bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Important risk factors for gallstones after laparoscopic gastrectomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Fujita Shohei , Kimata Masaru , Matsumoto Kenji , Sasakura Yuichi , Terauchi Toshiaki , Furukawa Junji , Ogata Yoshiro , Kobayashi Kenji , Shinozaki Hiroharu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The frequency of gallstones is higher in patients who have undergone gastrectomy than in the general population. While there have been some studies of gallstone formation after open gastrectomy, there are few reports of gallstones after LG. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of gallstones after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 184 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy between January 2011 and May 2016 at Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital. After gastrectomy, abdominal ultrasonography was generally performed every 6 months until 5 years later. Patients who underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy or with an observation period of < 24 months were excluded from the study. Ninety patients were ultimately analyzed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed whenever biliary complications occurred.Results: Gallstones were detected after laparoscopic gastrectomy in 27 of the 90 (30%) cases. Multivariate analysis identified Roux-en-Y reconstruction and male sex as significant risk factors for gallstones after gastrectomy. Symptomatic gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were found in 6 cases (6/27, 22%), and all patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Conclusion: Roux-en-Y reconstruction was identified as a significant risk factor for gallstones after laparoscopic gastrectomy.
Apatinib combined with PD-L1 blockade synergistically enhances antitumor immune responses and promotes HEV formation in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Fei , Sun Haoran , Huang Yakai , Gao Jianpeng , Huang Hua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Apatinib, an antiangiogenic drug, has showed beneficial effects only in a fraction of advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients. Given the recent success of immunotherapies, combination of apatinib with immune checkpoint inhibitor may provide sustained and potent antitumor responses.Methods: Immunocompetent mice with subcutaneous MFC tumors grown were given combination of apatinib and anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy. GC tissues from patients undergoing curative resection in China were collected, and the density of HEVs, MSI status and tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.Results: Combined apatinib and PD-L1 blockade therapy synergistically delayed tumor growth and increased survival in MFC-bearing immunocompetent mice. The combination therapy promoted antitumor immunity by increasing the ratio of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to Foxp3+ Treg cells, the accumulation of CD20+ B cells and the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio (IFN-γ/IL-10). The combination therapy induced the formation of HEVs through activation of LTβR signaling mediated by DCs, thus promoting CD8+ cytotoxic T cell and CD20+ B cell infiltration in tumors. In clinical GC samples, the density of HEVs positively correlated with the intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells. MSI-high GC showed a higher density of HEVs, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells than MSS/MSI-low GC. GC patients with high densities of HEVs, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD20+ B cells had an improved prognosis with superior overall survival.Conclusions: Combining apatinib with PD-L1 blockade treatment synergistically enhances antitumor immune responses and promotes HEV formation in GC.
Pathogenic Functions of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6 Signaling Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Huang Huan , Xia Anqi , Sun Li , Lu Chun , Liu Ying , Zhu Zhenjie , Wang Siye , Cai Junyan , Zhou Xiaoyun , Liu Su 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNeuroinflammation contributes to delayed (secondary) neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) signaling may promote post-TBI neuroinflammation, thereby exacerbating secondary injury.MethodsThis study investigated the pathogenic functions of TRAF6 signaling following TBI in vivo and in vitro. A rat TBI model was established by air pressure contusion while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure was used to induce inflammatory-like responses in cultured astrocytes. Model rats were examined for cell-specific expression of TRAF6, NF-κB, phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB, MAPKs (ERK, JNK, p38), p-MAPKs, chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL1), and chemokine receptors (CCR2 and CXCR2) by immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA, for apoptosis by TUNEL staining, and spatial cognition by Morris water maze testing. These measurements were compared between TBI model rats receiving intracerebral injections of TRAF6-targeted RNAi vector (AAV9-TRAF6-RNAi), empty vector, MAPK/NF-κB inhibitors, or vehicle. Primary astrocytes were stimulated with LPS following TRAF6 siRNA or control transfection, and NF-κB, MAPKs, chemokine, and chemokine receptor expression levels evaluated by western blotting and ELISA. ResultsTRAF6 was expressed mainly in astrocytes and neurons of injured cortex, peaking 3 days post-TBI. Knockdown by AAV9-TRAF6-RNAi improved spatial learning and memory, decreased TUNEL-positive cell number in injured cortex, and downregulated expression levels of p-NF-κB, p-JNK, p-ERK, p-p38, CCL2, CCR2, CXCL1, and CXCR2 post-TBI. Inhibitors of NF-κB, ERK, JNK, and p38 significantly suppressed CCL2, CCR2, CXCL1, and CXCR2 expression following TBI. Furthermore, TRAF6-siRNA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB, ERK, JNK, p38, CCL2, and CXCL1 upregulation in cultured astrocytes.ConclusionsTargeting TRAF6-MAPK/NF-κB-chemokine signaling pathways may provide a novel therapeutic approach for reducing post-TBI neuroinflammation and concomitant secondary injury.
