bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circ_0000345 Protects Endothelial Cells From Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Injury by miR-129-5p/Ten-Eleven Translocation Axis
Authors: Tiliwaldi Hasanjan , Tursun Abdusalam , Tohti Ali , Mamatzunun Mirahmat , Wu Zukai
Published: March 2021

Circular RNAs have shown regulatory functions in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Here, we explored the role and working mechanism of circ_0000345 in the AS cell model in vitro. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure the enrichment of circ_0000345, microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p), and ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) messenger RNA. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay was used to analyze cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Flow cytometry was conducted to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The target relationship between miR-129-5p and circ_0000345 or TET2 was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. The Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein level of TET2. Circ_0000345 abundance was reduced in serum samples of AS patients and AS cell model compared with their matching counterparts. Circ_0000345 overexpression promoted cell viability and cell cycle progression and hampered cell apoptosis in HUVECs induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. MiR-129-5p was a target of circ_0000345 and circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-induced damage in HUVECs through sponging miR-129-5p. MiR-129-5p bound to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of TET2, and miR-129-5p functioned in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs by targeting TET2. Circ_0000345 enhanced TET2 messenger RNA and protein expression through sponging miR-129-5p in HUVECs. Circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-mediated injury in HUVECs through targeting miR-129-5p/TET2 axis. Increasing the levels of circ_0000345 and TET2 might be a novel insight into AS treatment.
Açaí Reverses Adverse Cardiovascular Remodeling in Renovascular Hypertension: A Comparative Effect With Enalapril
Authors: Vilhena Juliana Calfa , Lopes de Melo Cunha Letícia , Jorge Tayenne Moraes , de Lucena Machado Marcella , de Andrade Soares Ricardo , Santos Izabelle Barcellos , Freitas de Bem Graziele , Fernandes-Santos Caroline , Ognibene Dayane Teixeira , Soares de Moura Roberto , de Castro Resende Angela , Aguiar da Costa Cristiane
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine if açai seed extract (ASE) could reverse pre-existing cardiovascular and renal injury in an experimental model of renovascular hypertension (2 kidney, 1 clip, 2K1C). Young male rats (Wistar) were used to obtain 2K1C and sham groups. Animals received the vehicle, ASE (200 mg/kg/d), or enalapril (30 mg/kg/d) in drinking water from the third to sixth week after surgery. We evaluated systolic blood pressure by tail plethysmography, vascular reactivity in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed (MAB), serum and urinary parameters, plasma inflammatory cytokines by ELISA, MAB expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and its active form peNOS by Western blot, plasma and MAB oxidative damage and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry, and vascular and cardiac structural changes by histological analysis. ASE and enalapril reduced the systolic blood pressure, restored the endothelial and renal functions, and decreased the inflammatory cytokines and the oxidative stress in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, both treatments reduced vascular and cardiac remodeling. ASE substantially reduced cardiovascular remodeling and recovered endothelial dysfunction in 2K1C rats probably through its antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions, supplying a natural resource for the treatment of renovascular hypertension.
A Review of Novel Agents and Clinical Considerations in Patients With ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Benbrahim Meissane , Norman Kelsey , Sanchorawala Vaishali , Siddiqi Omar K. , Hughes David
Published: March 2021

Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a multisystem disease caused by organ deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from the misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current treatment regimens and summarize important considerations for each agent. A literature search was performed with the PubMed database for articles published through October 2020. Search criteria included therapies available on the market and investigational therapies used for ATTR amyloidosis treatment. Both prospective clinical trials and retrospective studies have been included in this review. Available therapies discussed in this review article are tafamidis, diflunisal, patisiran, and inotersen. Tafamidis is FDA approved for treatment of wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) and hereditary ATTR (ATTRv) cardiomyopathy, and patisiran and inotersen are FDA approved for ATTRv polyneuropathy. Diflunisal does not have an FDA-labeled indication for amyloidosis but has been studied in ATTRv polyneuropathy and ATTRwt cardiomyopathy. Investigational therapies include a TTR stabilizer, AG10; 2 antifibril agents, PRX004 and doxycycline/tauroursodeoxycholic acid; and 2 gene silencers, vutrisiran and AKCEA-TTR-LRx; and clinical trials are ongoing. ATTR amyloidosis treatment selection is based on subtype and presence of cardiac or neurological manifestations. Additional considerations such as side effects, monitoring, and administration are outlined in this review.
Pedicled Abdominal Flaps for Hand Reconstruction in Adults: Physiotherapy of the Attached Hand
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M. , Alammar Alwaleed K. , Alfaqeeh Faisal A. , Altamimi Lamees A. , Alfehaid Norah S. , Mahabbat Nehal A. , Pant Rajeev
Published: March 2021

Background:

Hand reconstruction using pedicled abdominal flaps has several disadvantages, including delayed hand therapy leading to stiffness.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 70 cases of pedicled abdominal flaps used for hand reconstruction in adults in whom physiotherapy of the attached hand was implemented. The review aims to investigate the rate of flap dehiscence, infection, hematoma, and flap edge necrosis in our cases, and to establish that physiotherapy of the attached hand is not associated with an increased risk of complications. The review also aims to establish the effectiveness of physiotherapy of the attached hand in reducing the risk of stiffness by documenting the range of motion of the uninjured digits immediately after flap division and at final follow-up.

