bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of carbon-polluted white dwarfs at low effective temperatures
Authors: Blouin Simon , Dufour Patrick
Published: October 2019

Taking advantage of the Gaia Data Release 2, recent studies have revisited the evolution of carbon-polluted white dwarfs (DQs) across a large range of effective temperatures. These analyses have clearly confirmed the existence of two distinct DQ evolutionary sequences: one with normal-mass white dwarfs and one with heavily polluted and generally more massive objects. The first sequence is thought to result from the dredge-up of carbon from the core, while the second could at least partially be made of descendants of hot DQs. However, the evolution of carbon-polluted white dwarfs below 6500 K remains unexplored, mainly due to the theoretical difficulties associated with modelling their dense atmospheres. In this work, we present a detailed star-by-star analysis of cool carbon-polluted white dwarfs. Our recently improved atmosphere models allow us to obtain good fits to most objects, including very cool DQpec white dwarfs with strongly shifted C2 molecular bands. We show that cool carbon-polluted white dwarfs keep following the two distinct evolutionary tracks previously identified at higher temperatures. We also find that most DQ white dwarfs transform into DQpec when their photospheric densities exceed ${\approx}0.15\, {\textrm{g\,cm}}^{-3}$. However, we identify stars for which the DQ→DQpec transition occurs at lower photospheric densities, possibly due to the presence of a strong magnetic field.
Gravitational waves from supernova mass loss and natal kicks in close binaries
Authors: Holgado A Miguel , Ricker Paul M
Published: October 2019

Some fraction of compact binaries that merge within a Hubble time may have formed from two massive stars in isolation. For this isolated-binary formation channel, binaries need to survive two supernova (SN) explosions in addition to surviving common-envelope evolution. For the SN explosions, both the mass loss and natal kicks change the orbital characteristics, producing either a bound or unbound binary. We show that gravitational waves (GWs) may be produced not only from the core-collapse SN process, but also from the SN mass loss and SN natal kick during the pre-SN to post-SN binary transition. We model the dynamical evolution of a binary at the time of the second SN explosion with an equation of motion that accounts for the finite time-scales of the SN mass loss and the SN natal kick. From the dynamical evolution of the binary, we calculate the GW burst signals associated with the SN natal kicks. We find that such GW bursts may be of interest to future mid-band GW detectors like DECIGO. We also find that the energy radiated away from the GWs emitted due to the SN mass loss and natal kick may be a significant fraction, ${\gtrsim }10{\,{\rm {per\, cent}}}$, of the post-SN binary’s orbital energy. For unbound post-SN binaries, the energy radiated away in GWs tends to be higher than that of bound binaries.
Automatic detection and extraction algorithm of coronal loops based on match filter and oriented directivity
Authors: Zhiming Song , Xiaoli Yan , Zhongquan Qu , Hong-Bo Li
Published: October 2019

In this paper, an efficient algorithm is developed to automatically detect and extract coronal loops. First of all, in the algorithm, three characteristics associated with coronal loops are used to construct a match filter able to enhance the loops. Secondly, the method combining a high-pass filter (unsharp-mask enhancement) with a global threshold is used to further enhance and segment the loops. Thirdly, to extract every individual coronal loop and obtain their parameters (the 2D projected space coordinates and lengths) from the segmented loops, a clustering method of the pixels with approximate local direction and connected domain is further used. Fourthly, to evaluate the performance of the developed algorithm, images observed by the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE), the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the High-Resolution Coronal Imager (Hi-C) are used, and comparison experiments between the existing algorithms and the developed algorithm are performed. Finally, it is found that the developed algorithm is commensurate with the two most promising algorithms, oriented coronal curved loop tracing (OCCULT) and its improved version, OCCULT-2, in performance. Therefore, for scientific applications associated with coronal loops, the developed algorithm will be a powerful tool.
Deep learning predictions of galaxy merger stage and the importance of observational realism
Authors: Bottrell Connor , Hani Maan H , Teimoorinia Hossen , Ellison Sara L , Moreno Jorge , Torrey Paul , Hayward Christopher C , Thorp Mallory , Simard Luc , Hernquist Lars
Published: October 2019

