bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People With COPD Who Respond to Ground-Based Walking Training Are Characterized by Lower Pre-training Exercise Capacity and Better Lung Function and Have Greater Progression in Walking Training Distance
Authors: Ho Jian Ping , Alison Jennifer A. , Ng L. W. Cindy , Wootton Sally L. , McKeough Zoe J. , Jenkins Sue C. , Eastwood Peter R. , Hillman David R. , Jenkins Christine , Spencer Lissa M. , Cavalheri Vinicius , Hill Kylie
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To investigate the characteristics that distinguish responders from nonresponders to ground-based walking training (GBWT) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:

An analysis was undertaken of data collected during a trial of GBWT in people with COPD. Responders to GBWT were defined in 2 ways: (1) improved time on the endurance shuttle walk test of ≥190 sec (criterion A); or (2) improved ability to walk, perceived by the participant to be at least “moderate” (criterion B). Differences in participant characteristics, pre-training exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and the improvement in the distance walked during the training program were examined between responders and nonresponders.

Results:

Of the 95 participants randomized to GBWT (age 69 ± 8 yr, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1] % predicted = 43% ± 15%), data were available for analysis on 78 and 73 patients by criterion A and criterion B, respectively. According to criterion A, 32 (41%) participants were responders. The odds of being a responder increased with increasing FEV1 % predicted (OR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5, for every 5% increase) and increased with decreasing pre-training incremental shuttle walk distance (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.8, for every 50-m decrement). According to criterion B, 42 (58%) participants were responders. There were no differences in characteristics or pre-training measures between the responders and nonresponders. For both criteria, responders demonstrated greater change in the distance walked during the training program (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Responders to GBWT had lower pre-training exercise capacity, had better lung function, and demonstrated greater change in the distance walked during the training program.
A Randomized Study Examining the Effects of Mild-to-Moderate Group Exercises on Cardiovascular, Physical, and Psychological Well-being in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Redwine Laura S. , Wilson Kathleen , Pung Meredith A. , Chinh Kelly , Rutledge Thomas , Mills Paul J. , Smith Barbara
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To compare 2 mild-to-moderate group exercises and treatment as usual (TAU) for improvements in physical function and depressive symptoms.

Methods:

Patients with heart failure (n = 70, mean age = 66 yr, range = 45-89 yr) were randomized to 16 wk of tai chi (TC), resistance band (RB) exercise, or TAU.

Results:

Physical function differed by group from baseline to follow-up, measured by distance walked in the 6-min walk test (F = 3.19, P = .03). Tai chi participants demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease of 162 ft (95% confidence interval [CI], 21 to −345, P = .08) while distance walked by RB participants remained stable with a nonsignificant increase of 70 ft (95% CI, 267 to −127, P = .48). Treatment as usual group significantly decreased by 205 ft (95% CI, −35 to −374, P = .02) and no group differences occurred over time in end-systolic volume (P = .43) and left ventricular function (LVEF) (P = .67). However, groups differed over time in the Beck Depression Inventory (F = 9.2, P < .01). Both TC and RB groups improved (decreased) by 3.5 points (95% CI, 2-5, P < .01). Treatment as usual group decreased insignificantly 1 point (95% CI, −1 to 3, P = .27).

Conclusions:

Tai chi and RB participants avoided a decrease in physical function decrements as seen with TAU. No groups changed in cardiac function. Both TC and RB groups saw reduced depression symptoms compared with TAU. Thus, both TC and RB groups avoided a decrease in physical function and improved their psychological function when compared with TAU.
Development of New Pharmaceutical Candidates With Antioxidant Activity for the Treatment of Corneal Disorders
Authors: Higuchi Akihiro
Published: August 2019

The ocular surface is continuously exposed to physical and chemical factors in the environment. Oxidative stress, which strongly affects the ocular surface, is caused by several factors, including ultraviolet irradiation, fine particles, and tobacco smoke. Oxidative stress is one of the pathogeneses for corneal disorders. Thus, corneal epithelium and tear fluid contain antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes to protect the cornea against oxidative stress. Because autologous serum eye drops are useful for the treatment of corneal disorders caused by dry eye, these eye drops are globally used as a therapeutic intervention in patients with dry eye. We investigated the serum components that exert antioxidative effects to clarify the mechanism of action for serum antioxidants on corneal epithelial cells and to apply these components as drugs for the treatment of corneal disorders. We found that selenoprotein P, a known selenium-transfer plasma glycoprotein, was secreted into the tear fluid to supply the corneal epithelium with selenium. Selenium participates in the regulation of oxidative stress in many tissues, including the cornea. We subsequently developed selenium compounds for application in eye drops and successfully prepared Se-COMP as a new candidate for the treatment of corneal disorders.
Case Report
Authors: Torres-Luna Jonathan , del Olmo-Arroyo Francisco , Mercader-Pérez Mariana , Rodríguez-Cintrón William
Published: August 2019

