bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis on Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Mané Maïmouna , Benkhaled Sofian , Dragan Tatiana , Paesmans Marianne , Beauvois Sylvie , Lalami Yassine , Szturz Petr , Gaye P. Macoumba , Vermorken Jan B. , Van Gestel Dirk 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Concurrent chemo radiotherapy (CCRT) has been the standard of care in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) for many years. The role of induction chemotherapy (ICT) has always been controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the value of adding ICT to CCRT in LA-NPC.

Materials and Methods
Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICT followed by CCRT versus CCRT alone, including treatment-naive adult patients with histologically proven nonmetastatic LA-NPC.

Results
Eight RCTs with in total 2,384 randomized patients, of whom 69% had N2–N3 disease, were selected. ICT was the allocated treatment in 1,200 patients, of whom 1,161 actually received this. Treatment compliance varied, with a median rate of 92% (range, 86%–100%) of patients receiving all cycles of ICT. The percentage of patients completing radiotherapy was 96% and 95% [(Combined Risk difference(CRD)= 0.004; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) –0.001–0.01; p = 0.14)] in the ICT group and CCRT group, respectively, whereas chemotherapy during radiotherapy could be completed in only 28% of the ICT group versus 61% in the CCRT group (CRD, −0.243; 95% CI, −0.403 to −0.083; p = .003). Grade 3–4 acute toxicity was mostly hematologic during the ICT phase (496 events vs. 191 nonhematologic) and was predominant in the ICT group (1,596 events vs. 1,073 in the CCRT alone group) during the CCRT. Adding ICT to CCRT provided a significant benefit in overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.680; 95% CI, 0.511–0.905; p = .001) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.657; 95% CI, 0.568–0.760; p &lt; .001).

Conclusion
Although ICT followed by CCRT is associated with more acute toxicity and a lower compliance of the chemotherapy during the CCRT phase, this association resulted in a clinically meaningful survival benefit. ICT should be considered as a standard option in patients with LA-NPC, but further study on optimal patient selection for this treatment is warranted.

Implications for Practice
Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) is a relatively common disease in some parts of the world, with a rather poor prognosis due to its high metastatic potential. The role of induction chemotherapy (ICT) has always been controversial. This meta-analysis found that ICT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in LA-NPC is associated with a significant clinical improvement in both overall survival and progression-free survival compared with CCRT alone. ICT should be considered as a standard option in patients with LA-NPC.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pembrolizumab plus Axitinib Versus Sunitinib as First-Line Therapy in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in the U.S.
Authors: Ding Dong , Hu Huabin , Shi Yin , She Longjiang , Yao Linli , Zhu Youwen , Zeng Shan , Shen Liangfang , Huang Jin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe data from the phase III clinical trial KEYNOTE-426 indicated that pembrolizumab plus axitinib compared with sunitinib could generate clinical benefits in patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Given the incremental clinical benefits, we examined the potential cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab plus axitinib versus sunitinib in the first-line setting for patients with advanced RCC from the U.S. payers’ perspective.Materials and MethodsCost and health outcomes were estimated at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 to $150,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed by varying potentially modifiable parameters, and additional subgroup analyses were performed as well.ResultsUpon our analyses, the total treatment costs in the pembrolizumab plus axitinib and sunitinib groups were $522,796 and $348,424 and the QALYs gained 2.90 and 1.72, respectively. In the base-case analysis, compared with receiving sunitinib, patients with advanced RCC receiving pembrolizumab plus axitinib gained 1.18 more QALYs at an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $148,676/QALY. The results of subgroup analyses demonstrated that pembrolizumab plus axitinib was most cost-effective for patients who had one organ with metastasis.ConclusionFirst-line treatment with pembrolizumab plus axitinib, compared with sunitinib, is a cost-effective strategy when the value of WTP is from $100,000 to $150,000 per QALY in patients with advanced RCC. For patients with one-organ metastasis and those in International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium poor risk group, first-line treatment with pembrolizumab plus axitinib is more cost-effective than others.Implications for PracticeThis was the first study to examine the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab plus axitinib versus sunitinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study found that first-line treatment with pembrolizumab plus axitinib is a cost-effective strategy when the value of willingness-to-pay is from $100,000 to $150,000 per quality-adjusted life-year in patients with advanced RCC from the U.S. payers’ perspective.
