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Although physical isolation measures can stem the spread of COVID-19, they can also heighten individuals' perceived isolation and feeling of loneliness, resulting in problematic internet use (PIU). However, studies have rarely investigated both the effects of physical and perceived isolation on PIU. Given the widespread availability and accessibility of digital communication technologies, it is difficult to conclude that the former may necessitate the latter inducing PIU. Using a two-wave longitudinal national survey in Singapore (n = 689), this study found that, at Time 1, both physical and perceived social isolation have direct and independent effects on internet users' preference for online social interaction (POSI), driving PIU. This, in turn, leads to their experience of negative outcomes at Time 2. The results highlight the importance of considering the independent effects of physical and perceived isolation in affecting POSI leading to PIU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

News media can influence citizens' health beliefs about COVID-19 and eventually their vaccination intention. However, existing literature has rarely investigated how such effect is contingent upon a country-level factor: press freedom. Situated in the Health Belief Model, this study draws upon a multi-national survey (N = 3,599), involving 10 major cities in Asia to address the research gap. Results showed that news exposure has a positive effect on personal health beliefs on COVID-19, affecting their vaccination intention. More interestingly, the relationship between news exposure and personal health beliefs about COVID-19 was negatively moderated by level of press freedom – that is, the relationship between news exposure and personal health beliefs is stronger in cities that belong to countries with low levels of press freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose.tempspacetempspaceTo identify pivotal differentially expressed miRNAs and genes and construct their regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma.tempspacetempspaceMethods.tempspacetempspacemRNA (GSE101728) and microRNA (GSE108724) microarray datasets were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.tempspacetempspaceThen, we identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs.tempspacetempspaceSequentially, transcription factor enrichment and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis for miRNA were performed.tempspacetempspaceTarget genes of these differential miRNAs were obtained using packages in R language (R package multiMiR).tempspacetempspaceAfter that, downregulated miRNAs were matched with target mRNAs which were upregulated, while upregulated miRNAs were paired with downregulated target mRNA using scripts written in Perl.tempspacetempspaceAn miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and visualized in Cytoscape software.tempspacetempspaceFor miRNAs in the network, survival analysis was performed.tempspacetempspaceAnd for genes in the network, we did gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.tempspacetempspaceResults.tempspacetempspaceA total of 35 miRNAs and 295 mRNAs were involved in the network.tempspacetempspaceThese differential genes were enriched in positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion, positive regulation of leukocyte cell-cell adhesion, and so on.tempspacetempspaceEight differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be associated with the OS of patients with HCC.tempspacetempspaceAmong which, miR-425 and miR-324 were upregulated while the other six, including miR-99a, miR-100, miR-125b, miR-145, miR-150, and miR-338, were downregulated.tempspacetempspaceConclusion.tempspacetempspaceIn conclusion, these results can provide a potential research direction for further studies about the mechanisms of how miRNA affects malignant behavior in hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether the risk of infections is increased with the use of air from outpatient rooms to prepare bleomycin foam. Methods: Settling plates were adopted to collect bacteria from outpatient room air, operating theatre air, human serum albumin, bleomycin solution and bleomycin foam prepared with both outpatient room and operating theatre air. The plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C for 48 h, and the number of bacterial colonies was recorded using colony-forming units. The results were analysed by the t -test. A retrospective study was then performed to evaluate the outpatient safety of bleomycin foam. Results: The number of colony-forming units in the bleomycin foam produced using both operating and outpatient room air was very low, with no statistic difference. No infection cases were reported in clinical evaluation. Conclusion: Using the air from outpatient treatment rooms for bleomycin foam preparation does not increase the risk of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are frequently prescribed for thoracic cancer. However, few writers have been able to draw on any systematic research into the differences between the two ablation methods. Methods: A literature search was carried out using Embase, PUBMED, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases, with additional searches carried out manually using terms associated with thoracic cancer and thermal ablation. Then we used Google Scholar for a complementary search. Data were extracted from studies of patients that underwent radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, and the investigator carried out efficacy evaluation and follow up. The data obtained from the