bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Pediatric Palliative Care In A Low-Middle Income Country: A Descriptive Analysis of the Implementation, A challenging But Not Impossible Task
Authors: Garcia-Quintero Ximena , Parra-Lara Luis Gabriel , Claros-Hulbert Angelica , Cuervo-Suarez Maria Isabel , Gomez-Garcia Wendy , Desbrandes Francois , Arias-Casais Natalia
Published: July 2020

Background: The abyss of access to palliative care and pain management in Latin America remains to be an unaddressed global health issue. Efforts to improve the development level of Palliative Care (PC) provision have traditionally targeted services for adults, leaving the pediatric population unaddressed. Examples of such services are scarce and should be portrayed in scientific literature to inform decision-makers and service providers on models of care available to tackle the burden of Pediatric Palliative Cares (PPC) in Low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a pediatric palliative care program “Taking Care of You” (TCY), in a tertiary care university hospital in Cali, Colombia. Methods: A program’s database was built with children between 0 to 18 years old and their families, from year 2017 to 2019. Descriptive analysis to evaluate the impact of the program and service delivery was conducted. A theory-based method was directed to describe the PPC program, according to the implementation of self-designed taxonomy, mapping theoretical levels and domains. Clinical outcomes in patients were included in the analysis. Results: Since 2017 the program has provided PPC services to 1.965 children. Most of them had an oncologic diagnosis and were referred from hospitalization services (53%). The number of outpatients increased by 80% every trimester between 2017-2018. A 50% increase was reported in hospitalization, emergency, and intensive care units during the same time period. Conclusions: The program addressed a gap in the provision of PPC to children in Cali. It shows effective strategies used to implement a program, and how the referral times, coordination of care, communication with other hospital services were improved. Providing compassionate/holistic care to children with Life-limiting and threatening diseases, and in end-of-life. The implementation of this program has required the onset of specific strategies and arrangements to promote awareness and education proving it a hard task, yet not impossible.
Multi-dimensional strategic approach to the communicable diseases with systemic risks by using IT2 fuzzy decision-making modelling
Authors: Wang Shubin , Yang Peiqing , Yüksel Serhat , Dinçer Hasan , Ubay Gözde Gülseven
Published: July 2020

Background: Communicable diseases lead to significant social and financial burden for the countries. Therefore, countries should define their social and technical factors for struggling these problems. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effective strategies to minimize socio-economic burden of these diseases.Methods: For this purpose, 8 different criteria are identified based on the literature analysis. In the evaluation process, the significance levels of these factors are calculated by considering interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) DEMATEL.Results: The findings show that technological infrastructure, social distance, and tendency of obeying rules are the most significant items to control these problems. This situation explains that countries should have the necessary equipment to make the diagnosis quickly and effectively. In addition, countries that have effective laboratories in which vaccines and drugs can be developed can be more successful in combating these pandemics. Additionally, it is also defined that cultural factors play also key role to control these problems.Conclusions: In this framework, it is vital that the people in the country take the rules set by the government seriously and without exception. For this purpose, it should be explained to citizens living in the country that personal hygiene, social distance and not entering crowded environments are very important to manage these problems. For this purpose, role model people in the country can be preferred in different platforms so that it can be more effective on the citizens.
Enhanced Piezoelectricity from Highly Polarizable Oriented Amorphous Fractions in Biaxially Oriented Poly(vinylidene fluoride) with Pure β Crystals
Authors: Huang yanfei , Rui Guanchun , Allahyarov Elshad , Li Ruipeng , Fukuto Masafumi , Zhong Gan-Ji , Xu Jiazhuang , Li Zhongming , Taylor Philip , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2020

Piezoelectric polymers hold great potential for various electromechanical applications, but only show low performance, with |d33| < 30 pC/N. We prepared a highly piezoelectric polymer (d33 = -62 pC/N) based on a biaxially oriented poly(vinylidene fluoride) (BOPVDF, crystallinity = 0.52). After unidirectional poling, macroscopically aligned samples with pure β crystals were achieved, which showed an unprecedentedly high spontaneous polarization (Ps) of 140 mC/m2. Given the theoretical limit of Ps = 188 mC/m2 for the neat b crystal, the high Ps could not be explained by a simple two-phase model (i.e., the crystalline and the amorphous phases). Instead, we deduce that a significant amount (at least 0.25) of an oriented amorphous fraction (OAF) must be present between these two phases. Experimental data suggest that the mobile OAF resulted in the negative and high d33 for the poled BOPVDF. The plausibility of this conclusion was supported by molecular dynamics simulations.
Administration of Yunnan Baiyao improved clinical prognosis of emergency craniotomy in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Jiang Hongzhen , Xing Guoqiang , Guan Bing , Yang Yang , Ahmed Anwar , Ma Xiaodong
Published: July 2020

