bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An outbreak of intestinal schistosomiasis in primary school children living along the shoreline of Lake Malawi, Mangochi District, Malawi
Authors: Kayuni Sekeleghe , O’Ferrall Angus M. , Baxter Hamish , Hesketh Josie , Mainga Bright , Lally David , Al-Harbi Mohammad H. , LaCourse E. James , Juziwelo Lazarus , Musaya Janelisa , Makaula Peter , Stothard John Russell
Published: May 2020

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis was not considered endemic in Lake Malawi until November 2017 when populations of Biomphalaria pfeifferi were first reported; in May 2018, emergence of intestinal schistosomiasis was confirmed subsequently. This emergence was in spite of ongoing urogenital schistosomiasis control by preventive chemotherapy. In our current investigation, we ascertain if intestinal schistosomiasis is transitioning from emergence to outbreak, to judge whether stepped-up control interventions are needed.Methods: During May 2019, three cross-sectional surveys of primary school children for schistosomiasis were conducted using a combination of rapid diagnostic tests, parasitological examinations and applied morbidity-markers; 1) schistosomiasis dynamics were assessed at Samama (n=80) and Mchoka (n=80) schools, where Schistosoma mansoni was first reported, 2) occurrence of S. mansoni was investigated at two non-sampled schools, MOET (Mangochi Orphan Education and Training) (n=60) and Koche (n=60) schools, where B. pfeifferi was nearby, and 3) rapid mapping of schistosomiasis, and B. pfeifferi, conducted across a further 8 shoreline schools (n=240). Results: In total, 520 children from 12 lakeshore primary schools were examined, mean prevalence of S. mansoni by urine CCA-dipsticks was 31.5% [95% CI 27.5 – 35.5], with clear associations with faecal occult blood and ova-patent intestinal schistosomiasis. Infection prevalence significantly increased at Samama (RR=1.7 [95% CI 1.4 – 2.2]) and Mchoka (RR= 2.7 [95% CI 1.7 – 4.3]) schools, was confirmed at MOET (18.3%) and Koche (35.0%) schools, and across rapid mapping schools ranged from 10.0% to 56.7%. Several populations of B. pfeifferi were confirmed, with two new locations on the eastern shoreline encountered. Mean prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 24.0% [95% CI 20.3 – 27.7]. Conclusions: When taken as a whole, we notify that intestinal schistosomiasis, once considered non-endemic in Lake Malawi, is now transitioning from emergence to outbreak. We recommend stepped-up preventive chemotherapy, with increased community-access to treatments, alongside renewed efforts in appropriate environmental control.
Electroacupuncture ameliorates motor dysfunction via inhibiting p66Shc-mediated oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhao Fusheng , Wu Geng , Wu Yang , Bai Yunlong , Qiu Yongjia , Lei Wen , Guan Yanzhong
Published: May 2020

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a means of combining traditional acupuncture with modern electrotherapy, which has been widely used and verified to have neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EA treatment on the repair of SCI and to investigate the possible mechanisms. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into sham, sham+EA, SCI and SCI+EA four groups after SCI model was established. Rat motor function was assessed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale, inclined plane test and footprint analysis. Histological alterations were examined with hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), as well as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels. The expression of p66Shc and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were detected to explore the involved mechanisms.Results: EA treatment significantly improved motor functional recovery, reduced spinal cord lesion cavity and neuronal chromatolysis after SCI. Meanwhile, EA treatment alleviated oxidative stress, as indicated by suppression of ROS production, increase in GSH and T-AOC levels and reduction of 3-NT and 4-HNE expression. Further, EA stimulation markedly eliminated the aberrant increase of p66Shc due to SCI in rats. More notably, EA treatment also attenuated ERS via down-regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78, activating transcription factor 4, C/EBP homologous protein, X-box binding protein 1 and activating transcription factor 6 expression in rat spinal cord tissues after SCI. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EA is a potential strategy for treatment of SCI, and the mechanism might be, at least in part, associated with mitigation of p66Shc-mediated oxidative stress and ERS in rats.
The effect of ophthalmic surgery on quality of life, depression, and anxiety disorders in visually impaired adults, National Eye Center, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Authors: Babalola Obafemi , Alhassan Mahmoud B , Nuhu Folorunsho T.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Visual impairment caused severe disability in 2.2 billion people globally in 2010. This disability, which interacts with the physical, social, or attitudinal environment, spans across the lifecycle, and is associated with psychological distress and poor quality of life. This study aimed at describing the effect of surgery on blindness, QoL, anxiety and depressive disorders.Methods A one arm pre – post study was conducted among systematically-selected visually impaired adults (> 18 years) requiring surgery at the National Eye Centre (NEC), Nigeria. Trained research assistants used a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to interview participants at pre – and 10–12 week’s post-surgery. The visual function was measured with presenting visual acuity. Presence of psychological distress was defined by a scores ≥ 8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADs), and confirmed the presence of anxiety, and depression using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) questionnaire. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Descriptive analysis for frequency and proportions was carried out while Chi square McNemar test used to detect the effect of surgery on blindness, anxiety, depression and QoL. Statistically significant was set at p Value < 0.05.Results Of the 180 respondents, males accounted for 56.7%, and 72.2% had Cataract. Pre-surgical psychological distress, anxiety and depression were 38.9%, 25.6%, and 30.0%, respectively. Pre-surgery, a third had poor QoL on social relationship domain of WHOQoL-Bref. Ophthalmic surgery significantly improved blindness, anxiety, and social relationship QoL. No significant effect on depression.Conclusions Ophthalmic surgery influences social relationships QoL, and anxiety. It however has no effect on depression. Apart from surgical interventions, holistic care of vision impairment should involve mental care to improve QoL.
Is Erythropoietin Combining with Therapeutic Hypothermia an Efficient and Safe Therapy in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Prospective and Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zou Liang-yan , Huang Bing-xue , Zhang Peng , Cheng Guo-qiang , Lu Chun-mei , Sun Jin-qiao , Zhou Wen-hao , Wang Lai-shuan
Published: May 2020

