bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The selective use of preoperative MRI in the staging of breast cancer: a single‐institution experience
Authors: Gillies Rohana , Kwok Henry 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionRoutine use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for loco‐regional staging of breast cancer remains controversial. At Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), preoperative breast MRI is used selectively within a multidisciplinary setting. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of selective use of preoperative MRI in staging loco‐regional disease and how it has impacted our clinical practice.MethodsPatients who received preoperative MRI at CMDHB between October 2015 and October 2018 were identified on a prospective database. The decision to offer MRI was made by multidisciplinary consensus. Patient data were collected retrospectively from clinical, imaging and histology records. The accuracy of MRI was determined by comparing it against histology as gold standard, and its potential contribution to treatment decisions and treatment delay was determined by clinical record review.ResultsNinety‐two patients received preoperative MRI. Additional foci of cancer were identified in ten patients (11%). Sixteen patients (17%) required additional biopsies. In fourteen patients (15%), MRI identified more extensive disease than conventional imaging prompting a change of surgical management. This ‘upstaging’ was confirmed histologically in twelve (13%). In one (1%) patient, MRI incorrectly ‘downstaged’ disease, but it did not alter the management. No patients experienced a delay in treatment due to MRI.ConclusionA selective, considered use of preoperative MRI within a multidisciplinary setting at our local institution results in more biopsies but with an acceptable risk–benefit ratio. It provides accurate staging to aid treatment decisions without resulting in a delay in treatment.
Predictors of recruitment and retention in randomized controlled trials of behavioural smoking cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Bricca Alessio , Swithenbank Zoe , Scott Neil , Treweek Shaun , Johnston Marie , Black Nicola , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , West Robert , Michie Susan , de Bruin Marijn 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate predictors of participant eligibility, recruitment and retention in behavioural randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for smoking cessation.MethodSystematic review and pre‐specified meta‐regression analysis of behavioural RCTs for smoking cessation including adult (≥ 18‐year‐old) smokers. The pre‐specified predictors were identified through a literature review and experts’ consultation and included participant, trial and intervention characteristics and recruitment and retention strategies. Outcome measures included eligibility rates (proportion of people eligible for the trials), recruitment rates, retention rates and differential retention rates.ResultsA total of 172 RCTs with 89 639 participants. Eligibility [median 57.6%; interquartile range (IQR) = 34.7–83.7], recruitment (median 66.4%; IQR = 42.7–85.2) and retention rates (median 80.5%; IQR = 68.5–89.5) varied considerably across studies. For eligibility rates, the recruitment strategy appeared not to be associated with eligibility rates. For recruitment rates, use of indirect recruitment strategies (e.g. public announcements) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11–0.82] and self‐help interventions (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03–0.67) were associated with lower recruitment rates. For retention rates, higher retention was seen if the sample had ongoing physical health condition/s (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.04–2.63), whereas lower retention was seen amongst primarily female samples (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.98) and those motivated to quit smoking (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–0.99) when indirect recruitment methods were used (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38–0.97) and at longer follow‐up assessments (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.79–0.87). For differential retention, higher retention in the intervention group occurred when the intervention but not comparator group received financial incentives for smoking cessation (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.77).ConclusionsIn randomized controlled trials of behavioural smoking cessation interventions, recruitment and retention rates appear to be higher for smoking cessation interventions that include a person‐to‐person rather than at‐a‐distance contact; male participants, smokers with chronic conditions, smokers not initially motivated to quit and shorter follow‐up assessments seems to be associated with improved retention; financial incentive interventions improve retention in groups receiving them relative to comparison groups.
Rising vape pod popularity disrupted declining use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among young adults in Texas, USA from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Loukas Alexandra , Marti C. Nathan , Pasch Keryn E. , Harrell Melissa B. , Wilkinson Anna V. , Perry Cheryl L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo examine the longitudinal trajectory of young Texan (US) adults’ electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use from 2014 to 2019, and to determine if there are changes in the trajectory among younger and older young adults post‐2017, when vape pods surged in popularity in the United States.DesignNine‐wave longitudinal study, with 6 months between each of the first eight waves and 1 year between the last two waves. Discontinuous, or piecewise, growth curve models were used to test the hypotheses that (a) the overall current/past 30‐day ENDS use trajectory would decline from 2014 to spring 2017 but then increase from fall 2017 to 2019, and (b) the increasing trajectory from 2017 to 2019 would occur only for younger participants, but not older participants. All models included socio‐demographic covariates of sex, race/ethnicity, type of college attended at baseline (2‐ or 4‐year) and time‐varying age.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 5218 students (aged 18–25 years at baseline; 63.7% female) from 24 colleges in the five counties surrounding Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, Texas, USA.MeasurementsParticipants completed on‐line surveys regarding past 30‐day ENDS use at all nine waves.FindingsCurrent ENDS use significantly declined from 2014 to spring 2017 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–0.68], and then significantly increased from autumn 2017 to 2019 (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01–1.29). Further examination indicated the increase in current ENDS use from autumn 2017 to 2019 occurred only for younger [−1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean age, 22.6 years old], but not older (+1 SD above the mean age, 26.2 years old), participants.ConclusionThe surge in the popularity of vape pods in the United States in late 2017 may have contributed to increasing use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among younger young adults (below 22.6 years) from late 2017 to 2019.
