bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 activation through IL-6/IL-11 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes colorectal tumour development and correlates with poor prognosis
Authors: Heichler Christina , Scheibe Kristina , Schmied Anabel , Geppert Carol I , Schmid Benjamin , Wirtz Stefan , Thoma Oana-Maria , Kramer Viktoria , Waldner Maximilian J , Büttner Christian , Farin Henner F , Pešić Marina , Knieling Ferdinand , Merkel Susanne , Grüneboom Anika , Gunzer Matthias , Grützmann Robert , Rose-John Stefan , Koralov Sergei B , Kollias George , Vieth Michael , Hartmann Arndt , Greten Florian R , Neurath Markus F , Neufert Clemens 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence the tumour microenvironment and tumour growth. However, the role of CAFs in colorectal cancer (CRC) development is incompletely understood.DesignWe quantified phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) expression in CAFs of human colon cancer tissue using a tissue microarray (TMA) of 375 patients, immunofluorescence staining and digital pathology. To investigate the functional role of CAFs in CRC, we took advantage of two murine models of colorectal neoplasia and advanced imaging technologies. In loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments, using genetically modified mice with collagen type VI (COLVI)-specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) targeting, we evaluated STAT3 signalling in fibroblasts during colorectal tumour development. We performed a comparative gene expression profiling by whole genome RNA-sequencing of fibroblast subpopulations (COLVI+ vs COLVI–) on STAT3 activation (IL-6 vs IL-11).ResultsThe analysis of pSTAT3 expression in CAFs of human TMAs revealed a negative correlation of increased stromal pSTAT3 expression with the survival of colon cancer patients. In the loss-of-function and gain-of-function approach, we found a critical role of STAT3 activation in fibroblasts in driving colorectal tumourigenesis in vivo. With different imaging technologies, we detected an expansion of activated fibroblasts in colorectal neoplasias. Comparative gene expression profiling of fibroblast subpopulations on STAT3 activation revealed the regulation of transcriptional patterns associated with angiogenesis. Finally, the blockade of proangiogenic signalling significantly reduced colorectal tumour growth in mice with constitutive STAT3 activation in COLVI+ fibroblasts.ConclusionAltogether our work demonstrates a critical role of STAT3 activation in CAFs in CRC development.
Persisting inequalities in birth outcomes related to neighbourhood deprivation
Authors: Bertens Loes C M , Burgos Ochoa Lizbeth , Van Ourti Tom , Steegers Eric A P , Been Jasper V 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionHealth inequalities can be observed in early life as unfavourable birth outcomes. Evidence indicates that neighbourhood socioeconomic circumstances influence health. However, studies looking into temporal trends in inequalities in birth outcomes including neighbourhood socioeconomic conditions are scarce. The aim of this work was to study how inequalities in three different key birth outcomes have changed over time across different strata of neighbourhood deprivation.MethodsNationwide time trends ecological study with area-level deprivation in quintiles as exposure. The study population consisted of registered singleton births in the Netherlands 2003–2017 between 24 and 41 weeks of gestation. Outcomes used were perinatal mortality, premature birth and small for gestational age (SGA). Absolute rates for all birth outcomes were calculated per deprivation quintile. Time trends in birth outcomes were examined using logistic regression models. To investigate relative inequalities, rate ratios for all outcomes were calculated per deprivation quintile.ResultsThe prevalence of all unfavourable birth outcomes decreased over time: from 7.2 to 4.1 per 1000 births for perinatal mortality, from 61.8 to 55.6 for premature birth, and from 121.9 to 109.2 for SGA. Inequalities in all birth outcomes have decreased in absolute terms, and the decline was largest in the most deprived quintile. Time trend analyses confirmed the overall decreasing time trends for all outcomes, which were significantly steeper for the most deprived quintile. In relative terms however, inequalities remained fairly constant.ConclusionIn absolute terms, inequalities in birth outcomes by neighbourhood deprivation in the Netherlands decreased between 2003 and 2017. However, relative inequalities remained persistent.
Estimating the social value of mechanical thrombectomy randomized trials on an established stroke network
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel Martins , Haussen Diogo C , Bouslama Mehdi , Rangaraju Srikant , Frankel Michael R , Nogueira Raul G 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundGiven the relative strength of prior mechanical thrombectomy (MT) data in face of the perceived poor natural history of emergent large vessel occlusion strokes, randomization to medical therapy during the recent clinical MT trials raised ethical challenges at individual and institutional levels despite overall clinical equipoise.MethodsIn a thrombectomy stroke registry, we compared treatment rates preceding and following the SWIFT-PRIME and DAWN trials. Based on effect sizes of treatment in both trials, we estimated missed opportunities due to randomization to medical therapy and estimated the societal benefit resulting from additional patients who benefited as a result of these studies.ResultsThe average monthly thrombectomy rate in the SWIFT-PRIME time window increased from 14.1±4 patients-per-month (ppm) to 23.8±6 ppm (p<0·001). Twelve subjects were enrolled in SWIFT-PRIME and we estimated a missed opportunity of benefiting 2.3 of six subjects randomized to medical therapy. This was offset by providing treatment to an additional 9.7 ppm, resulting in an additional functional benefit to 3.7 ppm. Similarly, the thrombectomy rate in the DAWN window increased from 8.6±4 ppm pre-DAWN to 11.9±3.6 ppm post-DAWN (p<0.01). 38 subjects were enrolled in the DAWN trial with a missed opportunity to benefit eight of 16 subjects randomized to medical therapy. This was offset by the ability to offer MT to an additional 3.3 ppm, bringing definite benefit to an additional 1.65 ppm.ConclusionCompletion of recent trials resulted in observable increases in rates of thrombectomy, translating to functional benefits that rapidly offset any missed opportunities due to randomization to medical therapy arms.
Assessment of clinical features and determinants of mortality among cancer patients with septic shock of pulmonary origin: a prospective analysis
Authors: Rasheed Maria , Khan Yusra Habib , Mujtaba Ghulam , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Saadullah Malik , Saifullah Amna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia-associated septic shock (PASS) in patients with cancer inflicts healthcare burden attributed to high morbidity and mortality. Current study was aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, microbiological characteristics, risk factors and impact of life-support interventions on 28-day mortality among cancer patients with PASS.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted among cancer patients with PASS admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of ‘Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital’. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods.ResultsOut of 100 patients who sought medical care during the study period, 59 (59%) were male and majority had solid tumour than haematological malignancies (68% vs 32%). Nosocomial pneumonia was most frequent (90%) followed by healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) (9%) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) (1%). The most common causative pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 21 (32%). Overall mortality rate was 76% including 15% hospital and 61% ICU mortality. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at first day (HR 3.8; 95% CI 1.7 to 8.9; p=0.002), SOFA score at seventh day (HR 8.9; 95% CI 3.6 to 22.7; p=&lt;0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (HR 8.0; 95% CI 3.2 to 20; p&lt;0.001) and performance status (HR 5.4; 95% CI 2.5 to 11.3; p&lt;0.001) were found to be independently associated with 28-day mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis accentuates the excellent predictive accuracy of Cox regression model for mortality indicated by area under the curve of 0.892 (95% CI 0.801 to 0.983, p&lt;0.001).ConclusionOur analysis demonstrates substantial mortality associated with PASS among patients with cancer. Timely recognition of patients with high predilection of increased mortality could be of value in improving the disease burden.
What factors reliably predict electronic cigarette nicotine delivery?
Authors: Blank Melissa D , Pearson Jennifer , Cobb Caroline O , Felicione Nicholas J , Hiler Marzena M , Spindle Tory R , Breland Alison 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThe ability of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) to deliver nicotine effectively may be dependent on features of the device, the liquid and the user. Some of these features have been examined in previous work (eg, liquid nicotine concentration and puff topography), while others have not (eg, nicotine dependence and demographic characteristics). The purpose of this secondary analysis is to examine such features as predictors of e-cigarette nicotine delivery using a relatively large sample.MethodsFour studies were combined in which e-cigarette-experienced users (n=63; 89% men; 75% white) and e-cigarette-naïve cigarette smokers (n=67; 66% men; 54% white) took 10 puffs from an eGo-style e-cigarette (~7.3 watts) filled with liquid that had a nicotine concentration of 18, 25 or 36 mg/mL. Thus, held constant across all studies were device features of battery/cartomiser style and power level and the topography parameters of puff number and interpuff interval. Blood was sampled before and after use, and puff topography was measured. Three general linear models were conducted to predict plasma nicotine concentrations (pre–post increase) for: (1) e-cigarette users only, (2) smokers only and (3) both groups combined. Predictor variables included puff duration, puff volume, liquid nicotine concentration, presession plasma nicotine concentration, nicotine dependence score (smokers only), gender and race.ResultsIn all models tested, longer puff durations and higher liquid nicotine concentrations were associated significantly with increased nicotine delivery (ps<0.05). For e-cigarette users only, higher presession nicotine concentration was associated significantly with increased nicotine delivery (p<0.05).ConclusionsPuff duration and liquid nicotine concentration may be among the more important factors to consider as regulators attempt to balance e-cigarette safety with efficacy. These findings should be interpreted in the context of devices with relatively low power output, a variable not studied here but likely also directly relevant to product regulation.
Muscular angiomatosis in a dog
Authors: Marchis Horatiu Silviu , Veiga‐Parga Tamara 
Published: November 2019