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of erythropoietin (Epo) combined with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).MethodsA total of 78 term infants with HIE were assigned randomly to receive Epo (n = 40) or placebo (n = 38). All infants received TH. Blood samples before TH, after TH and after Epo/placebo were collected for measuring TH associated adverse events, Epo associated factors and potential neural biomarkers. Basal ganglia/ watershed (BG/W) scoring system was used to assess brain injury in MRI. Neurodevelopmental evaluations were performed at 18 months by using BayleyScales of Infant Development II (Bayley II).ResultsEpo-treated group tend to have lower serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration (114 vs 202, P = .04) and higher serum K+, Mg2+ concentration (5.0 vs 4.5, P = .03; 1.0 vs 0.9, P = .02) than control group after intervention. Brain MRI was performed in 65 (83%) neonatal. Totally brain injury score was in even distribution between two groups (median, 0 vs 0, P = .61), but injury region in cortex plus basal nuclei comparing with in basal nuclei solely was less common in the Epo than in the control group (21% vs 31%, P = .046). Only forty patients (40/78, 51%) succeeded in achieving 18-month follow up data. The totally adverse outcomes were trend to decline in the Epo group (35% vs 60%, P = .21). No adverse events were ascribed to Epo treatment.ConclusionsThe combination of Epo and TH is proved to be feasible, safe and potential effective.Trial registration: ChiCTR-TRC-14004532, date of registration: April 18th, 2014.
Prognostic Values and Prospective Pathway Signaling of miR-30a in Ovarian Cancer: A Study Based on Gene Expression Omnibus and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Lu Weijia , Wu Yunyu , Lu CanXiong , Zhu Ting , Ren ZhongLu , Yu Zhiwu
Published: May 2020

Objective

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) is considered to play an important role in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer(OC). Although miRNAs has been widely recognized in ovarian cancer, the role of hsa-miR-30a-5p (miR-30a) in OC has not been fully elucidated.
Methods

Through the analysis of public data sets in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and literature review, the significance of miR-30a expression in OC is evaluated. Three mRNA datasets of OC and normal ovarian tissue, GSE14407, GSE18520 and GSE36668, were downloaded from GEO to find the differentially expressed gene (DEG). Then the target genes of hsa-miR-30a-5p were predicted by miRWALK3.0 and TargetScan. Then, the gene overlap between DEG and the predicted target genes of miR-30a in OC was analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape, and the effect of HUB gene on the prognosis of OC was analyzed.
Results

A common pattern of up-regulation of miR-30a in OC was found. A total of 225 DEG, were identified, both OC-related and miR-30a-related. Many DEG are enriched in the interactions of intracellular matrix tissue, ion binding and biological process regulation. Among the 10 major Hub genes analyzed by PPI, five Hub genes were significantly related to the overall poor survival of OC patients, in which the low expression of ESR1 ,MAPK10, Tp53 and the high expression of YKT ,NSF were related to poor prognosis of OC.
SCA7 mice recapitulate CNS, PNS and retina pathologies and show a transcriptional signature of Purkinje cell dysfunction prevailing in SCA1 and SCA2 mice.
Authors: NIEWIADOMSKA-CIMICKA Anna , Doussau Frédéric , Perot Jean-Baptiste , Roux Michel J , Keime Céline , Hache Antoine , Piguet Françoise , Novati Ariana , Weber Chantal , Yalcin Binnaz , Meziane Hamid , Champy Marie-France , Grandgirard Erwan , Karam Alice , Messaddeq Nadia , Eisenmann Aurélie , Brouillet Emmanuel , Nguyen Hoa Huu Phuc , Flament Julien , Isope Philippe , Trottier Yvon
Published: May 2020

Background

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is primarily characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration with major alteration of Purkinje cells (PC) due to polyglutamine expansion in ATXN7, a subunit of SAGA transcriptional co-regulator complex. Additional neural tissues are affected and contribute to diverse symptoms. Current animal models were insufficient to recapitulate the broad spectrum of SCA7 pathology and the mechanisms of PC degeneration remain poorly explored.

