bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between early maladaptive schemas and violence against women among a representative sample from a Lebanese population: Results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rahme Clara , Haddad Chadia , Akel Marwan , Khoury Chloe , Obeid Hala , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: January 2020

Objective: The study objectives were to trace a linkage between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and Violence against Women (VAW) in this specific Lebanese patriarchal context while undertaking this research on a larger scope of those Lebanese women who don’t have a choice to act against Violence. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on Lebanese women between September and December 2018. Participants enrolled in this study were from all of Lebanon's governorates and selected using an equitable representative sample. Results: Being divorced (Beta=12.11), having a partner addicted to substance (Beta=9.64), to alcohol (Beta=5.03), to gambling (Beta=4.78), have a history of threats, violence, assaults and crimes (Beta=8.45), higher child physical abuse scale (Beta=1.58), higher child sexual abuse scale (Beta=3.77), higher child psychological abuse scale (Beta=0.25), higher Stressful life experiences (Beta=0.24), higher social isolation (Beta=0.43), higher emotional deprivation (Beta=0.42), higher subjugation (Beta=0.31) and higher failure (Beta=0.52) were significantly associated with greater partner physical and non-physical abuse. Conclusion: This current research suggests a positive correlation between violence against women and the activation of early maladaptive schemas.
Longitudinal trends in the use of psychotropic medications in a Spanish pediatric population
Authors: Palanca-Maresca Inmaculada , Ruiz-Antorán Belén , Sol Pablo del , Centeno-Soto Gustavo Adolfo , Murillo Lourdes García , Forti-Buratti María Azul Forti-Buratti María Azul , Lopez Arantxa Sancho , Javaloyes Laura , Izquierdo Angela , Hertzmann Luz María Solari , Avendaño-Solá Cristina
Published: January 2020

Background: An increase in prescription of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents has been reported in some countries. We report the evolution in a Health Area in Spain in the period 2013-2017. To describe psychopharmacologic prescriptions and the users’ profile in a paediatric population attending a Mental Health Care Service and its evolution between 2013-2017. Methods: An observational, longitudinal study was conducted. All Electronic Medical Records of the paediatric population (0-18 years) attending our Mental Health Area during this period were included. Each year is treated as a specific cohort including all patients attended during that year in order to perform a trend analysis over the 5 years period. Demographic data, psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic prescription were collected for all patients attended. Results: A total of 4,228 individual patients were included with a mean of 1.011 individual patients in each year cohort. The rate of ADHD patient receiving pharmacological treatment increased up to 85.1% in 2017. The use of antidepressants increased, along with its use in disorders other than depression such as ADHD. Antipsychotics use increases in patients with diagnosis such as depression or eating disorders. The rate of patients receiving more than one type of psychotropics (20%) shows a significant increasing trend during years 2013-2017. Conclusions: In our sample, psychotropic prescriptions is high and shows a significant increasing trend in the period 2013-2017.There is a strong need to improve our scientific knowledge about the effectiveness and long term safety of the use of psychotropics in children and adolescents.
Season, Weather, Arthritis, Dermatitis, and Cardiovascular Abnormalities – Systemic Diseases Caused by Foot Fungal Infection and Its Secreted Proteins, Case Report
Authors: ZHU CHARLES XIAOXIANG
Published: January 2020

Background The cause of many rheumatic diseases is still unknown. Some Infections might play a role, but the causative evidence is far from definitive. In this arthritic case, an association between a chronic foot fungal infection with Aspergillus sydowii (Aspsy) and arthritis was initially suggested when the treatment of foot hyperkeratosis-like lesions (Xiangya lesions) provoked multiple joints arthritis symptoms. In order to find the association of fungal infection and arthritis, data from scrupulous observations of plantar lesions, arthritic symptoms, and weather features in events of the fungal infection relapses, foot lesion manipulation, or subcutaneous injection of fungal secreted proteins were gathered and analyzed in three years. Case presentation Of the patient, relapses of the fungal infections on Xiangya lesions often occurred after rainy and humid days in winter and spring. Significant relapses of the infection aggravated the symptoms of arthritis within a few days, and the symptoms gradually improved in 2-3 weeks after the remission of fungal infection by topical antifungal treatment. Also, repeated trimming/debriding Xiangya lesion or subcutaneous injection of fungal secreted proteins also induced the arthritis symptoms similar to those of foot fungal infections. Arthritis Dermatitis, bradycardia, hypertension, and elevated blood monocytes were concurrent abnormalities. Topical methotrexate on the fresh trimmed plantar lesions was able to prevent and relieve arthritis. Conclusions Active fungal infections on plantar Xiangya lesions were associated with cold and humid weather in winter-spring or partial lesion debridement. The active fungal infections induced and exacerbated arthritis, dermatitis, and cardiovascular abnormalities. Fungal secreted proteins may mediate the fungal pathogenicity. Effective treatments of the fungal infection improved arthritis and dermatitis. These pathological characteristics have not been described before and could be a new disease, or one of the unknown pathogenic mechanisms for some known rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The results of this research may provide an insight into a novel pathogenic mechanism for some chronic arthritis and may shed light on further clinical studies on the pathogenesis and environmental factors of some rheumatic diseases. Keywords: Arthritis of fungal protein, Aspergillus skin infection, rheumatic diseases pathogenesis, methotrexate, case report
Association of MC4R (rs17782313) with diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Korean men and women
Authors: Sull Jae Woong , Sull Jae Woong , Kim Gitae , Jee Sun Ha
Published: January 2020

