bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer Statistics in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Tale of Two Cities
Authors: M-Amen Karwan , Abdullah Omiad , Amin Ahmed , Hasan Bestoon , Mohamed Zeki , Sulaiman Luqman , Shekha Mudhir , Najmuldeen Hastyar , Barzingi Basak , Salih Ahmed , Mahmood Dler , Othman Hemin , Rahman Fryad , Mohammad Dara , Salih Fahmi , Ali Suad Khudhur , Housein Zjwan , Mohamad Trefa , Mahmood Kazhan , Othman Galawezh , Aali Mukhlis , Qader Govand , Hussen Bashdar , Awla Farhang , Qadir Fikry , Taher Dilan , Salihi Abbas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
There is limited published data on recent cancer incidence trends in Iraqi Kurdistan. Therefore, this study assesses epidemiological estimates of cancer incidence as well as the projection of future cancer trends in the upcoming decade by analysing the population-based cancer registry from 2013 to 2019 in both Erbil and Duhok governorates. A retrospective study was conducted on data retrieved from the Medical Statistics Department at the Ministry of Health, KRG. The total number of female cancer patients was higher in both governorates, and the total number of patients more than doubled from 2013 to 2019 in Erbil and Duhok, from 73 to 174 patients/100,000 population for women, and 36 to 85 patients/100,000 population for men. Data analysis indicates that the percentage of cancer patients is projected to increase in the decade from 2020-2030 from 107.4% to 234.3% in 2030 in Erbil governorate; and from 106% to 163% in Duhok governorate. Female breast cancer and lung cancer are the most prominent types of cancers since 2013 in Erbil and Duhok governorates. The striking pattern of trends for both present and future cancer incidence rates require the urgent solutions and comprehensive efforts to control risk factors that promote the continuity of cancer diseases in these two KRG governorates.
Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on the Survival of Elderly Esophagus Cancer Patients after Surgery: A SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Li Xinrong , Zhang Jin , Zhu Junquan , Guo Kaibo , Guo Yong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEsophagus cancer (EC) is a common and lethal carcinoma, however, the effectiveness and feasibility of the conventional treatments for the elderly patients with surgery have not been discussed fully. The purpose of the current study is to discuss the potential effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the prognosis.ResultsBy PSM, chemotherapy (sHR: 0.588, 95%CI: 0.453-0.763, P<0.001) and radiotherapy (sHR: 0.652, 95%CI: 0.513-0.83, P<0.001) were showed a negative correlation to the probability of cancer specific death (CSD). Based on the nomogram, patients with poor differentiation, large tumor size, advanced T-staging, lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis tended to benefit from chemotherapy (HR: 0.441, 95%CI: 0.364-0.533, P < 0.001) or radiotherapy (HR: 0.539, 95%CI: 0.448-0.649, P < 0.001) to decrease the probabilities of CSD, while no benefit or even harm was showed among the low-risk ones. ConclusionAggressive treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy was considered effective for the selective elder patients with EC.
Refractive Outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery with Arcuate Keratotomy and Standard Phacoemulsification with Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Lin Meng-Yin , Shen Yun-Dun , Tan Hsin-Yuan , Wang I-Jong , Lin I-Chan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Both femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FS-AK) and toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were effective in correction for eyes with corneal astigmatism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative refractive outcomes of patients receiving femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with FS-AK and patients receiving standard phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens implantation Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the postoperative outcome of patients undergoing FLACS with FS-AK (FS-AK group) and patients undergoing standard phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation (toric IOL group). The main outcome measures were bare and corrected visual acuities, keratometric and refractive astigmatism, and vector analysis.Results: The FL-AK group included 41 eyes with preoperative keratometric astigmatism of −1.64 diopters (D) ± 0.42 (standard deviation), and the toric IOL group included 53 eyes with preoperative keratometric astigmatism of −2.29 ± 0.91 D (P < 0.001). Postoperative refractive astigmatism was comparable between the two groups. Postoperative bare vision was significantly better (P = 0.005) and corrected visual acuity was marginally better in the toric IOL group than in the FS-AK group (P = 0.051). The absolute angles of error were 9.95 ± 9.57 degrees and 5.08 ± 4.94 degrees (P = 0.02) in the FS-AK and toric IOL groups, respectively.Conclusion: Both FLACS with FS-AK and standard phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation represent safe and effective methods for astigmatism correction at the time of cataract surgery. Standard phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation achieves better visual outcome than combined FLACS and FS-AK at 6-month follow up.