Epigenetic silencing of ZBTB28 promotes renal cell carcinogenesis
Authors: Tong Xin , Xu Lu , Rong Rong , Su Xianwei , Xiang Tingxiu , Peng Weiyan , Shi Taoping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimZinc finger and BTB domain‐containing protein 28 (ZBTB28) is a potential tumor suppressor for some cancers. However, its epigenetic regulation and functions in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain to be elucidated.MethodsThe expression of ZBTB28 mRNA was analyzed by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nine RCC cell lines and normal kidney tissues. Methylation status of ZBTB28 promoter was assessed by methylation‐specific PCR in RCC cell lines, primary RCC, tumors and adjacent tissues. The involvement of ZBTB28 in cell proliferation and migration was investigated.ResultsZBTB28 promoter was hypermethylated in 88.9% (8/9) of RCC cell lines with reduced ZBTB28 mRNA expression, and could be reversed by DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. The methylation of ZBTB28 promoter was detected in 73.5% (36/49) of primary RCC tissues, compared with 7.1% (1/14) in normal tissues. Overexpression of ZBTB28 significantly inhibited RCC cell proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis. Further analyses revealed that ZBTB28 upregulation could inhibit multiple oncogenic signaling transduction pathways.ConclusionZBTB28 is frequently silenced by promoter methylation in RCC pathogenesis and functions as a novel tumor suppressive gene. ZBTB28 may be a potential target for the development of RCC therapeutic strategies.
Physalin B inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in undifferentiated human gastric cancer HGC‐27 cells
Authors: Fang Chunsheng , Chen Cunte , Yang Yanjun , Li Kehan , Gao Rili , Xu Dandan , Huang Youxue , Chen Zheng , Liu Zhuandi , Chen Shaohua , Yu Xibao , Li Yangqiu , Zeng Chengwu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhysalin B (PB) from Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) is a naturally occurring secosteroid with multiple biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory and anticancer activity. However, PB's effects and mechanisms in human gastric cancer (GC) cells are not well characterized.MethodsThe undifferentiated GC cell line HGC‐27 and semi‐differentiated GC cell line SGC‐7901 were treated with PB. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell viability. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were assessed by Annexin V/PI and PI/RNase DNA staining assays, respectively, and Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of a protein.ResultsPB significantly inhibited the proliferation of HGC‐27 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, PB induced G0/G1 cycle arrest and caspase‐dependent apoptosis of HGC‐27 cells. Cleaved caspases 8, 3, and 7, poly(ADP)‐ribose polymerase (PARP), and the cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p‐Chk2 was induced by PB in HGC‐27 cells, while the cell cycle‐related proteins cyclin D1, cyclin D3, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin E, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (p‐Rb) were downregulated in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionsPB inhibits proliferation via cyclin‐dependent kinase and induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in HGC‐27 cells, suggesting that PB might be a novel and effective agent for undifferentiated GC therapy.
Performance status as prognostic factor in phase III trials of first‐line chemotherapy of unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer: A trial‐level meta‐analysis
Authors: Colloca Giuseppe 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFor patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), there are no standardized prognostic and predictive factors beyond performance status (PS). A poor PS, as defined by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 2 or more, has been related with a detrimental effect of chemotherapy. Therefore, even more trials enrolled patients with good PS. The current analysis aims to evaluate the results of PS as a prognostic factor in phase III trials of patients with mPDAC receiving first‐line chemotherapy. A literature search on two databases, from 2000 to 2019, and a further selection of clinical trials were performed by predefined criteria. Twelve phase III studies have been included in the analysis: the trials, enrolling 5619 patients, confirmed the worse prognosis of patients with higher ECOG PS scores (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.74; p‐value < 0.001), and a similar trend was evident for patients with an ECOG PS 1 versus 0 (HR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.43–1.80; p‐value < 0.001) in six studies, enrolling 2799 patients. Heterogeneity of trials was high, with I2 = 91%. Some possible moderators have been suggested, such as the number of drugs in the chemotherapy regimen and the male gender. In conclusion, a low ECOG PS score appears to be related with a longer survival even in trials that excluded patients with an ECOG PS 2 score, but the meta‐analyses reported high heterogeneity and publication bias.
