bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Bacterial Infection in Patients Undergoing Elective ACDF for Degenerative Cervical Spine Conditions: A Prospective Cohort Study With Contaminant Control
Authors: Bivona Louis J. , Camacho Jael E. , Usmani Farooq , Nash Alysa , Bruckner Jacob J. , Hughes Meghan , Bhandutia Amit K. , Koh Eugene Y. , Banagan Kelley E. , Gelb Daniel E. , Ludwig Steven C.
Published: November 2019

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of bacterial infection, with the use of a contaminant control, in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, patients undergoing elective ACDF were prospectively enrolled. Samples of the longus colli muscle and disc tissue were obtained. The tissue was then homogenized, gram stained, and cultured in both aerobic and anaerobic medium. Patients were classified into 4 groups depending on culture results. Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative factors were evaluated.

Results:

Ninety-six patients were enrolled, 41.7% were males with an average age of 54 ± 11 years and a body mass index of 29.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Seventeen patients (17.7%) were considered true positives, having a negative control and positive disc culture. Otherwise, no significant differences in culture positivity was found between groups of patients. However, our results show that patients were more likely to have both control and disc negative than being a true positive (odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.5-14.6). Propionibacterium acnes was the most commonly identified bacteria. Two patients with disc positive cultures returned to the operating room secondary to pseudarthrosis; however, age, body mass index, prior spine surgery or injection, postoperative infection, and reoperations were not associated with culture results.

Conclusion:

In our cohort, the prevalence of subclinical bacterial infection in patients undergoing ACDF was 17.7%. While our rates exclude patients with positive contaminant control, the possibility of contamination of disc cultures could not be entirely rejected. Overall, culture results did not have any influence on postoperative outcomes.
Cytogenetic and cytochemical studies on progenitor cells of primary acquired sideroblastic anemia (PASA): involvement of multipotent myeloid stem cells in PASA clone and mosaicism with normal clone
Authors: Amenomori T , Tomonaga M , Jinnai I , Soda H , Nonaka H , Matsuo T , Yoshida Y , Kuriyama K , Ichimaru M , Suematsu T
Published: November 2019

By cytogenetic and cytochemical analyses of individual hematopoietic colonies, we investigated clonality in progenitor compartments of primary acquired sideroblastic anemia (PASA). Two of our four subjects had reduced but countable numbers of CFU-E, BFU-E, and GFU-GM in methylcellulose culture. In one patient with cytogenetic abnormality of 47, XX, +8 in 67% of the bone marrow cells, cytogenetic analysis of individual erythroid bursts and granulocyte/macrophage colonies demonstrated two populations with and without 8 trisomy, the trisomy clone being 38% in BFU-E and 50% in CFU-GM. These findings indicate involvement of multipotent stem cells in PASA clone and mosaicism of two distinct populations in erythroid as well as granulocyte/macrophage progenitor compartments, the abnormal PASA clone and probably the normal clones. In another case with no cytogenetic abnormality, repeated iron staining showed that 31% to 40% of CFU-E and 25% to 54% of BFU-E had erythroblasts with heavy iron deposits. An ultrastructural analysis of 25 individual erythroid bursts revealed that 32% had highly dysplastic erythroblasts with marked ferruginous iron accumulation in the mitochondria. The other 68% and 15 normal bursts from a healthy control did not have noticeable dysplastic changes and iron deposits in the mitochondria. This cytochemical/ultrastructural mosaicism seems to be compatible with the cytogenetic mosaicism. However, whether the BFU- E derived from abnormal PASA clone selectively manifest iron accumulation in the mitochondria or whether the PASA clone itself shows variable degrees of abnormal iron metabolism remains to be determined by simultaneous performance of ultrastructural and cytogenetic analysis for single bursts.
Syphilitic hepatitis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Huang Jiaofeng , Lin Su , Wang Mingfang , Wan Bo , Zhu Yueyong
Published: November 2019

Background

Syphilis is a common disease that has been researched and focused on for many years, however, syphilitic hepatitis has not been well-recognized. We report this case of syphilitic hepatitis with intrahepatic cholestasis and liver granulomas to make a deeper impression.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old male was admitted with jaundice and rashes. The laboratory examination showed abnormal liver enzymes with significant increases in ALP and GGT but mild increases in ALT and AST. His HBV surface antigen was weakly positive, with negative HIV antibody, HCV antibody, and undetectable HBV DNA. The rapid plasma reagin test and the Treponema pallidum particle assay tests for Syphilis were both positive. Abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed the normal biliary tract, liver, and spleen. The liver pathological examination showed cholangiocyte inflammation and micro-granulomas with coagulation necrosis. After 2 months of benzathine penicillin treatment, his liver enzyme decreased rapidly and remained normal after 1-year of follow-up.

Conclusions

Increased liver enzymes, intrahepatic cholestasis and liver granulomas with well-response to antibiotics may provide clues for the diagnosis of syphilitic hepatitis.
Colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection with submucosal injection of epinephrine versus hypertonic saline in patients taking antithrombotic agents: propensity-score-matching analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Yoshida Hisako , Ikeda Kei , Takeuchi Yuki , Yamashita Shota , Jubashi Amane , Yukimoto Takahiro , Takeshita Eri , Yoshioka Wataru , Fukuda Hiroko , Tominaga Naoyuki , Tsuruoka Nanae , Morisaki Tomohito , Ario Keisuke , Tsunada Seiji , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: November 2019

Background

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to remove colon polyps is increasingly common in patients taking antithrombotic agents. The safety of EMR with submucosal saline injection has not been clearly demonstrated in this population.

