bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Printed Targeting Device for Scaphoid Fracture Fixation
Authors: DeWolf Matthew C. , Hartov Alexander , Fortney Thomas A. , Warhold Lance G.
Published: February 2020

Background: Percutaneous guide wire insertion for scaphoid screw fixation can be challenging and often requires multiple attempts with significant radiation exposure to the surgical team. A 3-dimensional (3D) printed targeting device has the potential to reduce procedure time and intraoperative radiation exposure. Methods: Our targeting device protocol included a preprocedure computed tomography (CT) scan of a casted cadaver wrist, followed by 3D printing of a customized targeting guide. In a comparison trial, seven orthopedic surgery residents performed percutaneous scaphoid guide wire insertion on different cadaver specimens by both freehand technique and using our targeting device. Radiation exposure and procedure times were compared. All specimens underwent postprocedure CT to assess Kirschner wire (K-wire) accuracy, determined by central third placement. Pre- and postprocedure CT scans from the targeting device group were co-registered to compare planned and actual K-wire trajectories. Results: Using the freehand technique, mean fluoroscopy time was 120 seconds (standard deviation: ±53 seconds) generating 2.45 milligray of radiation. Average procedure time was 21 minutes with a mean of 6.4 (range: 3-9) insertion attempts. A single insertion attempt was made using the targeting device with an average procedure time of 30 seconds and no fluoroscopy exposure. Four K-wires were placed within the central scaphoid in both groups. Using the targeting device, average linear deviation from the planned trajectory was 2.1 mm, while the maximum linear deviation was 3.75 mm. Conclusion: When compared to freehand scaphoid guide wire insertion, our targeting device provides similar accuracy while significantly reducing intraoperative radiation exposure and procedure time.
Deferred Cooling System for Desert Climates
Authors: El Bedaiwy MF , El Morsi MS , Serag-Eldin MA
Published: February 2020

The paper presents the design of a novel heat rejection system suitable for desert climates where daytime temperatures are typically high, nighttime cooling through sky radiation exchange is highly effective, and freshwater is scarce. Desert climates also feature high solar energy intensities during daytime, which can be exploited to power thermodynamic cycles. However, such cycles reject heat during operation, and daytime temperatures are too high for employing air cooling whereas scarcity of freshwater limits the applicability of evaporative cooling. We propose a system that defers dissipation of heat rejected during daytime operation to nighttime when ambient conditions are much more favorable for heat dissipation to the atmosphere. The paper presents the proposed design, its method of operation, and its implementation in a solar-driven ice-making plant in Upper Egypt. A mathematical model was developed to predict system performance and support decision-making over equipment sizing. It was used to simulate the performance of the deferred cooling system over a week. Using weather data collected at New Cairo (30.02 °N latitude, 31.5 °E longitude) in April 2017, the model demonstrated that the system could achieve a maximum temperature drop of 16 °C, which corresponds to a cooling of 47 MJ/m2/night.
Effects of wall proximity on the airflow in a vertical solar chimney for natural ventilation of dwellings
Authors: Nguyen Y Quoc , Wells John Craig
Published: February 2020

This study investigates performance of a vertical solar chimney, which absorbs solar energy and induces airflow for natural ventilation and cooling of dwellings, under effects of walls neighboring to its air channel. A computational fluid dynamics model was developed to predict induced flow rate and thermal efficiency of a vertical solar chimney with four types of nearby walls: a vertical wall to which the solar chimney was attached, a horizontal plate above the outlet of the air channel, a horizontal plate, and a horizontal wall below the inlet of the air channel. Examined factors included the heat flux in the air channel, the chimney height, the air gap, the distance of the walls, and the location of the heat source in the air channel. The results showed that effects of the wall proximity were modulated by the location of the heat source and the ratio G/ H between the air gap and the chimney height. Particularly, performance of the chimney was enhanced when the heat source was on the opposite side of the vertical wall and when G/ H was large.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 7-bromo-3,3-dibutyl-8-methoxy-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]thiazepin-4(5H)-one
Authors: Du Damin , Wu Haijian
Published: February 2020

7-Bromo-3,3-dibutyl-8-methoxy-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[ b][1,4]thiazepin-4(5 H)-one is prepared from 6-methoxybenzo[ d]thiazol-2-amine and 2-(bromomethyl)-2-butylhexanoic acid as the key starting materials via five simple steps including hydrolysis, substitution, condensation, bromination, and aromatic amidation under microwave conditions. This new route has reduced the reaction time and increased the overall yield to 43%. Moreover, the structure of the target product is also confirmed by X-ray crystal analysis, and further studies indicate that the existence of an intramolecular C–H···C g1 non-classical hydrogen bond is effective in stabilization of the crystal structure.
The Odor of Disgust: Contemplating the Dark Side of 20th-Century Cancer History
Authors: Hitzer Bettina
Published: February 2020

