bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extended thymectomy with blood vessel resection and reconstruction improves therapeutic outcome for clinical stage III thymic carcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Guige , Guo Chao , Chen Yeye , Huang Cheng , Li Shanqing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: We examine the therapeutic efficacy of extended thymectomy with blood vessel resection and reconstruction in thymic carcinoma patients with great vessel invasion.Methods: In total 26 patients diagnosed as clinical stage III thymic carcinoma with severe great vessel invasion were enrolled in this retrospective study. Among these patients, 14 cases received adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy (non-operation subgroup, NOG), the other 12 patients received extended thymectomy with vessel resection and reconstruction followed by the adjuvant treatment (operation subgroup, OG).Results: All surgical procedures went smoothly with no perioperative death. R0 resection was obtained in all surgical cases, and we also observed a lymph node metastasis rate of 38.8%. The overall survival (OS) was 36 months for the whole cohort, 48 and 26 months for the OG and NOG respectively (p = 0.013). The median disease metastasis free survival (DMFS) was 47 months for the OG and 18 months for the NOG (p = 0.019).Conclusion: Extended thymectomy with vessel resection is feasible for patients with clinical stage III thymic carcinoma. Surgery significantly improves the overall survival and the prognosis of clinical stage III thymic carcinoma.
The SARS-CoV-2 RNA with mild lung lesions lasts longer in non-severe COVID-19 patients: a case series study
Authors: Zhang Chi , Li Jiawen , Mu Jing , Zhang Daitao , Wang He , Jin Yunv , Han Yan , Li Haiyang , Zhang Chunxiao , Yu Peng , Guo Rui , Dou Xiangfeng , Chu Yanhui , Wu Zhao , Dong Xiaoqin , Zhao Hong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background COVID-19 has become a new infectious disease in the global pandemic, most of which are non-severe patients. It is particularly important to understand the dynamic changes of the whole disease course of non-severe patients from the onset to the follow-up after discharge.Methods On February 1, 2020, 18 cases of non-severe COVID-19 appeared in a hospital in Beijing. We recorded the clinical information and viral dynamics of these patients from the onset of the disease to one month after discharge.Results Eighteen patients (median age 43) were included, including 14 females. Fever (11/18) and cough (8/18) are the most common symptoms. According to the degree of lung inflammation, 18 patients were divided into two groups (group A imaging score ≤ 10; group B imaging score > 10). The duration of SARS-CoV-2 positive in group A was significantly longer than that in group B (the median was 30 and 13, respectively, P = 0.0025). One month after discharge, almost all patients were followed up for IgM antibody disappearance and IgG antibody production.Conclusion In non-severe COVID-19 patients, the positive duration of the SARS-CoV-2 in patients with mild lung injury was longer than that in patients with severe lung injury. The possible mechanism is that the virus-mediated immune system is not fully activated in mild damaged patients.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 could exploit human transcription factors involved in Interferon-mediated response
Authors: Bari Ighli di , Franzin Rossana , Picerno Angela , Stasi Alessandra , Cimmarusti Maria Teresa , Chiano Mariagiovanna Di , Curci Claudia , Pontrelli Paola , Chironna Maria , Castellano Giuseppe , Gallone Anna , Sabbà Carlo , Gesualdo Loreto , Sallustio Fabio 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The novel SARS-CoV-2 causing the pandemic acute respiratory disease COVID-19 is considered a worldwide emergency since no vaccines or effective antiviral are still available. As virus are dependent on the host transcriptional factors (TFs) to express the viral genes, efforts are required to understand the molecular interplay between virus and host response. Methods By bioinformatic analysis, we investigated human TFs involved in viral transcription. In particular, we analyzed the key role of the TF induced by Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) exploiting the way of antiviral response related to interferon antiviral cytokines released during an infection. We compared SARS-CoV-2 consensus sequence from Italian patients with sequences in Coronaviridae ViPR database, to identify elements and TF binding sites that were present uniquely in the Italian viral sequence.Results Several TFs were induced by IRFs, others were induced by IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) and by un-phosphorylated ISGF3 that was found to promote the transcription of several viral open reading frame. These data shed light on SARS-CoV2 dependence from the host transcription machinery associated to interferon-related antiviral response. We found binding sites for 11 TF present only in sequence of virus infecting humans and among these IRF8, IRF4, GLIS2, POU4F2 that were expressed in response to the viral infection and induced by interferon. POU4F2 binds in ORF1ab promoter; IRF8, and IRF4 both bind within the ORF1ab gene.Conclusions Our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can exploit the interferon-related host response, inducing the expression of genes by host TF involved in the regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II, thus facilitating its own replication cycle.These data strengthen our knowledge about the transcription and replicative activity of the virus and could pave the way for new targets drug design.
