bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance and function of RDH16 as a tumor‐suppressing gene in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Ying‐Hui , Li Jian‐Biao , Wu Rui‐Yan , Yu Yan , Li Xuan , Li Zhi‐Ling , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Feng Gong‐Kan , Deng Rong , Zhu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: October 2019

AimOur previous transcriptome sequencing analysis detected that retinol dehydrogenase 16 (RDH16) was dramatically downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RDH16 belongs to the short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases super family, and its role in HCC remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of RDH16 in HCC.MethodsThe mRNA and protein level of RDH16 in HCC samples were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analyses, respectively. The role of RDH16 in HCC was determined by in vitro and in vivo functional studies.ResultsDownregulation of RDH16 has been detected in approximately 90% of primary HCCs, which was significantly associated with high serum alpha‐fetoprotein level, tumor size, microsatellite formation, thrombus, and poor overall survival of HCC patients. Compared with non‐tumor tissues, higher density of methylation was identified in HCC samples. In addition, RDH16 increases the level of retinoic acid and blocks the de novo synthesis of fatty acid in HCC cells. Functional study shows that ectopic expression of RDH16 in HCC cells suppresses cell growth, clonogenicity, and cell motility.ConclusionsRDH16 might be a prognostic biomarker and intervention point for new therapeutic strategies in HCC.
Liver stiffness does not affect ultrasound‐guided attenuation coefficient measurement in the evaluation of hepatic steatosis
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Sone Yasuhiro , Hashinokuchi Shinichi , Ogawa Sadanobu , Oguri Takuma , Kamiyama Naohisa , Chuma Makoto , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko 
Published: October 2019

AimRecently, a new method has been developed to diagnose hepatic steatosis with attenuation coefficients based on the ultrasound‐guided attenuation parameter (UGAP). We investigated whether fibrosis identified by hepatic stiffness measurements based on magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) affects attenuation coefficient measurement using UGAP for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis.MethodsA total of 608 patients with chronic liver disease were analyzed. Correlations between magnetic resonance imaging‐determined proton density fat fraction (PDFF) or MRE value and attenuation coefficients were evaluated. In addition, the interaction between hepatic fibrosis and the attenuation coefficient was analyzed.ResultsThe correlation coefficient (r) between PDFF values and attenuation coefficient values was 0.724, indicating a strong relationship. Conversely, the r between MRE values and attenuation coefficient values was −0.187, indicating almost no relationship. In the multiple regression assessment of the effect of PDFF and MRE on the attenuation coefficient based on UGAP, the P‐values for PDFF, MRE, and PDFF × MRE were < 0.001, 0.277, and 0.903, respectively. In patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 169), the r between PDFF values and attenuation coefficient values was 0.695, indicating a moderate relationship. Conversely, the r between MRE values and attenuation coefficient values was −0.068, indicating almost no relationship. In the multiple regression assessment of the effect of PDFF and MRE on the attenuation coefficient based on UGAP, the P‐values for PDFF, MRE, and PDFF × MRE were <0.001, 0.948, and 0.706, respectively.ConclusionUGAP‐determined attenuation coefficient was weakly affected by liver stiffness, an indicator of hepatic fibrosis.
Hypovascular hepatic nodules as a predictive factor for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Maesaka Kazuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yamada Ryoko , Tahata Yuki , Urabe Ayako , Shigekawa Minoru , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: October 2019

AimIntermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) targeted for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) corresponds to a highly heterogeneous population for whom the factors predicting TACE efficacy have not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hypovascular hepatic nodules coexisting with intermediate‐stage HCC as a significant predictive factor for TACE refractoriness.MethodsA total of 66 patients with intermediate‐stage HCC who received initial TACE were retrospectively analyzed. Hypovascular hepatic nodules were detected by dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, as well as angiography, before all initial TACE. The time to TACE refractoriness (TTTR) was defined as the period from initial TACE until the diagnosis of TACE refractoriness.ResultsHypovascular hepatic nodules were detected in 36 patients (54.5%), 15 (41.7%) of whom had a single nodule, whereas 21 (58.3%) had multiple nodules, and the median size of the maximum nodule was 10 mm (range 5–80 mm). The median TTTR was 17.4 months for all patients, and 7.3 and 33.1 months for patients with and without hypovascular hepatic nodules, respectively. The TTTR was significantly shorter for patients with hypovascular hepatic nodules than that for the other patients. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of hypovascular hepatic nodules (HR 7.016, 95% CI 3.534–13.930; P < 0.001) and being out of the up‐to‐seven criteria (HR 2.861, 95% CI 1.493–5.486; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for a short TTTR.ConclusionsThe presence of hypovascular hepatic nodules with intermediate‐stage HCC represents a significant predictive risk factor for TACE refractoriness.
