bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Desflurane and Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Regulatory T Cells in Patients Undergoing Living Donor Kidney Transplantation A Randomized Intervention Trial
Authors: Chutipongtanate Arpa , Prukviwat Sasichol , Pongsakul Nutkridta , Sris Supanart , Kamanee Nakarin , Arpornsujaritkun Nuttapon , Gesprasert Goragoch , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Hongeng Suradej , Ittichaikulthol Wichai , Sumethkul Vasant , Chutipongtanate Somchai
Published: August 2020

Background: Volatile anesthetic agents used during surgery have immunomodulatory effects which could affect postoperative outcomes. Recognizing that regulatory T cells (Tregs) plays crucial roles in transplant tolerance and high peripheral blood Tregs associated with stable kidney graft function, knowing which volatile anesthetic agents can induce peripheral blood Tregs increment would have clinical implications. This study aimed to compare effects of desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on peripheral blood Tregs induction in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplantation.Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial in living donor kidney transplant recipients was conducted at a single center, tertiary-care, academic university hospital in Thailand during August 2015 – June 2017. Sixty-six patients were assessed for eligibility and 40 patients who fulfilled the study requirement were equally randomized and allocated to desflurane versus sevoflurane anesthesia during transplant surgery. The primary outcome included absolute changes of peripheral blood CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs which measured by flow cytometry and expressed as the percentage of the total population of CD4+ T lymphocytes at pre-exposure (0-h) and post-exposure (2-h and 24-h) to anesthetic gas. P-value <0.05 denoted statistical significance.Results: Demographic data were comparable between groups. No statistical difference of peripheral blood Tregs between desflurane and sevoflurane groups observed at the baseline pre-exposure (3.6±0.4% vs. 3.1±0.4%; p=0.371) and 2-h post-exposure (3.0±0.3% vs. 3.5±0.4%; p=0.319). At 24-h post-exposure, peripheral blood Tregs was significantly higher in desflurane group (5.8±0.5% vs. 4.1±0.3%; p=0.008). Within group analysis showed patients receiving desflurane, but not sevoflurane, had 2.7% increase in peripheral blood Treg over 24-h period (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study provides the clinical trial-based evidence that desflurane induced peripheral blood Tregs increment after 24-h exposure, which could be beneficial in the context of kidney transplantation. Mechanisms of action and clinical advantages of desflurane anesthesia based on Treg immunomodulation should be investigated in the future. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02559297. Registered 22 September 2015 - retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02559297
Research on wireless distributed financial risk data stream mining based on dual privacy protection
Authors: Zhao Yuhao
Published: August 2020

With the advancement of network technology and large-scale computing, distributed data streams have been widely used in the application of financial risk analysis. However, while data mining reveals financial models, it also increasingly poses a threat to privacy. Therefore, how to prevent privacy leakage during the efficient mining process poses new challenges to the data mining technology. This article is mainly aimed at the current privacy data leakage in financial data mining, combined with existing data mining technology to study data mining and privacy protection. First, a data mining model for dual privacy protection is defined, which can better meet the characteristics of distributed data streams while achieving privacy protection effects. Secondly, a privacy-oriented data stream mining algorithm is proposed, which uses random interference technology to effectively protect the original sensitive data. Finally, the analysis and discussion of the algorithm in this paper through simulation experiments show that the algorithm is feasible and effective, and can better adapt to the distributed data flow distribution and dynamic characteristics, while achieving better privacy protection effects, effectively Reduced communication load.
Recurrent Uterine Tumors Resembling Ovarian Sex-cord Tumors with the Growth Regulation by Estrogen in Breast Cancer 1-Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2 Fusion Gene: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chang Bin , Bai Qianming , Liang Lin , Ge Huijuan , Yao Qianlan
Published: August 2020

Background: Uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex-cord tumors (UTROSCTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms predominantly arising in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. UTROSCTs with growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1)-rearrangement or GREB1-rearranged uterine tumors are exceptionally rare, with only 12 previously reported cases. Here, we report a case of UTROSCT with the GREB1-nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (NCOA2) fusion gene. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old woman presented with a 10.0 cm uterine mass. The tumor was composed of short spindle or epithelioid cells, arranged in diffused sheets, nested, and trabecular/cordlike. The tumor harbored the GREB1-NCOA2 fusion gene, as confirmed by RNA sequencing. The tumor recurred in the pelvis at 30 months after the initial diagnosis. We also compared the clinical and pathologic features of this case with those of the 12 previously published uterine GREB1-rearranged tumors. Of the combined 13 cases (present case and 12 previous cases), the mean age of patients was 64.8 years (range, 51‒74 years). Of the nine reported cases of GREB1-rearranged tumor with follow up, four cases recurred or metastasized (44.4%). Microscopically, most tumors (10/12, 83.3%) showed infiltrative growth, and two were well demarcated. Mitotic figures ranged from 0 to 14 per 10 high-power fields (2 mm2; mean: 3.6). Lymphovascular invasion and necrosis were each present in two cases (2/12, 16.7% and 2/7, 28.6%, respectively). Conclusions: This case provided further evidence that UTROSCTs with GREB1-rearrangement may have a high risk of recurrence/metastasis. Further studies are necessary to clarify the clinical features of this type of tumor, particularly the prognosis, potential treatment, and range of possible molecular events.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Recurrent Pregnancies
Authors: Kisli Mesude
Published: August 2020

