bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Osteosarcoma from the spine: A population-based database study
Authors: Tang Chao , Wang Ruiliang , Xu Hengyuan , Zhang Hailong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
PurposeThe treatment of osteosarcoma of the spine remains controversial. Our aim is to explore the treatment of patients with spinal osteosarcoma.MethodsWe analyzed the date collected 727 spinal osteosarcoma patients from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) databases between 1973 and 2015. X-tile software was performed to find the optimal cut-off values of age and economic income. Univariate and Multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify the independent prognostic factors. Logistic regression model was conducted to clear the factors associated to surgical compliance; Kaplan-Meier estimator method was adopted to analyze the Overall survival (OS) and Cancer-specific survival (CSS).ResultsAmong 727 eligible spinal osteosarcoma patients, 370 (50.9%) patients received surgical treatment, 357 (49.1%) cases without surgery. There were significant differences in the effects of age at diagnosis, SEER historic stage and tumor grade on surgical treatment (All P < 0.05). Surgery was an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS of spinal osteosarcoma patients. Spinal osteosarcoma patients undergone surgery group showed favorable survival than the other group.ConclusionsSurgery can provide survival benefits for patients with osteosarcoma of the spine. Spinal osteosarcoma patients with undergone surgery have favorable survival and surgery can become a suitable treatment for patients.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Choroidal Metastases: Long-Term Outcome and Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Bouchez Clémentine , Pluvy Johan , Soussi Ghassen , Nguenang Marina , Brosseau Solenn , Tourne Morgan , Collin Mégane , Théou-Anton Nathalie , Guyard Alice , Ammar Jamila , Khalil Antoine , Zalcman Gérard , Gounant Valérie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Although previously reported, little is known about choroidal metastasis in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort including 83 consecutive metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients, from Sept. 2015 to Oct. 2018, six exhibited symptomatic choroidal metastases. All brain MRI scans performed in the EGFR-mutant patients were reviewed, with one case of asymptomatic choroidal metastasis identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were conducted to assess median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis for the two groups, with or without choroidal metastases.Results: Prevalence of choroidal metastases in EGFR-mutated NSCLCs was 8.4% (7/83). Five were women, and four current or former smokers. Molecular analysis showed three tumors with exon 19 deletion, three with L858R mutation, and one with complex exon 21 mutation. The choroidal metastases were symptomatic in six/seven patients. Visual disturbances decreased in all but one symptomatic cases upon EGFR TKI, and the choroidal response was maintained over time. Median follow-up was 42.2 mo (95%CI [37.2 - 47.1]). Median OS in the choroidal metastasis group was 23.4 mo (95%CI [0.1 - 51.4]) versus 27.9 mo (95%CI [16.9 - 38.9]) in the non-choroidal metastasis group (p=0.32). In the choroidal metastasis group, 2-year and 5-year OS were 47.6% and 0%, respectively, versus 55.8% and 26.3% in the non-choroidal metastasis subset.Conclusions: Choroidal metastases in NSCLC EGFR-mutant patients are rare but should be systematically suspected in case of visual disturbance. TKIs are efficient for treating visual symptoms. Whether choroidal metastases confer a worse prognosis remains unclear owing to the third-generation EGFR TKI osimertinib first-line registration.
Outcomes and Complications of Open, Laparoscopic, and Hybrid Giant Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wang Minggang , Nie Yusheng , Zhao Xuefei , Liu Jing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

This study aimed to compare outcomes and complications between open, laparoscopic, and hybrid (laparoscopic and open combined) approaches in giant ventral hernia repair.

Methods

Records of patients with giant ventral hernias who received operations from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Open, laparoscopic, or a hybrid procedure was performed in every case. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 82 patients received open repair, 94 laparoscopic repair, and 132 hybrid repair. The median hernia diameter was 13.11 ± 3.4 cm. With a mean follow-up of 41 months, the incidence of hernia recurrence in the hybrid procedure group was 1.3%, which was significantly lower than that in the laparoscopic (20.5%) or open procedure group (8.5%) (P < 0.001). The incidence of intraoperative intestinal injury was 6.1% in open, 4.1% in laparoscopic, and only 1.5% in the hybrid procedure (hybrid vs. open and laparoscopic procedures; P < 0.05). Rates of postoperative intestinal fistula formation in the open, laparoscopic, and hybrid groups were 2.4%, 6.8%, and 3.3%, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with an open and a simple laparoscopic procedure, a hybrid procedure is more effective and safer in the repair of giant ventral hernias.
