bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and patient-reported outcomes associated to dropout in severely affected oncological patients
Authors: Gebert Pimrapat , Schindel Daniel , Frick Johann , Schenk Liane , Grittner Ulrike 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used and are surrogates for clinical outcomes in cancer research. In the research setting of very severe diseases such as cancer, it is difficult to avoid the problem of incomplete questionnaires from drop-out or missing data due to patients who deceased during observation period. We aimed to explore patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes associated with the time-to-dropout. MethodsIn the Oncological Social Care Project (OSCAR) study the condition of participants was assessed four times within 12 months (t0: baseline, t1: 3 months, t2: 6 months, and t3: 12 months) by validated PROMs. We performed competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray’s proportional sub-distribution hazards model for exploring factors associated with time-to-dropout. Death was considered as competing risk. ResultsThree hundred sixty-two participants were analyzed in the study. 193 (53.3%) completed follow-up at 12 months, 67 (18.5%) patients dropped out, and 102 patients (28.2%) died during the study period. Poor subjective social support was related to higher risk for drop-out (SHR=2.10; 95%CI: 1.01 – 4.35). Lower values in health-related quality of life were related to drop-out and death. The subscales global health status/QoL, role functioning, physical functioning, and fatigue symptom in the EORTC QLQ-C30 were key characteristics associated with early drop-out.ConclusionSeverely affected cancer patients with poor social support and poor quality of life seem more likely to drop out of studies compared to patients with higher levels of social support and quality of life. This should be considered when planning studies assessing cancer patients. Methods to monitor drop-outs timely and handle missing outcomes might be used. Results of such studies have to be interpreted with caution in light of the particular drop-out mechanisms.
Highly Accurate Coiflet wavelet-Homotopy Solution of Jeffery-Hamel Problem at Extreme Parameters
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Xu Hang , Wang An-Yang , Chen Qing-Bo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The magnetised Jeffery-Hamel flow due to a point sink or source in convergent and divergent channels is studied. The simplified governing equation ruled by the Reynolds number, the Hartmann number and the divergent-convergent angle with appropriate boundary conditions are solved by the newly proposed Coiflet wavelet-homotopy method. Highly accurate solutions are obtained, whose accuracy is rigidly checked. As compared with the traditional homotopy analysis method, our proposed technique has higher computational efficiency and larger applicable range of physical parameters. Results show that our proposed technique is very convenient to handle strong nonlinear problems without special treatment. It is expected that this technique can be further applied to study complex nonlinear problems in science and engineering involving into extreme physical parameters. Besides, the influence of physically important quantities on the flow is discussed. It is found that wall stretching and shrinking exhibits totally different roles on the flow development. The enhanced Lorenz force affects the flow behaviours significantly for both convergent and divergent cases.
Candida Species in Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Patients With Chronic Aspiration
Authors: Moss Benjamin Joseph , Musher Daniel M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWhen Candida is found in a sputum culture, clinicians generally dismiss it as a contaminant. We sought to identify cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in which Candida might play a contributory etiologic role.MethodsIn a convenience sample of patients hospitalized for CAP, we screened for “high-quality sputum” by Gram stain (>20 WBC/epithelial cell) and performed quantitative sputum cultures. Criteria for a potential etiologic role for Candida included the observation of large numbers of yeast forms on Gram stain and the finding of >106 CFU/ml Candida in sputum. We gathered clinical information on cases that met these criteria for possible Candida infection.ResultsSputum from 6 of 154 consecutive CAP patients had large numbers of extra- and intracellular yeast forms on Gram stain, with >106 CFU/ml Candida albicans, glabrata, or tropicalis on quantitative culture. In all 6 patients, the clinical diagnoses at admission included chronic aspiration. Greater than 105 CFU/ml of a recognized bacterial pathogen (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Pseudomonas) or >106 CFU/ml of other ‘normal respiratory flora’ (Lactobacillus species) were present together with Candida in every case. Blood cultures yielded Candida in 1 case, and 1,3-beta-D glucan was >500 ng/mL in 3 of 3 cases in which it was assayed. Since all patients were treated with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal drugs, no inference about etiology can be derived from therapeutic response.Conclusions﻿Candida species, together with a recognized bacterial pathogen or normal respiratory flora, may contribute to the cause of CAP in patients who chronically aspirate.
