bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance training in advanced cancer: a phase II safety and feasibility trial—home versus hospital
Authors: Ribeiro Catarina , Santos Rui , Correia Pedro , Maddocks Matthew , Gomes Barbara 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundResistance training (RT) is an effective way to increase muscle mass but little is known about its role to prevent sarcopenia in advanced cancer. Furthermore, the preferred setting for this training is not known. Considering home is frequently the place of care and death preferred by cancer patients, it is important to find out whether this would also be the best training setting as opposed to the most common one, hospital.ObjectivesWe aimed to test if RT at home and in hospital is feasible (primary outcome) and safe in advanced cancer, with a view to inform a phase III trial.MethodsPhase II randomised controlled trial including adults (≥18 years) with incurable solid tumours, randomised into one of three arms: (1) supervised RT at home; (2) supervised RT in hospital; (3) standard care with information leaflet. Both training programmes were similar, ran one-to-one with therapists and planned to last 12 weeks (three sessions/week). Feasibility included adherence (proportion of completed sessions) and acceptability (proportion of completed exercises), compared using Fisher’s test.ResultsWe included 15 patients (53% men, median age 68), 5 per arm. The home intervention had higher adherence (49% vs 9% in hospital; p<0.001). Acceptability was similar (93% in home and 95% in hospital; p=0.179). No adverse events were recorded.ConclusionsRT is a safe intervention, more feasible at home than in hospital in advanced cancer. Ways to increase adherence to the home intervention could further improve its potential benefit.Trial registration numberNCT02930876.
Prompt $$J/\psi $$ photoproduction within the non-relativistic QCD framework at the CEPC
Authors: Zhan Xi-Jie , Wang Jian-Xiong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe prompt $$J/\psi $$J/ψ photoproduction within the non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) framework at the future Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) is studied, including the contributions from both direct and resolved photons. Employing different sets of long distance matrix elements, the total cross section is dominated by the color-octet channel. We present different kinematic distributions of $$J/\psi $$J/ψ production and the results show there will be about 50 $$J/\psi $$J/ψ events when the transverse momentum of $$J/\psi $$J/ψ is up to 20 GeV. It renders that the $$J/\psi $$J/ψ photoprodution at the CEPC is a well laboratory to test the NRQCD and further clarify the universality problem in NRQCD between electron positron collider and hadron collider.
BAF60a Deficiency in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Reducing Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Degradation
Authors: Chang Ziyi , Zhao Guizhen , Zhao Yang , Lu Haocheng , Xiong Wenhao , Liang Wenying , Sun Jinjian , Wang Huilun , Zhu Tianqing , Rom Oren , Guo Yanhong , Fan Yanbo , Chang Lin , Yang Bo , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T. , Lin Jiandie D. , Chen Y. Eugene , Zhang Jifeng 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
Currently, there are no approved drugs for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment, likely due to limited understanding of the primary molecular mechanisms underlying AAA development and progression. BAF60a—a unique subunit of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) chromatin remodeling complex—is a novel regulator of metabolic homeostasis, yet little is known about its function in the vasculature and pathogenesis of AAA. In this study, we sought to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)–specific BAF60a in AAA formation.

Approach and Results:
BAF60a is upregulated in human and experimental murine AAA lesions. In vivo studies revealed that VSMC-specific knockout of BAF60a protected mice from both Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced and elastase-induced AAA formation with significant suppression of vascular inflammation, monocyte infiltration, and elastin fragmentation. Through RNA sequencing and pathway analysis, we found that the expression of inflammatory response genes in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells was significantly downregulated by small interfering RNA–mediated BAF60a knockdown while upregulated upon adenovirus-mediated BAF60a overexpression. BAF60a regulates VSMC inflammation by recruiting BRG1 (Brahma-related gene-1)—a catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF complex—to the promoter region of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) target genes. Furthermore, loss of BAF60a in VSMCs prevented the upregulation of the proteolytic enzyme cysteine protease CTSS (cathepsin S), thus ameliorating ECM (extracellular matrix) degradation within the vascular wall in AAA.

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated that BAF60a is required to recruit the SWI/SNF complex to facilitate the epigenetic regulation of VSMC inflammation, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target in preventing and treating AAA.
SMIT (Sodium-Myo-Inositol Transporter) 1 Regulates Arterial Contractility Through the Modulation of Vascular Kv7 Channels
Authors: Barrese Vincenzo , Stott Jennifer B. , Baldwin Samuel N. , Mondejar-Parreño Gema , Greenwood Iain A. 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
The SMIT1 (sodium:myo-inositol transporter 1) regulates myo-inositol movement into cells and responses to hypertonic stimuli. Alteration of myo-inositol levels has been associated with several diseases, including hypertension, but there is no evidence of a functional role of SMIT1 in the vasculature. Recent evidence showed that in the nervous system SMIT1 interacted and modulated the function of members of the Kv7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels, which are also expressed in the vasculature where they regulate arterial contractility. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether SMIT1 was functionally relevant in arterial smooth muscle.

