bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maelstrom Directs Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Promote Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via Activation of the Akt1/RelA/IL8 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Pupu , Chen Xinfeng , Qin Guohui , Yue Dongli , Zhang Zhen , Ping Yu , Wang Dan , Zhao Xuan , Song Mengjia , Zhao Qitai , Li Jieyao , Liu Shasha , Wang Dong , Zhang Chaoqi , Lian Jingyao , Cao Ling , Li Feng , Huang Lan , Wang Liping , Yang Li , Huang Jianmin , Li Hong , Zhang Bin , Zhang Yi 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Maelstrom (MAEL) is a novel cancer/testis-associated gene, which is not only expressed in the male testicular germ cells among human normal tissues, but is also aberrantly expressed in various cancer tissues. In our study, MAEL was characterized as a tumor-promoting gene and was significantly associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) recurrence and unfavorable prognosis. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with high MAEL expression had a shorter survival time. Functional experiments showed that MAEL promoted tumor cell growth and inhibited cell apoptosis. These results prompted us to investigate the factors affecting the tumorigenicity of MAEL. Further experimentation demonstrated that MAEL enhanced the expression of phosphorylated Akt1, with subsequent phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) subunit RelA in tumor cells, and chemoattracted myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) by upregulating interleukin-8 (IL8) to accelerate tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. We also found that TGFβ secreted by MDSCs could upregulate MAEL by inducing Smad2/Smad3 phosphorylation. In summary, this study revealed a mechanism by which MAEL could upregulate IL8 through Akt1/RelA to direct MDSCs homing into the tumor, suggesting that MAEL could be an attractive therapeutic target and a prognostic marker against ESCC. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(10); 1246–59. ©2018 AACR.
Association between aortic valvular calcification and characteristics of the aortic valve in patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Choi Bo Hwa , Ko Sung Min , Shin Je Kyoun , Chee Hyun Keun , Kim Jun Seok , Kim Jayoun 
Published: August 2018

Background Aortic valve calcification quantification using cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is a reliable marker for aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease. Purpose To determine the association of Agatston aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) with morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of BAV and define cut-off AVCS for optimizing the grade of AS in patients with bicuspid AS. Material and Methods This study included 161 BAV patients with AS regardless of aortic regurgitation who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and CCT. BAVs were classified according to orientation of cusps and presence of raphe. Associations of AVCS with characteristics of BAV morphology and functional variables were determined by linear regression analysis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to determine the cut-off AVCS greater than which the diagnosis of severe AS was optimized. Results AVCS was significantly different according to sex ( P < 0.001), AS severity ( P < 0.001), type of valvular dysfunction ( P = 0.011), and orientation of cusps ( P = 0.028). Multiple linear regression showed that AVCS was significantly associated with sex (estimate = −0.583, P < 0.001) and AS severity (estimate = 0.817, P < 0.001). AVCS was a predictor for severe AS with AUC of 0.80 in both women ( P = 0.002) and men ( P < 0.001). Its cut-off value was 1423 Agatston unit (AU) in women and 2573 AU in men. Conclusions In patients with bicuspid AS, AVCS was significantly higher in men and those with severe AS. However, AVCS was not significantly associated with morphological characteristics of BAV or the type of valvular dysfunction.
Impact of breast cancer screening in a population with high spontaneous coverage with mammography
Authors: Capodaglio Giulia , Zorzi Manuel , Tognazzo Sandro , Greco Alessandra , Michieletto Federica , Fedato Chiara , Montaguti Adriana , Turrin Anna , Ferro Antonio , Cinquetti Sandro , Russo Francesca , Corti Maria Chiara , Rugge Massimo , Fedeli Ugo 
Published: August 2018

