bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life after rectal cancer surgery (systematic review)
Authors: Serebriy A. B. , Khomyakov E. A. , Nafedzov I. O. , Fomenko O. Yu. , Rybakov E. G. 
Published: March 2021

Aim: search for modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors affecting the quality of life of patients after rectal cancer surgery.Materials and methods: the literature search was done according to the keywords: quality of life, rectal cancer, low anterior resection syndrome. Twelve prospective randomized studies, 2 cohort studies, and 2 meta-analyses are included in the study. The quality of life was assessed in the analyzed studies by using questionnaires for cancer patients and updated questionnaires for colorectal cancer: EORTC QLQ-CR29, QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR38, BIQ.Results: the literary data on influence of gender, age, surgery, stoma, and chemoradiotherapy on life quality of patients after rectal cancer surgery was analyzed.Conclusion: the most significant factor affecting the life quality of patients with rectal cancer is a violation of the body image if it is necessary to form the stoma on the anterior abdominal wall. The manifestations of the low anterior resection syndrome and the urination problems are significant risk factors in the case of restoration of bowel continuity.
Human Platelet Lysate Acts Synergistically With Laminin to Improve the Neurotrophic Effect of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Primary Neurons in vitro
Authors: Guiotto Martino , Raffoul Wassim , Hart Andrew M. , Riehle Mathis O. , di Summa Pietro G. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDespite the advancements in microsurgical techniques and noteworthy research in the last decade, peripheral nerve lesions have still weak functional outcomes in current clinical practice. However, cell transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) in a bioengineered conduit has shown promising results in animal studies. Human platelet lysate (hPL) has been adopted to avoid fetal bovine serum (FBS) in consideration of the biosafety concerns inherent with the use of animal-derived products in tissue processing and cell culture steps for translational purposes. In this work, we investigate how the interplay between hPL-expanded hADSC (hADSChPL) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins influences key elements of nerve regeneration.MethodshADSC were seeded on different ECM coatings (laminin, LN; fibronectin, FN) in hPL (or FBS)-supplemented medium and co-cultured with primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) to establish the intrinsic effects of cell–ECM contact on neural outgrowth. Co-cultures were performed “direct,” where neural cells were seeded in contact with hADSC expanded on ECM-coated substrates (contact effect), or “indirect,” where DRG was treated with their conditioned medium (secretome effect). Brain-derived nerve factor (BDNF) levels were quantified. Tissue culture plastic (TCPS) was used as the control substrate in all the experiments.ResultshPL as supplement alone did not promote higher neurite elongation than FBS when combined with DRG on ECM substrates. However, in the presence of hADSC, hPL could dramatically enhance the stem cell effect with increased DRG neurite outgrowth when compared with FBS conditions, regardless of the ECM coating (in both indirect and direct co-cultures). The role of ECM substrates in influencing neurite outgrowth was less evident in the FBS conditions, while it was significantly amplified in the presence of hPL, showing better neural elongation in LN conditions when compared with FN and TCPS. Concerning hADSC growth factor secretion, ELISA showed significantly higher concentrations of BDNF when cells were expanded in hPL compared with FBS-added medium, without significant differences between cells cultured on the different ECM substrates.ConclusionThe data suggest how hADSC grown on LN and supplemented with hPL could be active and prone to support neuron–matrix interactions. hPL enhanced hADSC effects by increasing both proliferation and neurotrophic properties, including BDNF release.
