bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of a v b 3 integrin impairs adhesion and uptake of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Altei Wanessa , Pachane Bianca , Santos Patty K. , Ribeiro Ligia , Sung Bong Hwan , Weaver Alissa , de Araújo Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre
Published: May 2020

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound particles that are naturally released from cells and mediate cell-cell communication. Integrin adhesion receptors are enriched in small EVs (SEVs) and SEV-carried integrins have been shown to promote cancer cell migration and to mediate organ-specific metastasis; however, how integrins mediate these effects is not entirely clear and could represent a combination of EV binding to extracellular matrix and cells. Methods: To probe integrin role in EVs binding and uptake, we employed a disintegrin inhibitor (DisBa-01) of integrin binding with specificity for αvβ3 integrin. EVs were purified from MDA-MB-231 cells conditioned media by serial centrifugation method. Isolated EVs were characterized by different techniques and further employed in adhesion, uptake and co-culture experiments. Results: We find that SEVs secreted from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells carry αvβ3 integrin and bind directly to fibronectin-coated plates, which is inhibited by DisBa-01. SEV coating on tissue culture plates also induces adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells, which is inhibited by DisBa-01 treatment. Analysis of EV uptake and interchange between cells reveals that the amount of CD63-positive EVs delivered from malignant MDA-MB-231 breast cells to non-malignant MCF10A breast epithelial cells is reduced by DisBa-01 treatment. Inhibition of αvβ3 integrin decreases CD63 expression in cancer cells suggesting an effect on SEV content. Conclusion: In summary, our findings demonstrate for the first time a key role of αvβ3 integrin in cell-cell communication through SEVs.
CCL1 blockade alleviates human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease (Scl-GVHD) model
Authors: Lim Ji-Young , Ryu Da-Bin , Kim Tae Woo , Lee Sung-Eun , Park Gyeongsin , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Min Chang-Ki
Published: May 2020

Background Human chronic graft-versus-host disease (CGVHD) shares clinical characteristics with a murine sclerodermatous GVHD (Scl-GVHD, B10.D2 → BALB/c) model that is characterized by skin and lung fibrosis. In this study, bone marrow- or adipose tissue-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were injected into the Scl-GVHD mice to address their therapeutic effect on CGVHD. Methods Lethally irradiated BALB/c mice were transplanted with B10.D2 T cell depleted bone marrow with or without spleen cells to generate Scl GVHD. hMSCs were intravenously treated on days 3, 5 and 7 post-transplantation. And the control antibody or CCL1 blocking antibody was subcutaneously injected into the same schedule as hMSCs. At 14 days after transplantation, the recipient mice sacrificed and their skin and lung analyzed. Results After early injection of hMSCs after transplantation, the clinical and pathological severity of Scl-GVHD in the skin was significantly attenuated, whereas the pathological score was exacerbated in the lungs. hMSCs migrated into the lungs but not into the skin. CD11b monocyte/macrophages and CD4 T cells were markedly decreased in skin tissues, whereas there was an early recruitment of CD11b cells, and subsequently increased infiltration of CD4 T cells, in the lungs. Importantly, hMSCs persistently up-regulated the expression of CCL1 in the lungs but not in the skin. Concurrent treatment of hMSCs with a CCL1-blocking antibody alleviated the severity of the lung histopathology score and fibrosis with preservation of the cutaneous protective effect against CGVHD. Infiltration of CD3 T cells and CD68 macrophages and up-regulation of chemokines were also decreased in lung tissues, along with recruitment of eosinophils and tissue IgE expression. In the skin, chemokine expression was further reduced after CCL1 blockade. Conclusions These data demonstrate that despite a protective effect against Scl-GVHD in the skin, administration of hMSCs exacerbated lung fibrosis associated with eosinophilia and airway inflammation through persistent CCL1 up-regulation. CCL1 blockade offers a potential treatment of pulmonary complications induced after treatment with hMSCs.
People’s perception of quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak in Shantou, China
Authors: Deng Xiulian , Chen Shaoxing , Zhou Yilian , Zhang Lishao , Chen Xiaojun
Published: May 2020

Background

Unprecedented public health measures have been implemented to combat the pandemic outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China. The purpose of this research is to identify people’s perception of quarantine during the COVID-19
Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 30 participants were conducted, including 15 people who had been quarantined and 15 participants who had not been quarantined during the COVID-19 outbreak in Shantou, Southern China. Interview data were collected from February to March 2020. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data were coded and analyzed to identify key themes.
Results

Four key themes concerning public health measures emerged: 1) A city-wide lockdown effectively aroused the public’s awareness of the seriousness of COVID-19, which was helpful for controlling the pandemic; however, it greatly impacted the economy and individuals’ way of life. 2) Hotel quarantine was an effective measure for medical observations. 3) Fear and lack of knowledge of quarantine were the main factors that affected quarantine compliance. 4) Less attention was paid to people’s mental health during the pandemic outbreak.
Conclusions

