bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio at the Beginning of Third-line Chemotherapy Seems to be a Useful Predictor for Unresectable Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kawahara Hidejiro , Omura Nobuo , Akiba Tadashi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate a long-term outcome predictor after second-line chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer.Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, sixteen patients (twelve males, four females) with unresectable colorectal cancer who were administered TAS-102 as third-line chemotherapy in our institution were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The mean age was 65.4 (range: 46-79) years. Patients were administered oxaliplatin with oral S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, oteracil potassium) (SOX) as first-line chemotherapy followed by irinotecan with oral S-1 (IRIS) as second-line chemotherapy.Results: The median survival time after second-line chemotherapy was 19.2 months. Significant differences in mean age, gender, body mass index, primary site of disease, pathology of primary tumor, depth of primary tumor invasion, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level, and recurrence site of disease were not observed between patients with less than one year of survival versus greater than one year of survival. However, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy was the only factor of the ten evaluated that exhibited a significant difference. Primary tumor site (p=0.015) and NLR at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy (p=0.010) were independent contributing factors to predict survival after second-line chemotherapy based on Cox proportional hazards regression.Conclusion: NLR at the beginning of third-line chemotherapy is a useful predictor for unresectable colorectal cancer after second-line chemotherapy.
SLC2A3 Promotes Macrophage Infiltration by Glycolysis Reprogramming in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yao Xingxing , He Zhanke , Qin Caolitao , Li Guoxin , Shi Jiaolong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Tumors display a high rate of glucose metabolism and the SLC2A (also known as GLUT) gene family may be central regulators of cellular glucose uptake. However, roles of SLC2A family in mechanism of metabolite communication with immunity in gastric cancer remains unknown.Methods: Bioinformatics analysis and IHC staining were used to reveal the expression of SLC2A3 in gastric cancer and the correlation with survival prognosis. Real-time PCR, western blots, OCR, ECAR, lactate production and glucose uptake assays were applied to determine the effect of SLC2A3 on glycolysis reprogramming. We then investigated the consequences of SLC2A3 upregulation or inhibition on aerobic glycolysis, also explored the underlying mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro and in vivo research were used to reveal the role of SLC2A3 in macrophage infiltration and transition.Results: Here, we show that SLC2A3 acts as a tumor promoter and accelerates aerobic glycolysis in GC cells. Mechanistically, the SLC2A3-STAT3-SLC2A3 feedback loop could promote phosphorylation of the STAT3 signaling pathway and downstream glycolytic targeting genes. Moreover, SLC2A3 potentially contributes to M2 subtype transition of macrophage infiltration in the GC microenvironment.Conclusions: SLC2A3 could be used as a prognostic biomarker to determine prognosis and immune infiltration in GC and may provide an intervention strategy for GC therapy.
CALM1 Promotes ESCC Progression and Dampens Chemosensitivity to EGFR Inhibitor
Authors: Liu Tao , Han Xiujuan , Zheng shutao , Liu Qing , Tuerxun Aerziguli , Zhang Qiqi , Yang Lifei , Lu Xiaomei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Calmodulin1 (CALM1) has been identified as one of the overexpression genes in a variety of cancers and EGFR inhibitor have been widely used in clinical treatment but it is unknown whether CALM1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have a synergistic effect in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of the present study was to explore the synergistic effects of knock-out CALM1 combined with EGFR inhibitor (Afatinib) and to elucidate the role of CALM1 in sensitizing the resistance to Afatinib in ESCC. Method: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR were used to examine the expression of CALM1 and EGFR in ESCC tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the clinical and prognostic significance of CALM1 and EGFR expression in ESCC. Furthermore, to evaluate the biological function of CALM1 in ESCC, the latest gene editing technique CRISPR/Cas9（Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats）was applied to knockout CALM1 in ESCC cell lines KYSE150, Eca109 and TE-1. MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell migration, scratch wound-healing and colony formation assays were performed to assay the combined effect of knock-out CALM1 and EGFR inhibitor on ESCC cell proliferation and migration.. In addition, nude mice xenograft model was used to observe the synergistic inhibition of knock-out CALM1 and Afatinib.Results: Both CALM1 and EGFR were found to be significantly over-expressed in ESCC compared with paired normal control. Over- expressed CALM1 and EGFR were significantly associated with clinical stage, T classification and poor overall prognosis, respectively. In vitro, the combined effect of knock-out of CALM1 mediated by the lentivirus and EGFR inhibitor was shown to be capable of inhibiting the proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest at G1/S stage and increasing apoptosis of KYSE-150 and Eca109 cells; invasion and migration were also suppressed. In vivo, the results of tumor weight and total fluorescence were markedly reduced compared with the sgCtrl-infected group and sgCAML1 group.Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that knock-out of CALM1 could sensitize ESCC cells to EGFR inhibitor, and it may exert oncogenic role via promotion of EMT. Taken together, CALM1 may be a tempting target to overcome Afatinib resistance.
