bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 incidence of 342 cities in China: a geographically weighted regression model analysis
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Liu Yini , Chen Fangyao , Mi Baibing , Zeng Lingxia , Pei Leilei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread quickly among the population and brought a severe global impact. However, considerable geographical disparities in the distribution of COVID-19 incidence existed among different cities. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 incidence of 342 cities in China from a geographic perspective.

Methods
Official surveillance data about the COVID-19 and sociodemographic information in China’s 342 cities were collected. Local geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) model and traditional generalized linear models (GLM) Poisson regression model were compared for optimal analysis.

Results
Compared to that of the GLM Poisson regression model, a significantly lower corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) was reported in the GWPR model (61953.0 in GLM vs. 43218.9 in GWPR). Spatial auto-correlation of residuals was not found in the GWPR model (global Moran’s I = − 0.005, p = 0.468), inferring the capture of the spatial auto-correlation by the GWPR model. Cities with a higher gross domestic product (GDP), limited health resources, and shorter distance to Wuhan, were at a higher risk for COVID-19. Furthermore, with the exception of some southeastern cities, as population density increased, the incidence of COVID-19 decreased.

Conclusions
There are potential effects of the sociodemographic factors on the COVID-19 incidence. Moreover, our findings and methodology could guide other countries by helping them understand the local transmission of COVID-19 and developing a tailored country-specific intervention strategy.
Retrospective analysis of real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer starting first-line systemic therapy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lester Jason , Escriu Carles , Khan Sarah , Hudson Emma , Mansy Talal , Conn Andrew , Chan Samuel , Powell Ceri , Brock Juliet , Conibear John , Nelless Lauren , Nayar Vaneet , Zhuo Xiaohui , Durand Adeline , Amin Amerah , Martin Peter , Zhang Xinke , Pawar Vivek 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The treatment landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) has evolved rapidly since immuno-oncology (IO) therapies were introduced. This study used recent data to assess real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in aNSCLC in the United Kingdom.

Methods
Electronic prescribing records of treatment-naive patients starting first-line (1 L) treatment for aNSCLC between June 2016 and March 2018 (follow-up until December 2018) in the United Kingdom were assessed retrospectively. Patient characteristics and treatment patterns were analyzed descriptively. Outcomes assessed included overall survival (OS), time to treatment discontinuation, time to next treatment, and real-world tumor response.

Results
In all, 1003 patients were evaluated (median age, 68 years [range, 28–93 years]; 53.9% male). Use of 1 L IO monotherapy (0–25.9%) and targeted therapy (11.8–15.9%) increased during the study period, but chemotherapy remained the most common 1 L treatment at all time points (88.2–58.2%). Median OS was 9.5 months (95% CI, 8.8–10.7 months) for all patients, 8.1 months (95% CI, 7.4–8.9 months) with chemotherapy, 14.0 months (95% CI, 10.7–20.6 months) with IO monotherapy, and 20.2 months (95% CI, 16.0–30.5 months) with targeted therapy. In the 28.6% of patients who received second-line treatment, IO monotherapy was the most common drug class (used in 51.6%).

Conclusions
Although use of 1 L IO monotherapy for aNSCLC increased in the United Kingdom during the study period, most patients received 1 L chemotherapy. An OS benefit for first-line IO monotherapy vs chemotherapy was observed but was numerically smaller than that reported in clinical trials. Targeted therapy was associated with the longest OS, highlighting the need for improved treatment options for tumors lacking targetable mutations.
Dynamic change of serum CA19–9 levels in benign and malignant patients with obstructive jaundice after biliary drainage and new correction formulas
Authors: Zhao Bangbo , Cheng Qin , Cao Hongtao , Zhou Xingtong , Li Tianhao , Dong Liangbo , Wang Weibin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
CA19–9 is one of the most widely used tumor markers in biliary-pancreatic diseases. The measured value may not factually reflect the genuine CA19–9 level secreted by tumor, which affected by biliary obstruction. There is an urgent need of developing a correction formula of CA19–9 in biliary obstructive patients to guide clinical practice and avoid making improper clinical decision.

Methods
Clinical characteristics were collected among patients undergoing biliary drainage in our hospital between January 2014 and January 2019. By comparing the malignant and benign patients statistically, dynamic change trend of CA19–9 levels after biliary drainage was obtained. The correction formulas of CA19–9 were generated by means of linear regression.

