bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double-high insert presents with worse mid-term outcomes in cruciate-retaining medial-pivotal total knee arthroplasty – a propensity score matched analysis with averaged 8-year follow-up
Authors: Xiang Shuai , Wang Yingzhen , Lv Chengyu , Wang Changyao , Zhang Haining
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes between medial-pivotal (MP) insert and double-high (DH) insert used under cruciate-retaining condition in ADVANCE® total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods

The follow-up was conducted for 158 consecutive patients underwent unilateral ADVANCE® TKA from January 2011 to April 2014. 84 MP inserts and 74 DH inserts were used under cruciate-retaining condition. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed between MP insert and DH insert to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Results

After a 1:1 PSM, 120 patients (60 pairs) were matched between MP insert and DH insert. The baseline demographic parameters and clinical scores were comparable between the two groups. The postoperative clinical outcomes at an averaged 8-year follow-up of both groups were significantly improved. The range of motion (ROM) of DH group was better than that of MP group and equivalent Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) between the two groups was found. However, the Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) of MP group were found to be significantly superior than those of DH group. Comparable complication rate and revision rate were observed between the two groups. The radiographic results were also equally good between MP and DH group.
Conclusions

Although the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of DH insert are fairly good, the clinical scores of DH group were worse than those of MP group.
A Microbial Tale of Farming, Invasion and Conservation: On the Gut Bacteria of European and American Mink in Western Europe
Authors: Leeuwen Pauline ML Van , Schulte-Hostedde Albrecht I , Fournier-Chambrillon Christine , Fournier Pascal , Pigneur Lise-Marie , Aranda Carmen M , Urra-Maya Fermìn , Michaux Johan
Published: October 2021

One of the threats that the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) faces throughout its relict range, including the occidental population, is the impact of the American mink (Mustela vison) invasion in its natural habitat. We aimed to explore the differences in microbiota and genetic diversity between European and American mink to test phylosymbiosis theory. We investigated the gut microbiota composition of European and American mink in a controlled environment (captive breeding compounds and fur farms respectively) to account for the impact of the environment on gut bacterial composition. We compared them to the gut microbiota of both mink species in the natural environment across multiple habitats. Our exploratory results showed differences between free-ranging and captive individuals, with more extreme changes in American mink compared to European mink. However, feral American mink from a long-established population exhibited gut bacterial composition closer to the free-ranging native species compared to more recently established feral populations. This result could be explained by dietary shifts in the area sampled based on prey availability through different landscape, but also to a lesser extent due to greater genetic differentiation. This exploratory work contributes to the scarce literature currently available on the dynamics between gut microbiota and mammal invasion.
Marginal defects modified graphene with S-C-N-C groups for highly selective oxygen reduction to H2O2
Authors: Mou Zhixing , Mu Yue-Wen , Liu Lijia , Cao Daili , Chen Shuai , Yan Wenjun , Zhou Haiqing , Chan Ting-Shan , Chang Lo-Yueh , Qian Yumin , Fan Xiujun
Published: October 2021

Developing efficient metal-free catalysts to achieve electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is crucial for substituting traditional energy-intensive anthraquinone process. Heteroatom-doped carbon materials have shown great potential toward 2e-pathway for catalyzing oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (ORHP). However, conventional nanocarbon electrocatalysts show slow kinetics toward ORHP due to the weak binding strength with OOH* intermediate, resulting reduction of O2 to H2O. Here, sulfur and nitrogen dual-doped graphene (SNC) electrocatalyst consisting of S-C-N-C functional group are synthesized through hydrothermal self-assembly and nitridation processes with thiourea as sulfur source. In S-C-N-C functional group, pentagon-S and pyrrolic-N are covalently grafted onto the edge of graphene and produce marginal carbon ring defects, which provide highly active sites for catalyzing ORHP. The obtained SNC catalysts deliver an outstanding ORHP activity and selectivity for H2O2 production, while retaining remarkable stability. The experimental and computational results reveal that marginal S-C-N-C functional groups afford an appropriate adsorption strength with OOH* intermediate and a low reaction barrier as well, which are essential for the activity of ORHP.
Preventing Adverse Events of Chemotherapy for Gastrointestinal Cancer by Educating Patients about the Nocebo Effect: A Randomized-controlled Trial
Authors: Michnevich Twyla L. , Pan Yiqi , Hendi Armin , Oechsle Karin , Stein Alexander , Nestoriuc Yvonne
Published: October 2021