Results:

There were no cases of flap dehiscence, infection, or hematoma. Six cases had minor partial flap edge necrosis that was treated conservatively and allowed to heal by secondary intention. In 62 patients, the range of motion of the uninjured digits was 90%–100% of the normal range of motion at day 1 post-flap division, and all of these patients recovered a full range of motion (in the uninjured digits) within 2 weeks of follow-up. Eight patients were reluctant to do the exercises as instructed because of low pain threshold; 4 of these 8 patients had residual stiffness at the final follow-up.

Conclusion:

The implementation of active exercises of the attached hand is feasible in selected cases and it helps minimize the risk of stiffness of the hand.
The Pediatric Arterialized Venous Flow-through Flap
Authors: Efanov Johnny Ionut , ElHawary Hassan , Chollet Andre , Mottard Sophie , Borsuk Daniel E.
Published: March 2021

Arterialized venous flow-through flaps are solely vascularized through the venous plexus. The flaps were first described 40 years ago; however, reports of venous congestion and ischemia discouraged surgeons from adopting them into their armamentarium. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated a resurgence of venous flow-through flaps for reconstruction of small to medium defects of the hand and digits. Although current data report variable levels of success in adults, no case reports have been published in the pediatric population for this type of flap. In this study, an arterialized venous flow-through flap from the medial forearm was used to reconstruct a volar hand defect in a young child. Flap markings, surgical technique, and aftercare are described. The surgery was uncomplicated, and the postoperative outcomes were aesthetically and functionally excellent. Venous flow-through flaps restore full-thickness defects, are relatively easy to perform, allow an early return to daily activities, and have almost no morbidity. These flaps offer excellent options for pediatric hand and finger defects.
Antia-Buch versus Franssen-Frechner Technique
Authors: Abdelkader Rasha , Malahias Marco , Abdalbary Sahar Ahmed , Noaman Ayman
Published: March 2021

Background:

We performed a retrospective study comparing 2 patient groups. Each cohort included 22 cases of skin cancer of the external ear. Each patient required resection of the affected part of the external ear, followed by flap reconstruction.

Methods:

The patients in Cohort A underwent external ear reconstruction with a classic Antia-Buch flap, as described by Antia and Buch in 1967: The defect was closed by mobilizing an advancement flap from the root of the helix (upper ear), which was closed in a V-Y fashion, after a rim of healthy scaphal cartilage was resected to allow approximation of the skin. The patients in Cohort B underwent external ear reconstruction with a modified Antia-Buch flap, as presented by Franssen and Frechner in 2010. Here, a wedge of skin was removed from the ear lobe (lower ear), to allow mobilization of an advancement flap from the caudal end of the ear, to close the defect.

Results:

Both techniques allowed tension-free closure. Cohort B, however, required less dissection of the ear. The entire cephalic ear remained unaffected and no scaphal cartilage was sacrificed, thus preserving ear width, with scars that were overall less visible. Also, the loss in ear height associated with Cohort B was easily symmetrized by contralateral ear lobe reduction.

Conclusions:

Cohort B achieved closure with less ear dissection, achieving excellent morphological outcomes. The patients in Cohort B had superior levels of satisfaction with scars and ear symmetry than those in Cohort A.
Pilot Study of Corneal Clearance With the Use of a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor After Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Davies Emma , Jurkunas Ula , Pineda Roberto
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To investigate corneal clearance time using a topical rho-kinase inhibitor, netarsudil, after descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty (DWEK).

Methods:

Twenty eyes from 10 patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy had DWEK with cataract surgery. For the first eye of each participant, netarsudil was administered immediately after surgery until corneal clearance. For the second eye, netarsudil was withheld 2 weeks beyond the time for corneal clearance of the first eye and then administered only if corneal edema was still present. Interpatient and intrapatient comparisons were made for pachymetry, endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, and time to corneal clearance.

Results:

Intrapatient comparison demonstrated no significant difference in preoperative pachymetry (P value 0.58), endothelial cell counts (P value 0.97), and intraocular pressure (P value 0.46) between eyes treated with netarsudil immediately after DWEK and those with delayed netarsudil use. Average time for corneal clearance in eyes treated with netarsudil immediately after surgery was 4.6 ± 1.7 weeks, which was significantly shorter than eyes not treated with netarsudil immediately at 8 ± 1.9 weeks (P < 0.01). Corneal clearance occurred in eyes between 1 and 2 weeks after addition of netarsudil as a “rescue” drop. Interpatient comparison demonstrated significantly greater endothelial cell counts in eyes treated with netarsudil immediately compared with eyes with a delay in netarsudil use (P = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Netarsudil significantly reduces the time to corneal clearance after DWEK. Furthermore, increased endothelial cell counts in eyes with immediate netarsudil use versus delayed netarsudil use suggests that the immediate perioperative period is crucial in cell regeneration and migration.
Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged Treatment of Vernal and Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis Using Topical Tacrolimus
Authors: Hirota Akira , Shoji Jun , Inada Noriko , Shiraki Yukiko , Yamagami Satoru
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical improvement and safety of prolonged treatment of vernal (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) using topical tacrolimus.

