bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application and accuracy of feature matching on automated cephalometric superimposition
Authors: Jiang Yiran , Song Guangying , Yu Xiaonan , Dou Yuanbo , Li Qingfeng , Liu Siqi , Han Bing , Xu Tianmin
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to establish a computer-aided automated method for cephalometric superimposition and to evaluate the accuracy of this method based on free-hand tracing.

Methods

Twenty-eight pairs of pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) cephalograms were selected. Structural superimpositions of the anterior cranial base, maxilla and mandible were independently completed by three operators performing traditional hand tracing methods and by computerized automation using the feature matching algorithm. To quantitatively evaluate the differences between the two methods, the hand superimposed patterns were digitized. After automated and hand superimposition of T2 cephalograms to T1 cephalometric templates, landmark distances between paired automated and hand T2 cephalometric landmarks were measured. Differences in hand superimposition among the operators were also calculated.

Results

The T2 landmark differences in hand tracing between the operators ranged from 0.61 mm to 1.65 mm for the three types of superimposition. There were no significant differences in accuracy between hand and automated superimposition (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Computer-aided cephalometric superimposition provides comparably accurate results to those of traditional hand tracing and will provide a powerful tool for academic research.
Two years’ experience of implementing a comprehensive telemedical stroke network comprising in mainly rural region: the Transregional Network for Stroke Intervention with Telemedicine (TRANSIT-Stroke)
Authors: Gabriel Katharina M. A. , Jírů-Hillmann Steffi , Kraft Peter , Selig Udo , Rücker Viktoria , Mühler Johannes , Dötter Klaus , Keidel Matthias , Soda Hassan , Rascher Alexandra , Schneider Rolf , Pfau Mathias , Hoffmann Roy , Stenzel Joachim , Benghebrid Mohamed , Goebel Tobias , Doerck Sebastian , Kramer Daniela , Haeusler Karl Georg , Volkmann Jens , Heuschmann Peter U. , Fluri Felix
Published: March 2020

Background

Telemedicine improves the quality of acute stroke care in rural regions with limited access to specialized stroke care. We report the first 2 years’ experience of implementing a comprehensive telemedical stroke network comprising all levels of stroke care in a defined region.

Methods

The TRANSIT-Stroke network covers a mainly rural region in north-western Bavaria (Germany). All hospitals providing acute stroke care in this region participate in TRANSIT-Stroke, including four hospitals with a supra-regional certified stroke unit (SU) care (level III), three of those providing teleconsultation to two hospitals with a regional certified SU (level II) and five hospitals without specialized SU care (level I). For a two-year-period (01/2015 to 12/2016), data of eight of these hospitals were available; 13 evidence-based quality indicators (QIs) related to processes during hospitalisation were evaluated quarterly and compared according to predefined target values between level-I- and level-II/III-hospitals.

Results

Overall, 7881 patients were included (mean age 74.6 years ±12.8; 48.4% female). In level-II/III-hospitals adherence of all QIs to predefined targets was high ab initio. In level-I-hospitals, three patterns of QI-development were observed: a) high adherence ab initio (31%), mainly in secondary stroke prevention; b) improvement over time (44%), predominantly related to stroke specific diagnosis and in-hospital organization; c) no clear time trends (25%). Overall, 10 out of 13 QIs reached predefined target values of quality of care at the end of the observation period.

Conclusion

The implementation of the comprehensive TRANSIT-Stroke network resulted in an improvement of quality of care in level-I-hospitals.
MTHFR, XRCC1 and OGG1 genetic polymorphisms in breast cancer: a case-control study in a population from North Sardinia
Authors: Floris Matteo , Sanna Daria , Castiglia Paolo , Putzu Carlo , Sanna Valeria , Pazzola Antonio , De Miglio Maria Rosaria , Sanges Francesca , Pira Giovanna , Azara Antonio , Lampis Emanuele , Serra Antonello , Carru Ciriaco , Steri Maristella , Costanza Flavia , Bisail Marco , Muroni Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite conflicting results, considerable evidence suggests the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in MTHFR, XRCC1 and OGG1 genes and, risk of developing breast cancer. Here a case-control study is reported, including 135 breat cancer patients and 112 healthy women, all representative of Northern Sardinian population.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine the genotypes of five polymorphisms: MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131), XRCC1 Arg194Trp (rs1799782) and Arg399Gln (rs25487) and OGG1 Ser326Cys (rs1052133). Allelic, genotypic and haplotype association analyses with disease risk and clinicopathological parameters were performed.