Background Diabetes is mostly assessed by the fasting glucose level. Several studies reported that serum fasting glucose levels are causally associated with MC4R. Methods A total of 4,294 subjects participated in this study. We used multivariate linear regression models and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Individuals with the TC/CC genotype had a 1.29-fold higher risk of diabetes than did those with the TT genotype when adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.60). For healthy subjects, the association was significant in females (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.01-3.93). Male participants with the TC/CC genotype had a 1.21-fold higher risk of cardiovascular disease than did those with the TT genotype when adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.41). The relationship between MC4R and cardiovascular disease was stronger in lean male individuals (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12–1.74, p = 0.0028) than in obese male subjects. Conclusions This study suggests that the rs17782313 SNP in MC4R is related to diabetes and the SNP is also associated with cardiovascular disease in lean male individuals.
A special cranial nucleus (CSF-contacting nucleus) in primates
Authors: Song Si-Yuan , Li Ying , Zhai Xiao-Meng , Lu Lei-Lei , Li Yue-Hao , Bao Cheng-Yi , Shan Cheng-Jing , Hong Jia , Cao Jun-Li , Zhang Li-Cai
Published: January 2020

Background: In higher-order animal brains, twelve pairs of cranial nuclei are known, each performing specific functions. Past 30 years of our studies on rat brain reveal that there is a unique nucleus (CSF-contacting nucleus) in the brain. The extraordinary feature of this unique nucleus is that it is not connected to any substantial organ but to the CSF. The identification of this special nucleus will provide the structural basis for information transmission and functional modulation between the neurons and the body fluids. Methods: The present study is based on the past 30 years of our relevant achievements. In this study, we used the primate rhesus monkeys as the model and injected the tracer CB-HRP into the CSF. After 48 h, the monkeys were perfused and the brain was dissected out, and sectioned for CB staining. The CB positive structures were observed under confocal and electron microscopy. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the CB positive neurons cluster was reconstructed by computer software. Results: Our results show that (1) CB labelling is confined within the ventricle, but not leakage into the brain parenchyma. (2) From the midbrain inferior colliculus superior border plane ventral to the aqueduct to the upper part of the fourth ventricle floor, a large number of CB positive neurons are consistently located, form a cluster, and are symmetrically located on both sides of the midline. (3) 3D reconstruction shows that the CB positive neurons cluster in the monkey brain occupies certain space. The rostral part is large and caudal part is thin appearing a “rivet”-like shape. (4) Under electron microscopy, the CB positive neurons show different types of synaptic connections with the non-CSF-contacting structures in the brain. Some of the processes stretch directly into the ventricle cavity. Conclusions: The CSF-contacting nucleus is existed objectively in primates. It is also regarded as the XIII pair of cranial nucleus (CSF-contacting nucleus), which is specialised in the communications between the nerve and the CSF. Our results are crucial for completing the neural structures and understanding the coordination of the entire body functions.
A Comparison of Initial D-Dimers Concentration Determined in a Group of Patients With Coxarthrosis or Gonarthrosis and in a Group With Femoral Bone Fracture
Authors: Kacprzak Lukasz , Bytniewski Piotr
Published: January 2020

Introduction D-dimers are products of fibrin being degraded by thrombin, factor XIIIa and plasmin. Their blood concentration is used in clinical diagnostics for venous thromboembolism (VTE) which involves deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Purpose Surgical operations within the femoral bone are one of the most often performed ones in orthopedic wards. In order to determine an impact of bone injury on the risk of occurrence of a thromboembolic disease we compared the preoperative concentration of D-dimers between a group of patients hospitalized due to femur fracture and a group of patients hospitalized due to coxarthrosis or gonarthrosis. Material and methods The study involved overall 404 patients, divided into two groups. The first group enrolled 283 patients who underwent elective surgery on the femoral bone: total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) due to osteoarthritis of large joints. The second group enrolled 121 patients who underwent surgery due to femoral fracture. All patients underwent a physical examination for an occurrence of varicose veins in lower limbs. No clinical features of venous thromboembolism were found in patients qualified for the study, based on examination of the venous system in lower limbs, which was supplemented by ultrasound examination. Preoperative blood concentrations of D-dimers were measured in all participants. Results In patients undergoing scheduled joint replacement surgery due to coxarthrosis or gonarthrosis D-dimers concentrations ranged between 122 and 7712 ng/mL, with a mean of 822.3 ng/mL (SD 811.2 ng/mL). It was markedly lower than these found in patients with femur fracture: they ranged from 23.6 to 48340 ng/mL, mean 8793.2 ng/mL (SD ± 10358.6 ng/mL). Conclusions It is suggested that elevated D-dimers levels observed in patients with femur fracture are not associated with an increased risk of occurrence of a thromboembolic disease.
Resveratrol can enhance osteogenic differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis from human periosteum-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Moon Dong Kyu , Kim Bo Gyu , Lee A Ram , Choi Young-In , Jeon Ryoung-Hoon , Byun June-Ho , Hwang Sun-Chul , Woo Dong Kyun
Published: January 2020

