bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging response assessment following stereotactic body radiotherapy for solid tumour metastases of the spine: Current challenges and future directions
Authors: O’Sullivan Siobhra , McDermott Ronan , Keys Maeve , O’Sullivan Maeve , Armstrong John , Faul Clare 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPatients with metastatic disease are routinely serially imaged to assess disease burden and response to systemic and local therapies, which places ever‐expanding demands on our healthcare resources. Image interpretation following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spine metastases can be challenging; however, appropriate and accurate assessment is critical to ensure patients are managed correctly and resources are optimised. Here, we take a critical review of the merits and pitfalls of various imaging modalities, current response assessment guidelines, and explore novel imaging approaches and the potential for radiomics to add value in imaging assessment.
High MAF of EGFR mutations and high ratio of T790M sensitizing mutations in ctDNA predict better third‐generation TKI outcomes
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Fanshuang , Yuan Pei , Guo Lei , Jianming Ying , He Jie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundClinical detection of EGFR‐TKI resistance mechanism through tissue can be really challenging due to risks associated with the procedure. Thus, liquid biopsy, especially circulation tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, can be an adequate source for biomarker testing in targeted therapy. Our study was aimed at clinical validation of liquid biopsy next‐generation sequencing (NGS) by comparison with tissue biopsy, and we also investigated clinical utility of ctDNA NGS on the prediction of TKI outcomes.MethodsUsing hybrid capture panel NGS, we compared the concordance, sensitivity, and specificity of ctDNA using 39 paired plasma and tissue biopsy, and investigated the association between ctDNA genomic alterations of 147 first‐generation TKI‐relapsed patients and their response to first‐ and third‐generation TKIs.ResultsThe concordance for ctDNA and tissue biopsy was 84.62% among all patients, and even higher among late stage patients (88.24%). Among 147 EGFR‐TKI‐relapsed patients, T790M was the most common reason for resistance (40.13%). Compared with T790M‐positive patients, patients only detected with sensitizing mutations (sensi‐mutations) had lower mutant allele frequency (MAF) of sensi‐mutations (P = 0.031). TP53 mutation showed negative impact on TKI treatments. In survival analysis of third‐generation TKI, we found a positive correlation between ratio of T790M sensi‐mutation and PFS (P = 0.018); also, higher MAFs of both sensi‐mutation and T790M were observed in the PR group than the SD + PD group.ConclusionsBoth ratio of T790M sensi‐mutations and MAFs of EGFR mutations were associated with third‐generation TKI outcomes. Thus, incorporation of high‐throughput NGS into clinical trials may be crucial to identifying the response to osimertinib, as it provides more comprehensive genomic information.Key pointsHigh concordance of ctDNA and tissue biopsy was observed. NGS of ctDNA from 147 TKI‐relapsed patients showed that both high ratio of T790M sensitizing mutation (sensi‐mutation) and high MAFs of mutations were all associated with better third generation TKI treatment outcomes.The quantification of both MAFs and T790M sensi‐mutation ratio should be taken into consideration in some clinical situations, and incorporation of high‐throughput NGS into clinical trials may be crucial to identifying the response to osimertinib, as it provides more comprehensive genomic information.
