bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐2392 functions as tumour suppressor and inhibits malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via directly targeting JAG2
Authors: Sun Bin , Ji Weidan , Liu Chunying , Lin Xuejing , Chen Lei , Qian Haihua , Su Changqing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground & AimsDysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in various cancers and their vital roles in malignant progression of cancers are well investigated. Our previous studies have analysed miRNAs that promote malignant progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); this study aims to systematically elucidate the mechanism of metastasis suppressor miRNAs in HCC.MethodsHigh‐throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify anti‐metastatic miRNAs. The relative expression levels of miRNAs were confirmed by qRT‐PCR. The biological functions of miRNAs were detected in vitro and in vivo. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) were enriched from blood samples of HCC patients and cultured by three‐dimensional (3D) system. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression were used to analyse the value of potential target mRNAs on overall survival.ResultsmiR‐2392 was significantly down‐regulated in HCC. Overexpression of miR‐2392 suppressed proliferation, clonogenicity, mobility, spheroid formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSC)‐like characteristics in HCC cells. CTCs from HCC patients with lower serum miR‐2392 level had stronger cell spheroid formation ability. A negative correlation between the content of miR‐2392 in serum and the number of CTC spheroids had been found. We identified Jagged2 (JAG2) as a direct target of miR‐2392. miR‐2392 inhibited the expression of JAG2 by targeting 3’‐UTR of JAG2. Down‐regulation of JAG2 inhibited the overexpression effects of miR‐2392 in vitro and in vivo. JAG2 is highly expressed in HCC and is closely related to poor prognosis and survival of patients.ConclusionsmiR‐2392 may play a role as a tumour suppressor to guide the individualized precise treatment of HCC.
Might Zika virus‐associated microcephaly's severity impact deciduous tooth eruption and orofacial structures?
Authors: Vaz Fernando Flávio Souza , da Silva Sobrinho Adriano Referino , Athayde Fernanda Regina Ribeiro Santos , de Vasconcelos Carvalho Marianne , Sette‐de‐Souza Pedro Henrique , Ferreira Stefânia Jeronimo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveto investigate the impact of the severity of microcephaly caused by the Zika virus (MCZ) on tooth eruption and orofacial structures of children.DesignThis case series study developed the research at the Mens Sana Rehabilitation Center, Arcoverde, Brazil. The study included 27 children diagnosed with MCZ. We performed the data collection in June 2018 through a questionnaire answered by the legal guardians, followed by a clinical examination of the children. The data were analyzed by the Mann–Whitney and Fisher's exact tests (p = 0.05).ResultsThe final sample was composed of 20 children. Of these, 13 (35.0%) had severe microcephaly, 5 (30.0%) had altered sequence of tooth eruption, 10 (50.0%) had delayed eruption, and the mean number of decayed teeth was 2.3. The most identified orofacial changes were teeth grinding habit (65.0%), difficult chewing (50.0%), and non‐nutritive sucking (50.0%). The Mann–Whitney test showed that the severity of microcephaly did not affect tooth eruption (p = 0.581). The Fisher's exact test showed that the severity of microcephaly was not associated with orofacial changes (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe severity of MCZ does not seem to influence changes in deciduous tooth eruption and the presence of orofacial anomalies.
Addition of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors to standard chemotherapy increases survival of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kiss Fruzsina , Pohóczky Krisztina , Görbe Anikó , Dembrovszky Fanni , Kiss Szabolcs , Hegyi Péter , Szakó Lajos , Tóth Lilla , Ezer Éva Somogyiné , Szalai Eszter , Helyes Zsuzsanna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the common tumors associated with high mortality. The aim of our meta‐analysis was to determine how additional anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy to standard chemotherapy affects the progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients, besides the most common side effects. We used CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase databases until October 26, 2020, and included 13 eligible randomized controlled trials in our systematic research. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) for the main outcomes from the original data were estimated and for the other dichotomous outcomes, odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Addition of EGFR inhibitors to conventional chemotherapy significantly decreased the death and disease progression (for PFS HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55–0.81, I2 = 65.5%, p = 0.005) and mortality (for OS HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72–0.94, I2 = 42.3%, p = 0.076). In the EGFR inhibitor group, we revealed an increased chance of the over Grade 3 skin rashes (OR: 4.86; 95% CI: 1.52–15.49, I2 = 2.3%, p = 0.407), and all Grade skin rashes (OR: 18.32, 95% CI: 8.07–41.60, I2 = 56.6%, p = 0.032). Despite their unwanted dermatological side effects, the addition of EGFR inhibitors is recommended to be included in advanced HNSCC therapy.
