bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of skeletal muscle density and sarcopenia in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study.
Authors: Kim In-Ho , Choi Moon Hyung , Lee In Seok , Hong Tae Ho , Lee Myung Ah
Published: March 2020

Background To investigate the clinical impact of sarcopenia and skeletal muscle density among patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent palliative first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Methods A total of 330 patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who were treated with palliative first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy between January 2010 and March 2017 were included in this study. Sarcopenia and skeletal muscle density status were identified by L3 vertebra level skeletal muscle index in cm 2 /m 2 and muscle attenuation in Hounsfield units using computed tomography. Results A skeletal muscle index to skeletal muscle density comparison revealed a positive correlation (R 2 = 0.058, P<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that low skeletal muscle density was associated with poor overall survival. Multivariate analysis using Cox regression showed that low skeletal muscle index and low skeletal muscle density were poor prognostic factors for overall survival, respectively. Co-presence of low skeletal muscle index and low skeletal muscle density had more powerful prognostic implication for overall survival. Grade 3 or higher toxicity of chemotherapy was more frequently observed in patients with low skeletal muscle index and low skeletal muscle density. Overall survival was not associated with skeletal muscle density status among patients who were chemotherapy responders (complete or partial responses). However, among non-responders (stable or progressive disease), low skeletal muscle density groups had significantly poorer overall survival than did the high skeletal muscle density groups. Conclusions Sarcopenia and skeletal muscle density status can be considered a prognostic factor in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who receive palliative first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Severe chemotherapy toxicity occurred in the sarcopenia and low skeletal muscle density groups. Our data suggest that comprehensive assessment of skeletal muscle parameters may be more useful prognostic factors.
Analysis of CCT7 Expression and Its Clinical Significance in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Liwen , Zhou Wei , Li Hui , Yang Hui , Shan Nianchun
Published: March 2020

Objective: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecologic malignancy; myometrial invasion (MI) is a typical approach of EC spreads and an important index to assess tumor metastasis and outcome of EC patients. CCT7 is a member of the TCP1 chaperone family, involved in cytoskeletal protein folding and unfolding. In this study, the role of CCT7 in EC development was investigated. Methods: Clinical data for 87 EC cases and expression of CCT7 were analyzed. CCT7 was knocked out using siRNA- CCT7 in Ishikawa and RL95-2 cells, and their function about proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were further tested. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict the potential pathways of CCT7 in EC development. Results: The rates of CCT7-positive cells in EC and adjacent normal endometrium tissues had significant difference (67.8% vs. 51.4%, p = 0.035), and the expression rate increased from low to high pathological stage (39.7% in the I/II stage, 71.4% in the III/IV stage, p = 0.029). Similar change was found in protein level. CCT7 expression differed significantly between the deep MI group (>1/2) and the superficial MI group (≤1/2) (P = 0.039). However, there were no differences with respect to age, pathological type and histological grade. CCT7 suppression induced a function-loss in in both Ishikawa and RL95-2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that EC patients with lower level CCT7 expression had better Overall survival (p= 0.0081). GO enrichment indicated that “RNA binding”, “Mitochondrion”, “Translation”, and “Spliceosome” were most significantly enriched potential pathways. Five hub genes, PSMA5, PSMD14, SNRPB, SNRPG and TXNL4 A, were all significantly upregulated in EC and had positive correlation with CCT7. Conclusions: CCT7 may be involved in EC development by excessively activating tumor cell function to promote MI or distant/nodal metastasis, which definitely impaired the prognosis of EC patients.
Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Poor Postpartum Healthcare Utilization
Authors: silverman michael e , Loudon Holly , Burgos Laudy
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Perceptions regarding the benefits of postpartum care among mothers and clinicians often differ. Clinicians generally perceive postpartum care as preventative, whereas pregnant and postpartum women often lack knowledge about its preventative benefits. As a result many women choose not to return for scheduled postpartum care visits. Methods: To examine if clinically relevant demographic and birth related factors are informative predictors for postpartum healthcare follow-up care, we conducted a population based cohort study of all women who delivered a child in 2012 – 2015 at the New York Mount Sinai Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Ambulatory Practice. Data was ascertained from electronic health records.Results: Of the 4,240 unique women who delivered between 2012-2015 at the Mount Sinai Hospital OB/GYN Ambulatory Practice, 1,685 (39.7%) did not return for their postpartum care follow-up appointment. The number of prenatal visits, maternal age, and parity were significantly associated with postpartum care follow-up. Conclusion for Practice: The purpose of this study was to determine identifiable factors associated with reduced postpartum healthcare follow-up utilization. Several clinically relevant variables were associated with the reduced likelihood for attending postpartum care visits. Because pregnant women represent a medically captured population, the results of this study point to the need to increase postpartum healthcare literacy during perinatal appointments especially among younger mothers, women who have had previous deliveries, and those with fewer prenatal visits.
Analyzing matched sets of microbiome data using the LDM and PERMANOVA
Authors: Zhu Zhengyi , Satten Glen , Mitchell Caroline , Hu Yi-Juan
Published: March 2020

