bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myostatin and muscle atrophy during chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bataille Stanislas , Chauveau Philippe , Fouque Denis , Aparicio Michel , Koppe Laetitia
Published: May 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients often exhibit a low muscle mass and strength, leading to physical impairment and an increased mortality. Two major signalling pathways control protein synthesis, the insulin-like growth factor-1/Akt (IGF-1/Akt) pathway, acting as a positive regulator, and the myostatin (Mstn) pathway, acting as a negative regulator. Mstn, also known as the growth development factor-8 (GDF-8), is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, which is secreted by mature muscle cells. Mstn inhibits satellite muscle cell proliferation and differentiation and induces a proteolytic phenotype of muscle cells by activating the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Recent advances have been made in the comprehension of the Mstn pathway disturbance and its role in muscle wasting during CKD. Most studies report higher Mstn concentrations in CKD and dialysis patients than in healthy subjects. Several factors increase Mstn production in uraemic conditions: low physical activity, chronic or acute inflammation and oxidative stress, uraemic toxins, angiotensin II, metabolic acidosis and glucocorticoids. Mstn seems to be only scarcely removed during haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, maybe because of its large molecule size in plasma where it is linked to its prodomain. In dialysis patients, Mstn has been proposed as a biomarker of muscle mass, muscle strength or physical performances, but more studies are needed in this field. This review outlines the interconnection between Mstn activation, muscle dysfunction and CKD. We discuss mechanisms of action and efficacy of pharmacological Mstn pathway inhibition that represents a promising treatment approach of striated muscle dysfunction. Many approaches and molecules are in development but until now, no study has proved a benefit in CKD.
The epidemiology and therapeutic options for the COVID-19
Authors: Li Jingwei , Shao Jun , Wang Chengdi , Li Weimin
Published: May 2020

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by a novel pneumonia virus, has affected over 200 countries and regions worldwide. With the increasing number of patients and deaths, WHO have declared it as a global pandemic currently, indicating a third large-scale epidemic coronavirus has appeared since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) and Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in the twenty-first century. Considering the great harm it has caused, researchers throughout the world have been chasing to exploit the pathophysiology, characteristics, and potential remedies for COVID-19 to better battle the outbreak. Therefore, the current study revisits advances of the virology, epidemiology, clinical features, therapeutic options, and prevention of COVID-19. The features of asymptomatic carriers are also been explored.
Morality, Uncertainty
Authors: Lee-Stronach Chad
Published: May 2020

Non-Consequentialist moral theories posit the existence of moral constraints: prohibitions on performing particular kinds of wrongful acts, regardless of the good those acts could produce. Many have argued that such theories cannot give satisfactory verdicts about what we morally ought to do when there is some probability that we will violate a moral constraint. In this article, I defend Non-Consequentialist theories from this critique. Using a general choice-theoretic framework, I identify various types of Non-Consequentialism that have otherwise been conflated in the debate. I then prove a number of formal possibility and impossibility results establishing which types of Non-Consequentialism can—and which cannot—give us adequate guidance through through a risky world.
Transition to university: contributions of a specialist mathematics school
Authors: Golding Jennie
Published: May 2020

School-university transition in mathematics is of global concern, with multiple cognitive, social and affective disjunctures evidenced. Access to, successful participation in and retention on, competitive mathematically intensive degree courses remain particular challenges in England, especially for disadvantaged young people with high mathematical aptitude. One response has been to establish mathematics specialist schools aimed at such students aged 16–18. Early cohorts have achieved encouraging progression to and through such university courses, but more qualitative and longitudinal outcomes have been less well evidenced. The reported study harnessed a student lens and documentary scrutiny to analyse the contribution to building for successful transition of the particular approaches used. Data suggest that the model adopted has initially supported transition to target degree courses well. I relate the findings to known transition challenges in the global issue of successful passage into and through university mathematics education. I argue many of those are in principle transferable to other post-16 contexts. The study therefore offers evidence suggesting broadly applicable specific strategies that can begin to address widely problematic disjunctures in transition.
Nonanesthetized Alternatively Repetitive Cast and Brace Treatment for Early-onset Scoliosis
Authors: Kawakami Kazuki , Saito Toshiki , Tauchi Ryoji , Ohara Tetsuya , Kawakami Noriaki
Published: May 2020

Background:

Use of cast is a standard treatment (Tx) choice for early-onset scoliosis. Recently, toxicity from repetitive use of general anesthesia has received attention by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We introduce a nonanesthetized cast Tx protocol called alternatively-repetitive-cast-and-brace (ARCB) that we have used since 1995 and have conducted an extensive follow-up on these patients to verify the efficacy of this protocol.

