bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in total homocysteine levels after acute stroke and recurrence of stroke
Authors: Shi Zhihong , Liu Shuling , Guan Yalin , Zhang Meilin , Lu Hui , Yue Wei , Zhang Biao , Li Mingzi , Xue Jing , Ji Yong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIt is not known how total homocysteine (tHcy) levels change during the transition from acute stroke to post-stroke convalescence or whether tHcy changes occurring after the acute period are associated with recurrence of cerebro-cardiovascular events. Levels of tHcy were measured during acute ischemia and again after three months. Patients were followed for a median of 18 (range: 12–36) months. A total of 2800 patients who had at least two tHcy measurements were enrolled between February 2012 and June 2014; 2587 patients presented with ischemic stroke and 213 presented with cerebral hemorrhage. During the follow-up period, 220 (7.9%) patients experienced another ischemic event. After adjusting for additional cardiovascular risk factors, patients with the highest levels of tHcy (fourth quartile; >15.5 μmol/L) had a 1.76-fold increased risk of a recurrence (adjusted HR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.11–3.08) as compared to patients with the lowest levels of tHcy (lowest quartile; ≤9.65 μmol/L). Additional analysis by subgroup indicated that this correlation was only significant for patients with large-artery atherosclerosis ischemia (adjusted HR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.13–3.55). Elevated tHcy during the convalescent phase of acute stroke was independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, especially in those patients with large-vessel atherosclerosis ischemia.
Tumor cure by radiation therapy and checkpoint inhibitors depends on pre-existing immunity
Authors: Crittenden Marka R. , Zebertavage Lauren , Kramer Gwen , Bambina Shelly , Friedman David , Troesch Victoria , Blair Tiffany , Baird Jason R. , Alice Alejandro , Gough Michael J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRadiation therapy is a source of tumor antigen release that has the potential to serve as an endogenous tumor vaccination event. In preclinical models radiation therapy synergizes with checkpoint inhibitors to cure tumors via CD8 T cell responses. To evaluate the immune response initiated by radiation therapy, we used a range of approaches to block the pre-existing immune response artifact initiated by tumor implantation. We demonstrate that blocking immune responses at tumor implantation blocks development of a tumor-resident antigen specific T cell population and prevents tumor cure by radiation therapy combined with checkpoint immunotherapy. These data demonstrate that this treatment combination relies on a pre-existing immune response to cure tumors, and may not be a solution for patients without pre-existing immunity.
On the manifestation of electron-electron interactions in the thermoelectric response of semicrystalline conjugated polymers with low energetic disorder
Authors: Statz M. , Venkateshvaran D. , Jiao X. , Schott S. , McNeill C. R. , Emin D. , Sirringhaus H. , Di Pietro R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe development of semicrystalline polymer semiconductors with field-effect mobilities comparable to or even exceeding those of amorphous silicon has exposed limitations of describing charge transport in these materials with disorder-based models developed originally for more disordered, lower mobility polymers. Here, we show that the charge carrier density and temperature dependence of the field-effect electron mobility and Seebeck coefficient in the semicrystalline polymer P(NDI2OD-T2) with varying degrees of crystallinity are incompatible with a description of charge transport being limited by energetic disorder effects. We provide instead direct evidence of low disorder, narrow band conduction. A spatially inhomogeneous density of states and the inclusion of short range electron–electron interactions allow to consistently explain both the measured mobility and Seebeck coefficient. These results provide a rationale for improving thermoelectric efficiency of polymer semiconductors via increasing the extension of the crystalline domains.
Silencing SUMO2 promotes protection against degradation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells through p53 signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Jin Liu-Zhong , Lu Ji-Shou , Gao Jian-Wen 
Published: April 2018

Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), as a common cause of back pain, is related to the promotion of cellular senescence and reduction in proliferation. Based on recent studies, small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins have been implicated in various biological functions. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of SUMO2 on proliferation and senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) via mediation of p53 signaling pathway in rat models of IDD.
