bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spectrum of heart disease among adults at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North west Cameroon: a semi urban setting
Authors: Akono Manuel Ndo , Simo Larissa Pone , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Njoyo Sylvain Laah , Mbanya Dora 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective
We sought to determine the spectrum of heart diseases among adult patients at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in the North West Region of Cameroon. This is a chart review of echocardiographic records.

Results
In total, 673 records were included in our study, of which 506 had a definite heart disease. Of the 506, 93 had mixed cardiopathies. Their ages ranged from 18 to 105 years with a median age of 64.0 (Interquartile range = 47–75) years. Females accounted for a greater proportion (55.3%) of the study population. The most common echocardiographic diagnoses were hypertensive heart disease (41.1%), valvular heart disease (22.3%) and cardiomyopathies (11.4%). The prevalence of heart failure was 17.5%, with hypertensive heart disease being the leading cause.
Agreement between self-reported asthma symptoms and exhaled nitric oxide levels: impact on inhaled corticosteroid prescribing in general practice. An observational study
Authors: Gill Raj , Williams E. Mark 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The National Review of Asthma Deaths UK highlighted that 46% of deaths could be avoided and recommended that all sufferers receive a structured asthma annual review which assess asthma control. In primary care this is commonly achieved using symptom-based questionnaires such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT). A newer method of assessing asthma control is Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing, which is currently recommended for the diagnosis of asthma, but not for monitoring of asthma control. The study aim was to assess the correlation between self-reported symptoms as measured by the ACT and FeNO testing and the subsequent impact of FeNO testing on prescribing of asthma medication.

Methods
A retrospective review of 65 patients who had received both ACT and FeNO testing as part of their asthma annual review. A spearman correlation was used to estimate the correlation between ACT scores and FENO levels. A χ2 test was used to compare prompting frequency of the measures and Kendalls τ statistic was made to estimate their concordance and influence on subsequent ICS medication prescription.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 41 years (4–93 years). There was no statistically significant correlation between ACT and FeNO (ρ = 0.195, p = 0.120). The median FeNO was 26 ppb (range 8–279 ppb), and the ACT score 20 (range 5 to 25 points). Furthermore, FeNO more frequently prompts a change in medication than ACT, 66% versus 42% (p = 0.005). A low concordance between the measures was found (Kendall’s τ statistic − 0.321).

Conclusion
FeNO should be considered for monitoring of control in asthma. To balance the cost of implementing this technology into primary care a risk stratified approach could be applied to testing.
Coccydynia relieved by a tarsal tunnel block: a case series
Authors: Hammodi Amjid 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
This case series describes, for the first time, to the author’s knowledge, a novel treatment for coccydynia. Tarsal tunnel block with lignocaine only brought relief of chronic coccydynia lasting more than 6 months in three patients. The author adopts the theory that the myelin sheath of the posterior tibial nerve will convey the lipid-soluble lignocaine upward toward the dorsal root ganglia and the nerve roots of the lumbar spine through the uninterrupted myelin sheath, which is itself mainly formed of lipids. The author thinks that most coccyx pain is actually a radiating pain from the lumbar spine, which is not always apparent on magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine. Certainly, the author acknowledges that large-scale studies need to be done to prove the efficacy of this new technique and to prove that the myelin sheath can convey the lignocaine chemical upward.

Case presentation
Three Arab patients presented with chronic coccydynia of more than 6 months’ duration in whom conservative management had failed to control their symptoms. They had no past medical history of significance and no history of trauma. The results of physical examination of all of the patients were normal apart from tenderness on palpation of the coccyx. They all received local coccyx injection with steroids on two occasions, which failed to relieve their pain. One patient underwent manipulation under anesthesia, and one underwent coccygectomy with no pain relief. Magnetic resonance imaging results were reported to be normal in two of them, whereas the other one had a prolapsed disc at the L4/L5 level. The three patients described pain relief 30 minutes after tarsal tunnel block with lignocaine only lasting more than 6 months. All patients had heel anesthesia 15 minutes after the tarsal tunnel injection, which lasted only 1 hour.

Conclusions
Tarsal tunnel block with lignocaine can relieve coccyx pain for a long time. Tarsal tunnel block can be done to achieve heel anesthesia before injection of lignocaine into the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis.
The osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells is regulated through the let-7i-3p/LEF1/β-catenin axis under cyclic strain
Authors: Luo Yadong , Ge Ran , Wu Heming , Ding Xu , Song Haiyang , Ji Huan , Li Meng , Ma Yunan , Li Sheng , Wang Chenxing , Du Hongming 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) under cyclic strain. Very little is known about the role of microRNAs in these events.