Graphene‐reinforced potato starch composite films: Improvement of mechanical, barrier and electrical properties
Authors: Gürler Nedim , Torğut Gülben 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, PSG composite films were prepared by casting method by adding graphene (G) to glycerol plasticized potato starch (PS) films. The structure and properties of the composite films were investigated attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray analysis (XRD), and swelling capacity, total soluble matter, transparency, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity. When the G content of PSG composite films increased from 0% to 1%, tensile strength increased from 1.035 MPa to 1.681 MPa, but decreased to 1.175 MPa in composite films containing 2% G. It also increased electrical conductivity when the G concentration increased. Also, the G layers are among the PS films and their swelling and solubility properties are reduced. With increased G concentration, the light transmittance decreased and the films were more opaque. These improvements can refer to the interface interaction between PS and G.
Development of high‐efficiency and low‐cost solar cells for PV‐powered vehicles application
Authors: Yamaguchi Masafumi , Masuda Taizo , Araki Kenji , Sato Daisuke , Lee Kan‐Hua , Kojima Nobuaki , Takamoto Tatsuya , Okumura Kenichi , Satou Akinori , Yamada Kazumi , Nakado Takashi , Zushi Yusuke , Ohshita Yoshio , Yamazaki Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDevelopment of high‐efficiency solar cell modules and new application fields are significant for the further development of photovoltaics (PVs) and the creation of new clean energy infrastructure based on PV. Notably, the development of PV‐powered vehicle applications is desirable and very important for this end. According to the NEDO's Interim Report “PV‐Powered Vehicle Strategy Committee,” a new broader PV markets with more than 10 GW and 50 GW in 2030 and 2040, respectively, are expected to be established when PV‐powered vehicles are developed. Cumulative PV capacity for PV‐powered vehicles will be 50 GW and 0.4 TW in 2030 and 2040, respectively. This paper presents impacts on efficiency and cost for PV‐powered vehicles. According to our survey, the use of more than 30% of high‐efficiency PV enables 30 km per day driving without external charging and the society that the majority of the family cars run by the sunlight and without supplying gas. Thus, we are developing high‐efficiency and low‐cost solar cells and modules for automobile applications. In this paper, our analytical results for the efficiency potential of various solar cells for choosing candidates of high‐efficiency solar cell modules for automobile applications. This paper also presents our recent approaches: demonstration car (Toyota Prius PHV) by using Sharp's high‐efficiency III‐V triple‐junction solar cell modules with an output power of 860 W, static low concentrator InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs triple‐junction solar cell module with efficiency of 32.84%, and so forth.
Hypoglycemia in cystic fibrosis during an extended oral glucose tolerance test
Authors: Armaghanian Natasha , Hetherington Julie , Parameswaran Venkat , Chua Elizabeth L. , Markovic Tania P. , Brand‐Miller Jennie , Steinbeck Kate 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypoglycemia in cystic fibrosis (CF), in the absence of glucose‐lowering therapies, has long been identified as an important issue in the management of CF. There is currently still no unifying hypothesis for its etiology.AimThe aims of this study were to perform a 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in participants with CF and (1) document glucose, insulin, glucagon, glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) release patterns within varying glucose tolerance groups during the OGTT; (2) determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia during the OGTT; and (3) define any association between hypoglycemia and patterns of insulin, glucagon, GLP‐1, and GIP release.MethodsEligible participants attending an adult CF clinic completed a 3‐h OGTT. Hypoglycemia on OGTT was defined as mild (glucose 3.4–3.9 mmol/L), moderate (glucose 3.1–3.3 mmol/L), and severe (glucose ≤ 3 mmol/L). Hormones were measured at fasting, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min.ResultsTwenty‐four participants completed the study, of which 7 had normal glucose tolerance, 12 had abnormal glucose tolerance, and 5 had cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD). All participants had a delayed insulin response compared with normative data. All glucose tolerance groups showed appropriate and similar suppression of fasting glucagon. Four participants (17%) had mild hypoglycemia, three (13%) had moderate hypoglycemia, and eight (33%) had severe hypoglycemia. No participant with CFRD demonstrated hypoglycemia. Of the 19 participants without CFRD, 15 (79%) experienced hypoglycemia. Participants with hypoglycemia had greater peak glucose and insulin responses than those that did not have hypoglycemia, and this approached significance (p = .0625 for glucose and p = .0862 for insulin). No significant mean differences between GLP‐1 and GIP release were found. There was no relationship between hypoglycemia and modulator therapy.ConclusionPostprandial hypoglycemia was unmasked by the extension of an OGTT to 3 h. Delayed and abnormal insulin release, and ineffective counter‐regulatory action of glucagon may have a role in its etiology.
