bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Exploratory Research of NSCLC with Concomitant EGFR Mutations and ALK Rearrangements
Authors: Han Qiman , Zhang Chuantao , Jiang Man , Li Tianjun , Zhu Jingjuan , Zhou Na , Hou Helei , Zhang Xiaochun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are two driver alterations and are generally considered mutually exclusive in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of EGFR/ALK co-alterations in patients with NSCLC is low, and the clinicopathological features and optimal targeted therapies of these subtype of patients are still controversial. Methods: We describe three cases of NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement. All of them received more-line therapies and showed the long-term survival benefit from targeted therapies.In addition, we searched PUBMED, EMBASE and MEDLINE up to September, 2020. 91 EGFR/ALK co-altered patients of NSCLC included for analysis in our study. Survival curves were created by Kaplan-Meier method and group comparison analyses of progression free survival (PFS) were using log-rank test. Result: A total of 91 patients were summarized in our study from previous literatures. The patients of NSCLC with coexisting EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements are more likely to occur in female, non-smoker, Asian origin, adenocarcinoma, and IV stage. The disease control rate (DCR) of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which targeted EGFR and ALK as first-line targeted therapy was 62% and 78%, respectively. The median PFS on first EGFR-TKI and first ALK-TKI therapy were 5.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20 – 9.40 months) and 6.0 months (95% CI 0.00 – 14.69 months) in EGFR/ALK co-altered NSCLC patients. Among patients who were treated with EGFR-TKI as first-line targeted therapy, univariant analysis showed that PFS have no significant difference between male and female (p = 0.22), and there is also no difference between Asian and Caucasian (p =0.939). The median PFS between first- and second-line targeted therapies was 7.0 months (95% CI 4.83 -9.17 months) and 2.0 months (95% CI 0.96-3.05 months) (p = 0.075). Survival curves showed the significantly prolonged PFS between patients without and with CNS metastasis (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Both EGFR-TKIs and ALK-TKIs have been proved their effectiveness to EGFR/ALK double-positive NSCLC patients. The curative effect of combination targeted therapies and sequential treatment regimens are still in exploration.
Arsenic Trioxide Synergistically Promotes the Antileukaemic Activity of Venetoclax by Downregulating Mcl-1 in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Cho Hyunsoo , Jang Ji Eun , Eom Ju-In , Jeung Hoi-Kyung , Chung Haerim , Kim Jin Seok , Cheong June-Won , Min Yoo Hong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe evasion of apoptosis through dysregulated Bcl-2 family members is a hallmark of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 with venetoclax has been suggested as an attractive strategy for inducing apoptosis in AML LSCs. However, the selective inhibition of Bcl-2 in AML often leads to upregulation of Mcl-1, another dominant anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein conferring venetoclax resistance.MethodsWe assessed the combined effect of venetoclax and arsenic trioxide (ATO) on leukaemic cell viability, apoptosis, combination index, and cell cycle in the human LSC-like KG1 and KG1a cells. The synergistic effect of venetoclax and ATO on apoptosis was also examined in primary CD34+ and CD34+CD38- LSCs from the bone marrow (BM) of AML patients, and compared with those from healthy donors.ResultsVenetoclax efficiently impaired cell viability and dose-dependently promoted apoptosis when combined with ATO; their synergism was aptly represented by the combination index. The combination of venetoclax and ATO impaired cell cycle progression by restricting cells within the sub-G1 phase and facilitating caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death associated with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, while sparing healthy BM haematopoietic stem cells. Mechanistically, ATO mitigated venetoclax-induced upregulation of Mcl-1 by the inhibition of AKT and ERK, along with activation of GSK-3β. This led to the Mcl-1 destabilisation, triggering Noxa and Bim to facilitate apoptosis and the consequent activation of the apoptosis executioner protein Bak. Moreover, the combination promoted phosphorylation of ATM, Chk2, p38, and H2AX, indicating an active DNA damage response.Conclusions﻿Our findings demonstrate the synergistic, preferential antileukaemic effects of venetoclax and ATO on LSCs, providing a rationale for preclinical and clinical trials by combining these agents already being used in clinical practice to treat acute leukaemia.