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Of a consecutive series of 155 patients who have undergone cast Tx at a single institution, 98 patients (male: 36, female: 62) have been identified under the following criteria: (1) Initial age before ARCB of ≤6; (2) Follow-up period of ≥2 years; (3) Initial scoliosis ≥35 degrees. Patients consisted of the following: congenital/structural: 45, idiopathic: 23, neuromuscular: 6, syndromic: 24. Precast, postfinal cast, minimum in-cast Cobb, as well as thoracic and T1-S1 heights were measured. Fifty-six of these patients had available pulse oximetry on days before and after initial cast, and these were also evaluated to assess cardiopulmonary effects that the cast have on the patients.

Results:

Patients were casted 6.6 times, with a mean initial Cobb of 56.5 degrees and a final follow-up Cobb of 57.1 degrees. Follow-up period was 5.0 years. Mean curve progression per follow-up period was 0.5 degrees/y. Minimum in-cast Cobb was 25.6 degrees. Initially patients had a thoracic and T1-S1 height of 12.6 and 22.5 cm, respectively. At final cast, these were 15.3 and 27.2 cm, respectively. Of these patients, 39 had progression >1 degree/y, of which 83.1% had resulted in surgical correction, while this was true for only 37.3% of those that did not show such progression. Idiopathic patients had the greatest correction rate by cast (69%) and had shown an overall progression rate of −2.3 degrees/y. Pulse-oximetry results were not significant amongst patients before and after cast placement.

Conclusions:

ARCB is a versatile and practical Tx choice. It is an effective delaying method in sparing time until surgery with no apparent cardiopulmonary compromise. Curve control was most effective in Idiopathic patients while some curve control was achieved in other etiologies which may have spared time until their eventual surgery.

Significance:

Cast Tx without the need of general anesthesia is an increasingly important topic since anesthesia toxicity from its repetitive use has become apparent. This study exemplifies safe and efficacious use of such cast with effective suppression on cast progression in different etiologies at various degrees.
Diagnosis and treatment of congenital nasal dermoid and sinus cysts in 11 infants
Authors: Ni Kun , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Limin , Wu Jiali , Liu Xiaojun , Shi Haibo
Published: May 2020

There have been few studies on congenital nasal dermoid and sinus cysts (NDSCs) in infants.

This study was performed to obtain clinical data for the diagnosis and treatment of NDSCs in infants.

We performed a retrospective analysis of 11 infants admitted with NDSCs between 2014 and 2019. Patient demographics, lesion site, preoperative radiological findings, surgical technique, intraoperative findings, and postoperative sequelae were analyzed.

In total, 11 infants (average age, 19 months; lowest age, 10 months) were included in this study. All patients presented with a nasal root mass, 2 patients also had nasal tip fistula, and only 1 case had a history of preoperative infection. Preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination showed nasal surface lesion (type I) in 3, nasal intraosseous (type II) in 5, intracranial epidural (type III) in 2, and intracranial dural (type IV) in 1 patient. The main surgical methods included direct resection with a vertical midline incision (9 patients), vertical incision + transnasal endoscopic resection + skull base repair (1 patient), and transverse incision of the lower margin of the left eyebrow (1 patient). All wounds healed well without serious complications.

Using the 4-type classification method in combination with the preoperative CT findings to analyze the extent of NDSC in infants is helpful for formulating the surgical plan. Using vertical incision approach alone or combined with nasal endoscopy for minimally invasive surgery can meet the needs of complete resection and reconstruction.

Our results provide clinical data that can help establish standardized criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of NDSCs in infants.
Impact of early diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis by carotid ultrasound
Authors: Qin Li-wei , Qin Li-hong , Yu Yun , Hou Xin-wei , Wang Chen , Weeks Christina
Published: May 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of carotid ultrasound (CU) for early diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis (CAS).

Methods:

Literatures will be sought from the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PSYCINFO, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The search will cover from the start of indexing to the present without any limitations of language and publication status. All study quality will be assessed by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool, and data will be analyzed by RevMan V.5.3 software and Stata V.12.0 software.

Results:

This study will investigate the impact of CU for early diagnosis of CAS through sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study may provide helpful evidence for the impact of CU for early diagnosis of CAS.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42019153904.
Tumor growth rate as a prognostic factor of acral melanoma in a Korean population
Authors: Jo Gwanghyun , Cho Soo Ick , Cho Youngjoo , Ohn Jungyoon , Mun Je-Ho
Published: May 2020

Rapid growth of cutaneous melanoma is associated with aggressive histopathologic features and poor prognosis. However, the impact of growth rate (GR) in acral melanoma (AM) remains largely unknown.