Full recovery from severe SARS-CoV-2 infection after requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous hemodiafiltration
Authors: Yoshioka Takafusa , Koganemaru Hiroshi , Murata Tomohiro , Mano Akiko , Date Kazuma , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Komatsu Kyoko , Fujimoto Hajime , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Aritaka Nanae , Sano Masahiro , Adachi Takuya , Anraku Masaki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We report two cases of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection successfully treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF). ECMO was indicated despite immediate anti-viral and anticoagulation therapy with maximal ventilatory support. Meticulous bronchoscopic drainage was necessary during treatment by ECMO due to copious fluid secretion. Renal replacement therapy with continuous hemodiafiltration was also required for both cases due to ongoing renal dysfunction. However, both patients recovered fully without any disability or neurological sequelae. VV-ECMO is a vital tool to maintain appropriate gas exchange for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection to facilitate functional recovery. Because subsequent renal impairment is common in such severe cases, hemodiafiltration undertaken in a timely manner may be necessary. Controlling secondary bacterial infection is also key for lung recovery, as it may otherwise compromise the chance to wean patients off ECMO.
COVID-19 outbreak and acute cholecystitis in a Hub Hospital in Milan: wider indications for percutaneous cholecystostomy.
Authors: Matteo Barabino , Gaetano Piccolo , Arianna Trizzino , Veronica Fedele , Carlo Ferrari , Vincenzo Nicastro , Andrea Pisani Ceretti , Enrico De Nicola , Maria Mariani Nicolò , Marco Giovenzana , Giovanna Scifo , Massimiliano Mazza , Ruggero Vercelli , Roberto Santambrogio , Carmelo Luigiano , Enrico Opocher 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND.COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Italian national health care system at many different levels, causing a complete reorganization of surgical wards. In this context, in this study we retrospectively analyzed our management strategy for patients with acute cholecystitis.METHODSWe analyzed all patients admitted to our Emergency Department for acute cholecystitis from February 27th to April 30th, 2020. We graded each case according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines. All patients were tested for positivity to SARS-CoV-2 and received an initial conservative treatment. RESULTSThirty-seven patients were admitted for acute cholecystitis (13 grade I, 16 grade II and 8 grade III). According to Tokyo Guidelines 2018, patients were successfully treated with antibiotic only, bedside percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 29.7%, 21.6 % and 48.7% of cases respectively. Therapeutic strategy of three out of 8 cases, otherwise fit for surgery, submitted to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (37.5%), were directly modified by COVID-19 pandemic: one due to the SARS-CoV-2 positivity, while two others due to unavailability of operating room and intensive care unit for post-operative monitoring respectively. Overall success rate of percutaneous drainage was of 87.5%, the mean post-procedural hospitalization length was 9 days, and no related adverse event were observed.CONCLUSIONS.Bedside cholecystostomy has shown to be an effective and safe treatment, which acquired an increased relevance in the present acute phase of the pandemic. This strategy will potentially be taken into consideration in future phases, when the coexistence with the virus will require us to respond in an even more virtuous fashion.
Airway, voice and swallow outcomes following endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonitis: preliminary results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Miller Benjamin , Tornari Chrysostomos , Miu Kelvin , Slack Andrew , Murphy Patrick , Ahmed Imran , Burnay Victoria , Arora Asit , Simo Ricard , Karagama Yakubu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unprecedented rates of patients requiring intubation and ventilation over a short period of time. The authors present 3-month data on airway, voice and swallow outcomes for this cohort to better understand the impact of COVID-19 critical illness on laryngotracheal morbidity. Methods: An observational cohort study was performed on all patients discharged following critical illness at our tertiary institution over a 2-month period (1st March 2020 - 30th April 2020). Patients were stratified on the basis of primary diagnosis: COVID-19 pneumonitis, Non-COVID-19 respiratory failure and non-respiratory. Our primary outcome measure was reported airway, voice, and swallow dysfunction during inpatient admission and on 6-12 week Critical Illness Recovery Clinic follow up. Endoscopic findings of patients referred onward to our Multidisciplinary Laryngology-Speech Therapy Clinic were recorded.Results: 141 patients were included in our study. During inpatient admission there were no statistically significant differences in reported rates of airway, voice, or swallow dysfunction. In Critical Illness Recovery Clinic, there were markedly higher rates of reported airway, voice and swallow dysfunction in the COVID-19 pneumonitis cohort, although these rates only reached statistical significance in respect to airway outcomes (airway p=0.038, voice p=0.064, swallow p=0.240). 100% of patients reviewed to date in the Laryngology-Speech Therapy Clinic following COVID-19 critical illness had clinically significant laryngeal pathology.Conclusion: Our data highlights an impending surge in COVID-19 related laryngotracheal morbidity. Robust, prospective screening and clear referral pathways for all patients following COVID-19 critical illness are essential to identifying and managing this cohort.
