bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microtubule Disruption Reduces Metastasis More Effectively Than Primary Tumor Growth
Authors: Thompson Keyata , Ju Julia , Ory Eleanor , Pratt Stephen , Lee Rachel , Mathias Trevor , Lee Cornell , Goloubeva Olga , Bailey Patrick , Chakrabarti Kristi , Jewell Christopher , Vitolo Michele , Martin Stuart 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Clinical breast cancer imaging inevitably focuses on tumor growth rather than the metastatic dissemination that is a greater challenge for patient survival. Emerging preclinical evidence indicates that chemotherapy can elevate levels of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and increase metastatic recurrence. Targeting metastatic phenotypes of CTCs could reveal therapeutic strategies to reduce metastasis that would be overlooked by measurements of tumor growth.Methods: We investigated how the FDA-approved microtubule-depolymerizing Vinca alkaloid, Vinorelbine, affects three metastatic phenotypes of reattachment, clustering and microtentacles (McTNs). Microfluidic cell tethering technology (TetherChip) was used to measure Vinorelbine effects on McTNs and clustering while xCelligence impedance was used for reattachment assays. Bioluminescence imaging monitored tumor growth and metastasis in mice. ANGLE Parsortix and Vortex Biosciences VTX-1 were used to capture live tumor cells from blood samples for confocal microscopy to rapidly measure tumor cell responses to Vinorelbine.Results: We demonstrate that a focused (1h) Vinorelbine treatment is sufficient to inhibit reattachment, clustering and McTNs in non-adherent breast tumor cells. Quantitative analysis of treated non-adherent cells reveals that McTNs are significantly lower in number (p= 0.012) and shorter in length (p= 0.000034). Treating mice with Vinorelbine (5mg/kg) for only 24h did not significantly affect primary tumor survival. However, median metastatic tumor survival after injection of circulating tumor cells extended from 8 weeks to 30 weeks after a focused 24h treatment with Vinorelbine. Microtentacle inhibition by Vinorelbine was also detectable within 1h, using live tumor cells isolated from blood samples and analyzed with confocal microscopy for McTNs on TetherChip microfluidic surfaces. As few as 11 tumor cells were sufficient to yield 90% power to detect this 1h Vinorelbine drug response, demonstrating feasibility with the small number of tumor cells available from patient biopsies.Conclusions: This study establishes a proof-of-concept that targeted microtubule disruption can selectively inhibit metastasis and reveals that existing FDA-approved therapies could have anti-metastatic actions that are currently overlooked when focusing exclusively on tumor growth. Moreover, the anti-metastatic actions of Vinorelbine could be detected in less than one hour using microfluidic TetherChip technology, establishing a new approach for precision medicine aimed at reducing metastasis.
LiF&nbsp;Assisted Synthesis Perovskite-type Li0.35La0.55TiO3&nbsp;Solid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Lithium-metal Batteries
Authors: Yao Zhongran , Zhang Jie , Zhu K.J. , Li Jun , Li Xia , Wang Jing , Yan Kang , Liu Jinsong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Perovskite-type solid-state electrolytes, Li0.35La0.55TiO3-xwt% LiF (LLTO-Fx, x = 0, 2, 4 and 6), were successfully synthesized through solid-state reaction method. The effects of LiF addition amount on LLTO crystal structure, morphologies and ionic conductivity have been investigated. All samples formed perovskite structure and the grain sizes were gradually increased with the increase of LiF content. Moreover, owing to the highest relative density (95.4%), LLTO-F2 electrolyte exhibited a highest total conductivity of 1.02×10-4 S/cm with a relative low activation energy of 0.26 eV, which is suitable for use in solid-state batteries. The cell Li/LLTO-F2/V2O5 exhibited a specific capacity about 270 mAh/g in the first few cycles and maintained 156 mAh/g after 100 cycles, demonstrating good cycling properties. Moreover, cells assembled with different cathodes, such as LiFePO4 and LiCoO2, also displayed excellent electrochemical performances. The results suggest that sintering additive (LiF) is very effective step towards ultimately achieve a safe solid-state lithium battery system.
