bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical outcome and graded prognostic assessment of patients with brain metastasis from adult sarcoma: Multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Deguchi Shoichi , Nakasu Yoko , Sakaida Tsukasa , Akimoto Jiro , Tanahashi Kuniaki , Natsume Atsushi , Takahashi Masamichi , Okuda Takeshi , Asakura Hirofumi , Mitsuya Koichi , Hayashi Nakamasa , Narita Yoshitaka 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Little information is available about the feasibility and prognostic assessment of surgical resection of brain metastasis (BM) from sarcomas. We aimed to analyze functional and survival outcomes, and develop a preoperative graded prognostic assessment (GPA) for patients with BM from sarcomas to predict survival time after local resection surgery.
Methods: This study involved a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 22 patients with BM from sarcomas who underwent resection at six institutes in Japan between September 2002 and September 2018.Overall survival (OS) after resection of BM was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed to develop a GPA using the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. For GPA validation, we collected data on 100 patients from 48 published reports.
Results: Postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) was improved in 50% (11/22) of patients. Median OS was 21 months. Univariate analysis of OS showed that age (≥ 30 years old), gross total resection, and alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) were significant positive prognostic factors (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis of OS showed age and ASPS were significant preoperative prognostic factors (P<0.05). RTOG-RPA classification had no significant prognostic value. We developed a GPA system for survival time after resection of BM in our patients. A score of 0 was assigned to patients aged 18–29 years with non-ASPS, a score of 2 to patients aged 18–29 years with ASPS or those aged 30–76 years with non-ASPS, and a score of 4 to patients aged 30–76 years with ASPS. Median OS for patients with GPA scores of 0, 2, and 4 were 6.5, 16.0, and 44.0 months, respectively (P=0.002). The results were validated by the survival data of 100 patients compiled from the literature (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Patients with BM from sarcomas surgically treated showed median survival comparable to that of patients with BM from carcinomas,and showed improvement in postoperative KPS.We developed a new GPA of patients with BM from sarcomas. These results may help patients and clinicians to select resection as a feasible option for treating BM from sarcomas.
Prognostic value of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in patients with stage III/IV NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NTCL)
Authors: Park Joohwan , Kim Miso , Kim Tae-Min , Keam Bhumsuk , Kim Dong-Wan , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Heo Dae Seog 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Systemic inflammatory response index such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been investigated as prognostic indicators in various tumors including diffuse large B-cell and peripheral T-cell lymphomas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic values of the pretreatment NLR and PLR in patients with advanced, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NTCL). Sixty patients with newly diagnosed, stage III/IV NTCL between January 2000 and August 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. Correlations of pre-NLR and –PLR with other clinical factors were investigated. Kaplan-Meier plot was used to analyze survivals according to pre-NLR and -PLR levels. The prognostic effects of variables were investigated using a Cox proportional regression model. Based on the optimized cut-off levels, patients were classified into two different groups. After a median follow up of 15 months, the median overall survival (OS) in the low and high pre-NLR groups was 33.4 and 6.6 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, high pre-NLR was significantly associated with reduced OS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.59, 95% CI 1.77-7.26; p < .001). On the contrary, the median OS in the low and high pre-PLR was 6.2 and 22.3 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that low pre-PLR was in a significant correlation with the worse OS (HR 3.78, 95% CI 1.79-7.95; p < .001). The high pre-NLR and low pre-PLR are independent poor prognostic factors for reduced survivals of patients with advanced NTCL, and might provide additional prognostic powers to identify high-risk, advanced NTCL patients.
