bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, characterization and functional analysis of AGAMOUS subfamily genes associated with floral organs and seed development in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Qi Wenquan , Cao Zhe , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , he yanhong
Published: August 2020

Background: AGAMOUS (AG) subfamily genes regulate the floral organs initiation and development, fruit and seed development. At present, there has been insufficient study of the function of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) belongs to Asteraceae family whose unique inflorescence structure makes it an important research target for understanding floral organ development in plants. Results: Four AG subfamily genes of marigold were isolated and phylogenetically grouped into class C (TeAG1 and TeAG2) and class D (TeAGL11-1 and TeAGL11-2) genes. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that these four genes were highly expressed in reproductive organs of marigold. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that all these four proteins were located in the nucleus. Protein-protein interactions analysis indicated that class C proteins had a wider interaction manner than class D proteins. Function analysis of ectopic expression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that TeAG1 displayed a C function specifying the stamen identity and carpel identity, and that TeAGL11-1 exhibited a D function regulating seed development and petal development. In addition, overexpression of both TeAG1 and TeAGL11-1 leaded to curling rosette leaf and early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into molecular mechanism of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae species and technical support for improvement of several floral traits.
Determinants of early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Arefaynie Mastewal , Yalew Melaku , Damtie Yitayish , Kefale Bereket
Published: August 2020

Background: There is limited national representative evidence on determinants of early sexual initiation among female youth especially, community level factors are not investigated in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess individual and community level factors associated with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia.Method: A secondary data analysis was done on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset which were collected cross-sectional. A total of 6143 female youth irrespective of their sexual activity were included in the analysis. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was done by STATA version 14.0 to identify individual and community-level factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength and direction of association and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05.Result: Individual-level factors significantly associated with early sexual initiation among female youth were; age group from 19-24 years [AOR=5.77, 95% CI= (4.58, 7.27)], not attend school [AOR=14.1, 95% CI= (8.06, 24.66)], ever chew Chat [AOR= 1.98, 95%CI= (1.32, 2.97)]. From community label factors living in Addis Ababa [AOR= 0.28, 95% CI= (0.17, 0.45)], living in Gambella [AOR=2.7, 95% CI= (1.7, 4.29)] and live in low proportion of poor communities [AOR= 0.66, 95% CI= (0.49, 0.9)] were significantly associated with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Age, low educational status, ever chewing Chat, region and live in high proportion of poor community had statistical association with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia. Improving educational coverage, improving community level wealth status are important interventions to delay the age of early sexual initiation among female youth.
Minimally invasive surgery for intra-articular calcaneus fractures: A 9-year, single-center, retrospective study of a standardized technique using a 2-point distractor
Authors: Rodemund Christian , Krenn Ronny , Kihm Carl , Leister Iris , Ortmaier Reinhold , Litzlbauer Werner , Schwarz Angelika , Mattiassich Georg
Published: August 2020

Background: A fracture of the calcaneus can be a painful and disabling injury. Treatment modalities may be conservative or operative. Surgical treatment strategies include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) techniques, as well as a variety of minimally invasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment options and post-treatment complication rates for intra-articular calcaneal fractures at the Traumacenter Linz over a 9-year period.Methods: All patients with calcaneal fractures treated at the Traumacenter Linz between 2007 and 2015 were included in this study. The patients records were retrospectively reviewed, and the data, including demographic parameters, cause of injury, and the time between injury and operative treatment were analyzed. The number of secondary operative interventions due to soft-tissue complications, hardware removal, and the long-term arthrodesis rate were evaluated. Results: A minimally invasive 2-point-distractor method was used in 85.8% (n=182) of all operatively managed calcaneal fractures (n=212) in our department. The majority of the operations (88.7%) were performed within two days after the accident. The secondary operation rate resulting from wound complications was 2.7% in the 2-point distractor group and 16.7% in the ORIF group. A secondary arthrodesis was performed in 4.7% (n=9) of the subtalar joints in the entire study population. Conclusions:Our data supported the assumption that severe wound complications would be less likely to occur after minimally invasive treatment compared to ORIF treatment. The rate of secondary arthrodesis in the study cohort was comparable to that in the literature.Trial Registration: Not applicable, level of evidence IV.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Cemented and other Different Biological Type of Artificial Femoral Head Prosthesis in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Li Junmin , Jia Fu , Xiao Jiayu , Zhang Zhongzi , Yang Zhengzong , Lei Zhouyang
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to assess comparatively the clinical effect of cemented and other biological type of artificial femoral head in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in elder patients.Methods: The clinical data of 121 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with hip replacement from July 2017 to December 2018 in our hospital were reviewed.Results: There were 121 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture received hip replacement enrolled in this study. Of those patients, 60 patients received bone cement femoral prosthesis (bone cement group), while 61 cases (62 hips) received biological femoral prosthesis (biological group). The results showed that the biological group treated had shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding and longer time of complete weight-bearing than the bone cement group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the time of partial weight-bearing and Harris score of hip joint function between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The cemented and biological artificial type of femoral head might lead to satisfactory short-term results in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures for elder patients. Results showed that the biological group had shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding and longer time of complete weight-bearing than the bone cement group. For the unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur with severe osteoporosis and difficult to maintain stability after fracture reset, biological femoral prosthesis stems might be employed for the treatment of artificial hip replacement according to the shape of the proximal femoral cavity, the quality of bone and the range of fracture coverage, which may promote the recovery of hip joint function and obtain good clinical effect.
The loss of flight in ant workers enabled an evolutionary redesign of the thorax for ground labour
Authors: Peeters Christian , Keller Roberto A. , Khalife Adam , Fischer Georg , Katzke Julian , Blanke Alexander , Economo Evan P.
Published: August 2020

