bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circ_0007841 promotes the progression of multiple myeloma via miR-338-3p/BRD4 axis
Authors: Wang Yan , Lin Quande , Song Chunge , Ma Ruojin , Li Xiaojie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) is not completely known. Herein, we explored the function and the working mechanism of circular RNA circ_0007841 in MM progression. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of circ_0007841, microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) and bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4). The proliferation and metastasis of MM cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and transwell assays. Flow cytometry was conducted to assess the cell cycle and the apoptosis of MM cells. The targets of circ_0007841 and miR-338-3p were predicted by circinteractome and targetscan softwares, and these predictions were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-pull down assay. The protein levels of BRD4, phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), PI3K, p-AKT serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) and AKT were measured by Western blot assay. Exosomes were extracted using Exosome isolation kit. Results Circ_0007841 was highly expressed in bone marrow (BM)-derived plasma cells of MM patients and MM cells than that in healthy volunteers and normal plasma cells nPCs. Circ_0007841 promoted the proliferation, cell cycle and metastasis and impeded the apoptosis of MM cells. MiR-338-3p was a direct target of circ_0007841 in MM cells. Circ_0007841 accelerated the progression of MM through targeting miR-338-3p. BRD4 could directly bind to miR-338-3p in MM cells. MiR-338-3p exerted an anti-tumor role through targeting BRD4. Circ_0007841 promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling via miR-338-3p/BRD4 axis. Exosomes generated from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) elevated the malignant behaviors of MM cells via circ_0007841. Conclusion Circ_0007841 acted as an oncogene to promote the proliferation, cell cycle and motility and restrain the apoptosis of MM cells through sequestering miR-338-3p to up-regulate the expression of BRD4.
Upper airway cough syndrome may be the main cause of chronic cough in Japan: a cohort study
Authors: Yasuda Kimihiko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) is generally considered the main cause of chronic cough, but it is rarely recognised in Japan. This study identified the causes of chronic cough and assessed whether “UACS is the most common cause of chronic cough” in Japan, as it is in other countries. Although signs and symptoms of UACS are described as nonspecific, some items of interviews and examinations might be considered potentially useful in its diagnosis, and were evaluated for their association with it. Methods: All patients with chronic cough who visited my clinic were preliminarily diagnosed based on interviews and examinations. Bronchial asthma and UACS were preferentially diagnosed. Among the excluded cases, some patients with gastrointestinal symptoms or diet-related cough were diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, while others were diagnosed with post-infectious prolonged cough. Nasal corticosteroids were administered to the UACS group, and standard treatment to the other groups. The observation period lasted 4 weeks. Subjective cough score at first diagnosis was set at 10, and final diagnosis was made based on the treatment administered when the cough score had decreased to ≤2. The association between the presence or absence of UACS and interview and examination items was statistically evaluated using a logistic regression model. Results: Among 230 patients with chronic cough, 146 were diagnosed with UACS-only. In the UACS-only group treated with nasal corticosteroids, 110 patients showed a significant improvement in cough scores within 2 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that assessment items “awareness of mucus accumulating in the back of the throat” (odds ratio [OR]: 4.613; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.124–18.928; P=0.034), “presence of abnormal echography findings” (OR: 15.725; 95% CI: 1.445–171.101; P=0.024), “absence of associated coughing when exercising” (OR: 0.212; 95% CI, 0.055–0.813; P=0.024), and “presence of coughing persisting after onset” (OR: 6.470; 95% CI, 1.755–23.843; P=0.005) were significantly associated with the presence or absence of UACS. Conclusions: UACS is the most common cause of chronic cough in Japan, as in other countries, and can be effectively treated with nasal corticosteroids. Diagnosing UACS might be possible by selecting appropriate interview and examination items.
Liver tumor concurrent with chronic myelocytic leukemia and extreme thrombocytosis: A rare case report
Authors: Han Ping , Han Zhiqiang , Mao Xia , Wang Jin , Li Qinglu , Xiao Min , Meng Li , Tian Dean , Hong Zhenya 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) may occasionally occur after organ transplantation or long-term chemotherapy for solid tumors; Solid tumors secondary to long-term chemotherapy and biotherapy in CML have also been reported. However, the concurrence of solid tumor with CML and extreme thrombocytosis in an untreated patient is seldom reported. Case presentation We describe a 61-year-old woman transferred to liver surgery department for the discovery of a large mass in the liver and an elevated plasmic AFP. She was initially diagnosed with liver cancer. Blood tests indicated a marked increase of platelets(2464x10 9 /L). The chromosome examination of bone marrow biopsy indicated the existence of t(9;22) translocation, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and PCR were both positive for the Bcr-Abl rearrangement. The diagnosis of CML was made. She received hydroxyurea and imatinib to treat CML, and platelet-lowering therapy, and then underwent a liver biopsy, which suggestted a moderately-poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, or might be a hepatic metastatic carcinoma. However, the patient refused further pathological examination and primary site screening for the tumor. She died six and a half months after discharge. Conclusion: Here, we describe a rare case of liver cancer concurrent with CML and extreme thrombocytosis in an old patient. However, the exact relationship between the two tumors is still unclear, and more cases are desired.
