bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Metabolism: Role of the Immune System in Hepatic Toxicity
Authors: Hastings Kenneth L. , Green Martin D. , Gao Bin , Ganey Patricia E. , Roth Robert A. , Burleson Gary R.
Published: March 2020

The liver is primarily thought of as a metabolic organ; however, the liver is also an important mediator of immunological functions. Key perspectives on this emerging topic were presented in a symposium at the 2018 annual meeting of the American College of Toxicology entitled “Beyond metabolism: Role of the immune system in hepatic toxicity.” Viral hepatitis is an important disease of the liver for which insufficient preventive vaccines exist. Host immune responses inadequately clear these viruses and often potentiate immunological inflammation that damages the liver. In addition, the liver is a key innate immune organ against bacterial infection. Hepatocytes and immune cells cooperatively control systemic and local bacterial infections. Conversely, bacterial infection can activate multiple types of immune cells and pathways to cause hepatocyte damage and liver injury. Finally, the immune system and specifically cytokines and drugs can interact in idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. This rare disease can result in a disease spectrum that ranges from mild to acute liver failure. The immune system plays a role in this disease spectrum.
A Systematic Review of Biological Mechanisms and Chronic Pain Outcomes During Stress Reduction Interventions
Authors: Bernier Carney Katherine M. , Young Erin E. , Guite Jessica W. , Starkweather Angela R.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Nonpharmacologic stress reduction interventions provide an opportunity to modify chronic pain trajectories; however, the biological mechanisms underlying these interventions are poorly understood.

Objectives:

To examine clinical literature published in 2012–2018 with the goals of (1) identifying which biological mechanisms or biomarkers are currently being measured in nonpharmacologic stress reduction intervention studies for individuals with chronic pain and (2) evaluating the evidence to determine whether these stress reduction interventions lead to changes in (a) pain outcomes and/or (b) measured biomarkers.

Data sources:

Scientific articles in the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychINFO, and SCOPUS following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Study selection:

Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that recruited subjects with a chronic pain condition, examined a relationship between a nonpharmacologic stress reduction intervention and pain-related outcome(s), and included measurement of a biomarker.

Results:

The 13 articles that met inclusion criteria spanned four nonpharmacologic stress reduction categories: mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, manual therapies, and biofeedback. Methods for studying biomarkers included measuring biological samples, neurological function, and autonomic control. Although all studies investigated both biological measures and pain outcomes, only three demonstrated an association between the biomarker(s) and pain-related outcomes.

Conclusions:

The results of this review highlight the complex nature of stress–pain relationships and the lack of rigorous clinical research identifying specific stress-related biological factors that modulate pain outcomes. Stress reduction interventions remain a favorable method for symptom management in patients living with chronic pain, but consistency in study measures and design is needed for robust evaluation.
Parents’ perspectives on their children’s music therapy: A synthesis of qualitative literature
Authors: Annesley Luke , McKeown Eamonn , Curtis-Tyler Katherine
Published: March 2020

There is no existing qualitative synthesis of the music therapy literature on parents’ perspectives on their children’s music therapy. This study seeks to fill this gap, motivated by the first author’s experiences as a clinician/researcher. A systematic search of health databases, hand searches of key journals and searches of doctoral theses were undertaken to identify relevant studies. Thirteen studies which met inclusion criteria, including a total of 102 participants, were identified. Relevant data were extracted from these studies for comparison and analysis, with quality of studies assessed using the CASP appraisal tool. Findings were analysed following procedures of thematic synthesis. Six descriptive themes were grouped into three analytic themes: Parents perceived positive impacts of music therapy on their children; parents experienced music therapy as a nurturing environment for themselves and their children; and some parents experienced challenges to their engagement with music therapy. Most studies (12/13) explored parents’ perceptions of music therapy where they were included in sessions. The findings identify positive perceptions of family-centred models of music therapy for children and parents. Parents’ perceptions of children were altered positively through experiencing them in new ways in music therapy. Parents also perceived positive outcomes for their children. These findings identify an emphasis in the qualitative literature on parents’ perceptions on research into music therapy which includes parents in sessions. Only one study explored perceptions of a model where parents were not present during their child’s sessions. More research is needed into parents’ perceptions of music therapy where parents are not present during sessions. Further intervention studies into family-centred models of music therapy with children are also recommended.
Body image self-consciousness and sexting among heterosexual and non-exclusively heterosexual individuals
Authors: Howard Dominika , Klettke Bianca , Clancy Elizabeth , Fuelscher Ian , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew
Published: March 2020

This study sought to explore whether body image self-consciousness during sexual relations predicts whether and for what reasons individuals send sexts. A series of ordinal and binary logistic regression analyses revealed that increased body image self-consciousness during sexual relations predicted consensual but unwanted instances of sexting for men and women, a lower frequency of sending sexts among heterosexual individuals, and a lesser likelihood of sending sexts in order to flirt. Body image self-consciousness, however, was not predictive of sending sexts in general or sending sexts in order to ‘feel sexy’. This research provides support for the negative relationship between body image self-consciousness and sexual agency across gender, and suggests that individuals affected by body image anxieties might be prone to technology-mediated abuse. Study limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
The priming effect of competitor product information on advertising creativity
Authors: Brown Mark , Bhadury Roop , Bansal Nitin , Bloxsome Ellen
Published: March 2020

