Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Urol Int 2021 Apr 21:1-9. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.

Introductions: The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of positive lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and tumor thrombus (TT) and to explore risk factors predicting LNs metastasis.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 216 patients with RCC and TT treated at a single institution from January 2015 to December 2019. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curves divided by pathological LN status. Read More

Aging (Albany NY) 2021 Apr 21;13. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.

Piccolo is a presynaptic protein with high conservation among different species, and the expression of Piccolo is extensive in vertebrates. Recently, a small fragment of Piccolo (Piccolino), arising due to the incomplete splicing of intron 5/6, was found to be present in the synapses of retinas and cochleae. However, the comprehensive function of Piccolo in the retina and cochlea remains unclear. Read More

Aging (Albany NY) 2021 Mar 19;13. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China.

Chemo-resistance and refractoriness remain challenges for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and the underlying molecular mechanisms haven't been fully explained. In this study, we investigated the influence of circUBAP2 on the NSCLC tumor cells. This study might provide novel therapeutic targets for NSCLC treatment. Read More

Environ Int 2021 Apr 18;154:106565. Epub 2021 Apr 18.

Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. Electronic address:

Exposures to phthalate compounds have been linked to adverse birth outcomes, potentially through oxidative stress mechanisms. We explored associations between mixtures of biomarkers of phthalate and phthalate replacement metabolites and oxidative stress using lipid peroxidation biomarker 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). As 8-iso-PGF2α can be generated via both chemical (nonenzymatic) and enzymatic lipid peroxidation pathways, we calculated the ratio of 8-iso-PGF2α/prostaglandin F2α in an attempt to distinguish the potential contributions of the two pathways. Read More

Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021 Apr 18;51:102938. Epub 2021 Apr 18.

National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) mainly involves women, impacting many aspects related to childbearing age and maternity. Women with MS can have healthy pregnancies and infants. Needs, challenges and concerns of women with MS should be considered in order to improve care pathway, ensuring a patient-centred approach. Read More

J Inorg Biochem 2021 Apr 5;220:111455. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física/INQUIMAE-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address:

THB1 is a monomeric truncated hemoglobin from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In the absence of exogenous ligands and at neutral pH, the heme group of THB1 is coordinated by two protein residues, Lys53 and His77. THB1 is thought to function as a nitric oxide dioxygenase, and the distal binding of O requires the cleavage of the Fe-Lys53 bond accompanied by protonation and expulsion of the lysine from the heme cavity into the solvent. Read More

Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2021 Apr 9;205:106093. Epub 2021 Apr 9.

Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Big Data Institute and Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Background and Objective; Genetic risk factors for childhood cancer may also influence facial morphology. 3D photography can be used in the recognition of differences in face shape among individuals. In previous research, 3D facial photography was used to identify increased facial asymmetry and greater deviation from normal facial morphology in a group of individuals with distinct morphological features who had childhood cancer compared to healthy controls. Read More

Sex Reprod Healthc 2021 Mar 29;29:100611. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, 10(th) Floor North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.

Background: Clinical triage of women in threatened preterm labour (TPTL) could be improved through utilising the QUiPP App, as symptoms alone are poor predictors of early delivery. As most women in TPTL ultimately deliver at term, they must weigh this likelihood with their own personal considerations, and responsibilities. The importance of personal considerations was highlighted by the 2015 Montgomery ruling, and the significance of shared decision-making. Read More

Asian J Psychiatr 2021 Apr 6;60:102655. Epub 2021 Apr 6.