Identification and confirmation of slit defect-causing bacteria in Cheddar cheese
Authors: Marco Maria , Xue Zhengyao , Brooks Jason , Quart Zachary , Stevens Eric , Kable Mary , Heidenreich Jessie , Mcleod Jeremy 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Spoilage microbes remain a significant economic burden for the dairy industry. Validated approaches are needed to identify microbes present in low numbers in those foods and starting ingredients prior to spoilage. Therefore, we applied a combination of propidium monoazide treatment combined with 16S rRNA gene amplicon DNA sequencing for viable cell detection, qPCR for bacterial enumeration, and laboratory culture, isolate identification, and pilot-scale cheese production to identify the causative bacterial agents of slit defects in industrially-produced Cheddar cheese. Because spoilage cannot be predicted in advance, the bacterial composition in milk was measured immediately before and after High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization over time and on multiple days and in resulting cheese blocks. Results: Milk was sampled over 10 h periods on ten days immediately before and after the final HTST pasteurization step prior to the initiation of cheese fermentations. HTST reduced the alpha-diversity of the viable, but not total, bacterial contents in milk and increased the proportions of thermoduric and endospore-forming bacterial taxa. There was a significant increase in viable bacterial cell numbers over the 10-h run times of the pasteurizer, including 68-fold higher numbers of Thermus. Between 0.22% to 10.9% of the bacteria in cheese were non-starter contaminants comprised mainly of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus, however, only Lactobacillus proportions increased during cheese aging. Lactobacillus, and Lactobacillus fermentum in particular, was also enriched in slit-containing cheeses and in the pre-HTST and post-HTST milk used to make them. Although some endospore-forming bacteria were associated with slits and could be isolated from milk and cheese, none were consistently associated with slit development. Pilot-scale cheeses developed slits when inoculated with L. fermentum, other heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria isolates, or with uncultured bacterial consortia collected from the pre-HTST or post-HTST milk, thus confirming that low abundance taxa in milk can negatively affect cheese quality. Conclusions: We identified and verified that certain low-abundance, bacterial taxa in milk are responsible for causing slit defects in Cheddar cheese. The likelihood for microorganisms in milk to cause defects could be predicted based on comparisons of the bacteria present in the pre- and post-HTST milk used for cheesemaking.
Developing an inter-professional transition course to improve team-based HIV care for Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kiguli-Malwadde Elsie , Budak Jehan Z , Chilemba Evelyn , Semitala Fred , Von Zinkernagel Deborah , Mosepele Mosepele , Conradie Hoffie , Khanyola J , Haruruvizhe Clara , Martin Shayanne , Kazembe Abigail , De Villiers M , Reid Michael J A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background With funding from the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA), a consortium of health professional training institutions from Africa developed HIV-specific, inter-professional, team-based resources to better support trainees during the transition period between pre-service training and professional practice.Methods Ten faculty members representing nine medical and nursing schools in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) developed a training package of modules focused on core clinical, public health, interprofessional education (IPE), and quality improvement (QI) domains related to HIV service delivery. All modules were targeted at newly qualified health care professionals and intended to be taught in workshops meant to complement existing institution specific HIV-curricula.Results Between April and July 2019, a comprehensive case-based HIV training package was developed to support trainees in transition from pre-service training to independent professional practice. Each module was intended to be delivered in an inter-professional format and addressed different elements of inter-professional practice.Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first IPE HIV-specific curriculum explicitly focused on enhancing the quality of training provided to graduating health care professionals working in SSA. The collaborative, cross-institutional, inter-professional approach to curriculum development provides a benchmark for how best-practice approaches to education can be rapidly disseminated in SSA.
Type II odontoid fractures: Complication, mortality, and outcome after posterior C1-C2 fixation and fusion, single institute experience
Authors: İnan Gezgin , Gokten Murat , Sezer Can , Sezer Aykut , Geyik Abidin Murat , Cagli Sedat 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate long term C1-C2 fusion rates and functional outcomes in patients with type II odontoid fractures treated with posterior fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass and C2 pars screws. Methods A total of 32 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Study parameters included Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analog scale score for neck pain. All patients had computerized tomography (CT) scans preoperatively and at six months postoperatively; X-rays preoperatively and at three months and 12 months after operation Results Among the etiological factors, first (59.4%) fall from high and second (40.6%) traffic accidents have been observed. The duration of follow-up was 28.4 ± 8.5 months. A total of 25 patients had improvement on mean VAS score. A total of 12 patients had improvement at modified JOA score. No vascular injury occurred in our series. One patient (3.1%) developed hospital pneumonia, and the patient died at postoperative 6 th week. One patient (3.1%) had nonunion, but no neurological deficit was observed, and revision surgery was not needed 30 patients (93.8%) had fracture healing and fusion after posterior C1-C2 fixation. Conclusions In our opinion, posterior C1-C2 fixation and fusion is the treatment of choice in type II odontoid fractures with good fusion results. We achieved good results and low complication and mortality rates.
