bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNF185-AS1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Targeting miR-221-5p/integrin β5 Axis
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Li Ke , Huang Rongfu , Zhu Jianhua , Yang Jiayao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important role in pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the function of RNF185-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been well investigated. The present study aims to explore the role and mechanism of RNF185-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Methods: The RNF185-AS1 expression in HCC cells and tissues was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The functional effects of RNF185-AS1 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and Western blot. The luciferase reporters assay, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to explore and confirm the interaction between RNF185-AS1 and miR-221-5p and integrin β5. The role of RNF185-AS1 in tumor progression was explored through in vivo experiments.Results: RNF185-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High levels of RNF185-AS1 was correlated with advanced TNM stage, distant metastasis and a poorer overall survival rate. RNF185-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Additionally, RNF185-AS1 acted as a sponge for miR-221-5p and integrin β5 was identified as a target gene of miR-221-5p. Rescue assays showed that miR-221-5p inhibitor or integrin β5 overexpression rescued the function of RNF185-AS1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Moreover, we found that RNF185-AS1 knockdown inhibited tumor metastases in xenograft tumor mouse model. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that RNF185-AS1 promoted cell EMT and migration by regulating miR-221-5p/integrin β5 axis in HCC.
Setting of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Post Extubation based on Inspiratory Flow during a Spontaneous Breathing Trial
Authors: Butt Sophia , Pistidda Laura , Floris Leda , Liperi Corrado , Vasques Francesco , Glover Guy , Barrett Nicholas A. , Sanderson Barnaby , Grasso Salvatore , Shankar-Hari Manu , Camporota Luigi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is commonly used post-extubation in intensive care (ICU). Patients’ comfort during HFNC is affected by flow rate: too low flow may limit the beneficial effects of HFNC on gas exchange and work of breathing; whilst excessive flow may reduce comfort and adherence to therapy. Currently, there is no consensus on how to set the flow rate of HFNC post-extubation. The study aims to describe the relationship between pre-extubation inspiratory flow requirements and the post-extubation flow rates on HFNC that maximises patient’s level of comfort.Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, single-site study conducted in a tertiary, university-affiliated ICU. We included all patients extubated following a successful, standardised spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) during a four-month study period. During a 30-minute SBT we recorded haemodynamic and respiratory variables including inspiratory flow, presence of any signs of respiratory distress and level of comfort using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients who passed the SBT were extubated onto HFNC – as per standard clinical practice. HFNC was titrated starting from a flow of 20 L/min and increased in steps of 10L/min, up to 60 L/min or maximum tolerated flow. At each step, patient’s level of comfort was assessed using a VAS. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was titrated to maintain oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) 92-97%. Results: Nineteen participants were enrolled in the study with a mean (SD) age of 62.5 ± 13.1 years. There was a significant positive correlation between mean inspiratory flow pre-extubation and the flow setting on HFNC which achieved the best comfort post-extubation (r2 0.88; p <0.001). The greatest comfort was observed for HFNC flows between 30 and 40 L/min, while above 40 L/min patients’ comfort decreased. Conclusions: Measuring mean inspiratory flow during an SBT allows for individualised setting of HFNC flow rate immediately post-extubation and achieves the greatest comfort and interface tolerance.
Heart Rate at Discharge in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure is a Predictor of Mortality
Authors: Vollmert Thomas , Hellmich Martin , Gassanov Natig , Er Fikret , Yücel Seyrani , Erdmann Erland , Caglayan Evren 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aims Heart failure is a syndrome with increasing prevalence in concordance with the aging population and better survival rates from myocardial infarction. Morbidity and mortality are high in chronic heart failure patients, particularly in those with hospital admission for acute decompensation. Several risk stratification tools and score systems have been established to predict mortality in chronic heart failure patients. However, identification of patients at risk with easy obtainable clinical factors that can predict mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are needed to optimize the care-path. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records of 78 patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF who were hospitalized with ADHF in the Heart Center of the University Hospital Cologne in the year 2011 and discharged from the ward after successful treatment. 37.6±16.4 months after index hospitalization 30 (38,5%) patients had died. This mortality rate correlated well with the calculated predicted survival with the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) for each individual patient. In our cohort, we identified elevated heart rate at discharge as an independent predictor for mortality (p=0.016). The mean heart rate at discharge was lower in survived patients compared to patients who died (72.5±11.9 bpm vs. 79.1±11.2 bpm. Heart rate of 77 bpm or higher was associated with an almost doubled mortality risk (p=0.015). Heart rate elevation of 5 bpm was associated with an increase of mortality of 25% (p=0.022).Conclusions Patients hospitalized for ADHF seem to have a better prognosis, when heart rate at discharge is <77 bpm. Heart rate at discharge is an easily obtainable biomarker for risk prediction of mortality in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients treated for acute cardiac decompensation. Taking into account this parameter could be useful for guiding treatment strategies in these high-risk patients. Prospective data for validation of this biomarker and specific intervention is needed.
