bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram in&nbsp;Patients with Bladder Cancer after Radical Cystectomy: A Study Based on the Chinese Population
Authors: Lu Xun , Wang Yiduo , Chen Qi , Xia Di , Zhang Hanyu , Chen Ming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo develop and validate a prognostic nomogram in patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy based on the Chinese population.MethodsThe nomogram was built on a retrospective study included 191 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between January 2010 to December 2019 at the authors’ hospital. The primary cohort was divided into the training cohort and the validation cohort randomly. The endpoints in the study were disease-free survival and overall survival. The ability of distinguishing and predicting of the prognostic nomogram were determined by calibration plot and concordance index in the training cohort. Moreover, the results were also verified in the validation cohort internally.ResultsMultivariate analysis of the training cohort showed that hydronephrosis, Stage_T, Stage_N, PNI and EGFR were significantly associated with overall survival. Meanwhile, Stage_T, Stage_N, PNI and EGFR were independent risk factors for disease-free survival. The calibration plot agreed well between prediction and actual observation in survival possibility. The concordance index of the nomogram in the training cohort of overall survival and disease-free survival were 0.834 (95%CI: 0.785-0.833) and 0.823 (95%CI: 0.772-0.873), respectively. In the validation cohort, the nomogram also showed high predictive accuracy.ConclusionThe proposed nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting survival for bladder cancer patients after radical cystectomy.
Mechanistic study of LncRNA UCA1 promoting growth and cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Jiali , Pan Jingjing , Yang Xiang , Zhang Yan , Shao Fanggui , Chen Jie , Huang Kate , Wang Yumin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The main objective of the current research was to explore the mechanism of LncRNA UCA1 promoting cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).Method: The UCA1 expression level of LUAD cell lines was herein detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). We overexpressed UCA1 in A549 cell and downregulated UCA1 in A549/DDP cell by lentivirus‑mediated technique. We analyzed their biological differences by cell function experiments, RNA pulldown, protein mass spectrometry (MS), and RNA immunoprecipitation technique (RIP). Tumor formation in nude mice was used to investigate the effect of UCA1 on the proliferation and cisplatin sensitivity of A549/DDP in vivo.Result: The results revealed that a higher expression level of UCA1 was expressed in the A549/DDP cell and LUAD tissues than that in A549 cell and adjacent cancer tissues. UCA1 was significantly associated with M stage and clinical stage of LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Patients with high UCA1 expression had a shorter survival time. After UCA1 overexpressed, the cells capability of proliferation, migration, invasion, clone formation, cisplatin resistance, and the expression level of proteins related to proliferation and drug resistance PCNA, ERCC1 were enhanced, while these trends were mostly reversed in the cells knockdown with UCA1 expression. Tumorigenic assays in nude mice showed that knockdown of UCA1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced cisplatin resistance. It confirmed Enolase 1 (ENO1) was one of RNA binding protein of UCA1.Conclusion: Based on these results, we concluded that UCA1 promoted LUAD progression and cisplatin resistance by binding ENO1 and UCA1 could be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target of LUAD patients.
Psycho-educational Groups for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Caregiver: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Bilenchi Vittoria Anita , Banfi Paolo Innocente , Pagnini Francesco , Volpato Eleonora 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that strongly impacts both patients’ and caregivers’ lives. Only few previous studies investigated the psychosocial impact of group’s interventions on ALS patients and their caregivers as well as needs they can answer.The aim was to identify the needs of both ALS patients and caregivers who attended a psycho-educational group program, the prominent aspects of their experience, perceptions, and satisfaction. Methods: Five patients and thirteen caregivers attended eight psycho-educational group meetings at the Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit of Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan (Italy) and underwent semi-structured interviews once the group meetings ended. Data obtained by group sessions’ transcripts have been analysed using the Grounded Theory Paradigm (GT), while those obtained by interviews have been analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results: The analysis of the meetings, allowed to identify seven themes and 21 sub-themes: practical advices, explanation of the pathology, recognition of emotions, adaptation, family and relationships, being caregiver of oneself and sharing. The analysis of the interviews allowed to deduce the main reasons to participate (i.e. to have information and to be able to share experiences), the positive and negative aspects of the experiences. Conclusions: These results suggested the usefulness of psycho-educational groups into the regular clinical practice to allow patients and caregivers comparison with others in the same situation.
Patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis before or after direct-acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C are at risk for development of liver cancer
Authors: Saldarriaga Omar , Dye Bradley , Pham Judy , Wanninger Timothy G. , Millian Daniel , Kueht Michael , Freiberg Benjamin , Utay Netanya , Stevenson Heather L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have replaced interferon (IFN)-based therapies for hepatitis C virus. This study examined differences in histopathologic features in paired liver biopsies collected before and after DAA and evaluated clinical outcomes. Biopsies (n = 19) were evaluated by quantitative imaging analysis to measure steatosis and fibrosis. Most patients had decreased steatosis in their post-treatment, follow-up biopsies. However, one patient had a striking increase in steatosis (from 0.86 to 6.32 %) and later developed decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This patient had a marked increase in fibrosis between biopsies, with a CPA of 6.74 to 32.02. Another patient, who already had bridging fibrosis at the time of her pre-treatment biopsy, developed cholangiocarcinoma after DAA. Even though the overall inflammatory activity in the post-treatment biopsies significantly decreased after treatment, 60% of patients had persistent portal lymphocytic inflammation. In summary, DAA decreased steatosis and hepatic inflammation in most patients, although some may have persistence of lymphocytic portal inflammation. Patients known to have advanced fibrosis at treatment initiation and who have other risk factors for ongoing liver injury, such as steatosis, should be followed closely for the development of adverse outcomes, such as portal hypertension and primary liver cancers.
Multiscale mechanisms of asphalt performance enhancement by crumbed waste tire rubber: Insight from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Hu Kui , Yu Caihua , Chen Yujing , Li Wei , Guixiang Chen , Zhang Wengang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The recycling of crumbled waste tire rubber (CWTB) is a major environmental problem facing mankind, and the incorporation of CWTB as a modifier into asphalt is an extremely promising approach. However, the modification mechanism of CWTB to asphalt is not well understood, which restricts the development of CWTB-modified asphalt. In this study, the mechanism of CWTB modification of asphalt was explored in depth by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results of the study showed that CWTB enhanced the high temperature performance of the base asphalt. The microscopic mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs is that CWTB has the largest binding energy with the aromatics (1100–1400 kcal/mol), followed by the saturates (700–900 kcal/mol), followed by the resins (200–450 kcal/mol), and the smallest binding energy with the asphaltenes (110–160 kcal/mol), which causes CWTB to absorb the light components of the asphalt (aromatics and saturates). In the process of absorbing the light components, CWTB will gradually swell, which causes CWTB to bind more and more tightly with the base asphalt, and eventually the good high temperature performance of CWTB is transferred to the base asphalt. The macroscopic manifestation of this process is that the rutting factor of CWTB modified asphalt is significantly higher than that of virgin asphalt. This study can provide basic theoretical support for the application of CWTB modified asphalt.
Combining Transposon Mutagenesis and Reporter Genes to Identify Novel Regulators of the Topa Promoter in Streptomyces
Authors: Gongerowska-Jac Martyna , Szafran Marcin Jan , Jakimowicz Dagmara 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIdentifying the regulatory factors that control transcriptional activity is a major challenge of gene expression studies. Here, we describe the application of a novel approach for in vivo identification of regulatory proteins that may directly or indirectly control the transcription of a promoter of interest. ResultsA method based on the combination of Tn5 minitransposon-driven random mutagenesis and lux reporter genes was applied for the first time for the Streptomyces genus. As a proof of concept, we studied the topA supercoiling-sensitive promoter, whose activity is dependent on unknown regulatory factors. We found that the sco4804 gene product positively influences topA transcription in S. coelicolor, demonstrating SCO4804 as a novel player in the control of chromosome topology in these bacteria. ConclusionsOur approach allows the identification of novel Streptomyces regulators that may be critical for the regulation of gene expression in these antibiotic-producing bacteria.
Mapping Clinical Pharmacy Education and Practice in Europe
Authors: Moura Laura , Steurbaut Stephane , Blix Hege Salvesen , Addison Brian , Rabus Sule , Mota-Filipe Helder , Costa Filipa Alves da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Clinical activities provided by pharmacists are increasing worldwide, including Europe. However, an overview of clinical pharmacy education and practice is needed. Objective To map clinical pharmacy (CP) education and practice among European countries. Setting: Web-based survey led by the Education Committee of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). Method Cross-sectional study resorted to a survey sent to ESCP members. The survey comprised three domains focusing on: undergraduate education, postgraduate education, and practice. A multi-phased validation process was undertaken, attributing levels of evidence according to the number of information sources for each country. Triangulation was used to seek within country consensus. Student perceptions on their preparedness to engage in CP and adequacy of learning methods were also explored via the European Pharmaceutical Students' Association (EPSA), representing students from 37 countries. Main outcome measures Number of hours of education in clinical pharmacy; existence of a specialization in clinical pharmacy and activities delivered in practice.Results Data from 40 European countries were included (response rate 95.2%). Most respondents (86.8%) agreed with the definition of CP proposed by the ESCP. Almost every country (94.9%) reported to have CP topics integrated at the undergraduate level [median number=65 hours/semester (IQR: 2.0-5.6)], including practical teaching [median=30.0% (IQR: 17.0-42.0)]. Students from 16 countries were unanimous stating CP practical training to be insufficient and only in one country CP education was perceived as totally fit for practice. At the postgraduate level, 92.5% of countries have PhD programmes including CP and 65.0% specific CP master/diploma degrees. Continuous professional development (CPD) courses were also reported by 63.9% of respondents. More than half of countries (52.5%; n=21) recognize CP as an area of specialization, which for 60.0% of countries is applied solely in the hospital setting. Conclusion Although CP is embedded in education and practice in European countries, students experience a lack of practical training hampering job readiness. Education in CP should be adapted and tailored towards the skills and competences required in practice.