We performed this study to identify the impact of GR on lymph node metastasis and survival in AM.

We analyzed cases of invasive AM diagnosed at our institution between 1998 and 2017. We investigated the impact of GR on the prognosis of AM.

A total of 126 cases of invasive AM were included. Log (GR) was significant associated with lymph node metastasis in the univariate logistic regression analysis (P = .005). The log-rank test revealed statistically significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) among the GR quartiles. In the Cox regression analysis, log (GR) was an independent predictor for DFS (P = .041), but not for DSS in multivariate analysis. In the subgroup analysis, log (GR) was an independent predictor for early-stage (≤2A) AM (DFS, P = .002; DSS, P = .004).

The limitations of this study include the retrospective design of the study and possible recall bias.

Our results suggest that GR is an important prognostic factor for DFS and DSS in AM patients and an independent predictor for early-stage AM.
Barbed suture versus traditional suture in primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Li Pengbiao , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Yanyan , Li Jinlong , Yan Peijing , Guo Shifang , Liu Jie , Yang Kehu , He Zongru , Qian Yaowen
Published: May 2020

Background:

Barbed suture has been widely used in some surgical fields, and it has achieved good results, but the application in total knee arthroplasty is still controversial.

Objective:

Literature is collected for statistical analysis so as to provide evidence for the use of barbed suture in Total knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane library and EMBASE database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using barbed suture and conventional suture to close incisions after primary total knee arthroplasty, and the retrieval time was from July 2019 to the establishment of the database. Literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality evaluation and data extraction were conducted for the final included literature, and statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results:

A total of six RCTs (826 knees) were included in our meta-analysis. The results showed that the re-negative conversion could shorten the wound closure time (MD –4.41, 95% CI −5.11 to −3.72, P < .00001) and reduce the wound closure total cost (MD –282.61, 95% CI –445.36 to –119.85, P = .0007) and acupuncture injury (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.78, P = .02), and did not significantly increasing the incidence of complications (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.05–0.96, P = .38) or suture breakages (RR 4.58, 95% CI 0.16−128.29, P = .37). There were no significant differences in ROM at postoperative 6 weeks and 3 months (MD −0.74, 95% CI −4.19 to 2.71, P = .67; MD −0.30, 95% CI −2.62 to 2.02, P = .80) and no significant differences in KSS at postoperative 6 weeks (MD –0.22, 95% CI –3.10 to 2.66, P = .88).

Conclusions:

Our study shows that barbed suture is a fast, low-cost, safe and effective suture method in total knee arthroplasty compared with traditional suture, we also need more literature and longer follow-up to confirm this conclusion.
Escalating and sustained immunovirological dissociation among antiretroviral drug-experienced perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected children and adolescents living in the Central African Republic
Authors: Mossoro-Kpinde Christian Diamant , Gody Jean-Chrysostome , Mboumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney , Moussa Sandrine , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Péré Hélène , Charpentier Charlotte , Matta Mathieu , Longo Jean De Dieu , Grésenguet Gérard , Djoba Siawaya Joël Fleury , Bélec Laurent
Published: May 2020

Sub-Saharan Africa has the vast majority (∼90%) of new pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases worldwide. Biologically monitoring HIV-infected pediatric populations remains challenging. The differential interest of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 RNA loads and CD4 T-cell counts is debated for the treatment of pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.

Long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes regarding immunological and virological surrogate markers were longitudinally evaluated between 2009 and 2014 (over 57 months) in 245 perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents born from HIV-infected mothers, treated at inclusion for at least 6 months by the World Health Organization-recommended ART in Bangui, Central African Republic.

Patients were monitored over time biologically for CD4 T-cell counts, HIV-1 RNA loads, and drug resistance mutation genotyping.

Children lost to follow-up totaled 6%. Four categories of immunovirological responses to ART were observed. At baseline, therapeutic success with sustained immunological and virological responses was observed in 80 (32.6%) children; immunological and virologic nonresponses occurred in 32 (13.0%) children; finally, the majority (133; 54.2%) of the remaining children showed discordant immunovirological responses. Among them, 33 (13.4%) children showed rapid virological responses to ART with an undetectable viral load, whereas immunological responses remained absent after 6 months of treatment and increased progressively over time in most of the cases, suggesting slow immunorestoration. Notably, nearly half of the children (40.8% at baseline and 48.2% at follow-up) harbored discordant immunovirological responses with a paradoxically high CD4 T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA load, which are always associated with high levels of drug resistance mutations. The latter category showed a significant increase over time, with a growth rate of 1.23% per year of follow-up.

