bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways Associated With Pathogenesis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Integrated miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis
Authors: Lan Tao , Li Ning-dao , Shen Zhe , Chen Xiao-sheng , Hu Shi-yu , Yan Bin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most common cause of low back pain. Previous studies have suggested that miRNAs are associated with the pathogenesis of IDD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear based on inconsistent results of available literatures. In addition, integrated miRNA-mRNA comprehensive analysis is limited. Material/Methods: In this study, we investigated the profiles of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) and mRNAs (DEGs) and constructed a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. First, transcription factors and target genes of DEMIs were predicted. Then, an intersection between DEMIs predicted genes and DEGs were performed to screen out the most significant differential expressed common genes. Results: A total of 65 DEMIs and 61 common target genes were identified from datasets. Functional enrichment analysis showed that most genes were mainly involved in extracellular matrix organization and extracellular structure organization. Furthermore, DEGs were primarily enriched in PI3K−Akt signaling pathway, ECM−receptor interaction, focal adhesion and p53 signaling pathway, indicating that these pathways may be the critical pathways.Conclusions: In summary, several important miRNAs, as well as their related target genes and transcription factors in the pathogenesis of IDD were identified from our bioinformatic analysis, which may provide insights into underlying mechanisms and offer potential target genes for the treatment of IDD.
Anatomical Sites (Takasaki’s Segmentation) Predicts the Recurrence-free Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qin Wei , Hu Beiyuan , Tian Huan , Xiao Cuicui , Luo Huanxian , Yang Yang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Until now, several classification staging system and treatment algorithm for hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) has been presented. However, anatomical location is not taken into account in these staging systems. The aim of this study is to investigate whether anatomical sites could predict the postoperative recurrence of HCC patients.Methods: 294 HCC patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. A novel score classification based on anatomical sites was established by a Cox regression model and validated in the internal validation cohort. Results: HCC patients were stratified according to the novel score classification into three groups (score 0, score 1-3 and score 4-6). The predictive accuracy of the novel recurrence score for HCC patients as determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) at 1, 3, and 5 years (AUCs 0.703, 0.706, and 0.605) was greater than the other representative classification systems. These findings were supported by the internal validation cohort. For patients with BCLC 0 and A stage, our data demonstrated that there was no significant difference of RFS between patients with score 0 and liver transplantation recipients. Additionally, we introduced this novel classification system to guide anatomical liver resection for centrally located liver tumors.Conclusion: The novel score classification may provide a reliable and objective model to predict the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC after hepatic resection.
The Significance of Follow-Up Serum Uric Acid Levels in Predicting All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ren Pingping , Zhang Qilong , Pan Yixuan , Liu Yi , Li Chenglin , Fan Zhenzhen , Zhang Xiaohui , Xie Xishao , Xiang Shilong , Chen Jianghua , Han Fei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Studies on the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were mainly based on the results of baseline SUA. We aimed to analyze the change of SUA level post PD, and the correlation between follow-up SUA and prognosis in PD patients. Methods: All patients who received PD catheterization and maintaining PD in our center from March 2, 2001 to March 8, 2017 were screened. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to analyze the effect of SUA levels on the risks of death. We graded SUA levels at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months post PD by mean of SUA plus or minus a standard deviation as cut-off values, and compared all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with different SUA grades. Results: A total of 1402 patients were included, 763 males (54.42%) and 639 females (45.58%). Their average age at PD start was 49.50±14.20 years. The SUA levels were 7.97±1.79mg/dl at baseline, 7.12±1.48mg/dl at 6 months, 7.05±1.33mg/dl at 12 months, 7.01±1.30mg/dl at 18 months, and 6.93±1.26mg/dl at 24 months. During median follow-up time of 31 (18, 49) months, 173 (12.34%) all-cause deaths occurred, including 68 (4.85%) cardiovascular deaths. There were no significant differences on all-cause mortality among groups with graded SUA levels at baseline, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months during follow-up or on cardiovascular mortality among groups with graded SUA levels at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months during follow-up. At 6 months post PD，Kaplan Meier analysis showed there was significant difference on all-cause mortality among graded SUA levels (c2=11.315, P=0.010), and the all-cause mortality was lowest in grade of 5.65mg/dl≤SUA<7.13mg/dl. Conclusion: SUA level decreased during follow up post PD. At 6 months post PD, a grade of 5.65mg/dl≤SUA<7.13mg/dl was appropriate for better patients’ survival.
