bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter-relationship between sleep quality, insomnia and sleep disorders in professional soccer players
Authors: Khalladi Karim , Farooq Abdulaziz , Souissi Sofiane , Herrera Christopher P , Chamari Karim , Taylor Lee , El Massioui Farid 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveInsufficient sleep duration and quality has negative effects on athletic performance, injury susceptibility and athlete development. This study aimed to assess the sleep characteristics of professional Qatar Stars League (QSL) soccer players.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, QSL players (n=111; 23.7±4.8 years) completed three questionnaires to screen sleep disorders: (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), (2) Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and (3) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Poor sleep quality was defined as PSQI≥5, excessive daytime sleepiness was defined by ESS>8 and insomnia was defined as ISI≥11.ResultsThe prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5) was 68.5%, with subthreshold insomnia (ISI≥11) 27.0% and daytime sleepiness 22.5% (ESS>8). Sleep quality was positively associated with insomnia (r=0.42, p<0.001) and daytime sleepiness (r=0.23, p=0.018). Age, anthropometry, body composition and ethnicity were not associated with any of the reported sleep quality parameters.ConclusionThe prevalence of poor sleep quality (68.5%) reported should concern practitioners. Increasing awareness of the importance of sleep relative to athletic performance, recovery, injury and illness appears prudent. Further, regular qualitative/quantitative sleep monitoring may help target subsequent evidence-informed interventions to improve sleep in those demonstrating undesirable sleep traits.
Low plasma vitamin D is associated with adverse colorectal cancer survival after surgical resection, independent of systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Vaughan-Shaw P G , Zgaga L , Ooi L Y , Theodoratou E , Timofeeva M , Svinti V , Walker M , O’Sullivan F , Ewing A , Johnston S , Din F V N , Campbell H , Farrington S M , Dunlop M G 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveWe assessed the effect of surgical resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) on perioperative plasma vitamin D (25OHD) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. We investigated the relationship between circulating vitamin D level and CRC survival.DesignWe sequentially sampled 92 patients undergoing CRC resection, and measured plasma 25OHD and CRP. For survival analyses, we assayed 25OHD and CRP in two temporally distinct CRC patient cohorts (n=2006, n=2100) and investigated the association between survival outcome, circulating vitamin D and systemic inflammatory response.ResultsSerial sampling revealed a postoperative fall (mean 17.3 nmol/L; p=3.6e-9) in plasma 25OHD (nadir days 1–2). CRP peaked 3–5 days postoperatively (143.1 mg/L; p=1.4e-12), yet the postoperative fall in 25OHD was independent of CRP. In cohort analyses, 25OHD was lower in the 12 months following operation (mean=48.8 nmol/L) than preoperatively (54.8 nmol/L; p=1.2e-5) recovering after 24 months (52.2 nmol/L; p=0.002). Survival analysis in American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I–III demonstrated associations between 25OHD tertile and CRC mortality (HR=0.69; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91) and all-cause mortality (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.85), and was independent of CRP. We observed interaction effects between plasma 25OHD and rs11568820 genotype (functional VDR polymorphism) with a strong protective effect of higher 25OHD only in patients with GG genotype (HR=0.51; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.81). We developed an online tool for predicted survival (https://apps.igmm.ed.ac.uk/mortalityCalculator/) that incorporates 25OHD with clinically useful predictive performance (area under the curve 0.77).ConclusionsCRC surgery induces a fall in circulating 25OHD. Plasma 25OHD level is a prognostic biomarker with low 25OHD associated with poorer survival, particularly in those with rs11568820 GG genotype. A randomised trial of vitamin D supplementation after CRC surgery has compelling rationale.
Validation of a questionnaire measuring patient knowledge of atrial fibrillation in an Asian cohort
Authors: Hoe Rebecca , Lin Wanyun , Bautista Mary Ann Cruz , Vrijhoef Hubertus Johannes Maria , Lim Toon Wei 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundPoor patient understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) may contribute to underuse of anticoagulation. There are no validated instruments to measure patient knowledge in Asian cohorts. This study aims to validate a disease-specific questionnaire measuring the level of understanding of AF and its treatment among patients with AF in Singapore.MethodsA 10-item interviewer-administered questionnaire was created based on previously published questionnaires. Face and content validity were assessed. 165 participants were identified by convenience sampling at cardiology clinics of a tertiary hospital. The questionnaire was administered in either English (n = 53) or Mandarin (n = 112). Exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal component method. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.ResultsFace validity was tested by surveying 10 cardiologists who could all identify what the questionnaire was designed to measure. Mean content validity ratio across items was 0.9. Participants were 68.7 (SD 10.5) years old. 55.8% were male. 95.2% were on oral anticoagulation. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0.67 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.01). Four factors were retained based on the eigenvalue > 1. These were knowledge of the following: disease characteristics, disease-specific treatment, role of treatment in symptom management and treatment mechanisms. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71).ConclusionsA questionnaire on the knowledge of AF and its treatment was validated in a cohort of Asian patients in English and Mandarin. It allows quantification of patient knowledge and may be useful in Asian populations to assess the efficacy of interventions to improve patient understanding of AF.