Methods:

We included 36 eyes of 36 patients who had VKC and AKC and were treated with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension (0.1%) for 24 months. The demographic data of the enrolled patients were collected from their medical files. Clinical scores, remission rates, number of relapses, concomitant use of steroids, and refractory indices were assessed. Clinical outcomes were determined using papillae–limbus–cornea (PLC) scores and 5-5-5 exacerbation grading scale scores. Clinical characteristics associated with the need for concomitant steroid eye drops administration were determined using logistic regression analysis. All patients were classified into 3 subgroups using cluster analysis.

Results:

PLC scores recorded in the sixth month were significantly improved compared with those recorded at baseline. PLC scores recorded in the 18th, 21st, and 24th months were significantly improved compared with those recorded in the sixth month. The remission rates increased diachronically and significantly, reaching 92% in the 24th month. Logistic regression analysis showed that, for every 10-year increase in patient age, the risk for requiring concomitant administration of steroid eye drops was reduced by half (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.96). Using cluster analysis, the patients were divided into 3 clusters: adolescent type, pediatric type, and adult type.

Conclusions:

Two years of treatment with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension is an effective method for inducing and maintaining the stable stages of VKC and AKC.
Pachydermoperiostosis Presenting With Vision Loss Secondary to Severe Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Cheng Shuk Kei , Michael Anika , Rizzuti Allison E.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of severe phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in a patient with pachydermoperiostosis (PDP).

Methods:

A 29-year-old Hispanic man presented with a 1-year history of vision loss in the right eye and redness, photophobia, and pain in both eyes. Associated symptoms included enlargement of his hands and feet for 3 years, acne, and joint pain. Examination was notable for severe meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal and limbal phlyctenules in both eyes, and central stromal scarring of the right cornea. He had cystic acne of the face and a coarse, wrinkled forehead and scalp. Examination of his hands and feet revealed clubbing of the digits.

Results:

The patient had an extensive laboratory workup that was significant for elevated erythrocyte sediment rate and C-reactive protein. X-ray of his hands and feet revealed diffuse periosteal hyperostosis with diffuse bone expansion. The patient was diagnosed with PDP with severe meibomian gland dysfunction, phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal scarring. His pain and photophobia resolved with medical management of the phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis but decreased vision in the right eye persisted because of neovascularization and scarring of the cornea.

Conclusions:

We report a rare case of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with PDP. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PDP to initially present with vision loss.
Corneal Toxicity Secondary to Latex From Asclepias curassavica in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Yang Jessica F. , Beal Casey J.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of corneal milkweed toxicity on the corneal endothelium with epithelial damage in a pediatric patient.

Methods:

We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with complaints of left eye pain and photophobia after direct corneal exposure to milkweed latex. He was found to have a large corneal epithelial defect and diffuse stromal edema suspected to be secondary to the cardiac glycosides present in the milkweed plant. Clinical examination and course are reported.

Results:

The patient was seen in the outpatient clinic on multiple visits. His epithelial defect had resolved within 3 days, and all corneal damage had healed within 18 days from injury. He was treated with antibiotic and steroid eye drops.

Conclusions:

Corneal exposure to cardiac glycosides from milkweed plants is known to damage the endothelial sodium–potassium pumps and to cause corneal edema and decreased visual acuity. All previously documented case reports of corneal milkweed toxicity are secondary to indirect exposure to the plant's latex. Here, we report the first case of corneal endothelial toxicity because of direct latex inoculation from an Asclepias plant and the first such toxicity reported in a pediatric patient.
Diagnostic Utility of CDC DPDx for an Atypical Presentation of Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy-Like Infiltrate Secondary to Microsporidia
Authors: Huck Andrew , Moore Lee E. , Firestone Brian K. , Siatkowski Rhea L. , Riaz Kamran M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of atypical infectious crystalline keratopathy-like stromal infection secondary to microsporidia wherein diagnosis of the causative organism was aided by use of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) DPDx program.

Methods:

We report the case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with atypical infectious crystalline keratopathy-like corneal infection without previous surgical history.

Results:

The patient had previously been treated for recalcitrant corneal infection with topical antibiotics and steroids at an outside provider before referral. Further treatment with topical fortified antibiotics failed to improve the infection. Corneal biopsy was performed and sent to the CDC DPDx for diagnostic confirmation for presumptive microsporidia. The patient underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty without recurrence of ocular infection.