ATF3 Suppresses Growth and Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Deactivating EGFR/AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Shenglin , Gao Lei , Wang Simin , Shi Xiaokai , Yue Chuang , Wei Shuzhang , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng , Qin Xihu 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers in East Asia, with high incidence and mortality. Accumulating evidence has shown that ATF3 is associated with tumor progression.MethodsUsing qPCR, the expression of ATF3 was detected in 93 patients with ccRCC, including 24 paired normal and tumor tissues, which were used to further compare ATF3 expression through western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus was used for the overexpression or knockdown of ATF3, and the consequent alteration in function was analyzed through CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, invasion assay, and flow cytometry. The potential mechanism affected by ATF3 was analyzed through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and verified using western blotting, invasion assay, or immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was used to assess the function of ATF3 in vivo.ResultsATF3 expression was significantly decreased in ccRCC compared to that in adjacent normal tissues. Through gain- and loss-of-function experiments performed in an in vitro assay, we found that ATF3 could regulate ccRCC cell proliferation, cycle progression, migration, and invasion. In the in vivo study, the xenograft mouse model revealed that ATF3 overexpression can inhibit the growth of ccRCC. Moreover, the mechanism analysis showed that suppression of ATF3 could lead to an increase the expression of β-catenin and promote β-catenin transfer to the nucleus, and might be affected by EGFR/AKT/GSK3β signaling.ConclusionATF3 could be utilized as an independent protective factor to inhibit the progression of ccRCC. Potential treatment strategies for ccRCC include targeting the ATF3/EGFR/AKT/GSK3β/β−catenin signaling pathway.
Different Expressions of Pericardial Fluid MicroRNAs in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: Khudiakov Aleksandr A. , Panshin Daniil D. , Fomicheva Yulia V. , Knyazeva Anastasia A. , Simonova Ksenia A. , Lebedev Dmitry S. , Mikhaylov Evgeny N. , Kostareva Anna A. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Pericardial fluid is enriched with biologically active molecules of cardiovascular origin including microRNAs. Investigation of the disease-specific extracellular microRNAs could shed light on the molecular processes underlying disease development. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart disease characterized by life-threatening arrhythmias and progressive heart failure development. The current data about the association between microRNAs and ARVC development are limited.Methods and Results: We performed small RNA sequence analysis of microRNAs of pericardial fluid samples obtained during transcutaneous epicardial access for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation of six patients with definite ARVC and three post-infarction VT patients. Disease-associated microRNAs of pericardial fluid were identified. Five microRNAs (hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-206, and hsa-miR-3679-5p) were found to be differentially expressed between patients with ARVC and patients with post-infarction VT. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs revealed their close linkage to cardiac diseases.Conclusion: Our data extend the knowledge of pericardial fluid microRNA composition and highlight five pericardial fluid microRNAs potentially linked to ARVC pathogenesis. Further studies are required to confirm the use of pericardial fluid RNA sequencing in differential diagnosis of ARVC.
Biomass Valorization to Produce Porous Carbons: Applications in CO2 Capture and Biogas Upgrading to Biomethane—A Mini-Review
Authors: Bernardo Maria , Lapa Nuno , Fonseca Isabel , Esteves Isabel A. A. C. 
Published: March 2021

Porous carbon materials, derived from biomass wastes and/or as by-products, are considered versatile, economical and environmentally sustainable. Recently, their high adsorption capacity has led to an increased interest in several environmental applications related to separation/purification both in liquid- and gas-phases. Specifically, their use in carbon dioxide (CO2) capture/sequestration has been a hot topic in the framework of gas adsorption applications. Cost effective biomass porous carbons with enhanced textural properties and high CO2 uptakes present themselves as attractive alternative adsorbents with potential to be used in CO2 capture/separation, apart from zeolites, commercial activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The renewable and sustainable character of the precursor of these bioadsorbents must be highlighted in the context of a circular-economy and emergent renewable energy market to reach the EU climate and energy goals. This mini-review summarizes the current understandings and discussions about the development of porous carbons derived from bio-wastes, focusing their application to capture CO2 and upgrade biogas to biomethane by adsorption-based processes. Biogas is composed by 55–65 v/v% of methane (CH4) mainly in 35–45 v/v% of CO2. The biogas upgraded to bio-CH4 (97%v/v) through an adsorption process yields after proper conditioning to high quality biomethane and replaces natural gas of fossil source. The circular-economy impact of bio-CH4 production is further enhanced by the use of biomass-derived porous carbons employed in the production process.