Background: Adverse events of chemotherapy may be caused by pharmacodynamics or psychological factors such as negative expectations, which constitute nocebo effects. In a randomized controlled trial, we examined whether educating patients about the nocebo effect is efficacious in reducing the intensity of self-reported adverse events. Methods: N = 49 and n = 51 patients (mean age: 60.2 years, 65% male, 54% UICC tumour stage IV) with newly-diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer were allocated to a nocebo education and attention control group, respectively.Results: GLM with adjustments for tumour staging and distress indicated that intensity of adverse events differed at 12-weeks after onset of chemotherapy (mean difference: 4.04, 95% CI [0.72, 7.36], p = .02, d = 0.48), with lower levels in the nocebo education group. Of these,). This was attributable to less non-specific adverse events (mean difference: 0.39, 95% CI [0.04, 0.73], p = .03, d = 0.44) and a trend towards less specific adverse events in the nocebo education group (mean difference: 0.36, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.74], p = .07, d = 0.37). We found no difference in adverse events at 10-days follow-up, perceived control of adverse events, or tendency to misattribute non-specific symptoms to the chemotherapy. Conclusions: This study provides first proof-of-concept evidence for the efficacy of a brief information session in preventing adverse events of chemotherapy. However, results regarding patient-reported outcomes cannot rule out response biases. Informing patients about the nocebo effect may be an innovative and clinically feasible intervention for reducing the burden of adverse events.Trial registration: retrospectively registered on March 27, 2018 to the German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00009501).
Risk of Developing Second Malignant Neoplasms in Patients with Neuroblastoma: A Population Study of the US SEER Database
Authors: Zhen Hongnan , Guan Hui , Ma Jiabin , Wang Wenhui , Jing Shen , Miao Zheng , Zhang Fuquan , Liu Zhikai
Published: October 2021

Background: Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial malignant tumor in children. Its main treatment modality is a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Given the advances in chemotherapy regimens and the widespread use of bone marrow transplantation over the decades, there has been improvement in treatment efficacy, which has led to prolonged patient survival. Accordingly, long-term complications have become a growing concern among physicians and patients. This study aimed to analyze the survival rate of patients with neuroblastoma and the risk factors for developing second malignant neoplasms (SMNs).Methods: The SEER 18 Regs (1973-2015) and SEER 9 Regs (1973-2015) data of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the US National Cancer Institute were adopted for survival and SMN analysis.Results: The 5-, 10-, and 20-year overall survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma were 67%, 65%, and 62%, respectively. Among 38 patients with neuroblastoma who presented with SMNs, those with abdomen as the primary site accounted for the majority (63.2%), followed by those with thorax (26.3%) and other sites (10.5%). SMNs occurred more commonly in non-specific neuroblastoma (incidence: 0.87%) than ganglioneuroblastoma (incidence: 0.3%). Compared with the general population, the risk of SMN is significantly higher (SIR=4.36). The risk of developing SMNs was significantly higher in the digestive system (SIR =7.29), bones and joints (SIR = 12.91), urinary system (SIR = 23.48), brain and other nervous systems (SIR = 5.70), and endocrine system (SIR = 5.84). Multivariate analysis revealed that the year of diagnosis (OR=2.138, 95%CI=1.634-2.797, p＜0.001) was the only independent risk factor for developing SMNs.Conclusion: This study identifies the risk factor for developing SMNs in patients with neuroblastoma, which could facilitate individualized screening for high-risk patients, to allow early diagnosis and treatment of SMNs.
Identification of Recurrent Genetic Patterns From Targeted Sequencing Panels With Advanced Data Science: A Case-Study On Sporadic And Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Tarozzi Martina , Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Dall'Olio Daniele , Matteuzzi Tommaso , Baiardi Simone , Parchi Piero , Castellani Gastone , Capellari Sabina
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing is a common and powerful approach used in both clinical and research settings. However, at present, a large fraction of the acquired genetic information is not used since pathogenicity cannot be assessed for most variants. Further complicating this scenario is the increasingly frequent description of a poli/oligogenic pattern of inheritance showing the contribution of multiple variants in increasing disease risk. We present an approach in which the entire genetic information provided by target sequencing is transformed into binary data on which we performed statistical, machine learning, and network analyses to extract all valuable information from the entire genetic profile. To test this approach and unbiasedly explore the presence of recurrent genetic patterns, we studied a cohort of 112 patients affected either by genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) disease caused by two mutations in the PRNP gene (p.E200K and p.V210I) with different penetrance or by sporadic Alzheimer disease (sAD).RESULTS: Unsupervised methods can identify functionally relevant sources of variation in the data, like haplogroups and polymorphisms that do not follow Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, such as the NOTCH3 rs11670823 (c.3837+21T>A). Supervised classifiers can recognize clinical phenotypes with high accuracy based on the mutational profile of patients. In addition, we found a similar alteration of allele frequencies compared the European population in sporadic patients and in V210I-CJD, a poorly penetrant PRNP mutation, and sAD, suggesting shared oligogenic patterns in different types of dementia. Pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction network revealed different altered pathways between the two PRNP mutations.CONCLUSIONS: We propose this workflow as a possible approach to gain deeper insights into the genetic information derived from target sequencing, to identify recurrent genetic patterns and improve the understanding of complex diseases. This work could also represent a possible starting point of a predictive tool for personalized medicine and advanced diagnostic applications.
Lateral Ground Spread at Kausaltar, Kathmandu that Appeared in the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake
Authors: Shiga Masataka , Konagai Kazuo , Pokhrel Rama Mohan , Ikeda Takaaki
Published: October 2021

