bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for medically unfit patients with cancers to the head and neck
Authors: Al‐Assaf Hossam , Erler Darby , Karam Irene , Lee Justin W. , Higgins Kevin , Enepekides Danny , Zhang Liying , Eskander Antoine , Poon Ian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundA single institutional experience of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to medically unfit patients with unresectable head and neck cancers (HNCs).MethodsA retrospective review of HNC patients undergoing SBRT was undertaken from 2011 to 2016 for fractionation ranges between 35 and 50 Gy in 4 to 6 fractions.ResultsOne hundred and fourteen patients with 117 SBRT courses were included with mean follow‐up of 10.5 months. The cohort consisted of previously untreated primary HNC (n = 48), recurrent never irradiated HNC (n = 19), oligometastatic (n = 17) non‐HNC primaries and previously irradiated HNC (n = 33). Local control (LC) at 12 months and median progression free survival was 85.8%, 78.2%, 85%, 78.9% (P = .86) and 23.7, 14.8, 10.5 and 7.8 months (P = .04) respectively. Only one patient had an acute grade 4 toxicity, two patients had grade 4 late toxicities.ConclusionsHNC SBRT is an effective treatment for frail patients where longer LC is relevant but are unable to tolerate protracted radiation schedules.
Total thyroidectomy: Safe and curative treatment option for hyperthyroidism
Authors: Frank Ethan D. , Park Joshua S. , Watson WayAnne , Chong Esther , Yang Sara , Simental Alfred A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile use of total thyroidectomy has increased in management of hyperthyroidism, concerns exist about increased surgical complication rates; most notably, hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and hypocalcemia.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 454 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy between 2003 and 2015. All patients had surgery for hyperthyroidism, benign euthyroid disease, or thyroid malignancy.ResultsTotal thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism was not associated with an increased risk for any postoperative complication. Transient hypocalcemia, temporary dysphonia, and postoperative hematoma rates were not significantly different for patients with hyperthyroid (n = 91), euthyroid benign (n = 237), and malignant (n = 126) disease. Permanent hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were not noted in any hyperthyroid patients. Complication rates were similar for hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease vs toxic multinodular goiter.ConclusionThis study affirms safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy as standard treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Titanium particles induce apoptosis by promoting autophagy in macrophages via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Xian Guoyan , Chen Weishen , Gu Minghui , Ye Yongyu , Yang Guangpu , Lai Weiming , Xiao Yinbo , Zhao Xiaoyi , Zheng Linli , Pan Baiqi , Kang Yunze , Zhang Ziji , Sheng Puyi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChronic inflammation and infection in the tissue surrounding implants after total joint replacement is closely associated with the innate immune response to surgical implants. Wear particles are known to increase apoptosis and impair the innate immunity in macrophages, which can cause immunosuppression around the implants. Excessive autophagy can induce apoptosis. However, the link between autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages during chronic inflammation and infection remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the autophagy and apoptosis induced by titanium particles in RAW264.7 macrophages, and in the interface membrane of patients with late‐onset periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We found that titanium particles stimulated autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages. Inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced titanium particle‐induced apoptosis in macrophages, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The secretion of inflammatory factors, such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, decreased after inhibition of autophagy in titanium particle‐stimulated macrophages, which may be caused by immune dysfunction due to titanium particle‐induced autophagy and apoptosis in macrophages. Furthermore, our in vivo mouse calvarial model also showed that autophagy inhibitors lowered the rate of cell apoptosis. Our findings indicate that wear particle‐induced apoptosis may be caused by enhanced autophagy in macrophages, which could potentially impair the local innate immunity in periprosthetic tissues and could be a risk factor for PJI. Based on these results, autophagy modulators may act as a new therapeutic option for PJI.
