bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of microRNA‐27a inhibits synovial angiogenesis and chondrocyte apoptosis in knee osteoarthritis rats through the inhibition of PLK2
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Zha Zhuqing , Wang Haitao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe function of microRNA‐27a (miR‐27a) on synovial angiogenesis and chondrocyte apoptosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by targeting PLK2 is explored in this present study.The rat model of KOA was conducted by anterior cruciate ligament transection. Rats were injected with miR‐27a mimics, mimics NC, pcDNA3.1‐PLK2 pcDNA3.1, or RLK2 RNAi plasmid via tail vein. A series of assays were used to figure out the functions of miR‐27a and PLK2 in synovial angiogenesis and chondrocyte apoptosis in rats with KOA. Furthermore, the putative binding site between miR‐27a and PLK2 was determined. Downregulated miR‐27a was found in synovial tissues and cartilage tissues of KOA rats. Upregulated miR‐27a and downregulated PLK2 inhibited synovial injury and promoted apoptosis of synovial cells, inhibited synovial angiogenesis, inhibited cartilage injury and chondrocyte apoptosis, inhibited cartilage collagen destruction, and alleviates inflammatory injury of synovial tissue and cartilage tissue in KOA rats. Overexpression of PLK2 reverses the effect of upregulation of miR‐27a on synovial angiogenesis and chondrocyte injury in KOA rats. Our study suggests that upregulation of miR‐27a inhibits synovial angiogenesis and chondrocyte apoptosis in KOA rats through the inhibition of PLK2.
CT‐measured skeletal muscle mass used to assess frailty in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Zwart Aniek T. , van der Hoorn Anouk , van Ooijen Peter M.A. , Steenbakkers Roel J.H.M. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Halmos Gyorgy B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle depletion or sarcopenia is related to multiple adverse clinical outcome. However, frailty questionnaires are currently applied in the daily practice to identify patients who are potentially (un)suitable for treatment but are time consuming and straining for patients and the clinician. Screening for sarcopenia in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) could be a promising fast biomarker for frailty. Our objective was to quantify sarcopenia with pre‐treatment low skeletal muscle mass from routinely obtained neck computed tomography scans at level of third cervical vertebra in patients diagnosed with HNC and evaluate its association with frailty.MethodsA total of 112 HNC patients with Stages III and IV disease were included from a prospective databiobank. The amount of skeletal muscle mass was retrospectively defined using the skeletal muscle index (SMI). Correlation analysis between SMI and continuous frailty data and the observer agreement were analysed with Pearson's r correlation coefficients. Sarcopenia was present when SMI felt below previously published non‐gender specific thresholds (<43.2 cm2/m2). Frailty was evaluated by Geriatrics 8 (G8), Groningen Frailty Indicator, Timed Up and Go test, and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for all patients and men separately to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsThe cohort included 82 men (73%) and 30 women (27%), with a total mean age of 63 (±9) years. The observer agreement for cross‐sectional measurements was excellent for both intra‐observer variability (r = 0.99, P < 0.001) and inter‐observer variability (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). SMI correlated best with G8 frailty score (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) and did not differ per gender. Sarcopenia was present in 54 (48%) patients, whereof 25 (46%) men and 29 (54%) women. Prevalence of frailty was between 5% and 54% depending on the used screening tool. The multivariate regression analysis for all patients and men separately isolated the G8 questionnaire as the only independent variable associated with sarcopenia (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.89, P < 0.001 and OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.88, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThis is the first study that demonstrates that sarcopenia is independently associated with frailty based on the G8 questionnaire in HNC patients. These results suggest that in the future, screening for sarcopenia on routinely obtained neck computed tomography scans may replace time consuming frailty questionnaires and help to select the (un)suitable patients for therapy, which is highly clinically relevant.
