bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in tigers infected by Leishmania infantum
Authors: Cavalera Maria Alfonsa , Iatta Roberta , Laricchiuta Pietro , Passantino Giuseppe , Abramo Francesca , Roldan Jairo Alfonso Mendoza , Otranto Domenico , Zatelli Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background A large number of animal species are susceptible to Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in endemic areas, including domestic and wild felids such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Knowledge on the infection of this endangered species is still at its infancy, and therefore this study aims to identify clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of tigers naturally infected by L. infantum. Results Tigers either L. infantum-positive (group A) or -negative (group B) were apparently healthy or presented visceral leishmaniasis unrelated conditions, except for one animal in which a large non-healing cutaneous lesion was observed. However, histological exam and immunohistochemistry carried out on the lesion excluded the presence of L. infantum amastigotes. Biochemical analysis showed that the average concentration of total proteins, globulins and haptoglobin were significantly higher (p<0.01, p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively), while the albumin/globulin ratio significantly lower (p=0.05) in group A compared with group B. The biochemical alterations were partially confirmed by the serum protein electrophoresis results revealing a significant increase in the total protein value (p=0.01) and hypergammaglobulinemia (p=0.03) but an unmodified albumin/globulin ratio in group A.Conclusions In this study tigers infected by L. infantum have shown to be mainly asymptomatic. The absence of clinical signs may lead veterinarians to overlook leishmaniasis in animals kept in captivity. Therefore, diagnostic and screening tests as serology should be part of routinely surveillance programs to be performed on tigers in zoological gardens located in endemic areas. Though only few protein-related laboratory abnormalities were recorded in infected animals, they could provide diagnostic clues for a first suspicion of L. infantum infection in tigers. Indeed, considering the high risk of zoonotic transmission in heavily frequented environment as zoos, a prompt diagnosis of L. infantum infection is of pivotal importance.
Impact of intracellular toxic advanced glycation end-products (TAGE) on murine myoblast cell death:A non-clinical study
Authors: Takata Takanobu , Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takeuchi Masayoshi
Published: June 2020

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive condition that is characterized by decreases in skeletal muscle mass and function. Although sarcopenia is associated with lifestyle-related diseases (LSRD), the mechanisms underlying cell death in myoblasts, which differentiate to myotubes, remain unclear. We previously designated glyceraldehyde (an intermediate of glucose/fructose metabolism)-derived advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as toxic AGEs (TAGE) because of their cytotoxicity and involvement in LSRD, and hypothesized that TAGE contribute to cell death in myoblasts. Methods: C2C12 cells, which are murine myoblasts, were treated with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mM glyceraldehyde for 24 h. Cell viability and intracellular TAGE were then assessed using 5-[2,4,-bis(sodioxysulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-tetrazole-3-ium (WST-8) and slot blot assays. Cells were pretreated with 8 mM aminoguanidine , an inhibitor of AGE production, for 2 h, followed by 0, 1.5, and 2 mM glyceraldehyde for 24 h. Cell viability and intracellular TAGE levels were then assessed. Serum TAGE levels in STAM mice, in which there were four stages (no steatosis, simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis), were measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were expressed as TAGE units (U) per milliliter of serum, with 1 U corresponding to 1.0 μg of glyceraldehyde-derived AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) (TAGE-BSA). The viability of cells treated with 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL non-glycated BSA and TAGE-BSA for 24 h was assessed using the WST-8 assay. Results: In C2C12 cells treated with 1.5 and 2 mM glyceraldehyde, cell viability decreased to 47.7% ( p =0.0021) and 5.0% ( p =0.0001) and intracellular TAGE levels increased to 6.0 and 15.9 μg/mg protein, respectively. Changes in cell viability and TAGE production were completely inhibited by 8 mM aminoguanidine. Serum TAGE levels at the steatohepatitis and fibrosis stages were 10.51 ±1.16 and 10.44±0.95 U/mL, respectively, and were higher than those at the no steatosis stage ( 7.27 ±0.18 U/mL). Cell death was not induced by 20 or 50 μg/mL TAGE-BSA. The viabilities of C2C12 cells treated with 100 μg/mL non-glycated BSA and TAGE-BSA were 105.0% ( p =0.2890) and 85.3% ( p =0.0217), respectively. Conclusion: Intracellular TAGE strongly induced cell death in C2C12 cells and may also induce myoblast cell death in LSRD model mice.
Predictors of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients receiving treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A Prospective Longitudinal study
Authors: Bian Wei , Wan Junli , Tan Mingqiong , Su Jun , Yuan Yi , wang zonghua , Li Shiying
Published: June 2020

