bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule insight into stalled replication fork rescue inEscherichia coli
Authors: Bianco Piero R , Lu Yue
Published: February 2021

DNA replication forks stall at least once per cell cycle in Escherichia coli. DNA replication must be restarted if the cell is to survive. Restart is a multi-step process requiring the sequential action of several proteins whose actions are dictated by the nature of the impediment to fork progression. When fork progress is impeded, the sequential actions of SSB, RecG and the RuvABC complex are required for rescue. In contrast, when a template discontinuity results in the forked DNA breaking apart, the actions of the RecBCD pathway enzymes are required to resurrect the fork so that replication can resume. In this review, we focus primarily on the significant insight gained from single-molecule studies of individual proteins, protein complexes, and also, partially reconstituted regression and RecBCD pathways. This insight is related to the bulk-phase biochemical data to provide a comprehensive review of each protein or protein complex as it relates to stalled DNA replication fork rescue.
Cardiovascular calcifications in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Podestà Manuel Alfredo , Cucchiari David , Ciceri Paola , Messa Piergiorgio , Torregrosa José-Vicente , Cozzolino Mario
Published: February 2021

Vascular and valvular calcifications are highly prevalent in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, which represent the leading cause of long-term mortality in these patients. However, cardiovascular calcification has been traditionally considered as a condition mostly associated with advanced chronic kidney disease stages and dialysis, and comparatively fewer studies have assessed its impact after kidney transplantation. Despite partial or complete resolution of uraemia-associated metabolic derangements, KTRs are still exposed to several pro-calcifying stimuli that favour the progression of pre-existing vascular calcifications or their de novo development. Traditional risk factors, bone mineral disorders, inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs and deficiency of calcification inhibitors may all play a role, and strategies to correct or minimize their effects are urgently needed. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of established and putative mediators involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular calcification in kidney transplantation, and to describe the clinical and radiological features of these forms. We also discuss current evidence on preventive strategies to delay the progression of cardiovascular calcifications in KTRs, as well as novel therapeutic candidates to potentially prevent their long-term deleterious effects.
The state of neuro-oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic: a worldwide assessment
Authors: Mrugala Maciej M , Ostrom Quinn T , Pressley Shelley M , Taylor Jennie W , Thomas Alissa A , Wefel Jeffrey S , Coven Scott L , Acquaye Alvina A , Haynes Chas , Agnihotri Sameer , Lim Michael , Peters Katherine B , Sulman Erik P , Salcido Joanne T , Butowski Nicholas A , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Mansouri Alireza , Oliver Kathy R , Porter Alyx B , Nassiri Farshad , Schiff David , Dunbar Erin M , Hegi Monika E , Armstrong Terri S , van den Bent Martin J , Chang Susan M , Zadeh Gelareh , Chheda Milan G
Published: February 2021

Background

It remains unknown how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed neuro-oncology clinical practice, training, and research efforts.

Methods

We performed an international survey of practitioners, scientists, and trainees from 21 neuro-oncology organizations across 6 continents, April 24–May 17, 2020. We assessed clinical practice and research environments, institutional preparedness and support, and perceived impact on patients.

Results

Of 582 respondents, 258 (45%) were US-based and 314 (55%) international. Ninety-four percent of participants reported changes in their clinical practice. Ninety-five percent of respondents converted at least some practice to telemedicine. Ten percent of practitioners felt the need to see patients in person, specifically because of billing concerns and pressure from their institutions. Sixty-seven percent of practitioners suspended enrollment for at least one clinical trial, including 62% suspending phase III trial enrollments. More than 50% believed neuro-oncology patients were at increased risk for COVID-19. Seventy-one percent of clinicians feared for their own personal safety or that of their families, specifically because of their clinical duties; 20% had inadequate personal protective equipment. While 69% reported increased stress, 44% received no psychosocial support from their institutions. Thirty-seven percent had salary reductions and 63% of researchers temporarily closed their laboratories. However, the pandemic created positive changes in perceived patient satisfaction, communication quality, and technology use to deliver care and mediate interactions with other practitioners.