A description of the primary studies of diagnostic test accuracy indexed on the DiTA database
Authors: Kaizik Mark A. , Hancock Mark J. , Herbert Robert D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and PurposePEDro (the Physiotherapy Evidence Database) is a widely used, comprehensive, freely available, online database that indexes studies of the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. We have recently built another database, called DiTA, on the same platform as PEDro. DiTA provides a comprehensive index of studies of the accuracy of diagnostic tests used by physiotherapists. This study aims to describe the number and scope of such studies.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted for studies of the accuracy of diagnostic tests. The search was conducted on the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases from their inceptions to November 2018. Subsequently, monthly searches have updated the database. To be included on DiTA, studies need to investigate (a) both a pathology and patients that a physiotherapist could assess in clinical practice, and (b) an index test that a physiotherapist would perform themselves rather than one which they would request.ResultsTo date, the searches have yielded 44,884 titles. Screening has identified 1,419 reports that meet the inclusion criteria. The most frequently studied subdisciplines are “musculoskeletal” (1,050/1,419; 74.0%) and “cardiothoracics” (241; 17.0%); the most frequently studied categories of pathologies are joint pathologies (463; 32.6%) and nervous system pathologies (175; 12.3%); and the most frequently studied body part is the “lower leg or knee” (232; 16.3%). Most studies investigate index tests which are “physical examination” procedures (851; 60.0%); fewer investigate “questions or questionnaires” (420; 29.6%) and “health technologies” (351; 24.7%).DiscussionThere is a rapidly growing body of evidence on the accuracy of diagnostic tests relevant to most physiotherapy subdisciplines. While the volume of evidence is substantial, it is not yet clear how much of the evidence is of good enough quality to support clinical decision‐making.
Substitution scoring matrices for proteins ‐ An overview
Authors: Trivedi Rakesh , Nagarajaram Hampapathalu Adimurthy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSequence analysis is the primary and simplest approach to discover structural, functional and evolutionary details of related proteins. All the alignment based approaches of sequence analysis make use of amino acid substitution matrices, and the accuracy of the results largely depends on the type of scoring matrices used to perform alignment tasks. An amino acid substitution matrix is a 20 × 20 matrix in which the individual elements encapsulate the rates at which each of the 20 amino acid residues in proteins are substituted by other amino acid residues over time. In contrast to most globular/ordered proteins whose amino acids composition is considered as standard, there are several classes of proteins (e.g., transmembrane proteins) in which certain types of amino acid (e.g., hydrophobic residues) are enriched. These compositional differences among various classes of proteins are manifested in their underlying residue substitution frequencies. Therefore, each of the compositionally distinct class of proteins or protein segments should be studied using specific scoring matrices that reflect their distinct residue substitution pattern. In this review, we describe the development and application of various substitution scoring matrices peculiar to proteins with standard and biased compositions. Along with most commonly used standard matrices (PAM, BLOSUM, MD and VTML) that act as default parameters in various homologs search and alignment tools, different substitution scoring matrices specific to compositionally distinct class of proteins are discussed in detail.