Methods:

To delineate spatio-temporal features of SCA7, we performed a longitudinal characterization of a new knock-in mice line expressing ATXN7 with 140 glutamines (SCA7 140Q/5Q ) using a battery of analyses including motor tests, brain and retina imaging, morphometry, electrophysiology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry of disease tissues. We also determined the cerebellar transcriptome and cell-type specific gene deregulation.

Results:

Here we describe the first SCA7 knock-in mice that combine most cardinal features of SCA7, including retinal, cerebellar, cerebral and peripheral nerves pathologies, which account for progressive impairment of behavior, motor and vision functions. MRI and brain morphometry reveal atrophy of grey and white matter of specific cerebral regions, while peripheral nerves and photoreceptors show functional and morphological alterations. We show that cerebellar pathology is characterized by gene deregulation in all cerebellar cell types and alterations of SAGA-dependent epigenetic marks. Intranuclear accumulation of mutant ATXN7 and gene downregulation precede the onset of PC pacemaker dysfunction. Interestingly, PC show loss of expression of 83 PC-specific genes coding for ion channels, receptors and signaling proteins involved in pacemaker function and long-term depression, which are causal factors of many type of ataxias. Comparison of cerebellar transcriptome with other SCAs reveals a subset of 67 PC-specific genes downregulated in SCA1, SCA2 and SCA7, providing a common signature of early PC dysfunction.

Conclusions: The SCA7 140Q/5Q mice represent a promising model for the investigation of different aspects of SCA7 pathogenesis, and offers opportunities for translational development of therapeutic strategies by targeting the brain, retina, peripheral nerve or whole body. Our results also provide insight into converging mechanisms of PC degeneration in polyglutamine SCAs and point out molecular targets for therapeutic development w hich may prove beneficial for several SCAs.
Chirp Signal Denoising Based on Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Guangli Ben , Zheng Xifeng , Wang Yongcheng , Zhang Xin , Zhang Ning
Published: May 2020

Many classical chirp signal processing algorithm may experience distinct performance decrease in noise circumstance. To address the problem, this paper proposes a deep learning based approach to filter noises in time domain. The proposed denoising convolutional neural network (DCNN) is trained to recover the original clean chirps from observation signals with noises. Following denosing, we employ two parameter estimation algorithm to DCNN output. Simulation result show that the proposed DCNN method improves the signal noise ratio (SNR) and parameter estimation accuracy to a great extent compared to the signals without denoising. And DCNN have a strong adaptability of low SNR input scenarios that never trained.
Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in cattle from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Abdullah D , Alouffi Abdulaziz S , Alshahrani Mohammad Yahya , Alyousif Mohamed S , Abdullah Hend H.A.M. , Allam Ahmad M , Elsawy Bassma S.M. , Abdel-Shafy Sobhy , Alsulami Muslimah
Published: May 2020

Background and aim:

Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are tick-borne diseases that affect the health of cattle and may be also responsible for remarkable economic losses. This study aimed to detect the presence of the causative agents of babesiosis and anaplasmosis among cattle in different provinces in Saudi Arabia and to characterise their species genetically.
Methodology:

A total of 362 blood samples were taken from cattle in four regions (Riyadh, Al-Kharj, Al-Hasa and Al-Qassim) of Saudi Arabia and were molecularly screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of partial 18S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes to detect Babesia and Anaplasma species.
Results

The overall prevalence of both Babesia and Anaplasma in cattle was 2.49% and 5.80%, respectively. Theileria annulata (T. annulata) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis) were found in seven (1.93%) and two (0.55%) of the 362 samples, respectively. Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis) was detected in 21 (5.80%) of 362 samples. Likewise, four of the cattle were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen (1.10%). All cattle samples tested negative for other species of Babesia, Theileria and Anaplasma.
Conclusion

The presence of T. ovis and A. ovis has been herein reported in Saudi Arabia. The presence of two novel genotypes of T. annulata is also reported in Saudi Arabian cattle. Further molecular surveys on larger numbers of samples from the entire country are needed in order to address correctly the prevalence and geographical distribution of the tick-borne disease.
Combining phytate and nanocellulose stabilization for mitigating iron gall ink damage in historic papers
Authors: Völkel Laura , Prohaska Thomas , Potthast Antje
Published: May 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Study on health-related quality of life and influencing factors of pediatric medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Huang Feng , Yang Zhe , Wang Yue , Zhang Wei , Lin Yan , Zeng Ling-chao , Jiang Xun , Shang Lei
Published: May 2020

