bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High expression of HLA-DQA1 predicts poor outcome in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Northern China
Authors: Shen Fang-Fang , Pan Ying , Li Jing-Zhong , Zhao Fang , Yang Hai-Jun , Li Jun-Kuo , Gao Zhao-Wei , Su Jing-Fen , Duan Li-Juan , Lun Shu-Min , Zhang Peng , Tian Lin-Qiang , Sun Gang , Huang Da , Cao Yan-Tian , Zhou Fu-You 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background:
Our previous studies demonstrate that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is associated with the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). HLA-DQA1, which belongs to the MHC Class II family, may be a potential biomarker in ESCC progression. However, the association between HLA-DQA1 and ESCC in high-incidence area of northern China has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of HLA-DQA1 expression with the progression and prognosis of ESCC.

Methods:
We analyzed the expression profiles of HLA-DQA1 in esophageal cancer (EC) samples in the TCGA database and validated HLA-DQA1 expression by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in matched EC and normal tissues, respectively. The correlation between HLA-DQA1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics of ESCC was further analyzed.

Result:
Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the expression level of HLA-DQA1 in ESCC tissues was significantly higher than the matched normal tissues (P < .001). HLA-DQA1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in ESCC tissues compared to the matched normal tissues. Patients with family history negative or with tumor sizes >4 cm were associated with higher HLA-DQA1 expression levels. A prognostic significance of HLA-DQA1 was also found by the Log-rank method, in which high expression of HLA-DQA1 was correlated with a shorter overall survival time. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded the area under the ROC curve value of 0.693. Univariate and multivariate analyses also suggest that high expression of HLA-DQA1 is a potential indicator for poor prognosis of ESCC.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that HLA-DQA1 plays an important role in ESCC progression and may be a biomarker for ESCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a potential target for the treatment of patients with ESCC.
Association between CXCL9/10 polymorphisms and acute rejection of liver allograft
Authors: Ostojic Ana , Markotic Antonio , Kelava Tomislav , Mrzljak Anna 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
While increased serum concentrations of CXCL9/10 are associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR) occurrence, the association between CXCL9/10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ACR after liver transplantation (LT) remains unknown.
In the present case-control study, polymorphisms of CXCL9 (rs10336) and CXCL10 (rs3921) were determined by polymerase chain reaction in 215 liver transplant recipients. ACR was defined as biopsy proven within 6 months after LT. As selected SNPs were in 3’-UTR region, their possible association with protein synthesis was assessed by measuring the plasma concentration of CXCL9/10 in a cohort of 40 new transplant patients using ELISA.
There was no association between CXCL9/10 genotypes and overall incidence of ACR. However, patients with CXCL9 genotype AA developed ACR earlier than patients with GG genotype (P = .003), with similar results for CXCL10 gene (CC vs GG; P = .005). There was no statistically significant difference in plasma concentrations of CXCL9/10 between the rejectors and the non-rejectors. Of note, patients with AA CXCL9 genotype had significantly higher CXCL9 plasma concentrations than patients with AG (P = .01) or GG genotype (P = .045).
In conclusion, the SNPs of CXCL9 (rs10336) and CXCL10 (rs3921) are not associated with the incidence of ACR. However, patients with CXCL9 genotype AA developed ACR earlier and the same genotype was associated with greater plasma concentrations suggesting the involvement of CXCL9 mediated processes in ACR development.
Auriculotherapy for sleep quality in people with primary insomnia
Authors: Ren Runyuan , Zhang Jiayuan , Zhang Tingting , Peng Yangzhi , Tang Chenjian , Zhang Qi 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background:
Primary insomnia is one of the common sleep disorders. Auriculotherapy originated from traditional Chinese medicine, has been thought as a promising treatment for primary insomnia. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auriculotherapy for patients with primary insomnia through this systematic review.

Methods:
Five English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CINAHL), 4 Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang), and 5 clinical trial registration databases (ClinicalTrials.gov, ANZCTR, EU-CTR, ChiCTR, and ICTRP) will be searched from establishment of the database until November 2018. Articles written in English or Chinese languages will be included. The randomized controlled trials of auriculotherapy (auricular acupuncture and auricular acupressure) for patients with primary insomnia will be included. The primary outcome will be assessed according to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Meta-analysis will be conducted with the use of RevMan 5.3. The specific process will refer to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 for Systematic Review.

Results:
High-quality synthesis of current evidence on the efficacy and safety of auriculotherapy for primary insomnia will be provided in this study.

Conclusion:
This systematic review aims to present evidence for whether auriculotherapy is an effective intervention which can improve sleep quality in patients suffering primary insomnia.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42019106422.
Unrecognized esophageal fish bone impaction with delayed presentation of acute spastic central chest pain
Authors: Liu Ching-Han , Huang Shih-Chung , Lin Wei-Shiang , Lin Chin-Sheng 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Esophageal chest pain is difficult to be identified, and the diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Upon presentation, they are difficult to be differentiated from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by symptomatology alone.

