Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early and late outcomes of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone as a neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-negative nonmetastatic breast cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose To better clarify the efficacy of neoadjuvant bevacizumab plus chemotherapy (BEV + CT) vs chemotherapy (CT) alone in the treatment of HER2-negative nonmetastatic breast cancer. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published from January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2018. Review Manager software version 5.3 was used to perform this meta-analysis. Results Six randomized controlled trials matched the selection criteria, yielding a total of 4,354 patients with early outcomes and 3,777 patients with late outcomes. Pooled pathological complete response (pCR) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were higher for the neoadjuvant BEV + CT group (OR =1.37 [1.19, 1.58]; P<0.001 and HR =0.84 [0.72, 0.98]; P=0.020, respectively), but 5-year overall survival (OS) rate showed no significant difference (HR =0.79 [0.55, 1.11]; P=0.180). Subgroup analysis showed that the pCR rate was significantly higher in both patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer (OR =1.30 [1.01, 1.66]; P=0.040) and those with HR-negative breast cancer (OR =1.52 [1.25, 1.83]; P<0.001) in BEV + CT group. Conclusion Compared with CT alone, neoadjuvant BEV + CT significantly improved the 5-year DFS rate of HER2-negative breast cancer patients, but showed no benefit in terms of 5-year OS rate.
In vitro activity of cefoperazone and cefoperazone-sulbactam against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background This study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of cefoperazone-sulbactam against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance mechanisms of these bacteria. Materials and methods In total, 21 isolates of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and 15 isolates of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii with different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types were collected for assessment of the in vitro antibacterial activities of cefoperazone and cefoperazone-sulbactam and the associated resistance mechanisms of the bacteria. Results For carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value and antibiotic susceptibility rate were similar for cefoperazone and cefoperazone-sulbactam (at 1:1 and 2:1 ratios). In contrast, for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, the MIC values, including the MIC range, MIC that inhibited 50% of isolates (MIC50) and MIC that inhibited 90% of isolates (MIC90), were reduced after treatment with sulbactam and cefoperazone. We screened resistance genes, including VIM-2, OXA-2 and OXA-10, in 21 carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. Only one (4.8%) of the isolates showed expression of VIM-2, and neither the OXA-2 nor the OXA-10 gene was detected. However, 20 (95.2%) isolates among the carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates selected for oprD sequencing showed the phenomenon of nucleotide substitution or deletion. Among 15 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates, we found that ten (66.7%) isolates had concomitant expression of the OXA-23 and ISAba1-OXA-23 genes, and six (40.0%) isolates had expression of the OXA-24-like gene. All 15 isolates had OXA-51-like gene expression, and only 1 (6.7%) isolate had ISAba1-OXA-51-like gene expression. None of the isolates contained the IMP-1, IMP-8, KPC, NDM, VIM-1 or OXA-48 genes. Conclusion The in vitro antibacterial activity of cefoperazone against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii can be enhanced by adding sulbactam to cefoperazone, but the addition does not affect carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. This significant difference can be explained by the different resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa.
Phonon localization in heat conduction

Anderson localization in phonon heat conduction is observed in GaAs/AlAs superlattices with ErAs nanodots. Nondiffusive phonon thermal transport, extensively observed in nanostructures, has largely been attributed to classical size effects, ignoring the wave nature of phonons. We report localization behavior in phonon heat conduction due to multiple scattering and interference events of broadband phonons, by measuring the thermal conductivities of GaAs/AlAs superlattices with ErAs nanodots randomly distributed at the interfaces. With an increasing number of superlattice periods, the measured thermal conductivities near room temperature increased and eventually saturated, indicating a transition from ballistic to diffusive transport. In contrast, at cryogenic temperatures the thermal conductivities first increased but then decreased, signaling phonon wave localization, as supported by atomistic Greenșs function simulations. The discovery of phonon localization suggests a new path forward for engineering phonon thermal transport.
Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for imaging the particle size-dependent intratumoral distribution of polymeric micelles