Dual Energy Imaging for Optimisation of P/V Ratios in&nbsp;VP SPECT
Authors: Doruyter Alexander , Holness Jennifer 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
PurposeVentilation-perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (VP SPECT) plays an important role in pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Rapid results may be obtained using same-day ventilation followed by perfusion imaging, but generally requires careful attention to achieving an optimal count rate ratio (P/V ratio) of ~3:1. This study investigated whether the ratio of counts simultaneously acquired in adjacent primary and Compton-scatter energy windows (E_ratio) on V SPECT was predictive of final normalised perfusion count rate (PCRnorm) on P SPECT using [99mTc]Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA), allowing optimisation of P/V ratio. MethodsSame-day VP SPECT studies acquired using standard protocols in adult patients during a 2-year period were assessed. Studies were included provided they were acquired with correct imaging parameters, and injection site imaging and laboratory records were available for quality control and normalised count rate corrections. Extraction of DICOM information, and linear regression were performed using custom Python and R scripts. A predictive tool was developed in Microsoft Excel.ResultsOf 643 studies performed, the scans of 343 participants (median age 30.4 years, 318 female) met inclusion criteria. A single outlier with high influence was excluded after an obvious cause was identified. Final analysis of the remaining 342 scans yielded a significant regression equation (F(1,340) = 1057.3, p <.000), with an adjusted R2 of .756 and MSE of 0.001089. A prediction tool designed for routine clinic use was developed for predicting final P/V ratio.ConclusionThe ratio of simultaneously acquired counts in adjacent energy windows on V SPECT is linearly related to perfusion count rate after administration of a known activity of [99mTc]Tc- MAA. A predictive tool based on this work may assist in optimising the dose and timing of [99mTc]Tc-MAA administration in same-day studies to the benefit of patients and workflows.
Sialadenoma Papilliferum: With Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, Molecular Analysis, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Shuai , Peng Jie , Yuan Chuantao , Sun Lin , Zhang Renya , Sun Yan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSialadenoma papilliferum (SP) is an extremely rare benign neoplasm of salivary glands. To explore and define the clinicopathological features of SP, we retrospectively analyzed 65 cases previously reported and five new cases.Materials and methodsThe clinical features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis of our cases were further performed and the related literatures were reviewed and analyzed. ResultsCombining 65 cases from the literature with our cases, the hard palate was the most common locations for SP. However, two of our cases were rarely located in the esophageal mucosa. Among all cases, the male gender was more affected, with the average age and median age of 58 and 59 years, respectively. Conventional histomorphologically, SP was characterized by complex papillary structures with a biphasic growth pattern of exophytic squamous component and endophytic glandular component. The glandular structures were lined by a double layer epithelium composed of flattened or cuboidal basal cells and a cuboidal or columnar luminal cells formed papillary infoldings into the ductal lumina. Immunohistochemically, the luminal epithelial configurations showed strong expression of CK7 along the luminal cell membrane, while the basal myoepithelia displayed strong nuclear p63 expression. In both the glandular and squamous tumor components showed BRAF V600E-positive immunostaining and BRAF V600E mutation. ConclusionFor the first time, we have comprehensively aggregated and analyzed 66 cases sialadenoma papilliferum from almost all previous publications, and further explored the clinicopathological features of SP; concordantly, this study demonstrated that SP shows a papillomatous growth pattern with exophytic and endophytic proliferation of ductal epithelium composed of double-layered cells harboring BRAF V600E mutation. Additionly, adequate treatment for SP is surgical excision, with a favorable prognosis in patients.