Background: Although emergency craniotomy has been performed to reduce the mortality of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is associated with secondary injury and poor prognosis. The efficacy of a wound-healing medicine Yunnan Baiyao (YB) was compared with a TBI medicine Xingnaojing (XNJ) and orthodox therapy (OT). Method: Eighty patients (39±7 yrs.) with moderate-to-severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale(GOS), 3-12) received craniotomy before randomly assigned to (n=20) 7 days treatment of: 1) OT; 2) OT+XNJ (20 ml i.v. drip/daily); 3) OT+low dose-YB (oral, 1,000 mg/day); 4) OT+high dose-YB, 2,000 mg/day). Serum S100B and superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) were evaluated.Results: GCS score was lowest on admission that improved more quickly and became significantly higher in XNJ, l-YB, h-YB groups than in OT group (P<0.01). S100B peaked higher but declined more slowly and became significantly higher in OT than in other groups (P<0.01). By Day 7, S100B declined to 20% below baseline in other groups but remained 19.4% above baseline in OT group. OT lost 38% SOD activity on Day 3 and regained 69% of SOD activity on Day 7 whereas other groups lost 16.7%~23.4% SOD on Day 3 but regained 91.8%~99.5% activity on Day 7 (P<0.01). GOS and KPS scores were significantly greater (~25%~30%) in the XNJ, l-YB, h-YB groups than in OT group 1-3 months post-surgery. Conclusion: YB is significantly better than OT and non-inferior to XNJ in improving postoperative recovery and clinical prognosis after emergency craniotomy in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.
Analysis of Six Bone-Derived Factors in Plasma and CSF of Chinese Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chen Xiang , Lin Yuwan , Chen Chaojun , Guo Wenyuan , Zhou Miaomiao , Qiu Jiewen , Zhang Zhiling , Mo Mingshu , Ding Liuyan , Ye Panghai , Wu Yijuan , Zhu Xiaoqin , Ren Yi , Yang Xingling , Zhang Xiaokang , Wu Zhuohua , Xu Pingyi
Published: July 2020

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) has a close relationship with osteoporosis and bone secretory proteins may be involved in disease progress. Objectives: To detect the six bone-derived factors in plasma and CSF of patients with PD and evaluate their correlations with CRP level, motor impairment and HY stage of the disease.Methods: We included 250 PD patients and 250 controls. Levels of OCN, OPN, OPG, SO, BMP2 and DKK-1 in Plasma and CSF were measured by custom protein antibody arrays. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Plasma levels of OCN and OPN were correlated with CRP level and HY stage and motor impairment of PD. Furthermore, the plasma assessment with CSF detection may enhance their potential prediction on PD.Conclusions: OCN and OPN may serve as potential biomarkers for PD. The inflammation response may be involved in the cross-talks between the two factors and PD.
Identification of Novel Gene Mutations in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Using Whole Exome Sequencing in Chinese Population
Authors: Jiang Xin , Chen Dong
Published: July 2020

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a common lumbar disease requiring surgery. Previous studies indicate that genetic mutation may play a part in DLSS. However, there is scarcely specific study regarding the genetic study for DLSS. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is an effective strategy to search for disease-causing genes. To identify probable susceptible genes, we performed a WES in a cohort of 50 patients and 25 controls with DLSS. By bioinformatics analyses, we successfully identified several novel variants including HLA-DRB1, PARK2, ACTR8, AOAH, BCORL1, MKRN2, NRG4, NUP205, etc. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genetic study of susceptibility genes with DLSS by WES in Chinese patients. In conclusion, our findings revealed that deleterious mutations in these genes may contribute to the development of DLSS.
Comparative proteomic analysis revealed maize (Zea mays L.) response to Setosphaeria turcica early infection
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Gong Xiaodong , Zhou Qihui , Liu Yajie , Liu Zhenpan , Han Jianmin , Dong Jingao , Gu Shouqin
Published: July 2020

Background Globally, maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop. Maize production is severely affected by northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), a destructive foliar disease caused by Setosphaeria turcica. Interaction between maize and S. turcica has not been characterised at protein level. Results We used tandem mass tag labelling and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the proteomes of maize leaves at 24 and 72 h post-inoculation (hpi) with S. turcica. In total, 4,740 proteins were quantified which encoded by 4,711 genes. Clustering analyses provided insight into the dynamic reprogramming of leaves proteomes by revealing the functions of different proteins during S. turcica infection. Screening and classification of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed that numerous defence-related proteins, including defence marker proteins, proteins related to the phenylpropanoid lignin biosynthesis, benzoxazinone biosynthesis and jasmonic acid signal pathway, participated in the defence responses of maize to S. turcica infection. Furthermore, the early induction of GST family proteins could contribute to the resistance of S. turcica. In addition, the protein–protein interaction network of DEPs suggested that some defence-related proteins, e.g. ZmGEB1, play key roles in defence responses against S. turcica infection. Conclusion This study provides insight into the complex defence responses triggered by S. turcica at the protein level, as well as a new basis for studying the interaction process between maize and S. turcica at the earlier stage of infection.
Clinical Characteristics and outcomes in HBV carriers with COVID-19 in WuHan, China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Hu Mu , Zhou Xia , Zhu Hui , Wang Feilong , Huang Jianhao , Guo Zhongliang , Li Qiang , Yin Qi , Yang Zhifeng
Published: July 2020