Identification of Co-Expression Network Correlated With Different Periods of Adipogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Liu Yu , Tingart Markus , Lecouturier Sophie , Li Jianzhang , Eschweiler Jörg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is a complex and dynamic process. The gene expression pattern and mechanism of different periods of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation remain unclear. Additionally the inaction between these two lineages determination requires further exploration. Results: Five modules that are most significantly associated with osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs were selected for further investigation. Biological terms, such as ribosome biogenesis, TNF-α signaling pathway, glucose import, fatty acid metabolism along with hub transcript factors, such as PPARG, YY1, and hub miRNAs, such as hsa-mir-26b-5p were enriched in different modules. The expression pattern of 6 hub genes, ADIPOQ, FABP4, SLC7A5, SELPLG, BIRC3, and KLHL30 were validated by RT-qPCR. In the end, cell staining experiments extended the findings of bioinformatics analysis.Conclusion: This study identified the key genes, biological functions, and regulators of each time point of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and provided novel evidence and ideas for further research on the differentiation of BMSCs.
Do Acute Inflammatory Cytokines Affect 3- and 12-Month Postoperative Functional Outcomes–A Prospective Cohort Study of 12 Patients With Proximal Tibia Fractures
Authors: Iversen Imran , Pham That Minh , Schmal Hagen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPatients with intra-articular fractures tend to develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The initial inflammatory response with elevation of inflammatory cytokines following joint trauma might be responsible for triggering cartilage catabolism and degradation. We aimed to identify and quantify cytokine levels in fractured and healthy knee joints and the correlation of these cytokines with clinical outcomes.Methods In this prospective cohort study, synovial fluid and plasma were collected from 12 patients with proximal intra-articular tibia fractures before surgery. The concentration of sixteen inflammatory cytokines, two cartilage degradation products and four metabolic mediators where measured, comparing the acute injured knee with the healthy contralateral knee. Patients were evaluated 3- and 12-months after surgery with clinical parameters and radiographical scanning. Non-parametrical Wilcoxon rank-sum and Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis, and a P-value below 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsWe found an elevation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IFN-y, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 and a simultaneous elevation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 in the injured knee. Several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic mediators were correlated with clinical outcomes 12 months after surgery, especially with pain perception. ConclusionsOur results support that an inflammatory process occurs after intra-articular knee fractures, which is characterized by the elevation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. There was no sign of cartilage damage within the timeframe from injury to operation. We found a correlation between the initial inflammatory reaction with clinical outcomes 12 months after surgery.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients Receiving Proton Beam Therapy for Caudate Lobe Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Iizumi Takashi , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sekino Yuta , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tsai Yu-Lun , Takizawa Daichi , Ishida Toshiki , Hiroshima Yuichi , Nakamura Masatoshi , Shimizu Shosei , Saito Takashi , Numajiri Haruko , Mizumoto Masashi , Nakai Kei , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the caudate lobe (caudate HCC) is rare; however, patients with this type of tumour have poorer prognoses than do those with HCC in other segments. Despite many published reports on the clinical usefulness of proton beam therapy (PBT) for HCC, data on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PBT for caudate HCC remain scare. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the outcomes of this group of patients.MethodsThirty patients with caudate HCC who underwent definitive PBT between February 2001 and February 2014 were retrospectively analysed. The total irradiation doses ranged from 55 to 77 (median 72.6) Gy relative biological dose.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 37.5 (range, 3.0–152.0) months. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 86.6%, 62.8%, and 46.1%, respectively. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, Child-Pugh A (P < 0.01), having a single tumour (P = 0.02), and a low serum alpha-fetoprotein level (P < 0.01) were significant factors predicting longer survival. The local control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100.0%, 85.9%, and 85.9%, respectively, while the corresponding progression-free survival rates were 65.0%, 27.5%, and 22.0%, respectively. No grade 3 or worse adverse events were observed.ConclusionsPBT is effective and safe for the treatment of caudate HCC, and should therefore be considered a feasible option for intervention in patients with this disease.
