bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppressing Dazl modulates tumorigenicity and stemness in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhang Fengyu , Liu Ruilai , Zhang Haishi , Liu Cheng , Liu Chunfang , Lu Yuan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma is devastating cancer with a high frequency of occurrence and poor survival rate and it is urgent to discover novel glioblastoma-specific antigens for the therapy. Cancer-germline genes are known to be related to the formation and progression of several cancer types by promoting tumor transformation. Dazl is one such germline gene and is up-regulated in a few germ cell cancers. In this study, we analyzed the expression of Dazl in human glioblastoma tissues and cells, and investigated its significance in proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of the glioblastoma cell lines.

Methods
We evaluated the expression of Dazl in different pathologic grades of glioblastoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. We assessed the expression of Dazl in glioblastoma cells and normal human astrocytes (NHA) cells by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Then we generated Dazl knockout glioblastoma cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to explore the cellular function of Dazl. We detected the proliferation and germline traits via CCK-8 assays and alkaline phosphatase staining, respectively. Boyden chamber assays were performed to measure glioblastoma cell migration and invasion. Crystal violet staining was used to determine the number of viable cells after the treatment of Doxorubicin and Temozolomide. Finally, we used subcutaneous xenograft studies to measure the growth of tumors in vivo.

Results
We found that Dazl was upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and glioblastoma cell lines. Dazl knockdown glioblastoma cells showed decreased cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance in vitro, and inhibited the initiation of glioblastoma in vivo. The glioblastoma cell lines A172, U251, and LN229 were found to express stem cell markers CD133, Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. The expression of these markers was downregulated in Dazl-deficient cells.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that Dazl contributes to the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma via reducing cell stemness. Therefore, cancer-germline genes might represent a new paradigm of glioblastoma-initiating cells in the treatment of malignant tumors.
Encephalitis due to herpes zoster without rash in an immunocompetent 12-year-old girl: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ciancia Silvia , Crisafi Antonella , Fontana Ilaria , De Fanti Alessandro , Amarri Sergio , Iughetti Lorenzo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeurological complications due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are very uncommon in immunocompetent patients. Generally a vesicular rash is present on one or more dermatomes, preceding or following the main manifestation. Few cases are reported in the international literature, but they concern mainly adult or elderly patients.Case presentationA 12-year-old girl was referred to our hospital for persisting headache, cough and rhinitis for six days. After first examination, diagnosis of anterior sinusitis was made by nasal endoscopy. The day after, the girl developed psychotic symptoms and altered mental status. Computed tomography (CT) scan was immediately performed but was unremarkable; lumbar puncture revealed leukocytosis with lymphocytic predominance and cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected varicella-zoster virus DNA. The diagnosis of acute VZV encephalitis was made. The patient was promptly treated with acyclovir infused intravenously and her clinical conditions rapidly improved. Tests made did not show any condition of immunosuppression.ConclusionsAlthough if rare, reactivation of VZV can occur in immunocompetent children and its complications can involve central nervous system. Among these complications, meningitis is more common, but cerebral parenchyma can also be involved leading to a severe medical condition that is defined meningoencephalitis. In rare cases vesicular rash may be absent; therefore high level of suspicion is required even in those patients in which suggestive clinical features are not present to guide the diagnosis. Intravenous acyclovir represents the treatment of choice to obtain a fast clinical response and to prevent the onset of late-term complications.
Feasibility and content validity of the PERF-FIT test battery to assess movement skills, agility and power among children in low-resource settings
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien C. M. , Bonney Emmanuel , Neto Jorge Lopes Cavalcante , Jelsma Dorothee L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Numerous movement skills and physical fitness tests have been developed for children in high-income countries. However, adaptation of these tests to low-resource settings has been slow and norms are still unavailable for children living in low-income communities. The aim of this paper was to describe the development and validation of the Performance and Fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery, a new test to assess motor skill-related physical fitness in children in low-resource settings.

Method
The PERF-FIT test was developed in a stepwise manner. This involved defining the relevant domains of the construct of interest and selecting and evaluating test items. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to estimate content validity. Following development of the PERF-FIT test, a preliminary study was performed to validate items and to examine the feasibility of implementing the test in a low-resource community. Structural validity was also determined based on data from eighty (n = 80) children (aged 7–12 years) using principal component analysis.

