bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lentivirus-mediated GDF5 Transfection on Differentiation of Rabbit Nucleus Pulposus Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: zhu kun , Zhao Rui , Ye Yuchen , Xu Gang , Zhang Changchun
Published: July 2020

Background: Disc degenerative disease is a common senile degenerative disease, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.The purpose of this study is to observe the biological and cytological characteristics of rabbit nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs), and to determine the effect of growth differentiation factor 5(GDF5) on the differentiation of rabbit NPMSCs by lentivirus transfection.Methods: In vitro culture model of rabbit NPMSCs was established and NPMSCs cells were identified by flow cytometry (FCM)and quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR). Then NPMSCs were divided into three groups: lentiviral vector carrying GDF5 was used to transfect NPMSCs, to determine the transfection rate, which was recorded as transfection group, and the NPMSCs transfected with ordinary lentiviral vector was recorded as control group, NPMSCs without processing was recorded as normal group. FCM, qRT-PCR and Western Blot(WB) were used to detected the change of NPMSCs.Results: The transfected NPMSCs by GDF5 became longer and narrower, and the cell density decreased,and the positive rate of GDF5 in the transfected group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of KRT8, KRT18, KRT19 in the transfected group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05),the result of WB were the same to qRT-PCR. Conclusions: GDF5 can induce the differentiation of NPMSCs and repair degenerative intervertebral discs. Lentiviral vector carrying GDF5 can be integrated into the chromosome genome of NPMSCs and promote differentiation of NPMSCs into nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs).
Reduction in Fertilizer Input´s Has No Significant Affect on Yield or Performance of Early- and Late-season Indica Hybrid Rice
Authors: Zhiyuan Huang , Huang ZhiYuan , Lv QiMing , Hossain Md. Amir , Wu ZhaoHui , Peng Yulin , Tang FangJun , Xin YeYun , Zhu LiHuang
Published: July 2020

Increasing rice production by using genetically improved rice cultivars and fertilizer application has been the main objective of rice farming. The double rice-cropping system has been an important rice production system in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China since the 1950s. It is of great significance to determine whether hybrid vigor can make a substantial contribution to early- and late-season rice production, and how the heterosis expression of hybrid rice functions under different level of fertilization application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grain yield and associated plant traits of popular hybrid and inbred rice varieties with large-scale promotion under conditions of customary (high) and combined (low) fertilization in the early and late seasons of 2017-18 in Changsha County, Hunan Province, central Southern China. We found that hybrid rice varieties displayed their respective advantages in the early- and late-rice seasons, but the advantages in their relative yield traits varied. The main advantages of early-season rice were effective panicle number per hill (EPN), 1000-grain weight (KGW), harvest index (HI), yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Whereas in late-season rice, the major advantages were grain number per panicle (GNP), HI, yield, and NUE. The EPN was the main advantage of early-season hybrid rice with a short-growth period, and the GNP was the main advantage of late-season hybrid rice with a long-growth period. The main yield advantage of hybrid rice was stronger under combined (low) fertilization than under customary (high) fertilization. Hence, high yield can be achieved by selecting good hybrid rice varieties and by using combined fertilization (lower fertilizer use with higher efficiency). This work is contributive for rice growers, extension specialists, and fertilizer producers, as it provides data that can be used to maximize yields with reduced fertilizer and pesticide inputs.
Rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury: clinical characteristics and intensive care unit transfer analysis
Authors: Zhu Decai , Li Wenyan , Zhang Jiawen , Tong Junsheng , Xie Wenyuan , Qin Xiaolan , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: July 2020

Background: Rhabdomyolysis (RM) associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common systemic complication of RM. The present study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU) transfer for patients with RM-associated AKI.Methods: We included all patients who were age ≥ 18 years old with a diagnosis of RM from September 2012 to October 2018 and divided them into RM-associated AKI group and RM without AKI group. The primary outcome was transferring to ICU treatment. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ICU treatment and recovery of renal function.Results: Among the 149 patients with RM, 68 (45.6%) developed AKI. The percentage of patients with AKI who transferred to ICU was higher than patients without AKI (33.8% versus 12.3%, P < 0.002). Additionally, patients with AKI had higher percentage of undergoing dialysis (19.1% versus 2.5%, P < 0.01), all-cause mortality (13.2% versus 1.2%, P < 0.01), cost of hospitalization [10.8 1,000 yuan, IQR (5.5, 3.5) versus 5.9 1,000 yuan, IQR 5.9 (3.6, 9.9), P = 0.03], as well as longer length of hospital stay [8.0 (5.0, 14.0)] versus [6.0 (4.0, 11.0)], P = 0.02). Moreover, most patients with AKI achieved complete recovery (77.9%) at discharge. After adjusting for potential risk factors, RM-associated AKI remained an independent risk factor for ICU transfer (OR = 3.0, 95% CI, 1.11–8.3, P = 0.03). However, ICU transfer was not associated with recovery of renal function (OR = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.22–3.57, P = 0.856).Conclusion: RM leaded to AKI in most patients. RM-associated AKI could cause worse clinical outcome and predict ICU transfer for patients with RM.
HsCRP Variation is the Main Risk Factor for Clinical Outcome in COVID-19 Hospitalized Young and Middle-Aged Patients
Authors: Liu Zhelong , Wu Danning , Han Xia , Jiang Wangyan , Qiu Lin , Tang Rui , Yu Xuefeng
Published: July 2020

