bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective SPECT/CT Dosimetry Following Transarterial Radioembolization
Authors: Thompson Briana C. , Dezarn William A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) effectively treats unresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors through local injection of Yttrium-90 (90Y) beta particle emitting microspheres. These microspheres implant around the tumor, damaging tumorous cells while sparing healthy liver tissue. Current dosimetry models are highly simplistic and based patient characteristics such as body surface area and fail to consider many important factors. There is a large need for an imaged based dosimetry post-TARE which would improve treatment safety and efficacy. Current post-TARE imaging is 90Y bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT and we study the use of these images for post-TARE dosimetry. Methods: Retrospective image review of 10 patients having a Philips HealthcareTM SPECT/CT following TARE SIR-Spheres® implantation. Emission series with attenuation correction were resampled to 3mm resolution and used to create image based dose distributions. Dose distributions and analysis were performed in MIM Software SurePlanTM utilizing SurePlanTM Local Deposition Method (LDM) and our own dose convolution method (WFBH). We sought to implement a patient specific background subtraction technique prior to dose calculation to make these noisy bremsstrahlung SPECT images suitable for post-TARE dosimetry calculations. Results: On average the percentage of mean background counts to maximum count in the image across all patients was 9.4 ± 4.9% with a maximum of 17.6% and minimum of 2.3%. Absolute dose increased and profile line width decreased as background subtraction value increased. The average value of the LDM and WFBH dose methods were statistically the same. As background subtraction value increased, we found the DVH curves to become unrealistic and distorted.Conclusion: Background subtraction on bremsstrahlung SPECT image had a large effect on post-TARE dosimetry. The background contour we defined provides a systematic estimate to the activity background that accounts for the scanner and patient conditions at the time of the image study and is easily implemented using commercially available software. We found using the mean count in the background contour as a constant subtraction across the entire image gave the most realistic dose distributions. Comparison of dosimetry from background subtracted SPECT images to image based dosimetry obtained via 90Y PET images will be the subject of our next analysis.
Exploring Equity and Inclusion in Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna D , Smith Emma M. , Munthali Alister , Msowoya Steven W. , Kafumba Juba , Jamali Monica Z. , MacLachlan Malcolm 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Equity and inclusion are important principles in policy development and implementation. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which equity and inclusion were considered in the development of Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Methods
We applied an analytical methodology to review the Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan using the EquIPP (Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes) tool. The EquIPP tool assesses 17 Key Actions to explore the extent of equity and inclusion.
Results
The development of the Malawi National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan was informed by a desire to promote the rights, opportunities and wellbeing of persons with disability in Malawi. The majority (58%) of the Key Actions received a rating of three, indicating evidence of clear, but incomplete or only partial engagement of persons with disabilities in the policy process. Three (18%) of the Key Actions received a rating of four indicating that all reasonable steps to engage in the policy development process were observed. Four (23%) of the Key Actions received a score five indicating a reference to Key Action in the core documents in the policy development process.
Conclusion
The development of disability policies and associated implementation strategies requires equitable and inclusive processes that consider input from all stakeholders especially those whose wellbeing depend on such policies. It is pivotal for government and organisations in the process of policy or strategy development and implementation, to involve stakeholders in a virtuous process of co-production – co-implementation – co-evaluation, which may strengthen both the sense of inclusion and the effectiveness of the policy life-cycle.