Methods
Cells were obtained using enzyme digestion methods, and proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit 8. Cell cycles and immunophenotypes were detected by flow cytometry. The multilineage potential of hASCs was induced by induction media. Cyclic strain was applied to hASCs (0.5 Hz, 2 h/day, 6 days) to induce osteogenic differentiation and miRNA changes. Bioinformatic and dual-luciferase analyses confirmed lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) as a potential target of let-7i-3p. The effect of let-7i-3p on LEF1 in hASCs transfected with a let-7i-3p mimic and inhibitor was analyzed by immunofluorescence. hASCs were transfected with a let-7i-3p mimic, inhibitor, or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against LEF1 and β-catenin. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were performed to examine the osteogenic markers and Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to confirm the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Results
Flow cytometry showed that 82.12% ± 5.83% of the cells were in G1 phase and 17.88% ± 2.59% of the cells were in S/G2 phase; hASCs were positive for CD29, CD90, and CD105. hASCs could have the potential for osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. MicroRNA screening via microarray showed that let-7i-3p expression was decreased under cyclic strain. Bioinformatic and dual-luciferase analyses confirmed that LEF1 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was the target of let-7i-3p. Under cyclic strain, the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs was promoted by overexpression of LEF1and β-catenin and inhibited by overexpression of let-7i-3p. hASCs were transfected with let-7i-3p mimics and inhibitor. Gain- or loss-of-function analyses of let-7i-3p showed that the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs was promoted by decreased let-7i-3p expression and inhibited by increased let-7i-3p expression. Furthermore, high LEF1 expression inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in let-7i-3p-enhanced hASCs. In contrast, let-7i-3p inhibition activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions
Let-7i-3p, acting as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting LEF1, inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs under cyclic strain in vitro.
Female sex, high soluble CD163, and low HDL-cholesterol were associated with high galectin-3 binding protein in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Melin Eva Olga , Dereke Jonatan , Hillman Magnus 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundGalectin-3 binding protein (Gal3BP), sCD163, galectin-3, and depression have been linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality. In patients with type 1 diabetes, female sex has also been linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality. The aim was to explore whether female sex, sCD163, galectin-3, and depression were associated with Gal3BP in patients with type 1 diabetes. We adjusted for metabolic variables, creatinine, smoking, physical inactivity, and cardiovascular disease.MethodsCross-sectional design. Patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 285, women 44%, age18–59 years, diabetes duration 1–55 years) were consecutively recruited from one diabetes outpatient clinic. Blood samples, anthropometrics, and blood pressure were collected, supplemented with data from electronic medical records. High Gal3BP was defined as ≥3.3 mg/l (≥80th percentile). Depression was assessed by a self-report instrument. Linear and logistic regression models were elaborated for the associations and calibrated and validated for goodness of fit with the data variables.ResultsMedian (q1, q3) Gal3BP was 2.3 (1.8, 3.1) mg/l. The prevalence of high Gal3BP for women was 30% and 14% for men (p = 0.001). Female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.0), sCD163 (per μg/l) (AOR 6.6), and total cholesterol (per mmol/l) (AOR 1.6) were positively associated with high Gal3BP, and HDL-cholesterol (per mmol/l) (AOR 0.2) was negatively associated with high Gal3BP.ConclusionsHigh Gal3BP levels were associated with female sex, increasing sCD163 and total cholesterol levels, and decreasing HDL-cholesterol levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. The prevalence of high Gal3BP was more than twice as high in the women as in the men.
Secreting-lux/pT-ClyA engineered bacteria suppresses tumor growth via interleukin-1β in two pathways