Background

Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on the benefits of division of labour and cooperation during foraging. However, the principal innovation of ants relative to their wasp ancestors was the evolution of a new phenotype: a wingless worker caste optimized for ground labour. Ant workers are famous for their ability to lift and carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about the morphological basis of their strength. Here we examine the consequences of the universal loss of flight in ant workers on skeletomuscular adaptations in the thorax for enhanced foraging on six legs.

Results

Using X-ray microcomputed tomography and 3D segmentation, we compared winged queens and wingless workers in Euponera sikorae (subfamily Ponerinae) and Cataglyphis savignyi (subfamily Formicinae). Workers are characterized by five major changes to their thorax: i) fusion of the articulated flight thorax (queens) into a rigid box optimized to support the muscles that operate the head, legs and abdomen, ii) redesign of internal cuticular structures for better bracing and muscle attachment, iii) substantial enlargement of the neck muscles for suspending and moving the head, iv) lengthening of the external trochanter muscles, predominant for the leg actions that lift the body off the ground, v) modified angle of the petiole muscles that are key for flexion of the abdomen. We measured volumes and pennation angles for a few key muscles to assess their increased efficacy. Our comparisons of additional workers across five genera in subfamilies Dorylinae and Myrmicinae show these modifications in the wingless thorax to be consistent. In contrast, a mutillid wasp showed a different pattern of muscle adaptations as a result of the lack of wing muscles.

Conclusions

Rather than simply a subtraction of costly flight muscles, we propose the ant worker thorax evolved into a power core underlying stronger mandibles, legs, and sting. This contrasts with solitary flightless insects where the lack of central place foraging generated distinct selective pressures for rearranging the thorax. Stronger emphasis is needed on innovations of social insects as individuals at the phenotypic level to further our understanding of the evolution of social behaviours.
hUMSCs regulate the differentiation of ovarian stromal cells via TGF-β1 /Smad3 signaling pathway to inhibit ovarian fibrosis to repair ovarian function in POI rats
Authors: Cui Linlu , Bao Hongchu , Liu Zhongfeng , Man Xuejing , Liu Hongyuan , Hou Yun , Luo Qianqian , Wang Siyuan , Fu Qiang , Zhang Hongqin
Published: August 2020

