bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambulation capacity and functional outcome in patients undergoing neuromuscular electrical stimulation after cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Fontes Cerqueira Telma Cristina , Cerqueira Neto Manoel Luiz de , Cacau Lucas de Assis Pereira , Oliveira Géssica Uruga , Silva Júnior Walderi Monteiro da , Carvalho Vitor Oliveira , Mendonça José Teles de , Santana Filho Valter Joviniano de 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background:
Early mobilization and physical exercise are considered fundamental components in cardiovascular surgery rehabilitation; however, occasionally they are inadequate for inhibiting functional decline. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a promising tool in cardiovascular rehabilitation; however, to date, no randomized clinical trial has measured the effects of NMES on functional capacity and quality of life in patients who undergo routine cardiac surgery with a short intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of NMES on walking ability, muscle strength, functional independence, and quality of life in cardiac valve surgery patients in the immediate postoperative period.

Methods:
A randomized, parallel, controlled, 2-arm clinical trial with assessor blinding was conducted. Fifty-nine adult patients in the preoperative period after cardiac valve reconstruction and/or replacement were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group. The intervention group underwent NMES in the quadriceps and gastrocnemius, bilaterally, for 60 minutes, for up to 10 sessions. The primary outcome was ambulation ability, assessed through the Six-Minute Walk Test and Walking Speed Test at postoperative day 5 (5PO). Secondary outcomes were muscular strength (assessed through the Medical Research Council scale), functional independence measure (assessed through the Functional Independence Measurement Questionnaire), and quality of life (assessed through the Nottingham Health Profile) at baseline (preoperative) and at postoperative days 3 and 5.

Results:
The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, except for body mass index. There was no statistically significant difference, with a small effect size, between both groups regarding the distance walked (95% CI, −64.87 to 65.97) and walking speed (95% CI, −0.55 to 0.57). There was a statistically significant difference in upper-limb muscle strength loss and decline in mobility at postoperative day 3, which had a tendency to recover to initial values at 5PO, in both groups. No significant between-group difference was noted for muscle strength, functional independence, and quality of life.

Conclusions:
The use of NMES had no effect on walking ability, strength, quality of life, or functional outcome in the postoperative period for patients that underwent regular valve replacement.
The relation of passive smoking with cervical cancer
Authors: Su Benyu , Qin Wen , Xue Feng , Wei Xiaomin , Guan Qiangdong , Jiang Wenchong , Wang Shue , Xu Mengmeng , Yu Sufang 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background:
Published studies about passive smoking and cervical cancer have found inconsistent results. Hence, the present meta-analysis was performed to assess this association.

Methods:
A systematical search was performed to identify eligible cohort and case–control studies in PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases (up to March, 2018). The quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa quality scale (NOS). The random effects model (REM) was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (ORs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot, using Begg's test and Egger's test.

Results:
Around 14 eligible studies were included for analysis, which included a total of 384,995 participants. The pooled ORs of passive smoking with cervical cancer risk was 1.70 (95% CI: 1.40–2.07, I
2 = 64.3%). Subgroups stratified by continent, study design, quality score, and cervical cancer types/phases suggested that the result was robust. For instance, the pooled ORs for the cohort and case–control studies was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.16–1.62, I
2 = 0%) and 2.09 (95% CI: 1.52–2.89, I
2 = 76.6%), respectively. The pooled ORs ranged from 1.61 (95%CI: 1.34–1.92) to 1.77 (95%CI: 1.44–2.16) after one study was removed each time in the sensitivity analyses, indicating that the result was stable. Publication bias was detected by funnel plot and Egger's tests. The recalculated ORs were 1.33 (95% CI: 1.21–1.47).