Prevalence of germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants in sequential epithelial ovarian cancer cases
Authors: Morgan Robert D , Burghel George J , Flaum Nicola , Bulman Michael , Clamp Andrew R , Hasan Jurjees , Mitchell Claire L , Schlecht Helene , Woodward Emma R , Lallo Fiona I , Crosbie Emma J , Edmondson Richard J , Wallace Andrew J , Jayson Gordon C , Evans D Gareth R 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionPoly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors significantly improve progression-free survival in platinum-sensitive high-grade serous and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma, with greatest benefits observed in women with a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant. Consequently, the demand for germline BRCA1/2 testing in ovarian cancer has increased substantially, leading to the screening of unselected populations of patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of pathogenic germline BRCA1/2 variants in women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, categorised according to the established risk factors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and the Manchester BRCA Score, to inform risk stratification.MethodsA cohort of sequential epithelial ovarian cancer cases recruited between June 2013 and September 2018 underwent germline BRCA1/2 testing by next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.ResultsFive hundred and fifty-seven patients were screened. Of these, 18% had inherited a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant. The prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants was >10% in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier than 60 years of age (21%) and those diagnosed later than 60 years of age with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (17%) or a medical history of breast cancer (34%). The prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants was also >10% in women with a Manchester BRCA Score of ≥15 points (14%).DiscussionOur study suggests that age at diagnosis, family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, medical history of breast cancer or a Manchester BRCA Score of ≥15 points are associated with a >10% prevalence of germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants in epithelial ovarian cancer.
LINC01018 confers a novel tumor suppressor role in hepatocellular carcinoma through sponging microRNA-182-5p
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Mingfang , Sun Zhengang , Yu Xiao , Deng Yan , Chang Hong 
Published: April 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of HCC. Herein, the current study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of LINC01018 in regulating the progression of HCC. Initially, the expression of LINC01018, microRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p), and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was quantified in 72 paired HCC and adjacent normal tissue samples as well as HCC cells, followed by identification of the interaction among them. To define the contributory role of LINC01018 in the progression of HCC, the expression of LINC01018, miR-182-5p, or FOXO1 was altered in HCC cells, followed by evaluation of cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis. Finally, in vivo tests were performed to further verify the role of LINC01018 in HCC. It was observed that LINC01018 and FOXO1 were poorly expressed but miR-182-5p was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. The upregulation of LINC01018 was shown to decrease proliferation while promoting apoptosis of HCC cells. LINC01018 acted as a sponge of miR-182-5p, which targeted FOXO1. Last, mice injected with Hep3B overexpressing FOXO1 displayed suppressed xenograft tumor formation. Collectively, overexpression of LINC01018 represses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HCC cells via upregulation of FOXO1 by sponging miR-182-5p, which highlights overexpression of LINC01018 as a candidate suppressor of HCC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence for understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies a novel network of LINC01018/miR-182-5p/FOXO1. We also conducted in vivo experiments in nude mice to validate the anti-tumor effect of LINC01018.
Predictors of an Invasive Breast Cancer Recurrence after DCIS: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Groen Emma J. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Lips Esther H. , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Wesseling Jelle 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to summarize current knowledge on prognostic factors for invasive disease after a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Eligible studies assessed risk of invasive recurrence in women primarily diagnosed and treated for DCIS and included at least 10 ipsilateral-invasive breast cancer events and 1 year of follow-up. Quality in Prognosis Studies tool was used for risk of bias assessment. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the average effect size of the prognostic factors. Of 1,781 articles reviewed, 40 articles met the inclusion criteria. Highest risk of bias was attributable to insufficient handling of confounders and poorly described study groups. Six prognostic factors were statistically significant in the meta-analyses: African-American race [pooled estimate (ES), 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.79], premenopausal status (ES, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.20–2.11), detection by palpation (ES, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.47–2.29), involved margins (ES, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.14–2.32), high histologic grade (ES, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04–1.77), and high p16 expression (ES, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.04–2.19). Six prognostic factors associated with invasive recurrence were identified, whereas many other factors need confirmation in well-designed studies on large patient numbers. Furthermore, we identified frequently occurring biases in studies on invasive recurrence after DCIS. Avoiding these common methodological pitfalls can improve future study designs.
Peripheral Microvascular Function Reflects Coronary Vascular Function
Authors: Al-Badri Ahmed , Kim Jeong Hwan , Liu Chang , Mehta Puja K. , Quyyumi Arshed A. 
Published: April 2019

