bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foveal Remodeling of Retinal Microvasculature in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Murueta-Goyena Ane , Barrenechea Maitane , Erramuzpe Asier , Teijeira-Portas Sara , Pengo Marta , Ayala Unai , Romero-Bascones David , Acera Marian , Del Pino Rocío , Gómez-Esteban Juan Carlos , Gabilondo Iñigo 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundRetinal microvascular alterations have been previously described in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). However, an extensive description of retinal vascular morphological features, their association with PD-related clinical variables and their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers has not been explored.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study including 49 PD patients (87 eyes) and 40 controls (73 eyes). Retinal microvasculature was evaluated with Spectralis OCT-A and cognitive status with Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Unified PD Rating Scale and disease duration were recorded in patients. We extracted microvascular parameters from superficial and deep vascular plexuses of the macula, including the area and circularity of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), skeleton density, perfusion density, vessel perimeter index, vessel mean diameter, fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity using Python and MATLAB. We compared the microvascular parameters between groups and explored their association with thickness of macular layers and clinical outcomes. Data were analyzed with General Estimating Equations (GEE) and adjusted for age, sex, and hypertension. Logistic regression GEE models were fitted to predict diagnosis of PD versus controls from microvascular, demographic, and clinical data. The discrimination ability of models was tested with receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsFAZ area was significantly smaller in patients compared to controls in superficial and deep plexuses, whereas perfusion density, skeleton density, FD and lacunarity of capillaries were increased in the foveal zone of PD. In the parafovea, microvascular parameters of superficial plexus were associated with ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness, but this was mainly driven by PD with mild cognitive impairment. No such associations were observed in controls. FAZ area was negatively associated with cognition in PD (non-adjusted models). Foveal lacunarity, combined with demographic and clinical confounding factors, yielded an outstanding diagnostic accuracy for discriminating PD patients from controls.ConclusionParkinson’s disease patients displayed foveal microvascular alterations causing an enlargement of the vascular bed surrounding FAZ. Parafoveal microvascular alterations were less pronounced but were related to inner retinal layer thinning. Retinal microvascular abnormalities helped discriminating PD from controls. All this supports OCT-A as a potential non-invasive biomarker to reveal vascular pathophysiology and improve diagnostic accuracy in PD.
Pan-Cancer Prognostic Role and Targeting Potential of the Estrogen-Progesterone Axis
Authors: Shen Yu-ting , Huang Xing , Zhang Gang , Jiang Bo , Li Cheng-jun , Wu Zheng-sheng 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionEstrogen receptors (ESRs) and progesterone receptors (PGRs) are associated with the development and progression of various tumors. The feasibility of ESRs and PGRs as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for multiple cancers was evaluated via pan-cancer analysis.MethodsThe pan-cancer mRNA expression levels, genetic variations, and prognostic values of ESR1, ESR2, and PGR were analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) and cBioPortal. The expression levels of ERa, ERb, and PGR proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining using paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) and uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma (UTEA). Correlation between immunomodulators and immune cells was determined based on the Tumor and Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB).ResultsESR1, ESR2, and PGR mRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in different cancer types, and were associated with tumor progression and clinical prognosis. ERa, ERb, and PGR proteins were further determined to be significantly differentially expressed in OV and UTEA via immunohistochemical staining. The expression of ERa protein was positively correlated with a high tumor stage, whereas the expression of PGR protein was conversely associated with a high tumor stage in patients with OV. In patients with UTEA, the expression levels of both ERa and PGR proteins were conversely associated with tumor grade and stage. In addition, the expression levels of ESR1, ESR2, and PGR mRNAs were significantly associated with the expression of immunomodulators and immune cells.ConclusionESR1, ESR2, and PGR are potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets, as well as important factors for the prediction, evaluation, and individualized treatment in several cancer types.