The April 25, 2015 Gorkha earthquake jolted the central region of Nepal causing extensive damage to buildings and earthen structures in both mountainous and urban areas of Nepal. Kathmandu-Bhaktapur road, one section of the Araniko Highway, crosses a small valley in the center of the Kathmandu Basin with an embankment. This embankment and adjacent area were deformed in the earthquake. To examine the cause of this ground deformation, several in-situ tests such as micro-tremor measurements, standard penetration tests (SPT), multi-channel analyses of surface waves (MASW), and C 14 dating were conducted. These tests show that a silty sand layer with low plasticity has most likely been liquefied 5 to 8 meters underground. It is also shown that groundwater lowering using existing wells can decrease the liquefaction-prone area by 81%.
Alleviating Effect of Quinoa and Underlying Mechanism on Hepatic Steatosis in High Fat Diet Fed Rat
Authors: Song Chenwei , Lv Wei , Li Yahui , Nie Pan , Lu Jun , Geng Yanlou , Heng Zhang , song Lihua
Published: October 2021

Background: HF diet-associated fatty liver (is also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) is considered the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome and has attracted widespread attention due to the increase in its prevalence. Daily dietary management, is considered to be one of the effective strategies for the prevention of NAFLD. In the present study, the effect of quinoa on the hepatic steatosis and the metabolism mechanism were investigated.Methods: Male SD rats simultaneously administered an HF diet and different amounts of quinoa (equivalent to 100 g/day and 300 g/day of human intake, respectively). After 12 weeks of the intervention, Hepatic TG and TC as well as serum anti-oxidative parameters were determined, H&E staining evaluated the hepatic steatosis. Differential metabolite in serum and hepatic tissue were analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-MSE. mRNA expression profile were investigated using RNA-Seq and further verified using real-time RT-PCR.Results: It showed that quinoa effectively controlled the weight of rats, mitigated hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress, which exhibited the beneficial effect of quinoa on prevention of NAFLD. These beneficial effects could be attributed to the regulation of the production of certain metabolites in the circulation system or liver such as LysoPC and PC. The RNA-Seq analysis and RT-PCR verification revealed that an intake of a high amount of quinoa more effectively up-regulated the genes related to lipid metabolism [Apoa (apolipoprotein)5, Apoa4, Apoc2) and down-regulated the genes related immune response [lrf (interferon regulatory factor)5, Tlr6 (Toll like receptor), Tlr10, Tlr11, Tlr12]. Conclusions: Quinoa could alleviate hepatic steatosis due to the regulation of metabolism and the expression of genes related with lipid metabolism and immune response.
Locus Coeruleus Volume is Reduced in Early Parkinson Disease-Related Orthostatic Hypotension.
Authors: Beach Paul A. , Kurra Nithin , Hwang Kristy , Langley Jason , Hu Xiaoping , Huddleston Daniel E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in Parkinson disease (PD) and often coincident with cognitive impairment. The locus coeruleus (LC), a central autonomic and cognitive regulator, may be a common pathophysiologic link. Here we tested whether LC structural pathology, measured by neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, is associated with OH, cognition, and OH symptom presence (OHSx) in PD.
Methods

PD motor exam, orthostatic vital signs (OVS), and depression, anxiety, and fatigue symptom scales were measured in 62 patients. Automated segmentation of LC and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc, control region) took place using 3T MRI-based 2D T1-weighted and neuromelanin-sensitive sequences. LC/SNc volumes (mm3) were compared between OH and no-OH patients (N=9 & 53) using MACOVA. One-tailed partial correlations (False discovery rate (FDR) corrected) between LC volume, OVS, and MoCA were measured. MANOVA tested for relationships between OHSx, LC/SNc volumes, OVS, and non-motor scales.
Results

LC, but not SNc, volumes were reduced in OH-patients, compared to no-OH (LC p=0.01; SNc p=0.44). LC volumes correlated with OVS (systolic blood pressure/SBP r=0.24, pFDR=0.043; diastolic/DBP r=0.25, pFDR=0.043; heart rate/HR r=-0.32, pFDR=0.024) and with MoCA (r=0.22, pFDR=0.043). OH-patients were more likely to endorse OHSx (Chi Sq. p=0.047). LC/SNc volumes were unrelated to OHSx but were associated with DBP change (F=4.3, p=0.043; SBP trended – F=3.8, p=0.055), and with greater depressive (F=6.6, p=0.012) and fatigue (F=5.13, p=0.027) symptoms.
Conclusions

This study supports LC as a neural substrate for OH and possibly cognitive decline in PD, but not OHSx, which were more associated with depressive and fatigue symptoms. A larger cohort of OH-patients is needed to validate these findings.
Synthesis and Numerical Analysis of Compliant devices – A Topology Optimization Approach for Mechanisms and Robotic Systems
Authors: Sathyanarayanamurthi Premanand , GOPAL ARUNKUMAR
Published: October 2021