Results

A nominally significant association with breast cancer risk was observed for MTHFR C677T polymorphism heterozygous genotype in the codominant model (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.32–1.00, p = 0.049) and for Cys/Cys genotype of the OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism in the recessive model (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.05–1.11, p = 0.0465). No significant differences were found at genotype-level for A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene and Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln of the XRCC1 gene. Furthermore, the OGG1 and XRCC1 rs25487 polymorphisms were nominally associated with PgR, Her2 status and with sporadic breast cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on genetic characteristics of individuals included in this study, results suggest that MTHFR CT and OGG1 Cys/Cys genotypes have a protective effect that may have an influence on breast cancer risk in a representative Northern Sardinian population.
Roles of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in prognosis and in differentiation of potential beneficiaries in HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab therapy
Authors: Ding Nianhua , Huang Juan , Li Ningsha , Yuan Jiaqi , Wang Shouman , Xiao Zhi
Published: March 2020

Background

The relationship of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is not well studied. We aimed to assess the prognostic role of NLR in HER2-positive BC patients treated with or without trastuzumab.

Methods

The clinical data of 843 HER2-positive BC patients from July 2013 to July 2018 were collected. The difference among variables was calculated by chi-square test. The associations between clinicopathological factors, NLR and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Patients were divided into three groups. In group 1 containing 255 patients without trastuzumab treatment, pretreatment NLR showed no predictive value. Patients with trastuzumab treatment were divided into two groups on equal, according to pretreatment NLR values, low NLR (group 2) and high NLR (group 3). Patients in group 2 showed significantly higher 3-year DFS rate than patients in group 1 and group 3 (95.3% vs. 91.6% vs. 90.5%, respectively, P = 0.011); patients in the group 1 and group 3 had a similar 3-year DFS outcome. Multivariate analysis showed high pretreatment NLR was significantly associated with shorter DFS (HR = 2.917, 95% CI = 1.055–8.062, P = 0.039) in HER2-positive BC patients treated with trastuzumab.

Conclusions

Among HER2-positive trastuzumab-treated BC patients, low pretreatment NLR value was associated with better DFS, and it might help to differentiate potential beneficiaries of trastuzumab treatment.
Prevalence and risk factors of acute lower respiratory infection among children living in biomass fuel using households: a community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku , Wanyonyi Kristina L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Childhood acute lower respiratory infection in the form of pneumonia is recognized as the single largest cause of childhood death globally accounting for 16% of the overall deaths. Some studies also reported a higher prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection in Ethiopia, which ranges from 16% up to 33.5%. Concerning the risk factors, there are limited community-based studies in Ethiopia in general, and in the current study region in particular. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

As part of the wider stove trial project, a cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2018 among a total of 5830 children aged less than 4 years old in randomly selected clusters. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors linked with childhood acute lower respiratory infection and adjusted odds ratios were used as measures of effect with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 5830 children were included in the study within 100 clusters. Out of which 51.7% were male and 48.3% female. The prevalence of childhood lower acute respiratory infection was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.2–20.2) and found to decrease among children living in homes with chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove than children living in households with no chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove with estimated AOR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51–0.70), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60–0.84) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.28–0.67) respectively. It was also associated with other cooking-related factors such as cow dung fuel use [AOR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.02–2.33)], child spending time near stove during cooking [AOR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06–1.88), presence of extra indoor burning events [AOR = 2.19 (95% CI: 1.41–3.40)] and with frequent cooking of meals [AOR = 1.55 (95% CI: 1.13–2.13)].

Conclusion

High prevalence of childhood acute lower respiratory infection was demonstrated by this study and it was found to be associated with household ventilation, cooking technology, and behavioral factors. Therefore, we recommend a transition in household ventilation, cooking technologies as well as in child handling and in the peculiar local extra indoor burning practices.
Clinical and lung function outcomes in a cohort of children with severe asthma
Authors: de Gouveia Belinelo Patricia , Nielsen Aleisha , Goddard Bernadette , Platt Lauren , Da Silva Sena Carla Rebeca , Robinson Paul D. , Whitehead Bruce , Hilton Jodi , Gulliver Tanya , Roddick Laurence , Pearce Kasey , Murphy Vanessa E. , Gibson Peter G. , Collison Adam , Mattes Joerg
Published: March 2020

Background

Uncontrolled severe asthma in children is burdensome and challenging to manage. This study aims to describe outcomes in children with uncontrolled severe asthma managed in a nurse-led severe asthma clinic (SAC).

Methods

This retrospective analysis uses data collected from children referred by a paediatric respiratory specialist to a nurse-led SAC for uncontrolled severe asthma between 2014 and 2019. The pre-clinical assessments included a home visit to assess modifiable factors that could be addressed to improve control. A comprehensive lung function analysis was conducted at each visit. Interventions were personalised and included biologic agents. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric, two-tailed Mann-Whitney U-test, the parametric Student’s t-test, or analysis of variance (ANOVA) as appropriate.

Results

Twenty-three children with a median age of 12 years were seen once, and 16 were followed up. Compared to a non-asthmatic (NA) and asthmatic (A) age-matched cohort, children with severe asthma (SA) had a lower FEV1, and FVC% predicted before and after bronchodilator inhalation, and a higher mean Lung Clearance Index [LCI] (10.5 [SA] versus 7.3 [NA] versus 7.6 [A], p = 0.003). Almost 80% of children with SA had an abnormal LCI, and 48% had a reduced FEV1% at the first SAC visit. Asthma control and FEV1% predicted significantly improved at a follow-up visit, while LCI remained abnormal in the majority of children (83%).

