bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditioned medium from primary cytotrophoblasts, primary placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells, or placental tissue promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Ma Haiying , Jiang Shenglu , Du Lili , Liu Jinfang , Xu Xiaoyan , Lu Xiaomei , Ma Ling , Zhu Hua , Wei Jun , YU Yanqiu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background As a large capillary network, the human placenta plays an important role throughout pregnancy. Placental vascular development is complex and delicate and involves many types of placental cells, such as trophoblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. There has been no systematic, comparative study on the roles of these two groups of placental cells and the whole placental tissue in the placental angiogenesis. In this study, primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) from early-pregnancy and primary human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs) from different stages of pregnancy were selected as the cell research objects, and full-term placental tissue was selected as the tissue research object to detect the effects of their conditioned medium (CM) on HUVECs angiogenesis.Methods We successfully isolated primary hPDMSCs and CTBs, collected CM from these placental cells and placental tissue, and then evaluated the effects of the CM on a series of angiogenic processes in HUVECs in vitro. Furthermore, we measured the levels of angiogenic factors in the CM of placental cells or tissue by an angiogenesis antibody array.Results The results showed that not only placental cells but also placental tissue, to some extent, promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro by promoting proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and tube formation. We also found that primary placental cells in early pregnancy, whether CTBs or hPDMSCs, played more significant roles than those in middle and full-term pregnancy. The effect of CM from placental tissue was better than that of CM from a single placental cell type. The semiquantitative angiogenesis antibody array showed that, in placental tissue-derived CM, 18 of the 43 angiogenic factors had obvious spots, and the levels of 5 factors (including CXCL-5, GRO, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) were the highest. The levels of these 18 angiogenic factors in placental tissue were higher than those in any single placental cell type.Conclusions CM obtained from placental cells (primary CTBs or hPDMSCs) or placental tissue contained proangiogenic factors and promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro. Therefore, our research is helpful to better understand placental angiogenesis regulation and provides theoretical support for the clinical application of placental components, especially placental tissue-derived CM, in vascular tissue engineering and clinical treatments.
Physician education mix and patient case-mix in hospital
Authors: Tang Chengxiang , Liu Gordon , Jiang Jiayi , Zhao Hanqing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Previous literature pays little attention on relationship between hospital case-mix and physicians’ human capital, while it is truly important topic in studies about health workforce. A multi-tiered medical education system resulted in substantial variation in physician education mix in hospital. We first exploit this heterogeneity in physician human capital across hospitals to explore its role as one of determinants of hospital case-mix.
Methods

The hospital case-mix index (CMI) from DRGs system is dependent variable. The school years of medical education is used to measure variation in physician human capital, that can be aggregated and averaged by each hospital. The study uses both descriptive analysis and regression modelling to investigate this association.
Results

Descriptive results show a positive relationship between physician human capital and patient case-mix in hospital. The model results illustrated that hospitals have higher level of physician education tend to have more serious case mix. In specific, when average medical school years increased by one, the hospital CMI increased by nearly 0.05.
Conclusion

The study findings highlight the importance and influences of physicians’ education mix in patients’ outcomes and healthcare delivery. We argue that physician groups with lower human capital are more likely to manage case volume with lower CMI. For future health care studies in some unstandardized health care system, it is important to control for physician-level variation in education.