Patient concerns:
We report a 71-year-old woman with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease who presented with acute central spastic chest pain and was diagnosed as ACS in emergency department.

Diagnoses:
Chest computed tomography revealed 1 radiopaque lesion over the upper-third of the esophagus. One fishbone with 3-pointed heads stuck in the esophagus was noted under esophagogastroscopic examination.

Interventions:
The fishbone was extracted successfully via endoscopy under general anesthesia.

Outcomes:
The woman was discharged uneventfully after 3 days’ hospitalization.

Lessons:
This case illustrates that, even in emergency, clinicians should always keep in mind the possibility of esophageal foreign body impaction when confronted with frank central chest pain without associated gastrointestinal symptoms. This holds true even in the scenario of multiple cardiovascular risk factors and absence of ingestion history.
The efficacy and safety of tirofiban for patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Niu Jiali , Ding Yunlong , Zhai Tingting , Ju Feng , Lu Tong , Xue Ting , Yin Dengyang , Fang Dong , Chen Hongjun , Zhao Guangyu 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background:
The clinical use of tirofiban remains controversial for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), we aimed to conduct a meta- analysis of cohort studies to assess the efficacy and safety of tirofiban for AIS patients.

Methods:
All apparently unconfounded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-controlled studies, with or without blinding, of tirofiban in individuals with AIS will be included in this review. We will conduct a literature search in 2 databases Pubmed and Embase, using indexing terms related to cerebral infarctions and tirofiban to include articles indexed as of Jan 31, 2019 in the English language only. Two reviewers will independently select trials for inclusion and assess trial quality. Two pairs of review authors will independently extract information for each included trials. Primary outcomes are any intracerebral hemorrhage (aICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), fatal ICH, recanalization rate and long-term outcome. The risk of bias of the included studies will be evaluated based on Cochrane assessment tool. Revman 5.3 will be used for heterogeneity assessment, generating funnel-plots, data synthesis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis.

Result:
We will provide practical and targeted results assessing the efficacy and safety of tirofiban for AIS patients, to provide reference for clinical use of tirofiban.

Conclusion:
The stronger evidence about the efficacy and safety of tirofiban for AIS patients will be provided for clinicians.
Effect of Perivascular Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A versus Lidocaine in Survival of Random Pattern Flaps in a Rat Model
Authors: El Shaer Wael M. , Ahmed Ahmed E. E. , Sakr Wael M. , Hawas Emad M. , Fathi Mohamed Z. 
Published: February 2019

Background:
Botulinum toxin type A has gained popularity in many clinical fields, for a variety of aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. In addition, there have been reports regarding the positive effect of botulinum toxin type A on flap survival by various mechanisms. This study examines the role of botulinum toxin type A and lidocaine in augmentation of flap survival and decreasing the rate of necrosis in random pattern cutaneous flaps.

Methods:
In 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats, random pattern skin flaps with different width-to-length ratios were elevated. Botulinum toxin type A, lidocaine, or saline was administered to the base and whole length of the flap. Flap survival was evaluated on day 10 after surgery. The area of flap survival was determined grossly on the basis of its appearance, color, and texture.

Results:
The botulinum toxin type A group had a greater survival area (p < 0.05) compared with the lidocaine or saline group in flaps with width-to-length ratios of 1:2 and 1:3; however, compared with a width-to-length ratio of 1:1, the flap survival rate shows no statistically significant variations.

Conclusion:
Injection of botulinum toxin type A in random pattern skin flaps improves tissue perfusion and increases the rate of flap survival more than lidocaine in flaps with width-to-length ratios of 1:2 and 1:3.
Opioid Prescribing and Consumption Patterns following Outpatient Plastic Surgery Procedures
Authors: Rose Katherine R. , Christie Brian M. , Block Lisa M. , Rao Venkat K. , Michelotti Brett F. 
Published: February 2019

Background:
Opioid overprescribing is a nationwide problem contributing to the current epidemic. This study evaluated opioid consumption, physician prescribing, and patient satisfaction with pain control following outpatient plastic surgery procedures.

Methods:
Patients completed a questionnaire during their first postoperative visit. The authors queried about procedure type, quantity of opioids prescribed and consumed, days to opioid cessation, prescription refills, pain scores, use of nonopioid analgesics, and satisfaction with pain control.

