bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can radiomic analysis of a single-phase dual-energy CT improve the diagnostic accuracy of differentiating enhancing from non-enhancing small renal lesions?
Authors: Ding Yuqin , Meyer Mathias , Lyu Peijie , Rigiroli Francesca , Ramirez-Giraldo Juan Carlos , Lafata Kyle , Yang Siyun , Marin Daniele 
Published: April 2021

Background The value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-based radiomics in renal lesions is unknown. Purpose To develop DECT-based radiomic models and assess their incremental values in comparison to conventional measurements for differentiating enhancing from non-enhancing small renal lesions. Material and Methods A total of 349 patients with 519 small renal lesions (390 non-enhancing, 129 enhancing) who underwent contrast-enhanced nephrographic phase DECT examinations between June 2013 and January 2020 on multiple DECT platforms were retrospectively recruited. Cohort A included all lesions, while cohort B included Bosniak II–IV and solid enhancing renal lesions. Radiomic models were built with features selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO). ROC analyses were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy among conventional and radiomic models for predicting enhancing renal lesions. Results The individual iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC, mean attenuation on 75-keV images, radiomic model of iodine images, 75-keV images and a combined model integrating all the above-mentioned features all demonstrated high AUCs for predicting renal lesion enhancement in cohort A (AUCs = 0.934–0.979) as well as in the test dataset (AUCs = 0.892–0.962) of cohort B ( P values with Bonferroni correction >0.003). The AUC (0.864) of mean attenuation on 75-keV images was significantly lower than those of other models (all P values ≤0.001) except the radiomic model of 75-keV images ( P = 0.038) in the training dataset of cohort B. Conclusion No incremental value was found by adding radiomic and machine learning analyses to iodine images for differentiating enhancing from non-enhancing renal lesions.
The burden of polypharmacy and drug–drug interactions in older cancer patients treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Guven Deniz C , Kavgaci Gozde , Aktepe Oktay H , Yildirim Hasan C , Sahin Taha K , Aksoy Sercan , Erman Mustafa , Kilickap Saadettin , Yalcin Suayib 
Published: April 2021

Introduction Polypharmacy is a common problem in older cancer patients, although the data about polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescription practices is limited in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the polypharmacy frequency and drug-drug interactions in older cancer patients (≥65 years) treated with ICIs. Methods A total of 70 geriatric patients with advanced cancer were included. The polypharmacy was defined as regular use of 5 or more drugs. The START/STOPP Criteria Version 2 was used for the potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and potential prescription omissions (PPO). The Medscape Drug Interaction Checker was used for potential drug-drug interactions. Results The patients had a median of 6 regular drugs, and polypharmacy was present in 77.1%. The polypharmacy risk was significantly increased in patients over 75 years of age (p = 0.028) and with opioid use (p = 0.048). The 50% of patients had category D or X interactions. Patients with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index had significantly increased risk for drug interactions (CCI ≤10 vs. >10, p = 0.017). The PIMs were present in 44.3% and the PPOs in 68.6% of the patients. While the overall survival and immune related adverse events were similar according to polypharmacy, in patients using seven or more drugs, the acute kidney injury risk was increased (HR: 4.667, p = 0.038). Conclusion In this study, we observed a high rate of polypharmacy and inappropriate prescription practices in ICI-treated patients. These issues pointed out the need for improved general medical care and attention for better comedication management in ICI-treated patients.
Blood contamination of the pharmaceutical staff by irinotecan and its two major metabolites inside and outside a compounding unit
Authors: Béchet Victoire , Benoist Hubert , Beau Frédéric , Divanon Fabienne , Lagadu Stéphanie , Sichel F , Delépée Raphael , Saint-Lorant Guillaume 
Published: April 2021

Background Caregivers in healthcare settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination which can lead to adverse health effects. Biological monitoring is necessary to estimate the actual level of exposure of these workers. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing blood contamination levels by irinotecan and its metabolites of pharmaceutical staff operating inside and outside a compounding unit. Methods The study took place within the pharmaceutical unit of a French comprehensive cancer centre. Blood samples were collected from the pharmacy workers operating inside and outside the compounding unit, and analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and red blood cell irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined with a validated analytical method detection test. Results A total of 17/78 (21.8%) plasma and red blood cell-based assays were found to be contaminated among staff. Overall, the total number of positive assays was significantly higher for staff members working outside the compounding unit than for workers working inside it ( P = 0.022), with respectively 5/42 (11.9%) and 12/36 (33.3%) positive assays. For plasma dosages, the “outside” group had a significantly higher number of positive assays ( P = 0.014). For red blood cell-based assays, no significant difference was found ( P = 0.309). Conclusions This study reveals that pharmaceutical staff serving in health care settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination, not only inside the compounding room but also in adjacent rooms. The results would help to raise awareness and potentially establish protective measures for caregivers working in areas close to the compounding room as well.
The influence of Hanok experience on tourists’ attitude and behavioral intention: An interplay between experiences and a Value-Attitude-Behavior model
Authors: Lee Choong-Ki , Reisinger Yvette , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil , Park Yae-Na , Kang Choong-Won 
Published: April 2021