This article examines the manner in which advertising creativity may be influenced by “near” primes in the form of competitor product information that is presented at the briefing stage of engagement with a client. Drawing on the associative theory of creativity and spreading activation theory, this study explores the impact of near primes on both the originality and appropriateness of advertising output and highlights the process mechanism by which it affects overall creativity. Results of a between-subjects experiment indicate that exposing individuals to near primes results in a fixation effect that negatively influences originality but positively influences appropriateness. Associative cognitive flexibility, as measured by the number of “far” analogies accessed during ideation, is shown to be a strong mediator of the relationship between near prime exposure on creativity. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Scheduling algorithm for the picture configuration for secondary tasks of a digital human–computer interface in a nuclear power plant
Authors: Zhang Gang , Zhang Xuegang , Luan Yu , Jiang Jianjun , Hu Hong
Published: March 2020

Secondary tasks of a digital human–computer interface in a nuclear power plant increase the mental workloads of operators and decrease their accident performance. To reduce the adverse effects of secondary tasks on operators, a picture configuration scheduling algorithm of secondary tasks is proposed. Based on the research background and operator interviews, a scheduling algorithm process is established, and variables and constraint conditions of the scheduling process are defined. Based on the scheduling process and variables definitions, this article proposes a picture feature extraction method, a method for counting identical keywords, an arrangement method of queues in a buffer pool and a picture configuration scheduling algorithm of secondary tasks. The results of simulation experiments demonstrate that the algorithm realizes satisfactory performance in terms of the number of replacements, the average waiting time, and the accuracy.
‘Slaves to Fashion’ in Bangladesh and the EU: Promoting decent work?
Authors: Peake Katrina , Kenner Jeff
Published: March 2020

Workers producing garments in developing countries for European brands are often described as ‘slaves to fashion’. They are denied decent work, a core ILO objective and a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Instead, they are employed in unsafe factories prone to frequent deadly fires or building collapse, subject to anti-union discrimination and violence. The deprivation of their labour rights and poor working conditions might lead to the conclusion that they are in fact ‘modern slaves’, and thus modern slavery is fuelling the garment supply chain which is, in turn, propelled forwards by the fast fashion demands of European consumers. Modern slavery within supply chains can be tackled by brands and retailers, typically those seen as responsible for such abuse and it can be tackled through trade and development policies by actors such as the European Union (EU). In Bangladesh, the EU is the country’s largest trading partner in garments, and it has considerable leverage to improve labour rights, in doing so tackling modern slavery in the supply chain, utilising trade conditionality. The EU has to date lacked a policy focus on tackling modern slavery in its external relations, but with the adoption of the UN SDG 8 which combines elimination of modern slavery with decent work, there is scope for bringing about longstanding change. This paper argues for more normative interconnections between decent work and modern slavery in both national and EU external relations policies.
Inhibition of complement C1s in patients with cold agglutinin disease: lessons learned from a named patient program
Authors: Gelbenegger Georg , Schoergenhofer Christian , Derhaschnig Ulla , Buchtele Nina , Sillaber Christian , Fillitz Michael , Schenk Thomas M. , D’Sa Shirley , Cartwright Ronwyn , Gilbert James C. , Jilma Bernd , Jaeger Ulrich
Published: March 2020

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) causes predominantly extravascular hemolysis and anemia via complement activation. Sutimlimab is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody directed against classical pathway complement factor C1s. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term maintenance treatment with sutimlimab in patients with CAD. Seven CAD patients treated with sutimlimab as part of a phase 1B study were transitioned to a named patient program. After a loading dose, patients received biweekly (once every 2 weeks) infusions of sutimlimab at various doses. When a patient’s laboratory data showed signs of breakthrough hemolysis, the dose of sutimlimab was increased. Three patients started with a dose of 45 mg/kg, another 3 with 60 mg/kg, and 1 with a fixed dose of 5.5 g every other week. All CAD patients responded to re-treatment, and sutimlimab increased hemoglobin from a median initial level of 7.7 g/dL to a median peak of 12.5 g/dL (P = .016). Patients maintained near normal hemoglobin levels except for a few breakthrough events that were related to underdosing and which resolved after the appropriate dose increase. Four of the patients included were eventually treated with a biweekly 5.5 g fixed-dose regimen of sutimlimab. None of them had any breakthrough hemolysis. All patients remained transfusion free while receiving sutimlimab. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events. Overlapping treatment with erythropoietin, rituximab, or ibrutinib in individual patients was safe and did not cause untoward drug interactions. Long-term maintenance treatment with sutimlimab was safe, effectively inhibited hemolysis, and significantly increased hemoglobin levels in re-exposed, previously transfusion-dependent CAD patients.
Relationship between pneumonitis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the underlying parenchymal status: a retrospective study
Authors: Pozzessere Chiara , Bouchaab Hasna , Jumeau Raphael , Letovanec Igor , Daccord Cécile , Bourhis Jean , Prior John O. , Peters Solange , Lazor Romain , Beigelman-Aubry Catherine
Published: March 2020

In patients with primary or secondary lung tumour treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related pneumonitis is a rare adverse event but may evolve to respiratory failure. Prompt management is required and usually consists of treatment interruption and immunosuppressive drug administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between immune-related pneumonitis and pre-existing parenchymal status, especially tumour location and history of chest radiotherapy.

Computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with immune-related pneumonitis were retrospectively reviewed. Pattern, distribution and extent of pneumonitis were assessed in six lung regions. In patients who received radiotherapy, the extent of pneumonitis was evaluated according to the radiation field.

Among 253 patients treated with immunotherapy, 15 cases of immune-related pneumonitis were identified. 10 had previous or concomitant chest radiotherapy in addition to immunotherapy. At CT scan, 29 (33%) out of 88 regions encompassed the primary tumour (n=4), a lung metastasis (n=4) and/or radiation fields (n=21). A significantly higher prevalence of parenchymal involvement by immune-related pneumonitis occurred within areas of primary or metastatic malignancy and/or radiation field (97%) as compared to other areas (3%, p=0.009). Lung regions affected by the primary tumour, metastasis or radiotherapy had a higher probability of immune-related pneumonitis than others (OR 10.8, p=0.024). An organising pneumonia (OP) pattern was more frequent after radiotherapy (70%versus0%, p=0.024), whereas nonspecific interstitial pneumonia features were more commonly seen in radiotherapy-naive patients (100%versus10%, p=0.002).

In patients with primary or secondary lung tumour treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related pneumonitis is preferentially located within lung areas involved by tumour and/or radiation fields.
Improving lung cancer diagnosis by combining exhaled-breath data and clinical parameters
Authors: Kort Sharina , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein , Gerritsen Jan Willem , Schouwink Hugo , Citgez Emanuel , de Jongh Frans , van der Maten Jan , Samii Suzy , van den Bogart Marco , van der Palen Job
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Exhaled-breath analysis of volatile organic compounds could detect lung cancer earlier, possibly leading to improved outcomes. Combining exhaled-breath data with clinical parameters may improve lung cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Based on data from a previous multi-centre study, this article reports additional analyses. 138 subjects with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 143 controls without NSCLC breathed into the Aeonose. The diagnostic accuracy, presented as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), of the Aeonose itself was compared with 1) performing a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the distinct clinical parameters obtained, and 2) using this clinical information beforehand in the training process of the artificial neural network (ANN) for the breath analysis.

Results

NSCLC patients (mean�
sd
age 67.1�9.1 years, 58% male) were compared with controls (62.1�7.0 years, 40.6% male). The AUC-ROC of the classification value of the Aeonose itself was 0.75 (95% CI 0.69�0.81). Adding age, number of pack-years and presence of COPD to this value in a multivariate regression analysis resulted in an improved performance with an AUC-ROC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.81�0.90). Adding these clinical variables beforehand to the ANN for classifying the breath print also led to an improved performance with an AUC-ROC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.79�0.89).

Conclusions

Adding readily available clinical information to the classification value of exhaled-breath analysis with the Aeonose, either
post hoc
in a multivariate regression analysis or
a priori
to the ANN, significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy to detect the presence or absence of lung cancer.
How consistently do physicians diagnose and manage drug-induced interstitial lung disease? Two surveys of European ILD specialist physicians
Authors: Eaden James A. , Skeoch Sarah , Waterton John C. , Chaudhuri Nazia , Bianchi Stephen M.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Currently there are no general guidelines for diagnosis or management of suspected drug-induced (DI) interstitial lung disease (ILD). The objective was to survey a sample of current European practice in the diagnosis and management of DI-ILD, in the context of the prescribing information approved by regulatory authorities for 28 licenced drugs with a recognised risk of DI-ILD.

Methods

Consultant physicians working in specialist ILD centres across Europe were emailed two surveysviaa website link. Initially, opinion was sought regarding various diagnostic and management options based on seven clinical ILD case vignettes and five general questions regarding DI-ILD. The second survey involved 29 statements regarding the diagnosis and management of DI-ILD, derived from the results of the first survey. Consensus agreement was defined as 75% or greater.

Results

When making a diagnosis of DI-ILD, the favoured investigations used (other than computed tomography) included pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy and blood tests. The preferred method used to decide when to stop treatment was a pulmonary function test. In the second survey, the majority of the statements were accepted by the 33 respondents, with only four of 29 statements not achieving consensus when the responses “agree” and “strongly agree” were combined as one answer.

