bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-17 and the prognosis of human carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Chengzhi , Yu Mengya , Yao Xueqing 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveAlthough the role of microRNA-17 (miR-17) has been identified as a tumour biomarker in various studies, its prognostic value in cancers remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyse and summarise the relationship between the miR-17 status and clinical outcome in a variety of human cancers.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science and Embase from the first year of records to 15 May 2017.OutcomesThe patients’ survival results were pooled, and pooled HRs with 95% CIs were calculated and used for measuring the strength of association between miR-17 and the prognosis of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, glioma, T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and colon cancer. Heterogeneity, publication bias and subgroup analysis were also conducted.ResultsA total of 1096 patients were included in this meta-analysis from 12 articles. The results indicated that the increased expression of miR-17 played an unfavourable role in overall survival in various human carcinomas with the HR of 1.342 taking into account the publication bias. In subgroup analysis, HR of ethnicity (Caucasian HR=1.48 and Asian HR=1.40), disease (digestive system HR=1.36 and blood system cancer (HR=2.38), detection method (quantitative real-time PCR HR=1.40 and in situ hybridisation, HR=2.59) and detection sample (tissue HR=1.45 and serum HR=1.32) were significant with p<0.05. For the analysis of disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival, the increased expression of miR-17 was associated with unfavourable prognosis (HR=1.40).ConclusionsmiR-17 may be a useful biomarker in predicting the clinical outcome of human cancers, but due to the limitations of the current studies, further verification of the role of miR-17 in human malignancies is urgently needed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017065749
Population distribution of traditional and the emerging cardiovascular risk factors carotid plaque and IMT: the REFINE-Reykjavik study with comparison with the Tromsø study
Authors: Thorsson Bolli , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Gudmundsson Elias Freyr , Bots Michael L , Aspelund Thor , Arntzen Kjell Arne , Mathiesen Ellisiv B , Gudnason Vilmundur 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesPopulation statistics for carotid plaque and cardiovascular risk factors reported in scientific journals are usually presented as averages for the population or age and sex adjusted, rather than sex and age groups. Important population differences about atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors may thus be missed. We compare the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, carotids plaque and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in two population-based studies.MethodsCarotid artery atherosclerotic plaque prevalence and risk factors levels for cardiovascular disease by sex in 5-year age groups from the Risk Evaluation For Infarct Estimates Reykjavik study (REFINE-Reykjavik study) were compared with data from the Tromsø 6 study.ResultsThe threshold of carotid plaque presence in the Tromsø 6 study fell between minimal and moderate plaque defined in the REFINE-Reykjavik study reflecting carotid plaque prevalence. The prevalence of minimal carotid plaque in the REFINE-Reykjavik study was 47% in men (40–69 years old) and 38% in women and 11% in men and 7% in women of moderate plaque. The prevalence of any plaque in the Tromsø 6 study was 35% in men and 27% in women. The mean (CIMT) was similar in the studies. In the Tromsø 6 study mean systolic blood pressure was 8 mm Hg higher in men and 10 mm Hg higher in women, mean low-density lipoprotein was 0.5 mmol/L higher in men and 0.3 mmol/L higher in women and the prevalence of smoking was 4% higher in men and 9% higher in women. However, body mass index was 0.8 kg/m2higher in men and 0.9 kg/m2in women in the REFINE-Reykjavik study.ConclusionComparison between Iceland and Norway revealed differences in the prevalence of carotid plaque, which was assumed to be due to different definition of plaque. However, clinically significant differences in conventional cardiovascular risk factors were seen. This underscores the importance of detailed comparison of population data across different populations.
