bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad Range Detection of Viral and Bacterial Pathogens in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Children to Identify the Cause of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Wang Heping , Gu Jiali , Li Xiaonan , de Jongh Christa E. van der Gaast , Wang Wenjian , He Xuehui , Xu Zhi , Yang Yonghong , de Groot Ronald , de Jonge Marien I. , Zheng Yuejie
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge on the etiology of LRTIs is essential for improvement of the clinical diagnosis and accurate treatment. Molecular detection methods were applied to identify a broad range of bacterial and viral pathogens in a large set of bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples. The patterns of detected pathogens were correlated to the clinical symptoms.METHODS: BAL fluid samples and clinical data were collected from 573 hospitalized children between 1 month and 14 years of age with LRTIs, enrolled from January to December 2018. Pathogens were detected using standardized clinical diagnostics, with a sensitive, high-throughput GeXP-based multiplex PCR and with multiplex qPCR. Data were analyzed to describe the correlation between the severity of respiratory tract disease and the pathogens identified.RESULTS: The pathogen detection rate with GeXP-based PCR and multiplex qPCR was significantly higher than by clinical routine diagnostics (76.09% VS 36.13%,χ2 = 8.191, P=0.004). The most frequently detected pathogens in the BAL fluid were human adenovirus (HADV)(21.82%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (20.24%), human rhinovirus (13.96%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8.90%) and Haemophilus influenzae (8.90%). In 16.4 % of the cases co-infection with two or three different pathogens was found. Viral detection rates declined with age, while atypical pathogen detection rates increased with age. Oxygen supply in the HADV and Influenza H1N1 infected patients was more frequent (49.43%) than in patients infected with other pathogens.CONCLUSION: Broad range detection of viral and bacterial pathogens using molecular methods is a promising and implementable approach to improve clinical diagnosis and accurate treatment of LRTI in children.
Does Field Substitution Impact the Educational Profile of the Belgian Health Interview Survey Net Sample?
Authors: Demarest Stefaan , Berete Finaba , Baeyens Youri , Molenberghs Geert , Drieskens Sabine , Charafeddine Rana , Braekman Elise , Oyen Herman Van , Hal Guido Van
Published: November 2020

Background Although controversial as a sampling technique, field substitution of non-respondents is applied in the Belgian Health Interview (BHIS) since its start in 1997. The target number of participants to obtain is predefined and set at 10,000 individuals. Based on data derived from the National Register, non-participating households are substituted by at most three households matched on statistical sector, age group of the households’ reference person (administrative contact of the household) and household size, thus creating a cluster. In this study, the impact of field substitution on the educational composition of the net sample is assessed. Methods The educational level of the household’ reference person derived from the Census 2001 and Census 2011, was used as a proxy for socio-economic position and was linked with respectively BHIS 2001 and BHIS 2013 paradata on the use of field substitution using a unique identifier. Given the high level of missing data on the educational level (+/-16%) in the Census, regression based multiple imputations (m=5) procedures were applied, presuming missingness at random. Response rates by educational level at any stage of the substitution process stage were calculated. Differences in response rates were assessed by applying the Delta method. Results At any stage of the substitution process, the participation rate was the lowest in the lowest educated households and significantly higher in the middle and highest educated households. Throughout the substitution process, the participation rate dropped from 51.6% to 42.7% for low educated households and from 61.7% to 46.3% for high educated households. Conclusions It is concluded that field substitution introduces higher levels of non-participation but does not affect the educational composition of the net sample.
Rosmarinic Acid Induces Proliferation Suppression of Hepatoma Cells Associated with NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: An Yanjun , Zhao Jiandong , Zhang Yourui , Wu Wen , Hu Jiangtao , Hao Haosen , Qiao Yu , Tao Ying , An Liping
Published: November 2020

Background: Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic compound that acts as a Fyn inhibitor by 53 homology modeling of the human Fyn structure. Therefore, the apoptosis mechanism related to NF-κB signaling pathway induced by RA in HepG2 was investigated. Methods: The cell growth, apoptosis, and proliferation of HepG2 regulated by various concentrations of RA were studied. The proteins expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3 were detected. Results: RA significantly reduced proliferation rates, inhibited migration and invasion, and decreased the expressions of invasion-related factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. TUNEL staining revealed that RA resulted in a dose-dependent increase of HepG2 cell apoptosis. In line with this finding, the expression of apoptosis suppressor protein Bcl-2 was downregulated and that of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 was increased. In addition, we found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was involved in RA-mediated inhibition of HepG2 cell metastasis. Conclusion: Our study identified that RA as a drug candidate for the treatment of HCC.
Hyperglycemia but not Glycated Albumin, is Linked to Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Almeida Ana C , Silva Gabriela A , Santini Gabriele , Brízido Margarida , Correia Miguel , Coelho Constança , Borrego Luís Miguel
Published: November 2020

