bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operative invasiveness does not affect the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Iwai Shun , Iijima Yoshihito , Usuda katsuo , Uramoto Hidetaka 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The relationship between operative invasiveness and the prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have undergone surgery has been controversial.Methods: Clinical data were analyzed for 463 NSCLC patients. Operative invasiveness was defined by wound length, operation time, and the postoperative C-reactive protein (postCRP) level. The operative approach was divided into video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy.Results: The wound length and operation time were significantly correlated with the postCRP level (correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.39, p<0.01; CC = 0.54, p<0.01, respectively). The postCRP level in the VATS group was significantly lower than that in the thoracotomy group (12.2 mg/dl vs 20.58 mg/dl, p<0.01). The relapse-free survival differed significantly based on wound length (p<0.01), operation time (p=0.01), CRP level (p<0.01), and operative approach (p<0.01). The carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.58; p = 0.02), pathological stage (pStage) (HR, 2.57; p < 0.01), vascular invasion (HR, 1.95; p = 0.01), and preoperative CRP level (preCRP) (HR, 1.91; p < 0.01) were identified as significant prognostic factors for relapse-free survival in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that smoking history (HR, 2.36; p = 0.03), pStage (HR, 3.26; p < 0.01), and preCRP level were significant prognostic factors for overall survival.Conclusion: Preoperative CRP level was associated with poor prognosis. Although the VATS approach might be less invasive procedure for NSCLC patients, operative invasiveness does not affect the prognosis. Trial registrationThe Institutional Review Boards of Kanazawa Medical University approved the protocol (approval number: I392), and written informed consent was obtained from all of the patients.
A Finite Element Analysis of Sacroiliac Joint Displacements and Ligament Strains in Response to Three Manipulations
Authors: Xu Zhun , Li Yikai , Zhang Shaoqun , Liao Liqing , Wu Kai , Feng Ziyu , Liu Dan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundClinical studies have found that manipulations have a good clinical effect on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain without specific causes. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the effect of manipulations are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three common manipulations on the stresses and displacements of the SIJ and the strains of the surrounding ligaments.MethodsA three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvis-femur was developed. The manipulations of hip and knee flexion (MHKF), oblique pulling (MOP), and lower limb hyperextension (MLLH) were simulated. The stresses and displacements of the SIJ and the strains of the surrounding ligaments were analyzed during the three manipulations.ResultsMOP produced the highest stress on the left SIJ, at 6.6 MPa, while MHKF produced the lowest stress on the right SIJ, at 1.5 MPa. The displacements of the SIJ were all less than 1 mm during the three manipulations. The three manipulations caused different degrees of ligament strain around the SIJ, and MOP produced the greatest straining of the ligaments.ConclusionThe three manipulations all produced small displacements of the SIJ and different degrees of ligament strains, which might be the mechanism through which they relieve SIJ pain. MOP may be the most effective of these manual therapies.
Hepatitis C Core Antigen Testing to Diagnose Active Hepatitis C Infection Among Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wong XZ , Gan CC , M R , Y R , G S , Tan SS , Lim SK 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDHepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 71 million people worldwide and chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure. Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the renal replacement therapies with risk of HCV transmission. Anti-HCV antibodies are the serological screening test for HCV infection that does not detect active phase of infection. Majority HCV infected HD patients in Malaysia do not have further HCV RNA performed due to high cost and thus HCV treatment is less frequently offered. HCV Core Antigen (HCV Ag) can potentially be used to diagnose active HCV infection in HD population in comparison to HCV RNA, at lower cost. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and to identify the prevalence of active HCV infection among HCV seropositive HD patients from dialysis centres across West Malaysia from July 2019 to May 2020. Pre-dialysis blood was taken and tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA tests. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test.RESULTS We recruited 112 seropositive HD patients from 17 centres with mean age of 54.04±11.62 years, HD vintage of 14.1±9.7 years, and male constitute 59.8% (67) of the study population. HCV Ag correlates well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.833, p<0.001). The sensitivity was 90.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 76.5%, and accuracy 92.9%. For HCV RNA level >3000 IU/mL, HCV Ag had a higher sensitivity of 95.1% and greater correlation (Spearman test coefficient 0.897, p<0.001). The prevalence of active HCV infection was 76.8% among HCV seropositive HD patients. CONCLUSIONS Although HCV Ag is less sensitive, it shows an excellent correlation with HCV RNA and has 100% PPV. HCV Ag can be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool for chronic active HCV infection among HD cohort, who can then be considered for HCV treatment. For seropositive HD patient with negative HCV Ag, we recommend to follow-up with HCV RNA test.
