our findings were validated using four additional datasets.We discovered that the increased expression of microglia modules can be explained by increased microglia population in AD brains rather than gene upregulation. In contrast, the decreased expression and perturbed co-expression in AD neuron modules are due to both neuron loss and regulation of neuronal pathways and several transcriptional factors are identified for such regulation. Similarly, the strong changes in expression and co-expression in astrocyte modules can also be attributed to a combinatory effect from astrogliosis and astrocyte gene activation in AD brains. The astrocyte modules expressions also strongly correlated with the clinicopathological biomarkers.In summary, we demonstrated that combinatorial analysis is a powerful approach to delineate the origin of transcriptomic changes in bulk tissue data, which leads to a deeper understanding of key genes/pathways in AD.
Utilities of Peripheral Nerve Blocks beyond the Operating Room: A Narrative Review
Authors: Krishna Prasad GV
Published: October 2020

Intravenous analgesia has been the standard method employed to alleviate pain. However, intravenous analgesia cause higher rate of systemic side-effects, patient discomfort and longer hospital stays. In recent times, peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) have become the most preferred choice for a variety of procedures in operating room. PNBs lower the risks of peri-operative challenges, they involve in lowering the number of opioid-related complications, and they mitigate the need for general anaesthesia. Further, peripheral nerve blocks with the assistance from ultrasound technology provide superior choices over traditional pain-relieving methods practiced in the operating room.  Objective of the current review article is to throw light on the peripheral nerve blocks and their utilities other than operation theatres. Also, this review article throws light on the several utilities of peripheral nerve blocks in trauma cases, block on arrival, upper limb, lower limb, chest and abdomen, head injury, maxillofacial injuries, uses in central vein canulations, recurrent ventricular tachycardia, interventional radiology, chronic pains with acute presentation and gangrene of limbs.
Revisiting the Morphological Variations in Lumbricals of Hand
Authors: Khizer Hussain Afroze M  , Sangeeta M  , Varalakshmi K.L
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The lumbrical muscles are unique in their functions in being only intrinsic muscles which bridges between the palmar and dorsal surface. This unique property endows them in performing fast, alternating movements and fine tuning digit motion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations in the morphology and architecture of lumbricals and to discuss its clinical implications. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 74 disarticulated upper limbs during routine dissection of cadavers in the Department of Anatomy of MVJMC & RH. The dissection was carried out based on the steps as per the Cunningham’s manual. Results: Variations in lumbricals were observed in 12 specimens (8 in right side & 4 in left side). The variation encountered were the proximal origin of lumbricals in 4 specimens (5.41%), Split insertion in one specimen (1.35%), bipennate second lumbrical in two specimens (2.70%), accessory belly of first lumbrical in 4 specimens (5.41%) and hypertrophied lumbrical in one specimen (1.35%). Conclusion: Variations of the lumbrical can present with wide range of clinical presentations like compression of neurovascular structures as in hypertrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome as in proximal origin and accessory belly of lumbrical.
Analysis and Forecast of Urban Air Quality Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Yang Shengquan
Published: October 2020

The rapid economic development has led to the declining quality of the atmospheric environment. At present, my country is facing a very serious problem of atmospheric environmental pollution. Accurate prediction of air quality plays a vital role in the realization of air pollution control by environmental protection departments. Based on the historical air pollution concentration data, this paper establishes a BP neural network model to learn the statistical law of air pollutant values to realize the prediction of air quality in the future. Through the analysis of the target of air quality prediction, the design of an air quality prediction method based on BP neural network is designed. This method includes four stages: air pollutant concentration data collection, data processing, air quality index calculation, and prediction network construction. The experimental results show that the air quality prediction method based on BP neural network designed and implemented in this paper, combined with the developed air quality prediction system, can effectively predict the recent changes in air quality and various air pollutant concentrations. By collecting the concentration data of air pollutants and learning the changes of air pollutants to achieve air quality prediction, it provides a quantitative reference for government environmental protection departments to achieve air pollution control.
Monitoring of rotavirus in treated wastewater in Tehran with a monthly interval, in 2017–2018
Authors: Tavakoli Nick Shadi , Mohebbi Seyed Reza , Hosseini Seyed Masoud , Mirjalali Hamed , Alebouyeh Masoud
Published: October 2020

