bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical practice of ulcerative colitis in elderly patients: An investigation using a nationwide database in Japan
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Tarasawa Kunio , Yano Kota , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Kakuta Yoichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujimori Kenji , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe number of elderly patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing worldwide. The clinical practice of associated treatment is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to analyze clinical treatment realities and mortality in elderly and non‐elderly patients with UC.MethodsWe collected UC patients' data using the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) database system and divided eligible patients into elderly (≥65 years) and non‐elderly (≤64 years) groups. We investigated and compared their therapeutic histories (medical treatments vs. surgery). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify clinical factors affecting surgery and in‐hospital death in each group.ResultsThe rates of systemic steroid injection, molecular targeting drug usage, and surgery were not different between the two age groups. Meanwhile, the rate of in‐hospital death in elderly patients was higher than that in non‐elderly patients (2.7% vs. 0.19%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower body mass index, treatment at an academic hospital, smoking history, molecular targeting drug use, and treatment with systemic steroid injection affected the rate of surgery in the elderly group. Multivariate analysis also revealed that male and older age affected the rate of in‐hospital death in the elderly group. Similar tendencies were also recognized in the non‐elderly group.ConclusionsThe clinical practice of treating elderly patients with UC is overall not different from treating non‐elderly patients with UC. Although the form of medical treatment and surgery rate for elderly patients with UC may not be significantly different from non‐elderly patients, the rate of in‐hospital death for elderly patients is higher.
Evaluation of Pancreatic Fibrosis Grading by Multiparametric Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liu Chang , Shi Yu , Lan Gongyu , Xu Youli , Yang Fei 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundEarly detection and grading of pancreatic fibrosis (PF) are important and challenging clinical goals.PurposeTo determine main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, pancreatic thickness, and grades of PF via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), T1 mapping, and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI), assessing respective diagnostic performances.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsHistopathologic and imaging records (MRE, T1 mapping, and IVIM‐DWI) generated by 144 patients between December 2018 and May 2020 were collected for analysis. Grades of PF were distributed as follows: F0, 82; F1, 22; F2, 22; and F3, 18.Field Strength/Sequence3 T pancreatic MRI, encompassing MRE, T1 mapping, and IVIM‐DWI.AssessmentIn all patients, T1 relaxation times, pancreatic stiffness values, IVIM‐DWI parameters, MPD diameter, and pancreatic thickness were measured.Statistical TestsReceiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis served to assess imaging parameters useful in diagnosing PF. To identify relations between specific parameters and grades of PF, logistic regression analysis was invoked.ResultsBoth pancreatic stiffness (r = 0.754; P < 0.001) and T1 relaxation time (r = 0.433; P < 0.001) correlated significantly with PF (%). To determine PF grades ≥F1, a combined model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.906) performed significantly better than pancreatic stiffness (AUC = 0.855; P < 0.001) or T1 relaxation time (AUC = 0.754; P < 0.001) alone. For PF grades ≥F2 or grade F3, both the combined model (≥F2: AUC = 0.910; F3: AUC = 0.939) and pancreatic stiffness (≥F2: AUC = 0.906; F3: AUC = 0.929) outperformed T1 relaxation time (≥F2: AUC = 0.768 [P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively]; F3: AUC = 0.816 [both P < 0.005]). All IVIM‐DWI parameters generated AUC values <0.700.Data ConclusionA combination of MRE and T1 mapping seems promising in diagnosing various grades of PF, particularly at an early stage.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Staged laparoscopic management of locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction
Authors: Zhang Lu‐yang , Ma Jun‐jun , Zang Lu , Hong Hi‐ju , Lu Ai‐guo , He Zi‐rui , Jiang Tian‐yu , Zhao Xuan , Fingerhut Abe , Zheng Min‐Hua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction is poor. Gastrectomy with curative intent is often initially impossible or difficult.ObjectiveWe report our experience of curative distal gastrectomy after laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy and fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) chemotherapy to examine the feasibility and safety of this modified strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction, initially deemed unresectable.MethodsBetween October 2017 and June 2019, 15 patients diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction sequentially underwent gastrojejunostomy, received four cycles of FLOT chemotherapy, and underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with curative intent (R0 resection + D2 lymphadenectomy). Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.ResultsR0 resection was possible in 12/15 patients, laparoscopically in 11, and one conversion to laparotomy was necessary. There was no perioperative mortality in the 12 patients. Pathologic evaluation of the resected specimens revealed that complete tumor grade regression 1a (TRG1a), TRG1b, TRG2, and TRG3 occurred in 3, 2, 4, and 3 patients, respectively.ConclusionThis case series showed that curative surgical resection was feasible as a staged approach for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction, after initial staged gastrojejunostomy and chemotherapy.
