bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Routine Adoption of TIMP2 and IGFBP7 Biomarkers in Cardiac Surgery for Early Identification of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Levante Chiara , Ferrari Fiorenza , Manenti Chiara , Husain-Syed Faeq , Scarpa Marta , Danesi Tommaso Hinna , De Cal Massimo , Corradi Valentina , Virzì Grazia M. , Brendolan Alessandra , Nalesso Federico , Bezerra Pércia , Lopez-Giacoman Salvador , Samoni Sara , Senzolo Mara , Giavarina Davide , Salvador Loris , Bonato Raffaele , De Rosa Silvia , Rettore Enrico , Ronco Claudio 
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a severe complication affecting many hospitalized patients after cardiac surgery, with negative impacts on short- and long-term clinical outcomes and on healthcare costs. Recently, clinical interest has been aimed at defining and classifying AKI, identifying risk factors and developing diagnostic strategies to identify patients at risk early on. Achieving an early and accurate diagnosis of AKI is a crucial issue, because prevention and timely detection may help to prevent negative clinical outcomes and avoid AKI-associated costs. In this retrospective study, we evaluate the NephroCheck Test as a diagnostic tool for early detection of AKI in a high-risk population of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza. Methods We assessed the ability of the NephroCheck Test to predict the probability of developing CSA-AKI (cardiac surgery-associated AKI) and evaluated its accuracy as a diagnostic test, by building a multivariate logistic regression model for CSA-AKI prediction. Results Based on our findings, when the results of the NephroCheck Test are included in a multivariate model its performance is substantially improved, as compared to the benchmark model, which only accounts for the other clinical factors. We also define a rule – in terms of a probability cut-off – for discriminating cases that are at higher risk of developing AKI of any stage versus those in which AKI is less likely. Conclusions Our study has implications in clinical practice: when a Nephrocheck Test result is >0.3 ng/dL, an automated electronic alert prompts the physician to intervene by following a checklist of preventive measures.
Unfavorable clinical implications of peripheral blood CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Luo Zhuanbo , Wang Yun , Lou Yanru , Cao Chao , Hubbard Richard , Xu Ning , Huang Xiaoping 
Published: November 2017

Background: There is an unmet need for identification of additional prognostic markers for lung cancer. The aim of this study was to identify novel clinical and immunological predictors of prognosis in lung cancer patients. Methods: Lymphocyte subsets CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/8+, CD25+, CD69+, CD44+ and CD54+ were quantified in peripheral blood using flow cytometry, for 203 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and 120 healthy controls. Results: The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and CD69+ lymphocytes were significantly lower in patients with lung cancer compared with the healthy control group, while CD54+ and CD44+ lymphocytes were significantly higher. In stage III/IV patients with lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis, the levels of CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with patients with stage I/II disease (p<0.05). The levels of CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes markedly reduced after chemotherapy, and follow-up analysis indicated that patients found without increase of CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes after chemotherapy had survival advantages. Independent predictors of survival in lung cancer patients included clinical stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.791; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.42-3.54, p<0.001), CD44+ lymphocytes (HR = 1.282; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49, p = 0.002) and CD54+ lymphocytes (HR = 1.475; 95% CI, 1.22-1.73, p = 0.003). Elevated levels of CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes correlated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Conclusions: Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with lung cancer are different from those in healthy people, and circulating CD44+ and CD54+ lymphocytes seem to be a promising criterion to predict survival in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Clinical performance and utility of a NNMT-based urine test for bladder cancer
Authors: Pozzi Valentina , Di Ruscio Giulia , Sartini Davide , Campagna Roberto , Seta Riccardo , Fulvi Paola , Vici Alexia , Milanese Giulio , Brandoni Gabriele , Galosi Andrea B. , Montironi Rodolfo , Cecati Monia , Emanuelli Monica 
Published: November 2017