Machine learning is becoming a popular tool to quantify galaxy morphologies and identify mergers. However, this technique relies on using an appropriate set of training data to be successful. By combining hydrodynamical simulations, synthetic observations, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), we quantitatively assess how realistic simulated galaxy images must be in order to reliably classify mergers. Specifically, we compare the performance of CNNs trained with two types of galaxy images, stellar maps and dust-inclusive radiatively transferred images, each with three levels of observational realism: (1) no observational effects (idealized images), (2) realistic sky and point spread function (semirealistic images), and (3) insertion into a real sky image (fully realistic images). We find that networks trained on either idealized or semireal images have poor performance when applied to survey-realistic images. In contrast, networks trained on fully realistic images achieve 87.1 per cent classification performance. Importantly, the level of realism in the training images is much more important than whether the images included radiative transfer, or simply used the stellar maps ($87.1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ compared to $79.6{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ accuracy, respectively). Therefore, one can avoid the large computational and storage cost of running radiative transfer with a relatively modest compromise in classification performance. Making photometry-based networks insensitive to colour incurs a very mild penalty to performance with survey-realistic data ($86.0{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ with r-only compared to $87.1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ with gri). This result demonstrates that while colour can be exploited by colour-sensitive networks, it is not necessary to achieve high accuracy and so can be avoided if desired. We provide the public release of our statistical observational realism suite, RealSim, as a companion to this paper.
Flybys in protoplanetary discs – II. Observational signatures
Authors: Cuello Nicolás , Louvet Fabien , Mentiplay Daniel , Pinte Christophe , Price Daniel J , Winter Andrew J , Nealon Rebecca , Ménard François , Lodato Giuseppe , Dipierro Giovanni , Christiaens Valentin , Montesinos Matías , Cuadra Jorge , Laibe Guillaume , Cieza Lucas , Dong Ruobing , Alexander Richard
Published: October 2019

Tidal encounters in star clusters perturb discs around young protostars. In Cuello et al., we detailed the dynamical signatures of a stellar flyby in both gas and dust. Flybys produce warped discs, spirals with evolving pitch angles, increasing accretion rates, and disc truncation. Here, we present the corresponding observational signatures of these features in optical/near-infrared scattered light and (sub) millimetre continuum and CO line emission. Using representative prograde and retrograde encounters for direct comparison, we post-process hydrodynamical simulations with radiative transfer methods to generate a catalogue of multiwavelength observations. This provides a reference to identify flybys in recent near-infrared and submillimetre observations (e.g. RW Aur, AS 205, HV Tau and DO Tau, FU Ori, V2775 Ori, and Z CMa).
The 3D reconstructed skin micronucleus assay: considerations for optimal protocol design
Authors: Kidd Darren , Phillips Sarah , Chirom Teresa , Mason Nicky , Smith Robert , Saul Jim , Whitwell James , Clements Julie
Published: October 2019

Implementation of the seventh amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive has driven much research into suitable in vitro alternative assays to support satisfactory risk assessments. One such assay is the reconstructed skin micronucleus (RSMN) assay. First reported in 2006, further development occurred and a standard protocol was published in 2011. To evaluate and optimise the assay at Covance Laboratories, we tested nine chemicals [4-nitrophenol (4-NP), cyclohexanone (CH), 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (2-EHD), methyl methansulfonate (MMS), mitomycin C (MMC), ethyl nitrosourea (ENU), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), cyclophosphamide (CPA) and vinblastine (VIN)] using the EpiDerm™ 3D skin model (MatTek Corporation®, IVLSL, Bratislava, Slovakia) and compared the data using the standard 48-h treatment regimen and also an emerging 72-h treatment protocol. The EpiDerm™ tissue has reportedly some metabolic capacity but data using 48-h treatments has provided mixed results. Our investigations demonstrate that the two chemicals requiring metabolic activation (BaP and CPA) were negative following the 48-h protocol but were clearly positive following 72-h treatment. Furthermore, Replication Index (RI) data showed higher RI values in vehicle control treatments (indicating increased cell division) across the treatment set following 72-h treatments. A general greater magnitude of micronucleus (MN) induction was also observed following test chemical treatment. These data suggest that the 72-h treatment protocol is more suitable as a standard approach for the detection of clastogenic, aneugenic and metabolically activated chemicals in the RSMN assay. For further assay optimisation, we compare the statistical power of scoring cells from duplicate or triplicate cultures per treatment concentration and provide recommendations.
DrugCombDB: a comprehensive database of drug combinations toward the discovery of combinatorial therapy
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Wenhao , Zou Bo , Wang Jinxian , Deng Yuanyuan , Deng Lei
Published: October 2019