literature were summarized and analyzed using Cochrane Revman software Version 5.3 and SPSS 22.0. Results: There were seven comparative studies, but no randomized studies identified for data extraction; 246 patients received radiofrequency ablation therapy and 319 controls received microwave ablation. There was no significant difference in the six‐month, one‐year, two‐year, and three‐year survival rates, and adverse reactions were found in the two treatments. For patients' long‐term survival rate, the two treatments can achieve a similar survival time. Conclusion: In the treatment of thoracic cancer, microwave ablation can achieve the same efficacy as radiofrequency ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We evaluated the biomechanical outcome of different plate fixation strategies (the single plate construct, 45° double-plate construct, 90° double-plate construct, 135° double-plate construct, and 180° double-plate construct) used for the fixation of the femoral shaft nonunion with no cortical support opposite the primary lateral plate. This may help surgeons choose the optimal therapy to the femoral shaft nonunion. Methods. The femoral shaft nonunion with no medial support and the models of lateral plate and medial plate was constructed in 3-matic software and UG-NX software, respectively. We then assembled the single plate and different double plates to the fracture model separately to form the fixation models. After meshing the models’ elements, we used the ABAQUS software to perform the finite element analysis. Values of the von Mises Stress (VMS) distribution of the implant, peak VMS, and model displacement and deformation were used to capture the mechanical factors in this study. Results. Our results indicated that the peak von Mises Stress (VMS) of the lateral plate was concentrated in middle surface of the lateral plate near the fragment of each group. The peak VMS was 5201.0 MPa (the single-plate construct), 3490.0 MPa (45° double-plate construct), 1754.0 MPa (90° double-plate construct), 1123.0 MPa (135° double-plate construct), and 816.5 MPa (180° double-plate construct). The additional short plate dispersed some stress leading to the decrease in the peak VMS of the lateral plate. As angle formed by the double plates increased, the dispersed function of the additional plate was becoming obvious. The bending angles of the lateral plate were 18° versus 12° versus 3° versus 2° versus 1° (the single-plate construct versus 45° double-plate construct versus 90° double-plate construct versus 135° double-plate construct versus 180° double-plate construct). Conclusions. Our study indicated that increasing the angle between the plates in a double-plate construct improves the stability of the construct over a single lateral plate when there is no cortical support opposite to the lateral plate. The strongest fixation occurred when the angle between the two plates was greater than ninety degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SRS-22 is used to evaluate clinical outcomes in ankylosing spondylitis kyphosis patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) domains and satisfaction with management in patients who underwent surgical correction for ankylosing spondylitis kyphosis. The relationship between patient satisfaction and SRS-22 domain scores will feedback abundant information of therapeutic effect and significance for treatment guidance. Methods: In this work, 106 patients with ankylosing spondylitis kyphosis at a single institution, who underwent posterior spinal fusion of five levels or more to the sacrum, completed SRS-22 evaluation preoperatively and followed up for a minimum of 2-year postoperation. Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare preoperative with 2-year postoperative scores. Spearman correlations were investigated to evaluate associations between the 2-year treatment satisfaction and therapeutic effect in SRS-22 domain scores. Results: There were 12 females and 94 males with mean BMI of 16.4 kg/m² and at the mean age of 46.3 years. All of the primary surgeries were treatments performed with mean follow-up of 26 months. A statistical improvement between paired pre- and 2-year postoperative SRS-22 domain scores and most radiographical parameters, commonly P ≤ 0.05, was designed and implemented. The majority of patients gave SRS-22 satisfaction score with 3. 0 or more (88.5%) or 4.0 or more (68.8%), which are consistent with the moderate ceiling effect. Spearman coefficient correlations between the SRS-22 domain scores and patient satisfaction were all statistically significant, and they were from low to strong: [Mental (0.30), Activity (0.71), Pain (0.25), and Appearance (0.40)]. Furthermore, correlations for all radiographical and operative parameters were from low to strong. Conclusion: SRS-22 Activity domain correlates strongest with patient satisfaction in ankylosing spondylitis kyphosis patients who have undergone surgical correction at 2-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The inconsistent finding was between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This meta-analysis is to explore this relationship in Asia. Methods. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to October 30, 2015. Pooled incidence rate and OR with 95% CI were calculated using STATA 11.0. Results. Thirty-nine studies were included. The pooled incidence rate of CCA patients with HBV infection was 31% (95% CI 22%–39%). The pooled OR showed increased risk of CCA incidence with HBV infection (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.90–3.88), especially in ICC (OR = 3.184, 95% CI 2.356–4.302), while it showed no risk in ECC (OR = 1.407, 95% CI 0.925–2.141). Also, the pooled OR showed increased risk of ICC and ECC incidence (OR = 6.857, 95% CI 4.421–10.633 and OR = 1.740, 95% CI 1.260–2.404) in patients with HBsAg+/HBcAb+. The pooled OR showed increased risk of ICC incidence (OR = 1.410, 95% CI 1.095–1.816) in patients with HBsAg−/HBcAb+. Conclusion. It is suggested that HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of CCA in Asia. Two HBV infection models (HBsAg+/HBcAb+ and HBsAg−/HBcAb+) increase the risk of CCA, and patients with HBsAg−/HBcAb+ also had a risk of ICC. This trial is registered with PROSPERO CRD42015029264. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Malignant ovarian germ cell tumours ( MOGCTs) are usually detected at an early stage, with patients achieving a satisfactory prognosis. However, the role of staging surgery in the treatment of apparent early-stage MOGCTs remains controversial. Aims To investigate the role of staging procedures in apparent early-stage patients. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of 102 patients who were diagnosed with MOGCTs and had malignant lesions confined to their ovaries, between January 1997 and October 2014 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software which included survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier method and Fisher's exact test. Results Three patients relapsed and one died. The five-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were 98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. Eighty-nine patients (87.3%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and only 23 patients (22.5%) were completely staged. In total, 3/49 (6.1%), 1/44 (2.3%) and 0/49 (0.0%) patients were diagnosed with malignant cells in peritoneal fluid, pelvic lymph nodes and omentum, respectively. Positive tumour cells were not correlated with recurrence. Univariate analysis revealed that neither complete staging surgery nor individual factors were useful prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Conclusions The staging surgery could be omitted for apparent early-stage patients affected by MOGCTs without adverse impact upon survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established a novel measurement technique to evaluate the anatomic information of nutrient artery canals using Mimics (Materialise’s Interactive Medical Image Control System) software, which will provide full knowledge of nutrient artery canals to assist in the diagnosis of longitudinal fractures of tibia and choosing an optimal therapy. Here we collected Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format of 199 patients hospitalized in our hospital. All three-dimensional models of tibia in Mimics were reconstructed. In 3-matic software, we marked five points in tibia which located at intercondylar eminence, tibia tuberosity, outer ostium, inner ostium, and bottom of medial malleolus. We then recorded Z-coordinates values of the five points and performed statistical analysis. Our results indicate that foramen was found to be absent in 9 (2.3%) tibias, and 379 (95.2%) tibias had single nutrient foramen. The double foramina was observed in 10 (2.5%) tibias. The mean of tibia length was 358 ± 22 mm. The mean foraminal index was 31.8%  ± 3%. The mean distance between tibial tuberosity and foramen (TFD) is 66 ± 12 mm. Foraminal index has significant positive correlation with TFD (r = 0.721, P < 0.01). Length of nutrient artery canals has significant negative correlation with TFD (r = −0.340, P < 0.01) and has significant negative correlation with foraminal index (r=-0.541, P<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic autoinflammatory disorder. The understanding of the changes in adaptive immune cells and the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune systems in AOSD is limited. This study aimed to examine the peripheral immune cell composition and inflammatory protein levels in AOSD patients. Methods Twenty-nine active AOSD patients were enrolled. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the cell populations in peripheral blood. Antibody chips were utilized to detect the protein expression profile in serum. Results In active AOSD patients, there was an increase in the percentage of classical and non-classical monocytes among peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The proportion of natural killer (NK) cells decreased, with an increase in CD56dim NK1 cells and a decrease in CD56bright NK2 cells compared with healthy controls (HCs). The percentage of naïve central memory T cells was decreased, while the percentage of effector and effector memory T cells was increased among adaptive lymphocytes. The proportion of naïve B and memory B cells was decreased, while plasma cells were increased in AOSD patients, indicating activation of the adaptive immune system. Additionally, the serum levels of 40 proteins were elevated in AOSD patients, primarily involved in cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, inflammatory response and regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. Conclusion Our findings showed the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system in AOSD. The protein–protein interaction analysis suggested potential communication between innate and adaptive cell subsets. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and the development of targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five pairs of enantiomeric 8- O -4′ neolignans (1a / 1b - 5a / 5b), including seven new compounds (1a / 1b , 2a , 3a , 4a / 4b and 5b), were obtained from the fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of the enantiomers were determined by comparison of the experimental ECD with the calculated data. Additionally, all the enantiomeric neolignans were evaluated for their neuroprotective activity against H 2 O 2 -induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and most of them showed potent selective neuroprotective activity. Especially, 3b (72.98%) showed the best protective effect, better than 3a (63.49%) and trolox (62.86%) at 25 μM. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The standard protocol to achieve haemostasis during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is uncertain. Tranexamic acid plus diluted epinephrine (DEP) and tranexamic acid (TXA) alone are the two most common alternatives. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of TXA plus DEP to treat blood loss in THA patients. Methods: Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google from inception to July 10, 2018. Studies comparing TXA plus DEP with TXA alone to treat blood loss were included. Either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis depending on the heterogeneity. We used the need for transfusion as the primary outcome. Stata 12.0 was used for meta-analysis. Results: Six studies involving 703 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that TXA plus DEP was associated with a lower transfusion rate than TXA alone (RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.38–0.86, P = 0.006). Furthermore, TXA plus DEP was associated with less total blood loss and hidden blood loss by approximately 209.79 ml and 297.74 ml, respectively, than TXA alone. There was no significant difference in terms of intraoperative blood loss or the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis or haematoma between the TXA plus DEP and TXA alone groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that TXA plus DEP significantly decreased the need for transfusion, total blood loss and hidden blood loss among THA patients. Furthermore, TXA plus DEP did not increase the occurrence of DVT or haemostasis. Additional long-term follow-up RCTs are needed to identify the optimal doses of TXA and DEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional incision repair and minimally invasive repair for acute Achilles tendon repair have limitations. This study aimed to present our series of 23 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture that was repaired using two small incisions to assist the anchor repair of the tear and a new “circuit” suture technique. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 23 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with the new technique at Changhai Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 and followed up for 14–33 months. Clinical outcome was assessed using the AOFAS, Leppilahti, and Arner-Lindholm scores. Complications, range of motion (ROM), and time to return to work and light sport activity were assessed. Results: The AOFAS score was 85–96 at 3 months and 92–100 at 12 months. The 3-month ROM was 27°–37°, and the 12-month ROM was 36°–48°. The Leppilahti score was 85–95 at 3 months and 90–100 at 12 months. The recovery time of the patients was 10–18 weeks. The postoperative recovery time to exercise was 16–24 weeks. There was only one case of deep venous thrombosis. According to the Arner-Lindholm assessment criteria, patient outcomes were rated as excellent in 20 (87.0%) cases, good in three (13.0%) cases, and poor in 0 cases. The excellent-to-good rate was 100%. Conclusion: The limited-open procedure combined with a single-anchor and “circuit” suture technique could be used to repair torn Achilles sites, with a low occurrence of complications. This new and minimally invasive technique could be an alternative in the management of acute Achilles tendon rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of luminal A breast cancer (BC) patients with bone metastasis remain poor and vary dramatically from person to person. Our goal was to build two universally applicable nomograms to accurately predict OS and CSS for luminal A patients with bone metastasis. Methods. The data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for luminal A BC patients with bone metastasis between 2010 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were to assess and identify independent risk factors of OS and CSS. Integrating all significant predictors, nomograms and risk group stratification model was developed. The performance of the nomogram was validated with concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA) for discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility, respectively. Results. 3171 luminal A BC patients with bone metastasis were included. Through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, 12 variables were identified as both independent OS- and CSS-related factors, including age, race, primary site, histology grade, tumor size, surgery, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and insurance. Our nomograms for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were based on those significant prognostic factors to develop. The C-indexes of OS- and CSS-nomograms in the training cohort were 0.701 and 0.704, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the validation cohort. The calibration curves and DCA presented satisfactory calibration and clinical utility. Conclusion. Two nomograms have good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, can accurately and effectively predict the prognosis of patients, and may benefit for clinical decision-making. In high-risk patients, more aggressive therapy and closer surveillance