Genetic Control of Iron Bioavailability is Independent from Iron Concentration in a Diverse Winter Wheat Mapping Population
Authors: Wright Tally , Gardner Keith , Glahn Raymond , Milner Matthew 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Anemia is thought to affect up to 1.6 billion people worldwide. One of the major contributors to low iron (Fe) absorption is a higher proportion of cereals compared to meats and pulse crops in people’s diets. This has now become a problem in both the developed and developing world, as a result of both modern food choice and food availability. Bread wheat accounts for 20% of the calories consumed by humans and is an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals meaning it could be a major vehicle for bringing more bioavailable Fe into the diet. Results: To investigate whether breeding for higher concentrations of Fe in wheat grains could help increase Fe absorption, a multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population, encompassing more than 80% of UK wheat polymorphism, was grown over two seasons in the UK. The population was phenotyped for both Fe concentration and Fe bioavailability using an established Caco-2 cell bioassay. It was found that increasing Fe levels in the grains was not correlated with higher Fe bioavailability and that the underlying genetic regions controlling grain Fe levels do not co-localise with increased Fe absorption. Furthermore, we show that phytate levels do not correlate with Fe bioavailability in our wheat population and thus phytate-binding is insufficient to explain the lack of correlation between Fe bioavailability and Fe concentrations in the wheat grain. Finally, we observed no (Fe bioavailability) or low (Fe concentration) correlation between years for these traits, confirming that both are under strong environmental influence. Conclusions: This suggests that breeders will have to select not only for Fe levels directly in grains, but also increased bioavailability.
A retrospective comparative study of arthroscopic fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation: coracoid sling technique versus single-tunnel technique
Authors: Peng Liangquan , Zheng Yizi , Zhang Greg , Deng Zhenhan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Arthroscopic fixation in acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation has become more popular and shown good clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of single-tunnel technique (SST) and coracoid sling technique (CST) for the treatment of acute AC joint dislocation in order to provide more suitable treatment options and clinical recommendations for orthopaedic surgeons.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with acute Rockwood type IV and V AC joint dislocation who had undergone arthroscopic fixation procedure with SST or CST fixation between June 2009 and June 2018. A total of 90 consecutive patients identified from chart review were picked and divided into SST and CST groups, with 45 members in each group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, Constant shoulder functionality score, Karlsson AC joint score, the time of return to sports and activity, and plain radiographs of the affected shoulder at different time points of follow-up were all recorded for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.
Results

The majority of the patients in both groups recovered to their preoperative activity levels with few complications. The average postoperative AC and coracoclavicular (CC) distances were significantly narrower than preoperative measurements in both groups, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups at 2 years post-op. The CST group had reduced operative time, shorter time of recovery of shoulder movements, higher Constant functionality scores and Karlsson AC joint scores, and fewer complications than the STT group at the last clinical follow-up.
Conclusions

CST technique achieved superior clinical outcomes with fewer complications compared to the traditional STT technique in arthroscopic treatment of acute AC joint dislocation. This technique could be considered as a reliable method for AC joint reconstruction.
Ultrasound Assessment of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence for the Prediction of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the First Trimester
Authors: Tang Ying , Zeng Yan , Yang Taizhu , Yang Pan , Bao Shan , Luo Hong , Ying Junjie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesTo investigate twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence for the prediction of TRAP-related adverse pregnancy outcomes at the gestational age of 11-14 weeks. MethodsPregnant women in the first trimester diagnosed with TRAP were recruited at West China Second University Hospital from January 2015 to June 2018. Systematic screening for the pump twin’s crown-rump length (CRL) and acardiac twin’s upper pole-rump length (URL) was conducted using ultrasonic detection. The (CRL-URL)/CRL and URL/CRL ratios were used to assess the pregnancy outcomes for the pump twin. ResultsTwenty-one pregnant women aged 21–39 years with a gestation of 11-14 weeks were recruited. TRAP was diagnosed on average (± standard deviation [SD]) at pregnancy week 13.1 ± 0.18. The pump twins’ mean (± SD) CRL was 6.65 ± 1.1 cm. The incidence of intrauterine death for the pump twins was 19.0% (n=4), the miscarriage rate was 14.3% (n=3), and the live birth rate was 66.7% (n=14). The (CRL-URL)/CRL ratios between the non-survival (intrauterine death and miscarriage) and survival groups significantly differed (0.33 ± 0.08 vs. 0.58 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). Similarly, the URL/CRL ratios between the non-survival and survival groups significantly differed (0.67 ± 0.08 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe (CRL-URL)/CRL and URL/CRL ratios were valuable indicators for determining pregnancy outcomes of pump twins with TRAP at an early gestational age.
