bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home telemonitoring in heart failure patients and the effect of study design on outcome: A literature review
Authors: Umeh Chukwuemeka A. , Reddy Maunika , Dubey Ankit , Yousuf Mohammad , Chaudhuri Sumanta , Shah Shivang
Published: August 2021

Introduction

A wide range of study designs have been utilized in evaluations of home telemonitoring and these studies have produced conflicting outcomes over the years. While some of the research has shown that telemonitoring is beneficial in reducing all-cause mortality, hospital admission, length of stay in hospital and emergency room visits, other studies have not shown such benefits. This study, therefore, aims to examine several home telemonitoring study designs and the influence of study design on study outcomes.

Method

Articles were obtained by searching PubMed database with the term heart failure combined with the following terms: telemonitoring, telehealth, home monitoring, and remote monitoring. Searches were limited to randomized controlled trial conducted between year January 1, 2000 and February 6, 2021. The characteristics of the study designs and study outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Result

Our review of 34 randomized controlled trials of heart failure telemonitoring did not show any significant influence of study design on reduction in number of hospitalizations and/or decrease in mortality. Studies that were done outside North America (USA and Canada) and studies that selected patients at high risk of re-hospitalization were more likely to result in decreased hospitalization and/or mortality, though this was not statistically significant. All the studies that met our inclusion criteria were from high-income countries and only one study enrolled patients at high risk of re-hospitalization.

Conclusion

There is a need for more studies to understand why telemonitoring studies in Europe were more likely to reduce hospital admission and mortality compared to those in North America. There is also a need for more studies on the effect of telemonitoring in patients at high risk of hospital readmission.
Cost-effectiveness of a telemonitoring program (telEPOC program) in frequently admitted chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Esteban Cristóbal , Antón Ane , Moraza Javier , Iriberri Milagros , Larrauri Mateo , Mar Javier , Aramburu Amaia , Quintana José M ,   on behalf of the telEPOC group
Published: August 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a typical disease among chronic and respiratory diseases. The costs associated with chronic disease care are rising dramatically, and this makes it necessary to redesign care processes, including new tools which allow the health system to be more sustainable without compromising on the quality of the care, compared to that currently provided. One approach may be to use information and communication technologies. In this context, we explored the cost-effectiveness of applying a telemonitoring system to a cohort of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with frequent readmissions (the telEPOC programme).

We conducted an intervention study with a control group. The inclusion criteria used were having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity  < 70%) and having been hospitalised for exacerbation at least twice in the last year or three times in the last 2 years. We estimated the costs incurred by patients in each group and calculated the quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Overall, 77 patients were included in the control group and 86 in the intervention group. The raw cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the cost of the telEPOC intervention was significantly lower than that of usual care, while there were no significant differences between the groups in effectiveness.

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the intervention was €175,719.71 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

There were no differences between the intervention group (telemonitoring) and the control group (standard care) from the cost-effectiveness point of view. On the other hand, the intervention programme (telEPOC) was less expensive than routine clinical practice.
A comparison of the effect of indoor thermal and humidity condition on young and older adults' comfort and skin condition in winter
Authors: Jin Yi , Wang Fan , Payne Sarah R. , Weller Richard B.
Published: August 2021

Dry indoor air has been identified as the main cause of dry skin in winter which greatly affects older occupants' wellbeing, but HVAC design standards are based on average adults and do not specify a humidity level that can prevent dry skin. A field study was carried out to understand the difference between the younger and older people with regards to thermal and humidity comfort and skin condition in winter. The study proves a research procedure that is friendly to and preferred by the participants to measure the effect of the indoor environment on their comfort and skin condition in a real living environment setting. The results suggest that younger and older occupants are different in thermal comfort, specifically older occupants prefer a warmer environment than younger occupants, and the neutral temperature produced by the predicted mean vote method is not warm enough for older occupants. The study also suggests stratum corneum hydration appears to be a good indicator to present the effect of indoor humidity on the occupants' skin condition, which can be used to determine the minimum humidity level to reduce the risk of suffering dry skin in winter.
Social media corporations as actors of counter-terrorism
Authors: Borelli Marguerite
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the role of giant social media corporations Facebook, Google (YouTube), and Twitter in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremisms (CT/CVEs). Based on a qualitative investigation mobilizing corporate communications as well as a collection of interviews with European stakeholders, it argues that these firms have become actors in this policy area of what is traditionally considered high politics, through their fundamental role in establishing and enforcing the nascent global governance regime on terrorist communications. Since the emergence of the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the studied firms have displayed agency and creativity in their appropriation of this new responsibility, effectively going beyond what was legally required of them. After contextualizing and questioning their involvement, motivated by terrorist exploitation of their services, reputational pressure and the threat of legislation, the article provides an analysis of the firms’ self-regulated commitment to CT/CVE through policymaking, content moderation, human resources, and private multilateralism.
An observational study on the process of collaborative deliberation in arranging long-term care: The perception of clients and professionals
Authors: van Leersum Catharina M , van Steenkiste Ben , Wolf Judith RLM , van der Weijden Trudy , Moser Albine
Published: August 2021