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease that was first reported in Wuhan, China, but has spread to all parts of the world. At the same time, because China has millions of HBV carriers, HBV infection has become a major public health problem in China. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical features of HBV carriers (AsC) infected with COVID-19 and to assess the factors that may affect the outcome during disease progression.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 72 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital. These patients were also diagnosed as HBV carriers. The epidemiological characteristics, demographic features, clinical manifestations, laboratory test, treatment, management and final outcome were collected and analyzed.Results: The median age of 72 patients is 58.5 years old, of which 55.56% (n=40) are male. 20 (30.56%) patients were severe cases and 50 (69.44%) were non-severe cases. Fever is the most common symptom, followed by cough, chest tightness and sputum. Laboratory test results including hematologic, biochemical, infection and coagulation parameters and several indicators, such as Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Total Bilirubin (TBil), Direct Bilirubin (DBil), Indirect Bilirubin (IBil), γ-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) showed difference between their admission and discharge. The level of Prealbumin (PA) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in the study showed a significant trend from high to low, which has statistical significance.Conclusions: The clinical features of HBV carriers with COVID-19 have obvious systemic symptoms, such as fever, cough, and chest tightness. Compared with liver function data on admission and discharge, SARS-CoV-2 does not directly activate the Hepatitis B virus, and the risk of liver cell damage of HBV carriers with COVID-19 does not increase. Both PA and SAA are sensitive indicators and can be used to evaluate the prognosis and outcome of these patients.
Determine the IgG and IgM antibodies created against T. gondii infections using the ELISA method in diabetic pregnant women in compared with non -diabetic pregnant women in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, west of Iran
Authors: Bahmani nasrin , Shakiba Nadia , Farhadifar Fariba , Zareei Mojde
Published: July 2020

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasitic protozoan, which is a causative agent of serious complications such as abortion or fetal still birth in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was evaluating the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and risk factors in diabetic pregnant women (case) in comparison with non-diabetic pregnant women (control) from Sanandaj, Kurdistan, west of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were tested in 91 cases as well as 90 controls from referred the Toohid hospital diabetes center using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method during June 2018 to October 2019 in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, west of Iran. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 19 and using Chi-Square and Fisher tests.Results: The seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma IgG in case group was 33% and 15.6% in the control group (p = 0.006) showing a statistically significant difference between groups, while for anti-Toxoplasma IgM (p = 0.31) showing no statistically significant differences between two groups. A significant relationship was observed between age (p = 0.024) and abortion history (p = 0.05) with anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cases and controls.Conclusion: The results of current study indicated statistically significant relationship between diabetes and toxoplasmosis. The abortion history and increase of age was found to be a major T. gondii infection risk factor.
The influenza vaccine for nursing and care professionals at emergency services in Flanders
Authors: Samyn Matthijs , Hal Guido Van , Vandevijvere Herman , Damme Pierre Van
Published: July 2020

Background: The Belgian Superior Health Council recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for people working in the health care sector in order to reduce the risk of the influenza virus being transmitted to people at risk. The aim of this study is to provide more insight into the current vaccination rate in nurses and health care professionals in emergency services in Flanders. In addition, the influence of influenza vaccination on absenteeism will be investigated, as well as the motivation to get vaccinated or not.Methods: A quantitative multicentre, cross-sectional study was carried out in which nurses and health care professionals in emergency services in Flanders were questioned by means of an online questionnaire.Results: The survey of nurses and health care professionals in Flanders from 2018 shows that 54% (294/548) gets vaccinated annually. Respondents who have been vaccinated report a lower absenteeism due to flu compared to health workers who do not get vaccinated. There is a lack of general knowledge about flu and vaccination. 34% of nurses and health care professionals in emergencies do not know the correct definition of flu. The main reasons for being vaccinated are: to protect oneself (27%), family members (21.5%) and patients (16%). Reasons for not getting vaccinated are: never having had the flu before (30%), believing you get the flu because of the vaccination (12%), no belief or trust in the vaccine (19%).Conclusions: This study shows that influenza vaccination campaigns should put the emphasis on knowledge. Nursing and care professionals should be convinced of the effective action of the vaccine. This can increase the vaccination rate for seasonal influenza and as a consequence reduce absenteeism.
Usefulness of K-line in predicting prognosis of laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Ikeda Terumasa , Miyamto Hiroshi , Akagi Masao
Published: July 2020

