bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motion-Compensated FDG PET/CT for Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Voncken Francine E.M. , Vegt Erik , Sandick Johana W. van , Dieren Jolanda M. van , Grootscholten Cecile , Bartels-Rutten Annemarieke , Takken Steven L. , Sonke Jan-Jakob , de Kamer Jeroen B. van , Aleman Berthe M.P. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
PurposeRespiratory-induced motion of oesophageal tumours and lymph nodes can influence positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The aim was to compare standard three-dimensional (3D) and motion-compensated PET/CT regarding standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and detection of lymph node metastases. MethodsThis prospective observational study (NCT02424864) included thirty-seven newly diagnosed oesophageal cancer patients. Diagnostic PET/CT was reconstructed in 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT. MTVs of the primary tumour were calculated using an automated region-growing algorithm with SUV thresholds of 2.5 (MTV2.5) and ≥50% of SUVmax (MTV50%). Blinded for reconstruction method, a nuclear medicine physician assessed all lymph nodes showing 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake for their degree of suspicion. ResultsThe mean (95% CI) SUVmax of the primary tumour was 13.1(10.6-15.5) versus 13.0(10.4-15.6) for 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT, respectively. MTVs were also similar between the two techniques. Bland-Altman analysis showed mean differences between both measurements (95% limits of agreement) of 0.08(-3.60 - 3.75), -0.26(-2.34 – 1.82), 4.66(-29.61 – 38.92)cm3 and -0.95(-19.9 – 18.0)cm3 for tumour SUVmax, lymph node SUVmax, for MTV2.5 and MTV50%, respectively. Lymph nodes were classified as highly suspicious (30/34 nodes), suspicious (20/22) and dubious (66/59) for metastases on 3D/motion-compensated PET/CT. No additional lymph node metastases were found on motion-compensated PET/CT. SUVmax of the most intense lymph nodes was similar for both scans: mean (95% CI) 6.6(4.3-8.8) and 6.8(4.5-9.1) for 3D and motion-compensated, respectively.ConclusionsSUVmax of the primary oesophageal tumour and lymph nodes was comparable on 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT. The use of motion-compensated PET/CT did not improve lymph node detection. Trial registration(www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02424864)
Met Mutation is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Advanced Endometrial Cancer&nbsp;
Authors: Yeh Yu-Min , Wu Pei-Ying , Lin Peng-Chan , Su Pei-Fang , Hsu Ya-Ting , Chang Jang-Yang , Hsu Keng-Fu , Shen Meng-Ru 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

BackgroundAn optimal therapeutic regimen for endometrial cancer with extra-uterine metastasis is unavailable. This study aimed to improve our understanding about the genomic landscape of advanced endometrial cancer and identify potential therapeutic targets.MethodsThe clinical and genomic profiles of 81 patients with stage III or IV endometrial cancer were integrated. The genomic landscape was compared with that of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. To identify genomic aberrations associated with clinical outcome, Cox proportional hazard regression was used. The impacts of the genomic aberrations were validated in vitro and in vivo. ResultsA discrepancy in major genetic aberrations that contributed to the genomic functions was observed between the present study and TCGA cohorts. The mutation status of MET, U2AF1, BCL9, PPP2R1A, IDH2, CBL, BTK, and CHEK2 were positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes. MET mutations occurred in 30% of the patients who presented with poor overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.606; 95% confidence interval, 1.167~5.819; adjusted p-value, 0.067). Concurrent MET and KRAS mutations presented with the worst outcomes. MET mutations in HGF-binding (58.1%) or kinase (16.2%) domains resulted in differential HGF-induced c-MET phosphorylation. Different types of MET mutations differentially affected tumor growth and displayed different sensitivities to cisplatin and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. MET N375S mutation is a germline variant with a high incidence in Eastern Asia and causes chemoresistance to cisplatin.ConclusionsThis study highlights the ethnic differences in the biology of the disease, which can influence the treatment recommendations and the genome-guided clinical trials of advanced endometrial cancer.