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis provides evidence that passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Identification of 11 potentially relevant gene mutations involved in growth retardation, intellectual disability, joint contracture, and hepatopathy
Authors: Diao Hongyan , Zhu Peng , Dai Yong , Chen Wenbiao 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The multisystemic clinical characteristics of growth retardation, intellectual disability, joint contracture, and hepatopathy in humans are rare and there are no clear diagnoses of these conditions. However, previous studies using exome sequencing have suggested that they are caused by gene mutations, and some related pathogenic gene variants have been found.
Here, we performed resequencing and genome-wide variation analysis of 3 individuals (an affected proband and unaffected parents) from a consanguineous family using Solexa sequencing technology to identify mutated genes.
The following genetic features were identified: 3,586,775 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 583,416 insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels), and 8579 structural variations (SVs) in the genome of the father; 3,624,800 SNPs, 608,685 InDels, and 8,827 SVs in the genome of the mother; 3,574,431 SNPs, 571,196 InDels, and 8371 SVs in the genome of the proband. Variations between samples were determined by comparative analysis of authentic collections of SNPs and were functionally annotated. Variations in several important genes, including SEC22B, FLG, ZNF717, MUC4, TRIL, CTAGE4, FOXG1, LOC100287399, KRTAP1-3, and LRRC37A3, were surveyed by alignment analysis.
The results present new evidence that mutations in 11 genes may be associated with characteristic clinical growth retardation, intellectual disability, joint contracture, and hepatopathy.
Invasive ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma in remission after transsphenoidal resection
Authors: Zhuang Zhe , Liu Xiaohai , Bao Xinjie , Pan Boju , Deng Kan , Yao Yong , Lian Wei , Xing Bing , Zhu Huijuan , Lu Lin , Wang Renzhi , Feng Ming 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Knosp grade 4 adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma is a rare cause of Cushing disease. After the 1st surgery, the remission rate among these patients is extremely low.

Patient concerns:
We presented a case of a 33-year-old female with classical Cushingoid symptoms. Further investigations revealed ATCH-dependent hypercortisolemia, as well as a Knosp grade 4 pituitary macroadenoma.

Diagnosis:
Cushing disease, caused by a Knosp grade 4 pituitary macroadenoma.

Interventions:
The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery with the assistance of intraoperative transsphenoidal Doppler and image-guidance devices.

Outcomes:
Pathologic examinations confirmed that the lesion was an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. The patient was in biochemical remission after surgery. Her postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed gross-total tumor resection. There was no evidence of recurrence during the 1-year follow-up.

Lessons:
With intraoperative Doppler and image-guidance, gross-total resection and biochemical remission can be achieved in Cushing disease when the internal carotid artery is completely encased by the pituitary adenoma.
Pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium as rare complications after retroperitoneal transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion surgery
Authors: Lee Hyun Uk , Kang Deokwon , Lee Jae Chul , Choi Sung-Woo , Jang Hae-Dong , Kim Jahyung , Shin Byung-Joon 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium refer to conditions in which air exists within the mediastinum and pericardium, respectively. There is the communication between the mediastinum, pericardium, and retroperitoneum. We present the first report of rare complications (pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium) after retroperitoneal transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) surgery.

Patient concerns:
A 73-year-old female who underwent LLIF using the retroperitoneal approach complained of dysphagia but no other abnormal symptom after surgery.

Diagnosis and interventions:
A plain chest radiograph (CXR) taken immediately the following surgery did not show any unusual findings but CXR took on postoperative day (POD) 1 indicated pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum with abnormal air density along the pericardium and mediastinum with subdiaphragmatic air density. A chest computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusion and abnormal air density (pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum) connected to a large amount of air around the aorta and retroperitoneal space (pneumoretroperitoneum).

Outcomes:
The patient complained of no unusual symptom and the CXR on POD 6 indicated that no air density surrounding the mediastinum and pericardium was found.