Conclusions:

Utilization of the DPDx resource may help guide appropriate and timely diagnosis and management strategies in atypical presentations of infectious keratitis.
Comparison of the diagnostic performances of circulating tumor cells and the serum tumor markers CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 for breast cancer: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Luan Yi , Wei Jie , Wang Ke , Cai Donghao , Luo Xiaohong , Fan Wanhung , Wang Haijiang , Duan Chaohui
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Serum tumor markers are seldom considered as diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer because they lack good sensitivity or specificity. This study aimed to evaluate whether a combination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA)125, and CA15-3 might improve their diagnostic performance.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective case-control study of patients with breast cancer or benign breast diseases (BBD) and healthy female donors (HDs) who underwent preoperative CTC detection and serum tumor marker tests between December 2017 and November 2018. CTC detection and serum tumor marker test results were collected from 177 breast cancer patients, 64 patients with BBD, and 20 HDs. Correlations between CTC, CEA, CA125, or CA15-3 and participants’ clinical characteristics were then analyzed. The diagnostic performances of CTC, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China (approval No. [2018] kuaishendi(75)) on May 24, 2018.

Results:

CTC, CEA, and CA15-3 were able to distinguish breast cancer patients from controls (BBD+HDs) (
P
<0.0001,
P
=0.0006, and
P
=0.0086, respectively). CTCs were associated with tumor size (
P
=0.0275) and lymph node involvement (
P
=0.0373), while CA15-3 was correlated with cancer stage (
P
=0.01) and lymph node involvement (
P
=0.001). The AUCs of CTCs, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 were 0.845, 0.623, 0.477, and 0.58, respectively. CA125, with AUC<0.5, was not considered a biomarker for breast cancer. CEA and CA15-3 had low sensitivities (<10%) but high specificities (>98%). Combination with CTC improved the diagnostic performances of CEA and CA15-3 for breast cancer. CTC_CA15-3 had better diagnostic performance than CTC_CEA, with an AUC of 0.874, a sensitivity of 0.757, and a specificity of 0.905.

Conclusion:

CTCs, CEA, and CA15-3 are potential diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer. The diagnostic performance of CEA and CA15-3 may be improved by combination with CTCs.
The Effects of an Educational Program on the Professional Quality of Life and Health of Nurses: A Cluster Experimental Design
Authors: FU Chia-Yun , KAO Chia-Chan , WANG Ruey-Hsia
Published: March 2021

Background

The complexity of the healthcare environment and intense workloads may negatively impact the health and professional quality of life (ProQOL) of nurses. Prior research has identified a significant association in nurses between ProQOL and health. Developing an intervention to improve the ProQOL and health of nurses may benefit the quality of nursing care.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a compassion fatigue Resiliency, mindfulness Respiration, and Relatives and friends’ support (i.e., 3Rs) educational program on ProQOL, physical health, and mental health in nurses.

Methods

A cluster experimental design was used in this study to recruit registered nurses at two regional teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan as participants. The experimental group (n = 67) attended the 4-week (2-hours-per-week) 3R educational program. The control group (n = 57) received no intervention. The outcome variables, including compassion satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, physical health, and mental health, were measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention (immediate effect), at 4 weeks postintervention (short-term effect), and at 12 weeks postintervention (medium-term effect). The study was conducted from May 2017 to December 2017.

Results

Increases in compassion satisfaction and mental health and decreases in secondary traumatic stress were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group between baseline and all three posttest time points. Moreover, burnout decreased and physical health improved more significantly in the experimental group than in the control group between the baseline and end of intervention time points (p < .001).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

The 3R educational program intervention, integrating compassion fatigue resiliency, mindfulness respiration, and support from relatives and friends, had immediate and positive effects on ProQOL as well as physical and mental health. Moreover, the intervention was shown to have short-term and medium-term positive effects on compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and mental health. Nursing managers may apply programs that integrate compassion fatigue resiliency, mindfulness respiration, and relatives and friends’ support to improve ProQOL and health in nurses.
Relation between chest compression rate and depth: the ENFONCE Study
Authors: Agostinucci Jean-Marc , Weisslinger Lisa , Marzouk Nessrine , Zouaghi Haroun , Ekpe Kenneth , Genthillomme Angelie , Adnet Frédéric , Guenin Aurélien , Reuter Paul-Georges , Lapostolle Frédéric
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Chest compressions are the cornerstone of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The recent International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines recommend increasing the rate and the depth of chest compressions, to 100–120/min and 5–6 cm, based on theoretical arguments and observational studies. We hypothesized that an increased chest compressions rate could decrease chest compressions depth.

Methods

Operators were asked to perform continuous chest compressions on a mannequin. Chest compressions rate and depth were collected. The ratio of chest compressions compliance to the guidelines, that is rate 100–120/min and depth 5–6 cm, was calculated.