Surgical treatment of atlantoaxial subluxation by intraoperative skull traction and C1-C2 fixation
Authors: Guo Jianwei , Lu Wencan , Ji Xiangli , Ren Xianfeng , Tang Xiaojie , Zhao Zheng , Hu Huiqiang , Song Tao , Du Yukun , Li Jianyi , Shao Cheng , Xu Tongshuai , Xi Yongming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a not rare abnormality between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). For AAS patients with persistent neck pain and neurologic symptoms, surgical intervention is a good choice. Nevertheless, there were still few reports about the use of intraoperative skull traction and different fixation methods in treatment of AAS.Methods: From January 2012 to December 2018, a total of 86 cases were admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as AAS. All the patients received atlantoaxial reduction with the help of intraoperative skull traction and C1-C2 fixation. Clinical and radiological parameters were collected through chart review.Results: There were 86 cases included in this study. The mean operative time was 153.9 ± 73.9 min, and the mean amount of intraoperative blood loss was 219.1 ± 195.6ml. 81 patients underwent posterior reduction, internal fixation and fusion. 5 patients underwent anterior release, followed by posterior internal fixation and fusion. All the patients got satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Significant neurologic improvement was observed in these patients. Bone fusion was achieved on the midline sagittal reconstructed CT images at the latest follow-up in all these patients except 1 case. All the patients were followed up for 34.84 ± 15.86 months at average (range 12-60 months). The mean ADI value was 7.55±1.67 mm at average preoperatively, and improved to 4.03±1.21 mm postoperatively, and to 4.21±0.99 mm at the latest follow-up. The mean A-A angle was 15.48±9.82 degrees at average preoperatively, and improved to 21.61±10.43 degrees postoperatively, and to 19.73±8.13 degrees at the latest follow-up. The mean A-A height was 35.61±7.66 mm at average preoperatively, and improved to 40.08±8.5 mm postoperatively, and to 38.83±6.97 mm at the latest follow-up. There were complications in 4 patients, including pedicle misplacement, pedicle fracture, infection and one death.Conclusion: Intraoperative skull traction can effectively facilitate the surgical procedures for ASS caused by different etiologies. Further research are needed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of this method.
Murine Radiation-Induced Stomach Pathology from Whole Thoracic Irradiation
Authors: McIlrath Daniel R. , Perez-Torres Carlos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Mouse models of radiation-induced lung injury are commonly produced to find novel treatments for the condition. While attempting to irridiate mouse lungs for purposes of creating such a model, noticable declines in health were observed at much earlier time points than recorded for lung pathology. These effects were attributed to off-target effects from imprecise radiation delivery.Methods: Verification of radiation localization was performed through film dosimetry of the irradiated thorax. Male C57Bl/6 mice were irradiated with a single dose of 20 Gy to the whole thoracic area delivered by an X-Rad cabient irradiator. CT was performed with respitory gating at 2 to 4 week timepoints to which identified abnormal pathology in vivo. Confirmation of CT findings was performed via histology on the stomachs using hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: On the CT images, we observed a large, spherecal volume of hypointense signal, caudal to the lungs as easrly as 4 weeks post irradiation. This correlated with a distended stomach caused by constipation and gas build-up within the stomach. Statistical anlysis showed 81% of mice (n=105) died prematurely after irradiation before the desired development of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice sacrificed and disected showed unpassed bolus as contents of the stomach, and histology showed cell metaplasia of the stomach walls.Conclusion: Imprecise radiation dose delivery to the lungs lead to unexpected pathology of the stomach. Future studies need to consider careful placement of shields or any beam contouring devices to ensure protection of the stomach given its higher radiosensitivity in contrast to the lungs.
