bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-424(322) as a new marker of disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its role in right ventricular hypertrophy by targeting SMURF1
Authors: Baptista Rui , Marques Carla , Catarino Steve , Enguita Francisco J , Costa Marina C , Matafome Paulo , Zuzarte Mónica , Castro Graça , Reis Abílio , Monteiro Pedro , Pêgo Mariano , Pereira Paulo , Girão Henrique 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Aims
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a multifactorial and progressive condition associated with an increased afterload of the right ventricle leading to heart failure and death. The main aim of this study was to correlate the levels of miR-424(322) with the severity and prognosis of PH and with right ventricle hypertrophy progression. Additionally, we intended to evaluate the mechanisms and signalling pathways whereby miR-424(322) secreted by pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) impacts cardiomyocytes.

Methods and results
Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed that the levels of circulating miR-424(322) are higher in PH patients when compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, we found that miR-424(322) levels correlated with more severe symptoms and haemodynamics. In the subgroup of Eisenmenger syndrome patients, miR-424(322) displayed independent prognostic value. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-424(322) targets SMURF1, through which it sustains bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 signalling. Moreover, we showed that hypoxia induces the secretion of miR-424(322) by PAECs, which after being taken up by cardiomyocytes leads to down-regulation of SMURF1. In the monocrotaline rat model of PH, we found an association between circulating miR-424(322) levels and the stage of right ventricle hypertrophy, as well as an inverse correlation between miR-424(322) and SMURF1 levels in the hypertrophied right ventricle.

Conclusions
This study shows that miR-424(322) has diagnostic and prognostic value in PH patients, correlating with markers of disease severity. Additionally, miR-424(322) can target proteins with a direct effect on heart function, suggesting that this miRNA can act as a messenger linking pulmonary vascular disease and right ventricle hypertrophy.
Clinical Effectiveness of Intra-articular Pulsed Radiofrequency Compared to Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Management of Atlanto-occipital Joint Pain
Authors: Shin So Min , Kwak Sang Gyu , Lee Dong Gyu , Chang Min Cheol 
Published: September 2017

Study Design.
A prospective randomized controlled pilot study.

Objective.
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation on the atlanto-occipital (AO) joint in patients with chronic joint pain. In addition, we compared the effects of AO intra-articular (IA) PRF and AO IA corticosteroid.

Summary of Background Data.
IA injection of corticosteroids into the AO joint is widely used for the management of head and upper cervical pain, and its effectiveness has been shown in previous studies. However, little is known about the effect of PRF stimulation on the AO joint for controlling chronic head or upper cervical pain.

Methods.
Twenty-three consecutive patients with chronic upper cervical pain were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria and divided into one of two groups. Twelve patients received PRF stimulation with a PRF needle electrode in the IA space of the AO joint (PRF group) and 11 patients received AO IA corticosteroid injection (ICI group. Pain intensity was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) before treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months afterward. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥50% reduction in NRS score 6 months post-treatment compared to pretreatment.

Results.
Mean NRS scores were significantly reduced compared to those pretreatment (P < 0.001) in both groups. Temporal changes in NRS score were not significantly different between groups (P = 0.227). Successful pain relief was achieved in 66.7% and 63.6% of patients in the PRF and ICI groups, respectively.

Conclusion.
IA PRF stimulation significantly relieved AO joint pain and its effect persisted for at least 6 months after treatment. In addition, the degree of pain relief after IA PRF was not significantly different from that after ICI. We think that PRF stimulation of the AO joint could be a useful clinical treatment for patients with AO joint pain.

Level of Evidence: 2
Latent Class Analysis of ADHD Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Comorbidities
Authors: Zablotsky Benjamin , Bramlett Matthew D. , Visser Susanna N. , Danielson Melissa L. , Blumberg Stephen J. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
Many children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience co-occurring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and those who do often exhibit higher levels of impairment than children with ADHD alone. This study provides a latent class analysis (LCA) approach to categorizing children with ADHD into comorbidity groups, evaluating condition expression and treatment patterns in each group.

Methods:
Parent-reported data from a large probability-based national sample of children diagnosed with ADHD (2014 National Survey of the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD and Tourette Syndrome) were used for an LCA to identify groups of children with similar groupings of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbidities among children with current ADHD (n = 2495). Differences between classes were compared using multivariate logistic regressions.

