bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The risks of antioxidant vitamins (ubiquinone and β-carotene) deficiency and metabolic disorders in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Chan Man-Yee , Lee Bor-Jen , Chang Po-Sheng , Hsiao Han-Yu , Hsu Li-Ping , Chang Chia-Hua , Lin Ping-Ting
Published: July 2019

Background

Cancer development is mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation, which may correlate with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant vitamins status and metabolic parameters in patients with head and neck cancer according to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages.

Methods

A total of 194 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in this study. The levels of antioxidant vitamins (ubiquinone, β-carotene, vitamin A and E), metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes activity, and inflammatory markers were measured.

Results

More than half of the subjects had high blood pressure, central obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia regardless of TNM stage. With regard to antioxidant vitamins status, 46% and 94% of patients had β-carotene and ubiquinone deficiency, respectively. Patients in T3 and T4 stages had significantly lower antioxidant enzyme (catalase, p = 0.03) activity and higher inflammatory markers levels (high sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, p < 0.01) than patients in the other stages. In addition, the level of β-carotene was negatively associated with waist circumference, and ubiquinone was positively associated with the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). Higher β-carotene and ubiquinone levels were negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and the risk of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients with head and neck cancer had ubiquinone or β-carotene deficiency and metabolic disorders. The level of ubiquinone or β-carotene was negatively associated with the risk of central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome. Since patients with head and neck cancer suffer from high oxidative stress and inflammation (particularly in the T3 and T4 stages), supplementation with antioxidant vitamins such as ubiquinone or β-carotene could be preferentially applied.
Transcriptome analysis provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms in regulating carotenoid accumulation in pericarp of fruits from two pummelo cultivars Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck
Authors: Lu Xinkun , Lu Yanqing , Lin Yanjin
Published: July 2019

Background

Carotenoid improves fruit external quality and benefits to human health. Although the mechanism underlining carotenoid metabolism is clear, the regulation of carotenoid accumulation remains poorly understand. Recently, ‘Huangbao’ pummelo was selected from the bud mutation of ‘Guanxi’ pummelo (yellow pericarp). The pericarp of mutant-type fruits is characterized by red colour development during fruit ripening stage. The aim of the study is to explore the molecular mechanisms in regulating pericarp colouration based on transcriptomic profile analysis of the two cultivars.

Results

Lycopene content in the pericarp of ripe fruits from ‘Huangbao’ (160.29 µg g-1 FW) was significantly higher than that of from ‘Guanxi’ (0.91µg g-1 FW). Lycopene is a main contributor for pericarp colouration. 929 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were indentified through transcriptional profiling in the pericarp of ripe fruits from the two cultivars. Expression levels of the Genes encoding for fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, enolase and pyruvate kinase isozyme were significantly higher in ‘Huangbao’ than that of in ‘Guanxi’, which possibly promote 3-phosphate-glyceraldehyde and pyruvic acid biosyntheses. This two productions act as precursors for the biosyntheses of Isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP) and Dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) in Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. Genes ecoding for phytoene synthase and prolycopene isomerase were unexpected down-regulated in ‘Huangbao’. Gibberellin-2-β-dioxygenase (GA2OX) gene was specially expressed in ‘Huangbao’, while the transcript amounts of genes related to auxin response and auxin transport as well as several negative regulators in ethylene signaling in ‘Huangbao’ were all down regulated. Additionally, Transcription factors (DELLA, NAC, MADS-box, WRKY) and post translational modification proteins (histone acetyltransferase and E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme) involved in regulating ethylene and carotenoid metabolisms were also differentially expressed in the two pummelo cultivars.

Conclusions

The main differences in the carotenoid metabolism in the pericarp of ripen fruits from ‘Huangbao’ and ‘Guanxi’ were observed in the carotenoid precursor biosynthetic pathway. Differentially expressed genes in gibberellin, auxin and ethylene metabolisms and plant hormone signaling pathways, as well as several transcription factors and post translational modification protein genes involved in regulating ethylene and carotenoid metabolisms provide targets for further exploration in revealing mechanisms underlying fruit colour development.
“Side effects-part of the package” – A mixed methods approach to adverse events among patients with DR-TB under RNTCP Gujarat, India
Authors: Jakasania Arjunkumar Hardas , Shringarpure Kalpita , Kapadia Dixit , Sharma Radhika , Mehta Kedar , Prajapati Arpit , Kathirvel Soundappan
Published: July 2019

