bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of positive TST among Healthcare workers in high-burden TB setting in Peru
Authors: Sedamano Juana , Schwalb Alvaro , Cachay Rodrigo , Zamudio Carlos , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Soto-Cabezas Gabriela , Munayco César V. , Seas Carlos
Published: April 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) transmission has long been recognized as an important occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs possess a 5.8% annual risk of exposure and three times greater risk of developing active TB than the general population.Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study between September 2014 and March 2015 among HCWs in a high-burden TB setting in Lima to estimate the prevalence of positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and to investigate factors associated with a positive TST.Results: 240 participants were included in the analysis; TST was administered to 190 (79.2%) while the rest were exempt due to a previous positive TST result, history of TB or refused the test. A positive TST result was found among 56.2% of participants who were applied the TST (95% CI: 49.22% - 63.55%). When considering those who had a previous positive TST result and those with a history of TB, the prevalence was 64.3% (95% CI: 57.8% - 70.3%). No significant differences were observed between clinical/paramedical and administrative staff in the health center. The use of N95 mask during work hours was reported by 142 (69.9%) participants. Prevalence ratios (PR) show that workers with more than 120 months as a HCW were 1.44 times more likely to be TST positive. The multivariate analysis found that HCWs with over 10 years of service were 1.52 times more likely to be TST positive.Conclusion: This study supports previous reports that TB infection is an occupational hazard for HCWs. Prevention of TB transmission through control measures, as well as timely diagnosis of LTBI in this selected risk group, is critical for the individual and for public health.
Increased serum calpain activity is associated with HMGB1 levels in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Zheng Ji-Na , Li Yang , Yan Yue-Mei , Yu Yong , Shao Wen-Qi , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2020

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or scleroderma is an intractable autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs. The objectives were to investigate clinical correlations of serum calpain activity and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels with immunological and clinical traits. Methods: A total of 31 patients with SSc, 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects (HC) and 10 patients with other connective tissue diseases (CTD) were recruited in the study. We measured serum calpain activity and HMGB1 levels and analyzed the datasets (GSE40839, GSE48149, GSE76808, GSE81292, GSE33463, and GSE58095) from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database to explore the potential mechanism by which calpain exerts its function through bioinformatics methods. Results: Serum calpain activity was significantly increased in patients with SSc compared with those in HC and in patients with CTD and was correlated with serum HMGB1 levels, modified Rodnan skin score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean platelet volume, and plateletcrit. Notably, serum calpain activity and HMGB1 levels in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) were significantly higher than those in SSc patients without ILD. Serum calpain activity and HMGB1 levels could be the independent risk factors for SSc-ILD and novel biomarkers in patients with SSc. Conclusion: This is the first study that reports increased serum calpain activity and the correlation between calpain and HMGB1 in patients with SSc or SSc-ILD. The serum calpain activity and HMGB1 levels may serve as measures of ILD in patients with SSc. Also, calpain and HMGB1 could be potential therapeutic targets for patients with SSc or SSc-ILD in the future.
Concerns around public health recommendations on face mask use among individuals who are not medically diagnosed with COVID-19 supported by a systematic review search for evidence.
Authors: Marasinghe Keshini Madara
Published: April 2020

BackgroundContradicting and inconsistent public health recommendations regarding face mask use have been provided to individuals who are not yet medically diagnosed with COVID-19, which is significantly a large population. Face masks are being used by individuals who are not medically diagnosed with COVID-19 as a means to limit the spread of COVID-19 in several countries around the world. While some countries recommend the use of face masks, other countries strictly do not recommend their use to limit the transmission of COVID-19 among individuals who are not medically diagnosed with COVID-19. This paper critically analyses public health recommendations provided to this population regarding face mask use by public health and health professionals of different countries supported by a systematic review that searched for evidence on face mask use among this specific population in limiting the spread of COVID-19.MethodsTo carry out the systematic review portion of this paper, databases Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies. Two groups of keywords were combined: those relating to face masks and COVID-19.ResultsThe systematic review search did not find any studies that investigated the effectiveness of face mask use in limiting the spread of COVID-19 among those who are not medically diagnosed with COVID-19 to support current public health recommendations.ConclusionsThe finding of the systematic review search, which is a lack of scientific evidence, questions the basis of inconsistent public health recommendations that have been provided to the public at a very early yet a crucial stage of an outbreak. A closer attention need to be given to the procedures and practices behind providing public health guidelines and recommendations during an outbreak by public health and health professionals around the world. This paper calls for 1) evidence-based public health recommendations; 2) considerations when providing public health recommendations in the absence of evidence; 3) evidence and knowledge transparency on current public health recommendations; 4) global alignment on public health recommendations; and 5) further research to strengthen public health recommendations.
Effect of the Amount of Correction on Posterior Tibial Slope and Patellar Height in Open-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: wu keliang , zeng jianchun , jie ke , feng wenjun , lin xiaosheng , chen jinlun , zeng yirong
Published: April 2020

