[Method of double data entry and quality control by REDCap system].

In medical research, the quality of data is the key to success. Thus, data quality control becomes an important part of ensuring the research's high quality. REDCap system is an emerging data acquisition system in medical research, which is gradually applied in research at home and abroad. It is a hot issue to realize double data entry and data quality control in using the REDCap system, which researchers are concerned about when this system is supposed to apply. This article will systematically introduce how to use the REDCap system for double data entry and quality control from the aspects of research project creation, data collection tool design, double data entry, data checking and exporting.

A Review of Magnetic Particle Imaging and Perspectives on Neuroimaging.

Magnetic particle imaging is an emerging tomographic technique with the potential for simultaneous high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and real-time imaging. Magnetic particle imaging is based on the unique behavior of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modeled by the Langevin theory, with the ability to track and quantify nanoparticle concentrations without tissue background noise. It is a promising new imaging technique for multiple applications, including vascular and perfusion imaging, oncology imaging, cell tracking, inflammation imaging, and trauma imaging. In particular, many neuroimaging applications may be enabled and enhanced with magnetic particle imaging. In this review, we will provide an overview of magnetic particle imaging principles and implementation, current applications, promising neuroimaging applications, and practical considerations.

Impact of hospitalization on medication adherence estimation in claims data.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Pharmacy claims are commonly used to assess medication adherence. It is unclear how different approaches to handling hospitalizations compare to the gold standard of using outpatient and inpatient drug data. This study aimed to compare the impact of different approaches to handling hospitalizations on medication adherence estimation in administrative claims data. METHODS: We identified ß-blocker initiators after myocardial infarction (MI) and statin initiators regardless of hospitalization histories in the population-based, Taiwan database, which includes outpatient and inpatient drug claims data. Adherence to ß-blockers or to statins during a 365-day follow-up period was estimated in outpatient pharmacy claims using the proportion of days covered (PDC) in three ways: ignoring hospitalizations (PDC1); subtracting hospitalized days from the denominator (PDC2); and assuming drug use on all hospitalized days (PDC3). We compared these to an approach that incorporated inpatient drug use (PDC4). We also used a hypothetical example to examine variations across approaches in several scenarios, such as increasing hospitalized days. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Mean 365-day PDC was 74% among 1729 post-MI ß-blocker initiators (range: 73.1%-74.9%) and 44% among 69 435 statins initiators (range: 43.5%-44.0%), which varied little across approaches. Differences across approaches increased with increasing number of hospitalized days. For patients hospitalized for >28 days, mean difference across approaches was >15%. PDC3 consistently yielded the highest value and PDC1 the lowest. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: On average, different approaches to handling hospitalizations lead to similar adherence estimates to the gold standard of incorporating inpatient drug use. When patients have many hospitalization days during follow-up, the choice of approach should be tailored to the specific setting.

Defective eyelid leading edge cell migration in C57BL/6-corneal opacity mice with an "eye open at birth" phenotype.

Development of the eyelid requires coordination of the cellular processes involved in proliferation, cell size alteration, migration, and cell death. C57BL/6J-corneal opacity (B6-Co) mice are mutant mice generated by the administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (100 mg/kg). They exhibit the eyelids open at birth phenotype, abnormal round cell shape from tightened F-actin bundles in leading edge keratinocytes at E16.5, and gradual corneal opacity with neovessels. The tip of the leading edge in B6-Co mice did not move forward, and demonstrated a sharp peak shape without obvious directionality. Analysis of the biological characteristics of B6-Co mice demonstrated that abnormal migration of keratinocytes could affect eyelid development, but proliferation and apoptosis in B6-Co mice had no effect. Mutant gene mapping and sequence analysis demonstrated that in B6-Co mice, adenosine was inserted into the untranslated regions, between 3030 and 3031, in the mRNA 3'-terminal of Fgf10. In addition, guanine 7112 was substituted by adenine in the Mtap1B mRNA, and an A2333T mutation was identified in Mtap1B. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that expression of the Hbegf gene was significantly down-regulated in the eyelids of B6- Co mice at E16.5, compared to B6 mice. However, the expression of Rock1, Map3k1, and Jnk1 genes did not show any significant changes. Abnormal keratinocyte migration and down-regulated expression of the Hbegf gene might be associated with impaired eyelid development in B6-Co mice.