Obesity and Metabolic Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder: Do Patients on Lithium Comprise A Subgroup? A Naturalistic Study.
Authors: Prillo Jake , Soh Jocelyn Fotso , Dols Annemick , Park Haley , Beaulieu Serge , Linnaranta Outi , Rej Soham 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Bipolar disorders (BD) are associated with increased prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nevertheless, there is a wide range in prevalence estimates, and little is known about the relative contributions of medications, especially lithium. We hypothesized that lithium use is not associated with increased body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes (DM II), when compared to non-lithium users (those on anticonvulsants (ACs) or second-generation antipsychotics (APs)). Methods: Cross-sectional study of 129 patients aged 18-85 with bipolar disorder, followed at tertiary care clinics in Montreal. Patients using lithium were compared with those not on lithium, for body mass index and metabolic syndrome. Results: The prevalence of obesity and MetS in the sample of lithium-using bipolar patients was 42.4% and 34.9%, respectively, with an average BMI of 29.10 (+/-6.70). Lithium and non-lithium groups did not differ in BMI or prevalence of MetS. However, compared to the non-lithium group, lithium users had lower hemoglobin A1C (5.24 +/- 0.53 versus 6.01 +/- 1.83, U=753.5, p=0.006) and lower triglycerides (1.46 +/- 0.88 versus 2.01 +/-1.25, U=947, p=0.020). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among bipolar disorder patients. However, this did not appear to be associated with lithium use, when compared to those not on lithium. The lithium subgroup was also associated with lower prevalence of type II diabetes. Future prospective and intervention studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further explore the association between lithium and insulin resistance, as well as its underlying mechanisms.
Brucellosis Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Case Series of Fourteen Patients
Authors: Su WeiLiang , Dai GuoHua , Guo Zhu , Liu Chang , Yang Shuai , Wu XiaoLin , Qiu ChenSheng , Xiang HongFei , Chen BoHua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: In the present study, we aimed to describe the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Brucellosis spinal epidural abscess (BSEA). Methods: The complete clinical data of 14 BSEA patients who were treated in our hospital system from January 2014 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of 60 BSEA cases collected from the English literature from 1994 to 2019 were also investigated. Results: 3 cases were positive for blood culture, 6 cases were positive for Brucella latex agglutination test, and 9 cases were positive for tissue culture. All 14 cases showed focal spinal pain, 11 cases showed neurological deficits, and 7 cases showed fever. Of the 14 cases, 12 involved the lumbosacral spine and 2 involved the cervical spine. 13 cases were cured, 1 case left limb numbness, and the follow-up time was 12-20 months. Conclusion: The classic diagnosis of triad (focal spinal pain, neurological deficit and fever) is less specific for the diagnosis of BSEA. MRI examination can find epidural abscess, brucella latex agglutination test, blood culture, tissue culture and biopsy can be used for etiological diagnosis. Brucellosis is an uncommon cause of epidural abscess. For BSEA, early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment should be performed, and the most suitable treatment method should be selected through comprehensive evaluation.
Associations of Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome in Air-Conditioned Lecture Halls
Authors: Jayasooriya V M , Rajapaksha R M D H , Ng A W M , Muthukumaran S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Indoor Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations and its impacts on health and wellbeing of the occupants is a widely discussed topic in building science. Although there is an abundance of knowledge on relationships between the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) of office environments and naturally ventilated buildings, there is yet a limited knowledge available on associations’ of SBS in the students of higher educational facilities especially in air-conditioned lecture halls. To fill this research gap, present study has analyzed indoor CO 2 levels of 5 air-conditioned lecture halls with varying occupant densities for ongoing lectures of 2 hours. Statistically significant (α<0.05) strong positive correlation (R= 0.856) was shown between the occupant density and the CO 2 levels of the selected lecture halls. The results from the ordinal logistic regression shows significant odds ratios (OR>1, at 95% confidence interval) for the prevalence of symptoms such as headache, difficulties in concentration, dry throat, cough and tiredness/lethargy for certain lecture halls with high occupant densities. The results of the present study highlight the importance of adhering to proper design standards of lecture halls, optimum occupant control and selection of efficient air conditioning systems to maintain the health and wellbeing of higher education students.
