bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining the Cardiac Fibroblast Secretome in a Fibrotic Microenvironment
Authors: Ceccato Tova L. , Starbuck Rachel B. , Hall Jessica K. , Walker Cierra J. , Brown Tobin E. , Killgore Jason P. , Anseth Kristi S. , Leinwand Leslie A. 
Published: September 2020

Background
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) have the ability to sense stiffness changes and respond to biochemical cues to modulate their states as either quiescent or activated myofibroblasts. Given the potential for secretion of bioactive molecules to modulate the cardiac microenvironment, we sought to determine how the CF secretome changes with matrix stiffness and biochemical cues and how this affects cardiac myocytes via paracrine signaling.

Methods and Results
Myofibroblast activation was modulated in vitro by combining stiffness cues with TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β 1) treatment using engineered poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels, and in vivo with isoproterenol treatment. Stiffness, TGFβ1, and isoproterenol treatment increased AKT (protein kinase B) phosphorylation, indicating that this pathway may be central to myofibroblast activation regardless of the treatment. Although activation of AKT was shared, different activating cues had distinct effects on downstream cytokine secretion, indicating that not all activated myofibroblasts share the same secretome. To test the effect of cytokines present in the CF secretome on paracrine signaling, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were treated with CF conditioned media. Conditioned media from myofibroblasts cultured on stiff substrates and activated by TGFβ1 caused hypertrophy, and one of the cytokines in that media was insulin growth factor 1, which is a known mediator of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy.

Conclusions
Culturing CFs on stiff substrates, treating with TGFβ1, and in vivo treatment with isoproterenol all caused myofibroblast activation. Each cue had distinct effects on the secretome or genes encoding the secretome, but only the secretome of activated myofibroblasts on stiff substrates treated with TGFβ1 caused myocyte hypertrophy, most likely through insulin growth factor 1.
Financial Toxicity in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the United States: Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Khera Rohan , Valero-Elizondo Javier , Nasir Khurram 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has posed an increasing burden on Americans and the United States healthcare system for decades. In addition, ASCVD has had a substantial economic impact, with national expenditures for ASCVD projected to increase by over 2.5‐fold from 2015 to 2035. This rapid increase in costs associated with health care for ASCVD has consequences for payers, healthcare providers, and patients. The issues to patients are particularly relevant in recent years, with a growing trend of shifting costs of treatment expenses to patients in various forms, such as high deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Therefore, the issue of
“
financial toxicity” of health care is gaining significant attention. The term encapsulates the deleterious impact of healthcare expenditures for patients. This includes the economic burden posed by healthcare costs, but also the unintended consequences it creates in form of barriers to necessary medical care, quality of life as well tradeoffs related to non‐health–related necessities. While the societal impact of rising costs related to ASCVD management have been actively studied and debated in policy circles, there is lack of a comprehensive assessment of the current literature on the financial impact of cost sharing for ASCVD patients and their families. In this review we systematically describe the scope and domains of financial toxicity, the instruments that measure various facets of healthcare‐related financial toxicity, and accentuating factors and consequences on patient health and well‐being. We further identify avenues and potential solutions for clinicians to apply in medical practice to mitigate the burden and consequences of out‐of‐pocket costs for ASCVD patients and their families.
An oblique osteotomy is better for subtrochanteric shortening in total hip arthroplasty for high hip dislocation: a mechanical comparison of four techniques
Authors: Atlihan Dogan , Yildirim Cem , Muratoglu Osman Gorkem , Muslu Duran Can , Tokgözoğlu Mazhar , Bayir Dilara , Bozdag Ergun 
Published: September 2020

