bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of loss-to-follow-up on cancer survival estimates for small populations: a simulation study using Hospital-Based Cancer Registries in Japan
Authors: Okuyama Ayako , Barclay Matthew , Chen Cong , Higashi Takahiro 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesThe accuracy of the ascertainment of vital status impacts the validity of cancer survival. This study assesses the potential impact of loss-to-follow-up on survival in Japan, both nationally and in the samples seen at individual hospitals.DesignSimulation studySetting and participantsData of patients diagnosed in 2007, provided by the Hospital-Based Cancer Registries of 177 hospitals throughout Japan.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe performed simulations for each cancer site, for sample sizes of 100, 1000 and 8000 patients, and for loss-to-follow-up ranging from 1% to 5%. We estimated the average bias and the variation in bias in survival due to loss-to-follow-up.ResultsThe expected bias was not associated with the sample size (with 5% loss-to-follow-up, about 2.1% for the cohort including all cancers), but a smaller sample size led to more variable bias. Sample sizes of around 100 patients, as may be seen at individual hospitals, had very variable bias: with 5% loss-to-follow-up for all cancers, 25% of samples had a bias of <1.02% and 25% of samples had a bias of > 3.06%.ConclusionSurvival should be interpreted with caution when loss-to-follow-up is a concern, especially for poor-prognosis cancers and for small-area estimates.
Oncolytic adenovirus shapes the ovarian tumor microenvironment for potent tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte tumor reactivity
Authors: Santos João Manuel , Heiniö Camilla , Cervera-Carrascon Victor , Quixabeira Dafne C A , Siurala Mikko , Havunen Riikka , Butzow Ralf , Zafar Sadia , de Gruijl Tanja , Lassus Heini , Kanerva Anna , Hemminki Akseli 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundOvarian cancers often contain significant numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that can be readily harnessed for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT). However, the immunosuppressive ovarian tumor microenvironment and lack of tumor reactivity in TILs can limit the effectiveness of the therapy. We hypothesized that by using an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2; TILT-123) to deliver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), we could counteract immunosuppression, and enhance antitumor TIL responses in ovarian cancer (OVCA).MethodsWe established ex vivo tumor cultures freshly derived from patients with advanced OVCA and evaluated the effects of Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 or Ad5/3-E2F-D24 (the control virus without TNFa and IL-2) on TILs, cytokine response and tumor viability. Tumor reactivity was assessed by determining interferon gamma (IFNg) response of clinically relevant TILs towards autologous T-cell-depleted ex vivo tumor cultures pretreated with or without the aforementioned oncolytic adenoviruses.ResultsTreatment of ex vivo tumor cultures with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 caused a substantial rise in proinflammatory signals: increased secretion of IFNg, CXCL10, TNFa and IL-2, and concomitant activation of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs. Potent tumor reactivity was seen, as clinically relevant TIL secreted high levels of IFNg in response to autologous T-cell-depleted ovarian ex vivo tumor cultures treated with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2. This phenomenon was independent of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, a factor that determined the variability of IFNg responses seen in different patient samples.ConclusionsOverall, oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 was able to rewire the ovarian tumor microenvironment to accommodate heightened antitumor TIL reactivity. Such effects may improve the clinical effectiveness of ACT with TILs in patients with advanced OVCA.
Tandem occlusions in acute ischemic stroke – impact of antithrombotic medication and complementary heparin on clinical outcome and stent patency
Authors: Neuberger Ulf , Moteva Konstantina , Vollherbst Dominik F , Schönenberger Silvia , Reiff Tilman , Ringleb Peter Arthur , Bendszus Martin , Pfaff Johannes Alex Rolf , Möhlenbruch Markus 
Published: January 2020