AMBAR - Interactive Alteration&nbsp;Annotations for&nbsp;Molecular Tumor Boards
Authors: Fürstberger Axel , Ikonomi Nensi , Kestler Angelika M.R. , Marienfeld Ralf , Seufferlein Thomas , Kestler Hans A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Providing suitable treatments strategies that take into account cancer specific alterations is a crucial task for successful cancer treatment. To this end, molecular tumor boards (MTBs), that bring together clinicians as well as scientists with diverse expertise, are increasingly established in the clinical routine for therapeutic interventions. Molecular profiling from sequencing data is an integral part of the decision making process of an MTB. To debate variant calling results from next generation sequencing NGS analyses, detailed information about the detected mutations are mandatory. Further, these results need to be combined with knowledge and up to date evidence from databases. At the moment, few tools are available that aim at managing this amount of required information. As a result, the whole process of analysis and documentation of patients data becomes time consuming and difficult to manage for MTBs. Results: To overcome these limitations, we developed an interactive web application AMBAR (Alteration annotations for Molecular tumor BoARds) to visualize not only annotated mutations, but also evidence for possible therapeutic drug targets. Found mutations can be evaluated, discussed and exported to clinical information systems. The application is based on R shiny and allows customization, interactive filtering and visualization.Conclusion: AMBAR is an interactive application to not only support MTBs in decision making, but to act as interface between results of NGS analyses, result visualization and export into clinical information systems.
A Simulation Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Demographic Changes on Healthcare Demand
Authors: Mielczarek Bozena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The world’s changing demographic trends inevitably lead to new challenges in the delivery of healthcare services. As the population ages, the consequent demand for various types of medical treatments changes as well, but the process is not uniform, neither for particular age–gender cohorts nor for different diagnoses’ groups. Medium and long-term forecasts of future healthcare needs, which are crucial at the level of regional health policy decision making, should therefore be built taking into account different scenarios that describe possible alternative changes in population structure.Methods: A discrete event simulation (DES) model was built to forecast future healthcare demand based on population projections for one Polish region. Demographic projections were formulated based on simulation experiments carried out in previous studies. Population forecasts were inputted into the DES model, together with patient data taken from the regional health fund. A simulation was run up to 2030 to predict future healthcare needs of older age–gender groups across different diagnosis categories. An additional experiment was performed with the hypothesis that admission rates for older cohorts will gradually increase starting from 2021.Results: Three scenarios involved different assumptions regarding forecasted population changes as published by the Polish Government Council. The fourth scenario assumed gradually increasing admission rates expressed by the older age–gender groups. The results indicate that the expected small increase in the region's overall population will translate into a bigger increase in the number of patients. The largest increase of hospitalisations is projected for the age groups 7579 and older. The number of patients in the oldest women’s group will be much higher than in the corresponding men’s group. Meanwhile, the forecasted changes for particular disease categories are characterised by a high degree of variation, both in terms of gender and age.Conclusions: A simulation provides wide possibilities for studying the impact of demographic trends in healthcare demand, as it allows conducting analyses in various cross sections. The results show that a change in the demographic structure and in particular, in the population’s ageing, will lead to significant shifts in the distribution of health needs for hospital treatment.
Does Hysteroscopy in Women with Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Reduce the Need for Chemotherapy? A Prospective, Single Arm, Clinical Trial Pilot Study
Authors: Tanha Fatemeh Davari , Sede Saghar Samimi , Yarandi Fariba , Shirali Elham , Fakehi Malihe , Shaker Zeinab , Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , ghaemi marjan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to describe the efficacy of hysteroscopy in the management of women with persistent gestational trophoblastic disease to decrease the chemotherapy need.Materials and methods: This prospective, single-arm, clinical trial study was conducted at a tertiary educational referral hospital between September 2018 and September 2019. In the follow-up of the patients diagnosed with hydatidiform mole and managed by uterine evacuation, 30 cases developed low risk persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. Hysteroscopy was performed for removal of persisted trophoblastic tissue, before chemotherapy. Serum beta-hCG titer was measured before and 7 days after the procedure.Results: Mean±SD age of the participants was 31.4±4.6 years. There was a significantly difference (p=0.06) between that mean±SD of beta-hCG titer before (8168.4±1758) and after (2648.8±5888) treatment. Two (6.6%) cases needed chemotherapy due to no decrease in beta-hCG titer. Conclusion: Although, hysteroscopy may play a significant role in the management of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease but requires validation in larger prospective randomized studies and longer follow-up.
