bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small lung tumor biopsy samples are feasible for high quality targeted next generation sequencing
Authors: Kage Hidenori , Kohsaka Shinji , Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Sato Jiro , Nagayama Kazuhiro , Ushiku Tetsuo , Takai Daiya , Nakajima Jun , Miyagawa Kiyoshi , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Mano Hiroyuki , Nagase Takahide 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been implemented in clinical oncology to analyze multiple genes and to guide therapy. In patients with advanced lung cancer, small biopsies such as computed tomography‐guided needle biopsy (CTNB), endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) are less invasive and are preferable to resection to make a pathological diagnosis. However, the quality of DNA/RNA and NGS from small lung tumor biopsy samples is unknown. Between April 2017 and March 2018, 107 consecutive samples were obtained from thoracic tumors or metastatic sites for targeted NGS analysis. Fifteen samples were obtained through CTNB, 11 through EBUS‐TBNA, 11 through TBB and 70 through surgical resection. All samples were formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded. DNA and RNA quality was measured using the ddCq method and the percentage of RNA fragments above 200 nucleotides (DV200), respectively. Our custommade probes were designed to capture exon sequences of 464 cancer‐related genes and transcripts of 463 genes. DNA and RNA yield from the 3 biopsy methods were similar, and less than the yield obtained from resected samples. The quality of DNA and RNA was similar across all methods. Overall, 12 of 15 CTNB samples (80%), all 11 EBUS‐TBNA samples, and 9 of 11 TBB samples (82%) underwent successful NGS assays from DNA. NGS analysis from RNA was successful in all 12 CTNB samples, 9 of 11 EBUS‐TBNA samples (82%), and 8 of 11 TBB samples (73%). CTNB, EBUS‐TBNA and TBB mostly resulted in adequate DNA and RNA quality and enabled high‐quality targeted NGS analysis.
Aspirin inhibits inflammation and scar formation in the injury tendon healing through regulating JNK/STAT‐3 signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Yunjiao , He Gang , Tang Hong , Shi Youxing , Kang Xia , Lyu Jingtong , Zhu Min , Zhou Mei , Yang Mingyu , Mu Miduo , Chen Wan , Zhou Binghua , Zhang Jiqiang , Tang Kanglai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivelyTendinopathy is a common problem in sports medicine which can lead to severe morbidity. Aspirin, as the classical representative of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for its anti‐inflammatory and analgesic actions, has been commonly used in treating tendinopathy. While its treatment effects on injury tendon healing are lacking, illuminating the underlying mechanism may provide scientific basis for clinical treatment.Materials and methodsFirstly, we used immunohistochemistry and qRT‐PCR to detect changes in CD14, CD206, iNOS, IL‐6, IL‐10, MMP‐3, TIMP‐3, Col‐1a1, biglycan, Comp, Fibronectin, TGF‐β1，ACAN，EGR‐1 and FMOD. Next, Western blot was used to measure the protein levels (IL‐6, IL‐10, TGF‐β1, COMP, TIMP‐3, STAT‐3/P‐STAT‐3 and JNK/P‐JNK) in TSCs. Then, migration and proliferation of TSCs were measured through wound healing test and BrdU staining. Finally, the mechanical properties of injury tendon were detected.ResultsAfter aspirin treatment, the inflammation and scar formation in injury tendon were significantly inhibited by aspirin. Still, tendon's ECM was positively balanced. Increasing migration and proliferation ability of TSCs induced by IL‐1β were significantly reversed. JNK/STAT‐3 signalling pathway participated in the process above. In addition, biomechanical properties of injury tendon were significantly improved.ConclusionsTaken together, the findings suggested that aspirin inhibited inflammation and scar formation via regulation of JNK/STAT‐3 signalling and decreased rerupture risk of injury tendon. Aspirin could be an ideal therapeutic strategy in tendon injury healing.