Patient-specific 3D-printed Helmet for Post-craniectomy Defect – A Case Report
Authors: Pang Sherby Suet-Ying , Fang Evan , Chen Kam Wai , Leung Matthew , Chow Velda Ling-Yu , Fang Christian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) are often fitted with a protective helmet that protects the craniectomy site from injury during rehabilitation. However, conventional “one-size-fits-all” helmets may not be feasible for certain craniectomy defects. We describe the production and use of a custom 3D-printed helmet for a DC patient where a conventional helmet was not feasible due to the craniectomy defect configuration.Case presentation: A 65-year-old male with ethmoid sinonasal carcinoma underwent cranionasal resection and DC with free vastus lateralis flap reconstruction to treat cerebrospinal fluid leakage. He required an external helmet to protect the craniectomy site, however, the rim of a conventional helmet compressed the craniectomy site, and the straps compressed the vascular pedicle of the muscle flap. Computed topography (CT) scans of the patient’s cranium were imported into 3D modelling software and used to fabricate a patient-specific, strapless helmet using fused deposition modelling (FDM). The final helmet fit the patient perfectly and circumvented the compression issues, while also providing better cosmesis than the conventional helmet. Four months postoperatively, the helmet remains intact and in use.Conclusions: 3D printing can be used to produce low-volume, patient-specific external devices for rehabilitation where standardized adjuncts not optimal. Once initial start-up costs and training are overcome, these devices can be produced by surgeons themselves to meet a wide range of clinical needs.
Estimation of Income Levels in Individual Buildings Using Satellite Imagery and Household Interview Survey Data
Authors: Okuda Kohei , Kawasaki Akiyuki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Leaving no one behind is a worldwide goal, but it is difficult to make policy to address this issue because we do not have a thorough knowledge of where poverty exists and in what forms due to lack of data, particularly in developing countries. Here, we show a novel method for estimating income levels by building. That is effective in places that are difficult to access. The combination of high-resolution satellite imagery and household interview survey data obtained by visiting households on the ground makes it possible to estimate income levels at a detailed scale for the first time. Using the results, we can determine the number and location of poor people at the local scale. We can also identify areas with particularly high concentrations of poor people. This information enables planning and policy making for more effective poverty reduction and disaster prevention measures tailored to local conditions.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Hundred Most-Cited Publications on Bone Metastases Research
Authors: Zhao Tingxiao , Zhang Yuan , Lv Jun , Ge Meng , Dai Zhanqiu , Shao Haiyu , Ding Xiaoyan , Huang Yazeng , Zhang Jun , Kang Yao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBone metastases (BM) represents a common complication of cancer, patients with BM may experience skeletal complications, such as pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, and persisting pain. Currently, there are a large number of publications available on this topic. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited publications on BM research. MethodAll databases from the Web of Science were searched in a three-step approach. First, the 100 most-cited BM studies were identified using only one term “bone metastases” to allow for comprehensive keyword identification. Second, ten keywords identified from the results of the first search were used to conduct a second search of the databases to yield a separate list of the top 100 cited BM publications. Finally, the results of the two searches were overlapped and duplicated articles were removed. After overlapping, the top 100 most-cited articles on BM were selected for further analysis of title, authorship, source journal, publication year, geographic origin, research institution, number of citations, and subspecialty. ResultsThe 100 most-cited articles were published from 1959 to 2014 in 44 different journals and were cited from 250 to 1707 times. The most influential period was from 2001–2010, which produced 50 out of the top 100 publications. A total of 12 countries contributed to the 100 articles, and the United States topped the list with 48 articles. The majority of publications were in Journal of Clinical Oncology, which published 16 articles. In terms of institutional support, a total of 13 institutions each supported at least 2 articles, and the first ranked institution was University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (USA) with 8 articles. Regarding subspecialty of the studies, the most frequent studies were “clinical description” with 30 articles, followed by “clinical trial” with 20 articles. ConclusionIn this comprehensive review, we identified and analyzed the 100-most-cited articles on BM research by measuring their citation number, and recognized some of the most important contributions by authors, institutions and countries. Furthermore, our study will help researchers and orthopedic surgeons understand the research trends for BM and as an efficient guide for future BM-related research.
