bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture as a complementary therapy for cancer care: acceptability and preferences of patients and informal caregivers
Authors: Lefebvre Tessa , Tack Laura , Blieck Virginie , Cool Lieselot , Pottel Hans , Eygen Koen Van , Derijcke Sofie , Vergauwe Philippe , Schofield Patricia , Chandler Rebecca , Lane Pauline , Boterberg Tom , Debruyne Philip 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Acupuncture provides a possible complementary therapy which can be used alongside or following cancer treatment to relieve side-effects for cancer patients and survivors, such as pain and depression. Equally, it can provide relief from symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbance, which are recognised as significant issues among caregivers of those with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, disease survivors and their informal caregivers in relation to acupuncture.Methods: A questionnaire was developed to explore acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, disease survivors and their caregivers in relation to acupuncture, including motivations to use acupuncture, preferred symptoms to be addressed, and practical issues (location; cost).Results: A participation rate of 94.5% was obtained, with 116 participating patients and survivors, and 54 caregivers. Acceptability of acupuncture was around 1/3 for patients (34.5%; 40/116) and almost half for informal caregivers (48.0%; 26/54). In terms of preferences, the day care clinic was the favoured location for patients (52.5%; 21/40) to undergo acupuncture, while there was no specific preference on location observed for caregivers. A large number of patients indicated they would be willing to pay to receive the complementary therapy (60%; 24/40). Symptoms of fatigue, feeling listless, and pain were most often identified as complaints patients and survivors would use acupuncture for (60.0%, 57.5%, and 47.5% respectively). For informal caregivers, 48.0% (26/54) expressed an interest in using acupuncture for their pain, stress and sleeping difficulties.Conclusions: This study indicates that many cancer patients, disease survivors and informal caregivers would accept acupuncture as a complementary therapy. They could further identify many symptoms they felt this therapy could relieve. This openness to acupuncture, and expressed preferences provide the foundations for this complementary therapy to be incorporated into holistic and supportive cancer care, both for patients and those supporting them.
Heparanase regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells with multiple signaling pathways involved
Authors: Yang Chuanjia , Zhang Siyang , Chang Xiaoying , Huang Yonglian , Cui Dongxu , Liu Zhen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Heparanase (HPSE) is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase, which is found overexpressed in various human cancers. The purpose of our work was to investigate the possible role of HPSE and the involved signaling molecules in the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
Methods

The expression of HPSE was examined in 80 samples of PTC by immunohistochemistry. In cell studies, the expression plasmid of HPSE and RNA interference with shRNA specific for HPSE were used to elucidate the effects of HPSE on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in PTC cells of B-CPAP and KTC-1. The probable downstream signaling molecules of HPSE were also explored.
Results

75.0% (60 out of 80) of PTC samples was detected high expression of HPSE, which was significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and stage status. In cell studies, the upregulation of HPSE significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion of B-CPAP and KTC-1 cells, and interfered with cell apoptosis. On the contrary, knockdown of HPSE exhibited the opposite effects. Compared with the parental cells, HPSE silencing cells showed attenuated capabilities of proliferation, migration and invasion, yet the apoptotic rate of transfected cells was increased. The activations of various signaling molecules correlated with cell biological behavior were found to be regulated by HPSE upregulation or knockdown.
Conclusions

