bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of occupational exposure to shock and vibration on health in high-performance marine craft occupants
Authors: de Alwis Manudul Pahansen , Garme Karl 
Published: December 2020

Working conditions of High-performance Marine Craft (HPMC) occupants are inherent with shock and vibration. Therefore, HPMC occupants are usually investigated believing that their psychophysical health and performance are negatively affected by exposure to these conditions. However, the association between the regular occupational vibration exposures of HPMC occupants and the deterioration of their health and performance is disputable. Therefore, a sample of HPMC occupants are investigated in a prospective cohort study by measuring perceived work exposure, health and performance via validated web-based questionnaires and physical work exposure as vibration using measurement systems installed onboard their craft. Incidence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) during four operational seasons is determined and presented as incidence proportion (IP). Association between accumulated vibration exposure aboard HPMC and incidence of MSP is systematically assessed using multiple logistic regression models and expressed as odds ratio (OR). Moreover, the correlation between objectively and subjectively measured vibration exposures is determined using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ( rs). Incidence proportion of neck pain was 63.4% and that of lower back pain ranged from 12.5% to 87.5% over the four seasons. The accumulated vibration exposure was strongly associated with the incidence of MSP primarily with lower back pain. However, the association was not statistically significant. The objective and subjective vibration exposures of the craft drivers showed a statistically significant positive monotonic correlation. The study suggests that occupational exposure to shock and vibration aboard HPMC is a factor increasing the incidence of MSP. The HPMC occupants regularly experience attrition in their performance. The perceived vibration exposure of the drivers can be used to rank the exposure severity aboard HPMC in the absence of objective measurements. The current vibration exposure assessment methods are also recommended to be revised accounting for shock and vibration inherent in HPMC exposures.
Comparative Analysis of the MRI Characteristics of Meningiomas According to the 2016 WHO Pathological Classification
Authors: Yu Juan , Chen Fan-fan , Zhang Han-wen , Zhang Hong , Luo Si-ping , Huang Guo-dong , Lin Fan , Lei Yi , Luo Liangping 
Published: December 2020

Objects: To evaluate the performance of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating diagnoses, operation methods and recurrence of meningiomas according to the World health organization (WHO) pathological classification. Methods: MRI characteristics of 127 meningioma patients were retrospectively analysed according to pathological results (WHO grade) and their association with Simpson’s grades (resection) and recurrence. Results: The T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) signal intensity of WHO grade I meningiomas was slightly hypointense or isointense gray, while the T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) signal intensity was isointense or slightly hyperintense. The T1WI and T2WI signal intensity in WHO grade II and III meningiomas was isointense gray. The enhancement degree and patterns, lobulation, flowing voids, dural tail, maximum diameter, peritumoural oedema, ADC values and margin were significantly different between any 2 grades (P < 0.05). The ADC values were higher for WHO grade I tumors than for WHO grade II and III tumors (P < 0.001). Among all the analyzed characteriscs, ADC values, peritumoural oedema, and margin effectively predicted the diagnosis according to the WHO classification. The operation method and surgical resection were different between WHO grade Ⅰ and WHO grade Ⅱ/Ⅲ meningiomas (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate increased with tumor grade, but there was no statistical difference among the 3 types(P> 0.05). Conclusions: WHO grades and pathological subtypes of meningiomas can generally be determined based on their MRI characteristics. In addition, MRI provides significant guidance for the grading of surgical success and prognosis.
The BRCA2 p.N372 H i.a.1342A>C Could Regulate the Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Platinum-Based Drugs
Authors: Du Zhen-Hua , Xia Yu , Yang Qing , Gao Song 
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective: We have previously reported that BRCA2 N372 H i.a.1342A>C heterozygous variation presented in platinum-resistant patients. This study aimed to further investigate the mechanism of BRCA2 N372 H mutation in the development of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Methods: The BRCA2 N372 H i.a.1342A>C was synthesized and used to exchange 1 wildtype allele followed by sequencing to confirm the mutant allele sequence. Plasmids were constructed and transfected into the OVCAR-3 cells after lentiviral packaging. BRCA2 N372 H mRNA was detected by qPCR. BRCA2 protein was assessed by immunoblotting. Binding of the BRCA2 to Rad51 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin treatment was assessed with CCK-8 assay. Results: It was found that expression of BRCA2 protein in ovarian cancer cells transfected with BRCA2 N372 H i.a.1342A>C gene (2.177 ± 0.003) was significantly increased compared to that of the cells transfected with lenti-EGFP only (1.227 ± 0.003, P < 0.001). Binding of the BRCA2 and Rad51 proteins was significantly increased in the cells with BRCA2 N372 H i.a.1342A>C mutation (3.542 ± 0.24) than that in the cells transfected with lenti-EGFP (1.29 ± 0.32) or empty cells (1.363 ± 0.32, P < 0.001). Cell viability significantly increased in the cells transfected with BRCA2 N372 H mutant gene. The IC50 value was significantly higher in the cells transfected with BRCA2 N372 H mutant gene (1.963 ± 0.04) than that of the cells transfected with lenti-EGFP (0.955 ± 0.03, P < 0.01) or empty cells (1.043 ± 0.007, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Over expression of mRNA and protein of BRCA2 was detected in the cells with BRCA2 N372 H i.a.1342A>C mutation but not in the lentivirus negative control (lenti-EGFP) or the cells without transfection (empty cells), which may lead to resistance to platinum-based drugs in ovarian cancer cells through homologous recombination repair pathway.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Pattern of Cancer Stem Cells in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Yu Xiying , Teng Ying , Jiang Xingran , Yuan Hui , Jiang Wei 
Published: December 2020