Background:
Unsuccessful treatment outcomes among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) are due to high rates of adverse events (AEs). However, information related to AEs is not systematically collected and managed under programmatic setting. The present study assessed the a) incidence and pattern of adverse events in first three months of DR-TB treatment initiation; b) treatment seeking behaviour for AE management; and c) explore the challenges in seeking treatment and reporting AEs.
Methods:
This mixed methods study included all patients diagnosed and initiated on treatment under RNTCP during July-September 2018 at Ahmedabad DR-TB centre. The patients were interviewed telephonically and assessed for all AEs experienced by them. In-depth interviews and key-informant interviews were conducted among patients, DOTS supervisors and programme staffs (treatment supervisors, medical officer and district program manager).
Results:
A total 207 AEs were reported by the 74 DR-TB patients. All patients experienced at least one AE during initial treatment period. Incidence rate of AEs (experienced) was 3.11 (1st month-4.6, 2nd month-2.7, 3rd month-2.02) per 100 person days. Of the 207 AEs, gastro-intestinal (59, 28.3%), ophthalmic (32, 15.4%) and otolaryngology (25, 11.9%) system related AEs were commonly experienced. Treatment was not sought in two-fifths of the AEs. Themes and subthemes related to challenges in treatment seeking or reporting of AEs were 1) Patient related-Misconceptions, accessibility and affordability of management, lack of counselling support, stigma and discrimination, and past treatment experience; 2) Health system related- lack of guideline and training for AE management, and poor coordination between hospital and tuberculosis centre.
Conclusion:
The incidence of AEs was high among patients with DR-TB in the first three months of treatment and treatment seeking/reporting was low. Adequate health education and counselling of the patient and orientation of the health systems are the need of the hour. An efficient real-time reporting and management of AE can be developed and tested for effective DR-TB control.
Keywords:
Adverse event, Drug resistant tuberculosis, Operational research, Incidence, India, Treatment seeking.
What proportion of care home outbreaks are caused by norovirus? An analysis of viral causes of gastroenteritis outbreaks in care homes, North East England, 2016-2018
Authors: Inns Thomas , Wilson Deb , Manley Petra , Harris John P , O’Brien Sarah J , Vivancos Roberto
Published: July 2019

Background

Outbreaks of infectious gastroenteritis are common in care homes for the elderly. Norovirus can cause these outbreaks, but diagnosis is frequently based solely on clinical characteristics. Our objective in this study was to describe the epidemiology of norovirus and other gastrointestinal pathogens in these settings.

Methods

We analysed surveillance data from gastroenteritis outbreaks reported in North East England between 04 July 2016 to 01 July 2018. Stool samples taken during these outbreaks were tested for a range of viral and bacterial pathogens. We described the epidemiology of these outbreaks and explored the characteristics of norovirus outbreaks versus from other viral causes using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

From the 566 care home gastroenteritis outbreaks in this study, we found that norovirus was the pathogen most frequently isolated. Norovirus was detected in 64% of outbreaks with submitted stool samples. Sapovirus was found in 13%; rotavirus in 11%. We found that norovirus outbreaks were associated with higher attack rates (aOR 5.92, 95% CI 2.30-16.50) and larger care homes (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.05-5.38), compared to outbreaks caused by other viral pathogens.

Conclusions

These results are important as they quantify the contribution of norovirus to gastroenteritis outbreaks in care homes. Given this evidence, we emphasize the importance of non-specific outbreak interventions that can affect the impact of all such outbreaks. We further recommend that these findings are used to inform the implementation strategies of any norovirus-specific interventions such as a norovirus vaccine.
Sepsis in cancer patients residing in Zimbabwe: Spectrum of bacterial and fungal aetiologies and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Authors: CHINOWAITA FRANK , Chaka Wendy , Nyazika Tinashe K , Maboreke Tendai C , Chitsike Inam , Cakana Andrew Z , Tizauone Emmanuel , Mapondera Prichard , Mavenyengwa Rooyen Tinago
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Cancer and sepsis comorbidity is a major public health problem in most parts of the world including Zimbabwe. The microbial aetiologies of sepsis and their antibiograms vary with time and locations. Knowledge on local microbial aetiologies of sepsis and their susceptibility patterns is critical in guiding empirical antimicrobial treatment choices.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study which determined the microbial aetiologies of sepsis from blood cultures of paediatric and adult cancer patients obtained between July 2016 and June 2017. The TDR-X120 blood culture system and TDR 300B auto identification machine were used for incubation of blood culture bottles and identification plus antimicrobial susceptibility testing, respectively.
Results: A total of 142 participants were enrolled; 50 (35.2%) had positive blood cultures with 56.0% gram positive, 42.0% gram negative bacteria and 2.0% yeast isolates. Most common isolates were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (22.0%), Escherichia coli (16.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.0%), Enterococcus faecalis (14.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (8.0%) in all cancer patients. These isolates were similar in both haematological and solid cancers. Amikacin and meropenem showed 85.7% and 95.2% activity respectively against all gram negative isolates while vancomycin and linezolid were effective against 96.2% and 100.0% of all gram positive isolates respectively. Ten (66.7%) isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive and the same proportion was observed on methicillin resistance among Staphylococcus species.
Conclusions: The major microbial aetiologies of sepsis among patients with cancer in Zimbabwe were CoNS, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis and S. aureus. Most isolates were resistant to commonly used empirical antibiotics and there was high level of ESBL and methicillin resistance carriage. A nationwide survey on microbial aetiologies of sepsis and their susceptibility patterns would assist in the guidance of effective sepsis empiric antimicrobial treatment among patients with cancer.
The seasonal development dynamics of the yak hair cycle transcriptome
Authors: Bao Pengjia , Luo Jiayu , Liu Yanbin , Chu Min , Ren Qingmiao , Guo Xian , Tang Bolin , Ding Xuezhi , Qiu Qiang , Pan Heping , Wang Kun , Yan Ping
Published: July 2019