Results

In total 951 sequences of chest compressions were studied. Median chest compressions rate: 114 (104–130)/min. Median chest compressions depth: 4.5 (3.4–5.3) cm. Correlation between rate and depth: low (R2 = 0.12). Chest compressions in compliance with the recommended rate: 434 (46%). Rate >120/min in 285 (30%) cases and <100/min in 223 (23%) cases. Chest compressions in compliance with the recommended depth: 286 (30%). Depth >6 cm in 50 (5%) cases and <5 cm in 621 (65%) cases. Finally, chest compressions were in compliance with the guidelines for both rate and depth in 141 (15%) cases. The ratio of chest compressions in compliance with the recommended depth significantly decreased with the increase of the rate: 40% for a rate <100/min, 32% for a rate in the target (100–120/min) and 18% for a rate >100/min (P < 0.0001).

Discussion

The ratio of chest compressions in compliance with the recommended rate and depth was as low as 15%. The rate of chest compressions in compliance with the recommended depth significantly decreased when the chest compressions rate increased. To reach both recommended rate and depth seems illusive.
Carcinomas of the Uterine Cervix: Comprehensive Review With An Update on Pathogenesis, Nomenclature of Precursor and Invasive Lesions, and Differential Diagnostic Considerations
Authors: Arafah Maria , Rashid Sameera , Tulbah Asma , Akhtar Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Most cervical carcinomas and their related lesions are attributed to an infection by human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection usually starts in the basal cells at the squamocolumnar junction. It causes cell proliferation and maturation abnormalities along with nuclear abnormalities resulting in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. An overwhelming majority of these lesions spontaneously disappear, and the infection is cleared. In a small subset of high-risk HPV infection cases, the lesions may persist and progress to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. These are associated with the incorporation of the viral genome into the human genome. Some of the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, over several years, progress to invasive carcinoma. Carcinomas of the cervix are usually squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), but 20% to 25% of the cases may manifest as adenocarcinomas. Similar to SCC, adenocarcinomas may initially manifest as adenocarcinomas in situ and may progress to invasive carcinomas after a variable period of time. In the recently published World Health Organization classification of female genital tumors, SCCs, and adenocarcinomas of the cervix are divided into HPV-associated and HPV-independent tumors. This review draws on the latest terminology and the several morphologic subtypes recognized for each category.
Prevalence and Predictors of Bacterial Contamination in Excisional Lymph Node Biopsies
Authors: Hergott Christopher B. , Craig Jeffrey W. , Hornick Jason L. , Weinberg Olga K.
Published: March 2021

Routine tissue handling exposes lymph node specimens to microbial contamination that can confound microbiological culture results and interfere with diagnosis. The scope and impact of this problem remain poorly understood. We combined over 13 years of lymph node pathology, culture data, and patient records to define the prevalence, predisposing factors, microbiology, and clinical management of false-positive lymph node cultures at a large academic medical center. Nearly one third (31.9%) of 216 cultured lymph nodes yielded bacterial growth. Approximately 90% of positive bacterial cultures grew 1 of 2 common skin-resident taxa—coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium acnes—with well-documented predispositions for contamination in other clinical settings. Lymph nodes excised from axillary, cervical, and inguinal regions yielded higher positive culture rates than nodes excised from the mediastinum, suggesting proximity to the skin surface may increase contamination risk. Accordingly, cultures from thoracoscopic pulmonary resections displayed contamination rates over 5-fold lower than those from percutaneously accessed lymph nodes. Lymph nodal tissue allocated for culture in the operating room yielded unexpectedly high contamination rates, significantly higher than cultures sent from the frozen section processing area. A significant minority of contamination events were noted in the clinical record and prompted antibiotic therapy on multiple occasions. Collectively, our results illuminate the risk factors contributing to bacterial contamination and argue that routine lymph node bacterial cultures provide minimal clinical benefit for adult patients. This widespread bacterial contamination also warrants cautious implementation of increasingly sensitive molecular microbiology tools for excised tissues.
Design, Analysis, and Pitfalls of Clinical Trials Using Ex Situ Liver Machine Perfusion: The International Liver Transplantation Society Consensus Guidelines
Authors: Martins Paulo N. , Rizzari Michael D. , Ghinolfi Davide , Jochmans Ina , Attia Magdy , Jalan Rajiv , Friend Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Background.

Recent trials in liver machine perfusion (MP) have revealed unique challenges beyond those seen in most clinical studies. Correct trial design and interpretation of data are essential to avoid drawing conclusions that may compromise patient safety and increase costs.

Methods.

The International Liver Transplantation Society, through the Special Interest Group “DCD, Preservation and Machine Perfusion,” established a working group to write consensus statements and guidelines on how future clinical trials in liver perfusion should be designed, with particular focus on relevant clinical endpoints and how different techniques of liver perfusion should be compared. Protocols, abstracts, and full published papers of clinical trials using liver MP were reviewed. The use of a simplified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group (GRADE) system was attempted to assess the level of evidence. The working group presented its conclusions at the International Liver Transplantation Society consensus conference “DCD, Liver Preservation, and Machine Perfusion” held in Venice, Italy, on January 31, 2020.