Sudden PSA rise to ≥20 ng/ml and prostate cancer diagnosis in the United States: A population‐based study
Authors: Vilson Fernandino L. , Li Shufeng , Brooks James D. , Eisenberg Michael L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeWhile prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening protocols vary, many clinicians have anecdotes of screened men with low PSA levels that rise significantly and are associated with high‐risk prostate cancer (PC). We sought to better understand the frequency of high‐risk cases that appear suddenly in a screened population.MethodsWe utilized data from a Commercial and Medicare advantage claims database to identify all US men ages 50 and above undergoing PSA screening who then had a sudden interval rise in PSA (e.g., PSA ≥ 20) and diagnosis of PC. We determined associations with age, race, screening intensity, and baseline PSA levels.ResultsIn all, 526,120 men met entry criteria with an average age of 60.7 and follow‐up of 5.6 years. As the baseline PSA increased, the rate of high‐risk PC increased from 2/10,000 persons among men with the lowest baseline PSA (<1 ng/ml) to 14/10,000 person‐years among men with a baseline PSA < 5 ng/ml. Moreover, as a man's age at baseline PSA increased, the rate of high‐risk PC also increased. In contrast, the incidence of high‐risk PC did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity. More screening PSAs and shorter intervals between PSA screenings were associated with a lower incidence of high‐risk PC.ConclusionsThe incidence of high‐risk PC in a screened population is low (<0.1%). Our findings suggest that systematic screening cannot eliminate all PC deaths and provide an estimate for the risk of the rapid development of high‐risk cancers that is comparable to that observed in active surveillance populations.
Entrepreneurial identity and strategic disclosure: Founder CEOs and new venture media strategy
Authors: Howard Michael D. , Kolb Johannes , Sy Valerie A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryNew venture leaders play a key role in crafting media communications to best represent the firm to the outside world. These decisions and behaviors have critical implications for performance. Building on entrepreneurial identity and strategic disclosure research, we explore the interplay between founder CEOs and firm media strategy in their effects on IPO. We use natural language processing and textual analysis on a sample of 76,883 press releases, providing insights into the media communications of founder CEOs of 2,276 US VC backed high‐technology firms during the period from 1985 to 2009. Results suggest that greater volume and use of positive terms in media statements positively mediate the effects of founder CEOs, increasing the likelihood of firm IPO. Our findings offer important contributions to entrepreneurship research.Managerial SummaryThe purpose of this article is to explore how new venture leaders may influence the external representation of their startups and subsequently impact performance outcomes such as IPO. Specifically, we examine differences between founder CEOs and professional CEOs in how they personally identify with the venture, portray the venture in the media, and thus affect the likelihood of the venture going public, being acquired, or being liquidated. Through analysis of press release statements of VC‐backed high‐technology startups, we find that startups with founder CEOs issue more press release statements, incorporate more positive language in these statements, and have a higher likelihood of IPO than those with professional CEOs. These results imply that the media strategy of founder CEOs may be more beneficial for new ventures.
Pyridine‐Rich Novolac‐Based Network as an Effective Adsorbent for Removing Azo Dyes
Authors: Ghosh Samaresh , Acharyya Mridula 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe hazardous consequences of azo dye organics on the environment and human health motivate the development of new sorbent materials for their elimination from wastewater. The purpose of this work is to prepare pyridine‐rich novolac resin‐based network material 1 as effective adsorbent for the removal of azo dye pollutants, methyl orange (MO), orange‐II (OII) and orange‐G (OG) azo dyes from aqueous solution at a wide range of pH (acidic‐neutral‐basic conditions). Both electrostatic interaction and physical forces are suggested to be involved during adsorption of azo‐dyes onto tailored adsorbent. Besides, dye‐adsorbed 1 was effectively desorbed by dil H2SO4 and recycled, which is promising for its practical application in the treatment of dye contaminated water.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Aryl/Heteroaryl Benzohydrazide and Phenylacetamide Derivatives as Broad‐Spectrum Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Yele Vidyasrilekha , Mohammed Afzal Azam , Wadhwani Ashish D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA series of novel aryl/heteroaryl benzohydrazide (3 a–d) and aryl/heteroaryl phenylacetamide derivatives (5 a–g) were designed, synthesized and characterized by spectral techniques. The synthesized compounds were screened against pathogenic bacteria to assess their in vitro antibacterial properties. From the eleven synthesized compounds, 3 b(0.7 μg/mL) and 3 c(0.6 μg/mL) exhibited potent activity against a panel of organisms especially against S. aureus. Further, time‐kill study confirmed the bactericidal activity of 3 b and 3 c against S. aureus, that may be because of conjoined benzothiazole and benzohydrazide moieties in their structures. Extra‐precision docking and binding free energy calculation were also performed for the title compounds, in which 3 c(‐6.23 kcal/mol) exhibited higher binding affinity against S. aureus ParE (SaParE). Molecular dynamic simulation of 50 ns was used to find out the stability of predicted binding conformation of 3 c/SaParE. Besides, assessment of in silico ADMET properties illustrates that the title compounds were in agreement with Lipinski's rule parameters. The study could offer a unique framework that may lead to the discovery of novel antibacterials.