Conclusions

The pandemic has changed treatment schedules and limited investigational treatment options. Institutional lack of support created clinician and researcher anxiety. Communication with patients was satisfactory. We make recommendations to guide clinical and scientific infrastructure moving forward and address the personal challenges of providers and researchers.
A Knowledge Translation Framework for Optimizing Physical Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Dias Konrad J , Shoemaker Michael J , Lefebvre Kristin M , Heick John D
Published: February 2021

The American Physical Therapy Association has supported the development of clinical practice guidelines to promote and support evidence-based practice and reduce unwarranted practice variation. Essential to the success of this effort is the generation of knowledge translation, a concept that emphasizes the translation of global knowledge to an application that can be effectively integrated into clinical practice. The Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Individuals with Heart Failure published in the Physical Therapy Journal in January 2020 provides a broad base of knowledge related to evidence-based treatment interventions for patients with heart failure. However, the application and integration of this knowledge in clinical practice need further elucidation. Therefore, this perspective paper aims to serve as a complementary knowledge translation resource to the recently published practice guideline to maximize the utilization of contemporary evidence in clinical practice. This resource provides the physical therapist with practical guidance in the management of patients with heart failure by placing research findings in the context of other knowledge and practice norms that can be applied at the point of care and across the continuum of care. We propose a novel ABCDE (assessment, behavior modification, cardiorespiratory fitness, dosage, and education) practical framework. This clinical paradigm is grounded in ongoing physical therapist assessment throughout the episode of care, along with behavior modification, assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness, appropriate selection and dosing of interventions, and patient education. Examples highlighting the use of this model in patients with heart failure across the continuum of care are provided for application in clinical care.
FITNESS LEISURE LTD’S TRADE MARK APPLICATION
Authors:   Appointed Person (Trade Marks)
Published: February 2021

H1 Trade marks – Opposition proceedings – Procedure – Failure to consider all grounds advanced by the opponent – Earlier marks – Assessment of likelihood of confusion – Appeal to Appointed Person
SHANKS v UNILEVER PLC (NO. 2)
Authors:   Supreme Court
Published: February 2021

Patents – Employee inventions – Compensation – Patents exploited by licensing – Statutory construction – Meaning of “the benefit of which the employer has derived … from the patent” – Whether corporation tax to be deducted – Whether benefit outstanding – Identification of employer’s undertaking – Assessment of fair share for employee – Relevance of the time value of money – Appeal to Supreme Court
SynBiopython: an open-source software library for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Yeoh Jing Wui , Swainston Neil , Vegh Peter , Zulkower Valentin , Carbonell Pablo , Holowko Maciej B , Peddinti Gopal , Poh Chueh Loo
Published: February 2021

Advances in hardware automation in synthetic biology laboratories are not yet fully matched by those of their software counterparts. Such automated laboratories, now commonly called biofoundries, require software solutions that would help with many specialized tasks such as batch DNA design, sample and data tracking, and data analysis, among others. Typically, many of the challenges facing biofoundries are shared, yet there is frequent wheel-reinvention where many labs develop similar software solutions in parallel. In this article, we present the first attempt at creating a standardized, open-source Python package. A number of tools will be integrated and developed that we envisage will become the obvious starting point for software development projects within biofoundries globally. Specifically, we describe the current state of available software, present usage scenarios and case studies for common problems, and finally describe plans for future development. SynBiopython is publicly available at the following address: http://synbiopython.org.
Filling Linnean shortfalls increases endemicity patterns: conservation and biogeographical implications for the extreme case ofLiolaemus(Liolaemidae, Squamata) species
Authors: Nori Javier , Semhan Romina , Abdala Cristian Simón , Rojas-Soto Octavio
Published: February 2021

Linnean shortfalls, or the discrepancy between formally described species and the number of existing species, imply noteworthy biodiversity conservation constraints. The case of Argentinian reptiles is unique in this context. The genus Liolaemus represents ~60% of the Argentine reptile fauna and has a current species description rate of 3.25 spp./year, leading to a significant increase in the number of known species. Filling Linnean shortfalls within this genus has revealed an extraordinary recent evolutionary radiation that strongly modifies the spatial accumulation patterns of richness and endemism, mainly in the Patagonian steppe and Monte ecoregions of Argentina. Thus, while 40 years ago none of the studied species was considered endemic at the ecoregional level, today the genus represents an essential element to define the southernmost terrestrial ecoregions of the world. Furthermore, the remarkable decrease in the average extent of occurrence (EOO) of Liolaemus species implies an increased extinction risk in light of threats caused by humans. Based on the thresholds for the IUCN Red List B1 criteria, and 11 well-studied clades of Liolaemus, we show that, while in 1980 87% of the described species would not qualify as threatened based on EOO, today 80% of the species have an EOO smaller than 20 000 km2. Therefore, they may qualify as threatened based on the B1 EOO thresholds, which demonstrates the importance of the recent increase of knowledge regarding the taxonomy, systematics and genetics of the group.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Biocontrol AgentPseudomonas chlororaphissubsp.aureofaciensSPS-41
Authors: Zhang Chun-Mei , Xu Ming-Jie , Li Xue-Wei , Gong Yuan , Xing Ke , Qin Sheng
Published: February 2021

Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens SPS-41 is a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium with biocontrol potential that was isolated from the rhizosphere of sweet potato in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Our previous study demonstrated that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by SPS-41 inhibited black spot disease fungi Ceratocystis fimbriata in postharvest sweet potatoes and a variety of other plant pathogens, and the VOCs also displayed strong nematocidal activity. In order to further explore the application potential of this strain, we here report the complete genome sequence of strain SPS-41. The genome consists of one chromosome (6,757,898 bp) with a G+C content 63.10%, which contains 5,951 coding genes, 67 transfer RNA genes, 16 ribosome RNA genes, and 85 other non-coding RNA genes. No plasmid was detected. The information of the genome will provide resources for studying the biocontrol mechanism of this strain.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Use of Ultraviolet Light to Suppress Powdery Mildew in Strawberry Fruit Production Fields
Authors: Onofre Rodrigo B. , Gadoury David M. , Stensvand Arne , Bierman Andrew , Rea Mark , Peres Natalia A.
Published: February 2021

We designed and deployed an apparatus to apply UV light for suppression of powdery mildew in open field production of strawberry. The unit was evaluated in a commercial production field for one season, and for two additional seasons in open field research plots at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. The apparatus contained two 180-cm-long hemicylindrical arrays of twenty 55-W low-pressure discharge UV-C lamps (operated at 30 W; peak wavelength = 254 nm) backed by polished aluminum reflectors covering two adjacent beds of the strawberry planting. The lamp arrays were suspended within a steel carriage that was tractor-drawn through the planting at 2.3, 4.6, and 5.6 km h−1. Nighttime applications of UV-C at doses ranging from 65 to 170 J⋅m−2 either once or twice weekly provided suppression of foliar and fruit disease that was consistently equal to or better than that provided by a commercial calendar-based fungicide spray program.
Mapping and Validation of a Stable Quantitative Trait Locus Conferring Maize Resistance to Gibberella Ear Rot
Authors: Zhou Guangfei , Li Shunfa , Ma Liang , Wang Fang , Jiang Fuyan , Sun Yali , Ruan Xinsen , Cao Yu , Wang Qing , Zhang Yingying , Fan Xingming , Gao Xiquan
Published: February 2021

Gibberella ear rot (GER), a prevalent disease caused by Fusarium graminearum, can result in significant yield loss and carcinogenic mycotoxin contamination in maize worldwide. However, only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GER resistance have been reported. In this study, we evaluated a Chinese recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprising 204 lines, developed from a cross between a resistant parent DH4866 and a susceptible line T877, in three field trials under artificial inoculation with F. graminearum. The RIL population and their parents were genotyped with an Affymetrix microarray CGMB56K SNP Array. Based on the genetic linkage map constructed using 1,868 bins as markers, 11 QTLs, including five stable QTLs, were identified by individual environment analysis. Joint multiple environments analysis and epistatic interaction analysis revealed six additive and six epistatic (additive × additive) QTLs, respectively. None of the QTLs could explain more than 10% of phenotypic variation, suggesting that multiple minor-effect QTLs contributed to the genetic component of resistance to GER, and both additive and epistatic effects contributed to the genetic architecture of resistance to GER. A novel QTL, qGER4.09, with the largest effect, identified and validated using 588 F2 individuals, was colocalized with genomic regions for Fusarium ear rot and Aspergillus ear rot, indicating that this genetic locus likely confers resistance to multiple pathogens and can potentially be utilized in breeding maize varieties aimed at improving the resistance not only to GER but also other ear rot diseases.
Two Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Thaumatin-Like Protein Genes Confer Enhanced Resistance to Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)
Authors: Zhu Haishan , Deng Minghua , Yang Zhengan , Mao Lianzhen , Jiang Shurui , Yue Yanling , Zhao Kai
Published: February 2021