This study examines the impact of Hanok experience on tourists’ attitude and behavioral intention using the experience economy ( Pine and Gilmore, 1998 ) and the experienced utility theory ( Kahneman et al., 1997 ). Specifically, the study explores how tourists’ experiences are associated with a Value-Attitude-Behavior (VAB) model in the context of a heritage tourism attraction such as Jeonju Hanok Village in South Korea. A total of 323 responses were examined using SEM analysis. The results revealed that educational, entertainment, and escapism experiences significantly influenced functional value. Functional value had a significant relationship with attitude, which was positively related to behavioral intention. The results indicate the interplay of tourists’ experiences with the VAB model. The study provides theoretical and practical implications for tourism and hospitality academics and practitioners.
Histopathological analysis of incompetent great saphenous veins after mechanochemical ablation treatment – An ex-vivo experiment
Authors: Yang Bo , Nie Qiang-Qiang , Fan Xue-Qiang , Zhang Jian-Bin , Liu Peng 
Published: April 2021

Background The endovascular technique of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) has become popular in treating patients with saphenous reflux. We reported the histopathological findings in human ex-vivo incompetent great saphenous veins following treatment with saline, polidocanol, mechanical ablation and MOCA using ClariVein device. Methods Twenty-four vein GSV specimens were obtained via traditional surgery and treated with four methods: Group A: 0.9% normal saline (NS); Group B: 3% polidocanol; Group C: mechanical ablation + 0.9% NS; Group D: mechanical ablation + 3% polidocanol (MOCA). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson’s trichrome and immunohistochemical staining were performed on each specimen and integrated optical densities were measured with vWF and a-SMA stains and statistically evaluated. vWF staining was used to assess endothelial damage and a a-SMA staining was used to assess media injury. Results HE and Masson’s trichrome staining of Groups C and D revealed severe damage to the endothelium and media compared to Groups A and B. The statistical result of vWF staining showed the damage of endothelium was significantly increased by Group D compared to Groups A, B and C. The statistical result of a-SMA staining showed the damage of media was significantly increased by Groups C and D compared to Groups A and B. Conclusions The mechanism of MOCA was caused by both endothelium damage and media tearing. The damage of endothelium was significantly increased by MOCA when compared with mechanical ablation alone.
The relation between neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios with mortality and limb amputation after acute limb ischaemia
Authors: Pasqui Edoardo , de Donato Gianmarco , Giannace Giovanni , Panzano Claudia , Alba Giuseppe , Cappelli Alessandro , Setacci Carlo , Palasciano Giancarlo 
Published: April 2021

Objective Acute limb ischaemia is still considered a significant event, with considerable early- and long-term amputation and mortality risk. Our study aims to investigate the predictive role of pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in terms of mortality and amputation risk in patients with acute limb ischaemia. Methods Pre-operative blood samples of all patients admitted with acute limb ischaemia were used to calculate neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios. Population was subdivided into quartiles by platelet/lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values, and Kaplan-Meier life tables were obtained for overall survival and limb salvage. The optimal neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio cut-offs were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves with all-cause mortality and all kinds of amputation. Stepwise multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent risk and protective factors for mortality and amputations. Results A total of 168 patients were included in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified cut-off values for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥5.57 for mortality; neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥6.66 and platelet/lymphocyte ratio ≥269.9 for all amputations. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival rate in group neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio <5.57 was 83.4%, 78.9%, 73.7%, and 59.8%, respectively, at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months; in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥5.57 group was 62.4%, 51.3%, 47.8, and 43.7%, respectively ( p < 0.0001). Freedom from all amputations was significantly higher in case of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio below the identified cut-off values ( p < 0.0001). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were found as independent risk factors. Conclusion Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are reliable markers for stratification of mortality and limb amputations in patients with acute limb ischaemia. The inexpensive nature and ready availability of these biomarkers' values reinforced their usefulness in everyday clinical practice.
Physical assessment in pharmacy practice: Perspectives from pharmacists, nonpharmacist health care providers and the public
Authors: Leong Christine , Soufi Leila 
Published: April 2021