This article explores how historians of emotions and historians of the senses can collaborate to write a history of emotional experience that takes seriously the corporeality of emotions. It investigates how smell, feelings of disgust, and the moral judgments associated with these feelings were interrelated in 20th-century German cancer history. It demonstrates that this complex decisively shaped the emotional experiences of cancer patients. Uncovering this dynamic is only possible by conjoining the history of emotions with a more expanded version of the history of the senses. The combination reveals that the “odor of disgust” was not an ahistorical constant, but was, both in its parts and as a whole, subject to considerable shifts.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy after FOLFIRINOX in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: de Jesus Victor H. F. , Camandaroba Marcos P. G. , Calsavara Vinicius F. , Riechelmann Rachel P.
Published: February 2020

Background:

There are no randomized data to guide treatment decisions for patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma following first-line FOLFIRINOX. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using gemcitabine-based chemotherapy after FOLFIRINOX to assess treatment efficacy and toxicity.

Methods:

We included studies published between 2011 and 2018 that evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy after FOLFIRINOX in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), any grade 3/4 toxicity rate, and progression-free survival (PFS). We used the random-effects model to generate pooled estimates for proportions.

Results:

Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, ORR was 10.8%, DCR was 41.1%, and any grade 3/4 toxicity rate was 28.6%. In subgroup analyses, gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel was associated with superior ORR (14.4 versus 8.4%; p = 0.038) and DCR (53.5 versus 30.5%; p < 0.001) compared with single-agent gemcitabine. Median PFS ranged from 1.9 to 6.4 months and numerically favored gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests gemcitabine-based chemotherapy likely outperforms best supportive care after FOLFIRINOX in advanced pancreatic cancer. Also, gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel seems to be more active than single-agent gemcitabine (CRD42018100421).
Psychiatrization of, with and by children: Drawing a complex picture
Authors: Beeker Timo , Witeska-Młynarczyk Anna , te Meerman Sanne , Mills China
Published: February 2020

When discussed in the context of diagnosing or medicating children, psychiatrization is usually portrayed as a more or less monolithic top-down process, which, according to some, enables a child’s right to health, while for others is a form of child abuse. This article challenges these conceptualizations in two steps: First, it draws on available literature on psychiatrization (including its top-down and bottom-up operations, and its ideological and material aspects), and its relationship to various psy-practices, and wider processes of (bio) medicalization, psychologization and reification. Second, using two detailed vignettes from ethnographic research with children and youth in Poland, the article demonstrates that children and youth are not necessarily passive recipients of psychiatrization as they themselves navigate, appropriate, resist, and transform top-down influences. While one vignette details a child’s more or less open resistance to psychiatrization through their attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder label, the other vignette shows young people embracing and positively identifying with bio and psy-knowledge in relation to depression. However, both vignettes show how children and youth make psychiatrization meaningful as it shapes their lifeworlds, with them sometimes becoming agents of psychiatrization themselves. Our data illustrate the nuances of psychiatrization of, with and by children, and we draw on this to complexify existing literature and framings of psychiatrization.
Applying an enhanced recovery approach to endoscopic procedures: Local experience with progression to day-case transurethral resection of bladder tumour
Authors: Wells Hannah L , Lazenbury Abigail , Fairchild Lucy , Harris Mark
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is a common urological procedure. With improvements in technology, technique and community support, our unit was able to implement a dedicated day-case pathway for patients undergoing TURBT. The aim of this study was to prove that this has been a safe and cost-effective improvement to our urology service.

Patients and methods:

A retrospective audit was carried out of 312 elective TURBT cases performed in one centre between 2011 and 2014 (36 excluded for lack of data/emergency status). Data were gathered regarding length of stay, causes of delayed discharge, readmissions and resection quality.

Results:

In 2011, 11% of TURBTs were performed as day cases, and 66% had an overnight stay. After introduction of the TURBT pathway, by 2014, 68% patients went home the same day, and 21% had an overnight stay. The 30-day readmission rate in 2011 was 7% (mostly following overnight stays), whereas 6% were readmitted in 2014. Resection quality was comparable across the two groups.

Conclusion:

Our experience suggests that day-case TURBT can be widely implemented without compromising quality or patient safety.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Video Analysis of Concussion Exposures in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Team
Authors: Austin Ashley V. , Sasser Phillip , Tanabe Kawai , MacKnight John M. , Kent Jeremy B.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Research into improving player safety of sport-related concussion (SRC) in American football has been an ongoing endeavor. In an attempt to better understand the incidence of SRCs in American football, research has focused on the characteristics of SRC during gameplay. Determining SRC specifics and assessing them quantitatively can help identify high-risk scenarios and predict exposure risk.

