bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Hemoglobin A1c and Fasting Glucose Levels with hs-CRP in Adults Not Diagnosed with Diabetes from the KNHANES, 2017
Authors: Seo Jeong Woo , Park Sat Byul
Published: April 2021

Purpose. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been used as a biomarker to assess the risk of cardiovascular accidents (CVA) and to measure general inflammation in the body. This study investigated the relationship and extent of correlation between serum glucose level markers and hs-CRP as a means to assess CVA risk through hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels. Methods. This cross-sectional, population-based study used data from the 2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). From the total sample of 8,127 people, 4,590 subjects were excluded due to age (<19 years) (

n
=
1,505

), diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis or medication (

n
=
596

), inactivity (

n
=
424

), pregnancy (

n
=
17

), hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) (

n
=
8

), smoking history (

n
=
1,077

), and missing data (

n
=
963

). In total, 3,537 adults not diagnosed with diabetes were selected. Their hs-CRP levels were compared with the glucose level markers using a complex sample general linear regression analysis. Results. We adjusted for sedentary hours, smoking, binge drinking frequency, age, sex, mean SBP, triglycerides, and waist circumference. Increases in HbA1c correlated with hs-CRP levels (

B
 
coefficient
 

95
%
CI

=
0.185

,

p
=
0.001

, and

R

2

=
0.087

). Changes in the fasting glucose levels were also associated with the hs-CRP levels (

B
 
coefficient
 

95
%
CI

=
0.005

,

p
=
0.006

, and

R

2

=
0.086

). Conclusion. This study showed a linear association between HbA1c and fasting glucose levels and hs-CRP. It also showed that changes in the hs-CRP level were better correlated with those in the HbA1c levels than in the fasting glucose levels.
Shared Molecular Mechanisms between Alzheimer’s Disease and Periodontitis Revealed by Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Jin Jieqi , Guang Mengkai , Ogbuehi Anthony Chukwunonso , Li Simin , Zhang Kai , Ma Yihong , Acharya Aneesha , Guo Bihan , Peng Zongwu , Liu Xiangqiong , Deng Yupei , Fang Zhaobi , Zhu Xiongjie , Hua Shiting , Li Cong , Haak Rainer , Ziebolz Dirk , Schmalz Gerhard , Liu Lei , Xu Baohua , Huang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

Objective. To investigate the genetic crosstalk mechanisms that link periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Background. Periodontitis, a common oral infectious disease, is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and considered a putative contributory factor to its progression. However, a comprehensive investigation of potential shared genetic mechanisms between these diseases has not yet been reported. Methods. Gene expression datasets related to periodontitis were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differential expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Genes associated with AD were downloaded from the DisGeNET database. Overlapping genes among the DEGs in periodontitis and the AD‐related genes were defined as crosstalk genes between periodontitis and AD. The Boruta algorithm was applied to perform feature selection from these crosstalk genes, and representative crosstalk genes were thus obtained. In addition, a support vector machine (SVM) model was constructed by using the scikit‐learn algorithm in Python. Next, the crosstalk gene‐TF network and crosstalk gene‐DEP (differentially expressed pathway) network were each constructed. As a final step, shared genes among the crosstalk genes and periodontitis‐related genes in DisGeNET were identified and denoted as the core crosstalk genes. Results. Four datasets (GSE23586, GSE16134, GSE10334, and GSE79705) pertaining to periodontitis were included in the analysis. A total of 48 representative crosstalk genes were identified by using the Boruta algorithm. Three TFs (FOS, MEF2C, and USF2) and several pathways (i.e., JAK‐STAT, MAPK, NF‐kappa B, and natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity) were identified as regulators of these crosstalk genes. Among these 48 crosstalk genes and the chronic periodontitis‐related genes in DisGeNET, C4A, C4B, CXCL12, FCGR3A, IL1B, and MMP3 were shared and identified as the most pivotal candidate links between periodontitis and AD. Conclusions. Exploration of available transcriptomic datasets revealed C4A, C4B, CXCL12, FCGR3A, IL1B, and MMP3 as the top candidate molecular linkage genes between periodontitis and AD.
Antimicrobial Edible Film Prepared from Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers/Starch/Chitosan for a Food Packaging Alternative
Authors: Abral Hairul , Pratama Angga Bahri , Handayani Dian , Mahardika Melbi , Aminah Ibtisamatul , Sandrawati Neny , Sugiarti Eni , Muslimin Ahmad Novi , Sapuan S. M. , Ilyas R. A.
Published: April 2021

As a contribution to the growing demand for environmentally friendly food packaging films, this work produced and characterized a biocomposite of disintegrated bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers and tapioca starch/chitosan-based films. Ultrasonication dispersed all fillers throughout the film homogeneously. The highest fraction of dried BC nanofibers (0.136 g) in the film resulted in the maximum tensile strength of 4.7 MPa. 0.136 g BC nanofiber addition to the tapioca starch/chitosan matrix increased the thermal resistance (the temperature of maximum decomposition rate from 307 to 317°C), moisture resistance (after 8 h) by 8.9%, and water vapor barrier (24 h) by 27%. All chitosan-based films displayed antibacterial activity. This characterization suggests that this environmentally friendly edible biocomposite film is a potential candidate for applications in food packaging.
A GD-PSO Algorithm for Smart Transportation Supply Chain ABS Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Sun Yingjia , Ren Hongfeng
Published: April 2021