Domain Multiplexed Computer-generated Holography by Embedded Wavevector Filtering Algorithm
Authors: Wu Lin , Zhang Ziyang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Computer-generated holography can obtain the wavefront required for constructing arbitrary intensity distributions in space. Currently, speckle noises in holography remain an issue for most computational methods. In addition, there lacks a multiplexing technology by which images from a single hologram and light source can be switched by a lens. In this work, we first come up with a new algorithm to generate holograms to project smoother images by wavevector filtering. Thereupon, we propose a unique multiplexing scheme enabled by a Fourier lens, as the incident light can be decomposed either by a superposition of spherical waves or plane waves. Different images are obtained experimentally in the spatial and wavevector domains, switchable by a lens. The embedded wavevector filtering algorithm provides a new prospective for speckle suppression without the need for postprocessing. The multiplexing technology can double the capacity of current holographic systems and exhibits potential for various interesting display applications.
Preoperative C-Reactive Protein as A Predictor of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Alsaif Sufana , Rogers Ailín C , Pua Priscilla , Casey Paul T , Aherne Geoff G , Brannigan Ann E , Mulsow Jurgen J , Shields Conor J , Cahill Ronan A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory markers are measured following colorectal surgery to detect postoperative complications. However, the association of these markers preoperatively with subsequent postoperative course has not yet been usefully studied. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the ability of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory marker measurements in the prediction of postoperative morbidity after elective colorectal surgery. Methods: This retrospective study catalogues 218 patients undergoing elective, potentially-curative surgery for colorectal neoplasia. Preoperative laboratory results of the full blood count (FBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were recorded. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine preoperative variables against 30-day postoperative complications by type and grade (Clavien-Dindo (CD)), adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, medical history, open versus laparoscopic operation, and tumor characteristics. Results: Elevated preoperative CRP (≥ 5 mg/L) was significantly predictive of all-cause mortality, with an OR of 17.0 (p < 0.001) and was the strongest factor to predict a CD morbidity grade ≥ 3 (OR 41.9, p < 0.001). Other factors predictive of CD morbidity grade ≥ 3 included smoking, elevated preoperative platelet count and elevated preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (OR 15.6, 8.6 and 6.3 respectively, all p < 0.05). CRP values above 5.5 mg/L were indicative of all-cause morbidity (AUC=0.871), and values above 17.5 mg/L predicted severe complications (AUC=0.934). Conclusions: Elevated preoperative CRP predicts increased postoperative morbidity in this patient cohort. The results herein aid risk and resource stratification and encourage preoperative assessment of inflammatory propensity besides simple sepsis exclusion.
CYP&nbsp;3A5*3 Gene Polymorphism Among Sudanese Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia&nbsp;
Authors: Abdallah Elharam Ibrahim , M.Alamin Nazic Ibrahim , Elradi Wala Eldin Osman , Elzaki Salah Eldin G. , Shrif NassrEldin Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Interaction of environmental and genetic elements plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of CML and other types of cancer. CYP 3A5 is enzyme responsible of metabolizing of approximately 50 % of therapeutic drugs and xenobiotics. So polymorphism variation may genetically predispose individuals to CML.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine CYP3A5*3 Polymorphism among Sudanese patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).Materials and Methods: This case control study was conducted among 50 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia among both genders at different ages and 42 apparently healthy control subjects. The CYP3A5*3 genotype was determined using (PCR-RFLP) method.Results: Paerson`s chi-square test was used to assess the possible link between CYP3A5*3 genotype and CML. The percentage of CYP3A5*3*3 genotype in CML patients was significantly higher than in control (OR = 11.71, 95% CI: 4.30 –31.83; p =0.000). The frequency of mutant genotype was higher among CML patients with advance phase compared with chronic phase, 100% versus 80% respectively.Conclusion: CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype associated with CML development and progression.