Late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans) poses a serious threat to tomato production but the number of late blight resistance genes isolated from tomato is limited, making resistance gene mining a high research priority. In this study, highly resistant CLN2037E and susceptible No. 5 tomato inbred lines were used to identify late blight resistance genes. Using transcriptome sequencing, we discovered 36 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 21 nucleotide binding site–leucine-rich repeat and 15 pathogenesis-related (PR) disease resistance genes. Cluster analysis and real-time quantitative PCR showed that these 36 genes possessed similar expression patterns in different inbred lines after inoculation with P. infestans. Moreover, two PR genes with unique responses were chosen to verify their functions when exposed to P. infestans: Solyc08g080660 and Solyc08g080670, both of which were thaumatin-like protein genes and were clustered in the tomato genome. Functions of these two genes were identified by gene overexpression and gene editing technology. Overexpression and knockout of single Solyc08g080660 and Solyc08g080670 corresponded to an increase and decrease in resistance to late blight, respectively, and Solyc08g080660 led to a greater change in disease resistance compared with Solyc08g080670. Cotransformation of dual genes resulted in a much greater effect than any single gene. This study provides novel candidate resistance genes for tomato breeding against late blight and insights into the interaction mechanisms between tomato and P. infestans.
Monosaccharide Constituents of Potato Root Exudate Influence Hatching of the White Potato Cyst Nematode
Authors: Bell Christopher A. , Mobayed Waddah , Lilley Catherine J. , Urwin P. E.
Published: February 2021

Plants secrete a large array of compounds into the rhizosphere to facilitate interactions with their biotic environment. Some of these exuded compounds stimulate the hatching of obligate plant-parasitic nematodes, ultimately leading to a detrimental effect on the host plant. Determining these cues can help to provide new mechanisms for control and aid nematode management schemes. Here, we show that glucose, fructose, and arabinose, which are all present in potato root exudate (PRE), induce hatching of white potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida) eggs whereas five other PRE sugars had no effect. Although these monosaccharides resulted in significant hatching, none induced the same level as PRE, suggesting that other components, possibly in combination, contribute to stimulation of nematode hatching. Glucose but not arabinose or fructose was also observed to attract juvenile G. pallida, indicating that these hatch-inducing components can have different roles in different stages of the life cycle. Applying a solution of these monosaccharides to G. pallida-infested soil prepotato planting initiated hatching in the absence of a host. Host absence resulted in nematode mortality and a reduction in the G. pallida population. Therefore, subsequent invasion of the crop postplanting was also reduced compared with untreated soil. Our data suggest that monosaccharide components of PRE play an important role in the hatching and attraction of G. pallida. As a result, the hatch-inducing monosaccharides can be applied as a preplanting treatment to induce hatching and reduce subsequent infection rates.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for HIV cure
Authors: Alfageme-Abello Oscar , Porret Raphaël , Perreau Matthieu , Perez Laurent , Muller Yannick D.
Published: February 2021

Purpose of review

Cell-based immunotherapies have made enormous progress over the last decade with the approval of several anti-CD19-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies for haemato-oncological diseases. CARs are synthetic receptors comprising an antigen-specific extracellular domain fused to a hinge, transmembrane and intracellular signalling domains. The success obtained with CD19 CAR-T cells rekindled interest in using CAR-T cells to treat HIV seropositive patients. The purpose of this review is to discuss historical and recent developments of anti-HIV CARs.

Recent findings

Since the first description of CD4+-based CARs in the early 90s, new generations of anti-HIV CARs were developed. They target the hetero-trimeric glycoprotein gp120/gp41 and consist of either a CD4+ extracellular domain or a VH/VL segment derived from broadly neutralizing antibodies. Recent efforts were employed in multiplexing CAR specificities, intracellular signalling domains and T cells resistance to HIV.

Several new-anti HIV CAR-T cells were successfully tested in preclinical mice models and are now waiting to be evaluated in clinical trials. One of the key parameters to successfully using CAR-T cells in HIV treatment will depend on their capacity to control the HIV reservoir without causing off-targeting activities.
Interface Fluid Syndrome 2 Decades After Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Assayag Elishai , Smadja David , Roditi Eduardo , Zadok David , Abulafia Adi , Weill Yishay
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of late-onset interface fluid syndrome (IFS) after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods:

A 94-year-old man was referred for evaluation because of persistent corneal edema 10 days after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Results:

After an uneventful DSAEK, the patient was treated with topical antibiotics and steroids. On presentation, a well positioned and oriented DSAEK graft was observed in the right eye, yet the cornea was edematous. Applanation tonometry was normal. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed a LASIK flap with a fluid cleft beneath it. Requery confirmed that LASIK was performed 21 years ago. Topical steroids were stopped, and after 2 weeks, the cornea was clear, and AS-OCT revealed complete resolution of the interface fluid.

Conclusions:

Even decades later, IFS should be considered as a source of corneal edema in patients after LASIK. Monitoring these patients with AS-OCT is recommended.
Physical Therapy and Discharge Disposition Following Acute Hospitalization for UTI in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Simmons Tammy M. , Miller Stephanie A. , Moore Elizabeth S. , Stikeleather S. Jill
Published: February 2021

Background:

Bed rest during acute hospitalization is associated with new-onset mobility impairments in community-dwelling older adults, resulting in discharge to skilled nursing facilities rather than home.