Our STROBE-compliant study demonstrates the high heterogeneity of biological responses under ART in children with frequent passage from 1 category to another over time. Close biological evaluation with access to routine plasma HIV-1 RNA load monitoring is crucial for adapting the complex outcomes of ART in HIV-infected children born from infected mothers.
Patellar resurfacing versus patellar nonresurfacing in primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hou Chengzhi , Chu Xuelei , Zhang Bingbing , Li Jiaxian , Dong Yongli , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2020

Background:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. However, the decision to resurface the patella during a primary TKA remains controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether patellar resurfacing is needed in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

A systematic literature research will be conducted in 7 databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library website, ClinicalTrials.gov databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang database, and VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. The quality of studies will be assessed according to Cochrane risk of bias tool and Methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) scale. The level of the evidence will be estimated by grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system. Data analysis and synthesis will be completed by the Review Manager 5.3.

Conclusions:

The conclusion of this study will provide clinicians performing TKA with a recommendation whether to conduct patellar resurfacing and further guide the clinical decision-making.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129711.
Incidentally detected cavernous hemangioma of the glans penis after circumcision
Authors: Kim Kwang Seog , Lee Hyeok , Hwang Jae Ha , Lee Sam Yong
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

Hemangiomas of the glans penis are very rare. Treatment options include surgical excision, laser therapy, intralesional sclerotherapy, electrofulguration, and cryotherapy. However, there have been no definitive treatment guidelines established to date.

Patient concerns:

A 19-year-old man presented with a mass on the glans penis, incidentally found during a circumcision performed at a local urology clinic 3 months before visiting our department.

Diagnoses:

Histopathological examination identified the specimen as a cavernous hemangioma.

Interventions:

The mass was completely excised and the resulting wound was closed layer by layer.

Outcomes:

The patient was discharged without complications, such as wound dehiscence or infection. Follow-up 14 months after surgery showed that the wound was well healed without recurrence and the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic result.

Lessons:

Although there are many options to treat hemangiomas occurring on the glans penis, surgical excision can be considered when they are small in size.
Early therapy with corticosteroid and surfactant for acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants
Authors: Sato Yuiko , Shiota Mitsutaka , Sasaki Kouta , Hata Atsuko , Hata Daisuke
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

Acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (AIPH) in infants is a rare condition, and a clear treatment protocol has not yet been established.

Patient concerns:

We report 2 infant cases of AIPH in a 3-month-old male and a 1-month-old female, who presented at an emergency room with epistaxis and respiratory distress. Both were immediately intubated, which revealed a bloody intratracheal aspirate.

Diagnosis:

Pulmonary hemorrhage was confirmed by X-ray and computed tomography imaging in both cases. The extensive evaluation revealed no specific etiology for the acute pulmonary hemorrhage, and AIPH was therefore diagnosed in both cases.

Interventions:

Intravenous methylprednisolone resulted in a rapid improvement in oxygenation and a reduction in high airway pressure during mechanical ventilation. Methylprednisolone was subsequently tapered off within 13 and 3 days in cases 1 and 2, respectively. In case 1, intratracheal administration of a surfactant also resulted in an immediate improvement in respiratory condition and the patient was extubated after 2 days; no effect was seen in case 2, and the patient was extubated after 10 days.

Outcome:

Both infants recovered well without sequelae or further relapse after 23 and 71 months of follow-up, respectively.

Lessons:

Early administration of corticosteroid therapy and intratracheal administration of diluted surfactant should be considered for severe acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants.
The serratus anterior plane block for analgesia after thoracic surgery
Authors: Liu Xiancun , Song Tingting , Xu Hai-Yang , Chen Xuejiao , Yin Pengfei , Zhang Jingjing
Published: May 2020

Background:

The serratus anterior plane (SAP) block is a newer method that can be used in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries. The postoperative analgesia efficacy of SAP blocks for thoracic surgery remains controversial. We conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the analgesia of SAP blocks after thoracic surgery.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the postoperative pain control of a SAP block on thoracic surgery. All of the dates were screened and evaluated by two researchers and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software.

Results:

A total of 8 RCTs involving 542 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to postoperative pain scores at 2 h (standardized mean difference [Std.MD] = −1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.66 to −0.86; P < .0001); 6 h (SMD = −0.50; 95%CI = −0.88 to −0.11; P = .01); 12 h (SMD = −0.63; 95%CI = −1.10 to −0.16; P = .009); 24 h (SMD = −0.99; 95%CI = −1.44 to −0.51; P < .0001); postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h (SMD = −0.83; 95%CI = −1.10 to −0.56; P < .00001); and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) rates (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.21–0.73; P = .003).

