bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic analysis of the growth rate of sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma: Comparing the postoperative calcitonin-doubling rate with hypothetical the preoperative tumor volume-doubling rate
Authors: Kihara Minoru , Miyauchi Akira , Masuoka Hiroo , Higashiyama Takuya , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Our previous kinetic analyses of changes in the tumor volume (TV) of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas during active surveillance revealed that the tumors' growth varied over time from rather rapid growth to shrinkage and that the hypothetical TV-doubling rates (DRs) before the patients' presentation were much larger than their observed TV-DRs, indicating that rapid growth phases preceded their presentation. Whether this phenomenon also occurs in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was unknown. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 46 MTC patients (18 hereditary, 28 sporadic; 9–80 years old at surgery, median 53.5 years; 19 males and 27 females) with elevated postoperative calcitonin (Ct) suggesting persistent disease. We calculated each patient's Ct-DR and his/her hypothetical TV-DR, using the tumor size and age at surgery. Results Ct-DRs (/year) after surgery were >0.5, 0.1–0.5, −0.1–0.1, and ≤0.1 in 9, 21, 12, and 4 patients, respectively (median 0.17). The hypothetical TV-DRs (/year) before surgery were >1, 0.5–1.0, 0.1–0.5 and <0.1 in 11, 21, 14, and 0 patients, respectively (median 0.60). The hypothetical TV-DR was higher than the observed Ct-DR in 41 of the 46 MTC patients and all 18 patients with hereditary MTC, suggesting that a rapid growth phase preceded surgery in these patients. Conclusions In this series of MTC patients, the pre-surgery calculated hypothetical TV-DRs were significantly higher than the Ct-DRs observed post-surgery, suggesting that there were rapid growth periods before surgery in the vast majority of these MTC patients, especially those with hereditary MTC.
Humanized Bispecific Antibody (mPEG×HER2) Rapidly Confers PEGylated nanoaparticles Tumor Specificity for Multimodality Imaging in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheng Yi-An , Wu Tung-Ho , Wang Yun-Ming , Cheng Tian-Lu , Chen I-Ju , Lu Yun-Chi , Chuang Kuo-Hsiang , Wang Chih-Kuang , Chen Chiao-Yun , Lin Rui-An , Chen Huei-Jen , Liao Tzu-Yi , Liu En-Shuo , Chen Fang-Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Developing a universal strategy to improve the specificity and sensitivity of PEGylated nanoaparticles (PEG-NPs) for assisting in the diagnosis of tumors is important in multimodality imaging. Here, we developed the anti-methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) bispecific antibody (BsAb; mPEG×HER2), which has dual specificity for mPEG and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), with a diverse array of PEG-NPs to confer nanoparticles with HER2 specificity and stronger intensity. Result: We used a one-step formulation to rapidly modify the nanoprobes with mPEG×HER2 and optimized the modified ratio of BsAbs on several PEG-NPs (Lipo-DiR, SPIO, Qdot and AuNP). The αHER2/PEG-NPs could specifically target MCF7/HER2 cells (HER2+) but not MCF7/neo1 cells (HER2-). The αHER2/Lipo-DiR and αHER2/SPIO could enhance the sensitivity of untargeted PEG-NPs on MCF7/HER2 (HER2+). In in vivo imaging, αHER2/Lipo-DiR and αHER2/SPIO increased the specific targeting and enhanced mPEG-nanoprobe accumulation 161% and 187%, respectively, in HER2-overexpressing tumors. Conclusion: mPEG×HER2, therefore, provided a simple one-step formulation to confer HER2-specific targeting and enhanced sensitivity and contrast intensity on HER2 positive tumors for multimodality imaging.
