bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The piRNA response to BmNPV infection in the silkworm fat body and midgut
Authors: Feng Min , Kolliopoulou Anna , Zhou Yao‐Hong , Fei Shi‐Gang , Xia Jun‐Ming , Swevers Luc , Sun Jing‐Chen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a DNA virus that causes huge losses to the silkworm industry but the piRNA responses during BmNPV infection in the silkworm remain uninvestigated. Here, silkworm piRNA profiles of uninfected and BmNPV‐infected fat body and midgut were determined by high‐through sequencing in the early stages of BmNPV infection. A total of 2675 and 3396 genome‐derived piRNAs were identified from fat body and midgut, respectively. These genome‐derived piRNAs mainly originated from unannotated instead of transposon regions in the silkworm genome. In total, 572 piRNAs were associated with 280 putative target genes in fat body and 805 piRNAs with 380 target genes in midgut. Compared to uninfected tissues, 322 and 129 piRNAs were significantly upregulated in BmNPV‐infected fat body and midgut, respectively. In addition, 276 and 117 piRNAs were significantly downregulated. Moreover, differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs during BmNPV infection differed significantly between fat body and midgut. Putative DE piRNA–targeted genes were associated with “response to stimulus” and “environmental information processing” in fat body after infection with BmNPV, which may indicate an active piRNA response to BmNPV infection in fat body. This study may lay the foundation for future research of the potential roles of the piRNA pathway and specific piRNAs in BmNPV pathogenesis.
Retrospective single‐centre experience on the effect of the DAWN trial on the utilisation pattern, diagnostic yield and accuracy of CT perfusions performed for suspected acute stroke
Authors: Han Jason Yi , Tan Irene Yew Lan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe recent DAWN trial created a paradigm shift in acute stroke treatment from ‘time‐based’ criteria (within 6 hours) to ‘tissue‐based’ criteria dependent on advanced neuroimaging such as CT perfusion (CTP). This has expanded the thrombectomy window from 6 to 24 hours and has major implications for healthcare providers involved in acute stroke management. Our aim is to characterise changes in the utilisation, diagnostic yield and accuracy of CTP in the diagnosis of acute stroke in the year following the DAWN trial.MethodsFour hundred and forty‐three patients underwent CTP for investigation of suspected stroke between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Studies in 2017 were considered ‘pre‐DAWN’ while studies in 2018 were considered ‘post‐DAWN trial’. Electronic medical records were reviewed to extract patient characteristics. Each patient was categorised as early presenter (within 6 hours) or late presenter (over 6 hours). Chi‐squared tests were performed to assess for differences in proportions between the 2 years.ResultsThere was a 50% increase in CTP performed from 177 in 2017 to 266 in 2018. The proportion of all CT that were CTP increased by 40% while CTP in late presenters increased by 70% in 2018. The sensitivity, specificity and proportions of CTP with a final diagnosis of acute stroke, TIA or nonstroke did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the 2 years.ConclusionsThe CTP utilisation, particularly in late presenters, has substantially increased since the DAWN trial. This contributes to increasing burden on healthcare services related to the diagnosis and management of stroke.
CM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non‐small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Lili , Wei Aili , Jia Xinfei , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundCM082 is a novel angiogenesis inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antitumor activity of CM082 combined with gefitinib on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe effect of CM082 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of CM082 combined with gefitinib on EGFR NSCLC cell lines (HCC827 harboring E746_A750 deletion and H3255 harboring L858R) and a xenograft model was evaluated.ResultsCM082 inhibited VEGF‐induced cell growth, phosphorylation of VEGFR and downstream signaling molecules, tube formation, and cell migration of HUVECs. Furthermore, CM082 combined with gefitinib was more effective in inhibiting growth and colony formation and inducing apoptosis of H3255 and HCC827 cells in vitro than monotherapy. Moreover, tumor growth inhibition by the combination in a H3255 xenograft model was 107.7% more than that by gefitinib (93.6%) (P < 0.0001) and CM082 (51.4%) (P < 0.0001) alone. In addition, coadministration had a better effect on inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting the expression of CD31 and VEGF‐A. The combination therapy had a stronger inhibition effect on STAT3 phosphorylation than monotherapy.ConclusionsCM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on EGFR mutant NSCLC by inhibiting proliferation and angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study CM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on EGFR mutant NSCLC by inhibiting proliferation and angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells. What this study adds These findings justify evaluation of the efficacy of CM082 combined with gefitinib in patients with EGFR mutant advanced NSCLC in clinical trials.
