bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA GAS6‐AS2 promotes bladder cancer proliferation and metastasis via GAS6‐AS2/miR‐298/CDK9 axis
Authors: Rui Xin , Wang Li , Pan Huafeng , Gu Tingting , Shao Siliang , Leng Jiangyong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in carcinogenesis and development of numerous cancers, but their biological functions in bladder cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, a novel lncRNA termed GAS6‐AS2 were primary identified, and its roles as well as mechanisms in regulating proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells were investigated. Clinically, GAS6‐AS2 was significantly up‐regulated in bladder cancer tissues and positively correlated with tumour stages and poor prognosis. Moreover, expression of GAS6‐AS2 was also increased in bladder cancer cells compared with normal bladder cells. Further investigating the roles of GAS6‐AS2, we found GAS6‐AS2 regulated proliferation and proliferative activity of bladder cancer cells via inducing G1 phase arrest. What's more, we found that GAS6‐AS2 contributed to metastatic abilities of cells. In mechanism, GAS6‐AS2 could function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via direct sponging miR‐298, which further regulating the expression of CDK9. Finally, we also proved that GAS6‐AS2 knockdown suppressed tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, our study proved that GAS6‐AS2 could function as a ceRNA and promote the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells, which provided a novel prognostic marker for bladder cancer patients in clinic.
Phorbol esters induce PLVAP expression via VEGF and additional secreted molecules in MEK1‐dependent and p38, JNK and PI3K/Akt‐independent manner
Authors: Hamilton B. JoNell , Tse Dan , Stan Radu V. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEndothelial diaphragms are subcellular structures critical for mammalian survival with poorly understood biogenesis. Plasmalemma vesicle associated protein (PLVAP) is the only known diaphragm component and is necessary for diaphragm formation. Very little is known about PLVAP regulation. Phorbol esters (PMA) are known to induce de novo PLVAP expression and diaphragm formation. We show that this induction relies on the de novo production of soluble factors that will act in an autocrine manner to induce PLVAP transcription and protein expression. We identified vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) signalling through VEGFR2 as a necessary but not sufficient downstream event as VEGF‐A inhibition with antibodies and siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of VEGFR2 only partially inhibit PLVAP upregulation. In terms of downstream pathways, inhibition of MEK1/Erk1/2 MAP kinase blocked PLVAP upregulation, whereas inhibition of p38 and JNK MAP kinases or PI3K and Akt had no effect on PMA‐induced PLVAP expression. In conclusion, we show that VEGF‐A along with other secreted proteins act synergistically to up‐regulate PLVAP in MEK1/Erk1/2 dependent manner, bringing us one step further into understanding the genesis of the essential structures that are endothelial diaphragms.
Mycobiota and chromatographic analyses of aflatoxin contamination ofAspergillusspecies isolated from poultry feed
Authors: Saleem Abdel‐Rahman , Al‐Johani Masad 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFifty poultry feed samples were collected from five regions (Hail, Jeddah, Makkah, Qassim and Al‐Madinah) in Saudi Arabia, 10 samples from each region. Thirty‐two fungal species belong to 16 genera were isolated on both Dextrose Czapeks and Pototo dextrose agar media at 28 °C using two isolation methods (dilution‐plate and baiting methods). The most common species wereAspergillus flavus,Aspergillusniger,Aspergillus tamarii,Aspergillus terreus,Aspergillusversicolor,Emericella nidulans,Fusarium oxysporum,Mucor racemosus,Neurospora crassa,Paecilomyces variotii,Penicillium chrysogenum, andRhizopus stolonifer. Qualitative determination of aflatoxins in 24 isolates ofA. flavusandAspergillus parasitcuswere screened using ammonium hydroxide test. Fourteen isolates (58.3% of total isolates) exhibited positive reaction when exposed to ammonium hydroxide vapor. However, 10 isolates (41.7%) showed negative response for their abilities to produce aflatoxins. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of cultural extracts exhibited variable levels of aflatoxins. The concentration of aflatoxin B was 18.0–204.8 ng/ml. However, aflatoxin G was 21.7–249.3 ng/ml. Culture extracts ofA. flavusandA. parasiticuswere also analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) for aflatoxins detection. Fifteen isolates (62.5%) exhibited distinct spots for aflatoxins on the TLC plate. Aflatoxin B was predominant. TheRfvalues of B1, B2, G1, and G2were 0.78, 0.62, 0.46, and 0.38, respectively.Practical applicationsStudy of fungal content of poultry feed would contribute to know the aflatoxins producing fungi and avoid the hazard effect of these fungi by storing of feed in unsuitable conditions for germination and metabolites of these fungi. The ability of Aspergillus fungi to produce aflatoxins and concentration of aflatoxins in the culture extracts of these fungi give evidence for how much doses of aflatoxins expose to poultry industry and its negative impact on poultry production and human health.