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neovascular disorder of the immature retina. Neonatal hyperglycemia is a common problem in extremely preterm infants. Several studies have also reported an association between hyperglycemia and ROPPurpose: Our goal was to determine the association between hyperglycemia, glycated albumin (GlyA) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods: Prospective study of all infants under ROP screening from March 2017 to July 2019. All demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Glucose was measured at birth and every 8h for the first week and serum GlyA was evaluated at birth, 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks after birth. Reference range for GlyA was obtained according to the CLSI EP28-A3C. Univariate logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for ROP followed by multivariate regression.Results: A total of 152 infants were included in the study. Median gestational age was 30 weeks and median birth weight 1,240g. Thirty-three infants (21,7%) had ROP. Hyperglycemia was present in 24 (72,7%) infants diagnosed with any ROP versus 6 (0,05%) in those without ROP. Median GlyA at birth, 1st, 2nd and 4th and respective reference ranges were 8.50% (6.00-12.65), 8.20% (5.32-11.67), 8.00% (5.32-10.00) and 7.90% (5.30-9-00) respectively. After multivariate logistic regression, hyperglycemia but not GlyA, remained a significant risk factor for ROP overpowering the other recognized risk factors (Exp (B)28.062, 95%CI for Exp(B) 7.881 - 99.924 p <0.001)Conclusions: In our cohort, hyperglycemia but not GlyA, remained a significant risk factor for ROP overpowering the other recognized risk factors.
Exploration of a Novel Biomarker in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: li yiran , WANG KAI , wan xiaoping
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, located on chromosome 5q21, is the chromatin-remodeling related gene and a typical tumor suppressor. As reported, patients with high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or a high level of tumor mutational burden (TMB) may benefit from immunotherapy in endometrial cancer. The objective of this study was to demonstrated that APC as a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer, by analyzing the correlation of APC with PD-L1 expression or TMB.MethodsWe performed an integrative analysis of a commercial panel including 520 cancer-related genes on 99 tumors from an endometrial cancer cohort in China and DNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify new gene mutations as endometrial cancer immunotherapy markers. To determine the effect of gene mutations on endometrial cancer, we explored the correlation between gene mutations and tumor immune microenvironment, and explored the immune microenvironment in endometrial cancer, including TMB, PD-L1 expression and lymphocytic infiltration. ResultsWe found that the significant mutant genes were related to the chromatin state and generated a discovery set including 12 mutated genes that significantly correlated with PD-L1 expression and TMB. We identiﬁed the APC gene, with 19% (18/99) mutation rate, as a new marker for immunotherapy. Further analysis revealed that tumors with the APC mutation had a high TMB, increased expression of PD-L1 and increased lymphocytic infiltration (all P <0.02). By assessing the relationship between immunotherapy biomarkers and APC, we verified that APC have inactive mutation in endometrial cancer, which may affect the immune response, including PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability and lymphocytic infiltrate. Using TCGA data, we found that patients with the APC mutation had longer overall survival. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that APC could play an important role in enhancing the response to endometrial cancer treatment, particularly immunotherapy.
Determination of Wheat Spike and Spikelet Architecture and Grain Traits Using X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Zhou Hu , Whalley William R. , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Riche Andrew B. , Atkinson Brian , Sturrock Craig J. , Mooney Sacha J.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundWheat spike architecture is a key determinant of multiple grain yield components and detailed examination of spike morphometric traits is beneficial to explain wheat grain yield and the effects of differing agronomy and genetics. However, quantification of spike morphometric traits has been very limited because it relies on time-consuming manual measurements. ResultsIn this study, using X-ray Computed Tomography imaging, we proposed a method to automatically and efficiently detect the 3D architecture of wheat spikes and component spikelets by clustering grains based on their Euclidean distance and relative positions. Morphometric characteristics of wheat spikelets and grains, e.g. number, size and spatial distribution along the spike can be automatically determined. Two commercial wheat cultivars, one old, Maris Widgeon, and one modern, Siskin, were studied as examples. The average grain volume of Maris Widgeon and Siskin did not differ, but Siskin had more grains per spike and therefore greater total grain volume per spike. The spike length and spikelet number were not statistically different between the two cultivars. However, Siskin had a higher spikelet density (number of spikelets per unit spike length), with more grains and greater grain volume per spikelet than Maris Widgeon. Spatial distribution analysis revealed the number of grains, the average grain volume and the total grain volume of individual spikelets varied along the spike. Siskin had more grains and greater grain volumes per spikelet from spikelet 6, but not spikelet 1-5, compared with Maris Widgeon. The distribution of average grain volume along the spike was similar for the two wheat cultivars. ConclusionThe proposed method can automatically and efficiently extract spike, spikelet and grain morphometric traits of different wheat cultivars, which can contribute to a more detailed understanding of the sink of wheat grain yield.
Debulking Surgery for Functional Pleural Dissemination of Parathyroid Carcinoma-case Report
Authors: Kawagishi Sachi , Funaki Soichiro , Ose Naoko , Kimura Kenji , Mukai Kosuke , Otsuki Michio , Shintani Yasushi
Published: November 2020