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Residents’ Side of the Story: A Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Alshdaifat Eman , Sindiani Amer , khasawneh Wasim , Abu-Azzam Omar , Qarqash Aref , Abushukair Hassan , Obeidat Nail 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Residency training programs have been impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study we aim to investigate and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on residents as well as residency training programs.Methods: A survey of 43 questions was prepared on Google forms and distributed among residents at a tertiary center in North Jordan in the period between October 30th and November 8th of 2020. The survey included questions that addressed the impact of the pandemic on residents’ health as well as training programs. Our cohort was stratified according to the type of residency program (surgical residents (SRs) and non-surgical residents (NSRs)). Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and Mann Whitney U test. A two-sided p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 430 residents in the institute, 255 (59%) residents responded to the survey. Participation rate among SRs was 74% (121/164) compared with 50% among NSRs (134/266). A total of 17 (7%) of residents reported being infected with COVID-19 and a significant difference was reported between SRs and NSRs (10% vs 4%, P = 0.048). Approximately, 106 (42%) reported a decrease in the number of staff working at the clinic and 164 (64%) reported limited access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic. NSRs were more likely to be trained to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 spread compared to SRs (57% vs 37% P= 0.002, 55% vs 41% p=0.026 respectively) Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the workflow of residency training programs is very significant, thus institutes should modify their programs to fit residents’ needs to maintain education without any compromise in their health status. Training healthcare workers should be given a priority in any healthcare-related crisis as they are the first line in combating such circumstances.
Rosuvastatin: Morphological and Respiratory Effects of High Doses on Liver Mitochondria from Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Zagoya Juan C Diaz , Marín-Medina Alejandro , Zetina-Esqu Alma M. , Blé-Castillo Jorge L. , Castell-Rodríguez Andrés E. , Juárez-Rojop Isela E. , Miranda-Zamora Rodrigo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Statins are the cornerstone of therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia. In high risk patients statins are employed for aggressive therapy, however part of the users are intolerant to these drugs. The aim of this study was to analyze the undesirable effects of moderate, median and high doses of rosuvastatin in CD-1 male mice that received a cholesterol-rich diet, focusing in the morphological and functional changes on hepatocyte mitochondria. Methods: We studied in a mouse model the combined administration of a cholesterol-rich diet (HD) along with a moderate high dose of rosuvastatin (Ro): 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/Kg/day during several days. Animals (n=6) were sacrificed, the liver mitochondria were isolated for analysis of respiratory function and microscopic studies. The respiratory control (state 3/state 4) and the O2 expenditure (nanoatoms/min/mg proteins) were evaluated. Results: Rosuvastatin doses higher than 20 mg/Kg/day induced premature death in hypercholesterolemic mice but not in mice with a cholesterol-free diet. Doses from 2.5 to 5 mg/Kg/day also induced morphological and functional alterations in mitochondria but the hypercholesterolemic animals survived longer. A dose of 1 mg/Kg/day, which is close to the maximal therapeutic dose employed in humans, did not affect mitochondrial architecture or respiratory function after two months of treatment. We analyzed the effect of rosuvastatin on the hepatic tissue where statins are most retained after their administration, and the main site of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Conclusions: Our results contribute to understand the undesirable side effects of rosuvastatin in hypercholesterolemic mice, effects that can also be present in human being intolerant to statins.
Pancreatic inflammatory myofibroblastic of the pancreatic neck: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Lin Yaoxiang , Li Mengxia , Zhang Ting , Zhang Lele , Wan Dalong , Lin Shengzhang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPancreatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a relatively rare disease, which is often confused with pancreatic cancer or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Its histological features are fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation, accompanied by varying degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration. Case presentationHerein, we presented the management of IMT occurring at the neck of pancreas. A 66-year-old female patient was diagnosed as pancreatic neck mass after a series of tests. Then she underwent enucleation of pancreatic neck tumor followed by pathological diagnosis of IMT. Meanwhile, we reviewed the clinical features and pathological diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic IMT which were previously reported. To our knowledge, this is the unique case of enucleation of pancreatic IMT. ConclusionIn the management of pancreatic IMT, we concluded that enucleation may be a safe and efficient surgical method for the management of pancreatic IMT and may also provide a better prognosis. Further accumulation of cases is required to explore the surgical measure of pancreatic IMTs.