Conclusion

The two surveys provide guidance for clinicians regarding an approach to the diagnosis and management of DI-ILD in which the current evidence base is severely lacking, as demonstrated by the limited information provided by the manufacturers of the drugs associated with a high risk of DI-ILD that we reviewed.
Protection of healthcare workers against transmission ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin hospitals: a review of the evidence
Authors: Diel Roland , Nienhaus Albert , Witte Peter , Ziegler Renate
Published: March 2020

Background

Employees in contact with infectious tuberculosis (TB) patients in healthcare facilities of low-incidence countries are still at considerable risk of acquiring TB infections. However, formal precautions recommended on the protection of healthcare workers may not only vary from country to country but also within a single country. The objective of this study was to compare current guidelines with respect to hospital infection control of TB, focusing on common shared priorities and discrepancies between sets of recommendations.

Methods

Five types of procedures captured in guidelines of the World Health Organization, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Germany are compared and the underlying evidence is discussed.

Results

Uncontroversially, personal protection by respirators in the TB ward and during aerosol-generating procedures is key to reducingMycobacterium tuberculosisexposure. However, there is no consensus on the types of masks that should be worn in different situations. Closely connected to this, there is considerable uncertainty with respect to the optimal date of removing sputum smear-negative and multidrug-resistant TB patients from isolation. Indeed, the use of notable new tools for this purpose, such as the highly sensitive PCR tests recommended by the World Health Organization for detecting TB/multidrug-resistant TB, have yet to be sufficiently incorporated into TB guidelines. Perceptions differ, too, as to whether long-term control measures forM. tuberculosisinfections in healthcare workers by serial testing for latent TB infection should be established and, if so, how testing results should be interpreted.

Conclusions

Although the current recommendations on protection of healthcare workers are otherwise homogeneous, there are considerable discrepancies that have important implications for daily practice.
The propionic acid and butyric acid in serum but not in feces are increased in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Tian Zhenyi , Zhuang Xiaojun , Luo Mei , Yin Wei , Xiong Lishou
Published: March 2020

Background

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) alteration have been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the results are conflicting. Our study aims to explore the alteration of SCFAs in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and their potential role in the occurrence and development of IBS.

Methods

We recruited patients with IBS-D defined by Rome IV criteria and age-and-gender matched healthy controls (HCs). A headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method was developed for the analysis of acetic, propionic and butyric acid in feces and serum.

Results

Compared with HCs, the levels of the serum propionate (2.957 ± 0.157 vs 2.843 ± 0.098 mmol/L,P = 0.012) and butyrate (2.798 ± 0.126 vs 2.697 ± 0.077 mmol/L,P = 0.012) were significantly higher in IBS-D group. No significant differences were found among two groups with regard to the concentration of fecal acetate (4.953 ± 1.065 vs 4.774 ± 1.465 mg/g,P = 0.679), propionate (6.342 ± 1.005 vs 6.282 ± 1.077 mg/g,P = 0.868) and butyrate (2.984 ± 0.512 vs 3.071 ± 0.447 mg/g,P = 0.607).

Conclusions

Metabolites of gut microbiota, the propionic and butyric acid, are increased in patients with IBS-D in serum but not in feces. It suggests that propionic and butyric acid might be associated with the occurrence and development of IBS.
HOXB4 promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer via DHDDS
Authors: Li Na , Gou Jin-hai , Xiong Jiao , You Juan-juan , Li Zheng-yu
Published: March 2020

Background

Homeobox B4 (HOXB4) is correlated with poor prognosis of various cancer types. However, how HOXB4 promotes ovarian cancer (OV) progression remains unclear.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database indicated that a high level of HOXB4 in OV was correlated with poor prognosis. The biological functions of HOXB4 were confirmed by colony formation, migration, and invasion assays. The effect of HOXB4 on the expression of EMT cell markers was determined. The transcriptional target of HOXB4 was DHDDS, which was detected by a ChIP assay. A xenograft tumor model was generated in nude mice to detect the role of HOXB4 in tumor proliferation and metastasis.

Results

The results showed that HOXB4 protein levels were higher in OV tissues than in normal tissues and correlated with poor prognosis of OV. HOXB4 reduction inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of OV cells in vitro. Conversely, these effects were enhanced by the upregulation of HOXB4 in OV cells. The binding of HOXB4 to two DNA motifs regulated DHDDS expression and contributed to the malignant progression of OV. The role of HOXB4 in contributing to tumor development in vivo was verified in mice. Further results indicated that HOXB4 induced Snail and Zeb1 expression.

Conclusion

Overall, HOXB4 overexpression was remarkably correlated with poor prognosis of OV. Mechanistically, HOXB4 enhances the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells by activating DHDDS, thereby promoting the malignant progression of OV.
Low willingness to pay for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China
Authors: Cao Wangnan , Sun Shengzhi , Peng Liping , Gu Jing , Hao Chun , Li Jibin , Wei Dannuo , Gilmour Stuart , Li Jinghua
Published: March 2020

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended as an HIV prevention strategy for key populations, in particular men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the willingness to pay market rate for PrEP is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the willingness to pay for PrEP and its associated factors among MSM living in Mainland China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 689 MSM who were recruited through a gay-friendly health consulting service center in Chengdu, China during 2018–2019. We collected information on participants’ willingness to pay for PrEP and its potential correlates (e.g., PrEP awareness and acceptability, perceived risk of HIV infection) using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analyses.

