bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment and Survival Analysis for 40-year SEER Data on Upper Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhu Ming-Chuang , Li Guoliang , Xiong Peng , Zhu Min 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Upper esophageal cancer (UEC) is rare in western countries. We elucidated the survival outcomes of UEC and analyzed factors associated with prognosis of UEC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.Methods: Cases of UEC (C15.3 and C15.0) arising during the period from 1973 to 2013 were identified and selected. Esophageal cancer-specific survival (ECSS) and overall survival (OS) rate were calculated by Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze predictive factors.Results: Since 1973, there has been a significant increase (1973-1982 vs. 2004-2013) in median OS (7 months vs. 10 months, p<0.001) and median ECSS (7 months vs. 11months, p < 0.001) among patients with UEC. The ECSS and OS of surgery without radiation (SWR) and radiation plus surgery (R+S) were superior to those of radiation without surgery (RWS). For patients with localized disease, ECSS and OS were highest among patients treated with SWR, compared with patients with R+S and RWS. For patients with regional disease, ECSS and OS were highest among patients with R+S, compared with SWR or RWS. Among patients with regional-stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), OS was higher with neoadjuvant radiotherapy or adjuvant radiotherapy, compared with SWR. Multivariate analysis showed that radiotherapy sequence was dependently associated with OS among patients with regional-stage SCC.Conclusion: Although survival of patients with UEC has gradually increased since 1973, the long-term survival among this patient population remains poor. Effective treatments for UEC include surgery, radiotherapy, and combination of surgery and radiotherapy.
Analyses of Predictive Factors Associated with Hypocalcemia and Elevated iPTH with Normocalcemia after Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Chai Hui-Hui , Zhao Yu , Ye Rui-Zhong , Zeng Zeng , Zhang Zheng-Xian , Hu Qiao-Hong , Pang Hai-Su , Peng Cheng-Zhong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To assess the feasibility of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and determine predictive factors for hypocalcemia and elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone(ePTH) with normocalcemia after ablation.
Materials and Methods

Between January 2015 and January 2021, data from 44 patients with PHPT who were treated with US-guided RFA were retrospectively evaluated. Serum intact parathyroid hormone(iPTH), total calcium (Ca), phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels and the volume of the abnormal enlarged parathyroid glands were recorded before RFA. Changes in iPTH and Ca levels at 1 and 3 days, and, 1, 3, and 6 months after ablation were recorded.
Results

Overall, thirteen patients developed hypocalcemia 1–3 days after RFA. ePTH with normocalcemia developed in 17 patients 1 month after RFA. Thirty-two patients were followed up for more than 6 months, and 27 of these patients had sustained normalized values for both serum iPTH and Ca levels more than 6 months after RFA. There were significantly more patients who developed hypocalcaemia, when the baseline ALP was greater than 261.5 U/L (sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 100.0%). The risk of ePTH decreased by 21.7% for every 1 ng/mL increase in 25 (OH) D3. The risk of ePTH was increased when a patient's serum iPTH was higher than 172.4 pg/mL (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 76.2%).
Conclusions

US-guided RFA is feasible for clinical management of PHPT patients. Hypocalcaemia following RFA was associated with higher pre-RFA serum ALP levels. Elevated iPTH levels with normocalcemia at 1 month after RFA were associated with pre-RFA vitamin D deficiency and higher baseline iPTH levels. Patients with higher serum ALP and iPTH and lower 25 (OH) D3 levels before RFA need to be managed carefully and monitored closely after RFA of PHPT.