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in developed countries and seriously affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. However, the majority of the research in this area employs cross-sectional design;longitudinal research investigating changes in HRQoL and influencing factors islimited. The aim of this study was to use a longitudinal study design to investigate descriptive trends in HRQoL and their predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) at baseline and follow-ups.Methods: In a sample of 142 AMD patients from the outpatient clinic of the Southwest Eye Hospital, a tertiary major hospital in the southwest of China,each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical features, HRQoL, depression, anxiety, coping style, social support, and self-efficacy at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-upappointments.Results: The total score of HRQoL fluctuated, with the highest score at the 6-month follow-up and the lowest score at baseline. Multivariable linear regression showed the predictors of HRQoL are best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), income level, depression,and visual acuity (VA) of the treated eye at baseline; BCVA, income, and depression at the 1-month follow-up; duration, area of residence, gender, VA of the treated eye, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 3-month follow-up; gender, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, depression, negative coping, and positive coping at the 6-month follow-up; and BCVA, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 12-month follow-up.Conclusions: The HRQoL and its predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment fluctuated over time. It is suggested that medical staff should get more information when planning precise care for improving patients’ HRQoL.
Comprehensive molecular profiling of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the Chinese population and therapeutic experience
Authors: Wang Longrong , Zhu Hongxu , Zhao Yiming , Pan Qi , Mao Anrong , Zhu Weiping , Zhang Ning , Lin Zhenhai , Zhou Jiamin , Wang Yilin , Zhang Yongfa , Wang Miao , Feng Yun , He Xigan , Xu Weiqi , Wang Lu
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE: The genomic alterations of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in the Chinese population have not been fully revealed. Molecular profiling may provide a reference for clinical management, especially targeted therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 122 ICC patients. All patients have been performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays that analyzed 417 cancer-associated genes. The genetic characteristics, clinical management and therapeutic responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The most commonly mutated genes were TP53 (34%), KRAS (25%) and ARID1A (17%). Targeted agents were used referring to molecular profiling, in combination with chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients with wild-type KRAS/NRAS/BRAF were treated with cetuximab. The disease control and response rates were 78% and 47%, respectively, which were higher than those achieved with chemotherapy alone (72% and 11%, P=0.16). Fifty-four patients underwent anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab. The disease control and response rates were 85% and 60%, respectively. Better therapeutic efficiency (P=0.001) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) were observed in the bevacizumab-treated group compared to chemotherapy alone group (15.4 and 6.7 months, respectively; P=0.04) . The PFS of ten patients who underwent hepatectomy after combined treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab was longer than that of 139 patients who underwent surgical treatment (28.9 vs 18.0 months, P=0.03). Two patients (1.6%) had signatures of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), and both benefited from immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of genetic alterations in Chinese ICC patients and indicates the potential clinical implications for NGS-based personalized therapies.
The optimal management of Seymour fractures in children: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kiely Ailbhe Lynda , Nolan Grant Switzer , Cooper Lilli
Published: June 2020

Background: Seymour fractures are open, displaced juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the distal phalanx, with an overlying nail bed laceration that occur in children and adolescents with an open physis. This fracture occurs rarely, but its potential consequences are clinically significant. Due to anatomical particulars and proximity to the growth plate, this open fracture may result in soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis, leading to growth arrest and persistent mallet deformity. At present, there is no consensus as to the optimal management of Seymour fractures. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the existing evidence to establish what are the most important factors pertaining to an uncomplicated recovery.Methods: We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of comparative and observational studies. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted (from inception to present) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases. Grey literature will be identified through searching Open Grey and dissertation databases using an exhaustive search strategy. All clinical studies examining the management of Seymour fractures will be included. The interventions (irrigation and debridement; prophylactic antibiotics) and their timings (early vs late) will be compared to no antibiotics and no debridement. Primary outcome measures will be the incidence of superficial and deep infection. Secondary outcomes will include other adverse events such mal-union, non-union, need for re-operation, physeal disturbance, nail dystrophy/atrophy. Two independent reviewers will screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. A narrative synthesis will be performed. If data permits, we will conduct random-effects meta-analysis where appropriate. The review will be PRISMA-P compliant at each stage.Discussion: This review will provide robust evidence for the management of Seymour fractures, based on a cumulation of existing smaller studies. Due to the rarity of this fracture pattern, included studies are expected to be mainly observational and prone to bias; however, there is value in summarising the evidence to guide clinicians. Registration: registered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42020153726).
Patterns of recurrence in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: a retrospective study
Authors: xu haitao , Zhang Lianguo , Miao Jing , Liu Shuai , Liu Hongjian , Jia Teng , Zhang Qingguang
Published: June 2020