Purpose:

To identify and assess the incidence of SRCs in a National Collegiate Athletic Association football team by comparing field location, player positions, collision partners, and player cues.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

We used physician sideline reports of diagnosed concussions from a Division I football team from September 2010 to December 2018. Game videos were analyzed to identify the field location where the SRC occurred, collision partner, and player behavior postconcussion. The incidence of in-game SRCs by position was also assessed. We used the “words of estimative probability” model to categorize each concussion as certain, almost certain, probable, or even on the basis of our confidence in identifying them using game film.

Results:

This study examined 44 SRCs that occurred over 9 seasons. The SRC incidence was significantly higher in the middle defense (5-20 yards from the line of scrimmage) compared with all other field locations (relative risk, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.14-5.29; P < .05). In-game collision partners were most commonly defensive backs. The most common player cue was a hand to helmet/face mask. The positions with the highest SRC incidence by athlete-exposure, game position, and position play belonged to the defensive backs, wide receivers, and running backs.

Conclusion:

The middle defense had a significantly higher incidence of SRCs than all other field locations. We pose a new method to categorize concussions during video analysis by using words of estimative probability. Knowledge of SRC gameplay characteristics can potentially guide the medical staff and medical observer to better identify them.
Coworkers’ Perceptions of, and Communication With, Workplace Romance Participants: Proposing and Testing a Model
Authors: Chory Rebecca M. , Gillen Hoke Hailey
Published: February 2020

This study’s purpose was to propose and test a model of workplace romance’s influence on coworkers’ perceptions of, and communication with, workplace romance participants. In testing hypotheses derived from our model, we examined workplace romance’s relational implications from the perspectives of workplace romance participants and third-party coworkers. Results reveal that coworker perceptions of, and behaviors toward, workplace romance participants were more deleterious than the workplace romance participants believed them to be, especially in the case of hierarchical workplace romances. In addition, attributions of workplace romance job motives led to reports of diminished coworker trust in workplace romance participants, which predicted less honest and accurate coworker communication with workplace romance participants. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for communication in coworker relationships and antisocial organizational behavior and communication are discussed.
Teaching Evolutionary Principles in Health Promotion: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wingert Jason R. , Hale Rebecca E.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Teaching evolutionary principles in a health promotion course may increase the relevance of evolutionary theory to students, enrich biological understanding of disease, and provide a unique perspective on how evolution can affect human health and disease. This pilot study examined the extent to which evolution instruction in an undergraduate college-level health promotion course affects learning the fundamental concepts of evolution by natural selection, student misconceptions of evolution, and student acceptance of evolution, compared with evolution instruction in a biology course. Methods. Pre–post course surveys measured student understanding of evolution measured with the Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection, student misconception related to endorsement of teleological reasoning, and student level of acceptance of evolution, along with several demographic variables. Ninety-four ( n = 94) undergraduate student participants were enrolled in one of three courses: an Evolution-Health course, an Evolution-Biology course, and a Human Physiology course. Results. Students significantly improved their Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection scores in both Evolution-Health ( p = .0005) and Evolution-Biology ( p = .015). Student misconceptions of evolution significantly decreased ( p = .0034), and acceptance of human evolution increased ( p = .031) in the Evolution-Health course only. Change in natural selection understanding over the course of the semester was modestly negatively correlated with change in teleological reasoning ( r = −.21, p = 0.047), such that students with larger decreases in teleological reasoning had greater learning gains in natural selection understanding. Conclusions. This study provides preliminary evidence that evolutionary instruction in a college-level health promotion context improves understanding of fundamental evolutionary concepts, decreases student misconceptions related to teleological reasoning, and improves acceptance of human evolution.
Human Capital: The Key to the Longevity of a Family Business
Authors: Rajan Soumya , Ganesh Priya , Mehra Nandini
Published: February 2020

Globally, family-owned businesses are the oldest and most predominant form of an enterprise, forming an integral part of the organised and unorganised sectors of free economies.

Over the years, with the greater longevity of family businesses in India, there has been a dynamic and strategic shift in Indian families from being ‘family businesses’ to ‘business families’. This shift has come with its own set of challenges, most critical among them being the challenges related to ‘human capital’ for these businesses. The need to balance familial relationships with the pragmatism of business is a unique interplay which creates multiple complexities and inter-related issues for all family members alike.