Objective: The impact of organized screening programs on breast cancer (BC) mortality is unclear in an era of high spontaneous referral of women to mammography. The aim of this study was to analyze if the introduction of mammographic screening programs reduced BC mortality in the Veneto region, Italy, despite already widespread spontaneous access to mammography. Methods: In Veneto, screening was introduced in different years between 1999 and 2009 across 21 local health units (LHUs), inviting asymptomatic women aged 50–69 years to undergo mammography biennially. We compared BC mortality for the 1995–2014 period of women aged 40–49 and 50–74 years who were resident in LHUs where screening programs started in 2003 (early LHUs) with women resident in LHUs where screening was introduced later (late LHUs). Poisson regression models were applied to incidence-based mortality (IBM), including only deaths from BC arising within the screening period. Results: In the prescreening period and until 2010, BC mortality rates in early and late LHUs were similar in both age groups. In the last study period (2010–2014), we observed a 10% decrease in overall BC mortality in early compared to late LHU, limited to women aged 50–74 years. IBM was reduced by 8% (95% CI 1%–16%) in the overall study period and by 16% (6%–25%) in 2010–2014. Conclusions: In the Veneto region, screening programs were associated with a significant impact on BC-specific mortality; such effect appeared at least 8 years after screening implementation.
Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction Can Eliminate Pseudoparalysis in Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Mihata Teruhisa , Lee Thay Q. , Hasegawa Akihiko , Kawakami Takeshi , Fukunishi Kunimoto , Fujisawa Yukitaka , Itami Yasuo , Ohue Mutsumi , Neo Masashi 
Published: August 2018

Background:Patients with pseudoparalysis and irreparable rotator cuff tears have very poor function. The authors developed a superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) technique for irreparable rotator cuff tears that restores shoulder stability and muscle balance, improving shoulder function and relieving pain.Purpose:To evaluate whether arthroscopic SCR reversed preoperative pseudoparalysis in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:One hundred consecutive patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic SCR with fascia lata autografts; 7 patients with deltoid weakness from cervical or axillary nerve palsy and 5 with severe presurgical shoulder stiffness were excluded. The remaining 88 were allocated to 3 groups according to their preoperative active shoulder elevation: no pseudoparalysis (45 patients; mean age, 66.2 years; mean tear size, 3.5 cm), moderate pseudoparalysis (28 patients, 68.3 years, 3.5 cm), and severe pseudoparalysis (15 patients, 62.3 years, 4.9 cm). Clinical outcome, active shoulder range of motion, acromiohumeral distance, and healing rate were compared between patients with and without pseudoparalysis, as well as before surgery and at final follow-up (35-110 months).Results:American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, active elevation, active external rotation, and acromiohumeral distance increased significantly after arthroscopic SCR among all patients. Graft healing rates did not differ among the groups ( P = .73): 98% (44 of 45) for no pseudoparalysis, 96% (27 of 28) for moderate pseudoparalysis, and 87% (13 of 15) for severe pseudoparalysis. Pseudoparalysis was reversed in 96% (27 of 28) of patients with preoperative moderate pseudoparalysis and 93% (14 of 15) with preoperative severe pseudoparalysis. Both patients with residual pseudoparalysis postoperatively (1 of 28 with preoperative moderate pseudoparalysis, 1 of 15 with preoperative severe pseudoparalysis) had graft tears.Conclusion:Arthroscopic SCR restored superior glenohumeral stability and improved shoulder function among patients with or without pseudoparalysis who had previously irreparable rotator cuff tears. In the absence of postoperative graft tear, arthroscopic SCR reversed preoperative pseudoparalysis. Graft healing rates after arthroscopic SCR did not differ between patients with and without pseudoparalysis.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Determines Supraspinatus Muscle Atrophy After Cuff Repair and Correlates to Functional Shoulder Outcome
Authors: Fischer Christian , Gross Sascha , Zeifang Felix , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Weber Marc-André , Kunz Pierre 
Published: August 2018

