bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pros and cons of balloon dilation in totally ultrasound-guided percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Jin Wei , Song Yan , Fei Xiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of balloon dilation (BD) in totally ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).MethodsThe data of 95 patients underwent BD were collected in this retrospective study between August 2016 and December 2018. During the same period, telescopic metal dilation was used in 1161 patients. Ninety five patients were selected as the control group and matched at a 1:1 ratio to index balloon dilation (BD) cases in regards to Guy’s stone score, age, sex, BMI, degree of hydronephrosis and stone area. Peri-operative data were compared between the two groups.ResultsTotal operative time was significantly shorter in the BD group (62.2 ± 22.4 min vs. 70.2 ± 25.8 min,p = 0.024). Tract establishment time was significantly shorter in the BD group (3.4 ± 1.8 min vs. 4.3 ± 2.3 min,p < 0.001). The success rate of tract dilation by first attempt was higher in the TMD group compared with that of BD group; however the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between groups with regards to complication and stone-free rates. The cost of PCNL in the BD group was significantly higher than that of the TMD group (US $4831.4 ± 1114.8 vs. US $4328.4 ± 975.7,p = 0.012). Subsequent analysis revealed that mild or no hydronephrosis were risk factor for failure of balloon dilation under ultrasound.ConclusionsBD has acceptable complication and stone free rates compared with those in TMD; however, BD under ultrasound is not suggested for stone cases without hydronephrosis.
Blood neutrophil counts are associated with exacerbation frequency and mortality in COPD
Authors: Lonergan Mike , Dicker Alison J. , Crichton Megan L. , Keir Holly R. , Van Dyke Melissa K. , Mullerova Hana , Miller Bruce E. , Tal-Singer Ruth , Chalmers James D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Identifying patients with COPD at increased risk of poor outcomes is challenging due to disease heterogeneity. Potential biomarkers need to be readily available in real-life clinical practice. Blood eosinophil counts are widely studied but few studies have examined the prognostic value of blood neutrophil counts (BNC).

Methods
In a large population-based COPD registry in the East of Scotland (TARDIS: Tayside Allergic and Respiratory Disease Information System), BNC were compared to measures of disease severity and mortality for up to 15 years follow-up. Potential mechanisms of disease modification by BNC were explored in a nested microbiome substudy.

Results
178,120 neutrophil counts were obtained from 7220 people (mean follow up 9 years) during stable disease periods. Median BNC was 5200cells/μL (IQR 4000-7000cells/μL). Mortality rates among the 34% of patients with elevated BNCs (defined as 6000-15000cells/μL) at the study start were 80% higher (14.0/100 person years v 7.8/100py, P < 0.001) than those with BNC in the normal range (2000-6000cells/μL). People with elevated BNC were more likely to be classified as GOLD D (46% v 33% P < 0.001), have more exacerbations (mean 2.3 v 1.3/year, P < 0.001), and were more likely to have severe exacerbations (13% vs. 5%, P < 0.001) in the following year. Eosinophil counts were much less predictive of these outcomes. In a sub-cohort (N = 276), patients with elevated BNC had increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria and reduced microbiome diversity.

Conclusion
High BNC may provide a useful indicator of risk of exacerbations and mortality in COPD patients.
Nudge strategies to improve healthcare providers’ implementation of evidence-based guidelines, policies and practices: a systematic review of trials included within Cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Hall Alix , Stacey Fiona , Grady Alice , Sutherland Rachel , Wyse Rebecca , Anderson Amy , Nathan Nicole , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Nudge interventions are those that seek to modify the social and physical environment to enhance capacity for subconscious behaviours that align with the intrinsic values of an individual, without actively restricting options. This study sought to describe the application and effects of nudge strategies on clinician implementation of health-related guidelines, policies and practices within studies included in relevant Cochrane systematic reviews.