British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with vitiligo 2021
Authors: Eleftheriadou V. , Atkar R. , Batchelor J. , McDonald B. , Novakovic L. , Patel J.V. , Ravenscroft J. , Rush E. , Shah D. , Shah R. , Shaw L. , Thompson A.R. , Hashme M. , Exton L.S. , Mohd Mustapa M.F. , Manounah L. ,   the British Association of Dermatologists’ Clinical Standards Unit
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Linked Comment: K. Ezzedine and A.G. Pandya. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:3–4.
Plain language summary available online
The BAFF/NFκB axis is crucial to interactions between sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Gao Luping , Morine Yuji , Yamada Shinichiro , Saito Yu , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Tokuda Kazunori , Miyazaki Katsuki , Okikawa Shouhei , Takasu Chie , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment affects malignancy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the microenvironment. As recent studies indicated a difference between CAFs isolated from chemoresistant and non‐resistant cancer tissues, therefore we investigated the intracellular mechanism in resistant HCC co‐cultured CAFs and interactions between these CAFs with cancer cells. We established a sorafenib‐resistant (SR) Huh7 (human HCC) cell line, and characterized it with cytokine assays, then developed CAFs by co‐culturing human hepatic stellate cells with resistant or parental Huh7 cells. The 2 types of CAFs were co‐cultured with parental Huh7 cells, thereafter the cell viability of these Huh7 cells was checked under sorafenib treatment. The SR Huh7 (Huh7SR) cells expressed increased B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), which promoted high expression of CAF‐specific markers in Huh7SR‐co‐cultured CAFs, showed activated BAFF, BAFF‐R, and downstream of the NFκB‐Nrf2 pathway, and aggravated invasion, migration, and drug resistance in co‐cultured Huh7 cells. When we knocked down BAFF expression in Huh7SR cells, the previously increased malignancy and BAFF/NFκB axis in Huh7SR‐co‐cultured CAFs reversed, and enhanced chemoresistance in co‐cultured Huh7 cells returned as well. In conclusion, the BAFF/NFκB pathway was activated in CAFs co‐cultured with cell‐culture medium from resistant Huh7, which promoted chemoresistance, and increased the malignancy in co‐cultured non‐resistant Huh7 cells. This suggests that the BAFF/NFκB axis in CAFs might be a potential therapeutic target in chemoresistance of HCC.
TIM‐3 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis: Structure, function, and signaling pathways
Authors: Kikushige Yoshikane 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is hierarchically organized by self‐renewing leukemic stem cells (LSCs). LSCs originate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by acquiring multistep leukemogenic events. To specifically eradicate LSCs, while keeping normal HSCs intact, the discrimination of LSCs from HSCs is important. We have identified T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 (TIM‐3) as an LSC‐specific surface molecule in human myeloid malignancies and demonstrated its essential function in maintaining the self‐renewal ability of LSCs. TIM‐3 has been intensively investigated as a “coinhibitory” or “immune checkpoint” molecule of T cells. However, little is known about its distinct function in T cells and myeloid malignancies. In this review, we discuss the structure of TIM‐3 and its function in normal blood cells and LSCs, emphasizing the specific signaling pathways involved, as well as the therapeutic applications of TIM‐3 molecules in human myeloid malignancies.
Apparent failed and discordant adrenal vein sampling: A potential confounding role of cortisol cosecretion?
Authors: Kline Gregory A. , So Benny , Campbell David J. T. , Chin Alex , Harvey Adrian , Venos Erik , Pasieka Janice , Leung Alexander A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveAdrenal vein sampling (AVS) and computed tomography (CT) often show confusingly discordant lateralisation results in primary aldosteronism (PA). We tested a biochemical algorithm using AVS data to detect cortisol cosecretion as a potential explanation for discordant cases.DesignRetrospective analysis from a large PA + AVS database.PatientsAll patients with PA and AVS, 2005–2020.MeasurementsAn algorithm using biochemical data from paired AVS + CT images was devised from physiological first principles and informed by data from unilateral, AVS–CT concordant patients. The algorithm involved calculations based upon the expectation that low cortisol levels exist in adrenal vein effluent opposite an aldosterone‐and‐cortisol‐producing adrenal mass and may reverse lateralisation due to inflated aldosterone/cortisol ratios.Main OutcomesThe algorithm was applied to cases with discordant CT–AVS lateralisation to determine whether this might be a common or explanatory finding. Clinical and biochemical characteristics of identified cases were collected via chart review and compared to CT–AVS concordant cases to detect evidence of biological plausibility for cortisol cosecretion.ResultsFrom a total of 588 AVS cases, 141 AVS + CT pairs were clear unilateral PA cases, used to develop the three‐step algorithm for AVS interpretation. Applied to 88 AVS + CT discordant pairs, the algorithm suggested possible cortisol cosecretion in 40%. Case review showed that the proposed cortisol cosecretors, as identified by the algorithm, had low/suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, larger average nodule size and lower plasma aldosterone.ConclusionsPending external validation and outcome verification by surgery and tissue immunohistochemistry, cortisol cosecretion from aldosteronomas may be a common explanation for discordant CT–AVS results in PA.
