bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The key factors influencing patients in selecting autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation as the main therapy for multiple myeloma: A population-based epidemiological study
Authors: cai zhen , yang li , He Jingsong , Yang Yang , Zhao Yi , He Donghua , Han Xiaoyan , Zheng Gaofeng , Wu Wenjun , Jiang Songfu , Lu Ying , Qian Wenbin , Ouyang Guifang , Lan Jianping , Luo Wenda , Hu Huixian , Shen Jianping , Xiao Haowen , Kuang Yuemin , Qian Shenxian , Fu Jiaping , Jiang Huifang , Yu Kang , Huang He
Published: March 2022

Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is one of the most effective therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we explored factors influencing patients in selecting ASCT by analyzing population-based epidemiological data on patients’ sociodemographic and clinical variables. This multicenter study was conducted across 14 medical centers in Zhejiang Province in China. Patient survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, or online completion of questionnaire with patients’ informed consent. Patients were divided into transplantation (TR) and non-transplantation (non-TR) groups. The difference in education levels, occupational status, and annual income between the TR group and non-TR group was significant (P < 0.01). The main reasons that patients had chosen transplantation were "to delay recurrence, improve quality of life, prolong survival" and "trust the treatment provided by doctors", the main reason that patients had rejected transplantation was "worried about the physical condition”, followed by “risk of relapse”, “side effects” and “family burden”. In addition to discussing therapy with their primary physician, patients in TR group tended to obtain relevant information from other sources. Education levels, occupational status, and annual income were the main factors affecting transplantation therapy choice among patients with MM.
“Go In With An Open Mind”: Perceptions Of Exoskeleton Use During Gait Rehabilitation In An Acute Hospital Setting Following Stroke.
Authors: McDonald Caitlin , Fingleton Caitriona , Murphy Sean , Lennon Olive
Published: March 2022

Background: Robotic gait devices allow intensive high repetition of the gait cycle in individuals with locomotor disability, with reduced therapist effort. The addition of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) to usual rehabilitation post-stroke improves the likelihood of regaining independent walking, with maximum efficacy identified in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. The study explores the usability and acceptance of RAGT among persons with stroke in an acute hospital setting and examines users’ perceptions of two different modes of robotic assistance provided during rehabilitation. Methods: A mixed-methods approach comprised semi-structed interviews of end-user perspectives of RAGT in an acute hospital setting following stroke and two 10-point Likert scales rating how comfortable and how natural robotic gait felt using different assistance modes. Content analysis of qualitative data was undertaken with results synthesised by common meaning units. Quantitative data were reported using summary statistics, with Spearmann’s correlation co-efficient examining the relationship between Likert scale ratings and measures of participants’ stroke related disability. Results: Ten individuals (6 men; 4 women; mean age of 64.5. ±13 years) were recruited from an acute hospital following admission with a stroke diagnosis. Content analysis of interviews identified discussion units centring around positive aspects of the device related to how helpful the device was, negative aspects related to set-up time, weight of the device and multiple instructions during use. Initially participants identified that the device could look intimidating and that they feared falling in the device but subsequently identified the correct mindset for using the device is to trust the technology and not be afraid. Mean ratings of device comfort (7.94 ± 1.4) and how natural walking felt (7.05 ± 1.9) were favourable. Interestingly, a strong relationship was identified, whereby the higher the level of disability, the more natural participants rated walking in the device in maximal assistance mode (rho =0.62). Conclusions: This study suggests individuals in the early phases of stroke perceive RAGT to be acceptable and helpful in the main, with some associated negative aspects. The device was rated as comfortable and natural to use and those with greater disability rate the assisted walking was more natural.
Clinical Evaluation Of Protein-Sieving Coefficient In Severe Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Shoichi , Saito Hiroshi , Takahashi Shori , Morohashi Tamaki , Hamada Riku , Hataya Hiroshi , Kondo Yoshiaki , Morioka Ichiro
Published: March 2022

Background: The pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome is thought to be due to a decrease in protein sieving function in the glomerular capillary wall. However, no research has been conducted on the renal sieving coefficient of serum protein in nephrotic patients. We investigated the renal protein sieving coefficient in pediatric patients with severe nephrotic syndrome.Methods: Thirty pediatric patients (age: 3−20, mean: 9.3, years; 18 male and 12 female) with severe nephrotic syndrome: hypoproteinemia (TP (Total Protein) ≤ 5.0 g/dL), heavy proteinuria (UTP/Cr (Creatinine) >2 g/gCr), and a normal GFR(glomerular filtration rate) (creatinine clearance ≥ 90 mL/min), were studied. The sieving coefficient of the serum total protein (SCTP) was calculated using a simple formula: Total protein clearance/creatinine clearance (%). The correlation with a twenty-four-hour (24hr) urinary protein test corrected by body surface area (24hrUPT/BSA) was analyzed to assess the accuracy of SCTP. For reference, the correlation between 24hrUPT/BSA and UTP/Cr with SCTP was also analyzed, and the differences between these correlation coefficients were statistically examined.Results: The mean ± standard error of SCTP was 0.13 ± 0.017%. The correlation coefficients of SCTP and U-TP/Cr with 24hrUPT/BSA were 0.90 and 0.78, respectively. SCTP had a significantly stronger correlation with 24hrUPT/BSA than U-TP/Cr (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We found that only 0.13% of sieving coefficient dysfunction causes severe nephrotic syndrome. SCTP has a stronger correlation with 24hrUPT/BSA than with UTP/Cr. If nephrotic syndrome is defined as a protein-sieving dysfunction of the glomerular capillary wall, SCTP can be considered a conceptually correct indicator.
Genotyping marker density and prediction models effects in long-term breeding schemes of cross-pollinated crops
Authors: DoVale Julio Cesar , Carvalho Humberto Fanelli , Sabadin Felipe , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: March 2022

