bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional bracing is a safe and cost effective treatment for isolated Weber B fracture
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed , Elnikety Sherif
Published: April 2020

BackgroundDespite the current recommendations that stable Weber B ankle fractures can be treated with functional bracing and weightbearing as tolerated, some reluctance exists among trauma surgeons to follow these recommendations. We report on our institution’s experience in managing these injuries and compare it to the national guidelines.Patients and MethodsConsecutive patients with isolated Weber B fractures referred to the local outpatient clinic over the period of six months were included in the study. Radiographs and clinic letters were examined, the patients were interviewed via telephone to obtain outcome scores (Olerud and Molandar score). Method of immobilisation, weightbearing status, radiological fracture union, clinical outcomes and complications were all assessed and analysed.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-three patients with isolated Weber B fractures were identified. This cohort of patients did not show clinical or radiographic evidence of instability, they were deemed stable and were initially treated non-operatively. Minimum follow-up period was six months. Sixty-two patients were treated in plaster and were non-weight bearing on the affected limb, while 61 were treated with functional bracing in a boot and were allowed early weight bearing. Three patients showed displacement requiring surgical fixation. All fractures progressed to union and patients were discharged irrespective of the method of immobilisation or weightbearing status during treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional outcome measures between the two groups. The protocol of functional bracing and weightbearing was associated with fewer outpatient clinics and a reduced number of radiographs obtained in the clinic and fewer complications. ConclusionIsolated trans-syndesmotic Weber B ankle fractures, that are clinically and radiologically stable, can be safely treated with functional bracing in a boot and weightbearing as tolerated. Weightbearing radiographs are reliable in confirming the stability of such fractures.
Histological diagnostic criterion for chronic endometritis based on the clinical outcome.
Authors: Hirata Kimiko , Kimura Fuminori , Nakamura Akiko , Kitazawa Jun , Morimune Aina , Hanada Tetsuro , Takebayashi Akie , Takashima Akiko , Amano Tsukuru , Tsuji Shunichiro , Kaku Shoji , Kushima Ryoji , Murakami Takashi
Published: April 2020

Background: Chronic endometritis is a slight inflammation of the endometrium that is histologically diagnosed mainly by the presence of plasma cells in the endometrial stroma. In many previous clinical studies, the clinical outcomes were compared between the group cured with antibiotics and the persistent group, and the subjects were patients with recurrent implantation failure. However, antibiotics cannot be administered without establishing diagnostic criteria in advance. It is also difficult to purely evaluate the effect of chronic endometritis on implantation when the control group is defined as patients with recurrent implantation failure without chronic endometritis, since the pregnancy rate in patients with recurrent implantation failure will be lower due to the presence of causes other than chronic endometritis for implantation failure. For these reasons, there appear to be no uniform criteria based on clinical outcomes that are accepted worldwide.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in a single university from June 2014 to September 2017. Patients who underwent single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with a hormone replacement cycle after histological examination for the presence of chronic endometritis were enrolled. Participants with recurrent implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and diseases suspected to cause implantation failure were excluded. Four criteria were used to define chronic endometritis according to the number of plasma cells in the same group of patients: 1 or more plasma cells, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 5 or more in 10 high-power fields. Pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates of the Non-chronic endometritis and the chronic endometritis groups defined with each criterion were calculated.Results: The pregnancy rate and live birth rate of Non- chronic endometritis was highest and all P values for pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates were smallest when the diagnostic criterion of chronic endometritis was defined as the presence of one or more plasma cells in 10 high-power fields. Conclusion: Chronic endometritis should be diagnosed as the presence of one or more plasma cells in 10 high-power fields. According to this diagnostic criterion, chronic endometritis adversely affected the pregnancy rate and the live birth rate.
Physiological stress response of the Wistar albino rats orally exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles
Authors: Babaei Ali Akbar , Rafiee Mohammad , Khodagholi Fariba , Ahmadpour Elham , Amereh Fatemeh
Published: April 2020

