bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method to Determine the Standard Deviation of SUV Parameters
Authors: Luca Giulia Maria Rita De , Habraken Jan
Published: November 2020

Some of the parameters used for the quantification of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images are the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)Max, SUV Mean and SUV Peak. In order to assess the significance of an increasing or decreasing of these parameters for diagnostic purposes it is relevant to determine their standard deviation. In this study we present a method to determine the range of statistical variation of the SUV in PET images. Our method is based on dividing an original dataset into subsets of shorter time-frames. The variation between the SUV parameters of the subsets is used to estimate the standard deviation of the of the original acquisition. This method was tested on images of a NEMA quality phantom with acquisition time of 150 s per bed position and foreground to background activity ratio of F18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) of 10:1. This original dataset has been reconstructed with different reconstruction lengths, generating new data subsets. The SUV Max, Mean and Peak were calculated for each image in the subsets. Their standard deviation has been calculated per subset for the different spheres included in the phantom. The variation of each subset has then been used to estimate the expected variation between images at 150 s reconstruction length. We report the largest standard deviation of the SUV parameters for the smallest sphere, and the smallest variation for the largest sphere. The expected variation at 150 s reconstruction length does not exceed 6% for the smallest sphere and 2% for the largest sphere, but we report an higher coefficient of variation (up to 30%) for shorter reconstruction lengths. We also report significant differences in the variation of SUV parameters for the larger spheres. With the presented method we are able to determine the standard deviation of SUV parameters only due to and the statistical variation. The method enables us to evaluate the effect of parameter selection and lesion size on the standard deviation, and therefore to evaluate its relevance on the total variation of the SUV value between studies.
Isolation and identification of serum exosomes and correlation of its contents with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Pei , Chen Wencheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Erythrocyte deformability is one of the pathophysiological changes of high-risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and atherosclerosis in stroke. It mainly affects blood viscosity and fluidity in the occurrence, development and outcome of the disease. Exosomes are a new type of biological activity test target, and it mainly contents miRNA, but its effect on stroke is still not clear.
Objective

To detect the serum exosome-derived miR-150-5p expression in patients with acute ischemic stroke and explore its diagnostic potential for acute ischemic stroke.
Methods

A total of 84 samples were collected with matched age and gender, collecting relevant laboratory indicators and general clinical data of the research subjects. The kit was used to extract serum exosomes, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of serum exosomal miR-150-5p, evaluate its value as a diagnostic marker through the ROC curve. Through Randa, Target Scan and other online databases, bioinformatics methods predict the target genes of miR-150, the results are drawn Venny to take intersection analysis, literature screening and ischemic stroke related target genes.
Results

The exosomes showed elliptical or round membranous vesicles with a diameter between 30–200 nm and fusion phenomenon and detected the exosomal marker proteins CD63 and HSP70; Compared with the control group, the relative expression of exosomal miR-150-5p in patients with acute ischemic stroke was increased (T = 8, P < 0.001). The expression of serum exosomal miR-150-5p in the disease group at different time points after stroke, the difference was not statistically significant(Chi-square = 2.925, P = 0.232); the area under the ROC curve was 0.883. bioinformatics prediction analysis of miR-150 target genes, which may be involved in the development of stroke disease through EGR2 and PLP2, as well as erythrocyte membrane protein-related genes SLC4A1 and SPTB also belong to the miR-150 prediction targets.
Conclusion

The expression of exosome-derived miR-150-5p is relatively high in patients with acute stroke, and it has a certain potential for early disease diagnosis.
Modulation of Plasma Sphingosine-1-phosphate Levels via Dietary Salt Intervention in Chinese Adults: An Intervention Trial
Authors: Ma Qiong , Chu Chao , Xue Yanbo , Yan Yu , Hu Jiawen , Zheng Wenling , Wang Keke , Wang Yang , Yuan Yue , Liao Yueyuan , Chen Ph.D. Chen , Mu Jianjun
Published: November 2020