Effectiveness of nicotine gum in preventing lapses in the face of temptation to smoke among non‐daily smokers: a secondary analysis
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Ferguson Stuart G. , Mao Jason , Scholl Sarah M. , Hedeker Donald , Tindle Hilary A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsNon‐daily smokers (NDS) comprise a large fraction of US smokers. Despite little or no dependence, as typically assessed, intermittent smokers (ITS) have difficulty quitting smoking. A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of nicotine gum with placebo on quitting smoking in non‐daily smokers did not find an effect on overall abstinence. We undertook an analysis to assess whether using nicotine gum versus placebo when tempted to smoke could reduce incidence of lapses in those situations.DesignWithin a 6‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of nicotine gum, analyses contrasted the outcome of temptation episodes where gum was or was not used.SettingSmoking cessation research clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.ParticipantsA total of 255 adult ITS (131 nicotine gum, 124 placebo) seeking help for smoking cessation.InterventionNicotine gum (2 mg) versus placebo for up to 8 weeks, with as‐needed dosing instructions.MeasurementsOutcome was lapsing in temptation episodes, as reported by participants via ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Propensity scores predicting gum use from situational factors (e.g. mood, social setting, smoking cues) served as a control variable.FindingsParticipants reported 2713 temptation episodes, 46.0% (1248) of which resulted in smoking (lapsing). There was a significant gum use × active treatment interaction (P = 0.0009). Using nicotine gum decreased the odds of lapsing by 55% compared with using placebo [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45; 0.22–0.94]; when gum was not used, the assigned gum condition made no significant difference (OR = 1.53; 0.78–3.01; Bayes factor = 0.14). The nicotine effect was not reliably different when participants were trying to achieve abstinence versus when trying to maintain abstinence (OR = 0.44; 0.10, 2.03; P = 0.294; Bayes factor = 0.11), for men and women (OR = 1.68; 0.58, 4.87; P = 0.343; Bayes factor = 0.10), or for participants with some or no dependence (OR = 0.88; 0.30, 2.59; P = 0.811; Bayes factor = 0.06).ConclusionsWhen used in response to temptation to smoke, 2 mg nicotine gum can help to prevent lapses among non‐daily smokers.
Similar countries, similar factors? Studying the decline of heavy episodic drinking in adolescents in Finland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Kraus Ludwig , Bye Elin K. , Karlsson Patrik , Tigerstedt Christoffer , Törrönen Jukka , Raninen Jonas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo (i) examine several factors associated with trends in heavy episodic drinking (HED) in Finland, Norway and Sweden, (ii) investigate similarities in these associations across the countries and (iii) analyse the contribution of these factors to the trend in HED and the differences across the countries.Design and SettingObservational study using five waves of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) from Finland, Norway and Sweden between 1999 and 2015.ParticipantsA total of 18 128 male and 19 121 female 15‐ to 16‐year‐old students.MeasurementsMonthly HED, perceived access to alcohol, truancy, parental control, leisure time activities and daily smoking. The Cochran–Armitage test was used to examine linear time trends in HED. Logit regression models using the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method were fitted for each country separately, including all the independent variables together with time and adjusted for family status, parental education and gender.FindingsIn Finland, Norway and Sweden, perceived access to alcohol, truancy and daily smoking decreased significantly between 1999 and 2015 whereas risk perceptions, parental control and participation in sports increased in the same period. The confounding percentage of all the independent variables related to the trend in HED was 48.8%, 68.9% and 36.7% for Finland, Norway and Sweden, respectively. Decline in daily smoking (P < 0.001) and perceived access to alcohol (P < 0.001) were positively and increase in parental control (P < 0.001) negatively associated with the decline in HED in all three countries. Changes in truancy, going out with friends, and engaging in sports and other hobbies had little or no impact on the decline in HED or displayed no consistent results across the countries.ConclusionsThe decline in adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Finland, Norway and Sweden between 1999 and 2015 appears to be associated with a decline in adolescent daily smoking and perceived access to alcohol and an increase in parental control.
A consensus statement on the use of biosimilar medicines in hematology in Australia
Authors: Gregory Gareth P. , Carrington Christine , Cheah Chan Y. , Hawkes Eliza A. , Irving Ian M. , Siderov Jim , Opat Stephen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDespite their availability for over a decade, the exact nature of biosimilar medicines is still poorly understood with paucity of clear treatment guidelines for their use in clinical practice in Australia. Although hematologists have had experience with biosimilars in the setting of supportive care, with the approval of the first biosimilar rituximab in hematological malignancies, it is important to revisit this topic. To inform the use of biosimilar medicines in clinical practice, we have developed a consensus statement from an Expert Panel of Australian hematologists, oncologists, and cancer pharmacists. These recommendations address the approach to use of biosimilar products in place of the corresponding reference medicine in a number of different clinical contexts. Our recommendations are based on the premise that biosimilar medicines can be considered therapeutically equivalent to their reference brand and used in a similar way to the reference product in any approved indication. We advocate for local approaches to the provision of patient information, dispensing of the intended brand and pharmacovigilance, to be developed in consultation with local hematologists and aim to improve confidence in the appropriate use of biosimilar medicines and their expected outcomes among hematologists.
