bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Case with de novo 24 Mb Duplication of Chromosome 11p15.5-14.3
Authors: Jiang Huling , Ping Zepeng , Wang Jianguo , Liu Xiaodan , Jin Yuxia , Li Suping , Zhou Chiyan , Huang Pinghua , Jin Yi , Ai Ling , Chen Jie
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMolecular genetic testing for the 11p15-associated imprinting disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome(BWS) is challenging because of the molecular heterogeneity and complexity of the affected imprinted regions. An accurate diagnosis of BWS requires a complete molecular method to analyze epigenetic changes.Case presentationWe reported a Chinese case with BWS detected by SNP array analysis and methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA). The genetic analysis showed a de nove duplication of 24 Mb at 11p15.5-14.3 is much longer than ever reported. MS-MLPA showed copy number changes with a peak height ratio value of 1.5(three copies) at 11p15. The duplication of paternal origin withincrease of methylation index of 0.68 at H19 and decreased methylation index of 0.37 at KCNQ1OT1.ConclusionCombined chromosome microarray analysis and methylation profiling provided reliable diagnosis for this paternally derived duplication of BWS. The phenotype associated with 11p15 duplications depends on the size, genetic content, parental inheritance and imprinting status. Identification of these rare duplications is crucial for genetic counselling.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Longitudinal Dementia Education Programme into Undergraduate Healthcare Curricula: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Feeney Yvonne Anne , Daley Stephanie , Flaherty Breda , Banerjee Sube
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAs worldwide prevalence of dementia rises, there are international calls for improved knowledge and awareness about the condition across the healthcare workforce. There are concerns that traditional models of healthcare education, which focus on short-term episodes of care limits student understanding of long-term conditions. This has led to the introduction of the Time for Dementia programme at five Universities in the UK. Through longitudinal contact with families living with dementia, healthcare students gain increased understanding about the experiences of living with dementia. However, implementing new educational models brings challenges. To enable implementation of similar models by other educational institutions, this study aimed to identify the common barriers and facilitators of implementing a longitudinal programme at scale. MethodsTwelve in-depth semi-structured interviews were completed between October and December 2018 with participants that had experience implementing the Time for Dementia programme. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis identified five key themes important to implementation. These were: 1) leadership, 2) organisational buy-in, 3) perceived value, 4) team coalition, and 5) time and fit. Implementation of the programme was enhanced by resilient leaders managing the challenges of curricular change. Their belief in the value of the programme, stakeholder buy-in, and supportive team working enabled challenges to be overcome. Workload reduced and student buy-in increased as time progressed and as more resources became available. A flexible approach to implementation was recommended to ensure the programme fits within the established curriculum. Conclusion Curricular change is a challenging task, yet a necessary endeavour to meet high quality educational standards. This study highlights the common barriers and facilitators experienced when implementing a longitudinal educational programme at scale. The findings presented in this study can be used by other educational institutions to manage curricular change efforts.
Number of Nonmetastatic Lymph Nodes With a Positive Impact on Survival of Stage III Colon Cancer; a Retrospective Observation Study for Right Side and Left Side Colon.
Authors: Kuo Yi-Hung , You Jeng-Fu , Hung Hsin-Yuan , Chin Chih-Chien , Chiang Jy-Ming , Chang Chia-Hao
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe purpose was to examine the effect of nonmetastatic lymph nodes number (NLN) on survival in stage III colon cancer. To reduce the interference of acute inflammation, we included patients with stage III colon cancer who had undergone elective surgery and excluded those who had tumor perforation, obstruction, ischemia, or massive tumor bleeding.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 2244 patients with stage III colon cancer between 1995 and 2016 at a single center. The effect of NLN on 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS), 5-year overall survival (OS), and comparison of multivariate factors was assessed according to tumor locations.ResultsThe two optimal cutoff values of NLN for proximal and distal colon, namely 27 and 12, were determined by plotting the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. Overall, 499 of 891 and 1020 of 1353 patients with right-side and left-side colon cancer, respectively, had high NLN. In right-side colon cancer, patients with high NLN (≥ 27) had superior OS (74.9% vs. 62.7%, P< 0.001) and RFS (75.0% vs. 61.9%, P< 0.001) than did those with low NLN. Moreover, in left-side colon cancer, patients with high NLN (≥12) experienced significantly superior OS (80.8% vs. 68.6%, P< 0.001) and RFS (77.3% vs. 66.2%, P< 0.001) than did those with low NLN. Among the different subgroups of stage III colon cancer, the high NLN group showed significantly superior RFS and OS in stage IIIB (RFS: 77.0% vs. 68.0%, P= 0.001; OS: 78.6% vs. 67.9%, P< 0.001) and IIIC (RFS: 58.2% vs. 44.1%, P= 0.001; OS: 65.7% vs. 51.1%, P< 0.001) colon cancer. However, in stage IIIA colon cancer, high NLN only showed survival benefit in OS (91.5% vs. 89.8%, P= 0.041). Multivariate analyses confirmed that high NLN, high carcinoembryonic antigen (≥ 5ng/mL) level, and stage IIIC status are three independent prognostic factors in both the proximal and distal colon.ConclusionsNLN is a crucial prognostic factor for stage III colon cancer in various tumor locations or in the subgroups of stage III disease. In advanced stage III colon cancer, the importance of NLN and its role in anti-cancer immune response could be highlighted.
Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes Between Transthoracic and Robot-Assisted Transmediastinal Radical Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Yoshimura Shuntaro , Mori Kazuhiko , Ri Motonari , Aikou PhD Susumu , Yagi Koichi , Yamagata Yukinori , Nishida Masato , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe present study aimed to assess the lower invasiveness of robot-assisted transmediastinal radical esophagectomy. We prospectively compared this procedure and the transthoracic esophagectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, serum cytokine levels, and respiratory function after surgery for esophageal cancer.MethodsPatients who underwent a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy between April 2015 and March 2017 were included. The perioperative outcomes, preoperative and postoperative serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels, and respiratory function measured preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively were compared in patients with a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy and those with a transthoracic esophagectomy.ResultsSixty patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled. The transmediastinal esophagectomy group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.002) and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (p<0.0002). The serum IL-6 levels on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were significantly lower in the transmediastinal esophagectomy group (p=0.005, 0.0007, 0.022, 0.020, respectively). In the transmediastinal esophagectomy group, the serum IL-8 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery and on postoperative day 1 (p=0.003, 0.001, respectively) while the serum IL-10 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery (p=0.041). The reduction in vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume at 1.0s six months after surgery was significantly greater in the transthoracic esophagectomy group (p<0.0001 for all four measurements).ConclusionsThis prospective study demonstrated that robot-assisted transmediastinal radical esophagectomy can be a minimally invasive surgical procedure for use in radical surgery for esophageal cancer.Trial registrationsThis trial was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000017565 14/05/2015). https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000020358
Association between Sleep duration and Incidence of type 2 Diabetes in China
Authors: Liu Hongzhou , Wang Anping , Wen Junping , Mu Yimin , Dou Jingtao , Gu Weijun , Zang Li , Zhang Saichun , Lyu Zhaohui , Chen Gang
Published: December 2020