Financial technology and smart transportation is key cross-field of transportation in the future. The demand for smart transportation investment is constantly released. As typical and efficient financial products, asset-backed securities (ABS) can greatly improve the turnover efficiency of funds between upstream suppliers and downstream buyers in the field of smart transportation and also help participants of the supply chain to maintain healthier financial situations. However, one of the most common problems of ABS is portfolio allocation, which needs portfolio optimization based on massive assets with multiple objectives and constraints. Especially, in the field of smart transportation, sources of underlying assets can always be complex, which may involve a variety of subdivision industries and regions. At the same time, due to the relationships between upstream and downstream entities in the supply chain, correlations among assets can be strong. So, during the optimization of smart transportation ABS portfolio allocation, it is necessary to identify and deal with those problems. Different from forward selection or linear optimization, which could have low efficiency for complicated problems with large sample size and multiple objectives, new methods and algorithms for NP-hard problems would be necessary to be investigated. In this article, a penalty function based on graph density (GD) was introduced to the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and a GD-PSO algorithm was proposed. Experiments also showed that the GD-PSO algorithm solved the problem of portfolio optimization in smart transportation supply chain ABS effectively.
Research on Surface Deformation of Ordos Coal Mining Area by Integrating Multitemporal D‐InSAR and Offset Tracking Technology
Authors: Yao Jiaming , Yao Xin , Wu Zuoqi , Liu Xinghong
Published: April 2021

Underground mining in coal mining areas will induce large‐scale, large‐gradient surface deformation, threatening the safety of people’s lives and property in nearby areas. Due to mining‐related subsidence is characterized by fast displacement and high nonlinearity, monitoring this process by using traditional and single interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology is very challenging, and it cannot accurately and quantitatively calculate the deformation of the mining area. In this paper, we proposed a new method that combines both multitemporal consecutive D‐InSAR and offset tracking technology to construct a complete deformation field of the coal mining area. Taking into account the accuracy of multitemporal consecutive D‐InSAR in calculating small deformation areas and the ability of offset tracking to measure large deformation areas, we utilized their respective advantages to extract the surface influence range and applied an adaptive spatial filtering method to integrate their respective results for inversion of the deformation field. 12 ascending high‐resolution TerraSAR‐X images (2 m) from September 3, 2018, to October 26, 2019, and 39 descending Sentinel‐1 TOPS SAR images from August 5, 2018, to November 4, 2019, in the Ordos Coalfield located at Inner Mongolia, China, were utilized to obtain the whole subsidence field of the working faces F6211 and F6207 during the 454‐day mining period. The GPS monitoring station located in the direction of the mining surface is used to verify the accuracy of the above method; at the same time, to a certain extent, the difference between the unmanned aerial vehicle’s DSM data acquired after coal mining and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (STRM) DEM can qualitatively verify the accuracy of the results. Our results show that the results of TerraSAR are basically consistent with the deformation trend of GPS data, and that of Sentinel‐1 have large errors compared with GPS. The maximum central subsidence reaches ~12 m in the working face F6211 and ~4 m in the working face F6207. In the working face F6207, the good agreement between GPS and TerraSAR results indicated that the method above using high‐resolution SAR data could be reliable for monitoring the large deformation area in the mining field.
Acupuncture Treatment for Cough-Variant Asthma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiong Jian , Qi WenChuan , Yang Han , Zou SiTing , Kong Jing , Wang ChengLong , Zhou YuanFang , Liang FanRong
Published: April 2021

Background. In recent years, there have been many clinical reports on acupuncture treatment of cough-variant asthma, but no researcher has objectively analysed and evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment of cough-variant asthma from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. Objective. To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating cough-variant asthma and to provide reference values for clinical decision-making. Methods. The comprehensive computer retrieval Chinese journal full-text database (CNKI), Chinese science and technology periodical database (VIP), ten thousand data knowledge service platform (WanFang Data), PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were used to collect literature for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture treatment of cough-variant asthma, as well as to retrieve papers and add reference retrieval after literature review, in accordance with the standard of literature filtering, data extraction, and quality evaluation. The data were meta-analysed using ReviewManager5.3 software recommended by Cochrane. Results. A total of 11 randomized controlled clinical studies were screened and included, comprising 929 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, acupuncture intervention on CVA could enhance the total clinical effectiveness rate, reduce the relapse rate of drug withdrawal, relieve symptoms of cough, phlegm, and diaphragmatic congestion, and improve lung function-related indicators and immune inflammation indicators. There were statistically significant differences in all efficacy evaluation criteria. Conclusion. The clinical curative effect of acupuncture treatment for cough-variant asthma is precise and has certain advantages in relieving symptoms and reducing the recurrence rate. However, the low quality of the evaluation in the RCT research literature is a problem, and more high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed to further verify the comprehensive clinical efficacy and safety of this treatment. Registration number: PROSPERO (no. CRD42020155244) (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).
Levels of Lead, Copper, and Zinc in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea sp.) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa sp.) Grown on Soil Amended with Sewage Sludge
Authors: Fei-Baffoe Bernard , Amo-Asare Jeffery , Sulemana Alhassan , Miezah Kodwo
Published: April 2021

