bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired quality of life and diabetic foot disease in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: AlSadrah Sana A 
Published: February 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the overall health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic foot disease compared to diabetic patients without diabetic foot and to identify the clinical utility of this assessment. Methods: A total of 250 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (100/150 with/without diabetic foot, respectively) were interviewed. The questionnaires of the 36-item short-form survey and region-specific foot and ankle ability measure were applied. Wagner–Meggitt wound classification was used for foot-ulcer evaluation. Follow-up of patients for 3–6 weeks was done to identify the potential clinical short outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers. Results: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic foot exhibited poor mental and physical health consequences. Females had more prevalence of forefoot lesions, larger ulcer size, advanced Wagner grade, and higher frequency of unhealed ulcers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated high value of foot and ankle ability measure and 36-item short-form questionnaires to discriminate type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without diabetic foot at cutoff values of 66 and 49.6, respectively. Foot and ankle ability measure questionnaire also showed high performance for differentiating the clinical outcome of foot ulcer. Total foot and ankle ability measure subscale score above the cutoff value of 65.5 could discriminate patients with complete healing and unhealed ulcer lesions at a high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The current findings confirm the impact of diabetic foot disease on type 2 diabetes mellitus overall health-related quality of life reflected in 36-item short-form questionnaire and foot and ankle ability measure questionnaire which showed high discriminative values for type 2 diabetes mellitus patient sub-grouping. Their application in routine clinical health assessment with continuous medical education programs is highly recommended to achieve a better health-related quality of life.
A Survey Study of Self-Rated Patients’ Knowledge About AKI in a Post-Discharge AKI Clinic
Authors: Ortiz-Soriano Victor , Alcorn Joseph L. , Li Xilong , Elias Madona , Ayach Taha , Sawaya B. Peter , Malluche Hartmut H. , Wald Ron , Silver Samuel A. , Neyra Javier A. 
Published: February 2019

Background: Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at risk of adverse outcomes. Post-discharge nephrology care may improve patients’ AKI knowledge and prevent post-AKI complications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine patients’ awareness about their AKI diagnosis and self-rated knowledge and severity of AKI before and after their first post-discharge AKI Clinic encounter. Design: We conducted a pre- and post-survey study among AKI survivors who attended a post-discharge AKI Clinic. Setting: AKI Clinic at the University of Kentucky Medical Center (October 2016 to December 2017). Education about AKI was based on transformative learning theory and provided through printed materials and interdisciplinary interactions between patients/caregivers and nurses, pharmacists, and nephrologists. Patients: A total of 104 patients completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Measurements: Three survey questions were administered before and after the first AKI Clinic encounter: Question 1 (yes-no) for awareness, and questions 2 and 3 (Likert scale, 1 = lowest to 5 = highest) for self-rated knowledge and severity of AKI. Methods: Two mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for between-group (AKI severity) and within-group (pre- and post-encounter) comparisons. Logistic regression was used to examine parameters associated with the within-group change in self-perceived knowledge. Results: Twenty-two out of 104 (21%) patients were not aware of their AKI diagnosis before the clinic encounter. Patients’ self-ratings of their AKI knowledge significantly increased after the first AKI Clinic encounter (mean ± SEM: pre-visit = 1.94 ± 0.12 to post-visit = 3.88 ± 0.09, P = .001), even after adjustment for age, gender, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) severity stage, or poverty level. Patients with AKI stage 3 self-rated their AKI as more severe than patients with AKI stage 1 or 2. Limitations: Our study population may not be representative of the general AKI survivor population. Administered surveys are subject to response-shift bias. Conclusions: Patients’ self-perceived knowledge about AKI significantly increased following the first post-discharge AKI Clinic encounter that included interdisciplinary education. This is the first survey study examining self-perceived AKI knowledge in AKI survivors. Further examination of AKI literacy in survivors of AKI and its effect on post-AKI outcomes is needed. Trial registration: Not applicable.
Whitish-Yellow Tumor on its Characteristic Cut Surface: A Case Report of Congenital Granular Cell Epulis
Authors: Mizutani Kenichi , Mukai Munenori , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Yamada Sohsuke 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Congenital granular cell epulis is a rare and benign lesion in newborn. There are some papers of the entity; however, there are very few reports focusing on its macroscopic view. Case Presentation: A 0-day-old boy was noted to have a mass consisting of multiple nodules on maxillary gingiva, and it was excised. The mass was measured about 2 cm in its greatest diameter. Surface of cross-section was characteristically whitish-yellow and very smooth. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of a proliferation of large polygonal cells with demarcated cell membrane, granular cytoplasm, and small uniform nuclei. Immunohistochemically, these cells were negative for S100. The diagnosis was concluded as congenital granular cell epulis. Discussion and Conclusion: We reported a typical case of congenital granular cell epulis. It is noteworthy that the cross-section observed in this case was very characteristically whitish-yellow and smooth.
Interdisciplinary COPD intervention in primary care: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liang Jenifer , Abramson Michael J. , Russell Grant , Holland Anne E. , Zwar Nicholas A. , Bonevski Billie , Mahal Ajay , Eustace Paula , Paul Eldho , Phillips Kirsten , Cox Narelle S. , Wilson Sally , George Johnson 
Published: February 2019