A 12‐year‐ 4 month‐ old male neutered crossbreed small dog was presented for moderate lameness and a swelling in the tibio‐tarso‐metatarsal area of the left hindlimb. Clinical examination revealed a fluid‐filled mass in the metatarsal and tarsal regions in addition to multiple 5×5×3 cm firm nodules in the tibial region. Histopathological evaluation of the lesion was diagnostic for muscular angiomatosis. Angiomatosis is a non‐neoplastic lesion reported in the veterinary literature as a lesion affecting the skin, bone or as a multisystemic disorder affecting various sites in dogs, cats, cattle and horses. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first reported case of angiomatosis restricted to the skeletal muscle in a dog.
Assessing the risk of default propagation in interconnected sectoral financial networks
Authors: Barja Adrià , Martínez Alejandro , Arenas Alex , Fleurquin Pablo , Nin Jordi , Ramasco José J. , Tomás Elena 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSystemic risk of financial institutions and sectoral companies relies on their inter-dependencies. The inter-connectivity of the financial networks has proven to be crucial to understand the propagation of default, as it plays a central role to assess the impact of single default events in the full system. Here, we take advantage of complex network theory to shed light on the mechanisms behind default propagation. Using real data from the BBVA, the second largest bank in Spain, we extract a financial network from customer-supplier transactions among more than$140\text{,}000$140,000companies, and their economic flows. Then, we introduce a computational model, inspired by the probabilities of default contagion, that allow us to obtain the main statistics of default diffusion given the network structure at individual and system levels. Our results show the exposure of different sectors to default cascades, therefore allowing for a quantification and ranking of sectors accordingly. This information is relevant to propose countermeasures to default propagation in specific scenarios.
Semi-empirical formula for alpha and cluster decay half-lives of superheavy nuclei
Authors: Manjunatha H. C. , Sowmya N. , Nagaraja A. M. 
Published: November 2019

