bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid biopsy for minimal residual disease detection in leukemia using a portable blast cell biochip
Authors: Khoo Bee Luan , Shang Menglin , Ng Chin Hin , Lim Chwee Teck , Chng Wee Joo , Han Jongyoon 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLong-term management for leukemia is challenging due to the painful and invasive procedure of bone marrow (BM) biopsy. At present, non-invasive liquid (blood) biopsy is not utilized for leukemia, due to lower counts of leukemia blast cells in the blood. Here, we described a robust system for the simultaneous detection and enrichment of rare blast cells. Enrichment of blast cells was achieved from blood with a one-step microfluidic blast cell biochip (BCB) sorting system, without specific targeting of proteins by antibodies. Non-target cells encountered a differential net force as compared to stiffer blast cells and were removed. The efficiency of the BCB promotes high detection sensitivity (1 in 106cells) even from patients with minimal residual disease. The procedure was validated using actual blast cells from patients with various types of leukemia. Outcomes were compared to current evaluation standards, such as flow cytometry, using BM aspirates. Blast cell detection efficiency was higher in 55.6% of the patients using the BCB as compared to flow cytometry, despite the lower concentrations of blast cells in liquid biopsy. These studies promote early-stage detection and routine monitoring for minimal residual disease in patients.
Combination of SDF-1 and bFGF promotes bone marrow stem cell-mediated periodontal ligament regeneration
Authors: Xu Mengting , Wei Xing , Fang Jie , Xiao Li 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were reported to induce the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) into cells with characteristics of periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Thus SDF-1 and bFGF may play a positive role in BMSCs-mediated periodontal ligament regeneration. Here, the methylthiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to investigate the effect of scaffolds, SDF-1 and bFGF on BMSCs proliferation. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate gene and protein expression. Beagle dogs were used to establish an animal model of tooth reimplantation and to investigate the effects of scaffolds, BMSCs, SDF-1 and bFGF on periodontal ligament regeneration. X-ray images and micro computed tomography (micro CT) were used to assess morphological changes in replanted teeth and surrounding alveolar bone. H&E staining and Masson’s staining were also performed. BMSCs from Beagle dogs growth on scaffolds consisted of dense structured collagens. SDF-1 and bFGF effectively promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into fibroblasts, periodontal membrane reconstruction, and cell proliferation in vitro. SDF-1 and bFGF also stimulated the expression of type I collagen (Col I), type III collagen (Col III), CXC family chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), and decreased the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In our experimental Beagle dog model of tooth extraction and replantation, application of SDF-1 and bFGF significantly elevated periodontal membrane reconstruction and thus supported the survival of replanted teeth. In conclusion, the findings from the present study demonstrated that SDF-1 and bFGF enhance the process of periodontal ligament reconstruction, and provide a basis and reference for the use of stem cell tissue engineering in promoting periodontal membrane regeneration.
Milk and dairy products consumption and the risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Jian , Li Wen , Sun Wei , Deng Shuli 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The present meta-analysis was conducted to explore the role of milk and dairy products consumption on oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk. PubMed, Embase and Chinese Wanfang databases were investigated until 30 June 2019. The overall and subgroup associations were pooled with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). As a result, the present study involving 4635 cases and 50777 participants from 12 publications suggested that an inverse association was found between milk and dairy products consumption and oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.92; I2 = 65.9%, Pfor heterogeneity=0.001). Four studies reported milk consumption on oral cancer risk, but no significant association was found (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.61–1.37). Six studies about milk consumption and oropharyngeal cancer risk found that there was a positive association between them (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.44–0.90). In conclusion, findings from our meta-analysis indicated that milk and dairy products consumption may be associated with decreased risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
Das Mikrobiom bei Adipositas und kardiometabolische Erkrankungen: Die Mischung macht es!
Authors: Chakaroun Rima , Blüher Matthias 
Published: December 2019