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a well-known cause of community-acquired respiratory tract infection, specifically in the childhood population, and represents approximately 15% of all community-acquired pneumonia cases. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is also known for its extrapulmonary manifestations, with cardiovascular presentation being one of the most common. Gastrointestinal manifestations of the disease have been described as well, and evidence stipulates that it could be the first presentation of a M. pneumoniae infection. In our case, a cholestatic pattern was documented initially prior to pulmonary manifestations. Reviewed literature described this presentation as a possible early presentation in patients, but predominant in the pediatric population. Evidence-based data reveal that there is only 1 case reported in the adult population with above gastrointestinal manifestation.
Failure of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis in Human Brucellosis Contracted Through Needlestick Injury
Authors: Al Mayahi Zayid K.
Published: August 2019

Although brucellosis has a relatively high global prevalence rate, the highest number of reports is often presented in developing countries. Occupational risk factors for brucellosis are well recognized, with individuals working directly or indirectly with animals or in laboratories classified as high risk. This article presents the case of a high-risk male patient who incurred a needlestick injury as part of his work as a veterinary assistant. The patient was treated with a 21-day course of doxycycline upon first presentation but nonetheless developed brucellosis infection.

It is proposed that a dual prophylaxis of doxycycline and rifampin prescribed on the day of exposure would have been a more effective intervention compared with monotherapy of doxycycline and that symptom monitoring and serological follow-up should have been carried out to reduce the risk of complications. This article recommends improvements in the enforcement of prevention procedures within high-risk occupational settings to reduce the risk of brucellosis infection, and adds a value to the importance of the prophylaxis for the countries that do not follow postexposure prophylaxis.
Hepatitis B and C prevalence and risk factors among young men presenting to the Brazilian Army
Authors: da Motta Leonardo Rapone , Adami Aline De Gregori , Sperhacke Rosa Dea , Kato Sérgio Kakuta , Paganella Machline Paim , Pereira Gerson Fernando Mendes , Benzaken Adele Schwartz
Published: August 2019

Viral hepatitis is caused by different etiological agents with distinct epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics accounting for significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. Since 1996, the Brazilian Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Viral Hepatitis (DIAHV) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense has been conducting periodic serosurveys of conscripts enlisted for the Brazilian army to assess STI prevalence and obtain data on knowledge and risk factors pertaining to STIs. This article aims to present the hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen - HBsAg) and C (anti-HCV) seroprevalence estimates and risk factors as per the 8th edition of the Conscript Survey performed in 2016.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among conscripts across Brazil aged 17 to 22 years from August to December 2016. It included a self-reported questionnaire and blood testing for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C.

In total 38,247 conscripts were enrolled; after applying exclusion criteria, 37,282 conscripts were included. The estimated HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0.22% and 0.28%, respectively. Higher HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence rates were observed in the North Region (0.49%) and in the Central-west Region (0.65%), respectively. Regarding hepatitis B vaccination, 23.5% (n = 8412) of the individuals reported being unvaccinated and 47.4% (n = 16,970) did not know if they had been vaccinated. Among the anti-HCV positive conscripts, 53% (n = 51, 0.56%, P = .049) reported that they had never had sexual intercourse. Regarding self-reported STI status, most of the positive anti-HCV (n = 100, 0.29%, P < .01) and positive HBsAg (n = 76, 0.22%, P = .205) conscripts reported not having a STI. From those who tested positive for HBsAg, 89% (n = 42, 0.28%, P = .005) reported not making consistent use of condoms with steady partners.

Our data suggest a low prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among Brazilian young men, and relatively low rates of self-reported HBV immunization. History of STIs, higher number of partners, inconsistent use of condoms, and lack of awareness of routes of transmission were significantly associated with HBV and HCV infections. To achieve the World Health Organization's goal of viral hepatitis elimination, access to hepatitis information, testing, and surveillance need to be improved.
Genetic polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer risk
Authors: Dai Peng , Li Jing , Li Weibin , Qin Xueliang , Wu Xiaoyong , Di Weidong , Zhang Yanzhong
Published: August 2019

Backgrounds:

Previous investigations yielded inconsistent results for the associations between pancreatic cancer (PC) risk and genetic polymorphisms. The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies exploring association of some genetic polymorphisms and PC risk.

Methods:

We systematically searched on PubMed and Web of Science for association of genetic polymorphisms and PC risk published from 1969 to January 2019. We computed the multivariate odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), comparing different genetic types.

Results:

The present meta-analysis showed significant associations between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair gene (X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)Arg399GInandArg194Trp, excision repair cross complementation 1 (ERCC1) rs11615 and rs3212986, ERCC2 rs13181) polymorphisms and PC risk.

Conclusions:

Because of the limited sample size and ethnicity enrolled in the present meta-analysis, further larger scaled studies should be performed to demonstrate the association.
Primary carcinosarcoma of the ureteropelvic junction associated with ureteral duplication
Authors: Tsuji Kentaro , Ito Atsushi , Kurokawa Shinsuke , Nakaya Takeo , Yoshimoto Taichiro , Kawata Hirotoshi , Tamba-Sakaguchi Mio , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Oshiro Hisashi
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Primary carcinosarcoma of the upper urinary tract is rare. Ureteral duplication is one of the most common urinary tract malformations. Additionally, the association between ureteral duplication and malignancy is unknown. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of malignant tumors diagnosed as carcinosarcoma with ureteral duplication have been reported. We herein report the case of a patient with carcinosarcoma of the ureteropelvic junction associated with incomplete ureteral duplication.