Molecular Container and Metal Ion Sensor Chiral Cavitands
Authors: Desai Arpita S. , Rajamannar Thennati , Shah Shailesh R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractChiral macrocyclic cavitands prepared by a template free, high dilution methodology have been discovered to function as molecular containers accommodating small organic molecules and host transition metal ions with specific sensing ability while having an outstanding capability to sense Zn2+with switch‐on fluorescence and also act as a selective colorimetric sensor for Cu2+. The cavitand acts as a unique two‐directional molecular tweezers for the guest molecules.
Structural, Optical and Thermal Characterization of Wholly Aromatic Poly(ether amide)s Synthesized by Phosphorylation‐Based Condensation Polymerization
Authors: Seung Kwon Young , Lee Ji−Su , Hwang Gyu‐Hyun , Gyu Jeong Young 
Published: September 2020

Abstract[1]To attain high performance polyamides with good thermal properties and enhanced processability, in this study, a series of wholly aromatic poly(ether amides) (PEAs) with different meta‐ and para‐phenylene linkage ratios was synthesized by phosphorylation‐based polycondensation reaction of terephthalic acid (TPA) and/or isophthalic acid (IPA) with 3,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) in NMP/CaCl2 solvent system. The synthesized PEA homopolymers and copolymers exhibited good solubility in organic polar solvents, such as NMP, DMAc and DMSO. The intrinsic viscosity of the synthesized PEAs in NMP solvent was measured to be in the range of 0.48‐0.97 dl/g. The 1H NMR analyses confirmed that the output compositions of PEA copolymers were quite consistent with the feed compositions. The photographic digital images and UV‐visible spectra showed that solution‐casted PEA films were optically light brown and transparent owing to their amorphous and nonlinear chain structures. The DSC data revealed that the glass transition temperatures of PEAs are in the range of 242–310 °C, depending on the relative contents of meta‐ and para‐phenylene linkages. All PEA films were characterized to be thermally stable up to ∼400 °C and to have high char residues above 63 % at 800 °C in nitrogen atmosphere.
Base‐Catalyzed Hydration of Silicon‐Containing Activated Alkynes: The Effect of Substituents at the Triple Bond
Authors: Mareev Alexander V. , Andreev Mikhail V. , Ushakov Igor A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMetal‐catalyzed hydration of alkynes is rapidly developing research direction in organic synthesis. However, base‐catalyzed hydration of activated acetylenes remains much less studied. In contrast to the metal‐catalyzed reactions leading to carbonyl compounds, base‐catalyzed hydration gives vinyl ethers of different structure or cyclic products depending on the nature of substituents. So, it is found that 1,4‐diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane (DABCO)‐catalyzed hydration of trimethylsilylated electron‐deficient alkynes of general formula Me3SiC≡CCOX (X=Ph, NR1R2, OEt) proceeds at room temperature to afford push‐pull divinyl ethers in 56–94 % yields, while 4‐trimethylsilyl‐3‐butyne‐2‐one (X=Me) reacts non‐selectively delivering both symmetrical and unsymmetrical divinyl ethers (dimerization products). Contrary to ketones, amides and esters, 3‐trimethylsilylpropynal gives under the same conditions 4H‐pyran, as we shown earlier.