The Influence of Caffeine and Genistein Ingestion on Plasma Triglycerides Status in Male Soccer Players
Authors: Danielik Karol Mateusz , Łoźna Karolina , Bronkowska Monika 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Scientific literature provides more and more information on compounds supporting fat metabolism. More research is needed to fully characterize the effects of compounds that increase concentration triglycerides. The aim of our study was to test the influence of caffeine and genistein consumption on triglyceride status in athletes.Methods Fourteen Polish adult sub-elite soccer players (23.1 ± 2.1 years; 179.6 ± 8.5 cm; 74.1 ± 8.5 kg; 12.4 ± 3.8% body fat) were accepted for research. The athletes for this randomized, double-blind study were joining fasted. After consuming a standardized milk meal, participants took caffeine (400 mg), genistein (120 mg), or placebo (400 mg of vitamin C). Athletes ate the compound if it saw a sequentially increase and decrease in triglyceride concentration after eating the test meal. Participants had their glucose levels measured every 15 minutes with a glucometer (Accu-Chek Active) and their triglyceride levels with CardioChek PA. The subject was terminating the study when he had sequentially increased and decreased triglyceride concentration after the compound. If no such reaction occurred, measurements were taken for up to 90 minutes. In order to determine statistically significant differences between the variables, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests were used. The significance level of α = 0.05 was adopted for both of these tests. The relationships between the variables were determined using the Spearman R correlation. The correlations were statistically significant at p ≤ 0.100.Results A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the initial and maximum triglyceride concentration after caffeine consumption compared to placebo (p = 0.049). After consuming caffeine, the athletes had a significant difference in trigliceride concentration at 30 min (p = 0.018) and 60 min (p = 0.036) compared to placebo. In the group taking genistein, only a statistically significant difference was noticed compared to placebo only in 60 min (p = 0.029).Conclusion Our research results show that after acute caffeine and genistein supplementation, triglyceride concentration increase in soccer players.
A Study Based on CASIA2: What the Subtle Changes Has Taken Place in the Shape of the Crystalline Lens After Cycloplegia?
Authors: Dai Cheng , Liu Meng , Lv Xiaodong , Li Binzhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the shape of the crystalline lens biometry and the diopter before and after cycloplegia using the CASIA2 swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) system on the anterior segment.Methods: This is a retrospective study. Children and adolescents (26 males and 29 females, aged 4–21 years) with simple ametropia were selected for optometry and CASIA2 imaging at 2 separate visits before and after cycloplegia. Diopter is derived from the spherical power (S) obtained by optometry. The Biometric parameters of the crystalline lens, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior and posterior curvature of the lens (ACL and PCL), lens thickness (LTH), lens decentration(LD), lens tilt(LT), and the equivalent diameter of the lens (LED), were measured by CASIA2. The differences of these parameters before and after cycloplegia were compared, and the relationship between them was analyzed.Results: Fifty-five participants (106 eyes) were initially enrolled. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05) in S (t=-7.026, P=0.000), ACD (t=-8.796, P=0.000), ACL (t=-13.263, P=0.000) and LTH（t=7.363, P=0.000）before and after cycloplegia. The change of PCL (t=1.557,P=0.122), LD (t=0.876, P=0.383), LT (t=0.440, P=0.661) and LED（t=-0.351, P=0.726） was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was a significant (P<0.05) correlation between the change in S and ACL(r=0.466, P=0.000),LTH (r=-0.592, P=0.000),and LED (r=0.223, P=0.021) but not between the PCL(r=0.19, P=0.051), LD (r=-0.048, P=0.0628) and LT (r=-0.022, P=0.822). Furthermore, the change of ACD is closely related to the change of crystal morphology. However, in children and adolescents, we found that the change of crystal morphology will not have anything to do with age.Conclusion: The morphological changes of the lens before and after cycloplegia are mainly the ACL and LTH, but there is no difference in the PCL, LD, LT, and LED. In the adolescent population, the change of S is related to the change of ACL, LED and LTH. However, age gets nothing to do with the shape of the crystalline lens. For different refractive states (myopia, hyperopia, emmetropia), whether groups of different ages can reach the same conclusion needs further research.
Effect and Safety of Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Patients Suffering From Colorectal Cancer.