Objective: We assess the relationship between night sleep duration and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in China.Methods: We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of type 2 diabetes among 11,539 participants at baseline from the REACTION cohort.Results: Compared to people who sleep for 7-8 h/night, people with a longer sleep duration (≥9 hours/night) had a greater risk of type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio [OR] 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]1.01–1.61), while shorter sleep (<6 h/night) had no significant difference. When the dataset was stratified based on selected covariates, the association between type 2 diabetes and long sleep duration became more evident among individuals < 65 years of age, male, body mass index<24 or with hypertension or hyperlipidemia, no interaction effects were observed. Furthermore, compared to people persistently sleeping 7–9 h/night, those who persistently slept ≥9 h/night had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The optimal sleep duration was 6.3-7.5 h/night.Conclusion: Short or Long sleep duration were associated with a high risk of type 2 diabetes. Persistently long sleep duration increased the risk. The optimal sleep duration was 6.3-7.5 hours/night.
Using Real-world data to Estimate the Changing Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Xiamen of China,2014-2019
Authors: He Weiwei , Xu Qiushi , Han Lili , Wu Ting , Shi Xiulin , Ye Lishan , Yao Guanhua , Li Xuejun
Published: December 2020

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Our study aimed to estimate the changing trends in the prevalence and incidence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Xiamen residents and the floating population using real-world data. Method: We used real-world data from the System of Xiamen Citizens Health Information from 2014 to 2019 to estimate the changing trends in prevalence and incidence of diagnosed T2DM. The systems included the diagnosis of diabetes and the prescription of hypoglycemic drugs. Prevalent cases of T2DM were individuals who diagnosed T2DM and/or using hypoglycemic drugs. Incident cases were individuals with diagnosed T2DM and/or using hypoglycemic drugs in 2014 who had not diagnosed and/or no used one in the past. Results: In 2014 and 2019, the prevalence of T2DM in Xiamen was 4.04% and 4.84%, respectively. In 2014 and 2019, the incidence of T2DM in Xiamen was 1.41% and 1.50%, respectively. There was an increase significant in the total of the prevalence and incidence of T2DM in Xiamen (0.80% (95% CI 0.76%-0.83%, P <0.001; 0.09% (95% CI 0.07-0.11), P<0.001, respectively). The prevalence and incidence of T2DM in people aged 18-39 increased significantly, while the prevalence and incidence of T2DM in people aged 40-69 reduced significantly. Conclusions: We found that there was an increasingly significant in the total of the prevalence and incidence of T2DM in Xiamen from 2014 to 2019. The prevalence and incidence of T2DM in Xiamen were significantly increased and showed a trend of younger age.
Polarization-Insensitive Dielectric Metamaterials Absorber for Near-Unity UV-Light Trapping in Monolayer Graphene
Authors: Xie Yinong , Liu Xueying , Cai Yijun , Zhu Jinfeng
Published: December 2020