Aims To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) status and explore its associated factors in pediatric medical staff during the COVID-19 epidemic so as to guide hospitals and administrators to formulate suitable interventions.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the HRQoL of pediatric medical staff. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the associated factors.Results A total of 2,997 participants were recruited. Females scored worse than males in terms of emotional functioning (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1) and cognitive functioning (OR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1–1.8). The respondents aged 30–39 years and 40–49 years scored worse in nearly all domains of HRQoL compared health care professionals under 30 years old. Respondents with high education had lower scores in physical functioning (OR = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.0-1.7) and emotional functioning (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.2–1.9).Compared with doctors, nurses had higher scores in all domains except for summary score and worry. The respondents whose working places had not set up pediatric fever clinics and isolated observation areas independently had better scores in all domains except for worry. The respondents who had ever treated patients with COVID-19 had lower scores in all domains.Conclusions During the COVID-19 outbreak, the HRQoL of pediatric medical staff decreased. The factors associated with HRQoL can be used to develop intervention to improve HRQoL in pediatric medical staff.
Screening prognostic markers for non-small cell lung cancer based on data mining and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Han Bin , Aman Kaushik Chandra , Wei Dongqing , Zhang Shulin , Meng Minjie
Published: May 2020

Background At present, non-small cell lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality, and the recurrence and metastasis situation is serious. It is impossible to accurately predict the prognosis of cancer patients clinically. Biomarker is a kind of biomolecule with wide application prospects, and its potential in cancer prognosis is gradually revealed, and it is expected to be applied clinically. Results We integrated four gene expression profiles (GSE19188, GSE19804, GSE101929 and GSE18842) from the GEO database and screened the commonly differentially expressed genes using the GEO2R online tool. We screened 952 commonly differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology analysis showed that CDEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as cell adherin, angiogenesis and positive regulation of angiogenesis, and KEGG pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction and cell adherin molecules (CAMs). Up-regulation of G2 and S phase-expressed protein 1(GTSE1) expression is associated with poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma(LADE) and lung squamous cell carcinoma(LUSC). Up-regulation of Neuromedin-U(NMU) expression, down-regulation of Proto-oncogene c-Fos(FOS) and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C(CDKN1C) is only associated with poor prognosis of LADE. Conclusions We believe that GTSE1, NMU, FOS, and CDKN1C have potential application value as prognostic markers for lung adenocarcinoma, and are of great significance for lung adeno carcinoma efficacy evaluation and relapse monitoring. At the same time, GTSE1 may also be used as a new target for cancer treatment New ways.
miR-27a-3p attenuates induce autophagy-related cell death by suppressing Inhibitor of growth family 5 in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: WAN Ming , Zhang Fu-min , Kang Peng-cheng , Jiang Xing-ming , cui yunfu
Published: May 2020

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in human tumors, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). miR-27a-3p was observed up-regulated in CCA, but its functions in CCA are largely unknown.Methods CCK8 assay, Colony formation assays and Ki-67 staining was employed to detect the cell growth. The autophagy and proliferation relative-protein analyzed by western blot. The immunofluorescence staining was applied to analyze the expression level of LC3 I/II. Tumor xenografts was used to test the role of miR-27a-3p. Luciferase reporter assay, western bolt and qRT-PCR showed the relationship between miR-27a-3p and ING5.Results miR-27a-3p expression was increased in human CCA tissues. Inhibition of miR-27a-3p suppressed the proliferative capacity of CCA cells, silencing of miR-27a-3p dramatically induced cell death and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. The proteins, such as Beclin-1, p62, p21, p-p53, CDK4 and CDK6, were decreased upon miR-27a-3p inhibitor transfection. Western blot assay and immunofluorescence analysis were showed the induced-autophagy after transfecting with miR-27a-3p or inhibitor of growth family 5 (ING5) in RBE. ING5 as a direct miR-27a-3p target in CCA. Co-transfect of miR-27a-3p and ING5 can reverse CCA cell death which induced by miR-27a-3p inhibitor alone.Conclusions miR-27a-3p promotes oncogenesis of CCA by triggering autophagy-related cell death by interacting with ING5 directly.
Methodological aspects of using a wearable eye tracker in differential diagnostics of disorders of consciousness
Authors: Johansson Jan , Franzon Kristina , Godbolt Alison K , Möller Marika
Published: May 2020

Background: The differential diagnosis of disorders of consciousness (DOC) is an important element in prognostication, clinical decision making, and information to families. Diagnosis currently relies to a large extent on clinical assessment using standardized neurobehavioral rating scales. Interpretation of the patient’s responses may be difficult due to cognitive, linguistic, physical, and/or motor impairments associated with the brain injury. Analysis of eye movements using eye tracking technology has been suggested as a potential support in improving diagnostic accuracy.Methods: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating eye tracking in a selection of subtests in the Coma Recovery Scale Revised (CRS-R). A secondary aim was to develop a protocol for comparison of the clinician-assessed findings versus the findings based on the eye movement recording. Four adult patients with a persistent disorder of consciousness were assessed with four test items from the CRS-R while eye movements were recorded with a wearable eye tracker.Results: No major adverse reactions were observed suggesting likely patient acceptability. Calibration issues due to oculomotor dysfunction complicated the analysis. However, distinct eye movements were discernible from the recorded data and analysis of these gave findings considered to support clinical assessment. Feasibility and data analysis issues are discussed.Conclusions: Based on patient responses, and the finding that it was possible to record eye movement patterns even without calibration, we conclude that the method is feasible. Further study will help clarify the full potential but the option to record and replay responses in these easily fatigued patients where assessment sessions need to be brief is of great interest. The current hardware and software limitations can be overcome with manual data processing and analysis; however, significant developments in automizing data processing will be required for broader clinical application. Hardware adaptations and the calibration process appear to be important primary targets in this process.
Comparison of intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment plans between 1.5 T MR-Linac and conventional linac
Authors: Ding Shouliang , Li Yongbao , Liu Hongdong , Li Rui , Wang Bin , Zhang Jun , Chen Yan , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2020