ZusammenfassungDas Darmmikrobiom ist ein komplexes Ökosystem, das aus einer Vielzahl von hauptsächlich Bakterien, aber auch Archaeen und Viren besteht. In den letzten Jahren konnte ein starker Zusammenhang zwischen Mikrobiom-Veränderungen und der Entstehung von Erkrankungen, zu denen auch Adipositas und verschiedene Stoffwechselkrankheiten gehören, gefunden werden. Darmbakterien sind an der Synthese essentieller Vitaminen, Extraktionen von Nährstoffen sowie den Abbau von Ballaststoffen beteiligt. Zusätzlich spielt das Mikrobiom eine wichtige Rolle in der Reifung des Immunsystems des Wirts, seiner Darmbarriere, der neuronalen intestinalen Aktivität, und der Produktion und Freisetzung von gastrointestinalen Hormonen. Veränderungen der Zusammensetzung des mikrobiellen Ökosystems im Darm sind mit dem Auftreten von Adipositas, Typ 2 Diabetes, arterieller Hypertonie, nicht alkoholischer Lebererkankung (NAFLD) sowie kardiovaskulären Krankheiten assoziiert.Vor allem tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen weisen auf einen starken Kausalzusammenhang zwischen dem Mikrobiom und diesen Erkrankungen hin. Hierfür können zusätzlich zu wirtspezifischen oder Umweltfaktoren sowohl Zusammensetzung wie auch die Funktion der Darmbakterien eine chronische systemische Inflammation mitverursachen und unterhalten.Ein möglichst diverses Mikrobiom kann die metabolische Gesundheit des Wirts positiv beeinflussen und stellt somit einen potentiellen therapeutischen Ansatz bei kardiometabolischen Erkrankungen dar. Beispielsweise werden Stuhltransplantationen zur Therapie unterschiedlicher Erkrankungen wie Clostridium difficile-Infektionen eingesetzt und verbessern auch bei Personen mit Metabolischem Syndrom die Insulinsensitivität. Bevor eine Modulation des Mikrobioms in der Zukunft zur Prävention und Therapie von Adipositas und begleitenden Erkrankungen eingesetzt werden kann, müssen noch weitere klinische Studien die Effektivität und Sicherheit einer gezielten Manipulation der Darmbakterien belegen.
Research Capacity Strengthening in American Samoa: Fa’avaeina le Fa’atelega o le Tomai Sa’ili’ili i Amerika Samoa
Authors: Tofaeono Va’atausili , Ka’opua Lana Sue I , Sy Angela , Terada Tyran , Taliloa-Vai Purcell Rachelann , Aoelua-Fanene Salote , Tong Katherine , Tofaeono Victor , Unutoa-Mageo Tofoipupu , Scanlan Luana , Cassel Kevin , Rosario Adelaida 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Capacity-building partnerships are central to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the UN’s blueprint for achieving global health equity. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues endorses the SDG and underscores the need for global partnerships that respect local leadership and culture. Innovations that weave or integrate Indigenous and Western knowledges are emphasised. These recommendations guided the INdigenous Samoan Partnership to Initiate Research Excellence (INSPIRE). INSPIRE is led by investigators from American Samoa and supported by US co-investigators. In project year one, INSPIRE queried: What weaving approaches are feasible for promoting community access to INSPIRE’s research hub and for training Indigenous researchers? Weaving procedures involved interlacing Samoan and Western knowledges. Cultural tailoring strategies were used to customise communications. Formative evaluation suggests the feasibility of INSPIRE’s efforts. Evidential tailoring provided information on American Samoa (A.S.) social determinants of health; trainees indicated increased research commitment. Linguistic and sociocultural relevance tailoring were positively received; trainees reported increased interest in research praxis and initiated an A.S. research capacity-strengthening model. Social work assured knowledge parity in development/delivery of the training curriculum and culturally safe discussions on social determinants of health, territorial status and Samoan survivance. Findings are context-specific yet offer considerations for capacity-strengthening partnerships seeking to advance health equity.
Development of an international standard set of outcome measures for patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) atrial fibrillation working group
Authors: Seligman William H , Das-Gupta Zofia , Jobi-Odeneye Adedayo O , Arbelo Elena , Banerjee Amitava , Bollmann Andreas , Caffrey-Armstrong Bridget , Cehic Daniel A , Corbalan Ramon , Collins Michael , Dandamudi Gopi , Dorairaj Prabhakaran , Fay Matthew , Van Gelder Isabelle C , Goto Shinya , Granger Christopher B , Gyorgy Bathory , Healey Jeff S , Hendriks Jeroen M , Hills Mellanie True , Hobbs F D Richard , Huisman Menno V , Koplan Kate E , Lane Deirdre A , Lewis William R , Lobban Trudie , Steinberg Benjamin A , McLeod Christopher J , Moseley Spencer , Timmis Adam , Yutao Guo , Camm A John 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aims
As health systems around the world increasingly look to measure and improve the value of care that they provide to patients, being able to measure the outcomes that matter most to patients is vital. To support the shift towards value-based health care in atrial fibrillation (AF), the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) assembled an international Working Group (WG) of 30 volunteers, including health professionals and patient representatives to develop a standardized minimum set of outcomes for benchmarking care delivery in clinical settings.