Aims

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of submucosal injection of saline–epinephrine versus hypertonic saline in colorectal EMR of patients taking antithrombotic agents.

Methods

This study enrolled 204 patients taking antithrombotic agents among 995 consecutive patients who underwent colonic EMR from April 2012 to March 2018 at Ureshino Medical Center. Patients were divided into two groups according to the injected solution: saline–epinephrine or hypertonic (10%) saline (n = 102 in each group). Treatment outcomes and adverse events were evaluated in each group and risk factors for immediate and post-EMR bleeding were investigated.

Results

There were no differences between groups in patient or polyp characteristics. The main antithrombotic agents were low-dose aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel. Propensity-score matching created 80 matched pairs. Adjusted comparisons between groups showed similar en bloc resection rates (95.1% with saline–epinephrine vs. 98.0% with hypertonic saline). There were no significant differences in adverse events (immediate EMR bleeding, post-EMR bleeding, perforation, or mortality) between groups. Multivariate analyses revealed that polyp size over 10 mm was associated with an increased risk of immediate EMR bleeding (odds ratio 12.1, 95% confidence interval 2.0–74.0; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Two tested solutions in colorectal EMR were considered to be both safe and effective in patients taking antithrombotic agents.
Mortality and comorbidity after non-operatively managed, low-energy pelvic fracture in patients over age 70: a comparison with an age-matched femoral neck fracture cohort and general population
Authors: Reito Aleksi , Kuoppala Mari , Pajulammi Hanna , Hokkinen Lasse , Kyrölä Kati , Paloneva Juha
Published: November 2019

Background

Research on mortality and comorbidity associated with pelvic fractures in older patients is scarce. We aimed to determine the short- and long-term mortality rates of older patients with a pelvic ring fracture compared with both an age-matched cohort of patients with a femoral neck fracture and a general population, and to investigate 30- and 60-day readmission rates after pelvic fracture.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study done in an emergency department of a level II/III trauma center. All patients aged over 70 years diagnosed with a pelvic or acetabular fracture between January 2010 and December 2016 in our ED were identified. Two reference populations were used: patients operated due to femoral neck fracture in our institution between 2007 and 2008 and a general population aged 70 years or more.

Results

Two hundred nineteen patients were identified. 30- and 90-day mortality was 7.3 and 11.4%, respectively. Compared to the general population, a pelvic fracture was associated with an 8.5-fold (95% CI: 5.2–13.9) and 11.0-fold (95% CI: 5.4–22.3) 90-day mortality risk in females and males, respectively. We could not observe a difference in the risk of 90-day mortality between femoral neck fracture patients and patients with a pelvic fracture. Within 30 days, 28 (12.8%) pelvic fracture patients were readmitted for in-patient care in our hospital.

Conclusions

The mortality of older patients with pelvic ring fractures resembles that after hip fracture. Although older patients with a pelvic ring fracture rarely require operative treatment, the severity of the injury should not be considered as a class apart from hip fracture.
A feminist phenomenology on the emotional labor and morality of live-in migrant care workers caring for older people in the community
Authors: HO Ken H. M. , CHIANG Vico C. L. , LEUNG Doris , CHEUNG Daphne S. K.
Published: November 2019

Background

Global societal changes, such as increasing longevity and a shortage of family caregivers, have given rise to a popular worldwide trend of employing live-in migrant care workers (MCWs) to provide homecare for older people. However, the emotional labor and morality inherent in their interactions with older people are largely unknown. The aim of the present study is to understand the corporeal experiences of live-in migrant care workers in the delivery of emotional labor as seen in their interactions with older people by: (1) describing the ways by which they manage emotional displays with older people; and (2) exploring their morality as enacted through emotional labor.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis drawing on feminist phenomenology to thematically analyze data from interviews with 11 female MCWs. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 participants. The participants had two to 15 years of experience in caring for older people in their homes in Hong Kong.

Results

Performing emotional labor by suppressing and inducing emotions is morally demanding for live-in MCWs, who experience socio-culturally oppressive relationships. However, developing genuine emotions in their relationships with older people prompted the MCWs to protect the interests of older people. Through demonstrating both fake and genuine emotions, emotional labor was a tactic that live-in MCWs demonstrated to interact morally with older people.

Conclusions

Emotional labor allowed live-in MCWs to avoid conflict with older people, and to further protect their own welfare and that of others. This study highlights the significance of empowering live-in MCWs by training them in ways that will help them to adapt to working conditions where they will encounter diverse customs and older people who will develop an increasing dependence on them. Thus, there is a need to develop culturally appropriate interventions to empower live-in MCWs to deliver emotional labor in a moral manner.
Association between social and family support and antenatal depression: a hospital-based study in Chengdu, China
Authors: Hu Ying , Wang Ying , Wen Shu , Guo Xiujing , Xu Liangzhi , Chen Baohong , Chen Pengfan , Xu Xiaoxia , Wang Yuqiong
Published: November 2019

Background

Antenatal depression (AD) is considered as one of the major health burdens and has adverse effects on the outcome of expectant mothers and newborns. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of antenatal depression (AD), and to explore the potential risk factors of AD among pregnant women in Chengdu, including personal background, related social factors, family factors and cognitive factors.

