bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-expression of cancer stem cell markers, SALL4/ALDH1A1, is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor survival in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Sharbatoghli Mina , Shamshiripour Parisa , Fattahi Fahimeh , Kalantari Elham , Habibi Shams Zohre , Panahi Mahshid , Totonchi Mehdi , Asadi-Lari Zeynab , Madjd Zahra , Saeednejad Zanjani Leili 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) and aldehyde dehydrogenase1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1) expressing cells have been characterized as possessing stem cell-like properties known as cancer stem cell marker in serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC).

Methods
The association between SALL4 and ALDH1A1 was observed based on literature review and bioinformatics tools. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 proteins and clinicopathological parameters and their prognostic value in SOC patients using immunohistochemical staining on tissue microarrays (TMAs). Furthermore, benign tumors and normal tissue samples were compared with the expression of the tumor tissue samples.

Results
Increased co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 was found to be significantly associated with the advanced FIGO stage (P = 0.047), and distant metastasis (P = 0.028). The results of Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated significant differences between disease- specific survival (DSS; P = 0.034) or progression-free survival (PFS; P = 0.018) and the patients with high and low co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1, respectively. Furthermore, high level co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 was a significant predictor of worse DSS and PFS in the univariate analysis. The data also indicated that the co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 was an independent prognostic factor affecting PFS. Moreover, the co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 added prognostic values of DSS in patients with SOC who had grade III versus grade I in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrated that high co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 was found to be significantly associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse DSS or PFS in SOC patients. Therefore, co-expression of SALL4/ALDH1A1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker of cancer progression in these cases.
Activities supporting the growth of Clinical Trial Networks in Australia
Authors: Nemeh Fiona , Buchbinder Rachelle , Hawley Carmel M. , Nelson Mark R. , Waterkeyn Jacqui G. , Reid Christopher M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractClinical Trial Networks in which trialists work collaboratively enable multi-site, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to be efficiently run. Although the benefits of Clinical Trial Networks are largely known, establishing a Clinical Trial Network can be complex. There are many factors for clinicians and researchers to consider, and there is currently a paucity of information on how to form a Clinical Trial Network. This article provides a suggested roadmap on how to establish a Clinical Trial Network. The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA) is the peak body for Clinical Trial Networks, Coordinating Centres and Registries in Australia, and has produced several resources to support the effective and efficient running of clinical trials. This guide has come about through discussions with members of the ACTA Clinical Trial Network Sector Expansion Reference Group consisting of clinical trialists, clinicians, researchers, and consumers.
Blood flow Restriction training After patellar INStability (BRAINS Trial)
Authors: Brightwell Benjamin D. , Stone Austin , Li Xiaojuan , Hardy Peter , Thompson Katherine , Noehren Brian , Jacobs Cale 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Patellar instability is a common and understudied condition that disproportionally affects athletes and military personnel. The rate of post-traumatic osteoarthritis that develops following a patellar dislocation can be up to 50% of individuals 5–15 years after injury. Conservative treatment is the standard of care for patellar instability however, there are no evidence-informed rehabilitation guidelines in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) for patellar instability. Our hypotheses are that this strategy will improve patient-reported outcomes and accelerate restoration of symmetric strength and knee biomechanics necessary to safely return to activity.

Methods/design
This is a parallel-group, superiority, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial at the University of Kentucky, sports medicine clinic that aims to recruit 78 patients with acute patellar dislocations randomly allocated into two groups: (1) sham BFRT and (2) BFRT. Both groups will receive the current standard of care physical therapy 3 times per week for up to 9 weeks. Physical therapy sessions will consist of typical standard of care treatment followed by BFRT or sham BFRT. Primary outcomes include the Norwich Patellar Instability Scale, quadriceps strength, and imaging and biochemical biomarkers of cartilage degradation.

Discussion
The current standard of care for non-operative treatment of patellar instability is highly variable does not adequately address the mechanisms necessary to restore lower extremity function and protect the long-term health of articular cartilage following injury. This proposed novel intervention strategy uses an easily implementable therapy to evaluate if BFRT significantly improves patient-reported outcomes, function, and joint health over the first year of recovery.

