bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates autophagy to induce apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by PM2.5 particulate matter
Authors: Zhang Fang , Ma Hui , Wang Zhong Lan , Li Wei Hua , Liu Hua , Zhao Yan Xia 
Published: July 2020

Objective Many lung diseases are associated with changes in autophagic activity. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in autophagy. Our aim was to explore the function of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway on autophagy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5). Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham, model, and PI3K inhibitor groups. Mice were exposed to PM2.5 for 4 weeks to establish an in vivo COPD model. Alveolar epithelial cells were stimulated with PM2.5 to establish an in vitro COPD model. Results In mice with COPD induced by PM2.5, the PI3K inhibitor PF-04979064 suppressed protein expression of PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR to increase apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells and reduce autophagy. Short interfering PI3K suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to induce apoptosis and reduce autophagy of alveolar epithelial cells in an in vitro model of COPD. Activation of PI3K induced the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to reduce apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in the in vitro model of COPD by promoting autophagy. Conclusions These data demonstrate that PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates autophagy to induce apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in COPD.
Clinical pharmacy in onco-hematology and bone marrow transplant: A valuable contribution to improving patient safety
Authors: Visacri Marília B , Tavares Mariane GR , Barbosa Cristina R , Duarte Natalia C , Moriel Patricia 
Published: July 2020

Introduction It is known that clinical pharmacists intercept prescribing errors and contribute to patient safety in several medical specialties. The aim of this study was to identify, quantify and classify prescribing errors and pharmacist interventions carried out in onco-hematology and bone marrow transplant inpatient units. Methods This was a prospective and quantitative study, conducted from February 2018 to July 2018 in onco-hematology and bone marrow transplant inpatient units of a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. A pharmacist detected prescribing errors and performed interventions. The type and incidence of prescribing errors, error severity, type of pharmacist interventions, potential impact of interventions in patient care, and intervention acceptance rates were evaluated. Results A total of 1172 prescriptions were evaluated, 9% of them contained errors (total of 135 errors), and the most common error was related to prescribing the wrong dose (31.8%). Wrong dose and omission of drug were the two most frequent errors in onco-hematology, while wrong dose followed by inappropriate dilution were the most frequent in bone marrow transplantation. The pharmacist performed 135 interventions and the most common intervention was related to the treatment regimen (41.5%). Serious errors and very significant pharmacist interventions were the most frequent in both inpatient units. The acceptance rate of pharmacist interventions was high (90%). Conclusions Clinical pharmacy improves patient safety and quality of care in onco-hematology and bone marrow transplant inpatient units.
Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels are Decreased in Critically-Ill Septic Patients: Results From a Preliminary Study
Authors: Vassiliou Alice G. , Mastora Zafeiria , Jahaj Edison , Keskinidou Chrysi , Pratikaki Maria E. , Kampisiouli Efstathia , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Kotanidou Anastasia , Dimopoulou Ioanna 
Published: July 2020

Background: The increased oxidative stress resulting from the inflammatory responses in sepsis initiates changes in mitochondrial function which may result in organ damage, the most common cause of death in the intensive care unit (ICU). Deficiency of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a key cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, could potentially disturb mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress, and may serve as a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, we aimed to investigate in initially non-septic patients whether CoQ10 levels are decreased in sepsis and septic shock compared to ICU admission, and to evaluate its associations with severity scores, inflammatory biomarkers, and ICU outcomes. Methods: Observational retrospective analysis on 86 mechanically-ventilated, initially non-septic, ICU patients. CoQ10 was sequentially measured on ICU admission, sepsis, septic shock or at ICU discharge. CoQ10 was additionally measured in 25 healthy controls. Inflammatory biomarkers were determined at baseline and sepsis. Results: On admission, ICU patients who developed sepsis had lower CoQ10 levels compared to healthy controls (0.89 vs. 1.04 µg/ml, p < 0.05), while at sepsis and septic shock CoQ10 levels decreased further (0.63 µg/ml; p < 0.001 and 0.42 µg/ml; p < 0.0001, respectively, from admission). In ICU patients who did not develop sepsis, admission CoQ10 levels were also lower than healthy subjects (0.81 µg/ml; p < 0.001) and were maintained at the same levels until discharge. Conclusion: CoQ10 levels in critically-ill patients are low on ICU admission compared to healthy controls and exhibit a further decrease in sepsis and septic shock. These results suggest that sepsis severity leads to CoQ10 depletion.