Purpose This study proposes the utilization of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to investigate the intratumoral distribution of polymeric micelles and effect of size on the biodistribution and antitumor efficacy (ATE). Materials and methods Docetaxel and/or optoacoustic agent-loaded polymeric micelles (with diameters of 22, 48, and 124 nm) were prepared using amphiphilic block copolymers poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly (D,L lactide) (PEG2000–PDLLAx). Subcutaneous 4T1 tumor-bearing mice were monitored with MSOT imaging and IVIS® Spectrum in vivo live imaging after tail vein injection of micelles. The in vivo results and ex vivo confocal imaging results were then compared. Next, ATE of the three micelles was found and compared. Results We found that MSOT imaging offers spatiotemporal and quantitative information on intratumoral distribution of micelles in living animals. All the polymeric micelles rapidly extravasated into tumor site after intravenous injection, but only the 22-nm micelle preferred to distribute into the inner tumor tissues, leading to a superior ATE than that of 48- and 124-nm micelles. Conclusion This study demonstrated that MSOT is theranostically a powerful imaging modality, offering quantitative information on size-dependent spatiotemporal distribution patterns after the extravasation of nanomedicine from tumor blood vessels.
Clinicopathological significance of DAPK promoter methylation in non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Lung carcinogenesis is related to silencing of tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes. The aim was to investigate the significance of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) methylation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a meta-analysis. Methods A detailed literature search was made in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. All analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.2. Results In total, 28 studies with a total of 2,148 patients were involved. The frequency of DAPK promoter hypermethylation was 40.50% in NSCLC, significantly higher than in nonmalignant lung tissue; the pooled OR was 5.69, P<0.00001. Additionally, DAPK promoter hypermethylation was significantly correlated with poor overall survival in patients with NSCLC. However, there was no significant difference found while comparing the rate of DAPK promoter hypermethylation in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer. The rate of DAPK promoter hypermethylation was similar between stage III/IV and stage I/II. In addition, the data showed that DAPK promoter hypermethylation was not associated with smoking behavior in patients with NSCLC. Conclusion DAPK promoter hypermethylation is correlated with risk of NSCLC and is a potential biomarker for prediction of poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC.
An educational intervention based on the extended parallel process model to improve attitude, behavioral intention, and early breast cancer diagnosis: a randomized trial

Background Breast cancer is an important public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on fear appeals using the extended parallel process model (EPPM) to improve attitudes, intention, and early breast cancer diagnosis in Iranian women. Methods This was a cluster-randomized trial conducted in Tehran, Iran. A sample of women 40 years old and above was recruited and assigned either to intervention group or to control group. The intervention group received two pamphlets containing fear appeals specially designed for this study using the EPPM. The control group received nothing. The primary outcomes were changes in attitude, behavioral intention, and early breast cancer diagnosis. Participants responded to a questionnaire before intervention and at 3 months follow-up assessments. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were used for comparison. Result In all, 600 women were entered into the study (277 in the intervention group and 323 in the control group). Of these, 162 were lost to follow-up assessment. Thus, the analysis was restricted to those for whom both baseline and follow-up information was available (n=438). The mean age of participants was 53.2 (SD=9.45) years, and the mean year education of participants was 9.4 (SD=4.12) years. There were no significant differences between two groups regarding demographic variables. However, comparing outcome variables (attitude, intention, and early breast cancer diagnosis) at baseline and follow-up assessments, we found that the intervention group showed significant improvements in attitude and intention (P=0.01 and P=0.001, respectively), but no significant improvement was observed for early breast cancer diagnosis (P=0.78). The control group did not show any changes. Conclusion The findings showed that fear appeals could not influence early breast cancer diagnosis among women. However, significant changes were observed for attitude and behavioral intention.
Distinct expression and prognostic value of members of the epidermal growth factor receptor family in ovarian cancer

Background Increased aberrant expression or activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members has been reported in a wide range of cancers, and the EGFR family of tyrosine kinases has emerged as an important therapeutic target in malignancies. However, the expression patterns and exact roles of each distinct EGFR family member, which contribute to tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer (OC), are yet to be elucidated. Materials and methods In the current study, we report the distinct expression and prognostic value of EGFR family members in patients with OC by analyzing a series of databases including ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Kaplan–Meier plotter, cBioPortal, and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery . Results It was found that in patients with OC, mRNA expression levels of ERBB2/3/4 were significantly upregulated, whereas the transcription levels of EGFR were downregulated. Aberrant EGFR expression and ERBB2/3/4 mRNA levels were associated with OC prognosis. Conclusion These results suggest that EGFR and ERBB3/4 are distinct prognostic biomarkers and may be potential targets for OC. These results may be beneficial to better understand the molecular underpinning of OC and may be useful to develop tools for more accurate OC prognosis and for promoting the development of EGFR-targeted inhibitors for OC treatment.
The Provider’s Experience of Delivering an Education-Based Wellness Program via Telehealth