Von Willebrand Factor:Antigen And Adamts-13 Level, But Not Soluble P-Selectin, Are Risk Factors For The First Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis In Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Permatadewi Cecilia Oktaria , de Samakto Baringin , Bugis Ashar , Naibaho Ridho M. , Pangarsa Eko Adhi , Santosa Damai , Suharti Catharina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
METHODS: We measured sP-selectin, vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13 levels at baseline RESULTS: Forty patients with cancer were included in the study, all were recuited before their first chemotherapy induction. vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13 were significantly associated with cancer chemotherapy accounting to increased RR for first asymptomatic DVT in the logistic regression model.﻿CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to determine whether incorporating vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13 levels wil find use in everyday clinical practice. Once validated, these results may specify particular cancer patients to be treated with prophylactic anticoagulant.
Fully automated radiosynthesis of [18F]LBT999 on TRACERlab FXFN and AllinOne modules, a PET radiopharmaceutical for imaging the dopamine transporter in human brain
Authors: Vala Christine , Mothes Céline , Chicheri Gabrielle , Magadur Pauline , Viot Gilles , Deloye Jean-Bernard , Maia Serge , Bouvet Yann , Dupont Anne-Claire , Arlicot Nicolas , Guilloteau Denis , Emond Patrick , Vercoullie Johnny 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Fluorine labelled 8-((E)-4-fluoro-but-2-enyl)-3b-p-tolyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2b-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([18F]LBT999) is a selective radioligand for the in vivo neuroimaging and quantification of the dopamine transporter by Positron Emission Tomography (PET). [18F]LBT999 was produced on a TRACERlab FXFN for the Phase I study but for Phase III and a potent industrial production transfer, production was also implemented on an AllinOne (AIO) system requiring a single use cassette. Both production methods are reported herein. Results: Automation of [18F]LBT999 radiosynthesis on FXFN was carried out in 35% yield (decay-corrected) in 65 min (n=16), with a radiochemical purity higher than 99 % and a molar activity of 158 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis. The transfer to the AIO platform followed by optimizations allowed the production of [18F]LBT999 in 32.7% yield (decay-corrected) within 48 min (n=5), with a radiochemical purity better than 98% and a molar activity above 154 GBq/µmol on average at the end of synthesis. Quality controls of both methods met the specification for clinical application.Conclusion: Both modules allow efficient and reproducible radiosynthesis of [18F]LBT999 with good radiochemical yields and a reasonable synthesis time. The developments made on AIO, such as its ability to meet pharmaceutical criteria and to more easily comply with GMP requirements, make it an optimal approach for the potent industrial production of [18F]LBT999 and future wider use.
