bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude, preventive practices and perceived barriers to screening about colorectal cancer among university students of newly merged district, Kpk, Pakistan – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hussain Iltaf , Majeed Abdul , Rasool Muhammad F , Hussain Musaddique , Imran Imran , ullah Muhib , Ullah Hamid 
Published: May 2020

Introduction Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world and in Pakistan it ranks at fifth position. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, preventive practices and perceived barriers to screening about colorectal cancer among university students. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted after developing a self-administered questionnaire among the university students of newly merged districts of Kpk, Pakistan Result A total of 302 students (232 male and 70 female) participated in the study. The knowledge score of the participants regarding the risk factors and warning signs of colorectal cancer was 59.9% and 40%. More than 90% of the participants were of the view that colorectal cancer diagnosis at initial stages can improve treatment and around 80% were in favor of undergoing regular physical examination to avoid colorectal cancer. Only 37.7% of the participants had intentionally collected information about colorectal cancer. The percentage of participants who intentionally participated in educational activities related to colorectal cancer was 33.1%. Furthermore, only 24.4% of the participant had ever taken part in colorectal cancer screening. The barriers toward colorectal cancer screening were fear of finding colorectal cancer and the anxiety of screening procedures. However, around 32% of the participants had no knowledge about colorectal cancer screening. Conclusion In view of the findings of this study, it can be suggested that community awareness programs that are focused towards screening of colorectal cancer may be initiated in the newly merged districts of Kpk, Pakistan. The implementation of such colorectal cancer screening program can help in its early detection and can potentially lower the associated mortality and morbidity risk with this disease.
The WWOX gene in brain development and pathology
Authors: Kośla K , Kałuzińska Ż , Bednarek AK 
Published: May 2020

Shortly after its discovery in 2000, WWOX was hailed as a tumor suppressor gene. In subsequent years of research, this function was confirmed indisputably. Majority of tumors show high rate of loss of heterozygosity and decreased expression of WWOX. Nevertheless, over the years, the range of its known functions, at the cellular, organ and system levels, has expanded to include metabolism and endocrine system control and CNS differentiation and functioning. Despite of its function as a tumor suppressor gene, WWOX genetic alternations were found in a number of metabolic and neural diseases. A lack of WWOX protein as a consequence of germline mutations results in brain development disturbances and malfunctions. Impact statement WW domain-containing oxidoreductase encoded by the WWOX gene is a transcription regulator and a key player in a number of cellular and biological processes such as tumor suppression, cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, steroid metabolism, and central nervous system development. This review provides a comprehensive summary of currently known roles and discusses the importance of WWOX gene for CNS development and functioning.
Outcomes of endosutured aneurysm repair with the Heli-FX EndoAnchor implants
Authors: Karaolanis Georgios , Antonopoulos Constantine N , Koutsias Stylianos , Antoniou George A , Beropoulis Efthymios , Torsello Giovanni , Taneva Gergana T , Donas Konstantinos P 
Published: May 2020

Objective Endovascular aneurysm repair has gained field over open surgery for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, type Ia endoleak represents a common complication especially in hostile neck anatomy that is recently faced using endoanchors. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to collect and analyse all the available comparative evidence on the outcomes of the endosuture aneurysm repair in patients with or without hostile neck in standard endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods The current meta-analysis was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All the prospective and retrospective studies reporting primary use of the Heli-FX EndoAnchor implants were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. The main study outcomes (technical success of endoanchor implantation, incidence of type Ia endoleak, aortic stent graft migration and the percentage of patients who presented regression or expansion of aneurysm sac throughout the follow-up) were subsequently expressed as proportions and 95% confidence intervals. Results Eight studies with a total of 968 patients were included in a pooled analysis. The technical success of the primary endoanchor fixation was 97.12% (95%CI: 92.98–99.67). During a mean six months follow-up period, a pooled rate of 6.23% (95%CI: 0.83–15.25) of the patients developed a persistent type Ia endoleak despite the primary implantation. Migration of the main graft was reported in five studies, in which a 0.26% (95%CI = 0.00–1.54) of the patients required an additional proximal aortic cuff. Regression of the aneurysm sac was observed at 68.82% (95%CI: 51.02–84.21). An expansion of the aneurysm sac was found in 1.93% (95%CI: 0.91–3.24) of the participants. The overall survival rate was 93.43% (95%CI: 89.97–96.29) at a mean six months follow-up period. Conclusions Endosuture aneurysm repair with the Heli-FX EndoAnchor implants seems to be technically feasible and safe either for prevention or for repair of intraoperative type Ia endoleak. Despite the primary implants of endoanchors, few cases of persistent type Ia endoleak and migration are still conspicuous. Long-term follow up is needed to determinate the role of this therapeutic option in the treatment of aortic aneurysms.
Is it possible to predict the complexity of peripheral artery disease with atherogenic index?
Authors: Mesut Engin , Cihan Aydın , Orhan Guvenc 
Published: May 2020