Rotaviruses are among the major causes of viral acute gastroenteritis in newborns and children younger than 5 years worldwide. The ability of rotaviruses to remain infectious in harsh environments as well as in the wastewater treatment process makes them one of the most prevalent enteric viruses. The current study aimed to determine the presence of rotavirus genomes and to analyze them phylogenetically in secondary treated wastewater (TW) samples. In total, 13 TW samples were collected from September 2017 to August 2018. Viral concentration was carried out using the absorption-elution method, and after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. A phylogenetic tree was drawn using Maximum Likelihood and Tamura 3-parameter using MEGA v.6 software. Rotavirus genomes were detected in 7/13 (53.8%) and 3/13 (23.07%) samples using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and conventional PCR, respectively. Accordingly, phylogenetic analysis revealed G4P[8], G9P[4], and G9P[8] genotypes among the samples. The presence of rotavirus in secondary TW samples discharged into surface water emphasizes the importance of monitoring and assessing viral contamination in the water sources used for agricultural and recreational purposes.
Compliance with a boil water advisory after the contamination of a municipal drinking water supply system in Norway
Authors: Franer Kristian , Meijerink Hinta , Hyllestad Susanne
Published: October 2020

Boil-water advisories (BWAs) are one of the several methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases through contaminated water. However, for BWAs to be effective, consumers need to be aware of, understand and comply with the advisories. Although BWAs are a widely used preventive public health measure, compliance with BWAs is rarely examined. In Norway, only one previous study on compliance with BWAs has been conducted. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate consumers’ perception of and compliance with a BWA following a contamination incident at an elevated reservoir in Konnerud (population 10,314), Norway. In total, 2,451 of the 9,312 (26.3%) invited residents responded to the questionnaire. Among the respondents, 97.6% remembered receiving the BWA, of whom 94.6% complied with the advice. Effective compliance with the BWA was thus 92.3%. Only 130 (5.4%) respondents did not comply with the BWA. The main reason for non-compliance was perceived low or no risk of getting sick from the water (34.2%). Our study revealed high awareness of and compliance with the BWA, but the people who did not comply maintained several misconceptions about waterborne infections and transmission. The findings can be used by local health authorities to improve future BWAs.
The Efficacy and Nephrological Side Effects of Treatment with Colistin in Neonates
Authors: IGNAK Seyda , COSKUN Yesim , YALCİN Demet , AKMAN İpek
Published: October 2020

Aim: For many years, colistin has not been considered a first-line treatment due to its toxic side effects. However, its use has recently been reevaluated as a last resort in the treatment of neonatal infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Accordingly, in this study we aimed to contribute to the literature by investigating the efficacy and nephrological effects of colistin use in neonates.

Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary university hospital between January 2015 and February 2019 and included 30 patients who received intravenous treatment with colistin for culture-proven hospital-acquired GNB infections. We analyzed the serum sodium, potassium, phosphate, calcium and magnesium levels, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase values, and urine outputs measured on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days of treatment.

Results: All patients were treated with colistin for at least 10 days (mean 16.07±3.22 days) and the treatment dose was 5 mg/kg per day. We observed a statistically significant difference between the 1st- and 10th-day urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, and urine output values (p˂0.05). Similarly, when we compared the measurements recorded on the 1st and 10th days of treatment, we found that the magnesium and calcium levels were significantly decreased (p=0.008 and p=0.038, respectively) while the urea, creatinine, and urine output values were significantly increased (p=0.027, p=0.022, p=0.001, respectively).

Discussion and Conclusion: Colistin is an effective agent in the treatment of MDR-GNB infections in neonates. Neonates should be closely monitored for nephrotoxicity during treatment with colistin. The efficacy and safety of neonatal treatment with colistin should be investigated with further, larger-sample studies.
Premature Adrenarche and its Association with Cardiovascular Risk in Females
Authors: Livadas Sarantis , Bothou Christina , Macut Djuro
Published: October 2020