Research Staff Perspectives on Cancer Clinical Trials and Barriers to Recruitment: A Qualitative Research
Authors: Keruakous Amany R. , Day Silas , Garcia-Ramiu Kenny D. , Yarbrough Melissa , Asch Adam S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Study objectives-Highlight common barriers to recruiting adults' cancer patients, encountered by research coordinators from all disease sites-Propose effective solutions to identified barriers.Results We are reporting our results of a qualitative research methodology investigating barriers to clinical trials enrollment from a new perspective. The most commonly reported obstacles, for clinical trials enrollment, from our research staff perspective were categorized into five themes: clinical trials protocol, communication barriers and cultural beliefs, financial barriers, patients' comorbidities and performance status, and physicians’ commitment. Assessing barriers encountered by clinical research staff is infrequently used as a metric for improving clinical trial enrollment, but provides important perspective. Interventions to improve clinical trial feasibility and accrual are critical to improve cancer care.
Incidental Gallbladder Cancer with the Laparoscopic Treatment in the MRI Era: An Experience at a Single Institution
Authors: zhou yong , Zha Wenzhang , Wu Xudong , Fan Rengen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely applied to the preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder diseases, among which laparoscopic cholecystectomy plays a critical role. Incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) is an unexpected guest of the patients who underwent cholecystectomy, forcing them to receive reoperation for complete resection. This study aimed to share our experience in pre-operative MRI evaluation and laparoscopic management of the IGBCs. Methods: Between January 2011 and January 2020, 7917 patients with gallbladder diseases and treated by laparoscopy were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 49 patients were diagnosed as IGBCs. The incidence of IGBCs in polypoid lesions, biliary pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholecystocholedocholithiasis and gallbladder stones was 0.42%, 1.19%, 0.62%, 1.20% and 0.49%, respectively. Moreover, 73.5% and 59.2% of the IGBCs had unremarkable preoperative imaging during the ultrasonographic and MRI evaluation respectively. Also, 14 of the patients were diagnosed as gallbladder cancer (GBC) via intraoperative histological examination, and 11 received laparoscopic extensive resection after cholecystectomy.Conclusion: The patients with biliary pancreatitis and cholecystocholedocholithiasis have a higher incidence of incidental gallbladder cancer. Preoperative MRI evaluation and intraoperative histological examination may help some incidental gallbladder cancers to achieve one-stage laparoscopic extensive resection.
Multidisciplinary Team Efforts to Improve the Pregnancy Outcome of Pregnancy Complicated with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Case Series from a Single Hospital
Authors: Jiao Hai-ning , Sun Li-hao , Liu Yan , Zhou Jian-qiao , Chen Xi , Liu Jian-min , Zhong Hui-ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
There is no consensus or management algorithm for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in pregnancy༎
Methods
This is a retrospective case series. From August 2014 to December 2020, 9 cases of PHPT in pregnancy were diagnosed by multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation center of obstetrics in our hospital. Their clinical manifestations, treatment strategies, maternal and infant outcomes were analyzed.
Results
The median onset age of the patients was 32 (25 ~ 38) years. PHPT was diagnosed in two cases before pregnancy, six cases during pregnancy and one case postpartum. The main clinical manifestations were nausea, vomiting, and other nonspecific symptoms, together with anemia as the most common maternal complication. Hypercalcemia crisis was developed in one case. The median levels of preoperative serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were 3.08 (2.77 ~ 4.21) mmol/L and 300.40 (108.80 ~ 2603.60)pg/ml, respectively. The parathyroid ultrasonography tests were positive in eight cases, and negative in one case who had an ectopic lesion localized by 99mTc-MIBI. Parathyroidectomy was conducted in 7 cases during 2nd trimester including 2 cases diagnosed before pregnancy but refused operation at that time, 1 case during 1st trimester ,and 1 after postpartum, with significant reduction of serum concentrations of calcium and PTH. A management algorithm was developed.
