bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asiaticoside inhibits TGF-β1-induced mesothelial-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the human peritoneal mesothelial cell line HMrSV5
Authors: Zhao Junyi , Shi Jun , Shan Yun , Yu Manshu , Zhu Xiaolin , Zhu Yilin , Liu Li , Sheng Meixiao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a frequent complication caused by peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), the first barrier of the peritoneum, play an important role in maintaining structure and function in the peritoneum during PD. Mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) and oxidative stress of PMCs are two key processes of PF.

Purpose
To elucidate the efficacy and possible mechanism of asiaticoside inhibition of MMT and ROS generation in TGF-β1-induced PF in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs).

Methods
MMT and ROS generation of HPMCs were induced by TGF-β1. To explain the anti-MMT and antioxidant role of asiaticoside, varied doses of asiaticoside, oxygen radical scavenger (NAC), TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (LY2109761) and Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) were used separately. Immunoblots were used to detect the expression of signaling associated proteins. DCFH-DA was used to detect the generation of ROS. Transwell migration assay and wound healing assay were used to verify the capacity of asiaticoside to inhibit MMT. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the subcellular translocation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1.

Results
Asiaticoside inhibited TGF-β1-induced MMT and suppressed Smad signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Migration and invasion activities of HPMCs were decreased by asiaticoside. Asiaticoside decreased TGF-β1-induced ROS, especially in a high dose (150 μM) for 6 h. Furthermore, ML385 partly abolished the inhibitory effect of asiaticoside on MMT, ROS and p-Smad2/3.

Conclusions
Asiaticoside inhibited the TGF-β1-induced MMT and ROS via Nrf2 activation, thus protecting the peritoneal membrane and preventing PF.
The relationship between biological function and teleology: Implications for biology education
Authors: Trommler Friederike , Hammann Marcus 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper explicates the relationship between biological function and teleology by focusing not only on difference but also on conceptual overlap. By doing so, this paper is meant to increase awareness of the misleading potential of biological function and the educational necessity to explicate the meaning of biological function to biology students to prevent them from drawing inadequate teleological conclusions about biological phenomena. The conceptual overlap between teleology and biological function lies in the notion oftelos(end, goal). Biologically inadequate teleology assumes thatteloi(ends, goals) exist in nature and that natural mechanisms are directed towardsteloi. Such inadequate teleological assumptions have been documented in students’ reasoning about biological phenomena. Biological function, however, does not involve the assumption thatteloiexist in nature. Rather, biologists use the notion oftelosas anepistemological toolwhenever they consider a structure or mechanism functional because they view this structure or mechanism as a means to an end (telos). Whereas for biologists such means-ends conceptualizations represent a productive tool for identifying biological phenomena functionally, for students, such means-ends considerations can be misleading. Therefore, this paper explicates how far the concept of biological function involves reference to ends (teloi) and how it relates to biological mechanisms. The paper draws implications on how to prevent students from slipping from functional reasoning into inadequate teleological reasoning.
Schizophyllum commune induced oxidative stress and immunosuppressive activity in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Chadha Pooja , Kaur Sanehdeep , Kaur Amarjeet , Kaur Rajvir 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
In the last few decades, considerable attention has been paid to fungal endophytes as biocontrol agents, however little is known about their mode of action. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of an endophytic fungus Schizophyllum commune by analyzing activities of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes as well as morphology of haemocytes using Spodoptera litura as a model.

Results
Ethyl acetate extract of S. commune was fed to the larvae of S. litura using the artificial diet having 276.54 μg/ml (LC50 of fungus) concentration for different time durations. Exposed groups revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the activities of various enzymes viz. Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione-S-Transferase. Furthermore, haemocytes showed various deformities like breakage in the cell membrane, cytoplasmic leakage and appearance of strumae in the treated larvae. A drastic reduction in the percentage of normal haemocytes was recorded in the treated groups with respect to control.