Background: K-line is widely recognized as a useful index to evaluate alignment and size of the cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in one parameter. The purpose of this study was to investigate that K-line could be a tool to predict the prognosis of LP for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) as well. Methods: Sixty-eight patients who underwent LP were enrolled. C2-7 angle, local kyphosis angle, and K-line which is the straight line connecting the midpoints of the spinal canal at C2 and C7 was evaluated on T2- weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The JOA score and the recovery rate of the JOA score were evaluated at pre-operation and at follow-up. C2/C7 angle, local kyphosis angle, the JOA score, and the recovery rate were compared between K-line (-) and K-line (+) groups. Results: The recovery rate of K-line (+) group (50.6%) was significantly better than that of K-line (-) (19.4%). In K-line (-), the disc type in which the protruded disc was absorbed during the follow-up showed statistically better recovery rate (27.6%) at follow-up compared to other K-line (-) in which anterior cord compression due to the osteophyte or the kyphotic beak was not absorbed (osseous type, 5.0%).Conclusion: The present study has indicated that K-line can be a factor to predict the clinical outcome of LP for CSM. In K-line (-), the disc type showed somewhat better outcomes compared to the osseous type. However, the results were not sufficient.
Gunshot Injuries: Patterns, Presentations, and Outcomes of Civilian Hospital Experiences in a Developing Country Setting
Authors: GISMALLA MOHAMED Daffalla Awadalla , Bakhiet Mohammed , Koko Mohammedbabalrahma , Kabbashi Abdelrahim
Published: July 2020

BackgroundGunshot injuries are considered a burden as well as one of the intricate emergencies in civilian medical practice. In this study we aim to determine the pattern of presentation and management outcome in a general hospital in a sub-Saharan country.MethodsThis is a retrospective, hospital-based study conducted between January 2015- December 2019 in a general teaching hospital, to review the clinical presentation and management outcome of gunshot injuries. All patients’ records were reviewed during the study period.ResultsOne hundred fifty-seven patients were included in the study, with male predominant 83%. 40% are between 19-30 years of age, with patients under 18 years of age comprising 17% of the population. The anatomical sites most commonly affected by gunshot were the lower limb (41.4%) and upper limb (22.9%), and the least impacted site is the perineum (1.9%). The most common diagnoses among the patients in this study were limb fractures (49.7%) and soft tissue injuries (28.7%). Specific treatment in this study is wound debridement, which was done for 91 (58.0 %) patients. Bone fixation, laparotomy and chest tube insertion were done for the rest of the patients. More than 120 (75%) of patients were treated and discharge in a good condition and 27 (17.2%). The mortality rate in this study group was 15.3 %.Conclusion Most of the patient in this study were young males. Upper and lower limb fractures are the most common presentations. Wound debridement, bone fixation and laparotomy are the most common treatments with significant success rates, despite prolonged hospital stay.
In Silico Approach of Potential Phytochemical Inhibitor from Moringa oleifera, Cocos nucifera, Allium cepa, Psidium guajava, and Eucalyptus globulus for the treatment of COVID-19 by Molecular Docking
Authors: Fitriani Ika Nur , Utami Wiji , Zikri Adi Tiara , Santoso Pugoh
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. COVID-19 has devastating effects on people in all countries and getting worse. We aim to investigate an in-silico docking analysis of phytochemical compounds from medicinal plants that used to combat inhibition of the COVID-19 pathway. There are several phytochemicals in medicinal plants, however, the mechanism of bioactive compounds remains unclear. These results are obtained from in silico research provide further information to support the inhibition of several phytochemicals.
Methods

Molecular docking used to determine the best potential COVID-19 M pro inhibitor from several bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera, Allium cepa, Cocos nucifera, Psidium guajava, and Eucalyptus globulus. Molecular docking was conducted and scored by comparison with standard drugs remdesivir. ADME properties of selected ligands were evaluated using the Lipinski Rule. The interaction mechanism of the most recommended compound predicted using the STITCH database.
Results

There was no recommended compound in Moringa oleifera as a potential inhibitor for COVID-19. Oleanolic acid in Allium cepa, α-tocotrienol in Cocos nucifera, asiatic acid in Psidium guajava and culinoside in Eucalyptus globulus were the most recommended compound in each medicinal plant. Oleanolic acid was reported to exhibit anti-COVID-19 activity with binding energy was − 9.20 kcal/mol. This score was better than remdesivir as standard drug. Oleanolic acid interacted through the hydrogen bond with HIS41, THR25, CYS44, GLU166. Oleanolic acid binding with CASP-3, CASP-9, and XIAP signaling pathway.
Conclusions

Oleanolic acid in Allium cepa found as a potential inhibitor of COVID-19 M-pro that should be examined in future studies. These results suggest that oleanolic acid may be useful in COVID-19 treatment.
Plastic in global rivers: are floods making it worse?
Authors: Roebroek Caspar T.J. , Harrigan Shaun , Emmerik Tim van , Baugh Calum , Eilander Dirk , Prudhomme C. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: July 2020

