bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hierarchical model for interpersonal verbal communication
Authors: Jiang Jing , Zheng Lifen , Lu Chunming
Published: October 2020

The ability to use language makes us human. For decades, researchers have been racking their minds to understand the relation between language and the human brain. Nevertheless, most previous neuroscientific research has investigated this issue from a ‘single-brain’ perspective, thus neglecting the nature of interpersonal communication through language. With the development of modern hyperscanning techniques, researchers have begun probing the neurocognitive processes underlying interpersonal verbal communication and have examined the involvement of interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) in communication. However, in most cases, the neurocognitive processes underlying INS are obscure. To tentatively address this issue, we propose herein a hierarchical model based on the findings from a growing amount of hyperscanning research. We suggest that three levels of neurocognitive processes are primarily involved in interpersonal verbal communication and are closely associated with distinctive patterns of INS. Different levels of these processes modulate each other bidirectionally. Furthermore, we argued that two processes (shared representation and interpersonal predictive coding) might coexist and work together at each level to facilitate successful interpersonal verbal communication. We hope this model will inspire further innovative research in several directions within the fields of social and cognitive neuroscience.
Risk Characterization of Environmental Samples UsingIn VitroBioactivity and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations Data
Authors: Chen Zunwei , Lloyd Dillon , Zhou Yi-Hui , Chiu Weihsueh A , Wright Fred A , Rusyn Ivan
Published: October 2020

Methods to assess environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals have primarily focused on quantification of individual chemicals, although chemicals often occur in mixtures, presenting challenges to the traditional risk characterization framework. Sampling sites in a defined geographic region provide an opportunity to characterize chemical contaminants, with spatial interpolation as a tool to provide estimates for non-sampled sites. At the same time, the use of in vitro bioactivity measurements has been shown to be informative for rapid risk-based decisions. In this study, we measured in vitro bioactivity in 39 surface soil samples collected immediately after flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in Texas in a residential area known to be inundated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants. Bioactivity data were from a number of functional and toxicity assays in 5 human cell types, such as induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells, as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Data on concentrations of PAH in these samples were also available and the combination of data sources offered a unique opportunity to assess the joint spatial variation of PAH components and bioactivity. We found significant evidence of spatial correlation of a subset of PAH contaminants and of cell-based phenotypes. In addition, we show that the cell-based bioactivity data can be used to predict environmental concentrations for several PAH contaminants, as well as overall PAH summaries and cancer risk. This study’s impact lies in its demonstration that cell-based profiling can be used for rapid hazard screening of environmental samples by anchoring the bioassays to concentrations of PAH. This work sets the stage for identification of the areas of concern and direct quantitative risk characterization based on bioactivity data, thereby providing an important supplement to traditional individual chemical analyses by shedding light on constituents that may be missed from targeted chemical monitoring.
Repeatability and agreement of total corneal and sublayer pachymetry with 2 different algorithms of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography in myopic and postphotorefractive keratectomy eyes
Authors: Latifi Golshan , Mohammadi S.Saeed
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To investigate repeatability and agreement of total corneal and sublayer pachymetry with 2 different algorithms of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in myopic and postphotorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eyes.

Setting:

Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Methods:

Total corneal, epithelial, and stromal thicknesses were measured using RTVue-XR OCT with Pachymetry + Cpwr (6.0 mm algorithm) and PachymetryWide (9.0 mm algorithm) scan patterns. The repeatability of 25 zones of 9.0 mm map and 17 zones of 6.0 mm map and the agreement between measurements of these 2 algorithms were calculated.

Results:

Ninety-five myopic and 117 post-PRK patients were evaluated. By the 9.0 mm algorithm, coefficient of variation (CoV) for total cornea was 2.33% or lesser and 2.49% or lesser and for epithelium was 5.14% or lesser and 5.18% or lesser; and by the 6.0 mm algorithm, CoV for total cornea was 1.80% or lesser and 2.59% or lesser and for epithelial thickness was 3.08% or lesser and 4.80% or lesser in myopic and post-PRK eyes, respectively. Bland-Altman mean difference for epithelial thickness was 0.69 or lesser and 1.16 or lesser and 95% limits of agreement for epithelial thickness was 6.81 or lesser and 8.56 or lesser in myopic and post-PRK eyes, respectively.