Background To assess the dosimetric qualities and usability of planning for 1.5 T MR-Linac based intensity modulated radiotherapy (MRL-IMRT) for various clinical sites in comparison with IMRT plans using a conventional linac.Methods In total of 17 patients with disease sites in the brain, esophagus, lung, rectum and vertebra were re-planned retrospectively for simulated MRL-IMRT using the Elekta Unity dedicated treatment planning system (TPS) Monaco (v5.40.01). Currently, the step-and-shoot (ss) is the only delivery technique for IMRT available on Unity. All patients were treated on an Elekta Versa HD™ with IMRT using the dynamic multileaf collimator (dMLC) technique, and the plans were designed using Monaco v5.11. For comparison, the same dMLC-IMRT plan was recalculated with the same machine and TPS but only changing the technique to step-and-shoot. The dosimetric qualities of the MRL-IMRT plans, to be evaluated by the Dose Volume Histograms (DVH) metrics, Homogeneity Index and Conformity Index, were compared with the clinical plans. The planning usability was measured by the optimization time and the number of Monitor Units (MUs).Results Comparing MRL-IMRT with conventional linac based plans, there were no clinically significant differences between any of the DVH parameters studied for multiple tumor sites. However, MRL-IMRT plans had significantly increased dose to skin and low dose region of normal tissue. Furthermore, MRL-IMRT plans had significantly reduced optimization time by comparing conventional linac based plans. The number of MUs of MRL-IMRT was increased by 23% compared with ss-IMRT, and no difference from dMLC-IMRT.Conclusions Clinically acceptable plans can be achieved with 1.5 T MR-Linac system for multiple tumor sites. The planning efficiency of MRL-IMRT was improved due to the reduced optimization time. However the increase in skin dose and low dose region was also observed in MRL-IMRT plans.
Proton versus photon radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Cheng Jen-Yu , Liu Chieh-Min , Wang Yu-Ming , Hsu Hsuan-Chih , Huang Eng-Yen , Huang Tzu-Ting , Lee Ching-Hsin , Hung Sheng-Ping , Huang Bing-Shen
Published: May 2020

Background Proton radiotherapy has a dosimetric advantage over photon radiotherapy. Many retrospective studies have shown promising results with proton radiotherapy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical evidence demonstrating the benefit of protons over photons is still limited. We therefore compared clinical outcomes for the two modalities using medical research databases from our medical foundation.Methods We conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study based on our multi-institution medical organization research database. From January 2007 to January 2018, a total of 413 patients (photon: 349; proton: 64) who were diagnosed with HCC and primarily treated with radiotherapy with curative intent were enrolled. Overall survival (OS) and radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) were assessed. Stratified analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneous effects of the two arms.Results A total of 110 patients (photon: 55; proton: 55) were analyzed in the propensity-matched series. The matched groups were balanced for baseline tumor risk factors. Cox regression analysis revealed a significant survival benefit in the proton group (p = 0.032, HR 0.56, 95 CI 0.33–0.96). The median overall survival in the proton and photon group was not reached and 17.4 months, respectively. The biological equivalent dose for radiotherapy was significantly higher in the proton group than the photon group (median, 96.56 Gray vs. 62.5 Gray, p < 0.001). The risk of RILD was significantly lower in the proton group (11.8% vs. 36%, p = 0.004).Conclusions Proton radiotherapy could deliver a higher radiation dose without increasing the risk of RILD and result in a better overall survival rate for those diagnosed with HCC and treated with radiotherapy with curative intent.
Impact of Functional Disability on Self-Perceived Oral Problems and Oral Care Behaviors among Stroke Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Yue , Xi CHEN , Cui GUO , Qian-qian ZHANG , Dan-dan SONG , Zheng SUN , Dong YUAN
Published: May 2020

Background:Stroke is a major cause of functional disability, which is in turn correlated with poor oral health.There is a dearth of studies that have investigated self-reported oral health, a measure of how individuals perceive their oral health and unmet treatment needs, in elders after stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare self-perceived oral problems and oral care behaviors between stroke survivors with and without functional disability.Methods:Two-hundred and seven stroke survivors were recruited,comprised of 104 participants without functional disability, and 103 with functional disability, based on the modified Rankin Scale. Interviews were conducted to collect data regarding self-perceived oral problems, oral care behaviors, and dental attendance behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the data between the two groups.Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, the functional disability group was significantly less likely to brush their teeth twice a day (odds ratio [OR], 0.388;95%confidence interval [CI], 0.200-0.751), and both more likely to have a change in teeth cleaning after stroke (OR, 0.155; 95%CI,0.030-0.804), and to need help when cleaning their teeth (OR, 2.701; 95%CI,1.018-7.163). There were no significant differences in self-perceived oral problems or dental attendance behaviors between the two groups.Conclusion: Stroke survivors with functional disability had worse oral care behaviors compared with those without functional disability.
Application of the EANM practical guidance on uncertainty analysis for MRT absorbed dose calculations on clinical cases
Authors: Finocchiaro Domenico , Gear Jonathan I , Fioroni Federica , Flux Glenn D , Murray Iain , Castellani Gastone , Versari Annibale , Iori Mauro , Grassi Elisa
Published: May 2020