Background Few studies have examined nano-sized plastic particulates (NPs) exposure in relation to oxidative stress and biochemical responses in rodents, commonly used for toxicity evaluations on which to base risk assessment for humans.Methods Here we explored possible oxidative stress and biochemical responses of five weeks oral exposure to polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (1, 3, 6 and 10 mg/kg body weight per day) in male rats. We used variance analysis and variance explained statistic eta-squared (𝜂2) to estimate the strength of relationships worked out. The whole body scanning further provided insight into the bio-distribution of nanoplastics upon oral exposure.Results Results demonstrated the accumulation of PS-NPs through whole body and also a dose-dependent increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Significant alterations in antioxidant responses including serum levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione content were noticed, pointing towards a perturbation of redox state induced by the exposure conditions. Acetylcholinesterase level in highest dose group was about 40 percent lower than those in control group. Biochemical parameters viz. glucose, cortisol, lipase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), triglycerides, and urea showed a significant increase, while total protein, albumin and globulin levels showed an appreciable decline.Conclusion The pattern of associations noticed with AChE activity and biochemical responses in our study suggests the possibility that a neurobehavioral effect or dysfunctions in energy metabolism, or both, may be the potential mode of action, possibly through stress response as well as liver function. Perturbations of creatinine and uric acid levels are indeed plausible biological explanations for the association with kidney dysfunction. Although we provided a new scientific clue for exploring the biological effects of plastics nanoparticles, the results warrant additional research with a larger sample size. The suggested potential mechanisms also remains to be investigated.
Comparative transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of adventitious root formation in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)
Authors: Chen Kunmei , Guo Bing , Yu Chunming , Chen Ping , Chen Jikang , Gao Gang , Wang Xiaofei , Zhu Aiguo
Published: April 2020

Background: The occurrence of adventitious roots is necessary for the survival of cuttings. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis between two ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) varieties with different adventitious root (AR) patterns, was performed by RNA-Seq under water culture (treatment, T) and non-water culture conditions (control, CK) to reveal the regulatory mechanism of rooting. Results: Characterization of the cuttings of two ramie cultivars, Zhongzhu No 2 (Z2) and Huazhu No 4 (H4), indicated that Z2 had high adventitious rooting rate but H4 had low rooting rate. Twelve cDNA libraries of the two varieties were constructed, and a total of 26723 genes were identified. In non-water culture condition, the number of the distinctive genes in H4 was 2.7 times of that in Z2, while in water culture condition, the number of the distinctive genes in Z2 was nearly 2 times of that in H4. A total of 4411 and 5195 DEGs were identified in the comparison of H4CK vs. H4T and Z2CK vs. Z2T, respectively. After water culture, more DEGs were up-regulated in Z2, but more DEGs were down-regulated in H4. Gene Ontology (GO) Gene functional analysis of the DEGs indicated that polysaccharide metabolic process, carbohydrate metabolic process, cellular carbohydrate metabolic process, cell wall macromolecule metabolic process, and photosystem GO terms were distinctive significantly enriched in H4. Simultaneously, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that photosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were identified in H4. Moreover, KEGG analysis showed that jasmonic acid (JA) can interact with ethylene to regulate the occurrence and number of AR in Z2.Conclusions:This study reveals the transcriptomic divergence of two ramie varieties with high and low adventitious rooting rates, and provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of adventitious root formation in ramie.
Comparison between bidirectional Stratafix barbed sature and conventional sature in laparoscopic miomectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Razia Sultana , Ishikawa Masako , Yamashita Hitomi , Ishibashi Tomoka , Sasamori Hiroki , Sawada Kiyoka , Kurose Sonomi , Sato Seiya , Kyo Saturo
Published: April 2020

Background
Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is one of the techniques feasible for the treatment of intramural myoma. This technique is reported to be difficult when large fibroids are involved because of excessive blood loss during surgery. Skillful and fast suturing appears to be associated with reduced blood loss during LM. Barbed sutures have been recently introduced to facilitate laparoscopic suturing. A suture with bidirectional barbs offers several advantages over conventional sutures. Although the efficacy and safety of barbed sutures have been demonstrated in various gynecologic surgeries in many countries, no comparable studies have been conducted in Japan. Therefore, in this study, we compared surgical outcomes of using bidirectional Stratafix barbed sutures versus conventional sutures during LM.
Methods
This retrospective study included all patients who underwent LM for the treatment of intramural myoma in our institution between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique of suturing during LM: group 1 comprised patients in whom Stratafix barbed suture was used (n = 29), and group 2 comprised those in whom conventional sutures was used (n = 10). Data of patient age, myoma size, hemoglobin levels, total operation time, and blood loss during surgery were compared between the two groups.
Results
No significant differences in age (P = 0.443) or myoma size (P = 0.343) were observed between the two groups. Operation time (P = 0.0134) and blood loss (P = 0.0395) during surgery was significantly less with Stratafix barbed suture than with conventional suture. No patient required intraoperative transfusion or conversion to laparotomy.
Conclusions
The use of bidirectional barbed suture reduces operation time and blood loss. As these new sutures have barbs, no knot-tying is required; thus, continuous suturing becomes very simple, and maintaining hemostasis is easy. Inexperienced gynecological surgeons who apply this suture technique can also perform LM easily. As a bidirectional barbed suture has multiple points of fixation, this suture technique can reapproximate tissue securely, which reduces chances of reoperation because of proper suture knotting. Therefore, bidirectional Stratafix barbed sutures could be an optimal and efficient alternative to conventional sutures for use by gynecological surgeons in Japan.
WITHDRAWN: Survival Analysis of Time to First Trimester induced Abortion of women in Harar Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Demissie Million Wesenu , Kebede Kindu
Published: April 2020