Reductions of genotyping marker density have been extensively evaluated as potential strategies to reduce the genotyping costs of genomic selection (GS). Low-density marker panels are appealing in GS because they entail lower multicollinearity and computing time and allow more individuals to be genotyped for the same cost. However, statistical models used in GS are usually evaluated with empirical data, using "static" training sets and populations. This may be adequate for making predictions during a breeding program's initial cycles but not for the long-term. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, no GS models consider the effect of dominance, which is particularly important for breeding outcomes in cross-pollinated crops. Hence, dominance effects are important and unexplored in GS for long-term programs involving allogamous species. To address it, we employed two approaches: analysis of empirical maize datasets and simulations of long-term breeding applying phenotypic and genomic recurrent selection (intrapopulation and reciprocal schemes). In both schemes, we simulated twenty breeding cycles and assessed the effect of marker density reduction on the population mean, the best crosses, additive variance, selective accuracy, and response to selection with models (additive, additive-dominant, general (GCA), and specific combining ability (SCA)). Our results indicate that marker reduction based on linkage disequilibrium levels provides useful predictions only within a cycle, as accuracy significantly decreases over cycles. In the long-term, without training set updating, high-marker density provides the best responses to selection. The model to be used depends on the breeding scheme: additive for intrapopulation and additive-dominant or SCA for reciprocal.
Pyridoxine Is Effective for Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome Induced by Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin for Multiple Myeloma: The Results of a Randomized Study
Authors: Li Juan , Li Xiaozhe , Meilan Chen , Beihui Huang , Junru Liu , Jingli Gu , Lifen Kuang
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is highly effective for treating multiple myeloma (MM). Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a dose-limiting adverse event of PLD that may reduce a patient’s quality of life or prevent certain patients from receiving PLD. Several researchers have discovered that pyridoxine, an activated form of vitamin B6, may prevent PLD-associated HFS. We designed a prospective randomized trial to examine whether prophylactic pyridoxine might prevent the incidence or delay the occurrence of PLD-induced HFS in patients with MM.Methods: Patients who met the trial’s eligibility requirements were randomized and then administered either pyridoxine 100 mg twice daily or no pyridoxine, in both cases accompanied by their PLD-containing chemotherapeutic agent. Follow-up of patients was performed until the completion of induction therapy, the development of HFS or disease progression.Results: Between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2019, 105 patients were randomly assigned to the pyridoxine group (n = 52) or the no pyridoxine group (n = 53). In the pyridoxine and no pyridoxine groups, HFS developed after a median of four and three chemotherapeutic cycles, respectively. There were no grade 3 incidents recorded. Overall, 13.3% of patients experienced HFS (all grades). Eleven of 53 (20.7%) patients in the pyridoxine group experienced HFS, compared to 3 of 52 (5.7%) patients in the no pyridoxine group (p=0.042); there was no difference in HFS grades (p=0.725).Conclusions: When administered concomitantly with PLD-containing chemotherapy, prophylactic pyridoxine is effective in reducing the incidence of HFS in patients with MM.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100050294
Symptom Experience of Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment in Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: wang liying , Ding Yan , Zhang Yi , Xue Mei , Lu Zhenqi , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To explore ovarian cancer survivors’ symptom experience of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible ovarian cancer patients in Cancer Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. This study was guided by symptom management theory. Qualitative content analysis and thematic framework analysis were used to refine themes.Results: The average age of participants (n=34) was 51.38 years （range 25-65 years）and median time since diagnosis was one year（range 0.2-42.8 years）.Three themes and nine subthemes were identified from the research. For perception of cognitive changes: Become stupid, not as smart as before; not noticing/ having the chance to notice any cognitive change. Possible influence events in the evaluation of CRCI: comfortable, monotonous, isolation and narrow-focused life cause the brain to "retire”; surgical anesthesia, chemotherapy as well as fatigue, sleep disorders and anxiety were also blamed for the change. For the impact of CRCI in the evaluation of cognitive changes: it was not an issue for most participants and they didn’t particularly care, only a few said that their self-confidence was affected a little. For responses to cognitive decline: Trying not burden brain, actively or passively let themselves “slow down" or "offload" things. Personalized and repeated "note", "check" and "confirm" measures to prevent mistakesConclusion: The majority of ovarian cancer patients experienced symptoms of CRCI, highlighted by memory and attention problems, however most patients stated that cognitive symptoms didn’t affect their lives. Sociocultural and cancer copying style played an important role in the CRCI symptom experience.
The Intensity of the Interaction Between Native and Non-native Antarctic Plants Depends on the Non-native Plant, Water Availability and Temperature.
Authors: Cuba-Díaz Marely , Fuentes-Lillo Eduardo , Chwedorzewska Katarzyna J.
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic pressure and climate change have generated important changes in the environmental conditions of Antarctic ecosystems (e.g., arrival of non-native species, increase in temperature, precipitation, and ice-free areas), which can generate negative impacts on the native flora. Thus, we evaluated how the presence of the non-native plants Poa annua and Juncus bufonius could impact the native species Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica under climate change scenarios. Individuals of C quitensis/D. antarctica and J. bufonius/P. annua were subjected to four growth conditions: 6°C/low water availability (LW); 8°C/LW and 6°C/high water availability (HW) and 8°C/HW. We hypothesize that competition will be more intense at 8°C/HW, while at 6°C/LW the predominant interaction will be facilitation. Under 8°C/HW conditions all species significantly increase biomass production, but mortality of native species tends to increase. The relative interaction index (RII) showed a competitive effect of both non-native species on D. antarctica, independent of temperature and water availability, while for C. quitensis competition is more intense at LW. These results show that the effect of climate change could enhance the impact of non-native species on native species in Antarctic ecosystems, including non-native species that have been reported but do not have stable populations in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Association Between Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Level, Liver Function and Liver Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia Infants One Year After Kasai Procedure
Authors: Wu Xiaoxia , Ren Hongxia , Zhang Hui , Baohong Zhao , Jin Yuanyuan , Liu Wenyue , Zhao Liang , Sun Xue , Guo Xin , Li Wei
Published: March 2022