Background Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that leads to low bone mass and microstructural deterioration of bone tissue and increases bone fractures. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, has pleiotropic effects including anti-oxidative, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Resveratrol also has roles in increasing osteogenesis and in up-regulating mitochondrial biogenesis of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). However, it is still unclear that resveratrol can enhance osteogenic differentiation or mitochondrial biogenesis of periosteum-derived MSCs (PO-MSCs), which play key roles in bone tissue maintenance and fracture healing. Thus, in order to test a possible preventive or therapeutic effect of resveratrol on osteoporosis, this study investigated effects of resveratrol treatments on osteogenic differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis of PO-MSCs. Methods The optimal doses of resveratrol treatment on PO-MSCs were determined by cell proliferation and viability assays. Osteogenic differentiation of PO-MSCs under resveratrol treatment was assessed by alkaline phosphatase activities (an early biomarker of osteogenesis) as well as by extracellular calcium deposit levels (a late biomarker). Mitochondrial biogenesis during osteogenic differentiation of PO-MSCs was measured by quantifying both mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents. Results Resveratrol treatments above 10 µM seems to have negative effects on cell proliferation and viability of PO-MSCs. Resveratrol treatment (at 5 µM) on PO-MSCs during osteogenic differentiation increased both ALP activities and calcium deposits compared to untreated control groups, demonstrating an enhancing effect of resveratrol on osteogenesis. In addition, resveratrol treatment (at 5 µM) during osteogenic differnetiation of PO-MSCs increased both mitochondrial mass and mtDNA copy numbers, indicating that resveratrol can bolster mitochondrial biogenesis in the process of PO-MSC osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion Taken together, this study describes roles of resveratrol in promoting osteogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis of human PO-MSCs suggesting a possible application of resveratrol as a supplement for osteoporosis and/or osteoporotic fractures.
A comparison of monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screws in thoracolumbar fracture
Authors: Yao Wenye , Guo Runsheng , Lai Qi , Xie Banglin , Yi Zhi , Yang Xiaowei , Wu Changjian , Lang Yu , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the use of short-segment posterior fixation with monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screws in thoracolumbar fractures Methods: All patients who underwent short-segment posterior fixation with monoaxial pedicle screws or polyaxial pedicle screws in the injured vertebra of a thoracolumbar fracture (T12-L2) in our hospital between June 2012 and December 2018 were categorised into two groups: monoaxial pedicle screws group (group A) and polyaxial pedicle screws group (group B). We compared the Thoracolumbar Injury Severity Score (TLISS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, the fracture level, Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification, hospital stay, injury-to-operation interval, and associated injuries between the two groups. In addition, the prevertebral height ratio, the injured vertebra Cobb angle, and the injured vertebral endplate centre ratio were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Results: There were 63 patients (21 males and 42 females) with an average age of 44.7 years. Compared with group B, the injury vertebral endplate centre ratio significantly increased postoperatively and at the final follow-up (P<0.05) in group A. Conclusion: Short-segment posterior fixation with monoaxial or polyaxial pedicle screws via the fracture level for thoracolumbar fracture can achieve kyphosis correction, reduce sagittal alignment correction failure, and maintain anterior vertebral height. The insertion of monoaxial pedicle screws at the fracture level after thoracolumbar vertebral fracture has a flick up effect on the central vertebral body of the injured vertebrae, which is beneficial to the recovery of the vertebral endplate.
Activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in healthy women depends on age, BMI, physical activity and diet
Authors: Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Krauze Klaudia , Szczęśniak Angelika , Mikołajczyk Aleksandra Goryniak , Serwin Natalia , Śleboda-Taront Daria , Jacek Roksana , Heryć Rafał , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: January 2020