Preoperative Prediction of Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Cervical Cancer With Radiomics –Based Nomogram
Authors: Du Wei , Wang Yu , Li Dongdong , Xia Xueming , Tan Qiaoyue , Xiong Xiaoming , Li Zhiping 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo build and evaluate a radiomics-based nomogram that improves the predictive performance of the LVSI in cervical cancer non-invasively before the operation.MethodThis study involved 149 patients who underwent surgery with cervical cancer from February 2017 to October 2019. Radiomics features were extracted from T2 weighted imaging (T2WI). The radiomic features were selected by logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalty in the training cohort. Based on the selected features, support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was used to build the radiomics signature on the training cohort. Incorporating radiomics signature and clinical risk factors, the radiomics-based nomogram was developed. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to assess these models.ResultThe radiomics model performed much better than the clinical model in both training (AUCs 0.925 vs. 0.786, accuracies 87.5% vs. 70.5%, sensitivities 83.6% vs. 41.7% and specificities 90.9% vs. 94.7%) and testing (AUCs 0.911 vs. 0.706, accuracies 84.0% vs. 71.3%, sensitivities 81.1% vs. 43.4% and specificities 86.4% vs. 95.0%). The combined model based on the radiomics signature and tumor stage, tumor infiltration depth and tumor pathology yielded the best performance (training cohort, AUC = 0.943, accuracies 89.5%, sensitivities 85.4% and specificities 92.9%; testing cohort, AUC = 0.923, accuracies 84.6%, sensitivities 84.0% and specificities 85.1%).ConclusionRadiomics-based nomogram was a useful tool for predicting LVSI of cervical cancer. This would aid the selection of the optimal therapeutic strategy and clinical decision-making for individuals.
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01410 Promoted Tumor Progression via the ErbB Signaling Pathway by Targeting STAT5 in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Lu Lili , Zhang Shilong , Song Zhengqing , Lu Weiqi , Wang Zhiming , Zhou Yuhong 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recently emerging as crucial molecules in multiple human cancers. However, their expression patterns, roles as well as the underlying mechanisms in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain largely unclear.Materials and MethodsThe expression of lncRNAs in GBC was downloaded from GEO database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to detect the expression of lncRNAs in GBC tissues. The full-sequence of LINC01410 was determined by RACE assay. Subcellular distribution of LINC01410 was examined by nuclear/cytoplasmic RNA fractionation analysis. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments were conducted to explore the biological functions of LINC01410 in vitro and in vivo. RNA pull-down, RNA immune-precipitation (RIP), and Western blot assay were conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying the biological function of LINC01410 in GBC.ResultsLINC01410 was significantly upregulated in the GBC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. High LINC01410 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis of GBC patients. We identified LINC01410 to be 2,877 bp in length and mainly localized in the cytoplasm of GBC cells. Overexpression of LINC01410 promoted GBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and GBC progression in vivo, whereas LINC01410 downregulation rescued these effects in vitro. From RNA pull-down and RIP assay, we identified that STAT5 was a critical downstream target of LINC01410. Furthermore, ErbB signaling pathway was involved in the malignant phenotypes of GBC mediated by LINC01410.ConclusionsOur results suggested that LINC01410 was an important lncRNA that promoted GBC progression via targeting STAT5 and activating ErbB signaling pathway.