Methods

The prospective nested case-control study included pregnant women who were in their second pregnancy and attended prenatal care at three tertiary hospitals and one regional hospital in Chengdu, China, between March 2015 and May 2016. Self-designed questionnaires were given to participants in their second and third trimesters to collect information on clinical and demographic characteristics, and a modified edition of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to measure AD. The logistic regression was applicated in analyses.

Results

A total of 996 pregnant women were included in analysis. Ninety-three women suffered from AD symptoms only in their second trimester, 96 only in their third trimester, and 107 displayed persistent depression in both trimesters. In the univariate analyses, age and marital relationships were linked with AD occurrence in both second and third trimester. In addition, increasing age, full-time job, higher education level, and no gender preference of spouse were associated with reduced persistent depression. Multivariate analysis showed that gender preference and marital relationship were the potential risk factors of persistent depression.

Conclusions

Age, marital relationship relationships, with parents-in-law, the negative recognition of this pregnancy and husband’s gender preference were found as risk factors of AD occurrence in some specific trimester. Gender preference of husbands and marital relationships were independently associated with persistent depression. These findings suggest that stronger family support can help improve mental health of pregnant women.
Correction to: International prospective observational cohort study of Zika in infants and pregnancy (ZIP study): study protocol
Authors: Lebov Jill F. , Arias Juan F. , Balmaseda Angel , Britt William , Cordero José F. , Galvão Luiz Augusto , Garces Ana Lucía , Hambidge K. Michael , Harris Eva , Ko Albert , Krebs Nancy , Marques Ernesto T. A. , Martinez Alexander M. , McClure Elizabeth , Miranda-Filho Democrito B. , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes , Mussi-Pinhata Marisa M. , Ochoa Theresa J. , Osorio Jorge E. , Scalabrin Deolinda M. F. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Seage George R. , Stolka Kristen , Ugarte-Gil César Augusto , Vega Carmen Milagros Velez , Welton Michael , Ximenes Ricardo , Zorrilla Carmen
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], the author mentioned that two additional NIH staff were involved in the development of the protocol who did not receive recognition in the Acknowledgments section in their published article.
A tricky and rare cause of pulmonary eosinophilia: myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Smith Maxwell , Zizzo Maurizio , Carloni Angelo , Valli Riccardo , De Marco Loredana , Foroni Moira , Palicelli Andrea , Martino Giovanni , Ascani Stefano
Published: November 2019

Background

Eosinophilic lung diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders with prominent infiltrate of eosinophils in lung interstitium and alveolar spaces. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is often present. Infections, drugs, allergens, toxic agents have to be evaluated as possible causes of eosinophilic lung infiltrates. The category of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, FGFR1 and PCM1-JAK2 represents an uncommon cause of eosinophilic lung infiltrate.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 70-year old man complaining of dry cough and dyspnea. Ground glass-opacities were seen on imaging studies and peripheral blood eosinophilia was present. A thorough step-wise patient’s evaluation led to identify the clonal nature of eosinophilia and the diagnosis of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA was made.

Conclusions

Correlation with clinical history, laboratory tests and imaging studies is essential to achieve the correct diagnosis when facing with eosinophilic lung infiltrates. A prolonged eosinophilia can cause life-threatening organ damage. Identification of PDGFRA rearrangement, as in the present case, is particularly critical given the sensitivity and excellent response to imatinib, which has completely changed the natural history of this neoplasm.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Weipiling ameliorates gastric precancerous lesions in Atp4a−/− mice
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Zi-ming , Liu Yuan-liang , Pan Hua-feng , Lin Li-zhu
Published: November 2019

Background

Altered cellular metabolism is considered to be one of the hallmarks of cancer (Coller, Am J Pathol 184:4–17, 2014; Kim and Bae, Curr Opin Hematol 25:52–59, 2018). However, few studies have investigated the role of metabolism in the development of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs). Weipiling (WPL), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treatment of GPLs. In this study, we evaluated the amelioration of GPLs by WPL and investigated the possible role of WPL in regulating glucose metabolism.

Methods

Firstly, the major components of WPL are chemically characterized by HPLC analytical method. In this study, we chose the Atp4a−/− mouse model (Spicer etal., J Biol Chem 275:21555–21565, 2000) for GPL analysis. Different doses of WPL were administered orally to mice for 10 weeks. Next, the pathological changes of gastric mucosa were assessed by the H&E staining and AB-PAS staining. In addition, TUNEL staining was used to evaluate apoptosis, and we further used immunohistochemically labelled CDX2, MUC2, ki-67, PTEN, and p53 proteins to assess the characteristic changes of gastric mucosa in precancerous lesions. The levels of such transporters as HK-II, PKM2, ENO1, MPC1, and LDHA were determined by Western blot analysis. Finally, we assessed the expression of mTOR, HIF-1α, AMPK, Rheb, TSC1 and TSC2 protein in the gastric mucosa of Atp4a−/−mice.