Optical properties in the visible range of two different India ink used as biological phantoms
Authors: Shahin Ali , Bachir Wesam , El-Daher Moustafa Sayem 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The optical characteristics of two different brands of India ink, Parker Quink and Pelikan, as an absorber used in preparation a tissue-simulating phantom, have been investigated at visible wavelength range. For this purpose, a single integrating sphere system and a spectrophotometric transmission spectroscopy have been used to estimate the radiometric characteristics. Then, inverse adding-doubling algorithm was implemented to retrieve the optical coefficients of pure ink samples. Parker ink's absorption behavior turned out to incompatible with Pelikan over the present wavelength range. Furthermore, scattering property of both two brands has been exhibited and the albedo was calculated. Parker albedo showed a decremental behavior with wavelength and varied between 0.381 and 0.13. A structural profile of albedo was found for Pelikan, which varied between 0.366 and 0.03. This discrepancy might be explained by the variety of two brands composition besides experimental errors. Furthermore, Parker ink absorption variation turned out to be in correspondence to several tissues' absorption feature over broad wavelength ranges. Finally, Parker ink could be regarded as a better candidate to mimic absorption property for several tissues.
Characteristics of Lawsuits against Physicians Charged with Opioid-Related Crimes in the United States, 1995-2019
Authors: Berman Julia B , Li Guohua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors are intensely scrutinized in numerous lawsuits for their role in instigating the opioid epidemic. Many individual physicians have also been held accountable for activities related to prescribing opioid medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiologic patterns of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes in the United States. Methods : We searched the Nexis Uni ® database for newspaper reports on physicians who had been arrested, indicted or criminally charged for illegally prescribing opioids between January 1995 and December 2019. Data collected from the newspaper reports include defendant’s age, sex, clinical specialty, type of crime and legal consequences. Results : The annual number of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes reported by US newspapers increased from 0 in 1995 to 43 in 2019. Of the 384 physician defendants in these lawsuits, 90.4% were male, 28.0% were 65 years and older (mean=59.5 ± 15.8 years), and 23.4% were charged in Florida. Of the 373 physician defendants with known clinical specialty, 243 (65.1%) practiced in internal medicine, family medicine, or pain management. Of the 248 lawsuits with known outcomes, 244 (98.4%) of the defendants were convicted of criminal charges and 4 were acquitted. Drug trafficking was the most commonly convicted crime (accounting for 54.2% of all convicted crimes), followed by fraud (19.1%), money laundering (11.0%) and manslaughter (5.6%). Of the convicted physicians with known sentences, 89.5% were sentenced to jail with an average jail time of 127.3 ± 120.3 months. Conclusions : An increasing number of physicians from a wide variety of clinical specialties is prosecuted for opioid-related crimes with high conviction rates and severe penalties. The most common crime charged is drug trafficking, followed by fraud, money laundering, and manslaughter. Keywords: Drug overdose, Drug trafficking, Opioid Epidemic, Medical fraud, Prescription opioids
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: the importance of follow-up imaging within 2 weeks
Authors: Fukaguchi Kiyomitsu , Goto Tadahiro , Fukui Hiroyuki , Sekine Ichiro , Yamagami Hiroshi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In patients with thunderclap headache, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) should be considered as a differential diagnosis. However, RCVS diagnosis in the emergency department (ED) remains challenging. This study described the clinical features of RCVS, determined the factors related to RCVS diagnosis, and suggested treatment strategies for its management. Methods: We retrospectively identified eight patients diagnosed with RCVS and reviewed their medical records. From January 2010 to March 2019, eight patients with RCVS (ages 18-69 years, 5 females) were identified. Results: The median duration from the ED visit to RCVS diagnosis was 6 days (range, 1-11 days). Of the eight patients, seven were middle-aged, six had apparent triggers, six had subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), five had high systolic blood pressure, and none had any specific abnormality observed upon physical examination. At the ED visit, RCVS was diagnosed in only one patient with a history of RCVS. In other patients, SAH was diagnosed in two patients, and primary headache was diagnosed in four patients with negative computed tomography (CT) findings. Based on the follow-up imaging, seven of eight patients with convexal SAH were diagnosed as having RCVS (as the cause of SAH) using angiography (e.g., magnetic resonance angiography). Conclusions: RCVS with negative CT findings at the ED visit was likely to be misdiagnosed as primary headache. In patients with thunderclap headache and negative CT findings, physicians should consider RCVS as a differential diagnosis, inform patients of the risk of RCVS and the likelihood of a negative image evaluation early in the course of the disease, and carry out follow-up imaging within 2-weeks of the visit.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Initial Diagnosis of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease and LDL-C below 1.8 mmol/L