Purpose:

The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine whether the number of physical therapy (PT) visits is related to discharge disposition following an acute hospitalization for urinary tract infection (UTI) in the older adult population.

Methods:

Medical records over a 3-year period of 523 community-dwelling older adults (65 years and older) admitted from home functionally independent were reviewed. Demographic and patient characteristics, including age, gender, living status, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and the number of PT visits, were collected. Multinomial regression was conducted to determine predictors of disposition.

Results:

The multinomial logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2(2) = 6.90, P = .032. Older age, longer LOS with fewer PT visits during acute hospitalization, and a higher comorbidity score were significant predictors of hospital discharge to subacute rehabilitation facilities than those who were able to return home with home health PT. These variables were not predictors of the disposition for younger patients with fewer comorbidities.

Limitations:

Due to the retrospective nature of this study, assessment of potential preexisting levels of frailty, standardized delivery of PT, and level of activity outside of PT could not be performed.

Conclusions:

Reduced frequency of physical therapist intervention for older adults hospitalized with UTI was associated with discharge to rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility compared with those of similar age with increased PT intervention frequency.
Utilization Review in Workers’ Compensation
Authors: Bean Melissa , Erdil Michael , Blink Robert , McKinney David , Seidner Adam
Published: February 2021

Utilization review (UR) is a process that assesses aspects of a treating provider's care plans and then provides recommendations to payors/insurance carriers, third party administrators, etc, concerning the appropriateness of the proposed care. UR has become an integral part of medical practice and has influenced medical care within the workers’ compensation (WC) system and is mandated in several states and jurisdictions. This guidance statement from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) reviews structural elements of UR programs and proposes a possible template for operational standards. UR has a unique role in protecting patients and educating providers on evidence-based guidelines, new research, and best practices.
Direct Exposure of Welders to Welding Fumes and Effect of Fume Extraction Systems Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Brand Peter , Ebert Benjamin , Esser André , Sharma Rahul
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Welding fume exposure of welders occurs either directly from the welding process and sputters or from the fume background within the workshop. In this study the contribution of fume originating directly from the welding process was assessed.

Methods:

Exposure was quantified by measuring the time integral of fume mass concentration using a tapered element oscillating micro balance connected to a welder dummy.

Results:

Direct fume exposure was highest for welding processes with low fume emission rates and lowest for processes with high fume emission rates.

Conclusions:

This finding is supposed to be due to the higher energy input of high emitting processes which stabilizes the thermic column and therefore eliminates fume particles from the welder's breathing zone. Exposure can be minimized by additionally optimizing workshop ventilation.
Genomics of aging: Decreased immune defenses
Authors: Wysocki Kenneth
Published: February 2021

There are multiple factors that contribute to aging. In this second series of Genomics of Aging, decreased immune defenses and the effects of unregulated inflammation on the aging process of cells, and the body as a whole, are reviewed from the perspective of genomics and the microbiome. Healthy lifestyle choices and foods can slow down this aging process, and clinical implications are described here.
Postoperative subdural hematoma as a rare complication of non-traumatic craniotomy
Authors: Gao Xianfeng , Liu Huibo , Xu Wanzhen , Sun Yang , Zhang Yang , Zhu Xiaobo , Wang Wei
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

Postoperative intracranial hemorrhage is a serious and even fatal complication after non-traumatic craniotomy, in which epidural hematoma and intracerebral hematoma are relatively common. Postoperative subdural hematoma is rare, and its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear.

Patient concerns:

In the present study, we report 2 cases with postoperative subdural hematoma after non-traumatic craniotomy.

Diagnoses:

The diagnosis of acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) was rendered according to the imaging features.

Interventions:

Hematoma evacuation was performed immediately.

Outcomes:

Two months later, the first patient continued to have impaired consciousness and sensorimotor deficiency in the right extremities. And the second one remained unconscious and continued to have sensorimotor disturbance in the right extremities after 6 weeks of rehabilitation.

Lessons:

Neurosurgeons should be aware of potential subdural hematoma after non-traumatic craniotomy, since this condition is usually latent and associated with poor prognosis. Early identification and surgical evacuation should be highlighted.
High Hepatic leukemia factor expression indicates a favorable survival in glioma patients
Authors: Liu QingLin , Ge Huijian , Liu Peng , Li Youxiang
Published: February 2021

Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is an oncogenic transcript factor, but its role in gliomas is unclear.