Background: Abortion is the expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it has reached the stage of viability. Abortion among adolescents and youth is a major public health issue, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study was headings to the survival time of first trimester women abortion and associated factors among women whose age group in 15-49 years admitted to Jugel Hospital in Harar city, Ethiopia.Method: A hospital record pregnant women were reviewed and retrospective study design was conducted at Jugel Hospital in Harar regional state from January 2018 to December 2020.The study was conducted among nine hundred and ninety seven sampled women with abortion.The data was entered into Stata version-14 for cleaning and data analysis. Cox proportional hazard and multivariate accelerated failure time regression with log-logistic distribution were carried out to determine significant association between response variable and covariates at 5% level statistical significance was ascertained at 5% level of significance.Result: The result from log-rank estimation revealed that the survival of a woman significantly associated with age of mother, gravidity, parity, abortion care, place of managed and type of uterine evacuation procedure of mother. Based on AIC and BIC criteria and.The log-logistic of acceleration failure time model has small AIC and BIC among compared models. The multivariate log-logistic acceleration failure time model result indicated that age of mother being 30-34years (Φ=1.1116, 95%CI=(1.0144 ,1.2181)), being in age group >=35 years (Φ=1.1607,95% CI=(1.0388, 1.2969)) having gravida 3-4(Φ=0.9442, 95%CI=(0.8960,0.9951)),safe abortion care(Φ=0.7805,95%CI=(0.7156, 0.8513)), in-patient place of managed (Φ=1.1582,95%CI=(1.0628,1.2621))and type of uterine evacuation of MVA(Φ=1.0636, 95% CI=(1.0125,1.1174)) was covariates significantly associated to survival time women abortion in first trimester stage.Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that age of mother, gravidity, abortion care, place of managed and type of uterine evacuation for abortion were potential covariates associated to survival time of women abortion. It is recommended that women should be aware on the burden of those risk factors and health workers should be give due attention to this proximate determinants on abortion case.
Improving the production of AHL lactonase AiiO-AIO6 from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 in intracellular protease-deficient Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Xia Rui , Yang Yalin , Pan Xingliang , Gao Chenchen , Yao Yuanyuan , Liu Xuewei , Teame Tsegay , Zhang Fengli , Hu Juan , Ran Chao , Zhang Zhen , Liu-Clarke Jihong , Zhou Zhigang
Published: April 2020

Quorum quenching (QQ) blocks bacterial cell-to-cell communication (i.e., quorum sensing), and is a promising antipathogenic strategy to control bacterial infection via inhibition of virulence factor expression and biofilm formation. QQ enzyme AiiO-AIO6 from Ochrobactrum sp. M231 has several excellent properties and shows biotherapeutic potential against important bacterial pathogens of aquatic species. AiiO-AIO6 can be secretory expressed in Bacillus subtilis via a non-classical secretion pathway. To improve AiiO-AIO6 production, four intracellular protease-deletion mutants of B. subtilis 1A751 were constructed by individually knocking out the intracellular protease-encoding genes (tepA, ymfH, yrrN and ywpE). The AiiO-AIO6 expression plasmid pWB-AIO6BS was transformed into the B. subtilis 1A751 and its four intracellular protease-deletion derivatives. Results showed that all recombinant intracellular protease-deletion derivatives (BSΔtepA, BSΔymfH, BSΔyrrN and BSΔywpE) had a positive impact on AiiO-AIO6 production. The highest amount of AiiO-AIO6 extracellular production of BSΔywpE in shake flask reached 3530 U/mL, which was about 62% higher than that of the wild-type strain. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis of the degrading products of 3-oxo-C8-HSL by purification of AiiO-AIO6 indicated that AiiO-AIO6 was an AHL-lactonase which hydrolyzes the lactone ring of AHLs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AiiO-AIO6 was classified as a member of the α/β hydrolase family with a conserved “nucleophile-acid-histidine” catalytic triad. In summary, this study showed that intracellular proteases were responsible for the reduced yields of heterologous proteins and provided an efficient strategy to enhance the extracellular production of AHL lactonase AiiO-AIO6.
Risk factors and characteristics of patients with hospital-acquired influenza A: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Kui , Zhang Ni , Gao Chunchen , Qin Hongyan , Wang Anhui , Song Liqiang
Published: April 2020

