bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
His-Leu, an angiotensin I-derived peptide, does not affect haemodynamics in rats
Authors: Drapała Adrian , Bielińska Klaudia , Konopelski Piotr , Pączek Leszek , Ufnal Marcin 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: The dipeptide histidine-leucine (His-Leu) is formed in the process of converting angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Several studies show that short peptides containing His-Leu may produce significant haemodynamic effects; however, to the best of our knowledge, data on haemodynamic effects of His-Leu are not available in medical databases. Materials and methods: We evaluated acute haemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of either 0.9% NaCl (vehicle) or His-Leu at a dose of 3–15 mg/kg body weight in anaesthetized 15–16-week-old, male, normotensive Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Chronic effects of treatment with either the vehicle or His-Leu at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight given subcutaneously daily were determined during continuous telemetry recordings in freely moving rats. Results: In anaesthetized rats both the vehicle and His-Leu produced a mild and transient increase in blood pressure and no change in plasma renin activity. There was no significant difference in haemodynamics between the rats infused with the vehicle and the rats infused with His-Leu. In chronic studies, seven-day treatment with vehicle and with His-Leu did not affect arterial blood pressure in freely moving rats. Conclusion: His-Leu does not produce either acute or chronic changes in arterial blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats.
Predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment
Authors: Malak Malakeh Z , Tawalbeh Loai I , Abu Sharour Loai M 
Published: October 2018

Background Improving quality of life in older patients with cancer has become an important goal of healthcare providers. Aims The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of quality of life among older patients with cancer, aged 60 years and over during the treatment period. Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 150 patients. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale, Herth Hope Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Results The results showed that the total quality-of-life mean score was 58.50 (SD = 7.44), indicating low overall quality of life. The social-family well-being subscale had the highest mean (20.50, SD = 3.79) among all subscales of quality of life, while the emotional well-being subscale had the lowest mean (8.06, SD = 4.23). Hope and educational level had statistically significant positive relationships with all subscales of quality of life. However, anxiety was associated negatively with physical, social-family and functional well-being subscales, but positively with the emotional well-being subscale. Anxiety, income, marital status, health insurance, duration of treatment, educational level, gender and hope were identified as predictors of quality-of-life subscales. Conclusions The results could help to develop specific programmes that may improve quality of life among older patients with cancer during treatment.
NEDA-3 status including cortical lesions in the comparative evaluation of natalizumab versus fingolimod efficacy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Puthenparampil Marco , Cazzola Chiara , Zywicki Sofia , Federle Lisa , Stropparo Erica , Anglani Mariagiulia , Rinaldi Francesca , Perini Paola , Gallo Paolo 
Published: October 2018

Background: Cortical lesions (CLs) are typical of multiple sclerosis (MS) and have been recently incorporated in MS diagnostic criteria. Thus, the ‘no evidence of disease activity’ (NEDA) definition should now include CLs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the NEDA3 + CL status in natalizumab- or fingolimod-treated relapsing remitting MS (RMS) patients. Methods: Natalizumab- or fingolimod-treated RMS patients were enrolled in a 2-year longitudinal study based on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations performed respectively biannually and annually. CLs were detected by double inversion recovery. The NEDA3 + CL condition was evaluated at baseline (T0) and at the end of the first (T1) and second (T2) year. Results: Of the 137 RMS patients included in the study, 86 were propensity-matched. At T2, the annualized relapse rate was lower on natalizumab ( p = 0.021), but the effect on white matter lesions ( p = 0.29) and the proportion of NEDA-3 patients ( p = 0.14) were similar in the two treatment arms. At T2, 11.6% natalizumab- and 62.8% fingolimod-treated patients had new CLs ( p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of natalizumab-treated patients (55.8% versus 11.6%, p < 0.001) achieved the NEDA3 + CL status (hazard ratio 5.2, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The incorporation of CLs in the NEDA-3 definition highlighted the higher efficacy of natalizumab versus fingolimod in suppressing disease activity in RMS patients.
Glenoid component positioning and guidance techniques in anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burns David M , Frank Tym , Whyne Cari M , Henry Patrick DG 
Published: October 2018