Objectives—
Coronary endothelial dysfunction is a precursor of atherosclerosis and adverse outcomes. Whether endothelial dysfunction is a localized or generalized phenomenon in humans remains uncertain. We simultaneously measured femoral and coronary vascular function with the hypothesis that peripheral vascular endothelial function will be reflective of coronary endothelial function.

Approach and Results—

Eighty-five subjects underwent coronary angiography for evaluation of chest pain or abnormal stress tests. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular function were measured using intracoronary and intrafemoral infusions of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively. Coronary flow reserve was assessed using intracoronary adenosine infusion. Flow velocity was measured in each circulation using a Doppler wire (FloWire, EndoSonics). Coronary vascular resistance and femoral vascular resistance were calculated as mean arterial pressure (mm Hg)/coronary blood flow (mL/min) and mean arterial pressure (mm Hg)/femoral average peak velocity (cm/s), respectively. Mean age was 53±11 years, 37% were female, 44% had hypertension, 12% had diabetes mellitus, and 38% had obstructive coronary artery disease. There was a correlation between the change in femoral vascular resistance with acetylcholine and acetylcholine-mediated changes in both the coronary vascular resistance (
r
=0.27;
P
=0.014) and in the epicardial coronary artery diameter (
r
=−0.25;
P
=0.021), indicating that subjects with normal endothelial function in the femoral circulation had normal endothelial function in the coronary epicardial and microcirculation and vice versa. The coronary vasodilator response to adenosine also correlated with the femoral vasodilatation with acetylcholine (
r
=0.4;
P
=0.0002). There was no correlation between the coronary and femoral responses to sodium nitroprusside.

Conclusions—
Endothelial functional changes in the peripheral and coronary circulations were modestly correlated. Thus, peripheral microvascular endothelial function reflects endothelium-dependent coronary epicardial and microvascular function and the coronary flow reserve.