Targeted Delivery of Salusin‐α Into Rabbit Carotid Arterial Endothelium Using SonoVue
Authors: Wang Yuxue , Luo Min , Mao Xiaolu , Shi Xiaoyan , Liu Xiang 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesA new method based on the adhesion of SonoVue to plasmids was assessed to achieve targeted gene delivery into the vascular endothelium.MethodspEGFP‐Salusin‐α and pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmids were transfected into the arterial endothelium of different rabbit groups. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of EGFP and salusin‐α in the common carotid arteries of rabbits from different groups, and ELISA was performed to detect plasma salusin‐α levels in rabbits from each group; simultaneously, blood parameters of different groups of rabbits were measured.ResultsGreen fluorescence was observed in the right common carotid artery of rabbits transfected with pEGFP‐Salusin‐α, but not in the endothelial cells of not‐transfected control rabbits. The expression of salusin‐α in the transfected animals was higher than that in the control not‐transfected animals (P < .05). In rabbits transfected with pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmid, salusin‐α expression was higher than in the not‐transfected control animals (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in plasma salusin‐α levels between transfected animals and controls (P > .05). Blood parameters were also measured in both groups.ConclusionsOur data confirm the establishment of a new method using SonoVue for targeted gene delivery into the arterial endothelium. Our study outcomes propose a new method of intervention in atherosclerosis and a new tool for targeted gene delivery.
DNA methylation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha gene is associated with specific blood fatty acid levels in a gender‐specific manner
Authors: Hussey Bethan , Steel Richard P. , Gyimah Boakye , Reynolds James C. , Taylor Ian M. , Lindley Martin R. , Mastana Sarabjit 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundFatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in inflammation and its resolution, however, their interaction with the epigenome is relatively unexplored. Here we investigate the relationship between circulating blood fatty acids and the DNA methylation of the cytokine encoding gene tumour necrosis factor (TNF, OMIM 191160).MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional study approach, we collected blood samples from adults (N=88 (30 males, 58 females); 18–74 years old) for DNA methylation pyrosequencing analysis at four sites in TNF exon 1 and gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry analysis of the fatty acid profile of dried blood spots (DBS).ResultsMethylation levels of TNF exon 1 are significantly correlated with specific fatty acids in a gender‐specific manner. In the males the PUFAs Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) were positively associated with TNF methylation, as was the saturated fatty acid (SFA) Stearic Acid; in contrast, mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) had a negative association. In the females, omega‐6 PUFA γ‐Linolenic acid (GLA) was negatively correlated with TNF methylation; Adrenic acid and Eicosadienoic Acid were positively correlated with TNF methylation.ConclusionThese results suggest that one way that fatty acids interact with the inflammation is through altered methylation profiles of cytokine genes; thus, providing potential therapeutic targets for nutritional and health interventions.
Analyzing group behavior patterns in a cellular mobile network for 5G use‐cases
Authors: Soos Gabor , Ficzere Daniel , Varga Pal 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThe massive demand for broadband mobile network services are quite successfully covered already by 3G and 4G cellular mobile systems. The challenges for 5G are more diverse: answering the demands of Ultra‐Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) users—besides elevating mobile broadband to the next level. While generic, high‐level targets for KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are widely communicated, it is not yet well‐understood how the various demands can affect the traffic mixture. Both the radio‐ and the core‐domains of the cellular network have to cope with traffic peaks, and have to obey various QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees. In order to cover these gaps, traffic‐related characteristics (data volume, signaling message types, and traffic peaks) should be determined, and this knowledge should be used during network planning, optimization, and service shaping.This paper aims to provide insights into user behavioral patterns for these three key application areas: enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), URLLC and mMTC. Since traffic volume‐ and burst‐related user behavior is not expected to change suddenly, current targeted data collection on legacy mobile network links would provide a good basic insight for future, 5G usage—at least as traffic patterns. We have collected live pre‐5G mobile network data then analyzed them throughout this paper in order to reveal traffic patterns—and their distinguishing features—for the three key 5G application areas.