The study focused on levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) in sewage sludge, soil, and in lettuce and cabbage grown on sewage sludge amended soil. Also, the effect of sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter, and soil conductivity) was studied. Three treatments were used based on nitrogen application rates of the sewage sludge: 100, 150, and 200 kg N/ha for lettuce while 160, 210, and 260 kg N/ha for cabbage. A pot experiment was conducted with pots arranged in a completely randomized design and under local climatic conditions. The study revealed that soil organic matter content and conductivity increased significantly with increasing nitrogen application rates. Levels of heavy metals in the soil increased significantly with increasing application rates. The controls for both plants recorded the lowest heavy metal uptake. Cabbage had an uptake of 0.48 ± 0.13, 1.36 ± 0.23, and 2.60 ± 0.29 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, while lettuce had 0.34 ± 0.19, 1.35 ± 0.31, and 2.30 ± 0.14 mg/kg uptake for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Highest metal uptake was recorded at the highest application rate in both plants (0.66 ± 0.17, 2.66 ± 0.09, and 4.33 ± 0.14 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for cabbage and 0.54 ± 0.01, 2.24 ± 0.17, and 3.88 ± 0.19 mg/kg of Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for lettuce). The uptake of Zn and Cu was significant, while Pb uptake was insignificant for both plants. Yields increased significantly with increasing application rates. The study provides information on yield enhancement resulting from cultivating plants on soil amended with sewage sludge and the associated health risk implication.
Sensorimotor, Attentional, and Neuroanatomical Predictors of Upper Limb Motor Deficits and Rehabilitation Outcome after Stroke
Authors: D’Imperio Daniela , Romeo Zaira , Maistrello Lorenza , Durgoni Eugenia , Della Pietà Camilla , De Filippo De Grazia Michele , Meneghello Francesca , Turolla Andrea , Zorzi Marco
Published: April 2021

The rehabilitation of motor deficits following stroke relies on both sensorimotor and cognitive abilities, thereby involving large-scale brain networks. However, few studies have investigated the integration between motor and cognitive domains, as well as its neuroanatomical basis. In this retrospective study, upper limb motor responsiveness to technology-based rehabilitation was examined in a sample of 29 stroke patients (18 with right and 11 with left brain damage). Pretreatment sensorimotor and attentional abilities were found to influence motor recovery. Training responsiveness increased as a function of the severity of motor deficits, whereas spared attentional abilities, especially visuospatial attention, supported motor improvements. Neuroanatomical analysis of structural lesions and white matter disconnections showed that the poststroke motor performance was associated with putamen, insula, corticospinal tract, and frontoparietal connectivity. Motor rehabilitation outcome was mainly associated with the superior longitudinal fasciculus and partial involvement of the corpus callosum. The latter findings support the hypothesis that motor recovery engages large-scale brain networks that involve cognitive abilities and provides insight into stroke rehabilitation strategies.
Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Protein Kinase: A Potential Master Puppeteer of Oxidative Stress‐Induced Metabolic Recycling
Authors: Blignaut Marguerite , Harries Sarah , Lochner Amanda , Huisamen Barbara
Published: April 2021

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated protein kinase (ATM) has recently come to the fore as a regulatory protein fulfilling many roles in the fine balancing act of metabolic homeostasis. Best known for its role as a transducer of DNA damage repair, the activity of ATM in the cytosol is enjoying increasing attention, where it plays a central role in general cellular recycling (macroautophagy) as well as the targeted clearance (selective autophagy) of damaged mitochondria and peroxisomes in response to oxidative stress, independently of the DNA damage response. The importance of ATM activation by oxidative stress has also recently been highlighted in the clearance of protein aggregates, where the expression of a functional ATM construct that cannot be activated by oxidative stress resulted in widespread accumulation of protein aggregates. This review will discuss the role of ATM in general autophagy, mitophagy, and pexophagy as well as aggrephagy and crosstalk between oxidative stress as an activator of ATM and its potential role as a master regulator of these processes.
A Hybrid BSC-DEA Model with Indeterminate Information
Authors: Jaberi Hafshjani Mohammad , Najafi Seyyed Esmaeil , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Hajimolana Seyyed Mohammad
Published: April 2021

Strategy is the main source of long-term growth for organizations, and if it is not successfully implemented, even if appropriate ones are adopted, the process is futile. The balanced scorecard which focuses on four aspects such as growth and learning, internal processes, customer, and financial is considered as a comprehensive framework for assessing performance and the progress of the strategy. Moreover, the data envelopment analysis is one of the best mathematical methods to compute the efficiency of organizations. The combination of these two techniques is a significant quantitative measurement with respect to the organization’s performance. However, in the real world, determinate and indeterminate information exists. Henceforth, the indeterminate issues are inescapable and must be considered in the performance evaluation. Neutrosophic number is a helpful tool for dealing with information that is indeterminate and incomplete. In this paper, we propose a new model of data envelopment analysis in the neutrosophic number environment. Furthermore, we attempt to combine the new model with the balanced scorecard to rank different decision-making units. Finally, the proposed method is illustrated by an empirical study involving 20 banking branches. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method and indicate that the model has practical outcomes for decision-makers.
Digital Twin in Computational Design and Robotic Construction of Wooden Architecture
Authors: Zhang Ye , Meina A. , Lin Xuhao , Zhang Kun , Xu Zhen
Published: April 2021