The Topology Optimization design invariably shall be used in various applications like Aerojet designs, Aircraft Engineering designs and innovative systems for improving the efficiency of structure. The paper emphasizes more on general Topology Optimization design for a rectangular domain. The domain numerically analyzed with defined geometry setting and defined boundary conditions for finding the Stress and displacement. In this Topology Optimization Design synthesis, the result is suitable volume and mass reduction in the Aerojet application parts which further can be taken for Prototype development in 3D printing and experimentally test with safety characteristics and compares Objective functions chosen for design and development. The design can be used for other various automotive and aerospace devices based on deformation level and application of external forces. The Final destination of this design and development ends with passing Fatigue Endurance test cycle test pass condition in Aerojet and automotive vehicles in static and dynamic state.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Efflux Through Dynamic Paracellular Pores on Venule as a Missing Piece for the Image of Brain Drainage System
Authors: Dong Yaqiong , Xu Ting , Yuan Lan , Wang Yahan , Yu Siwang , Wang Zhi , Zhang Weiguang , He Weijiang , Yang Xiaoda
Published: October 2021

Background: The glymphatic system has been considered to contribute to a larger portion of parenchyma waste clearance and related to pathogenesis of many neural degenerative diseases such as the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, up to date, the key route for the efflux from perivascular spaces to the blood pool remains a mystery.Methods: BBB-impermeable fluorescent lanthanide probes of different size were first applied as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/interstitial fluid (ISF) tracers to quantitatively clarify the relative importance of different pathways to drain CSF/ISF solutes. The in vivo dynamic flows of subarachnoid CSF labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (4 kDa) tracers along brain blood vessels were observed under a two-photon confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: Three phasic process for the brain drainage was observed, in which the rapid efflux of ISF solutes with a time constant close to the CSF oscillation during sleep appeals for new routes from perivenuous spaces to the blood pool. Careful observation on the dynamic efflux in vivo revealed a novel drainage pathway in which CSF molecules converge into the bloodstream directly through dynamic trumpet-like pores (basolateral f＜8 μm; apical f＜2 μm) on the wall of brain venule in mice. Zn2+, an inducer of reconstruction of the tight junctions (TJs) in vascular endothelial cells, could facilitate the brain clearance of macromolecular ISF solutes. Deficit clearance of Aβ through the asymmetric pores on venule potentially causing perivascular space dilation was observed on the AD model mice.Conclusions: The novel asymmetric pore path through reconstruction of endothelial TJs on the wall of venule shall provide a key piece for ISF solutes to drainage from brain in very rapid pathway. The update image would help to understand the structure and the regulation of glymphatic clearance of brain metabolites such as Aβ in search for the solutions of neurodegenerative diseases.
microRNA-150-5p: A Novel Blood-Based Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Dementia with Good Correlation to Cognition, Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β, and Cerebral Atrophy
Authors: Chia Sook-Yoong , Vipin Ashwati , Ng Kok-Pin , Tu Haitao , Bommakanti Ananth , Wang Brian Zhiyang , Tan Yi Jayne , Zailan Fatin Zahra , Ng Adeline Su-Lyn , Ling Shuo-Chian , Okamura Katsutomo , Tan Eng-King , Kandiah Nagaendran , Zeng Li
Published: October 2021

Background: There is an urgent need for non-invasive, cost-effective biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as blood-based biomarkers. It is not only to support clinical diagnosis of dementia, but also to allow for timely pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions evaluation. The aim of this study is to identify and validate a novel blood-based microRNA (miRNA) biomarker for dementia of Alzheimer’s disease type (DAT). The miRNA correlations with AD pathology and AD clinical-radiological imaging were conducted.Methods: We conducted miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-Seq) using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from a discovery cohort comprising DAT, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy subject (HS). Identified miRNA was validated in an independent cohort. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationships between miRNA expression and DAT clinical measures, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, CSF Aβ1-42 and tau levels, and AD pattern cerebral atrophy. Furthermore, we conducted bioinformatics analysis and cell-based assay to identify miRNA target genes. Results: MiRNA-seq identified a distinct miRNA (miR-328-3p, miR-7706, and miR-150-5p) expression signature differentiating DAT from MCI and HS. qPCR analysis reveals that miR-150-5p was consistent with the miRNA-seq data and was further validated. Specifically, we found that miR-150-5p expression was significantly upregulated in DAT compared to MCI and HS, and discriminated DAT from MCI and HS with a high accuracy with AUC of 0.86 and 0.86, respectively. We further found that higher miR-150-5p levels correlated with clinical measures of DAT, including lower global cognitive scores of MMSE and MoCA, lower CSF Aβ1-42, and higher CSF tau. Interestingly, we observed that higher miR-150-5p levels is associated with the lower grey matter volumes in the medial temporal lobe, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus. These regions implicated default mood network and executive control network regions that are important for AD brain atrophy. Furthermore, pathway analysis identified the targets of miR-150-5p to be enriched in the Wnt signalling pathway, including programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). We further found that PDCD4 was downregulated in DAT blood and was downregulated by miR-150-5p at both transcriptional and protein levels.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that miR-150-5p is a reliable clinical blood-based biomarker for DAT.
Gestational Hypertension and Their Impact on Activin A Concentration of the Human Milk
Authors: Peila Chiara , Spada Elena , Coscia Alessandra , Sottemano Stefano , Fregnan Giulia , Barbagallo Ignazio , Livolti Giovanni , Galvano Fabio , Gazzolo Diego
Published: October 2021