Riverine plastic pollution is of global concern due to its negative impact on ecosystem health and human livelihood. Recent studies show a strong link between river discharge and plastic transport, but the role of floods is still unresolved. We combined high resolution mismanaged plastic waste data and river flood extents with increasing return periods to estimate flood-driven plastic mobilisation, aggregated at administration unit, country and global scale. We show that 10-year return period floods already tenfold the global plastic mobilisation potential compared to non-flood conditions. In the worst affected regions, plastic mobilisation increases up to five orders of magnitude. Our results suggest a high inter-annual variability in plastic mobilisation, previously ignored by global plastic transport models. Flood defences reduce plastic mobilisation substantially, but regions vulnerable to flooding often coincide with high plastic mobilisation potential during floods. Consequentially, clean-up and mitigation measures and flood risk management are inherently interdependent and need to be managed holistically.
Percutaneous fully endoscopic surgical management of the ruptured epidural catheter: Rescue of the young anesthesiologist from his dilemma
Authors: Kong Weijun , Cao Guangru , Liu Dexing , Du Qian , Wei Yiyong , Liao Wenbo
Published: July 2020

Background

Epidural nerve block and analgesia are basic operation techniques for anesthesia. Epidural catheter rupture and partial retention are adverse events and rare complications of epidural catheterization technology. The probability of occurrence when applied by young doctors is high. Removal of the residual catheter by conventional surgery causes more trauma and bleeding, slows recovery, and causes medical disputes. These events also challenge the growth of young doctors. Some hospitals have almost eliminated this operation technique. All surgical patients undergo intubation and general anesthesia, which greatly wastes medical resources and increases patient costs.
Objective

To analyze the efficacy and safety of removing the residual dural catheter by a percutaneous endoscopic technique and discuss the clinical technique and precautions.
Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 7 patients with ruptured epidural catheters treated in our department from October 2015 to October 2019 using the percutaneous spinal endoscopic technique to remove the remaining epidural catheter. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, surgical complications, and neurological symptoms before and after surgery were recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to assess the anxiety level of the anesthesiologist and the patient before and after the catheter removal operation, and the postoperative low back pain VAS score was recorded.
Results

The remaining epidural catheter was successfully removed from all 7 patients. The operation time was 54.14 ± 14.45 (32–78) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 9.134 ± 3.078 (5–15) ml. There were no cases of dural damage, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, sensorimotor dysfunction of the lower limbs, or bowel dysfunction. The anxiety symptoms of the patient and the anesthesiologist disappeared after removal of the residual epidural catheter. The patients' postoperative back pain VAS score was 0 to 2 points.
Conclusion

Percutaneous spinal endoscopy is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for removing residual epidural catheters. It causes less trauma and less bleeding, allows a faster recovery, and has a low cost. It does not affect the recovery of patients from other surgical operations and reduces both medical risks and medical costs. At the same time, it avoids or reduces the occurrence of medical disputes and eliminates the pressure on young anesthesiologists regarding similar adverse events.
Ameliorative Effects of Nano-Selenium Against Fluoride Stress Induced Hepatocytes Autophagy and Apoptosis in Mice
Authors: Wang Yajing , Liu Bingxian , Han Qingyue , Mehmood Khalid , Nabi Fazul , Chang Yung-Fu , Tang Zhaoxin , Li Ying , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
DNP-Supported Solid-State NMR Studies of 13C,15N,29Si-Enriched Biosilica of Cyclotella Cryptica and Thalassiosira Pseudonana
Authors: Ehren Helena , Kolbe Felicitas , Paioni Alesandra Lucini , Brunner Eike , Baldus Marc
Published: July 2020

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy represents a powerful method for the investigation of diatom biosilica but detailed studies regarding its chemical composition and structural organization can be prohibited by insufficient spectroscopic sensitivity. Here, we used two-dimensional (2D) Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP)-supported solid-state NMR experiments to obtain information about the molecular composition and supramolecular organization of proteins and carbohydrates in13C,15N,29Si-labeled biosilica of C. cryptica. As a reference, we conducted DNP experiments on isotope-labeled biosilica of T. pseudonana. DNP-enhancement factors for different NMR signals, and thus, for different organic compounds, provide information about the supramolecular architecture of the biosilica. In addition, DNP-supported heteronuclear nitrogen-carbon correlation experiments allowed us to prove the presence of different LCPAs (long chain polyamines) and revealed the occurrence of amine-nitrogen moieties exhibiting a correlation with carbonyl carbons that may indicate cross-linking of LCPAs to proteins as previously seen in studies on proteins extracted from other diatoms.
Psychometric Validation Of The French Self And Proxy Versions Of The PedsqlTM 4.0 Generic Health-Related Quality Of Life Questionnaire For 8 To 12 Year-Old Children.
Authors: Amedro Pascal , Huguet Helena , Macioce Valerie , Dorka Raphael , Auer Annie , Guillaumont Sophie , Auquier Pascal , Abassi Hamouda , Picot Marie-Christine
Published: July 2020