Evolution of corneal flattening after repeated corneal cross-linking during a 6-year follow-up
Authors: Grentzelos Michael A , Voulgari Nafsika , Giacuzzo Clarice , Droutsas Konstantinos , Kymionis George D 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To report the evolution of corneal flattening after repeated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in a patient with progressive keratoconus during a 6-year follow-up. Methods: Case report. Results: A 27-year-old female underwent CXL for progressive keratoconus. Postoperatively, corneal topography revealed keratoconus progression with an increase of 1.20 diopters (D) in maximum keratometry (Kmax) and CXL was repeated. After the second treatment, a continuing significant corneal flattening (up to 16.00 D in Kmax) was observed during the first 5 years followed by stabilization during the last sixth year of follow-up. Both uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity were improved while corneal thickness was decreased. There were no complications such as corneal opacification or endothelial cells decrease during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Repeated CXL can induce an excessive corneal flattening more pronounced during the first years of follow-up followed by stabilization thereafter.
Blunt ocular trauma in patients over 70: Clinical characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Vidne-Hay Orit , Fogel Levin Miri , Luski Shahar , Moisseiev Joseph , Moisseiev Elad 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To describe the mechanisms and outcomes of open globe injuries (OGIs) in patients 70 years or older. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients from two large academic centers in Israel who were underwent surgery for OGI. Data was collected from surgical and clinic charts. Anatomical and functional results were recorded as well any additional surgeries and complications. Results: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients were included. The mechanism of OGI consisted of blunt trauma with ocular rupture secondary to falls. All eyes underwent immediate primary closure of the corneal and scleral lacerations. Additional surgeries were performed in 34.3% of cases. In 31.2% of cases additional surgery was not required, and in 21.9% of cases the damage was so devastating that additional procedures were not recommended. Four patients (12.5%) chose not to undergo additional surgery. Mean visual acuity at presentation was 2.24 ± 0.72 logMAR and it improved to 1.92 ± 0.89 logMAR at final follow-up ( p = 0.002). VA at presentation was significantly correlated to final VA ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: OGI in the elderly represents a unique group. It is mostly related to falls, with a female predominance and a poor visual prognosis. In this patient population, general health concerns and increased risks of anesthesia require special attention. Care should be taken to educate elderly patients and their caretakers on how to avoid falls.
Inpatient dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty: incidence and associated patient and hospital factors
Authors: Mohamed Nequesha S , Castrodad Iciar M Dávila , Etcheson Jennifer I , Sodhi Nipun , Remily Ethan A , Wilkie Wayne A , Mont Michael A , Delanois Ronald E 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Inpatient dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) may incur substantial financial penalties for hospitals in the United States. However, limited studies report on current incidence and variability of dislocations. We utilised a large national database to evaluate inpatient hip dislocation trends regarding: (1) yearly incidences; (2) lengths of stay (LOS); (3) demographic factors; and (4) hospital metrics. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was queried from 2012 to2016 for primary THA patients ( n = 1,610,155), identifying 2490 inpatient dislocations. Various patient demographics and hospital characteristics were assessed. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify dislocation risk factors. Results: Dislocation rates increased from 0.11% in 2012 to 0.18% in 2016 ( p < 0.001). Dislocated patients experienced significantly longer LOS ( p  < 0.001). Patient demographic factors associated with dislocation were sex, race, Medicaid insurance, alcohol use disorder, psychosis, hemiparesis/hemiplegia, chronic renal failure, and obesity. Spinal fusion was not associated with inpatient dislocation. Dislocations were likeliest in the South and least likely in teaching hospitals. Conclusion: Inpatient dislocation has increased in recent years. Optimised management and recognition of the patient and hospital factors outlined in this study may help decrease inpatient dislocation risks following THA, thus avoiding hospital reimbursement penalties for this preventable complication.
Telehealth in trauma: A scoping review
Authors: Wake Elizabeth , Atkins Heidi , Willock Ashley , Hawkes Angela , Dawber Jessica , Weir Kelly A 
Published: July 2020

Background The purpose of this scoping review was to ascertain how ‘telehealth’ is utilised within health care, from pre hospital to admission, discharge and post discharge, with patients who have suffered major trauma. Methods A scoping review of the literature published in English since 1980 was conducted using MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Austhealth, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Cochrane library) and Web of Science MEDLINE and MEBASE to identify relevant studies. Results We included 77 eligible studies with both randomised controlled trial and cohort design methodology. A variety of trauma was included such as traumatic brain injuries ( n = 52; 67.5%), spinal cord injury ( n = 14; 18.2%) and multi-trauma ( n = 9; 11.7%) to both adult ( n = 38) and paediatric ( n = 32) participants. Telehealth is used in pre-hospital and acute-care settings ( n = 11; 14.3%) to facilitate assessment, and in rehabilitation and follow-up ( n = 61; 79.2%) to deliver therapy. Effects on health were reported the most ( n = 46), with no negative outcomes. The feasibility of telehealth as a delivery mode was established, but coordination and technical issues are barriers to use. Overall, both patients and clinicians were satisfied using this mode of delivery. Conclusion This review demonstrates how telehealth is utilised across a spectrum of patients with traumatic injuries and to facilitate delivery of therapy, specialist consultations and assessments, with many studies reporting improvements to health. There is a paucity of high-quality rigorous research, which makes replication of findings and uptake of the intervention problematic. Future telehealth and trauma research should focus on the quality and reproducibility of telehealth interventions and the economic feasibility of using this platform to deliver trauma care.