We have formulated a semi-empirical formula for alpha decay half-lives and cluster decay half-lives for superheavy nuclei of atomic number range [Formula: see text]. We have compared the logarithmic half-lives produced by the present formula with that of experiments and other formulae, such as universal decay law (UDL) [H. C. Manjunatha and K. N. Sridhar, Eur. Phys. J. A 53, 156 (2017)] and Horoi et al. [Horoi et al., J. Phys. G[Formula: see text] Nucl. Part. Phys. 30, 945 (2004)], Univ [D. Ni and Z. Ren, Phys. Rev. C 74, 014304 (2006)], Royer [G. Royer, J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 26, 1149 (2000)] and VSS [S. A. Gurvitz and G. Kalbermann, Phys. Rev. Lett. 59, 262 (1987)]. The constructed formula produces logarithmic half-lives for alpha and cluster decay (4He,9Be, [Formula: see text]B, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]N, [Formula: see text]O, [Formula: see text]F, [Formula: see text]Ne, [Formula: see text]Na, [Formula: see text]Mg, [Formula: see text]Al, [Formula: see text]Si, [Formula: see text]P, [Formula: see text]S, [Formula: see text]Cl, [Formula: see text]Ar, [Formula: see text]K and [Formula: see text]Ca) in superheavy nuclei of atomic number range [Formula: see text].
Laboratory Investigation and Modelling of the Thermal-Mechanical Properties of Soil in Shallow Mineralized Groundwater Area
Authors: Xia Zhao , Liu Xiaoming , Gu Jiali 
Published: November 2019