Outcomes of Salvage Fractionated Reirradiation Combined With Bevacizumab for Recurrent High-grade Gliomas That Progressed After Treatment With Bevacizumab
Authors: Yonezawa Hajime , Ohno Makoto , Igaki Hiroshi , Miyakita Yasuji , Takahashi Masamichi , Tamura Yukie , Shima Satoshi , Matsushita Yuko , Ichimura Koichi , Narita Yoshitaka 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the outcomes of reirradiation combined with bevacizumab (Bev) for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas that progressed after treatment with Bev.Methods: Between January 2015 and September 2019, 14 patients who experienced progression after Bev treatment were treated with reirradiation consisting of 25 Gy in five fractions combined with Bev (ReRT/Bev). The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutation status was analysed by pyrosequencing. Results: The diagnoses of 14 patients at the time of reirradiation included six cases of glioblastoma (GBM) with IDH-wildtype, four cases of GBM with IDH-mutant, one case of anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) with IDH-wildtype, one case of AA with IDH-mutant, and one case of GBM not otherwise specified (NOS), and one case of radiologically diagnosed brainstem glioma. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times with ReRT/Bev were 6.1 months and 3.8 months, respectively. The 6-month OS and PFS rates were 54.5% and 15.7%, respectively. The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with IDH-wildtype (N=7) and IDH-mutant (N=5) (OS: 7.3 [wildtype] vs 6.0 [mutant] months, p = 0.64; PFS: 3.8 [wildtype] vs 3.7 [mutant] months, p = 0.56). The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with a diagnosis of GBM (N=6) and those with a diagnosis of non-GBM (N=7) (OS: 9.3 [GBM] vs 6.0 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.19; PFS: 4.0 [GBM] vs 3.8 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.31). Four patients (28.6%) achieved a complete or partial radiological response and three patients (21.4%) experienced improvement after ReRT/Bev. Tumor recurrences were observed in 12 patients, including 3 (21.4%) in-field recurrence; 5 (35.7%) marginal recurrence, 3 (21.4%) out-field recurrence, and 1 (7.1%) had in-field and out-field recurrence. Grade 3/4 toxicities included leukopenia in four patients (28.6%), hypertension in three (21.4%), proteinuria in one (7.1%), and gastrointestinal haemorrhage in one (7.1%) with ReRT/Bev. Conclusions: ReRT/Bev for patients with high-grade glioma who experienced progression after Bev was effective and involved acceptable toxicities.
WHO vaccination protocol can be improved to save more lives
Authors: Moret Marcelo , Filho Tarcisio Rocha , Mendes José , Murari Thiago , Filho Aloísio Nascimento , Cordeiro Antônio , Ramalho Walter , Scorza Fulvio , Almeida Antonio-Carlos 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a virus infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has impacted all countries of the world, and the main 2021’s challenge is clearly vaccinating the greater number of persons, in the shortest time span, for a maximal reduction in the number of deaths and in the significant economic impacts. Large-scale vaccination aimed to achieve herd immunity poses many logistic and social difficulties [1], with different vaccine candidates and designs [2,3], and vaccination priorities will determine the evolution of the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper we explicitly propose an alternative vaccination protocol that can be more effective than those already being deployed, as the ones in the European Union [4] and in the United States [5]. We report strong evidence based on an epidemiological model for the importance of contact hubs (or superspreaders), having a much larger average number of contacts than in the rest of the population [6-11], on the effectiveness of the vaccination strategy. We show that carefully choosing who will be in the first group to be vaccinated can significantly impact on both health services demand and total death toll, by increasing the overall numbers of lives saved and of hospitalizations. We argue that the approach here considered, which does not coincide with current proposals, and given the current conditions with a lack of basic resources for proper vaccination in several countries, and with a significant reduction in mobility and social isolation restrictions, should be considered by all authorities participating in the design of COVID-19 vaccination with the intent of maximising the number of human lives saved.
Patterns of Periodontal Destruction among Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Central Indian Population
Authors: Anand Pradeep , Mishra Supriya , Nagle Deepti , Kamath Namitha , Kamath Kavitha , Anil Sukumaran 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background: Findings of studies testing the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and periodontal health have shown varying results in different populations. Considering the high prevalence of SLT use in India, the present study was conducted to understand the pattern of periodontal destruction within different areas of the dentition among SLT users. Methods: Age, gender, oral hygiene habits, the frequency and duration of SLT consumption, the type of SLT product used, and the site of retention of the SLT product in the oral cavity were recorded among 90 SLT users. Mean probing depth (PD), recession (REC), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at SLT-associated and non SLT-associated teeth of the mandibular arch were compared based on the site of retention of the SLT product, the type of product used, and the duration of the habit. Results: Mean REC and CAL were significantly higher at the SLT-associated zones compared to non SLT-associated zones and at both inter-proximal and mid-buccal sites of SLT-associated teeth. Among individuals who had the habit for >5 years and also among those who had the habit for 5-10 years, mean PD, REC, and CAL were significantly higher at SLT-associated teeth than at non SLT-associated teeth. Significantly greater periodontal destruction was observed at SLT-associated teeth among khaini users and gutkha users. Conclusion: Patterns of periodontal destruction among SLT users varied significantly between SLT-associated and non-SLT-associated sites, and the severity of periodontal destruction at SLT-associated sites differed among individuals depending upon the type of SLT product used, the site of retention of the SLT product, and the duration of the habit.