An empirical study of the classifier effect in advanced L2 users of Chinese
Authors: Zhu Sanmao 
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This article examines the classifier effect on categorization among advanced Chinese as a second language (CSL) learners. More specifically, it aims to answer this question: Is non-classifier language speakers’ categorization of objects influenced by the acquisition of the Chinese classifier system? Design/methodology/approach, data and analysis: Native Chinese speakers, advanced CSL learners and non-CSL participants were asked to rate the relatedness of drawing pairs based on either classifier or taxonomy/theme; advanced CSL learners and non-CSL participants were then asked to immediately recall two lists of nouns, one associated with three taxonomic categories and the other with three classifiers. Repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to examine the major effect between drawing relations (classifier related, taxonomically/thematically related and unrelated) and participant groups. Two measures of NCR (number of correct recall) and RR (ratio of repetition) were calculated and analysed to examine effective memory retrieval as well as subjective clustering. Findings/conclusions: Results showed that preferences for classifier-based and taxonomy/theme -based categorizations differed between advanced CSL learners and non-CSL participants. CSL learners’ knowledge of the classifier system also facilitated their performance in recalling and clustering objects. The findings revealed that concepts in bilingual minds may be language-specific and an alternative interpretation of the real world is internalized by learning a new language. Originality: Unlike previous studies, this article extended the examination of the cognitive consequences of classifiers to late bilinguals whose second language (L2) proficiency was formally assessed. Significance/implications: This study contributes empirical data supporting the importance of nonverbal behavioural evidence in the study of bilingual cognition. The degree and nature of the restructuring of real-world referents as a consequence of acquiring Chinese classifiers is of pedagogical value to second-language acquisition (SLA).
Lessons from science fiction: Frederik Pohl and the robot prosumer
Authors: Ryder MJ 
Published: July 2020

The diverse fields of business, management and marketing have long explored the concept of the ‘prosumer’ – the producer-consumer who not only consumes those products produced by industry, but also has some hand in their creation. But while the term itself is often credited to futurist Alvin Toffler , the concept he describes (and that which Ritzer et al. adapt) is a central concern of science fiction, which has much to offer our understanding of modern-day prosumption and is not limited by the language and limitations of purely scientific academic discourse. Indeed, one of the most important voices in this area is author and editor Frederik Pohl, with his co-authored novel The Space Merchants and short stories including ‘The Midas Plague’ and ‘The Man Who Ate the World’. In each of these works, Pohl seeks to satirise the mindless robot-like behaviour of human beings, while also posing a word of warning for the social, economic and ecological impact mass-prosumption. This is a particularly relevant message given the rise of ‘surveillance capitalism’ – the real world manifestation of the dystopias that Pohl and his contemporaries describe. In this paper, I argue that science fiction isn’t just a useful tool for social theorists, but rather, a vital resource, as it provides a speculative framework through which to interrogate the potential impacts and implications of new technology, and the links between production and consumption, technology and work. Furthermore, it provides the means through which to imagine possible futures and the lasting impacts of consumption that go beyond describing the world as it is, and move into the realms of what the world may become.
