bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil count, and VEGF on metastasis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ye Xingming , Lu Tianzhu , Bai Wendong , Jia Jing , Wang Lin , Zong Jingfeng , Chen Ying 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Systemic inflammatory responses have important roles in the development and progression of cancer, including the propensity for metastasis. A high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported to be involved in the recruitment of pro-angiogenic neutrophils in tumor metastasis progress. Therefore, we focused on the correlations among NLR, neutrophil count, and VEGF during metastasis and explored the reasons for changes of NLR in advanced NPC.
Methods

Consecutive patients who had been investigated with magnetic resonance imaging and irradiated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) from November 2011 to December 2012 were studied retrospectively. Clinical parameters (NLR, neutrophil count) were measured and their association with NPC stage advancement and VEGF were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Associations with patient survival were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test.
Results

NLR was elevated in advanced N stage (P < 0.0001) and M stage disease (P = 0.0034), but not T stage disease (P = 0.7049). Changes to the NLR in advanced N stage and M stage disease were affected most strongly by neutrophil count (P = 0.0074 and P = 0.0064, respectively) and higher NLR levels were associated with higher neutrophil count (P < 0.0001). NLR > 2.26 and positive VEGF expression (+++) correlated significantly with distant metastasis-free survival (P = 0.0340 and P = 0.0023, respectively). Neutrophil counts correlated positively with VEGF expression (P = 0.0024) in NPC tissue.
Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between NLR, neutrophil count, and VEGF expression in NPC. Higher NLR and VEGF expression are associated with distant metastasis-free survival among patients with NPC, which implies that they set a basis of immune activation in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Blood Lipid Levels in Patients with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Hang , Song An , Li Yong , Qi Licui , Zheng Chong , Ren Luping , Song Guangyao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Considering the controversial relationship between blood lipid levels and osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP), we performed this meta-analysis.Methods: Using specific keywords and related words, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale form was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we systematically screened the literature to extract relevant information and data. Revman 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software were used for statistical analysis. Results were expressed as the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. The heterogeneity test was conducted according to I2 and Q tests. Egger’s test was used to quantitatively evaluate publication bias.Results: This analysis involved 12 studies and included 12,395 subjects. The quality of the literature was acceptable. Among subjects who were not taking lipid-lowering drugs, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the osteopenia were not significantly increased/decreased. There were no significant differences in LDL-C in postmenopausal women in osteopenia. TG was unchanged in the OP group in subjects without taking lipid-lowering drugs. HDL-C was elevated in OP group but not in osteopenia group in all subjectsConclusions: HDL-C was elevated in patients with OP.
Preservation of dendritic spine morphology and postsynaptic signaling markers after treatment with solid lipid curcumin particles in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Maiti Panchanan , Bowers Zackary L , Bourcier Ali , MOrse Jarod , Dunbar Gary L 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Synaptic failure is one of the principal events associated with cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Preservation of existing synapses and prevention of synaptic loss are promising strategies to preserve cognitive function in AD patients. As a potent natural anti-oxidant, anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory polyphenol, curcumin (Cur) shows great promise as a therapy for AD. However, hydrophobicity of natural Cur limits its solubility, stability, bioavailability and clinical utility for AD therapy. We have demonstrated that solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) have greater therapeutic potential than natural Cur in vitro and in vivo models of AD. In the present study, we have investigated whether SLCP has any preservative role on affected dendritic spines and synaptic markers in 5xFAD mice.Methods Six- and 12-month-old 5xFAD and age-matched wild-type mice received oral administration of SLCP (100 mg/kg body weight) or equivalent amounts of vehicle for 2 months. Neuronal morphology, neurodegeneration and amyloid plaque load were investigated from prefrontal cortex (PFC), entorhinal cortex (EC), CA1, CA3 and the subicular complex (SC). Further, dendritic spine density of apical and basal branches were studied by Golgi-Cox stain. Further, synaptic markers, such as synaptophysin, PSD95, Shank, Homer, Drebrin, kalirin-7, CREB and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) were studied using Western blots. Finally, cognitive and motor functions were assessed using open field, novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tasks after treatment with SLCP.Results We observed an increase number of pyknotic and degenerated cells in all these brain areas in 5xFAD mice and SLCP treatment partially protected against those losses. Decrease in dendritic arborization and dendritic spine density from primary and secondary apical and basal branches were observed in PFC, EC, CA1, CA3 in both 6- and 12-month-old 5xFAD mice and SLCP treatments partially preserved the normal morphology of these dendritic spines. In addition, pre- and post-synaptic protein markers were also restored by SLCP treatment. Furthermore, SLCP treatment improved NOR and cognitive function in 5xFAD mice.Conclusions Overall, these findings indicate that use of SLCP exerts neuroprotective properties by decreasing amyloid plaque burden, preventing neuronal death, as well as preservation of dendritic spine density and synaptic markers in the 5xFAD mice.