Background: Matched-set data arise frequently in microbiome studies. For example, we may collect pre- and post-treatment samples from a set of individuals, or use important confounding variables to match data from case participants to one or more control participants. Thus, there is a need for statistical methods for data comprised of matched sets, to test hypotheses against traits of interest (e.g., clinical outcomes or environmental factors) at the community level and/or the OTU (operational taxonomic unit) level. Optimally, these methods should accommodate complex data such as those with unequal sample sizes cross sets, confounders varying within sets, as well as continuous traits of interest. Methods: PERMANOVA is a commonly used distance-based method for testing hypotheses at the community level. We have also developed the linear decomposition model (LDM) that unifies the community-level and OTU-level tests into one framework. Here we present a strategy that can be used with both PERMANOVA and the LDM for analyzing matched-set data. We propose to include an indicator variable for each set as covariates, so as to constrain comparisons between samples within a set, and also permute traits within each set, which can account for exchangeable sample correlations. The flexible nature of PERMANOVA and the LDM allows discrete or continuous traits or interactions to be tested, within-set confounders to be adjusted, and unbalanced data to be fully exploited. Results: Our simulations indicate that our proposed strategy outperformed alternative strategies in a wide range of scenarios. Using simulation, we also explored optimal designs for matched-set studies. The flexibility of PERMANOVA and the LDM for a variety of matched-set microbiome data is illustrated by the analysis of data from two real studies. Conclusions: Including set indicator variables and permuting within sets when analyzing matched-set data with PERMANOVA or the LDM is a strategy that performs well and is capable of handling the complex data structures that frequently occur in microbiome studies.
Zooming in on dynamics of marine microbial communities in the phycosphere of Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyta) blooms
Authors: Jung Seung Won , Park Joonsang , Kang Junsoo , Kim Hyun-Jung , Joo Hyung Min , Kang Donhyug , Seo Hyojeong , Kim Sunju , Jang Min-Chul , Lee Kyunwoo , Oh Seok Jin , Lee Sukchan , Lee Taek-Kyun
Published: March 2020

Background: Characterising ecological relationships between viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton in the ocean are critical to understanding the ecosystem, yet these relationships are infrequently investigated together. To understand the dynamics of microbial communities and environmental factors in harmful algal blooms (HABs), we examined the environmental factors and microbial communities during Akashiwo sanguinea HABs in the Jangmok coastal waters of South Korea by metagenomics. Results: Specific bacterial communities showed synergistic and antagonistic relationships with A. sanguinea bloom. Endoparasitic dinoflagellate Amoebophrya sp. 1 controlled the bloom dynamics, as an increase in their abundance was correlated with HAB decline. In the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, abundance of Pandoraviridae increased following an increase in HAB. Operational taxonomic units and environmental factors associated with A. sanguinea were also visualized by network analysis: A. sanguinea-Amoebophrya sp. 1 (r=0.81, Time-lag: 2 day) and A. sanguinea-Pandoravirus dulcis (0.64, 0 day) relationships showed close association. A. sanguinea-dissolved organic carbon and -dissolved inorganic phosphorus relationships were also very closely correlated (each 0 day time-lag, respectively). Conclusions: Microbial communities and the environment dynamically and complexly changed in A. sanguinea bloom, and a rapid turnover of microorganisms could respond to ecological interactions. A. sanguinea bloom dramatically changes the environments through their exudation of dissolved carbohydrates by autotrophic processes, followed by changes in microbial communities involving host-specific viruses, bacteria, and parasitoids. Thus, microbial communities in HAB ecology are composed of various organisms and they interact in a complex way. Therefore, to interpret their ecosystem, the complex reactions among various microorganisms should be studied rather than studying a simple 1:1 reaction, such as a prey-predator interaction.
The effect of microbiota-based investigational drug RBX2660 on the gut microbiome and resistome revealed by a placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kwak Suryang , Choi JooHee , Hink Tiffany , Reske Kimberly A. , Blount Kenneth , Jones Courtney , Bost Margaret H. , Sun Xiaoqing , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dubberke Erik R. , Dantas Gautam
Published: March 2020

