bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reassessing the Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis and Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Lingling , Feng Na , Ni Tu , Tang Wei 
Published: October 2021

AimWe aimed to evaluate the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to perform differential diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis and lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).MethodsWe analyzed 102 enlarged cervical lymph nodes as diagnosed by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS. The US and CEUS enhancement pattern and the time intensity curve (TIC) of the metastatic lymph nodes or tuberculous lymph nodes were compared following standard pathological protocols. The TIC included peak time (TTP), peak intensity (PI), and area under the gamma curve (AUC).ResultsPathological results demonstrated that 48 out of the 102 enlarged lymph nodes were lymph node metastasis from PTC, while 54 were tuberculous lymphadenitis. There was statistically significant differences in hyperechoic islands, pulse-like enhancement, and asynchronous enhancement between tuberculous lymphadenitis and lymph node metastasis (P &lt; 0.05), but their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were unsatisfactory. In addition, our data did not show statistically significant difference in enhancement direction, enlarged range on CEUS, and perfusion defect (P &gt; 0.05). Similarly, quantitative parameters such as PI, TTP, and AUC did not yield significant differences between the groups.ConclusionTaken together, the present results demonstrate that CEUS can provide valuable information on lymph node blood flow, which can be used to identify tuberculous lymphadenitis and lymph node metastasis of PTC.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Male Infertility and the Subsequent Risk of Cancer
Authors: Behboudi-Gandevani Samira , Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Panahi Mohammad Hossein , Vaismoradi Mojtaba 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the risk of developing composite outcome of all cancers, regardless of the type of cancer among men with infertility diagnosis compared to fertile counterparts. The secondary objective was to compare the pooled risk of developing individual specific cancers between two groups.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed on the databases of PubMed (including Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve observational studies published in English language from 01.01.1990 to 28. 02. 2021. They assessed cancer events in males with an infertility diagnosis compared to controls without infertility. The outcomes of interest were a composite outcome of cancers including all known cancer types, and also specific individual cancers. The fixed/random effects model was used to analyze heterogeneous and non-heterogeneous results. Publication bias was assessed using the Harbord test, Egger test, Begg test, and funnel plot. The pooled odds ratio of cancers was calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird, and inverse variance methods. Studies’ quality and risk of bias were assessed using structured standard tools.ResultsWe included eight cohort studies involving 168,327 men with the diagnosis of infertility and 2,252,806 men without it. The total number of composite outcome of cancers as well as individual cancers including prostate, testicular and melanoma were 1551, 324, 183 and 121 in the infertile men and 12164, 3875, 849, and 450 in the fertile men, respectively. The pooled OR of the composite outcome of cancers, regardless of the type of cancer, in men with infertility was 1.4 folds higher than those without infertility (pooled OR = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-1.64). Meta-analysis of individual cancers including prostate, testicular and melanoma between two groups was carried out. The pooled ORs of testicular and prostate cancers in men with the diagnosis of infertility were significantly higher than controls without infertility (pooled OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.52-2.42 and pooled OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05-2.08, respectively). Additionally, the pooled OR of melanoma in men with infertility was 1.3 folds higher than those without infertility (pooled OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06-1.62).ConclusionA greater risk of cancers in men with male infertility was found suggesting that the history of male infertility might be an important risk factor for developing cancers in later life. Further well-designed long-term population-based prospective studies, considering all known cancers and their accompanying risk factors should be conducted to support our findings.
Diagnostic Value of CT- and MRI-Based Texture Analysis and Imaging Findings for Grading Cartilaginous Tumors in Long Bones
Authors: Deng Xue-Ying , Chen Hai-Yan , Yu Jie-Ni , Zhu Xiu-Liang , Chen Jie-Yu , Shao Guo-Liang , Yu Ri-Sheng 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo confirm the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT)-based texture analysis (CTTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based texture analysis for grading cartilaginous tumors in long bones and to compare these findings to radiological features.Materials and MethodsTwenty-nine patients with enchondromas, 20 with low-grade chondrosarcomas and 16 with high-grade chondrosarcomas were included retrospectively. Clinical and radiological information and 9 histogram features extracted from CT, T1WI, and T2WI were evaluated. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors for grading cartilaginous tumors and to establish diagnostic models. Another 26 patients were included to validate each model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and accuracy rate, sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) were calculated.ResultsOn imaging, endosteal scalloping, cortical destruction and calcification shape were predictive for grading cartilaginous tumors. For texture analysis, variance, mean, perc.01%, perc.10%, perc.99% and kurtosis were extracted after multivariate analysis. To differentiate benign cartilaginous tumors from low-grade chondrosarcomas, the imaging features model reached the highest accuracy rate (83.7%) and AUC (0.841), with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.1%. The CTTA feature model best distinguished low-grade and high-grade chondrosarcomas, with accuracies of 71.9%, and 80% in the training and validation groups, respectively; T1-TA and T2-TA could not distinguish them well. We found that the imaging feature model best differentiated benign and malignant cartilaginous tumors, with an accuracy rate of 89.2%, followed by the T1-TA feature model (80.4%).ConclusionsThe imaging feature model and CTTA- or MRI-based texture analysis have the potential to differentiate cartilaginous tumors in long bones by grade. MRI-based texture analysis failed to grade chondrosarcomas.