Results.

Twelve recommendations were proposed with the main conclusions that clinical trials investigating the effect of MP in liver transplantation should (1) make the protocol publicly available before the start of the trial, (2) be adequately powered, and (3) carefully consider timing of randomization in function of the primary outcome.

Conclusions.

There are issues with using accepted primary outcomes of liver transplantation trials in the context of MP trials, and no ideal endpoint could be defined by the working group. The setup of an international registry was considered vital by the working group.
UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based plasma metabolome to identify biomarkers and time of injury in traumatic brain injured rats
Authors: Zhang Guangzheng , Lang Zhenyuan , Yang Qifan , Nie You , Wang Zhihan , Gao Ming , Zhang Nan , Xu Xia
Published: March 2021

Background

To identify the potent metabolic biomarkers and time of injury of traumatic brain injured (TBI).

Methods

A total of 70 Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish the TBI model in this study. The serum was collected at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 days and 7 days after surgery. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was performed to analyze metabolic changes in the serum of the TBI rats from different groups. The differences between the metabolic profiles of the rats in seven groups were analyzed using partial least squares discriminant analysis.

Results

Metabolic profiling revealed significant differences between the sham-operated and other groups. A total of 49 potential TBI metabolite biomarkers were identified between the sham-operated group and the model groups at different time points. Among them, six metabolites (methionine sulfone, kynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-Indolepropionic acid, citric acid and glycocholic acid) were identified as biomarkers of TBI to estimate the injury time.

Conclusion

Using metabolomic analysis, we identified new TBI serum biomarkers for accurate detection and determination of the timing of TBI injury.
Effects of passive and active training modes of upper-limb rehabilitation robot on cortical activation: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zheng Jinyu , Shi Ping , Fan Mengxue , Liang Sailan , Li Sujiao , Yu Hongliu
Published: March 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the cortical activation during passive and active training modes under different speeds of upper extremity rehabilitation robots.

Methods

Twelve healthy subjects completed the active and passive training modes at various speeds (0.12, 0.18, and 0.24 m/s) for the right upper limb. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure the neural activities of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and prefrontal cortex (PFC).

Results

Both the active and passive training modes can activate SMC, PMC, SMA, and PFC. The activation level of active training is higher than that of passive training. At the speed of 0.12 m/s, there is no significant difference in the intensity of the two modes. However, at the speed of 0.24 m/s, there are significant differences between the two modes in activation levels of each region of interest (ROI) (P < 0.05) (SMC: F = 8.90, P = 0.003; PMC: F = 8.26, P = 0.005; SMA: F = 5.53, P = 0.023; PFC: F = 9.160, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study mainly studied on the neural mechanisms of active and passive training modes at different speeds based on the end-effector upper-limb rehabilitation robot. Slow, active training better facilitated the cortical activation associated with cognition and motor control.

See Video Abstract, http://links.lww.com/WNR/A621.
Hepatocyte growth factor induces pErk and pSTAT3 (Ser 727) to promote mitochondrial activity and neurite outgrowth in primary dorsal root ganglion cultures
Authors: Lee Nayeon , Lee Mi-Young , Lee Junghun , Kwon Sang Ho , Seung Hana , Lim Jaegook , Kim Sunyoung
Published: March 2021

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promotes the neurite outgrowth of sensory neurons in developmental stages, but its role in injured peripheral nerves in adult mice remains largely been unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of HGF in the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves using cultured dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). When cells were treated with HGF protein, the length of the neurite was increased 1.4-fold compared to the untreated control group. HGF greatly increased the level of phosphorylated STAT3 at serine 727 [pSTAT3 (Ser 727)], thereby translocating the protein to the mitochondria. HGF treatment increased the activity of mitochondrial complex I. When DRGs were cultured in the presence of U0126, a pharmacological inhibitor of Erk, the HGF-mediated increase in neurite outgrowth and the level of pSTAT3 (Ser 727) were both suppressed. Taken together, these results suggest that the HGF/c-met pathway might promote neurite outgrowth by controlling mitochondrial activity through the HGF/Erk/STAT3 axis.
Effects of negativity bias on amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex activity in short and long emotional stimulation paradigms
Authors: Yoshida Nobukiyo , Kotani Yasunori , Ohgami Yoshimi , Kunimatsu Akira , Inoue Yusuke , Kiryu Shigeru , Okada Yukinori
Published: March 2021

