bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Are intravertebral clefts Kümmell’s disease?
Authors: Chen Zhenzhong , Lou Chao , Yu Weiyang , He Dengwei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Intravertebral clefts (IVC) used to be considered as the unique characteristic of Kümmell’s disease (KD). However, accumulating literatures and our clinical findings identified the presence of IVC in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) as well. Since the exact time for incidence of OVCF is usually difficult to recall for old people, it leads to challenging to differentiate IVC from KD and acute OVCF and begs for further investigation. Moreover, the treatment scheme of the two is not exactly the same. In order to identify the differences between IVC of KD and OVCF, we performed this study of radiological features.Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine patients with IVC were included in our study, with 44 cases in the KD group and 35 cases in the acute OVCF group. Radiological images, including X-ray, CT, and MRI, were collected for each group. Results: Consistent with previous reports, IVC was present in both groups. Intriguingly, we found several unique features that were only present in the KD group, including sclerosis of the cleft margin (95.5%, 42/44), ossification of the fractured vertebrae (100%, 44/44), ossification of the pedicle (31.8%, 14/44), double-line sign (27.3%, 12/44), stress fracture of the spinous process (13.6%, 6/44) and even formation of paravertebral callus (18.2%, 8/44).Conclusion: IVC could present in patients with both KD and acute OVCF, which leads to the challenges in the differentiation of clinical diagnosis. Due to the differences in the treatment, it is essential for surgeons to identify the differences among radiological features between the two. We found that marginal cleft sclerosis, vertebral and pedicle ossification, double-line sign, spinous process fracture, and formation of paravertebral callus are unique radiological features of KD and could be used for differentiation of KD from acute OVCF with IVC.
Perinatal exposure to a low dose of bisphenol-A advances pubertal spermatogenesis of F1 adolescent male rats
Authors: Bai Yinyang , Xiong Fang , Zhang Yun , Chen Jie , Xu Lishuang , Wang Min , Jiang Shiwen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

To investigate the impact of perinatal exposure to a low dose of bisphenol A (BPA) on spermatogenesis in male rats and the underlying mechanism.
Methods

Female rats were injected subcutaneously with 2 µg BPA/kg/day from gestation day 10 through lactation day 7. The spermatogenesis and expression of key regulatory genes in the testes as well as the central modulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were determined in male offspring on postnatal day 18, 21, and 24 (PND18, 21, and 24).
Results

1) Perinatal BPA exposure led to an increase in the weight of body and testis in PND21-24 male offspring. The seminiferous tubular diameter and the number of round spermatids were significantly increased in PND21 BPA-rats, while the volumes of the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes were not significantly altered. 2) Compared to the control rats, the expression levels of key meiotic regulators such as cyclinA1, c-jun and c-fos in the seminiferous tubules were significantly elevated in PND21 BPA-rats. 3) The plasma levels of FSH and LH (PND21 and PND24) as well as the frequency of pulsatile LH secretion (PND21) were significantly increased in BPA-rats, although the plasma levels of testosterone and estrogen showed no significant difference between the two groups. 4) In comparison with control rats, the levels of GnRH mRNA in the preoptic area (POA) and kiss1 mRNA in arcuate nucleus (ARC) were significantly increased in the BPA-rats, whereas the level of ERα mRNA in ARC was decreased, although the number of GnRH-positive cells and ARC kisspeptin-positive cells were unchanged. Interestingly, neither the number of kisspeptin-positive cells nor the level of kiss1 mRNA in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) showed a difference between the two groups.