Methods: After the establishment of rat models of IDD for the measurement of positive expression of SUMO2/3 protein, the mRNA and protein levels of SUMO2, molecular phenotype [matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)] and p53 signaling pathway-related genes [p21, murine double minute-2 (MDM2), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45 α (GADD45α), cyclin-dependent kinase 2/4 (CDK2/4), and CyclinB1] were determined, followed by the detection of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell senescence.
Results: The rat models of IDD were successfully constructed. The results obtained showed that there was a higher positive expression of SUMO2/3 protein in IDD rats. Moreover, the silencing of the SUMO2 gene decreases the levels of SUMO2, p53, p21, MDM2, GADD45α, MMP-2, and HIF-1α expressions and p53 phosphorylation level while it increases the levels of CDK2/4 and CyclinB1 expressions. In addition, SUMO2 gene silencing enhances proliferation and suppresses apoptosis and cell senescence of NPCs.
Conclusion: In conclusion, SUMO2 gene silencing promotes proliferation, and inhibits the apoptosis and senescence of NPCs in rats with IDD through the down-regulation of the p53 signaling pathway. Thus, SUMO2 is a potential target in the treatment of IDD.
Validity of a basketball-specific complex test in female professional players
Authors: Schwesig René , Hermassi Souhail , Lauenroth Andreas , Laudner Kevin , Koke Alexander , Bartels Thomas , Delank Stefan , Schulze Stephan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a new basketball-specific complex test (BBCT) based on the ascertained match performance.Fourteen female professional basketball players (ages: 23.4 ± 1.8 years) performed the BBCT and a treadmill test (TT) at the beginning of pre-season training. Lactate, heart rate (HR), time, shooting precision and number of errors were measured during the four test sequences of the BBCT (short distance sprinting with direction changes, with and without a ball; fast break; lay-up parcours; sprint endurance test). In addition, lactate threshold (LT) and HR were assessed at selected times throughout the TT and the BBCT and over 6 (TT) or 10 (BBCT) minutes after the tests. The match performance score (mps) was calculated on specific parameters (e. g. points) collected during all matches during the subsequent season (22 matches). The mps served as the “gold standard” within the validation process for the BBCT and the TT.TT parameters demonstrated an explained variance (EV) between 0 % (HR recovery) and 11 % (running speed at 6 mmol/l LT). The EV from the BBCT was higher and ranged from 0 % (HR recovery 6 minutes after end of exercise) to 28 % (sprint endurance test after 8 of 10 sprints). Ten out of 21 BBCT parameters (48 %) and 2 out of 5 TT parameters (40 %) demonstrated an EV higher than 10 %. Average EV for all parameters was 12 % (BBCT) and 6 % (TT), respectively. The BBCT had a higher validity than the TT for predicting match performance. These findings suggest that coaches and scientists should consider using the BBCT testing protocol to estimate the match performance abilities of elite female players.
microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hagstrom Amanda , Denham Joshua 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAccounting for one in three cancer diagnoses, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Exercise has a well-accepted role in the multi-disciplinary approach to rehabilitating breast cancer survivors. Despite the many known benefits of resistance training on women recovering from breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have crucial roles in growth and development. Here, we analysed the abundance of 9 miRNAs, with known roles in muscle physiology and some linked to cancer, in serum samples from 24 breast cancer survivors before and after a 16-week resistance training or usual care intervention. The resistance training group completed supervised thrice-weekly training. miRNA abundance was assessed before and after the intervention period using qPCR. There were no statistically significant changes in any of the miRNAs between groups after the intervention period (all p>0.05). After assessing miRNA abundance in context with high and low responders to resistance training, we observed that relative to low responders, high responders exhibited increased miR-133a-3p and a borderline statistically significant increase in miR-370-3p. Findings from our controlled study indicate the diverse interindividual miRNA responses to resistance training and reveal a discordant regulation between high and low responders.