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum 25 (OH) D level, liver function, and liver fibrosis in infants with in biliary atresia (BA) infants one year after Kasai procedure. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the clinical data of children with BA confirmed by cholangiography and/or surgery admitted to Children Hospital of Shanxi Province between October 2018 and October 2020, as well as the follow-up data at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after Kasai Portoenterotomy so as to analyze the relationship between serum 25(OH) D level, liver function, and liver fibrosis. Results: Preoperative data of 57 infants with BA were collected. All infants had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency status before surgery. Three months after surgery, data were collected from 55 infants, 15 of whom did not take vitamin D supplements and 40 of whom received regular vitamin D supplementation. It was found that 15.38%, 47.22%, 75%, and 92.31% of infants living with regular vitamin D supplementation and native liver had sufficient vitamin D levels at 3, 6, and 12 months after Kasai surgery, respectively. The serum 25(OH) D level was significantly lower in patients without vitamin D supplements at 3 months after surgery (t=-2.974，P＜0.05), and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) was higher in patients with vitamin D supplementation. There was no significant correlation between vitamin D level, liver function, and liver fibrosis preoperatively (P＞0.05). The level of serum 25(OH) D was negatively correlated with liver fibrosis and liver function in infants with the native liver at 12 months after surgery (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was commonly found in children with BA before operation. Nearly 70% of infants living with native liver reached sufficient vitamin D levels within 6 months after surgery with routine vitamin D supplementation. Serum 25 (OH)D level can reflect the degree of liver fibrosis and liver function in biliary atresia infants living with the native liver at 12 months after the Kasai procedure.
CALN1 Hypomethylation As A Biomarker For High-Risk Bladder Cancer
Authors: Takagi Kimiaki , Naruse Azumi , Akita Kazutoshi , Muramatsu-Maekawa Yuka , Kawase Kota , Koie Takuya , Horie Masanobu , Kikuchi Arizumi
Published: March 2022

Background: DNA methylation in cancer is considered a diagnostic and predictive biomarker. We investigated the usefulness of the methylation status of CALN1 as a biomarker for bladder cancer using methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE)-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Methods: A total of 82 bladder cancer fresh samples were collected via transurethral resection of bladder tumors. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples, and MSRE-qPCR was performed to determine the CALN1 methylation percentage. Reverse transcription-qPCR was performed to assess the correlation between CALN1 methylation and mRNA expression. The association between CALN1 methylation percentage and clinicopathological variables of all cases and intravesical recurrence of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (non-MIBC) cases were analyzed.Results: Of the 82 cases, nine were MIBC cases and 71 were non-MIBC cases that had not undergone total cystectomy. The median CALN1 methylation percentage was 79.5% (interquartile range: 51.1, 92.6). CALN1 gene methylation percentage had a negative relationship with CALN1 mRNA expression (Spearman’s ρ = -0.563 and P = 0.0121). Hypomethylation of CALN1 was associated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.0007) and histologically high grade (P = 0.0178). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that CALN1 hypomethylation was an independent risk factor for intravesical recurrence in non-MIBC patients (hazard ratio 3.83, 95% confidence interval; 1.14–13.0, P = 0.0305). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CALN1 methylation percentage could be a useful molecular biomarker in bladder cancer patients.
Preparation and characterization of a new alkali-activated binder for superfine-tailings mine backfill
Authors: Sun Yong , Zhao Yingliang , Qiu Jingping , Zhang Shiyu , Sun Xiaogang , Gu Xiaowei
Published: March 2022