Objectives The effect of amount of correction on postoperative changes in the posterior tibial slope (PTS), patellar height (PH) and clinical outcomes following biplanar open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) were evaluated. Method This study included 64 knees (30 left, 34 right) of 64 patients (mean age 48.5±6.8 years, 20 males, 44 females) with varus malalignment and symptomatic isolated medial joint osteoarthritis who underwent OWHTO. According to the amount of correction angles, all patients were divided into three groups: large correction angle (LCA) group (>14°), medium correction angle (MCA) group（10°～14°）and small correction angle (SCA) group (<10°). All patients were clinically assessed according to the Lysholm score, hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS), and knee society score (KSS) prior to and after surgery. For radiographic analysis, we measured the PTS，PH [Insall-Salvati index (ISI), Blackbume-Peel index (BPI)]. The pre-post difference of PTS, ISI and BPI was calculated by subtracting the post-OWHTO value to the pre-OWHTO value in three groups respectively. The preoperative, postoperative, and difference of PTS, ISI and BPI values were analyzed according to the correction angle. The mean follow-up period was 27.7 months(SD, 3.9; range 12-49 months). Results Radiologically, PTS increased and PH decreased after surgery on the whole ( p ＜0.05). The relationship between amount of correction and slope increasing is significant ( p ＜0.001). Furthermore, the pairwise difference between the LCA group and SCA group, MCA group are significant respectively ( p ＜0.05). In terms of PH, the LCA group yielded ISI and BPI that were significantly different from baseline for SCA group and MCA group. In addition, the pairwise difference between the SCA group and LCA group in ISI and BPI are significant ( p =0.031). Clinically, significant improvements were observed in postoperative clinical scores of the Lysholm score, HSS, and KSS ( p <0.05). Fifty-nine patients (92.2%) reported satisfaction with surgery. However, no correlation was found between changes in PTS and PH with postoperative knee score. No severe adverse complications were observed. Conclusions The amount of correction angle is a significant factor affecting the PTS and PH in OWHTO. With increased correction angle, the likelihood of increasing the PTS and decreasing the PH increases. Special attention should be paid to keep PTS and PH unchanged in cases where large corrections are required. Otherwise, closing wedge osteotomy or other intraoperative effective measures are supposed to be adopted.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty for Kummell’s disease: Short-term analysis of therapeutic effects and outcome predictors
Authors: Li Yibing , Wang Xiaodong , Gao Wenjie , Hao Dingjun
Published: April 2020

Objective: To retrospectively investigate the short-term therapeutic effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for Kummell’s disease using a variable angle needle and to analyze the possible outcome predictors. Material and methods: Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. Medical records were evaluated. The following factors were analyzed on imaging data: location of lesion, the percentage of bone marrow edema, patterns of cement spreading, and post-procedural kyphosis correction. Visual analogue score (VAS) was used to analyze the clinical effect, and the improvement rate was calculated. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between those factors and therapeutic outcomes using Fisher’s exact test, Chi-squared test, and Student’s un-paired t-test. Results: The effectiveness rate was 70.4% at 1 week, 74.1% after 1 month, and 63.0% after 3 months. Six months and one year after procedures, the effective rate remained steady at 70.4%. Post-procedural kyphosis correction ≥8° was a risk factor for inferior pain relief. An area of edema over 40% was a prognostic factor for superior pain relief at the first follow-up point. Cement morphology was a positive predictor for better pain relief at 1 month follow-up. Conclusions: Compared to the therapeutic effects of PVP on fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF), percutaneous vertebroplasty for Kummell’s disease was effective in only 63% to 74.1% of the patients at different follow-up points. Overemphasized kyphotic correction (over 8 degrees) was associated with poor outcomes. Areas of edema over 40% and cement morphology of mixed type were positive prognostic factors in the early stage.
Ketorolac tromethamine pretreatment suppresses sufentanil-induced cough during general anesthesia induction: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tian Zhen , Hu Bei , Miao Min , Zhang Lulu , Wang Lin , Chen Bin
Published: April 2020