Results

In this work, we evaluated the protective effect of WPL on gastric mucosa in mice with precancerous lesions. The aberrant apoptosis in gastric mucosa of gastric pre-cancerous lesions was controlled by WPL (P<0.05). Furthermore, WPL suppressed the expression of CDX2, MUC2, ki-67, PTEN and p53, as the levels of these proteins decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.05). In parallel, WPL significantly suppressed the expression of transporters, such as HK-II, PKM2, ENO1, MPC1 and LDHA (P<0.05). In addition, mTOR, HIF-1a, AMPK, Rheb, TSC1 and TSC2 protein levels in gastric mucosa of Atp4a−/− mice in the high- and low-dose WPL groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05), while the expression of TSC1 and TSC2 protein was significantly higher (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Conclusively, WPL could ameliorate GPLs in Atp4a−/− mice by inhibiting the expression of transporters and suppressing the aberrant activation of mTOR/HIF-1α.
Inhibition of airway remodeling and inflammatory response by Icariin in asthma
Authors: Hu Lingli , Li Lulu , Zhang Hongying , Li Qiuping , Jiang Shan , Qiu Jian , Sun Jing , Dong Jingcheng
Published: November 2019

Background

Icariin (ICA) is the major active ingredient extracted from Chinese herbal medicine Epimedium, which has the effects of improving cardiovascular function, inducing tumor cell differentiation and increasing bone formation. It is still rarely reported that ICA can exert its therapeutic potential in asthma via anti-airway remodeling. The point of the study was to estimate the role of ICA in anti-.

airway remodeling and its possible mechanism of action in a mouse ovalbumin.

(OVA)-induced asthma model.

Methods

Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining were performed for measuring airway remodeling related indicators. ELISA, Western blot and Immunohistochemistr-.

y (IHC) were used for analyzing the level of protein. RT-PCR was used for analyzing the level of mRNA.

Results

On days 1 and 8, mice were sensitized to OVA by intraperitoneal injection. From day 16 to day 43, previously sensitized mice were exposed to OVA once daily by nebulizer. Interventions were performed orally with ICA (ICA low, medium and high dose groups) or dexamethasone 1 h prior to each OVA exposure. ICA improves pulmonary function, attenuates pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling in mice exposed to OVA. Histological and Western blot analysis of the lungs show that ICA suppressed transforming growth factor beta 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Increase in interleukin 13 and endothelin-1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in OVA-induced asthmatic mice are also decreased by ICA. ICA attenuates airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, as well as key factors in the MAPK/Erk pathway.

Conclusions

The fact that ICA can alleviate OVA-induced asthma at least partly through inhibition of ASMC proliferation via MAPK/Erk pathway provides a solid theoretical basis for ICA as a replacement therapy for asthma. These data reveal the underlying reasons of the use of ICA-rich herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine to achieve good results in treating asthma.
Ageing, frailty and resilience in Botswana: rapid ageing, rapid change. Findings from a national working group meeting and literature review
Authors: Onen Barbara Lachana , Harris Ciara , Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Davies Justine , Drouvelis Michalis , Howes Andrew , Nkomazana Oathokwa , Onen Churchill Lukwiya , Sapey Elizabeth , Tsima Billy , Lasserson Daniel
Published: November 2019

Background

The demography of Botswana is rapidly changing. Successes in tackling communicable diseases and economic development increased life expectancy from 53.7 years in 2006 to 66.8 years in 2016. The prevalence of diseases associated with older age, especially chronic non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and cerebrovascular disease are suspected to have increased but accurate data are lacking. The country has high youth unemployment and national retirement is at the age of 60, which limits the opportunity to build pensions for prosperity in older age. Changes across health, social care and economic policy are needed to prepare for a future ageing population.

Methods

This article reports on the national working group meeting outputs on issues that face older people, their families, healthcare providers, and policy makers in Botswana. A collaborative working group meeting was convened in Gaborone, Botswana on 25th September 2018 by the University of Botswana and University of Birmingham, UK, to identify key challenges and opportunities for an ageing Batswana population.

Results

There was agreement across diverse stakeholders of a need for effective and rapid policy formation to prepare and protect the future health and economy of an ageing Batswana population with a high burden of NCDs. The main priorities for policy-makers must be social care, poverty reduction and healthcare provision, conducted in an evidence-based manner, as far as practicable. To effectively achieve this, research and high-quality data collection mechanisms are required.

Conclusions

Future policy in Botswana must focus on the challenges that an ageing population brings, and development of health and care system resilience for the demographic change could be a model for healthcare policy across Southern Africa.
LncRNA DANCR promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells through miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis
Authors: Zheng Ying , Zheng Bowen , Meng Xue , Yan Yuwen , He Jia , Liu Yi
Published: November 2019

Background

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a most invasive cancer with high mortality and poor prognosis. It is reported that lncRNA DANCR has implications in multiple types of cancers. However, its biological role and underlying mechanism in TSCC progress are not well elucidated.

