bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body mass index and risk of lung cancer: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Peng , Hu Chunhui , Quan Chao , Yi Xianfu , Zhou Wei , Yuan Meng , Yu Tingting , Kourouma Ansoumane , Yang Kedi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractQuestions remain about the significance of the dose-response relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lung cancer (LC) risk. Pertinent studies were identified through a search in EMBASE and PUBMED from July 2014 until March 2015. The summary relative risk (SRR) and confidence interval (CI) were estimated. The dose-response relationship was assessed using a restricted cubic spline. The overall meta-analysis showed evidence of a nonlinear association between BMI and LC risk (Pnonlinearity < 0.001). The SRR were 0.98 (95%CI: 0.95–1.01) for 25 kg/m2, 0.91 (95%CI: 0.85–0.98) for 30 kg/m2 and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.72–0.91) for 35 kg/m2, with mild between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 5%). The results of the stratified analysis by gender were comparable to those of the overall meta-analysis. When stratified by smoking status, linear dose-response associations were observed for current smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers (Pnonlinearity > 0.05), whereas the effects were attenuated when restricting analysis to non-smokers and at the point of 30 kg/m2, the SRR was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.86–1.07) for males and 0.95 (95%CI: 0.89–1.02) for females. This meta-analysis provides quantitative evidence that increasing BMI is a protective factor against LC. Keeping normal-to-moderate BMI should be prescribed as an evidence-based lifestyle tip for LC prevention in smokers.
Olfactomedin 4 deficiency promotes prostate neoplastic progression and is associated with upregulation of the hedgehog-signaling pathway
Authors: Li Hongzhen , Liu Wenli , Chen Weiping , Zhu Jianqiong , Deng Chu-Xia , Rodgers Griffin P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLoss of olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) gene expression is associated with the progression of human prostate cancer, but its role and the molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been completely understood. In this study, we found that Olfm4-knockout mice developed prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Importantly, we found that the hedgehog-signaling pathway was significantly upregulated in the Olfm4-knockout mouse model. We also found that restoration of OLFM4 in human prostate-cancer cells that lack OLFM4 expression significantly downregulated hedgehog signaling-pathway component expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the OLFM4 protein interacts with sonic hedgehog protein, as well as significantly inhibits GLI-reporter activity. Bioinformatic and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that decreased OLFM4 and increased SHH expression was significantly associated with advanced human prostate cancer. Thus, olfactomedin 4 appears to play a critical role in regulating progression of prostate cancer and has potential as a new biomarker for prostate cancer.
Effect of Lymph Node Count on Pathological Stage III Rectal Cancer with Preoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Li Qingguo , Liang Lei , Gan Lu , Cai Guoxiang , Li Xinxiang , Cai Sanjun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLymph node (LN) status after surgery for rectal cancer is affected by preoperative radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to perform a population-based evaluation of the impact of pathologic LN status after neoadjuvant radiotherapy on survival. A total of 1,650 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER)-registered ypIII stage rectal cancer was analyzed. We identified the optimal cutoff for retrieved LNs as 10 (χ2 = 14.006, P < 0.001), which was validated as an independent prognosis factors in a Cox regression model. Further analysis showed that the LN count was only a prognosis factor with the number from 8 to 16(except for 13).After the number 16, the 5-year survival rate decreased gradually. Collectively, our results confirmed that the number of LNs in yp III stage rectal patients was a prognosis factor only with the numbers from 8 to 16(except for 13). Using the total mesorectal excision technique with an adequate pathologic examination, a large number of LNs retrieved (≥17) might indicate worse tumor response grade and poorer survival.
Galectin-3 level and the severity of cardiac diastolic dysfunction using cellular and animal models and clinical indices
Authors: Wu Cho-Kai , Su Mao-Yuan , Lee Jen-Kuang , Chiang Fu-Tien , Hwang Juey-Jen , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Chen Jin-Jer , Liu Fu-Tong , Tsai Chia-Ti 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is characterized by myocardial interstitial fibrosis. A total of 146 patients with HFPEF, were recruited. HFPEF severity was determined using Doppler imaging (E/Em) and also cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Canine modeling of HFPEF was induced by aortic banding. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were obtained before and after pressure loading and myocardial Galectin-3 was determined. Mechanical stretch of cultured cardiomyocytes served as the cellular model of HFPEF. Patients with severe HFPEF had significantly higher plasma Galectin-3 levels. Significant correlation between plasma Galectin-3 and E/Em in advanced HFPEF patients was noted. After 2 weeks of pressure overload in canine models, the protein expression of Galectin-3 from LV myocardial tissue was significantly increased (p < 0.01) compared with controls. Galectin-3 expression paralleled the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction by evaluation of CMRI (r = −0.58, p = 0.003) and tissue fibrosis (r = 0.59, p = 0.002). After adjusting for confounders for diastolic dysfunction, Galectin-3 levels were still associated with diastolic parameters both in humans (p < 0.001) and canine model (p = 0.041). Mechanical stretch increased Galectin-3 secretion in cultured cardiomyocytes. Both plasma and myocardial Galectin-3 levels correlated with severity of cardiac diastolic dysfunction.
Functional role of pyruvate kinase from Lactobacillus bulgaricus in acid tolerance and identification of its transcription factor by bacterial one-hybrid
Authors: Zhai Zhengyuan , An Haoran , Wang Guohong , Luo Yunbo , Hao Yanling 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus develops acid tolerance response when subjected to acid stress conditions, such as the induction of enzymes associated with carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, pyk gene encoding pyruvate kinase was over-expressed in heterologous host Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 and SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the successful expression of this gene in NZ9000. The survival rate of Pyk-overproducing strain was 45-fold higher than the control under acid stress condition (pH 4.0). In order to determine the transcription factor (TF) which regulates the expression of pyk by bacterial one-hybrid, we constructed a TF library including 65 TFs of L. bulgaricus. Western blotting indicated that TFs in this library could be successfully expressed in host strains. Subsequently, the promoter of pfk-pyk operon in L. bulgaricus was identified by 5′-RACE PCR. The bait plasmid pH3U3-p01 carrying the deletion fragment of pfk-pyk promoter captured catabolite control protein A (CcpA) which could regulate the expression of pyk by binding to a putative catabolite-responsive element (5′-TGTAAGCCCTAACA-3′) upstream the -35 region. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed the transcription of pyk was positively regulated by CcpA. This is the first report about identifying the TF of pyk in L. bulgaricus, which will provide new insight into the regulatory network.
Biochemical and structural characterization of polyphosphate kinase 2 from the intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis
Authors: Batten Laura E. , Parnell Alice E. , Wells Neil J. , Murch Amber L. , Oyston Petra C. F. , Roach Peter L. 
Published: November 2015