A lockdown and centralized hotel quarantines were effective ways to control the outbreak. Mandatory measures were highly supported. The media should educate the public about COVID-19. Psychological counseling is necessary for people who were quarantined long-term. The findings have implications for other countries and for emerging infectious diseases in the future.
Uptake of Misoprostol among women seeking abortion in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo
Published: May 2020

Background Unsafe abortions remain one of the key contributors to maternal mortality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended misoprostol as a safe abortifacient which has become a popular over the counter self-administered abortifacient in Ghana. This study sought to examine the prevalence of misoprostol uptake and model the factors associated with its uptake among 698 women seeking abortion services in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. Methods Univariate and multivariate analysis were done. The multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression to model the factors associated with misoprostol uptake and results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results showed that the prevalence of misoprostol uptake was 20.8%. The regression analysis showed that women who were cohabiting had higher odds [AOR=1.91, CI=1.16-3.16] of using misoprostol compared to women who were single. In relation to miscarriage and use of misoprostol, it was found that women who experienced one [AOR=0.27, CI=0.15-0.49] and 2 or more miscarriages [AOR=0.25, CI=0.07-0.85] had lower odds of using misoprostol compared to those who have never experienced any miscarriage Conclusion The prevalence of misoprostol uptake among women seeking abortion services in Accra Metropolis is relatively high. Marital status and previous history of miscarriage are associated with misoprostol uptake. Although proven effective by various studies and recommended by the WHO, it is imperative to consider these factors in the education of women on the use of misoprostol as well as designing programmes to target women who are inclined to induce abortion in Ghana.
A Study of the Characteristics of the White Matter in Schizophrenic Patients with Defective or Non-defective Symptoms by Diffuse Tensor Imaging
Authors: Shi Wen-jie , Sun Tai-peng , Zhuang Li-rong , Feng Hua , Yan Peng , Wang Cong-jie , Wang Zheng , Huang Cheng-bing
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDeficit schizophrenia (DS) is a set of highly homogenous schizophrenia subtypes characterized by primary and persistent negative symptoms. Previous research studies have found that the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are closely related to the impairment of brain structure and function.This study seeks to explore the characteristics of white matter in schizophrenic patients with defective or non-defective symptoms by diffuse tensor imaging (DTI).MethodsAccording to the defective schizophrenia diagnostic criteria and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, 30 patients with DS and 30 patients with non-defective schizophrenia (NDS) were enrolled into the research study. DTI imaging data of the white matter were collected by 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Then a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) method was used to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the white matter fiber between the two groups.ResultsThe TBSS analysis results showed that the FA values in the right side of the knee of the corpus callosum (MNI:14,36,-7), right anterior radio-coronal region (MIN:11,34,3) and the right hippocampal region (MIN:30,34,16) in the DS patients were significantly lower compared with those of the NDS patients (all p<0.05). The FA values in the right side of the knee of the corpus callosum was significantly correlated with the time from onset to treatment (r=−0.350, p<0.001), PANSS-negative symptom score (r=−0.157, p=0.007). The FA values in the right anterior radio-crown region was positively correlated with PANSS-negative symptom score (r=0.306, p=0.048). The right hippocampus was negatively correlated with years of education (r=−0.614, p=0.020), duration of antipsychotics using(r=−0.140, p= 0.022), and PANSS-negative symptom score (r=−0.637, p=0.040).ConclusionsIn schizophrenic patients with defective symptoms, the structural integrity of white matter fibers was more seriously damaged in the three brain regions including the right knee of the corpus callosum, the right anterior region of the right radiative crown, and the right hippocampus. These white matter lesions are closely related to patient characteristics such as years of education, duration from onset to treatment, duration of anti-psychotic, and severity of negative symptoms.
Reginal Lymph Node Involvement is Associated With Poorer Survivorship in Patients With Malignant Bone Tumor
Authors: Xie Xianbiao , Zou Yutong , Wen Lili , Lv Dongming , Zeng Ziliang , Jin Qinglin , Bian Yiying , Yao Hao , Shen Jingnan
Published: May 2020

Background

Regional lymph node involvement is rare in patients with malignant bone tumors. We aimed to analyze the prevalence and prognostic implications in the lymph-involved patients with malignant bone tumors.

Materials and Methods

From 1988 to 2016, 9582 patients with primary malignant bone tumors in the SEER database were enrolled. Overall survival (OS) was computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression.