Authors: Shang An , Wang Shuang , Yang Yongping , Li Liping , Zhao Zeyun , Li Donglin , Guo Yu , Wang Min 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC), the third most commonly diagnosed malignant neoplasm and the third most common cause of carcinoma-related mortality, continues to be a major international health problem. And approximately 33% of patients suffer from recurrence after radical surgery. Free malignant cells implanting in the peritoneum is generally accepted for present purposes. We did the study with the aim of evaluating the effects and safety of Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IOC) on patients suffering from colorectal cancer.MethodsIn total, 357 patients who went through colorectal radical surgery were considered eligible between September 23rd, 2017 to December 31st, 2018. 179 patients were treated with surgery alone, and 178 patients received surgery plus IOC. Clinical characteristics, operative findings, postoperative short-term outcomes and Disease- Free survival (DFS) were compared between the 2 groups in the selected population.ResultThe present research involves 357 patients (224 men and 133 women) who underwent surgery alone (n = 179) or surgery plus IOC (n = 178), with a mean (SD) age of 61.9 (10.4) years in the surgery alone group and 61.9 (9.1) in the surgery plus IOC group (P = .52). No significant differences were witnessed between the two groups in surgery-related information and postoperative complications. In patients with stage II colorectal cancer, the Disease- Free 1, 2and 3 years survival rates of surgery alone group were 98%, 91% and 86% respectively; and 96%, 94% and 81% respectively for surgery combined with IOC group (P = .82, Kaplan-Meier log-rank). In stage Ⅲ CRC patients, the survival rate analysis (Kaplan-Meier) showed a 82%, 68% and 61% Disease- Free survival of surgery alone group and a 94%, 85% and 82% of surgery plus IOC group after 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively (P = .002, Kaplan-Meier log rank).ConclusionsIn the present study, we have found that surgery plus IOC generated a favorable prognosis for stage Ⅲ CRC patients but not stage Ⅱ without any side-effects when the dosage of lobaplatin was 0.1 g/L. As a new, safe, and simple procedure, IOC therapy is easily performed anywhere and does not require any special devices or techniques. Thus, IOC is a promising and exciting therapeutic strategy for patients with CRC.
Calcium Sulfate Versus PMMA&nbsp;in One Stage Repair of Critical-sized Femoral Defects: A Vitro Study
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Qin Hanjun , Jiang Nan , Yao Zilong , Lin Qingrong , Zhang Sheng , Chen Yirong , Xu Changpeng , Hu Yanjun , Bin Yu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement has been used in Masquelet technique to repair bone defects, but it needs additional surgery like bone grafting. This study was to compare the efficacy between PMMA and calcium sulfate (CS) used as a spacer in one-stage reconstruction of critical-sized segmental bone defects. Sprague Dawley rats (n=30) were used to create models of critical-sized femoral defect (5mm) which were then randomized into CS, PMMA and control groups equally. the bone defects were filled with CS, PMMA or nothing. Gross observation, digital radiography, histological observation and micro-computed tomography were conducted at week 20 after surgery for comparison between the three groups. The expression of Osterix, Nestin and Osteocalcin at the bone defects was also detected by immunofluorescent staining. The results of X-Ray and μCT showed that new bone formation in CS group was superior to that in PMMA group. H&E, Safranin O & fast green and Masson staining showed obvious endochondral ossification and fibrocartilage tissues at the ends of bone defects in CS group. Much more new bone tissue formed near the ends of bone defects in CS group. In addition, osteogenic and angiogenic activities were significantly increased in CS and PMMA groups. Compared with PMMA and control groups, the expression of Osteoblast-associated protein at the bone defects in CS group was higher. In general, due to the degradability of CS and superior osteogenesis ability, CS may replace PMMA as a new filling material in clinical application.
Clinical Course and Risk Factors for Liver Injury of Severe and Critical Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Liu Jingyuan , Du Chunjing , Yang Siyuan , Pu Lin , Xiang Pan , Li Ang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Information regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 patients with liver injury is very limited, especially in severe and critical patients. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and clinical course of liver function in patients admitted with severe and/or critical SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as explore the risk factors that affect liver function in the enrolled COVID-19 patients.Methods: Information on clinical characteristics of 63 severe and critical patients with confirmed COVID-19 were collected and analyzed.Results: The incidence of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin in the critical group was significantly higher than in the severe group (respectively 81.48%, 81.49%, 62.67%, and 45.71%, 63.88%, 22.86%, p＜0.05). The time for liver function parameters to reach their extremes was approximately 2-3 weeks after admission. The independent factors associated with liver injury were patients with invasive ventilators, decreased percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 2 (p＜0.05).Conclusions: Abnormal liver tests are commonly observed in severe and critical patients with COVID-19. The patients with severe illness should be closely observed to monitor liver function parameters, particularly when they present with independent risk factors of liver injury.
Prevotella Contributing to the Individual Respons E of e of FOLFOX in Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu Fengguo , Hou Xiaoying , Chu Weihua , Du Hongzhi , Gao Yiqiao , Sun Ruiqi , Qin Siyuan , Tian Yuan , Zhang Pei , Zhang Zunjian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
While FOLFOX has been the preferred chemotherapeutic strategy in colon cancer treatment, the limited response rate has seriously restricted its application in clinic. The underlying mechanisms of the individual response of FOLFOX remain to be elucidated. In this study, pharmacomicrobiomics integrated with pharmacometabolomics was applied to disentangle the key role of specific gut bacteria and microbiota derived metabolites involved. As a result , significant variation of chemotherapy efficacy was observed in tumor bearing mice after FOLFOX administration. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed the relative abundance of Staphylococcus , Jeotgalicoccus , Sphingomonas significantly increased in the FOLFOX sensitive group, whereas Prevotella was higher in the non sensitive individuals . Meanwhile, verification study o n FOLFOX combined with bacteria colonization indicates that Prevotella could attenuate the anti cancer efficacy of FOLFOX in vivo . Furthermore, gut derived metabolite 3-Oxocholic acid (3-Oxo) identified by metabolomics approach was confirmed to associate with Prevotella in fecal samples. In addition, preliminary functional exploration suggested that 3-Oxo could reverse the anti cancer effect of FOLFOX and promote malignant progression Taken together, integrated pharmacomicrobiomics and pharmacometabolomics revealed that Prevotella and related metabolite 3-Oxo may be responsible for individualized FOLFOX efficacy, which provides novel predictive biomarkers for FOLFOX precise medicine as well as targets for colon cancer therapy.
