bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect and safety of stem cell therapy for chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Guang-Peng , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Sun Li-Ying , Zhu Zhi-Jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Stem cell therapy is becoming an emerging therapeutic option for chronic liver disease (CLD). However, whether stem cell therapy is more effective than conventional treatment remains questionable. We performed a large-scale meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of stem cell therapy for CLD.

Methods
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for the period from inception through March 16, 2020. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and adverse events related to stem cell therapy. Secondary outcomes included the model for end-stage liver disease score, total bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, prothrombin activity, and international normalized ratio. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results
Twenty-four RCTs were included and the majority of these studies showed a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis indicated that compared with conventional treatment, stem cell therapy was associated with improved survival and liver function including the model of end-stage liver disease score, total bilirubin, and albumin levels. However, it had no obvious beneficial effects on alanine aminotransferase level, prothrombin activity, and international normalized ratio. Subgroup analyses showed stem cell therapy conferred a short-term survival benefit for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a single injection was more effective than multiple injections, hepatic arterial infusion was more effective than intravenous infusion, and bone marrow-derived stem cells were more effective than those derived from the umbilical cord. Thirteen trials reported adverse events related to stem cell therapy, but no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
Stem cell therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic option for CLD, while patients with ACLF benefit the most in terms of improved short-term survival. A single injection administration of bone marrow-derived stem cells via the hepatic artery has superior therapeutic effects.
RETRACTED ARTICLE:Indirubin exerts anticancer effects on human glioma cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Wang Han , Wei Jun , Han Liang , Guo Zhigang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGlioma causes significant mortality across the world and the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The incidence of glioma is believed to increase in the next few decades and hence more efficient treatment strategies need to be developed for management of glioma. Herein, we examined the anticancer effects of Indirubin against a panel of human glioma cells and attempted to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that Indirubin could inhibit the growth of all the glioma cells but the lowest IC50 of 12.5 µM was observed against the U87 and U118 glioma cells. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of Indirubin were comparatively negligible against the normal astrocytes with an IC50 of > 100 µM. Investigation of mechanism of action, revealed that Indirubin exerts growth inhibitory effects on the U87 and U118 glioma cells by autophagic and apoptotic cell death. Annexin V/PI staining assay showed that apoptotic cell percentage increased dose dependently. Apoptosis was associated with increase in Bax decrease in Bcl-2 expressions. Additionally, the expression of autophagic proteins such as LC3II, ATG12, ATG15 and Beclin 1 was also increased. Wound heal assay showed that Indirubin caused remarkable decrease in the migration of the U87 and U118 cells indicative of anti-metastatic potential of Indirubin. Taken together, these results suggest that Indirubin exerts potent anticancer effects on glioma cells and may prove essential in the management of glioma.
Quantitative carbon distribution analysis of hydrocarbons, alcohols and carboxylic acids in a Fischer-Tropsch product from a Co/TiO2 catalyst during gas phase pilot plant operation
Authors: Partington Roy , Clarkson Jay , Paterson James , Sullivan Kay , Wilson Jon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractComprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) analysis for 1-alcohols and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for carboxylic acids, derivatised as their methyl esters, have been applied to liquid and wax Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon products. These methods in combination with conventional one-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the aqueous, gaseous, liquid hydrocarbon and wax products plus conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the aqueous phase has allowed a quantitative distribution analysis of FT hydrocarbon and oxygenated products to be demonstrated for a Co/TiO2 catalyst operating in a fixed bed gas phase pilot plant utilising CANSTM catalyst carrier devices. The GC-MS method used is, to the best of our knowledge, the first application of this derivatisation route for the quantification of individual carboxylic acids in FT hydrocarbon product streams.Whilst the hydrocarbons and oxygenates that were identified are known compounds formed during the low temperature, Co catalysed, FT process the combination of the multiple analysis techniques used has allowed a level of detail to be gained on the product composition that is seldom reported.Additionally, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and 13C NMR analyses were used to quantify the average concentration of 1-olefin, cis- and trans-2-olefins, 1-alcohol and aldehyde as appropriate for the technique used. Comparison of GCxGC versus 1H NMR and GC-MS versus a KOH titration confirmed the applicability of the chromatographic methods for the quantitative analysis of FT oxygenated compounds. Long-chain 1-alcohols and carboxylic acids, ≥ C3, were found to be present at levels of 1/10th and 1/1000th that of hydrocarbons of equivalent carbon chain length respectively. The 1-olefin:n-paraffin ratio in the hydrocarbon liquid and wax products was found to decrease significantly with increasing carbon chain length and much more so than those of the 2-olefin or 1-alcohol.
Development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy long after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report
Authors: Tsutsumi Chikanori , Abe Toshiya , Shinkawa Tomohiko , Watanabe Hideyuki , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Nakano Toru 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, frequently associated with chronic alcoholism and total parenteral nutrition without thiamine. However, only a few reports have focused on the relationship between WE and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD).