Introduction It is known that Preeclampsia affects the lactogenesis, but literature data on the effects of this syndrome on the neurobiomarkers composition and Activin A of Human Milk of the lactating mother are not available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of this gestational pathology on Activin A levels, a neurobiomarker known to play an important role in the development and protection of the central nervous system.Methods The women recruited in the study were divided in two different study groups: preeclamptic or healthy women. All the breast milk samples were collected using the same procedure into sterile devices BPA-free. Activin A was quantified using an ELISA test. To investigate the effect of pathology in the Activin a concentration in the 3 phases, mixed linear model with unistructural covariance structure, mother as random effect, and fixed effects were performed.Results Activin A was detected in all samples. There were no significant differences between Preeclamptic mother and Normotensive women. The only significant effect is related to the HM phase: in particular, it is significant the difference between colostrum and mature milk (p<0.01).Conclusion There is not any significant difference in Activin A breast milk composition from hypertensive and normotensive women. This result allows us to affirm that breast milk beneficial properties are maintained even if gestational hypertension occurs.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Patients With Clinical Suspicion of Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) With a Negative Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: Vázquez-Mosquera María E. , González-Vioque Emiliano , Barbosa-Gouveia Sofía , Bellido-Guerrero Diego , Tejera-Pérez Cristina , Martinez-Olmos Miguel A. , Fernández-Pombo Antía , Castaño-González Luís A. , Chans-Gerpe Roi , Couce Maria L.
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe personalized management of each type of Mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a non-autoimmune monogenic form of diabetes mellitus, achieves both avoiding invasive therapies and better defining the patient's prognosis and reducing future misdiagnoses by performing a screening family. Positive genetic diagnosis is achieved in only around 50% of patients with clinical characteristics of this disease, which leads us to propose in this study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of transcriptomic analysis in patients with clinical suspicion of MODY but a negative genetic diagnosis using Nanostring nCounter technology.ResultsWe conducted transcriptomic analysis of 19 MODY-associated genes in peripheral blood samples from 19 patients and 8 healthy controls. Normalized gene expression was compared between patients and controls and correlated with each patient’s biochemical and clinical variables. Z-scores were calculated to identify significant changes in gene expression in patients versus controls. Only 7 of the genes analyzed were detected in peripheral blood. HADH expression was significantly lower in patients versus controls. Among patients with suspected MODY, GLIS3 expression was higher in obese versus non-overweight patients, and in patients aged <25 versus >25 years at diabetes onset. Significant alteration with respect to controls of any gene was observed in 31.6% of patients. ConclusionsAlthough blood does not appear to be an adequate sample for transcriptomic analysis of patients with suspected MODY, it does allow identification of potential molecular targets causing the disease in a considerable proportion of cases.
Reconstruction clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms via supraorbital lateral keyhole approach
Authors: Wu Yuzhang , Zhao Yan , Yu Shengping , Li Fan , Cai Shifei , Peng Chao , Wang Zhen , Yang Yifan , Wang Bangyue , Yang Xinyu
Published: October 2021

Background
Intracranial aneurysm(IA) is a serious disease.Analyze and review the cases of anterior circulation ruptured IA by supraorbital lateral keyhole approach, and summarize the experiences of this approach.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 16 cases of ruptured anterior circulation IA in our department from January 2019 to June 2020, CT angiography (CTA) was performed before operation. Analyzing the IA’s parameters by 3D-CT reconstruction. The IA was clipped by supraorbital lateral keyhole approach combined with the 3D-skull reconstruction. Extraventricular drainage were performed before craniotomy. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was performed during the operation. After operation, fluorescein angiography and vascular ultrasound were performed to check the clipping effect. Intracranial pressure monitor was performed postoperatively. CTA was reexamined one week after operation. The modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was performed 6 months after operation.
Results
There were 7 males (43.8%) and 9 females (56.2%) ,the average age is 52.3 years. Among them, 11 patients(68.8%) were anterior communicating artery aneurysms and 5 (31.2%) were middle cerebral artery aneurysms. All patients were out of hospital within 10 days without any death, without cerebral infarction, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and neurological impairments. About mRS score, after 6 months follow-up, 8 cases(50%) had 0 point, 4 cases (25%) had 1 point, 4 cases (25%) had 2 points.
Conclusions
For ruptured anterior circulation IA, the supraorbital lateral keyhole approach combined with ventricular drainage, intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring and intraoperative vascular ultrasound is a safe and minimally invasive treatment. The application of reconstruction clipping can reconstruct the diameter of parent vessel and reduce the recurrence rate of IA.
Digital Image Analysis of Spices and Condiments for Plant Taxonomic Studies
Authors: Khan Haider Iqbal , DAS MIRA RANI , MIA MA BASET
Published: October 2021