Association between Hormonal Contraception and Injuries Induced by Human Papillomavirus in the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Volpato Lia Karina , Siqueira Isabela Ribeiro , Nunes Rodrigo Dias , Piovezan Anna Paula 
Published: April 2018

Objective To evaluate the association between hormonal contraception and the appearance of human papillomavirus HPV-induced lesions in the uterine cervix of patients assisted at a school outpatient clinic - ObGyn outpatient service of the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina.
Methods A case-control study, with women in fertile age, performed between 2012 and 2015. A total of 101 patients with cervical lesions secondary to HPV were included in the case group, and 101 patients with normal oncotic colpocytology, in the control group. The data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, US) software, version 24.0, using the 95% confidence interval. To test the homogeneity of the proportions, the chi-square (χ2) test was used for the qualitative variables, and the Student t-test, for the quantitative variables.
Results When comparing the occurrence of HPV lesions in users and non-users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), the association with doses of 0.03 mg or higher of ethinylestradiol (EE) was observed. Thus, a higher probability of developing cervical lesions induced by HPV was identified (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9 p = 0.039); and when these cases were separated by the degree of the lesion, the probability of these patients presenting with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was 2.1 times higher (p = 0.036), but with no impact on high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and the occurrence of invasive cancer. No significant differences were found in the other variables analyzed.
Conclusion Although the results found in the present study suggest a higher probability of the users of combined hormonal contraceptives with a concentration higher than 0.03 mg of EE to develop low-grade intraepithelial lesions, more studies are needed to conclude causality.
Diagnostik und Therapie bei Erkrankungen mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko
Authors: Rehberg M. , Stark C. , Hoyer-Kuhn H. , Semler O. 
Published: April 2018

ZusammenfassungFrakturen treten im Kindes- und Jugendalter bei vielen Kindern auf und sind meist durch adäquate Traumata verursacht. Sie können jedoch auch im Zusammenhang mit einer Kindesmisshandlung oder als Zeichen einer systemischen Skeletterkrankung beobachtet werden. Die diagnostischen Schritte umfassen neben Anamnese und klinischer Untersuchung, bildgebende Verfahren, Laboruntersuchungen und Knochendichtemessungen. In der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin ist bei allen diesen Methoden auf die Verwendung von alters- und größenkorrelierten Normwerten zu achten. Hierdurch können primäre und sekundäre Osteoporosen sowie Mineralisierungs- Synthese- und Abbaustörungen voneinander getrennt werden. Im Falle angeborener Erkrankungen können genetische Untersuchungen zur Diagnosesicherung beitragen. Eine sichere Diagnosestellung ist erforderlich, um eine kostenbewusste Diagnostik durchzuführen und letzten Endes eine zielgerichtete Therapie initiieren zu können.
Knochenmineralisationsstörungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Schnabel D. 
Published: April 2018

ZusammenfassungStörungen der Knochenmineralisation können sowohl durch das stöchiometrische Missverhältnis von Kalzium und Phosphat als auch durch eine Störung der alkalischen Phosphatase entstehen. Klinische Symptome, wie z. B. Beinachsenfehlstellungen (Genua vara/Genua valga), eine progrediente Muskelschwäche oder auch eine Tetanie (Kribbeln/Missempfindungen in den Fingern, Krampfanfall), sollten eine Störung des Kalzium-/Phosphat-Stoffwechsels oder auch eine Störung der alkalischen Phosphatase differenzialdiagnostisch ausschließen.Sind chronische Erkrankungen mit einer enteralen Resorptionsstörung oder mit einer Beeinträchtigung der Vitamin-D-Synthese/ des Vitamin-D-Metabolismus vergesellschaftet, so müssen regelmäßige Kontrollen des Kalzium-/Phosphatstoffwechsel in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden.Die Therapie der diagnostizierten Rachitis bzw. Osteomalazie erfolgt dann in Abhängigkeit von der Primärerkrankung.