Conclusion
This case series suggest that pregnant women with PHPT should be managed by MDT according to algorithm. If PHPT is confirmed in fertile women before pregnancy, parathyroidectomy should be strongly suggested and performed at that time. If PHPT is diagnosed during pregnancy, even in its mild form, surgical treatment, optimally during 2nd trimester, is effective and safe for pregnancy and neonate outcome.
The Systemic and Ocular Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ye Jiacheng , Zhou Min , Wang Congyao , Wan Pengxia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the systemic and ocular risk factors for severity on visual acuity and central retinal thickness in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME). METHODS: This retrospective study included 46 RVO-ME patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2015 to November 2019. Systemic examinations include blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, vascular endothelial function, and carotid artery color ultrasound. Ocular examinations include the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central retinal thickness (CRT). The integrity of the outer retina was evaluated as well. According to the baseline BCVA and CRT levels, the patients were divided into high vision group and low vision group, high CRT group, and low CRT group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors on baseline BCVA and CRT.RESULTS: We enrolled 19 eyes of CRVO (central retinal vein occlusion) and 27 eyes of BRVO (branch retinal vein occlusion). We identified 31 (67.4%) as high CRT and 23 (50.0%) as poor VA of 46 patients on admission. There were 15 cases of BRVO in the high CRT group (48.4%) and 12 cases in the low CRT group (80.0%). The type of disease (BRVO/CRVO) was an independent factor of baseline CRT (P=0.017). Endothelial dysfunction correlates with baseline BCVA independently (P=0.038). Ellipsoidal zone (EZ) destruction was found in 19 cases (82.6%) in the low vision group and 6 cases (26.1%) in the high vision group. EZ integrity correlates with baseline BCVA independently (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: The central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) has markedly higher CRT than branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Endothelial dysfunction and disrupted ellipsoidal zone were significantly associated with poor baseline VA on admission.
Usefulness of Early Diagnosis of Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy by Measuring Novel Platelet Activation Marker Soluble Type C Lectin-Like Receptor 2 (CLEC-2)
Authors: Ishikura Hiroyasu , Irie Yuhei , Kawamura Masahide , Hoshino Kota , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Mizunuma Mariko , Maruyama Junichi , Nakashio Maiko , Suzuki-Inoue Katsue , Kitamura Taisuke 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is a platelet-activated receptor expressed on the surface of platelet membranes. Soluble CLEC-2 (sCLEC-2) has been receiving attention as a predictive marker for thrombotic predisposition, such as cerebral or myocardial infarction. In the present study, we examined the relationship between sCLEC-2 level and degree of coagulation disorder, especially platelet activation, in sepsis patients. Methods: Seventy sepsis patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (SID) group (n=44) and non-SID group (n=26), at the time of intensive care unit admission. In addition, 37 healthy adult volunteers were enrolled as a control group. The sCLEC-2 levels were measured and compared among the groups. Because we suspected that the sCLEC-2 level was likely to be affected by the platelet count, we also calculated the sCLEC-2/platelet count ratio (termed C2PAC index) in the groups. We further divided the sepsis patients into four groups using the Japanese Acute Medical Association (JAAM) DIC scoring system (DIC scores: 0–1, 2–3, 4–5, 6–8) and investigated the C2PAC indexes in the healthy volunteers and the four JAAM DIC score groups. Finally, we examined whether the C2PAC index could be a predictor of DIC by receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis.Results: The C2PAC indexes in the healthy volunteers, non-SID group, and SID group were 0.34±0.14, 1.2±0.5, and 2.6±1.7, respectively. The index was significantly higher in the non-SID and SID groups compared with the healthy volunteers and also significantly higher in the SID group compared with the non-SID group (all P<0.001). The C2PAC indexes in the healthy volunteers and the four JAAM DIC score groups were 0.3±0.1, 0.9±0.3, 1.1±0.3, 1.7±0.7, and 3.6±1.0, respectively. Furthermore, the C2PAC index increased significantly as the DIC score increased (P<0.001). According to the ROC analysis, the area under the curve and optimal cut-off value for the diagnosis of DIC were 0.80507 and 1.40 (sensitivity, 75.0%; specificity, 76.9%), respectively.Conclusions: The present findings suggest that evaluation of the C2PAC index may be a useful early predictor of sepsis-induced coagulopathy progression and DIC diagnosis in sepsis patients.Trial registration: This study was approved by the institutional ethics committees at Fukuoka University Hospital (U19-01-001), Yamanashi University Hospital (2289), and LSI Medience Corporation (Shindan/Narita 19-04).