Our results suggested that HPSE probably contributed to the progression and metastasis of PTC, which were associated with multiple signaling pathways. HPSE could be a potent molecular target for the therapeutic strategy of PTC.
Fine structure of the silk spinning system in the caddisworm, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jeong , Sun Yan , Moon Myung-Jin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Silk is produced by a variety of insects, but only silk made by terrestrial arthropods has been examined in detail. To fill the gap, this study was designed to understand the silk spinning system of aquatic insect. The larvae of caddis flies, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus produce silk through a pair of labial silk glands and use raw silk to protect themselves in the aquatic environment. The result of this study clearly shows that although silk fibers are made under aquatic conditions, the cellular silk production system is quite similar to that of terrestrial arthropods. Typically, silk production in caddisworm has been achieved by two independent processes in the silk glands. This includes the synthesis of silk fibroin in the posterior region, the production of adhesive glycoproteins in the anterior region, which are ultimately accumulated into functional silk dope and converted to a silk ribbon coated with gluey substances. At the cellular level, each substance of fibroin and glycoprotein is specifically synthesized at different locations, and then transported from the rough ER to the Golgi apparatus as transport vesicles, respectively. Thereafter, the secretory vesicles gradually increase in size by vesicular fusion, forming larger secretory granules containing specific proteins. It was found that these granules eventually migrate to the apical membrane and are exocytosed into the lumen by a mechanism of merocrine secretion.
The Anxious Aspects of Insecure Attachment Styles are Associated with Depression Either in Pregnancy or in the Postpartum Period
Authors: Bianciardi Emanuela , Vito Cristina , Betrò Sophia , De Stefano Alberto , Siracusano Alberto , Niolu Cinzia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Perinatal depression (PND) is a major complication of pregnancy and many risk factors have been associated with its development both during pregnancy and postpartum. The transition to motherhood activates the attachment system. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between women`s attachment style (AS) and PND in pregnancy, and 1-month after childbirth, in a large cohort of women. We hypothesized that different patterns of AS were associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. We, further, explored the role of other possible risk factors such as life stress events.Methods: A final sample of 572 women was enrolled. At the third trimester of pregnancy, clinical data sheet and self-report questionnaires (ASQ, PSS, LTE-Q, EPDS) were administered. One month after delivery, EPDS was administered by telephone interview.Results: We found 10.1% of the women with depression during pregnancy and 11.1% in the postpartum period. The first logistic regression showed that ASQ-CONF subscale (OR=0, respectively, .876, p<0.0001), ASQ-NFA subscale (OR=1.097, p=0.002), foreign nationality (OR=2.29, p=0.040), low education levels (OR=0.185, p=0.012), PSS total score (OR=1.376, p=0.010), and recent life adversities (OR=3.250, p=0.012) were related to EPDS ≥14 during pregnancy. The second logistic regression showed that ASQ-PRE subscale (OR=1.077, p<0.001) and foreign nationality (OR=2.88, p=0.010) were related to EPDS ≥12 in the postpartum period.Conclusions: Different dimensions of anxious insecure AS were, respectively, associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. These findings support the literature investigating subtypes of perinatal depression. The PND may be heterogeneous in nature, and the comprehension of psychopathological trajectories may improve screening, prevention and treatment of a disorder which has a long-lasting disabling impact on the mental health of mother and child. We provided a rationale for targeting an attachment-based intervention in this group of women.
Machine learning techniques for mortality prediction in critical traumatic patients: anatomic and physiologic variables from the RETRAUCI study
Authors: Serviá Luis , Montserrat Neus , Badia Mariona , Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Barea-Mendoza Jesús , Chico-Fernández Mario , Sánchez-Casado Marcelino , Jimenez-Moragas José Manuel , Mayor-García Dolores María , Cabello Javier Trujillano 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Interest in models for calculating the risk of death in traumatic patients admitted to ICUs remains high. These models use variables derived from the deviation of physiological parameters and the intensity of anatomical lesions. Our objective is to create different predictive models of the mortality of critically traumatic patients using machine learning techniques.Methods: We used 9625 records from the RETRAUCI database (National Trauma Registry of 52 Spanish ICUs in the period of 2015–2019). Hospital mortality was 12.6%. Data on demographic variables, affected anatomical areas and physiological repercussions were used. The Weka Platform was used, along with a ten-fold cross-validation for the construction of nine supervised algorithms: logistic regression binary (LR), neural network (NN), sequential minimal optimization (SMO), classification rules (JRip), classification trees (CT), Bayesian networks (BN), adaptive boosting (ADABOOST), bootstrap aggregating (BAGGING) and random forest (RFOREST). The performance of the models was evaluated by accuracy, specificity, precision, recall, F-measure, and AUC.Results: The most important factors are those associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and organic failures. The LR finds thorax and limb injuries as independent protective factors of mortality. The CT generates 24 decision rules and uses those related to TBI as the first variables (range 2.0–81.6%). The JRip detects the eight rules with the highest risk of mortality (65.0–94.1%). The NN model uses a hidden layer of ten nodes, which requires 180 weights for its interpretation. The BN find the relationships between the different factors that identify different patient profiles. Models with the ensemble methodology (ADABOOST, BAGGING and RandomForest) do not have greater performance. All models obtain high values ​​in accuracy, specificity, and AUC, but obtain lower values ​​in recall. The greatest precision is achieved by the SMO model, and the BN obtains the best recall, F-measure, and AUC.Conclusion: Machine learning techniques are useful for creating mortality classification models in critically traumatic patients. With clinical interpretation, the algorithms establish different patient profiles according to the relationship between the variables used; determine groups of patients with different evolutions, and alert clinicians to the presence of rules that indicate the greatest severity.