The Association Between Pleural Empyema and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Younger Patients: A Retrospective National Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Tzu-Yuan , Chen Hsin-Hung , Su Chun-Hung , Hsu Sheng-Pang , Ho Chun-Wei , Hsieh Ming-Chia , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung 
Published: March 2021

Background: To investigate the relationship between pleural empyema (PE) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Health Institute Research Database. Univariable and multivariable Cox's proportional hazard regressions were performed to investigate the association between PE and the risk of PAD. Kaplan–Meier method and the differences were assessed using a log-rank test.Results: The overall incidence of PAD was higher in the PE cohort than in the non-PE cohort (2.76 vs. 1.72 per 1,000 person-years) with a crude hazard ratio (HR) of 1.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41–1.83]. After adjustment for age, gender, and comorbidities, patients with PE were noted to be associated with an increased risk of PAD compared with those without PE [adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.35]. Regarding the age-specific comparison between the PE and non-PE cohorts, PAD was noted to be significantly high in the ≤ 49 years age group (aHR = 5.34, 95% CI = 2.34–10.1). The incidence of PAD was higher in the first 2 years, with an aHR of 1.35 (95% CI = 1.09–1.68) for patients with PE compared with those without PE.Conclusion: The risk of PAD was higher if patients with PE were younger than 49 years and within the 2-year diagnosis of PE.
Utility of 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Cheong E-Nae , Jung Da Eun , Shim Woo Hyun , Lee Ji Sung 
Published: March 2021

Objective: 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables high resolution imaging and potentially improves the detection of morphologic abnormalities in patients with epilepsy. However, its added value compared with conventional 1.5T and 3.0T MRI is unclear. We reviewed the evidence for the use of 7 Tesla MRI in patients with epilepsy and compared the detection rate of focal lesions with clinical MRI.Methods: Clinical retrospective case studies were identified using the indexed text terms “epilepsy” AND “magnetic resonance imaging” OR “MR imaging” AND “7T” OR “7 Tesla” OR “7T” in Medline (2002-September 1, 2020) and Embase (1999-September 1, 2020). The study setting, MRI protocols, qualitative, and quantitative assessment were systematically reviewed. The detection rate of morphologic abnormalities on MRI was reported in each study in which surgery was used as the reference standard. Meta-analyses were performed using a univariate random-effects model in diagnostic performance studies with patients that underwent both 7T MRI and conventional MRI.Results: Twenty-five articles were included (467 patients and 167 healthy controls) consisting of 10 case studies, 10 case-control studies, 4 case series, and 1 cohort study. All studies included focal epilepsy; 12 studies (12/25, 48%) specified the disease etiology and 4 studies reported focal but non-lesional (MRI-negative on 1.5/3.0T) epilepsy. 7T MRI showed superior detection and delineation of morphologic abnormalities in all studies. In nine comparative studies, 7T MRI had a superior detection rate of 65% compared with the 22% detection rate of 1.5T or 3.0T.Significance: 7T MRI is useful for delineating morphologic abnormalities with a higher detection rate compared with conventional clinical MRI. Most studies were conducted using a case series or case study; therefore, a cohort study design with clinical outcomes is necessary.Classification of Evidence: Class IV Criteria for Rating Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
Analysis of Approaches in the Microsurgical Treatment of 102 Cases of Petroclival Meningioma in a Single Center