Background: Subtrochanteric femoral shortening is used during total hip arthroplasty for high hip dislocation in developmental dysplasia of hip patients. Methods: We mechanically tested the stability of various commonly used subtrochanteric osteotomy techniques. As the equivalent of a femoral stem placed in a shortened femur without any stable fixation at the osteotomy line, 2 polyvinylchloride pipes were loosely intertwined. 4 different osteotomies (Z-subtrochanteric osteotomy, oblique-45° osteotomy, double Chevron-90° and 120° subtrochanteric osteotomy) were simulated. Torsional and axial loads were applied, and torsional stiffness was calculated for each test model. Results: Z, double Chevron-90° and 120° subtrochanteric osteotomy models demonstrated lower mean torsional stiffness than oblique-45° osteotomy. With the highest torsional stiffness oblique-45° provides the best stability for treatment of high dislocation hips when a subtrochanteric osteotomy is added. Conclusions: This matches our previous clinical experience. Oblique osteotomy may also provide higher contact surfaces in the osteotomy lines to promote bone healing.
Prostate volume and its relationship with anthropometric variables among different ethnic groups of South-Kivu, DR Congo
Authors: Mubenga L. E. , Hermans M. P. , Chimanuka D. , Muhindo L. , Bwenge E. , Tombal B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) varies among individuals from different races or ethnic groups. South-Kivu province (DR Congo) has several morphologically different ethnic groups. Our aim was to compare prostate volume and assess its possible association with specific anthropometric measurements among major ethnic groups.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of male subjects, ≥ 40 year old, enrolled in 10 different sites of South-Kivu allowing both easy access and ethnic diversity. We compared urological features, anthropometric parameters, and body fat composition among 979 subjects who met study criteria: Shi (n: 233), Lega (n: 212), Havu (n: 204), Bembe–Fuliru (n: 172), and minority ethnic groups (n: 158).ResultsProstate volume was statistically different among ethnic groups. Median (interquartile range) size of prostate gland was significantly larger in Lega: 55 (38–81) cc, and smaller in Havu, 20 (17, 24) cc;p < 0.001. Overall, an enlarged prostate (≥ 30 cc) was documented in 91% of Lega men, in 59% of intermediate class men (Shi, Bembe–Fuliru, others), and in a mere 11% of Havu men. In multivariate analysis, prostate volume was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), ethnic group (p < 0.001), residence (p: 0.046), and fasting blood glucose (p: 0.001). Conversely, prostate volume was neither associated with anthropometric parameters, nor with body fat composition.ConclusionProstatic size varies widely among men from different ethnic origins in South-Kivu. Different genetic determinants and cellular composition of prostatic gland could represent risk factors that need to be examined in forthcoming studies.
Initial-onset acute and chronic recurrent stages are two distinctive courses of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Urzua Cristhian A. , Herbort Carl , Valenzuela Rodrigo A. , Abu El-Asrar Ahmed M. , Arellanes-Garcia Lourdes , Schlaen Ariel , Yamamoto Joyce , Pavesio Carlos 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To describe distinctive stages of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease: initial-onset acute versus chronic recurrent disease.

Methods
A comprehensive literature review regarding stages and clinical presentations of VKH disease was conducted.

Results
Despite a list of signs that has been described as characteristic features of early or late phases of VKH disease, the current classification -developed by an international committee and published in 2001- does not consider a distinction regarding the time from onset of disease symptoms, and specific findings observed at certain time point from the symptoms presentation and outcomes related to the stage of VKH disease. In that sense, chronic recurrent VKH disease is more refractory to treatment and is associated with a higher rate of complications. Accordingly, this subset of VKH patients has poorer functional and anatomical outcomes than patients with an initial-onset acute disease.

Conclusions
An early clear distinction of VKH phenotype [Initial-onset acute versus chronic recurrent disease] should be considered in each clinical scenario, evaluating the delay in diagnosis and the clinical presentation, since it may help clinicians to perform a correct disease prognosis categorization and thus to make treatment decisions in terms of potential refractoriness or expected clinical outcomes.
Medical decision making among patients with heart failure – does migration background matter?
Authors: von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Scherer Martin , Marx Gabriella , Koens Sarah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Some studies, mainly coming from the U.S., indicate disparities in heart failure (HF) treatment according to migration/ethnicity. However, respective results are inconsistent and cannot be transferred to other health care systems. Thus, we will address the following research question: Are there differences in the diagnosis and management of HF between patients with and without a Turkish migration background in Germany?

Methods
A factorial experimental design with video vignettes was applied. In the filmed simulated initial encounters, professional actors played patients, who consulted a primary care physician because of typical HF symptoms. While the dialog was identical in all videos, patients differed in terms of Turkish migration history (no/yes), sex (male/female), and age (55 years/75 years). After viewing the video, primary care physicians (N = 128) were asked standardized and open ended questions concerning their decisions on diagnosis and therapy.