Results

346 (3.63%) patients exhibited regional lymph node involvement. Lymph-involved patients had larger tumor size and more metastasis than patients without. Ewing sarcoma most frequently developed lymph node involvement. Lymph-involved patients (0.31 95% CI (0.26–0.37)) had lower 5-year OS rates than patients without lymph node involvement (0.66 95% CI (0.65–0.68)) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Lymph node involvement is rare in patients with malignant bone tumors. They had a large tumor size, more distant metastasis and poor survival.
Reporting on the Opioid Crisis (2000-2018) – the Globe and Mail, Canada’s English Language Paper of Record
Authors: Quan Amanda , Wilson Lindsay A. , Wilson Kumanan
Published: May 2020

Objectives: We aim to describe the general characteristics of how Canada’s newspaper of record – The Globe and Mail, reports on opioid-related news, the opioid crisis and its victims,and explore how Canadians’ perceptions of the opioid crisis could have developed over time.Methods: We searched The Globe and Mailbetween 2000 and 2018. We identified all articles related to the keyword “opioids”. Independently and in duplicate, reviewers extracted qualitative data from articles. The Social Representation Theory was used as a framework for understanding the how the opioid crisis is portrayed in Canada. Results:Our search yielded 554 relevant opioid articles.The number of articles peaked in 2009, 2012, and in 2016, coinciding with major developments in the epidemic. The language used in this discourse has evolved over the years and has slowly shifted towards less stigmatizing language. Content analysis of the articles revealed common social representations attributing blame to pharmaceutical companies, physicians, and foreign countries.It is easy to blame these collectives as this contributes to social representations thatare anchored in thepublic’s predisposed notions.Conclusions:Canadian coverage of the opioid crisis is focused on basic social representations and blame patterns towards a few collectives, a shift towards root causes of the opioid epidemic could positively influence the general public’s perception of the opioid crisis and help reap deeper understanding of the issue. Journalists face several obstacles to achieve greater focus and framing of the opioid crisis, a closer working relationshipbetween the media and the research community is needed.
Lack of the Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase FmoA Partially Impairs the Symbiotic Interaction of Mesorhizobium Huakuii with Astragalus Sinicus
Authors: Wu Hetao , Zou Qian , Luo Sha , He Donglan , Li Xiaohua , Yan Chunlan , Cheng Guojun
Published: May 2020

Background: Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) catalyze the NADPH-dependent N- or S- oxygenation of numerous foreign chemicals, and thus may mediate interactions between microorganisms and their chemical environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of FMO in symbiotic nitrogen fixation of Mesorhizobium huakuii and its host plant Astragalus sinicus.Results: A mutation in M. huakuii fmoA gene was generated by homologous recombination. The fmoA mutant grew more slowly than its parental strain, and displayed decreased antioxidative capacity under higher concentration of H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide (CUOOH), indicating that FmoA plays an important role in response to the peroxides. The fmoA mutant strain displayed no difference of peroxidase activity and glutathione reductase activity, but significantly lower level of glutathione and hydrogen peroxide content than the wild type. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the fmoA gene expression is significantly up-regulated in three different stages of nodule development. The fmoA mutant was severely impaired in its rhizosphere colonization, and its symbiotic properties in Astragalus sinicus were drastically affected. Transcriptomes in root-nodule bacteroids were analyzed and compared. A total of 1233 genes were differentially expressed, of which 560 were up-regulated and 673 were down-regulated in HKfmoA bacteroids compared with that in 7653R bacteroids. The transcriptomic data allowed us to determine additional target genes, whose differential expression was able to explain the observed the changes of symbiotic phenotype in the mutant-infected nodules.Conclusions: The fmoA gene is essential for antioxidant capacity and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, RNA-Seq based global transcriptomic analysis provided a comprehensive view of M. huakuii fmoA gene involved in nodule senescence and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
The Failure Risk of Surgical Therapy for Corneal Perforations Using Cryopreserved Donor Corneas
Authors: Mizuno Miki Hata , Uchino Yuichi , Shimmura Shigeto , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: May 2020

Background To evaluate the long-term results of therapeutic keratoplasty for a consecutive case series of corneal perforation.Methods The cases comprised 41 eyes (41 patients) that underwent therapeutic keratoplasty using cryopreserved donor grafts at the Keio University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. The eyes were evaluated regarding the cause of corneal perforation, surgical procedure, size of the perforation, presence of anterior chamber collapse, visual prognosis, and complications.Results The major causative diseases included herpetic keratitis (n = 11), bacterial and fungal corneal ulcer (n = 4), Mooren’s ulcer (n = 5), severe dry eye (n = 4), and neuroparalytic keratitis (n = 4). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 28 eyes (68.2%), lamellar keratoplasty in 8 eyes (19.5%), and keratoepithelioplasty in 5 eyes (12.2%).
FT3 to FT4 Ratio is Associated with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Significant Fibrosis in Euthyroid Subjects with NAFLD
Authors: Xue Haibo , Guan Yaqi , Zheng Juzeng , Xia Ziqiang , Li Ye , Wu Jinming
Published: May 2020