Conclusion

Perinatal exposed to a low dose of BPA leads to an increased meiosis of spermatocytes and promotes the spermatogenesis in male offspring, most likely through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Natural Course and Prognostic Factors of Ethambutol Toxic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Kim Ye Ji , Lim Soo Hyun , Kim Ungsoo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the natural course and prognostic factors of ethambutol toxic optic neuropathy (ETON).Methods: Medical charts of 87 patients diagnosed with ETON were reviewed retrospectively, and the visual acuity and history of ethambutol medication were analyzed. Based on the final visual acuity, patients were divided into two groups: recovery and no-recovery groups. We investigated the prognostic factors, including the sex, age, duration of medication, initial visual acuity, and systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal disorders, etc.). Results: In this study, 37 men and 50 women, with ages ranging from 22 to 91 years, were included. Although a poor initial visual acuity was noted in the old patients, a short duration of medication had a weak negative correlation with the initial visual acuity. Follow-up of over 1 year could be performed for 28 out of 87 patients, including nine men and 19 women, with a mean age of 70.0 ± 8.2 years. Ten eyes of seven (25%) patients, including three men and four women, did not recover vision after discontinuation of ethambutol. Patients were significantly older in the no-recovery group than in the recovery group (73.9 ± 8.3 and 68.7 ± 8.1 years, respectively). The poor initial visual acuity and presence of systemic diseases affected the prognosis of ETON. Conclusion: Three-fourth of patients with ETON had visual recovery after discontinuation of ethambutol. High-risk patients with poor prognostic factors, including old age, presence of systemic diseases, and poor initial visual acuity, should be screened in early stages of ETON.
Clinical characteristics of breast abscesses induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during lactation
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Xiangjun , He Xingping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

This study aims to identify the differences in patients with breast abscesses in combination with the infection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) during lactation in the clinical characteristics, efficacy of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration, breastfeeding after illness and recurrence.
Methods

Clinical data of patients with breast abscesses during lactation who were treated in our hospital from January 2014 to February 2017 were reviewed. According to bacterial culture results, they were divided into MRSA (n = 260) and MSSA (n = 962) groups. The hospitalisation, postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, maximum amount of punctured pus, frequency of punctures, failure of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration, delactation and recurrence were compared between groups using a t-test and a chi-squared test.
Results

The statistical analysis showed that only delactation was statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.018). Hospitalisation, postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, maximum amount of punctured pus, frequency of punctures, failure of puncture, antibiotic use, treatment duration and recurrence showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.488, P = 0.328, P = 0.494, P = 0.218, P = 0.088, P = 0.102, P = 0.712, P = 0.336, P = 0.512, P = 0.386 and P = 0.359, respectively).
Conclusion

Patients with breast abscesses combined with MRSA infection during lactation presented no significant differences in the clinical manifestations, efficacy of puncture, antibiotic use or treatment duration from those with MSSA infection. However, the patients infected with MRSA were more susceptible to delactation after illness.
Patient Similarity Network of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Identifies Patient Sub-groups with Distinct Genetic Features and Clinical Implications
Authors: Bhalla Sherry , Melnekoff David , Keats Jonathan , Onel Kenan , Sawyer Jeffrey , Madduri Deepu , Richter Joshua , Richard Shambavi , Chari Ajai , Cho Hearn , Dudley Joel , Jagannath Sundar , Lagana Alessandro , Parekh Samir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The remarkable genetic heterogeneity of Multiple Myeloma poses a significant challenge for proper prognostication and clinical management of patients. Here, we introduce MM-PSN, the first multi-omics Patient Similarity Network of Myeloma. MM-PSN enabled accurate dissection of the genetic and molecular landscape of the disease and determined twelve distinct sub-groups defined by five data types generated from genomic and transcriptomic patient profiling of 655 patients. MM-PSN revealed that 1q gain is the most important single lesion conferring high risk of relapse and that it can improve on the current International Staging Systems (ISS and R-ISS). Several sub-groups uncovered novel associations between the gain of 1q and other adverse secondary lesions, thereby identifying the chromosomal hallmarks of sub-clonal heterogeneity and tumor progression in MM. We also determined gene vulnerabilities and potential therapeutic options for each sub-group and validated our prognostic model in an independent dataset.
