bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of using children’s mental health research in policymaking: variation by type of research use and phase of policy process
Authors: Purtle Jonathan , Nelson Katherine L. , Horwitz Sarah Mc Cue , McKay Mary M. , Hoagwood Kimberly E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Research use in policymaking is multi-faceted and has been the focus of extensive study. However, virtually no quantitative studies have examined whether the determinants of research use vary according to the type of research use or phase of policy process. Understanding such variation is important for selecting the targets of implementation strategies that aim to increase the frequency of research use in policymaking.

Methods

A web-based survey of US state agency officials involved with children’s mental health policymaking was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020 (n = 224, response rate = 33.7%, 49 states responding (98%), median respondents per state = 4). The dependent variables were composite scores of the frequency of using children’s mental health research in general, specific types of research use (i.e., conceptual, instrumental, tactical, imposed), and during different phases of the policy process (i.e., agenda setting, policy development, policy implementation). The independent variables were four composite scores of determinants of research use: agency leadership for research use, agency barriers to research use, research use skills, and dissemination barriers (e.g., lack of actionable messages/recommendations in research summaries, lack of interaction/collaboration with researchers). Separate multiple linear regression models estimated associations between determinant and frequency of research use scores.

Results

Determinants of research use varied significantly by type of research use and phase of policy process. For example, agency leadership for research use was the only determinant significantly associated with imposed research use (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Skills for research use were the only determinant associated with tactical research use (β = 0.17, p = 0.03) and were only associated with research use in the agenda-setting phase (β = 0.16, p = 0.04). Dissemination barriers were the most universal determinants of research use, as they were significantly and inversely associated with frequency of conceptual (β = −0.21, p = 0.01) and instrumental (β = −0.22, p = 0.01) research use and during all three phases of policy process.

Conclusions

Decisions about the determinants to target with policy-focused implementation strategies—and the strategies that are selected to affect these targets—should reflect the specific types of research use that these strategies aim to influence.
Bioinformatics analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to reveal the key miRNAs and genes in osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Pei-yan , Wu Jun-guo , Gu Jun , Zhang Tie-qi , Li Ling-feng , Wang Si-qun , Wang Minghai
Published: January 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and the most frequent type of arthritis. This study aimed to identify the key miRNAs and genes associated with OA progression.

Methods

The GSE105027 (microRNA [miRNA/miR] expression profile; 12 OA samples and 12 normal samples) and GSE48556 (messenger RNA [mRNA] expression profile; 106 OA samples and 33 normal samples) datasets were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) were analyzed using the limma and ROCR packages in R, respectively. The target genes that negatively correlated with the DEMs were predicted, followed by functional enrichment analysis and construction of the miRNA-gene and miRNA-transcription factor (TF)-gene regulatory networks. Additionally, key miRNAs and genes were screened, and their expression levels were verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

A total of 1696 DEGs (739 upregulated and 957 downregulated) and 108 DEMs (56 upregulated and 52 downregulated) were identified in the OA samples. Furthermore, 56 target genes that negatively correlated with the DEMs were predicted and found to be enriched in three functional terms (e.g., positive regulation of intracellular protein transport) and three pathways (e.g., human cytomegalovirus infection). In addition, three key miRNAs (miR-98-5p, miR-7-5p, and miR-182-5p) and six key genes (murine double minute 2, MDM2; glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta, GSK3B; transmembrane P24-trafficking protein 10, TMED10; DDB1 and CUL4-associated factor 12, DCAF12; caspase 3, CASP3; and ring finger protein 44, RNF44) were screened, among which the miR-7-5p → TMED10/DCAF12, miR-98-5p → CASP3/RNF44, and miR-182-5p → GSK3B pairs were observed in the regulatory network. Moreover, the expression levels of TMED10, miR-7-5p, CASP3, miR-98-5p, GSK3B, and miR-182-5p showed a negative correlation with qRT-PCR verification.

Conclusion

MiR-98-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-182-5p, MDM2, GSK3B, TMED10, DCAF12, CASP3, and RNF44 may play critical roles in OA progression.
Effectiveness of Tirobot-assisted vertebroplasty in treating thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture
Authors: Wang Boyao , Cao Jiang , Chang Jie , Yin Guoyong , Cai Weihua , Li Qingqing , Huang Zhenfei , Yu Lipeng , Cao Xiaojian
Published: January 2021

Background

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is the main method in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fractures. However, much radiation exposure during the operation harms the health of surgeons and patients. In addition, the accuracy of this surgery still needs to be improved. This study aimed to assess the radiation exposure and clinical efficacy of Tirobot-assisted vertebroplasty in treating thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture.

Methods

Included in this retrospective cohort study were 60 patients (60–90 years) who had undergone unilateral vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture at our hospital between June 2019 and June 2020. All showed no systemic diseases and were assigned to Tirobot group (treated with Tirobot-assisted approach) and control group (treated with traditional approach). Fluoroscopic frequency, operative duration, length of stay (LOS), post-operative complications (cement leakage, infection, and thrombosis), and pre-operative and pre-discharge indexes (VAS score, JOA score, and Cobb’s angle) were compared.