Factors associated with the critical thinking ability of professional nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Van Nguyen Tuan , Liu Hsueh‐Erh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo measure the level of critical thinking among Vietnamese professional nurses and to identify the related factors.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsThe total sample included 420 professional nurses. Data were collected from July to September 2019 in three public hospitals located in Southwestern Vietnam. The level of critical thinking was measured using the Vietnamese version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire. The data were analysed using the independent Student's t tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis.ResultsMost of the participants had a low (48.3%) or moderate (45.5%) level of critical thinking. Age, gender, ethnicity, education level, health condition, duration of working as a nurse, duration of working in the current hospital, having heard the term “critical thinking” and work position had an impact on the critical thinking ability. Work position and gender explained 11% of the total variance in critical thinking ability.
Histological investigation of burnt bones: A case study of angulate tortoises from the archaeological site, Diepkloof Rock Shelter, Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Bhat Mohd Shafi , Chinsamy Anusuya , Parkington John 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe current study examined burnt and unburnt tibiae of angulate tortoises from the intermediate and late Howiesons Poort levels at Diepkloof Rock Shelter (DRS) of Western Cape, South Africa, to ascertain heat‐induced osteohistological changes. Three types of bone damage caused by fire were recognized: (a) external color change in the bones but otherwise consistent osteological and histological features to unburnt bones; (b) partially burned bones with osteological features obliterated, but histological details still preserved, and carbon inclusions visible along the bone margins and within pore spaces; and (c) completely burned bones with obliterated osteological features, but overall shape is maintained, and except for the presence of cracks and carbon accumulations within pore spaces and around the periosteal margin, histological features are evident. Comparisons with other studies of burnt bone suggest that the bones at DRS were subjected to high temperatures of about 600°C to 900°C. Despite exposure to fire, histological features were intact in all the bones, permitting life history deductions for these angulate tortoises. During early ontogeny, uninterrupted fibrolamellar bone tissue (indicative of rapid growth rates) was deposited, whereas later in ontogeny, slowly formed parallel‐fibered bone tissue formed and growth ceased periodically. A minimum age of 10 years was deduced for two individuals, and closely spaced growth marks suggest that the sexual maturity was attained at 7–8 years. Based on the comparisons with modern angulate tortoises, it appears that DRS tortoises had slower growth rates, suggesting less optimal environmental conditions for growth prevailed at the time.
Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Synopsis of Response Rates
Authors: Shek Dmitrii , Read Scott A. , Nagrial Adnan , Carlino Matteo S. , Gao Bo , George Jacob , Ahlenstiel Golo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A first-line standard of care, sorafenib results in median overall survival of 12 months in patients with Child-Pugh class A disease and 6 months in patients with Child-Pugh class B disease with objective response rates (ORRs) not exceeding 19%. These low efficacy rates have driven research on alternative therapeutic options, particularly immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We reviewed the response rates (estimated by RECIST 1.1 criteria) across patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs in phase I–IV clinical trials published between December 2012 to December 2020; 17 reports were identified as eligible and included in the quantitative analysis. Within the selected studies, pembrolizumab + lenvatinib reached the highest absolute ORR (36%), with first-line atezolizumab + bevacizumab showing the second highest ORR (27.3%). With regard to second-line therapy, nivolumab + ipilimumab reached an ORR of 32%, and pembrolizumab alone resulted in an ORR of 17% among sorafenib-experienced patients with advanced HCC. In summary, current studies show high response rates of ICIs in patients with advanced HCC. Nonetheless, further studies are required in the second-line setting to further evaluate ICI therapeutic superiority. Finally, it is of particular interest to examine the therapeutic potential of ICIs for patients with decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh class C), currently not eligible for any systemic therapy.

Implications for Practice
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can provide high objective response rates (ORR, estimated with RECIST 1.1. criteria) when used as first-line treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly pembrolizumab + lenvatinib (ORR 36%) or atezolizumab + bevacizumab (ORR 27.3%). In sorafenib-experienced patients, nivolumab + ipilimumab (ORR 32%) provided the highest ORR among ICI-based regimens. These findings emphasize high therapeutic potential of ICI-based therapies in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, although further studies are required to further validate and define their role in this context.