With close to 75 per cent of the Indian workforce employed by family-owned businesses, it is important to dive deeper into the human resources (HRs) function in Indian Family businesses. Our endeavour is to understand the challenges of HRs in a family business and how this differs from larger corporations or non-family businesses.
Identification and characterization of circRNAs in the skin during wool follicle development in Aohan fine wool sheep
Authors: Zhao Ranran , Liu Nan , Han Fuhui , Li Hegang , Liu Jifeng , Li Lanlan , Wang Guoyi , He Jianning
Published: February 2020

Background

Aohan fine wool sheep (AFWS) is a historically bred fine wool sheep, cultivated in China. The wool has excellent quality and good textile performance. Investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate wool growth is important to improve wool quality and yield. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are widely expressed non-coding RNAs that can act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to bind to miRNAs. Although circRNAs have been studied in many fields, research on their activity in sheep wool follicles is limited. To understand the regulation of circRNAs in the growth of fine wool in sheep, we used RNA-Seq to identify circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin samples at three developmental stages: embryonic day 90 (E90d), embryonic day 120 (E120d), and at birth (Birth).

Results

We identified 8753 circRNAs and found that 918 were differentially-expressed. We then analyzed the classification and characteristic of the circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin. Using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we identified the source genes of circRNAs, which were mainly enriched in cellular component organization, regulation of primary metabolic processes, tight junctions, and the cGMP-PKG and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, we predicted interactions between 17 circRNAs and eight miRNAs, using miRanda software. Based on the significant pathways, we speculate that circ_0005720, circ_0001754, circ_0008036, circ_0004032, circ_0005174, circ_0005519, and circ_0007826 might play an important role in regulating wool follicle growth in AFWS. Seven circRNAs were randomly selected to validate the RNA-Seq results, using qRT-PCR.

Conclusion

Our results provide more information about circRNAs regulation of wool follicle development in AFWS, and establish a solid foundation for future research.
Awareness of ADHD in primary care: stakeholder perspectives
Authors: French B. , Perez Vallejos E. , Sayal K. , Daley D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in many European countries and the process of accessing care and diagnosis is complex and variable. In many countries, general practitioners (GPs) refer on to secondary care where individuals receive an assessment and, if appropriate, a diagnosis and access to care. It is therefore essential that GPs have a clear understanding of the disorder and its care pathways. While previous studies have highlighted potential barriers in GPs’ ADHD awareness, this qualitative study aims to further explore individual stakeholders’ experiences.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews explored the views of multiple stakeholders- GPs (n = 5), healthcare specialists (n = 5), patients (adults with ADHD n = 5) and parents (n = 5) with experience of the presentation and management of ADHD in primary care. These interviews were analysed using thematic analyses and following principles of grounded theory.

Results

Stakeholders described ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment as an intricate process. Many factors affected this process such as complex pathways, lack of services, limited GP recognition and knowledge, and communicative difficulties between and within multiple stakeholders.

Conclusion

This analysis underlines the significant impact that receiving (or not) a diagnosis can have, and further explores muddled ADHD care pathways, highlighting key issues around GP identification and the shortage of adult services. Implications for practice and future research are discussed, suggesting a strong need for more commissioned pathways and GP specific educational programs.
Addressing safety risks in integrated care programs for older people living at home: a scoping review
Authors: Lette Manon , Ambugo Eliva A. , Hagen Terje P. , Nijpels Giel , Baan Caroline A. , de Bruin Simone R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Many older people live at home, often with complex and chronic health and social care needs. Integrated care programs are increasingly being implemented as a way to better address these needs. To support older people living at home, it is also essential to maintain their safety. Integrated care programs have the potential to address a wide range of risks and problems that could undermine older people’s ability to live independently at home. The aim of this scoping review is to provide insight into how integrated care programs address safety risks faced by older people living at home - an area that is rather underexplored.

Methods

Safety was conceptualised as preventing or reducing the risk of problems, associated with individual functioning and behaviour, social and physical environments, and health and social care management, which could undermine older people’s ability to live independently at home. For this scoping review a systematic literature search was performed to identify papers describing integrated care programs where at least one intervention component addressed safety risks. Data were extracted on the programs’ characteristics, safety risks addressed, and the activities and interventions used to address them.

Results

None of the 11 programs included in this review explicitly mentioned safety in their goals. Nevertheless, following the principles of our conceptual framework, the programs appeared to address risks in multiple domains. Most attention was paid to risks related to older people’s functioning, behaviour, and the health and social care they receive. Risks related to people’s physical and social environments received less attention.

Conclusion

Even though prevention of safety risks is not an explicit goal of integrated care programs, the programs address a wide range of risks on multiple domains. The need to address social and environmental risks is becoming increasingly important given the growing number of people receiving care and support at home. Prioritising a multidimensional approach to safety in integrated care programs could enhance the ability of health and social care systems to support older people to live safely at home.
Leptospirosis in an asplenic patient -case report
Authors: García-Méndez J. , Cervera-Ceballos E. , Atilano-López D. , Arroyo-Escalante S. , Moncada-Barrón D. , Leyva-Leyva M. , Hernández-Castro R. , Carrillo-Casas E. M.
Published: February 2020

Background

The presentation of clinical leptospirosis has been historically associated with animal workers, slaughterhouse workers and medical veterinarians. This association has shifted to be related to flooding events and outdoor activities; few cases are related to high-risk factors found in immunosuppressed patients. Scarcely a handful of cases have serological evidence of immune response against Leptospira serovar Bratislava representing serogroup Australis, a serovar associated with poor reproductive performance in swine and horses, and recently with cats.