Results:
LCA placed children who were indicated to have ADHD into 4 classes: (low comorbidity [LCM] [64.5%], predominantly developmental disorders [PDD] [13.7%], predominantly internalizing disorders [PID] [18.5%], and high comorbidity [HCM] [3.3%]). Children belonging to the HCM class were most likely to have a combined ADHD subtype and the highest number of impaired domains. Children belonging to the PDD class were most likely to be receiving school services, whereas children in the PID class were more likely to be taking medication than those belonging to the LCM class who were least likely to receive psychosocial treatments.

Conclusion:
Latent classes based on co-occurring psychiatric conditions predicted use of varied treatments. These findings contribute to the characterization of the ADHD phenotype and may help clinicians identify how services could be best organized and coordinated in treating ADHD.
A Randomized Evaluator-Blinded Trial Comparing Subsurface Monopolar Radiofrequency With Microfocused Ultrasound for Lifting and Tightening of the Neck
Authors: Jones Isabela T. , Guiha Isabella , Goldman Mitchel P. , Wu Douglas C. 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND
Both subsurface monopolar radiofrequency (SMRF) and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) have demonstrated the ability to lift and tighten the neck. No head-to-head comparison study exists of these 2 technologies.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of SMRF and MFU-V for the lifting and tightening of neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty subjects aged from 18 to 65 with moderate neck skin laxity were randomized to receive either one treatment of SMRF or MFU-V.

RESULTS
At Days 0, 30, 90, and 180, the mean (SD) investigator-assessed Neck Laxity Grade was 2.7 (0.67), 2.1 (1.1), 1.6 (1.2), and 0.86 (0.7), respectively, for patients treated with SMRF, and 2.8 (0.63), 2.4 (1.07), 1.5 (0.53), and 1.4 (0.7), respectively, for those treated with MFU-V. Both SMRF and MFU-V led to a significant decrease in the mean investigator-assessed Neck Laxity Grade by Day 90 and persistent to Day 180. Subject assessment of firmness, texture, and laxity also significantly improved by Day 90 and persistent to Day 180. Adverse events were mild and transient.

CONCLUSION
There were no were statistically significant differences between SMRF and MFU-V in investigator-assessed and patient-assessed measures of neck laxity, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Microfocused ultrasound with visualization was associated with more procedural pain.
The Effect of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants on Balance During Gait
Authors: Weaver Tyler S. , Shayman Corey S. , Hullar Timothy E. 
Published: September 2017

Hypothesis:
Auditory input in people with hearing impairment will improve balance while walking.

Background:
Auditory input is increasingly recognized as an additional input for balance. Several studies have found auditory cues to improve static balance measured on a sway platform. The effect of audition on gait, a dynamic task also linked to fall risk, has not been fully examined. If a positive effect were shown between audition and balance, it would further indicate that improving hearing could also improve balance.

Methods:
Inertial sensors quantified gait parameters of 13 bilateral hearing aid users and 12 bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users with their hearing devices on and off. Outcome measures included gait velocity, stride length variability, swing time variability, and double support phase.

Results:
Group analysis of each of the gait outcomes showed no significant differences between the aided and unaided conditions in both the hearing aid and CI groups. Gait velocity, an outcome most strongly linked to fall risk had 95% confidence interval differences of −2.16 to 1.52 and −1.45 to 4.17 cm/s in hearing aid and CI users, respectively (aided versus unaided condition). There was considerable variation among participants with some individuals improving in all four parameters.

Conclusion:
The overall findings were not statistically significant, however, a small subset of our population improved clinically across several outcomes. This demonstrates that audition may have a clinically beneficial effect on balance in some patients.
Impact of MUC1 Expression on the Progression of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm With Worrisome Features During Follow-up
Authors: Tomishima Ko , Sai Jin Kan , Kanazawa Ryo , Miura Hiroko , Shimizu Ryo , Sato Koki , Ishii Shigeto , Saito Hiroaki , Ito Tomoyasu , Fukumura Yuki , Shiina Shuichiro , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: September 2017

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate whether MUC1 expression is associated with progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with worrisome features during follow-up.

Methods
Fifteen patients positive for MUC1 and negative for MUC2 (MUC1 group) and 16 patients negative for MUC1 and MUC2 (control group) were followed up and examined for changes in diameters of the main and ectatic branches of pancreatic ducts, enlargement of mural nodules, and appearance of a solid mass, by imaging studies. All of them presented worrisome features, and none had “high-risk stigmata.”