Patient concerns:

A 60-year-old Japanese woman presented with painless gross hematuria. She had a history of total hysterectomy and chemotherapy for endometrioid carcinoma 5 years before. She had no history of occupational chemical exposure.

Diagnoses:

Radiographic imaging revealed right incomplete ureteral duplication, hydronephrosis, and a polypoid tumor in the ureteropelvic junction of the lower moiety of the right kidney. Urine cytology showed a small amount of degenerated atypical epithelial and nonepithelial cells. The transureteral biopsy specimen showed dysplastic urothelial cells and atypical myoid spindle cells. These findings were indefinite for malignancy.

Interventions:

The patient underwent right nephroureterectomy. Pathological examination of the resected tumor showed a biphasic neoplasm composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. The sarcomatous component was immunohistochemically positive for vimentin, desmin, h-caldesmon, and α-SMA and negative for pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), low molecular weight cytokeratin (CAM 5.2), EMA, E-cadherin, GATA3, uroplakin 2, and p63. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the tumor as carcinosarcoma.

Outcomes:

The postoperative course was uneventful. No additional therapy was administered. The patient has remained alive without recurrence for 21 months since surgery.

Lessons:

Carcinosarcoma can arise from ureteral duplication. Although the majority of carcinosarcomas of the upper urinary tract are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis, some can have a less aggressive course. Further studies are needed to determine the association between ureteral duplication and malignancy.
Laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy in a donor with type III portal vein anomaly
Authors: Song Jiu-Lin , Wu Hong , Yang Jia-Yin
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Laparoscopic right donor hepatectomy has been reported sporadically in several experienced centers for selected donors. This report introduced a case of a donor with an independent right posterior segmental portal branching from the main portal vein.

Patient concerns:

A 47-year-old woman volunteered to donate her right liver to her 48-year-old husband.

Diagnoses:

The recipient has been diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma meeting the Milan criteria and hepatitis B virus related cirrhosis.

Interventions:

The parenchymal transection was performed by ultrasonic aspirator and Hem-o-Lok clips. The right hepatic artery, right hepatic duct, and the anterior and posterior branches of right portal vein were meticulously dissected, clamped, and transected. The right hepatic vein was transected by vascular stapler. A Y-graft of the recipient's own portal confluence was reconstructed with the donor's separate right anterior and posterior portal veins.

Outcomes:

The donor's operation time was 420 minutes and the warm ischemia time was about 9 minutes. Blood loss was less than 600 ml without transfusion. The donor was discharged at the 10th postoperative day without any complications.

Lessons:

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy for donors with anomalous portal vein branching and subsequent inflow reconstruction for adult living donor liver transplantation is safe and feasible in highly experienced center.
Manganese levels and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiu-Bing , Wei Yue-Hui , Chen Xiu-Ke , Zhong Jian , Zou You-Bao , Nie Jia-Yan
Published: August 2019

Several studies have investigated the relationship between Manganese (Mn) levels and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results were inconsistent. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between Mn levels and HCC. Nine studies focusing on hair Mn levels, 6 studies on serum Mn levels and 6 studies on tissue Mn levels were identified in a systematic search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and SinoMed databases. Standard mean differences (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to compare the Mn levels between HCC and controls. In serum, the Mn levels in HCC were significantly lower than in healthy controls (SMD (95% CI): −0.941 (−1.559, −0.323)). In hair, the Mn levels in HCC were slightly lower than in healthy controls, but not significant (SMD (95% CI): −0.168 (−0.766, 0.430)). In tissue, the Mn levels in tumors were significantly lower than in adjacent normal tissues (SMD (95% CI): −4.867 (−7.143, −2.592)). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested an inverse association between Mn levels and HCC.
Acupuncture for rehabilitation after surgery for cerebellopontine angle meningioma
Authors: Han Dexiong , Shen Yejing , Hu Hantong , Zhang Ying , Li Xingling , Fang Lianqiang , Gao Hong
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

In some cases, surgery of cerebellopontine angle meningioma (CPAM) might result in multiple cranial nerve injury, which could bring serious impact on the patients, especially when it affects the function of facial muscles and eyeballs. This report describes a successful application of acupuncture for rehabilitation in a patient after surgery for CPAM.

Patient concerns:

A 27-year-old patient presented with limitation of left eye abduction, accompanied with frontal and facial sensory disturbance on the left after resection of the pontocerebellar angle tumor. The patient also suffered from significant anxiety and depression as concomitant symptoms.

Diagnoses:

Based on medical history, clinical symptoms, and magnetic resonance imaging results, the patient was diagnosed with the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cranial nerve injury after surgery for CPAM.

Interventions:

Acupuncture treatment was applied for this patient. One acupuncture session was given every 2 days in 35 days, and the needles were retained for 30 minutes per session.