Methods
As there is varied terminology used to describe nudge, this study examined studies within relevant systematic reviews. A two-stage screening process was undertaken where, firstly, all systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Library between 2016 and 2018 were screened to identify reviews that included quantitative studies to improve implementation of guidelines among healthcare providers. Secondly, individual studies within relevant systematic reviews were included if they were (i) randomised controlled trials (RCTs), (ii) included a nudge strategy in at least one intervention arm, and (iii) explicitly aimed to improve clinician implementation behaviour. We categorised nudge strategies into priming, salience and affect, default, incentives, commitment and ego, and norms and messenger based on the Mindspace framework.

Synthesis
The number and percentage of trials using each nudge strategy was calculated. Due to substantial heterogeneity, we did not undertake a meta-analysis. Instead, we calculated within-study point estimates and 95% confidence intervals, and used a vote-counting approach to explore effects.

Results
Seven reviews including 42 trials reporting on 57 outcomes were included. The most common nudge strategy was priming (69%), then norms and messenger (40%). Of the 57 outcomes, 86% had an effect on clinician behaviour in the hypothesised direction, and 53% of those were statistically significant. For continuous outcomes, the median effect size was 0.39 (0.22, 0.45), while for dichotomous outcomes the median Odds Ratio was 1.62 (1.13, 2.76).

Conclusions
This review of 42 RCTs included in Cochrane systematic reviews found that the impact of nudge strategies on clinician behaviour was at least comparable to other interventions targeting implementation of evidence-based guidelines. While uncertainty remains, the review provides justification for ongoing investigation of the evaluation and application of nudge interventions to support provider behaviour change.

Trial registration
This review was not prospectively registered.
Comparison of allergens and symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis between 1990s and 2010s
Authors: Kim Ji Heui , Kim Shin Ae , Ku Ja Yoon , Cho Won Ki , Shin Chol Ho 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR), an environment- and lifestyle-dependent condition, has been constantly increasing in Korea. Although the environment and lifestyle of the Korean people have recently undergone rapid changes, corresponding changes in the characteristics of AR patients have not been well documented. Therefore, we aimed to outline the changes in allergens and clinical manifestations of AR in Korean patients from the 1990s and 2010s.

Methods
We reviewed 1447 and 3388 AR patients who visited the same tertiary hospital in the 1990s and 2010s, respectively. All patients were diagnosed with AR based on the presence of characteristic symptoms, positive skin prick test results, and answered a symptom questionnaire at the time of visit. We compared differences in the allergens and results of the symptom questionnaire between the two sets of patients.

Results
When compared with the 1990s, the rate of sensitization to house dust mites, cockroaches, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and tree pollen significantly increased and that to cat fur significantly decreased in patients from the 2010s (all P < 0.05). Male predominance was observed with two peaks in the age distribution of patients from the 2010s. The proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe nasal obstruction and itching of the nose/eye increased (each P < 0.05) and that of patients with minor symptoms such as olfactory disturbances, cough, sore throat, and fatigue also increased (all P < 0.01) in the 2010s.