Trial registration
Blood Flow Restriction Training, Aspiration, and Intraarticular Normal Saline (BRAINS) NCT04554212. Registered on 18 September 2020.
The ALLEGRO trial: a placebo controlled randomised trial of intravenous lidocaine in accelerating gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery
Authors: Paterson Hugh M. , Cotton Seonaidh , Norrie John , Nimmo Susan , Foo Irwin , Balfour Angie , Speake Doug , MacLennan Graeme , Stoddart Andrew , Innes Karen , Cameron Sarah , Aucott Lorna , McCormack Kirsty 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundReturn of gastrointestinal (GI) function is fundamental to patient recovery after colorectal surgery and is required before patients can be discharged from hospital safely. Up to 40% of patients suffer delayed return of GI function after colorectal surgery, causing nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort, resulting in longer hospital stay. Small, randomised studies have suggested perioperative intravenous (IV) lidocaine, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, may accelerate return of GI function after colorectal surgery. The ALLEGRO trial is a pragmatic effectiveness study to assess the benefit of perioperative IV lidocaine in improving return of GI function after elective minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) colorectal surgery.MethodsUnited Kingdom (UK) multi-centre double blind placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial in 562 patients undergoing elective minimally invasive colorectal resection. IV lidocaine or placebo will be infused for 6–12 h commencing at the start of surgery as an adjunct to usual analgesic/anaesthetic technique. The primary outcome will be return of GI function.DiscussionA 6–12-h perioperative intravenous infusion of 2% lidocaine is a cheap addition to usual anaesthetic/analgesic practice in elective colorectal surgery with a low incidence of adverse side-effects. If successful in achieving quicker return of gut function for more patients, it would reduce the rate of postoperative ileus and reduce the duration of inpatient recovery, resulting in reduced pain and discomfort with faster recovery and discharge from hospital. Since colorectal surgery is a common procedure undertaken in every acute hospital in the UK, a reduced length of stay and reduced rate of postoperative ileus would accrue significant cost savings for the National Health Service (NHS).Trial registrationEudraCT Number 2017-003835-12; REC Number 17/WS/0210 the trial was prospectively registered (ISRCTN Number:ISRCTN52352431); date of registration 13 June 2018; date of enrolment of first participant 14 August 2018.
Curcumin and zinc co-supplementation along with a loss-weight diet can improve lipid profiles in subjects with prediabetes: a multi-arm, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Karandish Majid , Mozaffari-khosravi Hassan , Mohammadi Seyed Mohammad , Cheraghian Bahman , Azhdari Maryam 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetes is one of the major public health concerns. Prediabetes can increase the risk of developing some non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Given the increasing trend of prediabetes, it is critical to control it and prevent its complications. Curcumin is a major bioactive component of turmeric. Zinc is an antioxidant nutrient. The present trial aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin and zinc co-supplementation along with a loss-weight diet on serum lipid profiles in overweight or obese patients with prediabetes.

Methods
Eighty-four participants were randomized to four groups (curcumin (500 mg/day), zinc (30 mg/day), “curcumin and zinc”, and placebo) for 90 days. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), non-HDL, HDL/LDL ratio, weight, BMI, waist circumstance (WC), hip circumstance (HC), physical activity (PA) and dietary intake were determined pre and post-intervention. This study will be conducted at Yazd Diabetes Research Clinic, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences.

Results
Totally, 82 participants were included in the final analysis. After the adjusted PA effect, changes in serum TG (adjusted p = 0.001), LDL (adjusted p = 0.035), non-HDL (adjusted p = 0.003), HDL/LDL ratio (adjusted p = 0.002), and HDL (adjusted p < 0.0001) revealed a significant difference between the groups. However, the changes in weight (adjusted p = 0.004) and BMI (adjusted p = 0.006) were significant but the changes in dietary intake, PA, WC, and HC were non-significant (adjusted p ≥ 0.05). Despite that there was a significant difference for post-intervention HDL levels (adjusted p = 0.016), other lipid profiles showed no significant difference (adjusted p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion
The beneficial effects of “curcumin and zinc” co-supplementation was reported for the changes of some lipid profiles (TG, LDL, HDL, non-HDL, and HDL to LDL ratio), BMI, and weight with no positive effects on TC, dietary intake, PA, WC, and HC. Therefore, it may play a potential role in the prevention of macro and microvascular complications.
Trial registration The project is a registered clinical trial (Registration number: IRCT20190902044671N1, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), registered October 11, 2019.
Mendelian randomization highlights significant difference and genetic heterogeneity in clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease GWAS and self-report proxy phenotype GWAX
Authors: Liu Haijie , Hu Yang , Zhang Yan , Zhang Haihua , Gao Shan , Wang Longcai , Wang Tao , Han Zhifa , Sun Bao-liang , Liu Guiyou 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Until now, Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have investigated the causal association of risk factors with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using large-scale AD genome-wide association studies (GWAS), GWAS by proxy (GWAX), and meta-analyses of GWAS and GWAX (GWAS+GWAX) datasets. However, it currently remains unclear about the consistency of MR estimates across these GWAS, GWAX, and GWAS+GWAX datasets.