The metabolism of polyphosphate is important for the virulence of a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and the enzymes of polyphosphate metabolism have been proposed as an anti-bacterial target. In the intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis, the product of the gene FTT1564 has been identified as a polyphosphate kinase from the polyphosphate kinase 2 (PPK2) family. The isogenic deletion mutant was defective for intracellular growth in macrophages and was attenuated in mice, indicating an important role for polyphosphate in the virulence of Francisella. Herein, we report the biochemical and structural characterization of F. tularensis polyphosphate kinase (FtPPK2) with a view to characterizing the enzyme as a novel target for inhibitors. Using an HPLC-based activity assay, the substrate specificity of FtPPK2 was found to include purine but not pyrimidine nts. The activity was also measured using 31P-NMR. FtPPK2 has been crystallized and the structure determined to 2.23 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. The structure consists of a six-stranded parallel β-sheet surrounded by 12 α-helices, with a high degree of similarity to other members of the PPK2 family and the thymidylate kinase superfamily. Residues proposed to be important for substrate binding and catalysis have been identified in the structure, including a lid-loop and the conserved Walker A and B motifs. The ΔFTT1564 strain showed significantly increased sensitivity to a range of antibiotics in a manner independent of the mode of action of the antibiotic. This combination of biochemical, structural and microbiological data provide a sound foundation for future studies targeting the development of PPK2 small molecule inhibitors.
Central dopaminergic neurotransmission plays an important role in thermoregulation and performance during endurance exercise
Authors: Zheng Xinyan , Hasegawa Hiroshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDopamine (DA) has been widely investigated for its potential role in determining exercise performance. It was originally thought that DA's ergogenic effect was by mediating psychological responses. Recently, some studies have also suggested that DA may regulate physiological responses, such as thermoregulation. Hyperthermia has been demonstrated as an important limiting factor during endurance exercise. DA is prominent in the thermoregulatory centre, and changes in DA concentration have been shown to affect core temperature regulation during exercise. Some studies have proposed that DA or DA/noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitors can improve exercise performance, despite hyperthermia during exercise in the heat. DA/NA reuptake inhibitors also increase catecholamine release in the thermoregulatory centre. Intracerebroventricularly injected DA has been shown to improve exercise performance through inhibiting hyperthermia‐induced fatigue, even at normal ambient temperatures. Further, caffeine has been reported to increase DA release in the thermoregulatory centre and improves endurance exercise performance despite increased core body temperature. Taken together, DA has been shown to have ergogenic effects and increase heat storage and hyperthermia tolerance. The mechanisms underlying these effects seem to involve limiting/overriding the inhibitory signals from the central nervous system that result in cessation of exercise due to hyperthermia.
Biological stations and the study of marine life: Umberto D'Ancona and the Hydrobiological Station of Chioggia (1940–1964)
Authors: Canadelli Elena 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Marine zoological stations played an important role in the history of biology and the study of marine life. From the 1870s onward, a large number of biological stations were founded across Europe from Naples to Bergen. In the light of the new theory of evolution and the emerging discipline of ecology, it becomes increasingly necessary for biologists to study nature in the field. Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, much of the research on aquatic organisms was conducted at such stations. The aquatic environment appeared to be particularly suitable for research on the theory of evolution, on embryology, physiology, anatomy, and organism–environment interactions. Marine stations also served as sites for the study of fishery management and fish farming and aquaculture. The hydrobiological station located in the town of Chioggia on the Venetian Lagoon represents one of the less well-known examples of such research centres. It was set up in 1940 by the Italian zoologist Umberto D'Ancona of the University of Padua (1896–1964), who modelled it on already existing zoology, hydrobiology, and fish farming stations in Italy and abroad. Their research was conducted on the ecosystems of the Venetian Lagoon and the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, the natural stocks of valuable commercial fish species, and the reproductive biology of various teleosts. This essay will review the history of the Hydrobiological Station in Chioggia during the period 1940–1964 when it was directed by D'Ancona, its work in the fields of marine biology and fishery, and its ties with other marine stations in Italy and abroad.
Qualities of Single Electrode Stimulation as a Function of Rate and Place of Stimulation with a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Landsberger David M. , Vermeire Katrien , Claes Annes , Van Rompaey Vincent , Van de Heyning Paul 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:
Although it has been shown previously that changes in temporal coding produce changes in pitch in all cochlear regions, research has suggested that temporal coding might be best encoded in relatively apical locations. The authors hypothesized that although temporal coding may provide useable information at any cochlear location, low rates of stimulation might provide better sound quality in apical regions that are more likely to encode temporal information in the normal ear. In the present study, sound qualities of single electrode pulse trains were scaled to provide insight into the combined effects of cochlear location and stimulation rate on sound quality.