Bioconversion of biphenyl to a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer by Alcaligenes denitrificans A41
Authors: Yajima Taito , Nagatomo Mizuki , Wakabayashi Aiko , Sato Michio , Taguchi Seiichi , Maeda Michihisa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)], was biosynthesized from biphenyl as the sole carbon source using Alcaligenes (currently Achromobacter) denitrificans A41. This strain is capable of degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and biphenyl. This proof-of-concept of the conversion of aromatic chemicals such as the environmental pollutant PCBs/biphenyl to eco-friendly products such as biodegradable polyester PHA was inspired by the uncovering of two genes encoding PHA synthases in the A. denitrificans A41 genome. When the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio was set at 21, the cellular P(3HB-co-3HV) content in strain A41 reached its highest value of 10.1% of the cell dry weight (CDW). A two-step cultivation protocol improved the accumulation of P(3HB-co-3HV) by up to 26.2% of the CDW, consisting of 13.0 mol% 3HV when grown on minimum salt medium without nitrogen sources. The highest cellular content of P(3HB-co-3HV) (47.6% of the CDW) was obtained through the two-step cultivation of strain A41 on biphenyl as the sole carbon source. The purified copolymer had ultra-high molecular weight (weight-average molecular weight of 3.5 × 106), as revealed through gel-permeation chromatography. Based on the genomic information related to both polymer synthesis and biphenyl degradation, we finally proposed a metabolic pathway for the production of P(3HB-co-3HV) associated with the degradation of biphenyl by strain A41.
Closing-wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy Combined with Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation with Genu Valgum
Authors: Jing Lizhong , Wang Xiaole , Liu Kun , Wang Xiaotan , Jiang Lu , Wu Di , Zhang Zhiwei , Li Zhuang , Yu Le , Wang Shaoshan , Yang Jiushan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) is a well-established procedure for addressing recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) in young patients. However, for RPD with genu valgum, simultaneous MPFLR and closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) may be a promising procedure yet rarely reported. This study’s purpose was to observe and analyse the clinical and imaging findings of CWDFO combined with MPFLR for RPD with genu valgum.Methods: From May 2015 to Apirl 2018, 25 patients with RPD and genu valgum were surgically treated in our department. Anteroposterior long-leg, weight-bearing, lower-extremity radiographs, lateral radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the patellofemoral joint were obtained, and the femorotibial angle (FTA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), weight-bearing line rate (WBLR), patellar height, patellar lateral shift (PLS) and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance were analysed. Validated knee scores, such as the Kujala, Lysholm, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Tegner socres, were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.Results: 25 patients, with an average age of 19.8 years (14–27), were evaluated. All patients had been able to achieve a better sports level without any problems during the 2-year follow-up period. There has been no recurrence of patellar instability. Compared with preoperation, the FTA, mLDFA, WBLR and PLS showed statistically significant improvement following the procedure (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant differences in the Insall index and TT-TG distance was found. The mean Kujala score, average Lysholm score, VAS score and Tegner socres showed significant improvement postoperatively.Conclusions: CWDFO combined with MPFLR is a suitable treatment for RPD with genu valgum, as it leads to significant improvement in the clinical and imaging findings of the knee in the short term.
De novo mosaic and partial monosomy of chromosome 21 in a case with superior vena cava duplication
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Yanakakis Lindsay , Issleb Samantha , Turina Jessica , Drabik Kelli , Bonner Christina , Simi Eve , Wagner Andrew , Fiddler Morry , Naeem Rizwan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Full or partial monosomy of chromosome (chr) 21 is a very rare abnormal cytogenetic finding. It is characterized by variable sizes and deletion breakpoints on the long arm (q) of chr 21 that lead to a broad spectrum of phenotypes that include an increased risk of birth defects, developmental delay and intellectual deficit.Case presentation: We report a 37-year-old G1P0 woman initially screened by non-invasive prenatal testing with no positive findings that was followed by an 18-week anatomy scan with a fetal finding of duplication of the superior vena cava (SVC). The medical and family history was otherwise uneventful. After appropriate genetic counseling, amniocentesis was performed to evaluate suspected chromosomal anomalies.Conclusions: Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed loss of one chr 21 signal that was further delineated by chromosomal microarray analysis on uncultured amniocytes as a terminal 10 Mb deletion on chr 21q. Karyotype and microarrays on cultured amniocytes showed two cell lines for a mosaic 21q terminal deletion and monosomy 21. The combined molecular cytogenetics results reported following the ISCN 2016 guideline as mos 46,XX,del(21)(q22)dn[20]/45,XX,-21dn[10].nuc ish(D21S342/D21S341/D21S259x1)[100].arr[GRCh37] 21q11.2q22.12(15412676_36272993)x1~2,21q22.12q22.3(36431283_47612400)x1. Parental chromosomal analysis revealed normal karyotypes. Thus, this was a de novo mosaic full and partial monosomy of chr 21 in a case with SVC duplication. Despite the association of congenital heart disease with monsomy 21 we could not find any published literature or online databases for this cytogenetic abnormality. The patient terminated the pregnancy following the abnormal molecular cytogenetic results due to the possible challenges the baby would face if carried to term.