Background: Physical assessment in pharmacy practice is not a new concept, yet the idea is still unfamiliar to many people. Canadian pharmacy graduates are expected to be trained in physical examination as it relates to drug therapy. However, standard delivery of course content in this area has not been clearly established, and previous publications have reported low uptake of this practice despite formal training. To aid the future development of a physical assessment course for pharmacists that is relevant to practice and will contribute to patient care, it is important to gather insight from practising pharmacists, health care providers and the public. Objective: To determine the type of physical assessment skills that would be of value to pharmacy practice and the benefits and barriers of these skills in practice from the perspectives of pharmacists, health care providers and the public. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of pharmacists, nonpharmacist health care providers and the public. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to describe data. Results: A total of 348 respondents (98 pharmacists, 154 nonpharmacist health care providers, 96 public) completed the survey. Most (64%) nonpharmacist providers were physiotherapists or occupational therapists (only 6.5% physicians). Most respondents felt that performing basic vital signs was relevant to pharmacy practice (79% pharmacists, 69% other providers, 79% public) and felt confident and comfortable about pharmacists using these skills. Palpation, percussion and auscultation were rated less favourably (<50% for most respondents). Nonpharmacist providers tended to be less favourable than pharmacist and public respondents. Seven themes related to benefits and 13 themes related to disadvantages of pharmacists performing physical assessment were identified. Conclusion: These findings provide insight into opinions about the value of pharmacists performing physical assessments. Consensus recommendations on performance expectations to improve recognition of pharmacists in this area is needed in the future. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154:xx-xx.
Three-month outcomes of recovered COVID-19 patients: prospective observational study
Authors: Cao Jie , Zheng Xueying , Wei Wei , Chu Xinmin , Chen Xianmeng , Wang Ying , Liu Qiqi , Luo Sihui , Weng Jianping , Hu Xiaowen 
Published: April 2021

Aims: A novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the outcomes of recovered patients have not been well defined. Methods: This is a prospective observational follow-up study of survivors with COVID-19 from a designated tertiary center in Hefei, China. We examined chest computed tomography (CT) scanning, pulmonary function, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and 36 item Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36). Results: Among 81 enrolled patients, 62 (77%) patients and 61 (75%) patients, respectively, completed 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Abnormal CT findings were still present in 73% of patients at 1 month and 54% at 3 months, whereas chest CT scan scores improved progressively at 1-month (5.0 ± 5.1) and 3-month follow up (3.0 ± 4.5) compared with that during hospitalization (11 ± 6.8). Mild restrictive pulmonary impairment was detected in 11% and 10% of patients at 1-month and 3-month follow up, respectively. The 6MWD was 523 ± 77 m in male patients and 484 ± 58 m in female patients, which was significantly lower than in healthy controls (606 ± 68 m, 568 ± 78 m, p < 0.001). SF-36 scores were significantly impaired in the domains of role physical (RP), role emotional (RE), and social functioning (SF) compared with the normal age-matched population. RP was improved at 3-month compared with 1-month follow up in the 41–64 years group ( p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that older age (over 40 years) and steroid administration during hospitalization were independently associated with worse chest CT scores at 3-month follow up. Conclusions: At 3 months, chest CT abnormalities were present in one half of COVID-19 survivors and worse chest CT scores were independently associated with older age and steroid administration during hospitalization. Residual pulmonary function impairments were modest, whereas exercise capacity and SF-36 scores were significantly lower than the general population. Support program and further follow-up evaluations may be needed. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Efficacy and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab and trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib monotherapy for chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Chida Keigo , Kotani Daisuke , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Kawazoe Akihito , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Shitara Kohei , Kojima Takashi , Taniguchi Hiroya , Watanabe Jun , Endo Itaru , Yoshino Takayuki 
Published: April 2021

