bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Infiltration by OX40+ Cells Enhances the Prognostic Significance of CD16+ Cell Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Haak Fabian , Obrecht Isabelle , Tosti Nadia , Weixler Benjamin , Mechera Robert , Däster Silvio , von Strauss Marco , Delko Tarik , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Terracciano Luigi , Sconocchia Giuseppe , von Flüe Markus , Kraljević Marko , Droeser Raoul A. 
Published: February 2020

Objectives: Analysis of tumor immune infiltration has been suggested to outperform tumor, node, metastasis staging in predicting clinical course of colorectal cancer (CRC). Infiltration by cells expressing OX40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, or CD16, expressed by natural killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, has been associated with favorable prognosis in patients with CRC. We hypothesized that assessment of CRC infiltration by both OX40+ and CD16+ cells might result in enhanced prognostic significance. Methods: Colorectal cancer infiltration by OX40 and CD16 expressing cells was investigated in 441 primary CRCs using tissue microarrays and specific antibodies, by immunohistochemistry. Patients’ survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were also used to evaluate prognostic significance of OX40+ and CD16+ cell infiltration. Results: Colorectal cancer infiltration by OX40+ and CD16+ cells was subclassified into 4 groups with high or low infiltration levels in all possible combinations. High levels of infiltration by both OX40+ and CD16+ cells were associated with lower pT stage, absence of peritumoral lymphocytic (PTL) inflammation, and a positive prognostic impact. Patients bearing tumors with high infiltration by CD16+ and OX40+ cells were also characterized by significantly longer overall survival, as compared with the other groups. These results were confirmed by analyzing an independent validation cohort. Conclusions: Combined infiltration by OX40+ and CD16+ immune cells is an independent favorable prognostic marker in CRC. The prognostic value of CD16+ immune cell infiltration is significantly improved by the combined analysis with OX40+ cell infiltration.
Combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant: A case report
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Knutsson Karl Anders , Rajabjan Firuzeh , Augustin Victor A , Bandello Francesco , Parodi Maurizio Battaglia 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To report a case of combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion in a 51-year-old male with a very good response to dexamethasone implant therapy. Methods: This is a descriptive case report based on data from clinical records, patient observation and follow-ups, and analysis of acquired diagnostic tests. Results: A 51-year-old man presented with sudden vision loss and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 in his left eye. A pale inferotemporal arterial branch course area along with increased vascular tortuosity, retinal hemorrhages, optic disk swelling, and macular edema were observed on slit lamp biomicroscopy examination. Right eye was normal. Diagnosis of combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion in left eye was confirmed by fluorescein angiography and color fundoscopy, respectively. Optical coherence tomography confirmed subretinal fluid and intraretinal cysts with a prominent middle-limiting membrane in the inner synaptic portion of the outer plexiform layer, corresponding to areas of paracentral acute middle maculopathy. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was administered to the patient. One month later, visual acuity was recovered with complete absorption of macular edema. Functional and anatomical stabilization were confirmed after 24 months. Conclusion: Combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion represents a rare condition, with variable functional outcomes due to the long-term complications such as macular edema. We hypothesize that prompt diagnosis and immediate intravitreal corticosteroid implant therapy reduced macular edema, thus contributing to arterial perfusion improvement, which in this case lead to a full sustainable recovery with limited functional and anatomical damage.
Appearance of congenital hand anomalies
Authors: Nietosvaara Noora N. , Sommarhem Antti J. , Puhakka Jani M. , Tan Ruth E. S. , Schalamon Johannes , Nietosvaara Aarno Y. 
Published: February 2020