Conclusions:

Good repeatability was seen in measurements of total corneal, stromal, and epithelial thicknesses by both algorithms. Agreement of the 2 algorithms in central zone was also good. However, large range of variation in paracentral thickness measurements did not allow us to consider these algorithms as interchangeable.
Can 2 Different Fecal Calprotectin Assays be Used Interchangeably in IBD Treatment?
Authors: van Wassenaer Elsa A. , Diederen Kay , van Leeuwen Ester M.M. , D’Haens Geert R. , Benninga Marc A. , Koot Bart G.P. , Kindermann Angelika
Published: October 2020

Background:

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a biomarker for inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Interpretation of results can be complicated because of the use of different assays to determine FC.

Goals:

To assess the agreement between 2 different assays for determining FC in patients with IBD.

Methods:

Samples from adults and children with IBD were tested with 2 assays: (1) EliA 2 Calprotectin and (2) EK-Cal. Samples were uniformly tested on the same day. Interassay variability was displayed in a Bland-Altman plot. The difference in categorization of the FC result (1: 0 to 250 mg/kg, 2: 250 to 500 mg/kg, 3: >500 mg/kg) was assessed with the linear weighted κ for adults and children separately.

Results:

A total of 171 patients [mean age: 33 (range: 7 to 81); 92 (54%) female; 117 (68%) Crohn’s disease; 53 (31%) ulcerative colitis] were included. Median (interquartile ranges) FC levels were 281 mg/kg (70 to 971) (EK-Cal) and 159 mg/kg (31 to 778) (EliA 2), and the mean delta FC was 89 mg/kg. In the adult population, there was substantial agreement between the 2 assays (κ: 0.72; SE: 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.83) and for pediatric patients, the agreement was almost perfect (κ: 0.83; SE: 0.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.95). Five of 171 patients (all aged ≥17 y and all with colonic disease) had a difference of 2 categories (1 vs. 3) between assays. Interassay variability was the highest in category 3.

Conclusions:

The agreement between the EliA 2 and EK-Cal assay in this cohort of IBD patients is substantial to almost perfect. Interassay variability is higher in the highest FC category.
Phenotypic Changes of PD-1 and GITR in T Cells Are Associated With Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance
Authors: Liu Fen , Zhang Saisai , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Huang Fung Yu , Cheung Ka-Shing , Mak Lung Yi , Fung James , Yuen Man-Fung , Seto Wai-Kay
Published: October 2020

Background:

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) possess hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific immunoregulatory effects in chronic HBV infection. The role of Tregs in spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains to be determined.

Methods:

We recruited treatment-naive chronic HBV patients achieving spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance (experimental group) and matched HBsAg-positive controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using the Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation method. The frequency of Tregs and inhibitory phenotypes and immunoregulatory cytokines of Tregs were detected by flow cytometry.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients with HBsAg seroclearance (mean age: 52.40±6.00 y, 55.6% male) and 27 matched controls were recruited. Median HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in the control group were 2.80 (1.24 to 3.43) and 3.16 (1.68 to 3.85) log IU/mL, respectively. Mean frequencies of Tregs and expressions of FoxP3+ Tregs were comparable in both groups (both P>0.05). The mean expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related gene (GITR) in total CD4+ T cells were significantly downregulated in the experimental group when compared with the control group (10.62% vs. 13.85%, P=0.003; 16.20% vs. 27.02%, P=0.002, respectively). When compared with the control group, PD-1+CD4+ Tregs expression in the experimental group was significantly downregulated (13.85% vs. 10.62%, P=0.003). A similar phenomenon was noted for GITR+CD8+ Tregs (20.16% vs. 14.08%, P=0.049). Intracellular cytokine productions showed no significant differences (all P>0.05).

Conclusions:

The reduced expression of PD-1 and GITR might attenuate the immunosuppressive capability of Tregs. Decreased expression on CD4+ T cells might represent an enhanced antiviral function, playing a role in initiating the “functional cure” of chronic HBV infection.
Efficacy of DA-5204 (Stillen 2X) for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Cho Jae Ho , Yoon Hyuk , Shin Cheol Min , Park Young Soo , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho
Published: October 2020

Background/Aim:

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) alone is not satisfactory for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of DA-5204 (Stillen 2X, 90 mg of Artemisia asiatica 95% ethanol extract per tablet) and PPI combination therapy on GERD in comparison to PPI alone.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomly assigned 70 patients with endoscopically proven esophageal mucosal injury (Los Angeles classification grade A or B) into 2 groups: pantoprazole 40 mg once daily with DA-5204 twice daily (DA-5204 group) or pantoprazole 40 mg once daily with placebo twice daily (placebo group) for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was endoscopic healing rate. The secondary endpoint was sufficient relief (≥50% reduction) of symptoms using GERD Questionnaire.