Results
121 patients, including 102 malignant and 19 benign patients, were enrolled in this study. The baseline CA19–9 level of malignant patients is much higher than that of benign patients. Total bilirubin (TB) level was found to be not related with CA19–9 value (p = 0.109). The drop proportion of the average CA19–9 level in the malignant patients (39.2%, IQR -18.4-78.6%) was much lower than that in the benign patients (75.7%, IQR 58.1–86.6%) (p = 0.014). The correction formula, CA19–9True = 0.63 × CA19–9Measured - 20.3 (R2 = 0.693, p<0.001), was generated based on the linear relation between CA19–9 after drainage and CA19–9 before drainage in malignant patients, which had similar diagnostic value with true CA19–9 value.

Conclusions
Quantitative correction formulas of CA19–9 considering the effect of biliary decompression was first proposed in this study, aiming to provide a more accurate CA19–9 level to make more accurate clinical decision and avoid making improper therapeutic schedule.
A Phase 1 dose-escalation study of disulfiram and copper gluconate in patients with advanced solid tumors involving the liver using S-glutathionylation as a biomarker
Authors: Kelley Kristen C. , Grossman Kenneth F. , Brittain-Blankenship Mary , Thorne Kelli M. , Akerley Wallace L. , Terrazas Moises C. , Kosak Ken M. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Buys Saundra S. , McGregor Kimberly A. , Werner Theresa L. , Agarwal Neeraj , Weis John R. , Sharma Sunil , Ward John H. , Kennedy Thomas P. , Sborov Douglas W. , Shami Paul J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDisulfiram and metals inactivate key oncoproteins resulting in anti-neoplastic activity. The goal of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of copper when administered with disulfiram in patients with advanced solid tumors and liver involvement.MethodsDisulfiram 250 mg was administered daily in 28-day cycles. Four doses of copper gluconate were tested (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg of elemental copper) in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Patients were evaluated for dose limiting toxicities and response. ProteinS-glutathionylation was evaluated as a pharmacodynamic marker.ResultsTwenty-one patients were enrolled and 16 patients were evaluable for dose limiting toxicities. Among the 21 patients, there was a median of 4 lines of prior chemotherapy. Five Grade 3 toxicities were observed (anorexia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase or AST, elevated alkaline phosphatase, fever, and fatigue). Response data was available for 15 patients. Four patients had stable disease with the longest duration of disease control being 116 days. The median duration of treatment for evaluable patients was 55 days (range 28–124). Reasons for discontinuation included functional decline, disease progression, and disease-associated death. IncreasedS-glutathionylation of serum proteins was observed with treatment.ConclusionDisulfiram 250 mg daily with copper gluconate (8 mg of elemental copper) was well-tolerated in patients with solid tumors involving the liver and was not associated with dose limiting toxicities. While temporary disease stabilization was noted in some patients, no objective responses were observed. Treatment was associated with an increase inS-glutathionylation suggesting that this combination could exert a suppressive effect on cellular growth and protein function.Trial registrationNCT00742911, first posted 28/08/2008.
Prognostic value of serum uric acid and tumor response to induction chemotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yuanji , Wu Zijie , Ye Wangzhong , Xiao Youping , Zheng Wei , Chen Qinyan , Bai Penggang , Lin Zhizhong , Chen Chuanben 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
To explore the combined predictive value of serum uric acid (SUA) and tumor response to induction chemotherapy (IC) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) patients receiving IC followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT).

Methods
A total of 341 LANPC patients treated with IC + CCRT were enrolled in this retrospective study. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were compared by the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test, and multivariable survival analysis was carried out to investigate the independent prognostic factors.

Results
Univariate analysis showed that a low SUA level and unsatisfactory tumor response to two cycles of IC both were negative predictors for OS, PFS, and DMFS in patients with LANPC. multivariable analysis demonstrated that the SUA level after two cycles of IC was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.012) but of borderline significance for PFS and DMFS (P = 0.055 and P = 0.067, respectively). Furthermore, tumor response to IC was of independent significance for predicting OS, PFS, and DMFS, respectively. Finally, LANPC patients with satisfactory tumor response and a high SUA level after two cycles of IC had a better OS, PFS, and DMFS than those with unsatisfactory tumor response and a low SUA level.

Conclusion
The SUA level and the tumor response to two cycles of IC had predictive value for LANPC patients treated with IC plus CCRT. However, more aggressive therapeutic strategies are recommended for those with a low SUA level and unsatisfactory tumor response to two cycles of IC.
The response of anti-VEGF therapy and tamoxifen withdrawal of tamoxifen-induced cystoid macular edema in the same patient
Authors: Li Chuanyu , Xiao Jun , Zou He , Yang Bo , Luo Lifu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Numerous cases with ocular toxicity secondary to tamoxifen have been reported, and became more apparent with keratopathy, cataract, optic neuritis, macular holes, crystalline retinopathy with or without cystoid macular edema (CME). Withdrawing tamoxifen with the approval of the oncologist is the major treatment for cases with tamoxifen-induced retinopathy.