Lessons:
Pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium should be considered possible complications of LLIF using retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. Such a condition may progress to fatal conditions without early recognition and rapid management.
Urethral defect due to periurethral abscess treated with a tunica vaginalis flap
Authors: Kim Sung Jin , Lee Jongpill , Park Chang-Hoo , Park Jong Yeon , Song Sang Hoon , Kim Kun Suk , Kim Han Gwun 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Periurethral abscess is a life-threatening disease, and the occurrence of a urethral defect with periurethral abscess is a rare finding. In this case, the patient had a lengthy urethral defect from the bulbous urethra to the membranous urethra accompanied by periurethral abscess that developed within a short time. Herein, we report a case of a pedicle-sparing tunica vaginalis flap utilized in urethral reconstruction which degenerated due to fibrotic changes and soft tissue defects in the urethral bed.

Patient concerns:
The patient was a 36-year-old man with fever and lower urinary tract symptoms who had been treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for urinary tract infections 3 days before admission. Purulent necrosis was formed by the urethral abscess, and a long-length urethral defect was formed in the bulbous urethra.

Diagnosis:
Based on the initial computed tomography and laboratory findings, empirical antibiotics were administered to treat a lower urinary tract infection. On the 7th day of hospitalization, ultrasonography was performed due to the sudden swelling of the scrotum, and the patient was diagnosed with a periurethral abscess that was 10 × 3 cm in size.

Intervention:
Initial urinary diversion, wide debridement, and a large amount of abscess drainage were performed. Necrosis of the urethral ventral part caused a urethral defect that was 5 cm in size. After treatment with antibiotics, long-term disinfection and intermittent debridement were conducted and urethral reconstruction was performed using a tunica vaginalis flap with preserved vascular structure.

Outcomes:
No complications occurred until 6 months after urethral reconstruction.

Lessons:
Urethral reconstruction using a tunica vaginalis flap is a good method for selected patients. Pedicle-sparing tunica vaginalis is an advantageous material for resolving urethral defects, especially when the surrounding circulation conditions are poor.
Retroperitoneal extramedullary plasmacytoma
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Jie , Zhang Fuli , Zhang Ping 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
The incidence of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) accounts for 3% to 4% of all cases of generalized plasmacytoma. The most common pathogenic sites are the head and the neck. It is noteworthy that the pathogenic site in this case is extraperitoneal, which is uncommon in clinical practice. In this case report, we aim to discuss the clinical features and diagnosis as well as the treatment methods of EMP.

Patient concerns:
A 30-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to a palpable right upper abdominal mass without symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fever, or oliguria.

Diagnosis and interventions:
Enhanced CT scan showed a right retroperitoneal mass, which we considered to be isolated fibroma. Multiple myeloma (MM) was excluded through whole-body diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and bone marrow biopsy. The patient underwent retroperitoneal tumor resection, and the postoperative pathology revealed plasmacytoma. Thereafter, she received only postoperative radiotherapy.

Outcomes:
During the radiotherapy, the patient's condition and appetite were acceptable with I° gastrointestinal reaction. The CT examination of the chest and upper abdomen performed 4, 8, and 12 months after the radiotherapy still showed postoperative and postradiotherapy changes after retroperitoneal plasmacytoma resection without obvious abnormal signs. No recurrence and metastasis were detected after a one-year follow-up.

Lessons:
Retroperitoneal extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare condition that is frequently a diagnostic challenge, mainly due to its unusual location and nonspecific symptoms, especially in the early stages. The diagnosis of EMP is made through a combination of imaging and pathological examination. Presently, the combinations of radiotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy are the primary treatments, usually leading to an acceptable local control rate. The application of chemotherapy, however, should be carefully considered.
Prognostic and clinical value of Targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers
Authors: Liu Wanwei , Xu Jiwei , Zhang Caiyun 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background:
Accumulating studies have indicated that Targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) was overexpressed in various types of human cancers. However, the prognostic and clinical value of TPX2 in gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers was not well-understood. This study was aimed to comprehensively explore the prognostic and clinical significance of TPX2 in GI tract cancers.