Sitosterolemia—10 years observation in two sisters
Authors: Veit Lara , Allegri Machado Gabriella , Bürer Céline , Speer Oliver , Häberle Johannes 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFamilial hypercholesterolemia due to heterozygous low‐density lipoprotein‐receptor mutations is a common inborn errors of metabolism. Secondary hypercholesterolemia due to a defect in phytosterol metabolism is far less common and may escape diagnosis during the work‐up of patients with dyslipidemias. Here we report on two sisters with the rare, autosomal recessive condition, sitosterolemia. This disease is caused by mutations in a defective adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette sterol excretion transporter, leading to highly elevated plant sterol concentrations in tissues and to a wide range of symptoms. After a delayed diagnosis, treatment with a diet low in plant lipids plus ezetimibe to block the absorption of sterols corrected most of the clinical and biochemical signs of the disease. We followed the two patients for over 10 years and report their initial presentation and long‐term response to treatment.
Genetic defect of the sodium‐dependent multivitamin transporter: A treatable disease, mimicking biotinidase deficiency
Authors: Schwantje Marit , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique , Jans Judith , van Gassen Koen , Dorrepaal Charlotte , Koop Klaas , Visser Gepke 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe sodium‐dependent multivitamin transporter that facilitates the uptake of the water‐soluble vitamins biotin, pantothenic acid, and the vitamin‐like substance lipoate is coded by the SLC5A6 gene. Variants in this gene cause a relatively novel treatable metabolic disorder. Here we describe the second case. A 17‐month‐old girl presented with hypoglycemia (2.0 mmol/L) and severe metabolic acidosis (pH 6.87), leading to resuscitation. Her history revealed feeding problems from birth and poor weight gain. Metabolic investigation showed elevated plasma C3‐carnitine and C5‐OH‐carnitine. Urine analysis showed persistently elevated excretion of 3‐OH‐isovaleric acid. Biochemically, the combination of elevated C5‐OH‐carnitine and increased excretion of 3‐OH‐isovaleric acid seemed compatible with biotinidase deficiency. Supplementation with biotin was started. Biotinidase activity in plasma showed only marginally decreased activity, which was considered insufficient explanation for her clinical symptoms. Subsequent trio‐based whole exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for variants in the SLC5A6 gene. Upon increasing the dosage of biotin supplementation and introduction of pantothenic acid supplementation, a striking clinical improvement was seen.
Physical layer authentication of off‐body channels by probabilistic neural networks
Authors: Raida Zbynek 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA probabilistic neural network (PNN) for the authentication of an off‐body channel of a wireless body area network is discussed in this paper. The off‐body channel is authenticated by radio‐frequency fingerprints of on‐body channels. Thanks to a relatively high stationarity of on‐body channels, a reasonable probability of radio‐frequency fingerprinting identification is reached. Radio‐frequency fingerprints are used to train a probabilistic neural network playing the role of an authentication key. The authentication process can be efficiently controlled by setting tolerance zones of the network. Functionality of the concept was proven by computer simulations.
Electrocardiographic early repolarization is associated with future ventricular arrhythmia after acute myocardial infarction—Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Yonas Emir , Vania Rachel , Raharjo Sunu Budhi , Siswanto Bambang Budi , Setianto Budhi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundEarly repolarization (ER) has been linked to ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death in patients without structural heart disease. We aimed to assess the latest evidence on whether ER is associated with future VA after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search on the topic that assesses ER and VA/adverse cardiovascular events in AMI. We included studies with sufficient details on ER and VA, we also performed a meta‐analysis on their morphology.ResultsA total of 3350 subjects from 9 studies were included. Five hundred and twenty‐one (15.55%) had ER and 2829 (84.45%) did not. On meta‐analysis, ER (+) in AMI was associated with VA with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 3.58 (2.70‐4.73), P < 0.001; heterogeneity I2 34%. Subgroup analysis of patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) showed an OR of 2.79 [1.98‐3.93], P < 0.001; heterogeneity I2 0%. Inferior location of ER (+) was associated with VA OR 3.98 [1.86‐8.53], P = 0.008; I2 67%. Notching had a 5.41 [3.52‐8.32], P < 0.001; low heterogeneity I2 0% of having VA. Pooled OR for J‐point elevation was 4.72 [2.63‐8.46], P < 0.001; I2 25%. Horizontal ST‐segment was associated with VA with an OR of 4.30 [1.89‐975], P < 0.001; I2 59%. Lateral location and slurred morphology were not associated with VA. Upon sensitivity analysis for inferior location and horizontal ST‐segment, removal of a study reduces heterogeneity significantly.ConclusionEarly repolarization especially those with the inferior location, notching morphology, an elevated J‐point and horizontal ST‐segment had a higher likelihood of VA in AMI including STEMI patients.