Results

The fluoroscopic frequency (P< 0.001) and post-operative complications (P= 0.035) in Tirobot group were significantly lower than those in control group. The operative duration and LOS in the Tirobot group were shorter than those in the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P= 0.183). Pre-discharge VAS score and Cobb’s angle decreased, and JOA increased after surgeries in both groups. These three indexes showed a significant difference after surgery in each group (P< 0.001), but not between groups (PVAS= 0.175,PCobb’s= 0.585,PJOA= 0.448).

Conclusion

The Tirobot-assisted vertebroplasty can reduce surgery-related trauma, post-operative complications, and patients’ and operators’ exposure to radiation. As a safe and effective strategy, this surgery can realize the quick recovery from thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture.
Malalignment and distal contact of short tapered stems could be associated with postoperative thigh pain in primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Li Bin , Chen Kaizhe , Feng Jianmin , Wang Yi , Liu Zhihong , He Chuan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Short tapered stem placement has been extensively employed in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Suboptimal fixation tends to cause postoperative complications, such as thigh pain. However, it remains unclear whether poor seating/alignment of short tapered stems contributes to thigh pain. In this study, we retrospectively examined the factors that might be associated with thigh pain.

Methods

Medical records of 230 patients who had undergone THAs at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received the same mediolateral (ML) short tapered femoral stems. The association between thigh pain and patients’ demographics, radiographic findings, or the type of fitting of the femoral stems was investigated.

Results

In our cohort, 68 patients (27.8%) presented with thigh pain. Among 203 type I fit patients, 62 (30.5%) developed thigh pain, while only 6 out of 43 (12.2%) type II fit patients had thigh pain, with the differences being statistically significant (x2 = 6.706, p = 0.01). In addition, hip anteroposterior radiographs exhibited that the stem angulation (mean 2.52°), the variation in angulation (mean 1.32°), and the extent of femoral stem subsidence (mean 0.29 cm) were greater in patients with thigh pain than in their counterparts without thigh pain (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Malalignment and improper seating of short tapered stems could be at least one of the reasons for post-THA thigh pain. The distal contact between the stem tip and the medial femoral cortex might result in thigh pain. Our study suggested that distal implant contact should be avoided, and stem alignment should be meticulously performed in the placement of ML short tapered femoral stems for THA.
Direct anterior approach versus posterolateral approach in total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of results on early post-operative period
Authors: Sun Xuedong , Zhao Xueli , Zhou Licheng , Su Zheng
Published: January 2021

Background

This study was performed to compare the advantage and disadvantage of posterolateral approach (PLA) and direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Relevant trials were identified via a search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PubMed from inception to 1 June 2019. A meta-analysis was performed to compare postoperative perioperative and radiographic outcomes between DAA and PLA in THA with respect to the hospital stay, blood loss, incision length, operative time, complications, and femoral and cup component position. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was also assessed before and after 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Nine eligible studies involving 22698 adult patients (DAA group, n = 2947; PLA group, n = 19751) were identified for analysis. Compared with the PLA group, the DAA group had shorter hospital stay and achieved better HHS within 6 months after operation (P < 0.05), but the HHS was no significant differences between the two groups over 6 months (P > 0.05). The DAA group had significantly longer operative time, more blood loss, and complications than the PLA group (P < 0.05). In addition, the femoral component positioned in neutral and cup component inclination angle was comparable between both groups (P > 0.05); however, cup component anteversion angle was significantly larger in the PLA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients in the DAA group had higher HHS within 6 months and shorter hospital stay. The DAA could offer rapid early functional recovery after THA compared with the PLA. However, the DAA group often required longer operative time and had more blood loss. Furthermore, there was a higher early complication rate. Therefore, we believe that the direct anterior approach was a more difficult technique. The surgeon should be a well-trained joint surgeon with extensive prior hip replacement experience before performing THA through a DAA, and DAA was not suitable for beginners performing THA. In addition, we did not observe the difference with regard to the femoral component position and cup component inclination angle except for the smaller cup component anteversion angle in DAA group.
Hepatitis C virus cascade of care in the general population, in people with diabetes, and in substance use disorder patients
Authors: Djuric Olivera , Massari Marco , Ottone Marta , Collini Giorgia , Mancuso Pamela , Vicentini Massimo , Nicolaci Antonio , Zannini Angela , Zerbini Alessandro , Manicardi Valeria , Kondili Loreta A. , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim was to evaluate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care in the general population (GP) and in two high-risk populations: patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and substance users (AS) in treatment in Reggio Emilia Province, Italy.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted that included 534,476 residents of the Reggio Emilia Province, of whom 32,800 were DM patients and 2726 AS patients. Age-adjusted prevalence was calculated using the direct method of adjustment based on the age-specific structure of EU population.