Provider acceptance is a first step to implementing a successful telehealth program. This pilot study examined the experience of six providers delivering an education-based wellness program in a telehealth format. Providers indicated an overall positive experience with high Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) total scores (5.6 ± 1.1) and in their comments. High TUQ subscale scores for Usefulness (6.7 ± 0.4) and Ease of Use (5.3 ± 0.3) indicated providers found the telehealth system usable. Strong relationship bonds that developed offset the reported drawback of technical issues related to connectivity and audio. Providers with a wide range of computer experience all reported synchronous remote training via phone and videoconference meetings was adequate to prepare them to deliver classes via telehealth. This research indicates motivated providers with varying technology experience can have a positive telehealth experience with customized remote support.
No Evidence for Lower Levels of Serum Vitamin D in the Presence of Hepatic Steatosis. A Study on the Portuguese General Population

Introduction and aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become highly prevalent, paralleling the pandemic of obesity and diabetes, and represents an important burden. Nutrition knowledge is fundamental, in prevention, evolution and treatment of NAFLD. Association of low serum levels of vitamin D (VD) with several diseases, including NAFLD, has been emphasized in the last decade. We evaluated how serum levels of VD correlate with the presence of hepatic steatosis, and VD intake, in a random sample of the Portuguese adult population. Methods: Participants underwent a dietary intake inquiry, using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire representative of the usual intake over the previous year. Anthropometric measures, blood tests and ultrasound were done. Hepatic steatosis was quantified according to Hamaguchi's ultrasonographic score (steatosis defined by a score ≥ 2). Results: We recruited 789 adult individuals, 416 males (52.7%), mean age of 49.9 ± 17.0 years (18-79). Prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 35.5%, and after exclusion of excessive alcohol consumption, 28.0%. Mean VD serum levels were 26.0 ± 9.8 ng/ml and 68.4% participants had serum VD levels below 30 ng/ml. Mean serum levels of VD were not significantly different between participants with steatosis vs. no steatosis: 25.2±8.7 vs. 26.4±10.3 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.071). There was no correlation between VD serum levels and VD intake, measured by the FFQ, r=0.075 (p= 0.383). Conclusions: In spite of a high prevalence rate, there was no evidence that decreased VD serum levels were associated with hepatic steatosis. No significant correlation was found between VD dietary ingestion and VD serum levels.
General practitioners’ perspectives on care coordination in primary health care: A qualitative study

Introduction To explore Norwegian general practitioners’ experiences with care coordination in primary health care. Methods Qualitative study using data from five focus groups with 32 general practitioners in Norway. We analysed the data using systematic text condensation, a descriptive and explorative method for thematic cross-case analysis of qualitative data. Results The general practitioners had different notions of care pathways. They expressed a wish and an obligation to be involved in planning and coordination of primary health-care services, but they experienced organisational and financial barriers that limited their involvement and contribution. General practitioners reported lack of information about and few opportunities for involvement in formal coordination initiatives, and they missed informal arenas for dialogue with other primary health-care professionals. They argued that the general practitioner’s role as coordinator should be recognised by other parties and that they needed financial compensation for contributions and attendance in meetings with the municipality. Discussion General practitioners need informal arenas for dialogue with other primary health-care professionals and access to relevant information to promote coordinated care. There might be an untapped potential for improving patient care involving general practitioners more in planning and coordinating services at the system level. Financial compensation of general practitioners contribution may promote increased involvement by general practitioners.
Morally Reframed Arguments Can Affect Support for Political Candidates

Moral reframing involves crafting persuasive arguments that appeal to the targets’ moral values but argue in favor of something they would typically oppose. Applying this technique to one of the most politically polarizing events—political campaigns—we hypothesized that messages criticizing one’s preferred political candidate that also appeal to that person’s moral values can decrease support for the candidate. We tested this claim in the context of the 2016 American presidential election. In Study 1, conservatives reading a message opposing Donald Trump grounded in a more conservative value (loyalty) supported him less than conservatives reading a message grounded in more liberal concerns (fairness). In Study 2, liberals reading a message opposing Hillary Clinton appealing to fairness values were less supportive of Clinton than liberals in a loyalty-argument condition. These results highlight how moral reframing can be used to overcome the rigid stances partisans often hold and help develop political acceptance.
Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in Thailand