Background:Muscle degeneration as a consequence of rotator cuff tears is mainly assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new functional imaging method to assess microvascular perfusion as a fundamental parameter of muscle tissue vitality. In this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated supraspinatus muscle perfusion after cuff repair and analyzed its association with functional shoulder outcome and the grade of echogenicity in B-mode ultrasound indicating fatty infiltration.Hypothesis:The authors expected reduced microperfusion of the operated versus the contralateral supraspinatus muscle and a correlation of the muscular microperfusion with functional shoulder outcome.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Patients who received unilateral repair of the supraspinatus tendon between 2009 and 2014 were invited for a single follow-up examination. Functional scores were assessed, including the Constant-Murley score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. CEUS examination was performed bilaterally in an oblique sagittal plane of the supraspinatus fossa. Perfusion was quantified by the parameters wash-in perfusion index (WiPI) and peak enhancement via VueBox quantification software. The results of the Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and perfusion parameters were referenced to the contralateral shoulder. Echogenicity of the supraspinatus muscle was classified with a 3-point scale as compared with the trapezius muscle.Results:Sixty-seven patients were available, with a mean follow-up of 38.0 ± 18.5 months. Functional assessment showed impaired shoulder function on the operated shoulder as compared with the contralateral side (relative Constant Score [CS], 80% ± 19%). CEUS revealed diminished perfusion on the operated shoulder (WiPI, 55.1% ± 40.2%, P < .001). A strong correlation could be demonstrated between the perfusion deficit and functional impairment (relative WiPI and CS: rs= .644, P < .001). Higher grade of echogenicity in B-mode ultrasound was associated with reduced perfusion.Conclusion:CEUS could visualize impaired supraspinatus muscle perfusion after rotator cuff repair as compared with the contralateral, healthy shoulder. With its ability to quantify microvascular perfusion as a surrogate parameter for muscle vitality and function, CEUS may serve as a quantitative method to evaluate rotator cuff muscles.
Effects of ethical leadership on nurses’ service behaviors
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Mingfang , Gong Zhenxing , Xu Dingxin 
Published: August 2018

Background: Nurses’ service behaviors have critical implications for hospitals. However, few studies had adequate ethical considerations of service behaviors and accounted for how organizational or individual antecedents can induce nurses to engage in service behaviors. In addition, they mainly focused on the one side of role-prescribed or extra-role service behavior. Objective: This study aims to explore the chained mediation effect of ethical climate and moral sensitivity on the relationship between organizational ethical leadership and nurses’ service behaviors and to examine the relationship, from a comparative view, of the role-prescribed service behavior and extra-role service behavior. Methods: In all, 476 nurses from three tertiary hospitals were investigated with the Ethical Leadership Scale, Ethical Climate Scale, Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and Service Behavior Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was adopted to analyze the data. SPSS and Mplus statistical software was used in the data analysis. Ethical considerations: Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee at School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University. Data privacy and confidentiality were maintained and assured by obtaining subjects’ informed consent to participate in the research before data collection. Results: The effects of ethical leadership on nurses’ service behaviors are mediated by two variables in turn: ethical climate and nurses’ moral sensitivity. Ethical climate and moral sensitivity partially mediated the relationship between ethical leadership and nurses’ role-prescribed service behavior and fully mediated the relationship between ethical leadership and nurses’ extra-role service behavior. Conclusion: Organizational ethical leadership positively affected ethical climate, which positively affected nurses’ moral sensitivity and affected both their role-prescribed service behavior and extra-role service behavior.
Minimally Invasive Dorsal Cheilectomy of the First Metatarsal: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Teoh Kar Hao , Haanaes Esten Konstad , Alshalawi Saud , Tanaka Hiro , Hariharan Kartik 
Published: August 2018