National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China. Electronic address:

Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) refers to a set of symptoms or personality traits which similar but not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism in relatives of individuals with Autism Spetrum Disorders (ASD).The Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) is one of the new and widely used assessment tools to measure BAP.It has been translated into 8 different languages and some versions were investigated the psychometric properties but not including Chinese version (BAPQ-C). Read More

Res Dev Disabil 2021 Apr 5;114:103954. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Department of Counseling, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teaching, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Electronic address:

This study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers and efforts in implementing home education for children with autism, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Five mothers were recruited as participants and interviewed online, as the data obtained were examined through the use of thematic analysis. Also, three main themes were shown, (1) Mothers' experience in implementing home education, as regards adaptability and burden of caregiving, (2) The constraints in home education implementation, as regards maladaptive behaviours of ASD and emerging negative emotions, (3) The efforts to alleviate barriers, as regards problem-focused and religious copings. Read More

Microbiol Res 2021 Apr 7;248:126753. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

Graduate Program in Veterinary Science, Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23790-000, Brazil. Electronic address:

Menadione (MND) is known to induce oxidative stress in fungal cells. Here, we explore how exposure to this molecule alters conidial enzyme activities, fungal efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus, and mycelial secretion (secretome) of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato. First, the fungus was exposed to different MND concentrations in potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) to determine the LC by evaluating conidia germination (38μM). Read More

Br J Radiol 2021 Apr 21:20201400. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine fat/water signal ratios using the mDIXON Quant sequence, quantitatively assess fat infiltration in the penis, and explore its possible relationship with penile hardness and erectile dysfunction.

Methods: Routine pelvic magnetic resonance imaging with the mDIXON Quant sequence was performed in 62 subjects, including 22 people in the normal group, 20 people in the normal erectile hardness group, and 20 people in the ED group. The fat/water signal ratio in the penis was measured using the mDIXON Quant sequence. Read More

Br J Radiol 2021 Apr 21:20201114. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Departments of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.

Objectives: To explore the utility of first-order MRI-texture analysis (TA) parameters in predicting histologic grade and muscle invasion in urinary bladder cancer (UBC).

Methods: After ethical clearance, 40 patients with UBC, who were imaged on a 3.0-Tesla scanner, were retrospectively included. Read More

Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China.

Objectives: Currently there is no validated method to predict renal reversal and recovery after acute kidney injury (AKI). As exosomes have the potential for AKI prognosis and CD26 is involved in the mechanisms in AKI, this study aims to investigate whether urinary exosomal CD26 is associated with renal-related outcomes and explore its prospect as a novel prognosis biomarker.

Methods: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study. Read More

Int J Nurs Educ Scholarsh 2021 Apr 22;18(1). Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Department of Nursing, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.

Objectives: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted overall nursing education program requirements, classroom delivery of theory hours, as well as clinical and laboratory learning opportunities for students. The aims of this study were to explore the impacts of COVID 19 on the students' perceptions of readiness for practice and their preparation for the NCLEX exam and initial clinical practice.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on senior BSN students' preparation for NCLEX and future careers. Read More

Pest Manag Sci 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.

Background: For Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & M.A. Read More

Psychooncology 2021 Apr 11. Epub 2021 Apr 11.

Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Objective: Cancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI. Read More

Altern Ther Health Med 2021 May;27(3):8-18

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of ATP 360, a nutraceutical energy formula, in people experiencing long-term fatigue affecting daily living. To explore the use of ex vivo mitochondrial stress testing to evaluate cellular energy improvements with nutraceutical support.

Study Design: An open-label study design was used with screening for long-term fatigue, scoring 50% or higher on the Piper Fatigue Scale. Read More

JMIR Cancer 2021 Apr 7. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1429 First Ave, New York, US.

Background: Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is critical for patients with cancer, yet this can also reduce access to psychosocial coping resources.

Objective: This study aimed to explore patient experiences to generate a model of how virtual mind-body programs can support the psychosocial well-being of patients with cancer. Read More

J Agric Food Chem 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.

The isomerization of d-glucose to d-fructose plays a key role in the biochemical and chemical conversion of biomass, and it is therefore desirable to develop and improve catalysts for this reaction. In this study, the environmentally friendly polymer poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer's properties as catalysts for this isomerization are investigated. The experimental results showed that the PAMAM dendrimers, which have basic terminal groups, can effectively promote the d-glucose isomerization reaction. Read More

Child Care Health Dev 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Background: Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging and lead to severe consequences if done suboptimally. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was developed to assess adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients' transition readiness. In this study, we aimed to 1) document the psychometric properties of the French-language version of the TRAQ (TRAQ-FR), 2) assess agreements and discrepancies between AYA patients' and their primary caregivers' TRAQ-FR scores, and 3) identify transition readiness contributors. Read More

Adv Ther 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, No. 258 of Cultural North Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, 066000, China.

