bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
532 nm green-light laser vaporization of upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Dursun F. , Pan M. M. , Morgan M. , Gonzalez R. R. , Satkunasivam R. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic management of low risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) may be considered in select clinical scenarios, which allows sparing the morbidity of radical nephroureterectomy while achieving acceptable oncological outcomes and preservation of kidney function. Herein, we present a case with UTUC in a solitary kidney managed with 532 nm laser vaporization through a percutaneous approach.

Case presentation
The patient in this video (Additional file 1) is an 85-year-old woman who presented with a bulky tumor in the collecting system of a congenital solitary left kidney, which was a biopsy proven low grade urothelial carcinoma. Prior to the procedure, a lower pole percutaneous nephrostomy tube was successfully placed under sedation by Interventional Radiology. The procedure was done in a prone split leg position. The mass, which was predominantly localized to the renal pelvis was efficiently vaporized with the 532 nm laser in a systematic manner with continuous irrigation of normal saline through the cystoscope. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 2 with the nephroureterostomy catheter open to drainage. This catheter was subsequently clamped and removed two weeks later without complications. Follow up uretroscopy showed excellent treatment response and the patient remains well without complications.

Conclusion
This case report details the potential utility of 532 nm laser vaporization of UTUC, however, ongoing studies are required to demonstrate peri-operative safety and durable oncologic efficacy.
Redundant trials can be prevented, if the EU clinical trial regulation is applied duly
Authors: Kim Daria , Hasford Joerg 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The problem of wasteful clinical trials has been debated relentlessly in the medical community. To a significant extent, it is attributed to redundant trials – studies that are carried out to address questions, which can be answered satisfactorily on the basis of existing knowledge and accessible evidence from prior research. This article presents the first evaluation of the potential of the EU Clinical Trials Regulation 536/2014, which entered into force in 2014 but is expected to become applicable at the end of 2021, to prevent such trials. Having reviewed provisions related to the trial authorisation, we propose how certain regulatory requirements for the assessment of trial applications can and should be interpreted and applied by national research ethics committees and other relevant authorities in order to avoid redundant trials and, most importantly, preclude the unnecessary recruitment of trial participants and their unjustified exposure to health risks.
Effects of selectively assisting impaired subtasks of walking in chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Fricke Simone S. , Smits Hilde J. G. , Bayón Cristina , Buurke Jaap H. , van der Kooij Herman , van Asseldonk Edwin H. F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecently developed controllers for robot-assisted gait training allow for the adjustment of assistance for specific subtasks (i.e. specific joints and intervals of the gait cycle that are related to common impairments after stroke). However, not much is known about possible interactions between subtasks and a better understanding of this can help to optimize (manual or automatic) assistance tuning in the future. In this study, we assessed the effect of separately assisting three commonly impaired subtasks after stroke: foot clearance (FC, knee flexion/extension during swing), stability during stance (SS, knee flexion/extension during stance) and weight shift (WS, lateral pelvis movement). For each of the assisted subtasks, we determined the influence on the performance of the respective subtask, and possible effects on other subtasks of walking and spatiotemporal gait parameters.MethodsThe robotic assistance for the FC, SS and WS subtasks was assessed in nine mildly impaired chronic stroke survivors while walking in the LOPES II gait trainer. Seven trials were performed for each participant in a randomized order: six trials in which either 20% or 80% of assistance was provided for each of the selected subtasks, and one baseline trial where the participant did not receive subtask-specific assistance. The influence of the assistance on performances (errors compared to reference trajectories) for the assisted subtasks and other subtasks of walking as well as spatiotemporal parameters (step length, width and height, swing and stance time) was analyzed.ResultsPerformances for the impaired subtasks (FC, SS and WS) improved significantly when assistance was applied for the respective subtask. Although WS performance improved when assisting this subtask, participants were not shifting their weight well towards the paretic leg. On a group level, not many effects on other subtasks and spatiotemporal parameters were found. Still, performance for the leading limb angle subtask improved significantly resulting in a larger step length when applying FC assistance.ConclusionFC and SS assistance leads to clear improvements in performance for the respective subtask, while our WS assistance needs further improvement. As effects of the assistance were mainly confined to the assisted subtasks, tuning of FC, SS and WS can be done simultaneously. Our findings suggest that there may be no need for specific, time-intensive tuning protocols (e.g. tuning subtasks after each other) in mildly impaired stroke survivors.
Immersive Virtual Environments and Wearable Haptic Devices in rehabilitation of children with neuromotor impairments: a single-blind randomized controlled crossover pilot study
Authors: Bortone Ilaria , Barsotti Michele , Leonardis Daniele , Crecchi Alessandra , Tozzini Alessandra , Bonfiglio Luca , Frisoli Antonio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The past decade has seen the emergence of rehabilitation treatments using virtual reality. One of the advantages in using this technology is the potential to create positive motivation, by means of engaging environments and tasks shaped in the form of serious games. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of immersive Virtual Environments and weaRable hAptic devices (VERA) for rehabilitation of upper limb in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Developmental Dyspraxia (DD).