A gene signature for immune subtyping of desert, excluded, and inflamed ovarian tumors
Authors: Mlynska Agata , Vaišnorė Ramunė , Rafanavičius Vytautas , Jocys Simonas , Janeiko Julija , Petrauskytė Monika , Bijeikis Simas , Cimmperman Piotras , Intaitė Birutė , Žilionytė Karolina , Barakauskienė Aušrinė , Meškauskas Raimundas , Paberalė Emilija , Pašukonienė Vita 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProblemThe current tumor immunology paradigm emphasizes the role of the immune tumor microenvironment and distinguishes several histologically and transcriptionally different immune tumor subtypes. However, the experimental validation of such classification is so far limited to selected cancer types. Here, we aimed to explore the existence of inflamed, excluded, and desert immune subtypes in ovarian cancer, as well as investigate their association with the disease outcome.Method of studyWe used the publicly available ovarian cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas for developing subtype assignment algorithm, which was next verified in a cohort of 32 real‐world patients of a known tumor subtype.ResultsUsing clinical and gene expression data of 489 ovarian cancer patients in the publicly available dataset, we identified three transcriptionally distinct clusters, representing inflamed, excluded, and desert subtypes. We developed a two‐step subtyping algorithm with COL5A2 serving as a marker for separating excluded tumors, and CD2, TAP1, and ICOS for distinguishing between inflamed and desert tumors. The accuracy of gene expression–based subtyping algorithm in a real‐world cohort was 75%. Additionally, we confirmed that patients bearing inflamed tumors are more likely to survive longer.ConclusionOur results highlight the presence of transcriptionally and histologically distinct immune subtypes among ovarian tumors and emphasize the potential benefit of immune subtyping as a clinical tool for treatment tailoring.
Towards Situated Analyses of Uneven Peri‐Urbanisation: An (Urban) Political Ecology Perspective
Authors: Bartels Lara Esther , Bruns Antje , Simon David 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this article we develop a novel analytical framework for situated studies of uneven peri‐urbanisation that resist further dividing Marxist and Situated (Urban) Political Ecology. We conceptualise uneven peri‐urbanisation as a process in which access to the resources mobilised for peri‐urban developments, such as water or land, is rendered uneven. In a three‐step approach we suggest, first, describing how peri‐urbanisation unfolds in the case being studied and distinguish it from other processes, such as suburbanisation. Second, we propose analysing the transformations of nature on which the peri‐urbanisation process is based; and third, examining the uneven power relations infusing inequalities into these transformations and consequently into the peri‐urbanisation process described. To allow for a situated analysis this approach regards the study of practices as crucial, but they have to be embedded in wider socio‐economic, political, and historical processes, since both contribute to transformations of nature and thus shape uneven peri‐urbanisation.