YY1-modulated Long Non-coding RNA SNHG12 Predicts and Promotes Gastric Cancer Metastasis via Activating miR-218-5p/YWHAZ-dependent β-catenin: A Bed to Bench Approach
Authors: Zhang Tian Qi , Dai Qingqiang , Beeharry Maneesh Kumarsing , Wang Zhenqiang , Su Liping , Li Chen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric Cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as SNHG12 play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of cancers. However, the role and significanve of SNHG12 in the metastasis of GC has not yet been thoroughly investigated.Methods: The SNHG12 expression pattern was detected in GC tissue samples from our faculty and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. In vivo and in vitro gain and loss assays were conducted to observe the effects of SNHG12 regulation on GC cell metastasis potential. The underlying mechanisms of SNHG12 regulation on EMT and metastatic potential of GC cells were further determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, dual luciferase reporter assays, co-immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation, RIP assays, TOPFlash/FOPFlash reporter assays and Ch-IP assays.Results: SNHG12 was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. The expression levels of SNHG12 in GC samples was significantly related to tumor invasion depth, TNM staging and lymph node metastasis, and was associated with poorer DFS and OS in the GC patients. SNHG12 was significantly highly expressed in peritoneal metastatic tissues from GC patients and mice subjects, suggesting a possible role of SNHG12 in peritoneal carcinomatosis from GC. Further in vivo and in vitro gain and loss assays indicated that SNHG12 promoted GC metastasis and EMT. Based on hypothetical bioinformatic analysis findings, our mechanistic analyses revealed that miR-218-5p was a direct target of SNHG12 and suggested that both SNHG12 and miR-218-5p could collectively regulate YWHAZ, forming the SNHG12/ miR-218-5p/YWHAZ axis, hereby decreasing the ubiquitination of β-catenin, thus activating the β-catenin signaling pathway and facilitating metastasis and EMT. Further analysis also revealed that the transcription factor YY1 could negatively modulate SNHG12 transcription.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that SNHG12 is be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC. Negatively modulated by transcription factor YYI, SNHG12 promotes GC metastasis and EMT by regulating the miR-218-5p/YWHAZ axis and hence activating the β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, we discovered high SNHG12 expression could be related to peritoneal carcinomatosis from GC but this requires further validation.
Radiation induced bladder dysfunction in women during the acute and chronic phases following pelvic radiotherapy in a prospective observational cohort
Authors: Shenhar Chen , Chen Bertha H. , Kidd Elizabeth A. , Dobberfuhl Amy D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common after pelvic radiotherapy (XRT), but most existing literature does not account for pre-XRT symptoms. Our aim was to characterize changes in LUTS before, during, and after (acute, chronic) XRT.
Methods

Adult women were prospectively enrolled into an observational cohort over a 10 month period from radiation oncology (Short Term group, ST) and urology (Long Term group, LT) clinic. Instruments included the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS), Short form 12 item health survey, and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) genitourinary toxicity grading system. Data were analyzed in SAS.
Results

Twenty women were recruited (mean age 59.1 ± SD14.8 years, n = 12 ST, n = 8 LT) with a median follow-up of 9 (ST,IQR 7–50) and 6,170 (LT,IQR: 2,194-8,755) days since XRT [brachytherapy (55%,11/20), external beam (15%,3/20), combination (30%,6/20)]. Storage, voiding and incontinence were mildly worse during XRT (not significant). Storage and incontinence LUTS were prevalent before and after XRT. Worse LT scores (vs. ST) were captured by both AUASS and FLUTS for urgency (p < 0.005) and frequency (p < 0.05). Incontinence was worse in LT and only ascertained by the FLUTS (p < 0.05). AUASS quality of life was worse in ST during XRT (p < 0.05), and in LT after XRT (p < 0.05) when compared to ST. RTOG grade 3–4 toxicity was common (63%,5/8) in the LT group, and not identified at any point during XRT in ST.
Conclusions

XRT is associated with worse LT storage and incontinence, while differences in voiding symptoms did not reach statistical significance.
Sensitivity of prostate cancer foci using 1.5 T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ito Suguru , NAITO SEI , Narisawa Takafumi , Yagi Mayu , Kurota Yuta , Kanno Hidenori , Yamagishi Atsushi , Sakurai Toshihiko , Nishida Hayato , Yamanobe Takuya , Kato Tomoyuki , Tsuchiya Norihiko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The detection of prostate cancer (CaP) has increasingly being carried out by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Despite many previous studies, the sensitivity for clinically significant CaP (csCaP) was high, information on mpMRI false-negative lesions is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use and limitations of mpMRI in CaP.