BackgroundA rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a parathyroid carcinoma. Hypercalcemia with an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level seen in recurrent and metastasis disease cases is often refractory to medical therapy, thus surgical resection is recommended when possible. We performed debulking surgery for pleural dissemination of parathyroid cancer for improvement of symptoms in a patient with hypercalcemia.Case presentationA 30-year-old male with hypercalcemia was diagnosed with parathyroid cancer. Following surgery, intact PTH level elevation and hypercalcemia progression due to recurrent disease were noted. An active status of functional left pleural dissemination was revealed in 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy results, but not in the area of pulmonary metastasis, and debulking surgery was performed. Thereafter, the PTH level was decreased temporarily and activities of daily living improved. ConclusionAggressive resection of metastatic disease in patients with a parathyroid carcinoma is taken into consideration to control hypercalcemia.
Continuously Energy Consumption Measure Approach Using a DMA Double-Buffering Technique
Authors: Hernández Daniel Vaquerizo , Munoz Pablo , Barrero David Fernandez , R-Moreno Maria Dolores
Published: November 2020

Measuring the consumption of electronic devices is a difficult and sensitive task. Data AcQuisition (DAQ) systems are often used to determine such consumption. In theory, measuring energy consumption is straightforward, just by acquiring current and voltage signals we can determine the consumption. However, a number of issues arise when a ne analysis is required. The main problem is that sampling frequencies have to be high enough to detect variations in the assessed signals over time. In that regard, some popular DAQ systems are based on RISC ARM processors for microcontrollers combined with Analog-Digital Converters (ADC) to meet the frequency acquisition requirements. The efficient use of the Direct Memory Access (DMA) modules combined with pipelined processing in the microcontroller allows to improve the sample rate overcoming the processing time and the internal communication protocol limitations. This paper presents a novel approach for high frequency energy measurement composed of a DMA rate improvement (data acquisition logic), a data processing logic and a low-cost hardware. The contribution of the paper is the combination of a double buffered signal acquisition mechanism and an algorithm that computes the device's energy consumption using parallel data processing. The combination of these elements enables a high-frequency (continuous) energy consumption measurement of an electronic device, improving the accuracy and reducing the cost of existing systems. We have validated our approach by measuring the energy consumed by basic circuits and Wireless Sensors Networks (WSNs) motes. The results indicate that the energy measurement error is less than 5%, and that the proposed method is suitable to measure WSN motes even during sleep cycles, enabling a better characterization of their consumption prole.
Research on HIV Spreading by Macroscopic Based on Molecular Phylogeny in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhiyuan , Jin Xin , Wu Hui , Ruan Yuhua , Xing Hui , Lou Jie
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a global pandemic. The disease remains the most challenging public health issue of common concern in all countries because of its high fatality rate, the widespread susceptibility of the entire population to HIV, and the lack of an effective vaccine or cure. Therefore, it is of great significance to study and analyze the spread of HIV/AIDS.MethodsWe applied Bayesian phylogenetic methods to the gene sequence of the two main subtypes (CRF 01AE and CRF 07BC, 340 in total) of the HIV virus in Anhui Province to infer the nearest ancestor and its effective reproduction number (Re) to trace the history of HIV transmission in Anhui Province. Based on the characteristics of HIV transmission between heterosexuals and homosexuals, we established a dynamic model to predict the future trend of HIV drug resistance transmission. Through fitting the two effective reproduction numbers (Re) from the two different methods above, we got some important parameter values. By analyzing the sensitive factors affecting the transmission situation, we proposed relevant measures to reduce the transmission of HIV-resistant strains and effectively prevent and control the HIV epidemic.ResultsThrough the study of gene sequences, it was inferred that the nearest ancestor of the 150 CRF 01AE subtypes was in 1982, while the nearest ancestor of the 190 CRF 07BC subtypes was later (1992). Moreover, the effective reproduction number Re of HIV transmission in Anhui Province has been stable at first, then increased, and then remained stable, from 1.33 in 1992 to 2.20 in 2018. The study of macro-transmission dynamics model found that simply increasing the treatment rate had little effect on reducing the infection rate of the entire population, but would lead to the increase of drug resistance rate instead. This may be due to the inverse ratio between the prevalence of HIV and the lifespan of infected patients after treatment. According to the Sensitivity analysis, a more effective way to control transmission is reducing the number of sexual partners of the MSM population. In addition, we also have unexpected new findings regarding the traditional belief that "bisexual men play a bridge role in the transmission of HIV virus": if simply cutting o the sexual relationship between women and bisexual men, the HIV epidemic will be significantly enhanced instead.ConclusionStudy on gene sequences told us the history of HIV/AIDS spreading in Anhui province and the dynamic model told us its future. The link between them is the the effective reproduction number Re.
Urban Population Exposure to Air Pollution in Europe Over the Last Decades
Authors: Sicard Pierre , Agathokleous Evgenios , De Marco Alessandra , Paoletti Elena , Calatayud Vicent
Published: November 2020