Results:

Final analyses included 29 patients with the DA-5204 group and 30 patients with the placebo group. At weeks 4, there was no significant difference in the endoscopic healing rate between the 2 groups (DA-5204 vs placebo; 96.6% vs 93.3%; P = 1.000). However, the rate of residual minimal change was significantly lower in the DA-5204 group (5/28, 17.9%) than in the placebo group (17/28, 60.7%) (P 
< .001). The rates of symptom relief were not different between the DA-5204 group and the placebo group (all P > .05).

Conclusion:

Combined therapy with PPI and DA-5204 has no additional effect on the endoscopic healing rate compared to PPI alone. However, it may be beneficial in resolving minimal change.
The efficacy of Qigong exercises for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Yuqiao , Zou Jiaxi , Dan Lijuan , Zhang Renyan , Feng Quansheng
Published: October 2020

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases in the world that represents an important public health challenge nowadays. Lifestyle changes and exercise can reduce the development of fatty liver. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the treatment efficacy of Qigong for NAFLD.

Methods:

A detailed search for articles up to September 2020 will be performed to identify randomized controlled trials for Qigong in NAFLD. The following database will be used: PUBMED, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Sino Med, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, and Wanfang Databas. Grey literature will be explored and the selection of studies, data extraction and validation will be performed independently by 2 reviewers using predefined selection criteria and quality indicators. Stata V.13.0 and Review manager 5.3 software will be used for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. We will use the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence.

Results:

This research will provide a quantitative and standardized assessment of the treatment efficacy of Qigong for NAFLD.

Conclusion:

This systematic review will generate the latest evidence for determining whether Qigong has a positive treatment effect for NAFLD.

Registration number:

INPLASY202090034
Bilious pleuritis due to hepatic microwave ablation
Authors: Wu Meimei , Zhu Qi , Chen Lingling , Yan Dong
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound guided percutaneous thermal ablation has been well acknowledged in treating hepatic malignancy. Although thermal ablation is safe for the treatment, it may induce some lethal complications such as diaphragmatic injury, bile-stained pleural fistula, and bilious pleuritis.

We presented 2 cancer patients in hepatic diaphragmatic dome showed diaphragmatic injury, bile-stained pleural fistula, and bilious pleuritis after microwave ablation (MVA). The symptoms were attenuated after chest drainage and anti-infection therapy. In the literature review, 17 articles published in the recent 10 years on diaphragmatic injury after MVA for treating hepatic cancer were available. Twenty-three cases were obtained, among which 2 showed bilious pleuritis after radiofrequency treatment. Most of the lesions were adjacent to the diaphragma. Among the articles reporting the localization of lesions, most of the cases showed lesions in S8, 2 in S7, 3 in S4, and 3 in S5, respectively. Surgical recovery was required for the patients with massive diaphragmatic injury. Only 2 cases underwent thorascopic surgery. After chest drainage and anti-infection, their symptoms were attenuated to some extent.

Radiofrequency or MVA may induce pleural effusion, and special attention should be paid to the diaphragmatic injury induced by thermal ablation.
Clinical implications and nomogram prediction of long noncoding RNA FRGCA as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liao Cun , Guo Yun , Gong Yizhen , Huang Xue , Liao Xiwen , Wang Xiangkun , Ruan Guotian , Gao Feng
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer, especially colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), is associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential diagnostic and prognostic values of lncRNA FRGCA in COAD.

The data of 438 COAD patients were retrieved for analysis. Diagnostic significance was evaluated using tumor and nontumor tissues. Prognostic significance was evaluated using a Cox proportional regression model. Stratified analysis was performed to identify associations between clinical factors and lncRNA FRGCA expression. A nomogram was constructed using the clinical factors and lncRNA FRGCA for survival prediction. Enrichment analysis identified gene ontologies and metabolic pathways of mRNAs with high Pearson correlation coefficients with lncRNA FRGCA.

lncRNA FRGCA was highly expressed in tumor tissues of COAD and demonstrated diagnostic value (area under curve = 0.763, P < .0001). Prognostic significance analysis indicated that lncRNA FRGCA had prognostic value in COAD [adjusted P < .001, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.444, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.288–0.685] and high expression of lncRNA FRGCA indicated better survival in COAD. A nomogram was evaluated for prediction of survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. Enrichment analysis revealed many mRNAs involved in the structural constituents of the mitochondrial inner membrane and translational termination, protein binding, translation, ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic pathways, especially the nucleoplasm.

