bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Role of Tenascin-C for Cancer Outcome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ming Xinliang , Qiu Shili , Liu Xuefang , Li Shuo , Wang Yingchao , Zhu Man , Li Nandi , Luo Ping , Liang Chunzi , Tu Jiancheng 
Published: January 2019

Background: The prognostic value of tenascin-C in different types of cancers remains controversial. To clarify its prognostic value on overall survival rates, we have conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the prognostic roles of tenascin-C for patients with cancer. Methods: We systematically searched all published studies about the role of tenascin-C in cancers on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The pooled hazard ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to analyze the association between tenascin-C expression level and overall survival of patients with cancer. The pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to investigate the association between tenascin-C expression level and clinicopathologic features of patients with cancer. Trial sequential analysis was performed to obtain the required information size. Results: In this meta-analysis, 18 studies including 2732 patients were incorporated. The pooled hazard ratio of 18 trials was 1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.32, P < .001) for overall survival, suggesting that elevated tenascin-C expression strongly predicted poor prognosis among patients with various cancers. Simultaneously, elevated tenascin-C expression was also significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (odds ratio = 2.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.79-3.26, P < .001). However, no significant correlation was observed between the tenascin-C expression and distant metastasis (odds ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-3.44, P = .127). Conclusions: Tenascin-C is considered as a promising unfavorable prognostic factor in human cancers. Likewise, tenascin-C can be used as a monitoring indicator for poor prognosis in a wide range of cancers.
Mesenchymal stem cells–microvesicle-miR-451a ameliorate early diabetic kidney injury by negative regulation of P15 and P19
Authors: Zhong Ling , Liao Guangneng , Wang Xiaojiao , Li Lan , Zhang Jie , Chen Younan , Liu Jingping , Liu Shuyun , Wei Lingling , Zhang Wengeng , Lu Yanrong 
Published: January 2019

Microvesicles (MVs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported as a new communicated way between cells. This study evaluated the influence and underlying mechanism of MVs-shuttled miR-451a on renal fibrosis and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) with hyperuricemia. MVs were isolated from MSCs-cultured medium by gradient ultracentrifugation. The level of miR-451a in MSCs and MVs was analyzed by qPCR. The changes of miR-451a, E-cadherin, α-SMA, P15INK4b (P15), and P19INK4d (P19) were measured in hyperglycosis and hyperuricemia-induced cell (HK-2) and mouse models. The changes of cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. The ability of proliferation and viability was measured by BrdU and CCK8, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the target binding sites. The renal function and histological changes of mice were analyzed. MVs showed the same surface markers as MSCs but much higher miR-451a expression (4.87 ± 2.03 fold higher than MSCs). miR-451a was decreased to 26% ± 11% and 6.7% ± 0.82% in injured HK-2 cells and kidney, respectively. MV-miR-451a enhanced the HK2 cells proliferation and viability in vitro, and decreased the morphologic and functional injury of kidney in vivo. Moreover, infusion of MV-miR-451a reduced the level of α-SMA and raised E-cadherin expression. These effects were responsible for the improved arrested cell cycle and down-regulation of P15 and P19 via miR-451a targeting their 3′-UTR sites. This study demonstrated that MSC–MV-miR-451a could inhibit cell cycle inhibitors P15 and P19 to restart the blocked cell cycle and reverse EMT in vivo and in vitro, and thus miR-451a is potentially a new target for DN therapy. Impact statement The mechanism of MSCs repairing the injured kidney in diabetic nephropathy is not yet clear. In the research, MVs showed the same surface markers as MSCs but much higher MiR-451a expression. miR-451a was decreased in both injured HK-2 cells and kidneys. MV-miR-451a stimulated the cell proliferation and viability in vitro and promoted structural and functional improvements of injured kidney in vivo. Infusion of MV-miR-451a ameliorated EMT by reducing α-SMA and increasing E-cadherin. These effects relied on the improved cell cycle arrest and the down-regulation of P15 and P19 via miR-451a binding to their 3′-UTR region. This study demonstrated that MSC–MV-miR-451a could specifically inhibit cell cycle inhibitors to restart the blocked cell cycle and reverse EMT in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, miR-451a may be a new target for DN therapy.