With the aim of improving UV light trapping capability in monolayer graphene, a metamaterials absorber is proposed, which exhibits the polarization-insensitive feature due to the geometrical symmetry. Through the functional combination of magnetic resonance and UV mirror, the absorption of unpolarized UV light in monolayer graphene can reach 99.5% under normal incidence. The absorption enhancement is induced by the magnetic resonance mode between the dielectric silica nanomesh and the calcium fluoride base layer. The effects of geometric parameters on the absorption spectra are systematically investigated. By optimizing the metamaterials design, two distinct resonant absorption peaks can be excited simultaneously for monolayer graphene. Our work paves the way for applications on high-performance UV metamaterials devices by using two-dimensional materials.
Analysis of Perovskite Oxides Etching Using Argon Inductively Coupled Plasmas for Photonics Applications
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Cheung Eric Jun Hao , Cao Yu , Pan Jisheng , Danner Aaron J.
Published: December 2020

We analyzed the dry etching of perovskite oxides using argon-based inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) for photonics applications. Various chamber conditions and their effects on etching rates have been demonstrated based on Z-cut lithium niobate (LN). The measured results are predictable and repeatable and can be applied to other perovskite oxides, such as X-cut LN and barium titanium oxide (BTO). The surface roughness is better for both etched LN and BTO compared with their as-deposited counterparts as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods have been used for surface chemical component comparisons, qualitative and quantitative, and no obvious surface state changes are observed according to the measured results. An optical waveguide fabricated with the optimized argon-based ICP etching was measured to have -3.7 dB/cm loss near 1550 nm wavelength for Z-cut LN, which validates this kind of method for perovskite oxides etching in photonics applications.
A Novel Risk Classification Model Predicts Overall Survival and Locoregional Surgery Benefit in Colorectal Patients with Distant Metastasis at the Initial Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Mo , Li Tian-en , Du Pei-zhun , Pan Junjie , Wang Zheng , Huang Dayu , Wang Xuan
Published: December 2020

Background and aims: In this research, we aimed to construct a risk classification model to predict overall survival (OS) and locoregional surgery benefit in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with distant metastasis.Methods: We selected a cohort consisting of 12741 CRC patients diagnosed with distant metastasis between 2010 and 2014, from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were randomly assigned into training group and validation group at the ratio of 2:1. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were applied to screen independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was constructed and assessed by the Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots. A novel risk classification model was further established based on the nomogram.Results: Ultimately 12 independent risk factors including race, age, marriage, tumor site, tumor size, grade, T stage, N stage, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, lung metastasis and liver metastasis were identified and adopted in the nomogram. The C-indexes of training and validation groups were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.81) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.72-0.78), respectively. The risk classification model stratified patients into three risk groups (low-, intermediate- and high-risk) with divergent median OS (low-risk: 36.0 months, 95% CI 34.1-37.9; intermediate-risk: 18.0 months, 95% CI 17.4-18.6; high-risk: 6.0 months, 95% CI 5.3-6.7). Locoregional therapies including surgery and radiotherapy could prognostically benefit patients in the low-risk group (surgery: hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.50-0.71; radiotherapy: HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98) and intermediate risk group (surgery: HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.54-0.68; radiotherapy: HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95), but not in the high-risk group (surgery: HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.82-1.29; radiotherapy: HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.81-1.31). And all risk groups could benefit from systemic therapy (low-risk: HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.80; intermediate-risk: HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.47-0.54; high-risk: HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.40-0.53).Conclusion: A novel risk classification model predicting prognosis and locoregional surgery benefit of CRC patients with distant metastasis was established and validated. This predictive model could be further utilized by physicians and be of great significance for medical practice.
Assemble Flavone of Rhizoma Drynariae Promotes Differentiation of Osteoblasts and Growth of Bone Graft in Induced Membrane Partly by Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Shuyuan , zhou Hongliang , Hu Chenghu , Yang Jiabao , Li Yue , Li Zige , Ye Jinfei , Zhou Yuexi , Zhou Qishi
Published: December 2020

