bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of neoadjuvant radiotherapy on survival of non-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Chongshun , Zhou Yuan , Yan Tingyu , Li Chenglong , Yang Qionghui , Xu Yang , Zhao Lilan , Pei Qian , Tan Fengbo , Güngör Cenap , Li Yuqiang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy has been shown to improve marginal negative resection and local control of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, whether it improves overall survival (OS) in patients with non-metastatic PDAC remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the benefits of only surgery, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and surgery plus chemotherapy for OS in patients with non-metastatic PDAC.

Methods
PDAC diagnosed by surgical histopathology in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2016 was selected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the prognosis of patients with different treatments. Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze independent predictors of OS. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to analyze the tumor prognosis of different treatment methods.

Results
Before PSM analysis, the OS of surgery plus chemotherapy (HRs = 0.896, 95%CIs, 0.827–0.970; P = 0.007) were significantly better than the other three treatments for stage T1-3N0M0 PDAC patients. For stage T1-3N + M0 patients, adjuvant radiotherapy (HRs = 0.613, 95% CIs, 0.579–0.649; P < 0.001) had significantly better OS than surgery plus chemotherapy and neoadjuvant radiotherapy. For stage T4N0M0 patients, neoadjuvant radiotherapy (HRs = 0.482, 95% CIs, 0.347–0.670; P < 0.001) had significantly better OS than surgery plus chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy. For stage T4N + M0 patients, neoadjuvant radiotherapy (HRs = 0.338, 95% CIs, 0.215–0.532; P < 0.001) had significantly longer OS than adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery plus chemotherapy. Even after PSM, Chemotherapy plus surgery was still the best treatment for T1-3N0M0 patients. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy had the best prognosis among T1-3N + M0 patients, and neoadjuvant radiotherapy was the best treatment for T4 patients.

Conclusions
For patients with non-metastatic PDAC, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery plus chemotherapy were superior to only surgery in OS. For patients with stage T4 non-metastatic PDAC, neoadjuvant radiotherapy had the potential to be strongly recommended over adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery plus chemotherapy. However, neoadjuvant radiotherapy failed to benefit the survival of T1-3N0M0 stage patients, and surgery plus chemotherapy was preferred. For T1-3N + M0, neoadjuvant radiotherapy had no obvious advantage over adjuvant radiotherapy or surgery plus chemotherapy in OS, and adjuvant radiotherapy was more recommended.
Separate double-layer repair versus en masse repair for delaminated rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jia , Zheng Zhen-Yang , Ren Yi-Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
Delaminated rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder disorder in elderly individuals. Either arthroscopic separate double-layer repair (DR) or en masse repair (ER) is used to treat a delaminated rotator cuff tear. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic ER versus DR intervention.

Methods
Five studies were acquired from PubMed, Medline, Embase, CNKI, Google, and the Cochrane Library. The data were extracted by two of the coauthors independently and were analyzed with RevMan 5.3. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were used to assess the risk of bias.

Results
Five studies, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three observational studies, were assessed. The methodological quality of the trials ranged from low to high. The pooled results for the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Constant score, and range of motion (ROM) showed that the outcomes were not statistically significant between the two interventions. The difference in retear rate was not statistically significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.33, P = 0.27). The sensitivity analysis proved the stability of the pooled results, and publication bias was not apparent.