Background - The paper presents an overview of air quality in the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (previous EU-28), from 2000 to 2017. We reviewed the progress made towards meeting the air quality standards established by the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines by estimating the trends (Mann-Kendal test) in national emissions of main air pollutants, urban population exposure to air pollution, and in mortality related to exposure to ambient fine particles (PM2.5) and tropospheric ozone (O3). Results - Despite significant reductions of emissions (e.g. sulfur oxides: ~80%, nitrogen oxides: ~46%, non-methane volatile organic compounds: ~44%, particulate matters with a diameter lower than 2.5µm and 10µm: ~30%), the EU-28 urban population was exposed to PM2.5 and O3 levels widely exceeding the WHO limit values for the protection of human health. Between 2000 and 2017, the annual PM2.5-related number of deaths decreased (- 4.85 per 106 inhabitants) in line with a reduction of PM2.5 levels observed at urban air quality monitoring stations. The rising O3 levels became a major public health issue in the EU-28 cities where the annual O3-related number of premature deaths increased (+ 0.55 deaths per 106 inhabitants). Conclusions - To achieve the objectives of the Ambient Air Quality Directives and mitigate air pollution impacts, actions need to be urgently taken at all governance levels. In this context, greening and re‐naturing cities can help meet air quality standards, but also answer to social needs, as recently highlighted by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
mRNA Profiling of a Well-differentiated G1 Pancreatic NET Correlates with Immunohistochemistry Profile
Authors: Venugopal Abhirami , Gillick-Walker Jessie , Michalczyk Agnes A , Khasraw Mustafa , Ackland M Leigh
Published: November 2020

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a complex group of tumours that occur in many organs. The routinely used IHC markers for NEN diagnosis include CgA, synaptophysin, Ki67 and CD56. These have limitations, including lack of correlation to clinical outcomes and their presence in non-tumour tissue. Identification of additional markers and more quantitative analyses of tumour tissue has the potential to contribute to improved clinical outcomes. We used qRT-PCR to profile the expression levels of a panel of markers in tumour and matched non-tumour tissue from a G1 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Differences in mRNA levels between tumour and non-tumour tissue were compared with IHC analyses of the same sample.Methods: Twenty-seven markers associated with tumour characteristics including neuroendocrine status, proliferation, stem cell phenotype, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell adhesion, differentiation and tumour suppression were selected from previous studies. mRNA levels of these markers were measured in tumour and non-tumour in a G1 pancreatic tissue sample using qRT-PCR. IHC was carried out on the same tissue to detect the corresponding marker proteins. Results: Of the twenty seven markers analysed, seven showed higher mRNA levels in tumour relative to non-tumour while thirteen markers had lower expression in tumour relative to non-tumour tissue. The most substantial difference in mRNA levels were a gain of CgA, CD56, b-catenin, CK20, PDX1 and p53 and loss of Ki67, PCAD, CK7, CD31, MENA, ECAD, EPCAM, CDX2 and CK6. Comparison of qRT-PCR data with IHC showed correlation between fifteen markers.Conclusions: qRT-PCR is a relatively quantitative diagnostic tool with the advantage of being reproducible, fast, cheap and accurate. Differential marker profiling using qRT-PCR has the potential to improve the defining of tumour phenotypes and, in combination with IHC may have clinical utility towards improving stratification or distinguishing tumour grades. The inclusion of matched controls enables a more comparative analysis in comparison to many previous studies that report tumour data only. The results need to be validated in a cohort of different grades of NENs and related to clinical outcomes.
Identification of Robust Immune‐Associated lncRNAs Signature for Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xu Qianhui , Wang Yuxin , Huang Wen
Published: November 2020