Background Internal dosimetry evaluation consists of a multi-step process ranging from imaging acquisition to absorbed dose calculations. Assessment of uncertainty is complicated and, for that reason, it is commonly ignored in clinical routine. However, it is essential for adequate interpretation of the results. Recently, the EANM published a practical guidance on uncertainty analysis for molecular radiotherapy based on the application of the law of propagation of uncertainty. In this study, we investigated the overall uncertainty on a large sample of patient following the EANM guidelines. The aim of this study was to provide an indication of the typical uncertainties that may be expected from performing dosimetry, to determine parameters that have the greatest effect on the accuracy of calculations and to consider the potential improvements that could be made if these effects were reduced. Results Absorbed doses and the relative uncertainties were calculated for a sample of 49 patients and a total of 154 tumours. A wide range of relative dose uncertainty values was observed (14 - 102%). Uncertainties associated to each quantity along the dose calculation chain (i.e. Volume, Recovery Coefficient, Calibration Factor, Activity, Time-Activity Curve Fitting, Cumulated Activity and Absorbed Dose) were estimated. An equation was derived to describe relationship between the uncertainty in the absorbed dose and the volume. The largest source of error was the VOI delineation. By postulating different values of FHWM, the impact of the imaging system spatial resolution on the uncertainties was investigated. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of uncertainty in MRT based on a large sample of clinical cases. Wide inter-lesion variability of dose uncertainty was observed. Hence, a proper assessment of the uncertainties associated with the calculations should be considered as a basic scientific standard. A model for a quick estimate of uncertainty without implementing the entire error propagation schema, which may be useful in clinical practice, was presented. Ameliorating spatial resolution may be in future the key factor for accurate absorbed dose assessment.
Prognostic Analysis for Children with Hepatoblastoma with Lung Metastasis: A Single-Center Analysis of 98 Cases
Authors: Hu Huimin , Zhang Weiling , Wang Yizhuo , Zhang Yi , Yi You , Gao Yanan , Chen Liping , Huang Dongsheng
Published: May 2020

Background To analyze the factors affecting prognosis of hepatoblastoma (HB) with lung metastasis in children.Patients and Methods: 98 HB patients with lung metastases admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University were collected and analysed.Results 64 patients had lung metastases at diagnosis (median age, 22.3 months). 34 patients developed lung metastases whilst on treatment (median time, 6.5 months). The time of diagnosis of lung metastasis in patients with HB did not significantly affect survival time or 3-year survival rate (P = 0.37). The survival time and 5-year survival rate of patients with standard treatment was significantly longer than that of without standard treatment (P < 0.001). The survival time and 3-year survival rate of patients with lung metastasis alone or underwent lung metastasectomy was significantly longer than that of patients with extrapulmonary involvement or without lung metastasectomy (P = 0.007, P = 0.099). Lung metastasis accompanied with extrapulmonary involvement was risk factors affecting prognosis (HR = 0.460, 95% CI 0.239–0.888).Conclusions The overall prognosis of HB with lung metastasis in children was poor, and the prognosis of patients with lung metastasis alone was better than those with extrapulmonary involvement. Standardized treatment and resection of lung tumor may prolong the survival of HB patients with lung metastasis.
A Study of Current Medication of Sinupret Drops in Chinese Pediatric Patients
Authors: Shen Jianwen , Yan Jingchao
Published: May 2020

Background Sinupret drops is commonly used as agent dissolving nasal secretions. However, there is no specific regime of Sinupret drops for pediatric patients in China. Therefore, we investigate its current medication in Chinese pediatric patients to provide a recommendation of safe drug use.Methods We collect 6,893 outpatient and emergency pediatric prescriptions of Sinupret drops (age ≤ 15) and focused on the analysis of practical drug dosage and potential risks.Results One-half of the adult dosage was mainly chosen for out-patient children, while the full adult dosage was much more used for pediatric patients in emergency. Its usage in low-age pediatric patients requires further evaluation and surveillance. The pharmaceutical reaction of ethanol in Sinupret drops with some cephalosporins during drug taking will lead to unexpected drug reactions.Conclusion To prevent potential side effects, treatment with Sinupret drops as an adjunct for pediatric patients should draw more attention from their doctors and pharmacists. The age and weight of pediatric patients need to be considered as important parameters for drug administration of Sinupret drops. It is important to strengthen the education of medication, and much attention should be paid to the interval of drug administration.
Spatial Distribution and Use of Agrodiversity in Family Gardens of Tixmucuy, Campeche, Mexico
Authors: José-García Gisela , Candelaria-Martínez Bernardino , BAÑUELOS CAROLINA FLOTA , Bautista-Ortega Jaime , Rosales-Martínez Verónica
Published: May 2020

