bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracochlear Pressure Transients During Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion: Effect of Micro-mechanical Control on Limiting Pressure Trauma
Authors: Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Kaufmann Christopher , Hansen Marlan R. , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: June 2019

Hypothesis:

Use of micro-mechanical control during cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion will result in reduced number and magnitude of pressure transients when compared with standard insertion by hand.

Introduction:

With increasing focus on hearing preservation during CI surgery, atraumatic electrode insertion is of the utmost importance. It has been established that large intracochlear pressure spikes can be generated during the insertion of implant electrodes. Here, we examine the effect of using a micro-mechanical insertion control tool on pressure trauma exposures during implantation.

Methods:

Human cadaveric heads were surgically prepared with an extended facial recess. Electrodes from three manufacturers were placed both by using a micro-mechanical control tool and by hand. Insertions were performed at three different rates: 0.2 mm/s, 1.2 mm/s, and 2 mm/s (n = 20 each). Fiber-optic sensors measured pressures in scala vestibuli and tympani.

Results:

Electrode insertion produced pressure transients up to 174 dB SPL. ANOVA revealed that pressures were significantly lower when using the micro-mechanical control device compared with insertion by hand (p << 0.001). No difference was noted across electrode type or speed. Chi-square analysis showed a significantly lower proportion of insertions contained pressure spikes when the control system was used (p << 0.001).

Conclusion:

Results confirm previous data that suggest CI electrode insertion can cause pressure transients with intensities similar to those elicited by high-level sounds. Results suggest that the use of a micro-mechanical insertion control system may mitigate trauma from pressure events, both by reducing the amplitude and the number of pressure spikes resulting from CI electrode insertion.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin Reversal in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jennings Douglas L. , Rimsans Jessica , Connors Jean M.
Published: June 2019

Durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients require long-term anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic complications. Their management is complicated by the risk of bleeding, which may require rapid anticoagulation reversal. We conducted a narrative review of data published from January 2007 to September 2018, analyzing anticoagulation reversal strategies in patients with durable, continuous-flow LVADs. The aim of this review is to provide guidance for reversal strategies in patients with LVADs experiencing bleeding complications or needing urgent surgical procedures, incorporating four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). Most data were from small, retrospective studies. Data for 4F-PCC use were more robust for heart transplant than for other surgical procedures or bleeding management. In patients undergoing heart transplant, 4F-PCC reversed warfarin more rapidly and reduced total blood product use versus other reversal strategies. Most surgical procedures were conducted without excess bleeding when utilizing 4F-PCCs. Time to warfarin reversal was shorter when managing intracranial hemorrhage with 4F-PCC. No differences in thromboembolic rates between 4F-PCC and control groups were observed. Overall, the use of 4F-PCC resulted in more rapid and predictable warfarin reversal in LVAD patients with no apparent risk of thromboembolism. Well-designed, larger prospective trials are required to better define 4F-PCC use in patients with LVADs.
The Role of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Proteolysis and Mechanical Damage in Nonphysiological Shear Stress-Induced Platelet Receptor Shedding
Authors: Chen Zengsheng , Tran Douglas , Li Tieluo , Arias Katherin , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: June 2019

In order to explore the role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteolysis and direct mechanical damage in non-physiologic shear stress (NPSS)-caused platelet receptor shedding, the healthy donor blood treated with/without ADAM inhibitor was exposed to NPSS (150 Pa). The expression of the platelet surface receptors glycoprotein (GP) Ibα and glycoprotein (GP) VI (GPVI) in NPSS-damaged blood was quantified with flow cytometry. The impact of ADAM inhibition on adhesion of NPSS-damaged platelets on von Willibrand factor (VWF) and collagen was explored with fluorescence microscopy. The impact of ADAM inhibition on ristocetin- and collagen-caused aggregation of NPSS-damaged platelets was examined by aggregometry. The results showed that ADAM inhibition could lessen the NPSS-induced loss of platelet surface receptor GPIbα (12%) and GPVI (9%), moderately preserve adhesion of platelets on VWF (7.4%) and collagen (8.4%), and partially restore the aggregation of NPSS-sheared platelets induced by ristocetin (18.6 AU*min) and collagen (48.2 AU*min). These results indicated that ADAM proteolysis played a role in NPSS-induced receptor shedding. However, the ADAM inhibition couldn’t completely suppress the NPSS-caused loss of the platelet surface receptors (GPIbα and GPVI), only partially prevented the NPSS-induced reduction of platelet adhesion to VWF and collagen, and the agonist (ristocetin and collagen)-caused platelet aggregation. These results suggested that the direct mechanical damage is partially responsible for NPSS-induced receptor shedding in addition to the ADAM proteolysis. In conclusion, NPSS relevant to blood contacting medical devices can induce ADAM proteolysis and direct mechanical damage on the platelet receptor GPIbα and GPVI, leading to comprised hemostasis.
The effect of acupuncture on the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6,IL-1 and CRP in cerebral infarction
Authors: Chen Yuru , Huang Wei , Li Zunjiang , Duan Yunbiao , Liang Zhaoxiong , Zhou Hong , Tang Chuyue
Published: June 2019

Background:

The mechanisms of acupuncture on the treatment of cerebral infarction remain unclear, the aim of the present study was to provides a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis, with which we will collect clinical evidence to verify whether acupuncture will have an effect on reducing the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin (IL-6) after cerebral infarction based on evidence-based studies.