Background Primary ocular adnexal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (POML) is the most common subtype of lymphoma involving the eyes in Thailand. We sought to assess the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with POML in Thailand. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patient data and included patients diagnosed with POML between January 2004 and December 2016 at Chiang Mai University Hospital and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. We collected and analyzed patients' clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. Results Among 146 patients with lymphoma involving the eyes, 121 (82%) were diagnosed with POML. Sixty-four (52.9%) were women with median age 58 (range, 22–86) years. The most common presenting symptom was orbital mass (71.1%). Common sites of origin were the orbit (46.3%) and lacrimal gland (34.7%). At presentation, 22.3% of patients had bilateral eye involvement. About half of patients had stage I disease (N=59, 56.2%) and 20% had stage IV. Most patients (73.3%) had a low-risk International Prognostic Index. Radiotherapy was the main treatment for patients with limited-stage disease (66.7% in stage I and 56.5% in stage II). The overall response rate was 100% with complete response rates 80%, 77.3%, and 64.7% for stages I, II, and IV, respectively. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 66.1% and 94.0%, respectively. For patients with limited-stage disease, radiotherapy significantly improved PFS compared with treatment not involving radiotherapy (5-year PFS 89.9% vs. 37.3%, P=0.01). Conclusion We revealed that POML has good response to treatment, especially radiotherapy, with excellent long-term outcome.
Iberian pig adaptation to acorn consumption: II. Net portal appearance of amino acids

In Iberian pig outdoor production, pigs are fed equilibrated diets until the final fattening period when grazing pigs consume mainly acorns from oak trees. Acorns are rich in energy but poor in crude protein where lysine is the first limiting amino acid (AA). Net portal appearance (NPA) is very useful to ascertain AA available for liver and peripheral tissues. The aim of this study was to determine NPA of AA in Iberian gilts fed with acorns and to ascertain if there was an effect of acorn feeding over time. Two sampling periods were carried out (after one day and after one week of acorn feeding) with six gilts (34 kg average BW) set up with three catheters: in carotid artery and portal vein for blood sampling, and ileal vein for a marker infusion to measure portal plasma flow (PPF). Pigs were fed at 2.5 × ME for maintenance a standard diet in two meals, at 09:00 (0.25) and 15:00 h (the remaining 0.75). The day previous to first sampling, pig diet was replaced by 2.4 kg of acorn. A serial blood collection was done at −5 min, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 and 6 h after feeding 0.25 of total daily acorn ration. Following identical protocol, one week later the second sampling was done. NPA of sum of essential AA (EAA) was poor. Although increased NPA of histidine (P < 0.001), leucine, phenylalanine and valine (0.05 < P < 0.08) was found after one week of acorn consumption, the sum of EAA did not change. Furthermore, fractional absorption (NPA/AA intake) of EAA, non-essential AA (NEAA) and total AA was 97, 44 and 49% lower, respectively, at the beginning of eating acorn than a week later. Supplementation, with some of the EAA and NEAA to Iberian pigs during the grazing period would be beneficial to overcome the increased portal-drained viscera (PDV) utilization of AA observed in the present study.
The impact of intravenous dexamethasone on the efficacy and duration of analgesia of paravertebral block in breast cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose The study aimed at the evaluation of the impact of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on efficacy and duration of analgesia of paravertebral block (PVB) in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Patients and methods This randomized, double-blind controlled trial included 50 patients with breast cancer scheduled for unilateral MRM. Ultrasound-guided PVB was performed in out-of-plane technique. The technique was repeated at each segment from C7 to T6. The participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group BD (n=25) received IV 8 mg dexamethasone diluted with 8 mL of normal saline to reach 10 mL solution, while Group B received IV 10 mL normal saline. Top-up local infiltration analgesia into the surgical field was performed by the surgeon if needed using lidocaine 1% intraoperatively. Propofol infusion of 50–100 µg/kg/min was maintained throughout the surgery. The time to administration of the first postoperative analgesic dose, pain intensity as visual analog scale (VAS) score, number of patients who required rescue morphine analgesia, total morphine consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) impact scale, and the overall satisfaction of patients with pain management were measured. Results Fifty patients were randomized and analyzed. The time to first rescue analgesic dose was significantly longer in Group DB (P<0.001). The VAS scores were significantly lower in Group DB compared to Group B up to 12 hours postoperatively. Morphine consumption was lower in Group DB compared to Group B. PONV Impact Scale score was significantly higher in Group B. Conclusion Systemic dexamethasone increased the efficacy and duration of the single-shot multilevel PVB in breast cancer surgery. Trial registration ISRCTN registry, study ID: ISRCTN15920148