Background: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 (PedsQLTM4.0) is a generic health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) questionnaire, widely used in pediatric clinical trials but not yet validated in France. We performed the psychometric validation of the self and proxy PedsQLTM4.0 generic questionnaires for French children aged 8 to 12 years old. Methods: The multicenter prospective study included 123 children and their parents with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 97 controls. Results: Test–retest reliability intra-class correlation coefficients were mainly in good range (0.49-0.66) for both self and proxy reports. Face validity was very good among parents (0.85) and children (0.75). Content validity was good (0.70), despite misinterpretation of some items. In construct validity, each subscale had good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α >0.72 in self-reports, >0.69 in proxy-reports). In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit statistics rejected the original structure with 4 factors. The exploratory factor analysis revealed an alternative two-factor structure corresponding to physical and psychological dimensions. Convergent validity was supported by moderate (>0.41) to high correlations (0.57) between PedsQL and Kidscreeen questionnaires for physical, emotion and school dimensions. The ability of the PedsQL to discriminate CHD severity was better with physical, social and total scores for both self-reports and proxy-reports.Conclusions: The PedsQLTM4.0 generic self and proxy HR-QoL questionnaires found good psychometric properties, with regard to acceptability, responsiveness, validity, and reliability. This instrument appeared to be easy to use and comprehend within the target population of children aged 8 to 12 years old and their parents. Trial registration: This study was approved by the South-Mediterranean-IV Ethics Committee and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01202916) on 16 Sepetmber 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01202916.
Is Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Technique in Distal Radius Plating Surgery a Comfortable Procedure? A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Lu Chun-Kuan , Liu Wen-Chih , Lu I-Chen , Chang Chung-Chia , Shih Chia-Lung , Fu Yin-Chih , Jupiter Jesse Bernard
Published: July 2020

Background: Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) is a promising technique for bony procedure in recent years. During distal radius surgery via WALANT technique, surgeons may concern about intraoperative pain. This prospective case-control study was aimed to compare the intraoperative hemodynamic changes between WALANT technique and general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing distal radius plating surgery.Methods: We recruited 40 adults with distal radius fracture underwent plating using the WALANT technique (group A) or general anesthesia (group B). Each group comprised 20 patients with similar demographics. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were recorded in both groups. Intraoperative pain intensity was measured by numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain in group A.Results: The NRS decreased significantly compared with preoperative status in group A for most of the intraoperative period. The intraoperative MAP in group A showed no significant change among each peri-operatively period. In addition, group A showed less peri-operative MAP fluctuation than group B (p< 0.05). The intraoperative changes in HR showed significant changes between group A and B during reduction, plating and skin closure. The reduction and plating quality were similar between each group.Conclusions: Patients undergoing distal radius plating surgery via WALANT technique has a lower MAP changes. Distal radius plating surgery using the WALANT technique is a well-tolerated surgical procedure and showing the similar reduction and plating quality to through GA.
Distinct role of 5’UTR sequences in dendritic trafficking of BDNF mRNA: additional mechanisms for the BDNF splice variants spatial code.
Authors: Colliva Andrea , Tongiorgi Enrico
Published: July 2020

The neurotrophin Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is encoded by multiple bipartite transcripts. Each BDNF transcript is composed by one out of eleven alternatively spliced exons containing the 5’untranslated region (UTR), and one common exon encompassing the coding sequence (CDS) and the 3’UTR with two variants (short and long). In neurons, BDNF mRNA variants have a distinct subcellular distribution, constituting a “spatial code”, with exon 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 located in neuronal somata, exon 4 extending into proximal dendrites, and exon 2 and 6 reaching distal dendrites. We previously showed that the CDS encodes constitutive dendritic targeting signals (DTS) and that both the 3’UTR-short and the 3’UTR-long contain activity-dependent DTS. However, the role of individual 5’UTR exons in mRNA sorting remains unclear. Here, we tested the ability of each different BDNF 5'UTRs to affect the subcellular localization of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter mRNA. We found that exon 2 splicing isoforms (2a, 2b, and 2c) induced a constitutive dendritic targeting of the GFP reporter mRNA towards distal dendritic segments. The other isoforms did not affect GFP-mRNA dendritic trafficking. Though a bioinformatic analysis, we identified five unique cis-elements in exon 2a, 2b, and 2c which might contribute to building a DTS. This study provides additional information on the mechanism regulating the cellular sorting of BDNF mRNA variants.
Adaptive Multi-Modal Fusion Instance Segmentation for CAEVs in Complex Conditions: Dataset, Framework and Verifications
Authors: Peng Pai , Geng Keke , YIN Guodong , Lu Yanbo , Zhuang Weichao , Liu Shuaipeng
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to develop an end-to-end sharpening mixture of experts (SMoE) fusion framework to improve the robustness and accuracy of the perception systems for CAEVs in complex illumination and weather conditions. Three original contributions make our work distinctive from the existing relevant literature. First, we introduce the Complex KITTI dataset which consists of 7481 pairs of modified KITTI RGB images and the generated LiDAR dense depth maps, this dataset is fine annotated in instance-level with our proposed semi-automatic annotation method. Second, the SMoE fusion approach is devised to adaptively learn the robust kernels from complementary modalities. Finally, we implement comprehensive comparative experiments, the results show that our proposed SMoE framework yield significant improvements over the other fusion techniques in adverse environmental conditions.
Dose Effect of Caffeine Ingestion on Cardiac Parasympathetic Reactivation Following an Acute Bout of Anaerobic Performance Exercise in Recreational Athletes
Authors: Sarshin Amir , Naderi Alireza , Cruz Carlos Janssen Gomes da , Feizolahi Foad , Forbes Scott C. , Candow Darren G. , Mohammadgholian Ebrahim , Amiri Mehrdad , Jafari Naghmeh , Rahimi Alireza , Alijani Eidi , Earnest Conrad P.
Published: July 2020