Dynamic changes of liver function parameters in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Qing-Lei , Yu Zu-Jiang , Ji Fanpu , Li Guang-Ming , Zhang Guo-Fan , Xu Jiang-Hai , Lin Wan-Bao , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Li Guo-Tao , Cui Guang-Lin , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver injuries in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported, however, the clinical role played by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is obscure. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, the parameters of liver function tests in COVID-19 inpatients were compared between various timepoints referred to SARS-CoV-2 shedding, and 3 to 7 days before first detection of viral shedding was regarded as reference baseline.Results: Totally, 70 COVID-19 inpatients were enrolled. Twenty-two (31.4%) cases had self-medications history after illness. At baseline, 10 (14.3%), 7 (10%), 9 (12.9%), 2 (2.9%), 15 (21.4%), and 4 (5.7%) patients already had abnormal rates of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and total bilirubin (TBIL), respectively. ALT and AST abnormal rates and levels did not show any significantly dynamic change during the full period of viral shedding (all P > 0.05). GGT abnormal rate (P = 0.008) and level (P = 0.033) significantly increased on day 10 of viral shedding. Meanwhile, no simultaneously significant increases of ALP abnormal rates and levels were observed. TBIL abnormal rates and levels significantly increased on day 1 and 5 of viral shedding (all P < 0.05). Albumin abnormal decrease rates increased and levels decreased consistently from baseline to SARS-CoV-2 clearance day (all P < 0.05). Thirteen (18.6%) patients had chronic liver diseases, two of them died. The ALT and AST abnormal rates and levels did not increase in patients with chronic liver diseases during SARS-CoV-2 shedding.Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 does not directly lead to elevations of ALT and AST, but may result in elevations of GGT and TBIL, the albumin decreased extraordinarily even SARS-CoV-2 shedding discontinued.
The Will Rogers phenomenon, Breast Cancer and Race
Authors: Nittala Mary Roselin , Mundra Eswar K , Packianathan Satyaseelan , Mehta Divyang , Smith Maria L , Woods William C , McKinney Shawn A , Craft Barbara S , Vijayakumar Srinivasan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The Will Rogers phenomenon [WRP] describes an apparent improvement in outcome for patients’ group due to tumor grade reclassification. Staging of cancers is important to select appropriate treatment and to estimate prognosis. The WRP has been described as one of the most important biases limiting the use of historical cohorts when comparing survival or treatment. The main purpose of this study is to assess whether the WRP exists with the move from the AJCC 7th to AJCC 8th edition in breast cancer [BC] staging, and if racial differences are manifested in the expression of the WRP.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 300 BC women (2007- 2017) at an academic medical center. Overall survival [OS] and disease-free survival [DFS], estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Bi and multi-variate Cox regression analyses, used to identify racial factors associated with outcomes.Results: Our patient cohort included 30.3% Caucasians [C] and 69.7% African-Americans [AA]. Stages I, II, III, and IV were 46.2%, 26.3%, 23.1%, and 4.4% of C; 28.7%, 43.1%, 24.4%, and 3.8% of AA respectively, in anatomic staging (p=0.043). In prognostic staging, 52.8%, 18.7%, 23%, and 5.5% were C while 35%, 17.2%, 43.5%, and 4.3% were AA, respectively (p=0.011). A total of C (45.05% vs. 47.85%) AA, upstaged. C (16.49% vs. 14.35%) AA, down-staged. Remaining, 38.46% and 37.79% patients had their stages unchanged.With a median follow-up of 54 months, the AA patients showed better stage-by-stage 5-year OS rates using 8th edition compared to the 7th edition (p=0.000). Among the C, those who were stage IIIA in the 7th but became stage IB in the 8th had a better prognosis than stages IIA and IIB in the 8th (p=0.000). The 8th showed complex results (p=0.176) compared to DFS estimated using the 7th’s (p=0.004).Conclusion: The WRP exists with significant variability in the move from the AJCC 7th to the 8th edition in BC staging (both C and AA patients). We suggest that caution needs to be exercised when results are compared across staging systems to account for the WRP in the interpretation of the data.