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered the main cause of cancer recurrence and metastasis, and DNA methylation is involved in the maintenance of CSCs. However, the methylation profile of esophageal CSCs remains unknown. Methods: Side population (SP) cells were isolated from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines KYSE150 and EC109. Sphere-forming cells were collected from human primary esophageal cancer cells. SP cells and sphere-forming cells were used as substitutes for cancer stem-like cells. We investigated the genome-wide DNA methylation profile in esophageal cancer stem-like cells using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Results: Methylated cytosine (mC) was found mostly in CpG dinucleotides, located mostly in the intronic, intergenic, and exonic regions. Forty intersected differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in these 3 groups of samples. Thirteen differentially methylated genes with the same alteration trend were detected; these included OTX1, SPACA1, CD163L1, ST8SIA2, TECR, CADM3, GRM1, LRRK1, CHSY1, PROKR2, LINC00658, LOC100506688, and NKD2. DMRs covering ST8SIA2 and GRM1 were located in exons. These differentially methylated genes were involved in 10 categories of biological processes and 3 cell signaling pathways. Conclusions: When compared to non-CSCs, cancer stem-like cells have a differential methylation status, which provides an important biological base for understanding esophageal CSCs and developing therapeutic targets for esophageal cancer.
Transarterial Chemoembolization Followed by Radiotherapy Versus Sandwich Treatment for Unresectable or Ablative Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Haimin , Wu Huiyong , Cong Ning , Liu Bo , Liu Chengxin , Han Dali 
Published: December 2020

Objective: Our objective is to assess whether the outcome of intrahepatic unresectable or ablative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could be improved by supplemental transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) following initial treatment of TACE with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), compared to TACE followed by 3DCRT alone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed intrahepatic unresectable or ablative HCC patients who underwent TACE, followed by 3DCRT with or without additional TACE, from June 2010 to December 2016 at our institution. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors that influenced prognosis. Toxicity profiles were evaluated using CTCAE 4.0. Results: 27 patients received TACE with 3DCRT (TR group) and 11 received additional TACE following TACE and 3DCRT (sandwich group), respectively. The median intrahepatic progression-free survival (IPFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in the TR group and sandwich group were 5.4 months vs. 17 months (P = 0.018), 5.4 months vs. 17 months (P = 0.008), and 13.5 months vs. 29.2 months (P = 0.011), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that TACE followed by radiotherapy alone had a shorter IPFS (HR: 2.516, 95% CI (1.136-5.570), P = 0.023) and PFS (HR: 2.637, 95% CI (1.182-5.880), P = 0.018) compared with the sandwich treatment. Hepatitis B virus reactivation occurred in 1 patient in the sandwich group. Myleosuppresion was considered a grade 3/4 adverse event. Conclusion: Unresectable or ablative HCC patients possibly benefit from the combination of TACE and 3DCRT followed by additional TACE therapy, compared with TACE followed by 3DCRT alone.
Quantitative PET Imaging and Clinical Parameters as Predictive Factors for Patients With Cervical Carcinoma: Implications of a Prediction Model Generated Using Multi-Objective Support Vector Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Zhiguo , Maquilan Genevieve M. , Thomas Kimberly , Wachsmann Jason , Wang Jing , Folkert Michael R. , Albuquerque Kevin 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Quantitative features from pre-treatment positron emission tomography (PET) have been used to predict treatment outcomes for patients with cervical carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to use quantitative PET imaging features and clinical parameters to construct a multi-objective machine learning predictive model. Materials/Methods: Seventy-five patients with stage IB2-IVA disease treated at our institution from 2009–2012 were analyzed. Models predicting locoregional and distant failure were generated using clinical parameters (age, race, stage, histology, tumor size, nodal status) and imaging features (12 textural, 9 intensity, 8 geometric features, 2 additional imaging features) from pre-treatment PET. Model features were selected based on a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to maximize specificity given a fixed moderately high sensitivity using support vector machine learning methods. Model 1 used clinical parameters only (C), Model 2 used imaging features only (I), and Model 3 used clinical and imaging features (C+I). Sensitivity, specificity, area under a receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), and p-values were compared to assess ability to predict locoregional and distant failure. Results: C+I had the highest performance for both locoregional failure (AUC 0.84, p < 0.01; specificity: 0.86; sensitivity: 0.79) and distant failure (AUC 0.75, p < 0.01; specificity: 0.75; sensitivity: 0.75). Conclusions: Based on a moderately high fixed sensitivity and optimized for specificity, the model using both clinical parameters and imaging features (C+I) had the best performance in predicting both locoregional failure and distant failure.
Decreased Gamma Auditory Steady-State Response Is Associated With Impaired Real-World Functioning in Unmedicated Patients at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Ahmed Sarah , Lepock Jennifer R. , Mizrahi Romina , Bagby R. Michael , Gerritsen Cory J. , Korostil Michele , Light Gregory A. , Kiang Michael 
Published: December 2020