Background and purposeMechanical thrombectomy (MT) and acute carotid stenting (ACS) of patients with acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusions (TO) of the anterior circulation was proven to be safe and effective, but the implications of periprocedural antithrombotic medications are only known to a limited extent.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 162 consecutive patients who presented with TO and were treated with MT and ACS in our center. Patients initially either received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) or tirofiban periprocedurally. Some patients were also treated with unfractionated heparin. The frequency of intracranial hemorrhages (ICH), as well as the impact on clinical outcome and stent patency of different medical regimes, were evaluated using univariate tests and adjusted multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsPatients who received supportive treatment with heparin had significantly higher occurrences of any (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.28) and symptomatic ICH (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.18 to 14.95). Additionally, these patients were less likely to have a moderate clinical outcome after 90 days (modified Rankin scale 0–3; OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.72), but were more likely to have a fatal outcome after 90 days (OR, 2.84; 95% CI 1.10 to 7.31). These findings persisted in patients who received both DAT and heparin, but not for patients who received both tirofiban and heparin.ConclusionSupportive administration of heparin in patients with TO and treatment with MT and ACS should be carefully considered, especially in patients who primarily receive DAT.
What characterises work and workplaces that retain their employees following acquired brain injury? Systematic review
Authors: Alves Daniele Evelin , Nilsen Wendy , Fure Silje Christine Reistad , Enehaug Heidi , Howe Emilie Isager , Løvstad Marianne , Fink Louisa , Andelic Nada , Spjelkavik Øystein 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review assessing workplace factors related to work retention (or return to work) in employees with acquired brain injury (ABI). Additionally, we aimed to synthesise the evidence and state of knowledge on this subject.MethodsA database search was performed in nine relevant electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were quantitative peer-reviewed publications empirically investigating the relationship between work/workplace factors and work retention in employees following ABI. The methodological quality was determined by Effective Public Health Practice Project scoring, and evidence was synthesised narratively.ResultsThirteen studies were included. We found moderate evidence for a negative relationship between manual work and work retention. We also found limited evidence for a U-shaped relationship between workload and complete work retention at 6 months and no relationship at 12 months; a positive relationship between managers, compared with non-managers, and faster work retention; a positive relationship between large enterprise size defined as ≥250 employees, and no relationship between large enterprise size, defined as ≥1000 employees, and work retention.ConclusionRelative to individual factors, there is little evidence on specific workplace factors’ relationship to work retention among employees with ABI. For most workplace factors, there were too few high-quality studies to designate evidence as more than limited or insufficient. Future studies should replicate rigorous studies of well-defined modifiable workplace factors related to work retention.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018082201.
Importing rescue dogs into the UK: reasons, methods and welfare considerations
Authors: Norman Charlotte , Stavisky Jenny , Westgarth Carri 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundRescuing dogs from overseas is increasing in popularity but has associated risks. This study is the first to investigate the reasons why people bring rescue dogs into the UK from overseas, the importation process, and potential welfare problems associated with this practice.MethodsAn online questionnaire was advertised on social media in 2017 and received 3080 responses.ResultsParticipants primarily chose to adopt from abroad based on a desire for a particular dog they had seen advertised and on concern for its situation. However, some were motivated by previously having been refused dogs from UK rescues. Adopters reported that the EU Pet Travel Scheme was used to import 89 per cent of dogs, with only 1.2 per cent reportedly under the more stringent (and correct) Balai Directive. 14.8 per cent (79/533) of dogs reportedly tested for Leishmania infantum had positive results. Although sometimes severe, the prevalence of behavioural problems appeared comparable to that of other rescue dogs.ConclusionIt is important that vets consider testing for exotic diseases, and the provision of behavioural support, when seeing imported patients. Our findings emphasise the importance of clear guidelines on travel laws, and stricter checks on animals imported as rescues, to ensure protection against the importation of diseases that pose a risk to animal and human health in the UK.
The effects of high-intensity interval training and saffron aqueous extract supplementation on alterations of body weight and apoptotic indices in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia
Authors: Ahmadabadi Fereshteh , Saghebjoo Marziyeh , Huang Chun-Jung , Saffari Iman , Zardast Mahmoud 
Published: January 2020