Background Positioning of the glenoid component is one of the most challenging steps in shoulder arthroplasty, and prosthesis longevity as well as functional outcomes is considered highly dependent on accurate positioning. This review considers the evidence supporting surgical navigation and patient-specific instruments for glenoid implant positioning in anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods A systematic literature search was performed for studies assessing glenoid implant positioning accuracy as measured by cross-sectional imaging on live subjects or cadaver models. Meta-analysis of controlled studies was performed to estimate the primary effects of navigation and patient-specific instruments on glenoid implant positioning error. Meta-analysis of absolute positioning outcomes was also performed for each group incorporating data from controlled and uncontrolled studies. Results Nine studies, four controlled and five uncontrolled, with 258 total subjects were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis of controlled studies supported that both navigation and patient-specific instruments had a moderate statistically significant effect on improving glenoid implant positioning outcomes. Meta-analysis of absolute positioning outcomes demonstrates glenoid implant positioning with standard instrumentation results in a high rate of malposition. Discussion Navigation and patient-specific instruments improve glenoid positioning outcomes. Whether the improvement in positioning outcomes achieved translate to better clinical outcomes is unknown.
Can the use of probiotics reduce the incidence of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection in 60 years or older patients?
Authors: Jani Akash , Dall Lawrence 
Published: October 2018

Background: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect of antibiotic use. The pathogenesis of AAD may be mediated by disruption of the host’s normal flora resulting in overgrowth of pathogens. One of these pathogens is Clostridium difficile. Probiotics may help reestablish the disrupted intestinal flora and help clear the pathogen and its toxins from the host. Although numerous studies have been conducted, results are variable due to study design, type of probiotic, differing dose of probiotic, and duration of treatment. Our study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the probiotics Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention of C. difficile associated diarrhea. Methods: Study data were collected from two community hospitals in Kansas City over a period of 5 months. All patients in the study were initiated on antibiotics and were then given probiotics. This study was controlled and not blinded. Results: In data from two community hospitals, 816 patients who were being treated with antibiotics prior to the investigation served as a control; 14 (1.72%) had C. difficile Infections. During the study using probiotic administration, 803 patients also being treated with antibiotics prior to the investigation were followed and in this population; five patients (0.62%) contracted a C. difficile infection.
Reference intervals for hematology test parameters from apparently healthy individuals in southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Bimerew Lealem Gedefaw , Demie Tesfaye , Eskinder Kaleab , Getachew Aklilu , Bekele Shiferaw , Cheneke Waqtola , Sahlemariam Zewdineh , Adisu Wondimagegn , Asres Yaregal , Yemane Tilahun , Tesfaye Girum , Tesfaw Getnet , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Mekonnen Zeleke 
Published: October 2018