Aqueous extract of Parkinsonia aculeata has an anti-urolithiatic effect in rats
Authors: Eghbali Seyed Sajjad , Akbarzadeh Samad , Bargahi Afshar , Mirzaei Kamran , Maleki Nasrollah , Bahtouee Mehrzad , Yazdanpanah Ahmad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Many antioxidant agents have been studied for prevention and treatment of the kidney stone disease in animals and humans. Parkinsonia aculeate (P. aculeate) has a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities, particularly antioxidant properties. The goal of this research was to investigate the anti-urolithiatic effect of P. aculeate extract on ethylene glycol induced renal calculi.Materials and methods: A total of 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six equal groups with seven rats in each group: Group A served as healthy control group and received distilled water for 30 days. Group B served as ethylene glycol control group and received 1% v/v ethylene glycol in distilled water for 30 days. Group C, D, and E animals (preventive groups) concurrently received 1% v/v ethylene glycol in distilled water along with extract of P. aculeata orally for 30 days in doses of 100 mg/kg (low dose), 200 mg/kg (moderate dose), and 300 mg/kg (high dose), respectively. Group F (treatment groups) received 1% v/v ethylene glycol in distilled water for the first 30 days along with extract of P. aculeata 300 mg/kg orally from 15th to 30th days. At the end of study period, 24-hour urine and serum samples were collected and analyzed. All rats were sacrificed and both kidneys were removed, weighed and histopathologically evaluated for calcium oxalate crystals.Results: Ethylene glycol significantly decreased serum calcium, urinary levels of creatinine, calcium and uric acid. On the contrary, it significantly increased 24-hour urine volume, kidney weight, and calcium oxalate deposits. The highest number of calcium oxalate crystal depositions were in the high dose preventive group (76.6%), which is statistically significant difference with other groups including ethylene glycol control (70%), low dose preventive (72%), treatment (38%), and moderate dose preventive (42%) groups (P value < 0.05). Administration of extract of P. aculeata significantly reduced the production of calcium oxalate stones in moderate dose preventive and treatment group. However, P. Aculeata extract was not effective in reducing the formation of calcium oxalate stones in low dose and high dose preventive groups. Interestingly, the number of calcium oxalate deposits in the renal tubules of high dose preventive group was significantly more than the ethylene glycol control group.Conclusions: Extract of P. aculeata has preventive and therapeutic effects in ethylene glycol induced renal calculi in Wistar rat. Further studies are necessary to clarify the mechanism underlying this effect.
Increased risk of gastro-oesophageal cancers among married couples: Data from the Ardabil Cancer Registry (ACR) in Northwest of Iran, 2002-2016
Authors: Iranparvar-Alamdari Manouchehr , Yazdanbod Abbas , Maleki Nasrollah , Rostami-Mogaddam Majid , Amani Farnaz 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The study of cancer in spouses may play an important role in the assessment of cancer etiology. This study aims to evaluate the risk of gastro-oesophageal cancers among spouses.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of the Ardabil Cancer Registry (ACR) office for patients with a diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal cancers from 2002 to 2016. Data were collected by trained medical personnel through medical records.Results: A total of 2741 participants diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal cancer were enrolled in this study: 1786 (65.2%) had gastric cancer and 955 (34.8%) had oesophageal cancer. In the 14 years of the study period, twelve couples with gastro-oesophageal cancer were identified. The mean duration at marriage among the couples was 42.5 years of age. A positive history of consanguineous marriage was found in 2 (16.7%) of the cases. Of these 12 couples with gastro-oesophageal cancer, 8 (33.3%) were located in the oesophagus, 15 (62.5%) in the stomach, and one (4.2%) at the gastro-oesophageal junction. Histologically, all gastric cancers were adenocarcinoma and were located mainly in the cardia region (66.7%). However, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histologic type of oesophageal cancer (87.5%) and were located mainly in the middle thirds and lower thirds of the oesophagus.Conclusions: The presence of shared risk factors among married couples such as lifestyle (smoking and alcohol consumption), nutritional habits, psychological stress, and H. pylori infection, indicating that environmental factors play an important role in the development of gastric cancer.