Differentially expressed in tumor vs nontumor tissues, lncRNA FRGCA had both diagnostic and prognostic implications in COAD, which may be associated with ribosome metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and nucleoplasm-related metabolic pathways.
Acupuncture for “poor ovarian response” of women to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Authors: Wei Wei , Liu Li-Ying , Chen Ling , Su Meng-Hua , Hong Xiao-Juan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Poor ovarian response (POR) is a high-incidence disease of women, which cause in vitro fertilization failure. Various treatment options have been proposed for women with POR to improve their ovarian response, but with little effect. In recent years, there is a wide range of applications of acupuncture in the process of in vitro fertilization. The meta-analysis and systematic review are designed to analyze whether acupuncture is effective for patients with POR.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched from inception to March 2020: Electronic databases consist of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wanfang Database. Other literature resources will also be searched including clinical trial registries, key journals, and meeting records. The results of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture therapy on POR, which are published in Chinese or English, will be embedded. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate. Data identification, data selection, data extraction, and assessment of bias risk will be completed independently by 2 or more reviewers. STATA/IC 16 will be used to perform the meta-analysis. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to evaluate the quality of our evidence. A systematic narrative synthesis will be provided if the quantitative analysis is not available.

Discussion:

This study will provide the first meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating POR. This protocol provides details to guide this study.

Conclusions:

From this review may benefit POR patients or clinical decision-makers.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020169560.
A phase I study of pharmacokinetics of trastuzumab emtansine in Chinese patients with locally advanced inoperable or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer who have received prior trastuzumab-based therapy
Authors: Ji Dongmei , Shen Weina , Zhang Jian , Cao Junning , Li Wenhua , Lam Lisa H. , Wu Fan , Wang Bei , Li Zao , Sun Guofang , Hu Xichun , Chen Shang-Chiung
Published: October 2020

Background:

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody–drug conjugate that retains the antitumor effects of trastuzumab while also delivering the cytotoxic antimicrotubule agent, DM1, directly to tumor cells that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of T-DM1 has been well characterized in Western, Asian, and Japanese patients; this single-center, phase I study (NCT03153163) examined the PK of T-DM1 and safety specifically in Chinese patients.

Methods:

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane, received open-label T-DM1 at 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Serum T-DM1 and total trastuzumab, and plasma DM1 were evaluated, and PK parameters were calculated using standard noncompartmental approaches. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed, and immunogenicity was evaluated by measuring antidrug antibodies to T-DM1.

Results:

Among 11 Chinese patients, mean (±standard deviation) PK parameters (maximum serum concentration, 77.6 ± 17.4 μg/mL; clearance 11.0 ± 2.6 mL/d/kg; terminal half-life 3.8 ± 1.0 days) were similar to those previously reported in Western and Japanese patients. One patient transiently developed antidrug antibodies, which did not appear to influence safety or PK. T-DM1 was generally well tolerated. Grade 3–4 AEs occurred in 7 patients (63.6%) and serious AEs occurred in 4 patients (36.4%). Platelet count decrease was the most common all-grade AE (10/11; 90.9%), grade 3–4 AE (5/11; 45.5%), and serious AE (3/11; 27.3%), but did not appear to be associated with any clinically significant bleeding events.

Conclusions:

T-DM1 PK in Chinese patients was consistent with those in global and Asian populations, supporting its use in patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer following progression on trastuzumab and a taxane. The safety profile of T-DM1 was consistent with prior experience.
Efficacy of different forms of Guizhi Fuling Wan on reproduction and metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liu Min , Zhu Hongqiu , Hu Xiaodan , Zhu Ying , Chen Haiyan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder in women characterized by increased androgen levels, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Western medicine is widely used for the treatment of PCOS, but patient satisfaction is low, largely due to its associated gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea and diarrhea. Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to remove blood stasis and dissipate phlegm for treating gynecological diseases that was invented by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han dynasty. In recent years, GFW has been widely used to treat patients with PCOS. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of GFW in the treatment of PCOS through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

All randomized controlled trials connected with GFW targeting PCOS will be searched in the following electronic bibliographic databases from their earliest recorded publications to December 2020 without any language restrictions: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biological Medicine Database, Wan-fang data, Chinese Technical Periodicals, and other databases. The primary outcomes include Sex hormone levels, ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and total effective rate. The secondary outcomes were Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity index, body mass index, hypertrichosis score, acne score, adverse reactions, etc. Two reviewers will independently conduct cations retrieval, de-duplication, filtering, quality assessment, and data analysis by Endnote X9.1 and Review Manager software (RevMan V.5.3). Meta-analysis and/or subgroup analysis will be performed on the included data.