Background: The prognosis of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is poor. Understanding the postoperative recurrence pattern of AEG is helpful to verify the effectiveness of treatment and optimize subsequent treatment, so as to improve prognosis.Methods: This single centre,retrospective study included patients with stage III AEG who underwent surgical treatment between January 2009 and December 2016. According to the different postoperative treatment arm, patients were divided into surgery and surgery plus chemotherapy groups. Recurrence-free survival was used as the outcome to compare the recurrence site and pattern between the groups. Results: In total, enrolled 306 patients, 123 in the surgery group and 183 in the surgery plus chemotherapy group.During follow-up (median 522 days) of 730 days after surgery, 62.0% of patients had tumor recurrence. The overall recurrence rates in the surgery and surgery plus chemotherapy group were 86.9% and 77.0%, respectively. The recurrence patterns of both groups were mainly distant metastasis. Postoperative chemotherapy reduced the incidence of hematogenous dissemination from 51.2% to 42.0%. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that pN stage increased the risk of recurrence,while surgery plus chemotherapy reduced the risk. Conclusions: Patients with AEG have a risk of hematogenous dissemination after surgery. Postoperative treatment arm and pN stage were independent risk factors in patients with AEG.Surgery plus chemotherapy can improve RFS and reduce distant metastasis, but they do not have a beneficial role in controlling local recurrence.
Relationship between the non-HDLc-to-HDLc ratio and carotid plaques in a high stroke risk population: A cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Zhenwen , Xia Binlan , Wang Liping , Zhang Hengzhong , Zhu Yan , Liu Chao , Song Bin
Published: June 2020

Background: Evidence on the association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLc)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) ratio (non-HDLc/HDLc) and carotid plaques is still limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques in a population with a high risk of stroke.Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the community was conducted in Yangzhou, China. Residents (no younger than 40 years old) underwent questionnaire interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory testing during 2013-2014. The subjects with a high risk of stroke were further selected (at least three of eight risk factors including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, and family history of stroke) or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke history. Carotid ultrasonography was then performed on the high stroke risk participants. Carotid plaque was defined as a focal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ≥1.5 cm or a discrete structure protruding into the arterial lumen at least 50% of the surrounding cIMT. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques.Results: Overall, 839 subjects with a high risk of stroke were ultimately included in the analysis, and carotid plaques were identified in 341 (40.6%) of them. Participants in the highest non-HDLc/HDLc tertile group presented a higher proportion of carotid plaques than did those in the other two groups. After adjustment for other confounders, each unit increase in the non-HDLc/HDLc was significantly associated with carotid plaques (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.28-1.88). In the subgroup analysis, the non-HDLc/HDLc was positively and significantly associated with the presence of carotid plaques in most subgroups. Additionally, the non-HDLc/HDLc interacted significantly with three stratification variables, including sex (OR 1.31 for males versus OR 2.37 for females, P interaction = 0.016), exercise (OR 1.18 for subjects without lack of exercise versus OR 1.99 for subjects with lack of exercise, P interaction = 0.004) and heart diseases (OR 1.40 for subjects without heart diseases versus OR 3.12 for subjects with heart diseases, P interaction = 0.033). Conclusion: The non-HDLc/HDLc was positively associated with the presence of carotid plaques in a Chinese high stroke risk population. A prospective study or randomized clinical trial of lipid-lowering therapy in the Chinese population is needed to evaluate their causal relationship.
Antiviral mechanism of tea polyphenols on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wang Xun , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Zhenbang , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong , Guo Chunhe
Published: June 2020

Background: Neither inactivated vaccine nor attenuated vaccine can effectively prevent and control the infection and spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Therefore, it is necessary to broaden new horizons and to conceive effective preventive strategies. Tea polyphenols (TPP) are polyphenol in tea. The main components of TPP are catechins and their derivatives. TPP has many physiological activities and has certain antiviral and antifungal effects. But whether TPP owns anti-PRRSV activity remains unclear. Results: We found that TPP effectively inhibited PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells by suppressing viral attachment and internalization. TPP exhibited a potent anti-PRRSV effect regardless of its pre-treatment or post-treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that TPP restrained PRRSV-induced p65 entry into the nucleus to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, TPP limited the synthesis of viral non-structural protein 2 (nsp2), the core component of viral replication transcription complexes, which may contribute to the inhibition of viral RNA replication. Conclusions: TPP has the potential to develop into an effective antiviral agent for PRRSV prevention and control in the future.
Interaction of MC4R rs17782313 variants and dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality on basal metabolic rate and general and central obesity in overweight/obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alizadeh Shahab , Pooyan Sara , Mirzababaei Atiyeh , Arghavani Hana , Hasani Hossein , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent studies have shown that dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality as well as genetic variants may contribute to determining metabolic rate and general and central obesity. This study aimed to examine interactions between melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) rs17782313 and dietary carbohydrate intake, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) on body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and BMR/kg in overweight/obese women.
Methods