Regarding the acoustic coupling medium for the estimation of the depth of invasion in tongue squamous cell carcinoma on intraoral sonography with special reference to the interpretation of normal mucosal structure: A literature review
Authors: Hayashi Takafumi , Takamura Masaki , Kobayashi Taichi , Nikkuni Yutaka , Katsura Kouji 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study reviewed the literature addressing the use of a coupling medium to evaluate the extent of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) in intraoral sonography to assess the potentiality of this technique for the precise estimation of the depth of invasion (DOI).MethodsStudies for this paper were identified by a search of PubMed and manual searching of references from articles, using the search terms “lingual cancer” and “intraoral sonography” and their synonyms in the title and abstract fields. We excluded studies with no description of the coupling medium.ResultsFourteen studies were included in this study. Sterile or non‐sterile gel was used in 11 studies; however, no description about the surrounding normal mucosa was provided in these studies. In two studies, a dedicated acoustic coupling polymer gel was used, and the normal mucosal layer was demonstrated as a hypoechoic line underlying the mucosal surface in one study. Although the first report of the DOI measurement was performed with degassed water, no clear interpretation of the basement level of the surrounding mucosa was presented.ConclusionsInsufficient studies were available in the appropriate use of acoustic coupling medium from the viewpoint of the interpretation of the detailed normal anatomical structure of the tongue mucosa. Further studies are required to establish a standardized technique for the estimation of DOI in OTSCC.
Rare tumors: Retinoblastoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, and adrenocorticoid tumors
Authors: Patel Samir , Vogel Jennifer , Bradley Kristin , Chuba Paul J. , Buchsbaum Jeffrey , Krasin Matthew J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe role of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for retinoblastoma has evolved considerably over the years with the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy and the high incidence of secondary malignant neoplasms following radiation therapy. The use of spot scanning intensity‐modulated proton therapy may reduce the risk of secondary malignancies. For pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the current standard of care is induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation therapy. For adrenocortical carcinoma, the mainstay of treatment is surgery and chemotherapy. The role of radiation therapy remains to be defined.
Late effects of radiation therapy in pediatric patients and survivorship
Authors: Palmer Joshua D. , Tsang Derek S. , Tinkle Christopher L. , Olch Arthur J. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Ronckers Cecile M. , Gibbs Iris C. , Constine Louis S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAdvances in multimodality therapy have led to childhood cancer cure rates over 80%. However, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may lead to debilitating or even fatal long‐term effects among childhood survivors beyond those inflicted by the primary disease process. It is critical to understand, mitigate, and prevent these late effects of cancer therapy to improve the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. This review summarizes the various late effects of radiotherapy and acknowledges the Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC), an international collaboration that is systematically analyzing the association between radiation treatment dose/volume and consequential organ toxicities, in developing children as a basis to formulate recommendations for clinical practice of pediatric radiation oncology. We also summarize initiatives for survivorship and surveillance of late normal tissue effects related to radiation therapy among long‐term survivors of childhood cancer treated in the past.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chang John Han‐Chih , Poppe Matthew M. , Hua Chia‐Ho , Marcus Karen J. , Esiashvili Natia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens including chemotherapy, high‐dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy when indicated. This report summarizes the treatment strategies, especially radiation therapy in the Children's Oncology Group for children with ALL. Currently, radiation therapy is only indicated for children with high‐risk CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse, testicular relapse and as part of the conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy and novel radiation techniques are discussed.
Neuroblastoma
Authors: Chung Christine , Boterberg Tom , Lucas John , Panoff Joseph , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Hero Barbara , Bagatell Rochelle , Hill‐Kayser Christine E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe survival of patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, myeloablative chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue, and immunotherapy. This report summarizes the current treatment strategies used in the COG and SIOP for children with neuroblastoma. The improved global collaboration and the adoption of a uniform International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System will help facilitate comparison of homogeneous pretreatment cohorts across clinical trials. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy to the primary and metastatic sites, and the integration of meta‐iodobenzyl guanidine therapy into the multimodal treatment program, are discussed.
Quality assurance in radiation oncology
Authors: FitzGerald Thomas J. , Followill David , Laurie Fran , Boterberg Tom , Hanusik Richard , Kessel Sandra , Karolczuk Kathryn , Iandoli Matthew , Ulin Kenneth , Morano Karen , Bishop‐Jodoin Maryann , Kry Stephen , Lowenstein Jessica , Molineu Andrea , Moni Janaki , Cicchetti M. Giulia , Prior Fred , Saltz Joel , Sharma Ashish , Mandeville Henry C. , Bernier‐Chastagner Valerie , Janssens Geert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Children's Oncology Group (COG) has a strong quality assurance (QA) program managed by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC). This program consists of credentialing centers and providing real‐time management of each case for protocol compliant target definition and radiation delivery. In the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), the lack of an available, reliable online data platform has been a challenge and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) quality and excellence in radiotherapy and imaging for children and adolescents with cancer across Europe in clinical trials (QUARTET) program currently provides QA review for prospective clinical trials. The COG and SIOP are fully committed to a QA program that ensures uniform execution of protocol treatments and provides validity of the clinical data used for analysis.