Laser Cladding and Anti-Laser Ablative Behaviour of Si-SiC-MoSi2-ZrB2 Composite Coatings on Carbon Surface
Authors: Wang Qixuan , Zhuo Yi , Wang Wenhao , Guo Litong , Tao Xueyu , Fan Heliang , Ren Xuanru , Liu Zhangsheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A Si-SiC-MoSi2-ZrB2 antioxidation composite coating was fabricated by laser cladding technology on the graphite matrix surface, and laser ablation was carried out on the coating surface to evaluate the anti-ablation capability of the coating surface. The phase transformation, microstructure reconstruction and the change of binding strength between the coating and the matrix during the laser cladding and ablation were investigated. The coating of Si-SiC-MoSi2 series modified by 40wt% ZrB2 had the lowest weight loss rate and the highest coating bonding strength. The oxide mostly existed in amorphous form after laser cladding, and the semi-melting particles in laser path lap zone on the coating surface disappeared. The oxide layer peeled off and Mo-Zr-Si-O composite glass phase was formed on the coating surface. The internal microstructure of the coating co-existed with non-oriented fine needle-like dendrites and irregular particles, which improved the coating strength. After laser ablation, the coating modified by 40wt% ZrB2 had lower weight loss rate and higher scratch bonding strength compared with the unmodified coating of Si-SiC-MoSi2 series, which indicated that the ablation resistance of the coating was improved by the formation of continuous oxide layer on the surface.
Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications Following Resection in Patients with Primary Liver Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort study
Authors: Li Chunlei , Wu Hongmei , Zeng Yaqi , Dong Jie , Chen Yajun , Wang Yujie , Song Tianqiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The incidence of complications after hepatectomy for primary liver cancer (PLC) remains high. In this regard, a rapid, simple and inexpensive method is needed to assess the nutritional status of patients before surgery. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of hand grip strength (HGS) for postoperative complications of PLC. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital. A total of 147 patients with PLC who underwent liver resection were enrolled. HGS was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer. According to Clavien–Dindo classification, grade 2 or higher was considered as postoperative complication. The correlations between HGS and age/nutritional assessment tools were analysed using Spearman correlation test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for complications. Results: About 25.2% of the patients had low HGS. The incidence rates of postoperative complications were 35.14% in the low-HGS group and 21.82% in the high-HGS group. HGS was negatively correlated with age (P < 0.05) in both sexes. Multivariate analysis showed that low HGS [odd ratio (OR) = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.07-8.25, P = 0.04] was related to postoperative complications in the total population. Conclusion: HGS is a risk factor for postoperative complications. Additional long-term studies are needed to confirm HGS as a valuable indicator before surgery.
Overcoming radiation resistance by iron-platinum metal alloy nanoparticles in human copper transport 1-overexpressing cancer cells via mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Lin , Lai Yu-Hsuan , Chen Helen H. W. , Su Wu-Chou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Radiation therapy remains an important treatment modality in cancer therapy, however, resistance is a major problem for treatment failure. Elevated expression of glutathione (GSH) is known to associate with radiation resistance. We used GSH overexpressing small cell lung cancer cell lines, SR3A-13 and SR3A-14, established by transfection with γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) cDNA, as a model for investigating strategies of overcoming radiation resistance. These radiation-resistant cells exhibit upregulated human copper transporter 1 (hCtr1), which also transports cisplatin. This study was initiated to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) on radiation sensitization in cancer cells.Methods Uptakes of FePt NPs in these cells were studied by plasma optical emission spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. Effects of the combination of FePt NPs and ionizing radiation (IR) were investigated by colony formation assay and animal experiment. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by using fluorescent probes and imaged by a fluorescence-activated-cell-sorting caliber flow cytometer. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in mitochondria after FePt NP and IR treatment was investigated by a Seahoarse XF24 cell energy metabolism analyzer.Results These hCtr1-overexpressing cells exhibited elevated resistance to IR and the resistance could be overcome by FePt NPs via enhanced uptake of FePt NPs. Overexpression of hCtr1 was responsible for the increased uptake/transport of FePt NPs as demonstrated by using hCtr1-transfected parental SR3A (SR3A-hCtr1-WT) cells. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and drastic mitochondrial damages with substantial reduction of oxygen consumption rate were observed in FePt NPs and IR-treated cells, indicating that structural and functional insults of mitochondria is the lethal mechanism of FePt NPs. Furthermore, FePt NPs also increased the efficacy of radiotherapy in mice bearing SR3A-hCtr1-WT-xenograft tumors.Conclusion These results suggest that FePt NPs can potentially be a novel strategy to improve radiotherapeutic efficacy in hCtr1-overexpressing cancer cells via enhanced uptake and mitochondria targeting.