Methods:

Included studies will be retrieved according to inclusion and exclusion criteria from 5 English databases (the MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Web of Science, and Ovid database), and 4 Chinese databases (China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan-fang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)) from October 1990 to October 2017. The inflammatory factor levels of TNF-α and IL-1,IL-6,CRP will be marked as major outcomes. We will use RevMan V.5.3 software to calculate the data synthesis and will conduct meta-analysis based on the collected data.

Results:

The inflammatory factor levels of TNF-α and IL-1,IL-6,CRP, mortality and adverse effects will be measured and comprehensively assessed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of XBP on CHF from this systematic review and meta-analysis with current clinical evidence.

Conclusion:

The systematic review and meta-analysis will assess the effect of acupuncture on the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1 and CRP in cerebral infarction with up-to-date clinical evidence.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42017078583.
Effects of surgery start time on postoperative cortisol, inflammatory cytokines, and postoperative hospital day in hip surgery
Authors: Kwon Young Suk , Jang Ji Su , Hwang Sung Mi , Tark Hyunjin , Kim Jong Ho , Lee Jae Jun
Published: June 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare morning surgery (Group A), characterized by high cortisol levels, with afternoon surgery (Group B), characterized by low cortisol levels, with respect to cortisol, inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8), and postoperative hospital days (POHD) after hip surgery.

Methods:

The study was conducted in a single center, prospective, randomized (1:1) parallel group trial. Patients undergoing total hip replacement or hemiarthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups according to the surgery start time: 8 am (Group A) or 1–2 pm (Group B). Cortisol and cytokine levels were measured at 7:30 am on the day of surgery, before induction of anesthesia, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (h) after surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and POHD were used to evaluate the clinical effect of surgery start time. VAS was measured at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, and POHD was measured at discharge.

Results:

In total, 44 patients completed the trial. The postoperative cortisol level was significantly different between the two groups. (24 h, P < .001; 48 h, P < .001). The percentage of patients whose level returned to the initial level was higher in Group B than in Group A (P < .001). Significant differences in IL-6 levels were observed between the two groups at 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery (P = .015; P = .005; P = .002), and in IL-8 levels at 12 and 24 h after surgery (P = .002, P < .001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in VAS and POHD. However, only three patients in Group A were inpatients for more than 3 weeks (P = .233).

Conclusions:

Afternoon surgery allowed for more rapid recovery of cortisol to the baseline level than morning surgery, and IL-6 and IL-8 were lower at 1–2 days postoperatively. The results of this study suggest that afternoon surgery may be considered in patients with postoperative delayed wound healing or inflammation because of the difference in cortisol, IL-6 and 8 in according to surgery start time.

Clinical trial registration number: NCT03076827 (ClinicalTRrial.gov).
Pancreatic carcinoma metastasis to a lung carcinoma lesion and pulmonary fibrotic regions, overtaking the stromal microenvironment
Authors: Nakaya Takeo , Sogabe Masaya , Yamamoto Shin-ichi , Tsuji Kentaro , Nakaya Michio , Niki Toshiro , Endo Shunsuke , Tanaka Akira
Published: June 2019

Rationale:

Suppression and of cancer metastasis is one of the most important issues in cancer care. Considering the typical clinical course of metastases, cancer cells might prefer certain environments or conditions. However, favorable environments for cancer metastasis have not been clearly identified. We had previously described a case of dual, yet separate, pancreatic and colon cancer, in which the metastatic pancreatic cancer was localized at the invasive portion of the colon cancer. We hypothesized that metastatic pancreatic cancer took over the colon cancer microenvironment.

Patient concerns:

We experienced an another case of double cancer in a 65-year-old man who had lung squamous cell carcinoma and an independent pancreatic adenocarcinoma that metastasized to the liver as well as to the lung cancer lesion and pulmonary fibrotic regions associated with pneumothorax and bronchiolization.

Interventions:

The pneumothorax could not be controlled by conservative treatment. Thus, an emergency surgery with partial resection of the lower lobe of right lung was performed.