Results

The prevalence of HCV testing was 11.5%, 13.8%, and 47.8% in GP, DM, and AS patients respectively, while HCV prevalence was 6.5/1000, 12.6/1000, and 167/1000, respectively. The prevalence of HCV RNA positivity was 4.4/1000, 8.7/1000, and 114/1000 in the three populations, respectively. The rates of HCV RNA-positive individuals not linked to care were 27.9%, 27.3%, and 26% in GP, DM, and AS patients, respectively, while the rates of those cured or cleared were 70.9%, 71%, and 69.9%, respectively. The prevalence of HCV testing was higher for females of reproductive age than for males the same age: 218.4/1000 vs. 74.0/1000, respectively. While more foreigners than Italians underwent the HCV test and were HCV positive, fewer foreigners than Italians received HCV treatment and were cured.

Conclusions

The low HCV testing and linkage to care rates remain an important gap in the HCV cascade of care in Northern Italy. The prevalence of cured/cleared residents remains lower among foreigners than among Italians.
Effect of adding a psychological intervention to routine care of common mental disorders in a specialized mental healthcare facility in Pakistan: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill-e- , Masood Aqsa , Zhou Kaina , Ahmed Zainab , Nazir Huma , Amin Hania , Akhtar Parveen , Bryant Richard A. , Dawson Katie , van Ommeren Mark , Wang Duolao , Rahman Atif , Minhas Fareed Aslam
Published: January 2021

Background

In many low resource settings, the provision of government mental health care services is limited to specialized psychiatry units in urban hospital care facilities, where the most common treatment for common mental disorders (CMDs) is pharmacotherapy, occasionally with adjunct nonspecific psychological support. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding a low intensity, psychological intervention, Problem Management Plus (PM+) for CMDs into routine care in a specialized mental health care facility in Pakistan.

Methods

A two arm, single-blind individual randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out with adults (N = 192), referred for psychological support by psychiatrists. The study participants were randomized (1:1) to PM + plus Treatment as Usual (TAU) (n = 96) or TAU only (n = 96). The primary outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and functional impairment as measured by WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) at 20 weeks after baseline.

Results

The analysis was done on intention-to-treat principle. The linear mixed model analysis showed that at 20 weeks after baseline, there was a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression (mean [SD], 16.23 [8.81] vs 19.79 [7.77]; AMD, − 3.10; 95% CI, − 0.26 to − 5.76); p = 0.03 and improvement in functioning (mean [SD], 22.94 [9.37] vs 27.37 [8.36]; AMD, − 4.35; 95% CI, − 1.45 to − 7.24); p = 0.004 in PM + plus TAU versus TAU arm. The follow-up rate was 67% at primary end-point.

Conclusions

Specialized care facilities in LMICs may consider adding brief, evidence-based psychological treatments for CMDs to their routine care.

Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616000381482. Registered March 23, 2016. Retrospectively registered, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Default.aspx/ ACTRN12616000381482
Characteristics and outcome of breast cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia: a multicentre study
Authors: Alhenc-Gelas Marion , Cabel Luc , Berger Frederique , Delaloge Suzette , Frenel Jean-Sebastien , Levy Christelle , Firmin Nelly , Ladoire Sylvain , Desmoulins Isabelle , Heudel Pierre-Etienne , Dalenc Florence , Loirat Delphine , Dubot Coraline , Vuagnat Perrine , Deluche Elise , Mokdad-Adi Meriem , Patsouris Anne , Annic Josselin , Djerroudi Lounes , Lavigne Marion , Pierga Jean-Yves , Coppo Paul , Bidard Francois-Clement
Published: January 2021

Background

Cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) is a rare but life-threatening paraneoplastic syndrome. Only single cases or small series have been reported to date. We set up a retrospective multicentre study focusing on breast cancer-related MAHA.

Methods

Main inclusion criteria were known diagnosis of breast cancer, presence of schistocytes and either low haptoglobin or cytopenia and absence of any causes of MAHA other than breast cancer, including gemcitabine- or bevacizumab-based treatment. Patient characteristics, treatments and outcome were retrieved from digital medical records.

Results

Individual data from 54 patients with breast cancer-related MAHA were obtained from 7 centres. Twenty-three (44%) patients had a breast tumour with lobular features, and most primary tumours were low grade (grade I/II,N = 39, 75%). ER+/HER2−, HER2+ and triple-negative phenotypes accounted forN = 33 (69%),N = 7 (15%) andN = 8 (17%) cases, respectively. All patients had stage IV cancer at the time of MAHA diagnosis. Median overall survival (OS) was 28 days (range 0–1035; Q1:10, Q3:186). Independent prognostic factors for early death (≤ 28 days) were PS > 2 (OR = 7.0 [1.6; 31.8]), elevated bilirubin (OR = 6.9 [1.1; 42.6]), haemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL (OR = 3.7 [0.9; 16.7]) and prothrombin time < 50% (OR = 9.1 [1.2; 50.0]). A score to predict early death displayed a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI [0.67; 0.96]), a specificity of 73% (95% CI [0.52; 0.88]) and an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI [0.83; 0.97]).