Background: The clinical characteristics and risk factors of clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in elderly and non-elderly patients show great difference. We are the first to explore the relationship between hsCRP variation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in young and middle-aged COVID-19 patients compared with elderly patients.Methods: We included 273 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China from Feb 10, 2020 to Mar 8, 2020. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of outcomes were compared between young and middle-aged patients with elderly patients.Results: Among young and middle-aged patients, hsCRP variation in those admitted to ICU was significantly higher than that in discharged patients. Among patients admitted to ICU, hsCRP variation showed significantly difference between young and middle-aged patients and elderly patients (median, 67.9 vs -10.2, P < 0.01). The hsCRP variation was an independent risk factor for ICU admission in young and middle-aged patients (OR = 1.068) and ROC curve revealed hsCRP variation significant for the prediction of ICU admission (AUC = 0.925) with 92.9% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity. Conclusion: HsCRP variation is the major independent risk factors for ICU admission in young and middle-aged COVID-19 inpatients, but not in the elderly patients.
Yoga Practice Among Ethnically/Racially Diverse Emerging Adults: Associations with Body Image, Mindful and Disordered Eating, and Muscle-Enhancing Behaviors
Authors: Neumark-Sztainer Dianne , Wall Melanie M , Choi Jongwoo , Barr-Anderson Daheia J. , Eisenberg Marla E. , Larson Nicole
Published: July 2020

Background: Yoga may be beneficial for young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size. This study explores associations between yoga practice and body image, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors among a population-based sample of emerging adults from diverse socio-economic and ethnic/racial backgrounds.Methods: Survey data were collected from 1,568 ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults (18-26 years) as part of the EAT 2010-2018 study (Eating and Activity over Time). Results: Practicing yoga at least 30 minutes/week was reported by 12.7% (n=210) of the sample. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, yoga practitioners had higher levels of mindful eating and body satisfaction than non-practitioners. Of concern, yoga practitioners were more likely to use steroids to enhance the size or tone of their muscles than those not practicing yoga (4.2% vs. 0.8%, p<.001). Furthermore, 35.4% of yoga practitioners used protein powder or shakes in the past year as compared to 25.0% of those not practicing yoga (p=.005). Yoga practitioners had similar levels of unhealthy weight control behaviors and binge eating to those not practicing yoga. Associations between yoga practice and body satisfaction, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors were similar across ethnic/racial groups.Conclusions: In order to promote yoga among diverse populations, and enhance its safety and benefits for weight-related health, it is crucial for settings in which yoga is offered, and yoga teachers, to have awareness of the high prevalence of concerning disordered eating and muscle-enhancing behaviors among students and to address accordingly.
Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) in the Treatment of Distal Fibula Danis-Weber type B and C Fractures
Authors: Marazzi Cesare , Wittauer Matthias , Hirschmann Michael T. , Testa Enrique A.
Published: July 2020

BackgroundMinimally invasive plate-osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been reported to be superior to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of different long bone fractures. Nevertheless, in distal fibula fractures the evidence of MIPO remains scarce. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the minimally invasive techniques applied to the distal fibula with open reduction and internal fixation within a 12 months follow-up.MethodsA consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery using either ORIF or MIPO for the treatment of distal fibula fractures between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analysed. All distal fibular fractures requiring an operative treatment (Danis-Weber type B ≙ AO type 44 B1, 2, 3 and Danis-Weber type C ≙ AO type 44 C1, 2) were included (ORIF n=35, MIPO n=35). Patients were assessed for postoperative pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain (ranging from 0 to 10) and classified into 4 groups; “no pain” for VAS=0, “low” for VAS=1-3, “moderate” for VAS=3-5 and “severe” for VAS=5-10. In addition, complications of postoperative fracture-related infection, wound healing disorders, vascular and nerve injury as well as development of nonunion, were evaluated and analyzed. Radiologic outcome measures assessing the talocrural angle, lateral and medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap and talar tilt angle were evaluated postoperatively. ResultsThe overall complication rate showed to be lower in the MIPO group compared to the ORIF group (14% vs. 37%, p=0.029). Even though not statistically significant, specific surgery related complications such as skin necrosis (3% vs. 9%, p= 0.275), nonunion (0% vs. 6%, p=0.139), infections and wound healing disorders (9% vs. 20%, p=0.141) as well as postoperative pain (17% vs. 26%, p=0.5) were found more frequently in the ORIF group. The tibiofibular overlap demonstrated to be significantly lower in the ORIF group (3.3mm vs. 2.7mm, p=0.033). The talocrural angle, talar tilt angle, lateral and medial clear space showed to be equivalent in both groups.ConclusionIn this retrospective single-center consecutive series MIPO was superior to ORIF in the surgical treatment of distal fibula fractures with respect to the overall complication rate. Trial registration:EKNZ Project-ID: 2019-02310; registrated 20th of December 2019 with swissethics
A Qualitative Study Examining Transgender People’s Attitudes Toward The Desire to Have Biological Children and Pursue Fertility Treatments in Greece
Authors: Voultsos Polychronis , Zymvragou Christina-Erato , Karakasi M. V. , Pavlidis P.
Published: July 2020