This study proposes a cyber‐physical interconnection method for computational design and robotic construction in a wooden architectural realm. It aims to provide a highly efficient, flexible, and adaptive design‐construction approach by continuously updating digital models and physical operations according to the locally sourced materials. A perception‐modeling system to scan the source materials on‐site and send their data simultaneously to design software was developed by using physical sensors and computational technologies in an innovative manner. The data was used for architectural programs to generate design outcomes and guide the robotic construction. The novelty of this study is to establish a real‐time, bidirectional interaction mechanism between digital design and physical construction. The design outcome is no longer a fixed, predefined geometric model but a dynamic, data‐driven model which would be updated by material conditions on‐site. The construction robot is able to make synchronous adjustment automatically in coordination with the dynamic design. The success of the iterative perceiving‐simulating‐updating loop was demonstrated by building two pavilions.
The Impact of Longitudinal Surveillance on Tumor Thickness for Melanoma-Prone Families with and without Pathogenic Germline Variants of CDKN2A and CDK4
Authors: Sargen Michael R. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Elder David E. , Yang Xiaohong R. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Tucker Margaret A.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Skin cancer screening is routinely performed for members of melanoma-prone families, but longitudinal studies evaluating the efficacy of surveillance in this high-risk population are lacking.

Methods:

We evaluated thickness for first primary melanomas diagnosed in melanoma-prone families (≥2 individuals with melanoma) enrolled in NCT00040352 (NCI familial melanoma study) from 1976 through 2014; enrolled patients received routine skin cancer screening and education about skin self-exams. We used linear and ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for gender and age with a generalized estimating equations approach to report changes in thickness and tumor (T) stage over time, comparing outcomes for NCI cases diagnosed before (pre-study) versus after study participation (prospective) and for NCI cases versus nonfamilial cases [Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 registries].

Results:

Tumor thickness was evaluated for 293 NCI (pre-study = 246; prospective = 47) patients. Compared with NCI pre-study cases, NCI prospective melanomas were thinner (0.6 vs. 1.1 mm; P < 0.001) and more likely to be T1 stage [39/47 (83%) vs. 98/246 (40%); P < 0.001]. Similar findings (P < 0.05) were observed for familial cases with and without germline CDKN2A and CDK4 mutations. Peters–Belson modeling suggested that calendar period effects of decreasing thickness in the general population (SEER 9) did not fully explain thickness trends in NCI families.

Conclusions:

Participation in a longitudinal surveillance program providing skin cancer screening and education about skin self-exams was associated with thinner melanomas for members of melanoma-prone families.

Impact:

The study findings support the clinical benefit of screening (physician and self) for this high-risk population.
Less Is More—Ways to Move Forward for Improved Breast Cancer Risk Stratification
Authors: Tehranifar Parisa , Wei Ying , Terry Mary Beth
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer risk models increasingly are including mammographic density (MD) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) to improve identification of higher-risk women who may benefit from genetic screening, earlier and supplemental breast screening, chemoprevention, and other targeted interventions. Here, we present additional considerations for improved clinical use of risk prediction models with MD, PRS, and questionnaire-based risk factors. These considerations include whether changing risk factor patterns, including MD, can improve risk prediction and management, and whether PRS could help inform breast cancer screening without MD measures and prior to the age at initiation of population-based mammography. We further argue that it may be time to reconsider issues around breast cancer risk models that may warrant a more comprehensive head-to-head comparison with other methods for risk factor assessment and risk prediction, including emerging artificial intelligence methods. With the increasing recognition of limitations of any single mathematical model, no matter how simplified, we are at an important juncture for consideration of these different approaches for improved risk stratification in geographically and ethnically diverse populations.

See related article by Rosner et al., p. 600
Early Life Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Ovarian Cancer Risk in Adulthood
Authors: Wang T , Townsend MK , Vinci C , Jake-Schoffman DE , Tworoger SS
Published: April 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer risk in adulthood may be affected by early life exposure to tobacco smoke. We investigated this relationship in two large prospective cohorts, the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. Methods: In total, analyses included 110,305 NHS participants (1976–2016) and 112,859 NHSII participants (1989–2017). Self-reported early life smoking exposures were queried at baseline or follow-up questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of ovarian cancer overall and by tumor histotype. Results: Compared with women who never smoked, ovarian cancer risk was similar for women who started to smoke at age <18 (HR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.86–1.11) or ≥18 (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.93–1.12). Overall, ovarian cancer risk was not different among participants whose mother did versus did not smoke during pregnancy (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.87–1.27); however, an increased risk was observed among women who themselves were never smokers (HR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.05–1.81) but not ever smokers (HR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.66–1.14; Pheterogeneity = 0.02). These associations did not differ by histotype (Pheterogeneity≥0.35). Parental smoking in the home during childhood/adolescence was related to a 15% increased risk of ovarian cancer in adulthood (HR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.04–1.27) and this association was notably stronger among women with non-serous/ low- grade serous tumors (HR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.02–1.61) versus high-grade serous/ poorly differentiated tumors (HR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.93–1.28, Pheterogeneity = 0.25). Conclusions: Exposure to parental tobacco smoke, but not early initiation of smoking, was associated with a modest elevated risk of ovarian cancer. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Feasibility of a Group-based Telehealth Psychosocial Intervention for Women with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Kroll JL , Higgins H , Snyder S , Chen A , Antonoff M , Li Y , Tsao A , Milbury K
Published: April 2021