Background and objective: Impact of appearance of congenital hand anomalies has not previously been reported. The purpose of this study was to describe the common perception about how different congenitally malformed hands look. Methods: We developed a questionnaire in a game format to evaluate the appearance of different hands. Altogether 1450 (954 females) 4- to 84-year-old residents (296 children) of two European and one Asian (n = 102) country were asked to rate the appearance of different looking hands on a five-point pictorial Likert-type scale. Standardized photographs of the dorsal aspect of 17 different congenitally malformed non-operated hands and a normal hand were presented to respondents. Significance of age, gender, nationality, and profession of the respondents was assessed. Results: The respondents’ ranking order of the hands was nearly consistent. The normal hand (mean = 4.43, standard deviation = 0.85, Md = 5) and clinodactyly (mean = 4.37, standard deviation = 0.86, Md = 5) were perceived to have the best appearance. Symbrachydactyly (mean = 1.42, standard deviation = 0.68, Md = 1) and radial club hand (mean = 1.40, standard deviation = 0.68, Md = 1) received the lowest scores. Adults rated the appearance of hands higher than children regarding 14 hands, females higher than men regarding 15 hands, and Europeans higher than Asians in 4 hands (p < 0.05, respectively). Europeans rated four-finger hand (mean = 3.21, standard deviation = 1.18, Md = 3) better looking than six-finger hand (mean = 2.92, standard deviation = 1.18, Md = 3, p < 0.005), whereas Asians gave higher scores to six-finger hand (mean = 2.66, standard deviation = 1.26, Md = 3) compared to four-finger hand (mean = 2.51, standard deviation = 1.14, Md = 2). Medical doctors and nurses gave higher scores compared to the other profession groups, school children, and high school students in five hands (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A normal hand is perceived distinctly better looking than most congenitally different hands. Different malformations’ appearance was ranked very coherently in the same order despite of participants’ age, gender, nationality, or profession. Asians seem to prefer an additional digit to a four-finger hand.
Vascular deformation in human atherosclerotic carotid artery evaluated by 2D analysis of ultrasonography
Authors: Rafati Mehravar , Rafati-Rahimzadeh Mehrdad , Moladoust Hassan , Sehhati Mohammadreza 
Published: February 2020

Objectives Common carotid artery (CCA) remodelling in the atherosclerosis process is an inherent necessary element that decreases the progress of significant lumen compromise. The present study used a semi-automated method to assess relationships of intima-media thickness (IMT), lumen diameter (LD) and inter-adventitial diameter (IAD) using ultrasound B-mode images of atherosclerotic carotid artery. Methods In the cross-sectional study, 120 male subjects (age range: 40–60 years) were classified into four research groups namely control, mild, moderate, and severe stenosis. The maximum near and far wall IMT, mean of both walls’ IMT and IAD, and also LD of the left CCA were extracted for all participants. Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate relationships of IMT, LD, and IAD. Results Results revealed that the maximum far and near wall IMT, mean of both walls’ IMT and IAD in the CCA were significantly different in stenosis patients and the control group ( p< 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the four studied groups in terms of LD of CCA ( p = 0.65). There was a stronger correlation between mean of both walls’ IMT and IAD in comparison with mean far wall IMT and IAD ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Results indicated that changes of IAD in the left CCA were associated with carotid deformation, and thus it can be considered as a predictor of atherosclerosis process.
The Benefit of Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide (IDegLira) Compared With Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy is Consistent Across Participant Subgroups With Type 2 Diabetes in the DUAL VII Randomized Trial
Authors: Billings Liana K. , Agner Bue F. Ross , Altuntas Yuksel , Grøn Randi , Halladin Natalie , Klonoff David C. , Tentolouris Nikolaos , Jódar Esteban 
Published: February 2020