Conclusions

Breast cancer-related MAHA appears to be a new feature of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. Prognostic factors and scores may guide clinical decision-making in this serious but not always fatal condition.
Co-production of acetoin and succinic acid by metabolically engineered Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Su Hsiang-Yen , Li Hua-Ying , Xie Cai-Yun , Fei Qiang , Cheng Ke-Ke
Published: January 2021

Background

Renewable chemicals have attracted attention due to increasing interest in environmental concerns and resource utilization. Biobased production of industrial compounds from nonfood biomass has become increasingly important as a sustainable replacement for traditional petroleum-based production processes depending on fossil resources. Therefore, we engineered an Enterobacter cloacae budC and ldhA double-deletion strain (namely, EC∆budC∆ldhA) to redirect carbon fluxes and optimized the culture conditions to co-produce succinic acid and acetoin.

Results

In this work, E. cloacae was metabolically engineered to enhance its combined succinic acid and acetoin production during fermentation. Strain EC∆budC∆ldhA was constructed by deleting 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase (budC), which is involved in 2,3-butanediol production, and lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), which is involved in lactic acid production, from the E. cloacae genome. After redirecting and fine-tuning the E. cloacae metabolic flux, succinic acid and acetoin production was enhanced, and the combined production titers of acetoin and succinic acid from glucose were 17.75 and 2.75 g L−1, respectively. Moreover, to further improve acetoin and succinic acid production, glucose and NaHCO3 modes and times of feeding were optimized during fermentation of the EC∆budC∆ldhA strain. The maximum titers of acetoin and succinic acid were 39.5 and 20.3 g L−1 at 72 h, respectively.

Conclusions

The engineered strain EC∆budC∆ldhA is useful for the co-production of acetoin and succinic acid and for reducing microbial fermentation costs by combining processes into a single step.
Jo-1 autoantigen-specific B cells are skewed towards distinct functional B cell subsets in anti-synthetase syndrome patients
Authors: Young-Glazer Jennifer , Cisneros Alberto , Wilfong Erin M. , Smith Scott A. , Crofford Leslie J. , Bonami Rachel H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies which recognize histidyl-tRNA synthetase identify patients with the rare rheumatologic disease, anti-histidyl-tRNA synthetase syndrome (Jo-1 ARS), a phenotypically distinct subset of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Jo-1-binding B cells (JBCs) are implicated in disease pathogenesis, yet they have not been studied directly. We therefore aimed to characterize JBCs to better understand how they expand and function in Jo-1 ARS.

Methods

We enrolled 10 IIM patients diagnosed with Jo-1 ARS, 4 patients with non-Jo-1 IIM, and 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We phenotypically characterized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo using flow cytometry to define the B cell subsets in which JBCs reside. We further tested their ability to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells following stimulation in vitro.

Results

The majority of JBCs were IgM+ (not class-switched). Compared to non-JBCs in the same donors, JBCs contained a higher percentage of autoimmune-prone CD21lo cells and were increased in the CD21lo IgM+ IgD− CD27+ memory subset relative to healthy donor B cells. Whereas non-JBCs were present in the anergic BND B cell subset, JBCs were nearly absent from this compartment. JBCs were detected among plasmablasts in some donors, but a reduced frequency of JBCs differentiated into CD38hi24− plasmablasts compared to non-JBCs present in the same wells following in vitro stimulation.

Conclusions

JBCs are enriched for autoimmune-prone CD21lo B cells, some of which exhibit a memory phenotype in the peripheral repertoire of Jo-1 ARS patients. JBCs undergo limited class switch and show reduced capacity to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells. This suggests complex B cell biology exists beyond class-switched cells that differentiate to secrete anti-Jo-1 autoantibody (i.e., what is captured through serum autoantibody studies). New Jo-1 ARS therapies should thus ideally target non-class-switched JBCs in addition to those that have undergone IgG class-switching to most effectively block cross-talk with autoreactive T cells.
Association of subchondral bone marrow lesion localization with weight-bearing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Aso Koji , Shahtaheri Seyed Mohsen , McWilliams Daniel F. , Walsh David A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) detected on MRI in knee osteoarthritis (OA) are associated with knee pain. The prevalence and progression of subchondral BMLs are increased by mechanical knee load. However, associations of subchondral BML location with weight-bearing knee pain are currently unknown. In this study, we aim to demonstrate associations of subchondral BML location and size with weight-bearing knee pain in knee OA.

Methods

We analyzed 1412 and 582 varus knees from cross-sectional and longitudinal Osteoarthritis Initiative datasets, respectively. BML scores were semi-quantitatively analyzed with the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score for 4 subchondral regions (median and lateral femorotibial, medial and lateral patellofemoral) and subspinous region. Weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing pain scores were derived from WOMAC pain items. Correlation and negative binomial regression models were used for analysis of associations between the BML scores and pain at baseline and changes in the BML scores and changes in pain after 24-month follow-up.