Management of the airway and lung isolation for thoracic surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Thornton M. , Reid D. , Shelley B. , Steven M. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryIntra‐operative aerosol‐generating procedures are arguably unavoidable in the routine provision of thoracic anaesthesia. Airway management for such patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic including tracheal intubation, lung isolation, one‐lung ventilation and flexible bronchoscopy may pose a significant risk to healthcare professionals and patients. That said, there remains a need for timely thoracic surgery for patients with lung cancer or thoracic trauma. The thoracic anaesthetic community has been confronted with the need to modify existing techniques to maximise safety for patients and healthcare professionals. With appropriate modification, aerosol generation may be mitigated against in most circumstances. We developed a set of practice‐based recommendations for airway management in thoracic surgical patients, which have been endorsed by the Association for Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland.
Prostate Health Index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict prostate cancer grade reclassification in active surveillance
Authors: Schwen Zeyad R. , Mamawala Mufaddal , Tosoian Jeffrey J. , Druskin Sasha C. , Ross Ashley E. , Sokoll Lori J. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Carter Herbert Ballentine , Gorin Michael A. , Pavlovich Christian P. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo identify the value of combining the Prostate Health Index (PHI) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), tools which have previously been shown to be independently predictive of prostate cancer (PCa) grade reclassification (GR; Gleason score >6), for the purpose of predicting GR at the next surveillance biopsy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies for men in PCa active surveillance (AS).Patients and MethodsBetween 2014 and 2019, we retrospectively identified 253 consecutive men in the Johns Hopkins AS programme who had mpMRI and PHI followed by a systematic ± targeted biopsy. PHI and PHI density (PHID) were evaluated across Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System version 2.0 (PI‐RADSv2) scores and compared to those with and without GR. Next, the negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were calculated to compare the diagnostic value of PI‐RADSv2 score combined with PHI, PHID, or prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) for GR using their respective first quartile as a cut‐off.ResultsOf the 253 men, 38 men (15%) had GR. Men with GR had higher PHI values (40.7 vs 32.0, P = 0.001), PHID (0.83 vs 0.57, P = 0.007), and PSAD (0.12 vs 0.10, P = 0.037). A PI‐RADSv2 ≤3 alone had a NPV of 91.6% for GR (AUC 0.67). Using a PHI cut‐off of 25.6 in addition to PI‐RADSv2 ≤3, the NPV and AUC were both increased to 98% and 0.70, respectively. Using a PSAD cut‐off of 0.07 ng/mL/mL with PI‐RADSv2 had an AUC of 0.69 and NPV of 95.4%. PHI and PI‐RADSv2 together could have avoided 20% of biopsies at the cost of missing 2.6% of GRs.ConclusionsThe combination of PHI and mpMRI can aid in the prediction of GR in men on AS and may be useful for decreasing the burden of surveillance prostate biopsies.
Exercise training reduces inflammatory metabolic activity of visceral fat assessed by18F‐FDG PET/CT in obese women
Authors: Pahk Kisoo , Kim Eung Ju , Joung Chanmin , Seo Hong Seog , Kim Sungeun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesObesity plays pivotal roles in the increased risk of cardiometabolic disease via induction of the inflammatory reaction from macrophages in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which may elevate the inflammatory activity of VAT. This prospective study aimed to evaluate whether the inflammatory activity of VAT existed in association with systemic inflammation, and whether exercise could ameliorate the inflammatory activity of VAT assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in obese women.Design and PatientsA total of 23 obese women who participated in an exercise program were included. Subjects underwent18F‐FDG PET/CT before the start of the exercise program (baseline) and after the completion of the 3‐month exercise program. For the assessment of VAT metabolic activity, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) were measured. The SUVmax of spleen, bone marrow (BM) and the high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were used as a surrogate marker for systemic inflammation.ResultsBaseline SUVmax of VAT was positively correlated with the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP, whereas VAT SUVmean was not correlated. Exercise reduced SUVmax of VAT in addition to adiposity, the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP. However, VAT SUVmean was not significantly changed. Furthermore, the association of SUVmax of VAT, and the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP was no longer relevant after exercise.ConclusionIn obese women, the SUVmax of VAT assessed by18F‐FDG PET/CT was associated with systemic inflammation and exercise reduced the SUVmax of VAT and abrogated its association with systemic inflammation.