Background: To observe the effect about pretreatment of ketorolac tromethamine on sufentanil-induced cough in general anesthesia patients. Methods: 102 patients were screened, and a total of 90 patients were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. 90 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group（C group）and the observation group（KT group）. 5 minutes before anesthesia induction, observation group were given ketorolac tromethamine 0.5mg/kg intravenously within 3 s, while the control group were given the same amount of normal saline intravenously. All patients were given a sufentanil bolus of 0.5 ug/kg（within 3 s）intravenously,1 minute later, propofol 2.5mg/kg, vecuronium 0.15mg/kg were injected intravenously, and endotracheal intubation was guided by laryngoscope. The number of coughs that occurred within 1 min after sufentanil injection were recorded. The mean arterial pressure (MAP)，heart rate (HR) and pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2) were recorded at T0 (immediately before pretreatment), T1 (5 minutes after pretreatment), T2（before intubation），T3 (1 min after intubation) and T4 (5 min after intubation).The incidence of adverse reactions were analyzed. Results: Within 1 min after sufentanil injection, the incidence and severity of cough in KT group was significantly lower than that in C group ( P < 0.05). At the time points of T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4, there was no significant difference in MAP, HR and SpO2 between the two groups ( P > 0.05). And there was no significant difference in the dosage of sufentanil, propofol, remifentanil and vecuronium, incidence of nausea and vomiting, delay of recovery, dizziness, drowsiness and respiratory depression between the two groups( P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the number of restlessness during waking period ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment of intravenous ketorolac tromethamine can significantly reduce the incidence of sufentanil-induced cough during induction period of general anesthesia patients, and can also significantly reduce the restlessness during recovery period of patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number# ChiCTR2000030287; date of registration: 27/02/2020).
Discrimination between human populations using a small number of differentially methylated CpG sites: A preliminary study using lymphoblastoid cell lines and peripheral blood samples of Caucasian and Chinese origin.
Authors: Daca-Roszak Patrycja , Jaksik Roman , Paczkowska Julia , Witt Michal , Zietkiewicz Ewa
Published: April 2020

Background Epigenetics is one of the factors shaping natural variability observed among human populations. A small proportion of heritable inter-population differences are observed in the context of both the genome-wide methylation level and the methylation status of individual CpG sites. It has been demonstrated that a limited number of carefully selected differentially methylated sites may allow discrimination between main human populations. However, most of the few published results have been performed exclusively on B-lymphocyte cell lines. Results The goal of our study was to identify a set of CpG sites sufficient to discriminate between Caucasian and Chinese populations based on the difference in the DNA methylation profile not only in cell lines but also in primary cell samples. The preliminary selection of CpG sites differentially methylated in these two populations (pop-diff-met CpGs) was based on the analysis of two groups of commercially available ethnically-specific B-lymphocyte cell lines, performed using Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip Array. A subset of ten pop-diff-met CpGs characterized by the best differentiating criteria (|Mdiff|>1, q<0.05; lack of the confounding genomic features), and ten additional CpGs in their immediate vicinity, were further tested using pyrosequencing technology in both B-lymphocyte cell lines and in the primary samples of the peripheral blood representing two analyzed populations. To assess the population-discriminating potential of the selected set of CpGs (further referred to as “composite pop(CEU-CHB)-diff-met CpG marker”), three classification methods were applied. The predictive ability of the composite 8-site pop(CEU-CHB)-diff-met CpG marker was assessed using 10-fold cross-validation method on two independent sets of samples. Concussions Our results showed that less than 10 pop-diff-met CpG sites may distinguish Caucasian and Chinese populations; importantly, this small composite pop-diff-met CpG marker performs well in both lymphoblastoid cell lines and in non-homogenous blood samples.
Comparison of Conventional Fenestration Discectomy Versus Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Li Quanyi , zhou yongchun
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of conventional interlaminar fenestration discectomy (IFD) versus percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: The clinical data of 1,100 patients who had been diagnosed with LDH from January 2012 to December 2017 were retrospectively analysed. IFD was performed on the 605 patients in Group A, while PTED was performed on the 505 patients in Group B. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and modified Macnab criteria were adopted to evaluate the outcomes. Moreover, the surgery durations, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative off-bed activities, and postoperative lengths of hospital stay for the two groups were observed. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 24 months to 60 months, with an average duration of 43 months. As the excellent and good outcome rate was 93.5% in Group A and 92.6% in Group B, there were no significant differences in efficacy between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, Group B had significantly less intraoperative blood loss and shorter bed rest durations and postoperative lengths of hospital stay than did Group A (P < 0.05). There were two cases of postoperative recurrence in Group A and three in Group B. Conclusions: Although conventional IFD and PTED had similar levels of efficacy in treating LDH, transforaminal endoscopic discectomy exhibited several advantages, such as less trauma, less bleeding, and a shorter length of hospital stay, and it can be considered an ideal surgical option for treating LDH.Save and Continue
The pattern of serum lithium test requesting across three UK regions: a service evaluation of adherence to monitoring guidelines.
Authors: Fryer Anthony , Parfitt Ceri , Duff Christopher J , Scargill Jonathan , Green Lewis , Holland David , Heald Adrian H
Published: April 2020