Diagnoses:

We found multiple pancreatic cancer metastases in the lung cancer and fibrotic lesions in the surgical specimen. However, we detected no metastasis in normal lung tissues except inside small arteries, although the lung cancer and fibrotic tissue areas were smaller than the normal lung tissue areas in the surgical specimen.

Outcomes:

The patient died 50 days after the surgery.

Lessons:

This case may thus provide evidence to strengthen our hypothesis that pancreatic cancer prefers to metastasize to other independent cancer lesions, overtaking the cancer microenvironment constructed by other independent cancers. The lung cancer microenvironment, rich in myofibroblasts and/or cancer-associated fibroblasts, might be suitable for pancreatic carcinoma metastasis. In addition, we propose the hypothesis that compared with normal tissues, noncancerous fibrotic lesions are preferable destinations for cancer metastasis. Furthermore, metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma to lung cancer and fibrotic tissues might be more common, although such cases have not been previously reported.
Prolonged lumbosacral pain as the initial presentation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult
Authors: Li Fanglin , Wang Jinxia , Liu Aifei , Xin Liuyan , Zhong Sisi , Hong Yang , Chen Yijian
Published: June 2019

Rationale:

The differential diagnosis of conditions manifesting as bone and joint pain is complex. Although many individuals with acute leukemia experience bone pain, lumbosacral pain as an early feature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare.

Patient concerns:

Here we report a case of an adult who presented with a 7-month history of persistent lumbosacral pain which had become more severe during the previous month.

Diagnoses:

Prior to referral, his full blood count revealed no abnormalities, and a computerized tomography scan revealed mild bone hyperplasia of his lumbar vertebrae, with disc herniations of L3–S1. His blood biochemistry and urinary test results had been normal. After referral to our clinic, tests of the morphology, immunology, cytogenetics, and molecular biology of his bone marrow led to a diagnosis of MLL-AF4 fusion positive B-cell ALL.

Interventions:

Prior to his referral, he had been treated with painkillers by local doctors. The painkillers initially provided pain relief, but their effect wore off over time. After diagnosis, he was started on an adult ALL chemotherapy protocol.

Outcomes:

His symptoms resolved within a week of starting chemotherapy. At his most recent assessment, 10 months after diagnosis, he was on maintenance chemotherapy and in remission.

Lessons:

This case illustrates that prolonged lumbosacral pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, rather than only attributable to chronic inflammation or disk herniations. Therefore, clinicians need to pay attention to subtle differences in the clinical presentation of patients with lumbosacral pain.
Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention in preventing postoperative pain, complications, and psychological pressure in the otolaryngology department
Authors: Luan Rong-Lan , Zhu Ming-Xia , Sun Hai-Yan
Published: June 2019

This study aims to analyze the influence of comprehensive nursing intervention on the postoperative pain, complications, and psychological pressure of otolaryngology patients.

A total of 300 otolaryngology patients in our hospital from February 2016 to October 2017 were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups using the random number table: control group (n = 150), patients were given routine nursing; experimental group (n = 150), patients were given comprehensive nursing intervention. Postoperative pain, complications, and psychological pressure between the 2 groups were analyzed.

Residual pain in the experimental group at 3 months after the operation was lower than that in the control group (P < .05). The postoperative complications in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P < .05). The acute psychological pressure score and the psychological pressure self-test score in the experimental group were both lower than that in the control group (P < .05).

Comprehensive nursing intervention for otolaryngology patients was associated to relieving pain after the operation and psychological pressure of patients in the short and long term. Besides, comprehensive nursing intervention for otolaryngology patients was associated with a lower risk of complications.
Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for patients with primary insomnia
Authors: Zhang Hongshi , Liu Peng , Wu Xingquan , Zhang Yan , Cong Deyu
Published: June 2019

Background:

Traditional medicine is widely used for patients with primary insomnia, but the studies showed inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) versus placebo for primary insomnia patients.

Methods:

The electronic databases including PubMed, EmBase, Cochrane library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to identify the RCTs published from inception till July 2018. The summary weighted mean difference (WMD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), sleep onset latency, total sleep duration, Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and sleep efficiency were calculated using random-effects model.

Results:

Fifteen RCTs comprising 1500 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. Overall, patients who received CHM had lower levels of PSQI (WMD: −2.36; 95% CI: −4.02 to −0.70; P = .005), sleep onset latency (WMD: −11.54; 95% CI: −20.55 to −2.54; P = .012), and AIS (WMD: −0.59; 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.22; P = .002) as compared with placebo. Moreover, the summary WMDs of CHM versus placebo were associated with higher total sleep duration (WMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.56–1.02; P < .001), and sleep efficiency (WMD: 9.72; 95% CI: 6.49–12.96; P < .001). The treatment effect on PSQI might be affected by publication year, sample size, mean age, percentage male, diagnostic tool, duration of insomnia, treatment duration, and study quality.