A predictive value of the dynamic changes of the P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 in the long‐term prognosis of patients with non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Lin Huizhong , Lin Tao , Hu Tingying , Chen Lianglong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of dynamic changes of P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PtfV1) at electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) during the long‐term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of patients.MethodsAccording to the PtfV1 value, the patients were divided into four groups: PtfV1 (−)/PtfV1 (−), PtfV1 (−)/PtfV1 (+), PtfV1 (+)/PtfV1 (−), and PtfV1 (+)/PtfV1 (+).ResultsThe highest incidence of MACEs was the PtfV1(−)/(+) group with 24 patients (24.7%). The lowest incidence was the PtfV1(−)/(−) group with 28 patients (4.9%). Compared with the PtfV1(−)/(−) group, the risk for the occurrence of MACEs in the PtfV1(−)/(+)group was significantly increased (24.7% vs 4.9%, P = .000). Similarly, the risk in the PtfV1(+)/(+) group was also increased (10.1% vs 4.9%, P = .000).ConclusionThe persistence of PtfV1 (+) and conversion of PtfV1/(−) to PtfV1/(+) at discharge significantly increased the incidence of MACEs.
Precipitated sdLDL: An easy method to estimate LDL particle size
Authors: Fernández‐Cidón Bárbara , Candás‐Estébanez Beatriz , Ribalta Josep , Rock Edmond , Guardiola‐Guionnet Montserrat , Amigó Núria , Padró‐Miquel Ariadna , Alía‐Ramos Pedro , Pintó‐Sala Xavier 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundLDL‐C lowering is the main measure in cardiovascular disease prevention but a residual risk of ischemic events still remains. Alterations of lipoproteins, specially, increase in small dense LDL (sdLDL) particles are related to this risk.ObjectiveTo investigate the potential use of sdLDL cholesterol concentration (sdLDL‐C) isolated by an easy precipitation method and to assess the impact of a set of clinical and biochemical variables determined by NMR on sdLDL concentration.MethodssdLDL‐C and NMR lipid profile were performed in 85 men samples. Association among them was evaluated using Pearson coefficients (rxy). A multivariate regression was performed to identify the influence of NMR variables on sdLDL‐C.ResultsA strong association between sdLDL‐C and LDLLDL‐P (rxy = 0.687) and with LDL‐Z (rxy = −0.603) was found. The multivariate regression explained a 56.8% in sdLDL‐C variation (P = 8.77.10‐12). BMI, ApoB, triglycerides, FFA, and LDL‐Z showed a significant contribution. The most important ones were ApoB and LDL‐Z; a 1nm increase (LDL‐Z) leads to decrease 126 nmol/L in sdLDL‐C.ConclusionThe association between sdLDL‐C, LDL‐Z, and LDL‐P is clear. From a large number of variables, especially LDL‐Z and apoB influence on sdLDL‐C. Results show that the smaller the LDL size, the higher their cholesterol concentration. Therefore, sdLDL‐C determination by using this easy method would be useful to risk stratification and to uncover cardiovascular residual risk.