The capillary rise of shallow mineralized groundwater can contribute to the salinization of the soil layers. The excessive salt amounts adversely affect soil physical and mechanical properties, as well as the heat transfer performance, all of which are key factors with regard to the design of geothermal-related earth structures such as geothermal energy piles (GEP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), and earth-air tunnel heat exchangers (EATHE). Therefore, in this study, the thermal-mechanical properties of saline soils are systematically investigated. A series of thermal and mechanical response tests were carried out under different salinity conditions, and the shear wave velocity-stress behavior of saline soil was measured using a modified oedometric cell coupled with an anchored bender element pair. Experimental results showed that saline soils generally have higher dry density and lower optimum moisture content at higher salt contents. The shear strength of saline soil increased about 5% while the salt concentrations of bulk solution increased from 0 mol/kg to 6 mol/kg, and the shear wave velocity increased by 50% to 83% when the normal load increased from 12.5 kPa to 250 kPa for sodium chloride- (NaCl-) treated soil and 39% to 52% for calcium chloride- (CaCl2-) treated soil. In addition, the thermal conductivity decreased by 0.121 W m-1 K-1 for NaCl-treated soil and 0.129 W m-1 K-1 for CaCl2-treated soil on average when the salt concentration increased from 0 mol/kg to 6 mol/kg. Finally, an elastic shear modulus (G0) model and a thermal conductivity (K) model were formulated for saline soil for the first time, and the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed models were validated by comparisons of the model predicted values and experimental data.
Prognostic Value of Combined Detection of Serum IL6, YKL-40, and C-reactive Protein in Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chen Inna M. , Johansen Astrid Z. , Dehlendorff Christian , Jensen Benny V. , Bojesen Stig E. , Pfeiffer Per , Bjerregaard Jon K. , Nielsen Svend Erik , Andersen Fahimeh , Holländer Niels H. , Yilmaz Mette K. , Rasmussen Louise S. , Johansen Julia S. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background:
IL6 and YKL-40 (also known as chitinase 3-like 1 protein, CHI3L1) are produced by pancreatic cancer cells and macrophages and activate inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is synthesized mainly in hepatic cells and primarily stimulated by IL6. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of combined detection of serum IL6, YKL-40, and CRP in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy.

Methods:
In all, 592 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer from five hospitals in Denmark were included in the BIOPAC biomarker study between 2008 and 2017. Pretreatment and longitudinal serum values of IL6 and YKL-40 were determined. Baseline CRP and CA19-9 values were available for the whole cohort. Patients were dichotomized as low versus high using cutoffs for IL6 of &gt;4.92 pg/mL, YKL-40 of &gt;95% age-corrected percentile, and CRP of &gt;10 mg/L. The main outcome was overall survival.

Results:
Combined elevations of serum IL6, YKL-40, and CRP were associated with worse survival in contrast to an isolated high concentration of a single marker. Serum IL6, YKL-40, and CRP were higher in patients with advanced stage disease and in patients with poor performance status. Higher IL6 and YKL-40 levels at the time of tumor progression and serum IL6 measured over time were associated with shorter overall survival.

Conclusions:
Combined high baseline serum levels of IL6, YKL-40, and CRP are associated with poor survival.