The relationship between urologic cancer outcomes and national Human Development Index: trend from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Nan , Mu Hua , Jiang Yan-rou , Zhang Shi-geng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objectives To describe the influence of the socioeconomic development on worldwide age-standardized incidence and mortality rates, as well as mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) and 5-year net survival of urologic cancer patients from 2012 to 2018. Methods The HDI values were obtained from the United Nations Development Programme, data on age-standardized incidence/mortality rates of prostate, bladder and kidney cancer were retrieved from the GLOBOCAN database, 5-year net survival was provided by the CONCORD-3 program. We then evaluated the association between incidence/MIR/survival and HDI, with a focus on geographic variability as well as temporal patterns during the last 6 years. Results Urologic cancer incidence rates were positively correlated with HDIs, and MIRs were negatively correlated with HDIs. Prostate cancer survival also correlated positively with HDIs, solidly confirming the interrelation among cancer indicators and socioeconomic factors. Most countries experienced incidence decline over the most recent 6 years, and a substantial reduction in MIR was observed. Survival rates of prostate cancer have simultaneously improved. Conclusion Development has a prominent influence on urologic cancer outcomes. HDI values are significantly correlated with cancer incidence, MIR and survival rates. HDI values have risen along with increased incidence and improved outcomes of urologic caner in recent years.
Comparative analysis of retrograde intrarenal surgery and modified Ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of lower pole renal stones (1.5-3.5 cm)
Authors: Li Zhuohang , Lai Cong , Shah Arvind K. , Xie Weibin , Liu Cheng , Huang Li , Li Kuiqing , Yu Hao , Xu Kewei 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and modified Ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP) in semi-supine combined lithotomy position for the management of 1.5-3.5 cm lower pole renal stones (LPSs). Methods A total of 63 patients with 1.5-3.5 cm LPSs who underwent RIRS (n= 33) or modified UMP (n= 30) in diameter between January 2017 and January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Modified UMP was performed in semi-supine combined lithotomy position and a 9.5/11.5 F ureteral access sheath (UAS) was inserted during the procedure in order to maintain low pelvic pressure and to facilitate the removal of stone fragments. Base-line parameters, stone characteristics, illness condition, operation time, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) drop, postoperative creatinine (Cr) elevation, length of hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, stone-free rate (SFR) and complications were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in base-line parameters, stone characteristics and illness condition. The mean operating time of RIRS group was longer than UMP group (95.61 ± 21.9 vs. 55.0 ± 16.1 min, p< 0.001). The mean postoperative Hb drop was less in RIRS group (7.42 ± 4.7 vs. 15.70 ± 9.8 g/L, p< 0.001). The length of hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay for RIRS were shorter than UMP (4.76 ± 1.1 vs. 5.83 ± 0.8 d, p< 0.001, 2.97 ± 0.9 vs. 4.07 ± 0.9 d, p< 0.001). The Early SFR was higher in UMP group (54.5 vs. 80.0%, p< 0.050) while SFR at 1-month and 3-months postoperatively was similar in both groups (p= 0.504, p= 0.675). There were no significant differences between the two groups in complications (p= 0.228). Conclusion For patients with 1.5-3.5 cm LPSs, both modified UMP and RIRS are safe and viable. The modified UMP technique was used in this study, application semi-supine combined lithotomy position and the retention of UAS can improve the surgical efficiency and maintain low pressure perfusion in the kidney, which resulted in superior treatment efficacy. Therefore, we highly recommend this technique for LPSs with heavy stone burdens.
Factors associated with detection of human immunodeficiency virus in tears: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qian Yujing , Wu Zunyou , Scott Sarah Robbins , Chen Chao , Du Kuifang , Wei Wenbin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a global public issue and identifying viral reservoirs is needed in order to better understand the transmission of the disease. We aimed to identify the level of HIV viral load in tears of people living with HIV (PLWH) and study factors influencing their tear viral load.Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of patients infected with HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) at Beijing You’an Hospital, Beijing, China between May 2018 and July 2018. Socio-demographic information and laboratory test results were collected, including tear samples. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, Chi-square test, and Spearman correlation analysis.Results