Aim Deficits in synchronous, gamma-frequency neural oscillations may contribute to schizophrenia patients’ real-world functional impairment and can be measured electroencephalographically using the auditory steady-state response (ASSR). Gamma ASSR deficits have been reported in schizophrenia patients and individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for developing psychosis. We hypothesized that, in CHR patients, gamma ASSR would correlate with real-world functioning, consistent with a role for gamma synchrony deficits in functional impairment. Methods A total of 35 CHR patients rated on Global Functioning: Social and Role scales had EEG recorded while listening to 1-ms, 93-dB clicks presented at 40 Hz in 500-ms trains, in response to which 40-Hz evoked power and intertrial phase-locking factor (PLF) were measured. Results In CHR patients, lower 40-Hz PLF correlated with lower social functioning. Conclusions Gamma synchrony deficits may be a biomarker of real-world impairment at early stages of the schizophrenia disease trajectory.
Effect of anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor treatments on vascular remodeling induced by chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation
Authors: dos Santos Tabata M. , Righetti Renato F. , Rezende Bianca G. , Campos Elaine C. , Camargo Leandro do N. , Saraiva-Romanholo Beatriz M. , Fukuzaki Silvia , Prado Carla M. , Leick Edna A. , Martins Milton A. , Tibério Iolanda F. L. C. 
Published: December 2020

Background and aims: Expansion and morphological dysregulation of the bronchial vascular network occurs in asthmatic airways. Interleukin (IL) -17 and Rho-kinase (ROCK) are known to act in inflammation control and remodeling. Modulation of Rho-kinase proteins and IL-17 may be a promising approach for the treatment of asthma through the control of angiogenesis. Our objective was to analyze the effects of treatment with anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor on vascular changes in mice with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Methods: Sixty-four BALB/c mice, with pulmonary inflammation induced by ovalbumin were treated with anti-IL17A (7.5/µg per dose, intraperitoneal) and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632-10 mg/kg, intranasal), 1 h before each ovalbumin challenge (22, 24, 26, and 28/days). Control animals were made to inhale saline. At the end of the protocol, lungs were removed, and morphometric analysis was performed to quantify vascular inflammatory, remodeling, and oxidative stress responses. Results: Anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor reduced the number of CD4+, CD8+, dendritic cells, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, Rho-kinase 1 and 2, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor (NF)-KappaB, iNOS, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-12, metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1), FOXP-3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and phospho-STAT1-positive cells, and actin, endothelin-1, isoprostane, biglycan, decorin, fibronectin and the collagen fibers volume fraction compared with the ovalbumin group ( p < 0.05). The combination treatment, when compared with anti-IL17, resulted in potentiation of decrease in the number of IL1β- and dendritic cells-positive cells. When we compared the OVA-RHO inhibitor-anti-IL17 with OVA-RHO inhibitor we found a reduction in the number of CD8+ and IL-17, TGF-β, and phospho-STAT1-positive cells and endothelin-1 in the vessels ( p < 0.05). There was an attenuation in the number of ROCK 2-positive cells in the group with the combined treatment when compared with anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor-treated groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: We observed no difference in angiogenesis after treatment with Rho-kinase inhibitor and anti-IL17. Although the treatments did not show differences in angiogenesis, they showed differences in the markers involved in the angiogenesis process contributing to inflammation control and vascular remodeling. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Marital status does not affect the cancer-specific survival of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with nephroureterectomy: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Mao Weipu , Wu Jianping , Wang Keyi , Xu Bin , Chen Ming 
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between marital status and the prognosis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with nephroureterectomy (NU). Methods: Patients with UTUC who received NU treatment were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of marital status on cancer-specific survival (CSS), and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for married and unmarried patients to explore further the effect of marital status on patients with UTUC. Results: Among 1565 eligible patients, 960 (61.3%) were married and 605 (38.7%) were unmarried, of which 146 (9.3%) were divorced/separated, 306 (19.6%) were widowed, and 153 (9.8%) were single. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that marital status was not an independent risk factor for patients with UTUC treated with NU. After stratification by grade and SEER stage, multivariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in 5-year CSS between divorced/separated, widowed, and single patients compared with married patients in different grades and SEER stages. In addition, after PSM analysis, marital status was still not an independent risk factor for patients with UTUC treated with NU. Conclusion: For patients with UTUC treated with NU, marital status has no prognostic effect on CSS.
Lepidic component identifies a subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma with a distinctive prognosis: a multicenter propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Zhu Erjia , Dai Chenyang , Xie Huikang , Su Hang , Hu Xuefei , Li Ming , Fan Junqiang , Liu Jinshi , Zhu Quan , Zhang Lei , Ke Honggang , Chen Chang 
Published: December 2020