Background: Bladder cancer (BC) represents the most common neoplasm of the urinary tract. Although cystoscopy and urine cytology represent the gold standard methods to monitor BC, both procedures have limitations. Therefore, the identification of reliable biomarkers for early and noninvasive detection of BC is urgently required. Methods: In this study, we analyzed nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) expression in urine samples from 55 BC patients and 107 controls, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the best cutoff value to discriminate BC patients from healthy donors, and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a urine-based NNMT test. Results: The results demonstrated that urinary NNMT expression was significantly (p<0.05) higher in BC patients. Moreover, a significant (p<0.05) inverse correlation was found between NNMT expression and histological grade. The ROC analysis revealed that a ΔCq of 13.3 was the best cutoff value, since it was associated with the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.913 (p<0.05), indicating the excellent diagnostic accuracy of a urine-based NNMT test. Conclusions: Our data indicate that NNMT is a promising biomarker that could be used to support the early and noninvasive diagnosis of BC.
Monitoring the osseointegration process in porous Ti6Al4V implants produced by additive manufacturing: an experimental study in sheep
Authors: Kayacan Mehmet C. , Baykal Yakup B. , Karaaslan Tamer , Özsoy Koray , Alaca İlker , Duman Burhan , Delikanlı Yunus E. 
Published: November 2017

Background: This study investigated the design and osseointegration process of transitive porous implants that can be used in humans and all trabecular and compact bone structure animals. The aim was to find a way of forming a strong and durable tissue bond on the bone–implant interface. Methods: Massive and transitive porous implants were produced on a direct metal laser sintering machine, surgically implanted into the skulls of sheep and kept in place for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period, the Massive and porous implants removed from the sheep were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to monitor the osseointegration process. Results: In the literature, each study has selected standard sizes for pore diameter in the structures they use. However, none of these involved transitional porous structures. In this study, as opposed to standard pores, there were spherical or elliptical pores at the micro level, development channels and an inner region. Bone cells developed in the inner region. Transitive pores grown gradually in accordance with the natural structure of the bone were modeled in the inner region for cells to develop. Due to this structure, a strong and durable tissue bond could be formed at the bone–implant interface. Conclusions: Osseointegration processes of Massive vs. porous implants were compared. It was observed that cells were concentrated on the surface of Massive implants. Therefore, osseointegration between implant and bone was less than that of porous implants. In transitive porous implants, as opposed to Massive implants, an outer region was formed in the bone–implant interface that allowed tissue development.
Experimental study on the chemico-physical interaction between a two-component cyanoacrylate glue and the material of PICCs
Authors: Di Puccio Francesca , Giacomarro Daniela , Mattei Lorenza , Pittiruti Mauro , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: The use of cyanoacrylate glue as sealant on the exit site of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may offer some important clinical advantages. However, concerns exist about the potential interaction between cyanoacrylate and the material of the catheter itself. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of damage to the catheter secondary to a long-term contact with a two-component skin glue (N-butyl + octyl cyanoacrylate). Methods: Twelve PICCs of different brands and types were selected (11 made of polyurethane and one made of silicon). PICCs were glued onto artificial skin pads, slightly wetted with Earle solution. The pads were kept in an egg incubator at 34°C and 60% humidity, for up to twelve weeks. Possible signs of degradation were monitored by surface analyses and mechanical tests. Scanning electron microscopy observations, surface roughness measurements, pressure strength and uniaxial tests were performed. Results: Samples were analyzed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of contact with the glue. No chemical reaction between the glue and the material of the catheters was evident. The mechanical strength of PICCs was consistently within the ranges of ISO standards. An expected increase in the stiffness of the samples covered with glue was observed in uniaxial tests. The silicon catheter was weaker than the polyurethane catheters and was damaged while trying to remove it from the pad for tests. Conclusions: The long-term use of N-butyl + octyl cyanoacrylate glue on polyurethane PICCs is not expected to be associated to any damage to the catheter.
Supervised preoperative forearm exercise to increase blood vessel diameter in patients requiring an arteriovenous access for hemodialysis: rationale and design of the PINCH trial
Authors: Wilschut Esther D. , Rotmans Joris I. , Bos Ernst Jan , van Zoest Daniëlle , Eefting Daniël , Hamming Jaap F. , van der Bogt Koen E.A. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Failure of maturation occurs in 30%-60% of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation for hemodialysis, with highest rates in distal radiocephalic fistulas. This is partly due to initial small blood vessel size with limited blood flow capacity. Forearm exercise has shown potential as stimulus for increasing blood vessel size in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and may promote maturation of AVFs in the upper limb when applied postoperatively. However, it is unknown if forearm exercise increases blood vessel size pre-operatively, which may contribute to more distal AVF creation and raise success rates of AVF surgery. This study will investigate these issues. Methods and results: The PINCH trial (refers to ‘pinching’) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 1:1 randomization to perform supervised forearm exercises compared to no exercise 6 weeks pre-operatively before creation of an AVF. Forty patients receiving an AVF will be included. The main study endpoints are blood vessel diameter (cephalic or basilic vein and radial and ulnar artery), AVF surgical plan (radiocephalic or brachiobasilic/cephalic), and three-month (assisted) maturation rate. The burden of the performed forearm exercises will be evaluated using Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF Dutch version 1.2) and exercise specific questionnaires. The PINCH trial is planned to start in November 2017. Enrollment is expected to be completed at the end of 2019. Conclusions: The PINCH study is the first trial to evaluate the effect of pre-operative, supervised forearm exercises on vein diameter and fistula maturation in hemodialysis patients. Trial registration: NTR6382.
Informes de reflexión en la docencia de Estructuras mediante aprendizaje basado en problemas
Authors: Delgado-Trujillo Antonio , De Justo Moscardó Enrique , Molina-Huelva Marta , Rodríguez-León María Teresa 
Published: November 2017