LINC00649 underexpression is an adverse prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Guo Chao , Gao Ya-yue , Ju Qian-qian , Zhang Chun-xia , Gong Ming , Li Zhen-ling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play a role in leukemogenesis, maintenance, development, and therapeutic resistance of AML. While few studies have focused on the prognostic significance of LINC00649 in AML, which we aim to investigate in this present study. Methods We compared the expression level of LINC00649 between AML patients and healthy controls. The Kaplan-Meier curves of AML patients expressing high versus low level of LINC00649 was performed. The LINC00649 correlated genes/miRNAs/lncRNAs and methylation CpG sites were screened by Pearson correlation analysis with R (version 3.6.0), using TCGA-LAML database. The LINC00649 associated ceRNA network was established using lncBase 2.0 and miRWalk 2.0 online tools, combining results from correlation analysis. Finally, a prediction model was constructed using LASSO-Cox regression. Results LINC00649 was underexpressed in bone marrow of AML group than that in healthy control group. The patients of LINC00649-low group have significantly inferior PFS and OS. A total of 154 mRNAs, 31 miRNAs, 28 lncRNAs and 1590 methylated CpG sites were identified to be significantly correlated with LINC00649. Furthermore, the network of ceRNA was established with 6 miRNAs and 122 mRNAs. The Lasso-Cox model fitted OS/PFS to novel prediction models, which integrated clinical factors, ELN risk stratification, mRNA/miRNA expression and methylation profiles. The analysis of time-dependent ROC for our model showed a superior AUC (AUC = 0.916 at 1 year, AUC = 0.916 at 3 years, and AUC = 0.891 at 5 years). Conclusions Low expression of LINC00649 is a potential unfavorable prognostic marker for AML patients, which requires the further validation. The analysis by LASSO-COX regression identified a novel comprehensive model with a superior diagnostic utility, which integrated clinical and genetic variables.
Interferon-beta enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Blaauboer Amber , Booy Stephanie , Koetsveld Peter M. van , Karels Bas , Dogan Fadime , Zwienen Suzanne van , Eijck Casper H.J. van , Hofland Leo J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Adjuvant gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer has limited efficacy in the clinical setting. Impaired drug metabolism is associated with treatment resistance. We aimed to evaluate the chemosensitising effect of interferon-beta (IFN-β).Methods: BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1 cells were pre-treated with IFN-β followed by gemcitabine monotherapy. The effect on cell growth, colony formation, and cell cycle was determined. RT-qPCR was used to measure gene expression. BxPC-3 cells were used in a heterotopic subcutaneous mouse model. Results: IFN-β increased sensitivity to gemcitabine (4-, 7.7-, and 1.7-fold EC50 decrease in BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1, respectively; all P<0.001). Findings were confirmed when assessing colony formation. The percentage of cells in the S-phase was significantly increased after IFN-β treatment only in BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1 by 12% and 7%, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). Thereby, IFN-β upregulated expression of the drug transporters SLC28A1 in BxPC-3 (252%) and SLC28A3 in BxPC-3 (127%) and CFPAC-1 (223%) (all p<0.001). In vivo, combination therapy reduced tumor volume with 45% (P=0.01). Both ex vivo and in vivo data demonstrate a significant reduction in the number of proliferating cells, whereas apoptosis was increased. Conclusions: For the first time, we validated the chemosensitising effects of IFN-β when combined with gemcitabine in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. This was driven by cell cycle modulation and associated with an upregulation of genes involving intracellular uptake of gemcitabine. The use of IFN-β in combination with gemcitabine seems promising in patients with pancreatic cancer and needs to be further explored.
