bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Meteorological Drought Under Changing Climate in Semi-Arid Region of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Yisehak Biniyam , Shiferaw Henok , Abrha Haftu , Gebremedhin Amdom , Hagos Haftom , Adhana Kelali
Published: October 2020

Background: Below-normal availability of water for a considerable period of time induces occurrence of drought. This paper investigates the characteristics of meteorological drought under changing climate. The meteorological drought was assessed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI). The climate change was also analyzed using delta based statistical downscaling approach of RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 in R software packages. Results: The result of climate change projections showed that the average annual minimum temperature will be increased by about 0.8-2.9°C. The mean annual maximum temperature will be also increased by 0.9-3.75 °C. The rainfall projection generally showed an increasing trend, it exhibited an average annual increase of 3.5-13.4 % over the study area. The drought projection showed that there would be extreme drought events in study area for the future (2018-2099). The SPI result indicates that drought will be occurred in the study area after 1-5 and 1-6 years under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios respectively and the RDI value also shows drought will occurred after 1-6 and 2-7 years under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios respectively over the study area. Almost more than 72% of the current and future spatial coverage of drought in the study area will be affected by extreme drought, 22.3% severely and 5.57% also moderate drought.Conclusions: Therefore, the study helps to provide useful information for policy decision makers to implement different adaptation and mitigation measures of drought in the region.
Putative Genes Identified in Alkaloids Biosynthesis in Dendrobium officinale by Correlating the Contents of Main Bioactive Metabolites with Genes Expression between Protocorm-like Bodies and Leaves
Authors: Wang Zhaojian , Xing Shihai , Jiang Weimin , Liu Yingying , Meng Xiaoxi , Su Xinglong , Cao Mengyang , Wu Liping , Yu Nianjun , Peng Daiyin
Published: October 2020

Background: Dendrobium officinale, an endangered Chinese herb, has extensive therapeutic effects and contains bioactive ingredients including a large number of polysaccharides and alkaloids, and minimal flavonoids. Firstly, this study attempts to obtain the protocorm-like bodies of this plant through tissue culture to produce the main secondary metabolites whose distribution in each organelle and protocorm like bodies is analyzed. Then, analysis of the correlation between comparative transcriptome sequence and the metabolite content in different organs enables the discovery of putative genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and alkaloids, and flavonoids.Results: The optimum condition for protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) induction and propagation of D. officinale is established. For protocorm induction, we use the seed as the explant, and the optimum medium formula for PLBs propagation is 1/2 MS + α-NAA 0.5 mg·L-1 +6-BA 1.0 mg·L-1 + 2, 4-D 1.5-2.0 mg·L-1 + potato juice 100 g·L-1. The distribution of polysaccharides, alkaloids and flavonoids in D. officinale organs was clarified. Stems, PLBs and leaves have the highest content of polysaccharides, alkaloids and flavonoids, respectively. PLBs replace organs to produce alkaloids in D. officinale, and naringenin was only produced in stem. Hot water extraction (HWE) method was found outperforming the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method for polysaccharides from D. officinale. A comparative transcriptome analysis of the protocorm-like bodies and leaves of D. officinale showed genes encoding enzymes involved in polysaccharides, alkaloids and flavonoids biosynthetic pathway were differentially expressed. Putative genes encoding enzymes involved in polysaccharides, alkaloids and flavonoids synthetic pathway were identified. Notably, genes encoding enzymes of strictosidine beta-glucosidase, geissoschizine synthase and vinorine synthase in alkaloids biosynthesis of D. officinale are first reported.Conclusions: Our works, especially the identification of candidate genes encoding enzymes involved in metabolites biosynthesis will help to explore and protect the endangered genetic resources and will also facilitate further analysis of the molecular mechanism of secondary metabolites’ biosynthesis in D. officinale.
Concordance in reports of food insecurity associated with environmental factors among Latino fathers and mothers
Authors: Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Druziako Stephanie , Baltaci Aysegul , Reyes Alejandro Omar Peralta , Zhang Youjie , Choque Ghaffar Ali Hurtado , Reicks Marla
Published: October 2020