Why Do They Do It? A Grounded Theory Study of the Use of Low-value Care Among Primary Health Care Physicians
Authors: Ingvarsson Sara , Augustsson Hanna , Hasson Henna , Nilsen Per , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , von Knorring Mia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The use of low-value care (LVC) is widespread and has an impact on both the use of resources and quality of care. However, few studies have thus far studied the factors influencing the use of LVC from the perspective of the practitioners themselves. The aim of this study is to understand why physicians within primary care use LVC.
Methods
Six primary health care centers in the Stockholm Region were purposively selected based on their level of prescription of three low-value lab tests (e.g., erythrocyte sedimentation rate, aspartate transaminase, vitamin D). FGDs were conducted with physicians (n = 31) working in the centers. The discussions were coded inductively using a grounded theory approach.
Results
Three main reasons for performing LVC were identified. Uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do was related to being unaware of the LVC status of a practice, guidelines perceived as conflicting, guidelines perceived to be irrelevant for the target patient population, or a lack of trust in the guidelines. Perceived pressure from others concerned patient pressure, pressure from other physicians, or pressure from the health care system. A desire to do something for the patients was associated with the fact that the visit in itself prompts action, symptoms to relieve, or emotions to calm. The three reasons are interdependent. Uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do have made it more difficult to handle the pressure from others and to refrain from doing something for the patients. The pressure from others and the desire to do something for the patients enhanced the uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do. Furthermore, the pressure from others influenced the desire to do something for the patients.
Conclusions
Three reasons work together to explain primary care physicians’ use of LVC: uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do, perceived pressure from others, and the desire to do something for the patients. The reasons may, in turn, be influenced by the health care system, but the decision nevertheless seemed to be up to the individual physician. The findings suggest that the de-implementation of LVC needs to address the three reasons from a systems perspective.
“I think everybody should take it if they’re doing drugs, doing heroin, or having sex for money”: A qualitative study exploring perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female participants in an opioid intervention court program
Authors: Przybyla Sarahmona , Cerulli Catherine , Bleasdale Jacob , Wilson Kennethea A. , Hordes Melissa , El-Bassel Nabila , Morse Diane 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Women’s rise in opioid use disorder has increased their presence in the criminal justice system and related risk behaviors for HIV infection. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical HIV prevention treatment, uptake among this high-risk population has been particularly low. Considerably little is known about the interplay between justice-involved women with opioid use disorder and HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to explore PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions for personal and partner use among women participants in the nation’s first ever opiate intervention court program.Methods: The authors conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 31 women recruited from an Opioid Intervention Court, a recent fast-track treatment response to combat overdose deaths. We utilized a consensual qualitative research approach to explore attitudes, perceptions, and preferences about PrEP from women at risk for HIV transmission via sexual and drug-related behavior and used thematic analysis methods to code and interpret the data. Results: PrEP interest and motivation were impacted by various factors influencing the decision to consider PrEP initiation or comfort with partner use. Three primary themes emerged regarding HIV risk perceptions, barriers and facilitators to personal PrEP utilization, and perspectives on PrEP use by sexual partners. Conclusions: Findings suggest courts may provide a venue to offer women PrEP education and HIV risk assessments. Study findings inform public health, substance use, and criminal justice research and practice with justice-involved participants experiencing opioid use disorder on the development of gender-specific PrEP interventions with the ultimate goal of reducing HIV incidence.
Role of FBXL19-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma by lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network analysis and its diagnostic and prognostic value
Authors: He Dingdong , Zhang Xiaokang , Zhu Xinyu , Maharjan Narayani , Wang Yingchao , Luo Ping , Liang Chunzi , Tu Jiancheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common neoplastic diseases worldwide. Available biomarkers are not sensitive enough for the diagnosis of HCC, seeking new biomarkers of HCC is urgent and challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 19-antisense RNA 1 (FBXL19-AS1) through competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and its diagnostic and prognostic value in HCC.Methods: A comprehensive strategy of genomic data mining, bioinformatics and experimental validation was used to evaluate the clinical value of FBXL19-AS1 in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC and to identify the pathways that FBXL19-AS1 may be involved in.Results: FBXL19-AS1 was up-regulated in HCC, and its high expression was associated with TNM stage and poor prognosis of HCC patients. The combined use of plasma FBXL19-AS1 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) could prominently improve the diagnostic validity for HCC. FBXL19-AS1 might participate in regulating HCC related pathways, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, microRNAs in cancer, cell cycle, viral carcinogenesis, and proteoglycans in cancer through ceRNA network.Conclusions: Our findings indicated that FBXL19-AS1 not only serves as a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, but it may be functionally carcinogenic.
