bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR-125b-5p&nbsp;is A Promising Novel Plasma Biomarker&nbsp;for Alveolar Echinococcosis in Patients from the Southern Province of Qinghai
Authors: Cao Deping , Jiang Bofan , Zhang Yaogang , Pang Mingquan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Alveolar echinococcosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis that is endemic to the vast pastoral areas of southern Qinghai province of China. Alveolar echinococcosis affects the human liver, and its clinical manifestations are similar to those of liver tumors. It is also called “worm cancer,” as it induces irreversible liver fibrosis and brain metastases. Alveolar echinococcosis is a serious threat to human health and is a burden to patients and economies. When detected and treated early, patients with alveolar echinococcosis have a strong chance of recovery. Therefore, it is imperative to identify early diagnostic biomarkers of the disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that play key roles in a wide range of biological processes, and have been recently implicated in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in alveolar echinococcosis. We have previously reported differentially expressed miRNAs in the plasma of patients with alveolar echinococcosis and healthy individuals, using microarray assay chips. Methods: We screened 10 differentially expressed miRNAs based on their fold change and the available literature. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to verify their expression in the plasma of alveolar echinococcosis patients. We found that hsa-miR-125b-5p was upregulated in the plasma and the hepatic tissue samples of alveolar echinococcosis patients; therefore, its role as a diagnostic biomarker for alveolar echinococcosis was investigated. Accordingly, hsa-miR-125b-5p was upregulated in plasma and hepatic tissue samples obtained from alveolar echinococcosis patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that hsa-miR-125b-5p was associated with an area under the curve of 99.8% and 98.9% in the plasma and hepatic tissues of alveolar echinococcosis patients, respectively. Transfection of an LV-hsa-miR-125b-5p-inhibitor reduced apoptosis of L-O2 hepatocytes in vitro (P < 0.05). Thus, hsa-miR-125b-5p may promote liver cell proliferation and inhibit liver cell apoptosis.Conclusions: Taken together, hsa-miR-125b-5p may be a promising diagnostic biomarker for the early non-invasive diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis. We plan to validate the expression of hsa-miR-125b-5p in the plasma of patients with cystic echinococcosis, alveolar echinococcosis, and other liver diseases to determine the potential of hsa-miR-125-5p as a differential biomarker in future studies.
Special Pathologic Features of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Could There be a New Type of Muscular Dystrophinopathy?
Authors: Zheng Danfeng , Li Junyu , Li Jiaxi , Zhang Yingshuang , Yu Miao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by vertebral rotation and lateral curvature of the spine and affects 2-4% of the population throughout the world and the cause of the disease is still controversial. Recent researches suggest that there is an internal correlation between certain neuromuscular diseases and AIS. This study aims to characterize the paraspinal muscles of AIS patients, and to further explore the its etiology.Methods: Eighteen AIS patients treated with posterior scoliosis correction surgery were included and had biopsies taken from the paraspinal muscle at the apex vertebra region. Serial sections with conventional H&E staining and histochemical staining were obtained, and immunohistochemical examinations were employed to detect Dystrophin-1, -2, -3, Myosin, MHC-1, CD4, CD8, CD20, and CD68 or CD163 antibodies. Biopsy samples were grouped according to the subjects’ Cobb angle and Nash-Moe’s classification respectively, and the corresponding pathological changes were compared between groups. Results: The immunohistochemical staining results showed significant differences in the expression pattern of Dystrophin-2 (P=0.023) and Dystrophin-total (P=0.018) between the mild and severe scoliosis groups, with the expression of Dystrophin more abnormal or absent in the severe scoliosis group. There were also significant differences in the expression pattern of Dystrophin-2 (P=0.035) between the Nash-Moe classification subgroups. The expression of Dystrophin-3 was absent to various extent in all patients. Besides, we observed an infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the paraspinal muscles and tendons. In all patients, the expression of MHC-1 on myolemma was present in some muscle fibers.Conclusions: The expression of dystrophin protein was significantly reduced and was correlated with the severity of scoliosis, suggesting that dystrophin protein dysfunctions contribute to the development of scoliosis. Meanwhile, the inflammatory changes of AIS mainly manifested in T cell activation and infiltration, and there seemed to be certain correlations between the expression of MHC-1 and the abnormal expression of dystrophin protein. Further studies along these results may open up new ideas for the diagnosis of scoliosis and the treatment for paraspinal myopathy.