Results

Only 14.1% of respondents indicated they would not pay any money for PrEP, around half (49.3%) would like to pay $14–84 per month, and very few (6.8%) would like to pay ≥283 per month (market rate). We found that PrEP awareness (unadjusted odds ratio (ORu) = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01–1.97), acceptability (ORu =1.20; 95% CI: 1.07–1.34), perceived PrEP adherence (ORu =1.23; 95% CI: 1.08–1.41), and perceived PrEP benefit in reducing condom use (ORu =1.29; 95% CI: 1.07–1.55) were all associated with participants’ willingness to pay the market rate for PrEP. Other facilitators of PrEP pay willingness included full disclosure of sexual orientation to health professionals, high HIV literacy, and a high degree of HIV disclosure with sex partners.

Conclusions

The overall willingness to pay for the market rate of PrEP was low among this urban sample of Chinese MSM. Programs aiming to promote PrEP pay willingness should provide enhanced counseling to improve PrEP-related cognition, deliver accurate HIV/PrEP information to increase health literacy, and decrease stigma towards sexual minorities to develop trust with health professionals.
Comparative analysis of retrograde intrarenal surgery and modified ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of lower pole renal stones (1.5–3.5 cm)
Authors: Li Zhuohang , Lai Cong , Shah Arvind K. , Xie Weibin , Liu Cheng , Huang Li , Li Kuiqing , Yu Hao , Xu Kewei
Published: March 2020

Background

To compare the safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and modified Ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP) in semi-supine combined lithotomy position for the management of 1.5–3.5 cm lower pole renal stones (LPSs).

Methods

A total of 63 patients with 1.5–3.5 cm LPSs who underwent RIRS (n = 33) or modified UMP (n = 30) in diameter between January 2017 and January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Modified UMP was performed in semi-supine combined lithotomy position and a 9.5/11.5 F ureteral access sheath (UAS) was inserted during the procedure in order to maintain low pelvic pressure and to facilitate the removal of stone fragments. Base-line parameters, stone characteristics, illness condition, operation time, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) drop, postoperative creatinine (Cr) elevation, length of hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, stone-free rate (SFR) and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in base-line parameters, stone characteristics and illness condition. The mean operating time of RIRS group was longer than UMP group (95.61 ± 21.9 vs. 55.0 ± 16.1 min,p < 0.001). The mean postoperative Hb drop was less in RIRS group (7.42 ± 4.7 vs. 15.70 ± 9.8 g/L,p < 0.001). The length of hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay for RIRS were shorter than UMP (4.76 ± 1.1 vs. 5.83 ± 0.8 d,p < 0.001, 2.97 ± 0.9 vs. 4.07 ± 0.9 d,p < 0.001). The Early SFR was higher in UMP group (54.5 vs. 80.0%,p < 0.050) while SFR at 1-month and 3-months postoperatively was similar in both groups (p = 0.504,p = 0.675). There were no significant differences between the two groups in complications (p = 0.228).

Conclusion

For patients with 1.5–3.5 cm LPSs, both modified UMP and RIRS are safe and viable. The modified UMP technique was used in this study, application semi-supine combined lithotomy position and the retention of UAS can improve the surgical efficiency and maintain low pressure perfusion in the kidney, which resulted in superior treatment efficacy. Therefore, we highly recommend this technique for LPSs with heavy stone burdens.
Baseline white blood cell count-to-apolipoprotein A1 ratio as a novel predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pan Ying , Zhang Jian , Wu Ting-Ting , Hou Xian-Geng , Yang Yi , Ma Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Zheng Ying-Ying , XIE Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous studies suggested that baseline white blood cell count and apolipoprotein A1 levels were associated with clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the ratio of baseline white blood cell count-to-apolipoprotein A1 level (WAR) and CAD after PCI have not been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of baseline WAR on long-term outcomes after PCI in patients with CAD.

Methods

A total of 6050 patients with CAD who underwent PCI were included in the study. Of these, 372 patients were excluded because no baseline white blood cell counts or apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) data was available or because of malignancies or other diseases. Finally, 5678 patients were enrolled in the present study and were divided into 3 groups according to WAR value: lower group - WAR< 5.25 (n = 1889); median group - 5.25 ≤ WAR≤7.15 (n = 1892); and higher group - WAR≥7.15 (n = 1897). The primary endpoint was long-term mortality, including all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM), after PCI. The average follow-up time was 35.9 ± 22.6 months.