Role of interleukin 6 as a predictive factor for a severe course of Covid-19: retrospective data analysis of patients from a Long-term Care Facility during Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Sabaka Peter , Koščálová Alena , Straka Igor , Hodosy Julius , Lipták Robert , Kmotorková Barbora , Kachlíková Mária , Kušnírová Alica 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Covid-19 is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among elderly residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). During an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the LTCF an effective screening tool is essential to identify the patients at risk for severe illness and death. We explored the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a predictor for severe disease during the outbreak of Covid-19 in one LTCF in Slovakia.Methods: We conducted a retrospective data analysis of cases of COVID-19, diagnosed during the outbreak in one LTCF in Slovakia between April 11, 2020, and May 5, 2020. Within 24 hours after the diagnosis of Covid-19, clinical and laboratory screening was performed in the LTCF to identify patients in need of hospitalization. Patients with oxygen saturation below 90% were immediately referred to the hospital. Patients staying in the LFTC were monitored daily and those that developed hypoxemia were transferred to the hospital. We analyzed the association between the IL-6 at the initial assessment and development of hypoxemia during follow up and determined the cut-off of the IL-6 able to predict the development of hypoxemia requiring oxygen therapy.Results: Fifty-three patients (11 men, 42 women) with diagnosed Covid-19 were included in the analysis. 19 (53%) patients developed hypoxemia during the disease. Patients with hypoxemia had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase at initial screening. ROC analyses identified IL-6 as the most robust predictor of hypoxemia. The concentration of IL-6 > 24 pg/mL predicted the development of hypoxemia with the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88.9%. The positive and negative predictive values were 76.9%, and 100% respectively.Conclusions: The concentration of IL-6 > 24 pg/mL at initial assessment predicted the development of hypoxemia requiring hospitalization with excellent sensitivity and good specificity. IL-6 appears as a potential predictor for the development of the severe Covid-19 and might serve for early identification of patients in need of hospitalization. Further studies are needed to evaluate the robustness of the use of IL-6 as an effective screening tool for the severe course of Covid-19.
Performance Analysis of Power-Splitting Relaying Protocol in SWIPT Based Cooperative NOMA Systems
Authors: Tran Quy-Huu , Phan Ca V , Vien Quoc-Tuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates a relay assisted simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) for downlink in cellular systems. Cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (C-NOMA) is employed along with power splitting (PS) protocol to enable both energy harvesting (EH) and information processing (IP). A downlink model consisting of a base station (BS) and two users is considered, in which the near user (NU) is selected as a relay to forward the received signal from the BS to the far user (FU). Maximum ratio combining is then employed at the FU to combine both the signals received from the BS and NU. Closed form expressions of outage probability (OP), throughput, ergodic rate and energy efficiency (EE) are firstly derived for the SWIPT based C-NOMA considering both scenarios of having and without having direct link between the BS and FU. The impacts of EH time, EH efficiency, power-splitting ratio, source data rate and distance between different nodes on the performance are then investigated. The simulation results show that the C-NOMA with direct link achieves an outperformed performance over C-NOMA without direct link. Moreover, the performance of C-NOMA with direct link is also higher than that for OMA. Specifically, (i) the outage probability for C-NOMA in both direct and relaying link cases is always lower than that for OMA. (ii) the outage probability, throughput and ergodic rate vary according to b, (iii) the EE of both users can obtain in SNR range of from -10 to 5 dB and it decreases linearly as SNR increases. Numerical results are provided to verify the findings.