Using Citizen Heritage Science to monitor remote sites; a comparison of two methods
Authors: Brigham Rosie , Orr Scott , Wilson Lyn , Frost Adam , Strlič Matija , Grau-Bové Josep 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
For large heritage organisations the monitoring and documentation of sites in their care presents considerable challenges; continual monitoring of the smaller, unstaffed and more remote sites is often not practical. Long-term trends, one off events or seasonal variations can sometimes go unnoticed or undocumented. However, heritage sites are often popular tourist destinations and can receive a high level of footfall from visitors who carry increasingly sophisticated mobile phones. It seems a logical conclusion that heritage organisations capitalize on using visitors’ images to record and monitor remote heritage sites. This research proposes Citizen Heritage Science as an effective method to gather reliable data for heritage sites. We compare two methods for data collection: a ‘guided’ approach, in which on-site signage prompts visitors to submit photographs of specific areas of a site; and an ‘open’ approach, in which the public is asked to send any photographs they have of the site in question. At the study sites in Scotland, Machrie Moor and Clava Cairns, the guided approach provided enough images to monitor specific risks to the site (erosion and flooding). Visitors conformed to the instruction provided and the majority of submitted images could be included in the analysis. The open approach was successful in gathering a large number of submissions during the national lockdown in the spring of 2020 in which access was restricted to heritage sites. Notably, the open approach led to more diverse images which was ultimately beneficial, resulting in a multi-faceted understanding of long-term changes in site interpretation and management. Finally, we found great benefit in storing the data in an accessible database; this meant research data was easily accessible for heritage managers in real time, requiring no specialist knowledge for access or analysis. This allowed for rapid responses to urgent one-off events, such as heritage crime. In summary, both approaches have potential to inform monitoring of heritage sites which would otherwise require significant resources to be more frequently monitored by staff. In presenting both methodologies we hope heritage institutions will be able to set up similar projects and continue research in the field of Citizen Heritage Science.
Waiting for the Second (Non)-Covid-19 Wave: Variations in Volume of Emergency Surgeries and of Emergency Department Accesses in a Third Level Hospital in Milan, Lombardy, During the Outbreak
Authors: Castoldi Laura , Solbiati Monica , Costantino Giorgio , Casiraghi Elena 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: During the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (Corona VIrus Diseases 2019), Lombardy was the Italian region most affected, with 87,000 patients and 15,876 deaths (until May 26). Since February 22, well before the Government declared the state of emergency, a huge reduction of emergency surgeries was seen in Lombardy Hospitals, with a generalized drop of attendances in the Emergency Departments (EDs).Study Objective: The aim of this study is to report the experience of the ED of a third-level hospital in downtown Milan, Lombardy (IRCCS Foundation Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico), and try to explain the causes of the observed phenomena.Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed assessing the volume of emergency surgeries and of the attendances in the ED during the course of the pandemic, i.e. immediately before, during and after progressive community lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the same time periods in 2019.Results: Compared to the previous year, in 2020 a significant overall drop of emergency surgeries (60%, p<0.002) and of ED attendances (66%, p≅0) was observed. The drop was significant for medical ( 40%), surgical (74%), specialist fast track (92%), and psychiatric (60%) complaints, for domestic violence accesses (59%) and for patients who left the ED without being seen (LWBS) (76%). Conversely, deaths raised by 196%.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak the volume of urgent surgeries and the volume of patients accessing ED dropped. At the moment, it is not known if mortality of people who did not seek care increased during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to try to understand if such reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in a rebound of patients left untreated, or in unwanted consequences on population health.