Evaluation of Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling
Authors: Goksel Fatih , Demircioglu Fatih 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Hyperthermia is a radio/chemo sensitizing method effectively used in oncological treatments. These devices, which have been used effectively in many centers around the world in the treatment of cancer, are currently unavailable in our country. In this study, hyperthermia treatments that could be applied, the number of hyperthermia devices required and the potential effects in our country have been investigated in line with the applications of hyperthermia worldwide.Methods Based on the data obtained from certain reference centers the number and ratios of hyperthermia applications were determined and the data obtained was modeled according to the number of cancer cases in our country.Results According to the data obtained, an average of 375 patients are treated annually per hyperthermia device in relevant centers. When a similar projection is applied for our country, hyperthermia treatment can be applied to an average of 400 patients annually with 0,18 hyperthermia devices per one million population. According to this, considering the population and the annual cancer diagnosis rates, it is predicted that 13 deep regional hyperthermia devices are required across the country.Conclusion The presence of deep regional hyperthermia devices in comprehensive oncology centers that play an effective role in oncological treatment with modern radiotherapy devices and have enough radiation oncologists will significantly benefit the capacity to provide oncological treatment options holistically.
Analyzing environmental determinants of tree species distributions and regeneration pattern in Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Thakur Arun Kumar , Kumar Rajesh , Verma Raj Kumar , Kumar Pankaj 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Proper documentation of tree distribution across the globe has been considered crucial to assess the relationships between species occurrence and changing climate, and accordingly in designing the conservation action plans. Himalaya is one of the regions in the world where the temperature is gradually increasing at a rate higher than the global average. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand the most influential parameters for major tree species distribution and its regeneration pattern across their habitat in Western Himalaya (WH) via direct gradient analysis. We used National Forest Inventory (NFI) data which has a robust statistical design with data collected in a consistent manner across the timeline in systematic order. This allowed us carrying out detail analysis to reveal the aforesaid relationship and pattern. Three topographical factors (altitude, aspect, slope), four major climatic variables (temperature, temperature seasonality, precipitation and its seasonality) and four edaphic factors (soil depth, soil humus, soil consistency and soil coarse fragments) were considered as defining variables. The results indicated that the altitude and temperature were the most determinant factors followed by precipitation in shaping the distribution of major tree species in WH. The analysis also indicated the upward shift of regenerating individuals of these tree species towards higher altitude. These relevant information about the extent of current tree distribution and their regeneration pattern over the last one and half decade might help in systematic conservation planning and monitoring range dynamics under future climate change conditions.
Characteristics and Treatment of Primary Mediastinal Seminomas: A Single-center Report of 27 Cases
Authors: Zhai Yirui , Chen Bo , Liu Kan , Feng Xiaoli , Feng Qinfu , Li Junling , Xiao Zefen , Lv Jima , Gao Yushun , Wang Shulian , Zhou Zongmei , Li Yexiong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The low incidence of primary mediastinal seminomas has precluded the development of clinical trials on mediastinal seminomas. We evaluated the characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of patients with primary mediastinal seminoma. Methods: We retrospectively collected data on the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatments, toxicities, and survival of 27 patients from a single center between 2000 and 2018. Mediastinal lymph node staging for lung cancer and Masaoka staging for thymic neoplasms were used for disease characterization. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed using the log-rank test. Results: The median age was 28 (13-63) years. The most common symptoms were chest pain (29.6%), cough (25.9%), and dyspnea (22.2%). Twenty-four patients showed tumor invasion into adjacent structures. Seven and two patients were diagnosed as having lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, respectively, whereas 48.1% of patients were diagnosed as having Masaoka stage IIIb disease. Sixteen patients (59.3%) had undergone radiotherapy, whereas 25 (92.6%) had undergone chemotherapy. The most widely used chemotherapy regimens were bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. The median follow-up period was 32.23 (2.7-198.2) months. At 5 and 10 years, the rates of local regional relapse-free survival were 90.9% and 90.9%; overall survival, 100.0% and 80.0%; progression-free survival, 86.4% and 86.4%; distant metastasis-free survival, 95.2% and 95.2%; and cancer-specific survival, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Primary mediastinal seminoma was frequently diagnosed in patients with tumor invasion into adjacent structures. Chemotherapy was the most widely used treatment. The disease was sensitive to chemoradiotherapy, and the prognosis was favorable.