Background: Food assistance and nutrition education are strategies used to address the high prevalence of food insecurity among U.S. Latino households. Assessment of food security status is necessary to implement these strategies. However, similarities and differences in perceptions of food security status have not been reported among Latino fathers and mothers who may have different home food acquisition and preparation responsibilities. This study aimed to 1) determine demographic characteristics and/or food-related factors associated with perceptions of food security status among Latino fathers and mothers, and 2) identify those factors correlated with concordance in perceptions of food insecurity between fathers and mothers.Methods: Baseline data were used from a Latino-family, community-based program to improve paternal parenting practices and youth energy balance-related behaviors (Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables), including 106 father and mother couples. Food security was assessed with two questions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture 18-item Household Food Security Survey. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between food security and predictor variables in fathers or mothers and between couple discordant responses in food security status and predictor variables.Results: The prevalence of household food insecurity was reported by 39% of fathers and 55% of mothers. Food security status was associated with neighborhood safety (odds ratio (OR): 3.7, p < 0.05) and household income (OR: 3.2, p < 0.05) in fathers, and with neighborhood safety (OR: 4.1, p < 0.01) and home fruit and vegetable availability (OR: 5.5, p < 0.01) in mothers. Couple discordance in reporting food security status occurred in 24% of the couples and was related to higher discordance among couples where fathers reported a lower frequency of participation in nutrition education than mothers (OR: 3.4, p < 0.05) and different perceptions of home fruit and vegetable accessibility (OR: 3.1, p < 0.05).Conclusions: Among Latino fathers and/or mothers, factors associated with perceptions of food insecurity differed, possibly related to fathers versus mothers having access to information about different household aspects related to food insecurity. Nutrition education for fathers may support an improvement in couple discordance in assessment of food security.
Simultaneous cardiac and lung perforation by bone cement after percutaneous kyphoplasty
Authors: kim Soon jin , kim kyung hwa
Published: October 2020

Background: Intracardiac cement embolisms(ICE) have been poorly reported in the literature. When the presence of intracardiac cement embolismsis identified, the cardiorespiratory complications related to ICE may be delayed and opinions also differ regarding whether the clinical consequences of this specific complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is benign or malignant. Case presentation: A 63-year-old female patient was referred to our institution with chest discomfort and dyspnea. She had underwent PV in the lumbar vertebra one year ago. Radiologic investigations revealed the foreign material in the RA, perforating the RA wall and penetrating right pleura. We performed the removal surgically of the cement fragments after a median sternotomy with under heart-lung machine.Conclusions: when the presence of ICE is identified, the cardiorespiratory complications related to ICE may be delayed and a symptomatic and migrating bone cement must be considered surgical retrieval for the prevention of the progression into a constrictive pericarditis as well as symptom relief. This is the first report describing simultaneous cardiac and lung perforation and the longest interval period case (one year after PV) treated surgically caused by bone cement.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Uninjured Limbs of Lower Extremity Fractures: A Retrospective Study of 1454 Patients
Authors: Qu Shuang-Wei , Cong Yu-Xuan , Wang Peng-Fei , Fei Chen , Li Zhi , Yang Kun , Shang Kun , Ke Chao , Huang Hai , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Bin-Fei , Zhang Kun
Published: October 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the uninjured limb, before and after operation, in patients with lower extremity fractures.Methods: We collected the clinical data of patients with lower extremities fractures who presented at Xi’an Honghui Hospital between 1 July, 2015 and 31 October, 2017. Doppler ultrasonography was used to diagnose the DVT. Patients were examined pre- and postoperatively. The patients were then divided into a thrombosis group and a no thrombosis group according to the preoperative and postoperative ultrasonography results. The thrombosis group was defined as patients admitted to our hospital with DVT in the uninjured limb and the no thrombosis group was defined as patients without DVT in the uninjured limb. Results: This study enrolled 1454 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of preoperative DVT in the uninjured limb was 9.63% whereas the postoperative incidence was 20.29%. Age (OR=0.965, 95 CI%: 0.954 - 0.977; P≤0.001) and gender (OR=0.667, 95% CI: 0.451-0.986, P=0.042) were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in the uninjured limb. Blood loss (OR=0.997, 95 CI%: 0.995-1.000; P=0.020), D-dimer levels at admission (OR=0.941, 95 CI%: 0.887-0.999; P=0.045), and postoperative day 5 D-dimer levels (OR=0.889, 95 CI%: 0.819-0.965; P=0.005), were independent risk factors for postoperative DVT in the uninjured limb.Conclusion: In conclusion, the actual incidence of DVT in the uninjured lower extremity after fracture may currently be underestimated and should be pay more attention.
Retrieving Similar Substructures on 3D Neuron Reconstructions
Authors: Yang Jian , He Yishan , Liu Xuefeng
Published: October 2020

An accurate neuron reconstruction is very important to understand neuron morphology and function, but it is still a challenging task due to the time consuming of manual tracing and the unsatisfactory accuracy of automatic tracing. One way to address the challenge is generating a reconstruction automatically and then checking and amending the result manually. Aiming at implementing this process efficiently, we propose a pipeline to retrieve substructures on one or more neuron reconstructions, which are very similar to a marked problematic substructure and need to be checked one by one. The pipeline consists of four steps: getting a marked substructure, constructing a query substructure, generating candidate substructures and retrieving most similar substructures. The retrieval procedure was tested on 163 gold standard reconstructions provided by the BigNeuron project and a reconstruction of a mouse’s large neuron. Experimental results showed that the implementation of the proposed methods is very efficient and all retrieved substructures are very similar to the marked one in numbers of nodes and branches, and degree of curvature.
A Prospective Study Investigating the Efficacy and Toxicity of Definitive ChemoRadadiation and ImmunOtherapy (CRIO) in Locally and/or Regionally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Authors: Lin Charles , Ballah Trishna , Nottage Michelle , Hay Karen , Chua Benjamin , Kenny Lizbeth , Thomas Paul , Teng Michele WL , Keller Jacqui , Le Trang , Edmunds Jennifer , Hughes Brett GM
Published: October 2020