With the open-access data from the Cancer Genome Atlatls (TCGA), HLF expression was compared between normal and glioma tissues and its correlation to patient survival, age, gender, race, and tumor grade was analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression was adopted to explore the independent risk factors for patient survival. Survivals between high and low HLF expression, and high and low model predicted risk subgroups were compared. 1, 2, 3, and 5-year patient survival were predicted with the Cox regression model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to predict the potential function of HLF.

Expression and clinical data of 5 normal brain samples and 655 glioma samples were obtained from TCGA. HLF expression was downregulated in gliomas than normal brain tissue (P = .007), and negatively related to patient age and advancing tumor grade (P < .001). HLF was a protective factor for patient survival (OR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.67–0.99, P = .035). Patients’ survivals were poorer in low HLF expression subgroups and the Cox regression model predicted high-risk subgroups (P < .001). The accuracy of the model in predicting 1, 2, 3, and 5-year patient survival was 0.864, 0.895, 0.907, and 0.893, respectively. GSEA revealed HLF mainly took part in regulating tumor cell metabolism and cell cycle.

HLF was downregulated in gliomas than normal tissue, negatively related to patient age and tumor grade, and was an independent protective factor for glioma patients.
Rapidly recurring massive pleural effusion as the initial presentation of sarcoidosis
Authors: Albakri Mutaz , Ahmad Mushtaq , Mohamed Mouhand F.H.
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease with unknown etiology. It affects mainly the lungs, but it can affect almost any other organ. Nevertheless, pleural involvement with the development of pleural effusion is relatively rare. It is usually mild and responsive to treatment with systemic steroids. Here we present a case of rapidly recurring massive unilateral pleural effusion caused by sarcoidosis that was resistant to systemic steroids.

Patient concerns:

A 55-year-old lady presented with shortness of breath of 2-months duration. No other respiratory symptoms were reported. On physical examination, there were signs of left-sided pleural effusion, splenomegaly, and inguinal lymph nodes. These findings were confirmed by chest x-ray showing massive pleural effusion. Work up of the effusion revealed an exudative effusion with lymphocyte predominance. Pan-computed tomography scan revealed multiple thoracic, abdominal and inguinal lymphadenopathy; additionally, a left-sided pleural effusion and an enlarged spleen; that contained variable hypodense nodular lesions. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed intense uptake in the spleen and the lymph nodes. Inguinal lymph node biopsy showed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Due to suspicion of malignancy, left medical thoracoscopy was done, and biopsy of the parietal pleura showed nonspecific inflammation without evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis.

Diagnosis:

Sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on the finding of the non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with no evidence of malignancy or infection on several microbiological and pathological samples.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with repeated pleural fluid drainage. Steroids failed to prevent pleural effusion recurrence. Surgical left side pleurodesis was eventually performed.

Outcomes:

At more than 1 year follow up, the patient showed no recurrence of pleural effusion or development of any other symptoms.

Lessons:

Sarcoidosis may rarely present with massive pleural effusion, as this presentation is rare; it is imperative to rule out other causes of massive pleural effusion. Massive pleural effusion in sarcoidosis may be steroid-resistant. Pleurodesis may have a role in such a scenario.
Diagnostic significance of circulating miRNAs in Kawasaki disease in China
Authors: Zheng Xiaolan , Li Yifei , Yue Peng , Ma Fan , Zhang Yi , Wu Gang
Published: February 2021

Background:

There is no golden standard for the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD), the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in many countries. In recent years, many studies have focused on the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and KD. Thus, we perform this meta-analysis to understand the role of circulating miRNAs as a biomarker to detect KD.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through March 10, 2019. Meta-disc 1.4 and STATA 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX) were used to conduct the meta-analysis.

Results:

Six eligible articles were included in this meta-analysis. The overall performance of total mixed miRNAs detection was: pooled sensitivity, 0.7 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.74); pooled specificity, 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.90); and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC), 0.8302. The meta-regression analysis indicated that the specimen types, the composition of the control group, and types of the reference miRNA were not responsible for the existing heterogeneities. The subgroup analysis showed that SROC of the plasma group (0.8890) was more significant than the serum group (0.7204), and SROC of the non-healthy control group (0.9622) was more significant than the healthy control group (0.8096).

Conclusions

: This is the first meta-analysis show that miRNAs may be used as novel biomarkers for detecting KD, especially for distinguishing KD from other febrile diseases. More studies are needed in the future to clarify the association between KD and miRNAs.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019129976
Association between atrial fibrillation and white blood cell count after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Suzuki Hitoshi , Ohira Tetsuya , Takeishi Yasuchika , Sakai Akira , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yasumura Seiji , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Takahashi Atsushi , Nakano Hironori , Kamiya Kenji
Published: February 2021

We had earlier reported about the increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among residents in the evacuation zone of Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. In the present investigation, we explored the association between the prevalence of AF and white blood cell (WBC) count after the earthquake through an observational cross-sectional study.