Practical Tracking Control of Piezoelectric Actuators with Time-delay Estimation and Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Lin Hai-Ping , Gu Han-Lie , Yu Shengdong , Ma Jin-Yu , Wu Hong-Tao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A novel type of nonlinear robust control strategy is proposed in view of uncertain nonlinear factors, such as hysteresis, creep, and high-frequency vibration, of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs). This strategy can be used for the precise trajectory tracking of PEAs. The Bouc–Wen dynamic model is reasonably simplified to facilitate engineering application. The hysteresis term is summarized as an unknown term to avoid its nonlinear parameter identification. The controller robustness is achieved due to the nonsingular terminal sliding mode control, and the online estimation of unknown disturbances is realized because of the delay estimation technology; thus, no prior knowledge of the unknown boundary of the system is required. The precision robust differentiator is used to estimate the speed and acceleration signals in real time on the basis of the obtained displacement signals. The closed-loop stability of the system is proved by the Lyapunov criterion. Experimental results show that the proposed control strategy performs better than the traditional time-delay estimation control in terms of control accuracy and energy conservation. Therefore, the proposed control strategy can play an important role in the micro/nanofield driven by PEAs.
Nationwide study of mortality and survival in pregnancy-related streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Hasegawa Junichi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Murakoshi Takeshi , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Sekizawa Akihiko , Ikeda Tomoaki , Ishiwata Isamu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is associated with the highest rates of infection-related maternal mortality. We conducted a comparative analysis of background factors and treatment course between patients who survived and those who did not to improve our understanding of the optimal initial treatment approach for this fulminant disease.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical data collected from two national organizations. Clinical data of patients who died and of those who survived, including background information, clinical course, and treatment administered, were collated.
Results:
No statistical differences were found between groups for age, parity, season, gestational age, or the patient’s location at the onset of symptoms. After the onset of initial symptoms, survivors were administered antibiotics systematically during their first visit to a clinic (p = 0.006). More survivors had received treatment within 1 hour of onset of fulminant disease (p = 0.069). The number of fetal deaths was significantly higher in the mortality group (p = 0.003), while that of fetal survival was higher in the group of maternal survivors (p = 0.055). Maternal survivors with non-specific initial symptoms received early intervention if there was a family history of group A streptococcal infection or a positive rapid antigen test result.
Conclusions
Intensive care, including systemic administration of antibiotics, may contribute to maternal survival when administered immediately (within 1 hour) after the onset of fulminant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Eliciting a family history of streptococcal infection and conducting a rapid antigen test can identify patients needing early intervention.
SARS-CoV-2 and Obesity: “CoVesity” - A Pandemic Within A Pandemic
Authors: Zakka Kimberley , Chidambaram Swathikan , Mansour Sami , Mahawar Kamal , Salminen Paulina , Almino Ramos , Schauer Philip , Kinross James , Purkayastha Sanjay 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Individuals who are overweight or obese are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, making them particularly susceptible to developing severe forms of respiratory failure. Studies conducted in past pandemics link obesity with worse health outcomes. This population is thus of particular concern within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the cessation of obesity management services. This systematic review highlights (1) the reciprocal link between the obesity and COVID-19 pandemics (2) obesity as a risk factor for more severe disease in past pandemics, (3) potential mechanisms that make obese individuals more susceptible to severe disease and higher viral load, (4) the need to safely resume bariatric services as recommended by expert guidelines, in order to mitigate the health outcomes of an already vulnerable population.
Association between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Long-Term All-Cause Mortality in Thyroid Cancer Survivors: An Israeli Population-Based Study
Authors: Izkhakov Elena , Keinan-Boker Lital , Barchana Micha , Shacham Yacov , Yaish Iris , Neiderman Narin N. Carmel , Fliss Dan M. , Stern Naftali , Meyerovitch Joseph 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The global incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has risen considerably during the last three decades, while prognosis is generally favorable. We assessed the association between long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risk factors in TC survivors compared to the general population.
Methods: Individuals diagnosed with TC during 2001-2014 (TC group) and age- and sex-matched individuals from the same Israeli healthcare system without thyroid disease or a cancer history (non-TC group) were compared. Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for all-cause mortality were calculated by exposure status.
Results: During a 15-year follow-up (median 8 years), 577 TC survivors out of 5,677 (10.2%) TC patients and 1,235 individuals out of 23,962 (5.2%) non-TC patients died. The TC survivors had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.89, 95%CI 1.71-2.10), after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors already present at follow-up initiation. This increased risk was most pronounced in the 55- to 64-year-old age group (HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.33-1.67). The TC survivors who died by study closure had more hypertension (14.6% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.002), more dyslipidemia (11.4% vs. 7.2%, P < 0.001), and more cardiovascular disease (33.6% vs. 22.3%, P = 0.05) compared to those who died in the non-TC group.
Conclusions: This large cohort study showed higher all-cause mortality with a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease among TC survivors compared to matched non-TC individuals. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular risk factors in TC survivors is mandatory.
A Journey through Genetic Architecture and Predisposition of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Roberts Robert , Chang Chih Chao 
Published: June 2020