Background Intestinal microbiota restoration can be achieved by replacing a subject’s perturbed microbiota with that of a healthy donor. Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) is one key application of such treatment. Another application of interest is depletion of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and organisms (AROs). In this study, we investigated fecal specimens from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study of microbiota-based investigational drug RBX2660. Patients were administered either placebo, 1 dose of RBX2660 and 1 placebo, or 2 doses of RBX2660 via enema and longitudinally tracked for changes in their microbiome and antibiotic resistome. Results All patients exhibited significant recovery of gut microbiome diversity and decrease of ARG abundance during the first 7 days post-treatment. However, the microbiome and resistome shifts towards healthier configurations were more significant and longer lasting in RBX2660 recipients compared to placebo. We identified 18 taxa and 21 metabolic functions distinguishing the baseline microbiome of non-transplanted patients, and the majority of features were correlated to intrinsic vancomycin resistance. We also identified 7 patient-specific and 3 RBX2660-specific ARGs and tracked their dynamics post treatment. Whole genome sequencing of AROs cultured from RBX2660 product and patient samples indicate ARO eradication in patients via RBX2660 administration, but also, to a lesser extent, introduction of RBX2660-derived AROs. Conclusions By including a placebo group, we distinguished the effects of RBX2660 from baseline post-antibiotic microbiome dynamics. Antibiotic discontinuation alone resulted in significant recovery of gut microbial diversity and reduced ARG abundance, but RBX2660 administration more rapidly and completely changed the composition of patients’ microbiome, resistome, and ARO colonization by transplanting RBX2660 microbiota into the recipients. Although ARGs and AROs were transmitted through RBX2660, the resistome post-RBX2660 more closely resembled that of the administered product—a proxy for the donor—than an antibiotic perturbed state.
FVE-novel: Recovering Draft Genomes of Novel Viruses and Phages in Metagenomic Data
Authors: Tithi Saima Sultana , Aylward Frank O. , Jensen Roderick V. , Zhang Liqing
Published: March 2020

Background Despite the recent surge of viral metagenomic studies, recovering complete virus/phage genomes from metagenomic data is still extremely difficult and most viral contigs generated from de novo assembly programs are highly fragmented, posing serious challenges to downstream analysis and inference. Results Here we develop FVE-novel, a computational pipeline for reconstructing complete or near-complete viral draft genomes from metagenomic data. FVE-novel deploys FastViromeExplorer to efficiently map metagenomic reads to viral reference genomes or contigs, performs de novo assembly of the mapped reads to generate scaffolds, and extends the scaffolds via iterative assembly to produce final viral scaffolds. We applied FVE-novel to an ocean metagenomic sample and obtained 268 viral scaffolds that potentially come from novel viruses. Through manual examination and validation of the ten longest scaffolds, we successfully recovered four complete viral genomes, two are novel as they cannot be found in the existing databases and the other two are related to known phages. Conclusions The hybrid reference-based and de novo assembly approach used by FVE-novel represents a powerful new approach for exploring viral diversity in metagenomic data. FVE-novel is freely available at https://github.com/saima-tithi/FVE-novel .
Exosomal Transfer of MiR-500a-3p Confers Cisplatin Resistance and Stemness via Targeting FBXW7 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lin Hao , Zhang Caihua , Zhang Liang , liu pengpeng
Published: March 2020

Background Chemoresistance has become a major obstacle for gastric cancer (GC) therapy in clinical practice. MiRNAs have been reported to play critical roles in the development of chemoresistance in various tumors, including GC. However, the role of MiR-500a-3p within exosomes in cisplatin-resistant GC cells remains largely unknown. Materials and methods Cell proliferation and exosome delivery assays were performed using CCK-8 and transwell assays, respectively. CD63, CD81, β-tubulin, FBXW7, GAPDH, CD133, CD44 and SOX2 were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. The expression levels of miR-500a-3p and FBXW7 mRNA were measured by real-time qRT-PCR. The interaction between miR-500a-3p and FBXW7 was predicted by bioinformatics software and confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter. The mechanism of exosomal miR-500a-3p for cisplatin resistance was investigated in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results MiR-500a-3p level was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant GC cells and its downregulation enhanced cisplatin sensitivity. Moreover, extracellular miR-500a-3p could be incorporated into exosomes and transmitted to sensitive cells, thus disseminating cisplatin resistance. Additionally, exosomal miR-500a-3p promoted cisplatin resistance via targeting FBXW7 in vitro and in vivo . Clinically, higher expression of miR-500a-3p in the plasma exosomes of GC patients is correlated with DDP resistance and thereby results in poor progression-free prognosis. Conclusion Our finding highlights the potential of exosomal miR-500a-3p as an alternative modality for the prediction and treatment of GC with chemoresistance, providing a novel avenue for the treatment of GC.
Generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 epidemic in China: a web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Huang Yeen , Zhao Ning
Published: March 2020

Background

China has been severely affected by COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) since December, 2019. This study aimed to assess the population mental health burden during the epidemic, and to explore the potential influence factors.

Methods

Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 7,236 self-selected volunteers assessed with demographic information, COVID-19 related knowledge, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression (CES-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regressions were used to identify influence factors associated with mental health problem.

Results

Of the total sample analyzed, the overall prevalence of GAD, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were 35.1%, 20.1%, and 18.2%, respectively. Young people reported a higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than older people ( P <0.001). Compared with other occupational group, healthcare workers have the highest rate of poor sleep quality ( P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (< 35 years) and times to focus on the COVID-19 (≥ 3 hours per day) were associated with GAD, and healthcare workers were associated with poor sleep quality.