Background Bipolar disorder is the fourth most common mental health condition, affecting ~1% of UK adults. Lithium is an effective treatment for prevention of relapse and hospital admission, and is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. We previously showed in other areas that laboratory testing patterns are variable with sub-optimal conformity to guidance. We therefore examined lithium results and requesting patterns relative to monitoring recommendations. Methods Data on lithium levels and intervals between requests were extracted from Clinical Biochemistry laboratory information systems at the University Hospitals of North Midlands, Salford Royal Foundation Trust and Pennine Acute Hospitals from 2012-2018 (46,555 requests; 3,371 individuals). Data were examined with respect to region/source of request, age and sex. Results Lithium levels on many requests were outside the recommended UK therapeutic range (0.4-0.99 mmol/L); 19.2% below the range and 6.1% above the range (median [Li]: 0.60 mmol/L). A small percentage were found at the extremes (3.2% at <0.1mmol/L, 1.0% at >1.4mmol/L). These findings were comparable across all sites. Most requests were from general practice (56.3%) or mental health units (34.4%), though those in the toxic range (≥1.4 mmol/L) were more likely to be from acute care or other secondary care units (63.9%). For requesting interval, there was a distinct peak at 12 weeks, consistent with guidance for those stabilised on lithium therapy. There was no peak evident at 6 months, as recommended for those aged <65 years on unchanging therapy. There was a peak at 0-7 days, reflecting those requiring closer monitoring (e.g. treatment initiation or for toxicity). However, for those with initial lithium concentrations within the BNF range (0.4-0.99 mmol/L), 69.4% of tests were requested outside expected testing frequencies. Conclusions Our data showed: (a) lithium levels are often maintained at the lower end of the recommended therapeutic range, (b) patterns of lithium results and testing frequency were comparable across three UK sites with differing models of care and, (c) re-test intervals demonstrate a noticeable peak at the recommended 3-monthly, but not at 6-monthly intervals. Many tests were repeated outside expected frequencies, indicating the need for additional work to minimise inappropriate testing.
Prediction and identification of immune genes related to the prognosis of patients with colon adenocarcinoma and its mechanisms
Authors: Chen Sihan , GD Cao , Wei Wu , Yida LU , Xiaobo He , Lei Yang , Ke Chen , Chen Bo , Xiong MM
Published: April 2020

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma(COAD) is a type of gastrointestinal tumor with a high degree of malignancy, and its immunotherapy method has been stagnant. Recently, with the development of network databases and the development of bioinformatics tools, we can analyze the data in the current database to find out which genes may be the target of immunotherapy for COAD.Methods: We use various codes and packages of R language to analyze the downloaded data, construct a riskScore model of immune genes and clinical data, and use Cox regression analysis to explore the clinical relationship between riskScore and COAD.Results: We found that seven immune genes associated with the survival prognosis of COAD were related to the construction of a riskScore model. And Cox regression analysis found that there was clinical significance and statistical significance between the riskScore model and clinical data of COAD. Some traditional immune microenvironment cells also increase their cell content with the increase of riskScore.Conclusions: We found 7 immune genes (SLC10A2, CXCL3, IGHV5-51, INHBA, STC1, UCN and OXTR) that affect the clinical prognosis of COAD patients and can construct a riskScore model. It may be a target for future COAD immunotherapy.
Learning Outcomes of a Flipped Classroom Teaching Approach in an Adult-health Nursing Course: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Fan Jun-Yu , Tseng Ying-Jung , Chao Li-Fen , Chen Shiah-Lian , Jane Sui-Whi
Published: April 2020

Background: New teaching strategies must be developed not only to enhance nurse’s competence but also to allow nurses to respond to the complex health care needs of today’s society. The purpose of this study was to explore the learning outcomes of a flipped classroom teaching approach in an adult-health nursing course for students in a two-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.Methods: The study had a quasi-experimental design. An 18-week flipped classroom teaching approach was applied in an adult-health nursing course. In total, 485 nursing students enrolled in the study, with 287 in the experimental group and 198 in the control group. The Self-Evaluated Core Competencies Scale, Metacognitive Inventory for Nursing Students, Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, and self-designed learning satisfaction questionnaire were used to evaluate the students’ learning outcomes.Results: The experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in the overall scores for self-evaluated core competencies, the “self-modification” subscale of the Metacognitive Inventory for Nursing Students, and in overall self-directed learning readiness; further, they also showed high levels of course satisfaction.Conclusions: A flipped classroom teaching approach had a positive impact on student’s learning motivation and contributed to better learning outcomes in an adult-health nursing course. The flipped classroom combined with hybrid teaching methods is a suitable and effective learning strategy for a registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program to tackle today’s complex revolution in nursing curricula, and may enhance nursing students’ abilities to address numerous challenges.
CILP2 overexpression predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Peng Yuanfei , Ye Qing , Chen Jinhu , Li Yangming , Liu Shengyuan , Xu Yangmei , Huang Lijie
Published: April 2020