Background: There have numerous evidences to support that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be crucial parts in cancer immunity. We aimed to establish a novel and robust immune-associated lncRNAs signature to improve prognostic precision in patients with breast cancer(BRCA).Methods: BRCA cases were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune‐related lncRNAs presenting significant association with prognosis were screened through stepwise univariate Cox regression and LASSO algorithm, and multivariate Cox regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC analyses, and proportional hazards model further conducted. The prediction reliability was further estimated in the internal validation set and combination set. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied for functional annotation. The correlation between immune checkpoint inhibitors and this signature was employed. Results: 13 immune-related lncRNAs were systematically identified to establish immune-related lncRNAs predictive prognosis signature. The risk model we built showed significant correlation with BRCA patients’ prognosis. The value of ROC for this lncRNAs model was up to 0.821. This immune‐related lncRNAs signature can serve as an independent prognostic biomolecular factor. Our lncRNAs signature involved in chondrocyte development, endoderm development and so forth. This lncRNAs risk model was associated with tumor immune infiltration (i.e., B cells, Dendritic, Neutrophils, CD8 T cells and CD4 T cells, etc.,) and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy key molecules (i.e., PDCD1).Conclusion: The immune‐related lncRNA signature we established possesses latent prognostic value for patients with BRCA and may have the capability to predict the clinical outcome of ICB treatment, which could provide guidance for immunological decision in patients with BRCA.
SEC23A Regulated by Splicing Factor EIF3A may be Involved in the Development of Cervical Squamous Cell Cancer via Adherens Junction Pathway
Authors: Li Chen , Yan Fang , Wan Ting , Gu Haifeng , Chen Gang , Li Qiang , Xian Hua , Xie Jingdun
Published: November 2020

Background: Cervical squamous cell cancer is a common malignancy in women globally. Increasing studies have indicated that there was an indivisible association between alternative splicing and cancer. However, comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing is scarce in cervical squamous cell cancer. Methods: Alternative mRNA splicing events data and clinical information of 216 cervical squamous cell cancer patients were downloaded from TCGA SpliceSeq database and TCGA website. We used identified survival-associated splicing events to construct prognostic signatures. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were performed to evaluate the clinical value of prognostic signatures. A nomogram was carried out to quantitatively predict individuals’ survival probability. Regulatory network between splicing factors and survival-associated splicing events was analyzed. Additionally, we performed Pearson’s correlation analysis between survival-associated splicing events and pathways to explore potential downstream pathways. In order to verify the relationships between EIF3A and cell proliferation and migration, CCK8 and wound healing assays were conducted.Results: After sorting out survival-associated splicing events, multivariable regression analysis was used to acquire 70 survival-associated splicing events that could be independent prognostic factors for overall survival in cervical squamous cell cancer. A nomogram was constructed with a concordance index of 0.82. EIF3A positively regulated SEC23A-27346-AP with highest correlation coefficient (P＜0.001, R=0.69). The most significant KEGG pathways was adherens junction pathway (P=0.02, R=0.65). Cell proliferation and wound healing assays showed that EIF3A knockdown decreases cell proliferation and cell migration. Conclusion: Prognostic signatures of survival-associated splicing events were independent prognostic factors for overall survival among cervical squamous cell cancer patients. A nomogram could quantitatively predict individuals’ survival probability by integrating multiple risk factors. Moreover, SEC23A positively regulated by EIF3A may contribute to cervical squamous cell cancer via adherens junction pathway. This study may offer new direction for subsequent experimental research in cervical squamous cell cancer.
The Future of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in cancer – A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: O'Connor Dómhnall J , Barkley Laura R , Kerin Michael J
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMesenchymal stromal/stem cells have garnered much interest in the field of cancer biology. Bibliometric analysis of a scientific field has the potential to reveal insights pertaining to the maturity of the field, the hotspot sources of publication and temporal shifts in research subcategories within the field. Despite the benefits of such an analysis, one has not been conducted to date.MethodsThe Web of Science™database and VOSviewer software were used to analyse publication and citation data for all publications relating to Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in oncology. Contributions to the literature were also identified by country, journal and cancer type. Keyword analysis identified trends in developing research categories.Results9927 published articles were analysed. The current publication rate fits an exponential trend(r2 = 0.97). The U.S. and the People’s Republic of China have the highest overall publications but when corrected for population and citations per article, the most successful countries are Singapore, Luxembourg and Switzerland. In the past 15 years 74% of articles have been in cancer specific journals. Breast cancer publications account for 42% of common cancer articles. Most articles were published in journals that had a basic science focus (44%). Keyword analysis resulted in 3 distinct clusters aligned with 1. Characterisation and nomenclature, 2.Clinical and 3.Molecular function. The most recent publications favour topics on Molecular function. ConclusionsResearch on Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in oncology is experiencing exponential growth. There is widespread acceptance of basic science research on MSCs in cancer specific journals and a niche for more translational and clinically focused studies.
A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Functional Bracing Versus Rigid Immobilization after Modified Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: CRETNIK ANDREJ , Košir Roman
Published: November 2020