Conclusions

Our study identified a major mental health burden of the public during COVID-19 epidemic in China. Young people, people who spent too much time on the epidemic, and healthcare workers were at high risk for mental illness. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.
Epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed mumps infections in South Africa, 2012-2017: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sikhosana Mpho Lerato , Kuonza Lazarus , Motaze Nkengefac Villyen
Published: March 2020

Background Data on the burden of mumps in South Africa are limited and the epidemiology of mumps in this setting is not well understood. We present findings of analysis of mumps data in South Africa from 2012 to 2017. Methods This cross-sectional study included secondary data on laboratory-confirmed mumps infections from 2012 to 2017, archived at the South African National Health Laboratory Services’ data repository as well as from four private laboratories. Mumps-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or viral nucleic acid positive results represented acute infections. We used age-specific mid-year population estimates for each study year as denominators when calculating annual incidence. We calculated seasonality indices to determine seasonality of mumps infections. Results Out of 48580 records obtained from the public and private sectors, 46713 (96.2%) were from the private sector. Over the study period, there were 7494 acute infections, 7085 (94.5%) of which were recorded in the private sector. Of these 7494 infections, 3924 (52.4%) occurred in males. The proportion of samples tested that were IgM positive was 18.6% (1058/5682) in 2012, 15% (1016/6790) in 2013, 15.8% (1280/8093) in 2014, 15.5% (1384/8944) in 2015, 13.1% (1260/9629) in 2016 and 15.8% (1496/9442) in 2017. The cumulative incidence rate per 100000 was highest in children between one and nine years throughout the study period. Infections tended to peak in the October-November months, which represents spring in our setting. Most infections occurred in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and this was consistent throughout the study period. Conclusion Mumps infections predominantly occurred in spring, affecting children below 10 years of age and individuals who were male. There were fewer tests performed in the public sector compared to the private sector. Since only laboratory data was analysed our results represent and underestimate of disease burden. Further studies that include clinical data are required to provide better estimates of disease burden in South Africa.
The Effect of Social Norm-based Intervention on Physical Activity among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Jia Jia , Nadkarni Nivedita Vikas , Teo Irene , Ozdemir Semra
Published: March 2020

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of descriptive norms in promoting physical activity among adolescents by measuring step counts via a randomized controlled trial (NCT03081013). Methods: A total of 311 participants aged 13-16 were randomized into two study arms (Onymous and Anonymous Arms). Each arm consisted of 13 groups of 12 participants. During the trial, participants received weekly short message service (SMS) about their past week’s physical activity performance Participants in the Anonymous Arm received information about step counts of group members ranked from highest to lowest. Participants in the Onymous Arm received the same information with the group members’ full names. Participants’ quality of life, depression, and physical activity social support, self-efficacy and enjoyment before and after the intervention were also evaluated. Results: The number of steps was not higher when descriptive norm message was onymous compared to when it was anonymous. Scores in quality of life, depression, social support, self-efficacy, and enjoyment of physical activity were not significantly different between both arms (p>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that promotion of physical activity requires a multi-faceted approach. We recommend using a more relevant reference group to use social norms as a tool to increase physical activity among adolescents.
WeChat can be a potential way to deliver infant and young child feeding recommendations in rural areas in China: A mixed quantitative and qualitative study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Huang Yiwen , Velthoven Michelle Helena van , Wang Wei , Chang Suying , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: March 2020

Background Appropriate infant and young child feeding practices are the basis for child nutrition, which can be influenced by mothers’ exposure to health promotion messages. In China, WeChat is gradually changing the channels people receive information. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of using WeChat as an intervention to improve Infant and young child feeding in rural China. Methods A mixed-methods study was carried out in Huzhu County, Qinghai province, China. Quantitative data were from two cross-sectional surveys with children aged 6-23 months and their caregivers to collected feeding knowledge and practices, caregiver’s use of smartphones and WeChat in 2012 (N=1804) and 2018 (N=754), respectively. Qualitative data were from 33 semi-structured interviews with pregnant women and mothers. In addition, we developed a WeChat feeding health education platform and asked women for their using experiences. Results In both surveys, less than 10% of caregivers knew that breastfeeding can be continued up to two years, less than 50% knew the accurate duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and only around 20% knew meat should be given to children from the age of 6-8 months. Similarly, the feeding practices were suboptimal and most key infant feeding practices did not change over the years. In both surveys, only around 30% of caregivers ever received feeding information during pregnancy or after delivery. Among them, around 50% of caregivers received from their relatives and friends, followed 30% from health facilities and communities. More than 80% of mothers were currently using both a smartphone and the WeChat app. Mothers could easily access the internet on their smartphones (90.8%), as WiFi was available at home or at the workplace. Furthermore, 75.4% of them were willing to receive feeding information from WeChat official accounts. The WeChat feeding health education platform was generally accepted by pregnant women and mothers. Conclusions Caregivers’ feeding knowledge and practices were poor in Huzhu County, and there was an absence of accurate information sources on infant feeding and child nutrition. WeChat could be a potential way to deliver infant feeding recommendations to mothers in rural China.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 induces endogenous expression of Interferon gamma in palmar connective tissues
Authors: Seyhan Harun , Akkermann Oke , Dooley Steven , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Fuchs Paul C. , Schultze-Mosgau Stefan , Kopp Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Fibrosis is characterized by transdifferentiation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts that results in overexpression and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins that subsequently leads to organ impairment or dysfunction. Dupuytren's disease, a benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia, represents an ideal model to study tissue fibrosis. Fibroblasts isolated from nodules and cords of Dupuytren’s disease (DF) served as model of fibrosis. Here we report that DF and control fibroblasts (CF) derived from tendon pulleys of the hand express endogenous Interferon gamma (IFNG).