Case presentation

Herein, we describe a rare clinical presentation of disseminated Leptospira infection in an immunosuppressed 65-year-old woman. She was admitted to the emergency room with fever, bacteraemia, bilateral uveitis and pulmonary involvement. The patient denied outdoor activities; she only had wide exposure to faeces and urine from cats living in her home. Her medical history included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) diagnosed at the age of 18. She did not respond to medical treatment, and a splenectomy was performed. At age 60, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), and was treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) –Imatinib. The patient voluntarily discontinued the treatment for the last 6 months. After extensive workup, no microorganisms were identified by the commonly used stains in microbiology. The diagnosis was performed through dark-field microscopy, microagglutination test (MAT), Leptospira genus-specific PCR, the IS1500 PCR for identification of pathogenic species, and 16S based sequencing for the genus identification.

Conclusion

Immunosuppressed patients may acquire uncommon infections from ubiquitous microorganisms. In this case, serology evidence of exposure to Leptospira serovar Bratislava by MAT and the presence of the Leptospira genus were identified. It should be on mind for the diagnosis in otherwise healthy patients, and thoroughly search on splenectomised patients exposed to animals. Additionally, this report highlights the usefulness of PCR for diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening illness.
Association between gene polymorphisms of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and hypertension in the Dai people of China: a case-control study
Authors: Huang Lifan , Chu Yan , Huang Xiaoqin , Ma Shaohui , Lin Keqin , Huang Kai , Sun Hao , Yang Zhaoqing
Published: February 2020

Background

Abnormal calcium homeostasis related to the development of hypertension. As the key regulator of intracellular calcium concentration, voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), the variations in these genes may have important effects on the development of hypertension. Here we evaluate VDCCs variability with respect to hypertension in the Dai ethnic group of China.

Methods

A total of 1034 samples from Dai individuals were collected, of which 495 were used as cases, and 539 were used as controls. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury measurement method, three times with a rest for 5 min, and the average was used for analyses. Seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the four protein-coding genes (CACNA1A, CACNA1C, CACNA1S, CACNB2) of VDCCs were identified by multiplex PCR-SNP typing technique. Chi-square tests and regression models were used to analyse the associations of SNPs with hypertension.

Results

The results of chi-square tests showed that the allele frequencies of 5 SNPs were significantly different between the case and the control groups (P < 0.05), but the statistical significance was lost after Bonferroni’s correction. However, after adjusting for BMI, age, sex and other factors by logistic regression analyses, the results showed that 5 SNPs consistent with chi-square tests (rs2365293, rs17539088, rs16917217, rs61839222 and rs10425859) were still statistically positive.

Conclusions

This finding suggested that the significant association of these SNPs with hypertension may be noteworthy in future studies.
Regulatory T cells participate in the recovery of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Santamaría-Cadavid María , Rodríguez-Castro Emilio , Rodríguez-Yáñez Manuel , Arias-Rivas Susana , López-Dequidt Iria , Pérez-Mato María , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel , López-Loureiro Ignacio , Hervella Pablo , Campos Francisco , Castillo José , Iglesias-Rey Ramón , Sobrino Tomás
Published: February 2020

Background

Recent preclinical studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in the immune response after ischemic stroke (IS). However, the role of Treg in human acute IS has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to study the relationship between circulating Treg and outcome in human IS patients.

Methods

A total of 204 IS patients and 22 control subjects were recruited. The main study variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale ≤2) considering infarct volume, Early Neurological Deterioration (END) and risk of infections as secondary variables. The percentage of circulating Treg was measured at admission, 48, 72 h and at day 7 after stroke onset.

Results

Circulating Treg levels were higher in IS patients compared to control subjects. Treg at 48 h were independently associated with good functional outcome (OR, 3.5; CI: 1.9–7.8) after adjusting by confounding factors. Patients with lower Treg at 48 h showed higher frequency of END and risk of infections. In addition, a negative correlation was found between circulating Treg at 48 h (r = − 0.414) and 72 h (r = − 0.418) and infarct volume.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Treg may participate in the recovery of IS patients. Therefore, Treg may be considered a potential therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke.
DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated biological ageing and the risk of dementia in the oldest-old: a study of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921
Authors: Sibbett Ruth A. , Altschul Drew M. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Deary Ian J. , Starr John M. , Russ Tom C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and age-related health outcomes and mortality. As a disease closely associated with advancing age, we hypothesized that DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing might be associated with risk for dementia. This study therefore aimed to examine the association between four recognised measures of age acceleration and subsequent dementia.