Background: Salt is a crucial factor for blood pressure modulation, especially in salt-sensitive individuals. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a pleiotropic bioactive sphingolipid metabolite participating in blood pressure regulation, has recently been identified as a novel lipid diuretic factor. However, the relationships among salt intake, circulating S1P levels, and blood pressure changes in human beings are unknown. Thus, we conducted this intervention trial to explore the effect of dietary salt intake on plasma S1P levels and to examine the relationship between S1P and blood pressure in Chinese adults.Methods: 42 participants (aged 18–65 years) were recruited from a rural community in Shaanxi, China. All participants first maintained their normal diet for 3 days, then sequentially ate a low-sodium diet (3.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days, followed by a high-sodium diet (18.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days. We assessed their plasma S1P concentrations on the last day of each intervention phase by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We classified the subjects who demonstrated at least a 10% increase in mean arterial pressure upon transitioning from a low-salt to a high-salt diet as salt-sensitive and the others as salt-resistant. Differences in repeated measures were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Plasma S1P levels decreased significantly from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt to high-salt diet period. We observed this response in both salt-sensitive and salt-resistant individuals. Plasma S1P levels positively correlated with 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, but not 24-hour urinary potassium excretion. In line with plasma S1P level responses to salt intervention, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt to high-salt period. SBP positively correlated with plasma S1P and the correlation was stronger in salt-sensitive individuals than that in salt-resistant individuals. Conclusion: Low-salt dietary intervention decreases plasma S1P levels, whereas high-salt intervention reverses this change and S1P levels positively correlated with SBP in Chinese adults. This provides a high-efficiency and low-cost intervention for plasma S1P levels modulation, with implications for salt-induced blood pressure modulation. Trial registration: NCT02915315. Registered 27 September 2016, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Improper acupuncture causing severe multiple soft tissue damage:a case report
Authors: xie yulong , peng yan , zhou wenzong , Qin Qiantong , Wang Hui , Ni Bing , Wang Wenjie , Li Tianyu , Dong Yunxia , Miao Rui , Liu Yanqing , Jiang Donghong
Published: November 2020

Background Acupuncture therapy is well known. But there is no report that acupuncture in patients with coagulation dysfunction in stroke may lead to severe soft tissue injury. we report a case of acupuncture leading to severe soft tissue injury.Methods A 63-year-old female patient was hospitalized for stroke rehabilitation. After 2 years of discharge, severe subcutaneous hematoma caused by acupuncture was readmitted to hospital. She received medication and physical rehabilitation. we monitored the international standardized ratio (INR) in plasma and observed the degree of dissipation of subcutaneous hematoma. the changes of patients during treatment were explored by data analysis.Findings Subcutaneous hematoma (area 20×20 cm) disappeared completely after 3 weeks of physical factor therapy. Small range (area ≤3×3 cm) subcutaneous hematoma can heal itself within 2 weeks. Improper acupuncture is only one of the causes of soft tissue injury. Stroke with coagulation dysfunction is not a contraindication of acupuncture treatment.Interpretation Our report suggests that previously unanticipated acupuncture treatment for stroke patients with coagulation dysfunction may lead to severe multiple soft tissue injuries. Although coagulation dysfunction is not a contraindication of acupuncture treatment, acupuncture treatment for stroke patients with coagulation dysfunction should be vigilant, strengthen the level of acupuncture operation, and fundamentally eliminate the problem. These cases are validation and supplement of adverse clinical reactions caused by improper acupuncture.
Clinical Application and Evaluation of a New Combined Hip Prosthesis System: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Study
Authors: Luo Pan , Li Tengqi , Sun Wei , Li Zirong , Gao Fuqiang , Shi Lijun
Published: November 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new hip prosthetic system compared with the control group.Methods: A total of 140 patients (140 hips) who met the inclusion criteria in three clinical institutions were selected. The main outcome were to judge the excellent and good rate of Harris score in the experimental group and the control group 5 years after operation, and whether the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the difference between the two groups was greater than the non-inferior threshold (the non-inferior cutoff value was-10%). The secondary outcome were the comparison of Harris scores, the number of adverse events, safety test and evaluation, the results of X-ray films and the concise health status questionnaire (SF-36) between the two groups before operation and after operation.Results: During the 5-year follow-up, the excellent and good rates of Harris scores in the experimental group and the control group were 96.8% and 96.7% respectively, and the rate difference was 0.1%. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was -8.9%, which was greater than the non-inferiority boundary value (the non-inferiority boundary value was-10%). There was no significant difference in Harris score, adverse events, safety test, imaging, and SF-36 analysis between the two groups before operation and after operation.Conclusion: The new combined hip prosthesis system meets the requirements of clinical safety and effectiveness, and is worth popularizing in clinical application.Trial registration: researchregistry, researchregistry5771. Registered 1 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered. https://www.researchregistry.com/ researchregistry5771
Mas Receptor Activation Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation via Inhibiting JNK/CCL2-induced Macrophage Recruitment
Authors: Hong Luna , Chen Ming , Shi Jianting , Wang Qiujie , Guo Yimin , Liu Shanying , Pan Ruijian , Yuan Xiaoqing , Jiang Shanping
Published: November 2020

