bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensive care unit trainee perception of end‐of‐life care provided during medical emergency team activation events
Authors: Rotherham Hannah J. , Jones Daryl A. , Presneill Jeffrey J. ,   the Victorian EOLC MET Investigators
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHospital medical emergency team (MET) activation events involving end‐of‐life care (EOLC) are common. The issues faced by medical staff attending these events are incompletely described.AimsThe purpose of this study was to measure the perceptions of Victorian hospital medical staff, training in the speciality of intensive care, about multiple aspects of EOLC MET calls. We sought to determine the overall extent of formal training in MET and EOLC and assess the domains of self‐perceived confidence, barriers to communication, frequency of clinician agreement and trainee distress.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous, voluntary, Internet‐based survey of registered trainees of the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand in May 2019. The participants eligible were those trainees working in an adult intensive care unit in Victoria, Australia, during the study period. The main outcome measures were self‐reported levels of confidence, barriers to communication, frequency of conflict and distress, senior support, supervision and access to training.ResultsOf 124 trainees surveyed, 75 (60%) responded. Overall, 78% of respondents felt confident to manage EOLC MET calls, but the frequently reported barriers to effective patient/next of kin communication included: (i) lack of private meeting rooms; (ii) resource and time constraints; and (iii) lack of patient and family availability during a MET call to discuss medical treatment limitations. Two‐thirds of respondents reported emotional distress at least occasionally, this being frequent in one in five. Most (68%) trainees experienced conflict with other medical teams at least occasionally. Factors associated with experiencing distress at least occasionally include greater trainee age, patients' being unable to participate in discussion due to illness, resource and time constraints and negative encounters with other medical teams.ConclusionsVictorian intensive care trainees were confident managing EOLC MET activation events. However, distress was reported commonly and strategies are required to address the areas of concern.
Characterisation of stemness and multipotency of ovine muscle‐derived stem cells from various muscle sources
Authors: Elashry Mohamed I. , Gaertner Kateryna , Klymiuk Michele C. , Eldaey Asmaa , Wenisch Sabine , Arnhold Stefan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMuscle stem cells (MSCs) are a promising tool for cell‐based therapy and tissue regeneration in veterinary medicine. Evaluation of MSCs from muscles of different origins improves our understanding of their regenerative potential. The present study compared the stemness, cell proliferation, migration potential, myogenic differentiation (MD), and multipotency of MSCs for four developmentally different muscles of ovine origin. MSCs were isolated from the hind limb (HL), diaphragm (DI), extraocular (EO), and masseter (MS) muscles. Cell proliferation, migration, and stemness were examined using sulforhodamine B, and colony formation assays. Evaluation of multipotency was examined using histological and morphometric analyses, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression of myogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic markers using RT‐qPCR. Data were statistically analysed using analysis of variance. The results revealed that all experimental groups expressed stem cell markers paired box transcription factor Pax7, α7‐integrin, CD90, and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha. DI and HL muscle cells displayed higher proliferation, migration, and colony formation capacities compared to the EO and MS muscle cells. HL and DI muscle cells showed increased MD, as indicated by myotube formation and relative expression of MyoD at day 7 and Myogenin at day 14. Although MS and EO muscle cells displayed impaired MD, these cells were more prone to adipogenic differentiation, as indicated by Oil Red O staining and upregulated fatty acid‐binding protein 4 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma expression. DI muscle cells demonstrated a higher osteogenic differentiation capability, as shown by the upregulation of osteopontin expression and an elevated ALP activity. Our data indicate that ovine HL and DI MSCs have a higher regenerative and multipotent potential than the EO and MS muscle cells. These results could be valuable for regional muscle biopsies and cell‐based therapies.