The Role of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk Enhancers in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Hadaegh Farzad , Asgari Samaneh , Moosaie Fatemeh , Orangi Meysam , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Khalili Davood , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the effect of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk enhancing factors (ASCVD-REFs) on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among non-diabetic individuals with borderline and intermediate ACC/AHA score during 10 and 15-year follow-up. Moreover, the added value of these ASCVD-REFs on the predictive power of the pooled cohort equations (PCE) was examined. Methods: A total of 1204 adults aged 40-75 years, free from CVD at baseline with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between 70-189 mg/dl, were included. Unadjusted Cox regression analysis was used. The predictive ability of each significant ASCVD-REFs was estimated using the cut-point-free integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).Results: During 10-year follow up, 181 CVD events (including 73 hard CVD) occurred. For hard CVD events, the high blood pressure (BP) component (i.e. ≥130/85 mmHg) of metabolic syndrome (Mets) (Hazard ratio: HR (95% CI; 1.67(1.03-2.70)) and positive history of preeclampsia (5.06(1.17-22.0)) were significant ASCVD-REFs. During the longer follow-up, Mets and its components of high waist circumference (WC) and high BP significantly increased the risk. As for CVD events, the Mets and its high BP and high WC components significantly increased the risk. However, in the ACC/AHA adjusted score, these covariates did not significantly improve the predictive power of the CVD or hard CVD. Conclusions: The high BP was the most consistent and independent ASCVD-REFs in the prediction of all CVD and hard CVD, among the population with borderline/intermediate risk. Hence, considering pharmacologic therapies for patients with high BP and high LDL-C might be beneficial for preventive initiatives.
Stimulating the Expression of Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SphK1) is Beneficial to Reduce Acrylamide-Induced Nerve Cell Damage
Authors: Wu Yong-Hui , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Li , Xin Rui , Xin Ye , Wang Rui , Ma Kun , Yu Cui-Ping , Zhang Dan , Zhou Xiao-Rong , Ma Wei-Wei , Wang Chao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is the main rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the production of sphingosine 1-phosophate (S1P) from sphingosine (Sph). It has a certain role in the protection of nerve damage. However, the role of acrylamide (ACR) in nerve damage is currently unclear. Methods: In our current research, liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect S1P content in serum and SphK1 content in whole blood in the ACR contact and non-contact groups. In vitro experiments, SphK1 in human neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) was activated by adding SphK1 specific activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Our research adopted cell viability assay, flow cytometry, western blot, RT-qPCR and related protein detection at mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. The results of the population study showed that the contents of SphK1 and S1P in the ACR contact group were lower than those in the non-contact group. Results: The results of in vitro experiments showed that the expression of SphK1 decreased with the increase of ACR concentration. Activating SphK1 can improve the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells and decrease the apoptosis rate. Activating SphK1 in SH-SY5Y cells can regulate MAPK signaling, including enhancing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) and inhibiting the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38. Conclusion: These results suggest that activating SphK1 can protect the nerve cell damage caused by ACR. This study will provide new ideas for the prevention of neurological damage caused by ACR.
The Economic Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Evidence from Iran
Authors: Darab Mohsen Ghaffari , Keshavarz Khosro , Sadeghi Elnaz , Shahmohamadi Javad , Kavosi Zahra 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to estimate both direct medical and indirect costs of treating the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a societal perspective in the patients at a referral hospital in Fars province as well as the economic burden of COVID-19 in Iran in 2020.Methods:This study is a partial economic evaluation and a cross-sectional cost-description study conducted descriptively-analytically and based on the data of the COVID-19 patients referred to a referral university hospital in Fars province between March and July 2020. The data were collected by examining the patients' records and accounting information systems. The subjects included all the inpatients with COVID-19 (477 individuals) who admitted to the medical centre during the four months. Bottom-up costing, incidence-based and income-based human capital approaches were used as the main methodological features of this study.Results: The mean direct medical costs were estimated 28,240,025,968 Rials ($ 1,791,172) in total and 59,203,409 Rials ($ 3,755) per person, a significant part of which (41 %) was that of intensive and general care beds (11,596,217,487 Rials equal to $ 735,510. (The second to which were the costs of medicines and medical consumables (28 %). The mean indirect costs, including income loss due to premature death, economic production loss due to hospitalization and job absenteeism during recovery course were estimated 129,870,974 Rials ($ 11634) per person. Furthermore, the economic burden of the disease in the country for inpatient cases with the definitive diagnosis was 22,688,925,933,095 Rial equal to $ 1,439,083,784.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the severe status of the disease would bring about the extremely high cost of illness in this case. It is estimated that the high prevalence rate of COVID-19 has been imposing a heavy economic burden on the country and health system directly that may result in rationing or painful cost-control approaches.
Sea ice-air interactions amplify multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic and Arctic region
Authors: Dai Aiguo , Deng Jiechun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Winter surface air temperature (Tas) over the Barents-Kara Seas (BKS) and other Arctic regions has experienced rapid warming since the late 1990 that has been linked to the concurring cooling over Eurasia1-3. However, the cause of this accelerated BKS warming is not well understood, and whether and how internal variability may have contributed to this warming is unclear. Through analyses of observations and model simulations, we show that two-way interactions between sea ice and air amplify multidecadal variability in Arctic sea-ice cover (SIC) and sea surface temperatures (SST) from the North Atlantic to BKS, and produce large multidecadal variations in Tas over the BKS, Greenland-Norwegian Seas and Baffin Bay. Advection of SST anomalies from the North Atlantic to the Arctic causes SIC to change, which produces large anomalies in surface energy fluxes and Tas. However, the sea ice-air interactions also amplify the variations in SIC and SST, and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) mainly through local surface fluxes. When sea ice is fixed or melts away under increasing CO2, not only Arctic Tas multidecadal variations disappear, but also the SIC, SST and AMOC variations are greatly reduced. The results suggest that sea ice-air interactions are vital for multidecadal climate variability not only in the Arctic but also in the North Atlantic, similar to air-sea interactions for tropical climate. As Arctic sea ice is projected to melt away4,5, these interactions and thus multidecadal variability from the North Atlantic to the Arctic will likely weaken in the coming decades.
Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness is Associated with Persistently Cognitive Decline -The Rugao Longevity and Aging Study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Shen Hangqi , Jiang Xiaoyan , Yao Sun , Zhang Na , Gong Wei , Sun Xuehui , Wang Jiucun , Jin Li , Xu Xun , Luo Dawei , Wang Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The simple, convenient and well-validated biomarkers are imperative for detection of cognitive decline (CD). The powerful evidence is lacked for verifying the reliability and clinical utility of retinal biomarkers for detection of CD with repeated assessments. To investigate the association of retinal thickness with CD using repeated assessments. Methods: This study included 446 older adults with three-time repeated assessments of cognitive function during 5-years follow-up. Retinal thickness measured on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association of retinal thickness with cognitive function. Results: According to cognitive status in three assessments, individuals were categorized into consistently normal cognition groups (N = 159), persistently CD groups (N = 134), progressed to CD groups (N = 70), and reverting or fluctuating CD groups (N = 83). Thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) was associated with persistently CD (odds ratio [OR] per 1-μm decrease: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.18; per standard deviation [SD] decrease: 1.78, 95%CI, 1.04-3.19) rather than progressed to CD, reverting or fluctuating CD. No significant relationship was found between retinal nerve fiber layer and any CD subgroups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Thinner GC-IPL was associated with persistently CD, suggesting retinal neurodegeneration may be a promising biomarker for persistently CD. Further studies, including both longitudinal and repeated measurements of retinal layer thickness and cognitive function, are needed to assess the possibility of retinal thickness as a biomarker for persistent CD.
Impact of Replacing Powdered Gloves With Powder-free Gloves on Hand-hygiene Compliance Among Healthcare Workers of an Intensive Care Unit: a Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Ciol Marcia A. , Auxiliadora-Martins Maria , Basile-Filho Anibal , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Gir Elucir , Laus Ana Maria 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background/Objective. After wearing powdered gloves, healthcare workers (HCW) are supposed to wash their hands instead of using alcohol-based hand-rub (ABHR). Washing hands takes longer than using ABHR, and the use of powdered gloves may be an obstacle to hand-hygiene compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among HCW of an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a general ICU of a tertiary care university hospital in Brazil. From June 1st to July 15th, 2017, all HCW were provided with powdered latex gloves only for all clinical procedures. From July 15th to August 31st, 2017, HCW were provided with nitrile powder-free gloves only. Hand-hygiene compliance was assessed through direct observation, and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Hand Hygiene guidelines. We calculated that a sample size of 544 hand hygiene opportunities needed to be observed per period. Data analysis were performed using the STATA SE® version 14, and we compared the individual’s percentage of compliance using the t test for paired data before and after the intervention.Results. Overall, 40 HCW were assessed before and after the introduction of nitrile powder-free gloves, with 1114 and 1139 observations of hand hygiene opportunities, respectively. The proportion of compliance with hand hygiene was 55% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 51-59%) using powdered latex gloves and 60% (95% CI: 57-63%) using powder-free gloves. The difference in proportions between the two types of gloves was 5.1% (95% CI: 2.5-7.6%, p<0.001).Conclusion. Our data indicate that replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves positively influenced hand-hygiene compliance by HCW in an ICU setting.