Background: Mammalian hair play an important role in mammals' ability to adapt to changing climatic environments. The seasonal circulation of yak hair helps them adapt to high altitude but the regulation mechanisms of the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle (HF) cells during development are still unknown. Here, using time series data for whole genome expression profiles and hormone contents, we systematically analyzed the mechanism regulating the periodic expression of hair development in the yak and reviewed how different combinations of genetic pathways regulate HF development and cycling.

Results: This study used high-throughput RNA sequencing to provide a detailed description of global gene expression in 15 samples from five developmental time points during the yak hair cycle. A total of 11,666 genes were found to be involved in the hair cycle. According to clustering analysis and the morphological features we observed, we found that these 15 samples could be significantly grouped into three phases, which represent different developmental periods in the hair cycle. A total of 2,316 genes were identified in these three consecutive developmental periods and their expression patterns could be divided into 9 clusters; GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment were performed on these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), showing that the three periods have distinctive functions in the seasonal hair cycle. The regulatory network of related signaling factors highlighted the interaction and dynamic expression of key DEGs during the seasonal hair cycle. Through co-expression analysis, we revealed a number of modular hub genes highly associated with hormones that may play unique roles in hormonal regulation of events associated with the hair cycle.

Conclusions: Our results revealed the molecular mechanisms and developmental regulatory networks of the seasonal hair cycle in the yak and filled a gap in the current research field. The findings will be valuable in further understanding the alpine adaptation mechanism in the yak, which is important in order to make full use of yak hair resources and promote the economic development of pastoral plateau areas.

Keywords: Hair cycle, Seasonal development, Transcriptome, Yak
ATR Signalling mediates the prosurvival function of phospho-NPM against PIDDosome mediated cell death
Authors: Hiregange Disha , Naick Hemanth , Rao Basuthkar J
Published: July 2019

Background:

ATR kinase is studied largely in the context of externally imposed genotoxic stress, even though its endogenous basal level plays important homeostatic cellular functions.

Results:

We show that pNPM triggers the dissociation of NPM from P1DD thus preventing the cell from undergoing caspase 2 mediated cell death via PIDDosome, thereby acting as an endogenous negative regulator keeping the PIDDosome activation under check. pChk1 interacts with NPM before phosphorylating it, which is abrogated following ATR kinase inhibition, dropping nucleoplasmic/chromatin pNPM level, thereby inducing PIDD. Expectedly, phosphodead mutants of Chk1 and NPM are not viable as the pNPM regulatory axis is abrogated, whereas the phosphomimic mutants of Chk1 and NPM render cells refractory to ATR/pChk1 kinase inhibition induced cell death. Interestingly, cells expressing phosphomimic mutant of Chk1(S345E) withstand ATRi, but not Chk1i mediated PIDDosome activation implying that the Chk1 kinase plays a direct role in pNPM homeostasis, even in the absence of replication stress.

Conclusion:

In the current study, we uncover the non-canonical role of ATR kinase in the control of PIDDosome activation, and show that under normal cellular conditions involving no replication stress, ATR kinase controls the phosphorylation of NPM via pChk1 and the two phosphatases regulating pNPM, namely, PPM1D and PP1β.
Detection of 8-oxoguanine and Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Sites Using a Fluorophore-Labeled Probe With Cell-penetrating Ability
Authors: Kang Dongmin , Shin Jong-Il , Kim Ji Beom , Lee Kyungho , Chung Ji Hyung , Yang Hye-Won , Kim Kil-Nam , Han Ye Sun
Published: July 2019

Background

Detection and quantification of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) within cells are important for studying the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Human ribosomal protein S3 (hRpS3), which is involved in DNA repair, has a high binding affinity to 8-oxoG. We developed an imaging probe to detect 8-oxoG using a specific peptide from hRpS3. Transactivator (TAT) proteins are commonly known to have cell-penetrating properties. Therefore, we developed the TAT-S3 probe via attaching a TAT peptide to our imaging probe.

Result

A DNA binding assay was conducted to confirm that our probe bound to 8-oxoG and AP sites. We confirmed that the TAT-S3 probe is present in the mitochondria, without permeabilization, and the TAT-S3 probe also showed fluorescence in H2O2-treated HeLa cells and zebrafish embryos. Treatment with MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted anti-oxidant, reduced TAT-S3 probe fluorescence. Additionally, treatment with O8, an inhibitor of OGG1, increased probe fluorescence. A competition assay was conducted to utilize an aldehyde reaction probe (ARP) and methoxyamine (MX) to confirm the binding of the TAT-S3 to the AP sites. The TAT-S3 probe showed binding to AP sites competitive with ARP and MX.