Approach and Results:
Immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction experiments revealed that SMIT1 was expressed in rat renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Isometric tension recordings showed that incubation of renal arteries with raffinose and myo-inositol (which increases SMIT1 expression) reduced the contractile responses to methoxamine, an effect that was abolished by preincubation with the pan-Kv7 blocker linopirdine and by molecular knockdown of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5. Knockdown of SMIT1 increased the contraction of renal arteries induced by methoxamine, impaired the response to the Kv7.2–Kv7.5 activator ML213 but did not interfere with the relaxant responses induced by openers of other potassium channels. Proximity ligation assay showed that SMIT1 interacted with heteromeric channels formed by Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 proteins in both renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Patch-clamp experiments showed that incubation with raffinose plus myo-inositol increased Kv7 currents in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:
SMIT1 protein is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells where it modulates arterial contractility through an association with Kv7.4/Kv7.5 heteromers.
Global Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain Using 3-Beat Method Improves Risk Prediction of Stroke Over Conventional Echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liao Jo-Nan , Chao Tze-Fan , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Tsai Jui-Peng , Lo Chi-In , Lai Yau-Huei , Su Cheng-Huang , Hung Chung-Lieh , Yeh Hung-I 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a risk of ischemic stroke, and functional myocardial imaging has offered novel insights on its pathophysiology and prognosis, but its use in AF-related stroke remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of left atrial (LA) deformations and its prognostic values of ischemic stroke in a large-scale AF population.

Methods:
Peak atrial longitudinal strain (LA strain), left ventricular strain (global longitudinal strain), LA strain rate (LA SR) at reservoir (LA longitudinal systolic strain rate), and early diastolic conduit (LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate) phases were analyzed using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Consecutive 3-beat averaged values of strain and SR were used. The clinical end point was ischemic stroke.

Results:

Among 1457 AF participants, the mean LA strain, LA longitudinal systolic strain rate, and LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate values were 12.9±4.8%, 0.80±0.28 s
−
1
, and −1.17±0.46 s
−
1
, respectively. There were strong positive linear relationships of 3-beat average with index-beat analysis (R=0.94, 0.94, and 0.94 for LA strain, LA longitudinal systolic strain rate, and LA longitudinal early diastolic strain rate, respectively; all
P
<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression models incorporating conventional echocardiography parameters demonstrated LA strain and SRs to be independent prognosticators of ischemic stroke during a median follow-up of 37.6 months. Utilization of LA strain further provided incremental value over CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc scoring (
C
statistics, 0.78–0.81;
P
=0.006) for ischemic stroke. Overall, the prognostic performances of LA deformations were attenuated after adding global longitudinal strains in models.

Conclusions:
LA deformations by the 3-beat method are feasible and reproducible during AF. LA strain provided additional prognostic implication over clinical information and conventional echocardiographic measures for ischemic stroke in the AF population but not incremental to global longitudinal strains.
Liothrips species (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae) from leaf-galls on Piper species in Southeast Asia and Australia
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A. 
Published: August 2020

Variation in colour and structure is re-considered amongst 19 species of Liothrips collected from leaf-galls on Piper vines in Asia. Gynaikothrips crassipes Karny, Liothrips aemulans Priesner, and Liothrips baccati Priesner are considered new synonyms of Liothrips chavicae (Zimmermann). Gynaikothrips karnyi Bagnall is considered a new synonym of Liothrips mirabilis (Schmutz). Gynaikothrips kuwanai Moulton and Liothrips reynvaanae Priesner are considered new synonyms of Liothrips pallipes (Karny). Doubts are expressed about the significance of several further described species, and an identification key is provided to nine putative species. Despite the number of Liothrips species described from Piper, there is little evidence of thrips radiation on this plant genus, and the two most common species of the genus on Piper are probably not closely related.
Lymphocyte Transformation Tests in Workers with Occupational Exposure to Spiramycin
Authors: Valentino Matteo , Monaco Francesca , Provinciali Mauro , Di Stefano Giuseppina , Fabris Nicola , Governa Mario 
Published: August 2020