Transcriptional Expression of Minichromosome Maintenance 10 as an Independent Negative Predictor of Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yiru , Li Yi-Ting , Chen Xi-Jie , Chen Yan-Ling , Zhu Sen-Lin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The minichromosome maintenance protein 10 (MCM10) is a replication licensing factor that initiates eukaryotic genome replication by interacting with CDC45-MCM2-7 complex, thereby mediating cellular proliferation. Recent studies have found that MCM10 is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer development. However, research on the role of MCM10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is scarce.Methods: In this study, the transcriptional expression, prognostic efficacy and function of MCM10 in HCC were explored through the public dadabases and bioinformatic tools, including ONCOMINE, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, TIMER and GEPIA. Statistical significance was inferred at a P-value < 0.05.Results: It was found that MCM10 expression was commonly overexpressed in cancer specimens compared to match normal tissues. Up-regulation of MCM10 gene in HCC had a close relationship with patients’ survival time. A higher level of MCM10 expression was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC patients, especially at early stages (grade 2 or stage 1+2). MCM10 was also demonstrated to be an independent negative predictor of OS and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC by multivariate Cox regression. Additionally, according to the levels of marker genes for different immune cells in HCC, MCM10 expression was markedly positively correlated with the numbers of tumor-infiltrating B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells, indicating its potential immunogenic role in HCC. Conclusions: MCM10 could be exploited as a potential independent prognostic indicator as well as therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Ocular Syphilis With Optic Disc Neovascularization Treated With Bevacizumab Evaluated by OCT Angiography and Electroretinography
Authors: Miura Gen , Baba Takayuki , Takeishi Marie , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Yamamoto Shuichi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We present our findings in an atypical case of ocular syphilis with optic disc neovascularization that was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and followed by multimodal imaging and electroretinography. A 29-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of night blindness of one-year duration. Our initial examination showed that an optic disc neovascularization was present, and the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images showed a reduction in the length of the ellipsoid zone of both eyes. Fluorescein angiography showed leakage from the optic disc neovascular tissue, and the presence of nonperfused areas in the peripheral retina. Blood test was strongly positive for syphilis. He was administered oral amoxicillin and prednisolone. He was also treated with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab which led to a rapid suppression of the neovascularization. However, panretinal photocoagulation had to be performed because OCT angiography and fluorescein angiography detected residual neovascularization. Although these treatments suppressed the activity of the ocular syphilis, electrophysiological improvements were not seen even one year after the initial treatment. OCT angiography and electroretinogram are useful techniques for monitoring the effectiveness of the treatments.
Association Between Serum Uric Acid and Triglycerides in Chinese Children and Adolescents With Short Stature
Authors: Chu Yuntian , Zhao Qianqian , Zhang Mei , Ban Bo , Tao Hongbing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Elevated triglyceride (TG) levels are a biomarker of CVD risk. The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and TG in adults and obese children is well established. However, studies on children with short stature with SUA and TG are limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between SUA and TG in Chinese children and adolescents with short stature.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study. A total of 1095 children and adolescents with short stature (720 males and 375 females) were included. The related clinical characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), serum uric acid (SUA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were determined.Results: The univariate analysis results showed a significant positive association between SUA and TG (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a smooth curve fitting after adjusting for potential confounders was performed, and a nonlinear relationship between SUA and TG was observed. A multivariate piecewise linear regression model revealed a significant positive association between SUA and TG when the SUA level was greater than 7 mg/dL (β 0.13, 95% CI 0.05, 0.22; P = 0.002). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between SUA and TG when the SUA level was lower than 7 mg/dL (β 0.01, 95% CI -0.01, 0.04; P=0.799).Conclusion: This study described a nonlinear relationship between UA and TG in children and adolescents with short stature. When SUA rises to a certain level, there is a strong positive association between UA and TG. This finding suggests that elevated UA levels may be another risk indicator of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents with short stature.