Background

Clients are invited to play a role in decisions about their care. Collaborative deliberation comprises constructive engagement, recognition of alternative actions, comparative learning, construction and elicitation of preferences and preference integration. Collaborative deliberation between clients and professionals is a process that requires an interest in each other, sharing of views on alternatives and preferences and integrating into decisions. The aim is to gain insight into collaborative deliberation in consultations and the clients’ perception of arranging long-term care.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study to explore collaborative deliberation in consultations between clients and professionals. Six organisations providing long-term care were included. Data collection of nine clients involved observations of consultation with field notes and audio-records, interviews with clients and professionals shortly and 3–6 months after the consultation and questionnaires to collect background information. The data were analysed by deductive content analysis.

Findings

Constructive engagement was visible in all consultations. Clients and professionals showed respect, empathy and curiosity towards each other. In most consultations, two or more alternative actions are recognised and discussed. Comparative learning appears to be two sided, the client and the professional learn from each other's knowledge and experiences. Construction and elicitation of preference, and preference integration, seems to be present, but difficult to recognise in all consultations.

Discussion/conclusion

Although all propositions could be identified, there seems room for improvement in preference elicitation and integration of these preferences in the discussions on courses of action. Assistance seems needed with preference elicitation, both for the clients and for the professional.
ONECUT2 which is targeted by hsa-miR-15a-5p enhances stemness maintenance of gastric cancer stem cells
Authors: Shen Chen , Wang Junfeng , Xu Zhihua , Zhang Liping , Gu Wen , Zhou Xiaojun
Published: August 2021

Gastric cancer is the third dominating cause of cancer-associated death. MiroRNAs are potential clinical tools for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this project, we demonstrated significant overexpression of ONECUT2 and down-regulation of hsa-miR-15a-5p in gastric cancer via bioinformatics analysis and in vitro assays. Meanwhile, ONECUT2 expression is related to clinical prognosis in gastric cancer and inversely proportional to the differentiation degree of gastric adenocarcinoma according to immunohistochemistry results. Then, we separated CD133+/CD44+ MKN45 by flow cytometry and found that, compared with parental MKN45, CD133+/CD44+ MKN45 gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) had higher levels of ONECUT2 and lower levels of hsa-miR-15a-5p. In addition, we applied both in vivo and ex vivo assays to demonstrate hsa-miR-15a-5p regulates the stemness maintenance, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and chemosensitivity of GCSCs through targeting ONECUT2. Also, hsa-miR-15a-5p inhibits G0 phase block of GCSCs by regulating ONECUT2/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, this study has provided novel perspective into the dynamic control of cancer stem cells for advanced gastric cancer treatment.
Continuous Head Motion is a Greater Motor Control Challenge than Transient Head Motion in Patients with Loss of Vestibular Function
Authors: Wang Lin , Zobeiri Omid A. , Millar Jennifer L. , Souza Silva Wagner , Schubert Michael C. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: August 2021

Background. The vestibular system is vital for gaze stability via the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which generates compensatory eye motion in the direction opposite to head motion. Consequently, individuals with peripheral vestibular loss demonstrate impaired gaze stability that reduces functional capacity and quality of life. To facilitate patients’ compensatory strategies, two classes of gaze stabilization exercises are often prescribed: (i) transient (eg, ballistic) and (ii) continuous. However, the relative benefits of these two classes of exercises are not well understood. Objective. To quantify head motion kinematics in patients with vestibular loss while they performed both classes of exercises. Methods. Using inertial measurement units, head movements of 18 vestibular schwannoma patients were measured before and after surgical deafferentation and compared with age-matched controls. Results. We found that the head movement during both classes of exercises paralleled those of natural head movement recorded during daily activities. However, head movement patterns were more informative for continuous than transient exercises in distinguishing patients from healthy controls. Specifically, we observed coupling between kinematic measures in control subjects that was absent in patients for continuous but not transient head motion exercises. In addition, kinematic measures (eg, cycle duration) were predictive of standard clinical measures for continuous but not transient head motion exercises. Conclusions. Our data suggest that performing continuous head motion is a greater motor control challenge than transient head motion in patients with less reliable vestibular feedback during the sub-acute stage of recovery, which may also prove to be a reliable measure of progression in vestibular rehabilitation protocols.
Particle behavior in a turbulent flow within an axially corrugated geometry
Authors: Majal Ghulam Mustafa , Prahl Wittberg Lisa , Mihaescu Mihai
Published: August 2021