Methods
A two period cross-over design was adopted for determining the differences between the proposed therapy and a conventional treatment. Eight children were randomized into two groups: one group received the VERA treatment in the first period and the manual therapy in the second period, and viceversa for the other group. Children were assessed at the beginning and the end of each period through both the Nine Hole Peg Test (9-HPT, primary outcome) and Kinesiological Measurements obtained during the performing of similar tasks in a real setting scenario (secondary outcomes).

Results
All subjects, not depending from which group they come from, significantly improved in both the performance of the 9-HPT and in the parameters of the kinesiological measurements (movement error and smoothness). No statistically significant differences have been found between the two groups.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that immersive VE and wearable haptic devices is a viable alternative to conventional therapy for improving upper extremity function in children with neuromotor impairments.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT03353623. Registered 27 November 2017-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03353623
RETRACTED ARTICLE: NF-κB maintains the stemness of colon cancer cells by downregulating miR-195-5p/497–5p and upregulating MCM2
Authors: Wang Longgang , Guo Jinxiang , Zhou Jin , Wang Dongyang , Kang Xiuwen , Zhou Lei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundColon cancer represents one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal tumors in industrialized countries, and its incidence appears to be increasing at an alarming rate. Accumulating evidence has unveiled the contributory roles of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumorigenicity, recurrence, and metastases. The functions of NF-kappa B (NF-κB) activation on cancer cell survival, including colon cancer cells have encouraged us to study the role of NF-κB in the maintenance of CSCs in colon cancer.MethodsTumor samples and matched normal samples were obtained from 35 colon cancer cases. CSCs were isolated from human colon cancer cell lines, where the stemness of the cells was evaluated by cell viability, colony-forming, spheroid-forming, invasion, migration, and apoptosis assays. NF-κB activation was then performed in subcutaneous tumor models of CSCs by injecting lipopolysaccharides (LPS) i.p.ResultsWe found that NF-κB activation could reduce the expression of miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p, where these two miRNAs were determined to be downregulated in colon cancer tissues, cultured colon CSCs, and LPS-injected subcutaneous tumor models. Elevation of miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p levels by their specific mimic could ablate the effects of NF-κB on the stemness of colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that NF-κB could maintain the stemness of colon cancer cells by downregulating miR-195-5p/497–5p. MCM2 was validated as the target gene of miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p in cultured colon CSCs. Overexpression of MCM2 was shown to restore the stemness of colon cancer cells in the presence of miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p, suggesting that miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p could impair the stemness of colon cancer cells by targeting MCM2 in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionsOur work demonstrates that the restoration of miR-195-5p and miR-497-5p may be a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment in relation to NF-κB activation.
KRAS wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: molecular pathology and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Luchini Claudio , Paolino Gaetano , Mattiolo Paola , Piredda Maria L. , Cavaliere Alessandro , Gaule Marina , Melisi Davide , Salvia Roberto , Malleo Giuseppe , Shin Jae Il , Cargnin Sarah , Terrazzino Salvatore , Lawlor Rita T. , Milella Michele , Scarpa Aldo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease, whose main molecular trait is the MAPK pathway activation due toKRASmutation, which is present in 90% of cases.The genetic landscape ofKRASwild type PDAC can be divided into three categories. The first is represented by tumors with an activated MAPK pathway due toBRAFmutation that occur in up to 4% of cases. The second includes tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI) due to defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR), which occurs in about 2% of cases, also featuring a high tumor mutational burden. The third category is represented by tumors with kinase fusion genes, which marks about 4% of cases. While therapeutic molecular targeting ofKRASis an unresolved challenge,KRAS-wild type PDACs have potential options for tailored treatments, includingBRAFantagonists and MAPK inhibitors for the first group, immunotherapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents for the MSI/dMMR group, and kinase inhibitors for the third group.This calls for a complementation of the histological diagnosis of PDAC with a routine determination ofKRASfollowed by a comprehensive molecular profiling ofKRAS-negative cases.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) synergistically enhances the therapeutic effect of targeted therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Darwiche Walaa , Gomila Cathy , Ouled-Haddou Hakim , Naudot Marie , Doualle Cécile , Morel Pierre , Nguyen-Khac Florence , Garçon Loïc , Marolleau Jean-Pierre , Ghamlouch Hussein 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundNovel, less toxic, cost-effective and safe therapeutic strategies are needed to improve treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) has shown a potential anti-cancer therapeutic activity in several cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects of ascorbic acid on CLL B-cells have not been extensively studied. We aimed in this study to evaluate the in vitro therapeutic activity using clinically relevant conditions.MethodsPrimary CLL B-cells and two CLL cell lines were exposed to a dose that is clinically achievable by AA oral administration (250 μM), and cell death and potential mechanisms were assessed. The role of the protective CLL microenvironment was studied. Synergistic interaction between AA and CLL approved drugs (Ibrutinib, Idelalisib and Venetoclax) was also evaluated.ResultsAscorbic acid is cytotoxic for CLL B-cells at low dose (250 μM) but spares healthy B-cells. Ascorbic-acid-induced cytotoxicity involved pro-oxidant damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species in the extracellular media and in CLL cells, and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. We also found that AA treatment overcame the supportive survival effect provided by microenvironment including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, T-cell cues (CD40L + IL-4), cytokines and hypoxia. Our data suggest that resistance to AA could be mediated by the expression of the enzyme catalase in some CLL samples and by the glucose metabolite pyruvate. We also demonstrated that AA synergistically potentiates the cytotoxicity of targeted therapies used in or being developed for CLL.ConclusionThese preclinical results point to AA as an adjuvant therapy with potential to further improve CLL treatments in combination with targeted therapies.
Dandelion extract relaxes mouse airway smooth muscle by blocking VDLCC and NSCC channels
Authors: Zhao Ping , Liu Jia , Ming Qian , Tian Di , He Jingwen , Yang Ziwei , Shen Jinhua , Liu Qing-Hua , Yang Xinzhou 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Asthma is one of the main intractable diseases recognized by the international medical community. The current widely used bronchodilators for asthma—β2-adrenal receptor agonists—have limited therapeutic effects, necessitating the development of novel antiasthma drugs with increased efficacy and fewer adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the relaxant effects and underlying mechanism of an ethyl acetate extract from dandelion (EAED) on mouse airway smooth muscle.