Objective: The basic pathological changes of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) include ovarian tissue fibrosis and follicular development disorders. The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) transplantation has been shown an effective method to improve the ovarian function in POI rat model; however, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the recovery of ovarian function in POI rats is related to the inhibition of tissue fibrosis following hUMSCs transplantation. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1 ) signaling pathway is explored to determine the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery through its inhibition of tissue fibrosis. Methods: The primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of chemotherapy drug cisplatin (CDDP) for 7 days, The levels of serum sex hormones were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The tissue fibrosis in ovary was examined using masson staining and Sirus red staining. The collagen fibers in the ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. To investigate the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery following hUMSCs transplantation, ovarian stromal cells were isolated from the ovarian cortex of immature rats. The expression of Cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17a1) and fibrosis marker of alpha smooth muscle Actin (α-SMA) in ovarian stromal cells were examined using immunofluorescence analysis. Also, the protein levels of Cyp17a1 and α-SMA in ovarian stromal cells were examined by western blot analysis. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 signals were measured by Western blot and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results: The results show that the function of ovary in POI rats were significantly improved after hUMSCs transplantation. The expression of fibrosis markers (α-SMA) and production of Collagen Type I (Collagen Ⅰ) and Collagen Type Ⅲ (Collagen Ⅲ) in POI rats were significantly inhibited in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation. In the cultured ovarian stromal cells, the decrease of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expression was observed in hUMSCs treated POI rats. The treatment with TGF-β1 inhibitor of SB431542 further confirmed this signal pathway was involved in the process. Conclusion : Our study demonstrated that the TGF-β1 /Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in the inhibition of ovarian tissue fibrosis, which contributed to the restoration of ovarian function in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation.
Focal brain ischemia in mice does not cause electrophysiological signs of critical illness neuropathy
Authors: Huehnchen Petra , Toyka Klaus Viktor , Gertz Karen , Endres Matthias , Boehmerle Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Objective: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a common complication of severe systemic illness treated in intensive care medicine. Ischemic stroke leads to an acute critical injury of the brain with hemiparesis, immunosuppression and subsequent infections, all of which require extended medical treatment. Stroke-induced sarcopenia further contributes to poor rehabilitation and is characterized by muscle wasting and denervation in the paralytic, but also the unaffected limbs. Therefore, we asked whether stroke leads to an additional CIP-like neurodegeneration.Results: Focal brain ischemia was induced in adult mice by 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) following reperfusion and led to functional deficits and marked hemispheric brain atrophy. Nerve conduction function and muscle potentials were measured in the ipsilateral sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle with electroneurography/-myography on days 10, 22, 44 after stroke. An additional crush-injury to the sciatic nerve was included in two sham mice as positive control (sham+). We found no differences in nerve conduction function nor spontaneous electromyographic activity between MCAo and sham animals. Sham+ mice developed marked reduction of the motor action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities with pathologic spontaneous activity. In conclusion, we found no peripheral nerve dysfunction/ degeneration as signs of a CIP-like phenotype after MCAo.
Correlation of patient characteristics with arm and finger measurements in Asian parturients: a preliminary study
Authors: Lim Ming Jian , Tan Chin Wen , Tan Hon Sen , Sultana Rehena , Eley Victoria , SNG Ban Leong
Published: August 2020

Background: Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement depends on appropriate cuff size and shape in relation to the arm. Arm dimensions outside the recommended range of cuff sizes or trunco-conical arms may result in inaccurate BP measurements. Measuring BP using finger cuffs is a potential solution. Arm cuff size is based on mid-arm circumference (MAC), and trunco-conicity is quantified by conicity index. We aimed to determine the correlation of MAC, body mass index (BMI), and weight with conicity index.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the KK Women’s and Children’s hospital where third trimester parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Parturients were asked to rate their experience with time taken to obtain BP readings, cuff popping off during measurement, need to move the cuff from the upper arm to lower arm or leg, and need to change to a different cuff. Our primary outcome was the correlation between MAC and conicity index, calculated using Pearson’s correlation. The correlation between BMI and weight with conicity index was also determined.Results: We enrolled 300 parturients. Moderate correlation was found between left MAC and left conicity index (r=0.41, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.51), and right MAC and right conicity index (r=0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.48). Weight (r=0.35 to 0.39) and BMI (r=0.41 to 0.43) correlated with conicity index in this study. MAC of 1 parturient fell outside the recommended range for arm cuffs, but all parturients fit into available finger cuffs. Obese parturients had increased problems with arm cuffs popping off and needing a change of cuff.Conclusions: BMI better correlated with conicity index compared to MAC or weight. Standard finger cuffs were suitable for all parturients studied and may be a suitable alternative.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04012151. Registered 9 Jul 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04012151
Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Kisipan Mosiany Letura , Ojoo Rodi Omondi , Kanui Titus I. , Abelson Klas S.P.
Published: August 2020

Objective: Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has recently attracted interest in biomedical research due to its exceptional longevity, cancer resistance and tolerance to potentially harmful conditions or stimuli. Given its unique attributes, this study was designed to characterize inflammatory skin reactions of this animal to topical application of imiquimod, a toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonist that triggers psoriasis-like skin reaction. Results: Imiquimod did not cause the expected psoriasis-like skin changes. There was no epidermal thickening and a straight epidermo-dermal boundary was maintained. There was no parakeratosis and the granular layer of epidermis was well formed. In the dermis, there was no leukocyte infiltration. This points to an exceptional nature of inflammatory/immune responses of this animal, but the mechanism could not be explained by our results. Naked mole rat could be a valuable negative model for studying psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions but as a prerequisite, there is need for further investigations to establish the mechanisms behind its lack of response to imiquimod.
BTG1 inhibits malignancy as a novel prognosis signature in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Li Yibing , Huo Jianing , He Junjian , Zhang Yunzheng , Ma xiaoxin
Published: August 2020

Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of EC have increased. B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) is an anti-proliferation gene that regulates the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, but there is no research regarding this gene in EC.Methods: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used a variety of bioinformatics tools and databases to explore the expression and prognosis of BTG1. We verified expression and prognosis of BTG1 in EC using qRT-PCR and analyzed the relevant clinicopathological parameters. We functionally enriched BTG1 and related genes in EC patients through the bioinformatics website and analyzed miRNA targets of BTG1 and interacting protein networks. Cell proliferation, wound healing, transwell invasion, and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the effects of BTG1 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial carcinoma cells (ECCs). The effect of BTG1 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot.Results: We analyzed the expression and prognosis of BTG1 based on TCGA and found that low expression of BTG1 was associated with poor EC prognosis. The qRT-PCR suggested that BTG1 had low expression in EC. BTG1 expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) shortening. Clinicopathological analysis suggested that expression of BTG1 was related to invasion depth and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. EC pathological tissue type, fertility history, lymphatic metastasis, menopause, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and age of diagnosis were not related. Functional enrichment analysis showed that BTG1 plays an important role in regulating embryonic development, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Biological behavior experiments suggest that BTG1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of ECCs, and promotes apoptosis of ECCs. Western blot indicated that BTG1 inhibited the EMT process of ECCs.Conclusions: BTG1 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of EC. BTG1, as a tumor suppressor gene, shows low expression in EC, which can inhibit malignant biological behavior and EMT process of ECCs. In addition, BTG1 can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for EC.
Decreased hsa_circ_0001944 expression is associated with improved bladder cancer prognoses
Authors: Jin Mingming , Lu Shengjie , Wu Yue , Yang Chen , Shi Chunzi , Wang Yanqiu , Huang Gang
Published: August 2020

Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is a common genitourinary malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in cancer development, including BC; thus, the roles of circRNAs in this process have attracted significant attention. Methods: In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze circRNA expression profiles in BC tissues. We performed RT-qPCR to determine hsa_circ_0001944 expression in BC tissues. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect hsa_circ_0001944 expression and hsa_circ_0001944 subcellular localization in BC tissues. hsa_circ_0001944 expression in BC cells was selectively regulated. We employed CCK8, transwell, and wound healing assays to monitor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively. We employed the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pulldown assays to verify the relationships among hsa_circ_0001944, miR-548, and PROK2. We examined the effects of hsa_circ_0001944 on BC cell metastasis and proliferation in vivo using a subcutaneous xenograft model and an intravenous tail injection model in nude mice. Results: The results showed that hsa_circ_0001944 expression was significantly increased in BC samples. Furthermore, high hsa_circ_0001944 expression predicted unfavorable prognoses in BC. Functional assays validated that downregulating hsa_circ_0001944 decreased BC invasion and proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Further studies showed that hsa_circ_0001944 expression promoted BC progression via sponging miR-548 and enhancing PROK2 expression. Luciferase reporter experiments validated the interactions between hsa_circ_0001944, miR-548, and PROK2. This study also found that downregulating miR-548 or overexpressing PROK2 restored BC cell invasion and proliferation after silencing hsa_circ_0001944. Conclusions: Taken together, we found that hsa_circ_0001944 is a tumor-promoting circRNA in BC that functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate PROK2 expression via sponging miR-548.
Identification of collagen genes related to immune infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma
Authors: Yin Wen , Tan Jun , Xin Zhaoqi , Zhou Quanwei , Cao Yudong , Wu Zhaoping , Lei Wang , Jiang Xingjun , Ren Caiping , Tang Guihua
Published: August 2020