Background: Clinical laboratory reference intervals are an important tool to identify abnormal laboratory test results. The generating of hematological parameters reference intervals for local population is very crucial to improve quality of health care, which otherwise may lead to unnecessary expenditure or denying care for the needy. There are no well-established reference intervals for hematological parameters in southwest Ethiopia. Objective: To generate hematological parameters reference intervals for apparently healthy individuals in southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 883 individuals from March to May 2017. Four milliliter of blood sample was collected and transported to Jimma University Medical Center Laboratory for hematological analysis and screening tests. A hematological parameters were measured by Sysmex XS-500i hematology analyzer (Sysmex Corporation Kobe, Japan). The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 statistical software. The non-parametric independent Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann–Whitney U test) were used to compare the parameters between age groups and genders. The 97.5 percentile and 2.5 percentile were the upper and lower reference limit for the population. Results: The reference interval of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count in children were 4.99 × 1012/L (4.26–5.99 × 1012/L), 7.04 × 109/L (4.00–11.67 × 109/L), and 324.00 × 109/L (188.00–463.50 × 109/L), respectively. The reference interval of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count in adults was 5.19 × 1012/L (4.08–6.33 × 1012/L), 6.35 × 109/L (3.28–11.22 × 109/L), and 282.00 × 109/L (172.50–415.25 × 109/L), respectively. The reference interval of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count in geriatrics were 5.02 × 1012/L (4.21–5.87 × 1012/L), 6.21 × 109/L (3.33–10.03 × 109/L), and 265.50 × 109/L (165.53–418.80 × 109/L), respectively. Most of the hematological parameters showed significant differences across all age groups. Conclusion: Most of the hematological parameters in this study showed differences from similar studies done in the country. This study provided population-specific hematological reference interval for southwest Ethiopians. Reference intervals should also be established in the other regions of the country.
The von Willebrand factor Tyr2561 allele is a gain-of-function variant and a risk factor for early myocardial infarction
Authors: Schneppenheim Reinhard , Hellermann Natalie , Brehm Maria A. , Klemm Ulrike , Obser Tobias , Huck Volker , Schneider Stefan W. , Denis Cécile V. , Tischer Alexander , Auton Matthew , März Winfried , Xu Emma-Ruoqi , Wilmanns Matthias , Zotz Rainer B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe frequent von Willebrand factor (VWF) variant p.Phe2561Tyr is located within the C4 domain, which also harbors the platelet GPIIb/IIIa-binding RGD sequence. To investigate its potential effect on hemostasis, we genotyped 865 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), 915 with myocardial infarction (MI), and 417 control patients (Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study) and performed functional studies of this variant. A univariate analysis of male and female carriers of the Tyr2561 allele aged 55 years or younger revealed an elevated risk for repeated MI (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-5.98). The odds ratio was even higher in females aged 55 years or younger, at a value of 5.93 (95% CI, 1.12-31.24). Cone and plate aggregometry showed that compared with Phe2561, Tyr2561 was associated with increased platelet aggregate size both in probands’ blood and with the recombinant variants. Microfluidic assays revealed that the critical shear rate for inducing aggregate formation was decreased to 50% by Tyr2561 compared with Phe2561. Differences in C-domain circular dichroism spectra resulting from Tyr2561 suggest an increased shear sensitivity of VWF as a result of altered association of the C domains that disrupts the normal dimer interface. In summary, our data emphasize the functional effect of the VWF C4 domain for VWF-mediated platelet aggregation in a shear-dependent manner and provide the first evidence that a functional variant of VWF plays a role in arterial thromboembolism.
Subclonal TP53 copy number is associated with prognosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Shah Vallari , Johnson David C. , Sherborne Amy L. , Ellis Sidra , Aldridge Frances M. , Howard-Reeves Julie , Begum Farzana , Price Amy , Kendall Jack , Chiecchio Laura , Savola Suvi , Jenner Matthew W. , Drayson Mark T. , Owen Roger G. , Gregory Walter M. , Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E. , Houlston Richard S. , Cook Gordon , Cairns David A. , Jackson Graham , Kaiser Martin F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically heterogeneous cancer of bone marrow plasma cells with variable outcome. To assess the prognostic relevance of clonal heterogeneity of TP53 copy number, we profiled tumors from 1777 newly diagnosed Myeloma XI trial patients with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Subclonal TP53 deletions were independently associated with shorter overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.8; P = .01). Clonal, but not subclonal, TP53 deletions were associated with clinical markers of advanced disease, specifically lower platelet counts (P &lt; .001) and increased lactate dehydrogenase (P &lt; .001), as well as a higher frequency of features indicative of genomic instability, del(13q) (P = .002) or del(1p) (P = .006). Biallelic TP53 loss-of-function by mutation and deletion was rare (2.4%) and associated with advanced disease. We present a framework for identifying subclonal TP53 deletions by MLPA, to improve patient stratification in MM and tailor therapy, enabling management strategies.