Conclusion

These results revealed that the TAT-S3 probe successfully detected the presence of 8-oxoG and AP sites in damaged cells. The TAT-S3 probe may have applications for the detection of diseases caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Augments Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 in Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: El-Baz Lamis M.F. , Shoukry Nahla M. , Salem Mohamed L. , Hafez Hani S. , Guzy Robert D.
Published: July 2019

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical event in wound healing and tissue repair following injury. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) plays an important role in inducing EMT in lung epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. As fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) reverses TGFβ1-induced collagen I (COL1A1) and α-smooth muscle actin (Actin alpha 2; ACTA2) expression in primary mouse and human lung fibroblasts, we set out this study to determine the effect of FGF2 on TGFβ1-induced EMT in human lung epithelial cells.
Methods: BEAS-2B and A549 cells were treated with recombinant FGF2 (2 nM) with or without TGFβ1 (2 ng/ml) for up to 4 days. The phenotypic alterations associated with EMT were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and E-cadherin protein expression levels was assayed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration was confirmed using wound-healing assay.
Results: TGFβ1 treatment led to significantly reduced expression of E-cadherin (CDH1) and markedly induced expression of mesenchymal proteins such as N-cadherin (CDH2), tenascin C (TNC), fibronectin (FN), ACTA2 and COL1A1. TGFβ1 also induced a morphological change and a significant increase in cell migration. FGF2 did not significantly alter EMT gene expression markers on its own, however enhanced TGFβ1-induced suppression of CDH1 and upregulation of ACTA2, but did not alter TNC, FN and CDH2 gene expression levels induced by TGFβ1. FGF2 maintained TGFβ1-induced morphologic changes as well as increased the migration of TGFβ1-treated cells. Furthermore, FGF2 treatment significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced COL1A1 expression in both BEAS-2B and A549 cells. FGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor PD173074 blocked the synergism between these two growth factors.
Conclusions: This study suggests a synergistic effect between TGFβ1 and FGF2 in inducing EMT, which may play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair after injury. Our findings provide insight into the effects of FGF2 following lung injury and in pulmonary fibrosis.
Global diastolic strain rate for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in young peritoneal dialysis patients: a case control study
Authors: Zhu Jing , Shi Fei , You Tao , Tang Chao , Chen Jianchang
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Left ventricular (LV) myocardial longitudinal diastolic strain rate measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) was proved to have a better correlation with the LV diastolic function. We aimed to use this sensitive tool to predict LV myocardial diastolic dysfunction in young peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF).
Methods: We enrolled 30 PD patients aged ≤60 with LVEF ≥54% and classified as normal LV diastolic function by conventional echocardiography, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy people as the control group. The left atrial maximum volume index (LAVI), LV mass index (LVMI), LVEF, LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), peak early diastolic velocity/late diastolic velocity(by Pulsed Doppler) (E/A) and E/peak velocity of the early diastolic wave (by Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler) (E/e’) were recorded by conventional echocardiographic. Next, the average LV global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS avg) and the average LV global longitudinal diastolic strain rate (DSr avg) during early diastole (DSrE avg), late diastole (DSrA avg) and isovolumic relaxation period (DSrIVR avg) were obtained from 2D-STI. Combined them with E, the new noninvasive indexes (E/DSrE avg, E/DSrA avg and E/DSrIVR avg) were derived.
Results: The PD group ’s LVEF, E/e, TR and LAVI were in the normal range compared with the controls, and only e (p<0.001) was decreased. The LVMI (p<0.001), LVPWT (p<0.001), IVST (p<0.001) increased while E/A (p<0.001) decreased. The GLS avg (p=0.008) was significantly decreased in PD patients compared with the controls. DSrA avg (p=0.006) and E/DSrE avg (p=0.006) were increased, while DSrE avg (p<0.001), DSrIVR avg (p=0.017) and E/DSrA avg (p<0.001) decreased. After the multivariable regression analysis, the correlation between DSrE and the conventional parameters including LVPWT (p<0.001), E/A (p<0.001) still remained significant.
Conclusions: Young PD patients with preserved LVEF already exhibited myocardial diastolic dysfunction. Global diastolic strain rates such as DSrE, E/DSrE, DSrA, E/DSrA, and DSrIVR were valuable parameters to evaluate diastolic dysfunction. Additionally, LVPWT and E/A significantly influenced DSrE, such parameters should be taken into account for predicting the LV diastolic dysfunction in clinical practice.
Parathyroidectomy is a reliable treatment option for chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperthyroidism (SHPT)
Authors: Xing Changying , Cui Hongqing , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Li , Mao Chunxia , Huang Baodi , Mao Huijuan , Wang Ningning , Zhang Bo , Ren Haibin
Published: July 2019