Preponderance of precise open excision surgery to treat osteoid osteoma
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Long Feng , Liu Qing , Wu Ziyi , He Hongbo , Luo Wei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of precise open excision surgery to treat osteoid osteoma with C-arm assisted precise localization during the operation.MethodsFrom June 2010 to June 2017, patients with osteoid osteoma of the extremities who had undergone treatment by high speed burr grinding, full scratching with curette, and C-arm assisted lesion localization during the operation were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative pain was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring. The patients were followed up regularly, and the advantages, effects, and complications of the therapeutic technique were analyzed.ResultsThe study consisted of 94 patients (59 males, 35 females; mean age, 17.6 ± 8.5 years) and they were followed up for a mean of 38.9 months (range, 24–72 months). All patients were diagnosed with osteoid osteoma by postoperative pathological examination. Follow-up consisted of imaging reexamination and clinical evaluation. If the patients did not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before the operation, the mean pre-operative VAS score was 6.7, and the mean VAS score of all patients was 0 one month after operation. The mean time for all patients to resume normal daily activities was 14.3 days (range, 10-21 days). There was no recurrence of pain, infection, vascular or nerve injury, and fracture complications during the follow-up. In only one case of distal femur osteoid osteoma (OO), review X-ray found a suspected recurrence 50 months after the primary surgery and subsequently, the patient underwent a second surgery. Till date, the patient has reported no discomfort following the second surgery.ConclusionsFor treatment of osteoid osteoma, open incision and minimal resection with C-arm assisted tumor localization is still a suitable method, especially for osteoid osteoma located on the surface of the cortical bone.
Open versus arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mok Tsz Ngai , He Qiyu , PANNEERSELVAM SOUNDARYA , Wang Huajun , Hou Huige , Zheng Xiaofei , Pan Jinghua , Li Jieruo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a growing health concern that affects approximately 27 million people in the USA and is associated with a $185 billion annual cost burden. Choosing between open surgery and arthroscopic arthrodesis for ankle arthritis is still controversial. This study compared arthroscopic arthrodesis and open surgery by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: For the systematic review, a literature search was conducted in four English databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Library) from inception to February 2020. Two prospective cohort studies and 8 retrospective cohort studies, enrolling a total of 548 patients with ankle arthritis, were included. Result: For fusion rate, the pooled data showed a significantly higher rate of fusion during arthroscopic arthrodesis compared with open surgery (odds ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.57, p = 0.0010). Regarding estimated blood loss, the pooled data showed significantly less blood loss during arthroscopic arthrodesis compared with open surgery (WMD 52.04, 95% CI 14.14 to 89.94, p = 0.007). For tourniquet time, the pooled data showed a shorter tourniquet time during arthroscopic arthrodesis compared with open surgery (WMD 22.68, 95% CI 1.92 to 43.43, p = 0.03). For length of hospital stay, the pooled data showed less hospitalisation time for patients undergoing arthroscopic arthrodesis compared with open surgery (WMD 1.62, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.26, p < 0.00001). The pooled data showed better recovery for the patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrodesis compared with open surgery at 1 year (WMD 14.73, 95% CI 6.66 to 22.80, p = 0.0003). Conclusion: In conclusion, arthroscopic arthrodesis was associated with a higher fusion rate, smaller estimated blood loss, shorter tourniquet time, shorter length of hospitalisation and better functional improvement at 1 year than open surgery.
Do checklist-induced behavioral changes improve self-confidence in fundoscopic examination?: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Yokokawa Daiki , Shikino Kiyoshi , Ikegami Akiko , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Noda Kazutaka , Uehara Takanori , Ohira Yoshiyuki , Ikusaka Masatomi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFundoscopic exams are conducted during outpatient consultations to assess intracranial disease and complications from chronic diseases. Low level of confidence in these skills which physicians have is one of the causes that Implementation frequency is low. We quantitatively verified increases in exam implementation for patients suggested for fundoscopic exams, as well as improvements in physicians' confidence in the procedures, by introducing a checklist. We also conducted a qualitative analysis in order to clarify the process by which they gain confidence in examination procedures.MethodsThis study is a before-after study, within an embedded-experimental mixed methods design. Phase 1 spans April to May 2016, April to May 2017, and October to November 2017. Phase 2 spans the two months following each phase 1 period. We sampled 15 physicians in department of general medicine at a university hospital assigned to initial consultation. The introduction of a checklist that verifies whether the fundoscopic exam was implemented. Measures are implementation ratio of the fundoscopic exam to the total number of indication cases, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) values ​​for the confidence in procedure are measured between the two phases. To analyze, we obtained qualitative data from interviews and used the Modified Grounded Theory Approach.ResultsWe observed significant increases in the implementation ratio (19.2% (29/151 cases) vs. 64.8% (105/162 cases), p<0.001), and in the VAS value for the confidence (1.89mm vs 4.68 mm (p<0.001)) between the two phases. Analysis of the interviews produced five themes from the initial 632 codes, 31 concepts (with <>), and 8 categories. To increase the implementation, it is necessary to reduce the <Lack of confidence> and < Forgetting>, which is preventing by the checklist. The <Lack of successful experiences in detecting abnormalities> leads to a <Lack of confidence>. Repeated executions result in <Successful experiences and confidence building>.ConclusionsThe intervention increased the implementation ratio, thereby increasing successful experiences and confidence among physicians. The growth of confidence boosted motivations to implement fundoscopic exams.