Background: Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein 2 (CILP2), a glycoprotein with mutations associated with abnormal blood lipid concentrations in normal and cardiovascular diseases patients, was barely reported with clinical features of tumors. We evaluated the role of CILP2 among all stages and histology in colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA), and furtherly verified using immunohistochemistry assay within human CRC tissues.
Materials and methods : Clinical information and RNA-seq data were derived from TCGA colorectal carcinoma cohort. CILP2 expression at mRNA level was estimated by bioinformatical analysis of TCGA cases. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed containing paraffin-embedded 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression at protein level was detected in 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. CILP2 expression level and its clinical value were estimated by bioinformatical analysis with linear and logistic regression. Survival analysis was performed between high and low groups of CILP2 expression by Cox regression analysis, and P value was calculated by log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier curves were tested by log-rank test.
Results : CILP2 was significantly higher expressed in the colorectal cancer tissues when compared with paired adjacent normal tissues in TCGA cohort ( P <0.001) and in TMA cohort ( P =0.001). In addition, CILP2 high-expression was strongly correlated with T3/4 stage ( P =0.001), N1/2/3 stage ( P =0.005), M1 stage ( P =0.048), and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) ( P <0.001) in TCGA cohort, and also positively associated with T3/4 stage ( P =0.022) and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) ( P =0.03) in TMA cohort. Furthermore, CILP2 overexpression predicted poor prognosis and could be as an independent prognostic factor ( P =0.003).
Conclusion : We revealed that CILP2 is associated with advanced stages and could play a role as an independent predictor of poor survival in colorectal cancer.
Key words: CILP2; Colorectal cancer; TCGA; Immunohistochemistry; Prognosis
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients hospitalised with influenza A-related pneumonia: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chen Liang , Han Xiudi , Li YanLi , Zhang Chunxiao , Xing Xiqian
Published: April 2020

Background Increasing cases of pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompetent patients with severe influenza have been reported. Howevere, the risk factors for occurence and death are largely unknown.Methods Data of hospitalised patients with influenza A-related pneumonia (FluA-p) obtained from five teaching hospitals from 2031 to 2018, were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors involved in the acquisition and 60-day mortality in IPA patients. Results Of the 693 FluA-p patients included in the study, 3.0% (21/693) were IPA patients with a 60-day mortality of 42.9% (9/21). Adjusted for confounders, a Cox proportional hazard model showed that IPA was associated with increased risk for 60-day mortality [hazard ratio ( HR) 4.336, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.191-15.784, p = 0.026] in FluA-p patients. A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed that age (odd ratio ( OR) 1.147, 95% CI 1.048-1.225, p = 0.003), systemic corticosteroids use before IPA diagnosis ( OR 33.773, 95% CI 5.681-76.764, p < 0.001), leukocytes > 10×10 9 /L ( OR 1.988, 95% CI 1.028-6.454, p = 0.029) and lymphocytes < 0.8×10 9 /L on admission ( OR 34.813, 95% CI 1.676-73.006, p = 0.022), were related with the acquisition of IPA. Early neuraminidase inhibitor use ( OR 0.290, 95% CI 0.002-0.584, p = 0.021) was associated with a decreased risk for a 60-day mortality in IPA patients. Conclusions Our results showed that IPA worsen the clinical outcomes of FluA-p patients. The risk factors for the acquisition and death were helpful for the clinicians in preventing and treating IPA.
Recurrence and retreatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysm after endovascular treatment
Authors: Jang Chang Ki , Chung Joonho , Lee Jae Whan , Huh Seung Kon , Son Nak-Hoon , Park Keun Young
Published: April 2020

Background

To describe our experiences with endovascular treatment (EVT) of anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysms (AcomAs), and to evaluate the incidence of recurrence and risk factors for recurrence and retreatment

Methods

The study comprised 260 patients who were treated at a single center between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients who had EVT, including stent-assisted coiling of AcomA, were included. All medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of recurrence and risk factors for recurrence and retreatment were evaluated. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted.

Results

Recurrence of AcomA occurred in 38 (14.6%) patients. Mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that ruptured aneurysm (odds ratio [OR] 3.55, P=0.001), dome direction (anterior) (OR 3.86, P=0.002), maximal diameter (OR 1.19, P=0.02), and mean age (OR 0.96, P=0.02) were independent risk factors for aneurysm recurrence. Among cases of recurrence, 10 (3.8%) patients had major recurrence. Ruptured aneurysm (OR 14.7, P=0.004), maximal diameter (OR 1.56, P=0.02), inflow angle (OR 1.04, P=0.03), and Raymond-Roy classes II and III (incompletely occluded status of coiling) (OR 6.19, P=0.03) showed significant relation to retreatment in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