Outcomes:

After acupuncture treatment, the limitation of left eye abduction had totally recovered. The superficial sensory disturbance in the frontal and facial region was significantly relived. Besides, the scores of Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale showed a significant reduction. However, the superficial sensory of the alar and nasolabial groove on the left side still decreased mildly when compared with the right side.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture might be an option for rehabilitation after surgery for CPAM.
High 2-year mortality and recurrent infection rates after surgical treatment for primary septic arthritis of the hip in adult patients
Authors: Kao Feng-Chen , Hsu Yao-Chun , Liu Pao-Hsin , Tu Yuan-Kun , Jou I-Ming
Published: August 2019

Primary septic arthritis of the hip is rare and potentially devastating in adults. Its optimal surgical treatment and clinical outcomes remain unclear.

In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated mortality and reinfection rates after surgery of patients with septic hip arthritis. We reviewed patients treated for primary septic hip joints from October 2005 to December 2016. A total of 51 adult patients were identified, and 38 among them had destructive hip joints. A poor postoperative outcome was defined as mortality or recurrent infection within 2 years of surgery.

After surgery, 7 (13.7%) patients died within 1 year and 5 (9.8%) patients developed a recurrent hip infection within 2 years. Therefore, poor outcomes occurred in 22% (n = 11) of the study cohort. Among the 38 patients with a destructive hip joint, 7 (18.4%) died within 1 year after surgery and 4 (10.5%) developed a recurrent hip infection within 2 years of surgery. Correlative infections other than infected hip joint and liver cirrhosis were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes.

In conclusion, clinical physicians treating adult primary septic hip joints should be cognizant of the high failure rate of surgical treatment. In addition, the high mortality rate should be considered during the discussion of surgical treatment with these patients and their families.
Three-year major clinical outcomes of phosphorylcholine polymer- vs biolinx polymer-zotarolimus-eluting stents
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Byoung Geol , Choi Se Yeon , Byun Jae Kyeong , Park Yoonjee , Kang Dong Oh , Jang Won Young , Kim Woohyeun , Choi Woong Gil , Kang Tae Soo , Ahn Jihun , Park Sang-Ho , Park Ji Young , Lee Min-Ho , Choi Cheol Ung , Park Chang Gyu , Seo Hong Seog
Published: August 2019

There are limited long-term outcome data comparing BioLinx polymer (B)-zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES) with phosphorylcholine polymer (P)-ZES. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of B-ZES with P-ZES in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during a 3-year follow-up period.

One thousand two hundred fifty four patients who underwent PCI with P-ZES (Endeavor [ZES-E] or Endeavor sprint [ZES-S], n = 356) or B-ZES (Endeavor resolute [ZES-R] or Resolute Integrity [ZES-I], n = 889) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE); the composite of total death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), non-target vessel revascularization (Non-TVR), and the secondary endpoint was stent thrombosis (ST).

After PSM, 2 propensity-matched (PSM) groups (275 pairs, n = 550, C-statistic = 0.730) were generated. During the 3-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.525; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.920–2.526; P = .101) and ST (HR, 1.248; 95% CI, 0.335–4.4649; P = .741) were similar between P-ZES and B-ZES after PSM. However, TLR rate was significantly higher in ZES-S than ZES-I (11.3% vs 3.8%, log rank P = .029) and TVR rate was higher in ZES-S than ZES-R (14.1% vs 4.8%, log rank P = .025).

In this single-center, all-comer registry, despite different polymers, P-ZES, and B-ZES showed comparable safety and efficacy during a 3-year follow-up period after PCI.
Understanding Inherited Risk in Unselected Newly Diagnosed Patients With Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Cadoo Karen A. , Mandelker Diana L. , Mukherjee Semanti , Stewart Carolyn , DeLair Deborah , Ravichandran Vignesh , Srinivasan Preethi , Hurley Daire , Kemel Yelena , Arnold Angela G. , Sheehan Margaret , Pradhan Nisha , Joseph Vijai , Chi Dennis S. , Gardner Ginger J. , Jewell Elizabeth L. , Leitao Mario M. , Roche Kara Long , Mueller Jennifer J. , Sonoda Yukio , Zivanovic Oliver , Walsh Michael , Carlo Maria I. , Berger Michael F. , Hyman David M. , Zhang Liying , Robson Mark E. , Offit Kenneth , Aghajanian Carol , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Stadler Zsofia
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from JCO Precision Oncology 2019; doi: 10.1200/PO.18.00338)

Endometrial cancer remains the most common gynecologic malignancy. Fortunately, approximately 70% of patients present with an early-stage disease with curative options.
High-grade Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate Mimicking Urothelial Carcinoma is Negative for TERT Mutations
Authors: Alaghehbandan Reza , Vanecek Tomas , Trpkov Kiril , Comperat Eva , Kristiansen Glen , Svajdler Marian , Cempirkova Dana , Pavlovsky Michal , Pivovarcikova Kristyna , Stehlikova Adela , Hora Milan , Michal Michal , Hes Ondrej
Published: August 2019