A novel regulatory function for miR-29a in keloid fibrogenesis.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence has shown that microRNA-29 (miR-29) plays a central role in the progression of fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of miR-29 in keloid fibrogenesis remain unknown. AIM: To investigate the roles of miR-29 in dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of keloids. METHODS: Primary fibroblasts from 9 patients with keloid and 6 healthy controls (HCs) were cultured and pretreated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. Next, fibroblasts were transfected with precursor miRNA and anti-miR-29a miRNA. TGF-ß1-associated miR-29 alterations were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Collagen I and collagen III protein levels were analysed by western blotting. RESULTS: miR-29a, miR-29b and miR-29c levels were significantly lower in keloid compared with healthy fibroblasts (P < 0.05), and in particular, miR-29a was especially markedly reduced (P < 0.001). Type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein levels were decreased in keloid fibroblasts transfected with pre-miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas knockdown with anti-miR-29a increased type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05) in the fibroblasts. Interestingly, pretreatment of fibroblasts with TGF-ß1 significantly decreased miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas miR-29b and miR-29c were reduced to a lesser extent, which was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that miR-29a exerts as a novel regulator in the fibrogenesis of keloid, suggesting that miR-29a might be a novel marker for keloid.

Altered circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with keloid.

Evidence has suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a crucial growth factor in regulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), plays a central role in keloid formation. However, the levels of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid have not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the number of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid. Circulating EPCs (defined as CD45- CD34+CD133+VEGFR2+cells) and VEGF levels from 39 patients with keloid and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. EPCs were detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. The number of circulating EPCs and the levels of plasma VEGF were significantly higher in patients with keloid than in HCs. However, no correlation was found between the number of circulating EPCs and the serum VEGF levels. This study provides the first evidence that EPCs are increased in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. Understanding the roles of EPCs in keloid fromation may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for keloid.

A charge density study of π-delocalization and intermolecular interactions.

The compound trans-4,4'-azo-1,2,4-triazole (atrz) is a planar molecule with two planar triazole rings bridged by an azo group. The molecule is a good donor ligand and has an interesting π-delocalized character. In addition, intermolecular interactions in the crystalline state through π-π stacking are found between triazole rings with a very short inter-planar distance of 3.17 Å. The electron density distribution is obtained from both high resolution X-ray diffraction data at 100 K and density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the ωB97X-D functional. Bond characterization is performed in terms of the charge density distribution and the associated topological properties. The Laplacian distribution around each atom reveals the shape of the valence-shell charge concentration and demonstrates a sp(2) hybrid orbital shape for each atom in the molecule. The π-delocalization of the planar molecule is further illustrated by the Fermi-hole distribution. The weak intermolecular π-π interactions and hydrogen bonds are further illustrated by the Hirshfeld surface. The energies of weak intermolecular π-π interactions and hydrogen bonds have been calculated using ωB97X-D/6-311++G(3df,2p) at experimental geometry.

Autoimmune comorbid diseases associated with lichen planus: a nationwide case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with unknown aetiology. The association between LP and various autoimmune diseases has been reported, but nationwide study of the relationship of LP with associated diseases is quite limited. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to clarify the association between LP and a variety of autoimmune diseases in Taiwanese. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan from 1997 to 2011. In total, 12,427 patients with LP and 49,708 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. RESULTS: Among patients with LP, there were significant associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (multivariate odds ratio [mOR]: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.97-4.17), Sjögren's syndrome (mOR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.66-5.28), dermatomyositis (mOR: 6.34; 95% CI: 1.82-22.16), vitiligo (mOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.31-3.32) and alopecia areata (mOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 2.20-3.62). On gender-stratified analyses, SLE and alopecia areata were significantly associated with LP in both genders. The association with Sjögren's syndrome was significant only in female patients. The associations with dermatomyositis and vitiligo became insignificant in both genders. CONCLUSION: Lichen planus is associated with various autoimmune diseases. Further study is required to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms and roles of autoimmunity in the aetiology of LP.

Tumour budding is a reproducible index for risk stratification of patients with stage II colon cancer.

