bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron beam melting of Ti-6Al-4V lattice structures: correlation between post heat treatment and mechanical properties
Authors: Del Guercio Giuseppe , Galati Manuela , Saboori Abdollah 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAdditive manufacturing processes are considered advanced manufacturing methods. It would be possible to produce complex shape components from a computer-aided design model in a layer-by-layer manner. As one of the complex geometries, lattice structures could attract lots of attention for both medical and industrial applications. In these structures, besides cell size and cell type, the microstructure of lattice structures can play a key role in these structures’ mechanical performance. On the other hand, heat treatment has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the material. Therefore, in this work, the effect of the heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V lattice structures manufactured by electron beam melting was analysed. The main mechanical properties were compared with the Ashby and Gibson model. It is very interesting to notice that a more homogeneous failure mode was found for the heat-treated samples. The structures’ relative density was the main factor influencing the mechanical performance of the heat-treated samples. It is also found that the heat treatments were able to preserve the stiffness and the compressive strength of the lattice structures. Besides, an increment of both the elongation at failure and the absorbed energy was obtained after the heat treatments. Microstructure analysis of the heat-treated samples confirms the increment of ductility of the heat-treated samples with respect to the as-built one.
Elevated expression of B7 homolog 4 is associated with disease progression in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Tomoya , Kamai Takao , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Nishihara Daisaku , Kijima Toshiki , Arai Kyoko , Yoshida Ken-Ichiro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundB7 homolog 4 (B7-H4) is a negative regulator of immune responses, but its immunoregulatory role in the tumor microenvironment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains unclear.MethodsWe measured the immunohistochemical expression of B7-H4, CD8 and T cell intracellular antigen 1 (TIA-1), a marker of activated CD8, in 133 patients with UTUC who underwent nephroureterectomy. We also studied the relationship between B7-H4, CD8 and TIA-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics.ResultsB7-H4 was mainly expressed on the surface in tumor cells, while CD8 and TIA-1 were often expressed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Elevated expression of B7-H4 in tumor cells was associated with a poorer histological grade, higher pT stage, regional lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, poorer response of recurrent metastatic lesions to systemic chemotherapy and shorter overall survival. Expression of CD-8 or TIA-1 alone did not correlate directly with clinicopathological characteristics, but among the patients with higher B7-H4 expression in the primary tumors, those with higher CD8 or TIA-1 expression had a better response to systemic chemotherapy, and longer survival, than these with lower CD8 or TIA-1 expression. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that higher expression of B7-H4 was associated with shorter overall survival.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that B7-H4 expression in the tumor microenvironment influences the progression of UTUC through cancer immunity and metabolic activity. Tumor cell-associated B7-H4 might be a potential target for cancer immunotherapies.
Circulating regulatory T cells predict efficacy and atypical responses in lung cancer patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors
Authors: Kang Da Hyun , Chung Chaeuk , Sun Pureum , Lee Da Hye , Lee Song-I , Park Dongil , Koh Jeong Suk , Kim Yoonjoo , Yi Hyon-Seung , Lee Jeong Eun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of care for a variety of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the frequency of pseudoprogression and hyperprogression in lung cancer patients treated with ICIs in the real world and aimed to discover a novel candidate marker to distinguish pseudoprogression from hyperprogression soon after ICI treatment.

Methods
This study included 74 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at Chungnam National University Hospital (CNUH) between January 2018 and August 2020. Chest X-rays were examined on day 7 after the first ICI dose to identify changes in the primary mass, and the response was assessed by computed tomography (CT). We evaluated circulating regulatory T (Treg) cells using flow cytometry and correlated the findings with clinical outcomes.