Background: Patients with unresectable advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are generally treated with palliative intent. Immune checkpoint blockade has significant activity in the palliative setting in patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC. This single arm phase 2 prospective study aims to investigate the combination of curative intent chemoradiation and durvalumab (anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor) for this patient cohort. Our hypothesis is that >70% of patients with locally-advanced primary disease or regional metastases can be safely treated for cure using ChemoRadiation and ImmunOtherapy (CRIO) compared to the null hypothesis of ≤50%. Methods: Patients with unresectable locally and or regionally advanced pathologically confirmed cSCC deemed suitable for CRIO by consensus of the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary meeting will be eligible. We aim to accrue a total of 15 patients. The co-primary endpoints of CRIO will be the safety of treatment and the complete response rate. Secondary endpoints will include overall survival, progression free survival, and locoregional control. Translational research endpoints including biomarkers will also be explored utilising multiplex immunohistochemistry on tumour biopsy samples obtained prior to commencing treatment and during treatment (week 2). In addition, the utility of CXCR-4 PET scan will be explored.Discussion: CRIO is a novel trial evaluating the combination of curative intent chemoradiotherapy with concurrent durvalumab for patients with inoperable locally advanced cSCC.Trial registration Trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12618001573246)
Pronuclear score improves prediction of implantation rate in ICSI cycles
Authors: Stigliani Sara , Massarotti Claudia , Casciano Ida , Sozzi Fausta , Remorgida Valentino , Cagnacci Angelo , Anserini Paola , Scaruffi Paola
Published: October 2020

Background: In assisted reproduction technology embryo competence is routinely evaluated on morphological criteria but their efficacy remains relatively low. Additional information could be obtained by evaluation of pronuclear (PN) morphology. Up to now controversial results have been reported about prognostic value of PN score. One of the main limitation of literature data is the use of different methods of PN classification. To this regard, in 2011 the ESHRE and Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine defined three PN categories to standardize the zygote assessment. In this study we evaluated whether the consensus ESHRE-Alpha system for the pronuclear scoring could be an useful additional criterion to improve prediction of embryo implantation potential.Methods: This is a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. We included 3004 zygotes from 539 women who underwent ICSI treatment at our Center between January 2014 and June 2019. The pronuclear were categorized as score 1: symmetrical, 2: non-symmetrical, 3: abnormal. A subset of 110 zygotes did not cleaved. On day 2-3 1163 embryos were transferred, 232 arrested, and 9 were cryopreserved. Among the 1490 embryos cultured up to day 5-7, 516 became blastocysts: 123 were transferred on day 5 and 393 were cryopreserved. Relationship between pronuclear score and cleavage rate, quality of embryos, blastocyst development, and implantation rate was evaluated by chi-square test. Multivariate regression analyses corrected the results for putative confounders (age of patient; infertility cause; cleavage-stage embryo morphology grade; day of transfer). Results: There was not significant difference in patients’ age, cleavage rate and embryo morphology among the three pronuclear score groups. No reduction of blastulation rates was found in score 2-3 (34%) groups respect to score 1 (35%). The pronuclear score 1-embryos had a higher implantation rate respect to score 2-3-ones (15% and 9%, respectively, P=0.0121; OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25-0.76, P=0.004). Consistently, the pronuclear score remained predictive of implantation in top quality embryos (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28-0.87, P= 0.01).Conclusions: The consensus pronuclear score may be routinely included among criteria for embryo evaluation to increase patient’s chance of becoming pregnant.
Tibial Cortex Transverse Distraction Followed by Open Correction with Internal Fixation: Two-stage Management for Foot and Ankle Deformity with Ulcers
Authors: Li Yaxing , Liu Xi , Chen Yu , Tan Jie , Chen Jun , Xie Huiqi , Hui Zhang
Published: October 2020

Aim Foot and ankle deformities with concurrent ulcers remain challenging. Conventional treatments are often time-consuming and difficult. This study aims at assessing the feasibility and results of tibial cortex transverse distraction (TCTD) followed by open correction with internal fixation (OCIF) for foot and ankle deformity with concurrent ulcers.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted. Between 2010 and 2019, a two-stage management of TCTD followed by OCIF was performed in 13 patients (13 feet). The clinical data of all patients was recorded and analyzed.Results The TCTD and wound debridement were performed in all patients, and an additional Ilizarov correction technique was added in two patients. All ulcers were healed in 3 months after first-stage treatment. The average external fixation time was 135.5 (median, 138.0; range, 49-173) days. After second-stage operative correction, the patients were followed-up for an average of 28.0 (range, 24-33) months. At the final follow-up, the average Dimeglio score of deformity was decreased from 6.7 (range, 3-9) to 0.5 (median, 1; range, 0-1), and the average AOFAS score was improved from 42.9 (range, 14-80) to 82.6 (range, 70-97). Complications include one case of mild displacement of the osteotomized cortex and one case of pin-tract infection. No relapse of ulcers or deformity was observed.Conclusion The two-stage management of TCTD followed by OCIF could be considered as an alternative treatment for foot and ankle deformities combined with chronic ulcers.Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.
Mir-573 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Bax in human degenerative disc cells following hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Authors: Lin Song-Shu , Niu Chi-Chien , Yuan Li-Jen , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Chong Kowit-Yu , Wei Kuo-Chen , Huang Chiung-Yin , Lu Meng-Ling , Yang Chuen-Yung , Ueng Steve W. N.
Published: October 2020