A total of 14,800 participants (6427 men and 8373 women) were included in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. For the present study, 12-lead electrocardiogram tracings and the WBC count and its subtypes were obtained and analyzed. The odds ratios (ORs) of AF after the earthquake and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for one standard deviation of differential WBC count were calculated after adjustments for age and other potential confounding factors using the logistic regression model.

Our results revealed a prevalence of AF of 1.8% (269 participants) after the earthquake. Monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio exhibited a significant association with the prevalence of AF in the multivariable-adjusted model. The adjusted ORs of monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio for AF were 1.21 (95% CI, 1.05–1.40, P = .01) and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.01–1.44, P < .05), respectively.

The prevalence of AF was associated with increased monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio among residents in the evacuation zone in Fukushima Prefecture, suggesting that inflammation and psychological stress could be important factors mediating the development of AF after the earthquake.
The effect of moving cupping on psoriasis vulgaris and its influence on PASI score
Authors: Yunbo Wu , Mingqiang Liu , Guirong Qiu , Hongrong Lan , Gang Huang
Published: February 2021

Background:

We aim to study the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with moving cupping.

Methods:

We will search PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database of randomized controlled trials beginning from their inception to August 2020. The primary outcomes are that PASI score and clinical effective rate will be the main outcome indicators. Additional outcome is The Quality of life index score and safety assessment will be considered a secondary outcome. Two independent authors will based on the Cochrane system evaluation manual 5.1.0 version of RCT bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the risk of bias among the final included studies. And we will use the RevMan 5.3 software to analysis data.

Results:

This study will provide an assessment of the current state of moving cupping for the psoriasis vulgaris, aiming to show the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Conclusion:

This study will provide evidence to judge whether moving cupping is an effective therapy for psoriasis vulgaris.

Inplasy registration number:

INPLASY2020120061.
Ethnic variance on long term clinical outcomes of concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel in patients with stent implantation
Authors: Shi Wence , Yan Lu , Yang Jingang , Yu Mengyue
Published: February 2021

Background:

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study showed a lower clopidogrel response when coprescribed with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Despite this, PPIs is necessary for patients treated with long term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Ethnic variance also played a different effect on clopidogrel response. Our study evaluated the effect of concomitant use of DAPT and PPIs and assessed whether ethnic variance exert different effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods:

We carefully searched EMBASE, PubMed/Medline databases, and the Cochrane library in April 2019. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and individual endpoints reported. We also focused on bleeding events. Studies were excluded if the follow-up were <12 months and patients were not treated with clopidogrel after stent implantation.

Results:

A total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review (involving 79,670 patients). No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. PPIs comedication were associated with increased MACCE (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28–1.49) while not associated with decreased bleeding risks, such as gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.53–2.11). PPIs comedication were associated with increased risk for all endpoints among Caucasian population while not with increased risk for MACE (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 0.99–1.39), all-cause death (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 0.74–2.06), cardiac-death (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 0.64–2.57) among Asian population.

Conclusion:

PPIs comedication were associated with adverse clinical outcomes, and ethnic variance may exert different effect on clinical outcomes. Subgroup analysis indicated that concomitant use of PPI might be suitable for Asian patients after stent implantation.
Identification of key biomarkers and functional pathways in osteosarcomas with lung metastasis
Authors: Liu Denghua , Zhou Rui , Zhou Aiguo
Published: February 2021

Background:

In osteosarcoma, the lung is the most common metastatic organ. Intensive work has been made to illuminate the pathogeny, but the specific metastatic mechanism remains unclear. Thus, we conducted the study to seek to find the key genes and critical functional pathways associated with progression and treatment in lung metastasis originating from osteosarcoma.

Methods:

Two independent datasets (GSE14359 and GSE85537) were screened out from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R online platform. Subsequently, the Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analysis of DEGs were conducted using DAVID. Meanwhile, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network constructed by STRING was visualized using Cytoscape. Afterwards, the key module and hub genes were extracted from the PPI network using the MCODE and cytoHubba plugin. Moreover, the raw data obtained from GSE73166 and GSE21257 were applied to verify the expression differences and conduct the survival analyses of hub genes, respectively. Finally, the interaction network of miRNAs and hub genes constructed by ENCORI was visualized using Cytoscape.