Conclusions
Allergen reactivity and type and symptom severity in Korean AR patients significantly varied between the 1990s and 2010s. Our results may therefore be helpful for patient counseling and management.
Volvox and volvocine green algae
Authors: Umen James G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe transition of life from single cells to more complex multicellular forms has occurred at least two dozen times among eukaryotes and is one of the major evolutionary transitions, but the early steps that enabled multicellular life to evolve and thrive remain poorly understood. Volvocine green algae are a taxonomic group that is uniquely suited to investigating the step-wise acquisition of multicellular organization. The multicellular volvocine speciesVolvox carteriexhibits many hallmarks of complex multicellularity including complete germ–soma division of labor, asymmetric cell divisions, coordinated tissue-level morphogenesis, and dimorphic sexes—none of which have obvious analogs in its closest unicellular relative, the model algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii. Here, I summarize some of the key questions and areas of study that are being addressed withVolvox carteriand how increasing genomic information and methodologies for volvocine algae are opening up the entire group as an integrated experimental system for exploring the evolution of multicellularity and more.
Reduced auditory steady state responses in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Seymour R. A. , Rippon G. , Gooding-Williams G. , Sowman P. F. , Kessler K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAuditory steady state responses (ASSRs) are elicited by clicktrains or amplitude-modulated tones, which entrain auditory cortex at their specific modulation rate. Previous research has reported reductions in ASSRs at 40 Hz for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participants and first-degree relatives of people diagnosed with ASD (Mol Autism. 2011;2:11, Biol Psychiatry. 2007;62:192–197).MethodsUsing a 1.5 s-long auditory clicktrain stimulus, designed to elicit an ASSR at 40 Hz, this study attempted to replicate and extend these findings. Magnetencephalography (MEG) data were collected from 18 adolescent ASD participants and 18 typically developing controls.ResultsThe ASSR localised to bilateral primary auditory regions. Regions of interest were thus defined in left and right primary auditory cortex (A1). While the transient gamma-band response (tGBR) from 0-0.1 s following presentation of the clicktrain stimulus was not different between groups, for either left or right A1, the ASD group had reduced oscillatory power at 40 Hz from 0.5 to 1.5 s post-stimulus onset, for both left and right A1. Additionally, the ASD group had reduced inter-trial coherence (phase consistency over trials) at 40 Hz from 0.64-0.82 s for right A1 and 1.04-1.22 s for left A1.LimitationsIn this study, we did not conduct a clinical autism assessment (e.g. the ADOS), and therefore, it remains unclear whether ASSR power and/or ITC are associated with the clinical symptoms of ASD.ConclusionOverall, our results support a specific reduction in ASSR oscillatory power and inter-trial coherence in ASD, rather than a generalised deficit in gamma-band responses. We argue that this could reflect a developmentally relevant reduction in non-linear neural processing.
Utilization of breast MRI and breast MRI-guided biopsy in clinical practice: results of a survey in Québec and France
Authors: Mesurolle Benoît , Sun Simon , Zhang Michelle 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the practice regarding breast MRI exams and breast MRI-guided biopsies in two countries with different health care systems, France and Québec. A 12-item questionnaire was distributed online among radiologists from France and Québec, attempting to determine: demographic characteristics and breast MRI diagnostic and MRI-guided practices (indications, workload, availability, and waiting time assessment).ResultsOne hundred and seventy radiologists (France, 132 respondents (28.5%); Quebec, 38 respondents (35.2%)) participated in the survey, most of them based in non-academic centers. Thirty-eight percent of Quebec and 2.3% of French radiologists did not perform breast MRI in their daily practice. Nearly 50% of French and Quebec respondents interpreted 1–10 breast MRI exams per week. Decision-making factors of preoperative MRI were similar in both countries (pathology, age, and breast density), with a heavier emphasis placed on the surgeon’s opinion in Quebec (47.8% versus 21.8% (p= 0.009)). Quebec demonstrated a higher waiting time than France (1–2 weeks in 40% versus less than 1 week in 40%). MRI-guided breast biopsies (less than 5 MRI-guided biopsies per week) were being performed by a minority of the respondents (36% in France and 43% in Québec).ConclusionMost of radiologists performing breast MRIs work in non-academic institutions in both countries. Waiting time is higher in Quebec, but most of preoperative breast MRIs are performed within 3 weeks in both countries. The surgeon plays an important role in recommending preoperative MRI in Quebec. MRI-guided breast biopsies are not widely available in both countries.
Knockdown of LAP2α inhibits osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by activating NF-κB
Authors: Tang Yiman , Zhang Xiao , Ge Wenshu , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (LAP2α) is a nucleoplasmic protein that has been involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, gene transcription, and adult stem cell function. LAP2α down-regulation is linked to age-related osteoporosis and bone deformities; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. The present study aimed to elucidate the function of LAP2α in the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), which are attractive sources for bone tissue engineering.

Methods
The expression of LAP2α during the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs was detected firstly. A loss of function investigation was then carried out to characterize the function of LAP2α in osteogenic differentiation of hASCs both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RNA-sequences, western blotting, and confocal analyses were performed to clarify the molecular mechanism of LAP2α-regulated osteogenesis.