Conclusion:

The SAP block can play an important role in the management of pain after thoracic surgery by reducing both pain scores and 24-h postoperative opioids consumption. In addition, there is fewer incidence of PONV in the SAP block group.
Down-regulation of EDN1 gene expression by circulating miR-206 is associated with risk of preeclampsia
Authors: Sheng Chunzhi , Zhao Yangchun , Zhu Libo
Published: May 2020

To study the correlation between circulating microRNA-206 (miR-206) levels and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels, and to explore its association with preeclampsia (PE) risk.

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCT) was used to compare the plasma miR-206 levels in 200 PE patients and 200 healthy controls. The correlation between miR-206 and ET-1 levels in plasma of PE patients was analyzed by Pearson analysis. MiR-206 was transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells cells and ET-1 expression was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RT-PCR results showed that plasma miR-206 levels in PE patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .01). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of plasma miR-206 level in the diagnosis of PE was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.96). Plasma ET-1 levels in PE patients were significantly lower than those in the control group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P < .01). The area under the curve of plasma ET-1 level in the diagnosis of PE was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.90–0.95). The level of miR-206 in plasma was negative correlated with ET-1 level (r = -0.37, P < .01). The expression level of ET-1 was significantly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells cells transfected with miR-206.

miR-206 can down-regulate the expression of EDN1 gene, which may be related to the increased risk of preeclampsia.
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave combined spinal core decompression for the treatment of patients with femoral head necrosis
Authors: Qiao Xiao-feng , Liu Shi-chen , Xue Yu , Ji Qing-hui
Published: May 2020

Background:

Previous studies have reported that extracorporeal shock wave (EPSW) combined spinal core decompression (SCD) has been used for the treatment of patients with femoral head necrosis (FHN) effectively. However, their results are still inconsistent. Therefore, this study will systematically assess the efficacy and safety of EPSW and SCD for the treatment of patients with FHN.

Methods:

This study will systematically search the following databases from inception through March 1, 2020: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All searches will be performed without language and publication date restrictions. This study will only include randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of EPSW and SCD for the treatment of patients with FHN. Two authors will independently assess all literatures, extract data, and appraise risk of bias. Any confusion between 2 authors will be cleared up by a third author through discussion. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized to analyze the data and to perform a meta-analysis if necessary.

Results:

This study will summarize up-to-date evidence and provide a detailed summary related to the efficacy and safety of EPSW and SCD for the treatment of patients with FHN.

Conclusion:

This study may provide helpful evidence to determine whether or not EPSW combined SCD is effective and safety for the treatment of patients with FHN.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202040092.
Development and validation of 9-long Non-coding RNA signature to predicting survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Deng Benyuan , Yang Min , Wang Ming , Liu Zhongwu
Published: May 2020

Primary hepatic carcinoma is 1 of the most common malignant tumors globally, of which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85% to 90%. Due to the high degree of deterioration and low early detection rate of HCC, most patients are diagnosed when they are already in the middle and advanced stages, and the prognosis are always poor.

RNA sequencing data from the cancer genome atlas was used to explore differences in lncRNA expression profiles. LncRNA was extracted by gdcRNAtools in R package. Multivariate cox analysis was performed on the screened lncRNAs. The relationship between the lncRNA model and prognosis as well as clinical characteristics of patients with HCC was analyzed. Finally, a predictive nomogram in the the cancer genome atlas cohort was established and verified internally

Based on the RNA sequencing survival analysis, a 9- lncRNAs prognosis model, including TMCC1-AS1, AC008892.1, AL031985.3, L34079.2, U95743.1, KDM4A-AS1, SACS-AS1, AC005534.1, LINC01116 was established. The 9-lncRNA prognosis model was a reliable tool for predicting prognosis of HCC, and the nomogram of this prognosis model could help clinicians to choose personalized treatment for HCC patients

This model was significant to complement clinic characteristics of HCC and to promote personalized management of patients, it also provided a new idea for researches on the prognosis of HCC.
Effects of mild hypothermia on serum HMGB1 of brain-dead donors and its impact on kidney transplantation recipients
Authors: Shan Hui , Zhang Xin , Lin Zhe-Min , Wang Xue-Zhu , Mi Zi-Xin , Wang Ya-Ping , Tang Zi-Ren , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2020

Investigate the effect of mild hypothermia on serum inflammatory factor HMGB1 of brain-dead donors, and its significance for renal transplantation recipients.

