bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of the Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of Chinese Herbal Danyu Gukang Pills for Application to Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Disease
Authors: Guo Yongchang , Zhang Dapeng , Cao Yuju , Feng Xiaoyan , Shen Caihong , Li Wenqian , Gong Shunguo , Hou Fengzhi , Yang Zhimin , Yi Juanjuan , Luo Dan , Chen Xifeng , Song Jingbo
Published: January 2021

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is still a challenge for orthopedists worldwide, which may lead to disability in patients without effective treatment. A newly developed formula of Chinese medicine, Danyu Gukang Pills (DGP), was recognized to be effective for ONFH. Nevertheless, its molecular mechanisms remain to be clarified. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was adopted to detect the mechanism of DGP on ONFH. The compounds of DGP were collected from the online databases, and active components were selected based on their OB and DL index. The potential proteins of DGP were acquired from TCMSP database, while the potential genes of ONFH were obtained from Gene Cards and Pubmed Gene databases. The function of Gene and potential pathways were researched by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The compounds-targets and targets-pathways network were constructed in an R and Cytosacpe software. The mechanism was further investigated via molecular docking. Finally, in-vitro experiments were validated in the BMSCs. ResultsA total of 2305 compounds in DGP were gained, among which, 370 were selected as active components for which conforming to criteria. Combined the network analysis, molecular docking and in-vitro experiments, the results firstly demonstrated that the treatment effect of DGP on ONFH may be closely related to HIF-1α, VEGFA and HIF-1 signaling pathway. ConclusionThe current study firstly researched the molecular mechanism of DGP on ONFH based on network pharmacology. The results indicated that DGP may exert the effect on ONFH targeting on HIF-1α and VEGFA via HIF-1 signaling pathway.
Decreased SFRP5 Correlated With Excessive Metabolic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Can Be Reversed by Metformin: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ran Yuxin , Kong Lingna , Geng Lihong , Huang Hua , Zhang Hongying , Hu Jun , Qi Hongbo , Chen Ying
Published: January 2021

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder of heterogeneous nature. Secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP) 5 is an anti-inflammatory adipokine implicated in metabolic homeostasis. We aimed to confirm the correlation between SFRP5, metabolic inflammation and PCOS, investigate the predictive value of SFRP5 for PCOS and the involvement of SFRP5 in metformin treated PCOS.Methods: This retrospective case-control study included PCOS and control women (67 vs. 33) for detecting serum SFRP5 and its correlation with metabolic inflammation. Predictive value of SFRP5 for PCOS was evaluated by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. The effects of metformin on SFRP5 and pro-inflammatory cytokines and ovulation of PCOS with metabolic abnormality (37 vs. 36) were analysed.Results: Plasma SFRP5 levels were decreased in PCOS (odds ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.703–0.866, P<0.001) independent of obesity. SFRP5 was negatively associated with IL-6, TNFα, FAI and HOMA-IR. The cut-off point of SFRP5 < 46.13 ng/ml was optimal to identify PCOS with a higher specificity of 96.87% and a relatively lower sensitivity compared to AMH. SFRP5 increased specificity of AMH for predicting PCOS, especially which with relatively decreased AMH (< 4.7 ng/ml). Metformin promoted SFRP5 and decreased leptin, IL-6 and TNFα secretion in PCOS women with metabolic abnormality in a time dependent manner and with improved ovulation rate and pregnancy outcomes.Conclusion: Decreased SFRP5 was associated with metabolic inflammation in PCOS and has a potential role for the supplement of AMH in predicting PCOS. The reverse of serum SFRP5 by metformin indicated that SFRP5 participated in the improvment of follicular development by metformin. Further prospective investigations are needed to confirm these preliminary data.
Genome-wide Association Study Identifies New Loci Associated With Risk Of HBV Infection And Disease Progression 
Authors: Zeng Zheng , Hankui Liu , Huifang Xu , Haiying Lu , Yanyan Yu , Xiaoyuan Xu , Min Yu , Tao Zhang , Xiulan Tian , Hongli Xi , Liping Guan , Jianguo Zhang , Stephen O'Brien J.
Published: January 2021