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a vital role in the intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The expression level of miR-573 was downregulated whereas Bax was upregulated notably in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-573 in human degenerative NPCs following hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Methods: NPCs were separated from human degenerated IVD tissues. The control cells were maintained in 5% CO2/95% air and the hyperoxic cells were exposed to 100% O2 at 2.5 atmospheres absolute. MiRNA expression profiling was performed via microarray and confirmed by real-time PCR, and miRNA target genes were identified using bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays. The mRNA and protein levels of Bax were measured. The proliferation of NPCs were detected using MTT assay. The protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3, pro-caspase 9 and pro-caspase 3 were examined.Results: Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the Bax mRNA contained the “seed-matched-sequence” for hsa-miR-573, which was validated via reporter assays. MiR-573 was induced by HBO and simultaneous suppression of Bax was observed in NPCs. Knockdown of miR-573 resulted in upregulation of Bax expression in HBO-treated cells. In addition, overexpression of miR-573 by HBO increased cell proliferation and coupled with inhibition of cell apoptosis. The cleavage of pro‑caspase 9 and pro‑caspase 3 was suppressed while the levels of cleaved caspase 9 and caspase 3 were decreased in HBO-treated cells. Transfection with anti-miR-573 partly suppressed the effects of HBO. Conclusion: Mir-573 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Bax in human degenerative NPCs following HBO treatment.
Effect of Direct Vertebral Rotation on the Spine Parameters (Coronal and Sagittal) in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo Gonçales , Junior Carlos Augusto Belchior B , Andrade Rodrigo Mantelatto , Torini Alexandre Penna , Ribeiro Ana Paula
Published: October 2020

Background: Idiopathic scoliosis is accompanied by postural alterations, instability of gait, and functional disabilities. The objective was to verify radiographic parameters (coronal and sagittal) of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) pre- and post-surgery with direct vertebral rotation (DVR), associated with type 1 osteotomies in all segments (except the most proximal) and type 2 in the periapical vertebrae of the curves. Methods: A prospective study design was employed in which 41 AIS were evaluated and compared pre- and post-surgery. Scoliosis was confirmed by a spine X-ray exam (Cobb angle). Eight radiographic parameters were measured: Cobb angles (thoracic proximal and distal), segmental kyphosis, total kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt. Results: The Cobb angle averaged 51.3° ± 14.9°. Post-surgery, there were significant reductions for the following spine measurement parameters: Cobb angle thoracic proximal (p = 0.003); Cobb angle thoracic distal (p=0.001); Cobb angle lumbar (p=0.001); kyphosis (T5-T12, p=0.012); and kyphosis (T1-T12, p=0.002). These reductions showed the effectiveness of surgical correction to reduce Cobb angles and improve thoracic kyphosis. The values obtained for lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt were not significantly different pre- and post-surgery. Conclusion: The surgical technique of DVR in AIS proved to be effective in the coronal and sagittal parameters directed at Cobb angles and thoracic kyphosis.
Distribution and imaging characteristics of spina bifida occulta in young people with low back pain
Authors: Li Wenhao , Xiong Zhencheng , Dong Chunke , Song Jipeng , Zhang Liubo , Zhou Jun , Wang Yanlei , Yi Ping , Yang Feng , Tang Xiangsheng , Tan Mingsheng
Published: October 2020

Purpose Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is one of the most common congenital spinal deformities. Although many studies have demonstrated the influence of lumbosacral dysplasia on low back pain (LBP) in young athletes, there have been few studies on SBO among young people in other occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of SBO in young people with LBP and to classify SBO from the perspective of lamina development. Methods The X-ray films of 148 young patients with LBP were analyzed to quantify the distribution of SBO and classify abnormal laminae. Results Of the 148 patients, 93 (61.49%) had SBO: 83 cases involved S1 alone, 1 involved L5, 2 involved L5-S1, 5 involved S1-2, 1 involved S1-4 and 1 involved L4-S4. According to the degree of the defect, the patients with SBO were divided on the basis of five grades: 9 patients with grade I, 53 with grade II, 23 with grade III, and 8 with grade IV. The cases were classified by the shape of the laminae into 4 types: 15 cases of type a, 11 cases of type b, 37 cases of type c and 30 cases of type d. Conclusion Among the young people with LBP that we surveyed, SBO is the most common lumbosacral dysplasia, which frequently involves the S1 segment. Most laminae in SBO are in the developmental stage of the spinous process, and an abnormal laminar growth direction and laminar stenosis are the most common laminar morphologies in SBO.
Systemic effects after local injection of platelet-rich plasma: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Kuo Shu-Jui , Chou Wen-Yi , Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Su-Fan , Siu Kai-Kit , Tsai Tsai-Chan , Ko Jih-Yang
Published: October 2020