Introduction Antioxidant enzymes protect the human body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The activity of antioxidant enzymes changes with age, and depends on dietary nutrients such as fats and vitamins, which can have a significant impact on minimizing or exacerbating oxidative stress. Aim Examine the effect of age, BMI, diet, physical activity and smoking status on the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione concentrations in healthy women. Material and methods This study included 98 healthy women aged between 20 and 65 years. All women underwent anthropometric tests: body weight, height, hip and waist circumference. Antioxidant activity in erythrocytes was measured by spectrophotometric methods. Results Catalase activity increased significantly with age (p<0.001), while superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione decreased with age (p =0.008, p =0.023, respectively). Women with a lower BMI (emaciation) had higher superoxide dismutase activity than those in the first degree of obesity (p = 0.009 Conclusions 1. Increased catalase activity with age may be a sign of a large amount of hydrogen peroxide, resulting from poorly functioning antioxidant systems in older age. 2. Decreased superoxide dismutase activity with age may indicate inactivation of this enzyme by excessive hydrogen peroxide, as well as glycation of superoxide dismutase molecules or reactions with lipid peroxidation products, the intensity of which increases with age. 3. The negative correlation between superoxide dismutase activity and BMI index indicates reduced enzymatic activity in obese subjects, despite increased ROS production by adipose tissue.
Obesity Knowledge, Perception and Dietary Behaviour among Nigerian Undergraduate Population
Authors: Olodu Monday , Muslim Ismail Olaide , Ojogbon Ololajulo
Published: January 2020

Background: A steadily increasing trend of obesity among young adults is becoming evident, and this could lead to an increased burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. This study assessed the knowledge of undergraduates on obesity and its related conditions, their perception and dietary behaviour. Method: A total of 394 undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire which had four sections was used to collect data. Knowledge of obesity, perception and dietary behaviour was assessed with carefully chosen questions. Scores were computed with +1 for a correct response and 0 for an incorrect response. These scores were graded as good/positive or poor/negative using the mean or median score as the cut-offs. Chi-square test was done to assess the relationship between categorical variables. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Majority (64.0%) had poor knowledge of obesity and were mostly males (54.0%), and 58.4% had a positive perception of obesity and were mostly females (62.1%). Also, 57.6% had poor dietary behaviour and were mostly males (58.8%). A statistically significant relationship (X2= 10.546; p=0.001) was found between obesity knowledge and perception. There was no statistically significant relationship between obesity knowledge and dietary behaviour. Conclusion: Most of the undergraduates had poor knowledge of obesity and poor dietary behaviour. Therefore, the creation of healthy eating awareness and integration of nutrition education into all fields of study is vital to stemming the tide of the future obesity epidemic in our campus.
Latent-space embedding of expression data identifies gene signatures from sputum samples of asthmatic patients
Authors: LOU Shaoke , Li Tianxiao , Spakowicz Daniel , Yan Xiting , Chupp Geoffrey Lowell , Gerstein Mark
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds: The pathogenesis of asthma is a complex process involving multiple genes and pathways. Identifying biomarkers from asthma datasets, especially those that include heterogeneous subpopulations, is challenging. In this work, we developed a framework that incorporates a denoising autoencoder and a supervised learning approach to identify gene signatures related to asthma severity. The autoencoder embeds high-dimensional gene expression data into a lower -dimensional latent space in an unsupervised fashion, enabling us to extract distinguishing features from gene expression data.
Results: Using the trained autoencoder model, we found that the weights on hidden units in the latent space correlate well with previously defined and clinically relevant clusters of patients. Moreover, pathway analysis based on each gene's contribution to the hidden units showed significant enrichment in known asthma-related pathways. We then used genes that contribute most to the hidden units to develop a secondary supervised classifier (based on random forest) for directly predicting asthma severity. The random-forest importance metric from this classifier identified a signature based on 50 key genes, which can predict severity with an AUROC of 0.81 and thus have potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Furthermore, the key genes could also be used for successfully estimating, via support-vector-machine regression, the FEV1/FVC ratios across patients, achieving pre- and post-treatment correlations of 0.56 and 0.65, respectively (between predicted and observed values).
Conclusions: The denoising autoencoder framework could extract meaningful functional genes and patient groups from the gene expression profile of asthma patients. These patterns may provide potential sources for biomarkers for asthma severity.
Palliative treatment of endometrial cancer type 1 in elderly women with Anastrozole.
Authors: Gardella Barbara , Dominoni Mattia , Bogliolo Stefano , Cassani Chiara , Carletti Giulia Vittoria , De Silvestri Annalisa , Spinillo Arsenio
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Type I endometrial cancer is a common disease which takes place in female genital tract. The aim of the work is to asset the feasibility and safety of anastrozole in the palliative treatment of endometrial cancer in elderly women not eligible to standard surgical treatment. Methods: eight patients with histological diagnosis of endometrial cancer were enrolled in this pilot study. Anastrozole was administered 1 mg daily per os after performing an accurate radiological mapping of the lesion. A questionnaire evaluated the quality of life of these patients. Results: the median age was 85 (range 80-88years). The endometrial cancer was confined to the uterus in all patients. No progression of disease was observed. A partial response to the therapy was reported in seven patients, while no response was reported in one patient. A decrease in the symptoms such as pain, vaginal bleeding and vaginal discomfort was reported, as well as no progression of disease. The endometrial thickness after twelve months has showed a reduction of 9.25 ± 4.77 mm. The average rate of follow-up was 18.25 months. Four women died for other reasons, none of them related to endometrial cancer. Evaluation of symptoms showed a significant reduction of appetite loss and insomnia, while a significant increase of global health status and fatigue was reported. Conclusion: our preliminary data reported that the palliative use of anastrozole may be a suitable therapy for a good control of early stages of endometrial cancer in inoperable elderly women, having a good compliance and tolerance.
Farm staff wrong movements affects PRRSv prevalence and viremia
Authors: Díaz Inmaculada , Jiménez-Martín Manuel , Rodríguez María , Escudero Cristina , Aparicio María , Morales Joaquin , Piñeiro Carlos
Published: January 2020