Results
We found that LAP2α expression was upregulated upon osteogenic induction. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that LAP2α knockdown resulted in impaired osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Mechanistically, we revealed that LAP2α deficiency activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling by controlling the cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation of p65.

Conclusions
Collectively, our findings revealed that LAP2α functions as an essential regulator for osteogenesis of hASCs by modulating NF-κB signaling, thus providing novel insights for mesenchymal stem cell-mediated bone tissue engineering.
HLA-mismatched GPBSC infusion therapy in refractory Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: an observational study from a single center
Authors: Song Yue , Wang Jingshi , Wang Yini , Wang Zhao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe or even fatal inflammatory state. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection-associated HLH (EBV-HLH) is one of the most common secondary HLH and suffers a very poor prognosis. Allo-HSCT is often required for refractory EBV-HLH, but some patients still cannot proceed to the next allo-HSCT due to various factors. This study aimed to observe the efficacy of HLA-mismatched granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (GPBSCs) infusion for refractory EBV-HLH.

Methods
A retrospective case-control study of refractory EBV-HLH patients with GPBSC infusion from HLA-mismatched donors after chemotherapy (as GPBSC group) and sole chemotherapy (as control group) was performed. Efficacy was evaluated 2 and 4 weeks and all patients were followed-up until March 1, 2018.

Results
There were 18 cases who accepted infusion between March 2016 and Sep 2017 and 19 were randomly selected from refractory EBV-HLH patients who underwent salvage therapy during the same period for the control group. In GPBSC group, WBC (p = 0.017), Fbg (p = 0.040), and ferritin (p = 0.039) improved significantly after treatment. The overall response rate was 66.7% (CR 22.2%, PR 44.4%). However, there are no significant differences in changes of WBC, HGB, PLT, TG, Fbg, Ferritin, AST, ALT, and T-bil between two groups. Only the Fbg level was recovered better in the GPBSC infusion group (p = 0.003). In the GPBSC group, EBV-DNA decreased significantly after 2 weeks (p = 0.001) and 4 weeks (p = 0.012) after treatment, and the effect of the decrease was significantly better than that of the chemotherapy alone group in 2 weeks but not 4 weeks (p2w = 0.011, p4w = 0.145). The median survival time in the infusion group was 20.4 weeks [95% CI 10.9, 29.9], and the median survival time in the control group was 10.8 weeks [95% CI 0–24.34]. In the short-term, the infusion group’s survival rate was better (2-month 88.89% vs. 52.63%, p = 0.008; 3-month 83.33% vs. 47.09%, p = 0.012), but there was no difference in OS (p = 0.287).

Conclusions
Infusing GPBSCs combined with chemotherapy is effective, especially in decreasing EBV-DNA, performs better than chemotherapy alone, and improves short-term survival rate. GPBSC infusion is suggested as a bridging treatment method to allo-HSCT.
MicroRNA let-7b inhibits cell proliferation via upregulation of p21 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hui Li , Zheng Fang , Bo Yuan , Sen-lin Ma , Ai-jun Li , Wei-ping Zhou , Yong-jie Zhang , Lei Yin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumor types and has a high incidence and mortality. Many miRNAs play important roles in the development of HCC. Identification of these miRNAs and their targets is increasingly urgent for a better understandingof miRNA function in both physiological and pathological contexts. Many studies have shown that the expression of let-7 is often downregulated in the process of tumorigenesis, suggesting that let-7 may participate in this process as an oncogene.

Methods
Immunochemistry staining was used to observe the expression of let-7b in HCC tissues. A CCK-8 assay was employed to detect the role of let-7b in the proliferation of HCC cells. The cell cycle of HCC cells was examined by flow cytometry. BALB/c nu/nu mice were used to detect the tumorigenesis potential of HCC cells; western blot and real-time PCR were employed to observe the expression of p21 in HCC cells.