Methods:
Eligible studies were systematically retrieved in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database. The eligible studies were collected to evaluate the association of TPX2 with prognosis and clinicopathological features, with the pooling hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result:
The meta-analysis suggested that overexpression of TPX2 protein was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.60–2.80, P <.001) in GI tract cancers, the subgroup meta-analysis also confirmed the prognostic value of TPX2 protein. Furthermore, clinical significances of TPX2 protein in gastric cancer were discussed.

Conclusion:
Upregulated TPX2 protein was correlated with poor clinical outcomes, suggesting that TPX2 protein can serve as a promising predictive biomarker in patients with GI tract cancers.
Prediction of HIV Transmission Cluster Growth With Statewide Surveillance Data
Authors: Billock Rachael M. , Powers Kimberly A. , Pasquale Dana K. , Samoff Erika , Mobley Victoria L. , Miller William C. , Eron Joseph J. , Dennis Ann M. 
Published: November 2018

Background:
Prediction of HIV transmission cluster growth may help guide public health action. We developed a predictive model for cluster growth in North Carolina (NC) using routine HIV surveillance data.

Methods:
We identified putative transmission clusters with ≥2 members through pairwise genetic distances ≤1.5% from HIV-1 pol sequences sampled November 2010–December 2017 in NC. Clusters established by a baseline of January 2015 with any sequences sampled within 2 years before baseline were assessed for growth (new diagnoses) over 18 months. We developed a predictive model for cluster growth incorporating demographic, clinical, temporal, and contact tracing characteristics of baseline cluster members. We internally and temporally externally validated the final model in the periods January 2015–June 2016 and July 2016–December 2017.

Results:
Cluster growth was predicted by larger baseline cluster size, shorter time between diagnosis and HIV care entry, younger age, shorter time since the most recent HIV diagnosis, higher proportion with no named contacts, and higher proportion with HIV viremia. The model showed areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves of 0.82 and 0.83 in the internal and temporal external validation samples.

Conclusions:
The predictive model developed and validated here is a novel means of identifying HIV transmission clusters that may benefit from targeted HIV control resources.
Brief Report: Gut Structural Damage: an Ongoing Process in Chronically Untreated HIV Infection
Authors: El Kamari Vanessa , Sattar Abdus , Mccomsey Grace A. 
Published: November 2018

Objective:
To investigate the longitudinal changes of gut structural damage in chronically untreated HIV infection.

Design:
This is a 96-week prospective, single-site, cohort study of antiretroviral therapy–naive HIV-infected participants.

Methods:
Intestinal fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP) were used as a surrogate marker of gut structural damage. We assessed changes in I-FABP over 96 weeks and examined the associations between I-FABP, HIV variables, and inflammation. Spearman's correlations and linear mixed-effect models were used to study relationships among variables.

Results:
A total of 63 HIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy–naive patients were included in this analysis. At baseline, 76% were male; 62% were African American, with median age and body mass index of 40 years and 27 kg/m2, respectively. Median HIV-RNA and CD4+ T-cell counts were 5520 copies per milliliter and 588 cells per mm3, respectively. I-FABP significantly increased from baseline to week 96 (mean change +333.9 pg/mL; P = 0.03), and this increase was associated with viral replication (rho = +0.4; P = 0.03). I-FABP levels were found to be associated with markers of inflammation: sTNFR-II (rho = 0.4, P = 0.02) and sVCAM-1 (rho = 0.04; P < 0.01) at all study time points. Lower baseline CD4+ T-cell counts was found to be independently associated with I-FABP progression after adjusting for baseline characteristic variables (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:
Gut structural damage is an ongoing process in the chronic phase of untreated HIV infection and is largely dependent on viral replication. I-FABP was found to be associated with worse immune function, increased inflammation, and viremia in chronically untreated HIV infection, supporting its role as a biomarker of intestinal barrier dysfunction.
S100A14 Is Increased in Activated NK Cells and Plasma of HIV-Exposed Seronegative People Who Inject Drugs and Promotes Monocyte–NK Crosstalk
Authors: Colón Krystal , Speicher David W. , Smith Peter , Taylor Mack , Metzger David S. , Montaner Luis J. , Tomescu Costin 
Published: November 2018

Background:
HIV-exposed seronegative people who inject drugs (HESN-PWID) have been shown to have increased natural killer (NK) cell and myeloid activation when compared with control donors.

