bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sevoflurane inhibits the progression of ovarian cancer through down-regulating stanniocalcin 1 (STC1)
Authors: Zhang Chuanfeng , Wang Baosheng , Wang Xiuqin , Sheng Xiugui , Cui Yongchun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of female death worldwide, with a poor prognosis of advanced patients. Sevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic commonly used in clinical operations, has been reported to have anti-cancer activity against some tumors. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on the progression of ovarian cancer and its potential mechanism.

Methods
The effects of sevoflurane on ovarian cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis were determined by functional experiments in vitro. Gelatin zymography assay was performed to examine MMP9 activity. In vivo, sevoflurane was injected into mice of transplantation tumor with SKOV3 cells or with pcDNA-STC1 treated SKOV3 cells.

Results
We found that sevoflurane inhibited the viability of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and colony formation assay revealed that sevoflurane inhibited ovarian cancer cell colony-formation abilities. Additionally, sevoflurane could induce cell cycle arrest and promote cell apoptosis in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Moreover, sevoflurane reduced the migration and invasion abilities of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells, as well as the MMP-9 activity. Furthermore, sevoflurane down-regulated the expression of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), and up-regulation of STC1 could reverse the inhibitory effects of sevoflurane on cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo, sevoflurane significantly inhibited the tumor growth, which was be reversed by STC1 overexpression.

Conclusion
These data reveal an anti-cancer activity of sevoflurane on the growth and invasion of ovarian cancer, which may be through down-regulating STC1. Sevoflurane may serve as a potential anti-cancer agent in ovarian cancer therapy.
Protection induced by malaria virus-like particles containing codon-optimized AMA-1 of Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Lee Dong-Hun , Chu Ki-Back , Kang Hae-Ji , Lee Su-Hwa , Chopra Manika , Choi Hyo-Jick , Moon Eun-Kyung , Inn Kyung-Soo , Quan Fu-Shi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite the extensive endeavours, developing an effective malaria vaccine remains as a great challenge. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) located on the merozoite surface of parasites belonging to the genusPlasmodiumis involved in red blood cell invasion.MethodsInfluenza virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines containing codon-optimized or native (non-codon optimized) AMA-1 fromPlasmodium bergheiwere generated. VLP-induced protective immunity was evaluated in a mouse model.ResultsMice immunized with VLP vaccine containing the codon-optimized AMA-1 elicited higher levels ofP. berghei-specific IgG and IgG2a antibody responses compared to VLPs containing non-codon optimized AMA-1 before and after challenge infection. Codon-optimized AMA-1 VLP vaccination induced higher levels of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, B cells, and germinal centre cell responses compared to non-codon optimized AMA-1 VLPs. Importantly, the codon-optimized AMA-1 VLP vaccination showed lower body weight loss, longer survival and a significant decrease in parasitaemia compared to non-codon optimized VLP vaccination.ConclusionOverall, VLP vaccine expressing codon-optimized AMA-1 induced better protective efficacy than VLPs expressing the non-codon optimized AMA-1. Current findings highlight the importance of codon-optimization for vaccine use and its potential involvement in future malaria vaccine design strategies.
Defining the larval habitat: abiotic and biotic parameters associated with Anopheles farauti productivity
Authors: McLaughlin Kimberley , Burkot Thomas R. , Oscar Jance , Beebe Nigel W. , Russell Tanya L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
In the Solomon Island, the dominant malaria vector, Anopheles farauti, is highly anthropophagic and increasingly exophilic and early biting. While long-lasting insecticide-treated nets remain effective against An. farauti, supplemental vector control strategies will be needed to achieve malaria elimination. Presently, the only World Health Organization recommended supplemental vector control strategy is larval source management (LSM). Effective targeted larval source management requires understanding the associations between abiotic, chemical and biological parameters of larval habitats with the presence or density of vector larvae.

Methods
Potential and actual An. farauti larval habitats were characterized for presence and density of larvae and associated abiotic, chemical and biological parameters.

Results
A third of all sampled potential habitats harboured An. farauti larvae with 80% of An. farauti positive habitats being in three habitat classifications (swamps/lagoons, transient pools and man-made holes). Large swamps were the most abundant positive habitats surveyed (43% of all An. farauti positive habitats). Habitats with An. farauti larvae were significantly associated with abiotic (pH, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate concentrations and elevated temperature) and biotic (predators) parameters.