Authors: Lin Yazhou , Gao Qiang , Jin Huiping , Wang Nana , Xu Dingkang , Wang Fang , Guo A. Bao , Zang Weidong , Li Zhihua , Guo Fuyou 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: We identified the optimal approaches for treating the diverse tumor subtypes of petroclival meningioma (PM) by analyzing the clinical benefits of various surgical approaches adopted for each subtype.Methods: Tumors in 102 PM patients from a single center who underwent surgical treatment were classified as upper clivus (UC), cavernous sinus (CS), tentorium (TE), or petrous apex (PA) types based on the attachment site of the tumor base and the displacement of the trigeminal nerve. The therapeutic effects of different surgical approaches among the subtypes were evaluated according to the patient outcomes.Results: The subtemporal (33.33%), retrosigmoid (16.67%), and Kawase approaches (50%) were used for the UC type. Simpson I/II resection was achieved in 46.66% of patients with the Kawase approach. Significant differences were found between the other two approaches (P = 0.044) and in the follow-up Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) scores (P = 0.008). The subtemporal (60%) and Kawase approaches (40%) were used for the CS type; neither approach achieved Simpson I/II resection. The retrosigmoid (25.81%) and Kawase approaches (74.19%) were used for the TE type. The Simpson I/II resection rates of the two approaches were 55.55 and 86.95%, respectively, and a significant difference was observed between them (P = 0.039). The retrosigmoid (43.75%) and Kawase approaches (56.25%) were used for the PA type. The Simpson I/II resection rates of the two approaches were 31.25 and 50%, respectively. The resection degrees of the two approaches and the KPS scores at follow-up were significantly different (P = 0.034).Conclusion: The individual microsurgical approaches adopted for the various PM tumor subtypes can provide maximal safe resection and good KPS scores. The Kawase approach is more suitable for PM, especially for UC- and PA-type PM tumors.
A Modular System for Treating Moving Anatomical Targets With Scanned Ion Beams at Multiple Facilities: Pre-Clinical Testing for Quality and Safety of Beam Delivery
Authors: Lis Michelle , Newhauser Wayne , Donetti Marco , Wolf Moritz , Steinsberger Timo , Paz Athena , Durante Marco , Graeff Christian 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundQuality management and safety are integral to modern radiotherapy. New radiotherapy technologies require new consensus guidelines on quality and safety. Established analysis strategies, such as the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and incident learning systems have been developed as tools to assess the safety of several types of radiation therapies. An extensive literature documents the widespread application of risk analysis methods to photon radiation therapy. Relatively little attention has been paid to performing risk analyses of nascent radiation therapy systems to treat moving tumors with scanned heavy ion beams. The purpose of this study was to apply a comprehensive safety analysis strategy to a motion-synchronized dose delivery system (M-DDS) for ion therapy.MethodsWe applied a risk analysis method to new treatment planning and treatment delivery processes with scanned heavy ion beams. The processes utilize a prototype, modular dose delivery system, currently undergoing preclinical testing, that provides new capabilities for treating moving anatomy. Each step in the treatment process was listed in a process map, potential errors for each step were identified and scored using the risk probability number in an FMEA, and the possible causes of each error were described in a fault tree analysis. Solutions were identified to mitigate the risk of these errors, including permanent corrective actions, periodic quality assurance (QA) tests, and patient specific QA (PSQA) tests. Each solution was tested experimentally.ResultsThe analysis revealed 58 potential errors that could compromise beam delivery quality or safety. Each of the 14 binary (pass-or-fail) tests passed. Each of the nine QA and four PSQA tests were within anticipated clinical specifications. The modular M-DDS was modified accordingly, and was found to function at two centers.ConclusionWe have applied a comprehensive risk analysis strategy to the M-DDS and shown that it is a clinically viable motion mitigation strategy. The described strategy can be utilized at any ion therapy center that operates with the modular M-DDS. The approach can also be adapted for use at other facilities and can be combined with existing safety analysis systems.