Background & Aims: Studies on the relationship between thyroid function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among euthyroid subjects had shown inconsistent results. Objective of the present study was to exploring the independent relationship between thyroid function parameters and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), significant fibrosis (SF) respectively after adjusting other well-identified risk factors.Method: This study enrolled 307 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Thyroid dysfunction defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone > 4.5 mIU/l or < 0.5 mIU/l and/ or free thyroxine > 14.41 pmol/l or < 7.86 pmol/l.Results: Stepwise regression analysis showed that the fT3/fT4 ratio, an optimal thyroid function parameter, was associated with NASH and SF in euthyroid subjects with NAFLD. After multivariable analysis, the fT3/fT4 ratio (per 0.1 change) showed significant correlation with NASH (OR 2.03(1.33, 3.11), P = 0.001) and SF (OR 2.11(1.28, 3.46), P = 0.003). When ratio was stratified by quartiles (Q1-Q4) as a categorical variable, the results still significant (Q4 versus Q1 (OR for NASH 4.29(1.68, 10.91), P = 0.002; for SF 4.63(1.49, 14.43), P = 0.008, all P for linear trend < 0.05). The prevalence of NASH and SF rose significantly with increasing in quartiles. Furthermore, ratio was positively correlated with the grade of steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning and liver fibrosis stage (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that hypertension was a possible effect modification.Conclusion: The findings of the present study confirmed an association between fT3/fT4 ratio and NAFLD in euthyroid subjects in a dose-dependent manner, particularly in non-hypertension adults.There is no trial registration number.
The relationship between counselling methods after health check-ups and lipid profile improvement: a retrospective cohort study in Korea
Authors: Kim Na yeon , Kim Jung-Ha , Cho Soo Hyun , Kim Seon Ah
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite growing numbers of private health check-ups, it is not known whether post-check-up counselling and education can improve chronic disease management. It has previously been shown that, in general, these factors are crucial to chronic disease management. Therefore, this study aimed to determine which counselling methods should be employed, following private check-ups, for optimal chronic disease management.
Methods

Participants were 7,039 adults over the age of 20, who received at least three check-ups from September 2013 to August 2019. All participants received the same form of counselling, three or more times consecutively. Three forms of counselling were examined: mail, telephone, and face-to-face. Chi-square tests, one-way analyses of variance, and Scheffé post-hoc analyses were performed to determine the relationship between various demographic characteristics and counselling methods received. We performed covariance analyses after adjusting for age, sex and number of examinations to determine the correlations between the counselling methods and changes in health indicators. When necessary, Bonferroni pairwise comparisons were performed.
Results

The face-to-face counselling group was the oldest and had the poorest cardiometabolic parameters and glucose metabolic indices. However, face-to-face counselling was associated with the greatest improvement in levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001).
Conclusion

Face-to-face counselling with doctors seems to be more effective at improving lipid profiles than phone or mail counselling. Further research is required to identify the effects of face-to-face counselling on long-term outcomes such as cardiovascular disease mortality. (IRB number: 1909-006-16282).
MiR-223 Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Alleviates Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Liu Weijiang , Zhou Na , Wang Peng , Liu Yuanlin , Zhang Wei , Li Xue , Wang Yang , Zheng Rongxiu , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2020

Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been utilized in treating acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) as they show strong immunosuppressive capacity, but the mechanisms are not well defined.Methods In this study, we demonstrated that microRNA-223 (miR-223) derived from exosomes secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (huc-MSCs) and murine compact bone mesenchymal stem cells (mb-MSCs) could inhibit aGvHD progression by reducing the migration and homing of donor T cells in aGvHD mice.Results MiR-223 was one of the conserved microRNAs highly expressed in huc-MSCs exosomes and mMSCs exosomes, which was identified by high-throughput sequencing. MiR-223 derived from MSC exosomes showed enhanced immunosuppressive capacity, as it could inhibit expression of the target gene ICAM-1 and restrain adhesion and migration of T cells in vitro. Moreover, miR-223Agomir was effective in reducing the inflammatory reaction, and declining the donor T cells infiltration into the spleen, liver and intestine in aGvHD mice. Subsequently, it could alleviate aGvHD symptoms. Taken together, the MSC exosome derived miR-223 could attenuate aGvHD in mice through regulating ICAM-1 expression.Conclusions Our results unveil a new role for MSC exosomes derived miR-223 in the treatment of aGvHD.
Mapping Research in Joint Preserving Procedures of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qing Xi , Zhao Yu , LI Hui , Xing Dan , Lin Jianhao
Published: May 2020

Background: There have been increased interests in the joint preserving procedures of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis of the publications of this field during this period (1999–2019).Method: Publications related to joint preserving procedures of ONFH were searched from the Science Citation Index-Expanded Web of Science. The data were analyzed by using bibliometric methodology. Additionally, the work made a graphical mapping by using the VOS viewer software. This was used for bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence analysis and to investigate the publication trends in this field.Results: A total of 3467 articles were included. The number of publications were increasing globally every year. China made the most publications. But the USA made the highest contributions to the global research with the most citations and the highest H-index. CLINICAL ORTHOPAEDICS AND RELATED RESEARCH had the highest publication number. Studies could be classified into four clusters: process and clinical treatment, risk factors and diagnosis, pathophysiology, and basic research. Pathophysiology and basic research were predicted as the next hot topics in joint preserving procedures of ONFH.Conclusion: Base on the current global trends, it has been growing in a number of publications of joint preserving procedures of ONFH since 1999. The USA was the leading country in global research in this field. Pathophysiology and basic research may be the next hot spots, which need more attention in the future.
Generation and Evaluation of Chicken IgY-scFv for the Purposes of CPV Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Ge Shikun , Xu Long , Li Ben , Zhong Fagang , Zhang XiaoYing
Published: May 2020