A total of 282 Iranian women (BMI ≥ 25) aged 18–56 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were assessed for blood parameters, body composition, BMR, and dietary intake. Dietary carbohydrate intake, GI and GL were determined using a valid, reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire. MC4R rs17782313 was genotyped by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.
Results

After adjustment for age and energy intake, significant interactions were observed between carbohydrate intake and MC4R rs17782313 in terms of BMI (P Interaction = 0.007), WC (P Interaction = 0.02), and RMR/kg (P Interaction = 0.003) in this way that higher carbohydrate intake, compared with lower intake, was associated with an increase in BMI and WC for individuals with C allele carriers (TC + CC genotypes), while related to an increase in BMR/kg for those carrying the TT genotype. No significant interaction was found between MC4R rs17782313 and GI and GL on BMI, WC, BMR/kg, and BMR.
Conclusions

Interactions between the MC4R rs17782313 and carbohydrate intake probably can have an effect on BMI, WC, and RMR/kg in overweight/obese women.
Investigation, Analysis and Management Application of Mental Resilience and Psychosomatic State of The Medical Team Against COVID-19
Authors: xu Xiao-li , Guangyao Li , Shunhong Huang , Bin Liu , Sibing Zhang
Published: June 2020

Objective: to understand the mental resilience and psychosomatic status quo of first-line anti-epidemic medical team members, so as to provide a reference basis for mastering the mental health status of medical team members and promoting the improvement of mental resilience. Methods: a cluster sampling method was used to conduct mobile phone questionnaire survey on the selected subjects using the staff status questionnaire and Chinese version of mental resilience scale (Chinese version of cd-risc). Results: the total score of mental resilience of the medical team was 65.40 ± 13.90 points higher than that of the Chinese community. However, the tenacity of men was higher than that of women (P < 0.05). In terms of psychosomatic state influence score, the psychosomatic influence of first-line task on women was greater than that on men (P < 0.01). Conclusion: the anti-epidemic task has a great influence on the psychosomatic state of the first-line medical personnel, and the first-line medical personnel should be provided with better social and psychological support. Frontline medical personnel should be good at actively seeking social support and learn to adopt a positive way of coping.
A novel silent mutation E83E of αA-crystallin in age-related cataract with impaired chaperone function
Authors: Song Fanqian , Liu Dongrui , Sun Liyao , Wang Chao , Wei Xi , Liu Hanruo , Tang Xianling , Ge Hongyan , Liu Ping
Published: June 2020

Background

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of blindness of the aged, influenced by environmental factors and genetic factors. However, it is scanty in gene mutation studies. The study aims to expand knowledge of etiology of ARC.
Methods

Peripheral blood samples of ARC patients were collected to screen αA-crystallin (CRYAA) gene mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism assay. Cell morphology, protein expression level and chaperone function of CRYAA in HLE B-3 cell line influenced by mutant CRYAA were next analyzed. Chaperone function of mutant CRYAA was measured by aggregation assay in physiological status, heat treatment (42℃) and ultraviolet (UV) treatment. Cell morphology and protein expression level effected by UV in human lens epithelial B3 (HLE B-3) cells and human anterior lens capsules (ALCs) were further analyzed.
Results

We identified a novel silent mutation in CRYAA (c.249G > A, p.E83E) among 300 ARC patients. CRYAA-E83E may up-regulate the CRYAA expression levels of both mRNA and protein, and change the distribution of CRYAA in HLE B-3 cells. Compared to wild type CRYAA (CRYAA-WT), CRYAA-E83E showed lower chaperone function after 42℃ heat treatment and UV treatment. Meanwhile, after UV treatment, HLE B-3 cells and lens epithelial cells in human ALCs showed irregular and flatten morphology; decreased CRYAA expression levels; increased laminin γ2 expression levels, and changed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein expression levels.
Conclusions

The E83E mutation of CRYAA is a potential pathogenic mutation, considering its influence on the expression level, intracellular distribution and chaperone function of CRYAA.
Anti-IL-23 exerted protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Lichao , Zhou Lichun
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
A randomized controlled trial of a peer-led pain management program for older adults: Baseline characteristics and preliminary results
Authors: Tse Mimi Mun Yee , LI Yajie , Tang Shuk Kwan , Ng Shamay Sheung Mei , Bai Xue , Lee Paul H. , LO Raymond
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic pain is common among nursing home residents and they may have difficulty seeking out pain management strategies. Due to the limitation of healthcare resources, peer support model was proved with promising effect in managing chronic conditions.