In our study, recurrence rate of AcomA after EVT was 14.6%. Rupture, anterior dome direction, maximal diameter, and mean age were significantly associated with recurrence. Retreatment rate of recurrent AcomA cases after EVT was 3.8%. Patients with AcomA with large inflow, rupture, large size, or incomplete occlusion may be at a high risk of retreatment of recurring aneurysm.
How plant production in the Mongolian grasslands is affected by wind-eroded coarse-textured topsoil
Authors: Kong Kaman , Nandintsetseg Banzragch , Shinoda Masato
Published: April 2020

While it is known that soil erosion by wind in drylands results in soil loss and redistribution and changes the texture of topsoil, there is little information about how these changes in the topsoil might affect the productivity of vegetation and if they result in degradation of the grasslands in wind-eroded regions such as Mongolian grasslands. In this study, we compared two different scenarios of vegetation growth, namely a wind-eroded scenario and an actual field condition, on two different grasslands in Mongolia (steppe and desert steppe) using an ecosystem model. The simulations of the wind-eroded scenario were based on a topsoil (0–0.1 m depth) with 1% clay and 99% sand, designed to represent an extremely wind-eroded soil surface that had permanently lost the fine clay particles and had gained sand particles. The effects of temperature, nutrient and water stresses on plant production were quantitively estimated. The model gave reasonably good simulations of the vegetation and soil water dynamics during the growing seasons (April–September) from 2002–2011. The simulation results showed that water had more effect on plant production than nitrogen and temperature at the two sites, and stresses because of a lack of water and nutrients generally affected plant production in the wind-eroded coarse-textured topsoil. Plant production was 20.2% lower in the wind-eroded scenario than in the actual field condition in the desert steppe under water-stressed conditions but plant production was slightly higher (5.0%) in the wind-eroded scenario on the steppe that received more rainfall, because of a reverse texture effect, where water continues to infiltrate from the coarse topsoil (0–0.1 m depth) to the deeper root-zone (0.1–0.3 m depth) because of lower evapotranspiration from soil, and facilitates growth. When this happens, there is enough soil moisture in the root-zone, and plant growth is mostly affected by the nitrogen supply.
Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed Mutation Patterns of De-differentiated Liposarcoma and Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Liu Wenshuai , Tong Hanxing , Zhang Chenlu , Zhuang Rongyuan , Guo He , Chentao Lv , Yang Hua , Lin Qiaowei , Guo Xi , Wang Zhiming , Wang Yan , Shen Feng , Wang Shengzhou , Wang Guan , Dai Chun , Lu Weiqi , Zhang Yong , Zhou Yuhong
Published: April 2020

Background Treating patients with advanced sarcomas is challenging due to great histologic diversity among different subtypes. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and liposarcoma (LPS) are the most common histologic types of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Although both LMS and de-differentiated LPS (DDLPS) are relatively aggressive and have a high rate of recurrence, they have significant differences in histology, biology, and clinical behaviors. Methods 32 STS (20 LMS and 12 DDLPS) samples and matched peripheral blood were collected from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University with patient consents. WES was conducted on all the tumor/blood pairs. Somatic single nucleotide variations (SNV) and indel were identified using Genome Analysis Toolkits (GATK). Recurrent somatic copy-number alterations (SCNA) were called using GISTIC2.0. RNA-Seq was further conducted, then their chromosome rearrangement was revealed using STAR-Fusion. Next, differential gene expression analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using DeSeq2 and NetwokAnalyst. Stromal and immunological landscape profiling was conducted using MCP-counter. Results WES identified different genetic variation patterns in LMS and DDLPS. Amplification of oncogenes is prominent in DDLPS, while loss of function mutation and deletion of tumor suppressors mostly occur in LMS. A focal amplification affecting chromosome 12q13–15 region which encodes MDM2, CDK4 and HMGA2, is notable in DDLPS. Mutations in tumor suppressors such as TP53, ATRX, PTEN, and RB1 are identified in LMS. RNA-seq confirmed overexpression of MDM2, CDK4 and HMGA2 in DDLPS and down-regulation of TP53 and RB1 in LMS. It also revealed different fusion patterns between LMS and DDLPS. The rate of gene fusion is significantly higher in DDLPS than in LMS (p=0.007) and fusion transcripts involving chromosome 12 can only be found in DDLPS. Stromal and immunological profiling indicate that microenvironmental signatures are highly correlated with histologic types, and DDLPS have more endothelial cell and fibroblast content than LMS. Conclusions Our analysis revealed recurrent genetic variation in LMS and DDLPS. DDLPS harbor frequent fusion events and may produce neoepitopes, which can be targeted to produce safer CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T) cells for immunotherapy. Additionally, our study suggested the tumor microenvironment of sarcoma can potentially be correlated to patients' clinical outcomes and used to guide personalized treatment.
Bronchiolar Adenoma with ERBB2 exon 20 insertion: report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Wu Qian , Li Lin , Zheng Ke , Tang Yuan , Jiang Lili
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) is a rare peripheral lung tumor and is considered to be a subtype of Bronchial Adenoma (BA). Although recent studies have suggested that BA belongs to a neoplastic disease, the complete histogenesis of BA is not fully understood and molecular data is limited. Methods: We demonstrated clinicopathologic features of four cases of BA and performed immunohistochemical and next generation sequencing to characterize its molecular features. Besides, a review of previous literature was done to comprehensively conclude the molecular characteristic of this disease.Results: We found ERBB2, EGFR, BRAF and AKT1 mutations in BAs. It’s the first time that ERBB2 exon 20 insertion has been reported in BA. Conclusion: BA is a rare pulmonary disease mainly affected elderly Asian patients. More and more abnormal molecular changes were observed, which confirmed the neoplastic nature of BA. However, it also raise the debate about BA’s biological behavior.
Fecal calprotectin as a prognostic factor for gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric Henoch-Schölein purpura patients: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Paek Eun Young , Yi Dae Yong , Kang Ben , Choe Byung-Ho
Published: April 2020