Effect of chemically defined growth medium components on characteristics of bacterial inclusion bodies
Authors: Malani Himanshu , Kumar Deepak , Rathore Anurag S 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDInactive aggregated protein deposits formed during fermentation of recombinant bacteria – inclusion bodies (IBs) – continue to be a significant source of active proteins. Understanding how the microenvironment, in particular growth medium, affects the quality and quantity of the IBs would be desirable for optimal production of proteins. In this study, we explore the effect of various chemically defined media components on IBs using a variety of analytical techniques. Expression of a biotherapeutic, ranibizumab, has been chosen as a case study.RESULTSA repertoire of nutrients, including but not limited to carbon and nitrogen source, vitamins, cofactors, buffering agents and minerals, were examined. Sucrose, biotin, pantothenate, glutathione, K2HPO4, K2SO4, cyanocobalamin and CaSO4 were shortlisted based on experimentation. A design of experiments (DOE) study was performed to identify optimal concentrations of and interactions between these nutrients. Higher concentrations of sucrose, biotin and pantothenate, and lower concentrations of cyanocobalamin, CaSO4 and glutathione, resulted in larger IBs and greater product expression. Further, K2HPO4 and K2SO4 concentrations did not seem to have a meaningful impact on product formation.CONCLUSIONSMedium composition affects size and quality of IBs. The size of IBs exhibits a positive correlation with the quantity of product expressed, as well as the purity of the product, but does not correlate with the total amount of host cell proteins produced. IB size could be used as a key process attribute during bioreactor optimization, and the otherwise difficult task of measuring product concentration in the fermentation broth could be avoided. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐assisted modification of Al2O3@TiO2‐Ce core‐shell structure adsorbent for simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification
Authors: Yi Honghong , Yang Kun , Tang Xiaolong , Zhao Shunzheng , Gao Fengyu , Xie Xizhou , Huang Yonghai , Shi Yiran , Zhang Runcao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to improve the desulfurization and denitrification performance of Al2O3@TiO2‐Ce adsorbent, ultrasound‐assisted surface modification using different pore‐forming agents (CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide), NH4NO3, and Urea) was introduced into the preparation process of Al2O3@TiO2‐Ce core‐shell structure adsorbent.RESULTSAmong the adsorbent modified by various pore‐forming agent, CTAB modified Al2O3@TiO2‐Ce adsorbent showed the best denitrification efficiency, and the ultrasound‐assisted modification of CTAB had a positive effect on the removal efficiency of SO2 and NOx. The adsorption performance increased with the increase of addition amount of CTAB in the range of 5% to 10% but decreased with the increase of CTAB addition amount in the range of 10% to 20%. Petal‐like wrinkles appeared on the surface of CTAB modified adsorbent, and the distribution of the pores on the surface was dispersed uniformly by ultrasound.CONCLUSIONThe petal‐like wrinkle could effectively increase the specific surface area and pore volume of the adsorbent, and pore size distribution was more evenly, which was considered to be the key to improve the adsorption performance. The SO2 and NOx adsorption followed the pseudo‐first order rate expression, and the adsorption process was limited by both external diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. This work provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the surface modification of simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification adsorbents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective factors in the evolution of multicellularity in choanoflagellates
Authors: Koehl M. A. R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChoanoflagellates, unicellular eukaryotes that can form multicellular colonies by cell division and that share a common ancestor with animals, are used as a model system to study functional consequences of being unicellular versus colonial. This review examines performance differences between unicellular and multicellular choanoflagellates in swimming, feeding, and avoiding predation, to provide insights about possible selective advantages of being multicellular for the protozoan ancestors of animals. Each choanoflagellate cell propels water by beating a single flagellum and captures bacterial prey on a collar of microvilli around the flagellum. Formation of multicellular colonies does not improve the swimming performance, but the flux of prey‐bearing water to the collars of some of the cells in colonies of certain configurations can be greater than for single cells. Colony geometry appears to affect whether cells in colonies catch more prey per cell per time than do unicellular choanoflagellates. Although multicellular choanoflagellates show chemokinetic behavior in response to oxygen, only the unicellular dispersal stage (fast swimmers without collars) use pH signals to aggregate in locations where bacterial prey might be abundant. Colonies produce larger hydrodynamic signals than do single cells, and raptorial protozoan predators capture colonies while ignoring single cells. In contrast, ciliate predators entrain both single cells and colonies in their feeding currents, but reject larger colonies, whereas passive heliozoan predators show no preference. Thus, the ability of choanoflagellate cells to differentiate into different morphotypes, including multicellular forms, in response to variable aquatic environments might have provided a selective advantage to the ancestors of animals.