Overcoming the Impact of COVID-19 Using Integrated Project Delivery Model
Authors: G Ramya 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Value engineering is a systematic approach, widely used to optimize the design or process or product in the designing stage. It used to achieve the client's obligation by increasing the functionality and attain the targeted cost in the cost planning. Value engineering effectiveness and benefits decrease along with the progress of the project since the change in the scope of the work and design will account for more cost all along the lifecycle of the project. Integrating the value engineering with other project management activities will promote cost minimization, client satisfaction, and ensure early completion of the project in time. Previous research studies suggested that value engineering can integrate with other project delivery activities, but research studies unable to frame a model that collaborates the project management activities with the job plan of value engineering approach. Analysing various project management activities and their synergy between each other have studied. The project management activities and processes like a)risk analysis b)lifecycle cost analysis c)lean construction d)facility management e)Building information modelling f)Contract administration, collaborated, and project delivery model planned along with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA ) plan of work. The key outcome of the research is a value-driven project delivery model, which will succeed in dealing with the economic impact, constraints and conflicts arise due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian construction sector. Benefits associated with the structured framework is construction project delivery that ensures early contractor involvement, mutual risk sharing, and reviving the project with a cost overrun and delay back on track, discussed in the research
Improvement of bacterial blight resistance of the popular variety, Nellore Mahsuri, NLR34449 through marker-assisted breeding
Authors: D Aleena , V Padma , G Rekha , T Dilip , E Punniakotti , MBVN Kousik , B Laxmi prasanna , RK Swapnil , Sinha Pragya , G Harika , RR Kale , MA Das , SK Hajira , M Anila , K Pranathi , shaik Mastanbee , GS Laha , MS Prasad , SM Balachandran , LV Subbarao , D Ratna Babu , M Lal Ahamed , JV Ramana , A Vijaya Gopal , Sundaram Raman 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
To combat the dreaded diseases in rice like bacterial blight and blast, host plant resistance has been advocated as a sustainable method. Through the present study, we have successfully incorporated three major bacterial blight (BB) resistance genes viz., Xa21, xa13 and xa5 into NLR3449, a high yielding, blast resistant, fine-grain type popular rice variety through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Foreground selection was carried out using PCR based, gene-specific markers viz., pTA248 (Xa21), xa13prom (xa13) and xa5FM (xa5) at each generation of backcrossing, while 127 polymorphic SSR markers spanning on 12 chromosomes were used for background selection and backcrossing was limited to two rounds. At BC2F1 generation, a single plant (NLR-87-10) with 89.9% recovery and possessing all the three bacterial blight resistance genes was forwarded to BC2F2 generation. A solitary BC2F2 plant viz., NLR-87-10-106 possessing all the three resistance genes and > 90% genome recovery was identified and advanced through selfing till BC2F4 generation by adopting pedigree method. Three best lines at BC2F4 lines, possessing high level of resistance against bacterial blight and blast and equivalent or superior to NLR 34449 in terms of yield, grain quality and agro-morphological traits have been identified and advanced for multi-location trials.
Intra-mammary Lymph Nodes, an Overlooked Prognostic Tool?
Authors: Hashem Tarek , Moez Ahmed Abdel , Rozeka Ahmed , Azeem Hazem Abdel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDue to the high variability of incidence and prevalence of intra-mammary lymph nodes(IMLNs), they might be overlooked during clinical and radiological examinations. Properly characterizing pathological IMLNs and detecting the factors that might influence their prevalence in different stages of breast cancer, might aid in proper therapeutic decision making and could be of possible prognostic value. Methods Medical records were reviewed for all breast cancer patients treated at the National Cancer Institute of Cairo University between 2013-2019. Radiological, pathological and surgical data were studied.ResultsIntra-mammary lymph nodes were described in the final pathology reports of 100 patients. Five cases had benign breast lesion. Three cases had phylloides tumors and two cases had duct carcinoma in situ. All ten cases were excluded. The remaining 90 cases had all invasive breast cancer and were divided into two groups. One group for patients with malignant IMLNs (48) and another for patients with benign IMLNs (42). Pathological features of the malignant IMLN group included larger mean tumour size (4.7 cm) , larger mean size of the IMLN (1.4 cm), higher incidence of lymphovascular invasion( 65.9%) and a higher rate of extracapsular extension in axillary lymph nodes (57.4%). All these criteria were statistically significant. In addition the pathological N stage was significantly higher in the malignant IMLNs group.ConclusionIntra-mammary lymph nodes are frequently overlooked by clinicians. More effort should be done to detect them during preoperative imaging, and during pathological processing of specimens. A suspicious IMLN should be biopsied by FNAC . Malignant IMLN are associated with advanced pathological features and should be removed during surgery.