Background: There is ongoing controversy over the optimal treatment and rehabilitation strategy of an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Percutaneous suturing seems to bridge the gap between open surgical and conservative treatment, but still raises scepticism due to concerns like strength of the repair, approximation of torn ends, re-rupture rate, sural nerve injuries, early functional rehabilitation and thus final outcome. The purpose of the study was to analyze the results of two ways of postoperative regimen after treatment with the modified and biomechanically significantly stronger percutaneous repair under local anesthesia.Methods: In a prospective, randomized study from the year 2001 to 2004, with a 3-year follow-up, there were 31 patients (32 ruptures) in the functional bracing group (FG) and 30 patients, who wore rigid immobilization for the period of 6 weeks (IG).Results: Both groups were comparable for gender (3 vs 2 women) and average age (41.93 years, SD ± 12.29 vs 42.20 years, SD ± 10.53). Most ATRs were sports related (62.5% in FG vs 60.0% in IG). There was 1 (3.3%) re-rupture in IG and no re-rupture in FG (1.6% altogether), 2 (6.2%) transient sural nerve disturbances in FG and 1 (3.3%) in IG (4.8% altogether), one suture extrusion problem in IG (3.3%) with no other major or minor complications (6.2% of altogether complications in FG vs 10.0% in IG)(p > 0.05)(overall 8.1%). Patients in FG were (subjectively) more satisfied with the treatment, reached sooner final range of motion (ROM) and muscular strength without limping and had higher average AOFAS score (96.87 vs 95.96)(p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences observed between groups according to final ROM, strength and return to pre-injury activities or sports.Conclusions: The results of the study support the choice of presented modified percutaneous suturing under local anesthesia with functional treatment and early mobilization as a reasonable treatment option for an acute ATR.Trial registration: KME, 54/03/00, 21. 03. 2000
Analysis of Three Primary mtDNA Mutations in 155 Patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Yao Yan-Jiao , Zhuang Xue-Mei , Zheng Fan
Published: November 2020

Background: Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a maternal inherited disease caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. The aim of the current study is to analysis the frequencies of mitochondrial ND1 G3460A, ND4 G11778A and ND6 T14484C mutations in patients with LHON.Methods: Our study enrolled 155 patients with LHON and 83 controls, PCR-Sanger sequencing was performed to screen the presence of these primary mutations. Moreover, we performed clinical, genetic and molecular characterizations of five Chinese families carrying LHON-related three primary mutations.Results: 28 patients with G3460A (18.1%), 86 patients with G11778A (55.5%) and 32 patients carrying T14484C mutation (20.6%) were identified. However, none of these primary mutations were identified in controls. Among them, one patient carrying G3460A, two patients with G11778A and two patients with T14484C mutation had an obvious family history of LHON. Clinical evaluation of these pedigrees showed the variable clinical phenotypes with different age at onset of LHON. Sequence analysis of the complete mtDNA genes from the matrilineal relatives suggested the presence of these primary mutations. However, the lack of any functional variants in mtDNA genes revealed that mitochondrial haplogroups or haplotypes may not play important roles in the clinical phenotypic manifestation of LHON-associated primary mutations.Conclusions: Our data indicated that screening for the mtDNA primary mutations was necessary for early detection, prevention and diagnosis of LHON.
Design of a Novel Cross Beam Six-Dimensional Force Sensor
Authors: Zhang Chun , Wang Yong , Li Chunfeng , Hu Shanshan , Zhong Jinhong
Published: November 2020