Pharmaceutical industry employees are exposed to drugs which can stimulate allergic reactions. Other authors have found that, in workers of pharmaceutical companies exposed to spiramycin, spiramycin-induced asthma can be diagnosed only on the basis of spiramycin inhalation tests, because IgE specific antibodies, as well as skin and patch tests, are often negative. Since lymphocytes from humans sensitised to various agents undergo morphological transformation on exposure to sensitising antigen in culture, we used a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) following in vitro exposure to spiramycin of cells collected from healthy workers occupationally exposed or not exposed to this antibiotic. LTT was measured by [3H]-thymidine uptake into DNA of lymphocytes cultured for three days in medium containing 0-500μg/ml spiramycin. The number of lymphoblasts was also counted on cell smears. Lymphocytes from spiramycin-exposed subjects, incubated with spiramycin, demonstrated a statistically significant increase of [3H]-thymidine incorporation; the presence of lymphoblasts in the cultures was only slightly increased. Although other experiments with lymphocytes obtained from patients with spiramycin-induced asthma need to be performed, this pilot study suggests that LTT may be able to be used to detect early immune response changes caused by chemical agents in occupationally exposed workers.
In Vitro Methods for the Assessment of L-Cysteine Conjugate Toxicity
Authors: Buckberry Lorraine D. , Adcock Harriet J. , Adler Jeremy , Blagbrough Ian S. , Gaskin Peter J. , Shaw P. Nicholas 
Published: August 2020

L-Cysteine conjugates are normally metabolised via N-acetylation to produce a mercapturic acid. However, a recently identified metabolic route (C-S lysis) may lead to the generation of an unstable thiol which has been demonstrated to be responsible for toxicity in various mammalian species. Human Chang liver cells were challenged with a number of established L-cysteine conjugates. The cellular toxicity of these compounds was determined using a range of assay procedures, which provided differing information, depending on the assay method used. These observations were then investigated in order to establish which system would provide the most reliable indication of C-S lyase toxicity and whether any information on the mechanism of action could be obtained by these assay methods.
Family physicians’ perspective on voluntary stopping of eating and drinking: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stängle Sabrina , Schnepp Wilfried , Büche Daniel , Häuptle Christian , Fringer André 
Published: August 2020

Objective We aimed to determine how often patients who choose voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) are accompanied by Swiss family physicians, how physicians classify this process, and physicians’ attitudes and professional stance toward VSED. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between August 2017 and July 2018 among 751 practicing family physicians in Switzerland (response rate 74%; 70.7% men; average age 58 (±9) years). We used a standardized evidence-based questionnaire for the survey. Results VSED is well-known among family physicians (81.9%), and more than one-third (42.8%) had accompanied at least one patient during VSED. In 2017, 1.1% of all deaths that occurred in Swiss nursing homes or in a private home were owing to VSED. This phenomenon was classified as a natural dying process (59.3%), passive euthanasia (32.0%), or suicide (5.3%). Conclusions Although about one in three Swiss family physicians have accompanied a person during VSED, family physicians lack sufficient in-depth knowledge to address patients and their relatives in an appropriate manner during the process. Further training and development of practice recommendations are needed to achieve more standardized accompaniment of VSED. International Registered Report Identifier: DERR1-10.2196/10358
MicroRNA-122 as a diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma related to hepatitis C virus: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wei Xiao-yu , Ding Jing , Tian Wen-guang , Yu Yi-Chuan 
Published: August 2020

Objective MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) has been identified as a biomarker of liver diseases. However, the miR-122 detection accuracy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is inconclusive. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search of Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase to identify studies related to the diagnostic value of miR-122 in HCV-related HCC. We analyzed the results and validated them using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Results Six articles were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 354 cases and 420 controls. The pooled specificity, sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve were 0.87, 0.83, 5.1, 0.16, 32, and 0.92, respectively. Additional sub-group analyses showed that results for plasma were more sensitive than those for serum. In addition, miR-122 was better at distinguishing between HCV-associated HCC and healthy people or those with HCV than between those with HCV-associated HCC and HCV-related cirrhosis. Small samples (≤100) had better diagnostic odds ratios than larger samples (>100). Analysis of data from TCGA confirmed that miRNA-122 had a high diagnostic value. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that miR-122 may be a useful diagnostic biomarker for HCV-associated HCC.
Protective effects of irbesartan and benazepril against vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis in female spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ma Ruixin , Zhao Yang , Yu Xiaorong , Li Ningyin , Wang Qiongying , Liang Wei , Zhao Xu , Yu Jing 
Published: August 2020