Background: Nosocomial influenza A brings hospitalized patients additional cost of care and considerable mortality, but predictors for hospital-acquired influenza A at the early stage remained unidentified. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients vulnerable for hospital-acquired influenza A and identify its risk factors, which would help clinicians control nosocomial infection and ease the burden of treatment. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in hospitalized patients aged ≥ 18 years in a level A tertiary teaching hospital during the 2018-2019 influenza A season. Information of patients was retrieved from hospital-based medical records system. Hospital-acquired influenza A was defined as cases diagnosed 7 days or more after admission, who had no signs of viral respiratory infection on admission. The controls with no influenza infection were selected by the following criterion. Namely, patients were exposed to the same setting in the same period of time. We identified risk factors using conditional logistic regression and described characteristics of hospital-acquired influenza A through comparing the clinical data between influenza infected patients and controls. Results: Of 412 hospitalized patients with influenza A from all departments of the investigated hospital, 93 (22.6%) cases were classified as hospital-acquired influenza A. Older age (>65 years old) accounted for 34.4%. Hypertension (41.9%), coronary heart disease (21.5%) and cerebrovascular disease (20.4%) were the most common comorbidities. Before the infection of hospital-acquired influenza A, patients presented more lymphocytopenia (51.6% VS 35.5%, P=0.027), hypoalbuminemia (78.5% VS 57.0%, P=0.002) and pleural effusion (26.9% VS 9.7%, P=0.002) than matched controls. Notably, infected patients had a longer hospital stay [18(12-27.5) days VS 14(11-20) days, P=0.002], and higher mortality (10.8% VS 2.2%, P=0.017 ). Lymphocytopenia (OR: 3.107; 95% CI 1.238-7.796; P =0.016), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 2.241; 95% CI 1.099-4.570; P =0.027) and pleural effusion (OR: 3.094; 95% CI 1.263-7.583; P =0.014) were independently associated with hospital-acquired influenza A. Conclusions: Lymphocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and pleural effusion were independent risk factors that could help identify patients at high risk of hospital-acquired influenza A, which extended hospital stay and was associated with high mortality.
Effect of a Patient Education Strategy on Resident Self-Efficacy and Maternal Outcomes (EDUCATE Study)
Authors: Yanik Michelle , Pollack Andrea , Farrell Lia M. , Metro David G. , Sakai Tetsuro , Lim Grace
Published: April 2020

Background – Patient education improves treatment plan compliance and outcomes. For anesthesiology residents, patient communication is highlighted on the obstetric subspecialty rotation. However, the clinical effectiveness of patient education on patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) dose requirements is unknown. We hypothesized that patients receiving care by residents who are formally instructed on patient education for PCEA, will have lower total local anesthetic consumption and higher satisfaction. Methods – A prospective, interrupted time series design was chosen. Residents participated in one of two sessions at the beginning of their two-month obstetric anesthesia rotation: 1) Education (E): residents taught how to educate patients on PCEA, followed by instructor-resident practice implementing a “teach-back” method for patient comprehension; 2) Control (C): no formal instruction on PCEA. Confidence in patient education was assessed at baseline and at the rotation end. The first 15–30 patients cared for by each resident after initiating epidural labor analgesia and PCEA were followed. Patient-level data included: total local anesthetic dose during labor, comprehension of PCEA goals, and satisfaction with childbirth experience using a validated questionnaire. The primary outcome was total local anesthetic medication consumed during labor. Results – A total of 285 patients (118 cared for by residents in Group E, 167 cared for by residents in Group C) were included. Local anesthetic dose consumption was similar between groups (Group E: mean bupivacaine dose (mg), 96.4 ± 58.2 vs. Group C: 105.4 ± 64.1, P = 0.23). Patient comprehension for PCEA goals and patient satisfaction with their childbirth experience were similar between groups. Residents in group E felt more comfortable teaching PCEA to patients by the end of their rotation (Group E self-efficacy scores: pre-rotation, 45.7 ± 7.5 v. post-rotation, 88.0 ± 9.2, P = 0.002). Conclusions – A resident teaching intervention to improve skills in patient education for PCEA did not reduce drug consumption or improve patient satisfaction, but educated residents felt more comfortable teaching patients by the end of their rotation. Teaching methods for patient education that improve not only clinician self-efficacy, but also clinical outcomes at the patient level, should be identified.
Intermediate and long-term radiographic and functional outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and reverse oblique sigmoid notch
Authors: Huang Hui-Kuang , Lee Steve K. , Huang Yi-Chao , Yin Cheng-Yu , Chang Ming-Chau , Wang Jung-Pan
Published: April 2020

Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for the ulnar impaction syndrome. But there has been a concern of osteoarthritis developing in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) if we perform the USO in patients with reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study was to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with reverse oblique sigmoid notch.Methods: Between 2002 and 2013, we retrospectively reviewed our patients with reverse oblique sigmoid notch underwent USO in treating the ulnar impaction syndrome. We evaluated the radiographic changes in the DRUJ and their functional outcomes.Results: We enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age at operation of 49.6 years and mean follow-up of 93.2 months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of sigmoid notch, from an average of reverse oblique 14.9o preoperatively to a more parallel of 5.1o at the final follow-ups. The functional results at the final follow-ups were good with the mean VAS for pain of 0.3 at rest and 1.4 during activity, QuickDASH of 16.5, and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.4. There were 7 wrists (31.8%) noted to have osteoarthritic change, but they did not exhibit significantly worse function, except supination motion, pain during activity, and grip strength.Conclusions For the patients with reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, the inclination angle would have a tendency to become more parallel and some would develop the osteoarthritic change in the DRUJ, but the functional outcomes could still be good in the intermediate and long-term. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination seems not to be an absolute contraindication for USO.
The Cytokines, Exhaled Nitric Oxide are Risk Factors in Preterm Infants for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Zhenjie , Wu Wuchen , Hou Lian , Jiang Jingjing , Li Yunwei , Wan Weilin , Li Zhenghong
Published: April 2020

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most frequently complication of extreme preterm infants. Multiple clinical factors and inflammatory markers have all been associated with BPD. Therefore, this study targeted to detect cytokines and fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) to evaluate their mechanism and possible predicted significance for BPD.
Methods

Preterm infants born at gestational age ≤ 32 weeks were recruited between January 2018 and October 2019. The clinical data of infant characteristics and maternal characteristics were collected. Our study detected a total of ten cytokines include IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α on day 1–3, day 7–14, and day 21–28 after birth via Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) technology. FeNO levels were measured when the infants met discharge criteria.
Results

A total of 46 preterm infants were enrolled in this study, including 14 infants in BPD group and 32 infants in control group. The gestational age 【(27.5 ± 1.3) vs. (29.9 ± 1.3) weeks】and birth weight【(1021 ± 261)g vs. (1489 ± 357)g】of BPD group were lower than those of control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age < 30 weeks, birth weight < 1000 g, PDA, longer mechanical ventilation and invasive ventilation duration were high risk factors for BPD. The cytokines of IL-6, IL-8 on day 7–14 and IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α on day 21–28 were also the high risk factors for BPD. Other risk factors for BPD included elevated Eosnophils on day 21–28 and FeNO.
Conclusion

The preterm infants with PDA, prolonged mechanical ventilation tended to develop BPD. The FeNO, Eosnophils, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α were high risk factors for BPD. Our study speculate that NO was related to BPD though Th2-cell-mediatedinflammatory responses such as IL-4. The cytokines may provide a certain predictive value for the occurrence of BPD.
A retrospective analysis of incident pregnancy in Phase 1 and 2a HIV-1 vaccine study participants does not support concern for adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes
Authors: Stranix-Chibanda Lynda , Yu Chenchen , Isaacs Margaret Brewinski , Allen Mary , Andriesen Jessica , Walsh Stephen Roberts
Published: April 2020

Background: Pregnancies occur during HIV-1 vaccine clinical trials, despite requirements for women of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. Deployment of an effective HIV-1 vaccine regimen will likely target adolescents and young adults and therefore safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to be addressed. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cross-protocol analysis to identify and compare pregnancy outcomes reported in 53 Phase 1 and Phase 2a HIV-1 vaccine clinical trials conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN). Results: 2673 women of reproductive potential were identified and 193 pregnancies were reported. 39 of 53 (74%) studies had at least one pregnancy reported with an overall pregnancy rate of 3.15 per 100 woman-years (w-yr). While active contraception use was required during study participation, 13 of the 53 studies also contained a long-term follow up period during which pregnancy was no longer discouraged. The pregnancy rate during main study participation was 3.09 per 100 w-yr, while pregnancies occurred at a slightly greater rate in the long-term follow up period (3.22 per 100 w-yr). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were reported at similar rates between vaccinees and placebo recipients when vaccine vectors, adjuvant used, or geographic region were examined. Conclusion: Although there is considerable heterogeneity amongst the different vaccine trials, there appears to be no obvious indication of increased risk of adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes in these early phase HIV-1 vaccine studies. More complete data on pregnancy outcomes should be collected in a systematic fashion in early phase HIV-1 vaccine clinical trials to better inform subsequent efficacy trials.
MiR-125b is a Potential Protector of Arteriosclerosis Occlusive: Restricting the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Decreasing the Level of AAMP and SRF.
Authors: Wang Xiaogao , Chen Shiyuan , Gao Yong , Yu Chaowen , Nie Zhonglin , Sun Yong , Tang Wenbo , Guan Zeyu
Published: April 2020