A prospective feasibility study of a 1-mm bolus for postmastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Kurokawa Chie , Hara Naoya , Oshima Masaki , Sasai Keisuke 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere remains wide variation in the use of chest wall boluses for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Therefore, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the use of a 1-mm-thick daily tissue-equivalent bolus in patients who received PMRT using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and skin toxicity assessment.Materials and MethodsWe collected data from patients with a 1-mm-thick daily bolus during PMRT at The Juntendo University Hospital. The surface dose was measured in vivo under the 1-mm-thick bolus on the chest wall. We assessed the acute skin toxicity weekly during PMRT, and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the completion of PMRT.ResultsA total of 19 patients aged 32 − 79 years old received PMRT from July 2019 to January 2020. All patients completed the protocol treatment without interruptions, and the median follow-up was 32 weeks. In vivo dosimetry analysis revealed surface doses between 77% and 113% of the prescribed dose, with a mean of 92% of the prescribed radiation dose, and a standard deviation of 7% being delivered. Grade 2 dermatitis was found in 10 patients (53%), and Grade 3 dermatitis was found in one patient (5%). All cases of Grade 2 and 3 dermatitis were improved 4 weeks after PMRT. There were no cases of Grade 4 dermatitis and no chest wall recurrences during the treatment or follow-up period.ConclusionsThe 1-mm-thick daily bolus is a feasible regimen for PMRT, with appropriate dose buildup and acceptable skin toxicity without treatment interruptions.Trial registrationThe University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000035773. Registered 1 July 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000040622
Desynchronized Liquid Crystalline Network Actuators with Deformation Reversal Capability
Authors: Xiao Yao-Yu , Jiang Zhi-Chao , Hou Junbo , Zhao Yue 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Liquid crystalline network (LCN) actuator normally deforms upon thermally or optically induced order-disorder phase transition, switching once between two shapes (shape-1 in LC phase and shape-2 in isotropic state) for each stimulation on/off cycle. Herein, we report a novel type of LCN actuator that deforms from shape-1 to shape-2 and then reverses the deformation direction back to shape-1 or to a new shape-3 on heating or under light only, meaning that the actuator can complete the shape switch twice for one stimulation on/off cycle. The deformation reversal capability is obtained with a monolithic LCN actuator whose two sides are made to start deforming at different temperatures and exerting different reversible strains, which can be realized through asymmetrical crosslinking and/or asymmetrical stretching of the two sides in preparing the LCN actuator. This desynchronized actuation strategy offers new possibilities in developing light-fueled LCN soft robots. In particular, the multi-stage bidirectional shape change can be used to achieve multimodal, light-driven locomotion with different moving speeds from the same LCN actuator by simply varying the light on/off times to confine shape switch in a specific sub-stage.
Human pathogenic Mycobacterium kansasii (former subtype I) with zoonotic potential isolated from a diseased indoor pet cat, Japan
Authors: Fukano Hanako , Terazono Tsukasa , Hirabayashi Aki , Yoshida Mitsunori , Suzuki Masato , Wada Shinpei , Ishii Norihisa , Hoshino Yoshihiko 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Mycobacterium kansasii is one of the most prevalent and pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria in the world. Herein, we report the first case of M. kansasii infection in an indoor domestic cat in Japan. Complete genome sequence analysis of the isolate showed this pathogen is genetically identical to human pathogenic M. kansasii.
War on Diabetes in Singapore: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Yong Lai Meng Ow , Koe Ling Wan Pearline 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In April 2016, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) declared War on Diabetes (WoD) to rally a whole-of-nation effort to reduce diabetes burden in the population. This study aimed to explore how this policy has been positioned to bring about changes to address the growing prevalence of diabetes, and to analyse the policy response and the associated challenges involved. Methods: This qualitative study, using the policy triangle framework of Walt and Gilson, comprised analysis of 171 organisational documents on the War on Diabetes, including government press releases, organisational archives, YouTube videos, newspaper reports and opinion editorials. It also involved interviews with 31 policy actors, including policy elites and societal policy actors.Results: Findings showed that the WoD policy generated a sense of unity and purpose across most policy actors. Policy actors were cognizant of the thrusts of the policy and began to make shifts to align their interests with the government policy. Addressing those with diabetes directly would be essential to understanding their needs. Being clear on who the intended targets are and articulating how the policy seeks to support the identified groups would be imperative. Issues of fake news, unclear messaging, and lack of regulation of uncertified health providers were other identified problem areas. High innovation, production and marketing costs were major concerns among food and beverage enterprises. Conclusion: While there was greater public awareness on the need to combat diabetes, continuing dialogues with the various clusters of policy actors on the above issues would be necessary. A shared global diabetes policy, particularly to enhance access to healthier food and beverage would be critical.
Processing of Nano Carbon Containing Low Carbon MgO-C Refractory : Effect of Mixing Route
Authors: Behera Satyananda , Sarkar Ritwik 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Nano carbon, being finer in size, is difficult to mix uniformly in a refractory composition to achieve the advantages of nano-metric size and its associated properties. Development of N220 nano carbon containing MgO-C refractory has been studied by using three different mixing and processing routes. The developed products of different processing routes are compared by evaluation of the developed properties against the conventional 16 wt% graphite containing commercial MgO-C refractory composition. Nano carbon containing composition with optimized processing route is further characterized for phase analysis; microstructural studies; elemental distribution of carbon; thermal shock resistance, and pore size distribution and also compared against the conventional composition. batch prepared by the optimum processing route were further studied for measured by oil bath quenching method and thermal cycle method.