Methods

It is a clustered randomized controlled trial. Peer-led pain management program was provided for the experimental group. Pain situation, depression, quality of life, non-drug strategies used and pain knowledge were measured.

Results

Totally 262 participants joined the study. Their overall pain score was 6.36. Leg was the most frequently reported site of pain and walking ability was interfered. Depression was also reported by the participants. The score for quality of life was 32.65 for physical component and 51.58 for mental component. The mean score for pain knowledge was 46.81 out of 100. No significant difference was shown between two groups at baseline.

Discussion

Severe pain intensity and low self-efficacy among the participants indicated it is necessary to provide pain management programs especially for this population. The frequency with strategies applied were significantly correlated with pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and quality of life. Pain knowledge also correlated significantly with some strategies.
Monetary and Fiscal Policy Coordination During the Fiscal Dominance Regimes
Authors: Swamy Vighneswara
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies for the post-liberalization period 2005: Q1–2017: Q1 in India and explores the need for coordination. As quantifying the extent of coordination, mostly depends on the appropriate policy mix that responds effectively to different shocks, this study empirically examines the interaction between monetary and fiscal policy by using Vector Auto Regressions (VAR) and a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Further, this study discusses the Stackelberg interaction model with government leadership to know the strategic interaction between monetary and fiscal policy. The estimates show that an unexpected increase in the monetary policy effect: (i) has a contractionary impact on the economic growth; (ii) leads to a gradual decline in the inflation; (iii) tightens the liquidity conditions; and (iv) rise in the bond yields. On the other hand, an unexpected increase in the fiscal policy effect: (i) has a positive effect on GDP growth; (ii) has an initial decline, but a gradual rise in the inflation levels; and (iii) leads to falling bond yields. Monetary policy is found to be more responsive to fiscal policy effects. The results imply that there is a greater need for effective coordination between monetary and fiscal policy as a sufficient condition to achieve economic stability.JEL Classification: C32; E31; E52; E62; E63
The clinical effects and biomechanical mechanisms of Peony and licorice decoction fumigation in the treatment of poststroke cavovarus foot: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Jing Chengyang , Zhou Li , Ai Juanjuan , Li Zongheng , Wu Jiabao , Sun Yiting , Zhao Shuang
Published: June 2020

Background: As the most common functional disability in stroke patients with hemiplegia, poststroke cavovarus foot (PCF) seriously affects the life quality of patients and causes mental and emotional disorders. Some studies have suggested that the traditional Chinese medicine fumigation therapy could be an effective intervention method for PCF patients. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical effect of the classic prescription Peony and licorice decoction (PLD) fumigation in the treatment of PCF. Methods/Design: This study is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial. A total of 190 patients with PCF according to the inclusion criteria will be recruited in three centers and randomized and distributed to either the intervention group or the control group at a 1:1 ratio. All patients will receive standardized modern rehabilitation treatment according to the “Chinese Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation” (2011 version). Patients will stick to the treatments they used to take, and will be given present general treatment when acute exacerbation of stroke occurs during the trial. The intervention group will receive PLD fumigation treatment, while the control group will receive placebo fumigation treatment. The primary outcome measure is medial plantar area (M1＋M2＋HM) generating from the RSSCAN gait system. The secondary outcome measures contain the scores of clinical scales including Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, Barthel Index, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be implemented at baseline, 4 weeks after intervention and at the end of 3 month’ follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis will be applied in this trial. Discussion: The results of this study are expected to provide detailed interpretations of clinical effects and biomechanical mechanisms of PLD fumigation in the treatment of PCF. If PLD fumigation treatment is confirmed as an effective option, this study may additionally set up the new treatment method for patients with PCF and provide foundations for further clinical studies on a larger scale. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032433. Registered on 28 April 2020.
Long-term Results of Additional Pulmonary Blood Flow With Bidirectional Cavopulmonary Shunt
Authors: Kowatari Ryosuke , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Daitoku Kazuyuki , Fukuda Ikuo
Published: June 2020