A Low Cost &amp; Open Access System for Rapid Synthesis of Large Volumes of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Ross Alex , Muñoz Marcelo , Rotstein Benjamin , Suuronen Erik , Alarcon Emilio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rapid synthesis of nanomaterials in scalable quantities is critical for accelerating discovery and commercial translation of nanoscale-based technologies. The synthesis of metal nanogold and silver in volumes larger than 100 mL is not automatized and might require of the use of harsh conditions that in most cases is detrimental for the production of nanoparticles with reproducible size distribution. In this work, we present the development and optimization of an open access low-cost NanoParticle Flow Synthesis System (NPFloSS) that allows for the rapid preparation of volumes of up to 1L of gold and silver nanoparticle aqueous solutions.
The Impact of Oxygen and Pentoxifylline in Hypoxic Condition
Authors: Cho Young-Duck , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Park Sung-Jun , Yu Woo-Sung , Kim Jung-Youn , Cho Han-Jin , Lim Chae-Seung , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Shin Tae-Gun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Among major trauma patients in the emergency department (ED), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality is a hemorrhagic shock. The low oxygen flow with hypovolemia in trauma patients is believed to play a significant role. Hence, oxygen supply is essential in severe trauma patients with massive hemorrhage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different oxygen environments (hypoxia 1%, normoxia 20%, hyperoxia 80% oxygen) and variable treatments such as pentoxifylline (PTX), glycerol, hypertonic saline (HTS), protease inhibitor and dexamethasone (DEXA) in macrophage and T cells. Methods: Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were measured for macrophage. MIF, interleukin (IL)-2 and 8 were measured for T cells. MTT assay was done for measuring T cell viability. Coculture was done on T cells on top of macrophages and the same protocols were carried out. Results: PTX decreased iNOS expression mostly followed by Glycerol under hypoxia. Under the hyperoxia, PTX and other treatments decreased iNOS expressions. MIF expression was lowered with PTX under hypoxia. PTX, glycerol, HTS, and protease inhibitor were effective under hyperoxia. PTX increased T cell survival under hypoxia. Under the hyperoxia, IL-2 expressions were upregulated with PTX, Glycerol, and HTS. PTX and other treatments were effective for IL-8, too. Our results indicate that PTX, HTS, and other medications with oxygen showed an effect on macrophage and T cells under various insults and stimulations. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated potential usefulness in improving immune systems during severe inflammatory conditions similar to septic shock possibly caused by massive hemorrhage.
Manganese oxides synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method: phase evolution and structure refinement
Authors: Neto Roumanos G. D. , Macedo Wagner Costa , Fernandes José D. , Albas Agda E. S. , Teixeira Silvio R. , Longo Elson 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Manganese oxides were synthesized during 40 min at 140 ºC via Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal (MAH) method and treated at different temperatures in order to evaluate the phase evolution using structure refinement (Rietveld method). The samples obtained were heat treated at temperatures defined by means of thermal analysis (160 ºC, 480 ºC, 715 ºC, 870 ºC, 920 ºC and 1150 ºC) and analyzed by XRD, XRF, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman scattering and SEM. Structural characterizations allowed to identify five distinct phases: α-MnO2, Mn3O4, Mn5O8, Na2Mn5O10 and Na4Mn9O18 with weight percentages dependent on the heat treatment. The hausmannite structure (average crystallite size ranging from 28.9 nm to 99.1 nm) is present in all samples and go through various oxidation and reduction processes from 160 ºC to 1150 ºC without any major variation in the lattice parameters. The results presented enables a better interpretation of the thermal and structural characteristics of manganese oxides synthesized via MAH.