MicroRNA-103a curtails the stemness of non-small cell lung cancer cells by binding to OTUB1 through the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Zhenzhen , Xiao Dan , Qiu Tingting , Li Jun , Liu Zhentian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Although dysfunction of microRNA-103a (miR-103a) has been implicated in various cancers, its relevance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unsettled. This study was designed with an aim to examine the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory role of miR-103a in NSCLC.Methods Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out to study the correlation between overall survival of NSCLC patients and miR-103a expression. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to evaluate the expression of relevant genes in tissues and cells. Sphere formation, MTS, flow cytometry as well as Transwell assays were conducted for characterizing the stemness. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were applied to clarify the binding relationship between miR-103a and ovarian tumor domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde binding protein 1 (OTUB1).Results miR-103a expression was diminished in NSCLC tissues and cells, whereas OTUB1 expression was increased. Higher miR-103 expression indicated better prognosis for patients with NSCLC. After overexpression of miR-103a, the cell viability and stemness were diminished, while the cycle arrest and apoptosis rate were facilitated, and the expression of p-YAP decreased significantly. The opposite trends were observed after miR-103a silencing. miR-103a lowered the expression of OTUB1, while overexpression of OTUB1 blocked the inhibition effects of miR-103a on NSCLC.Conclusion miR-103a/OTUB1/Hippo axis plays a possible role in modulating the malignant behavior and stemness of cells which might function as a possible therapeutic option for the management of NSCLC.
Biochemical response to cryothermal and radiofrequency exposure of the human myocardium at surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Boano Gabriella , Aneq Meriam Åström , Spyrou Giannis , Enocsson Helena , Emmanouil Charitakis , Vánky Farkas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Surgical cryothermia and radiofrequency (RF) ablations for atrial fibrillation (AF) seem to result in similar sinus rhythm restoration, but the biochemical consequences of the two methods are unclear. We aimed to compare the biochemical responses to the two ablative methods in concomitant mitral valve surgery (MVS).Methods Sixty mitral valve surgery patients with AF were prospectively included. Forty-one patients planned for ablation were randomized to cryothermia (n = 20) or radiofrequency (n = 21) ablation and 19 served as controls. Markers for myocardial injury, inflammation, cell stress, apoptosis, and heart failure were analyzed pre- and postoperatively at different time points.Results Troponin T and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) peak levels were significantly higher in the cryothermia group compared with the RF group (12805 [6140–15700] vs. 2790 [1880–4180] ng/L; P = 0.002 and 271 [217–357] vs. 79 [66–93] µg/L; P < 0.001, respectively). Both groups had significantly higher levels than the no-ablation group. There were no group differences in C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), but there were correlations between pre- and postoperative levels of both CRP (rs=0.41, P = 0.001) and NT-proBNP (rs=0.48, P < 0.001). Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) were significantly increased in the cryoablation group.Conclusions Cryoablation results in a larger myocardial injury and possibly more elevated apoptotic activity and cell stress compared with the RF technique. The type of ablation device did not have any significant influence on the postoperative inflammatory response nor on the early postoperative levels of NT-proBNP.
Optimisation of displacement selections and structures for the Geothermal Aided Power Generation plant
Authors: Zhou Yin , Qin Jiyun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Geothermal Aided Power Generation (GAPG) technology is a method of integrating geothermal energy into a regenerative Rankine cycle (RRC) power plant. In such a power system, the geothermal energy is used to preheat the feedwater to boiler of the power plant. Therefore, the extraction steam of RRC power plant is displaced by the geothermal energy. Then, the displaced extraction steam is expended further in steam turbine to produce power. In a GAPG plant, a heat exchanger system is used to facilitate the heat exchange between the geothermal fluid and the feedwater. As power from geothermal energy comes from displaced extraction steam, different displacement selections for extraction steam would lead to different technical performance of the GAPG plant. When the geothermal fluid flows up from the geothermal well and quench to a lower temperature in the heat exchanger system, the silica scaling occurs in the heat exchanger system. As silica scaling can be controlled by adjusting geothermal fluid temperature, different displacement selections would have different influences on the silica scaling process in the heat exchanger system. There are two kinds of structures for the heat exchanger system of the GAPG plant, which are series structure and parallel structure. The different structures also lead to different performance of the GAPG plant. In present paper, a 300 MW GAPG plant is used as a case study to optimise displacement selections and structures of the GAPG plant. The results show that there is no silica scaling in the heat exchanger system for the displacement selection of geothermal energy to displace extraction to all high-pressure feedwater heaters. For this displacement selection, the power output of the Parallel GAPG plant is higher than the Series GAPG plant.