Next-Generation Sequencing Enhances the Diagnosis Efficiency in Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Tan Li-Cheng , Liu Wan-Lin , Zhu Xiao-Li , Yu Peng-Cheng , Shi Xiao , Han Pei-Zhen , Zhang Ling , Lin Liang-Yu , Semenov Arseny , Wang Yu , Ji Qing-Hai , Ji Dong-Mei , Wang Yu-Long , Qu Ning 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThough fine-needle aspiration (FNA) improved the diagnostic methods of thyroid nodules, there are still parts of nodules that cannot be determined according to cytology. In the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology, there are two uncertain cytology results. Thanks to the development of next-generation sequencing technology, it is possible to gain the genetic background of pathological tissue efficiently. Therefore, a combination of the cytology and genetic background may enhance the accuracy of diagnosis in thyroid nodules.MethodsDNA from 73 FNA samples of thyroid nodules belonging to different cytology types was extracted and exome sequencing was performed by the ThyroLead panel. Test for BRAF mutation was also performed by ARMS-qPCR. Information including age, sex, preoperative cytology, BRAF mutation status tested by ARMS-qPCR, and surgical pathology was collected in electronic medical record system.ResultsA total of 71 single nucleotide variants, three fusion gene, and two microsatellite instability-high status were detected in 73 FNA samples. BRAF V600E mutation is the most common mutation in these malignant thyroid nodules. After combining the cytology and genetic background detected by next-generation sequencing, the diagnosis sensitivity was increased from 0.582 (95% CI: 0.441–0.711) to 0.855 (95% CI: 0.728–0.930) (P &lt; 0.001) in our group, while the specificity, 1,000 (95% CI: 0.732–1.000) compared to 0.857 (95% CI: 0.562–0.975) (P = 0.25), did not get affected.ConclusionsNext-generation sequencing in thyroid nodules can enhance the preoperative diagnosis sensitivity by fine-needle aspiration alone. It can also provide genetic background for direction of medication. It is possible for clinicians to combine cytology with genetic alterations for a more precise diagnosis strategy of thyroid nodules.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Immune-Related lncRNA Signature for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hua Shan , Xie Zhiwen , Wang Wenhao , Wan Zhong , Chen Min , Zhao Sheng , Jiang Juntao 
Published: July 2021

PurposeWe aimed to construct an immune-related long noncoding ribonucleic acids (irlncRNA) signature to evaluate the prognosis of patients without specific expression level of these irlncRNA.MethodsThe raw transcriptome data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), irlncRNAs were filtered out using an online immune related gene database and coexpression analysis, differently expressed irlncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs were identified by univariate analysis. The areas under curve (AUC) were compared and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of receiver operating curve (ROC) was counted, the most optimal model was constructed to divide bladder cancer patients into high- and low-risk groups usingõ the cut-off point of ROC. Then, we evaluated them from multiple perspectives, such as survival time, clinic-pathological characteristics, immune-related cells infiltrating, chemotherapeutics efficacy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.Results14 DEirlncRNA pairs were included in this signature. Patients in high-risk groups demonstrated apparent shorter survival time, more aggressive clinic-pathological characteristics, different immune-related cells infiltrating status, lower chemotherapeutics efficacy.ConclusionThe irlncRNA signature demonstrated a promising prediction value for bladder cancer patients and was important in guiding clinical treatment.