Effects of oxidative stress‐induced increases in Zn2+ concentrations in human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Yagi Hiroko , Fujihara Chiharu , Murakami Shinya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivePrevious studies have reported that oxidative stress increases intracellular Zn2+ concentrations and induces cytotoxicity. However, no studies have investigated whether oxidative stress induces such changes in periodontal tissue cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of oxidative stress on intracellular Zn2+ concentration in periodontium constituent cells and its potential relationship with periodontal disease.MethodsWe analyzed changes in intracellular Zn2+ concentrations in human gingival epithelial (epi4) cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fluorescent probes FluoZin‐3 AM and CellTracker Green CMFDA were used to detect intracellular Zn2+ and thiol groups, respectively. Western blot analyses, luciferase reporter assays, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to examine the effect of intracellular Zn2+ on epi4 cells.ResultsH2O2 treatment increased intracellular concentrations of Zn2+ in epi4 cells by facilitating the movement of Zn2+ from cellular nonprotein thiols to the cytoplasm and promoting cell membrane permeability to Zn2+. Furthermore, H2O2‐induced increases in intracellular Zn2+ activated the p38 cAMP response element‐binding protein/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 CREB/MAPK) cascade, upregulated nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) DNA binding, and increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metallopeptidase‐9 (MMP‐9).ConclusionIncreases in intracellular Zn2+ induced by oxidative stress activate signaling pathways involved in inflammation, potentially contributing to the progression of periodontal disease.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles as cell‐free therapy: Perspectives in periodontal regeneration
Authors: Novello Solen , Pellen‐Mussi Pascal , Jeanne Sylvie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are involved in the regeneration of the different missing or compromised periodontal tissues. MSC‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) have recently been explored as a favorable substitution for stem cell therapy, as they are capable of producing therapeutic effects comparable to those of their parent cells, with advantages over cell therapy. The aim of this review is to evaluate the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)‐derived sEV as cell‐free therapy in periodontal regeneration. A review of the scientific literature on sEV and their use in periodontal regeneration was performed. The main characteristics of sEV are described, and their mechanisms of action and potential biological effects in periodontal regeneration are studied. A summary of existing preclinical studies conducted in animals is performed. The results indicate that sEV derived from MSC are emerging as a promising new therapeutic tool in the field of periodontal regeneration and may become an ideal therapeutic option. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in this regard in order to better understand this newly emerging treatment. First results in vivo are promising and show a favorable potential for cell‐free therapy in periodontal regeneration.
SPARC inhibition accelerates NAFLD‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma development by dysregulating hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: M. Onorato Agostina , Fiore Esteban , Bayo Juan , Casali Cecilia , Fernandez‐Tomé María , Rodríguez Marcelo , Domínguez Luciana , Argemi Josepmaría , Hidalgo Florencia , Favre Cristian , García Mariana , Atorrasagasti Catalina , Mazzolini Guillermo D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and its more serious form non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis increase risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lipid metabolic alterations and its role in HCC development remain unclear. SPARC (Secreted Protein, Acidic and Rich in Cysteine) is involved in lipid metabolism, NAFLD and diabetes, but the effects on hepatic lipid metabolism and HCC development is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SPARC in HCC development in the context of NAFLD.MethodsPrimary hepatocyte cultures from knockout (SPARC−/−) or wild‐type (SPARC+/+) mice, and HepG2 cells were used to assess the effects of free fatty acids on lipid accumulation, expression of lipogenic genes and de novo triglyceride (TG) synthesis. A NAFLD‐HCC model was stabilized on SPARC−/− or SPARC+/+ mice. Correlations among SPARC, lipid metabolism‐related gene expression patterns and clinical prognosis were studied using HCC gene expression dataset.ResultsSPARC−/− mice increases hepatic lipid deposits over time. Hepatocytes from SPARC−/− mice or inhibition of SPARC by an antisense adenovirus in HepG2 cells resulted in increased TG deposit, expression of lipid‐related genes and nuclear translocation of SREBP1c. Human HCC database analysis revealed that SPARC negatively correlated with genes involved in lipid metabolism, and with poor survival. In NAFLD‐HCC murine model, the absence of SPARC accelerates HCC development. RNA‐seq study revealed that pathways related to lipid metabolism, cellular detoxification and proliferation were upregulated in SPARC−/− tumour‐bearing mice.ConclusionsThe absence of SPARC is associated with an altered hepatic lipid metabolism, and an accelerated NAFLD‐related HCC development.
Overcoming insect immune response: The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkaline protease in phenoloxidase inhibition
Authors: Andrejko Mariola , Siemińska‐Kuczer Anna , Iwański Bartłomiej , Cytryńska Małgorzata 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alkaline protease, one of the important virulence factors of these bacteria, in the prophenoloxidase (proPO) system activation in Galleria mellonella haemolymph was investigated. Immunization of G. mellonella larvae with alkaline protease led to an increase in phenoloxidase (PO) activity in haemolymph 2–8 h after the injection. However, 15 h after the challenge, almost no PO activity was detected, in contrast to insects immunized with heat‐killed P. aeruginosa, where an elevated PO activity in haemolymph persisted at all the time points of the experiment (2–24 h). To test the effect of alkaline protease on already activated PO in vitro, non‐immune G. mellonella haemolymph with proPO system pre‐activated in vitro by heat‐killed P. aeruginosa was used. Subsequently, direct incubation of the protease with non‐immune haemolymph was carried out to test the effect of the alkaline protease on the proPO system activation. It can be postulated that P. aeruginosa alkaline protease affected not only the active PO, but also significantly inhibited proPO cascade activation in the haemolymph of G. mellonella.