Conclusion
The study provides important information regarding the oxidative stress causing and immunosuppressant potential of S. commune against S. litura and its considerable potential for incorporation in pest management programs.
Association of aortic valve calcification with carotid artery lesions and peripheral artery disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arita Yui , Nakayama Masaru , Matsukuma Yuta , Yoshitomi Ryota , Seki Makiko , Fukui Akiko , Tsuda Susumu , Sonoda Yuri , Imazu Rina , Arakawa Kimika , Tominaga Mitsuhiro , Nakano Toshiaki , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) reportedly have a high prevalence of aortic valve calcification (AVC). In population-based studies, AVC is considered a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. The association of AVC with atherosclerotic lesions has not been fully investigated in predialysis patients. The present study was performed to determine whether carotid artery lesions and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are associated with AVC in patients with CKD not on dialysis.

Methods
In total, 749 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. AVC was evaluated using echocardiography. Carotid artery lesions including carotid artery plaque (CAP) and PAD were simultaneously examined in each patient. A logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the factors associated with AVC.

Results
AVC, CAP, and PAD were found in 201, 583, and 123 patients, respectively. In the multivariable analyses adjusted for covariates including the estimated glomerular filtration rate and makers of mineral metabolism (serum calcium, serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and fibroblast growth factor 23), AVC was significantly associated with the presence of CAP [odds ratio (OR), 3.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43–7.95], the presence of PAD (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.10–2.81), the CAP score (per 1.0-point increase) (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11), and the ankle-brachial blood pressure index (per 0.1-point increase) (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72–0.95).

Conclusions
AVC was associated with atherosclerotic lesions independent of kidney function and mineral metabolism. We consider that this association between AVC and atherosclerosis might reflect the burden of shared atherosclerotic risk factors.
Effectiveness of a theory-based back care intervention on spine-related behavior among pupils: a school-based randomised controlled trial (T-Bak study)
Authors: Akbari-Chehrehbargh Zahra , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Montazeri Ali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Children’s health and welfare have a special place in research and policy in many countries. One of the most important concerns is the increasing rate of backache in children due to many of behavioral risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on promoting back-related behavior as well as knowledge, skills, beliefs, and self-efficacy among fifth grade girls.

Methods
The theory-based back care (T-Bak) study was a school-based randomised controlled trial (RCT) that assessed the effectiveness of developing a back care training program based on the social cognitive theory (SCT). A total of 104 schoolchildren aged 11 ± 1.0 years were assigned to intervention (n = 52) and control (n = 52) groups. The intervention group received six sessions training on proper lifting and carrying techniques, having proper posture during daily activities, and correct backpack wearing techniques with a 1-week interval while the control group received nothing. Then, the two groups were assessed for knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, beliefs, and behavior at four points in time: baseline, immediate, three and six-months post-intervention. The changes of the outcomes investigated using univariate repeated measures analysis of variance. Partial eta squared measure (ηp2) was used to calculate effect sizes.

Results
A positive change was found for the intervention group back-related behavior from baseline to immediate post-intervention and follow-ups (F = 78.865, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.22). Overall there were 36.4% improvement for knowledge (ηp2 = 0.21), 53.2% for the skills (ηp2 = 0.25), 19.5% for the self-efficacy (ηp2 = 0.11), and 25.6% for the beliefs (ηp2 = 0.14) scores from baseline to 6 months’ follow-up assessments among the intervention group (p < 0.001). The results also showed a significant interaction effect between group and time.

