bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of l‐arginine boosts the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Satoh Yusuke , Kotani Hitoshi , Iida Yuichi , Taniura Takahito , Notsu Yoshitomo , Harada Mamoru 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in immunosuppression in tumor‐bearing hosts. MDSCs express arginase‐I and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase; they suppress T‐cell function by reducing the levels of l‐arginine and l‐tryptophan, respectively. We examined the anticancer effects of supplementation of these amino acids in CT26 colon carcinoma‐bearing mice. Oral supplementation of l‐arginine or l‐tryptophan (30 mg/mouse) did not affect tumor growth, whereas oral supplementation of d‐arginine was lethal. Supplementation of l‐arginine showed a tendency to augment the efficacy of cyclophosphamide (CP). CP reduced the proportions of granulocytic MDSCs and increased the proportions of monocytic MDSCs in the spleen and tumor tissues of CT26‐bearing mice. l‐Arginine supplementation alone did not affect the MDSC subsets. CP treatment tended to reduce the plasma levels of l‐arginine in CT26‐bearing mice and significantly increased the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In addition, l‐arginine supplementation significantly increased the proportions of tumor peptide‐specific CD8+ T cells in draining lymph nodes. Importantly, additional supplementation of l‐arginine significantly increased the number of cured mice that were treated with CP and anti‐PD‐1 antibody. Totally, l‐arginine supplementation shows promise for boosting the therapeutic efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy.
Preserving Shadow Silhouettes in Illumination‐Driven Mesh Reduction
Authors: Bethe F. , Jendersie J. , Grosch T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA main challenge for today's renderers is the ever‐growing size of 3D scenes, exceeding the capacity of typically available main memory. This especially holds true for graphics processing units (GPUs) which could otherwise be used to greatly reduce rendering time. A lot of the memory is spent on detailed geometry with mostly imperceptible influence on the final image, even in a global illumination context. Illumination‐driven mesh reduction, a Monte Carlo–based global illumination simulation, steers its mesh reduction towards areas with low visible contribution. While this works well for preserving high‐energy light paths such as caustics, it does have problems: First, objects casting shadows while not being visible themselves are not preserved, resulting in highly inaccurate shadows. Secondly, non‐transparent objects lack proper reduction guidance since there is no importance gradient on their backside, resulting in visible over‐simplification. We present a solution to these problems by extending illumination‐driven mesh reduction with occluder information, focusing on their silhouettes as well as combining it with commonly used error quadrics to preserve geometric features. Additionally, we demonstrate that the combined algorithm still supports iterative refinement of initially reduced geometry, resulting in an image visually similar to an unreduced rendering and enabling out‐of‐core operation.
Bariatric surgery in patients with psychiatric comorbidity: Significant weight loss and improvement of physical quality of life
Authors: Vermeer Karlijn J. , Monpellier Valerie M. , Cahn Wiepke , Janssen Ignace M. C. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryBackgroundPatients that have psychiatric comorbidity are thought to lose less weight than the general bariatric population and are therefore sometimes denied surgery. However, there is no scientific evidence for this assumption. The aim of this study is to evaluate the weight loss and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psychiatric disorders who undergo bariatric surgery and compare these patients with a general bariatric population.MethodPatients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2015 were included. Patients who received individual counselling and had a current DSM IV axis 1 or 2 diagnosis were included in the psychiatric group (n = 163), all other patients in the generic group (n = 2362).Weight and HRQoL were assessed before and 12‐, 24‐, 36‐ and 48‐months after surgery. Data was analysed using regression analyses.ResultsThe maximum total weight loss (TWL) was 27.4% in the psychiatric group vs 31.0% in the generic group. Difference in %TWL between the psychiatric and generic group was significant from baseline to all follow‐up moments (P < .001).Improvement of PHS was significantly higher in the generic group from baseline to 12‐month (P = .002), 24‐month (P = .0018), 36‐month (P = .025) and 48‐monthfollow‐up (P = .003). Change in mental HRQoL was only different comparing baseline to 48‐monthfollow‐up (P = .014).ConclusionAlthough weight loss and change in physical HRQoL was lower in patients with pre‐operative psychiatric disorders, results of this group were still excellent. Thus, patients with psychiatric diagnoses benefit greatly from bariatric surgery and these patients should not be denied weight loss surgery.