should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore whether inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine influences the profile of prothrombotic autoantibodies and induces thrombotic events in primary APS patients. Methods We enrolled 39 primary APS patients who received two doses of inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine (BBIBPCorV, Sinopharm, Beijing, China) voluntarily in this prospective cohort. Prothrombotic autoantibodies were determined before vaccination and 4 weeks after the second dose of vaccination. Thrombotic disorders were evaluated via hospital site visits and assessments. Results There was no significant difference in the presence of all 11 autoantibodies detected before and 4 weeks after vaccination: for aCL, IgG (14 vs 16, P  = 0.64), IgM (13 vs 19, P  = 0.34), IgA (2 vs 3, P  = 0.64); anti-β2GP1, IgG (12 vs 12, P  = 1.00), IgM (5 vs 8, P  = 0.36), IgA (4 vs 3, P  = 0.69); anti-PS/PT IgG (13 vs 16, P  = 0.48), IgM (17 vs 22, P  = 0.26); LAC (22 vs 28, P  = 0.16); aPF4-heparin (0 vs 0, P  = 1.00) and ANA (23 vs 26, P  = 0.48). Notably, the distribution of the aPL profile in the pre- and post-vaccination cohorts was not affected by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: for patients with a low-risk aPL profile (11 vs 10, P  = 0.799) and patients with a high-risk aPL profile (28 vs 29, P  = 0.799), respectively. Furthermore, no case exhibited symptoms of the thrombotic disorder during a minimum follow-up period of 12 weeks. There was no adjustment to the ongoing treatment regimens following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Conclusion Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine does not influence the profile of anti-phospholipid antibodies and anti-PF4-heparin antibodies nor induces thrombotic events in primary APS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Classic theory test has been used to develop and validate the 25-item Resilience Scale Specific to Cancer (RS-SC) in Chinese patients with cancer. This study was designed to provide additional information about the discriminative value of the individual items tested with an item response theory analysis.Methods: A two-parameter graded response model was performed to examine whether any of the items of the RS-SC exhibited problems with the ordering and steps of thresholds, as well as the ability of items to discriminate patients with different resilience levels using item characteristic curves.Results: A sample of 214 Chinese patients with cancer diagnosis was analyzed. The established three-dimension structure of the RS-SC was confirmed. Several items showed problematic thresholds or discrimination ability and require further revision.Conclusions: Some problematic items should be refined and a short-form of RS-SC maybe feasible in clinical settings in order to reduce burden on patients. However, the generalizability of these findings warrants further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High levels of moral distress in nursing professionals, of which oncology nurses are particularly prone, can negatively impact patient care, job satisfaction, and retention. Aim: "Positive Attitudes Striving to Rejuvenate You: PASTRY" was developed at a tertiary cancer center to reduce the burden of moral distress among oncology nurses. Research Design: A Quality Improvement (QI) initiative was conducted using a pre- and post-intervention design, to launch PASTRY and measure its impact on moral distress of the nursing unit, using Hamric's Moral Distress Scale–Revised (MDS-R.) This program consisted of monthly 60-minute sessions allowing nurses to address morally distressing events and themes, such as clinicians giving "false hope" to patients or families. The PASTRY program sessions were led by certified clinicians utilizing strategies of discussion and mind-body practices. Participants: Clinical nurses working on an adult leukemia/lymphoma unit. Ethical considerations: This was a QI initiative, participation was voluntary, MDS-R responses were collected anonymously, and the institution's Ethics Committee oversaw PASTRY's implementation. Findings: While improvement in moral distress findings were not statistically significant, the qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated consistent themes. The PASTRY program received strong support from nurses and institutional leaders, lowered the nursing unit's moral distress, led to enhanced camaraderie, and improved nurses' coping skills. Discussion: Measurement of moral distress is innately challenging due to its complexity. This study reinforces oncology nurses have measurable moral distress. Interventions should be implemented for a safe and healing environment to explore morally distressing clinical experiences. Poor communication among multidisciplinary team members is associated with moral distress among nurses. Programs like PASTRY may empower nurses to build support networks for change within themselves and institutions. Conclusion: This QI initiative shows further research on moral distress reduction should be conducted to verify findings for statistical significance and so that institutional programs, like PASTRY, can be created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted for determining the physiological profile of elite Chinese women wrestlers. The physiological profile included testing of maximal running oxygen consumption, anaerobic power, shoulder, knee and back isokinetic torque. Most of the back and knee isokinetic torques were found to slowly increase with weight categories.