Hypoxia-induced Tie1 Drives Stemness and Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Li Chaojie , Yang Nannan , Chen Zhijin , Xia Ning , Shan Qungang , Wang Ziyin , Lu Jian , Shang Mingyi , Wang Zhongmin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Drug resistance and metastasis involving hypoxic tumor environment and persistent stem cell populations are detrimental to the survival of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Tie1 is upregulated in hypoxia and is believed to counteract the effectiveness of platinum agents, by promoting the stemness properties in cells. We have investigated the association of Tie1 with HIF-1α and cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cell lines. Methods: Expression of Tie1 in a pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell line (HPMEC) and in NSCLC cell lines was detected using qRT-PCR and western blot. The effect of Tie1 on cell stemness and migration was examined by sphere-forming assay and transwell assay in NSCLC cells with Tie1 silenced. The regulation of Tie1 by HIF-1α was evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatinImmune precipitation (ChIP) analysis.Results: We found that hypoxia could induce stemness and cisplatin resistance in vitro. Tie1 was expressed at low levels in NSCLC cells when compared with human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, however, its expression was increased by hypoxia. Additionally, Tie1 knockdown could reduce the stemness properties and increase sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. The promoter of Tie1 contains two predicted hypoxia-response elements (HREs). We mutated both HRE sites and conducted chromatin immune-precipitation and promoter luciferase reporter assays and were able to conclude that the induction of Tie1 by hypoxia was HIF-1α-dependent. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that Tie1 is upregulated in a hypoxic environment by HIF-1α and contributes to tumorigenesis and cisplatin resistance through the promotion of stemness in NSCLC cells.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is Associated With Effect of Inflammation on Structural Changes of Default Mode Network in Those Developing Chronic Pain&nbsp;
Authors: Niu Xuan , Bai Lijun , Sun Yingxiang , Wang Yuan , Bai Guanghui , Yin Bo , Wang Shan , Gan Shuoqiu , Jia Xiaoyan , Liu Hongjuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background：Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is higher prevalence (more than 50%) to develop chronic posttraumatic headache (CPTH) compared with moderate or severe TBI. However, the underlying neural mechanism for CPTH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the inflammation level and cortical volume changes in patients with acute PTH (APTH) and further examine their potential in identifying patients who finally developing CPTH at follow-up.Methods：77 mTBI patients initially underwent neuropsychological measurements, 9-plex panel of serum cytokines and MRI scans within 7 days post-injury (T-1) and 54 (70.1%) of patients follow-up at 3-month (T-2). 42 matched healthy controls completed the same protocol at T-1 once. Results：MTBI patients with APTH presented significantly increased GM volume mainly in the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC), of which the dPCC volume can predict much worse impact of headache on patients’ lives by HIT-6 (β = 0.389, P = 0.007). Serum levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) were also elevated in these patients, and its effect on the impact of headache on quality of life was partially mediated by the dPCC volume (mean [SE] indirect effect, 0.088 [0.0462], 95% CI, 0.01-0.164). Longitudinal analysis showed that the dACC and dPCC volumes as well as CCL2 levels persistently increased in patients developing CPTH 3 month postinjury. Conclusion：The findings suggested that structural remodelling of DMN brain regions were involved in the progression from acute to chronic PTH following mTBI, which also mediated the effect of inflammation processes on pain modulation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT02868684; registered 16 August 2016.
Treatment Outcomes and Predictive Factors for Multidrug-Resistant TB and HIV Coinfection in Rio De Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Bhering Marcela Lopes , Duarte Raquel , Kritski Afrânio 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to identify and compare factors associated with the unfavorable treatment of MDR-TB patients with HIV coinfection in the State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.Methods: A retrospective cohort study with data from TB-MDR patients notified between 2000 and 2016 in RJ. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with HIV positive, negative, and unknown were compared. Bivariate and multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with unfavorable treatment results in patients MDR-TB / HIV positive. Results: Of 2,269 cases, 1,999 (88.1%) had a negative result for HIV, 156 (6.9%) positive and 114 (5.0%) unknown. The proportion of unfavourable outcomes was 43.7% among HIV negative, 52.6% among HIV positive and 43.9% among HIV unknown. Regarding MDR-TB / HIV positive cases, the unfavorable outcomes more prevalent were loss to follow up (24.4%) and death (23.1%). Previous MDR-TB treatment was associated with unsuccess and death. Illicit drugs use was a risk factor for unsuccess and loss to follow up. The six-month culture conversion was a protective factor for unsuccess and death. Administration of antiretroviral therapy was a protective factor for unsuccess, death and failure. The risk of XDR-TB cases for failure was six times higher than that of MDR-TB patients. All XDR-TB / HIV positive cases had unfavorable outcomes.Conclusions: Early identification and immediate initiation of appropriate treatment are key to reducing unfavorable outcomes among MDR-TB / HIV positive. The high proportions of loss to follow-up and death may reflect difficulties in monitoring treatment, due to poor integration between the TB and HIV programs. In addition, none of XDR-TB / HIV positive patient had therapeutic success, highlighting the urgency to incorporate new drugs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB by Brazil's Ministry of Health.
Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks and Colorectal, Breast and Prostate Cancer in the Multicase-Control Study (MCC)-Spain
Authors: Romaguera Dora , Fernández-Barrés Silvia , Gracia-Levadán Esther , Vendrell Eva , Azpiri Mikel , Ruiz-Moreno Emma , Martin Vicente , Gomez-Acebo Ines , Obon Mireia , Molinuevo Amaia , Fresan Ujué , Molina-Barcelo Ana , Olmedo-Requena Rocio , Tardon Adonina , Aguacil Juan , Solans Marta , Huerta José M , Ruiz-Dominguez José Manuel , Aragones Nuria , Fenández-Villa Tania , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Moreno Victor , Guevara-Eslava Marcela , Vanaclocha-Espi Mercedes , Lozano-Lorca Macarena , Fenandez-Tardon Guillermo , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Perez-Gomez Beatriz , Molina Antonio , Llorca Javier , Gil Leire , Castilla Jesús , Pollan Marina , Kogevinas Manolis , Amiano Pilar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Consumption of ultra-processed products has increased worldwide and some of their components have been suggested to be carcinogenic. We studied whether the consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks was associated with breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.Methods: Multicentric population-based case-control study (MCC-Spain) conducted in 12 Spanish provinces. Participants were men and women between 20-85 years of age with diagnoses of colorectal (n=1852), breast (n=1486) or prostate cancer (n=953), and population-based controls (n=3543) frequency-matches by age, sex and region. Dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Foods and drinks were categorized according to their degree of processing based on the NOVA classification. Unconditional multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between ultra-processed food and drink consumption and colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.Results: In multiple adjusted models, consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks was associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer (OR for an increment of 10% in consumption: 1.11; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18). The corresponding odds for breast (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.11) or prostate cancer (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.12) were indicative of no association. Conclusions: Results of this large population-based case-control study suggest an association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks and colorectal cancer. Food policy and public health should include a focus on food processing when formulating dietary guidelines.
Safety and Family Satisfaction of a Home-Delivered Chemotherapy Program for Children with Cancer
Authors: De Zen Lucia , Rizzo Irene Del , Ronfani Luca , Barbieri Francesca , Rabusin Marco , Dall’Amico Roberto , Barbi Egidio , Robazza Margherita 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Home chemotherapy programs for children with cancer are safe and feasible but have hardly worked in Italy, and there is conflicting evidence on their impact on the quality of life. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, a home chemotherapy program was implemented between 2011 and 2019. This study investigates safety, feasibility and satisfaction of parents. Methods. Patients between 0 and 18 years diagnosed with malignancy were included. Deceased patients and patients whose families moved abroad or interrupted contact with the service were excluded. Adverse effects comprised immediate deterioration of the patient’s condition, equipment failure, errors in drug storage, dose or patient identification and personnel safety issues. Parental satisfaction was explored through an email survey of 32 Likert-type and short open questions. Results. Thirty-five patients received 419 doses of intravenous chemotherapy at home (cytarabine, vincristine, vinblastine). No adverse events were reported. Twenty-three families out of 25 eligible completed the survey. Most reported being “very satisfied” with the possibility of maintaining a work/domestic routine and reducing time and financial burden of hospital access. Most were “very satisfied” with the opportunity for their child of being less troubled by the treatment. Besides, most reported being “very satisfied” with the chance for healthy siblings of maintaining their routine and coping with their brother/sister’s disease. Most perceived the program as safe. All families recommended extending the program to all children in the region. Conclusions. This study supports home chemotherapy as safe and effective, positively influencing the quality of life for children and families.
Clinical Effects of Assessing Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Monitoring Symptomatic Toxicities During Breast Cancer Therapy – A Nationwide and Population-Based Study
Authors: Pappot Helle , Baeksted Christina W. , Nissen Aase , Knoop Ann , Mitchell Sandra A. , Christensen Jane , Hjollund Niels Henrik , Johansen Christoffer 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The involvement of cancer patients in symptom reporting talks into our cultural narrative of empowerment and participation in decisions in health of both patients and professionals. Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO) is a tool applied for use in such interaction. Based on limited evidence and few empirical studies, health systems are rapidly implementing this instrument in managing patients in active treatment and in follow-up. In a cluster randomized trial of all Danish oncology departments treating breast cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy, we applied ePRO in 347 patients consecutively recruited. Our primary outcome, which was at least one treatment adjustment, was not significantly influenced using ePRO, 34% in the ePRO arm and 41% in the usual care arm received at least one treatment adjustment, p=0,095. Number of hospitalizations and events of febrile neutropenia was not influenced by the intervention. We believe that one of the main reasons for this finding could be the application of PRO in a well-regulated treatment setting within a public health care system where the most impacting symptomatic toxicities are already taken care off.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02996201, registered 19 December 2016, retrospectively registered.