Cognitive impairment in mild traumatic brain injury: a diffusion kurtosis imaging and volumetric study
Authors: Wang Ming-Liang , Wei Xiao-Er , Yu Meng-Meng , Li Wen-Bin 
Published: February 2021

Background A significant number of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) would experience cognitive deficit. Purpose To investigate the brain structural changes in sub-acute mTBI by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and volumetric analysis, and to assess the relationship between brain structural changes and cognitive functions. Material and Methods A total of 23 patients with sub-acute mTBI and 24 control participants were recruited. All the participants underwent examinations of neuropsychological tests, DKI, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based morphological scans. Images were investigated using whole brain-based analysis and further regions of interest-based analysis for subcortical nuclei. The neuropsychological tests were compared between the mTBI and the control group. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between gray matter (GM) volume, DKI parameters, and cognitive functions. Results Compared with control participants, mTBI patients performed worse in the domains of verbal memory, attention and executive function ( P < 0.05). No regional GM volume differences were observed between the mTBI and control groups ( P > 0.05). Using DKI, patients with mTBI showed lower mean kurtosis (MK) in widespread white matter (WM) regions and several subcortical nuclei ( P < 0.05), and higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the right pallidum ( P < 0.05). Lower MK value of multiple WM regions and several subcortical nuclei correlated with cognitive impairment ( P < 0.05). Conclusion DKI was sensitive in detecting brain microstructural changes in patients with sub-acute mTBI showing lower MK value in widespread WM regions and several subcortical nuclei, which were statistically associated with cognitive deficits.
The diagnostic value of T2 map, diffusion tensor imaging, and diffusion kurtosis imaging in differentiating dermatomyositis from muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ran Jun , Dai Bin , Liu Chanyuan , Zhang Huayue , Li Yitong , Hou Bowen , Li Xiaoming 
Published: February 2021

Background Dermatomyositis (DM) and muscular dystrophy are clinically difficult to differentiate. Purpose To confirm the feasibility and assess the accuracy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T2 map, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in the differentiation of DM from muscular dystrophy. Material and Methods Forty-two patients with DM proven by diagnostic criteria were enrolled in the study along with 23 patients with muscular dystrophy. Conventional MR, T2 map, DTI, and DKI images were obtained in the thigh musculature for all patients. Intramuscular T2 value, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) values were compared between the patients with DM and muscular dystrophy. Student’s t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed for all parameters. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The intramuscular T2, ADC, FA, MD, and MK values within muscles were statistically significantly different between the DM and muscular dystrophy groups ( P<0.01). The MK value was statistically significantly different between the groups in comparison with T2 and FA value. As a supplement to conventional MRI, the parameters of MD and MK differentiated DM and muscular dystrophy may be valuable. The optimal cut-off value of ADC and MD values (with respective AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) between DM and muscular dystrophy were 1.698 ×10−3mm2/s (0.723, 54.1%, and 78.1%) and 1.80 ×10−3mm2/s (61.9% and 70.2%), respectively. Conclusion Thigh muscle ADC and MD parameters may be useful in differentiating patients with DM from those with muscular dystrophy.
Including a general practice endorsement letter with the testing kit in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme: Results of a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Cross Amanda J , Myles Jonathan , Greliak Paul , Hackshaw Allan , Halloran Stephen , Benton Sally C , Addison Caroline , Chapman Caroline , Djedovic Natasha , Smith Stephen , Wagner Christian von , Duffy Stephen W , Raine Rosalind 
Published: February 2021

Objectives To evaluate the effect of general practitioner endorsement accompanying the screening kit rather than with the invitation letter on participation in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and on the socioeconomic gradient in participation in the Programme. Methods The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England is delivered via five regional hubs. In early 2016, we carried out a cluster-randomised trial, with hub-day of invitation as the randomisation unit. We randomised 150 hub-days of invitation to the intervention group, GP endorsement on the letter accompanying the guaiac faecal occult blood testing kit (75 hub-days, 197,366 individuals) or control, usual letter (75 hub-days, 197,476 individuals). The endpoint was participation, defined as return of a valid kit within 18 weeks of initial invitation. Because of the cluster randomisation, data were analysed by a hierarchical logistic regression, allowing a random effect for date of invitation. Socioeconomic status was represented by the index of multiple deprivation. Results Participation was 59.4% in the intervention group and 58.7% in the control group, a significant difference ( p = 0.04). There was no heterogeneity of the effect of intervention by index of multiple deprivation. We found that there was some confounding between date and screening episode order (first or subsequent screen). This in turn may have induced confounding with age and slightly diluted the result. Conclusions General practitioner endorsement induces a modest increase in participation in bowel cancer screening, but does not affect the socioeconomic gradient. When considering cluster randomisation as a research method, careful scrutiny of potential confounding is indicated in advance if possible and in analysis otherwise.