Objective: We evaluatedadditional pulmonary blood flowat the time of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt andits effectson the Fontan procedure andlong-term outcome of Fontan circulation and liver function.Methods: We included 22patients (16 boys, 6 girls) having undergonebidirectional cavopulmonary shunt with additional pulmonary blood flow between April 2002 and January 2016. Mean ageand body weight were 20 ±13 monthsand 7.5 ± 6.5 kg, respectively.We retrospectively evaluated the patients'clinical data,including cardiac catheterization data, liver function, and liver fibrosis markers.Results: All patients werealive with a New York Heart Association status of I at the long-term follow-up. Changes between pre-bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and 101 months after the Fontan procedure included the following:the cardiothoracic ratio of chest X-ray decreased from 52.2 ± 3.9% to 41.8 ± 5.9% (p<0.001);systemic ventricle end-diastolic pressure decreased from 11.4±3.2 mmHg to 6.9±3.6mmHg(p<0.001);and the pulmonary artery index decreased from 485.1±272.3 to 269.5 ± 100.5(p=0.02). Type IV collagen, hyaluronic acid, and procollagen levels increased over the normal range 116 months after the Fontan procedure.Conclusions:The additional pulmonary blood flowat the time of bidirectional cavopulmonary shuntmaycontributeto pulmonary arterial growth at the Fontan procedure with low pulmonary arterial resistanceand without ventricle volumeoverload. The Fontan circulation was well-maintained at thelong-term follow-up, while liver fibrosis markerswere above their normal values.
Network Pharmacology Study of Curcuma Longa: Potential Target Proteins and their Functional Enrichment Analysis.
Authors: KUMARI SANGEETA
Published: June 2020

Objective: This study’s primary goal is unraveling the mechanism of action of bioactives of Curcuma longa L. at the molecular level using protein-protein interaction network.Results: We used target proteins to create protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and identified significant node and edge attributes of PPI. To find the function module, we identified the cluster of proteins which were further queried to GO enrichment analysis. Closeness centrality and jaccard score identified as most important node and edge attribute of the protein-protein interaction network respectively. The mapped pathways of various function module of the network were overlapped and showed synergistic mechanism of action. Three most important identified pathways were Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway, Endothelin signaling pathway, and Inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway.
Epidemiology of Diabetes in adults in GanSu province of northwest China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Jing , Guo Tiankang
Published: June 2020

Objective:The purpose of this study was to study the characteristics and distribution of adult diabetes and prediabetes in Gansu province, northwest China.Methods : Using a stratified, cluster and random sampling design, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey in GanSu province of northwest China. A representative sample of 31417 adults, aged 20-74 years, from 14 regions participated in the study. After an overnight fast, a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 75 g glucose load was conducted among participants without a self-reported history of diagnosed diabetes. Questionnaire survey, physical examination and serum lipid level were also conducted in the study. The Epidata version 3.1 and SPSS version 21.0 were used for data inputting and statistics analyzing. Results: The rough prevalence of diabetes in adults in Gansu province of northwest China was 10.6% (12.3% among men and 9.2% among women) and the age-standardized prevalence of diabetes is 9.0%. The prevalence of diagnosed and emerging diabetes was 5.2% and 5.4%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes among Han, Hui, Tibetan, Yugur, Dongxiang nationality and the Baoan nationality were 10.7%, 11.3%, 5.5%, 7.7%, 8.9% and 7.9% respectively. In addition, the prevalence of prediabetes was estimated to be 15.2% (15.7% among men and 14.7% among women). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were 3.5% and 11.6% respectively. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes increased with increasing age and body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of diabetes among urban residents was higher than that among rural residents (11.5% vs. 9.5%) which is different from prediabetes (14.2% vs. 16.3%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, male sex, urban residents, smoking, family history of diabetes, abdominal obesity, overweight, generalized obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, low levels of education, and high level of economic development were significantly associated with diabetes. Simultaneously, age, male sex, rural residents, drinking, abdominal obesity, overweight, general obesity, hypertension and low levels of education were significantly associated with prediabetes. Conclusions: The epidemic situation of diabetes in northwest China's Gansu province is serious. The distribution of diabetes between different sex, age groups and different ethnic groups were significantly different. More than half of the diabetes patients are undiagnosed, which showed the low hospitalizing rate and the lack of public awareness of diabetes.
Assessment of the simultaneous effect of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity with gestational diabetes on the incidence of type 2 diabetes
Authors: zahedi Maryam , Kazemian Elham , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , tohidi Maryam , azizi Fereidoun , Khalili Davood , Rahmati maryam , Amouzegar Atieh
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Despite the evidence available on the adverse effects of gestational diabetes (GDM) and thyroid disorders on developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the concurrent effect of these disorders on the incidence of T2DM has not been reported yet. Methods: At the initiation of the Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS) non-diabetic women aged 20 to 60 years, with a history of at least one term delivery, who met the inclusion criteria (n=1894) were selected. Pooled logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of GDM, thyroid disorders i.e. hypothyroidism (clinical or subclinical) and/or thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity and interaction between GDM and thyroid disorders with the risk of incident T2DM. Results: Of the 1894 participants of the present study, 346 (18.3%) had a history of GDM, and 832 (43.9%) had thyroid disorders. The total cumulative incidence rate of T2DM at the median follow-up time of ~ 12 years was overall 12/1000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 10/1000–13/1000), with an incidence rate of 16/1000 (95%CI: 13/1000–20/1000) in women with GDM; and 11/100,000 (95%CI: 9/100,000–12/1000) among those without GDM. After adjustment for age, the risk of incident T2DM increased among individuals with the previous GDM compared to women without a history of GDM (odds ratio (OR): 1.54, 95%CI: 1.06, 2.25). No significant associations were found between either thyroid disorders or the interaction between GDM and thyroid disorders with the development of T2DM; (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.82, 1.58) and (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 0.66, 2.43), respectively.Conclusion: GDM and thyroid disorders have no concurrent effects on the incidence of T2DM.
The effect of practice toward do-not-resuscitate among Taiwanese nursing staff using path modeling
Authors: Wu Li-Fen , Chang Li-Fang , Hung Yu-Chun , Lin Chin , Tzou Shiow-Jyu , Chou Lin-Ju , Pan Hsueh-Hsing
Published: June 2020

