bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulphate instillation on ureteric stent‐induced discomfort after ureteroscopic lithotripsy: a multicentre randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Jo Jung Ki , Kim Jae Heon , Kim Kyu Shik , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Yong Tae , Choi Hong Yong , Song Eun‐Seop , Lee Bora , Lee Seung Wook 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of instilling highly concentrated hyaluronic acid (HA)/chondroitin sulphate (CS) on ureteric stent‐related pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric stones followed by ureteric stent placement.Patients and MethodsEligible patients were randomly allocated to receive intravesical instillation with HA/CS or normal saline just after ureteric stent placement. Just before stent removal on postoperative day 7, the patients completed the Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) QoL question, and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsIn total, 92 patients (46 each in the treatment and control arms) completed the study. The groups did not differ in terms of age or stent indwelling time. Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly lower USSQ urinary symptom domain scores (24.6 vs 32.5; P < 0.001), better IPSS QoL scores (3.5 vs 4.4, P = 0.018), and lower VAS pain scores (2.0 vs 3.2; P < 0.001). They also had lower total body pain subscores (16.7 vs 22.0; P = 0.01) and lower additional pain subscores due to urinary tract infections (2.1 vs. 3.2; P = 0.01) in the USSQ.ConclusionsHighly concentrated HA/CS effectively improved urinary symptoms and pain, and reduced the need for additional medication or procedures after ureteric stent placement.
Computer‐aided diagnosis of prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging using a convolutional neural network algorithm
Authors: Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Uehara Sho , Yasuda Yosuke , Kijima Toshiki , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Saito Kazutaka , Kihara Kazunori , Numao Noboru , Kimura Tomo , Kudo Kosei , Kumazawa Itsuo , Fujii Yasuhisa 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo develop a computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithm with a deep learning architecture for detecting prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to promote global standardisation and diminish variation in the interpretation of prostate MRI.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 335 patients with a prostate‐specific antigen level of <20 ng/mL who underwent MRI and extended systematic prostate biopsy with or without MRI‐targeted biopsy. The data were divided into a training data set (n = 301), which was used to develop the CAD algorithm, and two evaluation data sets (n = 34). A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained using MR images labelled as ‘cancer’ or ‘no cancer’ confirmed by the above‐mentioned biopsy. Using the CAD algorithm that showed the best diagnostic accuracy with the two evaluation data sets, the data set not used for evaluation was analysed, and receiver operating curve analysis was performed.ResultsGraphics processing unit computing required 5.5 h to learn to analyse 2 million images. The time required for the CAD algorithm to evaluate a new image was 30 ms/image. The two algorithms showed area under the curve values of 0.645 and 0.636, respectively, in the validation data sets. The number of patients mistakenly diagnosed as having cancer was 16/17 patients and seven of 17 patients in the two validation data sets, respectively. Zero and two oversights were found in the two validation data sets, respectively.ConclusionWe developed a CAD system using a CNN algorithm for the fully automated detection of prostate cancer using MRI, which has the potential to provide reproducible interpretation and a greater level of standardisation and consistency.
Novel nomograms for castration‐resistant prostate cancer and survival outcome in patients with de novo bone metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Zhao Jinge , Sun Guangxi , Liao Banghua , Zhang Xingming , Armstrong Cameron M. , Yin Xiaoxue , Liu Jiandong , Chen Junru , Yang Yaojing , Zhao Peng , Tang Qidun , Wang Zhenghao , Chen Zhibin , Li Xiong , Wei Qiang , Li Xiang , Chen Ni , Gao Allen C. , Shen Pengfei , Zeng Hao 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo develop nomograms predicting the incidence of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and overall survival (OS) for de novo metastatic prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsData from 449 patients with de novo metastatic PCa were retrospectively analysed. Patients were randomly divided into a training (n = 314, 70%) and a validation cohort (n = 135, 30%). Predictive factors were selected using a Cox proportional hazards model and were further used for building predictive models. The outcomes were incidence of CRPC and OS.ResultsPredictive factors included: Gleason score (GS), intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, and alkaline phosphatase, haemoglobin and prostate‐specific antigen levels. IDC‐P and GS were the strongest prognosticators for both the incidence of CRPC and OS. Nomograms for predicting CRPC and OS had an internal validated concordance index of 0.762 and 0.723, respectively. Based on the β coefficients of the final model, risk classification systems were constructed. For those with favourable, intermediate and poor prognosis, the median time to CRPC was 62.6, 28.0 and 13.0 months (P < 0.001), respectively; and the median OS was not reached, 55.0 and 33.0 months, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe developed two novel nomograms to predict the incidence of CRPC and OS for patients with de novo metastatic PCa. These tools may assist in physician decision‐making and the designing of clinical trials.
Clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin are both effective in restoring testosterone in hypogonadism: a short‐course randomized study
Authors: Habous Mohamad , Giona Simone , Tealab Alaa , Aziz Mohammed , Williamson Ben , Nassar Mohammed , Abdelrahman Zeyad , Remeah Abdallah , Abdelkader Mohamed , Binsaleh Saleh , Muir Gordon 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo compare serum testosterone response and symptom improvement in men with hypogonadism in response to treatment with clomiphene citrate (CC), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or a combination of both therapies.Patients and MethodsA total of 282 men with hypogonadism, wishing to preserve their fertility, were randomized to one of three treatment arms: CC 50 mg (n = 95); 5000 IU hCG injections twice weekly (n = 94); or a combination of both therapies (CC + hCG; n = 94). All participants had complete medical history and had undergone thorough physical examination, including body mass index (BMI) assessment. Laboratory tests included serum total testosterone and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements. Quantitative Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (qADAM) questionnaire scores were also recorded. Morning samples of total serum testosterone levels were assessed at three time points: baseline, 1 and 3 months.ResultsTestosterone levels increased at 1 and 3 months in all three groups. The mean baseline testosterone level was 2.31 ± 0.66 nmol/L, BMI was 30.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2, and qADAM score was 20.5 ± 3.8. Testosterone levels increased in all groups at all time points, with a final mean value of 5.17 ± 1.77 nmol/L (223% increase) with no statistically significant difference among the groups. qADAM scores had increased in all groups at 1 month (CC group: 6.36; hCG group: 5.08; CC + hCG group: 7.26) and at 3 months (CC group: 12.73; hCG group: 11.82; CC + hCG group: 15.13) with a significant difference in intergroup analysis for the CC + hCG group compared with the other two groups (P < 0.01).ConclusionsAll three treatments were equally effective in restoring testosterone levels. Single‐agent CC is simple, cheap and may be used as treatment for hypogonadism when maintenance of fertility is desired. This approach seems to be as effective as either hCG alone or a combination of hCG and CC.
Norcantharidin enhances antitumor immunity of GM‐CSF prostate cancer cells vaccine by inducing apoptosis of regulatory T cells
Authors: Mo Lijun , Zhang Xinji , Shi Xiaojun , Wei Lili , Zheng Dianpeng , Li Hongwei , Gao Jimin , Li Jinlong , Hu Zhiming 
Published: May 2018

Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising antitumor drug with low toxicity. It was reported to be able to regulate immunity, but the mechanism is not yet clear. Here we explored whether NCTD could enhance the antitumor immunity induced by prostate cancer cell vaccine. The results of the in vitro study showed that NCTD induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Mechanistic research showed that NCTD inhibited Akt activation and activated FOXO1 transcription, resulting in a pro‐apoptotic effect. The results of the in vivo study showed that more tumor‐infiltrating Tregs existed within peripheral blood and tumor tissue after treatment with the vaccine. Adding NCTD to vaccine treatment could decrease the number of tumor‐infiltrating Tregs and increase the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Combination therapy with NCTD and vaccine was more effective in inhibiting tumor growth than the vaccine alone. In general, this is the first report that NCTD could induce apoptosis of Tregs and enhance the vaccine‐induced immunity.
Combination of IFITM1 knockdown and radiotherapy inhibits the growth of oral cancer
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Lei , Xi Yan , Sun Ruimei , Wang Hu , Ren Yanxin , Zhao Liufang , Wang Xiaoli , Li Xiaojiang 
Published: May 2018

This research aimed to analyze the effect of IFITM1 on the radioresistance of oral neoplasm. Using a multi‐group heat map from GSE9716 analysis of the GEO database, IFITM1 was determined to be a relevant radioresistance gene. The TCGA database was analyzed before the expression of IFITM1 was analyzed. IFITM1 expression was quantified by quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry in 19 paired oral neoplasm cases. The effects of time and dose of radiation on IFITM1 expression level in CAL27 and TSCC1 cell lines were tested by quantitative RT‐PCR. Oral neoplasm cells were transfected with siRNA after radiotherapy to disturb IFITM1 expression. After this, the survival rates, cell apoptosis, caspase‐3 viability, expression and γ‐H2AX were detected using colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Western blot was used for STAT1/2/3/p21‐related protein and phosphorylation changes. Finally, an in vivo nude mice tumor model was established to verify the effect of IFITM1 on oral neoplasm cells radioresistance. Through microarray analysis, the head and neck neoplasm radioresistance‐related gene IFITM1 was found to be overexpressed. IFITM1 overexpression was verified not only using the TCGA database but also in 19 paired cases of oral neoplasm tissues and cells. With increases of dose and time of radiation, the expression of IFITM1 was increased in CAL27 and TSCC1 cell lines. Furthermore, si‐IFITM1 may restrain cell proliferation, DNA damage and cell apoptosis in oral neoplasm cell lines. Finally, pSTAT1/2/p21 was found to be upregulated while pSTAT3/p‐p21 was downregulated due to IFITM1 inhibition after radiotherapy. The evidence suggested that IFITM1 in combination with radiotherapy can inhibit oral neoplasm cells.