Conclusion:

The findings of this meta-analysis indicated that CHM could significantly improve the symptoms of insomnia than placebo for patients with primary insomnia.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease presenting as dizziness and cognitive decline
Authors: Xu Yuhao , Xu Jianhui , Zhang Jian , Cai Zhirong , Wei Hong , Yu Ming , Li Yuefeng
Published: June 2019

Rationale:

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is an infrequent and rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disease without effective cure. Common presentations of CJD include rapidly progressive cognitive decline, behavioral changes, cerebellar dysfunction, and visual disturbances. Since clinicians may see only very few cases during their professional career, it is important to be familiar with the clinical presentation and progression, and allow for quick diagnosis.

Patient concerns:

We reported an elderly woman had recurrent attacks of dizziness in the preceding month. She began to suffer progression of memory disturbance half a month before admission and was admitted to our department in a coma.

Diagnosis:

The accessory examinations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid and S100 protein in serum support the diagnosis of sporadic CJD (sCJD). Combined with this evidence and clinical symptom, we made a clinical diagnosis of sCJD.

Interventions:

Supportive treatment.

Outcomes:

After 2 months of active treatment, the patient's condition had not improved, and the patient died 82 days after admission.

Lessons:

Clinicians should attach importance to sCJD, which is significant for the prevention of transmission and treatment.
Effectiveness of rehabilitation training combined with acupuncture on aphasia after cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dong Xin-shu , Song Guang-fu , Wu Cheng-ji , Zou Chun-yin , Sun Guang-tao , Huang Zuo-yi
Published: June 2019

Background:

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation training (RT) combined with acupuncture on aphasia after cerebral hemorrhage (CH).

Methods:

PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be searched to identify any potential studies from inception to March 1, 2019, without language restrictions. All randomized controlled trials and case-controlled studies assessing the effectiveness of RT combined with acupuncture for the treatment of aphasia following CH will be included in this study. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to determine the methodological quality for included studies. RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Community, London, UK) will be utilized to perform statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will systematically evaluate the effectiveness of RT and acupuncture for aphasia post CH. Primary outcome includes aphasia, which can be measured by Aachener Aphasia Test or Communicative Activity Log or other related scales. Secondary outcomes consist of speech performance, as assessed by Western Aphasia Battery-Revised; measure of skill in Supported Conversation scales; measure of Participation in Conversation scales; types of strategies used in conversation; occurrence and repair of conversation breakdowns; as well as any adverse events.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide present evidence on assessing effectiveness of RT and acupuncture after CH.

Dissemination and ethics:

The findings of this study are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals. It does not require ethical approval, because no individual data will be utilized in this study.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42019131587.
Conservative treatment for stable low-energy thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in nonfused segments among elderly patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Authors: Okano Ichiro , Tachibana Tetsuya , Nishi Masanori , Midorikawa Yuki , Hoshino Yushi , Sawada Takatoshi , Kudo Yoshifumi , Toyone Tomoaki , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: June 2019

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is the spontaneous osseous fusion of the spine with anterior bridging osteophytes. It is well-known that conservative treatment for vertebral fractures of fused segment among DISH spines is associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, the prognosis of conservatively treated stable vertebral fractures in neighboring nonfused segments among DISH spines is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of conservative treatment of stable low-energy thoracolumbar (TL) vertebral fracture in nonfused segments among patients with DISH lesions.

A total of 390 consecutive patients who visited an emergency department by ambulance with spinal trauma between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of DISH was determined based on fused spinal segments with bridging osteophytes in at least 3 adjacent vertebrae. For each case of stable TL vertebral fractures in nonfused segments of the DISH spine, we identified 2 age-, sex-, and fracture lesion-matched non-DISH controls who underwent conservative treatment for low-energy TL vertebral fractures during the same period.

Of the 33 identified cases of TL fractures with DISH, 14 met our inclusion criteria. The bony union rates of the DISH group and control group were 57% and 75% at the 3-month follow-up examination (P = .38) and 69% and 100% at the 6-month follow-up examination (P = .02), respectively. Among the 13 patients with fractures below the TL junction, fused segments were not diagnosable based on the initial standard radiographs of the lumbar spine for 61.5% of patients.

Although this study design was exploratory and the sample size was small, our results suggest that with conservative treatment, stable fractures in nonfused segments in the DISH spine might have a worse prognosis than ordinary osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The diagnosis of coexisting DISH lesions can be missed when only radiographs of the lumbar spine are used to determine the diagnosis.
Pre-diagnostic beta-blocker use and head- and neck cancer risk
Authors: Kim Min-Su , Han Kyung Do , Kwon Soon Young
Published: June 2019

β-blockers have been reported to exhibit potential anticancer effects in various cancer studies. However, few clinical studies concerning head and neck cancer have been conducted. We hypothesized that β-blockers could decrease the incidence of head and neck cancer. Therefore, we investigated the association between β-blocker treatment and head and neck cancer incidence.