Background: Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) is signed to prevent patients from receiving invalid treatment at the end of life or near death. Nurses play an important role to discuss the DNR with patients or the patients’ family members. However, research focusing on the relationship between the knowledge, attitude and practice of a DNR using path modeling in nursing staff is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of path modeling on the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward DNR among the Taiwanese nursing staff.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive design using a simple random sampling. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice as measured by the DNR inventory (KAP-DNR), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Dispositional Resilience Scale was collected. Participants were 194 nursing staff from a medical center in northern Taiwan in 2019. We performed descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and path modeling using SPSS 22.0 and set p <0.05 as the statistical significance threshold. Results: The results showed that participation in DNR signature and education related to palliative care were positive significant predictors of knowledge towards DNR. The DNR predictors toward attitude included DNR knowledge, mindfulness, self-efficacy, dispositional resilience, and religious belief of nurses. Generally, the key predictors of DNR practice were DNR attitude, dispositional resilience, and male nurses. In path modeling, we identified that self-efficacy, dispositional resilience, master’s degree, and religious belief directly influenced practices constituting DNR. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is proposed that nurses should improve their self-efficacy and dispositional resilience. Encouraging staff to undertake further education and have religious beliefs can improve the practice of DNR and provide better end of life care.
Localization of Epileptic Seizure Focus by Computerized Analysis of fMRI Recordings
Authors: Hekmati Rasoul , Azencott Robert , Zhang Wei , Zili Chu , Paldino Michael
Published: June 2020

By computerized analysis of cortical activity recorded via fMRI for pediatric epilepsy patients, we implement algorithmic localization of epileptic seizure focus within one of eight cortical lobes. Our innovative machine learning techniques involve intensive analysis of large matrices of mutual information coefficients between pairs of anatomically identified cortical regions. Drastic selection of pairs of regions with biologically significant inter-connectivity provides efficient inputs for our Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) classifier. By imposing rigorous parameter parsimony to avoid overfitting we construct a small size MLP with very good percentages of successful classification.
Attitude towards menstruation by female in-school adolescents: A comparative cross-sectional study in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Aluko Olufemi Oludare , Udechukwu Jireh Ngozi , Loto Oluwaseun Anthonia , Orisawayi Ayoola Oluwaniyi , Ojogba Grace Ojodomo , Arowosafe Promise Oluwaseun
Published: June 2020

Background: Menarche and menstruation are natural procedures in a girl’s transition to womanhood. Lack of awareness thereof, before menarche and stigmatizing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) experiences predominate in low resource economies and influences attitude. The study aims to determine and compare the attitude of adolescents attending public and private schools on menstruation and MHM in the study area.Methods: The cross-sectional study recruited 357 respondents, comprising of 177 and 180 female adolescents from public and private schools through a three-stage sampling technique. The study administered a validated, semi-structured questionnaire that was facilitated self-administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics presented results, while binary logistic regression identified predictors of attitude at Pά0.05.Results: Except for religion, other socio-demographic characteristics (age, class, ethnicity, whom adolescents’ lives with, highest education and wealth) were significantly different between public and private schools. However, respondents in public schools were older (15.4±1.75 years) when compared with those attending private schools (14.3±1.18 years). On attitude, negative feelings and openness scales were significantly different between respondents attending public and private schools, while those of positive feelings, menstrual symptoms, acceptance of menarche and living with menstruation were respectively similar at Pα0.05. Overall attitude scale indicated a higher negative rating (87.4) when compared with a positive score (12.6%). With a positive attitude as a reference, ethnicity was the only negative attitude predictor (Pα0.05).Conclusions: Adolescents attending public and private schools have negative attitudes toward menstruation and MHM. Therefore, awareness and puberty education through ethnic constructs, on menstruation and MHM before menarche is indispensable to improve their attitude.
The rare anatomical variant of upper lobe: clinical features of 46 cases with surgical procedure
Authors: shen cheng , che guowei
Published: June 2020