Background: Gliomas account for the majority of fatal primary brain tumors, and there is much room for research in the underlying pathogenesis, the multistep progression of glioma, and how to improve survival. In our study, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets of glioma and study the mechanism underlying the tumor progression. Methods: We downloaded the microarray datasets (GSE43378 and GSE7696) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets related to the tumor progression. ESTIMATE (Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumors using Expression data) algorithm and TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource) database were used to analyze the correlation between the selected genes and the tumor microenvironment. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the selected gene. Transwell and wound healing assay were used to measure the cell migration and invasion capacity.Results: We identified specific module genes that were positively correlated with the WHO grade but negatively correlated with OS of glioma. Importantly, we identified that 6 collagen genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL4A2, and COL5A2) could regulate the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma. Moreover, we found that these collagen genes were significantly involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of glioma. Finally, taking COL5A2 as a further research object, the results showed that knockdown of COL5A2 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of SHG44 and A172 cells. Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrated that collagen genes play an important role in regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment and EMT process of glioma and could serve as potential therapeutic targets for glioma management.
Incidence and Risk Factors of postoperative Dysphagia following Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Yu Jie , Tao Xiaohui
Published: August 2020

Background. Dysphagia is a known complication of anterior cervical spine surgery and may be prolonged or occasionally serious. However, the association between posterior cervical spine surgery and the development of dysphagia is rare discussed. Furthermore, the risk factors of postoperative dysphagia are not well understood.Methods. Three hundred and fifty four patients were reviewed in this study, including 172 patients undergoing AC procedure, and 182 patients with PC procedure between June 2007 and May 2012. All patients were given the same postoperative management. The presence and severity of dysphagia were reported during the telephone interviews performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The incidence and risk factors of dysphagia after cervical spine surgery were studied. Results. Of all 354 patients, 12.8% AC and 9.4% PC patients reported dysphagia at early postoperative assessment. The overall incidence for dysphagia at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were decreased to 9.3%, 7.0%, 4.6% and 3.5% in AC group, and 6.0%, 4.4%, 2.2% and 1.6% in PC group, respectively. Long term use of Neck Collar after surgery may lead to postoperative dysphagia. Other risk factors such as age, gender, BMI, operative time, blood loss, procedure type, revision surgery and operative levels did not signiﬁcantly influence the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.Conclusions. Postoperative dysphagia is common after anterior and posterior cervical spine surgery. The incidence and severity of dysphagia both decrease over time. Long term use of neck collar after surgery is related of postoperative dysphagia. The neck collar should be worn no longer than four weeks after surgery. Age, gender, BMI, operative time, blood loss, procedure type, revision surgery and operative levels are not risk factors of postoperative dysphagia.
Parthenolide inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Huang Riming , Li Mingyue , Zhu Zheng , Chen Zhiyan , Cui Liao , Luo Hui , Luo Lianxiang
Published: August 2020

Background: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed for the treatment of EGFR mutated NSCLC. Parthenolide, a natural product of parthenolide, which belongs to the sesquiterpene lactone family and has a variety of biological and therapeutic activities, including anti-cancer effects. However, its effect on non-small cell lung cancer is little known. Methods: The CCK‑8 assay and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell apoptosis. In silico molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding of parthenolide to EGFR. Network pharmacology analysis was was used to evaluate the key gene of parthenolide target NSCLC. Western blotting was used to evaluate the key proteins involved apoptosis and EGFR signalling. The effect of parthenolide treatment in vivo was determined by using a xenograft mouse model.Results: In this study, parthenolide could induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in the EGFR mutated lung cancer cells. Parthenolide also reduces the phosphorylation of EGFR as well as its downstream signaling pathways MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. Molecular docking analysis of EGFR binding site with parthenolide show that the anti-cancer effect of parthenolide against NSCLC is mediated by a strong binding to EGFR. Network pharmacology analysis show parthenolide suppresses NSCLC via inhibition of EGFR expression. In addition, parthenolide inhibits the growth of H1975 xenografts in nude mice, which is associated with the inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway. Conclusions: Taken together, these results demonstrate effective inhibition of parthenolide in NSCLC cell growth by targeting EGFR through downregulation of ERK and AKT expression, which could be promisingly used for patients carrying the EGFR mutation.
Impact of fibrinogen level on the prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury: A single-center analysis of 2570 patients
Authors: Lv Ke , Yuan Qiang , Fu Pengfei , Wu Gang , Wu Xing , Du Zhuoying , Yu Jian , Li Zhiqi , Hu Jin
Published: August 2020