Recently, the increasing of ultrafine-tailings increases the amount of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in cemented paste backfill (CPB), which leads to the rise of CPB cost and carbon emission. Alternative binders should be then developed. The present work focuses on the preparation of binder using slag activated by a mixture of calcined quarry dust (CQD, mainly consists of reactive CaO and MgO) and NaOH at a mass ratio of 1:1 with contents ranging from 6 % to 10 % up to 90 d. The results indicated that CQD/NaOH was more effective than using NaOH or CQD alone in activating slag and also showed better performance than OPC. The compressive strength of the CPB samples using 10 % CQD/NaOH was around 3.78 MPa after curing for 90d, around 42 % higher than the OPC-based CPB samples. The reaction products of CQD/NaOH activated slag consisted mainly of C-(A)-S-H, Ht phases, and M-S-H. The generation of Ht phases lowered the Al incorporation into the structure of C-S-H, resulting in lower average Al/Si ratio and mean chain length.
Optimal Time for Bile Duct Injury Reconstruction. Early Does Not Mean Better: a Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of a Hepato-pancreatic-biliary Group
Authors: Chaves Carlos Eduardo Rey , Monroy Danny Conde , Gómez P. Torres , Recamán Andrea , Pardo Manuel , Sabogal JC
Published: March 2022

Background Common bile duct injury it’s a severe and complex complication, and it’s related to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and on-time diagnosis plus multidisciplinary management led by a hepatobiliary surgeon show fewer complications rate and best postoperative outcomes. No guideline exists among the proper time of reconstruction. This study aims to describe the experience of a specialized Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary (HPB) group and to analyze the outcomes regarding the time of bile duct injury (BDI) repair. MethodsA multicenter retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted. All the patients older than 18 years old that underwent common bile duct reconstruction between January 2014 – December 2020 were included. Analysis and description of preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were performed. A reconstruction time-based group differentiation was made and analyzed. Results 37 patients underwent common bile duct reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2020. 62.16% of the patients were female. The mean age was 50.4 years +/- 19.5 years. The most common injury was type E3 (29.73%). Hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 75.68% of the patients. Delayed reconstruction (> 72 hours) was performed in the majority of the cases (81.08%) due to delays in the referral centers. No statistically significant difference regarding complications in early or delayed BDI reconstruction. The mortality rate was 2.7% (n=1). 2-year follow-up bilioenteric stenosis was observed in 7 patients. Biloma showed a statistical relationship with complex bile duct injuries (p=0.02). Conclusion Common bile duct injury remains to be a concerning complication in general surgery. The multidisciplinary approach shows a lesser complication rate. The time of BDI reconstruction seems not to be a significant factor related to complications. In this study, biloma was associated with complex bile duct injury, However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
Effect of cognitive behavior therapy based on the health education pathway on psychology of Chinese papillary thyroid carcinoma patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jia Zhiyun , Zhao Chunyan , Diao Wei , Xu Xin , Li Lin
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Our main aim was to explore whether cognitive behavior therapy based on the health education pathway (CBT-HEP) can effectively alleviate the psychological problems of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients after 131I treatment.Methods: Eligible PTC patients were prospectively included (July 1, 2019-February 1, 2021). The baseline demographic characteristics questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)needed to be completed. Patients with a DT score ≥ 4 were randomly enrolled in further intervention trials. Patients received CBT-HEP and casual conversation (CC) in different groups.Results: A total of 357 PTC patients were investigated in this study, 48 and 49 patients were included in the CBT-HEP and CC groups, respectively. The DT, HAMA, and PHQ-9 scores before and after intervention and after six months of follow-up were 5.19, 10.29, 5.60; 2.50, 5.44, 3.38; 1.67, 3.98, 2.79 (CBT-HEP) and 4.84, 8.16, 3.76; 4.39, 8.53, 4.63; 3.63, 8.14, 4.37 (CC), respectively. DT, HAMA, and PHQ-9 scores decreased more significantly in the CBT-HEP group. Women, living alone, hypothyroidism, sadness, anxiety, tingling in hands/feet, breathing, concern about the treatment effect and radiation safety significantly increased the likelihood of a severe DT score.Conclusion: CBT-HEP is effective in relieving distress, anxiety and depression in PTC patients. In addition, PTC patients with the above characteristics have a poorer quality of life and should receive more attention.Registration: ChiCTR1900025852; registration date, September 11, 2019
Correlation Between Self-management Efficacy and Supportive Care Needs Among Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Huang Yanwei , Li Xiaoxu , Cai Jiyu , Zhou Fang , Song Jingyuan
Published: March 2022