Conclusion

Over time, many children with severe asthma showed improved clinical outcomes and lung function while lung ventilation inhomogeneities persisted. Future appropriately controlled studies are required to determine if a nurse-led multidisciplinary SAC is associated with better outcomes.
Evaluating the necessity of bone augmentation for distal radius fracture fixed with a volar locking plate: a retrospective study
Authors: Chang Feng-Shuo , Chen Chih-Hui , Lee Cheng-Hung , Lee Kun-Tsan , Cho Yi-Cheng
Published: March 2020

Background

Multiple approaches for fixation of distal radius fractures exist; nonetheless, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment for these injuries. Although using volar locking plates has become increasingly common as a surgical intervention, the usefulness of bone augmentation remains debatable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the necessity of bone augmentation for distal radius fractures fixed with a volar locking plate.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with a single distal radius fracture treated with a volar locking plate between January 2014 and December 2016. Overall, 105 fractures were included and divided into two groups (non-bone augmentation: group 1, n = 88; bone augmentation: group 2, n = 17). Images were reviewed, and dorsal cortex collapse, volar tilting, and radial height and inclination were measured immediately after surgery and at the 6-month follow-up.

Results

Both groups exhibited significant differences in dorsal collapse (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and radial height shortening (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively); volar tilting and radial inclination did not differ significantly. There was no difference in the degree of dorsal collapse (p = 0.715) and radial height shortening (p = 0.651) between the two groups. Of the 105 fractures, 54 were identified as comminuted type according to the AO classification (A3, C2, and C3), and similar radiographic outcomes were noted.

Conclusions

Volar locking plates for the treatment of distal radius fractures with or without bone augmentation do not affect the radiographic outcomes. In comminuted fractures, additional bone augmentation is unnecessary if intraoperative anatomical reduction and fixation are performed when possible.
Tissue adhesive for wound closure in enhanced-recovery total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized and controlled study
Authors: Kong Xiangpeng , Yang Minzhi , Cao Zheng , Chen Jiying , Chai Wei , Wang Yan
Published: March 2020

Background

We aimed to present our experience of adopting tissue adhesive as adjunct to standard wound closure in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and evaluate its performance.

Methods

From September 2019 to November 2019, we prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral THA in this randomized and controlled study. Standard wound closure was applied on one side of hip while additional tissue adhesive was applied on the other side at random. We collected and analyzed patients’ information, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, postoperative length of stay (LOS), dressing changes, wound evaluation scores, wound-related cost and complications.

Results

Thirty patients with simultaneous bilateral THA were enrolled in this study. During the hospital stay, the times of dressing change in hips with tissue adhesive was significantly less than that in the other hips (p = 0.000). However, the wound-related cost in hips with tissue adhesive was significantly higher (p = 0.000). According to patients’ feedback at one-month follow-up, wound evaluation of hips with tissue adhesive was significantly better than the other hips (p = 0.004). Seventeen patients preferred tissue adhesive and only five patients preferred standard wound closure.

Conclusions

Tissue adhesive could significantly reduce wound drainage and increase patients’ satisfaction, which can be an ideal adjunct to standard wound closure in enhanced-recovery THA.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; ChiCTR1900025730; Registered 6 September 2019.
Neuron ID dataset facilitates neuronal annotation for whole-brain activity imaging of C. elegans
Authors: Toyoshima Yu , Wu Stephen , Kanamori Manami , Sato Hirofumi , Jang Moon Sun , Oe Suzu , Murakami Yuko , Teramoto Takayuki , Park Chanhyun , Iwasaki Yuishi , Ishihara Takeshi , Yoshida Ryo , Iino Yuichi
Published: March 2020

Background

Annotation of cell identity is an essential process in neuroscience that allows comparison of cells, including that of neural activities across different animals. InCaenorhabditis elegans, although unique identities have been assigned to all neurons, the number of annotatable neurons in an intact animal has been limited due to the lack of quantitative information on the location and identity of neurons.

Results

Here, we present a dataset that facilitates the annotation of neuronal identities, and demonstrate its application in a comprehensive analysis of whole-brain imaging. We systematically identified neurons in the head region of 311 adult worms using 35 cell-specific promoters and created a dataset of the expression patterns and the positions of the neurons. We found large positional variations that illustrated the difficulty of the annotation task. We investigated multiple combinations of cell-specific promoters driving distinct fluorescence and generated optimal strains for the annotation of most head neurons in an animal. We also developed an automatic annotation method with human interaction functionality that facilitates annotations needed for whole-brain imaging.