Effect of Denture Cleansers on Cobalt‐Chromium Alloy Surface: A Simulated Period of 5 Years’ Use
Authors: Curylofo Patrícia Almeida , Raile Priscilla Neves , Vasconcellos Glenda Lara Lopes , Macedo Ana Paula , Pagnano Valéria Oliveira 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo compare the effect of solutions of effervescent tablets (ET), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and experimental solutions of Ricinus communis on the surface of cobalt‐chromium (Co‐Cr) alloys.Materials and MethodsFifty‐five specimens of Co‐Cr were prepared by the lost‐wax casting method using circular patterns (∅12 × 3 mm). The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups: deionized water (control); 2% R. communis; 10% R. communis; ET, and CPC. The surface roughness of specimens (n = 10) was evaluated before immersion (baseline), and at simulated times of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, by laser confocal microscope (Sa, μm) and profilometer (Ra, μm). The surface topography and chemical composition (n = 1) was qualitatively analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS). Data were subjected to Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn tests, and Friedman followed by Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).ResultsFor Sa, there was no difference for the solution factor. For the time factor a significant difference was found with 2% R. communis solution among baseline and ½, 2, 3, and 5 years (p < 0.001) and with 10% R. communis solution between 1 and 2 years (p = 0.007), with decreasing roughness over time. For Ra, cetylpyridinium chloride exhibited less roughness than 10% R. communis solution in ½ (p = 0.048) and 5 years (p = 0.013). In the SEM and EDS analysis the solutions did not present deleterious effects or changes in the chemical composition on the surfaces.ConclusionsAlthough a significant difference was found for the roughness, the results, below 0.2 μm, are clinically acceptable. Thus, all solutions can be used safely in removable partial denture cleaning for a period of 5 years.
Repeatability and effect of blinding of fructose breath tests in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Wilder‐Smith Clive H. , Olesen Søren S. , Materna Andrea , Drewes Asbjørn M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundBreath tests are used as measures of sugar intolerance or malabsorption in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), although the repeatability or anticipatory bias have not been adequately studied. We examined the repeatability and anticipatory bias during fructose breath testing using a nocebo‐controlled, randomized, cross‐over, and double‐blind study design.MethodsGastrointestinal symptoms and breath concentrations of hydrogen and methane were documented during breath tests with fructose (given open twice and blinded once), water (blind neutral nocebo) and a cyclamate/saccharine sweetener (blind sweet nocebo) on 5 days in patients with FGID. Repeatability of fructose breath tests (16 patients) and differences between open and blinded substrate groups (31 patients) was assessed using thresholds for intolerance and malabsorption, and areas‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) of symptoms and breath gas concentrations.Key ResultsFructose breath tests showed moderate repeatability for intolerance status (absolute agreement 87%, kappa 0.72), but limited repeatability for malabsorber status (absolute agreement 53%, kappa 0.05). Repeatability of AUCs of GI symptoms, hydrogen and methane breath concentrations was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.70, 0.57, and 0.57, respectively). There were no significant differences between open and blinded fructose breath tests in intolerance or malabsorber status, or in AUCs of GI symptoms, hydrogen and methane concentrations.Conclusions & InferencesFructose breath tests showed moderate repeatability for intolerance status and for AUCs of symptoms and gas concentrations, lying within the range of accepted gastrointestinal sensory and transit tests. Repeatability for malabsorption status was inadequate and requires revisiting. The fructose breath test can be used unblinded in FGID.
Utility of thrombophilia screening in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Bock Margret E. , Bobrowski Amy E. , Bhat Rukhmi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThrombosis after kidney transplantation may result in catastrophic outcomes, including graft loss. Thrombophilia has been implicated in post‐transplant thrombosis; data, however, are inconclusive on the impact of acquired and inherited thrombophilia and resultant thrombosis in renal graft recipients. We aimed to evaluate whether identifying children with thrombophilia during the pretransplant evaluation predicted post‐transplant outcomes. We reviewed 100 kidney transplants performed in 100 children, aged 1‐18 years, in a single‐center retrospective study. Routine pretransplant comprehensive thrombophilia evaluation was completed. Thrombophilia was demonstrated in 36% patients (N = 36). TEs occurred in 11 patients before kidney transplant. Low PS and antithrombin were found in 9/86 (10.5%) and 2/89 (2.2%) children, respectively. Heterozygosity for FLV and PGM were found in 5/81 (6.2%) and 1/93(1.1%) children, respectively. A post‐transplant thrombotic event occurred in 10 children (10%); six involved the renal transplant. The association between a history of a pretransplant thrombotic event and post‐operative renal graft thrombosis approached, but did not reach significance (P = 0.071). There was no association between preoperative screening abnormalities and post‐operative TEs. Graft loss due to a thrombotic event occurred in two patients; none had underlying thrombophilia. Our data suggest that the utility of universal, comprehensive preoperative thrombophilia testing is not beneficial in determining risk of post‐operative graft thrombosis. Thrombophilia testing may be considered in a select population with a history of pretransplant thrombotic event.