Melatonin reduces neuroinflammation and improves axonal hypomyelination by modulating M1/M2 microglia polarization via JAK2-STAT3-telomerase pathway in postnatal rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhou Qiuping , Lin Lanfen , Li Haiyan , Jiang Shuqi , Wang Huifang , Huang Peixian , Lin Qiongyu , Chen Xuan , Deng Yiyu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Microglia activation and associated inflammation are implicated in the periventricular white matter damage (PWMD) in septic postnatal rats. This study investigated whether melatonin would mitigate inflammation and alleviate the axonal hypomyelination in the corpus callosum in septic postnatal rats. We further explored if this might be through modulating microglial polarization from M1 phenotype to M2 through JAK2/STAT3/telomerase pathway. We reported here that melatonin, indeed, not only can it reduce the neurobehavioral disturbances in LPS injected rats, but it can also dampen microglia mediated inflammation. Thus, in LPS + melatonin group, expression of proinflammatory mediators in M1 phenotype microglia was downregulated. As opposed to this, M2 microglia were increased which was accompanied by upregulated expression of anti-inflammatory mediators along with TERT or MT1. In parallel to this was decreased NG2 expression but increased expression of myelin and neurofilament proteins. That melatonin can improve hypomyelination was confirmed by electron microscopy. In vitro in primary microglia stimulated by LPS, melatonin decreased the expression of proinflammatory mediators significantly; but it increased expression of anti-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, the expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 were significantly elevated in microglia after melatonin treatment. Remarkably, the melatonin effects on LPS treated microglia was blocked by melatonin receptor, JAK2, STAT3 and telomerase reverse transcriptase inhibitors, respectively. Taken together, it is concluded that melatonin can attenuate PWMD through shifting M1 microglia towards M2 via MT1/JAK2/STAT3/telomerase pathway. The results suggest a new therapeutic strategy whereby melatonin may be adopted to convert microglial polarization that would ultimately contribute to attenuation of PWMD.
Short-term Functional Outcome in Psychotic Patients. Results of the Turku Early Psychosis Study (TEPS).
Authors: Salokangas Raimo K. R. , From Tiina , Ilonen Tuula , Luutonen Sinikka , Heinimaa Markus , Armio Reetta-Liina , Laurikainen Heikki , Walta Maija , Paju Janina , Toivonen Anna , Jalo Päivi , Tuominen Lauri , Hietala Jarmo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Functional recovery of patients with clinical and sub-clinical psychosis is associated with clinical, neuropsychological and developmental factors. Less is known how these factors predict functional outcome in same models. We investigated functional outcome and its predictors in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) or confirmed vs. non-confirmed clinical high risk to psychosis (CHR-P vs. CHR-N). Methods: Altogether, 130 FEP, 60 CHR-P and 47 CHR-N patients were recruited and extensively examined at baseline (T0) and at 9 (T1) and 18 (T2) months after baseline. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at T0, T1 and T2, and psychotic, depression, and anxiety symptoms at T1 and T2 were assessed. Functional outcome was predicted in multivariate repeated ANOVA. Results: During follow-up, GAF improved significantly in FEP and CHR-P but not in CHR-N patients. In FEP, single marital status, low basic education, poor work situation, disorganised symptoms, perceptual deficits, and poor premorbid adjustment, in CHR-P, disorganised symptoms and poor premorbid adjustment and in CHR-N, low basic education, poor work situation and general symptoms predicted poor functional outcome. In FEP, psychotic symptoms at T1 and in CHR-P, psychotic and depression symptoms at T1 and anxiety symptoms at T2 associated with poor functioning. Conclusions: In FEP and CHR-P patients, poor premorbid adjustment and disorganised symptomatology are common predictors for functional outcome, while poor education and work situation predict poor functional outcome in FEP and CHR-N patients. Interventions aimed to improve studying and ability to work are most important in improving functioning of patients with clinical or subclinical psychosis.