Mesoscale convective systems over the Amazon basin: The GoAmazon2014/5 program
Authors: Rehbein Amanda , Ambrizzi Tercio , Mechoso Carlos R. , Espinosa Sergio A. I. , Myers Timothy A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) scientific program focused on the influence of aerosols and surface fluxes on tropical cloud formation. This major research effort gathered high‐quality environmental data over the central Amazon basin during 2014 and 2015. The present work is a contribution to the GoAmazon2014/5 investigations with an emphasis on the behaviour of the most important mechanism of precipitation over the tropics: mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). To provide a background, MCSs' tracks obtained from infrared satellite images over the entire Amazon basin in 2014–2015 are compared with climatological values. The number of MCSs and precipitation in the basin is about 50% lower than compared to the climatology for 2000–2013. We argue that the below average occurrence of MCSs during the GoAmazon2014/5 program can be explained, at least in part, by the effects of positive anomalies in sea surface temperature over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, negative moisture transport toward the Amazon basin, and by the anticyclonic phase of the mode of interannual and intraseasonal variability over South America. Special attention is given to the 99 MCSs that occurred over the GoAmazon2014/5 site. The impact of MCSs on the meteorological variables over the GoAmazon2014/5 sites is examined, and the contribution of MCSs to rainfall over that region is estimated to be about 70% of the total. Finally, the synoptic and thermodynamic conditions related to the MCSs' genesis and dissipation are discussed. It is suggested that in days with reduced MCS genesis over the GoAmazon2014/5 region, the ventilation over the continent by easterly winds from the relative cold South Atlantic Ocean favours convection at locations near the ocean as compared to those inland.
Detection of glioma by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra with optimized mathematical methods
Authors: Sun Jiaojiao , Fang Hao , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Mingli , Tian Jingjing , Chen Liang , Zou Xiang , Yin Huancai , Yin Jian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis work aimed to establish a fast and accurate method to detect glioma by combining surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and mathematical analysis. At first, 785‐nm laser was selected as the optimum laser to acquire Raman spectra of human brain tissue. Second, it was verified that Raman data in the range of 1,200–1,600 cm−1 could improve the performance of classifier. Based on the analytical results of 1,200–1,600 cm−1 data, the sensitivity and specificity of partial least square (PLS) analysis and back‐propagation neural network (BPNN) were as high as 100%, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of support vector machine (SVM) were 96% and 100%, respectively. Among them, PLS was more potential in the detection of glioma, because of its lower computational cost compared with SVM and BPNN. Moreover, the correlation between observed Raman peaks and 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2HG; 512, 790, 1,204, 1,302, and 1,463 cm−1) was observed, suggesting 2HG as a potential marker of glioma using its Raman spectroscopic signatures. After all, SERS combining with mathematical analysis could be a promising tool for the accurate detection of glioma.