To measure dynamic forces more accurately, a novel elastomer of a six-dimensional force sensor was proposed. The sensor adopted a new inner ring to replace the center platform of the traditional cross beam sensor. Determined the connection mode of the Wheatstone full-bridge circuit, which could realize theoretical decoupling. Then, the key size parameters of the sensor were analyzed by response surface analysis ,and the regression equations between the response value and the key sizes of the elastomer were established, which provided a theoretical basis for the sensor design. The analysis results of the examples in this paper show the sensor has good dynamic performance, with the first-order natural frequency as high as 3196.30Hz. Designed the size parameters by response surface analysis to improve the sensitivity of each force component, which increased the sensitivity of Fx direction by 26.09%.
Global Survey of miRNAs and tRNA-derived Small RNAs From Human Parasitic Protist Trichomonas Vaginalis
Authors: Wang Zhensheng , Zhou Hongchang , Wei Chunyan , Wang Zhihua , Hao Xiao , Zhang Lianhui , Li Jingzhong , Wang Zenglei , Wang Heng
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSmall non-coding RNAs play critical regulatory roles in post-transcription. However, their characteristics in Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), the causative agent of human sexually transmitted trichomoniasis, still remain to be unveiled. MethodsSmall RNA transcriptomes from Trichomonas trophozoites were deeply sequenced through Illumina NextSeq 500 system and comprehensively analyzed to identify Trichomonas miRNAs and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). The tsRNAs candidates were confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR and motifs to guide the cleavage of tsRNAs were predicted by performing GLAM2 algorithm. ResultsThe miRNAs were found at extremely low abundance (0.0046%) in T. vaginalis. Three categories of endogenous Trichomonas tsRNAs were identified as 5'tritsRNAs, mid-tritsRNAs and 3'tritsRNAs, with 5'tritsRNAs dominating (67.63%) in tsRNAs. Interestingly, the cleavage site analysis verified both conventional classes of tRFs and tRNA-halves in tritsRNAs, indicating the expression of tRNA-halves in non-stress condition. A total of 25 tritsRNAs were experimentally confirmed, accounting for 78.1% of all tested candidates. Three motifs were predicted to guide the production of tritsRNAs. This proved the expression of tRFs and tRNA-halves in T. vaginalis transcriptome. ConclusionsThis is the first report of genome-wide investigation of small RNAs, particularly tsRNAs and miRNAs, from Trichomonas parasites. Our findings demonstrate the expression profile of tsRNAs in T. vaginalis, while miRNA was hardly discovered. These results might promote the further research to better understand the evolution of small non-coding RNA in T. vaginalis and their functions in pathogenesis of trichomoniasis.
Cerebral Ischemia is Associated With Corneal Nerve Loss and Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Elsotouhy Ahmed , Hamad Hanadi Al , Vattoth Surjith , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , Al-Khayat Fatima , Chandran Mani , Ramadan Marwan , Elorrabi Marwa , Gadelseed Masharig , Tosino Rhia , Gawhale Priya V. , Alobaidi Maryam , Khan Shafi , Manikoth Pravija , Hamdi Yasmin , Thodi Noushad , Almuhannadi Hamad , Al-Mohannadi Salma , AlMarri Fatema , Qazi Murtaza , Own Ahmed , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe prevalence of cerebral ischemia increases with age and is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. This study assessed the association of brain ischemic lesions with the severity of neurodegeneration utilizing brain volumetric MRI and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.MethodsSubjects with MCI and dementia without diabetes underwent cognitive screening, CCM, assessment of ischemic lesions and quantitative brain MRI.ResultsOf 63 subjects with MCI (n=44) and dementia (n=19), 11 had no ischemia, 32 had subcortical ischemia and 20 had both cortical and subcortical ischemia. Subjects with MCI and dementia had comparable percentage of cerebral ischemia (P=0.25). Global cognitive function was significantly impaired in subjects with both cortical and subcortical ischemia (P<0.05) but not in those with subcortical ischemia (P=0.10) compared to those without ischemia. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD)(P<0.01), branch density (CNBD) (P<0.05) and fiber length (CNFL) (P<0.01) were significantly lower in subjects with both cortical and subcortical ischemia compared to those without ischemia and CNFD (P<0.05), CNBD (P<0.05) and CNFL (P<0.05) were significantly lower in subjects with both cortical and subcortical ischemia compared to those with subcortical ischemia. In subjects with both cortical and subcortical ischemia whole brain (P<0.01) and hippocampal volume (P<0.001) were significantly lower and ventricle volume was higher (P<0.05) compared to those without ischemia and hippocampal volume (P<0.01) was lower and ventricle volume was higher (P<0.01) in subjects with both cortical and subcortical ischemia compared to those with subcortical ischemia.ConclusionsThe presence of cortical and subcortical ischemia is associated with cognitive impairment, corneal nerve loss and brain atrophy in patients with MCI and dementia.
Sagittal Abdominal Diameter and its Socioeconomic Correlates: Perspective of Sex Differences
Authors: Li Chang , Harris Marcelline , Tsilimingras Dennis , Liu Sophia , Sheng Ying , Liu Xuefeng
Published: November 2020