Results
The CVI for the throw and catch item was 0.86 and 1.00 for the other nine items, leading to a total CVI score of 0.99. The hierarchical sequence of the item series was demonstrated by highly significant (p < 0.001) linear trends, confirming the increase in difficulty of subsequent items. Principal component analysis revealed three factors; the first component is represented by locomotor skills that require static and dynamic balance, the second component by throwing and catching items and the third component by agility and power items. These findings suggest that it is feasible to implement the PERF-FIT in low-resource settings.

Conclusion
The PERF-FIT test battery is easy to administer and may be suitable for measuring skill-related physical fitness in in low-resource settings. It has excellent content validity and good structural validity. After minor adaptions, further studies should be conducted to establish normative values, evaluate reliability, and document criterion and cross-cultural validity of this test.
Extensive tracheal resection in lung cancer and tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Giller Dmitry , Giller Boris , Scherbakova Galina , Mikhaylenko Elizaveta V. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Gavryushova Liliya V. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Tracheal bifurcation resection remains the greatest challenge in airway reconstruction, especially with extensive lesions. Additionally, lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis comorbidity complicate the chemoradiotherapy treatment due to the TB reactivation. This case describes tracheal resection in a patient with both tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer.

Case presentation
The patient was diagnosed with right lung tuberculosis and upper lobe cancer with trachea invasion complicated by hemoptysis. A right pneumonectomy with circular trachea bifurcation resection was performed. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not administered to avoid TB reactivation. At 5.5 years post-surgery, there was cancer recurrence that was treated with radiation therapy. At 10 years post-surgery, an invasive squamous-cell carcinoma of a three-segment bronchus on the left was revealed. Radiation therapy and a course of chemotherapy were carried out with almost complete tumor regression.

Conclusions
TB presence should not serve as a basis for the refusal of cancer treatment. Combined treatment may be recommended when the main infection focus in the pulmonary parenchyma is removed during surgery.
Diagnostic accuracy of perioperative electromyography in the positioning of pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional diagnostic study
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo , Gavassi Bruno Moreira , Prado Francisco Eugenio , Batista Bernardo Nogueira , de Resende Pratali Raphael , Ribeiro Ana Paula , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Soares , Ferreira Ricardo Rodrigues 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate in the conventional techniques of the pedicle screws using triggered screw electromyography (t-EMG), considering different threshold cutoffs: 10, 15, 20 25 mA, for predicting pedicle screw positioning during surgery of the adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods
Sixteen patients (4 males, 12 females, average age 16.6 years) were included, with an average curve magnitude of 50 degrees and placement of 226 pedicle screws. Each screw was classified as “at risk for nerve injury” (ARNI) or “no risk for nerve injury” (NRNI) using CT and the diagnostic accuracy of EMG considering different threshold cutoffs (10,15, 20 and 25 mA) in the axial and Sagittal planes for predicting screw positions ARNI was investigated.

Results
The EMG exam accuracy, in the axial plane, 90.3% screws were considered NRNI. In the sagittal plane, 81% pedicle screws were considered NRNI. A 1-mA decrease in the EMG threshold was associated with a 12% increase in the odds of the screw position ARNI. In the axial and sagittal planes, the ORs were 1.09 and 1.12, respectively. At every threshold cutoff evaluated, the PPV of EMG for predicting screws ARNI was very low in the different threshold cutoff (10 and 15); the highest PPV was 18% with a threshold cutoff of 25 mA. The PPV was always slightly higher for predicting screws ARNI in the sagittal plane than in the axial plane. In contrast, there was a moderate to high NPV (78–93%) for every cutoff analyzed.

Conclusions
EMG had a moderate to high accuracy for positive predicting value screws ARNI with increase threshold cutoffs of 20 and 25 mA. In addition, showed to be effective for minimizing false-negative screws ARNI in the different threshold cutoffs of the EMG in adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
Physical fitness in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture after a resistance and balance exercise programme: 3-month post-intervention follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stanghelle Brita , Bentzen Hege , Giangregorio Lora , Pripp Are Hugo , Skelton Dawn A. , Bergland Astrid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Exercise is recommended for individuals with vertebral fractures, but few studies have investigated the effect of exercise on outcomes of importance for this population. Post-intervention effects of exercise are even less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate habitual walking speed and other health-related outcomes after cessation of a 3-month exercise intervention.