Plasma exchange and infliximab as a third‐line therapy for refractory infantile Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ansai Hideto , Masuda Hiroshi , Nakao Hiro , Nishimura Nao , Kubota Mitsuru 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment for Kawasaki disease (KD) patients refractory to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is still controversial, and the efficacy of plasma exchange (PE) and infliximab (IFX) therapy for infantile KD is unknown.MethodsA total of 22 infantile KD patients refractory to initial and additional IVIG, who received either PE or IFX as third‐line therapy from October 2008 to February 2020 were examined retrospectively. The patients’ sex, age, days of first IVIG, days of PE or IFX therapy, laboratory data preceding PE or IFX therapy, coronary artery lesions (CALs), and adverse effects were investigated.ResultsThirteen patients received PE and nine patients received IFX as the third‐line therapy. For the median age at onset, the median days of first IVIG and PE or IFX, and pre‐PE or IFX therapy blood test results, there were no significant between‐group differences. At admission, and before and after the third‐line therapy, there were also no significant differences in occurrence of CALs. The frequency of serious adverse events was significantly higher in the PE group than in the IFX group.ConclusionsAlthough there were no significant differences in patient background, blood test results, or frequency of CALs, the frequency of adverse events was significantly higher in the PE group. With the trend of expansion of IFX therapy for KD patients refractory to IVIG, the role of PE as the additional therapy may become more limited.
The utility of core‐needle tumor biopsy for pediatric patients
Authors: Kawakubo Naonori , Takemoto Junkichi , Koga Yuhki , Hino Yuko , Tamaki Akihiko , Kohashi Kenichi , Ono Hiroaki , Oda Yoshinao , Ohga Shouichi , Tajiri Tatsuro 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCore‐needle biopsy (CNB) is used less frequently for the diagnosis of tumors in pediatric patients. In this report, the utility and safety of CNB for pediatric patients are described.MethodsThe medical records of patients who underwent CNB at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyushu University Hospital from April 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A 14 G or 16 G BARDMISSION Disposable Needle Instrument was used. For the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a 14 G needle was selected; for the diagnosis of other tumors a 16 G needle was selected.ResultsDuring the above period 17 CNBs were performed in 17 patients, and the median patient age was 8 years (range, 15 days–19 years). The pathological diagnoses of the tumors were as follows: neuroblastoma, n = 6; lymphoma, n = 3; hepatoblastoma, n = 2; and others, n = 6. The quantity and quality of all tumor samples obtained by CNB was sufficient to make a diagnosis. The postoperative course after CNB was uneventful in most cases, with the exception of one case of hepatoblastoma (pseudoaneurysm).ConclusionsCore‐needle biopsy is useful for pediatric patients. Sufficient tumor specimens were able to be obtained in all cases, irrespective of the type of tumor, and an accurate diagnosis could be made.