Association of PCSK1 gene polymorphisms with abdominal fat content in broilers
Authors: Zhou Jiamei , Yang Lili , Yu Jiaqiang , Zhang Ke , Xu Zichun , Cao Zhiping , Luan Peng , Li Hui , Zhang Hui 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProtein proteolytic enzymes (Proprotein Convertase, PC) is a Ca2+‐dependent serine protease family, whose main function is to cleave precursors of biologically inactive proteins or peptide chains into active functional molecules. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene is mainly expressed in nerve and endocrine tissues. In this study, PCSK1 was selected as an important candidate gene for abdominal fat content in broilers. We cloned the exon region of chicken PCSK1 gene and found six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Association analysis was carried out and we found that the polymorphisms of these six SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 populations. Five of these SNPs were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in G19 and G20 combined population. The polymorphism of these five SNPs was significantly correlated with the abdominal fat content of AA broilers. Together, our study demonstrated that c.927T>C, c.1880C>T, c.*900G>A, and c.*1164C>T were significantly associated with abdominal fat content in populations used in this study, which means that these SNPs in PCSK1 gene could be used as candidate markers to select lean broiler lines.
Can narrative cutscenes improve home learning from a math game? An experimental study with children
Authors: Sýkora Tomáš , Stárková Tereza , Brom Cyril 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLittle is known about the instructional effects of narrative framing elements in child learning games. In this study, second and third graders (Mage = 8.24) played one of two versions of a successful, commercial mathematical learning game at home for 2 weeks (N = 95; between‐subject design). The versions differed in the presence/absence of a background story conveyed through comic cutscenes at the beginning and the end of the game. Results showed that children played the game intensively in both conditions: despite not being forced to do so. Plus, they also learned from the game. As expected, children assigned to the cutscenes condition interfaced with the cutscenes. However, no between‐group difference was detected in pre‐post learning gains, parent‐reported engagement, self‐reported enjoyment, time spent with the game and the number of solved in‐game tasks (all |ds| < 0.29). Altogether, no advantage or disadvantage from the narrative comic cutscenes was revealed.
The role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Forte Maurizio , Schirone Leonardo , Ameri Pietro , Basso Cristina , Catalucci Daniele , Modica Jessica , Chimenti Cristina , Crotti Lia , Frati Giacomo , Rubattu Speranza , Schiattarella Gabriele Giacomo , Torella Daniele , Perrino Cinzia , Indolfi Ciro , Sciarretta Sebastiano ,   Italian Society of Cardiology Working group on Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Heart
Published: April 2020

The process of mitochondrial dynamics is emerging as a core player in cardiovascular homeostasis. This process refers to the co‐ordinated cycles of biogenesis, fusion, fission and degradation to which mitochondria constantly undergo to maintain their integrity, distribution and size. These mechanisms represent an early response to mitochondrial stress, confining organelle portions that are irreversibly damaged and preserving mitochondrial function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that impairment in mitochondrial dynamics leads to myocardial damage and cardiac disease progression in a variety of disease models, including pressure overload, ischaemia/reperfusion and metabolic disturbance. These findings suggest that modulation of mitochondrial dynamics may be considered as a valid therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the current evidence about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac pathophysiology, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, metabolic and genetic cardiomyopathies, ischaemia/reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and ischaemic stroke.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc
Racial and ethnic differences in the metabolic response of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ezeh Uche , Ida Chen Yii‐Der , Azziz Ricardo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractContextPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Although variations in cardiometabolic risks across race and ethnicities have been reported in the general population, racial/ethnic disparities in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS remain relatively unstudied.ObjectivesTo determine whether markers of metabolic function differ in nondiabetic Asian American (AS), African American (AA), Hispanic White (HW), compared to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) women with PCOS.Design and SettingProspective cross‐sectional study in a tertiary institution.Participants and InterventionsA total of 259 nondiabetic women with PCOS (by NIH 1990 criteria) who completed a 2‐hour 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test measuring plasma glucose and insulin levels. Basal IR and insulin secretion, assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β%, respectively), and two‐hour hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia after an oral glucose load, were compared in 21 AS, 24 AA, 53 HW and 161 NHW consecutive nondiabetic adult PCOS women.ResultsAfter adjusting for age and body mass index, HW and AA PCOS women demonstrated higher fasting and post‐glucose challenge insulin levels, and higher HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β%, than NHW women, although glucose levels were similar. In contrast, AS PCOS women had or tended to have lower HOMA‐β% than any other racial/ethnic groups, lower HOMA‐IR, and fasting and post‐challenge insulin levels than AA or HW, and also had higher (albeit still normal) mean post‐challenge glucose levels than NHW women with PCOS despite similar HOMA‐IR, and fasting insulin and post‐challenge insulin levels. Waist‐hip ratio was similar across the four groups.ConclusionBoth HW and AA women with PCOS have increased basal state IR and higher β‐cell response, and post‐challenge hyperinsulinemia compared to NHW and AS subjects. The trend towards a lesser insulin response among Asian women requires further investigation. These findings suggest that the screening and management of metabolic dysfunction in PCOS should consider patients’ race/ethnicity.