In this numerical study particle behavior inside a sinusoidal pipe geometry is analyzed. The 3D geometry consists of three identical modules, with a periodic boundary condition applied to the flow in the stream wise direction. The incompressible, turbulent gas flow is modeled using a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach. Furthermore, the particle dynamics are simulated using a Lagrangian point force approach incorporating the Stokes drag and slip correction factor. Four different sizes of particles, corresponding to a Stokes number less than unity, are considered along with two different inflow conditions: continuous and pulsatile. The pulsatile inflow has an associated flow frequency of 80 Hz. The fluid flow through the sinusoidal pipe is characterized by weak flow separation in the expansion zones of the sinusoidal pipe geometry, where induced shear layers and weak recirculation zones are identified. Particle behavior under the two inflow conditions is quantified using particle dispersion, particle residence time, and average radial position of the particle. No discernible difference in the particle behavior is observed between the two inflow conditions. As the observed recirculation zones are weak, the particles are not retained within the cavities for a long duration of time, thereby reducing their likelihood of agglomerating.
New method for determining singularities on enveloped surface and its application to study curvature interference theory of involute worm drive
Authors: Shi-Bo Mu , Ya-Ping Zhao , Tian-Feng Wang , Qing-Xiang Meng , Gong-Fa Li
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a more computationally convenient singularity condition of the enveloped surface is proposed using the theory of linear algebra. Its preconditions are only the tangential vector of the enveloping surface, the relative velocity vector, and the total differential of the meshing function. It avoids calculating the curvature parameters of the enveloping surface. It is proved that the singularity conditions of enveloped surface from different references are equivalent to each other and the relational equations among them are obtained. The curvature interference theory for the involute worm drive is established using the proposed singularity condition. The equation for the singularity trajectory is obtained. The calculation method for the singularity trajectory is proposed and its numerical result is obtained. The influence of the design parameters on the singularity trajectory is studied using the proposed curvature interference theory. The study results show that the risk of curvature interference is high when the transmission ratio is too small, especially in the case of the single-threaded worm and large modulus. The proposed singularity condition can also be applied to study the curvature interference mechanism in other types of the worm drive and to study the undercutting mechanism when machining the worm drive.
Novel assessment and prediction method for vessel traffic risk degree
Authors: Li Bo
Published: August 2021

To assess the current risk degree and predict the future risk degree of vessel traffic, a novel method is put forward in this study. Different from the existing literature, the available evidence of vessel traffic is directly transformed into the weighted basic probabilistic assignment (BPA) based on the optimal solution to the intersection of fuzzy membership functions in the framework of D-S evidence theory. The matrix deformation algorithm towards the combination rule makes the time complexity low in the process of the risk degree assessment. With respect to the risk degree prediction, the required Sigma points are effectively extracted. We derive the adaptive filtering gain that is suitable for the rapidly changing BPA. Finally, the experiments of vessel traffic in the Dalin Bay are made to indicate performance of the proposed method.
Crocodile Attack Injuries: A Failed Attempt to Conceal Homicide
Authors: Subramaniam Kunasilan , Wong Yi-Li Grace , Krishnan Vomanasri , Yi Iyvonne Chuah Sock , Amran Muhammad Aniq bin Mohd
Published: August 2021

Crocodile attacks are not uncommon in this region. There have been 92 cases reported since 2015 and 50 cases alone reported in Sarawak. Every year death has been attributed to a crocodile attack. An estimate of 71% of the total cases of crocodile attack ended up dead. However, there are instances where a crocodile attack happened after the death of a person. This is a case of an adult male who was reported missing. His body was found by two local anglers, being mauled by crocodiles. Only partial trunk and lower limbs were found, and the major organs were absent. The postmortem features of the crocodile attacks have been described.
Recurrence Rate After Wide Resection of Plantar Fibromatosis: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Anwander Helen , Weichsel Florian , Cullmann Jennifer , Seidel Angela , Hayoz Annabel , Krause Fabian
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim was to assess the recurrence rate and clinical outcome after wide resection for plantar fibromatosis.

Methods

A total of 12 patients, 2 to 13 years after wide resection, were assessed for local and magnetic resonance imaging tomographic signs of recurrence at the clinical follow-up. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted.

Results

After 7.8 years (2-13), 2 patients (17%) suffered a recurrence. At the last follow-up, median Foot Functional Index was 1 (0-66) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 95 (44-100). Six studies with 109 feet (92 patients) were included in the systematic review. The recurrence rate depends on the width of the resection: 67% after local resection, 42% after wide resection, and 27% after fasciectomy.

Conclusion

In patients with symptomatic plantar fibromatosis, we recommend a wide resection or fasciectomy over a local resection because of the inferior recurrence rate.