Results
The sizes of the main and ectatic branches of pancreatic ducts increased in 8 (53.3%) and 8 (53.3%) patients, respectively, of the MUC1 group and in 1 (6.3%) and 1 (6.3%) patients, respectively, of the control group (P = 0.0059 and 0.0059, respectively). A solid mass developed in 6 patients (33.3%) of the MUC1 group but in none of the control group patients (P = 0.0373).

Conclusions
Positive MUC1 expression in cell block cytology specimens may be associated with progressive dilation of the main and ectatic branches of pancreatic ducts and appearance of a solid mass in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with worrisome features during follow-up.
Effects of Rab27A and Rab27B on Invasion, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Chemoresistance in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jieying , Jin Qin , Huang Fang , Tang Zhiyuan , Huang Jianfei 
Published: September 2017

Objectives
Rab family members are key regulatory factors that function as molecular switches in multiple phases of vesicular trafficking. Our previous study demonstrated that Rab27A and Rab27B overexpression may predict a poor outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Rab27A and Rab27B in the progression of pancreatic cancer.

Methods
We down-regulated Rab27A and Rab27B expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The regulatory effects of knockdown Rab27A and Rab27B on pancreatic cancer cell were measured by cisplatin assay, invasion assay, proliferation assay, and Western blot assay.

Results
Rab27A and Rab27B down-regulation enhances sensitivity to cisplatin and induces apoptosis in ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells. In addition, down-regulation of Rab27A reduced the invasive and proliferative ability of ASPC-1 cells, and Rab27B knockdown significantly prevented cancer invasion and proliferation in PANC-1 cells.

Conclusions
Our findings provide evidence that Rab27A and Rab27B play significant roles in cell invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as in chemotherapy resistance.
Impact of Treatments on Diabetic Control and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Total Pancreatectomy
Authors: Struyvenberg Maarten R. , Fong Zhi Ven , Martin Camilia R. , Tseng Jennifer F. , Clancy Thomas E. , Fernández-del Castillo Carlos , Tillman Hanna J. , Bellin Melena D. , Freedman Steven D. 
Published: September 2017

Objectives
The aims of this study were to compare the safety, efficacy, and patients' quality of life with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple daily injections (MDIs) in type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM) following total pancreatectomy (TP) and pancreatic enzyme usage.

Methods
Thirty-nine patients with T3cDM (18 CSII patients vs 21 MDI patients) who underwent TP between 2000 and 2016 at 3 Harvard-affiliated hospitals and the University of Minnesota returned prospectively obtained questionnaires examining quality of life and both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions.

Results
Main indications for TP were as follows: chronic pancreatitis (n = 19), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 12), and adenocarcinoma (n = 4). Median hemoglobin A1c using MDIs was 8.1% versus 7.3% in CSII. Severe hypoglycemic events using MDIs were increased compared with CSII (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in quality-of-life measures with CSII versus MDIs. Pancreatic enzyme dose per meal (P < 0.05) differed between the hospitals. Gastrointestinal symptoms and unintended weight loss (P < 0.01) were more common with low doses of pancreatic enzymes.

Conclusions
After TP, CSII therapy is safe compared with MDIs in T3cDM and not associated with an increase in severe hypoglycemic events. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is highly variable with low doses associated with unintentional weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Efficacy of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in a United States–Based Cohort of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients
Authors: Katona Bryson W. , Roccaro Giorgio A. , Soulen Michael C. , Yang Yu-Xiao , Bennett Bonita J. , Riff Brian P. , Glynn Rebecca A. , Wild Damian , Nicolas Guillaume P. , Pryma Daniel A. , Teitelbaum Ursina R. , Metz David C. 
Published: September 2017

Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyze in a retrospective cohort study the outcomes of a United States–based group of metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients who underwent peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Methods
Twenty-eight patients from a single US NET Center were treated with PRRT. Toxicities were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. Progression was determined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify potential predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results
The median age at NET diagnosis was 56 years, 50% of the patients were male, 46% of NET primaries were located in the pancreas, 71% of tumors were nonfunctional, 25% were World Health Organization (WHO) grade III, and 20% had at least a 25% hepatic tumor burden. Anemia (36%) was the most common post-PRRT toxicity, followed by leukopenia (31%), nephrotoxicity (27%), and thrombocytopenia (24%). Median PFS was 18 months, and median OS was 38 months. Having a WHO grade III NET and receiving systemic chemotherapy prior to PRRT were found to be to independent predictors of shorter PFS and OS.