Use of dental practices for the identification of adults with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus or non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia: a systematic review
Authors: Yonel Z. , Cerullo E. , Kröger A. T. , Gray L. J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimType 2 diabetes is a growing global challenge. Evidence exists demonstrating the use of primary care (non‐hospital based) dental practices to identify, through risk assessments, those who may be at increased risk of type 2 diabetes or who may already unknowingly have the condition. This review aimed to synthesize evidence associated with the use of primary care dental services for the identification of undiagnosed non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia or type 2 diabetes in adults, with particular focus on the pick‐up rate of new cases.MethodElectronic databases were searched for studies reporting the identification of non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia/type 2 diabetes in primary care dental settings. Returned articles were screened and two independent reviewers completed the data‐extraction process. A descriptive synthesis of the included articles was undertaken due to the heterogeneity of the literature returned.ResultsNine studies were identified, the majority of which utilized a two‐stage risk‐assessment process with risk score followed by a point‐of‐care capillary blood test. The main barriers cited were cost, lack of adequate insurance cover and people having previously been tested elsewhere. The pick‐up rate of new cases of type 2 diabetes and non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia varied greatly between studies, ranging from 1.7% to 24% for type 2 diabetes and from 23% to 45% for non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia, where reported.ConclusionThis review demonstrates that although it appears there may be benefit in using the dental workforce to identify undiagnosed cases of non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes, further high‐quality research in the field is required assessing both the clinical and cost effectiveness of such practice. (Prospero Registration ID: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018098750).
Eustachian valve, interatrial shunt, and paradoxical embolism
Authors: Cai Qiangjun , Ahmad Masood 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRandomized clinical trials demonstrate that percutaneous closure of the patent oval foramen is a safe and effective treatment for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke in selected patients. The Eustachian valve is generally considered an incidental finding without any significant pathophysiological consequences in adults. However, a persistent Eustachian valve, particularly a prominent one, is significantly more prevalent in patients with patent oval foramen and cryptogenic stroke, and is associated with adverse outcomes following percutaneous closure. Therefore, the Eustachian valve may not be an incidental finding or an innocent bystander. By directing the blood flow from the inferior caval vein to the interatrial septum, the persistence of a Eustachian valve may prevent spontaneous closure of the oval foramen, and predispose to paradoxical embolism during adulthood. The Eustachian valve should be considered an adjunctive risk factor for paradoxical embolism in patients with patent oval foramen. Furthermore, the Eustachian valve has been included in several risk prediction models to identify patients at the highest risk of paradoxical embolism and such patients may benefit the most from an intervention.
Large congenital left atrial wall aneurysm: An updated and comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Fakhri Ghina , Obeid Mounir , El Rassi Issam , Tabbakh Anas , Bitar Fadi , Alameddine Mona , Arabi Mariam 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongenital left atrial wall aneurysms are rare abnormalities that arise from a developmental weakness in the muscular wall. It may be misdiagnosed or go undetected and the delay in diagnosis can lead to catastrophic consequences.Case PresentationAn updated and comprehensive review of the literature was performed for all patients with this abnormality under the age of 18. A total of 15 cases including ours are presented in this article. We present a 10‐month‐old boy who was referred to our center for cardiomegaly. Workup revealed a large atrial wall aneurysm that was successfully corrected with surgery.ConclusionHistorically, left atrial aneurysms were uncommon in the absence of valvular heart disease or other cardiac conditions. Congenital aneurysms are rare phenomenon because they arise without an acquired cardiac disease and surgical correction is crucial for survival.