Methods

Study subjects (n = 488) were members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921. Dementia case ascertainment used data from death certificates, electronic hospital records, and clinical reviews. Venous blood samples were taken at baseline, at age 79 years. DNA methylation and measures of epigenetic age were calculated in accordance with Horvath’s epigenetic clock tutorial, using the online calculator (https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/). From these values, four measures of accelerated ageing were calculated: extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA), intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA), AgeAccelPheno and AgeAccelGrim. Competing risk regression models – with death as a competing risk – were performed to examine the association between each measure of accelerated ageing and incident dementia. APOE ɛ4 status, sex, age, smoking status, history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes were included as covariates.

Results

None of the multivariate models revealed a positive association between increased epigenetic age acceleration and dementia risk. Across all included models, never-smoking increased risk for dementia (HR 1.69 [1.06, 2.71], p = 0.03), and having no APOE ɛ4 alleles reduced risk for dementia (HR 0.44 [0.29, 0.67], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study did not demonstrate any consistent association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and dementia in subjects aged over 79 years. Further, larger studies – including separate analyses of dementia subtypes – are required to further investigate the potential association between DNA methylation-based measures of accelerated ageing and dementia.
Injections of concentrated bone marrow aspirate as treatment for Discogenic pain: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wolff Michael , Shillington Jon Mark , Rathbone Christopher , Piasecki Shawn K. , Barnes Brian
Published: February 2020

Background

There are an overwhelming number of patients suffering from low back pain (LBP) resulting from disc pathology. Although several strategies are being developed pre-clinically, simple strategies to treat the large number of patients currently affected is still needed. One option is to use concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA), which may be effective due to its intrinsic stem cells and growth factors.

Methods

Thirty-three patients who received intradiscal injections of cBMA to relieve LBP were followed up based on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Patients were also subdivided into those with a pre-injection NRS > 5 and pre-injection NRS ≤ 5. The proportion of patients demonstrating at least 50% improvement (and 95% confidence intervals) from baseline at five follow-up visits for each outcome was evaluated.

Results

At least 50% improvement in NRS was observed for 13.8, 45.8, 41.1, 23.5, and 38.9% of patients across five follow-up visits, out to 1 year. When stratified by high (> 5) versus low (≤ 5) baseline NRS scores, the values were 14.3, 45.5, 71.4, 22.2, and 44.4% among those with high baseline pain, and 13.3, 46.2, 20.0, 25.0, and 33.3% among those with low baseline pain. The 50% improvement rates across visits were 4.3, 28.6, 30.0, 22.2, and 30.8% for SF-36, and 4.2, 26.7, 36.4, 55.6, and 30.8% for ODI.

Conclusions

Intradiscal cBMA injections may be effective to reduce pain and improve function. Patients with relatively higher initial pain may have potential for greatest improvement.
Arthroscopic side-to-side repair for complete radial posterior lateral meniscus root tears
Authors: Zhuo Hongwu , Chen Qiang , Zhu Fugui , Li Jian
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the radiographic, second-look, and functional outcomes after arthroscopic side-to-side repair for complete radial posterior lateral meniscus root tears (PLMRTs).

Methods

Patients who underwent arthroscopic side-to-side repair for complete radial PLMRTs were identified. Clinical assessment consisted of symptoms (locking, catching, giving way and effusion), examinations of joint-line tenderness and McMurray test, and subjective scores of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner. In addition, postoperative MRI scan and second-look arthroscopy were performed to assess the healing status of the repaired meniscus.

Results

Twenty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 25.41 years. The mean follow-up period was 26.68 months. During the follow-up, none of the patients had symptoms of meniscal retear, lateral joint-line tenderness or a positive McMurray test. The postoperative subjective scores of IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner improved significantly compared to the preoperative values (P = 0.01). Postoperative MRI scan showed that 28/29 (96.6%) patients achieved meniscus healing. Twenty-two patients underwent second-look arthroscopy, among whom 19 (86.4%) patients showed complete meniscus healing and 3 (13.6%) patients showed partial healing.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic side-to-side repair was a valuable surgical repair technique for complete radial PLMRTs, which leaded to significant improvements in both objective and subjective functional outcomes with a high rate of meniscus healing.

