bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquired Radioresistance in Cancer Associated Fibroblasts is Concomitant with Enhanced Antioxidant Potential and DNA Repair Capacity
Authors: Domogauer Jason D. , de Toledo Sonia M. , Howell Roger W. , Azzam Edouard I. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the cancer stroma, and their response to therapeutic treatments likely impacts the outcome. We tested the hypothesis that CAFs develop unique characteristics that enhance their resistance to ionizing radiation. Methods: CAFs were generated through intimate coculture of normal human fibroblasts of skin or lung origin with various human cancer cell types using permeable microporous membrane inserts. Fibroblasts and cancer cells are grown intimately, yet separately, on either side of the insert’s membrane for extended times to generate activated fibroblast populations highly enriched in CAFs. Results: The generated CAFs exhibited a decrease in Caveolin-1 protein expression levels, a CAF biomarker, which was further enhanced when the coculture was maintained under in-vivo -like oxygen tension conditions. The level of p21 Waf1 was also attenuated, a characteristic also associated with accelerated tumor growth. Furthermore, the generated CAFs experienced perturbations in their redox environment as demonstrated by increases in protein carbonylation, mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and modulation of the activity of the antioxidants, manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase. Propagation of the isolated CAFs for 25 population doublings was associated with enhanced genomic instability and a decrease in expression of the senescence markers β-galactosidase and p16 INK4a . With relevance to radiotherapeutic treatments, CAFs in coculture with cancer cells of diverse origins (breast, brain, lung, and prostate) were resistant to the clastogenic effects of 137 Cs γ rays compared to naïve fibroblasts. Addition of repair inhibitors of single- or double-stranded DNA breaks attenuated the resistance of CAFs to the clastogenic effects of g rays, supporting a role for increased ability to repair DNA damage in CAF radioresistance. Conclusions : This study reveals that CAFs are radioresistant and experience significant changes in indices of oxidative metabolism. The CAFs that survive radiation treatment likely modulate the fate of the associated cancer cells. Identifying them together with their mode of communication with cancer cells, and eradicating them, particularly when they may exist at the margin of the radiotherapy planning treatment volume (PTV), may improve the efficacy of cancer treatments.
The relation between dietary phytochemical index and metabolic syndrome and its components in a large sample of Iranian adults: A population-based study
Authors: Vasmehjani Azam Ahmadi , Darabi Zahra , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Mirzaei Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There is growing agreement that plant foods-based phytochemicals have a protective role against chronic diseases. Current study was to appraise Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.Methods: A cross sectional study of 1097 men , 1220 women and aged 20-70 years assessed dietary intake using a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. DPI is calculated based on dietary energy derived from phytochemical-rich food sources (kcal)/ total daily energy intake (kcal). Results: After adjustment for all potential confounders, the risk of MetS (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.41-0.96, P=0.03) and elevated blood pressure (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.40-0.96, P=0.03) in second category of DPI compared to the first significantly decreased. After full adjustment for confounders, women in the highest quartile of DPI compared with the lowest, had 59% lower risk of MetS (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.22-0.76, P=0.005). In second quartiles of DPI, the risk of MetS decreased by 62% (OR=0.38, 95% CI=0.16-0.90, P=0.02) in participants with normal BMI and 29% in subjects with high BMI (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.52-0.99, P=0.04), and also 57% in men (OR=0.43, 95%CI=0.23-0.83, P=0.01). Independent of variables including age, sex and total energy intake, subjects in second and fourth quartiles of DPI had 30% and 25% lower risk of abdominal obesity, respectively.Conclusions: Greater adherence to phytochemical-rich diet could reduce odds of MetS and some components especially in women. Further studies with intervention approaches are warranted.
Public Health Practitioner Perspectives on Dealing with Measles Outbreaks in Areas with high Anti-vaccination Sentiment
Authors: Robinson Penelope , Wiley Kerrie , Degeling Chris 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCommunities with low vaccination rates are at greater risk during outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Most Australian parents support vaccines, but some refuse and are often judged harshly by their community, especially during an outbreak. We sought the perspectives of Australian public health experts on the key issues faced when managing a measles outbreak in an area with high anti-vaccination sentiment.MethodsA measles outbreak scenario formed the basis of a 3-round modified Delphi process to identify key practitioner concerns in relation to parents/carers who don’t follow the recommended vaccination schedule. We surveyed a range of professionals in the field: policymakers, infectious disease experts, immunisation program staff, and others involved in delivering childhood vaccinations, to identify key priorities when responding to an outbreak in a community with low vaccination coverage.ResultsFindings indicate that responses to measles outbreaks in communities with high anti-vaccination sentiment are motivated by concerns about the potential for a much larger outbreak event. The highest operational priority is to isolate infected children. The two most highly ranked practical issues are mistrust from non-vaccinating members of the local region and combatting misinformation about vaccines. Trying to change minds of such individuals is not a priority during an outbreak, nor is vaccinating their children. Using media and social media to provide information about the outbreak and measures the public can take to limit the spread of the disease was a focus.ConclusionsOur findings provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced during an outbreak and priorities for communicating with communities where there is a high level of anti-vaccination sentiment. In the context of a global pandemic, the results of this study also have implications for managing public health responses to community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, if and when a safe and effective vaccine becomes widely available.