Background: Recent studies have identified susceptibility genes of HBV clearance, chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and showed the host genetic factors play an important role in these HBV-related outcomes. Results: In order to discover new susceptibility genes for HBV-related outcomes, we conducted a genome-wide association study in 1031 Chinese participants, including 275 HBV clearance subjects, 92 asymptomatic persistence infection carriers (ASPI), 93 chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB), 188 HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis patients (DC), 214 HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HCC) and 169 healthy controls (HC). In the case-control study, we observed novel locus significantly associated with CHB (SNP: rs1264473, Gene: GRHL2, P = 1.57×10-6) and HCC (SNP: rs2833856, Gene: EVA1C, P = 1.62×10-6; SNP: rs4661093, Gene: ETV3, P = 2.26×10-6). In the trend study across progressive stages post HBV infection, one novel locus (SNP: rs1537862, Gene: LACE1, P = 1.85×10-6), and three MHC loci (HLA-DRB1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DPA2) showed significant increased progressive risk from ASPI to CHB. Interestingly, underlying the evolutionary study of HBV-related genes in public database, we found that the derived allele of two HBV clearance related locus, rs3077 and rs9277542, are under strong selection in European population. Conclusions: In this study, we identified several novel candidate genes associated with individual HBV infectious outcomes, progressive stages, and liver enzymes. Moreover, we identified two SNPs that show selective significance (HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1) in non-East Asian (European, American, South Asian) versus East Asian, indicating that host genetic factors contribute to the ethnic disparities of susceptibility of HBV infection. Taken together, these findings provided a new insight into the role of host genetic factors in HBV related outcomes and progression.
Does Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection Drive Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units Receiving Prophylactic Anticoagulants?
Authors: Aleidan Fahad , Albilal Sara , Alammari Maha , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Alassiri Mohammed , Gadir Abdel Galil Abdel
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSystemic infections are one of several risk factors leading to the development of inflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE) formation.Aim of the studyTo assess the risk factors associated with the development of VTE during the stay of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).Materials and methodsThis is a matched case-control study of patients with VTE admitted to the ICU, at a single centre, from January 1 2018 to December 31 2019. We included all adult patients who stayed more than two days before the development of VTE. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for the risk factors for VTE.ResultsUnivariate and multivariate analyses uncovered three of six factors to have significant influence in the development of VTE in ICU patients: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobactereaceae (CRE) infections (OR 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–7.33, p = .010), length of ICU stay (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p = .011) and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20, p = .031); all were found to be independent risk factors in the development of VTE.ConclusionOur findings suggest that in patients admitted to the ICU, CRE infection is a strong trigger to the development of VTE, and draw the attention of the treating clinicians to prioritise these infections in the management protocols to control infection-driven VTE in ICU patients.
Major Depression With Musical Obsession Treated With Vortioxetine: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshimura Reiji , Okamoto Naomichi , Konishi Yuki , Ikenouchi Atsuko
Published: January 2021

Background: Musical obsession has been reported as the “stuck song syndrome” and can be accompanied by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Musical obsession is the phenomenon where a particular set of known musical notes are perceived repeatedly. We present a case of major depression with musical obsession. In this case, vortioxetine improved both depressive symptoms and musical obsession.Case presentation: A female, 34-year-old, high school teacher presented with a depressed mood, anergia, difficulty in concentration, poor motivation, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. She was diagnosed with major depression by her family physician and prescribed escitalopram (20 mg/day). Her depressive state partially responded to escitalopram. When she had been depressed, she also experienced musical obsessions as repetitive commercial tunes or instrumental notes inside her head that were not under conscious voluntary control and lasting several hours, causing a high level of distress in her daily life. After switching from escitalopram to vortioxetine (20 mg/day), her depressive symptoms and musical obsession symptoms were ameliorated.Conclusions: This case report endorses the utility of vortioxetine for major depression with musical obsession, and further studies should be conducted to establish the optimal treatment.
Grade-Specific Diagnosis, Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Identified by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: hanyu zhang , XiuLing Zhou , XiaoMing Zhang , ZhongYu Yu , JianTao Wang , XinYu Guo , Yue Hu , JingChun Guo , YingHong Tao , HouGuang Zhou
Published: January 2021