Between January 2006 and December 2015, we selected 12,127 patients with head and neck cancer for this nationwide study using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The patients were matched 1:5 with 60,635 control participants according to age, sex, and, region. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cancer associated with β-blocker treatment. In the analysis, a crude (simple), adjusted model (adjusted model for age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) was used.

The OR for head and neck cancer incidence was not lower in the β-blocker cohort (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.105–1.26), especially for the oral cavity (OR: 1.165; 95% CI: 1.013–1.340), hypopharynx (OR: 1.555; 95% CI: 1.232–1.963), nasopharynx (OR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1–1.564), and paranasal sinus (OR: 1.378; 95% CI: 1.027–1.849). The duration of β-blocker use was not related to head and neck cancer incidence.

This study did not provide evidence that β-blockers can decrease the risk of head and neck cancer.
Evaluation of blood flow on optic nerve head after pattern scan and conventional laser panretinal photocoagulation
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Mikoshiba Yuji , Ra Eimei , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ueno Yoshitaka , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: June 2019

To evaluate the changes in the blood flow on retina and the optic nerve head (ONH) after conventional laser treatment and to compare it to that after patterned scanning laser (PASCAL) treatment in patients with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (S-NPDR).

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, the blood flow on retina and the ONH was assessed by laser speckle flowgraphy using the mean blur rate (MBR) in 39 eyes with S-NPDR before, 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Of 39 eyes, 17eyes with 17 patients treated by conventional laser and 22 eyes with 22 patients treated by PASCAL.

The mean age was 55.5 ± 11.5 years in the conventional laser group, 55.6 ± 11.8 years in the PASCAL group. The MBR-vessel, which can be dominantly expressed as retinal blood flow, was significantly reduced after PRP treated by conventional laser (P < .001), but did not change after PRP treated by PASCAL. The ratio of MBR-vessel to the baseline was significantly lower in the conventional laser group only at Week 1 (P = .045). The MBR-tissue, which can be dominantly expressed as the ONH blood flow, did not significantly change after PRP in the both group. The multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the laser burns was an independent factor significantly correlated with the ratio of MBR-vessel at Week 1 to the baseline (β = −0.550, P = .012).

The retinal blood flow was significantly reduced during the 12 weeks only after completion of PRP by conventional laser treatment. Our results indicate that short pulse on PRP treatment performed by the PASCAL would not significantly reduce the retinal blood flow.
Is it safe to perform gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients aged 80 or older?
Authors: Xu Yixin , Wang Yibo , Xi Cheng , Ye Nianyuan , Xu Xuezhong
Published: June 2019

Background:

Few studies have focused on octogenarian patients with gastric cancer (GC) who have undergone gastrectomy. This meta-analysis of published studies was performed to assess the safety of treating octogenarian GC patients with surgery.

Methods:

Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until January 2019. The incidence of preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, and mortality was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Further, the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were applied for survival outcomes.

Results:

A total of 18,179 patients with GC in 21 studies were included. Our results demonstrated that octogenarian patients were associated with a higher burden of comorbidities (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 2.37, 3.28; P = .00), high incidences of overall postoperative complications (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.81; P = .00), medical postoperative complications (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.91, 3.49; P = .00), in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 2.43, 4.31; P = .00) and poor overall survival (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.65, 2.27; P = .00).

Conclusions:

Considering the high burden of comorbidities, high incidences of postoperative complications and mortality, surgery for extremely elderly patients with GC requires deliberation. Individualized treatment is recommended for such patients.
Catatonia in Adolescence: First Onset Psychosis or Anti-NMDAr Encephalitis?
Authors: Averna Roberto , Battaglia Claudia , Labonia Milena , Riccioni Assia , Vicari Stefano
Published: June 2019

Catatonia is a rare condition that can occur in developmental disorders, but it is more frequently seen in schizophrenia. Recently, a high prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities including the detection of antineuronal autoantibodies has been observed in psychotic patients. Among these autoimmune encephalopathies associated with a psychiatric condition, a great deal of attention has been paid to anti–N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis, which may present, among other things, symptoms such as catatonia, which therefore imposes a differential diagnosis with respect to the early psychosis. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics of 4 cases with catatonic symptoms to understand the differences between the psychotic symptoms due to a type of encephalitis anti-NMDAr and the psychotic symptoms without anti-NMDAr.
Treatment of Sleep Bruxism With a Single Daily Dose of Buspirone in a 7-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Sağlam Ebru , Akça Ömer Faruk
Published: June 2019