Methods
This follow-up study was conducted 3 months post-intervention of a randomised controlled trial. A total of 149 community-dwelling Norwegian women aged 65 years or older, diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were randomised into either exercise or control group. Primary outcome was habitual walking speed at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were other measures of physical fitness – including the Four Square Step Test (FSST), functional reach, grip strength and Senior Fitness Test – measures of health-related quality of life and fear of falling. Herein we report secondary data analysis of all outcomes at 6 months (3 months post-intervention). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed regression models were employed.

Results
For the primary outcome, habitual walking speed, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (0.03 m/s, 95%CI − 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.271) at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. For secondary outcomes of physical fitness, statistically significant differences in favour of the intervention group were found for balance using the FSST (− 0.68 s, 95%CI − 1.24 to − 0.11, p = 0.019), arm curl (1.3, 95%CI 0.25 to 2.29, p = 0.015), leg strength using the 30-s sit to stand (1.56, 95%CI 0.68 to 2.44, p = 0.001) and mobility using the 2.45-m up and go (− 0.38 s, 95%CI − 0.74 to − 0.02, p = 0.039). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding fear of falling in favour of the intervention group (− 1.7, 95%CI − 2.97 to − 0.38, p = 0.011). No differences between groups were observed for health-related quality of life.

Conclusion
The results show the improved effects of a multicomponent exercise programme on outcomes like muscle strength, balance and mobility as well as fear of falling in a group of older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture 3 months post-intervention.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02781974. Registered 25.05.16. Retrospectively registered.
Non-active implantable device treating acid reflux with a new dynamic treatment approach: 1-year results
Authors: Bjelović Miloš , Harsányi László , Altorjay Áron , Kincses Zsolt , Forsell Peter ,   Investigators of the RefluxStop™ Clinical Investigation Study Group, Gunjić Dragan , Veselinović Milan , Babič Tamara , Lukovich Péter , Kakucs Timea , Kathy Sándor 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
RefluxStop™ is an implantable, non-active, single use device used in the laparoscopic treatment of GERD. RefluxStop™ aims to block the movement of the LES up into the thorax and keep the angle of His in its original, anatomically correct position. This new device restores normal anatomy, leaving the food passageway unaffected.

Methods
In a prospective, single arm, multicentric clinical investigation analyzing safety and effectiveness of the RefluxStop™ device to treat GERD, 50 subjects with chronic GERD were operated using a standardized surgical technique between December 2016 and September 2017. They were followed up for 1 year (CE-mark investigation 6-months). Primary safety outcome was prevalence of serious adverse events related to the device, and primary effectiveness outcome reduction of GERD symptoms based on GERD-HRQL score. Secondary outcomes were prevalence of adverse events other than serious adverse events, reduction of total acid exposure time in 24-h pH monitoring, and reduction in average daily PPI usage and subject satisfaction.

Results
There were no serious adverse events related to the device. Average GERD-HRQL total score at 1 year improved 86% from baseline (p < 0.001). 24-h pH monitoring compared to baseline showed a mean reduction percentage of overall time with pH < 4 from 16.35 to 0.80% at the 6-month visit (p < 0.001), with 98% of subjects showing normal 24-h pH. At 1 year: No new cases of dysphagia were recorded, present in 2 subjects, which existed already at baseline. Regular daily PPI usage occurred in all 50 subjects at baseline. At 1-year follow-up, only 1 subject took regular daily PPIs due to a too low placement of the device thereby prohibiting its function. None or minimal occasional episodes of regurgitation occurred in 97.8% of evaluable subjects. Gas bloating disappeared in 30 subjects and improved in 7 subjects.

Conclusion
The new principle of RefluxStop™ is safe and effective to treat GERD according to investigation results. At 1-year follow-up, both the GERD-HRQL score and 24-h pH monitoring results indicate success for the new treatment principle. In addition, with the dynamic treatment for acid reflux, which avoids compressing the food passageway, prevalence of dysphagia and gas bloating are significantly reduced.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02759094. Registered 3 May, 2016,
Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal parenchyma presenting as hydronephrosis: a case report and review of the recent literature
Authors: Zhang Xirong , Zhang Yuanfeng , Ge Chengguo , Zhang Junyong , Liang Peihe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare, only 5 cases were reported.

Case presentation
We probably report the fifth case of primary Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal parenchyma in a 61-year-old female presenting with intermittent distending pain for 2 months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed hydronephrosis of the right kidney, but a tumor cannot be excluded completely. Finally, nephrectomy was performed, and histological analysis determined that the diagnosis was kidney parenchyma squamous cell carcinoma involving perinephric adipose tissue.