Design:
Ten long-term users of MED-EL cochlear implants with 31-mm electrode arrays (Standard or FLEXSOFT) were asked to scale the sound quality of single electrode pulse trains in terms of how “Clean,” “Noisy,” “High,” and “Annoying” they sounded. Pulse trains were presented on most electrodes between 1 and 12 representing the entire range of the long electrode array at stimulation rates of 100, 150, 200, 400, or 1500 pulses per second.

Results:
Although high rates of stimulation are scaled as having a Clean sound quality across the entire array, only the most apical electrodes (typically 1 through 3) were considered Clean at low rates. Low rates on electrodes 6 through 12 were not rated as Clean, whereas the low-rate quality of electrodes 4 and 5 were typically in between. Scaling of Noisy responses provided an approximately inverse pattern as Clean responses. High responses show the trade-off between rate and place of stimulation on pitch. Because High responses did not correlate with Clean responses, subjects were not rating sound quality based on pitch.

Conclusions:
If explicit temporal coding is to be provided in a cochlear implant, it is likely to sound better when provided apically. In addition, the finding that low rates sound clean only at apical places of stimulation is consistent with previous findings that a change in rate of stimulation corresponds to an equivalent change in perceived pitch at apical locations. Collectively, the data strongly suggest that temporal coding with a cochlear implant is optimally provided by electrodes placed well into the second cochlear turn.
Early Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Detecting Radicular Pain After Lumbar Decompression Surgery
Authors: Futatsugi Toshimasa , Takahashi Jun , Oba Hiroki , Ikegami Shota , Mogami Yuji , Shibata Syunichi , Ohji Yoshihito , Tanikawa Hirotaka , Kato Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2015

Study Design:
A retrospective analysis.

Objective:
To evaluate the association between early postoperative dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) and radicular pain.

Summary of Background Data:
The correlation between postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and postoperative neurological symptoms after lumbar decompression surgery is controversial.

Methods:
This study included 115 patients who underwent lumbar decompression surgery followed by MRI within 7 days postoperatively. There were 46 patients with early postoperative radicular pain, regardless of whether the pain was mild or similar to that before surgery. The intervertebral level with the smallest DCSA was identified on MRI and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Risk factors for postoperative radicular pain were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Subanalysis according to absence/presence of a residual suction drain also was performed.

Results:
Multivariate regression analysis showed that smaller postoperative DCSA was significantly associated with early postoperative radicular pain (per −10 mm2; odds ratio, 1.26). The best cutoff value for radicular pain was early postoperative DCSA of 67.7 mm2. Even with a cutoff value of <70 mm2, sensitivity and specificity are 74.3% and 75.0%, respectively. Early postoperative DCSA was significantly larger before suction drain removal than after (119.7±10.1 vs. 93.9±5.4 mm2).