Purpose of study: As women with lung cancer are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress and social isolation, which may be further exacerbated by current COVID-19 physical distancing precautions, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based telehealth psychosocial intervention for this understudied patient population. Methods: Women with a recent diagnosis (3 months) of non based telehealth psychosocial intervention for this understudied patient population. Methods: Women with a recent diagnosis (3 months) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) currently undergoing treatment completed baseline measures of computer literacy and were randomized to a group-based telehealth psychosocial intervention consisting of ether coping skills or attention control (AC) psychoeducation. Both arms consisted of five, 60 min. telehealth (video conference over Zoom) sessions. Groups were comprised of 3–5 members and led by a masters-level clinician. Participants completed one “practice run” with technology prior to starting the group session. After the final session, patients rated overall experience of intervention delivery and telehealth platform. Results: Seventy patients (mean age = 66 yrs, 54% >65 yrs; 71% non-Hispanic White; 50% college educated; 75% advanced stage) consented (63% consent rate) and 65 were randomized to intervention or AC. At baseline, 47% of patients indicated daily computer use while 50% said they rarely or never use a computer. Attendance was high in both arms with 63% of patients attending all sessions (means: intervention = 3.18; AC = 3.56). Across arms, 89% preferred group delivery and 92% preferred online delivery. The majority used a smartphone or tablet to participate (72%). Regarding the Zoom platform, 71% said it was easy to use, 65% would recommend it to others, and 41% felt comfortable with it after one use. Only 44% thought that telehealth was the same as it would have been in-person. Conclusions: The present findings suggest the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a group-based psychosocial intervention via telehealth for middle to older aged women with NSCLC undergoing treatment, which may be particularly beneficial to address isolation during the current season of physical distancing.
Receipt of Next-generation Genomic Sequencing among Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) in a Real-World Cohort
Authors: Markt SC , Schumacher FR , Booker B , Rose J , Cooper GS , Koroukian SM
Published: April 2021

Purpose of the Study: Disparities in genomic precision medicine approaches, through molecular profiling or next- generation sequencing (NGS), by race/ethnicity, insurance, and poverty have been identified in lung cancer, but not mCRC. Our goal was to examine disparities in receipt of NGS in patients with mCRC. Methods: We used all-payer electronic health record (EHR)-derived de-identified data from the Flatiron Health database generated from routine clinical care across the United States. Our study population included 26,524 patients with mCRC during the years 2013–2020. In addition to date of NGS testing, the FH-EHR data include demographics (age, sex, and race/ethnicity), payer type, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. We conducted descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify correlates of receipt of NGS within 6 months of metastatic diagnosis. Results: Among the 26,524 people with mCRC, 45% (n = 11,946) were women, 48% (n = 12,732) had a Commercial Health Plan, and the majority were seen in a community practice (92%) vs academic hospitals. Over 70% of the patients were White, 12% Black or African-American (AA), and 14% Other. Thirty-three percent (n = 8,821) of patients had documentation in the EHR of having received NGS. After simultaneously adjusting for other factors in the model, older age (ORper year increase: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98) and Black/AA race (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68–0.81), compared to White, was associated with lower odds of receiving NGS testing. Conversely, female sex, better ECOG performance status, later calendar year, being seen in an academic practice, and having a Commercial Health Plan were associated with greater odds of receiving NGS. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that NGS is not received uniformly by all patients with mCRC. Future analyses will incorporate receipt of individual molecular biomarker tests, as recommended by professional societies, as well as their results (e.g., KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, MMR/MSI), treatment information, and survival.
Social Support and Mental Health during the COVID19-pandemic among Cancer Survivors: An Analysis of the COVID Impact Survey
Authors: Islam JY , Vidot DC , Camacho-Rivera M
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of adults in the United States (U.S.) due to recommended preventive behaviors such as social distancing. Our objective was to evaluate mental health symptoms and determinants of mental health symptoms among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Methods: We used nationally-representative data of 10,760 U.S. adults from the COVID-19 Impact Survey. We defined cancer survivors as a self-reported diagnosis of cancer (n = 854, 7.6%). We estimated the association of mental health symptoms among cancer survivors using multinomial logistic regression and calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We estimated determinants of experiencing at least one mental health symptom 3–7 times in the last seven days among cancer survivors using Poisson regression models to estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% CI. Results: Most cancer survivors were over the age of 60 (65%), NH-White (74%), female (52%), and married or living with a partner (57%). Among cancer survivors who spoke to their neighbors basically every day prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 62% continued this behavior, and 34% reported to speak to their neighbors only a few times a week in the last month. Among cancer survivors, 16% felt depressed, 14% felt lonely, and 13% felt hopeless about the future in the last seven days. Cancer survivors were more likely to report feeling nervous, anxious or on edge (aOR:1.42, 95% CI: 1.07–1.90), depressed (aOR:1.69, 95% CI: 1.28–2.24), lonely (aOR:1.47, 95% CI: 1.09–1.98), and hopeless (aOR:1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.10) 3–7 days per week in the last seven days when compared to adults without cancer. Among cancer survivors, adults aged 30–44 years (aPR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.18–2.95), females (aPR:1.55, 95% CI: 1.12– 2.13), without a high school degree (aOR: 1.79, 95% CI; 1.05–3.04), and adults with limited social interaction (aPR:1.40, 95% CI: 1.01–1.95) were more likely to experience mental health symptoms 3–7 days/week in the last week. Conclusions: Cancer survivors are experiencing mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly young adults, adults without a high school degree, females, and survivors with limited social support.
F-aza-T-dCyd (NSC801845), a Novel Cytidine Analog, in Comparative Cell Culture and Xenograft Studies with the Clinical Candidates T-dCyd, F-T-dCyd, and Aza-T-dCyd
Authors: Morris Joel , Wishka Donn G. , Lopez Omar D. , Rudchenko Vladimir , Huang Guangfei , Hoffman Sierra N. , Borgel Suzanne , Georgius Kyle , Carter John , Stotler Howard , Kunkel Mark W. , Collins Jerry M. , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Teicher Beverly A.
Published: April 2021