Background: Secondary hyperthyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. It develops as a result of distortions in the regulation of calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH). SHPT increases with decreasing kidney function. Factors that affect the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH include diet, residual renal function, peritoneal transport properties, and dialysate calcium concentration. Treatment options for SHPT include pharmaceutical and surgical removal of parathyroid glands. Although there are treatment options for kidney disease patients with SHPT, little improvement has been made in the overall outcome of the patients.
Method: Here, we present that parathyroidectomy is a treatment option for patients with SHPT. A test group (peritoneal dialysis patients with SHPT who had surgery plus forearm transplantation) were compared with control group (normal peritoneal dialysis patients without surgery). In both groups, clinical, biochemical and haematological profile assessments were done.
Results: The test group after surgery show improved clinical, biochemical and haematological profile comparing with the control (non-surgery) group.
Conclusion: parathyroidectomy (PTX) is a reliable treatment option for patients with SHPT, which brings about improvement in the biochemical, haematological, physiological and clinical parameters as compared with peritoneal dialysis patients with secondary hyperthyroidism without parathyroidectomy plus forearm transplantation.
Efficacy and safety of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in patients with baseline serum potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/L: pooled analysis from two phase 3 trials
Authors: Amin Alpesh , Menoyo Jose , Singh Bhupinder , Kim Christopher S.
Published: July 2019

Background: Reliable, rapidly-acting, oral treatments for patients with hyperkalemia are needed. We examined the efficacy and safety of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC; formerly ZS-9) treatment for ≤48 hours in patients with baseline serum potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/L.
Methods: Data were pooled from two phase 3 studies (ZS-003 and HARMONIZE) among patients receiving SZC 10 g three times daily. Outcomes included mean and absolute change from baseline, median time to potassium level ≤5.5 and ≤5.0 mmol/L, and proportion achieving potassium level ≤5.5 and ≤5.0 mmol/L at 4, 24, and 48 hours. Outcomes were stratified by baseline potassium. Safety outcomes were evaluated.
Results: At baseline, 125 of 170 patients (73.5%) had potassium level 5.5–<6.0, 39 (22.9%) had potassium level 6.0–6.5, and 6 (3.5%) had potassium level >6.5 mmol/L. Regardless of baseline potassium, mean potassium decreased at 1-hour post-initial dose. By 4 and 48 hours, 37.5% and 85.0% of patients achieved potassium level ≤5.0 mmol/L, respectively. Median (95% confidence interval) times to potassium level ≤5.5 and ≤5.0 mmol/L were 2.0 (1.1–2.0) and 21.6 (4.1–22.4) hours, respectively. Fifteen patients (8.8%) experienced adverse events; none were serious.
Conclusions: SZC 10 g three times daily achieved rapid potassium reduction and normokalemia, with a favorable safety profile.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01737697 and NCT02088073
SOFA score is superior to APACHE-II score in predicting the prognosis of critically ill patients with acute renal injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Wang Hai , Shi Yu , Bai Zheng-hai , LV Jun-hua , Sun Jiang-li , Pei Hong-hong , Zhang Zhengliang
Published: July 2019

Background: Acute renal injury (AKI) is the most common cause of organ failure in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and is associated with higher mortality, especially for patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). At present, no effective approaches are in place to predict the prognosis of patients with AKI undergoing CRRT.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried to determine whether sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score may be a more valuable prognostic indicator than acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE-II) score in patients with AKI undergoing CRRT. The multivariate analysis, sensitivity analysis, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to determine the predictive value of SOFA and APACHE-II scores on 28- and 90-day mortality.
Results: From January 2009 to September 2016, a total of 1128 cases were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both APACHE-II and SOFA scores were associated with 28- and 90-day mortality of patients with AKI undergoing CRRT. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for SOFA and APACHE-II scores associated with 28-day mortality were 1.38 (1.27, 1.51) and 1.04 (1.01, 1.07), respectively, and the adjusted ORs for SOFA and APACHE-II scores associated with 90-day mortality were 1.40 (1.28, 1.52) and 1.04 (1.01, 1.07), respectively. decision curve analysis and receiver operating characteristics analyses showed that SOFA had a higher prediction accuracy than APACHE-II for 28- and 90-day mortality. The AUCs of SOFA and APACHE-II for 28-day mortality were 0.70 (0.67, 0.73) and 0.62 (0.58, 0.65), and for 90-day mortality, the AUCs were 0.71 (0.68, 0.78) and 0.62 (0.58, 0.65), respectively.
Conclusion: SOFA score revealed higher accuracy than APACHE-II score in predicting the prognosis of critically ill patients with AKI undergoing CRRT.
A prospective risk assessment of the implementation of a Schistosomiasis Preventive Mass Drug Administration for children aged below five years in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Ncube Mhlengi Vella , Chimbari Moses John
Published: July 2019

Background
Schistosomiasis is endemic in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The South Africa Department of Health (DoH) has decided to implement a schistosomiasis preventive mass drug administration program in all affected parts of the country. Quality management is part of the strategic objectives of the treatment program. We conducted a risk assessment and developed guidelines for the quality management of a schistosomiasis preventive treatment program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal.
Methods
We conducted a scenario planning exercise by interviewing 10 child health experts from the uMKhanyakude Health District to establish potential risks associated with a planned schistosomiasis preventive control treatment program for children aged five years old and below. The risks were analyzed using a modified Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). An FMEA table was produced to guide the quality management of the planned schistosomiasis preventive control treatment program for children aged five years and below in the uMkhanyakude Health District.