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Due to the mechanism of breast cancer has not yet been completely clear, we aim to identify the key pathway and genes in breast cancer based on bioinformatics method. MethodsThe samples were obtained from NCBI-GEO website. Then, GEO2R tools and Venn diagram software were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene enrichment analysis was performed by ClusterProfiler package (version 3.16.1) of R. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was plotted by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) website and candidate genes were selected from PPI network by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in. Afterwards, we assess the overall survival and expression level of the core genes by Kaplan-Meier plotter and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2). Finally, we selected the core genes through the analysis of different grades cancer and analyzed the gene-drug interaction by Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD).ResultsDEGs contained 23 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated genes. GO described biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. KEGG analysis showed up-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in breast cancer-related pathway like P53 signaling pathway, platinum drug resistance and bladder cancer. 15 candidate genes were screened through PPI network, 14 of which had adverse prognosis and high expression in breast cancer. At last, we selected 5 core genes from different grades analysis and found the interaction of these genes and anthracyclines and cyclophosphamide.ConclusionsIn the current study, 5 core genes of breast cancer were identified based on bioinformatics method, which could useful to provide essential information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Combining TrkA Immunohistochemical-Score with Clinicopathologic Parameters in Neuroblastoma: An Influential Prognostic Nomogram
Authors: Yue Juanqing , Cai Lei , Wang Ruifen , Qiao Meng , Wang Kezhou , Yu Wenwei , Li Junlei , Zhang Meng , Guan Wenbin , Wang lifeng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundNeuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in children with varied clinical outcomes. Although there are some several risk stratification systems currently, their clinical applications are limited due to the testing conditions of different laboratory and the heavy financial burden on patients. TrkA is coded by NTRK1 , belonging to tropomyosin receptor kinase family. We have observed that TrkA was differentially expressed in paraffin tissue sections of NB. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical-score of TrkA as an independent prognostic factor for NB and establish a useful prognostic model for postoperative patients.MethodsWe systematically summarized the relationship between immunochemistry (IHC) score of TrkA and clinicopathological parameters in 86 NB cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and qRT-PCR were used to detect NTRK1 gene fusion. Furthermore, GSE96631, GSE16476, GSE49710 and GSE73537 datasets, originated from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), were analyzed to figure out the NTRK1 related molecular characteristics by bioinformatics methods. And combined TrkA immunohistochemical-score with clinicopathologic parameters to construct a prognostic nomogram of overall survival (OS) for NB.ResultIn clinical samples and GEO database analyses, patients in the NTRK1 / TrkA low expression group showed significantly poorer outcome than patients in high group. Multivariate cox regression analysis demonstrated NTRK1 / TrkA as an independent prognostic factor for NB survival. Neither Fluorescence in situ hybridization nor qRT-PCR detected evidence for NTRK1 gene fusion in clinical samples, indicating that differential expression in NTRK1 / TrkA are caused by epigenetic changes. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that MYC target related pathway may play a critical role in low expression of TrkA, leading to unfavorable prognoses of NB.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the IHC score of TrkA may be used as an independent predictor of postoperative OS of patients with NB. By combining the IHC score of TrkA and clinicopathological features, the proposed nomogram provides a feasible predictive tool for postoperative patients with NB. Simultaneously, this study also reveals that Trk inhibitors are not supposed to be taken in NB patients.
Transcatheter arterial embolization for delayed recurrent intrathoracic bleeding caused by anastomotic leakage after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy
Authors: LI Dong-lin , HU Jie-wei , ZHOU Hai-ning
Published: January 2021

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Its development into delayed recurrent intrathoracic bleeding is very rare and may lead to fatal consequences.Case presentation: We report a case of 67-year-old female who developed intrapleural infection, mediastinal infection and delayed recurrent intrathoracic bleeding as a complication of AL following minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy. The triple antibiotics of imipenem and cilastatin sodium, vancomycin, and fluconazole were used for anti-infection treatment. Transcatheter embolization of subclavian artery branch vessel avoided re-bleeding. As a result, the patient recovered well and was discharged 58 days after initial surgery.Conclusion: Delayed recurrent intrathoracic bleeding owing to AL is a rare and life-threatening complication after MIE. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can provide a minimally invasive and effective method to control delayed recurrent intrathoracic bleeding after esophagectomy.
Benign metastasizing leiomyoma of the lung: diagnostic process and treatment based on three case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Wojtyś Małgorzata Edyta , Kacalska-Janssen Olga , Ptaszyński Konrad , Lisowski Piotr , Kunc Michał , Wójcik Janusz , Grodzki Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Background: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare disorder in women that is most commonly an incidental finding on chest X-rays. Patients share a common history of uterine leiomyoma. The transformed cells metastasize to various locations by an unclear mechanism, especially the lungs (BPML: benign pulmonary metastasizing leiomyoma). The disease takes the form of either, more commonly, multiple nodules or a solitary mass. Despite this pulmonary involvement, patients seldom present with signs of respiratory insufficiency, making diagnosis even more problematic.Case presentations: The three cases described in this paper are not alike. Two patients presented with the more common multiple-nodule variant while the other had a single mass, but all were symptom-free. The first patient was diagnosed with BML at the age of 50, and 12 years prior to the diagnosis, underwent a supracervical hysterectomy. The second patient had a myomectomy at the age of 36, and BML diagnosed 17 years later at the age of 53. The third patient had a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the age of 46, with lung lesions present before the hysterectomy. All patients underwent a significant number of tests before the decision was made to conduct invasive diagnostic procedures and operate. Immunohistochemical studies of postoperative materials showed positive staining of spindle cells with antibodies against desmin and smooth muscle actin as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors. There were entrapped bronchoalveolar structures stained with the TTF1 antibody. The final histopathological diagnoses were BPML. All patients are stable and symptom-free: two of them at 2 years follow-up and one at 6 months follow-up.Conclusion: A "gold standard" therapy for BML has yet to be established, with authors proposing hormonal manipulation (e.g., anti-estrogen therapy, aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists), oophorectomy, and classical resection. This paper adds to the surgical experience in successful BPML management.
Haemodynamic Analysis of Single And Double Bare-metal Stents For Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Yang Zhuoxuan , Yuan Jiansong , Cui Jingang , Fu Wenyu , Qiao Aike , Qiao Shubin
Published: January 2021

