bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi-competing risk model to predict perioperative and oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy
Authors: Peak Taylor , Chapple Andrew , Coon Grayson , Hemal Ashok 
Published: August 2018

Background: To utilize a semi-competing risk model to predict perioperative and oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy and to compare the findings with the univariate Cox regression model. Methods: We reviewed the Institutional Review Board approved database of radical cystectomy of 316 patients who had undergone robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) or open radical cystectomy between 2006 and 2016. Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, complications, metastasis, and survival were analyzed. The Bayesian variable selection method was utilized to obtain models for each hazard function in the semi-competing risks. Results: Of 316 patients treated, 48% and 18% experienced any or major complication respectively within 30 days. Intracorporeal RARC was associated with decreased metastasis risk. Extracorporeal RARC was associated with marginally decreased risks of overall complications or major complications. Patients with advanced cancer had an increased risk of metastasis, death after metastasis and death after complication. Positive nodes were associated with an increased risk of death without overall or major complications and increased risk of death after metastasis occurs. When a serious complication was taken into account there was no significant difference in mortality, irrespective of disease stage. Conclusions: A semi-competing risk model provides relatively more accurate information in comparison to Cox regression analysis in predicting risk factors for complications and metastasis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.
Effects of Micronized Cartilage Matrix on Cartilage Repair in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Shieh Alvin K. , Singh Sohni G. , Nathe Connor , Lian Evan , Haudenschild Dominik R. , Nolta Jan A. , Lee Cassandra A. , Giza Eric , Kreulen Christopher D. 
Published: August 2018

Background The repair of osteochondral lesions remains a challenge due to its poor vascularity and limited healing potential. Micronized cartilage matrix (MCM) is dehydrated, decellularized, micronized allogeneic cartilage matrix that contains the components of native articular tissue and is hypothesized to serve as a scaffold for the formation of hyaline-like tissue. Our objective was to demonstrate in vitro that the use of MCM combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can lead to the formation of hyaline-like cartilage tissue in a single-stage treatment model. Design In group 1 (no wash), 250 µL MCM was reconstituted in 150 µL Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) for 5 minutes. Group 2 (saline wash) included 250 µL MCM washed in 20 mL DPBS for 30 minutes, then aspirated to remove all DPBS and reconstituted in 150 µL DPBS. Group 3 (serum wash): 250µL MCM washed in 20 mL DPBS for 30 minutes, then aspirated and reconstituted in 150 µL fetal bovine serum. Each group was then added to 50 µL solution of MSC suspended in DPBS at a concentration of 1.2 × 106 cells/350 µL. After 3 weeks, the defects were extracted and sectioned to perform viability and histologic analyses. Results Stem cells without rehydration of the MCM showed almost no viability whereas near complete cell viability was seen after rehydration with serum or saline solution, ultimately leading to chondrogenic differentiation and adhesion to the MCM particles. Conclusion We have shown in this proof-of-concept in vitro study that MCM can serve as a scaffold for the growth of cartilage tissue for the treatment of osteochondral lesions.
The broad spectrum of lung diseases in primary antibody deficiencies
Authors: Cinetto Francesco , Scarpa Riccardo , Rattazzi Marcello , Agostini Carlo 
Published: August 2018

Human primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) represent a heterogeneous group of more than 350 disorders. They are rare diseases, but their global incidence is more relevant than generally thought. The underlying defect may involve different branches of the innate and/or adaptive immune response. Thus, the clinical picture may range from severe phenotypes characterised by a broad spectrum of infections to milder infectious phenotypes due to more selective (and frequent) immune defects. Moreover, infections may not be the main clinical features in some PIDs that might present with autoimmunity, auto-inflammation and/or cancer. Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) represent a small percentage of the known PIDs but they are the most frequently diagnosed, particularly in adulthood. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic PAD.PAD patients share a significant susceptibility to respiratory diseases that represent a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary complications include acute and chronic infection-related diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchiectasis. They also include immune-mediated interstitial lung diseases, such as granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) and cancer. Herein we will discuss the main pulmonary manifestations of PADs, the associated functional and imaging findings, and the relevant role of pulmonologists and chest radiologists in diagnosis and surveillance.
How long is too long? A scoping review of health system delays in lung cancer
Authors: Malalasekera Ashanya , Nahm Sharon , Blinman Prunella L. , Kao Steven C. , Dhillon Haryana M. , Vardy Janette L. 
Published: August 2018