Prevalence and characterization of frailty, depression, and cognitive impairment in patients listed for heart transplantation: Results of the FELICITAR prospective registry
Authors: Ayesta Ana , Valero Masa María Jesús , Vidán María Teresa , Luna‐López Raquel , Segovia‐Cubero Javier , García‐Cosío María Dolores , Pérez Gómez Laura , Pérez Pedro Caravaca , Vázquez López‐ Ibor Jorge , Nuche Jorge , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionIt is recommended to assess frailty prior to heart transplantation (HT). Our objective was to assess the prevalence of frailty in patients listed for HT.MethodsThe FELICITAR registry (Frailty Evaluation after List Inclusion, Characteristics and Influence on TrAnsplantation And Results) is a prospective registry that includes patients listed for HT in three centers, from January 2017 to April 2019. We assessed the presence of frailty, depression, cognitive impairment, and quality of life when included.ResultsNinety‐nine patients were included. Of this group, 30.6% were frail, 55 (56.1%) had depression (treated only in nine patients), and 51 (54.8%) had cognitive impairment. Compared with non‐frail patients, frail patients were more frequently hospitalized when included in HT waiting list (P = .048), had a lower upper‐arm circumference (P = .026), had a lower Barthel index (P = .001), more anemia (P = .010), higher rates of depression (P = .001), poorer quality of life (P = .001), and lower hand‐grip strength (P < .001). In multivariate analysis hand‐grip strength (odds ratio .91; 95% confidence interval .87–.96, P < .001) and Barthel index (odds ratio .90; 95% confidence interval .82–.99, P = .024) were associated with frailty.ConclusionsFrailty, depression, and cognitive impairment are common in patients included in HT waiting list. Frailty is strongly associated with hand‐grip strength.
Symmetric drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema: Clinicopathologic study of 19 cases and review of literature
Authors: Schuler Andrew M. , Smith Emily H. , Chaudet Kristine M. , Bresler Scott C. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Kroshinsky Daniela , Nazarian Rosalynn M. , Chan May P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSymmetric drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a cutaneous drug reaction characterized by gluteal/anogenital erythema and symmetric involvement of other intertriginous location(s) without systemic signs. Clinicopathologic characterization has been limited to case reports and small series. We describe 19 new cases and review the literature to better define the clinical and histopathologic spectrum of SDRIFE.MethodsPathology archives were searched for “SDRIFE” and “baboon syndrome.” Cases meeting clinical criteria were included. Clinical and histopathologic features were recorded. Previous reports of SDRIFE with histopathologic descriptions were reviewed.ResultsNineteen new cases were included, over half triggered by antibiotics. Six new causative medications were identified. Median onset was 7 days. Typical lesions were erythematous plaques or papules with or without scale. The most common histopathologic finding was superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate followed by dermal eosinophils, spongiosis, and orthokeratosis. Basal vacuolization and apoptotic keratinocytes were less common. Interstitial histiocytes were present in almost half of our cases. Other findings included atypical lymphocytes and “flame figure.”ConclusionsAppreciation of the range of inciting medications and clinicopathologic features in SDRIFE will improve recognition of this condition. Although many histopathologic features overlap with other common dermatitides, biopsy may assist in excluding key clinical mimics.
An analysis of the ASEM Education Process and its role in higher education
Authors: Munusamy M. Miandy , Hashim Azirah 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWorldwide, there is a pressing need for nations to seriously enhance the international dimension in higher education through international cooperation to stay competitive in a globalised higher education system. The Asia‐Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an inter‐governmental organisation formed in 1996. Since then, it has been actively involved in higher education programmes around the globe. The sixth ASEM Summit (2006) underlined the importance of multidimensional dialogue and cooperation in education. This led to the official formation of the ASEM Education Process (AEP) in 2008 and the inauguration of a recurring meeting of ministers with a focus on higher education. Also, more than 120 ASEM education meetings at political and stakeholder levels have been conducted. This article analyses the processes involved in embedding higher education in the AEP and assesses the prospects of intensifying the role of the AEP in ASEM higher education. The data were collected from participant observations, semi‐structured interviews and an analysis of ASEM education policy documents and reports. Our findings highlight the AEP's role in setting the agenda for making higher education a fundamental priority of Asia‐Europe cooperation. AEP offers numerous opportunities for ASEM partners to enhance the visibility of their higher education system. The creation of the right platform for all relevant parties to be involved in the development of ASEM education cooperation is vital. Thus, commitment from ASEM education partners and stakeholders is imperative in enriching the AEP and enabling continuous progress in higher education between Asia and Europe.