Sleep bruxism is a temporomandibular joint dysfunction that could conclude in various problems including masseter muscle hypertrophy, headaches, and periodontal problems. Despite various treatment strategies, such as behavioral therapy, oral appliances, and pharmacotherapy, suggested, there is no specific treatment for this disorder. We present a 7-year-old boy whose sleep bruxism symptoms disappeared with a single daily dose of buspirone treatment in this report.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Arenaviridae
Authors: Radoshitzky Sheli R. , Buchmeier Michael J. , Charrel Rémi N. , Clegg J. Christopher S. , Gonzalez Jean-Paul J. , Günther Stephan , Hepojoki Jussi , Kuhn Jens H. , Lukashevich Igor S. , Romanowski Víctor , Salvato Maria S. , Sironi Manuela , Stenglein Mark D. , de la Torre Juan Carlos ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: June 2019

Members of the family Arenaviridae produce enveloped virions containing genomes consisting of two or three single-stranded RNA segments totalling about 10.5 kb. Arenaviruses can infect mammals, including humans and other primates, snakes, and fish. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Arenaviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/arenaviridae.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Bromoviridae
Authors: Bujarski Joseph , Gallitelli Donato , García-Arenal Fernando , Pallás Vicente , Palukaitis Peter , Reddy M. Krishna , Wang Aiming ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: June 2019

Bromoviridae is a family of plant viruses with tri-segmented, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes of about 8 kb in total. Genomic RNAs are packaged in separate virions that may also contain subgenomic, defective or satellite RNAs. Virions are variable in morphology (spherical or bacilliform) and are transmitted between hosts mechanically, in/on the pollen and non-persistently by insect vectors. Members of the family are responsible for major disease epidemics in fruit, vegetable and fodder crops such as tomato, cucurbits, bananas, fruit trees and alfalfa. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Bromoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/bromoviridae.
Single Cell Viewer (SCV): An interactive visualization data portal for single cell RNA sequence data
Authors: Wang Shuoguo , Brett Constance , Bolisetty Mohan , Golhar Ryan , Neuhaus Isaac , Ravi Kandasamy
Published: June 2019

Motivation

Thanks to technological advances made in the last few years, we are now able to study transcriptomes from thousands of single cells. These have been applied widely to study various aspects of Biology. Nevertheless, comprehending and inferring meaningful biological insights from these large datasets is still a challenge. Although tools are being developed to deal with the data complexity and data volume, we do not have yet an effective visualizations and comparative analysis tools to realize the full value of these datasets.

Results

In order to address this gap, we implemented a single cell data visualization portal called Single Cell Viewer (SCV). SCV is an R shiny application that offers users rich visualization and exploratory data analysis options for single cell datasets.

Availability

Source code for the application is available online at GitHub (http://www.github.com/neuhausi/single-cell-viewer) and there is a hosted exploration application using the same example dataset as this publication at http://periscopeapps.org/scv_tirosh.

Contact

isaac.neuhaus@bms.com; kandasamy.ravi@bms.com
Dependence of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on cell cycle and dry mass: a single-cell study using a multi-modal radiography platform
Authors: Sung Yongjin , Tetrault Marc-Andre , Takahashi Kazue , Ouyang Jinsong , Pratx Guillem , Normandin Marc , Fakhri Georges El
Published: June 2019