Evaluation of a Novel Degradable Synthetic Biomaterial Patch for Augmentation of Tendon Healing in a Large Animal Model
Authors: Gersoff Wayne , Bozynski Chantelle , Cook Cristi , Pfeiffer Ferris , Kuroki Keiichi , Cook James 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTendon injury is common in sports. The standard of care (SOC) for tendon repair is surgical treatment. However, restored tendons often lack complete strength and functionality, and surgical repair is often unsuccessful. This controlled laboratory study investigates the healing of an Artelon patch (AP)-augmented tendon versus tendon repair alone in a preclinical canine patellar tendon defect model. Full-thickness proximal and distal flap defects were created in the patella tendons of eight purpose-bred research mongrel dogs. Dogs were randomly allocated into either the AP-augmented repair group or the SOC group (N = 8; four knees per group). Outcomes measures included limb function and pain; range of motion (ROM) and ultrasound assessment at 2, 4, and 8 weeks; and measurements of elongation, biomechanical testing, and histology at 8 weeks. Data were compared for statistically significant differences to preoperative measures and between groups (p < 0.05). The AP group had higher limb function scores compared with the SOC group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, with statistically significant differences observed at 2 weeks (AP: 7.1 ± 1.4, SOC: 5.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (AP: 9.5 ± 0.7, SOC: 7.0 ± 0.9, p < 0.05). The ROM was significantly higher for the AP group at 4 weeks (AP: 105 degrees ± 4, SOC: 89 degrees ± 5, p < 0.05). Pain scores were statistically significantly lower in the AP group at 4 (AP: 0.6 ± 0.5, SOC: 2.2 ± 0.5) and 8 weeks (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). All animals in the AP group displayed full bridging tissue at week 4, while most animals of the SOC group displayed full bridging by week 8. Minimal tendon elongation was observed in both groups. Significantly more force was required to elongate tendons in the AP group compared with the SOC group (p < 0.05). Animals with AP-augmented tendon repair show an earlier regain of function, earlier regain of range of movement, less postoperative pain, and improved tendon strength when compared with animals treated with tendon repair alone.
Computer Navigation Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty: Use and Outcomes Compared with Conventional Technique
Authors: Behery Omar , Kester Benjamin , Kouk Shalen , Vigdorchik Jonathan , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: April 2018

AbstractComputer-assisted surgery (CAS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) was developed to improve the accuracy of component positioning. There is insufficient evidence on CAS THA in terms of early postoperative outcomes and complications. The aim of this study is to determine the time-related trends in computer navigation use and to compare outcomes to conventional technique. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database containing primary THAs from 2008 to 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, operative time, postoperative transfusions, hospital length of stay (LOS), wound complications, early reoperation, and readmissions were compared between CAS THA and traditional THA using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. The percent use of navigation in THA within the NSQIP database shows an increasing trend. There were more smokers and patients with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists ratings (p < 0.011) in the traditional THA group. According to multivariable regression, CAS THA was associated with lower postoperative transfusion rate and shorter LOS, but longer operative time (p < 0.001 for all) than traditional THA. Similarly, superficial infections were also lower in that group after controlling confounders (p = 0.028). There were no differences in overall infections, wound dehiscence, return to the operating room, or readmissions. CAS THA appears to be increasingly used over time within this database and is associated with lower transfusion rates, superficial infections, and shorter LOS. However, it may not afford any major advantages in operative time, overall infection rate, early return to the operating room, or early readmissions. These findings should be interpreted in light of potential long-term benefits that may be associated with CAS THA.