Conclusions
Both arthroscopic ER and DR interventions had benefits in delaminated rotator cuff tear treatment. ER and DR treatments were equally effective and had the same retear rate. The arthroscopic DR technique could not be recommended as the optical choice for delaminated rotator cuff tears based on current evidence.
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) for targeted protein degradation and cancer therapy
Authors: Li Xin , Song Yongcheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) has been developed to be a useful technology for targeted protein degradation. A bifunctional PROTAC molecule consists of a ligand (mostly small-molecule inhibitor) of the protein of interest (POI) and a covalently linked ligand of an E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3). Upon binding to the POI, the PROTAC can recruit E3 for POI ubiquitination, which is subjected to proteasome-mediated degradation. PROTAC complements nucleic acid-based gene knockdown/out technologies for targeted protein reduction and could mimic pharmacological protein inhibition. To date, PROTACs targeting ~ 50 proteins, many of which are clinically validated drug targets, have been successfully developed with several in clinical trials for cancer therapy. This article reviews PROTAC-mediated degradation of critical oncoproteins in cancer, particularly those in hematological malignancies. Chemical structures, cellular and in vivo activities, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of these PROTACs are summarized. In addition, potential advantages, challenges, and perspectives of PROTAC technology in cancer therapy are discussed.
Effectiveness of therapeutic footwear for children: A systematic review
Authors: Hill Matthew , Healy Aoife , Chockalingam Nachiappan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is estimated that 2% of the global childhood population is living with some form of mobility impairment. Although footwear interventions are proposed to aid ambulation, there appears to be a paucity in the understanding of the effects of therapeutic footwear. This review aims to explore the effectiveness of footwear as an intervention for mobility impairment in children.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTdiscus and Scopus databases were performed. Studies which focused on children with some form of mobility impairment, age of 9 months to 18 years, therapeutic footwear that allowed walking, and outcome measures that had explored biomechanical or skeletal geometry or psychosocial aspects were included in this review. Modified Downs and Black quality assessment index of randomised and non‐randomised studies were used to assess the methodologies of included papers.ResultsOut of 5003 articles sourced, 13 met the inclusion criteria for this review. These were grouped into two titled “corrective and “functional” based on the types of footwear used for intervention. Studies within the corrective footwear group included participants aged 11 months to 5 years with moderate congenital talipes equino varus or mobile pes planus. While using skeletal geometry as an outcome, there was a limited fair quality (level II) evidence that corrective footwear has no significant effect on the development of pes planus but may assist in the reduction of deformity in congenital talipes equino varus. The functional footwear group included participants aged 3 to 17 years, predominantly with mobile pes planus or cerebral palsy. Based on biomechanical measures as an outcome, there was a limited fair quality (level III) evidence that functional footwear alters biomechanical parameters in mobile pes planus (spatiotemporal) and cerebral palsy (spatiotemporal, kinematic). Although psychosocial outcomes were considered within two studies, the analysis was limited.ConclusionOnly a limited number of studies have explored the effects of therapeutic footwear and only in a narrow range of mobility impairments. Further high‐quality research is required to improve the evidence base for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear. This should include a wide range of mobility impairments and should focus both on physical and psychosocial outcomes.
What’s the name? Weight stigma and the battle against obesity
Authors: Tanas Rita , Bernasconi Sergio , Marsella Maria , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChildhood obesity has spread worldwide, it is on the rise, starts earlier and is more severe, despite all treatment attempts.According to recent studies, weight stigma is a factor that can hinder the success of therapies. Healthcare workers, mainly paediatricians, need to feel the urgency of anti-stigma training. The use of non-stigmatizing terminologies and images in various areas (school, sports clubs, healthcare, media, society in general) can improve disease management.
Reducing sitting at work: process evaluation of the SMArT Work (Stand More At Work) intervention
Authors: Biddle Stuart J. H. , O’Connell Sophie E. , Davies Melanie J. , Dunstan David , Edwardson Charlotte L. , Esliger Dale W. , Gray Laura J. , Yates Thomas , Munir Fehmidah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Office-based workers accumulate high amounts of sitting time. Stand More At Work (SMArT Work) aimed to reduce occupational sitting time and a cluster randomised controlled trial demonstrated it was successful in achieving this aim. The purpose of this paper is to present the process evaluation of the SMArT Work intervention.

Methods
Questionnaire data were collected from intervention participants at 6 months (n = 58) and 12 months (n = 55). Questionnaires sought feedback on the different components of the intervention (education, height-adjustable desk, Darma cushion, behaviour feedback, progress chats (coaching) with research team, action planning/goal setting diary) and experiences of evaluation measures. Control participants (n = 37) were asked via questionnaire at 12-month follow-up about the impact of the study on their behaviour and any lifestyle changes made during the study. Participants from both arms were invited to focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences on completion of 12-month follow-up.

Results
Focus group and questionnaire data showed a positive attitude towards the height-adjustable workstation with a high proportion of participants using it every day (62%). Most participants (92%) felt the education seminar increased their awareness of the health consequences of too much sitting and motivated them to change their behaviour. Receiving feedback on their sitting time and support from the research team also encouraged behaviour change. The Darma cushion and action planning/goal setting diary were seen to be less helpful for behaviour change. Benefits experienced included fewer aches and pains, improved cognitive functioning, increased productivity, more energy and positive feelings about general health.