Modified Posterior Short-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation at The Fracture Level for Treatment of Upper Lumbar Burst Fracture
Authors: Chen Xubiao , Lu Shixin , Yang Songjie , Huang Junshen , Huang Jiajun , Liang Yuwei , Liu Xiangge , Cheng Ziying , Li Yuxi , Huang Lin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction Upper lumbar burst fractures (L1or L2) are often followed by bilateral pedicle screw fixation at the level of fracture using posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation. However, it can aggravate the trauma to the fractured vertebra. We have introduced a modified technique of posterior short-segment instrumentation for the treatment of upper lumbar burst fracture. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic results of modified technique versus conventional technique using posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation in the treatment of upper lumbar burst fractures. Methods The data from 64 patients with upper lumbar burst fracture who had undergone posterior short-segment instrumentation from April 2014 to November 2018 in our clinic were evaluated in the present retrospective study. All the patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique, including 27 patients (modified order of intraoperative pedicle screw placement) in modified group and 37 patients (conventional order of intraoperative pedicle screw placement) in conventional group. The clinical outcomes and radiological parameters were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, at 3-month follow-up and final follow-up.Results Technical success was achieved in all 64 patients. The operation time of modified group(130.4±32.4min) is significantly longer than conventional group (115.3±26.8min, p<0.05). Significant improvement in the anterior vertebral height(AVH) ratio (97.9%±6.7% in modified group, 94.1%±7.8% in conventional group, p<0.05) was found postoperatively, (100.1%±9.7% in modified group, 89.6%±6.7% in conventional group, p<0.01) at the 3-month follow-up and(98.8%±7.7% in modified group, 90.9%±7.6% in conventional group, p<0.01) at the final follow-up. And post-operative correction of AVH ratio was significantly better in modified group (45.0%) than in conventional group (38.8%, p<0.01). There was 1 case of wound infection in both groups respectively. No instrument loosening or failure, or breakage was observed during follow-up.Conclusions Modified technique and conventional technique of posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation for upper lumbar burst fractures both provided immediate stability and reduction of post-traumatic segmental kyphosis. In addition, modified technique of posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation seems to be a promising method for upper lumbar burst fractures because it led to better reduction of fractured vertebra than in patients who received conventional technique.
Mid-Term Results of Bilateral Synchronous Total Hip Arthroplasty for Bone Ankylosis in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: HAN Lei , Quan Renfu , Pei Zhenle , Cao Guoping , Liu Jingjing , Hu Yungen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for bony ankylosis is technically challenging in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study aimed to determine the mid-term results of bilateral synchronous THA for bony ankylosis in patients with AS. Methods: Nineteen cases of bony ankylosis in patients with AS who received bilateral synchronous THA were included in this study (17 males and 2 females, mean age 49.2 years). Disease duration was 5–38 years (mean 18 years and 6 months). All patients received cementless THA. Intraoperative blood loss, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and complications were assessed. Harris hip scores evaluated the clinical effect. Results: Patients were followed up for 62–98 months (mean 82.5 months). VAS score decreased from 7.42±0.92 to 2.42±0.83, Harris hip score improved from 21.8±7.2 to 80.3±6.5, and the flexion-extension range of the hip improved from 0°to 142.3±6.2°. One patient with septum bronchiale had a fracture intraoperatively and was treated with wire strapping. One patient had a traction injury of the femoral nerve postoperatively and recovered 1 year after the operation. Loosening and subsidence were not observed in all patients. Heterotopic bone formation was noted in 3 patients. No complications such as joint dislocation, acute infection, and deep vein thrombosis were found. Conclusion：Bilateral synchronous THA was effective for bony ankylosis of the hip in patients with AS because it improved patients’ quality of life, and had satisfactory mid-term outcomes.