Background Henochchönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis occurring in children. HSP prognosis is usually good, but its recurrence is relatively common, and if the intestines get affected, severe complications could arise, including intussusception or intestinal perforation. Here, we investigated the value of fecal calprotectin (FC) in early screening of HSP and the usefulness of FC as a prognostic factor for GI manifestations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with HSP and had undergone FC testing during the acute phase. Subjects were categorized into gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and non-GI involvement groups based on their clinical symptoms. Moreover, GI involvement levels were divided as follows: upper GI tract up to the duodenum and lower GI tract from the ileocolic Results Sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with HSP and underwent FC testing. Among them, 40 patients (58.0%) showed signs of GI involvement. The GI involvement group showed higher FC levels (379.9 짹 399.8 vs. 77.4 짹 97.6 mg/kg, P = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the relapse of HSP symptoms or GI symptoms. The cut-off value according to GI involvement was 69.10 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Patients with FC levels of >50 mg/kg more frequently showed GI involvement (77.8% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.000) and a more severe prognosis. Significant correlations were observed for abdominal pain duration, HSP clinical score, and abdominal pain severity (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Additionally, FC levels were significantly higher in patients with lower GI tract involvement (214.67 짹 150.5 vs. 581.8 짹 510.1 mg/kg, P = 0.008), and the cut-off value was 277.5 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Conclusion FC testing is useful for predicting the involvement of GI, location of involvement, and course of prognosis in pediatric HSP patients.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and risk factors in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV infection
Authors: Li Zhengtu , Wang Xidong , Su Guansheng , Li Shaoqiang , Ye Yuwei , Deng Qiuxue , Li Jinchuang , Xiong Xiaoyu , Wei Xinguang , Lin Zeqiang , Jie Zichen , Ye Feng
Published: April 2020

Herein, we compared the risk factors, clinical presentation of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, or MERS-CoV infection. The proportion of male patients with COVID-19 was higher than who with SARS but lower than who with MERS (p<0.001). More patients with COVID-19 had coexisting chronic medical conditions than those with SARS (p<0.001) but fewer than those with MERS (p<0.001), and the prevalence of hypertension (17%) and smoking history (14%) was higher than in patients with SARS (p<0.001). Furthermore,the symptom of fever (53%), hemoptysis (1%), diarrhea (4%) and vomiting (3%) of COVID-19 were significantly lower than that in patients with SARS or MERS. The level of ALT and AST in COVID-19 was significantly lower (p<0.001), however, thrombocytopenia, high LDH were common. Summary, male, smoking history and hypertension were the most common risk factors for hospitalization with COVID-19; and the clinical feature was less severe in COVID-19.
LncRNA ZFAS1 promotes pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis by sponging miR-3924 via RHOA/ROCK2 pathway
Authors: Liu jinyang , Zhu yaqin , Ge Chunlin
Published: April 2020

Background : the mortality and morbidity rate of pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been increasing during the past two decades, mechanisms in pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression are in urgent need of research. LncRNA ZFAS1 has been demonstrated as an oncogene in some cancers, but its function and mechanism in pancreatic adenocarcinoma still remain unclear. Methods : ZFAS1 expression level was predicted in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by bioinformatic analysis, the expression level of ZFAS1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines were further investigated by qRT-PCR and ISH. The functions of ZFAS1 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo were investigated according to bioinformatic analysis. Dual luciferase report assays investigated the binding of ZFAS1/miR-3924 and miR-3924/ROCK2, rescue assays further investigated the underlying mechanism. Results: ZFAS1 was predicted and further experimental verified to be over-expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ZFAS1 silence showed the inhibition to pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The competing endogenous RNAs mechanism of ZFAS1 was also demonstrated. Conclusions : Our results demonstrated the promotion of ZFAS1 to pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis and suggested its candidacy as a novel regulator of ROCK2.
Simplified sigmoidal curve fitting for 6 MV FFF photon beam of Halcyon to determine field size for beam commissioning and quality assurance
Authors: Choi Min-Geon , Law Martin , Yoon Do-Kun , Tamura Mikoto , Matsumoto Kenji , Otsuka Masakazu , Kim Moo-Sub , Djeng Shih-Kien , Monzen Hajime , Suh Tae Suk
Published: April 2020

Background

Delivery of a single energy 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam is a main characteristic of an O-ring gantry type linear accelerator (linac) Halcyon. The purpose of this study is to determine the field size of the beam through an application of the simplified sigmoidal curve fitting (SCF) to the beam profiles obtained from the preconfigured reference data of Halcyon, and then to compare its parametrization with the measured beam data from Halcyon.