Background The primary aim of the retrospective study was to study whether the number of births in women (primipara, multipara and grand multipara women) the long term after deliveries has an impact on the development of Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Our study population is composed of patients who are referred with suspicion of CTS. Four hundred and fifty female patients (150 primara, 150 multipara and 150 grand multipara women) referred to the electrophsiology laboratory with clinical suspicion CTS were included into the descriptive and retrospective study between November 2016 and June 2018. Primiparity, multiparity and grand multiparity were defined as women having 1, 2 – 5 and 6 - 9 deliveries, respectively. Patients who passed 2 years after their last birth were included in the study. All of the patients were assessed and compared in terms of electrophysiological CTS presence and degree of CTS. Also BMI was calculated for each patient and it compared among groups. Results The disease has not been changed with the number of births (p > 0.05). The mean BMI of the primipara, multipara and grand multipara women were 28,06 ± 1,12 kg / m2, 27,59 ± 3,72 kg / m2 and 27,82 ± 3,11 kg / m2, respectively. There was no significant statistically difference in BMI among groups (p > 0.05). However, the severity of the disease varies according to BMI (p < 0.05). It was calculated that as the BMI increases, the severity of the disease increases. Conclusions Number of pregnancies in women (primipara, multipara and grand multipara women) concerning the long term after deliveries has not impact on the development of CTS. Other risk factors such as BMI may play a significant role in the development of CTS in these patients.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of the PheE2F/DP Gene Family in Moso Bamboo
Authors: Li Long , Shi Qianqian , Gao Jian
Published: August 2020

BackgroundE2F/DP proteins have been shown to regulate genes implicated in cell cycle control and DNA repair. However, to date, research into the potential role of Moso bamboo E2F/DP family has been limited.ResultsHere, we identified 24 E2F/DPs in the Moso bamboo genome including nine E2F, six DP, eight DEL and one gene with partial E2F domain. Estimation of the divergence time of paralogous gene pairs suggested that E2F/DP family expansion was mainly contributed by whole-genome duplication event. The regulatory element and coexpression network analysis indicated that E2F/DP regulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes. Yeast two hybrid assay and expression analysis based on transcriptome data and in situ hybridization indicated that PheE2F-PheDP complex played important roles in winter moso bamboo shoot growth. qRT-PCR results showed that PheE2F/DPs performed diverse expression patterns in response to drought and salt treatment and diurnal cycles. ConclusionOur findings provide novel insights into the Moso bamboo E2F/DP family and partial experimental evidence for further functional verification of the PheE2F/DPs.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Adult Orbital Cellulitis in a Tertiary General Hospital
Authors: Yao Bangtao , Ding Yuhua , Zhao Xiaogui , Wang Bei , Liu Gang , Wang Fei
Published: August 2020

Background: Adult orbital cellulitis (OC) occurs relatively rarely, and comprehensive studies that retrospectively evaluate OC are lacking. Here we aimed to examine the clinical characteristics and prognosis of OC in a tertiary general hospital. Methods: Between October 2010 and May 2019, patients presenting with clinical symptoms of OC in a tertiary general hospital were analyzed in this retrospective study. Twenty-six cases were identified for a detailed review. In these cases, 16 males and 10 females were diagnosed with orbital cellulitis by clinical characteristics and multimodal examinations. We divided patients into three groups: (1) patients secondary to rhinosinusitis, (2) patients secondary to endogenous infection(s) without endophthalmitis, and (3) patients secondary to endophthalmitis. For each group, the age, gender, eye type, combined systemic diseases, clinical presentation, leukocyte count, blood culture, diagnostic imaging, therapeutic methods, length of stay, time of post-operation, and patient prognosis were analyzed in detail. Results: There were no significant differences regarding age, gender, preoperative leukocyte count, exophthalmia, blood culture, treatment, or visual changes within the three groups (P>0.05). There were significant differences, however, in postoperative leukocyte count and ophthalmoplegia between the three groups (P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative logarithm of the minimum resolution angle scored by the best-corrected visual acuity (LogMAR BCVA) of group 3 were statistically significant compared to group 1 and group 2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: We confirmed that the prognosis of OC patients combined with systemic diseases was poor; the visual outcome of OC secondary to endophthalmitis was more serious than that, secondary to sinusitis or endogenous infection without endophthalmitis. The level of leukocytes may indicate the condition of the disease.
On the Rivers in the Euro-Atlantic Sky
Authors: Thandlam Venugopal , Rutgersson Anna , Sahlee Erik
Published: August 2020