Colorectal Resection in Endometriosis Patients: Correlation Between Histopathological Findings and Postoperative Outcome.
Authors: Tschann Peter , Vitlarow Nikola , Hufschmidt Martin , Lechner Daniel , Girotti Paolo , Offner Felix , Abendstein Burghard , Königsrainer Ingmar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
IntroductionEndometriosis is associated with a high number of chronic pelvic pain and reduced quality of life. Colorectal resections in case of bowel involvement of endometriosis is associated with an unneglectable morbidity in young and healthy patients. There is no linear correlation established between the degree of symptoms and stage of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to correlate the histological findings to preoperative pain scores in colorectal resected patients with endometriosis. Methods25 Patients who underwent colorectal resection for endometriosis between 2014 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Pain level was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively via phone call in May 2020. Histopathology was correlated to preoperative symptoms and postoperative outcome. ResultsAverage follow-up time was 38.68 months (±19.92). Preoperative VAS-score was 8.32 (±1.70). We observed a significant reduction of pain level in all patients after surgery (p ≤ 0.005). Pain levels were equal regarding the presence of satellite spots and various degrees of infiltration depth. The resection margins were clear in all patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 cases (24%), anastomotic leakage was observed in 3 patients (12%). Average VAS-score at time of follow-up was 1.70 (±2.54). ConclusionOur data demonstrate that adequate colorectal resection leads to reduction of pain and an increase of quality of life irrespective of histopathological findings. An experienced team is necessary in order to improve intraoperative outcome and to reduce postoperative morbidity in case of complication.
Spontaneous Regression of an Arteriovenous Fistula Between Paravertebral Venous Plexus and the Vertebral Artery: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Zhang Guangxu , Bai Xingcheng , Zhao Jinbing , Ma Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Spontaneous regression of huge vertebral arteriovenous fistula (AV fistulas) due to acupuncture procedure is a rare phenomenon. The clinical presentations, management, prognosis of this type arteriovenous fistula has been rarely reported. In addition, we exclusively analyzed the possible reasons for its spontaneous regression.Case presentation: A 57-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 2-month history of progressively worsening headache and high-pitched tinnitus after acupuncture and massage in the neck and the left mastoid region. Later Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) confirmed the presence of arteriovenous fistulas at cervical 2-3 (C2-3) level, lying between the paravertebral venous plexus and the left vertebral artery. The patient had a background of hypertension, hypothyroidism and hysterectomy. The arteriovenous fistulas disappeared mysteriously, possibly because of the motion of the left vertebral artery and the compression of guide wire against the blood vessel wall. The patient recovered well following conservative treatment of taking atorvastatin calcium tablets (20mg/day), despite delayed recognition and invasive investigation.Conclusion: Adequate evaluation and standardized procedures with Doppler may minimize the associated risks while performing acupuncture. Early application of vascular examination should be considered in patients with typical high-pitched tinnitus and medical history associated with acupuncture treatment. Statins are effective in repairing the lining of blood vessels.
C-Reactive Protein Knock Out Attenuate Temporomandibular Joint Inflammation in Rats
Authors: He Yao , Zhou Mengjiao , Jian Zixiang , Fang Lingli , Huang Lan , Song Jinlin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: C-reactive protein (CRP), as the biomarker for inflammation, high expresses in osteoarthritis (OA) related diseases with exact role been clouded. In this study, we evaluated the biological effect of CRP in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA).Methods: Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA) was used for TMJ inflammation induction in CRP knock out (CRP -/-) and control rats. And TMJ degenerative changes, such as the synovitis performance, TMJ disc morphological changes and cartilage degeneration were compared to elucidate the role of CRP played in TMJ-OA. Results: Compared to control group, CFA induced TMJ inflammation caused systemic and local CRP expression increased. Based on this, CRP -/- rat performed less severe inflammation symptoms. Lower degree of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins IL-1β and IL-6) expression and up-expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were detected in CRP -/- rat, which with less macrophage and activation and osteoclast differentiation.Conclusion: These results indicated that control high elevated CRP level during inflammation should be benefit for TMJ-OA prevention and treatment.