Impact:
Assessment of systemic inflammation via measurements of IL6, YKL-40, and CRP may be important for pancreatic cancer prognostication.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Malaria Prevalence in a Peri-Urban Community in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Mokuolu Olubunmi Ajike , D Adegboye Oluwayemisi , A Mokuolu Olugbenga 
Published: November 2019

<p>There is a consensus on the relationship between Malaria Prevalence (MP) and Environmental Factors (EF); however, there is a dearth of published data providing this evidence in a quantifiable way. This community based study was undertaken to identify the magnitude of the relationship between MP and key environmental factors in Okelele, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling procedure was adopted for the selection of 501 children from 200 households. Children under the age of 14 years in the selected households were sampled to obtain baseline MP using malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) kit. Key household informant interviews and structured questionnaire were used. Relevant socio-demographic characteristics of the households, EF and non EF were determined. Acquired data was analyzed using statistical tools to determine the relationship between various independent variables and mRDT. Variables were also entered into a multiple regression equation for the generation of a mathematical model. Ethical consent was obtained from the parents before samples were taken.The study showed that EF contributed to MP in the study area. Integrated waste management system, and regular environmental sanitation were recommended.</p>
Factors associated with Institutional delivery in Boricha district of Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gudura Tafese Tadele , Debiso Alemu Tamiso , Gudura Tariku Tadele 
Published: November 2019

<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Every year, 40 million women give birth at home without the help of a<br />skilled birth attendant. In 2011, 287,000 women died during pregnancy or childbirth. Almost all these deaths occur in developing countries where mothers and children lack access to basic health care. Reports showed the low utilization of health facility for delivery service in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the utilization and factors influencing institutional delivery. Community based cross sectional study was conducted from January to February 2013/14 in Boricha District of Southern Ethiopia among mothers who gave birth in the last 1 year. Multistage sampling techniques were used to collect data from 546 mothers. Taking in to account place of birth for the last child, only 4.9% women gave birth in a health facility. Women’s education level (AOR=4.4 (95% CI=1.36-14.33)), timing of firstANC visit (AOR= .03 (95% CI=0.004 - 0.205)), women’s advice to deliver in a health facility during ANC (AOR = 31.15 (95% CI=2.02-479.52)), women’s knowledge of birth related complications (AOR= 12.4 (95% CI=2.67-57.16)) and decision making power (AOR=0.2 (95% CI=0.060.82)) showed significant association with institutionional delivery. Institutional delivery in the study area was found to be very low. Raising awareness on institutional delivery to maximize delivery service utilization and strengthening provision of education and counseling to deliver in health facility during antenatal care visits at individual and community level should be given due emphasis.</p>
Association of Men's Awareness of Danger Sign of Obstetric Complication and Male Involvement’s in Birth Preparedness Practices at South Ethiopia
Authors: Debiso Alemu Tamiso , Merdekios Behailu , Tilahun Marelign 
Published: November 2019

The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) indicate that maternal mortality in Ethiopia is one of the highest in the world. This death toll can be prevented partially through increasing awareness on danger sign of obstetric complications and birth preparedness practices for mother, husbands and other family members. Community based cross sectional study was done. Adult males with a wife or partner who had been through childbirth in the preceding 36 months were included in the study. Data was collected by pretested structured questionnaires and multi stage cluster sampling was used to reach 845 samples which were calculated by using StatCalc program of Epi Info 7. Collected data was cleaned and entered in to Epi Info 7 and exported to SPSS (IBM-20) for further analysis. Hierarchical logistic regression model and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confident interval were used to show association between men awareness and birth preparedness practices. The total numbers of men interviewed were 836 that makes response rate of 98.9%. Severe abdominal pain (87%) was the most recognized danger sign during pregnancy and 17.9% men involve in saving money. Forty two point two percent of men had awareness of danger sign and 9.4 %( 95% CI: (7.42, 11.4) of men involved in birth preparedness practice. Strong association between men awareness of danger sign of obstetric complications and involvements in birth preparedness practices persisted after adjusting for probable confounders. Thus respondents who had awareness of danger signs were two times (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.41) more likely to involve in preparedness practice than respondents who had no awareness of danger signs of obstetric complication. The prevalence of men awareness of danger sign &amp; involvement in birth preparedness practice was very low.