In our hospital between January 2018 and January 2019 up to the standard of brain death donor (aged 18 to 65 years old) prospective cohort study, brain death donor were randomly divided into mild hypothermia group and the non-mild hypothermia group. Serum were collected from donor at different periods, and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum HMGB1 concentration to compare the difference between the 2 donor groups. The early recovery of renal function after renal transplantation was followed up, and the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and early recovery of renal function were compared between the 2 groups. The correlation between donor HMGB1 and recipient DGF was analyzed.

Between 17 donors in the mild hypothermia group and 17 in the non-mild hypothermia group, there were no statistically significant differences in the age, perioperative urine volume and ICU stay between the 2 groups. After mild hypothermia treatment, serum HMGB1 levels of brain death donors were significantly decreased. While in non-mild hypothermia brain death donor group without treatment, serum HMGB1 was significantly increased. There were no statistically significant differences in age and preoperative creatinine between the 2 recipient groups, including 33 patients in the mild hypothermia group and 34 patients in the non-mild hypothermia group. DGF incidence was lower in mild hypothermia group comparing with non-mild hypothermia group with statistical significance. The levels of HMGB1 from donor before procurement is correlated with the occurrence of DGF of the recipient.

Mild hypothermia therapy can reduce the levels of serum HMGB1, improve the function of donor organs. The levels of HMGB1 before donor procurement can be used to predict the occurrence of DGF in kidney transplant recipients. Our study shows that HMGB1 can be potentially used as therapeutic target of early intervention for brain death donors. Furthermore, mild hypothermia therapy can be applied in the maintenance of brain death donors for kidney transplant recipient to improve the successful rate of transplantation.
Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children
Authors: Ding Guodong , Wu Beirong , Vinturache Angela , Cai Chen , Lu Min , Gu Haoxiang
Published: May 2020

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a common and serious problem in childhood as it requires early recognition and treatment to avoid potentially lethal consequences. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of airway FBs in a pediatric Chinese population.

A retrospective review of medical records of children aged 0 to 14 years who attended with a diagnosis of FB aspiration the Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2013 and December 2017 was carried out. Descriptive analysis was used to assess patient's demographics, clinical, radiographic, bronchoscopic findings, time to presentation, and characteristics of the FBs.

Among the 200 patients included in the study, 92% were under 3 years of age, with a peak incidence of FB aspiration occurring between 1 and 2 years old. The male to female ratio was about 2.6:1. Twenty-three percent of the patients were admitted within 24 hours of the event, 40% within 1 week, 30% within 1 month, and 7% more than 1 month after aspiration. The most common presenting symptoms of laryngotracheal FBs were cough, dyspnea, and wheezing; those of bronchial FBs were cough, decreased air entry, and wheezing. Chest X-ray was normal in four-fifths of the children with laryngotracheal FBs, whereas most common abnormal X-ray findings in children with bronchial FBs were mediastinal shift, obstructive emphysema, and pneumonia. There was a trend that in children younger than 2 years FBs were more frequently found in the left bronchus, whereas in older children FBs were more frequently found in the right bronchus. Ninety-three percent of the removed FBs were organic materials such as food items and the most frequently aspirated FBs were peanuts. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed in 82.5% of the patients, while rigid bronchoscopy or direct laryngoscopy in 17.5% of the patients. Four patients were subjected to thoracic surgery and 1 died during rigid bronchoscopy due to acute respiratory failure.

FBs is a frequent pathology among Chinese children. Tracheobronchial FBs should be strongly suspected in young children who have sudden onset of cough and wheezing episode, even when physical and radiographic evidence is absent.
Chronic pain and spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Corallo Francesco , De Salvo Simona , Cannistraci Cecilia , Lo Buono Viviana , Di Cara Marcella , Floridia Daniela , Cerra Francesco , Romeo Laura , Pria Deborah , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia , Bonanno Lilla
Published: May 2020

Chronic pain can have a devastating impact and lead to patient isolation. Many people with chronic pain are predisposed to anxiety-depressant symptoms, due to a lower quality life. The aim of the study is to demonstrate how neuromodulation methods, can encourage the reduction of chronic pain and an improvement in the quality of life, therefore advancing the restoration of psychological well-being.

We involved 50 patients with a diagnosis of pain that not respond to traditional pharmacological therapies. Interventions: All subject had depression and anxiety symptoms and a low-quality life. We used the spinal cord stimulation treatment and a psychological evaluation for assessment of depression-anxiety symptomatology and the level of quality life.

We observed a significant difference in physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems and mental health.