Generic preference‐based health‐related quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a scoping review
Authors: Lamsal Ramesh , Finlay Brittany , Whitehurst David G T , Zwicker Jennifer D 
Published: June 2019

AimTo describe how generic preference‐based health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments have been used in research involving children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).MethodA systematic search of nine databases identified studies that used generic preference‐based HRQoL instruments in children with NDD. Data extracted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Review guidelines included type of NDD, instrument used, respondent type, justification, and critical appraisal for these selections.ResultsThirty‐six studies were identified: four cost–utility analyses; 15 HRQoL assessments; five economic burden studies; three intervention studies; and nine ‘other’. The Health Utilities Index (Mark 2 and Mark 3) and EuroQoL 5D (EQ‐5D; three‐level EQ‐5D, five‐level EQ‐5D, and the youth version of the EQ‐5D) instruments were most frequently used (44% and 31% respectively). The relatively low use of these instruments overall may be due to a lack of psychometric evidence, inconsistency in justification for and lack of clarity on appropriate respondent type and age, and geographical challenges in applying preference weights.InterpretationThis study highlights the dearth of studies using generic preference‐based HRQoL instruments in children with NDD. The use of cost–utility analysis in this field is limited and validation of these instruments for children with NDD is needed. The quality of data should be considered before guiding policy and care decisions.What this paper adds

Limited use of generic preference‐based health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments in studies on children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Only 11% of studies were cost–utility analyses.

Inconsistencies in justification for choosing generic preference‐based HRQoL instruments and respondent types.
The function of three main call types in common cuckoo
Authors: Xia Canwei , Deng Zhuqing , Lloyd Huw , Møller Anders Pape , Zhao Xiaomeng , Zhang Yanyun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAcoustic signals play a key role in shaping the relationships in birds. Common cuckoosCuculus canorusare known to produce various call types, but the function of these calls has only been studied recently. Here, we used a combination of field recordings (conducted in 2017) and playback experiments (conducted in 2018) to investigate the functional significance of common cuckoo calls. We found significant differences in the characteristics between male two‐element “cu‐coo” and three‐element “cu‐cu‐coo” calls, with these two call types being used in different contexts. The three‐element male “cu‐cu‐coo” calls were associated with females emitting their “bubbling” call. Playback experiments revealed that both males and females exhibit stronger responses to playing female “bubbling” calls than with the calls of the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipter nisus) serving as a control, suggesting a significant intraspecific communication function for this call type. However, we did not find any evidence to support mate attraction in male calls, as females were not stimulated by playback of male calls compared with sparrowhawk calls in the control group.
The Moltke Myth in German–Turkish relation
Authors: Stein Oliver 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHelmuth von Moltke, who worked in the Ottoman Empire between 1835 and 1839, is generally considered the founder of German–Turkish friendship. However, it is forgotten that close relations between Prussia and the Ottoman Empire began under Frederick the Great. This article will deal with Moltke's role in Prussian–Ottoman relations on the basis of literature, testimonies, and files. Here, the contradiction between the low importance of his activity in the Ottoman Empire and the well‐kept myth of his person as a central identification figure for the German–Turkish relations becomes clear. The study focuses on the German perspective but also incorporates the Turkish Moltke myth.
Digital droplet PCR‐based chimerism analysis for monitoring of hematopoietic engraftment after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mika Thomas , Baraniskin Alexander , Ladigan Swedlana , Wulf Gerald , Dierks Sascha , Haase Detlef , Schork Karin , Turewicz Michael , Eisenacher Martin , Schmiegel Wolff , Schroers Roland , Klein‐Scory Susanne 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is a curative approach for multiple hematologic diseases. The success of alloHSCT is evaluated by analyzing the proportion of living donor cells in blood and bone marrow samples of the recipient (chimerism analysis). To monitor the engrafted cells, donor's individual genetic markers are analyzed in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples, usually by using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. An alternative method to measure chimerism is based on insertion and deletion markers (InDels) analyzed by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR); however, this approach is rarely evaluated in clinical practice.MethodsIn this study, we examined the usefulness of ddPCR‐based chimerism analysis against the standard STR analysis in samples around day+30 after alloHSCT in clinical practice using peripheral blood and bone marrow samples.ResultsThe median absolute difference between ddPCR and STR analysis was 0.55% points for bone marrow chimerisms and 0.25% points for peripheral blood chimerisms, respectively, including variation in the range of maximum 2% for both methods. The results of every single sample gave the same clinical message.ConclusionAccording to our data, chimerism analysis by ddPCR has an excellent correlation with STR‐based analyses. Due to its fast and easy applicability, the ddPCR technique is suitable for chimerism monitoring in clinical practice.