Methods

Our present study first investigated the function of DANCR on the proliferation, migration and invasion of TSCC cells by silencing or overexpressing DANCR. Further, the miR-135a-5p-Kruppel-like Factor 8 (KLF8) axis was focused on to explore the regulatory mechanism of DANCR on TSCC cell malignant phenotypes. Xenografted tumor growth using nude mice was performed to examine the role of DANCR in vivo.

Results

DANCR knockdown reduced the viability and inhibited the migration and invasion of TSCC cells in vitro, while ectopic expression of DANCR induced opposite effects. In vivo, the tumor growth and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 and KLF8 were also blocked by DANCR inhibition. In addition, we found that miR-135-5p directly targeted DANCR, which was negatively correlated with DANCR on TSCC progression. Its inhibition reversed the beneficial effects of DANCR silence on TSCC malignancies. Furthermore, the expression of KLF8 evidently altered by both DANCR and miR-135a-5p. Silencing KLF8 using its specific siRNA showed that KLF8 was responsible for the induction of miR-135a-5p inhibitor on TSCC cell malignancies and MMP-2/9 expression.

Conclusions

These findings, for the first time, suggest that DANCR plays an oncogenic role in TSCC progression via targeting miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis, which provides a promising biomarker and treatment approach for preventing TSCC.
Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 of Plasmodium falciparum in the China–Myanmar border region
Authors: Zhang Cang-Lin , Zhou Hong-Ning , Liu Quan , Yang Ya-Ming
Published: November 2019

Background

Malaria is a major public health problem in the China–Myanmar border region. The genetic structure of malaria parasite may affect its transmission model and control strategies. The present study was to analyse genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum by merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (MSP1 and MSP2) and to determine the multiplicity of infection in clinical isolates in the China–Myanmar border region.

Methods

Venous blood samples (172) and filter paper blood spots (70) of P. falciparum isolates were collected from the patients of the China–Myanmar border region from 2006 to 2011. The genomic DNA was extracted, and the msp1 and msp2 genes were genotyped by nested PCR using allele-specific primers for P. falciparum.

Results

A total of 215 P. falciparum clinical isolates were genotyped at the msp1 (201) and msp2 (204), respectively. For the msp1 gene, MAD20 family was dominant (53.49%), followed by the K1 family (44.65%), and the RO33 family (12.56%). For the msp2 gene, the most frequent allele was the FC27 family (80.93%), followed by the 3D7 family (75.81%). The total multiplicity of infection (MOI) of msp1 and msp2 was 1.76 and 2.21, with a prevalence of 64.19% and 72.09%, respectively. A significant positive correlation between the MOI and parasite density was found in the msp1 gene of P. falciparum. Sequence analysis revealed 38 different alleles of msp1 (14 K1, 23 MAD20, and 1 RO33) and 52 different alleles of msp2 (37 3D7 and 15 FC27).

Conclusion

The present study showed the genetic polymorphisms with diverse allele types of msp1 and msp2 as well as the high MOI of P. falciparum clinical isolates in the China–Myanmar border region.
Assessing the severity of functional impairment of psychiatric disorders: equipercentile linking the mini-ICF-APP and CGI
Authors: Egger Stephan T. , Weniger Godehard , Müller Mario , Bobes Julio , Seifritz Erich , Vetter Stefan
Published: November 2019

Background

The assessment of functioning and impairment due to psychiatric illness has been acknowledged to be crucial for research and practice. This led to the development of the mini-ICF-APP, which provides a reliable and time-efficient measure of functioning and impairment. Although its use is increasing, it remains unclear how it reflects severity and how change might be interpreted from a clinical perspective.

Methods

In a clinical sample of 3067 individuals hospitalized for mental health treatment, we used an equipercentile approach to link the mini-ICF-APP with the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI) at admission and discharge. We linked the mini-ICF-APP sum score to the CGI-S scale and the mini-ICF-APP proportional change between admission and discharge to the CGI-I scale.

Results

The mini-ICF-APP and CGI scales showed a Spearman correlation of 0.50 (p < .000). CGI-S: “borderline-ill” corresponded to a mini-ICF-APP score 1–2; “mildly-ill” to 3–7; “moderately-ill” to 8–15; “markedly-ill” to 16–24; “severely-ill” to 25–37; and “extremely-ill” to a score ≥ 38. The Spearman correlation between the percentage change of mini-ICF-APP sum score and the CGI-I was 0.32 (p > .000); “no-change” in the CGI-I corresponded to an increase or decrease of 2%; “minimally-improved” to a mini-ICF-APP reduction of 3–30%; “much-improved” to a reduction of 31–63%; “very-much-improved” to a reduction of ≥64% “minimally-worse” to an increase of 3–34% “much-worse” to an increase of 35–67%; and finally “very-much-worse” with an increase of ≥68%.

Conclusions

Our findings improve understanding of the clinical meaning of the mini-ICF-APP sum score and percentage change in patients hospitalized for treatment.
MicroRNA-451 is downregulated in the follicular fluid of women with endometriosis and influences mouse and human embryonic potential
Authors: Li Xiong , Zhang Wenbi , Fu Jing , Xu Yan , Gu Ruihuan , Qu Ronggui , Li Lu , Sun Yijuan , Sun Xiaoxi
Published: November 2019

Background

Previous work demonstrated that there are numerous miRNAs in human follicular fluids, some of which are associated with reproductive diseases. In the current study, we sought to determine whether microRNAs (miRNAs) in the follicular fluid (FF) are differentially expressed between women with and without endometriosis and to uncover the association of miRNAs with the oocyte and embryonic development potential.