Background: Canine parvovirus (CPV) can cause acute and highly contagious enteritis in dog, antibodies have been used for diagnosis and therapy of CPV disease, generation of functional antibody fragments by using novel antibody engineering platforms is promising in veterinary practice. Results: The IgY single chain fragment variables (scFv) were generated by T7 phage display system and expressed in E. coli system after immunizing hens with virus-like particles (VLP) of CPV-VP2. The titer of the primary scFv library reached to 1.5×10 6 pfu/mL, and 95% of the phages contained the target fragments. The CPV-VLP and CPV-VP2 protein showed similar reaction values to the purified scFv in the ELISA test, and the results of ELISA analysis using IgY-scFv toward CPV clinical samples were consistent with commercial immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and PCR detection, the scFv did not show cross reactivity with canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine coronavirus (CCV). IgY-scFv was successfully expressed in CRFK cells, and in the virus suppression assay, 55% of CPV infections were eliminated within 24 hours. Docking results demonstrated that the number of amino acids of the binding sides between scFv and VP2 were AA37 and AA40, respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed the feasibility of a novel functional antibody fragment development strategy by generating diversified avian IgY-scFv libraries towards the pathogenic target of interest for both detection and therapeutic purposes in veterinary medicine.
Association between Prehospital Arterial Hypercapnia in Acute Heart Failure and Admission to Acute Care Units : A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fabre Mathias , Fehlmann Christophe A. , Gartner Birgit , Zimmermann-Ivoll Catherine G. , Rey Florian , Sarasin François , Suppan Laurent
Published: May 2020

Background: Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is a common condition that often manifests by acute respiratory distress and requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Arterial hypercapnia is common in AHF. It has been associated with a higher rate of intubation and non-invasive ventilation in the Emergency Room (ER), but its prognostic value has never been studied in the prehospital setting. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on the charts of all patients taken care of by a physician-staffed prehospital mobile unit between June 2016 and September 2019 in Geneva. After approval by the ethics committee, charts were screened to identify all adult patients with a diagnosis of AHF. The main predictor was prehospital hypercapnia. The primary outcome was admission rate in an acute care unit (ACU, composite of intensive care or high-dependency units). Secondary outcomes were ER length of stay (LOS), orientation from ER (intensive care unit, high-dependency unit, general ward, discharge home), intubation rate at 24 hours, hospital LOS and hospital mortality. Results: A total of 104 patients with a diagnosis of AHF were included. Hypercapnia was found in 59 (57%) patients and vital signs were more severely altered in this group. The overall ACU admission rate was 47%, with a statistically significant difference between hypercapnic and non-hypercapnic patients (58% vs 33% respectively, p=0.014). ER LOS was shorter in hypercapnic patients (5.5 hours vs 8.9 hours, p=0.008). Conclusions: There is a significant association between prehospital arterial hypercapnia and acute care unit admission in AHF patients. Trial Registration:This study was approved on 20.08.2019 by the institutional ethics committee of Geneva, Switzerland (Project ID 2019-01559)
The Effects of Corticosteroids on the Respiratory Microbiome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hartmann Julia Evelyn , Albrich Werner C. , Dmitrijeva Marija , Kahlert Christian R.
Published: May 2020

Background: Since its discovery, the respiratory microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple pulmonary diseases. Even though corticosteroid treatments are widely prescribed for pulmonary diseases, their effects on the respiratory microbiome are still poorly understood. This systematic review summarises the current understanding of the effects of corticosteroids on the microbiome of the airways. The primary outcomes of interest were changes in the diversity, composition and total burden of the respiratory microbiome as assessed by culture-independent molecular methods.Results: According to the PRISMA guidelines, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for all observational or randomised-controlled studies comparing the microbiome parameters of patients receiving corticosteroids to those of controls. Only five studies out of 1943 identified reports could be included: two on patients with asthma, two on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and one on patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The studies were highly heterogeneous with regards to the methods used and the populations investigated. Microbiome diversity increased with corticosteroids at least transiently in 3 studies and decreased in one study. The effects of corticosteroids on the composition of the respiratory microbiome were significant but without a clear shared direction. A significant increase in microbial burden after corticosteroids was seen in one study. Conclusions: Data on the effect of corticosteroids on the respiratory microbiome are still limited, with considerable heterogeneity between studies. However, available data suggest that corticosteroid treatment may have significant effects on the composition and possibly the diversity of the respiratory microbiome.
High Incidence of Implant Failure Happened Using Anterior-posterior Screws for the Fixation of Tibial Posterior Pilon Fracture.
Authors: Wang Hao , Zheng Huayong , Lv Dongdong , Li Lianhua , Zhang Jianzheng , Sun Tiansheng
Published: May 2020