Results

Greater BML scores at medial femorotibial and lateral patellofemoral compartments were associated with greater weight-bearing pain scores, and statistical significance was retained after adjusting for BML scores at the other 4 joint compartments and other OA features, as well as for non-weight-bearing pain, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (medial femorotibial; B = 0.08, p = 0.02. patellofemoral; B = 0.13, p = 0.01). Subanalysis revealed that greater medial femorotibial BML scores were associated with greater pain on walking and standing (B = 0.11, p = 0.01, and B = 0.10, p = 0.04, respectively). Lateral patellofemoral BML scores were associated with pain on climbing, respectively (B = 0.14, p = 0.02). Increases or decreases over 24 months in BML score in the medial femorotibial compartment were significantly associated with increases or decreases in weight-bearing pain severity after adjusting for non-weight-bearing pain, age, sex, baseline weight-bearing pain, BMI, and BML at the other 4 joint compartments (B = 0.10, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Subchondral BML size at the medial femorotibial joint compartment was specifically associated with the severity and the change in weight-bearing pain, independent of non-weight-bearing pain, in knee OA. Specific associations of weight-bearing pain with subchondral BMLs in weight-bearing compartments of the knee indicate that BMLs in subchondral bone contribute to biomechanically induced OA pain.
Knockdown of circ-FANCA alleviates LPS-induced HK2 cell injury via targeting miR-93-5p/OXSR1 axis in septic acute kidney injury
Authors: Li Heyun , Zhang Xia , Wang Peng , Zhou Xiaoyan , Liang Haiying , Li Caoni
Published: January 2021

Background

Sepsis is life-threatening disease with systemic inflammation and can lead to various diseases, including septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Recently, diverse circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered to be involved in the development of this disease. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of circ-FANCA and the potential action mechanism in sepsis-induced AKI.

Methods

HK2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish septic AKI cell model. The expression of circ-FANCA, microRNA-93-5p (miR-93-5p) and oxidative stress responsive 1 (OXSR1) mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were measured by flow cytometry. The inflammatory response was monitored according to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activities of oxidative indicators were examined using the corresponding kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were applied to validate the interaction between miR-93-5p and circ-FANCA or OXSR1. Protein analysis was conducted through western blot.

Results

Circ-FANCA was upregulated in septic AKI serum specimens and LPS-treated HK2 cells. Functionally, circ-FANCA knockdown facilitated cell proliferation and restrained apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-triggered HK2 cells. Further mechanism analysis revealed that miR-93-5p was a target of circ-FANCA and circ-FANCA modulated LPS-induced cell damage by targeting miR-93-5p. Meanwhile, miR-93-5p overexpression repressed LPS-treated HK2 cell injury by sponging OXSR1. Furthermore, circ-FANCA regulated OXSR1 expression by sponging miR-93-5p. Besides, exosome-derived circ-FANCA was upregulated in LPS-induced HK2 cells, which was downregulated by GW4869.

Conclusion

Circ-FANCA knockdown attenuated LPS-induced HK2 cell injury by regulating OXSR1 expression via targeting miR-93-5p.
Advances in mesenchymal stem cell exosomes: a review
Authors: Tang Yaya , Zhou Yan , Li Hong-Jun
Published: January 2021

Stem cells can be used for regenerative medicine and as treatments for disease. The application of tissue engineering-related transplantation, stem cells, and local changes in the microenvironment is expected to solve major medical problems. Currently, most studies focus on tissue repair and regeneration, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the most common research topics. MSCs are applicable as seed cells, and they represent one of the current hot topics in regenerative medicine research. However, due to storage limitations and because cell senescence occurs during in vitro expansion, their clinical application is challenging. Exosomes, which are secreted by MSCs through paracrine signalling, not only have the same effects as MSCs, but they also have the advantages of targeted delivery, low immunogenicity, and high repairability. This article reviews the acquisition methods, characteristics, biological functions, and clinical applications of exosomes.
Comparison of metabolic and functional parameters using cardiac 18F-FDG-PET in early to mid-adulthood male and female mice
Authors: Fischer Maximilian , Zacherl Mathias J. , Weinberger Tobias , Weckbach Ludwig , Huber Bruno , Schulz Christian , Massberg Steffen , Bartenstein Peter , Lehner Sebastian , Todica Andrei
Published: January 2021

Background

In this descriptive study of male and female mice at different weeks of age, we use serial non-invasive cardiac 18F-FDG-PET scans to follow up on metabolic alterations, heart function parameters, and the ECG of both sexes in early to mid-adulthood.

