bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgery for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, a comparison with non-surgical treatments: a retrospective study outcomes of resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Park Hyeong Min , Park Sang-Jae , Han Sung-Sik , Kim Seoung Hoon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe designed a retrospective study to compare prognostic outcomes based on whether or not surgical resection was performed in elderly patients aged(≥75 years) with resectable pancreatic cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 49 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer (surgery group, resection was performed for 38 cases; no surgery group, resection was not performed for 11 cases) diagnosed from January 2003 to December 2014 at the National Cancer Center, Korea.ResultsThere was no significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The surgery group showed significantly better overall survival after diagnosis than the no surgery group (2-year survival rate, 40.7% vs. 0%; log-rank test,p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed that not having undergone surgical resection [hazard ratio (HR) 2.412,P = 0.022] and a high Charlson comorbidity index (HR 5.252,P = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival in elderly patients with early stage pancreatic cancer.ConclusionsIn the present study, surgical resection resulted in better prognosis than non-surgical resection for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Except for patients with a high Charlson comorbidity index, an aggressive surgical approach seems to be beneficial for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.
Glioma SOX2 expression decreased after adjuvant therapy
Authors: Yu Wei , Ren Xiaoqiu , Hu Chunxiu , Tan Yinuo , Shui Yongjie , Chen Zexin , Zhang Lili , Peng Jiaping , Wei Qichun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
SOX2 is regarded as an important marker in stem cell. The change of SOX2 expression after adjuvant therapy in high grade glioma (HGG) remains unknown so far. Few patients with recurrent glioma have opportunity to undergo operation once again, so the recurrent glioma samples are scarce. This study tries to analyze SOX2 expression in paired primary and recurrent HGG, aims to better understand the transformation law of SOX2 after adjuvant therapy in HGG.

Methods
Twenty-four recurrent HGG patients who undergone a second resection were included. 16 patients received adjuvant therapy, the remaining 8 patients didn’t receive any adjuvant therapy at all. The protein expression of SOX2 in paired primary and recurrent HGG was tested by immunohistochemistry. The statistical analysis was conducted by IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0.

Results
In primary HGG, SOX2 expression of 3 + , 2 + , 1+ and 0+ were seen in 20 (83.3%), 1 (4.2%), 1 (4.2%) and 2 cases (8.3%), respectively. The expression of SOX2 was decreased in recurrent HGG compared to the paired primary sample (p = 0.001). The decrease of SOX2 was often seen in patients received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both (p = 0.003). Patients with SOX2 high expression in primary glioma had a longer median PFS than those with SOX2 low expression with marginal statistic significance (12.7 vs. 5.4 months, p = 0.083). For cases with SOX2 high expression in the primary glioma, those had SOX2 low expression after recurrence seemed to have worse prognosis as compared to patients with stable SOX2 high expression (PFS: 10.4 vs. 14.9 months, p = 0.036; OS: 27.0 vs 49.5 months, p = 0.005).

Conclusions
This is the first study comparing the protein expression of SOX2 in recurrent HGG and its paired primary tumor. SOX2 high expression is common in brain HGG, a tendency of decreased SOX2 expression in recurrent gliomas was evidenced. Lower SOX2 expression was seen in those patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Patients with low SOX2 expression in primary HGG usually have poorer prognosis, those with SOX2 expression decreased in recurrent HGG had worse outcome.
Factors analysis on the use of key quality indicators for narrowing the gap of quality of care of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Xi , Su Shaofei , Wang Xinyu , Li Jingkun , Bao Xiaoqiang , Liu Meina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
There are differences in the quality of care among breast cancer patients. Narrowing the quality differences could be achieved by increasing the utilization rate of indicators. Here we explored key indicators that can improve the quality of care and factors that may affect the use of these indicators.

Methods
A total of 3669 breast cancer patients were included in our retrospective study. We calculated patient quality-of-care composite score based on patient average method. Patients were divided into high- and low-quality groups according to the mean score. We obtained the indicators with large difference in utilization between the two groups. Multilevel logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing quality of care and use of indicators.

Results
The mean composite score was 0.802, and the number of patients in the high- and low-quality groups were 1898 and 1771, respectively. Four indicators showed a difference in utilization between the two groups of over 40%. Histological grade, pathological stage, tumor size and insurance type were the factors affecting the quality of care. In single indicator evaluation, besides the above factors, age, patient income and number of comorbidities may also affect the use of these four indicators. Number of comorbidities may have opposite effects on the use of different indicators, as does pathological stage.

