bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of CXCR7 Accelerates Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Huan Liu , Qian Cheng , sheng Xu Dong , Wen Wang , Zheng Fang , Dong Xue Dong , Ya Zheng , H Chang Alex , jun Lei Yan
Published: September 2020

Background: Under physiological conditions, CXCL12 modulates cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and migration mainly through CXCR4. Interestingly, the newly discovered receptor CXCR7 for CXCL12 is highly expressed in many tumor cells as well as tumor-associated blood vessels, although the level of CXCR7 in normal cells is low. Recently, many studies have suggested that CXCR7 promotes cell growth and metastasis in more than 20 human malignancies, among which lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Thus, the mechanism of CXCR7 in the progression of lung cancer is urgently needed.Methods: First, we explored CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression in human lung cancer specimens and cell lines by immunohistochemistry, western blot and flow cytometry. Then, we chose the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 that stably overexpressed CXCR7 through the way of lentivirus-mediated transduction. Next, “wound healing” assay and transwell assay were applied to compare the cell migration and invasion ability, and stripe assay was used to evaluate the cell polarization. Last, our team established a mouse xenograft model of human lung cancer and monitored tumor proliferation and metastasis by firefly luciferase bioluminescence imaging in SCID/Beige mice. Results: In clinical lung cancer samples, CXCR7 expression was almost not detected in normal tissue but upregulated in lung tumor tissue, whereas, CXCR4 was highly expressed in both normal and tumor tissues. Furthermore, overexpression of CXCR7 enhanced A549 cell migration and polarization in vitro. Besides, mouse xenograft model of human lung cancer showed that CXCR7 promoted primary lung tumor’s growth and metastasis to the second organ, such as liver or bone marrow in SCID/Beige mice in vivo.Conclusions: This study describes the multiple functions of CXCR7 in lung cancer. Thus, these results suggest that CXCR7 may be a malignancy marker and may provide a novel target for anticancer therapy.
Impact of temperature variability on childhood allergic rhinitis in a subtropical city of China
Authors: Wang Xu , Cheng Jian , Ling Li , Su Hong , Zhao Desheng , Ni Hong
Published: September 2020

Background: Many studies have shown an association of childhood respiratory diseases with short-term temperature variability such as diurnal temperature range (DTR) and temperature change between two neighboring days (TCN). However, the impact of temperature variability on allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been investigated so far. This study sought to evaluate the short-term effect of temperature variability (i.e., TCN and DTR) on AR, as well as to identify vulnerable subpopulations. Method: We collected daily data on emergency room visits and outpatients for AR and weather variables in Hefei, China during 2014-2016. A distributed lag non-linear model that controlled for long-term trend and seasonality, mean temperature, relative humidity, day of week was used to fit the associations of AR with DTR and TCN. Stratified analyses by age, sex and occupation were also performed. Results: During the study period, there were a total of 53538 cases and the average values of DTR and TCN were 8.4°C (range: 1.0°C to 21.2°C) and 0°C (range: -12.2°C to 5.9°C), respectively. While we did not observe an adverse effect of DTR on AR, TCN was significantly associated with increased risk of AR. Specifically, a large temperature drop between two adjacent days (3.8°C, 5th percentile of TCN) has a delayed and short-lasting effect on AR, with the estimated relative risk of 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.04) at lag 12. Moreover, boys and children older than 15 years seemed to be more vulnerable to the effect of TCN. Conclusions : This study provided evidence of an adverse effect of large temperature drops between two adjacent days on childhood AR. Attention paid to boys and older children may help prevent AR attacks.
CT, US and MRI of Xanthine Urinary Stones: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Analyses
Authors: Shamir Stephanie , Peng Qi , Schoenfeld Alan , Drzewiecki Beth , Liszewski Mark
Published: September 2020