The great escape: How metastases of melanoma, and other carcinomas, avoid elimination
Authors: Wells Alan , Clark Amanda , Bradshaw Andrew , Ma Bo , Edington Howard 
Published: January 2019

Cancer mortality ensues from metastatic growths. Cancers use two strategies to allow for this unrelenting expansion. The first way is that early metastases are often cryptic or dormant, being invisible to both innate suppressive actions and undetected clinically. Second, both the micrometastases and later clinically lethal growths are resistant to therapies, whether standard chemotherapies, targeted biologics, or even immunotherapies. These two modes of resistance necessitate new approaches to treatments if we are to eliminate mortality from solid tumors. However, to develop such therapeutic strategies, we first need to better understand the cellular behaviors and molecular events that enable the resistances. Herein, we present a comprehensive model of changing methods of avoidance and resistance that occur during tumor progression, and doubly confound treatment by mixing survival strategies throughout the continuum creating moving targets. Melanoma is presented as the model cancer, as it is being targeted by all three types of agents for disseminated disease, with breast and prostate cancer as two other key carcinomas. Impact statement Cancers kill mainly because metastatic disease is resistant to systemic therapies. It was hoped that newer targeted and immunomodulatory interventions could overcome these issues. However, recent findings point to a generalized resistance to elimination imparted by both cancer-intrinsic and -extrinsic changes to provide survival advantages to the disseminated tumor cells. Here, we present a novel conceptual framework for the microenvironmental inputs and changes that contribute to this generalized therapeutic resistance. In addition we address the issues of experimental systems in terms of studying this phenomenon with their advantages and limitations. This is meant to spur studies into this critical aspect of tumor progression that directly leads to cancer mortality.
Experimental procedures for decontamination and microbiological testing in cardiovascular tissue banks
Authors: Suss Paula Hansen , Ribeiro Victoria Stadler Tasca , Cieslinski Juliette , Kraft Letícia , Tuon Felipe Francisco 
Published: January 2019

Several methods for sampling, culturing, and decontaminating donor grafts are available for cardiovascular tissue banks. Most of these protocols are not standardized, leaving tissue banks to adapt their microbiological procedures to their tissue processing routines. Effective microbiological testing and decontamination procedures are essential to ensure tissue quality and safety for human application. This review presents the different procedures currently available for microbiological testing in cardiovascular tissue banks. Impact statement Sterility testing is a critical issue in the recovery, processing, and release of tissue allografts. Contaminated allografts are often discarded, increasing costs, and reducing tissue stocks. Given these concerns, it is important to determine the most effective methodology for sterility testing. This work provides an overview of microbiological methods for sampling and culturing donor grafts for cardiovascular tissue banking.
Dose–response association of 24-hour urine sodium and sodium to potassium ratio with nighttime blood pressure at older ages
Authors: Kyung Kim Mi , Kwon Minji , Rhee Moo-Yong , Kim Kwang-Il , Nah Deuk-Young , Kim Sun-Woong , Gu Namyi , Sung Ki-Chul , Hong Kyung-Soon , Cho Eun-Joo , Jo Sang-Ho 
Published: January 2019

AimsWe investigated the dose–response association of 24-hour urine sodium and potassium with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure.DesignCross-sectional community-based study.MethodsAmong the 1128 participants in the community-based cross-sectional survey, 740 participants (aged 20–70 years) with complete 24-hour urine collection and valid 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were included in the study. Participants were grouped into younger (<55 years, n = 523) and older (≥55 years, n = 217).ResultsIn the older population, nighttime blood pressure linearly increased with 24-hour urine sodium and the sodium to potassium ratio. For 24-hour urine sodium, adjusted β was 0.171 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.036–0.305) for nighttime systolic blood pressure and 0.144 (95% CI 0.012–0.276) for nighttime diastolic blood pressure. For the 24-hour urine sodium to potassium ratio, adjusted β was 0.142 (95% CI 0.013–0.270) for nighttime systolic blood pressure and 0.144 (95% CI 0.018–0.270) for nighttime diastolic blood pressure. The 24-hour blood pressure linearly increased with the 24-hour urine sodium to potassium ratio and adjusted β was 0.133 (95% CI 0.003–0.262) for 24-hour systolic blood pressure and 0.123 (95% CI 0.003–0.244) for 24-hour diastolic blood pressure. Daytime blood pressure and 24-hour systolic blood pressure showed a significant but non-linear association with 24-hour urine sodium among the older population. In the younger population, 24-hour urine sodium, potassium and the sodium to potassium ratio were not associated with ambulatory blood pressure.ConclusionIn the older population, 24-hour urine sodium and the sodium to potassium ratio showed a linear and positive association with nighttime blood pressure, and 24-hour urine sodium was associated with 24-hour systolic blood pressure and daytime blood pressure in a non-linear fashion.