Background: Biomedical technologies advances permit transgender individuals not only to achieve gender transition but also experience parenthood. Little is known about it in Greece, a traditionally conservative country, which however, is changing at legal level towards greater recognition of transgender people’s rights. This study aimed to investigate transgender people’s attitudes toward the desire to have biological children and pursue fertility treatments in Greece.Methods: This is a prospective study among adult individuals who identified as transgender men or transgender women between April 2019 and March 2020. Individual in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with twelve participants. The interviews were conducted in person and were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The authors performed an inductive analysis of data.Results: The inductive analysis of the study findings resulted in the following themes that represent key barriers to pursuing FP or ART: lack of fertility counseling, fears of discrimination and bullying, high costs, concerns related to the child’s welfare, less than perfect legal framework, and gender transition. Not all participants expressed strong desire to have offspring. A number of sub-themes were grouped under the base themes. Concerns related to the child’s welfare due to factors related to context or transgender people themselves. Fertility treatment may impact negatively the process of transition or the result of it. The strength of the desire for fertility treatment is crucial. Various reasons behind the transgender people’s desire for parenthood were identified. Transgender individuals (especially those in social transition) showed striking adherence to patterns of the dominant culture when it comes to having children.Conclusion: The results demonstrate the importance of a) contextual factors (stigma, economic instability, law), b) factors related to transgender people themselves (gender dysphoria, desire to become parents, self-trust), as well as c) the preferred type of gender transition (social or medical) in considering or pursuing fertility preservation or assisted reproductive technologies. Transgender people’s attitude towards having children is a complex topic in need for further investigation. We stress the need for training health professionals to establish a safe environment for transgender people who want to undergo fertility treatment, go through pregnancy and give birth.
Hsa_circ_0013731 Mediated by E2F1 Inhibits Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Sponging miR-877-3p and Targeting SLC7A11
Authors: Zhao Zhongwei , Song Jingjing , Zhang Dengke , Wu Fazong , Tu Jianfei , Xu Min , Ji Jiansong
Published: July 2020

Background: The regulatory loop between circular RNAs and microRNAs has a vital role in cell death. Ferroptosis is the form of iron-dependent cell death, which is distinct from necroptosis and apoptosis. Increasing evidences showed that ferroptosis is an important form of cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: Real-time PCR were used to examine the expression level of circ_0013731 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Edu and colony formation were performed to detect the cell proliferation. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the relationship between circ_0013731, miR-877-3p and SLC7A11. ChIP-qPCR assays were performed to examine the potential binding of E2F1 to the circ_0013731 promoter. Iron Assay Kit (Sigma Aldrich) was used to detect total iron or Fe2+. C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining and flow cytometer were used to examine the Lipid ROS. The role of circ_0013731 was examined in xenograft tumors model. Results: We revealed that the expression level of circ_0013731 was elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, E2F1 promote the transcription of circ_0013731. Overexpression of circ_0013731 promoted cell growth and inhibited ferroptosis in SMMC-7721 and QGY-7703 in vitro. miR-877-3p was proved as the direct target of circ_0013731. Then, inhibition of miR-877-3p enhanced cell growth and inhibited ferroptosis. Further mechanism research demonstrated that circ_0013731 upregulated the expression level of SLC7A11 by sponging miR-877-3p. Finally, circ_0013731 promoted HCC growth via miR-877-3p/ SLC7A11 axis in vivo.Conclusions: Our data reveal that circ_0013731 mediated by E2F1 facilitates cell growth and suppressed the ferroptosis via miR-877-3p/ SLC7A11 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, circ_0013731 could be acted as potential therapeutical target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Neonatal Mortality Burden and Trends in UNHCR Refugee Camps, 2006-2017: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Tappis Hannah , Ramadan Marwa , Vargas Josep , Kahi Vincent , Hering Heiko , Schulte-Hillen Catrin , Spiegel Paul
Published: July 2020