AIM: High-risk patients with Stage II colon cancer may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, but it is difficult to identify such a patient group. A robust and reproducible index would be helpful to select the subset of Stage II colon cancer patients at high risk. This study investigated the potential prognostic significance of tumour budding in Stage II colon cancer. METHOD: In all, 135 Stage II colon cancer patients with known outcome were identified. The degree of tumour budding was assessed by two individual observers and was classified, according to the number of tumour buds in the area with the greatest budding intensity on haematoxylin and eosin slides, as high-grade budding (10 or more tumour buds) and low-grade budding (0-9 buds). Inter-observer agreement for two observers was assessed by using the kappa test. Progression-free and cancer-specific survivals were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: The 5-year progression-free survival rates for patients with high-grade tumour budding (n = 36) and those with low-grade budding (n = 99) were 57.6% and 89.0% (P < 0.001). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 66.7% vs 92.0% (P < 0.001). Cox regression analyses demonstrated tumour budding as an independent predictor of disease progression (hazard ratio 4.982, P < 0.001) and cancer-related death (hazard ratio 4.142, P = 0.003). The two observers agreed on the classification of tumour budding in 118 cases (87.4%) and the inter-observer agreement was good (κ = 0.692). CONCLUSION: Tumour budding is a strong and reproducible prognostic factor for adverse outcome in Stage II colon cancer, which may serve as a prognostic marker to identify patients with a high risk of recurrence who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Arg555Gln mutation of TGFBI gene in geographical-type Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy in a Chinese family.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations of the transforming growth factor ß-induced (TGFBI) gene were studied in a Chinese family with Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD). METHODS: Six family members with RBCD and six unaffected family members were investigated. The pedigree showed a typical dominant inheritance pattern. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leucocytes from all study participants. Exons 4, 12 and 14 of the TGFBI gene were analysed using polymerase chain reaction, and standard automated sequencing was performed. Corneal tissue sampled from the proband during phototherapeutic keratectomy was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: A typical geographical pattern of fine opacities in Bowman's layer of the cornea was seen in all six patients on slit-lamp examination. An Arg555Gln (R555Q) mutation of the TGFBI gene was identified in all six patients but was absent in all unaffected family members. TEM revealed rod-shaped bodies in Bowman's layer of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: In this Chinese family an R555Q mutation of the TGFBI gene was associated with RBCD. As the RBCD phenotype is usually associated with an R124L mutation, this novel genotype-phenotype correlation may prompt further investigation of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophy.

Adoptive immunotherapy for postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review.

The high risk of recurrence in post-operative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) highlights the need for an effective adjuvant treatment. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) for post-operative HCC patients. Electronic (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases) and manual searches were conducted throughout May 2011 to identify RCTs evaluating postoperative AIT for patients with HCC. Methodological quality was assessed in accordance with the QUOROM statement. Four RCTs totalling 423 patients met the eligibility criteria. All RCTs reported significantly improved disease-free survival rate or reduced recurrence rate after treating with adjuvant AIT (p < 0.05). The overall survival rates of AIT group are slightly higher than those of the control group in one study. Moreover, AIT was a safe treatment, with fever as the main adverse effects. This study adds to the evidence that postoperative HCC patients treated with adjuvant AIT show an improvement in disease-free survival rate or recurrence rate.

GHB-Induced Cognitive Deficits During Adolescence and the Role of NMDA Receptor.

We have earlier reported that γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) disrupts the acquisition of spatial learning and memory in adolescent rats. GHB is known to interact with several neurotransmitter systems that have been implicated in cognitive functioning. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NR) -type of glutamate receptor is considered to be an important target for spatial learning and memory. Molecular mechanisms governing the neuroadptations following repeated GHB treatment in adolecent rats remain unknown. We examined the role of NMDA receptor in adolescent GHB-induced cognitive deficit. Adolescent rats were administered with GHB on 6 consecutive days, and surface-expressed NMDA receptor subunits levels were measured. GHB significantly decreased NR1 levels in the frontal cortex. Adolescent GHB also significantly reduced cortical NR2A subunit levels. Our findings support the hypothesis that adolescent GHB-induced cogntive deficits are associated with neuroadaptations in glutamatergic transmission, particulaly NR functioning in the frontal cortex.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of leaf angle and leaf orientation value in maize (Zea mays L.).