We study and revisit the Atmospheric Rivers (AR) over Euro-Atlantic sky using long term reanalysis datasets and widely used methods and parameters. The atmospheric winds, temperature and specific humidity at different pressure levels during 1979-2018 were used to study the spatiotemporal variability of water vapour transport integrated between 1000-300 hPa (IVT300) as a proxy to ARs. The standard deviation (200 kgm-1s-1) of ARs is around 60% of the climatology (>300 kgm-1s-1) in all reanalysis datasets in the North Atlantic. High frequency of ARs over western Europe in winter half-year (WHY) has 6% lower intensity compared to the low frequency of ARs in summer half-year (SHY) with 3% higher intensity than the annual mean. The intensity of ARs in the North Atlantic has been increasing in recent times with large decadal variability and poleward shift in landfalling. The magnitude of atmospheric parameters in the lower atmosphere below 750 hPa dominates the total column water vapour and intensity of ARs. There is a significant impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation and Scandinavian blocking on the location of landfalling of ARs and latitudinal dependence of the source of moisture flux in the open ocean contributing to the formation and enhancing ARs strength.
Mitochondrial Defects in the Respiratory Complex I Contribute to Impaired Translational Initiation via ROS and Energy Homeostasis in SMA Motor Neurons
Authors: Thelen Maximilian Paul , Wirth Brunhilde , Kye Min Jeong
Published: August 2020

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease, characterized by loss of lower alpha motor neurons, which leads to proximal muscle weakness. SMA is caused by reduced levels of Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) due to biallelic deletions or mutations in the SMN1 gene and mainly non-functional SMN2 copy gene. When SMN levels fall under a certain threshold, a plethora of cellular pathways are disturbed including RNA processing, protein synthesis, metabolic defects and dysfunctional mitochondria. Dysfunctional mitochondria can harm cells by decreased ATP production, but also by increased oxidative stress due to elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since neurons mainly produce energy via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to cover their high energy demands, restoring metabolic/ oxidative homeostasis can be beneficial in SMA pathology.MethodsWe performed whole proteome analysis of murine primary motor neurons using mass spectrometry to identify molecular mechanisms altered by SMN deficiency, which contribute to SMA pathology. Identified pathways were independently confirmed by biochemical and molecular biological methods as well as imaging analysis. Furthermore, cellular energy and ROS levels were biochemically measured in WT and SMA motor neurons.ResultsWe report that primary SMA motor neurons show disturbed energy homeostasis such as a reduced number of functional mitochondria, impaired glucose uptake and overall lower basal ATP concentrations. In addition, elevated ROS levels cause an increase of protein carbonylation and impaired protein synthesis efficiency in SMA motor neurons. Counteracting these cellular impairments with supplemented pyruvate reduced elevated ROS levels, increased ATP and SMN protein levels in SMA motor neurons. Furthermore, we found that pyruvate-mediated SMN protein synthesis is mTOR-dependent. Most importantly, we show that ROS regulates global protein synthesis at the translational initiation step, which is impaired in SMA.ConclusionIn summary, we found that excessive amount of cellular ROS caused by defective mitochondria inhibits initiation of mRNA translation, which results in pathological phenotypes often observed in degenerative neurons. As many neuropathies share patho-phenotypes such as dysfunctional mitochondria, excessive ROS and impaired protein synthesis.Our findings suggest a new molecular networking system among these pathways.
Structural Equation Model of affecting factors on elder abuse to patients under hemodialysis by family caregivers
Authors: Mahmoudian Amaneh , Shamsalinia Abbas , Alipour Atefeh , Fotokian Zahra , ghaffari fatemeh
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting the abuse of the elderly by family caregivers among the elderly with hemodialysis (HD) using structural equation modeling.MethodThe study is descriptive-cross sectional, which is conducted in 2018 in Iran. The sample size was 367 in both groups (the elderly and their family caregivers). Data collection was done using an individual-social information questionnaire for the older adults under hemodialysis and their family caregivers, the questionnaire of elder abuse by family caregivers to the older people under hemodialysis, Zarit Burden Interview and the scale of instrumental activities of Daily Living (IADL). Data were analyzed by the SEM method. The Fitness of proposed pattern was measured using the following indexes: Chi-squared degree of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF), Parsimonious Normed Fit Index (PNFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Parsimonious Comparative Fit Index (PCFI), Incremental fit index (IFI), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). The significant level in this study was considered p <0.05.ResultsThe results of the present study showed that more than 70% of the elderly suffer from elder abuse by family caregivers on average. The highest median elder abuse was related to emotional misbehavior (21.46±6.09) and financial misbehavior (19.07±5.33), respectively. 63.2% of caregivers have experienced moderate care burden. 81.4% of women and 80.5% of older men needed help with daily activities. The results showed that the caregivers’ level of education and care burden with standard beta coefficient of -0.251 and 0.200 and the level of elderly’s education and IADL with the best beta coefficient of -0.299 and -0.234, had the highest regression effect on elder abuse respectively. According to the results, the model-fit indices of the hypothesized model was meet the criteria, with the PNFI= 0.746, PCFI= 0.796, IFI= 0.963, GFI=0.970, CFI=0.967, and RMSEA= 0.075. The outcome was suitable for the recommended level, so the hypothetical model appeared to fit the data.ConclusionProviding psychological interventions for family caregivers can reduce the burden when the elderly suffers from other chronic illnesses.
Cancer cells invasion to the gastric bare area adipose tissue: a poor prognostic predictor for gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yongming , Xu Shuhang , Huang Chunyu , Ling Yihong , Liang Chengcai , Miao Yuhua , Sun Xiaowei , Li Yuanfang , Zhou Zhiwei
Published: August 2020