Background: Xanthine urinary stones are a rare entity that may occur in patients with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome receiving allopurinol. There is little literature describing imaging characteristics of these stones, and the most appropriate approach to imaging these stones is therefore unclear. We performed in-vitro and in-vivo analyses of xanthine stones using computed tomography (CT) at different energy levels, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods: Five pure xanthine stones from a child with Lesch-Nyhan were imaged in-vitro and in-vivo. CT of the stones was performed at 80kVp, 100kVp, 120kVp and 140kVp and CT numbers of the stones were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). US of the stones was performed and echogenicity, acoustic shadowing and twinkle artifact were assessed. MRI of the stones was performed and included T2-weighted, ultrashort echo-time (UTE)-weighted and T2/T1-weighted 3D bFFE sequences and signal was assessed.Results: In-vitro analysis on CT demonstrated that xanthine stones were radiodense and the average attenuation coefficient did not differ with varying kVp, measuring 331.0+/-51.7HU at 80kVp, 321.4+/-63.4HU at 100kVp, 329.7+/-54.2HU at 120kVp and 328.4+/-61.1HU at 140kVp. In-vivo analysis on CT resulted in an average attenuation of 354+/-35HU. On US, xanthine stones where echogenic with acoustic shadowing and twinkle artifact. On MRI, stones lacked signal on all tested sequences.Conclusion: Xanthine stone analyses, both in-vitro and in-vivo, demonstrate imaging characteristics typical of most urinary stones: dense on CT, echogenic on US, and lacking signal on MRI. Therefore, the approach to imaging xanthine stones should be comparable to that of other urinary stones.
Pose estimation by extended Kalman filter using noise covariance matrices based on sensor output
Authors: SAITO AYUKO , Kizawa Satoru , Kobayashi Yoshikazu , Miyawaki Kazuto
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an extended Kalman filter for pose estimation using noise covariance matrices based on sensor output. Compact and lightweight nine-axis motion sensors are used for motion analysis in widely various fields such as medical welfare and sports. A nine-axis motion sensor includes a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis magnetometer. Information obtained from the three sensors is useful for estimating joint angles using the Kalman filter. The extended Kalman filter is used widely for state estimation because it can estimate the status with a small computational load. However, determining the process and observation noise covariance matrices in the extended Kalman filter is complicated. The noise covariance matrices in the extended Kalman filter were found for this study based on the sensor output. Postural change appears in the gyroscope output because the rotational motion of the joints produces human movement. Therefore, the process noise covariance matrix was determined based on the gyroscope output. An observation noise covariance matrix was determined based on the accelerometer and magnetometer output because the two sensors’ outputs were used as observation values. During a laboratory experiment, the lower limb joint angles of three participants were measured using an optical 3D motion analysis system and nine-axis motion sensors while participants were walking. The lower limb joint angles estimated using the extended Kalman filter with noise covariance matrices based on sensor output were generally consistent with results obtained from the optical 3D motion analysis system. Furthermore, the lower limb joint angles were measured using nine-axis motion sensors while participants were running in place for about 100 seconds. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for human pose estimation.
A gene-based risk score model for predicting recurrence-free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG WENHUA , WANG LINGCHEN , XIE XINSHENG , YAN YEHONG , LI YUE , LU QUQIN
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most frequent liver cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of primary liver cancers worldwide. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC patients is a critical factor in devising a personal treatment plan. Thus, it is necessary to accurately forecast the prognosis of HCC patients in clinical practice. MethodsUsing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, we identified genes associated with RFS. A robust likelihood-based survival modeling approach was used to select the best genes for the prognostic model. Then, the GSE76427 dataset was used to evaluate the prognostic model’s effectiveness. ResultsWe identified 1331 differentially expressed genes associated with RFS. Seven of these genes were selected to generate the prognostic model. The validation in both the TCGA cohort and GEO cohort demonstrated that the 7-gene prognostic model can predict the RFS of HCC patients. Meanwhile, the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the 7-gene risk score model could function as an independent prognostic factor. In addition, according to the time-dependent ROC curve, the 7-gene risk score model performed better in predicting the RFS of the training set and the external validation dataset than the classical TNM staging and BCLC. Furthermore, these seven genes were found to be related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer by exploring three other databases. ConclusionOur study identified a seven-gene signature for HCC RFS prediction that can be used as a novel and convenient prognostic tool. These seven genes might be potential target genes for metabolic therapy and the treatment of HCC.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm could be candidates for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a retrospective study.
Authors: Tanimoto Atsunori , Sugiyama Kazuhiro , Tanabe Maki , Kitagawa Kanta , Kawakami Ayumi , Hamabe Yuichi
Published: September 2020

Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a promising treatment for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of ECPR include patients with an initial shockable rhythm. However, the effectiveness of ECPR for patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm remains unknown. This retrospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ECPR for patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm, with reference to the outcomes of OHCA patients with an initial shockable rhythm. Methods Adult OHCA patients treated with ECPR at our center during 2011–2018 were included in the study. Patients were classified into the initial shockable rhythm group and the non-shockable rhythm group. The primary outcome was the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale score at hospital discharge. A CPC score of 1 or 2 was defined as a good outcome.Results In total, 186 patients were eligible. Among them, 124 had an initial shockable rhythm and 62 had an initial non-shockable rhythm. Among all patients, 158 (85%) were male, with a median age of 59 (interquartile range [IQR], 48–65) years, and the median low flow time was 41 (IQR, 33–48) min. Collapse was witnessed in 169 (91%) patients, and 36 (19%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) transiently. Proportion of female patients, presence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and collapse after the arrival of emergency medical service personnel were significantly higher in the non-shockable rhythm group. The rate of good outcomes at hospital discharge was not significantly different between the shockable and non-shockable groups (19% vs. 16%, p=0.69). Initial shockable rhythm was not significantly associated with good outcome after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.66–3.81, p=0.31). In the non-shockable group, patients with good outcomes had a higher rate of transient ROSC, and pulmonary embolism was the leading etiology.Conclusions The outcomes of patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm are comparable with those having an initial shockable rhythm. OHCA patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm could be candidates for ECPR, if they are presumed to have reversible etiology and potential for good neurological recovery.
HYPOfractionated Radiation Therapy comparing a standard radiotherapy schedule (over three weeks) with a novel one week schedule in Adjuvant breast cancer: An open-label randomised controlled study (HYPORT- Adjuvant): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized phase III trial.
Authors: Chatterjee Sanjoy , Chakraborty Santam , Group HYPORT Adjuvant Author
Published: September 2020