Background

Family plots or gardens, often referred to as solars, are spaces surrounding a house, that contain a combination of plant and animal species distributed according to the family’s needs. The objective of this work was to identify the structure, use, and agrodiversity of these family plots in the community of Tixmucuy, Campeche, Mexico.
Methods

Six plots of two previously identified types were randomly chosen. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to family plot managers focusing on family demographic information and plot management. The data was statistically descriptive and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was applied.
Results

It was observed that families are generally nuclear groups with 3.9 members, with the average age of housewives responsible for the family plots being 45 years of age. The plots have an average extension of 1,155 m2. Three species of birds were observed and were used for food, food-sale, and as pets. 95 plant species were registered and were used for food, wood, or ornamental purposes. In the vertical distribution the herbaceous stratus had the highest number of individuals (29.37), followed by bushy shrubs with 15.2 and arboreal with 7.83 individuals. The importance of the elements and the overall organizational management of the plot by the family determine the horizontal distribution.
Conclusions

The importance of Tixmucuy's family plots lies in the generation of ecosystem services to the family, for which they use plant and animal species in a design that facilitates their management and interaction.
Induced Neural Stem Cell Grafts Exert Neuroprotection Through an Interaction Between Crry and Akt in A Mouse Model of Closed Head Injury
Authors: Gao Mou , Dong Qin , Wang Wenjia , Yang Zhijun , Lu Yingzhou , Ding Boyun , Chen Lihua , Zhang Jianning , Xu Ruxiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Recently, growing evidence has indicated an important role of the complement system, a crucial component of immunity, in mediating neuroinflammation and promoting neuronal apoptosis following closed head injury (CHI). We previously reported that transplanted induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) pre-treated with CHI mouse serum could enhance complement receptor type 1-related protein y (Crry) expression and ameliorate complement-mediated damage in mouse CHI models. However, the mechanism underlying the elevated levels of Crry expression remains elusive.Methods: CHI models were established using a standardized weight-drop device and CHI mouse serum was collected at 12 h post-trauma. Complement deposition assay, Akt inhibition assay, cell viability assay, functional assay, cell transplantation, morphological and molecular biological analyses were performed.Results: In the present study, we observed dramatic increases in the levels of Crry expression and Akt activation in iNSCs receiving CHI mouse serum treatment. Remarkably, Akt inhibition led to the reduction of Crry expression in iNSCs. Intriguingly, the treatment of iNSC-derived neurons with recombinant complement receptor 2-conjugated Crry (CR2-Crry), which inhibits all complement pathways, substantially enhanced Crry expression and Akt activation in neurons after CHI mouse serum treatment. In subsequent in vitro experiments of pre-treatment of iNSCs with CR2-Crry, we observed significant increases in the levels of Crry expression and Akt activation in iNSCs, iNSC-derived astrocytes and neurons post-treatment with CHI mouse serum. Additionally, an in vivo study showed that intracerebral-transplanted iNSCs pre-treated with CR2-Crry markedly enhanced Crry expression in neurons and protected neurons from complement-dependent damage in the brains of CHI mice.Conclusions: In summary, iNSCs receiving CR2-Crry pre-treatment increased the levels of Crry expression in iNSCs, iNSC-derived astrocytes and neurons and attenuated complement-mediated injury following CHI.
Explanation and Prediction of Clinical Data with Imbalanced Class Distribution based on Pattern Discovery and Disentanglement
Authors: Zhou Peiyuan , Wong Andrew K.C.
Published: May 2020