In this article, 5-aza-4′-thio-2′-β-fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (F-aza-T-dCyd, NSC801845), a novel cytidine analog, is first disclosed and compared with T-dCyd, F-T-dCyd, and aza-T-dCyd in cell culture and mouse xenograft studies in HCT-116 human colon carcinoma, OVCAR3 human ovarian carcinoma, NCI-H23 human NSCLC carcinoma, HL-60 human leukemia, and the PDX BL0382 bladder carcinoma. In three of five xenograft lines (HCT-116, HL-60, and BL-0382), F-aza-T-dCyd was more efficacious than aza-T-dCyd. Comparable activity was observed for these two agents against the NCI-H23 and OVCAR3 xenografts. In the HCT-116 study, F-aza-T-dCyd [10 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.), QDx5 for four cycles], produced complete regression of the tumors in all mice with a response that proved durable beyond postimplant day 150 (129 days after the last dose). Similarly, complete tumor regression was observed in the HL-60 leukemia xenograft when mice were dosed with F-aza-T-dCyd (10 mg/kg i.p., QDx5 for three cycles). In the PDX BL-0382 bladder study, both oral and i.p. dosing of F-aza-T-dCyd (8 mg/kg QDx5 for three cycles) produced regressions that showed tumor regrowth beginning 13 days after dosing. These findings indicate that further development of F-aza-T-dCyd (NSC801845) is warranted.
Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Application
Authors: Alix-Panabières Catherine , Pantel Klaus
Published: April 2021

Over the past 10 years, circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have received enormous attention as new biomarkers and subjects of translational research. Although both biomarkers are already used in numerous clinical trials, their clinical utility is still under investigation with promising first results. Clinical applications include early cancer detection, improved cancer staging, early detection of relapse, real-time monitoring of therapeutic efficacy, and detection of therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms. Here, we propose a conceptual framework of CTC and ctDNA assays and point out current challenges of CTC and ctDNA research, which might structure this dynamic field of translational cancer research.

Significance:

The analysis of blood for CTCs or cell-free nucleic acids called “liquid biopsy” has opened new avenues for cancer diagnostics, including early detection of tumors, improved risk assessment and staging, as well as early detection of relapse and monitoring of tumor evolution in the context of cancer therapies.
Metastasis-Initiating Cells and Ecosystems
Authors: Massagué Joan , Ganesh Karuna
Published: April 2021

Metastasis is initiated and sustained through therapy by cancer cells with stem-like and immune-evasive properties, termed metastasis-initiating cells (MIC). Recent progress suggests that MICs result from the adoption of a normal regenerative progenitor phenotype by malignant cells, a phenotype with intrinsic programs to survive the stresses of the metastatic process, undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transitions, enter slow-cycling states for dormancy, evade immune surveillance, establish supportive interactions with organ-specific niches, and co-opt systemic factors for growth and recurrence after therapy. Mechanistic understanding of the molecular mediators of MIC phenotypes and host tissue ecosystems could yield cancer therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.

Significance:

Understanding the origins, traits, and vulnerabilities of progenitor cancer cells with the capacity to initiate metastasis in distant organs, and the host microenvironments that support the ability of these cells to evade immune surveillance and regenerate the tumor, is critical for developing strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of advanced cancer. Leveraging recent progress in our understanding of the metastatic process, here we review the nature of MICs and their ecosystems and offer a perspective on how this knowledge is informing innovative treatments of metastatic cancers.
Fighting the Sixth Decade of the Cancer War with Better Cancer Models
Authors: Tuveson David A.
Published: April 2021

Cancer models have helped solve many mysteries of cancer research, and are poised to bring our understanding to the next level as we dissect the relevance of cancer-associated alleles and heterocellular interactions. However, the ability of cancer models to correctly identify new therapeutic methods has been less fruitful, and a reconsideration of model designs and model applications should help develop more effective approaches for patients.
СОЦІАЛЬНА, КЛІНІЧНА ТА ЕПІДЕМІОЛОГІЧНА ДОЦІЛЬНІСТЬ ВЕДЕННЯ РЕЄСТРУ ХВОРИХ НА ХРОНІЧНІ ВІРУСНІ ГЕПАТИТИ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ДНІПРОПЕТРОВСЬКОГО РЕГІОНУ
Authors: Shostakovich-Koretska L. R. , Shevchenko-Makarenko O. P. , Nikolaychuk M. A. , Sheveleva O. V. , Chykarenko Z. O. , Andrieieva I. A. , Tkachenko V. D.
Published: April 2021

Мета: дослідити можливості Реєстру хворих на хронічні вірусні гепатити в Дніпропетровському регіоні як спостережної програми та інструменту моніторингу і менеджменту за пацієнтами.