Background: Defective absorption of acute allergic airway inflammation is involved in the initiation and development of chronic asthma. After allergen exposure, there is a rapid recruitment of macrophages around the airways, which promote acute inflammatory responses. The Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis reportedly plays protective roles in various tissue inflammation and remodeling processes in vivo. However, the exact role of Mas receptor and their underlying mechanisms during the pathology of acute allergic airway inflammation remains unclear. Methods: Mas receptor expression was assessed in ovalbumin-induced acute asthmatic murine model. Then we estimated the anti-inflammatory role of Mas receptor in vivo and explored expressions of several known inflammatory cytokines as well as phosphorylation levels of MAPK pathways. Mas receptor functions and underlying mechanisms were studied further in the human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE).Results: Mas receptor expression decreased in acute allergic airway inflammation. Multiplex immunofluorescence co-localized Mas receptor and EpCAM, indicated that Mas receptor may function in the bronchial epithelium. Activating Mas receptor through AVE0991 significantly alleviated macrophage infiltration in airway inflammation, accompanied with down-regulation of CCL2 and phosphorylation levels of MAPK pathways. Further studies in 16HBE showed that AVE0991 pre-treatment inhibited LPS-induced or anisomycin-induced CCL2 increase and THP-1 macrophages migration via JNK pathways.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Mas receptor activation significantly attenuated CCL2 dependent macrophage recruitments in acute allergic airway inflammation through JNK pathways, which indicated that Mas receptor, CCL2 and phospho-JNK could be potential targets against allergic airway inflammation.
Transmittance of Tapered Photonic Crystal Fibers With Absorbing Coatings
Authors: Sicacha Mauricio Salazar , Minkovich Vladimir (or Uladzimir) Petrovich , Sotsky Alexander B. , Shilov Artur V. , Sotskaya Luidmila I.
Published: November 2020

The interaction effect of the fundamental mode of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a thin-film absorbing coating deposited on a surface of a fiber cladding on the optical transmission of the PCF is studied. It is shown that the transmission has a quasi-periodic spectrum that is determined either by a resonance coupling between the leaky fundamental PCF mode and leaky modes of the coating, or between the leaky fundamental PCF mode and cladding modes localized between PCF air channels and the coating. Examples are presented of using this effect for fiber-optic sensors of refractive index, pressure, and for sensing an adsorption layer of ammonia molecules deposited on a coating surface contacting with air.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Prostate Cancer Outcomes Globally: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Ezeonwu Bertilla Uzoma , Obu Dorathy Chinwe , Khalid Abdullahi , Asiegbu Uzoma Vivian , Kenneth Kyegwim Nianglong , Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza , Onwuchekwa Chinemerem Eunice , Garba Maria Ahuoiza , Akuse Rosamund , Ayede Adejumoke Idowu , Udigwe Ifeoma Bridget , Afoke Kokogho , Okoye Ifeoma Joy
Published: November 2020

BackgroundOne in every four men will be affected by prostate cancer. Choice of treatment depends on factors including grade and stage of the disease, age of the patient, availability of treatment options and socioeconomic status. We aimed to develop a protocol to assess the impact of socioeconomic status on prostate cancer outcomes globally.Methods A search strategy is developed using MeSH, text words, and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched, including PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase and ResearchGate.Only observational studies, retrievable in the English language will be included. The primary outcome of this study is the socioeconomic status of prostate cancer patients. Secondary outcomes include mortality due to prostate cancer, health related quality of life, prostate cancer recurrence, need for secondary treatment, time to return to work, treatment choice regret and hospice enrollment. Identified studies will be screened and selected based on inclusion criteria. Data items will be managed in Zotero software, Microsoft Excel and CMA software. Both quality scores and the risk of bias for individual studies will be reported. Studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity. Funnel Plots will be used for assessing publication bias. DiscussionThis protocol will enable a transparent, reliable and accurate method for assessing the impact of socioeconomic status on the global prostate cancer outcomes. It will allow discussions on outcomes such as mortality due to prostate cancer and how income disparity and availability of treatment options can influence prostate cancer outcomes. The final report of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and the findings will be made available to health authorities.Systematic review RegistrationThis protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42020213700
Current Developments in Delivering Customized Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Minvielle Etienne , Fourcade Aude , Ricketts Tom , waelli Mathias
Published: November 2020