Diabetes Risk Status and Physical Activity in Pregnancy: U.S. BRFSS 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
Authors: Rand Bethany Grace , Johnson Tammie M , Ehrlich Samantha F , Wideman Laurie , Pivarnik James M. , Richardson Michael Ryan , Stone Michelle L , Churilla James R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Pregnant women without complications are advised to engage in physical activity (PA) to mitigate adverse outcomes. Differences may exist among pregnant women of diverging diabetes status in meeting national PA recommendations. We sought to examine differences in aerobic activity (AA) and muscle strengthening activity (MSA) by diabetes risk status (DRS) among pregnant women in the United States.Methods: The sample (n=9,597) included pregnant women, age 18-44 years, who participated in the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Levels of DRS were: no diabetes (ND), high risk for diabetes (HRD) due to self-reported gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes, and overt diabetes due to self-reported, clinically diagnosed diabetes (DM). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for meeting PA recommendations were obtained. Covariates included age, race, education, household child count, alcohol consumption, and smoking status.Results: Findings revealed that on average, DM had 46.5 fewer minutes of weekly AA compared to ND. Furthermore, a significantly lower OR (0.39; CI 0.19-0.82) for meeting both recommendations was observed in DM as compared to ND after adjustment.Conclusions: We observed that pregnant women with overt diabetes had a lower odds of engaging in PA, while those at high risk were similar in their PA engagement to ND. Future studies aimed at assessing determinants of PA behavior may help guide efforts to promote exercise in pregnant women with diabetes.
Does Assessing Outcomes in Terms of Capability for Schizophrenic Patients with Depression Provide more Information Than use of the NICE Recommended QALY? - An Empirical Comparison of the OxCAP-MH, ICECAP-A and EQ-5D-5L Instruments
Authors: Helter Timea Mariann , Coast Joanna , Łaszewska Agata , Stamm Tanja , Simon Judit 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that assessing outcomes in terms of capability wellbeing provides information beyond that of health-related quality of life measures for evaluation in mental health research. This paper aims to comprehensively compare the properties of the Oxford CAPabilities questionnaire-Mental Health (OxCAP-MH), the ICECAP-A the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and EQ-5D VAS in schizophrenic patients with depression.Methods Using trial data for 100 patients from the UK, the properties of the instruments were compared in terms of construct validity, including correlations between the OxCAP-MH, the ICECAP-A, the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and the EQ-5D VAS scores; and comparative assessment of their sensitivity to change based on external anchors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) investigated the extent to which the instruments measure complementary or overlapping constructs. The pattern and extent of agreement between all instruments was plotted on Bland-Altman diagrams. ResultsDifferent aspects of the analysis confirmed that the capability instruments had stronger convergent validity with each other than with health-related instruments. The EFA found that while the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system loads onto one factor, the items of the ICECAP-A load onto three factors and the items of the OxCAP-MH spread across four factors. Correlation between the OxCAP-MH and ICECAP-A change scores was moderate (0.389). The ICECAP-A change scores also moderately correlated with change scores of generic health-related scales (0.307-0.357) and disease-specific instruments (0.295-0.468). The OxCAP-MH change scores had low correlation to generic (0.153-0.202) and moderate to high correlation with disease-specific instruments (0.441-0.527). The Bland Altman plots showed small average discrepancy between the four scales. However, the limits of agreement were wider and therefore more ambiguous in the comparison between the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system score and the capabilities instruments than in the direct comparison of OxCAP-MH and ICECAP-A.ConclusionsAssessing outcomes in terms of capability for schizophrenic patients with depression provide more information than use of the NICE recommended QALY. OxCAP-MH and ICECAP-A show similar construct validity in severely ill mental health patients within the capability framework. Future research should extend the comparison of the properties of these instruments to other areas of mental health.