Матеріали і методи. Аналіз поширеності хронічних вірусних гепатитів проведено епідеміологічним методом. У роботі застосовано методи дескриптивної статистики, статистичний метод та метод структурно-логічного аналізу з використанням програмних продуктів Excel і Statistica v.6.1.

Результати. Проведено оцінку дієвих реєстрів пацієнтів в Україні, обрано найкращі практики та адаптовано, оптимізовано і впроваджено в Реєстр хворих на хронічні вірусні гепатити дорослого віку та дітей в Дніпропетров­ському регіоні. Обґрунтовано доцільність його використання як дослідного інструменту при менеджменті 4699 хворих на хронічні вірусні гепатити В та С віком понад 18 років та 195 дітей. Оцінено ефективність різних схем лікування.

Висновки. Десятирічний досвід ведення Реєстру дозволив оцінити тяжкість хронічних вірусних гепатитів у Дніпропетровському регіоні, здійснювати моніторинг населення, ураженого хронічними вірусними гепатитами, проводити аналіз динаміки та прогностичну оцінку визначених показників ризику прогресування хвороби в різних клінічних групах хворих, контролювати якість та ефективність лікування, повноту та режим динамічного нагляду за хворими. Запропоновано імплементувати досвід для створення Реєстру та персоніфікованого автоматизованого обліку хворих на хронічні вірусні гепатити в Україні.
КОМПЛЕКСНА ОЦІНКА УСПІШНОСТІ ЛІКАРІВ-ІНТЕРНІВ ЗА РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМИ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ АТЕСТАЦІЇ
Authors: Sichkoriz O. Ye.
Published: April 2021

Мета: покращити якість фахової підготовки здобувачів вищої медичної освіти на основі комплексного аналізу їхньої успішності.

Матеріали і методи. Дослідження проводили серед здобувачів, які навчались в інтернатурі Львівського національного медичного університету імені Данила Галицького та проходили заключну державну атестацію у період 2011–2017 рр. за такими критеріями: результати складання ліцензійних тестових іспитів «Крок-1», «Крок-2», «Крок-3», складання державних іспитів та результат заключної атестації. Використано статистичні методи, структурно-логічний аналіз та системний підхід.

Результати. За результатами складання ліцензійного іспиту «Крок-1» протягом 2011–2017 рр. зафіксовано зростання середнього бала для спеціальності «Медицина невідкладних станів» та «Загальна практика – сімейна медицина». Спостерігали тенденцію до зростання середнього результату проходження іспитів «Крок-2» та «Крок-3» та середньої оцінки складання державних іспитів для здобувачів усіх лікарських спеціальностей. Найнижчу середню оцінку заключної атестації протягом 2011–2017 рр. констатовано у здобувачів зі спеціальності «Стоматологія».

Висновки. Дослідження результатів успішності здобувачів вищої медичної освіти на додипломному та післядипломному рівнях дозволить оцінити та покращити якість фахової підготовки та наблизити її до європейських стандартів.
THE ORGANIZATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP FOR MOTHERS WITH STILLBIRTH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND UKRAINE
Authors: Thompson I. І. , Nadvorna О. М.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: to illustrate the importance of psychological support to families who experience the loss of their unborn child at any stage of its development.

Materials and Methods The trial is based on experience and practice of multiple NST Trust in North West region of the UK.

Results. The main idea of this article is to illustrate the process of highly qualified and compassionate help British mothers with stillborn receive while inpatient, before and after delivery as well as after being discharged.  Once the baby is born, mothers and their families would continue receiving professional psychological support to help them to return to their as much as possible normal life. She would receive multiple consultations and counselling after the events. Occasionally the follow up might last up to 12 months.

The article highlights the importance of exchanging the knowledge and experience between two countries as well as active involvement of other members of multidisciplinary team: midwives, psychologists, obstetricians with a special interest in mental health and general practice doctor who will take over once women is discharged after follow up.

Also the cooperation of British and Ukrainian obstetricians, exchange of knowledge and experience could improve obstetric services and have positive effects on mental health of Ukrainian women and their families who experience pregnancy loss. The further collaboration will help to realize that learning from already established British system of helping mothers who experienced stillbirth could significantly improve Ukrainian obstetric service in the field.