Background Biosecurity is known as the implementation of measures to reduce the risk of introduction (external biosecurity) and spread (internal biosecurity) of disease agents. One of the most common diseases in the porcine industry is the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which has a huge negative impact on the well-being of the animals and consequently, on their productivity. Nonetheless, most of the biosecurity evaluation tools are based on scored systems. A new digital biosecurity system was designed to help control PRRS virus (PRRSv) infection status throughout an objective tool for the evaluation of internal biosecurity based on a system of control of the flow of internal movement of personnel in commercial farms. Movements, routes and health data were combined to classify the staff movements into three categories including “Risky” (From PCR(+) to PCR(-) barns), “Unsafe” (between PCR(+) barns) and “Safe” (From PCR(-)). Therefore, the main aims of the present work were to evaluate the efficacy of this new tool, its relationship with PRRSv incidence as well as to demonstrate the importance of biosecurity education to help farm workers to adopt safer daily practices. Results The observed results showed an overall smaller number of monthly movements (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in the Safe movements percentage (p < 0.05), concomitant with a decrease in the Risky movements percentage (p < 0.05) after the training session. In regards the relationship between staff movements and PRRSv presence, neither the percentage nor the total amount of both Safe and Unsafe movements were significantly different between the PCR(+) and PCR(-) groups of PRRSv status (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, both the total number and the percentage of Risky movements were significantly lower in the PCR(-) group (p < 0.05) compared with PCR(+) group. These results show a clear relationship between the total amount of Risky movements and the probability of a PRRSv outbreak in the farms. Conclusions Our results support the notion that staff movement patterns within the different farm areas are a major factor in its internal biosecurity. The new tool described in the current work showed a significant relationship between staff movements and the probability of PRRSv outbreak and demonstrate the importance of biosecurity training to help farm workers adopt safer daily practices.
Effects of EHP-101 on inflammation and remyelination in murine models of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Navarrete Carmen , García-Martin Adela , Garrido-Rodriguez Martín , Mestre Leyre , Feliu Ana , Guaza Carmen , Calzado Marco A , Muñoz Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a combination of inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in the spinal cord and the brain. Natural and synthetic cannabinoids such as VCE-004.8 have been studied in preclinical models of MS and represent promising candidates for drug development. VCE-004.8 is a multitarget synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) derivative acting as a dual Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma/ Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (PPAR γ /CB 2) ligand agonist that also activates the Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. EHP-101 is an oral lipidic formulation of VCE-004.8 that has shown efficacy in several preclinical models of autoimmune, inflammatory, fibrotic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Methods: The efficacy of EHP-101 in vivo was evaluated in two murine models of MS, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and cuprizone-induced demyelination models. In EAE, transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-Seq and qPCR, and inflammatory and myelination markers were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and confocal microscopy in both models of MS.
Results: EHP-101 alleviated clinical symptomatology in EAE and transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that EHP-101 prevented the expression of many inflammatory genes closely associated with MS pathophysiology in the spinal cord. EHP-101 normalized the expression of several genes associated with oligodendrocyte function such as Teneurin 4 (Tenm4) and Gap junction gamma-3 (Gjc3) that were downregulated in EAE. EHP-101 treatment prevented microglia activation and demyelination in both the spinal cord and the brain. Moreover, EAE was associated with a loss in the expression of Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2) in the corpus callosum, a marker for oligodendrocyte differentiation, which was restored by EHP-101 treatment. In addition, EHP-101 enhanced the expression of glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi), a marker for mature oligodendrocytes in the brain. We also found that a diet containing 0.2 % cuprizone for six weeks induced a clear loss of myelin in the brain measured by Cryomyelin staining and Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression. Moreover, EHP-101 also prevented cuprizone-induced microglial activation, astrogliosis and reduced axonal damage.
Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that EHP-101 showed potent anti-inflammatory activity, prevented demyelination and enhanced remyelination. Therefore, EHP-101 represents a promising drug candidate for the potential treatment of different forms of MS.
Age-dependent involvement of gut mast cells and histamine in post-stroke inflammation
Authors: Blasco Maria Pilar , Chauhan Anjali , Honarpisheh Pedram , Ahnstedt Hilda , d’Aigle John , Ganesan Arunkumar , Ayyaswamy Sriram , Blixt Frank , Venable Susan , Major Angela , Durgan David , Haag Anthony , Kofler Julia , Bryan Robert , McCullough Louise D , Ganesh Bhanu Priya
Published: January 2020