To address the contemporary demand of the world in the 21st century with the development of virtual technology, and to make the smart way of action with more efficiency, the department of Crop Botany, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) have taken a step to launch a web-based computerized version of Digital Herbarium and Herbarium Museum of crop plants. This digital herbarium holds a large body of collections of images of special crops such as spices and condiments for improving academic and research capability which can be accessed anytime from anywhere in the world. Images can easily mirror and elucidate the characters that can be described theoretically. Photographic specimens can provide an important complement to herbarium collections by providing teaching and identify resources that are easily accessible to the community with digital herbarium. Digital image also guarantees instant access and increased user interaction as multiple people can work on a single model simultaneously and easily access information on descriptive details, published work, microscopic preparations, and nomenclature. The launched Digital Herbarium intends to make maximum use of primary research material to connect the research community and general public, including school children, and take care of public interest and enthusiasm for teaching spices and condiments.
Evaluation of Maxillary and Mandibular Growth Pattern Based on Cervical Vertebral Maturation in Japanese
Authors: Manabe Asuka , Ishida Takayoshi , Kanda Eiichiro , Ono Takashi
Published: October 2021

Appropriate evaluation of maxillofacial growth and development is important for effective orthodontic treatment. The evaluation of growth is not based on chronological age, but on the physiological age that is evaluated according to individual development. The cervical vertebral bone age is one approach to evaluate physiological age. In the present study, we evaluated the growth pattern of maxilla and mandible in Japanese patients using the age of the cervical vertebrae as an index. Lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before the start of the orthodontic treatment were traced to evaluate the age of the cervical vertebrae and mandible. Altogether, 400 patients were allocated to groups based on the cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS), namely, CVMS I to V, with 80 patients in each group. In this study, stratified random sampling was used to obtain the required samples. We measured ANS-PNS as an index of maxillary length, whereas Ar-Go as an index of mandibular height and Go-Pog as an index of mandibular length on the cephalograms. It was found that ANS-PNS increased significantly between CVMS II and CVMS III, while both Ar-Go and Go-Pog increased significantly between CVMS III and CVMS IV in men. On the other hand, such significant increases in consecutive stages were not found in women. Based on these observations, it was suggested that CVMS is effective in evaluating the growth pattern of the maxilla and mandible.
Endovascular Treatment of Acute MI Occlusions Due To Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Severe Stenosis
Authors: Yan Yazhou , Du Li , He Xiliang , Huang Qinghai , Pan Yuan , Xin Tao
Published: October 2021

Objective: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke with an occlusion of the M1 segment due to intracranial atherosclerotic severe stenosis (ICASS) remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVT for ICASS-related M1 acute occlusion.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with an ICASS-related M1 acute occlusion underwent EVT at our institution between January 2015 and December 2020. Clinical presentation, baseline characteristics, angiographic and clinical results, technical feasibility, perioperative complications, and follow-up results were evaluated.Results: Twenty-two patients with ICASS-related M1 acute occlusion were included. Eight patients (36.4%) received bridging therapy and the other 14 patients (63.6%) directly underwent EVT. Fifteen patients (68.2%) treated with balloon dilations and stenting as rescue treatment. Six patients (27.3%) received single balloon angioplasty and 5 of these patients treated with staged stenting. One case (4.5%) failed recanalization at the first EVT and successful revascularization was achieved a month later. The mean procedure time was 67.2±20.8 min. Successful revascularization (mTICI≥2b) was achieved in 95.5% (21/22) of patients. Perioperative complications developed in two patients (9.1%) including one hemorrhagic event and one thromboembolic event. Anangiographic follow-up was available in 20 patients (90.9%) at an average of 8.6±3.0 months. The degree of stenosis was worse (10%-30%) in 6 cases (30%) compared with the initial outcomes. The favorable outcomes (mRS≤2) at 3 months follow-up was achieved in 19 patients (86.4%).Conclusions: ICASS-related occlusion in the M1 segment often required a rescue therapy including balloon angioplasty with/without stenting, and this treatment strategy was safe and effective. But single balloon angioplasty at the first EVT generally cannot achieve satisfactory results and often needed staged stenting treatment.
An Ultrapotent Neutralizing Bispecific Antibody with Broad Spectrum Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Zhang Hui , Huang Haohui , Li Rong , Zhang Lu , Wang Zhiwei , Liang Shide , Li Jiaping , Chen Junyou , Su Huafei , Zheng Dandan , Su Ziqi , Wang Li , Deng Chunping , Pei Shujun , Zhu Shenghua , Li Chan , Yuan Yaochang , Yue Haitao , Wang Yanqun , Li Xiaobo , Liu Cuihua , Yu Jinchen , Li Shengfeng , Huang Xianming
Published: October 2021