Our study affirms that the perception of chronic pain has a great impact on the perception of psychological well-being, quality of life, and the performance of normal daily social and professional activities.
Experimental exposure of Burkholderia pseudomallei crude culture filtrate upregulates PD-1 on T lymphocytes
Authors: Menon Nivedita , Mariappan Vanitha , Vellasamy Kumutha M. , Samudi Chandramathi , See Jia-Xiang , Ganesh P. Sankar , Saeidi Alireza , Vadivelu Jamuna , Shankar Esaki Muthu
Published: May 2020

Burkholderia pseudomallei

is the causative agent for melioidosis. Because of its intracellular nature, the bacterium is capable of replicating within a plethora of eukaryotic cell lines.

B. pseudomallei

can remain dormant within host cells without symptoms for years, causing recrudescent infections. Here, we investigated the pathogenesis mechanism behind the suppression of T cell responses by

B. pseudomallei

. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (1×106 cells/well) isolated by Ficoll Paque (Sigma-Aldrich) density gradient centrifugation were incubated with optimized concentrations of bacterial crude culture filtrate antigens (CFAs) (10 ug ml−1) and heat-killed bacteria [1 : 10 multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.)]. Following incubation, cells were investigated for surface expression of coinhibitory molecules by flow cytometry. We found that

B. pseudomallei

induced the upregulation of programmed death 1 (PD-1), a molecule responsible for T cell exhaustion, on T cells in vitro following exposure to crude CFAs of

B. pseudomallei

. This upregulation of PD-1 probably contributes to poor immune surveillance and disease pathogenesis.
Clonality and inbreeding amplifies genetic isolation and mate limitation in a rare montane woody plant (Persoonia hindii; Proteaceae)
Authors: Ahrens Collin , Tierney David , Rymer Paul D.
Published: May 2020

Small populations have genetic attributes that make them prone to extinction, including low effective population size (Ne), increased levels of inbreeding, and negative impacts from genetic drift. Some small populations are also clonal with low levels of genetic diversity, restricted seed dispersal, and high levels of genetic structure. Together, these attributes make species with small, isolated, clonal populations unlikely to persist under environmental change. We investigated an endangered woody plant species (Persoonia hindii) in eastern Australia to answer key questions about genetic differentiation, migration rates, population sizes, size of clones, mating system andNe. We identified 587 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Of the 88 individual stems collected from 15 sites across the entire distribution ofP. hindii, we identified 30 multi-locus genotypes (MLG). Additional fine-scale genotyping of two sites (49 and 47 stems) detected a dominant genet within each site occupying a minimum area of 20 m2. Global population differentiation was high (FST0.22) with very low migration rates (0.048 - 0.064). We identified some population structure with variable site pairwise differentiation (0.015 - 0.32) with no detectable spatial autocorrelation. Species wide inbreeding coefficient was 0.42 (FIT), supporting the direct estimate of 82% selfing. EstimatedNewas extremely small (15), indicating that genetic drift may be reducing genetic diversity and increasing genetic load through fixation of deleterious alleles. Clonality and inbreeding combined with negligible gene flow suggests limited adaptive capacity to respond to climate challenges. Genetic rescue, through assisted gene migration and experimental translocations, would enhance the persistence of natural populations.
Freshwater diatom biomonitoring through benthic kick-net metabarcoding
Authors: Maitland Victoria Carley , Robinson Chloe Victoria , Porter Teresita M. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: May 2020

Biomonitoring is an essential tool for assessing ecological conditions and informing management strategies. The application of DNA metabarcoding and high throughput sequencing has improved data quantity and resolution for biomonitoring of taxa such as macroinvertebrates, yet, there remains the need to optimise these methods for other taxonomic groups. Diatoms have a longstanding history in freshwater biomonitoring as bioindicators of water quality status. However, periphyton scraping, a common diatom sampling practice, is time-consuming and thus costly in terms of labour. This study examined whether the benthic kick-net technique used for macroinvertebrate biomonitoring could be applied to bulk-sample diatoms for metabarcoding. To test this approach, we collected samples using both conventional microhabitat periphyton scraping and bulk-tissue kick-net methodologies in parallel from replicated sites with different habitat status (good/fair). We found there was no significant difference in community assemblages between conventional periphyton scraping and kick-net methodologies, but there was significant difference between diatom communities depending on site quality (P = 0.029). These results show the diatom taxonomic coverage achieved through DNA metabarcoding of kick-net is suitable for ecological biomonitoring applications. The shift to a more robust sampling approach and capturing diatoms and macroinvertebrates in a single sampling event has the potential to significantly improve efficiency of biomonitoring programmes.
Amnion signals are essential for mesoderm formation in primates
Authors: Yang Ran , Goedel Alexander , Kang Yu , Si Chenyang , Chu Chu , Zheng Yi , Chen Zhenzhen , Gruber Peter J. , Xiao Yao , Zhou Chikai , Witman Nevin , Leung Chuen-Yan , Chen Yongchang , Fu Jianping , Ji Weizhi , Lanner Fredrik , Niu Yuyu , Chien Kenneth
Published: May 2020