Biosafety risk assessment for production of candidate vaccine viruses to protect humans from zoonotic highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses
Authors: Chen Li‐Mei , Donis Ruben O. , Suarez David L. , Wentworth David E. , Webby Richard , Engelhardt Othmar G. , Swayne David E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA major lesson learned from the public health response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was the need to shorten the vaccine delivery timeline to achieve the best pandemic mitigation results. A gap analysis of previous pre‐pandemic vaccine development activities identified possible changes in the Select Agent exclusion process that would maintain safety and shorten the timeline to develop candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for use in pandemic vaccine manufacture. Here, we review the biosafety characteristics of CVVs developed in the past 15 years to support a shortened preparedness timeline for A(H5) and A(H7) subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) CVVs. Extensive biosafety experimental evidence supported recent changes in the implementation of Select Agent regulations that eliminated the mandatory chicken pathotype testing requirements and expedited distribution of CVVs to shorten pre‐pandemic and pandemic vaccine manufacturing by up to 3 weeks.
Heparin reversal with protamine sulfate is not required in atrial fibrillation ablation with suture hemostasis
Authors: Yasar Senan J. , Bickel Trent , Zhang Shiyang , Akkaya Mehmet , Aznaurov Sam G. , Krishnan Kousik , Cuculich Phillip S. , Gautam Sandeep 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of protamine sulfate for heparin reversal in catheter‐based atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear when using the suture closure technique for vascular hemostasis.ObjectiveThis study sought to address if protamine sulfate use for heparin reversal reduces vascular access complications in AF catheter ablation when suture techniques are used for postprocedural vascular hemostasis.MethodsThis is a retrospective multicenter observational study of 294 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF with subsequent vascular access hemostasis by means of a figure‐of‐eight suture or stopcock technique. A total of 156 patients received protamine for heparin reversal before sheath removal while 138 patients did not receive protamine. The two groups were compared for procedural activated clotting time (ACT), access site complications, and duration of hospital stay.ResultsBaseline demographic characteristics were comparable in both groups. Despite higher ACT before venous sheath removal in patients not receiving protamine (288.0 ± 44.3 vs 153.9 ± 32.0 seconds; P < .001), there was no significant difference in groin complications, postoperative thromboembolic events, or duration of hospital stay between the two groups. Suture failure requiring manual compression was rarely observed in this cohort (0.34%).ConclusionWith modern vascular access and sheath management techniques, for patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF, simple suture closure techniques can obviate the need for protamine administration to safely achieve hemostasis after removal of vascular sheaths.
Prognostic value of CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pérez‐de‐Oliveira Maria Eduarda , Wagner Vivian P. , Araújo Anna Luíza Damaceno , Martins Manoela D. , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Bingle Lynne , Vargas Pablo A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation has been described in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) as a predictor of better survival rates. However, the real prognostic value of the translocation has been debated due to recent controversial findings. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to understand the prognostic potential of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in MEC. An electronic search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Articles that assessed the association between the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and survival of MEC patients were selected for the systematic review. Ten published articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The prevalence of the translocation varied from 33.7% to 69.7%. Seven studies observed a significant association between the presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and a favourable clinical outcome, which could improve disease‐free, disease‐specific or overall survival. Five studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Fixed‐effects model confirmed that translocation‐positive patients have a decreased risk of death (combined odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval – 0.03‐0.23, P < .00001). The detection of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation appears to be useful as a prognostic factor in MEC. However, the level of evidence is not as high as it could be once important limitations were found in the published studies.