Arteriosclerosis occlusive (ASO) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis (AS), and it is one of the main causes of lower limb ischemic necrosis in the elderly. Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells is one of the main causes of ASO, but the mechanism is unclear. MiR-125b is a tumor suppressor, which can inhibit the proliferation and migration in various kinds of tumors. At the same time, we find miR-125b is the most obviously down-regulated microRNA in ASO. Therefore, we explore the role of miR-125b in ASO. This study shows that up-regulated miR-125b inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through CCK8 assay and Brdu assay. Meantime, the up-regulation of miR-125b restricts the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells through trans-well assay and wound healing assay. Furthermore, this study finds that up-regulated miR-125b inhibits the expression level of angio-associated migratory cell protein (AAMP) and serum response factor (SRF), which may be an important way for miR-125b to regulate the proliferation and metastasis of smooth muscle cells.
Should We Still Do Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty following Rotational Atherectomy in Drug-Eluting Stent Era?
Authors: Dong Haojian , Hachinohe Daisuke , Zhiqiang Nie , Kashima Yoshifumi , Luo Jianfang , Haraguchi Takuya , Shitan Hidemasa , Watanabe Tomohiko , Tadano Yutaka , Kaneko Umihiko , Sugie Takuro , Kobayashi Ken , Kanno Daitaro , Enomoto Morio , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: April 2020

Background

Drug-eluting stent (DES) is well known effective in severely calcified lesion after rotational atherectomy (ROTA). However, there are still some situations when metal stents should be avoided and plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) emerges as the preferred option. The aim of present study is to explore that whether POBA is comparably effective to DES in large and calcified coronary pretreated by ROTA in clinical outcomes.
Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated for severely calcified lesions in large (≥ 3 mm) coronary using ROTA + DES or ROTA + POBA was performed. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including all cause/cardiac death and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1- and 2-year post-treatment, were compared between groups, with Cox regression analyses to identify independent predictors of TLR and MACE.
Results

The analysis included 285 cases in the ROTA + DES and 47 in the ROTA + POBA group, while no relevant between-group differences in clinical baseline characteristics were found. Of note, lesion length was greater in the ROTA + DES group (37.2 mm versus 19.3 mm, p < 0.001), with 8.4% lesions being chronic total occlusion in this group, but none in the ROTA + POBA group. The in-hospital/30-day mortality rate (5.3%, DES, and 6.4%, POBA), as well as the 12- and 24-month all-cause/cardiac mortality rate (9.3% and 7.7%, respectively) were not significantly different between groups. TLR rates were not significantly different between groups at 12-month (4.6%, DES, and 4.3%, POBA) and 24-month (5.3%, DES and 6.4%, POBA) respectively.
Conclusions

Outcomes were comparable for ROTA + DES and + POBA in severely calcified large coronary arteries intervention, with respect to mid-term death or TLR rate, especially for short lesion < 20 mm.
Promoting Healthy Weight for All Young Children: A Mixed Methods Study of Child and Family Health Nurses’ Perceptions of Barriers and How to Overcome Them.
Authors: Cheng Heilok , Eames-Brown Rosslyn , Tutt Alison , Laws Rachel , Blight Victoria , McKenzie Anne , Rossiter Chris , Campbell Karen , Sim Kyra , Fowler Cathrine , Seabury Rochelle , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early intervention to help parents adopt best practice for infant feeding and physical activity is critical for maintaining healthy weight. Australian governments provide universal free primary healthcare from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) to support families with children aged up to five years and to provide evidence-based advice to parents. This paper aims to examine factors influencing the child obesity prevention practices of CFHNs and to identify opportunities to support them in promoting healthy infant growth.Methods: This mixed methods study used a survey (n = 90) and semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with CFHNs working in two local health districts in Sydney, Australia. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview transcripts were coded and analysed iteratively. Survey and interview questions examined how CFHNs addressed healthy infant feeding practices, healthy eating, active play and limiting sedentary behaviour during routine consultations; factors influencing such practices; and how CFHNs could be best supported.Results: CFHNs frequently advised parents on breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, and techniques for settling infants. They spent less time providing advice on evidence-based formula feeding practices or encouraging physical activity in young children. Although nurses frequently weighed and measured children, they did not always use growth charts to identify those at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Nurses identified several barriers to promoting healthy weight gain in infants and young children, including limited parental recognition of overweight in their children or motivation to change diet or lifestyle; socioeconomic factors (such as the cost of healthy food); and beliefs and attitudes about infant weight and the importance of breastfeeding and physical activity amongst parents and family members.Conclusions: CFHNs require further education and support for their role in promoting optimal child growth and development, especially training in behaviour change techniques to increase parents’ understanding of healthy infant weight gain. Parent information resources should be accessible and address cultural diversity. Resources should highlight the health effects of childhood overweight and obesity and emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, appropriate formula feeding, suitable first foods, responsiveness to infant feeding cues, active play and limiting screen time.
Serum microRNA-204 Levels are Associated with Long-Term Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Using Framingham Risk Score in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results From an Observational Study
Authors: Wang Rui , Ding Yaodong , Pei Yuqiang , Zhao Yingxin , Liu Xiaoli , Shen Hua , Zhang Shuo , Yu Lei , Ge Hailong
Published: April 2020