Highly improved supercapacitance properties of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles by MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Sharifi Samira , Rahimi Kourosh , Yazdani Ahmad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and combined with exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets, and the nanocomposite was studied as a supercapacitor. X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the crystalline structures and structural characteristics of the nanocomposite. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images showed the uniform and dense distribution of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (~ 10 nm) on few-layer MoS2 nanosheets (~ 2 to 3 µm in width). UV-visible absorption photospectrometry indicated a decrease in the bandgap of MnFe2O4 by MoS2, resulting in a higher conductivity that is suitable for capacitance. Electrochemical tests showed that the incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets largely increased the specific capacitance of MnFe2O4 from 600 to 2093 F/g (with the corresponding energy density and power density of 46.51 Wh/kg and 213.64 W/kg, respectively) at 1 A/g, and led to better charge-discharge cycling stability. We also demonstrated a real-world application of the MnFe2O4/MoS2 nanocomposite in a two-cell asymmetric supercapacitor setup. A density functional theory study was also performed on the MnFe2O4/MoS2 interface to analyze how a MoS2 monolayer can enhance the electronic properties of MnFe2O4 towards a higher specific capacitance.
Synthesis, Characterization and Encapsulation of Novel Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in Biopolymer Matrices
Authors: Vlahoviček-Kahlina Kristina , Jurić Slaven , Marijan Marijan , Mutaliyeva Botagoz , Khalus Svetlana , Prosyanik Alexander , Vincekovic Marko 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Novel plant growth regulators (PGRs) based on the derivatives of dehydroamino acids (2,3-dehydroaspartic acid dimethyl ester, Z-isomer of the potassium salt of 2-amino-3-methoxycarbonylacrylic acid and 1-methyl-3-methylamino-maleimide) have been synthesized and their growth-regulating properties investigated. Laboratory testing and field experiments revealed new compounds are highly effective environmentally friendly plant growth regulators with effects on different crops. Biopolymeric microcapsule formulations (chitosan/alginate microcapsule loaded with PGR) suitable for application in agriculture were prepared and characterized. Physicochemical properties and release profiles of PGRs from microcapsule formulations depend on the molecular interactions between microcapsule constituents including mainly electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The differences in the microcapsule formulations structure did not affect the mechanism of PGRs release which was identified as diffusion through microcapsules. The obtained results opened a perspective for the future use of microcapsule formulations as new promising agroformulations with a sustained and target release for plant growth regulation.
Risk factors of preoperative frailty in elderly inpatients with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Meng , Hu Shaohua , Meng Lei , Xi Jing , Xu Aman , Zhang Yanyan , Yu Shihui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Frailty is emerging as an important determinant for health, while researches in the field of frailty start at a later stage in China and mainly focuses on community elderly dwellers. Little is known about frailty in cancer patients in China, nor the risk factors of frailty. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty and its risk factors in elderly inpatients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary hospital in China from Mar. 2020 to Nov. 2020. The study enrolled 265 inpatients aged 60 and older with gastrointestinal cancer who successfully underwent surgery. The demographic and clinical characteristics, biochemical laboratory parameters, and anthropometric data were collected from all patients. The Groningen Frailty Indicator was applied to assess patients’ frailty status. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis was carried out to identify risk factors of frailty and estimate their 95% confidence intervals.
Results

The prevalence of frailty in elderly inpatients with gastrointestinal cancer was 43.8%. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (OR = 1.065, 95% CI: 1.001–1.132, P = 0.045), low handgrip strength (OR = 4.346, 95% CI: 1.739–10.863, P = 0.002), no regular exercise habit (OR = 3.228, 95% CI: 1.230–8.469, P = 0.017), and low MNA-SF score (OR = 11.090, 95% CI: 5.119–24.024, P < 0.001) were risk factors of frailty.