Conclusions
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is an effective therapy in a US population. Progression-free survival and OS were better in WHO grade I/II NETs and when PRRT was sequenced prior to systemic chemotherapy.
Validation of the Integrated Model of Health Literacy in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Hou Wen-Hsuan , Huang Yi-Jing , Lee Yen , Chen Cheng-Te , Lin Gong-Hong , Hsieh Ching-Lin 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundHealth literacy (HL) enables patients with breast cancer to actively participate in health decisions and promote positive health outcomes. The Integrated Model of Health Literacy (IMHL), defined as the personal, situational, and societal/environmental factors that predict the level of HL that can influence health outcomes, incorporates the concepts, determinants, and consequences of HL.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms and completeness of the IMHL in patients with breast cancer.MethodsFive hundred eleven Taiwanese patients were prospectively recruited. We conducted structural equation modeling to confirm and modify the predictive pathways linking the HL-related factors in the IMHL.ResultsResults on a total of 511 breast cancer patients showed good model-data fit. An alternative model revealed better fit with 2 pathways added from cancer stage to self-rated health and from cancer duration to shared decision making. Both the original model and alternative model modification revealed that only personal determinants (age, education, cancer stage, and duration) andnotsituational determinants (marital status) or social/environmental determinants (residence and occupation) could significantly predict the 3 domains of HL. Theorized consequences of HL were significantly influenced by HL in both models.ConclusionsOur results partially support the relationships proposed in the IMHL for patients with breast cancer as only personal determinants significantly predicted HL.Implications for PracticeUnderstanding the predictive pathways of the integrated HL model could help clinicians to tailor HL interventions using a patient’s personal determinants to facilitate participation in decision making and promote health for breast cancer patients.
Disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury: therapeutic options
Authors: Schnakers Caroline , Monti Martin M. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review
Very few options exist for patients who survive severe traumatic brain injury but fail to fully recover and develop a disorder of consciousness (e.g. vegetative state, minimally conscious state).

Recent findings
Among pharmacological approaches, Amantadine has shown the ability to accelerate functional recovery. Although with very low frequency, Zolpidem has shown the ability to improve the level of consciousness transiently and, possibly, also in a sustained fashion. Among neuromodulatory approaches, transcranial direct current stimulation has been shown to transiently improve behavioral responsiveness, but mostly in minimally conscious patients. New evidence for thalamic deep brain stimulation calls into question its cost/benefit trade-off.

Summary
The growing understanding of the biology of disorders of consciousness has led to a renaissance in the development of therapeutic interventions for patients with disorders of consciousness. High-quality evidence is emerging for pharmacological (i.e. Amantadine) and neurostimulatory (i.e. transcranial direct current stimulation) interventions, although further studies are needed to delineate preconditions, optimal dosages, and timing of administration. Other exciting new approaches (e.g. low intensity focused ultrasound) still await systematic assessment. A crucial future direction should be the use of neuroimaging measures of functional and structural impairment as a means of tailoring patient-specific interventions.
Population Genomics of the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) and RADseq Parameter Choice for Large-Genome Organisms
Authors: McCartney-Melstad Evan , Gidiş Müge , Shaffer H. Bradley 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGenomic data are useful for attaining high resolution in population genetic studies and have become increasingly available for answering questions in biological conservation. We analyzed RADseq data for the protected foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) throughout its native range in California and Oregon, including many of the same localities included in an earlier study based on mitochondrial DNA. We recovered five primary clades that correspond to geographic regions within California and Oregon, with better resolution and more spatially consistent patterns than the previous study, confirming the increased resolving power of genomic approaches compared to single-locus analyses. Bayesian clustering, PCA and population differentiation with admixture analyses all indicated that approximately half the range ofR. boyliiconsists of a single, relatively uniform population, while regions in the Sierra Nevada and Central Coast Range of California are deeply differentiated genetically. Additionally, a major methodological challenge for large genome organisms, including many amphibians, is deciding on sequence similarity clustering thresholds for population genetic analyses using RADseq data, and we develop a novel set of metrics that allow researchers to set a sequence similarity threshold that maximizes the separation of paralogous regions while minimizing the oversplitting of naturally occurring allelic variation within loci.