Evaluation of immediate cell viability and repair of osteotomies for implants using drills and piezosurgery. A randomized, prospective, and controlled rabbit study
Authors: Ponzoni Daniela , Martins Fabrício E. P. B. , Conforte Jadison J. , Egas Laís S. , Tonini Karen R. , de Carvalho Paulo S. P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate bone damage and bone repair after osteotomy for implants using conventional drills and drills powered by piezoelectric motor.Materials and methodsTwelve rabbits received a tibial osteotomy with a conventional drill (control), with a diamond like carbon drill (DLC) and with a piezoelectric drill (Piezo). The animals were euthanized immediately, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. The tibias were removed and analyzed by means of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and microtomography.ResultsThe immediate damage to the tissue at the cavity margins was similar (P > .05). At 30 and 60 days, the amount of newly formed bone tissue was similar (P > .05). Osteocalcin was intense score at 60 days in Piezo group. Microtomography revealed that bone volume at 30 days (control 3.8; DLC 4.3; and Piezo 2.4) and 60 days (control 4.9; DLC 4.82; and Piezo 3.95) were similar. There was a significant difference in bone formation between 30 (2.4) and 60 days (3.95) for the Piezo group (P = .016).ConclusionThe immediate effects and repair of cavities made using conventional, DLC coated, or ultrasound drills were similar.
Have health claims affected demand for fats and meats in Canada?
Authors: Malla Stavroula , Klein K. K. , Presseau Taryn 
Published: April 2020

AbstractChronic illness is a global epidemic and places significant economic and social burdens on societies. Research has shown that a healthy diet can be used to mitigate or significantly reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. Health authorities around the world have begun regulating health claims on foods to encourage the consumption of healthy foods. However, the “ex post” efficacy of health claims regulations on consumers demand for healthy foods has not been assessed. The demand for fats and meats in Canada is estimated using a linear‐approximate almost ideal demand system. The results indicate health claims decreased unhealthy food demand between 1.41% and 7.10% and increased healthy food demand between 1.95% and 8.50%.
Unemployment insurance and cash holdings of privately held firms around the world
Authors: Deloof Marc , Du Yan , Vanacker Tom 
Published: April 2020

AbstractResearch Question/IssueThis paper studies the relationship between country‐level unemployment insurance and cash holdings of privately held firms. When public unemployment insurance is weak, firms may provide alternative unemployment insurance by committing not to lay off workers in bad times. We hypothesize that one way firms can do so is by holding larger cash balances.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a large sample covering 388,940 private firms from 32 countries around the world over the 2007–2014 period, we find a negative relationship between public unemployment insurance and cash holdings. This effect is driven by countries where public unemployment insurance is weak or nonexistent. We also find that privately held firms keep a larger part of their new debt issues as cash when public unemployment insurance is weak.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe contribute to a growing literature on an institution‐based view of comparative corporate governance. We show that national governance factors and, more specifically, public unemployment insurance, which protects employees (an important but relatively ignored stakeholder), influences firm cash holdings in a private firm context.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur findings have important implications for policy design. Specifically, they suggest that labor market institutions designed to support employees can also indirectly benefit their employers because these institutions allow firms to reduce the opportunity cost related to holding larger cash balances.