Metabolic Profiling of Human Gastric Cancer Cells Treated With Salazosulfapyridine
Authors: Takizawa Kohei , Muramatsu Koji , Maruyama Kouji , Urakami Kenichi , Sugino Takashi , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Ken , Ono Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The adhesion molecule cluster of differentiation 44v9 interacts with and stabilizes the cystine/glutamate exchanger protein, which functions as a transporter of cystine. Stabilized cystine/glutamate exchanger increases extracellular cystine uptake and enhances glutathione production. Augmented levels of reduced glutathione mitigate reactive oxygen species and protect cancer cells from apoptosis. Salazosulfapyridine blocks cystine/glutamate exchanger activity and mitigates the supply of cystine to increase intracellular ROS production, thereby increasing cell susceptibility to apoptosis. This enhances the effect of anticancer drugs such as cisplatin. Currently, salazosulfapyridine is being developed as a promising anticancer agent. In the present study, we elucidated the molecular mechanism associated with salazosulfapyridine by investigating the salazosulfapyridine-induced changes in glutathione metabolism in cultured gastric cancer cell lines. Methods: The effect of salazosulfapyridine treatment on glutathione metabolism was investigated in 4 gastric cancer (AGS, MKN1, MKN45, and MKN74) and 2 colorectal cancer (HCT15 and HCT116) cell lines using metabolomic analyses. In addition, the effect of inhibition of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate by 2-deoxyglucose on glutathione metabolism was evaluated. Results: Under hypoxia, enhanced glycolysis resulted in lactate accumulation with an associated reduction in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Salazosulfapyridine treatment decreased the cysteine content and inhibited the formation of glutathione. Combined treatment with salazosulfapyridine and 2-deoxyglucose significantly inhibited cell proliferation. 2-Deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis, depleted nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate required for the formation of glutathione. Conclusions: Our results indicate that in cancer cells having a predominant glycolytic pathway, metabolomic analyses under hypoxic conditions enable the profiling of global metabolism. In addition, inhibiting the supply of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate by blocking glycolysis is a potential treatment strategy for cancer, in addition to cystine blockade by salazosulfapyridine.
Clinical Significance of Polo-Like Kinase 4 as a Marker for Advanced Tumor Stage and Dismal Prognosis in Patients With Surgical Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cao Ting , Yi Shijie , Yang Xuefeng , Wu Qing 
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of polo-like kinase 4 with clinicopathological features and survival profiles in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted based on the clinical data from 289 eligible patients with gastric cancer who received resection. Polo-like kinase 4 expression in adjacent tissue and tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemical assay and semiquantified scoring method using immunohistochemical score by staining intensity score multiplying staining density score. Based on the total immunohistochemical score (ranged from 0 to 12), the polo-like kinase 4 expression was classified as low expression (immunohistochemical: 0-3) and high expression (immunohistochemical: 4-12); furthermore, high expression was divided into high+ expression (immunohistochemical: 4-6), high++ expression (immunohistochemical: 7-9), and high+++ expression (immunohistochemical: 10-12). Results: Polo-like kinase 4 expression was elevated in tumor tissue compared with adjacent tissue. Tumor polo-like kinase 4 high expression correlated with increased T stage and Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage, while, it did not correlate with age, gender, current smoke, current drink, chronic complications, Helicobacter pylori infection, tumor location, pathological grade, or N stage. Besides, higher tumor polo-like kinase 4 expression correlated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. Subsequently, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that higher tumor polo-like kinase 4 expression was an independent predictive factor for worse disease-free survival but not for overall survival. Conclusion: Polo-like kinase 4 possesses the clinical significance as a biomarker for aiding prognostication and facilitating postoperative tumor management in patients with gastric cancer.
Cancer-Testis Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Identification of Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets for Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yan-Peng , Bao Zhi-Wei , Wu Jing-Bang , Chen Yun-Hao , Chen Jun-Ru , Xie Hai-Yang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shu-Sen 
Published: July 2020

Background: Cancer-testis genes can serve as prognostic biomarkers and valuable targets for immunotherapy in multiple tumors because of their restricted expression in testis and cancer. However, their expression pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma is still not well understood. The purpose is to comprehensively characterize the cancer-testis gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma as well as identify prognostic markers and potential targets for immunotherapy. Methods: Cancer-testis database and publicly available data sets reporting new cancer-testis genes were integrated, and then restricted them in a testis and hepatocellular carcinoma expression pattern. Pathway enrichment analysis and survival analysis were conducted to evaluate the biological function and prognostic effect of cancer-testis genes. Clustering analysis and coexpression analysis were performed to illustrate cancer-testis gene expression patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma. The association of gene expression of each cancer-testis gene to the corresponding methylation status was detected. Finally, we explored the associations between cancer-testis genes and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma by TISIDB, and then validated it in an independent hepatocellular carcinoma cohort with 72 patients. Results: A total of 59 testis-specific genes were identified highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that cancer-testis genes in hepatocellular carcinoma significantly involves in the process of cell cycle regulation. Most of the cancer-testis genes were coexpressed, and cluster analysis suggested that cancer-testis gene expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma is independent of sex, hepatitis status, and histology type. We also found that demethylation might be a regulatory mechanism of cancer-testis gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Survival analysis indicated that cancer-testis genes could predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, BUB1B was identified contributing to the resistance of CD8+ T-cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma and was an independent prognostic factor both for overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusions: Our analysis enables better understanding of cancer-testis genes in hepatocellular carcinoma and provides potential targets for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Experimental and clinical studies are needed for further validations.