Background: The basic studies have demonstrated that microRNA-204 (miRNA-204) was involved in the process of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. However, the value of miRNA-204 as a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between circulating miRNA-204 level and the 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score, Framingham risk score (FRS).Method: The subjects consecutively enrolled 194 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without cardiovascular disease at Anzhen Hospital from January 2015 to September 2016. We used the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Circulating miRNA-204 levels were measured by quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Result: The circulating miRNA-204 levels were significantly lower in high risk group of CVD (FRS > 20%) of patients (0.49 ± 0.13) compared with that in low risk group (FRS < 10%) and intermediate risk group (FRS = 10%-20%) (0.87 ± 0.19, 0.75 ± 0.25, Respectively, p < 0.001). FRS was negatively correlated with miR-204 levels (r=-0.421, p < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic analyses, miRNA-204 levels were still significantly and independently associated with the high risk of CVD after adjusting the conventional risk factor. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis also showed that circulating miRNA-204 level can predict the high risk of CVD, and the specificity was higher than traditional risk factors SBP and protective factor HDL-C of CVD.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that patients with lower circulating miRNA-204 levels were at a high risk for the progression of CVD. After adjustment for potential confounders, miRNA-204 was independently associated with CVD in patients with T2DM.
Rich production media as a platform for CHO cell line development
Authors: Kim Yong Jae , Han Sang Kyul , Yoon Seongtae , Kim Chan-Wha
Published: April 2020

Recent cell culture media for mammalian cells can be abundantly formulated with nutrients supporting production, but such media can be limited to use in host cell culture, transfection, cell cloning, and cell growth under the low cell density conditions. In many cases, appropriate platform media are used for cell line development, and then replaced with rich media for production. In this study, we demonstrate rich chemically defined media for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that are suitable as basal media both for cell line development and for final production of culture process. Set up for transfection, semi-solid media optimization, mini-pool screening, and single cell cloning media development were performed, and final clones were obtained with higher productivity in fed-batch culture mode using rich formulated media comparing with lean formulated media. Developed methods may remove the requirements for cell adaptation to production media after cell line development, and relieve the clonality issues associated with changing the culture media. Furthermore, established methods have advantages over traditional approaches, including saving resources and decreasing the time and the effort required to optimize the production process.
Rapid structure based identification of potential Covid-19 main protease inhibitors
Authors: Sobhia M. Elizabeth , Kumar Siva , Sivangula Srikanth , Ghosh Ketan , Haokip T. , Gibson J.
Published: April 2020

“India fights Corona”, proclaims the media. ‘Stay home’, ‘social distancing’, ‘lock down’ are the phrases ringing in every home. The Corona pandemic has drawn the attention of many scientists to fight against the virus. We report herein, a set of newly identified molecules which can presumably act as potential inhibitors of Covid-19 main protease. A fast mode approach using a combinatorial structure based strategy which includes high throughput virtual screening, molecular docking, water map calculations and data base search was applied to identify these molecules. The PDB structures, 5R82, 6Y2G were used as the basis for this study. Data bases viz., Enamine, Drug Bank, Natural product, Specs and few antiviral drugs were used for screening. Water map analysis yielded insights into the design of more potential molecules. Considering the need of the hour, this study may help in the discovery and development of anti-viral drugs against Covid-19.
Impact of Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm on the interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Wyrzykowski Michał , Siminiak Natalia , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Ruchała Marek , Czepczyński Rafał
Published: April 2020

Background. Q.Clear is a new Bayesian penalised-likelihood PET reconstruction algorithm. It has been documented that Q.Clear increases SUVmax values of different malignant lesions. Purpose. As SUVmax values are crucial for interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma, particularly when early and final response to treatment is evaluated, aim of the study was to systematically analyze the impact of the use of Q.Clear on interpretation of PET/CT in patients with lymphoma. Methods. 280 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in patients with lymphoma performed for staging (sPET), for early treatment response (iPET), after the end of treatment (ePET) and when a lymphoma relapse was suspected (rPET) were retrospectively analyzed. Scans separately reconstructed with two algorithms: Q.Clear and OSEM were compared. Results. The lymphoma stage was concordantly diagnosed in 69/70 patients with both algorithms in sPET. Discordant assessment of Deauville score (p < 0.001) was found in 11 cases (15.7%) of 70 iPET scans and in 11 cases of 70 ePET scans. An upgrade from negative to positive scan by Q.Clear resulted in case of 3 (4.3%) iPET scans and 7 (10.0%) ePET scans that resulted in alteration of management. Results of all 70 r-PET scans were concordant. SUVmax values of the target lymphoma lesions measured with Q.Clear were higher than with OSEM in 88.8% scans. Conclusion. Although the Q.Clear algorithm may alter interpretation of PET/CT only in a small proportion of patients, we recommend to use standard OSEM reconstruction for assessment of treatment response.
Impacts and Lessons Learnt From Local Production of WHO-Recommended Alcohol Based Hand Rub During Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Authors: Fred Tusabe , Otita Morgan , Kesande Maureen , Fred Twinomugisha
Published: April 2020