Background The aim of this study was to investigate a novel method to treat coronary artery aneurysms(CAAs).Methods Three CAAs patients who underwent single or double bare-metal stent implantation were recruited. The CAAs and parent artery diameters were measured for model construction. Single- and double-stent implantation were simulated, and the changes in the CAAs haemodynamics after stenting were analysed. Results In Case 1, the flow velocity in the single-stent model was significantly lower than that in the double-stent model (0.0046±0.013 vs 0.0050±0.011, p<0.001), while the pressure (127.33±18.03 vs 121.19±26.92, p<0.001) and wall shear stress (WSS, 0.28±1.19 vs 0.22±1.13, p<0.001) were significantly higher. In Case 2, the flow velocity (0.005±0.011 vs 0.007±0.01, p<0.001) and WSS (0.17±0.82 vs 0.23±0.88, p<0.001) in the double-stent model were significantly lower than those in the single-stent model, while the pressure was significantly higher(117.70±10.07 vs 110.64±6.34, p<0.001). The same tendency was also observed in Case 3. All CAAs occluded during the follow-up period without obvious in-stent restenosis.Conclusion Application of the single or double bare-metal stent technique, according to the neck diameter of the coronary artery aneurysms, can effectively change the flow in vessels and aneurysm haemodynamics to achieve occlusion.Trail registration: Clinicaltrails, NCT04265989. Registered 12 February 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04265989?term=NCT04265989&draw=2&rank=1
Application of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis and Treatment Guidance of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zhang Feng , Chen Jia , Huang He , Liu Rangjiao , Ren Xiaomei , Wan Qiquan
Published: January 2021

Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is difficult to be diagnosed, so this study explored if PJP could be diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and if mNGS could guide the therapy of PJP.
Methods
mNGS successfully diagnosed 13 out of 14 PJP recipients with 11 through peripheral blood samples, verified by PCR. Ten non-PJP recipients were enrolled as the control group.
Results
Blood tests revealed a high β-Dglucan (BDG) level in all recipients with PJP during the hospitalization. Four (28.6%) of 14 PJP patients were infected with cytomegalovirus simultaneously, while 8 (57.1%) suffered from a combined infection caused by Torque teno virus. Five (35.7%) of 14 cases died of PJP or the subsequent bacteremias/bacterial pneumonia with a longer interval between the onset and diagnosis of/the available therapy against PJP than survival cases. Univariate analysis of Characteristics between PJP and non-PJP recipients revealed that BDG assays was higher at the admission in PJP group ( P = 0.011).
Conclusion
This present study supports the value of mNGS detection of blood sample in diagnosing PJP, which could assist clinical decision for therapy against PJ and improve outcome of PJP. The study also highlights the sensitivity of BDG assays. Cytomegalovirus and Torque teno virus infections often occur at the same time of PJP, thus can be alerts of PJP.
In Situ Seedling Baiting to Isolate Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi From Dendrobium Officinale, An Over-Collected Medicinal Orchid In China
Authors: Chen De-Yun , Wang Xin-Ju , Li Tai-Qiang , Li Neng-Qi , Gao Jiang-Yun
Published: January 2021

Background: Orchids are highly dependent on mycorrhizae for survival and growth. Traditionally, to obtain orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMFs) for plant growth, fungi have been isolated from the roots of mature wild plants; however, the species of OMF may change as the plants undergo different developmental stages. In this study, we developed the idea of using in situ seedling baiting to capture seedling growth-promoting fungi from Dendrobium officinale, an overcollected medicinal orchid in China.Results: In vitro-produced seedlings of D. officinale were transplanted into their original habitats, and newly established roots of well-growing seedlings were sampled for fungal isolation. Roots were sampled at 6 different times over one year, and five Tulasnella species and one Fusarium species were obtained and identified morphologically and molecularly. The ability to promote seedling growth was tested in three Tulasnella species TPYD-1, TPYD-2 and TPYD-3, with high isolation frequencies by inoculation onto in vitro-produced D. officinale seedlings. Although the three fungi were closely related species and clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, they showed different efficiencies in promoting D. officinale seedling growth. Tulasnella TPYD-2 showed a strong ability to promote seedling growth and could be selected for use in restoration plantings of D. officinale.Conclusions: Our results suggest that using an in situ seedling baiting technique could be an efficient way to obtain seedling growth-promoting fungi, and this approach could have broad applications in orchid mycorrhiza studies and orchid conservation.
Impact of Health Talks on Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Amongst Healthcare Staff by a Breast Surgical Unit in a Public Healthcare Institution - A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Hing Jeffrey Jun Xian , Lee Wai Peng , Chua Yen Nee Sophia , Tan Pei Ting , Mok Chi Wei , Sudhakar Spoorthi Shetty , Seah Chin Mui , Tan Su-Ming
Published: January 2021