Background In recent years, there has been a growing interest in healthcare personalization and customization (e.g. personalized medicine and patient-centered care). While some positive impacts of these approaches have been reported, there has been a dearth of research on how these approaches are implemented and combined for healthcare delivery systems. Objective The present study undertakes a scoping review of current developments for delivering customized care, according to theoretical and practical guidelines for customization delivery approaches. Methods Article searches were initially conducted in November 2018, and updated in January 2019 and March 2019, according to Prisma guidelines. Two investigators independently searched MEDLINE, PubMed, PyscINFO, Web of Science, Science Direct and JSTOR, The search was focused on articles that included “care customization”, “personalized service and healthcare”, individualized care” and “targeting population” in the title or abstract. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. Disagreements on study selection and data extraction were resolved by consensus and discussion between two reviewers. Results We identified 70 articles published between 2008 and 2019. Most of the articles (n = 43) were published from 2016 to 2019. Four categories of patient characteristics used for segmentation analysis emerged: clinical, psychosocial, service and costs. We observed they often coexisted with the most commonly described combinations, namely clinical, psychosocial and service. A minority of articles (n = 18) reported assessments on quality of care, experiences and costs. Finally, few articles (n= 6) formally defined a conceptual basis related to mass customization, whereas only half of articles used existing theories to guide their analysis or interpretation. Conclusions There is no common theory based strategy for providing customized care. In response, we have highlighted three areas for researchers and managers to advance the customized development concept in healthcare delivery systems: better define the content of the segmentation analysis and the intervention steps, demonstrate its added value, in particular its economic viability, and align the logics of action that underpin current efforts of customization. It would allow them to use customization to reduce costs and improve quality of care.
Translocation of Intracellular CD24 Towards Cell Membrane Constitutes a Triggering Event for Drug Resistance in Breast Tumor Cell: Correlation With Dynamics of p38MAPK Activation
Authors: Huth Hugo Werner , Goes Alfredo Miranda de , Ropert Catherine
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe adaptation capacity of tumor cells to shift dynamically between different states could be responsible for chemoresistance and has been commonly linked to the acquisition of stem cell properties. Here, we have provided new elements concerning the role of the Cancer Stem Cell marker CD24 in the dynamics of tumor cell plasticity and the acquirement of drug resistance in breast cancer.MethodologyBreast cancer cell lines and cell lineage obtained from Brazilian patients were treated with cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic drugs and the phenotype switching associated with drug resistance was evaluated. Different markers were quantified like the expression of CD24 through microscopy and FACS, the regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-2, epigenetic changes and MAPK activation using western blotting in wild type and CD24 silencing cells. ResultsThe translocation of CD24 from cytosol to cell membrane was a triggering event for the phenotype change of tumor cells exposed to drug stress. Importantly, this phenomenon was observed in all the cells of the different population that was rendered possible thanks to the presence of an intracellular pool of CD24 in each given breast tumor cell. In these CD24+ cells, a strong and continuous phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK leading to drug resistance through the tri-methylation of H3K9 and overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was observed. Importantly, the drug-resistant CD24+ cells entered into slow-down of cell cycle and restarted to proliferate after several weeks. The reawakened cells presented constitutive p38 activation, higher drug resistance and higher migration capacity. Notably, the use of a p38 activity inhibitor sensitized cells to drug treatment and avoided the appearance of chemoresistance.Conclusions/significance In this study, we have associated the cellular localization of CD24 with the changes in the dynamics of p38MAPK activation in breast tumor cells under drug stress. The tandem CD24/p38 plays a crucial role in the acquisition of drug resistance and new cell identity. The use of p38 inhibitor was able to disrupt this partnership and consequently to avoid chemotherapy-induced cell state transition. These results suggest that targeting p38 in breast cancer can overcome adaptive resistance to doxorubicin treatment.
Transcriptome Profiling of Epstein-Barr Virus Using Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Moldován Norbert , Szenthe Kálmán , Bánáti Ferenc , Fülöp Ádám , Csabai Zsolt , Tombácz Dóra , Minárovits János , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: November 2020

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an important human pathogenic gammaherpesvirus with carcinogenic potential. The EBV transcriptome has previously been analyzed using both Illumina-based short read- and Pacific Biosciences RS II-based long-read sequencing technologies. In this work, we use the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform for the characterization of the EBV transcriptomic architecture. Both amplified and non-amplified cDNA sequencings were applied for the generation of transcription reads, including both oligo-d(T) and random oligonucleotide-primed reverse transcription. EBV transcripts are identified and annotated using the LoRTIA software suite developed in our laboratory. This study detected novel short genes (embedded into longer host genes) containing 5’-truncated in-frame open reading frames (ORFs), which might encode N-terminally truncated proteins. We also detected a number of novel non-coding RNAs and transcript length isoforms encoded by the same genes but differing in their start and/or end sites. This study also reports the discovery of novel splice isoforms, many of which may represent altered coding potential, and of novel Ori-associated RNA molecules. Additionally, novel mono- and polycistronic, as well as complex transcripts have been uncovered. An intricate meshwork of transcriptional overlaps has also been revealed.
Effect and Mechanism of Sacubitril/valsartan on Ventricular Remodeling in STZ induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats
Authors: Tang Kai , Lv Zhan , Ai Jiao , Shuai Zhuang , Li Zongyu , Zou Luwei , Liu Mao
Published: November 2020