Evaluation of dental implant stability in bone phantoms: Comparison between a quantitative ultrasound technique and resonance frequency analysis
Authors: Vayron Romain , Nguyen Vu‐Hieu , Lecuelle Benoît , Haiat Guillaume 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundResonance frequency analyses and quantitative ultrasound methods have been suggested to assess dental implant primary stability.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the results obtained using these two techniques applied to the same dental implants inserted in various bone phantoms.Materials and MethodsDifferent values of trabecular bone density and cortical thickness were considered to assess the effect of bone quality on the respective indicators (UI and ISQ). The effect of the implant insertion depth and of the final drill diameter was also investigated.ResultsISQ values increase and UI values decrease as a function of trabecular density, cortical thickness and the screwing of the implant. When the implant diameter varies, the UI values are significantly different for all final drill diameters (except for two), while the ISQ values are similar for all final drill diameters lower than 3.2 mm and higher than 3.3 mm. The error on the estimation of parameters with the QUS device is between 4 and 8 times lower compared to that made with the RFA technique.ConclusionsThe results show that ultrasound technique provides a better estimation of different parameters related to the implant stability compared to the RFA technique.
Cholinesterase targeting by polyphenols: A therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jabir Nasimudeen R. , Khan Fayaz Rahman , Tabrez Shams 
Published: May 2018

SummaryAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by excessive deposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) oligomers, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), comprising of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. The cholinergic system has been suggested as the earliest and most affected molecular mechanism that describes AD pathophysiology. Moreover, cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the potential class of drugs that can amplify cholinergic activity to improve cognition and global performance and reduce psychiatric and behavioral disturbances. Approximately, 60%‐80% of all cases of dementia in the world are patients with AD. In view of the continuous rise of this disease especially in the aged population, there is a dire need to come up with a novel compound and/or mixture that could work against this devastating disease. In this regard, the best is to rely on natural compounds rather than synthetic ones, because natural compounds are easily available, cost‐effective, and comparatively less toxic. To serve this purpose, lately, scientific community has started exploring the possibility of using different polyphenols either solitary or in combination that can serve as therapeutics against AD. In the current article, we have summarized the role of various polyphenols, namely quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, gallocatechins, cinnamic acid, caffeine, and caffeic acid as an inhibitor of cholinesterase for the treatment of AD. We have also tried to uncover the mechanistic insight on the action of these polyphenols against AD pathogenicity.
The role of climate, water and biotic interactions in shaping biodiversity patterns in arid environments across spatial scales
Authors: Razgour Orly , Persey Mike , Shamir Uzi , Korine Carmi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimDesert ecosystems, with their harsh environmental conditions, hold the key to understanding the responses of biodiversity to climate change. As desert community structure is influenced by processes acting at different spatial scales, studies combining multiple scales are essential for understanding the conservation requirements of desert biota. We investigated the role of environmental variables and biotic interactions in shaping broad and fine‐scale patterns of diversity and distribution of bats in arid environments to understand how the expansion of nondesert species can affect the long‐term conservation of desert biodiversity.LocationLevant, Eastern Mediterranean.MethodsWe combine species distribution modelling and niche overlap statistics with a statistical model selection approach to integrate interspecific interactions into broadscale distribution models and fine‐scale analysis of ecological requirements. We focus on competition between desert bats and mesic species that recently expanded their distribution into arid environment following anthropogenic land‐use changes.ResultsWe show that both climate and water availability limit bat distributions and diversity across spatial scales. The broadscale distribution of bats was determined by proximity to water and high temperatures, although the latter did not affect the distribution of mesic species. At the fine‐scale, high levels of bat activity and diversity were associated with increased water availability and warmer periods. Desert species were strongly associated with warmer and drier desert types. Range and niche overlap were high among potential competitors, but coexistence was facilitated through fine‐scale spatial partitioning of water resources.Main conclusionsAdaptations to drier and warmer conditions allow desert‐obligate species to prevail in more arid environments. However, this competitive advantage may disappear as anthropogenic activities encroach further into desert habitats. We conclude that reduced water availability in arid environments under future climate change projections pose a major threat to desert wildlife because it can affect survival and reproductive success and may increase competition over remaining water resources.