Urban-rural differences in factors associated with willingness to receive eldercare among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Xing Yanan , Pei Ruijuan , Qu Jing , Wang Juan , Zhou Hao , Wang Zhaoqing , Yan Wenxin , Sun Xinran , Sun Tao , Li Li 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveWillingness to receive eldercare is an important factor affecting the reasonable allocation of resources and appropriate development of eldercare services. This study aimed to investigate the differences in willingness to receive eldercare and the influencing factors in urban and rural areas.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingResearch was conducted in the urban and rural areas of three cities (Harbin, Qiqihar and Jiamusi) in Heilongjiang province, China.ParticipantsA total of 1003 elderly were selected through multistage sampling in Heilongjiang province, including 581 in urban areas and 422 in rural areas.Main outcome measuresDescriptive statistics were reported for socioeconomic and demographic status, physical health, life satisfaction and social support in urban and rural areas. Mean differences were examined using t-tests, and categorical variable differences were examined using χ2tests. The factors influencing willingness to receive eldercare in urban and rural areas were analysed using logistic regression.ResultsThe results showed that 51.6% of urban elderly and 59.0% of rural elderly preferred family eldercare. Factors that influenced willingness to receive eldercare for urban elderly were age (OR 2.791, 95% CI 1.644 to 4.737), house property (OR 0.494, 95% CI 0.329 to 0.740) and objective support (OR 0.764, 95% CI 0.681 to 0.858). For rural elderly, the factors were having children (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.146 to 0.930), house property (OR 0.371, 95% CI 0.231 to 0.596) and living arrangement (OR 3.361, 95% CI 1.436 to 7.866).ConclusionMore attention should be paid to improving the functioning of family eldercare and promoting the development of varied eldercare services. Investments and targeted policies should be undertaken for different subgroups of urban and rural elderly.
Putative mechanisms Underlying Myocardial infarction onset and Emotions (PUME): a randomised controlled study protocol
Authors: Ensari Ipek , Burg Matthew M , Diaz Keith M , Fu Jie , Duran Andrea T , Suls Jerry M , Sumner Jennifer A , Monane Rachel , Julian Jacob E , Zhao Shuqing , Chaplin William F , Shimbo Daichi 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionThe experience of negative emotions (eg, anger, anxiety and sadness) is associated with an increased short-term risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, independent of traditional CVD risk factors. Impairment in endothelial function is one possible biological mechanism which may explain the association between negative emotions and incident CVD events. This laboratory-based, single-blind, randomised controlled experimental study aims to investigate the impact of induced negative emotions including anger, anxiety and sadness on endothelial function.Methods and analysisIn a between-subjects design, 280 healthy participants are randomised to one of four experimental negative emotion inductions: anger, anxiety, sadness or a neutral condition. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation, circulating levels of endothelial cell-derived microparticles and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells, and indices of nitric oxide inhibition are assessed before and 3, 40, 70 and 100 min after negative emotion induction. Finally, in a subsample of 84 participants, the potential moderating effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity on the adverse effects of an acute negative emotion on endothelial function are investigated.Ethics and disseminationThis study is conducted in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration and the Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The results of the study will be disseminated at several research conferences and as published articles in peer reviewed journals. The study will be implemented and reported in line with the SPIRIT statement.Trial registration numberNCT01909895; Pre-results.
Whole-body positional manipulators for ocular imaging of anaesthetised mice and rats: a do-it-yourself guide
Authors: Dietrich Michael , Cruz-Herranz Andrés , Yiu Hao , Aktas Orhan , Brandt Alexander U , Hartung Hans-Peter , Green Ari , Albrecht Philipp 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundIn vivo retinal imaging of rodents has gained a growing interest in ophthalmology and neurology. The bedding of the animals with the possibility to perform adjustments in order to obtain an ideal camera-to-eye angle is challenging.MethodsWe provide a guide for a cost-effective, do-it-yourself rodent holder for ocular imaging techniques. The set-up was tested and refined in over 2000 optical coherence tomography measurements of mice and rats.ResultsThe recommended material is very affordable, readily available and easily assembled. The holder can be adapted to both mice and rats. A custom-made mouthpiece is provided for the use of inhalant anaesthesia. The holder is highly functional and assures that the rodent’s eye is the centre of rotation for adjustments in both the axial and the transverse planes with a major time benefit over unrestrained positioning of the rodents.ConclusionWe believe this guide is very useful for eye researchers focusing on in vivo retinal imaging in rodents as it significantly reduces examination times for ocular imaging.