Drug combinations have demonstrated high efficacy and low adverse side effects compared to single drug administration in cancer therapies and thus have drawn intensive attention from researchers and pharmaceutical enterprises. Due to the rapid development of high-throughput screening (HTS), the number of drug combination datasets available has increased tremendously in recent years. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive database that is crucial to both experimental and computational screening of synergistic drug combinations. In this paper, we present DrugCombDB, a comprehensive database devoted to the curation of drug combinations from various data sources: (i) HTS assays of drug combinations; (ii) manual curations from the literature; and (iii) FDA Orange Book and external databases. Specifically, DrugCombDB includes 448 555 drug combinations derived from HTS assays, covering 2887 unique drugs and 124 human cancer cell lines. In particular, DrugCombDB has more than 6000 000 quantitative dose responses from which we computed multiple synergy scores to determine the overall synergistic or antagonistic effects of drug combinations. In addition to the combinations extracted from existing databases, we manually curated 457 drug combinations from thousands of PubMed publications. To benefit the further experimental validation and development of computational models, multiple datasets that are ready to train prediction models for classification and regression analysis were constructed and other significant related data were gathered. A website with a user-friendly graphical visualization has been developed for users to access the wealth of data and download prebuilt datasets. Our database is available at http://drugcombdb.denglab.org/.
Strategies for in vitro engineering of the translation machinery
Authors: Hammerling Michael J , Krüger Antje , Jewett Michael C
Published: October 2019

Engineering the process of molecular translation, or protein biosynthesis, has emerged as a major opportunity in synthetic and chemical biology to generate novel biological insights and enable new applications (e.g. designer protein therapeutics). Here, we review methods for engineering the process of translation in vitro. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the two major strategies—purified and extract-based systems—and how they may be used to manipulate and study translation. Techniques to engineer each component of the translation machinery are covered in turn, including transfer RNAs, translation factors, and the ribosome. Finally, future directions and enabling technological advances for the field are discussed.
G-quadruplex structures trigger RNA phase separation
Authors: Zhang Yueying , Yang Minglei , Duncan Susan , Yang Xiaofei , Abdelhamid Mahmoud A S , Huang Lin , Zhang Huakun , Benfey Philip N , Waller Zoë A E , Ding Yiliang
Published: October 2019

Liquid–liquid phase separation plays an important role in a variety of cellular processes, including the formation of membrane-less organelles, the cytoskeleton, signalling complexes, and many other biological supramolecular assemblies. Studies on the molecular basis of phase separation in cells have focused on protein-driven phase separation. In contrast, there is limited understanding on how RNA specifically contributes to phase separation. Here, we described a phase-separation-like phenomenon that SHORT ROOT (SHR) RNA undergoes in cells. We found that an RNA G-quadruplex (GQ) forms in SHR mRNA and is capable of triggering RNA phase separation under physiological conditions, suggesting that GQs might be responsible for the formation of the SHR phase-separation-like phenomenon in vivo. We also found the extent of GQ-triggered-phase-separation increases on exposure to conditions which promote GQ. Furthermore, GQs with more G-quartets and longer loops are more likely to form phase separation. Our studies provide the first evidence that RNA can adopt structural motifs to trigger and/or maintain the specificity of RNA-driven phase separation.
FoldamerDB: a database of peptidic foldamers
Authors: Nizami Bilal , Bereczki-Szakál Dorottya , Varró Nikolett , el Battioui Kamal , Nagaraj Vignesh U , Szigyártó Imola Cs , Mándity István , Beke-Somfai Tamás
Published: October 2019

Foldamers are non-natural oligomers that mimic the structural behaviour of natural peptides, proteins and nucleotides by folding into a well-defined 3D conformation in solution. Since their first description about two decades ago, numerous studies have been undertaken dealing with the design, synthesis, characterization and application of foldamers. They have huge application potential as antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-HIV agents and in materials science. Despite their importance, there is no publicly available web resource providing comprehensive information on these compounds. Here we describe FoldamerDB, an open-source, fully annotated and manually curated database of peptidic foldamers. FoldamerDB holds the information about the sequence, structure and biological activities of the foldamer entries. It contains the information on over 1319 species and 1018 activities, collected from more than 160 research papers. The web-interface is designed to be clutter-free, user-friendly and it is compatible with devices of different screen sizes. The interface allows the user to search the database, browse and filter the foldamers using multiple criteria. It also offers a detailed help page to assist new users. FoldamerDB is hoped to bridge the gap in the freely available web-based resources on foldamers and will be of interest to diverse groups of scientists from chemists to biologists. The database can be accessed at http://foldamerdb.ttk.hu/.
Prevalence and correlates of physical activity across kidney disease stages: an observational multicentre study
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas J , Clarke Amy L , Nixon Daniel G D , Hull Katherine L , Song Yan , Burton James O , Yates Thomas , Smith Alice C
Published: October 2019

Background

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) report high levels of physical inactivity, a major modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Understanding the biological, psychosocial and demographic causes of physical activity behaviour is essential for the development and improvement of potential health interventions and promotional initiatives. This study investigated the prevalence of physical inactivity and determined individual correlates of this behaviour in a large sample of patients across the spectrum of kidney disease.

