bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between the Invasion of Lymphocytes and Cytokines in the Tumor Microenvironment and the Interval After Single Brachytherapy Hypofractionated Rradiotherapy and Conventional Fractionation Radiotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Yue Hong Cheng , Han Yun Wei , Liu Wei , Xiong Liang Geng , Zhang Jian Wen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Lymphocytes and cytokines in tumor microenvironment are the key to immunotherapy, The effect of brachytherapy on tumor microenvironment is not clear. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between the invasion of lymphocytes and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and the interval after single brachytherapy hypofractionated radiotherapy (SBHFRT) and conventional fractionation radiotherapy (CFRT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Lewis tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into control, CFRT and SBHFRT groups. On the days 7 and 14 after radiation, the expression rates of CD4+, CD8+, Foxp3+, and CD86 + cells and levels of Ki-67 + protein were detected by immunohistochemical analysis, and the tumor necrosis rate was calculated. Following this, interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-12, and interferon-γ (INF-γ) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The apoptosis rate was evaluated via flow cytometry. The tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition rate (TGIR) were calculated on day 14. Tumor metabolism was assessed via micro 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computer tomography. Results The tumor volume in the SBHFRT group reduced by 22.0% and TGIR increased by 92.2% (P < 0.05). Further, on days 7 and 14 after radiation, tumor metabolism, Ki-67 + and Foxp3 + expression rates, and IL-10 levels were lower and tumor necrosis and apoptosis rates; CD86+, CD4+, and CD8 + expression rates; and IL-12 and INF-γ levels were higher in SBHFRT group than in the CFRT group, particularly on day 7. Conclusion SBHFRT could lead to more accumulation of dendritic cells and anti-tumor lymphocytes and cytokines in the tumor tissue, and further reduce the aggregation of immunosuppressive lymphocytes and cytokines in the tumor tissue compared with CFRT, and the difference was the most obvious was day 7 after radiation. Hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy may be better for treating NSCLC, as observed on day 7 after radiation.
Comparative study of the rhizospheric arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from three medicinal licorice plants from Xinjiang
Authors: Gao Tiantian , Wang Zhongke , Lv Xinhua , Li Guifang , He Yaling , Zhuang Li 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We investigated the rhizospheric arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from the three medicinal licorice plants, i.e., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The AM fungi were reported to be affected by the host plant species as well as soil depth, physical, and chemical properties. We collected the rhizosphere from these licorice plants, from the soil layer with a depth of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm in the Xinjiang region. Furthermore, we employed the Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing platform to investigate the structure and diversity of these AM fungal communities. The soil physical and chemical properties were also evaluated to determine the relationship between the medicinal Glycyrrhiza rhizospheric AM fungi and the associated soil factors. In order to provide a reference for revealing the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in increasing the content of active components in cultivated licorice root, we isolated a total of 34 AM fungi that encompassed a phylum, a class, five (orders, families, and genus), and the Glomus and Paraglomus emerged as the dominant genus. We observed the highest diversity in the AM fungi in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. The Glycyrrhiza inflata showed the highest richness, whereas the Glycyrrhiza glabra showed the lowest richness and diversity in each soil layer. The plant species influenced the AM fungi more than the soil depth. The total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and organic matter in the soil prominently impacted the distribution of soil AM fungi. In contrast, the soil ammonium and nitrogen content had the lowest-impact on the AM fungi distribution. The genus Glomus was was found to be positively correlated with total phosphorus (P<0.001), and negatively correlated with total potassium (P<0.001), total salt (P<0.01), soil water content, and organic matter (P<0.05). The genus Paraglomus was found to be negatively correlated with the total phosphorus (P<0.001), whereas positively correlated with total potassium (P<0.001), total salt (P<0.001), organic matter (P<0.05), and fast-acting potassium (P<0.05). Besides, we found a positive correlation between the genus Diversispora and ammonium nitrogen (P<0.05), whereas the available phosphorus (P<0.05) and total salt (P<0.05) were negatively correlated with the genus Diversispora.
Biomechanical study on the stress distribution of the knee joint after distal femoral fracture malunion with residual varus-valgus deformity
Authors: Li Ming , Hu Pan , Ma Lijie , Zhang Di , Chang Wenli , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Tao , Wei Ning , Chen Wei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

To investigate the effect of residual varus and valgus deformity on the stress distribution of knee joint after distal femoral fracture malunion.
Methods

Fourteen adult cadaver specimens with formalin were selected to establish the femoral fractures models, which were fixed subsequently at neutral position (anatomical reduction) and malunion positions (at 3 degrees, 7 degrees, 10 degrees valgus positions and 3 degrees, 7 degrees, and 10 degrees varus positions). The stress distribution on the medial and lateral plateau of the femur was quantitatively measured using ultra-low pressure sensitive film technology. The change of stress distribution of knee joint after femoral fracture malunion and the relationship between stress value and residual varus varus or valgus deformity were analyzed.
Results