We evaluated the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, primary care-based model of care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 43 general practices in Australia. Adults with a history of smoking and/or COPD, aged ≥40 years with two or more clinic visits in the previous year were enrolled following spirometric confirmation of COPD. The model of care comprised smoking cessation support, home medicines review (HMR) and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HomeBase). Main outcomes included changes in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), dyspnoea, smoking abstinence and lung function at 6 and 12 months.We identified 272 participants with COPD (157 intervention, 115 usual care); 49 (31%) out of 157 completed both HMR and HomeBase. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no statistically significant difference in change in SGRQ at 6 months (adjusted between-group difference 2.45 favouring intervention, 95% CI –0.89–5.79). Per protocol analyses showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in SGRQ in those receiving the full intervention compared to usual care (difference 5.22, 95% CI 0.19–10.25). No statistically significant differences were observed in change in CAT, dyspnoea, smoking abstinence or lung function.No significant evidence was found for the effectiveness of this interdisciplinary model of care for COPD in primary care over usual care. Low uptake was a limitation.
Latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: an updated systematic review
Authors: Apriani Lika , McAllister Susan , Sharples Katrina , Alisjahbana Bachti , Ruslami Rovina , Hill Philip C. , Menzies Dick 
Published: February 2019

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) and TB disease.We conducted an updated systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of LTBI in HCWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), associated factors, and infection control practices. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science (January 1, 2005–June 20, 2017) for studies published in any language. We obtained pooled estimates using random effects methods and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.85 studies (32 630 subjects) were included from 26 LMICs. Prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) was 14–98% (mean 49%); prevalence of a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was 9–86% (mean 39%). Countries with TB incidence ≥300 per 100 000 had the highest prevalence (TST: pooled estimate 55%, 95% CI 41–69%; IGRA: pooled estimate 56%, 95% CI 39–73%). Annual incidence estimated from the TST was 1–38% (mean 17%); annual incidence estimated from the IGRA was 10–30% (mean 18%). The prevalence and incidence of a positive test was associated with years of work, work location, TB contact and job category. Only 15 studies reported on infection control measures in healthcare facilities, with limited implementation.HCWs in LMICs in high TB incidence settings remain at increased risk of acquiring LTBI. There is an urgent need for robust implementation of infection control measures.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MicroRNA-506 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by down-regulating LHX2
Authors: Liang Tian-Song , Zheng Ying-Juan , Wang Juan , Zhao Jing-Yi , Yang Dao-Ke , Liu Zhang-Suo 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins play key roles in cancer progression and metastasis with the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aims to assess the role of miR-506 working in tandem with LIM Homeobox 2 (LHX2) in EMT and metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
Differentially expressed genes associated with NPC were screened using microarray analyses, from which LHX2 was identified. Next, the potential relationship between miR-506 and LHX2 was analyzed. In order to explore the effect of miR-506 or LHX2 on NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, serials of mimics, inhibitors or siRNA against LHX2 were transfected into NPC cells. Then, the expression patterns of LHX2, Wnt1, β-catenin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, TCF4 and Twist were determined to assess the influence of miR-506 or LHX2 on EMT as well as the relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and TCF4. The tumorigenicity and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in xenograft tumors of nude mice were observed.