Influence of endometritis on the follicular dynamics, recovery, quality, gene expression, nuclear maturation and in‐vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Sahiwal cattle
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Yousuf Muhammad Rizwan , Ghafoor Aamir , Riaz Amjad 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUterine infections often lead to culling of valuable animals from a herd, resulting in genetic drain. The genetic potential of problematic females could be harvested by in‐vitro embryo production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of clinical endometritis on follicular dynamics, recovery, quality, gene expression, nuclear maturation and in‐vitro developmental competence of oocytes in Sahiwal cattle. The B‐mode ultrasonography was performed to examine the uterus for the presence of pus. Based on the history and reproductive examination of cows, a total of twelve (n = 12) Sahiwal cattle were selected for the experiment: (1) healthy group (n = 6) and (2) clinical endometritis group (n = 6). The 1st ovum pick‐up (OPU) was conducted on day 165 postpartum. The collected cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were graded into A, B, C and D grades depending on the number of layers of cumulus cells and homogeneous nature of cytoplasm. Nuclear maturation was assessed by staining the oocytes with Hoechst 33,342. The results revealed that the number of medium‐sized follicle (1.3 ± 0.1 versus 0.6 ± 0.1) and total number of follicles (9.1 ± 0.7 versus 6.6 ± 0.7) were higher (p < .05) in the healthy group as compared to clinical endometritis group, respectively. Similarly, the number of oocytes recovered (5.0 ± 0.4 versus 2.8 ± 0.4), oocytes with grade A, B and C (2.9 ± 0.3 versus 1.5 ± 0.3), proportion of oocytes with grade A or B (33 ± 0.0 versus 20 ± 0.1) and nuclear maturation (68 ± 0.1 versus 55 ± 0.1) were also higher (p < .05) in the healthy group as compared to clinical endometritis group, respectively. Perhaps, cleavage rate (55.1 ± 0.1 versus 46.2 ± 0.1) and blastocyst rate (29.7 ± 0.0 versus 26.3 ± 0.1) did not differ (p > .05) between the groups. Likewise, the expression level of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) in immature oocytes did not differ (p > .05) between both the groups. In conclusion, clinical endometritis has a negative effect on follicular dynamics, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality and nuclear maturation; furthermore, the developmental competence of COCs is not compromised by it.
Effects of isometric loading intensity on patellar tendon microvascular response
Authors: Earp Jacob E. , Gesick Haley , Angelino Domenic , Adami Alessandra 
Published: April 2022

Acute increases in tendon blood flow and oxygenation after stress (i.e., hyperemic response) can enhance tendon recovery. While loading intensity is a fundamental part of resistance training programs, its effects on tendon's hyperemic response are unknown. This study aimed to compare acute changes in total (total hemoglobin [THb]) and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) concentrations in the patellar tendon after isometric exercise at different intensities. Thirteen participants performed 8 (5 s) isometric knee extensions at 25%, 50%, and 75% maximal load (maximal voluntarily isometric contraction [MVIC]), separated by 20 min recovery, prescribed in randomized and counterbalanced order. Changes in patellar tendon THb, HbO2 and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) in response to exercise at each intensity were measured using near‐infrared spectroscopy. Post‐exercise, HbO2 increased with 50% ( = 0.305, f = 5.26, p < 0.01) and 75% ( = 0.245, f = 4.56, p < 0.01) but not 25% ( = 0.088, f = 1.16, p = 0.339) MVIC, while THb increased in 50% ( = 0.305, f = 5.26, p = 0.01) but not 25% ( = 0.067, f = 0.865, p = 0.51) or 75% ( = 0.126, f = 1.729, p = 0.14) MVIC. Additionally, increasing load from 25% to 50% MVIC resulted in greater THb (f = 2.459, p = 0.43), HbO2 (f = 3.389, p = 0.13) and HHb (f = 0.320, p = 0.01) post‐exercise responses, but no differences were observed between 50% and 75% MVIC (THb: f = 0.748, p = 0.59; HbO2: f = 0.825, p = 0.54; HHb: f = 0.713, p = 0.62). Our results suggest there is a loading threshold at ~50% MVIC at which the tendon hyperemic response is fully achieved. Training above this intensity is not expected to provide any additional change to the tendon microvascular response. Therefore, moderate loading seems to be sufficient to fully elicit the patellar tendon hyperemic response that's believed to stimulate tendon healing.