CD3-(CD56 or 16)+ natural killer cell distribution in blood from healthy adults and patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Merkt Wolfgang , Salzer Ulrich , Thiel Jens , Jandova Ilona , Bergner Raoul , Venhoff Ana Cecilia , Venhoff Nils 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCytotoxic Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important target of new drugs entering the clinics, including checkpoint inhibitors and cell-depleting therapeutic antibodies. Still, basic blood NK cell parameters are poorly defined in healthy adults and in chronic inflammatory diseases like ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) which may alter the distribution of lymphocytes. The aims of this study were 1) to establish reference values of NK cell counts and percentages in healthy adults; 2) to describe these parameters in AAV; and 3) to investigate whether NK cell counts and percentages may be used as activity biomarker in the care of AAV patients, as suggested by a preceding study.MethodsCD3-(CD56 or 16)+ NK cell counts and percentages were determined in 120 healthy adults. Lymphocyte subset data from two German vasculitis centers were retrospectively analyzed (in total 407 measurements, including 201/49/157 measurements from 64/16/39 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), respectively).ResultsCD3-(CD56 or 16)+ NK cell counts and percentages in healthy adults were highly variable, not Gaussian distributed and independent of age and sex. NK cell percentages ranged from 1.9 to 37.9% of lymphocytes, and were significantly more dispersed in AAV (0.3 to 57.6%). We further found that NK cell counts and percentages were different between AAV entities. However, during active disease, NK cell counts were consistently low in each AAV entity compared to healthy donors. NK cells were especially low in inactive EGPA. In 18% of EGPA patients we observed percentages of 1% or below which may be interpreted as temporary NK cell deficiency. Findings on differences between active and inactive GPA were discrepant between vasculitis centers.ConclusionsNK cell counts and percentages in blood are highly variable. This variability is further enhanced in systemic inflammatory diseases, and includes patients with temporary NK cell deficiency, in particular in EGPA. NK cell counts and percentages can presently not be recommended as biomarker in clinical care of AAV patients.
Embracing Blended Learning Approach for Professional Growth of in-service School Teachers Post Pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Manghirmalani-Mishra Pooja 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The impact of the pandemic has been felt through all sectors of the global society including the field of education. The pandemic is a strong indication of the fact that things will not be the same as they were before. Similarly, the educational institutes that were working regularly would also undergo a change in the methodologies that they will adopt post-pandemic. Many research scholars and educationalists believe that a blended learning approach will become a reality as a dominant pedagogy for the teaching-learning process. The current situation demands a proactive strategy where not only students but teachers are also considered as learners while talking about their professional growth through seminars, conferences and refresher courses. The present study lays emphasis on embracing the blended learning approach in professional development training courses for school teachers which will provide an opportunity to inculcate educational programs across disciplines in Indian as well as global communities. The study consists of 169 in-service school teachers from India. Simple random technique of sampling was use to collect data. The attitude of school teachers towards blended learning and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction was studied. Also, the effect of gender and location of educational institutes where they teach was considered. Analysis for the testing research hypothesis was done using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-26). The results indicated that both male and female teachers have similar attitudes towards blended learning but their attitudes varied while considering the six dimensions. Also, it was found that school teachers teaching in urban areas had a more positive attitude towards blended learning and its dimensions as compared to those teaching in rural areas. Implementation of blended learning for professional growth of school teachers post pandemic will push the boundaries of learning by creating opportunities for collaboration of various educational societies throughout the globe, enhance constructivist learning and also help in following social norms set to fight against COVID-19.
All-Trans Retinoic Acid, A Derivative of Vitamin A, Improved Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function Through PFKP
Authors: Xie Yongwu , Huang Shuyu , Liu Ting , Sun Huiyan , Ren Haoyan , Xie Chunqi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Mucosal Healing, relied on the coordinated activity of IECs for improvement of intestinal barrier function, is the critical goal in treatment of IBD. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is known to regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of ATRA on the intestinal differentiation. Methods: We collected the clinical sample from the patients to analyze the vitamin A, TEER, western blotting and real-time PCR were performed to detect the effect of vitamin A on PFKP expression and intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. Results: In this study, we showed that increased TEER and decrease paracellular permeability of IECs were induced by ATRA in dose-dependent manner, which is attributed to enhanced MUC2 expression, a marker of goblet cell by western blotting, real-time PCR and TEER assay, while no significant difference of villin was found to alter. The further results show that ATRA suppressed PFKP expression in IECs, while overexpression of PFKP could reverse the promotion of ATRA on MUC2 expression, implying ATRA-induced MUC2 expression in PFKP-dependent manner and in dose-dependent way. The clinical sample analysis suggested vitamin A is not significant associated with gender, and replenishment of vitamin A is critical for intestinal differentiation. Conclusion: ATRA improved intestinal epithelial differentiation via PFKP-mediated Muc2 expression. The findings suggest that ATRA could serve as a novel therapeutic agent to ameliorate development of inflammatory bowel disease. Keywords : All-trans Retinoic Acid; Muc2; Differentiation; PFKP; Intestinal Barrier Function