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely utilized in the treatment of sports injuries. However, potential systemic effects after localized PRP injection are unclear at present.Design: prospective randomized study Methods Twenty-four Taiwanese male athletes with tendinopathy were randomized into a PRP group (n = 13) or a saline group (n = 11).Results The results showed no significant differences in serum levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, or serum substance P between the two groups at baseline, nor at 1, 2, or 7 days after intervention. However, a significant decrease in the serum substance P level 1 and 7 days after PRP injection was observed. Regarding urinary concentrations of metabolites of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), no between-group differences at baseline, nor at 1, 2, or 7 days after intervention, were observed. Conclusions Our study failed to observe significant surge of serum anabolic molecules and urinary excretion of anabolic AAS metabolites after PRP injection. Trial registration with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04456907
Structure-dependent absorption of sphingolipid long-chain bases from the digestive tract into lymph
Authors: Mikami Daisuke , Sakai Shota , Nishimukai Megumi , Yuyama Kohei , Mukai Katsuyuki , Igarashi Yasuyuki
Published: October 2020

Background:Dietary sphingolipids have various biofunctions, including skin barrier improvement, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinoma properties. Long-chain bases (LCBs), the essential backbones of sphingolipids, are responsible for these bioactivities, and they vary structurally between species. Given these findings, however, the absorption dynamics of each LCB remain unclear.Methods:In this study, five structurally different LCBs were isolated and their absorption ratios and levels of their metabolites were analyzed using a lymph-duct-cannulated rat model by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a novel multistage fragmentation method.Results:The five orally administered LCBs were absorbed and detected in lymph as free LCBs and several metabolites including ceramides, glucosylceramides, and sphingomyelins. The absorption rates of LCBs were 0.10-1.17% depending on their structure. The absorption rate of 4-trans,8-cis-sphingadienine was highest (1.17%), whereas that of 4-trans,8-trans,10-trans-sphingatrienine was lowest (0.10%). The amount of 4-trans,8-cis-sphingadienine-bound sphingomyelin in lymph was particularly higher than other four LCB-bound sphingomyelins.Conclusion:Structural differences among LCBs, particularly the geometric isomerism at the C8–C9 position, significant affect the absorption rate and amounts of metabolites. This is the first report revealed that the absorption rate and metabolism of sphingolipids are dependent on their LCB structure.
Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Isolated Hepatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Metastases With Negative Surgical Pathology
Authors: Lu Sen , Dhillon Jasreman , Johnson Julie Hallanger , El-Haddad Ghassan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAdrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy with an estimated 15,400 new cases annually across the globe. The prognosis is generally poor as the disease is often already advanced at initial diagnosis due to non-specific symptoms. Even for local disease, recurrence after surgical resection is high. Treatment choices for advanced disease include Mitotane, chemotherapy, ablation, chemoembolization, radioembolization, and external beam radiotherapy, with varying degrees of efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, there have only been two prior case studies of complete clinical and radiological response of stage 4 disease at 1 year and 2 years after [90Y]yttrium (Y-90) microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) of isolated hepatic metastases post-surgery and chemotherapy.Case presentationWe present a case of stage 1 ACC at time of diagnosis with subsequent development of hepatic metastases 6 years later, treated with Y-90 SIRT along with surgical resection and chemotherapy, with a surgically-proven negative pathology after partial hepatectomy 7 months after Y-90 SIRT. Bland embolization was used to successfully redistribute flow from a feeding right inferior phrenic artery to the right hepatic artery for effective selective radioembolization. Due to long term use of hydrocortisone causing adrenal insufficiency, the patient developed a post SIRT adrenal crisis, which was successfully controlled with steroids, highlighting the need for pre SIRT stress dose steroids. ConclusionsThis case continues to add to the literature supporting Y-90 radioembolization as an effective treatment for isolated hepatic ACC metastases. Our case is the first to demonstrate surgically proven negative pathology after radioembolization. Further prospective study is warranted to better establish efficacy as well as safety of SIRT for ACC liver metastases.
Study of The Predictors for Radiation Pneumonitis in Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Received Radiotherapy After Pneumonectomy
Authors: Yu Jia-Hua , Wang Chang-Lu , Liu Yuan , Wang Jia-Ming , Lv Chang Xing , Liu Jun , Qin Zhang , Fu Xiao Long , Cai Xu-Wei
Published: October 2020