Background: The relationship between gastric bare area adipose tissues invasion (GBAI) confirmed pathologically and the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients is undefined. Till present, there hasn’t been literature investigating this phenomenon. Here, we aimed at analyzing the implication of GBAI in GC.Methods: The data of 1822 patients who underwent radical surgery between January 2000 and December 2013 at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrieved. Pathologically, tumor deposits (TDs) located >5mm from the leading edge of the primary tumor and the lymph nodes (LNs) station number 1, 2, 7, and 9 were considered as GBAI. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox’s proportional hazards model were employed to analyze.Results: 205 (11.3%) patients were pathologically diagnosed with GBAI, which was more commonly found in proximal or linitis lastica than distal GC (P<0.001). There was significant difference in 5-year survival between patients with and without GBAI for stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, respectively (P<0.009 for IIB, IIIA and IIIB, P=0.021 for IIIC). Among the 205 GBAI patients, 61 had detailed radiological follow-up data in which 26 (34.7%) were found to have retroperitoneal infiltration, 27 (36.0%) had peritoneal metastasis, 10 (13.3%) had hematogenous metastasis, 16 (21.3%) had lymphatic metastasis, and 16 (21.3%) had others.Conclusions: GBAI was identified as a predictor of unfavourable prognosis for GC and was more commonly found in the proximal or linitis plastica of the stomach than in distal stomach. Retroperitoneal infiltration was one of the most commonly identified metastatic route for GC associated with GBAI after radical surgery.
Bio-inspired general synthesis of superplastic metal-organic framework aerogels and their applications
Authors: Sun Yuntong , Xu Shuaishuai , Zhu Junwu , chen sheng , Wang Xin
Published: August 2020

Many proposed utilizations for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) demand their assembly into three-dimensional (3D) monolithic architectures. The capability of sustaining structural integrity during considerable deformations is important to allow a monolithic material that works reliably. Nevertheless, it remains a significant challenge to realize high superplasticity in 3D macroscopic MOF networks. Here we report the ice-template-driven assembly of MOF nanobelts to form superelastic MOF-based cellular aerogels. Inspired by the hierarchical architecture of natural cork, the resulting materials can fully and rapidly recover its initial architecture after 50% strain compression and unloading for 2000 cycles. The characteristic hierarchical structure can be extended to single (Ni-, Mn-, and Co-), binary (NiMn-, NiCo-, and CoMn-), and ternary (NiCoMn-) MOF aerogels with exceptionally structural and chemical properties. Potential application has been further demonstrated for NiMn-MOF aerogels in flexible energy conversion, which can effectively electrocatalysize hydrogen evolution in natural seawater even in the presence of considerable electrode deformations. The successful fabrication of such a class of fascinating architectures opens up enormous opportunities for exploring new application of MOFs in a free-standing, structurally adaptive, and macroscopic form
Lightweight Authentication Protocol in Edge-based Smart Grid Environment
Authors: Chen Chien-Ming , Chen Lili , Huang Yanyu , Kumar Sachin , Wu Jimmy Ming-Tai
Published: August 2020

A smart grid (SG) is an advanced power grid system deployed in a cloud center and smart meters (at the consumer end) that provides higher reliability, better data protection, improved power efficiency, automatic monitoring, and effective management of power consumption. However, an SG also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed. For example, data provided by a smart meter are time sensitive and cannot handle high latency in an SG. Moreover, a smart meter depends on the memory, energy, and other factors. In addition, the security between a cloud center and smart meter is an important issue that needs to be resolved. Edge computing, which is an extension of cloud computing deployed in an edge network between a cloud center and the end devices, is an efficient solution to the above-mentioned issues. Therefore, in this study, we propose a secure mutual authentication protocol based on edge computing for use in an SG.
A place-based analysis of COVID-19 risk factors in Bangladesh urban slums: A secondary analysis of World Bank microdata
Authors: Hasan Shaikh Mehdi , Das Susmita , Hanifi Syed Manzoor Ahmed , Shafique Sohana , Rashid Sabrina , Reidpath Daniel D.
Published: August 2020

Background:
There is a lack of research investigating the confluence of risk factors in urban slums that may make them accelerators for respiratory, droplet infections like COVID-19. Our working hypothesis was that, even within slums, an inverse relationship existed between living density and access to shared or private WASH facilities.
Methods:
In an exploratory, secondary analysis of World Bank, cross-sectional microdata from slums in Bangladesh we investigated the relationship between intra-household population density (crowding) and access to private or shared water sources and toilet facilities.
Results:
The analysis showed that most households were single-room dwellings (80.4%). Median crowding ranged from 0.55 m2 per person up to 67.7 m2 per person. The majority of the dwellings (83.3%), shared both toilet facilities and the source of water, and there was a significant positive relationship between crowding and the use of shared facilities.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight the practical constraints on implementing, in slums, the conventional COVID19 management approaches of social distancing, regular hand washing, and not sharing spaces. It has implications for the management of future respiratory epidemics.
Referrals to a Pediatric Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Before and After Introduction of a Referral Education Module - a Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Ezhumalai Gopalakrishnan , Jayashree Muralidharan , Nallasamy Karthi , Bansal Arun , Bharti Bhavneet
Published: August 2020