“It was like nobody cared about what I said?” Iranian women committed self- immolation: A qualitative study
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Lopez Violeta , Parizad Naser , Baghaei Rahim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Suicide-attempts have increased across the world and have become higher among females. There has been a high prevalence of self-immolation in Iran, mostly young married women admitted to the burn centers. This study aimed to explore the factors and experiences of self-immolation in Iranian married women to develop prevention strategies to prevent the personal, social, and economic impacts of suicide and suicide attempts. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using open-ended, in-depth, face-to-face interviews was conducted in a purposive sample of 16 married Iranian women aged 16 to 40 years in the burn centers in Urmia city, a place in northwest Iran. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Three themes emerged from the data, including (1) antecedents of self-immolation, (2) suicidal ideation method, and (3) pathway to recovery. Each of these themes is supported by sub-themes.Conclusions: The study highlights the need for health professionals to help and support self-immolation survivors to continue their normal lives. A comprehensive supportive program based on survivors’ needs to support their pathways to recovery in all its complexities is recommended. Health professionals should also not forget that the family of the survivors also will need help to overcome this trauma. A family counseling program may also be provided.
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults
Authors: Fierloos Irene Noëlla , Tan Siok Swan , Williams Greg , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Koppelaar Elin , Bilajac Lovorka , Verma Arpana , Markaki Athina , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Vasiljev Vanja , Franse Carmen Betsy , Raat Hein 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness. Methods: Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness. Results: The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD=5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73-2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21-2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31-2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35-2.78). Conclusions: Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.
Comprehensive assessment of alterations in hand deformities over 11 years in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using cluster analysis and analysis of covariance
Authors: Toyama Shogo , Tokunaga Daisaku , Tsuchida Shinji , Kushida Rie , Oda Ryo , Kawahito Yutaka , Takahashi Kenji 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has recently improved, treating patients with established disease, whose hands have three major deformities (thumb deformity, finger deformities, and ulnar drift), remains a challenge. The underlying complex pathophysiology makes understanding these deformities difficult, and comprehensive assessment methods require accumulated skill with long learning curves. We aimed to establish a simpler composite method to understand the pathophysiology of and alterations in the hand deformities of patients with RA.MethodsWe established a rheumatoid hand cohort in 2004 and clinically evaluated 134 hands (67 patients). We repeated the evaluations in 2009 (100 hands of 52 patients) and 2015 (63 hands of 37 patients) after case exclusion. Thumb deformities, finger deformities (swan-neck and boutonnière deformity), and ulnar drift were semi-quantitated and entered as parameters into a two-step cross-sectional cluster analysis for the data in 2004. The parameters in each cluster were plotted at each evaluation point. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to examine whether differences existed between evaluation points and clusters of deformity parameters.ResultsFive clusters most appropriately described hand deformity: (i) cluster 1, minimal deformity; (ii) cluster 2, type 1 thumb deformity; (iii) cluster 3, thumb deformity and severe boutonnière deformity; (iv) cluster 4, type 2 or 3 thumb deformity and severe ulnar drift; and (v) cluster 5, thumb deformity and severe swan-neck deformity. Clusters 1 and 2 had higher function than cluster 5, and cluster 3 had moderate function. Clusters 1–4 had similar disease duration but showed different paths of deformity progression from disease onset. Clusters 1 and 2 represented conservative deformity parameters and clusters 3, 4, and 5 represented progressive deformity parameters. Over time, thumb deformity evolved into other types of deformities and swan-neck deformity worsened significantly.ConclusionsOur comprehensive analysis identified five deformity patterns and a progressive course in the rheumatoid hand. Knowledge of the characteristics of progressive deformity parameters may allow rheumatologists to more easily implement practical interventions and determine functional prognosis.