Different exercise modalities exert opposite acute effects on short-term blood pressure variability in male patients with hypertension
Authors: Caminiti Giuseppe , Mancuso Annalisa , Raposo Ana Filipa , Fossati Chiara , Selli Serena , Volterrani Maurizio 
Published: January 2019

Background The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects produced by a single bout of three different exercise modalities on short-term blood pressure variability. Methods The study enrolled 21 sedentary male patients with hypertension and a mean age of 63 ± 7.2 years. Blood pressure variability was evaluated through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring that was performed twice: during an ordinary daily activity and after an exercise session lasting 60 minutes. Patients were divided into three groups according to the different exercise modality performed during the session: aerobic continuous training, interval training or combined training including aerobic and resistance training. Results Twenty-four-hour systolic blood pressure variability increased in the interval training group, was unchanged in the aerobic continuous training group and decreased in the combined training group (intergroup P = 0.03). Daytime systolic blood pressure variability increased in the interval training and aerobic continuous training groups while it decreased in the combined training group (intergroup P = 0.0006). Twenty-four-hour diastolic blood pressure variability decreased in the aerobic continuous training and combined training groups while it increased in the interval training group (intergroup P = 0.002). Conclusion Different training modalities have similar hypotensive action but exert different acute effects on blood pressure variability. Combined training seems to be the most suitable training modality for sedentary men with hypertension.
On the collapsibility of measures of effect in the counterfactual causal framework
Authors: Huitfeldt Anders , Stensrud Mats J. , Suzuki Etsuji 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe relationship between collapsibility and confounding has been subject to an extensive and ongoing discussion in the methodological literature. We discuss two subtly different definitions of collapsibility, and show that by considering causal effect measures based on counterfactual variables (rather than measures of association based on observed variables) it is possible to separate out the component of non-collapsibility which is due to the mathematical properties of the effect measure, from the components that are due to structural bias such as confounding. We provide new weights such that the causal risk ratio is collapsible over arbitrary baseline covariates. In the absence of confounding, these weights may be used for standardization of the risk ratio.
Some studies on 100% banana parallel laid and 60:40% banana: polypropylene cross laid non-woven fabrics
Authors: Shivankar Vijay Sitaram , Mukhopadhyay Samrat 
Published: January 2019

AbstractGlobal trend towards sustainable developments have brought natural, renewable biodegradable raw material into the focus, but due to lack of technical knowhow, only a small fraction of these non-conventional fibres are harvested and utilized. In this study we have developed parallel laid 100% banana nonwoven fabric and cross laid banana/polypropylene (60:40) nonwoven fabric. Three varieties of banana fibers namely Mahalaxmi, Shrimanti and Graint Naine were used for needle punched non-woven fabric preparations. Analysis of physical properties is carried out in machine direction and cross direction. This paper concludes that cross laid nonwoven fabric show superior tensile properties as compared to parallel laid nonwoven fabric. Shrimanti fibre nonwoven fabric is stronger than Graint Naine and Mahalaxmi fibre nonwoven fabric for both the parallel laid and cross laid structure. Parallel laid Mahalaxmi banana nonwoven fabric and cross laid Graint Naine banana nonwoven fabric gives higher elongation% for machine and cross direction. Increased air permeability of cross laid (60:40) banana/polypropylene non-woven fabric observed than parallel laid 100% banana non-woven fabric. Parallel laid Graint Naine non-woven fabric showed higher air permeability than Shrimanti and Mahalaxmi parallel laid non-woven fabric. Bursting strength of parallel laid nonwoven fabric is higher, both in the machine as well as in cross direction than cross laid nonwoven fabric for three varieties of banana fibres. Shrimanti banana non-woven fabric showed higher bursting strength for parallel laid and cross laid structure than Graint Naine and Mahalaxmi parallel laid and cross laid structure.