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Feng Zhicai , Jiang Shengnan , Chen Jing , Zhan Yuefu , Chen Jianqiang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEngineeredSalmonella typhimurium(S.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA) and attenuatedSalmonella typhimurium(SL:Salmonella typhimuriumwith a defect in the synthesis of guanine 5′-diphosphate-3′-diphosphate) exhibit similar tumor targeting capabilities (Kim et al. in Theranostics 5:1328–1342, 2015; Jiang et al. in Mol Ther 18:635–642, 2013), butS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAexerts superior tumor suppressive effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whetherS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAinhibits colon cancer growth and recurrence by promoting increased IL-1β production. The CT26 tumor mouse model was used, and mice were treated in the following ways: PBS,S.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA(+) + IL-1βAb, SL,S.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA(−), andS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA(+). Dynamic evaluation of the efficacy ofS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAin the treatment of colon cancer was assessed by MRI. Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis were used to investigate IL-1β-derived cells and IL-1β expression on tumor cells and immune cells to analyze the regulatory mechanism. IL-1β levels in tumors colonized byS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAwere significantly increased and maintained at high levels compared to control treatments. This increase caused tumors to subside without recurrence. We examined the immune cells mediatingS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA-induced tumor suppression and examined the major cell types producing IL-1β. We found that macrophages and dendritic cells were the primary IL-1β producers. Inhibition of IL-1β in mice treated withS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAusing an IL-1β antibody caused tumor growth to resume. This suggests that IL-1β plays an important role in the treatment of cancer byS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA. We found that inSt-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyA-treated tumors, expression of molecules involved in signaling pathways, such as NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB and IL-1β, were upregulated, while in ΔppGppS. typhimuriumtreated animals, TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB and IL-1β were upregulated with NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase1 being rarely expressed or not expressed at all. UsingS.t-ΔpGlux/pT-ClyAmay simultaneously activate TLR4 and NLRP3 signaling pathways, which increase IL-1β expression and enhance inhibition of colon cancer growth without tumor recurrence. This study provides a novel platform for treating colon cancer.
Effect of nitric oxide on postoperative acute kidney injury in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Hu Jie , Spina Stefano , Zadek Francesco , Kamenshchikov Nikolay O. , Bittner Edward A. , Pedemonte Juan , Berra Lorenzo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of nitric oxide (NO) on renal function is controversial in critical illness. We performed a systematic meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis to determine the effect of NO gas on renal function and other clinical outcomes in patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary outcome was the relative risk (RR) of acute kidney injury (AKI), irrespective of the AKI stage. The secondary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in the length of ICU and hospital stay, the RR of postoperative hemorrhage, and the MD in levels of methemoglobin. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed for the primary outcome.Results54 trials were assessed for eligibility and 5 studies (579 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. NO was associated with reduced risk of AKI (RR 0.76, 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.62 to 0.93,I2 = 0%). In the subgroup analysis by NO initiation timing, NO did not decrease the risk of AKI when started at the end of CPB (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.52–2.78,I2 = 0%). However, NO did significantly reduce the risk of AKI when started from the beginning of CPB (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.94,I2 = 10%). We conducted TSA based on three trials (400 patients) using KDIGO criteria and with low risk of bias. TSA indicated a CI of 0.50–1.02 and an optimal information size of 589 patients, suggesting a lack of definitive conclusion. Furthermore, NO does not affect the length of ICU and hospital stay or the risk of postoperative hemorrhage. NO slightly increased the level of methemoglobin at the end of CPB (MD 0.52%, 95% CI 0.27–0.78%,I2 = 90%), but it was clinically negligible.ConclusionsNO appeared to reduce the risk of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing CPB. Additional studies are required to ascertain the finding and further determine the dosage, timing and duration of NO administration.
Real-world efficacy and safety of eribulin in advanced and pretreated HER2-negative breast cancer in a Spanish comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Sirvén Milana Bergamino , Fernández-Ortega Adela , Stradella Agostina , Morilla Idoia , Falo Catalina , Vázquez Silvia , Castany Roser , Villanueva Rafael , Recalde Sabela , Pérez Valentí Navarro , Gil-Gil Miguel , Pernas Sonia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Eribulin improves survival in pre-treated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (ABC). However, limited data exist on co-morbidities and central nervous system (CNS) efficacy. The purpose of this study was to review eribulin’s efficacy and safety in everyday clinical practice with special focus on age, body mass index (BMI) and central nervous system (CNS) activity.