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhao Xueqiao , Li Hongwei , Ding Xiaosong , Li Dandan , Chen Hui , Li Weiping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate individuals at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but, without previous events and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)<1.8 mmol/L should be treated with statin. Methods: We studied 1330 patients with LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L at the initial diagnosis of obstructive coronary atherosclerotic disease (OCAD) by angiography. Of 1330, 782 had not received prior statin therapy and 548 were treated with statin. Incidence of subsequent major adverse cardiac and cerebral event (MACCE) during a median of 25-month follow-up were identified and compared between patients with LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L without any prior statin [prior statin(-)] and those with LDL-C <1.8mmol/L achieved by prior statin therapy [prior statin(+)].Results ACS occurred in 93.4% of individuals with LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L as an initial diagnosis of OCAD. Prior statin(+), comparing to prior statin(-) who displayed similar ASCVD risk burden including 71.6% with hypertension, 39.1% with diabetes and 76.1% with ≥3 risk factors, had significantly lower incidence of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) (10.4% vs. 28.8%, P<0.001), higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(0.67±0.07 vs. 0.64±0.09, P <0.001), lower incidences of subsequent MACCE (4.7% vs. 10.4%, P =0.001), total mortality (2.4% vs. 6.8%, P =0.001) and cardiovascular(CV) death (1.5% vs. 4.3%, P =0.006) during follow-up. After multivariable adjustment, no prior statin therapy was significantly and independently associated with subsequent CV death, particularly in the subgroups of age≥65 years and hypertension. Conclusions Prior statin therapy to achieve LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L comparing to LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L without statin independently predicted lower risk of subsequent CV death and better prognosis.
Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Induce Infiltration and Formation of CD163+ Macrophages via CCL2/CCR2 Pathway
Authors: Xi Sujuan , Zheng Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuming , Wu Yuankai , Gong Jiao , Jie Yusheng , Li Xiangyong , Cao Jing , Sha Liuping , Zhang Min , Chong Yutian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Growing evidence indicates that activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) play unexpected roles in regulating immune cells’ function during liver fibrosis. Macrophages feature with inducible plasticity according to the circumstances while patrol for potential pathogens. However, studies seldom investigate whether and how the aHSCs regulate the phenotype and function of macrophages during liver fibrosis. Methods: 96 patients with different stages of liver fibrosis were involved in our study. Metavir score system was used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis. The expression of hepatic CCL2 and CD163 were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship among CD163, CCL2, and fibrosis scores were explored. We co-cultured the aHSCs and THP-1-derived M0-type macrophages (M0MФ) to observe whether aHSCs modulate the expression of CD163 on macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, we treated the M0MФ with aHSCs’ supernatant and investigated the production of CCL2 in aHSCs by ELISA and immunofluorescence assay. To explore whether CCL2/CCR2 axis plays a crucial role in macrophage phenotypic changes during liver fibrosis, we used recombinant CCL2 and its specific receptor antagonist. Moreover, we employed LX2 system to confirm our results. Results: We found that hepatic M2 macrophages (CD163+) infiltration increased in different stages of liver fibrosis (F0-1: 34.95±18.12; F2-3: 77.57±32.48; F4: 99.62±40.84, F0-1 vs. F2-3, P<0.001; F2-3 vs. F4, P=0.074). After in vitro co-cultured with aHSCs, the macrophages expressed higher levels of CD163 (29.5±6.1% vs. 2.7±1.1%) as well as CD206 (28.0±4.2% vs. 2.4±1.2%) compared with the control. Then we found aHSC supernatant up-regulated the expression of CD163 (26.1±2.8%) and CD206 (25.8±3.8%) on macrophages independently. We noted aHSCs’ supernatant contained a high level of CCL2, which increased dramatically while TGF-β stimulation. Meanwhile, CCL2 staining score increased with the progress of fibrosis ( N: 23.26±13.85; F1: 4 8.56±19.18; F2: 58.25±16.24; F3: 81.32±18.48; F4: 110.93±24.75). Intriguingly, CCL2 significantly up-regulated the expression of CD163 (27.6±7.0%) and CD206 (26.5±5.1%) on macrophages besides inducing their aggregation. Results were confirmed with LX2 co-culture system. Conclusions: (1) The expression of M2 macrophage marker CD163 increased significantly during the progress of liver fibrosis and associated with fibrosis severity. (2) AHSCs can recruit macrophages and induce their M2 phenotypic transformation through CCL2/CCR2 pathway.