Objective To compare the potential beneficial effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) benazepril and the angiotensin II receptor 1 blocker (ARB) irbesartan on vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods Twelve-week-old female SHRs were treated with irbesartan or benazepril for 12 weeks. Vaginal renin angiotensin system (RAS) components were detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blot and vaginal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and collagen III (Col III) were analyzed by western blot. Vaginal tissue sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis of α-SMA and Col III. Results Irbesartan and benazepril had different impacts on vaginal RAS components. Both agents decreased vaginal α-SMA and Col III and increased eNOS expression in SHR. The wall/lumen thickness ratio of vaginal arterioles was similarly decreased following irbesartan and benazepril treatment. Both drugs also decreased collagen deposition in SHRs. There was no difference in vaginal vascular remodeling or fibrosis between the two groups. Conclusions Irbesartan and benazepril have different effects on vaginal RAS expression but similar positive effects against vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hadley Christopher J. , Edelman David , Arevalo Alfonso , Patel Nimit , Ciccotti Michael G. , Dodson Christopher C. 
Published: August 2020

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is an established surgical technique to restore UCL deficiency, especially in the overhead throwing athlete. Over the past decade, the number of patients requiring UCL reconstruction has increased significantly, particularly in the adolescent patient population. Return-to-play rates after UCL reconstruction reported in the literature have ranged from 33% to 92%, and a recent systematic review noted a return-to-play rate of 89.40% in all high school athletes. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes, particularly return-to-play rates and subjective outcome scores, of UCL reconstruction of the elbow in adolescent throwing athletes. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted via the electronic databases Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane. Studies that reported on outcomes, particularly return-to-play rates, in adolescent throwing athletes met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. Studies that did not report on adolescent throwing athletes and studies that reported on adolescent throwing athletes but did not specify the return-to-play outcomes for these athletes were excluded from our analysis. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. There were 404 baseball players and 10 javelin throwers included in our analysis. A total of 349 of the 414 patients (84.30%) were successfully able to return to play at the same level of competition or higher. Successful rates of return to prior performance ranged from 66.67% to 91.49% in our analysis. Javelin throwers had a mean 80.00% rate of return to prior performance, while baseball players had a mean return-to-play rate of 84.40%. Complications were evaluated for 8 (88.9%) studies and 283 (68.4%) patients. There were 11 (3.9%) reported complications and 5 (1.8%) reoperations. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review revealed that adolescent patients are generally able to return to their preinjury level of performance or higher with limited complications. Further investigation is necessary to determine long-term outcomes for return to play after UCL reconstruction of the elbow in adolescent throwing athletes.
Public Awareness Toward Coronavirus Disease-2019
Authors: Bdair Izzeddin A. , Alshloul Mohammad N. , Maribbay Gladys L. 
Published: August 2020

Background The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has become a global issue of concern. Since its occurrence, about 18 million cases have been reported globally and about 280 000 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population toward COVID-19. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted. A questionnaire was built by the researchers that was composed of demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices sections. Results The sample was composed of 575 participants. The mean scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 16.48 ± 2.90, 10.01 ± 2.18, and 8.91 ± 1.91, respectively. The Ministry of Health constitutes the main source of participants’ information. Conclusion The findings showed that participants have good knowledge, positive attitudes, and satisfactory practices toward COVID-19. Yet, areas of low knowledge and negative attitudes were noticed. However, further studies are recommended to design an effective measure to control the disease.
Impact of Interdisciplinary Team Care for Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Hickey Scott E. , Kellogg Brian , O’Brien Meghan , Hall Courtney , Kirschner Richard E. , Santoro Stephanie L. , Leonard Hayley , Baylis Adriane L. 
Published: August 2020

Objective: To evaluate disease-specific guideline adherence among children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome receiving multidisciplinary team care through a 22q specialty clinic compared to children not receiving team care. Design: Retrospective chart review; quality improvement project. Setting: Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Patients: One hundred eighty-nine patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were categorized into those receiving team care and those not receiving team care. Guideline adherence was compared between the 2 groups. Main Outcome Measure(s): Percent adherence across 8 disease-specific guidelines. Results: A Welch t test revealed mean adherence among patients receiving team care was significantly higher (83% vs 42%, P < .001) compared those not receiving team care. Among team patients with a single 22q Center visit, a paired samples t test showed that mean adherence increased from 63% before the clinic encounter to 86% six months after the encounter ( P < .001). Some guidelines were more likely to be associated with provider nonadherence, whereas others were more likely to be associated with patient nonadherence. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary team care is associated with significantly higher guideline adherence in children with 22q11DS. Additional research is needed to investigate the effect of team care on long-term health outcomes in children with 22q11DS.