Results
In our previous studies investigating HCC tissue samples obtained from the national tissue samples bank of liver cancer in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, we found one abnormal expression of miRNA (let-7b), which was significantly downregulated in HCC tissue. In the current work, we studied the relationship between let-7b and HCC to potentially provide invaluable information for developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating HCC. Based on our findings, let-7b expression was absent in HCC tumors, and its lower expression was associated with poor prognosis of HCC. In further experiments, we found that let-7b inhibited HCC cell proliferation through upregulation of p21.

Conclusion
The results of our study suggested that let-7b might inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells by upregulating p21.
Infant formula with cow’s milk fat and prebiotics affects intestinal flora, but not the incidence of infections during infancy in a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nomayo Antonia , Schwiertz Andreas , Rossi Rainer , Timme Katharina , Foster Janine , Zelenka Richard , Tvrdik Josef , Jochum Frank 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe postnatal intestinal colonization of human milk-fed and formula-fed infants differs substantially, as does the susceptibility to infectious diseases during infancy. Specific ingredients in human milk, such as prebiotic human milk oligosaccharides and a specifically structured fat composition with high proportion of beta-palmitic acid (beta-PA) promote the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria, which are associated with favorable effects on infants’ health. The present study investigates whether addition of prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in combination with higher amounts of beta-PA from cow’s milk fat in infant formula positively affects gut microbiota and the incidence of infections in formula-fed infants.MethodsIn a double-blind controlled trial, formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to either receive an experimental formula containing a higher proportion of beta-PA (20–25%) from natural cow’s milk fat, and a prebiotic supplement (0.5 g GOS/100 ml), or a standard infant formula with low beta-PA (< 10%), without prebiotics. A breast-fed reference group was also enrolled. After 12 weeks, fecal samples were collected to determine the proportion of fecal bifidobacteria. The number of infections during the first year of life was recorded.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, the proportion of fecal bifidobacteria was significantly higher in infants receiving formula with high beta-PA and GOS compared to control, and was similar to the breast-fed group (medians 8.8%, 2.5%, and 5.0% respectively;p< 0.001). The incidence of gastrointestinal or other infections during the first year of life did not differ between groups.ConclusionsThe combination of higher amounts of beta-PA plus GOS increased significantly the proportion of fecal bifidobacteria in formula-fed infants, but did not affect the incidence of infections.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered with Clinical Trials (Protocol Registration and Results System Trial ID:NCT01603719) on 05/15/2012 (retrospectively registered).
Safety and visual outcomes following posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens bilensectomy
Authors: Vargas Veronica , Alió Jorge L. , Barraquer Rafael I. , D’ Antin Justin Christopher , García Cristina , Duch Francisco , Balgos Joan , Alió del Barrio Jorge L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the safety, efficacy, refractive outcomes and causes for bilensectomy (phakic intraocular lens – pIOL – explantation with cataract surgery and pseudophakic intraocular lens implantation) in patients previously implanted with posterior chamber pIOLs.

Methods
This multi-center retrospective study included 87 eyes of 55 patients who underwent bilensectomy for posterior chamber pIOL with a follow up time of 12 months. The uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA, CDVA), endothelial cell density before and after bilensectomy were assessed, as well as the cause of bilensectomy and intra or postoperative complications.

Results
There was a statistically significant improvement in uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities after bilensectomy (p = 0.00). The main reason for bilensectomy was cataract development (93.1% of the cases), followed by miscalculation of lens size, and corneal edema. The endothelial cell count remained stable without a statistically significant change after surgery (p = 0.67). The refractive efficacy index was 0.8, none of the patients lost lines of CDVA after surgery, 73% of the patients were within ±1 D (spherical equivalent) of the target refraction. Intraoperative complications were one posterior capsule rupture with the intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in the sulcus, and 3 eyes required the use of pupil expanders for adequate pupil dilation. Postoperatively, one eye developed retinal detachment. The three pIOLs models explanted were the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL) and the Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL).

Conclusions
Good safety and visual outcomes were observed 1 year after bilensectomy for posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (PC pIOLs). There were few intra and postoperative complications and there was no significant endothelial cell loss after the bilensectomy procedure.