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) has a high incidence of heart failure and poor prognosis, so its prevention and treatment should be more active. In this study, we investigate the effect and mechanism of sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) on ventricular remodeling in DCM rats, so as to provide a new idea for clinical prevention of DCM.Methods: Twenty 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal rat group (NOR), DCM group, DCM+ Sac/Val group and DCM+ Perindopril (PER) group , with 5 rats in each group. The DCM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1% streptozotocin (STZ). NOR and DCM groups were gavaged with normal saline (1ml/100g/d) for 8 weeks, while Sac/Val and PER groups were gavaged with Sac/Val (60mg/kg/d) and PER (2mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. HE and Masson staining were used to evaluate the pathological changes of myocardial tissue, the left ventricular/ body mass index was calculated to evaluate ventricular remodeling, the levels of IL-6 and TNF- α in myocardial tissue were detected by ELISA, and the protein expression of p-38 and phos-p38 was detected. Results: Compared with the NOR group, the arrangement of cardio myocytes in the DCM group was disordered and the content of collagen fibers increased. In the DCM group, the left ventricular/body mass index increased, the levels of IL-6 and TNF- α increased, and the phos-p38 protein expression increased (P＜0.01). Compared with DCM group, fewer collagen fibers were found and the degree of fibrosis was reduced in Sac/Val group and PER group. The levels of left ventricular/body mass index, IL-6, TNF- α and phos-p38 protein expression in the Sac/Val group were all lower than those in the DCM group, and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.01).Conclusion: Sac/Val can improve ventricular remodeling in DCM, and its mechanism may be related to its anti-inflammatory effect and inhibition of p38 signaling pathway in myocardial tissue.
Economic Activity Asymmetries to Oil Price Shocks for Oil Importing Economies
Authors: Bibi Salma , Rashid Abdul Rashid , Haq Mirajul
Published: November 2020

To prospect the query of asymmetry the data of 40 oil importing economies for period of 1990-2019 used in the analysis. All of the oil importing economies divided into 3 categories consisting of low, medium and high oil importing economy. The oil price shocks can lead to cross section to be correlated specifically oil importing panels this suspicion was realized by results the CD test of H. Pesaran (2004). The technique of dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) by Chudik, et al. (2015) used for analysis. The results provided evidence of asymmetries for highest and lowest oil importing economies in long run. However, absences of asymmetry in short run for all oil importing nations.
Trust Assessment in Internet of Things Using Blockchain and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Liming , Zhu Hongqin , Sun Jiawei , Dai Ran , Ma Qi , Wei Xin
Published: November 2020

Since IoT devices are strengthened, edge computing with multi-center cooperation becomes a trend. Considering that edge nodes may belong to different center, they have different trust management model, it’s hard to assess trust among edge nodes. In this paper, we take blockchain to coordinate differences among centers, construct a trust environment for transactions in IoT. In detail, we propose a blockchain based identity management for IoT to ensure identity is credible, then design a transaction model to provide certification for IoT transactions. And, we take machine learning methods to analyze IoT transaction log, thus decide trust nodes or not. Experiment results show that our mechanism could effectively identify trustworthy edges in IoT.
Impact of specific emergency measures on survival of out of hospital traumatic cardiac arrest: data from the northern french alps cardiac arrest registry.
Authors: Savary Dominique , Morin François , Douillet Delphine , Roupioz Thierry , Ageron François Xavier , Drouet Adrien , Charvet Romain , Carneiro Bruno , Metton Pierre , Fadel Marc , Descatha Alexis
Published: November 2020

The management of Out of hospital Traumatic Cardiac Arrest (TCA) for professional rescuers combines advanced life support with specifics actions to treat potential reversible causes of the arrest: hypovolemia, hypoxemia, Tension Pneumothorax (TPx) and tamponade. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of specific rescue gestures on short-term outcomes in the context of resuscitation of patients with a pre-hospital TCA.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all TCA treated in two emergency medical units (EM unit), which are part of the Northern Alps emergency network, from January 2004 to December 2017. Utstein variables and specific rescue actions in TCA were compiled: advanced airway management, fluid administration, pelvic stabilization or tourniquet application, bilateral thoracostomy, and thoracotomy procedures. The primary end point was the survival rate at day 30 with good neurologic outcome (cerebral performance category [CPC] score 1 & 2).Results: 287 resuscitations attempt in TCA were included and 279 specific interventions were Identified: 262 Fluid expansion, 41 External Pelvic stabilizations, 5 tourniquets, 175 bilateral thoracostomies, (including 44 with TPx).Conclusion: Among standard resuscitation measures to treat reversible causes of cardiac arrest, we were able to show that bilateral thoracostomy and tourniquet application on a limb hemorrhage improves survival of TCA. A larger sample for pelvic stabilization is necessary.
Evaluation of the Implementation Process of the Mobile Health Platform ‘WelTel’ in Six Sites in East Africa and Canada Using the Modified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR)
Authors: Joueidi Samia El , Bardosh Kevin , Musoke Richard , Tilahun Binyam , Moslim Maryam Abo , Gourlay Katie , MacMullin Alissa , Cook Victoria J. , Murray Melanie , Mbaraga Gilbert , Nsanzimana Sabin , Lester Richard
Published: November 2020

