bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term All-Cause Mortality and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Thyroid Cancer Survivors: An Israeli Population-Based Study
Authors: Izkhakov Elena , Keinan-Boker Lital , Barchana Micha , Shacham Yacov , Yaish Iris , Neiderman Narin N. Carmel , Fliss Dan M. , Stern Naftali , Meyerovitch Joseph 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The global incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has risen considerably during the last three decades, while prognosis is generally favorable. We assessed the long-term all-cause mortality in TC survivors compared to the general population, and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Individuals diagnosed with TC during 2001-2014 (TC group) and age- and sex-matched individuals from the same Israeli healthcare system without thyroid disease or a cancer history (non-TC group) were compared. Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for all-cause mortality were calculated by exposure status. Results: During a 15-year follow-up (median 8 years), 577 TC survivors out of 5,677 (10.2%) TC patients and 1,235 individuals out of 23,962 (5.2%) non-TC patients died. The TC survivors had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.89, 95%CI 1.71-2.10), after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors already present at follow-up initiation. This increased risk was most pronounced in the 55- to 64-year-old age group (HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.33-1.67). The TC survivors who died by study closure had more hypertension (14.6% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.002), more dyslipidemia (11.4% vs. 7.2%, P < 0.001), and more cardiovascular disease (33.6% vs. 22.3%, P = 0.05) compared to those who died in the non-TC group. Conclusions: This large cohort study showed higher all-cause mortality with a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease among TC survivors compared to matched non-TC individuals. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular risk factors in TC survivors is mandatory.
Prevalence Of Glycemic Variability And Factors Associated With The Glycemic Arrays Among End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients On Chronic Haemodialysis.
Authors: Khan Abdul Hanif Khan Yusof , Zakaria Nor Fadhlina , Abidin Muhammad Adil Zainal , Kamaruddin Nor Azmi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Glycaemic variability (GV) confers a significantly higher risk of diabetic-related complications, especially cardiovascular. Despite extensive research in this area, data on end-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD) patients on chronic haemodialysis are scarce. This study aims to determine the magnitude of GV among ESKD (diabetic vs non-diabetic) patients and its associated factors on haemodialysis days (HDD) and non-haemodialysis days (NHDD).Methods: We recruited 150 patients on haemodialysis, 93 patients with diabetic (DM-ESKD), and 57 with non-diabetic (NDM-ESKD). The GV indices (standard deviation [SD] and percentage co-efficient variant [%CV]) were obtained from 11-point and 7-point self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) profiles on HDD and NHDD. The GV indices and its associated factors of both DM-ESKD and NDM-ESKD were analysed to compare HDD vs. NHDD.Results: Mean blood glucose on HDD was 9.33 [SD 2.7, %CV 30.6%] mmol/L in DM-ESKD compared to 6.07 [SD 0.85, %CV 21.3%] mmol/L in NDM-ESKD (p =<0.01). The DM-ESKD group experienced significantly higher GV indices compared to NDM-ESKD on both HDD and NHDD, particularly in the subgroup with HbA1c 8-10% (p= <0.01). Presence of diabetes, older age, hyperlipidaemia, HbA1c, ferritin levels, and albumin were identified as factors associated with GV.Conclusion: DM-ESKD patients have high GV, especially on HDD, therefore increasing their risk of developing future complications. We identified high HbA1c, older age group, presence of hyperlipidaemia, ferritin levels, and albumin as factors associated with GV. Since these groups of patients are vulnerable to CVD mortality, urgent attention is needed to rectify it.
Thoughts on Higher Medical Education Under Major Public Health Emergencies: Thinking Ahead After COVID-19 Outbreak —— A Descriptive study
Authors: Lin Wei , Chen Yan , Shi Songchang , Liang Jixing , Huang Huibin , Li Liantao , Cai Liangchun , Zong Liyao , Wang Nengying , Wen Junping , Chen Gang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed great threat to the global population’s health and nearly every medical school throughout the world suspended classes as a precaution against the virus. This study is aimed at exploring a more advanced online teaching and learning pattern for medical school in the future especially during a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and to evaluate the efficacy of the teaching methods in improving students’ professionalism, knowledge and learning skills including problem analyzing and solving, teamwork skills, self-directed learning, as well as adaptability and acceptance to the courses. Methods: Fifty fourth-year medical students receiving the “5+3” pattern courses regarding internal medicine were enrolled in the study. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire that contains 20 items was used to compare the effect between online TBL via 5G network (hereinafter referred as blended teaching model) and home-based online learning which is not based on TBL via other prevalent forms of wireless internet connection(hereinafter referred as traditional online teaching model). It evaluated the network environment and indices of students’ competencies we put forward based on six core competenciesResults: According to the descriptive statistical analysis of the first part of the questionnaire (question 1-16), the average score of adaptability and acceptance of the courses is 2.60 less than 3, indicating that students are more adapted to traditional online teaching model; the average score of the rest of the questions is greater than 3, indicating that blended teaching model is superior to traditional online teaching model. The number of male students who are inclined to blended teaching model is 0.13 times as much as that of female students (95%CI:0.028~0.602, p=0.009).Conclusion: Online TBL via 5G network is a more advanced online teaching and learning pattern for medical school and may be a more suitable method during PHEIC in the future.
Characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network hydrogel utilized for the cleaning of works of art
Authors: Al-Emam Ehab Awad , Soenen Hilde , Caen Joost , Janssens Koen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Since cleaning of artworks may cause undesirable physicochemical alterations and is a nonreversible procedure, it is mandatory to adopt the proper cleaning procedure. Such a procedure should remove undesired materials whilst preserving the original surface. In this regard, numerous gels have been developed and exploited for the cleaning of various artwork surfaces. Lately, agarose (AG) and polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-B) hydrogels have been widely employed as cleaning tools by conservators. Both hydrogels show some limitations in specific cleaning practices. In this work, we investigated the influence of including increased levels of agarose into PVA-B systems. For this reason, we performed a detailed characterization on the double network (DN) hydrogel including the chemical structure, the liquid phase retention, the rheological behavior, and the self-healing behavior of various PVA-B/AG double network hydrogels. These new hydrogels revealed better properties than PVA-B hydrogels and obviated their limitations. The inclusion of AG into PVA-B systems enhanced the liquid retention capacity, shape-stability, and mechanical strength of the blend. Furthermore, AG minimized the expelling/syneresis issue that occurs when loading PVA-B systems with low polarity solvents or chelating agents. The resultant double network hydrogel exhibits relevant self-healing properties. The PVA-B/AG double network is a new and useful cleaning tool that can be added to the conservators’ tool-kit. It is ideal for cleaning procedures dealing with porous and complex structured surfaces, vertical surfaces and for long time applications.
Partnering with Patients to Get Better Outcomes with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy: Towards Engagement of Patients in Early Phase Trials&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Foster Madison , Fergusson Dean , Hawrysh Terry , Presseau Justin , Kekre Natasha , Schwartz Stuart , Castillo Gisell , Asad Sarah , Fox Grace , Atkins Harold , Thavorn Kednapa , Montroy Joshua , Holt Robert , Monfaredi Zarah , Lalu Manoj 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aim: Though patient engagement in clinical research is growing, recent reports suggest few clinical trials report on such activities. To address this gap, we describe our approach to patient engagement in the development of a clinical trial protocol for a new immunotherapy for blood cancer (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, CAR-T cell therapy). Methods: Our team developed a clinical trial protocol by working with patient partners from inception. Two patient partners with lived blood cancer experience were identified through referrals from our team’s professional network and patient organization contacts. Our patient partners were onboarded to the team and engaged in several studies conducted to develop the clinical trial protocol, including a systematic review of the existing literature on the therapy, patient interviews and a survey to obtain perspectives on barriers and enablers to participating in the trial, an early economic analysis, and a retrospective cohort study. Results: Engaging patient partners enhanced our research in ways that would not have otherwise occurred. By selecting patient important outcomes for data collection, our partners helped flag that quality of life and health utility measures have not been reported in previous CAR-T cell therapy trials for blood cancer. Our partners also co-developed a non-technical summary of the systematic review that summarized results in an accessible manner. Our patient partners reviewed interview and survey questions, to improve the language and appropriateness; provided recruitment suggestions; and provided a patient perspective on the results, thereby confirming the importance of findings. Input was also obtained on costs for the early economic analysis. Our patient partners identified costs that may be a burden to both patients and caregivers during a trial and helped to confirm that the overall structure of the economic model reflected the patient care pathway. Our patient partners also shared their diagnosis and treatment stories, which helped to provide the research team with insight into this experience.Conclusions: Contributions by our patient partners were invaluable to each component study, as well as the overall development of the trial protocol. We plan to use this approach in the future, to meaningfully engage patients in the development of other clinical trials; we also hope that by reporting our methods this will help other research teams to do the same. Trial Registration: Affiliated with the development of NCT03765177
Definitive-intent uniform megavoltage fractioned radiotherapy protocol for presumed canine intracranial gliomas: retrospective analysis of survival and prognostic factors in 38 cases (2013-2019).