Results
Analyses revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), but a consistent tendency: Primary care doctors more often asked lifestyle and psychosocial questions, they more often diagnosed HF, they gave more advice to rest and how to behave in case of deterioration, they more often auscultated the lung, and more often referred to a specialist when the patient has a Turkish migration history compared to a non-migrant patient. Differences in the medical decisions between the two groups ranged between 1.6 and 15.8%. In 10 out of 12 comparisons, differences were below 10%.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that are no significant inequalities in diagnosis and management of HF according to a Turkish migration background in Germany. Primary care physicians’ behaviour and medical decision making do not seem to be influenced by the migration background of the patients. Future studies are needed to verify this result and to address inequalities in HF therapy in an advanced disease stage.
A molecular insight into the dissociable regulation of associative learning and motivation by the synaptic protein neuroligin-1
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Tan Jessica M. , Nithianantharajah Jess 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
In a changing environment, a challenge for the brain is to flexibly guide adaptive behavior towards survival. Complex behavior and the underlying neural computations emerge from the structural components of the brain across many levels: circuits, cells, and ultimately the signaling complex of proteins at synapses. In line with this logic, dynamic modification of synaptic strength or synaptic plasticity is widely considered the cellular level implementation for adaptive behavior such as learning and memory. Predominantly expressed at excitatory synapses, the postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecule neuroligin-1 (Nlgn1) forms trans-synaptic complexes with presynaptic neurexins. Extensive evidence supports that Nlgn1 is essential for NMDA receptor transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP), both of which are putative synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Here, employing a comprehensive battery of touchscreen-based cognitive assays, we asked whether impaired NMDA receptor transmission and LTP in mice lacking Nlgn1 does in fact disrupt decision-making. To this end, we addressed two key decision problems: (i) the ability to learn and exploit the associative structure of the environment and (ii) balancing the trade-off between potential rewards and costs, or positive and negative utilities of available actions.

Results
We found that the capacity to acquire complex associative structures and adjust learned associations was intact. However, loss of Nlgn1 alters motivation leading to a reduced willingness to overcome effort cost for reward and an increased willingness to exert effort to escape an aversive situation. We suggest Nlgn1 may be important for balancing the weighting on positive and negative utilities in reward-cost trade-off.

Conclusions
Our findings update canonical views of this key synaptic molecule in behavior and suggest Nlgn1 may be essential for regulating distinct cognitive processes underlying action selection. Our data demonstrate that learning and motivational computations can be dissociated within the same animal model, from a detailed behavioral dissection. Further, these results highlight the complexities in mapping synaptic mechanisms to their behavioral consequences, and the future challenge to elucidate how complex behavior emerges through different levels of neural hardware.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery vs Thoracotomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Greater Than 5 cm: Is VATS a feasible approach for large tumors?
Authors: Batihan Güntuğ , Ceylan Kenan Can , Usluer Ozan , Kaya Şeyda Örs 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
VATS lobectomy is a recommended surgical approach for patients with early-stage lung cancer. However, it is still controversial in locally advance disease. This study was conducted to compare intraoperative and postoperative results of VATS and thoracotomy in patients with tumors greater than 5 cm.

Methods
From January 2014 to December 2018, 849 patients underwent lobectomy or pneumonectomy for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer at our center. The inclusion criterion of this study was patients who underwent anatomic lung resection for lung cancer with tumors larger than 5 cm((≥ T3). The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 24) and those who underwent thoracotomy (n = 36). Patient characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative results were evaluated by review of the hospital records.

Results
In the VATS group, mean drainage time and postoperative length of hospital stay were significantly shorter than the thoracotomy group. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that overall and recurrence-free survival was longer in the VATS group and this result was statistically significant.

Conclusions
According to the results of this study, we emphasize that VATS is a feasible surgical procedure for tumors larger than 5 cm.
Troxerutin protects against DHT-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats
Authors: Gao Zixuan , Ma Xiaochen , Liu Jing , Ge Yuhang , Wang Lei , Fu Ping , Liu Zhian , Yao Ruiqin , Yan Xiaonan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe exact pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common neuroendocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, has not been fully elucidated. Recent studies suggested that chronic inflammation and neurotransmitter disorder involved in the progress of PCOS. Troxerutin, a natural flavonoid, was reported to possess neuroprotective effect in several disease models by inhibiting inflammation or enhancing neurotrophic factor. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effect and mechanism of troxerutin in a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced rat model of PCOS. The PCOS rat models were treated with troxerutin at a dose of 150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg for up to 4 weeks. Results showed that 300 mg/kg troxerutin significantly decreased the body weight gain and improved the pathological changes of ovary induced by DHT. Meanwhile, the elevated gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadotrophin and testosterone in the serum of PCOS rats were reduced with the treatment of troxerutin. The expression of kisspeptin and NKB in arcuate nucleus and their receptors kiss1r and NK3r in GnRH positive neurons of median eminence were markedly decreased in troxerutin-treated rats. Of note, the GnRH inhibitory regulator GABA and stimulatory regulator glutamate were also restored to the normal level by troxerutin. The present study indicated that troxerutin may exhibit a protective effect in PCOS rat model via regulating neurotransmitter release.
Neuroendocrine appendiceal tumor and endometriosis of the appendix: a case report
Authors: Parra Rogério Serafim , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Biagi Giovana Bachega Badiale , Brandão Daniel Ferracioli , Moraes Margarida Maria Fernandes da Silva , Silvestre Liliane , Zanardi José Vitor Cabral , Sato Junior Nelson Hitamo , Féres Omar , da Rocha José Joaquim Ribeiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Endometriosis of the appendix is very uncommon, accounting for only about 1% of all cases of endometriosis. However, endometriosis is found in the appendix in approximately 8–13% of patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis and is particularly common in patients with severe forms of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Neuroendocrine tumors are the most common neoplasms of the appendix and may be misdiagnosed when there are multiple endometriosis lesions in the pelvis.