Aim: To investigate the status and relationship of supportive care needs and self-management efficacy in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy.Methods: Patients with breast cancer (N=160) receiving chemotherapy were selected through convenience sampling. The general information questionnaire, 34-Item Short-Form Supportive Care Needs Survey scale, and Chinese version of Strategies Used by People to Promote Health scale were used. Results: The total supportive care needs and overall self-management efficacy scale scores were (2.80±0.46) points and (91.71±12.16) points, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the total score of self-management efficacy and those of each dimension were negatively correlated with the total score of supportive care needs and those of each dimension (P<0.05). Hierarchical regression analysis identified self-management efficacy as the main influencing factor of supportive care needs in these patients (P<0.05). Conclusions：Supportive care needs of patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy is at the higher level. Medical staff should improve the self-management efficacy of patients to meet these needs.
Comparison Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior In Autologous And Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors
Authors: Nakagami Takayuki , Tawara Yuichi , Shinya Junko , Naito Kensuke
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The treatment background, as well as the frequency and type of complications, in autologous (auto-) and allogeneic (allo-) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors influence the appearance of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behavior. We aimed to identify differences in MVPA and sedentary behavior between auto- and allo-HSCT survivors. Methods: We included 13 auto- and 36 allo-HSCT survivors (≈ 4 years after HSCT). MVPA and sedentary behavior were assessed using a triaxial accelerometer.Results: There were no significant between-group differences in MVPA and sedentary behavior (p = 0.768 and 0.739, respectively). In allo-HSCT survivors, MVPA was negatively correlated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (r = -0.358, p = 0.032). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age was a significant predictor of sedentary behavior in allo-HSCT survivors (β = 0.400, p = 0.016). Conclusion: We observed no significant between-group differences in MVPA and sedentary behavior. Our results suggest that it may be unnecessary to change the rehabilitation program according to the donor type in interventions for promoting MVPA and reducing sedentary behavior in long-term HSCT survivors.
Characteristics Of Monolithic Multisection Distributed-Bragg-Reflector Master-Oscillator Power-Amplifiers
Authors: Tronciu Vasile , Grigoriev Eugeniu , Zink Christof , Wenzel Hans
Published: March 2022

We report theoretical results on the wavelength stability of a multisection master-oscillator power-amplifier emitting at 1064 nm. We use a traveling wave equation model to calculate the optical output power and spectral maps versus the currents injected into the different sections of the device. The numerical model explains quantitatively the experimental findings, particularly the collapse of the power if the current injected into a control section adjacent to the distributed Bragg reflector laser acting as master oscillator exceeds certain values. We investigate the influence of the reflectivity at the facet of the power amplifier on the laser behavior.
Phase II Trial of Metronomic Capecitabine and Cyclophosphamide with Lapatinib and Trastuzumab in Patients with HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Who Have Progressed on a Previous Trastuzumab- Based Regimen
Authors: Kang Irene , Zang Peter D. , Spicer Darcy V. , Lu Janice M. , Groshen Susan , Tsao-Wei Denice , Garcia Augustin A.
Published: March 2022

Background:Breast cancer is the most common cancer and second most common cause of cancer mortality in women. Around 25% of all breast cancers have overexpression of Human Epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), which is associated with earlier recurrence and shorter overall survival. ‘Metronomic chemotherapy’ is an emerging paradigm in cancer therapy, in which frequent low doses of chemotherapeutic agents are administered at frequent intervals. We proposed a regimen with metronomic chemotherapy with dual HER2 inhibition in HER2 positive patients with MBC. We hypothesize that this regimen will be highly active in MBC and have a favorable toxicity profile.Methods:This was a single-center, phase II, single arm, open-label study. Female patients 18 years of age and older who had histologically confirmed HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with prior trastuzumab use in the adjuvant or metastatic setting were eligible. Patients were treated on a 21-day cycle with capecitabine 1500mg PO daily, cyclophosphamide 50mg PO daily, lapatinib 1000mg PO daily and trastuzumab 6mg/kg IV once per 21-day cycle. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the progression free survival (PFS). Secondary objectives were to evaluate the overall response rate (ORR), to evaluate the clinical benefit rate (CBR; complete response, partial response, and stable disease for ≥24 weeks), to estimate the overall survival (OS) and to assess the safety and tolerability of this regimen in the study population. Results:Ten patients were accrued for the study. PFS was 13.7 (95% CI: 2.6, 16.6) months. ORR was 40% (95% CI: 15%, 70%), and CBR was 70%. Median OS was 29.6 (95% CI: 11.8, 81.9+) months. Several grade 3 toxicities were identified in 5 patients (50%): diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, infusion related reaction, abdominal pain, oral mucositis, paronychia, AST and ALT increase, neutropenia, leukopenia and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia.Conclusions:The proposed regimen of metronomic capecitabine and cyclophosphamide with lapatinib and trastuzumab appears to be active in patients with HER2 positive MBC but with toxicity in line with other standard therapies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT01873833 Date: June 10, 2013
A Predictive Model for Student Performance in Classrooms Using Student Interactions With an eTextbook
Authors: AbdElrahman Ahmed , Soliman Taysir Hassan A , Taloba Ahmed I. , Farghally Mohammed F.
Published: March 2022