Methods

A total of 5656 people across all stages of CKD (1–2, 3, 4–5, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant recipients) were recruited from 17 sites in England from July 2012 to October 2018. Physical activity was evaluated using the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, self-efficacy and stage of change were also assessed. Binominal generalized linear mutually adjusted models were conducted to explore the associations between physical activity and correlate variables. This cross-sectional observational multi-centre study was registered retrospectively as ISRCTN87066351 (October 2015).

Results

The prevalence of physical activity (6–34%) was low and worsened with disease progression. Being older, female and having a greater number of comorbidities were associated with greater odds of being physically inactive. Higher haemoglobin, cardiorespiratory fitness and self-efficacy levels were associated with increased odds of being active. Neither ethnicity nor smoking history had any effect on physical activity.

Conclusions

Levels of physical inactivity are high across all stages of CKD. The identification of stage-specific correlates of physical activity may help to prioritize factors in target groups of kidney patients and improve the development and improvement of public health interventions.
The Relationship of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jesse Mary
Published: October 2019

Background:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting neurotoxic effect of chemotherapy that affects many survivors. Obesity is also known to have a negative effect on neuropathy. This review aimed to determine what relationship, if any, obesity might have with the incidence and severity of CIPN.

Methods:

Electronic databases PubMed, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Ovid, and EBSCO were systematically searched from January 2008 to March 2019. All types of studies, data collections, and review articles were included in the adult population.

Results:

Twelve articles describing relationships between overweight/obesity and presence of CIPN were included in the review. Associations between body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), and sarcopenic obesity and CIPN incidence and severity were described in patients who had received taxane therapy, platinum compound therapy, or bortezomib. Eleven of the 12 studies indicated an increased incidence of CIPN with higher BMI or BSA or sarcopenic obesity, and the 2 studies that analyzed severity of symptoms found an increase in those who were overweight/obese.

Limitations:

The number of studies specifically analyzing the relationship between overweight/obesity is limited. Also limiting comparison between studies is the categorization of obesity and the methods used to define CIPN.

Conclusions:

Overall, being overweight or obese would put one at a higher risk for development of CIPN. Clinicians should encourage healthy lifestyles to help decrease or control symptoms and/or limit dose reductions of chemotherapy. Further research regarding changes in severity of CIPN with weight loss or gain is needed.
Women’s Representation Among Members and Leaders of National Medical Specialty Societies
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Means Olivia , Lautenberger Diana , Jones Rochelle D. , Griffith Kent A. , Flotte Terence R. , Gordon Lynn K. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Wagner Lori W. , Chatterjee Archana
Published: October 2019

Purpose

National medical specialty societies speak for their respective fields in policy debates, influence research, affect trainees’ specialization decisions, provide career development opportunities, and confer awards and recognitions. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the gender demographics of society members and leaders.

Method

In 2016, the Group on Women in Medicine and Science (of the Association of American Medical Colleges) sought to characterize the gender of members and leaders of specialty societies from 2000 to 2015. This report provides descriptive data, including how many of the responding societies (representing each of 30 major medical specialties) had substantial (> 10%) increases in women’s representation among leadership between the first and second halves of the study period.

Results

The average proportion of full members who were female in responding societies was 25.4% in 2005 and 29.3% in 2015. The proportion of women among those serving as the highest-ranking elected leader between 2000 and 2015 in each specialty ranged from 0% to 37.5% (mean, 15.8%). The mean proportion of women on governing boards ranged from 0% to 37.3% (mean of means, 18.8%) in 2000–2007 and from 0% to 47.6% (mean of means, 25.2%) in 2008–2015. In 9 specialties, the mean percentage of women serving on governing boards increased by over 10% from the first to the second half of the study period.

Conclusions

Although many women are full members of specialty societies, women still constitute a minority of leaders. This report establishes a baseline from which to evaluate the effect of societies’ efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Modified Method to Increase the Volume and Stability of Bleomycin Foam: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Han-Shu , Chen An-Wei , Zhang Fan , Liu Shao-Hua
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Bleomycin foam is an effective sclerotherapy method for venous malformations. The preparation method is rather complicated, and the volume and stability of the foam are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To modify the currently used method for preparing bleomycin foam, to simplify the preparation procedure, and to produce foam with greater volume and increased stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiment 1: 6.0 IU of bleomycin powder was dissolved in different human serum albumin (HSA):saline solution (SS) ratios of 0.5:1.5, 0.75:1.25, 1:1, 1.25:0.75, 1.5:0.5, 1.75:0.25, and 2:0 in volume; then, an air:liquid ratio of 2:1 was used to create foam using the Tessari method. Experiment 2: 6.0 IU of bleomycin was dissolved directly in 2.0 mL of HSA; then, air:liquid ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 were used to create foam using the Tessari method. The optimum proportions of HSA:SS and air:liquid were screened by comparing the foam half-life (FHL).