Levels of Evidence

Level IV: Retrospective case series
Hotel Analytics: The Case for Reverse Competitive Sets
Authors: Schwartz Zvi , Webb Timothy , Ma Jing
Published: August 2021

Hotel industry practitioners and scholars expressed concerns regarding the reliability of the commonly used comparative performance indices, given the subjective nature of the competitive (comp) sets. This study explores the potential of two alternative comp sets: reverse and name-back. It is demonstrated that they have a higher level of integrity as they moderate the values of a traditional comp set–based RevPAR (revenue per available room) index, are simple to implement, and are more dynamic. The study shows analytically and empirically that the two are likely to mitigate biases and that the reverse comp set appears to be more effective than the name-back. Multiple practical implications are outlined and discussed.
KDM4C contributes to cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via regulating the miR-328-3p/CCND2 axis through MALAT1
Authors: Xue Lu , Li Chunhuai , Ren Jin , Wang Yue
Published: August 2021

Aims:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic neoplasm, in which relapse due to drug resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and the disease progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of KDM4C-dependent MALAT1/miR-328-3p/CCND2 axis in cytarabine (Ara-C) resistance in the context of AML.

Methods:

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the targeting relationships among KDM4C, MALAT1, miR-328-3p, and CCND2 in AML, which were validated with chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was conducted to detect the methylation of MALAT1 promoter. After conducting gain- and loss-of-function assays, we investigated the effect of KDM4C on cell Ara-C resistance. A NOD/SCID mouse model was established to further investigate the roles of KDM4C/MALAT1/miR-328-3p/CCND2 in Ara-C resistant AML cells.

Results:

KDM4C expression was upregulated in AML. KDM4C upregulation promoted the demethylation in the promoter region of MALAT1 to increase its expression, MALAT1 targeted and inhibited miR-328-3p expression, enhancing the Ara-C resistance of HL-60/A. miR-328-3p targeted and suppressed the expression of CCND2 in HL-60/A to inhibit the Ara-C resistance. Mechanistically, KDM4C regulated miR-328-3p/CCND2 through MALAT1, resulting in Ara-C resistance in AML. Findings in an in vivo xenograft NOD/SCID mouse model further confirmed the contribution of KDM4C/MALAT1/miR-328-3p/CCND2 in the Ara-C resistant AML.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that KDM4C may up-regulate MALAT1 expression, which decreases the expression of miR-328-3p. The downregulation of miR-328-3p increased the level of CCND2, which induced the Ara-C resistance in AML.
Filling Gaps and Setting Boundaries: Examining Utilization of Health and Social services at JeffHOPE Student Run Clinics
Authors: Wang Roy , Guth Amanda , Tate Alyssa , Ly Michele , Plumb James
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to describe the frequency that healthcare and social support services offered by JeffHOPE, a student run clinic for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, PA, were utilized by patients. This study also aimed to investigate where patients would seek medical care on a given day had they not been able to access JeffHOPE. This study was conducted via mixed methods consisting of retrospective chart review of patient encounter records and a patient survey conducted weekly throughout 2019, both at a single clinic site, and retrospective chart review of January through March 2020 records at 5 clinic sites. This study found that the frequency of services utilized varied between clinic sites, and that Pharmacy and Procedure committees were the most utilized when examining the combined clinic data. Additionally, the survey found that JeffHOPE provided medical care to those that otherwise would not have sought it. Clinics also served as an alternative to accessing care for non-emergent issues in an Emergency Department (ED) for some patients, but for others it replaced seeing their primary care provider (PCP). This study confirmed that the services offered by JeffHOPE are well-utilized by patients experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. It also revealed that while the organization’s medical services filled care gaps and potentially decreased unnecessary ED visits, they were also sometimes accessed in lieu of a PCP visit. A focused effort on linkage to formal primary care services for all JeffHOPE patients and expanding collection of more granular data to all clinics represent important future endeavors for this student run organization.
Misery Implicitly Loves Company: Implicit Homophily and Bully Victimization
Authors: Saraf Yasmine , Khalil Laureen , Willis Jarryd , Yim Samantha , Disler Gareth , Li Jiani , Zeb Tugral
Published: August 2021

This study focuses on the formation of bullied individuals’ friendships and romantic relationships. Individuals bullied in their past may be more likely to form connections with those who share similar oppressive experiences. Thus, we investigated the possibility that implicit homophily underlies the formation of interpersonal relationships among previously bullied individuals. Moreover, we investigated whether these individuals were aware of their friends’ and romantic partners’ similarly oppressive experiences prior to initiating the relationship. Our findings suggest that the young adults in our sample bullied in grade school are significantly more likely to have a close friend and or significant other who also experienced bullying. The findings of this study contribute to the relatively small, yet growing, body of research on implicit homophily, add to research extending homophily processes to bullies and victims, and are in line with research suggesting that deselection (a form of induced homophily) can coexist with homophily by personal preference.
Threshold Switching of Ag-Ga2Te3 Selector with High Endurance for Applications to Cross-Point Arrays
Authors: Kim Jaeyeon , Lee Jimin , Kang Minkyu , Sohn Hyunchul
Published: August 2021