Recent functional studies have reported that amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) dysfunction is a reproducible and good biomarker of major depressive disorder. When we use the activation of these regions as biomarkers of major depressive disorder, a short and simple stimulation paradigm could be preferable to reduce the burden on patients. However, negativity bias, which is the phenomenon by which negative stimuli are processed noticeably faster than positive stimuli, might affect the activation of these regions in the short and simple stimulation paradigm. Few studies have reported the relationship between the length of the stimulation paradigm and activation in the amygdala and ACC from the viewpoint of negativity bias. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of negativity bias on the amygdala and ACC as a result of manipulating the stimulation paradigm (short-simple vs. long-complex conditions) on presenting pleasant and unpleasant pictures. Image analyses showed that the amygdala was activated during unpleasant picture presentation, regardless of the task length, but no activation was observed during pleasant picture presentation under the short-simple condition. The ACC was deactivated in both the short-simple and long-complex conditions. Region of interest analyses showed that the effect of negativity bias was prominent for the amygdala in the short-simple condition and for the ACC in the long-complex condition. In conclusion, the effects of negativity bias depend on neural regions, including the amygdala and ACC, and therefore, we should consider these effects while designing stimulation paradigms.
Protective effect of Houttuynia cordata extract on propofol-induced injury of rat hippocampal neurons by regulating PI3K/Akt and Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Fang Hao , Yang Zhen , Yang Liu
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study was to detect the protective effects of Houttuynia cordata extract on the damage induced by propofol in hippocampal neuron of rats.

Methods

Propofol-induced neuron injury model and H. cordata extract administration were conducted. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot were conducted for the effect of H. cordata extract on neuronal activity and inflammation were detected in this model.

Results

H. cordata extracts increased neuronal activity, and reduced propofol-induced neuronal inflammation levels. H. cordata extract also reduced propofol-induced neuronal apoptosis. Mechanically, we noticed H. cordata extract activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT pathway and suppressed Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappaB pathway, therefore protected propofol-induced injury of rat hippocampal neurons.

Conclusion

Our findings provide references for anesthetic use in infants and young children.
Infected juvenile salmon can experience increased predation during freshwater migration
Authors: Furey Nathan B. , Bass Arthur L. , Miller Kristi M. , Li Shaorong , Lotto Andrew G. , Healy Stephen J. , Drenner S. Matthew , Hinch Scott G.
Published: March 2021

Predation risk for animal migrants can be impacted by physical condition. Although size- or condition-based selection is often observed, observing infection-based predation is rare due to the difficulties in assessing infectious agents in predated samples. We examined predation of outmigrating sockeye salmon (
Oncorhynchus nerka
) smolts by bull trout (
Salvelinus confluentus
) in south-central British Columbia, Canada. We used a high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) platform to screen for the presence of 17 infectious agents found in salmon and assess 14 host genes associated with viral responses. In one (2014) of the two years assessed (2014 and 2015), the presence of infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNv) resulted in 15–26 times greater chance of predation; in 2015 IHNv was absent among all samples, predated or not. Thus, we provide further evidence that infection can impact predation risk in migrants. Some smolts with high IHNv loads also exhibited gene expression profiles consistent with a virus-induced disease state. Nine other infectious agents were observed between the two years, none of which were associated with increased selection by bull trout. In 2014, richness of infectious agents was also associated with greater predation risk. This is a rare demonstration of predator consumption resulting in selection for prey that carry infectious agents. The mechanism by which this selection occurs is not yet determined. By culling infectious agents from migrant populations, fish predators could provide an ecological benefit to prey.
Improved antibacterial activity of hemp fibre by covalent grafting of quaternary ammonium groups
Authors: Chang Li , Duan Wenjie , Huang Siqi , Chen Anguo , Li Jianjun , Tang Huijuan , Pan Gen , Deng Yong , Zhao Lining , Li Defang
Published: March 2021

In this study, a novel antibacterial hemp fibre grafted with quaternary ammonium groups (HF–GTA), were prepared by alkalization, oxidation, amination and quaternization multistage reactions. The chemical structure and micromorphology of the fibre were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The grafting and reaction mechanism proved to be successful, which indicated that the grafting reaction primarily occurred on the hydroxyl group of cellulose and hemicellulose in the hemp fibre, where it retained good fibrous morphology, thermal stability and hygroscopicity. HF–GTA exhibited the best antibacterial activity, where the antibacterial ratios against
Escherichia coli
and
Staphylococcus aureus
were 95.41% and 99.64%, respectively. Even after washing 30 times, the antibacterial activity was retained at 89.78% and 91.12%, indicating that HF–GTA was endowed with good washing resistance. The antibacterial activity was owing to the electrostatic reaction reducing the electrochemical potential on the cell membrane, leading to the release of cytoplasmic substances and the dissolution of cells. This study is significantly important for guaranteeing textile quality and preventing disease transmission.
Development of paclitaxel-loaded poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite core–shell nanoparticles as a stimuli-responsive drug delivery system
Authors: Lee Sungho , Miyajima Tatsuya , Sugawara-Narutaki Ayae , Kato Katsuya , Nagata Fukue
Published: March 2021