Results:
One hundred seventy patients were included. On average, 26 tablets were prescribed and 13 were consumed. Eighty percent of patients stopped opioids by postoperative day 5. Patients rated their worst pain at 6.1 and follow-up pain at 1.9. Approximately 50 percent of patients consumed nonopioid analgesics. Ninety-six percent of patients were satisfied with their pain control. Similar findings were observed across procedure subcategories. The number of pills prescribed was not correlated with satisfaction but was predictive of worst pain level (p = 0.014). Reduction mammaplasty and abdominoplasty patients consumed the most opioids at 17 and 18.6 pills, respectively; however, first-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction had the largest percentage of patients consuming opioids at the time of follow-up (25 percent) and requiring refills (7 percent). Patients who underwent revision of their reconstructed breast reported the earliest opioid cessation, rated their pain the lowest, and were prescribed the most excess tablets.

Conclusions:
Plastic surgeons are prescribing almost double the amount of opioids consumed by patients after outpatient plastic surgery procedures. The results of this study may help guide prescribing practices.
Two-surgeon Model in Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Cai Yunqiang , Chen Sirui , Peng Bing 
Published: February 2019

Purpose:
Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is one of the most challenging gastrointestinal surgeries. Herein, we propose a new laparoscopic surgical conception called the 2-surgeon model and share our experience in LPD.

Materials and Methods:
We began performing LPD using the 2-surgeon model in October 2015. To December 2017, we have performed 203 cases of LPDs using 2-surgeon model. Data associated with demographic characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative results were prospectively collected and analyzed retrospectively.

Results:
Only 1 patient in our series required to conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 318 minute. The estimated blood loss was 108 mL. The overall complication was 26.1%. In total, 41 patients (20.2%) suffered from pancreatic fistula, including 33 cases of grade A, 7 cases of grade B, and 1 case of grade C. The 90-day mortality was 0.5%.

Conclusions:
The 2-surgeon model is safe and feasible for LPD.
Persistence of neuronal representations through time and damage in the hippocampus
Authors: Gonzalez Walter G. , Zhang Hanwen , Harutyunyan Anna , Lois Carlos 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMemories can persist for decades but how they are stably encoded in individual and groups of neurons is not known. To investigate how a familiar environment is encoded in CA1 neurons over time we implanted bilateral microendoscopes in transgenic mice to image the activity of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus over weeks. Most of the neurons (90 %) are active every day, however, the response of neurons to specific cues changes across days. Approximately 40 % of place and time cells lose fields between two days; however, on timescales longer than two days the neuronal pattern changes at a rate of 1 % for each additional day. Despite continuous changes, field responses are more resilient, with place/time cells recovering their fields after a 10-day period of no task or following CA1 damage. Recovery of these neuronal patterns is characterized by transient changes in firing fields which ultimately converge to the original representation. Unlike individual neurons, groups of neurons with inter and intrahemispheric synchronous activity form stable place and time fields across days. Neurons whose activity was synchronous with a large group of neurons were more likely to preserve their responses to place or time across multiple days. These results support the view that although task-relevant information stored in individual neurons is relatively labile, it can persist in networks of neurons with synchronized activity spanning both hemispheres.One Sentence SummaryNeuronal representations in networks of neurons with synchronized activity are stable over weeks, even after lack of training or following damage.
Optogenetic olfactory behavior depends on illumination characteristics
Authors: Tumkaya Tayfun , Stewart James , Burhanudin Safwan B. , Claridge-Chang Adam 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOptogenetics has become an important tool for the study of behavior, enabling neuroscientists to infer causations by examining behavior after activating genetically circumscribed neurons with light. Light-induced neural activity is affected by illumination parameters used in experiments, such as intensity, duration, and frequency. Here, we hypothesized that the intensity of light and the presence of oscillations in illumination would alter optogenetically induced olfactory behaviours. To test this, we activated olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in Drosophila by using either static or pulsed light stimuli across a range of light intensities. The various regimes elicited distinct behavioral valence responses (attraction, aversion, indifference) from several ORN types. Our results demonstrate the importance of both frequency and intensity for interpreting optogenetic behavioral experiments accurately; successfully generalizing optogenetic results requires the use of more than a single illumination regime.
Novel Function of Bluetongue Virus NS3 Protein in Regulation of the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kundlacz Cindy , Pourcelot Marie , Fablet Aurore , Moraes Rayane Amaral Da Silva , Léger Thibaut , Morlet Bastien , Viarouge Cyril , Sailleau Corinne , Turpaud Mathilde , Gorlier Axel , Breard Emmanuel , Lecollinet Sylvie , Rijn Piet A. van , Zientara Stephan , Vitour Damien , Caignard Grégory 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus transmitted by blood-feeding midges to a wide range of wild and domestic ruminants. In this report, we showed that BTV, through its virulence non-structural protein NS3 (BTV-NS3), is able to activate the MAPK/ERK pathway. In response to growth factors, the MAPK/ERK pathway activates cell survival, differentiation, proliferation and protein translation but can also lead to the production of several inflammatory cytokines. By combining immunoprecipitation of BTV-NS3 and mass spectrometry analysis from both BTV-infected and NS3-transfected cells, we identified the serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAF), a crucial player of the MAPK/ERK pathway, as a new cellular interactor of BTV-NS3. BRAF silencing led to a significant decrease of the MAPK/ERK activation by BTV supporting a model where BTV-NS3 interacts with BRAF to activate this signaling cascade. Furthermore, the intrinsic ability of BTV-NS3 to bind BRAF and activate the MAPK/ERK pathway is conserved throughout multiple serotypes/strains but appears to be specific to BTV compared to other members ofOrbivirusgenus. Inhibition of MAPK/ERK pathway with U0126 reduced viral titers, suggesting that BTV manipulates this pathway for its own replication. Therefore, the activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway by BTV-NS3 could benefit to BTV replication by promoting its own viral protein synthesis but could also explain the deleterious inflammation associated with tissue damages as already observed in severe cases of BT disease. Altogether, our data provide molecular mechanisms to explain the role of BTV-NS3 as a virulence factor and determinant of pathogenesis.ImportanceBluetongue Virus (BTV) is responsible of the non-contagious arthropod-borne disease Bluetongue (BT) transmitted to ruminants by blood-feeding midges. Despite the fact that BTV has been extensively studied, we still have little understanding of the molecular determinants of BTV virulence. In this report, we found that the virulence protein NS3 interacts with BRAF, a key component of the MAPK/ERK pathway. In response to growth factors, this pathway promotes cell survival, increases protein translation but also contributes to the production of inflammatory cytokines. We showed that BTV-NS3 enhances the MAPK/ERK pathway and this activation is BRAF-dependent. Our results demonstrate, at the molecular level, how a single virulence factor has evolved to target a cellular function to ensure its viral replication. On the other hand, our findings could also explain the deleterious inflammation associated with tissue damages as already observed in severe cases of BT disease.
Visual and microscopic examination of the rocket engine combustion chamber
Authors: Wisniewski Adam , Malicki Maciej , Manaj Wojciech 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to enhance the selection of the best material of the rocket engine combustion chamber. The chamber has been destroyed during dynamometer tests, and the goal of this inspection is to verify the nature of the damage in the context of checking the usefulness of this type of graphite for the combustion chamber construction.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the results of visual and microscopic inspection of the rocket engine combustion chamber of Ø50 × 165 mm in dimension, which was made of R type graphite.