Background Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) is an anthropometric index associated with visceral adiposity. It remains unclear whether SAD and its socio-economic correlates differ in women and men, which limits the epidemiological and clinical applications of the SAD measurement. The aims of this study are to examine the sex differences in SAD and its socio-economic correlates.Methods A complex stratified multistage clustered sampling design was used to select 6,975 men and 7,079 women aged 18 years or more from the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey 2011-2016, representative of the US civilian non-institutionalized population. SAD was measured in accordance to the standard protocols using a two-arm abdominal caliper. The sex differences in SAD and its socio-economic correlates were evaluated by performing weighted independent t tests and weighted multiple regression. Results SAD was lower in women than in men in the entire sample, as well as in all the subgroups characterized by age, race, birth place, household income, and body mass index except for non-Hispanic blacks and those with household income < $20,000. Adjusted for other characteristics, age, birth place, household income, and body mass index were associated with SAD in both women and men. Black women were associated with higher SAD then white women (p<.0001), and Hispanic and Asian men were associated with lower SAD than white men (both p<.01). Women born in other countries were more likely to have lower SAD than women born in the US (p<.0001), and so were men (p=.0118). Both women and men with a household income of <$75,000 had higher SAD than those with an income of over $75,000. The associations of age, race, and household income with SAD differed in women and men.Conclusion SAD is lower in women than in men, in the general population as well as in the most socio-economic subgroups. While socio-economic correlates of SAD are similar in women and men, the associations of age, race, and household income with SAD vary across sex.
RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Cannizzo Sara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Marinello Diana , Palla Ilaria , Pirri Salvatore , Ticciati Simone , Trieste Leopoldo , Triulzi Isotta , Terol Enrique , Bucher Anna , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn 2017, the European Commission has launched the European Reference Networks (ERNs), virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. The aim of the ERNs is to tackle complex and rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialized treatment and a concentration of knowledge and resources. The ERN on rare and complex connective tissue and musculoskeletal diseases (ERN ReCONNET) is one of the 24 ERNs approved that aims to improve the management of Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases.ObjectiveThe RarERN Path methodology aims to create a single reference organisational model for patients’ care pathways which, if applied in different contexts, helps to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases.MethodsStarting from existing standard methods for the creation and elaboration of patients’ care pathways, a specific methodology was created in order to take advantage of the distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the ERNs. Specifically, the development of the RarERN Path methodology involved different stakeholders: health economists, clinicians and researchers expert in rare and complex diseases, communication experts, experts in patients’ involvement and narrative medicine and policy-makers.ResultsThe RarERN Path methodology foresees six consecutive phases, each with different and specific aims. Specifically, the six phases are represented by: Phase 1 - Mapping of existing patients’ care pathways and patients’ stories; Phase 2 – Design of an optimised common patients’ care pathway; Phase 3 – Consensus on an optimised common patients’ care pathway; Phase 4 – Key Performance Indicators (KPI) definition; Phase 5 – Refinement; Phase 6 – Pilot phase (optional).ConclusionThe application of RarERN Path to the different disease-specific and geographical contexts would help to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases across Europe as well as a possible tangible action towards the integration of ERNs into the different European healthcare systems.
COVID-19 precautionary behavior: The Israeli case in the initial stage of the outbreak
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri , Levkovich Inbar
Published: November 2020

Background: The lay public's behavioral responses during a virus spread, such as the COVID-19, play an important role in bringing the outbreak under control, and provide insights into development of risk communication messages to the public. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between knowledge about COVID-19, perceived susceptibility, emotional reactions and precautionary behavior among the Israeli lay public at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,407 participants, aged 18+.Participants completed measures of knowledge about COVID-19, perceived susceptibility, emotional reactions, precautionary behavior, and socio-demographic questionnaires. A hierarchical regression model was calculated with precautionary behavior as the dependent variable.Results: Findings indicated that precautionary behavior was higher for females, older participants, participants with higher levels of knowledge about COVID-19, and participants with greater negative emotional reactions. A negative curvilinear relationship was found between perceived susceptibility and precautionary behavior, so that the latter was highest for participants with moderate perceived susceptibility. All interaction terms were non-significant.Conclusions: Findings suggest that in order to enhance precautionary behavior in the initial stage of a virus outbreak, it is recommended to pay attention to the public’s knowledge about the virus, perceived susceptibility and emotional reactions. Although negative feelings about the virus may motivate preventive behavior, it is important to address these feelings.
“It was like nobody cared about what I said?” Iranian women committed self- immolation: A qualitative study
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Lopez Violeta , Parizad Naser , Baghaei Rahim
Published: November 2020

Background: Suicide-attempts have increased across the world and have become higher among females. There has been a high prevalence of self-immolation in Iran, mostly young married women admitted to the burn centers. This study aimed to explore the factors and experiences of self-immolation in Iranian married women to develop prevention strategies to prevent the personal, social, and economic impacts of suicide and suicide attempts. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using open-ended, in-depth, face-to-face interviews was conducted in a purposive sample of 16 married Iranian women aged 16 to 40 years in the burn centers in Urmia city, a place in northwest Iran. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Three themes emerged from the data, including (1) antecedents of self-immolation, (2) suicidal ideation method, and (3) pathway to recovery. Each of these themes is supported by sub-themes.Conclusions: The study highlights the need for health professionals to help and support self-immolation survivors to continue their normal lives. A comprehensive supportive program based on survivors’ needs to support their pathways to recovery in all its complexities is recommended. Health professionals should also not forget that the family of the survivors also will need help to overcome this trauma. A family counseling program may also be provided.