High glucose uptake by cancer compared to normal tissues has long been utilized in fluorodeoxyglucose-based positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) as a contrast mechanism. The FDG uptake rate has been further related to the proliferative potential of cancer, specifically the proliferation index (PI) − the proportion of cells in S, G2 or M phases. The underlying hypothesis was that the cells preparing for cell division would consume more energy and metabolites as building blocks for biosynthesis. Despite the wide clinical use, mixed reports exist in the literature on the relationship between FDG uptake and PI. This may be due to the large variation in cancer types or methods adopted for the measurements. Of note, the existing methods can only measure the average properties of a tumor mass or cell population with highly-heterogeneous constituents. In this study, we have built a multi-modal live-cell radiography system and measured the [18F]FDG uptake by single HeLa cells together with their dry mass and cell cycle phase. The results show that HeLa cells take up twice more [18F]FDG in S, G2 or M phases than in G1 phase, which confirms the association between FDG uptake and PI at a single-cell level. Importantly, we show that [18F]FDG uptake and cell dry mass have a positive correlation in HeLa cells, which suggests that high [18F]FDG uptake in S, G2 or M phases can be largely attributed to increased dry mass, rather than the activities preparing for cell division. This interpretation is consistent with recent observations that the energy required for the preparation of cell division is much smaller than that for maintaining house-keeping proteins.
Identifying conserved molecular targets required for cell migration of glioblastoma cancer stem cells
Authors: Volovetz Josephine , Berezovsky Artem D. , Alban Tyler , Chen Yujun , Aranjuez George F. , Burtscher Ashley , Shibuya Kelly , Silver Daniel J. , Peterson John , Manor Danny , McDonald Jocelyn A. , Lathia Justin D.
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumor and is associated with extensive tumor cell infiltration into the adjacent brain parenchyma. However, there are limited targeted therapies that address this disease hallmark. While the invasive capacity of self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their non-CSC progeny has been investigated, the mode(s) of migration used by CSCs during invasion is currently unknown. Here we used time-lapse microscopy to evaluate the migratory behavior of CSCs, with a focus on identifying key regulators of migration. A head-to-head migration assay demonstrated that CSCs are more invasive than non-CSCs. Time-lapse live cell imaging further revealed that GBM patient-derived CSC models either migrate in a collective manner or in a single cell fashion. To uncover conserved molecular regulators responsible for collective cell invasion, we utilized the genetically tractableDrosophilaborder cell collective migration model. Candidates for functional studies were generated using results from a targetedDrosophilagenetic screen followed by gene expression analysis of the human homologs in GBM tumors and associated GBM patient prognosis. This strategy identified the highly conserved small GTPase, Rap1a, as a potential regulator of cell invasion. Alteration of Rap1a activity impaired the forward progress ofDrosophilaborder cells during development. Rap1a expression was elevated in GBM and associated with higher tumor grade. Functionally, the levels of activated Rap1a impacted CSC migration speed out of spheres onto extracellular matrix. The data presented here demonstrate that CSCs are more invasive than non-CSCs, are capable of both collective and single cell migration, and express conserved genes that are required for migration and invasion. Using this integrated approach, we identified a new role for Rap1a in the migration of GBM CSCs.
Signaling activated by nucleolar localised Notch4 Intracellular Domain underlies protection from genomic damage
Authors: Saini Neetu , Sarin Apurva
Published: June 2019

The assembly of signaling hierarchies and their spatiotemporal organization together, contribute to diverse signaling outcomes. This is evident in the Notch pathway, which regulates an array of cellular processes, despite a small number of core components. Here, we describe a Notch4 activated signaling cascade, dependent on the nucleolar localization of the Notch4 Intracellular Domain (NIC4), that protects cells from genotoxic damage. Localization was assessed by immune-staining for endogenous Notch4 and visualization by confocal microscopy, in breast cancer cell lines. Live-cell, imaging-based, biophysical analysis of NIC4-GFP expressing cells, indicated unhindered mobility between the nucleolus and nucleoplasm and a stable nucleolar pool of NIC4-GFP. RNAi-mediated ablations, coupled with analysis of recombinant forms of NIC4 with modifications of its nucleolar localization sequence, confirmed nucleolar localization and identified the nucleolar proteins, Nucleolin and Fibrillarin, as key intermediates in the NIC4-activated signaling cascade. The transcriptional control of ribosome biogenesis (47s and 45s pre-rRNA transcription), emerged as another unexpected consequence of the subcellular distribution of NIC4. Taken together, this study describes intrinsic features of NIC4 that confer spatial flexibility and expand the repertoire of Notch4 signaling.
Human Umbilical Cord blood monocytes, but not adult blood monocytes, rescue brain cells from hypoxic-ischemic injury: Mechanistic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Saha Arjun , Patel Sachit , Xu Li , Scotland Paula , Schwartzman Jonathan , Filiano Anthony J. , Kurtzberg Joanne , Balber Andrew E.
Published: June 2019

Cord blood (CB) mononuclear cells (MNC) are being tested in clinical trials to treat hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injuries. Although early results are encouraging, mechanisms underlying potential clinical benefits are not well understood. To explore these mechanisms further, we exposed mouse brain organotypic slice cultures to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and then treated the brain slices with cells from CB or adult peripheral blood (PB). We found that CB-MNCs protect neurons from OGD-induced death and reduced both microglial and astrocyte activation. PB-MNC failed to affect either outcome. The protective activities were largely mediated by factors secreted by CB-MNC, as direct cell-to-cell contact between the injured brain slices and CB cells was not essential. To determine if a specific subpopulation of CB-MNC are responsible for these protective activities, we depleted CB-MNC of various cell types and found that only removal of CB CD14+monocytes abolished neuroprotection. We also used positively selected subpopulations of CB-MNC and PB-MNC in this assay and demonstrated that purified CB-CD14+cells, but not CB-PB CD14+cells, efficiently protected neuronal cells from death and reduced glial activation following OGD. Gene expression microarray analysis demonstrated that compared to PB-CD14+monocytes, CB-CD14+monocytes over-expressed several secreted proteins with potential to protect neurons. Differential expression of five candidate effector molecules, chitinase 3-like protein-1, inhibin-A, interleukin-10, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and thrombospondin-1, were confirmed by western blotting, and immunofluorescence. These findings suggest that CD14+monocytes are a critical cell-type when treating HI with CB-MNC.
3D path planning, routing algorithms and routing protocols for unmanned air vehicles: a review
Authors: Ben Amarat Samia , Zong Peng
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comprehensive review in major research areas of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) navigation, i.e. three degree-of-freedom (3D) path planning, routing algorithm and routing protocols. The paper is further aimed to provide a meaningful comparison among these algorithms and methods and also intend to find the best ones for a particular application.