Conclusions

This study suggested that the prevalence of frailty was high among elderly inpatients with gastrointestinal cancer. Older age, low handgrip strength, no regular exercise habit, and low MNA-SF score were risk factors of frailty.
Effectiveness of Short-Range UV-LED Irradiation in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Using Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Ochiai Satoshi , Nishida Yoshihiro , Higuchi Yoshitoshi , Morita Daigo , Makida Kazuya , Seki Taisuke , Ikuta Kunihiro , Imagama Shiro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is crucial condition that reduces the QOL of affected patients just like aged type osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of short-range UV-LED irradiation in postmenopausal osteoporosis using ovariectomized mice. Preliminary experiments identified the time of onset of osteoporosis after ovariectomy (8 weeks) in our model. We have set up a total of 4 groups (n=8/group); vitamin D-repletion with UV irradiation (Vit.D+UV+), vitamin D-repletion without UV irradiation (Vit.D+UV-), vitamin D-deficiency with UV irradiation (Vit.D-UV+), vitamin D-deficiency without UV irradiation (Vit.D-UV-), and. From 8 weeks after ovariectomy, UV was irradiated for 24 weeks. At the time of 16 and 24 weeks’ irradiation, serum Vit.D levels, various markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density, and bone strength were evaluated, and histological analyses were performed. In addition, muscle strength was analyzed. Serum 25 (OH) D levels at 40 and 48 weeks of age were increased in the Vit.D-UV + group compared to the Vit.D-UV-group. Cortical thickness evaluated with micro-CT and strength of bone were significantly higher in Vit.D-UV+ group than those in Vit.D-UV- group. There was no difference in muscle strength between Vit.D-UV+ group and Vit.D-UV- group. No obvious adverse effects were observed in UV-irradiated mice including skin findings. Short-range UV irradiation may ameliorate postmenopausal osteoporosis associated with a state of vitamin D deficiency.
Protein Intake (&lt;1.0 g/kg) Is a Risk Factor for Malnutrition in Patients With Cirrhosis.
Authors: Park Jin Hwa , Kang Minkoo , Jun Dae Won , Kim Mimi , Kang Bo-kyeong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and aimsThe prevalence of malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis is considerably high. Protein intake is a well-known risk factor for malnutrition, but studies on adequate protein intake are very scarce. We investigated the prevalence of malnutrition and amount of adequate protein intake in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsIn total, 361 patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. Muscle quality and quantity were retrospectively assessed using the grip strength test and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Subjective global assessment (SGA) of malnutrition and dietary intake assessments were performed by a clinical dietician.ResultsThe prevalence rates of sarcopenia, malnutrition assessed by SGA, and inadequate energy intake were 22.7%, 13.6%, and 27.5% respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition evaluated using any of the assessment methods was 46.3%, and no significant difference was observed according to liver disease etiology. The prevalence of malnutrition increased with the increasing disease severity and decreasing BMI. The prevalence of malnutrition was 64.4% in patients with protein intake <1.0 g/kg. Low protein intake, Child–Pugh C grade, older age, and low BMI were independent risk factors for malnutrition in multivariate analysis.ConclusionProtein intake below 1.0 g/kg is an independent risk factor for malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis.
Experimental investigations of micromachining characteristics on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by cryogenic micro abrasive jet machining
Authors: Zhang Guiguan , Sun Yuli , Gao Hang , Zuo Dunwen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, a cryogenic micro-abrasive jet machining (CMAJM) experimental system is designed and built based on the glass transition characteristics of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Fixed processing parameters are then used to evaluate the effectiveness of machining PDMS by micro-abrasive jet machining (MAJM) at room and cryogenic temperatures, and the results show that cryogenic could improves the processing quality of PDMS. Based on this, experiments are conducted into how microchannel processing quality is influenced by the scanning speed and the erosion distance, pressure, and angle. The results show that better PDMS microchannels are processed when the erosion distance is 2.5–3.5 μm, the erosion pressure is 0.4 MPa, the erosion angle is 60–75°, and the scanning speed is 0.25 mm/s.