Conclusion
The T-Bak intervention was effective in improving back-related behavior in pupils. It is now available and could be evaluated further in back-care related studies.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials IRCT20180528039885N1, 30th Oct 2018, ‘Prospectively registered’. https://www.irct.ir/trial/31534
Addressing the quality and scope of paediatric primary care in South Africa: evaluating contextual impacts of the introduction of the Practical Approach to Care Kit for children (PACK Child)
Authors: Murdoch Jamie , Curran Robyn , Cornick Ruth , Picken Sandy , Bachmann Max , Bateman Eric , Simelane Makhosazana Lungile , Fairall Lara 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite significant reductions in mortality, preventable and treatable conditions remain leading causes of death and illness in children in South Africa. The PACK Child intervention, comprising clinical decision support tool (guide), training strategy and health systems strengthening components, was developed to expand on WHO’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illness programme, extending care of children under 5 years to those aged 0–13 years, those with chronic conditions needing regular follow-up, integration of curative and preventive measures and routine care of the well child. In 2017–2018, PACK Child was piloted in 10 primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape Province. Here we report findings from an investigation into the contextual features of South African primary care that shaped how clinicians delivered the PACK Child intervention within clinical consultations.MethodsProcess evaluation using linguistic ethnographic methodology which provides analytical tools for investigating human behaviour, and the shifting meaning of talk and text within context. Methods included semi-structured interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation, audio-recorded consultations and documentary analysis. Analysis focused on how mapped contextual features structured clinician-caregiver interactions.ResultsPrimary healthcare facilities demonstrated an institutionalised orientation to minimising risk upheld by provincial documentation, providing curative episodic care to children presenting with acute symptoms, and preventive care including immunisations, feeding and growth monitoring, all in children 5 years or younger. Children with chronic illnesses such as asthma rarely receive routine care. These contextual features constrained the ability of clinicians to use the PACK Child guide to facilitate diagnosis of long-term conditions, elicit and manage psychosocial issues, and navigate use of the guide alongside provincial documentation.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence that PACK Child is catalysing a transition to an approach that strikes a balance between assessing and minimising risk on the day of acute presentation and a larger remit of care for children over time. However, optimising success of the intervention requires reviewing priorities for paediatric care which will facilitate enhanced skills, knowledge and deployment of clinical staff to better address acute illnesses and long-term health conditions of children of all ages, as well as complex psychosocial issues surrounding the child.
Quantitative CT-based structural alterations of segmental airways in cement dust-exposed subjects
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Cho Hyun Bin , Kim Woo Jin , Lee Chang Hyun , Chae Kum Ju , Choi So-Hyun , Lee Kyeong Eun , Bak So Hyeon , Kwon Sung Ok , Jin Gong Yong , Choi Jiwoong , Park Eun-Kee , Lin Ching-Long , Hoffman Eric A. , Choi Sanghun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Dust exposure has been reported as a risk factor of pulmonary disease, leading to alterations of segmental airways and parenchymal lungs. This study aims to investigate alterations of quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based airway structural and functional metrics due to cement-dust exposure.

Methods
To reduce confounding factors, subjects with normal spirometry without fibrosis, asthma and pneumonia histories were only selected, and a propensity score matching was applied to match age, sex, height, smoking status, and pack-years. Thus, from a larger data set (N = 609), only 41 cement dust-exposed subjects were compared with 164 non-cement dust-exposed subjects. QCT imaging metrics of airway hydraulic diameter (Dh), wall thickness (WT), and bifurcation angle (θ) were extracted at total lung capacity (TLC) and functional residual capacity (FRC), along with their deformation ratios between TLC and FRC.

Results
In TLC scan, dust-exposed subjects showed a decrease of Dh (airway narrowing) especially at lower-lobes (p < 0.05), an increase of WT (wall thickening) at all segmental airways (p < 0.05), and an alteration of θ at most of the central airways (p < 0.001) compared with non-dust-exposed subjects. Furthermore, dust-exposed subjects had smaller deformation ratios of WT at the segmental airways (p < 0.05) and θ at the right main bronchi and left main bronchi (p < 0.01), indicating airway stiffness.