Case presentation
A 71-year-old woman underwent SSPPD for an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Although there had been no evidence of recurrence, the patient was treated with antibiotics for cholangitis at 12 and 31 months, respectively, post-surgery. Thereafter, the patient presented with vomiting and disorientation 33 months after surgery. Although she was admitted and underwent closer inspection by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, the exact cause of these syndromes remained unknown. The psychiatrist measured thiamine concentration to examine the cause of disorientation. After 6 days, her level of consciousness worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed symmetrically multiple abnormal hyperintense signals on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery and diffusion weighted image, compatible with WE. An administration of intravenous thiamine was immediately initiated. After 8 days of the measurement of the thiamine level, the patient’s serum thiamine level was found to be 6 µg/mL (reference range, 24–66 µg/mL). Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with WE. Shortly after starting the treatment, blood thiamine value reached above normal range with significant improvement of her confusional state. However, short-term memory and ataxia remained.

Conclusions
Development of WE after SSPPD is uncommon. However, to prevent an after-effect, the possibility of development of WE after SSPPD should be recognized.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with malrotation following reoperation due to torsion of efferent loop: a case report
Authors: Kageyama Yumiko , Yamaguchi Ryuzo , Watanabe Shinya , Aizu Keiji , Kobayashi Shinichiro , Sato Fumiya , Fujieda Hironori , Toyoda Yoshitaka , Iwata Tsutomu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Malrotation is a congenital anomaly during the development of the embryonic intestine. Although it is generally considered a pediatric surgical condition, it can have significant implications for adult surgery in terms of reconstruction.

Case presentation
The patient was an 85-year-old man with pancreatic cancer and intestinal malrotation. He underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with modified Child’s reconstruction. Because the ascending colon and efferent loop twisted easily, we fixed the ascending colon to the abdominal wall. Thereafter, right twist and stenosis of the efferent loop occurred. On the 22nd day after the initial surgery, detorsion and Braun anastomosis were performed for efferent loop fixation. Postoperative oral intake was good, and the patient was discharged from our hospital on the 24th day after the reoperation.

Conclusions
This is a rare case of pancreaticoduodenectomy with malrotation following reoperation due to a complication after Child’s reconstruction. In similar cases of intestinal malrotation, it is important to consider avoiding coaxial positioning of intestinal parts and an upper abdominal space while selecting a reconstruction method.
Anorectal injury related to a personal watercraft: a case report and literature review
Authors: Katano Kaoru , Furutani Yuichiro , Hiranuma Chikashi , Hattori Masakazu , Doden Kenji , Hashidume Yasuo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Douche injury is a rare consequence of water recreation activities. Generally, this type of trauma occurs when people fall into the water in a sitting position during high-speed activities such as using a personal watercraft (PWC). Here, we report a rare case of anorectal injury caused by water jets from a PWC during sudden acceleration from rest.

Case presentation
A 21-year-old male passenger on a PWC fell off backward from the rear seat when the craft suddenly accelerated. He fell into the water in a supine position with his legs open, and the water jets of the PWC struck his perineum directly. Thereafter, bleeding from the anus was seen, and he was transferred to our hospital. On physical examination, there was a deep laceration interrupting the external anal sphincter in the posterior rectal wall. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a full-layer perforation of the posterior rectal wall and leakage of feces into the extraperitoneal space, but intraperitoneal free air was not seen. Laparoscopic sigmoid loop colostomy and primary suturing of the sphincter and mucosa were performed. He did not have any complications and was discharged from our hospital 16 days after the surgery. His anal function was almost perfectly preserved, and his diverting colostomy was closed 4 months later.