The Value of Predicting Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Status in Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction on CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram
Authors: Wang Shuxing , Chen Yiqing , Zhang Han , Liang Zhiping , Bu Jun 
Published: October 2021

PurposeWe developed and validated a CT-based radiomics nomogram to predict HER2 status in patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).MethodA total of 101 patients with HER2-positive (n=46) and HER2-negative (n=55) esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (AEG) were retrospectively analyzed. They were then randomly divided into a training cohort (n=70) and a verification cohort (n=31). The radiomics features were obtained from the portal phase of the CT enhanced scan. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression method to select the best radiomics features in the training cohort, combined them linearly, and used the radiomics signature formula to calculate the radiomics score (Rad-score) of each AEG patient. A multivariable logistic regression method was applied to develop a prediction model that incorporated the radiomics signature and independent risk predictors. The prediction performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the training and validation cohorts.ResultIn the training (P&lt;0.001) and verification groups (P&lt;0.001), the radiomics signature combined with seven radiomics features was significantly correlated with HER2 status. The nomogram composed of CT-reported T stage and radiomics signature showed very good predictive performance for HER2 status. The area under the curve (AUC) of the training cohort was 0.946 (95% CI: 0.919–0.973), and that of the validation group was 0.903 (95% CI: 0.847–0.959). The calibration curve of the radiomics nomogram showed a good degree of calibration. Decision-curve analysis revealed that the radiomics nomogram was useful.ConclusionThe nomogram CT-based radiomics signature combined with CT-reported T stage can better predict the HER2 status of AEG before surgery. It can be used as a non-invasive prediction tool for HER2 status and is expected to guide clinical treatment decisions in clinical practice, and it can assist in the formulation of individualized treatment plans.
Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics in Predicting T Stage and Length of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Mingwei , Hu Panpan , Li Minglun , Ding Rui , Wang Yichun , Pan Shuhao , Kang Mei , Kong Weihao , Du Dandan , Wang Fan 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundBecause of the superficial and infiltrative spreading patterns of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), an accurate assessment of tumor extent is challenging using imaging-based clinical staging. Radiomics features extracted from pretreatment computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging have shown promise in identifying tumor characteristics. Accurate staging is essential for planning cancer treatment, especially for deciding whether to offer surgery or radiotherapy (chemotherapy) in patients with locally advanced ESCC. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced CT-based radiomics as a non-invasive approach for estimating pathological tumor extent in ESCC patients.MethodsPatients who underwent esophagectomy between October 2011 and September 2017 were retrospectively studied and included 116 patients with pathologically confirmed ESCC. Contrast-enhanced CT from the neck to the abdomen was performed in all patients during the 2 weeks before the operation. Radiomics features were extracted from segmentations, which were contoured by radiologists. Cluster analysis was performed to obtain clusters with similar radiomics characteristics, and chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in clinicopathological features and survival among clusters. Furthermore, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was performed to select radiomics features and construct a radiomics model. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the radiomics signatures.ResultsAll 116 ESCC patients were divided into two groups according to the cluster analysis. The chi-squared test showed that cluster-based radiomics features were significantly correlated with T stage (p = 0.0254) and tumor length (p = 0.0002). Furthermore, CT radiomics signatures exhibited favorable predictive performance for T stage (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.86, sensitivity = 0.77, and specificity = 0.87) and tumor length (AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 0.92, and specificity = 0.91).ConclusionsCT contrast radiomics is a simple and non-invasive method that shows promise for predicting pathological T stage and tumor length preoperatively in ESCC patients and may aid in the accurate assessments of patients in combination with the existing examinations.