Objectives Lower extremity peripheral artery disease develops mainly due to atherosclerosis and occurs as a result of the systemic atherosclerotic process. Increased triglyceride (TG) and decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values increase atherosclerosis risk. With regard to this information, TG/HDL-C ratio is used as the atherogenic index. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of TG/HDL-C ratio to predict the complexity of disease in patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease and admitted to our clinic between August 2013 and August 2019 were included in this study retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on angiographic evaluations with TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus-II classification. Those with TASC A-B lesions were included in Group 1 and those with TASC C-D lesions constituted Group 2. Results The mean ages of Group 1 ( n = 314) and Group 2 ( n = 98) patients were 56.1 ± 9.3 and 58.4.1 ± 8.1 years, respectively. The frequency of male gender and coronary artery disease was significantly higher in Group 2 ( p = 0.043, p = 0.001, respectively). In Group 2, triglyceride and TG/HDL-C ratios were significantly high, while HDL-C was significantly low ( p = 0.022, p < 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis performed to evaluate the parameters in predicting the angiographic complexity of peripheral artery disease showed that coronary artery disease (OR: 1.009 CI 95%: 1.003–1.021 p = 0.016) and TG/HDL-C ratio (OR: 5.385 CI 95%: 2.553–9.357 p = 0.001) were independent predictors for complexity. ROC analysis revealed that the cut-off value of TG/HDL-C was 2.9 (AUC = 0.670, p < 0.001) with 75.5% sensitivity and 56.7% specificity. Conclusions It is possible to predict the angiographic complexity of peripheral artery disease with TG/HDL-C ratio, also known as atherogenic index, which is easily obtained by routine biochemical parameters.
Analysis of internal spermatic vein embolization through catheter versus laparoscopic high ligation in treatment of left varicocele
Authors: Jing Ye-Xiang , Wang Rui-Hua , Liu Zhao-Xuan , Meng Qing-Yi 
Published: May 2020

Objective Varicocele is a common disease in young and middle-aged men. This study aims to compare the efficacy of internal spermatic vein embolization of left varicocele versus laparoscopic high ligation. Methods From January 2017 to September 2018, a total of 69 varicocele patients were admitted and given the opportunity to choose the treatment option. Among these, 26 patients were treated with sclerosing agent injection, while 43 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. They were followed up for 12 months after surgery, and the technical success rate, recurrence rate, complication rate, cost, operative time, and hospitalization time with regard to these two methods were analyzed. Results All patients completed the medical procedures. There was no recurrence in patients in the sclerotherapy group during the follow-up period; however, the complication rate was 19.2%. Furthermore, the operative time, hospitalization time, and cost of treatment were 31.1 ± 11.1 min, 1.2 ± 0.49 days, and 9613.11 ± 895.97 Yuan, respectively. In the laparoscopic group, 9 patients underwent laparoscopic bilateral high ligation, while 34 patients received treatment on the left side alone. The recurrence rate of left varicocele was 4.7% and the complication rate was 44.2%. Furthermore, the operative time, hospitalization time, and treatment cost were 50.4 ± 14.48 min, 4.0 ± 2.02 days, and 10,948.29 ± 2547.00 Yuan, respectively. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences ( P <  0.05) in operative time, hospitalization time, and treatment cost. Patients in the sclerotherapy group had an advantage with respect to the overall complication rate when compared with patients from the laparoscopic group ( X2 = 4.448, P <  0.05), and there was a statistically significant difference in hydrocele ( X2 = 4.555, P <  0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between these two groups ( X2 = 1.245, P >  0.05). Conclusion Patients who underwent sclerotherapy showed a higher technical success rate, a lower recurrence rate, fewer complications, and shorter hospitalization time compared to those treated with laparoscopic ligation. Transcatheter sclerosing agent injection may be a preferable treatment option for patients with unilateral varicocele.
Association of immune-related pneumonitis with the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cui Pengfei , Huang Di , Wu Zhaozhen , Tao Haitao , Zhang Sujie , Ma Junxun , Liu Zhefeng , Wang Jinliang , Huang Ziwei , Chen Shixue , Zheng Xuan , Hu Yi 
Published: May 2020