Realizamos una síntesis sobre el estado del conocimiento respecto a la reflexión en el aprendizaje: significado, utilidad y estrategias. A continuación presentamos un estudio de caso en la asignatura Estructuras 1 en el grado de Fundamentos de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Sevilla. Desde su implantación utilizamos el método de aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP), uno de cuyos componentes básicos es la reflexión sobre el aprendizaje, que este caso incentivamos con informes de reflexión. En esta comunicación analizamos 62 informes de reflexión redactados por los estudiantes en varios cursos académicos aplicando técnicas de análisis cualitativo. Los resultados permiten detectar distintos enfoques en el trabajo y estudio de los estudiantes, así como fortalezas y debilidades en el trabajo en equipo. Hemos concluido que en nuestro contexto la autorregulación del aprendizaje se produce tanto individualmente como en equipo, y que el compromiso es un aspecto emocional muy relevante para los estudiantes.
We do a synthesis about the state of knowledge related to reflection in learning: meaning, purpose and strategies. We introduce a case study in the subject Structures 1 in the Architecture degree at the University of Seville. In this subject we use problem-based learning (PBL), in which one basic component is reflection on learning, that in this case we put in to practice through reflective papers. We analyse 62 reflective papers written by the students from different academic years. We apply qualitative analysis techniques. The results allow us to detect different approaches in the students´ work and study, and strengths as well as weaknesses in teamwork. We have concluded that in our context learning self-regulation occurs individually as well as in team, and that engagement is an emotional aspect very relevant for students.
Case Report: Effect of Antigravity Treadmill Training on Muscle Oxidative Capacity, Muscle Endurance, and Walking Function in a Person with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Willingham T. Bradley , Melbourn Jonathan , Moldavskiy Marina , McCully Kevin K. , Backus Deborah 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
Exercise training can improve skeletal muscle metabolism in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, quantification of exercise-mediated improvements in muscle metabolism has been limited, particularly in people with high levels of disability. We evaluated the effect of 9 weeks of antigravity treadmill training on muscle oxidative capacity and muscle endurance and assessed the relationship to walking function in a person with MS.