Spatiotemporal Functional Modeling of Postseismic Deformation After the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Fujiwara Satoshi , Tobita Mikio , Ozawa Shinzaburo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Postseismic deformation continues for a long duration after major earthquakes. A previous study has shown that temporal changes in postseismic deformation can be approximated through simple functions. Almost 10 years have passed since the 2011 M9 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, and data at continuously operating global navigation satellite system stations have accumulated. We performed statistical processing of the data on postseismic deformations of this earthquake and obtained and verified their spatiotemporal distribution. We were able to approximate the postseismic deformations over a wide area with a standard deviation of 1 cm for approximately 10 years using two logarithmic and one exponential functions. However, the residuals from the functional model showed a sharp deviation from 2015. Although the pattern of postseismic deformation did not change after the earthquake, a change in steady-state velocity occurred from 2015 and continues till date. By improving the functional model to incorporate this steady-state velocity, we can reduce the overall standard deviation of the residuals of more than 200 stations distributed over more than 1000 km to less than 0.4 cm in the horizontal component. Furthermore, the spatial distributions of the coefficients of each time constant are not random and have a natural spread, which makes it possible to grid model them in terms of a spatial function. The spatial distributions of the short- and long-period components of the functional model and the afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation calculated by a physical model are similar to each other, respectively. Each time function has a meaning related to the physical processes in the underground, which provides an understanding of the physical phenomena involved in seismogenesis.
Usefulness of the Prostate Health Index in Predicting the Presence and Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer Among Korean Men
Authors: Kim Jae-Yoon , Yu Ji-Hyeong , Sung Luck-Hee , Cho Dae-Yeon , Kim Hyun-Jung , Yoo Soo-Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the Beckman Coulter prostate health index (PHI) and compare it with total prostate specific antigen (PSA) and related derivatives in predicting the presence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PCa) in the Korean population.MethodsA total of 140 men who underwent their first prostate biopsy for suspected PCa were included in this prospective observational study. The diagnostic performance of total PSA, free PSA, %free PSA, [–2] proPSA (p2PSA), %p2PSA, and PHI in detecting and predicting the aggressiveness of PCa was estimated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic multivariate regression analyses.ResultsOf 140 patients, PCa was detected in 63 (45%), and 48 (76.2%) of them had significant cancer with a Gleason score (GS) ≥7. In the whole group, the area under the curve (AUC) for ROC analysis of tPSA, free PSA, %fPSA, p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI were 0.63, 0.57, 0.69, 0.69, 0.71, and 0.75, respectively, and the AUC was significantly greater in the PHI group than in the tPSA group (p = 0.005). For PCa with GS ≥7, the AUCs for tPSA, free PSA, %fPSA, p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI were 0.62, 0.58, 0.41, 0.79, 0.87, and 0.88, respectively, and the AUC was significantly greater in the PHI group than in the tPSA group (p < 0.001). In the subgroup with tPSA 4–10 ng/mL, both %p2PSA and PHI were strong independent predictors for PCa (p = 0.031, p = 0.027) and significantly improved the predictive accuracy of a base multivariable model including age, tPSA, and %fPSA, using multivariate logistic regression analysis. (p = 0.015, p = 0.010). Additionally, at a cutoff PHI value >33.4, unnecessary biopsy could be avoided in 22.9% (32/140) cases, with no aggressive cancer patients missed.ConclusionThis study shows that %p2PSA and PHI are superior to total PSA and %fPSA in predicting the presence and aggressiveness (GS≥7) of PCa among Korean men. Using PHI, a significant proportion of unnecessary biopsies can be avoided.
Impact of Covid-19 on urogenital online learning through WeChat in China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wei Yongbao , Li Xin , Zhong Dewen , Song Wei , Wen Yanlin , Liu Longfei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

To evaluate the significance of social media and the impacts of Covid-19 on urogenital continuing education in China through WeChat.
Methods

Backend database from a Chinese urological online learning platform on account of WeChat named Jiujing before and during Covid-19 pandemic were compared and analyzed. An online questionnaire investigation containing 482 respondents was carried out to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on urological online learning through WeChat.
Results

During the epidemic of Covid-19, the amounts of national subscribers in Jiujing platform increased by 26.24%, while the constituent ratio of subscribers’ quantity from Hubei province decreased although there were 189 new subscribers, and only surgery video section experienced increased constituent ratio of subscribers’ concerns. Online investigation indicated that most respondents experienced whittled offline learning opportunities and boosted online learning demands during Covid-19 pandemic as online learning was more efficiency, and these attitudes were associated with qualifications of the respondents. Surgery videos and academic lectures were the most popular sections. Preferences of the respondents were determined by gender, title, degree and affiliation hierarchy.