Background: Hypofractionated radiotherapy is the current standard for adjuvant radiotherapy across many centres. Further hypofractionation may be possible but remains to be investigated in non-caucasian populations with more advanced disease, with a higher proportion of patients requiring mastectomy as well as tumour bed boost. We are reporting the design of randomized controlled trial testing the hypothesis that a one week (5 fractions) regimen of radiotherapy will be non-inferior to a standard three week (15 fractions) schedule.Methods: We describe a multicenter, randomized controlled trial recruiting patients at large academic centres across India. Patients without distant metastases who merit adjuvant radiotherapy will be eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients in the control arm will receive adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall (with/without regional nodes) to a dose of 40 Gy / 15 fractions / 3 weeks, while those in the experimental arm will receive a dose of 26 Gy / 5 fractions / 1 week (to the same volume). Use of a simultaneous integrated boost (dose of 8 Gy and 6 Gy respectively) is allowed in patients who have undergone breast conservation. A sample size of 2100 patients provides an 80% power to detect a non-inferiority of 3% in the 5-year locoregional recurrence rate with a one-sided type I error of 2.5%, assuming that the locoregional recurrence rate in the control arm is 5% at 5 years (corresponding to a hazard ratio of 1.63). Patients will be recruited over a period of 5 years, and followed up for a further 5 years thereafter.Discussion: If a five-fraction regimen of breast cancer is proven to be non-inferior, this will result in a significant improvement in the access to radiotherapy, as well as reduced costs of treatment. The trial gives an opportunity to standardize and quality assure radiotherapy practices across the nation at the same time. Along with the results of the FAST Forward trial, the safety of this intervention in advanced node-positive disease requiring regional nodal radiation will be established.Trial Registration: The trial has been registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) vide registration number: CTRI/2018/12/016816 (31/12/2018) as well as the clinical trial.gov website at NCT03788213 (28/12/2018).
IL-4/IL-13 Remodeling Pathway of Covid-19 Lung Injury
Authors: Paula Caroline Busatta Vaz de , Azevedo Marina Luise Viola , Nagashima Seigo , Martins Ana Paula Camargo , Malaquias Mineia Alessandra Scaranello , Ribeiro Anna Flavia Miggiolaro , Júnior Jarbas da Silva Motta , Avelino Gibran , Carmo Leticia Arianne Panini do , Carstens Lucas Baena , Noronha Lucia de
Published: September 2020

Background: The COVID-19 fatality rate is high when compared to the H1N1pdm09 (pandemic Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype) rate, and although both cause an aggravated inflammatory response, the differences in the mechanisms of both pandemic pneumonias need clarification.Objective: To analyze tissue expression of interleukins 4, 13, (IL-4, IL-13), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and the number of M2 macrophages (Sphingosine-1) in patients who died by COVID-19, comparing with cases of severe pneumopathy caused by H1N1pdm09, and a control group without lung injury.Methods: Six lung biopsy samples of patients who died of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 group) were used and compared with ten lung samples of adults who died from a severe infection of H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group) and eleven samples of patients who died from different causes without lung injury (CONTROL group). The expression of IL-4, IL-13, TGF-β, and M2 macrophages score (Sphingosine-1) were identified through immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results and conclusion: Significantly higher IL-4 tissue expression and Sphingosine-1 in M2 macrophages was observed in the COVID-19 group when compared to both the H1N1 and the CONTROL groups. Different mechanism of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) in SARS-CoV-2 compared to H1N1pdm09 infections were observed. IL-4 expression and lung remodeling are phenomena observed in both SARS-COV-2 and H1N1pdm09. However, SARS-CoV-2 seems to promote lung damage through different mechanisms, such as the scarce participation Th1/Th17 response and the higher participation of the Th2. The understanding and management of the aggravated and ineffective immune response elicited by SARS-CoV-2 merits further clarification to improve treatments propose.
Dietary branched-chain amino acid assessment in broilers from 22 to 35 days of age
Authors: Kidd Michael T. , Poernama F. , Wibowo T. , Maynard C. W. , Liu S. Y.
Published: September 2020