Methods:
One person with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 6.5) performed treadmill training for 24 minutes approximately twice weekly for 9 weeks (16 sessions) using an antigravity treadmill system. Before and after the intervention phase, we measured muscle oxidative capacity in the medial gastrocnemius using near-infrared spectroscopy after 15 to 20 seconds of electrical stimulation; muscle endurance in the medial gastrocnemius using accelerometer-based mechanomyography during 9 minutes of twitch electrical stimulation in three stages (3 minutes per stage) of increasing frequency (2, 4, and 6 Hz); muscle strength (plantarflexion) using a maximal voluntary contraction; and walking function using the Timed 25-Foot Walk test and the 2-Minute Walk Test.

Results:
Muscle oxidative capacity increased from 0.73 min−1 to 1.08 min−1 (48%). Muscle endurance increased from 75.9% to 84.0% at 2 Hz, from 67.8% to 76.2% at 4 Hz, and from 13.5% to 44.7% at 6 Hz. Maximal voluntary contraction decreased by 0.68 kg (15%), Timed 25-Foot Walk test speed decreased by 0.19 ft/s (20%), and 2-Minute Walk Test distance increased by 65 m (212%).

Conclusions:
Muscle oxidative capacity and muscle endurance, as well as walking function, improved in a person with MS after training on an antigravity treadmill.
EFEKTI AKTIVNOSTI UNAPREĐENJA PRODAJE PRILIKOM ULASKA POZNATOG BRENDA NA NOVO TRŽIŠTE // EFFECTS OF SALES PROMOTION ACTIVITIES UPON ENTERING THE FAMOUS BRAND IN A NEW MARKET
Authors: Milovanović Mirjana , Perić Nenad 
Published: November 2017

Istraživanja su pokazala da je uspeh u pozicioniranju brenda na tržištu, posledicakonkretnog i ciljnog fokusiranja na određeni proizvod ili uslugu. Proizvod ili uslugamoraju biti jasno izdvojeni u svesti krajnjeg kupca, u ovom slučaju nezavisnihautoservisera, podsećajući ih u svakom trenutku na svoje postojanje i takopredstavljajući njihov prvi izbor. U vremenu recesije, veoma je važno sačuvati svakogkrajnjeg kupca, a poseban izazov je “osvajanje” novih kupaca, na postojećim, ali inovim tržištima. U ovom radu će biti govora o aktivnostima unapređenja prodajeprilikom ulaska identifikovanog brenda “AM” (Auto Milovanović, d.o.o) na novotržište. Hipoteze koje će biti dokazane vezane su za značaj edukativno-zabavnihmanifestacija, u cilju unapređenja prodaje, zatim za efekte oglašavanja na područjunekih delova Republike Srpske, te Bosne i Hercegovine, i prepoznavanje istih nanovim tržištima, a vezane su i za spremnost ulaganja nezavisnih autoservisera u novuservisnu opremu, u odnosu na starosnu dob. Hipoteze su dokazivane po razinamaspoznaje, dakle prvo generalna, a potom i kolateralne hipoteze. Koristeći planuzorkovanja, definisana je ciljna populacija, a to su nezavisni autoserviseri, kojideluju na području opštine Doboj (BiH), a ispitanici, njih 66 su kontaktiraniupitnikom, koji su sami popunjavali odmah po primitku na završetku oficijelnog dela edukativne manifestacije “AM Doboj 2013”. Metode statističke obrade podataka sudeskriptivna analiza i Hi-kvadrat test. Evaluacijom dobijenih podataka i praćenjemukupnih prihoda, zaključuje se da su nezavisni autoserviseri, nakon edukativnozabavnemanifestacije, počeli koristiti sve do tada nepoznate pogodnosti, koje im jefirma “AM“ nudila. Važno je napomenuti da su ispitanici, nezavisni autoserviseri,pristigli iz 14 različitih mjesta regije Doboj, te da su na pitanja, koja su bila vezana zaunapređenje prodaje, te uslugu i kvalitet, pozitivno odgovarali u skoro 100%slučajeva.
A 16-gene signature predicting prognosis of patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Zeting , Sun Wei , Gao Shaowei , Zhou Huaqiang , Tan Wulin , Cao Minghui , Huang Wenqi 
Published: November 2017

Background
Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is the most common subtype of oral cancer. A predictive gene signature is necessary for prognosis of OTSCC.