Discussion:

This study will investigate the application of GFW in the treatment or prevention of PCOS, and provide a high-quality synthesis to judge whether GFW is an effective and safe intervention for PCOS.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020192405
The feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based rehabilitation for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Xie Su-Hang , Wang Qian , Wang Li-Qiong , Zhu Si-Yi , Li Yi , He Cheng-Qi
Published: October 2020

Background:

Internet-based rehabilitation can ease the progression of chronic diseases. There had been studies on internet-based rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis (OA), but them were conducted at home and ignored the potential benefits in the community setting. This study will explore the feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based rehabilitation accompanies wearable devices in the community setting for the patients with knee OA.

Methods:

An assessor-blinded randomized controlled feasibility trial will be performed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based rehabilitation program for the patients with knee OA in the community setting. Forty participants with knee OA will be recruited and randomly allocated into internet-based rehabilitation group (IRG) or control group (CG). The interventions of IRG will be performed in the community setting via web-based platform and wearable devices. The outcome measures will be conducted at baseline, and post-intervention 6 weeks, 12 weeks during the study. The feasibility will be tested by the proportion of participants who will complete the internet-based rehabilitation program within 12 weeks in IRG as well as the compliance and satisfaction. Additionally, the effectiveness of internet-based rehabilitation will be assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 11-point Numerical Rating Scale and Short Form-36 quality-of-life questionnaire.

Conclusion:

The internet-based rehabilitation program and community-based interventions is feasible and efficacy to ameliorate the osteoarthritic pain and promote the physical function and quality of life for the patients with knee OA in the community setting.

Trial registration number:

The study was registered in the clinical trial registry ChiCTR2000033397.
Cystatin C-based CKD-EPI estimated glomerular filtration rate equations as a better strategy for mortality stratification in acute heart failure
Authors: Cheang Iokfai , Liao Shengen , Yao Wenming , Lu Xinyi , Gao Rongrong , Zhou Yanli , Zhang Haifeng , Li Xinli
Published: October 2020

An increasing number of studies outline renal function as an important risk marker for mortality in acute heart failure (AHF). However, routine estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine is imprecise.

This study aims to compare the prognostic impact of CKD-EPI creatinine based equation (eGFRcr), cystatin C based equation (eGFRcyst), and creatinine–cystatin C equation (eGFRcrcyst) for the mortality stratification in AHF.

A total of 354 Patients with AHF were prospectively included between January 2012 and June 2016. Creatinine and cystatin C were measured using the same blood sample tube on admission. We quantified eGFR by the eGFRcr, eGFRcyst, and eGFRcrcyst equations. The continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to compare the discriminative prognostic value of different CKD-EPI formula.

After a median follow-up of 35 months, 161 patients (45.5%) died. Reduced eGFRcyst and eGFRcrcyst remained significant association with death after adjustment. eGFRcyst showed the best area under the curve value (0.706) for the prediction of all-cause mortality. Considering mortality reclassification, both eGFRcyst (IDI = 7.3%, P < .001; cNRI = 19.6%, P = .012) and eGFRcrcyst (IDI = 4.3%, P < .001; cNRI = 8.7%, P = .138) showed its tendency in improving risk prediction compared to eGFRcr. Compared to eGFRcrcyst showed, eGFRcyst further improved mortality stratification (IDI = 3%, P = .049; cNRI = 11.1%, P = .036).

In patients with AHF, our study demonstrates the eGFR calculated by CKD-EPI cystatin C-based equation improved the risk stratification of mortality over both creatinine-based and creatinine/cystatin C-based equations.
Comparison of oral versus intravenous tranexamic acid in total knee and hip arthroplasty
Authors: Sun Changjiao , Zhang Xiaofei , Chen Lianxu , Deng Jiuzheng , Ma Qi , Cai Xu , Yang Huadong
Published: October 2020

Background:

The efficacy and safety of oral tranexamic acid (TXA) remain controversial because of the small number of clinical studies. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral TXA with intravenous TXA in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving oral and intravenous TXA in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty up to December 2019 by searching databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Library China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database and Wanfang. The mean difference or standard mean difference was used to assess continuous outcomes such as hemoglobin (Hb) drop, total blood loss, drain blood loss, and length of hospital stay, with a 95% confidence interval. Relative risks with a 95% confidence interval were used to assess dichotomous outcomes such as transfusion rate and the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and calf muscular vein thrombosis. Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis.

Results:

Ten RCTs containing 1080 participants met the inclusion criteria. We found no significant differences in terms of the average Hb drop (P = .60), total blood loss (P = .60), transfusion rate (P = .99), drain blood loss (P = .91), length of hospital stay (P = .95), and the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (P = .55) and calf muscular vein thrombosis (P = .19) between oral and IV TXA.