RESULTS

Experiment 1: the optimum proportion of HSA:SS was 2:0, and the FHL was 7.5 minutes. Experiment 2: the optimum proportion of air:liquid was 3:1, and the FHL was 9.0 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The modified method is simpler and could produce more stable bleomycin foam with greater volume.
Regulator of G-protein signaling 5 protein protects against anxiety- and depression-like behavior
Authors: D'Souza Manoranjan S. , Guisinger Trevor C. , Norman Haval , Seeley Sarah L. , Chrissobolis Sophocles
Published: October 2019

Anxiety and depression are a major health burden. Angiotensin II, via activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated brain oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to these emotional abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the role of a regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) protein, which regulates AT1R activity, in angiotensin II-induced brain oxidative stress, inflammation and anxiety-, and depression-like behavior. We hypothesized that deletion of the RGS5 protein would worsen angiotensin II-induced anxiety- and depression-like behavior, cerebral vascular oxidative stress, and brain inflammation. Adult male wild-type and RGS5-deficient mice were implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering either vehicle (saline) or angiotensin II (1 mg/kg/d) for three weeks. Subsequently, mice were tested for locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior (using the elevated plus maze), and depression-like behavior (using the tail suspension test). After behavioral testing, brain tissue was collected to assess oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins. RGS5 deletion resulted in anxiety-like but not depression-like behavior when compared to wild-type mice. Combined deletion of RGS5 and angiotensin II treatment did not further worsen anxiety-like behavior observed in RGS5-deficient mice. In contrast, depression-like behavior was worsened in RGS5-deficient mice treated with angiotensin II. Interestingly, RGS5 deficiency and angiotensin II treatment had no effect on cerebral vascular oxidative stress, or on expression of the inflammatory marker vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the brain. RGS5 deficiency was also associated with decreased blood pressure and an enhanced pressor response to angiotensin II. These data suggest that RGS5 protects against anxiety-like behavior and against angiotensin II-induced depression-like behavior.
Does It Work for Everyone? The Effect of the Take a Stand! Sitting-Intervention in Subgroups Defined by Socio-Demographic, Health-Related, Work-Related, and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Danquah Ida H. , Tolstrup Janne S.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Take a Stand! was a multicomponent workplace-based intervention reducing sitting among office-workers. This study tested whether the effect of Take a Stand! differed across subgroups.

Methods:

A cluster-randomized controlled trial with objectively measured sitting-time as primary outcome evaluated Take a Stand! Main analysis was reanalyzed in strata defined by four levels of preselected factors: socio-demographic (eg, sex); health-related (eg, smoking); work-related (eg, workhours); and psychosocial (eg, motivation to change sitting).

Results:

No notable differences in the effect were observed: across all assessed subgroups sitting time was ∼60 minutes less after 1 month and ∼40 minutes less after 3 months in intervention as compared with control group.

Conclusion:

There was no differential effect of Take a Stand! indicating that the intervention was effective in all groups. This knowledge is advantageous when disseminating similar interventions to different populations of office workers.
Effectiveness and safety of perampanel in adults with mesial temporal epilepsy
Authors: Lin Chih-Yin , Lim Siew-Na , Chiangn Hsing-I , Cheng Mei-Yun , Chang Chun-Wei , Tseng Wei-En Johnny , Hsieh Hsiang-Yao , Li Han-Tao , Wu Tony
Published: October 2019

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a common epilepsy syndrome often refractory to antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) as add-on treatment for patients of MTLE.

We pooled retrospective data from adult patients with MTLE, from a tertiary center in Taiwan, who were prescribed PER between March 2016 and December 2016. The retention, responder, and seizure-free rate as well as the treatment emergent adverse events were assessed after 6 months of PER adjunctive treatment in this single-center postmarketing study.

Review of medical records revealed that adequate data were available for 44 patients who were being administered PER (mean age: 42.0 ± 13.3 years, 24 females; baseline mean seizure frequency: 5.4 per 28 days). Twelve patients exhibited hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Open-label PER was added to ongoing medications. Twelve patients withdrew because of ineffectiveness (n = 6) or adverse effects (n = 6). The retention rate was 72.7% at 6 months. On final evaluation, with a mean PER dose of 5.7 mg/day for 6 months, a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 46.9% of the patients, and 5 patients became seizure-free. The effectiveness was similar for patients with or without HS. Twenty-three patients (52.3%) experienced adverse effects. The most common adverse effects were dizziness, ataxia, and irritability.