A rationale for universal tranexamic acid in major joint arthroplasty: overall efficacy and impact of risk factors for transfusion
Authors: Pavenski Katerina , Ward Sarah E. , Hare Gregory M.T. , Freedman John , Pulendrarajah Robisa , Pirani Razak A. , Sheppard Nicholas , Vance Colm , White Alexander , Lo Nick , Waddell James P. , Ho Alex , Schemitsch Emil H. , Kataoka Mark , Bogoch Earl R. , Saini Kiran , David Mazer C. , Baker James E. 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUNDTranexamic acid (TXA) therapy is effective in reducing postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), yet uncertainty persists regarding comparative efficacy and safety among specific patient subgroups. We assessed the impact of a universal TXA protocol on RBC transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb), and adverse outcomes to determine whether TXA is safe and effective in TJA, both overall and in clinically relevant subgroups.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective observational study was performed on patients undergoing TJA at our institution spanning 1 year before and after the implementation of a universal protocol to administer intravenous (IV) TXA. The primary outcome was percentage of patients transfused, and secondary outcomes were perioperative Hb and occurrence of adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizure, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and acute kidney injury ). Outcomes were compared in pre‐ and post‐protocol groups with χ2 analysis. Logistic regression compared risk of transfusion in pre‐ and post‐protocol subgroups of patients with differing risk for transfusion (anemia, body mass index [BMI], and sex).RESULTSNo differences were found in baseline patient characteristics across pre‐ and post‐protocol groups (n = 1084 and 912, respectively). TXA use increased from 32.3% to 92.2% while transfusion rates decreased from 10.3% to 4.8% (p < 0.001). Postoperative Day 3 Hb increased from 95.8 to 101.4 g/L (p < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated reduced transfusion in post‐protocol subgroups regardless of sex, anemia, or BMI (p < 0.001). No increase in adverse events was observed (p = 0.8451).CONCLUSIONSUniversal TXA was associated with a reduction of RBC transfusion, overall and in clinically relevant subgroups, strengthening the rationale for universal therapy.
Jones lacrimal bypass tubes in children and adults
Authors: Mombaerts Ilse , Witters Elodie 
Published: November 2018

Background/aimsAlthough a Jones tube is considered the mainstay for epiphora in patients with total blockage of the canalicular system, it has been discouraged in children for reasons of inadequate self-care and maintenance. The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term outcome of Jones tube surgery in paediatric versus adult patients.MethodsRetrospective, interventional case series of a single academic institution. The medical records of all children (≤16 years old) and adults (>16 years old) who underwent conjunctivorhinostomy with placement of a 130° angled extended Jones tube were reviewed. The outcome measures were patency and anatomical position of the tube, type and frequency of complications and subjective relief of epiphora.ResultsThe study included 10 children (11 eyes) (range, 5.1–16.0 years old) and 102 adults (127 eyes) (range, 19.7–82.4 years old). The success and complication rate did not differ between the two age groups. Tube dislodgement and obstruction occurred in 4 (36.4%) of the paediatric tubes with an incidence rate of 6.1%/year and in 47 (37.0%) of the adult tubes with an incidence rate of 9.3%/year (p=0.3867). Two adults required routine self-irrigation of the tube. The median follow-up was 6.7 years for the children and 8.7 years for the adults (p=0.3430).ConclusionWith a similar outcome profile and minimal self-care, young age is not a prognostic nor limiting factor for surgery with angled Jones tubes. Exchange with tubes of a longer length is not required during growth.
Relationship between exclusive breast feeding and cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berlanga-Macías Carlos , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Álvarez-Bueno Celia , Martínez-Hortelano Jose Alberto , Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionBreast feeding has been considered important due to its short-term and long-term benefits on infant and maternal health. Regarding the long-term benefits, the influence of exclusive breastfeeding on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) during childhood and adolescence has been studied, although with controversial conclusions. This study protocol aims to provide a clear and standardised procedure for systematically reviewing the relationship between breast feeding, in terms of duration and exclusivity, and CRF in children and adolescents.Methods and analysisThis systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. A literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Observational studies regarding the association between breast feeding and CRF in children and adolescents written in English or Spanish will be included. A Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies and The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for longitudinal studies will be used for quality assessment of included studies. Standardised mean differences of CRF by exclusive breastfeeding categories will be calculated as the primary outcome. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be performed based on the sources of heterogeneity.Ethics and disseminationThis evidence-based systematic review will summarise the relevant information on the association of exclusive breast feeding and CRF in children and adolescents. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Given that the data used for this systematic review will be exclusively extracted from published studies, ethical approval will not be required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018082642.
