bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT1 Activation Is Enhanced by Cisplatin and Variably Affected by EGFR Inhibition in HNSCC Cells
Authors: Schmitt Nicole C. , Trivedi Sumita , Ferris Robert L. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Cisplatin is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drug frequently used to treat many solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have also shown efficacy as alternatives to cisplatin in some situations. However, large clinical trials have shown no added survival benefit from the use of these two drugs in combination. Possible explanations for this include overlapping downstream signaling cascades. Using in vitro studies, we tested the hypothesis that cisplatin and EGFR inhibitors rely on the activation of the tumor suppressor STAT1, characterized by its phosphorylation at serine (S727) or tyrosine (Y701) residues. Cisplatin consistently increased the levels of p-S727-STAT1, and STAT1 siRNA knockdown attenuated cisplatin-induced cell death. EGFR stimulation also activated p-S727-STAT1 and p-Y701-STAT1 in a subset of cell lines, whereas EGFR inhibitors alone decreased levels of p-S727-STAT1 and p-Y701-STAT1 in these cells. Contrary to our hypothesis, EGFR inhibitors added to cisplatin treatment caused variable effects among cell lines, with attenuation of p-S727-STAT1 and enhancement of cisplatin-induced cell death in some cells and minimal effect in other cells. Using HNSCC tumor specimens from a clinical trial of adjuvant cisplatin plus the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab, higher intratumoral p-S727-STAT1 appeared to correlate with worse survival. Together, these results suggest that cisplatin-induced cell death is associated with STAT1 phosphorylation, and the addition of anti-EGFR therapy to cisplatin has variable effects on STAT1 and cell death in HNSCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(9); 2103–11. ©2015 AACR.
Rational Combination of Immunotherapies with Clinical Efficacy in Mice with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Bransi Ali , Salgado Oscar Camilo , Beffinger Michal , Milo Karim , Silina Karina , Yagita Hideo , Becher Burkhard , Knuth Alexander , van den Broek Maries 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In the context of cancer, naïve T cells are insufficiently primed and become progressively dysfunctional. Boosting antitumor responses by blocking PD-1 or CTLA-4 results in durable clinical responses only in a limited proportion of cancer patients, suggesting that other pathways must be targeted to improve clinical efficacy. Our preclinical study in TRAMP mice comparing 14 different immune interventions identified anti-CD40 + IL2/anti-IL2 complexes + IL12Fc as a uniquely efficacious treatment that prevents tolerance induction, promotes priming of sustained, protective tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, and cures late-stage cancer when given together with adoptively transferred tumor-specific T cells. We propose that improving signals 2 (costimulation) and 3 (cytokines) together with fresh tumor-specific, rather than boosting of dysfunctional preexisting memory, T cells represents a potent therapy for advanced cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(11); 1279–88. ©2015 AACR.
Phenomenology and beliefs of patients with Dhat syndrome: A nationwide multicentric study
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Avasthi Ajit , Gupta Sunil , Dan Amitava , Neogi Rajarshi , Behere Prakash B , Lakdawala Bhavesh , Tripathi Adarsh , Chakraborty Kaustav , Sinha Vishal , Bhatia Manjeet Singh , Patjoshi Amrit , Rao TSS , Rozatkar Abhijit 
Published: July 2015

Aim: To assess the phenomenology and associated beliefs in patients with Dhat syndrome. Methods: A total of 780 male patients aged more than 16 years were recruited from 15 centers spread across the country and were assessed on Dhat Syndrome Questionnaire. Results: The most commonly reported reasons for passage of Dhat were excessive masturbation (55.1%), sexual dreams (47.3%), excessive sexual desire (42.8%) and consumption of high energy foods (36.7%). The most common situation in which participants experienced passage of Dhat were as ‘night falls’ (60.1%) and ‘while passing stools’ (59.5%). The most common consequence due to passage of Dhat was weakness in sexual ability (75.6%). In terms of psychological and somatic symptoms, the common symptoms included bodily weakness (78.2%); feeling tired or having low energy (75.9%); feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (67.9%); and little interest or pleasure in doing things (63.7%). In terms of treatment expectations, about half of the patients (49.1%) expected that energizing medications like vitamins/tonics/tablets were required and more than one-third (38.2%) expected that there was a need for taking energizing injections. Conclusion: Present study shows that Dhat syndrome is a distinct clinical entity seen all over India, with its characteristic features.
Implementing a smart specialisation strategy: an evidence-based approach
Authors: Kotnik Patricia , Petrin Tea 
Published: July 2015