Visual Overview—
An online visual overview is available for this article.
Role of TPBG (Trophoblast Glycoprotein) Antigen in Human Pericyte Migratory and Angiogenic Activity
Authors: Spencer Helen L. , Jover Eva , Cathery William , Avolio Elisa , Rodriguez-Arabaolaza Iker , Thomas Anita C. , Alvino Valeria V. , Sala-Newby Graciela , Dang Zexu , Fagnano Marco , Reni Carlotta , Rowlinson Jonathan , Vono Rosa , Spinetti Gaia , Beltrami Antonio P. , Gargioli Cesare , Caporali Andrea , Angelini Gianni , Madeddu Paolo 
Published: April 2019

Objective—
To determine the role of the oncofetal protein TPBG (trophoblast glycoprotein) in normal vascular function and reparative vascularization.

Approach and Results—
Immunohistochemistry of human veins was used to show TPBG expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and adventitial pericyte-like cells (APCs). ELISA, Western blot, immunocytochemistry, and proximity ligation assays evidenced a hypoxia-dependent upregulation of TPBG in APCs not found in vascular smooth muscle cells or endothelial cells. This involves the transcriptional modulator CITED2 (Atypical chemokine receptor 3 CBP/p300-interacting transactivator with glutamic acid (E)/aspartic acid (D)-rich tail) and downstream activation of CXCL12 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand-12) signaling through the CXCR7 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7) receptor and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2). TPBG silencing by siRNA transfection downregulated CXCL12, CXCR7, and pERK (phospho Thr202/Tyr204 ERK1/2) and reduced the APC migratory and proangiogenic capacities. TPBG forced expression induced opposite effects, which were associated with the formation of CXCR7/CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) heterodimers and could be contrasted by CXCL12 and CXCR7 neutralization. In vivo Matrigel plug assays using APCs with or without TPBG silencing evidenced TPBG is essential for angiogenesis. Finally, in immunosuppressed mice with limb ischemia, intramuscular injection of TPBG-overexpressing APCs surpassed naïve APCs in enhancing perfusion recovery and reducing the rate of toe necrosis.

Conclusions—
TPBG orchestrates the migratory and angiogenic activities of pericytes through the activation of the CXCL12/CXCR7/pERK axis. This novel mechanism could be a relevant target for therapeutic improvement of reparative angiogenesis.
Thirty‐Day Readmission After Infective Endocarditis: Analysis From a Nationwide Readmission Database
Authors: Morita Yusuke , Haruna Tetsuya , Haruna Yoshisumi , Nakane Eisaku , Yamaji Yuhei , Hayashi Hideyuki , Hanyu Michiya , Inoko Moriaki 
Published: April 2019

Background

The contemporary incidence of and reasons for early readmission after infective endocarditis (
IE
) are not well known. Therefore, we analyzed 30‐day readmission demographics after
IE
from the US Nationwide Readmission Database.

Methods and Results

We examined the 2010 to 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database to identify index admissions for a primary diagnosis of
IE
with survival at discharge. Incidence, reasons, and independent predictors of 30‐day unplanned readmissions were analyzed. In total, 11 217 patients (24.8%) were nonelectively readmitted within 30 days among the 45 214 index admissions discharged after
IE
. The most common causes of readmission were
IE
(20.5%), sepsis (8.7%), complications of device/graft (8.1%), and congestive heart failure (7.6%). In‐hospital mortality and the valvular surgery rates during the readmissions were 8.1% and 9.1%, respectively. Discharge to home or self‐care, undergoing valvular surgery, aged ≥60 years, and having private insurance were independently associated with lower rates of 30‐day readmission. Length of stay of ≥10 days, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, chronic pulmonary disease, peripheral artery disease, and depression were associated with higher risk. The total hospital costs of readmission were $48.7 million per year (median, $11 267; interquartile range, $6021–$25 073), which accounted for 38.6% of the total episodes of care (index+readmission).