Background: Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) results in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels comparable with basal-bolus (BB) therapy. Here, we assessed the effect of once-daily IDegLira compared with BB (once-daily insulin glargine 100 U/mL and insulin aspart ≤4 times/day) across subgroups with varying characteristics. Materials and Methods: DUAL VII trial participants (type 2 diabetes [T2D], HbA1c 53-86 mmol/mol [7.0%-10.0%]) were subgrouped post hoc based on the following baseline characteristics: HbA1c (≤58.5, >58.5 to ≤69.4, and >69.4 mmol/mol; ≤7.5%, >7.5 to ≤8.5%, and >8.5%), body mass index (<30, ≥30 to <35, and ≥35 kg/m2), age (18 to <65 and ≥65 years), duration of diabetes (≥0 to 10 and ≥10 years), total pretrial daily basal insulin dose (20 to <30, ≥30 to <40, and ≥40 to ≤50 U), and fasting plasma glucose (<7.2 mmol/L/<130 mg/dL and ≥7.2 mmol/L/≥130 mg/dL). Results: Compared with BB, and in all subgroups, IDegLira treatment consistently gave similar HbA1c reductions, less severe or blood glucose-confirmed hypoglycemia, lower end-of-trial (EOT) total daily insulin dose, and weight loss. In all subgroups, mean EOT HbA1c was ≤53 mmol/mol (≤7.0%). The greatest HbA1c reduction occurred in the highest baseline HbA1c subgroup. Overall, mean EOT daily insulin dose was 0.43 to 0.52 U/kg with IDegLira and 0.74 to 1.07 U/kg with BB. More participants achieved the triple composite endpoint (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol [<7.0%] without weight gain or hypoglycemia) with IDegLira vs BB across the baseline HbA1c subgroups (≤58.5 mmol/mol [44.6% vs 7.0%], >58.5 to ≤69.4 mmol/mol [41.1% vs 8.3%], and >69.4 mmol/mol [23.8% vs 3.4%]). Conclusion: These results support initiating IDegLira in patients with varying baseline characteristics and uncontrolled T2D on basal insulin. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02420262
Prune-belly syndrome in Africa: An analysis and systematic review of cases, etiology, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Keet Kerri , Henry Brandon Michael , Tubbs R Shane 
Published: February 2020

Background: Prune-belly syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a spectrum of three anomalies: bilateral undescended testes, dilated urinary tract, and anterior abdominal muscle deficiency. Objectives: In developing countries, inadequate access to health care may affect treatment and outcomes of prune-belly syndrome. This study’s goal was to review the anatomical features, etiology, genetics, management, and outcomes of cases in Africa. Methods: PubMed was searched to identify case reports and case studies describing prune-belly syndrome in Africa. Data collected from each study included the number of cases, age at diagnosis, sex, description of the abdominal muscles, testes, and urinary tract, as well as associated anomalies, management, and long-term outcomes. Results: A total of 16 publications that reported 58 cases in African countries were included. The prevalence of female patients (15.5%) was higher than in developed countries (3%). The abdominal muscles were deficient in all cases, and bilateral cryptorchidism was present in nearly all males (96%). Distension of the bladder was common, with normal anatomy reported in only one case. Bilateral hydroureters and hydronephrosis also were present in the majority of cases. Only six cases (10.3%) had no associated anomalies, such as musculoskeletal or cardiovascular. Karyotyping was performed in only three cases (5.2%) because of limited hospital facilities. Six parents (10.3%) declined treatment for their children, 12 cases (20.7%) were managed conservatively, and 25 (43.1%) received surgical intervention. Patients’ mortality rate was higher than in developed countries. Conclusion: Diagnosis and treatment of prune-belly syndrome remains a challenge in Africa, in which multiple factors, such as access to health care and cultural beliefs, affect mortality rates and outcomes. Patient education and support groups may improve compliance with treatment. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicenter audit.
Nasal adenocarcinoma as a suspected secondary malignant neoplasm in a cat previously treated for nasal lymphoma
Authors: Callanan Gabrielle F , Curran Kaitlin M , Parachini-Winter Cyril , Bracha Shay , Spagnoli Sean , Russell Duncan S , Stieger-Vanegas Susanne M , Griffin Lynn , Leeper Haley 
Published: February 2020