Background: Assemble Flavone of Rhizoma Drynariae (AFRD) is not only the extract of Rhizoma Drynariae, but also the effective component of Qianggu capsule, which is widely used in the treatment of fracture, bone defect, osteoporosis and other orthopedic diseases, and has achieved good results. Purpose of this trial was to explore effects of AFRD on bone graft mineralization and osteoblast differentiation in Masquelet induced membrane in rats.Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10-12 weeks were randomLy divided into AFRD group (n=10) and control group (n=10). Critical-sized defects model of rats was established with 10 rats in each group. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was implanted into the defect of femur in rats. After the formation of the induced membrane, autogenous bone was implanted into the induced membrane. After 10 weeks of bone grafting, bone tissue in the bone graft area was examined by X-ray, Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to evaluate the growth of the bone graft. Serums of the two groups of rats were extracted respectively, and these serums were used to culture osteoblasts in vitro. CKK8 method, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Western blot and RT-PCR and other methods were used to evaluate the effects of AFRD on the proliferation of osteoblasts and the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.Results: In vivo experiment showed that the growth and mineralization effect of bone graft in AFRD group was better. In vitro experiment showed that osteoblasts proliferated faster, ALP activity was higher, number of mineralized nodules was more, and expression of proteins related to Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway and osteogenesis were more in AFRD group.Conclusions: AFRD can promote mineralization of bone graft and differentiation of osteoblasts during the bone graft growth period of induced membrane technique, which is related to the activation of Wnt/ β-catenin signal pathway.
Investigating Psychometric Properties of the Arm Activity Measure – Thai Version (ArmA-TH) Sub-Scales Using the Rasch Model
Authors: Buntragulpoontawee Montana , Khunachiva Jeeranan , Euawongyarti Patreeya , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Kaewma Atcharee , Ashford Stephen
Published: December 2020

Background: This study investigated the ArmA-TH measurement properties based on item response theory, using the Rasch model. Methods: Patients with upper limb hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular and other brain disorders were asked to completed the ArmA-TH questionnaire. Rasch analysis was performed to test how well the ArmA-TH passive and active function sub-scales fit the Rasch model by investigating unidimensionality, response category functioning, reliability of the person and item, and differential item functioning (DIF) for age, sex and education. Results: Participants had stroke or other acquired brain injury (n=185) and the majority were men 126(68.1%), with a mean age of 55(SD 22). Most patients 91(49.2%) graduated elementary/primary school. For the ArmA-TH passive function scale, all items had acceptable fit statistics. The scale’s unidimensionality, and local independence were supported. The reliability was acceptable. Disordered threshold was found in five items, none was DIF. For the ArmA-TH active function scale, one item was misfitting and three were locally dependent. The reliability was good. DIF was not found. All items had disordered thresholds, and data fitted the Rasch model better after rescoring.Conclusions: Both sub-scales of ArmA-TH fitted the Rasch model, and are valid and reliable. The disordered thresholds should be further investigated.
Potential Benefits of a Selective Region High-frequency Diathermy with Therapeutic Exercises on Older Persons with Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ha SinHo , Lee GyuChang
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Long-term Exposure of High Concentration Silver Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity, Fatality, Bioaccumulation, and Histological Alteration in Common Carp Fish (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Kakakhel Mian Adnan , Wu Fasi , Sajjad Wasim , Zhang Qi , Khan Ikram , Ullah Kalim , Wang Wanfu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCurrently, nanotechnology and nanoparticles have been quickly emerged and have gained the attention of scientists due to its massive applications in environmental sectors. However, these environmental applications of silver nanoparticles potentially cause serious effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In the current study, freshwater fish C. carpio were exposed to blood mediated AgNPs for toxicity, mortality, bioaccumulation, and histological alterations. Silver nanoparticles were fabricated using animal blood serum and their toxic effect was studied against common carp fish at different concentrations level (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 mg/L).ResultsThe findings have revealed a little effect of blood induced silver nanoparticles (B-AgNPs) on fish behavior at the highest concentration (0.09 mg/L). However, bioaccumulation of B-AgNPs was reported in different organs of fish. Maximum bioaccumulation of B-AgNPs was reported in the liver, followed by intestine, gills, and muscles. Furthermore, the findings have showed that the B-AgNPs bioaccumulation led to histopathological alterations including damage structure of gills tissue and caused necrosis. It is summarized that histopathological alteration in gills and intestine mostly occurred at the highest concentration of B-AgNPs (0.09 mg/L). ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the AgNPs influence on aquatic life; however, further systematic studies are crucial to access the effects of AgNPs on aquatic life.
Occurrence of Emerging Contaminants of Plant Origin in River Waters from Vejle, Denmark
Authors: Nanusha Mulatu Yohannes , Krauss Martin , Soerensen Bettina Gro , Schulze Tobias , Strobel Bjarne W. , Brack Werner
Published: December 2020