Conclusion
Large swamps and lagoons are the largest and most abundant An. farauti habitats in the Solomon Islands. Positive habitats were more frequently associated with the presence of predators (vertebrates and invertebrates) and higher water temperatures. Cohabitation with predators is indicative of a complex habitat ecosystem and raises questions about the potential of biological control as an effective control strategy. Increased presence of An. farauti with higher water temperature suggests a potential explanation for the coastal distribution of this species which is not found inland at elevated altitudes where temperatures would be cooler.
How far is the journey before malaria is knocked out of Zimbabwe? (or Africa): a commentary
Authors: Shiff Clive 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecent publications and statements have drawn attention to a sustainable system of managing malaria control interventions globally but especially on the Continent of Africa. Arbitrary and unstable governments often interfere with health programmes, causing upsurges in malaria transmission as well as other health issues. A well-run health infrastructure will deal with public health as a whole. This commentary follows historical conditions in Zimbabwe where much original work on malaria control was initiated and implemented and where unstable conditions happened through local politics. These periodic conditions of instability on the ground challenge the current philosophical thrust to eradication and stress the need and role of an established and well-staffed health infrastructure in each country. Such facilities should be well staffed and supplied with drugs and point-of care diagnostic tests to manage malaria and should be sustained to serve the community even after tools that can eradicate malaria are developed.
Producing routine malaria data: an exploration of the micro-practices and processes shaping routine malaria data quality in frontline health facilities in Kenya
Authors: Okello George , Molyneux Sassy , Zakayo Scholastica , Gerrets Rene , Jones Caroline 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Routine health information systems can provide near real-time data for malaria programme management, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance. There are widespread concerns about the quality of the malaria data generated through routine information systems in many low-income countries. However, there has been little careful examination of micro-level practices of data collection which are central to the production of routine malaria data.

Methods
Drawing on fieldwork conducted in two malaria endemic sub-counties in Kenya, this study examined the processes and practices that shape routine malaria data generation at frontline health facilities. The study employed ethnographic methods—including observations, records review, and interviews—over 18-months in four frontline health facilities and two sub-county health records offices. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results
Malaria data generation was influenced by a range of factors including human resource shortages, tool design, and stock-out of data collection tools. Most of the challenges encountered by health workers in routine malaria data generation had their roots in wider system issues and at the national level where the framing of indicators and development of data collection tools takes place. In response to these challenges, health workers adopted various coping mechanisms such as informal task shifting and use of improvised tools. While these initiatives sustained the data collection process, they also had considerable implications for the data recorded and led to discrepancies in data that were recorded in primary registers. These discrepancies were concealed in aggregated monthly reports that were subsequently entered into the District Health Information Software 2.

Conclusion
Challenges to routine malaria data generation at frontline health facilities are not malaria or health information systems specific; they reflect wider health system weaknesses. Any interventions seeking to improve routine malaria data generation must look beyond just malaria or health information system initiatives and include consideration of the broader contextual factors that shape malaria data generation.
HDL-C to hsCRP ratio is associated with left ventricular diastolic function in absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Sun Lufan , Liu Xiaorui , Li Wenna , Jia Dalin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is considered as a protective marker of coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD). It is still not clear if HDL-C is associated with left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in an inflammation-related manner in absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods
392 patients who complained of chest pain and were suspected of CAD without heart failure were enrolled in this study. Coronary angiography or coronary artery CT scan was performed to detect coronary atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Plasma level of HDL-C and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined in each subject. Relationship between HDL-C/hsCRP ratio and LV diastolic function in subjects without significant coronary atherosclerosis was investigated.

Results
204 subjects without significant coronary plaques were analyzed finally, including 84 males and 120 females whose ages ranged from 30 to 84 years old. When divided into HDL-C/hsCRP quartiles, those in the fourth quartile demonstrated the best diastolic function (E/e’ 10.14 ± 2.87, P = 0.02 ). HDL-C/hsCRP was the most significant factor correlated with E/e’ in univariate regression analysis (r = − 0.232, P < 0.001) and multiple regression analysis adjusted by other factors (standardized β = − 0.258 , P < 0.0005 ). In logistic regression, HDL-C/hsCRP was proved to be a protective factor of LV diastolic dysfunction E/e’ > 14 (OR = 0.649, 95%CI 0.444–0.948,P = 0.025 ). The sensitivity and specificity of using HDL-C/hsCRP < 0.98 to predict LV diastolic dysfunction were 64.3% and 56.2%, respectively. HDL-C/hsCRP ratio presented a reduced trend as increasing rate of CV risk factors.

Conclusions
HDL-C/hsCRP ratio strongly correlates with LV diastolic function in absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis. Low HDL-C/hsCRP ratio tends to relate with LV diastolic dysfunction.
Issues on peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer: an update
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Jun-qiang , Liu Jin-lu , Tian Lei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is one of the most common forms of metastasis with a very poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer (GC). The mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of PM remain controversial.