Objective: To examine neonatal mortality burden and trends in refugee camps between 2006 and 2017.Methods: Refugee population and mortality data were exported from the United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR) Health Information System (HIS) database. Tableau was used to export the data. Stata was used for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Neonatal mortality burdens and trends in refugee camps were analyzed and compared to national and subnational neonatal mortality rates captured by household surveys.Findings: 150 refugee camps in 21 countries were included in this study, with an average population of 1,725,433 between 2006 and 2017. A total of 663,892 live births and 3,382 neonatal deaths were captured during this period. Annual country-level refugee camp neonatal mortality rates (NMR) ranged from 12 to 56 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. In most countries and years where national population-based surveys are available, refugee camp NMR as reported in the UNHCR HIS was lower than that of the immediate host community.Conclusion: The UNHCR HIS provides insights into the neonatal mortality burden among refugees in camp settings and issues to consider in design and use of routine health information systems to monitor neonatal health in sub-national populations. Increased visibility of neonatal deaths and stillbirths among displaced populations can drive advocacy and inform decisions needed to strengthen health systems. Efforts to count every stillbirth and neonatal death are critical, as well as improvements to reporting systems and mechanisms for data review within broader efforts to improve the quality of neonatal care practices within and outside of health facilities.
Prognostic Values of Nucleotide Polymorphism in ARDS: A Whole Exome Sequencing Association Study
Authors: Xu Jing-Yuan , Liu Ai-Ran , Wu Zong-Sheng , Xie Jian-Feng , Qu Xiao-Xiao , Li Cai-Hua , Meng Shan-Shan , Liu Song-Qiao , Yang Cong-Shan , Liu Ling , Huang Ying-Zi , Guo Feng-Mei , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: July 2020

Background Genetic locus were identified associated with ARDS outcome. Our goal was to explore the associations between genetic variants and outcome of ARDS, and the prognostic values of nucleotide polymorphism in ARDS.Methods This was a single-center, prospective trial enrolling adult ARDS patients. After baseline data were collected, blood samples were drawn to perform whole exome sequencing, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) / insertion-deletion to explore the quantitative and functional associations between genetic variants and ICU outcome. Then the lung injury burden (LIB), which was defined as the ratio of nonsynonymous SNP number per megabase of DNA, was used to evaluate its value in predicting outcome of ARDS. Results A total of 105 ARDS patients were enrolled in the study, including 70 survivors and 35 nonsurvivors. Based on the analysis of a total of 65542 nonsynonymous SNP, LIB in survivors was significantly higher than nonsurvivors [1892 (1848 - 1942) /MB versus 1864 (1829 - 1910) /MB, p = 0.018], while GO analysis showed that 60 functions were correlated with ARDS outcome, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that SNP/InDels were enriched in 13 pathways. Several new SNPs were found potentially associated with ARDS outcome. Analysis of LIB was used to determine its outcome predicting ability, the area under the ROC curve of which was only 0.6103, and increase to 0.712 when combined with APACHE II score. Conclusions Genetic variants are associated with ARDS outcome; however, their prognostic value still need to be verified by larger trials.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02644798. Registered 20 April 2015.
The Acute Effects of 5 Fluorouracil on Skeletal Muscle Resident and Infiltrating Immune Cells in Mice
Authors: VanderVeen Brandon , Sougiannis Alexander T. , Velazquez Kandy T. , Carson James A. , Fan Daping , Murphy E. Angela
Published: July 2020

Background: 5 fluorouracil (5FU) has been a first-choice chemotherapy drug for several cancer types (e.g. colon, breast, head & neck); however, its efficacy is diminished by patient acquired resistance and pervasive side effects. Leukopenia is a hallmark of 5FU; however, the impact of 5FU-induced leukopenia on healthy tissue is only becoming unearthed. Recently, skeletal muscle has been shown to be impacted by 5FU in clinical and preclinical setting and weakness and fatigue remain among the most consistent complaints in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Monocytes, or more specifically macrophages, are the predominate immune cell in skeletal muscle which regulate turnover and homeostasis through both the removal of damaged or old materials and coordinate repair and remodeling. Whether 5FU-induced leukopenia extends beyond circulation toimpact resident and infiltrating skeletal muscle immune cells had not been examined. The purpose of the study was to examine the acute effects of 5FU on resident and infiltrating skeletal muscle monocytes and inflammatory mediators. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were given a physiologically translatable dose (35mg/kg) of 5FU, or PBS, i.p. once daily for 5 days to recapitulate 1 dosing cycle. Results: Our results demonstrate that 5FU reduced circulating leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes while inducing significant body weight loss (>5%). Flow cytometry analysis of the skeletal muscle indicated a reduction in total CD45+ immune cells with a corresponding decrease in total CD45+CD11b+ monocytes. There was a strong relationship between circulating leukocytes and skeletal muscle CD45+ immune cells. Skeletal muscle Ly6cHigh activated monocytes and M1-like macrophageswere reduced with 5FU treatment while total M2-like CD206+CD11c-macrophageswere not changed with 5FU. Interestingly, 5FU reduced bone marrow CD45+ immune cells and CD45+CD11b+ monocytes.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that 5FU induced body weight loss and decreased skeletal muscle CD45+ immune cells in associated with a reduction in infiltrating Ly6cHigh monocytes. Interestingly, the loss of skeletal muscle immune cells occurred with bone marrow cell cycle arrest.Together our results highlight that skeletal muscle is sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of 5FU which disrupts both circulating and skeletal muscle immune cells.
Impact of β-lactam antibiotics and the delivery method on Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides populations in early infancy: A Japanese cohort study
Authors: Imoto Naruaki , Kano Chie , Aoyagi Yumi , Morita Hiroto , Amanuma Fumitaka , Maruyama Hidekazu , Hashiguchi Naoyuki , Watanabe Shin
Published: July 2020