Down-regulation of tumor suppressor miR-34a contributes to head and neck cancer by up-regulating MET oncogene and modulating tumor immune evasion
Authors: Wu Xun , Cheng Yi-Shing Lisa , Matthen Mathew , Yoon Angela , Schwartz Gary K. , Bala Shashi , Taylor Alison M , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) have been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis, including in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The miR-34a family is thought to play a role in tumor suppression, but the exact mechanism of action in HNSCC is not well understood. In addition, miR-34a is generally down-regulated HNSCC, but the role of chromosomal changes and mutation status on miR-34a expression remain unknown. Methods: Differential expression of miR-34a-3p, MET, and genomic alterations were assessed in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets as well as primary HNSCC and adjacent normal tissue. The biological functions of miR-34a in HNSCC were investigated in samples derived from primary human tumors. The expression of MET was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the molecular interaction of miR-34a and MET were demonstrated by RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments. Lastly, mouse xenograft and locked nucleic acid anti-miRs were used to evaluate the clinical relevance of miR-34a in HNSCC tumor growth and modulation of the tumor microenvironment in vivo.Results: Chromosome arm 1p loss and P53 mutations are both associated with lower levels of miR-34a. In HNSCC, miR-34a acts as a tumor suppressor and physically interacts with and functionally targets the proto-oncogene MET. We found that miR-34a suppresses HNSCC carcinogenesis, at least in part, by downregulating MET, consequently inhibiting HNSCC proliferation. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-34a reduces HNSCC cell proliferation and tumor burden in vitro and in vivo, represses expression of genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and negates the oncogenic effect of MET in mouse tumors. In HNSCC patient samples, higher levels of miR-34a are significantly associated with a higher frequency of Th1 cells, myeloid cells, and regulatory T cells. Consistent with these findings, inhibition of miR-34a in an in vivo model of HNSCC leads to an increased number of immunosuppressive PDL1-expressing tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that miR-34a directly targets MET and maintains anti-tumor immune activity, and could potentially represent a new therapeutic approach for HNSCC.
Role of Personal Protective Measures in Prevention of COVID-19 Spread among Physicians in Bangladesh: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Khalil Md. Musab , Alam Md Mashiul , Arefin Mostafa Kamal , Chowdhury Mamunur Rashid , Huq Muhammad Rezeul , Chowdhury Joybaer Anam , Khan Ahad Mahmud 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the role of personal protective measures in the prevention of COVID-19 spread among the physicians working at different health facilities in Bangladesh.MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional comparative was conducted from May to June 2020. A total of 98 COVID-19 positive physicians and 92 COVID-19 negative physicians (physicians having no symptoms of COVID-19 or tested negative), were enrolled. The questionnaire was adapted from a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for risk assessment and management of exposure of health care workers in the context of COVID-19. Data was collected from the respondents online using google forms.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline information between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative physicians. The physicians, who were unaware of direct participation in COVID-19 patient care, had higher odds of being COVID-19 positive (OR= 4.018; CI: 1.532-10.535). Also, the physicians, who were unaware of the COVID-19 status while performing aerosol generated procedure (AGP), had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive, had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive (OR= 2.522; CI: 1.020-6.233). Using face shields/goggles (OR=0.437; CI:0.228-0.837), regular decontamination of the patient’s surroundings (OR=0.392; CI:0.176-0.873) while usual take care of patients and use of N95 masks while performing AGP (OR=0.372; CI:0.159-0.873) had protective roles against COVID-19 among the physicians. The physicians who had reused the medical gown had two times more chance of being tested positive for COVID-19 than those who had not reused it (OR= 2.3; CI:1.251-4.259).ConclusionThe use of face shield/goggles and N95 masks and decontamination of the patient’s surroundings may give protection against COVID-19. Also, reusing medical gown should be avoided as much as possible.