Objective：To explore the mechanism of posterior pilon fracture with different proportion of the medial malleolus involved and evaluate clinical outcomes of anterior-posterior screws fixation.Methods: Patients admitted to our hospital with diagnosis of tibial posterior Pilon fracture were identified from January 2014 to January 2018. Mechanism from medical history, proportion of the medial malleolus involved (not involved/partial involved /total involved) from axial CT sacn were recorded to figure out the mechanism . Burwell—Charnley radiographic criteria of reduction, American orthopaedic Foot＆Ankle society ankle-hindfoot scale at 12 month follow-up were recorded to evaluate the curative effect of anterior-posterior screws fixation.Result: Sixty-nine patients were identified in this retrospective study. 43 males and 26 females were included, with mean age 46.9 years old（range, 21-76 years）. Mechanism of the 8 cases with fracture line do not involve midial malleolus but accompanied with die-punch fragment included 4 ground level fall, 2 fall off stairs, 1 sport injury, 1 fall from bike. Mechanism of the 52 cases with midial malleolus partial involved included 14 motor vehicle accident, 14 fall off stairs, 5 sport injury, 3 fall from bike and 16 fall from height. Mechanism of the 9 cases with medial malleolus totally involved included 6 falling from height, 2 falling of stairs and 1 motor vehicle accident. Five patients were treated with the fixation of Anterior-Posterior screws, fracture line of four cases do not involve midial malleolus and the rest one partial involved. The Burwell—Charnley radiographic criteria of reduction were fair in 4 and poor in one on the post-operation X-ray. Three of them got implant failure. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale 12-month post-operation for the rest two patients were 78 and 72.Conclusion: There is a high risk of implant failure using A-P screws for the treatment of posterior pilon fracture. The mechanism of posterior fracture involve medial malleolus is mainly vertical force .
Double-Hoist Dynamics and Oscillation Control of a Quadcopter Carrying a Swinging and Twisting Load
Authors: Zhu Kuo , Huang Jie , Zhang Yifan
Published: May 2020

Quadcopters can serve as aerial cranes that are able to suspend large-size loads below the fuselage for material-handling services. Double-hoist mechanisms help quadcopter to transport bulky loads effectively. However, double-hoist mechanisms exhibit strong coupling effect among the quadcopter’s attitude, load swing, and load twisting. Different from the single-hoist mechanisms, no effects have been directed at quadcopter slung loads with double-hoist mechanisms. A novel nonlinear dynamics model of a quadcopter carrying a distributed-mass load by double-hoist mechanisms is given in this paper. This explicit model captures the coupling between the quadcopter and load motion. Then a novel control method is proposed to reduce the swing and twisting of the load simultaneously. The simulation results illustrate that the control method succeeds in limiting the unwanted oscillations of quadcopter attitudes, load swing and twisting.
A Novel Force Oscillations Reduction Method Based on Nonlinear Tracking Differentiator for Robotic Contact Transition Process
Authors: Li Xiang-Fei , Zhao Huan , Ding Han
Published: May 2020

Impedance control is an effective force tracking approach for robotic contact operation tasks such as grinding/polishing, deburring, assembly and dexterous hand manipulations, etc. Within the impedance control framework, when the robot begins to contact with the environment, however, force oscillations may occur even if the optimal approach velocity is adopted, which may increase the settling time of the system, result in serious damage to the parts, and even make the otherwise stable controller unstable. To this end, based on nonlinear tracking differentiator (NTD) strategy, a novel force oscillations reduction method for robotic contact tasks is proposed in this article. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that NTD is used to reduce the force oscillations. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by simulations and experiments, and the results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the force oscillations, which provides a simple and useful solution for practical applications.
Concordance in Detecting Amyloid Positivity Between 18F-florbetaben and 18F-flutemetamol Amyloid PET Using Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Choe Yeong Sim , Kim Young Ju , Lee Byungju , Kim Hee Jin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Jun Pyo , Jung Young Hee , Kim Soo-Jong , Kim Byeong C. , Farrar Gill , Na Duk L. , Moon Seung Hwan , Seo Sang Won
Published: May 2020