Methods
The effects of EAED on agonist-induced precontraction in mouse airway smooth muscle were evaluated with force measurement. Mouse lung slices were used to study the effects of EAED on bronchial smooth muscle. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using a calcium imaging system. L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDLCC) and non-selective cationic channel (NSCC) currents were measured by patch-clamp. The lung functions of healthy and asthmatic mouse groups were assessed via the forced oscillation technique.

Results
EAED inhibits acetylcholine-induced sustained contractions of whole airway smooth muscle by inhibiting VDLCCs, NSCCs, and some unknown channels, reduces the agonist-induced increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in airway smooth muscle cells, blocks VDLCC and NSCC currents, and relieves the respiratory resistance of healthy and asthmatic mice.

Conclusions
EAED may have potential beneficial effects on mitigating asthma attacks.
Numbers, graphs and words – do we really understand the lab test results accessible via the patient portals?
Authors: Bar-Lev Shirly , Beimel Dizza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The heavy reliance on remote patient care (RPC) during the COVID-19 health crisis may have expedited the emergence of digital health tools that can contribute to safely and effectively moving the locus of care from the hospital to the community. Understanding how laypersons interpret the personal health information accessible to them via electronic patient records (EPRs) is crucial to healthcare planning and the design of services. Yet we still know little about how the format in which personal medical information is presented in the EPR (numerically, verbally, or graphically) affects individuals’ understanding of the information, their assessment of its gravity, and the course of action they choose in response.

Methods
We employed an online questionnaire to assess respondents’ reactions to 10 medical decision-making scenarios, where the same information was presented using different formats. In each scenario, respondents were presented with real (anonymized) patient lab results using either numeric expressions, graphs, or verbal expressions. Participants were asked to assess the gravity of the hypothetical patient’s condition and the course of action they would follow if they were that patient. The questionnaire was distributed to more than 300 participants, of whom 225 submitted usable responses.