Methods
An observational study was conducted in a series of HER2-negative ABC patients treated from January’14-December’17 outside a clinical trial. Objective Response Rate (ORR), Progression Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), and association of clinical and pathological variables with outcome were evaluated.

Results
Ninety-five women were treated with at least one cycle of eribulin. Median age was 57 (33–83), and 18% were obese. Median number of prior chemotherapies for ABC was 3 (2–5) and 76% of patients had visceral metastases, including 21% with CNS involvement. Most tumors were estrogen receptor-positive (79%). ORR and stable disease (SD) at 6 months were 26.2 and 37.5%, respectively. Remarkably, relevant CNS efficacy was observed with eribulin: 20% of patients obtained partial response and 25% SD. Treatment was generally well tolerated and manageable, with 29% grade 3 and 10.9% grade 4 toxicities. Median PFS and OS were 4.1 months (CI95% 3.2–4.9) and 11.1 months (CI95% 9.5–14.7), respectively. Triple-negative disease, > 2organs involved and being younger than 70 years old were independent prognosis factors for worse OS in multivariate analysis. Most patients (75%) progressed in pre-existing metastases sites.

Conclusion
In everyday clinical practice, eribulin’s efficacy seems similar to pivotal trials. CNS-efficacy was observed. TNBC, > 2 organs involved and being younger than 70 years old were independent prognosis factors for worse OS. Remarkably, less incidence of grade 4-toxicity compared to previous studies was found.
Impact of MET alterations on targeted therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for EGFR-mutant lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yang Sen , Wang Qiming 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have achieved remarkable outcomes in the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer, but acquired resistance is still the main factor restricting their long-term use. In addition to the T790 M mutation of EGFR, amplification of the MET (or c-MET) gene has long been recognized as an important resistance mechanism for first- or second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Recent studies suggest that a key mechanism of acquired resistance to third-generation EGFR-TKIs (such as osimertinib) may be MET amplification and/or protein overactivation, especially when they are used as a first-line treatment. Therefore, in patients resistant to first-generation EGFR-TKIs caused by MET amplification and/or protein overactivation, the combination of osimertinib with MET or MEK inhibitors may be considered.
The effects of a dual adaptive strategy with gesture recognition and perceived exertion on training efficiency of elders’ functional fitness
Authors: Hung I-Chun , Wang Shih-Chieh , Chiang Yueh-Hui Vanessa , Yang Junfeng , Kinshuk  , Chen Nian-Shing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTraining efficiency is important for functional fitness training because it assures the trainees receive appropriate training to meet their needs of skill formation. With the support of technologies, the functional fitness training process can be adapted to suit each elder’s physical conditions. This study proposes a dual adaptive strategy for adjusting exercise intensity levels based on the objective assessments and subjective feedback to balance body and mind conditions. An adaptive exercising system was also developed by using gesture recognition and perceived exertion to adjust exercise intensity levels and help the elders receive more appropriate training. The results show that the dual adaptive strategy proven to be able to provide better balance (body and mind) and improve training efficiency for elders’ functional fitness training at their own paces while gaining a satisfied training experience.
Thermo-Catalytic Reforming of spent coffee grounds
Authors: Elmously Mohamed , Jäger Nils , Apfelbacher Andreas , Daschner Robert , Hornung Andreas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractConversion of spent coffee grounds through the Thermo-Catalytic Reforming system (TCR®) is evaluated in this study. While, the TCR® is a technology that has been developed by Fraunhofer UMSICHT, which combines an intermediate pyrolysis and a catalytic reforming. The temperature of the catalytic reformer is varied between 500 and 700 °C to achieve an optimum yield quantities and qualities of the products. The hydrogen concentration is maximized at a reforming temperature of 700 °C, and a gas yield up to 52 wt% is achieved. The thermal stable bio-oil produced at 700 °C has the highest calorific value of 36.8 MJ/kg with significantly low oxygen and water content, low viscosity and low TAN (total acid number). Furthermore, the maximum bio-oil and char yields are obtained at the lowest reforming temperature of 500 °C. Overall spent coffee grounds show a great potential as feedstock in the Thermo-Catalytic Reforming for energy and bio-chemicals production.
Authors, geographies and the content of papers published in Geoenvironmental Disasters (2014–2018)
Authors: Emmer Adam , Vilímek Vít , Wang Fawu , Dai Zili 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGeoenvironmental Disasters - an open access journal of the International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ICGdR) - is being published since 2014. This contribution aims at characterising 115 papers published in the first five volumes of the journal (2014–2018) and outlining some future perspectives. It is shown what research topics (types of natural hazards and disasters) are a subject of published papers, what methods are employed to investigate them and what is the geographical focus. Further, it is shown who publishes research results in Geoenvironmental Disasters, international cooperation network and the impact of published papers. Based on these findings, we conclude that Geoenvironmental Disasters became established journal for disseminating results of research on diverse typers of natural disasters in various geographical environments accross the globe, and we opine that further advancement of the journal might be achieved by onward indexing efforts.
Successful combination strategy of preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage catheter and pancreas preservation surgery for pancreatic injury with major pancreatic duct disruption: a case report
Authors: Kandori Kenji , Ishii Wataru , Iizuka Ryoji 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The guidelines recommend pancreatic resection for grade III and IV pancreatic injuries. On the other hand, organ preservation is an important issue. Herein, we present the first case of pancreatic injury with major pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption that was treated with the combination of preoperative placement of endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) catheter and pancreas preservation surgery after endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) failure.

Case presentation
A 70-year-old female diagnosed with pancreatic injury was admitted to our hospital. She was hemodynamically stable. ERP revealed MPD disruption, and EPS failed. An ENPD catheter was placed preoperatively at the site of injury. During laparotomy, we identified a partial-thickness laceration in the pancreatic body. At the site of injury, the tip of the ENPD catheter was found; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with grade III pancreatic body injury with MPD disruption. The extent of crush was not severe, and we had no difficulty in identifying the distal MPD segment. We inserted the ENPD catheter into the distal MPD segment. The ruptured MPD and the laceration was sutured, then pancreatic resection was prevented. She was discharged on POD 56.

Conclusion
The treatment strategy incorporated ERP, placement of an ENPD catheter preoperatively, and a simple surgery in a hemodynamically stable patient with pancreatic injury allows the pancreas and spleen to be preserved.