Conclusions
Key elements of the programme identified as facilitating behaviour change were the educational seminar, the height-adjustable workstation, behavioural feedback and regular contact with research staff through regular progress chats.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: ISRCTN10967042. Registered on 2 February 2015.
Delivery of subcutaneous immunoglobulin by rapid “push” infusion for primary immunodeficiency patients in Manitoba: a retrospective review
Authors: Walter Graham , Kalicinsky Chrystyna , Warrington Richard , Miguel Marianne , Reyes Jeannette , Rubin Tamar S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Both intravenous and subcutaneous human immune globin G (IgG) replacement (IVIG and SCIG, respectively) reduce severe infection and increase serum IgG levels in primary immune deficiency disorder (PIDD) patients who require replacement. SCIG can be administered either with the aid of an infusion pump, or by patients or caregivers themselves, using butterfly needles and a syringe (“SCIG push”). SCIG offers advantages over IVIG, including higher steady state IgG levels, improved patient quality of life indicators, and decreased cost to the healthcare system, and for these reasons, SCIG has been increasingly used in Manitoba starting in 2007. We sought to determine the effectiveness of SCIG push in our local adult PIDD population.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients enrolled in the SCIG push program in Manitoba, Canada from its inception in November 2007 through September 2018. We included patients who were naïve to IgG replacement prior to SCIG, and those who had received IVIG immediately prior. We collected data regarding serum IgG levels, antibiotic prescriptions, hospital admissions, and adverse events during a pre-defined period prior to and following SCIG initiation. Statistical significance was determined via two-tailed t-test.

Results
62 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 35 were on IVIG prior and 27 were IgG replacement naïve. SCIG push resulted in an increase in serum IgG levels in those naïve to IgG replacement, as well as in those who received IVIG prior. SCIG push also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in number of antibiotic prescriptions filled in the naïve subgroup, and no significant change in antibiotics filled in the IVIG prior group. 8/62 PIDD patients (12.9%) left the SCIG program during our review period for varying reasons, including side-effects.