Background: The C-TASK-FORCE phase I/II and Danish randomized phase II trials reported the promising efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS102) plus bevacizumab (BEV) in patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, there had been no direct comparative phase III trial to compare the efficacy between TAS102 plus BEV and standard therapy with either TAS102 or regorafenib monotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with mCRC who received TAS102 plus BEV, TAS102 monotherapy, or regorafenib monotherapy after standard chemotherapies during 2013–2019. Results: Patients received TAS102 plus BEV ( n = 139), TAS102 monotherapy ( n = 153), or regorafenib monotherapy ( n = 133). With a median follow-up of 25.3 months, median overall survival (OS) was 11.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 9.9–13.9] for TAS102 plus BEV, 8.1 months (95% CI, 6.8–9.2) for TAS102 monotherapy, and 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.7–8.5) for regorafenib monotherapy. The hazard ratios were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.51–0.88) for TAS102 plus BEV versus TAS102 monotherapy and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.54–0.94) for TAS102 plus BEV versus regorafenib monotherapy. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.4 months (95% CI, 3.7–5.4) for TAS102 plus BEV, 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.6–2.3) for TAS102 monotherapy, and 2.1 months (95% CI, 1.6–2.3) for regorafenib monotherapy. The hazard ratios were 0.57 (95% CI, 0.45–0.73) for TAS102 plus BEV versus TAS102 monotherapy and 0.44 (95% CI, 0.34–0.58) for TAS102 plus BEV versus regorafenib monotherapy. On multivariate analysis, TAS102 plus BEV was independently correlated with better OS and PFS. No unexpected adverse events were observed in any group. Conclusion: Our study shows that OS and PFS are longer in patients treated with TAS102 plus BEV than in those treated with TAS102 or regorafenib monotherapy.
Patient-reported outcomes from a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase III study of baricitinib versus placebo in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate therapy: results from the RA-BALANCE study
Authors: Yang Yue , Xu Jianhua , Xu Jian , Li Xingfu , Hu Jiankang , Li Xiangpei , Zhang Xiao , He Dongyi , Bao Chunde , Li Zhijun , Wang Guochun , Zerbini Cristiano A. F. , Spindler Alberto J. , Kannowski Carol L. , Wu Hanjun , Ji Fei , Zhan Lujing , Liu Mengru , Li Zhanguo 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: To assess the effect of baricitinib on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). Methods: This was a 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase III study in patients with RA who had an inadequate response to MTX. Patients ( n = 290) receiving stable background MTX were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive placebo or baricitinib 4 mg once daily with a primary endpoint at week 12. PROs assessed included Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity, patient’s assessment of pain, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Level index scores and visual analogue scale, and measures collected in electronic patient daily diaries: duration of morning joint stiffness, Worst Tiredness, and Worst Joint Pain. Treatment comparisons were made with logistic regression and analysis of covariance models for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: Statistically significant ( p ⩽ 0.05) improvements in all PROs were observed in the baricitinib 4 mg group compared to placebo as early as week 1 to week 4; and were sustained to week 24. These improvements were maintained until week 52 for the baricitinib group. A significantly larger proportion of patients met or exceeded the minimum clinically important difference for HAQ-DI (⩾0.22) and FACIT-F (3.56) profiles in the baricitinib group. Conclusion: Baricitinib provided significant improvements in PROs compared to placebo to 52 weeks of treatment in patients with RA who had an inadequate response to MTX. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02265705 ; NCT02265705; RA-BALANCE. Registered 13 October 2014
Comparison of three treatment protocols with intra-articular low or intermediate molecular weight hyaluronic acid in early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Galluccio Felice , D’Angela Daniela , Polistena Barbara , Porta Francesco , Barskova Tatiana , Tofani Lorenzo , Spandonaro Federico , Matucci-Cerinic Marco 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) is indicated for non-responders to non-pharmacological therapy, to analgesics or when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy, safety and costs of three different HA treatments ( Sinovial® Forte, sinovial one and hyalgan). Patients and methods: Ninety patients with grade I/II Kellgren–Lawrence knee osteoarthritis were included in three groups, the first was treated with hyalgan (weekly for 5 weeks), the second with Sinovial® Forte (weekly for 3 weeks) and the third group with a single injection of sinovial one. Results: All three treatments were effective, with an average reduction in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score of 18.9 points for hyalgan, 18.04 points for Sinovial® Forte and 17.92 points for sinovial one. The comparison of the three groups did not show any statistical difference in terms of efficacy. National health system (NHS) and social costs are, respectively, €419.12 and €853.43 for hyalgan, €338.64 and €599.22 for Sinovial® Forte, €221.56 and €308.42 for sinovial one. Conclusion: All three treatments were equally effective with no statistically significant differences; thus, the treatment with sinovial one may be considered as clinically effective as the other two regimens, but with a very efficient cost profile in early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.