High-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma mimicking urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a rare and unusual variant, which can present a difficult diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to examine telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutations in order to improve differential diagnostic process in this scenario. Ten prostatic adenocarcinomas mimicking UC were retrieved by searching in-house and consultation files of Charles University Hospital, Plzen, Czech Republic, Tenon Hospital Paris, France, and University of Calgary, Canada. We performed microscopic slide review and immunohistochemical and molecular-genetic analyses using the available paraffin tissue. Patient age at diagnosis ranged from 44 to 86 years (mean, 71.8 y). All cases were transurethral resections, except one which was a prostate biopsy. Gleason score 5+5 was observed in 6 patients, whereas the remaining 4 had a Gleason score of 4+5. The tumors showed pseudopapillary, solid, nested, and cribriform architectural growth patterns. All cases were positive for prostatic markers including PSA, PAP, and NKX3.1. Immunohistochemical staining for urothelial marker, GATA3, was negative in 6 cases and only weakly positive in the remaining 4. All 10 cases showed no evidence of TERT mutations. We describe 10 high-grade prostatic adenocarcinomas that on morphology mimicked UC, but all demonstrated negative TERT mutations. A finding of negative TERT mutations in high-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma which mimics UC supports the notion that TERT promoter mutations are absent in prostate carcinoma, which may also aid the diagnostic work-up in difficult cases.
Brain mechanisms impacted by psychological therapies for pain: identifying targets for optimization of treatment effects
Authors: Cunningham Natoshia R. , Kashikar-Zuck Susmita , Coghill Robert C.
Published: August 2019

Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are widely used multifaceted approaches that have been shown to improve pain-related functioning. A small but growing number of studies have used brain imaging to support the use of psychological therapies for pain. Although these studies have led to an increased understanding of how therapies may engage neural systems, there are multiple technical and conceptual challenges to consider. Based on the current literature, several components of effective psychological therapies for pain may be supported by changes in neural circuitry, which are most consistently represented by diminished activation and/or reduced hyperconnectivity in brain regions related to pain processing, emotion, and cognitive control. Findings may vary based on methodological approaches used and may also differ depending on targets of treatment. To provide a nuanced understanding of the current literature, specific targets and components of effective treatments for which a neural basis has been investigated are reviewed. These treatment components include catastrophic thinking about pain, increasing self-efficacy, mindfulness, anxiety symptom reduction, and exposure-based approaches. In general, such strategies have the potential to normalize regional hyperactivations and reduce hyperconnectivity in brain regions associated with nociceptive processing, cognition, and emotion, although additional research is needed. By determining if there are indeed distinct brain mechanisms engaged by different components of psychological therapy and evidence for specific changes in neural function after these interventions, future therapies may be more optimally tailored for individuals afflicted with chronic pain.
Introduction to a Special Issue on Innovations and Controversies in Brain Imaging of Pain: Methods and Interpretations
Authors: Davis Karen D.
Published: August 2019

This special issue comprised 14 articles from leaders in the field, that provide opinions and reviews of concepts that are central to the next generation of pain imaging studies. Topics include cutting-edge technologies and approaches that are at the forefront of such studies, as well as developments toward biomarkers of pain and clinical applications that bring us closer to harnessing understanding of pains and its modulation to offer better options to those suffering from pain.
Delayed Graft Function in Simultaneous Liver Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Weeks Sharon R. , Luo Xun , Haugen Christine E. , Ottmann Shane E. , Gurakar Ahmet O. , Naqvi Fizza F. , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Philosophe Benjamin , Cameron Andrew M. , Desai Niraj M. , Segev Dorry L. , Garonzik Wang Jacqueline M.
Published: August 2019

Background.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes in kidney transplantation. Given these adverse outcomes, we sought to determine the incidence, unique risk factors, and posttransplant outcomes for simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) transplant recipients developing DGF.

Methods.

We studied 6214 adult SLK recipients from March 2002 to February 2017 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We determined associations between risk factors and DGF using Poisson multivariate regression and between DGF and graft failure and mortality using Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results.

The overall rate of DGF was 21.8%. Risk factors for DGF in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-negative recipient population included pretransplant dialysis (adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR] 3.26, P = 0.004), donor body mass index (aIRR 1.25 per 5 kg/m2, P = 0.01), and transplantation with a donation after circulatory death (aIRR 5.38, P = 0.001) or imported donor organ (regional share aIRR 1.69, P = 0.03; national share aIRR 4.82, P < 0.001). DGF was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in kidney graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.63, P < 0.001), 1.6-fold increase in liver graft failure (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001), and 1.6-fold increase in mortality (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

In HCV-negative SLK recipients, recipient pretransplant dialysis and components of kidney graft quality comprise significant risk factors for DGF. Regardless of HCV status, DGF is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes. Understanding these risk factors during clinical decision-making may improve prevention of DGF and may represent an opportunity to improve posttransplant outcomes.
Long-term Kinetics of Intragraft Gene Signatures in Renal Allograft Tolerance Induced by Transient Mixed Chimerism
Authors: Matsunami Masatoshi , Rosales Ivy A. , Adam Benjamin A. , Oura Tetsu , Mengel Michael , Smith Rex-Neal , Lee Hang , Cosimi A. Benedict , Colvin Robert B. , Kawai Tatsuo
Published: August 2019

Background.

Renal allograft tolerance (TOL) has been successfully induced in nonhuman primates (NHPs) and humans through the induction of transient mixed chimerism. To elucidate the mechanisms of TOL, we compared local immunologic responses in renal allografts with those in T-cell–mediated rejection (TCMR) and chronic antibody–mediated rejection (CAMR) in NHPs.