67 subjects met inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study, of which, 23.9% had detectable HIV ribo nucleic acid (RNA) in their tears. 53.3% of treatment naïve patients and 0.0% of patients who were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) had detectable HIV RNA in their tears. Tear viral load was lower in tears than in blood plasma and was significantly correlated with plasma viral load (Rho=0.566, p<0.001), but negatively correlated with CD4+T cell count, CD4+/CD8+T cell count, and duration of HIV infection (Rho=-0.450, Rho=-0.464, Rho=-0.565,Rho=-0.252; p<0.001).Conclusions

HIV-1 RNA is present in tears, but at a lower detection rate and viral load than in blood plasma. This study provides a potential new avenue for the early diagnosis and linkage to care for patients infected with HIV.
Altered expression of aggrecan, FAM20B, B3GALT6, and EXTL2 in patients with osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck disease
Authors: Lei Jian , Wang Liyun , Deng Huan , Ran Yan , Lv Yizhen , Guo Xiong , Feyissa Amhare Abebe , Han Jing , Lammi Mikko J 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarticular disease, which has had a high prevalence in China. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the dominating proportion of osteoarticular disease. The objective of this study is to investigate the expression of enzymes involved in synthesis and modification of chondroitin sulfate (CS) in knee cartilage tissue of osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients. Methods: Knee articular cartilage samples were obtained from 18 age and gender matched donors. Hematoxylin & eosin staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunehistochemical staining were performed to estimate the expression level and localization of aggrecan and the enzymes associated with CS synthesis and modification (FAM20B, GalT-II, EXTL2). Rank-based analyses of variance (ANOVA) test was used for the multiple comparisons of discrepancy in the positive staining rate among the KBD, OA, and control groups. Results: Decreased proteoglycans were observed in OA and KBD compared with control group. In line with these expression trends, the positive staining rates of aggrecan were lower in KBD and OA group than control group. The positive staining rates of CS chain modifying enzymes FAM20B, GalT-II, and EXTL2 were also decreased in OA and KBD group. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study uncovered that the enzymes involved in synthesis and modification of CS can influence the expression synthesis of aggrecan and CS. Further investigation of these enzymes can provide new theoretical and experimental targets for OA and KBD pathogenesis studies.
Screening for differentially expressed circRNA between Kashin–Beck disease and osteoarthritis patients based on circRNA chips
Authors: Wang Ying , Wu Cuiyan , Zhang Yanan , Yang Yimin , Ren Zhiwei , Lammi Mikko J. , Guo Xiong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this research was to explore differentially expressed circRNA between OA and KBD and the potential differential diagnosis biomarkers.Methods: Total RNA was extracted from 5 pairs of KBD and OA knee joint cartilage specimens, and the expression of circRNAs was analyzed by Chip Scanning Analysis. The microarray data was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway were used to predict the functions of the differentially expressed circRNAs. A circRNA-miRNA network was constructed to predict targeting microRNAs of differentially expressed circRNA genes. On the basis of microarray, we expanded the sample size, peripheral blood samples from 25 KBD patients and 25 OA patients (five pairs of patients for chondrocyte microarray study included) were collected and qRT-PCR was performed for hsa_circRNA_0020014 verification. Diagnostic value was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: A total of 1627 circRNAs were differentially expressed between OA and KBD (P<0.05; 0.5<fold change>2), 1328 were up-regulated and 299 were down-regulated among them. Five differentially expressed genes associated with bone and joint disease were chosen for further qRT-PCR validation. After obtaining the parental genes of them, functional annotations were performed on the top ten enrichment GO items and KEGG pathways. The difference in expression profile of hsa_circRNA_0020014 was confirmed by qRT-PCR at articular cartilage level, and its circRNA-miRNA regulation network was set up. The ROC curve demonstrated that hsa_circ_0020014_CBC1 in peripheral blood could distinguish patients with KBD and OA (area under the curve: 0.6415, P< 0.01). The hsa_circ_0020014_CBC1 may be a potential biomarker for differential diagnosis between KBD and OA patientsConclusion: Our results suggested that the expression profiles of circRNA were significantly different between OA and KBD. hsa_circRNA_0020014 is a potential biomarker for the differential diagnosis between these two diseases.
Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: Croatian cross-sectional study
Authors: Smojver Bojana Križan , Altabas Karmela , Knotek Mladen , Jukić Nikolina Bašić , Aurer Andrej 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory periodontal disease that is caused by bacterial plaque and destroys the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth. Patients with chronic kidney disease have damaged immunological systems because of uremic toxins and are thus prone to infections. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is better for the removal of middle molecules (uremic toxins) than haemodialysis (HD). Our hypothesis was that PD is associated with a lower periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. Results: Patients on PD had a 691 mm 2 (89%) lower PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 15 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with PISA (semipartial correlation: -0.30; p=0.009; false discovery rate<5%). Conclusions: PD is associated with a smaller PISA independently of a large number of sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors.
The association between children’s oral health behaviors, parents’ oral health knowledge and parents’ education level: a survey of 8446 families in Wuhan
Authors: Chen Liangwen , Hong Jialan , Xiong Dian , Zhang Luyi , Li Yuhong , Huang Shengfu , Hua Fang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Children aged 6-7 years are in the early mixed dentition, which is a period of high prevalence of dental caries and other dental diseases, and a critical period for the formation of oral health behaviors. Therefore, good oral hygiene habits of children and oral health knowledge of parents are very important. This study sought to explore the relationship between children’s oral health behaviors, parental oral health knowledge, parental choices of pit and fissure sealants, and parents’ education levels based on a large scale sample size for the first time, and to compare the influence between parents.