Medical Students’ Non-Technical Skills (Medi-StuNTS): preliminary work developing a behavioural marker system for the non-technical skills of medical students in acute care
Authors: Hamilton Ailsa L , Kerins Joanne , MacCrossan Marc A , Tallentire Victoria R 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionGood non-technical skills (NTS) are critical to the delivery of high-quality patient care. It is increasingly recognised that training in such skills should be incorporated into primary medical training curricula. This study aimed to develop an NTS behavioural marker system (BMS), specifically applicable to medical students, for use within simulated acute care scenarios.MethodsThe methodology used to develop other BMS was adopted and modified. Following ethical approval, 16 final year medical students participated in acute care simulated scenarios. Semistructured interviews were performed to gauge the understanding of NTS. A panel meeting of subject matter experts was convened to translate key NTS into skill elements and observable behaviours. A second expert panel was consulted to refine aspects of the BMS. Further refinement and initial face validity was undertaken by a third panel of experts using the prototype BMS to observe prerecorded simulation scenarios.ResultsFive categories of NTS were identified: situation awareness, teamwork and communication, decision-making and prioritisation, self-awareness, and escalating care. Observable behaviours in each category describe good and poor performance. Escalating care was identified as a unique component that incorporated behaviours related to each of the other four skill categories. A 5-point rating scale was developed to enable both peer-to-peer and tutor-to–student feedback.ConclusionThe Medi-StuNTS (Medical Students’ Non-Technical Skills) system is the first BMS for the NTS of medical students. It reinforces the importance of escalating care effectively. It provides an exciting opportunity to provide feedback to medical students and may ultimately aid their preparedness for professional practice.
Accelerated model of lupus autoimmunity and vasculopathy driven by toll-like receptor 7/9 imbalance
Authors: Liu Yudong , Seto Nickie L , Carmona-Rivera Carmelo , Kaplan Mariana J 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesActivation of endosomal toll-like receptor (TLR)7 or TLR9 has been proposed as a critical step for the initiation and development of SLE. Traditional spontaneous lupus models normally introduce multiple risk alleles, thereby adding additional confounding factors. In the induced lupus models, the role of TLR9 remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of an imbalance between TLR7 and TLR9 pathways in the pathogenesis of lupus and its associated vasculopathy using the imiquimod model in TLR9 KO/B6 background.MethodsWild type (WT) and Tlr9-/-mice were epicutaneously treated with imiquimod cream 5% on both ears three times per week for indicated times. At euthanasia, mice were analysed for organ involvement, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, serum autoantibodies, and innate and adaptive immune responses.ResultsCompared with the lupus-like phenotype that develops in imiquimod-treated WT mice, Tlr9-/-mice exposed to imiquimod have increased severity of autoimmunity features and inflammatory phenotype that develops at earlier stages. These abnormalities are characterised by enhanced TLR7 expression and immune activation, increased immune complex deposition, Th1 T cells and dendritic cell kidney infiltration and significant impairments in endothelial function. Modulation of TLR7 expression was observed in the Tlr9-/-mice.ConclusionsThese findings further underscore the protective role of TLR9 in TLR7-driven autoimmunity and also in the development of vasculopathy, further strengthening the importance of tightly manipulating TLRs in putative therapeutic strategies. This study provides a new model of accelerated lupus phenotype driven by danger-associated molecular patterns.