Background: Health systems globally are investing in integrating secure messaging platforms for virtual care in clinical practice. Implementation science is essential for adoption, scale-up, spread and maintenance of complex evidence-based solutions in clinics with evolving priorities. In response, the mHealth Research Group modified the existing Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR) to evaluate implementation of virtual health tools in clinical settings. WelTel® is an evidence-based digital health platform widely deployed in various geographical and health contexts. Objectives: To identify the facilitators and barriers for implementing WelTel and to assess the application of the mCFIR tool in facilitating focus groups in different geographical and health settings. Methodology: Both qualitative and semi-quantitative approaches were employed. Six mCFIR sessions were held in three countries with 51 key stakeholders surveyed. The mCFIR tool consists of 5 Domains and 25 Constructs and was built and distributed through Qualtrics XM. “Performance ” and “Importance” scores were valued on a scale of 0 to 10 (Mean + SD). Descriptive analysis was conducted using R computing software. NVivo 12 Pro software was used to analyze mCFIR responses and to generate themes from the participants’ input. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the focus group facilitators to understand their experience using the mCFIR tool. Results: We observed a parallel trend in the scores for Importance and Performance. Of the five Domains, Domain 4 (End-user Characteristics) and Domain 3 (Inner Settings) scored highest in Importance (8.9 + 0.5 and 8.6 + 0.6, respectively) and Performance (7.6 + 0.7 and 7.2 + 1.3, respectively) for all sites. Domain 2 (Outer Setting) scored the lowest in both Importance and Performance for all sites (7.6 + 0.4 and 5.6 + 1.8). Areas of strengths included timely diagnosis, immediate response, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, and simplicity. Areas for improvement included training, phone accessibility, health authority’s engagement, and literacy. Conclusion: The mCFIR tool allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation, reach, and scale-up of digital health tools. Participants emphasized the importance of creating partnerships with external organizations and health authorities in order to achieve sustainability and scalability.Trial Registration: · NCT02603536 – November 11, 2015· NCT01549457 – March 9, 2012
IFITM3 influences the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating NCAPG through phosphorylation
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Zhang Rongguiyi , Li Enliang , Wang Jiakun , Wu Linquan
Published: November 2020

Background:Several studies have demonstrated that the expressions of IFITM3 and NCAPG are closely related to the prognosis of various tumors. However, the mechanism of action of these two is not yet clear. In this study, we have explored the mechanism of action of IFITM3 and NCAPG in the promotion of the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Specimens of liver cancer and adjacent tissues from 55 HCC patients at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were collected, and the expressions of NCAPG and IFITM3 were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Through the analysis of multiple databases, the relationship between IFITM3 and NCAPG was established by the CO-IP method. SiRNA and plasmids were used to downregulate and upregulate IFITM3, and the expression of STAT3/CDK1, NCAPG mRNA, and protein was observed. After downregulating and upregulating the expression of IFITM3 and NCAPG, the ability of HCC cells to invade and metastasize was determined using a scratch test and Transwell assays. After using pathway inhibitors and activators, the expression of NCAPG was observed.Results: According to the database, both IFITM3 and NCAPG were highly expressed in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. We also confirmed that IFITM3 and NCAPG were upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis and CO-IP indicated that there was a protein interaction between IFITM3 and NCAPG, and that IFITM3 could regulate NCAPG by phosphorylating it. We further confirmed our observations by retrospective experiments. The reuse of pathway inhibitors and activators indicated that IFITM3 could regulate NCAPG through STAT3/CDK1 to promote the invasion and metastasis of HCC. Finally, the animal experiments confirmed that the results were also reproducible in vivo. Conclusion: IFITM3 can regulate NCAPG through STAT3/CDK1 to promote the invasion and metastasis of HCC.
Associated Factors to Immunization Timeliness and Completion in Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants at Essos Hospital Center Yaounde
Authors: Kouya Marie , Motaze Annie Carole Nga , Ngoué Jeannette Epee , Sandie Arsene Brunelle , Ndombo Paul Olivier Koki , NLEND ANNE ESTHER NJOM
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Vaccination is very often delayed in premature and low birth weight infants. However, timely vaccination is even more important in the latter because of their increased susceptibility to infection.Objective. To assess immunization practice and factors associated with vaccine promptness and completeness in former preterm and low-birth-weight infants.Methods. We conducted a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study (January 2017 to February 2019). Main measurement : Promptness and completeness at each contact, Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.6.2, logistic regression was used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) and their 95% Confidence Interval (CI).Results. We recruited 310 children aged 12 to 36 months born before 37 weeks with low birth weight, 163 (52.6%) of whom were female. Two hundred and fifty-three had received the vaccines at the indicated age, with promptness rate of 81.6%, and 97.7% had completed routine immunization at 9 months. The mean age at vaccination initiation was 6 days ±11 and the mean weight at vaccination initiation was 2233g ±494. High prematurity and very low birth weight were associated with a high rate of vaccine delay: 61.5% [OR: 15.56; (CI: 3.22-118.52; p=0.002)] and 66.7% [OR: 19.19; (CI: 4.67-92.52; p<0.001)] respectively. Distance > 5 km with HEC [OR: 3.48; (CI: 1.68-7.47; p=0.001)] was associated with poor vaccination. Women in common-law unions had the lowest vaccine readiness rate (60.6%), (OR: 3.36; CI: 1.006-10.70; p=0.038). The frequency of occurrence of post immunization adverse events was 24.5%, with fever type in 94.7%.Conclusion. Nearly all premature and/or low-birth-weight children hospitalized at Essos Hospital Center had completed routine immunization at 9 months, and the majority had received the vaccines in a timely manner. Similar study is needed in rural area.
Method to obtain homozygous introgressing segments in Drosophila to identify the presence of hybrid sterility genes of the reproductive isolation
Authors: García-Franco Francisco , Barandica-Cañon Lilian , Galindo-Pérez Ezel , García Martha Martínez , Chávez-Sandoval Blanca
Published: November 2020