Exercise training and antioxidant supplementation may improve unintentional weight loss and programmed cell death associated with cancer cachexia. The aim of this study was to examine the alterations of body weight and apoptotic indices in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia following 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and saffron aqueous extract (SAE) supplementation. Female BALB/c mice following induction of breast cancer were divided into (i) controls, (ii) HIIT, (iii) SAE, (iv) HIIT+SAE, and (v) sham groups. Mice were euthanized and gastrocnemius muscle was collected after intervention. The control group elicited a significant weight reduction during third and fourth weeks of tumor injection, while other treatments such as HIIT and SAE, but not HIIT+SAE, showed that they counteracted this adverse event. Furthermore, HIIT and SAE treatments (not HIIT+SAE) demonstrated reduced caspase-3 and Bax levels compared with the control group. The level of Bcl-2 was elevated following both HIIT and SAE treatments compared with the control group. Finally, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was significantly higher in both HIIT and SAE groups, but was lower in HIIT+SAE group compared with sham group. It is likely that either HIIT or SAE intervention alone (not HIIT+SAE) represents a readily applicable approach in the regulation of muscle wasting and apoptosis in cancer cachexia. Novelty HIIT is associated with a reduced risk of cancer-related muscle wasting. SAE enhances the improvement of muscle loss and apoptotic indices. Combination of HIIT and SAE does not improve cancer-related loss of muscle mass and mediate apoptotic activation.
Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation markers in patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis
Authors: Valle Flores José A. , Fariño Cortéz Juan E. , Mayner Tresol Gabriel A. , Perozo Romero Juan , Blasco Carlos Miquel , Nestares Teresa 
Published: January 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common public health problem that increases the risk of death because of cardiovascular complications by 2–3 times compared with the general population. This research concerns a prospective, randomized, double-blind study in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. The participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the study group (group A; 46 patients) received 4 capsules (2.4 g) of omega-3 fatty acids daily during the 12-week intervention, while patients in the control group (group B; 47 patients) received 4 capsules of paraffin oil. The patients’ general characteristics, nutritional indicators, renal disease markers and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) were evaluated. No differences were found between the general characteristics of the patients (P < 0.05), and no differences were shown in the nutritional indicators and markers of kidney disease (P < 0.05). Patients in group A showed significant decreases in levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-α, and the IL-10/IL-6 ratio after 12 weeks of supplementation (P < 0.05). Patients in group B did not show any significant changes in concentrations of inflammatory markers during the intervention (P < 0.05). In conclusion, oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids produces a significant decrease in the concentrations of inflammation markers in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Novelty Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids produced significant decreases in the concentrations of inflammation markers. This supplementation could be given to patients with uremic syndrome and coronary heart disease to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dietary Salvia hispanica L. reduces cardiac oxidative stress of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats
Authors: Creus Agustina , Chicco Adriana , Álvarez Silvina M. , Giménez María S. , de Lombardo Yolanda Bolzón 
Published: January 2020

Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as chia seed, has beneficial effects upon some signs of metabolic syndrome (MS), such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. However, its action on cardiac oxidative stress associated with MS remains unknown. The goal of this study was to analyze the possible beneficial effects of chia seed (variety Salba) upon the oxidative stress of left ventricle heart muscle (LV) of a well-established dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rat model induced by feeding them a sucrose-rich diet (SRD). Male Wistar rats received an SRD for 3 months. After that, for 3 additional months, half of the animals continued with the SRD, while the other half received the SRD containing chia as the source of dietary fat instead corn oil (SRD+chia). In the LV of SRD-fed rats, chia seed improved/reverted the depleted activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase, and ameliorated manganese superoxide dismutase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels increasing the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Improved the glutathione redox estate, reactive oxygen species, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances contents normalizing the p47NOX subunit mRNA level. Furthermore, chia normalized hypertension and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers. The findings show that chia seed intake impacts positively upon oxidative imbalance of LV of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats. Novelty Healthy effects of chia seed involve an improvement of cardiac antioxidant defenses through Nrf2 induction. Chia seed intake reduces cardiac oxidative stress markers of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats. Dietary chia seed restores cardiac unbalanced redox state of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats.
Anisotropic massive Brans–Dicke gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$CDM model
Authors: Akarsu Özgür , Katırcı Nihan , Özdemir Neşe , Vázquez J. Alberto 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe present an explicit detailed theoretical and observational investigation of an anisotropic massive Brans–Dicke (BD) gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model, wherein the extension is characterized by two additional degrees of freedom; the BD parameter, $$\omega $$ω, and the present day density parameter corresponding to the shear scalar, $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}$$Ωσ2,0. The BD parameter, determining the deviation from general relativity (GR), by alone characterizes both the dynamics of the effective dark energy (DE) and the redshift dependence of the shear scalar. These two affect each other depending on $$\omega $$ω, namely, the shear scalar contributes to the dynamics of the effective DE, and its anisotropic stress – which does not exist in scalar field models of DE within GR – controls the dynamics of the shear scalar deviating from the usual $$\propto (1+z)^6$$∝(1+z)6 form in GR. We mainly confine the current work to non-negative $$\omega $$ω values as it is the right sign – theoretically and observationally – for investigating the model as a correction to the $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM. By considering the current cosmological observations, we find that $$\omega \gtrsim 250$$ω≳250, $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}\lesssim 10^{-23}$$Ωσ2,0≲10-23 and the contribution of the anisotropy of the effective DE to this value is insignificant. We conclude that the simplest anisotropic massive BD gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model exhibits no significant deviations from it all the way to the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. We also point out the interesting features of the model in the case of negative $$\omega $$ω values; for instance, the constraints on $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}$$Ωσ2,0 could be relaxed considerably, the values of $$\omega \sim -1$$ω∼-1 (relevant to string theories) predict dramatically different dynamics for the expansion anisotropy.
Edge-based SEIR dynamics with recovery rate in latent period on complex networks
Authors: Zhou Rong , Wu Qingchu 
Published: January 2020

Disease and information spreading on social and information networks have often been described by ordinary differential equations. A recent research by the authors [Y. Wang et al., Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simulat. 45, 35 (2017).] presented an analysis of susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model with and without infectious force in latent period. We present a full analysis in the more general scenario where the exposed nodes can get vaccinated or recovered. The basic reproduction number and the final epidemic size are theoretically derived. Compared to the standard SEIR model without recovery rate in latent period, our results reveal that both the recovery rate in latent period and the length of latent period can increase the epidemic threshold and inhibit the epidemic outbreak. In addition, the model predictions agree well with the continuous-time stochastic simulations in Erdős–Rényi random graphs and scale-free configuration networks.
Prospective Evaluation of Bone Metabolic Markers as Surrogate Markers of Response to Radium-223 Therapy in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Agarwal Neeraj , Nussenzveig Roberto , Hahn Andrew W. , Hoffman John M. , Morton Kathryn , Gupta Sumati , Batten Julia , Thorley Jared , Hawks Josiah , Santos Victor Sacristan , Nachaegari Gayatri , Wang Xuechen , Boucher Kenneth , Haaland Benjamin , Maughan Benjamin L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
Radium-223 is approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on improved overall survival, and delay in skeletal related events. However, it is not associated with PSA or radiographic response, which poses a challenge in real-time assessment of its efficacy. Surrogate markers of treatment outcomes may facilitate tailoring treatment duration with radium-223, by limiting the duration of therapy with radium-223 in these patients. Here, we sought to investigate the utility of bone metabolic markers (BMMs) as surrogate markers of response to radium-223 in mCRPC.

Patients and Methods:
A prospective phase II trial of radium-223 plus enzalutamide (RE) versus enzalutamide alone was designed to assess surrogacy of BMMs with respect to response to radium-223. Enzalutamide was used as a comparator in lieu of placebo due to the progressive disease. Co-primary endpoints were relative change in serum BMM N-telopeptide (NTP) levels from baseline to 6 months between the two arms and safety and feasibility of the combination.