DynaRing: A Patient-Specific Mitral Annuloplasty Ring With Selective Stiffness Segments
Authors: Frishman Samuel , Kight Ali , Pirozzi Ileana , Maddineni Sainiteesh , Imbrie-Moore Annabel M. , Karachiwalla Zulekha , Paulsen Michael J. , Kaiser Alexander D. , Woo Y. Joseph , Cutkosky Mark R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAnnuloplasty ring choice and design are critical to the long-term efficacy of mitral valve (MV) repair. DynaRing is a selectively compliant annuloplasty ring composed of varying stiffness elastomer segments, a shape-set nitinol core, and a cross diameter filament. The ring provides sufficient stiffness to stabilize a diseased annulus while allowing physiological annular dynamics. Moreover, adjusting elastomer properties provides a mechanism for effectively tuning key MV metrics to specific patients. We evaluate the ring embedded in porcine valves with an ex-vivo left heart simulator and perform a 150 million cycle fatigue test via a custom oscillatory system. We present a patient-specific design approach for determining ring parameters using a finite element model optimization and patient MRI data. Ex-vivo experiment results demonstrate that motion of DynaRing closely matches literature values for healthy annuli. Findings from the patient-specific optimization establish DynaRing's ability to adjust the anterior–posterior and intercommissural diameters and saddle height by up to 8.8%, 5.6%, 19.8%, respectively, and match a wide range of patient data.
Lower-Limb Muscle Activity During Aquatic Treadmill Running in Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: So Billy Chun-Lung , Kwok Man-Ying , Chan Yin-Leuk , Lam Hing-Fung Kevin , Chang Hei-Tung Hilda , Chan Tsz-Kit , Leung Chi-Yin Ken , Tse Hon-Ting 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: While anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are commonly managed with ACL reconstruction (ACL-R), 35% of ACL-R individuals fail to return to the preinjury elite sport level. Persistent neuromuscular deficits in the hamstrings and quadriceps have been observed. It has been proposed that aquatic therapy can be used to optimize neuromuscular control after ACL-R. Objectives: (1) To compare muscle activity in ACL-R individuals during aquatic treadmill (ATM) running at different water depths and (2) to compare muscle activity during ATM running between ACL-R and healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 38 participants, including 18 ACL-R individuals (mean postoperative time [SD] = 25.8 [25.0] mo) and 20 healthy individuals were recruited. Muscle activity of biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius during land treadmill and ATM running at mid-shin, mid-thigh, and waist levels were recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG). The sEMG signals of the selected muscles were normalized and expressed in % Maximal Voluntary Contraction (%MVC). Muscle activity of the ACL-R, ACL-contralateral, and healthy control limbs at different water depths was compared. Results: Among the 3 groups, the ACL-R group demonstrated the most prominent percentage increase of 101.97% (P = .001) at mid-shin level, 139.66% (P = .001) at mid-thigh level, and 141.97% (P < .001) at waist level, respectively, in %MVC when compared to land. In the ACL-R group, muscle activity of BF in the stance phase (BFSt) was significantly higher than the control group on land at all water depths. Muscle activity of RF in the swing phase (RFSw) in the ACL-R group significantly increased in all water depths immersion when compared to land, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed an increasing trend in muscle activity of BFSt and RFSw in ACL-R individuals during ATM running at increased water depths. ATM running could be implemented as neuromuscular training in rehabilitation after ACL-R.
Response of focal refractory status epilepticus to lacosamide in an infant
Authors: Akbar Asra , Harthan Aaron A , Creeden Sean , Deshpande Girish G 
Published: April 2022

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening medical emergency which is frequently encountered in the critical care setting and can be refractory to treatment. Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is defined as SE that has failed to respond to adequately used first-line and second-line antiepileptic medications. Super refractory status epilepticus is defined as SE that persists for 24 hours or more after the use of an anaesthetic agent or recurs after its withdrawal.If SE persists beyond a period of 7 days it is referred to as prolonged, refractory status epilepticus (PRSE). There are limited data guiding treatment of RSE in the paediatric population.Lacosamide (LCM) is licensed as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures. Evidence for the efficacy of LCM in paediatric SE is scarce. This case report may suggest a synergistic effect of LCM on slow-activation sodium channels in conjunction with medications such as phenytoin that causes fast inactivation of sodium channels. The dual fast and slow inactivation of sodium channels may enhance the effectiveness in treatment of RSE. This is the first case report of PRSE in an infant, successfully treated with LCM. A brief review of literature is also a part of this report.