Identification of an EMT-related lncRNA signature in glioma
Authors: Tao Chuming , Hu Qing , Luo Haitao , Wang Peng , Tu Zewei , Guo Hua , Huang Kai , Zhu Xingen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the invasion and progression of gliomas, the present study investigated EMT-related long noncoding (lnc)RNAs in gliomas.Methods Candidate lncRNAs screened from a glioma dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to construct EMT-related lncRNA coexpression networks in order to identify EMT-related lncRNAs; these were validated using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Gene set enrichment analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to annotate lncRNA functions. We established an EMT-related lncRNA signature composed of 9 lncRNAs (HAR1A, LINC00641, LINC00900, MIR210HG, MIR22HG, PVT1, SLC25A21-AS1, SNAI3-AS1, and SNHG18) that could distinguish between low- and high-risk glioma patients. The functions of the identified lncRNAs were evaluated by constructing a competing endogenous RNA network.Results The low-risk group had longer overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group (P<0.0001). High-risk patients also had no deletion on chromosome arms 1p and/or 19q, expressed wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase, and had higher World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade. The signature was an independent factor significantly associated with OS (P=0.041, hazard ratio=1.806). These findings were validated in the CGGA dataset. PCA also revealed differences in EMT status between low- and high-risk patients. Competing endogenous RNA network showed that complex lncRNA–microRNA–mRNA interactions potentially contributing to EMT progression in glioma. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the EMT-related 9-lncRNA signature has prognostic value for glioma patients.
Hemodynamics During the 10-Minute NASA Lean Test: Evidence of Circulatory Decompensation in a Subset of ME/CFS Patients
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Vernon Suzanne D , Jeys Patricia , Ali Weam , Campos Andrea , Unutmaz Derya , Yellman Brayden , Bateman Lucinda 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance are some of the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI). There is substantial comorbidity of OI in ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The 10-minute NASA Lean Test (NLT) is a simple, point-of-care method that can aid ME/CFS diagnosis and guide management and treatment of OI. The objective of this study was t o understand the hemodynamic changes that occur in ME/CFS patients during the 10-minute NLT. Methods A total of 150 ME/CFS patients and 75 age, gender and race matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. We recruited 75 ME/CFS patients who had been sick for less than 4 years (<4 ME/CFS) and 75 ME/CFS patients sick for more than 10 years (>10 ME/CFS). The 10-minute NLT involves measurement of blood pressure and heart rate while resting supine and every minute for 10 minutes while standing with shoulder-blades on the wall for a relaxed stance. Spontaneously reported symptoms are recorded during the test. ANOVA and regression analysis were used to test for differences and relationships in hemodynamics, symptoms and upright activity between groups. Results At least 5 minutes of the 10-minute NLT were required to detect hemodynamic changes. The <4 ME/CFS group had significantly higher heart rate and abnormally narrowed pulse pressure compared to >10 ME/CFS and HCs. The <4 ME/CFS group experienced significantly more OI symptoms compared to >10 ME/CFS and HCs. The circulatory decompensation observed in the <4 ME/CFS group was not related to age or medication use. Conclusions Circulatory decompensation characterized by increased heart rate and abnormally narrow pulse pressure was identified in a subgroup of ME/CFS patients who have been sick for <4 years. This suggests inadequate ventricular filling from low venous pressure. The 10-minute NLT can be used to diagnose and treat the circulatory decompensation in this newly recognized subgroup of ME/CFS patients. The >10 ME/CFS group had less pronounced hemodynamic changes during the NLT possibly from adaptation and compensation that occurs over time. The 10-minute NLT is a simple and clinically useful point-of-care method that can be used for early diagnosis of ME/CFS and help guide OI treatment.
