bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endostar Rebuilding Vascular Homeostasis and Enhancing Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cervical Cancer Treatment
Authors: Guan Liming 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The incidence rate of cervical cancer is the highest in the reproductive tract, and is not sensitive to chemotherapy. An appropriate amount of antiangiogenic agents can reconstruct tumor blood vessels in a short period of time and form vascular homeostasis, increase the function of blood vessel perfusion and reverse the multidrug resistance of chemotherapy, which is also called "vascular normalization".Endostar(a recombinant human endostatin) was developed by China and as a multi-target anti-angiogenesis agent.Endostar was mainly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer,less reported in the treatment of cervical cancer.Purpose: To determine whether endostar can rebuild tumor vascular homeostasis and enhance chemotherapy effects for patients with cervical cancer.Methods: In this study,the patients with cervical cancer were selected,endostar combined with cisplatin+paclitaxel neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT) before surgical operation was adopted, patients outcome and adverse reaction were followed up.The changes of tumor vascular structure and perfusion function before and after endostar given were evaluated by histopathology and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DEC-MRI). VEGF-Notch signal pathway was detected for the regulating mechanism of vascular proliferation in different groups. GraphPad Prism 6 software were used for statistical analysis of the study results.Results: Endostar enhanced short-term (2 year) overall survival(OS) ,progression free survival(PFS) rates for cervical cancer patients.All the same,endostar increased long term (5 year) OS and PFS for cervical cancer patients.Endostar therapy exhibited with mild adverse reaction.MRI showed endostar+NACT further reduce tumor volume than NACT alone.The parameters of Ktrans,Ve for DEC-MRI in endostar groups exhibited obviously increase than NACT groups.Tumor vascular maturation index α-SMA/CD31 in endostar groups increased obviously than that of NACT groups, correspondingly tumor proliferative rate Ki67 staining in endostar groups further declined than NACT groups.The genes and proteins expression of VEGFR2,Notch1,Notch1,4,Dll4,Jagged-1 were obviously down regulated in endostar group comparing to that of NACT group.Conclusions: Endorstar restored vascular homeostasis in cervical cancer temporarily, provided a new way to reverse chemotherapeutic agents resistance in cervical cancer, increased patient survival time.The VEGF-Notch connection was blocked by endostar playing a role in this effects.
Induction Chemotherapy for the Individualized Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer with Oesophageal Invasion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Tian-qiao , Wang Ru , Fang Ju-gao , He Shi-zhi , Zhong Qi , Hou Li-zhen , Ma Hong-zhi , Chen Xiao-hong , Chen Xue-jun , Li Ping-dong , Feng Ling , Shi Qian , Lian Meng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the potential for induction chemotherapy to be an indicator for the management of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical oesophageal invasion.Methods: Sixty-eight patients (admitted to our department between February 2003 and November 2016) with stage IVB hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical oesophageal invasion were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment they selected following an explanation they received on the different treatments. Group A patients received induction chemotherapy and had (1) complete or partial remission following chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy or (2) stable disease following chemotherapy combined with surgery. Group B patients underwent surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy following surgery. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, differences between the two groups were tested using the log-rank test, and the laryngeal and oesophageal retention rates were compared using the cross-tabulation test. Results: The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of patients in Group A were 22.86% and 11.43%, respectively; in Group B, the rates were 24.25% and 6.06%, respectively (P > 0.05 for all). The laryngeal retention rates in Group A and B patients were 40% and 0%, respectively, whereas the oesophageal retention rates in Group A and B patients were 74.3% and 27.3%, respectively (P < 0.01 for all). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (Group A: 8.6%, Group B: 12.1%, P > 0.05). Conclusions: For patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical oesophageal invasion, induction chemotherapy could be the appropriate first choice for individualized treatment to ensure laryngeal and oesophageal cancer preservation.﻿
Nomograms Predicting Long-Term Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A SEER Population-Based Study
Authors: Cui Chi , Duan Yaru , Li Rui , Ye Hua , Wang Peng , Wan Didi , Shi Jianxiang , Zhang Jianying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and develop nomograms to predict their long-term overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Methods: Information on metastatic HCC from 2010 to 2015 was retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute. The metastatic HCC patients were divided into a long-term survival (LTS) group and a short-term survival (STS) group with 1 year selected as the cut-off value. Then, we compared the demographic and clinicopathological features between the two groups. Next, all patients were randomly divided into a training group and validation group at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify potential predictors for OS and CSS in the training group, and nomograms of OS and CSS were established. These predictive models were further validated in the validation group. Results: A total of 2163 patients were included in the current study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with characteristics including lower T stage and N stage; treatment with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy; no lung metastasis; and AFP negative status showed better survival. The concordance index (C-index) of the OS nomogram was 0.72 based on 9 variables. The C-index of the CSS nomogram was 0.71 based on 8 variables.Conclusions: These nomograms may help clinicians make better treatment recommendations for metastatic HCC patients.