Application of recombinant transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) resulted in upregulation of profibrotic proteins and subsequent elevated expression levels of SMAD7. Surprisingly, TGFB1 additionally induced transcription of IFNG in stimulated DF and CF. As a consequence, IFNG signaling is presumably enhanced by an autocrine mechanism leading to upregulation of SMAD7, thereby indicating a new negative feedback mechanism of TGFB1 signaling. On the other hand cell infection with adSMAD7, an adenovirus coding for SMAD7, leads to downregulation of IFNG and subsequent signaling, indicating a further novel negative feedback mechanism of IFNG signaling. AdIFNG, an adenovirus coding for human IFNG, in combination with recombinant TGFB1 initiate higher levels of IFNG than separate stimulation, thus indicating a co-inducing effect of TGFB1 on IFNG transcription. Therefore, our results point to new perspectives concerning IFNG-TGFB1-crosstalking and its possible relevance in a standard model of fibrosis.
Correlation between bone turnover and metabolic markers with age and gender: a cross-sectional study of hospital information system data
Authors: Ju Shao , Zhou Shaosong , Qu Yuan , liang bibo , Yu Qing-Hong , Wu Jing
Published: March 2020

Background : Bone turnover and metabolic indicators are related to age and gender. Age and gender should be matched in subjects in disease control research of bone turnover and metabolism, but strict matching of gender and age increases the difficulty and cost of the research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to solve the question of whether it is necessary to strictly match age and gender in clinical research in bone metabolism. METHODS: Patient data were extracted from the HIS of ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University. From these data, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Data relating to seven bone turnover and metabolic indicators from 1036 patients between January 2018 and October 2019 were analyzed. A total of 156 patients aged under 20 were identified and analyzed separately. RESULTS: P1NP, β-CTx and VitD 3 were significant different in individuals younger than 20 years of age. ALP was significantly higher in those under 20 years of age and lower at age 20-39 compared with other age groups. The concentrations of Ca and P were different among the groups aged 0-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years of age groups but exhibited no difference above 60 years of age. PTH expression was not dependent on age. P1NP, β-CTx and PTH concentrations were not significantly different between the genders within the same age group. ALP was significantly different between genders within the age range 20-59 years. Ca and VitD 3 were significantly different between the genders for those older than 60. Serum P was significantly different in the two genders for those aged 40-79. CONCLUSION: P1NP and β-CTx were highly correlated with age. If these two indictors require analysis in a case control study, the patients and controls should be strictly matched by age under 20 years. The demarcation point for ALP was 40 years of age. Ca and P were strongly recommended strict matching according to age in disease research. The difference in P1NP, β-CTx, VitD3 and ALP between genders depends on age differences.
Single impact injury of Vertebral Endplates, without Structural Disruption Initiates Disc Degeneration In Vitro
Authors: Sun Zhengang , Wang Xiaoshuai , Jiang Yongjie , Chen Guoliang , Ling Zenmin , Yang Jiaming , Pan Ximin , Liu Xizhe , Liu Shaoyu , Ye Wei , Wei Fuxin
Published: March 2020

Background : Intervertebral disc degeneration is usually attributed to ageing, genetic, mechanical, and nutritional factors et al. It has been acknowledged that the degenerative process is associated with an aberrant cell-medicated response to structural failures, such as vertebral burst fracture, radial fissures, and endplate fracture. Vertebral endplate trauma, due to, Kirschner wire use or drill holes, can induce degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, whether a single impact injury of the endplates without structural disruption, which is common seen in the clinic, is sufficiently to initiate disc degeneration is still controversial. This study is to further evolve an in vitro impact injury model of IVD and to investigate if a single impact injury of the endplates without structural disruption can initiate intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD). Methods. Rats spinal segments (from L1/2 to L5/6, n=54) were harvested and randomly assigned into three groups: Control (n=18), Low Impact (12 J/cm 3 , n=18) and High Impact (25 J/cm 3 , n=18). Samples in both of the impact groups were subjected pure axial impact loading using a custom-made apparatus, and cultured for 14 days. The degenerative process was investigated by using histomorphology and real-time PCR. Results: The discs in both of the impact groups showed significant degenerative changes at 14 days, both of which showed much higher histological scores and up-regulation of the catabolic (MMP-9, MMP-13) genes transcription than that of the control group ( P ＜0.05). The discs with endplate fracture compared to that with intact endplate also showed strongly up-regulated catabolic (MMP-9, MMP-13) genes transcription, and more significant degenerative changes based on the histological scoring ( P ＜0.05). No significant difference of anabolic (TGF-β, Col1α1, Col3α1) genes transcription was found between different groups( P ＞0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a single impact loading (12 J/cm 3 ) on the spinal segments of the rats could initiate IVDD at 14 days after injury and not only endplate impairment but also a single impact loading without structural disruption could also promote IVDD.
Proprioception and neuromuscular control after the modified Broström procedure at the timing of a return to sports: A retrospective study
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young
Published: March 2020