A systematic review to assess the impact of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHCVS) and the feasibility to fully adopt in Hong Kong elder care services
Authors: Pun Joe Wing , Elliott Lana 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Finding a solution to tackle the overcrowding and over-reliance on public health care services has been a policy agenda of the Hong Kong Government throughout the past decade. The purpose of this review is to provide valuable insight for policymakers to understand whether the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHCVS) is a realistic policy tool to shift service demand from the public to the private sector and its possibility to apply in other similar publicly funded settings.Methods: Included records in this review were selected through CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar peer-reviewed articles databases and nine targeted government websites. All potential records were assessed based on the prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to combine the extracted data and to construct key themes of the impact of the EHCVS.Results: The findings highlight some of the successes of the policy that focus on strengthening the connection between government, elders and private health care providers, and improving the quality of acute care. However, less than successful elements that require revision include designing the purpose of voucher for preventive care and disease management and shifting elders from the public to private health sector through financial incentives. Overall, the analysis suggested the financial subsidies have not motivated elders to utilise private health care services, but rather it demonstrates an effort by the Hong Kong Government to begin addressing public health care waiting lists while prioritising quality care for senior citizens throughout the last 10 years.Conclusion: Better consideration of the subsidy amount to remove the financial burden of the older population, along with greater information disclosure and promotion may increase elders’ willingness to utilise private elder care services, potentially improve the quality of life for seniors, and ultimately reduce the burden on public elder care sector in the future.
Human Intestinal Tissue Explant Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles Reveals Sex Dependent Alterations in Inflammatory Responses and Epithelial Cell Permeability
Authors: Khare Sangeeta , Gokulan Kuppan , Williams Katherine , Orr Sarah Beth 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Consumer products manufactured with antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The human GI-tract is complex and there are physiological and anatomical differences between human and animal models that limit comparisons between species. Additionally, induction of overt toxicity in animal and in vitro models by AgNP exposure can require doses that are well above what is feasible from environmental exposure or from the use of consumer products. This suggests that a practical assessment of potential AgNP effects on the human GI-tract may require tools that allow for the examination of subtle changes in inflammatory markers and indicators of epithelial perturbation. Methods: We utilize fresh tissue excised from the GI-tract of human male and female subjects to evaluate the effects of AgNPs on the GI-system. The purpose of this study was to perform an assessment on the ability of the ex vivo model to evaluate changes in levels of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and mRNA expression of intestinal permeability related genes induced by AgNPs in ileal tissues. Results: The ex vivo model preserved the structural and biological functions of the in-situ organ. Analysis of cytokine expression data indicated that intestinal tissue of male and female subjects responded differently to AgNP treatment, with male samples showing significantly elevated Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) after treatment with 10-nm and 20-nm AgNPs for 2 hours and significantly elevated RANTES after treatment with 20-nm AgNPs for 24 hours. In contrast, tissues of female patients showed no significant effects of AgNP treatment at 2-hours and significantly decreased RANTES (20 nm), TNF-α (10 nm), and IFN-g (10 nm) at 24-hours. Smaller size AgNPs (10 nm) perturbed more permeability-related genes in samples of male subjects (38 up-regulated, 18 down-regulated), than samples of female subjects (23 up-regulated, 15 down-regulated). In contrast, exposure to 20-nm AgNPs resulted in upregulation of a greater number of genes in female-derived samples (36 genes) than in male-derived samples (8 genes). Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that the ex vivo tissue model deserves further evaluation as a tool to assess the impacts of nanomaterials and other xenobiotic compounds on human intestinal mucosa.
Impact of Family Capital and Social Capital on Selected Beekeepers in Up Scaling of Beekeeping Venture (Entrepreneurship) Development in Case Studies of Punjab State, India
Authors: bajpai vikas , Kaur Rupinder , Tiwari Devinder , Rampal Vipan Kumar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The Agri-Entrepreneurship is modern approach to run his farm on profitable manner. it had support to entrepreneur for imperative role in the process of economic growth and technological change in thier entreprise to sustainable development of the beekeeping sector in the leading agricultural state of India i.e. Punjab, entrepreneurship has to be promoted among beekeepers. Moreover, the impact of family capital and social capital that determine to assessment the start and up scaling beekeeping venture have to be analysed and explained. This study clearly inferred that the family capital and social capital determine beekeepers to engage in entrepreneurial activities. family capital and social capital in apiculture was as well analysed, but the survey revealed the fact that beekeepers that had positive impact on up scaled apiculture entreprise were more interested in starting a business that those who had been practicing apiculture for many years. The study reveals the fact that beekeepers from the punjab of india possess financial, physical and mental ( family ) that influence the performance and trust, social networking and reciprocity ( social ) both dimension capital result had observed potential of up scaling their beekeeping enterprise.