A major limiting factor for high productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) in dense planting is light penetration through the canopy. Plant architecture with a narrower leaf angle (LA) and an optimum leaf orientation value (LOV) is desirable to increase light capture for photosynthesis and production per unit area. However, the genetic control of the plant architecture traits remains poorly understood in maize. In this study, QTL for LA, LOV, and related traits were mapped using a set of 229 F(2:3) families derived from the cross between compact and expanded inbred lines, evaluated in three environments. Twenty-five QTL were detected in total. Three of the QTL explained 37.4% and five of the QTL explained 53.9% of the phenotypic variance for LA and LOV, respectively. Two key genome regions controlling leaf angle and leaf orientation were identified. qLA1 and qLOV1 at nearest marker umc2226 on chromosome 1.02 accounted for 20.4 and 23.2% of the phenotypic variance, respectively; qLA5 and qLOV5 at nearest bnlg1287 on chromosome 5 accounted for 9.7 and 9.8% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. These QTL could provide useful information for marker-assisted selection in improving performance of plant architecture with regard to leaf angle and orientation.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) degradation by ferrous ion-activated persulfate oxidation: feasibility and kinetics studies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using ferrous ion-activated persulfate oxidation to remediate groundwater contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). In this study, batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of various factors on the efficiency of MTBE degradation including persulfate concentrations, ferrous ion concentrations, and persulfate coupled with hydrogen peroxide. Results show that ferrous ion-activated persulfate oxidation was capable of degrading MTBE efficiently. Persulfate and ferrous ion concentrations correlated with MTBE degradation rates. However, excess addition of ferrous ion resulted in decreased MTBE degrading rates most likely because of competition for sulfate free radicals between ferrous ion and MTBE. Two main byproducts of MTBE degradation, tert-butyl formate and tert-butyl alcohol, were detected in the experiments; both were, however, subsequently degraded. Results of sulfate analysis show that proper addition of ferrous ion could prevent unnecessary persulfate decomposition.

Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma in an adult man: case report and review of the literature.

Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma (ASA) is a rare acquired disorder that develops predominantly in young women. It is clinically characterized by a burning sensation and whitish discolouration on the hands and rarely on the soles after brief immersion in water, which resolves within a short time after drying. Topical aluminium chloride and salicylic acid are reportedly beneficial in some cases. In total, 20 female and 8 male patients with ASA have been reported previously. We present another male patient, who failed to respond to treatment with antihistamines and topical steroids, but responded well to formalin 3% in alcohol without any side-effects.

Texture and quality properties of Chinese fresh egg noodles formulated with green seaweed (Monostroma nitidum) powder.

The objective of this study was to compare fresh Chinese noodles made with different levels of green seaweed. Green seaweed powder was incorporated in proportions of 4%, 6%, and 8% in noodles, which were made with or without additional eggs. Proximate compositions, cooking properties, textural intensities, and sensory qualities of noodles were assessed. The addition of seaweed powder increased the crude fiber contents of raw fresh noodles; the fiber contents were 0.100%+/- 0.015 to 0.449%+/- 0.013 for noodles made with eggs from 0% to 8% additional seaweed and 0.247%+/- 0.018 to 0.344%+/- 0.021 for those without eggs. Higher cooking yields were found in the noodles, due to water absorption during cooking by the fibers and polysaccharides in the seaweed. Significantly higher cooking yields (P < 0.05) were found in the noodles with 8% additional seaweed powder; water uptake readings measured 2.39 +/- 0.38 and 2.43 +/- 0.25 g H(2)O/g noodle for samples made without and with eggs, respectively. Higher water absorption by the seaweed led to softer and spongier textural intensities in the noodles. Breaking energy of cooked fresh egg noodles were 28.94 +/- 3.42 to 6.43 +/- 1.01 N x mm for 8% to 0% additional seaweed, and the intensities decreased as the amount of seaweed increased; the same pattern was observed in noodles without eggs, where readings were 8.66 +/- 1.02 to 3.49 +/- 0.25 N x mm. Capacities of extensibility measured 61.81 +/- 2.04 to 30.74 +/- 0.90 mm for fresh egg noodles with additional seaweed powder from 0% to 8%, and 47.46 +/- 2.41 to 28.36 +/- 2.25 mm for cooked fresh noodles without eggs. The results from Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that textural parameters were influenced not only by additional eggs and seaweed powder, but also by cooking properties.

Genetic analysis of photoperiod sensitivity in a tropical by temperate maize recombinant inbred population using molecular markers.

Photoperiod sensitivity is an important consideration in maize cultivation. Flowering time is affected by photoperiod and sensitivity to it limits the potential for successful exchange of germplasm across different latitudes. For resolving the genetic basis of photoperiod sensitivity in maize, a set of 207 recombinant inbred lines derived from a temperate and tropical inbred line cross was evaluated for 2 years in a long-day and short-day environment. Genetic linkage maps were constructed using 237 SSR markers with a total length 1,974.3 cM, and an average space between two makers of 8.33 cM. Twenty-nine QTL were detected for the five measured photoperiod sensitivity traits using composite interval mapping and multiple interval mapping. QTL for flowering time, plant height and leaf number, under long-day conditions, were found clustered on chromosome 10, while QTL for short-day conditions resided on chromosome 3. The QTL in the bin 10.04 region of chromosome 10 were detected associated with photoperiod sensitivity and related traits during long days. These results indicated that this region might contain an important photoperiod sensitivity element.