Level of evidence

Level IV, case series.
Socioeconomic-related inequalities in oral hygiene behaviors: a cross-sectional analysis of the PERSIAN cohort study
Authors: Soofi Moslem , Pasdar Yahya , Karami Matin Behzad , Hamzeh Behrooz , Rezaei Satar , Kazemi Karyani Ali , Moradi Nazar Mehdi , Soltani Shahin , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Salimi Yahya , Zangeneh Alireza , Poustchi Hossein , Sharafkhah Maryam , Haghdoust Ali Akbar , Shirzad Ahoodashti Mahboobeh , Mohammadkarimi Vahid , Aghazadeh-Attari Javad , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Yazdanbod Abbas , Eftekhar Ebrahim , Rahimi Zahra , Bahramali Ehsan , Moslem Alireza , Jamalizadeh Ahmad , Ardakani Fatemeh Ezoddini , Zanganeh Mehdi , Ahmadi Ali , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Tohidinezhad Fariba , Rahimi Kazerooni Salar , Najafi Farid
Published: February 2020

Background

Socioeconomic-related inequality in oral hygiene behaviors in Iran is poorly understood. This study aims to measure and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly adults in Iran.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), a large national cohort study. A total of 130,016 individuals aged 35 years and above from 17 cohort centers in Iran were included in the study. The normalized concentration index (Cn) was used to measure the magnitude of inequality in oral hygiene behaviors, i.e. brushing at least twice and flossing once daily, among middle-aged and elderly Iranian adults included in the cohort centers. Decomposition analysis was performed to quantify the contribution of each determinant to the observed inequality in oral hygiene behaviors.

Results

Totally, 65.5% of middle-aged and elderly adults brushed their teeth twice a day or more, 7.6% flossed at least once a day and 3.48% had both habits. The estimated Cn of the two habits combined, i.e. tooth brushing and dental flossing, for all provinces taken part in the PERSIAN cohort study was 0.399 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.383 to 0.417), indicating that the prevalence of the two habits combined is more concentrated among individuals with higher socioeconomic status. Inequality in oral hygiene behaviors was pro-rich in all cohort centers. The decomposition results suggested socioeconomic status as the main factor contributing to the overall inequality, followed by the level of education, and the province of residence.

Conclusion

A low prevalence of oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly Iranian adults was observed. There was also a pro-rich inequality in oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly adults in all cohort centers. These results suggest an urgent need for targeted policy interventions to increase the prevalence of preventive oral hygiene behaviors among the poor and less-educated middle-aged and elderly adults in Iran.
Relative contributions of non-essential Sec pathway components and cell envelope-associated proteases to high-level enzyme secretion by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Neef Jolanda , Bongiorni Cristina , Schmidt Brian , Goosens Vivianne J. , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: February 2020

Background

Bacillus subtilis is an important industrial workhorse applied in the production of many different commercially relevant proteins, especially enzymes. Virtually all of these proteins are secreted via the general secretion (Sec) pathway. Studies from different laboratories have demonstrated essential or non-essential contributions of various Sec machinery components to protein secretion in B. subtilis. However, a systematic comparison of the impact of each individual Sec machinery component under conditions of high-level protein secretion was so far missing.

Results

In the present study, we have compared the contributions of non-essential Sec pathway components and cell envelope-associated proteases on the secretion efficiency of three proteins expressed at high level. This concerned the α-amylases AmyE from B. subtilis and AmyL from Bacillus licheniformis, and the serine protease BPN’ from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. We compared the secretion capacity of mutant strains in shake flask cultures, and the respective secretion kinetics by pulse-chase labeling experiments. The results show that secDF, secG or rasP mutations severely affect AmyE, AmyL and BPN’ secretion, but the actual effect size depends on the investigated protein. Additionally, the chaperone DnaK is important for BPN’ secretion, while AmyE or AmyL secretion are not affected by a dnaK deletion. Further, we assessed the induction of secretion stress responses in mutant strains by examining AmyE- and AmyL-dependent induction of the quality control proteases HtrA and HtrB. Interestingly, the deletion of certain sip genes revealed a strong differential impact of particular signal peptidases on the magnitude of the secretion stress response.

Conclusions

The results of the present study highlight the importance of SecDF, SecG and RasP for protein secretion and reveal unexpected differences in the induction of the secretion stress response in different mutant strains.
Long non-coding RNA FER1L4 inhibits prostate cancer progression via sponging miR-92a-3p and upregulation of FBXW7
Authors: Huo Wei , Qi Fei , Wang Kaichen
Published: February 2020

Background

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in development of prostate cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of many lncRNAs in prostate cancer have not been studied yet.

Methods

The lncRNA Fer-1-like protein 4 (FER1L4) expression was explored in prostate tumors and normal prostate tissues by RT-qPCR and bioinformatic analysis. Overexpression of FER1L4 was performed to evaluate its role in prostate cancer cell proliferation and survival. The molecular mechanism of FER1L4 was investigated by dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull down assay, western blotting and RT-qPCR.