Results
We identified potential risks, failure modes and possible failure corrective/preventive measures in the following activities that would be part of the mass treatment of children aged five years and below infected with schistosomiasis in the uMkhanyakude District. These included enrolment of children into the treatment program; general health checks; weight and height measurements; administration of drugs; reporting of side effects and monitoring and evaluation.
Conclusion
We were able to use FMEA guide quality management and identify potential risks associated with the planned schistosomiasis preventive treatment program for children aged five years old and below in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal. The FMEA for this program will be useful to the quality management of schistosomiasis preventive treatment programs for this age group in other similar settings.
Denosumab for effective tumor size reduction in patients with giant cell tumors of the bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yayan Josef
Published: July 2019

Background

Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody that is used in the successful treatment of giant cell bone tumors. These tumors are rare and, in principle, benign, but they are highly aggressive, locally advanced, and osteolytic bone tumors that can metastasize to the lungs. Denosumab is an effective treatment when these tumors cannot be surgically removed or when surgical resection is likely to lead to severe morbidity (e.g., loss of limbs or joints). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the patients with giant cell bone tumors who experienced tumor progression during treatment with denosumab and to compare them with patients who experienced reduction of their giant cell bone tumors during treatment with denosumab.

Methods

The Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched until February 28, 2018 for trials reporting the efficacy and safety of denosumab in patients with giant cell bone tumors.

Results

Thirty-three studies were reviewed, involving a total of 350 patients who had giant cell bone tumors and were treated with denosumab. Of the 33 studies, 67% of the patients were from open-label phase II studies, 27% from case series, and 6% from case reports. The response rate for denosumab as a treatment for giant cell bone tumors was 95.3%, with statistical significance (P < 0.0001). Osteonecrosis of the jaw was statistically the most common adverse event for denosumab treatment in open-label phase II studies (P < 0.0001). No treatment-related deaths occurred in the reviewed studies.

Conclusion

Cumulative evidence supports the addition of surgery to optimal medical therapy with denosumab to reduce tumor size, clinical symptoms, and mortality among patients with giant cell bone tumors.
Calling the Banners: exploring the complex biogeographical history of the Neotropical banner-wing damselflies (Odonata: Polythoridae)
Authors: Herrera Melissa Sanchez , Beatty Christopher D , Nunes Renato , Salazar Camilo , Ware Jessica L
Published: July 2019

Background

Sorting out the biogeographical history of species in the New World Tropics is challenging. We here examine the roles of evolution and biogeography in driving the distribution and diversification of the damselflies of the family Polythoridae. This family comprises seven genera with a total of 57 species, distributed across much of Central and South America.

Results

Through phylogenetic analysis, relaxed-clock molecular dating and biogeographical analysis we find these genera originated ~56 Ma and started diversifying ~45 Ma. As with other neotropical groups, the Polythoridae have a primary origin in the Northern Andes; at least one genus first appears in the Amazon Basin. Diversification rates have been uniform in all genera except one—Polythore—where a significant increase in the late Pliocene (~3 mya) correlates with mountain building. While our molecular clock suggests correlations with some major geographical events, our biogeographical modeling (with BioGeoBEARS and RASP) found little influence of the formation of the Pebas and Acre systems or Andean mountain building, possibly due to the short branch lengths in our time-dated phylogeny.

Conclusion

We conclude that this family of damselflies, despite its relatively young age, has developed into genera with diverse distributions and some surprisingly high diversity, despite relatively low habitat diversity. Polythore is a recent radiation where biogeographical events may not be the main drivers of diversification. Other factors like sexual and natural selection acting on color patterns could be involved in generate the extreme diversity in this genus.
Predicting The Ability To Successfully Retrieve Sperm In Infertile Men With Non-obstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Nguyen Thanh Tam Thi , Nguyen Quoc Huy Vu , Jackman Janelle M. , Le Dinh Duong , Tran Nhu Quynh Thi , Lewis Terrence D. , Cao Ngoc Thanh , Hill Micah J
Published: July 2019