Under 400 N vertical load, the stress values on the medial and lateral plateau of the femur at the neutral position were 1.162 ± 0.114 MPa and 1.103 ± 0.144 MPa, respectively. When compared with the stress values measured at the neutral position, the stress on the medial plateau of femur were significantly higher at varus deformities and lower at valgus deformities, and the stress on the lateral plateau was significantly higher at valgus deformity and lower at varus deformities (all P < 0.05). The stress values on the medial plateau of tibia were significantly higher than the corresponding data on the lateral plateau at neutral and 3 degrees, 7 degrees, 10 degrees varus deformities, respectively (all P < 0.05), and significantly lower than the corresponding data on the lateral plateau at 3 degrees, 7 degrees, 10 degrees valgus deformities, respectively (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions

Residual varus and valgus deformity after femoral fracture malunion can cause obvious changes of the stress distribution of knee joint. Therefore, the distal femoral fracture should be anatomically reduced and rigidly fixed to avoid residual varus-valgus deformity and malalignment of lower limbs.
Flexible Fibreoptic Intubation in Swine – Improvement for Resident Training and Animal Safety Alike
Authors: Ruemmler Robert , Ziebart Alexander , Ott Thomas , Dirvonskis Dagmar , Hartmann Erik Kristoffer 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Efficient airway management to facilitate tracheal intubation encompasses essential skills in anaesthesiologic and intensive care. The application of flexible fibreoptic intubation in patients with difficult airways has been identified as the recommended method in various international guidelines. However, providing the opportunity to adequately train residents can be challenging. Using large animals for practice during ongoing studies could help to improve this situation, but there is no recent data on fibreoptic intubation in swine available.
Methods
30 male German landrace pigs were anesthetized, instrumented and randomized into two groups. The animals were either intubated conventionally using direct laryngoscopy or a single-use flexible video-endoscope. The intervention was carried out by providers with 3 months experience in conventional intubation of pigs and a brief introduction into endoscopy. Intubation attempts were supervised and aborted, when SpO2 dropped below 93%. After three failed attempts, an experienced supervisor intervened and performed the intubation. Intubation times and attempts were recorded and analysed.
Results
Flexible fibreoptic intubation showed a significantly higher success rate in first attempt endotracheal tube placement (75% vs. 47%) with less attempts overall (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 1.3, P = 0.043). Conventional intubation was faster (42s ± 6 s vs. 67s ± 10 s, P < 0.001), but showed a higher complication rate and more desaturation episodes during the trial.
Conclusions
Flexible fibreoptic intubation in swine is feasible and appears to be a safer and more accessible method for inexperienced users to learn. This could not only improve resident training options in hospitals with animal research facilities but might also prevent airway complications and needless animal suffering.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Final Year Medical Students in the United Kingdom: A National Survey
Authors: Choi Byung , Jegatheeswaran Lavandan , Minocha Amal , Alhilani Michel , Mutengesa Ernest 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in unprecedented public health measures. This has impacted the UK education sector with many universities halting campus-based teaching and examinations. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of COVID-19 on final year medical student examinations and placements and how it might impact on confidence going into foundation training.
METHODS
An anonymous, self-administered survey of final year medical students from 33 UK medical schools.
RESULTS
441 students from 32 out of the 33 UK medical schools responded. 38% of respondents had their final OSCEs cancelled while 47% had already completed their final OSCEs before restrictions. 50% of assistantship placements were postponed while 77% of electives were cancelled. Respondents feel less confident entering FY1 as a result, but the majority agree that the measures taken to amend their curricula were necessary. Respondents also agree that assisting in hospital during the outbreak would be a valuable learning opportunity.
CONCLUSIONS
The impact on medical student education has been significant. The majority feel less prepared for FY1 but understand the necessity of these measures. Despite this, many are willing to assist in hospitals earlier than expected.
Analysis of β-catenin Association with Obesity in African Americans with Premalignant and Malignant Colorectal Lesions
Authors: Shokrani Babak , Brim Hassan , Hydari Tahmineh , Afsari Ali , Lee Edward , Nouraie Mehdi , Sherif Zaki , Ashktorab Hassan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: African Americans (AA) are at high risk for Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Studies report a 30-60 % increase in CRC risk with physical inactivity, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Activation of the WNT/ β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling pathway plays a critical role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence also indicates a role of WNT-CTNNB1 signaling in obesity and metabolic diseases. Aim: To examine the association between obesity, β-Catenin expression and colonic lesions in African Americans. Methods: We reviewed the pathology records of 152 colorectal specimens from 2010-2012 (46 CRCs, 74 advanced adenoma and 32 normal colon tissues). Tissue Microarrays (TMA) were constructed from these samples. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CTNNB1 (β-catenin; clone β-Catenin-1) was performed on the constructed TMAs. The IHC results were evaluated by 2 pathologists and the nuclear intensity staining was scored from 0-4. BMI, sex, age, location of the lesion and other demographic data were obtained. Results: Positive nuclear staining in normal, advanced adenoma and CRC was 0%, 24% and 41%, respectively (P <0.001). CRC was associated with positive status for nuclear CTNNB1 intensity (adjusted OR: 3.40, 95%CI=1.42%-8.15%, P=0.006 for positive nuclear staining) compared to non-CRC samples (Normal or advanced adenoma). Nuclear staining percentage has a good diagnostic ability for CRC (AUC: 0.63, 95%CI=0.55%- 0.71%). Overweight and obese patients (BMI>25) did not show a significant (p=0.3) expression of positive status for nuclear CTNNB1 (17% positive in normal weight vs. 27% positive in overweight/obese). The association between nuclear intensity and CRC was not different between normal and overweight patients (P for interaction = 0.6). The positive nuclear CTNNB1status in CRC stage III and IV (35% of all CRC) was not different from stage I and II (50%. vs. 36%, respectively, P = 0.4). Conclusion: In our study, advanced adenoma and CRC were associated with activation of β-catenin in physically fit, overweight and obese patients. Thus, participation of the obesity and WNT pathway seem to be independent in African American patients. WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway has a potential to be used as an effector in colon carcinogenic transformation. Whether or not BMI is a modifier of this pathway needs to be investigated further.
Analysis of gastroscopy results among healthy people undergoing a medical checkup: A retrospective study
Authors: Huang Haosu , Rong Yanting , Wang Meng , Guo Zimeng , Yu Yanghua , Long Zhenpu , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Hanyue , Ding Junjie , Yan Lu , Peng Jie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The association of upper gastrointestinal diseases with sex, age and Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic healthy people is unclear.The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the associations of upper gastrointestinal disease in asymptomatic healthy people with sex, age and H. pylori infection.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 2923 patients from a health examination center in Xiangya Hospital between September 2015 and September 2019. Data on sex, age, H. pylori infection and gastroscopy results were collected.
Results
Among 2923 asymptomatic patients who underwent gastroscopy, 2911 patients (99.59%) had abnormal results. The top three results were chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and duodenitis. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa in chronic gastritis was more severe in the H. pylori-positive group. The incidence of peptic ulcer decreased with increasing age and was higher in males, patients aged < 30 years and H. pylori-positive patients.The incidence of polyps was higher in females than in males, and the incidence in individuals aged ≥ 60 years was higher than that in those aged < 60 years.
Conclusion
The incidence of upper gastrointestinal diseases is high in asymptomatic healthy people undergoing a check-up and is associated with sex, age and H. pylori infection.Gastroscopy should be considered part of a routine health check.
Prognostic Value of Lymph Node to Primary Tumor Standardized Uptake Value Ratio in Unresectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chen Po-Jui , Yap Wing-Keen , Chang Yu-Chuan , Tseng Chen-Kan , Chao Yin-Kai , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun , Pai Ping-Ching , Lee Ching-Hsin , Yang Chan-Keng , Ho Albert Tsung-Ying , Hung Tsung-Min 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Unresectable esophageal cancer harbors high mortality despite chemoradiotherapy. Better patient selection for more personalized management may result in better treatment outcomes. We presume the ratio of maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of metastatic lymph nodes to primary tumor (NTR) in 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) may provide prognostic information and further stratiﬁcation of these patients. Methods The patients with non-metastatic and unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) receiving FDG PET/CT staging and treated by chemoradiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value for NTR. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used for survival analyses and multivariable analyses, respectively.Results From 2010 to 2016, 96 eligible patients were analyzed. The median follow-up time was 10.2 months (range 1.6 to 83.6 months). Using ROC analysis, the best NTR cut-off value was 0.46 for prediction of distant metastasis. The median distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was significantly lower in the high-NTR group (9.5 vs. 22.2 months, p = 0.002) and median overall survival (OS) (9.5 vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.013) was also signiﬁcantly worse. Multivariable analysis revealed that NTR was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.81, p = 0.023) and OS (HR 1.77, p = 0.014).Conclusions High pretreatment NTR predicts worse treatment outcomes and could be an easy-to-use and helpful prognostic factor to provide more personalized treatment for patients with non-metastatic and unresectable esophageal SCC.
Epidemiological profile of meningitis following pentavalent vaccination in Iran
Authors: Heidari Saber , Karami Manoochehr , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Sedighi Iraj , Zavareh Fatemeh Azimian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Ensuring the effectiveness of the Haemophilus influenza type b (DTwP-Hib-HepB) vaccine in reducing meningitis is an essential approach in evaluating the effectiveness of the vaccine. The study aimed to address the epidemiology of meningitis following pentavalent vaccination in Iran.
Methods