Background: To identify the valuable predictors of grade≥2 radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patient treated with radiotherapy after pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); and to construct a nomogram predicting the incidence of grade≥2 RP in such patients.Methods: We reviewed 74 patients with NSCLC received radiotherapy after pneumonectomy from 2008 to 2018. The endpoint was grade≥2 RP. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were conducted to evaluate significant factors of grade ≥2 RP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to establish optimal cutoff values and the nomogram was built to make the predictive model visualized. Descriptive analysis was performed on 5 patients with grade 3 RP. Results: A total of 25(33.8%) patients developed grade≥2 RP and 5(6.8%) patients were grade 3 RP. V5, V10, V20, V30, MLD, PTV, and PTV/TLV were associated with the occurrence of grade≥2 RP in univariate analysis, while none of the clinical factors was significant; V5(OR,1.195;95%CI,1.082-1.319; P<0.001) and V20(OR,1.412;95%CI,1.161-1.717; P=0.001) were the independent significant predictors by multivariate analysis and were included in the nomogram. The ROC analysis for the cutoff values for predicting grade≥2 RP were V5>22%(AUC=0.816, sensitivity:0.712, specificity:0.837) and V20>8%(AUC=0.822, sensitivity:0.681, specificity:0.828). Additionally, grade≥3 RP did not occur when V5<30%, V20<13% and MLD<751.2cGy, respectively.Conclusions: Our study showed that V5 and V20 were independent predictors for grade≥2 RP in NSCLC patients receiving radiotherapy after pneumonectomy. Grade 3 RP did not occur whenV5<30%, V20<13% and MLD<751.2cGy, respectively. In addition, patient underwent right pneumonectomy may have a lower tolerance to radiation compared to left pneumonectomy.
Recovery Sleep Attenuates Impairments in Working Memory Following Total Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Peng Zi-Yi , Wang Yi , Dai Ci-Min , Wang Le-Tong , Xie Song-Yue , Li Jia-Lu , Zeng Ling-Jing , Shao Yong-Cong , Fu Wei-Wei
Published: October 2020

Background: Considering the well-known detrimental effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on cognitive function and quality of life, sleep disturbances represent a major physical and mental health issue. Because working memory plays an important role in many complex cognitive processes, it is necessary to identify strategies that can effectively counteract the negative effects of SD on working memory. Methods: In the present study, we utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the restorative effect of 8 h of recovery sleep (RS) on working memory impairments induced by 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD). We analyzed data from 16 healthy male participants. All participants completed a 2-back working memory task before and after 36 h of TSD and after 8 h of RS. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded during the task. Results: N2 and P3 components related to working memory exhibited low-amplitude slow-wave characteristics following 36 h of TSD. Significant decreases in the latency of the N2 component were observed after 8 h of RS. RS also induced significant increases in the amplitude of the P3 component, along with significant decreases in P3 latency. Conclusions: Eight hours of RS also attenuated decreases in working memory performance caused by 36 h of TSD. However, the effects of RS appear to be limited.
Social Synchronization During Joint Attention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Qinyi , Wang Qiandong , Li Xue , Gong Xiaoyun , Luo Xuerong , Yin Tingni , Liu Jing , Yi Li
Published: October 2020