Conclusions

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the patterns of online medical education to a certain degree, continuing learning through social media like WeChat is essential and beneficial for urologists. Positional title, affiliation hierarchy and education background are supposed to impact their attitudes towards online learning.
Lipid Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Their Correlation to the Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Li Jingjing , Xu Yajuan , Sun Zongzong , Cai Yanjun , Wang Biao , Zhang Miao , Ban Yanjie , Hou Xiaofeng , Hao Yingqi , Ouyang Qian , Wu Bo , Wang Mengqi , Wang Wentao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in pregnancy has become an important complication of pregnancy. We used nontargeted lipidomics to compare differential metabolites between women with SCH and healthy women. The metabolic pathways of the differential metabolites were analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. We found: 1. Multivariate analysis revealed 143 lipid molecules with different levels between the SCH group and the control group. Based on fold change, 30 differential lipid metabolites were selected as potential biomarkers. 2. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential metabolites participate in such pathways as pathogenic Escherichia coli infection response, metabolic pathways, glycerophospholipid metabolism. 3. Correlation analysis showed that sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were negatively correlated with them. And PG was positively correlated with birth weight. The lipid profile of pregnant women with SCH is significantly different from that of healthy pregnant women. Lipid molecules with differential metabolism, such as SM, PE, and PI, might be targets for further investigation of the pathogenesis of SCH in pregnancy and reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Hybrid Deep Learning for Week-Ahead Evapotranspiration Forecasting
Authors: Ahmed A. A Masrur , Deo Ravinesh C , Feng Qi , Ghahramani Afshin , Raj Nawin , Yin Zhenliang , Yang Linshan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Reference evapotranspiration (ET) is an integral hydrological factor in soil-plant-atmospheric water balance studies and the management of drought events. This paper proposes a new hybrid-deep learning (DL) approach, combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) along with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), for a multi-step (week 1 to 4) daily-ET forecast. The method also assimilates a comprehensive dataset with 52 diverse predictors, i.e., satellite-derived Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), ground-based datasets from Scientific Information for Landowners (SILO) and synoptic-scale climate indices (CI). To develop a vigorous CNN-GRU model, a feature selection stage entails the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method implemented to improve the ET forecast model for the three selected sites in Australian Murray Darling Basin. The results demonstrate excellent forecasting capability of the hybrid CNN-GRU model against the counterpart benchmark models, evidenced by a relatively small mean absolute error and high efficiency. Overall, this study shows that the proposed hybrid CNN-GRU model successfully apprehends the complex and non-linear relationships between predictor variables and the daily ET.
Biomarkers of Blood from Patients with Atherosclerosis Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Qian Yongjiang , Zhang Lili , Sun Zhen , Zang Guangyao , Li Yalan , Wang Zhongqun , Li Lihua 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: atherosclerosis is a multifaceted disease characterized by the formation and accumulation of plaques that fix to the arteries and causes some cardiovascular disease and vascular embolism. A range of diagnostic techniques, including selective coronary angiography, stress tests, CT, and nuclear scans allow assessment of cardiovascular disease risk and treatment targets. However, there is not a very simple blood biochemical index or biological target for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis at present. So it would be interesting to find a blood biochemical marker for atherosclerosis.Methods: Three datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEG) and the results were integrated using Robustrankaggreg algorithm. The genes considered more important by Robustrankaggreg algorithm were put into their own data set and the data set system with cell classification information for verification.Results: 21 possible genes were screened out. Interestingly, we found a good correlation between RPS4Y1, EIF1AY and XIST. In addition, we know the general expression of these genes in different cell types and whole blood cellsConclusions: In this study, we identified BTNL8 and BLNK as having good clinical significance. These results will contribute to the study of the underlying genes involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and provide insights for the discovery of new diagnostic and evaluation methods.