Conclusion

Our neuron ID dataset and optimal fluorescent strains enable the annotation of most neurons in the head region of adultC. elegans, both in full-automated fashion and a semi-automated version that includes human interaction functionalities. Our method can potentially be applied to model species used in research other thanC. elegans, where the number of available cell-type-specific promoters and their variety will be an important consideration.
Are environmental area characteristics at birth associated with overweight and obesity in school-aged children? Findings from the SLOPE (Studying Lifecourse Obesity PrEdictors) population-based cohort in the south of England
Authors: Wilding Sam , Ziauddeen Nida , Smith Dianna , Roderick Paul , Chase Debbie , Alwan Nisreen A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Geographical inequalities in overweight and obesity prevalence among children are well established in cross-sectional research. We aimed to examine how environmental area characteristics at birth are related to these outcomes in childhood.

Methods

Anonymised antenatal and birth data recorded by University Hospital Southampton linked to school-measured weight and height data for children within Southampton, UK, were utilised (14,084 children at ages 4–5 and 5637 at ages 10–11). Children’s home address at birth was analysed at the Lower and Middle layer Super Output Area (LSOA/MSOA) levels (areas with average populations of 1500 and 7000, respectively). Area-level indices (walkability, relative density of unhealthy food outlets, spaces for social interaction), natural greenspace coverage, supermarket density and measures of air pollution (PM2.5, PM10 and NOx) were constructed using ArcGIS Network Analyst. Overweight/obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) greater than the 85th centile for sex and age. Population-average generalised estimating equations estimated the risk of being overweight/obese for children at both time points. Confounders included maternal BMI and smoking in early pregnancy, education, ethnicity and parity. We also examined associations for a subgroup of children who moved residence between birth and outcome measurement.

Results

There were mixed results between area characteristics at birth and overweight/obesity at later ages. MSOA relative density of unhealthy food outlets and PM10 were positively associated with overweight/obesity, but not among children who moved. LSOA greenspace coverage was negatively associated with the risk of being overweight/obese at ages 10–11 in all children (relative risk ratio 0.997, 95% confidence interval 0.995–0.999, p = 0.02) and among children who moved.

Conclusions

Local access to natural greenspaces at the time of birth was inversely associated with becoming overweight or obese by age 10–11, regardless of migration. Increased access/protection of greenspace may have a role in the early prevention of childhood obesity.
Clinical outcomes after cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients with and without diabetes mellitus: The EU-CaRE multicenter cohort study
Authors: Eser Prisca , Marcin Thimo , Prescott Eva , Prins Leonie F. , Kolkman Evelien , Bruins Wendy , van der Velde Astrid E. , Peña-Gil Carlos , Iliou Marie-Christine , Ardissino Diego , Zeymer Uwe , Meindersma Esther P. , Van’tHof Arnoud. W. J. , de Kluiver Ed P. , Laimer Markus , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: March 2020

Background

The prevalence of patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of current cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs across seven European countries between elderly cardiac patients with and without DM.

Methods

1633 acute and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and patients after valve intervention with an age 65 or above who participated in comprehensive CR (3 weeks to 3 months, depending on centre) were included. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), body mass index, resting systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed before start of CR, at termination of CR (variable time point), and 12 months after start of CR, with no intervention after CR. Baseline values and changes from baseline to 12-month follow-up were compared between patients with and without DM using mixed models, and mortality and hospitalisation rates using logistic regression.

Results

430 (26.3%) patients had DM. Patients with DM had more body fat, lower educational level, more comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, and more advanced CAD. Both groups increased their VO2peak over the study period but with a significantly lower improvement from baseline to follow-up in patients with DM. In the DM group, change in HbA1c was associated with weight change but not with change in absolute VO2peak. 12-month cardiac mortality was higher in patients with DM.

Conclusions

While immediate improvements in VO2peak after CR in elderly patients with and without DM were similar, 12-month maintenance of this improvement was inferior in patients with DM, possibly related to disease progression. Glycemic control was less favourable in diabetic patients needing insulin in the short- and long-term. Since glycemic control was only related to weight loss but not to increase in exercise capacity, this highlights the importance of weight loss in obese DM patients during CR.

Trial registrationNTR5306 at trialregister.nl; trial registered 07/16/2015;https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5166
Isolation, characterization and application of theophylline-degrading Aspergillus fungi
Authors: Zhou Binxing , Ma Cunqiang , Xia Tao , Li Xiaohong , Zheng Chengqin , Wu Tingting , Liu Xiaohui
Published: March 2020

Background

Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline are main purine alkaloid in tea. Theophylline is the downstream metabolite and it remains at a very low level in Camellia sinensis. In our previous study, Aspergillus sydowii could convert caffeine into theophylline in solid-state fermentation of pu-erh tea through N-demethylation. In this study, tea-derived fungi caused theophylline degradation in the solid-state fermentation. The purpose of this study is identify and isolate theophylline-degrading fungi and investigate their application in production of methylxanthines with theophylline as feedstock through microbial conversion.