Travel of pregnant women in emergency situations to hospital and maternal mortality in Lagos, Nigeria: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Avoka Cephas Ke-on , Gwacham-Anisiobi Uchenna , Omololu Olufemi , Balogun Mobolanle , Wright Kikelomo , Fasesin Tolulope Temitayo , Olusi Adedotun , Afolabi Bosede Bukola , Ameh Charles 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionPrompt access to emergency obstetrical care (EmOC) reduces the risk of maternal mortality. We assessed institutional maternal mortality by distance and travel time for pregnant women with obstetrical emergencies in Lagos State, Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a facility-based retrospective cohort study across 24 public hospitals in Lagos. Reviewing case notes of the pregnant women presenting between 1 November 2018 and 30 October 2019, we extracted socio-demographic, travel and obstetrical data. The extracted travel data were exported to Google Maps, where driving distance and travel time data were extracted. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the relative influence of distance and travel time on maternal death.FindingsOf 4181 pregnant women with obstetrical emergencies, 182 (4.4%) resulted in maternal deaths. Among those who died, 60.3% travelled ≤10 km directly from home, and 61.9% arrived at the hospital ≤30 mins. The median distance and travel time to EmOC was 7.6 km (IQR 3.4–18.0) and 26 mins (IQR 12–50). For all women, travelling 10–15 km (2.53, 95% CI 1.27 to 5.03) was significantly associated with maternal death. Stratified by referral, odds remained statistically significant for those travelling 10–15 km in the non-referred group (2.48, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.23) and for travel ≥120 min (7.05, 95% CI 1.10 to 45.32). For those referred, odds became statistically significant at 25–35 km (21.40, 95% CI 1.24 to 36.72) and for journeys requiring travel time from as little as 10–29 min (184.23, 95% CI 5.14 to 608.51). Odds were also significantly higher for women travelling to hospitals in suburban (3.60, 95% CI 1.59 to 8.18) or rural (2.51, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.29) areas.ConclusionOur evidence shows that distance and travel time influence maternal mortality differently for referred women and those who are not. Larger scale research that uses closer-to-reality travel time and distance estimates as we have done, rethinking of global guidelines, and bold actions addressing access gaps, including within the suburbs, will be critical in reducing maternal mortality by 2030.
Reduced temporal activation during a verbal fluency test in clinical high risk of psychosis: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based study
Authors: Wei Yanyan , Tang Xiaochen , Zhang Tingyu , Su Wenjun , Xu Lihua , Cui Huiru , Qian Zhenying , Zhang Tianhong , Wang Jijun 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundClinical high risk (CHR) of psychosis is a state in which positive symptoms cause the subjects distress but do not approach a severity level that fulfils the criteria for a psychotic episode. CHR exhibits cognitive deficits; however, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether brain activation measured by the levels of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in CHR subjects could be correlated with cognitive deficits.MethodsFifty-eight CHR individuals who fulfilled the criteria for attenuated positive syndrome as specified in the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndrome (SIPS) and the Scale of Prodromal Syndrome (SOPS) and 58 age- and sex-matched healthy participants were included in the study. All subjects completed the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) that includes tests measuring attention, verbal memory, verbal fluency, executive function, and general intelligence. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure the level of oxy-Hb in the dorsolateral prefrontal and frontotemporal cortices.ResultsWe observed significantly decreased oxy-Hb levels in channel 32 (located in the right superior temporal gyrus, rSTG)) within the CHR individuals compared with that in the healthy controls (HCs) (t=−3.44, Bonferroni-corrected p=0.002), indicating lower brain activity. A significant positive correlation was observed between task-related β values and working memory in the CHR group (r=0.35, p=0.008).ConclusionsThe brain activation of rSTG is abnormal among subjects at clinicial high risk for psychosis. This abnormality is probably associated with the neural mechanisms of deficits in the working memory during the early stage of psychosis.