Biochar Amendment Alters The Nutrient-Use Strategy of Moso Bamboo Under N Additions
Authors: Gao Jinpei , Li Quan , Zhang Junbo , Cui Kunkai , Wu Zhizhuang , Shi Man , Song Xinzhang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: While we know that N and biochar fertilizers affect soil nutrient concentrations and plant nutrient uptake, our understanding of how combined applications of N and biochar affect plant nutrient resorption in plantations is largely inadequate. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of N (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha-1 yr-1 or N0, N30, N60, and N90), in combination with biochar (0, 20, and 40 t biochar ha-1 or BC0, BC20, and BC40) on N and P resorption by young and mature bamboo plants as well as the relationship between nutrient resorption and leaf nutrient and soil concentrations. Fresh and senescent leaf samples were collected in July 2016 and March 2017, respectively.Results: Young bamboo showed significantly greater foliar N resorption efficiency (NRE) and P resorption efficiency (PRE) than mature bamboo. N additions alone significantly increased the N resorption proficiency (NRP) and P resorption proficiency (PRP) but decreased the NRE and PRE of both young and mature bamboo. In both the N-free (control) and N addition treatments, biochar amendments significantly reduced the foliar NRE and PRE of young bamboo but had the opposite effect on mature bamboo. Foliar NRE and PRE were significantly correlated with fresh leaf N and P concentrations and soil total P concentration. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that N addition inhibits plant nutrient resorption and alters the nutrient-use strategy of young and mature bamboo from “conservative consumption” to “resource spending.” Furthermore, biochar amendment enhanced the negative priming effect of N addition on nutrient resorption of young bamboo but reduced the negative effect on that of mature bamboo. This study provides new insights into the combined effects of N and biochar additions on the nutrient resorption of Moso bamboo and may assist in improving fertilization strategies in Moso bamboo plantations.
Adrenomedullin 2 improves bone regeneration in type 1 diabetic rats by restoring imbalanced macrophage polarization and impaired osteogenesis
Authors: Wang Feng , Kong Lingchi , Wang Wenbo , Shi Li , Wang Mengwei , Chai Yimin , Xu Jia , Qinglin Kang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Both advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and AGE-mediated M1 macrophage polarization contribute to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) dysfunction, leading to impaired bone regeneration in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2), an endogenous bioactive peptide belonging to the calcitonin gene-related peptide family, exhibits various biological activities associated with the inhibition of inflammation and reduction of insulin resistance. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of ADM2 in AGE-induced macrophage M1 polarization, BMSC dysfunction, and impaired bone regeneration remain poorly understood.
Methods

The polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages was verified by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity detection, and alizarin red staining were performed to assess the osteogenesis of BMSCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess polarization markers, PPARγ/IκBα/NF-κB signaling, and osteogenic markers. In vivo, a distraction osteogenesis (DO) rat model with T1DM was established, and the tibia samples were collected at different time points for radiological, biomechanical, and histological analyses, to verify the effects of ADM2 in terms of bone regeneration and M2 polarization under diabetic conditions.
Results

ADM2 treatment reversed the M1 macrophage polarization induced by AGEs towards the M2 phenotype, which was partially achieved by the PPARγ-mediated inhibition of NF-κB signaling. The PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 significantly attenuated the effects of ADM2. Besides, ADM2 treatment improved the AGE-impaired osteogenic potential of BMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, ADM2 accelerated bone regeneration, as revealed by improved radiological and histological manifestations and biomechanical parameters, accompanied by improved M2 macrophage polarization in diabetic DO rats, and these effects were partially blocked by GW9662 administration.
Conclusions

These results indicate that ADM2 enhances diabetic bone regeneration during DO, by attenuating AGE-induced imbalance in macrophage polarization, partly through PPARγ/IκBα/NF-κB signaling, and improving AGE-impaired osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs simultaneously. These findings reveal that ADM2 may serve as a potential bioactive factor for promoting bone regeneration under diabetic conditions, and imply that management of inflammation and osteogenesis, in parallel, might be a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic patients during DO treatment.