Methods

FF was harvested from 30 women with endometriosis and 30 women without who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment at the University Hospital between February and December 2016. The FF samples were subjected to miRNA profiling and validation via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Mouse/human metaphase-I (MI) oocytes were harvested and micro-injected with an miR-451 inhibitor, and the effects of miR-451 knockdown on Wnt/WNT signalling genes were investigated.

Results

Oocyte number, fertilization rate, and number of available embryos were decreased significantly in women with endometriosis relative to those without endometriosis. Hsa-miR-451 in FF was downregulated in endometriosis patients relative to control subjects (P < 0.01). Moreover, the proportions of mouse/human MI oocytes that developed into 2-pronuclei (2PN), 2-cell, 8–10-cell and blastocyst-stage embryos were affected by miR-451 knockdown in mouse/human oocytes. Components of the Wnt signalling pathway were aberrantly expressed in the mouse/human oocytes and embryos in the miR-451 inhibitor-injected group.

Conclusions

miR-451 was downregulated in FF samples from endometriosis patients and was modestly effective in distinguishing endometriosis patients from non-endometriosis patients. miR-451 downregulation in mouse and human oocytes affected pre-implantation embryogenesis by suppressing the Wnt signalling pathway. This miRNA might serve as a novel biomarker of oocyte and embryo quality in assisted reproductive treatment.
Comparison and characterization of enriched mesenchymal stem cells obtained by the repeated filtration of autologous bone marrow through porous biomaterials
Authors: Chu Wenxiang , Zhuang Yifu , Gan Yaokai , Wang Xin , Tang Tingting , Dai Kerong
Published: November 2019

Background

When bone marrow is repeatedly filtered through porous material, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the bone marrow can adhere to the outer and inner walls of the carrier material to become enriched locally, and this is a promising method for MSC enrichment. In this process, the enrichment efficiency of MSCs involved in the regulation of the cell ecology of postfiltration composites containing other bone marrow components is affected by many factors. This study compared the enrichment efficiency and characterized the phenotypes of enriched MSCs obtained by the filtration of autologous bone marrow through different porous bone substitutes.

Methods

Human bone marrow was filtered through representative porous materials, and different factors affecting MSC enrichment efficiency were evaluated. The soluble proteins and MSC phenotypes in the bone marrow before and after filtration were also compared.

Results

The enrichment efficiency of the MSCs found in gelatin sponges was 96.1% ± 3.4%, which was higher than that of MSCs found in allogeneic bone (72.5% ± 7.6%) and porous β-TCP particles (61.4% ± 5.4%). A filtration frequency of 5–6 and a bone marrow/material volume ratio of 2 achieved the best enrichment efficiency for MSCs. A high-throughput antibody microarray indicated that the soluble proteins were mostly filtered out and remained in the flow through fluid, whereas a small number of proteins were abundantly (> 50%) enriched in the biomaterial. In terms of the phenotypic characteristics of the MSCs, including the cell aspect ratio, osteogenetic fate, specific antigens, gene expression profile, cell cycle stage, and apoptosis rate, no significant changes were found before or after filtration.

Conclusion

When autologous bone marrow is rapidly filtered through porous bone substitutes, the optimal enrichment efficiency of MSCs can be attained by the rational selection of the type of carrier material, the bone marrow/carrier material volume ratio, and the filtration frequency. The enrichment of bone marrow MSCs occurs during filtration, during which the soluble proteins in the bone marrow are also absorbed to a certain extent. This filtration enrichment technique does not affect the phenotype of the MSCs and thus may provide a safe alternative method for MSC enrichment.
Burden of lymphoma in China, 2006–2016: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Authors:   Union for China Leukemia Investigators of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Liu Weiping ,   Union for China Lymphoma Investigators of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Liu Jiangmei , Song Yuqin , Zeng Xinying , Wang Xiaopei , Mi Lan , Cai Cai , Wang Lijun , Ma Jun , Zhu Jun
Published: November 2019

Background

The accurate information about lymphoma burden at national and provincial levels remains unknown in China.

Methods

Following the general analytical strategy used in GBD 2016, the age-, sex-, and province-specific incidence, mortality, and prevalence of lymphoma in China were analyzed. Trends in the incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) were assessed from 2006 to 2016.

Results

It was estimated that there were 75,400 new cases and 40,500 deaths of lymphoma in 2016 in China, of which 6900 new cases and 2900 deaths were due to HL, while 68,500 new cases and 37,600 deaths were due to NHL. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate (ASMR), and prevalence rate (ASPR) per 100,000 were 0.46, 0.19, and 1.75 for HL, and 4.29, 2.45, and 14.9 for NHL, respectively. An upward trend with age in incidence and mortality was observed. Males had higher incidence and mortality rates than females in all age groups. Sociodemographic index had a correlation with the ASIR (r = 0.75), ASMR (r = − 0.74), ASPR (r = 0.84), and age-standardized DALYs (r = − 0.75) of HL, as well as with the ASIR (r = 0.80), ASPR (r = 0.83), and age-standardized DALYs (r = − 0.33) of NHL. From 2006 to 2016, the age-standardized DALYs of HL decreased significantly, while the age-standardized DALYs of NHL increased from 2006 to 2013 and remained stable from 2013 to 2016.