Some variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are threatening our global efforts of herd immunity, novel and more efficacious agents are urgently needed. We have developed a bispecific antibody, 2022, which bonds with high affinity to two non-overlapping epitopes on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) simultaneously, blocks the binding of RBD to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and all of the variants tested, including variants carrying mutations known to resist neutralizing antibodies approved under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. In a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2, 2022 showed strong prophylactic and therapeutic effects. A single administration of 2022 completely protected all mice from bodyweight loss, as compared with up to 20% loss of bodyweight in placebo treated mice, reduced the lung viral titers to undetectable in all mice treated with 2022 either prophylactically or therapeutically, as compared with around 1X105 pfu/g lung tissue in placebo treated mice. In summary, bispecific antibody 2022 showed potent binding and neutralizing activity across a variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants and could be an attractive weapon to combat the ongoing waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Modified Hybrid Operation:The Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy Without Intraoperative Patient Repositioning
Authors: Wu Zhou-Liang , Zhang Zhe , Li Zhi , Zhao Gang-Jian , Shen Chong , Zhang Yu , Zhan Xue-Jian , Jiang Zhang , Tian Da-Wei , Hu Hai-Long
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To describe the oncological safety and validity of the modified hybrid operation without intraoperative patient repositioning for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients. Materials and Methods: We collected and retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 63 consecutive patients underwent the modified hybrid operation for localized UTUC at The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between July 2018 and July 2019. Details of the modified operating technique were summarized and described. Results: All procedures were successful and no reposition or re-sterilization occurred during these operations. The operative time was 135 mins (IQR:125-145) and estimated blood loss was 35 ml (IQR:30-45.5), the time of distal ureter and bladder cuff resection was only 40 mins (IQR:35-47.5). No positive margins were found by pathological investigation. No complication related to the modified position was detected. Follow-up period after surgery was 24 months (IQR:19.5-27) and 12 cases (19.05%) had recurrence.Conclusion: The modified hybrid technique eliminated the need for patients repositioning during the extravesical bladder cuff excision and permitted the continuity of the operation. It minimizes the operative time and eliminates the distortion of the surgeon's lower back. This technique can be safely reproduced with surgical outcomes comparable to other established techniques.
Factors Associated with Blood Lead Levels in Children in Shenyang, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Jun , Li Guang-Bo , Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Liu Ying , Dong Yi-Chen , Li Xue-Ning
Published: October 2021

Background: Although blood lead levels in children are gradually decreasing, low-concentration lead exposure can still exert adverse effects. We studied the factors that affect blood lead levels in children in Shenyang, China.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by administering structured questionnaires on family demographics and food intake. The concentrations of lead in venous blood were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.Results: A total of 273 children aged 1–6 years were enrolled. The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of blood lead levels was 24.94 (12.7) μg/L in boys and 23.75 (11.34) μg/L in girls. The prevalence of blood lead levels of ≥50 μg/L was 5.13% and was mainly observed in children aged under 3 years. Frequent hand washing was protective against blood lead levels ≥20 μg/L (adjusted odds ratio: 0.428, 95% confidence interval: 0.238–0.768). Consumption of puffed grains and eggs had an adjusted odds ratio for blood lead levels ≥20 μg/L of 1.714 (1.012–2.901) and 1.787 (1.000–3.192), respectively.Conclusions: In comparison with values recorded 20 years ago, blood lead levels in young children are gradually decreasing in Shenyang. Consumption of puffed grains and eggs is a source of lead. Frequent hand washing may be protective against high blood lead levels.
Oral and Intranasal Immunization with Recombinant Food-Grade Lactococcus Lactis Expressing High Conserved Region of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Triggers Immunity Responses in Mice
Authors: Yurina Valentina , Adianingsih Oktavia Rahayu , Widodo Nashi
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has spread throughout the world until mid-2021. Thus far, no specific therapy has been found for the coronavirus family. Vaccination still becomes the most effective prevention of pathogenic infections, including viral infections. However, little data show that this vaccination can protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus for a long time. Thus, revaccination needs to be regularly carried out to prevent the occurrence of COVID-19. Vaccination by injection is invasive, and it becomes one of the reasons people refuse to get revaccinated. Therefore, we developed a less invasive vaccine based on oral or nasal administration. The gene encoding the high conserved region (HCR) spike protein was inserted into pNZ8149 and expressed in L. lactis NZ3900. Results: The results of nasal and oral administration in experimental animals showed that L. lactis carrying the HCR gene could induce a humoral immune response, as indicated by an increasing IgG and IgA against SARS-CoV-2 (IgG/IgA-SARS-CoV-2) levels and the lymph cell population after nasal and oral vaccination in mice (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows promising results that can be developed into a less invasive alternative to nasal and oral vaccination.
Issues related to velocity structure estimation in small coastal sedimentary plains - Case of Tottori plain facing the Sea of Japan
Authors: Kagawa Takao , Noguchi Tatsuya
Published: October 2021