Background Risk of stroke-related morbidity and mortality increases significantly with age. Aging is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is thought to contribute to the poorer outcomes after stroke seen in the elderly. Histamine (HA) is a major molecular mediator of inflammation and mast cells residing in the gut are a primary source of histamine. Methods Stroke was induced in male C57BL/6J mice at 3 months (young) and 20 months (aged) of age. Role of histamine after stroke was examined using young (Yg) and aged (Ag) mice, mice underwent MCAO surgery and were euthanized at 6h, 24h and 7 days post-ischemia; sham mice received the same surgery but no MCAO. In this work, we evaluated whether worsened outcomes after experimental stroke in aged mice was associated with age-related changes in mast cells, histamine levels, and histamine receptor expression in the gut, brain, and plasma. Results We found increased numbers of mast cells in the gut and the brain with aging. Using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke, we demonstrate that stroke leads to increased numbers of mast cells and histamine receptors in the gut. These gut-centric changes are associated with elevated levels of HA and other pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, G-CSF, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the peripheral circulation. Our data also shows that post-stroke gut inflammation led to a significant reduction of mucin-producing goblet cells and a loss of gut barrier integrity. Lastly, gut inflammation after stroke is associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota as early as 24 hours post-stroke. Conclusion An important theme emerging from our results is that acute inflammatory events following ischemic insults in the brain persist longer in the aged mice when compared to younger animals. Taken together, our findings implicate mast cell activation and histamine signaling as a part of peripheral inflammatory response after ischemic stroke, which are profound in aged animals. Interfering with histamine signaling orally might provide translational value to improve stroke outcome.
Predictive factor for bone cement implantation syndrome in osteoporotic femoral neck fracture undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty: a retrospective review of 142 cases
Authors: Chulsomlee Kulapat , Prukviwat Sasichol , Kulachote Noratep , Sirisreetreeux Norachart , Thamyongkit Sorawut , Tuntiyatorn Panithan , Vasaruchapong Satetha , Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon
Published: January 2020

Background Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a serious and potentially fatal complication in cemented hip arthroplasty (CHA). Although previous studies have identified patients at risk for BCIS, few studies have reported on the association between BCIS and perioperative surgical factors in patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fracture (OFNF) undergoing CHA. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of BCIS and its related outcomes, correlating between BCIS and perioperative surgical factors in these patients. Materials and methods A single-centred, retrospective study was conducted between 2015 and 2018 with patients who sustained OFNF and underwent CHA. Perioperative data and BCIS-related outcomes were reviewed using electronic database and telephone interview. BCIS grading was classified according to the Donaldson classification. All patients were allocated into 2 groups: Group A (BCIS grade 0 or 1: BCIS-gr0/1) and Group B (BCIS grade 2 or 3: BCIS-gr2/3). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors for BCIS-gr2/3. Results A total of 142 OFNF patients were included. The prevalence of BCIS-gr2/3 was 6.4% (n=9). Group B showed a significantly higher major complication rate than Group A (44.4% vs. 8.3%, respectively, p<0.01). The in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates in Group B were also higher than in Group A, but non-significantly different ( p =0.12 and p =0.32, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that preinjury non-ambulatory status (odds ratio [OR] 11.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–131.8, p =0.04), arrhythmia (OR 5.65; 95% CI, 1.13–28.93, p =0.04) and shape-closed femoral stem type (OR 9.78; 95% CI, 1.65–57.80, p =0.01) were the significant independent predictors for BCIS-gr2/3 in these patients. Conclusion BCIS in OFNF patients undergoing CHA is common and associates with a high major perioperative complication rate. The patients at risk for BCIS-gr2/3 are those with poor preinjury ambulatory status, those with an underlying cardiac arrhythmia, and those whose CHA procedures use a shape-closed femoral stem design.
Analysis of global spine sagittal parameters in cervical spondylotic patients and asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Zhu Liang , Ma Xiaojun , Shen Qiang , Sun Bao , Fu Qiang
Published: January 2020