Impact of somatic and germline mutations on the outcome of systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Muñoz-González Javier I. , Jara-Acevedo María , Alvarez-Twose Iván , Merker Jason D. , Teodosio Cristina , Hou Yanli , Henriques Ana , Roskin Krishna M. , Sanchez-Muñoz Laura , Tsai Albert G. , Caldas Carolina , Matito Almudena , Sánchez-Gallego J. Ignacio , Mayado Andrea , Dasilva-Freire Noelia , Gotlib Jason R. , Escribano Luis , Orfao Alberto , García-Montero Andrés C. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a highly heterogeneous disease with indolent and aggressive forms, with the mechanisms leading to malignant transformation still remaining to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the presence and frequency of genetic variants in 34 SM patients with multilineal KIT D816V mutations. Initial screening was performed by targeted sequencing of 410 genes in DNA extracted from purified bone marrow cells and hair from 12 patients with nonadvanced SM and 8 patients with advanced SM, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 4 cases. Somatic mutations were further investigated in another 14 patients with advanced SM. Despite the fact that no common mutation other than KIT D816V was found in WGS analyses, targeted next-generation sequencing identified 67 nonsynonymous genetic variants involving 39 genes. Half of the mutations were somatic (mostly multilineal), whereas the other half were germline variants. The presence of ≥1 multilineal somatic mutation involving genes other than KIT D816V, ≥3 germline variants, and ≥1 multilineal mutation in the SRSF2, ASXL1, RUNX1, and/or EZH2 genes (S/A/R/E genes), in addition to skin lesions, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, low hemoglobin levels, and increased alkaline phosphatase and β2-microglobulin serum levels, were associated with a poorer patient outcome. However, the presence of ≥1 multilineal mutation, particularly involving S/A/R/E genes, was the only independent predictor for progression-free survival and overall survival in our cohort.
Defining the epigenetic status of blood cells using a cyanine-based fluorescent probe for PRMT1
Authors: Su Hairui , Sun Chiao-Wang , Liu Szu-Mam , He Xin , Hu Hao , Pawlik Kevin M. , Townes Tim M. , Han Xiaosi , Klug Christopher A. , Henary Maged , Chen Yabing , Li Ling , Zheng Y. George , Zhao Xinyang 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Dynamic regulation of histone modification enzymes such as PRMT1 (protein arginine methyltransferase 1) determines the ordered epigenetic transitions in hematopoiesis. Sorting cells according to the expression levels of histone modification enzymes may further define subpopulations in hematopoietic lineages with unique differentiation potentials that are presently defined by surface markers. We discovered a vital near infrared dye, E84, that fluoresces brightly following binding to PRMT1 and excitation with a red laser. The staining intensity as measured by flow cytometry is correlated with the PRMT1 expression level. Importantly, E84 staining has no apparent negative effect on the proliferation of the labeled cells. Given that long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) produce low levels of PRMT1, we used E84 to sort LT-HSCs from mouse bone marrow. We found that SLAM (the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule family) marker–positive LT-HSCs were enriched in the E84low cell fraction. We then performed bone marrow transplantations with E84high or E84low Lin−Sca1+Kit+ (LSK) cells and showed that whole blood cell lineages were successfully reconstituted 16 weeks after transplanting 200 E84low LSK cells. Thus, E84 is a useful new tool to probe the role of PRMT1 in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Developing E84 and other small molecules to label histone modification enzymes provides a convenient approach without modifying gene loci to study the interaction between hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell epigenetic status and differentiation state.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of locally advanced breast carcinoma: the optimal time window of predicting the early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Yuan Li , Li Jian-Jun , Li Chang-Qing , Yan Cheng-Gong , Cheng Ze-Long , Wu Yuan-Kui , Hao Peng , Lin Bing-Quan , Xu Yi-Kai 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Background
It is very difficult to predict the early response to NAC only on the basis of change in tumor size. ADC value derived from DWI promises to be a valuable parameter for evaluating the early response to treatment. This study aims to establish the optimal time window of predicting the early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for different subtypes of locally advanced breast carcinoma using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Methods
We conducted an institutional review board-approved prospective clinical study of 142 patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma. All patients underwent conventional MR and DW examinations prior to treatment and after first, second, third, fourth, sixth and eighth cycle of NAC. The response to NAC was classified into a pathologic complete response (pCR) and a non-pCR group. DWI parameters were compared between two groups, and the optimal time window for predicting tumor response was established for each chemotherapy regimen.