Issues of predominant period of ground motion and derived underground velocity structure model were investigated in the coastal plains affected by the soft sedimentary layer after the last ice age. Specifically, it is found that two predominant periods due to the shallow soft sediments and deep sedimentary layers over the seismic bedrock created by the tectonic movement after the quaternary period are close in a small plain such as the Tottori Plain, Japan as an example. It was shown by the analysis of underground velocity structure derived from H/V spectrum ratio of earthquake ground motions with the diffuse wave field theory. It is feared that the interaction of close predominant periods due to the different layer boundaries with high contrast may amplify the seismic motion in the period range that affects building structures in the small plains in coastal area.
SARS-COV-2 Neutralizing Activity in Serum Collected from Recovered and Vaccinated Health Care Workers
Authors: MOUNA Lina , Razazian Mehdi , Duquesne Sandra , Roque-Afonso Roque-Afonso , Vauloup-Fellous Christelle
Published: October 2021

Vaccination against the ongoing COVID-19 is the key point in fight against the pandemic. The Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is the major target of the neutralizing humoral response. We evaluated analytical and clinical performances of a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) (iFlash-2019-nCoV Nab assay, Ylho, China) compared to the conventional neutralization tests (cVNT) and anti-S eCLIA assays (Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland) in recovered and/or vaccinated health care workers. Our results indicate that sVNT displayed high specificity and no cross reactivity. Both Roche and iFlash immunoassays were good in identifying cVNT serum dilution > 1:16. Optimal thresholds in identifying cVNT titers ≥ 1:16, were 74.5 U/ml and 49.4 IU/ml for anti-S eCLIA and sVNT, respectively. Our data show that Nab neutralizing antibodies titers depend on individuals and may abate over time. Specific assays such as sVNT may be a reliable complementary tool to routine anti-S serology assays.
Prospective Study of Clinical and Functional Outcome of Total Knee Replacement in Osteoarthritic Knee.
Authors: Kandel Manoj , Thapa Shrawan , Banjade Deepak , Adhikari Bishwa , Adhikari Sushan
Published: October 2021

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is presently a dependable treatment modality for osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical and functional outcome of total knee arthroplasty using knee society score, WOMAC Score, Oxford knee score and SF-36 Questionnaire and to correlate between functional score and clinical score.Methods: 42 cases of knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty at a tertiary care centre at Bharatpur over a period of two years were surveyed clinically and functionally using various knee scoring systems. Results: There was significant increase in SF -36 SCORE, walking, stair climbing capacity and quality of life during follow up at 3, 6 and 12 months interval. Significant improvement was noted in the mean preoperative Oxford clinical score (OCS) of 19.86 ±2.49 versus postoperative score of 42.38±1.58 at the end of 6 month. Similarly the mean preoperative knee functional score (KFS) was 55.86±2.25 which increased to a postoperative score of 77.00±1.67 at the end of 6 month. Likewise the mean pre-operative WOMAC Score improved from 93.50±3.13 to a post-operative score of 49.50±2.82. Statistical significant association was observed between knee functional score and Oxford clinical score at every follow up visit.Conclusions: For the better improvement in the functional ability of the patient total knee arthroplasty is the only reliable treatment method that can return back the patient to pre-disease state. TKR is a solid method for an OA knee patient to have a pain free stable mobile joint, as evident by the improvement in the post-op knee clinical score and knee functional score.
MicroRNA-200c-3p Functions as a Tumor Suppressor in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Authors: Li Yanmin , Xu Hui , Wen Qianghai , Yan Xiaoqi , xu Gang
Published: October 2021

Background: MicroRNA(miR)-200c-3p is a tumor suppressor that helps inhibit the progression of various types of cancer. However, its role in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KRIC) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of miR-200c-3p in the development of KRIC.Methods: The relative levels of miR-200c-3p and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in KIRC tissues and cells were determined using the qRT-PCR technique. Transwell and wound healing assay methods were used to understand the effect of miR-200c-3p on the migration and invasion of 786-O and Caki-1 cells. The ability of miR-200c-3p to target VEGFA was determined using the Dual-Luciferase reporter assay system Results: MiR-200c-3p was downregulated in KIRC tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of miR-200c-3p attenuated the migratory capacities of 786-O and Caki-1 cells. The migratory ability increased under conditions of miR-200c-3p knockdown. Analysis of the results obtained using the wound healing assay revealed that overexpression of miR-200c-3p reduced the migratory abilities of Caki-1 and 786-O cells, and inhibition of miR-200c-3p accelerated the process of wound closure. Analysis of the results obtained from screening tests and by conducting the Dual-Luciferase reporter assay revealed that VEGFA was the direct target of miR-200c-3p. The VEGFA mRNA level was low in the 786-O and Caki-1 cells under conditions of overexpressed miR-200c-3p. High levels of VEGFA mRNA were observed in the cells post miR-200c-3p knockdon.Conclusions: The tumor suppression ability of miR-200c-3p in KIRC can be achieved by regulating the expression of VEGFA.