Background Statistical data analysis, especially the advanced machine learning (ML) methods, have attracted considerable interest and application in clinical practices. First, the interpretability of the diagnostic/prognostic results will bring confidence to doctors, patients and their relatives in therapeutics and clinical practice. Furthermore, from the clinical aspect, when the datasets are imbalanced in diagnostic categories, the ordinary ML methods might produce results overwhelmed by the majority classes diminishing prediction accuracy. Hence, it is desirable to have a method that could produce explicit transparent and interpretable results in decision-making, even for data with imbalanced groups.Methods In order to interpret the clinical patterns and conduct diagnostic prediction of patients, we present our new method, Pattern Discovery and Disentanglement for Clinical Data Analysis (cPDD), which is able to discover patterns (correlated traits/indicants) and use them to classify clinical data even if the class distribution is imbalanced. In the most general setting, a relational dataset is a large table such that each column represents an attribute (trait/indicant), each row contains a set of attribute values (AVs) of an entity (patient). Compared to the existing pattern discovery approaches, cPDD can discover a small and succinct set of statistically significant high-order patterns from clinical data for interpreting and predicting the disease class of the patients even for small and rare groups.Results Experiments on synthetic and thoracic clinical dataset showed that cPDD can 1) discover fewer patterns compared to other existing pattern discovery methods; 2) allow the users to interpret succinct sets of patterns coming from uncorrelated sources, even the groups are rare/small; and 3) obtain better performance in prediction compared to other interpretable classification approaches.Conclusions In conclusion, cPDD discovers fewer patterns with greater comprehensive coverage to improve the interpretability of patterns discovered. Experimental results on synthetic data validated that cPDD discover all patterns implanted in the data, display them precisely and succinctly with statistical support for interpretation and prediction, a capability which the traditional ML methods lack. The success of cPDD as a novel explainable method in solving the imbalanced class problem shows its great potential to clinical data analysis for years to come.
The relationship between famine exposure in early life and ascending aorta dilatation in adulthood
Authors: HUANG Yu-qing , LIU Lin , Lo Kenneth , YU Yu-ling , CHEN Chao-lei , HUANG Jia-yi , LI Jie , FENG Ying-qing
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between malnutrition and ascending aorta dilatation (AAD) is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association of exposure to the Chinese famine during early life with AAD in adulthood.MethodsWe investigated data of 2598 adults born between 1952 and 1964 from Guangdong, China. All enrolled subjects were divided into five groups: no exposed, fetal exposed, early, mid and late childhood exposed. AAD was assessed by cardiac ultrasound. Multivariate logistic regression and interaction tests were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) between famine exposure and AAD.ResultsThere were 2598 (943 male, mean age 59.1 ± 3.65 years) participants were enrolled, among them consist of 270 (10.4%) subjects with AAD. Compared with no exposed group, the adjusted ORs for AAD widening from fetal-exposed, early, mid to late childhood exposed were 1.374 (95% CI: 0.794, 2.364, P = 0.251), 1.976 (95% CI: 1.243, 3.181, P = 0.004), 1.929 (95% CI: 1.237, 3.058, P = 0.004) and 2.227 (95% CI: 1.433, 3.524, P < 0.001), respectively. Stratified analysis showed that the effect of famine exposure on AAD was more pronounced in female, smokers, BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and hypertensive patients.ConclusionsWe observed that exposure to famine during early life was an independent risk factor for AAD in adulthood; this effect was not modified by gender, BMI, smoking, hypertension and diabetes.Yu-qing HUANG and Lin LIU are equally to this paper.
Efficacy and safety of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B receiving nucleos(t)ide analogs therapy: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Bo , Chen Xiuli , Feng Fumin , Dai Erhei
Published: May 2020

Objective

Reducing mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of hepatitis B virus(HBV) is one of the key ways to eliminate hepatitis B. Although studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of oral nucleos(t)ide analogs(NAs),drug’s comparisons are lacking. The network meta-analysis aims to comprehensively compare and summarize the efficacy and safety of the three drugs (Lamivudine(LAM), Telbivudine(TBV) and Tenofovir(TDF)), providing a basis for drug selection.
Methods

A comprehensive retrieval of data was conducted from PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI and SinoMed through to December 2019. We performed pair-wise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of NAs.
Results

A total of 35 studies whith involving a total of 6,109 pregnant women with HBV infenction were selected. All three drugs can effectively block MTCT and improve HBV DNA suppression (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the occurrence of adverse events in mothers and infants.The results of the network meta analysis showed that the possibility of TBV and TDF being the best drug was 50% and 46%, the possibility of TBV and TDF being the second is the same-45%, the possibility of LAM being the worst drug is 85%.
Conclusion

LAM, TBV and TDF are effective in preventing MTCT of HBV in women with chronic HBV infection with high viral load. Using them does not seem to increase the probability of adverse events in pregnant women and infants. It cannot be ignored that TDF and TBV appear to show better blocking effects in clinical practice.
Identification and Allele Mining of New Candidate Genes Underlying Rice Grain Weight and Grain Shape by Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Niu Yanan , Chen Tianxiao , Chen Kai , Shen Congcong , Chen Huizhen , Wu Zhichao , Wang Chunchao , Zheng Tianqing , Xu Jianlong
Published: May 2020

Background: Grain weight and grain shape are crucial agronomic traitsthat affect grain yield potential and grain quality of rice. Both Grain weight and grain shape are controlled by multiple genes known as quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL).The 3,000 Rice Genomes Project enables the discovery of valuable genetic variants and resources for grain weight and grain shape.Results:2445 rice accessions were classified into 12 sub-populations which showeddiversevariations in grain weight and grain shape.Genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealedthreenovel QTL (qTGW3.1,qTGW9and qTGW11) forgrain weight and four novel QTL(qGL4/qRLW4,qGL10, qGL11andqRLW1) forgrain shape. We finally predicted eightcandidate genes (Os03g0186600, Os09g0544400,Os11g0163600,Os04g0580700, Os10g0399700, Os10g0400100, Os11g0143700 and Os01g0171000) for the seven novel QTL by gene-based association, haplotype and bioinformatics analyses.The accessions with excellent haplotypes at the eight candidate genes and five previously cloned genes were also identified.Conclusion: The identified candidate genes and accessions provided valuable sources for future functional characterization and genetic improvement of rice grain yield and grain quality.