Smart specialisation is now a major idea behind the European Commission’s cohesion policy reforms in the field of innovation, and it must be applied by European Union member countries in order to secure funding under the 2014–2020 European Union budget, even though the concept itself has only recently emerged. The success of translating this policy into practice depends on a thorough analysis of regions’ and countries’ potential for innovation based on empirical evidence. Currently, countries use a wide array of methods to define priority areas, but these have, for the most part, failed to address the challenges of this process. This article explores the data that can be used in the prioritisation process of developing a smart specialisation strategy. The approach follows the main recommendations for profiling regions and countries, uses data already available at the national statistical offices, and is based on indicators that can be grasped intuitively by policymakers. It includes data on each relevant aspect of smart specialisation, that is, economic, scientific and technological specialisation, as well as the entrepreneurial discovery process. This article demonstrates the approach using a case with Slovenian data; the results suggest that it can be an effective tool for narrowing down a list of industries to be considered for a smart specialisation strategy. Points for practitioners A smart specialisation strategy will be a precondition for using European Union regional and investment funds during 2014–2020 in order to support research and innovation investments. The success of translating this policy into practice depends on a thorough analysis of regions’ and countries’ potential for innovation based on empirical evidence. A ready-to-use methodology for narrowing down a list of industries to be considered for a smart specialisation strategy is proposed, and is demonstrated using the example of Slovenia.
Common goal areas in the treatment of upper limb spasticity: a multicentre analysis
Authors: Ashford Stephen , Fheodoroff Klemens , Jacinto Jorge , Turner-Stokes Lynne 
Published: July 2015

Objective: We aimed to develop a goal classification of individualised goals for spasticity treatment incorporating botulinum toxin intervention for upper limb spasticity to under-pin a more structured approach to future goal setting. Design: Individualised goals for spasticity treatment incorporating botulinum toxin intervention for upper limb spasticity ( n=696) were analysed initially from four studies published in 2008-2012, spanning a total of 18 centres (12 in the UK and 6 in Australia). Goals were categorised and mapped onto the closest matching domains of the WHO International Classification of Functioning. Confirmatory analysis included a further 927 goals from a large international cohort study spanning 22 countries published in 2013. Results: Goal categories could be assigned into two domains, each subdivided into three key goal areas: Domain 1: symptoms/impairment n=322 (46%): a. pain/discomfort n=78 (11%), b. involuntary movements n=75 (11%), c. range of movement/contracture prevention n=162 (23%). Domain 2: Activities/function n=374 (54%): a. passive function (ease of caring for the affected limb) n=242 (35%), b active function (using the affected limb in active tasks) n=84 (12%), c. mobility n=11 (2%). Over 99% of the goals from the large international cohort fell into the same six areas, confirming the international applicability of the classification. Conclusions: Goals for management of upper limb spasticity, in worldwide clinical practice, fall into six main goal areas.
Virtual reality for improving balance in patients after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhen , Han Xiu-Guo , Sheng Jing , Ma Shao-Jun 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions for improving balance in people after stroke. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: Studies were obtained by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL. Two reviewers assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed trial quality. Results: Sixteen studies involving 428 participants were included. People who received virtual reality interventions showed marked improvements in Berg Balance Scale (mean difference: 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.09–2.83, P<0.05, I²=0%) and Timed Up and Go Test (mean difference: –1.62, 95% confidence interval: –3.07– –0.16, P<0.05, I²=24%) compared with controls. Conclusions: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials supports the use of virtual reality to improve balance after stroke.
Expression of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Jian-Qing , Qin Fu , Zhu Liang 
Published: July 2015

Objective To explore the role of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Methods NHERF1 and β-catenin protein were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting of kidney tissue samples from patients with ADPKD and controls (normal kidney tissue [>5 cm from the foci] collected from patients undergoing unilateral nephrectomy for kidney cancer). NHERF1 and β-catenin protein and mRNA were quantified by Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively, in kidney tissue samples from Han:SPRD (+/+) and (cy/+) rats. The effects of human recombinant NHERF1 on proliferation and cell cycle of ADPKD cyst-lining epithelial cells (WT9–12) were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results Levels of NHERF1 protein and mRNA were significantly lower, and β-catenin levels significantly higher, in patients with ADPKD and Han:SPRD (cy/+) rats, compared with control subjects and (+/+) rats, respectively. Exogenous recombinant NHERF1 significantly inhibited proliferation of WT9–12 cells and increased the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase. Conclusions ADPKD is associated with a decrease in NHERF1 protein and mRNA levels. Supplementing exogenous NHERF1 inhibited the proliferation of WT9–12 cells.
Burst Suppression for ICP Control
Authors: Zeiler Frederick A. , Akoth Eva , Gillman Lawrence M. , West Michael 
Published: July 2015