Background: Our aim was to investigate the prognostic impact of the lepidic component on T stage in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: A retrospective data set including 863 cases of LUAD with lepidic component and 856 cases without lepidic component was used to identify matched lepidic-positive and lepidic-negative cohorts ( n = 376 patients per group) using a propensity-score matching. Primary outcome variables included recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic factors were assessed by Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that lepidic component presence was an independent prognostic factor for prolonged RFS ( p < 0.001) and OS ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, lepidic ratio (LR) >25% or ⩽25% were confirmed to be independent prolonged survival predictors. No survival differences were observed between patients with LUAD with LR >25% or ⩽25% (RFS p = 0.333; OS p = 0.078). The 5-year OS rates of patients with LUAD with a lepidic component were 90% regardless of the T stage, and these survival rates were significantly better than those of patients with LUAD without a lepidic component in the corresponding T stage. Multivariate analysis confirmed that T stage was associated with survival only in patients with LUAD without a lepidic component. Conclusions: Lepidic component presence identifies a LUAD subgroup with an excellent prognosis independent of the LR, pathological T classification. Considering the lepidic component presence may improve prognostic predictions for patients with LUAD.
LPCAT2 Methylation, a Novel Biomarker for the Severity of Cedar Pollen Allergic Rhinitis in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Hiroyuki , Miyake Kunio , Matsuoka Tomokazu , Kojima Reiji , Sakurai Daiju , Masuyama Keisuke , Yamagata Zentaro 
Published: December 2020

Background Recently, the role of the epigenome in allergies has been receiving increasing attention. Although several genes that are methylated in relation to serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration have been reported by epigenome-wide association studies, little is known about the DNA methylation sites associated with the symptoms and severity of cedar pollinosis (CP). Objective Our aim was to analyze the association between DNA methylation and the symptoms and severity of CP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and nasal mucosa scraping cells (NMSCs). Methods We recruited 70 participants during the cedar pollen dispersal season. IgE levels were measured by a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. We analyzed DNA methylation of acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 ( ACOT7), mucin 4 ( MUC4), schlafen 12 ( SLFN12), lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 ( LPCAT2), and interleukin-4 ( IL4) in PBMCs and NMSCs using bisulfite next-generation sequencing; the correlation of DNA methylation with non-specific IgE and cedar pollen-specific IgE levels in peripheral blood samples was also investigated. Symptom severity and DNA methylation were investigated in 15 untreated CP patients. Results Non-specific IgE levels showed a significant negative correlation with average IL4 methylation in PBMCs (r = −0.46, P < 0.0001) but not with methylation of ACOT7, MUC4, SLFN12, and LPCAT2. Cedar pollen-specific IgE levels showed a significant negative correlation with average IL4 and MUC4 methylation in PBMCs (r = −0.31, P = 0.01 and r = −0.241, P = 0.046, respectively) but not with methylation of ACOT7, SLFN12, and LPCAT2. The methylation of some genes in NMSCs was not significantly correlated with IgE levels. The mean methylation of LPCAT2 in NMSCs showed a decreasing trend with increasing severity of CP (P = 0.027). Conclusion LPCAT2 methylation in NMSCs may reflect the severity of CP and could be used as a novel biomarker to identify suitable treatment options for CP.