Objective. The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of executive dysfunction (ED) on gait and postural control during walking after stroke. Methods. In this study, 34 subjects with stroke and ED (8 women and 26 men; age, 55.41 ± 7.89 years; time since stroke onset, 1.3 ± 0.12 months) were recruited. Stroop color-word test (SCWT), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), timed-up-and-go test (TUGT), and gait analysis were evaluated. The correlation among the correct number of Stroop tasks (SCWT-C), the number of time-consuming tasks (SCWT-T), the amount of interference (SIE-M and SIE-T) and posture control, and gait-related parameters was analyzed. Results. The results indicated that SCWT-C was negatively correlated with 10MWT, TUGT, and bilateral symmetry (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between SCWT-C and stride (P > 0.05). A significant negative correlation was seen between SCWT-C and bilateral symmetry (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SCWT-T and stride (P > 0.05). SCWT-T was positively correlated with TUGT, 10MWT, and bilateral symmetry (P < 0.05). SIE-T was positively correlated with TUGT and bilateral symmetry (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SIE-T and 10MWT or stride (P > 0.05). SIE-M was positively correlated with TUGT and bilateral symmetry (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SIE-T and 10MWT or stride (P > 0.05). Conclusions. ED is closely related to the decline in postural control and the occurrence of falls. In the early phases of stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapists should focus on the patients' executive function to accelerate the recovery of postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. A hybrid pedicle screw system for minimally invasive spinal fixation was developed based on the uniplanar pedicle screw construct and a new intermediate screw. Its biomechanical performance was evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. Methods. A T12-L2 FE model was established to simulate the L1 vertebral compression fracture with Magerl classification A1.2. Six fixation models were developed to simulate the posterior pedicle screw fracture fixation, which were divided into two subgroups with different construct configurations: (1) six-monoaxial/uniplanar/polyaxial pedicle screw constructs and (2) four-monoaxial/uniplanar/polyaxial pedicle screw constructs with the new intermediate screw. After model validation, flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with 7.5 Nm moments and preloading of 500 N vertical compression were applied to the FE models to compare the biomechanical performances of the six fixation models with maximum von Mises stress, range of motion, and maximum displacement of the vertebra. Results. Under four loading scenarios, the maximum von Mises stresses were found to be at the roots of the upper or lower pedicle screws. In the cases of flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation, the maximum von Mises stress of the uniplanar screw construct lay in between the monoaxial and polyaxial screw constructs in each subgroup. Considering lateral bending, the uniplanar screw construct enabled to lower the maximum von Mises stress than monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screw constructs in each subgroup. Two subgroups showed comparable results of the maximum von Mises stress on the endplates, range of motion of T12-L1, and maximum displacement of T12 between the corresponding constructs with the new intermediate screw or not. Conclusions. The observations shown in this study verified that the hybrid uniplanar pedicle screw system exhibited comparable biomechanical performance as compared with other posterior short-segment constructs. The potential advantage of this new fixation system may provide researchers and clinical practitioners an alternative for minimally invasive spinal fixation with vertebral augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is an important tightly controlled cellular process that regulates cellular homeostasis and is involved in deciding cell fate such as cell survival and death. The role of autophagy in many intracellular signaling pathways explains its interaction with other different types of cell death, including apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD). The reports showed the complex and intriguing relationship existing between autophagy and immune system signaling pathways. However, the role of autophagy in ICD remains to be clearly elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that Brucine, a clinically-used small molecule in traditional Chinese medicine, elicited autophagy inhibition. Brucine also triggered cell stress and induced features of ICD, including calreticulin (CRT) exposure and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release in MDA-MB-231 and CT26 cancer cells. Brucine impaired autolysosomal degradation and exerted a feedback regulation of ERK1/2-mTOR-p70S6K signaling cascade. Brucine-elicited ICD was confirmed by the rejection of CT26 tumor cells, implanted in the mice after vaccination with Brucine-treated CT26 cells. The impaired autophagy contributed to Brucine-induced ICD, as knock-down of Atg5 significantly reduced Brucine-elicited CRT exposure and HMGB1 release. Our results revealed Brucine as a novel autophagy regulator, ICD inducer and hitherto undocumented role of autophagy in ICD. Thus, these results imply the importance of Brucine in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, Brucine may be used as an ICD inducer and improve its application in cancer treatment with minimized toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been considered a promising tool for cartilage regeneration. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated the controversial effects of PRP on tissue regeneration, partially due to the unsatisfactory cell source. Chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) have gained increasing attention as a potential cell source due to their self-renewal and multipotency, especially toward the chondrogenic lineage, and, thus, may be an appropriate alternative for cartilage engineering. Purpose: To compare the effects of PRP on CPC, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), and chondrocyte proliferation, chondrogenesis, and cartilage regeneration. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Whole blood samples were obtained from 5 human donors to create PRPs (0, 1000 × 109, and 2000 × 109 platelets per liter). The proliferation and chondrogenesis of CPCs, bone marrow–derived MSCs (BMSCs), and chondrocytes were evaluated via growth kinetic and CCK-8 assays. Immunofluorescence, cytochemical staining, and gene expression analyses were performed to assess chondrogenic differentiation and cartilaginous matrix formation. The in vivo effects of CPCs, BMSCs, and chondrocytes on cartilage regeneration after PRP treatment were measured by use of histopathological, biochemical, and biomechanical techniques in a cartilage defect model involving mature male New Zealand White rabbits (critical size, 5 mm). Results: The CPCs possessed migration abilities and proliferative capacities superior to those of the chondrocytes, while exhibiting a chondrogenic predisposition stronger than that of the BMSCs. The growth kinetic, CCK-8, cytochemical staining, and biochemical analyses revealed that the CPCs simultaneously displayed a higher cell density than the chondrocytes and stronger chondrogenesis than the BMSCs after PRP stimulation. In addition, the in vivo study demonstrated that the PRP+CPC construct yielded better histological (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] score, mean ± SEM, 1197.2 ± 163.2) and biomechanical (tensile modulus, 1.523 ± 0.194) results than the PRP+BMSC (701.1 ± 104.9, P <.05; 0.791 ± 0.151, P <.05) and PRP+chondrocyte (541.6 ± 98.3, P <.01; 0.587 ± 0.142, P <.01) constructs at 12 weeks after implantation. Conclusion: CPCs exhibit superiority over MSCs and chondrocytes in PRP scaffold-based cartilage regeneration, and PRP+CPC treatment may be a favorable strategy for cartilage repair. Clinical Relevance: These findings provide evidence highlighting the preferable role of CPCs as a cell source in PRP-mediated cartilage regeneration and may help researchers address the problem of unsatisfactory cell sources in cartilage engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This was a cross‐sectional survey to investigate the relationship of age, parent education, sleep duration, physical activity, and dietary habits with overweight or obesity in school‐age children in Shanghai. METHODS: The survey gathered information from 13,001 children in grades 1 through 5 (age 6 to 10 years) among 26 elementary schools in 7 districts. Activity level was evaluated using the International Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey Questionnaire (CLASS‐C). The definitions of normal, overweight, and obese were adjusted for each age. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, being male, having ≤10 hours of sleep on non‐school days, eating ≥1 vegetable/day, or drinking ≥1 sugar‐sweetened drink/day increased the risk for a child being overweight or obese compared with having >10 hours of sleep or ≤3 vegetables or ≤3 sugar‐sweetened drinks/month (p ≤ .008). Having >2 hours of outdoor activities on non‐school days reduced the risk of being overweight or obese compared with ≤2 hours of outdoor activities on non‐school days (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that age, sex, sleep, and some dietary habits impacted weight, and suggests that specific cultural and economic factors may impact risk of a child being overweight or obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica Thunb.), a traditional Chinese herb, has widely been used to treat pathogen infection. However, the underlying-mechanism remains elusive. Aims of the study To reveal the host microRNA (miRNA) profile with the anti-viral activity after honeysuckle treatment. Materials and methods Here we reveal the differentially expressed miRNAs by Solexa ® deep sequencing from the blood of human and mice after the aqueous extract treatment. Among these overexpressed innate miRNAs both in human and mice, let-7a is able to target the NS1 region (nt 3313-3330) of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1, 2 and 4 predicated by the target predication software. Results We confirmed that let-7a could target DENV2 at the predicated NS1 sequence and suppress DENV2 replication demonstrated by luciferase-reporter activity, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, Western blotting and plaque assay. ICR-suckling mice consumed honeysuckle aqueous extract either before or after intracranial injection with DENV2 showed decreased levels of NS1 RNA and protein expression accompanied with alleviated disease symptoms, decreased virus load, and prolonged survival time. Similar results were observed when DENV2-infected mice were intracranially injected with let-7a. Conclusion We reveal that honeysuckle attenuates DENV replication and related pathogenesis in vivo through induction of let-7a expression. This study opens a new direction for prevention and treatment of DENV infection through induction of the innate miRNA let-7a by honeysuckle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Vestibular function disorders were widespread among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The radiation doses to the inner ears were associated with the incidence of vestibular function disorders, but the correlations were mild. The inflammatory responses and possible resolution obstacles of inflammation participated in persistent vestibular function disorders after irradiation.Objectives: To investigate the incidence of vestibular function disorders in NPC patients after irradiation and potential mechanisms.Methods: Patients who received radical intensity-modulated radiotherapy for their NPC were recruited. The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were detected by ELISA method. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests were used to evaluate vestibular function and correlation analyses were used to analyze the potential mechanisms of vestibular function disorders.Results: Thirty-eight patients were included. The incidences of abnormal ocular VEMP (oVEMP) and cervical VEMP (cVEMP) were 65.79% and 80.26% at the time of completion of radiotherapy, and 61.84% and 71.05% at 3 months after radiotherapy. The mean and maximum radiation doses to the inner ears were both significantly associated with abnormal oVEMP and cVEMP (p < 0.05, all), but the correlations were all mild. The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were both significantly associated with abnormal oVEMP and cVEMP after irradiation (p < 0.05, all). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The efficacy of entecavir and tenofovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is inconsistent. To address this issue, we conducted a metaanalysis based on a current review of the literature addressing the efficacy and safety of entecavir and tenofovir. Electronic databases were searched through June 2014 for relevant clinical trials. We included 2 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 7 case-control studies that included 1,656 patients. In the entecavir group, 842 of 992 were nucleos(t)ide-naïve chronic HBV patients, and in the tenofovir group 481 of 664 were nucleos(t)ide-naïve. The virological response to tenofovir was superior to entecavir (RR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.72-0.93), especially in nucleos(t)ide-naïve chronic HBV patients at 48 weeks (RR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.65-0.92). Additionally, there was no difference between entecavir and tenofovir for virological response at 24 weeks (RR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.71-1.05). The alanine aminotransferase normalization rate, serological response, and adverse event rate were also not significantly different between entecavir and tenofovir at 24 or 48 weeks after treatment. These results suggest that tenofovir is a better choice to treat chronic HBV patients than entecavir as it is better able to suppress HBV viral load and has a similar safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: Oxidative stress is the principal factor in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that initiates the events that result in protracted neuronal dysfunction and remodeling. Importantly, antioxidants can protect the brain against oxidative damage and modulate the capacity of the brain to cope with synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Research design: To date, however, no studies have investigated the effects of procyanidins (PC) on cognitive deficits after TBI. Methods and Procedures: In the present study, rats with controlled cortical impact (CCI) were used to investigate the protective effects of procyanidins. Main outcomes and results: The results showed that procyanidins reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevated the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, treatment with procyanidins, which elevated the levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), phosphorylation-cAMP-response element binding protein (pCREB), total CREB, and cyclic AMP (cAMP), improved cognitive performance in the Morris water maze after TBI. Conclusions: These results suggest that procyanidins appear to counteract oxidative damage and behavioral dysfunction after TBI through antioxidant activity and the up-regulation of cAMP/CREB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the association between the intake of fruit and vegetables and risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), we summarized the evidence from observational studies in categorical and linear dose-response meta-analyses. Methods: Eligible studies published up to June 2013 were retrieved via computerized searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary relative risks (SRRs) and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q and I statistics. Results: A total of 12 studies involving 1,572 cases of EAC were included in this meta-analysis. Based on the highest versus lowest analysis, inverse associations were observed between intakes of vegetable (SRRs = 0.76, 95 % CIs 0.59-0.96; P = 0.098, I 40.4 %; n = 9 studies), intakes of fruit (SRRs = 0.73, 95 % CIs, 0.55-0.98; P = 0.03, I = 52.9 %; n = 9 studies), and intakes of total vegetables and fruit combined (SRRs = 0.68, 95 % CI 0.49-0.93; P = 0.162, I = 38.9 %; n = 5 studies). Similar results were also observed in a linear dose-response analysis. Conclusion: These data support the hypothesis that intakes of vegetables and fruit may significantly reduce the risk of EAC. Further investigation with prospective designs, validated questionnaires, and good control of important confounders is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]