Background: Minimally invasive dorsal cheilectomy (MIDC) for hallus rigidus is gaining in popularity. The optimal position for the stab incision for MIDC is dorsomedial to allow an ergonomic sweeping movement of the burr, potentially putting the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve (DMCN) to the hallux at risk. We aimed to quantify the risk of using this minimally invasive technique with a cadaveric study. Methods: A total of 13 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens amputated below the knee were obtained for this study. After the procedure, the specimens were dissected, and structures were inspected for damage. Results: The DMCN to the hallux was cut completely in 2 specimens (15%). All the extensor hallucis longus tendons were intact, although in 1 specimen, the tendon showed some fraying on the underside of the tendon. The average distance of the stab incision from the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint was 17.7 (range, 10-23) mm. The relationship of the DMCN to the stab incision was variable. The average distance of the DMCN to the incision was 3.8 (range, 0-7) mm. The danger zone for damaging the DMCN was at one-third the length of the first metatarsal proximal to the first MTP joint. Conclusion: The DMCN has been well studied by several authors and has a variable course. This nerve was damaged in 15% of our specimens following MIDC. Clinical Relevance: We believe patients should be made aware of this risk when considering surgery. A carefully made working capsular pocket for the burr and marking this nerve before making the incision if palpable could mitigate this risk.
Vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide treatment for refractory/relapsed pediatric solid tumors: A single center experience
Authors: Büyükkapu Bay Sema , Kebudi Rejin , Görgün Omer , Zülfikar Bülent , Darendeliler Emin , Çakır Fatma B. 
Published: August 2018

Background Although the survival of pediatric cancer has increased dramatically in the last decades, the survival of refractory, relapsed, and metastatic cases is still dismal. The combination of irinotecan and temozolomide has shown activity against refractory/relapsed pediatric solid tumors. Method Thirty-four children with refractory/relapsed solid tumors who had previously been heavily pretreated and who were given vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide as third- or further line chemotherapy during 2004–2015 were evaluated. Results Patients were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma (n = 15), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 8), neuroblastoma (n = 8), osteosarcoma (n = 2), and Wilms’ tumor (n = 1). Thirty patients presented with disease progression on therapy and the other four presented with relapsing. A total of 141 cycles were administered. Radiotherapy was used in 17 patients and surgery in 4 as local therapy. Among all patients, 6 had complete response, 3 had partial response, 14 had stable disease, and 11 had progressive disease. The objective response was 26.4% (complete response + partial response) and median survival duration was six months. The first and second year overall survival rates were 22.3% and 16.8%. The objective response in Ewing sarcoma patients was 40%. Diarrhea was the most common toxicity and 14 (10%) courses were associated with grade 3–4 diarrhea. Conclusions In heavily pretreated patients with refractory/relapsed solid tumors, the vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide regimen seemed promising in Ewing sarcoma patients and was well tolerated.
Taking the tester out of the SDMT: A proof of concept fully automated approach to assessing processing speed in people with MS
Authors: Patel Viral Prakash , Shen Lingkai , Rose Jonathan , Feinstein Anthony 
Published: August 2018

Background: One factor hindering the widespread use of cognitive testing for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is the need for a tester to administer tests. Objective: To undertake a proof of concept study assessing the feasibility of a fully automated speech recognition version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (auto-SDMT) in detecting abnormalities in processing speed in pwMS. Methods: A sample of 50 pwMS and 32 matched healthy control (HC) subjects was tested with the auto-SDMT and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). Results: The percentages of MS participants impaired on the auto-SDMT and the traditional oral SDMT were 34% and 32%, respectively. Excellent convergent validity was found between the two tests (MS: r = −0.806, p < 0.001 and HC: r = −0.629, p < 0.001). The auto-SDMT had a similar sensitivity and specificity to the traditional oral SDMT in predicting overall impairment on the BICAMS. Conclusion: The auto-SDMT is a sensitive measure for detecting processing speed deficits in pwMS. The test, the first entirely computer administrated oral response version of the SDMT, uses speech recognition technology, thereby eliminating the need for a human tester. Replication of the results is required in a larger representative sample of pwMS.
Short-term rates of radiolucency after primary total shoulder arthroplasty using a cementless metal-backed pegged polyethylene glenoid
Authors: Al-Hourani Khalid , Smith James R , Crowther Mark A , Sarangi Partha , McCann Philip A 
Published: August 2018