Background: Fibrinogen may play an important role in the survival of trauma patients; however, its role in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its correlation with disease prognosis remain poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of TBI-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with TBI and to evaluate the prognostic value of fibrinogen level with respect to mortality and clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 2570 consecutive TBI patients were retrospectively studied. Prognostic evaluations were determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) assessment 3 months after injury. The shape of the relationship between fibrinogen level and mortality or outcome was examined using cubic spline functions. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the association between fibrinogen level and 3-month functional outcomes.Results: Fibrinogen concentrations < 2 g/L were observed in 992 (38.6%) patients at the time of admission. Multivariate analyses showed that for patients with fibrinogen levels < 2.0 g/L, those levels were an independent prognostic factor for 3-month mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.93; P < .001). By contrast, for patients with fibrinogen levels < 2.5 g/L, the levels were an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcomes at 3 months (OR, 1.654; 95% CI, 1.186–2.306; P = .003). Similar results were also seen for patients with fibrinogen levels > 3.0 g/L, with the levels being an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcomes at 3 months (OR, 0.771; 95% CI, 0.607–0.979; P = .033). Conclusions: Fibrinogen is an independent prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in TBI patients. Maintaining the level of fibrinogen between 2.5 and 3 g/L may improve clinical outcomes in patients with TBI.
Cardiac metastases from primary myxoid liposarcoma of the thigh: A case report
Authors: Ikuta Kunihiro , Sakai Tomohisa , Koike Hiroshi , Okada Tohru , Imagama Shiro , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMyxoid liposarcoma is well known to have an unusual proclivity for extrapulmonary metastasis. However, cardiac metastasis of myxoid liposarcoma is very rare, even in patients with advanced disease.Case presentationA 40-year-old man was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma of the right thigh and treated with wide resection. Two years after the surgery, a low-density area in the left ventricle was found on follow-up chest computed tomography, and was suspected of being metastatic disease. He underwent surgical treatment, and the lesion was pathologically confirmed as metastasis of myxoid liposarcoma. Fifteen months later, he complained of slight dyspnea and developed metastatic disease in the right atrium. He was treated with surgical excision, followed by radiotherapy. Although there was no recurrence in the heart since the second cardiac metastasectomy, multiple metastases occurred in the abdominal cavity, lungs, and muscles. He finally died of the disease two years after the second cardiac metastasectomy.ConclusionWe experienced a case of primary myxoid liposarcoma in the thigh, accompanied by ectopic and metachronous cardiac metastases. Although this condition is rare, we should follow-up patients with myxoid liposarcoma, considering the possibility of cardiac metastasis.
Perceived Stress and Its Impact on Health Behavior of Chinese Residents during the Epidemic of COVID-19: An Internet Survey
Authors: Li Yuerong , Yao Lili , Luo Yetao , Yuan Feng , Yan Lupei
Published: August 2020

Background: The outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19) caused severe respiratory illnesses, which might be resulted from air-borne droplets or direct contact, posing a great threat to human life. Meanwhile, the epidemic might trigger excessive stresses and produce terrible impacts on mental health even health behaviors, especially of the vulnerable individuals. So this study paved the way for psychological interventions focused on vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: An internet survey was conducted among 2,449 residents in 20 Provinces of China, collecting the data about the perceived stress, the cognition of COVID-19 and the health behaviors. SAS9.4 was used to analyze the relationship between health behaviors and perceived stress, and logistic regression was used to explore the influencing factors of health risk stress.Results: The perceived stress score was 22.25±7.2(total56), and the incidence of health risk stress was 39.89% (977/2449). Perceived stress increased, while the frequency of health behaviors decreased, such as washing hands and wearing masks. Age, cognition of susceptibility to COVID-19, life-threatening level, cognition of the importance of home isolation, and cognition of the difference between common cold and COVID-19 were positively related to the occurrence of health risk stress.Conclusions: A negative correlation was found between health behaviors and perceived stress.Therefore, it is of great significance to improve residents’ knowledge of the COVID-19, to provide good social support and psychological interventions for those how are experiencing health risk stress and to promote their health behaviors.
PHOENIX: A new framework for applying psychological theories to the adoption of innovations by healthcare professionals
Authors: Fahy Nick , Greenhalgh Trish , Shaw Sara
Published: August 2020