Induction Chemotherapy Response as a Guide for Treatment Optimization in Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma
Authors: Amit Moran , Abdelmeguid Ahmed S. , Watcherporn Teemaranawich , Takahashi Hideaki , Tam Samantha , Bell Diana , Ferrarotto Renata , Glisson Bonnie , Kupferman Michael E. , Roberts Dianna B. , Su Shirley Y. , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y. 
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE Multimodal therapy is a well-established approach for the treatment of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC); however, the optimal sequence of the various treatments modalities is yet to be determined. This study aimed to assess the role of induction chemotherapy (IC) in guiding definitive therapy in patients with SNUC. METHODS Ninety-five previously untreated patients diagnosed with SNUC and treated between 2001 and 2018 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center were included in the analysis. Patients were treated with curative intent and received IC before definitive locoregional therapy. The primary end point was disease-specific survival (DSS). Secondary end points included overall and disease-free survival, disease recurrence, and organ preservation. RESULTS A total of 95 treatment-naïve patients were included in the analysis. For the entire cohort, the 5-years DSS probability was 59% (95% CI, 53% to 66%). In patients who had partial or complete response to IC, the 5-year DSS probabilities were 81% (95% CI, 69% to 88%) after treatment with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after IC and 54% (95% CI, 44% to 61%) after definitive surgery and postoperative radiotherapy or CRT after IC (log-rank P = .001). In patients who did not experience at least a partial response to IC, the 5-year DSS probabilities were 0% (95% CI, 0% to 4%) in patients who were treated with concurrent CRT after IC and 39% (95% CI, 30% to 46%) in patients who were treated with surgery plus radiotherapy or CRT (adjusted hazard ratio of 5.68 [95% CI, 2.89 to 9.36]). CONCLUSION In patients who achieve a favorable response to IC, definitive CRT results in improved survival compared with those who undergo definitive surgery. In patients who do not achieve a favorable response to IC, surgery when feasible seems to provide a better chance of disease control and improved survival.
Improving Timeliness of Oncology Assessment and Cancer Treatment Through Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic
Authors: Stone Christopher J.L. , Robinson Andrew , Brown Erin , Mates Mihaela , Falkson Conrad B. , Owen Timothy , Ashworth Allison , Parker Christopher M. , Mahmud Aamer , Tomiak Anna , Thain Sou Kishore , Gregg Richard , Reid Kenneth R. , Chung Wiley , Digby Geneviève C. 
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE: Timely lung cancer care has been associated with improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. We identified improvement opportunities in lung cancer management pathways at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Quality improvement strategies led to the implementation of a multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic (MDC). METHODS: We set an outcome measure of decreasing the time from diagnosis to first cancer treatment by 10 days within 6 months of clinic implementation. We implemented a weekly MDC that involved respirologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists at which patients with new lung cancer diagnoses were offered concurrent oncology consultation. We used Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to guide our improvement initiatives. A total of five Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles spanned 14 months and consisted of an MDC pilot clinic, large-scale MDC launching, debriefing meetings, and clinic expansion. Pre-MDC data were analyzed retrospectively to establish baseline and prospectively for improvement. Statistical Process Control XmR(i) charts were used to report data. RESULTS: Since MDC initiation, 128 patients have been seen in 34 MDC clinics (3.8 patients per clinic). Mean days from diagnosis to first oncology assessment decreased from 12.4 days to 3.9 days, and mean days from diagnosis to first cancer treatment decreased from 39.5 to 15.0 days, both of which demonstrated special cause variation. Time to assessment and treatment improved for patients with every stage of lung cancer and for both small-cell and non–small-cell subtypes. CONCLUSION: MDC shortens the time from lung cancer diagnosis to oncology assessment and treatment. Time to treatment improved more than time to oncology assessment, which suggests the improvement is related to benefits beyond faster oncology assessment.