Results

A total of 293 patients developed ACM, including 85 (4.5%) patients in the lower group, 90 (4.8%) patients in the median group, and 118 (6.2%) patients in the higher group. The risk of ACM, cardiac mortality (CM), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) increased 62.6% (hazard risk [HR] =1.626, 95%CI: 1.214–2.179, P = 0.001), 45.5% (HR = 1.455, 95%CI: 1.051–2.014, P = 0.024), 21.2% (HR = 1.212, 95%CI: 1.011–1.454, P = 0.038), and 23.8% (HR = 1.238, 95%CI: 1.025–1.495, P = 0.027), respectively, as determined by multivariate Cox regression analyses comparing the patients in the higher group to patients in the lower group. Patients with a WAR≥4.635 had 92.3, 81.3, 58.1 and 58.2% increased risks of ACM, CM, MACCEs and MACEs, respectively, compared to the patients with WAR< 4.635. Every 1 unit increase in WAR was associated with 3.4, 3.2, 2.0 and 2.2% increased risks of ACM, CM, MACCEs and MACEs, respectively, at the 10-year follow-up.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that baseline WAR is a novel and an independent predictor of adverse long-term outcomes in CAD patients who underwent PCI.
CTLA-4 polymorphisms and predisposition to digestive system malignancies: a meta-analysis of 31 published studies
Authors: Li Jien , Wang Wenping , Sun Yanyan , Zhu Yeduo
Published: March 2020

Background

The results of genetic association studies regarding cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) polymorphisms and digestive system malignancies were controversial. The authors designed this meta-analysis to more precisely estimate relationships between CTLA-4 polymorphisms and digestive system malignancies by pooling the results of related studies.

Methods

The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI for eligible studies. Thirty-one eligible studies were pooled analyzed in this meta-analysis.

Results

The pooled meta-analysis results showed that genetic distributions of rs231775, rs4553808, and rs733618 polymorphisms among patients with digestive system malignancies and controls differed significantly. Moreover, genotypic distribution differences were also observed for rs231775 polymorphism among patients with colorectal cancer/pancreatic cancer and controls, for rs4553808 and rs5742909 polymorphisms among patients with gastric cancer and controls, for rs3087243 polymorphism among patients with liver cancer and controls, and for rs733618 polymorphism among patients with colorectal cancer and controls in pooled meta-analyses.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested that rs231775 polymorphism was associated with predisposition to colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, rs4553808 and rs5742909 polymorphisms were associated with predisposition to gastric cancer, rs3087243 polymorphism was associated with predisposition to liver cancer, and rs733618 polymorphism was associated with predisposition to colorectal cancer.
Glandular orientation and shape determined by computational pathology could identify aggressive tumor for early colon carcinoma: a triple-center study
Authors: Ji Meng-Yao , Yuan Lei , Lu Shi-Min , Gao Meng-Ting , Zeng Zhi , Zhan Na , Ding Yi-Juan , Liu Zheng-Ru , Huang Ping-Xiao , Lu Cheng , Dong Wei-Guo
Published: March 2020

Background

Identifying the early-stage colon adenocarcinoma (ECA) patients who have lower risk cancer vs. the higher risk cancer could improve disease prognosis. Our study aimed to explore whether the glandular morphological features determined by computational pathology could identify high risk cancer in ECA via H&E images digitally.

Methods

532 ECA patients retrospectively from 2 independent data centers, as well as 113 from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), were enrolled in this study. Four tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed across ECA hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides. 797 quantitative glandular morphometric features were extracted and 5 most prognostic features were identified using minimum redundancy maximum relevance to construct an image classifier. The image classifier was evaluated on D2/D3 = 223, D4 = 46, D5 = 113. The expression of Ki67 and serum CEA levels were scored on D3, aiming to explore the correlations between image classifier and immunohistochemistry data and serum CEA levels. The roles of clinicopathological data and ECAHBC were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses for prognostic value.

Results

The image classifier could predict ECA recurrence (accuracy of 88.1%). ECA histomorphometric-based image classifier (ECAHBC) was an independent prognostic factor for poorer disease-specific survival [DSS, (HR = 9.65, 95% CI 2.15–43.12, P = 0.003)]. Significant correlations were observed between ECAHBC-positive patients and positivity of Ki67 labeling index (Ki67Li) and serum CEA.

Conclusion

Glandular orientation and shape could predict the high risk cancer in ECA and contribute to precision oncology. Computational pathology is emerging as a viable and objective means of identifying predictive biomarkers for cancer patients.
In vitro modeling of the neurovascular unit: advances in the field
Authors: Bhalerao Aditya , Sivandzade Farzane , Archie Sabrina Rahman , Chowdhury Ekram Ahmed , Noorani Behnam , Cucullo Luca
Published: March 2020