Background: This study examined the social synchronization in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when responding to others’ joint attention. Social synchronization refers to an individuals’ temporal coordination during social interactions, which has been found to play a crucial role in social development. Deficient joint attention has been repeatedly found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and previous studies have demonstrated various explanations about it. In a more recent perspective, joint attention could be associated with spontaneous social motor synchronization, and it is possible to explore social synchronization as a pathway to understanding the impairments of joint attention in children with ASD.Methods: Forty-one children aged 5 to 8 with ASD and 43 age-matched typically developing (TD) children watched a video to completed the response to joint attention (RJA) tasks, during which their gaze data were collected. The synchronization of gaze-shift behaviors between children and the female model in the video was measured with the cross-recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA). Results: We found that children with ASD had the ability, to some extent, to synchronize their gaze shifts with the female model in the video during RJA tasks. However, compared to the TD children, children with ASD displayed lower levels of synchronization and longer latency in this synchronized behavior. Limitations: The RJA task in our study was not a real social interaction task but rather a one-way interaction. Social interaction between two persons through live video or a natural scenario should be further explored. Besides, additional work is necessary to determine whether our findings generalize to individuals across the full autism spectrum. Conclusion: These findings provide a new avenue to deepen our understanding of the impairments of joint attention in children with ASD. Notably, the analytic method can be further applied to explore the social synchronization of numerous other social interactive behaviors in ASD. Additionally, the impairment of social synchronization may be a new implicit indicator for the evaluation of autism and can be utilized to screen children with ASD along with other indicators.
Differences Between Autistic and Non-autistic Adults in the Recognition of Anger From Dynamic Expressions Remain After Controlling for Alexithymia.
Authors: Keating Connor Tom , Sowden Sophie L , Fraser Dagmar S , Cook Jennifer L
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFor many years, research has suggested that autistic individuals have difficulties recognising the emotions of other people. However, a burgeoning literature argues that these difficulties may be better explained by co-occurring alexithymia rather than autistic characteristics. Importantly, extant studies in this field have focused on the recognition of emotion from static images. Here we investigated whether there are differences with respect to emotion recognition from dynamic facial stimuli between autistic and non-autistic groups matched on alexithymia.Methods29 control and 31 autistic adults, matched on age, gender, non-verbal reasoning ability and alexithymia, completed a facial emotion recognition task which employed dynamic point light displays of happy, angry and sad facial expressions. Stimuli were manipulated such that expressions were reproduced at 50%, 100% and 150% of their normal speed and spatial extent. ResultsThe ASD group exhibited significantly lower emotion recognition accuracy for angry, but not happy or sad, expressions at the normal (100%) spatial and speed level. Whilst the control group exhibited increasing accuracy across all levels of the speed manipulation, the ASD group only showed improvement from the 100% to 150% level. Non-verbal reasoning and level of autistic traits (and not age, gender or alexithymia) were significant predictors of accuracy for angry videos at the 100% spatial and speed level. LimitationsDue to COVID-19 restrictions, only 22 members of the ASD group completed the ADOS-2 assessments and 7 of those who did, scored below threshold for an autism or ASD diagnosis. Therefore, our ASD group may display less frequent or lower intensity autistic behaviours than would typically be seen in an ASD population. The TAS, which has recently been questioned for its construct validity, was used to measure alexithymia. ConclusionsSince our participants were matched on alexithymia, and we identified that level of autistic traits (and not alexithymic traits) was a significant predictor of the accuracy of angry expression recognition at the normal level, we conclude that a difficulty with recognising angry expressions is relevant to autism and cannot be explained by alexithymia. Future research should elucidate why autistic individuals exhibit differences with angry expressions in particular.
Primary endometrioid carcinoma of the uterosacral ligament arising from deep infiltrating endometriosis after 6 years bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to atypical proliferative endometrioid tumor of the ovary: a rare case report
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Ota Kuniaki , Takahashi Toshifumi , Suzuki Soichiro , Sanoa Rikiya , Ota Ikuko , Moriya Takuya , Shiota Mitsuru
Published: October 2020

Background: Endometriosis can potentially lead to the development of a malignant tumor. Most malignant tumors arising from the endometriosis originate from the ovarian endometrioma, whereas those arising from extragonadal lesions are rare. We report a rare case of endometrioid carcinoma that developed from deep infiltrating endometriosis in the uterosacral ligament 6 years after treatment for atypical proliferative endometrioid tumor of the ovary in a 48-year-old woman.Case presentation: Six years ago, the patient underwent laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for her right ovarian tumor with atypical proliferative (borderline) endometrioid tumor accompanied by ovarian endometrioma. The solid tumor in the cul-de-sac was detected during follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed an abnormal accumulation of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose at the tumor site. Thus, tumor recurrence with borderline malignancy was suspected. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy followed by hysterectomy and partial omentectomy. Retroperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymphadenectomy were also performed. The cul-de-sac tumor at the left uterosacral ligament was microscopically diagnosed as invasive endometrioid carcinoma arising from deep infiltrating endometriosis. The final diagnosis was primary stage IIB peritoneal carcinoma. The patient received six courses of monthly paclitaxel and carboplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence for 2 years after the treatments.Conclusion: This study reports a rare case of metachronous endometriosis-related malignancy that developed 6 years after treatment for borderline ovarian tumor. If endometriosis lesions remain after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the physician should keep the malignant nature of endometriosis in mind.
Construction and Prognostic Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Liver Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cai Ruyun , Lu Qian , Wang Da
Published: October 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and liver metastasis is the leading cause of colorectal cancer-related deaths. However, the mechanism of liver metastasis in CRC hasn’t been clearly elucidated.Methods: Three datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were subjected to functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis. Subsequently, mRNA-miRNA network was constructed and the associated DEGs and DEMs were performed for prognostic analysis. Finally, we did infiltration analysis of GAS1-associated immune cells. Results: We obtained 325 DEGs and 9 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between primary CRC and liver metastases. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions (PPI) further revealed the involvement of DEGs in the formation of the inflammatory microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the liver metastases process in CRC. Survival analysis demonstrated that low-expressed GAS1 as well as low-expressed hsa-miR-33b-5p was a favorable prognostic indicator of overall survival. Further exploration of GAS1 revealed that its expression was interrelated with the infiltration of immune cells in tumor tissues. Conclusions: In summary, DEGs, DEMs and their interactions found in liver metastasis of CRC may provide a basis for further understanding of the mechanism of CRC metastasis.
WITHDRAWN: Mental Health and Well-being of Empty-nesters: A Chinese Urban Case Study
Authors: HuiYang  , Hagedorn Aaron , Chen Honglin , Zhang Ronghua
Published: October 2020