Use of a novel suction cervical retractor for intrauterine device insertion: a pilot feasibility trial
Authors: Turok David K , Simmons Rebecca G , Cappiello Benjamin , Gawron Lori M , Saviers-Steiger Jane , Sanders Jessica N 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThe Bioceptive suction cervical retractor (SCR) is a novel device that can replace the standard single-tooth tenaculum to place traction on the cervix. A feasibility trial was conducted on the device for intrauterine device (IUD) placement.MethodsOur three-stage feasibility process began with Stage 1, where the device was tested on in-vitro and ex-vivo samples. In Stage 2, 10 women received their IUD using the device. In Stage 3, a feasibility trial, we randomly assigned 25 consenting women to receive their IUD using either the Bioceptive SCR or the standard single-tooth tenaculum. In Stages 2 and 3, we collected pain scores using an electronically adapted 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS) at eight timepoints during and after the insertion procedure, as well as satisfaction and acceptability measures. The primary outcome was the pain score after attaching the SCR or tenaculum (VAS 3). Wilcoxon rank sum tests compared pain scores between devices.ResultsIn Stage 2, pain scores with the SCR were lower than historical controls with the single-tooth tenaculum. In Stage 3, the median VAS 3 pain scores were 31 and 57 for the intervention and control groups, respectively. The differences in pain scores were not statistically significant but the trend was to lower pain scores with the intervention. Reported patient satisfaction with the SCR device was 80% in Stage 2% and 90% in Stage 3.ConclusionsThe Bioceptive SCR has potential as an atraumatic alternative to standard cervical retractor devices for gynaecological procedures. These findings can guide point estimates for future clinical studies.Trial registrationNCT02283463.
Polytobacco use among young adult smokers: prospective association with cigarette consumption
Authors: Petersen Angela , Myers Mark G , Tully Lyric , Brikmanis Kristin , Doran Neal 
Published: November 2018

Background. The risks of polytobacco use among young adults are unclear because we know relatively little about the consistency of multiproduct patterns over time and how these patterns impact cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in multiple tobacco product use over time and associations with cigarette smoking quantity.Methods. Participants (n=335; 55% male) were 18–24 years old non-daily cigarette smokers living in California. Polytobacco use patterns were assessed quarterly for 2 years.Results. Transition analyses showed that while the number of products that had been used recently was volatile, the most common pattern was stability between timepoints. A longitudinal negative binomial regression model indicated that those who used more non-cigarette products also reported greater cigarette quantity. The strength of this relationship increased over time.Conclusions. Findings suggest that individuals who use more tobacco products are at greater risk for increased cigarette smoking and maintaining a multiple product use pattern.
Decreased mortality, laparotomy, and embolization rates for liver injuries during a 13-year period in a major Scandinavian trauma center
Authors: Gaski Iver Anders , Skattum Jorunn , Brooks Adam , Koyama Tomohide , Eken Torsten , Naess Paal Aksel , Gaarder Christine 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlthough non-operative management (NOM) has become the treatment of choice in hemodynamically normal patients with liver injuries, the optimal management of Organ Injury Scale (OIS) grades 4 and 5 injuries is still controversial. Oslo University Hospital Ulleval (OUHU) has since 2008 performed angiography only with signs of bleeding. Simultaneously, damage control resuscitation was implemented. Would these changes result in a decreased laparotomy rate and need for angioembolization (AE), as well as decreased mortality?MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on all adult patients with liver injuries admitted at OUHU between 2002 and 2014. The total study population and patients with OIS grades 4 and 5 liver injuries underwent comparison between the periods before (P1) and after (P2) August 1, 2008.Results583 patients were included (P1: 237, P2: 346), with a median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 29. The total population and the subgroup of OIS 4 and 5 injuries were comparable in age, gender, mechanism of injury, injury severity and physiology. Overall laparotomy rates decreased from P1 to P2 (35%–24%; p<0.01), as did the AE rate (11%–5%; p<0.01). The 30-day crude mortality decreased from 14% to 7% (p<0.05). A logistic regression model predicted an OR of 0.45 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.98) for dying when admitted in P2. In OIS grades 4 and 5 injuries (n=149, median ISS 34), similar reduction in AE rate was seen (30%–12%; p<0.05). The NOM rate for OIS grades 4 and 5 injuries was 70%, with 98% success rate. For the 30% requiring surgery, the mortality remained high (P1 52%; P2 40%), despite more balanced transfusion strategy.DiscussionChanges in resuscitation and treatment protocols were associated with decreased laparotomy, and AE rates as well as overall mortality. NOM is safe in 70% of patients with OIS grades 4 and 5 injuries, in contrast to the critically ill 30% requiring surgery who still have poor outcome.Level of evidenceIV.