Conclusions:

Compared with the IV TXA, oral TXA has similar effects on reducing the Hb drop, total blood loss, transfusion rate, drain blood loss, and length of hospital stay without increasing the risk of calf muscular vein thrombosis and deep venous thrombosis. Furthermore, oral TXA is easy to access and administer, which decreases the workload of nurses and even delivers cost-saving benefits to the health care system. We thus conclude that oral TXA may be an optimal approach in total joint arthroplasty. However, more high-quality and multicenter RCTs are still needed to confirm our conclusions.

Registration:

The current meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews), and the registration number was CRD42018111291.
To explore the risk factors and preventive measures affecting the treatment of retrosternal goiter
Authors: Li Wei , Li Huisheng , Zhang Shanling , Tao Yingjie , Wang Xudong , Cheng Junping
Published: October 2020

The definition of substernal goiter (SG) is based on variable criteria, leading to considerable variations in the reported incidence (from 0.2% to 45%). The peri- and postoperative complications are higher in total thyroidectomy (TT) for SG than that for cervical goiter. This study aimed to evaluate the preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative complications.

From 2002 to 2014, 142 (8.5%; 98 women and 44 men) of the 1690 patients who underwent TT had a SG. We retrospectively evaluated the following parameters: sex, age, histology, pre- and retro-vascular position, recurrence, and extension beyond the carina. These parameters were then related to the postoperative complications: seroma/hematoma, transient and permanent hypocalcemia, transient and permanent laryngeal nerve palsy, and the length of surgery. The results were further compared with a control group of 120 patients operated on in the same period with TT for cervical goiter (CG).

Statistical analysis (Student t test and Fisher exact test) indicated an association between recurrence and extension beyond the carina with all postoperative complications. The group that underwent TT of SG showed a statistically significant higher risk for transient hypocalcemia (relative risk = 1.767 with 95% confidence interval: 1.131–2.7605, P = .0124, and need to treat = 7.1) and a trend toward significance for transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (relative risk = 6.7806 with 95% confidence interval: 0.8577–53.2898, P = .0696, and need to treat = 20.8) compared with the group that underwent TT of cervical goiter. The major risk factors associated with postoperative complications are recurrence and extension beyond the carina.

TT is the procedure to perform in SG even if the incidence of complications is higher than cervical goiters. The major risk factors associated with postoperative complications are recurrence and extension beyond the carina.
Complementary and alternative therapies for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Wang Haiyan , Cao Panju , Ma Tao , Zhao Yongli , Xie Feiyang , Yao Chuanjiang , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2020

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease, making a unique contribution to chronic pain, edema, and limited mobility of knee joint. This disease is an important factor affecting the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been used clinically to treat KOA; however, the selection strategies of different CAM interventions in clinical practice are still uncertain, and the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of different CAM therapies using systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Methods:

According to the strategy, the authors will retrieve a total of 7 electronic databases by October 2020, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, Chongqing VIP, and Wan-fang databases After a series of screening, 2 researchers will use Aggregate Data Drug Information System and Stata software to analyze the data extracted from the randomized controlled trials of CAM therapies for the KOA. Finally, the evidence grade of the results will be evaluated.

Results:

This study will provide a reliable evidence for the selection of CAM therapies for KOA.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide references for evaluating the influence of different CAM therapies for KOA, and provide decision-making references for clinical research.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/GJMF4.
Telerehabilitation for Older Adults
Authors: Hayes Donald
Published: October 2020

Telerehabilitation (TR) uses technology to deliver physical and cognitive rehabilitation. TR supports many clinical categories pertaining to geriatric patients. Benefits from TR include reduced travel demands, longer consultation durations, and greater access to specialists for older patients. Despite these advantages many older adult patients and clinicians are reluctant to select TR as part of their care. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence supporting the use of TR in the care of older adult patients.
The Effect of Virtual Reality Applications on Balance and Gait Speed in Individuals With Alzheimer Dementia
Authors: Uğur Fatma , Sertel Meral
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of virtual reality applications on balance and gait speed in individuals with Alzheimer dementia.

Method:

The study consisted of 32 individuals diagnosed as mild or moderate Alzheimer dementia by the neurologist. The balance, fall risks, and gait speed were assessed. The training group was trained with games selected from different categories such as balance and aerobic exercises with Nintendo Wii virtual reality device for 6 weeks, 1 session of 30 minutes, 2 times a week.

Results:

The values of the 5-time sit-to-stand test and gait speed scores resulted that the training group had significantly lower scores than the control group. Tinetti balance score was decreased in the control group and increased in the training group.