Authors: DEBREUQUE MAUD , DE FORNEL Pauline , DAVID INGRID , DELISLE FRANCOISE , DUCERVEAU MARIE-NOELLE , DEVAUCHELLE PATRICK , THIBAUD JEAN-LAURENT 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is currently considered the treatment of choice for presumed canine intracranial gliomas. However, variable therapeutic responses are described, due to heterogeneous populations and different radiation methods or protocols. Only one study dedicated to intracranial suspected glioma highlighted prognostic criteria. Determination or confirmation of specific clinical and imaging prognostic factors may guide the therapeutic management of these tumours. The objectives were to provide data on long-term clinical outcome (including quality of life, QoL) and to determine specific prognostic factors associated with survival time. We report a single-institution retrospective study, including all dogs with suspected symptomatic primary solitary intracranial glioma, treated with a complete uniform fractionated megavoltage radiation protocol of 15x3Gy over 5 weeks, between January 2013 and February 2019. Thirty-eight client-owned dogs were included. Medical records were retrospectively evaluated for median overall survival time (MST), clinical and imaging responses. Prognostic factors on survival were researched in terms of signalment, clinical presentation, tumour imaging characteristics and response following RT. Finally, the RT’s impact on the dogs’ clinical signs and Qol were evaluated by the owners. Results: The disease-specific MST was 698 days (95% CI: 598-1135). Survival at 1 and 2 years were respectively 74.2±7.4% and 49.0±9.8%. Initial clinical signs were related to survival, as well as tumour characteristics such as cystic-pattern, mass effect and Tumour/Brain volume ratio. No significant adverse effect or radiotoxicity was observed.Conclusions: RT appears as a safe and effective treatment for canine intracranial gliomas, allowing long-term tumour control, improvement of life’s quality and management of associated clinical signs. The initial clinical signs and MRI characteristics (Tumour/Brain volume ratio, cyst-like lesion and mass effect) may help predict the prognosis.
Diminished adherence of Biomphalaria glabrata embryonic cell line to sporocysts of Schistosoma mansoni following programmed knockout of the allograft inflammatory factor
Authors: Coelho Fernanda Sales , Rodpai Rutchanee , Miller Andre , Karinshak Shannon E , Mann Victoria H , Carvalho Omar dos Santos , Cladeira Roberta Lima , Mourao Marina de Moraes , Brindley Paul J , Ittiprasert Wannaporn 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Larval development in an intermediate host gastropod snail of the genus Biomphalaria is an obligatory component of the life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni. Understanding of the mechanism(s) of host defense may hasten the development of tools that block transmission of schistosomiasis. The allograft inflammatory factor 1, AIF, which is evolutionarily conserved and expressed in phagocytes, is a marker of macrophage activation in both mammals and invertebrates. AIF enhances cell proliferation and migration. The embryonic cell line, termed Bge, from Biomphalaria glabrata is a versatile resource for investigation of the snail-schistosome relationship since Bge exhibits a hemocyte-like phenotype. Hemocytes perform central roles in innate and cellular immunity in gastropods and in some cases can kill the parasite. However, the Bge cells do not kill the parasite in vitro.Methods: Bge cells were transfected by electroporation with plasmid pCas-BgAIFx4, encoding the Cas9 nuclease and a guide RNA specific for exon 4 of the B. glabrata AIF (BgAIF) gene. Transcript levels for Cas9 and for BgAIF were monitored by quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR and, in parallel, adhesion of gene-edited Bge cells during co-culture with of schistosome sporocysts was assessed.Results: Gene knockout manipulation induced gene-disrupting indels, frequently 1-2 bp insertions and/or 8-30 bp deletions, at the programmed target site; a range from 9 to 17% of the copies of the BgAIF gene in the Bge population of cells were mutated. Transcript levels for BgAIF were reduced by up to 73% (49.5±20.2% S.D, P ≤ 0.05, n =12). Adherence by BgAIF gene-edited (ΔBgAIF) Bge to sporocysts diminished in comparison to wild type cells, although cell morphology did not change. Specifically, as scored by a semi-quantitative cell adherence index (CAI), fewer ΔBgAIF than control wild type cells adhered to sporocysts; control CAI, 2.66±0.10, ΔBgAIF, 2.30±0.22 (P ≤ 0.01).Conclusion: The findings supported the hypothesis that BgAIF plays a role in the adherence of B. glabrata hemocytes to sporocysts during schistosome infection in vitro. This demonstration of the activity of programmed gene editing will enable functional genomics approaches using CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate additional components of the snail-schistosome host-parasite relationship.