Our results suggest that PER, at doses of 2 to 12 mg/day, reduces seizure frequency effectively with acceptable safety profiles for adults with MTLE.
T3 versus T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Chen Sui , Zhang Peipei , Chai Tianci , Shen Zhimin , Kang Mingqiang , Lin Jiangbo
Published: October 2019

Background:

Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common sympathetic disorder that reduces patient’ quality of life. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VTS) is a popular and effective treatment for PH. However, there is substantial controversy about the treatment of PH with VTS at the T3 or T4 level. We will compare the quality metrics of VTS at T3 versus T4 to determine the optimal level for VTS.

Methods:

We will search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cancerlit, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Google Scholar databases for relevant clinical trials published in any language before March 31, 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, propensity score-matched comparative studies, and prospective cohort studies of interest, published or unpublished, that meet the inclusion criteria will be included. Subgroup analysis of the type of operation, sex of patient, and ethnicity of patient will be performed.

Results:

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions:

The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the development of optimal treatment strategies for patients with PH. Owing to the characteristics of disease and intervention methods, randomized controlled trials may not be sufficient. We will include high-quality nonrandomized controlled trials, but this may lead to high heterogeneity and may affect the reliability of the results.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42018116607.
Tibial plateau fracture related to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lu Chao , Ye Guozhu , Liu Wengang , Wu Huai , Wu Gaoyi , Chen Jin
Published: October 2019

Rationale:

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective method to treat single compartment disease of the knee joint. Report about the complications of UKA, especially tibial plateau fractures, is rare. Given its rarity, its pathogenesis is not well described, and a standard of treatment is still not established. Therefore, relevant studies and analysis of this complication have a significant effect on helping physicians avoid risks and guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Patient concerns:

The 1st case corresponds to a 70-year-old male patient who complained of knee pain, difficulty walking, nocturnal rest pain, and elevated skin temperature at 3 weeks after the left knee arthroplasty. The second case is a 72-year-old female patient who complained of left knee pain and swelling during movement at 2 weeks after the left knee arthroplasty.

Diagnosis:

The 1st case showed a fracture of the medial malleolus of the left knee and a secondary depression of the medial tibial plateau in X-rays and the second case showed a fracture of the medial malleolus of the left knee in computed tomography (CT) and X-rays.

Interventions:

The 1st case was treated with plate and screw fixation and the second case was treated conservatively and immobilized using brace and remained nonweight bearing for 6 weeks.

Outcomes:

After 1 year, both patients have good joint activity, and there was no pain or loosening of the prosthesis and fragment displacement.

Lessons:

The incidence of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) related to UKA might be low, but fatal and difficult to treat. Its pathogenesis determines procedure-related factors; when fracture develops, treatment should be based on the degree of displacement, stability of implant fixation, etc.
What is the best management option for non-significant residual shunt after device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect
Authors: Shao Shuran , Luo Chunyan , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wang Chuan
Published: October 2019

Rationale:

Non-significant residual shunt is a relatively common complication after device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (Pm-VSD). Lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended in guidelines to avoid infectious endocarditis (IE) if residual shunt remains. Clinicians, however, rarely follow it in their practice and regular follow-up was the most common option since post-procedure IE after transcatheter closure of PmVSD is rarely reported. We firstly described a case of IE after transcatheter closure of PmVSD with modified symmetrical double-disk device with a residual shunt, highlighting the need for reassessing the prognostic implications of post-procedure non-significant residual shunt and the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Patient concerns:

A 3-year old female received transcatheter closure of PmVSD sized 5.0 mm on left ventricular angiography with an 8-mm modified symmetric double-disk occluder (SHAMA) owing to a history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Post-procedure echocardiography documented a non-significant residual shunt, but no additional interventions were performed. Two months post procedure, the child was re-admitted into our department with a complaint of persistent fever up to 41°C for 11 days and nonresponse to 1-week course of amoxicillin.

Diagnoses:

The diagnosis of post procedure IE was established since a vegetation (13 × 9 mm) was found to be attached to the tricuspid valve and the occluder, and Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from all three-blood cultures.

Interventions:

After 6 weeks of vancomycin treatment, the vegetation disappeared with no sign of valvular dysfunction. Three weeks after discharge, a second device was implanted to abolish persistent residual flow.

Outcomes:

Unfortunately, the child was ultimately transferred to surgical department due to severe hemolysis after the second device implantation. The occluders were removed and the VSD was closed with a pericardial patch. Tricuspid valvuloplasty was also performed and the following course was uneventful.