Defining the Role of TT-TG and TT-PCL in the Diagnosis of Lateralization of the Tibial Tubercle in Recurrent Patellar Dislocation
Authors: su peng , jian nengri , Mao Beini , zhang zhong , Li Jian , FU Weili 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe radiological indicators can help doctors determine whether to make the tibial tubercle transfer. But that which indicator is better is still in question.Methods117 knees in 103 patients who had gone through patellar surgery and 60 knees in 58 patients who had no history of patellar dislocation from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed. Significant differences of tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) on CT and tibial tubercle–posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) on MRI between the case group and the control group were estimated by an unpaired t test. Significant differences between TT-TG on CT and TT-TG on MRI were estimated by a paired t test. The correlation between TT-PCL on MRI and tibial width was estimated by Pearson test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were measured to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TT-TG and TT-PCL on MRI. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for inter-method of TT-TG evaluated by two raters was were 0.566. When comparing TT-TG on CT with that on MRI, the mean difference was 2.5mm (p<0.001). The mean TT-TG difference on CT between the case group and the control group was 5.3 mm, which was significantly bigger than the mean TT-PCL difference on MRI of 1.2mm(p<0.001). AUC of TT-TG on CT and TT-PCL were 0.838 and 0.580 (P<0.001). TT-PCL correlated with tibial width (r=0.450, P<0.001). Conclusion﻿A statistically significance and a fair ICC proved that TT-TG could not be used interchangeably. The bigger mean difference between the case group and the control group and better AUC proved that TT-TG on CT might be an indicator more suitable for measuring the lateralization of the tibial tubercle. And TT-TG should be considered as an individual parameter because of the significant correlation with tibial width.
Live Birth Rate of Fresh Embryo Transfer with GnRH Agonist Long Protocol is Higher Than Frozen Embryo Transfer
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Yang Jingwei , Li Lan , Yang Na , Lan Ling , Huang Guoning , Ye Hong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Along with progress in embryo cryopreservation, especially in vitrification has made freeze all strategy more acceptable. Some studies found comparable or higher live birth rate with frozen embryo transfer (FET) than with fresh embryo transfer（ET）in gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. But there were no reports about live birth rate differences between fresh ET and FET with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol. The aim of this study is to analyze whether patients benefit from freeze all strategy in GnRH-a protocol from real-world data.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, in which women undergoing fresh ET or FET with GnRH-a long protocol at Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute from January 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy rate.Results: A total of 7,814 patients met inclusion criteria, implementing 5,216 fresh ET cycles and 2,598 FET cycles, respectively. The demographic characteristics of the patients were significantly different between two groups, except BMI. After controlling for a broad range of potential confounders (including age, infertility duration, BMI, AMH, no. of oocytes retrieved and no. of available embryos), multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in terms of clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss rate between two groups (all P>0.05). However, the implantation rate and live birth rate of fresh ET group were significantly higher than FET group (P<0.001 and P=0.012, respectively).Conclusion: Compared to FET, fresh ET following GnRH-a long protocol could lead to higher implantation rate and live birth rate in infertile patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). The freeze all strategy should be individualized and made with caution especially with GnRH-a long protocol.
Selonsertib, a Potential Drug for Liver Failure Therapy by Rescuing the Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Macrophage via ASK1-JNK-DRP1 Pathway
Authors: Lou Guohua , Li Aichun , Zhang Tianbao , Qi Jinjin , Chen Zhi , Liu Yanning 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAcute liver failure (ALF) is associated with high mortality rate and there are still no effective treatments expect liver transplantation and artificial liver therapies. This study was aimed to determine the effects, therapeutic window and mechanisms of selonsertib, a selective inhibitor of ASK1, for ALF therapy.ResultsLipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine (LPS/GalN) was used to simulate ALF. We found that selonsertib pretreatment significantly ameliorated ALF as determined by reduced hepatic necrosis and serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and inflammatory cytokine levels. However, selonsertib is only effective early after LPS/GalN administration and the limited therapeutic window was related to the activation and mitochondrial translocation of JNK and DRP1. Further experiments revealed that selonsertib could alleviate LPS-induced mitochondrial damage in macrophages by evaluating the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in macrophages. Selonsertib also suppressed the release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages by reducing DRP1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, which was confirmed by using mdivi, the specific DRP1 inhibitor.ConclusionsSelonsertib protected against LPS/GalN-induced ALF by attenuating JNK-mediated DRP1 mitochondrial translocation and then rescuing mitochondrial damage in macrophages and may have therapeutic potential for early ALF patients.
Elderly patients of mild cognitive impairment exhibit altered profiles of the gut microbiota
Authors: Pan Qiong , Li Ya-Qian , Guo Ke , Xue Min , Gan Yu , Wang Kejian , Xu Da-Bao , Tu Qiu-Yun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
As the transitional state between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive decline greater than natural aging. While the association between AD and gut microbiota has been reported in a number of studies, there is still very limited microbial research about MCI.
Methods
Here we enrolled 48 participants, including 22 MCI cases and 26 normal controls. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis.
Results
Both Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Non-metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) demonstrated that the microbial composition of MCI individuals deviated from the cluster of healthy controls. Multiple bacterial species were significantly increased (e.g., Staphylococcus intermedius) or decreased (e.g., Bacteroides salyersiae) in the samples from MCI group.