Background: Provision of timely care to critically ill children is essential for good outcome. Referral from smaller peripheral hospitals to higher centers for intensive care is common. However, lack of an organized referral and feedback system compromises optimal care. We studied the quality of referral letters coming to our Emergency Department (ED) with respect to their demography, association with severity of illness and mortality before and after referral education. Methods: Our study was completed in three phases in the Pediatric ED; Pre-intervention, Intervention and Post intervention phases. Quality of referral letter was matched with a quality checklist proforma and graded as ‘good’, ‘fair’ and ‘poor’ if it scored >7, 5 –7 and < 5 points respectively. A peer reviewed referral education module was prepared using case studies, expert opinions, and lacunae observed in the first phase and administered to health care providers (HCP’s) of referring hospitals. Quality of referral letter was compared between pre and post intervention phases. Results: Most referrals belonged to the neighboring states of Punjab (48.2%) and Haryana (22.4%). Major referring hospitals were from public sector (80.9%), of which the teaching hospitals topped the list (53.6%). Government run ambulance services (85.5%) was commonest mode of transport used and need for a PICU bed and/or mechanical ventilation (50.4%) was the commonest reason for referral. The post intervention phase saw a significant decline in the proportion of poor (93.2 vs.78.2%; p=0.001) and a significant increase in the proportion of fair (6.1 vs 18%; p=0.001) and good referral letters (0.7 vs 18%; p=0.001). The proportion of children with physiological decompensation at triage had reduced significantly in the post intervention phase [513 out of 1403 (36.5%) vs. 310 out of 957 (32.3%); p= 0.001]. Conclusion: Referral education had significantly improved the quality of referral letters. Proportion of children with physiological decompensation at triage had decreased significantly after referral module. This change suggests sensitization of the peripheral hospitals towards a better referral process. Continued multifaceted approach will be required for sustained and increased benefits
Screening of Conserved Non-Coding Elements with Enhanced Activity of SHOX Gene in PAR1 Region and Its Regulation Mechanism on SHOX Gene
Authors: Zhang Huijiao , Xu Xuejiao , Xin Shijie , Zhu Gaohui , Zhu Min
Published: August 2020

Background: Defects in conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) are associated with a large number of genetic diseases. The short-chain homeobox gene (SHOX) is regulated by different CNEs in the upstream and downstream, and these CNEs can act as enhancers as homeopathic regulatory elements. Abnormal CNEs upstream and downstream of the SHOX gene can result in short stature of different phenotypes. Methods: This study screened all the CNEs with enhancer action in the PAR1 region of SHOX gene, of which CNE10 and CNE11 have not been reported internationally. We investigated the relationship between CNEs with enhancer action and different promoters of SHOX in HEK293T cells by dual luciferase reporter system. Among them, CNE-2 and CNE-3 up-regulated the activity of SHOX promoter 2, while CNE-5, CNE9, CNE10 and CNE11 up-regulated the activity of SHOX promoter 1.Results: The six groups (CNE-5, CNE-3, CNE-2, CNE9, CNE10, CNE11) are considered to have an enhanced effect on the expression of the SHOX gene. CNE-2 and CNE-3 up-regulated the activity of SHOX promoter 2, while CNE-5, CNE9, CNE10 and CNE11 up-regulated the activity of SHOX promoter 1. Conclusion: CNE-2 and CNE-3 and may have skipped SHOX promoter 1 to interact with SHOX promoter 2 through chromatin looping. The downstream CNE9, CNE10, and CNE11 may skip the interaction of SHOX promoter 2 with SHOX promoter 1, thereby regulating the expression of SHOX.
Exposure Characterization of Ultrafine Particles From the Blast Furnace Process in a Steelmaking Plant
Authors: Gao Xiangjing , Zou Hua , Wang Qunli , Zhou Zanrong , Yuan Weiming , Luan Yuqing , Quan Changjian , Zhang Meibian , Tang Shichuan
Published: August 2020