Conclusion
Anorectal injuries related to PWCs can occur not only while traveling at high speeds, but also when suddenly accelerating from rest. A diverting colostomy should be performed for this type of trauma. In these trauma cases, clinicians must suspect complex and life-threatening anorectal injuries early.
Variation in clinical outcomes and process of care measures in community acquired pneumonia: a systematic review
Authors: Lawrence H. , Lim W. S. , McKeever T. M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Variation in outcomes of patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been reported in some, but not all, studies. Although some variation is expected, unwarranted variation in healthcare impacts patient outcomes and equity of care. The aim of this systematic review was to: i) summarise current evidence on regional and inter-hospital variation in the clinical outcomes and process of care measures of patients hospitalised with CAP and ii) assess the strength of this evidence.

Methods
Databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2018 for relevant studies and data independently extracted by two investigators in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Included studies enrolled adults hospitalised with CAP and reported a measure of variation between two or more units in healthcare outcomes or process of care measures. Outcomes of interest were mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and re-admission rates. A structured synthesis of the studies was performed.

Results
Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis. The median number of units compared across studies was five (IQR 4–15). Evidence for variation in mortality between units was inconsistent; of eleven studies that performed statistical significance testing, five found significant variation. For LOS, of nine relevant studies, all found statistically significant variation. Four studies reported site of admission accounted for 1–24% of the total observed variation in LOS. A shorter LOS was not associated with increased mortality or readmission rates. For readmission, evidence was mixed; of seven studies, 4 found statistically significant variation. There was consistent evidence for variation in the use of intensive care, obtaining blood cultures on admission, receiving antibiotics within 8 h of admission and duration of intravenous antibiotics. Across all outcome measures, only one study accounted for natural variation between units in their analysis.

Conclusion
There is consistent evidence of moderate quality for significant variation in length of stay and process of care measures but not for in-patient mortality or hospital re-admission. Evidence linking variation in outcomes with variation in process of care measures was limited; where present no difference in mortality was detected despite POC variation. Adjustment for natural variation within studies was lacking; the proportion of observed variation due to chance is not quantified by existing evidence.
Cortical stimulation in pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies
Authors: Ellrich Jens 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPharmacoresistance and adverse drug events designate a considerable group of patients with focal epilepsies that require alternative treatments such as neurosurgical intervention and neurostimulation. Electrical or magnetic stimulations of cortical brain areas for the treatment of pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies emerged from preclinical studies and experience through intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in patients. Direct neurostimulation of seizure onset zones in neocortical brain areas may specifically affect neuronal networks involved in epileptiform activity without remarkable adverse influence on physiological cortical processing in immediate vicinity. Noninvasive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation are suggested to be anticonvulsant; however, potential effects are ephemeral and require effect maintenance by ongoing stimulation. Invasive responsive neurostimulation, chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation, and epicranial cortical stimulation cover a broad range of different emerging technologies with intracranial and epicranial approaches that still have limited market access partly due to ongoing clinical development. Despite significant differences, the present bioelectronic technologies share common mode of actions with acute seizure termination by high-frequency stimulation and long-term depression induced by low-frequency magnetic or electrical stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation.
Sex-specific variations in phytochemicals and antimicrobial potentiality of Dioscorea
Authors: Paul Chiranjit , Debnath Amal , Chakraborty Kripamoy , Ghosh Sushanta , Bhattacharjee Abhijit , Debnath Bimal 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The monocotyledonous herbaceous crop Dioscorea is native to tropical and temperate regions of the world. Dioscorea tubers are dioecious in nature, have colossal therapeutic potentiality, and are frequently used in traditional medical practices throughout the world. Most of the research works are aimed to determine the medicinal property, nutritions, antinutrients, and biological activities of Dioscorea spp. without specifying the sexes of Dioscorea which promoted us to carry out this present research work.

Results
Sex-specific variation of phytoconstituents, antioxidants, and antimicrobial efficiency in tubers was appraised. The results obtained from this study divulge existence of significant quantitative variation between the male and female tubers. The female tubers are superior in acquiring phytochemicals compared to male counterparts and acquired maximum antioxidant and antimicrobial potentiality.

Conclusion
This study will offer an apposite baseline for further sex-specific assessment which can be directed towards both qualitative and quantitative amelioration of medicinally important noble compounds by exploiting modern scientific strategies leading to their active participation in nutraceutical industries.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentrations in Response to Testosterone Treatment of Severely Hypogonadal Men
Authors: Sachdev Saachi , Cucchiara Andrew J , Snyder Peter J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Context
Clinical guidelines recommend measurement of the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration during testosterone treatment of hypogonadal men to determine whether the increase is sufficiently high to warrant urologic referral. Prior studies of the effect of testosterone treatment on PSA concentrations have been conducted in men who were mildly to moderately hypogonadal.