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health and other partners have promoted hand washing and hand rubbing using ABHS as one of the key preventive measures against person-to-person spread of the Covid-19 virus. The people of Uganda have greatly heeded to these messages and as a result, the demand for ABHS has increased because of high consumption rates.Methods: A district multi modal design was established in 2019 in Kabarole and Kasese districts in Western Uganda Part of the strategy was to set up an ABHS production units. The prevailing COVID-19 outbreak has instigated set up at centrally located Kasangati HCIV. We analysed the demand and production of ABHS produced before and during the COVID-19 outbreak.Objective: To establish the impacts and lessons from local Production of WHO-recommended alcohol based hand rub during Covid-19 PandemicResults: 2060 litres were produced in Fort Portal in March 2020 around the time Uganda registered her first case of COVID-19 compared to monthly average production of 141 litres before the outbreak. In Kasese around 3020 litres were produced compared to the average 1500litres while 2000 litres produced in Kasangati HCIV a newly set production unit and a total of 8 people trained on Local production of ABHS.Conclusion; With high demand for ABHS during this pandemic, prices for commercial hand sanitizers have escalated, therefore, there is need to roll out local production of ABHS in other parts of the country since its saves more than 45% of the costs compared to commercial Hand Sanitizer. The production units should be embedded in Regional Referral Hospitals or IPC guidelines to major health facilities for the benefit of healthcare workers and patients who are at risk of the pandemic.
Intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Kumar V A Kiran , Kiran N A Sai , Kumari Girija , Pal Ranabir , Reddy V Umamaheswar , Agrawal Amit
Published: April 2020

The objective of the present study was to study the utility and the effectiveness of intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgical procedures and to assess the outcome.Material and MethodsIn this prospective study, operative procedures by a single surgeon under intraoperative ultrasound localization for basal ganglia/thalamic haematoma or traumatic brain contusions or brain tumours were included. Ultrasound scanning of the brain was performed before and after the excision of the lesion and during the procedure to verify the extent of removal of the lesion.Results74 patients underwent surgery for brain tumor/basal ganglia bleed/head injury with hemorrhagic contusion with the help of intraoperative ultrasound. Gross tumor resection was noted in 25 out of 36 cases of brain tumors (69.44%), complete evacuation of hematoma was noted in 14 out of 34 cases(41.2%) of basal ganglia bleed and in 2 out of 4 cases (50%) of intracerebral contusion. As per Modified Rankin scale (MRS)score, among the brain tumor cases, all patients had fared well in recovery and had better MRS scores except in one patient who expired during postoperative period.ConclusionsIoUS is a widely accessible, cheap, portable and less space occupying and reliable imaging tool to follow and modify the surgical plan in real time, and is more accurate and helpful in complete tumor resection, evacuation of intracerebral bleeds and contusions, and biopsy of deep seated lesions. It is easy and safe to handle with no risk of radiation.
Characterization of a Monanema nematode in Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Tokarz Rafal , Tagliafierro Teresa , Lipkin W. Ian , Marques Adriana R
Published: April 2020

Background Metagenomic studies have revealed the presence of a filarial nematode in Ixodes scapularis. The phylogeny of this agent, and its potential for human infection, are unknown.Methods We used existing metagenomic data from I. scapularis to determine the phylogeny of this tick-associated nematode and employed quantitative PCR to determine if the presence of this agent had an effect on the burden of Borrelia burgdorferi. We also developed a Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System assay using the Av33 antigen as a target to investigate the presence of antibodies against this nematode in 128 serum specimens from patients with Lyme disease and babesiosis. To demonstrate assay utility, we used 15 sera from patients with onchocerciasis as controls.Results We show that this agent is a new species in the genus Monanema and its presence in vector ticks does not impact the burden of B. burgdorferi. We did not detect IgG antibodies to this agent in 127 of 128 sera from patients with Lyme disease or babesiosis. One sample had reactivity above the threshold, but at the low-level equivalent to the least reactive onchocerciasis sera. This low positive signal could be a result of cross-reacting antibodies, antibodies from a previous infection with a filarial nematode, or, less likely, a exposure to the Ixodes scapularis-associated nematode.Conclusions We found no evidence that this nematode contributes to the spectrum of human tick-borne infections.