Turn analysis and patient‐centredness in paediatric otolaryngology surgical consultations
Authors: Forner David , Ungar Gilanders , Chorney Jill , Meier Jeremy , Hong Paul 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesPhysician and patient/parent communication is of utmost importance in consultations to improve the shared decision‐making (SDM) processes. This study investigated SDM‐related outcomes through turn analysis and an assessment of patient‐centred dialogue.DesignMulti‐centre prospective cohort study analysing audio‐ and video‐recorded patient/parent‐physician interactions.SettingTwo tertiary paediatric hospitals in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Salt Lake City, Utah.ParticipantsPaediatric otolaryngologists, patients and parents during consultation for adenotonsillectomy.Main outcome measuresMedical dialogue measures (turn analysis, patient‐centredness scores via the Roter Interaction Analysis System) and SDM questionnaires (SDM‐Q‐9).ResultsTurn density was significantly higher for physicians than patients/parents (P < .001), as were total statements (P < .001), and total time talking (P < .001). The opening statement was completed by the physician in 91.5% of interactions and was significantly longer than family opening statements (P = .003). The mean number of informed consent elements addressed per interaction was 4.5 out of 6. The mean patient‐centredness score was 0.2 (range 0‐0.56). Significant negative correlations between patient‐centredness score and physician turn density (r = −.390, P = .002), physician mean turn time (r = −.406, P = .001), total physician statements (r = −.426, P = .001) and total physician speaking time (r = −.313, P = .016) were noted. There were no correlations in SDM questionnaire scores with turn analysis variables, informed consent elements or patient‐centredness scores.ConclusionsSurgeons dominated the consultation in terms of talking, mostly in a unidirectional manner. Neither patient‐centredness nor turn analysis correlated with perceptions of SDM from the parents' perspective.
Colon sparing resection versus extended colectomy for left‐sided obstructing colon cancer with caecal ischaemia or perforation: a nationwide study from the French Surgical Association
Authors: Manceau G. , Sabbagh C. , Mege D. , Lakkis Z. , Bege T. , Tuech J. J. , Benoist S. , Lefèvre J. H. , Karoui M. ,   the AFC (French Surgical Association) Working Group
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimIt is not known whether patients with obstructive left colon cancer (OLCC) with caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation (defined as a blowout of the caecal wall related to colonic overdistension) should undergo a (sub)total colectomy (STC) or an ileo‐caecal resection with double‐barrelled ileo‐colostomy. We aimed to compare the results of these two strategies.MethodFrom 2000 to 2015, 1220 patients with OLCC underwent surgery by clinicians who were members of the French Surgical Association. Of these cases, 201 (16%) were found to have caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation intra‐operatively: 174 patients (87%) underwent a STC (extended colectomy group) and 27 (13%) an ileo‐caecal resection with double‐end stoma (colon‐sparing group). Outcomes were compared retrospectively.ResultsIn the extended colectomy group, 95 patients (55%) had primary anastomosis and 79 (45%) had a STC with an end ileostomy. In the colon‐sparing group, 10 patients (37%) had simultaneous resection of their primary tumour with segmental colectomy and an anastomosis which was protected by a double‐barrelled ileo‐colostomy. The demographic data for the two groups were comparable. Median operative time was longer in the STC group (P = 0.0044). There was a decrease in postoperative mortality (7% vs 12%, P = 0.75) and overall morbidity (56% vs 67%, P = 0.37) including surgical (30% vs 40%, P = 0.29) and severe complications (17% vs 27%, P = 0.29) in the colon‐sparing group, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Cumulative morbidity included all surgical stages and the rate of permanent stoma was 66% and 37%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. Overall survival and disease‐free survival were similar between the two groups.ConclusionThe colon‐sparing strategy may represent a valid and safe alternative to STC in OLCC patients with caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation.
Contracting in Brazilian public administration: A machine learning approach
Authors: Henrique Bruno M. , Sobreiro Vinicius A. , Kimura Herbert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe risk of non‐fulfilment of a contract can harm public administration or even interrupt public services. Therefore, models that assist manager decision making in the audit and control of contracts with a higher disqualification risk may be important tools, with economic and even social repercussions. In this article, public contracts are classified with respect to the risk of non‐compliance with their terms of delivery. The quantitative tools used are statistical and machine learning models, similar to credit risk rating of loans. As dependent variables, the models use data found in electronic databases present in e‐government implementations. A previously classified listing of suspended companies is used as a proxy for risky contracts, as it contains private companies which failed with their contractual obligations. The classification techniques utilized are logistic regression, k‐nearest neighbours, discriminant analysis, support vector machine and random forests. Although the methods can be applied to any government with electronic procurement and contracts systems, Brazilian data is used to illustrate the benefits of contract governance for emerging economies. It is concluded that the credit rating techniques used directly apply to contractual risk in public administration. Considering real public administration contract data, the classification algorithm that generates the best performance is k‐nearest neighbours.