With the rise of online eTextbooks and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a huge amount of data has been collected related to students’ learning. With the careful analysis of this data, educators can gain useful insights into the performance of their students and their behavior in learning a particular topic. This paper proposes a new model for predicting student performance based on an analysis of how students interact with an interactive online eTextbook. By being able to predict students’ performance early in the course, educators can easily identify students at risk and provide a suitable intervention. We considered two main issues the prediction of good/bad performance and the prediction of the final exam grade. To build the proposed model, we evaluated the most popular classification and regression algorithms on data from a data structures and algorithms course (CS2) offered in a large public research university. Random Forest Regression and Multiple Linear Regression have been applied in Regression. While Logistic Regression, decision tree, Random Forest Classifier, K Nearest Neighbors, and Support Vector Machine have been applied in classification. Based on the findings of the experiments, the algorithm with the best result overall in classification for this data was Random Forest Classifier with an accuracy equal to 91.7% while in the regression it was Random Forest Regression with an R² equal to 0.977.
Exploring the Potential of Microalgae Bioalcohol and Biodiesel in Arresting Particulate Smoke Emissions and Greenhouse Gases using Post-Injection Activated Regeneration Trap
Authors: Jacob Ashwin , Ashok Bragadeshwaran , Lawrence Jino , Soosairaj Arockia Suthan , Anandan Jayaganthan , Elango Manoj
Published: March 2022

The rapid deterioration of the atmospheric air quality due to the rise in vehicular emissions is a cause for concern in a global scale. Hence, it is crucial to establish efficient control measures to mitigate these crises. In this context, the objective of this study is to explore the effect of post injection parameters on a continuous active regeneration trap (CART) to mitigate harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate smoke emissions (PSE) using diesel fuel reformulated by long-chain microalgae bio-alcohol and low – density microalgae biodiesel. Furthermore, the efficiency of the CART unit is analyzed based on its ability to mitigate the harmful emissions without sacrificing the engine performance characteristics. From the study, it was observed that the maximum de-smoke efficiency of 67.85% is observed at a post injection timing (PIT) of 20°CA aTDC at a post injection mass (PIM) of 4 mg for low load condition while operating on microalgae biodiesel. While operating on microalgae bio-alcohol, the maximum de-smoke CART efficiency was observed as 67.25% and 55.78% for low and medium load conditions at a PIT and PIM of 20°CA aTDC and 2 mg while operating on the microalgae bio-alcohol. Likewise, the maximum de-HC CART efficiency was obtained at a PIT and PIM of 10°CA aTDC and 1 mg with a reduction of about 75% and 73.8% for medium and high load conditions. A slight reduction in oxides of nitrogen with the complete elimination of carbon monoxide emissions is observed after CART treatment for both the fuels.
An Investigation of the Constancy of Effect in Cochrane Systematic Reviews in Context with the Assumptions for Non-Inferiority trials.
Authors: Duro Enass , Julious Professor Steven , Ren Shijie
Published: March 2022

When designing a non-inferiority (NI) study one of the most important steps is to set the non-inferiority (NI) limit. The NI limit is an acceptable loss of efficacy for a new investigative treatment compared to an active control treatment – often standard care. The limit should be a value so small that the loss efficacy is clinically zero. An approach to the setting of a noninferiority limit such that an effect over placebo can be shown through an indirect comparison to placebo-controlled trials where the active control treatment was compared to placebo. In this context the setting of the NI limit depends on three assumptions: assay sensitivity, bias minimisation, and the constancy assumption. The last assumption of constancy assumes the effect of the active control over placebo is constant. This paper aims to assess the constancy assumption in placebo-controlled trials. Methods: An overview of 236 Cochrane reviews of placebo-controlled trials published in 2015–2016 was conducted to assess the relation between the placebo, active treatment, and the standardised treatment different (SMD) with the time (year of publication). Results: The analysis showed that both the size of the study and the treatment effect were associated with year of publication. The three main variables that affect the estimate of any future trial are the estimate from the meta-analysis of previous trials prior to the trial, the year difference in the meta-analysis, and the year of the trial conduction. The regression analysis showed that an increase of one unit in the point estimate of the historical meta-analysis would lead to an increase in the predicted estimate of future trial on the SMD scale by 0.88. This result suggests the final trial results are 12% smaller than that from the meta-analysis of trials until that point. Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that assuming constancy of the treatment difference between the active control and placebo can be questioned. In the case of the NI the trial, this could lead to the conclusion of the non-inferiority of an inferior test treatment and false superiority for the same treatment over placebo. It is therefore important to consider the effect of time in estimating the treatment response if indirect comparisons are being used as the basis of a NI limit.
Functional Mobility Tests for Evaluation of Functionalities in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Lee Hyung Rae , Park Jiwon , Ham Dae-Woong , Kwon Byung-Taek , Go Seong Jun , Kim Ho-Joong
Published: March 2022