Assessment of in vivo Bone Microarchitecture Changes in a Psoriatic Arthritic Patient Resulting from an Anti-TNFα&nbsp;Treatment
Authors: Soldati Enrico , Escoffier Lucas , Gabriel Sophie , Mattei Jean Pierre , Cammilleri Serge , Bendahan David , Guis Sandrine 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is an inflammatory rheumatism, mediated in part by TNFα and associated with bone loss. Anti-TNFα treatment should inhibit this phenomenon and reduce the systemic bone loss. Ultra-high field MRI (UHF MRI) may be used to quantify bone microarchitecture (BM) in-vivo. In this study, we quantified BM using UHF MRI in a PA patient and followed up the changes related to anti-TNFα treatment.Patients and methods: A non-treated PA patient with knee arthritis and 7 gender-matched controls were scanned using a gradient re-echo sequence at UHF MRI. After a year of Adalimumab treatment, the patient underwent a second UHF MRI. A PET-FNa imaging was performed before and after treatment to identify and localize the abnormal metabolic areas. BM was characterized using typical morphological parameters quantified in 32 regions of interest (ROIs) located in the patella, proximal tibia, and distal femur. Statistical analysis was assessed performing Student T-tests.Results: Before treatment, the BM parameters were statistically different from controls in 24/32 ROIs with differences reaching up to 38%. After treatment, BM parameters were normalized for 15 out of 24 ROIs. The hypermetabolic areas disclosed by PET-FNa before the treatment partly resumed after the treatment.Conclusion: Thanks to UHF MRI, we quantified in-vivo BM anomalies in a PA patient and we illustrated a major reversion after one year of treatment. Moreover, BM results highlighted that the abnormalities were not only localized in hypermetabolic regions identified by PET-FNa, suggesting that the bone loss was global and not related to inflammation.
Comparison of Waist-to-height Ratio, Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype, Triglycerides to HDL-C Ratio and Fasting Plasma Glucose With the Matsuda Index for the Prediction of Insulin Resistance/hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Lechner Katharina , Lechner Benjamin , Crispin Alexander , Schwarz Peter , Bibra Helene Von 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCurrent screening algorithms for type 2 diabetes (T2D) rely on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or HbA1c. This fails to identify a sizeable subgroup of individuals in early stages of metabolic derangement who are at high risk for developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The Matsuda index, a combination of parameters derived from a fasting and postprandial insulin assay, is an early biomarker for metabolic dysfunction (i.e. insulin resistance/compensatory hyperinsulinemia). We compared four widely available anthropometric and biochemical markers indicative of this condition (waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HTW), triglycerides to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and FPG) to the Matsuda index.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 2231 individuals with normal fasting glucose (NFG, n=1333), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 599) and T2D (n=299) from an outpatient diabetes clinic in Germany and thus extended a prior analysis from our group done on the first two subgroups. We analyzed correlations of the Matsuda index with WHtR, HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG and their predictive accuracies by correlation and logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristics.ResultsIn the entire group and in NFG, IFG and T2D, the best associations were observed between the Matsuda index and the WHtR (r=-0,458), followed by HTW phenotype (r=-0,438). As for prediction accuracy, WHtR was superior to HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG in the entire group (area under the curve 0,801) and NFG, IFG and T2D. A multivariable risk score for the prediction of insulin resistance was tested and demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.765 for WHtR and its interaction with sex as predictor controlled by age and sex. The predictive power increased to 0.845 when FPG and TG/HDL-C were included.ConclusionsUsing as a comparator the Matsuda index, WHtR, compared to HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG, showed the best predictive value for detecting metabolic dysregulation. We conclude that WHtR, a widely available anthropometric index, could refine phenotypic screening for insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia. This may ameliorate early identification of individuals who are candidates for appropriate therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the twin epidemic of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in settings where more extended testing such as insulin assays are not feasible.
The Effect of Off-center Placement of Twisted Tape on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in a Circular Tube
Authors: Wang Li , Ni Peiyong , Xi Guannan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study is conducted to investigate the effect of off-center placement of twisted tape on flow distribution and heat transfer in a circular tube. The effect of tape width of 20, 18, 16, 14 and 12 mm on the heat transfer performance is discussed under the same twist ratio of 2.0. The numerical analysis of the flow field, average Nusselt number, friction factor and thermo-hydraulic performance parameter of the tube are discussed with Reynolds number ranged from 2600 to 8760. The results indicate that the Nusselt number of the tube fitted with center-placed twisted tapes at various width is 7~51% higher than the plain tube, and performance in low Reynolds region was found more effective than that in high Reynolds region. The heat transfer for circular tube with twisted tape attached to the wall shows better performance than that for the tube with center-placed twisted tape. With a smaller tape width, a higher increasing ratio of Nu-wall/Nu-center is obtained. The increasing ratio for Nusselt number ranged from 3 to 18%. However, the use of twisted tape inserts is not beneficial for energy saving. The thermo-hydraulic performance parameters for convective heat transfer of helium gas flowing in a circular tube are below unity for the calculated Reynolds region.