Results

Seven tea-derived fungi were collected and identified by ITS, β-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus niger and A. sydowii associated with solid-state fermentation of pu-erh tea have shown ability to degrade theophylline in liquid culture. Particularly, A. ustus and A. tamarii could degrade theophylline highly significantly (p < 0.01). 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 3-methylxanthine, 3-methyluric acid, xanthine and uric acid were detected consecutively by HPLC in A. ustus and A. tamarii, respectively. The data from absolute quantification analysis suggested that 3-methylxanthine and xanthine were the main degraded metabolites in A. ustus and A. tamarii, respectively. 129.48 ± 5.81 mg/L of 3-methylxanthine and 159.11 ± 10.8 mg/L of xanthine were produced by A. ustus and A. tamarii in 300 mg/L of theophylline liquid medium, respectively.

Conclusions

For the first time, we confirmed that isolated A. ustus, A. tamarii degrade theophylline through N-demethylation and oxidation. We were able to biologically produce 3-methylxanthine and xanthine efficiently from theophylline through a new microbial synthesis platform with A. ustus and A. tamarii as appropriate starter strains.
Serum lipid levels are the risk factors of gallbladder stones: a population-based study in China
Authors: Wang Jiwen , Shen Sheng , Wang Bo , Ni Xiaojian , Liu Han , Ni Xiaoling , Yu Rong , Suo Tao , Liu Houbao
Published: March 2020

Background

Gallstones are the cause of a majority of biliary tract discomfort. Although many community-based studies have addressed the risk factors for gallstone disease (GSD), little is known about GSD prevalence and risk factors in Chinese populations.

Methods

From January 2014 to January 2015, participants (N = 2,068,523) were recruited by Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Co., Ltd. They received a physical examination, and GSD was determined by ultrasound.

Results

The prevalence of GSD was 8.1%. Risks of GSD were similar between males and females in all age groups. Risk factors for gallstones include body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and physical activity, as well as biological factors such as age, sex, and elevated blood lipid levels. Serum lipid levels of GSD were statistically different from controls in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (H-DL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and apolipoprotein B (APOB). Furthermore, TC > 5.00 mmol/L, TG > 1.39 mmol/L, HDL < 1.19 mmol/L, LDL > 3.04 mmol/L, and APOB > 0.97 mmol/L were risk factors for gallstones.

Conclusions

Serum lipid levels are associated with GSD. TC, TG, LDL, and APOB are risk factors, while HDL is a protective factor.
Astaxanthin-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (ATX-LPN): assessment of potential otoprotective effects
Authors: Gu Jiayi , Chen Yuming , Tong Ling , Wang Xueling , Yu Dehong , Wu Hao
Published: March 2020

Background

Ototoxicity is one of the major side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy, especially cisplatin therapy. To date, no FDA approved agents to alleviate or prevent this ototoxicity are available. However, ototoxicity is generally believed to be produced by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the inner ear, thus leading to the development of various antioxidants, which act as otoprotective agents. Astaxanthin (ATX) is an interesting candidate in the development of new therapies for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related pathologies, owing to its unique antioxidant capacity.

Methods and results

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant properties of ATX in the inner ear by using the HEI-OC1 cell line, zebrafish, and guinea pigs. Because ATX has poor solubility and cannot pass through round window membranes (RWM), we established lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPN) for loading ATX. The LPN enabled ATX to penetrate RWM and maintain concentrations in the perilymph in the inner ear for 24 h after a single injection. ATX-LPN were found to have favorable biocompatibility and to strongly affect cisplatin-induced generation of ROS, on the basis of DCFHDA staining in HEI-OC1 cells. JC-1 and MitoTracker Green staining suggested that ATX-LPN successfully reversed the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by cisplatin in vitro and rescued cells from early stages of apoptosis, as demonstrated by FACS stained with Annexin V-FITC/PI. Moreover, ATX-LPN successfully attenuated OHC losses in cultured organ of Corti and animal models (zebrafish and guinea pigs) in vivo. In investigating the protective mechanism of ATX-LPN, we found that ATX-LPN decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase 3/9 and cytochrome-c) and increased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. In addition, the activation of JNK induced by CDDP was up-regulated and then decreased after the administration of ATX-LPN, while P38 stayed unchanged.

Conclusions

To best of our knowledge, this is first study concluded that ATX-LPN as a new therapeutic agent for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Correlation of skull morphology and bite force in a bird-eating bat (Ia io; Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Shi Biye , Wang Yuze , Gong Lixin , Chang Yang , Liu Tong , Zhao Xin , Lin Aiqing , Feng Jiang , Jiang Tinglei
Published: March 2020

Background

Genetic and ecological factors influence morphology, and morphology is compatible with function. The morphology and bite performance of skulls of bats show a number of characteristic feeding adaptations. The great evening bat,Ia io(Thomas, 1902), eats both insects and birds (Thabah et al. J Mammal 88: 728-735, 2007), and as such, it is considered to represent a case of dietary niche expansion from insects to birds. How the skull morphology or bite force inI. ioare related to the expanded diet (that is, birds) remains unknown. We used three-dimensional (3D) geometry of the skulls and measurements of bite force and diets fromI. ioand 13 other species of sympatric or closely related bat species to investigate the characteristics and the correlation of skull morphology and bite force to diets.