Early activation of the adrenal zona reticularis, leading to adrenal androgen secretion, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone
sulfate (DHEAS), is called premature adrenarche (PA). The fact that adrenal hyperandrogenism
in females has been linked to a cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, even in prepubertal children,
warrants investigation. Controversial results have been obtained in this field, probably due to genetic, constitutional,
and environmental factors or differences in the characteristics of participants. In an attempt to understand,
in depth, the impact of PA as a potential activator of CV risk, we critically present available data stratified
according to pubertal status. It seems that prepubertally, CV risk is increased in these girls, but is somewhat attenuated
during their second decade of life. Furthermore, different entities associated with PA, such as polycystic
ovary syndrome, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, heterozygosity of CYP21A2 mutations, and
the impact of DHEAS on CV risk, are reviewed. At present, firm and definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.
However, it may be speculated that girls with a history of PA display a hyperandrogenic hormonal milieu that
may lead to increased CV risk. Accordingly, appropriate long-term follow-up and early intervention employing
a patient-oriented approach are recommended.
On Certain Topological Indices of Three-Layered Single-Walled Titania
Nanosheets
Authors: Arockiaraj Micheal , Liu Jia-Bao , Arulperumjothi M. , Prabhu S.
Published: October 2020

Aim and Objective:

Nanostructures are objects whose sizes are between microscopic and molecular. The most significant of these new elements are carbon nanotubes. These elements have extraordinary microelectronic properties and many other exclusive physiognomies. Recently, researchers have given the attention to the mathematical properties of these materials. The aim and objective of this research article is to investigate the most important molecular descriptors namely Wiener, edge-Wiener, vertex-edge-Wiener, vertex-Szeged, edge-Szeged, edge-vertex-Szeged, total-Szeged, PI, Schultz, Gutman, Mostar, edge-Mostar, and total-Mostar indices of three-layered single-walled titania nanosheets. By computing these topological indices, materials science researchers can have a better understanding of structural and physical properties of titania nanosheets, and thereby more easily synthesizing new variants of titania nanosheets with more amenable physicochemical properties.

Methods:

The cut method turned out to be extremely handy when dealing with distance-based graph invariants which are in turn among the central concepts of chemical graph theory. In this method, we use the Djokovic ́-Winkler relation to find the suitable edge cuts to leave the graph into exactly two components. Based on the graph theoretical measures of the components, we obtain the desired topological indices by mathematical computations.

Results:

In this paper, distance-based indices for three-layered single-walled titania nanosheets were investigated and given the exact expressions for various dimensions of three-layered single-walled titania nanosheets. These indices may be useful in synthesizing new variants of titania nanosheets and the computed topological indices play an important role in studies of Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR).

Conclusion:

In this paper, we have obtained the closed expressions of several distance-based topological indices of three-layered single-walled titania nanosheet TNS_3 [m,n] molecular graph for the cases m≥ n and m < n. The graphical validations for the computed indices are done and we observe that the Wiener types, Schultz and Gutman indices perform in a similar way whereas PI and Mostar type indices perform in the same way.
Nanosponges Encapsulated Phytochemicals for Targeting Cancer: A Review
Authors: Dombe Shailaja , Shirote Pramodkumar
Published: October 2020

Cancer is the most ruinous disease globally. Natural products have impressive characteristics,
such as exceptional chemical versatility, chemical and biological properties of macromolecular
specificity and less toxicity which make them good leads in finding novel drugs. The
phytochemicals not only help to prevent but also treat chronic cancerous conditions. The present review
attempts to put forth some selected anticancer phytochemicals that had reported omics characteristic
and specifically suppressed cancer with in vitro and in vivo activity. Certain issues pertaining
to anticancer phytochemicals like delivery to target site in the body and achieving controlled release
in order to prevent overdoses have been a major concern for medical researchers worldwide.
The most conventional chemotherapy protocols for the treatment of cancer lead to adverse effects
that limit biological efficacy and compromise patient outcomes. In order to defeat incompetency of
current and upcoming natural anticancer agents and to attain targeted drug delivery with good efficacy
and fewer side effects, there is a special focus on novel nanostructured particles and nano approaches
consisting of carrier system. Recent studies have led to the discovery of mesoporous and
nanoporous drug delivery mechanisms, such as inorganic or organic-based nanosponges. The metal
based inorganic systems have exhibited toxicity and non-biodegradable character in vivo. As a result
of problems related to inorganic systems, major shift of research from inorganic to organic
nanosystems has occurred. About decades ago, researchers developed organic nanosponges to control
the limitation of drug delivery and cancer therapies. This review article discusses the development
and application of nanosponges encapsulated phytochemicals for cancer therapy.