Earlier access to lung cancer specialist (LCS) care improves survival, highlighting the need for streamlined patient referral. International guidelines recommend 14-day maximum time intervals from general practitioner (GP) referral to first LCS appointment (“GP–LCS interval”), and diagnosis to treatment (“treatment interval”). We compared time intervals in lung cancer care against timeframe benchmarks, and explored barriers and facilitators to timely care.We conducted a scoping review of literature from MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and hand searches. Primary end-points were GP–LCS and treatment intervals. Performance against guidelines and factors responsible for delays were explored. We used descriptive statistics and nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare intervals in studies reporting fast-track interventions.Of 1343 identified studies, 128 full-text articles were eligible. Only 33 (26%) studies reported GP–LCS intervals, with an overall median of 7 days and distributions largely meeting guidelines. Overall, 52 (41%) studies reported treatment intervals, with a median of 27 days, and distributions of times falling short of guidelines. There was no effect of fast-track interventions on reducing time intervals. Lack of symptoms and multiple procedures or specialist visits were suggested causes for delay.Although most patients with lung cancer see a specialist within a reasonable timeframe, treatment commencement is often delayed. There is regional variation in establishing timeliness of care.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The effect of uterine artery ligation in patients with central placenta pevia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sanad Ahmad Sameer , Mahran Ahmad E. , Aboulfotouh Mahmoud Elmorsi , Kamel Hany Hassan , Mohammed Hashem Fares , Bahaa Haitham A. , Elkateeb Reham R. , Abdelazim Alaa Gamal , El-Din Mohamed Ahmed Zeen , Shawki Hossam El-Din 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Background
Placenta previa is major obstetric surgical risk as it is associated with higher percentage of intraoperative and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), increased requirement of blood transfusion and further surgical procedures. The current study aimed to evaluate uterine artery ligation prior to uterine incision as a procedure to minimize blood loss during cesarean section in patients with central placenta previa.

Methods
One hundred and four patients diagnosed with central placenta previa antenatally and planned to have elective caesarean section were recruited from the antenatal clinic at Minia Maternity University hospital. Patients were randomly allocated into either ligation group or control group.