Background: In October 2019, surgeons from Changi General Hospital (CGH) Breast Centre delivered a series of health talk for its employees to assess the knowledge and perception of breast cancer screening and improve related knowledge of the institution’s healthcare workers. This is to enable CGH, a healthcare provider to not only care for our patients, but also look after its staff. Methods: 141 hospital staff attended a 40-minute talk followed by an open question and answer forum. Pre and post talk surveys were conducted to gauge knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and misconceptions towards breast cancer screening and treatment. Question domains were divided into 1) breast cancer knowledge, 2) breast cancer screening guidelines,3) attitudes and perception of breast cancer screening and treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between demographics and performance in question domains.Results: The overall response rate was 131 out of a total of 141 attendees (92.9%). The median age was 44 (range, 22 to 67), with nursing staff making up 40% of the cohort. Analysis showed statistically significant improvement in median score across all 3 domains. (p<0.05) after the forum. We found that respondents who were women ≥40 years (eligible age for screening), had higher income, lived in larger housing types, had attended previous talks, had served >10 years in healthcare and had personal encounter with breast cancer patients performed better. Surprisingly, being a nurse or having a university degree did not translate to better score. 99% of respondents find the forum beneficial and will recommend to others. Several knowledge gap about breast cancer screening and misconceptions were identified. Future campaign should focus on raising awareness of the national screening program BreastScreen Singapore. We advocate to reinforce its recommendations, promote on the affordability and ready accessibility. As healthcare personnel are ambassadors of the healthcare system, their knowledge would aid in providing accurate information to patients and public, enabling them to make wise healthcare choices.Conclusions: A simple Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign targeted at healthcare workers was found to be effective at educating hospital staff on breast cancer, screening practices and improving perception of screening and treatment practices. This may empower them to not only care for themselves but help serve patients better.
Optimization of Image Reconstruction Method of Cerebral Blood Flow Perfusion Imaging with Digital CZT SPECT
Authors: Zhou Yaqian , Wang Shen , Wang Peng , Li Ning , Wu Ruixin , Rui Zhongying , Wang Xuan , Jia Qiang , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of filtered back projection (FBP), ordered subset expectation maximisation (OSEM), and different filters on cadmium zinc telluride single photon emission computed tomography (CZT SPECT) cerebral blood perfusion image quality to optimise the image reconstruction method.Methods: Jaszczak phantom and patients with clinical cerebral ischemia were selected as study subjects. Under routine clinical conditions, tomographic imaging was performed on the phantom and patients with clinical cerebral ischemia. Image processing included image reconstruction using filtered back projection with Chang’s attenuation correction (FBPChangAC) and OSEM algorithm with CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC), scatter correction (SC), resolution recovery (RR) (OSEMCTAC-SC-RR), and the filtering method used Butterworth (Bw) and Gauss (Gs) filters. Visual and semi-quantitative parameters (integral uniformity, root mean square noise (RMS noise), and contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)) were used to evaluate image quality to optimise image reconstruction parameters. One-way and two-way ANOVA were used to process phantom and clinical data.Results: In the tomographic images of phantom and brain imaging of patients, FBP+Bw had the best uniformity and the lowest noise level, while OSEM+Bw had the best contrast. Semi-quantitative analysis showed that the integral uniformity of FBP+Bw was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.05), and that the RMS noise of FBP+Bw was significantly lower than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.001). The contrast of FBP+Bw and OSEM+Bw in the cold sphere diameter ≥ 2 cm group was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Gs (p <0.001), while the CNR of FBP+Bw was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.001) ; the contrast of OSEM+Bw cold sphere diameter < 2 cm was significantly higher than that of FBP+Bw (p <0.01). The semi-quantitative analysis results of the patient's cerebral perfusion tomography were consistent with the model.Conclusion: In CZT SPECT cerebral blood flow perfusion imaging, images with lesion sizes greater than 2 cm were suitable for FBP+Bw (fc=0.40, n=10), and the image with lesion size less than 2 cm was suitable for OSEM+Bw (EM=60, fc=0.45, n=10). The reconstruction method of OSEM+Gs (EM=80, full width at half maximum [FWHM]=3.25) was not suitable for cerebral blood perfusion imaging.
Long Non-Coding RNA DANCR Participates in the Regulation of Dexamethasone and Inflammation Factors on hASC Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Yan Ran , Dong Ping , Yang Zhigang , Cao Rui , Liu Xia , Xiao Ran
Published: January 2021