Effect of short‐term treatment with sitagliptin or glibenclamide on daily glucose fluctuation in drug‐naïve Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Eiki Jun‐ichi , Moritoyo Takashi , Furihata Kenichi , Wakana Akira , Ohta Yukari , Tokita Shigeru , Kadowaki Takashi 
Published: May 2018

AimsTo compare the effect of a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP4‐i) and a sulfonylurea (SU) on daily glucose fluctuation in drug‐naïve Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsA total of 53 drug‐naïve Japanese patients with T2DM (HbA1c, 7.0%‐9.0%; fasting plasma glucose, 6.1 mmol/L or higher) were randomly assigned to either sitagliptin 50 mg qd or glibenclamide 2.5 mg per day (given in divided doses) in a 1:1 ratio. A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device was used to obtain 24‐hour glucose profiles for each patient at baseline and at Week 2. The primary study endpoint was change from baseline in mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) during a 24‐hour period. A key secondary endpoint was change from baseline in the standard deviation (SD) of 24‐hour glucose levels.ResultsAfter 2 weeks of treatment, a numerically greater reduction in MAGE from baseline was observed in the sitagliptin group compared with the glibenclamide group, but the between‐treatment difference was not statistically significant (LS mean difference [95% CI]: –0.48 mmol/L [−1.31, 0.34]; P = .245). However, a significantly greater reduction in the change from baseline in SD was observed in the sitagliptin group compared with the glibenclamide group (LS mean difference [95% CI]: –0.33 mmol/L [−0.62, −0.03]; P = .029).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin has a greater ability to reduce daily glucose fluctuation than the SU glibenclamide in drug‐naïve Japanese patients with T2DM. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02318693
Cytokine production by human neutrophils: Revisiting the “dark side of the moon”
Authors: Tamassia Nicola , Bianchetto‐Aguilera Francisco , Arruda‐Silva Fabio , Gardiman Elisa , Gasperini Sara , Calzetti Federica , Cassatella Marco A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPolymorphonuclear neutrophils are the most numerous leucocytes present in human blood, and function as crucial players in innate immune responses. Neutrophils are indispensable for the defence towards microbes, as they effectively counter them by releasing toxic enzymes, by synthetizing reactive oxygen species and by producing inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, recent findings have highlighted an important role of neutrophils also as promoters of the resolution of inflammation process, indicating that their biological functions go well beyond simple pathogen killing. Consistently, data from the last decades have highlighted that neutrophils may even contribute to the development of adaptive immunity by performing previously unanticipated functions, including the capacity to extend their survival, directly interact with other leucocytes or cell types, and produce and release a variety of cytokines. In this article, we will summarize the main features of, as well as emphasize some important concepts on, the production of cytokines by human neutrophils.
The origins of northern European Autographa gamma individuals evaluated using hydrogen stable isotopes
Authors: Torniainen Jyrki , Mikonranta Lauri 
Published: May 2018

1. Many insect species are migratory. As the spring progresses, adults gradually depart from their over‐wintering habitats and arrive in northern zones where they reproduce during the summer. Understanding this transgenerational and highly adaptive migratory behaviour is crucial when interpreting life cycle dynamics of many insect pests.2. Origins of migratory silver Y moths, Autographa gamma (Linnaeus, 1758), captured from Finland, were studied with stable hydrogen analysis of their wings (δ2Hw).3. The difference between spring and autumn generation δ2Hw values indicate different geographical natal origins. The probability surface map shows that the spring generation probably emerged in central Europe (Benelux countries, Germany and parts of France).4. A negative correlation between the δ2Hw values and the migrants' capture year suggests that a warming climate may have driven the transgenerational migratory stages northwards during the last century.
Frontal cortical thickness correlates positively with impulsivity in early psychosis male patients
Authors: Baumann Philipp S. , Klauser Paul , Griffa Alessandra , Golay Philippe , Palix Julie , Alameda Luis , Moulin Valérie , Hagmann Patric , Do Kim Q. , Conus Philippe 
Published: May 2018

AimImpulsive behaviours, which are frequent in young people suffering from psychosis have been linked to risky and violent behaviours and participate to the burden of psychotic illness. Given that morphological brain correlates of impulsivity in schizophrenia have been poorly investigated especially in young adults, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and cortical thickness in early psychosis (EP) patients.MethodA total of 17 male subjects in the early phase of psychosis were recruited. Impulsivity was assessed with the Lecrubier Impulsivity Rating Scale. Mean cortical thickness was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging brain scans, using surface‐based methods.ResultsMean cortical thickness in the frontal lobe correlated positively with mean impulsivity in EP male patients.ConclusionOur results suggest that psychotic subjects exhibiting higher impulsivity have larger frontal cortical thickness, which may pave the way towards the identification of patients with a higher risk to display impulsive behaviours.