Methods

ECG-gated 18F-FDG-PET scans were performed in mice on 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age, using a dedicated small-animal PET scanner. The percentage of the injected activity per gram (%IA/g) in the heart, left ventricular metabolic volume (LVMV), myocardial viability and left ventricular function parameters: end-diastolic (EDV), end-systolic (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and the ejection fraction (EF%) were estimated.

Results

Compared to their age-matched female counterpart, male mice showed a constant increase in LVMV and ventricular volume during the follow-up. In contrast, female mice remain stable after ten weeks of age. Furthermore, male mice showed lower heart rates, positive correlation with cardiac %IA/g, and negative correlation with LVMV.

Conclusion

In this study of serial cardiac PET scans, we provide insight for basic murine research models, showing that mice gender and age show distinct cardiac metabolisms. These physiologic alterations need to be considered when planning in vivo injury models to avoid potential pitfalls.
Neural stemness contributes to cell tumorigenicity
Authors: Xu Liyang , Zhang Min , Shi Lihua , Yang Xiaoli , Chen Lu , Cao Ning , Lei Anhua , Cao Ying
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies demonstrated the dependence of cancer on nerve. Recently, a growing number of studies reveal that cancer cells share the property and regulatory network with neural stem/progenitor cells. However, relationship between the property of neural stemness and cell tumorigenicity is unknown.

Results

We show that neural stem/progenitor cells, but not non-neural embryonic or somatic stem/progenitor cell types, exhibit tumorigenicity and the potential for differentiation into tissue types of all germ layers when they are placed in non-native environment by transplantation into immunodeficient nude mice. Likewise, cancer cells capable of tumor initiation have the property of neural stemness because of their abilities in neurosphere formation in neural stem cell-specific serum-free medium and in differentiation potential, in addition to their neuronal differentiation potential that was characterized previously. Moreover, loss of a pro-differentiation factor in myoblasts, which have no tumorigenicity, lead to the loss of myoblast identity, and gain of the property of neural stemness, tumorigenicity and potential for re-differentiation. By contrast, loss of neural stemness via differentiation results in the loss of tumorigenicity. These suggest that the property of neural stemness contributes to cell tumorigenicity, and tumor phenotypic heterogeneity might be an effect of differentiation potential of neural stemness. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that neural genes in general are correlated with embryonic development and cancer, in addition to their role in neural development; whereas non-neural genes are not. Most of neural specific genes emerged in typical species representing transition from unicellularity to multicellularity during evolution. Genes in Monosiga brevicollis, a unicellular species that is a closest known relative of metazoans, are biased toward neural cells.

Conclusions

We suggest that the property of neural stemness is the source of cell tumorigenicity. This is due to that neural biased unicellular state is the ground state for multicellularity and hence cell type diversification or differentiation during evolution, and tumorigenesis is a process of restoration of neural ground state in somatic cells along a default route that is pre-determined by an evolutionary advantage of neural state.
Stability of equilibria for population games with uncertain parameters under bounded rationality
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Hui , Deng Xicai , Zhong Chongyi
Published: January 2021

Under the assumption that the range of varying uncertain parameters is known, some results of existence and stability of equilibria for population games with uncertain parameters are investigated in this paper. On the basis of NS equilibria in classical noncooperative games, the concept of NS equilibria for population games with uncertain parameters is defined. Using some hypotheses about the continuity and convexity of payoff functions, the existence of NS equilibria in population games is also proved by Fan–Glicksberg fixed point theorem. Furthermore, we establish a bounded rationality model of population games with uncertain parameters, and draw the conclusions about the stability of NS equilibrium in this model by constructing the rationality function and studying its properties.
Retraction Note: Existence of global solutions for the
semilinear nonlocal fractional Cauchy problem of the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Liu Zhen
Published: January 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13661-021-01488-8
Toward Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Structures Based on Self-Sensing Concrete Nanocomposites: A Validation in a Reinforced-Concrete Beam
Authors: Castañeda-Saldarriaga Diego L. , Alvarez-Montoya Joham , Martínez-Tejada Vladimir , Sierra-Pérez Julián
Published: January 2021

Self-sensing concrete materials, also known as smart concretes, are emerging as a promising technological development for the construction industry, where novel materials with the capability of providing information about the structural integrity while operating as a structural material are required. Despite progress in the field, there are issues related to the integration of these composites in full-scale structural members that need to be addressed before broad practical implementations. This article reports the manufacturing and multipurpose experimental characterization of a cement-based matrix (CBM) composite with carbon nanotube (CNT) inclusions and its integration inside a representative structural member. Methodologies based on current–voltage (I–V) curves, direct current (DC), and biphasic direct current (BDC) were used to study and characterize the electric resistance of the CNT/CBM composite. Their self-sensing behavior was studied using a compression test, while electric resistance measures were taken. To evaluate the damage detection capability, a CNT/CBM parallelepiped was embedded into a reinforced-concrete beam (RC beam) and tested under three-point bending. Principal finding includes the validation of the material’s piezoresistivity behavior and its suitability to be used as strain sensor. Also, test results showed that manufactured composites exhibit an Ohmic response. The embedded CNT/CBM material exhibited a dominant linear proportionality between electrical resistance values, load magnitude, and strain changes into the RC beam. Finally, a change in the global stiffness (associated with a damage occurrence on the beam) was successfully self-sensed using the manufactured sensor by means of the variation in the electrical resistance. These results demonstrate the potential of CNT/CBM composites to be used in real-world structural health monitoring (SHM) applications for damage detection by identifying changes in stiffness of the monitored structural member.
Association between air flow limitation and body composition in young adults
Authors: Muñoz-Cofré Rodrigo , Lizana Pablo A. , Cabello Máximo Escobar , García-Herrera Claudio , del Sol Mariano
Published: January 2021