Here, we present for the first time, a method to generate homozygous segmental introgressions, by means of crosses between a pair of synmorphic species. The introgressions were monitored by the cytogenetic method of polygenic chromosome asynapses. Later the introgressions were evaluated in their capacity to produce sterility in segmental males. Also, the smallest segment with the capacity to produce sterility in segmental males was mapped by in situ hybridization of polythene chromosomes, using 8 sequences of BACs clones as probes. Finally, a bioinformatic analysis was carried out to identify the presence of particular genes. From 2 parental strains, D. buzzatii and D. koepferae, 6 simple segmental hybrid lines were generated, whose introgressing segments are distributed along chromosome 4 of these species. From the 6 simple segmental lines and by means of a new crossing strategy, the 6 respective homozygous segmental hybrid offspring were obtained, each of them carrying a specific homozygous introgression. None of the 6 heterozygous introgressions was capable of producing sterility in segmental males, while 4 of the same homozygous introgressions produced total sterility in segmental males, including in this group the two smallest introgressive segments, one of 5.03 % and the other 7.87% with respect to the total length of chromosome 4, which are located in the region F2 to F4 of the standard cytological map based on polythene chromosomes of the Drosophila Repleta group. In situ hybridization, using 8 clones from contig 1065 located along the F2 to F4 region of the physical map of D. buzzattii constructed in BACs, confirmed the precise location of the 6 clones in the chromosomal region F2 to F4 of chromosome 4 of the polygenic chromosomes of both D. buzzatii and D. mojavensis. The bioinformatic analysis of the F2 to F4 region, using the complete genetic sequence of the contig 1065 of D. buzzatti shows the presence of two predicted genes in the genomic map of D. buzzatii (g.1313.t1 and g.1314.t1), and the orthologous association of these 2 genes both with the D. moj_GI22766 gene of D. mojavensis and with the Trivet gene of D. melanogaster.
Machine Learning Models for Risk Prediction of Lymph Nodes Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Cai Miaochun , Shen Dong , Li Zhihao , Zhou Jianmeng , Chen Yingjun , Liu Dan , Zhang Yujie , Shen Hong , Mao Chen
Published: November 2020

Background: To develop and validate machine learning models for risk prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using clinicopathologic parameters and immunohistochemical features. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2019, 639 patients' data were continuously collected in Nanfang Hospital. We exacted immunohistochemical features and clinicopathological features from the electronic medical records of patients. We established two models (a full model and a selection model) and implemented three algorithms (random forest, support vector machine and penalized logistic regression). The model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination (receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)), calibration, and decision curve analysis. Results: AUROC (area under receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis (also calibration curves) showed that the selection model (AUC values for training and testing, 0.843 and 0.840 respectively) and the full model constructed using random forest (AUC values for training and testing, 0.855 and 0.863 respectively) performed best among all models. Decision curve analysis depicted that the full model and the selection model using random forest was clinically useful. The model performance of the full model and the selection model were comparable. Conclusion: The random forest model using clinicopathologic- immunohistochemical features can predict the LNM of NSCLC patients.
Mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 in preventing ETEC‑induced diarrhea: Maintaining ileal integrity and eliminating inflammation
Authors: Kang Jian , Ai Qin , Zhou Yanhong , Zhu Chunyang , Fang Binghu
Published: November 2020

Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) can cause severe watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration or death of newborn animals, resulting in significant economic losses of animal farms around the world. The endotoxin produced by ETEC usually causes inflammation and damage to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, which leads to the destruction of intestinal homeostasis. To date, ETEC infections have been treated widely using drugs and antibiotics. Unfortunately, after high-dose or long-term antibiotic treatment, ETEC might develop drug or antibiotic resistance, and the animal products might also contain their residues. Therefore, the development of antibiotic substitutes has been explored widely by scholars. The main phytocomponent of Ginseng is ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), which has shown anti‐inflammatory properties in animal models and cell lines.Methods: Mice were infected with ETEC after 14 days of treatment with different doses of GRg1, and the diarrhea index, ileal pathological changes, and inflammatory factors in plasma were compared. Changes to the proteins in the ileum were assessed using proteomics.Results: ETEC challenge not only increased the serum content of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) 1β, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), (P < 0.05), but also induced pathological changes in the ileum such as reduction of villus height, crypt depth (P < 0.05), and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, different doses of GRg1 treatment significantly reversed the above changes, with no significant dose dependence (P > 0.05). Proteomic analysis identified 55 differentially abundant proteins in the ileum of ETEC-infected mice treated with and without GRg1. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that these proteins were involved in 15 signaling pathways, particularly, the complement and coagulation cascade pathway and the platelet activation pathway. Western blotting identified that the key proteins complement C3, fibrinogen (Fg)A, FgB and FgG in these signaling pathways were significantly downregulated by GRg1 (P < 0.05), which was consistent with the proteomic analysis.Conclusion: GRg1 alleviates ETEC diarrhea in mice by eliminating the infection‑related inflammatory reaction and maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosa.
Prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization for high-risk ulcers following endoscopic hemostasis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Qian , Liu Chenyu , Patel Mikin , Ahmed Osman
Published: November 2020