Results
For all the genomic subtypes, there were significant differences in baseline ADC value between pCR and non-pCR group (p < 0.05). The time point prior to treatment could be considered as the ideal time point regardless of genomic subtype. In the group that started with taxanes or anthracyclines, for Luminal A or Luminal B subtype, postT1 could be used as the ideal time point during chemotherapy; for Basal-like or HER2-enriched subtype, postT2 as the ideal time point during chemotherapy. In the group that started with taxanes and anthracyclines, for HER2-enriched, Luminal B or Basal-like subtype, postT1 could be used as the ideal time point during chemotherapy; for Luminal A subtype, postT2 as the ideal time point during chemotherapy.

Conclusions
The time point prior to treatment can be considered as the optimal time point regardless of genomic subtype. For each chemotherapy regimen, the optimal time point during chemotherapy varies across different genomic subtypes.
Portable and Precarious
Authors: Lam Tong 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Migrant construction workers play a major role in China’s rapid urbanization. In order to increase efficiency, construction companies routinely house their workers in prefabricated metal shelters. These portable, temporary, and container-like dormitories resonate strikingly with the precarious and disposable conditions of Chinese migrant construction workers. Meanwhile, within these enclosed and highly regulated spaces, the management also periodically uses outdoor film screenings to increase the morale of the workers as well as to prevent them from discussing their working conditions and alienated existence. As such, these open-air film screenings inside China’s construction compounds are at once scenes of cinematic magic and disenchantment.
Effect of Ice Slurry Ingestion on Cardiovascular Drift and V˙O2max during Heat Stress
Authors: NG JASON , DOBBS WARD C. , WINGO JONATHAN E. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
External body cooling by fan airflow mitigates the decrease in maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) associated with cardiovascular (CV) drift during cycling in hot conditions. It remains unknown whether internal body cooling via ice slurry ingestion elicits a similar response.

Purpose
This study aimed to test the hypothesis that ice slurry ingestion attenuates the magnitude of CV drift and accompanying decrement in V˙O2max during heat stress.

Methods
Eight men completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer in 22°C to measure V˙O2max. Then on three separate occasions (in randomly assigned counterbalanced treatment orders), they cycled at 60% V˙O2max in hot conditions (35°C, 40% RH) for 15 min, 45 min with tepid (23°C) fluid ingestion (45FL), or 45 min with ice (−1°C) slurry ingestion (45ICE), followed immediately by measurement of V˙O2max. The purpose of the separate 15- and 45-min trials was to measure CV drift and V˙O2max over the same time interval.

Results
The increase in heart rate between 15 and 45 min was twice as large in 45FL (8.6%) compared with 45ICE (4.6%; P = 0.02). Stroke volume declined by 6.2% in 45FL but was maintained with 45ICE (P = 0.02). V˙O2peak decreased from 15 to 45 min by 8.6% and 9.0% in 45FL and 45ICE, respectively, but was not different between conditions (P = 0.79).

Conclusion
Although ice slurry ingestion attenuated CV drift more than fluid ingestion, it did not mitigate the decline in V˙O2max. Contrary to previous findings, when ice slurry is ingested, changes in heart rate may not reflect changes in relative metabolic intensity during prolonged exercise in the heat.