Management of oesophageal rupture by tube feeding through the oesophageal wound
Authors: Leus E. K. , Randleff‐Rasmussen P. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThis case report describes the management of a perforation of the oesophagus after an obstruction of long duration by creating an oesophagostomy with an indwelling tube through the oesophageal wound. The oesophageal perforation was diagnosed by clinical examination, oesophagoscopy, ultrasonography and contrast radiography. The perforation was managed by insertion of a feeding tube through the original oesophageal wound and careful nutritional and antimicrobial management with a good short‐term outcome after closure of the fistula.
Eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and species invasions modify the relationship between host and parasite richness during host community assembly
Authors: Halliday Fletcher W. , Heckman Robert W. , Wilfahrt Peter A. , Mitchell Charles E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHost and parasite richness are generally positively correlated, but the stability of this relationship in response to global change remains poorly understood. Rapidly changing biotic and abiotic conditions can alter host community assembly, which in turn, can alter parasite transmission. Consequently, if the relationship between host and parasite richness is sensitive to parasite transmission, then changes in host composition under various global change scenarios could strengthen or weaken the relationship between host and parasite richness. To test the hypothesis that host community assembly can alter the relationship between host and parasite richness in response to global change, we experimentally crossed host diversity (biodiversity loss) and resource supply to hosts (eutrophication), then allowed communities to assemble. As previously shown, initial host diversity and resource supply determined the trajectory of host community assembly, altering post‐assembly host species richness, richness‐independent host phylogenetic diversity, and colonization by exotic host species. Overall, host richness predicted parasite richness, and as predicted, this effect was moderated by exotic abundance—communities dominated by exotic species exhibited a stronger positive relationship between post‐assembly host and parasite richness. Ultimately, these results suggest that, by modulating parasite transmission, community assembly can modify the relationship between host and parasite richness. These results thus provide a novel mechanism to explain how global environmental change can generate contingencies in a fundamental ecological relationship—the positive relationship between host and parasite richness.
Susceptibility‐guided therapy for Helicobacter pylori‐infected penicillin‐allergic patients: A prospective clinical trial of first‐line and rescue therapies
Authors: Luo Laisheng , Huang Yu , Liang Xiao , Ji Yingjie , Yu Lou , Lu Hong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H pylori) treatment remains a challenge for penicillin‐allergic patients.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of susceptibility‐guided first‐line and rescue treatment in H pylori‐infected penicillin‐allergic patients.MethodsConsecutive H pylori‐infected patients with penicillin allergy received a 14‐day triple or quadruple therapy based on susceptibility to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole. All received esomeprazole 20 mg twice a day. Metronidazole‐susceptible infections received metronidazole plus clarithromycin or levofloxacin triple therapy if susceptible. Clarithromycin‐ and levofloxacin‐resistant infections received metronidazole plus tetracycline triple therapy. Metronidazole‐resistant infections received a bismuth—high‐dose metronidazole plus clarithromycin or levofloxacin quadruple therapy. Triple‐resistant infections received classical bismuth quadruple therapy with high‐dose metronidazole. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the E test method.Results112 patients were entered (34.8% men, average 47.1 years). Infections in 83.8% (31/37) of treatment‐naive subjects and 12.0% (9/75) (P < .001) receiving rescue treatment were susceptible to at least one of the three tested antibiotics. Overall, susceptibility‐guided therapy achieved eradication rates of 92.9% (104/112, 95% CI 88.1%‐97.7%) by intent‐to‐treat analysis and 99% (100/101, 95% CI 97.1%‐100%) by per‐protocol analysis. All regimens achieved eradication rates greater than 90% (P = .327) in the PP populations. Adverse events were relatively frequent; however, compliance remained high.ConclusionSusceptibility‐guided therapy proved highly effective for penicillin‐allergic patients. When available and proven locally effective, the alternative was empiric classical bismuth quadruple therapy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03708848.