Background: To examine the dose effects of caffeine ingestion on autonomic reactivation following anaerobic exercise. Methods: Recreationally active males (N=20; 24±2y) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study where participants ingested: (1) Control (CON; no supplement), (2) a non-caffeinated placebo (PLA), (3) 3-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF3) or (4) 6-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF6) prior to a Wingate testing. Parasympathetic (lnRMSSD, primary outcome) and global HRV (lnSDNN, secondary outcome) were assessed at rest (i.e., pre-ingestion), 45-min post-ingestion, and 5-min and 35-min post-exercise recovery. We used a GLM to assess mean (95% CI) changes from pre-ingestion baseline.Results: Overall, we observed a significant trend for lnRMSSD and lnSDNN (both, p=0.001, ηp2=0.745). Forty-five minutes after treatment ingestion, we observed a significant increase in lnRMSSD for CAF3 (0.15ms, 95%CI, 0.07,0.24) and CAF6 (0.16ms, 95%CI, 0.06,0.25), both being significant (both, p<0.004) vs. CON (-0.02ms, 95%CI, -0.09,0.04). Five-minutes after exercise, all treatments demonstrated significant declines in lnRMSSD vs. baseline (all, p<0.001). After 35-min of recovery, lnRMSSD returned to a levels not significantly different than baseline for CAF3 (0.03ms, 95%CI, -0.05, 0.12) and CAF6 (-0.03ms, 95%CI, -0.17, 0.10), while PLA (-0.16ms, 95%CI, -0.25, -0.06) and CON (-0.17ms, 95%CI, -0.28, -0.07) treatments remained significantly depressed. A similar pattern was also observed for SDNNConclusion: Caffeine ingestion increases resting cardiac autonomic modulation and accelerates post-exercise autonomic recovery after a bout of anaerobic exercise test in recreationally active young men. However, no differences between caffeine doses on cardiac autonomic reactivity were observed.
The Prognosis of Eighth Edition TNM Staging System IB (Invasive Component Size ≤ 2 cm) Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer After Sublobar Resection
Authors: Choi Si Young , Moon Mi Hyoung , Moon Youngkyu
Published: July 2020

Background. Sublobar resection is sometimes performed as a surgical treatment for small peripheral tumors. However, there is a question about whether sublobar resection is adequate treatment when visceral pleural invasion is diagnosed postoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of patients with small-sized stage IB non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after sublobar resection.Methods. From January 2010 to December 2018, 227 consecutive patients with eighth edition TNM stage IB NSCLC (per the joint staging system of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the American Joint Committee on Cancer) underwent curative surgery. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared between the sublobar resection group and the lobectomy group. The sublobar resection group included only small-sized (invasive component size ≤ 2 cm) NSCLC.Results. In all study patients, clinicopathological characteristics between the sublobar resection and lobectomy groups were not different except in maximum standardized uptake value and invasive component size. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 80.7% after sublobar resection and 73.4% after lobectomy (P = .349). The 5-year overall survival rate was 87.3% after sublobar resection and 84.8% after lobectomy (P = .503). In patients with small-sized NSCLC, the clinicopathological characteristics were not different between the sublobar resection group and the lobectomy group. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 80.7% after sublobar resection and 72.3% after lobectomy (P = .417). The 5-year overall survival rate was 87.3% after sublobar resection and 91.2% after lobectomy (P = .956). Sublobar resection was not a risk factor for recurrence in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions. The prognosis of sublobar resection in patients with small-sized stage IB NSCLC was comparable with lobectomy. Thus, additional completion lobectomy may not be essential in this setting, despite postoperative upstaging from T1 to T2a.
PD-1, TIM-3 and LAG-3 Expression in T Cells in a Patient with Recurrent Ossifying Fibroma. A Case Report.
Authors: García-Muñoz Alejandro , Nieto-Velázquez Nayeli Goreti , Damian-Morales Gabriela , Liceaga-Escalera Carlos , Montoya-Perez Luis Alberto , Cruz-Vélez Madeleine , Gómez-Hernández Pabel Antonio , Trejo-Iriarte Cynthia , Pastelin-Palacios Rodolfo , Moreno-Eutimio Mario Adán
Published: July 2020