Regulatory T cells in cancer: where are we now?
Authors: Gallimore Awen , Quezada Sergio A. , Roychoudhuri Rahul 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThere have been substantial strides forward in our understanding of the contribution of regulatory T (Treg) cells to cancer immunosuppression. In this issue, we present a series of papers highlighting emerging themes on this topic relevant not only to our understanding of the fundamental biology of tumour immunosuppression but also to the design of new immunotherapeutic approaches. The substantially shared biology of CD4+ conventional T (Tconv) and Treg cells necessitates a detailed understanding of the potentially opposing functional consequences that immunotherapies will have on Treg and Tconv cells, a prominent example being the potential for Treg‐mediated hyperprogressive disease following anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Such understanding will aid patient stratification and the rational design of combination therapies. It is also becoming clear, however, that Treg cells within tumours exhibit distinct biological features to both Tconv cells and Treg cells in other tissues. These distinct features provide the opportunity for development of targeted immunotherapies with greater efficacy and reduced potential for inducing systemic toxicity.
Rapid synthesis of Gd2Zr2O7 glass‐ceramics using spark plasma sintering
Authors: Shu Xiaoyan , Chen Shunzhang , Hou Chenxi , Xie Yi , Zhang Haibin , Li Bingsheng , Yang Yushan , Wang Xiaoqiang , Li Linyan , Lu Xirui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGlass‐ceramics are possible host matrix for high level waste immobilization. The Gd2Zr2O7 glass‐ceramic matrix was successfully synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS) method in 5 minutes. The phase transition with sintering temperature was studied using X‐ray diffraction, Raman and transmission electron microscopy. It revealed that samples kept a main defected fluorite phase as being sintered below 1800°C. Glass phase increased rapidly beyond 1850°C. The amorphous structure became the main body at 1900°C, with nanoscale crystal scattered in the bulk. With the increase of glass phase, the grain boundary became almost indistinguishable. The relationship between the final phase of Gd2Zr2O7 with its synthetic temperature range and corresponding technology was reviewed. Gd2Zr2O7 glass‐ceramics could be acquired by extending the sintering temperature beyond 1850°C using SPS method.
The holistic assessment and care planning in partnership intervention study (HAPPI): A protocol for a feasibility, cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lyndon Helen , Latour Jos M. , Marsden Jonathan , Campbell Sarah , Stevens Kara , Kent Bridie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimDuring an initial phase of this research, an e‐Delphi survey was conducted to gain consensus among stakeholders on the components of a nurse‐led assessment and care planning intervention for older people who live with frailty in primary care. This feasibility randomized controlled trial (fRCT) will test the proposed intervention and its implementation and determine methods for the design of a conclusive randomized controlled trial.MethodsThe fRCT, with embedded qualitative study, aims to recruit 60 participants. Moderately and severely frail older people will be identified using the electronic frailty index (eFI) and the intervention will be delivered by senior community nurses. The control participants will receive usual primary care for frailty. The study is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR; funding granted in May 2016, ref: ICA‐CDRF‐2016‐02‐018) and received NHS and University Research Ethics Committee approval in 2018.DiscussionThere is evidence that the delivery of complex interventions for community‐dwelling older people can reduce care home and hospital admissions and falls, there is less evidence for the benefit of any specific type or intensity of intervention or the additional benefits of targeting the frail population. This trial will determine feasibility of the intervention, define recruitment and retention parameters and trial logistics, and decide outcome measures.ImpactThis study aims to address the limitations of current research by using a systematic method of frailty diagnosis and participant identification, trialling implementation of a person‐centred intervention, and testing of feasibility parameters.Trial registration number: ISRCTN: 74345449.