Results
Both groups were similar regarding demographic features and preoperative risk factors for bleeding. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the ligation group as compared with the control group (569.3 ± 202.1 mL vs. 805.1 ± 224.5 mL respectively, p = 0.002). There was a significant increase in the requirement for blood transfusion in the control group as compared with the ligation group (786 ± 83 mL vs. 755 ± 56 mL respectively, p = 0.03) Three cases in the control group required further surgical interventions to control intraoperative bleeding, while no cases in the ligation required further surgical techniques and that was statistically significant (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Uterine artery ligation prior to uterine incision may be a helpful procedure to minimize intraoperative and postpartum blood loss in cases with central placenta previa.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02002026- December 8, 2013.
Vitamin D binding protein is not affected by high-dose vitamin D supplementation: a post hoc analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Björkhem-Bergman Linda , Torefalk Emelie , Ekström Lena , Bergman Peter 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesVitamin D binding protein (VDBP) is the main transporter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD) in the circulation. The aim of this study was to investigate if VDBP is affected by high dose vitamin D supplementation and if VDBP-levels correlate with free 25-OHD. Correlation between free 25-OHD measured with ELISA and total 25-OHD in the circulation was also analysed. Plasma samples from a randomized, controlled trial in which persistent MRSA-carriers were randomized to treatment with vitamin D, 4000 IE/day, (n = 27) or placebo (n = 32) for 12 months were used. Plasma from baseline and after 6 months of treatment were analysed for VDBP, 25-OHD and free 25-OHD.ResultsVDBP levels were not affected by vitamin D treatment, although the 25-OHD levels increased significantly in the vitamin D treated subjects. There was a strong correlation between 25-OHD and free 25-OHD (r2 = 0.68, p < 0.0001), while there was no correlation between VDBP and free 25-OHD. Thus, our data shows that VDBP are not affected by vitamin D supplementation and the levels of VDBP are not associated with the free fraction of 25-OHD. Since there was a strong correlation between free 25-OHD and total 25-OHD it appears to be sufficient to measure only total 25-OHD.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02178488. Date of registration: June 30, 2014; Date of enrolment of the first participant: Dec 1, 2014
Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on post-surgical complications against the backdrop of the opioid crisis
Authors: Zhao-Fleming Hannah , Hand Audrey , Zhang Kelly , Polak Robert , Northcut Armand , Jacob Daron , Dissanaike Sharmila , Rumbaugh Kendra P. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The USA is currently going through an opioid crisis, associated with tremendous economic and societal impacts. In response to this crisis, healthcare professionals are looking for alternative pain management methods, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a sensible choice because of their effectiveness after surgical procedures. However, before surgeons start prescribing NSAIDs in place of opioids, it is crucial to first understand their potential post-surgical complications. The goal of this review is to summarize the data obtained through both animal and human studies, which suggest how a dramatic increase in NSAID use may affect these post-surgical complications. We first provide a short review outlining the mechanisms of action of NSAIDs, followed by a summary of animal studies, which show a trend towards the negative effects of NSAIDs on wound healing and an association between NSAID use and wound infections. Lastly, we present evidence from human studies on the association of NSAIDs with the following complications: anastomotic leaks, necrotizing soft tissue infections, bleeding complications, orthopedic injuries, wound healing, and cancer care. The human studies are much more variable in their conclusions as to whether NSAIDs are beneficial or not, with the only strong evidence showing that NSAIDs inhibit bone healing. This may partially be explained by male and female differences in response to NSAIDs as many animal studies showing the inhibitory effects of NSAIDs were performed on females, while all the human studies were performed with both sexes. We conclude that strong caution should be used in the prescription of NSAIDs, especially in female patients, but larger scale studies are warranted before solid recommendations can be made.
Spending Among Patients With Cancer in the First 2 Years of Accountable Care Organization Participation
Authors: Lam Miranda B. , Figueroa Jose F. , Zheng Jie , Orav E. John , Jha Ashish K. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose Spending on patients with cancer can be substantial and has continued to increase in recent years. Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are arguably the most important national experiment to control health care spending, yet how ACOs are managing patients with cancer diagnoses is largely unknown. We aimed to determine whether practices that became ACOs had changes in overall or cancer-specific spending among patients with cancer. Methods Using 2011 to 2015 national Medicare claims, practices that became part of ACOs were identified and matched to non-ACO practices within the same geographic region. We calculated total and category-specific annual spending per beneficiary as well as spending for and utilization of emergency departments, inpatient admissions, hospice, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A difference-in-differences model was used to examine changes in spending and utilization associated with ACO contracts in the Medicare Shared Savings Program for beneficiaries with cancer. Results We found that the introduction of ACOs had no meaningful impact on overall spending in patients with cancer (−$308 per beneficiary in ACOs v −$319 in non-ACOs; difference, $11; 95% CI, −$275 to $297; P = .94). We found no changes in total spending in patients within any of the 11 different cancer types examined. Finally, changes in spending and utilization did not meaningfully differ between ACO and non-ACO patients within various categories, including cancer-specific categories. Conclusion Compared with patients with cancer treated at non-ACO practices, being a patient with a cancer diagnosis in a Medicare ACO is not associated with significantly reduced spending or heath care utilization. The introduction of ACOs does not seem to have had any meaningful effect on spending or utilization for patients with a cancer diagnosis.
Fetal growth restriction in a genetic model of sporadic Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Tunster Simon J. , Van de Pette Mathew , Creeth Hugo D. J. , Lefebvre Louis , John Rosalind M. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a complex imprinting disorder involving fetal overgrowth and placentomegaly, and is associated with a variety of genetic and epigenetic mutations affecting the expression of imprinted genes on human chromosome 11p15.5. Most BWS cases are linked to loss of methylation at the imprint control region 2 (ICR2) within this domain, which in mice regulates the silencing of several maternally expressed imprinted genes. Modelling this disorder in mice is confounded by the unique embryonic requirement for Ascl2, which is imprinted in mice but not in humans. To overcome this issue, we generated a novel model combining a truncation of distal chromosome 7 allele (DelTel7) with transgenic rescue of Ascl2 expression. This novel model recapitulated placentomegaly associated with BWS, but did not lead to fetal overgrowth.
The Drosophila Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor does not act in the nucleus
Authors: Courgeon Maximilien , He Dan Qing , Liu Hui Hua , Legent Kevin , Treisman Jessica E. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
Mammalian members of the ErbB family, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can regulate transcription, DNA replication and repair through nuclear entry of either the full-length proteins or their cleaved cytoplasmic domains. In cancer cells, these nuclear functions contribute to tumor progression and drug resistance. Here, we examined whether the single Drosophila EGFR can also localize to the nucleus. A chimeric EGFR protein fused at its cytoplasmic C-terminus to DNA-binding and transcriptional activation domains strongly activated transcriptional reporters when overexpressed in cultured cells or in vivo. However, this activity was independent of cleavage and endocytosis. Without an exogenous activation domain, EGFR fused to a DNA-binding domain did not activate or repress transcription. Addition of the same DNA-binding and transcriptional activation domains to the endogenous Egfr locus through genome editing led to no detectable reporter expression in wild-type or oncogenic contexts. These results show that, when expressed at physiological levels, the cytoplasmic domain of the Drosophila EGFR does not have access to the nucleus. Therefore, nuclear EGFR functions are likely to have evolved after vertebrates and invertebrates diverged.
Endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke related to tandem occlusion: comparison of occlusion and severe stenosis of the proximal cervical internal carotid artery
Authors: Park Sung Eun , Choi Dae Seob , Baek Hye Jin , Kim Chang Hun , Choi Ho Cheol , Cho Soo Buem , Lee Sangmin , Ahn Jong-Hwa 
Published: August 2018

Objective:
Strokes related to tandem occlusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and a major intracranial artery are associated with poor clinical outcome. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of endovascular approach for the management of these lesions. We also compared the clinical outcomes regarding the type of cervical ICA lesions; complete occlusion v s severe stenosis.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular treatment for tandem lesions between January 2011 and April 2017. After dividing the patients into two groups according to lesion type of the proximal cervical ICA (complete occlusion and severe stenosis), we analyzed demographic data, angiographic findings and clinical outcomes. A modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 was defined as a favorable clinical outcome.