Methods and results
Using an online-modified Delphi process, outcomes important to patients and health professionals were selected and categorized into (i) long-term consequences of disease outcomes, (ii) complications of treatment outcomes, and (iii) patient-reported outcomes. The WG identified demographic and clinical variables for use as case-mix risk adjusters. These included baseline demographics, comorbidities, cognitive function, date of diagnosis, disease duration, medications prescribed and AF procedures, as well as smoking, body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake, and physical activity. Where appropriate, and for ease of implementation, standardization of outcomes and case-mix variables was achieved using ICD codes. The standard set underwent an open review process in which over 80% of patients surveyed agreed with the outcomes captured by the standard set.

Conclusion
Implementation of these consensus recommendations could help institutions to monitor, compare and improve the quality and delivery of chronic AF care. Their consistent definition and collection, using ICD codes where applicable, could also broaden the implementation of more patient-centric clinical outcomes research in AF.
The impact of hormones and reproductive factors on the risk of bladder cancer in women: results from the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II
Authors: Abufaraj Mohammad , Shariat Shahrokh , Moschini Marco , Rohrer Florian , Papantoniou Kyriaki , Devore Elizabeth , McGrath Monica , Zhang Xuehong , Markt Sarah , Schernhammer Eva 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
With three out of four new bladder cancer (BCa) cases occurring in men, an apparent gender disparity exists. We aimed to investigate the role of hormonal and reproductive factors in BCa risk using two large female US prospective cohorts.

Methods
Our study population comprised 118 256 and 115 383 female registered nurses who were recruited in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHS II, respectively. Reproductive and hormonal factors and other relevant data were recorded in biennial self-administered questionnaires. Cox-regression analyses were performed to estimate age- and multivariable-adjusted incidence risk ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across cohorts.

Results
During up to 36 years of follow-up, 629 incident BCa cases were confirmed. In the NHS, 22 566 women (21.3%) were postmenopausal at baseline, compared with 2723 women (2.4%) in the NHS II. Among women in the NHS, younger age at menopause (≤45 years) was associated with an increased risk of BCa (IRR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.11–1.81, Ptrend = 0.01) compared with those with menopause onset at age 50+ years, particularly among ever-smokers (IRR for age at menopause ≤45 years: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.15–2.04; PIntx = 0.16). Age at menarche and first birth, parity, oral-contraceptive use and postmenopausal hormone use were not associated with BCa risk.