Conclusion:

It is appropriate to add virtual reality applications to routine rehabilitation programs in order to increase patient's balance and gait speed in people with dementia.

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03928405
Performance on Daily Life Activities and Executive Functioning in Parkinson Disease
Authors: García-Nevares Ariana , Fernández-Baizán Cristina , Fernández García M. Paula , Menéndez-González Manuel , Mendez Marta , Fernández-Artamendi Sergio
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This study aimed to know the impact of executive functions on the performance of instrumental activities of daily living in Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 94 participants (64 PD and 30 controls).

Results:

The poor inhibitory control and verbal fluency in PD could be related to their performance on instrumental activities of daily living as poorer executive performance directly influences the motor and process skills needed to perform instrumental activities of daily living.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that rehabilitation activities for these executive tasks could be of interest for the performance of PD patients.
Intestinal Dysbiosis Correlates With Sirolimus-induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice
Authors: Han Yuqiu , Wu Li , Ling Qi , Wu Pin , Zhang Chenzhi , Jia Longfei , Weng Honglei , Wang Baohong
Published: October 2020

Background.

Long-time use of pharmacological immunosuppressive agents frequently leads to metabolic disorders. Most studies have focused on islet toxicity leading to posttransplantation diabetes mellitus. In contrast, the link between intestinal dysbiosis and immunosuppressive drug-induced metabolic disorders remains unclear.

Methods.

We established a mouse model of metabolic abnormality via sirolimus treatment. Fecal microbiota was examined using 16S rRNA gene MiSeq sequencing. Intestinal barrier function was assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran assay and mucus immunostaining. Systemic inflammation was determined using a multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay.

Results.

Sirolimus induced dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the clinical-mimicking dose of sirolimus altered the intestinal microbiota community, which was characterized by the enrichment of Proteobacteria, depletion of Akkermansia, and potential function shifts to those involved in lipid metabolism and the immune system. In addition, the clinical-mimicking dose of sirolimus reduced the thickness of the intestinal mucosal layer, increased the intestinal permeability, and enriched the circulating pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-12, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and IL-1β. Our results showed a close association between intestinal dysbiosis, intestinal barrier failure, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we demonstrated that oral intervention in the gut microbiota by Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 protected against intestinal dysbiosis, especially by depleting the lipopolysaccharide-producing Proteobacteria, and attenuated the sirolimus-induced systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.

Conclusions.

Our study demonstrated a potentially causative role of intestinal dysbiosis in sirolimus-induced metabolic disorders, which will provide a novel therapeutic target for transplant recipients.
A general mathematical method for predicting spatio-temporal correlations emerging from agent-based models
Authors: Ovaskainen Otso , Somervuo Panu , Finkelshtein Dmitri
Published: October 2020

Agent-based models are used to study complex phenomena in many fields of science. While simulating agent-based models is often straightforward, predicting their behaviour mathematically has remained a key challenge. Recently developed mathematical methods allow the prediction of the emerging spatial patterns for a general class of agent-based models, whereas the prediction of spatio-temporal pattern has been thus far achieved only for special cases. We present a general and mathematically rigorous methodology that allows deriving the spatio-temporal correlation structure for a general class of individual-based models. To do so, we define an auxiliary model, in which each agent type of the primary model expands to three types, called the original, the past and the new agents. In this way, the auxiliary model keeps track of both the initial and current state of the primary model, and hence the spatio-temporal correlations of the primary model can be derived from the spatial correlations of the auxiliary model. We illustrate the agreement between analytical predictions and agent-based simulations using two example models from theoretical ecology. In particular, we show that the methodology is able to correctly predict the dynamical behaviour of a host–parasite model that shows spatially localized oscillations.
Genome-based classification of Acidihalobacter prosperus F5 (=DSM 105917=JCM 32255) as Acidihalobacter yilgarnensis sp. nov.
Authors: Khaleque Himel Nahreen , González Carolina , Johnson D. Barrie , Kaksonen Anna H. , Holmes David S. , Watkin Elizabeth L. J.
Published: October 2020

The genus

Acidihalobacter

has three validated species,

Acidihalobacter ferrooxydans

,

Acidihalobacter prosperus

and Acidihalobacter aeolinanus, all of which were isolated from Vulcano island, Italy. They are obligately chemolithotrophic, aerobic, acidophilic and halophilic in nature and use either ferrous iron or reduced sulphur as electron donors. Recently, a novel strain was isolated from an acidic, saline drain in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia. Strain F5T has an absolute requirement for sodium chloride (>5 mM) and is osmophilic, growing in elevated concentrations (>1 M) of magnesium sulphate. A defining feature of its physiology is its ability to catalyse the oxidative dissolution of the most abundant copper mineral, chalcopyrite, suggesting a potential role in biomining. Originally categorized as a strain of