An intervention based on protective factors to improve resilience for breast cancer patients: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxiao , Yang Yajuan , Li Huiping , Li Shuwen , Su Dan , Zhang Ting , Zhang Maomao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo present a study protocol for evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of an individual face‐to‐face intervention based on protective factors to improve resilience among breast cancer patients.BackgroundResearch involving the effectiveness of universal interventions to improve resilience for breast cancer patients has seldom been reported and there is an urgent need to find a more acceptable, cost‐effective method of providing emotional support. Through health education and psychological interventions, increasing protective factors could promote recovery to the original condition and improve resilience.DesignA randomized controlled trial of an individual face‐to‐face intervention.MethodsA total of 160 adults diagnosed with confirmed breast cancer will be recruited. The patients will be randomly assigned to the control group (N = 80) or the intervention group (N = 80). An intervention focusing on protective factors will be implemented in the intervention group. A survey of the patients from the two groups will be conducted at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is resilience, measured by the 14‐item Resilience Scale. Secondary outcomes include self‐efficacy, optimism, perceived social support, and mastery. The Chinese versions of the General Self‐Efficacy Scale, revised Life Orientation Test, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Self‐Mastery Scale will be used to measure the four protective factors.ImpactOne‐to‐one and face‐to‐face interventions have many potential advantages for inpatients, including convenience, accessibility and individuality. Once its effectiveness is confirmed, the intervention will be implemented broadly and make support available for a large number of patients.
Postpartum breastfeeding experiences in the traditional‐biomedical crossroads: A qualitative study using drawing with Vietnamese and Myanmarese refugee women in Australia
Authors: Joseph June , Liamputtong Pranee , Brodribb Wendy 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo explore how postpartum support networks, hospital stay and healthcare services had an impact on breastfeeding experiences of refugee women from Vietnam and Myanmar in Brisbane, Australia.DesignA qualitative study guided by feminist methodological inquiry.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews and drawing exercises were conducted with recent (<10 years) and established (≥10 years) refugee women between July 2015 ‐ June 2016. Verbal data were analysed thematically, whereas drawings were analysed with the critical visual analytical framework.ResultsThe findings reflect how 36 mothers negotiated their breastfeeding experiences in the “traditional‐biomedical” intersection (major theme) in face of changing support networks, social structures, hospital policies and postpartum services postresettlement (sub‐themes). Tensions of cultural unfamiliarity in the western setting generally contributed to early breastfeeding cessation among recent arrivals, whereas social (extended families, tertiary education) and cultural (English literacy) capitals and a longer stay in Australia enabled established arrivals to integrate the traditional and western biomedical beliefs.ConclusionThe ability of established arrivals to integrate both traditional and western worldviews may assist in addressing breastfeeding uncertainties that affect recent arrivals. Perspectives of midwives from the western postnatal spheres merit future exploration.ImpactPositive early breastfeeding experiences lead to its long‐term success. By identifying the impact that conflicting beliefs have on breastfeeding experiences of refugees in the western biomedical environment, this study suggests how interventions that focus on reinforcing maternal cultural and social capital could benefit community empowerment, healthcare and policy sectors nationally and globally.