Toll-like receptor 5-mediated signaling enhances liver regeneration in mice
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Lei , Sun Xue-Hua , Liu Xian , Xiao Yang , Zhang Jie , Wang Ting , Chen Hui , Zhan Yi-Qun , Yu Miao , Ge Chang-Hui , Li Chang-Yan , Ren Guang-Ming , Yin Rong-Hua , Yang Xiao-Ming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundToll-like receptor 5 (TLR5)-mediated pathways play critical roles in regulating hepatic immune response and show hepatoprotective effect in mouse models of hepatic diseases. However, the role of TLR5 in experimental models of liver regeneration has not been reported. This study aims to investigate the role of TLR5 in partial hepatectomy (PHx)-induced liver regeneration.MethodsWe performed 2/3 PHx in wild-type (WT) mice, TLR5 knockout mice, or TLR5 agonist CBLB502 treated mice as a model of liver regeneration. Bacterial flagellin content was measured by ELISA, and hepatic TLR5 expression was determined by quantitative PCR analyses and flow cytometry. To study the effects of TLR5 on hepatocyte proliferation, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The effects of TLR5 during the priming phase of liver regeneration was examined by quantitative PCR analyses of immediate early gene mRNA levels, and western blot analysis of hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation. Cytokines and growth factors production after PHx were detected using real-time PCR analyses and cytometric bead array (CBA) assays. Oil Red O staining and hepatic lipid concentrations were analyzed to examine the effect of TLR5 on hepatic lipid accumulation after PHx.ResultsThe bacterial flagellin content in serum and liver was increased and the hepatic TLR5 expression was significantly up-regulated in WT mice upon PHx. TLR5-deficient mice exhibited reduced numbers of BrdU- and PCNA-positive cells, suppressed immediate early gene expression, and decreased cytokines and growth factors production. Moreover, PHx-induced hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation was inhibited in Tlr5−/− mice compared with WT mice. Consistently, the administration of CBLB502 significantly promoted PHx-mediated hepatocyte proliferation correlated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils in the liver. Besides, Tlr5−/− mice displayed significantly decreased hepatic lipid concentrations and Oil Red O positive areas compared to control mice after PHx.ConclusionWe reveal that TLR5 activation contributes to the initial events of liver regeneration after PHx. Our findings demonstrate that TLR5 signaling positively regulates liver regeneration and suggest a potential application of TLR5 agonist in promoting liver regeneration.
Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ji Li , Cao Chunyan , Gao Ying , Zhang Wen , Xie Yuji , Duan Yilian , Kong Shuangshuang , You Manjie , Ma Rong , Jiang Lili , Liu Jie , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Wang Jing , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Zhang Li , Li Yuman , Zhang Jinxiang , Xie Mingxing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and noninvasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19.MethodsThe LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated.ResultsPatients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10-20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable ( hazard ratio [HR] : 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.02～1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike Information Criterion [AIC] =272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR: 10.76, 95% CI: 2.75～42.05; P = 0.001; AIC =272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model ( AIC =286; C-index = 0. 866). An LUS score cut-off >12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively.ConclusionsThe LUS score is a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.
The lack of an association between Body Image Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in high school students in Eastern Croatia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bosnic Zvonimir , Miletic Maja , Volaric Nikola , Holik Dubravka , Volaric Mile , Majnaric Ljiljana Trtica 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The research objectives are to examine the degree of satisfaction of students in two high schools in Eastern Croatia, regarding their physical appearance and self-esteem based on their gender and type of school - Grammar school or Vocational school. Furthermore, it aims to determine the correlation between degree of satisfaction regarding physical appearance and self-esteem and examines the differences in socio-economic status among the students of the two schools.Methods: The study is designed as a cross-sectional research performed in the Secondary Health and Veterinary School and Grammar School in Vinkovci. The study includes 278 participants. The data were collected in three ways. First, by using a survey on socio-economic status of the participants. Second, a modified test consisting of fourteen questions was used to examine the level of body image satisfaction. Third, a test consisting of ten questions was used to examine the level of self-esteem.Results: Median age of participants is 18 years. The research established a linear correlation between the body image satisfaction and gender of the students in both schools. An association between level of body image satisfaction and self-esteem was not established.Conclusion: To conclude with, adolescents in this region of Croatia are not overly concerned about their physical appearance despite relatively decreased self-esteem. A lack of association between reduced self-esteem and self-assessment of appearance may also be a consequence of later sexual maturation and tradional development which promote the traditional values of family, youth life and marriage