Results
The has-miR-506-3p was identified as the down-regulated gene in NPC based on the microarray data while LHX2 was negatively regulated by miR-506. Over-expression of miR-506 or silencing of LHK2 inhibited NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity and LNM but promoted apoptosis indicated by decreased Wnt1, β-catenin, Vimentin, TCF4 and Twist expressions along with increased E-cadherin expressions.

Conclusions
miR-506 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in NPC via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by down-regulating LHX2, accompanied by decreased TCF4. Taken together, miR-506 targeted-inhibition LHX2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.

Trial registration
ChiCTR1800018889. Registered 15 October 2018.
Gene duplication and evolution in recurring polyploidization–diploidization cycles in plants
Authors: Qiao Xin , Li Qionghou , Yin Hao , Qi Kaijie , Li Leiting , Wang Runze , Zhang Shaoling , Paterson Andrew H. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background
The sharp increase of plant genome and transcriptome data provide valuable resources to investigate evolutionary consequences of gene duplication in a range of taxa, and unravel common principles underlying duplicate gene retention.

Results
We survey 141 sequenced plant genomes to elucidate consequences of gene and genome duplication, processes central to the evolution of biodiversity. We develop a pipeline named DupGen_finder to identify different modes of gene duplication in plants. Genes derived from whole-genome, tandem, proximal, transposed, or dispersed duplication differ in abundance, selection pressure, expression divergence, and gene conversion rate among genomes. The number of WGD-derived duplicate genes decreases exponentially with increasing age of duplication events—transposed duplication- and dispersed duplication-derived genes declined in parallel. In contrast, the frequency of tandem and proximal duplications showed no significant decrease over time, providing a continuous supply of variants available for adaptation to continuously changing environments. Moreover, tandem and proximal duplicates experienced stronger selective pressure than genes formed by other modes and evolved toward biased functional roles involved in plant self-defense. The rate of gene conversion among WGD-derived gene pairs declined over time, peaking shortly after polyploidization. To provide a platform for accessing duplicated gene pairs in different plants, we constructed the Plant Duplicate Gene Database.

Conclusions
We identify a comprehensive landscape of different modes of gene duplication across the plant kingdom by comparing 141 genomes, which provides a solid foundation for further investigation of the dynamic evolution of duplicate genes.
BCL-3 promotes a cancer stem cell phenotype by enhancing β-catenin signalling in colorectal tumour cells
Authors: Legge Danny N. , Shephard Alex P. , Collard Tracey J. , Greenhough Alexander , Chambers Adam C. , Clarkson Richard W. , Paraskeva Christos , Williams Ann C. 
Published: February 2019