Pulmonary Vein Index Is Associated With Early Prognosis of Surgical Treatment for Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Yuan Haoyong , Qian Tao , Huang Ting , Yang Hui , Huang Can , Lu Ting , Wu Zhongshi 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the predictive value of the pulmonary vein index (PVI) in the early prognosis of patients who received total tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 286 patients who underwent TOF repair in our institution between July 2013 and May 2020. The PVI, McGoon ratio, and Nakata index were measured and calculated. Logistic regression, linear stepwise regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Cox proportional hazards modeling were performed to evaluate the predictive value of PVI in the early prognosis after TOF repair surgery.Results: The median age and body weight were 1.23 (0.22–15.02) years and 9.00 (3.00–44.00) kg, respectively. There were five early deaths. The areas under the ROC curve for death were 0.89, 0.79, and 0.88 for the McGoon ratio, Nakata index, and PVI, respectively. A lower PVI better predicted prolonged postoperative hospital stay, cardiac intensive care unit stay, and ventilator time (Hazard Ratio, HR [95% Confidence intervals, CI]: 1.003 [1.002–1.004], p &lt; 0.001; 1.002 [1.001–1.004], p &lt; 0.001; 1.002 [1.001–1.003], p &lt; 0.001, respectively) and was a significant risk factor for high 24 h max Vasoactive inotropic score (Crude Odds Ratio [OR] [95% CI]: −0.015 [−0.022, −0.007], p &lt; 0.001), serous effusion (Crude OR [95% CI]: 0.996 [0.992–0.999], p = 0.020), delayed sternal closure (Crude OR [95% CI]: 0.983 [0.971–0.996], p = 0.010), and the need for peritoneal dialysis (Crude OR [95% CI]: 0.988 [0.980–0.996], p = 0.005). The area under the ROC curve of PVI for delayed postoperative recovery was 0.722 (p &lt; 0.001), and the estimated cutoff point was 300.3 mm2/m2.Conclusion: PVI is a good predictor of early prognosis for surgical treatment of TOF patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravitreal Chemotherapy (Melphalan) to Treat Vitreous Seeds in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Yousef Yacoub A. , Al Jboor Mays , Mohammad Mona , Mehyar Mustafa , Toro Mario D. , Nazzal Rashed , Alzureikat Qusai H. , Rejdak Magdalena , Elfalah Mutasem , Sultan Iyad , Rejdak Robert , Al-Hussaini Maysa , Al-Nawaiseh Ibrahim 
Published: July 2021

Background: Active vitreous seeds in eyes with retinoblastoma (Rb) adversely affects the treatment outcome. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal melphalan chemotherapy (IViC) as a treatment for recurrent and refractory vitreous seeds in patients with Rb.Methods: We used a retrospective non-comparative study of patients with intraocular Rb who had vitreous seeds and were treated by IViC (20–30 μg of melphalan) using the safety-enhanced anti-reflux technique. Tumor response, ocular toxicity, demographics, clinical features, and survival were analyzed.Results: In total, 27 eyes were treated with 108 injections for recurrent (16 eyes) or refractory (11 eyes) vitreous seeds after failed systemic chemotherapy. A total of 15 (56%) were males, and 20 (74%) had bilateral disease. At diagnosis, the majority (n = 21) of the injected eyes were group D, and n = 6 were group C. Vitreous seeds showed complete regression in 21 (78%) eyes; 100% (n = 10) for eyes with focal seeds; 65% (n = 11/17 eyes) for eyes with diffuse seeds (p = 0.04); 7 (64%) eyes with refractory seeds; and 14 (87%) eyes with recurrent seeds showed complete response (p = 0.37). In total, 16 (59%) eyes developed side effects: retinal toxicity (48%), pupillary synechiae (15%), cataracts (30%), iris atrophy (7%), and retinal and optic atrophy (4%). Only one child was lost to follow-up whose family refused enucleation and none developed orbital tumor recurrence or distant metastasis.Conclusion: IViC with melphalan is effective (more for focal than diffuse seeding) and a relatively safe treatment modality for Rb that can improve the outcomes of eye salvage procedures. However, unexpected toxicity can occur even with the standard dose of 20–30 μg.