Background: Although implementation science has borrowed concepts from psychology to explain how individuals think and act in relation to innovation adoption, the use of psychology has been limited and not well adapted to the aims and obligations of professionals. We aimed to enrich implementation science with a broader set of psychological theories relevant for professional behaviour, drawing particularly on the diffusion of innovations and stages of change models.Methods : The study had two parallel components. The first was a hermeneutic review of how psychological theory has and could be used to understand innovation adoption by health professionals. The second component was an empirical case study of the implementation of guidance on routine HIV screening in three sites across two London hospitals. Primary data sources were synthesised and combined with emerging secondary research findings, each feeding into the other. Analysis focused empirically on how the stages of the diffusion of innovations adoption model (prior conditions, knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, confirmation) could be enriched by psychological theories. Results: The hermeneutic review identified at least 20 relevant psychological theories from social, organisational, developmental and sports psychology; many of these were not single theories but contributions from domains of evolving research, making this an underestimate of potentially relevant theory. We developed a model (PHOENIX) to encapsulate how psychological theory can help illuminate each stage of adoption from diffusion of innovations theory:· Person and History (prior conditions stage) – individuals’ characteristics and past experiences;· Overload avoidance (knowledge stage) – filtering strategies when faced with overwhelming amounts of new knowledge;· Evolving attitudes (persuasion stage) – a social process of collectively emerging views within a team;· Networked decisions (decision stage) – decisions at two levels of the department combined with individual judgements;· Implementation support (implementation stage) to turn an intention to act into actual action, with external supports valuable to reduce the cognitive effort required;· uneXceptional (confirmation stage) – sustained effort to turn the new behaviour from a conscious innovation to a habit. Conclusions: The PHOENIX model, if affirmed in further studies, has potential to enrich the study of innovation adoption by healthcare staff in organisational and professional contexts.
Comparing Patient Experiences Before and After Re-Organizing Inpatient Pain Care: A Before and After Study
Authors: Germossa Gugsa Nemera , Hellesø Ragnhild , Strømseng Sjetne Ingeborg
Published: August 2020

Background: Inadequate pain care is a significant problem for patients during hospitalization, particularly in Ethiopia. Evidence has shown that work process re-organization improves patient-reported outcomes.This study aimed to compare patients’ experiences before and after re-organizing inpatient pain care Method: A quasi-experimental design on a separate sample was conducted between October 1, 2016, and June 15, 2017. Participants of the study were patients admitted to the four inpatient units (medical, surgical, maternity, and gynaecology) of Jimma Medical Centre. Seven hundred eighty-two (Survey 1: N=256; Survey 2: N=259; Survey 3: N= 267) patients out of 845 patients invited to participate (92.5%) in three consecutive surveys were included in the analysis. A patient survey questionnaire adapted from a Brief Pain Inventory, the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire, and Pain Treatment Satisfaction Scale was used. Data were mainly analysed using ANOVA. A significant difference between samples was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05.Results: Patients reported experiences with pain care significantly increased after re-organizing in-hospital pain care. More specifically, although there was a growing misfit between information provided and adequacy, staff responsiveness within 30 minutes, and patient satisfaction with pain management significantly increased. These increments were statistically significant with p < 0.05. Conclusion: Re-organizing in-hospital pain care improves patient-reported pain care experiences by changing both nurses’ technical capacity and the work process at inpatients’ units
Open Versus Arthroscopic Release for Lateral Patellar Compression Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hamawandi Sherwan , Amin Hazhar , Al-Humairi Ameer Kadhim
Published: August 2020

Background: Lateral patellar compression syndrome is one of the causes of anterior knee pain in young adults and resulted from tight lateral patellar retinaculum, which can be treated by surgical release of tight retinaculum after failure of conservative measures. Surgical release can be done by open or arthroscopic procedures. There was no randomized control trial to compare between these two procedures in considering of functional outcome and complications. The aim of our study is to compare between open and arthroscopic release of lateral patellar compression syndrome in relation of functional outcome, time of surgical procedure, length of hospital stays, intraoperative and postoperative complications as bleeding, infection, recurrence and patellar instability with 2 years of follow up. Methods: 80 patients, age (21-49 years), were divided randomly into 2 groups (A and B). Group A (40 patients) were treated with open release after diagnostic arthroscopy. Group B (40 patients) were treated by arthroscopic release. All these patients are diagnosed as lateral patellar compression syndrome depending on clinical features, MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy and they had failure of conservative measures of quadriceps strengthening and analgesics for 6 months. All patients were assessed by Lysholm knee scoring scale before surgery and at periods of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery. Results: There is significant difference in functional outcome, measured by Lysholm knee scoring scale, between preoperative and postoperative assessment periods in both groups (P<0.001). There is significantly better functional outcome at 2 years of follow up with the arthroscopic release (P=0.018). There is no recurrence in both groups, but there were 4 patients develop medial patellar instability in the group that was treated by open release. There are 2 patients develop hemarthrosis in arthroscopic group and one patient develop superficial wound infection in the group of open release. There is no significant difference in the postoperative complications between two groups. Conclusion: Both open and arthroscopic lateral release for patients with lateral patellar compression syndrome (without instability, limb malalignment or dysplasia) are effective surgical procedures but arthroscopic release can achieve better functional outcome than open release with less risk of development of post-operative patellar instability.Trial registration: NCT, NCT04130412. Registered 15 October 2019 -Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04130412
The Validation of Conventional Non-Invasive Fibrosis Scoring Systems in Patients with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wu Yinlian , Kumar Rahul , Wang Mingfang , Singh Medha , Huang Jiaofeng , Zhu Yueyong , Lin Su
Published: August 2020