Methods.

Using the NanoString nCounter platform, we retrospectively studied 52 mRNAs in 256 kidney allograft samples taken from NHP kidney recipients of donor BMT. No immunosuppression was given after 1-month post–donor BMT. Recipients who achieved TOL (n = 13) survived for >1840 ± 1724 days with normal kidney function, while recipients with CAMR (n = 13) survived for 899 ± 550 days with compromised graft function, and recipients with TCMR (n = 15) achieved only short-term survival (132 ± 69 days).

Results.

The most prominent difference between the groups was FOXP3, which was significantly higher in TOL than in CAMR and TCMR, both early (<1 y, P < 0.01) and late (≥1 y, P < 0.05) after transplant. Other mRNAs related to regulatory T cells (Treg), such as IL10, TGFB, and GATA3, were also high in TOL. In contrast, transcripts of inflammatory cytokines were higher in TCMR, while activated endothelium-associated transcripts were higher in CAMR than in TOL. The receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that intragraft FOXP3 and CAV1 can reliably distinguish TOL from CAMR.

Conclusions.

High FOXP3 and other Treg-related mRNAs together with suppressed inflammatory responses and endothelial activation in renal allografts suggest that intragraft enrichment of Treg is a critical mechanism of renal allograft TOL induced by transient mixed chimerism.
Number of Antibody-verified Eplet in HLA-C Locus as an Independent Factor of T-cell–Mediated Rejection After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Guiral Sandra , Segundo David San , Irure Juan , Casafont Fernando , Fortea Jose Ignacio , Puente Ángela , López-Hoyos Marcos , Crespo Javier , Fabrega Emilio
Published: August 2019

Background.

HLA mismatching is a risk factor for graft rejection in solid organ transplantation. Its definition is being rethought with the introduction of the eplets in organ allocation. The eplets are highly polymorphic regions of the HLA molecule that help to explain cross-reactivity of HLA antigens. The effect of eplet mismatch is well documented in renal and lung transplantation but there is no clear evidence in liver transplantation.

Methods.

Forty-three consecutive liver-graft donor/recipient pairs performed at our center from 2016 to 2018 were HLA typed. The quantification of antibody-verified eplets (VerEp) mismatch was performed with HLA-matchmaker 2.1 version.

Results.

A total of 9 patients suffered an episode of T-cell–mediated rejection (TCMR). No significant differences were observed in the number of A, B, DRB, DQA, and DQB VerEp. However, the mean of mismatches VerEp in locus C (VerEpC) was significantly increased in patients with acute rejection: 3.89 (1.36) versus 2.32 (1.82), P = 0.021. A total of 22 patients with high load of VerEpC (>2) had an increased risk of TCMR (P = 0.008). The time of TCMR-free after liver transplant was statistically reduced in high-load VerEpC group (log-rank test P = 0.019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high load of VerEpC was independently associated with TCMR (P = 0.038).

Conclusions.

Patients with no or 1 eplet mismatch at the C locus are less likely to suffer TCMR after liver transplantation.
De novotranscriptome profiling of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and differential expression of transcripts associated with developmental stages, feeding and non-feeding conditions
Authors: Chongtham Rubina , Kulkarni Kirti , Shukla Rohit Nandan , Joshi Gopal , Kumar Amar , Goel Shailendra , Agarwal Manu , Jagannath Arun
Published: August 2019

Lipaphis erysimiis a Brassicaceae specialist aphid, which causes significant losses in yield and/or reduction of oil content of vegetable and oilseed brassicas and is a major pest in the Indian subcontinent. This study reports thede novotranscriptome ofL. erysimifor the first time. We also present a comparative analysis of nymphs and adult transcriptomes to study the differential expression profiles associated with different developmental stages as well as different feeding conditions. For this, RNA-seq was performed on three different biological samples adults, nymphs (with all nymph stages pooled) and adults starved for 3 hours (referred to as Adult Feeding, AF; Nymphs Feeding, NF, and Adult Starved_3 hr, ANF samples henceforth). A final transcriptome comprising 52,652 transcripts of 1064bp average length and N50 value of 1806 bp was generated. A total of 27,112 transcripts were annotated with insect proteins from SwissProt, of which 4128 transcripts were components of 165 KEGG pathways. A total of 17,296 transcripts were classified based on their Gene Ontology. Potential transcripts for host selection, detoxification, salivary proteins and effectors, molecular chaperones and developmental genes were identified. A total of 23,532 transcripts that remained unannotated were subjected to BLAST against aphid sequences available at AphidBase and a total of 3091 transcripts had hits with sequences of other aphids in the database, out of which 1380 had protein hits. A total of 20441 found to share no homology to any sequence available in the public domain and could therefore represent novel aphid genes or sequences that are unique toL. erysimi. This is an exploratory study with no biological replicates. However, the significant repertoire of feeding- and development-related genes and their differential expression profiles generated in this study adds to the limited data available onL. erysimiand it would facilitate studies on the molecular basis of aphid feeding and development. This could also allow identification of novel target genes for development of RNAi-based aphid control methods.
Nucleic acid amplification by a transparent graphene Visual-PCR chip and a disposable thermocycler
Authors: Zhu Guozhi , Qiao Miao
Published: August 2019