Methods: In this study, the families of the first and second graders of primary schools in Wuhan Hongshan District were selected as subjects. A total of 8446 questionnaires were collected to obtain comprehensive information on children’s oral health behaviors, parents’ oral health knowledge and parents’ pit and fissure sealants related choices. The relationship between these and parents’ education levels were studied through logistic regression analysis and chi-square test.

Results: Families of parents who reported good education background had better children’s oral health behaviors and more favorable parents’ oral health knowledge than those of other parents. Four indicators of the children’s oral health behaviors were significantly affected by mother’s education levels, and three of them were correlated with the father’s. Moreover, seven indicators of the parents’ oral health knowledge were significantly related to mother’s education levels and four of them were affected by the father’s. In addition, parents with higher education attainment paid more attention to the quality of equipment, the professionalism of doctors, the proximity of the location, and paid less attention to the willingness and cooperation degree of children when choosing the pit and fissure sealants location.

Conclusions: In the families of children with early mixed dentition, parents with higher education pose better oral health knowledge and have more for oral health care needs, such as pit and fissure sealants. As a result, their children tend to perform better on oral hygiene practices.

Key words: Pit and fissure sealants, Education level, Mixed dentition, Oral health behavior, Oral health knowledge
Relações formais entre expressões cristalizadas e as construções verbais locativas livres
Authors: Rodrigues Roana , Vale Oto Araújo , Baptista Jorge 
Published: September 2019

As expressões cristalizadas (EC), sobretudo na perspectiva teórico‑metodológica do Léxico‑Gramática (GROSS, 1982), têm sido habitualmente tratadas na ótica de sua identificação e/ou classificação formal. As possíveis relações dessas expressões com as construções livres (CL) das quais podem (ou não) derivar não têm sido objeto de estudo sistemático neste quadro, pelo menos para o português. Neste sentido, este trabalho contribui para os estudos da lexicologia ao estabelecer relações formais entre as expressões cristalizadas do português do Brasil (VALE, 2001), construídas com verbos locativos, e as construções livres (BAPTISTA, 2013) desses mesmos verbos. Concluímos que um elevado número de ECs é construído com verbos locativos (827/3.551), sobretudo em construções nas quais o verbo seleciona um nome na posição de complemento direto e outro, na posição de complemento preposicionado locativo de destino (pregar chiclete na cruzEC vs. pregar um quadro na paredeCL). Além disso, as ECs podem apresentar uma estrutura idêntica à das CLs, revelando ambiguidade (suar a camisaEC/CL, subir o morroEC/CL); ou ainda apresentar especificidades na formação da expressão, como a seleção de um maior ou menor número de argumentos do que os que a construção verbal de base apresenta (chutar o balde ØEC vs. chutar a bola no golCL). A partir dos dados analisados, afirmamos que, apesar de a interpretação das expressões muitas vezes não ser (pelo menos inteiramente) composicional, as construções tendem a conservar a seleção dos argumentos de maneira semelhante às construções livres do mesmo verbo, bem como parte manter parte importante do significado e construção de base do verbo que entra na sua formação.
Targeting Ceramide Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Points for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Grbčić Petra , Car Elitza Petkova Markova , Sedić Mirela 
Published: September 2019

Background:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the greatest global health burdens
because of its uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, aggressive nature as well as inherited
chemoresistance. In spite of different treatment options currently available for HCC, the 5-year relative
survival rates for HCC patients with regional and distant stages of the disease are still low,
which highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for HCC. Recent findings strongly
suggest that specific lipid species, such as sphingolipids, play a prominent role in tumorigenesis.

Objective:
We will give an overview of recent literature findings on the role of ceramide metabolism
in the pathogenesis and treatment of HCC.

Results:
HCC is characterised by dysregulation of ceramide metabolism, which could be ascribed to
altered activity and expression of ceramide synthases 2, 4 and 6, and acid and alkaline ceramidases 2
and 3, as well as to deregulation of Sphingosine kinases (SphK) 1 and 2 and sphingosine-1-
phosphate receptors, in particular, S1PR1. Among them, SphK2 has emerged as a clinically relevant
drug target in HCC whose inhibition by ABC294640 is currently being investigated in a clinical trial
in patients with advanced HCC. Another promising strategy includes restoration of ceramide levels
in HCC tissues, whereby nanoliposomal ceramides, in particular C6-ceramide, has emerged as an
effective therapeutic agent against HCC whose safety and recommended dosing is currently being
clinically investigated.

Conclusion:
Development of novel drugs specifically targeting ceramide metabolism could provide
an enhanced therapeutic response and improved survival outcome in HCC patients.