Objectives: to determine the ability of pre-surgical markers to predict the ability to retrieve sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing surgical sperm retrieval. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 136 infertile patients with azoospermia, examined in the Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (HUECREI), Hue University Hospital from August 2014 to July 2018. Patients underwent surgical sperm retrieval in a stepwise manner via percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) then testicular sperm extraction (TESE) until sperm were detected. Patient age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI), hormonal profile (FSH, LH & testosterone), and testicular volume were analyzed to determine the predictor of successful sperm retrieval. Analysis was done by univariate & multivariate generalized estimating equation modeling where the primary outcome was sperm retrieved at surgery.
Results: In total of 136 infertile men with azoospermia, beside 45 cases with OA, surgical sperm retrieval was successful in 22/91 patients with NOA (24.2%). The group of men with successful sperm retrieval were more likely to live in urban area (P=0.012), higher proportion of normal testicular density (P<0.05), lower serum FSH and serum LH (P<0.001). By multiple logistic regression model, total testicular volume was found to be a only considerable predictor of sperm retrieval in NOA group (OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.013-1.178, P=0.022).
Conclusions: The measurement of total testicular volume can be helpful for predicting the successful result of surgical sperm retrieval in Vietnamese infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia.
Key words: testicular ultrasound; endocrine profile; surgical sperm retrieval; non-obstructive; azoospermia.
A Six-Year Retrospective Follow-up of 502 Patients with Laparoscopic Cholelithotomy for Gallstone Recurrence: Success or Prospect
Authors: Aliou Garba Seydou , Zhao Gang , Huang An Hua , Xu An An , Cai Jing Li , Yang Yu Long , Nafissatou Boureima Ali , Hu Hai
Published: July 2019

Background

This research was designed to explore the risk factors for gallstone recurrence after laparoscopic cholelithotomy.

Methods

A total of 502 patients who were diagnosed with gallstones using ultrasonography underwent laparoscopic cholelithotomy between January 2011 and December 2017 at the Shanghai-East Affiliated Hospital of Tongji University.

Results

Our retrospective study revealed that the gallstone recurrence rate of patients taking tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of patients not taking TUDCA. The recurrence rate of gallstones in patients with an incision at the fundus of the gallbladder was significantly lower than that of the patients with an incision on the body of the gallbladder. The risk of recurrence in patients with gallstones combined with polyps was significantly higher than that in patients without polyps; the risk of recurrence of gallstones in patients with gallbladder contraction function < 50% was significantly higher than that in patients with gallbladder contraction function ≥ 50%. Additionally, the prognosis of patients without gallbladder adhesions to the peritoneum was better than that of patients with adhesions.

Conclusion

During the 6-year follow-up period of this study, the recurrence rate of gallstones after laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy (LGPC) was 22.91%. Factors related to gallstone recurrence were use of TUDCA, location of the incision, presence of gallstones combined with polyps, gallbladder contraction function and presence of gallbladder adhesions to the peritoneum. The main cause of gallstone recurrence needs further investigation, and laparoscopic cholelithotomy remains promising for treatment of gallstone recurrence but requires thorough follow-up.
Effects of weight change and physical activity on knee pain and health-related quality of life in East Asian women aged 50 years and older with knee osteoarthritis: a population-based study
Authors: Choi Young , Chang Chongbum , Kang Seung-Baik , Chung Chin Youb , Park Moon Seok , Lee Kyoung Min
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of weight change and physical activity on the level of knee pain and health-related quality of life in East Asian women with knee osteoarthritis using population-based data.

Methods

A total of 564 women (mean age, 68.2 years, standard deviation, 8.9 years) aged 50 years or older with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2) were included in the data analyses from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data regarding the radiographic grade, weight change during the past year, physical activity, level of knee pain, and health-related quality of life (EuroQOL five-dimension [EQ-5D] index) were collected. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly affecting the level of knee pain and health-related quality of life in subgroups according to the body mass index (BMI) range (≤22.5, between 22.6 and 27.5, and >27.5 kg/m2).

Results

In women with 22.5 kg/m227.5 kg/m2, weekly hours of moderate-intensity activity showed significant negative correlation with EQ-5D.

Conclusions

The effects of weight change and physical activity on knee pain and health-related quality of life could be different according to BMI ranges. Well-designed interventions to improve both knee pain and health-related quality of life need to be investigated in future studies that would assess physical activity, diet, and weight changes.
Characteristics of post-traumatic-spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study from a single tertiary hospital
Authors: Min Hong Ki , Cho Hyonjoung , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: July 2019

Background

Trauma has been proposed as a triggering factor of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the deep Koebner phenomenon was the suggested underlying mechanism. The relationship between spondyloarthritis (SpA) and trauma was only observed in PsA. This study investigated cases of SpA other than PsA that occurred after physical trauma and analyzed their clinical, laboratory, and radiologic features.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 214 patients who visited our hospital due to a suspicion of SpA and grouped them into post-traumatic-SpA (PT-SpA) and non-post-traumatic-SpA (non-PT-SpA). Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups.