Conclusion
Therefore, the composition of gut microbiota differed between control subjects and MCI cases. Our study is the first to identify a series of MCI signature species in the gut microbiota, thus providing a new direction for future development of early diagnosis and probiotics regimen.
Nanoparticles of Conformation-stabilized Canine Distemper Virus Hemagglutinin are Highly Immunogenic and Induce Robust Immunity
Authors: Feng Hao , Dong Jingjian , Chen Yan , Shi Lili , Shen Bing , Sun Xianliang , Xia Xianzhu , Feng Na 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCanine distemper virus (CDV) infection of ferrets, dogs, and giant pandas causes an acute systemic disease involving multiple organ systems, including the respiratory tract, lymphoid system, and central nervous system. In this study, we tested a new type candidate CDV vaccine–CDV nanoparticles–based on hemagglutinin protein. MethodsThe nanoparticles were generated from conformation-stabilized CDV hemagglutinin tetramers. Immune responses against CDV were evaluated in mice. Immunization was initiated 6 weeks after birth and boosted twice with 4-week intervals. The blood and mucosal samples were collected 2 weeks after each immunization. ResultsVaccination with CDV nanoparticles elicited high levels of IgG antibody titers in mice (approximately seven- to eight fold higher than that obtained with soluble CDV H protein), as well as mucosal immune responses, and developed increased CDV-specific neutralizing antibody. The mice that received nanoparticles showed significantly higher IFN-γ- and IL-4-secreting cell population in the spleen and lymph node compared with mice immunized with soluble H protein. The co-stimulatory molecular expression of CD80 and CD86 on the surface of DCs were also upregulated. ConclusionThe results demonstrate that self-assembly into nanoparticles can increase the immunogenicity of vaccine antigens, and nanoparticles assembled from conformation-stabilized CDV H protein has the potential to serve as a new type CDV vaccine.
Quality Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Comprehensive Patient Assessment in Emergency Care: A National Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Falchenberg Åsa , Andersson Ulf , Sundström Birgitta Wireklint , Bremer Anders , Andersson Henrik 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide guidance for emergency care clinicians to perform patient assessments. Neglecting CPGs may lead to incomplete or fragmented assessments and cause ad-verse events. However, it is important for CPGs to be evidence based, and patient assessments must be conducted in such a manner that high levels of patient safety can be achieved. The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the quality of emergency medical services (EMS) and emer-gency departments (EDs) CPGs for comprehensive patient assessments. Methods A national cross-sectional design was used, and the listed managers from 97 organizations (25 EMS and 72 EDs) were contacted, covering all 20 Swedish county councils. Fifteen guidelines were ap-praised using the validated Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Results The results revealed that none of the CPGs outlined a comprehensive patient assessment. The main characteristic of the CPGs was their focus on the medical assessment of patients with life-threatening conditions, mostly based on initial assessment and the A-E principle (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure). According to the AGREE II analysis, the overall quality of the guidelines was poor. CPGs lacked scientific support, underlying evidence, descriptions of how that evidence was collected, and explanations of the criteria used for CPG development. Conclusions This research indicated that there were no Swedish CPGs with comprehensive patient assessments in emergency care and that the foundation for evidence-based CPGs for comprehensive patient assessments was weak.
Knowledge About Leprosy Among Health Care Workers In Balaka District, Southern Malawi
Authors: Mponda Kelvin , Anafi George , Laja Eric Thom , Chidothe Rapson , Mahuka Lawrence , Duncan Ephraim , Ng’oma David , Hees Colette van 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Health care workers (HCW) who are knowledgeable about leprosy can play an important role in promoting early case detection to prevent disabilities. Poor knowledge of leprosy leads to poor attitude about the disease and towards its sufferers. This study was done to assess knowledge and attitudes of health workers towards leprosy in Balaka district, southern Malawi.
Methods

This was a cross sectional study that included all HCW that do outpatient consultations in health facilities in Balaka district using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for analysis.
Results

Thirty five of the approached 38 HCW had heard about leprosy (21 nurses, 3 health surveillance assistants and 11 medical assistants). While 21 (60%) reported to ever have suspected leprosy in a patient, 13 (37%) HCW had never seen a case of leprosy before and 6 HCW (17%) had ever made a correct diagnosis of leprosy themselves. Twenty nine (83%) knew leprosy is an infectious disease, 1 (2.9%) thought it is due to witchcraft, 2 (5.7%) thought dirty environment causes leprosy. Six HCW (17%)mentioned inhalation as mode of transmission, 19 (54%) thought touching someone with the disease, 4 (11%) eating infected meat and another 4 (11%) uncleanliness can transmit leprosy. The skin and peripheral nerves were correctly mentioned by 32 HCW (91%) as organs which may be affected by leprosy. Whether leprosy is curable, 25 (71%) thought it is, 5 (14%) thought it is incurable and another 5 (14%) did not know. Seventeen HCW (49%) felt leprosy patients need isolation and 19 HCW (54%) were afraid they might catch leprosy at work. Of three diseases leprosy, HIV and diabetes, 26 (74%) HCW felt leprosy was the most dangerous as opposed to 4 (11%) and 3 (9%) that chose HIV and diabetes respectively. Only (16) 46% had learnt about leprosy during their training but 24 (69%) had read about leprosy out of self-interest and all the HCW felt they need on job or refresher training about leprosy.