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Background: Current evaluation of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) is mainly based on radiographic parameters derived from X-rays. However, due to their static nature, X-rays fall short of assessing the dynamic functionalities including balance, gait, and the risk of falling. This study aimed to determine the functionalities of ASD patients by measuring functional mobility tests (FMTs) and compared relationships between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with FMTs and radiographic parameters to prove whether FMTs are useful evaluation tools for evaluation of patients with ASD. Methods: This age- and sex-matched case-control study included 66 patients with ASD and 66 patients with LSS, all of whom were scheduled to undergo spinal surgery. All patients were evaluated with four FMTs including alternate step test (AST), six-meter walk test (SMT), sit-to-stand test (STS), and timed up and go test (TUGT). Correlations of the PROs with FMTs and static radiographic parameters were analyzed. Results: The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. However, compared with patients with LSS, those with ASD showed significantly poorer performance on all four FMTs, spending significantly more time performing the SMT, STS, and TUGT (P = 0.046, 0.045, and 0.015, respectively). The results of the four FMTs were significantly correlated with the ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) scores only in the ASD group and not in the LSS group. Conclusions: FMTs were appropriate tools for assessing the dynamic functionalities of patients with ASD. FMTs might play a bridging role between static radiographic parameters and subjective PROs when treating patinets with ASD.
Prevalence of myopia in primary and middle school pupils and its influencing factors in Keerqin District: Logistic regression analysis
Authors: Zhuang Huiying , Wang Limei , Wang Fengying , Tang Geisi , Zhang Tianzi , Zhao Honglin
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Purpose:
We evaluated the prevalence of myopia and its relationship with associated factors in primary and middle school pupils in Keerqin District of Tongliao City.
Methods
Measurement data on poor eyesight and ametropia from 1757 senior grade students in primary, junior middle, and high school, as well as electronic questionnaires were analyzed by stratified random cluster sampling in November 2020. Myopia was indicated by a visual acuity of < 5.0 and a refractive error (spherical equivalency) of<-0.50 refractive (D) in each eye. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the potential risk factors for myopia.
Results
The overall prevalence of myopia was 64.31%, with the rate of wearing glasses being 49.29%. Increasing grade was associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of myopia among female, Hans and residential school pupils. Children whose parents were myopic were highly found to be myopic. When reading, the rate of myopia in which eyes were never > 1 feet from books was higher. It was also established that parents occasionally or never reminded their children that reading and writing postures have a low risk of nearsightedness. Close eyes use, 0.25–0.5 h eye rest reduced the risk of myopia development.
Conclusion
The overall prevalence of myopia was high, indicating that myopia is a serious public health concern in Keerqin District of Tongliao City. However, the rate of eyeglass wearing was relatively low. Myopia was positively correlated with education level, female gender, residential schools, genetics and the environment.
Sports Climbing and Personality – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Steinmetz Gino , Assman Mara , Hubert Jan , Saul Dominik
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAfter its recent Olympic debut in 2021 climbing continues to gain popularity. Physiological characteristics of climbers have been extensively studied, while the personality of climbers remains poorly understood. Personality research in sports is an established field, predicting long-term success as well as short-term behavior. The recreational athlete’s personality has not been sufficiently examined to date.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed 50 recreational climbers and 50 non-climbing athletes regarding their personality characteristics. We assessed the BMI, the self-reported climbing grade, and the years of climbing experience. To evaluate the personality of recreational climbers and athletes, we used the German version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-2), which summarizes the personality in five main categories.ResultsRecreational climbers scored significantly higher in conscientiousness than the non-climbing athletes (p = 0.04), there was no significant difference between the other four main personality traits. Female climbers scored significantly higher in conscientiousness than male climbers (p = 0.02), while female athletes scored higher in openness than male athletes (p <0.01). The climbing group displayed a small but significant negative correlation between conscientiousness and BMI (r = -0.39; p <0.01).ConclusionIn conclusion, the personality of recreational climbers and recreational athletes differs in conscientiousness, with the climbers showing higher scores. Regarding gender, we found higher levels of conscientiousness in female climbers and higher openness in female athletes in comparison to their male counterparts. A negative correlation between BMI and conscientiousness of the climbers was detected.
Spatiotemporal changes and driving factors of vegetation in 14 different climatic regions in the global from 1981 to 2018
Authors: Li Guangchao , chen wei , Zhang Xuepeng , Yang Zhen , Wang Zhe , Bi Pengshuai
Published: March 2022