Conclusions
In a real-life setting, in the Manitoba adult PIDD population, SCIG push is an effective method of preventing severe infections, with most patients preferring to continue this therapy once initiated.
Spatially extended balanced networks without translationally invariant connectivity
Authors: Ebsch Christopher , Rosenbaum Robert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNetworks of neurons in the cerebral cortex exhibit a balance between excitation (positive input current) and inhibition (negative input current). Balanced network theory provides a parsimonious mathematical model of this excitatory-inhibitory balance using randomly connected networks of model neurons in which balance is realized as a stable fixed point of network dynamics in the limit of large network size. Balanced network theory reproduces many salient features of cortical network dynamics such as asynchronous-irregular spiking activity. Early studies of balanced networks did not account for the spatial topology of cortical networks. Later works introduced spatial connectivity structure, but were restricted to networks with translationally invariant connectivity structure in which connection probability depends on distance alone and boundaries are assumed to be periodic. Spatial connectivity structure in cortical network does not always satisfy these assumptions. We use the mathematical theory of integral equations to extend the mean-field theory of balanced networks to account for more general dependence of connection probability on the spatial location of pre- and postsynaptic neurons. We compare our mathematical derivations to simulations of large networks of recurrently connected spiking neuron models.
Physical activity promotion for multimorbid patients in primary care settings: a protocol for a systematic review evaluating health benefits and harms
Authors: Schweda Simone , Krauss Inga 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo date multimorbidity has not received much attention in health policies, even though multiple chronic diseases put high demands on the health care system in industrial nations. Enormous costs of care and a physically, mentally, and socially reduced quality of life are common consequences of multimorbidity. Physical activity (PA) has a positive preventive and therapeutic effect on common non-communicable diseases. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the health benefits and harms of PA interventions for sedentary adults with multimorbidity in primary care settings.MethodsThis is the study protocol for a systematic review. We will search PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, CINHAL, and the Cochrane Library (from inception onwards). In addition, clinical trial registers and reference lists of included studies will be searched. We will include randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and non-randomized trials examining the health benefits and harms of PA interventions with or without additional lifestyle interventions for sedentary adult patients with multimorbidity (e.g., two or more chronic non-communicable diseases) in primary care. Eligible control groups will be standard care, placebo, or medications. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstracts data, and full-text articles. The primary outcomes will be health-related quality of life and mortality. Secondary outcomes will include cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and disease-specific outcomes (e.g., depression score), biomarkers as well as control of metabolic risk factors (e.g., blood pressure, HBA1c, body weight) and any adverse event. The methodological quality of the studies will be appraised using appropriate tools. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., study design, geographical location, or type of intervention). Strength of the body of evidence will be assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment (GRADE).DiscussionThis review will evaluate the evidence on health benefits and harms of PA interventions for sedentary adults with multimorbidity in primary care settings. We anticipate our findings to be of interest to patients, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in selecting and conducting optimal health promotion programs. Possible implications for further research will be discussed.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework (registration identifier: osf.io/ka8yu)
Some fixed point theorems for $(\psi -\phi )$-almost weak contractions in S-metric spaces solving conformable differential equations
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Saluja G. S. , Ibrahim Rabha W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to establish some fixed point and common fixed point theorems for $(\psi -\phi )$(ψ−ϕ)-almost weak contractions in complete S-metric spaces, followed by some supportive examples. Our results extend and generalize several results existing in the literature. We employ the outcomes of the fixed point theorems to establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution for a class of conformable differential equations which is a new branch of fractional calculus.
Well-posedness of a Neumann-type problem on a gauge ball in H-type groups
Authors: Mishra Mukund Madhav , Pandey Ashutosh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe discuss the existence and uniqueness of solution for the second boundary value problem of potential theory often referred to as the Neumann problem, on a gauge ball for the canonical sub-Laplacian in H-type groups. In this way we extend the classical results of the problem as well as its generalization to the Heisenberg group.
Microstructure Change of Nanosilica–Cement Composites Partially Exposed to Sulfate Attack
Authors: Huang Qian , Zhao Liang , Zhao Chenggong , Liu Dongsheng , Wang Chaoqiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe deterioration of cement composites containing nanosilica partially exposed to sulfate attack was studied, and the microstructure change of the composites was analysed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that nanosilica–cement composites had better sulfate resistance compared to plain cement composite under partial exposure to sulfate attack, and their sulfate resistance increased as the nanosilica content increased (in the range of 0 to 5 wt% replacing cement by weight). The main sulfate products were gypsum and ettringite within the surface and inner parts, respectively in both the immersed and evaporation portions of the nanosilica–cement composites, which was consistent with the plain cement composite. Thus, the incorporation of nanosilica did not change the distribution characteristics of the sulfate products within the composites partially exposed to sulfate attack. However, the addition of nanosilica reduced the amount of sulfate products in both the immersed and evaporation portions, and their amount decreased with the increase of nanosilica content. The evaporation portions of the composites suffered chemical sulfate attack rather than sulfate salt crystallization. Nanosilica–cement composites could be applied in real partial exposure environments containing sulfate ions.
Near-repeat victimization of sex crimes and threat incidents against women and girls in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Amemiya Mamoru , Nakaya Tomoki , Shimada Takahito 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNear-repeat victimization (NRV) is a phenomenon in which there is a greater likelihood for a subsequent crime to occur within close spatiotemporal proximity of the last occurrence of a similar crime. This study investigated the NRV of sex crimes and threat incidents against women and girls in Tokyo. An analysis using the Knox ratio showed significant near-repeat patterns of sex crimes and two types of threat incidents, with the exception of threat incidents with physical contact against girls. Additionally, the tendency of NRV was revealed as being stronger when the victims were girls.
Characterization of novel dual tandem CD19/BCMA chimeric antigen receptor T cells to potentially treat multiple myeloma
Authors: Kang Liqing , Zhang Jian , Li Minghao , Xu Nan , Qi Wei , Tan Jingwen , Lou Xiaoyan , Yu Zhou , Sun Juanjuan , Wang Zhenkun , Fu Chengcheng , Tang Xiaowen , Dai Haiping , Chen Jia , Wu Depei , Yu Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells directed against the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) promoted transient recovery from multiple myeloma (MM). However, the absence of this antigen on immature plasma cells may limit the efficacy of this modality and facilitate relapse. The purpose of this study is to characterize a novel CAR that includes both a single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-BCMA and an scFv-CD19 in tandem orientation (tan-CAR) in an attempt to target both BCMA and CD19 expression on MM cells.

Method
The scFv sequences from the anti-CD19 antibody FMC63 and the anti-BCMA antibody C11D5.3 were ligated in tandem with transmembrane and T-cell signaling domains to generate the tan-CAR construct. Specificity and efficacy of activated tan-CAR T cells were analyzed using in vitro proliferation, cytokine release, and cytolysis assays. We also evaluated the in vivo efficacy with a xenograft mouse model that included target tumor cells that expressed CD19 or BCMA and compared the results to those obtained with conventional CAR T cells.

Results
The in vitro studies revealed specific activation of tan-CAR T cells by K562 cells that overexpressed CD19 and/or BCMA. Cell proliferation, cytokine release, and cytolytic activity were all comparable to the responses of single scFv CAR T cells. Importantly, in vivo studies of tan-CAR T cells revealed specific inhibition of tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model that included cells expressing both CD19 and BCMA. Systemic administration of tan-CAR T cells resulted in complete tumor remission, in contrast to the reduced efficacies of BCMA-CAR T and CD19-CAR T alone in this setting.

Conclusion
We report the successful design and execution of novel tan-CAR T cells that promote significant anti-tumor efficacy against both CD19 and BCMA antigen-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The data from this study reveal a novel strategy that may help to reduce the rate of relapse in the treatment with single scFv-CAR T cells.