Conclusion

There is a general lack of knowledge about leprosy. This may explain why many HCW have not had experience with leprosy patients even though it exists in their areas. Their fears about leprosy infectiousness and dangerousness are also based on this knowledge lack. Since such poor knowledge may lead to delayed diagnosis and stigma, education about leprosy to HCWs in Balaka must be part of any priority interventions to address challenges with leprosy control in the district.
Genomic analysis reveals independent evolution of Plasmodium falciparum population in Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Deriba , Kibet Caleb Kipkurui , Degefa Teshome , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Bargul Joel L , Golassa Lemu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations have been experiencing local selective pressures from drugs and immunity, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, there was paucity of data on the genomic characterization and the evolutionary adaptations of P. falciparum isolates from central area of Ethiopia.
Method
: Whole genome analysis of 25 P. falciparum isolates from central Ethiopia were made to determine their genetic diversity, population structures and signatures of selection in known drug resistance loci against isolates from Cambodia, Thailand, DR Congo and Malawi.
Result
A total of 18,517 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified with average nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00022) across the genome. About 84% of the Ethiopian P. falciparum isolates had FWS value > 0.95 showing a dominant single genotype infection in most isolates at the time of collection with little potential for out-crossing as expected in areas with low transmission intensity. Within host diversity of Ethiopian infections was significantly different from East African (p < 0.001) but not Southeast Asian infections (P > 0.05). A significant population structure differentiation between Ethiopian parasites and East Africa (Fst < 10%) and Southeast Asia populations (Fst ~ 18%) has been observed, suggesting limited gene flow and the independent evolution of the Ethiopian parasite population. Moreover, a total of 125 genes under balancing selection is identified that included ama1, trap, eba175, and lsa3 previously identified as targets of human host immunity. Recent directional selection analysis using integrated standardized haplotype score (IHS) did not detect any selection signatures in the pfcrt, pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr1, and pfK13 genes. However, mutations analysis showed that at least one SNP marker was fixed in these genes, but not in pfdhps and pfK13.
Conclusion
Plasmodium falciparum population in central region of Ethiopia were structurally diverged from both southeast Asian and other East African populations. A low within host diversity is noted among the Ethiopian parasites. Indeed, the parasites carry fixed chloroquine resistance markers despite the withdrawal of this drug for the treatment of P. falciparum.
Use of the Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment Program to Decrease Mental Health Problems in Ugandan Children Surviving Severe Malaria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bangirana Paul , Birabwa Annet , Nyakato Mary , Nakitende Ann J. , Kroupina Maria , Nakasujja Noeline , Musisi Seggane , John Chandy C. , Idro Richard 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe malaria is associated with long-term mental health problems in Ugandan children. This study investigated the effect of a behavioral intervention for caregivers of children admitted with severe malaria, on the children’s mental health outcomes six months after discharge.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Naguru Hospital in Kampala, Uganda from January 2018 to July 2019. Caregiver and child dyads were randomly assigned to either a psychoeducation arm providing information about hospital procedures during admission (control group) or a behavioral arm providing information about the child’s possible emotions and behavior during and after admission and providing age appropriate games for the caregiver and child (intervention group). Pre- and post-intervention assessments for caregiver anxiety and depression (Hopkins Symptom Checklist) and child mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behavioral Checklist) were done during admission and six months after discharge respectively. T-tests, analysis of covariance and Chi-Square were used to compare outcomes between the two treatment arms.Results: There were 120 caregiver-child dyads recruited at baseline with children aged 1.45 years to 4.89 years (mean age 2.85 years, SD = 1.01). The intervention and control groups had similar sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics at baseline. Caregiver depression at baseline, mother’s education and female sex of the child were associated with behavioral problems in the child at baseline (p<0.05). At six months follow-up, there was no difference in the frequency of behavioral problems between the groups (6.8% vs 10% in intervention vs. control groups, respectively, p = 0.72). Caregiver depression and anxiety scores between the treatment arms did not differ at six months follow-up. Conclusion: This behavioral intervention for caregivers and their children admitted with severe malaria had no effect on the child’s mental health outcomes at six months. Further studies need to develop interventions for mental health problems after severe malaria in children with longer follow-up time.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03432039