Background In the present study, the discrepancy in detecting amyloid beta (Aβ) positivity between 18F-florbetaben (FBB) and 18F-flutemetamol (FMM) positron emission tomography (PET) was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed.Methods Paired FBB and FMM PET images were obtained on separate days from 107 participants. Three experts visually quantified the scans as positive or negative for Aβ deposition. Quantitative assessment was performed using global cortical standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) with the whole cerebellum (WC) as a reference region.Results Inter-rater agreement was excellent for FBB (Fleiss k = 0.86) and FMM (Fleiss k = 0.78). The concordance rates between FBB and FMM were 94.4% (101/107) for visual assessment and 98.1% (105/107) for SUVR cut-off categorisation. Both FBB and FMM showed high agreement rates between visual assessment and SUVR positive or negative categorisation (93.5% in FBB and 91.2% in FMM). When the two ligands were compared based on SUVR cut-off categorisation as standard of truth, although not statistically significant, the false-positive rate (visual assessment-positive, SUVR-negative) was higher in FMM (9.1%) than in FBB (1.8%) (P = 0.13). In those cases, assessing uptakes in the lateral temporal cortex was often more problematic than in other regions in visual analysis, especially near the border with the occipital lobe.Conclusion Our findings suggested that both FBB and FMM had excellent agreement when used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate Aβ deposits, thus, combining amyloid PET data associated with the use of different ligands from multi-centers can be useful in future research.
Inflammation as a Driver of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression.
Authors: Fatalska Agnieszka , Rusetska Natalia , Bakuła-Zalewska Elwira , Kowalik Artur , Zięba Sebastian , Wroblewska Agnieszka , Zalewski Kamil , Goryca Krzysztof , Domański Dominik , Kowalewska Magdalena
Published: May 2020

Background A knowledge on the biology of squamous cell vulvar carcinoma (VSCC) is limited. We aimed to identify protein markers of VSCC tumors stratifying patients by progression risk. Early stage VSCC tumors from patients who progressed (progVSCC) and from those who were disease-free (d-fVSCC) during follow-up, along with normal vulvar tissues were examined by mass spectrometry-based proteomics.Results In progVSCC vs d-fVSCC tumors, the immune response was the most over-represented Gene Ontology category for the identified DEPs. Interestingly, pathway profiling suggested bacterial infections to be linked to aggressive VSCC phenotypes. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were verified in solid tissues and blood samples of patients with VSCC tumors and vulvar premalignant lesions. High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2) and Proteinase 3 (PRTN3) were revealed as protein markers predicting VSCC progression.Conclusions HMGA2 and PRTN3 abundances are associated with aggressive VSCC phenotype, and hold promise as markers for patient stratification. It appears that vulvovaginal microflora disturbances trigger inflammatory response contributing to cancer progression.
GERENCIAMENTO INTEGRADO AMBIENTAL EM HOSPITAL PÚBLICO
Authors: Da Silva Morgana Oliveira , Nodari Cristine Hermann , Theis Vanessa , Schreiber Dusan
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho objetiva analisar a gestão ambiental de um hospital público localizado no município de Ivoti, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para tanto, identificou-se as práticas de gerenciamento ambiental, explorando a operação entre diferentes setores e estabelecendo apontamentos sobre o processo de gestão ambiental. O problema de pesquisa foi abordado de forma qualitativa, por meio de um estudo de caso. Realizou-se a triangulação de dados coletados por meio de observação não-participante, levantamento documental, entrevistas semiestruturadas com os responsáveis por todos os setores do hospital e pela central de resíduos e controle de infectologia. Com base nas evidências coletadas, constataram-se fragilidades entre as práticas do hospital com relação às referências teóricas de gestão ambiental. Também se verificou falta de conhecimento dos entrevistados com relação às questões voltadas às categorias investigadas, tanto dos setores administrativos como assistenciais.
Distribution and function of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the digestive tract of mammals and the clinical use of its analogues
Authors: GÓRSKA ALEKSANDRA , ARCISZEWSKI MARCIN B.
Published: May 2020

Recently, interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other peptides derived from preproglucagon has increased significantly. GLP-1 is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone produced in L-type enteroendocrine cells as a response to food intake. GLP-1 is rapidly metabolized and inactivated by the dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme before the hormone leaves the intestine, which increases the likelihood that GLP-1 action is transmitted through sensory neurons in the intestine and liver through the GLP-1 receptor. The main actions of GLP-1 are to stimulate insulin secretion (i.e. act as incretin hormone) and inhibit glucagon secretion, thus contributing to the reduction of postprandial glucose spikes. GLP-1 also inhibits motility and gastrointestinal secretion, and therefore acts as part of the „small bowel brake” mechanism. GLP-1 also appears to be a physiological regulator of appetite and food intake. Because of these effects, GLP-1 or GLP-1 receptor agonists are now increasingly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Reduced GLP-1 secretion may contribute to the development of obesity, and excessive secretion may be responsible for postprandial reactive hypoglycemia. The use of GLP-1 agonists opens up new possibilities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. In the last two decades, many interesting studies covering both the physiological and pathophysiological role of GLP-1 have been published, and our understanding of GLP-1 has broadened significantly. In this review article, we have tried to describe our current understanding of how GLP-1 works as both a peripheral hormone and as a central neurotransmitter in health and disease. We focused on its biological effects on the body and the potential clinical application in relation to current research.
Potential of using bacteriophages and nanomaterials for eradicating bacterial diseases in animals
Authors: NAWROTEK PAWEŁ , STACHURSKA XYMENA , AUGUSTYNIAK ADRIAN
Published: May 2020