Threshold switching in chalcogenides has attracted considerable attention because of their potential application to high-density and three-dimensional stackable cross-point array structures. However, despite their excellent threshold switching characteristics, the selectivity and endurance characteristics of such selectors should be improved for practical application. In this study, the effect of Ag on the threshold switching behavior of a Ga2Te3 selector was investigated in terms of selectivity and endurance. The Ag-Ga2Te3 selector exhibited a high selectivity of 108 with low off-state current of < 100 fA, steep turn-on slope of 0.19 mV/dec, and high endurance of 109 cycles. The transient response was verified to depend on the pulse input voltage and measurement temperature. Considering its excellent threshold switching characteristics, the Ag-Ga2Te3 selector is a promising candidate for applications in cross-point array structures.
The Role of Apoptosis Pathway in the Cytotoxicity Induced by Fresh and Aged Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Lei , Zhao Wenting , Yu Na , Cheng Meiling , Su Mingqin , Hu Jian , Wu Xiaoyan , Du Hua , Wang Meimei
Published: August 2021

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in a wide range of applications including industry, commercial products and medicine field. Numerous mechanistic studies for ZnO NPs’ toxicity were performed on pristine (fresh) NPs. However, the cytotoxicity induced by the transformed (aged) ZnO NPs and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we observed the physicochemical transformation of ZnO NPs underwent over time, followed by evaluating the cytotoxicity of fresh and aged NPs. We found that fresh ZnO NPs induced higher apoptosis level than their aged counterparts. Accordingly, RNA sequencing data from aged ZnO NP-treated human–hamster hybrid (AL) cells showed that p53, PI3k–Akt, FoXO, Glutathione, ErbB, HIF-1, Oxytocin and Jak-STAT signaling pathways were enriched but no apoptosis pathway. Quantitative PCR results revealed the significantly higher mRNA level of IL1B and CD69 in fresh NP-treated groups compared to that of aged ZnO NP- and zinc chloride-treated groups. The above results indicated that the lower cytotoxicity of aged ZnO NPs is partially attributed to their reduced potency in inducing apoptosis. The transcriptional regulation of multiple signal pathways activated by aged NPs may help to build the cellular homeostasis. Taken together, our findings highlight the influence of aging (environmental transformation) process of ZnO NPs on their toxicities and biological consequences.
“Who can I blame and what can I do?”: making sense of psychological contract evaluations between Belgian and Chinese employees
Authors: Du Jiahong , Vantilborgh Tim
Published: August 2021

This study explores cultural differences in the sensemaking process of employees following psychological contract evaluations. Data from 20 Belgian and 21 Chinese employees were collected using qualitative methods. An analysis of 94 critical incidents relayed by the employees reveals the attributional, emotional, and behavioral reactions that are triggered by psychological contract under-, exact-, and over-fulfillment. Our findings suggest that supervisors were seen as directly responsible for most of the employees’ psychological contract evaluations. Emotional responses are more complex in the process of attributing responsibility. Behavioral actions are subsequently used to deal with three types of psychological contract evaluations. A number of subtle differences are found between the Belgian and Chinese employees. The results highlight the unfolding and dynamic nature of the psychological contract in cultural comparisons.
Celastrol exerts a neuroprotective effect by directly binding to HMGB1 protein in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Liu Dan-Dan , Luo Piao , Gu Liwei , Zhang Qian , Gao Peng , Zhu Yongping , Chen Xiao , Guo Qiuyan , Zhang Junzhe , Ma Nan , Wang Jigang
Published: August 2021

Background

Celastrol (cel) was one of the earliest isolated and identified chemical constituents of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. Based on a cel probe (cel-p) that maintained the bioactivity of the parent compound, the targets of cel in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury were comprehensively analyzed by a quantitative chemical proteomics method.

Methods

We constructed an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model in primary rat cortical neurons and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in adult rats to detect the direct binding targets of cel in cerebral I/R. By combining various experimental methods, including tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, mass spectrometry, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we revealed the targets to which cel directly bound to exert neuroprotective effects.

Results

We found that cel inhibited the proinflammatory activity of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) by directly binding to it and then blocking the binding of HMGB1 to its inflammatory receptors in the microenvironment of ischemia and hypoxia. In addition, cel rescued neurons from OGD injury in vitro and decreased cerebral infarction in vivo by targeting HSP70 and NF-κB p65.