Clinical implementation of a 3D4K-exoscope (Orbeye) in microneurosurgery
Authors: Rösler Judith , Georgiev Stefan , Roethe Anna Lena , Chakkalakal Denny , Acker Güliz , Dengler Nora , Prinz Vincent , Hecht Nils , Faust Katharina , Schneider Ulf , Bayerl Simon , Czabanka Marcus , Misch Martin , Onken Julia , Vajkoczy Peter , Picht Thomas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Exoscopic surgery promises alleviation of physical strain, improved intraoperative visualization and facilitation of the clinical workflow. In this prospective observational study we investigate the clinical usability of a novel 3D4K-exoscope in routine neurosurgical interventions. Methods Questionnaires on the use of the exoscope were carried out. Exemplary cases were additionally video-documented. All participating neurosurgeons (n=10) received initial device training. Changing to a conventional microscope was possible at all times. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the impact of time on the switchover rate. For further analysis we dichotomized the surgeons in a frequent (n=1) and an infrequent (n=9) user group. A one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate, if the number of surgeries differed between the two groups. Results 39 operations were included. No intraoperative complications occurred. In 69.2% of the procedures, the surgeon switched to the conventional microscope. While during the first half of the study the conversion rate was 90%, it decreased to 52.6% in the second half ( p =0.003). The number of interventions between the frequent and the infrequent user group differed significantly ( p =0.007). Main reasons for switching to ocular-based surgery were impaired hand-eye coordination and poor depth perception. Conclusion The exoscope investigated in this study can be easily integrated in established neurosurgical workflows. Surgical ergonomics improved compared to standard microsurgical setups. Excellent image quality and precise control of the camera added to overall user satisfaction. For experienced surgeons, the incentive to switch from ocular-based to exoscopic surgery greatly varies.
Spatial Dynamic Analysis of a Mangeove Patch Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A Case Study in Pear Bay in Guangxi, China
Authors: Lin Xin , Li Chungan , Zhou Mei , Liang Wenhai , Li Biao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the short-term spatial variability of an mangrove patch, located in the Pearl Bay in Guangxi, China. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery covering the period from March 2015 to October 2017 were used and the following models were developed: two annual ultra-high resolution spatial resolution digital orthophoto maps (DOMs), two digital elevation models (DEMs), two digital surface models (DSMs), two canopy height models (CHMs), and a canopy height difference model (d-CHM). Using these models, the spatial dynamics of the extent and canopy height of the patch were analyzed. The resolution of the DOMs was 0.1 m, with an average geometrical error of 0.17 m and a maximum error of 0.44 m. The resolutions of DEMs, DSMs, CHMs, d-CHM were all 1 m. The average elevation errors of CHM in 2015 and 2017 were 0.002 m and -0.001 m, respectively, with maximum absolute errors of 0.034 m and 0.030 m, respectively. The average elevation error of d-CHM was -0.003 m and the maximum absolute error was 0.036 m, and the data quality were rated as good. From 2015 to 2017, the area of the mangrove patch increased from 8.16 ha to 8.79 ha, with an average annual increase of 3.7%. Specifically, the areas of expansion, shrinkage, and maximum seaward expansion were 6356 m2, 19 m2, and 24 m, respectively. The driving factor for the variability was natural processes. Stand canopy height exhibited a particular trend of decrease from northwest to southeast (horizontal; parallel to the seawall) and from the land to the sea (vertically; perpendicular to the seawall). From 2015 to 2017, 88.2% of the patch area showed increased canopy height, with an average increase of 0.78 m and a maximum increase of 3.2 m. In contrast, 11.8% of the patch area showed decreased canopy height with a maximum decrease of 3.1 m. The main reason for the decrease in canopy height was the death of trees caused by serious insect plagues. On the other hand, the reason for the increase in height could be attributed to the natural growth of mangrove trees, but further studies are required to verify the cause. UAV remote sensing has an incomparable advantage over traditional methods in that it provides extremely detailed and highly accurate information for in-depth study of the spatial evolution of mangrove patches, which would significantly contribute towards the protection and management of mangroves.