Conclusions

The burden of lymphoma in China showed unexpected patterns varied by sex, age, and provinces, with an increased trend of NHL and a decreased trend of HL from 2006 to 2016.
Weight estimation in Paediatrics: how accurate is the Broselow-tape weight estimation in the Nigerian child
Authors: Iloh Ogochukwu N. , Edelu Benedict , Iloh Kenechukwu K. , Igbokwe Obianuju O. , Ndu Ikenna K. , Nduagubam Obinna C. , Akubuilo Uzoamaka C. , Obumneme-Anyim Ijeoma N. , Eze Joy N. , Osuorah Chidiebere D. I.
Published: November 2019

Background

Determination of weight in children is an important aspect of their assessment. It has a wide range of usefulness including assessing their nutritional status and drug dose calculation. Despite its usefulness, weight estimation in children in certain conditions can be challenging particularly in emergency situations or in children who are severely ill or cannot stand on standard scales. The Broselow Tape which is a validated tape that is used to estimate weight based on length was developed using height/weight correlations from Western data. However, considering the variations in anthropometric measurements of children from different geographic locations, there is need to ascertain how accurate it is to estimate weight using the Broselow tape among children in Nigeria.

Aim

The study was carried out to determine the accuracy in the use of the Broselow Tape in weight estimation among Nigerian children.

Method

A total 1456 children aged 1–12 years who satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled over a 2½ year period from two tertiary health facilities in Enugu state Nigeria. Weight was taken using standard weighing scale and Broselow tape. Data collected was analysed using SPSS.

Result

Of the 1456 children studied, majority (84.2%) had normal Body-Mass-Index (BMI) while about 4.6% had a low BMI percentile for age. The mean weight difference between the two methods was not significantly different between the 1 to 6 years old category. Significant differences were observed from 7 up to 12 years. The Broselow Tape overestimated weights in 1 year old by 3.88%, 2 years 1.58%, 3 years by 2.13%, 4 years (1.94%) and 5 year (0.07%). After 5 years, the degree of overestimation rises sharply to 4.25% in 6, 9.25% in 7, 7.29% in 8 and 9.29%. 9.18, 11.61% & 6.75% in 9, 10, 11 and 12 years old respectively. The proportion of estimated weights that was within 10- 20% of the actual weight was higher in the 1-6 years age categories compared to weight estimates in older age categories.

Conclusion

Weight estimates obtained using the Broselow tape correlated better in children that are 6 years or younger compared to those in the older age categories. There is need for re-validation and/or adjustments of the Broselow tape especially in children over 6 years old.
Assessment of factors affecting tourism satisfaction using K-nearest neighborhood and random forest models
Authors: Tapak Leili , Abbasi Hamed , Mirhashemi Hamid
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to identify factors affecting the satisfaction of tourists traveling to the city of Hamadan as Asian urban tourism capital in 2018. The data a random sample of 300 tourists were collected using a designed questionnaire. We applied random-forest and K-nearest-neighborhood methods to analyze the data.

Results

The variables of society behavior, municipal equipment and cost of services were the three top rank variables in predicting tourist satisfaction. Considering the capacity of the ancient city of Hamadan for tourism, policy-makers can use our results in planning for providing a sustainable development and flourishing tourism industry in this city.
Cocaine as a rare cause of locked-in syndrome: a case report
Authors: Ali Osman , Bueno Mark G. , Duong-Pham Trinh , Gunawardhana Nuwan , Tran Dena H. , Chow Robert D. , Verceles Avelino C.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

In the United States, cocaine is a commonly used drug of abuse. It is also a recognized contributing factor for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. However, cocaine-induced basilar artery thrombosis has rarely been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 51-year-old African American woman with a history of polysubstance abuse who presented to the emergency department for acute behavior changes. Later, during admission, she had a dramatic decrease in motor strength in all extremities and a positive Babinski reflex bilaterally. The results of her toxicology reports were positive for cocaine; in addition, results of magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with acute thrombosis and subsequent infarction of the basilar artery. Her mental status improved, but she was only able to communicate via movements of her eyes.

Conclusion

Our patient developed locked-in syndrome after use of cocaine. Given the prevalence of its use in the United States, cocaine use should be included among the potential causes of locked-in syndrome.
In vitro and in vivo effects of 3-bromopyruvate against Echinococcus metacestodes
Authors: Xin Qi , Yuan Miaomiao , Li Huanping , Song Xiaoxia , Lu Jun , Jing Tao
Published: November 2019