Conscripted curriculum: The experiences of minority genetic counseling students
Authors: Carmichael Nikkola , Redlinger‐Grosse Krista , Birnbaum Shira 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the genetic counseling profession has been discussed for decades, little attention has been paid to the training experiences of under‐represented minorities. Under‐represented minority graduate students in other disciplines have been reported to experience microaggressions and feelings of isolation during training, and they are often informally enlisted to educate classmates about issues related to race. In 2019, sociologist Lauren Olsen coined the term conscripted curriculum to describe the utilization of minority medical students to elucidate issues of race or ethnicity for their classmates. The conscripted curriculum arises when these topics are taught in a small‐group discussion format that relies on students sharing their individual experiences to educate their classmates. In classrooms with limited diversity, the expectation to contribute falls disproportionately on students from non‐majority groups. In this qualitative study, we conducted videoconference focus groups with 32 recent graduates of genetic counseling training programs who identified as racial or ethnic minorities. We present the results of two thematic categories that emerged from that study: the participants' perspectives on the cultural competency curriculum in their training programs and the participants' feelings of being pressed into service as spokespeople for their cultural groups. Participants described the cultural competency training as occurring primarily in a small‐group discussion format in which students were expected to share their personal experiences. During these discussions, minority students, especially those in less‐diverse class cohorts, felt obliged to contribute their perspectives in order to educate non‐minority classmates about issues of race and ethnicity, leading to feelings of frustration and exhaustion. The results reflect a conscripted curriculum as described by Olsen (2019). Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 60(1), 55–68, in which minority students bear the burden of educating their classmates about the social basis of race. Genetic counseling training programs should critically examine their cultural competency curriculum to create a more equitable training environment.
Comparing prenatal screening experiences of Icelandic women who received false‐positive and true‐negative first‐trimester combined screening results in Iceland in 2012–2016
Authors: Thorolfsdottir Eirny , Lunde Åshild , Stefansdottir Vigdis , Hjartardottir Hulda , Rut Haraldsdottir Kristin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFirst‐trimester combined screening (FTS) has been offered to all pregnant women in Iceland since 2003. Individuals with high‐risk FTS results are offered an invasive test option with a ≤1% risk of fetal loss. This study gives insight into the prenatal screening and diagnosis experiences and preferences of 101 women who underwent FTS in Iceland in the years 2012–2016, comparing the experience of those who received false‐positive FTS results to those who received true‐negative results. Retrospective patient‐reported anxiety levels at the time of receiving FTS results were significantly higher in those who received false‐positive results compared to those who received true‐negative results. For a subset of these participants, the anxiety lasted through pregnancy, and for a smaller subset, it lasted even longer. Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is currently not offered in Iceland, aside from the rare exceptional case. Given the extremely low false‐positive rates of NIPT, we believe NIPT is worth considering as Iceland's standard first‐tier screening method for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. We believe the findings of this study are beneficial not only for Iceland but also for other countries where FTS is the first‐tier prenatal screening method or the only offered test. Additionally, only 21% of participants in our study reported that they had heard of NIPT, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive NIPT pretest information to be available prior to its uptake to ensure informed and autonomous decision‐making.
Education on cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling to address cancer health disparities among racial/ethnic groups and rural populations: Implementing culturally tailored outreach through community health educators
Authors: San Miguel‐Majors Sandra L. , Whitaker Damiya E. , Davis Brian C. , Bailey LeeAnn O. , Springfield Sanya A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile significant progress is being made in cancer prevention and treatment, opportunity exists to make a difference for populations bearing an uneven burden of the disease. Research indicates that increased inherited risk and more‐aggressive forms of cancer among underserved racial/ethnic (R/E) groups (e.g., African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander) and rural populations may explain the cancer incidence and mortality disparities these populations experience. These racial and ethnic (R/E) categories reflect the standard naming convention for the classification of federal data on race and ethnicity. One method by which progress can be made for these underserved populations is to expand knowledge of, access to, and uptake of two existing and impactful preventive oncology tools—cancer screening and genetic counseling and risk assessment (GCRA). Individuals from these populations who have cancer may benefit by learning about treatment options, risk projections for secondary cancers, and clinical trial participation. Effecting change in community beliefs and behaviors regarding these preventive tools and yielding the aforementioned benefits will see greater success if shepherded by individuals accepted and trusted in the respective communities. This was the charge taken on and embraced by Community Health Educators in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities’ (CRCHD) National Outreach Network (NON) and U54 Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (CPACHE) programs. The NCI CRCHD integrated into the work of these CHEs an emphasis on cancer genetic education. As part of their undertaking, NON and CPACHE CHEs detail education and outreach strategies that may be helpful to increase GCRA awareness and uptake in R/E groups and rural populations and, in turn, bring positive change for those with or at risk for heritable cancers.