Implementing flipped learning approach based on ‘first principles of instruction’ in mathematics courses
Authors: Yorganci Serpil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of E‐learning (EL), blended learning (BL) and flipped learning (FL) approaches on the mathematics achievement, self‐regulation and mathematics self‐efficacy. Participants consist of 163 first‐year students attending an associate degree program (a 2‐year program) of a state university. The EL, BL and FL settings in the research were designed based on Merrill's ‘First Principles of Instruction Design Theory’. In the research in which a quasi‐experimental pre‐test–post‐test research design was used, the data were obtained by means of mathematics achievement test, self‐regulation and self‐efficacy questionnaires. The experimental results showed that the mathematics achievement post‐test scores of FL students were significantly higher than those of the students of EL and BL. No significant difference was found between BL and EL settings. In addition, FL students showed significantly higher self‐regulation and mathematics self‐efficacy than the other groups' students. According to these results, it can be said that the usage of FL approach in mathematics courses has a positive effect on the learning process of students. It is expected that the findings will be helpful in the future design and implementation of mathematics courses at vocational colleges.
p75NTR optimizes the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells by up‐regulating α1 integrin expression
Authors: Li Jun , Zhao Manzhu , Wang Yingying , Shen Mengjie , Wang Shuai , Tang Mengying , Li Meng , Luo Yuting , Yang Kun , Wen Xiujie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHuman periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are a promising source in regenerative medicine. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of hPDLSCs, it is critical to isolate homogeneous hPDLSCs with high regenerative potential. In this study, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) was used to isolate p75NTR+ and p75NTR− hPDLSCs by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Differences in osteogenic differentiation among p75NTR+, p75NTR− and unsorted hPDLSCs were observed. Differential gene expression profiles between p75NTR+ and p75NTR− hPDLSCs were analysed by RNA sequencing. α1 Integrin (ITGA1) small interfering RNA and ITGA1‐overexpressing adenovirus were used to transfect p75NTR+ and p75NTR− hPDLSCs. The results showed that p75NTR+ hPDLSCs demonstrated superior osteogenic capacity than p75NTR− and unsorted hPDLSCs. Differentially expressed genes between p75NTR+ and p75NTR− hPDLSCs were highly involved in the extracellular matrix‐receptor interaction signalling pathway, and p75NTR+ hPDLSCs expressed higher ITGA1 levels than p75NTR− hPDLSCs. ITGA1 silencing inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of p75NTR+ hPDLSCs, while ITGA1 overexpression enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of p75NTR− hPDLSCs. These findings indicate that p75NTR optimizes the osteogenic potential of hPDLSCs by up‐regulating ITGA1 expression, suggesting that p75NTR can be used as a novel cell surface marker to identify and purify hPDLSCs to promote their applications in regenerative medicine.
Systematic review on the definition and predictors of severe Clostridiodes difficile infection
Authors: Zhang Valencia Ru Yan , Woo Aaron Shu Jeng , Scaduto Christina , Cruz Maria Teresa Kasunuran , Tan Yan Yuan , Du Hao , Feng Mengling , Siah Kewin Tien Ho 
Published: May 2020

AbstractClostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common hospital‐acquired infections with high mortality rates. Optimal management of CDI depends on early recognition of severity. However, currently, there is no acceptable standard of prediction. We reviewed severe CDI predictors in published literature and its definition according to clinical guidelines. We systematically reviewed studies describing clinical predictors for severe CDI in medical databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, Global Health Library, and MEDLINE/PubMed). They were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Six hundred thirty‐three titles and abstracts were screened, and 31 studies were included. We excluded studies that were restricted to a specific patient population. There were 16 articles that examined mortality in CDI, as compared with 15 articles investigating non‐mortality outcomes of CDI. The commonest risk factors identified were comorbidities, white blood cell count, serum albumin level, age, serum creatinine level and intensive care unit admission. Generally, the studies had small patient populations, were retrospective in nature, and mostly from Western centers. The commonest severe CDI criteria in clinical guidelines were raised white blood cell count, followed by low serum albumin and raised serum creatinine levels. There was no commonly agreed upon definition of severe CDI severity in the literature. Current clinical guidelines' definitions for severe CDI are heterogeneous. Hence, there is a need for prospective multi‐center studies using standardized protocol for biospecimen investigation collection and shared data on outcomes of patients in order to devise a universally accepted definition for severe CDI.