Case presentation
We herein reported a patient with a two-year history of painless and reduced visual acuity in both eyes who received tamoxifen therapy for 6 years. Tamoxifen-induced rentinopathy with CME showed significant development even though the patient has already discontinued tamoxifen treatment for 6 months. Anatomic improvements after intravitreal ranibizumab injection in both eyes were significant but were temporary. Surprisingly, CME in both eyes has been resolved spontaneously after 10 months in the penultimate visit without any therapy.

Conclusion
Intravitreal ranibizumab injection temporarily improved the anatomy of the eyes in a case with tamoxifen-induced CME, and only tamoxifen withdrawal can bring a sustained effect.
The functional impairment of different subtypes and occupational states in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Ma Xiaojuan , Wang Wenchen , Zhang Jian , Sun Xia , Luo Xingguang , Zhang Yong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim was to explore the associations between clinical symptoms, demographic variables, social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD) stratified by subgroups of DSM-IV BD (type I (BD-I) and type II (BD-II)) and occupational status (employed/unemployed), and to highlight the significance of occupational status when assessing social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic BD patients.

Methods
A total of 81 euthymic BD patients were participated in the study. The severity of the depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), respectively. Social functioning and neurocognitive functioning were evaluated by the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and neurocognitive measures, respectively.

Results
Employed BD patients displayed greater social functioning (autonomy, occupational functioning, interpersonal relationship domain) and better verbal learning performance and speed of processing than unemployed BD patients. The correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was stronger in the employed group than in the unemployed group. There were no significant differences in neurocognitive and social functioning between the BD-I and BD-II groups, and the correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was similar between the BD-I and BD-II groups.

Conclusion
Employed BD patients may present greater occupational functioning and interpersonal relationships, as well as better verbal learning performance and speed of processing.
A new lesser metatarsophalangeal joint replacement arthroplasty design - in vitro and cadaver studies
Authors: Saragas Nikiforos P. , Ferrao Paulo N. F. , Strydom Andrew 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIsolated degenerative joint disease and/or Freiberg’s infraction of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint, although not frequent may become debilitating in the younger individual. Currently, once conservative management fails, the mainstay of treatment is debridement and excision-interposition arthroplasty. Replacement arthroplasty has been ineffective in the long term as the joints are subject to severe repetitive fatigue loading over small articulating surfaces through a wide range of motion. This is an in vitro and cadaver study of a new design replacement arthroplasty developed by the senior author.The aim of this study is to evaluate this novel replacement arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint in a laboratory setting and cadaver implantation.MethodsThis three-component mobile bearing device is made of titanium and high density polyethylene which evolved over 4 years. It was subjected to 5,000,000 cycles in a laboratory under physiological and excessive forces to assess resistance to fatigue failure and wear pattern of the polyethylene liner. Following these tests, it was implanted in 15 fresh frozen cadavers at various stages of its development, during which the surgical technique was perfected. Range of motion and stability was tested using custom made instrumentation in four cadavers. The implant was inserted in a further two cadavers by an independent foot and ankle surgeon to check reproducibility.ResultsThe device showed almost no signs of wear or surface deformation under physiological forces. The surgical technique was found to be simple and reproducible in the cadaver trial.The average dorsiflexion was 28.5° and 28.9° pre- and post-implant respectively. The average plantar flexion was 33.8° and 20.8° pre- and post- implant respectively. The joints were stable both pre- and post-operatively. Post-operative stability was objectively assessed for dorsal displacement and dorsiflexion using a 5 kgf (49 N) and was found to be excellent.ConclusionThis novel lesser metatarsophalangeal joint replacement arthroplasty has been developed as an option in the surgical treatment of symptomatic degenerative joint disease and/or Freiberg’s infraction resistant to conservative treatment. The implant was found to be durable and resistant to wear in the laboratory testing. The cadaver studies have shown it to require minimal specialized instrumentation with good surgical reproducibility.This proof of concept study is the basis for clinical trials.
Dental practice closure during the first wave of COVID-19 and associated professional, practice and structural determinants: a multi-country survey
Authors: Abdelrahman Hams , Atteya Sara , Ihab Merna , Nyan Myat , Maharani Diah A , Rahardjo Anton , Shaath Mohammed , Aboalshamat Khalid , Butool Syeda , Shamala Anas , Baig Lubna , El Tantawi Maha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) in China has influenced every aspect of life worldwide. Given the unique characteristics of the dental setting, the risk of cross-infection between dental practitioners and patients is high in the absence of adequate protective measures, and dentists may develop severe anxiety in relation to the current pandemic. The limited provision of services and widespread closure of dental practices have raised concerns among dental professionals about the financial impact. The present study assessed the frequency of dental practice closure during the pandemic’s first wave in several countries and whether closures and their associated factors differ between the private and non-private sectors.MethodsAn electronic cross-sectional survey questionnaire was sent to dentists in several countries, from April to May 2020. The survey assessed professional, practice related and country-level structural factors elucidating the reason for practice closure. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the association between practice closure and these factors, and differences were evaluated by sector type.ResultsDentists from 29 countries (n = 3243) participated in this study. Most of the participants (75.9%) reported practice closure with significantly higher percentage in the private sector than the non-private sector. Greater pandemic-related fears were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of practice closure in the private (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.92) and non-private (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04, 1.82) sectors. Dentists in non-private rural areas (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42, 0.81), and those in hospitals (overall OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.36, 0.99) reported a low likelihood of closure. A high likelihood of closure was reported by dentists in the academia (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.23, 3.71). More hospital beds at the country-level were associated with a lower likelihood of closure in the non-private sector (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46, 0.91). Private- sector dentists in high- income countries (HICs) reported fewer closures than those in non-HICs (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.15, 1.93).ConclusionsMost dentists reported practice closure because of COVID-19, and greater impacts were reported in the private sector than in the non-private sector. Closure was associated with professional, practice, and country-levels factors.
A systematic review of the use of virtual reality or dental smartphone applications as interventions for management of paediatric dental anxiety
Authors: Cunningham Andrea , McPolin Orlagh , Fallis Richard , Coyle Catherine , Best Paul , McKenna Gerald 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Virtual reality (VR) has been used successfully in medicine both as a distraction tool during procedures, and as an acclimatisation tool to prepare for a procedure or experience. It has not yet become widely used in dentistry, but could theoretically have a role in exposure-based acclimatisation for dental experiences.