Conclusions
Overall, we found little support for an association between female reproductive factors and BCa risk in these prospective cohort studies. Earlier age at menopause was associated with a higher risk of BCa, particularly among smokers, indicating the potential for residual confounding.
The governance of genomic biobank research in Africa: reframing the regulatory tilt
Authors: Staunton Ciara , de Vries Jantina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Genomic biobank research has experienced exponential growth in recent years. It represents a real opportunity to remedy global health inequity that has seen limited investment in diseases affecting populations from low- and middle-income countries. Previous research in Africa was limited to so-called parachute research, whereby samples were taken from local populations for use in high-income countries with no local oversight or use of the sample. These exploitative practices must be guarded against, but the current regulation of genomic research in Africa adopts a precautionary approach that at times is restrictive in nature. We argue that the regulation and oversight of genomic biobank research should guard against exploitative research, but in a manner that promotes reciprocal benefit and not restrictive research practices. To achieve this, there must be a rebalancing of the regulatory tilt.
Comminuted Femur Fracture in a Free Fall Jump: A Case Report
Authors: Bridwell Rachel E , Oliver Joshua J , Ziehl Danielle , Tannenbaum Lloyd I , McCarthy Patrick M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Military free fall or high-altitude low-opening parachute jumps play a key role in special operations tactics, though injury patterns in these operators are not well characterized. In contrast to lower-altitude static line paratroopers, free fall operators require precise parachute deployment after a prolonged descent, with the potential for high-velocity trauma. This report describes a 33-year-old Marine Corps Reconnaissance operator who sustained left comminuted basicervical femoral neck fracture requiring cephalomedullary nail internal fixation with a full recovery. This femoral neck fracture highlights the high-energy injuries experienced by these invaluable operators, especially when conducting combat or night jumps.
On the gravitational field of a point-like body immersed in a quantum vacuum
Authors: Hajdukovic Dragan Slavkov 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Quantum vacuum and the matter immersed in it interact through electromagnetic, strong and weak interactions. However, we have zero knowledge of the gravitational properties of the quantum vacuum. As an illustration of the possible fundamental gravitational impact of the quantum vacuum, we study the gravitational field of an immersed point-like body. This is done under the working hypothesis, that quantum vacuum fluctuations are virtual gravitational dipoles (i.e. two gravitational charges of the same magnitude but opposite sign); coincidentally, this hypothesis makes quantum vacuum free of the cosmological constant problem. The major result is that a point-like body creates a halo of polarized quantum vacuum around itself, which acts as an additional source of gravity. There is a maximal magnitude ${g_{\rm qv\max}}$ of gravitational acceleration that can be caused by a polarized quantum vacuum; the small size of this magnitude (${g_{\rm qv\max}} &lt; 6\ \times {10^{ - 11}}\,\mathrm{ m\,s}{^{-2}}$) is the reason why in some cases (for instance within the Solar system) the quantum vacuum can be neglected. Advanced experiments at CERN and forthcoming astronomical observations will reveal if this is true or not, but we point to already existing empirical evidence that seemingly supports this fascinating possibility.
Long-term participation of Dutch service members with combat-related injury
Authors: de Kruijff L G M , Schröder C D , Plat M-C J , van Dongen T T C F , Hoencamp R , van der Wurff P 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
After deployment service members need to adapt to civilian life and return to participation in family, vocational and community life.

Aims
To assess the level of activity and participation of service members with combat-related injury after their rehabilitation intervention and to measure the effect of injury severity, adaptive coping, number of deployments and traumatic stress.

Methods
The physical functioning scale of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36 PF), the Assessment of Life Habits short version (LIFE-H), the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were administered to service members who sustained combat-related injury. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was calculated, and the number of deployments was noted. Correlations were calculated between the LIFE-H and ISS, IES-R, number of deployments and adaptive coping and between the SF-PF and ISS, IES-R, number of deployments and adaptive coping.

Results
The response rate was 55% (32 service members). A moderate correlation was found between LIFE-H and IES (r = −0.49) and a very weak correlation was found between LIFE-H and injury severity (r = 0.31). No correlation was found between SF-36 PF and ISS, IES, number of deployments or CERQ and between LIFE-H and number of deployments or CERQ.