Background

Body composition (BC) influences respiratory system mechanics, provoking air flow limitation (AFL). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of AFL in small- and medium-caliber airways with BC in young adults.

Methods

Eighty-three individuals were recruited (40 men and 43 women). To determine AFL, the following measurements were taken: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% (FEF25–75%), airway resistance (Raw), and specific airway resistance (sRaw). The measured BC variables were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and fat-free mass (FFM). Binary logistical regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the AFL variables and %BF, BMI, and %FFM, adjusting for weight and gender.

Results

Among men, a relationship was observed between Raw and %BF (r = 0.728; p < 0.0001) and sRaw and BMI (r = 0.617; p < 0.0001). Among women, significant relationships were reported between Raw and BMI (r = 0.615; p < 0.0001) and sRaw and BMI (r = 0.556; p < 0.0001). Among participants with a BMI over 30 kg/m2, higher risks of increased Raw (OR = 26.8; p = 0.009) and sRaw (OR = 9.3; p = 0.002) were observed. Furthermore, higher %BF was associated with greater risks for increased Raw (OR = 14.04; p = 0.030) and sRaw (OR = 4.14; p = 0.028). In contrast, increased %FFM (OR = 0.14; p = 0.025) was a protective factor for lung function.

Conclusion

Increased %BF is associated with increased AFL in small-caliber airways. Furthermore, increased %FFM is associated with decreased risk for Raw and sRaw in women. Therefore, evidence indicates that increased %FFM is a protective factor for adequate lung function.
Cholestyramine treatment in two dogs with presumptive bile acid diarrhoea: a case report
Authors: Toresson L. , Steiner J. M. , Suchodolski J. S.
Published: January 2021

Background

In people, bile acid diarrhoea is a prevalent complication of Crohn’s disease and diarrhoea-associated irritable bowel syndrome. Affected patients typically respond to bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, but human gastroenterologists often fail to recognize bile acid diarrhoea. Consequently, bile acid diarrhoea is regarded as an underrecognized and undertreated condition in human medicine. Due to lack of diagnostic tools, clinical response to bile acid sequestrants is often used to confirm a diagnosis of bile acid diarrhoea in people.

Several recent studies have shown that bile acid dysmetabolism also occurs in dogs with chronic enteropathies. It has further been shown that dogs with chronic enteropathies have significantly decreased expression of a bile acid transport protein in the ileum compared to healthy dogs, which correlates with faecal bile acid dysmetabolism. Consequently, in spite of the lack of reports in the literature, bile acid diarrhoea is likely to exist in dogs as well.

Case descriptions

Two dogs, an 8-year old Rottweiler and a 4.5-year old Siberian Husky were evaluated for chronic watery diarrhoea. Neither dog responded to dietary trials, probiotics, cyclosporine, faecal microbial transplantations or metronidazole. One of the dogs responded to high daily doses of corticosteroids, which were however associated with unacceptable side effects. The other dog was refractory to all standard treatment protocols, including cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Since none of the dogs responded satisfactorily to standard treatment or modulation of the intestinal microbiome, a suspicion of possible bile acid diarrhoea was raised. Treatment with cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant was initiated and resulted in marked improvement of faecal consistency, frequency of defecation and activity level in both dogs.

Conclusion

This report presents two dogs with presumed bile acid diarrhoea that were successfully treated with cholestyramine. Therefore, bile acid diarrhoea should be considered as a possible diagnosis in dogs with treatment-refractory chronic diarrhoea.
Impacts of attending an inclusive STEM high school: meta-analytic estimates from five studies
Authors: Means Barbara , Wang Haiwen , Wei Xin , Young Viki , Iwatani Emi
Published: January 2021

Background

Inclusive STEM high schools seek to broaden STEM participation by accepting students on the basis of interest rather than test scores and providing a program sufficient to prepare students for a STEM major in college. Almost nonexistent before the present century, these high schools have proliferated over the last two decades as a strategy for addressing gaps in STEM education and career participation. This study uses a meta-analytic approach to investigate the relationship between attending an inclusive STEM high school and a set of high school outcomes known to predict college entry and declaration of a STEM college major.