Alleviatory Effects of Danshen, Salvianolic Acid A and Salvianolic Acid B on Pc12 Neuronal Cells and Drosophila Melanogaster Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: TAN Florence Hui Ping , Ting Andrew Chung Jie , Najimudin Nazalan , WATANABE Nobumoto , LEOW Ban Guan , AZZAM Ghows 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Its pathogenesis involves the hallmark aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Of all the Aβ oligomers formed in the brain, Aβ42 has been found to be the most toxic and aggressive. Despite this, the mechanism behind this disease remains elusive. Danshen water extract (DWE), obtained from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, was found to have a vast array of beneficial properties. In this study, DWE, and its major components, Salvianolic acid A (SalA) and Salvianolic acid B (SalB) were tested for their abilities to attenuate Aβ42’s toxic effects.Methods: The compounds were first verified for their ability to diminish Aβ42 fibrillation using an in vitro activity assay. Since Aβ42 aggregation results in neuronal degeneration, the potential Aβ42 inhibitors were next evaluated on Aβ42-exposed PC12 neuronal cells as well as the Drosophila melanogaster model organism. Results: DWE, SalA and SalB were shown to be able to reduce fibrillation of Aβ42. When tested on PC12 neuronal cells, DWE, SalA and SalB ameliorated cells from cell death associated with Aβ42 exposure. Next, DWE and its components were tested on the Drosophila melanogaster AD model and their rescue effects were further characterized. When human Aβ42 was expressed, the Drosophila exhibited degenerated eye structures known as the rough eye phenotype (REP), reduced lifespan and deteriorated locomotor ability. Administration of DWE, SalA and SalB partially reverted the REP, increased the age of AD Drosophila and improved most of the mobility of AD Drosophila. Conclusion: Collectively, DWE and its components may have therapeutic potential for AD patients and possibly other forms of brain diseases.Trial Registration: Not applicable
Impact of Surface Modification on Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Vranic Sandra , Watanabe Eri , Miyakawa Kayoko , Takeuchi Sakie , Osada Yurika , Ichihara Sahoko , Zong Cai , Wu Wenting , Sakurai Toshihiro , Sato Akira , Hara Yasushi , Suzuki Toshihiro , Abe Ryo , Boland Sonja , Tran Lang , Ichihara Gaku 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are widely used in industrial products as additives for rubber and plastics or as filler strengthening concrete, as well as being used in the biomedical field for drug delivery and theranostic purposes. The present study investigated the effects of amino or carboxyl functionalization of rhodamine-labeled SiO2 NPs on cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. Methods: Male mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6, each) and exposed to non-functionalized (plain), carboxyl or amino-functionalized rhodamine-labeled SiO2 NPs at 2 or 10 mg/kg bw, or endotoxin-free water, by pharyngeal aspiration. At 24 hours after administration, the mice were euthanized and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for differential cell count and identification of silica nanoparticle uptake using confocal microscopy. In the in vitro studies, murine RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to non-functionalized, amino- or carboxyl-functionalized Rhodamine-labeled SiO2 NPs. Nonspecific caspase inhibitor and necrostatin-1 were used to determine the involvement of caspase or receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase domain in the cytotoxicity. Results: The in vivo study demonstrated that the neutrophil and macrophage counts and the percentage of macrophages with internalized particles was highest in the order of carboxyl >= amino- > > non-functionalized particles. The in vitro study demonstrated greater cytotoxicity for non-functionalized silica nanoparticles, compared to the others. Treatment with non-specific caspase or necroptosis inhibitor did not attenuate MTS cytotoxicity of non-functionalized silica nanoparticles. Conclusion: We conclude that carboxyl-functionalzed SiO2 NPs are internalized by macrophages more efficiently but less cytotoxic than plain SiO2 NPs. The cytotoxic effect of plain SiO2 NPs, which cannot be explained by apoptosis or necroptosis, can be avoided by carboxyl- or amino- functionalization.
Potential Health Impact of Increasing Adoption of Sustainable Dietary Practices in Sweden
Authors: Patterson Emma , Colombo Patricia Eustachio , Milner James , Green Rosemary , Elinder Liselotte Schäfer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAn urgent transition to more sustainable diets is necessary for the improvement of human and planetary health. One way to achieve this is for sustainable practices to become mainstream. We estimated the potential health impact of wider adoption of dietary practices deemed by consumers, researchers and stakeholders in Sweden to be niche, sustainable and with the potential to be scaled up.MethodsA life table method was used to estimate the impact - changes in years of life lost (YLL) - over periods of 20 and 30 years in the Swedish population had the practices been adopted in 2010-11, when the last national adult dietary survey was conducted. The practices modelled were reducing red and processed meat (by 25%, 50% and 100%), and assuming, for each stage, replacement by an equal weight of poultry/fish and vegetables +/- legumes; reducing milk intake (by 25%, 50% and 100%); and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake (by 25%, 50% and 100%). Using population data together with data on cause-specific mortality and relative risks for diet-disease outcomes, impacts were estimated for each scenario separately and in combination, for the outcomes ischaemic heart disease (IHD), ischaemic stroke, diabetes type 2 and colorectal cancer.ResultsFor a “moderate” combination of scenarios (changes at the 50% level), reductions of 513,200 YLL (lower-upper uncertainty estimate 59,400-797,900) could have been achieved over 20 years and 1,148,500 YLL (135,900-1,786,600) over 30 years. The majority (over 90%) of YLLs prevented were related to IHD, and the majority were in men. The singular practice that had the most impact was reducing the intake of red and processed meat and replacing it with a mixture of vegetables and legumes. Reducing milk intake resulted in an increase in YLL, but this was compensated for by other scenarios. ConclusionIf these practices were more widely adopted, they would be expected to lead to improvements in public health in Sweden. Over the long term, this would translate to many premature deaths postponed or prevented from a number of chronic diseases, to the benefit of individuals, society, the climate and the economy.