Background: Valine and isoleucine are similar in chemical structure and their limitation in broiler chicken diets. To evaluate their limitation and interactive effects, multivariate assessment nutrition studies for the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are needed. A three level (-1, 0, +1), three-factor Box-Behnken design study was conducted to assess dietary BCAA ratios to lysine of 65, 75, and 85 for valine, 58, 66, and 74 for isoleucine, and 110, 130, and 150 for leucine in male and female Lohman Indian River broilers from 22 to 35 d of age.Results: Live performance of male broilers was not affected by BCAA level. However, male broilers fed increasing isoleucine had improved (P = 0.07) carcass yield as leucine and valine were reduced. Female broilers had improved body weight gain (P = 0.05) and feed conversion (P = 0.003) when leucine and isoleucine were at their lowest levels, independent of valine, but increasing leucine impaired live performance and warranted concomitant increases in isoleucine to restore responses. Increasing dietary isoleucine and valine in female broilers increased breast meat yield (P = 0.05), but increasing leucine tended to diminish the response.Conclusion: The female Lohman Indian River broiler is more sensitive to BCAA diet manipulation than males. Specifically, as dietary leucine is increased in female broilers, dietary isoleucine increases were needed to offset the negative effects. Both increases in dietary valine and isoleucine improved breast meat yield in female broilers, but only when birds were fed the lowest dietary leucine.
Dexmedetomidine versus midazolam on cough and recovery quality after partial and total laryngectomy – a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhu Yun , Lu Yi , Li Wen Xian , Jia Jie
Published: September 2020

Backgroundː During emergence from anesthesia after partial and total laryngectomy, excessive airway reflex and systemic hypertension may lead to subcutaneous emphysema, hemorrhage or pneumothorax.Methodsː American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status III and IV male adults undergoing elective laryngectomy were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine (group D) or midazolam (group M). The primary outcome was incidence and severity of cough. Pulse oximetry results (SpO2), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were also recorded. The visual analog scale and the Ramsay sedation scale were recorded at the points of wakefulness and departure from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Rescue analgesia consumption, the time of spontaneous breath recovery, duration of the PACU stay, and the incidence of adverse effects were also recorded.Resultsː The prevalence of no coughing was significantly higher in group D than in group M at the points of wakefulness and departure. HR, SBP, and DBP were significantly lower in group D compared with group M, and SpO2 was significantly higher in group D than in group M at the moment of laryngectomy. Pain scores were lower in group D than in group M. The Ramsay score at the point of wakefulness was higher in group D than in group M. There was no difference in time to spontaneous breathing recovery, duration of the PACU stay, and incidence of adverse effects.Conclusionsː Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine is an effective alternative to attenuate coughing and hemodynamic changes with a low incidence of adverse events during emergence from anesthesia after partial and total laryngectomy.Trial registration: NCT03918889, registered at clinicaltrials.gov, date of registration: March 28, 2019. Https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/DownloadReceipt?uid=U0003V5T&ts=3&sid=S0008S19&cx=haixch
The effects of hedgehog ligand neutralising antibody 5E1 in a mouse model of endometriosis
Authors: Cousins Fiona L , Farley Johanna K , Kerrigan Rebecca , Mukherjee Shayanti , Darzi Saeedeh , Gargett Caroline E , Deane James A
Published: September 2020

Objective: Endometriosis is a common and painful condition characterized by the formation of endometrial lesions within the peritoneal cavity. Previous studies have suggested a role for hedgehog signalling in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We investigated the role of hedgehog signalling in the establishment of endometriosis lesions using 5E1, a hedgehog ligand neutralising antibody, and a mouse model of endometriosis. To mimic the initiation of by endometriosis by retrograde menstruation, which is believed to occur in humans, donor mice underwent an artificial menstruation protocol. Fragments of menstrual endometrium were injected into the peritoneal cavity of estrogen primed recipients. Recipients received twice weekly injections of 5E1 or an isotype matched control antibody for three weeks. Lesions were collected and analysed for markers of epithelium, proliferation and apoptosis by immunofluorescence microscopy.Results: Treatment with 5E1, reduced the number of lesions found on the mesentery. No significant changes were found in the size of lesions, abundance of endometrial epithelial cells, proliferation or apoptosis.
Improving Diagnostic Ability and Confidence in Otoscopy Through a Supplementary Web Based Learning Platform: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Azman Mawaddah , Rajasingam Devyadarsshni , Mokhtar Rahmi Hidayati Mohammad Mursal , Hamzah Amir Thaqiff , Iskandarrani Izzatul Ismah , Roslan Ainur Atikah , Besar Mohd Nasri Awang
Published: September 2020

Background Otoscopy is an important clinical skill to master in the undergraduate medical curriculum. This study investigated the effect of a supplementary web-based learning platform in improving diagnostic ability and confidence in otoscopy among final year medical undergraduates in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).MethodsA supplementary otoscopy training using a web-based learning platform was introduced to final year medical undergraduates who have completed a three-week posting in otorhinolaryngology. A total of 45 subjects who participated in the learning platform were included in this prospective interventional study. All of them answered questionnaires on level of confidence (LC) and completed online questions on diagnostic ability (DA) at three different timelines during the study: prior to intervention (T1), after intervention (T2) and 4 months following the intervention (T3).ResultsLC scores were significantly higher across the timelines measured: T1 vs T2 vs T3 respectively (p<0.05). DA scores were significantly higher across the timelines measured: T1 vs T2 vs T3 respectively (p<0.05). Both LC and DA scores showed sustained improvements at 4 months post intervention across both external auditory canal and tympanic membrane anatomical subsites. ConclusionSubjects’ level of confidence in performing otoscopy and diagnostic ability showed sustained improvements at 4 months with this intervention. We conclude that supplementary otoscopy training using a web based learning platform complements the teaching and learning of otoscopy among final year medical undergraduates.
Study on the levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, somatostatin and inflammatory factors in patients with coronary artery disease complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Ye Lifang , Zhang Qinggang , Song Yingxiang , Wang Lihong
Published: September 2020