Conclusion

Cel exhibited neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects by targeting HSP70 and NF-κB p65 and directly binding to HMGB1 in cerebral I/R injury.
Recombinant annexin A2 inhibits peripheral leukocyte activation and brain infiltration after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liu Ning , Han Jinrui , Li Yadan , Jiang Yinghua , Shi Samuel X. , Lok Josephine , Whalen Michael , Dumont Aaron S. , Wang Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. The TLR4-NFκB signaling cascade is the critical pro-inflammatory activation pathway of leukocytes after TBI, and modulating this signaling cascade may be an effective therapeutic target for treating TBI. Previous studies indicate that recombinant annexin A2 (rA2) might be an interactive molecule modulating the TLR4-NFκB signaling; however, the role of rA2 in regulating this signaling pathway in leukocytes after TBI and its subsequent effects have not been investigated.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were subjected to TBI and randomly divided into groups that received intraperitoneal rA2 or vehicle at 2 h after TBI. The peripheral leukocyte activation and infiltrating immune cells were examined by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and immunostaining. The neutrophilic TLR4 expression on the cell membrane was examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscope, and the interaction of annexin A2 with TLR4 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation coupled with Western blotting. Neuroinflammation was measured via cytokine proteome profiler array and RT-qPCR. Neurodegeneration was determined by Western blotting and immunostaining. Neurobehavioral assessments were used to monitor motor and cognitive function. Brain tissue loss was assessed via MAP2 staining.

Results

rA2 administration given at 2 h after TBI significantly attenuates neutrophil activation and brain infiltration at 24 h of TBI. In vivo and in vitro data show that rA2 binds to and reduces TLR4 expression on the neutrophil surface and suppresses TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway in neutrophils at 12 h after TBI. Furthermore, rA2 administration also reduces pro-inflammation of brain tissues within 24 h and neurodegeneration at 48 h after TBI. Lastly, rA2 improves long-term sensorimotor ability and cognitive function, and reduces brain tissue loss at 28 days after TBI.

Conclusions

Systematic rA2 administration at 2 h after TBI significantly inhibits activation and brain infiltration of peripheral leukocytes, especially neutrophils at the acute phase. Consequently, rA2 reduces the detrimental brain pro-inflammation-associated neurodegeneration and ultimately ameliorates neurological deficits after TBI. The underlying molecular mechanism might be at least in part attributed to rA2 bindings to pro-inflammatory receptor TLR4 in peripheral leukocytes, thereby blocking NFκB signaling activation pathways following TBI.
Impact of DNA double-strand breaks on pancreaticobiliary maljunction carcinogenesis
Authors: Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Uehara Takeshi , Muraki Takashi , Iwaya Mai , Kinugawa Yasuhiro , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Watanabe Takayuki , Miyagawa Yusuke , Umemura Takeji
Published: August 2021

Background

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation due to refluxed pancreatic juice into the biliary tract that is associated with an elevated risk of biliary tract cancer. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered the most serious form of DNA damage. DSBs are provoked by inflammatory cell damage and are recognized as an important oncogenic event in several cancers. This study used γ-H2AX, an established marker of DSB formation, to evaluate the impact of DNA damage on carcinogenesis in PBM.

Methods

We investigated γ-H2AX expression immunohistochemically in gallbladder epithelium samples obtained from 71 PBM cases and 19 control cases.

Results

Fourteen PBM cases with gallbladder adenocarcinoma were evaluated at non-neoplastic regions. A wide range of nuclear γ-H2AX staining was detected in all PBM and control specimens. γ-H2AX expression was significantly higher in PBM cases versus controls (median γ-H2AX-positive proportion: 14.4 % vs. 4.4 %, p = 0.001). Among the PBM cases, γ-H2AX expression was significantly higher in patients with carcinoma than in those without (median γ-H2AX-positive proportion: 21.4 % vs. 11.0 %, p = 0.031).

Conclusions

DSBs occurred significantly more abundantly in the PBM gallbladder mucosa, especially in the context of cancer, indicating an involvement in PBM-related carcinogenesis.
Wild edible plants traditionally collected and used in southern Yemen
Authors: Al-Fatimi Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Background

The local wild edible plants (WEPs) are still used traditionally in the rural communities in Yemen, but this traditional knowledge is still undocumented and has been never reported before. Therefore, this study is the first ethnobotanical survey on WEPs conducted in Yemen.

Methods

The study is based on two field surveys made in two periods 1988–1992 and 2014–2016 to document the wild plants used as edible by local indigenous peoples in 23 districts belonged to five governorates, in southern Yemen. Information data were collected by oral face-to-face interviews from 250 informants. Citations numbers were calculated for each species.

Results

A total of 58 plant species belonged to 37 genera and 21 families are reported as wild edible plants consumed in southern Yemen. Apocynaceae was the dominant plant family with 18 species followed by Asteraceae (6) and Malvaceae (5). The most widely used edible parts are stem, leaf and fruit with more than 17 species for each. Herbs were reported as the most important sources (31 species), followed by shrubs (16) and trees (9). Most of reported wild edibles (48 species parts) are consumed in raw form; only 12 of them are cooked. Seven wild edible plants were collected in dry season, 16 species throughout the year and 38 in rainy season. In this study, 58 wild plants were reported for the first time as food in Yemen. Comparing the southern Yemeni findings to those from other world countries, 12 of them are new WEPs eaten only in southern Yemen, while 46 species are shared in the use in different world countries practically in East Africa and Arab countries.