Main body
Stephen Paget’s “seed-and-soil” hypothesis gives us an illustration of the mechanisms of PM. Recently, hematogenous metastasis and exosomes from GC are identified as novel mechanisms for PM. Diagnostic accuracy of conventional imaging modalities for PM is not satisfactory, but texture analysis may be a useful adjunct for the prediction of PM. Biological markers in peritoneal washings are helpful in identifying patients at high risk of PM, but many limitations remain to be overcome. Response of PM from systemic chemotherapy alone is very limited. However, conversion therapy is confirmed to be safe and able to prolong the survival of GC patients with PM. As an important part of conversion therapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy with taxanes has become an ideal approach with several advantages. Additionally, gastrectomy should be considered in patients who would tolerate surgery if a remarkable response to chemotherapy was observed.

Conclusion
Texture analysis is a reliable adjunct for the prediction of PM, and conversion therapy provides a new choice for GC patients with PM. The underlying mechanisms and new biological markers for GC patients with PM should be the direction of future studies. Furthermore, significant aspects of conversion therapy, such as timing and method of the operation, and the indications remain to be clarified.
Predictive value of serum procalcitonin for both initial and repeated immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shao Shuran , Luo Chunyan , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wu Mei , Liu Lei , Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Chuan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance prediction is one pivotal topic of interests in Kawasaki disease (KD) since those patients with KD resistant to IVIG might improve of an early-intensified therapy. Data regarding predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT) for IVIG resistance, particularly for repeated IVIG resistance in KD was limited. This study aimed to testify the predictive validity of PCT for both initial and repeated IVIG resistance in KD.MethodsA total of 530 KD patients were prospectively recruited between January 2015 and March 2019. The clinical and laboratory data were compared between IVIG-responsive and IVIG-resistant groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between PCT and IVIG resistance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was further performed to assess the validity of PCT in predicting both initial and repeated IVIG resistance.ResultsThe serum PCT level was significantly higher in initial IVIG-resistance group compared with IVIG-response group (p = 0.009), as well as between repeated IVIG responders and nonresponders (p = 0.017). The best PCT cutoff value for initial and repeated IVIG resistance prediction was 1.48 ng/ml and 2.88 ng/ml, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity was 53.9 and 51.4%, while the specificity were 71.8 and 73.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis failed to identify serum PCT level as an independent predictive factor for both initial and repeated IVIG resistance in KD.ConclusionsSerum PCT levels were significantly higher in IVIG nonresponders, but PCT may not be suitable as a single marker to accurately predict both initial and repeated IVIG resistance in KD.
Oral health and plaque microbial profile in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Grevich Sriharsha , Lee Peggy , Leroux Brian , Ringold Sarah , Darveau Richard , Henstorf Gretchen , Berg Joel , Kim Amy , Velan Elizabeth , Kelly Joseph , Baltuck Camille , Reeves Anne , Leahey Hannah , Hager Kyle , Brittnacher Mitchell , Hayden Hillary , Miller Samuel , McLean Jeffrey , Stevens Anne 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The oral microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis through activation of mucosal immunity. This study tested for associations between oral health, microbial communities and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods
A cross-sectional exploratory study of subjects aged 10–18 years with oligoarticular, extended oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA was conducted. Control groups included pediatric dental clinic patients and healthy volunteers. The primary aim was to test for an association between dental health indices and JIA; the secondary aim was to characterize the microbial profile of supragingival plaque using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results
The study included 85 patients with JIA, 62 dental patients and 11 healthy child controls. JIA patients overall had significantly more gingival inflammation compared to dental patients, as evidenced by bleeding on probing of the gingiva, the most specific sign of active inflammation (p = 0.02). Overall, however, there was a trend towards better dental hygiene in the JIA patients compared to dental patients, based on indices for plaque, decay, and periodontitis. In the JIA patients, plaque microbiota analysis revealed bacteria belonging to genera Haemophilus or Kingella elevated, and Corynebacterium underrepresented. In poly JIA, bacteria belonging to the genus Porphyromonas was overrepresented and Prevotella was underrepresented.