Design/methodology/approach

The major UAV navigation research areas are further classified into different categories based on methods and models. Each category is discussed in detail with updated research work done in that very domain. Performance evaluation criteria are defined separately for each category. Based on these criteria and research challenges, research questions are also proposed in this work and answered in discussion according to the presented literature review.

Findings

The research has found that conventional and node-based algorithms are a popular choice for path planning. Similarly, the graph-based methods are preferred for route planning and hybrid routing protocols are proved better in providing performance. The research has also found promising areas for future research directions, i.e. critical link method for UAV path planning and queuing theory as a routing algorithm for large UAV networks.

Originality/value

The proposed work is a first attempt to provide a comprehensive study on all research aspects of UAV navigation. In addition, a comparison of these methods, algorithms and techniques based on standard performance criteria is also presented the very first time.
Assessing disciplinary differences in information literacy teaching materials
Authors: Dreisiebner Stefan , Schlögl Christian
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover similarities and differences among emphasized information literacy (IL) skills for the disciplines of political- and social sciences, economics, educational sciences, law sciences, mathematics, life sciences, history and German studies, based on an analysis of IL teaching materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight issues of the German language publication seriesErfolgreich recherchieren(Succesful Research Strategies) are compared by using a structuring content analysis. The category system is based on the IL standards and performance indicators of the Association of College and Research Libraries (2000), extended with additional categories.

Findings

The results, first, suggest that the biggest similarities and differences among the disciplines are found concerning the determination of the nature and extent of the needed information, especially in the area of identifying potential sources of information. Second, some of the disciplines focus more on international sources, whereas others focus on country- and language-specific sources. Third, the criteria to define the appropriate retrieval system differ among the various disciplines. Fourth, approaches to narrow the search results differ among the various disciplines. Fifth, the critical evaluation of sources is addressed in all disciplines but relates to different contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This approach only addresses one book per discipline out of a German language book series. Further research is needed.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its approach and one of few papers on disciplinary differences in IL perception.
Academic achievement and mental health of left-behind children in rural China
Authors: Wang Lei , Zheng Yaojia , Li Guirong , Li Yanyan , Fang Zhenni , Abbey Cody , Rozelle Scott
Published: June 2019

Purpose

China’s rapid pace of urbanization has resulted in millions of rural residents migrating from rural areas to urban areas for better job opportunities. Due to economic pressures and the nature of China’s demographic policies, many of these migrants have been forced to leave their children with relatives – typically paternal grandparents – at home in the countryside. Thus, while income for most migrant families has risen, a major unintended consequence of this labor movement has been the emergence of a potentially vulnerable sub-population of left-behind children (LBCs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of parental migration on both the academic performance and mental health of LBCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data were drawn from three waves of a panel survey that followed the same students and their families – including their migration behavior (i.e. whether both parents, one parent, no parent migrated) – between 2015 and 2016. The survey covers more than 33,000 students in one province of central China. The authors apply a student fixed-effects model that controls for both observable and unobservable confounding variables to explicate the causal effects of parental migration on the academic and mental health outcomes for LBC. The authors also employ these methods to test whether these effects differ by the type of migration or by gender of the child.

Findings

The authors found no overall impact of parental migration on either academic performance or mental health of LBCs, regardless of the type of migration behavior. The authors did find, however, that when the authors examined heterogeneous effects by gender (which was possible due to the large sample size), parental migration resulted in significantly higher anxiety levels for left-behind girls. The results suggest that parental migration affects left-behind boys and girls differently and that policymakers should take a more tailored approach to addressing the problems faced by LBCs.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper come from the large and representative sample, as well as the causal effects analysis of being left-behind on both academic performance and mental health. First, the paper uses comprehensive panel data from a representative and populous province in China, and the sample size is the largest one among LBC-related papers to the authors’ knowledge. Second, the paper separately examines the causal effects on the student outcomes of different migration strategies. Third, the paper analyzes the heterogeneous effects of different migration strategies on LBC gender. The authors believe that the paper makes a key contribution to the literature.