Rapid determination of trace nitrofurantoin in cosmetics by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy using nanoarrayed hydroxyl polystyrene‐based substrate
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yu Zhongning , Yue Zhenfeng , Gao Jiamin , Wu Shaojing , Zhang Zhuomin , Li Gongke 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe safety of cosmetics attributing to the illegal addition of antibiotics for quick effect is a big concern nowadays. Nitrofurans, one of commonly added illegal antibiotics, are strictly banned in cosmetics in China. It is still a great challenge for the rapid and precise analysis of trace nitrofurans when facing various cosmetics with complicated matrices. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is emerging as a novel rapid on‐site analytical technique. In this work, an accurate SERS method was developed for the rapid analysis of trace nitrofurantoin in various cosmetics by use of nanoarrayed hydroxyl polystyrene (PS‐OH)‐based substrate. A series of characterizations indicated the successful synthesis of Au@PS‐OH substrate and the uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles on the substrate surface. The SERS substrate revealed good selectivity and reproducibility with an enhancement factor of 2.6×104. Finally, an analytical method for the determination of nitrofurantoin in cosmetics was established by SERS using Au@PS‐OH substrate coupling with efficient sample preparation process. It was satisfied that trace nitrofurantoin could be actually detected and quantified to be 1.77 and 7.74 mg/L in a mouthwash and rose‐mist sample, respectively, with good recoveries of 86.8‐106% and relative standard deviations of 0.9‐2.9%. The comparable analytical results for real samples were achieved by the traditional high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, which validated the reliability of the proposed method. It is expected that this SERS method has great potential for the rapid and on‐site analysis of trace additives in cosmetics.
Long‐term results of surgical resection of lung metastases from soft tissue sarcoma: A single center experience
Authors: Nevala Riikka , Jäämaa Sari , Tukiainen Erkki , Tarkkanen Maija , Räsänen Jari , Blomqvist Carl , Sampo Mika 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundA single‐institution experience of pulmonary metastasectomy in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) was retrospectively reviewed. Our specific aim was to examine, whether the resection of pulmonary metastases could be curative. We also compared overall survival (OS) of patients after complete or incomplete pulmonary resection and nonsurgical treatment.MethodsBetween 1987 and 2016, 1580 patients were treated for STS with curative intent by Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. Three hundred forty‐seven patients (22%) developed advanced disease and 130 STS patients (9%) developed pulmonary metastases as first systemic relapse. Seventy four patients (5%) were operated for lung metastases.ResultsFifty‐five patients (42%) had a complete and 19 (15%) incomplete resection. Fifty‐six (43%) were unoperated. Median OS after complete or incomplete metastasectomy, chemotherapy, or best supportive care was 22, 18, 8, and 5 months, respectively. Twelve patients (9%) developed no further metastases and are alive with no evidence of disease. Disease‐free survival (DFS) for completely resected patients was 17% at 5 years. All long‐term survivors had oligometastatic disease and they underwent one to three complete metastasectomies.ConclusionsComplete pulmonary metastasectomy in STS results in 5 years DFS in nearly one‐fifth of patients. Most of these patients are probably cured.
Cost of benign versus oncologic colon resection among fee‐for‐service Medicare enrollees
Authors: Hughes Byron D. , Hancock Kevin J. , Shan Yong , Thakker Ravi A. , Maharsi Safa , Tyler Douglas S. , Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Senagore Anthony J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesReimbursement for colonic pathology by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are grouped in the Medicare Severity‐Diagnosis Related Groups (MS‐DRG). With limited available data, we sought to compare the relative impact of malignant vs benign colonic pathology on reimbursement under the MS‐DRG system.MethodsWe used 5% national Medicare data from 2011 to 2014. Patients were classified as having benign disease or malignancy. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to evaluate the surgical approach and health resource utilization.ResultsOf 10 928 patients, most were Non‐Hispanic White women. The majority underwent open colectomy in both cohorts (P < .001). Colectomy for benign disease was associated with higher total charges (P < .001) and a longer length of stay (P = .0002). Despite higher charges, payments were not significantly different between the cohorts (P = .434). Both inpatient mortality and discharge to a rehab facility were higher in the oncologic group (P < .001).ConclusionPayment methodology for colectomy under the CMS MS‐DRG system does not appear to accurately reflect the episode cost of care. The data suggest that inpatient costs are not fully compensated. A transition to value‐based payments with expanded episode duration will require a better understanding of unique costs before adoption.