BackgroundTo evaluate the level and correlation of serum neuropeptide cakiNnin gene-elated peptide (CORP), somatostatin (SS) and inflammatory factors (CRP, TNF-o, MCP-1 and sICAM-1) in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), to explore the mechanism of diabetic patients prone to complicated CAD.MethodsPatients were divided into three groups according to corcmary angiography results and whether there was a history of type 2 diabetes: control group (no CAD or DM; n 58), CAD group (stable CAD without DM; n 68) and DM+CAD group (stable CAD+DM; n =66). The age, sex ratio and body mass index (BMI) of the three groups were balanced, and the indexes of serum CORP, SS and inflammatory factors (CRP, TNE-a, IL-113, MCP-1 and sICAM-1) were measured by ELASA method. The relationship between serum CORP, SS and inflammatory factors (CRP, TNE-¢,11,-1), MCP-1 and sICAM-1) were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis, and the risk factors f CAD were analysed by binary logistic regression model.ResultsThere were significant differences between neuropeptides (CORP, SS) and inflammatory factors (CRP, TNT', IL-I, MCP-1 and sICAM-1) in the th©© groups. Compared with the control group and the CAD group, CGRP and SS were decreased (P < 0.05), and inflammatory factors were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the DMTCAD group. CGRP and SS were negatively correlated with inflammatory factors. Logistic regression model showed that CORP, SS, 11-10 and MCP-1 were independent risk factors for CAD (P <0.05). ConclusionCompared with the control group and the CAD group, patients in the DMTCAD group had less CGRP and SS but more inflammatory factors. Moreover, the inflammabry factors were negatively correlated with neuropeptides, and neuropeptides and some inflammatory factors are independent risk factors for CAD. This suggests that the TRPV1 injury in the sensory nerve endings and the reduction of neuropeptides release in type 2 diabetic patients may increase the risk of CAD. The mechanism may include that these neuropeptides may inhibit the inflammatory response to some extend
Nomogram of Umbilical, Mean Cerebral and Uterine Arteries Resistive Index at 28 – 40 Weeks of Gestation in Cameroonian Population: A Pilot Study
Authors: MOIFO Boniface , TENE Ulrich Gael , NJOMATCHOUA Carine , TAPOUH Jean Roger MOULIOM , FOUMANE Pascal
Published: September 2020

Background: Mother and fetal Doppler ultrasound during pregnancy is an established and safe tool for quantitative analysis of the utero-placental and the fetoplacental blood flow and seems to be affected by Ethnic hetérogenicity. Objective. To establish normative data for the resistive index of Uterine arteries, Umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery of Cameroonian pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy using multiples of the median and percentile reference range.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 93 low risk singleton gestation women aged above 18 years between 28 and 39 weeks of gestation in two hospitals in Cameroon during 7 months. We seek for resistive index (RI) of both left and right uterine arteries (LUt and RUt), Umbilical artery (UmA) and Middle cerebral artery (MCA). We also estimated the gestational age (GA), the mother age, the fetal weight (EFW) and the cerebro – placental ration (CPR).Pearson's correlation analysis of the relationship between these RI and selected maternal parameters was done. Regression modeling across gestational age was performed to obtain the reference values and normogram curve with values ranged at 5 and 95th percentiles. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. The mean GA and EFW was 33.5 +/- 2.92 weeks (médian of 34) and 2337.5 +/- 734 g respectively. The means RI value of target vessels were 0.55 +/- 0.077; 0.76 +/- 0.071 ; 0.48 +/- 0.077 and 0.46 +/-0.087 for UmA, McA, RUt and LUt with extremes values of des 0.38 to 0.77 ; 0.49 to 0.87; 0.30 to 0.70 and 0.29 to 0.69 respectively. Only UmA RI and CPR values had shown correlations with GA (r= - 0.338, p≤0.01 and r=0.314; p≤0.001) and EFW (r=-0.445, p≤0.001 and r=0.234; p = 0.02). No difference between LUt and RUt RI values was found. The nomogram curve for UmA, McA, RUt and LUt value revealed a general low RI values of in our sample.Conclusions. Fetal Doppler should carefully interpreted according to general low RI values during low risk singleton pregnancy shown by this study. The generated 5and 95th percentiles RI values curves for each target vessel could be useful in that way.Trial registration:N°431/UY1/FMSB/VDRC/CSD du 24 mai 2017 by the Institutional Review Board at the faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of University of Yaoundé 1.
Impact of isolated high home systolic blood pressure on diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 5-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Kitagawa Nobuko , KITAGAWA NORIYUKI , Ushigome Emi , Ushigome Hidetaka , Yokota Isao , Hamaguchi Masahide , Asano Mai , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: September 2020