Background: A large number of chemicals are constantly introduced to surface water from anthropogenic and natural sources. So far, unlike anthropogenic pollutants, naturally occurring compounds are not included in environmental monitoring programs due to limited knowledge on their occurrence and effects in the environment. Since first studies suggest that natural compounds might contribute to mixture risks in aquatic ecosystems and for drinking water production, there is a need to increase empirical evidence on the occurrence of these compounds in aquatic systems. To this end, we performed target screening on 160 toxic secondary plant metabolites (PSMs), prioritized in silico for their likelihood of occurrence, persistence, toxicity and mobility in river waters, using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The samples were collected during rain events from three Danish rivers from an area covered by grassland, forest and agricultural crops. Results: In total, 27 targets belonging to different compound classes such as alkaloids, coumarins and flavonoids were detected, among them 12 compounds, which have not been reported in surface waters before. The most prominent compound class was the group of alkaloids with 41 % of the detected targets, many of them detected in more than 80 % of the samples. Individual compound concentrations were up to several hundred ng/L with the neurotoxic alkaloid coniine from poison hemlock and the flavonoid daidzein reaching highest maximum concentrations. Conclusions: The measured natural toxin concentrations are well within the range of those of synthetic environmental contaminants and need to be considered for the assessment of potential risks on aquatic organisms and drinking water production.
Four Cases of Completion Lobectomy for Locally Relapsed Lung Cancer after Segmentectomy
Authors: Suzuki Shigeki , Asakura Keisuke , Masai Kyohei , Kaseda Kaoru , Hishida Tomoyuki , Asamura Hisao
Published: December 2020

Background: Although completion lobectomy is the treatment of choice for local recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer after segmentectomy, few cases have been reported. We report four patients who underwent completion lobectomies for staple line recurrence after segmentectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Case presentation: Three women aged 65, 82, and 81 years underwent completion lower lobectomy after superior segmentectomy of the same lobe for local recurrence of stage I non-small cell lung cancer. A 67-year-old man, who had a tumor recurrence on the staple line after apical segmentectomy with superior mediastinal nodal dissection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer, underwent completion right upper lobectomy. These four patients underwent segmentectomy because of comorbidities or advanced age. Local recurrence was confirmed by computed tomography-guided needle biopsy. The interval between the two operations was 37, 39, 41, and 16 months, respectively. Although minimal hilar adhesion was seen for the three completion lower lobectomies, tight adhesions after apical segmentectomy made completion right upper lobectomy quite difficult to dissect, which led to injury of the superior pulmonary vein. No recurrence was recorded after completion lobectomies for 62, 70, 67, and 72 months, respectively.Conclusions: Although completion lobectomy is one of the most difficult modes of resection, among several completion lobectomies, completion lower lobectomy after superior segmentectomy without superior mediastinal nodal dissection was relatively easy to perform because of fewer hilar adhesions.
Successful Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric Lymphangioma Under the Intraoperative Guidance of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging: A Case Report
Authors: Umino Ryosuke , Urabe Masayuki , Ohkura Yu , Yago Akikazu , Haruta Shusuke , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi
Published: December 2020

Background: Gastric lymphangioma (GLA) is an extremely rare tumor without an established therapeutic strategy. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment, although there is a high risk of local recurrence if negative margins are not achieved. Thus, it would be useful to develop tools and strategies to achieve safe and complete resection. We describe our experience with the first case involving GLA resection under the intraoperative guidance of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging, which allowed us to achieve limited but complete resection with negative margins.Case Presentation: A 51-year-old Japanese man with a history of alcoholic liver disease underwent routine abdominal ultrasonography, which incidentally detected a 20-mm tumor adjacent to the lesser curvature of the stomach. The mass was suspected to be GLA based on its polycystic appearance. After a 16-month monitoring period, the patient was referred to our hospital for further assessment because of tumor growth and involvement of the left gastric artery. We selected surgical resection to facilitate a pathological diagnosis and treatment of potential invasion to the surrounding organs. Intraoperative use of a ICG navigation system revealed lymphatic drainage from the tumor, which we used to help determine the optimal excision line and minimize the loss of gastric volume. Pathological examination confirmed complete resection with negative margins and supported a diagnosis of lymphangioma.Conclusions: We performed laparoscopic radical resection of GLA under guidance from intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging, which allowed us to maximize residual gastric volume. Although further cases are needed to validate this strategy, it may be useful for guiding the resection of GLA.
Blood Meal Sources and Feeding Behavior of Anophelines Mosquitoes in Bure District, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Adugna Tilahun Wassie , Yewhelew Delensaw - , Degaga Emana -
Published: December 2020