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental component of the central nervous system. Its functional and structural integrity is vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. On the other hand, the BBB is also a major hindering obstacle for the delivery of effective therapies to treat disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over time, various model systems have been established to simulate the complexities of the BBB. The development of realistic in vitro BBB models that accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the brain microcapillaries in situ is of fundamental importance not only in CNS drug discovery but also in translational research. Successful modeling of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) would provide an invaluable tool that would aid in dissecting out the pathological factors, mechanisms of action, and corresponding targets prodromal to the onset of CNS disorders. The field of BBB in vitro modeling has seen many fundamental changes in the last few years with the introduction of novel tools and methods to improve existing models and enable new ones. The development of CNS organoids, organ-on-chip, spheroids, 3D printed microfluidics, and other innovative technologies have the potential to advance the field of BBB and NVU modeling. Therefore, in this review, summarize the advances and progress in the design and application of functional in vitro BBB platforms with a focus on rapidly advancing technologies.
Enhancing A82846B production by artificial attB-assisted overexpression of orf10–orf11 genes in Kibdelosporangium aridum SIPI-3927
Authors: Tian Xun , Huang He , Hu Hai-Feng
Published: March 2020

A82846B, producing by Kibdelosporangium aridum, is an important precursor of the semi-synthetic glycopeptide antibiotic Oritavancin. K. aridum produces three components A82846A, B and C, so it is essential to increase A82846B titer and reduce A82846A and C titers by overexpressing halogenase and glycosyltransferase genes. Firstly, we constructed the genetically engineered strain SIPI-3927-attB harboring artificial attB site via homologous recombination. Secondly, two strains SIPI-3927-C1 and C2 were also constructed by integrating halogenase genes vcm8 and orf10 into artificial attB sites of SIPI-3927-attB, respectively. Meantime, three strains SIPI-3927-C3, C4 and C5 containing overexpressing glycosyltransferase A, B and C genes were obtained, respectively. Through fermentation analyses, the results showed that SIPI-3927-C1 and C2 could increase A82846B ratios, in which SIPI-3927-C1 showed a better performance. Moreover, the titer of SIPI-3927-C3 was highest in those of three strains. Finally, the strain SIPI-3927-C6 was constructed by integrating both orf10-encoded halogenase and orf11-encoded glycosyltransferase A, of which the yield and ratio of A82846B in shake-flask fermentation reached 1200 mg/L and 73.6%, respectively. Besides, the yield and ratio of A82846B in SIPI-3927-C6 grew up to 2520 mg/L and 86.5% in the 5-L fermenter culture, respectively. In conclusion, overexpressing orf10 gene can increase A82846B ratio,while overexpressing orf11 gene can increase A82846B titer as well. The artificial attB site is effective for inserting new genes.
Toeplitz matrix completion via a low-rank approximation algorithm
Authors: Wen Ruiping , Fu Yaru
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose a low-rank matrix approximation algorithm for solving the Toeplitz matrix completion (TMC) problem. The approximation matrix was obtained by the mean projection operator on the set of feasible Toeplitz matrices for every iteration step. Thus, the sequence of the feasible Toeplitz matrices generated by iteration is of Toeplitz structure throughout the process, which reduces the computational time of the singular value decomposition (SVD) and approximates well the solution. On the theoretical side, we provide a convergence analysis to show that the matrix sequences of iterates converge. On the practical side, we report the numerical results to show that the new algorithm is more effective than the other algorithms for the TMC problem.
Dynamics analysis on a class of delayed neural networks involving inertial terms
Authors: Zhang Jian , Huang Chuangxia
Published: March 2020

This paper explores a class of unbounded distributed delayed inertial neural networks. By introducing some new differential inequality analysis and abandoning the traditional order reduction technique, some new assertions are derived to verify the global exponential stability of the addressed networks, which improve and generalize some recently published articles. Finally, two cases of numerical examples and simulations are given to illustrate these analytical conclusions.
Collection and evaluation of thirty-seven pomegranate germplasm resources
Authors: Peng Yingshu , Wang Guibin , Cao Fuliang , Fu Fang-Fang
Published: March 2020

Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are gaining popularity among consumers because of their high antioxidant activity and multiple medical benefits. China is rich in pomegranate genetic resources, but how to use them effectively is a problem worthy of deep consideration. In this article, thirty-seven pomegranate varieties from seven provinces in China were collected and analyzed for twelve phenotypic traits and twelve biochemical indicators (seeds and juices). The fruit and aril fresh weight ranged between 210.5 and 576.5 g and 121.0 to 327.5 g, respectively, and the edible rate (42.58–64.80%), seed weight (1.80–3.41 g), seed number (249.1–838.9), fruit height (10.51–15.48 mm), fruit diameter (11.46–17.50 mm), skin thickness (2.14–6.98 mm), and shape index (0.82–0.96) varied among the different genotypes. The pomegranate juice total phenolic content ranged from 40.91 to 132.47 µg/mL, and the total flavonoid content (14.08–137.72 µg/mL), vitamin C content (12.80–66.63 µg/mL), pH (3.10–4.34), total soluble solids (13.13–17.50°Brix), and titratable acidity (0.26–2.71%) also varied; the pomegranate seed total phenolic content ranged from 0.62 to 1.78 mg/g, and the total flavonoid content (0.39–0.99 mg/g), vitamin C content (7.55–13.90 mg/g), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (85.98–98.24%), and ABTS scavenging ability (28.72–51%) were also measured. The coefficients of variation of the studied traits ranged from 5.62 to 54.02%, and the phenotypic traits’ Shannon–Weaver diversity indexes ranged from 0.67 to 1.53. Cluster analysis divided the 37 varieties into three categories, providing a reference for improved variety breeding. In addition, genotypic and environmental effects mainly affected the pomegranate flavor and antioxidant activity, respectively.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance and host-microbiome interactions in the human upper respiratory tract during influenza infection
Authors: Zhang Lingdi , Forst Christian V. , Gordon Aubree , Gussin Gabrielle , Geber Adam B. , Fernandez Porfirio J. , Ding Tao , Lashua Lauren , Wang Minghui , Balmaseda Angel , Bonneau Richard , Zhang Bin , Ghedin Elodie
Published: March 2020