Biodegradable nanoparticles have been well studied as biocompatible delivery systems. Nanoparticles of less than 200 nm in size can facilitate the passive targeting of drugs to tumour tissues and their accumulation therein via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Recent studies have focused on stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (DDS) for improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy; for example, pH-sensitive DDS depend on the weakly acidic and neutral extracellular pH of tumour and normal tissues, respectively. In our previous work, core–shell nanoparticles composed of the biodegradable polymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the widely used inorganic biomaterial hydroxyapatite (HAp, which exhibits pH sensitivity) were prepared using a surfactant-free method. These PLA/HAp core–shell nanoparticles could load 750 wt% of a hydrophobic model drug. In this work, the properties of the PLA/HAp core–shell nanoparticles loaded with the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) were thoroughly investigated
in vitro
. Because the PTX-containing nanoparticles were approximately 80 nm in size, they can be expected to facilitate efficient drug delivery via the EPR effect. The core–shell nanoparticles were cytotoxic towards cancer cells (4T1). This was due to the pH sensitivity of the HAp shell, which is stable in neutral conditions and dissolves in acidic conditions. The cytotoxic activity of the PTX-loaded nanoparticles was sustained for up to 48 h, which was suitable for tumour growth inhibition. These results suggest that the core–shell nanoparticles can be suitable drug carriers for various water-insoluble drugs.
Synthesis of Ni/nano-Al
2
O
3
coatings by brush plating with magnetic fields
Authors: Na Tan , Jin Liu , Liyan Lou , Guo Jin , Xiufang Cui , Yang Wang
Published: March 2021

In the process of electrodeposition, the magnetic field would generate the magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) effect, which affects the flow and mass transfer of hydrogen evolution. Thus, the performance of electrodeposition coatings will be affected. In this work, Ni/nano-Al
2
O
3
coatings prepared by brush plating with magnetic fields were studied. The results show that the magnetic field indeed influences the morphology, texture and wears resistance. The morphology of Ni/Al
2
O
3
coating is smooth and uniform; the (200) plane of Ni/Al
2
O
3
coating is preferentially oriented in the same direction of a magnetic field; the wear resistance of Ni/Al
2
O
3
composite coatings increases due to the uniform distribution of Al
2
O
3
particles; and the wear mechanism of coating belongs to adhesive wear. The optimal intensity of magnetic field for Ni/Al
2
O
3
composite coatings to obtain a good performance is 0.1 T.
Light pollution affects West Nile virus exposure risk across Florida
Authors: Kernbach Meredith E. , Martin Lynn B. , Unnasch Thomas R. , Hall Richard J. , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Francis Clinton D.
Published: March 2021

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) present global health threats, and their emergences are often linked to anthropogenic change. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one form of anthropogenic change that spans beyond urban boundaries and may be relevant to EIDs through its influence on the behaviour and physiology of hosts and/or vectors. Although West Nile virus (WNV) emergence has been described as peri-urban, we hypothesized that exposure risk could also be influenced by ALAN in particular, which is testable by comparing the effects of ALAN on prevalence while controlling for other aspects of urbanization. By modelling WNV exposure among sentinel chickens in Florida, we found strong support for a nonlinear relationship between ALAN and WNV exposure risk in chickens with peak WNV risk occurring at low ALAN levels. Although our goal was not to discern how ALAN affected WNV relative to other factors, effects of ALAN on WNV exposure were stronger than other known drivers of risk (i.e. impervious surface, human population density). Ambient temperature in the month prior to sampling, but no other considered variables, strongly influenced WNV risk. These results indicate that ALAN may contribute to spatio-temporal changes in WNV risk, justifying future investigations of ALAN on other vector-borne parasites.
Serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility profile of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from nasopharynges of children infected with HIV in Jakarta, Indonesia, pre- and post-pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Muktiarti Dina , Khoeri Miftahuddin Majid , Tafroji Wisnu , Waslia Lia , Safari Dodi
Published: March 2021

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility of

S. pneumoniae

carried by children infected with HIV before and after vaccination with the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2013. We collected nasopharyngeal swab specimens from 52 children pre-vaccination and 6 months post-vaccination. Serotyping was performed by conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction and Quellung reaction. The antibiotic susceptibility profile was obtained by disc diffusion. We determined that 27 (52%) and 24 (46%) of the 52 children carried

S. pneumoniae

during pre- and post-vaccination periods, respectively with the majority of the isolates being non-vaccine type strains (85% pre-vaccination and 75% post-vaccination). Serotypes 34, 6C, and 16F (two strains each) were the most commonly identified serotypes at pre-vaccination. Serotypes 23A (three strains) and 19F (two strains) were the most commonly identified serotypes post-vaccination. In general, isolates were most commonly susceptible to chloramphenicol (88%) and clindamycin (88%), followed by erythromycin (84%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (69%), tetracycline (61%), and penicillin (59%). In conclusion, serotypes of

S. pneumoniae

isolated from the nasopharynges of children infected with HIV varied and were more likely to be non-vaccine type strains both before and after vaccination.