Co-expression Network analysis of LncRNA associated with overexpression of DNMT1 in esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: LEI Yi , ZHANG Chen , YIN Dong , XU Yi , LI Xu-feng , CHEN Yan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Screening and preliminary identification of DNMT1 high expression related LncRNA, which is involved in various inter-related signaling pathways, has revealed a theoretical basis for various types of disease mechanisms. Methods:LncRNA and mRNA differential expression profiles were identified on a microarray. The 10 LncRNAs with high levels of variation were identified by qRT-PCR. KEGG and GO analyses were used to dissect out differentially expressed mRNAs. Results and Conclusions:Six signal pathways were selected based on the KEGG results of the LncRNA-mRNAs expression network analysis.We found a total of 6987 differentially expressed LncRNAs and 7421 differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained from the microarrays in experimental and control groups (P<0.05; Fold Change >2.0x). GO analysis KEGG pathway analysis showed high expression of DNMT1 in esophageal epithelial cells. Nine pathways involved mRNA up-regulation including natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and many other prominent biochemical pathways. Forty six pathways were associated with down regulated mRNAs and ribosomes involving multiple biological pathways. Co-expression network analysis showed that the 8 mRNA and 16 LncRNA were linked to the P53 signaling pathway. Interactions occurred between 22 LncRNA and 11 mRNA in the ErbB signaling pathway, between 19 LncRNA and 8 mRNA in epithelial cell signal transduction of Helicobacter pylori infection. Interactions were present in 19 LncRNAs and 5 mRNAs in the sphingolipid signaling pathway along with 21 with LncRNA and 12 with mRNAs in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Cytotoxicity interactions occurred with 22 LncRNAs and 9 mRNAs in natural killer cells.
Phylogenetic Relationship of Babesia Species Infecting Dogs from Select Regions in Kenya
Authors: Ngoka Ismail Thoya , Mbogo Kevin , Kyalo Martina , Juma Peter , Obiero David , Pelle Roger 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere are over 100 Babesia species known to infect vertebrates with some of them being zoonotic. Local dog keeping practices enable extensive and intimate interactions between dogs, livestock, wildlife, and their human owners, thus allowing the possibility of dogs to act as hosts for zoonotic parasites.Canine babesiosis, known to occur in Kenya causes a severe and debilitating illness in dogs which compromises their welfare and capacity to carry out their role in society. Published data on Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya is limited. Improved control measures such as vaccines are required against the disease.MethodsThe study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. A total of 143 whole blood samples were collected from domestic dogs in Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa counties. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each of the samples and screened for Babesia parasites using diagnostic PCR. Babesia species were identified through bioinformatic analysis of Sanger sequences.ResultsA total of 13 samples were positive for Babesia species (95% C.I is 0.0437 to 0.1381). Two were positive for Babesia canis vogeli, eleven were positive for Babesia canis rossi.77% of the Babesia positive samples were from Nairobi county.ConclusionsThe study confirmed that molecular methods can be utilized to detect the presence of Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya.85% of the Babesia positive samples were Babesia canis rossi which causes the most severe form of canine babesiosis. Results of the bioinformatic analysis indicate 98.29% to 99.52% sequence identity to Babesia canis rossi obtained from black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas).Babesia canis vogeli although primarily known as a domestic dog parasite has been shown capable of infecting both domestic and wild felines. This demonstrates the capacity of dogs to serve as hosts for pathogens from wildlife and vice versa.