Lessons:

For non-significant residual shunt after device closure of PmVSD, implantation of a second device or surgical repair may be a better and more satisfactory alternative compared with lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis or no interventions, since associated IE can indeed occur despite its rarity and the risk of antibiotic-associated adverse events may outweigh the benefits.
Effects of qiming granule for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Hu Zhipeng , Yang Maoyi , Xie Chunguang , Gao Hong , Fu Xiaoxu , Xie Hongyan , Liu Ya
Published: October 2019

Background:

Diabetic macular edema is a further complication of diabetes. It is an important type of diabetic eye disease and the main cause of blindness of diabetic patients. Qiming granule is a Chinese patent medicine widely used in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. There are some reports about this medicine for macular edema. At present, there is only 1 systematic review on qiming granule in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. However, there are many defects in this article, so it is necessary to re-summarize and evaluate the existing evidence.

Methods and analysis:

Three English database and 4 Chinese databases other sources will be searched. Two methodological trained researchers will read the title, abstract and full texts, and independently select the qualified literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After assessment of the risk of bias and data extraction, we will conduct meta-analyses for outcomes including central macular thickness, optimum corrected vision, overall effect rates, and adverse effects. The heterogeneity of data will be investigated by Cochrane χ
2 and I

2
tests. We build 3 hypotheses for subgroup analysis according to the guidance for a credible subgroup effect: Disease status at baseline, duration of intervention, type of concomitant medication. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to evaluate the stability of the results. Then publication bias assessment will be conducted by funnel plot analysis and Egger test. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluate system to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results:

The results of our research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

In our study, the evidence of qiming granule in the treatment of macular edema was comprehensively summarized and carefully evaluated. It will provide more options for clinical treatment of the disease.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42018108626.
Identification of genes related to mental disorders by text mining
Authors: Wu Ying , Dang Meilin , Li Hongxia , Jin Xing , Yang Wenxiao
Published: October 2019

Mental disorders are important diseases with a high prevalence rate in the general population. Common mental disorders are complex diseases with high heritability, and their pathogenesis is the result of interactions between genetic and environmental factors. However, the relationship between mental disorders and genes is complex and difficult to evaluate. Additionally, some mental disorders involve numerous genes, and a single gene can also be associated with different types of mental disorders.

This study used text mining (including word frequency analysis, cluster analysis, and association analysis) of the PubMed database to identify genes related to mental disorders.

Word frequency analysis revealed 52 high-frequency genes important in studies of mental disorders. Cluster analysis showed that 5-HTT, SLC6A4, and MAOA are common genetic factors in most mental disorders; the intra-group genes in each cluster were highly correlated. Some mental disorders may have common genetic factors; for example, there may be common genetic factors between ‘Affective Disorders’ and ‘Schizophrenia.’ Association analysis revealed 35 frequent itemsets and 25 association rules, indicating close associations among genes. The results of association rules showed that CCK, MAOA, and 5-HTT are the most closely related.

We used text mining technology to analyze genes related to mental disorders to further summarize and clarify the relationships between mental disorders and genes as well as identify potential relationships, providing a foundation for future experiments. The results of the associative analysis also provide a reference for multi-gene studies of mental disorders.
Risk factors of cage subsidence after removal of localized heterotopic ossification by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Li ShaoQing , Zhang Hao , Shen Yong , Wu ZhanYong
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors of cage subsidence and evaluate surgical outcome by at least 12 months postoperative follow-up.

We retrospectively investigated 113 consecutive patients who underwent anterior surgery to relieve spine cord compression resulted from localized heterotopic ossification, from July, 2011 to February, 2016. We divided the patients into 2 groups: cage subsidence <2 mm group and ≥2 mm group. According to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the severity of increased signal intensity (ISI) was classified into grade 0, 1, and 2. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system. Logistic regression analysis and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve were utilized for predicting risk factors of cage subsidence, and the recovery rate was evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis test or Mann–Whitney U test.

Logistic regression with cage subsidence as the dependent variable showed independent risks associated with a cervical sagittal malalignment (odds ratio [OR] 11.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.595–35.064, P < .001), thoracic 1 (T1) slope angle (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.259–1.945, P < .001), and excisional thickness (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.163–4.888.0, P = .018). The cut-off values of T1 slope and excisional thickness were 19.65 angle and 3.7 mm, respectively. Patients with high occupying ratio (P = .001) and high ISI grade (P = .012) are more likely to occur lower recovery rate.