Shared Decision Making in Primary Care Based Depression Treatment: Communication and Decision-Making Preferences Among an Underserved Patient Population
Authors: Matthews Elizabeth B. , Savoy Margot , Paranjape Anuradha , Washington Diana , Hackney Treanna , Galis Danielle , Zisman-Ilani Yaara 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Although depression is a significant public health issue, many individuals experiencing depressive symptoms are not effectively linked to treatment by their primary care provider, with underserved populations have disproportionately lower rates of engagement in depression care. Shared decision making (SDM) is an evidence-based health communication framework that can improve collaboration and optimize treatment for patients, but there is much unknown about how to translate SDM into primary care depression treatment among underserved communities. This study seeks to explore patients' experiences of SDM, and articulate communication and decision-making preferences among an underserved patient population receiving depression treatment in an urban, safety net primary care clinic.Methods: Twenty-seven patients with a depressive disorder completed a brief, quantitative survey and an in-depth semi-structured interview. Surveys measured patient demographics and their subjective experience of SDM. Qualitative interview probed for patients' communication preferences, including ideal decision-making processes around depression care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Univariate statistics report quantitative findings.Results: Overall qualitative and quantitative findings indicate high levels of SDM. Stigma related to depression negatively affected patients' initial attitude toward seeking treatment, and underscored the importance of patient-provider rapport. In terms of communication and decision-making preferences, patients preferred collaboration with doctors during the information sharing process, but desired control over the final, decisional outcome. Trust between patients and providers emerged as a critical precondition to effective SDM. Respondents highlighted several provider behaviors that helped facilitated such an optimal environment for SDM to occur.Conclusion: Underserved patients with depression preferred taking an active role in their depression care, but looked for providers as partner in this process. Due to the stigma of depression, effective SDM first requires primary care providers to ensure that they have created a safe and trusting environment where patients are able to discuss their depression openly.
Is There an Association Between Fixed Orthodontic Treatment and Initiation of Eating Disorders? A Review of Currently Available Evidence
Authors: Koukou Melina , Javed Fawad , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The aim was to review the available literature regarding the potential association between fixed orthodontic treatment (OT) and the onset of eating disorders (EDs).Method and Materials: Six indexed databases were searched until November 2020. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) patients undergoing fixed OT and (b) EDs in relation to fixed OT. Commentaries, letters to the Editor, reviews, and studies in patients with EDs not undergoing fixed OT were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to summarize the pertinent information.Results: Four out of 10,076 initially-identified studies were included, and all of them were case reports. All patients were females, and the EDs reported were either anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN). In three case reports, patients developed EDs after the initiation of OT. Fixed OT was performed in all the studies, and a variety of oral complications such as sore mouth, gingivitis, tooth surface demineralization, and others were reported.Conclusion: Based upon the limited available evidence, the association between OT and the onset of EDs remains unclear. Further well-designed observational clinical studies are needed in this regard.
No Benefit of Prophylactic Surgical Drainage in Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation: Our Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vincenzi Paolo , Gaynor Jeffrey J. , Chen Linda J. , Figueiro Jose , Morsi Mahmoud , Selvaggi Gennaro , Tekin Akin , Vianna Rodrigo , Ciancio Gaetano 
Published: July 2021

Background: Contrasting results have emerged from limited studies investigating the role of prophylactic surgical drainage in preventing wound morbidity after liver and kidney transplantation. This retrospective study analyzes the use of surgical drain and the incidence of wound complications in combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKTx).Methods: A total of 55 patients aged ≥18 years were divided into two groups: the drain group (D) (n = 35) and the drain-free group (DF) (n = 20). Discretion to place a drain was based exclusively on surgeon preference. All deceased donor kidneys were connected to the LifePort Renal Preservation Machine® prior to transplantation, in both simultaneous and delayed technique of implantation of the renal allograft. The primary outcome was the development of superficial/deep wound complications during the study follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the development of delayed graft function (DGF) of the transplanted kidney, primary non-function (PNF) and early allograft dysfunction (EAD) of the transplanted liver, graft failure, graft and patient survival, overall post-operative morbidity rate and length of hospital stay.Results: With a median follow-up of 14.4 months after transplant, no difference in the incidence of superficial/deep wound complications, except for hematomas, in collections size, intervention rate, PNF, EAD, graft failure and patient survival, was observed between the 2 groups. Significantly lower level of platelets, higher INR values, DGF, morbidity rates and length of hospital stay were reported post-operatively in the D group. Pre-operative hypoalbuminemia and longer CIT were included in the propensity score for receiving a drain and were associated with a significantly higher rate of developing a hematoma post-transplant.Conclusions: Absence of the surgical drain did not appear to adversely affect wound morbidity compared to the prophylactic use of drains in renal transplant patients during CLKTx.