Vegetation change affects global ecology and conservation, energy balance, and climate change. Analyses of the vegetation driving factors in different global climate regions and the differences in their changes are of great significance to global change research. In this paper, based on the vegetation leaf area index (LAI) and driver datasets, we studied the vegetation drivers and their changes in 14 different climate zones around the world from 1981 to 2018. The results showed that (1) Vegetation changes were sensitive to precipitation and evapotranspiration in arid climate zones and to temperature and soil temperature in cold climate zones. In the tundra climate zone, the sensitivity of vegetation change to temperature was higher than that to precipitation and evapotranspiration. (2) Soil moisture has the highest contribution rate to vegetation change, and the areas with absolute contribution rates over 60% account for 50.26% of the total area of global vegetation cover. The areas with high contributions of temperature and soil temperature to the LAI are mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, which indicates that temperature has a high contribution to vegetation change in low-temperature environments. (3) The areas with significant increasing trends for the global vegetation LAIs accounted for approximately 15.32% of the total global vegetation cover (slope ≥ 0.01), which are mainly located in equatorial savannahs with dry winters, warm temperate climates with dry winters, and warm temperate climates with fully humid climatic zones. (4) The LAIs were dominated by medium-high fluctuations and sustainable increasing changes, which accounted for 61.27% and 69.34% of the total global vegetation cover area, respectively. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of long-term changes in vegetation cover and its climate-driven mechanisms in global change, and provides technical support for global ecology and conservation.
Perinatal Outcomes of ART Are Not Influenced by Overweight and Obesity: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dornelles Victoria Campos , Hentschke Marta Ribeiro , Badalotti Mariangela , Badalotti-Teloken Isadora , Trindade Vanessa Devens , Cunegatto Bibiana , de Vasconcelos Natália Fontoura , Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da , Padoin Alexandre Vontobel
Published: March 2022

Background
In spontaneous pregnancies, evidence shows that maternal weight and gestational diabetes are independent risk factors for macrosomia and large for gestational age newborns. Maternal body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 is also associated with worse neonatal vitality, classified as Apgar score less than 7 at 5th minute of life. However, little studies have been conducted on the influence of BMI on perinatal outcomes considering pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze if perinatal outcomes of ART could be influenced by BMI.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study performed at a Reproductive Medicine Center. Patients undergoing ART (2013–2020) were divided into three groups according to BMI (kg/m²): Group 1, < 25; Group 2, 25-29.9 and Group 3, ≥ 30. A total of 1753 in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer cycles were included. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, or frequency (%). ANOVA and Chi-square test was performed on groups comparison. To consider patients and the number of cycles for these analyses, generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed, considering p < 0.05.
Results
When comparing groups according to the BMI, the following results were found (%), respectively: live birth rates (LBR) (33.5 vs. 32.3 vs. 29.9, p = 0.668); preeclampsia (2.9 vs. 6.1 vs. 6.3, p = 0.268); small for gestational age newborns (23 vs. 23.2 vs. 21.7, p = 0.965); microsomal newborns (1.9 vs. 0.9 vs. 2.7, p = 0.708); Apgar score > 7 fifth minute (97.6 vs. 98.2 vs. 100, p = 0.616); preterm birth (29.6 vs. 30.1 vs. 35.1, p = 0.970).
Conclusions
In this study, perinatal outcomes of ART were not influenced by overweight and obesity. However, even with not statistically different, clinically relevant lower chances of LBR were found the higher was the BMI, along with higher chances of premature labor and preeclampsia.
Millimeter wave radar-based method for detecting typical dangerous driving manoeuvres
Authors: Hao Zhanjun , Li Zepei , Dang Xiaochao , Ma Zhongyu
Published: March 2022

In response to the dangerous driving behaviour prevalent in current car drivers, there is a need to accurately warn and correct the driver's driving behaviour in real time in a small, mobile, enclosed space. This paper proposes a method of hazardous action detection based on Millimeter wave radar. A millimeter wave radar chip is installed in the cab and the collected FMCW differential frequency signal is Fourier transformed to obtain the IF signal, followed by the target action micro Doppler eigen spectrum as the eigen value. By parsing the matrix signal intensity of the signal echo model of the input channel, the synthesised waveform passing through the mixer is fed into a multi-layer filter for spurious filtering, and the lateral fusion method using the optimised deep learning SlowFast CNN is used to estimate and classify the feature vector against each action. In this paper, nine typical dangerous driving manoeuvres are experimentally set up and the accuracy of the classification results of the self-created dataset is analysed, verifying that the method is highly robust and the accuracy of the target manoeuvre recognition can reach up to 97%.