Clinicopathological and biomolecular characteristics of stage IIB/IIC and stage IIIA colon cancer: Insight into the survival paradox
Authors: Kim Ho Seung , Kim Kyeong Min , Lee Sat Byol , Kim Ga Ram , Han Yoon Dae , Cho Min Soo , Hur Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Kim Nam Kyu , Min Byung Soh 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundA survival paradox of stage IIB/IIC and IIIA colon cancer has been consistently observed throughout revisions of the TNM system. This study aimed to understand this paradox with clinicopathological and molecular differences.MethodsClinicopathological characteristics of patients with pathologically confirmed stage IIB/IIC or IIIA colon cancer were retrospectively reviewed from a database. Publicly available molecular data were retrieved, and intrinsic subtypes were identified and subjected to gene sets enrichment analysis (GSEA).ResultsAmong the 159 patients included in the clinicopathological analysis, those at stage IIB/IIC had worse 3‐year disease‐free and overall survival than those at stage IIIA (59.3% vs 91.7%, P < 0.001 and 82.7% vs 98.5%, P < 0.001, respectively), even after adjusting for confounding factors. Data of 95 patients were retrieved from public databases, demonstrating a higher frequency of the microsatellite instable subtype in stage IIB/IIC. The consensus molecular subtype distribution pattern differed between the groups. The GSEA further suggested the protumor inflammatory reaction might be more prominent in stage IIB/IIC.ConclusionsThe survival paradox in colon cancer was confirmed and appears to be a multifactorial phenomenon not attributed to a single clinicopathologic factor. However, the greater molecular heterogeneity in stage IIB/IIC could contribute to the poor prognosis.
In Situ Incorporation of Pores and Nanoparticles into Polymer Surfaces Using Melt Crystallization
Authors: Chi Sangwon , Lee Jonghwi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEngineering the surface properties of a material without affecting its bulk properties is desirable for many applications, but it is often not readily achievable because it requires a complex series of processing steps. This study presents for the first time a simple and straightforward method that can convert regular flat polymer surfaces into various porous composite surfaces. The controlled dissolution of the polymer surface by a dispersion and subsequent melt crystallization allows for the successful embedding of dispersed inorganic or organic particles in the pore walls. The porous surface morphology is not significantly affected by the type of dispersed particle, but the contact and sliding angles and surface wettability are. Both superhydrophobic and oil/water separation surfaces can be conveniently fabricated from flat polymer surfaces. This novel and versatile technique could provide engineering freedom for the future development of various functional materials.
Effect of the Structure of Therapeutic Adenosine Analogues on Stability and Surface Electrostatic Potential of their Complexes with Poly(propyleneimine) Dendrimers
Authors: Gorzkiewicz Michał , Appelhans Dietmar , Boye Susanne , Lederer Albena , Voit Brigitte , Klajnert‐Maculewicz Barbara 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPoly(propyleneimine) glycodendrimers are proposed as nanocarriers for triphosphate forms of anticancer adenosine analogues to improve the efficiency of chemotherapy and to overcome drug resistance mechanisms. This approach has proven successful for fludarabine administration—an autonomous way of cellular entry of a nucleotide–dendrimer noncovalent complex enables an increase in the intracellular accumulation and cytotoxic activity of the active metabolite of the drug. However, the attempt to apply an analogous strategy for clofarabine results in the inhibition of drug activity. To better understand this phenomenon, characterization and comparison of drug‐dendrimer complexes were needed to indicate the differences in their surface properties and the strengths of fludarabine‐dendrimer and clofarabine‐dendrimer interactions. Here, zeta potential measurements, ultrafiltration, and asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation are applied to determine the surface electrostatic potential and stability of nucleotide–dendrimer formulations. This approach significantly extends the authors’ research on the complexation potential of perfectly branched macromolecules, ultimately explaining previously observed differences and their consequences.