Background: Degenerative changes associated with cervical spondylotic can result in a change of normal sagittal alignment, and this may be the initial change of kyphosis and sagittal imbalance. Few studies have analyzed the correlations between the cervical spine lordosis and global spine balance in patients with cervical spondylotic. This study is applied to investigate the characteristics and relationships of cervical and global sagittal parameters in normal adults and cervical spondylotic patients. Methods: We reviewed 46 asymptomatic control subjects (normal group, NG) and 48 cervical spondylotic patients (cervical spondylotic group, CSG), who had both cervical MRI and global radiographs obtained together, between January 2016 and September 2018. Data includes C1-2 angle, C2–7 lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), sagittal vertical axis(SVA), thoracic-kyphosis(TK), thoracic-lumbar lordosis(TL), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS). The values were presented as the mean ± standard deviation. Student t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefﬁcient were used for statistical analysis. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered statistically signiﬁcant. Results: 1.Comparison of global sagittal parameters between the normal group and cervical spondylosis group. A total of 48 cervical spondylotic patients with an average age of 57.91±9.58 and 46 healthy people with an average age of 28.00±8.09 were recruited in our study. CL in the NG was significantly lower than CSG (P<0.05), while TK and TL were significantly lower than in the CSG(P< 0.01). However, a comparison of the NG and CSG yielded no significant differences in C1-2, TIA, TIS, LL, PT, PI, SS, CSVA, and SVA. 2.The relationship between cervical and global sagittal alignment. CL positively correlated with T1S (r=0.433) and TK (r=0.335) while negatively correlated with CSVA (r=-0.309) in cervical spondylosis group. TIA has positively correlated with T1S (r=0.376 in NG and r=0.416 in CSG) and no correlated with other parameters in both groups. Conclusions Cervical spondylosis causes changes in sagittal parameters of the cervical and thoracic spine but does not affect on lumbar and pelvic parameters. TIA is a relative constant parameter, not affected by cervical spondylotic.
Predictors associated with perioperative blood transfusion and intraoperative blood loss in thoracolumbar tuberculosis
Authors: Song Chengchao , Liu Chao , Wei Rongzhi , Zhang Qiuhua , Wu Feng , Wang Shengyu , Yan Jinglong , Wang yufu
Published: January 2020

Background During operation on thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis infection, patients can lose a significant amount of blood and receive a perioperative blood transfusion. However, the risk factors were not identified for increased intraoperative blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the predictors associated with perioperative blood transfusion and intraoperative blood loss in thoracolumbar tuberculosis. Methods From 2008 to 2018, 336 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The predictors of allogenic blood transfusion were identified in a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was attempted to investigate the factors influencing intraoperative blood loss. Results Altogether, 336 adult patients with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis were included in this study. The mean patient age was 49.6 ± 15.5 (range 14-85) years for those patients. Our data revealed a significant relationship between blood transfusions and female gender, BMI, vertebral collapse/Kyphosis and intraoperative blood loss. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that BMI, levels of instrumentation, surgical approach and operative time were independent factors influencing intraoperative blood loss. Conclusions This study identified some clinical predictors for perioperative blood transfusion and intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis surgery. These results may contribute to preoperative blood transfusion planning and minimize intra- or post-operative complications.
Pre-operative denosumab is associated with higher risk of local recurrence in giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Hairui , Zhu Shibai , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei
Published: January 2020

Background In 2013, denosumab was introduced as peri-operative adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone as it inhibits osteoclast activity. It is suggested that denosumab relives pain, facilitate curettage in lesions requiring resection initially. However, controversy remains whether denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after surgery. Methods Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in June 2019 to identify studies investigating the clinical outcome of GCT of bone with and without peri-operative denosumab after surgery. Data were gathered and a meta-analysis was conducted. Result Ten studies with 1082 cases (169 in denosumab group, 913 in control group) were included. Overall, denosumab was associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence(P<0.02) and inferior 5 year recurrence free survival(P=0.000). Denosumab and curettage has a relatively higher risk of recurrence comparing to curettage alone(P=0.07). The risk of recurrence is not significantly increased if denosumab was administered both preoperatively and postoperatively(P=0.24). Conclusion Administration of denosumab is associated with increased risk of recurrence due to a variety of reasons, though it is proven effective in relieving pain, enabling curettage and improved functional outcome. Post-operative denosumab is recommended as it continuously suppress/eliminate residue tumor cells.
Application of preoperative assessment of pain induced by venous cannulation in predicting postoperative pain in patients under laparoscopic nephrectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Peng Fei , Li Yanshuang , Ai Yanqiu , Yang Jianjun , Wang Yanping
Published: January 2020