Results:
Thirty-nine men were randomized to RE (n = 27) or enzalutamide (n = 12). Combination was safe and feasible. Primary endpoint was met. A statistically significant relative change to NTP ratios between arms (0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.81; P = 0.00048) favored RE versus enzalutamide. Overall, BMMs decreased with the RE therapy compared with enzalutamide. Improved PSA response rate in RE versus enzalutamide (P = 0.024), correlated with decline in BMMs.

Conclusions:
BMMs declined significantly with combination therapy, and were associated with improved outcomes. Upon external validation, BMMs may emerge as surrogate markers to monitor treatment with radium-223 in real-time.
Inability to Smell Peppermint Is Related to Cognitive Decline: A Prospective Community-Based Study
Authors: Liang Xiaoniu , Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Wu Wanqing , Xiao Zhenxu , Luo Jianfeng , Hong Zhen 
Published: January 2020

<b><i>Background:</i></b> A few studies have demonstrated the association of poorer olfactory identification (OI) with poorer cognition in population-based cohorts. None of them considered the outcome associated with the inability to smell a certain odor. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To verify the hypothesis that at least one specific odor is associated with incident cognitive decline among older adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In the Shanghai Aging Study, a sub-cohort of 948 dementia-free participants who had baseline OI measurements were prospectively followed for 5 years. <b><i>Results:</i></b> An inability to smell peppermint (β = –0.44, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), rose (β = –0.14, <i>p</i> = 0.040), or coffee (β = –0.37, <i>p</i> = 0.002) was inversely related to the annual rate of change in the Mini Mental State Examination score, and an inability to smell peppermint was associated with a higher risk for incident dementia (hazard ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.44–4.96) after adjustment for confounders. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our study suggests that some odors, especially peppermint, might be considered as a potential predictor for dementia in older populations.
Evaluation of ECG Imaging to Map Hemodynamically Stable and Unstable Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Graham Adam J. , Orini Michele , Zacur Ernesto , Dhillon Gurpreet , Daw Holly , Srinivasan Neil T. , Martin Claire , Lane Jem , Mansell Josephine S. , Cambridge Alex , Garcia Jason , Pugliese Francesca , Segal Oliver , Ahsan Syed , Lowe Martin , Finlay Malcolm , Earley Mark J. , Chow Anthony , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul , Hunter Ross J. , Schilling Richard J. , Lambiase Pier D. 
Published: January 2020

Background:
ECG imaging (ECGI) has been used to guide treatment of ventricular ectopy and arrhythmias. However, the accuracy of ECGI in localizing the origin of arrhythmias during catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structurally abnormal hearts remains to be fully validated.

Methods:
During catheter ablation of VT, simultaneous mapping was performed using electroanatomical mapping (CARTO, Biosense-Webster) and ECGI (CardioInsight, Medtronic) in 18 patients. Sites of entrainment, pace-mapping, and termination during ablation were used to define the VT site of origin (SoO). Distance between SoO and the site of earliest activation on ECGI were measured using co-registered geometries from both systems. The accuracy of ECGI versus a 12-lead surface ECG algorithm was compared.

Results:

A total of 29 VTs were available for comparison. Distance between SoO and sites of earliest activation in ECGI was 22.6, 13.9 to 36.2 mm (median, first to third quartile). ECGI mapped VT sites of origin onto the correct AHA segment with higher accuracy than a validated 12-lead ECG algorithm (83.3% versus 38.9%;
P
=0.015).

Conclusions:
This simultaneous assessment demonstrates that CardioInsight localizes VT circuits with sufficient accuracy to provide a region of interest for targeting mapping for ablation. Resolution is not sufficient to guide discrete radiofrequency lesion delivery via catheter ablation without concomitant use of an electroanatomical mapping system but may be sufficient for segmental ablation with radiotherapy.