Advanced Practice Providers and Survivorship Care: They Can Deliver
Authors: Thom Bridgette , Boekhout Annelies H. , Corcoran Stacie , Adsuar Roberto , Oeffinger Kevin C. , McCabe Mary S. 
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCTION: As the number of cancer survivors grows, new models of survivorship care are being implemented, but there is limited evaluation to date. This retrospective review assesses the concordance of care provided to adult-onset cancer survivors by advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) with Institute of Medicine guidelines for survivorship care. METHODS: Records from three survivorship clinics at a single institution were reviewed for frequency of recurrence surveillance, screening for second cancers, symptom management (physical, psychological), health promotion education (alcohol, tobacco, cholesterol, and bone density screenings; diet/exercise discussion), care coordination, and provision of care plan. Data were characterized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 9,052 unique survivorship visits occurred; 210 breast, 208 prostate, and 204 colorectal visits were randomly selected for review. All patients with breast cancer underwent surveillance for recurrence; 99% were screened for new cancers. Discussion of health promotion activities ranged from 83% to 100%; 91% of patients were reviewed for physical symptoms, and 93% were reviewed for psychological symptoms. All patients with prostate cancer underwent recurrence surveillance; 97% were screened for new primaries. Health promotion activities ranged from 70% to 97%, and symptoms were discussed in 89% of visits. All patients with colorectal cancer underwent a surveillance colonoscopy for recurrence; 97% had a carcinoembryonic antigen test. Among women, 97% had mammograms, and 96% had a Papanicolaou test; 83% of men had a prostate-specific antigen test. Health promotion activities ranged from 69% to 100%, and symptoms were discussed in 93% to 97% of visits. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that advanced practice providers can provide survivorship care in accordance with Institute of Medicine standards, which provide a normative standard. This assessment is an important step in evaluating survivorship outcomes.
Continuous Quality Improvement Measured With Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in an Outpatient Cancer Surgery Center
Authors: French Katy E. , Recinos Iris , Guzman Alexis B. , Aloia Thomas A. , Hernandez Mike , Kee Spencer S. , Kowalski Alicia M. , Goravanchi Farzin , Cerny Jeffrey , Cleckler-Hughes Karen V. , Rebello Elizabeth 
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE: As health care costs rise, continuous quality improvement and increased efficiency are crucial to reduce costs while providing high-quality care. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) can help identify inefficiencies in processes of cancer care delivery. This study measured the process performance of Port-a-Cath placement in an outpatient cancer surgery center by using TDABC to evaluate patient care process. METHODS: Data were collected from the Anesthesia Information Management System database and OneConnect electronic health record (EHR) for Port-a-Cath cases performed throughout four phases: preintervention (phase I), postintervention, stabilization, and pre–new EHR (phases II and III), and post–new EHR (phase IV). TDABC methods were used to map and calculate process times and costs. RESULTS: Comparing all phases, as measured with TDABC methodology, a decrease in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS) was identified (83 minutes v 67 minutes; P < .05). The decrease in PACU LOS correlated with increased efficiency and decreasing process costs and PACU nurse resource use by fast tracking patients for Port-a-Cath placement. Port-a-Cath placement success and the functionality of ports remained the same as patient experience improved. CONCLUSION: TDABC can be used to evaluate processes of care delivery to patients with cancer and to quantify changes made to those processes. Patients’ PACU LOS decreased on the basis of the 2013 Port-a-Cath process improvement initiative and after implementation of a new EHR, over the course of 3 years, as quantified by TDABC. TDABC use can lead to improved efficiencies in patient care delivery that are quantifiable and measurable.