A Practical Nomogram to Predict Early Death in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Song Zixuan , Zhou Yangzi , Bai Xue , Zhang Dandan 
Published: March 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer is a common gynecological malignancy, most of which is epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Advanced EOC is linked with a higher incidence of premature death. To date, no effective prognostic tools are available to evaluate the possibility of early death in patients with advanced EOC.Methods: Advanced (FIGO stage III and IV) EOC patients who were enrolled in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015 were regarded as subjects and studied. We aimed to construct a nomogram that can deliver early death prognosis in patients with advanced EOC by identifying crucial independent factors using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to help deliver accurate prognoses.Results: In total, 13,403 patients with advanced EOC were included in this study. Three hundred ninety-seven out of a total of 9,379 FIGO stage III patients died early. There were 4,024 patients with FIGO stage IV, 414 of whom died early. Nomograms based on independent prognostic factors have the satisfactory predictive capability and clinical pragmatism. The internal validation feature of the nomogram demonstrated a high level of accuracy of the predicted death.Conclusions: By analyzing data from a large cohort, a clinically convenient nomogram was established to predict premature death in advanced EOC. This tool can aid clinicians in screening patients who are at higher risk for tailoring treatment plans.
Cyclovirobuxine D Induces Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Damage in Glioblastoma Cells Through ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Translocation of Cofilin
Authors: Zhang Lin , Fu Ruoqiu , Duan Dongyu , Li Ziwei , Li Bin , Ming Yue , Li Li , Ni Rui , Chen Jianhong 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCyclovirobuxine D (CVBD), a steroidal alkaloid, has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-cancer effect of CVBD on glioblastoma (GBM) has seldom been investigated. This study explores the activity of CVBD in inducing apoptosis of GBM cells, and examines the related mechanism in depth.MethodsGBM cell lines (T98G, U251) and normal human astrocytes (HA) were treated with CVBD. Cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay, and cell proliferation was evaluated by cell colony formation counts. Apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide were measured by flow cytometry. All protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting. JC-1 and CM-H2DCFDA probes were used to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change and intracellular ROS generation, respectively. The cell ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Colocalization of cofilin and mitochondria were determined by immunofluorescence assay.ResultsCVBD showed a greater anti-proliferation effect on the GBM cell lines, T98G and U251, than normal human astrocytes in dose- and time-dependent manners. CVBD induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in GBM cells. We found that CVBD led to mitochondrial translocation of cofilin. Knockdown of cofilin attenuated CVBD-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, the generation of ROS and mitochondrial superoxide was also induced by CVBD in a dose-dependent manner. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and mitoquinone (MitoQ) pre-treatment reverted CVBD-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. MitoQ pretreatment was able to block the mitochondrial translocation of cofilin caused by CVBD.ConclusionsOur data revealed that CVBD induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in GBM cells. The underlying mechanism is related to mitochondrial translocation of cofilin caused by mitochondrial oxidant stress.
Public Preferences for Exit Strategies From COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany—A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Krauth Christian , Oedingen Carina , Bartling Tim , Dreier Maren , Spura Anke , de Bock Freia , von Rüden Ursula , Betsch Cornelia , Korn Lars , Robra Bernt-Peter 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To decrease the rapid growth of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany, a stepped lockdown was conducted. Acceptance and compliance regarding entering and exiting lockdown measures are key for their success. The aim of the present study was to analyse the population's preferences for exiting lockdown measures.Methods: To evaluate population’s preferences and identify trade-offs between different exit strategies, a discrete choice experiment was conducted on 28–29 April (n = 1,020). Overall, six attributes and 16 choice sets (fractional-factorial design) without an opt-out were chosen. Conditional logit and latent class models were conducted.Results: Most attributes proved to be significant. Two attributes dominated all others: Avoiding a mandatory tracing app, and providing sufficient intensive care capacities. Preventing a high long-term unemployment rate and avoiding the isolation of persons aged 70+, were relevant, though utilities were comparatively lower. We identified subgroups (elderly persons and persons with school children) with different utilities, which indicates specific attributes affecting them dissimilarly.Conclusions: The population prefers cautious re-opening strategies and is at least sceptical about the adoption of severe protection measures. Government should balance interests between subgroups.