Objective
The objective of this work is to determine the PSA response to testosterone treatment of men who are severely hypogonadal.

Design and Setting
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic medical center.

Participants
Eighty-five men participated who were severely hypogonadal as a result hypothalamic-pituitary or testicular disease.

Main Outcome Measure
Changes in serum PSA concentrations were measured during testosterone treatment for up to 18 months.

Results
Testosterone treatment increased the median serum testosterone concentration from 36 ng/dL (interquartile range [IQR], 20-91 ng/dL) at baseline to 395 ng/dL (IQR, 266-542 ng/dL) at 6 to 18 months. This treatment resulted in a median increment in PSA above baseline of 0.70 ng/mL (IQR, 0.10-1.85 ng/mL) at 6 to 18 months. Apropos current Endocrine Society clinical guidelines, 31% of the men experienced a PSA increase above baseline greater than 1.4 ng/mL, and 13% reached an absolute PSA concentration of greater than 4.0 ng/mL. Four men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Conclusions
The PSA response to testosterone replacement in men who are severely hypogonadal as a result of pituitary or testicular disease is greater than that previously reported in men with mild to moderate hypogonadism. These results suggest the magnitude of the PSA response to testosterone replacement is related to the degree of hypogonadism.
On estimation of loss distributions and risk measures
Authors: Käärik Meelis , Žegulova Anastassia 
Published: September 2020

The estimation of certain loss distribution and analyzing its properties is a key issue in several finance mathematical and actuarial applications. It is common to apply the tools of extreme value theory and generalized Pareto distribution in problems related to heavy-tailed data.
Our main goal is to study third party liability claims data obtained from Estonian Traffic Insurance Fund (ETIF). The data is quite typical for insurance claims containing very many observations and being heavy-tailed. In our approach the fitting consists of two parts: for main part of the distribution we use lognormal fit (which was the most suitable based on our previous studies) and a generalized Pareto distribution is used for the tail. Main emphasis of the fitting techniques is on the proper threshold selection. We seek for stability of parameter estimates and study the behaviour of risk measures at a wide range of thresholds. Two related lemmas will be proved.
Benefits of mindful compassion for staff, patients and carers
Authors: Lowson Paula 
Published: September 2020

Aims and objective:This study intended to examine the long-term effect on the emotional wellbeing and behaviour change of staff, patients and carers who attended a one-day Macmillan course on mindful compassion.Methods:People who attended mindful compassion study days in 2016 and 2017 were invited to participate in an online questionnaire in 2019.Results:Nearly 50% (99) of the 200 people who received the invitation completed the survey. Immediately after the course, 38.78% practised mindful compassion as and when required, 28.57% practised when possible, 15.31% practised daily, 13.27% practised 3–4 times a week and 3.5% were not practising. More than half (56%) used mindful compassion to help with home and work life, relationships and family. Two or three years after the course, when asked again, 15.31% of those who answered still practised daily, 11.22% practised 3–4 times a week, 23.47% practised as and when possible and 42.86% did so as needed; 7.14% had not continued practising.Conclusion:Training in mindful compassion benefits patients and carers. In both the short and long terms, mindful compassion was found to reduce anxiety, aid sleep, improve pain management and help people feel more empowered, calm and relaxed. It also helped people cope with stressful situations, gave them time for themselves and enabled them to become much more focused.
Patient satisfaction with patient-led follow-up for endometrial cancer
Authors: Sharma Tanisha , Sharma Sandeep , Eastwood Jodie , Jackson Ros , Wells Janey 
Published: September 2020

Background: The 5-year hospital follow-up after treatment for endometrial cancer can increase anxiety for patients and not directly pick up cancer recurrence. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with a patient-led follow-up and identify cancer recurrence. Methods: This study population was 104 women with early uterine cancer who had undergone surgery. They were given information regarding symptoms suspicious for recurrence and started on a patient-led follow-up, which included a yearly phone call from the nursing team, and a questionnaire was completed. Findings: Most patients (92%) scored ≥9 on the 10-point satisfaction survey. Nine women came back to the clinic for pain or bleeding. There was no recurrence of cancer in this study population. Conclusion: Patients are satisfied with a patient-led, telephone follow-up. This data has influenced a change in the regional Cancer Alliance guidance on cancer follow-up emphasising risk stratification.