Tailoring asthma treatment on eosinophilic markers (exhaled nitric oxide or sputum eosinophils): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Petsky Helen L , Cates Chris J , Kew Kayleigh M , Chang Anne B 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAsthma guidelines guide health practitioners to adjust treatments to the minimum level required for asthma control. As many people with asthma have an eosinophilic endotype, tailoring asthma medications based on airway eosinophilic levels (sputum eosinophils or exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO) may improve asthma outcomes.ObjectiveTo synthesise the evidence from our updated Cochrane systematic reviews, for tailoring asthma medication based on eosinophilic inflammatory markers (sputum analysis and FeNO) for improving asthma-related outcomes in children and adults.Data sourcesCochrane reviews with standardised searches up to February 2017.Study selectionThe Cochrane reviews included randomised controlled comparisons of tailoring asthma medications based on sputum analysis or FeNO compared with controls (primarily clinical symptoms and/or spirometry/peak flow).ResultsThe 16 included studies of FeNO-based management (seven in adults) and 6 of sputum-based management (five in adults) were clinically heterogeneous. On follow-up, participants randomised to the sputum eosinophils strategy (compared with controls) were significantly less likely to have exacerbations (62 vs 82/100 participants with ≥1 exacerbation; OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.62). For the FeNO strategy, the respective numbers were adults OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.84) and children 0.58 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.75). However, there were no significant group differences for either strategy on daily inhaled corticosteroids dose (at end of study), asthma control or lung function.ConclusionAdjusting treatment based on airway eosinophilic markers reduced the likelihood of asthma exacerbations but had no significant impact on asthma control or lung function.
The use of isometric log ratios to classify phosphorus attributes in composts
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Parent Serge-Étienne , Abdi Dalel , Ziadi Noura , Parent Léon-Étienne 
Published: June 2018

This research aimed to classify 16 horticultural composts collected across Canada into management group according to their phosphorus (P) fractions and carbon (C) content using isometric log ratio (ilr) and to interpret the clusters against the total P content and C-to-P ratio indices. The ilr approach was found to be more discriminant for grouping the composts compared with the conventional statistical analysis. The C-to-P ratio index was representative of cluster 1 only. This cluster included organic amendments with C-to-P ratios higher than 100 and high capacity to increase soil organic matter content without excessive P dosage. Total P separated clusters 2 and 3 despite the amalgamation of P forms into total P. Cluster 2 showed high total P (>10 g P kg−1) and low C-to-P ratios (24–38), whereas cluster 3 showed variable C-to-P ratios (18–78) and total P <9 g kg−1after excluding one compost close to cluster 2. Clusters 2 and 3 were considered as potential sources of plant-available P. The ilr approach suggests that composts made of municipal biosolids and poultry manures in cluster 2 have the highest potential as plant-available P source compared with those made of other livestock manures or food processing wastes.
Corrosion behaviors of 316LN stainless steel joints brazed with Sn-plated silver filler metals
Authors: Wang Xingxing , Li Shuai , Peng Jin 
Published: June 2018

AgCuZnSn filler metals were prepared from the BAg34CuZnSn filler metal by a combinative process of brush plating and thermal diffusion, and the prepared filler metals were applied to the induction brazing of the 316LN stainless steel. The corrosion behaviors of the brazed joints was evaluated based on local corrosion analyses, where the morphology of the joints was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution and electrolytic etching in a 10 vol.% oxalic acid solution. The microstructure of the brazed joints with the Sn-plated filler mainly consisted of the Ag phase, Cu phase, CuZn phase, Cu5Zn8 phase, Cu[Formula: see text]Sn[Formula: see text] phase and Ag3Sn phase. The local corrosion analysis results indicated that galvanic corrosion occurred near the interface between the stainless steel base metal and the brazing seam. With increasing local corrosion time, the corrosion rates of both the brazing seam and the base metal first exhibited an increasing trend, followed by a decreasing trend, and the corrosion rate of the brazing seam was slightly greater than that of the base metal. The corrosion behaviors analysis indicated that the corrosion resistance of the brazing seam was reduced, and concave defects emerged after electrolytic etching for 90 s.