Background: Cutaneous adverse events (AEs) have been positively associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in patients with melanoma, but little is known regarding the association between checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) and programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitor efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A single-institution, retrospective medical record review of patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors between 1 September 2015 and 1 June 2019 was conducted. A total of 276 NSCLC patients with or without immune-related pneumonitis who received at least one dose of ICIs and had at least one follow-up visit were identified. Kaplan–Meier curves of the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients stratified according to immune-related pneumonitis development were evaluated with the log-rank test as a preplanned primary objective. Multivariate analysis of PFS was performed with Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: In the cohort of 276 patients, 42 patients developed CIP attributed to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Survival analysis showed that the overall response rate was significantly higher in patients with CIP than in those without CIP (61.90% versus 29.91%, respectively, p < 0.01), and that CIP development was significantly associated with increased PFS (45.80 weeks versus 21.15 weeks, respectively, p < 0.01). Additionally, 16-week landmark analysis produced the same results. Similarly, subgroup analysis of PD-1 inhibitor-treated, nivolumab-treated, and pembrolizumab-treated groups also revealed that CIP increased survival in NSCLC patients. Additionally, grade 1–2 pneumonitis showed an association with increased ICI efficacy in NSCLC; however, grade 3–4 pneumonitis did not. In addition, only two of the four pneumonitis radiological subtypes showed associations with increased ICI efficacy in NSCLC. Conclusion: CIP is associated with enhanced PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor efficacy in NSCLC patients. Grade 1–2 pneumonitis and the radiological features of hypersensitivity and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) may be signs of enhanced ICI efficacy. However, further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up times are needed to validate our findings.
Cutaneous Reactions to Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Devices in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rigo Rachel S. , Levin Laura E. , Belsito Donald V. , Garzon Maria C. , Gandica Rachelle , Williams Kristen M. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) are the standard of care for type 1 diabetes in children. There is little reported on device-related skin complications and treatment options. This study documents cutaneous reactions to CGM and CSII devices in children and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one subjects (3-25 years) with type 1 diabetes and CGM and/or CSII use were recruited over a three-month period from the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. A five-question survey was completed for each subject detailing demographic data, diabetes management, and device-related skin complications. Results: Sixty percent of subjects reported skin complications related to CGM and/or CSII use. Terms most frequently used to describe cutaneous reactions were “red,” “itchy,” “painful,” and “rash.” Subjects who used both CGM and CSII were more likely to report skin problems than those who used only CSII (odds ratio 2.9, [95% confidence interval: 1.2-6.7]; P = .015). There were no associations between skin complications and sex or race/ethnicity. Twenty-two percent of subjects with adverse skin event(s) discontinued use of a device due to their skin problem. Seven percent were evaluated by a dermatologist. Eighty-one percent used a range of products to treat their symptoms, with variable perceived clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Skin complications related to CSII or CGM devices are commonly reported in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and may lead to interruption or discontinuation of device use. Future studies are needed to elucidate the causes of these reactions and determine the best methods for prevention.
Glycemic Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in the United States
Authors: Bode Bruce , Garrett Valerie , Messler Jordan , McFarland Raymie , Crowe Jennifer , Booth Robby , Klonoff David C. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Diabetes has emerged as an important risk factor for severe illness and death from COVID-19. There is a paucity of information on glycemic control among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes and acute hyperglycemia. Methods: This retrospective observational study of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 adults evaluated glycemic and clinical outcomes in patients with and without diabetes and/or acutely uncontrolled hyperglycemia hospitalized March 1 to April 6, 2020. Diabetes was defined as A1C ≥6.5%. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia was defined as ≥2 blood glucoses (BGs) > 180 mg/dL within any 24-hour period. Data were abstracted from Glytec’s data warehouse. Results: Among 1122 patients in 88 U.S. hospitals, 451 patients with diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia spent 37.8% of patient days having a mean BG > 180 mg/dL. Among 570 patients who died or were discharged, the mortality rate was 28.8% in 184 diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia patients, compared with 6.2% of 386 patients without diabetes or hyperglycemia ( P < .001). Among the 184 patients with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia who died or were discharged, 40 of 96 uncontrolled hyperglycemia patients (41.7%) died compared with 13 of 88 patients with diabetes (14.8%, P < .001). Among 493 discharged survivors, median length of stay (LOS) was longer in 184 patients with diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia compared with 386 patients without diabetes or hyperglycemia (5.7 vs 4.3 days, P < .001). Conclusion: Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia occurred frequently. These COVID-19 patients with diabetes and/or uncontrolled hyperglycemia had a longer LOS and markedly higher mortality than patients without diabetes or uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Patients with uncontrolled hyperglycemia had a particularly high mortality rate. We recommend health systems which ensure that inpatient hyperglycemia is safely and effectively treated.
Preexisting coronary heart disease and susceptibility to long-term effects of traffic-related air pollution: A matched cohort analysis
Authors: Cohen Gali , Steinberg David M , Keinan-Boker Lital , Yuval   , Levy Ilan , Chen Shimon , Shafran-Nathan Rakefet , Levin Noam , Shimony Tal , Witberg Guy , Bental Tamir , Shohat Tamar , Broday David M , Kornowski Ran , Gerber Yariv 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Individuals with coronary heart disease are considered susceptible to traffic-related air pollution exposure. Yet, cohort-based evidence on whether preexisting coronary heart disease modifies the association of traffic-related air pollution with health outcomes is lacking.