Methods
Five microarray data sets of OTSCC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and one data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were obtained. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GEO data sets were identified by integrated analysis. The DEGs associated with prognosis were screened in the TCGA data set by univariate survival analysis to obtain a gene signature. A risk score was calculated as the summation of weighted expression levels with coefficients by Cox analysis. The signature was used to distinguish carcinoma, estimated by receiver operator characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC). All were validated in the GEO and TCGA data sets.

Results
Integrated analysis of GEO data sets revealed 300 DEGs. A 16-gene signature and a risk score were developed after survival analysis. The risk score was effective to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA data set (P < 0.001). The 16-gene signature was valid to distinguish the carcinoma from normal samples (AUC 0.872, P < 0.001).

Discussion
We identified a useful 16-gene signature for prognosis of OTSCC patients, which could be applied to clinical practice. Further studies were needed to prove the findings.
Circulating Tumor Cells Detected by the Expression of Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD90 and CD44 in Patients With Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Okumura Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Tetsuji , Hirano Katsuhisa , Watanabe Toru , Nagata Takuya , Shimada Yutaka , Tsukada Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2017

Background
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a marker for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in various types of cancer. Cell surface antigens, such as CD90 and CD44, have been reported to be cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of this study was to assess the use of CD90 and CD44 as markers to identify clinically significant CTC subpopulations in ESCC.

Methods
We collected 3 mL of peripheral blood from 10 ESCC patients and 10 healthy volunteers to detect combined expression of EpCAM, CD90, and CD40 using flow cytometry.

Results
The number of EpCAM-positive cell counts (average ± SD) in the patients was significantly higher than healthy volunteers (29.1 ± 35.9 and 2.3 ± 2.5, P = 0.001). The proportions (average ±SD) of CD90- and CD44-positive cells in EpCAM-positive cells were 45.7% ± 42.4% and 98.7% ± 2.7%, respectively. EpCAM-positive/CD44-positive CTC counts, which was equivalent to EpCAM-positive CTC counts, correlated with pathologic V factors in the resected primary tumors (P &gt; 0.01). EpCAM-positive/CD90-positive CTC counts, but not EpCAM-positive/CD90-negative CTC counts, correlated with pathologic V factors in the resected primary tumors (P = 0.01). Our results suggested that combined expression of EpCAM and CD90 may useful to detect CTC subsets, which have highly metastatic features in ESCC. CD44, on the other hand, is equivalent to EpCAM as a marker to detect CTCs in ESCC.
Ripening season, ethylene production and respiration rate are related to fruit non-destructively-analyzed volatiles measured by an electronic nose in 57 peach (Prunus persica L.) samples
Authors: Su Mingshen , Ye Zhengwen , Zhang Bo , Chen Kunsong 
Published: November 2017

Fifty-seven peach samples from 19 peach cultivars were gathered at consumption maturities from an orchard between July 21 and September 9 in 2010. Fruit ethylene production (C2H4) was significantly positively correlated with respiration rate (CO2) for tested samples. Fruit non-desctructively-analized volatiles were measured by a FOX 4000 electronic nose (e-nose), which 57 samples were classified into three groups according to ripening season, respiration rate and ethylene production to evaluate the volatile separations. Samples harvested in July, August and September in 2010, samples of high (>25) respiration rate (mL.Kg-1FW.h-1 CO2) and low ones (<16), samples of high (>10) ethylene production (nL.g-1 FW.h-1 C2H4) and low ones (<2) ones could be clearly separated in the discriminant factor analysis (DFA) plots based on fruit volatiles of the e-nose measurements. Intensity values of T30/1, T70/2, PA/2, P30/1, P40/2, P30/2 and T40/2 sensors of the e-nose measurements were in accord with the classifications of harvest seasons, respiration rate and ethylene production. Non-desctructively-analized volatiles, respiration rate and ethylene production were somewhat related each other despite genotype and environmental factor in the tested peach fruit samples.