To decrease bowel cancer incidence and improve survival, we need to understand the mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis. Recently BCL-3 (a key regulator of NF-κB signalling) has been recognised as an important oncogenic player in solid tumours. Although reported to be over-expressed in a subset of colorectal cancers (CRC), the role of BCL-3 expression in colorectal tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Despite evidence in the literature that BCL-3 may interact with β-catenin it is perhaps surprising, given the importance of deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signalling in colorectal carcinogenesis, that the functional significance of this interactions is not known. Here we show for the first time that BCL-3 acts as a co-activator of β-catenin/TCF-mediated transcriptional activity in colorectal cancer cells and that this interaction is important for Wnt-regulated intestinal stem cell gene expression. We demonstrate that targeting BCL-3 expression (using RNA interference) reduced β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcription and the expression of intestinal stem cell genes LGR5 and ASCL2. In contrast, the expression of canonical Wnt-targets C-Myc and Cyclin D1 remained unchanged. Furthermore, we show that BCL-3 increases the functional stem cell phenotype as shown by colorectal spheroid and tumoursphere formation in 3D culture conditions.
We propose that BCL-3 acts as a driver of the stem-cell phenotype in CRC cells potentially promoting tumour cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. As recent reports highlight the limitations of directly targeting cancer stem cells (CSC), we believe that identifying and targeting drivers of stem cell plasticity have significant potential as new therapeutic targets.
High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Erythrocyte Osmotic Deformability
Authors: HUANG YU-CHIEH , HSU CHIH-CHIN , WANG JONG-SHYAN 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical exercise or hypoxic exposure influences erythrocyte susceptibility to osmotic stress, and the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) facilitates the transport of water in erythrocytes. This study investigated whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) affect erythrocyte osmotic deformability by modulating AQP1 function under hypoxic stress.

Methods
Forty-five healthy sedentary males were randomized to engage in either HIIT (3-min intervals at 40% and 80% V˙O2 reserve, n = 15) or MICT (sustained 60% V˙O2 reserve, n = 15) on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1 for 6 wk, or to a control group that did not perform any exercise (n = 15). All subjects were analyzed with osmotic gradient ektacytometry for assessing erythrocyte membrane stability and osmotic deformability after hypoxic exercise (HE) (100 W under 12%O2 for 30 min).

Results
Before the intervention, HE increased the shear stress at 50% of maximal elongation (SS1/2) and the ratio of SS1/2 to maximal elongation index (SS1/2/EImax) on erythrocytes pretreated with 50 Pa of shear stress for 30 min and diminished HgCl2-depressed osmolality at 50%EImax (Ohyper). However, both HIIT and MICT for 6 wk diminished the elevations of erythrocyte SS1/2 and SS1/2/EImax caused by HE. Moreover, HIIT also increased contents of erythrocyte AQP1 proteins while enhancing HgCl2-depressed Ohyper and area under elongation index–osmolarity curve after HE. Additionally, changes in erythrocyte AQP1 contents were associated with changes in HgCl2-depressed erythrocyte Ohyper and area under elongation index–osmolarity curve.

Conclusions
Acute HE reduces erythrocyte membrane stability, whereas either HIIT or MICT attenuates the depression of erythrocyte membrane stability by HE. Moreover, HIIT increases the AQP1 content and facilitates the HgCl2-mediated osmotic deformability of erythrocytes after HE.
“Nine Dimensions”: A multidisciplinary approach for community engagement in a complex postwar border region as part of the targeted malaria elimination in Karen/Kayin State, Myanmar
Authors: Tangseefa Decha , Monthathip Krishna , Tuenpakdee Naruemol , König Andrea , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Thwin May Myo , Nosten Suphak , Tun Saw Win , Ma Kayin , Hashmi Ahmar , Lwin Khin Maung , Cheah Phaik Yeong , von Seidlein Lorenz , Nosten Francois 
Published: February 2019