Conclusions
A moderate correlation was found between level of participation and traumatic stress in service members with combat-related injury in a 5-year follow-up. Therefore, it is advisable to screen for traumatic stress symptoms and monitor these symptoms during the rehabilitation intervention.
How hard is it to maximize profit? Evidence from a 19th-century Italian state monopoly
Authors: Ciccarelli Carlo , De Fraja Gianni , Tiezzi Silvia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we study the ability of the 19th-century Italian government to choose profit maximizing prices for a multiproduct monopolist. We use very detailed historical data on the tobacco consumption in 62 Italian provinces from 1871 to 1888 to estimate a differentiated product demand system. The demand conditions and the legal environment of the period made this market as close to a textbook monopoly as is practically possible. The government’s stated aim for this industry was profit maximization: since at the time profits from tobacco were close to 10% of the revenues for the cash-strapped government, the stated aim was very likely the true one. Our empirical application uses historical price and cost data, and suggests that the government was not wide off the mark: the tobacco prices were ‘not far’ from those dictated by the multiproduct monopoly formulae for profit maximization with interdependent demand functions.
The Effects of the Amount of Fluid Used in Epiduroscopic Laser Neural Discectomy Procedures on Intraocular Pressure and an Evaluation of the Ocular Findings
Authors: Beyaz Serbülent Gökhan , Ülgen Ali Metin , Çakir Burçin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionDuring epiduroscopic laser neural discectomy (ELNP) procedures, the amount of fluid used in the epidural area may cause increased intracranial pressure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased epidural pressure on intraocular pressure and other ocular findings due to the amount of fluid delivered to the epidural area and the rate of delivery of the fluid.Material and MethodsAfter obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee of Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, patients who underwent ELNP in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department, Algology Clinic, between January 2017 and May 2017 were included in this retrospective study. To evaluate the ocular findings after the operation, measurements obtained using an optical coherence tomography device were retrieved from the patient files and evaluated.ResultsData from the medical files of 52 patients from the hospital system were evaluated. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, mean central macular thickness, optic disk area, and vertical cup-to-disk ratio (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsEpiduroscopy procedures include intermittent or continuous infusion of saline into the epidural area. Currently, the volume of fluid that should be given to the epidural area in epiduroscopy procedures is very controversial. As a result of this study, we concluded that the amount of fluid used during ELNP, at 107.25 mL and 8.33 mL/min, had no effect on the intraocular pressure, optic disk diameter, macular thickness, or peripapillary RNFL thickness; thus, it was safe for ELNP.
Shining a Light Into the Black Box of Group Learning: Medical Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Small Groups
Authors: Park Charles , Wu Claire , Regehr Glenn 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
Group work is seen as serving multiple positive purposes in health professions education, such as providing an opportunity for students to master course content, transfer knowledge into clinical practice, and develop collaborative/teamwork skills. However, there have been relatively few studies exploring medical students’ experiences of the small-group learning context or what they learn in and from that context.

Method
Between January 2018 and January 2019, the authors used grounded theory methods to conduct semistructured interviews with 9 medical students to explore their perceptions of the value of the group as a mechanism for learning both content and teamwork skills. Sessions were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. One author coded the transcripts and identified codes, which the team then discussed, refined, and used to develop themes.

Results
Students were able to express all the expected goals for small-group learning, such as retaining course materials, mimicking future health care team interactions, and creating a collaborative environment. However, when their experiences were further explored, students seemed to have perceived that the value of group learning was as a mechanism for reviewing rather than for deepening their learning. Further, students frequently expressed the opinion that the tutor was the primary factor in the success of a group, and when group function was suboptimal, students described giving up on the group or relying on the tutor to address the problem.

Conclusions
Formal, small-group, tutor-led learning sessions, at least in the context of single-term groups, may not be accomplishing what educators might hope. Although students understand the intent of small-group learning, it cannot be assumed that such groups are deepening learning or solving the teamwork problems in health professions education.