Methods
To examine the use of VR or bespoke dental smartphone applications pre- or perioperatively in dentistry, to decrease anxiety in a paediatric population attending for dental examination or treatment, compared with children/adolescents who receive no intervention, or more conventional behavioural management techniques.
Searches were made of eight electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE(PubMed), EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science. Further searches reference cross‐checks were performed to identify studies that were not discovered online.

Results
Systematic reviews and randomised control trials have demonstrated the successful use of VR to both distract patients perioperatively during medical procedures, and also preoperatively to prepare them for these interventions. However, to date, VR has only been applied to dentistry in a very limited number of studies. Three studies using virtual reality in a dental setting demonstrated decreased pain and anxiety compared with no intervention. All three of these studies were carried out in the perioperative period. A fourth study used a bespoke dental app and imagery to prepare patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for dental treatment, finding statistically significant decreases in both the number of appointments and number of attempts required to carry out a procedure.

Conclusion
VR is a promising tool which to date has been under-utilised in dentistry. High quality, clinical studies are required to assess the use of preoperative VR and smartphone applications to prepare patients for dental examination and procedures under local or general anaesthetic.
Streptococcus salivarius inhibits immune activation by periodontal disease pathogens
Authors: MacDonald Kyle W. , Chanyi Ryan M. , Macklaim Jean M. , Cadieux Peter A. , Reid Gregor , Burton Jeremy P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Periodontal disease represents a major health concern. The administration of beneficial microbes has been increasing in popularity over efforts to manipulate the microbes using antimicrobial agents. This study determined the ability of Streptococcus salivarius to inhibit IL-6 and IL-8 production by gingival fibroblasts when activated by periodontal pathogens and their effect on the salivary microbiome.

Methods
Primary human gingival fibroblasts were challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum and a combination of all three. IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine release were measured. Using this same model, S. salivarius K12, M18 and different supernatant and whole-cell lysate fractions of S. salivarius K12 were administered to pathogen-induced fibroblasts. A patient study of healthy participants was also conducted to determine the effect S. salivarius K12 had on the native microbiome using 16S next generation sequence analysis.

Results
All pathogens tested induced a significant IL-6 and IL-8 response. S. salivarius K12 or M18, did not exhibit an increase in inflammatory cytokines. When either of the probiotic strains were co-administered with a pathogen, there were significant reductions in both IL-6 and IL-8 release. This effect was also observed when gingival fibroblasts were pre-treated with either S. salivarius K12 or M18 and then stimulated with the oral pathogens. Chewing gum containing S. salivarius K12 did not alter the salivary microbiome and did not increase inflammatory markers in the oral cavity.

Conclusion
S. salivarius K12 and M18 prevented immune activation induced by periodontal disease pathogens. S. salivarius K12 did not alter the salivary microbiome or induce immune activation when administered as a chewing gum. These results warrant further study to determine if it may be an effective treatment in a model of periodontal disease.