Background: The goal of our study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine the effect that burst suppression has on intracranial pressure (ICP) control. Methods: All articles from MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, Cochrane Library, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (inception to January 2015), reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. The strength of evidence was adjudicated using both the Oxford and the Grading of Recommendation Assessment Development and Education (GRADE) methodology. Results: Seven articles were considered for review. A total of 108 patients were studied, all receiving burst suppression therapy. Two studies failed to document a decrease in ICP with burst suppression therapy. There were reports of severe hypotension and increased infection rates with barbiturate-based therapy. Etomidate-based suppressive therapy was linked to severe renal dysfunction. Conclusions: There currently exists both Oxford level 2b and GRADE C evidence to support that achieving burst suppression reduces ICP, and also has no effect on ICP, in severe traumatic brain injury. The literature suggests burst suppression therapy may be useful for ICP reduction in certain cases, although these situations are currently unclear. In addition, the impact on patient functional outcome is unclear. Further prospective study is warranted.
Initial Development of a Computer Algorithm to Identify Patients With Breast and Lung Cancer Having Poor Prognosis in a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L. , Kazi Sabiha , Xuan Lei , Amarasingham Ruben , Halm Ethan A. 
Published: July 2015

Background: Physicians often have difficulty with prognostication and identification of patients who are in need of counseling about options for care at the end of life. Consequently, the objective of this study was to describe the initial stages in development of a computerized algorithm that will identify breast and lung cancer patients most in need of counseling about care options, including advance care planning, palliative care, and hospice. Methods: Clinical and non-clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical record of breast and lung cancer patients admitted to a large, urban hospital for the year 2010. These data were used to create an electronic (e-EOL) algorithm designed to identify advanced cancer patients who could benefit from in-depth discussion about end-of-life care options. Results: There were 369 eligible breast (42%) and lung (58%) cancer patients identified by ICD-9 code. The e-EOL algorithm identified 53 (14%) patients that met assigned criteria (presence of metastatic disease and albumin < 2.5 g/dl). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the first generation algorithm were 21%, 96%, and 91% when compared to physician expert chart review. Survival analysis showed that 6-month survival for algorithm positive cases was 46% versus 78% for algorithm negative cases, and 1-year survival was 32% versus 72%, respectively. Conclusions: Initial testing of the e-EOL algorithm appears to be promising. Other markers of advanced illness will added to the algorithm to improve its test operating characteristics so it may be used to identify patients with poor prognosis in real time.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Motivational Stage-Tailored Intervention to Advance Care Planning
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Hohman Melinda , Lee Jaehoon , Ngo Ai-Nhat , Woodruff Susan I. 
Published: July 2015

Aim: This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a stage-tailored motivational interviewing intervention with education that focuses on changes in end-of-life (EOL) communication, completion of advance directives (ADs), and readiness for advance care planning (ACP). Methods: One group pretest–posttest design was implemented with 30 low-income older adults. Results: This pilot study showed its feasibility in enhancing ACP. Action for ACP—that is, identifying a proxy for decision making and documenting EOL treatment preference in an AD—increased significantly by 23.3% (n = 7). The participants’ readiness for ACP, knowledge, self-efficacy, positive attitudes, and perceived importance of ACP increased significantly after the intervention. Conclusion: Health care professionals and service providers who interact with older adults should tailor ACP dialogues in accordance with individuals’ motivation.
Telemedicine in a Dutch intensive care unit: A descriptive study of the first results
Authors: van der Voort Peter HJ , de Metz Jesse , Wester Jos PJ , van Stijn Ilse , Feijen Hilde Marieken , Balzereit Anja , Rijkenberg Saskia , Obster Renate , Bosman Rob J 
Published: July 2015

Introduction Tele-intensive care (teleIC) can be used to increase the level of care in the intensive care unit (ICU) with the tele-intensivist being at a remote site. In this study we describe the implementation and outcomes, including patient and family satisfaction, of the first Dutch teleIC. Methods In a retrospective analysis the patient characteristics are described with a focus on patient outcomes and patient and family satisfaction. The teleIC started on 6 December 2010 in an ICU with three beds. Data for all admitted patients were collected from 1 January 2011 through 31 December 2013 from available systems. Severity of disease (APACHE IV) and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were available over the complete calendar years 2012 and 2013. A prospective self-made survey of patient and family satisfaction was performed over a 14-month period after the implementation of teleIC. Results In 2012 and 2013, 556 patients were admitted. The number of operating room recovery patients in the ICU declined over time. One hundred and seven patients were transferred to a higher-level ICU (19%). The SMR for non-transferred patients was 0.73 (95% CI (confidence interval) 0.54–0.98) and 0.66 (95% CI (confidence interval) 0.40–1.02) for transferred patients. These numbers are in line with national data. Thirty-six percent of family and 38% of the patients responded to the survey and showed a positive response concerning communication within the tele IC setting. Conclusion Implementation of teleIC in a Dutch situation was successful and showed favourable results in patient outcomes and the satisfaction of patients and family members.
The associations between increasing degrees of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and muscular strengthening activities among euglycaemic US adults
Authors: Boyer William R , Johnson Tammie M , Fitzhugh Eugene C , Richardson Michael R , Churilla James R 
Published: July 2015