Essential genes for murine embryonic development can demonstrate a disparate phenotype in human cohorts. By generating a transcriptional atlas containing >30,000 cells from postimplantation non-human primate embryos, we discovered thatISL1, a gene with a well-established role in cardiogenesis, controls a gene regulatory network in primate amnion. CRISPR/Cas9-targeting ofISL1resulted in non-human primate embryos which did not yield viable offspring, demonstrating thatISL1is critically required in primate embryogenesis. On a cellular level, mutantISL1embryos displayed a failure in mesoderm formation due to reduced BMP4 signaling from the amnion. Via loss of function and rescue studies in human embryonic stem cells we confirmed a similar role ofISL1in humanin vitroderived amnion. This study highlights the importance of the amnion as a signaling center during primate mesoderm formation and demonstrates the potential ofin vitroprimate model systems to dissect the genetics of early human embryonic development.
Assessment on aerodynamic degradation for wing-damaged transport aircraft
Authors: Ding Menglong , Zeng Chuan , Binienda Wieslaw K.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Wingtip loss is an existing type of transport aircraft hazard which is a real threat to flight safety caused by a missile strike, underwing engine explosion or impact with obstructions when performing near-ground operations. The primary effect of the wingtip loss is an asymmetric rolling moment, which may result in the fatal loss of control for the aircraft. This study aims to assess whether aerodynamic degradation will cause a wing-damaged transport aircraft to lose its balance under a certain level of wing damage and if a pilot can compensate for the loss of aerodynamic force and regain the balance of the aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, experimental and numerical studies were conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of a wingtip-lost transport aircraft in landing configuration. Various levels of wing damages including wingtip, slat and flap loss were considered. The numerical simulations were performed with ANSYS Fluent. The computational fluid dynamics calculation was validated by wind tunnel tests.

Findings

The aerodynamic performance of the aircraft with wing-damaged condition was presented. It was revealed that the wingtip loss leads to an asymmetric rolling moment and a reduction of the lift force, which affects the balance of the transport aircraft. The methods to compensate for the lift force and the asymmetric rolling moment were investigated for a safe landing. The lateral balance cannot be maintained in cases with serious damage on the wing (larger than 53% of the semi-span) or moderate damage on the wing with loss of slats and flaps.

Originality/value

The nonlinear results indicate the importance of aerodynamic assessment for the sake of training pilots to properly handle the hazard situation and explore the critical facts leading to the air crash.
CSR Disclosure, Corporate Governance and Firm Value: a study on GCC Islamic Banks
Authors: Harun Mohd Shukor , Hussainey Khaled , Mohd Kharuddin Khairul Ayuni , Farooque Omar Al
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) practices of the Islamic banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the period 2010-2014 and examines the determinants of CSRD and its effects on firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions Governance Standard No. 7 guidelines and using content analysis, the paper develops a comprehensive CSRD index for GCC Islamic banks. The study applies ordinary least squares regression analysis for hypothesis testing and for finding determinants of respective dependent variables.

Findings

The results show a very low level of CSRD among the sample Islamic banks in GCC countries. When using corporate governance characteristics to examine the determinants of CSRD, this study provides evidence of a significant positive association between board size and CSRD practice in Islamic banks and a significant negative relationship of chief executive officer (CEO) duality with CSRD, as per expectation. For the economic consequences of CSRD, the study documents an inverse performance effect of CSRD while board size, board composition and CEO duality indicate significant positive effects on firm value.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small sample size of GCC Islamic banks may limit the application of the findings to other Islamic financial institutions such as Takaful and the Islamic unit trust company.

Practical implications

The findings of this study initiate the global debate on the need for corporate governance reform in Islamic banks by providing insights on the role played by corporate governance mechanisms in encouraging and enhancing CSRD practices among Islamic banks. The findings also have important implications for investors, managers, regulatory bodies, policymakers and Islamic banks in the GCC countries.

Social implications

The results of the study do not support the idea that Islamic banks operating on Islamic principles can meet their social responsibilities through promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and by differentiating themselves from non-Islamic banks.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the determinants of CSRD in GCC Islamic banks using comprehensive CSRD and corporate governance variables and, therefore, adds value to the existing CSR literature in banking.