Background

Intestinal flora changes dynamically in early infancy. Association between colonisation of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides, the dominant bacterial genera in the intestinal flora 6 months after birth, and development of intestinal immunity has been suggested. Antibiotic administration to the mother is an important factor in this colonisation, but few studies have considered antibiotics taken immediately before delivery, including before Caesarean section. The association of the gut flora with the delivery method is also uncertain. Here, we performed a cohort study to determine the influence of antibiotics taken immediately before delivery on the intestinal flora in early infancy, with a focus on Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides, in 130 healthy Japanese infants.
Results

Faecal samples were collected from infants at 1, 3, and 6 months after birth (383 samples) in a hospital in Japan. The samples were analysed using a next-generation sequencer. Two β-lactam antibiotics were administered to mothers immediately before delivery: Cefazolin was used before Caesarean sections and ampicillin was used for cases with premature rupture of the membranes and in Group B Streptococcus positive cases. At all ages, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides were dominant, and the mean combined occupancy was 60–70%. Bifidobacterium was the most dominant at all ages but its abundance was significantly lower in infants who were exposed to antibiotics at delivery, and 1 and 3 months after birth, whereas no difference was found between the delivery methods. Bacteroides were the second or third dominant bacteria at all ages but their abundance was significantly lower after Caesarean section compared with that after vaginal delivery, whereas there was no difference due to antibiotic exposure. These effects were confirmed in a linear mixed-effect model. In addition, occupancy by Bifidobacterium at 1 and 3 months and by Bacteroides at 3 months differed between infants with and without siblings.
Conclusions

Exposure to antibiotics at delivery has an important effect on Bifidobacterium, the dominant bacterial genus of the intestinal flora, at an early age in Japanese infants, whereas Bacteroides is more associated with the delivery method. The influence of siblings is also significant. The clinical significance of these results in later life requires further exploration.
Analysis of the Amplitude Changes and Baseline Drift of Respiratory Motion during Liver Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Based on Intra-Fraction CBCT
Authors: Zeng Lu , Wang Xin , Zhou Jidan Zhou , Gong Pan , wang Xuetao , Wu Xiaohong , Deng Zhonghua , Li Bin , Zhong Renming
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the amplitude changes and baseline drift of respiratory motion in liver stereotactic body radiation therapy based on intra-fraction cone beam CT (CBCT).Materials and methods: Twenty-four liver SBRT patients underwent a four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) scan, inter-fraction cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and intra-fraction CBCT to evaluate the amplitude changes and baseline drift of respiratory motion. The amplitude changes were defined as the variations between the amplitude measured in the 4D CT and those measured with fluoroscopy in inter- and intra-fraction CBCT. The baseline drifts were defined as the difference between the liver position errors and the setup errors in inter- and intra-fraction CBCT. Manual registration of the liver contour was performed to obtain liver position errors, and bone registration was performed to obtain setup errors. Meanwhile, the correlation among the liver position errors, the relative diaphragm position, and the amplitude changes was evaluated. Results: The systematic and random errors of the baseline drifts for intra-fraction CBCT in the medial-lateral (ML), superior-inferior (SI), and anterior-posterior (AP) views were 0.99 and 1.6 mm, 2.03 and 2.46 mm, and 1.02 and 2.07 mm, respectively. The corresponding PTV margin was 3.61 mm, 6.8 mm, and 4.00 mm, respectively. The amplitude variation ranged from -169.33% to 65.47% in inter-fraction CBCT and from -171.04% to 60.00% in intra-fraction CBCT. Inter-fraction liver position errors were significantly related to the setup errors. The relative diaphragm position was not statistically related to the baseline drifts in the inter-fraction nor in the intra-fraction. Conclusions: Using intra-fraction CBCT, significant amplitude variations and baseline drifts of respiratory motion were found compared with those in 4D CT. The relative diaphragm position in a single breathing cycle cannot reflect the liver position during dose delivery. At least a 6.8 mm PTV margin in the SI direction is recommended to compensate for the baseline drift.
Upfront Brain Radiotherapy Improves Intracranial Progression-Free Survival but not Overall Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients with Brain Metastases: A Retrospective Single-Institutional Analysis from China
Authors: Jiang Aijun , Ni Meng , Li Li , Zhao Fen , Yao Yuanhu , Ding Xin , Yu Qingxi , Zhang Longzhen , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: July 2020

Aims: There is no consensus on the optimal opportunity of brain radiotherapy (BRT) for the patients with lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases (BM). In the present study, we performed a retrospective review to investigate the differential benefit of upfront BRT for lung adenocarcinoma patients with BM.Methods: A total of 354 lung adenocarcinoma patients with BM from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shandong University met inclusion criteria for the study. Patients were divided into two groups: upfront BRT and deferred BRT. Intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and Overall survival (OS) were measured from the date of brain metastases. Subgroup analyses according to gene mutation status were also performed.Results: For the entire cohort, the median iPFS of upfront BRT and deferred BRT was 16.3 and11.3 months, respectively (p =.001). The median OS of upfront BRT and deferred BRT was 27.6 and 31.5 months, respectively (p =0.813). Subgroup Analyses indicated that upfront BRT yielded a significantly longer iPFS than deferred BRT (p = 0.003) only for patients with no sensitive gene mutation. In all subgroups, the median OS was not significant different for upfront BRT and deferred BRT.Conclusion: This single-institutional retrospective showed that in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and BM, upfront BRT was associated with significantly longer iPFS, but no OS difference between upfront BRT and deferred BRT was observed. Considering the reported neurocognitive toxicities of upfront BRT, deferred BRT might be considered as an acceptable therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and BM.
Effect of Elaeis Guineensis Biomass Residues in the Production of Coal Pellets
Authors: ONOCHIE UCHE , EGWARE HENRY , ONOROH FRANCIS
Published: July 2020

In this study, the effect of elaeis guineensis in the production of pellets from coal was investigated. Coal and elaeis guineensis were collected and pulverised. A locally fabricated screw press machine was used to produce three types of pellets in the same ratio (i.e. 80C:20R) while the fourth pellet is100% coal. These pellets are: coal palm kernel shell (CPKS), coal palm fibre (CPF), coal empty fruit bunch (CEFB) as well as raw coal (C). Thereafter, the pellets were sundried and characterised base on ASTM Standards. These include the calorific value, proximate and ultimate analysis. From the results, it was observed that the calorific value of CPKS, CPF, CEFB and C were 28033.38 kJ/kg, 27695.4 kJ/kg, 27687.5 kJ/kg and 22021.99 kJ/kg respectively. The sulphur content of the pellets is 0.7%, 0.71%, 0.73% and 0.76% respectively. The results revealed that the 100% coal pellet has the lowest percentage CV and the highest percentage sulphur and ash content. Essentially, this study has been able to established that elaeis guineensis residues is a good energy source for enhancing the calorific value of coal and also has the tendency of reducing the sulphur and ash contents of coal especially the PKS.
Ketamine-propofol (Ketofol) on Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Foo Tze Yong , Noor Norhayati Mohd , Yazid Mohd Boniami , Fauzi Mohd Hashairi , Wahab Shaik Farid Abdull , Ahmad Mohammad Zikri
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
Objectives
This review is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of ketofol in comparison to other anaesthetic agents during procedural sedation and analgesia.
Method
The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE were searched, including the reference list of related randomized control trials and reviewed articles in order to find unpublished trials or trials not identified by electronic searches. Included criteria specifically comparing recovery time, clinician satisfaction and adverse effect of ketofol.
Results
Eleven trials that met our criteria were included in the analysis with total 1274 patients. Five trials compared with single agent, six trials compared with combined agents. For comparison between ketofol and single agent (ketamine or propofol), ketofol shows significant effect on recovery time (MD -9.88, 95% CI: -14.30 to -5.46; P=0.0003; I 2 = 92%) but no difference when compared to combined agents (RR 0.75, 95% CI: -6.24 to 7.74; P<0.001; I 2 = 98%). In single agent comparison, ketofol show no differences in clinician satisfaction (RR 2.86, 95% CI: 0.64 to 12.69; P=0.001; I 2 = 90%), airway obstruction (RR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.35 to 11.48; P=0.81; I 2 = 0%), apnea (RR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.33 to 2.44; P=0.88; I 2 = 0%), desaturation (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.94; P=0.28; I 2 = 21%), nausea (RR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.41; P=0.2; I 2 = 38%) and vomiting (RR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.61; P=0.18; I 2 = 42%). For comparison between ketofol and combined agents, ketofol is effective in reducing hypotension (RR 4.2, 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.85; P=0.76; I 2 = 0%) but no differences in bradycardia (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.14 to 03.63; P=0.09; I 2 = 53%), desaturation (RR 1.9, 95% CI: 0.15 to 23.6; P=0.11; I 2 = 61%) and respiratory depression (RR 1.98, 95% CI: 0.18 to 21.94; P=0.12; I 2 = 59%).
Conclusions
There is low certainty evidence that ketofol improve the recovery time and reduce the frequency of hypotension with moderate certainty of evidence. No difference in other adverse effect when compared to either single or combined agents.
Association between Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Newborn in the Preterm Infants
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Kim Byoung Kook , Kim Yong Hyuk
Published: July 2020

Background: Various hormones are known to influence the production and secretion of pulmonary surfactant. But the relationship between respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and thyroid hormone has yet to be clarified. Methods: 126 infants with gestational age between 24 and 34 weeks who were hospitalized at the neonatal ICU of the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from April 2017 to February 2019 were included in the study. Infants were divided into 3 groups by gestational age – 24 weeks 0 days to 28 weeks 0 days, 28 weeks 0 days to 31 weeks 0 days, and 31 weeks 0 days to 33 weeks 0 days, each with 18, 34, and 74 subjects, respectively. Among the subjects, there were 56 infants with RDS and 70 infants without RDS.Results: The group with lowest gestational age showed T3 and fT4 level that was lower than those of other groups (p<0.05) on the day of birth but there was no difference in the TSH level (p=0.129). T3 and TSH level were lower in the RDS group compared with the control group on the day of birth (p<0.05). Free thyroxine (fT4) level was higher in the control group on the day of birth but without any significant difference. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum TSH levels on the day of birth was associated with a higher incidence of RDS (p<0.05).Conclusion: The incidence of RDS was significantly higher in infants with lower serum TSH levels at birth, but there was no significant difference in RDS incidence according to serum thyroid hormone levels.
Long Noncoding RNA DNAH17-AS1 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Regulating miR-877-5p/CCNA2 Pathway
Authors: Du Li-juan , Mao Long-jun , Jing Rui-jun
Published: July 2020

Background: A growing number of studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as important oncogenes or tumor suppressors. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of lncRNA DNAH17 antisense RNA 1 (DNAH17-AS1) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of DNAH17-AS1, miR-877-5p and CCNA2 in NSCLC specimens and cell lines. The diagnostic and prognostic values of DNAH17-AS1 expression in NSCLC patients were statistically analyzed. We also evaluated the effects of DNAH17-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of H1299 and 95D cells. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays were carried to confirm the molecular binding.Results: The expression of DNAH17-AS1 and CCNA2 mRNA was distinctly upregulated in NSCLC specimens and cell lines, while miR-877-5p expression was significantly decreased. DNAH17-AS1 could be used to distinguish NSCLC specimens from adjacent non-tumor tissues. Clinical assays revealed that high DNAH17-AS1 was associated with TNM stage, distant metastasis and shorter overall survival and disease-free survival. Functional assays indicated that knockdown of DNAH17-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of H1299 and 95D cells, and promoted apoptosis. Mechanically, DNAH17-AS1 served as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-877-5p to positively recover CCNA2.Conclusion: We identified a novel NSCLC-related lncRNA, DNAH17-AS1 which may exert an oncogenic function via serving as a sponge for miR-877-5p to upregulate CCNA2. Our study presents novel insights into NSCLC progression and provided a prospective therapeutic target for NSCLC.
A Pilot Study of Team-based Learning in Pediatric Clerkship
Authors: Xu Luojia , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Yifang , Xu Yingchun , Wang Yujia , Chen Zhimin , Shu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background

Team-based learning (TBL) is widely used in health professions education. However, TBL implanted in pediatric clerkship is rare. Here we explore the efficacy and feasibility of TBL in pediatric clerkship.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the TBL course in pediatric clerkship in between August and October in 2019, at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. TBL group (with 107 students) compared to students from the prior year with case-based discussion (Control group, with 222 students). The learning outcomes were measured as theoretical exams when pediatric clerkship ended. The satisfaction of TBL was evaluated by an anonymous questionnaire in the TBL group.
Results

The grade point average before pediatric clerkship in the TBL group (3.58, 3.04–3.96) was similar to in Control group (3.62, 3.16-4.00). However theoretical exams in the TBL group (76, 67–82) were significantly higher than the control group (72, 64–78) (P = 0.002). Besides, 92.5% of students in the TBL group responded to the questionnaire with a satisfaction higher than 90%.
Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that TBL in pediatric clerkship was effective and feasible with a better learning outcome.
Invastigation of persica mouth wash versus doxepin 0.5% oral rinse for chemo-radiotherapy-induced mucositis pain in the treatment of head and neck cancers, a randomized double blind clinical trial
Authors: Mahjour Pegah , Ardakani Hassanali Vahedian , Meybodi Mohsen Nabi , Shabani Masood , Pouyanfar Farahnaz , Heydari Behrooz
Published: July 2020

Background: One of the common side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer is oral mucositis. This painful complication restricts the ability to eat and drink and increases the risk of oral infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of doxepin oral rinse 0.5% in comparison with persica mouthwash on reducing the pain of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 56 patients admitted in the oncology ward of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital and Shahid Ramezanzadeh radiotherapy center in Yazd, who received more than 45 gray of radiation and had mucositis and their pain score was more than 4 on the basis of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients were randomly divided into two groups of persica and doxepin 0.5%. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including visual analogue scale for pain, taste satisfaction and possible complications. Data were analyzed by using SPSS19 software and Chi-square test. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean score of pain in doxepin and persica groups 5,15,30, 120,240 minutes and 24 hours after taking the mouthwash; just in the doxepin group, the mean of pain reduction 60 minute after taking the mouthwash was higher than persica group (P> 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean score of burning sensation in doxepin and persica groups30,60,120,240 minutes and 24 hours after taking the mouthwash; just in the pesica group, the mean of burning sensation reduction 5,15minutes after taking the mouthwash was lower than doxepin group The level of taste satisfaction and drowsiness in the doxepin group was significantly higher than persica group. (P >0.05) Conclusion: Persica mouthwash, like doxepin mouthwash, was effective in reducing the mucositis pain in patients and just in the doxepin group reduction in pain after 60 minutes was higher than perisca group
Mental health of spinocerebellar ataxia patients during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gong Yiqing , Chen Zhao , Liu Mingjie , Wan Linlin , Wang Chunrong , Peng Huirong , Shi Yuting , Peng Yun , Xia Kun , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 is a global concern nowadays, and the psychological impact of the pandemic cannot be overlooked. People are under insurmountable pressure, which may lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mental health of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) patients during COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze its influencing factors. We conducted an online questionnaire survey among 307 SCA patients from China. The contents of the questionnaire included general information, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the self-rating depression scale (SDS). The relevant influencing factors included COVID-19 risk factors, age, gender, BMI (body mass index), educational background, disease course, and score of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). Results indicate the 307 SCA patients had an anxiety rate of 34.9%, along with a depression rate of 56.7%. Their SAS and SDS scores were significantly higher than those of the Chinese norm group (SAS: 45.8±10.1 vs. 37.2±12.6, P < 0.01; SDS: 55.1±12.2 vs. 41.9±10.6, P < 0.01). Risks of exposure to COVID-19, educational level, and disease course may be factors affecting mental health status. The existence of a positive correlation among the scores of SARA, SAS and SDS scale was demonstrated, the higher the SARA score, the higher the risk of anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression were more prevalent in SCA patients compared with the normal population, and depression was more common than anxiety during this pandemic. More psychological attention should be paid to SCA patients during COVID-19 pandemic.
Gender Effect on Some Blood Parameters in Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis in North Western Algeria
Authors: MEGHRAOUI Mouna , MEDDAH Achouak Kheira , DIAF Mustapha , DIAF Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Replacement therapy for chronic kidney disease using haemodialysis involves the elimination of excessive toxic fluids and toxic metabolic end products from the body. Worldwide, gender significant differences exist with regard to the epidemiological aspect, evolution and blood parameters of chronic renal failure disease. In the present retrospective study, 289 medical files of adult patients (154 men and 135 women) aged 20 to 78 years were investigated to understand the relationship between gender difference and blood parameters in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis in north western Algeria. Our results revealed significant higher levels of haemoglobin (p=0.003), haematocrit (p=0.005), creatinine (p<0.001) and uric acid (p=0.037) in men comparing to women. However, women serum samples were characterized by higher significant level of platelets (p=0.002). No significant differences (p˃0.005) were observed between the two genders regarding the other parameters of blood count formula, liver function parameters, urea, mineral status (calcemia and phosphoremia), basic biochemical levels (glycaemia and lipids), C-reactive protein (CRP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). In dialysis patients, and despite the fact that some serum parameters vary significantly, the majority of the parameters recorded were often high in the males compared to the female gender. This finding may be due to the existence of specific confounding prognostic factors for each sex, which may or may not compensate for each other, therefore, ultimately, leading to overall non-significance.
Effects of Chitosan and Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Preservation Characteristics of Cucumber Samples
Authors: Ajiboye Adeyinka Elizabeth , Gboyinde Phebe
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the effect of Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings on the preservation of selected cucumber samples. Chitosan was produced from orange-crab shells with 76% degree of deacetylation while homogenized Aloe vera gel extracted from the plants was thermally pre-treated at 70 Â°C for 30 minutes. Coatings were applied using dipping techniques and air-dried before storage in discrete plots under ambient conditions. The study estimated physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological qualities of the coated and uncoated samples for a period of 4 weeks using standard procedures. Chitosan and Aloe vera gel had antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week three while Chitosan- Aloe vera mix had more antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week four of storage period. Eight bacterial and seven fungal isolates were obtained from the chitosan and Aloe vera coatings on the cucumber samples namely Aeromonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Enterobacter, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and, Saccharomyces; with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger as most occurring bacterial and fungal species respectively. Chitosan, Aloe vera and Chitosan-aloe vera mix coated samples had moisture content, protein content and carbohydrate retention of 95.09Â±0.01 %, 1.31Â±0.09 % and 0.46Â±0.14 %; 94.67Â±0.14 %, 0.65Â±0.03 % and 1.61Â±0.44 % ; 93.76Â±0.09  %, 1.27Â±0.66 %, and 0.69Â±0.51 %   respectively.  It can be concluded that Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings are effective in preservation of cucumbers with significant retention of nutrients and reduction in microbial contamination.