Background: In light of growing antimalarial drug resistance in Southeast Asia, control programmes have become increasingly focused on malaria elimination, composed of mass drug administration coupled with prompt diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic cases. The key to a successful elimination programme centres on high participation rates in targeted communities, often enhanced by community engagement (CE) efforts. Social science research was conducted to develop a conceptual framework used for CE activities in the Targeted Malaria Elimination programme, as a cross-border operation in Karen/Kayin State, Myanmar. Methods: Data was collected from three main sources: (1) participant observation and semi-structured interviews of CE team members; (2) participant observation and semi-structured interviews with villagers; and (3) records of CE workshops with CE workers conducted as part of the TME programme. Results: Interviews were conducted with 17 CE team members, with 10 participant observations and interviews conducted with villagers and a total of 3 workshops conducted over the course of this pilot programme in 4 villages (November 2013 to October 2014). Thematic analysis was used to construct the nine dimensions for CE in this complex, post-war region: i) history of the people; ii) space; iii) work; iv) knowledge about the world; v) intriguing obstacle (rumour); vi) relationship with the health care system; vii) migration; viii) logic of capitalism influencing openness; and ix) power relations. Conclusions: Conducting CE for the Targeted Malaria Elimination programme was immensely complicated in Karen/Kayin State because of three key realities: heterogeneous terrains, a post-war atmosphere and cross-border operations. These three key realities constituted the nine dimensions, which proved integral to health worker success in conducting CE. Summary of this approach can aid in infectious disease control programmes, such as those using mass drug administration, to engender high rates of community participation.
Vancomycin elution from a biphasic ceramic bone substitute
Authors: Stravinskas M. , Nilsson M. , Vitkauskiene A. , Tarasevicius S. , Lidgren L. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze drain fluid, blood, and urine simultaneously to follow the long-term release of vancomycin from a biphasic ceramic carrier in major hip surgery. Our hypothesis was that there would be high local vancomycin concentrations during the first week with safe low systemic trough levels and a complete antibiotic release during the first month.MethodsNine patients (six female, three male; mean age 75.3 years (sd 12.3; 44 to 84)) with trochanteric hip fractures had internal fixations. An injectable ceramic bone substitute, with hydroxyapatite in a calcium sulphate matrix, containing 66 mg of vancomycin per millilitre, was inserted to augment the fixation. The vancomycin elution was followed by simultaneously collecting drain fluid, blood, and urine.ResultsThe antibiotic concentration in the drain reached a peak during the first six hours post-surgery (mean 966.1 mg/l), which decreased linearly to a mean value of 88.3 mg/l at 2.5 days. In the urine, the vancomycin concentration reached 99.8 mg/l during the first two days, followed by a logarithmic decrease over the next two weeks to reach 0 mg/l at 20 days. The systemic concentration of vancomycin measured in blood serum was low and decreased linearly from 2.17 mg/l at one hour post-surgery to 0 mg/l at four days postoperatively.ConclusionThis is the first long-term pharmacokinetic study that reports vancomycin release from a biphasic injectable ceramic bone substitute. The study shows initial high targeted local vancomycin levels, sustained and complete release at three weeks, and systemic concentrations well below toxic levels. The plain ceramic bone substitute has been proven to regenerate bone but should also be useful in preventing bone infection. Cite this article: M. Stravinskas, M. Nilsson, A. Vitkauskiene, S. Tarasevicius, L. Lidgren. Vancomycin elution from a biphasic ceramic bone substitute. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:49–54. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.82.BJR-2018-0174.R2.
Guidelines for the Preanalytical Conditions for Analyzing Circulating Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Meddeb Romain , Pisareva Ekaterina , Thierry Alain R 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from blood has been identified as a potential biomarker in numerous fields, and has been the object of intensive research over the past decade, although its original discovery dates back 60 years. While it is already used routinely in commercial and clinical practice in oncology and prenatal testing, other potential applications have emerged, including for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, trauma, and sport management. As with the discovery and development of any biomarker, preanalytical requirements and documentation are as important as analytical requirements. Except for the case of noninvasive prenatal testing and prenatal diagnosis, the implementation of cfDNA in a clinical setting remains limited because of the lack of standardization of cfDNA analysis. In particular, only a few attempts have been made to collect and pool scientific data on the relevant preanalytical factors, and no standard operating procedure has yet been set. For this report, we have performed a thorough and systematic search via MEDLINE® for relevant preanalytical variables and patient factors. These form the basis of the guidelines we propose for analyzing nuclear cfDNA.