Conclusions

The results data reflect the strong relationship between the local peoples and the local WEPs as potential sources insure food security. The traditional use of these WEPs is attributed to food shortage, nutritional values and local cultural tradition. The study is of great importance in preserving the traditional and knowledge heritage from being lost due to the risks of time, war and immigration.
Epidemiological statistics of congenital thumb duplication in the Chinese population
Authors: Yao Yingling , Zhou Haolin , Li Lianyong , Nan Guoxin
Published: August 2021

Background

Thumb duplication is a very common congenital malformation. This study describes and compares the phenotypic manifestations of polydactyly between southwest and northeast China. However, previous studies had a limited sample size. Therefore, this study used a large sample.

Methods

A total of 3549 well-characterized thumb duplication cases were divided into group A (southwest China) and group B (northeast China).

Results

In group A and group B, the left-to-right ratio was 1:1.5 and 1:1.75, respectively, and the female-to-male ratio was 1:1.5 and 1:1.58, respectively.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in gender distribution or the distribution of left and right polydactyly between the two groups, but the distribution of bilateral polydactyly was significantly different.
Successful IVC thrombus extraction with the AngioVac device following five vessel coronary artery bypass graft: a case report
Authors: Neubauer Steven , Gianfrate Gianmarino , Henn Lucas
Published: August 2021

Background

Inferior vena cava thrombosis is cited to be a complication of inferior vena cava filter placement and post coronary artery bypass surgery. Often only mild symptoms arise from these thrombi; however, due to the chronic nature of some thrombi and the recanalization process, more serious complications can arise. Although anticoagulation remains the gold standard of treatment, some patients are unable to be anticoagulated. In this case, we present a 65-year-old male who underwent IVC filter placement and open-heart surgery who later developed extensive femoral and iliocaval thrombosis leading to right heart failure, which required thrombus extraction with an AngioVac suction device.

Case presentation

We present a 65-year-old male who presented with bilateral pulmonary emboli with extensive right lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Upon investigation he had ischemic heart disease and underwent a five-vessel coronary artery bypass for which he had an IVC filter placed preoperatively. On post operative day 3 to 4, he was decompensated and was diagnosed with an IVC thrombus. He progressed to right heart failure and worsening cardiogenic shock despite therapeutic anticoagulation and was taken for a suction thrombectomy using the AngioVac (AngioDynamics, Latham, NY) aspiration thrombectomy device. The thrombectomy was successful and he was able to recover and was discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion

Despite being a rare complication, IVC thrombosis can have detrimental effects. This case is an example of how IVC thrombus in the post-operative setting can lead to mortality. The gold standard is therapeutic anticoagulation but despite that, this patient continued to have worsening cardiogenic shock. Other therapies have been described but because of its rarity, they are only described in case reports. This case shows that the AngioVac device is a successful treatment option for IVC thrombus and can have the possibility of future use.
Clinical course of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in human T-cell leukemia virus type-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis: a nationwide registry study in Japan
Authors: Iijima Naoki , Yamauchi Junji , Yagishita Naoko , Araya Natsumi , Aratani Satoko , Tanabe Kenichiro , Sato Tomoo , Takata Ayako , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: August 2021

Background

Most patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) develop neurogenic bladder dysfunction. However, longitudinal changes and treatment effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the clinical course of urinary dysfunction in this population.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 547 patients enrolled in HAM-net, a nationwide registry for HAM/TSP in Japan. Urinary dysfunction severity was evaluated using the HAM/TSP-bladder dysfunction symptom score (HAM-BDSS) and the HAM/TSP-bladder dysfunction severity grade (HAM-BDSG). These specific measures were recently developed for assessing urinary dysfunction in HAM/TSP. We analyzed longitudinal changes over a 6-year follow-up period, associations between urinary and gait dysfunction, and treatment efficacy of urinary catheterization and mirabegron (a β3-adrenergic agonist for overactive bladder symptoms).