Annexin A1 is responsible for ursolic acid mediated anticancer effects on breast cancer stem cells by wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: fan shujun , Xu Ruixue , Zhang Han , Mao Jun , Zhang Qingqing , Lu Ying , Wang Mei , Wang Huaxin , Yu Xiaotang , Hou Zhenhuan , Sun Xu , Wei Yuanyi , Huang Yuhong , Wang Bo , Song Bo , Li Lianhong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Ursolic acid (UA), a plant extract from traditional Chinese medicines as well as edible vegetables, exhibits a potent anticancer activity in various tumor cells. Annexin A1(AnxA1) is dysregulated and play a pivotal role in various tumor. However, the function of AnxA1 in breast cancer(BC) remains unclear.
Methods

Western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT- PCR), transwell, wound healing and immunofluorescence were used to study the biological features of AnxA1 in breast cancer. The stemness of cancer cells was assessed by sphere formation assay. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assay were used to detect the effects of ursolic acid on the growth, proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vitro. A nude mice xenograft model was employed in vivo. The potential mechanism by which Ursolic acid regulates the biological behaviors of breast cancer stem cells through AnxA1 via the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was tested by western blot, qRT- PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Results

AnxA1 was highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 cell line compared with MCF-7 cell line, Down-regulation of AnxA1 could reduce the mammosphere formation, inhibit EMT, decrease the ability of migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Ursolic acid can reduce the expression of AnxA1 and inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells, stemness, EMT, migration and invasion, promote cell apoptosis of breast cancer cell. This studies suggest that the anticancer effects of AnxA1 knockdown and UA treatment may be realized by affecting the EMT process and the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Conclusions

This research suggest that AnxA1 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to UA, the combination of UA treatment and AnxA1 knockdown possesses multiple anti-tumor activities against breast cancer, as it, in particular, inhibited the cancer stem cell and attenuated EMT. Therefore, it is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit breast cancer.
Assessment of the Medical Students Preparedness and Willingness for Integration into a War-torn Healthcare System: The example of COVID-19 Pandemic Scenario
Authors: Alsuliman Tamim , Alasadi Lugien , Kasem Rahim Abo , Hawat Majd , Almansour Mohammad , Khalaf Ruba Al , Alhalabi Marwan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The question about the role of the senior medical students in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic was raised after the serious shortage in healthcare workers faced by many healthcare systems. This research aimed to explore the ability of the final-year medical students to assist during COVID-19 in a war-torn health system.Methods: Final-year medical students in Syrian Universities were approached between 9th-17th April 2020 through an online questionnaire that assessed the students’ COVID-19-related medical knowledge (5-point score), clinical judgment (5-point score), preparedness and willingness to integrate in the healthcare facilities. An overall score of 10 points was built and multivariate analysis was conducted.Results: A total of 1764 responses were received. Valid responses were (1673) with 1199 (71.66%) responses from the final-year students. Of the latter, 728 (60.71%) scored 4 points or higher in the medical knowledge score (mean 3.69 points [SD 0.96]), while 298 (24.85%) scored 4 or higher in the clinical judgment score. Final-year students scored significantly higher than the fourth-year students in the clinical judgment score (mean 2.69 points [SD 1.12] vs 2.47 [1.15]; adjusted P=0.012). Nearly 72.4% of the final-year participants had an overall score of 7 points or more out of 10 (mean 6.39 points [SD 1.57]). Having fears of infection (log OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.05– 0.44; P=0.01) correlated with a higher overall score, contritely to beginner, intermediate English level, and male gender (log OR -0.68 [95% CI -1.01– -0.35]; P<0.001, -0.3 [-0.5 – -0.1]; P= 0.003, -0.25 [-0.43 – -0.08]; P=0.004, respectively). Finally, 682 (56.88%) of the final-year students expressed willingness to volunteer with healthcare teams.Conclusion: Integrating final-year medical students may be an alternative in case of pandemics especially for fragile systems or those hit by a long-lasting war, while taking into consideration fulfilling personal protective measures, intensive training, and/or adequate supervision.