Conclusions
The present case emphasizes that it is difficult to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis with the presentation of hidden malignancy, such as hydronephrosis.
What’s in a name? A comparison of attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) versus augmented human intelligence (AHI)
Authors: Romero-Brufau Santiago , Wyatt Kirk D. , Boyum Patricia , Mickelson Mindy , Moore Matthew , Cognetta-Rieke Cheristi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
“Artificial intelligence” (AI) is often referred to as “augmented human intelligence” (AHI). The latter term implies that computers support—rather than replace—human decision-making. It is unclear whether the terminology used affects attitudes and perceptions in practice.

Methods
In the context of a quality improvement project implementing AI/AHI-based decision support in a regional health system, we surveyed staff’s attitudes about AI/AHI, randomizing question prompts to refer to either AI or AHI.

Results
Ninety-three staff completed surveys. With a power of 0.95 to detect a difference larger than 0.8 points on a 5-point scale, we did not detect a significant difference in responses to six questions regarding attitudes when respondents were alternatively asked about AI versus AHI (mean difference range: 0.04–0.22 points; p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Although findings may be setting-specific, we observed that use of the terms “AI” and “AHI” in a survey on attitudes of clinical staff elicited similar responses.
Feasibility study to identify women of childbearing age at risk of pregnancy not using any contraception in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database
Authors: Cea Soriano Lucía , Asiimwe Alex , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Bosco Cecilia , García Rodríguez Luis A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Worldwide the rate of unplanned pregnancies is more than 40%. Identifying women at risk of pregnancy can help prevent negative outcomes and also reduce healthcare costs of potential complications. It can also allow the investigation of the natural history of pregnancy outcomes, such as ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages. The use of medical records databases has been a crucial development in the field of pharmacoepidemiology – e.g. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database is a validated database representative of the UK population. This project aimed to test the feasibility of identifying a population of women of childbearing age who are at risk of pregnancy not using any contraception in THIN database.

Methods
First a cohort of women of childbearing age (15-45yo) was identified. By applying a computer-based algorithm, containing codes for contraception methods or other suggestion of contraception, the risk of pregnancy was then ascertained. Next, two validation steps were implemented: 1) Revision of medical records/free text and 2) Questionnaires were sent to primary care practitioners (PCP) of women whose medical records had been reviewed. Positive predicted values (PPV) were calculated.

Results
A total of 266,433 women were identified in THIN. For the first validation step, 123 records were reviewed, with a PPV of 99.2% (95%CI: 95.5–99.9). For the questionnaires step, the PPV was of 82.3% (95%CI: 70–91.1). Information on sexual behaviour and attitudes towards conception was not captured by THIN.

Conclusion
This study shows that by applying a comprehensive computer-based algorithm, THIN can be used to identify women at risk of pregnancy.
Identification of potential crucial genes in atrial fibrillation: a bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Zhang Junguo , Huang Xin , Wang Xiaojie , Gao Yanhui , Liu Li , Li Ziyi , Chen Xuejiao , Zeng Jie , Ye Zebing , Li Guowei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is at least partially heritable, affecting 2–3% of the population in Europe and the USA. However, a substantial proportion of heritability is still lacking. In the present study, we aim to identify potential crucial genes associated with AF through bioinformatic analyses of public datasets.

Methods
Microarray data sets of GSE115574, GSE31821, GSE79768, GSE41177 and GSE14975 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were retrieved. After merging all microarray data and adjusting batch effect, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses based on Gene Ontology (GO) resource, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) resource, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Reactome Pathway Database and Disease Ontology (DO) were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Combined with aforementioned significant bioinformatics information, potential crucial genes were subsequently selected. The comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) was used to explore the interaction between potential crucial genes and AF.

Result
We identified 27 of DEGs with gene expression fold change (FC) ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 2/3 (|log2 FC| ≥ 0.58) and 5 with FC ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5 (|log2 FC| ≥ 1) of AF patients compared with sinus rhythm controls. The most significantly enriched pathway was regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport and uptake by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. IGFBP2, C1orf105, FHL2, CHGB, ATP1B4, IGFBP3, SLC26A9, CXCR4 and HTR2B were considered the potential crucial genes. CTD showed CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2 had higher scores with AF.

Conclusions
The 9 potential crucial genes, especially CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2, may be associated with risk of AF. Our study provided new insights of AF into genetics, molecular pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.