High-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions maintains endothelial function
Authors: Morishima Takuma , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Ochi Eisuke 
Published: June 2018

Resistance exercise impairs endothelial function, and this impairment is thought to be mediated by sustained elevation in blood pressure. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that resistance exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction would be prevented by high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions. This type of resistance exercise is known to induce temporal elevation in blood pressure due to low repetitions and a long resting period between sets. Thirteen young healthy subjects completed three randomized experimental trials as follows: 1) moderate-intensity exercise with moderate repetitions (moderate-moderate trial), 2) low-intensity exercise with high repetitions (low-high trial), and 3) high-intensity exercise with low repetitions (high-low trial). After baseline brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood pressure measurements, subjects performed resistance exercise according to the different types of trials. Thereafter, brachial artery FMD and blood pressure measurements were repeated 10, 30, and 60 min after the exercise. Exercise-induced increases in blood flow and shear rate were significantly lower in the high-low trial than in the other two trials ( P < 0.05). Although systolic blood pressures were significantly elevated after exercise in all trials ( P < 0.05), the magnitudes of rise in blood pressure increase were significantly lower in the high-low trial than in the moderate-moderate and low-high trials ( P < 0.05). Moderate-moderate and low-high trials caused a significant impairment in brachial artery FMD ( P < 0.05), which could be prevented through high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions (  > 0.05). In conclusion, endothelial function was maintained by conducting high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Data from the present study reveal that high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions can maintain endothelial function. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that the detrimental vascular effects of resistance exercise are preventable when resistance exercise is performed in high intensity with low repetitions.Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/type-of-resistance-exercise-and-endothelial-function/ (Japanese version: https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/japanese-language-podcast-type-of-resistance-exercise-and-endothelial-function/ ).
Influence of vagal control on sex-related differences in left ventricular mechanics and hemodynamics
Authors: Williams Alexandra M. , Shave Rob E. , Coulson James M. , White Harriet , Rosser-Stanford Bryn , Eves Neil D. 
Published: June 2018

Left ventricular (LV) twist mechanics differ between men and women during acute physiological stress, which may be partly mediated by sex differences in autonomic control. While men appear to have greater adrenergic control of LV twist, the potential contribution of vagal modulation to sex differences in LV twist remains unknown. Therefore, the present study examined the role of vagal control on sex differences in LV twist during graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and supine cycling. On two separate visits, LV mechanics were assessed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in 18 men (22 ± 2 yr) and 17 women (21 ± 4 yr) during −40- and −60-mmHg LBNP and 25% and 50% of peak supine cycling workload with and without glycopyrrolate (vagal blockade). LV twist was not different at baseline but was greater in women during −60 mmHg in both control (women: 16.0 ± 3.4° and men: 12.9 ± 2.3°, P = 0.004) and glycopyrrolate trials (women: 17.7 ± 5.9° and men: 13.9 ± 3.3°, P < 0.001) due to greater apical rotation during control (women: 11.9 ± 3.6° and men: 7.8 ± 1.5°, P < 0.001) and glycopyrrolate (women: 11.6 ± 4.9° and men: 7.1 ± 3.6°, P = 0.009). These sex differences in LV twist consistently coincided with a greater LV sphericity index (i.e., ellipsoid geometry) in women compared with men. In contrast, LV twist did not differ between the sexes during exercise with or without glycopyrrolate. In conclusion, women have augmented LV twist compared with men during large reductions to preload, even during vagal blockade. As such, differences in vagal control do not appear to contribute to sex differences in the LV twist responses to physiological stress, but they may be related to differences in ventricular geometry. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to specifically examine the role of vagal autonomic control on sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) mechanics. Contrary to our hypothesis, vagal control does not appear to primarily determine sex differences in LV mechanical or hemodynamic responses to acute physiological stress. Instead, differences in LV geometry may be a more important contributor to sex differences in LV mechanics.