Results:
Of 42 patients, 27 patients (64.3%) had complete occlusion of the cervical ICA, and the remaining 15 had high-grade stenosis. Successful stenting was performed in all patients with favorable clinical outcomes (27/42, 64.3%). Successful reperfusion score (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b) was 78.6%; occlusion group (18/27, 66.7%) vs stenosis group (15/15, 100%) of cases. Mean modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days was 2.36 ± 1.83. The rate of favorable clinical outcome was higher in stenosis group (11/15, 73.3%) than that of occlusion group (16/27, 59.3%) with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.506).

Conclusion:
Acute endovascular treatment of carotid artery tandem lesions is a technically feasible and clinically effective intervention regardless of the lesion type in proximal cervical ICA.

Advances in knowledge:
Our study supports the results of previous studies in which endovascular therapy has a favorable clinical outcome in carotid artery tandem occlusion.
The technical aspects of a feasible new technique for ipsilateral percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization
Authors: Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Oda Teruyoshi , Sofue Keitaro , Numoto Isao , Yagyu Yukinobu , Kashiwagi Nobuo , Murakami Takamichi 
Published: August 2018

Objective:
To devise a simple new technique wherein absolute ethanol is injected via a sheath under proximal balloon occlusion of the right portal vein using a single-balloon catheter and to examine its feasibility and safety for ipsilateral portal vein embolization (PVE).

Methods:
Between 2010 and 2016, PVE was performed in 19 patients prior to undergoing extended right hepatectomy. PVE was performed via a percutaneous transhepatic ipsilateral approach, the right portal branch was embolized under ultrasound guidance, and a balloon catheter was placed in the proximal site of the main right portal branch. Absolute ethanol was injected through a sheath under proximal balloon occlusion of the right portal vein using a double-lumen catheter. We evaluated its technical success and complications following PVE and changes in liver enzyme levels. Furthermore, we calculated changes in future liver remnant (FLR) and FLR/total functional liver volume (TFLV) ratio and assessed complications following hepatic resection.

Results:
PVE was successfully performed in all patients. Mean FLR and FLR/TFLV significantly increased following PVE (p &lt; 0.01). The change in the FLR and FLR/TFLV ratio was 39.6 ± 16.2%. One patient (6.5%) developed procedure-related complications following PVE (perihepatic hematoma).

Conclusion:
The new technique for ipsilateral right PVE is safe, effective, and convenient.

Advances in knowledge:
This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of injecting ethanol via a sheath under proximal balloon occlusion of the right portal vein using a single-balloon catheter.
Long-term preservation of biomedical research data
Authors: Navale Vivek , McAuliffe Matthew 
Published: August 2018

Genomics and molecular imaging, along with clinical and translational research have transformed biomedical science into a data-intensive scientific endeavor. For researchers to benefit from Big Data sets, developing long-term biomedical digital data preservation strategy is very important. In this opinion article, we discuss specific actions that researchers and institutions can take to make research data a continued resource even after research projects have reached the end of their lifecycle. The actions involve utilizing an Open Archival Information System model comprised of six functional entities: Ingest, Access, Data Management, Archival Storage, Administration and Preservation Planning. We believe that involvement of data stewards early in the digital data life-cycle management process can significantly contribute towards long term preservation of biomedical data. Developing data collection strategies consistent with institutional policies, and encouraging the use of common data elements in clinical research, patient registries and other human subject research can be advantageous for data sharing and integration purposes. Specifically, data stewards at the onset of research program should engage with established repositories and curators to develop data sustainability plans for research data. Placing equal importance on the requirements for initial activities (e.g., collection, processing, storage) with subsequent activities (data analysis, sharing) can improve data quality, provide traceability and support reproducibility. Preparing and tracking data provenance, using common data elements and biomedical ontologies are important for standardizing the data description, making the interpretation and reuse of data easier. The Big Data biomedical community requires scalable platform that can support the diversity and complexity of data ingest modes (e.g. machine, software or human entry modes). Secure virtual workspaces to integrate and manipulate data, with shared software programs (e.g., bioinformatics tools), can facilitate the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) use of data for near- and long-term research needs.