Introduction:
To halt the spread of coronary artery disease (CAD), the number one killer in
the world, requires primary prevention. Fifty percent of all Americans are expected to experience a
cardiac event; the challenge is identifying those at risk. 40 to 60% of predisposition to CAD is genetic.
The first genetic risk variant, 9p21, was discovered in 2007. Genome-Wide Association Studies has
since discovered hundreds of genetic risk variants. The genetic burden for CAD can be expressed as a
single number, Genetic Risk Score (GRS). Assessment of GRS to risk stratify for CAD was superior
to conventional risk factors in several large clinical trials assessing statin therapy, and more recently in
a population of nearly 500,000 (UK Biobank). Studies were performed based on prospective genetic
risk stratification for CAD. These studies showed that a favorable lifestyle was associated with a 46%
reduction in cardiac events and programmed exercise, a 50% reduction in cardiac events. Genetic risk
score is superior to conventional risk factors, and is markedly attenuated by lifestyle changes and drug
therapy. Genetic risk can be determined at birth or any time thereafter.

Conclusion:
Utilizing the GRS to risk stratify young, asymptomatic individuals could provide a paradigm
shift in the primary prevention of CAD and significantly halt its spread.
Synthesis of New Cyanopyridine Scaffolds and their Biological Activities
Authors: Alhakamy Nabil A. , Noor Ahmad O. , Hosny Khaled M. , Nasr Jenny Jeehan , Fouda Moustafa M.G. , Khattab Tawfik A. , Gaffer Hatem E. 
Published: June 2020

Background:
3-Cyanopyridine analogues are significant moieties with a variety of biological effects
such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents. In addition, they could be applied in
the treatment of several diseases.

Objective:
The study conducted cyclo-addition of 3a-e derivatives with malononitrile to yield the corresponding
6-(4-((3-cyano-pyridinyl) amino) phenyl)-4-phenylnicotinonitriles 4a-e.

Materials and Methods:
Physical and spectral analyses were performed to demonstrate the proper structures of
all incorporated analogues. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the preps derivatives was investigated by testing
them with a panel of pathogenic strains of bacteria and fungi. The anti-tuberculosis activity was observed against
the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. When examining cytotoxic agents for four different cell lines, researchers
found that their activity was persuasive compared with that of standard antibiotics. In addition, the antioxidant
activity of the synthesized analogues was evaluated using the DPPH method.

Results and Discussions:
The synthesized analogues were examined to determine their activity against the M.
tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Derivatives 2c, 2e, 3d and 3e had good inhibition. Further screening was done for the
highest potency against M. tuberculosis to determine the MICs. The antioxidant efficacy was evaluated via the
DPPH technique matched with vitamin C as a positive control. The prospective results showed that the derivatives
did not display scavenging efficacies in comparison with the standard.

Conclusion:
Some synthesized derivatives displayed good potency against bacterial activity and M. Tuberculosis.
However, the antioxidant performance of these derivatives did not display scavenging efficacies compared to vitamin
C. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized derivatives was examined against various cell lines to display
good cytotoxic activity in the order 4a-e > 2a-e > 3a-b.
A Rapid Method for the Determination of Buprenorphine and Norbuprenorphine in Urine by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Kul Aykut , Ozdemir Murat , Ozilhan Selma , Sagirli Olcay 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Buprenorphine is quite common in the illicit market. Buprenorphinecontaining
drug abuse is frequently encountered in patients. The analysis methods used to determine
the abuse of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine are important for forensic science. Buprenorphine is
metabolized to norbuprenorphine by the liver.

Objective:
Therefore, the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in urine is one of the methods to
determine the abuse of buprenorphine.

Methods:
In this study, we developed a precise, simple, and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography-
tandem mass spectrometer method for the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine
simultaneously.

Results:
The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity and linearity, which was in the
range of 9–1800 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. The intra-assay and inter-assay
accuracy and precision were found within acceptable limits of the EMA guideline. Lower limits of
quantitation were 9 ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine.

Conclusion:
The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of both analytes in the proficiency
testing samples.