The plant endoplasmic reticulum: an organized chaos of tubules and sheets with multiple functions
Authors: KRIECHBAUMER V. , BRANDIZZI F. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe endoplasmic reticulum is a fascinating organelle at the core of the secretory pathway. It is responsible for the synthesis of one third of the cellular proteome and, in plant cells, it produces receptors and transporters of hormones as well as the proteins responsible for the biosynthesis of critical components of a cellulosic cell wall. The endoplasmic reticulum structure resembles a spider‐web network of interconnected tubules and cisternae that pervades the cell. The study of the dynamics and interaction of this organelles with other cellular structures such as the plasma membrane, the Golgi apparatus and the cytoskeleton, have been permitted by the implementation of fluorescent protein and advanced confocal imaging. In this review, we report on the findings that contributed towards the understanding of the endoplasmic reticulum morphology and function with the aid of fluorescent proteins, focusing on the contributions provided by pioneering work from the lab of the late Professor Chris Hawes.
A case of ingrown nail using buckle VHO‐Osthold® Perfect as a method of conservative treatment
Authors: Kuros Faustyna , Wcisło‐Dziadecka Dominika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundIngrowing Nailis an ailment in the toe area. This problem is observed in 20% of the population, in all age groups, but most often occurs in teenagers and young adults. The process of ingrowing nail stimulates natural defense mechanisms of the body in the form of inflammation and severe pain.AimsThe aim of this paper was to make the VHO‐Osthold® Perfect buckle effective as an alternative to nail plate surgery and to determine the patient's comfort during this method of treatment.Patients/MethodsA descriptive case study conducted in a 15‐year‐old patient who had ingrowing nails in the big toes of both feet.ResultsIt has been shown that the VHO‐Osthold® Perfect buckle therapy constitutes an effective method for ingrowing nails and one in a few conservative methods in orthonyxia, as an alternative to surgery.ConclusionsThe study and clinical experience confirm that the therapy of ingrowing nails with the VHO‐Osthold® Perfect buckle is painless and noninvasive. This treatment can be safely and effectively carried out by a qualified podiatrist or cosmetologist in podological practice.
Nonprescription acne vulgaris treatments: Their role in our treatment armamentarium—An international panel discussion
Authors: Dréno Brigitte , Araviiskaia Elena , Kerob Delphine , Andriessen Anneke , Anfilova Maryna , Arenbergerova Monika , Forero Barrios Olga L. , Bukvić Mokos Zrinka , Haedersdal Merete , Hofmann Maja A. , Khamaysi Ziad , Kosmadaki Marita , Lesiak Aleksandra , Roó Elia , Zbranca‐Toporas Anca , Wiseman Marni C. , Zimmo Sameer , Guerin Lucie , Fabbrocini Gabriella 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris (acne), a common inflammatory skin disorder, has its peak incidence between 14 and 19 years of age, with girls frequently developing acne earlier than boys. Over recent years, persistent acne is becoming more prevalent in adult women.ObjectivesThis review and panel discussion addresses challenges in acne management, particularly in adult women. The role which nonprescription acne treatment can play is explored when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment for acne of all severity.MethodsThe best available evidence on nonprescription acne treatment was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel of dermatologists to adopt statements and recommendations discussed in this review.ResultsAll severity of acne has a significant burden on patients. Addressing environmental factors that are important for the individual with acne may help to educate, prevent, effectively manage, and maintain acne, as per the panel. They agreed that the adult female acne population has unique needs because of their aging skin and social environment. Nonprescription acne treatment products may help to balance the efficacy and tolerability of prescription acne treatment. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for how to use nonprescription acne treatment products in these patients.ConclusionThe panel agreed that guidelines including nonprescription acne treatment either as monotherapy for mild acne or in combination with prescription treatments for more severe acne would address a significant unmet need.