Results:

A total of 364 DEGs were identified, comprising 96 downregulated genes and 268 upregulated genes, which were mainly involved in cancer-associated pathways, adherens junction, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, MAPK signaling pathway. Subsequently, 10 hub genes were obtained and survival analysis demonstrated SKP2 and ASPM were closely related to poor prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Finally, hsa-miR-340-5p, has-miR-495-3p, and hsa-miR-96-5p were found to be most closely associated with these hub genes according to the interaction network of miRNAs and hub genes.

Conclusion:

The key genes and functional pathways identified in the study may contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of lung metastasis originating from osteosarcoma, and provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Efficacy and safety of floating needle therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wan Qun , Deng Gen , Yang Sushun , Jiang Ying , Zhao Qilin
Published: February 2021

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common clinical degenerative disease of the joints, which is prone to occur in middle-aged and elderly people. Its early manifestations include knee redness, swelling, pain, effusion, sound, and so on. With the development of the disease, KOA will also lead to joint deformity and disability, which will seriously affect the living ability of patients. It not only brings physical pain and dysfunction to patients, but also leads to anxiety, helplessness, depression, and social disorder in social psychology, which seriously affects patients’ daily life, social function and life quality, and also brings huge economic burden and pressure to family and social medical treatment. Floating needle therapy has shown strong advantages in the treatment of KOA, and the curative effect is accurate. Therefore, this paper will carry out a systematic evaluation and meta analysis of the efficacy and safety of floating needle therapy in the treatment of KOA.

Methods:

We will search 8 electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. We will search above electronic databases from the beginning to January 2021, without any language restriction. Clinical efficacy, including total effective rate or cure rate, visual analogue scale pain score, and recurrence rate will be accepted as the primary outcomes. The changes of traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, inflammatory factor level change, knee function score will be used as secondary outcomes. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for statistical analysis. The result about the curative effect and safety of floating needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis will be presented as risk ratio for dichotomous data and mean differences with a 95% confidence interval for continuous data.

Results:

Only when we finish this meta analysis can we get the result, no results are available at this timed.

Conclusions:

The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the efficacy and safety of floating needle therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

INPLASY Registration number:

INPLASY2020120145.
Evidence of Chinese herbal fumigation for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ou Liang , Meng Yingfu , Chen Zehua , Zhang Tiantian , Kong Dezhong , Xu Daoqing , Huang Weichen
Published: February 2021

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability worldwide. Chinese herbal fumigation, an external therapy, is commonly used for the treatment of KOA, while there is no systematic review or meta-analysis designed to evaluate the effects of Chinese herbal fumigation on KOA.

Methods:

Seven databases including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be searched up to October 31, 2020. Data that meet the inclusion criteria will be extracted and analyzed by using RevMan V.5.3 software. Two reviewers will assess quality of the included studies based on the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The funnel plot and Begg test will be used to evaluate publication bias. And Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be employed to assess the quality of evidence.

Results:

This study will provide high-quality evidence for Chinese herbal fumigation for the treatment of KOA in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion:

This systematic review will provide evidence to help us confirm the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal fumigation in the treatment of KOA.
Accuracy of a salivary examination kit for the screening of periodontal disease in a group medical check-up (Japanese-specific health check-up)
Authors: Sakurai Akinari , Yamada Shin-ichi , Karasawa Imahito , Kondo Eiji , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of a screening method using salivary tests to screen for periodontal disease.

In total, 1888 individuals older than 30 years in 2017 and 2296 in 2018 who underwent medical check-ups for metabolic syndrome agreed to participate and simultaneously underwent a dental examination by dentists and salivary tests. Salivary occult blood, protein, and ammonia levels and white blood cell counts were evaluated in salivary tests using commercially available kits. The relationship between the results of the salivary tests and dental examination was examined and classification performance was analyzed.

The prevalence of periodontal disease was 69.9% in 2017 and 66.8% in 2018. Salivary ammonia showed the highest classification performance in both years (sensitivity 83.5 and 83.1%, precision 73.0 and 69.3%, F-measure 0.779 and 0.756). Occult blood, which was assessed using a monoclonal antibody to human hemoglobin, also showed good performance (sensitivity 69.5%, precision 70.6%, F-measure 0.701). Questions regarding self-reported gingival bleeding were not sufficient to screen for periodontitis. The present results suggest that screening tests using salivary samples may detect periodontal disease in approximately 70% to 80% of subjects in a large population.

Conclusion: Salivary ammonia and hemoglobin have potential as salivary markers in the screening of periodontal disease.