Conclusion
Increased gingival inflammation in JIA was independent of general oral health, and thus cannot be attributed to poor dental hygiene secondary to disability. The variation of microbial profile in JIA patients could indicate a possible link between gingivitis and synovial inflammation.
How healthy is a ‘healthy economy’? Incompatibility between current pathways towards SDG3 and SDG8
Authors: Meurs Mariska , Seidelmann Lisa , Koutsoumpa Myria 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe interconnections between health and the economy are well known and well documented. The funding gap for realizing SDG3 for good health and well-being, however, remains vast. Simultaneously, economic growth, as expressed and measured in SDG8, continues to leave many people behind. In addition, international financial institutions, notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF), continue to influence the economic and social policies that countries adopt in ways that could undermine achievement of the SDGs. We examine the incoherence between the economic growth and health goals of the SDGs with reference to three East African countries, Malawi, Uganda, and Tanzania, where our organization has been working with partner organizations on SDG related policy analysis and advocacy work.ResultsIn all three study countries, some health indicators, notably infant and child mortality, show improvement, but other indicators are lagging behind. Underfunding of the health sector is a major cause for poor health of the population and inequities in access to health care. GDP increases (as a measure of economic growth) do not automatically translate to increases in the countries’ health spending. Health expenditure from domestic public resources remains much lower than the internationally recommended minimum of USD 86 per capita. To achieve this level of health spending from domestic resources only, GDP in these countries would require an unrealistic manifold increase. External aid is proving insufficient to close the funding gap. IMF policy advice and loan conditionality that focus on GDP growth and tight monetary and fiscal targets impair growth in health and social sector spending, while recommended taxation measures are generally regressive.ConclusionsThe existence of the GDP-focused SDG8 can delay efforts towards the achievement of the SDG3 for health and well-being if governments choose to focus on GDP growth without taking sufficient measures to equally distribute wealth and invest in the social sectors, often under the influence of policies advised or conditions put in place by the IMF. Although the IMF has started to acknowledge the importance of social development, its policy advice still adheres to austerity and pro-cyclical economic development harming a country’s population health. To realize the SDGs everywhere, governments should abandon GDP growth as a policy objective and place more emphasis on SDG17 on global co-operation.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN1 modulates cell growth and associates with poor outcome in human neuroblastoma
Authors: Nunes-Xavier Caroline E. , Aurtenetxe Olaia , Zaldumbide Laura , López-Almaraz Ricardo , Erramuzpe Asier , Cortés Jesús M. , López José I. , Pulido Rafael 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) regulate neuronal differentiation and survival, but their expression patterns and functions in human neuroblastoma (NB) are scarcely known. Here, we have investigated the function and expression of the non-receptor PTPN1 on human NB cell lines and human NB tumor samples.

Material/methods
NB tumor samples from 44 patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against PTPN1, PTPRH, PTPRZ1, and PTEN. PTPN1 knock-down, cell proliferation and tyrosine phosphorylation analyses, and RT-qPCR mRNA expression was assessed on SH-SY5Y, SMS-KCNR, and IMR-32 human NB cell lines.

Results
Knock-down of PTPN1 in SH-SY5Y NB cells resulted in increased tyrosine phosphorylation and cell proliferation. Retinoic acid-mediated differentiation of NB cell lines did not affect PTPN1 mRNA expression, as compared with other PTPs. Importantly, PTPN1 displayed high expression on NB tumors in association with metastasis and poor prognosis.

Conclusions
Our results identify PTPN1 as a candidate regulator of NB cell growth and a potential NB prognostic biomarker.
Patient-specific instrumentation improved three-dimensional accuracy in total knee arthroplasty: a comparative radiographic analysis of 1257 total knee arthroplasties
Authors: Pauzenberger Leo , Munz Martin , Brandl Georg , Frank Julia K. , Heuberer Philipp R. , Laky Brenda , Schwameis Eva , Anderl Werner 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare restoration of mechanical limb alignment and three-dimensional component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty.MethodsRadiographic data of patients undergoing mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (n= 1257), using either conventional (n= 442) or patient-specific instrumentation (n= 812), were analyzed. To evaluate accuracy of axis restoration and 3D-component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation, absolute deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical limb alignment and planned implant positions were determined. Measurements were performed on standardized coronal long-leg and sagittal knee radiographs. CT-scans were evaluated for accuracy of axial femoral implant rotation. Outliers were defined as deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical axis of > ± 3° or from the intraoperative component-positioning goals of > ± 2°. Deviations greater than ± 5° from set targets were considered to be severe outliers.ResultsDeviations from a neutral mechanical axis (conventional instrumentation: 2.3°± 1.7° vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 1.7°± 1.2°;p< 0.001) and numbers of outliers (conventional instrumentation: 25.8% vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 10.1%;p< 0.001) were significantly lower in the patient-specific instrumentation group. Significantly lower mean deviations and less outliers were detected regarding 3D-component-positioning in the patient-specific instrumentation compared to the conventional instrumentation group (allp< 0.05).ConclusionsPatient-specific instrumentation prevented from severe limb malalignment and component-positioning outliers (> ± 5° deviation). Use of patient-specific instrumentation proved to be superior to conventional instrumentation in achieving more accurate limb alignment and 3D-component positioning, particularly regarding femoral component rotation. Furthermore, the use of patient-specific instrumentation successfully prevented severe (> 5° deviation) outliers.