Results

It was found that FER1L4 was lower in prostate cancer tissues than normal tissues. Higher expression of FER1L4 was associated with prostate cancer tissues of early stage (AJCC stage I/II). Overexpression of FER1L4 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis, RT-qPCR, RNA pull down assay and dual luciferase assay showed that FER1L4 upregulated F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7) tumor suppressor via sponging miR-92a-3p. Silencing of FBXW7 reversed the cell phenotypes caused by FER1L4 overexpression in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusion

The data demonstrated that FER1L4, a downregulated lncRNA in prostate cancer, was pivotal for cell proliferation and survival of prostate cancer. The study provided new sights into understanding of the signaling network in prostate cancer and implied that FER1L4 might be a biomarker for patients with prostate cancer.
CircMUC16 promotes autophagy of epithelial ovarian cancer via interaction with ATG13 and miR-199a
Authors: Gan Xiaoling , Zhu Hongtao , Jiang Xingwei , Obiegbusi Samuel C. , Yong Min , Long Xingtao , Hu Jianguo
Published: February 2020

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proven to play a significant role in multiple types of cancer. However, the expression and role of circRNAs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains elusive.

Methods

CircRNA and mRNA expression profiles of EOC were screened with sequencing analysis. Gene silencing and over-expression were used to study circRNA function. Cell proliferation and Matrigel invasion assays were used to detect cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. The expression of circRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs was detected using qPCR. The location of circRNAs was detected using FISH. The expression of proteins was detected using western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

CircMUC16 had increased expression in EOC tissues as compared to healthy ovarian tissues. The expression of circMUC16 was linked to the progression in stage and grade of EOC. Hence, silencing circMUC16 suppressed autophagy flux of SKOV3 cells. In contrast, ectopic expression of circMUC16 promoted autophagy flux of A2780 cells. CircMUC16-mediated autophagy exacerbated EOC invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, circMUC16 could directly bind to miR-199a-5p and relieve suppression of target Beclin1 and RUNX1. In turn, RUNX1 elevated the expression of circMUC16 via promotion of its transcription. CircMUC16 could directly bind to ATG13 and promote its expression.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that circMUC16 regulated Beclin1 and RUNX1 by sponging miR-199a-5p. The data suggested that circMUC16 could be a potential target for EOC diagnosis and therapy.
Surface chemistry modified upconversion nanoparticles as fluorescent sensor array for discrimination of foodborne pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Yin Mingyuan , Jing Chuang , Li Haijie , Deng Qiliang , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2020

Background

The identification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria types plays a crucial role in food safety and public health. In consideration of long culturing times, tedious operations and the desired specific recognition elements in conventional methods, the alternative fluorescent sensor arrays can offer a high-effective approach in bacterial identification by using multiple cross-reactive receptors. Herein, we achieve this goal by constructing an upconversion fluorescent sensor array based on anti-stokes luminogens featuring a series of functional lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with phenylboronic acid, phosphate groups, or imidazole ionic liquid. The prevalent spotlight effect of microorganism and the electrostatic interaction between UCNPs and bacteria endow such sensor array an excellent discrimination property.

Results

Seven common foodborne pathogenic bacteria including two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and five Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Cronobacter sakazakii, Shigella flexneri and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) are precisely identified with 100% accuracy via linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Furthermore, blends of bacteria have been identified accurately. Bacteria in real samples (tap water, milk and beef) have been effectively discriminated with 92.1% accuracy.

Conclusions

Current fluorescence sensor array is a powerful tool for high-throughput bacteria identification, which overcomes the time-consuming bacteria culture and heavy dependence of specific recognition elements. The high efficiency of whole bacterial cell detection and the discrimination capability of life and death bacteria can brighten the application of fluorescence sensor array.
Economic evaluation of dapagliflozin versus metformin in Chinese patients whose diabetes is inadequately controlled with diet and exercise
Authors: Nian Hua , Wan Xu , Ma Jing , Jie Fu , Wu Bin
Published: February 2020

Background

To investigate the long-term economic outcome of dapagliflozin versus metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose diet and exercise have not provided sufficient glycemic control.

Methods

An economic analysis of dapagliflozin versus metformin was conducted by using the Chinese Outcomes Model for T2DM with a time horizon of lifetime, which was developed and validated based on the Chinese population. The efficacy data of lowering HbA1c of dapagliflozin and metformin was derived from a network meta-analysis. Other clinical, cost and utility inputs were obtained from published sources. Lifetime discounted quality-adjusted life-years, cost, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were measured. The uncertainty was facilitated by one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

The comparison of metformin and dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with insufficient glycemic control by diet and exercise showed that dapagliflozin was more costly and produced fewer health benefits in our simulated cohort. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the results were robust.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin is not likely to be cost-effective compared with metformin for Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.