Methods

A total of 228 CaP foci in 100 patients who underwent 1.5 T mpMRI and radical prostatectomy between December 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The sensitivities of CaP foci, csCaP, and index tumors (ITs) were measured. Clinically significant CaP was defined into two categories based on the Gleason score (GS): csCaP/GS ≥ 3 + 4 (GS ≥ 3 + 4 or diameter > 10 mm) and csCaP/GS ≥ 4 + 3 (GS ≥ 4 + 3 or diameter > 10 mm). In addition, the characteristics of false-negative lesions were identified. The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 was used to determine an mpMRI positive lesion, defined as a lesion having a score of ≥ 3.
Results

The sensitivity of all legions, csCaP/GS ≥ 3 + 4, csCaP/GS ≥ 4 + 3, and ITs were 61.4%, 75.8%, 83.0%, and 91%, respectively. There were 91 lesions that were mpMRI false, 40% of which were csCaP/GS ≥ 3 + 4. There were three lesions with a GS of ≥ 8 and ≥ 10 mm in the false-negative results.
Conclusions

mpMRI can highly detect ITs and csCaP/GS ≥ 4 + 3; however, a few large and high-GS CaPs constitute undetectable lesions in 1.5 T mpMRI.
Attitude Components Affecting Functional Dairy Foods Acceptance Among Iranian Urban Consumers
Authors: Kavoosi-Kalashami Mohammad , Faridi AmirAli , Bilali Hamid El 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to the effects that chemical and inorganic foods have on the human body system and cause a variety of diseases, including cancer, the use of functional foods is highly recommended for people. In this study, the attitudinal factors affecting the acceptance of functional dairy foods by urban consumers in Rasht, located in Guilan province, have been investigated.Methods: Data were obtained from 223 households in Rasht City, Northern Iran. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the effects of the general components of purchasing, the benefits of functional dairy food, the need of functional dairy foods, confidence in functional dairy foods, safety of functional dairy foods, health consciousness and healthy lifestyle, components on the willingness to buy of functional dairy foods.Results: The components of attitude towards healthy lifestyle and the general components of purchasing were the most effective factors in determining the acceptance of functional dairy foods by the households of Rasht City.Conclusions: Lifestyle changes and promotion of healthy lifestyle among urban consumers will increase the acceptance of functional dairy foods in Iran.
SUVmax of FDG PET-CT Can Be Used As An Identifier of Lesion for AI To Interpret Radiology Reports
Authors: Hirata Kenji , Manabe Osamu , Magota Keiichi , Furuya Sho , Shiga Tohru , Kudo Kohsuke 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Radiology reports contribute not only to the particular patient, but also to constructing massive training dataset in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) is often described in daily radiology reports of FDG PET-CT. If SUVmax can be used as an identifier of lesion, that would greatly help AI interpret radiology reports. We aimed to clarify whether the lesion can be localized using SUVmax written in radiology reports.Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We investigated a total of 112 lesions from 30 FDG PET-CT images acquired with 3 different scanners. SUVmax was calculated from DICOM files based on the latest Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) publication. The voxels showing the given SUVmax were exhaustively searched in the whole-body images and counted. SUVmax was provided with 5 different degrees of precision: integer (e.g., 3), 1st decimal places (DP) (3.1), 2nd DP (3.14), 3rd DP (3.142), and 4th DP (3.1416). For instance, when SUVmax=3.14 was given, the voxels with 3.135≤SUVmax<3.145 were extracted. We also evaluated whether local maximum restriction could improve the identifying performance, where only the voxels showing the highest intensity within some neighborhood were considered. We defined that “identical detection” was achieved when only single voxel satisfied the criterion.Results A total of 112 lesions from 30 FDG PET-CT images were investigated. SUVmax ranged from 1.3 to 49.1 (median = 5.6, IQR = 5.2). Generally, when larger and more precise SUVmax values were given, fewer voxels satisfied the criterion. The local maximum restriction was very effective. When SUVmax was determined to 4 decimal places (e.g., 3.1416) and the local maximum restriction was applied, identical detection was achieved in 33.3% (lesions with SUVmax<2), 79.5% (2≤SUVmax<5), and 97.8% (5≤SUVmax) of lesions.Conclusions SUVmax of FDG PET-CT can be used as an identifier to localize the lesion if precise SUVmax is provided and local maximum restriction was applied, although the lesions showing SUVmax<2 were difficult to identify. The proposed method may have potential to make use of radiology reports retrospectively for constructing training datasets for AI.