Conclusions
Dust-exposed subjects with normal spirometry demonstrated airway narrowing at lower-lobes, wall thickening at all segmental airways, a different bifurcation angle at central airways, and a loss of airway wall elasticity at lower-lobes. The airway structural alterations may indicate different airway pathophysiology due to cement dusts.
A demonstration of high field-of-view stability in hands-free echocardiography
Authors: Sjoerdsma Marloes , Fixsen Louis S , Schoots Thijs , van de Vosse Frans N , Lopata Richard GP 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Exercise stress echocardiography is clinically used to assess cardiovascular diseases. For accurate cardiac evaluation, a stable field-of-view is required. However, transducer orientation and position are difficult to preserve. Hands-free acquisitions might provide more consistent and reproducible results. In this study, the field-of-view stability and variability of hands-free acquisitions are objectively quantified in a comparison with manually obtained images, based on image structural and feature similarities. In addition, the feasibility and consistency of hands-free strain imaging is assessed.

Methods
In twelve healthy males, apical and parasternal images were acquired hands-free, using a fixation device, and manually, during semi-supine exercise sessions. In the final ten seconds of every exercise period, the image structural similarity and cardiac feature consistency were computed using a steerable pyramid employing complex, oriented wavelets. An algorithm discarding images displaying lung artifacts was created. Hands-free strain consistency was analyzed.

Results
Hands-free acquisitions were possible in 9 of the 12 subjects, whereas manually 10 out of 12 could be imaged. The image structural similarity was significantly improved in the hands-free apical window acquisitions (0.91 versus 0.82), and at least equally good in the parasternal window (0.90 versus 0.82). The change in curvature and orientation of the interventricular septum also appeared to be lower in the hands-free acquisitions. The variability in field-of-view was similar in both acquisitions. Longitudinal, septal strain was shown to be at least as consistent when obtained hands-free compared to manual acquisitions.

Conclusions
The field-of-view was shown to be more or equally stable and consistent in the hands-free data in comparison to manually obtained images. The variability was similar, thus respiration- and exercise-induced motions were comparable for manual and hands-free acquisitions. Additionally, the feasibility of hands-free strain has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the results suggest the hands-free measurements to be more reproducible, though further analysis is required.
MR-guided proton therapy: a review and a preview
Authors: Hoffmann Aswin , Oborn Bradley , Moteabbed Maryam , Yan Susu , Bortfeld Thomas , Knopf Antje , Fuchs Herman , Georg Dietmar , Seco Joao , Spadea Maria Francesca , Jäkel Oliver , Kurz Christopher , Parodi Katia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The targeting accuracy of proton therapy (PT) for moving soft-tissue tumours is expected to greatly improve by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. The integration of MRI and PT at the treatment isocenter would offer the opportunity of combining the unparalleled soft-tissue contrast and real-time imaging capabilities of MRI with the most conformal dose distribution and best dose steering capability provided by modern PT. However, hybrid systems for MR-integrated PT (MRiPT) have not been realized so far due to a number of hitherto open technological challenges. In recent years, various research groups have started addressing these challenges and exploring the technical feasibility and clinical potential of MRiPT. The aim of this contribution is to review the different aspects of MRiPT, to report on the status quo and to identify important future research topics.

Methods
Four aspects currently under study and their future directions are discussed: modelling and experimental investigations of electromagnetic interactions between the MRI and PT systems, integration of MRiPT workflows in clinical facilities, proton dose calculation algorithms in magnetic fields, and MRI-only based proton treatment planning approaches.

Conclusions
Although MRiPT is still in its infancy, significant progress on all four aspects has been made, showing promising results that justify further efforts for research and development to be undertaken. First non-clinical research solutions have recently been realized and are being thoroughly characterized. The prospect that first prototype MRiPT systems for clinical use will likely exist within the next 5 to 10 years seems realistic, but requires significant work to be performed by collaborative efforts of research groups and industrial partners.
On the pitfalls of PTV in lung SBRT using type-B dose engine: an analysis of PTV and worst case scenario concepts for treatment plan optimization
Authors: Leung Ronnie Wing King , Chan Mark Ka Heng , Chiang Chi-Leung , Wong Matthew , Blanck Oliver 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
PTV concept is presumed to introduce excessive and inconsistent GTV dose in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). That GTV median dose prescription (D50) and robust optimization are viable PTV–free solution (ICRU 91 report) to harmonize the GTV dose was investigated by comparisons with PTV–based SBRT plans.