Results

Peripheral SpA was more common in PT-SpA than in non-PT-SpA. Active inflammation on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was more common in non-PT-SpA (83.5% vs 54.5%, P = 0.046). The modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) was significantly higher in the non-PT-SpA group (2.0 vs 0.0, P = 0.007). Symptom duration from the first SpA symptom to diagnosis tends to be longer in the non-PT-SpA group (2.0 vs 0.5 years, P = 0.079).

Conclusion

PT-SpA patients more frequently showed peripheral SpA, a less active inflammatory lesion on SIJ MRI, and a lower mSASSS score. Further studies are needed to clarify whether physical trauma has a direct/indirect role in the pathogenesis of SpA or merely confers an opportunity to recognize SpA symptoms.
Predictors of clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients ≥75 years
Authors: Champ-Rigot Laure , Cornille Anne-Laure , Ollitrault Pierre , Pellissier Arnaud , Chequel Mathieu , Legallois Damien , Milliez Paul
Published: July 2019

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy benefit has been proved in selected patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Older patients have been underrepresented in CRT trials. This study was conducted to determine whether predictive factors of cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes may differ in patients older and younger than 75 years.
Methods: Consecutive patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy device between 2013 and 2016 in our center were retrospectively included. The primary endpoint was cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness defined as combination of survival for one year with no heart failure hospitalization and improvement by one or more NYHA classes. Secondary endpoints were mortality, complications, and device therapies.
Results: Among the 243 patients included, 102 were ≥75 years. Cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness was observed in 70 patients (50%) <75 years and in 48 patients (47%) ≥75 years (p=0.69). NYHA class ≥III (OR=6.02; CI95% [1.33-18.77], p=0.002) was a predictive factor of cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness only in ≥75 years group, while in <75 years group atrial fibrillation was independently negatively associated with primary endpoint (OR=0.28; CI95% [0.13-0.62], p=0.001). One-year mortality rate was 14% with no difference between age groups. Rescue cardiac resynchronization therapy and atrial fibrillation were independent predictive factors for mortality in both age groups. Eighty-two complications occurred in 45 patients (19%) with no difference between groups. Defibrillator use and QRS duration were independent predictive factors for complications in both age groups. There was no difference considering device therapies.
Conclusion: At one-year, cardiac resynchronization therapy response is not compromised by patients age. In older patients, highly symptomatic individuals with NYHA class ≥III have better outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy.
KEY WORDS: Resynchronization therapy; heart failure; aged; treatment outcome
Carotid Sinus as a Mechanotransducer of Shear Oscillation
Authors: Iskander Andrew , Yang Xiaolei
Published: July 2019

Objective

The carotid sinus is a region in the cardiovascular system where flow characteristics are transduced by the autonomic nervous apparatus to help maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The objective of this study is therefore to determine whether the carotid sinus acts as a mechanotransducer of wall shear stress oscillation.

Results

By utilizing magnetic resonance angiograms of undiseased carotid bifurcations, computational fluid dynamic simulations of blood flow were constructed. Employing boundary conditions meant to emulate normal blood flow at rest, the oscillatory shear index (OSI) was tabulated and mapped. The areas of highest OSI were well-isolated in the regions of the carotid bifurcations generally considered to comprise the carotid sinus.
Extraction and Characterization of Underutilized Seed Oils Sampled in South-western Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Olufunso Omowunmi
Published: July 2019

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Sesamum indicum (sesame) are edible plants that provide a lot of nutritional benefits to man; despite their wide consumption and benefits, their seed oils remain underutilized. Seed oils from these plants found in south-western Nigeria were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet apparatus and n-hexane as the solvent; physico-chemical properties were determined using standard analytical procedures. Watermelon seed oil had a golden brown colour while sesame seed oil had a carton brown colour; they had saponification values of 258.99 mgKOH/g and 261.34 mgKOH/g respectively. Acid value ranged from 2.13 – 2.51 mgKOH/g; iodine value of 39.7 - 42.3 gI2/100g and peroxide value of 1.39 – 2.43 meqKOH/g was determined in the seed oils. Oils from these seeds have numerous domestic and industrial potentials such as cooking, frying, production of soaps, and cosmetics to mention a few.
Thermal counting statistics in an atomic two-mode squeezed vacuum state
Authors: Perrier Maxime , Amodjee Ziyad , Dussarrat Pierre , Dareau Alexandre , Aspect Alain , Cheneau Marc , Boiron Denis , Westbrook Christoph
Published: July 2019

We measure the population distribution in one of the atomic twin
beams generated by four-wave mixing in an optical lattice. Although the
produced two-mode squeezed vacuum state is pure, each individual mode is
described as a statistical mixture. We confirm the prediction that the
particle number follows an exponential distribution when only one
spatio-temporal mode is selected. We also show that this distribution
accounts well for the contrast of an atomic Hong–Ou–Mandel experiment.
These experiments constitute an important validation of our twin beam
source in view of a future test of a Bell inequality.