The Diagnostic Role of Sputum miRNA in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hu Zaoxiu , Zhao Yonghe , Yang Yanlong , Shen Zhenghai , Huang Yunchao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Recent studies indicated sputum miRNAs may provide a promising approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis. But some results were still inconsistent. So, we performed meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic role of sputum miRNAs for the detection of NSCLC.Methods: Eligible studies that estimated the diagnostic accuracy of sputum miRNAs in NSCLC were searched in Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Data from the eligible studies were collected and pooled; sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios, weighted symmetric summary ROC curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated by bi-variate random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by Q test and I2 statistics.Results: 30 studies from 16 articles were included for analysis. The overall analysis yielded the sensitivity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.73–0.81) and specificity of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83–0.90), with an area under the SROC curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.91). Subgroup analysis revealed the diagnostic accuracy in multiple miRNAs studies was higher than single miRNA (the sensitivity, specifcity and an AUC of multiple miRNAs were 0.76, 0.88 and 0.90; and for single miRNA, it was 0.74, 0.74, and 0.80). The diagnostic performance in early stage NSCLC was also very high (the sensitivity, specifcity and an AUC of stage I/II was 0.76, 0.88 and 0.91; and for stage I, it was 0.79, 0.85, and 0.87). We also found miR-210, miR-21, miR-31 and miR-126-3p might serve as potential biomarkers for lung cancer.Conclusion: Sputum miRNAs was useful noninvasive biomarkers for NSCLC diagnosis.
Quantitative method on study of Mani heaps: the case study on color analysis of Mani heaps in Dingqing county, Tibet
Authors: Peng Zhijun , Han Sun , Pan Deng , Zeng Fanyue , Yang Jing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A Mani heap, as an important religious art, is piled up by hundreds of stones or slates carved with a lot of information about religion, culture, history, art and lifestyle of Tibetans. Mani heaps are scattered almost everywhere in Tibet and also become a significant way to understand Tibet and Tibetans. However, the study on Mani heaps appears relatively limited in scope so far not only in Tibet or even in the Himalaya area. In most of the existing studies, qualitative research is the main method to describe or explain Mani heaps which leads to subjective tendencies in somewhere. In this paper, we propose a quantitative method by digital processing the colors of 70 images of Mani heaps in Dingqing county. Compared with the previous related studies, the results are more accurate to reflect the color features of Mani heaps in Dingqing county. More importantly, this quantitative, digital processing way may become an effective research method to apply, verify, underpin or challenge the study on Mani heaps in Tibet or other Himalaya areas.