Clinical features and treatment of COVID‐19 patients in northeast Chongqing
Authors: Wan Suxin , Xiang Yi , Fang Wei , Zheng Yu , Li Boqun , Hu Yanjun , Lang Chunhui , Huang Daoqiu , Sun Qiuyan , Xiong Yan , Huang Xia , Lv Jinglong , Luo Yaling , Shen Li , Yang Haoran , Huang Gu , Yang Ruishan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China (SARS‐CoV‐2) that began in December 2019 presents a significant and urgent threat to global health. This study was conducted to provide the international community with a deeper understanding of this new infectious disease. Epidemiological, clinical features, laboratory findings, radiological characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes of 135 patients in northeast Chongqing were collected and analyzed in this study. A total of 135 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 were enrolled. The median age was 47 years (interquartile range, 36‐55), and there was no significant gender difference (53.3% men). The majority of patients had contact with people from the Wuhan area. Forty‐three (31.9%) patients had underlying disease, primarily hypertension (13 [9.6%]), diabetes (12 [8.9%]), cardiovascular disease (7 [5.2%]), and malignancy (4 [3.0%]). Common symptoms included fever (120 [88.9%]), cough (102 [76.5%]), and fatigue (44 [32.5%]). Chest computed tomography scans showed bilateral patchy shadows or ground glass opacity in the lungs of all the patients. All patients received antiviral therapy (135 [100%]) (Kaletra and interferon were both used), antibacterial therapy (59 [43.7%]), and corticosteroids (36 [26.7%]). In addition, many patients received traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (124 [91.8%]). It is suggested that patients should receive Kaletra early and should be treated by a combination of Western and Chinese medicines. Compared to the mild cases, the severe ones had lower lymphocyte counts and higher plasma levels of Pt, APTT, d‐dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, PCT, ALB, C‐reactive protein, and aspartate aminotransferase. This study demonstrates the clinic features and therapies of 135 COVID‐19 patients. Kaletra and TCM played an important role in the treatment of the viral pneumonia. Further studies are required to explore the role of Kaletra and TCM in the treatment of COVID‐19.
Changes in rice yield and yield stability in China during the past six decades
Authors: Xu Le , Yuan Shen , Man Jianguo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing rice yield and its stability are important to achieving the sustainability of rice production. Rice yields have increased substantially in China during recent decades, but information on the trend in yield stability has been limited. In this study, the trends in rice yield and rice yield stability from 1949 to 2015 were analysed in China's rice production.RESULTSThe results showed that rice yields for all 16 provinces presented an increasing trend during the study period. The national annual rice yield gain was 86.0 kg ha−1 during the last six decades, varying from 48.4 to 106.0 kg ha−1 in different provinces and exhibiting linear, bilinear, or trilinear relationships. Remarkably, the annual yield increase was smaller in provinces dominated by double rice cropping systems than in the other provinces. Notably, rice yield stagnations have occurred in recent years at provincial and national levels. Absolute residuals over time showed slight increases in four of 16 provinces, indicating a reduction in yield stability in these four provinces. However, the relative yield residuals exhibited a clear trend towards increased yield stability for all 16 provinces. The rice yields of newer cultivars planted with improved crop management practices were consistently higher and more stable than with cultivars from the beginning of the study period.CONCLUSIONThis study revealed that rice yield in China has increased substantially, accompanied by improved stability over the last six decades. Given the spatial difference, this study emphasizes the priority of orienting long‐term on‐farm studies to investigate yield stability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry