bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black boxes, not green: Mythologizing artificial intelligence and omitting the environment
Authors: Brevini Benedetta
Published: July 2020

We are repeatedly told that AI will help us to solve some of the world's biggest challenges, from treating chronic diseases and reducing fatality rates in traffic accidents to fighting climate change and anticipating cybersecurity threats. However, the article contends that public discourse on AI systematically avoids considering AI’s environmental costs.

Artificial Intelligence- Brevini argues- runs on technology, machines, and infrastructures that deplete scarce resources in their production, consumption, and disposal, thus increasing the amounts of energy in their use, and exacerbate problems of waste and pollution. It also relies on data centers, that demands impressive amounts of energy to compute, analyse, categorize. If we want to stand a chance at tackling the Climate Emergency, then we have to stop avoiding addressing the environmental problems generated by AI.
A comparison of two techniques for center of pressure measurements
Authors: DeBerardinis Jessica , Neilsen Conner , Lidstone Daniel E , Dufek Janet S , Trabia Mohamed B
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Force platforms and pressure-measuring insoles are the most common tools used for measuring center of pressure. Earlier studies to assess these instruments suffered from limited sample sizes or an inadequate range of participant foot sizes. The purpose of this study was to propose new methods to extract and calculate comparably accurate center of pressure for the Kistler® force platform and Medilogic® insoles.

Methods

Center of pressure data were collected from 65 participants wearing pressure-measuring insoles (six different sizes). Participants walked over consecutive force platforms for three trials while wearing pressure-measuring insoles within socks. Onset force thresholds and center of pressure segment length thresholds were used to determine accurate center of pressure path length and width. A single step for each foot and trial was extracted from both instruments.

Results

A strong correlation was observed between instruments in center of pressure length (4.12 ± 6.72% difference, r = 0.74). Center of pressure width varied and was weakly correlated (–7.04 ± 4.48% difference, r = 0.11).

Conclusions

The results indicate that both instruments can measure center of pressure path length consistently and with comparable accuracy (differences < 10%). There were differences between instruments in measuring center of pressure path width, which were attributed to the limited number of sensors across the width of the insoles.
Ureteric mapping with Indocyanine green: A new tool to prevent ureteral injury in complex gynecological surgery
Authors: Rajanbabu Anupama , Patel Viral J
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

The aim of this video is to show that ureteric injection of Indocyanine green dye in difficult gynecological operations is a useful tool to identify and safeguard ureters.

Case description:

A 56-year-old lady with a large 10.5 × 14.5 × 13 cm3 multiloculated endometriotic cyst in the right adnexa was scheduled for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral salphingooophorectomy. She had undergone a laparotomy and three laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis and fibroid uterus. Before starting surgery, cystoscopy was performed and with 6 Fr ureteral catheter inserted into ureteral orifice, 5 mL of 0.5% Indocyanine green dye (Aurolab, Madurai, India) was injected into both ureters. Intraoperatively bilateral adnexal cysts were seen densely adherent to omentum, sigmoid colon, sigmoid mesocolon, bladder, and lateral pelvic wall. Bladder and rectosigmoid were pulled up both anteriorly and posteriorly, respectively, and densely adherent to uterus and to adnexal cysts. During surgery, the course of ureter was identified by the green fluorescence emitted by the Indocyanine green dye under near-infrared light on da Vinci Xi camera. During this difficult surgery, the real-time visualization of ureteric course helped to identify and safeguard ureter during adhesiolysis and surgery could be completed without any injury to ureter. Patient did not experience any side effects due to the ureteric Indocyanine green injection.

Conclusion:

Endometriosis can distort the pelvic anatomy making surgery very challenging. Identifying the course of ureter during surgery can help in avoiding injuries and reduce surgical morbidity.
What Is the Stanford Education Data Archive Teaching Us About National Educational Achievement?
Authors: Ho Andrew D.
Published: July 2020

The Stanford Education Data Archive (SEDA) launched in 2016 to provide nationally comparable, publicly available test score data for U.S. public school districts. I introduce a special collection of six articles that each use SEDA to lend their questions and findings a national scope. Together, these articles demonstrate a range of uses of SEDA for educational research. I review their contributions and discuss next steps for SEDA-based research as more years and levels of data become available.
Big data in systemic sclerosis: Great potential for the future
Authors: Radic Mislav , Frech Tracy M
Published: July 2020

Since it was first used in 1997, the term “big data” has been popularized; however, the concept of big data is relatively new to medicine. Big data refers to a method and technique to systematically retrieve, collect, manage, and analyze very large and complex sets of structured and unstructured data that cannot be sufficiently processed using traditional methods of processing data. Integrating big data in rare diseases with low prevalence and incidence, like systemic sclerosis is of particular importance. We conducted a literature review of use of big data in systemic sclerosis. The volume of data on systemic sclerosis has grown steadily in the recent years; however, big data methods have not been readily used. This inexhaustible source of data needs to be used more to unleash its full potential.
Putting objects in context: A prefrontal–hippocampal–perirhinal cortex network
Authors: Barker G. R. I. , Warburton E. C.
Published: July 2020

When we encounter an object, we spontaneously form associations between the object and the environment in which it was encountered. These associations can take a number of different forms, which include location and context. A neural circuit between the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex and perirhinal cortex is critical for object-location and object-sequence associations; however, how this neural circuit contributes to the formation of object-context associations has not been established. Bilateral lesions were made in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex or perirhinal cortex to examine each region contribution to object-context memory formation. Next, a disconnection lesion approach was used to examine the necessity of functional interactions between the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex or perirhinal cortex. Spontaneous tests of preferential exploration were used to assess memory for different types of object-context associations. Bilateral lesion in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex or perirhinal cortex impaired performance in both an object-place-context and an object-context task. Disconnection of the hippocampus from either the medial prefrontal cortex or perirhinal cortex impaired performance in both the object-place-context and object-context task. Interestingly, when object recognition memory was tested with a context switch between encoding and test, performance in the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex lesion groups was disrupted and performance in each disconnection group (i.e. hippocampus + medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus + perirhinal cortex) was significantly impaired. Overall, these experiments establish the importance of the hippocampal-medial prefrontal-perirhinal cortex circuit for the formation of object-context associations.
Is AJCC/UICC Staging Still Appropriate for Head and Neck Cancers in Developing Countries?
Authors: Fagan Johannes J. , Wetter Julie , Otiti Jeffrey , Aswani Joyce , Konney Anna , Diom Evelyne , Baidoo Kenneth , Onakoya Paul , Mugabo Rajab , Noah Patrick , Mashamba Victor , Kundiona Innocent , Macharia Chege , Mainasara Mohammed Garba , Gebeyehu Melesse , Bogale Mesele , Twier Khaled , Faniriko Marco , Melesse Getachew Beza , Shrime Mark G.
Published: July 2020

By 2030, 70% of cancers will occur in developing countries. Head and neck cancers are primarily a developing world disease. While anatomical location and the extent of cancers are central to defining prognosis and staging, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) have incorporated nonanatomic factors that correlate with prognosis into staging (eg, p16 status of oropharyngeal cancers). However, 16 of 17 head and neck surgeons from 13 African countries cannot routinely test for p16 status and hence can no longer apply AJCC/UICC staging to oropharyngeal cancer. While the AJCC/UICC should continue to refine staging that best reflects treatment outcomes and prognosis by incorporating new nonanatomical factors, they should also retain and refine anatomically based staging to serve the needs of clinicians and their patients in resource‐constrained settings. Not to do so would diminish their global relevance and in so doing also disadvantage most of the world’s cancer patients.
The assessment of short- and long-term changes in lung function in cystic fibrosis using129Xe MRI
Authors: Smith Laurie J. , Horsley Alex , Bray Jody , Hughes Paul J.C. , Biancardi Alberto , Norquay Graham , Wildman Martin , West Noreen , Marshall Helen , Wild Jim M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Xenon-129 (129Xe) ventilation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to detect early cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and response to treatment.129Xe-MRI could play a significant role in clinical trials and patient management. Here we present data on the repeatability of imaging measurements and their sensitivity to longitudinal change.

Methods

29 children and adults with CF and a range of disease severity were assessed twice, a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of 16.0 (14.4–19.5) months apart. Patients underwent129Xe-MRI, lung clearance index (LCI), body plethysmography and spirometry at both visits. 11 patients repeated129Xe-MRI in the same session to assess the within-visit repeatability. The ventilation defect percentage (VDP) was the primary metric calculated from129Xe-MRI.

Results

At baseline, mean±sdage was 23.0±11.1 years and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score was −2.2±2.0. Median (IQR) VDP was 9.5 (3.4–31.6)% and LCI was 9.0 (7.7–13.7). Within- and inter-visit repeatability of VDP was high. At 16 months there was no single trend of129Xe-MRI disease progression. Visible129Xe-MRI ventilation changes were common, which reflected changes in VDP. Based on the within-visit repeatability, a significant short-term change in VDP is >±1.6%. For longer-term follow-up, changes in VDP of up to ±7.7% can be expected, or ±4.1% for patients with normal FEV1. No patient had a significant change in FEV1; however, 59% had change in VDP >±1.6%. In patients with normal FEV1, there were significant changes in ventilation and in VDP.

Conclusions

129Xe-MRI is a highly effective method for assessing longitudinal lung disease in patients with CF. VDP has great potential as a sensitive clinical outcome measure of lung function and end-point for clinical trials.
Do ABC transporters regulate plasma membrane organization?
Authors: Wu Ambroise , Wojtowicz Karolina , Savary Stephane , Hamon Yannick , Trombik Tomasz
Published: July 2020

The plasma membrane (PM) spatiotemporal organization is one of the major factors controlling cell signaling and whole-cell homeostasis. The PM lipids, including cholesterol, determine the physicochemical properties of the membrane bilayer and thus play a crucial role in all membrane-dependent cellular processes. It is known that lipid content and distribution in the PM are not random, and their transversal and lateral organization is highly controlled. Mainly sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich lipid nanodomains, historically referred to as rafts, are extremely dynamic “hot spots” of the PM controlling the function of many cell surface proteins and receptors. In the first part of this review, we will focus on the recent advances of PM investigation and the current PM concept. In the second part, we will discuss the importance of several classes of ABC transporters whose substrates are lipids for the PM organization and dynamics. Finally, we will briefly present the significance of lipid ABC transporters for immune responses.
Risk identification and prioritization in banking projects of payment service provider companies: an empirical study
Authors: Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Katoueizadeh Laleh , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: July 2020

Identifying risks and prioritizing is important for payment service provider (PSP) companies to get banking projects and gain more market share. However, studies regarding the identification of risks and causal relationships are insufficient in the Iranian PSP industry and the industry is unique because of its characteristics. In this study, 30 experts involved with PSP companies are employed as the research sample. Eleven key risks and Forty-six sub-risks are also identified. Subsequently, the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique is applied to determine the effective and affected risks and the severity of their effects on each other. Finally, all risks are ranked. Due to the internal interrelationships of the main risks, the weight of each risk is calculated via the fuzzy analytic network process. As the second-level risks have no significant interrelationships, they are ranked via the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. Moreover, the best-worst method is used to ensure that the obtained rankings are reliable. This study identifies the risks affecting the loss of banking projects and determines the impacts of these risks on each. A sensitivity analysis is then conducted on the weights of the criteria, and the results are compared.
Does occupational licensing impact incomes? A replication study for the German crafts case
Authors: Fredriksen Kaja
Published: July 2020

Large variation in the estimated income premium of occupational licensing can be found in the existing literature. I revisit the natural experimental design of a change in the German crafts regulation in 2004, which removed the traditional licensing requirement for self-employment in certain trades, using official survey data and difference-in-differences estimation. Previous studies of this deregulation have found significant, yet small effects on the incomes of employees in deregulated trades. I focus on the incomes of the self-employed and find no robust effects. Multiple channels through which occupational licensing may affect incomes such as price and quality competition in the regulated market and possible competitive pressure from outsiders are identified, which may also explain why the effects of occupational licensing on incomes appear to be context-specific.
Diversity-guided Lamarckian random drift particle swarm optimization for flexible ligand docking
Authors: Li Chao , Sun Jun , Palade Vasile
Published: July 2020

Background

Protein-ligand docking has emerged as a particularly important tool in drug design and development, and flexible ligand docking is a widely used method for docking simulations. Many docking software packages can simulate flexible ligand docking, and among them, Autodock is widely used. Focusing on the search algorithm used in Autodock, many new optimization approaches have been proposed over the last few decades. However, despite the large number of alternatives, we are still lacking a search method with high robustness and high performance.

Results

In this paper, in conjunction with the popular Autodock software, a novel hybrid version of the random drift particle swarm optimization (RDPSO) algorithm, called diversity-guided Lamarckian RDPSO (DGLRDPSO), is proposed to further enhance the performance and robustness of flexible ligand docking. In this algorithm, a novel two-phase diversity control (2PDC) strategy and an efficient local search strategy are used to improve the search ability and robustness of the RDPSO algorithm. By using the PDBbind coreset v.2016 and 24 complexes with apo-structures, the DGLRDPSO algorithm is compared with the Lamarckian genetic algorithm (LGA), Lamarckian particle swarm optimization (LPSO) and Lamarckian random drift particle swarm optimization (LRDPSO). The experimental results show that the 2PDC strategy is able to enhance the robustness and search performance of the proposed algorithm; for test cases with different numbers of torsions, the DGLRDPSO outperforms the LGA and LPSO in finding both low-energy and small-RMSD docking conformations with high robustness in most cases.

Conclusion

The DGLRDPSO algorithm has good search performance and a high possibility of finding a conformation with both a low binding free energy and a small RMSD. Among all the tested algorithms, DGLRDPSO has the best robustness in solving both holo- and apo-structure docking problems with different numbers of torsions, which indicates that the proposed algorithm is a reliable choice for the flexible ligand docking in Autodock software.
Microecological treatment of hyperuricemia using Lactobacillus from pickles
Authors: Xiao Yuanxun , Zhang Congxin , Zeng Xianli , Yuan Zhichao
Published: July 2020

Background

Hyperuricemia is one of the important risk factors for gout, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Lactobacillus has attracted much attention due to its role in the regulation of intestinal function and tumor resistance, but its ability to reduce uric acid is unclear. Pickles are a traditional fermented food rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

Results

LAB strains were isolated from 18 pickles and their tolerance to acid bile salts, trypsin, pepsin were evaluated after screening by nucleoside degradation. 16S rDNA sequence analysis was used to identify LAB strains. Furthermore, we established rat model of hyperuricemia and demonstrated that Lactobacillus could alleviate hyperuricemia and reduce kidney injury.

Conclusion

This study suggests that microecological treatment with Lactobacillus represents a feasible option for patients with chronic hyperuricemia.
Nocturia in patients with cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Haddad Rebecca , Monaghan Thomas F. , Joussain Charles , Phé Véronique , Bower Wendy , Roggeman Saskia , Robain Gilberte , Everaert Karel
Published: July 2020

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate current literature on the association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia.

Methods

A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases and completed in November 2019. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included if they assessed the association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia in older participants with or without neurological diseases. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS).

Results

A total of 8 cross-sectional studies conducted in older patient populations met the criteria for inclusion. A statistically significant association was identified in 6 studies on univariate analysis, which persisted in 2 studies after controlling for confounding factors. The association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia was positive for all 6 significant analyses. The overall risk of bias was unclear.

Conclusion

A significant positive association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia was identified. However, research has been limited to cross-sectional studies, which precludes identification of causality between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia. Heightened awareness of the complex interplay between cognition and nocturia would allow professionals involved in the care of cognitively impaired patients with concomitant nocturia to more effectively manage these symptoms.
Myricetin induces apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Ming-liang , Zhang Pei-min , Jiang Min , Yu Shu-wen , Wang Lu
Published: July 2020

Background

The compound 3,3′,4′,5,5′,7-hexahydroxyflavone (myricetin) is a natural flavonoid with antitumour activity. Most of the studies on myricetin have focused on the induction of tumour cell apoptosis, and little is known about the regulatory effects of myricetin on autophagy in colorectal cancer.

Methods

Here, we studied the effects of myricetin on colon cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy. We detected colon cancer cell apoptosis induced by myricetin via flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the morphological changes associated with autophagy. The expression levels of apoptosis-, autophagy- and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling-related proteins were measured by Western blot analysis.

Results

This study confirmed that myricetin inhibits the proliferation of 4 kinds of colon cancer cell lines. Myricetin induced cell apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) promoted the apoptosis of myricetin-treated colon cancer cells.

Conclusions

Considering that myricetin induces apoptosis and autophagy in colon cancer cells, myricetin may become a viable candidate for chemotherapy; it could be used to exert tumour inhibitory effects alone or as adjuvant chemotherapy to inhibit autophagy. These studies may provide further evidence for the potential use of myricetin in the treatment of colon cancer.
Comparative efficacy, safety and cost of oral Chinese patent medicines for rheumatoid arthritis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Dan , Lyu Jin-tao , Zhang Bing , Zhang Xiao-meng , Jiang Hao , Lin Zhi-jian
Published: July 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory disease with a substantial burden for society and economic worldwide. Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) have gained attention as alternative remedies due to they can exert the satisfactory therapeutic effects via holistic regulation. Currently, several oral Chinese patent medicines are routinely recommended for managing and treating RA. Therefore, a network meta-analysis (NMA), which tries to synthesize evidences for a decision making by evaluating the comparative effectiveness of multiple interventions against the same disease, was undertaken to identify the optimal intervention according to their efficacy in clinical treatment and symptom remission, safety profile and daily cost.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CPMs to treat RA were comprehensive retrieved from 3 foreign databases and 4 Chinese databases, and the retrieved results were last updated on January 10, 2019. The bias of the selected trials was assessed by two individuals independently through RoB2. A random-effects model was adopted during the meta-analytic procedures, and outcomes concerning efficacy and safety were evaluated as odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD) and 95% credible intervals (CI) utilizing Stata 14.1 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 software. Furthermore, the cluster analysis and comprehensive investigation were preformed concerning the comparative efficacy, safety and cost of oral CPMs.

Results

One hundred sixteen RCTs involving 10,213 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled into current NMA. The results from existing evidence indicated that Biqi capsule and Yuxuebi capsule probably had a favorable balance in consideration of benefits, tolerability and daily cost. Furthermore, as the least expensive choice, glucosides of Tripterygium Wilfordii tablet was associated with displaying a trend of relieving joint tenderness, joint swelling, and morning stiffness for patients with RA.

Conclusion

Biqi capsule, Yuxuebi capsule and glucosides of Tripterygium Wilfordii tablet were recommended for treating RA based on the favorable benefits in both clinical efficacy and symptoms, and they, meanwhile, might be associated with the more tolerable and acceptable therapeutic alternative in terms of safety profile and daily cost. Nevertheless, the additional results from high-quality, multi-center and head-to-head trials would be pivotal for supporting our findings.
The analysis of the lipid levels in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: a one-year follow-up observational study
Authors: Qiu Weiyu , Chen Jiali , Huang Xianzhen , Guo Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been an important technology for the treatment of CHD. Blood lipid management is critical for PCI patients because not only should local vascular pathological changes be considered but the whole atherosclerotic process should be considered as well.

Methods

A total of 522 patients diagnosed with CHD (including acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina) successfully underwent stent implantation in acute or elective PCI in the cardiology department of one general hospital in Guangzhou from June 2015 to December 2017. The 2016 Chinese Guideline for the Management of dyslipidaemia in Adults and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report (NCEP-ATP III) were used to classify total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

Results

A total of 522 patients were recruited for the study. The mean values of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C at baseline were 4.76, 1.80, 2.93 and 1.03 mmol/L, respectively. After 1 year of follow-up, the mean values of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C were 3.94, 1.62, 2.26 and 1.01 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of high TC, high TG, high LDL-C and low HDL-C at baseline was 12.05, 21.80, 10.90 and 56.79%, respectively, and the prevalence at follow-up was 4.59, 15.68, 3.25 and 59.85%, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that gender was risk factor for high TC (≥ 6.22 mmol/L), low HDL-C (< 1.04 mmol/L) and high LDL-C (≥ 4.14 mmol/L) at follow-up. Age was the factor associated with high TG (≥ 2.26 mmol/L) and low HDL-C (< 1.04 mmol/L) at follow-up. Besides, smoking and diet control were risk factors for low HDL-C (< 1.04 mmol/L) and high LDL-C (≥ 4.14 mmol/L) at follow-up, respectively.

Conclusion

The patients with PCI at follow-up experienced lower mean values of lipids and prevalence of dyslipidaemia than those at baseline. Gender, age, smoking and diet control were the risk factors associated with elevated lipids. Improvement in lipid management at follow up demonstrated that such intervention can be effective.
Factors that affect the assessment of the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients depending on the prevalence of frailty syndrome
Authors: Bąk E. , Młynarska A. , Marcisz C. , Bobiński R. , Sternal D. , Młynarski R.
Published: July 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a large and varied impact on the quality of life as associated with patient health including both physical and mental well-being.

The aim of the study was to assess the factors that affect the assessment of the quality of life of RA patients depending on the prevalence of frailty syndrome.

Material and methods

The study involved 106 patients with RA (82 women; mean age 65.83 ± 5.01), who had been hospitalized in the Silesian Centre for Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Disability Prevention in Ustron, Poland. The patients that were included in the study were divided into two groups depending on the incidence of frailty syndrome: Group 1 – robust patients and Group 2 – patients with frailty syndrome.

Results

Frailty syndrome was identified in 34.9% of the patients with recognized/diagnosed RA; in women, it was 36.14% and in men, it was 25.92%. The average TFI value was 4.11 ± 2.05; in the physical domain, it was 3.39 ± 1.66; in the mental domain, it was 0.41 ± 0.55 and in the social domain, it was 0.31 ± 0.48. The robust patients assessed their quality of life associated with sleep as being worse compared to patients with recognized frailty syndrome.

Conclusion

Frailty syndrome has no significant impact on the assessment of the quality of life of patients with diagnosed RA. The factors that determine quality of life are different in robust patients and in patients with frailty syndrome. The assessment of the quality of life is affected by the degree of an individual’s fitness regardless of the occurrence of frailty syndrome.
Katanin P60: a potential biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Lei , Tantai Jicheng , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the correlation of katanin P60 expression with clinical characteristics and survival profiles of surgical non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty-five primary NSCLC patients treated by surgical resection were retrospectively viewed. The expression of katanin P60 in the tumor specimen was detected by the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining assay. Preoperative clinical data were collected from patients’ medical records, and survival data were extracted from follow-up records.

Results

There were 127 (47.9%) and 138 (52.1%) patients with katanin P60-low expression and -high expression, respectively; in addition, patients presenting katanin P60-high+, -high++, and -high+++ expression were 62 (23.4%), 63 (23.8%), and 13 (4.9%), respectively. Katanin P60 expression was correlated with lymph node (LYN) metastasis and advanced TNM stage but not pathological grade, tumor size, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level or other non-tumor features in NSCLC patients. Regarding survival profiles, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were both the lowest in katanin P60-high+++ expression patients, followed with katanin P60-high++ patients, katanin P60-high+ patients, and the highest in katanin P60-low expression patients. Further analysis illustrated that katanin P60-high expression was an independent predictive factor for unfavorable DFS and OS in NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

Katanin P60 presents potential as a biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis in NSCLC patients.
Prompting consumers to make healthier food choices in hospitals: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Allan Julia L. , Powell Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospitals in the UK offer snacks for sale to patients, staff and visitors. Despite the NHS’s health promoting role, and tightening of regulations around which foods can be sold in hospitals, many snacks purchased in this setting are unhealthy. The present project tests the effectiveness of theory-based point of purchase prompts (PPPs; a form of cognitive nudge) designed to make it cognitively easier for consumers to compare available products and choose healthier options.

Methods

Hospital shops in Scotland (n = 30) were recruited into a cluster randomised controlled trial to test whether a PPP could reduce the average calorie, fat and/or sugar content of purchased snacks. Inclusion criteria stated that eligible sites; sold food; were located in a hospital; and were accessible to staff, patients and visitors. The PPP intervention was a theory-based sign (tailored to the available range in each location) designed to cognitively simplify healthier snack choices by facilitating cross-product comparison. Shops were randomised to display PPPs (intervention; n = 15) or not (control; n = 15) using block randomisation controlling for shop size. Data on all snacks purchased from participating shops were obtained from retailers for a 12-week baseline and 12-week follow-up period. Primary outcomes were the average calorie (kcals), fat(g) and sugar(g) content of snacks purchased each day. Secondary outcomes were the average customer spend per item purchased (£,p) and the total number of snacks purchased daily. Shop staff were not blinded to group assignment but data providers were. Data were analysed using mixed effects multi-level regression models.

Results

Data from > 1 million snack purchases were analysed. Snacks purchased from intervention sites were on average significantly lower in calorie (γ = − 1.84, p < .001) and sugar (γ = − 0.18, p = .030) at follow up relative to baseline but only the reduction in calories was significantly different to control. Average spend per item also reduced significantly in intervention (but not control) sites (γ = − 0.89, p < .001). The intervention had no effect on the fat content of snacks or the number of snacks sold.

Conclusions

Simple, theory-based point of purchase prompts can produce small but statistically significant reductions in the energy content of snack purchases from hospital shops.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered (8/Oct/2018) with ISRCTN (ID: ISRCTN90365793).
Inhibition of leucine-rich repeats and calponin homology domain containing 1 accelerates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in a rat traumatic spinal cord injury model
Authors: Chen Wen-Kai , Feng Lin-Juan , Liu Qiao-Dan , Ke Qing-Feng , Cai Pei-Ya , Zhang Pei-Ru , Cai Li-Quan , Huang Nian-Lai , Lin Wen-Ping
Published: July 2020

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers the primary mechanical injury and secondary inflammation-mediated injury. Neuroinflammation-mediated insult causes secondary and extensive neurological damage after SCI. Microglia play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of post-SCI neuroinflammation.

Methods

To elucidate the significance of LRCH1 to microglial functions, we applied lentivirus-induced LRCH1 knockdown in primary microglia culture and tested the role of LRCH1 in microglia-mediated inflammatory reaction both in vitro and in a rat SCI model.

Results

We found that LRCH1 was downregulated in microglia after traumatic SCI. LRCH1 knockdown increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 after in vitro priming with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate. Furthermore, LRCH1 knockdown promoted the priming-induced microglial polarization towards the pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-expressing microglia. LRCH1 knockdown also enhanced microglia-mediated N27 neuron death after priming. Further analysis revealed that LRCH1 knockdown increased priming-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Erk1/2 signaling, which are crucial to the inflammatory response of microglia. When LRCH1-knockdown microglia were adoptively injected into rat spinal cords, they enhanced post-SCI production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased SCI-induced recruitment of leukocytes, aggravated SCI-induced tissue damage and neuronal death, and worsened the locomotor function.

Conclusion

Our study reveals for the first time that LRCH1 serves as a negative regulator of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation after SCI and provides clues for developing novel therapeutic approaches against SCI.
Variations in Trim5α and Cyclophilin A genes among HIV-1 elite controllers and non controllers in Uganda: a laboratory-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Amanya Sharon Bright , Nyiro Brian , Waswa Francis , Obura Bonniface , Nakaziba Rebecca , Nabulime Eva , Katabazi Ashaba Fred , Nabatanzi Rose , Bayiyana Alice , Mboowa Gerald , Kayongo Alex , Wayengera Misaki , Sande Obondo J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Tripartite Motif Containing 5 alpha (TRIM5α), a restriction factor produced ubiquitously in cells and tissues of the body plays an important role in the immune response against HIV. TRIM5α targets the HIV capsid for proteosomal destruction. Cyclophilin A, an intracellular protein has also been reported to influence HIV infectivity in a cell-specific manner. Accordingly, variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophilin A genes have been documented to influence HIV-1 disease progression. However, these variations have not been documented among Elite controllers in Uganda and whether they play a role in viral suppression remains largely undocumented. Our study focused on identifying the variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophilin A genes among HIV-1 Elite controllers and non-controllers in Uganda.

Results

From the sequence analysis, the rs10838525 G > A mutation in exon 2 of TRIM5α was only found among elite controllers (30%) while the rs3824949 in the 5′UTR was seen among 25% of the non-controllers. In the Cyclophilin A promoter, rs6850 was seen among 62.5% of the non-controllers and only among 10% elite controllers. Furthermore, rs17860048 in the Cyclophillin A promoter was predominantly seen among elite controllers (30%) and 12.5% non-controllers. From gene expression analysis, we noted that the respective genes were generally elevated among elite controllers, however, this difference was not statistically significant (TRIM5α p = 0.6095; Cyclophilin A p = 0.6389).

Conclusion

Variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophillin A promoter may influence HIV viral suppression. The rs10838525 SNP in TRIM5α may contribute to viral suppression among HIV-1 elite controllers. The rs6850 in the cyclophillin A gene may be responsible for HIV-1 rapid progression among HIV-1 non-controllers. These SNPs should be investigated mechanistically to determine their precise role in HIV-1 viral suppression.
Characterization of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza virus isolates from immunocompromised patients in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Heui Man , Lee Namjoo , Kim Mi-Seon , Kang Chun , Chung Yoon-Seok
Published: July 2020

Background

The emergence of influenza viruses resistant to anti-influenza drugs is a threat to global public health. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS) to monitor epidemics of influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) to identify mutated influenza viruses affecting drug resistance, pathogenesis, and transmission.

Methods

Oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from KINRESS and SARI during the 2018–2019 season. The specimens confirmed influenza virus using real-time RT-PCR on inoculated MDCK cells. HA and NA sequences of the influenza viruses were analyzed for phylogeny and mutations. Neuraminidase inhibition and hemagglutination inhibition assays were utilized to characterize the isolates.

Results

Two A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates harboring an H275Y substitution in the neuraminidase sequence were detected in patients with acute hematologic cancer. They had prolonged respiratory symptoms, with the virus present in the respiratory tract despite oseltamivir and peramivir treatment. Through the neuraminidase inhibition assay, both viruses were found to be resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir, but not to zanamivir. Although hemagglutinin and neuraminidase phylogenetic analyses suggested that the 2 A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates were not identical, their antigenicity was similar to that of the 2018–19 influenza vaccine virus.

Conclusions

Our data indicate the utility of monitoring influenza-infected immunocompromised patients in general hospitals for the early detection of emerging neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant viruses and maintaining continuous laboratory surveillance of patients with influenza-like illness in sentinel clinics to monitor the spread of such new variants. Finally, characterization of the virus can inform the risk assessment for future epidemics and pandemics caused by drug-resistant influenza viruses.
Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salari Nader , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Jalali Rostam , Vaisi-Raygani Aliakbar , Rasoulpoor Shna , Mohammadi Masoud , Rasoulpoor Shabnam , Khaledi-Paveh Behnam
Published: July 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public mental health. Therefore, monitoring and oversight of the population mental health during crises such as a panedmic is an immediate priority. The aim of this study is to analyze the existing research works and findings in relation to the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, articles that have focused on stress and anxiety prevalence among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic were searched in the Science Direct, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI) and Google Scholar databases, without a lower time limit and until May 2020. In order to perform a meta-analysis of the collected studies, the random effects model was used, and the heterogeneity of studies was investigated using the I2 index. Moreover. data analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.

Results

The prevalence of stress in 5 studies with a total sample size of 9074 is obtained as 29.6% (95% confidence limit: 24.3–35.4), the prevalence of anxiety in 17 studies with a sample size of 63,439 as 31.9% (95% confidence interval: 27.5–36.7), and the prevalence of depression in 14 studies with a sample size of 44,531 people as 33.7% (95% confidence interval: 27.5–40.6).

Conclusion

COVID-19 not only causes physical health concerns but also results in a number of psychological disorders. The spread of the new coronavirus can impact the mental health of people in different communities. Thus, it is essential to preserve the mental health of individuals and to develop psychological interventions that can improve the mental health of vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cervical sagittal alignment in adolescent high dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis: how does the cervical spine respond to the reduction of spondylolisthesis?
Authors: Guo Xinhu , Li Weishi , Chen Zhongqiang , Guo Zhaoqing , Qi Qiang , Zeng Yan , Sun Chuiguo , Zhong Woquan
Published: July 2020

Background

Although pelvic and related parameters have been well stated in lumbar developmental spondylolisthesis, cervical sagittal alignment in these patients is poorly studied, especially in high dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis (HDDS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in HDDS and how the cervical spine responds to reduction of spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Thirty-three adolescent patients with lumbar developmental spondylolisthesis who received preoperative and postoperative whole-spine x-rays were reviewed. They were divided into the HDDS group (n = 24, 13.0 ± 2.2 years old) and the low dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis (LDDS) group (n = 9, 15.6 ± 1.9 years old). Spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), were measured and compared between groups. In the HDDS group, the postoperative parameters were measured and compared with those before surgery.

Results

HDDS group had a higher proportion of cervical kyphosis (70.8% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.019), and there was a significant difference in CL between the two groups (− 8.5° ± 16.1° vs. 10.5° ± 11.8°, P = 0.003). CL was correlated with the Dubousset’s lumbosacral angle (Dub-LSA), pelvic tilt (PT), and thoracic kyphosis (TK). In the HDDS group, CL in patients with a kyphotic cervical spine was significantly improved after reduction of spondylolisthesis (− 16.4° ± 5.9° vs. − 3.6° ± 9.9°, P < 0.001). In the HDDS group, 46% (6/13) of the patients with postoperative Dub-LSA < 90° still had sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis, [SVA] > 5 cm), while no sagittal imbalance was observed in patients with postoperative Dub-LSA > 90° (46% [6/13] vs. 0% [0/11], P = 0.016).

Conclusions

HDDS can lead to cervical kyphosis through a series of compensatory mechanisms. Reduction of spondylolisthesis and correction of lumbosacral kyphosis may correct the cervical kyphosis and normalize the overall spinal sagittal profile. Correction of Dub-LSA to above 90° might be used as an objective to better improve the sagittal alignment of the spine.
Biomechanical study of a low-cost external fixator for diaphyseal fractures of long bones
Authors: Kouassi Kouamé Jean-Eric , Cartiaux Olivier , Fonkoué Loic , Detrembleur Christine , Cornu Olivier
Published: July 2020

Background

External fixation improves open fracture management in emerging countries. However, sophisticated models are often expensive and unavailable. We assessed the biomechanical properties of a low-cost external fixation system in comparison with the Hoffmann® 3 system, as a reference.

Methods

Transversal, oblique, and comminuted fractures were created in the diaphysis of tibia sawbones. Six external fixators were tested in three modes of loading—axial compression, medio-lateral (ML) bending, and torsion—in order to determine construction stiffness. The fixator construct implies two uniplanar (UUEF1, UUEF2) depending the pin-rods fixation system and two biplanar (UBEF1, UBEF2) designs based on different bar to bar connections. The designed low-cost fixators were compared to a Hoffmann® 3 fixator single rod (H3-SR) and double rod (H3-DR). Twenty-seven constructs were stabilized with UUEF1, UUEF2, and H3-SR (nine constructs each). Nine constructs were stabilized with UBEF1, UBEF2, and H3-DR (three constructs each).

Results

UUEF2 was significantly stiffer than H3-SR (p < 0.001) in axial compression for oblique fractures and UUEF1 was significantly stiffer than H3-SR (p = 0.009) in ML bending for transversal fractures. Both UUEFs were significantly stiffer than H3-SR in axial compression and torsion (p < 0.05), and inferior to H3-SR in ML bending, for comminuted fractures. In the same fracture pattern, UBEFs were significantly stiffer than H3-DR (p = 0.001) in axial compression and torsion, while only UBEF1 was significantly stiffer than H3-DR in ML bending (p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the stiffness of the UUEF and UBEF device compares to the reference fixator and may be helpful in maintaining fracture reduction. Fatigue testing and clinical assessment must be conducted to ensure that the objective of bone healing is achievable with such low-cost devices.