Results
The incidence of pseudoprogression was 13.5%, and that of hyperprogression was 8.1%. On day 7 after initiation of treatment, the frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxP3+ Treg cells was significantly decreased compared with baseline (P = 0.038) in patients who experienced pseudoprogression and significantly increased compared with baseline (P = 0.024) in patients who experienced hyperprogression. In the responder group, the frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxP3+ Treg cells and PD-1+CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxP3+ Treg cells were significantly decreased 7 days after commencement of treatment compared with baseline (P = 0.034 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion
Circulating Treg cells represent a promising potential dynamic biomarker to predict efficacy and differentiate atypical responses, including pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, after immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC.
Effects of thermal conditioning on the performance of Pocillopora acuta adult coral colonies and their offspring
Authors: McRae Crystal J. , Huang Wen-Bin , Fan Tung-Yung , Côté Isabelle M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOcean warming induced by climate change is the greatest threat to the persistence of coral reefs globally. Given the current rate of ocean warming, there may not be sufficient time for natural acclimation or adaptation by corals. This urgency has led to the exploration of active management techniques aimed at enhancing thermal tolerance in corals. Here, we test the capacity for transgenerational acclimation in the reef-building coralPocillopora acutaas a means of increasing offspring performance in warmer waters. We exposed coral colonies from a reef influenced by intermittent upwelling and constant warm-water effluent from a nuclear power plant to temperatures that matched (26 °C) or exceeded (29.5 °C) season-specific mean temperatures for three reproductive cycles; offspring were allowed to settle and grow at both temperatures. Heated colonies reproduced significantly earlier in the lunar cycle and produced fewer and smaller planulae. Recruitment was lower at the heated recruitment temperature regardless of parent treatment. Recruit survival did not differ based on parent or recruitment temperature. Recruits from heated parents were smaller and had lower maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), a measurement of symbiont photochemical performance. We found no direct evidence that thermal conditioning of adultP. acutacorals improves offspring performance in warmer water; however, chronic exposure of parent colonies to warmer temperatures at the source reef site may have limited transgenerational acclimation capacity. The extent to which coral response to this active management approach might vary across species and sites remains unclear and merits further investigation.
In vitro cellular and proteome assays identify Wnt pathway and CDKN2A-regulated senescence affected in mesenchymal stem cells from mice after a chronic LD gamma irradiation in utero
Authors: Schuster Martina , Tewary Gargi , Bao Xuanwen , Subedi Prabal , Hauck Stefanie M. , Olsen Ann Karin , Eide Dag Markus , Trott Klaus Rüdiger , Götz Sebastian , Atkinson Michael J. , Rosemann Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReliable data on the effects of chronic prenatal exposure to low dose (LD) of ionizing radiation in humans are missing. There are concerns about adverse long-term effects that may persist throughout postnatal life of the offspring. Due to their slow cell cycle kinetics and life-long residence time in the organism, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are more susceptible to low level genotoxic stress caused by extrinsic multiple LD events. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic, prenatal LD gamma irradiation to the biology of MSCs later in life. C3H mice were exposed in utero to chronic prenatal irradiation of 10 mGy/day over a period of 3 weeks. Two years later, MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow and analyzed in vitro for their radiosensitivity, for cellular senescence and for DNA double-strand break recognition after a second acute gamma-irradiation. In addition to these cellular assays, changes in protein expression were measured using HPLC–MS/MS and dysregulated molecular signaling pathways identified using bioinformatics. We observed radiation-induced proteomic changes in MSCs from the offspring of in utero irradiated mice (leading to ~ 9.4% of all detected proteins being either up- or downregulated) as compared to non-irradiated controls. The proteomic changes map to regulation pathways involved in the extracellular matrix, the response to oxidative stress, and the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, chronic prenatal LD irradiation lead to an increased rate of in vitro radiation-induced senescence later in life and to an increased number of residual DNA double-strand breaks after 4 Gy irradiation, indicating a remarkable interaction of in vivo radiation in combination with a second acute dose of in vitro radiation. This study provides the first insight into a molecular mechanism of persistent MSC damage response by ionizing radiation exposure during prenatal time and will help to predict therapeutic safety and efficacy with respect to a clinical application of stem cells.
Outcome after surgical treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leaks in spontaneous intracranial hypotension—a matter of time
Authors: Häni Levin , Fung Christian , Jesse Christopher Marvin , Ulrich Christian Thomas , Piechowiak Eike Immo , Gralla Jan , Raabe Andreas , Dobrocky Tomas , Beck Jürgen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective
Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Microsurgery can sufficiently seal spinal CSF leaks. Yet, some patients suffer from residual symptoms. Aim of the study was to assess predictors for favorable outcome after surgical treatment of SIH.

Methods
We included consecutive patients with SIH treated surgically from January 2013 to May 2020. Subjects were surveyed by a questionnaire. Primary outcome was resolution of symptoms as rated by the patient. Secondary outcome was postoperative headache intensity on the numeric rating scale (NRS). Association between variables and outcome was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression. A cut-off value for continuous variables was calculated by a ROC analysis.

Results
Sixty-nine out of 86 patients (80.2%) returned the questionnaire and were analyzed. Mean age was 46.7 years and 68.1% were female. A significant association with the primary and secondary outcome was found only for preoperative symptom duration (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001), whereby a shorter symptom duration was associated with a better outcome. Symptom duration remained a significant predictor in a multivariate model (p = 0.013). Neither sex, age, type of pathology, lumbar opening pressure, nor initial presentation were associated with the primary outcome. ROC analysis yielded treatment within 12 weeks as a cut-off for better outcome.

Conclusion
Shorter duration of preoperative symptoms is the most powerful predictor of favorable outcome after surgical treatment of SIH. While an initial attempt of conservative treatment is justified, we advocate early definitive treatment within 12 weeks in case of persisting symptoms.
Progression of myopia in a natural cohort of Chinese children during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ma Dandan , Wei Shifei , Li Shi-Ming , Yang Xiaohui , Cao Kai , Hu Jianping , Fan Sujie , Zhang Lihua , Wang Ningli 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To determine myopia progression in children during the COVID-19 and the related factors associated with myopia.