Background: Mosquito blood meal sources determine their own feeding rates, adult survival, fecundity, hatching rates, and developmental times. The only female Anopheles mosquito takes blood meals from humans, birds, mammals, or other vertebrate animals for egg development. Studies of host preference patterns in blood-feeding anopheline mosquitoes are crucial to incriminating malaria vectors. However, the human blood index, foraging ration, and host preference index of anophelines mosquitoes were not known so far in Bure district Ethiopia.Methods: The origin of blood meals from all freshly fed and a few half-gravid exophagic and endophagic females collected using the center for disease control and prevention light trap catches were identified as human and bovine using Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay. Human blood index, forage ratio, and host feeding index were calculated.Results: A total of 617 specimens belonging to An. arabiensis (n = 209), An. funestus (n= 217), An. coustani (n= 123), An. squamosus (n= 54) and An. cinereus (n= 14) were only analyzed for blood ELISA. 577 of the overall specimens were positives for blood antigens of the host bloods. All anopheline mosquitoes assayed for blood meal sources had extremity mixed blood meals sources than single blood meals. The FR for a human was slightly > 1.0 than bovine for all Anopheles species. HFI for each pair of vertebrate hosts revealed that humans was a bit preferred blood meal source to bovine for all species (except An. squamosus), but did not exhibit a marked host selection.Conclusions: All assayed anopheline mosquitoes for blood meal ELISA had a mixed feed which tends to diminish the density of gametocytes in the mosquito stomach, thereby reducing the chance of fertilization of the female gamete and reduce the chances of malaria vector becoming infected. Moreover, An. coustani was the only species that had only human blood meal alone mean that this species has a potential to transmit the disease. Therefore, combination zooprophylaxis should be reinforced as a means of vector control because the study sites are mixed dwelling.
A Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Specific Detection of Hammondia Hammondi and Its Differentiation from Toxoplasma Gondii
Authors: Schares Gereon , Vrhovec Majda Globokar , Tuschy Mareen , Joeres Maike , Bärwald Andrea , Koudela Bretislav , Dubey Jitender P. , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Hammondia hammondi and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related protozoan parasites, but only T. gondii is zoonotic . Both species use felids as definitive hosts and cannot be differentiated by oocyst morphology. In T. gondii, a 529 bp repetitive element (TgREP-529) is of utmost diagnostic importance for PCR diagnostic tests. We identified a similar repetitive region in the H. hammondi genome (HhamREP-529).Material and Methods: Based on reported sequences, primers and probes were selected in silico and optimal primer probe combinations were explored, also by including previously published primers. The analytical sensitivity was tested using serial dilutions of oocyst DNA. For testing analytical specificity, DNA isolated from several related species were used as controls. The newly established TaqMan PCR (Hham-qPCR1) was applied to tissues collected from H. hammondi-infected gamma-interferon knockout (GKO) mice at varying time points post infection. Results: Ten forward and six reverse primers were tested in varying combinations. Four potentially suitable dual-labelled probes were selected. One set based on the primer pair (Hham275F, Hham81R) and the probe (Hham222P) yielded optimal results. In addition to excellent analytic specificity, the assay revealed an analytical sensitivity of genome equivalents of less than 1 oocyst. Investigation of the tissue distribution in GKO mice revealed the presence of parasite DNA in all examined organs, but to a varying extent suggesting 100- to 10.000-fold differences in parasitic loads between tissues in the chronic state of infection, 42 days post infection. Discussion: The use of the 529 bp repeat of H. hammondi is suitable for establishing a quantitative real-time PCR assay because this repeat probably exists about 200-times in the genome of a single organism, like its counterpart in T. gondii. Although there was enough sequence data available, only few of the primers predicted in silico revealed sufficient amplification; the identification of a suitable probe was also difficult. This is in accord with our previous observations on considerable variability in the 529 bp repetitive element of H. hammondi.Conclusions: The H. hammondi real-time PCR represents an important novel diagnostic tool for epidemiological and cell-biological studies on this and related parasites.
Do Contributing Factors for Health Inequality Really Indicate Worse Conditions Among Upper Non-manual Workers than Among Lower Non-manual and Manual Workers in Korea?: A Cross-sectional Study Using a Nationally Representative Survey Data of Korea
Authors: Noh Eunjeong , Khang Young-Ho
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite the consensus that higher occupational classes tend to have better health and lower mortality rates, a previous study reported reversed occupational gradients in mortality rates among Korean men after the economic crisis in the late 2000s. This study investigated occupational gradients in socioeconomic position and multiple pathway indicators known to affect mortality.Methods: We used data from 4,176 men aged 35–64 in Korea, derived from the 2007-2009 and 2013-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, to compare the age-standardized prevalence and age-adjusted mean value of each contributing factor to health inequality among occupational groups, which were divided into upper non-manual workers, lower non-manual workers, manual workers, and others. Contributing factors included childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position indicators, biological risk factors, health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and work environment.Results: Upper non-manual workers had prominently higher levels of education, income, parental education, and economic activity than lower non-manual and manual workers. The rates of smoking and high-risk alcohol consumption were lower in the non-manual classes, and the rate of weight control activities was higher. Depression and suicidal ideation levels were lower and perceptions of the work environment were better among non-manual workers than among their manual counterparts.Conclusions: This study confirmed occupational inequality in a wide range of socioeconomic positions and pathway indicators in Korea, with consistently favorable patterns for upper non-manual workers. These occupational gradients do not support the previously reported reversed pattern of higher mortality in non-manual groups than in the manual job class in Korea.
Redistributing Ill-defined Causes of Death – A Case Study from the Burden 2020-Project in Germany
Authors: Wengler Annelene , Gruhl Heike , Plaß Dietrich , Leddin Janko , Rommel Alexander , Lippe Elena von der
Published: December 2020