Conclusions:
Smaller DCSA in the early postoperative period was associated with radicular pain after lumbar decompression surgery. The best cutoff value for postoperative radicular pain was 67.7 mm2. Absence of a suction drain at the time of early postoperative MRI was related to smaller DCSA.
Anterior and Posterior Vertebral Column Resection Versus Posterior-only Technique
Authors: Demirkiran Gokhan , Dede Ozgur , Karadeniz Emre , Olgun Deniz , Ayvaz Mehmet , Yazici Muharrem 
Published: November 2015

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to compare the anterior-posterior surgery to posterior-only vertebra resection for congenital kyphoscoliosis in pediatric patients.

Summary of Background Data:
Vertebral column resection is a very powerful correction technique mainly used in the treatment of severe and rigid spinal deformities. The technique can be applied with combined anterior and posterior vertebral column resection (APVCR) or posterior-only vertebral column resection (PVCR) approaches. PVCR has gained popularity recently due to several apparent advantages, but APVCR is still believed by some to be a viable alternative, despite the use of an anterior exposure.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed including the patients with congenital kyphoscoliosis up to 16 years of age who were operated on by a single senior surgeon in our department after 2005. The data included surgical time, estimated blood loss, duration of hospital and postoperative intensive care unit stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were evaluated for scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal balance.

Results:
Twenty-six patients (20 girls, 6 boys) met the inclusion criteria. APVCR was performed on 17 (median age, 13.2 y) and PVCR on 9 (median age, 10.7 y). Scoliosis correction at the time of last follow-up was 54.3% and 52.6% for APVCR and PVCR, respectively, whereas the average kyphosis correction was 25.4 degrees in APVCR and 30.1 degrees in PVCR group. Surgical time, hospital stay, and estimated blood loss were all significantly higher in the APVCR group, whereas the complication rates were similar. No neurological or vascular complications were encountered.

Conclusions:
This study showed that although the operative time and surgical blood loss were higher with APVCR, there were no major complications and the radiologic outcomes were similar between APVCR and PVCR. APVCR should be considered as an acceptable technique especially in deformities where PVCR would be technically difficult or at the beginning of the spine surgeon’s learning curve.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Intellectual disability screening in women prisoners: preliminary evaluation
Authors: Board Thomas , Ali Salma , Bartlett Annie 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new Intellectual Disability (ID) screening service within a women’s prison in England.

Design/methodology/approach
– Analysis of prisoner records was carried out to establish characteristics of women entering the prison, rates of screening completion and time intervals for all stages of the assessment pathway.

Findings
– In total 198 women were received into prison and underwent 202 ID screens. Nine out of ten women completed a screen, almost all on arrival or very soon afterwards. There were 23 referrals for secondary assessment but only four were completed. Most of the women identified for additional screening left the prison before this could be achieved.

Originality/value
– This evaluation is the first to show that preliminary screening for ID is feasible in prison. This screening alone is useful for prisons to make the kind of reasonable adjustment required of public bodies by the Equality Act. However, its value is constrained unless resources are also dedicated to the kind of additional screening which might lead to definitive diagnosis and care planning for intellectual disability. This model of assessment would be of considerable value in establishing prisoners at risk by virtue of different levels of intellectual disability and could be used to provide more reliable and routine estimates of prevalence contributing to overall better service planning.
Compulsory treatment of drug users in Asia: designed to torture?
Authors: Dolan Kate , Worth Heather , Wilson David 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– Injecting drug use is a global concern, with an estimated 16 million people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in over 148 countries. A number of Asian countries detain PWIDs for compulsory treatment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approach– The authors reviewed the literature on compulsory drug treatment in seven Asian countries.Findings– The authors identified 1,269 closed settings which held over 600,000 drug users in eight countries. The average detainee was aged from 20 to 30 years and was predominantly male. HIV risk behaviour continued in detention in some countries. In most countries treatment comprised physical labour, military drills. Methadone maintenance treatment and antiretroviral therapy were rarely available. No data were located to show detention in a closed setting treated drug dependency. Issues of concern were; no due legal process for the detention of drug users, lack of evidence-based drug treatment, lack of HIV prevention and treatment, abusive conditions, forced labour and exercise, arbitrary exit procedures and very high relapse rates.Research limitations/implications– The review of compulsory treatment of drug users failed to find any evaluation of effective drug treatment for detainees. Instead serious breaches in human rights conditions were evident. Prominent international organisations have called for the compulsory treatment of drug users to cease.Practical implications– Many countries are spending vast amounts of funding on ineffective treatments for drug users.Social implications– Funding should be directed to community-based drug treatments that have been shown to work.Originality/value– This is the largest review of compulsory treatment of drug users to date.