Case presentation
We describe a case of a Caucasian patient with deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectal involvement, retrocervical lesions, and a right ovarian endometrioma with no suspected lesions in the appendix. She underwent laparoscopy and, after a systematic intraoperative evaluation, suspected involvement of the appendix was observed. The patient underwent ovarian cystectomy, excision of the pelvic endometriosis lesions, appendectomy, and anterior stapler discoid resection. Histopathological analysis of the appendix revealed endometriosis and a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma at the appendix tip.

Discussion
Our patient’s case emphasizes the need to approach these lesions carefully and strengthens the indication for appendectomy when the appendix is affected in the setting of endometriosis. Despite the more likely diagnosis of appendiceal endometriosis, neuroendocrine tumors cannot be ruled out by imaging examinations, and both conditions can occur in the same patient.
Protocol for a systematic review of treatment adherence for HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis among homeless populations
Authors: Johnson Luke , Lewer Dan , Aldridge Robert W. , Hayward Andrew C. , Story Alistair 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Homelessness is a global issue and HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis are known to be prevalent in this group. Homeless populations face significant barriers to care. We aim to summarise evidence of treatment initiation and completion for homeless populations with these infections, and their associated factors, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
We will search MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL for all study types and conference abstracts looking at either (1) treatment initiation in a cohort experiencing homelessness with at least one of HIV, hepatitis C, active tuberculosis and/or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI); (2) treatment completion for those who initiated treatment. We will perform a meta-analysis of the proportion of those with each infection who initiate and complete treatment, as well as analysis of individual and health system factors that may affect adherence levels. We will evaluate the quality of research papers using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Discussion
Given the political emphasis on global elimination of these diseases, and the current lack of understanding of effective and equitable treatment adherence strategies in homeless populations, this review will provide insight to policy-makers and service providers aiming to improve homeless healthcare.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42019153150
Evaluating enhanced recovery after surgery: time to cover new ground and discover the missing patient voice
Authors: Nunns Michael , John Joseph B. , McGrath John S. , Shaw Liz , Briscoe Simon , Thompson Coon Jo , Hemsley Anthony , Lovegrove Christopher J. , Thomas David , Mythen Michael G. , Anderson Rob 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMulticomponent peri-operative interventions offer to accelerate patient recovery and improve cost-effectiveness. The recent National Institute of Health Research-commissioned evidence synthesis review by Nunns et al. considers the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of all types of multicomponent interventions for older adults undergoing elective inpatient surgery. Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) were the most commonly evaluated intervention. An association between ERPs and decreased length of stay was observed, whilst complication rates and time to recovery were static or sometimes reduced. Important areas which lack research in the context of ERPs are patient-reported outcome measures, patients with complex needs and assessment of factors pertaining to successful ERP implementation. The next generation of ERP studies should seek to develop our understanding in these key areas.
Glycolysis stimulation and storage protein accumulation are hallmarks of maize (Zea mays L.) grain filling
Authors: Kim Jung-Tae , Yi Gibum , Kim Mi-Jung , Son Beom-Young , Bae Hwan-Hee , Go Young Sam , Kim Sun-Lim , Baek Seong-Bum , Kim Seung-Hyun , Chung Ill-Min 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is a major dietary source of human caloric intake. Grain filling, the developmental stage of the seed during which starch and proteins accumulate, is of great interest in plant biology and agronomy. However, proteomic datasets covering maize seed development, especially during grain filling, are much scarcer than transcriptomic datasets, largely due to the labor-intensive and costly nature of the large-scale analysis required for proteomics. Here, we searched for proteins that showed changes in abundance during four time-points covering the middle stages of grain filling by two-dimensional electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF, and database searches. We detected 1384 protein spots, of which 48 exhibited differential accumulation during grain filling. Of those, we identified the underlying protein for 32 spots: they included enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, stress-related proteins, and storage proteins, the latter of which represented 34% of all changing proteins during grain filling. Proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism reached their maximum accumulation around 15–20 days after pollination (DAP) and subsequently dropped until 30 DAP. The rise of stress-related proteins such as heat shock proteins demonstrated their involvement in grain filling and seed maturation. This study catalogues the proteome changes during grain filling and provides basic but critical information regarding the biological changes during maize kernel development.