Definitions of segmental instability in the degenerative lumbar spine and validation of these definitions: a systematic review protocol article according to PRISMA-P 2015 statement
Authors: Elmose Signe Forbech , Andersen Gustav Østerheden , Carreon Leah Yacat , Sigmundsson Freyr Gauti , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The concept of segmental lumbar spine instability is controversial with varying definitions. However, suspicion of instability is used as an indication for vertebral fusion surgery in patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. The objectives of this systematic review are to describe, the definitions of segmental instability in the degenerative lumbar spine, in studies of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and/or lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, involving diagnostic imaging. And to describe which of the measurable radiological variables used to define instability have been validated against dynamic flexion-extension radiographs. Method Systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, supplemented by search in Cochrane Library. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched for ongoing or recently completed trials. PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) will be searched before initiating this review. In addition, a gray literature search will be conducted. Studies eligible for inclusion are clinical and biomechanical studies on adult patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis and surgical treatment hereof, studies involving diagnostic imaging. We will include studies giving a definition or describing patho-anatomical findings of segmental instability or any synonym or antonym hereof. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, involving a third reviewer as referee. Screening process and data extraction conducted using Covidence software. Data synthesis presented in results checklist and systematic narrative synthesis. Data synthesis on secondary objective by contingency table. Discussion With this systematic review we want to contribute to evidence based treatment planning of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. We also aim to present our result in a comprehensive manner, to encourage consensus regarding the definition of segmental instability. Registration This protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 29. April 2020, submission ID: 182827
Improving the control ability of pulmonary tuberculosis with an internet based eDOTS system in the communities of Kashgar and Urumqi, Xinjiang of China
Authors: Guo Gang , Sun Li , Wushouer Qimanguli , Jia Bin , Yusufu Muladier , Wen Shu , Abudureyimu Tuerhong , Peng Xiaowang , Liu Zhenjiang , Mamuti Xirizat , Chen Yanggui , Zhang Jian , Yang Yuling , Huangfu Liusheng , Li Jun , Zhang Wenbao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Although the direct observed treatment strategy (DOTS) has been used for the control of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for more than 30 years, the disease is still highly endemic in the region. To increase ability of PTB treatment and control efficacy, we developed a new eDOTS system for reminding, monitoring and educating PTB patients for regularly taking antibiotics.Methods: A total 167 new cases with active PTB from Kashgar villages and Urumqi City in Xinjiang were involved in the study. Among them, 81 patients were from villages with 43 patients using eDOTS system and 38 patients with traditional DOTS as control. Eighty six patients were from township with 50 patients using eDOTS and 36 patients using DOTS. Findings: PTB patients from villages in Kashgar treated with DOTS showed low compliance of taking antibiotics, only 27.9% the patients took medicine consistently once the network service for eDOTS system was removed. However, with the help of village and hospital doctors through the eDOTS system, the medical compliance were increased to 70-85%. The treatment compliance with eDOTS of patients from township (100%) was significantly higher than that of those patients from the rural villages (49%) in the first 6 weeks ( Χ 2 =33.3, P <0.01). DR X-ray Scores of PTB lesions showed that the patients using eDOTS either from the villages or from township significantly decreased their lesion score points compared to these scores from those patients using DOTS by 1.81 points，95% CI (0.72-2.90) and 1.05 points，95% CI (0.15-1.95) after 25 weeks of treatment, respectively. In the township, those 50 patients were looked after by one community doctor with eDOTS. Conclusion: eDOTS is an effective means of treating PTB patients in terms of reducing doctor’s work and increasing the compliance of taking antibiotics regularly during the treatment course. One doctor can easily look after 50 or more PTB patients through the eDOTS system. The constantly education program online through the system for the patients especially in villages plays an important role in encouraging TB patients taking antibiotics for a long period.