Comparison of Mortality and 30-Day Complication Rates for Patients Undergoing Fixation versus Revision Arthroplasty after Periprosthetic Fractures of the Hip and Knee
Authors: Kouk Shalen , Kester Benjamin , Behery Omar , Vigdorchik Jonathan , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPeriprosthetic fractures of the hip and knee are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality and may require operative fixation or revision arthroplasty to restore ambulation and functional status. There is scarce literature comparing patient profiles and operative complications between periprosthetic fractures of the hip/knee and the predisposing risk factors. The main study goal is to compare the postoperative complication rates and mortality between operative osteosynthesis fixation and revision arthroplasty while also evaluating the patient characteristics, intraoperative factors, and 30-day postoperative complications of periprosthetic total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) fractures, as well as patient-related risk factors for serious adverse events. Patients who underwent surgery for periprosthetic fractures around a THA/TKA prosthesis were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2008 and 2015. Preoperative patient demographics and comorbidities, as well as operative factors and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between periprosthetic factures of the hip and those of the knee. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient risk factors for adverse events. Of 1,171 identified patients, patients with THA and TKA periprosthetic fractures had similar characteristics and were more likely female, with age over 70 years and a body mass index of > 25. Both groups had similar 30-day complication rates, with 9.8% of hip patients and 11.2% of knee patients having a postoperative complication. Mortality rate for THA periprosthetic fracture status postrevision or fixation was 3.6% and 3.3% for those with TKA periprosthetic fractures. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality or postoperative complication rates in periprosthetic fractures treated with operative osteosynthesis fixation versus revision arthroplasty for THA and TKA. Patients with periprosthetic hip and knee arthroplasty fractures can be effectively managed with either operative osteosynthesis fixation or revision arthroplasty when properly indicated, with no significant difference in mortality, complication, or reoperation rates.
A Fast Track to Hypoalgesia – The Anaerobic Exercise Effect on Pain Sensitivity
Authors: Samuelly-Leichtag Gil , Kodesh Einat , Meckel Yoav , Weissman-Fogel Irit 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMaximal anaerobic exercise, is a short high intensity effort, involves activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, and may suggest hypoalgesic effects. In addition, this exercise-induced muscle pain may contribute to hypoalgesia via the pain inhibits pain phenomenon, which is related to the diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) mechanism. We aimed to investigate whether: 1) a single bout of 30 s maximal anaerobic exercise has an analgesic effect on experimental pain sensitivity; 2) DNIC is the underlying mechanism of anaerobic exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Fifty healthy subjects participated. The experimental group performed the ‘Wingate Anaerobic Test’ (WAT) and controls set on the bikes without exercising. Psychophysical tests, performed before and after the intervention, in local and remote areas, included: heat (HPT) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT); suprathreshold heat and cold pain stimulation; the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm testing the DNIC mechanism. Following WAT, PPT and HPT increased (p<0.001) , pain ratings in response to heat and cold stimuli (p<0.001) and CPM (p=0.029) decreased compared with controls. No correlation was found between muscle pain, blood lactate level and EIH. To conclude WAT induces local and remote analgesic effects. The involvement of central pain modulatory processes with DNIC probably not the underline mechanism of EIH.
Mass-correlated rotational Raman spectra with high resolution, broad bandwidth, and absolute frequency accuracy
Authors: Schröter Christian , Lee Jong Chan , Schultz Thomas 
Published: April 2018

Significance
Mass-correlated rotational alignment spectroscopy (mass-CRASY) is a laser spectroscopic method for the simultaneous characterization of molecular composition and rotational structure in a heterogeneous (impure) sample. The present work extends CRASY by referencing the spectroscopic data via a stable laser oscillator frequency to an external clock. Data for carbon disulfide provide mass-selected rotational spectra for multiple isotopologues with significantly improved spectroscopic accuracy compared to preceding measurements.
Application of pulsed electric current in immiscible liquid and droplet processing
Authors: Sultana Shalahin 
Published: April 2018

Electromagnetic, chemical and thermo-mechanical processing can be applied to the fabrication of polymeric materials which react to external fields such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields to optimise properties. In this article, the application of the pulsed electromagnetic field in an immiscible liquid phase is reviewed. The droplet behaviour of polymer emulsion's liquid phases is enriched with significant complex phenomena. In emulsion, droplet break-up, size evolution, coalescence, coarsening, flocculation and interfacial interaction among droplets are assessed as a function of processing. This review was submitted as part of the 2018 Materials Literature Review Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining run by the Editorial Board of MST. Sponsorship of the prize by TWI Ltd is gratefully acknowledged.