A. prosperus

, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and multiprotein phylogenies derived from clusters of orthologous proteins (COGS) of ribosomal protein families and universal protein families unambiguously demonstrate that strain F5T forms a well-supported separate branch as a sister clade to

A. prosperus

and is clearly distinguishable from

A. ferrooxydans

DSM 14175T and A. aeolinanus DSM14174T. Results of comparisons between strain F5T and the other

Acidihalobacter

species, using genome-based average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, correlation indices of tetra-nucleotide signatures (Tetra) and genome-to-genome distance (digital DNA–DNA hybridization), support the contention that strain F5T represents a novel species of the genus

Acidihalobacter

. It is proposed that strain F5T should be formally reclassified as Acidihalobacter yilgarnenesis F5T (=DSM 105917T=JCM 32255T).
Orrella amnicola sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater river, reclassification of Algicoccus marinus as Orrella marina comb. nov., and emended description of the genus Orrella
Authors: Sheu Shih-Yi , Chen Li-Chu , Yang Che-Chia , Carlier Aurelien , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: October 2020

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, ovoid to rod-shaped bacterium, designated NBD-18T, was isolated from a freshwater river in Taiwan. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, at pH 6 and in the absence of NaCl. The predominant fatty acids of strain NBD-18T were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C16 : 1
ω6c), C17 : 0 cyclo and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
ω7c and/or C18 : 1
ω6c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine. The major polyamine was putrescine. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain NBD-18T was 50.9 %. Strain NBD-18T was most closely related to

Orrella dioscoreae

LMG 29303T and

Algicoccus marinus

HZ20T at a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.7 %. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between

O. dioscoreae

LMG 29303T and

A. marinus

HZ20T was 97.7 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and an up-to-date bacterial core gene set indicated that strain NBD-18T,

O. dioscoreae

LMG 29303T and

A. marinus

HZ20T are affiliated with the same genus. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values among these three strains supported that they belong to the same genus and that strain NBD-18T represents a novel species. Thus,

A. marinus

HZ20T should be reclassified as Orrella marina comb. nov. based on the rules for priority of publication and validation. On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain NBD-18T represents a novel species in the genus

Orrella

, for which the name Orrella amnicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NBD-18T (=BCRC 81197T=LMG 31338T).
Maternal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and risk of congenital heart disease in fetus
Authors: Rai Vandana
Published: October 2020

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism, DNA synthesis and methylation. A number of studies have examined the association of maternal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism with congenital heart disease (CHD) susceptibility; however, the conclusions were contradictory. To clarify the influence of maternal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism on CHD, a meta-analysis of seventeen case- control studies was carried out. Four electronic databases - Pubmed, Google Scholars, Elsevier and Springer Link were searched upto June, 2018 for suitable articles. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to evaluate the association. Meta-analysis was performed by Mix and MetaAnalyst programs. The results of meta-analysis suggested that except co-dominant model, maternal A1298C polymorphism is risk for CHD in fetus using overall comparisons in four genetic models (C vs. A: OR= 1.19, 95% CI= 1.00-1.41, p= 0.04; CC+AC vs. AA: OR= 1.19, 95% CI= 0.97-1.4, p= 0.04; CC vs. AA: OR= 1.46, 95% CI= 1.00-2.13, p= 0.04; AC vs. AA OR= 1.13, 95% CI=0.93-1.36, p= 0.23; CC vs. AC+AA: OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.1-1.6, p=0.01). Publication bias was absent using four genetic models. In conclusion, results of present meta-analysis showed significant association between maternal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and CHD risk.
A Simple Electronic Medical Record System Designed for Research
Authors: King Andrew J , Calzoni Luca , Tajgardoon Mohammadamin , Cooper Gregory F , Clermont Gilles , Hochheiser Harry , Visweswaran Shyam
Published: October 2020

With extensive deployment of electronic medical record (EMR) systems, EMR usability remains a major source of frustration to clinicians. There is a significant need for a simple EMR software package that will enable investigators to study design and usability in a laboratory setting. We developed an open-source software package that implements the display functions of an EMR system. The user interface emphasizes the temporal display of data such as vital signs, medication administrations, and laboratory test results. It is well suited to support research about clinician information-seeking behaviors and adaptive user interfaces in terms of measures that include task accuracy, time to completion, and cognitive load. The Simple EMR System is freely available to the research community on GitHub.