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to amplify trace amount of nucleic acids. It needs a process of thermocycling (repeated alternation of temperature). Traditional thermocycler relies on bulk size of metal block to achieve thermocycling, which results in high cost and the lack of portability. Here, a PCR chip made of graphene Transparent Conductive Films (TCFs) was employed. The thermocycling of the chip was fulfilled by a temperature programed microcontroller and a cooling fan under a low driving voltage (12V). A 35 cycles PCR was accomplished within 13 minutes using the chip and the thermocycler. The transparency of the graphene PCR chip enables the PCR reaction to be visually monitored by naked eye for a color change. The PCR chip and the thermocycler have a low cost at $2.5 and $6 respectively, and thus are feasible for Point-of-care testing (POCT) of nucleic acids in a disposable manner. The whole platform makes it possible to perform a low-cost testing of nucleic acids for varieties of purposes outside of laboratories or at resource limited locations.
Statins Stimulate Hepatic Glucose Production via the miR-183/96/182 Cluster
Authors: Marquart Tyler J. , Allen Ryan M. , Chen Mary R. , Dorn Gerald W. , Matkovich Scot J. , Baldán Ángel
Published: August 2019

Statins are the most common pharmacologic intervention in hypercholesterolemic patients, and their use is recognized as a key medical advance leading to a 50% decrease in deaths from heart attack or stroke over the past 30 years. The atheroprotective outcomes of statins are largely attributable to the accelerated hepatic clearance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol from circulation, following the induction of the LDL receptor. However, multiple studies suggest that these drugs exert additional LDL–independent effects. The molecular mechanisms behind these so-called pleiotropic effects of statins, either beneficial or undesired, remain largely unknown. Here we determined the coding transcriptome, miRNome, and RISCome of livers from mice dosed with saline or atorvastatin to define a novel in vivo epitranscriptional regulatory pathway that links statins to hepatic gluconeogenesis, via the SREBP2–miR-183/96/182–TCF7L2 axis. Notably, multiple genome-wide association studies identified TCF7L2 (transcription factor 7 like 2) as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes, independent of ethnicity. Conclusion: our data reveal an unexpected link between cholesterol and glucose metabolism, provides a mechanistic explanation to the elevated risk of diabetes recently observed in patients taking statins, and identifies the miR-183/96/182 cluster as an attractive pharmacological candidate to modulate non-canonical effects of statins.
Description and whole genome sequencing ofEikenella exiguasp. nov., isolated from brain abscess and blood
Authors: Stormo Kristin A. , Nygaard Randi M. , Bruvold Torbjørn S. , Dimmen Grete , Lindemann Paul Christoffer , Jordal Stina , Kommedal Øyvind
Published: August 2019

We herein describe the first novel species within the genus Eikenella since it was established in 1972 by the reclassification of “Bacteroides corrodens” toEikenella corrodens. From a poly-microbial brain abscess, we encountered an Eikenella isolate PXX that could not validly be namedE. corrodens. The isolate grew on blood agar with small, translucent, pitting colonies after 3 days of anaerobic incubation. By reviewing previously collected invasive isolates, we found an additional Eikenella strain EI_02 from a blood culture exhibiting the same properties as PXX. Phylogenetic analyses based on both whole genome and individual house-keeping genes confirmed that the two strains allocate in a phylogenetic cluster separate fromE. corrodens.

Using specific amplification and sequencing of the EikenellanusG-gene as a method, we further detected the novel Eikenella species in six historic brain-abscesses previously reported to containE. corrodensbased on 16S metagenomics. Out of 24 Eikenella whole genome projects available in GenBank, eight cluster together with PXX and EI_02. These isolates were recovered from brain abscess (2), blood (1), bone/soft tissue (3), parotid gland (1) and unknown (1). It remains to be investigated whether the new species can be a cause of endocarditis.

The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value between strain PXX and theE. corrodenstype strain ATCC 23834 was 92.1% and the corresponding genome-to-genome distance value 47.1%, both supporting the classification of PXX as a novel species. For this species we propose the nameEikenella exigua. TheE. exiguatype strain is PXXT(DSM 109756T, NCTC 14318T).
Metabolically-active obligate aerobes in anoxic (sulfidic) marine sediments
Authors: Bhattacharya Sabyasachi , Roy Chayan , Mandal Subhrangshu , Rameez Moidu Jameela , Sarkar Jagannath , Fernandes Svetlana , Mapder Tarunendu , Alam Masrure , Roy Rimi , Mondal Nibendu , Pyne Prosenjit , Haldar Prabir Kumar , Peketi Aditya , Chakraborty Ranadhir , Mazumdar Aninda , Ghosh Wriddhiman
Published: August 2019