Background: Central ossifying fibroma is a benign, slow-growing tumor of mesenchymal origin with a predilection for the mandibular premolar and molar areas. The immunophenotype of T cells involved in the antitumor response against this benign tumor is unknown.Case presentation: In this case report, we described a case of a 48-year-old woman presenting with a very large recurrent ossifying fibroma in the mandible, which was successfully treated with hemimaxillectomy. In addition, we evaluated the expression of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), CD69 (activation inducer molecule) and CD25 (α chain of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor) in T cell populations from the tumor and peripheral blood of this uncommon lesion.Conclusions: The patient presented recurrent ossifying fibroma, and the tumor-infiltrating and peripheral blood T cells showed expression of PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3, suggesting an exhausted T cell response.
Measuring Greenery Supportiveness in Park for Physical Activity Using Smartphone Panoramic Image and a Green Vegetation Extraction Index
Authors: Yu Xinyang , Huo Wenqian , Niu Beibei , Zhao Maosen
Published: July 2020

Physical activity in urban park contributes substantial health benefits for people. However, due to the absence of profile image systems, objective assessment of greenery supportiveness in park from people’s view is rare or even nonexistent. Manager and planner’s ability to manage and plan park landscapes effectively and efficiently is, therefore, limited. Typical smartphone, such as iPhone, has been widespread used to facilitate daily life. Image captured using panoramic mode in smartphone may be an alternative that can provide profile views of park landscape and greenery, yet no research seems available in literature. We investigated the feasibility of typical smartphone captured panoramic image and proposed a green vegetation extraction index (GVEI) for quantitatively depicting and monitoring the park greenery. A five-kilometer loop road network in Homestead, Florida, whose length and width are similar to the park trail, was selected as the test bed. The iPhone Xs was operated to take panoramic images of one hundred randomly selected investigation sites. Google Street View panoramic images acquired in the identical sites were downloaded and processed as comparison. The results demonstrated that the smartphone panoramic image is time-sensitive and well suited for assessing the trail-level greenery. The GVEI is an objective measurement indicator of trailside greenery. The smartphone panoramic image in combination with GVEI can be used to better understand the greenery supportiveness for physical activity and guide greenery planning in urban park.
Economic Fluctuations and Urban-rural Differences in Educational Inequalities in Mortality in Three Baltic Countries and Finland in 2000–2015: A Register-based Study
Authors: Leinsalu Mall , Baburin Aleksei , Jasilionis Domantas , Krumins Juris , Martikainen Pekka , Stickley Andrew
Published: July 2020

We examined urban-rural differences in educational inequalities in mortality in three Baltic countries and Finland in the context of macroeconomic changes. Educational inequalities among 30–74 year olds were examined in 2000–2003, 2004–2007, 2008–2011 and 2012–2015 using census-linked longitudinal mortality data. We estimated age-standardized mortality rates and the relative and slope index of inequality. Overall mortality rates were larger in rural areas except among Finnish women. Relative educational inequalities in mortality were often larger in urban areas among men but in rural areas among women. Absolute inequalities were mostly larger in rural areas. Between 2000–2003 and 2012–2015 relative inequalities increased in most countries while absolute inequalities decreased except in Lithuania. In the Baltic countries the changes in both relative and absolute inequalities were more favourable in urban areas; in Finland they were more favourable in rural areas. The overall pattern changed during the reccessionary period between 2004–2007 and 2008–2011 when relative inequalities often diminished or the increase slowed, while the decrease in absolute inequalities accelerated with larger improvements observed in urban areas. Despite substantial progress in reducing overall mortality rates in both urban and rural areas in all countries, low educated men and women in rural areas in the Baltic countries are becoming increasingly disadvantaged in terms of mortality reduction.
Anaotmical variability in the position of cystic artery and its affect on surgical approach during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Wasi Muhammad Samir Irfan , Fateh Omer , Bukhari Syed Muhammad Abdullah
Published: July 2020

Background: The laparoscopic view of extrahepatic biliary tract and cystic artery is different anatomically from open approach. Consequently iatrogenic injuries due to inadverent damage to cystic artery are not uncommon. These complications can be prevented by careful dissection in Calots triangle and better knowledge of laparoscopic anatomy of cystic artery and its variations. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of variation in position of cystic artery in relation to cystic duct in Asia’s largest slum area. This will help identify the safe area for dissecting peritoneum in Calots triangle and thus help young surgeons overcome the long learning curve associated with laparoscopy.Methods: During a 2 year period from 2018-2019, 192 laparoscopic cholecystectomies that were performed at a tertiary care hospital were studied. Patients above the age of 70 years, pregnant females, patients with history of previous abdominal surgery and the cases of conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy were excluded from the study. Cystic artery was divided into four groups based on its relative position to cystic duct. It includes superomedial, superolateral, anterior and absent cystic artery relative to the cystic duct.Results: Out of 192 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 174 (90.62%) patients had cystic artery superomedial to cystic duct and 10 (5.208%) had a cystic artery at superolateral position to cystic duct. In 5 (2.6%) patients it was found anterior to cystic duct and in 3 (1.56%) patients it was absent.Conclusions: As the least common position of cystic artery was found to be anterior to cystic duct in our study, it is concluded that blind dissection from anterior side is the safest approach to avoid injury to cystic artery. This technique can help young surgeons overcome the long learning curve associated with laparoscopy.