Conclusions

Almost 1 in 4 patients was readmitted within 30 days of admission for
IE
. The most common reasons were
IE
, other infectious causes, and cardiac causes. A multidisciplinary approach to determine the surgical indications and close monitoring are necessary to improve outcomes and reduce complications in in‐hospital and postdischarge settings.
Role of Perivascular Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in Angiogenesis After Brain Ischemia
Authors: Kishida Natsue , Maki Takakuni , Takagi Yasushi , Yasuda Ken , Kinoshita Hisanori , Ayaki Takashi , Noro Takayuki , Kinoshita Yusuke , Ono Yuichi , Kataoka Hiroharu , Yoshida Kazumichi , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken , Miyamoto Susumu , Takahashi Ryosuke 
Published: April 2019

Background

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (
OPC
s) regulate neuronal, glial, and vascular systems in diverse ways and display phenotypic heterogeneity beyond their established role as a reservoir for mature oligodendrocytes. However, the detailed phenotypic changes of
OPC
s after cerebral ischemia remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the roles of reactive
OPC
s in the ischemic brain.

Methods and Results

The behavior of
OPC
s was evaluated in a mouse model of ischemic stroke produced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in vivo. For in vitro experiments, the phenotypic change of
OPC
s after oxygen glucose derivation was examined using a primary rat
OPC
culture. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of hypoxic
OPC
s was evaluated in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in vivo. Perivascular
OPC
s in the cerebral cortex were increased alongside poststroke angiogenesis in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. In vitro
RNA
‐seq analysis revealed that primary cultured
OPC
s increased the gene expression of numerous pro‐angiogenic factors after oxygen glucose derivation. Hypoxic
OPC
s secreted a greater amount of pro‐angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin‐1, compared with normoxic
OPC
s. Hypoxic
OPC
‐derived conditioned media increased the viability and tube formation of endothelial cells. In vivo studies also demonstrated that 5 consecutive daily treatments with hypoxic
OPC
‐conditioned media, beginning 2 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion, facilitated poststroke angiogenesis, alleviated infarct volume, and improved functional disabilities.

Conclusions

Following cerebral ischemia, the phenotype of
OPC
s in the cerebral cortex shifts from the parenchymal subtype to the perivascular subtype, which can promote angiogenesis. The optimal use of hypoxic
OPC
s secretome would provide a novel therapeutic option for stroke.
The Commemoration of the War Dead in Modern Japan
Authors: Nishimura Akira 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article begins by providing an overview of research trends in the study of the commemoration of the war dead in modern Japan. Studies of the attitudes of the living towards the dead in Japan have mainly focused on ancestor worship performed by family members. The issue of the war dead and their treatment has been the subject of debate within Japanese society since the end of the Second World War. Those who were killed in action, unlike other war casualties in Japan, have been accorded privileged treatment and been enshrined in Yasukuni. Studies of the commemoration of war dead in Japan began with the Yasukuni shrine issue, but research has recently appeared that deals with various types of commemoration. The latter part of this article discusses the commemorative pilgrimages in the former battlefields in Southeast Asia by Buddhist priests during the 1950s and 1960s. By doing so it provides an alternative perspective to the overly Yasukuni-centered discussion of the commemoration of war dead and highlights the missing link between the religious sectors’ engagement with the governmental project to recover the remains of the fallen and the later pilgrimages organized by each religious group that began in earnest after the lifting of restrictions on overseas travel in 1964.
Shifting Preservice Teachers’ Views of Animal Welfare and Advocacy through a Human-Animal Relationships Course
Authors: Tardif-Williams Christine Yvette , Binfet John-Tyler , Rousseau Camille Xinmei 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This mixed-methods study explored how participation in an intensive course on human-animal relationships impacted preservice teachers’ views about human-animal welfare and advocacy and animal-focused curriculum. Participants were 25 undergraduate students (24 female; 1 male) following a teacher education pathway. Participants completed the Animal Rights Scale, and their insights on assigned readings were captured through weekly journal entries and responses to summative prompts. Participants reported feeling increased responsibility to advocate on behalf of nonhuman animals and greater support of animal welfare during the post-course (versus pre-course) assessment, and participants’ weekly and summative responses revealed some of the nuances and internal tensions in their thinking about integrating animal-focused curriculum as part of their future professional practice. As teachers play key roles fostering humane literacy and engaging young people with actual nature and animals, these findings have implications for both education and higher education curriculum and initiatives.