Methods:
We investigated potential mechanisms maintaining NK activation by conducting quantitative proteome comparisons of NK cells from HESN-PWID subjects and control donors. Proteins upregulated in NK cells were measured in the plasma of HESN-PWID subjects by ELISA and further investigated for their ability to induce innate immune activation in vitro.

Results:
The NK cell proteome comparison showed markedly higher levels of interferon-stimulated proteins and S100 proteins, including S100A14. Consistent with these results, we observed significantly higher levels of S100A14 in the plasma of HESN-PWID subjects compared with controls (P = 0.033, n = 25). In vitro, the addition of recombinant S100A14 protein significantly activated NK cells in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell mixture (P = 0.011, n = 9), but not purified NK cells alone. Treatment of purified monocytes with recombinant S100A14 protein induced secretion of TNF-alpha and led to significantly higher NK CD69 activation (P = 0.0156, n = 7) in a co-culture through a TLR4-dependent interaction.

Conclusions:
Our study identified S100A14 as a novel protein increased within NK cells and plasma of HESN-PWID subjects with the capacity to sustain NK activation through TLR4-dependent activation of myeloid cells.
Filament formation by the translation factor eIF2B regulates protein synthesis in starved cells
Authors: Nüske Elisabeth , Marini Guendalina , Richter Doris , Leng Weihua , Bogdanova Aliona , Franzmann Titus , Pigino Gaia , Alberti Simon 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTCells exposed to starvation have to adjust their metabolism to conserve energy and protect themselves. Protein synthesis is one of the major energy-consuming processes and as such has to be tightly controlled. The mechanism by which starved cells regulate the process of protein synthesis is largely unknown. Here, we report that the essential translation initiation factor eIF2B forms filaments in starved budding yeast cells. We demonstrate that filamentation is triggered by starvation-induced acidification of the cytosol, which is caused by an influx of protons from the extracellular environment. We show that filament assembly by eIF2B is necessary for rapid and efficient downregulation of translation. Importantly, this mechanism does not require the kinase Gcn2. Furthermore, analysis of site-specific variants of eIF2B suggests that eIF2B assembly results in enzymatically inactive filaments that promote stress survival and fast recovery of cells from starvation. We propose that translation regulation through protein assembly is a widespread mechanism that allows cells to adapt to fluctuating environments.
Proteogenomic annotation of the Chinese hamster reveals extensive novel translation events and endogenous retroviral elements
Authors: Li Shangzhong , Cha Seong Won , Hefner Kelly , Hizal Deniz Baycin , Bowen Michael , Chaerkady Raghothama , Cole Robert N. , Tejwani Vijay , Kaushik Prashant , Henry Michael , Meleady Paula , Sharfstein Susan T. , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Bafna Vineet , Lewis Nathan E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA high quality genome annotation greatly facilitates successful cell line engineering. Standard draft genome annotation pipelines are based largely onde novogene prediction, homology, and RNA-Seq data. However, draft annotations can suffer from incorrectly predictions of translated sequence, incorrect splice isoforms and missing genes. Here we generated a draft annotation for the newly assembled Chinese hamster genome and used RNA-Seq, proteomics, and Ribo-Seq to experimentally annotate the genome. We identified 4,333 new proteins compared to the hamster RefSeq protein annotation and 2,503 novel translational events (e.g., alternative splices, mutations, novel splices). Finally, we used this pipeline to identify the source of translated retroviruses contaminating recombinant products from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, including 131 type-C retroviruses, thus enabling future efforts to eliminate retroviruses by reducing the costs incurred with retroviral particle clearance. In summary, the improved annotation provides a more accurate platform for guiding CHO cell line engineering, including facilitating the interpretation of omics data, defining of cellular pathways, and engineering of complex phenotypes.