Sclerotia Formation of Phlebopus Portentosus in Wild and Artificial Cultivation
Authors: Yang Tian-Wei , Liu Jing , Xu Xin-Jing , He Ming-Xia , Gao Feng , Fang Yi-Wei , Wang Wen-Bing , Dai Li-Ming , Wang Yun , Zhang Chun-Xia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Phlebopus portentosus is a favorite wild edible mushroom in the Xishuangbanna region, Yunnan, China and in northern Thailand. This bolete has a unique biotrophy. It can be saprobic but also form a tripartite association with root mealy bugs and plants. P. portentosus is the only edible fungus of Boletales in the world that can be cultivated artificially and anniversary produced at present. Sclerotium is often found at its natural environment and cultivated media, but the regularity and growth characteristics of the sclerotium are unknown. In this study the whole process of birth, growth, death and rebirth of the sclerotium of P. portentosus at the national and lab conditions was reported for the first time. The sclerotium formation in the nature is related to adversity, such as reduced rainfall and low temperature. The more rainfall, the less sclerotia. It seems that the lower temperature increased the sclerotium formation, however the relationship of the sclerotium formation to temperature was not obvious as the rainfall. Under artificial conditions the sclerotium formation of P. portentosus is related to the fungus physiological maturation, and the sclerotium occurrence always accompanied by appearance of the water drops on the colony. The result will set up a platform for research on importance of the sclerotium in life circle of P. portentosus.
Newborn Screening in Unselected Children Using Genomic Sequencing
Authors: Jian Min , Wang Xiaohong , Sui Yuanyuan , Fang Mingyan , Gao Ya , Guo Ruidong , Huang Yingping , Liu Chunhua , Feng Chenchen , Guan Yuanning , Gao Yuxiao , Wang Zhiwei , Li Shuli , Cheng Bochen , Sun Lina , Cui Fenghua , Guo Jia , Zhan Ying , Zhang Guohong , Zheng Ling , Su Fengxia , Xue Wei , Qian Puyi , Gao Shaobo , Chen Jiayu , Zhao Qian , Guan Lingyao , Lu Haorong , Nie Chao , Kristiansen Karsten , Hammarström Lennart , Jiang Xiaojing , Liu Junnian , Chen Fang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate potentially curable or treatable medical conditions in unselected newborns using genomic sequencing(GS). Methods: 321 newborns from a cohort of pregnant women from Qingdao, China, underwent high-depth GS (average 47.42 fold), with the approval of the ethics committee. 61 Mendelian Diseases, 151 Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases(PID) and 5 DPWG recommeded Essential pharmacogenetic(PGx) genes were analyzed. Results: 121 Mendelian pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with 31 inherited diseases were detected, among these hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, methylmalonic acidemia, methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria, phenylketonuria(PKU) and benign hyperphenylalaninemia accounted for half of the carrier variants. Three children with compound heterozygous variants at GJB2 and PAH were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Follow-up of the three families confirmed that one child was diagnosed with PKU and two children with GJB2 variants were scheduled to undergo hearing loss testing every six months after genetic counceling due to the nature of incomplete penetrance of hearing loss. 11 heterozygous pathogenic/ likely pathogenic variants in eight PID genes were identified in 11 infants. All 321 newborns carried at least one variant at the five DPGW recommended PGx genes. Codeine and clopidogrel require more attention in giving prescription for 25% and 8% of newborns have a decreased function of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 enzymes respectively. Conclusions: Our study is the largest to date using GS to sequence unselected newborns. The results suggest that using GS may be a suitable method for screening newborns for variants in a large number of disease associated genes.
Baseline Elevated Serum Angiopoietin-2 Predicts Long-Term Non-Regression of Liver Fibrosis After Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C
Authors: Suda Goki , Kawagishi Naoki , Kimura Megumi , Maehara Osamu , Yamada Ren , Tokuchi Yoshimasa , Kubo Akinori , Kitagataya Takashi , Shigesawa Taku , Suzuki Kazuharu , Ohara Masatsugu , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Morikawa Kenichi , Ogawa Koji , Kudo Yusuke , Nishida Mutsumi , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We previously revealed that Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) predicts non-regression of liver fibrosis based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) at 24 weeks after anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. In this study, we extended the observational period to 96 weeks to investigate the factors associated with non-regression after treatment with direct-acting-antivirals (DAAs). Patients treated with DAAs who underwent transient elastography at baseline and 24 and 96 weeks after DAA therapy were included. Baseline and post-treatment serum Ang2 levels were measured. Liver fibrosis stages were defined based on LSM. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate factors associated with non-regression of liver fibrosis between various time points. In total, 110 patients were included. Of these, 11% showed non-regression of LSM-based fibrosis stage at 96 weeks after DAA therapy. In multivariate analysis, advanced liver fibrosis stage and high baseline Ang2 levels were significantly associated with non-regression at 96 weeks. In patients with advanced liver fibrosis (F3/4), baseline Ang2 levels were associated with non-regression of liver fibrosis stage. Between SVR24 and SVR96, post-treatment Ang2 levels and controlled attenuation parameter values at SVR24 were significantly associated with non-regression of liver fibrosis stage in patients with F3/4. Thus, serum Ang2 levels are an important target for monitoring and therapy.