Background
A previous 2-year cohort study has shown that isolated high home systolic blood pressure (IH-HSBP) may increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy. However, this association has not been previously assessed over medium to long term.
Methods
This prospective 5-year cohort study of 424 patients with normoalbuminuria investigated the effect of IH-HSBP on the risk of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic nephropathy was defined as advancement from normoalbuminuira to micro- or macroalbuminuria.
Results
Among 424 patients, 75 developed diabetic nephropathy during the study period. Adjusted odds ratio of developing diabetic nephropathy because of IH-HSBP was 2.39 (95% confidence interval 1.15–4.96, p = 0.02). Sex; body mass index; duration of diabetes mellitus; and levels of hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, creatinine; and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors were included in the model as covariates.
Conclusions
IH-HSBP was associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with normoalbuminuria over medium to long term. These findings suggest that IH-HSBP might be a useful marker in disease prognostication.
Serum Anjiogenesis Factors of Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 Levels in Clinically Isolated Syndrome and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Dönder Ahmet , ÖZDEMİR Hasan Hüseyin , ASLANHAN Hamza
Published: September 2020

Background: Several of the molecular constituent factors in the pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins which have to be receptors for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of angiogenesis factors. The role of angiogenesis factors of Neuropilin-1 and 2 in the pathology of MS is unknown. Methods: We aimed to investigate levels of serum Neuropilin-1 and 2 in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), and Clinically Isolated Syndrome Patients (CIS) and to investigate a correlation with, age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and relationship with immunomodulatory therapy. Serum Neuropilin-1 and 2 concentrations of 46 RRMS patients and 28 CIS patients and 45 healthy control group were analyzed. Clinical status was evaulated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: Neuropilin-1 and 2 concentrations matched for immumodulatuar treatment, age and sex at a group level.Neuropilin levels were found to be significantly higher in the CIS and RRMS patient’s groups compared with the control group (p˂0,001). No statistically significant difference was found between groups; age, immunmodulatuar treatment, EDSS and gender. Conclusions: Neuropilin-1 and 2 levels have been shown to increase in RRMS and CIS patients. Neuropilins, one of the factors of angiogenesis, may be effective in pathophysiology since the first period of the disease.
Impact of Previous Abdominal Surgery on Robotic-assisted Rectal Surgery in Patients With Rectal Cancer Undergoing Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Huang Ching-Wen , Su Wei-Chih , Chang Tsung-Kun , Ma Cheng-Jen , Yin Tzu-Chieh , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Chen Po-Jung , Chen Yen-Cheng , Li Ching-Chun , Hsieh Yi-Chien , Wang Jaw Yuan
Published: September 2020

Background: The application of minimally invasive surgery in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and a history of previous abdominal surgery (PAS) remains controversial. This retrospective study with propensity score matching (PSM) investigated the impact of PAS on robotic-assisted rectal surgery outcomes in patients with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: In total, 203 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative CCRT and robotic-assisted rectal surgery between May 2013 and December 2019 were enrolled. Patients were categorized into PAS and non-PAS groups based on the PAS history. The PSM caliper matching method with 1-to-3 match was used to match PAS patients with non-PAS.Results: Of the 203 enrolled patients, 35 were PAS patients 168 were non-PAS patients. After PSM, 32 PAS patients and 96 non-PAS patients were included for analysis. No significant between-group differences were noted in the perioperative outcomes, including median console time [165 min (PAS) vs 175 min (noon-PAS), P = 0.4542)] and median operation time [275 min (PAS) vs 290 min (non-PAS), P = 0.5943)] after PSM. Postoperative recovery and overall complication rates were also similar (all P > 0.05). Moreover, the between-group differences in pathological or short-term oncological outcomes were also nonsignificant (all P > 0.05). No 30-day postoperative deaths were observed in either group.Conclusion: The current results indicate that robotic-assisted surgery is safe and feasible for PAS patients with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative CCRT. However, future prospective randomized clinical trials are required to verify these findings.
Intensity of Glycemic Exposure in Early Adulthood and Target Organ Damage in Middle Age: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Lin Yifen , Zhong Xiangbin , Xiong Zhenyu , Zhang Shaozhao , Liu Menghui , Fan Yongqiang , Huang Yiquan , Sun Xiuting , Zhou Huimin , Xu Xingfeng , Guo Yue , Li Yuqi , Yang Daya , Ye Xiaomin , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue
Published: September 2020