BackgroundBoth MSC and Dexamethasone are effective methods to treat inflammatory diseases, and they are likely to be used in combination. The proliferation and migration ability is one of the main biological characteristics of MSC for repairing. However, the effect of inflammatory factors and Dex on these characteristics of MSC has not been fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of lncRNA DANCR in hASC proliferation and migration regulation induced by Dex and inflammatory factors, to clarify the effect and mechanism of glucocorticoids on MSC's characteristics to participate in tissue repair in an inflammatory environment. MethodshASCs were cultured and treated with dexamethasone and inflammation factors, and cell proliferation, migration abilities, and lncRNA DANCR mRNA expression were detected. Additionally, to determine the roles and mechanisms, lncRNA DANCR was knockdown or overexpressed before Dex or TNF-α treatments. MSC proliferation was tested by cell counting kit-8 and cell cycle assay. MSC migration ability was analyzed by a scratching test. Moreover, proliferation and migration-related genes were measured by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. All values are expressed as the mean ± standard error of the mean. The differences between the groups were assessed using a two-tailed Student’s t-test. ResultsDex decreased the proliferation and migration of hASC in a dose-dependent manner. Dex could upregulate the expression of lncRNA DANCR that inhibited hASC proliferation and migration. Knockdown of DANCR reversed the inhibition of hASC proliferation and migration induced by Dex. Moreover, DANCR was decreased by inflammatory cytokines, and overexpression of DANCR alleviated the promotion of hASC proliferation and migration induced by TNF-α. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation validated that DANCR was involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway. ConclusionsWe identified a lncRNA, DANCR, involved in Dex and inflammation-affected hASC proliferation and migration, thus suggesting that concurrent application of hASCs with steroids should be avoided in clinical settings. DANCR may serve as a promising approach to regulate stem cell characteristics under an inflamed microenvironment. These findings further enrich our understanding of the functional versatility of lncRNAs in the crosstalk of inflammation conditions and stem cells. Keywords： DANCR; long non-coding RNA; Dexamethasone; TNF-α; hASC; proliferation; migration
Association of Body Fat Percentage With Time in Range Generated by Continuous Glucose Monitoring During Intensive Insulin Pump Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ruan Yuting , Zhong Jiana , Chen Rongping , Zhang Zhen , Liu Dixing , Sun Jia , Chen Hong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundObesity is a crucial risk factor associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Excessive accumulation of body fat may affect the glycemia control in T2DM. This study investigated the relationship between body fat percentage and time in range (TIR) assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during short-term intensive insulin pump therapy in T2DM patients.MethodA total of 85 T2DM patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent 72-h CGM period during intensive insulin pump therapy. TIR was defined as the percentage of time spent within the target glucose range of 3.9-10.0 mmol/L. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and overfat was defined as an amount of body fat of at least 25% of total body mass for men or at least 30% for women. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the independent association of body fat percentage with TIR after adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsCompared with normal fat T2DM patients, individual with a higher body fat percentage exhibited lower levels of TIR (P=0.004) and higher 72h mean blood glucose (72h-MBG) (P=0.001) during intensive insulin pump therapy. The presence of overfat inversely correlated with TIR in T2DM populations (r = -0.306; P=0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that body fat percentage was significantly associated with TIR independent of HbA1c, insulin dosage and glycemic variability metrics (All P for trend <0.05). Further adjustment of other body composition parameters, including waist circumference, visceral fat area and muscle quantity, the link between body fat percentage and TIR remained significant (All P＜0.05).ConclusionsBody fat percentage was significantly associated with TIR in T2DM during intensive insulin pump therapy. Reduction of body fat may be an important therapeutic target to improve glycemic control in obese T2DM patients.
Thoracic Skeletal Muscle Quantification Using Computed Tomography And Prognosis Of Elderly ICU Patients
Authors: Moon Sung Woo , Kim Song Yee , Choi Ji Soo , Leem Ah Young , Lee Su Hwan , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Chung Kyung Soo
Published: January 2021

Background: In elderly ICU patients, the prevalence of skeletal muscle loss is high. And the consequences of skeletal muscle loss can be severe in elderly. Correlations have been found between the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) at a single thoracic level on chest computed tomography (CT). Correlation between thoracic muscle mass and mortality has been found in ICU patients. But longitudinal effect of thoracic muscles especially in elderly ICU patients are unclear although skeletal muscle loss is related with the short- and long-term outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether pectoralis muscle mass could be a predictor of prognosis in elderly ICU patients.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 190 elderly patients admitted in the ICU between January 2010 and December 2015 in one tertiary care hospital in South Korea. We measured the CSA of the pectoralis muscle area (PMCSA) at the fourth vertebral region. CT scans within two days before ICU admission were used for analysis. Mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longitudinal change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were examined. Multivariate logistic regression, linear mixed, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used.Results: PMCSA below median was significantly related with prolonged ventilation. (odds ratio 2.92, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42, P=0.06) and a higher SOFA score during the ICU stay (estimated mean = 0.94, P = 0.03). PMCSA below median was a significant risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23-3.47, P=0.01)Conclusions: In elderly ICU patients, low ICU admission PMCSA was associated with prolonged ventilation, a higher SOFA score during the ICU stay and higher mortality. Adding thoracic skeletal muscle CSA at the time of ICU admission into consideration in deciding therapeutic intensity in elderly ICU patients may help in making medical decisions.
Downregulation of KIF2C and TEKT2 is Associated with Male Infertility and Testicular Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Haiming , Xu Weiqiang , Wang Fei , LI Xiaofeng , Hou Jianquan
Published: January 2021