The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life, Acceptance of Illness and Characteristics of Pregnant Women with Hyperglycemia
Authors: Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna , Zarajczyk Marta , Bień Agnieszka 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The study was performed to evaluate the association between socio-demographic factors on the one hand, and quality of life and illness acceptance on the other, in pregnant women with hyperglycemia.Methods: The study was performed in the years 2016–2017 in south-eastern Poland. The study included 676 women: 339 pregnant women with hyperglycemia in the case group, and 337 healthy pregnant women in the control group. The research instruments applied included the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire, the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and a general questionnaire.Results: Factors that affect hyperglycemic women’s quality of life include: relationship status, residence, professional activity, living conditions, number of pregnancies, self-reported knowledge of diabetes treatment and lifestyle and also of the potential pregnancy complications and fetal health impact associated with the disease, as well as the type of diabetes treatment (p < 0.05). The mean illness acceptance score among the patients is near the lower boundary of “moderate”, 31.37 points. Factors with an impact on illness acceptance include: professional activity, living conditions, and self-reported knowledge of diabetes treatment and lifestyle and of the potential pregnancy complications and fetal health impact associated with the disease (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Better overall quality of life, general perceived health, and quality of life in all specific domains was found among healthy pregnant women compared to those with hyperglycemia. A higher level of illness acceptance has a positive effect on overall quality of life, general perceived health, and quality of life in all specific domains.
Transcatheter arterial embolization of severe blunt liver injury in hemodynamically unstable patients: a retrospective 15-year study
Authors: Tamura Satoshi , Kashimi Fumie , Maruhashi Takaaki , Kurihara Yutaro , Masuda Tomonari , Hanajima Tasuku , Kataoka Yuuichi , Asari Yasushi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Non-operative management with Transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE) was the first line of treatment for severe blunt liver injury in hemodynamically stable patients, but in the case of hemodynamically unstable, Operative management(OM) was recommended. We evaluated the efficacy of TAE in our hospital where intervention radiology was available 24 hours a day if the patient responds to initial infusion therapy even unstable.Methods We conducted a retrospective study of severe blunt liver injury of AAST Organ Injury Scale(OIS) grade 3–5 transported to our hospital between 2005 and 2019. If the patient responded to initial infusion therapy, even though hemodynamically unstable(Shock Index ≧ 1), CT was taken and initial treatment was decided. We compared patients who underwent OM or TAE on initial treatment.Results 62 patients were included (8 OM, 54 TAE), with a mean ISS of 26.6, in hospital mortality of 6%(13% OM VS 6% TAE, p = 0.50), hemodynamically unstable of 35% (88% OM VS 28% TAE, p < 0.01) and Time from Door to start OM/TAE 81.8 min(120.0 OM VS 76.1 TAE, p = 0.02). Unstable patients who undergo TAE were associated with 7% in hospital mortality and 7% clnical failure. After logistic regression the choice of treatment was not a predictor of outcome, the predictor of in-hospital mortality death was GCS on arrival(OR0.48, P < 0.01), hemodynamically unstable was independent predictor of duration of ICU ≧ 7 days(OR 3.80, p = 0.05) and massive blood transfusion(OR 7.25, p = 0.01). the predictor of complication was OIS grade4-5(OR 6.61 p < 0.01).Conclusions The strategy of performing TAE even in the presence of hemodynamically unstable in a facility where TAE can be performed promptly was acceptable mortality and clinical failure. The choice of treatment did not affect the outcome, and hemodynamically unstable and OIS affected the prognosis.
A DNA Methylation-based Test for Esophageal Cancer Detection
Authors: Salta Sofia , Macedo-Silva Catarina , Miranda-Gonçalves Vera , Lopes Nair , Gigliano Davide , Guimarães Rita , Farinha Mónica , Sousa Olga , Henrique Rui , Jeronimo Carmen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Esophageal cancer (ECa) is the 7th most incident cancer and the 6th leading cause of cancer-related death. Most patients are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease, enduring poor survival. Biomarkers enabling early cancer detection may improve patient management, treatment effectiveness and survival are urgently needed. In this context, epigenetic-based biomarkers such as DNA methylation are potential candidates.
Methods
Herein, we sought to identify and validate DNA methylation-based biomarkers for early detection and prediction of response to therapy in ECa patients. Promoter methylation levels were assessed in a series of treatment-naïve ECa, post-neoadjuvant treatment ECa and normal esophagus tissues, using quantitative methylation-specific PCR for COL14A1, GPX3, and ZNF569.
Results
ZNF569 methylation (ZNF569me) levels significantly differed between ECa and normal samples. Moreover, COL14A1 methylation (COL14A1me) and GPX3 methylation (GPX3me) levels discriminated adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, respectively, from normal samples. COL14A1me & ZNF569me accurately identified adenocarcinomas (82.29%) whereas GPX3me & ZNF569me identified squamous cell carcinomas with 81.73% accuracy. Furthermore, ZNF569me and GPX3me levels significantly differed between normal and pre-treated ECa.
Conclusion
The biomarker potential of a specific panel of methylated genes for ECa was confirmed. These might prove useful for early detection and might allow for identification of minimal residual disease after adjuvant therapy.