Methods
Here, we first selected 162 independent educational attainment genetic variants as the potential instrumental variables (N = 405,072). We then selected one AD GWAS dataset (N = 63,926), two AD GWAX datasets (N = 314,278 and 408,942), and three GWAS+GWAX datasets (N = 388,324, 455,258, and 472,868). Finally, we conducted a MR analysis to evaluate the impact of educational attainment on AD risk across these datasets. Meanwhile, we tested the genetic heterogeneity of educational attainment genetic variants across these datasets.

Results
In AD GWAS dataset, MR analysis showed that each SD increase in years of schooling (about 3.6 years) was significantly associated with 29% reduced AD risk (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.60–0.84, and P=1.02E−04). In AD GWAX dataset, MR analysis highlighted that each SD increase in years of schooling significantly increased 84% AD risk (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.59–2.13, and P=4.66E−16). Meanwhile, MR analysis suggested the ambiguous findings in AD GWAS+GWAX datasets. Heterogeneity test indicated evidence of genetic heterogeneity in AD GWAS and GWAX datasets.

Conclusions
We highlighted significant difference and genetic heterogeneity in clinically diagnosed AD GWAS and self-report proxy phenotype GWAX. Our MR findings are consistent with recent findings in AD genetic variants. Hence, the GWAX and GWAS+GWAX findings and MR findings from GWAX and GWAS+GWAX should be carefully interpreted and warrant further investigation using the AD GWAS dataset.
A new direction in managing avulsed teeth: stem cell-based de novo PDL regeneration
Authors: Aksel Hacer , Zhu Xiaofei , Gauthier Philippe , Zhang Wenjing , Azim Adham A. , Huang George T.-J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractManagement of avulsed teeth after replantation often leads to an unfavorable outcome. Damage to the thin and vulnerable periodontal ligament is the key reason for failure. Cell- or stem cell-based regenerative medicine has emerged in the past two decades as a promising clinical treatment modality to improve treatment outcomes. This concept has also been tested for the management of avulsed teeth in animal models. This review focuses on the discussion of limitation of current management protocols for avulsed teeth, cell-based therapy for periodontal ligament (PDL) regeneration in small and large animals, the challenges of de novo regeneration of PDL on denuded root in the edentulous region using a mini-swine model, and establishing a prospective new clinical protocol to manage avulsed teeth based on the current progress of cell-based PDL regeneration studies.
Sex, age, and ethnic dependency of lipoprotein variants as the risk factors of ischemic heart disease: a detailed study on the different age-classes and genders in Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS)
Authors: Lanjanian Hossein , Najd Hassan Bonab Leila , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Moazzam-Jazi Maryam , Zahedi Asiyeh Sadat , Masjoudi Sajedeh , Daneshpour Maryam S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBiological processes involving environmental and genetic factors drive the interplay between age- and sex-regulating lipid profile. The relation between variations in the LPA gene with increasing the risk of coronary heart disease is dependent on population differences, sex, and age. The present study tried to do a gene candidate association analysis in people with myocardial infarction (MI) in a 22 year cohort family-based longitudinal cohort study, Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS). After adjusting p value by the FDR method, only the association of rs6415084 with the MI probability and the age-of-CHD-onset was significant in males in their middle age (p < 0.005). Surprisingly, a lack of association was observed for the rest of the markers (16 SNPs). These results revealed the moderator effects of age and sex on the association between the genetic variants (SNPs) of LPA and heart disease risk. Our observations may provide new insights into the biology that underlies lipid profile with age or the sexual dimorphism of Lp(a) metabolism. Finally, Lp(a) appears to be an independent risk factor; however, the role of sex and ethnicity is important.
Exploring pastoralists’ perceptions of desertification tipping points in Namibia’s communal drylands: An ethnographic case study from Okakarara constituency
Authors: Menestrey Schwieger Diego Augusto 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMost studies and conceptualizations of tipping points in environmental and climatic systems have been conducted using natural science perspectives and approaches. Socio-scientific contributions—including Anthropology—are scarce. This has resulted in a limited understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of tipping point phenomena at the local level. This paper contributes to ongoing discussion and provides an ethnographic study of local perceptions of desertification tipping points (DTPs) amongst Ovaherero pastoralists in Namibia’s semi-arid Okakarara constituency. Following a qualitative approach, this study shows that experienced farmers are aware of these phenomena and have accumulated extensive knowledge enabling them to identify and anticipate DTPs in different, complementary ways. The paper discusses how DTPs are managed in a communally farmed setting and presents the challenges that livestock farmers face in practical prevention of DTPs.
High adherence to national IPC guidelines as key to sustainable VRE control in Swiss hospitals: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Sommerstein Rami , Kronenberg Andreas , Buetti Niccolò , Eder Marcus , Piezzi Vanja , Gardiol Céline , Schlegel Matthias , Harbarth Stephan , Widmer Andreas ,   for Swissnoso
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) are on the rise in many European hospitals. In 2018, Switzerland experienced its largest nosocomial VRE outbreak. The national center for infection prevention (Swissnoso) elaborated recommendations for controlling this outbreak and published guidelines to prevent epidemic and endemic VRE spread. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate adherence to this new guideline and its potential impact on the VRE epidemiology in Swiss acute care hospitals.