Methods
All subjects underwent three-timepoint ocular examinations that were measured in July 2019, January, and August 2020. We compared the changes in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), mydriatic spherical equivalent (SE), and axial length (AL) between two periods (before and during COVID-19). A questionnaire was performed to investigate risk factors for myopia.

Results
Compared with before the COVID-19, the mean (S.D.) myopia progression during the COVID-19 was significantly higher in right eyes (− 0.93 (0.65) vs. − 0.33 (0.47) D; p < 0.001). However, the differences in UCVA changes and the axial elongation between two periods were clinically insignificant. Through logistic regressive analysis, we found the difference of the SE changes was associated with the baseline AL (P = 0.028; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.058, 2.632), online education (P = 0.02; 95% CI, 1.587, 8.665), and time of digital screen (p < 0.005; 95% CI, 1.587, 4.450).

Conclusions
Children were at higher risk of myopia progression during COVID-19, which was associated with the baseline AL, the longtime online learning, and digital screen reading.
Neurological development and iron supplementation in healthy late-preterm neonates: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Luciano R. , Romeo D. M. , Mancini G. , Sivo S. , Dolci C. , Velli C. , Turriziani Colonna A. , Vento G. , Romagnoli C. , Mercuri E. M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLate-preterm infants (LPT) are at increased risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae and iron deficiency. The aim of the study is to assess the positive effect of iron supplementation on psychomotor development in healthy LPT. We designed a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial dividing the newborns into two groups. Every patient was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS)-II edition at 12-month post-conceptional age. The study was performed at the Neonatology Unit of our Hospital, in Italy. Sixty-six healthy LPT infants born between 340⁄7 and 366⁄7 weeks of gestational age were enrolled in the study. One group received martial prophylaxis from the third week of life to 6 months of post-conceptional age (2 mg/kg/day of iron pidolate), the other received placebo. Fifty-two of the enrolled infants were assessed using the GMDS at 12-month of post-conceptional age. Statistical analysis of the mean scores of the Griffiths subscales was performed. There was a difference in the mean developmental quotient (DQ) (p < 0.01) between the two groups: iron group mean DQ 121.45 ± 10.53 vs placebo group mean DQ 113.25 ± 9.70. Moreover, mean scores of the Griffiths subscales A, B, and D showed significant differences between the two groups (scale A p < 0.05, scale B p < 0.02, scale D p < 0.01, respectively).Conclusions: We recommend that all LPT neonates receive iron supplementation during the first 6 months of life in order to improve their 1-year neurodevelopmental quotient.

What is Known:• Late-preterm infants (LPT) are at increased risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae and also for iron deficiency.• Iron deficiency is an independent risk factor for adverse neurological outcomes.

What is New:• Healthy late-preterm who received iron supplementation during the first 6 months of life achieved better neurological outcomes at 12-month post-conceptional age than LPT who received placebo.• Our study strongly supports the need for the implementation of martial prophylaxis in LPT neonates.
Ernst von Leyden (1832–1910): a pioneer in making oncology a respected medical discipline
Authors: Voswinckel Peter , Hansson Nils 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This article presents new research on the role of the renowned German physician Ernst von Leyden (1832–1910) in the emergence of oncology as a scientific discipline.

Methods
The article draws on archival sources from the archive of the German Society of Haematology and primary and secondary literature.

Results
Leyden initiated two important events in the early history of oncology: the first international cancer conference, which took place in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1906, and the founding of the first international association for cancer research (forerunner of today's UICC) in Berlin in 1908. Unfortunately, these facts are not mentioned in the most recent accounts. Both had a strong impact on the professionalization of oncology as a discipline in its own right.

Conclusion
Although not of Jewish origin, von Leyden was considered by the National Socialists to be “Jewish tainted”, which had a lasting effect on his perception at home and abroad.
Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields
Authors: Giorgi Gianfranco , Del Re Brunella 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEpigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence, and establish cell-type-specific temporal and spatial expression patterns. Alterations of epigenetic marks have been observed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of environmental factors may cause epigenetic alterations and eventually influence disease risks. Humans are increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), which in 2002 were classified as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the link between the exposure to ELF-MFs and epigenetic alterations in various cell types. In spite of the limited number of publications, available evidence indicates that ELF-MF exposure can be associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, modifications of histones and microRNA expression. Further research is needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.
Patient activation and patient-reported outcomes of men from a community pharmacy lifestyle intervention after prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Lemanska Agnieszka , Poole Karen , Manders Ralph , Marshall John , Nazar Zachariah , Noble Kevin , Saxton John M. , Turner Lauren , Warner Gary , Griffin Bruce A. , Faithfull Sara 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To report patient activation, which is the knowledge, skills, and confidence in self-managing health conditions, and patient-reported outcomes of men after prostate cancer treatment from a community pharmacy lifestyle intervention.