Effects of Ferula Assa-Foetida on Clinical, Hormonal and Sonography Parameters in Young Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pilot Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Triple-Blinded
Authors: Ghavi Fatemeh , Abdolahian Somayeh , Shakeri Fatemeh , Taebi Mahboubeh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women. As a result of side effect of pharmaceutical medications women are interested in using alternative medicines to treat. To determine the comparative effects of Ferula assa-foetida on androgenic hormone levels and ovarian features in patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In this triple-blinded controlled clinical trial, 34 student participants were randomly divided in two groups. Intervention group received 100 mg of oleo-gum resin of Ferula assa- foetida, control group received oral paraffin (Placebo) twice daily for 3 months. The efficacy of this herbal medicines was measured after the 3-month intervention. Hormonal assay for evaluating Testosterone, DEHAS, Prolactin, TSH, FSH, LH levels and also abdominal sonography for evaluating ovarian volumes, number of follicles of both ovaries, and endometrial thickness. were measured before and after the study.Results: In this study, no significant hormonal changes were observed (p value>0.5). Although the greatest reduction in the number of ovarian follicles and ovarian volume was reported in the Ferula assa-foetide group (p value <0.01). Conclusion: Use of Ferula assa-foetida can be effected in decrease of ovarian volume and ovarian follicles number in young girls with PCOS.Trial registration: the Iranian Randomized Clinical Trial (IRCT2016040427207N1).url: https://www.irct.ir/trial/22343
Monochromatic Green Light Stimulation During Incubation Shortened the Hatching Time via Pineal Function in White Leghorn Eggs
Authors: Wang Panlin , Sun Yanyan , Fan Jing , Zong Yunhe , Isa Adamu Mani , Li Yunlei , Shi Lei , Wang Yuanmei , Ni Aixin , Ge Pingzhuang , Jiang Linlin , Bian Shixiong , Ma Hui , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Jilan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Effect of monochromatic green light illumination on embryo development has been reported in chickens. The avian pineal is an important photo-endocrine organ formed by a mediodorsal protrusion of the rudiment during embryonic development. However, the involvement of pineal gland in the lighting transducing process remain to beelucidated.In the present study, we investigated the influence of monochromatic green light on hatching time and explored the possible mechanism via pineal function. Results: A total of 600 eggs were incubated underphotoperiods of either 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness using monochromatic green light (12L:12D group) or 24 h of darkness (0L:24D group)for 18 d, with two replicates for each treatment. As compared to 0L:24D group, the green light stimulation shortened the hatching time without extending the hatch window or impairing hatchability. The liver of embryos incubated in the 12L:12D light condition was heavier than those of the 0L:24D group on d 21 post incubation. Meanwhile, the green light increased the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is primarily secreted by the liver. Histological structure analysis of pineal gland demonstrated that the light stimulation increased follicle area, wall thickness and lumen area on d 10 and d 12 post incubation. Rhythmic function analysis demonstrated that three clock related genes (brain and muscle ARNT-like-1, BMAL1; circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, CLOCK; and cryptochrome-1, CRY1) and a melatonin rate-limiting enzyme related gene (Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) were rhythmically expressed in the pineal gland of the 12L:12D group, but not in that of the 0L:24D group. Simultaneously, the light stimulation also increased the concentration of melatonin (MT), which was linked to hepatocyte proliferation and IGF-1 secretion in previous studies. Conclusions: The 12L:12D monochromatic green light stimulation during incubation shortened hatching time without impairing hatching performance. Pineal gland’s early histological development and maturation of its rhythmic function were accelerated by the light stimulation. It may be the key organ in the photo-endocrine axis that regulates embryo development, and the potential mechanism could be that its higher secretion product of MT in the 12L:12D group promotes the secretion of IGF-1.