The appearance of new and the recurrence of old bacterial infections in animals, coupled with a simultaneous epidemic increase in the number of multidrug-resistant strains and accompanying diagnostic problems, causes a growing interest in alternative strategies for prevention and treatment of resultant diseases. Technologies based on therapeutic bacteriophages or various kinds of nanomaterials are very promising and increasingly applied in eradicating harmful enzootic and zoonotic pathogens. A new development in these endeavours may be the combined use of phages (particularly M13, MS2, λ and T-even phages) and nanoparticles for a synergistic effect. Mutual interactions between the two factors depend not only on the type and characteristics of a given nanomaterial and on the morphological type of the phage, but also on their quantity, ambient temperature, and time of exposure. Interactions between nanoparticles and bacteriophages are due to electrostatic effects used in creating hybrid phage-nanomaterial constructs that find application in eradicating bacterial pathogens, including drug-resistant and biofilming ones, as well as in directed drug delivery. One of the methods for creating useful phage-nanomaterial complexes is immobilisation by encapsulation. The entrapment of phages in a liposome structure promotes their replication and activity thanks to the small size and positive electric charge. Liposomal encapsulation protected them from the strongly acidic environment in the stomach, significantly prolonged the possibility of their storage, as well as increased their stability and durability in drinking water and feed without changing the sensory properties of water and feed. Phage-nanomaterial complexes can also be a very precise diagnostic tool for detecting bacterial pathogens in the environment, considerably increasing the sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of detection tests.
Web Educativa 2.0
Authors: De la Torre Anibal
Published: May 2020

Paralelamente al comienzo de la incorporación de las TICs a las prácticas educativas, se ha debatido bastante sobre las competencias tecnológicas que los docentes debían adquirir en sus diferentes procesos formativos. Sobre todo por ser necesarias determinadas destrezas en el uso y, sobre todo, en la generación de recursos para la Web.En los últimos meses estamos asistiendo a una amplia extensión del concepto de Web 2.0, cuya principal característica podría ser la sustitución del concepto de Web de lectura, por el de lectura-escritura. Multitud de herramientas están ayudando a que, los procesos productivos de información que se desarrollan en torno a la Red, se puedan poner en marcha sin casi ningún tipo de conocimiento técnico, y sin un excesivo gasto de tiempo. Por ello, poner en marcha actos educativos en torno a Internet (Web educativa 2.0), resulta hoy en día una tarea mucho más fácil desde el punto de vista de los recursos lógicos necesarios, con lo que podemos hacer prevalecer nuestro perfil docente sobre roles más cercanos al mundo de la Informática.AbstractParallelly to the beginning of the incorporation of the Technologies to the educative practice, many different opinions have arised on the technological skills that teachers have to acquire in their different learning processes.  Above all, some determined skills are required in the use and, especially, in the production of resources for the Web.In the last months, we are attending a wide extension of the concept of Web 2,0, whose main characteristic could be the substitution of the concept of read Web, for the one of read-write Web.  Multitude of tools are helping to, set the productive processes of information that are developed around the Web in motion; without the need of almost any technical knowledge, and without an excessive cost of time. For that reason, to start up educative acts around the Internet (Educative Web 2.0), is nowadays a much easier easy task from the point of view of necessary logical resources, with which we can make our educational profile prevail over rolls nearer the world of Computer science.
Elementos para el diseño de entornos educativos virtuales con base en el desarrollo de habilidades
Authors: Barroso Ramos Carlos
Published: May 2020

El artículo presenta de manera sucinta el fundamento teórico, la estrategia seguida y los resultados obtenidos en un ejercicio de análisis efectuado para identificar el conjunto de habilidades cognitivas, que pueden ser reforzadas con el uso adecuado de cinco medios educativos basados en las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC). Para dicho análisis se consideró un contexto de aprendizaje específico, las características particulares de cada recurso y las condiciones en que fueron utilizados. Su intención última es aportar elementos de apoyo para la selección de medios en la integración de entornos educativos virtuales. AbstractThis article shows a general approach at conceptual fundaments, strategy and results obtains, about an analysis in relation with the development of cognitive skills among students that used five technological and didactic resources. The analysis strategy involves at specific educational environment, the own technical characteristics of resources and the way they were used. The proposal of this work is to offer specific and practical orientations to media selection that integrate educational virtual spaces.
Los medios de comunicación y la familia, ¿Un matrimonio de conveniencia?
Authors: Marín Díaz Verónica , Latorre Medina Mª José
Published: May 2020

La relación entre los diferentes miembros de una misma familia, se ha visto siempre determinada por aquellas que mantiene con los diferentes medios de comunicación que les rodean. Hoy cuando los mass media viven a sus anchas en los hogares se hace necesario determinar el grado de relación entre la familia y estos, y si esa “relación afectiva”  puede considerarse beneficiosa o no para ambas partes.AbstractThe relationship between the different members of a same family, it has been seen always determined by those that maintains with the different media that you surround. Today mass mean live to its broad in households is made necessary to determine the degree of relationship between the family and these, and if that "affective relationship" can be considered beneficial or not for both parts.