Differences in Cancer Death Risk Long After ACS Among Selected Urban and Rural Areas in North Italy: The ABC-7a† Study on Heart Disease
Authors: Mahmoud Heba T. , Berton Giuseppe , Cordiano Rocco , Palmieri Rosa , Nardi Tobia , Abdel-Wahab Mohammad AK , Cavuto Fiorella 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAn increased risk of cancer death has been demonstrated for patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We are investigating possible geographic risk disparities.MethodsThis prospective study included 541 ACS patients who were admitted to hospitals and discharged alive in three provinces of Italy’s Veneto region. The patients were classified as residing in urban or rural areas in each province.ResultsWith 3 exceptions, all patients completed the 22-year follow-up or were followed until death. Urban (46%) and rural (54%) residents shared most of their baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Pre-existing malignancy was noted in 15 patients, whereas 106 patients developed cancer during the follow-up period, which represented 6232 person-years. No difference in the cancer death risk was found between the urban and rural areas or between southern and northern provinces (hazard ratio [HR] 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–1.7; p = 0.59 and HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.9–1.4; p = 0.29, respectively) according to the unadjusted Cox regression analysis. Geographic areas, however, showed a strong positive interaction, with risk increasing from the urban to rural areas from southern to northern provinces (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.0; p = 0.01). The fully adjusted Cox regression and Fine-Gray competing risk regression models provided similar results. Interestingly, these results persisted, and even strengthened, after exclusion of the 22 patients who developed malignancy and survived to the end of follow-up. We did not observe an urban/rural difference in non-neoplastic death risk or a significant interaction between the geographic areas.ConclusionOur analysis reveals that the cancer death risk among unselected ACS patients in Italy’s Veneto region significantly differs by geography. The northern rural area has the highest risk. These results highlight the importance of implementing a preventive policy based on area-specific knowledge.
G-749 Promotes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase TYRO3 Degradation and Induces Apoptosis in Both Colon Cancer Cell Lines and Xenograft Mouse Models
Authors: Kim Hae Dong , Park Eun Jung , Choi Eun Kyoung , Song Seuk Young , Hoe Kwang-Lae , Kim Dong-Uk 
Published: October 2021

G-749 is an FLT3 kinase inhibitor that was originally developed as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Some FLT3 kinase inhibitors are dual kinase inhibitors that inhibit the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family and are used to treat solid cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). AXL promotes metastasis, suppression of immune response, and drug resistance in NSCLC and TNBC. G-749, a potential TAM receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its derivative SKI-G-801, effectively inhibits the phosphorylation of AXL at nanomolar concentration (IC50 = 20 nM). This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of G-749 targeting the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase in colon cancer. Here, we demonstrate the potential of G-749 to effectively inhibit tumorigenesis by degrading TYRO3 via regulated intramembrane proteolysis both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we demonstrated that G-749 inhibits the signaling pathway associated with cell proliferation in colon cancer cell lines HCT15 and SW620, as well as tumor xenograft mouse models. We propose G-749 as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of colon cancer caused by abnormal TYRO3 expression or activity.
Parkia speciosa Hassk. Empty Pod Extract Alleviates Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cells by Modulating the Ang II/ROS/NO Axis and MAPK Pathway
Authors: Siti Hawa Nordin , Jalil Juriyati , Asmadi Ahmad Yusof , Kamisah Yusof 
Published: October 2021

Cardiac hypertrophy is characteristic of heart failure in patients who have experienced cardiac remodeling. Many medicinal plants, including Parkia speciosa Hassk., have documented cardioprotective effects against such pathologies. This study investigated the activity of P. speciosa empty pod extract against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II). In particular, its role in modulating the Ang II/reactive oxygen species/nitric oxide (Ang II/ROS/NO) axis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was examined. Treatment with the extract (12.5, 25, and 50 μg/ml) prevented Ang II-induced increases in cell size, NADPH oxidase activity, B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and reactive oxygen species and reductions in superoxide dismutase activity. These were comparable to the effects of the valsartan positive control. However, the extract did not significantly ameliorate the effects of Ang II on inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide levels, while valsartan did confer such protection. Although the extract decreased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, valsartan only decreased phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase expression. Phytochemical screening identified the flavonoids rutin (1) and quercetin (2) in the extract. These findings suggest that P. speciosa empty pod extract protects against Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, possibly by modulating the Ang II/ROS/NO axis and MAPK signaling pathway via a mechanism distinct from valsartan.