Conclusions
Identifying key indicators for enhancing the quality-of-care of breast cancer patients and factors that affect the indicator adherence may provide guides for enhancing the utilization rate of these indicators in clinical practice.
Trends in overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status in Year 6 school children, Australian Capital Territory, 2006–2018
Authors: Yang Zongjian , Phung Hai , Hughes Ann-Maree , Sherwood Sommer , Harper Emily , Kelly Paul 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Due to the high prevalence and adverse consequences, overweight and obesity in children continues to be a major public health concern worldwide. Socioeconomic background and health-related behaviours (such as diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors) are important factors associated with weight status in children. Using a series of height and weight assessments from the Australian Capital Territory Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (ACTPANS), trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status were examined in ACT Year 6 school children between 2006 and 2018.

Methods
The ACTPANS has been conducted every 3 years since 2006. A total of 6729 children were surveyed. Complete data on height and weight were available for 6384 (94.9%) participants. Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associations between weight status and risk factors (such as socioeconomic status, physical activity, screen time and consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (SSD)) were examined using logistic regression.

Results
The prevalence of overweight and obesity remained stable in girls (from 22.5% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2018) but declined in boys (from 27.8 to 17.9%). During the same period, levels of physical activity increased slightly, while screen time and the consumption of fast food and SSD decreased. Socioeconomic gradient, based on the school-level Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA), was highly associated with prevalence of overweight and obesity. Since 2006, the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained high in the lowest SES groups, but a concurrent downward trend was observed in the highest SES group, leading to increasing disparity between SES groups. Children in the lowest ICSEA quintile were more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those in the moderate and highest ICSEA quintiles. Children in lower ICSEA quintiles also reported lower levels of physical activity, higher levels of screen time, and higher levels of fast food and SSD consumption compared to those in higher ICSEA quintiles.

Conclusions
While recent trends in overweight and obesity in ACT children are encouraging, the prevalence remains unacceptably high, especially in those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Additional prevention efforts are required to address the socioeconomic disparity.
Protocol for an effectiveness- implementation hybrid trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an m-health intervention to decrease the consumption of discretionary foods packed in school lunchboxes: the ‘SWAP IT’ trial
Authors: Sutherland Rachel , Brown Alison , Nathan Nicole , Janssen Lisa , Reynolds Renee , Walton Alison , Hudson Nayerra , Chooi Amelia , Yoong Serene , Wiggers John , Bailey Andrew , Evans Nicole , Gillham Karen , Oldmeadow Christopher , Searles Andrew , Reeves Penny , Rissel Chris , Davies Marc , Reilly Kathryn , Cohen Brad , McCallum Tim , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
At a population level, small reductions in energy intake have the potential to contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of childhood obesity. In many school systems, there is the potential to achieve a reduction in energy intake through modest improvements in foods packed in children’s school lunchboxes. This study will assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multi-component intervention that uses an existing school-based communication application to reduce the kilojoule content from discretionary foods and drinks consumed by children from school lunchboxes whilst at school.

Methods
A Type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in up to 36 primary schools in the Hunter New England, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia. Designed using the Behaviour Change Wheel, schools will be randomly allocated to receive either a 5-month (1.5 school terms) multi-component intervention that includes: 1) school lunchbox nutrition guidelines; 2) curriculum lessons; 3) information pushed to parents via an existing school-based communication application and 4) additional parent resources to address common barriers to packing healthy lunchboxes or a control arm (standard school practices). The study will assess both child level dietary outcomes and school-level implementation outcomes. The primary trial outcome, mean energy (kJ) content of discretionary lunchbox foods packed in children’s lunchboxes, will be assessed at baseline and immediately post intervention (5 months or 1.5 school terms). Analyses will be performed using intention to treat principles, assessing differences between groups via hierarchical linear regression models.

Discussion
This study will be the first fully powered randomised controlled trial internationally to examine the impact of an m-health intervention to reduce the mean energy from discretionary food and drinks packed in the school lunchbox. The intervention has been designed with scalability in mind and will address an important evidence gap which, if shown to be effective, has the potential to be applied at a population level.