The research examined the mental health and well-being of a sample of empty-nesters in Jinan City, Shandong Province. An in-depth individual interview approach, with document analysis and participant observation was performed on three types of interviewees (N = 33) recruited via purposive sampling. The empty-nesters faced many unique problems, especially a sense of being disjointed from the family, community and society. Influencing factors included Chinese traditional filial piety culture, lagging implementation of relevant policies and development of community ageing services, as well as the loss of productive roles for the empty nesters. Implications for social work services are identified.
Acute Myocardial Infarction During Hospitalization for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Geriatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kang Yu , Fang Xiang-Yang , Wang Dong , Wang Xiao-Juan
Published: October 2020

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute myocardial infarction cardiovascular (AMI) are two important health issues in elderly. Little is known regarding characteristics of AMI in elderly hospitalized for CAP. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, characteristics compared with younger patients, impact on clinical outcomes and risk factors of AMI during hospitalization for CAP in geriatric patients.Methods: 11009 adult inpatients consisted of 5111 elderly patients≥ 65 years and 5898 patients＜65 years in respiratory ward and 1095 inpatients ≥65 years in geriatrics ward diagnosed with CAP were retrospectively analyzed by electronic medical records. Results: 159 (3.1%) elderly patients in respiratory ward and 77 (7.0%) patients in geriatrics ward experienced AMI during hospitalization for CAP. AMI were more frequently seen in elderly patients (3.1% vs. 1.0 %), Patients≥65 years who experienced AMI during hospitalization for CAP had higher percentage of respiratory failure (P = 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.008), dyspnea (P=0.046), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)≥7mmol/L (P < 0.001), serum sodium <130 mmol/L(P = 0.005) and had higher in-hospital mortality compared to patients＜65 years (10.1% vs. 6.6%). AMI was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, OR, with 95% confidence interval: 1.49 [1.24-1.82]; P<0.01). Respiratory failure (OR, 1.34 [1.15–1.54]; P<0.01), preexisting coronary artery disease (OR, 1.31[1.07–1.59]; P = 0.02), diabetes (OR, 1.26 [1.11–1.42]; P = 0.02), BUN (OR, 1.23 [1.01–1.49]; P = 0.04), and impaired consciousness (OR, 1.19 [1.07–1.32]; P = 0.03) were correlated with the occurrence of AMI in the elderly.Conclusions: The incidence of AMI during CAP hospitalization in geriatric patients is notable and have an impact on in-hospital mortality. Characteristics of the elderly differ from the general population. Particular attention should be paid to elderly patients with risk factors for AMI. Our study may represent useful information for clinical strategies aimed at preventing AMI and decreasing mortality in geriatric patients hospitalization for CAP.
The Use of Medicinal Plant to Prevent COVID-19 in Nepal
Authors: Khadka Dipak , Dhamala Man Kumar , Li Feifei , Aryal Prakash Chandra , Magar Pappu Rana , Bhatta Sijar , Thakur Manju Shree , Basnet Anup , Shi Shi , Cui Dafang
Published: October 2020

Background: Medicinal plants are the fundamental unit of traditional medicine system in Nepal. Nepalese people are rich in traditional medicine especially in folk medicine (ethnomedicine) and this system is gaining much attention after 1995. The use of medicinal plants have increased during COVID-19 pandemic as a private behavior (not under the control of government). Lot of misinterpretations of the use of medicinal plants to treat or prevent COVID-19 have been spreading throughout Nepal which need to be managed proactively. In this context, a research was needed to document medicinal plants used, their priority of use in society, cultivation status and source of information people follow to use them. This study aimed to document the present status of medicinal plant use and make important suggestion to the concern authorities.Methods: This study used a web-based survey to collect primary data related to medicinal plants used during COVID-19. A total of 774 respondents took part in the survey. The study calculated the relative frequencies of citation (RFC) for the recorded medicinal plants. The relationship between plants recorded and different covariates (age, gender education, occupation, living place, and treatment methods were assessed using Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcox test. The relationship between the information sources people follow and respondent characteristics, were assessed using chi-square test.Results:The study found that the use of medicinal plants has increased during COVID-19 and most of the respondents recommended medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19. This study recorded a total of 63 plants belonging to 42 families. The leaves of the plants were the most frequently used. The Zingiber officinale was the most cited species with the frequency of citation 0.398. Most of the people (45.61%), were getting medicinal plants from their home garden. The medicinal plants recorded were significantly associated with the education level, location of home, primary treatment mode, gender, and age class. The information source of plants was significantly associated with the education, gender, method of treatment, occupation, living with family, and location of home during lockdown caused by COVID-19.Conclusions:People were using more medicinal plants during COVID-19 claiming that they can prevent or cure COVID-19. This should be taken seriously by concerned authorities. The authorities should test the validity of these medicinal plants and control the flow of false information spread through research and awareness programs.