Effect of an Intensified Combined Electromyography and Visual Feedback Training on Facial Grading in Patients With Post-paralytic Facial Synkinesis
Authors: Volk Gerd F. , Roediger Benjamin , Geißler Katharina , Kuttenreich Anna-Maria , Klingner Carsten M. , Dobel Christian , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando 
Published: October 2021

Background: There is no current standard for facial synkinesis rehabilitation programs. The benefit and stability of effect of an intensified 10-day facial training combining electromyography and visual biofeedback training was evaluated.Methods: Fifty-four patients (77.8% female; median age: 49.5 years) with post-paralytic facial synkinesis (median time to onset of paralysis: 31.1 months) were included in retrospective longitudinal study between January 2013 and June 2016. Facial function was assesses at baseline (T0), first days of training (T1), last day of training (T2), and follow-up visit (T3) at a median time of 6 months later using the House-Brackmann (HB) facial nerve grading system, Stennert index (SI), Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0 (FNGS 2.0), and Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Pairwise comparisons between the time points with post-hoc Bonferroni correction were performed.Results: No significant changes of the gradings and subscores were seen between T0 and T1 (all p &gt; 0.01). The 10-day combined and intensified feedback training between T1 and T2 improved facial symmetry and decreased synkinetic activity. Facial grading with the FNGS 2.0 or the SFGS were most suited to depict the training effect. FNGS 2.0, regional score, FNGS 2.0, synkinesis score, and FNGS 2.0 total score improved significantly (all p ≤ 0.0001). Both, the FNGS 2.0 and the SFGS showed the strongest improvement in the nasolabial fold/zygomatic and the oral region. Neither the age of the patient (r = 0.168; p = 0.224), the gender (r = 0.126; p = 0.363) nor the length of the interval between onset of the palsy and training start (r = 0.011; p = 0.886) correlated with the changes of the SFGS between T1 and T2. The results remained stable between T2 and T3 without any further significant change.Conclusion: Intensified daily combined electromyography and visual biofeedback training over 10 days was effective in patients with facial synkinesis and benefits were stable 6 months after therapy.
How to Strengthen Protection of (Religious) Minorities and Cultural Diversity under EU Law: Some Lessons from Human Rights Protection System
Authors: Ferri Marcella 
Published: October 2021

The paper is split into two parts. The first part starts with the analysis of Views adopted by the UN Human Rights Committee on Yaker and Hebbadi v. France cases concerning the French Act prohibiting the concealment of the face in public. These Views are then compared with the judgment S.A.S. v. France delivered by the European Court of Human Rights on a similar case. This comparison shows that the principle of non-discrimination and, in this vein, intersectional discrimination play a critical role in assuring the effective protection of Muslim women wearing religious clothing. Analysis of S.A.S. is completed by highlighting the most relevant weaknesses of religious minority protection in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. Some references are also made to freedom of religious clothing in the workplace, underling the critical role that can be played in this regard by the duty of reasonable accommodation. The second part identifies the most significant shortcomings characterizing the protection of religious minorities under European Union law. In conclusion, this paper tries to highlight which lessons can be learnt from the human rights system—examined in the first part—in order to strengthen minority protection in the EU.
Faecal calprotectin testing in UK general practice: a retrospective cohort study using The Health Improvement Network database
Authors: Freeman Karoline , Ryan Ronan , Parsons Nicholas , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Willis Brian H , Clarke Aileen 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundFaecal calprotectin (FC) testing to detect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was recommended for use in UK general practice in 2013. The actual use of FC testing following the national recommendations is unknown.AimTo characterise the use of FC testing for IBD in UK general practice.Design and settingA retrospective cohort study of routine electronic patient records from The Health Improvement Network database from UK general practice.MethodThe study included 6 965 853 adult patients (aged ≥18 years), between 2006 and 2016. FC test uptake, the patients tested, and patient management following testing were characterised.ResultsA total of 17 027 patients had 19 840 FC tests recorded. The mean age of tested patients was 44.2 years. The first FC tests were documented in 2009. FC test use was still increasing in 2016. By 2016, 66.8% (n = 493/738) of practices had started FC testing. About one-fifth (20.7%, n = 1253/6051) of tests were carried out in patients aged ≥60 years. Only 7.8% (n = 473/6051) of the FC test records were preceded by symptoms eligible for FC testing. Only 3.1% (n = 1720/55 477) of patients with eligible symptoms have received FC testing since the national recommendations were published. There was only a small number of patients with symptoms, FC test, and a IBD diagnosis. In total, 71.3% (n = 1416/1987) of patients with a positive and 47.7% (n = 1337/2805) with a negative FC test were referred or further investigated.ConclusionUptake of FC testing in clinical practice has been slow and inconsistent. The indication of non-compliance with national recommendations may suggest that these recommendations lack applicability to the general practice context.