De‐bureaucratising organisational culture at a public university: A mixed‐method study of the implementation of a liberal arts programme
Authors: Molek‐Kozakowska Katarzyna , Geisler Robert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis article explores how public higher education institutions may design and implement new study programmes based on an example of a liberal arts programme adopted recently at a Polish university. Using a mixed‐method approach (actor analysis, ethnographic thick description, and discourse and rhetorical analysis of communications), we approach the data to trace the processes of negotiating and implementing the programme innovation. The study identifies which aspects of organisational design and organisational culture facilitate curricular innovations in the context of a public university in order to offer evidence‐based recommendations for innovation managers. Of special interest here are (1) relations of power and responsibility (leadership styles) that are conducive to institutional innovations, (2) (in)formal norms and communication practices of effective teamwork and organisational culture, and (3) discursive patterns that spawn innovative solutions that bring about institutional changes. The analysis offers an insight into the specific processes involved in the de‐bureaucratising of public universities and reframing their organisational culture to resemble a ‘learning organisation’ that allows a continual renewal of its structures and communication routines, with the support of adequate managerial practices.
The prognostic significance of ALDH1A1 expression in early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Althobiti Maryam , El Ansari Rokaya , Aleskandarany Mohammed , Joseph Chitra , Toss Michael S , Green Andrew R , Rakha Emad A 
Published: May 2020

AimsAldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A1 (ALDH1A1) is reportedly a key ALDH isozyme linked to the cancer stem cells (CSC) of many solid tumours, where it is involved in self‐renewal, differentiation and self‐protection. In this study, the prognostic significance of ALDH1A1 expression in early invasive breast cancer (BC) and its role as a BC stem cell (BCSC) were evaluated.Methods and resultsALDH1A1 expression was assessed, using immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays, in a large well‐characterised BC cohort. ALDH1A1 mRNA expression was also assessed at transcriptomic levels, utilising data from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium. The associations of ALDH1A1 with clinicopathological parameters, other stem cell markers and patient outcomes were determined. ALDH1A1 was expressed in 71% of BC cases at both the protein and mRNA levels. High ALDH1A1 expression was associated with poor prognostic features, including high grade, poor Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), lymph node metastasis and highly proliferative ER+ (luminal B) and triple‐negative (TNBC) subtypes. ALDH1A1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of CD44, CD24, TWIST, SOX9, EPCAM and CD133. The high immunoexpression of ALDH1A1 was significantly associated with poor BC‐specific survival (P < 0.001), and specifically in the luminal B and TNBC subtypes (P = 0.042 and P = 0.003, respectively). The immunoexpression of ALDH1A1 was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (P = 0.015).ConclusionsALDH1A1, as assessed using immunohistochemistry, seems to act as a BCSC marker associated not only with other BCSC markers but also with poor prognostic characteristics and poor outcomes, particularly in the luminal B and TNBC subtypes.
Canada's ‘Open Prisons’: Hybridisation and the Role of Halfway Houses in Penal Scholarship and Practice
Authors: MAIER KATHARINA 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis article analyses the role, form, and function of halfway houses (often referred to as re‐entry centres) in contemporary Canadian punishment. Building on studies of Nordic ‘penal exceptionalism’ and open prisons, I argue that criminologists can usefully study and conceive of halfway houses as a form of open prison. Thinking of halfway houses as open prisons (rather than re‐entry centres or post‐prison institutions), I suggest, is not only more reflective of these houses’ workings and dynamics but is also more productive. Conceptually, it positions halfway houses in opposition to walled prisons, thereby redirecting attention from the post‐prison stage to how halfway houses could present a real existing alternative to closed or walled prisons.
Relations between periodontal status, oral health–related quality of life and perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels in a Turkish population
Authors: Beşiroğlu Ekin , Lütfioğlu Müge 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the interrelationship of periodontal status, socio‐demographic characteristics, perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels as well as the impact of these factors on quality of life using a questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14(OHIP‐14) scale.MethodsSeven hundred and fifty systemically healthy individuals aged ≥18 years referred to a Periodontology Department were included in the study. The OHIP‐14 scale and survey were applied to identify socio‐demographic characteristics, oral hygiene characteristics, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels. Three groups were established based on periodontal status (periodontally healthy [H], gingivitis [G] and periodontitis [P]) determined using periodontal indexes, and the relationship between the above‐mentioned factors and periodontal status with quality of life was assessed.ResultsOral health–related quality of life differed significantly by gender, marital status, education level, oral hygiene habits and periodontal status. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between high OHIP‐14 scores and unfavourable socio‐demographic characteristics, increased severity of periodontal disease, and irregular dental care practices. The perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels significantly differed due to periodontal status.ConclusionPeriodontal status, gender, marital status, education level, dental care practices, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels are important determinants of oral health–related quality of life (Clinical Trial No. NCT03549247).