Background
To determine whether long-term intensity of glycemic exposure (IGE) during young adulthood is associated with multiple target organs function at midlife independent of single fasting glucose (FG) measurement.
Methods
We included 2,859 participants, aged 18–30 years at Y0, in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. IGE was calculated as the sum of (average FG of two consecutive examinations × years between the examinations) over 25 years. Target organs function was indicated by cardiac structure, left ventricular (LV) systolic function, LV diastolic function, coronary artery calcium (CAC) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) at Y25. We evaluated the associations between IGE with target organs function using linear regression models and estimated the associations between IGE with numbers of organs involved (0, 1, or ≥ 2 organs) using multinomial logistic regression models.
Results
A 1-SD increment of IGE was significantly associated with worse target organs function after multivariable adjustment: left ventricular mass (β [SE], 5.468 [1.175]); global longitudinal strain (β [SE], 0.161 [0.071]); E/e’ ratio (β[SE], 0.192 [0.071]); CAC score (β [SE], 27.948 [6.116]) and log UACR (β [SE], 0.076 [0.010]). Besides, IGE was independently associated with having ≥ 2 organs involved in both overall population (OR [95% CI], 1.48 [1.23, 1.41], p < 0.001) and subgroups stratified by diabetes at Y25.
Conclusions
Higher intensity of glycemic exposure during young adulthood was independently associated with subclinical alterations of target organs function at midlife. Our findings highlight the importance of early screening and management of IGE in youth.
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways in SARS-CoV-2 Infection using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Jiang Chenhao , Zhang Xuxuan , Zhang Yingna , Ren Yan , Gao Xiangting
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that causes fatal disorders including severe pneumonia. Our study aimed to utilize bioinformatics method to analyze the expression profiling by high throughput sequencing in human bronchial organoids/primary human airway epithelial infected with SARS-CoV-2 to identify the potentially crucial genes and pathways associated with COVID-19.Methods: We analyzed microarray datasets GSE153970 and GSE150819 derived from the GEO database. Firstly, the Differentially expressed genes （DEGs） in human bronchial organoids/primary human airway epithelial infected with SARS-CoV-2. Next, the DEGs were used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Then, the PPI network was constructed and Cytoscape was used to find the key genes.Results: Gene expression profiles of GSE153970 and GSE150819, in all 12 samples were analyzed. A total of 145 DEGs and 5 hub genes were identified in SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, we found that the 145 genes are associated with immune responses and the top 5 hub genes including CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL20, and CSF2 were mainly related to leukocyte migration, endoplasmic reticulum lumen, receptor ligand activity. In addition, the results also showed that the hub genes were associated with Cytokine−cytokine receptor interaction, IL−17 signaling pathway, and Rheumatoid arthritis in SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: The five crucial genes consisting of CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL20, and CSF2 were considered as hub genes of SARS-CoV-2, which may be used as diagnostic biomarkers or molecular targets for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. It is evidenced that bioinformatics analyses in SARS-CoV-2 can be useful for understanding the underlying molecular mechanism and exploring effective therapeutic targets.
Abnormal Eye Movements in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Lin Junyu , Zhang Lingyu , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Xu Xinran , Liu Kuncheng , Gu Xiaojing , Shang Huifang
Published: September 2020

Background: Abnormal eye movements are common in spinocerebellar ataxias Type 3 (SCA3). We conducted the research to explore the frequency of abnormal eye movements in Chinese patients with SCA3, to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics between SCA3 patients with and without each type of abnormal eye movement, and to explore the correlation between abnormal eye movements and the severity of ataxia.Methods: Seventy-four patients with SCA3 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Six types of abnormal eye movements including impaired smooth pursuit, increased square-wave jerks (SWJ), gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy were evaluated by experienced neurologists. The severity of ataxia was evaluated by Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Results: The prevalence of impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, GEN, slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy in Chinese SCA3 patients was 28.4%, 13.5%, 78.4%, 41.9%, 23.0%, and 5.4%, respectively. SCA3 patients with GEN had higher scores of International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS-IV) and total ICARS, and longer length of CAG repeat than patients without GEN. SCA3 patients with slowing of saccades had a longer disease duration, higher scores of ICARS-I, ICARS-II, total ICARS and SARA than patients without slowing of saccades. SCA3 patients with saccadic hypo/hypermetria had higher scores of ICARS-III, ICARS-IV, and SARA than patients without saccadic hypo/hypermetria. The demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between SCA3 patients with and without impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, or supranuclear gaze palsy. Multivariate linear regression showed that the number of abnormal eye movements (0-6), disease duration, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HDRS-24) score, and CAG repeat length were positively correlated with SARA score, whereas Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was negatively correlated with SARA score in SCA3. Conclusions: An increased number of abnormal eye movement types correlated with the severity of ataxia in SCA3.
Regular Feedback on the Inter-Hospital Transfer Improved the Quality and Survival in Patients with Multiple Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Chih Jung , Yang Tsung-Han , Hung Kuo-Hsu , Wu Chun-Hsien , Yen Shu-Ting , Yen Yi-Ting , Shan Yan-Shen
Published: September 2020