Trial registration
Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN:12618001731280 registered on 17/10/2018. Protocol Version 1.
Perceived discrimination in bateyes of the Dominican Republic: results from the Everyday Discrimination Scale and implications for public health programs
Authors: Keys Hunter M. , Noland Gregory S. , De Rochars Madsen Beau , Taylor Thomas H. , Blount Stephen , Gonzales Manuel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiscrimination is a major driver of health disparities among minority groups and can impede the reach of public health programs. In the Dominican Republic, residents ofbateyes, or agricultural ‘company towns,’ often face barriers to health care. This study examined the extent of perceived discrimination amongbateypopulations and places the findings within the context of disease elimination efforts.MethodsIn March—April 2016, a stratified, multi-stage cluster survey that included the 9-item Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) was conducted among residents (n = 768) ofbateyesacross the Dominican Republic. Exploratory factor analysis, differential item functioning, and linear and logistic regression were used to assess associations between EDS scores, ethnic group status, reasons for discrimination, and healthcare-seeking behavior.ResultsThree ethnic groups were identified in the population: Haitian-born persons (42.5%), Dominican-born persons with Haitian descent (25.5%), and Dominican-born persons without Haitian descent (32.0%). Mean EDS scores (range 0–45) were highest among persons born in Haiti (18.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.4–20.1), followed by persons with Haitian descent (16.5, 95% CI = 14.9–18.0), and those without Haitian descent (13.3, 95% CI = 12.1–14.5). Higher EDS scores were significantly associated with Haitian birth (β = 6.8, 95% CI = 4.2—9.4;p < 0.001) and Haitian descent (β = 6.1, 95% CI = 3.2—9.0; p < 0.001). Most respondents (71.5%) had scores high enough to elicit reasons for their discrimination. Regardless of ethnic group, poverty was a common reason for discrimination, but Haitian-born and Haitian-descended people also attributed discrimination to their origin, documentation status, or skin color. EDS scores were not significantly associated with differences in reported care-seeking for recent fever (β = 1.7, 95% CI = − 1.4—4.9;p = 0.278).ConclusionPerceived discrimination is common amongbateyresidents of all backgrounds but highest among Haitian-born people. Discrimination did not appear to be a primary barrier to care-seeking, suggesting other explanations for reduced care-seeking among Haitian populations. Public health community engagement strategies should avoid exacerbating stigma, build active participation in programs, and work towards community ownership of disease control and elimination goals.
Association of military life experiences and health indicators among military spouses
Authors: Corry Nida H. , Radakrishnan Sharmini , Williams Christianna S. , Sparks Alicia C. , Woodall Kelly A. , Fairbank John A. , Stander Valerie A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The health and well-being of military spouses directly contribute to a robust military force by enabling the spouse to better support the active duty member’s career. In order to understand the overall health and well-being of military spouses, we assessed health indicators among military spouses using the Healthy People 2020 framework and examined associations of these health indicators with military experiences and psychosocial factors.

Methods
Using data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study, a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored survey of 9872 spouses of service members with 2–5 years of military service, we examined attainment of Healthy People 2020 goals for spouses and service members, including healthy weight, exercise, sleep, and alcohol and tobacco use. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of spouse health indicators with stressful military life experiences and social support, adjusting for demographics and military descriptors. The spousal survey was administered nationwide in 2011.

Results
The majority of military spouses met each health goal assessed. However, less than half met the healthy weight and the strength training goals. Reporting greater perceived family support from the military was associated with better behavioral health outcomes, while having no one to turn to for support was associated with poorer outcomes. Using the Healthy People 2020 objectives as a framework for identifying key health behaviors and benchmarks, this study identified factors, including military-specific experiences, that may contribute to physical health behaviors and outcomes among military spouses. With respect to demographic characteristics, the findings are consistent with other literature that women are more likely to refrain from risky substance use and that greater education is associated with better overall health outcomes.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that enhanced social and military support and tailored programming for military spouses may improve health outcomes and contribute to the well-being of military couples. Such programming could also bolster force readiness and retention.
Possible value of antifibrotic drugs in patients with progressive fibrosing non-IPF interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Torrisi Sebastiano Emanuele , Kahn Nicolas , Wälscher Julia , Sarmand Nilab , Polke Markus , Lars Kehler , Eichinger Monika , Heussel Claus Peter , Palmucci Stefano , Sambataro Francesca Maria , Sambataro Gianluca , Sambataro Domenico , Vancheri Carlo , Kreuter Michael 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Fibrosing, non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (non-IPF) interstitial lung diseases (fILDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by a different amount of inflammation and fibrosis. Therapy is currently based on corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators. However, response to these therapies is highly variable, sometimes without meaningful improvement, especially in more fibrosing forms. Pirfenidone and nintedanib have recently demonstrated to reduce functional decline in patients with IPF. However, their antifibrotic mechanism makes these two drugs an interesting approach for treatment of fibrosing ILDs other than IPF.

Objectives
We here report our experience with antifibrotic drugs in fibrosing non-IPF ILDs patients having a progressive phenotype during immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods
Patients with a multidisciplinary team diagnosis of fibrosing non-IPF ILDs experiencing a progressive phenotype during treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators between October-2014 and January-2018 at our tertiary referral Center for ILDs were retrospectively analyzed. Antifibrotic therapy was administered after application with the respective health insurance company and after consent by the patient. Pulmonary-function-tests and follow-up visits were performed every 6 ± 1 months.