Background: The modified Broström procedure (MBP) is an initial treatment in symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. However, there was a deficiency of studies regarding the recovery of proprioception and neuromuscular control at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. This study aimed to compare the proprioception and neuromuscular control of both affected and unaffected ankles at the timing of a return to sports after MBP in CAI patients with those of normal controls. Methods: Totally, 75 patients (40 who underwent MBP vs. 35 normal controls) participated. Proprioception and neuromuscular control were measured by postural stability and time to peak torque, respectively. Postural stability tests included static and dynamic balance and the star excursion balance test (SEBT). Static and dynamic balance were tested using a postural stabilometry system, and time to peak torque was measured using an isokinetic device. Results: The dynamic balance test was significantly higher in the affected ankle of the MBP group than in controls (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.003). SEBT was significantly lower in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (anterior: 70.9±16.4 vs. 80.3±11.7, p < 0.006; posterior: 49.2 ± 10.0 vs. 62.2 ± 19.0, p < 0.000; lateral: 49.9 ± 12.7 vs. 57.3 ± 17.7, p < 0.040). Time to peak torque was significantly increased in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (dorsiflexion: 608.3 ± 139.4 vs.522.9 ± 175.8, p < 0.022; eversion: 689.1 ± 191.6 vs. 593.1 ± 211.2, p < 0.043). Conclusion: Dynamic balance, SEBT, and time to peak torque in CAI patients remained significantly reduced at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. Keywords : Proprioception; Neuromuscular control; Modified Broström procedure; Postural stability; Star excursion balance test
The ratio of mechanical axis shift to the correction angle differs in preoperative planning, but actual postoperative alignment is comparable between opening wedge and closed wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Ogino Takahiro , Kumagai Ken , Yamada Shunsuke , Akamatsu Tomotaka , Nejima Shuntaro , Sotozawa Masaichi , Inaba Yutaka
Published: March 2020

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bony correction angle and mechanical axis change and their differences between closed wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) and open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods: A total of 100 knees of 89 patients who underwent OWHTO (50 knees) or CWHTO (50 knees) were investigated. The femorotibial angle (FTA), % mechanical axis deviation (MAD), % anatomical tibial axis deviation (ATAD), % mechanical tibial axis deviation (MTAD), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and joint line convergence angle (JLCA) were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The amount of change from preoperative to postoperative in each measurement is represented as Δ. Results: CWHTO resulted in a greater increase of Δ(%MTAD - %ATAD)/ΔmMPTA than OWHTO (P<0.05), and a greater decrease of ΔJLCA/ΔmMPTA than OWHTO (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the Δ%MAD/ΔmMPTA between CWHTO and OWHTO. When the osteotomy was planned with the same bony correction angle, %MA passed more laterally in OWHTO than in CWHTO (P<0.05). These results suggested a lesser valgus bony correction ratio due to greater medial shift of the tibial axis and greater valgus compensation of the soft tissue in CWHTO compared to OWHTO. Conclusions: The ratio of mechanical axis shift to the correction angle differed in preoperative planning, but postoperative alignment was comparable between opening wedge and closed wedge high tibial osteotomy.
Influence of donors’ cigarette smoking on recipients’ postoperative survival and complications after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Authors: Gu Yang-Jun , Zhou Jie , Xiang Jie , Mei Shengmin , Li Zhiwei , Huang Zhichao , Dong Yinlei , Chen Zheng , Xu Fangshen , Hu Zhenhua , Zheng Shusen
Published: March 2020

Background Many pancreatic transplant donors have smoking history. We aimed to evaluate the effect of donors’ smoking on recipient survival rates and postoperative complications. Methods Patients(N=6564) from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database who underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPK) were divided into a cigarette group (n=5465) and non-cigarette group (n=799) based on their donors’ smoking history. Patients’ rates of overall and graft survival were compared and analyzed using the log-rank test. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, and postoperative complications and dialysis times were evaluated using logistics analysis. Results The overall survival and graft survival of the patients in the non-cigarette group were significantly higher compared to those in the cigarette group ( P <0.05 for both log-rank tests). Cigarette smoking among the donors was associated with a significant difference in the recipients’ rate of pancreas graft survival and kidney graft survival ( P <0.05 for both log rank-tests). However, multivariate analyses indicated that donors’ smoking history was not an independent factor, while the donors’ age was associated with reduced survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.28; P =0.287). The cigarette group had a higher postoperative infection rate than the non-cigarette group (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02-2.06; P =0.038). Conclusions Donors’ smoking history has no overall effect on rates of overall or graft survival of SPK transplant recipients. However, it should be evaluated before transplantation because of its higher rate of postoperative complications.
TNF-α inhibitors can increase the risk of respiratory infection when used in rheumatism: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Luo Wenwen , Wenwen Luo , Jialian Zhu , Xuan Cheng , Yun Li , Qizhi Zhang , Wenxing Peng
Published: March 2020