Results

Combining effect estimates from five separate datasets of students from inclusive STEM high schools and matched comparison schools, the analysis reported here used data from administrative records and survey data for 9719 students in 94 high schools to obtain estimates of the average impact of attending an inclusive STEM high school on STEM-related high school outcomes. Positive effects for inclusive STEM high schools were found for completion of key STEM courses and for likelihood that students would engage in self-selected STEM activities. Students who attended an inclusive STEM high school also identified more strongly with mathematics and science and were more likely as high school seniors to be very interested in one or more STEM careers. Importantly, these positive impacts were found for low-income, under-represented minority, and female students as well as for students overall. Attending an inclusive STEM high school appeared to have a small positive impact on science test scores for students overall and for economically disadvantaged students, but there were no discernible impacts on mathematics test scores.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the inclusive STEM high school model can be implemented broadly with positive impacts for students, including low-income, female, and under-represented minority students. Positive impacts on the odds of taking advanced mathematics and science courses in high school and on interest in entering a STEM profession are of particular importance, given the strong association between these variables and entry into a STEM major in college.
Improved image reconstruction of 89Zr-immunoPET studies using a Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Kirchner Julian , O’Donoghue Joseph A. , Becker Anton S. , Ulaner Gary A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm (Q.Clear) for 89Zr-immunoPET image reconstruction and its potential to improve image quality and reduce the administered activity of 89Zr-immunoPET tracers.

Methods

Eight 89Zr-immunoPET whole-body PET/CT scans from three 89Zr-immunoPET clinical trials were selected for analysis. On average, patients were imaged 6.3 days (range 5.0–8.0 days) after administration of 69 MBq (range 65–76 MBq) of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-daratumumab, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-pertuzumab, or [89Zr]Zr-DFO-trastuzumab. List-mode PET data was retrospectively reconstructed using Q.Clear with incremental β-values from 150 to 7200, as well as standard ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction (2-iterations, 16-subsets, a 6.4-mm Gaussian transaxial filter, “heavy” z-axis filtering and all manufacturers’ corrections active). Reduced activities were simulated by discarding 50% and 75% of original counts in each list mode stream. All reconstructed PET images were scored for image quality and lesion detectability using a 5-point scale. SUVmax for normal liver and sites of disease and liver signal-to-noise ratio were measured.

Results

Q.Clear reconstructions with β = 3600 provided the highest scores for image quality. Images reconstructed with β-values of 3600 or 5200 using only 50% or 25% of the original counts provided comparable or better image quality scores than standard OSEM reconstruction images using 100% of counts.

Conclusion

The Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm Q.Clear improved the quality of 89Zr-immunoPET images. This could be used in future studies to improve image quality and/or decrease the administered activity of 89Zr-immunoPET tracers.
Effects of timing of umbilical cord clamping on preventing early infancy anemia in low-risk Japanese term infants with planned breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shinohara Eriko , Kataoka Yaeko , Yaju Yukari
Published: January 2021

Background

Japanese infants have relatively higher risk of anemia and neonatal jaundice. This study aimed to assess the effects of delayed cord clamping (DCC) on the incidence of anemia during early infancy in low-risk Japanese term infants with planned exclusive breastfeeding for 4 months. This study also aimed to explore the effects of DCC on neonatal jaundice.

Methods

We conducted an open-label, parallel-arm, multicenter randomized controlled trial of DCC (clamping the cord after more than a minute or pulsation stops) vs. early cord clamping (ECC; clamping the cord within 15 s) at one birth center and two clinics in Japan. Low-risk pregnant women planning to have a vaginal birth and to exclusively breastfeed and term singleton infants delivered in cephalic presentation were included in this study. The primary outcome was spectrophotometric estimation of hemoglobin at 4 months. Secondary outcomes were anemia incidence at 4 months, four outcomes related to neonatal jaundice, hematocrit levels, and related outcomes.

Results

Overall, 150 pregnant women were recruited. Participants (N = 138) were randomly allocated to two groups (DCC n = 68, ECC n = 70). There were no significant differences between the two groups in spectrophotometric estimation of hemoglobin at 4 months: mean difference = 0.1 g/dL, 95% confidence interval − 0.14, 0.35, DCC 12.4 g/dL, ECC 12.3 g/dL. Only the hematocrit levels on days 3 to 5 were significantly higher in the DCC group than in the ECC group: DCC 57.0%, ECC 52.6%, mean difference = 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.61, 6.20. There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes, including outcomes related to neonatal jaundice.

Conclusion

Among low-risk Japanese term infants with planned exclusive breastfeeding, DCC showed no significant effects on spectrophotometric hemoglobin levels at 4 months compared with ECC. We observed significantly higher hematocrit levels on days 3 to 5 in infants who underwent DCC, while these levels were within the normal range. Jaundice outcomes remained similar to those of infants who underwent ECC. Although a larger sample size is required to assess the effects of cord clamping on neonatal jaundice, DCC may prevent anemia in newborn infants.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR; UMIN000022573, 06/01/2016 - retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000023056