Methods
The 3-month lifestyle intervention was delivered to 116 men in nine community pharmacies in the UK. Patient Activation Measure (PAM) was assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Prostate cancer-related function and quality of life were assessed using the European Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) and EuroQOL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ5D-5L) questionnaires at baseline and 6 months. Lifestyle assessments included Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) at baseline, 3 and 6 months and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) at baseline and 3 months.

Results
PAM score increased from 62 [95% CI 59–65] at baseline to 66 [64–69] after the intervention (p = 0.001) and remained higher at 6 months (p = 0.008). Scores for all the EPIC-26 domains (urinary, bowel and hormonal) were high at both assessments, indicating good function (between 74 [70–78] and 89 [86–91]), except sexual domain, where scores were much lower (21 [17–25] at baseline, increasing to 24 [20–28] at 6 months (p = 0.012)). In EQ5D-5L, 3% of men [1–9] reported self-care problems, while 50% [41–60] reported pain and discomfort, and no significant changes over time. Men who received androgen deprivation therapy, compared with those who did not, reported higher (better) urinary incontinence scores (p < 0.001), but lower (worse) scores in the urinary irritative/obstructive (p = 0.003), bowel (p < 0.001) and hormonal (p < 0.001) domains. Poor sexual function was common across all age groups irrespective of prostate cancer treatment.

Conclusions
The intervention led to significant improvements in patient activation, exercise and diet. Community pharmacy could deliver effective services to address sexual dysfunction, pain and discomfort which are common after prostate cancer.
Sparse graphs and an augmentation problem
Authors: Király Csaba , Mihálykó András 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor two integers $$k>0$$

k
>
0

and $$\ell $$
ℓ
, a graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

is called $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-tight if $$|E|=k|V|-\ell $$

|
E
|
=
k
|
V
|
-
ℓ

and $$i_G(X)\le k|X|-\ell $$

i
G

(
X
)

≤
k

|
X
|

-
ℓ

for each $$X\subseteq V$$

X
⊆
V

for which $$i_G(X)\ge 1$$

i
G

(
X
)

≥
1

, where $$i_G(X)$$

i
G

(
X
)

denotes the number of induced edges by X. G is called $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-redundant if $$G-e$$

G
-
e

has a spanning $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-tight subgraph for all $$e\in E$$

e
∈
E

. We consider the following augmentation problem. Given a graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

that has a $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-tight spanning subgraph, find a graph $$H=(V,F)$$

H
=
(
V
,
F
)

with the minimum number of edges, such that $$G\cup H$$

G
∪
H

is $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-redundant. We give a polynomial algorithm and a min-max theorem for this augmentation problem when the input is $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-tight. For general inputs, we give a polynomial algorithm when $$k\ge \ell $$

k
≥
ℓ

and show the NP-hardness of the problem when $$k<\ell $$

k
<
ℓ

. Since $$(k,\ell )$$

(
k
,
ℓ
)

-tight graphs play an important role in rigidity theory, these algorithms can be used to make several types of rigid frameworks redundantly rigid by adding a smallest set of new bars.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy before surgery of third ventricle and posterior fossa tumours decreases the risk of secondary hydrocephalus and early postoperative complications
Authors: Tabakow Pawel , Weiser Artur , Burzynska Malgorzata , Blauciak Przemyslaw 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEndoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus (HCP) at the level of third or fourth ventricle. To date, there is no consensus regarding its role as intervention preceding the operation of tumour removal. The aim of this prospective open-label controlled study is to assess if ETV prevents secondary HCP after tumour removal and if ETV influences the early results of tumour surgery. The study was performed on 68 patients operated for tumours of the third ventricle and posterior fossa. In 30 patients, ETV was performed several days before tumour removal, while in 38 patients, the tumour was removed during a one-stage procedure without ETV. Patients who did not receive ETV before the tumour removal procedure had a higher probability of developing postoperative HCP (n = 12, p = 0.03). They also demonstrated a substantially higher rate of early postoperative complications (n = 20, p = 0.002) and a lower Karnofsky score (p = 0.004) than patients in whom ETV was performed before tumour removal. The performance of external ventricular drainage in the non-ETV group did not prevent secondary HCP (p = 0.68). Postoperative cerebellar swelling (p = 0.01), haematoma (p = 0.04), cerebrospinal fluid leak (p = 0.04) and neuroinfection (p = 0.04) were the main risk factors of persistent HCP. Performance of ETV before tumour removal is not only beneficial for control of acute HCP but also prevents the occurrence of secondary postoperative HCP and may also minimize early postoperative complications.