Development and evaluation of a health‐related quality‐of‐life tool for dogs with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Schofield Imogen , O'Neill Dan G. , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Geddes Rebecca F. , Niessen Stijn J. M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundClinical signs and consequences of Cushing's syndrome are likely to impact upon a dog's life. Quantification of this impact on a dog's health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) could contribute to optimized disease management.Hypothesis/objectivesTo develop a novel HRQoL tool to aid assessment of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and to evaluate factors that impact upon dogs living with this disease.AnimalsTwo hundred and ten dogs with Cushing's syndrome and 617 dogs without Cushing's syndrome.MethodsCross‐sectional study design. Dog owners answered questions relating to the HRQoL of their dogs which were refined to develop the final tool. The tool was analyzed for reliability, validity, and interpretability, including Cronbach's alpha and principal components analysis. Factors impacting upon the HRQoL of dogs with Cushing's syndrome were assessed using appropriate nonparametric tests.ResultsThe tool was refined from 32 questions to 19 and showed good internal consistency (α = .83). Owners rated questions related to “owner impact” as more important and those related to demeanor as less important. There was a positive correlation between the tool score of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and owner's assessment of their dog's quality‐of‐life (r = .41, P < .001). Dogs currently on treatment with trilostane had a statistically better HRQoL (.33, interquartile range [IQR] .23–.44) than those not receiving trilostane (.36, IQR .33–.54, P = .04).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe developed tool quantifies the HRQoL of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and could assist clinicians in the clinical assessment of dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
Circulating neurohormone imbalances in canine sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome and canine pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism
Authors: Oh Annie , Foster Melanie L. , Lunn Katharine F. , Mowat Freya M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) has clinical similarity to pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) in dogs. Some studies have identified a greater frequency of SARDS in seasons with reduced daylight hours. Neurohormone imbalances contribute to retinal lesions in other species, warranting further study in dogs with SARDS.HypothesisDysregulation of circulating melatonin concentration is present in dogs with SARDS but not in dogs with PDH.AnimalsFifteen client‐owned dogs with spontaneous SARDS (median time of vision loss 18 days), 14 normal dogs, and 13 dogs with confirmed PDH.ProceduresProspective case‐control study. ELISA on samples (obtained in the morning) for measurement of plasma melatonin and dopamine, serum serotonin, urine 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s), and creatinine. Statistical analysis was performed using 1‐way ANOVA, Spearman correlation and receiver operator characteristic area under the curve analysis.ResultsThere were no significant differences in circulating melatonin, serotonin or dopamine concentrations between the 3 groups, although the study was underpowered for detection of significant differences in serum serotonin. Urine MT6s:creatinine ratio was significantly higher in dogs with PDH (4.08 ± 2.15 urine [MT6s] ng/mL per mg of urine creatinine) compared with dogs with SARDS (2.37 ± .51,P < .01), but not compared with normal dogs.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe have identified neurohormone differences between dogs with SARDS and PDH.
High‐dose posaconazole for azole‐resistant aspergillosis and other difficult‐to‐treat mould infections
Authors: Schauwvlieghe Alexander F. A. D. , Buil Jochem B. , Verweij Paul E. , Hoek Rogier A. S. , Cornelissen Jan J. , Blijlevens Nicole M .A. , Henriet Stefanie S. V. , Rijnders Bart J. A. , Brüggemann Roger J. M. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackgroundOral follow‐up therapy is problematic in moulds with reduced azole‐susceptibility, such as azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Currently, only intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB) is advocated by guidelines for the treatment of azole‐resistant aspergillosis infections. Preclinical research indicates that high‐dose posaconazole (HD‐POS) might be a feasible option provided that high drug exposure (ie POS serum through levels >3 mg/L) can be achieved and is safe.ObjectivesTo describe our experience with the use of oral HD‐POS as treatment strategies for patients infected with pathogens with a POS MIC close to the clinical breakpoint.Patients/MethodsWe review evidence supporting the use of HD‐POS and describe our experience on safety and efficacy in 16 patients. In addition, we describe the adverse events (AE) observed in 25 patients with POS concentrations at the higher end of the population distribution during treatment with the licensed dose.ResultsSixteen patients were treated intentionally with HD‐POS for voriconazole‐resistant invasive aspergillosis (7/16), mucormycosis (4/16), salvage therapy for IA (4/16) and IA at a sanctuary site (spondylodiscitis) in 1. Grade 3‐4 AEs were observed in 6, and all of them were considered at least possibly related. Grade 3‐4 AEs were observed in 5 of the 25 patients with spontaneous high POS serum through levels considered at least possibly related using Naranjo scale.ConclusionsHigh‐dose posaconazole is a treatment option if strict monitoring for both exposure and for AE is possible.
The effects of different positions on saturation and vital signs in patients
Authors: Alan Nurten , Khorshid Leyla 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatient positioning is an independent nursing intervention and may increase peripheral oxygenation for patients with lung disease. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of body positions on oxygenation in patients with lung disease.Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effects of five different positions on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and vital signs in patients with lung disease.DesignA semi‐experimental study was conducted.MethodsConsecutive samples were recorded from critical care patients followed in the chest clinic of a university hospital. A total of 109 patients with lung disease were recruited. Patients who were able to lie in all positions, and who had unilateral or bilateral lung disease documented by a medical diagnosis by a physician were included in this study. The SpO2 and vital signs were measured at each position three times.ResultsFor patients with right, left, and bilateral lung disease, lying on the right side of the body at 45 in bed, the SpO2 was higher, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was a significant difference at 40 minutes between the pulse rate in patients with left and bilateral lung disease, but not in patients with right lung disease. No significant differences were found between respiratory rates and body temperature in patients in any of the three groups at 10, 25, and 40 minutes.ConclusionsAlthough this difference was not statistically significant, lying on the right side of the body at 45 in bed can be an effective position for improving oxygenation in all patients with lung disease.Relevance to Clinical PracticeAs there is insufficient evidence to suggest a specific position, further studies are needed. This study provides evidence that the best oxygenation in patients with unilateral and bilateral lung disease can be obtained by determining the appropriate position for critical care nurses.