Case summary A case of nasal adenocarcinoma as a suspected secondary malignant neoplasm following definitive radiation therapy and multiagent chemotherapy for nasal lymphoma is described. An 11-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for a 3-week history of progressive facial swelling located over the nasal planum and extending to the medial canthus of the right eye. The cat was previously diagnosed with nasal lymphoma and treated with chemotherapy and definitive radiation 2.5 years prior. Although a definitive diagnosis could not be obtained via cytology, recurrent lymphoma was suspected based on the cat’s history and recurrent clinical signs. A lymphoma-directed chemotherapy protocol was attempted, but no clinical response was achieved. The cat was euthanased owing to progressive clinical signs and a diagnosis of nasal adenocarcinoma was made on necropsy examination. Both the original diagnosis of nasal lymphoma and the secondary diagnosis of nasal adenocarcinoma were confirmed with immunohistochemistry. Relevance and novel information Secondary malignant neoplasm following radiation therapy is infrequently reported in the veterinary literature. In the few reports that exist, most have described sarcoma development in the dog following radiation therapy. In the present report, we describe a cat with a suspected radiation-induced nasal adenocarcinoma that developed 2.5 years after definitive radiation treatment for nasal lymphoma.
Risk Factors and Complications Following Arthroscopic Tenotomy of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon
Authors: Mirzayan Raffy , McCrum Christopher , Butler Rebecca K. , Alluri Ram Kiran 
Published: February 2020

Background: Controversy exits regarding performing a tenotomy versus a tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Purpose: To evaluate the complications after arthroscopic tenotomy of the LHBT and characterize the incidence of cosmetic deformity, cramping, subjective weakness, and continued anterior shoulder pain (ASP). Additionally, to identify patient-related factors that may predispose a patient to these complications. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Records of patients who underwent an arthroscopic LHBT tenotomy at an integrated health care system under the care of 55 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included LHBT tenodesis, arthroplasty, neoplastic, or fracture surgery; age younger than 18 years; incomplete documentation of physical examination; or incomplete operative reports. Characteristic data, concomitant procedures, LHBT morphology, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients with and without postoperative complications—including cosmetic deformity, subjective weakness, continued ASP, and cramping—were analyzed by age, sex, dominant arm, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, workers’ compensation status, and intraoperative LHBT morphology to identify risk factors for developing these postoperative complications. Results: A total of 192 patients who underwent LHBT tenotomy were included in the final analysis. Tenotomy was performed with concomitant shoulder procedures in all but 1 individual. The mean ± SD patient age was 60.6 ± 9.5 years, and 55% were male. The overall complication rate was 37%. The most common postoperative complications include cosmetic (Popeye) deformity (14.1%), subjective weakness (10.4%), cramping (10.4%), and continued postoperative ASP over the bicipital groove (7.8%). Every 10-year increase in age was associated with 0.52 (95% CI, 0.28-0.94) times the odds of continued ASP and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.36-0.98) times the odds of cramping pain. Male patients had 3.9 (95% CI, 1.4-10.8) times the odds of cosmetic (Popeye) deformity. Patients who had active workers’ compensation claims had 12.5 (95% CI, 2.4-63.4) times the odds of having continued postoperative ASP. Tenotomy on the dominant arm, BMI, and active smoking status demonstrated no statistically significant association with postoperative complications. Conclusion: Patients experiencing complications after tenotomy were significantly younger and more likely to be male and to have a workers’ compensation injury. LHBT tenotomy may best be indicated for elderly patients, female patients, and those without active workers’ compensation claims.
Systematic optimization of square-wave electroporation conditions for bovine primary fibroblasts
Authors: Hyder Iqbal , Eghbalsaied Shahin , Kues Wilfried A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Gene transfer by electroporation is an established method for the non-viral mediated transfection of mammalian cells. Primary cells pose a particular challenge for electroporation-mediated gene transfer, since they are more vulnerable than immortalized cells, and have a limited proliferative capacity. Improving the gene transfer by using square wave electroporation in difficult to transfect cells, like bovine fetal fibroblasts, is a prerequisite for transgenic and further downstream experiments.