Background: Information regarding the exposure characteristics of ultrafine particles generated by working activities in the steelmaking industry is very limited. This study aimed to investigate the exposure characteristics of ultrafine particles from the blast furnace process in a steelmaking industry. Methods: The morphology of particles, their elemental compositions, temporal variations in particle concentrations (e.g., total number concentration (NC), total respirable mass concentration (MC), surface area concentration (SAC)), personal exposure level, and the size distributions by number were measured. The relationships among total NC, total respirable MC, and SAC were determined by analyzing the concentration ratios (CR), correlation coefficients (CC), and the consistency of temporal variations in particle concentrations. Results: The particles collected from the blast furnace process presented as irregular agglomerates, and the predominant elements were O, Al, and Si. The total NC, total respirable MC, and SAC increased after working activity started and decreased gradually to background levels after the operation stopped. The median, mean, geometric mean, and modal sizes of particles remained relatively stable during working activities, ranging from 20 to 50 nm. Size distribution by number showed that the sizes of particles released from the slag releasing location were mainly gathered at 10.4 and 40 nm. The highest numbers appeared at 10.4 nm and 40 nm, which reached 3 × 106 pt/cm3. Particles ranging 100–469 nm were less than 8 × 105 pt/cm3, while particles with sizes larger than 374 nm were less than 2 × 104 pt/cm3. There was a good correlation between the total NC, SAC, and respirable MC. The order of CC for these three parameters was R total NC and SAC (r = 0.681) > R SAC and respirable MC (0.456) > R total NC and respirable MC (0.424).Conclusions: These findings indicate that working activities generated high levels of ultrafine particles. The ultrafine particle concentrations exhibited activity-related and periodic variations. The total NC and SAC were more appropriate metrics for characterizing ultrafine particles at the slag releasing location than total respirable MC. This study provides baseline data on the exposure characteristics of ultrafine particles during the blast furnace process.
Post-operative pain management modalities employed in clinical trials for adult patients in LMIC: a systematic review
Authors: Afshan Gauhar , Khan Robyna Irshad , Ahmed Aliya , Siddiqui Ali Sarfraz , Rehman Azhar , Raza Syed Amir , Kerai Rozina , Mustafa Khawaja
Published: August 2020

Background: Unrelieved postoperative pain afflicts millions each year in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Despite substantial advances in the study of pain, this area remains neglected. Current systematic review was designed to ascertain the types of clinical trials conducted in LMIC on postoperative pain management modalities over the last decade. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in June 2019 on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant trials on the management of postoperative pain in LMIC. Out of 1450 RCTs, 108 studies were reviewed for quality evidence using structured form of critical appraisal skill program. Total of 51 clinical trials were included after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results: Results are charted according to the type of surgery. Eleven trials on laparoscopic cholecystectomy used multimodal analgesia including some form of regional analgesia. Different analgesic modalities were studied in 4 trials on thoracotomy, but none used multimodal approach. In 11 trials on laparotomy, multimodal analgesia was employed along with the studied modalities. In 2 trials on hysterectomy, preemptive pregabalin or gabapentin were used for reduction in rescue analgesia. In 13 trials on breast surgical procedures and 10 on orthopaedic surgery, multimodal analgesia was used with some form of regional analgesia. Conclusion: We found that over the past 10 years, clinical trials for postoperative pain modalities have evolved in LMIC according to the current postoperative pain management guidelines i.e. multi-modal approach with some form of regional analgesia. The current review shows that clinical trials were conducted using multimodal analgesia including but not limited to some form of regional analgesia for postoperative pain in LMIC however this research snapshot (of only three countries) may not exactly reflect the clinical practices in all 47 countries.
Impact of Age, Rurality and Distance in Predicting Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy for Breast Cancer in a Midwestern state: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lizarraga Ingrid , Kahl Amanda R , Jacoby Ellie , Charlton Mary E , Lynch Charles F , Sugg Sonia L
Published: August 2020

Background: There is substantial variability in the use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with unilateral breast cancer across the United States. Iowa is one of several rural Midwestern states found to have the highest proportions of CPM nationally in women <45 years of age. We evaluated the role of rurality and travel distance as factors related to these surgical patterns.Methods: Women with unilateral breast cancer (2007-2017) were identified using Iowa Cancer Registry records. Patients and treating hospitals were classified as metro, nonmetro and rural based on Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Differences in patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and median travel distances (MTD) were compared. Characteristics associated with CPM were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression.Results: 22,158 women were identified: 57% metro, 26% nonmetro and 18% rural. The overall proportion of CPM in Iowa was consistently higher than in the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER18) throughout the interval from 2007-2015. Young rural women had the highest proportion of CPM (<40 years: 52%, 39% and 40% for rural, metro, nonmetro, respectively). Half of all rural women had surgery at metro hospitals; these women had the longest MTD (56 miles). Of all women treated at metro hospitals, rural women had the highest proportion with CPM (17% rural; vs 14% metro/nonmetro, p=0.007). On multivariate analysis, traveling ≥50 miles (ORs 1.48-2.34) or being rural regardless of travel distance was predictive of CPM (OR = 1.36). Other risk factors were young age (<40 years: OR=7.18, 95% CI: 5.89-8.76) and surgery at a metro hospital that offers reconstruction (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.70-3.21) and is not NCI-designated (OR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.78-2.69).Conclusion: There is an unexpectedly high proportion of CPM use in young rural women in Iowa. Travel ≥50 miles and rural residence are independently associated with likelihood of CPM. Disparities in access to specialty care may underlie the desire for surgery that is perceived to minimize follow-up visits.
Arene–Metal-Ion Contact: A Multicolor and Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensing Platform for Metal Ions
Authors: Kanegae Anna , Takata Yusuke , Takashima Ippei , Uchinomiya Shohei , Kawagoe Ryosuke , Usui Kazuteru , Wongkongkatep Jirarut , Sugimoto Manabu , Ojida Akio
Published: August 2020