Background: Under-triage of major trauma patients has been unavoidable, especially in the trauma system of rural area. Timely stabilization and transfer of critical trauma patients remains a great challenge for hospitals limited in resources for major trauma management. No definitive measure has been proved to improve the outcome of transferred major trauma patients. Current study hypothesized that regular feedback on inter-hospital transfer of patients with major trauma can improve care quality and outcome.Method: This retrospective cohort study retrieved the transferred trauma patients with injury severity score(ISS) ≥ 16 between Jan 2010 and Dec 2018 from the trauma registry databank of a tertiary medical center. Regular monthly feedback on inter-hospital transfer was initiated since 2014. The patients were divided into the without-feedback group and the with-feedback group. The demographic data, management before transfer, and outcome after transfer were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 178 patients were included; 69 patients in the without-feedback and 109 in the with-feedback group. The with-feedback group had higher ISS (25 vs 27, p = 0.049), and more patients needing massive transfusion (14.49% vs 29.36%, p = 0.036). After adjusted for confounding factors, the with-feedback group was associated with higher rate of blood transfusion before transfer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75, 95% CI [1.01-7.52], p = 0.049), shorter time span before blood transfusion (-31.80 ± 15.14, p = 0.038), and decreased mortality risk (aOR 0.33, 95% CI [0.13-0.83], p = 0.019).Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study revealed that regular feedback on inter-hospital transfer improved the quality of blood transfusion and was associated with decreased mortality risk.
Changes in Sugar Concentrations of Seed and Pod Tissue During Development in Snap and Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Gartner Wesley , Bethke Paul C. , Kisha Theodore J. , Nienhuis James
Published: September 2020

Sugars, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, contribute significantly to the flavor and consumer acceptance of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Sugar accumulation and changes in sugar profiles during snap bean development contribute to overall assessments of quality for breeding lines and cultivars. Developing fruit from a diverse group of four snap bean cultivars containing Andean germplasm and one Mesoamerican dry bean cultivar were sampled at 5-day intervals from 10 to 30 days after flowering over 2 years. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose in pod and seed tissue was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Percent seed mass relative to pod mass increased with days after flowering, but the rate of increase was heterogeneous among cultivars. Significant differences in sugar accumulation patterns of mono- and disaccharides were observed with time of development and between pods and seeds. Glucose and fructose decreased rapidly in pods and seeds with time after flowering. In contrast, sucrose concentration increased in pod tissue but remained constant in seeds of the snap bean cultivars with time after flowering. The patterns of changes in pod and seed sugar concentrations with time after flowering were similar among all snap bean cultivars. In contrast to the snap beans, seed sucrose increased with time after flowering in the Mesoamerican dry bean cultivar Puebla 152. No year by day after flowering interactions were observed for sugar accumulation patterns or sugar concentrations. Younger snap beans had the highest sweetness index based on observed sugar concentrations, percent seed mass, and perception of relative sweetness by the human palate. Although mean sweetness varied between cultivars, the rate of decrease in sweetness with time was the same for all five cultivars. These findings indicate that variation for sweetness exists in snap beans and can be exploited by breeding to develop cultivars with a potentially more desirable, sweet flavor.
Documentos, arquivo e práticas arquivísticas
Authors: Feitoza Rayan Aramís de Brito , Duarte Emeide Nóbrega
Published: September 2020

Os documentos, o arquivo e as práticas arquivísticas são categorias conceituais estudados pela Arquivologia e Ciência da Informação e servem, também, como elementos emergentes na formação da memória no contexto organizacional. Objetiva discutir as noções de documentos, o arquivo e as práticas arquivísticas como bases necessárias à memória das organizações. Metodologicamente, possui abordagem qualitativa, é uma pesquisa descritiva e de cunho teórico, por meio da revisão da literatura e da discussão baseada em teóricos do tema. Situa a memória organizacional e a memória institucional como as possibilidades de formação de memórias no ambiente organizacional e contempla discussões referentes aos documentos dotados de informações orgânicas e não orgânicas, os arquivos e suas práticas na gestão e preservação de acervos memorialísticos. Conclui que os documentos dotados de informações orgânicas e não orgânicas, juntamente com o arquivo e suas práticas, corroboram com a valorização de todo conhecimento criado ou produzido, com as histórias, com os legados, com os fatos e acontecimentos.
Qualidade dos dados, oportunidade e representatividade do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica da dengue em Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 2012-2017
Authors: Nascimento Carlos André do , Teixeira Karen Kaline , Tavares Alessandre de Medeiros , Souza Ana Mayara Gomes de , De Souza Talita Araujo , Aiquoc Kezauyn Miranda , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade dos dados, a oportunidade e a representatividade do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica da dengue em Natal. Métodos: Pesquisa avaliativa, com dados dos casos suspeitos ou confirmados de dengue notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), de 2012 a 2017. Resultados: Foram notificados 49.655 casos no período. A completude geral e a consistência foram excelentes, variando de 94,8% a 100,0% e de 91,1% a 100,0% respectivamente. A completude foi regular para as variáveis evolução do caso, raça/cor da pele e escolaridade. O sistema foi considerado oportuno, com média de 3,4 a 6,8 dias entre o início dos sintomas e a notificação. Foi considerado representativo devido a elevada correlação entre números de internações por dengue obtidos no Sinan e no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. Conclusão: O sistema de vigilância da dengue foi considerado completo, consistente, oportuno e representativo, configurando-se importante para o direcionamento de ações de vigilância.