Calprotectin predicts mortality after ischemic stroke and is present in the thrombus
Authors: Marta-Enguita Juan , Navarro-Oviedo Manuel , Rubio-Baines Idoia , Aymerich Nuria , Herrera Maria , Zandio Beatriz , Mayor Sergio , Rodriguez Jose-Antonio , Páramo Jose-Antonio , Toledo Estefania , Mendioroz Maite , Muñoz Roberto , Orbe Josune 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background- Inflammatory response plays an important role in many processes related to acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9), released by monocytes and neutrophils, is a key protein in the regulation of inflammation and thrombosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of circulating calprotectin with other inflammatory biomarkers and AIS prognosis, as well as the calprotectin content in stroke thrombi.Methods- Among the 748 patients treated at a comprehensive stroke centre between 2015-2017, 413 patients with confirmed acute ischemic injury were evaluated. Patients with systemic inflammation or infection at onset were excluded. Plasma calprotectin was measured by ELISA in blood samples of AIS patients within the first 24h. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to evaluate its association with mortality and functional independence (FI) at 3-months (defined as modified Rankin Scale<2), and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after stroke. Further, S100A9 was localized by immunostaining in stroke thrombi (n=44). Results- Higher calprotectin levels were associated with 3-month mortality and ICH, while lower calprotectin levels were documented in patients with 3-month FI. After adjusting for potential confounders, plasma calprotectin levels remained associated with 3-month mortality [OR (95%CI); 3.06, (1.67-5.61)]. Patients with calprotectin≥2.26 µg/mL were 4-times more likely to die [OR 3.98, (1.88-8.41)]. Likewise, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were also associated with 3-month mortality [OR 1.98, (1.17-3.35); and 1.39, (1.02-1.89) respectively]. A multimarker approach demonstrated that patients with increased calprotectin, CRP and NLR had the poorest outcome with a mortality rate of 42.3% during follow-up. S100A9 protein, as part of the heterodimer calprotectin, was present in all thrombi retrieved from AIS patients. Mean S100A9 content was 3.5% and tended to be higher in patients who died (p=0.09). Moreover, it positively correlated with platelets (Pearson r 0.46, p<0.002); leukocytes (0.45, p<0.01) and neutrophil elastase (0.70, p<0.001) thrombi content. Conclusions- Plasma calprotectin is an independent predictor of 3-month mortality and provides complementary prognostic information to identify patients with poor outcome after AIS. Presence of S100A9 in stroke thrombi suggests a possible inflammatory mechanism in clot formation and further studies are needed to determine its influence in resistance to reperfusion.
Female partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football intervention: a qualitative study
Authors: Midtgaard Julie , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Rørth Mette , Kronborg Malene , Bjerre Eik D. , Oliffe John L. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Prostate cancer is often labelled a couple’s disease wherein the partner plays an important role in the man’s illness management and related health promotion activities. The aim of this study was to explore partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football program.
Methods

Eight audio-visual recorded semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 39 female partners of men with prostate cancer who participated in a community-based football program as part of the nationwide FC Prostate Community Trial (NCT02430792). Data was managed with the software program Nvivo 11 and analysed inductively to derive thematic findings.
Results

The four thematic findings were: 1) ‘Hope of a new beginning’ which included stories of hope that football would mitigate the negative effects of men’s prostate cancer treatment[s]; 2) ‘My new partner’ was characterized by attributing connections between physical activity and elevated mood as a by-product of men’s involvement in the program; 3) ‘Football first’ included assertions of the couples mutual commitment to the football program; and 4) ‘Invisible needs’ contrasted insecurity, and unforeseen challenges for partners feeling somewhat neglected. Overall, the results confirm the need for cohesion and flexibility amongst couple-dyads to ensure partners and men with prostate cancer benefit from their involvement in football programs.
Conclusions

This study indicates that prostate cancer survivors’ engagement with community-based football are intricately connected to gender relations, roles and identities. In many instances, these gendered dimensions aided positive dyadic coping and long-term exercise adherence.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Vancomycin in Severe COVID-19 Patients: a Preliminary Study in a Chinese Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Yin Lin , Qi Tangkai , Chen Yuancheng , Guo Mingquan , Shi Huichun , Fan Yaxin , Ling Yun , Tao Yonghong , Li Yili , Wang Lin , Gao Menglu , Xu Shuibao , Meng Xianmin , Ke Jin , Ping Junjun , Xing Yaru , Zhang Wenhong , Zhu Zhaoqin , Zhang Jing , Lu Hongzhou , Zhang Lijun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Vancomycin plays an important role in the treatment of concurrent infections in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, few is known about its pharmacokinetics (PK) in these patients. Here we performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of intravenous vancomycin with or without nasal administration in these patients. Drug dosage was adjusted depending on vancomycin concentration. A population PK model was developed using NONMEM software. Therapeutic effects, and vancomycin-related adverse events were monitored. A total of 63 samples from 8 patients were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The mean trough and peak concentration were 13.79±6.61 (4.63-34.2) mg/L (n=36) and 30.97±9.71 (17-49.9) mg/L (n=27), respectively. 25.4% of serum vancomycin concentration was beyond optimal range. Dose adjustments were made for 3 patients. The PK of vancomycin was consistent with two-compartment model, with the clearance and distribution volume in the central compartment of 4.3 L/h and 2.0 L, respectively. The AUC0-24/MIC of vancomycin was 848±566 h. Target infection was clinically cured in all patients, and no vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was detected during the TDM process. In conclusion, the PK studies of vancomycin in COVID-19 patients are needed to optimize drug dosage. Based on our PK model, the clearance of vancomycin was 4.3 L/h.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Receiving Hospital in the Home Services in South West of Sydney.