Background：Non-invasive fibrosis scores are not yet validated in the newly defined metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of four non-invasive scores including AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), BMI, AST/ALT ratio, and diabetes score (BARD), and NAFLD fibrosis score(NFS) in patients with MAFLD.Methods: Consecutive patients with histologically-confirmed MAFLD were included. The discrimination ability of different non-invasive scores was compared.Results: A total of 417 patients were included, 156 (37.4%) of them had advanced fibrosis (METAVIR ≥F3). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of FIB-4, NFS, APRI and BARD for predicting advanced fibrosis were 0.736, 0.724, 0.671 and 0.609 respectively. The AUROC between FIB-4 and NFS were similar (P=0.523), while the difference between FIB-4 and APRI (P=0.001) and FIB-4 and BARD (P<0.001) was statistically significant. The best thresholds of FIB-4，NFS，APRI and BARD for diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in MAFLD were 1.05, -2.1, 0.42 and 2. A subgroup analysis showed that FIB-4, APRI and NFS performed worse in pure MAFLD than HBV-MAFLD group.Conclusions: APRI and BARD score do not perform well in MAFLD. The FIB-4 and NFS could be more useful but new threshold is needed. Novel non-invasive scoring system for fibrosis is required for MAFLD.
Association between supportive attitudes and adoptive practice of control strategy against COVID-19 among college students in China, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shen Dong , Liu Dan , Cai Miaochun , Chen Peiliang , Wang Zhenghe , Zhang Yujie , Li Zhihao , Zhang Xiru , Wu Xianbo , Yang Xingfen , Mao Chen
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to explore college students’ attitudes and compliance toward the prevention strategy of using non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in containing coronavirus disease 2019. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in four universities in Guangdong Province (China) based on purposive sampling. We used a self-made questionnaire to measure the supportive attitude towards outbreak control strategy and adoption of NPIs in respondents. Results: A total of 44,446 college students participated between 31 January and 10 February 2020; 92.7% of respondents supported the outbreak control strategy. 94.8% would avoid public places, 92.8% would wear a facemask, 91.2% would avoid of gatherings and 86.9% would wash hands more frequent. 76.5% respondents adopted all four measures. Supportive attitude was associated with NPI adoption. Students who were female, postgraduate, anxious, and not depressed tended to have higher supportive attitude and higher NPI adoption rate. Conclusions: Higher supportiveness towards the disease control strategy for public may lead to higher adoption rate of NPIs for individuals. Psychosocial factors are related to supportive attitude and adoption of the NPIs. We believe that our findings are instructive about the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Wireless Battery Free Fully Implantable Multimodal Recording and Neuromodulation Tools for Songbirds
Authors: Ausra Jokubas , Munger Stephanie , Azami Amirhossein , Burton Alex , Peralta Roberto , Miller Julie , Gutruf Philipp
Published: August 2020

Wireless battery free and fully implantable tools for the interrogation of the central and peripheral nervous system have quantitively expanded the capabilities to study mechanistic and circuit level behavior in freely moving rodents. The light weight and small footprint of such devices enables fully subdermal implantation that results in the capability to perform studies with minimal impact on subject behavior and yields broad application in a range of experimental paradigms. While these advantages have been successfully proven in rodents that move predominantly in 2D the full potential of a wireless and battery free device can be harnessed with species that move in 3D, where interrogation with tethered devices is very difficult or impossible. Here we report on a wireless, battery free and multimodal platform that enables optogenetic stimulation and physiological recording in a highly miniaturized form factor for use in songbirds. The systems are enabled by behavior guided primary antenna design and advanced energy management to ensure stable optogenetic stimulation and physiological recording throughout 3D experimental arenas. Collectively, these design approaches quantitatively expand the use of wireless subdermally implantable neuromodulation and sensing tools to species previously excluded from in vivo real time experiments.