A membrane‐associated NAC domain transcription factor XVP interacts with TDIF co‐receptor and regulates vascular meristem activity
Authors: Yang Jung Hyun , Lee Kwang‐Hee , Du Qian , Yang Shuo , Yuan Bingjian , Qi Liying , Wang Huanzhong 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Vascular stem cell maintenance is regulated by a peptide signaling involving Tracheary Element Differentiation Inhibitory Factor (TDIF) and Receptor TDR/PXY (Phloem intercalated with Xylem) and co‐receptor BAK1 (BRI1‐associated receptor kinase1). The regulatory mechanism of this signaling pathway is largely unknown despite its importance in stem cell maintenance in the vascular meristem.
We report that activation of a NAC domain transcription factor XVP leads to precocious Xylem differentiation, disruption of Vascular Patterning, and reduced cell numbers in vascular bundles. We combined molecular and genetic studies to elucidate the biological functions of XVP.
XVP is expressed in the cambium, localized on the plasma membrane and forms a complex with TDIF co‐receptors PXY‐BAK1. Simultaneous mutation of XVP and its close homologous NAC048 enhances TDIF signaling. In addition, genetics analysis indicated that XVP promotes xylem differentiation through a known master regulator VASCULAR‐RELATED NAC‐DOMAIN6 (VND6). Expression analyses indicate that XVP activates CLAVATA3/ESR (CLE)‐related protein 44 (CLE44), the coding gene of TDIF, whereas TDIF represses XVP expression, suggesting a feedback mechanism.
Therefore, XVP functions as a negative regulator of the TDIF‐PXY module and fine‐tunes TDIF signaling in vascular development. These results shed new light on the mechanism of vascular stem cell maintenance.
Recommendations for reducing harm and improving quality of care for older people in residential respite care
Authors: Willoughby Melissa , Woolford Marta H. , Young Carmel , Ibrahim Joseph E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesResidential respite care (RRC) is a vital service that supports older people and their informal caregivers to continue to live in the community. Older people in RRC have an increased risk of injury‐related harm, such as choking and suicide, compared to permanent nursing home residents. However, the opportunities for the prevention of harm during a RRC admission are largely unknown. This study developed recommendations to reduce harm and improve quality of care for older people in RRC.MethodsExperts developed, refined and prioritised recommendations through two consultation forums applying the modified nominal group technique and a follow‐up online survey. Participants were purposively sampled from an existing network and were selected based on their expertise in aged care practice, nursing, policy, research, caregiver advocacy and quality improvement in the aged and healthcare sectors. Haddon's Matrix, an injury prevention framework, was applied to the recommendations. Final recommendations were released to over 300 organisations for validation and feedback.ResultsFive experts were involved in forum one, seven attended forum two, and a further seven completed the survey. Seventeen draft recommendations were developed and refined to 11 final recommendations, four of which were prioritised as most important for implementation. These included the following: (a) a planned preventative care model of RRC; (b) facilities that specialised in RRC; (c) optimising information gathered on RRC residents; and (d) a standardised procedure for admission, handover and discharge from RRC. We received limited feedback from the organisations, which did not alter the recommendations.Implications for practiceThe recommendations developed in this study provide a valuable basis for the development of strategies to reduce harm and improve care in RRC and are a valuable first step towards improving practice. The next step is to empirically test the suggested recommendations to determine their effectiveness.
Shape variability in tridactyl dinosaur footprints: the significance of size and function
Authors: Lallensack Jens N. , Engler Thomas , Barthel H. JONAS 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe functional anatomy of the hindlimb of bipedal dinosaurs has been intensively studied. Yet, surprisingly little work has been done concerning functional adaptation of digits for terrestrial locomotion. While complete and articulated pes skeletons are scarce, pes shape is abundantly recorded by fossil footprints. We elucidate the significance of footprint shape and size for locomotion using a large sample (n = 303) of tridactyl dinosaur footprints from a broad range of geographical localities and time slots. Size and shape variation are characterized separately for theropods and ornithischians, the two principal trackmaker taxa. At smaller sizes, theropod footprints are best discriminated from ornithischian footprints by their smaller interdigital angle and larger projection of digit III; at larger sizes digital widths are effective discriminants. Ornithischian footprints increase in size from the Early Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous, a trend not observed in theropod footprints. Size and function are argued to be important determinants of footprint shape, and an attempt made to infer function from shape. Digit III projection and length‐to‐width ratio of the footprints are negatively correlated with size in both groups; digit impression width is positively correlated with size only in ornithischians. Digit III projection appears to be positively correlated with cursorial ability. Increased interdigital angles are associated with a decrease in digital width, possibly an adaptation for stability. Weak digit III projection and increased digital width are interpreted as adaptations for graviportality. Footprints yield great potential for the understanding of the functional morphology of dinosaur feet.