Background: Genes have an important role in spermatogenesis and the maintenance of fertility, and may act as a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of infertility. However, a comprehensive understanding of how these biological processes of infertility are regulated at the molecular level remains to be illustrated. Methods: In the present study, we sought to identify associated genes by reanalyzing separate studies from GEO datasets (GSE45885, GSE45887, and GSE9210) and validation dataset (GSE4797). DEGs were used the limma package. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the clusterprofier package. The STRING database was used construct a protein-protein interaction network. The interaction between mRNA and TF was predicted by using miRWalk. At last, the expression levels of hub genes were determined by TCGA data in GEPIA. Results: The results showed that several shared genes significantly associated with azoospermia. Finally, we effectively screen out two genes (KIF2C and TEKT2) for validation by GSE4797 in spermatozoa of infertile men with Johnsen score. Among these two genes, KIF2C and TEKT2 significantly down-regulated in spermatozoa of infertile men. The regulatory network of TF‐miRNA‐target gene was established, we found KIF2C-miRNAs(has-miR-3154,6075,6760-5p,1251-5p,186-sp)-TFs(EP300,SP1) might work in spermatozoa of infertile men.Conclusions: Our study might help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms in azoospermia and provide diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics targets.
Better Islet Function and Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Pure Small Fibre Neuropathy Than With Mixed Neuropathy
Authors: Li Chenxi , Wang Weimin , Ni Wenyu , Jin Yu , Guo Simin , Jin Jiewen , Chen Chuhui , Chen Wei , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe clinical characteristics and outcomes of small fibre neuropathy (SFN) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes have not been thoroughly described, and we investigated metabolic and neurological indexes and the prognosis of type 2 diabetic patients based on skin biopsy. MethodsThirty-four healthy Chinese volunteers were recruited for skin biopsy to establish the reference range of intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD). Eighty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes from the Department of Endocrinology at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between December 2015 and April 2020 were included in the final study. Metabolic and neurological indexes were evaluated at baseline. Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic function was tested through cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). Seventeen pure SFN subjects and 9 mixed diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) subjects were reassessed after the follow-up. ResultsLevels of HbA1c and postprandial blood glucose were lower (P=0.005 and P=0.041, respectively), while postprandial C-peptide and insulin were higher (P=0.001 and P=0.019, respectively) in the pure SFN group than in the mixed DPN group. Regarding the CARTs, the mixed DPN group obtained the highest score, indicating the worst cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Among the four CART items, postural BP change was lower while deep breathing max-min was higher in the pure SFN group than in the mixed DPN group (P=0.023 and P=0.040, respectively). A partial correlation showed that there was a negative correlation between IENFD of the distal leg and CART scores (r=-0.513, P=0.001) after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes. Only vitamin B12 (p=0.028) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) of the common peroneal nerve (p=0.045) were increased in the 17 patients with pure SFN after the follow-up. However, MCVs of the common peroneal nerve (p=0.025) and tibial nerve (p=0.047) were decreased at the final visit in the mixed DPN group. ConclusionsBetter islet function and cardiovascular autonomic function were observed in patients with pure SFN compared with mixed DPN. CART scores were negatively correlated with IENFD in the distal leg even after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes. The metabolic and neurological indexes remained relatively stable in the follow-up of pure SFN subjects.
Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Nigeria: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Okoye Helen Chioma , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Onuka Samuel , Afolabi Bamgboye M , Onwusulu Daniel , Nnamani Amaka Obiageli , Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza , Duru Augustine Nwakuche , Obu Dorathy Chinwe , Akanni Oluyemi Oluwatosin , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecia , Esangbedo Dorothy Omono , Yunusa Garba , Coker Motunrayo , Asiegbu Uzoma Vivian , Okoye Ngozika , Okeke Uchenna
Published: January 2021

Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and is responsible for a quarter of all cases of liver cancers. Globally, about 71 million people are estimated to have chronic hepatitis C, with nearly 399,000 people dying from this infection, essentially due to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the exact pooled prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria is unknown, hence the burden of the disease has not been adequately estimated. Methods: A search strategy is developed using MeSH, text words, and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched, including PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ResearchGate. Eligible studies will be a) observational studies; b) published or retrievable in the English language; c) must have been conducted in Nigeria, and d) must report the main measurable outcome which is the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria. Searches from databases will be exported into Distiller SR software for screening, selection and extraction of data items based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both quality scores and the risk of bias for individual studies will be assessed and reported in Distiller SR. Extracted data items will exported into the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 3 for for statistical analysis and forest plots. Studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity. Funnel Plots will be used for assessing publication bias. Subgroup analysis will be performed using categorical data. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be reported according to the PRISMA 2015 Statement. Discussion: Ethical approval will not be required since this study will be based on published data. This review will provide important data on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria and the burden of the disease. The final report of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and the findings will be made available to various policymakers and health experts that manage patients at risk or infected with the hepatitis C virus.Trial Registration Number: This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42020213806
Profiling Research on PFAS in Wildlife: Protocol of a Systematic Evidence Map and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Vendl Catharina ,   Matthew Taylor1, Braeunig Jennifer , Gibson Matthew , Hesselson Daniel , Neely G. Gregory , Lagisz Malgorzata , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: January 2021

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals. Since the beginning of their commercial manufacturing in the 1950s, PFAS haven’t only found their way into numerous industrial and commercial applications, but also into the bloodstream of the majority of the human population, the natural environment and its wildlife. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can create health risks for humans and animals which may exacerbate the effects of other anthropogenic impacts faced by wildlife species. To gain a comprehensive overview of the abundance and distribution of PFAS in wildlife species, and to better understand the risk of PFAS exposure on threatened species and PFAS transfer into human food chains, we will collate the available literature into a systematic evidence map and bibliometric analysis.Methods: We will conduct a comprehensive systematic literature search on Scopus, Web of Science and the ‘grey literature’. For screening purposes, we will use decision trees, scanning title, abstract and keywords first. The next step includes full-text screening performed by two reviewers. We will only consider publications in English, peer-reviewed articles, pre-prints and theses. We will limit our search to 31 PFAS types (based on a previous study). A pilot search on Scopus resulted in ~250 potentially relevant publications. We will scan all publications included in the systematic map for predetermined indicators of quality and potential study-level biases. In addition, we will extract bibliometric records from Scopus and perform network analysis. We will present the results using a narrative summary, tables (database), bar plots and colour-coded maps. Results will be available on a dedicated freely accessible website. Discussion: This study will provide critical insight into the gaps and clusters of the literature with regards to the PFAS concentration in wildlife. Therefore, our study will inform and direct future research efforts to fill the gaps revealed.Systematic review registration: osf.io osf.io/gnt2y
Expression of Malic Enzyme 3 in Breast Cancer and Precancerous Lesions: a Promising Novel Biomarker for Carcinogenesis and Prognosis
Authors: You Duo , Du Danfeng , Li Xinmin , Hu Xun
Published: January 2021

Purpose: While malic enzymes 1 (ME1) was correlated with breast cancer progression and prognosis, the association of ME3 (a homologue of ME1) with breast cancer is not known. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of ME3 as a biomarker in breast cancer carcinogenesis and prognosis.Methods: A total of 107 patients confirmed with breast cancer were enrolled. The ME3 expression was evaluated by IHC and correlated with clinicopathological indicators.Results: The ME3 positive immunostaining rate was higher in normal breast tissues and decreased stepwise from normal (97.60%) to usual ductal hyperplasia (91.1%), atypical ductal hyperplasia (64.2%), carcinoma in situ (62.5%) and invasive carcinoma (45.5%). Similarly, the decreasing tendency was observed for ME3 positive immunostaining rate from Tis (75.0%) through T1 (62.5%) and T2 (37.5%) to T3 (33.3%) and from stag 0 (75.0%) through I (72.0%), II (44.4%) to III (24.1%). ME3 expression was related with negative lymph node metastasis. Patients with positive expression of ME3 had better outcome. By incorporating ME3 into tumor TNM staging, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the 5-year survival was increased from 84.0% to 87.5%. Conclusions: ME3 may be a promising biomarker for better prognosis for breast cancer patients.
COVID-19 and Eating Problems in Daily Life: the Mediating Roles of Stress, Negative Affect and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: SHENG Ruike , YANG Xiujie , LIU Xiaoyan , XU Wei
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic poses a challenge to individuals' mental health. Increased stress, negative affect (NA), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) that are being experienced globally may lead to eating problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the impacts of the perceived severity of COVID-19 on eating problems as well as the mediating effects of stress/NA/PTSS both at the within-person level and between-person level. MethodsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, a total of 108 college students were recruited to report their perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, PTSS, and eating problems 3 times a day for 7 consecutive days using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Results: State perceived severity of COVID-19 predicted fewer subsequent eating problems in daily life at the within-person level. Both state NA and PTSS were positively associated with eating problems in daily life. At the between-person level, trait-like perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, and PTSS were positively associated with overall eating problems. There were no mediating effects of stress/ NA /PTSS on the relations between perceived severity of COVID-19 and eating problems at the within-person/between-person level. ConclusionsThe perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, and PTSS might increase the risk of eating problems.