Results

Significant differences in skull morphology and bite force among species and diets were observed in this study. Similar to the carnivorous bats, bird-eaters (I. io) differed significantly from insectivorous bats;I. iohad a larger skull size, taller crania, wider zygomatic arches, shorter but robust mandibles, and larger bite force than the insectivores. The skull morphology of bats was significantly associated with bite force whether controlling for phylogeny or not, but no significant correlations were found between diets and the skulls, or between diets and residual bite force, after controlling for phylogeny.

Conclusions

These results indicated that skull morphology was independent of diet, and phylogeny had a greater impact on skull morphology than diet in these species. The changes in skull size and morphology have led to variation in bite force, and finally different bat species feeding on different foods. In conclusion,I. iohas a larger skull size, robust mandibles, shortened dentitions, longer coronoid processes, expanded angular processes, low condyles, and taller cranial sagittal crests, and wider zygomatic arches that provide this species with mechanical advantages; their greater bite force may help them use larger and hard-bodied birds as a dietary component.
Flexible work arrangements in open workspaces and relations to occupational stress, need for recovery and psychological detachment from work
Authors: Mache Stefanie , Servaty Ricarda , Harth Volker
Published: March 2020

Background

The trend is going into the direction of flexible work arrangements in open workspaces in which employees can decide where and when to work. The aim of this study was to analyze effects of a transition to open workspaces including Activity Based Working (ABW) on employees’ working conditions and their levels of occupational stress, need for recovery and psychological detachment from work.

Methods

Employees of a large technology company responded to a baseline and two follow-up measurements over one year. Data were collected via online survey assessing the employees’ mental demands, workload, job autonomy, support from supervisor, team collaboration, satisfaction with communication climate and three well-being outcomes (occupational stress, need for recovery and psychological detachment from work). Descriptive statistical analyses, analyses of variance and regression analyses were applied to test the hypotheses.

Results

Significant differences in working conditions were found after the transition, e.g. reduced mental demands, but an increased workload. Job autonomy, team collaboration and satisfaction with communication climate increased. Levels of occupational stress decreased significantly over time. Regression analyses revealed substantial associations between flexible work arrangements, job resources and occupational stress.

Conclusion

The results contribute to the current knowledge on flexible work arrangements in open work spaces. They can be used to design future work settings aimed at increasing employees’ well-being and job performance. Further practical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Evaluating the myopia progression control efficacy of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and Apollo progressive addition spectacle lenses (PALs) in 6- to 12-year-old children: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yan , Fu Yafei , Wang Kai , Liu Zhiming , Shi Xiaoqing , Zhao Mingwei
Published: March 2020

Background

Myopia is increasing in prevalence and is currently recognized as a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in China. Once myopia develops, appropriate clinical interventions need to be prescribed to slow its progression. Currently, several publications indicate that myopic defocus (MD) retards eye growth and myopia progression. However, no clinical trials have compared the outcomes of different MD spectacle lenses in the same observational group, especially in mainland China. The aim of the present study is to compare the myopia control efficiency of two different MD spectacle lenses: defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and Apollo progressive addition lenses (PALs).

Methods

The trial is designed as a 3-year, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of schoolchildren treated with DIMS lenses and PALs. A total of 600 Chinese primary school children aged 6–12 years will be recruited, and each group is intended to include 300 subjects. The inclusion criteria are myopia between − 1.00 and − 5.00 diopters and astigmatism ≤ 1.50 diopters. The follow-up time points will be 1 month (m), 3 m, 6 m, 12 m, 18 m, 24 m, 30 m, and 36 m. The primary outcome will be determined by the difference between the two groups in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction between baseline and the last follow-up visit. The secondary outcome is the axial length, and the exploratory outcomes include ocular biometric measures, peripheral refraction, binocular vision, accommodation, compliance, and the results of questionnaires related to wearing experiences.

Discussion

The present study will be the first randomized controlled trial in myopic primary school children treated with DIMS lenses and PALs in China. The results will indicate whether and how much different MD mechanisms retard myopia progression and axial elongation. In addition, the comparison will provide information on the clinical efficacy and safety of DIMS lenses and PALs, including information related to wearing experiences and visual function.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR1900025645. Registered on 3 September 2019. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42927.
Transcriptional response of mar, sox and rob regulon against concentration gradient carbapenem stress within Escherichia coli isolated from hospital acquired infection
Authors: Chetri Shiela , Das Bhaskar Jyoti , Bhowmik Deepshikha , Chanda Debadatta Dhar , Chakravarty Atanu , Bhattacharjee Amitabha
Published: March 2020

Objective

The present study was carried out to investigate the transcriptional response of marA (Multiple antibiotic resistance A gene), soxS (Superoxide S gene) and rob (Right-origin-binding gene) under carbapenem stress.