Patient–provider perspectives on self‐management support and patient empowerment in chronic care: A mixed‐methods study in a rural sub‐Saharan setting
Authors: Angwenyi Vibian , Aantjes Carolien , Bunders‐Aelen Joske , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Criel Bart 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo explore how provision of self‐management support to chronically‐ill patients in resource‐limited settings contributes to patient empowerment in chronic care.DesignConcurrent descriptive mixed methods research.MethodsA survey of 140 patients with chronic conditions administered at four time‐points in 12 months. We conducted 14 interviews and four focus‐group discussions with patients (N = 31); 13 healthcare provider interviews; and observations of four patient‐support group meetings. Data were collected between April 2016 ‐ May 2017 in rural Malawi. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach and descriptive statistical analysis performed on survey data.ResultsHealthcare professionals facilitated patient empowerment through health education, although literacy levels and environmental factors affected self‐management guidance. Information exchanged during patient–provider interactions varied and discussions centred around medical aspects and health promoting behaviour. Less than 40% of survey patients prepared questions prior to clinic consultations. Health education was often unstructured and delegated to non‐physician providers, mostly untrained in chronic care. Patients accessed psychosocial support from volunteer‐led community home‐based care programmes. HIV support‐groups regularly interacted with peers and practical skills exchanged in a supportive environment, reinforcing patient's self‐mangement competence and proactiveness in health care.ConclusionFor optimal self‐management, reforms at inter‐personal and organizational level are needed including; mutual patient‐provider collaboration, diversifying access to self‐management support resources and restructuring patient support‐groups to cater to diverse chronic conditions.ImpactOur study provides insights and framing of self‐management support and empowerment for patients in long‐term care in sub‐Saharan Africa. Lessons drawn could feed into designing and delivering responsive chronic care interventions.
Prognostic value of morning surge of blood pressure in middle‐aged treated hypertensive patients
Authors: Coccina Francesca , Pierdomenico Anna M. , Cuccurullo Chiara , Vitulli Piergiusto , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Cipollone Francesco , Pierdomenico Sante D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe investigated the prognostic value of morning surge (MS) of blood pressure (BP) in middle‐aged treated hypertensive patients. The occurrence of a composite end point (coronary events, stroke, and heart failure requiring hospitalization) was evaluated in 1073 middle‐aged treated hypertensive patients (mean age 49 years). Patients with preawakening MS of BP above the 90th percentile (27/20.5 mm Hg for systolic/diastolic BP) were defined as having high MS of BP. During the follow‐up (mean 10.9 years), 131 cardiovascular events occurred. After adjustment for various covariates, including known risk markers and ambulatory BP parameters, patients with high MS of systolic BP (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.10‐2.96) and those with high MS of diastolic BP (hazard ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.19‐3.28) were at higher cardiovascular risk than those with normal MS. In middle‐aged treated hypertensive patients, high MS of systolic and diastolic BP is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Cordycepin ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy via activating the AMPKα pathway
Authors: Wang Hui‐Bo , Duan Ming‐Xia , Xu Man , Huang Si‐Hui , Yang Jun , Yang Jian , Liu Li‐Bo , Huang Rong , Wan Chun‐Xia , Ma Zhen‐Guo , Wu Qing‐Qing , Tang Qi‐Zhu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIncrease of myocardial oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiac hypertrophy. Cordycepin, also known as 3'‐deoxyadenosine, is a natural bioactive substance extracted from Cordyceps militaris (which is widely cultivated for commercial use in functional foods and medicine). Since cordycepin suppresses oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo, we hypothesized that cordycepin would inhibit cardiac hypertrophy by blocking oxidative stress‐dependent related signalling. In our study, a mouse model of cardiac hypertrophy was induced by aortic banding (AB) surgery. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with cordycepin (20 mg/kg/d) or the same volume of vehicle 3 days after‐surgery for 4 weeks. Our data demonstrated that cordycepin prevented cardiac hypertrophy induced by AB, as assessed by haemodynamic parameters analysis and echocardiographic, histological and molecular analyses. Oxidative stress was estimated by detecting superoxide generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde levels, and by detecting the protein levels of gp91phox and SOD. Mechanistically, we found that cordycepin activated activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) signalling and attenuated oxidative stress both in vivo in cordycepin‐treated mice and in vitro in cordycepin treated cardiomyocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that cordycepin protects against post‐AB cardiac hypertrophy through activation of the AMPKα pathway, which subsequently attenuates oxidative stress.