The overlooked background of gastric MMC III: the signalling pathways of motilin receptors inducing canine left gastric artery relaxation
Authors: Li Hongyu , Yang Lanlan , Jin Ying , Jin Chunxiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In diabetic patients with gastroparesis, the gastric blood supply is often decreased and delayed gastric emptying associating MMCIII absence is the main symptom. Under physiological conditions, motilin has been shown to induce a sustained increase in left gastric artery (LGA) blood flow and initiate MMC phase III simultaneously. The study aimed to elucidating the signal transduction pathways of motilin receptors (MLNRs) in the relaxation of LGA.Methods: MLNR expression in the LGA was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Motilin-induced relaxation of the LGA was tested in a multi-wire myograph system. Effects of inhibitors or blockers in the signal transduction pathway were observed.Results: Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining showed that the MLNRs were on the membranes of endothelial cells. Motilin relaxed U46619 pre-contracted canine LGA rings in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 9.010 ± 0.789 × 10−8 M. Motilin’s effect was inhibited by denuded endothelium but not by muscarinic receptor inhibitors. The effect was selectively and competitively inhibited by Phe-cyclo[Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-Ala-]•trifluoroacetate (GM-109; MLNR antagonist) and completely or partially inhibited by inhibitors of the G protein–phospholipase C–inositol trisphosphate (G pr–PLC–IP3) and nitric oxide synthase–nitric oxide–soluble guanylyl cyclase (NOS–NO–sGC) signal transduction pathway, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and myoendothelial gap junction, blockers of the potassium channel and low/free Ca2+ Krebs solutions, but not by inhibitors of protein kinase C, protein kinase A or L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel.Conclusions: MLNRs were on the membranes of endothelial cells of canine LGA. The main intracellular signal transduction pathway was motilin–MLNR–G pr–PLC–IP3–NOS–NO–sGC–cGMP. These results may provide a new theoretical basis for research on diabetic gastroparesis.
Low-Dose IL-2 Therapy Limits the Reduction in Absolute Numbers of Circulating Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Wang Jia , Wang Cai-Hong , Jia Rui-Huan , Yan Ming , Hu Fang-Yuan , Liu Guang-Ying , Liu Xue-Yu , Luo Jing , Gao Chong , Li Xiao-Feng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are responsible for mediating immune tolerance and maintaining immunological homeostasis. Decreases in Tregs may be involved in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been considered for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by T cells. This study focused on the status of circulating CD4+T subsets and the clinical feasibility of IL-2 therapies in patients with RA.Methods The subjects included 888 patients with RA and 100 healthy controls (HCs); 233 RA patients received IL-2 treatment of at 0.5 million international units (MIU)/day from days 1 through 5. The demographic features, disease activity, and levels of CD4+T cells measured by modified flow cytometry were collected in all RA patients before and after treatment.Results RA patients had lower absolute Treg counts (but not Th17) compared with HCs, which was associated with disease activity; previously treated RA patients had the fewest circulating Tregs (P < 0.05). Patients treated with low-dose IL-2 had a three-fold increase in absolute anti-inflammatory Treg counts, as well as a two-fold increase in the other CD4+T subsets. Moreover, post-treatment levels of markers of disease activity in RA patients treated with IL-2 were significantly lower than the baseline values (P < 0.001), with no apparent side effects.Conclusions Decreased absolute counts of circulating CD4+T lymphocyte subsets were observed in patients with RA. Circulating Tregs, which mediate immune tolerance, may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of RA; however, this was ameliorated by low-dose IL-2, without obvious side effects.
Co-Creation of an Acceptable Indigenous Food Diet for Children Under Five in Early Childhood Development Centres
Authors: Nepfumbada Gundo , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of indigenous food (IF) such as green leafy vegetables and fruits in rural communities has been the main source of food despite being replaced by food high in sugar and fats. Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres are uniquely positioned for positive influence to healthy eating of children. The aim of this study was for ECD stakeholders to co-create an IF diet for children under five in ECD centres.Method: A sequential explanatory mixed method design was employed. We conducted focus group discussion with stakeholders employing the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and the nominal group technique ranking method to co-create to an acceptable indigenous food diet for children. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A thematic approach to qualitative data analysis with a coding framework guided by Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (intervention characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, characteristics of individuals involved in implementation and the implementation process) was employed to analyse focus group discussion data. Statistical analysis was employed to analyze quantitative data collected through surveys.Results: Study participants included ECD stakeholders (ECD managers, social workers and dieticians) aged 34-52. Participants identified Ditokomane, Oranges, Mabele soft porridge, Dithotse and Dinawa as components of an IF that are suitable and acceptable for children under five years in ECD centres. Conclusion: ECD stakeholders co-created an IF diet to be implemented in ECD centres for children under five. Stakeholders are of the view that IF diet will have more health benefits on children than the current menu that is being used.