Methods
Thirteen SBRT plans were optimized for 54 Gy / 3 fractions and prescribed (i) to 95% of the PTV (D95) expanded 5 mm from the ITV on the averaged intensity project (AIP) CT, i.e., PTVITV, (ii) to D95 of PTV derived from the van Herk (VH)‘s margin recipe on the mid–ventilation (MidV)–CT, i.e., PTVVH, (iii) to ITV D98 by worst case scenario (WCS) optimization on AIP,i.e., WCSITV and (iv) to GTV D98 by WCS using all 4DCT images, i.e., WCSGTV. These plans were subsequently recalculated on all 4DCT images and deformably summed on the MidV–CT. The dose differences between these plans were compared for the GTV and selected normal organs by the Friedman tests while the variability was compared by the Levene’s tests. The phase–to–phase changes of GTV dose through the respiration were assessed as an indirect measure of the possible increase of photon fluence owing to the type–B dose engine. Finally, all plans were renormalized to GTV D50 and all the dosimetric analyses were repeated to assess the relative influences of the SBRT planning concept and prescription method on the variability of target dose.

Results
By coverage prescriptions (i) to (iv), significantly smaller chest wall volume receiving ≥30 Gy (CWV30) and normal lung ≥20 Gy (NLV20Gy) were achieved by WCSITV and WCSGTV compared to PTVITV and PTVVH (p > 0.05). These plans differed significantly in the recalculated and summed GTV D2, D50 and D98 (p <  0.05). The inter–patient variability of all GTV dose parameters is however equal between these plans (Levene’s tests; p > 0.05). Renormalizing these plans to GTV D50 reduces their differences in GTV D2, and D98 to insignificant level (p > 0.05) and their inter–patient variability of all GTV dose parameters. None of these plans showed significant differences in GTV D2, D50 and D98 between respiratory phases, nor their inter–phase variability is significant.

Conclusion
Inconsistent GTV dose is not unique to PTV concept but occurs to other PTV–free concept in lung SBRT. GTV D50 renormalization effectively harmonizes the target dose among patients and SBRT concepts of geometric uncertainty management.
Laparoscopic omental flap for the treatment of thoracic aortic graft infection: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Sun Junfeng , Yao Xingxing , Zhao Guochang , Sun Fuqiang , Sheng Weiyong , Lu Fanfan , Zhan Haibo , Liu Chao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Thoracic aortic graft infection (TAGI) is a rare and serious complication after surgery for which the treatment is controversial and challenging. Rather than following the traditional surgical strategy of graft replacement and extensive debridement, we have chosen to preserve the graft and cover it by a laparoscopic omental flap. In this article, we describe the clinical manifestation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment of this disease and analyze the role of laparoscopic omental flaps in its treatment.

Case presentation
We present two cases of thoracic aortic graft infections that had undergone surgical graft replacement for acute Stanford type A dissection. Their clinical manifestation of infection was atypical, with computed tomography suggesting infection of the grafts. Both patients were successfully treated with debridement, laparoscopic omental transposition, and antibiotics. The first case, a 55-year-old male, was found to have an infection at the aortic arch. The second case is a 52-year-old male who was found to have infection at the ascending aorta and arch. Surprisingly, both intraoperative cultures were negative. The infections were brought under control and the patients recovered steadily after surgery. Early follow-up results showed no signs of graft infection.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that graft replacement for the treatment of TAGI is not always necessary in selected patients. Conservative surgical treatment, including laparoscopic omental transposition, is effective and less invasive for treating TAGI.