Background

The abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human respiratory microbiome remain poorly characterized. In the context of influenza virus infection, interactions between the virus, the host, and resident bacteria with pathogenic potential are known to complicate and worsen disease, resulting in coinfection and increased morbidity and mortality of infected individuals. When pathogenic bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance, they are more difficult to treat and of global health concern. Characterization of ARG expression in the upper respiratory tract could help better understand the role antibiotic resistance plays in the pathogenesis of influenza-associated bacterial secondary infection.

Results

Thirty-seven individuals participating in the Household Influenza Transmission Study (HITS) in Managua, Nicaragua, were selected for this study. We performed metatranscriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses on nasal and throat swab samples, and host transcriptome profiling on blood samples. Individuals clustered into two groups based on their microbial gene expression profiles, with several microbial pathways enriched with genes differentially expressed between groups. We also analyzed antibiotic resistance gene expression and determined that approximately 25% of the sequence reads that corresponded to antibiotic resistance genes mapped to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Following construction of an integrated network of ARG expression with host gene co-expression, we identified several host key regulators involved in the host response to influenza virus and bacterial infections, and host gene pathways associated with specific antibiotic resistance genes.

Conclusions

This study indicates the host response to influenza infection could indirectly affect antibiotic resistance gene expression in the respiratory tract by impacting the microbial community structure and overall microbial gene expression. Interactions between the host systemic responses to influenza infection and antibiotic resistance gene expression highlight the importance of viral-bacterial co-infection in acute respiratory infections like influenza.
Improved spectral imaging microscopy for cultural heritage through oblique illumination
Authors: Oakley Lindsay , Zaleski Stephanie , Males Billie , Cossairt Oliver , Walton Marc
Published: March 2020

This work presents the development of a flexible microscopic chemical imaging platform for cultural heritage that utilizes wavelength-tunable oblique illumination from a point source to obtain per-pixel reflectance spectra in the VIS–NIR range. The microscope light source can be adjusted on two axes allowing for a hemisphere of possible illumination directions. The synthesis of multiple illumination angles allows for the calculation of surface normal vectors, similar to phase gradients, and axial optical sectioning. The extraction of spectral reflectance images with high spatial resolutions from these data is demonstrated through the analysis of a replica cross-section, created from known painting reference materials, as well as a sample extracted from a painting by Pablo Picasso entitled La Miséreuse accroupie (1902). These case studies show the rich microscale molecular information that may be obtained using this microscope and how the instrument overcomes challenges for spectral analysis commonly encountered on works of art with complex matrices composed of both inorganic minerals and organic lakes.
Paediatric haemodynamic modelling: development and experimental validation using quantitative flow MRI
Authors: Mohammadyari Parvin , Gadda Giacomo , Taibi Angelo , Munuera del Cerro Josep
Published: March 2020

Background

Congenital vascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in paediatric age. Despite the importance of paediatric haemodynamics, large investigations have been devoted to the evaluation of circulation in adults. The novelty of this study consists in the development of a well calibrated mathematical model of cardiovascular circulation in paediatric subjects. To reach the purpose, a model for adult circulation was modified and recalibrated with experimental data and literature from children to be able to calculate the flow rates and pressures in the brain and neck.

Methods

The haemodynamic model simulates the 76 main arteries, together with the main veins in brain and neck. A proper magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset of 29 volunteers aged 12 ± 5 years (mean ± standard deviation) was used to extract age-dependent physiological and clinical parameters such as heart rate, flow rate, vessel cross section area, and blood pressure. The computational model was calibrated using such experimental data. The paediatric and adult model results were compared.

Results

Increase of the vessels stiffness due to aging contributes to a flow rate decrease while blood pressure increases. In accordance, our simulation results show about 16% decrease in mean pressure of internal jugular vein in paediatric rather than adult subjects. The model outcomes indicated about 88% correlation with MRI data.

Conclusions

The mathematical model simulates the paediatric head and neck blood circulation. The model provides detailed information of human haemodynamics including arterial and venous network to study both paediatric and adult blood circulation.