Introduction: Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) is responsible for most prostate cancer (PCa) deaths worldwide. The present study aims to explore the molecular differences between mPCa and PCa.

Methods: The authors downloaded GSE6752, GSE6919, and GSE32269 from the Gene Expression Omnibus and employed integrated analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between mPCa and PCa. Read More

Chin J Integr Med 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Encephalopathy, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, China.

Objective: To explore the effect of low-frequency magnetic stimulation at Shenmen (HT 7) acupoint on blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex of healthy subjects.

Methods: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology was used to collect real-time data of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in the prefrontal cortex of 16 healthy subjects at resting state and low-frequency magnetic stimulation of Shenmen. The mean and integral values of blood oxygen concentration were analyzed. Read More

Inflammation 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, NO. 154, Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles have been reported as promising tools for the management of heart disease. The aim of this study was to explore the function of adipose-derived MSCs (adMSCs)-derived exosomes (Exo) in the progression of myocardial infarction (MI) and the molecules involved. Mouse cardiomyocytes were treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic an MI condition in vitro. Read More

J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021 Apr 21;5(1):35. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

Background: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is commonly reported and described as disabling by patients recovering from stroke. However, a major challenge is how to accurately diagnose and assess PSF. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore PSF as it is experienced by stroke survivors and described by health professionals to guide future development of a PSF-specific PROM. Read More

AIDS Behav 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.

This mixed-method study aimed to describe HIV stigmatizing attitudes, identify factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes, and explore the broader context of HIV stigma among men accompanying their pregnant female partners to antenatal care in Tanzania. The study recruited 480 men who were attending a first antenatal care appointment with their pregnant female partners. Participants completed a structured survey; a subset of 16 men completed in-depth interviews. Read More

J Mater Chem B 2021 Apr 6;9(15):3389-3400. Epub 2021 Apr 6.

Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China.

To explore the thermal-responsive characteristics of acetylated amylose-guest V-type helical complexes (AAGHCs) and their potential use as thermal-responsive drug carriers, different types of AAGHCs were built, in which acetylated amylose was used as a host, and iodine, propofol, or hexane was utilized as the guest molecule. Their thermal-responsive characteristics were investigated through molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and corresponding experiments. MD simulation showed that the thermal-responsive helix-unfolding and guest-release behavior in AAGHCs, and the complete unfolding of AAGHC could be divided into brewing, triggering and collapsing periods. Read More

JMIR Form Res 2021 Apr 21;5(4):e21678. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Vitalk, TNH Health, São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: Stress, burnout, and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are common, and can significantly impact workplaces through absenteeism and reduced productivity. To address this issue, organizations must first understand the extent of the difficulties by mapping the mental health of their workforce. Online surveys are a cost-effective and scalable approach to achieve this but typically have low response rates, in part due to a lack of interactivity. Read More

Curationis 2021 Apr 8;44(1):e1-e10. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town.

Background: This study explored the experiences of undergraduate nursing students during clinical practice at healthcare facilities in the Boland Overberg area in Western Cape, South Africa. Few studies have been done on experiences of nursing students during clinical practice. However, there are still inadequacies, which lead to the deterioration of clinical practice quality. Read More

Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2021 Apr 9;13(1):e1-e7. Epub 2021 Apr 9.

UNICEF Somali Region, UNICEF Ethiopia, Jijiga.

Background: The health system in Ethiopia's Somali Region is weak with limited number of health facilities with more than 60% of the population living more than 5 km to the nearest health facilities. The deployment of mobile health and nutrition teams has played critical role in providing essential health and nutrition services.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the mobile health and nutrition strategy in providing health and nutrition services in the targeted woredas (districts). Read More