LncRNA BLACAT1 Promotes Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Prostate Cancer Cells via Regulating miR-29a-3p/DVL3 Axis
Authors: Liao Bo , Chen Shuangquan , Li Yugen , Yang Zhaohui , Yang Ying , Deng Xianzhong , Ke Sha 
Published: February 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNA bladder cancer associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) is oncogenic in several types of cancers. However, little is known concerning its expression and function in prostate cancer. Methods: Paired prostate cancer samples were collected, and the expression levels of BLACAT1, miR-29a-3p and disheveled segment polarity protein 3 (DVL3) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); BLACAT1 shRNAs were transfected into PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines, and proliferative ability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay; qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the changes of miR-29a-3p and DVL3; dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the regulatory relationships between miR-29a-3p and BLACAT1, and miR-29a-3p and DVL3. Results: BLACAT1 expression was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues of prostate cancer samples and positively correlated with the expression of DVL3, while negatively associated with miR-29a-3p. After the transfection of BLACAT1 shRNAs into prostate cancer cells, the proliferative ability and metastatic ability of cancer cells were significantly inhibited; BLACAT1 shRNAs could reduce the expression of DVL3 on both mRNA and protein expressions levels, the luciferase activity of BLACAT1 reporter was inhibited by miR-29a-3p, and DVL3 was validated as a target gene of miR-29a-3p. Conclusion: BLACAT1 expression is abnormally up-regulated in prostate cancer tissues. BLACAT1 can modulate the proliferative and metastatic ability of prostate cancer cells and have the potential to be the “ceRNA” to regulate the expression of DVL3 by sponging miR-29a-3p.
Circulating Tumor Cells Correlate With Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Shichao , Wang Lili , Zhang Wenying , Liu Feng , Zhang Yanjie , Jiang Bin , Wang JiongYi , Yuan Haihua 
Published: February 2021

Background: To investigate the relationship of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the clinical characteristic parameters and prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: The retrospective clinical study included 95 patients with HNSCC who after surgery in Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between December 2015 and December 2016. All patients were followed up for survival until the end of June 2019. The CTCs detection was performed by negative enrichment (NE) immunofluorescence-in situ hybridization (im-FISH) of chromosome 8. Results: Patients with higher CTCs counts are associated with a worse prognosis with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.756 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.640-0.872, p = 0.001]. The CTCs-positive rate of HNSCC patients was 58.9% (56/95) by using the cut-point of 3. Both the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis showed that the N stage and clinical stage were significantly associated with CTCs-positive in patients with HNSCC ( p < 0.05). Further Non-parametric test analysis indicated that more CTCs counts were detected in late N and clinical stages patients ( p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that CTCs-positive were correlated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) ( p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) ( p = 0.001). Further, the CTCs-positive was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS according to the Cox multivariate regression analysis ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: More CTCs were associated with N stage, clinical stage, poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC, which might be used as a prognostic biomarker.
Active Participation, Mind–Body Stabilization, and Coping Strategies with Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Theuser Anna-Katharin , Antoniadis Sophia , Langemann Hanna , Wasner Sonja , Grasruck Katharina , Dietzel-Drentwett Svenja , Fasching Peter A. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Hack Carolin C. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Increasing numbers of breast cancer survivors have led to a growing demand for integrative medicine. When patients have completed treatments associated with severe side effects, attention turns to reducing psychological symptoms, coping behavior, and self-care. The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported benefits in relation to active participation, mind–body stabilization, and coping strategies in breast cancer patients receiving integrative medicine. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, health counseling and treatment provided by a standardized integrative medicine consultancy service at the University Breast Center of Franconia were evaluated in 75 breast cancer patients over a 15-month period. At the baseline, the patients answered a questionnaire on their medical history, symptoms, and the treatment goals they were hoping to achieve with integrative medicine. Patient-reported outcomes relative to active participation, mind–body stabilization, and coping strategies were analyzed. Results: A large majority of the patients had previous experience with integrative medicine (91%). Most reported that they achieved their treatment goals with integrative medicine. Ninety-one percent achieved active participation in cancer treatment, 90% mind–body stabilization, and 79% improvement in coping strategies. Besides active participation, which was greatest in patients with stable disease, the success of integrative therapy was independent of age, concomitant diseases, previous integrative medicine experience, treatment state, and systemic cancer therapy. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients benefit from the counseling and treatment provided with integrative medicine in mind–body stabilization and coping with cancer. Active participation in cancer treatment is important for the patients. Integrative treatment services should form part of routine patient care.