Backgroud: Postoperative pain is the most prominent concern among surgical patients. It has been reported that venous cannulation-induced pain can predict postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 90 mins. Its potential in predicting postoperative pain in patients with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) is worth establishing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of VCP in predicting postoperative pain in patients with PCIA during the first 24 h after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: 120 patients scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy. The nurse recorded the preoperative venous cannulation-induced pain score estimated by patients, and dichotomized the patients into VAS scores < 2.0 group or VAS scores ≥ 2.0 group . After general anesthesia and surgery, all the patients received the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil. The VAS scores at rest and on coughing at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, the effective number of presses and the number of needed rescue analgesia within 24 h after surgery were recorded. Results: Venous cannulation-induced pain score was significantly correlated with postoperative pain intensity at rest (rs = 0.64) and during coughing (rs = 0.65), effective times of pressing (rs = 0.59), additional consumption of sufentanil (rs = 0.58). Patients with venous cannulation-induced pain intensity ≥ 2.0 VAS units reported higher levels of postoperative pain intensity at rest (P < 0.0005) and during coughing (P < 0.0005), needed more effective times of pressing (P < 0.0005) and additional consumption of sufentanil (P < 0.0005), and also needed more rescue analgesia (P = 0.01). The odds of risk for moderate or severe postoperative pain (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.3) was significantly higher in patients with venous cannulation-induced pain intensity ≥ 2.0 VAS units compared to those < 2.0 VAS units. Conclusions: Preoperative venous cannulation-induced pain can be used to predict postoperative pain intensity in patients with PCIA during the first 24 h after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Trial registration: We registered this study in a Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) center on July 6 2019 and received the registration number: ChiCTR1900024352. Key words: Venous cannulation, Pain, Postoperative pain, Pain prediction
Minimally invasive interventions for pulmonary nodules biopsy. Systematic review protocol.
Authors: Miotto Andre , Perfeito João Aléssio Juliano , Leite Rafael Pacheco , Latorraca Carolina de Oliveira Cruz , Riera Rachel
Published: January 2020

Background Lung cancer is the most common malignancy, causing more than 1.6 million deaths annually worldwide, including approximately 26.500 deaths in Brazil alone in 2015. The diagnosis of pulmonary nodules remains a challenge. Imaging tests are important for diagnostic suspicion and for estimating risk, but biopsy is necessary to confirm malignancy. Minimally invasive methods currently used include tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy (CTGB) and bronchoscopy transbronchial biopsy. The method of choice should have the best accuracy with the lowest possible complication rate. This systematic review was designed to map, critically evaluate and compare the effects (benefits and risks) of all lung nodule biopsy techniques. Methods We will conduct a systematic review accordantly to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions recommendations. Discussion This study aims to compare the diagnostic yield and the safety of different techniques used for pulmonary nodule biopsies. We will include randomized clinical trials comparing tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy, non-guided transbronchial biopsy, fluoroscopy-guided transbronchial biopsy, transbronchial biopsy guided by endobronchial ultrasound with radial probe and transbronchial biopsy guided by electromagnetic navigation. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) with the number 1344040918. The results of the completed protocol will be presented at any appropriate conference by the authors.Systematic review registration The protocol for this review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO database (C RD42018092367).
Discovery, Identification, and Functional Characterization of Long Noncoding RNAs in Arachis hypogaea L.
Authors: Tian Haiying , Guo Feng , Zhang Zhimeng , Ding Hong , Meng Jingjing , Li Xinguo , Peng Zhenying , Wan Shubo
Published: January 2020

Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are typically >200 nt in length, are involved in numerous biological processes. Studies on lncRNAs in the cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) largely remain unknown. Results A genome-wide scan of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) transcriptome identified 1,442 lncRNAs, which were encoded by loci distributed over every chromosome. Long intergenic noncoding RNAs accounted for 85.58% of these lncRNAs. Additionally, 189 lncRNAs were differentially abundant in the root, leaf, or seed. Generally, lncRNAs showed lower expression levels, tighter tissue-specific expression, and less splicing than mRNAs. The majority of the lncRNAs featured an exon/intron structure, and approximately 44.17% were alternatively spliced; this rate was slightly lower than the splicing rate of mRNA. Transcription at the start site event was the alternative splicing (AS) event with the highest frequency (28.05%) in peanut lncRNAs, whereas the occurrence rate (30.19%) of intron retention event was the highest in mRNAs. AS changed the target gene profiles of lncRNAs and increased the diversity and flexibility of lncRNAs, which may be important for lncRNAs to execute their functions. Additionally, a substantial number of the peanut AS isoforms generated from protein-encoding genes appeared to be noncoding because they were truncated transcripts; such isoforms can be legitimately regarded as a class of lncRNAs. The predicted target genes of the lncRNAs were involved in a wide range of biological processes. Furthermore, expression pattern of several selected lncRNAs and their target genes were examined under salt stress, results showed that all of them could respond to salt stress in different manners. Conclusions This study provided a resource of candidate lncRNAs and expression patterns across tissues, and whether these lncRNAs are functional will be further investigated in our subsequent experiments.