Despite continuous active development of fluorescent probes for metal-ions, their molecular design for ratiometric detection is limited owing to a narrow choice of available sensing mechanisms. We present herein a dual-emission sensing platform for metal ions based on contact interaction between a coordinated metal ion and the aromatic ring of a fluorophore (i.e., arene–metal-ion contact). Our structure-based ligand design provided a new probe possessing BPTN as the metal ion binding unit, which was flexibly concatenated to a tricyclic fluorophore. This molecular architecture allowed us to fluorescently sense various metal ions such as Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), and Hg(II) with the red-shifted emissions. This probe design was applicable to a series of tricyclic fluorophores, enabling ratiometric detection of the metal ions across the blue to near-infrared wavelength region. X-ray crystallography and theoretical computational calculation indicated that the coordinated metal ion has van der Waals contact with the fluorophore, which perturbs its electronic structure and ring conformation to induce the emission red-shift. A set of the arene–metal-ion contact probes was used for the differential sensing of eight metal ions in a one-pot single titration via PCA analysis. Furthermore, the probe was applicable to the ratio imaging of metal ions under live-cell conditions.
Social Listening – Revealing Parkinson’s Disease over Day and Night
Authors: Zhang Hui , Meng Fanwen , Li Xingyu , Ning Yali , Cai Meng
Published: August 2020

Background: Nocturnal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and their related burdens on patients are often treated after management of daytime manifestations. In order to better understand the unmet needs of nocturnal symptoms management, we sought to analyze the characteristics of nocturnal symptoms and their associated burden from patients’ perspectives in 2016 to 2018 and explore whether there were any changes in participants' needs over time across 3 years. Overall symptoms (occurring at day or night) were collected to contrast and compare whether the unmet healthcare needs related to nocturnal symptoms and to overall symptoms are different.Methods: We used a contemporary Social Listening big-data technique to analyze large amounts of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in patient-doctor and patient-patient dialogues available from social media platforms in 2016 to 2018 in China. These symptoms were classified as either overall symptoms or nocturnal symptoms. We used share of voice (SOV) of symptoms as a proportion of total dialogues per year to reflect the characteristics of symptoms from patients’ perspectives. Negative sentiment score of symptoms was analyzed to find out their related burden on patients. Results: We found that SOV for overall motor symptoms was 79% and had not increased between 2016 and 2018 (79%, p = 0.5), but SOV for non-motor symptoms (69% in 2018) had grown by 7% in 2018 (p < 0.01). SOV for motor complications was 9%, and had increased by 6% (p < 0.01) by 2018. The SOV of motor symptoms was significantly larger than non-motor symptoms and motor complications (p < 0.01) in each year. The SOV of non-motor symptoms was larger than that of motor complication (p < 0.01). For nocturnal symptoms, 45% of the analyzed PD population reported nocturnal symptoms in 2018, growing by 6% from 2016 (p < 0.01). SOV for nocturnal-occurring motor symptoms was higher than most non-motor symptoms (except insomnia). However, non-motor symptoms had the higher increases in SOV. Non-motor symptoms evoked higher negative sentiment regardless of whether they occurred during the day or night. For symptoms that can occur at either day or night, each nocturnal symptom was rated with a higher negative sentiment score than the same symptom during the day, regardless of the type of symptom.Conclusions: The growing share of voice and the greater negative sentiment of nocturnal symptoms from patients’ perspectives suggest that management of nocturnal symptoms is an unmet need of patients with Parkinson’s disease. A greater emphasis on detecting nocturnal symptoms and treating them with 24-hour care is encouraged.
Obestatin signaling controls Schwann cells and axonal transport to counteract neuromuscular synaptic loss in skeletal muscle
Authors: Camiña Jesus P , Sánchez-Temprano Agustín , Leal-López Saúl , González-Sánchez Jessica , Mosteiro Carlos S. , Gallego Rosalia , Relova José Luis , Pazos Yolanda
Published: August 2020

Background.

Injuries to the peripheral nerve system are common conditions, with broad spectrum of symptoms depending on the impaired nerves and severity of damage. Although peripheral nervous system retains a remarkable ability for regeneration, it is estimated that less than ten percent of patients fully recover function after nerve injury and the available treatments remain suboptimal. Here, we identify a role for the obestatin/GPR39 system in the regulation of the Schwann cell plasticity as well as in the preservation of neuromuscular synapses in the course of nerve repair.
Methods.

Utilizing a compression model of sciatic nerve injury, axonotmesis, we assessed the obestatin-related regenerative response in the peripheral nerve system. The role of the obestatin/GPR39 system was further evaluated on immortalized rat Schwann cells, IFRS1, and the model of neuronal differentiation, PC12 cells. The interactions between SCs and neurons was evaluated using a co-culture system that combine the SC cell line IFRS1 and the NGF-primed PC12.
Results.