Diffusion-weighted MRI improves response assessment after definitive radiotherapy in patients with NSCLC
Authors: Jagoda Philippe , Fleckenstein Jochen , Sonnhoff Mathias , Schneider Günther , Ruebe Christian , Buecker Arno , Stroeder Jonas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Computed tomography (CT) is the standard procedure for follow-up of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after radiochemotherapy. CT has difficulties differentiating between tumor, atelectasis and radiation induced lung toxicity (RILT). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) may enable a more accurate detection of vital tumor tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of MRI versus CT in the follow-up of NSCLC.
Methods
Twelve patients with NSCLC stages I-III scheduled for radiochemotherapy were enrolled in this prospective study. CT with i.v. contrast agent and non enhanced MRI were performed before and 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Standardized ROIs were used to determine the apparent diffusion weighted coefficient (ADC) within the tumor. Tumor size was assessed by the longest longitudinal diameter (LD) and tumor volume on DWI and CT. RILT was assessed on a 4-point-score in breath-triggered T2-TSE and CT.
Results
There was no significant difference regarding LD and tumor volume between MRI and CT (p≥ 0.6221, respectively p≥ 0.25). Evaluation of RILT showed a very high correlation between MRI and CT at 3 (r = 0.8750) and 12 months (r = 0.903). Assessment of the ADC values suggested that patients with a good tumor response have higher ADC values than non-responders.
Conclusions
DWI is equivalent to CT for tumor volume determination in patients with NSCLC during follow up. The extent of RILT can be reliably determined by MRI. DWI could become a beneficial method to assess tumor response more accurately. ADC values may be useful as a prognostic marker.
An epidemiological review of tuberculosis in Sabah, Malaysia, 2012-2018
Authors: Goroh Michelle , Rajahram Giri , Avoi Richard , Boogaard Christel van den , William Timothy , Ralph Anna P , Lowbridge Christopher 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is of high public health importance in Malaysia. Sabah State, located on the island of Borneo, has previously reported a particularly high burden of disease and faces unique contextual challenges compared with peninsular Malaysia. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of TB in Sabah to identify risk groups and hot spots of TB transmission.Methods We conducted a retrospective review of TB cases notified in Sabah, Malaysia, between 2012 and 2018. Using data from the state’s ‘myTB’ notification database, we calculated the case notification rate and described trends in the epidemiology, diagnostic practices and treatment outcomes of TB in Sabah within this period.Results Between 2012 and 2018 there were 33,193 cases of TB reported in Sabah (128 cases per 100,000 population). We identified several geographic hotspots, including districts with > 200 cases per 100,000 population per year. TB rates increased with age and were highest in older males. Children < 15 years accounted for only 4.6% of cases. Moderate or advanced disease on chest x-ray and sputum smear positivity was high (58% and 81% of cases respectively), suggesting frequent late diagnosis. Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) TB prevalence was low (0.3% of TB cases), however, rapid diagnostic test coverage was low (1.2%) and only 18% of all cases had a positive culture result. Treatment success was 83% in those with drug-sensitive TB and 33% in cases of MDR-TB.Conclusion Between 2012 and 2018, Sabah State accounted for 20% of Malaysia’s TB notifications, despite representing only 10% of Malaysia’s population. We found hotspots of TB in urbanised population hubs and points of migration, as well as evidence of late presentation and diagnosis. Ensuring universal health coverage and expansion of GeneXpert® coverage is recommended to reduce barriers to care and early diagnosis and treatment for TB.
How to Perform a Reliable Full Spine X-ray Examination in Juvenile and Adolescent Scoliosis Our Experience
Authors: Palandri Sergio , Trucchi Fabrizio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Ionizing radiations, even at low doses, present side effects that are known as well as girls and toung women constitute the most sensible individuals from a radioprotectional point of view. On the other side full spine x-ray radiography is the gold standard in diagnose and follow-up of AIS, where individuals involved are typicaly girls and young women.For these reasons, a partuicular care permorming radiographics esamination in this scope, in mandatory.The aim of this work is to provide a simple and detailed protocol to perform full-spine X-ray examination in diagnosis and follow-up of AISThis paper is the result of our experience along 7y of work in application and study of the scoliosis in the first two decades of life, combining the orthopaedist’s requirements, the surgical requirements along with the care for the particularly significant relational feature, due to the specific category of most individuals undergoing this radiological examination.Methods:For the maximum usability and Clarity, we considered three main topics: a) single examination b) examination during orthotic treatment and c) pre-op control. For each one we explained number and type of X-ray view used and how we performed them with the assistance of detalide figures. Results:By comparing X-ray images before and after the application of our protocol, we saw a significant increase in the quality of the produced images as well as a positive feedback from patients and parents acceptance.Conclusions:An extended collaboration between the Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Radiographer, has led to a clear improvement in technical execution and in an exposure dose reduction. Furthermore a particular attention to the patient’s comfort, along with some technical stratagems, led to an improving effectiveness of the services supplied.