Results

12 isolates were found over-expressing AcrAB-TolC efflux pump system and showed reduced expression of OmpF (Outer membrane porin) gene were selected for further study. Among them, over expression of marA and rob was observed in 7 isolates. Increasing pattern of expression of marA and rob against meropenem was observed. The clones of marA and rob showed reduced susceptibility towards carbapenems.
Chemical-defined medium supporting the expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Xu Jianyong , Lian Wei , Chen Jieting , Li Wenlei , Li Lingyun , Huang Zhong
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been intensively investigated as to their therapeutic potentials. However, the full chemical-defined medium supporting the isolation and expansion of human MSCs has not been developed yet.

Materials and methods

Here, we developed the full chemical-defined medium, NBVbe medium, via RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and growth factor screening.

Results

The NBVbe medium contains N2B27 medium with the BSA (bovine serum albumin) replaced by the recombinant human albumin, bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), vitamin C, and EGF (epidermal growth factor). The NBVbe medium could support the isolation and expansion of human MSCs from the umbilical cords.

Conclusions

The full chemical-defined medium supporting the isolation and expansion of human MSCs has been developed. This would be helpful for further optimization of the MSC medium, their clinical applications, and molecular characterization.
Pharmacokinetics, radiation dosimetry, acute toxicity and automated synthesis of [18F]AmBF3-TATE
Authors: Lau Joseph , Pan Jinhe , Rousseau Etienne , Uribe Carlos F. , Seelam Sudhakara Reddy , Sutherland Brent W. , Perrin David M. , Lin Kuo-Shyan , Bénard François
Published: March 2020

Introduction

[18F]AmBF3-TATE is a somatostatin agonist that selectively binds to somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2). For clinical translation, pharmacokinetics, radiation dosimetry, and acute toxicity of [18F]AmBF3-TATE were assessed with good laboratory practice (GLP) standards.

Methods

ICR mice were intravenously administered 0.8–2.0 MBq of [18F]AmBF3-TATE, with one group pre-injected with 100 μg of [19F]AmBF3-TATE 30 min before radiopharmaceutical administration to assess uptake specificity. The mice were euthanized at 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h post-injection (p.i.). Blood and tissues were collected, weighed, and counted on a gamma counter to determine percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Dosimetry was calculated based on biodistribution data using the mouse and human phantoms included in OLINDA. Acute toxicity was assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats at the dose of 0.742 mg/kg [19F]AmBF3-TATE, with a 14-day observation/recovery period. Blood chemistry parameters, gross, and histopathology were evaluated. Body weight change and food consumption were monitored. The production of [18F]AmBF3-TATE was automated on a Trasis AllinOne synthesis module.

Results

[18F]AmBF3-TATE was cleared through the renal and hepatobiliary pathway. At 1 h p.i., the pancreas (F, 15.7 ± 3.72 and M 14.3 ± 1.61 %ID/g), stomach (F, 15.3 ± 3.63 and M, 19.0 ± 3.49 %ID/g), and lungs (F, 9.26 ± 2.24 and M, 6.17 ± 6.04 %ID/g) were the organs with the highest specific uptake. Pre-injection with [19F]AmBF3-TATE significantly reduced pancreatic uptake (F, 0.13 ± 0.03 and M, 0.18 ± 0.09 %ID/g) at 1 h p.i. For dosimetry extrapolated to the average adult human, the bladder (0.027–0.030 mGy/MBq), pancreas (0.018–0.028 mGy/MBq), and lungs (0.006–0.013 mGy/MBq) are expected to receive the highest doses. No test-item related effects were observed upon evaluation of clinical observations, body weights, food consumption, clinical pathology, gross pathology, and histopathology for acute toxicity. [18F]AmBF3-TATE was produced at activity yields of 15.6 ± 4.59 GBq, average molar activity of 435 ± 162 GBq/μmol, and radiochemical purity of 98.0 ± 1.73% with the automated synthesizer.