Findings
An analysis of the fracture surface shows that in the inspected combustion chamber voids and inclusions are present. EDS analysis of the fracture surface shows that in the inspected combustion chamber inclusions are present which have a relatively high amount of elements like: Ti, C, S, V, Si, O and a relatively small amount of Fe and Ni.

Research limitations/implications
Research limitations is concerned the failure analysis by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) Zeiss EVO 25 MA with EDS detector: BrÃ¼ker X Flash Detector 5010 125 eV and Espirit 1.9.0.2176 EDS software.

Practical implications
Designing of the engine combustion chamber the researches can select the best of the rocket engine combustion chamber, made of R type graphite, with the minimum voids and inclusions to decrease the possibility of bursting of this chamber.

Originality/value
The most dangerous issues in the inspected combustion chamber during an outflow are hot gases as a result of high fuel combustion temperature, so it causes the nozzle heating and the engine stress increase of visible inclusions in cross-sections.
Australian and New Zealand women teachers in the First World War
Authors: Morris Matthews Kay , Whitehead Kay 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the contributions of women teachers to the war effort at home in Australia and New Zealand and in Egypt and Europe between 1914 and 1918.

Design/methodology/approach
Framed as a feminist transnational history, this research paper drew upon extensive primary and secondary source material in order to identify the women teachers. It provides comparative analyses using a thematic approach providing examples of women teachers war work at home and abroad.

Findings
Insights are offered into the opportunities provided by the First World War for channelling the abilities and leadership skills of women teachers at home and abroad. Canvassed also are the tensions for German heritage teachers; ideological differences concerning patriotism and pacifism and issues arising from government attitudes on both sides of the Tasman towards women’s war service.

Originality/value
This is likely the only research offering combined Australian–New Zealand analyses of women teacher’s war service, either in support at home in Australia and New Zealand or working as volunteers abroad. To date, the efforts of Australian and New Zealand women teachers have largely gone unrecognised.
What Do We Know About the Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Policy? A Brief Survey of the Literature on Fiscal Multipliers
Authors: Castelnuovo Efrem , Lim Guay 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article discusses recent research on the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy—the theme of the 2018 edition of the Melbourne Institute Macroeconomic Policy Meeting. We review recent research findings on the effects of fiscal multipliers in normal times, during booms/busts, and in the presence of the zero lower bound. Studies on the effects of fiscal policy in open economy settings as well as contributions on the fiscal‐monetary policy mix are also considered. We conclude by outlining a few research avenues that are particularly relevant from a policy standpoint.