Aim
Using data of four Israeli cohorts, we compared associations of traffic-related air pollution with mortality and cancer between coronary heart disease patients and matched controls from the general population.

Methods
Subjects hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome from two patient cohorts (inception years: 1992–1993 and 2006–2014) were age- and sex-matched to coronary heart disease-free participants of two cycles of the Israeli National Health and Nutrition Surveys (inception years: 1999–2001 and 2005–2006). Ambient concentrations of nitrogen oxides at the residential place served as a proxy for traffic-related air pollution exposure across all cohorts, based on a high-resolution national land use regression model (50 m). Data on all-cause mortality (last update: 2018) and cancer incidence (last update: 2016) were retrieved from national registries. Cox-derived stratum-specific hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, adjusted for harmonized covariates across cohorts, including age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, prior stroke and prior malignancy (the latter only in the mortality analysis). Effect-modification was examined by testing nitrogen oxides-by-coronary heart disease interaction term in the entire matched cohort.

Results
The cohort (mean (standard deviation) age 61.5 (14) years; 44% women) included 2393 matched pairs, among them 2040 were cancer-free at baseline. During a median (25th–75th percentiles) follow-up of 13 (10–19) and 11 (7–17) years, 1458 deaths and 536 new cancer cases were identified, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted models, a 10-parts per billion nitrogen oxides increment was positively associated with all-cause mortality among coronary heart disease patients (hazard ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.22), but not among controls (hazard ratio = 1.00, 0.93–1.08) (pinteraction = 0.003). A similar pattern was seen for all-cancer incidence (hazard ratioCHD = 1.19 (1.03–1.37), hazard ratioCHD-Free = 0.93 (0.84–1.04) (pinteraction = 0.01)). Associations were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions
Coronary heart disease patients might be at increased risk for traffic-related air pollution-associated mortality and cancer, irrespective of their age and sex. Patients and clinicians should be more aware of the adverse health effects on coronary heart disease patients of chronic exposure to vehicle emissions.
Effects of Maharishi Light Technology with Gems: A random-assignment, placebo-controlled, blinded pilot study
Authors: Travis Frederick , Melzer Ayala , Scharf David 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: This blinded random-assignment, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the effects of Maharishi Light Technology with Gems on three self-report measures: a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert-type scale, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and an open-ended question. This pilot is the beginning of a research program to test the effects of this therapy. Methods: In total, 18 meditating subjects received two treatments on consecutive days, randomly either Maharishi Light Technology or placebo, then 2 weeks rest, and then the other treatment on consecutive days. Results: In comparison to placebo treatments, Maharishi Light Technology treatments were (1) rated as being significantly more settled, (2) higher on the Positive Self-Esteem subscale of the POMS and (3) described by the terms: healing, wholeness, and bliss. Conclusion: These treatments lead to significant improvements on self-report measures. Future research could assess their effects across both meditating and nonmeditating populations, using physiological measures to probe possible mechanisms of the effects.
Molecular Sieve-Modified Separator for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kang Yuqiong , Deng Changjian , Wang Zhengyang , Chen Yuqing , Liu Xinyi , Liang Zheng , Li Tao , Hu Quan , Zhao Yun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most important energy storage system. Separators in the battery play a critical role in terms of the rate capability, cycle life, and safe operation. However, commercial separators exhibit poor electrolyte wettability and limited safety. It is also extremely important to eliminate the hazardous small molecules (e.g., H2O and HF) inside the battery to enhance the service life. Herein, a functionalized poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)@polyacrylonitrile (PVDF-HFP@PAN) separator modified by 4-Å molecular sieves (MS) was fabricated by hydrothermal method for LIBs. MS@PVDF-HFP@PAN separator exhibits high thermal stability and carbonate electrolyte wettability. In addition, it can lower the moisture value in the battery system to 13 ppm, which significantly improves the electrolyte quality. When the current density increased from 0.2 to 5 C, the discharging capacity of the cell with MS@PVDF-HFP@PAN declines from 177.6 to 143.2 mAh g−1, demonstrating an excellent capacity retention of 80.6%. The discharge capacity retention of NMC622 half-cell with MS@PVDF-HFP@PAN after 100 cycles is 98.6% of its initial discharge capacity, which is higher than that of a cell with the Celgard 2400 separator (91.9%).