Two-Step Seismic Noise Reduction Saused by COVID-19 Induced Reduction in Social Activity in Metropolitan Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Yabe Suguru , Imanishi Kazutoshi , Nishida Kiwamu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic that started at the end of 2019 forced populations around the world to reduce social and economic activities; it is believed that this can prevent the spread of the disease. In this paper, we report a seismic noise analysis during such an induced social activity reduction taking the Tokyo Metropolitan area, Japan. Using seismic data obtained from 18 stations in the Metropolitan Seismic Observation Network (MeSO-net), a two-step seismic noise reduction in the frequency bands 1–20 Hz and 20–40 Hz was observed during the timeline of COVID-19 in Tokyo. The first noise reduction occurred at the beginning of March in the frequency band 20–40 Hz. This corresponded with the request of the Prime Minister of Japan for a nationwide shutdown of schools. Although social activity was not reduced significantly at this juncture, local reduction of seismic wave excitation in the high frequency band, 20–40 Hz, was recorded at some MeSO-net stations located in school properties. The second reduction of seismic noise occurred at the end of March to the beginning of April 2020 in the frequency band 1–20 Hz. This timing corresponds to when the Governors of the Tokyo Metropolitan area requested citizens to stay home and when the state of emergency was declared for the Tokyo Metropolitan area by the government, respectively. The estimated population at train stations abruptly dropped since this timing, which suggests that social activity was severely reduced. Such large-scale change in social activity affects the seismic noise level in the low frequency bands. The seismic noise level started to increase from the middle of May correlating with increase in population at the train stations. This suggests that social activity restarted even before the state of emergency was lifted at the end of May. The two-step seismic noise reduction observed in this study has not been reported in other cities around the world. Unexpected reduction of social activity due to COVID-19 provided us a rare opportunity to investigate the characteristics of seismic noise caused by human activities.
Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Serum Biomarkers in Obese Patients Diagnosed with Diabetes and Hypothyroid Disorder
Authors: Tabasi Mohsen , Eybpoosh Sana , Heravi Fatemah Sadeghpour , Siadat Seyed Davar , Mousavian Ghazal , Elyasinia Fezzeh , Soroush Ahmadreza , Bouzari Saeid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Variations of serum biomarkers and bacterial diversity of the gastrointestinal tract in obese patients with diabetes or hypothyroid are poorly understood. This study broadened our understanding of recent findings in this regard.
Methods

A total of 120 obese patients (18 with diabetes, 23 with hypothyroid, and 79 patients without either diabetes or hypothyroid (control)) were recruited in this study. Serum biomarkers such as biochemical, hormonal (insulin and glucagon), and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF–β 1) were measured under fasting conditions. Bacterial diversity of gut microbiota was also quantitated by real-time PCR using 16S rRNA gene-based specific primers.
Results

Average value of blood sugar (P: 0.0184), insulin, HOMA-IR, TGF-β 1, IL-6, IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-10 (Pfor each < 0.001), phylum Actinobacteria (OR: 1.5, P: 0.032), Firmicutes (OR: 0.6 P: 0.058), and Akkermansia muciniphilai (OR: 0.4, P: 0.053) was significantly different in diabetic vs. non-diabetic obese patients but was not significantly different in hypothyroid vs. non-hypothyroid obese patients. Average value of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroidetes, Prevotella spp., Bacteroides fragilis group, Clostridium cluster IV, Roseburia spp., and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B) was not significantly different between these groups either in crude or adjusted models.
Conclusion

While there are some associations between serum biomarkers or bacterial diversity with diabetes prediction in obese patients, this prognostication is less likely in obese patients with hypothyroid. Further investigation is warranted in the application of identified preclinical biomarkers in the diagnosis of diabetes or hypothyroid in obese patients.
Insights Into the Molecular Mechanism of Deer Antler Extract Serving as a Potential Chondroprotective Agent for Articular Cartilage
Authors: Yao Baojin , Zhou Zhenwei , Zhang Mei , Leng Xiangyang , Zhao Daqing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Deer antler is considered as a precious traditional Chinese medicinal material, and has been widely used to reinforce kidney’s yang, nourish essence and strengthen bone function. The most prominent bioactive components in deer antler are water-soluble proteins that play potential roles in bone formation and repair. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of deer antler extract (DAE) on articular cartilage.
Methods
DAE was prepared as previously described. All rats were randomly divided into Blank group and DAE group (10 rats per group) after 7-day adaptive feeding. The rats in DAE group were orally administrated with DAE at a dose of 0.2 g/kg per day for 3 weeks and the rats in Blank group were fed with drinking water. Total RNA was isolated from the articular cartilage of knee joints. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verification assay were carried out to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on articular cartilage.
Results
We demonstrated that DAE played a potential role in promoting cartilage formation, growth and repair, and inhibiting cartilage degeneration and inflammation. These effects were possibly achieved by accelerating the expression of functional genes involved in chondrocyte commitment, survival, proliferation and differentiation, and suppressing the expression of susceptibility genes involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.
Conclusions
DAE might serve as a chondroprotective agent for treating cartilage degeneration and inflammation by boosting the ability of cartilage growth and repair. Thus, our findings will contribute towards deepening the knowledge about the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on the treatment of osteoarthritis.