Patients with high T1 slope angle or preoperative kyphotic deformity should avoid excessive removal of endplate and vertebral body so as to reduce the occurrence of cage subsidence. Poor outcome was closely related to cervical sagittal malalignment and higher ISI grade.
Are parents’ statements reliable for diagnosis of serious bacterial infection among children with fever without an apparent source?
Authors: Lee Ha Ni , Kwak Young Ho , Jung Jae Yun , Lee Se Uk , Park Joong Wan , Kim Do Kyun
Published: October 2019

Serious bacterial infection (SBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Distinguishing SBI from self-limiting viral infections is a very important task in the emergency department (ED), especially in the children with fever without source (FWS). The aim of this study was to analyze whether parents’ statements about clinical manifestations, which were categorized according to grades, are related to the actual diagnosis of SBI in children with FWS.

Retrospective analysis was conducted using prospectively acquired cohort data for all febrile children in the pediatric ED of Seoul National University Hospital from August 2016 to August 2017. The association of clinical manifestations and SBI was the main outcome of this study. The SBIs included diagnoses such as bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia. Clinical manifestations including activity, urination, and feeding were categorized into 3 or 4 grades according to the parents’ statements. The linear-by-linear association test was used to examine linear associations between the severity of clinical manifestations and SBI. Receiver operating characteristic curves for clinical manifestations were constructed for patients with SBI. Area under the curve (AUC) statistics and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained to evaluate the predictive performance of clinical manifestations.

There was no linear association between SBI and non-SBI when compared by severity of the clinical manifestations, such as duration of fever (P = .299), activity (P = .781), feeding (P = .161), and urination (P = .834). The AUC was 0.54 (95% CI 0.41–0.67) for duration of fever, 0.52 for activity (95% CI 0.40–0.64), 0.42 for feeding (95% CI 0.32–0.53), and 0.51 for urination (95% CI 0.39–0.62).

There was no evidence that the test performance of the clinical manifestations is valid for predicting SBIs, even considering the severity of manifestations. For optimal evaluation of the children with FWS, more comprehensive approach including laboratory tests, are needed.
Acupuncture vs sham acupuncture for simple obesity
Authors: Zhong Yu-Mei , Lai De-Li , Chen Yang , Luo Xiao-Chao , Lu Wen-Ting , Shang Ya-Nan , Zhang Lin-Lin , Zhou Hai-Yan
Published: October 2019

Background:

Obesity is a growing chronic health problem worldwide. Studies about acupuncture for obesity treatment are many. But there are some doubts about the effectiveness of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture in treating obesity due to its lack of an evidence-based medical proof. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for obesity treatment and provide clinic evidence.

Methods:

This protocol was based on the previous reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis agreements. Four English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and 4 Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wan-Fang Data) will be searched from their receptions to August 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture compared sham acupuncture (or no treatment) to treat simple obesity will be included. The primary outcome of body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW) will be used to measure the effect of acupuncture on obesity. According to the trial data extraction form based on the Cochrane Handbook, 2 reviewers will separately extract the data. Risk of bias of the RCTs will be assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Publication bias will be assessed with funnel plots.

Results:

This study will be to evaluate whether acupuncture is an effective intervention for simple obesity when compared with sham acupuncture.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will help clinicians provide effective treatment options for obese patients.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not required for systematic review and meta- analysis. The results of this review will be disseminated in a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019129825.
Serial analysis of cytokine and chemokine profiles and viral load in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Fujikawa Keita , Koga Tomohiro , Honda Takahide , Uchida Toshihisa , Okamoto Momoko , Endo Yushiro , Mihara Tomo , Kondo Akira , Shimada Satoshi , Hayasaka Daisuke , Morita Kouichi , Mizokami Akinari , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Rationale:

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a recently recognized fatal infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus, and severe cases are complicated by the presence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) associated with a cytokine storm. Herein, we report on serial changes of serum cytokine levels and viral load in a severe case of SFTS.

Patient concerns:

A 63-year-old Japanese woman presented with high-grade fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, impaired consciousness, leukocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Diagnosis:

SFTS was diagnosed based on a positive serum test for SFTS virus RNA and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings of encephalopathy.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with supportive therapy, including steroid pulse therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g/d for 3 days) for HLH and intravenous recombinant thrombomodulin 19200 U/d for 7 days for disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Outcomes:

Treatment for 7 days improved both symptoms and abnormal EEG findings, and SFTS virus RNA disappeared from the serum at day 10 from the onset of symptoms. The serum cytokines and chemokines analysis during the clinical course revealed 2 distinct phases: the acute phase and the recovery phase. The cytokines and chemokines elevated in the acute phase included interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ-induced protein-10, and fractalkine, while the IL-1β, IL-12p40, IL-17, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were higher in the recovery phase.

Conclusion:

These observations suggest that the cytokines and chemokines elevated in the acute phase may reflect the disease severity resulted in a cytokine storm, while those in the recovery phase may be attributed to T-cell activation and differentiation.