Background The cause of death statistics in Germany include a relatively high share (26% in 2017) of ill-defined deaths (IDD). To make use of the cause of death statistics for Burden of Disease calculations we redistribute those IDD to valid causes of death.Methods The process of proportional redistribution is described in detail. It makes use of the distribution of the valid ICD-codes in the data. We use examples of stroke, diabetes, and heart failure to illustrate how IDD are reallocated. ResultsThe largest increases for both women and men can be found for lower respiratory infections, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. The numbers of deaths for these causes more than double after redistribution. ConclusionThis is the first comprehensive redistribution of IDD within the German cause of death statistics. Performing a redistribution is necessary, otherwise there would be an underreporting of certain causes of death or large numbers of deaths coded to residual or unspecific codes.
Spatial Clustering of Maternal Health Services Utilization and Its Associated Factors in Tanzania: Evidence From Tanzania Demographic Health Survey 2015-16
Authors: Assenga Blanka Thobias , Msengwa Amina Suleiman , Mbago Maurice Chakusaga
Published: December 2020

Background: Maternal healthcare services are major component for the health outcomes of the pregnant woman in making sure the deaths of mother and child are prohibited. This study aimed to examine the spatial clustering of maternal health care services utilization and the associated factors in Tanzania.Methods: The study utilized the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey 2015-16 data. The study carried out to 7,013 women aged between 15 and 49 years who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey. Spatial analysis was done using the Bernoulli model through Kullodorff scan statistics, and multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors of maternal health services utilization Results: Spatial variations of antenatal care visit and delivery care across the regions was observed. Spatial scan statistic identified high utilization performing cluster for antenatal care centroid in Morogoro Region [RR=1.67, p<0.001] and low utilization in Kaskazini Pemba Region [RR=0.38, p<0.001]. For delivery care utilization, high utilization was observed in Mtwara Region [RR=1.83, p<0.001] and low utilization in Kigoma Region [RR=0.41, P<0.001]. Utilization of antenatal and delivery care services was higher among women from the richest households, with fewer children, living in urban areas and had acquired a higher education level. Conclusion: Results permit more insight into the differences in maternal health service utilization in relation to demographic characteristics in the country. In addition, findings highlight areas with low utilization performing clusters. Such finds are beneficial in the implementation of policy and intervention to expand maternal health care uptake in cross the regions.
Genome-wide Identification and Expression Profiling Analysis of WOX Family Proteins Encoded Genes in Triticeae Plant Species
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Ke , Du Lipu , Song Yuxia , Li Huihui , Ye Xingguo
Published: December 2020

Background: Genotype dependence of plant regeneration is an important factor restricting the genetic improvement of Triticeae plant species. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) is a group of plant specific transcription factor, which play an important role in plant growth and development, and cell division and differentiation. Recent studies revealed that the application of regeneration-related genes such as WOX and BABY BOOM (BBM) could improve plant regeneration. The application of WOX genes is one of the ways to improve the genetic transformation system of Triticeae and other species, but there are rare studies in this area.Results: From the available genome sequence database, in total 136 WOX transcripts were identified for the Triticeae plants, including 43 in Triticum aestivum, 30 in Triticum turgidum, 25 in Triticum dicoccoides, 17 in Hordeum vulgare, 13 in Aegilops tauschii, and 8 in Triticum urartu. All of the WOX family genes were distributed on the chromosomes of homologous groups 1 to 5 in the six Triticeae species, part of which were confirmed by their specific PCR markers using a set of T. durum-T. aestivum genome D substitution lines. All of the WOX proteins in the six Triticeae species could be grouped into three clades, similar to those in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis. WOX family members were conserved among these Triticeae plants, all of them contained the conserved HOX DNA-binding homeodomain, and WUS clade members contained the characteristic WUS motif, while only TaWUS and TaWOX9 in all the six Triticeae plant species contained the ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif. The expression profiles of TaWOX genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed obvious difference among WOX family members.Conclusions: Totally 130 WOX genes were identified in the six Triticeae plant species. The WOX family genes were located on the chromosomes in the five homologous groups except groups 6 and 7 in the Triticeae species, and their expression profiles were different in different tissues, indicating that each of them had diverse function. The findings in this study could provide a basis for evolution and functional investigation and practical application of the WOX family genes in Triticeae plant species.
Analysis of Oral Microbial Dysbiosis Associated With Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Zheng Hui , Xie Teng-Fei , Li Shao-Kai , Qiao Xiao-Tong , Feng Yan , Lu You-Guang
Published: December 2020