Background The risk of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) for the treatment of rheumatic diseases leading to infection events has not yet been established. This meta-analysis aims to assess the risk of developing serious infections of three TNF-α inhibitors for rheumatic diseases.Methods A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted through December 2018. Selecting the RCTs which subjects were diagnosed as rheumatoid diseases according to ACR criteria or other authoritative diagnostic criteria and over 18-year-old. Finally, RCTs with Jadad score greater than or equal to 4 were included in this meta-analysis. The Odds Ratio (OR), Confidence Interval (CI) and p value were calculated to assess the risk of serious infections. Results 34 RCTs involving 14166 subjects were included, including 11 RCTs for infliximab, 7 RCTs for etanercept, and 16 for adalimumab. Meta-analysis demonstrated that, with the pooled OR of 1.29 (95%CI 1.04 to 1.60), the TNF-α inhibitors group had a higher risk of serious infection than control group. In the subgroup analysis, infliximab and adalimumab had a higher risk of serious infection than control group, and the pooled ORs were 1.48 (p=0.03) and 1.47 (p=0.03), respectively. For other infections including pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, and nasopharyngitis, the risks of these adverse events were higher in experimental group than control group, while the risk of tuberculosis were not, with the pooled OR of 2.31 (p=0.08）.Conclusions TNF-α inhibitors, especially infliximab and adalimumab, can increase the risk of infections. Among the infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory infection and nasopharyngitis have higher risks in TNF-α inhibitors group than control group. As a result, we summarized that TNF-α inhibitors can increase the risks of respiratory infection when used in rheumatic disease. It is suggested that clinicians should pay attention to the prevention of respiratory infections when using TNF-α inhibitors, so as to achieve a better prognosis for patients with rheumatism.
Increased levels of VCAM-1 in sera and VLA-4 expression on neutrophils in dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Lin Meiyi , Liu Xudong , Yang Chunshu , Zhao Shan , Tian Bailing , Hou Xiaoyu , Xu Jingyi , Yang Pingting
Published: March 2020

Background: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and its ligand very late antigen (VLA-4) play important roles in many autoimmune diseases. Our study aimed to investigate serum VCAM-1 level and VLA-4 expression on peripheral blood neutrophil surface in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), especially focusing on patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD). Methods: Blood specimens of 30 patients with DM and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender were recruited. Total serum VCAM-1 level was measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the percentages of VLA-4 expression on the surface of neutrophils were analyzed by flow cytometry. We divided patients into subgroups according to whether they had ILD and whether they exhibited diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) via high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).Results: Serum VCAM-1 levels were increased in DM patients compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). Patients with DM-ILD had higher serum VCAM-1 levels than those with none-ILD (p=0.015). The VCAM-1 levels were significantly increased in the DM-DAD group compared to the none-DAD group (p=0.002). The percentages of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils surface in DM patients were significantly elevated than that in healthy controls (p<0.001). The percentage of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils in DM patients with ILD were higher than none-ILD group(p=0.013). In the patients with ILD, DAD group had higher percentage of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils than none-DAD group (p=0.008).Conclusions: Our findings indicated that serum VCAM-1 level could be used as a potential serological biomarker for DM-ILD.
Availability, Accessibility, and Quality of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Urban Health Facilities of Rwanda: A survey among social and healthcare providers
Authors: Ndayishimiye Pacifique , Uwase Rosine , Kubwimana Isabelle , Niyonzima Jean de la Croix , Dzekem Roseline Dine , Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Kadima Justin Ntokamunda
Published: March 2020