Authors: Hecimovic Anthony , Matijasevic Vesna , Frost Steven Alfred 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHospital in the home (HiTH) provides acute or subacute care in a patient’s home, that normally would require a hospital stay. HiTH has consistently been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. The characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving HiTH care in the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) has not been well described.AimThis project aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of HiTH services across the SWSLHD. MethodsThe characteristics of patients referred to HiTH between January 2017 and December 2019, the indications for HiTH, and representation rates to hospital emergency department (ED) will be presented.FindingsBetween January 2017 and December 2019 there was 7,118 referrals to the LHDs HiTH services, among 6,083 patients (3,094 females, 51%), median age 56 years (IQR, 40 - 69). The majority of indications for HiTH were for IV medications (78%, n = 5,552), followed by post-operative drain management (11%, n = 789), rehab in the home (5%, n = 334), bridging anticoagulant therapy (4%, n = 261), and intraperitoneal medications (1%, n = 100). The requirement for presentation to an ED for care, while receiving HiTH only occurred on 172 (2%) of occasions. The average length of HiTH treatment was 7-days (IQR 4 - 16). Rates of presentation to ED for HiTH patients has decreased since 2017, 3.4% (95% CI 2.7 – 4.2%), 2018 2.1% (95% CI 1.5 – 2.8%), and 2019 1.8% (95% CI 1.3 – 2.4 %), p for trend < 0.001.DiscussionHospital in the Home Services across the SWSLHD are predominately for administration of IV medications, but include management of post-operative drains, bridging of anticoagulant therapy, and rehab in the home. Importantly, only a very small proportion (3%) of HiTH episodes will results in an unplanned presentation to the ED.ConclusionHospital in the Home is well established, diverse, and safe clinical service to shorten or avoid hospitalisation for many patients. Importantly, avoidance of hospitalisation can avoid many risks that are associated with being cared for in the hospital setting.
Comparison of Fear of COVID-19 in Medical and Nonmedical Personnel in a Public Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Barbosa-Camacho Francisco José , García-Reyna Benjamín , Cervantes-Cardona Guillermo Alonso , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique , Chavarria-Avila Efraín , Pintor-Belmontes Kevin Josue , Guzmán-Ramírez Bertha Georgina , Hernández-Bernal Aldo , Ibarrola-Peña Juan Carlos , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , González-Ojeda Alejandro , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The world is social distancing and compulsory confinement has caused stress, psychological instability, stigmatization, fear, and discrimination in the general population. In this cross-sectional survey study, we administered the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to hospital medical and nonmedical personnel. A total of 1,216 participants were included in the study. We found that the global FCV-19S mean score was 16.4 ± 6.1, with a significant difference between women and men’s scores. Medical students presented higher scores than experienced medical personnel. As the medical and nursing personnel scored higher on the FCV-19S than the nonmedical hospital staff, our findings suggest that greater knowledge of medicine or infectious diseases could decrease the overall psychological impact of the pandemic disease.
Modification of municipal wastewater for improved biogas recovery
Authors: Hance Vaileth , Kivevele Thomas , Njau Karoli Nicholas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe energy demand, which is expected to increase more worldwide, has sparked the interest of researchers to find sustainable and inexpensive sources of energy. This study aims to integrate an energy recovering step into municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPS) through anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater (MWW), and then co-digestion with sugar cane molasses (SCM) to improve its organic content, was conducted at 25 °C and 37 °C. The results showed a substrate mixture containing 6% of SCM and total solids (TS) of 7.52% yielded a higher amount of biogas (9.73 L/L of modified substrate). However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the resulting digestate was high (10.1 g/L) and pH was not stable, and hence needed careful adjustment using 2 M of NaOH solution. This study recommends a substrate mixture containing SCM (2%) and TS (4.34%) having biogas production (4.97 L/L of modified substrate) for energy recovery from MWWTPS, since it was found to have more stable pH and low COD residue (1.8 g/L), which will not hold back the MWW treatment process. The annual generation of modified substrate (662,973 m3) is anticipated to generate about 16,241 m3 of methane, which produces up to 1.8 GWh and 8,193 GJ per annum.