Obestatin signaling directs proliferation and migration of Schwann cells that sustain axonal regrowth and later remyelinate regenerated axons. We provide evidence supporting the preservation of skeletal muscle by the maintenance of neuromuscular synapses through the axonal regulation of calpain-calpastatin proteolytic system. This encompasses the control of skeletal muscle homeostasis by regulation of the ubiquitin proteasome system and the autophagy machinery.
Conclusions.

These results provide important insights into how the obestatin/GPR39 system promotes nerve repair through integration of multiple molecular cues of neuron-Schwann cells crosstalk aimed to promote axon growth and guide axons back to their targets.
Increased dose of re-irradiation therapy or combined chemotherapy to improve survival of local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy
Authors: Wu Xun , Hu Xingsheng , Chen Junru , He Lang
Published: August 2020

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the optimal treatment for locally recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LRESCC) by analyzing the results of different doses of re-irradiation therapy after radical (chemo) radiotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with LRESCC after initial radiotherapy. According to radiotherapy dose, 58 patients were assigned to the low-dose (LD) group (50–54 Gy) and 67 to the high-dose (HD) group (55–60 Gy). We recorded the response rate (complete + partial response), 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates, and toxicity in the two groups. The effects of different radiotherapy doses and combination chemotherapy on the survival of LRESCC were analyzed. Results: After re-irradiation, the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 48.3%, 24.1% and 10.3% in the LD group and 61.2%, 34.3% and 19.4% in the HD group (P<0.05), respectively. The median survival time of patients receiving radiotherapy alone was 9 months in the LD group and 15 months in the HD group (P<0.05). The survival rate of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy was higher than that of patients treated with radiotherapy alone in the LD group, but in the HD group, chemoradiotherapy showed no advantage compared with radiotherapy alone. The most common toxicity was esophagitis, and the incidence was higher in the HD group than in the LD group (68.7% vs 58.6%, P＜0.05). Conclusion: Increasing the dose of re-irradiation therapy or chemotherapy can improve the efficacy of re-irradiation therapy for patients with LRESCC after radiotherapy.
The Novel Mutations of Unexplained Abortion Were Analyzed at the Nucleotide Level and Classified According to Gene Function
Authors: Yao Ji , Chen Peishan , Zhang Xialan , Liu Wei , Xu Manjuan , Yang Chuanchun , Tang Shanmei , Cui Xiaoli , Chen Chuan , Ou Jian , Tang Huiru , Xu Chengkang
Published: August 2020

Background Abortion is a major problem affecting women's normal reproductive life. Non-whole chromosomes account for about 50% of abortions. In around 50% of cases, the etiology remains unknown. The present analysis was aimed to screen the mutations at the nucleotide level and detected new genetic origins of human diseases. Results 72 abortion tissues (with abnormal chromosome reason excluded) were recruited and whole-genome low coverage mate-pair sequencing (WGL-MPS) was performed on each tissue. And used 100 healthy human data as a background control to find specific relevant genes and mutations with stringent bioinformatics analysis. We merged 72 abortion samples after sequencing. 28 sequence mutations in 25 genes potentially associated with unexplained abortion were identified in abortion. These 25 genes were divided into six classifications, including fetal development, cell cycle, genital correlation, kidneys, nerve, and other know functions. The mutation frequency of these sites was greater than 20% compared with the reference sequence in merged abortion data. The frequency of mutations in the samples of the control group at these sites was less than 1%. Furthermore, we verified by 10 unexplained abortion tissues, seven of which had above mutations sites on these 25 genes.Conclusions We identified 28 mutations in 25 genes mutation that may be associated with unexplained abortion, and some were associated with embryonic development. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide a good research direction for unexplained abortions.
The Prognostic Values of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Di , Ma Yue , Cao Xu-Chen , Fu Li , Yu Yue , Wang Xin
Published: August 2020

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification and regulates RNA splicing, translation, translocation, and stability. Aberrant expression of m6A has been reported in various types of human cancers. m6A RNA modification is dynamically and reversibly mediated by different regulators, including methyltransferase, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins. However, the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in thyroid cancer remains unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the 13 main m6A RNA modification regulators in thyroid carcinoma.Methods: The gene expression profile of m6A RNA modification regulations and clinical information of patients with thyroid carcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Consensus clustering was applied to identify two clusters of thyroid carcinomas with different clinical outcome. LASSO Cox regression analysis was used to construct gene-based prognostic signature based on the expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Gene Ontology and gene set enrichment analyses were performed to explore differential cellular processes and signaling pathways between the two groups based on risk signature.Results: We found that most of the m6A RNA modification regulators are down-regulated in 450 patients with thyroid carcinoma. We identified two clusters based on the gene expression profiles of 13 m6A RNA modification regulators using consensus clustering. The cluster 2 subgroup correlates with an unfavorable outcome compared with the cluster 1 subgroup. In addition, we derived a three m6A RNA modification regulator genes-based risk signature (FTO, RBM15 and KIAA1429), that is an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with thyroid carcinoma. There were significantly different signaling pathways between high and low risk group by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Gene Ontology and gene set enrichment analyses. Moreover, we found that this risk signature could better predict outcome in male than female. Conclusion: Our study revealed the prognostic value of m6A RNA methylation regulators in patients with thyroid carcinoma.