Background Total shoulder arthroplasty has shown good clinical efficacy in treating primary and secondary degenerative conditions of the glenohumeral joint. Glenoid loosening, however, remains the commonest cause of failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of radiographic periprosthetic lucency associated with the use of an uncemented, pegged, metal-backed polyethylene glenoid component. Materials and methods A retrospective, single-centre study using the Epoca (Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) metal-backed glenoid component. Operations were performed by two experienced consultant upper limb surgeons. Radiographs were analysed for immediate post-operative component seating and periprosthetic radiolucent lines at predefined regular post-operative intervals. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was assessed to improve validity of results. Results Mean age and follow-up was 72 (48–91) years and 2.5 years (2–5), respectively. Main indications for total shoulder arthroplasty were primary osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, revision for failed hemi-arthroplasty and acute fracture. Ninety-six per cent of components were completely seated post-operatively. Fifty-four (95%) of the 57 shoulders had no periprosthetic radiolucent lines at most recent follow-up. Complete post-operative glenoid seating was significantly associated with the absence of later periprosthetic radiolucency (p < 0.01). Conclusion This study reports low early radiolucency rates with the pegged, uncemented, metal-backed polyethylene glenoid prosthesis used. Excellent post-operative glenoid seating is associated with a significantly lower rate of radiolucency. Longer follow-up data are required to confirm these early promising results. Level of evidence: Therapeutic, level IV.
Boots Are Not Made for Driving: A Cautionary Case Report About the Dangers of Driving in a CAM Walker Boot and Literature Review
Authors: Symes Michael J. , Escudero Mario , Abdulla Irfan , Veljkovic Andrea , Paquette Scott , Younger Alastair S. E. 
Published: August 2018

This case report is the first documented case of a serious motor vehicle accident caused by a patient driving in a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walker boot. The real-life nature and severity of injury in this case supplements the existing experimental studies on the dangers of driving while immobilized in a CAM boot and is likely to resonate strongly with both patients and surgeons. With CAM boots used so commonly after lower limb surgery, this case not only has the potential to change practice as an educational tool for patients but also raises important medicolegal implications for orthopaedic surgeons. Levels of Evidence: Level V
The British Association of Urological Surgeons radical cystectomy audit 2014/2015: An update on current practice, and an analysis of the effect of centre and surgeon case volume
Authors: Khadhouri Sinan , Miller Catherine , Cresswell Joanne , Rowe Edward , Fowler Sarah , Housome Luke , McGrath John S. 
Published: August 2018

Objective: The Consultant Outcomes Publication has made it mandatory to submit surgeon-level data on radical cystectomy (RC) practice in England. The current analysis describes contemporary surgical practice and compares this by surgeon and centre case volume. Materials and methods: Between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015, data on 3742 RCs performed by 161 surgeons over 84 centres were recorded on the British Association of Urological Surgeons audit and data platform. Centre case volumes were grouped as high (> 60), medium (30–60) and low (< 30), while surgeon case volumes were grouped as high (> 30), medium (8–30) and low (< 8). All data averages were for the combined 2-year period. Results: The median number of RCs performed was 16/surgeon and 31/centre; 45.4% of cases were performed for muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The commonest performed urinary diversion was ileal conduit (85.2%), followed by orthotopic bladder substitution (5.7%). Open radical cystectomy (ORC) was performed in 67.8%, robotically-assisted cystectomy (RARC) in 20.6% and laparoscopic cystectomy (LRC) in 9.1% of cases. RARC was more likely to be performed by high-volume surgeons and centres. The majority of patients underwent a lymph node dissection (LND), with rates varying from 79.5% to 90.3%. Reported rates of high-grade complication were generally low across all groups, suggesting under-reporting. There was a trend towards higher reported transfusion rates as centre volumes decreased. The median length of stay (LOS) was 7–9 days for minimally invasive approaches compared to open surgery, which was 11–12 days. Mortality rates were low across all groups. Conclusions: Compliance with the data registry is high. ORC remains the most common approach. High-case volume surgeons and centres more commonly offer RARC. The majority of patients undergo LND. There is a trend towards higher reported rates of transfusion as centre volume decreases. LOS is shorter in RARC and LRC in comparison to ORC, but is otherwise similar across centres and surgeons. Level of evidence: 2b