Background : Access and utilization of quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) is a very crucial point for young adolescents worldwide. This study assessed the quality of SRHS provided to Rwandan adolescents in urban health facilities in terms of availability, accessibility, cost, counseling, with particular emphasis on HIV and family planning-related cases. Method : The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted during the year 2019 in six selected cities of Rwanda using a mixed-methods approach, including s emi-structured questionnaire administration and in-depth interviews with social and healthcare workers. The study sample consisted of 159 social and healthcare providers ( 54.5 % men and 45.5% women) enrolled by convenience based on their responsibilities in the selected entities. All survey tools were pre-tested. SPSS version 20 served for descriptive statistics analysis of quantitative data, whereas ATLAS TI version 5.2 helped to code and analyze the qualitative data thematically. Results : Overall, the availability of adolescents sexual reproductive health services is satisfactory in more than 80% of health facilities surveyed, but the accessibility is a little bit low for some services. According to the respondents dire, some products available like female condoms are less demanded and often expire unused. In-depth interviews revealed that 94.3% of centers provide information to adolescents on SRHS available, and 51.6% affirmed delivering services at a low cost. One nurse clarified that they render services at a low price if an adolescent has insurance medical coverture. Private health facilities offer HIV testing for free, but for treatment and other services, they channel adolescents to public health facilities. Only 57.2% of respondents mentioned that adolescents are involved in designing the feedback mechanisms at their facilities. Religious leaders and family members may hinder adolescents from seeking behavior. Conclusion : SRHS were generally physically available at most of the facilities but limited in access as not all facilities were allowed to deliver some services. Adolescents were said to face structural and social challenges towards accessing services. There is a need to improve the accessibility of SRH services delivery sites while considering innovative methods to broaden access to services.
Evaluation of Wood Ash as Additive for Cow Manure Composting
Authors: Bougnom Blaise Pascal , Dieudonne Onguene , Sontsa-Donhoung Alain Martial
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted to produce high-quality compost using both cow manure and wood ash that can specifically be used to increase the fertility of soils in tropical regions. Increased proportions of wood ash were co-composted with cow manure. During composting, the composts produced presented the classical composting temperature curve and attain a thermophilic composting phase (about 60 oC). After 117 days of composting, the produced composts (CMA 0%; CMA 5%; CMA 10% and CMA15%) had a C/N ratio between 16 and 30, and their pH, was basic, indicating maturity.  They were rich in minerals (Mg; Ca; K+; and Na+) and poor in heavy metals (Zn; Cu and Pb). Wood ash addition raise the fungal communities except for CMA 0% and did not impair significantly on bacteria communities; however, addition of high amounts of wood ash could reduce the metabolism of the microbial communities including cellulase activity that showed a proportional decrease according to the added amount except for CMA 15%. The composts showed a germination index greater than 80% at all concentrations, indicating the absence of phytotoxicity. Therefore, co-composting of cow manure with wood ash (<15%) allowed to obtain a good organic fertilizer with higher liming potential, nutrient content, and less hazardous material which could be used in farms to remediate acidity of tropical soils.
DERNEĞİN MAHKEME KARARIYLA SONA ERMESİ
Authors: AKÇAAL Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Dernekler, ideal bir amaçla kurulan tüzel kişiliğe sahip kişi topluluklarıdır. Söz konusu tüzel kişilerin sona ermesi ya kendiliğinden ya da bir kararla gerçekleşir. Derneğin kendiliğinden sona ermesi hâlinde, bunun için ayrıca bir karara veya işleme gerek yoktur. Kararla sona ermenin ilk görünümü ise, genel kurul kararıdır. İkinci olarak, dernekler mahkeme kararıyla da sona erebilirler. İnceleme kapsamında önce derneğin sona ermesi hakkında genel bilgiler verildikten sonra, mahkeme kararıyla sona ermeye ilişkin terimlerden söz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın devamında ise, mahkeme kararıyla sona ermenin şartları açıklanmıştır. Bunlar, sona erme sebeplerinden birinin varlığı, istemde bulunulması ve mahkeme kararıdır. Sona erme sebeplerinden derneğin amacının kanuna veya ahlâka aykırı hâle gelmesi uygulama bakımından özellikle önem arz etmektedir. Zira, Yargıtay, bu sebeple derneğin feshi için kanuna veya ahlâka aykırı birden çok fiilin tespit edilmiş olmasını aramaktadır. İstemde bulunabilecek olanlar ise, cumhuriyet savcısı ile ilgililerdir. Burada sona erme bakımından hangi mahkemenin yetkili ve görevli olduğu ile bu kapsamda alınabilecek önlemler de incelenmiştir. Nihayet, derneğin mahkeme kararıyla sona ermesinin sonuçlarına da değinilmiştir.
Bakır Flotasyonu Prosesinde, Köpük Görüntüleri ile % Bakır Tenörü Arasındaki İlişkinin Görüntü Analiz Yöntemiyle Belirlenmesi
Authors: TÜRKMENOĞLU Mehmet , ÖZGÜVEN Ö. Faruk , ERKUŞ Fatih Ş. , ÖZGÜVEN Ayşe , TÜRKMENOĞLU Z. Funda , VAROL O. Ozan
Published: March 2020

Bu çalışmada, Siirt Madenköy flotasyon tesisinden temin edilen bakır cevherinin laboratuvar ölçekli flotasyonu esnasında elde edilen köpük görüntüleri ile bakır zenginleştirme tenörü arasındaki korelasyon belirlenmiştir. Sadece hava akış hızı; 2 ile 8 l/dk arasında debimetre yardımı ile değiştirilmiş, diğer tüm flotasyon parametreleri tesis ile aynı tutulmuştur. Video kamera kullanılarak elde edilen köpük görüntüleri, MATLAB Havza Dönüşümü (MATLAB Watershed Transform) metoduyla işlenmiş ve hava kabarcıkları tanımlanmıştır. Kabarcık şekil ve büyüklük verileri, köpük görüntülerindeki kabarcık vadi sınırlarının tespiti ve bu sınırlarla görüntünün bölümlenmesi yoluyla elde edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada gerçekleştirilen 3 farklı flotasyon deney seti verileri kullanılarak flotasyon prosesinin otomasyonunda kullanılabilecek görüntü işleme tabanlı bulanık mantık çıkarım sistemi tasarımı yapılmıştır. Ölçülen ve hesaplanan bakır zenginleştirme tenörü arasındaki korelasyon katsayısı r = 0,96 olarak hesaplanmıştır.