Methods

After a mathematical definition of the SCF using four coefficients, the defined curves were fitted to both the reference and measured data. When a high agreement between the fitting curve and the profiles in each data, the field sizes were determined by identifying the maximum point along the third derivative of the fitting curve. The curve fitting included the field sizes for beam profiles as 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 20 × 20 and 28 × 28 cm 2 as a function of depths (at 1.3, 5, 10, 20 cm). The results of the field size from the reference data were compared with the results in the measured data using same condition.

Results

All fitting curves show an average agreement ratio higher than 97% and the values of goodness of fit, R 2 , as better than 0.99. The differences of the field size between the reference data and the measured data were within the range of 0 to 0.2 cm. The least difference of the field sizes at depth 10 cm which is a surface to axis distance was reported.

Conclusion

The application of the SCF has been proved to accurately obtain the field size of the preconfigured reference and of measured FFF photon beam data for Halcyon. The current work can be useful to the beam commissioning as a countercheck methodology to the field size from the reference data in the treatment planning system of a newly installed Halcyon and to the routine quality assurance to ascertain the correctness of field sizes clinically used with the Halcyon.
Effect of Maternal Sleep, Physical Activity and Screen Time during Pregnancy on the Risk of Childhood Respiratory Allergies: a Gender-specific Study
Authors: Chen Yiting , Lyu Jiajun , Xia Yuanqing , Zhu Jianzhen , Tong Shilu , Yin Yong , Qu Jiajie , Li Shenghui
Published: April 2020

Background: Early life exposure in the uterus had long-term effect on children's health. As the prevalence of allergies is increasing with a remarkable gender difference, very few studies have traced back to their early origins. We sought to investigate if maternal behavioral exposure, herein sleep, physical activity and screen time during pregnancy, is associated childhood respiratory allergies. The gender difference would be examined. Methods: 6236 mother-child pairs from Shanghai Children Allergy Study (SCAS) were enrolled. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was adopted to evaluate respiratory allergic diseases. Results: 14.6%, 16.2% and 21.0% of children had asthma, wheeze, and allergic rhinitis, respectively. Maternal short sleep duration, lack of physical activity and too much screen exposure during pregnancy could increase the risk of childhood respiratory allergies. Moreover, a dose-response trend was clearly shown. However, the significance was found only in boys, any two of the three combined could increase the risk (OR,1.915; 95%CI,1.212-3.024), and the coexistence of all three further amplified the risk (OR,2.406; 95%CI,1.485-3.900). The findings can be verified in allergen test subgroup and single type of respiratory allergies in most cases. And gender difference was identified, all above associations were mainly observed in boys. Conclusions: Maternal unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy could increase the risk of childhood respiratory allergies with a dose-response pattern. Boys were more susceptible to the association. The identification of modifiable maternal risk behaviors lies in the emphasis of intervention in early life to face up increasing childhood allergies.
Prevalence of intestinal nematodes of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in north-west Poland
Authors: Tylkowska Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Renata
Published: April 2020

Background: The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a widely distributed animal in the world. This wild carnivore is also a common host of several dangerous zoonotic parasites, primarily nematodes. Nematodes of red foxes, such as Toxocara canis and Uncinaria stenocephala, can cause numerous health problems in humans and domesticated animals. The aim of the study was to determine the parameters of occurrence of nematodes in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in north-western Poland. Methods: The study was carried out in north-western Poland. The research material consisted of 620 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Parasitological sections of the foxes were taken using the sedimentation and counting technique.Results: The prevalence of infestations with nematodes was 77.3%, while the mean infection intensity was 20.1 per animal. The presence of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala and Trichuris vulpis was noted. The greatest prevalence was presented by Uncinaria stenocephala (34.0%). Male and female foxes displayed a similar prevalence of nematodes. Their presence was recorded in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum of the foxes, and they were significantly more common in the jejunum than in other parts. The most commonly-observed coinfection was between Uncinaria stenocephala and Toxocara canis. Conclusions: It can be seen that nematodes are present in high numbers among foxes in north-western Poland. This phenomenon certainly contributes to an increased risk of transmission of parasites to humans and domestic animals, and this can represent a threat to health and even life.