Background: "Core microbes" play a key role in the development of caries and lead to microflora disorders. Our goal was to detect the core microbes associated with the microbial flora imbalance in early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: Fifteen caries-free children and fifteen high-caries (DMFT≥10) children aged 4-6 years old were recruited according to the diagnostic criteria of caries suggested by the WHO. The 16S rRNA genes from plaque samples loaded in saliva were amplified by PCR, and the PCR products were sequenced by the Illumina Miseq platform. The sequencing results were analyzed by professional software to determine the composition and structure of the saliva microorganisms.Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the relative abundance of S. mutans (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding other species or functional genes. Conclusion: Neither unique microbes leading to early caries in deciduous teeth nor characteristics of a microbial community with a disordered structure were found. Some microorganisms related to dental caries in young children were found, but whether these microbes were truly related or were false positives requires further verification.
Random forest classification for predicting lifespan-extending chemical compounds
Authors: Kapsiani Sofia , Howlin Brendan James
Published: December 2020

Ageing is a major risk factor for many conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmaceutical interventions that slow down ageing and delay the onset of age-related diseases are a growing research area. The aim of this study was to build a machine learning model based on the data of the DrugAge database to predict whether a chemical compound will extend the lifespan of the worm species Caenorhabditis elegans. Five predictive models were built using the random forest algorithm with molecular fingerprints and/or molecular descriptors as features. Feature selection was achieved using variation and mutual information-based methods. The best performing classifier, built using molecular descriptors, achieved an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.815 for classifying the compounds in the test set. The features of the model were ranked using the Gini importance measure of the random forest algorithm. The top 30 most important features included descriptors related to atom and bond counts, topological and partial charge properties. The model was applied to predict the class of compounds in an external database, consisting of 1,738 small-molecules. The chemical compounds of the screening database with a predictive probability of ≥ 0.80 for increasing the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans were broadly separated into (i) flavonoids, (ii) fatty acids and conjugates, and (iii) organooxygen compounds.
A Personalized Nutrition Plan Improves Outcomes of Facial Regeneration With Platelet-rich Fibrin Liquid Matrixes
Authors: Nacopoulos Cleopatra , Vlastos I M , Vesala Anna-Maria , Lazou Evgenia , Chaniotis Dimitrios , Gkouskou Kalliopi
Published: December 2020

Background: The importance of nutrition in the prevention of skin ageing has been shown by large observational studies. Despite this fact, there are no studies assessing dietary changes as adjunct procedures to aesthetic interventions. The objective of this manuscript is to study whether a personalized nutritional plan conveys additional benefits to Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) facial regenerationMethods: Forty seven healthy women (mean age 52.5 years old) were offered minimally invasive facial regeneration with the use of PRF liquid matrixes, as well as a personalized nutritional plan. The nutritional plan was informed by a nutrigenetic test based on 128 polymorphisms. Horizontal forehead lines, zygomatic wrinkles or mid-cheek furrows, nasolabial folds, perioral expression wrinkles, and marionette line were assessed separately with the use of the Facial Wrinkles Assessment Scale (FWAS)Results: Total FWAS scores change was statistically significantly better in women who reported an at least partially adaptation of nutritional recommendations for a 3-month period or longer (z=2.4, p=0.008).Conclusions: Personalized nutritional recommendations based on individual needs as well as on generally accepted dietary guidelines can improve treatment outcomes of minimally invasive facial skin aesthetics interventions.
Spinal Versus General Anesthesia for the Outpatient Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Chang , Yin Yiran , Xu Huan , Chen Ge
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To compare the early clinical outcomes between anesthetic techniques in outpatient unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and investigate factors responsible for delayed discharge. Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 64 consecutive and unselected patients who underwent primary, medial UKA and randomly divided into two groups:32 patients with spinal anaesthesia(Group A) and 32 with general anaesthesia(Group B). There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), the hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS), and American Society of Anesthesiology(ASA) class between the two groups (P >0.05).Results：Totally 64 patients were involved, including 20 males and 42 females, with an average age of 60.4 ± 3.8 year-old. The length of stay(LOS) and total expense were significantly less in group A than those in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups on the discharge day and the reasons for not discharge(P>0.05). Lack of mobilization (84%), pain (23%), and PONV (17%) were main reasons for patients not meeting the discharge criteria on DOS (Table 2). Patients with spinal anaesthesia underwent a longer surgery time than those with GA.(P<0.05); Patients in the Group A had a significantly earlier oral fluid intake and walking unaided(P<0.05); Pain occurred significantly earlier in Group B(P<0.05). Conclusion: In patients who underwent outpatient UKA, spinal anaesthesia is significantly superior to general anaesthesia with shorter discharge time and lower cost. With strict patient selection and safe anaesthesia, outpatient UKA could attain a good clinical outcome with both anaesthesia techniques.