Results

The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age and disease duration at enrollment were 61.9 (10.7) years and 16.6 (11.6) years, respectively, and 74.6% of patients were women. Only 8.0% were free from urinary symptoms (HAM-BDSG 0), 65.4% had urinary symptoms or were on medication (HAM-BDSG I), and 23.2% and 3.3% used intermittent and indwelling catheters (HAM-BDSG II and III), respectively. HAM-BDSG and BDSS were worse in patients with greater gait dysfunction (p < 0.001 for both). During the 6-year follow-up, 66.7% of patients with HAM-BDSG 0 developed new urinary symptoms. Of those with HAM-BDSG I at enrollment, 10.8% started using urinary catheters. Importantly, HAM-BDSS significantly improved after initiating catheterization (mean [SD] change, − 8.93 [10.78],p < 0.001). The number of patients receiving mirabegron increased in the fourth year. Multivariable linear regression analysis significantly associated mirabegron with improvement in HAM-BDSS (− 5.82, 95% confidence interval − 9.13 to − 2.51,p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Urinary dysfunction affected 92% of patients and progressed over the 6-year follow-up. Urinary symptoms were more severe in patients with poorer gait function. Urinary catheterization and mirabegron were effective in relieving symptoms. Effective utilization of real-world data is key to establishing evidence for rare diseases, such as HAM/TSP.
Cellular based immunotherapy for primary liver cancer
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Li Yan , Feng Jiao , Li Jingjing , Ji Jie , Wu Liwei , Yu Qiang , Dai Weiqi , Wu Jianye , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: August 2021

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Poor prognosis and easy recurrence on PLC patients calls for optimizations of the current conventional treatments and the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. For most malignancies, including PLC, immune cells play crucial roles in regulating tumor microenvironments and specifically recognizing tumor cells. Therefore, cellular based immunotherapy has its instinctive advantages in PLC therapy as a novel therapeutic strategy. From the active and passive immune perspectives, we introduced the cellular based immunotherapies for PLC in this review, covering both the lymphoid and myeloid cells. Then we briefly review the combined cellular immunotherapeutic approaches and the existing obstacles for PLC treatment.
Caudal epidural steroid injections versus selective nerve root blocks for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Osman Akram , Hu Wei , Jianhua-Sun  , Li Jing , Luo Xiao , Han Nianrong , Abduhani Ehsan , Liu Zhenqiang
Published: August 2021

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative condition associated with old age. Its incidence continues to increase with the rapidly aging population in China. Treatment for LSS usually begins with conservative treatments, as some patients refuse surgical procedures or have surgery contraindications. Caudal epidural steroid injections (CESIs) and selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are two commonly used conservative treatments for LSS, which have proven to be effective at relieving LSS symptoms in many studies. However, there are no randomized controlled trials comparing these two procedures. We planned the first study to assess which one of these two procedures is more effective in treating LSS. We will compare the efficacy of these two treatment methods in terms of duration of symptom relief and recurrence rate. We hope our findings will help clinicians choose an optimal treatment for LSS patients.

Methods/design

We plan to conduct a 1-year randomized controlled trial that will include a total of 76 subjects. They will be randomly divided into two groups: group A (patients will receive CESIs) and group B (patients will receive SNRBs). Two days before the procedure, we will assess these patients using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain. One day, 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure, we will assess the condition of these patients again with the NRS and ODI.

Discussion

We hope our findings will lay the foundation for the design of further comprehensive studies and help clinicians make a choice between CESIs and SNRBs for LSS patients.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900028038. Registered on 8 December 2019
Chemical composition, energy and nutritional values, digestibility and functional properties of defatted flour, protein concentrates and isolates from Carbula marginella (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Cirina butyrospermi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Séré Aminata , Bougma Adjima , Bazié Bazoin Sylvain Raoul , Traoré Esther , Parkouda Charles , Gnankiné Olivier , Bassolé Imael Henri Nestor
Published: August 2021

Edible insects constitute a potential source of alternative proteins as a food supplement. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, energy and nutritional values, the digestibility and functional properties ofCarbula marginella(Thunberg) andCirina butyrospermi(Vuillet) defatted flour, protein concentrates, and isolates.Carbula marginellahas shown the highest content of protein (41.44%), lipid (51.92%), calcium (33.92 mg/100 g) and sodium (185.84 mg/100 g) while the highest contents of carbohydrate (34.54%), ash (4.77%), iron (31.27 mg/100 g), magnesium (150.09 mg/100 g), and potassium (1277 mg/100 g) have been observed forC. butyrospermi.Linoleic (30.23%), palmitic (27.54%), oleic (26.41%) and stearic (8.90%) acids were the most dominant fatty acids found inC. marginella.Cirina butyrospermiwas characterized by high levels of oleic (27.01%), stearic (21.02%), linolenic (20.42%), palmitic (13.06%), and linoleic (8.01%) acids. Protein and essential amino acid contents of the protein isolates in both insect species were 1.7–2 times higher than that of their defatted flours. The protein isolate ofC. marginellaexhibited the highest protein digestibility (87.63%), while the highest fat absorption capacity (8.84 g/g) and foaming capacity (48.40%) have been obtained from the protein isolate ofC. butyrospermi. These findings indicate that the protein concentrates and isolates ofC. marginellaandC. butyrospermihave great potential for industrial applications.