Results
Laypersons were more likely to overestimate the gravity of the information when it was presented either numerically or graphically compared to the narrative format. High perceived gravity was most likely to produce an inclination to actively seek medical attention, even when unwarranted. “Don’t know” responses were most likely to produce an inclination to either search the Internet or wait for the doctor to call.

Policy recommendations
We discuss the study’s implications for the effective design of lab results in the patient portals. We suggest (1) that graphs, tables, and charts would be easier to interpret if coupled with a brief verbal explanation; (2) that highlighting an overall level of urgency may be more helpful than indicating a diversion from the norm; and (3) that statements of results should include the type of follow-up required.
Gridless DOA estimation with finite rate of innovation reconstruction based on symmetric Toeplitz covariance matrix
Authors: Chen Tao , Shi Lin , Yu Yongzhi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Due to the rapid development and wide application of compressed sensing and sparse reconstruction theory, there exists a series of sparsity-based methods for the antenna sensor array direction of arrival (DOA) estimation with excellent performance. However, it is known that this kind of algorithms always suffers from the problem of grid mismatch. To overcome this shortcoming, a gridless DOA estimation algorithm with finite rate of innovation (FRI) based on a symmetric Toeplitz covariance matrix is proposed for uniform linear array (ULA) in this paper. In particular, a multiple measurement vector (MMV) FRI reconstruction model is built by exploiting the covariance data denoised according to covariance fitting criteria rather than the direct data or the original covariance data, which is commonly used in other representative gridless DOA estimation methods. Next, DOA can be retrieved from the recovered covariance matrix by utilizing an annihilating filter because each covariance data is a linear combination of complex exponentials. It guarantees to produce an exact spatial sparse estimate without discretization required by existing sparsity-based DOA estimation methods. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Survival analysis of a stochastic delay single-species system in polluted environment with psychological effect and pulse toxicant input
Authors: Dai Xiangjun , Wang Suli , Xiong Weizhi , Li Ni 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We propose and study a stochastic delay single-species population system in polluted environment with psychological effect and pulse toxicant input. We establish sufficient conditions for the extinction, nonpersistence in the mean, weak persistence, and strong persistence of the single-species population and obtain the threshold value between extinction and weak persistence. Finally, we confirm the efficiency of the main results by numerical simulations.
The importance of individual movement and feeding behaviour for long-distance seed dispersal by red deer: a data-driven model
Authors: Wright Stephen J. , Heurich Marco , Buchmann Carsten M. , Böcker Reinhard , Schurr Frank M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLong-distance seed dispersal (LDD) has strong impacts on the spatiotemporal dynamics of plants. Large animals are important LDD vectors because they regularly transport seeds of many plant species over long distances. While there is now ample evidence that behaviour varies considerably between individual animals, it is not clear to what extent inter-individual variation in behaviour alters seed dispersal by animals.MethodsWe study how inter-individual variation in the movement and feeding behaviour of one of Europe’s largest herbivores (the red deer,Cervus elaphus) affects internal seed dispersal (endozoochory) of multiple plant species. We combine movement data of 21 individual deer with measurements of seed loads in the dung of the same individuals and with data on gut passage time. These data serve to parameterize a model of passive dispersal that predicts LDD in three orientations (horizontal as well as upward and downward in elevation).With this model we investigate to what extent per-seed probabilities of LDD and seed load vary between individuals and throughout the vegetation period (May–December). Subsequently, we test whether per-seed LDD probability and seed load are positively (or negatively) correlated so that more mobile animals disperse more (or less) seeds. Finally, we examine whether non-random associations between per-seed LDD probability and seed load affect the LDD of individual plant species.ResultsThe studied deer dispersed viable seeds of at least 62 plant species. Deer individuals varied significantly in per-seed LDD probability and seed loads. However, more mobile animals did not disperse more or less seeds than less mobile ones. Plant species also did not differ significantly in the relationship between per-seed LDD probability and seed load. Yet plant species differed in how their seed load was distributed across deer individuals and in time, and this caused their LDD potential to differ more than twofold. For several plant species, we detected non-random associations between per-seed LDD probability and seed load that generally increased LDD potential.ConclusionsInter-individual variation in movement and feeding behaviour means that certain deer are substantially more effective LDD vectors than others. This inter-individual variation reduces the reliability of LDD and increases the sensitivity of LDD to the decline of deer populations. Variation in the dispersal services of individual animals should thus be taken into account in models in order to improve LDD projections.