Purpose: To examine the associations between the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and self-reported muscular strengthening activity in a nationally representative sample of euglycaemic US adults. Methods: Sample included euglycaemic adults (⩾20 years of age ( n = 2009)) from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance was categorized into quartiles and was the primary independent variable of interest. No reported muscular strengthening activity was the dependent variable. Results: Following adjustment for covariates, those with homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values in fourth (odds ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.35−3.06, p < 0.001) quartile were found to have significantly greater odds of reporting no muscular strengthening activity. Following further adjustment for non-muscular strengthening activity specific aerobic leisure-time physical activity, results remained significant for the fourth (odds ratio: 2.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.50−3.52, p < 0.001) quartile. A significant trend was seen across quartiles of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance for increasing prevalence of no muscular strengthening activity ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Having a higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance value is associated with greater odds of reporting no muscular strengthening activity among euglycaemic US adults. This implies that subjects with an increasing degree of insulin resistance are more likely to not engage in muscular strengthening activity, an exercise modality that has been shown to reduce the risk of several cardiometabolic diseases and improve glycaemic status.
Assessment of handgrip strength in preschool children aged 3 to 5 years
Authors: Sanchez-Delgado G. , Cadenas-Sanchez C. , Mora-Gonzalez J. , Martinez-Tellez B. , Chillón P. , Löf M. , Ortega F. B. , Ruiz J. R. 
Published: July 2015

We investigated whether there is an optimal grip span for determining the maximum handgrip strength in preschool children and if it is influenced by gender, age, or hand size. A total of 292 preschool children (3–5 years; 59.2% boys) carried out the handgrip strength test with different grip spans (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 cm). The hand size was also measured. We also determined the reliability of the optimal grip span in another group of children ( n = 56, 57% boys) who did the test twice, with a 3-hour difference between tests. The results showed that 4.0 cm is the optimal grip span to determine the maximum handgrip strength in preschool children. This result applied to both genders, all age groups, and hand sizes. Paired t-tests showed no significant differences between test and retest. These findings may guide clinicians and researchers in selecting the optimal grip span when measuring handgrip strength in preschool children. Level IV
Physiotherapy treatment for atraumatic recurrent shoulder instability: early results of a specific exercise protocol using pathology-specific outcome measures
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Smith Benjamin E , Osborne Sally E , Wilkes Sally R 
Published: July 2015

Background Recurrent shoulder instability is usually caused by a traumatic event resulting in structural pathology, although a small subgroup of patients experience symptomatic recurrent shoulder instability without trauma. These patients are usually treated non-operatively but limited evidence exists regarding effective conservative management. In particular, there is a lack of reproducible exercise regimes and none that have been tested with condition-specific outcome measures. Methods A service evaluation was conducted over a 15-month period to assess our current treatment protocol used in the management of patients with atraumatic recurrent shoulder instability. The regime is reproducible with target-led progression milestones. Oxford Instability Shoulder Scores (OISS) and Western Ontario Shoulder Index (WOSI) scores were compared between baseline and final follow-up. Results Eighteen consecutive patients were included with mean follow-up of 4.5 months (range 1.35 months to 11.77 months). A statistically significant improvement was seen in both outcome measures. Mean OISS improved by 16.67 points (confidence interval: 12.34 to 20.99; p < 0.001). Mean WOSI improved by 36.76% (confidence interval: 28.46 to 45.06; p < 0.001). Conclusions For this small group of patients with recurrent atraumatic shoulder instability, the Derby Shoulder Instability Programme produced significant improvements over the short term, with a high level of patient compliance. This is the first study to include pathology-specific patient-reported outcome measures to assess outcomes from a specific and reproducible exercise regime in this group of patients. The findings support further research to evaluate the exercise protocol in a larger group of patients over the longer term.
Lipoma in the subscapularis muscle causing scapular malposition
Authors: Kawano Yusuke , Nakamichi Noriaki , Matsumura Noboru 
Published: July 2015

A 70-year-old woman had pain and fatigability of her left shoulder with asymmetric scapular position. The medial border of the scapula was more prominent in the left side compared to the right scapula, and scapular motion was different between sides. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass on the ventral surface of the scapula. Tumour resection was performed through the medial approach, and the tissue samples were found to be a lipoma with a pathological examination. Post-operatively, her pain immediately disappeared. Two years after surgery, no recurrence of the tumour had been found. Soft tissue tumours have never been reported as a cause of scapular malposition or winging. We reported a case with scapular malposition and dyskinesis caused by lipoma in the subscapularis muscle. Surgical resection successfully relieved her symptoms and improved the scapular motion. Soft tissue tumour occurring in the subscapularis muscle could possibly cause abnormal scapular position and motion.