Results
Here, bovine fetal fibroblasts were used for square-wave electroporation experiments in which the following parameters were systematically tested: electroporation buffer, electroporation temperature, pulse voltage, pulse duration, pulse number, cuvette type and plasmid DNA amount. For the experiments a commercially available square-wave generator was applied. Post electroporation, the bovine fetal fibroblasts were observed after 24 h for viability and reporter expression. The best results were obtained with a single 10 millisecond square-wave pulse of 400 V using 10 μg supercoiled plasmid DNA and 0.3 × 106 cells in 100 μl of Opti-MEM medium in 4 mm cuvettes. Importantly, the electroporation at room temperature was considerably better than with pre-cooled conditions.

Conclusions
The optimized electroporation conditions will be relevant for gene transfer experiments in bovine fetal fibroblasts to obtain genetically engineered donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer and for reprogramming experiments in this species.
Heterotrimeric G protein are involved in the regulation of multiple agronomic traits and stress tolerance in rice
Authors: Cui Yue , Jiang Nan , Xu Zhengjin , Xu Quan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The heterotrimeric G protein complex, consisting of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, are conserved signal transduction mechanism in eukaryotes. Recent molecular researches had demonstrated that G protein signaling participates in the regulation of yield related traits. However, the effects of G protein genes on yield components and stress tolerance are not well characterized.

Results
In this study, we generated heterotrimeric G protein mutants in rice using CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology. The effects of heterotrimeric G proteins on the regulation of yield components and stress tolerance were investigated. The mutants of gs3 and dep1 generated preferable agronomic traits compared to the wild-type, whereas the mutants of rga1 showed an extreme dwarf phenotype, which led to a dramatic decrease in grain production. The mutants showed improved stress tolerance, especially under salinity treatment. We found four putative extra-large G proteins (PXLG)1–4 that also participate in the regulation of yield components and stress tolerance. A yeast two hybrid showed that the RGB1 might interact with PXLG2 but not with PXLG1, PXLG3 or PXLG4.

Conclusion
These findings will not only improve our understanding of the repertoire of heterotrimeric G proteins in rice but also contribute to the application of heterotrimeric G proteins in rice breeding.
Knowledge and attitudes towards E-cigarette use in Lebanon and their associated factors
Authors: Aghar Hanan , El-Khoury Nathalie , Reda Mahasen , Hamadeh Wissam , Krayem Hussein , Mansour Mohammad , Raouf Hawraa , Jaffa Miran A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite the misconceptions regarding E-cigarettes (ECs), only a few studies have been conducted in the Middle East that focused on this topic. This study assesses the knowledge of and attitudes towards ECs in Lebanon, determines how these two measures are associated, and identifies the variables that explain each of these measures.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of Lebanese pedestrians aged between 18 and 64 inclusive. A structured self-administered questionnaire comprising of knowledge and attitude scales, and questions on demographical, health and smoking characteristics was used.

Results
Scores for attitudes and knowledge of ECs were summed and dichotomized using a 75% cutoff, above which the participant was considered to have a positive attitude and good knowledge. Among the 352 participants (56.6% males, 43.3% females, mean age 30.3, 46.2% smokers), 63.3% exhibited a lower level of EC knowledge. More than 50% erroneously thought that ECs are not associated with lung and bladder cancer or impair lung and heart function. 65% falsely thought that it is harmless and not addictive. As for attitude, 43.3, 53.9, and 44.3% thought that it is socially acceptable, helps in smoking cessation, and is a good replacement for cigarettes and an enjoyable recreational device respectively. Our results revealed an inverse correlation between attitude and knowledge scores (Spearman’s correlation = −.30, p < .001). Predictors of knowledge included health-related occupation (p = .010), regular exercise (p = .016), healthy diet (p = .026), EC use (p = .026), perception that ECs are not harmful (p = .001), and help in smoking cessation (p = .017). Predictors of attitude included EC use (p = .008), sex (p = .010), and knowledge that most ECs are addictive (p = .006), harmful (p = .014), and impair heart and lung function (p = .047).

Conclusions
Our study revealed a gap in EC knowledge, especially among participants who displayed a positive attitude towards ECs. Hence, measures should be undertaken to regulate its use by instituting more stringent laws and holding nationwide awareness campaigns.