Conclusions. It is important time when Ukraine is undergoing active medical transformation in order to modernize the provision of medical services. By learning from international colleagues Ukrainian medicine could benefit from introducing the positive experience in management and provision of psychological support to women with pregnancy loss regardless of gestation.
ПРОФЕСІЙНЕ ВИГОРАННЯ МЕДИЧНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ ЗА СУЧАСНИХ УМОВ
Authors: Yurchenko I. , Savchenko I. , Buriak O.
Published: April 2021

У статті розглянуто і підсумовано результати теоретичних досліджень історичних аспектів виникнення феномену синдрому вигорання, методів його діагностики, визначення основних симптомів синдрому вигорання медичних працівників за допомогою системного аналізу зарубіжної та вітчизняної літератури.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПРОЯВІВ БОЙОВИХ СТРЕСОВИХ РОЗЛАДІВ У ПОРАНЕНИХ ВІЙСЬКОВОСЛУЖБОВЦІВ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ – УЧАСНИКІВ БОЙОВИХ ДІЙ
Authors: Radetskaya L. V. , Laba I. O. , Smachylo A. I. , Nechaeva O. O. , Lopatenko K. O. , Baumer M. M.
Published: April 2021

Рання діагностика негативних психічних і постстресових станів дозволяє на ранніх етапах виявити у поранених військовослужбовців Збройних сил України ранні та тяжкі прояви бойової психічної травми та її наслідки, а також розробити індивідуальну тактику і способи профілактики та відновлення кожного обстеженого військовослужбовця. Відсутність у державі єдиного, науково обґрунтованого комплексного підходу до організації проведення ефективних заходів медичної, психологічної та соціальної реабілітації, гостра потреба у підвищенні якості життя, медичного обслуговування, соціального захисту та медико-психологічної допомоги військовослужбовцям зумовили актуальність дослідження, метою якого стало вивчення особливостей проявів бойових стресових розладів серед військовослужбовців Збройних сил України – учасників бойових дій. У процесі роботи виявлено, що участь у збройному конфлікті, отримане поранення є потужним стресовим фактором, що призводить до різнопланових функціональних порушень організму, в тому числі й психологічних. При вивченні таких змін у значної частини військовослужбовців, які отримали поранення, виявлено ознаки посттравматичної стресової реакції. Відповідно дана категорія пацієнтів потребує як медичної, так і психологічної реабілітації.
РЕВМАТОЇДНИЙ АРТРИТ – ІСТОРІЯ, СУЧАСНІ ПОГЛЯДИ, ТАКТИКА, РЕЗУЛЬТАТ
Authors: Hont A. A. , Zarudna O. I.
Published: April 2021

У статті висвітлено історичні аспекти та сучасні погляди на ревматоїдний артрит як мультифакто­ріальне захворювання. Наведено інформацію щодо новітніх методів діагностики та лікування з метою покращення прогнозу для пацієнта.
РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЙНІ ПІДХОДИ ПІСЛЯ ЕНДОПРОТЕЗУВАННЯ КУЛЬШОВИХ СУГЛОБІВ
Authors: Yavodchak M. A. , Bakaliuk T. H. , Stelmakh H. O.
Published: April 2021

У статті проведено аналіз основних реабілітаційних підходів, які застосовують для пацієнтів після ендопротезування кульшових суглобів. Використання технологій фізичної та реабілітаційної медицини має ґрунтуватися на результатах якісних рандомізованих контрольованих клінічних дослідженнях, які є основою для розробки клінічних рекомендацій.
Atherosclerotic Burden and Vascular Risk in Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Park Jong-Ho , Chung Jong-Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Choi Kang-Ho , Park Man-Seok , Kim Joon-Tae , Hwang Yang-Ha , Song Tae-Jin , Kim Yong-Jae , Kim Bum Joon , Heo Sung Hyuk , Jung Jin-Man , Oh Kyungmi , Kim Chi Kyung , Yu Sungwook , Park Kwang Yeol , Kim Jeong-Min , Choi Jay Chol , Seo Woo-Keun
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose:

Data on the effect on vascular outcomes of concomitant atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF) after stroke are limited. This study evaluated the effect of ASVD with AF versus AF only on the risk of vascular events.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively registered multicenter database involving 3213 stroke patients with AF. ASVD included extracranial atherosclerosis measured in the proximal portion of the internal carotid artery, intracranial atherosclerosis (all ≥50% stenosis), coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease and was categorized into 4 strata depending on the number of ASVDs (0, 1, 2, and 3–4). The independent associations of ASVD with major adverse cardiovascular events, stroke, and all-cause death were assessed.

Results:

A total of 2670 patients were included (mean age, 73.5±9.8 years; median CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score, 5; interquartile range, 4−6). During the follow-up (mean, 1.7 years), a total of 672 (25.2%) major adverse cardiovascular events, 170 (6.4%) stroke events, and 501 (18.8%) all-cause deaths were noted. The adjusted hazard ratio for major adverse cardiovascular events versus no ASVD was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.00–1.56) for ASVD 1, 1.34 (95% CI, 1.02–1.76) for ASVD 2, and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.24–2.99) for ASVD 3–4. The adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause death versus no ASVD was 1.32 (1.01–1.74), 1.47 (1.06–2.03), and 2.39 (1.47–3.89), respectively. Among ASVD components, the presence of symptomatic or asymptomatic extracranial atherosclerosis was a more potent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (1.27 [1.05–1.54]) and all-cause death (1.45 [1.17–1.81]).

Conclusions:

ASVD burden with AF can be a cumulative marker of a high risk for untoward vascular outcomes. Among ASVD components, extracranial atherosclerosis seems to have a predominant effect.