Methods
In March 2020, Swissnoso distributed a survey among all Swiss acute care hospitals. The level of adherence as well as changes of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies in the years 2018 and 2019 after publication of the national guidelines were asked along with an inventory on VRE surveillance and outbreaks.

Results
Data of 97/146 (66%) participants were available, representing 81.6% of all acute care beds operated in Switzerland in 2019. The vast majority—72/81 (88%) responding hospitals—have entirely or largely adopted our new national guideline. 38/51 (74.5%) hospitals which experienced VRE cases were significantly more likely to have changed their IPC strategies than those 19/38 (50%) hospitals without VRE cases p = 0.017). The new IPC guidelines included (1) introduction of targeted admission screening in 89.5%, (2) screening of close contacts of VRE cases in 56%, and (3) contact precaution for suspected VRE cases 58% of these hospitals. 52 (54%) hospitals reported 569 new VRE cases in 2018 including 14 bacteremia, and 472 new cases in 2019 with 10 bacteremia. The ten largest outbreaks encountered between 2018 and 2019 included 671 VRE cases, of which most (93.4%) consisted of colonization events, 29 (4.3%) infections and 15 (2.2%) bacteremia.

Conclusion
Wide adoption of this VRE control guideline seemed to have a positive effect on VRE containment in Swiss acute care hospitals over two years, even if its long-term impact on the VRE epidemiology remains to be evaluated. Broad dissemination and strict implementation of a uniform national guideline may therefore serve as model for other countries to fight VRE epidemics on a national level.
Invited review: Remediation strategies for mycotoxin control in feed
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhao Ling , Gong Guoxin , Zhang Lei , Shi Lei , Dai Jiefan , Han Yanming , Wu Yuanyuan , Khalil Mahmoud Mohamed , Sun Lvhui 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMycotoxins are secondary metabolites of different species of fungi. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are the main mycotoxins contaminating animal feedstuffs. These mycotoxins can primarily induce hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, consequently cause adverse effects on the health and performance of animals. Therefore, physical, chemical, biological and nutritional regulation approaches have been developed as primary strategies for the decontamination and detoxification of these mycotoxins in the feed industry. Meanwhile, each of these techniques has its drawbacks, including inefficient, costly, or impractically applied on large scale. This review summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the different remediation strategies, as well as updates of the research progress of these strategies for AFB1, DON, ZEN and FB1 control in the feed industry.
The emergence of Liu Kang’s new painting style (1950–1958): a multi-analytical approach for the study of the artist’s painting materials and technique
Authors: Lizun Damian , Kurkiewicz Teresa , Mądry Mateusz , Szczupak Bogusław 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Liu Kang (1911–2004) was renowned Singapore artist trained in Shanghai and Paris, and known for his contributions to the Nanyang style—an art movement practised by migrant Chinese painters in Singapore between the late 1940s to the 1960s. The style depicts aspects of the tropical way of life, synthetising the artistic traditions of the School of Paris and Chinese ink painting with remarkable stylistic innovations. The aim of this study was to characterise Liu Kang’s painting materials and technique by way of ten paintings from a significant period in his oeuvre, 1950–1958, during which his Nanyang style emerged. The selected artworks are from the National Gallery Singapore. A broad range of analytical techniques was employed to study the painting supports and paint layers. The results indicate the prevailing use of commercially prepared linen canvases with double-layered oil-based ground. Single- and triple-layered structures of the ground, as well as semi-absorbent ground, were used sporadically. The identified group of pigments partially overlaps with those already known from Liu Kang’s earlier practice and also incorporates some noteworthy peculiarities like manganese, cerulean and phthalocyanine blues, phthalocyanine green, zinc yellow, and naphthol red AS-D. Some of these newly identified pigments made a distinctive appearance in the individual artworks, but ultimately Liu Kang was not convinced about increasing their role in his painting practice of the 1950s as presented in this research. This study highlights the significance of drawing and photography as integral elements of his artistic process. It also delves into the artist’s different painting approaches and discusses their evolution, which culminated in the stylistic innovation that became Liu Kang’s signature for decades to come. The obtained data may assist art historians and conservators in authenticity and attribution studies, evaluating the condition of artworks and designing conservation strategies. Moreover, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about twentieth-century artists’ materials, which are characterised by the complex mixtures of inorganic and organic compounds. It also provides information about the availability of art materials in Singapore in the 1950s.