While searching for novel anti-echinococcosis drugs, we have been focusing on glycolysis which is relied on byEchinococcusfor energy production and intermediates for other metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic implication of glycolytic inhibitors onEchinococcus. Our results demonstrate that at an initial concentration of 40 μM, all inhibitors of glycolysis used in the current experiment [3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), ornidazole, clorsulon (CLS), sodium oxamate and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene (NA-P2)] show considerable in vitro effects againstEchinococcus granulosusprotoscoleces andEchinococcus multilocularismetacestodes. Among them, 3-BrPA exhibited the highest activity which was similar to that of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and more efficacious than albendazole (ABZ). The activity of 3-BrPA was dose dependent and resulted in severe ultrastructural destructions, as visualized by electron microscopy. An additional in vivo study in mice infected withE. multilocularismetacestodes indicates a reduction in parasite weight after the twice-weekly treatment of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA for 6 weeks, compared to that of the untreated control. In particular, in contrast to ABZ, the administration of 25 mg/kg 3-BrPA did not cause toxicity to the liver and kidney in mice. Similarly, at the effective dose againstEchinococcuslarvae, 3-BrPA showed no significant toxicity to human hepatocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that interfering with the glycolysis of the parasite may be a novel chemotherapeutical option and 3-BrPA, which exhibited a remarkable activity againstEchinococcus, may be a promising potential drug against cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE).
Discontinuous finite volume element method of two-dimensional unsaturated soil water movement problem
Authors: Chen Fan , Xu Zhixiao
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a numerical approximation method for the two-dimensional unsaturated soil water movement problem is established by using the discontinuous finite volume method. We prove the optimal error estimate for the fully discrete format. Finally, the reliability of the method is verified by numerical experiments. This method is not only simple to calculate, but also stable and reliable.
Recent advances in the development of nature-derived photocrosslinkable biomaterials for 3D printing in tissue engineering
Authors: Choi Geunho , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: November 2019

Background

In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has begun to be widely used in tissue engineering. Natural biomaterials have been employed to overcome the limitations of synthetic polymers. However, their low mechanical strength and poor printability are major disadvantages. Photocrosslinking is the most promising fabrication strategy because it is non-invasive and easy to control light intensity and exposure. In this article, developments of photocrosslinkable natural biomaterials in the field of 3D printing are reviewed.

Main body

Photocrosslinkable biomaterials can be broadly classified into materials that use ultraviolet (UV) and visible lights. Many natural biomaterials such as gelatin, hydroxyapatite, silk fibroin, and pectin have been modified through acrylation, crosslinked by 365 nm UV light, and 3D printed. Riboflavin could also be used to crosslink and print collagen or decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). In the case of silk-like aneroin and modified gelatin, crosslinking is possible by forming a dityrosine bond using 452 nm visible light.

Conclusion

Despite the tremendous researches on the developments of photocrosslinkable 3D printing natural biomaterials, further efforts are necessary to develop source biomaterials with excellent biological functions and sufficient mechanical integrity.
Evaluation of sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) sporophylls from South Korea as fucoidan source and its corresponding antioxidant activities
Authors: Neri Therese Ariane N. , Rohmah Zuliyati , Ticar Bernadeth F. , Palmos Grace N. , Choi Byeong-Dae
Published: November 2019

Sporophylls from sea mustard, Undaria pinnatifida, which are by-products in seaweed production industries, were taken from Hansan Island, Tongyeong, and Gijang, Busan, and investigated for their fucoidan content and corresponding antioxidant activities. The extracted fucoidan yield from sporophylls of sea mustard samples from Tongyeong (TF) and Gijang (GF) were 12.1% and 13.6%, respectively. The antioxidant activities assessment of TF and GF extracts showed relative significant difference between samples, suggesting effect of location on bioactivities of fucoidan samples. GF was 50–68% more effective than TF against DPPH and superoxide radicals samples which may be attributed to the difference in their degree of sulfation and monosaccharide composition. Meanwhile, TF exhibited greater scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals compared to GF which could be due to protein impurities.
Identification of biomarkers for the detection of subtle brain injury after cannabis and/or tramadol administration
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M. E. , Sleem Amany A. , Youness Eman R. , Omara Enayat A.
Published: November 2019

Background

There is a need to identify biomarkers which could indicate the occurrence of brain injury in drug abuse.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase-1 (UCH-L1), a neuronal cell body injury marker, the glial protein S-100 beta (S100β), and the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as putative markers for neuronal injury due to cannabis, tramadol, or their combined use.

Materials and methods

Rats were treated with cannabis and/or tramadol subcutaneously daily for 6 weeks and UCH-L1, S100β, and GFAP were immunoassayed in the brain and serum.

Results

The results are as follows: (i) either cannabis or tramadol increased UCH-L1 and GFAP in the brain, (ii) serum UCH-L1 and GFAP increased by the highest dose of cannabis or tramadol, (iii) there was no additive effect for cannabis and tramadol on UCH-L1 or GFAP level in the brain or serum, (iv) S100β decreased in the brain by 5–20 mg/kg of cannabis and in the serum following 20 mg/kg of cannabis, and (v) S100β levels increased in the brain after 20 mg/kg of tramadol but decreased the brain and serum after both cannabis and tramadol. Cytoplasmic vacuolations, apoptotic cells, and gliosis were observed in the brain tissue of cannabis and/or tramadol-treated rats.

Conclusions

These results suggest that changes in UCH-L1, GFAP, or S100β are likely to reflect neurotoxicity and serum levels could be used to detect neuronal damage in chronic users.