Background

Primary disease in thorax associated with an azygos lobe is extremely rare. It is usually identified incidentally on chest X-ray or CT during health checkups with an incidence of up to 0.2%. This is the first study involving 46 of patients found with azygos lobe in surgery of English literature from January 1931 to October 2018.
Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science databases were searched for full-text literatures met out inclusion criteria. We summarized the clinical data, radiological manifestation, accompanying disease and treatment strategy of all patients.
Results

18 eligible studies involving 46 patients were selected for this research. The mean age was 36.5 years old. There were 26 male patients and 20 female patients and the male to female ratio nearly to 1.3:1. There were many different primary diseases with azygos lobe including lung cancer (n = 8), spontaneous pneumothorax (n = 5), esophageal cancer (n = 1), pulmonary sequestration (n = 1), esophageal atresia (n = 2), hyperhidrosis (n = 29). The azygos lobe (azygos lobe in Figs. 1 and 2) is an uncommon anomaly that is found in 1% of anatomic specimens, on about 0.4% of chest radiographs and 1.2% of high resolution CT. The azygos lobe is a developmental anomaly but not a true accessory lobe. Azygos lobe of all patients was diagnosed during the operation.
Conclusions

Azygos lobe occurs in 0.2% of the population and can make clinical diagnosis difficult. The detection of this anomaly and clarification of its precise anatomical features are important to alert the surgeon to potential problems during surgery.
Resolution of Calcinosis using Bisphosphonates in Overlap Syndrome – A Case Report
Authors: Platter Mitchell , Pugmire Brian , Patel Reshma
Published: June 2020

Background Calcinosis cutis is a common complication of pediatric rheumatologic diseases. However, there is currently no consensus on first-line treatment. Bisphosphonates have been described as successful treatment in several case studies, but most of these cases are limited to patients with isolated juvenile dermatomyositis or systemic sclerosis. Specifically, there are limited reports of their usefulness in treating overlap syndromes and mixed connective tissue disorders.Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 13 year-old girl with overlap syndrome with mostly features of juvenile dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. After 22 months of extensive immunosuppressive therapy, including monthly IVIG, she continued to have pain and weakness of the lower extremities. A CT scan was performed which showed significant multifocal soft tissue calcifications of the pelvis. She was started on treatment with oral alendronate with the goal of improving her calcinosis and improving her symptoms. After several months of therapy, our patient reported subjective improvement of her lower extremity pain and weakness, as well as complete resolution of abnormalities previously seen on physical examination. A repeat CT scan of the pelvis was performed after 11 months of therapy and demonstrated complete resolution of the previously seen calcinosis.Conclusions We report the successful treatment of soft tissue calcinosis with oral bisphosphonates in a patient with juvenile dermatomyositis-systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome. These results provide further evidence that bisphosphonates can be used successfully to treat calcinosis cutis in pediatric rheumatologic disorders. Additionally, the results provide new evidence that they can be used specifically in juvenile dermatomyositis-systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome, which has not been previously reported.
Prevalence of HIV infection among foreign applicant to residency in Shanghai, China, 2005-2016
Authors: Qin Jia , Xia Jing , Zhu Peiqin , Zhou Ru
Published: June 2020

Background

Shanghai is an international city which has high proportion of entry travelers from all over the world. The HIV(human immunodeficiency virus)infection status of this population can reflect the global trend of HIV prevalence. Thus, a retrospective epidemic investigation was conducted to clarify the prevalence and characteristics of HIV infection among entry travelers who apply to residency in Shanghai.

Methods

Totally 50830 entry travelers who applied to residency in Shanghai(2005-2016)were included. The HIV infection rate was confirmed based on the detection of HIV-1 antibody.

Results

Among all the recruited entry travelers, 245 persons were determined HIV positive with infection rate of 0.48%. The detection rate of HIV in male was significantly higher than that in female (χ 2 =62.584, P <0.0001). Those aged 18-30 years, 31-40 years and >40years accounted for 34.3%, 39.6% and 26.1% of the infected population. There was no increase in trend of HIV prevalence rates among the sampling years (Cochran-Armitage Z=2.543, P=0.111). Proportions of individuals infected through homosexual transmission increased over the study period (Cochran-Armitage Z=5.41, P<0.001), while the proportion infected through heterosexual declined over time (Cochran-Armitage Z=3.38, P =0.001).

Conclusion

The rate and characteristics of HIV infection among foreign applicant to residency in Shanghai were clarified in the study. The results would have provided the necessary epidemiological data for monitoring the HIV epidemic among entry international travelers and to further contribute to the establishment of relevant policies and regulations for HIV control and prevention.