Lower Mutant-Allele Tumor Heterogeneity is a Biomarker in FGFR3-Mutant Bladder Cancer for Better Prognosis
Authors: Han Yuying , Liu Xu , Ye Haihong , Tian Ye , Ji Zhengguo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer displays a broad mutational spectrum and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), which results in difference in molecular phenotypes and resistance to therapies. However, there are currently no clinically available measures to predict patient prognosis using ITH. We aimed to establish clinically relevant biomarker by using ITH for informing predictive of outcomes.Methods: We used the Bioconductor R package Maftools to efficiently and comprehensively analyze somatic variants of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We then used a mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) algorithm to measure ITH and explored its correlation with clinical parameters as well as mutational subtypes.Results: We observed a broad range of somatic mutations in MIBC from TCGA. MATH value was higher for the high-grade group than for the low-grade group (p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between higher MATH value and presence of TP53 mutations (p = 0.008), as well as between lower MATH value and presence of FGFR3 mutations (p = 0.006). Patients with FGFR3 mutation and low MATH value exhibit longer overall survival time than that of all BLCA patients (p = 0.044), which was replicated in another bladder cancer database composed of 109 BLCA patients.Conclusion: Measures of tumor heterogeneity may be useful biomarkers for identifying patients with bladder cancer. Low MATH value was an independent risk factor that predicted better prognosis for patients with FGFR3 mutation compared to all BLCA patients.
Pathological, Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Amyloid Nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Xue , Wang Rong , Yu Che 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The number of patients diagnosed with renal amyloidosis is increasing year by year, and the pathological grade and prognostic factors are not clear. This study attempts to investigate the pathological features of renal amyloidosis and the prognostic factors in patients with amyloidosis. Method：To evaluate the pathological sections of 184 patients with renal amyloidosis in the Department of Pathology, Shandong University, and to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 175 patients with amyloidosis in our center and to follow up them. Results: There was a positive correlation between different pathological grades and creatinine levels (rs = 0.275, P = 0.38), the higher the pathological grade, the higher the incidence of renal insufficiency (χ2 = 8.44, P = 0.015); the more severe the tubulointerstitial damage, the higher the incidence of renal insufficiency (χ2 = 14.15, P = 0.007); different degrees of tubulointerstitial damage and glomerulosclerosis affected the urinary protein quantification, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The treatment effect of older is worse (P=0.030，OR=1.040，95%CI=1.004，1.078) and the effect of selecting an effective treatment is better (P = 0.002, OR = 0.618, 95% CI = 0.456, 0.839). Hypotension, cardiac involvement, decreased serum albumin, and increased TnT were independent risk factors for survival; while receiving effective treatment modalities was an independent protective factor.Conclusion: The pathological grade of renal amyloidosis is associated with the incidence of renal insufficiency, in which the degree of tubulointerstitial chronic lesions significantly affects renal function.
Design and fabrication of ceramic hollow fiber membrane derived from waste ash using phase inversion-based extrusion/sintering technique for water filtration
Authors: Tai Zhong Sheng , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Dzahir Mohd Irfan Hatim Mohamed , Hubadillah Siti Khadijah , Koo Khong Nee , Azali Mohd Ariff , Alias Nur Hashimah , Mustafa Azeman , Ooi Boon Seng , Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Low-cost green ceramic hollow fiber membranes (CHFM) were successfully designed and fabricated from the industrial waste ash, palm oil fuel ash (POFA) via phase inversion-based extrusion/sintering techniques for water filter application. The extrusion process parameters such as suspension viscosity, air gap distance, and bore fluid flow rate were systematically explored to produce the membrane with the desired morphology. A high suspension viscosity would result in a small macro-voids structure. Moreover, a high air gap distance would induce fiber with long macro-voids structure, while a low bore fluid flow rate would lead to the formation of distorted lumen structure. The effect of sintering temperature towards CHFM was also studied in detail. An increase in sintering temperature improved the membrane bending strength, but also adversely affected the pure water flux due to lower porosity and higher tortuosity. The developed membranes achieved excellent bending strengths of > 75 MPa at relatively low sintering temperatures than the alternative ceramic counterparts, due to its high potassium oxide, K2O content, which acted as the low melting point sintering aid. The relatively low sintering temperature of POFA-derived CHFMs could reduce the energy consumption and sintering duration, which could be more economically attractive, as compared to their ceramic counterparts, thus benefiting industrial users.