Background: To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization (PTAE) for the treatment of high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers after achieving endoscopic hemostasis.Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library were queried for full-text articles published up to December 2019. The following keywords were used: “prophylactic embolization”, “supplement embolization”, “gastrointestinal bleeding”, and “ulcer bleeding”. High-risk ulcers were defined based on endoscopic findings (i.e. large ulcers, Forrest class I-IIb) and/or clinical presentation (i.e. hypotension, decreased hemoglobin during endoscopy). Only comparative studies investigating PTAE versus conservative treatment after achieving endoscopic hemostasis were included. Baseline study characteristics, re-bleeding rate, need for surgery, mortality, and PTAE-related complication rates were investigated. Quantitative analyses were performed with STATA 15.1.Results: Among the five original studies included, a total of 265 patients received PTAE and 617 were managed conservatively after endoscopy. The rebleeding rate (6.8% vs 14.3%, p=0.003) and mortality (4.5% vs 8.8%, p=0.032) of patients from the PTAE group were lower than the control group. PTAE also reduced the cumulative need of future surgical intervention (3.0% vs 14.4%, p=0.005). The PTAE-related major and minor events were 0.75% and 14.4%, respectively. Conclusion: PTAE had therapeutic potentials in reducing rebleeding risk, need of surgical intervention, and morality in high-risk peptic ulcers after achieving endoscopic hemostasis. The embolization-associated adverse events were minimal. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and resources for performing endovascular interventions.
Maternal exposure to life events during pregnancy and congenital heart disease in offspring: a case-control study in a Chinese population
Authors: Jing Li , Du Yujiao , Liu Yini , Du Jiaoyang , Zhang Ruo , Qu Pengfei , Yan Hong , Wang Duolao , Dang Shaonong
Published: November 2020

Background: Previous studies have suggested that maternal stress could increase the risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes but evidence on congenital heart disease (CHD) is limited. We aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to life events during pregnancy and CHD in offspring.Methods: The data was based on an unmatched case-control study about CHD conducted in Shaanxi province of China from 2014 to 2016. We included 2280 subjects, 699 in case group and 1581 in control group. The life events were assessed by Life Events Scale for Pregnant Women, and were divided into positive and negative events for synchronous analysis. A directed acyclic graph was drawn to screen the confounders. Logistic regression was employed to estimate odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the effects of life events on CHD.Results: With confounders adjusted, pregnant women with positive events experienced had 62% lower odds of CHD in offspring than those without (OR =0.38, 95%CI: 0.30~0.48). Those exposed to negative events were 1.64 times odds to have CHD that of those without (OR =1.64, 95%CI: 1.31~2.05). The both effects showed dose-response association. Besides, positive events could weaken the risk impact of negative events on CHD.Conclusion: It may suggest that maternal exposure to negative life events could increase the risk of CHD in offspring, while experiencing positive events could play a potential protective role.
A risk-prediction nomogram for patients with second-trimester threatened miscarriage associated with adverse outcomes
Authors: Li Zheng , He Ying-Dong , Chen Qian
Published: November 2020

Background: Both ultrasound, demographic, biochemical and laboratory markers alone have been analyzed in the previous literatures for the prediction of miscarriage; however, these independent factors have not yet been integrated for analysis. Thus, we performed this analysis to determine the best combination markers to establish a nomogram prediction model for patients presenting with second-trimester threatened miscarriage and verify its validity prospectively. Methods: We retrospectively collected information from the patients hospitalized with second-trimester threatened miscarriage and used the logistic regression analyzes to determine the most significant predictive factors associated with miscarriage. While the individualized risk-prediction nomogram model was established based on the predictors’ regression coefficients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were utilized to verify the discrimination and calibration of the prediction model, respectively. Results: This study demonstrates that gestational weeks, C-reactive protein, vaginal blood loss, premature rupture of membranes, and uterine adenomyosis or adenomyoma were the most significant independent risk factors of the second-trimester threatened miscarriage associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions: We can estimate the possibility of second-trimester miscarriage through the nomogram prediction model which has good recognition and calibration.