Conclusion

[18F]AmBF3-TATE binds specifically to SSTR2. At 1000× clinical dose, [19F]AmBF3-TATE was well tolerated with no treatment-related adverse effects.
Tikhonov regularization method for identifying the space-dependent source for time-fractional diffusion equation on a columnar symmetric domain
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Pan , Li Xiao-Xiao , Ma Xin-Yi
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we deal with the inverse problem of identifying the unknown source of time-fractional diffusion equation on a columnar symmetric domain. This problem is ill-posed. Firstly, we establish the conditional stability for this inverse problem. Then the regularization solution is obtained by using the Tikhonov regularization method and the error estimates are derived under thea priorianda posteriorichoice rules of the regularization parameter. Three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of our method.
Limb ischemic preconditioning ameliorates renal microcirculation through activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway after acute kidney injury
Authors: Chen Cheng , Sun Li , Zhang Wanfen , Tang Yushang , Li Xiaoping , Jing Ran , Liu Tongqiang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) resulting from administration of iodinated contrast media (CM) is the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Deteriorated renal microcirculation plays an important role in CI-AKI. Limb ischemic preconditioning (LIPC), where brief and non-injurious ischemia/reperfusion is applied to a limb prior to the administration of the contrast agent, is emerging as a promising strategy for CI-AKI prevention. However, it is not known whether the renal protection of LIPC against CI-AKI is mediated by regulation of renal microcirculation and the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we examined the renal cortical and medullary blood flow in a stable CI-AKI model using 5/6-nephrectomized (NE) rat. The LIPC and sham procedures were performed prior to the injection of CM. Furthermore, we analyzed renal medulla hypoxia using in vivo labeling of hypoxyprobe. Pharmacological inhibitions and western blotting were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

In this study, we found LIPC significantly ameliorated CM-induced reduction of medullary blood flow and attenuated CM-induced hypoxia. PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) treatment blocked the regulation of medullary blood flow and the attenuation of hypoxia of LIPC. Phosphorylation of Akt/eNOS was significantly decreased via wortmannin treatment compared with LIPC. Nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor [Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] treatment abolished the above effects and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS, but not Akt.

Conclusions

Collectively, the results demonstrate that LIPC ameliorates CM-induced renal vasocontraction and is mediated by activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
Detecting commonality in multidimensional fish movement histories using sequence analysis
Authors: Lowe Michael R. , Holbrook Christopher M. , Hondorp Darryl W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Acoustic telemetry, for tracking fish movement histories, is multidimensional capturing both spatial and temporal domains. Oftentimes, analyses of such data are limited to a single domain, one domain nested within the other, or ad hoc approaches that simultaneously consider both domains. Sequence analysis, on the other hand, offers a repeatable statistical framework that uses a sequence alignment algorithm to calculate pairwise dissimilarities among individual movement histories and then hierarchical agglomerative clustering to identify groups of fish with similar movement histories. The objective of this paper is to explore how acoustic telemetry data can be fit to this statistical framework and used to identify commonalities in the movement histories of acoustic-tagged sea lamprey during upstream migration through the St. Clair-Detroit River System.

Results

Five significant clusters were identified among individual fish. Clusters represented differences in timing of movements (short vs long duration in the Detroit R. and Lake St. Clair); extent of upstream migration (ceased migration in Lake St. Clair, lower St. Clair R., or upper St. Clair R.), and occurrence of fallback (return to Lake St. Clair after ceasing migration in the St. Clair R.). Inferences about sea lamprey distribution and behavior from these results were similar to those reached in a previous analysis using ad-hoc analysis methods.

Conclusions

The repeatable statistical framework outlined here can be used to group sea lamprey movement histories based on shared sequence characteristics (i.e., chronological order of “states” occupied). Further, this framework is flexible and allows researchers to define a priori the movement aspect (e.g., order, timing, duration) that is important for identifying both common or previously undetected movement histories. As such, we do not view sequence analysis as a panacea but as a useful complement to other modelling approaches (i.e., exploratory tool for informing hypothesis development) or a stand-alone semi-quantitative method for generating a simplified, temporally and spatially structured view of complex acoustic telemetry data and hypothesis testing when observed patterns warrant further investigation.
Early maladaptive schemas as common and specific predictors of skin picking subtypes
Authors: Pozza Andrea , Albert Umberto , Dèttore Davide
Published: March 2020

Background

Three distinct subtypes of Skin Picking (SP) have been identified in previous research: Focused, Automatic and Mixed. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) were not investigated across the subtypes. Understanding which EMS are associated with the subtypes might suggest the evaluation of Schema Therapy for SP and guide clinicians using it according to subtypes. The current study explored the relationship between EMS and SP subtypes in community adults.

Methods

Five hundred ninety-six adults [mean age = 35.23 years, 66% females] self-reporting SP behaviours completed the Milwaukee Inventory for Dimensions of Adult Skin Picking and the Young Schema Questionnaire-Long form third version (YSQ-L3).

Results

Higher Dependence/Incompetence EMS was a common predictor of both Focused and Automatic subtypes, while lower Emotional Deprivation EMS and younger age predicted all three subtypes. Higher Approval/Recognition Seeking, Mistrust/Abuse and Failure to Achieve were specific predictors of Automatic, Focused and Mixed subtypes, respectively. Lower Social Isolation/Alienation and Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self were specific predictors of Focused subtype. Male gender was a specific predictor of Mixed subtype.

Conclusions

The assessment and psychological treatment of individuals with SP behaviour may focus on specific EMS. Future longitudinal studies using clinical samples may clarify this association.