Metabolically-active obligate aerobes are unheard-of in tightly-anoxic environments. Present culture-independent and culture-dependent investigations revealed aerobic microbial communities along two, ~3-meter-long sediment-cores underlying the eastern Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone, where high H2S disallows O2influx from the water-column. While genes for aerobic respiration byaa3-/cbb3-type cytochrome-coxidases and cytochrome-bdubiquinol oxidase, and aerobic oxidation of methane/ammonia/alcohols/thiosulfate/sulfite/organosulfur-compounds, were present across the cores, so were live aerobic, sulfur-chemolithoautotrophs and chemoorganoheterotrophs. The 8820-years-old, highly–sulfidic, methane-containing sediment-sample from 275 cmbsf of 530 mbsl yielded many such obligately-aerobic bacterial-isolates that died upon anaerobic incubation with alternative electron-acceptors/fermentative-substrates. Several metatranscriptomic reads from this sediment-sample matched aerobic-respiration-/oxidase-reaction-/transcription-/translation-/DNA-replication-/membrane-transport-/cell-division-related genes of the obligately-aerobic isolates, thereby corroborating their active aerobic metabolic-statusin situ. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic detection of perchlorate-/chlorate-reduction genes, plus anaerobic growth of an obligately-aerobicHalothiobacillusisolate in the presence of perchlorate and perchlorate-reducing-consortia, suggested that cryptic O2produced by perchlorate-respirers could be sustaining obligately-aerobes in this environment.
High order structure in mouse courtship vocalizations
Authors: Hertz Stav , Weiner Benjamin , Perets Nisim , London Michael
Published: August 2019

Many complex motor behaviors can be decomposed into sequences of simple individual elements. Mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are naturally divided into distinct syllables and thus are useful for studying the neural control of complex sequences production. However, little is known about the rules governing their temporal order. We recorded USVs during male-female courtship (460,000 USVs grouped into 44,000 sequences) and classified them using three popular algorithms. Modeling the sequences as Markov processes revealed a significant temporal structure which was dependent on the specific classification algorithm. To quantify how syllable misclassification obscures the true underlying sequence structure, we used information theory. We developed the Syntax Information Score and ranked the syllable classifications of the three algorithms. Finally, we derived a novel algorithm (Syntax Information Maximization) that utilized sequence statistics to improve the classification of individual USVs with respect to the underlying sequence structure.
Immortalization of human zone I hepatocytes from biliary atresia with CDK4R24C, cyclin D1, and TERT for cytochrome P450 induction testing
Authors: Nishiwaki Manami , Toyoda Masashi , Oishi Yoshie , Ishida Seiichi , Horiuchi Shin-ichiro , Makino Hatsune , Kimura Tohru , Ohno Shin-ichi , Ohkura Takashi , Enosawa Shin , Akutsu Hidenori , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kasahara Mureo , Kiyono Tohru , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: August 2019

Background

Hepatocytes are an important tool for in vitro toxicology testing. In addition to primary cultures, a limited number of immortalized cell lines have been developed. We here describe a new cell line, designated as HepaMN, which has been established from a liver associated with biliary atresia.

Methods

Hepatocytes were isolated from a liver of 4-year-old girl with biliary atresia and immortalized by inoculation with CSII-CMV-TERT, CSII-CMV-Tet-Off, CSII-TRE-Tight-cyclin D1 and CSII-TRE-Tight-CDK4R24C (mutant CDK4: an INK4a-resistant form of CDK4) lentiviruses at the multiplicity of infection of 3 to 10.

Results

HepaMN cells exhibited morphological homogeneity, displaying hepatocyte-like phenotypes. Phenotypic studies in vivo and in vitro revealed that HepaMN cells showed polarized and functional hepatocyte features along with a canalicular cell phenotype under defined conditions, and constitutively expressed albumin and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I in addition to epithelial markers. Since HepaMN cells are immortal and subcloned, kinetics and expression profiles were independent of population doublings.

Conclusions

HepaMN cells showed increased CYP3A4 expression after exposure to rifampicin, implying that their close resemblance to normal human hepatocytes makes them suitable for research applications including drug metabolism studies.
Diagnostic value of galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for chronic respiratory disease with pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Lai Guangbin , Zeng Chao , Mo Jianming , Song Wei-dong , Xu Ping
Published: August 2019

Objective

To explore the diagnostic value of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid galactomannan (BALF GM) test for chronic respiratory disease with pulmonary aspergillosis, and establish the optimal cut-off value.

Methods

A total of 180 chronic respiratory disease patients seen at the Respiratory Medicine Department of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from September 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed. According to the diagnostic criteria, we divided the patients into the case group (n = 70, comprising 5, 20, and 45 proven, probable, and possible cases, respectively) and the control group (n = 110). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected, and the BALF GM test results were analyzed.

Results

A non-parametric rank-sum test showed that the mean rank of the case group was 140.80, which was higher than that of the control group (58.49). The Z-value was 10.335 (P = 0.000), indicating that the general distribution of BALF GM differed between the two groups. A BALF GM cut-off value of 0.485 showed the highest diagnostic efficacy for pulmonary aspergillosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 92.9%, 100%, 92.8%, and 100%, respectively. As the cut-off value increased, the specificity and sensitivity of the BALF GM test increased and decreased, respectively.

Conclusions

The BALF GM test can be used confirm the diagnosis of patients with pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic respiratory disease. The optimum BALF GM cut-off value was 0.485. Antifungal therapy is important for treating pulmonary aspergillus infection in patients with chronic respiratory disease.