In this descriptive study, data from meningitis patients from 21st March 2011 to 21st July 2018 were extracted from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. This information was divided into two equal periods before the pentavalent vaccine introduction (21st March 2011 to 17th November 2014) and after the introduction (18th November 2014 to 21st July 2018). Descriptive statistics indices, including frequency, percentages, tables, and graphs, were used to describe the study population.
Results

The number of patients in the study period was 53,174 cases. More than 55% of patients were under five years old. Males (63.34%) were more than females (36.06%). From the clinical point of view, 90.56% had a fever, 57.87% vomited, 53.78% had a headache, and 26.27% had neck stiffness. The death rate was reduced to 2.1%; also, the proportion of confirmed cases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b was 6.7% before the pentavalent vaccine introduction. The corresponding value following vaccine introduction equals to 3.6%. The proportion of children under five has decreased from 4.4–1.9%. This value indicates a 46.2% decrease in the meningitis of all ages and a 57% decrease in children under five due to Haemophilus influenzae vaccination.
Conclusions

The results of the study indicate the effectiveness of the vaccine due to changes in meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b after vaccination compared with no vaccination. Therefore, it is advisable to continue the full immunization coverage with the pentavalent vaccine.
Endothelin-1 upregulates activin receptor-like kinase-1 expression via Gi/RhoA/Sp-1/Rho kinase pathways at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Yamada Shinya , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundsPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease with poor prognosis that is characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and organic stenosis due to abnormal proliferation of pulmonary vascular cells. It has been demonstrated that endothelin (ET)-1 induces pulmonary vasoconstriction through activation of RhoA. Moreover, we previously demonstrated that Gi, a heterotrimeric G protein, functions upstream of RhoA activation. A gene mutation of activin receptor-like kinase (ACVRL)-1 is recognized in idiopathic or heritable PAH patients. However, little is known about the association between ET-1 and ACVRL-1. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ET-1 on ACVRL-1 expression and aimed to delineate the involvement of the Gi/RhoA/Rho kinase pathway.MethodsET-1 was added to culture medium of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs), and ACVRL-1 expression levels were analyzed using western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The promoter activity of ACVRL-1 was evaluated by dual luciferase assay. Before adding ET-1 to the PAECs, pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) or exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3T) was performed for the inhibition of Gi or RhoA, respectively. Rho kinase was inhibited by Y27632. Active form of RhoA (GTP-RhoA) was assessed by pull-down assay.ResultsACVRL-1 expression was increased by ET-1 in the PAECs. Pull-down assay revealed that ET-1 rapidly induced a GTP-loading of RhoA. The ET-1-induced RhoA activation was suppressed by pretreatment with PTX or C3T. Further, PTX, C3T, and Y27632 suppressed the ET-1-induced ACVRL-1 expression. The activity of ACVRL-1 promotor and the lifespan of ACVRL-1 mRNA was increased by ET-1. Sp-1, which is one of the transcriptional factors of ACVRL-1, peaked 15 min after adding ET-1 to the PAECs. PTX and C3T prevented the increase of Sp-1 induced by ET-1.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that ET-1 increases ACVRL-1 expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in human PAECs via the Gi/RhoA/Rho kinase pathway with involvement of Sp-1.
The association between Dietary total antioxidant capacity with Rheumatoid Arthritis in adults: A case-control study
Authors: Nezamoleslami Shokufeh , Nezamoleslami Saeed , Ghiasvand Reza , Boozari Behnoosh , Sohouli Mohammadhassan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has been assumed as a useful tool to assess the relationship between the cumulative antioxidant food capacity and several chronic disorders. However, the relationship between the total antioxidant capacity of the diet (TAC) and the risk of RA has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between DTAC and risk of RA in a case-control study.
Methods

This case-control study was carried out among 100 patients with RA and 200 healthy subjects aged 18–55 years. Dietary data were collected using a validated 147- items quantitative food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was calculated based on the ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) values that reported by US Department of Agriculture.
Results

The mean age and BMI of the study participants were 49.4 years and 25.6 Kg.m2.. The energy, protein, fiber, MUFA, n-3 fatty acid, vitamin B9, vegetable, and fruit were significantly increased across tertiles of DTAC. Also, Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of DTAC, those in the highest terrtile had a significantly lower OR for rheumatoid after adjustment for BMI; physical activity; waist circumference; smoking; and dietary intake energy and fat (model 3: OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07–0.51; p for trend, 0.001).
Conclusions

Our findings showed that a high DTAC was associated with a reduced risk of RA in adult, suggesting that promoting a naturally elevated antioxidant capacity might help prevent the development of RA. Further prospective studies should be conducted in this regard.