Results
Eleven patients were treated with antifibrotic drugs (8 males, mean age 62 ± 12.8 years, mean FVC% 62.8 ± 22.3, mean DLCO% 35.5 ± 10.7, median follow-up under antifibrotic treatment 11.1 months). Patients had a diagnosis of unclassifiable ILD in 6 cases, pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in 2 cases, idiopathic-NSIP in 1 case, asbestos-related ILD in 1 case and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome in 1 case. Treatment before antifibrotics consisted of corticosteroids in all patients: 5 combined with Azathioprin, 1 with either methotrexate or cyclophosphamide (i.v.). Ten patients were treated with pirfenidone (2403 mg/die) and 1 with nintedanib (300 mg/die). Median FVC was 56, 56, 50%, at time points − 24, − 12, − 6 before initiation, 44% at time of initiation and 46.5% at 6 months after initiation of antifibrotic treatment. Antifibrotic treatment was generally well tolerated with a need of dose reduction in 2 cases (rash and nausea) and early termination in 3 cases.

Conclusions
Antifibrotic treatment may be a valuable treatment option in patients with progressive fibrosing non-IPF ILD if currently no other treatment options exist. However, prospective, randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to assess the real impact of antifibrotic therapy in these patients.
Representation of people with comorbidity and multimorbidity in clinical trials of novel drug therapies: an individual-level participant data analysis
Authors: Hanlon Peter , Hannigan Laurie , Rodriguez-Perez Jesus , Fischbacher Colin , Welton Nicky J. , Dias Sofia , Mair Frances S. , Guthrie Bruce , Wild Sarah , McAllister David A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Clinicians are less likely to prescribe guideline-recommended treatments to people with multimorbidity than to people with a single condition. Doubts as to the applicability of clinical trials of drug treatments (the gold standard for evidence-based medicine) when people have co-existing diseases (comorbidity) may underlie this apparent reluctance. Therefore, for a range of index conditions, we measured the comorbidity among participants in clinical trials of novel drug therapies and compared this to the comorbidity among patients in the community.

Methods
Data from industry-sponsored phase 3/4 multicentre trials of novel drug therapies for chronic medical conditions were identified from two repositories: Clinical Study Data Request and the Yale University Open Data Access project. We identified 116 trials (n = 122,969 participants) for 22 index conditions. Community patients were identified from a nationally representative sample of 2.3 million patients in Wales, UK. Twenty-one comorbidities were identified from medication use based on pre-specified definitions. We assessed the prevalence of each comorbidity and the total number of comorbidities (level of multimorbidity), for each trial and in community patients.

Results
In the trials, the commonest comorbidities in order of declining prevalence were chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, affective disorders, acid-related disorders, asthma/COPD and diabetes. These conditions were also common in community-based patients.
Mean comorbidity count for trial participants was approximately half that seen in community-based patients. Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of trial participants had a high degree of multimorbidity. For example, in asthma and psoriasis trials, 10–15% of participants had ≥ 3 conditions overall, while in osteoporosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease trials 40–60% of participants had ≥ 3 conditions overall.

Conclusions
Comorbidity and multimorbidity are less common in trials than in community populations with the same index condition. Comorbidity and multimorbidity are, nevertheless, common in trials. This suggests that standard, industry-funded clinical trials are an underused resource for investigating treatment effects in people with comorbidity and multimorbidity.
MicroRNA-96-3p promotes metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer through targeting SDHB
Authors: Zhao Xupeng , Li Yingjie , Zhou Yong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
MicroRNA (MiRNA) is a small non-coding RNA which is implicated in a cohort of biological function in cancer, including proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis and invasion. MiR-96 has been reported to be involved in many cancers, including papillary thyroid cancer. However, the role of miR-96-3p in papillary thyroid cancer metastasis is still unclear.

Methods
qRT-PCR is used to detect the level of miR-96-3p and mRNA of SDHB in PTC tissues and cell lines. Western blot assays are used to verify the protein expression of SDHB. The transwell assays are performed to identify the migration ability of PTC cell lines. Moreover, dual-luciferase 3′-UTR reporter assays are chosen to illuminate the direct target of miR-96-3p.

Results
The relative miR-96-3p upregulate in PTC tissues and three PTC cell lines (B-CPAP, K-1 and TPC-1 cells) while the relative SDHB is opposite. Our results revealed that the miR-96-3p promotes metastasis and invasion in PTC cell lines (K-1 and TPC-1 cells) by direct targeting SDHB and influence the downstream protein AKT.

Conclusions
Taken together, the miR-96-3p is involved in PTC metastasis and invasion by direct targeting SDHB and the downstream molecule AKT and mTOR.