Characterization of microbial antifreeze protein with intermediate activity suggests that a bound-water network is essential for hyperactivity
Authors: Khan N. M.-Mofiz , Arai Tatsuya , Tsuda Sakae , Kondo Hidemasa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) inhibit ice growth by adsorbing onto a specific ice plane. Microbial AFPs show diverse antifreeze activity and ice plane specificity, while sharing a common molecular scaffold. To probe the molecular mechanisms responsible for AFP activity, we here characterized the antifreeze activity and crystal structure of TisAFP7 from the snow mold fungus Typhula ishikariensis. TisAFP7 exhibited intermediate activity, with the ability to bind ice basal plane, compared with a hyperactive isoform TisAFP8 and a moderately active isoform TisAFP6. Analysis of the TisAFP7 crystal structure revealed a bound-water network arranged in a zigzag pattern on the surface of the protein’s ice-binding site (IBS). While the three AFP isoforms shared the water network pattern, the network on TisAFP7 IBS was not extensive, which was likely related to its intermediate activity. Analysis of the TisAFP7 crystal structure also revealed the presence of additional water molecules that form a ring-like network surrounding the hydrophobic side chain of a crucial IBS phenylalanine, which might be responsible for the increased adsorption of AFP molecule onto the basal plane. Based on these observations, we propose that the extended water network and hydrophobic hydration at IBS together determine the TisAFP activity.
Sick Leave and Costs in Active Workers With Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain in Spain: Outcomes of the OPIOIDS Real World Study
Authors: Sicras-Mainar Antoni , Tornero Juan Carlos , Vargas F , Lizarraga I , Sicras A , Rejas J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate sick leave and its costs in active workers who initiate opioid treatment for moderate/severe chronic osteoarthritis (OA) pain.MethodsSecondary analysis of the longitudinal, retrospective OPIOIDS study using electronic medical records (EMR) of patients aged ≥ 18 years who started opioid treatment for chronic OA pain between 2010 and 2015 after treatment failure with usual analgesics. The follow-up period was 36 months from the index date, and the days of sick leave and their cost were analyzed.ResultsA total of 5,089 EMRs of OA chronic pain patients aged 56.8 years (SD: 4.6), 56.6% male, were analyzed: 73.3% of patients started treatment with a weak opioid and 26.7% a strong opioid. At 36 months, adherence was 21% (strong opioids 15.4%, weak opioids: 23%; p<0.001), and 77% of patients had at least one sick leave related with OA chronic pain, with a mean total days off work of 93 days in all actively working patients (120.5 days in patients with sick leaves). In 16.9% it lasted ≥ 6 months. Pain reduction was modest (-1.2 points; -4.0%, p<0.001). The cost of sick leave was € 2,594 patient/year and was associated (p<0.05) with age (β-0.043), female sex (β-0.035), comorbidity (β-0.034) and strong opioid use (β-0.037).ConclusionsActive workers who started opioid treatment for chronic osteoarthritis pain showed an increased frequency of sick leave and cost to society, with modest pain reduction. Age, female sex, comorbidity, and strong opioids were factors associated with the cost of sick leave.
Development and Feasibility of the Early Rehabilitation Program on Postoperative Enhanced Recovery Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Funa , Li Lijuan , Mi Yanzhi , Zou Limin , Chu Xiaofei , Sun Aiying , Sun Haibo , Liu Xianben , Xu Xiaoxia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Perioperative rehabilitation management is essential to enhanced recovery after surgery. Few reports, however, focused on quantitative, detailed early activity plans for patients after esophagectomy. Aim: The purpose of this research was to estimate the effect of the Early Rehabilitation Program (ERP) on the recovery of bowel function and physical function for patients undergoing esophagectomy. Method: In this single-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized pilot clinical trial, patients were selected from June 2019 to February 2020 and assigned to the intervention group (IG) or the control group(CG) randomly. The participants in IG received an ERP strategy during the perioperative period, and the CG received routine care. The recovery of bowel and physical function, readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and postoperative hospital stay were evaluated on the day of discharge. Results: 215 cases were enrolled and randomized to the CG (n=108) or IG (n=107). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics and baseline physical function. After the ERP intervention, the IG group presented a significantly shorter time to first flatus (P<0.001) and to first bowel movement postoperative (P=0.024), and a better physical function recovery (P＜0.001), compared with the CG group. The analysis also showed that participants in the IG have higher scores of RHD and shorter length of postoperative stay than the CG (P＜0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the ERP can improve bowel and physical function recovery, ameliorate patients' RHD, and shorten postoperative hospital stay for patients undergoing MIE.Trial registration：ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01998230